Weedsport, NY — June 29, 2008 — By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
WHAT
The Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series gears up for the Independence Day holiday with a 100-lap Big-Block Modified special presented by CWM Chemical Services and Pete Cosco Haulage Ltd. at Ransomville Speedway on July 3. The winner of the ‘Firecracker 100’ collects a $6,000 top prize and receives an automatic starting berth in the prestigious Rite Aid 200 Championship race on Oct. 12 of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.
WHERE
Ransomville Speedway is located northwest of the village at 2315 Braley Road, and accessible from every direction. From the West/Canada – Hwy Q.E.W. to Hwy 405; Take Queenston Lewiston border crossing; Follow Rt. 104 East; Left on Ransomville Rd.; Left on Braley Rd. From the East/Lockport – Rt 93 North; Turn right on Ransomville Rd.; Left on Braley Rd. From Rochester – Rt. 104 West; Right on Rt 93 North; Turn right on Ransomville Rd.; Left on Braley Rd. From Syracuse – West Thruway (90), Exit 48A, Pembroke; Rt. 5 West until Rt. 93 North; Follow Rt. 93 North; Turn right on Ransomville Rd.; Left on Braley Rd. From the South/Buffalo – 190 North until Rt. 104 East; Left on Ransomville Rd.; Left on Braley Rd. From Tonawanda – Rt. 429 (Oliver/Ward); Left on 104 West; Turn right on Ransomville Rd.; Left on Braley Rd.
WHEN
Ransomville Speedway pit gates are scheduled to unlock at 4 p.m. with hot laps slated for 6 o’clock. Heat race qualifiers take the first green flag immediately following Integra Shocks Modified Time Trials that begin at 6:45 p.m. Fireworks close out the holiday special with main grandstands open for seating at 4:30 p.m.
TICKETS
Adult General Admission grandstand tickets at Ransomville are available on Thursday for $25, students & seniors $18, youths 8-12 yrs. $10 while children 7 + under are always Free. For more information, please contact the speedway office at 716/791-3602. General Admission tickets and pit passes will be available at the gate on race day.
WEB SITES
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series is at www.superdirtcarseries.com.
Ransomville Speedway is at www.ransomvillespeedway.com.
Dirtvision.com™ Cybercast is at www.dirtvision.com.
All remain accessible 24-hours daily.
ABOUT THE TRACK
Ransomville Speedway is a 3/8-mile semi-banked clay oval that operates regularly on Friday nights with a full DIRTcar Racing program headlined by 358-Modifieds and joined weekly by the Sportsman Modified division. Second-generation standout Tim McCreadie established the single lap record in an Advance Auto Parts Series event when he circled the track in 16.469 seconds (81.972 mph) on July 6, 2004. Todd Burley is the two-time defending Ransomville season points champion in the DIRTcar 358-Mod class and once again tops the track standings with two Small-Block feature wins in 2008.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Ransomville Speedway holds a rich history when it comes to Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series competition with some of the greatest names in DIRTcar Big-Block Modified racing garnering the first-place trophy. In the 28 extra-distance main events held since 1980, multi-time Mr. DIRTcar champion Alan Johnson has recorded a track-best 19 top-five finishes including five victories in the first eight events. Bob McCreadie joins Johnson, who also owns a half-dozen runner-up tallies, with a tour-best six feature wins on the ridge while Danny Johnson (5), current Advance Series points leader Billy Decker (2) and Pete Bicknell (2) are the only other repeat winners.
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Winners (1980-2007)
7/6/07-Danny Johnson-100L; 6/21/06-Alan Johnson-100L; 7/6/04-Billy Decker-100L; 7/23/03-Billy Decker-100L; 7/10/02-Tim McCreadie-100L; 7/11/01-Danny Johnson-100L; 7/2/96-Danny Johnson-96L; 6/29/95-Bob McCreadie-95L; 6/29/94-Bob McCreadie-94L; 6/29/93-Bob McCreadie-93L; 8/4/92-Brett Hearn-92L; 8/6/91-Pete Bicknell-91L; 9/7/90-Danny Johnson-100L; 8/7/90-Pete Bicknell-90L; 9/8/89-Danny Johnson-100L, 8/8/89-Bob McCreadie-89L; 9/9/88-Kenny Brightbill-100L; 9/11/87-Jack Johnson-100L; 9/5/86-Charlie Rudolph-100L; 9/6/85-Bob McCreadie-100L; 9/7/84-Alan Johnson-100L; 9/9/83-Alan Johnson-100L; 9/10/82-Bob McCreadie-100L; 9/11/81-Harvey Hainer-81L; 8/4/81-Davey Moore-100L; 9/5/80-Alan Johnson-75L; 8/5/80-Alan Johnson-100L; 6/27/80-Alan Johnson-75L.
TRACK HISTORY
In May of 1955 it was reported that ‘14 young men banded together to form a club suited to their love of mechanics and souped-up hot rods.’ Richard Cantara was the president of the “Ransomville Slowpokes” that was founded to entice all group members to promote highway safety and ‘no longer exhibit their driving skills on public roads.’ News about the fledgling club spread faster than the junkyard jalopies themselves and in 1956 a new and larger dirt track was constructed next door to accommodate the locals acquiring a thirst for speed.
2008 marks the ‘Golden Anniversary’ of automobile racing at the current Ransomville Speedway that first opened in 1958 and has recognized annual point champions ever since. The modern-day facility was literally carved out of a farmer’s field with the first set of bleachers purchased for just $1.00 from nearby Niagara University. Canadian Geno Begolo was crowned the inaugural ‘Modified’ champion in ’58 and familiar names like Kenny Meahl, Ed Ortiz and Stan Friesen soon gained prominence. Originally owned by Harry Schultz, the team of Friesen and Kurt Uhl took control of the popular Western New York speedplant during the winter of 1973. Friesen carried his success from the track to the tower, turning the family fun into the family business while appeasing the needs of both his fellow competitors and supporting sponsors as a new era in short-track marketing was ushered in. Canadian stars like Ivan Little and Davey Moore dominated during the 1970s while Charlie Rudolph, Alan and Danny Johnson moved under the spotlight when Ransomville gained DIRTcar-sanction in 1980. The headline open-wheel class became governed by 358 c.i. motors in 1990 with Ransomville still offering Big-Block Modified specials to attract some of the region’s top open-wheel invaders. The Big ‘R’ has remained a valued DIRTcar member during the new millennium with Danny Johnson and Pete Bicknell swapping a half-dozen Small-Block titles and Todd Burley standing as the two–time reigning 358-Modified points king in Ransomville’s 51st consecutive season of racing.
2007 RACE REVIEW
Danny Johnson has always liked trips out west, especially with a fast Troyer car in tow and some big money on the line in a championship race at one of his favorite tracks. Johnson was again one of the fastest cars on Friday night and when it came time to collect the $6,000 top prize, the ‘Doctor’ waited patiently until the end to sew up his second Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series victory of the season in the headline CWM Chemical/E-Z Oil 100 at Ransomville Speedway. The 63rd career Advance Auto Parts Series triumph for the native Rochesterian was his 37th DIRTcar Big-Block win on the ridge with another 63 registered in Small-Block competition at the Friesen Family facility.
Dale Planck copped the second of four qualifying heats and quietly selected no. 1 in the customary pre-race draw to earn the pole-position start. Integra Shocks Fast Timer Matt Sheppard (16.919 sec./79.792 mph) was not as fortunate, falling into 13th on the feature race starting grid. Johnson won heat two and drew third while Brett Hearn joined Planck on the front row, and there the trio remained for the most part as the first quarter of the race ran nearly caution-free. Heat four winner Billy Decker started fifth in the 30-car field and was comfortably in position to challenge Planck and Johnson by the halfway mark. As the laps clocked off, Planck’s machine got tighter and Johnson took advantage in lapped car traffic to bulldoze his way past to forge the lone lead change on lap 79. A the fifth and final caution flag flew 10 laps later set up a dramatic dash to the checkers between the leaders, with runner-up Decker actually pushing Johnson across the finish line. Long-time race leader Planck, early season Advance Series points leader Tim Fuller and eventual 2007 overall Mr. DIRTcar Champion Hearn rounded out the final top-five.
DRIVER WEB SITES
Sean Beardsley – http://www.teamjir.com
Billy Decker – http://www.gypsumracing.com
Tim Fuller – http://www.gypsumracing.com
Justin Haers – http://www.justinhaers.com
Brett Hearn – http://www.bretthearn.com
Danny Johnson – http://www.teamjir.com
Pat O’Brien – http://www.gypsumracing.com
Steve Paine – http://stevepaine.painemotorsports.com
Jimmy Phelps – http://www.jimmyphelps.com
Ryan Phelps – http://www.ryanphelps.com, http://www.gypsumracing.com
Matt Sheppard – http://www.matt-sheppard.com
Larry Wight – http://www.gypsumracing.com
Advance Auto Parts Super Series Point Standings (Through June 7, 2008)
Rank No. Driver Total SeriesDiff Money Wins Top-5 Top-10 Sts
1 77x Dale Planck 363 363 0 $12,725 2 3 4 5
91 Billy Decker 363 363 0 $12,900 2 3 5 5
3 20 Brett Hearn 359 359 -4 $9,200 0 4 5 5
4 27J Danny Johnson 353 353 -10 $10,625 0 3 4 5
5 98h Jimmy Phelps 341 341 -22 $7,600 0 2 5 5
6 9s Matt Sheppard 325 325 -38 $12,900 1 2 3 5
7 84 Gary Tomkins 305 305 -58 $5,075 0 1 5 5
8 3 Justin Haers 285 285 -78 $4,000 0 1 4 5
9 7x Steve Paine 278 278 -85 $5,375 0 2 2 5
10 14J Alan Johnson 275 275 -88 $4,025 0 0 3 5
11 FX1 Frankie Caprara 258 258 -105 $2,800 0 0 3 5
12 99 Ryan Phelps 242 242 -121 $2,300 0 0 1 5
13 99L Larry Wight 216 216 -147 $2,500 0 0 1 5
14 6 Pat O’Brien 214 214 -149 $2,360 0 0 1 5
15 49 Billy Dunn 210 210 -153 $1,950 0 0 0 5
16 29 Jeff Brownell Jr 193 193 -170 $1,675 0 0 0 5
17 42B Kevin Bates 175 175 -188 $1,650 0 0 0 5
18 99b Chuck Bower 140 140 -223 $900 0 0 0 4
19 11j Sean Beardsley 139 139 -224 $900 0 0 0 4
20 16 Mike Bowman 135 135 -228 $900 0 0 0 4
21 19 Tim Fuller 130 130 -233 $2,750 0 1 1 2
22 56 Vince Vitale 125 125 -238 $610 0 0 0 3
23 48T Dave Rauscher 119 119 -244 $750 0 0 0 3
24 4 Duane Howard 105 105 -258 $6,000 0 1 1 1
25 79 Mike Storms 102 102 -261 $1,050 0 0 0 3
26 62s Tom Sears Jr. 99 99 -264 $700 0 0 0 3
27 44 Shannon Whaley 90 90 -273 $450 0 0 0 3
28 85 Dan Vauter 89 89 -274 $600 0 0 0 2
29 8 Rob Bellinger 86 86 -277 $600 0 0 0 3
30 21 Derrick Podsiadlo 84 84 -279 $600 0 0 0 3
31 5 Jason Potter 83 83 -280 $600 0 0 0 3
32 32c Vic Coffey 70 70 -293 $500 0 0 0 1
33 1w Billy Pauch 66 66 -297 $1,400 0 0 1 1
34 88 Steve Hulsizer 65 65 -298 $450 0 0 0 2
35 15x Billy Pauch Jr. 63 63 -300 $1,040 0 0 0 1
36 85 Wade Hendrickson 62 62 -301 $1,200 0 0 1 1
37 71 David VanHorn Jr. 59 59 -304 $1,020 0 0 0 1
38 14 Rich Laubach 54 54 -309 $1,000 0 0 0 1
39 91h Chad Homan 53 53 -310 $300 0 0 0 1
40 20R Josh Richards 48 48 -315 $750 0 0 0 1
41 43 Keith Flach 43 43 -320 $300 0 0 0 2
42 X Chad Phelps 42 42 -321 $300 0 0 0 1
43 39w Steven Downs 42 42 -321 $750 0 0 0 1
44 357 Stewart Friesen 41 41 -322 $750 0 0 0 1
45 83 Tim Sears 40 40 -323 $300 0 0 0 1
46 87 Shawn Donath 40 40 -323 $300 0 0 0 1
47 6 Pete Taylor 40 40 -323 $300 0 0 0 1
48 24 Jim Witko Jr. 40 40 -323 $300 0 0 0 1
49 93 Ryan Bartlett 40 40 -323 $300 0 0 0 1
50 43 Jimmy Horton IV 40 40 -323 $750 0 0 0 1
51 777 Kevin Bolland 40 40 -323 $750 0 0 0 1
52 13 Tony Steiner 30 30 -333 $0 0 0 0 0
53 7J Joe Isabell 30 30 -333 $0 0 0 0 0
54 1 Darwin Greene 30 30 -333 $0 0 0 0 0
55 11J Alan Fink 30 30 -333 $0 0 0 0 0
56 66w Wallace Stacey 20 20 -343 $0 0 0 0 0
57 33 Mike Mahaney 20 20 -343 $0 0 0 0 0
58 09 Kyle Lewis 20 20 -343 $0 0 0 0 0
59 7Jr Jeff Isabell Jr. 20 20 -343 $0 0 0 0 0
60 02 Roy Bresnahan 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
61 30 Gus Schmidt 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
62 4 Dave Reilley 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
63 06 Bob Bennett 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
64 22B Alan Barker 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
65 22 Rick Wegner Jr. 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
66 19h Chris Higgins 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
67 37c Eric Fisher 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
68 14R Ryan Odaz 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
69 7 Paul Guererri 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
70 29H Kenny Wallace 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
71 HR2 Jimmy Horton 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
72 37X Tom Scheetz Jr. 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
73 M40 Mark Forte Jr. 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
74 40 Mark Forte 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
75 8 Rich Scagliotta 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
76 10 Kyle Strickler 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
77 15 Brett Tonkin 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
78 13 Greg Monica 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
79 7a Chic Cossaboone 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
80 30 Jamie Mills 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
81 R2 Rusty Smith 10 10 -353 $0 0 0 0 0
2008 Gater Racing News Big-Block Modified Lap Leaders
DATE TRACK LAPS LAP LEADERS
May 1 Virginia 60 30-D.Howard, 22-M.Sheppard, 8-J.Richards
May 4 Rolling Wheels 50 50-B.Decker
May 4 Rolling Wheels 50 31-S.Paine, 19-D.Planck
May 25 Cayuga County 76 56-D.Planck, 20-J.Haers
June 7 Fulton 101 101-B.Decker
2008 Integra Shocks Big-Block Modified Time Trials *New Record
TRACK SIZE QUICK QUALIFIER TIME AVE.SPEED
Virginia 1/2-mile Duane Howard *18.056 sec. 99.690 mph
Rolling Wheels 5/8-mile Dale Planck 20.094 sec. 111.974 mph
Cayuga County 3/8-mile Vic Coffey 17.492 sec. 77.178 mph
Fulton 3/8-mile Pat O’Brien 16.688 sec. 80.896 mph
TRACK HEAT WINNERS
Virginia D.Howard, F.Caprara, D.Planck, B.Hearn, B.Pauch Jr.
Rolling Wheels D.Planck, B.Decker, B.Hearn, G.Tomkins
Cayuga County V.Coffey, T.Fuller, D.Planck, L.Wight
Fulton D.Johnson, D.Planck, J.Haers, M.Sheppard
NEWS & NOTES
Mr. DIRTcar Championship Format Fine Tuned In ‘08: The overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Modified Champion in 2008 will be determined by adding actual points earned in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series along with bonus points collected at a designated hometrack throughout the racing season. Along with gaining valuable Advance Series points during the year, each driver can now earn a maximum of 300 additional points from their best five hometrack feature race finishes. Using the standard DIRTcar NE weekly points format, a driver winning five features could carry up to 300 extra points (60 per win) into the Mr. DIRTcar Championship when track points are officially tallied after Labor Day.
Autographs At Intermission: Following the on-track re-draw for feature race starting positions at Ransomville, a select group of Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series drivers will find their place behind the main grandstands where they will participate in a special “Meet and Greet” Autograph Session. The head table will be occupied by four of today’s biggest stars and fans may even go home that same evening with a picture signed by the eventual race winner!
First Rite Aid Store Special Spotlights Hearn: A special driver appearance and ticket giveaways will highlight a stop at the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Lockport, N.Y. just in time for the Independence Holiday. The appearance and giveaways are in conjunction with the upcoming Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier race slated for Ransomville Speedway. All-time Advance Auto Parts Series winner Brett Hearn will be appearing at the pharmacy at 459 South Transit Road in Lockport on Thursday, July 3 from 12 noon to 2:00 pm. Posing beside his mighty Big-Block Modified race car, Hearn will be available to meet the fans, sign autographs and pass out special Autograph cards. The first 90 fans at each store, beginning at noon, will receive a free ticket to the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier at Ransomville scheduled for later that same day.
The popular program is part of the promotion for the Rite Aid 200 race on Sunday of Super DIRT Week XXXVII, Oct. 7-12, in Syracuse, N.Y. Promotions are scheduled throughout the season at pharmacies located across the Northeast. Each pharmacy promotion will feature DIRTcar driver appearances, race cars, the unique Rite Aid “cut-away” Modified, free autograph cards and free tickets to Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT car Series/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier races. Rite Aid has been a major sponsor of DIRTcar racing and the headline event during Super DIRT Week at the New York State Fairgrounds will be officially recognized as the Rite Aid 200 for a second straight year. For additional information, please contact the American Marketing and Motorsports Group by phone (315/736-8834) or fax (315/768-3046), or e-mail: r.stoppiello@adelphia.net. Fans can find more information on Rite Aid promotions by visiting the homepage online at www.riteaid.com.
Early Season Winners: With racers continuing to suffer through one of the wettest seasons on record along the DIRTcar NorthEast circuit, a dozen tracks have hosted Big-Block Modified races with 33 drivers scoring victories in the 66 features run. The untimely precipitation has failed to curtail the efforts of the LJL Racing team as 1998 Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block titleholder Billy Decker has captured a division-high total of 12 checkered flags to more than double the current count of all-time DIRTcar Big-Block winner Alan Johnson (5). Defending Mr. DIRTcar Modified Champion Brett Hearn is tied with popular Pennsylvania pilots Kevin Bolland and Brian Swartzlander at four apiece while Advance Series stars Dale Planck, Matt Sheppard and Jeremiah Shingledecker each own three checkered flags. Tour regulars Gary Tomkins and Frankie Caprara along with Central New York standout Steve Hulsizer are the only other repeat winners with Advance Series travelers Steve Paine, Jimmy Phelps, Justin Haers and Vic Coffey among 22 more drivers having reached victory lane once as the month of June comes to a close.
Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Champions
YEAR CHAMPION (wins) ROOKIE of the YEAR
2007 Brett Hearn (7) Mike Bowman
2006 Alan Johnson (6) Kenny Stafford
2005 Tim Fuller (6) Stewart Friesen
2004 Gary Tomkins (4) Justin Hears
2003 Alan Johnson (6) Matt Sheppard
2002 Alan Johnson (5) Joe Beyea
2001 Brett Hearn (7) Frankie Caprara
2000 Steve Paine (4) Jeff Brownell
1999 Danny Johnson (2) Josh Skarzenski
1998 Billy Decker (6) Todd Milton
1997 D.Johnson (7)/B.Hearn (5) Tim McCreadie
1996 Brett Hearn (5) Vic Coffey
1995 Bob McCreadie (6) Tim Fuller
1994 Bob McCreadie (9) Jamie Mills
1993 Brett Hearn (5) Scott Schrader
1992 Danny Johnson (6) Ricky Elliott
1991 Doug Hoffman (5) Lenny Boyd
1990 Brett Hearn (7) Scott Prentice
1989 Danny Johnson (7) John Ventura
1988 Jack Johnson (2) Mike Jeffery
1987 Jack Johnson (2) Steve Behrent
1986 Charlie Rudolph (1) Jim Ruston
1985 Jack Johnson (1) Rich Burgess
1984 Jack Johnson (3) Ray Underwood
1983 Alan Johnson (4) Jimmy Begolo
1982 Jack Johnson (2) Randy Glenski
1981 Alan Johnson (2) Craig Keel
1980 Jack Johnson (5) Roger Phelps
1979 Will Cagle Jim Jarvis
1978 Will Cagle Jerry Knox
1977 Dave Lape Rick Martell
1976 Will Cagle —–
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified Winners: 1980-6/7/08 (598 events / 44 tracks / 66 drivers)
WINS DRIVER FIRST WIN LAST WIN
98 Brett Hearn Lebanon Valley, 7/15/81 Rolling Wheels, 9/22/07
65 Danny Johnson Fonda, 9/25/82 Cayuga County, 8/19/07
51 Bob McCreadie Ransomville, 9/10/82 Rolling Wheels, 9/4/00
47 Alan Johnson Ransomville, 6/27/80 Cayuga County, 9/2/07
41 Billy Decker Lebanon Valley, 9/18/88 Fulton, 6/7/08
28 Jack Johnson Cayuga County, 7/16/80 Orange County, 6/14/01
27 Steve Paine Canandaigua, 9/7/85 Can-Am, 8/18/07
26 Doug Hoffman Orange County, 10/25/87 Lowe’s, 4/6/02
18 Tim McCreadie Rolling Wheels, 9/26/99 Drummond, 8/23/04
17 Tim Fuller Rolling Wheels, 9/21/03 Cayuga County, 8/19/07
16 Jimmy Horton Lebanon Valley, 7/8/80 Susquehanna, 6/15/06
15 Gary Tomkins Hagerstown, 3/30/02 Rolling Wheels, 9/22/07
13 Kenny Tremont Lebanon Valley, 7/9/92 Lebanon Valley, 7/7/05
9 Kenny Brightbill Fonda, 10/18/87 Bridgeport, 6/19/97
7 Billy Pauch Flemington, 7/27/89 New Egypt, 6/22/05
7 Frank Cozze Orange County, 10/22/89 Orange County, 5/31/07
7 Jeff Heotzler Orange County, 7/26/89 Orange County, 10/21/07
6 Dave Lape Rolling Wheels, 7/5/82 Fonda, 7/24/91
6 Joe Plazek Brewerton, 6/28/94 Rolling Wheels, 9/1/97
5 Will Cagle Erie County, 9/20/80 Rolling Wheels, 9/27/81
5 Pete Bicknell Humberstone, 8/23/84 NYS Fairgrounds, 7/3/02
5 Matt Sheppard Drummond, 7/12/04 Virginia, 5/1/08
4 Carl Reynolds Five Mile Point, 7/12/80 Five Mile Point, 10/17/81
4 Merv Treichler Cayuga County, 9/20/81 Lebanon Valley, 8/9/84
4 C.D. Coville Fonda, 4/19/80 Devil’s Bowl, 8/29/84
4 Kevin Collins Fonda, 7/25/90 Fonda, 8/16/94
4 Bobby Varin Fonda, 8/16/95 Orange County, 10/26/03
4 Dale Planck Cornwall, 7/9/06 Cayuga County, 5/25/08
3 Charlie Rudolph Fonda, 10/16/83 Ransomville, 9/5/86
3 Chuck McKee Orange County, 8/16/98 Orange County, 8/1/02
3 Pat Ward Can-Am, 7/16/98 Cayuga County, 9/4/05
3 Jimmy Phelps Brewerton, 8/30/06 Rolling Wheels, 9/3/07
2 Mike McLaughlin Canandaigua, 9/6/80 Rolling Wheels, 9/28/80
2 Don McGinnis Merrittville, 9/11/83 Canandaigua, 9/17/83
2 Tommy Corellis Lebanon Valley, 9/14/80 Lebanon Valley, 9/14/86
2 Davey Moore Ransomville, 8/4/81 Humberstone, 9/10/87
2 Rich Ricci Jr. Lebanon Valley, 7/28/94 Lebanon Valley, 9/7/97
2 Andy Bachetti Lebanon Valley, 8/5/04 Lebanon Valley, 9/11/04
2 J.R. Heffner Lebanon Valley, 8/10/00 Lebanon Valley, 9/9/06
2 Pat O’Brien Can-Am, 7/17/90 Brockville, 7/10/07
2 Vic Coffey NYS Fairgrounds, 10/13/02 NYS Fairgrounds, 10/7/07
1 Bernie Griffin Five Mile Point, 7/12/80
1 Lou Lazzaro Canandaigua, 7/23/80
1 Chuck Akulis Five Mile Point, 10/18/80
1 Harvey Hainer Ransomville, 9/11/81
1 Dick Larkin NYS Fairgrounds, 9/6/82
1 Gary Iulg Rolling Wheels, 9/6/82
1 Ken Brenn Jr. NYS Fairgrounds, 7/3/83
1 Larry Brolsma Orange County, 9/10/83
1 Freddy Brightbill New Venture, 9/29/85
1 Rich Eurich Orange County, 10/23/88
1 Kenny Schrader Sanair, 7/9/89
1 Geoff Bodine Thompson, 8/6/89
1 Mike Romano Fonda, 10/15/89
1 Reggie Ruggiero Thompson, 7/29/90
1 Walt Mitchell Woodhull, 7/31/91
1 Doug Worthing Five Mile Point, 8/14/91
1 Ron Smoker Merrittville, 8/5/92
1 Richie Tobias Jr. NYS Fairgrounds, 10/11/92
1 Danny O’Brien Can-Am, 8/30/95
1 Jimmy Hauser NYS Fairgrounds, 7/7/96
1 Eddie Marshall NYS Fairgrounds, 9/6/99
1 Steve Poirier Drummond, 7/8/02
1 Kevin Bolland Lowe’s, 4/5/03
1 Ricky Elliott Lowe’s, 4/3/04
1 Keith Hoffman New Egypt, 10/13/07
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified Fast Timers 1983-6/7/08 (223 events / 32 tracks / 47 drivers)
EVTS DRIVER FIRST FAST TIME LAST FAST TIME
38 Brett Hearn Orange County, 10/24/86 Orange County, 10/21/07
32 Billy Decker NYS Fairgrounds, 7/3/01 Lebanon Valley, 8/11/07
21 Tim McCreadie Rolling Wheels, 7/4/00 Cayuga County, 5/29/05
17 Tim Fuller New Egypt, 6/20/02 New Egypt, 10/13/07
14 Steve Paine Canandaigua, 9/1/99 Rolling Wheels, 9/22/07
9 Chuck Bower Cayuga County, 5/28/00 Lernerville, 8/3/05
9 Matt Sheppard Drummond, 7/12/04 Ransomville, 7/6/07
8 Bob McCreadie NYS Fairgrounds, 10/7/90 Fonda, 10/20/02
8 Gary Tomkins Drummond, 7/10/00 Rolling Wheels, 5/7/06
7 Alan Johnson Cayuga County, 5/26/02 Rolling Wheels, 9/4/06
5 Frank Cozze Orange County, 6/10/04 New Egypt, 8/15/07
4 Jimmy Phelps Drummond, 7/11/05 NYS Fairgrounds, 10/7/07
3 Billy Pauch NYS Fairgrounds, 10/12/86 NYS Fairgrounds, 10/9/88
3 Kenny Brightbill NYS Fairgrounds, 10/13/96 New Egypt, 8/2/00
3 Doug Hoffman NYS Fairgrounds, 10/11/87 Tri-City, 8/5/01
3 Andy Bachetti Orange County, 10/24/99 Lebanon Valley, 7/7/05
3 Dale Planck Drummond, 7/10/06 Rolling Wheels, 5/4/08
2 Jack Johnson NYS Fairgrounds, 10/7/84 Orange County, 10/28/84
2 Dave Blaney NYS Fairgrounds, 10/9/94 NYS Fairgrounds, 10/10/99
2 Jimmy Horton NYS Fairgrounds, 10/11/92 Big Diamond, 6/18/03
2 Bobby Varin NYS Fairgrounds, 10/11/98 Fonda, 7/17/03
2 Pat Ward Fonda, 7/19/00 Rolling Wheels, 9/23/06
2 Duane Howard Grandview, 7/18/07 Virginia, 5/1/08
1 Merv Treichler NYS Fairgrounds, 10/9/83
1 Rich Eurich Orange County, 10/30/83
1 Sammy Swindell NYS Fairgrounds, 10/13/85
1 Anthony Ferriauolo IV Orange County, 10/27/85
1 Joe Plazek NYS Fairgrounds, 10/10/93
1 Jeff Heotzler Orange County, 10/27/96
1 Chuck McKee Orange County, 10/25/98
1 Scott Prentice Rolling Wheels, 4/30/00
1 Danny Johnson Lebanon Valley, 8/10/00
1 A.J. Romano Rolling Wheels, 8/20/00
1 Ricky Elliott New Egypt, 6/21/01
1 Eddie Marshall Lebanon Valley, 8/2/01
1 Ron Smoker NYS Fairgrounds, 9/3/01
1 Frankie Caprara Lowe’s, 4/6/02
1 Todd Burley Cornwall, 7/7/02
1 Bucky Kell Hagerstown, 3/27/04
1 Justin Hears Rolling Wheels, 5/2/04
1 J.R. Heffner Lebanon Valley, 9/10/05
1 Rick Grosso Jr. New Egypt, 9/24/05
1 Pierre Berthiaume Brockville, 7/4/06
1 Rick Mill Orange County, 10/22/06
1 Ryan Phelps Cayuga County, 9/2/07
1 Vic Coffey Cayuga County, 5/25/08
1 Pat O’Brien Fulton, 6/7/08
Shocking Results For Series Fast Qualifiers: For a third straight year, Integra Shocks will play an active role in point fund sponsorship of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series during the upcoming race season. The fast driver during 2008 Advance Auto Parts Series qualifying will once again earn the ‘Integra Shocks Fast Time Award’ and the driver winning the most Integra Shocks Fast Time awards during the season will collect a bonus set of four Integra Shocks ($1,400 value) at the DIRTcar Racing NorthEast Banquet in November. The Advance Auto Parts Series has recognized fast time trialers since 1983, with 1999 marking the first year the awards program included every tour event scheduled during the year. All-time Advance Series race winner Brett Hearn is also a leader when it comes to speed, earning a series-best total of 38 Integra Shocks Fast Time awards during the past two decades.
Drivers will continue to draw for their order in the ‘Integra Shocks Time Trials’ at nearly every Advance Series stop, with the fast timer once again selecting a second pill to determine how many cars (0, 2, 3 or 4) will be inverted to start each preliminary heat race. The ‘Integra Shocks Fast Time Award’ winner will collect $100 and five (5) bonus points and the top-three heat race finishers will earn additional bonus points as follows: 1st-5 pts, 2nd-3 pts, 3rd-1 pt. With this inversion format in place, a driver can now earn a maximum of 10 more points being the fast timer as well as a heat race winner.
Grand Slam Showcases Series: The customary pre-race re-draw among top heat race qualifiers will continue to be in effect throughout the summer, with season-ending events at the New York State Fairgrounds and Orange County Fair Speedway the only Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series stops awarding fast timers with pole-position starts (heat points will not be awarded at these shows). Lebanon Valley Speedway and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park host the initial “200s” to make up the high-dollar Advance Series ‘Grand Slam’ in 2008.
Continuing to rank among the most prestigious races in the country, the Rite Aid 200 at the N.Y.S. Fairgrounds in Syracuse on Oct. 12, Eastern States 200 at Orange County on Oct. 19, Coors National 200 at Lebanon Valley on Sept. 6 and World Series Weekend 200 at Rolling Wheels on Sept. 27 are the only 200-lap races on the annual tour. In 2008 these four signature events on the Advance Auto Parts Series formulate the prestigious ‘Grand Slam’ in DIRTcar Racing for Big-Block Modifieds. In addition, the Rite Aid 200 winner automatically earns seventh-place on the Eastern States 200 starting grid.
This unique ‘Grand Slam’ features the $50,000-to-win Rite Aid 200 in the Salt City, $20,000-to-win Eastern States 200 in Middletown (NY), $10,000-to-win Coors National 200 at the West Lebanon (NY) oval with another $10-grand on the line for the Rolling Wheels National 200 winner. Syracuse and Orange County are the only Advance Auto Parts Series stops where the fast timers start on the pole and the top-six are locked into front three row starting positions while heats will be aligned in heads-up fashion. A special points system was implemented for these prominent races last season with each winner receiving 150 Series points and 50 points awarded to start.
Syracuse SDW Starters Guaranteed Through Series Success: Guaranteed starting berths in the Rite Aid 200 are once again up for grabs and in 2008 more drivers than ever before will be able to earn preferred starter status throughout the season for the richest DIRTcar Big-Block Modified event in the world. Winners of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series races and those among the top-12 in overall Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Modified Championship points heading into Super DIRT Week comprise the core group of drivers receiving guaranteed starting positions in the Rite Aid 200. Preferred starters are the next eligible drivers finishing behind an Advance Auto Parts Series race winner that is already locked into the Rite Aid 200 starting grid, as well as all three DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Regional point champions and every licensed Big-Block Modified track champion crowned this year.
In order to take advantage of their guaranteed starting positions in the Rite Aid 200, Advance Series race winners and top-12 Mr. DIRTcar point-getters must run time trials. Any guaranteed driver that fails to qualify through time trials or a Triple 20 will be added to the Rite Aid field in order of heat race results. Those drivers holding preferred status are afforded up front starting positions in the Dig Safely New York last-chance qualifier on Sunday, Oct. 12 if unable to qualify while running under the clocks or in heat race competition. The balance of the Rite Aid 200 line-up is filled in from the Dig Safely New York Shootout with the 45th starting spot going to the best overall finisher in Cayuga County Fair Speedway’s ‘Win & You’re In’ Twin 25s on Sat., Oct. 11.
DIRT Radio Network Spotlights Ransomville Ridge Runners: If fans can’t get out to Ransomville Speedway to see the ground-pounding 800-horsepower Big-Block Modifieds in their Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series showdown on Thursday, they can log into www.dirtvision.com on July 3 to hear all the action “LIVE” on the DIRT Radio Network presented by BUTLERbuilt. Listeners can tune into LIVE audio coverage of the on-line show with all the action starting at approximately 6:45 p.m. ET including qualifying, heat races and an action-packed feature event. Cheer for your favorite driver, along with the 20,000 registered members who enjoy LIVE Racing coverage on the DIRT Radio Network presented by BUTLERbuilt professional seat systems, the leader in custom seating. Call 704/784-1027 and let BUTLERbuilt build you an advantage!!!
To tune in visit www.dirtvision.com, click on the LIVE Advance Auto Parts Modified link, and you’re off to the races. If you are unfamiliar with Dirtvision.com, click on the “Help/FAQ” menu for tips and requirements for viewing the Live Events. Make sure that you register well in advance of our next show to help troubleshoot any problems you may encounter. Your basic tools will be a DIRTVision.com account, Internet Explorer 5 or higher, and Windows Media Player 9; both of which are FREE. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com. The Dirt Radio Network is presented by BUTLERbuilt professional seat systems. BUTLERbuilt is the leader in custom seating. Call 704/784-1027 and let BUTLERbuilt build you an advantage!!!
Get Out The Word First: RACEceiver is the Official Driver Communicator of DIRTcar Racing. A compact radio receiver that conveniently fits into a driver’s pocket, a RACEceiver allows each driver to hear directions from series officials, which greatly enhances the safety and timeliness of events. A similar version available to fans will allow RACEceiver users to hear what information series officials are relaying to the drivers. For more information about RACEceiver, visit www.raceceiver.com, call 866/301-7223, or look for their sales trailers at various events.
Tracks Know The Score: In the ongoing effort to assist every sanctioned track with presenting the best possible race programs, DIRT has teamed with AMB i.t. which continues to be recognized as the Official Timing System of DIRTcar racing. AMB i.t. is the world’s leader in automatic race timing and scoring systems and the DIRT organization is proud to retain the company as a valued partner in the timing and scoring of all DIRTcar Racing events.
UPCOMING EVENTS
On the heels of the holiday lead-off of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series on Thursday at Ransomville, Big-Block Modified teams get a week off from tour competition. Yet once back on track, it’s a gruelling grind for the Mod Squad as seven extra-distance events run right up until the end of the month. Teams cross the northern border for the ‘Great Canadian Tour’ —- a four-day, four-race test for both man and machine featuring 400 laps of feature race action at Brockville, Granby, Drummond and Cornwall— in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, then venture south for a doubleheader in Pennsylvania and Delaware before moving east for the annual summer stop at Orange Co. Fair Speedway.
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Billy Decker(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Dale Planck(G)
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway D.Planck/Danny Johnson(P)
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway B.Decker/Brett Hearn(P)
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway Ransomville,NY
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway Brockville,ONT
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Granby,QUE
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond Drummondville,QUE
Sun-Jul 13 Cornwall Motor Speedway Cornwall,ONT
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway Bechtelsville,PA
Thr-Jul 17 Georgetown Speedway Georgetown,DE
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Thorold,ONT
Fri-Aug 8 Brewerton Speedway Brewerton,NY
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park LaFargeville,NY
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon,NY
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Sarver,PA
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items in the United States, serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets As of April 19, 2008, the Company operated 3,291 stores in 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, customer services, and on-line shopping for parts and accessories can be found on the Company’s web site at http://www.advanceautoparts.com.
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS MODIFIED SERIES SPONSORS
The Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds is brought to fans across the Northeast by several sponsors and partners, including series sponsors Advance Auto Parts and Hoosier Racing Tire. Rite Aid Corporation is a promotional partner and the contingency sponsors are Bars Leaks, Bert Transmission, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Crane Cams, Dig Safely New York, Holley HP Carburetors, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, KSE Racing Products, Motorsports Safety Systems, Penske Shocks, Rislone Oil Stabilizer and Wrisco Industries.
