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Advance Series Triples Up At Brewerton, Can-Am & Cornwall

AAP_Super_DIRTcar_Series_10Anniv_08_Feature

Weedsport, NY August 11, 2008 — By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director

WHAT
For the second time this season, a tripleheader awaits the stars and cars of the Advance Auto Part Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds. Brewerton Speedway kicks off the action Friday, August 15 with the WHF Racing 100 followed by the F.X. Caprara Car Companies 100 at Can-Am Motorsports Park on Saturday, August 16 and concluding with the 14th Annual Akwesasne Mohawk Casino International 100 at Cornwall Motor Speedway on Sunday, August 17. A guaranteed 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 is also up for grabs all three nights.
WHERE
Brewerton Speedway is located on Route 11 in Brewerton, NY, which is 15 miles north of Syracuse just minutes north of Exit 36 on the New York State Thruway. From the North use Exit Route 81 at the Central Square interchange Exit 32. Coming off the ramp, take a right onto Route 49, and go a half-mile into the center of the village. Go left (south) on Route 11, and the Brewerton Speedway is two miles along on the left side. From the South use Exit Route 81 at the Brewerton interchange Exit 31. Coming off the ramp, take a right on Bartell Road and go a half-mile to Route 11. Go right (north) on Route 11. Go over the bridge and Brewerton Speedway is located just two blocks along the right side. From the East take the NYS Thruway to Exit 34a and pay the toll. Then veer to the right and get on Route 481 North. Follow 481 North for approximately 5 miles, then get on Route 81 North. Exit Route 81 North on the Brewerton/Bartell Road Interchange Exit 31. On the ramp, take a right on Bartell Road and go a half-mile to Route 11. Go right (north) on Route 11. Go over the bridge and Brewerton Speedway is located just two blocks along the right side. From the West take the NYS Thruway to Exit 36 and pay the toll. Then get on Route 81 North and follow that to Exit 31 which is the Brewerton/Bartell Road Interchange. On the ramp, take a right on Bartell Road and go a half-mile to Route 11. Go right (north) on Route 11. Go over the bridge and Brewerton Speedway is located just two blocks along the right side. Can-Am Motorsports Park is located off of NYS Route 411 and can be reached from the east or west by traveling the NYS Thruway to I-81 (Exit 36). Take I-81 North or South to Rt. 411 (Exit 49), then head west four miles. Cornwall Motor Speedway is located off Highway 401, Eastbound using exit 786 to Power Dam Drive and West bound taking exit 789 to Brookdale Avenue, then following the posted signs from both directions.

WHEN
With the event delayed one week due to rain, Brewerton pit gates will unlock at 4:30 p.m. and the main grandstands open at 5 o’clock with hot laps slated for 6:15. Integra Shocks Time Trials for the Big-Block Modifieds are up next at 6:45 p.m. while heat races take the first green flag at 7:30. Pit gates at Can-Am swing open Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and seating in the main grandstands begins at 4:30. Hot laps are slated to begin at 6 o’clock followed immediately by time trials at 6:30 p.m. Originally scheduled to run July 13, Integra Shocks Time Trials at Cornwall are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. following warm-ups, with qualifying heats starting at 7 o’clock. Pit gates will unlock at 3 p.m. and the main grandstands open at 4 o’clock.

TICKETS
Adult General Admission grandstand tickets for Brewerton are $20, 10-14 yrs. $10 and 9 & under free.with pit passes running $25 for DIRTcar members and $30 for non-members. At Can-Am, admission is $20 for adults, $5 for children ages 10 to 14 years, 9 and under is always free while all military officers with proper ID are admitted at half price; for pit admission, DIRTcar License-holders are $25 each and non-members are $30. Canadian money is accepted at par. At Cornwall, general admission tickets are $30 each, $20 for seniors (65 yrs.+) and students (13-17 yrs.), with children 12 yrs. + under free. DIRTcar members can enter the pits for $33, none-members for $37. For more information, contact the Brewerton Speedway ticket office at 315/668-6906, the Can-Am race track phone is 315/778-3407, and Cornwall (613/938-3945) offices remain open throughout the week. General Admission tickets and pit passes will be available at the gate on race day.
*NOTE: Can-Am officials are offering a special one-time deal for all fans that either attended the August 10 program at Cayuga County Fair Speedway or are planning to make the Advance Series show at Brewerton on August 15. Present a ticket stub from either of those events at the Can-Am ticket window on Saturday, Aug. 16 and receive a $5.00 discount on general admission to the ‘Night of Series’ presented by Dig Safely NY, A Verdi Storage Containers, SLR Home Improvements, Soluri’s Pizza, State Farm Insurance, SUNY Canton and Gater Racing News.

WEB SITES
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series is at http://www.superdirtcarseries.com.
Brewerton Speedway is at http://www.brewertonspeedway.com.
Can-Am Motorsports Park is at http://www.canammotorsports.com.
Cornwall Motor Speedway is at http://www.cornwallspeedway.com.
Dirtvision.com™ Cybercast is at http://www.dirtvision.com.
All remain accessible 24-hours daily.

ABOUT THE TRACK THE TRACK
Brewerton is a moderately banked 1/3-mile clay oval and with just three Advance Auto Parts Series events run under the clocks, Tim Fuller established the one-lap standard in 2006 with a time of 14.350 seconds (83.565 mph) on August 30. Willy Decker is the defending Brewerton season champion while Advance Series kingpin Billy Decker (5 wins) also tops the current track Big-Block points chart ahead of fellow tour travelers Alan Johnson and Matt Sheppard, each with two victories apiece. DIRT Hall of Famer Bob McCreadie is the all-time track Modified feature winner with 84 victories tallied in both Big-Block and Small-Block competition.
The Can-Am half-mile layout can be fast when the surface is tacky or require patience when it slickens up. The track has hosted 17 Advance Auto Parts Series events and Chuck Bower still holds the Series speed record established in July of 2000 when he toured the LaFargeville oval in a time of 18.883 seconds for a one-lap average speed of 95.324 mph. Vic Coffey garnered his first-ever Big-Block track points crown last season with Advance Series standout Frankie Caprara topping the current chart and looking for his third Big-Block feature win on Saturday. Cornwall is a racy 1/4-mile clay oval with Matt Sheppard circling the challenging layout in a one-lap record time of 12.882 sec. (69.865 mph) in 2006, shattering the previous mark set by Tim McCreadie (13.029 sec.) in the same event held in 2001, the first year using the AMB Scoring & Timing System. Kyle Dingwall and Carey Terrance pace the top track 358-Mod point-getters in ’08.

PREVIOUS WINNERS
Advance Super DIRTcar Series action returns to Brewerton for a third straight summer with area favorite Dale Planck looking to match last summer’s march to victory lane on the Northeast’s premier Big-Block Modified traveling tour. Canadian Joe Plazek captured the first of eight Advance Auto Parts Series checkered flags in 1994 and the bespectacled ‘Barefoot’ Bob McCreadie scored back-to-back victories in 1995 and ’96. Long-time rivals Danny Johnson (’97) and Brett Hearn (’98) posted wins before second-generation standout Tim McCreadie (2001) made his way to the winner’s circle following a two-year layoff. Jimmy Phelps put an exclamation mark on a thrilling 2006 event with his first career Advance Series victory coming on home soil.
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRTcar SERIES
Brewerton Speedway
(8 Evts)
DATE FIRST – SECOND – THIRD – FOURTH – FIFTH
8/3/07 Dale Planck – Alan Johnson – Pat Ward – Justin Haers – Tim Fuller
8/30/06 Jimmy Phelps – Alan Johnson – Tim Fuller – Danny Johnson – Billy Decker
8/31/05 -RAIN-
6/12/01 Tim McCreadie – Steve Paine – Billy Decker – Brett Hearn – Doug Hoffman
6/13/00 -RAIN-
7/30/98 Brett Hearn – Billy Decker – Danny Johnson – Alan Johnson – Kenny Brightbill
7/10/97 Danny Johnson – Kenny Brightbill – Bob McCeadie – Jimmy Horton – Tim Fuller
6/12/96 Bob McCreadie – Doug Hoffman – Brett Hearn – Jeff Heotzler – Jack Johnson
6/13/95 Bob McCreadie – Billy Decker – Joe Plazek – Kenny Tremont – Jeff Heotzler
6/28/94 Joe Plazek – Jack Johnson – Alan Johnson – Jeff Heotzler – Frank Cozze

The LAPCO team of promoter Andy Fusco and racer Dave Lape brought the top tour travelers to Can-Am for the first time in the late 1980s and the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series event for Big-Block Modifieds has become a major attraction in the Thousand Islands region ever since. 2007 twin 50 winner Steve Paine is the only four-time race winner while the McCreadie clan —son Tim (2) and father Bob— accounts for three more. The all-star list of 12 drivers finding victory lane in the previous 17 runs also includes brothers Alan & Danny Johnson and Pat & Danny O’Brien, past Mr. DIRTcar Champions Brett Hearn, Billy Decker, Gary Tomkins, Tim Fuller and Doug Hoffman, along with former Can-Am regular Pat Ward.

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRTcar SERIES
Can-Am Motorsports Park
(17 Evts)
DATE FIRST – SECOND – THIRD – FOURTH – FIFTH
8/18/07 Tim Fuller – Gary Tomkins – Pat Ward – Billy Decker – Pat O’Brien
8/18/07 Steve Paine – Billy Decker – Jimmy Phelps – Danny Johnson – Billy Dunn
7/28/04 Gary Tomkins – Billy Decker – Steve Paine – Tim Fuller – Matt Sheppard
9/6/03 Tim McCreadie – Alan Johnson – Brett Hearn – Lee Gill – Billy Decker
7/24/02 Tim McCreadie – Alan Johnson – Tim Fuller – Billy Decker – Brett Hearn
7/20/00 Danny Johnson – Steve Paine – Alan Johnson – Bobby Varin – Brett Hearn
7/22/99 Billy Decker – Pat Ward – Doug Hoffman – Alan Johnson – Bob McCreadie
7/16/98 Pat Ward – Gary Tomkins – Danny Johnson – Brett Hearn – Kenny Tremont
7/17/97 Steve Paine – Jack Johnson – Danny Johnson – Tim Fuller – Alan Johnson
7/18/96 Bob McCreadie – Brett Hearn – Jimmy Horton – Danny O’Brien – Dave Camara
8/30/95 Danny O’Brien – Frank Cozze – Buzzie Reutimann – Doug Hoffman – Danny Johnson
7/20/94 Alan Johnson – Bob McCreadie – Jack Johnson – Doug Hoffman – Danny Johnson
7/21/93 Steve Paine – Bob McCreadie – Brett Hearn – Tim Fuller – Jack Johnson
7/21/92 Doug Hoffman – Danny Johnson – Frank Cozze – Brett Hearn – Kenny Tremont
7/23/91 Steve Paine – Brett Hearn – Kenny Tremont – Pat O’Brien – Jeff Trombley
7/17/90 Pat O’Brien – Brett Hearn – Jeff Trombley – Kevin Collins – Steve Roberts
7/18/89 Brett Hearn – Billy Pauch – Bob McCreadie – Kenny Brightbill – Jack Johnson

Past winners in 13 tour events held at Cornwall include Brett Hearn and defending winner Billy Decker, the only three-peaters, plus Bob McCreadie with two, along with son Tim McCreadie, Danny Johnson, Jimmy Horton and Gary Tomkins. Second-generation standout Dale Planck scored his first career Advance Auto Parts Series victory in 2006 on the same track that he captured consecutive DIRTcar 358-Mod track crowns in 2004-05. Local favorite Stephane LaFrance posted the highest finish among track regulars, securing runner-up laurels in the century grind run off in 2005.
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRTcar SERIES
Cornwall Motor Speedway
(13 Evts)
DATE FIRST – SECOND – THIRD – FOURTH – FIFTH
7/22/07 Billy Decker – Brett Hearn – Steve Paine – Danny Johnson – Clement Therrien
7/9/06 Dale Planck – Alan Johnson – Pat O’Brien – Tim Fuller – Kyle Jacobs
7/10/05 Brett Hearn – Stephane LaFrance – Dale Planck – Tim Fuller – Alan Johnson
6/27/04 Gary Tomkins – Alan Johnson – Kenny Tremont – Brett Hearn – Tim McCreadie
6/29/03 Billy Decker – Vic Coffey – Gary Tomkins – Danny Johnson – Steve Poirier
7/7/02 Tim McCreadie – Alan Johnson – Billy Decker – Kenny Tremont – Gary Tomkins
7/8/01 Brett Hearn – Billy Decker – Tim McCreadie – Danny Johnson – Tim Fuller
7/9/00 -RAIN-
7/11/99 Billy Decker – Alan Johnson – Kenny Tremont – Vic Coffey – Frank Cozze
6/21/98 Bob McCreadie – Billy Decker – Tim McCreadie – Jimmy Horton – Alan Johnson
6/22/97 Danny Johnson – Bob McCreadie – Tim McCreadie – Doug Hoffman – Alan Johnson
6/23/96 Brett Hearn – Billy Decker – Doug Hoffman – Pete Bicknell – Tim Fuller
7/9/95 Jimmy Horton – Danny Johnson – Bob McCreadie – Alan Johnson – Tim Fuller
7/10/94 Bob McCreadie – Jack Johnson – Rick Wilson – Doug Hoffman – Laurent Ladouceur

TRACK HISTORY
Don and Benedetta Watros, and Rick and Tina Wolff came to the forefront in the Spring of ‘06 as the new owners of Brewerton Speedway —as well as sister track Fulton Speedway— with the transaction officially finalized on April 28, 2006. They are joined by speedway promoter Art Halliday among DIRTcar NorthEast’s newest managerial teams. Former owners Harvey, Joan and David Fink joined up with DIRTcar Racing in 1994 and the Big-Block Modifieds have been the headline class at Brewerton Speedway ever since. Long before the Fink family arrived on the scene, a dozen different promoters and owners with twice as many ideas turned the Central New York track into an oval of uncertainty while offering both open-wheel and full-fender stock car racing to its Friday night faithful. With an initial investment of $53,000, the speedway was built in 1948 by Alvin Richardson of Buffalo and the track measured a full quarter-mile. After the first race was halted because of poor track conditions, the speedway was paved and the popular midget class headlined the card. July 4th, 1949 was the first race at the “new” Brewerton Speedway and 4,000 people showed up to witness a midget race promoted by Don Strong and Don Georgia which was won by Steve Yanigan. With more tracks starting up and crowds down due to declining midget fields, Brewerton management brought in stock cars and Charlie Stark won the first race on May 17, 1950. Promoter Al Richardson ran Wednesdays and Saturdays under the Empire State Stock Car Association with $2,000 purses while midgets ran on Sundays under Interstate Auto Racing Club sanction. DIRT Hall of Famer Roscoe “Pappy” Hough won the first ever NASCAR Short Track race at Brewerton on Sept. 1, 1951. The speedway closed due to owner Al Richardson’s heart attack on July 17, 1956 and re-opened the following May with a Friday night race program under the promotion of Ralph Mazzoli; Richardson still owned the speedway but could not operate due to his health. Donald (Pete) Gillette, Dick Brown and Bill Luke promoted under Richardson beginning in 1958 and the track was renamed Route 11 Speedway in 1960. Jim Carroll surfaced as the new promoter for the ’61 race season and after a few races the track was closed and the corners were rebanked with a lowered infield; nearby Mil-Ray Raceway —today known as Fulton Speedway and also formerly owned by Harvey Fink— opened the same year. Clifford J. Carey promoted Brewerton in 1971 and the following season David Snyder took over the reigns and converted the 1/4-mile paved track into a 1/3-mile D-shaped dirt track. Brewerton was sanctioned by DIRTcar Racing for the first time in 1984 and Donnie Wetmore earned the points championship. Independent owners Charlie and Bob Trump purchased the speedway from Fred Mathieson in ’86 and completed many improvements. In 1988 new promotional partner Jim Ferlito joined Charlie Trump and continued to make more renovations. With Fink at the helm, the DIRTcar organization was brought in once again to sanction the racing in 1994 and the result was the beginning of an impressive period of prosperity for Brewerton Speedway. Popular Bob McCreadie won eleven features on the way to the ’94 Track Championship in front of large weekly crowds. Other winners in 1994 were Canadian Joe Plazek, who won the first-ever Big Block Modified (old format) and 358-Modified Series showdowns, and Pennsylvanian Frank Cozze, winner of the first Super DIRT Series Small-Block special held during Super DIRT Week, which has become a staple ever since.
Can-Am Motorsports Park was built in 1974 with construction spearheaded by area businessman Leslie Brown. It was a slow start as the track went bankrupt in it’s first year before Bob Thurston Sr., Doug Atkinson and Thomas Coughlin III re-opened the venue the following season. Thurston purchased sole interest in Can-Am during the winter of 1982-83 and joined the growing DIRTcar circuit as a small-block haven in time for the ’83 opener. On July 15, 1995 the worst disaster that could happen took place at the speedway when high winds blew down the speedway building and grandstands. The Thurston family persevered with the help of a number of friends and racing resumed in three weeks. John Wight (owner of the Gypsum Express/Gypsum Wholesalers Modifieds driven by Billy Decker and Pat Ward, and Gypsum Express Late Models driven by Decker and Tim Fuller) purchased the speedway in 2000 while August 2, 2003 marked the first night of racing under present owners Charlie and Billy Caprara. Since Can-Am joined the DIRTcar organization in 1983 there have been over 860 DIRT features run with 94 coming in the Big-Block ranks where Pat O’Brien and Lee Gill top the list with a dozen checkered flags each. The 2003 season was the start of a new era at Can-Am as Wight brought on the Big-Blocks as the primary class. In July of ‘03 NASCAR Cup Champion Tony Stewart, his crew chief Greg Zipadelli, Mike McLaughlin and Matt Yocum visited Can-Am, where Stewart and McLaughlin competed in a special “Night of Stars” race presented by Zippy’s Crusade for Kids.
A relatively new track when compared to many of the other DIRTcar members, Cornwall Motor Speedway first opened on May 31, 1970 under the ownership of Ralph and Iris Hurley. Known in its infancy as Power Dam Speedway, Pat Hutt took over the deed in 1973 before his sudden passing cut short the following season leaving the track championship undeclared for the first and only time in 1974. The Hurley family regained control for a short time before the decade came to a close with another promotional team at the helm. Facing closure at that time, former Mini Stock and Street Stock driver Ron Morin came to the forefront, leasing the facility for a couple years before securing the track deed in 1982. The following year Morin gained membership within the Weedsport, N.Y.-based DIRTcar Racing organization with Small-Block Modifieds taking center stage ever since. The track commemorated its 25th Anniversary season in 1994 with a specials-only schedule that culminated with Kingston, Ontario’s Danny O’Brien capturing the first-ever Big-Block Modified points title (DIRT Hall of Famer Buzzie Reutimann and Pat O’Brien shared the only other Cornwall big-block crown the following season). During the Morin era Cornwall has boasted some of the best Modified pilots on the circuit, including past Mr. DIRTcar 358 champions Pat O’Brien, Laurent Ladouceur, Doug Carlyle and inaugural titlist Tony Corcoran (1983). Cornwall has also been a breeding ground for aspiring open-wheel stars, with track regulars John Lazore, Chris Jones, Ron Valade and Randy Ritskes among those earning Miller Electric DIRTcar 358-Modified Rookie of the Year recognition. At the 16th annual DIRT MotorSports NorthEast Hall of Fame induction ceremonies on the Cayuga County Fairgrounds last year in May, Morin was honored as a co-recipient of the 2007 Leonard J. Sammons Jr. Memorial Award which recognizes outstanding contributions to auto racing.

2007 RACE REVIEWS
In 2006 Dale Planck scored his first career Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series victory at Cornwall Motor Speedway and followed it up the next night by setting his initial Integra Shocks Fast Time at Autodrome Drummond. Last summer he was fast all night long, cruising home in a command performance at Brewerton Speedway for both his inaugural Advance Auto Parts Series victory and Integra Shocks award on American soil. Planck certainly carried the momentum throughout the night as he turned the fastest lap (15.483 sec/77.504 mph) in Integra Shocks Time Trials and then found the quick way around the one-third mile D-Shaped DIRT Demon to steal the lead from ‘A.J. Slideways’ shy of the halfway mark and open up a 2.5-second margin at the checkers. Planck started fifth in the 30-car field steering the Ryan Jacobs-owned no. 77x East End Auto Parts & Construction-Jacob’s Excavation/Bicknell entry and hovered among the front-five in the initial stages as yellow flag fever saddled the title race. The brothers Johnson filed into the front row following the pre-race draw with older sibling Alan pulling ahead of high-running Danny to set the early pace. A lap 42 restart was all that Planck needed as the Cortland, N.Y. second-generation pilot sped around Alan Johnson to forge the final lead change with more than half the race still to go. Pat Ward held on to place third ahead of Bert Hard Charger Justin Haers (started 26th) and Tim Fuller while Billy Decker, ‘06 race winner Jimmy Phelps, Advance Series all-time winner Brett Hearn, Danny Johnson and much persevered Matt Sheppard rounded out the top-10.

Local favorite Tim Fuller and three-time speedway tour winner Steve Paine dominated in their winning efforts in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series as they split Big-Block Modified Twin 50s held for the first time on a Saturday night at Can-Am Motorsports Park. Making his fourth appearance of the season at the LaFargeville oval located just minutes from his north country home, Fuller charged from fifth-place on the 30-car starting grid to overtake Danny Johnson on lap five and cruise on to his second Advance Auto Parts Series win of the season. Another area favorite, Billy Dunn from nearby Watertown, pulled alongside the JL Motorsports no. 19 Chiefs Tobacco & Gas-G&R Auto Parts/TEO of Fuller on lap 22 before Fuller opened up an eight car-length victory margin at the stripe. Gary Tomkins rallied to secured runner-up laurels at the line ahead of fast closing Pat Ward and Billy Decker, who pitted under caution on lap 12, with Pat O’Brien slipping past Johnson exiting the final corner to fill out the front-five. Outside pole-sitter Johnson out-dragged front row partner Frankie Caprara on the opening circuit before Fuller quickly entered the fray by lap three. Just two more times around the smooth half-miler and Fuller blasted by the ‘Doctor’ high out of turn two to make what amounted to the final lead change. Sixth-place starter Dunn was also on a rail in the early going and tracked down Fuller just shy of the halfway mark yet could not find enough power to get by when it counted most. With a pre-race draw made that ultimately inverted the top-nine drivers for the second 50-lapper, ninth-place finisher in round one Paine was awarded the pole-position start and proceeded to lead but one lap to capture his first Advance Auto Parts Series victory since September of 2003. Danny Johnson took advantage of lapped car traffic boxing in the leader on lap 15 before Paine forged the final lead change on a lap 16 restart. Decker moved into second on lap 31 but had to settle for runner-up accolades as Paine built up a half straightaway advantage under the checkers. Jimmy Phelps rallied from 20th to finish third ahead of Johnson and Dunn in his strongest showing of the season.

Overnight rain and a two-hour deluge on Sunday morning forced track promoter Ron Morin to postpone the 13th Annual Akwesasne Mohawk Casino International 100 to July 22 after originally being slated for July 8 at Cornwall Motor Speedway. The two-week delay did little to affect Billy Decker, who had emerged as one of the fastest out of the blocks all season long on the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series. Sunday night at Cornwall Decker won his fourth Integra Shocks Fast Time Award to once again open the show as a top contender. And this time he stuck around long enough to pass Brett Hearn for the lead with three laps left and go on to capture his first tour win of 2007 in the 100-lap event. Decker started seventh in the 30-car field and watched as early leaders and Cornwall regulars Alain Boisvert and Clement Therrien, then Pat O’Brien and Hearn swap the point throughout the 25-mile affair. Heartbreak hit O’Brien on lap 70 when he tangled in turn three traffic to relinquish a straightaway advantage and end any chance of scoring his second Advance Auto Parts Series victory in the previous three outings. Hearn regained the lead following the race-changing mishap yet fell a car-length short of his second straight tour win after Decker ducked under in his LJL Racing no. 91 Gypsum Wholesalers-Stadium Int’l-Quality Hardwoods/Bicknell entry to forge the final lead change on lap 98. Steve Paine held off Bert Hard Charger Danny Johnson for third while veteran Therrien from Victoriaville, Que. secured fifth-place to earn a guaranteed starting spot in the 358-Modified Championship during Super DIRT Week in October.

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 DIRTcar Series Point Standings (through Aug. 9, 2008)
Rank No. Driver Total Series Diff Wins T-5 T-10 Starts
1 91 Billy Decker 1,246 1,246 0 7 12 15 15
2 20 Brett Hearn 1,107 1,107 -139 2 8 14 15
3 77x Dale Planck 1,100 1,100 -146 3 11 13 15
4 98h Jimmy Phelps 1,034 1,034 -212 1 7 13 15
5 9s Matt Sheppard 979 979 -267 1 5 11 15
6 84 Gary Tomkins 929 929 -317 0 3 12 15
7 7x Steve Paine 927 927 -319 0 7 8 15
8 FX1 Frankie Caprara 849 849 -397 0 1 8 15
9 27J Danny Johnson 824 824 -422 0 4 5 15
10 99 Ryan Phelps 786 786 -460 0 0 4 15
11 3 Justin Haers 761 761 -485 0 2 8 14
12 49 Billy Dunn 723 723 -523 0 0 2 15
13 14J Alan Johnson 715 715 -531 0 1 6 13
14 99L Larry Wight 604 604 -642 0 0 1 15
15 6 Pat O’Brien 397 397 -849 0 0 1 10
16 29 Jeff Brownell Jr. 343 343 -903 0 0 0 9
17 42B Kevin Bates 270 270 -976 0 0 0 8
18 14 Rich Laubach 256 256 -990 0 2 2 4
19 79 Mike Storms 255 255 -991 0 0 1 6
20 4 Duane Howard 198 198 -1,048 0 2 2 2
21 56 Vince Vitale 188 188 -1,058 0 0 0 5
22 99b Chuck Bower 188 188 -1,058 0 0 0 6
23 48T Dave Rauscher 162 162 -1,084 0 0 0 5
24 21 Yan Bussiere 161 161 -1,085 0 0 1 3
25 1w Billy Pauch 152 152 -1,094 0 0 2 2
26 22 Mario Clair 152 152 -1,094 0 0 0 3
27 32c Vic Coffey 145 145 -1,101 0 1 1 3
28 21 Derrick Podsiadlo 144 144 -1,102 0 0 0 5
29 11j Sean Beardsley 139 139 -1,107 0 0 0 4
30 16 Mike Bowman 135 135 -1,111 0 0 0 4
31 357 Stewart Friesen 131 131 -1,115 0 1 1 2
32 19 Tim Fuller 130 130 -1,116 0 1 1 2
33 46 Kayle Robidoux 125 125 -1,121 0 0 2 2
34 5 Jason Potter 125 125 -1,121 0 0 0 4
35 HR2 Jimmy Horton 121 121 -1,125 0 0 0 2
36 89b Todd Burley 120 120 -1,126 0 1 1 3
37 14w Ryan Watt 111 111 -1,135 0 0 0 2
38 19 Kenny Brightbill 111 111 -1,135 0 0 1 2
39 30 Jamie Mills 110 110 -1,136 0 1 1 1
40 71 David VanHorn Jr. 109 109 -1,137 0 0 0 2
41 30 H.J. Bunting III 103 103 -1,143 1 1 1 1
42 15x Billy Pauch Jr. 103 103 -1,143 0 0 0 2
43 85 Wade Hendrickson 103 103 -1,143 0 0 1 2
44 26 Rick Richner 100 100 -1,146 0 0 0 2
45 44 Shannon Whaley 100 100 -1,146 0 0 0 3
46 62s Tom Sears Jr. 99 99 -1,147 0 0 0 3
47 26 Ryan Godown 98 98 -1,148 0 0 0 2
48 3 Claude Brouillard 98 98 -1,148 0 0 0 2
49 19 Chuck McKee 96 96 -1,150 0 1 1 1
50 126 Jeff Strunk 96 96 -1,150 0 1 1 1
51 23 Dany Bilodeau 96 96 -1,150 0 0 0 2
52 123 Robbie Krull 96 96 -1,150 0 1 1 1
53 42 Pete Bicknell 95 95 -1,151 0 0 0 2
54 91h Chad Homan 93 93 -1,153 0 0 0 3
55 80 Chris Steele 92 92 -1,154 0 0 0 2
56 43 Jimmy Horton IV 90 90 -1,156 0 0 0 2
57 2 Michel Dusseault 90 90 -1,156 0 0 0 2
58 85 Dan Vauter 89 89 -1,157 0 0 0 2
59 1 David Hebert 88 88 -1,158 0 0 0 2
60 6 Pete Taylor 86 86 -1,160 0 0 0 3
61 8 Rob Bellinger 86 86 -1,160 0 0 0 3
62 47 Jerry Higbie 85 85 -1,161 0 1 1 1
63 41 Boyd MacTavish 84 84 -1,162 0 0 0 2
64 24L Carl Labonte 84 84 -1,162 0 0 0 2
65 39w Steven Downs 83 83 -1,163 0 0 0 2
66 54 Steve Bernard 81 81 -1,165 0 0 0 2
67 6G Martin Gagné 81 81 -1,165 0 0 0 2
68 84L Eric Landry 80 80 -1,166 0 0 0 2
69 66w Wallace Stacey 80 80 -1,166 0 0 0 1
70 3b Chad Brachmann 78 78 -1,168 0 0 1 1
71 28 Scott Kerwin 76 76 -1,170 0 0 1 1
72 13 Tony Steiner 73 73 -1,173 0 0 0 1
73 1c Craig VonDohren 68 68 -1,178 0 0 1 1
74 53e Ric Hill 65 65 -1,181 0 0 1 1
75 88 Steve Hulsizer 65 65 -1,181 0 0 0 2
76 20m Jeff McGinnis 65 65 -1,181 0 0 1 1
77 17d Danny O’Brien 65 65 -1,181 0 0 1 1
78 44v Phil Vigneri 62 62 -1,184 0 0 0 1
79 38 Scott Wood 62 62 -1,184 0 0 1 1
80 97 Michel Chicoine 60 60 -1,186 0 0 0 1

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
July 3 Ransomville 100 88-B.Decker, 12-R.Krull
July 10 Brockville 100 97-B.Decker, 3-P.O’Brien
July 11 Granby 100 60-B.Hearn, 39-B.Dunn, 1-S.Paine
July 12 Drummond 100 100-D.Planck
July 16 Grandview 100 63-B.Decker, 33-D.Howard, 4-K.Brightbill
July 17 Georgetown 75 65-H.J. Bunting, 10-J.Mills
July 31 Orange County 75 75-B.Hearn
August 4 Merrittville 100 97-J.Phelps, 3-J.Haers
August 9 Canandaigua 50 27-V.Coffey, 23-B.Decker
August 9 Canandaigua 50 21-B.Decker, 19-V.Coffey, 10-R.Phelps

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
Ransomville 3/8-mile Billy Decker *16.351 sec. 82.564 mph
Brockville 3/8-mile Dale Planck *14.422 sec. 93.607 mph
Granby 1/2-mile Steve Paine *18.410 sec. 97.773 mph
Drummond 4/10-mile Steve Paine 17.234 sec. 83.556 mph
Grandview 1/3-mile Billy Decker *14.349 sec. 83.630 mph
Georgetown 1/2-mile Billy Decker *20.290 sec. 88.714 mph
Orange County 5/8-mile David VanHorn Jr. *20.710 sec. 108.643 mph
Merrittville 1/3-mile Steve Paine 15.523 sec. 77.305 mph
Canandaigua 1/2-mile Brett Hearn 17.965 sec. 100.195 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
Ransomville B.Decker, D.Planck, S.Friesen, A.Johnson
Brockville D.Planck, B.Decker, M.Sheppard, B.Dunn
Granby B.Decker, B.Dunn, B.Hearn, G.Tomkins
Drummond S.Paine, M.Sheppard, D.Planck, J.Phelps
Grandview B.Decker, B.Hearn, K.Brightbill, M.Sheppard
Georgetown J.Mills, F.Caprara, J.Phelps, B.Hearn
Orange County D.VanHorn, B.Hearn, B.Decker, A.Johnson
Merrittville B.Dunn, B.Hearn, B.Decker, J.Phelps
Canandaigua B.Hearn, B.Decker, G.Tomkins, D.Planck

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.

Checkered Flag Chart Toppers: Through the second full weekend of racing in August, 21 tracks have now hosted DIRTcar Big-Block Modified races in 2008 with 50 drivers scoring victories in the 113 features run. Billy Decker continues to dominate the Northeastern circuit, posting a division-high total of 18 victories, including a personal high seven in Advance Auto Parts Super Series competition aboard the potent LJL Racing Bicknell machine. Decker’s single-season best total more than doubles the output of popular Pennsylvanian Brian Swartzlander (8) while Advance Series stars Brett Hearn and Matt Sheppard along with Keystone State pilots Kevin Bolland and Jeremiah Shingledecker own six wins apiece. Tour travelers Dale Planck and Alan Johnson have scored five victories each while Advance Series standouts Jimmy Phelps (4) and Gary Tomkins (3) rank ahead of two-time winners Steve Paine and Frankie Caprara, Central New York runner Steve Hulsizer, Lebanon Valley regulars Kenny Tremont and Ryan Larkin, and defending Orange County Eastern States 200 champion Jeff Heotzler. Advance Series runners Justin Haers and Pat O’Brien are among 34 more drivers having reached victory lane once heading into the middle of the month.

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: 1980-8/9/08 (608 events / 45 tracks / 67 drivers)
WINS DRIVER FIRST WIN LAST WIN
100 Brett Hearn Lebanon Valley, 7/15/81 Orange County, 7/31/08
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
46 Billy Decker Lebanon Valley, 9/18/88 Canandaigua, 8/9/08
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
5 Dale Planck Cornwall, 7/9/06 Drummond, 7/12/08
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 Jimmy Phelps Brewerton, 8/30/06 Merrittville, 8/4/08
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
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
1 H.J. Bunting Georgetown, 7/17/08

Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified Fast Timers 1983-8/9/08 (232 events / 33 tracks / 48 drivers)
EVTS DRIVER FIRST FAST TIME LAST FAST TIME
39 Brett Hearn Orange County, 10/24/86 Canandaigua, 8/9/08
35 Billy Decker NYS Fairgrounds, 7/3/01 Georgetown, 7/17/08
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
17 Steve Paine Canandaigua, 9/1/99 Merrittville, 8/4/08
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
4 Dale Planck Drummond, 7/10/06 Brockville, 7/10/08
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
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
1 David VanHorn Jr. Orange County, 7/31/08

Hoosier Remains DIRTcar Tire Of Choice: In 2008 Hoosier Tire expanded the options for DIRTcar Racing NorthEast Modified divisions with the introduction of the new Hoosier D200. Along with the Hoosier D200, the existing DIRT soft compound will be labeled D300, current DIRT hard compound will be labeled D400 and the DIRT Extra Hard compound will become D500. Below is a list indicating the required Hoosier Tire compound(s) at those tracks hosting the remaining Big-Block Modified events on the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series schedule.
Date Track Compound(s)
Fri-Aug 15 Brewerton Speedway D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Sun-Aug 17 Cornwall Motor Speedway D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co. Speedway D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway Pk D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway Fronts Optional, Hard/D400 or Extra on rear
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Pk D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Right side Extra, left side Hard/D400
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co. Fair Speedway Soft/D300, Hard/D400 or Extra
*Tire rules are subject to change.

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 Carries Advance Series Tripleheader Over Border: For those fans unable to attend either Brewerton, Canandaigua or Cornwall this weekend to see the ground-pounding 800-horsepower Big-Block Modifieds in their Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series shows August 15-17, they can log into www.dirtvision.com each evening 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 with Integra Shocks Time Trial coverage (6:45pm-Brewerton, 6:30pm-Can-Am & Cornwall), moving to heat races and then 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
Following the big tripleheader in Canada and the U.S., traveling teams get two weeks off to prepare for the traditional Labor Day twin-bill at a pair of DIRTcar charter member tracks in Central New York. Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Weedsport stages Twin 54s at the home of DIRTcar NorthEast on Sunday, August 31 while Rolling Wheels Raceway Park in neighboring Elbridge extends the weekend to Monday, September 1 with a special 110-lap distance closing out the annual holiday affair.

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 B.Decker/Robbie Krull(P)
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway B.Decker/Jimmy Phelps(P)
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Brett Hearn(G)
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond D.Planck/Steve Paine(P)
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway B.Decker/Jeff Strunk(P)
Thr-Jul 17 Georgetown Speedway H.J. Bunting(G)
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway B.Hearn/Chuck McKee(P)
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Jimmy Phelps(G)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Vic Coffey(P)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Justin Haers(P)
Fri-Aug 15 Brewerton Speedway Brewerton,NY
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park LaFargeville,NY
Sun-Aug 17 Cornwall Motor Speedway Cornwall,ONT
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.