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RANSOMVILLE RESCHEDULE: Summer Nationals for Super DIRTcar Series Moved to Monday, August 24

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RANSOMVILLE, NY –  The Summer Nationals originally to be raced on July 7 at Ransomville Speedway has been rescheduled for Monday, August 24 in accordance with local guidelines regarding COVID-19. 

The Super DIRTcar Series has turned up the Niagara County earth with Big Blocks since 1973 when Jack Johnson parked the no. 12a in Victory Lane. As of late Stewart Friesen has dominated the track his family helped build winning three of the last four Series tour stops at “The Big R.” 

Before’s Friesen’s run, Billy Decker dominated 2014 setting the all-time track record and winning the 100-lap Feature. 

Ransomville Speedway’s Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship DIRTcar 358 Modified field is full of elite drivers but there are two names everyone should know: Mat Williamson and Erick Rudolph. 

Rudolph and Williamson not only butt heads weekly on the .375 mile Ransomville paperclip but on the DIRTcar 358 Modified Series, and the Super DIRTcar Series. Both drivers sort it out cleanly and with great respect. It’s an understated but significant rivalry in the northeast. 

Both drivers weighed in on the Series and Ransomvile ownership shoring up a date. 

Erick Rudolph is from the town of Ransomville, NY so this race is always special. 

“Everyone around town and local fans get hyped up for the Series to come in,” said Rudolph.

Mat Williamson noted, “The place is pretty cool for the Series because the track is good for a Big Block at the beginning of the night and slicks off by the end. It makes for dynamic racing. That’s what makes it one of the best races we go to all year.”

There will be a set of strong local drivers to defend home turf. 

“Ransomville is a fun place to race weekly. Parm and the whole team there have done an amazing job upgrading the facility and making it into one of the premier tracks of New York State,” said Williamson. “It’s filled with talent weekly with Mike Bowman, Erick Rudolph, Ryan Susice, Greg Martin, and Gary Lindberg all there.

Can Rudolph and Williamson convert their 358 Modified success into a Super DIRTcar Series win at the “The Big R?” 

“There’s a lot of unknowns going into it this year,” noted Rudolph. ”I hope to get on the track soon.”

Race fans are in store for an outstanding DIRTcar Northeast doubleheader as the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series: Western Region is in town as well.

Stay up to date with more schedule announcements coming up on SuperDIRTcarSeries.com. Also, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. 

2019 Champion Mat Williamson to be Featured on ‘Off Track TV’

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WEEDSPORT, NY (April 10, 2020) – Season three of ‘Off Track TV’ continues on Wednesday, April 15 at 7 p.m. through the Weedsport Productions Facebook page, utilizing Facebook Live and Zoom Video Communications.

In light of the ongoing concerns in regards to COVID-19, as well as statewide restrictions from the state of New York, ‘Off Track TV’ will again practice social distancing on Wednesday evening.

Hosts, Shane Andrews and Dan Kapuscinski will be joined by Super DIRT Week and Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modified champion, Mat Williamson, as well as DIRTcar Northeast’s Director of Series and Sanctioning, Dean Reynolds, via ZOOM Video Conferencing.

Those not able to tune into ‘Off Track TV’ through Facebook Live can watch the program on tape delay through the Weedsport Productions YouTube Channel or on the ‘Off Track TV’ website at www.offtracktv.com.

‘Off Track TV’ is looking forward to an expanded schedule in 2020, including more than 25 shows airing nearly every Wednesday during the racing season at 7 p.m. on Facebook Live.

Fans are encouraged to be a part of every show by sending in questions that could be answered LIVE on the air.

To send a question, email info@weedsportproductions.com, tweet Shane Andrews @NYVoice13 or Dan Kapuscinski @Dan_Kapuscinski or send a message directly to the Weedsport Productions Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WeedsportTV.

Interested in seeing your company listed in our press releases or on ‘Off Track TV’?  Be sure to call the Weedsport Speedway office at (315) 834-3067 for sponsorship and advertising information.

About Weedsport Speedway: Officially opened for the first time on July 24, 1955 – the Weedsport Speedway 3/8 mile dirt oval has produced a legendary list of drivers and champions including Will Cagle, Danny Johnson, Bob McCreadie, Alan Johnson, Jack Johnson, and Dave Lape to name a few.  In 2018, Weedsport introduced the all-new Weedsport Kartway, just outside of the Speedway’s main pit area, to begin to foster the next generation of racers, crew members and race fans.  Couple the racing with state-of-the-art camping and track amenities, unmatched on-site television production capabilities, plus the ability for large scale concert productions and Weedsport is one of the marquee entertainment venues in the country.

Ransomville Speedway: DIRTcar Track Spotlight

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RANSOMVILLE, NY – March 23, 2020 – Like the Niagara Escarpment to its South, Ransomville Speedway has been a bedrock of DIRTcar Racing and the Super DIRTcar Series tour. Ransomville is the Wild West of New York’s DIRTcar scene. High banks and long straights make the fast and furious oval one of the most exciting tracks around. 

Today, drivers like defending Super DIRTcar Series champion Mat Williamson, Erick Rudolph and DIRT Motorsports Hall of Fall inductee Pete Bicknell call Ransomville their Friday night Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship home. 

Ransomville has hosted Super DIRTcar Series races since 1973. Four legendary drivers top the list of winners in what is traditionally known as the Summer Nationals at The Big R. Bob McCreadie, Danny Johnson, Brett Hearn, and Alan Johnson split twelve wins evenly between them. 

Headlining Ransomville’s schedule is the return of the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series who saddle up on Friday, July 31 for $10,000. Race fans from Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Ontario will fill the stands to see The Greatest Show on Dirt featuring 2019 champion Brad Sweet, ten-time champion Donny Schatz, plus invaders from Pennsylvania and Ohio. 

The Summer Nationals for the Super DIRTcar Series will be showcased on a new date in 2020 with Tuesday, July 7 set for the fans to hear the rumble of the Big Block Modifieds going for $7,500-to-win. 

Joining the Big Blocks is the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series: West Region. Series drivers will face a stout local field of Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship Sportsman drivers with a $1,000 top prize greeting the winner. 

Every week Super DIRTcar Series heavyweights Mat Williamson and Erik Rudolph race head-to-head in their DIRTcar 358 Modifieds. Fans also see Mr. Small Block Pete Bicknell, Gary Lindberg, Ryan Susice, Chad Brachmann, and Mike Bowman battle it out for Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship points every Friday night. 

Last year, in the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified ranks, Brett Senek narrowly beat Derek Wagner and up and coming star Garrison Krentz for the track championship. 2019 NAPA Super DIRT Week Chevy Performance 75 champion Kyle Inman also collected three checkered flags at Ransomville. 

Race fans should seriously consider making a trip to Ransomville Speedway a part of a great weekend of fun in Western New York. The world-famous Niagara Falls is only a half an hour from the track. The only thing that can match the thunder of the falls are the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds! 

Just south of the speedway is Buffalo, NY where there is no shortage of activities across the city. Buffalo is known for its abundant high-quality breweries, restaurants, architecture, and more. The family will love stopping at the Buffalo Zoo, Niagara Falls Aquarium, and strolling through the Elmwood shopping district. 

Follow Ransomville Speedway on Facebook and Twitter. 

Ransomville Speedway 2020 Race Schedule 

Full card: Ki Po Motors Street Stocks, Investor’s Services DIRTcar Sportsman, Krown Undercoating DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, Stevenson’s Hardware Novice Sportsman, Mini Stocks

Friday, April 24 – VP Racing Fuels presents Test, Tune, and Time: Ki Po Motors Street Stocks, Investor’s Services Sportsman, Krown Undercoating Modifieds, Stevenson’s Hardware Novice Sportsman, Mini Stocks

Friday, May 1 – VP Racing Small Engine Fuels Presents the 63rd Season Opener: Full card

Friday, May 8 – SANY presents a Full Card: Full card

Friday, May 15 – WM Properties & Const, Clark Rigging & Rental, Beyer Boys Truck & Chapmans Heating & Cooling Night: Full card

Friday, May 22 – Triple T presents Demolition Derby! Dunkin’ Donuts presents a full card of racing: Full card

Friday, May 29 – Mark Cerrone, Bailey Brothers, and A-Verdi present Autograph Night and Richard Wilkinson Memorial: Full card

Friday, June 5 – Behm Automotive presents Kids Poster Contest, Bike Giveaway & Kids Ride Night: Full card

Friday, June 12 – Labor Night at the races presented by NOLC & Blue Cross & Blue Shield of WNY: Full card

Friday, June 19 – Vandemark presents the Sunflowers of Sanborn Mini Stock Series plus Full Card and RC Car Exhibition

Friday, June 26 – Jetport and Moley Magnetics present the Joseph Scholtisek $2000 Modified Race and Easter Night: Full card

Friday, July 3 – UBreakIFix, Hy Tech Concrete, Hebeler Sales & Service & Joy Trucking presents July 4th Fireworks! Full card

Tuesday, July 7 – Busch, Wendt’s, NMCC, & Stirling Lubricants presents the Super DIRTcar Series and DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series

Friday, July 10 – Sunflowers of Sanborn presents a full card of racing plus Power Wheel Races

Friday, July 17 – Firth’s Jewelry & Modern Corp present the John Susice Memorial SS Race plus Full Card and Kids Rides

Friday, July 24 – Sid & Carol Jeffery Memorial Crate Late Models plus full card

Friday, July 31 – 7/31/2020 – World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series plus BEI Lightning Series, Investor’s Services Sportsman

Friday, August 7 – Tim Horton’s & Faery’s present Mini Stock Series plus Full Card 

Friday, August 14 – Dig Safely & Kentworth NE present the Empire Super Sprints plus full card

Friday, August 21 – Sunset Bar & Grill presents the Sean Letts Memorial plus Full Card and Foot Races! 

Friday, August 28 – Regional Haulage & East Coast Speed present Northeast Late Model Alliance plus full card

Friday, September 4 – Hy Tech Concrete presents Triple T Demo Derby! Full card

Friday, September 11 – Niagara Frontier Publications presents BRP Big Blocks! Ki Po Motors Street Stocks, Investor’s Services Sportsman, Krown Undercoating Modifieds, Mini Stocks

Friday, September 18 – Bailey Bros & Dunkin Donuts present Outlaw 358s, Ki Po Motors Street Stocks, Investor’s Services Sportsman, Krown Undercoating Modifieds, Mini Stocks

Four DIRTcar Champions Featured at Syracuse Motorsports Expo

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SYRACUSE, NY – March 5, 2020 – The 34th annual Syracuse Motorsports Expo attracts thousands of race fans across the Northeast, March 14-15 in the Center of Progress Building at the New York State Fairgrounds. DIRTcar Racing and the Super DIRTcar Series are coming in full force with all four 2019 series champions’ cars on display. 

Race fans have the opportunity to grab a photo with the 2019 Super DIRTcar Series championship Buzz Chew Racing No. 88 Big Block Modified, driven by Mat Williamson from St. Catharine’s, Ontario. 

Williamson edged out the seven-time Series champion Matt Sheppard at the 2019 Can-Am World Finals for his first career Super DIRTcar Series championship. He also took the checkered flag at Oswego Speedway to win the NAPA Super DIRT Week XLVIII Billy Whitaker Cars 200. 

Erick Rudolph, of Ransomville, NY, has proven to be an absolute ace in the cockpit of his No. 25R DIRTcar 358 Modified. He’s won track championships at Utica-Rome Speedway and Ransomville Speedway. Get up close and personal with Rudoph’s 2019 DIRTcar 358 Modified Series championship-winning car. 

Not only can Erick Rudolph wheel a dirt modified, but he can get around the extremely tight indoor bullrings driving his TQ-Midget. After the expo, head over to the New York Fairgrounds Expo Center Saturday night, March 14, to watch him do just that. 

Kevin Root is a DIRTcar Sportsman Modified rock star. The fan-favorite now has back-to-back Sportsman Modified Series championships. Not only is he fast, but his ride always stands out on the race track. Be sure to check it out at the DIRTcar display. 

The enthusiastic DIRTcar Pro Stock Series champion C.D. Beauchamp will also have his full-fendered beauty on display rounding out the four DIRTcar Northeast series champions. Beauchamp is making the tow all the way down from Ormstown, QUE. 

The 34th annual Syracuse Motorsports Expo runs from 10 am to 8 pm on Saturday, March 14 and 11 am to 4 pm Sunday, March 15. Stop by the DIRTcar display to see all four DIRTcar Northeast champions, grab a schedule card, and chat with DIRTcar officials. 

If you are not able to make it to the show, follow us on Facebook and Twitter for photos and more from the weekend. You never know who might show up. 

Williamson Bookends DIRTcar Nationals in Victory Lane

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BARBERVILLE, FL – When the sun rose and heated up the Florida air this morning, only 50 laps on The World’s Fastest Half-Mile were all that separated Gypsum Racing’s Larry Wight from his third DIRTcar Nationals presented by Bozard Ford Big Gator Championship. 

Wight needed to finish fifteenth or better to prevent teammate Billy Decker from taking it for himself. Fortunately for the No. 99L, Wight finished sixth sandwiched between Decker in fifth and his other teammate Pat Ward in 

Championships are often won in the shop as well as the race track and the Gypsum Racing team knows that well. 

“It’s a combination of good preparation, a good car, a good motor, and a phenomenal crew. Having a family to back that up and allow us to put in the hours and put in the time at the track and come down here,” noted Wight. 

The Super DIRTcar Series pounded the Florida clay five nights in a row and the track was different every night, which created challenging and dynamic racing.

“The track threw us for a loop tonight. We didn’t think it would get as slick,” said Wight, of Phoenix, NY. “We thought the top would be a little bit better so we tried to get the car freed up versus last night. I guess we should have left it a little bit snugger.”

Wight hopes he can bring home momentum and race data to Can-Am Speedway to start another run at the Super DIRTcar Series championship. 

Although it’s not the Big Gator, defending Super DIRTcar Series Mat Williamson is more than happy the Buzz Chew Racing team’s efforts were rewarded with two Gator wins, including tonight’s $5,000 grand prize. 

The race for the Big Gator championship probably would have come down to Wight and Williamson had the No. 88 not suffered a broken left rear shock, which resulted in a 15th place finish for the defending Series champion. 

“That Buzz Chew Chevrolet was pretty good. I think everyone in our pit area was disappointed with what happened Thursday night,” said Williamson, of St. Catharines, ON. “It just made us work harder and show everyone what we’re made of.”

Only Williamson and Wight found Victory Lane at this year’s DIRTcar Nationals. Williamson’s broken shock on Thursday and the Gypsum team’s dominance tipped the championship scales in Wight’s favor. 

“That’s what championships are made of,” Williamson said. “Hats off to Larry [Wight] and his guys, they had a solid week. We tried our best and couldn’t beat them. It goes to show how good they are,” Williamson said. 

The Buzz Chew Racing team struggled at the DIRTcar Nationals in 2019. They’ve been bound and determined to come back and succeed at Volusia. Bookending the week with wins and competing for the overall points title felt like redemption. 

Runner up Jimmy Phelps and his HBR crew worked hard all week on their new Bicknell chassis and set up package. 

“This is a new program for us with the chassis and coil-over suspension. We came down here with some stuff in mind that we wanted to play with,” said Phelps. “We got ourselves a little off track Wednesday and Thursday. It took until Thursday or me personally to figure out where I wanted to be on the race track. A top 5 last night and a podium tonight, we’re pretty happy with our progress.”

The Baldwinsville Bandit went on to say: “We learned a lot. We got beat by the hottest guy on dirt right now. There’s nothing to hang our heads about. We learned a ton that we can take back north with us. 

Another driver with early-week woes was the seven-time Super DIRTcar Series champion Matt Sheppard. The driver from Waterloo, NY recorded finishes uncharacteristically down the order throughout the week but showed improvement every single night. 

“We had a really good car tonight. We’ve been chasing this thing all week and we made a big stride tonight. We had a good car all night. Track position was very key,” said Sheppard. 

And of course, there’s the part that no one from the northeast is looking forward to. 

“Now we make the long trip home back to the snow.”

Brett Hearn knows the fast way around Volusia Speedway Park. In fact, The Jet holds the record for consecutive victories with 5 at the Florida oval. Tonight Hearn picked up 12 positions to finish eleventh from twenty-third. 

Next up, the Series first points race takes place on Saturday, April 11 at Can-Am Speedway in Lafargville, NY for a $7,500-to-win 100-lap Feature. 

Stay up to date with on the Super DIRTcar Series with news, photos, videos by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

FEATURE (50 Laps)

  1. 88-Mat Williamson [2][$5,000]; 2. 98H-Jimmy Phelps [1][$2,500]; 3. 9S-Matt Sheppard [4][$1,500]; 4. 49-Billy Dunn [5][$1,000]; 5. 91-Billy Decker [7][$800]; 6. 99L-Larry Wight [3][$700]; 7. 42P-Pat Ward [10][$650]; 8. 4-Andy Bachetti [19][$600]; 9. 25R-Erick Rudolph [11][$550]; 10. 19-Tim Fuller [15][$500]; 11. 20-Brett Hearn [23][$475]; 12. 44-Stewart Friesen [6][$450]; 13. 7MM-Michael Maresca [8][$425]; 14. 44P-Anthony Perrego [16][$400]; 15. 19M-Jessey Mueller [9][$375]; 16. 21A-Peter Britten [24][$350]; 17. 30-Ronnie Johnson [21][$325]; 18. 3-Justin Haers [18][$300]; 19. 23-Kyle Coffey [13][$300]; 20. 111-Demetrios Drellos [28][$300]; 21. 83-Brian Swartzlander [12][$300]; 22. 46-Jeremy Smith [14][$300]; 23. 32-Jim Rasey [25][$300]; 24. 8-Rich Scagliotta [26][$300]; 25. 1G-Darwin Greene [17][$300]; 26. 30M-JoJo Watson [22][$300]; 27. 1-Billy Pauch [20][$300]; 28. 7-Rick Laubach [27][$300]

Hard Charger Award: 20-Brett Hearn[+12]

FULL RESULTS HERE

Contingency awards:

VP Racing Fuels: 

$50 – Andy Bachetti

Drydene Performance Products: 

$50 – Larry Wight

$50 Certificate – Peter Britten

ASI Racewear:

$50 – Pat Ward

Bicknell Racing Products:

$100 Certificate – Mat Williamson

Billy Whittaker Cars:

$100 – Matt Sheppard

Cometic:

$50 – Stewart Friesen

Comp Cams:

$50 – Tim Fuller

$50 Certificate – Mat Williamson

DART:

$50 – Erick Rudolph

$100 Certificate – Jimmy Phelps

$100 Certificate – Kyle Coffey

Fox Racing Shox: 

$50 – Matt Sheppard

Wrisco:

$200 Certificate – Mat Williamson

2/15/20 Volusia Speedway Park

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FEATURE (50 Laps)
1. 88-Mat Williamson [2][$5,000]; 2. 98H-Jimmy Phelps [1][$2,500]; 3. 9S-Matt Sheppard [4][$1,500]; 4. 49-Billy Dunn [5][$1,000]; 5. 91-Billy Decker [7][$800]; 6. 99L-Larry Wight [3][$700]; 7. 42P-Pat Ward [10][$650]; 8. 4-Andy Bachetti [19][$600]; 9. 25R-Erick Rudolph [11][$550]; 10. 19-Tim Fuller [15][$500]; 11. 20-Brett Hearn [23][$475]; 12. 44-Stewart Friesen [6][$450]; 13. 7MM-Michael Maresca [8][$425]; 14. 44P-Anthony Perrego [16][$400]; 15. 19M-Jessey Mueller [9][$375]; 16. 21A-Peter Britten [24][$350]; 17. 30-Ronnie Johnson [21][$325]; 18. 3-Justin Haers [18][$300]; 19. 23-Kyle Coffey [13][$300]; 20. 111-Demetrios Drellos [28][$300]; 21. 83-Brian Swartzlander [12][$300]; 22. 46-Jeremy Smith [14][$300]; 23. 32-Jim Rasey [25][$300]; 24. 8-Rich Scagliotta [26][$300]; 25. 1G-Darwin Greene [17][$300]; 26. 30M-JoJo Watson [22][$300]; 27. 1-Billy Pauch [20][$300]; 28. 7-Rick Laubach [27][$300]

Hard Charger Award: 20-Brett Hearn[+12]

Qualifying Flight-A
1. 7MM-Michael Maresca, 17.567; 2. 99L-Larry Wight, 17.73; 3. 19M-Jessey Mueller, 17.769; 4. 23-Kyle Coffey, 18.13; 5. 48T-Dave Rauscher, 18.213; 6. 1G-Darwin Greene, 18.494; 7. 7-Rick Laubach, NT; 8. 21A-Peter Britten, NT

Qualifying Flight-B
1. 9S-Matt Sheppard, 17.561; 2. 91-Billy Decker, 17.598; 3. 46-Jeremy Smith, 17.794; 4. 42P-Pat Ward, 17.83; 5. 3-Justin Haers, 17.997; 6. 6D-Dillon Steuer, 18.036; 7. 30M-JoJo Watson, 18.16; 8. 44R-Russell Morseman, 19.039

Qualifying Flight-C
1. 98H-Jimmy Phelps, 17.714; 2. 49-Billy Dunn, 17.72; 3. 19-Tim Fuller, 17.821; 4. 25R-Erick Rudolph, 18.071; 5. 4-Andy Bachetti, 18.086; 6. 20-Brett Hearn, 18.111; 7. 8-Rich Scagliotta, 18.186; 8. 32-Jim Rasey, 18.516

Qualifying Flight-D
1. 88-Mat Williamson, 17.622; 2. 111-Demetrios Drellos, 17.731; 3. 44-Stewart Friesen, 17.738; 4. 30-Ronnie Johnson, 17.93; 5. 83-Brian Swartzlander, 17.959; 6. 1-Billy Pauch, 17.981; 7. 44P-Anthony Perrego, 18.019; 8. 13-Rick Regalski, 18.477

Heat #1 – Flight (A) – Spon.-1 (8 Laps) – Top 5 Transfer
1. 7MM-Michael Maresca [1]; 2. 99L-Larry Wight [2]; 3. 19M-Jessey Mueller [3]; 4. 23-Kyle Coffey [4]; 5. 1G-Darwin Greene [6]; 6. 7-Rick Laubach [7]; 7. 48T-Dave Rauscher [5]; 8. 21A-Peter Britten [8]

Heat #2 – Flight (B) – Spon.-2 (8 Laps) – Top 5 Transfer
1. 9S-Matt Sheppard [1]; 2. 91-Billy Decker [2]; 3. 42P-Pat Ward [4]; 4. 46-Jeremy Smith [3]; 5. 3-Justin Haers [5]; 6. 30M-JoJo Watson [7]; 7. 6D-Dillon Steuer [6]; 8. 44R-Russell Morseman [8]

Heat #3 – Flight (C) – Spon.-3 (8 Laps) – Top 5 Transfer
1. 98H-Jimmy Phelps [1]; 2. 49-Billy Dunn [2]; 3. 25R-Erick Rudolph [4]; 4. 19-Tim Fuller [3]; 5. 4-Andy Bachetti [5]; 6. 20-Brett Hearn [6]; 7. 32-Jim Rasey [8]; 8. 8-Rich Scagliotta [7]

Heat #4 – Flight (D) (8 Laps) – Top 5 Transfer
1. 88-Mat Williamson [1]; 2. 44-Stewart Friesen [3]; 3. 83-Brian Swartzlander [5]; 4. 44P-Anthony Perrego [7]; 5. 1-Billy Pauch [6]; 6. 30-Ronnie Johnson [4]; 7. 111-Demetrios Drellos [2]; 8. 13-Rick Regalski [8]

LCS1 – Last Chance Showdowns (10 Laps) – Top 6 Transfer
1. 30-Ronnie Johnson [4][]; 2. 30M-JoJo Watson [2][]; 3. 20-Brett Hearn [3][]; 4. 21A-Peter Britten [9][]; 5. 32-Jim Rasey [7][]; 6. 8-Rich Scagliotta [11][]; 7. 44R-Russell Morseman [10][$75]; 8. 111-Demetrios Drellos [8][]; 9. 6D-Dillon Steuer [6][$75]; 10. 48T-Dave Rauscher [5][$75]; 11. 13-Rick Regalski [12][$75]; 12. 7-Rick Laubach [1][]

Wight’s Perfect V-Day

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BARBERVILLE, FL – February 14, 2020 – Lightning Larry Wight, from Phoenix, NY, joined elite company in the record books by winning his third DIRTcar Nationals presented by Bozard Ford Feature win in a row. Only Brett Hearn and Kenny Brightbill have won three or more consecutive races at Volusia Speedway Park in Super DIRTcar Series competition. 

Wight’s first 2 wins this week came from the outside pole position but tonight the No. 99L started seventh with 6 very fast Big Block Modifieds in his way. 

Wight’s teammate The Franklin Flyer Billy Decker started on pole-sitter Rick Laubach’s outside but slid to the bottom on the backstretch and outmuscled Laubach out of turn 4 on the initial start. 

As the race progressed and Decker built a lead, most of the top runners were on the high side of the speedway. Wight made his way by 2 of the fastest cars on the property; Anthony Perrego and Matt Sheppard. Then it was time to reel in the leader. 

For the win, Wight was forced to pass the one car on the track he didn’t want to: Gypsum Racing teammate Billy Decker. 

“He got stuck behind those lapped cars. He didn’t move up in time and we were able to get that top. I thought after I messed up the first time going after it, Billy would have taken the top away from me but he left me just enough room to enter above the cushion and cut down. Luckily the car turned just enough for it,” Wight described. 

Due to a rain shower before Hot Laps and superior track preparation, the surface was full throttle. 

“The track crew did a phenomenal job getting that track turned around today in the short amount of time they had once the rain stopped,” Wight noted. “This car has been working no matter what the surface is. Luckily we haven’t changed the set up much. That goes to show you we got it working good.” 

Larry Wight has won 4 out of the last 6 Super DIRTcar Series DIRTcar Nationals Features. 

Billy Decker is a 3-time winner at The World’s Fastest Half-Mile. He was 4 laps away from his fourth.

“When you lose the lead it’s disappointing,” said Decker. “We lost to the right guy but we certainly wanted the win.” 

Larry Wight has everyone in the Gator Pond scrambling for set up changes. The Gypsum Racing team put their heads together and worked on the No. 91 throughout the day.

“We made some changes but it wasn’t enough. He [Wight] is just too versatile,” conceded Decker. 

In third was last night’s hard-luck candidate Mat Williamson from St. Catharines, ON. The Buzz Chew Racing team went hammer down to get the No. 88 back to the front. 

“We gave it all we had. We were disappointed after last night’s mishap. Fortunately tonight we turned things around,” said Williamson. “We got here at 8 o’clock this morning and put in a day’s work and it really paid off for the guys.”

After starting ninth, Williamson needed a track he could make gains on. 

“The track was challenging but it was racy. Given the weather we had today, you can’t complain. It’s a factor. Hopefully, it’s similar tomorrow.”

Join us tomorrow night at Volusia Speedway Park for the final race of the 2020 DIRTcar National presented by Bozark Ford. Don’t miss it as we will crown the 2020 DIRTcar Nationals presented by Bozard Ford Big Gator Champion!

 If you can’t make it to the track, log in with DIRTvision and get a month-long Fast Pass to catch all the action live. 

Stay up to date on social media by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

FEATURE (30 Laps)

  1. 99L-Larry Wight [7][$3,000]; 2. 91-Billy Decker [2][$1,500]; 3. 88-Mat Williamson [9][$1,000]; 4. 44P-Anthony Perrego [13][$800]; 5. 98H-Jimmy Phelps [8][$700]; 6. 4-Andy Bachetti [5][$650]; 7. 9S-Matt Sheppard [3][$600]; 8. 111-Demetrios Drellos [10][$550]; 9. 49-Billy Dunn [19][$500]; 10. 19-Tim Fuller [15][$450]; 11. 7-Rick Laubach [1][$400]; 12. 25R-Erick Rudolph [20][$375]; 13. 42P-Pat Ward [25][$350]; 14. 83-Brian Swartzlander [14][$325]; 15. 3-Justin Haers [11][$300]; 16. 19M-Jessey Mueller [17][$275]; 17. 46-Jeremy Smith [26][$250]; 18. 7MM-Michael Maresca [6][$250]; 19. 32-Jim Rasey [22][$250]; 20. 20-Brett Hearn [12][$250]; 21. 21A-Peter Britten [4][$250]; 22. 23-Kyle Coffey [18][$250]; 23. 30-Ronnie Johnson [23][$250]; 24. 6D-Dillon Steuer [24][$250]; 25. 1-Billy Pauch [16][$250]; 26. 30M-JoJo Watson [21][$250]

 

Hard Charger Award: 42P-Pat Ward[+12]

 

FULL RESULTS HERE

2/14/2020 Volusia Speedway Park

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FEATURE (30 Laps) — 1. 99L-Larry Wight [7][$3,000]; 2. 91-Billy Decker [2][$1,500]; 3. 88-Mat Williamson [9][$1,000]; 4. 44P-Anthony Perrego [13][$800]; 5. 98H-Jimmy Phelps [8][$700]; 6. 4-Andy Bachetti [5][$650]; 7. 9S-Matt Sheppard [3][$600]; 8. 111-Demetrios Drellos [10][$550]; 9. 49-Billy Dunn [19][$500]; 10. 19-Tim Fuller [15][$450]; 11. 7-Rick Laubach [1][$400]; 12. 25R-Erick Rudolph [20][$375]; 13. 42P-Pat Ward [25][$350]; 14. 83-Brian Swartzlander [14][$325]; 15. 3-Justin Haers [11][$300]; 16. 19M-Jessey Mueller [17][$275]; 17. 46-Jeremy Smith [26][$250]; 18. 7MM-Michael Maresca [6][$250]; 19. 32-Jim Rasey [22][$250]; 20. 20-Brett Hearn [12][$250]; 21. 21A-Peter Britten [4][$250]; 22. 23-Kyle Coffey [18][$250]; 23. 30-Ronnie Johnson [23][$250]; 24. 6D-Dillon Steuer [24][$250]; 25. 1-Billy Pauch [16][$250]; 26. 30M-JoJo Watson [21][$250]; KSE Hard Charger Award: 42P-Pat Ward[+12]

Qualifying Flight-A – 1. 7-Rick Laubach, 17.576; 2. 91-Billy Decker, 17.657; 3. 88-Mat Williamson, 17.724; 4. 32-Jim Rasey, 17.986; 5. 44P-Anthony Perrego, 18.046; 6. 19M-Jessey Mueller, 18.399; 7. 1G-Darwin Greene, 18.514; 8. 44R-Russell Morseman, 18.637

Qualifying Flight-B – 1. 9S-Matt Sheppard, 17.659; 2. 21A-Peter Britten, 17.718; 3. 83-Brian Swartzlander, 18.049; 4. 111-Demetrios Drellos, 18.152; 5. 6D-Dillon Steuer, 18.256; 6. 30M-JoJo Watson, 18.323; 7. 46-Jeremy Smith, 18.483; 8. 23-Kyle Coffey, 18.494

Qualifying Flight-C – 1. 4-Andy Bachetti, 17.862; 2. 49-Billy Dunn, 17.998; 3. 19-Tim Fuller, 18.035; 4. 98H-Jimmy Phelps, 18.057; 5. 30-Ronnie Johnson, 18.178; 6. 42P-Pat Ward, 18.215; 7. 8-Rich Scagliotta, 18.267; 8. 3-Justin Haers, 18.386

Qualifying Flight-D – 1. 99L-Larry Wight, 17.666; 2. 25R-Erick Rudolph, 17.888; 3. 20-Brett Hearn, 18.059; 4. 7MM-Michael Maresca, 18.124; 5. 1-Billy Pauch, 18.159; 6. 13-Rick Regalski, 18.279; DNS. 48T-Dave Rauscher, NT

Heat #1 – Flight (A) – (8 Laps) – Top 5 Transfer – 1. 7-Rick Laubach [1]; 2. 91-Billy Decker [2]; 3. 88-Mat Williamson [3]; 4. 44P-Anthony Perrego [5]; 5. 19M-Jessey Mueller [6]; 6. 32-Jim Rasey [4]; 7. 44R-Russell Morseman [8]; 8. 1G-Darwin Greene [7]

Heat #2 – Flight (B) – (8 Laps) – Top 5 Transfer – 1. 9S-Matt Sheppard [1]; 2. 21A-Peter Britten [2]; 3. 111-Demetrios Drellos [4]; 4. 83-Brian Swartzlander [3]; 5. 23-Kyle Coffey [8]; 6. 30M-JoJo Watson [6]; 7. 6D-Dillon Steuer [5]; 8. 46-Jeremy Smith [7]

Heat #3 – Flight (C) – (8 Laps) – Top 5 Transfer – 1. 98H-Jimmy Phelps [4]; 2. 4-Andy Bachetti [1]; 3. 3-Justin Haers [8]; 4. 19-Tim Fuller [3]; 5. 49-Billy Dunn [2]; 6. 30-Ronnie Johnson [5]; 7. 8-Rich Scagliotta [7]; 8. 42P-Pat Ward [6]

Heat #4 – Flight (D) (8 Laps) – Top 5 Transfer – 1. 99L-Larry Wight [1]; 2. 7MM-Michael Maresca [4]; 3. 20-Brett Hearn [3]; 4. 1-Billy Pauch [5]; 5. 25R-Erick Rudolph [2]; 6. 13-Rick Regalski [6]; 7. 48T-Dave Rauscher [7]

Last Chance Showdowns (10 Laps) – Top 4 Transfer – 1. 30M-JoJo Watson [2][$]; 2. 32-Jim Rasey [1][$]; 3. 30-Ronnie Johnson [3][$]; 4. 6D-Dillon Steuer [6][$]; 5. 42P-Pat Ward [11][$75]; 6. 8-Rich Scagliotta [7][$75]; 7. 46-Jeremy Smith [10][$75]; 8. 13-Rick Regalski [4][$75]; 9. 1G-Darwin Greene [9][$75]; 10. 44R-Russell Morseman [5][$75]; 11. 48T-Dave Rauscher [8][$75]

Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds Volusia Speedway Park February 14th, 2020 | HIGHLIGHTS

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Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds Volusia Speedway Park February 14th, 2020 | HIGHLIGHTS

Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modified Feature Event Highlights from Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida on February 14th, 2020.

Wight Whistles by ‘The Jet’ at Volusia

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BARBERVILLE, FL – February 12, 2020 – Brett “The Jet” Hearn started on the pole, but it was Larry Wight, from Phoenix, NY, who lit the afterburners and squeezed between the No. 20 and the front stretch wall for the victory. 

The defending DIRTcar Nationals presented by Bozard Ford champion is white-hot at The World’s Fastest Half-Mile Volusia Speedway Park. The No. 99 Gypsum Racing Big Block Modified has now graced Victory Lane at Volusia two out of the last four races at the speedway. 

As he often does, Wight found purchase on the high side. 

“That thing just came alive on the top. We were able to run that middle-to-top through 1 and 2 and right through the middle in 3 and 4,” said Wight. “It felt like the car was just glued to the track, so I just kept running that line and I didn’t see anyone showing a nose. It’s one of those deals where you’re the leader and you don’t know what line is better.”

After making the fateful pass on Hearn, Wight built a lead. A few restarts bunched up the field and Stewart Friesen drew in. 

“As soon as he showed that nose I knew it was time to go to the bottom. I knew if I could get a couple lapped cars and not have to get off the bottom, we’d be alright. I caught Jeremy Smith and I just stayed there. I knew Stewie would have to Bonzai-it to make it work.”

Wight’s DIRTcar Nationals success has come with a lot of trial and error and heartbreak. 

“We’ve always enjoyed coming down here. We’ve been really close over the past six years. There were a lot of wins we let slip out,” noted Wight. “I just think we have a better handle on the car. The crew is meshing. Brandon and Jake are just working their tails off on this thing. We finished last season on a high note and this is a great way to kick off this season.”

Once Wight established his lead it was Stewart Friesen, from Sprakers, NY, that stepped up to the plate. Late in the race, Friesen caught Wight in lapped traffic. Friesen drove the Halmar Racing No. 44 deep into turn 1 but failed to get alongside Wight. After 30 laps Friesen finished in second. 

“The track narrowed up late in the race and I wasn’t able to get a run on him,” said Friesen. 

Friesen is currently second in Gator Championship points. He also busy day at the Daytona International Speedway with 2 practice sessions in his NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series No. 52.

DIRTcar Nationals Championship points leader and defending Series champion Mat Williamson rounded out the podium. The Buzz Chew No. 88 driver from St. Catharines, ON pulled eighth in the Albany-Saratoga Speedway/The Big Show 12 Top 8 Redraw. It took five calculated moves to pick up a third-place finish. 

Williamson and his team know as well as anyone that consistency wins championships. 

“There are 3 more races in this deal. It just goes to show you how good this Buzz Chew team is. We unloaded fast and that’s because of all the hard work during the winter in the shop,” said Williamson. 

The track conditions at Volusia Speedway Park always keep the drivers guessing and hitting the right set up is key. 

“The track was a little bit slippier,” noted Williamson. “I felt our car was a little better last night than it was tonight. When you start on the pole you can get into clean air and control the race. I think we’ve got a little bit of work to do.”

It looked as though the stars were aligning for Brett Hearn when he drew the pole position in the Albany-Saratoga Speedway/Brett Hearn’s The Big Show Top 8 Redraw. 

At the start, Hearn was immediately contested by Larry Wight. The No. 99L drew alongside the Madsen Motorsports No. 20 and after a lap-long door-to-door, Wight bested the 900 plus Feature winner coming out of turn 4. He finished fourth in the 30-lap Feature.  

Hearn crossed the line second to Erick Rudolph in his Heat Race and was coming on strong before Dave Farney threw the checkered flag. It appears that ‘The Jet’ is fully armed and ready for take-off. 

The Gypsum Racing No. 91 of The Franklin Flyer Billy Decker struggled in Time Trials, which set him back in the Heat Race. Fortunately for the race fans in attendance at Volusia Speedway Park, Decker passed 9 cars to go from sixteenth to seventh making him the race’s hard charger. 

Join us tomorrow night at Volusia Speedway Park for the race three of the 2020 DIRTcar National presented by Bozark Ford. If you can’t make it to the track, log in with DIRTVision and get a month-long Fast Pass to catch all the action live. 

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FEATURE (30 LAPS) – 1. 99L-Larry Wight [2][$3,000]; 2. 44-Stewart Friesen [4][$1,500]; 3. 88-Mat Williamson [8][$1,000]; 4. 20-Brett Hearn [1][$800]; 5. 49-Billy Dunn [5][$700]; 6. 25R-Erick Rudolph [6][$650]; 7. 91-Billy Decker [16][$600]; 8. 44P-Anthony Perrego [9][$550]; 9. 4-Andy Bachetti [3][$500]; 10. 21A-Peter Britten [12][$450]; 11. 1-Billy Pauch [10][$400]; 12. 30-Ronnie Johnson [14][$375]; 13. 19-Tim Fuller [19][$350]; 14. 42P-Pat Ward [21][$325]; 15. 19M-Jessey Mueller [22][$300]; 16. 111-Demetrios Drellos [17][$275]; 17. 3-Justin Haers [11][$250]; 18. 98H-Jimmy Phelps [13][$250]; 19. 9S-Matt Sheppard [15][$250]; 20. 23-Kyle Coffey [24][$250]; 21. 46-Jeremy Smith [20][$250]; 22. 83-Brian Swartzlander [18][$250]; 23. 48T-Dave Rauscher [25][$250]; 24. 7-Rick Laubach [7][$250]; 25. 7MM-Michael Maresca [23][$250]; 26. 6D-Dillon Steuer [26][$250]; KSE Hard Charger Award: 91-Billy Decker[+9]

SEE FULL RESULTS

SEE GATOR CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS

Contingency awards:

VP Racing Fuels: $50 – Anthony Perrego

Drydene Performance Products: $50 – Erick Rudolph; $50 Certificate – Demetrios Drellos

ASI Racewear: $50 – Billy Decker

Bicknell Racing Products: $100 Certificate – Larry Wight

Billy Whittaker Cars: $100 – Stewart Friesen

Cometic: $50 – Ronnie Johnson

Comp Cams: $50 – Peter Britten $50 Certificate – Larry Wight 

DART: $50 – Andy Bachetti; $100 Certificate – Stewart Friesen; $100 Certificate – Matt Sheppard

Fox Racing Shox:  $50 – Mat Williamson

Wrisco: $200 Certificate – Larry Wight