ATLANTIC CITY, NJ January 30, 2011. . . There is a certain pride that comes in winning the Gambler’s Classic TQ-Midget race at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

Just ask Ted Christopher.

The former NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion claimed his second career Gambler’s Classic title Saturday night.

“When you think about this race and the history that is involved in indoor racing in Atlantic City, it really means something special to win it,” said Christopher of Plainville, Conn. “We only come here once a year and we, as a team, put a lot of effort into winning this race so I take a certain amount of great pride with this victory.”

Christopher joins an elite group of Gambler’s Classic winners as he joins Lou Cicconi Jr and Joey Payne as the only two-time winners of the event. Christopher’s only Gambler’s Classic win came in 2009. Christopher visited AC Victory Lane last season, but that victory came in the preliminary main event.

Matt Janisch of Nazareth, Pa., was second in the final tally, while Billy Pauch of Frenchtown, N.J. was third; Billy Wease of Noblesville, Ind., was fourth; and Matt Roselli of Broadheadsville, Pa., was fifth.

Christopher’s victory came in a car that he purchased four years ago from Art Lawshe for a small sum of $4500. The win on Saturday night earned Christopher a cool $5000.

But it was the off-season preparation that provided Christopher with a car that was simply “bad fast.”

The chassis and surrounding bars were tricked out and the car weighed-in at 826 pounds, one pound over the mandatory weight.

“I owe it all to my crew guys and especially to Michael O’Sullivan,” Christopher said. “He worked incredibly hard in getting this car ready for the toll that it can take with the indoor racing.”

Christopher started seventh in the 26-car grid, but he wasted little time in showing his strength.

By lap four of the 40-lap main event, Christopher already worked up to second where he followed Joey Payne.

Payne’s night ended on lap seven when a radius rod broke which sent his car hard into the outside turn three wall. Payne was not injured in the crash.

“I saw the bolt come out on the backstretch,” Payne said. “There wasn’t anything I could have done except to ride it out.”

Christopher was handed the lead spot while Janisch and Ian Cumens followed in the top three.

The scariest crash of the evening occurred on lap 22 when Ryan Smith was clipped into the outside frontstretch wall. His car climbed the wall, rolled on its side and slid down the frontstretch, drilling the turn one wall. He was not injured.

Over the final 18 tours, Christopher dominated the race as he defeated Janisch by five car lengths at the line.

The weekend was near perfect for Christopher as he set a track record on Friday and he won his heat race on Saturday. A damaged left-front wheel sent Christopher to the pits with five laps left on Friday. He was leading at the time.

Christopher, Cicconi, Payne and Smith won heat races, while Ryan Greth and Frank Fischer won B-Mains. Glenn Heverin won the Non-Qualifiers race.

Michael Butler of Milford, N.J. won the Herr’s Snacks Slingshot main event over Tiffany Wambold, Shannon Smith, Mario Page and Jim Houseworth.

Butler earned $1500 for the victory, his first in Atlantic City and he dedicated the win to his grandfather Oliver.

Modified ace Rick Laubach won the B-Main.

Norman Hynes of Lithicum, Md., earned $1500 for claiming the Champ Kart feature event. Hynes led the entire 25-lap main event en route to scoring his first career win in Atlantic City.

Ryan Kendall was second, followed by TJ Laro, Eric Zeh and Donnie Nale.

Kevin Orlando won the B-Main.

TQ-Midget Feature Finish, 40 Laps: 1. Ted Christopher; 2. Matt Janisch; 3. Billy Pauch; 4. Billy Wease; 5. Matt Roselli; 6. Ryan Greth; 7. Danny Johnson; 8. Mike Lichty; 9. Joe Lord Jr; 10. Chris Stockham; 11. Tim Proctor; 12. Shaun Carrig; 13. Mike Tidaback; 14. Dan Lane Jr; 15. Ian Cumens; 16. Paul Lotier Jr; 17. Christopher Allen Jr; 18. Tim Buckwalter; 19. Ryan Smith; 20. Chris DeRitis; 21. Jeff Kot; 22. Joey Payne; 23. Lou Cicconi Jr; 24. Timex Morgan; 25. Mike Stefanik; 26. Frank Fischer.

Slingshot Feature Finish, 25 Laps: 1. Michael Butler; 2. Tiffany Wambold; 3. Shannon Smith; 4. Mario Page; 5. Jim Houseworth; 6. Gary Hieber; 7. Matt Dealaman; 8. Michael Glass; 9. Kyle Hieber; 10. Anthony Perrego; 11. Jimmy Spellman; 12. Kurt Bettler; 13. Matt Hearn; 14. Jesse Hartman; 15. Jay Hartman; 16. Nick Pecko; 17. Brad Arnold; 18. Vern McLaughlin; 19. Bobby Butler; 20. Anthony Schlosser-White; 21. Rick Laubach; 22. Brandon Azzalina; 23. Jeff Hartman; 24. Brett Bieber.

Champ Kart Feature Finish, 25 Laps: 1. Norman Hynes; 2. Ryan Kendall; 3. TJ Laro; 4. Eric Zeh; 5. Don Nale; 6. Kyle Ellwood; 7. Justin Bonsignore; 8. Ron Milford Jr; 9. Eddie Sickles; 10. Kevin Orlando; 11. Andrew Swisher; 12. Cameron Bellinger; 13. David Daniels; 14. David Calabrese; 15. Bryan Shields; 16. Mike Perry; 17. Justin Strumpe; 19. Shawn Solomito; 20. Kevin Root; 21. Todd Root; 22. James Hayden; 23. Jeremy Tuttle; 24. Steve Midford Jr; 25. Brad Davis; 26. Coby Cressinger.

-End-

Race result story created by Jerry Reigle

Ernie Saxton Communications, Inc.
Motorsports Marketing
215.752.7797 - office
386-677-5152 - Florida
267.934.7286 - cell/text
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR on Wednesday announced that it has added a wild-card element to setting the Chase for the Sprint Cup field and it has simplified its points system for 2011, making it easier for fans, competitors and the industry to understand.

While the 12-driver Chase field remains intact, the final two spots will be determined by the number of victories during the first 26 races.
The top 10 in points following Race No. 26 -- the "cutoff" race -- continue to earn Chase berths.

Positions 11 and 12 are "wild-card" qualifiers and will go to non-top-10-ranked drivers with the most victories, as long as they're ranked in the top 20 in points. The top 10 Chase drivers will continue to be seeded based on victories during the first 26 races, with each win worth three bonus points. The wild-card drivers will not receive bonus points for wins and will be seeded 11th and 12th, respectively. It's a move aimed toward rewarding winning and consistency during the regular season.

NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France made the announcements at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C., during the Sprint Media Tour.

"The fans tell us that winning matters the most with them, so we're combining the tradition of consistency in our sport with the excitement that comes along with winning," France said. "This makes every race count leading into the 26th race of the season at Richmond, when we set the field for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup."

The new points system -- which applies to all NASCAR national series -- will award points in one-point increments. As an example, in the Cup Series, race winners will earn 43 points, plus three bonus points for the victory. Winners also can earn an extra point for leading a lap and leading the most laps, bringing their total to a possible maximum of 48 points.

All other drivers in a finishing order will be separated by one-point increments. A second-place finisher will earn 42 points, a third-place driver 41 points, and so on. A last-place finisher -- 43rd place -- earns one point. In the Camping World Truck Series, the last-place finisher receives eight points, to account for that series' 36-driver race field.

"Many of our most loyal fans don't fully understand the points system we have used to date," said France, referencing the system that has been in use since 1975. "So, we are simplifying the points system to one that is much easier to understand. Conceptually, it is comparable to our previous system, but it is easier to follow."

During his remarks Wednesday night, France reflected on the outstanding competition the sport enjoyed in 2010 and expected to see that high caliber of racing to continue once the green flag drops for the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 20.

"NASCAR enters 2011 with positive momentum and a great sense of excitement and optimism," France said. "We're extremely excited for the launch of the season. Leading the season off with Daytona, Phoenix and Las Vegas, we believe our fans are in store for some of the best racing the sport has to offer."

Other competitive enhancements announced Wednesday:

Pick a Series -- Drivers in all three national series now must select the series where they'll compete for a drivers' championship. Drivers still may compete in multiple series and help their teams win owners' titles in series where they're not competing for a drivers' title. The move helps spotlight young talent in the Nationwide and Truck series.

New Qualifying Procedure -- The qualifying order will be set based upon slowest-to-fastest practice speeds.

Inclement Weather Qualifying -- If bad weather cancels qualifying, the final starting lineup will be determined by practice speeds. The same rule book procedures will be used to determine eligibility to start a race. If weather cancels practice sessions, then the starting lineup will be set by points, per the rule book.

Tire Rules Revision -- Cup teams now are allowed five sets of tires for practice and qualifying instead of six. They must return four of those sets to Goodyear in order to receive their race allotment, and may keep one set of practice/qualifying tires. Tire allotments for race weekends will vary according to historical performance data.

Closed Loop Fueling System -- Introduced in the Truck Series, this goes into effect for all three national series in 2011. It combines a more efficient fueling system with the elimination of the catch-can man, considered the most "vulnerable" pit-crew member. Teams now will use six, rather than seven, over-the-wall pit-crew members.

Evolution of Cup Car -- NASCAR continues to work with the manufacturers and teams to enhance the look of the Cup Series car. The cars have new fronts this season and the body makeover will continue to help appeal to fans and aid manufacturer identity.

NINTH ANNUAL GAMBLER’S CLASSIC INDOOR AUTO
RACING WEEKEND - BOARDWALK HALL
Promoter: Len Sammons, Len Sammons Productions - 609.888.3618
MEDIA CONTACT: Ernie Saxton
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BERTLING READY TO REHASH SOME GOOD MEMORIES OF BOARDWALK HALL
69 Year Old Set To Race In Gambler’s Classic Events

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ January 25, 2011 . . . Jack Bertling isn’t one to gloat over the number of wins he has at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.
He’s old school.
The checkered flags collected over the years were a product of what he did as a race car driver. The details are forgotten.
So when asked how many victories he collected over the years, Bertling, 69, answered in a matter-of-fact tone.
“I don’t really know, but I know it was a few times,” Bertling said. “I think my first might have been in 1969 and my last one was in 1979, but I don’t know how many total wins I have in Atlantic City.”
For the record, Bertling, a former New Jersey resident who now resides in Kannapolis, N.C., has five wins in Atlantic City, and he will return to the track this weekend for the Gambler’s Classic as he’ll drive a well prepared car that was formerly driven by Donnie Adams
“I always loved that race track,” Bertling said. “Man, we could fly around it. It had a great feel to it. Atlantic City. … my, I loved racing there.
“It’s not the same as it is now, you know. It used to be a lot bigger. We would actually vanish from the fans when we were on the straight stretches, because we went underneath the bleachers. Let me tell you, that place was really cool.”
Today, the ice hockey rink is transformed into a racing surface. When Bertling was racing indoors, Boardwalk Hall hosted many activities including the Liberty Bowl college football game.
“It was so big that they could play football in there,” Bertling said. “In fact, they even offered a money prize if someone could punt and throw a ball and hit the roof. I even once saw a helicopter in that building.”
The racing surface has been trimmed from the days when Bertling zipped around it, but there is still a common denominator that you still have to be aggressive behind the wheel.
“I am sure that hasn’t changed,” Bertling said. “I haven’t seen a race at Boardwalk Hall in two years, but I am sure you have to be up on the wheel.”
Bertling’s first time behind the wheel will come this Friday.
“I’d like to be competing in the practice session on Thursday, but I don’t believe we can pull it off,” Bertling said. “We’ll just have to be ready and get some practice time on Friday.”
It’s not like Bertling needs the practice.
He might be a bit rusty, but his experience and expertise of racing TQ-Midgets speaks volumes and will help when the engines are fired.
In fact, Bertling was so good in his time that he earned the nickname “Black Jack.”
“I got it from a promoter at Pine Brook Speedway,” Bertling said. “A lot of people didn’t like me and one night they had this deal at Pine Brook.
“I went there and the fans in the grandstands were wearing either blue or yellow shirts. It was incredible. I was like, ‘What the devil is going on?’”
Bertling was, in fact, the reason for the promotion.
“The blue shirts had I love Jack Bertling writing on them, while the yellow shirts had I hate Jack Bertling on them,” Bertling recalled.
It gets a bit worse.
“Before the feature, I went to walk on the track and the track crew said, ‘No Jack, hold on.’
“Out of nowhere, a stretched limousine pulls up. The door opens up and they tell me to get in. They ended up taking me to the frontstretch and when it stopped, they rolled out the red carpet. My, oh my, the fans started booing and I had nothing to do with it.”
Bertling, who is married to Nick Fornoro Sr’s daughter, spends his days and nights in North Carolina. He moved south just slightly more than six years ago.
He has sent out a countless number of resumes in search of involvement in some NASCAR-related team, but with the current state of the economy he is finding it hard to procure employment.
For this weekend, Bertling won’t care about finding a job.
Instead, he’ll focus on what makes him happy – driving and competing.
“I can’t wait for it,” Bertling said. “I can’t wait to get back racing behind the wheel of a TQ-Midget and I can’t wait to see a lot of my buddies from that area.”
Tickets for the Atlantic City Indoor Race are currently on sale through Ticketmaster (1-800-736-1420) or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Tickets are available with no extra fee applied at the Boardwalk Hall box office,
Activity in Atlantic City will begin on Thurs., Jan. 27, with paid practice from 5-10 p.m. Weekend activity will begin on Fri., Jan. 28, at 4:30 p.m. with time trials. The night will include heat events for TQ-Midgets and B-Mains for the 600cc Micro Sprint Cars, Slingshots and Champ Karts. It will culminate with a 20-lap 600cc Micro Sprint Car main event and a 30-lap TQ-Midget feature race.
The Sat., Jan. 29, program kicks off at 5 p.m. with the Fanfest, which will be held on the indoor racing surface.
The Saturday-night portion of the show is slated to begin at 7 p.m. Heat races and semis will lead up the 40-lap "Gamblers Classic" for TQ-Midgets, with Slingshots and Champ Karts also on the schedule.
-End-

NOTE: This release written by Jerry Reigle

Ernie Saxton Communications, Inc.
Motorsports Marketing
215.752.7797 - office
386-677-5152 - Florida
267.934.7286 - cell/text
Esaxton144@aol.com
www.saxtonsponsormarket.com

Allentown, PA: CARQUEST Gasoline Alley Welcomes Indoor Giants Joey Payne, Lou Cicconi, Mike Stefanik, Ted Christopher And Billy Wease To Monday Night's Show
By:Steve Pados, GA Motorsports Media

The extremely popular and nationally acclaimed CARQUEST Gasoline Alley TV/Internet Show cranks up the airwaves on Monday evening with another fabulous edition of their show on Monday evening show , January 24th as they play host to another blockbuster lineup of talented racing stars and personalities who join the Gang for the fastest, funniest, and most informative racing show in the country today. The show airs from 6 to 8 PM every Monday evening on channels 103 and 137 and worldwide on the Internet. The Gang has been serving the racing world for the past eight years on the airwaves and is well noted for their well noted "theme" show format and will host the 509th edition of their show since they hit the airwaves and their 297th show since joining forces with the party channel at WALN Digital Cable and "Happy Jack" Burns on Channels 103 and 137. The Gasoline Alley Team of Ed and Steve Pados is looking forward to more of the same great format they have been following since the inception of their show back in 2002.

With this edition of the show the Gang will focus on a gifted group of racing personalities who have been spectacular in competing indoors. The first will be the original "Jersey Jet" Joey Payne who is coming off an outstanding season in 2010 with a runner-up status at the famed Oswego Speedway. Joey has won the Atlantic City event twice in the past with 2004 and 2007 showing the Jet in the winner's circle. Last season Payne was sixth in the final rundown of the event. "Liquid" Lou Cicconi, who is also a two winner of the event and will come in as the defending Champion, has a four car stable for the race with exciting URC racer Becca Anderson, hard driving Billy Wease and the "Doctor" Danny Johnson as stablemates when the event kicks-off. Lou, who was also a winner in 2006, is a three time ARDC driving champion and has captured 34 wins with the club. Cicconi won the the Fort Wayne Rumble in 2009 and is also a former champion with the ISMA Supermodified series having captured the title back in 2001. Mike Stefanik, a seven time champion on the Whelen Modified tour and a two time champion on the Busch North tour, has enjoyed some additional success in racing indoors with a rrunner-up finish to his credit at the last Atlantic city event and captured the last indoor event at Providence. The multi-talented "TC" Teddy Christopher, a former Whelen Modified tour champion in 2008, rejoins the Gang to talk about the upcoming event that he too has captured in the past. He has also been a previous winner at the Providence indoor event. Billy Wease, who has been spectacular at previous indoor events around his Indiana home state, will make his first Atlantic City start and should adpat well to the tight confines of the raceway. Billy swept the Fort Wayne Rumble events in 2008 and is a previous winner of the Turkey Night Grand Prix at Irwindale.

Miss WALN Cable Radio Vickie Kidd will join the Gang for this edition of the show.

The Gang will also be providing additional updates regarding the upcoming Phillipsburg Mall show that will run from March 6th until the 12th.

The popular award winning TV/Internet show offers a live internet video feed to all of the Internet subscribers to view the wide assortment of the many racing videos that are played while the show is in progress and to enjoy the chat sessions with the many great personalities from within the racing community who pay the Gang a visit to discuss racing. As always, a surprise or two will be expected as the Gasoline Alley Gang continues to bring the racing community the fastest, funniest and most informed racing show on the airwaves today. All shows produced by GA Motorsports Media are carefully researched, authenticated and fully scripted to produce for our loyal sponsors, guests and racing fans the best show on the airwaves today.

CARQUEST Gasoline Alley TV/Radio/Internet Show continues with its outstanding line-up of talented guests with this week's edition of the show. The Show's programming on WALN Digital Cable Radio, Internet www.walncableradio.com for the Audio portion and: livestream.com/walncableradio/old for the video portion. The Show is available on Service Electric Digital Cable TV, Channels 103, and 137 and is live from 6 to 8 PM and later tape delayed on Channel 50 at 11 PM.

Join the Gasoline Alley broadcasting team of Ed and Steve Pados on Monday evening January 24th as they take you on a two-hour circular journey with their well documented, very informative and extremely funny show.

Should you have questions on how to be a part of the show through advertising, appearances or remotes, please contact Steve Pados at: 610 573 9706; Ed Pados at: 610 739 0391; or the WALN Studios at: 610 791 1818. You may also email: steveswp@ptd.net

RACING NEWS THE WAY IT IS MEANT TO BE

A special-edition Chevrolet Camaro convertible will serve as the official pace car of the 2011 Indianapolis 500, both the famous race's and the famous Chevy brand's 100th anniversaries.

Chevrolet and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials made the announcement at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., last night where the first of 50 Indy "festival committee cars" will go on the block.
As part of the auction bidders will get the chance to vie for the first of 50 Indianapolis 500 Festival Committee cars, which are pace-car replicas. The special-edition cars mark the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 and Chevrolet’s centennial year.
The Camaro is the 22nd Chevrolet pace car, and it's the seventh time a Camaro has been chosen.

The pace car, along with the matching festival cars, features a summit White exterior accented with orange stripes and door graphics.
The interior is trimmed in orange leather, including front seat headrests embossed with the Indy 500 logo, along with white door panels and instrument panel trim. The instrument panel trim features extensions of the orange exterior stripes.

The color combination is similar to the design used on the 1969 Camaro Indy pace car, which has spawned many imitations. – replicas of which have become among the most popular Camaros in the collector world.

The auction for the commemorative edition pace car takes place Saturday evening, Jan. 22, during the Speed channel’s live coverage of the auction.

The first Chevrolet to pace the Indy 500 was the 1948 Fleetmaster Six. Here’s the full list of Chevy pace cars:

* 1948 Fleetmaster Six
* 1955 Bel Air
* 1967 Camaro
* 1969 Camaro
* 1978 Corvette
* 1982 Camaro
* 1986 Corvette
* 1990 Beretta
* 1993 Camaro
* 1995 Corvette
* 1998 Corvette
* 1999 Monte Carlo
* 2002 Corvette
* 2003 SSR
* 2004 Corvette
* 2005 Corvette
* 2006 Corvette
* 2007 Corvette
* 2008 Corvette
* 2009 Camaro
* 2010 Camaro
* 2011 Camaro

Chevrolet will donate full proceeds of the auction to the David Foster Foundation, a charity devoted to supporting families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants.

Allentown, PA: CARQUEST Gasoline Alley Welcomes Chili Bowl Winner Kevin Swindell, Jonathan Beason, Donny Ray Crawford And Eric Baldaccini To Monday Night's Show
By:Steve Pados, GA Motorsports Media

The extremely popular and nationally acclaimed CARQUEST Gasoline Alley TV/Internet Show cranks up the airwaves on Monday evening with another fabulous edition of their show on Monday evening show , January 17th as they play host to another blockbuster lineup of talented racing stars and personalities who join the Gang for the fastest, funniest, and most informative racing show in the country today. The show airs from 6 to 8 PM every Monday evening on channels 103 and 137 and worldwide on the Internet. The Gang has been serving the racing world for the past eight years on the airwaves and is well noted for their well noted "theme" show format and will host the 508th edition of their show since they hit the airwaves and their 296th show since joining forces with the party channel at WALN Digital Cable and "Happy Jack" Burns on Channels 103 and 137. The Gasoline Alley Team of Ed and Steve Pados is looking forward to more of the same great format they have been following since the inception of their show back in 2002.

With this edition of the show the Gang will welcome three very diverse and talented group of driving stars who competed at the upcoming 25th Annual Edition of the running of the Chili Bowl in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The prestigious event had 264 entries for the indoor spectacular and no star was brighter than Kevin Swindell as he captured his second consecutive win at the event and won the Silver Driller award for the win to match his Golden Driller trophy from a season ago. Kevin will share his thoughts of the event and share his plans for the 2011 racing season ahead. Jonathan Beason, who rim-rode from 17th starting to position to claim fourth place in he Chili Bowl main will talk about his stellar performance at the event and just how the event is to qualify for. Donny Ray Crawford, who captured a preliminary win on Wednesday night and finished in 12th position will talk about his Wednesday night win after two competitors came together and opened the door for the Crawford win. Top ASCS Sprint car ace Eric Baldaccini joins the Gang for the first time to talk about his capturing the ASCS Lone Star Region tile and what is on tap for the 2011 racing season.

Miss WALN Cable Radio Vickie Kidd will join the Gang for this edition of the show.

The Gang will also be providing all of the updates regarding the upcoming Phillipsburg Mall show that will run from March 6th until the 12th.

The popular award winning TV/Internet show offers a live internet video feed to all of the Internet subscribers to view the wide assortment of the many racing videos that are played while the show is in progress and to enjoy the chat sessions with the many great personalities from within the racing community who pay the Gang a visit to discuss racing. As always, a surprise or two will be expected as the Gasoline Alley Gang continues to bring the racing community the fastest, funniest and most informed racing show on the airwaves today. All shows produced by GA Motorsports Media are carefully researched, authenticated and fully scripted to produce for our loyal sponsors, guests and racing fans the best show on the airwaves today.

CARQUEST Gasoline Alley TV/Radio/Internet Show continues with its outstanding line-up of talented guests with this week's edition of the show. The Show's programming on WALN Digital Cable Radio, Internet www.walncableradio.com for the Audio portion and: livestream.com/walncableradio/old for the video portion. The Show is available on Service Electric Digital Cable TV, Channels 103, and 137 and is live from 6 to 8 PM and later tape delayed on Channel 50 at 11 PM.

Join the Gasoline Alley broadcasting team of Ed and Steve Pados on Monday evening January 17th as they take you on a two-hour circular journey with their well documented, very informative and extremely funny show.

Should you have questions on how to be a part of the show through advertising, appearances or remotes, please contact Steve Pados at: 610 573 9706; Ed Pados at: 610 739 0391; or the WALN Studios at: 610 791 1818. You may also email: steveswp@ptd.net

RACING NEWS THE WAY IT IS MEANT TO BE

Kevin Swindell Repeats Chili Bowl Nationals Triumph in Silver Anniversary Event!

Len Hayward, TULSA, Okla. (January 15, 2011) - It took 25 years for a back-to-back winner to happen at the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals Presented by General Tire, and it was only fitting that it was a Swindell to do it on the event’s Silver Anniversary.

Kevin Swindell added a Silver Driller to his trophy case that will likely sit beside the Golden Driller he won in 2010, as he held off a late charge from his father and five-time Chili Bowl champ, Sammy, on the final lap to take the victory in the 50-lap main event.

Sammy Swindell notched his third straight podium finish at the QuikTrip Center’s Tulsa Expo Raceway, while hard-charging New Zealander Michael Pickens overcame an early incident to charge his way back into the third spot. Native Oklahoman Jonathan Beason finished fourth after starting Saturday night in the B Main, and Bryan Clauson, who led the race’s first 12 laps, finished fifth.

Saturday’s victory marked the seventh time in 25 Chili Bowls that a Swindell has stood in victory lane but it was the first time in the history of the historic event that a winner had won in consecutive years.

But it wasn’t easy for the younger Swindell, as he not only had to hold off a late charge from his father but he was helped by a total of six caution flags in the race’s final 15 laps. Those 15 laps, though produced some exciting racing. Kevin Swindell, driving the No. 39 Swindell Motorsports Spike Esslinger, moved into second on Lap 34 as he passed Clauson, who had been battling with Sammy Swindell through much of the first half of the race.

Then on a Lap 40 restart, Kevin found the opening he needed on a restart and passed Sammy for the lead with an inside move in Turn 1 for the lead. But two more cautions awaited on Lap 44 when Brad Loyet stopped and Loyet Motorsports teammate Damion Gardner stopped on the inside of Turn 2 on Lap 49

Kevin got a good jump on the the Lap 44 restart as Sammy stayed in second with both Pickens and Beason trying to work their way around the five-time Chili Bowl champ. The two Swindells stay in first and second over the next few laps as Pickens kept working to make a pass on Sammy Swindell but could never figure out a way to complete it. After the caution for Gardner on Lap 49, the stage was set for a two-lap showdown involving the two Swindells, Pickens, Beason and Clauson.

Kevin was able to get a good jump on the start but as the checkered flag was waving, he jumped the cushion in Turn 4 and that opened the door for Sammy to try for the win but Kevin gathered his mount and won by fractions of a second. Pickens was forced to stop when Shane Cottle slowed at the top of Turn 4 at the halfway point in the 50-lap race, but was able to restart.

Clauson, meanwhile, was able to keep going after he looked like his night might be done on two separate occasions in the final half of the race. Clauson broke loose on Lap 36 trying to make a pass and looked to have spun but he gathered the car up. Then on Lap 41, Clauson and Sammy Swindell make contact, which collects Nick Knepper and Cory Kruseman but Clauson again is able to continue.

Brad Kuhn finished sixth, with Bobby East seventh, Cole Whitt eighth, Jon Stanbrough ninth and Daryn Pittman rounding out the top 10.

Brad Loyet and Kuhn won the two 20-lap B Mains on Saturday, and Scott Weir and Casey Shuman split winning honors in the two C Mains. Californian Ronnie Gardner and Arizona’s R.J. Johnson won the two D Mains, and A.J. Fike and Rick Hendrix won the two E Mains.

F Main winners were Jody Rosenboom and Aaron Pierce, and Garrett Hansen and Brandon Waelti were winnings in the G Mains.

Austin Brown and Greg Bragg won the two H Main events, with Cameron Hagin and Kellen Conover were victors in the two I Mains. Troy Rutherford and Courtney Erfurth won the J Mains, and Donovan Peterson took the shortened K Main event.

25th Anniversary Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals Championship Saturday Results

K Main (10 Laps -- Positions 1, 3, 5, 7 to back of 1st J Main; Pos. 2, 4, 6, 8 to back of 2nd J Main)

K Main: 1. #11XS Donovan Peterson, Brookings, SD; 2. #55 Tony Everhart, El Cajon, CA; 3. #1TX Paul White, Temple, TX; 4. #97X Chris Ennis, San Diego, CA; 5. #50T Tom Everhart, El Cajon, CA; 6. #5F Ryan Cole, Porter, OK; 7. #87JR Troy Rutherford, Ojai, CA DNS -- #37 Nic Faas, Huntington Beach, CA; #4F Chad Frewaldt, Kansas City, KS; #38 Kyle Larson, Elk Grove, CA; #44 Don Droud Jr., Lincoln, NE; #911 Mike Baker, Elgin, OK; #3A Dustin Arnall, Hartville, MO; #11X Steve Newman, Breckenridge, CO; #12R Brian Rieck, St. Louis, MO; #7J Clint Todd, Lynchburg, MO

J Mains (10 Laps -- Top 4 transfer to back of corresponding I Main)

J Main 1: 1. #87JR Troy Rutherford, Ojai, CA; 2. #19JR Chris Shields, Grain Valley, MO; 3. #15B Jackie Burke, Houston, TX; 4. #88D Rusty Dukes, Fair Grove, MO; 5. #11XS Donovan Peterson, Brookings, SD; 6. #45X C.J. Johnson, Quinter, KS; 7. #94 Darren Kingston, Vandalia, IL; 8. #50T Tom Everhart, El Cajon, CA; 9. #69M Mark Chisholm, Cheyenne, WY; 10. #81 Ryan Beechler, McKinney, TX; 11. #1TX Paul White, Waco, TX; 12. #6M Justin Mallo, Cheyenne, WY; 13. #2C Bud Carroll, Streetman, TX; 14. #6X Chris Morgan, Topeka, KS; DNS -- #27 Nick Chivello, Manteca, CA; #10X Austin Laskey, Tulsa, OK

J Main 2: 1. #25E Courtney Erfurth, Oregon, WI; 2. #76 Kellen Conover, Sumner, IL; 3. #10M B.J. Martin, Orland, CA; 4. #2D Doug Day, Winder, GA; 5. #97X Chris Ennis, San Diego, CA; 6. #83 Kurt Blackaby, Bentonville, AR; 7. #5F Ryan Cole, Porter, OK; 8. #54 Evan Pardo, Gatesville, TX; 9. #57 Kevin Studley, Plainfield, IN; 10. #55 Tony Everhart, El Cajon, CA; 11. #19N Nick O'Neal, Wagoner, OK; 12. #35T Tyler Robbins, Collinsville, IL; 13. #99 Kyle Rayburn, Pueblo, CO; 14. #4R Dustin Hapka, Grand Forks, ND; DNS -- #56 Jason Dull, Machesney Park, IL; #7J Clint Todd, Lynchburg, MO

I Mains (10 Laps -- Top 4 transfer to back of corresponding H Main)

I Main 1: 1. #33H Cameron Hagin, Broken Arrow, OK; 2. #8S Kyle Steffens, St. Charles, MO; 3. #84 Joey Fabozzi, Norco, CA; 4. #87JR Troy Rutherford, Ojai, CA; 5. #8X Murray Erickson, Odessa, TX; #88D Rusty Dukes, Fair Grove, MO; 7. #3S Chris Springer, Omaha, NE; 8. #15B Jackie Burke, Houston, TX; 9. #67K Dalton Armstrong, New Castle, IN; 10. #16W Jimmy Winkler, Parkville, MO; 11. #12 Chris Gurley, Crown Point, IN; 12. #8 Randi Pankratz, Atascadero, CA; 13. #47JR Kevin Michnowicz, Torrance, CA; 14. #19JR Chad Shields, Grain Valley, MO; 15. #5K Kent Schmidt, Owensville, IL; DNS -- #3R Robbie Ray, Eldridge, IA

I Main 2: #76 Kellen Conover, Sumner, IL; 2. #73A Alex Sewell, Broken Arrow, OK; 3. #23JR J.D. Black, Grain Valley, MO; 4. #38K Brian Deegan, Omaha, NE; 5. #9U Doug McCune, Colleyville, TX; 6. #15N Connor Kassik, Lake Havasu City, AZ; 7. #18 Floyd Alvis, San Carlos, CA; 8. #25E Courtney Erfurth, Oregon, WI; 9. #10M B.J. Martin, Orland, CA; 10. #2D Doug Day, Winder, GA; 11. #73X Greg Edenholm, Oxnard, CA; 12. #85J Matt Johnson, Edmond, OK; 13. #33 Scott Fennell, Littleton, CO; 14. #67B Harris Brooks, Houston, TX; 15. #0Z Johnny Murdock, Kaufman, TX; DNS -- #2 Mark Bush, Cumming, GA

H Mains (10 Laps -- Top 4 transfer to back of corresponding G Main)

H Main 1: 1. #7B Austin Brown, Millstadt, IL; 2. #37T Nick Speidel, Muncie, IN; 3. #7 Shannon McQueen, Bakersfield, CA; 4. #8S Kyle Steffens, St. Charles, MO; 5. #7BX Joe Boyles, Greenwood, MO; 6. #12J Jay Mounce, Downs, IL; 7. #14AZ Mike Daniels, West Valley, UT; 8. #87JR Troy Rutherford, Ojai, CA; 9. #59 Dex Eaton, Owasso, OK; 10. #84 Joey Fabozzi, Norco, CA; 11. #33H Cameron Hagin, Broken Arrow, OK; 12. #19TK Tanner Swanson, Kingsburg, CA; 13. #17K Michael Koontz, Bloomington, IN; DNS -- #6A Jason Cox, Park City, IL; #01 Orval Zane Burke Jr., Salinas, CA; #47 Brad Mosen, Auckland, NZ

H Main 2: 1. #28 Greg Bragg, Visalia, CA; 2. #4B Blake Hahn, Sapulpa, OK; 3. #86J Josh Most, Red Oak, IA; 4. #401 Daniel Adler, Columbia, IL; 5. #76 Kellen Conover, Sumner, IL; 6. #32 Danny Jennings, Norman, OK; 7. #73A Alex Sewell, Broken Arrow, OK; 8. #7D Michelle Decker, Guthrie, OK; 9. #38K Brian Deegan, Omaha, NE; 10. #23JR J.D. Black, Grain Valley, MO; 11. #44X Dean Franklin, Tulsa, OK; 12. #B5 Brent Sheppard, New Berlin, IL; 13. #71X Davey Ray, Loves Park, IL: 14. #3J Julee Jamison, Highlands, CO; 15. #0TN Bill Stines, Dover, TN; DNS -- #9D Sean Dodenhoff, Bakersfield, CA

G Mains (10 Laps -- Top 4 transfer to back of corresponding F Main)

G Main 1: 1. #47X Garrett Hansen, Manhattan Beach, CA; 2. #11 Kody Swanson, Kingsburg, CA; 3. #98G Gavin Galbraith, Washington, MO; 4. #5A Peter Palazzolo, Pacific, MO: 5. #33S Austin Smith, Chino Hills, CA; 6. #7C Pat Schudy, Springfield, MO; 7. #93H Tim Kent, Barstow, OK; 8. #8S Kyle Steffens, St. Charles, MO; 9. #37T Nick Speidel, Muncie, IN; 10. #4C Joey Price, Great Falls, MT; 11. #7 Shannon McQueen, Bakersfield, CA; 12. #94AU Brad Cox, Gunnedah, AUS; 13. #7B Austin Brown, Millstadt, IL; 14. #67X Britton Bock, Angwin, CA; DNS -- #6 David Gough, Machesney Park, IL; #83B Bruce Buckwalter Jr., Royersford, PA

G Main 2: 1. #41W Brandon Waelti, Sun Prairie, WI; 2. #86J Josh Most, Red Oak, IA; 3. #36DD J.T. Imperial, Mesa, AZ; 4. #7H Layne Himebaugh, Collinsville, OK; 5. #87 Rich Camfield, Decatur, IL; 6. #31 David Budres, Beloit, WI; 7. #4B Blake Hahn, Sapulpa, OK; 8. #6C Brian Carter, Concord, NC; 9. #9M Cory Mallo, Cheyenne, WY; 10. #82 Eric Johnson, Rockford, IL; 11. #11T Tyler Groenendyk, Oskaloosa, IA; 12. #401 Daniel Adler, Columbia, IL; 13. #88 Jonathon Henry, Stockton, CA; 14. #31E Evan Sewell, Tulsa, OK; 15. #28 Greg Bregg, Visalia, CA; DNS -- #33A Steve Arnold, Seymour, IN

F Mains (10 Laps -- Top 4 transfer to back of corresponding E Main)

F Main 1: 1. #6R Jody Rosenboom, Rock Rapids, IA; 2. #2X Jimmy Light, Erie, PA; 3. #06 Mario Clouser, Auburn, IL; 4. #15P David Prickett, Fresno, CA; 5. #11C Chett Gehrke, Broken Arrow, OK: 6. #20B Jimmy Owens, Newport, TN; 7. #39R Dustin Boney, Tonganoxie, KS; 8. #11 Kody Swanson, Kingsburg, CA; 9. #47X Garrett Hansen, Manhattan Beach, CA; 10. #20 Shon Deskins, Waddell, AZ; 11. #25P Dylan Peterson, Sioux Falls, SD; 12. #60 Wink Schweitzer, Bakersfield, CA; 13. #19S Patrick Stasa, Kingman, KS; 14. #98G Gavin Galbraith, Washington, MO; 15. #5A Peter Palazzolo, Pacific, MO; 16. #23F Matthew Fox, Hughesville, MO

F Main 2: 1. #73S Aaron Pierce, Daleville, IN; 2. #91 Jeff Stasa, Kingman, KS; 3. #41W Brandon Waelti, Sun Prairie, WI; 4. #93D Dennis Rodriguez, Camarillo, CA; 5. #89JR Todd McVay, Grain Valley, MO; 6. #73E Clay Klepper, Caruthers, CA; 7. #7H Layne Himebaugh, Collinsville, OK; 8. #36DD J.T. Imperial, Mesa, AZ; 9. #86J Josh Most, Red Oak, IA; 10. #37F Tanner Berryhill, Bixby, OK; 11. #57S Steven Schaberg, Glenwood, AR; 12. #77B Mike Boesel, Bennett, CO; 13. #10F Nick Foster Jr., San Jose, CA; 14. #17T Jimmy Sills, Elverta, CA; 15. #38N Kyle Neal, Ewing, IL; 16. #17KX Kyle Chady, Benton, IL

E Mains (10 Laps -- Top 4 transfer to back of corresponding D Main)

E Main 1: 1. #3AJ A.J. Fike, Galesburg, IL; 2. #112 Tyler Edwards, Salina, OK: 3. #15 Tim Siner, Waterloo, IL; 4. #15H Scott Hatton, Roscoe, IL; 5. #96 Cody Brewer, Choctaw, OK: 6. #8R Rico Abreu, Rutherford, CA; 7. #2X Jimmy Light, Erie, PA; 8. #15P David Prickett, Fresno, CA; 9. #06 Mario Clouser, Auburn, IL; 10. #6R Jody Rosenboom, Rock Rapids, IA; 11. #87C Stuart Snyder, Waverly, NE; 12. #40 Andy Huston, Roseville, IL: 13. #11H Garrett Hood, Concordia, KS; 14. #15M Jay Drake, Val Verde, CA; 15. #86R Bill Rose, Plainfield, IN DNS -- #9S Justin Sanders, Prunedale, CA

E Main 2: 1. #12K Rick Hendrix, Palmdale, CA; 2. #2A Travis Berryhill, American Canyon, CA; 3. #86C David Camfield Jr., Decatur, IL; 4. #93 Dustin Morgan, Tulsa, OK; 5. #45 Chris Coker, New Braunfels, TX; 6. #93D Dennis Rodriguez, Camarillo, CA; 7. #75X Mike English, Norwalk, CA; 8. #57K Daniel Robinson, Mt. Vernon, IL; 9. #73S Aaron Pierce, Daleville, IN; 10. #59L Billy Lawhead, Tulsa, OK; 11. #91 Jeff Stasa, Kingman, KS; 12. #71D Brian Hosford, Gilbert, AZ; 13. #25K Dereck King, Vienna, IL; 14. #10 Will Pierce, Lees Summit, MO; 15. #41W Brandon Waelti, Sun Prairie, WI; 16. #19D Steven Drevicki, Reading, PA

D Main (15 Laps -- Top 6 transfer to back of corresponding C Main)

D Main 1: 1. #93X Ronnie Gardner, Whittier, CA; 2. #11J Justin Melton, Flower Mound, TX; 3. #10W George White, Fort Worth, TX; 4. #1J J.J. Yeley, Phoenix, AZ; 5. #11A Andrew Felker, Carl Junction, MO; 6. #91K Kevin Bayer, Bixby, OK; 7. #112 Tyler Edwards, Salina, OK; 8. #85 Jonathan Hendrick, Fortville, IN; 9. #21B Christopher Bell, Norman, OK; 10. #35M Matt Sherrell, Owasso, OK: 11. #5D Zach Daum, Pocahontas, IL; 12. #3AJ A.J. Fike, Galesburg, IL; 13. #15H Scott Hatton, Roscoe, IL; 14. #15 Tim Siner, Waterloo, IL; 15. #21T Eric Todd, Falcon, MO; 16. #49 Trevor Kobylarz, Birdsboro, PA; 17. #37X Seth Motsinger, Salem, IN DNS -- #17W Josh Wise, Riverside, CA

D Main 2: 1. #51J R.J. Johnson, Phoenix, AZ; 2. #49JR Bobby Michnowicz, Torrance, CA; 3. #11B Brett Anderson, Belleville, IL; 4. #5 Randy Hannagan, San Jose, CA; 5. #51P Dalten Gabbard, Peoria, AZ; 6. #86 David Camfield Jr., Decatur, IL; 7. #98 Chad Boat, Phoenix, AZ; 8. #75H Johnny Herrera, Albuquerque, NM; 9. #91T Bob Ream Jr., Glendale, AZ; 10. #12D Troy Decaire, Tampa, FL; 11. #12K Rick Hendrix, Palmdale, CA; 12. #93 Dustin Morgan, Tulsa, OK: 13. #51 Brian Brown, Grain Valley, MO; 14. #2J Wayne Johnson, Oklahoma City, OK; 15. #61 Eric Sandage, Alexander, AR; 16. #17X Justin Grant, Ione, CA; 17. #2A Travis Berryhill, American Canyon, CA; 18. #12S Danny Sheridan, Santa Maria, CA

C Mains (15 Laps -- Top 6 to back of corresponding B Main)

C Main 1: 1. #2B Scott Weir, Marion, IN; 2. #14C Shane Cockrum, Benton, IL; 3. #0S Ryan Smith, Kunkletown, PA; 4. #39T Tyler Courtney, Indianapolis, IN; 5. #35S Hunter Scherenberg, Sikeston, MO; 6. #8B Bud Kaeding, Campbell, CA; 7. #86 Shane Hollingsworth, Lafaytette, IN; 8. #43 Brent Beauchamp, Indianapolis, IN; 9. #14JR Matt Streeter, Galt, Ca; 10. #1J J.J. Yeley, Phoenix, AZ; 11. #2R Levi Roberts, Broomfield, CO; 12. #10W George White, Fort Worth, TX; 13. #91K Kevin Bayer, Bixby, OK; 14. #75 Billy Pauch Jr., Frenchtown, NJ; 15. #11A Andrew Felker, Carl Junction, MO; 16. #93X Ronnie Gardner, Whittier, CA; 17. #77 Joey Moughan, Springfield, IL; 18. #11J Justin Melton, Flower Mound, TX; 19. #12JR Josh Pelkey, Peoria, AZ; DNS – Tim Crawley, Benton, AR

C Main 2: 1. #05S Casey Shuman, Tempe, AZ; 2. #02 Robby Josett, Santa Clarita, CA; 3. #77H Mike Goodman, Broken Arrow, OK; 4. #4 Tony Elliott, Kokomo, IN; 5. #7S T.J. Smith, Fresno, Ca; 6. #67W Casey Riggs, Shelbyville, IN; 7. #5 Randy Hannagan, San Jose, CA; 8. #11B Brett Anderson, Belleville, IL; 9. #51J R.J. Johnson, Phoenix, AZ; 10. #27S Andy Shouse, Oklahoma City, OK; 11. #71K Alex Bowman, Oro Valley, Az; 12. #86C David Camfield Jr., Decatur, IL; 13. #67 Brady Bacon, Broken Arrow, OK; 14. #97B Aaron Berryhill, Broken Arrow, OK; 15. #73 Josh Ford, Oxnard, Ca; 16. #15KO Kevin Olson, Machesney Park, IL; 17. #51P Dalten Gabbard, Peoria, AZ; 18. #49JR Bobby Michinowicz, Torrance, CA; 19. #00 Pete Davis, Pleasanton, CA; 20. #14W Matt Westfall, Ludlow Falls, OH

B Mains (20 Laps -- Top 6 in each advance to A Main)

B Main 1: 1. #05 Brad Loyet, Sunset Hills, MO; 2. #4E Bobby East, Brownsburg, IN; 3. #36 Jonathan Beason, Broken Arrow, OK; 4. #26 Shane Golobic, Fremont, CA; 5. #71B Jac Haudenschild, Wooster, OH; 6. #71 Cole Whitt, Alpine, CA; 7. #17 Chris Windom, Canton, IL; 8. #51S Mike Spencer, Temecula, CA; 9. #35 Johnny Heydenreich, Indianapolis, IN; 10. #15D Andrew Deal, Dewey, OK; 11. #7CA Caleb Armstrong, New Castle, IN; 12. #75J Levi Jones, Oleny, IL; 13. #7A Dakoda Armstrong, New Castle, IN; 14. #8B Bud Kaeding, Campbell, CA; 15. #35S Hunter Schuerenberg, Sikeston, MO; 16. #39T Tyler Courtney, Indianapolis, IN; 17. #0S Ryan Smith, Kunkletown, PA; 18. #4H Mike Hess, Springfield, IL; 19. #2B Scott Weir, Marion, IN; 20. #14C Shane Cockrum, Benton, IL

B Main 2: #17B Brad Kuhn, Avon, IN; 2. #25 Steve Buckwalter, Royersford, PA; 3. #21K Cory Kruseman, Ventura, CA; 4. #21 Daryn Pittman, Owasso, OK; 5. #91X Jason Leffler, Long Beach, Ca; 6. #3 Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Olive Branch, MS; 7. #05T Gary Taylor, Snohomish, WA; 8. #71S Danny Stratton, Indianapolis, IN; 9. #05S Casey Shuman, Tempe, AZ; 10. #77H Mike Goodman, Broken Arrow, OK; 11. #67W Casey Riggs, Shelbyville, IN; 12. #39M Tim McCreadie, Watertown, NY; 13. #1T Tony Roney, Herculaneum, MO; 14. #02 Robby Josett, Santa Clarita, CA; 15. #81M Matt Mitchell, Yorba Linda, CA; 16. #7M Kevin Ramey, Fort Worth, TX; 17. #24 Tracy Hines, Wilkinson, IN; 18. #49X Brad Sweet, Grass Valley, CA; 19. #4 Tony Elliott, Warsaw, IN; 20. #7S T.J. Smith, Fresno, CA

25th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals Main Event

50 Laps

1. #39 Kevin Swindell, Germantown, TN

2. #1 Sammy Swindell, Germantown, TN

3. #05P Michael Pickens, Auckland, NZ

4. #36 Jonathan Beason, Broken Arrow, OK

5. #39C Bryan Clauson, Noblesville, IN

6. #17B Brad Kuhn, Avon, IN

7. #4E Bobby East, Brownburg, IN

8. #71 Cole Whitt, Alpine, CA

9. #51X Jon Stanbrough, Avon, IN

10. #21 Daryn Pittman, Owasso, OK

11. #0 Jerry Coons Jr., Tucson, AZ

12. #8K Donnie Ray Crawford, Broken Arrow, OK

13. #05 Brad Loyet, Sunset Hills, MO

14. #05G Damion Gardner, Concord, CA

15. #55K Nick Knepper, Belleville, IL

16. #21K Cory Kruseman, Ventura, CA

17. #26 Shane Golobic, Fremont, CA

18. #4X Dave Darland, Lincoln, IN

19. #3 Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Olive Branch, MS

20. #91X Jason Leffler, Long Beach, CA

21. #1ST Shane Cottle, Kokomo, IN

22. #71B Jac Haudenschild, Wooster, OH

23. #25 Steve Buckwalter, Royersford, PA

24. #2T Thomas Meseraull, San Jose, CA