Archive for Indoor Racing
REIGNING WINNER CHRISTOPHER BELL ENTERS AS KNEPPER 55 FIELD NEARS 70
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Contact: Richie Murray - USAC Media / richie@usacracing.com
Christopher Bell will drive the Tucker/Boat Motorsports #81
at Saturday's 'Junior Knepper 55.' (Rich Forman Photo)
REIGNING WINNER CHRISTOPHER BELL ENTERS AS KNEPPER 55 FIELD NEARS 70
By: Richie Murray - USAC Media
Du Quoin, Illinois (December 10, 2018).........Recent "Turkey Night Grand Prix" winner Christopher Bell has filed his entry to compete in the "Junior Knepper 55" USAC Midget Special Event this Saturday, December 15 at the Southern Illinois Center in Du Quoin as the entry list has exploded to 69 drivers and teams for the fourth annual race.
Bell, of Norman, Oklahoma, is one of three entries for Tucker/Boat Motorsports alongside McKenna Haase and Tanner Berryhill. Bell is the defending winner of the "Knepper 55," taking the lead four laps from the finish to win the 55-lap main event. Ironically, it was a Tucker/Boat Motorsports car driven by Chad Boat that Bell passed to win the race.
C.J. Leary has also thrown his hat into the ring, driving for NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman. Leary was victorious in two USAC series this year, with a win in the AMSOIL National Sprint Car division at Bloomington (Ind.) Speedway and in the Silver Crown car at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.
Five-time USAC Light Up the World Western States Midget champion Ronnie Gardner of Riverside, Calif. will make his "Knepper 55" debut aboard a car for RAMS Racing as a teammate to Justin Grant, the only driver to win races in all three national divisions in 2018.
Meanwhile, Elkhart, Ill. native Chris Urish, a Silver Crown winner in the "Ted Horn 100" at the adjacent Du Quoin State Fairgrounds one-mile dirt oval, will drive for Tom Casson alongside teammate and fellow Silver Crown competitor Joey Moughan of Springfield, Ill. Carson Short has won on the big stage before, capturing the 2016 "Indiana Sprint Week" round at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Ind. He will drive his own No. 45 at Du Quoin.
Brian Shirley, of Chatham, Ill. a standout in late model racing, will drive for Jim Neuman while winged sprint car warrior Paul Nienhiser of Chapin, Ill. takes the wheel of his own ride.
These are just a few among the crop of drivers to make up this year's stout "Knepper 55" field, which also includes last year's race runner-up Chase Briscoe (Mitchell, Ind.) and 2016 "Shamrock Classic" third-place driver Thomas Meseraull (San Jose, Calif.), plus a pair of decorated USAC National Midget champions in Dave Darland and Kevin Olson.
Darland, of Lincoln, Ind., captured the 2001 and 2002 series titles in addition to his 1997 Silver Crown and 1999 National Sprint Car championships. He will drive the RMS LLC No. 36D. National Midget Hall of Famer Olson, of Loves Park, Ill., won his USAC National Midget titles in 1982 and 1987. He will climb aboard Dennis Hoppe's No. 5H on the 1/5-mile, indoor dirt oval.
Five-time Indy Indianapolis 500 starter Conor Daly, of Noblesville, Ind., steps into the Jody Rosenboom No. 22CD for his second career appearance in a midget. Beech Grove, Indiana's Kyle O'Gara, the 2014 USAC Pavement Midget champ, belts into the SFH Racing Development No. 67 for the "Knepper 55." Meanwhile, southern Illinois USAC Silver Crown star Shane Cockrum of Benton, Ill., twice a winner on the adjacent "Magic Mile," will wheel the Harris Racing No. 91.
Robert Dalby off Simi Valley, Calif. and Newcastle, Oklahoma's Trey Marcham have each had success in the USAC Western States Midget division during their careers. Dalby finished third in series points this season and will drive for Loyet Motorsports, the team that won the second-ever USAC-sanctioned race at the Southern Illinois Center, a Midwest HPD Midget event in 2005. Marcham, who led the first 17 laps of the 2017 "Knepper 55," picked up three victories with the series in 2014.
Winged sprint car veterans Ryan Smith and Tony Bruce, Jr. will shed the wing for a night of midget racing. Bruce, of Liberal, Kans. was the 2006 Knoxville Nationals Rookie of the Year while Kunkletown, Pennsylvania's Smith has won races with both the World of Outlaws and the All Star Circuit of Champions.
The Knepper family is once again sponsoring FREE entry for competitors to enter their midgets for the Saturday, December 15 "Junior Knepper 55" USAC Special Event at the Southern Illinois Center in Du Quoin, Illinois.
After visiting https://usacracing.ticketspice.com/2018-knepper-car-entry, use the coupon code KNEPPER to enter your car for the race for no charge. The offer expires Monday, December 10th, 2018. The complete pre-entry list for the event will be published the following day, Tuesday, December 11th.
Additionally, tickets are now on sale for the 4th annual "Junior Knepper 55" at https://usacracing.ticketspice.com/2018-knepper-55-ticket-sales. The race will serve as the final event of the 2018 USAC racing season. Adult general admission tickets are available for just $19 in advance.
Furthermore, on https://usacracing.ticketspice.com/2018-knepper-55-ticket-sales, you may order your 2018 "Junior Knepper 55" event t-shirt now for just $25. Sizes small through 4XL are available, but make sure to get yours soon while supplies last.
The event carries no points toward the USAC National Midget season championship, but has quickly become one of the most coveted races to win on the series calendar, annually boasting a large car count and a star-studded field to boot.
Though the special event carries no points toward the season championship, it has quickly become one of the most coveted races to win. Boasting large car counts and a star-studded field, the "Knepper 55" has already produced its share of memorable moments on the 1/6-mile dirt track located inside the building adjacent to the famed Du Quoin State Fairgrounds one-mile dirt oval.
The 55-lap event honors the memory of one of USAC's most accomplished car owners - Walter "Junior" Knepper of Belleville, Illinois - whose famed yellow number 55 midgets and sprint cars raced to 58 career USAC feature victories, including 34 in Sprints and 24 in Midgets, with drivers Bob Wente, Tom Bigelow, Mel Kenyon, George Snider, Dana Carter, Rich Vogler and his son Steve Knepper.
Nick Knepper, grandson of Junior and son of 13-time USAC National Midget winner Steve Knepper, will promote the event along with Derek LeMaster.
Last year, Norman, Oklahoma's Christopher Bell celebrated his 23rd birthday in grand style after passing Chad Boat with four laps remaining to win the third annual running over Chase Briscoe, Shane Golobic, Boat and Justin Grant.
In 2016, Indianapolis, Indiana's Tyler Courtney earned his first career USAC-sanctioned Midget feature victory in his first start for the Clauson/Marshall Racing team. In the inaugural running in 2015, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. of Olive Branch, Miss. electrified the crowd in the 55-lap feature, coming from the back of the pack to score the victory in the final laps.
Earlier this March, current USAC National Midget point leader Logan Seavey of Sutter, Calif. won his first career USAC race in the "Shamrock Classic" at the Southern Illinois Center.
Doors open for the event at 2:30pm (Central) on Saturday, December 15. A public drivers meeting will take place in the grandstands at 3:30pm. Cars are scheduled to get on track for hot laps at 4pm.
The race will be streamed LIVE on www.SpeedShiftTV.com/ with LIVE audio on the USAC app. As always, you can catch each and every USAC National event a day after the race is run, on-demand, on www.Loudpedal.TV/.
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"JUNIOR KNEPPER 55" ENTRY LIST
(69 cars as of December 10, 2018)
Car # / Driver / Hometown / Team
0 Johnny Murdock / Dallas, TX (Zero Motorsports)
05D Robert Dalby / Simi Valley, CA (Loyet Motorsports)
08 Grady Chandler / Piedmont, Oklahoma (Dave Mac Motorsports)
1T Thomas Chandler / Festus, MO (Roney Racing)
1z Chris Roseland / Carter Lake, IA (Chris Roseland)
2 Chris Baue / Indianapolis, IN (Baue Family Race Team)
2B Jason Grady / Farmington, NM (2B Racing)
2G Andy Gage / Whiting, IA (Andy Gage)
3 Alex Watson / Columbus, OH (3w Racing)
3N Jake Neuman / New Berlin, IL (Jim Neuman)
3s Brian Shirley / Chatham, IL (Jim Neuman)
4A Justin Grant / Ione, CA (RAMS Racing)
5 Chase Briscoe / Mitchell, IN (Chase Briscoe Racing)
5H Kevin Olson / Loves Park, IL (Dennis Hoppe)
5v Jesse Vermillion / Greencastle, IN (Vermillion Racing)
6D Don Dawson II / Carlisle, IA (Don Dawson II)
7 Cody Beard / Huntingburg, IN (Cody Beard)
7T Adam Taylor / Dwight, IL (Taylor Motorsports)
7x Jon Steed / Rushville, IN (Steed Motorsports)
8JR Anton Hernandez / Arlington, TX (Bear Wood)
9 Emilio Hoover / Broken Arrow, OK (Emilio Hoover)
9JR Derek Hagar / Marion, AR (Hagar/Proctor Racing)
9x Paul Nienhiser / Chapin, IL (Paul Nienhiser)
11K Gage Rucker / Bellflower, MO (Kruseman Motorsports)
11L Aaron Leffel / Springfield, OH (Team Taylor Racing)
11T Trey Osborne / Columbus, OH (Richard Osborne)
11y Travis Young / Casey, IL (Travis Young)
14c Danny Clark / Plainfield, IN (Bill Rose Racing)
14s Ronnie Gardner / Riverside, CA (RAMS Racing)
14x Jody Rosenboom / Rock Rapids, IA (Jody Rosenboom Racing)
15J Jeff Wimmenauer / Greenwood, IN (Bill Wimmenauer)
16 Joey Parker / Plainfield, IN (Bill Rose Racing)
17B Ryan Bickett / Ramona, SD (Jody Rosenboom Racing)
18 Tony Bruce, Jr. / Liberal, KS (Team Eights)
19p Brandon Long / Wichita Falls, TX (Brandon Long)
22CD Conor Daly / Noblesville, IN (Jody Rosenboom Racing)
23 Mitchell Davis / Auburn, IL (Patrick Ryan)
23x Patrick Lawson / Edwardsville, IL (Hunt Brothers)
29 Joey Moughan / Springfield, IL (Tom Casson)
32 Trey Marcham / Newcastle, OK (Trey Marcham)
35 Tyler Robbins / Collinsville, IL (Tyler Robbins)
36D Dave Darland / Lincoln, IN (RMS LLC)
36J Thomas Meseraull / San Jose, CA (RMS LLC)
39 Kyle May / New Palestine, IN (Kyle May Racing)
41 Oliver Akard / Fort Myers, FL (Dan Akard)
41x Howard Moore / Memphis, TN (Chris Chappue)
45 Carson Short / Marion, IL (Carson Short)
49F Taylor Forbes / Harrisburg, SD (Taylor Forbes)
50 Daniel Adler / St. Louis, MO (Mike Adler)
51B Joe B. Miller / Millersville, MO (Jim Neuman)
52K John Dyson / Chicago, IL (Kruseman Motorsports)
55 C.J. Leary / Greenfield, IN (Alex Bowman)
55x Nick Drake / Mooresville, NC (Troy Cline)
56x Mark Chisholm / Cheyenne, WY (Fifty6x Racing)
57D Daniel Robinson / Ewing, IL (McCreery Motorsports)
67 Kyle O'Gara / Beech Grove, IN (SFH Racing Development)
68 Ryan Smith / Kunkletown, PA (SFH Racing Development)
77u Chris Urish / Elkhart, IL (Tom Casson)
77w Joey Wirth / Waterloo, IL (Joey Wirth)
81 Christopher Bell / Norman, OK (Tucker/Boat Motorsports)
81B Seth Bergman / Snohomish, WA (Team Eights)
81x Drew Fuhrman / Belleville, IL (The Duke Racing)
85 McKenna Haase / Des Moines, IA (Tucker/Boat Motorsports)
88 Terry Babb / Decatur, IL (Terry Babb)
89 Tanner Berryhill / Bixby, OK (Tucker/Boat Motorsports)
91 Shane Cockrum / Benton, IL (Harris Racing)
92m Josh Most / Red Oak, IA (Most Racing)
95 Chris Andrews / Tulsa, OK (Miller Racing)
721 Brendon Wiseley / Sand Springs, OK (MLM Motorsports)
BUTLER READY FOR TRENTON INDOOR DIRT RACING ACTION AND ALLENTOWN RACING ON CONCRETE
Posted by: | CommentsNEWS FROM LEN SAMMONS PRODUCTIONS
2018-2019 INDOOR AUTO RACING CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES FUELED BY VP RACING FUELS
Event Promoter: Len Sammons @609.888.3618
MEDIA INFORMATION: Ernie Saxton Communications – Esaxton144@aol.com -267.934.7286
IMPORTANT MEDIA INFO AT END OF THIS RELEASE.
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VERSATILE BOBBY BUTLER SET FOR EAST COAST DIRT NATIONALS IN TRENTON THEN ALLENTOWN CONCRETE WITH SAME 600 MICRO SPRINT RACER
TRENTON, NJ DECEMBER 2, 2018 . . . In a racing era where specialization is ever escalating, Bobby Butler, 30, of Milford, NJ, is breaking the mold entering one car for Indoor Auto Racing Series events first on both dirt then on concrete.
The Dirt track Modified ace will first compete in the second annual 600 Micro Sprint East Coast Dirt Nationals on a banked clay oval to be built inside CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton for racing on December 13, 14 & 15, 2018.
After the checkered flag has fallen, Butler will change his 600 Micro over to competitive form to be raced on the concrete floor inside Allentown, PA’s PPL Center TQ Midget races on Friday and Saturday, January 4-5, 2019.
“I was competitive in the same car last year at Trenton,” Butler reminded. “I was running sixth when the big tangle happened with the leaders. I’m not saying I would have won, but I started pretty far back and got to the front pretty quick.”
Butler will be driving a BOSS chassis Micro which he describes as “an older car” that is owned by Bill Butler of Saylorsburg, PA. Curiously, these two Butlers are not family-related.
The entry list for the Indoor Dirt Nationals has been filled with 120 race teams clamoring for the chance to run on the black clay speedway.
Butler said that he expects the same lighting fast, smooth dustless track conditions that prevailed at last year’s critically acclaimed first East Coast Indoor Dirt Nationals.
It’s the next phase of Butler’s Indoor season that is the most unusual. The dirt will be cleaned off the Micro and the car will be prepped for the Allentown concrete race.
“I have done a mock-up of the way we want to set the car up for concrete,” Butler said. “The things we have to change are the ride height, the shocks and springs, and the front spindles. It can be changed over in two nights.”
Indoors, Butler is also experienced having run TQs, 600s, Slingshots and Champ Karts on concrete.
Though Butler is the only entry that will run the same car on both dirt and concrete, several other racers have entered both events with purpose-built cars for each.
Erick Rudolph, Ransomville, NY, a three time Indoor Auto Racing Series champion, will be driving a 600 Micro owned by King Of Prussia, PA’s Tom Fraschetta at Trenton on the dirt. The runner-up in this year’s Super DIRTcar Big-Block Modified series will then will saddle up for the three indoor races that will follow on concrete floors of arenas in three different states. In these races he’ll be running a TQ Midget built by Mark Lafler.
Other drivers running on both the Indoor dirt race and the three on concrete include former Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall winners Ryan Flores, Lou Cicconi and Anthony Sesely. Tim Buckwalter, Kyle Lick, Scott Kreutter, Matt Roselli, Matt Smith and Pat Bealer are also entered in both events.
The First Annual East Coast Dirt Car Nationals was won by 36-year-old Staten Island, N.Y. resident Whitey Kidd, III who executed made a late race pass on Alex Bright, Collegeville, PA, to win the thriller over Brian Carber, New Holland, PA, Tim Buckwalter, Douglassville, PA and Austin Quick, Etters, PA. All five are entered for this year’s race.
This year’s schedule calls for heat races with passing points and four A-qualifier feature races for split fields on both Thursday and Friday night. On Saturday, with all 120 cars on hand, Alphabet mains are scheduled, with racers having the opportunity to advance from G, F, E, D, C, and B, will precede the 50 lap A-Main paying $5,000 to win. Racing will start at 7 PM on Thursday and Friday, 5 PM on Saturday.
Information, including ticket and hotel links, is available at indoorautoracing.com. Tickets are also available at the box offices at each arena. A post-race gathering each night after the races will be held at Chickie and Pete’s, a renowned area Sports Bar in nearby Bordentown, N.J. with special bar and food discounts along with the kitchen open late.
Following the Ironton Telephone Allentown Indoor weekend, racing shifts to Atlantic City for the 17th running of NAPA Auto Parts Weekend, highlighted by the running of the prestigious TQ Midget Gamblers Classic. Event dates are Friday and Saturday, January 25-26, 2019
The final event of the Indoor Auto Racing Series Fueled By VP Race Fuels takes place at a new venue, the New York State Fairgrounds Exhibition Center in Syracuse, NY. on Friday and Saturday, March 8-9, 2019.
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IMPORTANT MEDIA NOTE: In an effort to make the securing of media credentials easier for all please go to "indoorautoracing.com" under “CONTACT US” (on the right top bar). There you will find the Indoor Race Credential Request form.
The form allows you to request credentials for all four of the indoor events (Trenton, Allentown, Atlantic City and Syracuse).
List the name, media affiliation and assignment (photographer, writer, video ) and the events you would like to have credentials for. The sooner the request is received the better for all.
Credentials will be available, with proper ID, at the Media Sign-In area. Freelancers must provide proof of assignment. Infield photographers will be limited and assigned at meeting to be held in the press room prior to each day of racing.
Once the request has been reviewed, you will be notified as to who has been approved.
Thank you for your interest in the indoor auto racing events.
Len Sammons
RIVALRY BUILDING FOR TRENTON INDOOR DIRT AUTO RACING EVENTS SET FOR DECEMBER 13-15
Posted by: | CommentsNEWS FROM LEN SAMMONS PRODUCTIONS
2018-2019 INDOOR AUTO RACING CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES FUELED BY VP RACING FUELS
Event Promoter: Len Sammons @609.888.3618
MEDIA INFORMATION: Ernie Saxton Communications – Esaxton144@aol.com -267.934.7286
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EAST COAST INDOOR DIRT NATIONALS RIVALRY DEVELOPING AMONG OPEN COCKPIT SPECIALISTS, 600 MICRO SPRINT RACING REGULARS
TRENTON, NJ NOVEMBER 28, 2018 . . . A fierce rivalry is expected at the second annual East Coast Indoor Dirt Nationals, December 13-15 at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, NJ.
Stars of the Central PA Posse Sprint circuit, Dirt Modified and Midget Car competitors want nothing more than to show up the 600cc Micro Sprint regulars at their own game. Drivers who compete weekly on pavement speedways want to show the dirt drivers they can slide around and go fast on a tacky clay oval. The 120 drivers that have entered from 11 different states each want to prove they are the best.
The First Dirt Nationals was won by 36-year-old Staten Island, NY resident Whitey Kidd, III, a Micro Sprint regular. Kidd came from deep in the starting field to make a late race pass for the lead on Midget Car/Micro standout Alex Bright of Collegville, PA. Brian Carber of New Holland, Pa., a Sprint Car/ Micro Star, came from fifth to third on the final lap last year.
Tim Buckwalter of Douglassville, PA, a full-time racer in USAC Sprints, Dirt Modifieds, SpeedSTRs and Micros, finished fourth last year. Austin Quick of Etters, PA, who works full-time in Micro Sprint racing, finished fifth.
To win the top prize of $5,000 last year, Kidd threw caution to the winds to make a brazen outside move on Bright, who had led most of the race.
“He (Bright) gave me the room and I just shot to the outside and held on,” Kidd said. “I’ve been going to Atlantic City since the beginning trying to win there, got close, but never won. I had hoped they (Indoor Auto Racing Series) would do a dirt race, and I’m glad they did,” Kidd exalted.
Kidd’s returning for what he hopes is a second career highlight victory, but the competition will be tougher than ever.
A two car team entered by Tom Fraschetta will be composed of two heavyweights, Lincoln Speedway 410 Sprint champion Brian Montieth of Phoenixville, PA and dirt Modified Super Star Erick Rudolph of Ransomville, NY.
Montieth just missed qualifying for last year’s event, but added experience in a Micro Sprint he should be a contender for the win. Rudolph, fresh off finishing second in the Super DIRTcar big-block Modified series points and winning two other track championships will also rely on his indoor race experience. Rudolph has won three Indoor Racing Series championships in TQ Midget competition on the concrete floor of arenas including one in Trenton.
Lucas Wolfe, 2018 Williams Grove Speedway 410 Sprint champion has also filed an entry. The Mechanicsburg, PA driver will be part of the team entered by Lou Cicconi, Jr. of Aston, PA., who himself will suit up for the event. Scott Kreutter, a Sprint Car regular from Buffalo, NY who won an Indoor Race on the concrete floor in Allentown, Pa. last year, is also entered in a Trey Hoddick No. 49.
Tim Buckwalter, and his cousin Steve of Royersford, PA are returning as is another Sprint driver Joe Trenca of Clay, NY. Brian Carber and his brother Michael, a member of Chase Elliott’s NASCAR Cup team, are also returning.
Dirt Late Model and Modified rising star Mike Maresca of Potsdam, NY, one of racing’s busiest drivers, is also entered after a strong first ever start in a 600 Micro last year.
Other Dirt Modified racing stars include Billy Pauch, Jr., of Frenchtown, NJ, Dominic Buffalino of Sayreville, NJ and Mike Iles of Medford, NJ. Pauch Jr. won the 600 Micro Sprint and SpeedSTR titles this season at Pa.’s Kutztown Action Track.
Popular Ryan Flores, the Indoor Racing Series winner on the concrete floor inside Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall in 2017, will be making his first ever start on dirt. The former New Jersey resident now living in North Carolina, is a tire changer for Ryan Blaney’s Roger Penske owned NASCAR Cup team. Transplanted upstate New York pavement TQ racer Tim Nye of Troutman, NC will also race indoors this season on dirt as well as three concrete series races.
Dirt Micro Sprint racer and another Indoor TQ Midget specialist, Matt Roselli from Brodheadsville, PA is entered along with ARDC Midget standout Eric Heyenreich of Bloomsburg, PA.
This year’s Indoor Dirt Nationals calls for heat races with passing points and four A-qualifier feature races for split fields on both Thursday and Friday night. On Saturday, with all 120 cars on hand, Alphabet mains are scheduled, with racers having the opportunity to advance from double G, F, E, D, C, and B mains to the 50 lap A-Main paying $5,000 to win. Racing will start at 7 PM on Thursday and Friday, 5 PM on Saturday.
The CURE Insurance Arena itself has undergone a makeover from floor to ceiling to enhance the viewing experience for race fans at this year’s Nationals. The goal has been to make the arena one of finest in the state.
Information, including ticket and hotel links, is available at www.indoorautoracing.com. Other information and select tickets are available by calling the series office during regular working hours at 609-888-3618.
SPRINT CAR STANDOUT BRIAN MONTIETH SET FOR INDOOR DIRT RACING ACTION AT TRENTON, NJ
Posted by: | CommentsNEWS FROM LEN SAMMONS PRODUCTIONS
2018-2019 INDOOR AUTO RACING CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES FUELED BY VP RACING FUELS
Event Promoter: Len Sammons @609.888.3618
MEDIA INFORMATION: Ernie Saxton Communications – Esaxton144@aol.com -267.934.7286
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WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!
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LINCOLN SPEEDWAY 410 SPRINT CAR 2108 CHAMP BRIAN MONTIETH LOOKS TO EAST COAST INDOOR NATIONALS TO ADD LUSTER TO STELLAR YEAR
TRENTON, NJ NOVEMBER 22, 2018 . . . Known affectionately as 'The Edge', Brian Montieth of Phoenixville, PA, will be looking to add another jewel in his racing crown in the December 13-15 East Coast Indoor Dirt Nationals Fueled By VP Race Fuels race at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, NJ.
Montieth, who was an entrant in the inaugural East Coast Indoor Dirt Nationals, will be returning to drive a 600cc Micro owned by Tom Fraschetta of King Of Prussia, PA, the same owner Montieth raced for in 2017.
The difference is that the team was assembled at the last minute a year ago; this year Montieth and Fraschetta have a notebook to build upon. Montieth will also have a teammate this year, in Erick Rudolph, who is making his first Indoor appearance on Dirt after dominating the concrete Indoor ovals as a three time Series champion.
Montieth and Rudolph will be in anticipation of the same lighting fast, smooth dustless track conditions that prevailed at last year’s critically acclaimed first East Coast Indoor Dirt Nationals.
The entry list for the Indoor Dirt Nationals has been filled with 120 race teams clamoring for the chance to run on the indoor dirt.
Prominent entrants include Tim Buckwalter, of Douglassville, PA, will be driving a No. 71 fielded by Greth Racing and his cousin Steve Buckwalter, from Royersford, PA, who will go to post in Royalton Racing No. 74.
In last year’s inaugural East Coast Dirt Nationals, Tim Buckwalter raced his way to a hard earned fourth place finish. Steve Buckwalter was ultra-competitive as well but failed to transfer out of his B-Main to make the feature.
The First Annual East Coast Dirt Car Nationals was won by 36-year-old Staten Island, N.Y. resident Whitey Kidd, III who executed made a late race pass on Alex Bright to win the thriller over Brian Carber, Tim Buckwalter and Austin Quick. Each of the top five finishers have filed entries for the second running.
This year’s schedule calls for heat races with passing points and four A-qualifier feature races for split fields on both Thursday and Friday night. On Saturday, with all 120 cars on hand, Alphabet mains are scheduled, with racers having the opportunity to advance from G, F, E, D, C, and B, will precede the 50 lap A-Main paying $5,000 to win. Racing will start at 7 PM on Thursday and Friday, 5 PM on Saturday.
The CURE Insurance Arena itself has undergone a makeover from floor to ceiling to enhance the viewing experience for race fans at this year’s Nationals. The goal has been to make the arena one of finest in the state.
Information, including ticket and hotel links, is available at www.indoorautoracing.com. Other information and select tickets are available by calling the series office during regular working hours at 609-888-3618.
NASCAR MODIFIED STAR TIMMY SOLOMITO READY FOR INDOOR AUTO RACING ACTION
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2018-2019 INDOOR AUTO RACING CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES FUELED BY VP RACING FUELS
Event Promoter: Len Sammons @609.888.3618
MEDIA INFORMATION: Ernie Saxton Communications – Esaxton144@aol.com -267.934.7286
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PLEASE WITH OUR THANKS
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NASCAR MODIFIED TOUR STAR TIMMY SOLOMITO HOPES TO IMPROVE ON PAST INDOOR AUTO RACING SERIES STARTS; READIES FOR FIRST INDOOR SERIES RACE IN ALLENTOWN, JAN 4-5, 2019
ALLENTOWN, PA November 24, 2018 . . . NASCAR Modified Touring Series ace Timmy Solomito has the Indoor Auto Racing Series Fueled By VP Race Fuels clearly in his sights. The Islip, NY driver expects to be a contender for victory when the series opens on the concrete floor of Allentown, PA’s PPL Center on January 4-5, 2019 for the Ironton Telephone Indoor race
Solomito, who made his series debut last year, will field his own TQ Midget built by Mark Lafler. After the two feature events in Allentown, Solomito will focus on the NAPA Indoor Racing Weekend on January 25-26 inside historic Atlantic City, N.J.’s Boardwalk Hall.
Solomito may rely on 2018 Indoor Series and NASCAR Whelen Modified champion Justin Bonsignore for a few pointers. The two have a lifelong friendship growing up New York’s Long Island as well as a history of competing against one other.
“Justin (Bonsignore) and I grew up together racing karts and racing Modifieds,” Solomito shared. “He's the best in the Indoor TQ Midgets and the NASCAR Modifieds right now. If I can run with him, I can win races.”
In addition to Bonsignore, three time Indoor Auto Racing Series champion Erick Rudolph will be among the men Solomito will have to contend with. Rudolph, who won the Series crown in 2012, 2015 and 2016, was second to Bonsignore in last year's down-to-the-wire Indoor Series title chase. Rudolph also finished second in this year’s Super DIRTcar Series big-block Modified standings.
Other experienced Indoor TQ drivers filing entries for Allentown include Anthony Payne of Fairlawn, N.J., a first time winner on last year’s series. Other entries include Ryan Tidman, Holland, PA; Tyler Thompson, Fulton, NY; Matt Roselli, Brodheadsville, PA; Jon Reid, Lockport, NY; and the Catalano brothers, Tommy and Timmy from Ontario, NY.
Past Ironton Telephone Allentown TQ Midget feature race winners are Rudolph, who won the inaugural event in January of 2016 in front of a sold out crowd, and Ryan Flores of Cornelius, NC, who swept both nights of the December 2016 events. Bonsignore and Dirt 360 Sprint driver Scott Kreutter from Buffalo, NY had the hot hands indoors last January in the two Indoor TQ features.
The Slingshots will join the TQ Midgets on Saturday’s docket and the Champ Karts will be part of Friday’s double-header. The two divisions will run qualifying races and feature events both nights.
Information, including ticket and hotel links, is available at www.indoorautoracing.com. Other information and select tickets to all event are available by calling the series office during regular working hours at 609-888-3618.
Tickets for the Allentown races are also available by calling 610-347-TIXX, or stopping at the PPL Center box office at 7th & Hamilton Street in Allentown. Those wishing to avoid online fees may purchase directly at the Box Office, but are encouraged to do so in advance to avoid possible box office lines the day of the event.
The Allentown Indoor Auto Racing race will be preceded by the second annual East Coast Indoor Dirt Nationals set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, December 13-15, 2018 inside the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, NJ.
Following the Ironton Telephone Allentown Indoor weekend, racing shifts to Atlantic City for the 17th running of NAPA Auto Parts Weekend, highlighted by the running of the prestigious TQ Midget Gamblers Classic. Event dates are Friday and Saturday, January 25-26, 2019
The final event of the Indoor Auto Racing Series Fueled By VP Race Fuels takes place at a new venue, the New York State Fairgrounds Exhibition Center in Syracuse, NY. on Friday and Saturday, March 8-9, 2019.
PAST CHAMPION ERICK RUDOLPH READY FOR INDOOR RACING ASSAULT ON DIRT AND CONCRETE
Posted by: | CommentsNEWS FROM LEN SAMMONS PRODUCTIONS
2018-2019 INDOOR AUTO RACING CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES FUELED BY VP RACING FUELS
Event Promoter: Len Sammons @609.888.3618
MEDIA INFORMATION: Ernie Saxton Communications – Esaxton144@aol.com -267.934.7286
ERICK RUDOLPH READY FOR INDOOR RACING ASSAULT ON DIRT AND CONCRETE AFTER BEST YEAR YET OUTDOORS
ALLENTOWN, PA NOVEMBER 14, 2018 . . . Erick Rudolph, a three time Indoor Auto Racing Series Fueled By VP champion (2012, 2015, and 2016) is ready to contend for the 2019 Series crown. The Ransomville, N.Y. wheelman, who finished second in the points the last two seasons, will begin his title hunt when the TQ Midgets race on the concrete floor of the PPL Center in Allentown, Pa. The fourth annual Ironton Telephone race weekend will be held on Friday and Saturday January 4-5th with complete shows each night.
But first, Rudolph, will compete in the second annual East Coast Indoor Dirt Nationals set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, December 13-15, 2018 inside the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, NJ. For this non-point event, Rudolph has secured a dirt 600cc Micro Sprints ride owned by Tom Fraschetta as a teammate to 410 Sprint car legend, Brian “The Edge” Montieth.
Rudolph spent his formative years in racing on pavement before switching to dirt tracks. The 26 year-old is coming off a career season finishing second in points on the tough Super DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Series. He also won track titles in New York State at Ransomville and Canandaigua.
During the season Rudolph won ten Dirt Modified features at seven different race tracks over three states and one Canadian province.
A five time A-Main Indoor Series winner on concrete, Rudolph and master TQ Midget car builder Mark Laflter struggled a bit last season with a newly designed chassis. The two are back together this year with hopes of returning to victory lane and claiming a fourth title together.
Justin Bonsignore, who earned his first NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series title in October, grabbed his first Indoor Auto Racing Series championship in 2018. The Holtsville, Long Island, N.Y. driver started his championship season with a victory at the opener last January in Allentown.
Other experienced Indoor TQ drivers filing entries for Allentown include Anthony Payne of Fairlawn, N.J., a first time winner on last year’s series. Other entries include Ryan Tidman, Holland, PA; Tyler Thompson, Fulton, NY; Matt Roselli, Brodheadsville, PA; Jon Reid, Lockport, NY; and the Catalano brothers, Tommy and Timmy from Ontario, NY.
Rudolph won the inaugural event in January of 2016 in front of a sold out crowd. Ryan Flores of Cornelius, NC swept both nights of the December 2016 events. Bonsignore and Dirt 360 Sprint driver Scott Kreutter from Buffalo, NY had the hot hands indoors last January.
The Slingshots will join the TQ Midgets on Saturday’s docket and the Champ Karts will be part of Friday’s double-header. The two divisions will run qualifying races and feature events both nights.
After Allentown attention shifts to historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ for the running of the prestigious 17th Annual NAPA AUTO PARTS Racing Weekend on January 25-26, 2019. The series finale takes place at a new venue, the New York State Fairgrounds Exhibition Center in Syracuse, NY. on Friday and Saturday, March 8-9, 2019.
Information, including ticket and hotel links, is available at www.indoorautoracing.com. Other information and select tickets to all event are available by calling the series office during regular working hours at 609-888-3618.
Tickets for the Allentown races are also available by calling 610-347-TIXX, or stopping at the PPL Center box office at 7th & Hamilton Street in Allentown. Those wishing to avoid online fees may purchase directly at the Box Office, but are encouraged to do so in advance to avoid possible box office lines the day of the event.
Eddie Strada from last years East Coast Indoor Dirt Nationals (Wheels of Speed Photo)
NEWS FROM LEN SAMMONS PRODUCTIONS
2018-2019 INDOOR AUTO RACING CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES FUELED BY VP RACING FUELS
Event Promoter: Len Sammons @609.888.3618
MEDIA INFORMATION: Ernie Saxton Communications – Esaxton144@aol.com -267.934.7286
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Williams Grove 410 Sprint Champ Lucas Wolfe; Indoor Series Atlantic City Winner Ryan Flores; 410, 360 Sprint Winner Michael Carber Are Latest To File East Coast Indoor Dirt Nationals Entries
TRENTON, NJ October 17, 2018 . . . Perfect track conditions featuring a multi-groove, dustless, easy-to-pass on surface have enticed Williams Grove Speedway’s 2018 410 Sprint Car champion Lucas Wolfe to file an entry for the East Coast Indoor Dirt Nationals being held at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, NJ for the second year.
The now annual race has been expanded to a third night of racing to accommodate new racers interested in competing. The event featuring the 600cc wingless Micro Sprints will again with racing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night December 13th – 15th. Racing will start at 7 PM on Thursday and Friday, 5 PM on Saturday.
Wolfe, of Mechanicsburg, PA., won nine Sprint features in 2018, eight 410s and one 360 feature en route to his best season yet as a Sprint Car racer. Wolfe wll have top-of-the-line equipment, being fielded by veteran driver and owner Lou Cicconi, for the race.
Also entering is Indoor Auto Racing Series 2017 champion Ryan Flores of Cornelius, NC. Flores, who works on the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in the shop and at the track, confines his racing to Indoor TQ events. This year’s Indoor Dirt Nationals will be Flores’ first time racing on dirt, indoors or outdoors.
Michael Carber of Pipersville, Pa., like Flores a NASCAR crewman, was one of the entrants in the inaugural Indoor Dirt Nationals and has filed his entry for the second annual race. Carber’s resume includes wins in 410 and 360 Sprint cars.
With more than 100 entries filed, Wolfe, Flores and Carber, despite their impressive credentials will have their work cut for them.
“The great dark clay racing surface and awesome three wide groove action at the inaugural event caught the attention of racers from different forms of racing that want to be involved,” said event promoter Len Sammons.
Entries will be split into two preliminary night programs on Thursday and Friday evening. The first two nights of action will set the line-ups for Saturday’s main event program where all entered racers will compete.
“The split preliminary night schedule will allow us the pit space to expand the entry list to 120 cars with 60 competing each night,” Sammons elaborated.
The trio of recent entries join Erick Rudolph, of Ransomville, NY, a multi-time TQ indoor winner who currently among the leaders in points on the Super DIRTcar big-block Modified series. Another dirt Modified driver, Dom Buffalino has landed a ride to join the action.
The Thursday and Friday events will now feature heat races and four A-Qualifier main events. The top two finishers in each feature will go directly into Saturday, December 15ths main event.
Points earned throughout each night programs will be used to lineup alphabet mains for Saturday night’s main event program for all other racers. At the event last year, Wyoming, Delaware’s Luke Thomas rebounded from a problem on his qualifying night to advance from the D-Main to finishing seventh in the A-Main.
An invitational event will also be held on each of the two preliminary nights. The top 20 drivers in the 2017 Indoor Auto Racing Series Slingshot and Champ Kart point standings who accept an invitation to compete will run a heat races and a feature event. The Slingshots will be part of Thursday’s program, the Champ Karts on Friday.
Tickets for the event are on sale through a link at www.indoorautoracing.com or by stopping by the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton.
All tickets for the additional Thursday event will be offered as general admission open seating for just $15. Those who have already purchased a Friday night grandstand ticket, or do so by September 21, will receive a general admission ticket for Thursday as an added bonus at a later date in the same method the other tickets arrived. After September 21, all three nights will be sold as a separate ticket.
A range of different price tickets are available for Friday and Saturday action including lower and upper level reserve seats. General admission upper-level seating where children are admitted for just $5 is available as a less costly alternative, but without the guarantee of specific seats.
Saturday’s front row or suite tickets will also include a special pit area tour prior to the start of racing action.
Information about entering the East Coast Indoor Dirt Nationals, technical and competition rules, and host hotel information is as posted on the website.
New event sponsor Freiberger Excavating is the designated sponsor for the Friday night events.
Returning sponsor Oliver Communications Group is backing the Saturday night race program
Hoosier Racing Tires, VP Racing Fuels and JR Michalski Heating & Air Conditioning are each returning to back the race weekend
Anyone interested in being a part of this event should contact Danny Sammons at 609-888-3618 or via e-mail at danny@aarn.com.
