Archive for Short Track
THANKSGIVING GREETINGS FROM ACCORD SPEEDWAY
Posted by: | CommentsAccord, NY - Thanksgiving Greetings From Accord Speedway
By Steve Pados, Accord Speedway Media
The Palmer Family and Staff would like to take this opportunity to offer to all of our loyal sponsors, drivers, teams and racing fans the very best wishes for a joyous Thanksgiving Holiday. The precious time you spend with your family and friends during the holiday period should remain within the spirit of the heart and never taken for granted. As a family whose involvement with racing and entertainment entails many years, we embrace each and everyone of you as being part of our family through all of our life's endeavors. The gracious support from everyone since the time we have owned the speedway has enabled us to take the speedway to greater heights and boundaries than we ever imagined possible and it is our goal to continue to improve upon our finished product and entertainment value as we continue to make plans for the new 2019 racing season at Accord.
In recent days our family has been blessed with the arrival of our new Grandson, Alex Theodore Hatzistergos, who comes into the world at eleven pounds, three ounces. Thanks to everyone for the blessings and well wishes from our racing family.
The 2019 racing schedule is already in the formative stages and will go online as soon as the final details are in place for some of the special shows the promotional team is seeking to bring in to the Catskill Mountain speed-plant. An anticipated opening night in Mid-April will kick-off the new season at Accord and once again it is hoped to have one or two scheduled practice sessions in place before the first official green flag is thrown.
The Annual Gobbler event scheduled for Saturday, November 24th, has been postponed until December 1st when it is hoped favorable weather will allow the event to take place.
The Palmer Family encourages everyone to continue to frequent the speedway website for all of the latest developments at the "Gem in the Catskills". Season Passes, Parking Permits and Memberships will be available for the 2019 racing season and will make make wonderful gifts for those who may have difficulty in finding that special present for their favorite racer or racing fan. For further updates and information regarding all of the news and additions to the Accord Speedway, log-on to the their well documented website at: www.accordspeedway.com or call the speedway hotline at: 845 626 3478.
At the Accord Speedway.....................................
A TRAIL OF DIRT LEADS RIGHT TO OUR DOOR
THUNDER SERIES 2019
Posted by: | CommentsNOVEMBER 21, 2018
CONTACT: BOB MILLER 443 513 4456
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES
THUNDER ON THE HILL TO CELEBRATE 30TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON AT GRANDVIEW IN 2019, HERE’S AN EARLY LOOK AT SOME SPECIAL EVENTS. . . .
$10,000 TO WIN FOR USAC & 410 SPRINT SPEED WEEK, USAC MIDGETS TO OPEN SWING AT GRANDVIEW, MODIFIED SURPRISE STILL TO BE ANNOUNCED
BECHTELSVILLE, PA (November 21, 2018) – What began in August of 1990 -- when Steve Smith parked his Black Bandit #19 in the Grandview Speedway victory lane -- has grown over three decades to become the region’s most anticipated series of events, and next year, the NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series turns 30.
To commemorate this historic milestone, Thunder on the Hill and Grandview Speedway along with series partners, teams, drivers and fans will join together in a season-long 30th Anniversary celebration that will include cornerstone Thunder events, as well as, added bonuses and surprises.
“Almost thirty years ago, Dave Kelly along with Bruce Rogers and myself, laid a foundation that today supports some of the region’s most prominent auto racing events,” said Series Promoter Bob Miller. “The story of Thunder on the Hill over the past three decades is fascinating, and one that I relish the opportunity to share. It’s also a story that wouldn’t be complete without the support of our loyal racing fans.
“With our regular events secured and new events on the agenda, it will be a year-long celebration for everyone to enjoy – plus, we still have a few more surprises up our sleeves.”
A pair of $10,000-to-win races highlight two of Thunder’s premier events. The USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Series competes on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 for the Jesse Hockett Classic and the 410 Sprint Cars join on Tuesday, July 2 for PA Speedweek – with both events offering a staggering $10K to the winner.
New-for-2019, the USAC National Midget Series hit the Bechtelsville high banks on Tuesday, July 30 while the All-Star Circuit of Champions return on Thursday, August 22.
All four of these shows will be coupled with Modified action for a string of exciting double top division events.
More events will be announced as plans are solidified.
Since 1990, NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series has held 132 racing events and paid out over $4.6 million dollars to nearly every major racing series and division. What started as a one race effort has taken numerous turns and transitions to develop into what the series is today. And thirty years later, the series continues to attract the largest attendance numbers for short track racing events presented in the region.
The list of main event Thunder on the Hill feature winners is staggering and talent-filled to say the least.
Thirty years later, drivers and race teams alike have a Thunder on the Hill win on their “to do” list. Billy Pauch, winner of eleven Thunder on the Hill sprint car wins tried year after year to win a Thunder on the Hill modified feature, that win finally came in 2018. Ryan Watt also kicked the jinx and found the Thunder victory lane in the October 2018 event.
Thunder on the Hill 410 Sprint Car Feature winners; 11 wins Billy Pauch, 10 Lance Dewease, 9 Greg Hodnett, 9 Fred Rahmer, 4 Keith Kauffman, 4 Steve Kinser, 3 Tyler Walker, 2 Cris Eash, 2 Jesse Hockett, 2 Levi Jones, 2 Jeff Shepard, 2 Steve Smith, 2 Bryan Clauson, 2 Brady Bacon, 2 Kyle Larson, 1 Bill Brian Jr., 1 Daron Clayton, 1 Alan Cole, 1 Danny Dietrich, 1 Bobby East, 1 Jac Haudenschild, 1 Chad Kemenah, 1 Mark Kinser, 1 Mike Kerby, 1 Don Kreitz Jr., 1 Danny Lasoski, 1 Brian Leppo, 1 Johnny Mackison, 1 Daryn Pittman, 1 Tim Schaffer, 1 Donny Schatz, 1 Todd Shaffer, 1 Chase Stockon, 1 Sammy Swindell, 1 Bobby Weaver, 1 Stevie Smith, 1 Dale Blaney, 1 Freddie Rahmer Jr., 1 Aaron Reutzel.
Thunder on the Hill Modified Feature winners include: 13 wins Jeff Strunk, 11 Duane Howard, 6 Craig VonDohren, 5 Brett Hearn, 4 Doug Manmiller , 3 MeMe DeSantis, 2 Jimmy Horton, 2 Tim McCreadie, 2 Frank Cozze, 2 Billy Decker, 2 Mike Gular, 2 Rick Laubach, 2 Matt Sheppard, 2 Billy Pauch Jr., 2 Ryan Godown, 1 Glenn Strunk, 1 Rick Schaffer, 1 Tom Mayberry, 1 Keith Brightbill, 1 Kevin Hirthler, 1 Kenny Gilmore, 1 Tom Umbenhauer, 1 Tim Fuller, 1 Stewart Friesen, 1 Danny Johnson, 1 Brett Kressley and winning their first Modified Thunder on the Hill win in 2018, Billy Pauch and Ryan Watt.
NAPA Auto Parts continues their long run with the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series as the title sponsor joined by Pioneer Pole Buildings, Levan Machine and Truck Equipment and GALCO Business Communications.
About Thunder on the Hill Racing Series
The brainchild of Grandview Speedway owner Bruce Rogers, special events promoter Bob Miller and local driving star Dave Kelly, the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series celebrates 30 years of the most anticipated events of the racing calendar year after year. In 132 events, over $4.6 million dollars has been divvied up among the area's fastest racers. What started as a single 410 Sprint Car event in 1990 has blossomed to feature a variety of racing action including 358 Modifieds, USAC Wingless Sprints, All-Star Circuit of Champions, 360 & 410 Sprint Cars, Sportsman, Late Models, Midgets, Legend Cars, DIRTcar and ROC Modified events. The 2018 Thunder on the Hill Racing Series is dedicated to Bruce Rogers.
About Grandview Speedway
Grandview Speedway is a high-banked one-third mile clay oval, celebrating their 57th Anniversary season in 2019. The facility offers free parking, quality food at reasonable prices (be sure to try the french fries), a program book, Grandview Speedway and Thunder on the Hill race wear and great viewing from every seat in the house. Race fans may take part in the Inside/Out promotion, where you can sign up (no charge) to watch warm-ups from inside turn four. Race fans are also invited to victory lane following the racing program and, race fans may enter the pits after the races to meet the drivers. Be ready to enjoy the spine-tingling fireworks salute on the feature event parade lap.
All Star Circuit of Champions welcomes Ollie’s Bargain Outlet as title sponsor for 2019
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Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Mobil 1
All Star Circuit of Champions welcomes Ollie’s Bargain Outlet as title sponsor for 2019
Mobil 1 returns as presenting sponsor
BROWNSBURG, Ind. (November 20, 2018) - Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, one of America’s largest retailers of closeout merchandise and excess inventory, will join the All Star Circuit of Champions in 2019 as the official title sponsor, fueling one of the nation’s most historic, as well as prestigious, touring winged sprint car series.
“We are thrilled to have Ollie’s Bargain Outlet join the All Star Circuit of Champions in 2019. Just like the Ollie’s brand is synonymous with bargains, sprint car racing represents a real value to its loyal fans. We are privileged to have Ollie’s join the All Star Family,” Tony Stewart said, All Star Circuit of Champions owner. “I’m confident we can do our part in representing Ollie’s Bargain Outlet at the highest level, as well as showcase their brand to fans and racers from across the country. I am very much looking forward to meeting a lot of fans at Ollie’s stores in the coming years.”
Founded in Mechanicsburg, Pa., Ollie’s Bargain Outlet’s roots are instilled in a sprint car hotbed. Ollie’s has grown to 303 locations in 23 states, offering real bargain prices in every department, from housewares to sporting goods to flooring and food. Ollie’s buyers scour the world looking for closeouts, overstocks, package changes, manufacturer refurbished goods, and irregulars.
“We are honored to be associated with the All Star Circuit of Champions,” said Mark Butler, President and CEO of Ollie’s Bargain Outlet. “Founded in Central Pennsylvania, sprint car racing is certainly a part of our local community. The sprint car fan base has always been a supporter of Ollie’s Bargain Outlet. We hope to mold a strong relationship with Tony Stewart’s All Stars, as well as build an everlasting relationship with their fans from all parts of the country.”
In addition, Mobil 1, the official synthetic motor oil brand of the All Star Circuit of Champions, will return in 2019 as the official presenting sponsor.
“Sprint car racing is not only one of the most competitive and exciting forms of racing in the world, it is also extremely demanding on teams, cars and engines,” said Christian Flathman, global motorsports and sponsorship advisor at ExxonMobil. “Week in and week out, teams in this series hit the road to compete throughout the country. Our scientists and engineers work every day to make sure that Mobil 1 will not only help teams get their trucks and haulers to the race, but help them get their sprint cars to victory lane at the track.”
A connection that dates back nearly five decades, motorsports continues to form a key element in ExxonMobil’s heritage and pedigree, constantly pushing ahead with new technological advances to improve their range of oils and lubricants. Its relationship with the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions will ensure an important grassroots presence, which is a building block to many of the world’s leading motorsports divisions.
The entire 2019 Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Mobil 1 schedule will be released during the last week of November. The season will ignite officially with action in the Sunshine State beginning with a stop at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala. The first night of competition is scheduled for Thursday, January 31.
About the All Star Circuit of Champions:
All Star Enterprises, LLC, wholly owned by Tony Stewart, d/b/a the All Star Circuit of Champions, is a winged sprint car series. The All-Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Car Series is one of the oldest traveling 410 sprint car organizations and is a staple of grassroots, open-wheel racing. Formed in 1970 by Bud Miller, the series has largely been considered the first 'outlaw' Sprint Car organization of the modern era. Motorsports entrepreneur Tony Stewart agreed to terms with Guy Webb to become the sole owner of the original winged sprint car tour in January of 2015. In 2019, MAVTV Motorsports Network will continue to be the official television home of the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Mobil 1 and will broadcast ten high-profile events.
About Ollie’s Bargain Outlet:
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Inc., founded in 1982, is one of America’s largest retailers of closeouts and excess inventory, offering real brands at real bargain prices. Famous for its signature catch-phrase Good Stuff Cheap, Ollie’s has a huge variety of famous brand-name merchandise in every department – food, books, housewares, toys, electronics, domestics, clothing, furniture, health and beauty, flooring, seasonal items and so much more – at up to 70 percent off the fancy stores’ prices. You never know what you’ll find at one of Ollie’s 303 “semi-lovely” stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. For more information, visit www.ollies.us. Like us on Facebook or find us on Twitter at @OlliesOutlet. Ollie’s is a publicly-traded company on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol OLLI.
About Mobil 1:
The world's leading synthetic motor oil brand, Mobil 1™ features anti-wear technology that provides performance beyond our conventional motor oils. This technology allows Mobil 1 to meet or exceed the toughest standards of car builders and to provide exceptional protection against engine wear, under normal or even some of the most extreme conditions. Mobil 1 flows quickly in extreme temperatures to protect critical engine parts and is designed to maximize engine performance and help extend engine life.
For more information, visit www.mobiloil.com, on Twitter @Mobil1 and, on Facebook, www.facebook.com/mobil1.
Mobil, Mobil 1 and Mobil 1 Racing are registered trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries.
Contact: Tyler Altmeyer
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Mobil 1
(724) 954-4915, pr@tonystewart.com
Sanctioning bodies, tracks, car owners, drivers form Sprint Car Council
Posted by: | CommentsIn an effort to advance the sport of sprint car racing, constituents from across the country representing sanctioning bodies, tracks, car owners, chassis builders and drivers have announced the formation of a sprint car council. It is believed to be the first of its kind in the sprint car industry.
The intent and purpose of the council is to improve communication among all constituents in the sprint car industry. The council will work together, focusing on car and track safety initiatives, improving consistency in rules, maintaining costs, enforcing suspensions across all tracks and series, and advancing the holistic improvement of sprint car racing for drivers, team owners, series, tracks and fans.
The council will not act as a governing body. The decision to adjust rules, adapt safety measures, enforce suspensions or otherwise will ultimately be decided at the respective series, track and car owner level.
“Many people in the industry are aware that we had a vision and goal to assemble a council when we met in August during the Knoxville Nationals,” said Tony Stewart, who represents the All Star Circuit of Champions as a series owner. “I am extremely excited about the enthusiasm and participation from our members. This is a great opportunity for all of us to improve sprint car racing for years to come.”
The council will represent individuals from tracks and series representing all geographical areas of the United States. Such individuals will actively participate in sub-councils which will focus on the following disciplines: track safety, car/chassis safety, aerodynamics and forward-looking rules changes.
“Since 1978, the World of Outlaws has been a leader in sprint car racing, and we are pleased to expand on that role with the sprint car council,” said World of Outlaws CEO Brian Carter. “Going back 10 years with our stakeholders group, the World of Outlaws has strived to bring the industry closer and to strengthen the foundation of sprint car racing while keeping an eye toward the future. We hope through the sprint car council all the parties can learn from each other to continue enhancing the sport we all love.”
The council will meet four times per year, at a minimum, with to-be-determined dates in February, August, November and December.
Participating members of the council include: All Star Circuit of Champions, American Sprint Car Series (ASCS), Attica Raceway Park, BAPS Motor Speedway, Barry Jackson (crew chief CJB Motorsports and chassis builder), Daryn Pittman (driver), Empire Super Sprints (ESS), IRA Sprints, Jackson Motorplex, John Darby (consultant), Kevin Nouse (PA 358 Sprints), Knoxville Raceway, Lincoln (PA) Speedway, Mark Chevalier (team owner and engineer), Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA), National Sprint League (NSL), Ryan Hand (former crew chief), Paul McMahan (driver), Port Royal Speedway, POWRi, POWRi WAR Sprint Car League, Skagit Speedway, Upper Midwest Sprint Series (UMSS), United States Auto Club (USAC), WI MSA 360 sprints, World Of Outlaws and Williams Grove Speedway.
LARGE ENTRY LIST FOR WALL TURKEY DERBY
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Wall Stadium
DATE OF EVENT: November 23, 24 and 25, 2018
DATE OF RELEASE: November 18, 2018
CONTACT: Jeff Gravatt
MODIFIED ENTRY LIST CONTINUES TO GROW FOR WALL STADIUM TURKEY DERBY WEEKEND
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ The list of Tour Type and Wall/SK Modified stock car teams planning to compete in the Thanksgiving weekend Turkey Derby continues to grow! The current list is compiled of teams that have filed entries, secured tires for the weekend and participated in two Saturday practice sessions on November 10 and 17.
If well over 80 race teams from all divisions that were in the Wall Stadium Speedway pit area for the November 17 final practice session are any indication, the 45th running of the Turkey Derby stock car classic could feature a record setting field in both quality and quantity. Nearly 70 cars from all divisions tested on November 10.
The Turkey Derby is presented on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend during the daylight hours.
Among the Tour Type Modified stock car standouts expressing interest in the annual classic are multi-time Turkey Derby winner Jimmy Blewett of Howell who tested his Wall and Tour Type Modifieds on November 17. Also seen turning fast laps on November 17 were Holmdel's Andrew Krause, Andy Jankowiac of Tonawanda, N.Y., Tony Ricci of Westbrook, Maine, Matt Swanson of Acton, Ma., Anthony Sesely of Matawan and Pennsylvania's Bobby Jones.
Timmy Solomito of Center Moriches, N.Y., Matt Hirschman of Northampton, Pa., Dave Sapienza of Riverhead, N.Y., Kyle Scisco of Jackson, Derek Hopkinson of Toms River, Zane Zeiner of Bath, Pa., Roger Coss of Lafayette and Long Island racer Kenny Darch also plan to see action. Also planning to compete in Tour Type Modified action are Brick’s Ron Frees, Chas Okerson of Freehold, Kyle Ellwood of Riverhead, N.Y., Jonathan Mandato of Toms River and Jackson's Blake Barney. More entries are expected during the final days leading up to the race.
The speedway’s own Wall/SK Modifieds will also be well represented by both local favorites and invaders. Newly crowned champion Jimmy Blewett, former champ Steven Reed of Jackson, Jason Hearne of New Egypt, Brick’s Marc Rogers and Howell's Eric Mauriello are all reportedly planning to compete in the Wall Modified 100-lap feature. Mayetta's Tyler Truex, Kenny Van Wickle of Manasquan, Joey Merlino of Pine Hill, Shaun Carrig of Little Falls, Pennsylvania's Ricky Collins, Zack Alspach of Willingboro, Vinny Marone of Farmingdale, North Carolina's Danny Bohn, Jackson’s Jason Treat and Chris Andretta of Neptune are also expected to be in the field.
Many of the above mentioned racers participated in Saturday's practice.
Several racers are contemplating competition in both pavement type Modified races. In fact, Krause and Blewett plan extra duty as they are also planning to compete in the Dirt Modified feature race. A healthy field of Dirt Modifieds practiced during the two tune-up sessions.
As in the past, more entries can be expected during the final week before the race and on race weekend itself. Also, several drivers will make their final determinations about which, or perhaps both, paved track Modified divisions they will compete in during this final week before the event.
Like the Modified classes, all divisions that will compete in Turkey Derby action look to be well represented by both locals and invaders on race weekend.
On Friday, November 23, day one of Turkey Derby, pit area gates will open at 6:30 a.m., practice will begin at 8:30 a.m. and grandstand seating will open at 9:30 a.m. Qualifying is set for 12:15 p.m. with feature racing scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m. The Sportsman cars will compete in a 50-lap main event, the Limited Late Models will battle in a 50-lapper and the Factory Stocks and the 4 Cylinder Stocks will each battle in 40-lap races.
On Saturday, November 24, the pit area will again open at 6:30 a.m. with practice at 8:30 a.m. and grandstands opening at 9:30 a.m. Qualifying will start at 11:00 a.m. with main events set for 1:00 p.m. The Tour Type Modifieds are set for a 150-lap, $5,000 to win feature race while the speedway’s Wall/SK Modifieds will compete in a 100-lap feature race that offers $5,000 to the winner. Dirt Modifieds will also be on the Saturday card in a 50-lap feature and the Green Flag Driving Experience Legend Cars will compete in a 30-lapper. The TQ Midgets will race on the inner oval in a 30-lap race.
The Turkey Derby weekend will then wrap up on Sunday, November 25, with pit gates opening at 10:00 a.m., practice starting at 11:00 a.m., grandstand opening and qualifying at noon and main events set for 1:00 p.m. The Legend Cars will be competing in a 40-lapper and the Factory Stocks will race in a 50-lapper. The 4 Cylinder Stocks are set for a 75-lapper on Sunday while the Dirt Outlaw Stocks and the Dirt Sportsman cars will each compete in 25-lap main events. A Demolition Derby will cap off Sunday’s action.
Among special awards offered for the weekend will be the Larsen Brothers Memorial Fast Time Award for both the Tour and Wall Modified divisions.
A special commemorative Turkey Derby 45 sweatshirt is available during the weekend and fans are reminded to bring small headset type radios to listen to the live call of the race events over the track’s 90.1 FM frequency. Campers are welcome but they are urged to call the speedway office prior to the event to make mandatory reservations.
Turkey Derby rules, registration forms, ticket purchase forms and more detailed information are all available on the speedway website at www.wallspeedwayracing.com.
Wall Stadium Speedway is located on Route 34 in Wall Township, N.J., just one mile north of Garden State Parkway exit 98 and Interstate 195 exit 35B. The speedway hotline number is 732-681-6400 and email address is CKMotorsports@aol.com.
SEAVEY SAVES BEST FOR LAST AT BAKERSFIELD, CLINCHES USAC NATIONAL MIDGET TITLE
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The United States Auto Club.
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Contact: Richie Murray - USAC Media / richie@usacracing.com
#67 Logan Seavey battles #97K Rico Abreu for the lead on his way to victory during Saturday night's 'November Classic' USAC P1 Insurance National & Light Up The World Western States Midget feature at Bakersfield (Calif.) Speedway. (Devin Mayo Photo)
SEAVEY SAVES BEST FOR LAST AT BAKERSFIELD, CLINCHES USAC NATIONAL MIDGET TITLE
By: Richie Murray - USAC Media
Bakersfield, California.....November 17, 2018 - For 29 and three-quarters of a lap, Logan Seavey was staring straight at the tail tank of his teammate Rico Abreu's car as he followed him lap-after-lap around the Bakersfield Speedway 1/3-mile dirt oval.
But all it took was one quarter, and one big run off the high side of turn four, for Seavey to race around the 2014 series champ for the lead and score his third victory of the year by a .292-second margin.
Though the Sutter, Calif. driver was steadfast in his approach down the stretch, Seavey admitted he nearly gave up on the high line. But he stuck with it and stuck his Keith Kunz Motorsports-Curb-Agajanian/Mobil 1 - JBL Audio/Bullet by Spike/Speedway Toyota in victory lane at Saturday's "November Classic" USAC P1 Insurance National and Light Up The World Western States Midget event.
"I was just kind of riding behind him," Seavey recalled. "On that last run, got away from me, so I kept working the top. I almost gave up on it, but on the last lap, I fully committed, and I got a bunch of drive off exit. I definitely wasn't expecting that. It looked like he maybe bobbled a little bit, but sometimes, that's what it takes."
Seavey ran second for and played the role of the chaser, which afforded him the opportunity to dust off a few trails of his own as he sought a way around Abreu.
"Racing with Rico so long, you learn how his driving style works," Seavey explained. "He was committed to the bottom and he's really good on top. Obviously, Rico's known for that. Luckily, I was the one running second and I was able to search. He had to commit to his line and do what was working for him. That's the bad part about leading these races because we've all lost them that way. Tonight, we got one that way."
With the victory and the subsequent addition of maximum feature points to his credit, Seavey has essentially clinched the USAC P1 Insurance National Midget championship, carrying a 137-point advantage into Thursday's season finale, the 78th "Turkey Night Grand Prix" at Ventura (Calif.) Raceway.
It's been an amazing journey for the quick study who started his first USAC Midget race just a calendar year ago. On this night, the series Rookie became the first driver to reach victory lane for the third time in 2018 in what has been an incredibly-balanced season. With a National title now in his back pocket, he has reached a stratosphere that few have ever achieved as a USAC National Midget champion in his Rookie season, following in the tracks of Danny Caruthers in 1971 and Christopher Bell in 2013.
"It's pretty dang cool," Seavey exclaimed. "Not too long ago, I didn't even have a midget ride. I was just hoping one day to be able to race midgets. Now here we are with the best team in the world and we're USAC national champions!"
Although Seavey began the feature event from the pole position, it was outside front row starter Abreu who looked every bit the dominator on this night as he locked in on winning his first series race in over 16 months. Abreu rocketed around the outside of Seavey on the first and second tries at the green, which were called back due to multiple stoppages, the first of which saw Western States Midget point leader Michael Faccinto get upside down. He finished 24th and now trails Alex Schutte by four points in the standings entering the finale.
The third time was a charm as Seavey slid up further to prevent Abreu's charge off turn two, but Abreu quickly countered and dove back under Seavey off turn two to snag the lead once again, then immediately headed to the bottom entering turn three. Abreu would play the balancing act of entering high in turn one and rolling the bottom of turn three for the duration.
Through the mid-portion of the race, Seavey was engaged with Zeb Wise for the runner-up spot with fellow series Rookie Wise momentarily possessing the position on lap 13 with ta turn one slider, but Seavey was able to punch his way back by on the back straight with Wise, Chad Boat and Shane Golobic hanging in the not-so-distant rear.
With ten to go, Seavey ramped up the pressure as he shadowed Abreu on both ends of the racetrack, high in one and low in three. Following a Ryan Robinson spin in turn three with nine laps remaining, the top-three of Abreu, Seavey and Wise were in freight-train mode as they battled for the lead. Seavey broke from the tracks and went topside in turn three on lap 23, diamonding off midway between three and four which resulted in a him gaining a big run that allowed him to close right on the rear bumper of Abreu exiting off the bottom of four. Seavey kept the train a rolling all the way into turn one, sliding up in front of Abreu, but again, Abreu put on his bulletproof vest and put a stop to Seavey's Bullet (By Spike), countering back by and driving past Seavey to retake the point.
After Wise slowed to a stop on lap 24 to bring out the final yellow, the score would be settled between Abreu and Seavey. Abreu utilized a quality start off the blocks at the drop of the green to gain a half-second advantage right off the bat, but that's where Seavey went to work, searching high, low and everywhere in between.
On the last lap, Seavey stalked Abreu through turns one and two, but as Abreu headed for the bottom of three, Seavey had no doubts in his mind about heading to the top. He nailed it as perfect as perfection can be, ripping past Abreu off the final turn to score the victory by two car lengths over Abreu, with S. Golobic a close-by third, Spencer Bayston fourth and Chad Boat fifth.
'Not too long ago, I didn't even have a midget ride. I was just hoping one day to be able to race midgets. Now here we are with the best team in the world and we're USAC national champions!' - Logan Seavey (Devin Mayo Photo)
For Rico, it was a tough one to take as he appeared to be in control as others made runs at him throughout the event. But, as you'll hear drivers say, being in the lead can become a disadvantage at times on a dirt track, not knowing where your nearest competition is and not being able to see where the fastest line is at the moment.
"I just tried to be as patient as I could throughout the race," Abreu remembers. "When you get all these cautions, it changes the momentum of everything. I felt like we were good enough for a l0ittle five-lap dash there at the end. I should've moved around a lot more, but we never caught lapped traffic, so I couldn't judge my pace off anybody. I just set my own pace and waited for someone to drive around me, so I could race with them. Logan got by at the perfect time."
"I just made the wrong mistakes at the wrong times," Abreu continued. "If the roles were reversed, I would've been doing the same thing by moving around a lot more. You get trapped when you're leading, though. My car felt really good on the bottom of three and four. I had that diamond line in one and two where I could get such a big run down the back stretch and then slam on the brakes and slow it down. Another Kunz car won and, if you're going to run second, you might as well run second to one of your guys.
Contingency award winners Saturday night at Bakersfield Speedway were Michael Faccinto (Simpson Race Products First Heat Winner), Tyler Courtney (Competition Suspension, Inc. Second Heat Winner), Alex Schutte (Chalk Stix Third Heat Winner), Cody Swanson (Indy Race Parts Fourth Heat Winner & Wilwood Brakes 13th Place Finisher), Jason McDougal (KSE Racing Products Hard Charger) and Holly Shelton (Saldana Racing Products First Non-Transfer).
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USAC P1 INSURANCE NATIONAL & LIGHT UP THE WORLD WESTERN STATES MIDGET presented by CBD Living Water RACE RESULTS: November 17, 2018 - Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, California - "November Classic"
WOODLAND AUTO DISPLAY QUALIFYING: 1. Chad Boat, 84, Tucker/Boat-12.536; 2. Holly Shelton, 67K, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian-12.724; 3. Sam Johnson, 72, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian-12.729; 4. Shane Golobic, 17w, Clauson Marshall/Wood-12.756; 5. Damion Gardner, 25x, Rodela-12.782; 6. Zeb Wise, 39BC, Clauson Marshall-12.786; 7. Brady Bacon, 76m, FMR-12.807; 8. Tucker Klaasmeyer, 27, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian-12.811; 9. Dustin Golobic, 17G, Wood-12.829; 10. Rico Abreu, 97K, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian-12.831; 11. Ryan Robinson, 71, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian-12.850; 12. Logan Seavey, 67, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian-12.867; 13. Spencer Bayston, 97, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian-12.872; 14. Colton Heath, 99, Stewart-12.890; 15. Justin Grant, 76E, FMR-12.911; 16. Tanner Carrick, 71K, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian-12.931; 17. Michael Faccinto, 9D, Dodenhoff-12.935; 18. Tyler Courtney, 7BC, Clauson Marshall-12.942; 19. Alex Schutte, 28, Schutte/McElwee-13.000; 20. Cody Swanson, 71s, Campbell-13.039; 21. Holley Hollan, 35, Petry-13.048; 22. Sterling Cling, 5, Petry-13.049; 23. Jesse Colwell, 71x, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian-13.056; 24. Michael Pickens, 67z, Kahne-13.061; 25. Jason McDougal, 15, Petry-13.094; 26. Robert Dalby, 4D, Dalby-13.145; 27. Kyle Beilman, 31, Beilman-13.148; 28. Daniel Anderson, 7, McQueen-13.180; 29. C.J. Leary, 68, Six8-13.216; 30. Cole Bodine, 17BC, Clauson Marshall-13.230; 31. Jerry Coons, Jr., 25, Petry-13.239; 32. C.J. Sarna, 20, Sarna-13.304; 33. Jake Swanson, 68w, Six8-13.307; 34. Maria Cofer, 57, Cofer-13.465; 35. Ashley Hazelton-Heredia, 15x, Hazelton-13.903; 36. Jesse Fernandez, 97F, Fernandez-14.309; 37. Shawn Jones, 10w, Jones-14.661; 38. David Prickett, 24x, Neverlift-NT; 39. Ricky Lewis, 1p, Nichols-NT; 40. Tanner Thorson, 3c, Tri-C-NT.
SIMPSON RACE PRODUCTS / EXTREME MUFFLERS FIRST HEAT: (8 laps, top-4 transfer to feature) 1. Faccinto, 2. D. Golobic, 3. Bayston, 4. Hollan, 5. Boat, 6. Gardner, 7. J. Swanson, 8. McDougal, 9. Leary, 10. Jones. 1:44.15
COMPETITION SUSPENSION (CSI) / KEIZER ALUMINUM WHEELS SECOND HEAT: (8 laps, top-4 transfer to feature) 1. Courtney, 2. Abreu, 3. Wise, 4. Cling, 5. Shelton, 6. Heath, 7. Dalby, 8. Bodine, 9. Cofer. 1:43.59 (New Track Record)
CHALK STIX / COMPETITION SUSPENSION (CSI) THIRD HEAT: (8 laps, top-4 transfer to feature) 1. Schutte, 2. Grant, 3. Bacon, 4. Coons, 5. Robinson, 6. Colwell, 7. Johnson, 8. Lewis, 9. Beilman, 10. Hazelton-Heredia. 1:47.84
INDY RACE PARTS / BUTLERBUILT SEATS FOURTH HEAT: (8 laps, top-4 transfer to feature) 1. C. Swanson, 2. Seavey, 3. Pickens, 4. S. Golobic, 5. Carrick, 6. Klaasmeyer, 7. Sarna, 8. Anderson, 9. Fernandez, 10. Thorson. 1:48.80
PYROTECT RACING CELLS C-MAIN: (8 laps, top-4 transfer) 1. Bodine, 2. J. Swanson, 3. Cofer, 4. Sarna, 5. Fernandez, 6. Hazelton-Heredia, 7. Lewis, 8. Jones. NT
ROD END SUPPLY SEMI: (12 laps, top-6 transfer) 1. Boat, 2. Carrick, 3. Robinson, 4. Klaasmeyer, 5. McDougal, 6. Johnson, 7. Shelton, 8. Gardner, 9. J. Swanson, 10. Dalby, 11. Leary, 12. Bodine, 13. Cofer, 14. Colwell, 15. Sarna, 16. Beilman. NT
FEATURE: (30 laps, starting position in parentheses) 1. Logan Seavey (1), 2. Rico Abreu (2), 3. Shane Golobic (6), 4. Spencer Bayston (11), 5. Chad Boat (7), 6. Tanner Carrick (13), 7. Brady Bacon (4), 8. Holly Shelton (25), 9. Jason McDougal (21), 10. Tucker Klaasmeyer (9), 11. Jerry Coons, Jr. (22), 12. Cole Bodine (23), 13. Cody Swanson (17), 14. Sam Johnson (8), 15. Dustin Golobic (3), 16. Robert Dalby (24), 17. Alex Schutte (16), 18. Holley Hollan (18), 19. C.J. Sarna (26), 20. Zeb Wise (5), 21. Ryan Robinson (10), 22. Tyler Courtney (15), 23. Sterling Cling (19), 24. Michael Faccinto (14), 25. Justin Grant (12), 26. Michael Pickens (20). NT
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**Jones flipped during the C-Main. Beilman flipped during the semi. Faccinto flipped on the opening lap of the feature.
FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-29 Abreu, Lap 30 Seavey.
KSE RACING PRODUCTS / SALDANA RACING PRODUCTS / RACING OPTICS HARD CHARGER: Jason McDougal (21st to 9th)
WILWOOD BRAKES 13TH PLACE FINISHER: Cody Swanson
SALDANA RACING PRODUCTS FIRST NON-TRANSFER: Holly Shelton
NEW USAC P1 INSURANCE MIDGET NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS: 1-Seavey-988, 2-Bacon-851, 3-Boat-849, 4-Bayston-833, 5-Courtney-804, 6-Grant-802, 7-Carrick-785, 8-K. Thomas-711, 9-Wise-609, 10-Robinson-569.
NEW USAC LIGHT UP THE WORLD WESTERN STATES MIDGET POINTS: 1-Schutte-730, 2-Faccinto-726, 3-Dalby-578, 4-Robby Josett-570, 5-Sarna-528, 6-Prickett-509, 7-Beilman-428, 8-Frankie Guerrini-370, 9-Ronnie Gardner-370, 10-Shannon McQueen-370.
NEXT USAC P1 INSURANCE NATIONAL AND LIGHT UP THE WORLD WESTERN STATES MIDGET RACE: November 22 - Ventura Raceway - Ventura, California - 78th "Turkey Night Grand Prix"
Bridgeport Speedway Quick Results
Posted by: | CommentsPENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCKS
1 - Tom Wills Jr, 2 - Rich Stinson, 3 - Jeff Dirkes, 4 - Lee Allen, 5 - Jeramy Doerr, 6 - Gary Klimeczek,
7 - John Parker, 8 - Jillian Long, 9 - Nick Sandone III, 10 - Chris Allen, 11 - Paul Donahue, 12 - Andrew Joslin,
13 - Darren Cox, 14 - John Meyer, 15 - Chris Sammons, 16 - Steven Land, 17 - Eric Mattson, 18 - Justin Nowlen
DNS - Mike Creamer, Gary Elliott
SPIRIT AUTO CENTER MODIFIEDS
1 - Wade Hendrickson, 2 - Jimmy Horton, 3 - Ryan Watt, 4 - Richie Pratt Jr, 5 - Rick Laubach, 6 - Neal Williams,
7 - Tommy Beamer, 8 - Jim Britt, 9 - Howard O'Neal, 10 - Jeff Strunk, 11 - Sammy Martz, 12 - JR Burritt,
13 - Matt Stangle, 14 - Ron Roberts, 15 - Mike Franz, 16 - Bucky Kell, 17 - Jeramy Doerr, 18 - Roger Manning,
19 - Tom Moore Jr, 20 - Jim Gallagher Jr, 21 - Kevin Sockriter
STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY
1 - Steve Kemery, 2 - Craig Whitmoyer, 3 - Wayne Weaver, 4 - Chris Jenkins, 5 - Sammy Martz Jr, 6 - Jim Gallagher,
7 - Dave Damiano, 8 - Sean Metz, 9 - Tom Moore Jr, 10 - Rob Mancini, 11 - Pete Serra, 12 - Frank Dorry, 13 - BJ Joly
14 - Tom Holding, 15 - Scott Hulmes, 16 - Ernie Miles Jr, 17 - David Jenkins, 18 - Tom Sherby, 19 - Travis Hill,
20 - John Scarpati
