Through The Gears

MCS Rained Out Once More

2011-07-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericphotos.com)

PERU, IN.- Mother nature came calling again Saturday night, shutting down another Saturday night of micro sprint racing action at Miami County Speedway. Racing began an hour earlier, in an effort to make up two features (Non Wing and Senior) from the June 11th rain out.

After hot laps, the two make up features were run. Logansport, IN. native Dennis Corcoran (Pictured Left) held off a hard charging Rob Johnson to win Saturday's Senior A-Main feature make up race. Kokomo, IN. native Bob Baker raced his way through the field, to finish third.

Warsaw, IN. racer Stuart Hanft (Pictured Right) won the 20 lap Non Wing make up feature. Taking a strong second place finish was Peru, IN. native Brandon Rose, while third belonged to Kendallville, IN. racer Ben Taylor.

Following Saturday's heat races, a severe lightning storm light up the sky, forcing Miami County Speedway to shut down the racing early on Saturday night.

More micro sprint racing action resumes this Saturday night at the Miami County Speedway. As was the case last Saturday, Miami County Speedway will begin one hour early, in order to make up the Wing Class A-Main from the June 23rd that had to be rescheduled, due to curfew. MCS will also run it's regular five class program. The gates will open at 2:00 PM, with the draw closing at 4:15 PM. After the driver's meeting, the racers will begin their hot lap sessions.

Come take part in another exciting night of micro sprint action at Miami County Speedway. I'll see you there!

A Great Turnout for the 2011 Miami County Fair Race

2011-06-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)

PERU, IN.- A rain shower couldn't dampen the spirits of race fans and drivers alike, as Miami County Speedway hosted another memorable night of micro sprint racing last Thursday, during the 2011 Miami County Fair Race festivities.

Hot laps and heat races were run with heavy cloud cover. Then an hour delay, set up for a fast track, as Miami County Speedway raced up until the 11:30 PM curfew, running four out of the five features last Thursday night.

The first feature of the night came from the always exciting Junior Class. Royal Center, IN. racer Garrett Jameson (Pictured Left) collected his first feature win of his young career on Thursday night. "It feels awesome to finally get a feature win. This is really sweet," Jameson explained after he took his first checkered flag.

Jadon Rogers took second place honors, while Kokomo, IN.'s Jared Van Ness put together another solid feature run to finish third. Denver, IN. racer Seth Ireland ended the night with a fourth place finish, while Jacob Bigger took the final top five spot in the 20 lap Junior Class A-Main.

Camden, IN. native Chris Miller (Pictured Right) returned to victory lane, winning Thursday's 20 lap Nonwing A-Main. "It felt great to come back to MCS and win this big Non Wing feature. This is my first feature win in my Hyper Chassis," Miller said.

Delphi, IN.'s Matt Johnson took second place, while Westfield, IN. racer Stephanie Mockler returned to Miami County Speedway, racing a Parker Price Miller Motorsports Non Wing entry to a strong third place showing. Mentone, IN. native Sam Kimmel raced his way through the field to pick up a fourth place finish. Kokomo, IN. racer Parker Price Miller rounded out the top five finishers in the Non Wing finale.

Fort Wayne, IN. racer Dakota Busche (Pictured Left) swept the night, winning both the second Restrictor heat race and the A-Main. After his big night of racing Busche said, "It felt great to come win again at MCS. We won up at Jackson, Michigan, but this is our first feature win in Indiana. I wanted to let everyone know that my Restrictor race car is for sale," Busche explained. If anyone is interested, you can call the Busches at (260) 341-1754.

Kokomo, IN. natives Deavan Bolton and Dalton Walker took second and third respectively in Thursday's Restrictor A-Main. Callie Wolstiffer turned in another solid showing, finished fourth, while fifth belonged to Hallie Feuquay.

The fourth feature came in the Senior A-Main. Logansport, IN. racer Dennis Corcoran (Pictured Right) raced the #22C Senior Non Wing to a second consecutive checkered flag in the Miami County Fair Race last Thursday night. "This is the second straight Fair Race win for us. My brother Tommy Corcoran raced the #22C to the Senior A-Main in last year's Miami County Fair Race. It feels great to double up like this. We have been really fast here at Miami County Speedway," Corcoran explained.

The fifth feature wasn't run, because of the 11:30 PM curfew. The Wing feature will be made up on Saturday, July 9th.

Next Saturday, July 2nd will be a very busy, but awesome night for Miami County Speedway. MCS will race both the Senior and Non Wing A-Mains from the June 11th rain out. MCS will begin racing an hour earlier than usual. Along with the two feature make ups, MCS will be racing the always exciting five feature A-Main micro sprint racing program.

The pits will be opening at 1:30 PM, with the driver draws closing at 3:45 PM. Racing will start at 5:30 PM. For more information on times and schedules, please check out the official website for the Miami County Speedway at www.miamicountyspeedway.com. Come out and take part in a fun-filled night of micro sprint racing action at Miami County Speedway. I'll see you there!

Kinsler Brothers Share Special Night at MCS

2011-06-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

Culp captures the Wing Class Special

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)

PERU, IN.- Another cloudly cool Indiana Saturday, set up for another awesome night of micro sprint racing action at Miami County Speedway. MCS hosted their Wing Class Special on Saturday night, which paid an additional $100.00 to the winner's purse of Saturday's Wing Class A-Main. The Restrictor Class raced Non Wing on Saturday night.

The action kicked off with a pair of 12 lap B-Mains in both the Wing and Non Wing Classes. Logansport racer Ryan Leek won the first B-Main in the Wing Class. Chris Smith, Taylor Courtney, and Austin Mead also transferred into the Wing Class A-Main. Richard Dobbins won the second B- Main in the Non Wing Class. Transferring into the Non Wing A-Main along with Dobbins was Kylee Brown, Max Kramer, and Justin Kernel.

Delphi, IN. racer Kaleb Kinsler (Pictured Left) won the first A-Main of the night in the Junior Class. "It feels awesome to get a win on my first night out in 2011. We won the Junior Dash and the A-Main. This is pretty awesome," Kaleb said about his big night.

Kokomo, IN.native Jared Van Ness finished with another solid second place finish. Third belonged to another Kokomo, IN. racer Kayaleb Bolton. Garrett Jameson and Seth Ireland rounded out the top five in Saturday's 20 lap Junior Feature.

Next up was the big 25 lap Wing Class feature. The Wing Class also drew the Front Row Challenge on Saturday night. Polesitter Randy Shilling and second place starter Blane Culp both declined the Challenge, increasing the Challenge to $80.00 for July 2nd's Non Wing A-Main.

Columbia City, IN. native Blane Culp (Pictured Right) passed Shilling, and never looked back taking the 25 lap Wing Class Special A-Main. After the big win, Culp said, "It felt awesome to win the Special. The $100.00 bonus is nice too. The $100.00 will go toward fuel. It's nice to get a big win, before we head out to Southern Illinois Speedway for their $10,000 to win race here in a couple of weeks."

Shilling held on for second, while third belonged to Tyler Stump. The Wing Class B-Main winner Ryan Leek raced his way to fourth, while Warsaw, IN. racer Braxton Hanft rounded out the top five in Saturday's Wing Class A-Main Special.

The third feature came from the Restrictor Class. The 25 lapper featured Non Wing Restrictors. Kaleb's older brother Kolt (Pictured Left), also of Delphi, IN., capped off the very special night by winning the Restrictor (Non Wing) A-Main. After the special night, Kolt said, "This is pretty awesome. In all the years, we've been racing my little brother and I have never won two features in one night like this, so It's definitely a night to remember. I'm really happy for not only me but my little brother Kaleb."

Little brother Kaleb echoed his excitement for the special night. Father Tony Kinsler summed up the special night by saying, "I'm proud of both my boys (Centered). They both did a fine job tonight."

Warsaw, IN. racer Jason Ormsby took second place to Kolt in Saturday's Restrictor (Non Wing) feature. while third belonged to Zane Devault.

Miami County Speedway ran a few laps in Saturday's Senior Class A-Main, but had to stop because of curfew. MCS will be closed the next two weekends due to the Miami County 4-H Fair, but will they are set to host the Miami County 4-H Fair race on Thursday, June 23rd. Due to the curfew, both the Senior A-Main and the Non Wing A-Main will be made up on Saturday, July 2nd, when Miami County Speedway reopens for the remainder of the Summer. For more information, please log on to the Miami County Speedway's official website at www.miamicountyspeedway.com. See you all for the Miami County Fair Race on Thursday, June 23rd!

Southwick Is New MCS Trophy Queen

2011-06-05T10:25:00.000-07:00

Severe storms shut down MCS
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)

PERU,IN.- I would like to congratulate Greenwood, IN. native Anna Southwick (Center) on becoming the newest trophy queen at Miami County Speedway. Severe storms shut down Saturday night's micro sprint racing action halfway through the heat races at Miami County Speedway.

More micro sprint racing action returns to Miami County Speedway next Saturday, June 11th, as we host the Wing Class Special which will include the regular five class feature program. The Wing Class will be racing for double the points and prize money next Saturday.

Racing starts with hot laps at 5:30 PM, with live heat racing action to follow at around 6:00 PM. For more information, check out Miami County Speedway's official website (www.miamicountyspeedway.com). See you at the races!

Father-Son Duo Wins Back-To-Back at MCS

2011-05-29T22:32:00.000-07:00

Hughes picks up second straight Nonwing crown
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)

PERU, IN.- On a day that marked the end of a magical month of May at the famed Yard of Bricks, Miami County Speedway had some magic of their own. Delphi, IN. family duo of Matt Johnson and his father Rob (Upper Middle) became the first father-son team, in recent memory to win back-to-back features in the same night at Miami County Speedway on Sunday night. "The Johnsons were the first father-son duo that I can remember to win back-to-back features here," MCS Track Owner Norm Bailey recalled.

After persistent rain showers closed out Saturday's racing action, Miami County Speedway weathered the afternoon rain, as they hosted the 2011 Denny Miller Memorial on Sunday night. The action kicked off with Nonwing B-Main. Peru, IN. racer Braiden Black took the twelve lapper, to advance to Sunday's Nonwing A-Main. Kylee Brown, Travis Ray and Joe Taylor rounded out the top four transfers into Sunday's 25 lap Nonwing showdown.

The first of the five features came in the Junior Class. Kokomo, IN. native Kayaleb Bolton (Pictured Left) held off a hard-charging Jared Van Ness to take the Junior Class finale win. "It feels awesome to get my first feature win of 2011," Bolton said. "I'd like to thank my Dad, and my sponsors: Mouser Automative, Al Parigen Engines, Kline Chassises, and my Uncle Jimmy for all their support this season," Bolton added.

Garrett Jameson finished in third, behind Bolton and Van Ness. Seth Ireland and Jacob Bigger rounded out the top five finishers in Sunday's Junior A-Main.

Former USAC racer and Camden, IN. native Ron Dennis (Pictured Right) returned to victory lane, winning the 25 lap Wing Class A-Main on Sunday night. "It feels really cool to finally win again. It's about time we won. I haven't won a mini sprint feature since 2004. I'd like to thank the Merrell Brothers, my friends, family, and crew for all their support this season," Dennis explained.

Chase Mead scored a solid second place finish, while former USAC Mopar Midget Champion Bryan Stanfill recorded his first top three finish at Miami County Speedway. Ben Taylor and Kris Knox finished fourth and fifth respectfully.

The magical night for the entire Johnson family began with Sunday's Restrictor Class A-Main. Delphi, IN. racer Matt Johnson (Pictured Left) raced Gary Miller's #19 Restrictor to his second consecutive feature win. Warsaw, IN.'s Jason Ormsby finished second, while Flora, IN. racer Cole Angle finished third. Fourth and fifth belonged to Dalton Walker and Braiden Black.

Matt's father Rob Johnson (Pictured Right) won the Senior feature from the pole position. Flora, IN. native Cory Angle finished second, while third went to Brookston, IN.'s Bob Harrington. Indianapolis, IN. native Jay Tutino finished fourth, while Bill Dubios rounded out the top five in Sunday's Senior Class A-Main.

"It's pretty awesome to be the first father-son duo to win back-to-back features here at Miami County Speedway. I'd like to thank Gary Miller for letting me drive his restrictor to another feature win," Matt explained. Matt's father Rob echoed the excitement. "It's really special to be the first father-son duo to win out here. It's also special to be able to get two P&D chassises in victory lane. I'd like to thank my wife for the food. I'd also like to thank Gary Miller for building this Senior Class rocket ship. I want to thank everyone at Miami County Speedway and you for coming out here and covering this," Rob explained.

Car owner/builder Gary Miller capped off the special night, by saying, "I think Matt and Rob did a great job tonight in winning back-to-back features. They made my chassis look good."

Peru, IN. racer KC Hughes (Pictured Left) ended the magical night of racing, by winning his second consecutive feature in the Nonwing Class. "I thought this would never happen," an excited Hughes said, as he jumped out of his GRP Chassis Nonwing. "It's pretty cool to win two straight. I want to thank my Dad, my Wife, George and Tammi Gamester and everyone at GRP Chassis. I also want to thank all the MCS track officials and crews for all their hard work on the track prep," Hughes explained.

Another Peru native Brandon Rose raced his way to a strong second place finish. Third went to Mentone, IN. native Sam Kimmel. North Manchester's Jordan Lambert and Warsaw's Stuart Hanft rounded out the top five finishers in Sunday's 25 lap Nonwing finale.

It's these magical nights that make the micro sprint racing at Miami County Speedway so fun to cover. I want to thank everyone at Miami County Speedway for letting me come out each weekend and cover some awesome micro sprint racing action. This thank would include Track Owners Norm and Julie Bailey, Dwyane McIntire and Connie Edmisson. I'd also like to thank all the MCS track personnel, scorers, announcers, and the drivers for letting to come out each weekend. I can't wait for next Saturday's races.

More micro sprint racing action returns to Miami County Speedway next Saturday, June 4th, as MCS hosts their exciting five class regular micro sprint program. Hot laps start at 5:30 PM, with live heat races to follow. Come take part of more action packed micro sprint racing at Miami County Speedway next Saturday night. See you at the races!

Memorable Night for MCS

2011-05-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)

PERU, IN.- A lengthy rain delay set up for a fast track, as Miami County Speedway hosted their 5th Annual Salute To The Troops race. Ninety-four micro sprints came from all over, to take part in a very special night of racing, as we honored those brave men and women who fought or continue to fight for the freedoms we have today.

Nearly half of the drivers in the program, raced in honor and/or memory of a member of our Armed Forces. These drivers were given an American flag to put on their micro sprints.

The five class program kicked off with the twenty lap Junior Class A-Main. Kokomo, IN. native Jared Van Ness (Pictured Left) put together another solid race to pick up his third consecutive Junior Class feature. After the race, an excited Van Ness said, "It's pretty cool to win my third straight race, especially at a race this big. I would like to thank my Papa for his continued support."

Denver, IN. racer Seth Ireland came home with a hard fought second place finish, while third belonged to Garrett Jameson. Noah Brooks and Conner Lane rounded out the top five features in Saturday's Junior Class A-Main.

Next up was the Nonwing Class. They had a twelve lap B-Main Josh Daughtery won the twelve lapper. The other four transfer spots went to Steve Cloum, Ben Taylor, Craig Swartz, and Jordan Sterling.

Peru, IN. racer KC Hughes (Pictured Right) won the twenty-five lap Nonwing A-Main from the pole. After the big win, Hughes said, "It was pretty cool to win on a special night like this. My Uncle was here. He was a service man. I would like to thank my Dad, George and Tammy Gamester, and everyone at GRP Chassis for their support."

Warsaw, IN. native Stuart Hanft raced his way to second, while another Warsaw, IN. racer Kylee Brown took the checkers in third. Fourth went to Delphi's Matt Johnson, while Jorgan Montel raced his way through the pack to take fifth.

After a top three finish in the Non Wing A-Main, Johnson (Pictured Left) raced Wayne Miller's black #19W to victory in the Restrictor Class Feature. "It was awesome to get a big win like this. It felt great to double up. We won the Non Wing feature in last year's Salute To The Troops race. I would like to thank Gary and Wayne Miller, as well as Miller Dyno and Injection. I would also like to thank my Dad, and Skyline Designs for all their support this season."

Indianapolis, IN. racer Callie Wolsiffer finished right behind Johnson in second. Third went to Jared Elberly. Cole Angle and Deavan Bolton rounded out the top five in Saturday's twenty-five lap Restrictor A-Main.

Logansport, IN. racer Dennis Corcoran (Pictured Right) won both his heat race and the feature in the Senior Class on Saturday night. "It feels pretty good to get another win. My half brother is in the military, so it was special. I want to thank my Dad for all his hard work on this car."

Delphi, IN. native Rob Johnson raced his way to a strong second place finish. Third went to Dennis Veach, who raced a micro sprint that was sponsored by the US Army. Cory Angle came home with fourth, while Wesley Bigger rounded out the top five in Saturday's Senior A-Main.

The five features concluded with the Wing Class A-Main. Columbia City, IN. racer Blane Culp (Pictured Left) returned to victory lane, winning the Wing Crown on Saturday night. "It's been awhile since we won at MCS. The last time we won at MCS was in 2009. I want to thank the track personnel for all their hard work on the track, and for getting the race in tonight. I want to thank my Dad and Joe Leek for all the help with the car tonight."

Kris Knox turned in another solid race to finish second. Kendallville, IN. native Ben Taylor came home third, while fourth went to Indianapolis, IN. native Zac Taylor. Former USAC Mopar Midget Champion Bryan Stanfill put together a solid run, to collect his first top five finish at Miami County Speedway.

Miami County Speedway is set to host another special two night event next Saturday and Sunday. The two night racing event kicks off with the Denny Miller Memorial next Saturday, May 28th. Racers in the Wing, Non Wing, Restrictor and Senior Classes will be racing for an additional $50.00 added to the purse. The Junior Class racers will be racing for an additional $25.00 on Saturday night.

Sunday night will feature another exciting night of micro sprint racing action, as MCS hosts their exciting five class feature regular program. A 2-Day Pit pass will be available for $40.00 at the track office. Hot laps start at 5:30 PM with live heat racing action to follow. If you would like more information on upcoming events, please log on to Miami County Speedway's official website (www.miamicountyspeedway.com). See ya next weekend!

Downpours Cancel MCS Saturday May 7th

2011-05-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Logo By: http://www.pacechassis.com/Contactlinks.html

PERU, IN.- Persistent downpours forced Miami County Speedway to cancel their first points race of the season for this Saturday, May 7th. MCS will return to action next Saturday, May 14th. Pits open at 2:30 PM, with hot laps starting at 5:30 with live heat racing starting at 6:30 PM. For more information, check out Miami County Speedway's official website (http://miamicountyspeedway.com/).

Fast Night at MCS

2011-05-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

Elrod, Van Ness win second straight feature
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (http://www.fredericsphoto.com/)

PERU, IN.- A cool, windy day set up for another action-packed Saturday night at Miami County Speedway. MCS added another sponsor in Advance Auto Parts of Indianapolis.

Former USAC Pavement star Bryan Stanfill (#14 Pictured Left) made his MCS debut on night. Stanfill raced in both the Wing and Non Wing classes. Stanfill's teammate, former Open Wheel racer Jimmy Kite was on hand to check out MCS on Saturday. Kite is set to make his MCS debut in the coming weeks. Davey Hamilton Jr., son of Open Wheel racer Davey Hamilton. Hamilton Jr. (#60 Pictured Right) has been racing in MCS's Wing Class the past two Saturdays. Hamilton is getting better and better by the week.

Saturday night's five features began with the 20 lap feature in the Junior Class. Kokomo, IN. racer Jared Van Ness (Red, Pictured Left) won his second straight Junior Class feature from the pole. After another impressive feature win, Van Ness said, "It felt great to win again. We gave it all we had tonight. We are going for the gusto. I would like to thank my Papa for his support."

Kokomo, IN. native Kayaleb Bolton took second place honors, while third went to Denver, IN.'s Seth Ireland. Noah Brooks raced his way to fourth, while Jacob Bigger rounded out to the top five in Saturday's Junior Class finale.

Next up was the Wing Class feature. The Wing Class took control of the Front Row Challenge, worth $40.00. Both the Polesitter Sara Elrod and second place starter Zach Shepler turned down the Challenge. Now the Challenge will shift back to the Non Wing Class next Saturday night. The money pot will be worth $50.00 for next weekend.

Elrod (#23 Pictured Right) scored her second consecutive feature victory in the 25 lap Wing Class final from the pole . About her exciting win Elrod said, "My car felt great. It was fast like last weekend. I would like to thank my parents, Easy Klean, TJ Racing Oils, Mike and Billy for their support this season."

Columbia City, IN. native Blaine Culp finished the night in second place. Sharpsville, IN. racer Bob Bourff raced his way to a strong third place showing in Saturday's Wing Class feature.

Warsaw, IN. racer Jason Ormsby (#51 Pictured Left) took the checkered flag on Saturday's Restrictor Class finale. "The car ran great tonight. It really feels good to get a win this early in the season. I would like to thank Miami County Speedway and my family," Ormsby said.

Kokomo, IN.'s Deavan Bolton raced his way to second, while last weekend's Restrictor Class feature winner Zane Devault put together another solid 25 laps to finish third. Dalton Walker and Cole Angle finished off the top five in Saturday's Restrictor Class finale.

Kokomo, IN. racer Ryan Kline (#91 Pictured Right) edged out Peru, IN. native Russ Gamester at the checkered flag, to win a very exciting Senior Class feature. About the close victory Kline said, "We came to race, and it feels great to get a win. We got it done tonight. I would like to thank all my sponsors: Moser Automotive Service, Blackhawk Millwright and Rigging, Fastrax Motorsports, Parigan Engines, as well as all my friends and family for their continued support this year."

Dennis Cororcan took the checkers in third, while Clarance Hoch and Bob Harrington raced their way to fourth and fifth respectively.

The fifth and final feature came in the Non Wing feature. Warsaw, IN. native Stuart Hanft (#69H Pictured Left) took the lead early on, and never looked back winning the 25 lap Non Wing finale. "It felt great to win tonight. My car handled real nice tonight. I want to thank all my sponsors: Ty Shepler, Ron Stealy at Concept Chassis, Powerstrip, Earl's Performance Plumbing, VRP Shocks, my Dad and Randy for all their support this season."

Peru, IN. racer KC Hughes put together a great run, finishing second. Third belonged to Logansport, IN. native Jake Moore. North Manchester, IN's Jordan Lambert raced his way through the field to finish fourth. Farmland, IN. native Zeke Lewis rounded out the top five finishers in Saturday's Non Wing Finale.

Miami County Speedway returns to action, next Saturday, May 7th. Hot Laps start at 6:30 with heat races to follow. I'll see you there!

Action-Packed Opener at Miami County Speedway

2011-04-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)

PERU, IN.- A cloudy day gave way to an awesome night of racing, as Miami County Speedway hosted an exciting season opener on Saturday night.

Before the racing started, I learned that Miami County Speedway has locked up two key sponsors for the 2011 campaign. "We would like to thank Rock Auto.com, an online auto parts dealer, for jumping on board for 2011," Track Co-Owner Julie Bailey said.

"We would also like to thank White's Meat Market, out of Kokomo and Tipton, Indiana, for their support this season," Bailey continued. White's Meat Market is set to sponsor the Fan Appreciation/ Cancer Benefit Race at Miami County Speedway on Saturday, September 17, 2011.

Kokomo, IN. native Jared Van Ness ( Red, Pictured Left) took the first feature win in the Junior Class. After his big win, an excited Van Ness said, "My car was good all night. We are out to win this season. I would like to thank my Papa and my Dad for their support."

Van Ness was followed by another hard charging racer from Kokomo, IN. Kameron Butcher. Third belonged to Kayaleb Bolton, while fourth and fifth went to Seth Ireland and Noah Brooks.

Next up in the five features was the 25 lap Restrictor Class Finale. Zane Devault (#43 Pictured Right) of Columbus, Indiana took his first checkered flag of his career. After his exciting victory, Devault said, "My car was good. This is my first win. I would like to thank Hoosier Tire, my Dad Jeff Devault, my mom Angia Devault, and Karen and Jim Ray for their support."

New Palestine, IN. native Callie Wolsiffer came away with a hard fought second place finish in the Restrictor Final. Third went to Lebanon, IN. racer Spencer Bayston. Flora, IN. native Cole Angle came home fourth, while Kokomo, IN.'s Deaven Bolton grabbed a fifth place finish.

Remlington, IN. racer Sara Elrod (#23 Pictured Left) made her way to the front in a hurry, winning the 25 lap Wing Class Crown on Saturday night. "My car was fast all night. I was able to get through the field on the high side. I would like to thank my Mom, Dad, Megan, and Chris for their support."

Austin Mead put together a solid 25 laps to take second place, while Ryan Leek drove his way through the field to take third. Former USAC Sprint Car racer Ron Dennis came home in fourth, while Zeke Lewis raced his way to the final spot in the top five runners during the Restrictor Class Feature

Next up on the five feature schedule was the 25 lap Non Wing A-Main. The Non Wing Class kicked off the first leg of MCS's Front Row Challenge. The Front Row Challenge (in either Non Wing or Wing) gives the polesitter a shot to go to the back of the field and see if they can race their way to the win from the back. If they do race their way from the back, they get the money pot. If the pole sitter decides to turn the Front Row Challenge down, they stay up front as the pole sitter. The second place starter then gets a shot at the Front Row Challenge.

Non Wing Feature Pole Sitter Ryan Kline and second place starter Steven Cloum both refused the Challenge on Saturday night. The Challenge will move over to the Wing Class Finale next Saturday, this time $40.00 dollars will be on the line.

Peru, IN. native Brandon Rose (#2 Pictured Right) took the lead in the closing laps, to win Saturday night's Non Wing A-Main. "We had a fast car all night. It feels great to get a win this early in the season," Rose said. "I would like to thank Rick Haley, Advanced Welding, and my Dad Kevin for their support." Amboy, IN. racer Laine Hite came away with a hard fought second place finish. Third belonged to Pole Sitter Ryan Kline. Jake Moore and USAC Silver Crown racer Russ Gamester raced their way to fourth and fifth respectively.

The final feature of the night came in the Senior Class. Sharpsville, IN. native Bob Bourff (#97 Red Pictured Left) collected another impressive feature win in the Senior Class. "We didn't get to the test-n-tune last Sunday, so tonight was our test-n-tune. Early on, we were bad, but we got everything worked out. This is a good win to start off the season for us. I would like to thank my Dad Dave for his support.," Bourff said.

Taking a strong second place finish behind Bourff was Jeff Weideman. Brookston, IN. racer Bob Harrington held off a hard-charging Russ Gamester to pick up third. Gamester was followed by Wesley Bigger in fifth.

Next Saturday, April 30th, Miami County Speedway will host more live micro sprint racing action.

Big Turnout for Test-N-Tune Session at Miami County Speedway

2011-04-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)

PERU, IN.- There was a big turnout for this year's Test-N-Tune Session at the Miami County Speedway on Sunday afternoon. The event was planned for Saturday afternoon, but Friday nights continual downpours forced MCS track staff to reschedule it for Sunday afternoon.

The MCS Track Staff went to work, preparing the track for the 2011 racing campaign. "We added new dirt. I want to thank Dehaven Soil Services and Chris Smith, for providing the dirt and labor for the track this offseason," said track co-owner Julie Bailey. "We hauled in about 50 truck loads of fresh dirt," track co-owner Norm Bailey added.

Storms were persistent throughout the first part of the weekend, but it was beneficial to the track. The track gained moisture from the rains, which made for a pretty good Test-N-Tune Session for all the racers. Racers took as many hot lap sessions, to find and adjust on their race cars for the upcoming race season.

"The track was pretty rough today. We started out tight, but we made some good adjustments to better our race car. We had a pretty good test-n-tune," said Galveston, IN. native Gavin Taylor

"The track was a little rough, but not bad. Our car was good. We made a couple of key adjustments to our race car. Our car is where we need it to be for race day," Muncie, IN. racer Austin Utt added.

Micro Sprint racer Craig Swartz made the trip to MCS from New Paris, OH. "The track was rough starting out. We haven't made too many adjustments to the car. We're waiting to see what the track does later in the day," Swartz said.

Former USAC Sprint Car racer Ron Dennis took to the new track with his #32 micro sprint. "The track was rough. We rebuilt the car over the offseason. Today, we made a few adjustments to the engine. It's hard to get the right set up, when the track is rough," Dennis said.

Brookston, IN. native Bob Harrington came to MCS with a brand new micro sprint. Overall, he had a great day with his new Gamester Racing Products micro sprint chassis. "The track has been in better shape, but we had a good day. Throughout the day, we made ten hot lap sessions. We adjusted on the car a lot to make it happy. I think we made our car happy," Harrington said.

The first race for the 2011 season will be held next Saturday, April 23rd from the Miami County Speedway. Next Saturday's race is a non-membership race for all racers and their families. The pits open at 2:30 PM, with Hot Laps starting at 5:30 PM. Green flag heat racing will follow at around 6:30 PM

Pit passes are $20.00 per person. Grandstand admission is only $5.00 for adults, and children, 12 years or under get in for free. Come take part in great micro sprint racing action next Saturday night at the Miami County Speedway. See you there!

Micro Sprint Chassises and Parts for Sale from the 2011 MCS Swap Meet

2011-03-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)

PERU, IN.- The 2011 MCS Swap Meet hit the Miami County 4-H Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 5th. Here are the micro sprint chassises that are up for sale from this year's swap meet. If you are interested in any of these micro sprint chassises or parts, please contact the seller. Numbers and email addresses will be included in the listings.

Kidwell Junior Sprint Chassis (Pictured Left) ($3,500.00) Red in color, in Denver, IN. If interested, contact Tony Harper (765-499-0997).

2010 Wide Body Kidwell Junior Sprint Rolling Chassis $4,200.00 (Pictured Right), black in color, without engine. If interested, contact Steve Duff (217-855-6897)

2 2007 Kline Quarter Midgets (1,250.00 each or best offer) (#X Pictured Left and #2 Pictured Right). 120 Honda Engines. Kirkey Seats, Micron Tachs (Includes Pit Carts). If interested, contact Brad Joyce (765-457-1745) or (DavidKMotorsports@comcast.net)

1999 Eagle Quarter Midget (Pictured Right) (1,000.00 OBO). It comes with a fresh Honda 120 Motor and New Paint. If interested, contact Shawn Clem (574-601-9205) (sjclem1976@yahoo.com).

2005 FTX Chassis (#7 Pictured Left) ($6,000.00)! Race ready! R6 2005 Shively Engine! Engine is in great condition! The engine raced in 8 shows! If interested contact this website (www.ftxchassis.com) for more information!

2009 GRP Chassis (#52 Pictured Right) ($7,500.00)! Comes with a 2001 Yamaha R-6 Shively carbs. It was a feature winner at Miami County Speedway in 2010! Race ready, complete car with extras. If interested, contact Bruce Bretzman (765-469-2034) (bretzmancom@yahoo.com)

2000 Nervo Pro (Pictured Left) ($1,500.00). 80 inches in length. It has a 120 engine. 1 piece Right Side Wheels with Pit car. Some extras. If interested, contact Rick (765-459-4869) or (RoadKinghd@peoplepc.com)

Coyote Race Ready Go Kart ($900.00 OBO) (Pictured Right). Go kart has a 6.5 Horse Motor and all dirt tires. 2001 FYI Honda (Motor, Wires, Everything) ($900.00 OBO) (Pictured Left). Tibi Cart Roller ($500.00 OBO) (Pictured Right). If interested in the Coyote Go Kart, 2001 FYI Honda Motors, or the Tibi Cart Roller, contact Bill (574) 727-0174

Engine Stands 4 Sale ($35.00). If interested, contact Ron Smith (217-273-7571).

Kinser Takes the 40th DirtCar Nationals Victory

2011-02-12T20:03:00.000-08:00

Solid top ten finish for Meyers

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Results Credited To: http://www.woosprint.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=717:kinser-captures-opener&catid=152:featured-news-tabs
Photo Credited To:http://tsrfan.com/tony-stewart-racing%E2%80%99s-steve-kinser-to-appear-at-bloomington-j-d-byrider/2010/05/05/

BARBERVILLE, FL.- Bloomington, IN. native Steve Kinser took his famous #11 Bass Pro Shops TSR winged outlaw to victory lane, winning the 30 lap A-Main in the 40th DirtCar Nationals on Friday night. Kinser was followed by Sammy Swindell, who guided his #1 Big Game Motorsports winged outlaw to a second place showing, while "The Brownsburg Bullet" Joey Saldana raced his way to third. Fourth belonged to 2010 Knoxville Nationals Champion Tim Shaffer, while Paul McMahan held on for a fifth place finish.

Stevie Smith took sixth place, while last year's World of Outlaws Season Champion Jason Meyers took the checkers in seventh place. Dale Blaney raced his way to eighth, while Kasey Kahne Racing's Brad Sweet ended his night in nineth. Daryn Pittman claimed the tenth spot.

On through the finishing field, we find Cody Darrah in 12th, and Donny Schatz (Kinser's TSR teammate) in 15th. "The Crowd Pleaser" Craig Dollansky came home 20th while Danny "The Dude" Lasoski took the checkers right behind Dollansky in 21st.

You can catch all the action from the World of Outlaws sprint cars on Through The Gears all season long.

Busch Wins the 2011 Bud Shootout

2011-02-12T19:20:00.000-08:00

Burton wins 1st 25 lap segment

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Results Credited to: http://www.nascar.com/races/leaderboard/cup/race/
Photo Credited to: Kurt Busch (http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/bspem2gh5ij/NASCAR+Testing/3NfChejI9-L/Kurt+Busch) Jeff Burton (http://bleacherreport.com/gallery/Auto%20Club%20500%20Qualifying?d=2010-02-19)

DAYTONA, FL- Penske racer Kurt Busch (Pictured Left) won a wild last lap dash to the checkers in the 2011 Bud Shootout. Joe Gibbs racer Denny Hamlin dove to the bottom, in a last ditch effort to win, but ended the night disqualified, because he passed then leader Ryan Newman below the yellow line. By rule second place went to Chip Ganassi/DEI racer Jamie McMurray. Third belonged to Ryan Newman, while last year's NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson finished fourth. Roush Fenway racer Greg Biffle grabbed the fifth place finish.

Sixth went to Jeff Gordan and his new sponsor "Drive To End Hunger" from AARP. Kevin "Happy" Harvick finished right behind Gordan in seventh, while eighth place went to Jeff Burton (Pictured Right), who won the first 25 lap segment, and led for a race-high 32 laps before surrendering the lead to "The Rocket" Ryan Newman in the final stages of the race. Clint Bowyer and Bobby Labonte finished nineth and tenth in the fifty lap sprint to the finish.

Speed was the main factor, in a fast 25 lap first segment as Richard Childress Racing teammates Jeff Burton (Pictured Right) and Kevin Harvick teamed up to take down the 24 car field in the first segment of the 2011 Bud Shootout on Saturday night. Harvick is only 0.058 seconds behind his teammate Jeff Burton, who leads the field into the second and final fifty lap segment.

The newly repaved Daytona International Speedway proved that it could produce speeds well over 200 MPH, throughout the practice runs and into the first segment of Saturday night's Bud Shootout.

Hendrick racer Dale Earnhardt Jr. drew the pole position for the first segment. Having won the Bud Shootout two times already in his career, Dale Jr. was confident that he could make it a third. Starting along side Dale Jr. was Tony Stewart, who sported a new sponsor (Mobil 1) on the hood of his Chevy! Stewart won two Bud Shootouts in his career.

The Toyota Camrys of Kyle Busch and Michael Waltrip were the fastest two car bump draft, flying around the track at speeds around 206 MPH in the first segment. The average speed of the first segment was 196 MPH.

Action-Packed Start for Monster Energy AMA Supercross

2011-01-30T16:28:00.000-08:00

Stewart and Villopoto set the pace early on

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Race Results credited to: Anaheim (http://results.amasupercross.com/data/2011/01/sxboxscore.pdf) Phoenix (http://results.amasupercross.com/data/2011/02/sxboxscore.pdf) Los Angeles (http://results.amasupercross.com/data/2011/03/sxboxscore.pdf) Oakland (http://results.amasupercross.com/data/2011/04/sxboxscore.pdf)
AMA Supercross Points Standings credited to: http://www.amasupercross.com/
2011 Schedule credited to: http://www.amasupercross.com/events.aspx
Pictures credited to: Ryan Villopoto (http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/2010_Ryan_Villopoto_Supercross_Crash_Destroys_Title_Hopes?page=1) (http://video.lpmotocross.com/anaheim-1-the-450s) James Stewart (http://www.mxlarge.com/news/2963-james-stewart-give-the-kid-a-break) (http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/authors?page=6)

Anaheim I (Angel Stadium) (January 8th)- The Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series kicked off it's action-packed seventeen race Championship season at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. on January 8th.

Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Ryan Villopoto (Pictured Left) returned from a broken leg in 2010 to win the first round of the AMA Supercross season. Villopoto was followed by last year's rookie Champion Ryan Dungey in second and James Stewart in third. Stewart also came back from an injury in 2010. Honda newcomer Trey Canard finished fourth, while Chad Reed brought home a top five finish in the first race for his new race team Two Two Motorsports.

Sixth belonged to Kevin WIndham. Ivan Tedesco tuned in another solid run, finishing seventh in his first race with his new team Hart and Huntington. Supercross newcomer Brett Metcalfe finished eighth, while Joshua Grant came back from injury to finish nineth. Andrew Short rounded out the top ten finishers in tenth.

Phoenix (Chase Field) (January 15th)- The second race in the AMA Supercross season was in Phoenix's Chase Stadium.

After a strong third place showing in Anaheim, Yahama San Manuel rider James Stewart (Pictured Right) returned to victory lane, winning his 38th career AMA Supercross feature. With the win, Stewart pulled into 3rd all time for AMA Supercross wins, tied with his rival Chad Reed. Second place belonged to Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Ryan Villopoto. Honda newcomer Trey Canard raced his way to third, while Chad Reed finished the night in fourth. Ryan Dungey grabbed fifth for Makita Tools Suzuki.

Justin Brayton turned in another solid sixth place run for Yamaha, while Andrew Short ended the night in seventh. Dungey's Makita Tools Suzuki teammate Brett Metcalfe raced his way to eighth, while nineth went to Kyle Chisholm. Kyle Regal rounded out the top ten feature finishers in Phoenix.

Los Angeles (Dodger Stadium) (January 22nd)- The third race was a first for the AMA Supercross Series. Dodger Stadium had never hosted the AMA Supercross Series until January 22nd, so each rider was eager to see if they could be the first winner in the legendary baseball venue.

Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto started out the 20 lap finale in 9th, but stayed patient, working his way to the big win. Villopoto (#2 Pictured Left) was followed by James Stewart in second, and Ryan Dungey in third. Trey Canard finished fourth, while Justin Brayton took a strong fifth place showing.

Kevin Windham raced his way to sixth, while seventh belonged to Chad Reed. Brett Metcalfe ended his run with another solid top ten finish in eighth. Andrew Short and Kyle Chisholm rounded out the top ten in the first AMA Supercross feature at Dodger Stadium.

Oakland (Oakland Coliseum) (January 29th)- Yamaha San Manuel rider James Stewart (#7 Pictured Right) held off a hard-charging Chad Reed to pick up the twenty lap feature win. James and Villopoto are now even at two feature wins apiece early on in the seventeen race Championship season. Reed was followed by Ryan Dungey in third. Fourth went to two-time winner Ryan Villopoto. Brett Metcalfe continues to keep up with the front runners, finishing the night in fifth.

Trey Canard raced his way to sixth, while seventh belonged to Kevin Windham. David Millsaps took the checkers in eighth, while Andrew Short ended his run in nineth. Ivan Tedesco gave Hart and Huntington another top ten finish, ending the night in tenth.

After four races in the books, Yamaha San Manuel rider James Stewart holds a two point advantage over Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto (90 points) and a fourteen point lead over third place Ryan Dungey (78 points), heading into the fifth race (Anahem II-Angel Stadium) on February 5th.

With four races down in the season, the AMA Supercross Series sets it's sights on Anaheim once more for the fifth race of the season on February 5th. After Anaheim, the Series will head to Houston, TX to race in Reliant Stadium on February 12th. February 19th marks a return trip to California, as the AMA Supercross Series races in Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. After racing in San Diego, the Series shifts to Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA. on February 26th. The always exciting Daytona International Speedway will follow the race in Atlanta, GA. Get your tickets now for all the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series action this season. You can go to their website (http://www.amasupercross.com/) to check out their schedule and for ticket information!

Swindell Family Go 1-2 in Saturday's A-Main Chili Bowl

2011-01-16T09:09:00.000-08:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos credited to: (http://www.schoenfeldheaders.com/Events.aspx) (http://mfpilot.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=46&sort=20a&page=12) (http://www.cowpattynation.com/) (http://www.pbase.com/pitpass/image/126208681)
Results credited to: Tuesday night (http://www.chilibowl.com/2011resultstue.asp?uUrl=1/15/201174243.55), Wednesday night (http://www.chilibowl.com/2011resultswed.asp?uUrl=1/15/201174273.34), Thursday night (http://www.chilibowl.com/2011resultsthu.asp?uUrl=1/15/201174772.84), Friday night (http://www.chilibowl.com/2011resultsfri.asp?uUrl=1/15/201174797.2), Saturday night (http://www.chilibowl.com/2011resultssat.asp)

TULSA, OK.- Germantown, TN. racer Kevin Swindell (Center) raced his way to a second consecutive Chili Bowl Nationals win in Saturday night's 50 lap A-Main. Swindell's father, World of Outlaw legend Sammy Swindell ended another incredible week at the Chili Bowl with a strong second place finish. Third belonged to Auckland, New Zealand native Michael Pickens. Broken Arrow, OK. racer Jonathan Beason came away with a hard fought fourth place finish, while Noblesville, IN. native "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson came home fifth.

Avon, IN. racer Brad Kuhn raced his way to sixth, while seventh place belonged to Brownsburg, IN. racer Bobby East. Alpine, CA. native and NASCAR up-and-comer Cole Whitt took the checkers in eighth, while Jon Stanbrough ended his night in nineth. Owasso, OK. racer Daryn Pittman took the final spot in Saturday's top ten.

Tucson, AZ. native Jerry Coons Jr. raced his way to 11th, while 12th belonged to Wednesday night's Qualifying race winner Donnie Ray Crawford. Sunset Hills, MO. racer Brad Loyet ended his night in 13th, while 14th went to "The Demon" Damion Gardner. Belleville, IL. native Nick Knepper took the checkers in 15th.

Past Chili Bowl winner "The Cruiser" Cory Kruseman finished Saturday's A-Main in 16th. Fremont, CA. racer Shane Golobic finished right behind "The Cruiser" in 17th, while 18th belonged to Lincoln, IN. native Dave Darland. Darland was followed in 19th by Olive Branch, MS. racer Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Long Beach, CA. native Jason Leffler took the checkers in 20th.

Friday night's Qualifying race winner Shane "The Throttle" Cottle came home 21st, while World of Outlaw legend "The Wild Child" Jac Haudenschild ended his run in 22nd. Royersfield, PA. native Steve Buckwalter found himself in 23rd, while San Jose, CA. racer "T-Mez" Thomas Meseraull rounded out Saturday's A-Main field, finishing 24th respectively.

Germantown, TN. native and World of Outlaw Legend "Slammin'" Sammy Swindell (Pictured Left) kicked off the action-packed week of racing, by winning his second Vacuworx International Race of Champions. Lincoln, IN. racer Dave Darland came away with a hard fought second place finish, while third belonged to Long Beach, CA. native Jason Leffler. Phoenix, AZ. racer JJ Yeley stayed up with the front runners for a fourth place finish, while fifth went to Noblesville, IN. native "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson. 2010 Hoosier Hundred winner Tracy Hines raced his way to sixth, while Sunset Hills, MO. racer Brad Loyet took seventh. Watertown, NY. racer Tim McCreadie came home eighth, while Ventura, CA. racer "The Cruiser" Cory Kruseman took the checkers in nineth. The final spot in the top ten belonged to Alpine, CA. native and rising NASCAR Superstar Cole Whitt.

Clauson (Pictured Right) followed up his fourth place finish, with a big win in the Tuesday night's 25 Lap A-Main Qualifying Race. Clauson was followed by Auckland, New Zealand racer Michael Pickens in second place, while third belonged to Avon, IN. native Jon Stanbrough.

On Wednesday night, Donnie Ray Crawford (Pictured Left) made history by becoming the first racer to win an A-Main Qualifying race from the state of Oklahoma. The Broken Arrow, OK. native was followed by Concord, CA. racer "The Demon" Damion Gardner in second, and San Jose, CA. native "T-Mez" Thomas Meseraull in third.

On Thursday night, Swindell added to his remarkable career at the Chili Bowl Nationals, by winning Thursday night's 25 lap A-Main. This win would give him the pole position in Saturday night's 50 lap A-Main. Tucson, AZ. racer Jerry Coons Jr. raced his way to second place, while third went to Belleville, IL. racer Nick Knepper.

On Friday night, Kokomo, IN. racer Shane "The Throttle" Cottle (Pictured Right) came away with the top spot, winning the 25 lap A-Main Qualifier. Lincoln, IN. native and USAC Legend "Double D" Dave Darland picked up second place honors, while third belonged to last year's Chili Bowl Nationals A-Main winner, Germantown, TN. racer Kevin Swindell.

Racers To Watch for in the 2011 Chili Bowl Nationals

2011-01-10T13:17:00.000-08:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
25th Annual Chili Bowl Racer Entry credited to: http://www.chilibowl.com/2011chilibowlentries.asp
25th Annual Chili Bowl Logo credited to: http://www.boltedspinedesigns.com/BOAT_LETTERING.php

TULSA, OK- Well race fans, it's that time again. The haulers have made their way to Tulsa, OK. for the always exciting week leading up to the running of the 25th annual Chili Bowl Nationals (Presented by General Tire) this coming Saturday night! The racers still have to qualify, but here is a few names to look for, heading into the 2011 Chili Bowl Nationals.

The first racer to look for this week is #0 Jerry Coons Jr. This Tucson, AZ. driver is always a front runner on dirt. He knows his way around dirt ovals. I expect Coons Jr. (Pictured Right) to be up with the front runners very race he's in during the 2011 Chili Bowl Nationals.

My next racer to watch out for is a dirt track legend. He is the best, if not one of the best to ever strap into a sprint car. #1 "Slammin" Sammy Swindell (Pictured Left), from Germantown, TN. will be on the move. Last year, he made a charge from 6th all the way up to 2nd place to seal up a Son-Father 1,2 finish in last year's Chili Bowl A-Main. Look for the same, as "Slammin'" Sammy Swindell looks to add another win to an already Hall-of-Fame dirt track career!

Kokomo, IN. native Shane "The Throttle" Cottle returns to the Chili Bowl with his eyes still set on the prize. He races the famous red #10E 410 sprint car locally at the Gas City Speedway and the Kokomo Speedway. Shane (Pictured Right) is always a favorite coming in. He is a past champion of the Little 500. He can race almost any type of sprint on dirt, and is always competitive. Look for Shane to pilot the #1st midget to his first Chili Bowl A-Main victory in 2011!

This Brownsburg, IN. racer is no stranger to being up front in big races. Bobby East is always racing with the front runners. He has a solid dirt track racing career, coming into the 2011 Chili Bowl Nationals! He is very good, when racing in the USAC Silver Crown and Midget divisions. Look for Bobby East (Pictured Left) to take his #4e up to the front of the charts, and battle for another big win this week at the Chili Bowl Nationals!

Lincoln, IN. native Dave Darland is another USAC legend to watch out for during the 25th Chili Bowl Nationals. He is a 4-time Indiana Sprint Week Champion. He is always a favorite, coming into the big races. It doesn't matter where you race, if it is a dirt track, "Double D" will be up front battling for the win. Look for "Double D" (Pictured Right) to try and take the #4x to victory lane, and add a Chili Bowl Nationals Champion to his Hall-of-Fame resume!

This Campbell, CA. native has always been around racing. Having had 13 family members in and around the Major Leagues of dirt track, #8b Bud Kaeding (Pictured Lower Left) is a strong favorite coming into the Chili Bowl Nationals. If there's a will, there's a way. Kaeding is no stranger to big time racing. He has the crew and the motor to get to the front and stay there. Look for Kaeding to make his way to the front during the 2011 Chili Bowl Nationals!

Canton, IL. racer #17 Chris Windom is coming off his 2010 Championship season at the Kokomo Speedway in the 410 sprint car division. He has a lot of experience, coming into this year's Chili Bowl Nationals. Look for "The Bear" (Pictured Right) to be up front this week at the Chili Bowl!

"The Cruiser" Cory Kruseman is a legend in dirt track racing. He is a 3-time Champion of the Chili Bowl, so he knows when to take his racing to another level. Look for the #21k to make a big impact this week at the 2011 Chili Bowl Nationals! Kruseman (Pictured Left) is no stranger to the spotlight of big races. Kruseman is just one of the many dirt track legends that will be in the hunt for this year's Chili Bowl Nationals crown!

Last year, Germantown, TN. native Kevin Swindell made history, becoming the youngest to ever win the Chili Bowl Nationals. The Swindell family is very familiar with the Chili Bowl Nationals dirt track. Look for Kevin (Pictured Right) to build on his Chili Bowl success from last year. Swindell will try to make it two-in-a-row at this year's Chili Bowl Nationals!

Noblesville, IN. native "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson is almost unstoppable on dirt. I have had the awesome privilege of covering Clauson. He reminds me of Tony Stewart, when he races dirt. Clauson has a next level, when he races on dirt in the big races around the country. Clauson (Pictured Left) can drop the hammer, and make his way to the front in a hurry. He is a favorite heading into any dirt track venue. Look for #39c Clauson to set the quick time, and stay up front in the 2011 Chili Bowl Nationals!

Grassland Valley, CA. racer Brad Sweet (Pictured Right) is no stranger to big time racing. Sweet has had major success, racing in the USAC midget divisions. He knows his way around the Chili Bowl Nationals track. With the backing from Kasey Kahne Racing, look for #49x Sweet to have another great showing this year in Tulsa.

Avon, IN. racer Jon Stanbrough is a local legend. Stanbrough is coming off an impressive showing at the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week. He dominated the 2010 ISW, winning three times en route to his 2010 ISW crown. He knows how to get to the front fast, and stay there. Look for #51x Stanbrough (Pictured Left) to add another mark to an already remarkable dirt track career in this year's running of the 2011 Chili Bowl Nationals!

Alpine, CA. racer Cole Whitt made a major impact, during his time racing 410 sprints and midgets in the differing USAC divisions. Whitt put together a solid run, finishing 3rd last year at the Chili Bowl Nationals. Now, Whitt has made his jump to the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He will run the Nationwide Series next year. Whitt (Pictured Right) has returned to the Chili Bowl Nationals, in search of his first win. Look for #71 Cole Whitt to make an impact this week in the 2011 Chili Bowl Nationals!

The final racer I want to focus on is Phoenix, AZ. native Chad Boat. Boat is the son of former IRL star Billy Boat. Chad has had success in both the USAC 410 Sprint and Midget divisions. Boat is set to make his return to the Chili Bowl Nationals, in search of his first crown! Look for Boat (Pictured Left) to make his way to the front and stay there this week in the 2011 Chili Bowl!

I want to wish all the competitors running in the 2011 Chili Bowl Nationals good luck on behalf of "Through The Gears". You guys be safe out there in Tulsa! You can catch all the action from the 2011 Chili Bowl Nationals right here on "Through The Gears"! Look for an update from Tulsa, each night, starting tomorrow (Tuesday) night from the 2011 Chili Bowl Nationals, only on "Through The Gears"! Thank you and God Bless!

2011 Chili Bowl Nationals Preview

2011-01-06T18:40:00.000-08:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Information credited to: http://www.chilibowl.com/home.asp?uUrl=1/6/201170442.83
Chili Bowl Nationals Logo credited to: http://tsrfan.com/chili-bowl-count-keeps-climbing-past-winner-mccreadie-among-latest-entries/2010/12/13/

Well, it's an exciting time to be a race fan. The 25th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals (Presented By General Tire) is set the hit the dirt in a little over the week. You can catch all the action from the 25th Chili Bowl Nationals on Through The Gears

All the action is set to kick off on Tuesday, January 11th with the "Warren Cat Qualifying Night". The Race of Champions will also be run on Tuesday night. This year's Race of Champions presented by Vacuworx International will feature many legendary dirt track racers. Some of these racers include "Slammin" Sammy Swindell, Dave Darland, "The Demon" Damion Gardner, "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson, and up and coming NASCAR racer Cole Whitt.

Another important night of qualifications will follow on Wednesday, January 12th, during the "River Spirit Casino Qualifying Night." Thursday night is another important qualification night. The final night of qualifications will be on Friday, during the "Vacuworx International Qualifying Night." The main event happens on Saturday night. It should be another great Chili Bowl Nationals this year. Stay tuned to Through The Gears to see whose made it into Saturday night's main event.

Hahn Takes Two at Tulsa

2011-01-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

Strong showing from Indiana racers Lauderbaugh and Moore
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Results credited to: http://www.tulsashootout.com/results.php?yr=2011&ID=41
Blake Hahn picture credited to: http://www.blakehahnracing.com/publishImages/index~~element67.jpg
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)
Megan Wood Picture credited to: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1557032203521&set=t.501660198#!/photo.php?fbid=457600372956&set=t.501660198&pid=5652194&id=571227956

TULSA SHOOTOUT (TULSA, OK.)- After a week of hard fought micro sprint racing action, it all came down to Saturday night's A-Main features. Hundreds of micro sprint (600 cc and 1200 cc) micro sprints showed up to try and tame the competitive track where the Shootout took place.

Supulpa, OK. racer Blake Hahn (center) put together a very impressive showing, winning back-to-back A-Main features in the 600 cc micro sprint and the Non Wing 600 cc micro sprint divisions.

Second place honors in the 30 lap 600 cc Micro Sprint A-Main feature went to Tulsa, OK. native Zach Alley. Alley was followed by Broken Arrow, OK racer Scott Sawyer in third and Donnie Ray Crawford in fourth. The fifth finishing spot belonged to Andrew Felker of Carl Junction, MO. Pryer, OK. native Frank Flud finished the night in sixth, while seventh went to Snohomish, WA. racer Gary Taylor. Taylor was followed in eighth by another Broken Arrow, OK native Darien Roberts. Laton, CA racer Heath Dunkerken raced his way to nineth, while Greentown, IN. native Andrew Peters took tenth place honors.

Other racers receiving honorable mention in the 30 lap 600 cc micro sprint A-Main include Avilla, IN's Tyler Stump in 12th, Remington, IN. racer Sara Elrod in 15th, Monticello, IN. native Megan Wood in 17th, Kokomo, IN. native Nate Lauderbaugh in 20th, and Washington, IN. racer Dustin Cristie in 23rd.

Finishing second to Hahn in Saturday night's 25 lap Non Wing Micro Sprint A-Main was Kokomo, IN. racer Nate Lauderbaugh. Lauderbaugh was followed by Christopher Bell of Norman, OK in third, and Logansport, IN. native Jake Moore (Pictured Right) raced Chris Smith's #54 micro sprint to a fourth place showing. Caney, KS racer Andrew Deal grabbed the fifth spot, while Donnie Ray Crawford hung on to finish sixth. Racing her way to a strong seventh place showing was Monticello, IN. native Megan Wood. Fort Worth (TX) native Kevin Ramey took the checkered flag in eighth, while nineth went to Broken Arrow (OK) racer Alex Sewell. Rounding out the top ten in Saturday night's 25 lap Non Wing A-Main was Scott Sawyer. Honorable mention from Indiana went to Kokomo, IN. racer Ryan Kline, who took the checkers in 15th.

Caney, KS. racer Andrew Deal passed Frank Flud with a few laps to go, to take the checkered flag in Saturday night's 25 lap "A" Class A-Main feature. Flud held on for second place. Following Flud in third place was New Castle, OK. native Trey Marcham. Steven Shebester of Pauls Valley, OK. raced his way to fourth, while fifth went to Kokomo, IN. racer Nate Lauderbaugh (Yellow #29 Pictured Left). Lauderbaugh was followed by Tulsa, OK. native Chris Andrews in sixth. Seventh belonged to Visalia, CA. racer Austin Stone. Nate Fleming of Great Bend, KS. took eighth place, while Jordan Herrman of Jay, OK. held on to take nineth. Broken Arrow, OK. native Scott Sawyer took another impressive top ten finish.

After the "A" feature had concluded, it was time for the 25 Non-Wing A-Main finale. Fresno, CA. racer Koen Shaw took the victory. Following Shaw in second place was Tyler Thomas of Collinsville, OK. Third went to Locust Grove, OK. native Alex DeCamp, while McLoud, OK. native Chris Cochran raced his way to a fourth place showing. Matt Ward of Tulsa, OK. stayed with the front runners to grab a fifth place finish. Coming home in sixth was Monticello, IN. racer Jimmy Wood. Wood was followed by a fast Nate Lauderbaugh in seventh. Eighth belonged to Derek Holmwood of Bellinghan, WA. Sean Guthrie raced his way to nineh, while tenth went to Sweet Springs, MO. native Chris Koch.

The twenty lap Restricted "A" Class finale was next up on Saturday night. Sand Spring, OK. native Dalton Wiseley led all twenty laps to take the checkered flag. Wiseley was followed by Wagoner, OK. racer Logan Elis in second place. Antlers, OK native Austin Shores raced his way to third. Coming home fourth was Dalton's brother Colton Wiseley, while Bakersfield, CA. native Cory Elliott picked up fifth. Howard Moore, of Memphis, TN. took the checkers in sixth, while seventh place belonged to Bakersfield, CA racer Buddy Shepherd. Coweta, OK. native Chance Morton took eighth, while Will Harvey raced his way to nineth. Taking home the final spot in the top ten was Denver (CO)'s Andy Farley. Honorable mention from Indiana goes to Monrovia racer Justin Peck, who raced his way to a thirteenth place finish.

The fifteen lap Junior Sprint A-Main was dominated by Tulare, CA racer Josiah Ribeiro, who led from green flag to checkers to grab the big win. Coming home second was Fletcher, OK. native Mason McGuire. Finishing third behind McGuire was Sand Springs, OK racer Brandon Wiseley. Weldon, IL. native Tyler Duff finished fourth, while Cameron Forman, of Kokomo, IN. (Red #20 Pictured Right) rounded out the top five finishers. Sixth went to Bakersfield, CA. racer Kameron Beard. Tulsa, OK. native Taylor Reimer finished seventh, while Kaleb Montgomery grabbed an eighth place finish. California, MO. racer Brady Markus Elliott raced his way to nineth, while Grady Chandler of Edmond, OK. took home tenth. Honorable mention from Indiana went to Larwil, IN. racer Corey Hersha and Indy racer Garrett Johnson would took home nineteenth and twentieth respectively.

It was a back and forth battle for the win in the Saturday night's finale in the 1200 cc Non-Wing Mini-Sprint feature. Bellingham, WA. racer Derek Holmwood passed second place finisher Owensboro, KY. native Lynn Ambrose with six laps left for the win. Taking home third place honors was Washington Court House, OH. racer Kevin Roberts Jr. Monticello, IN. native Jimmy Wood stayed with the front runners and finished the twenty lapper in fourth place. Fifth belong to another Bellingham, WA native Brock Lernley. Lewistown, IL. racer Brent Barrows raced his way to sixth. Beau Stewart of Xenia, OH. raced his way to seventh, while eighth went to Meadowview, VA. native Drew Pollock. Olathe, KS. racer Bobby Layne took home nineth, while another Kansas native Matt Gilbert rounded out the top ten in Saturday night's 1200 cc Non-Wing feature. Honorable mention from Indiana goes to Megan Wood of Monticello (#50 Pictured Left), who took the checkered flag in twentieth place.

The last of Saturday night's eight A-Main run came in the ASCS Chevy Ecotec Midget division. Tulsa, OK. racer Mike Ward passed second place finisher and Benton, AR. native Tim Crawley on the final lap to take the big victory. Third place honors belonged to Bixby, OK. racer Kevin Bayer. Gary Taylor, of Snohomish, WA. took fourth place, while Glenpool, OK. racer Matt Ward finished the night in fifth. Sixth went to back-to-back feature winner Blake Hahn, while Caney, KS. native Andrew Deal closed out his run in seventh. Calamus, IA. racer Brunson Behning raced his way to eighth, while Sean McClelland of Tulsa, OK. found himself finishing nineth. Tulsa, OK. racer Brandon Hahn closed out the top ten finishers in Saturday night's ASCS Chevy Ecotec finale. Honorable mention from Indiana went to seventeenth place finisher Johnny Heydenreich of Indianapolis, IN. and and eighteenth place finisher Jacob Wilson of Crawsfordville, IN.

I want to congratulate each and every racer, who took part in the 2011 Tulsa Shootout! Thanks for a great showing. You all should be proud of what you guys were able to do. Thank you and God Bless!

Edwards Dominants in Second Straight NASCAR Victory

2010-11-21T14:05:00.000-08:00

Johnson hangs on for 5th straight NASCAR Championship
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

MIAMI, FL.- The Ford 400 at Homestead Speedway lived up to it's billing on Sunday afternoon. Roush Fenway racer Carl Edwards (Pictured Left) gained the lead early and never looked back, scoring his second straight NASCAR victory. The story of the day was Hendrick racer Jimmie Johnson, who took the checkers in second place, en route to his fifth straight NASCAR Championship. Richard Childress Racing ace Kevin Harvick finished the day in third place, ending the Chase in third place, forty-one points behind Johnson, and just two points behind second place Joe Gibbs racer Denny Hamlin (Pictured Right). A great run for Richard Petty Enterprise racer Aric Almirola ended in a fourth place showing. Almirola's Richard Petty Enterprises teammate AJ Allmendinger nabbed a much needed top five finish.

Polesitter Kasey Kahne (Pictured Left) had a solid day, coming home in sixth. Kahne will go into surgery at 5:30 AM Tuesday morning to repair his knees. Stewart-Haas teammates Ryan Newman (7th) and Tony Stewart (8th) turned in solid top ten finishes. Roush-Fenway driver Matt Kenseth flirted with the top five all day, ending the season with a nineth place finish. Greg Biffle came back from early contact with Denny Hamlin to take tenth.

Hamlin's day was a battle to say the least. Early on in the race, Hamlin made incidental contact with Biffle, which results in a spin, after taking the green flag in 37th. Kevin Harvick braved a late pit road speeding penalty to take third place in both the race and the points. Hamlin took the checkers in fourteenth place.

The Championship run was not easily to say the least for Johnson (Pictured Right). Johnson battled back from slow pit stops, to take the title, his fifth straight. In comparison to other major professional sports team winning five straight titles, the Yankees and John Force come to mind. The New York Yankees won five Championships in the 1960's, and Force's marvelous run to 10 straight NHRA Championships in the 1990's. Congrats to Jimmie Johnson on his fifth NASCAR Crown. I want to congratulate both the 24 and 48 pit road crews for their will to get Johnson up front all year long. Great Job guys. I can't wait to see what next season brings.

NASCAR Results credited to:
http://www.nascar.com/races/leaderboard/cup/race/

Carl Edwards Picture credited to:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0904/cbk.final.four.celebrity.picks/content.18.html

Denny Hamlin Picture credited to:
http://stockcarracing.automotive.com/49648/scrp-0607-denny-hamlin-biography/index.html

Kasey Kahne Picture credited to:
http://rubbingsracing.com/rubbingsracingWP/2010/10/22/nscs-kasey-kahne-and-red-bull-racing-address-the-media-2/

Jimmie Johnson Picture credited to:
http://www.tailgate365.com/nascar/2009/12/jimmie-johnson-named-ap-athlete-of-the-year/

Special Night of Recognition for Miami County Speedway

2010-11-20T21:40:00.000-08:00

Peru native Braiden Black among 2010 track champions
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton(www.fredericsphoto.com)

PERU, IN.- On Saturday, November 20th, the VFW Building was the sight of the 2010 Awards Banquet for the Miami County Speedway. MCS crowned five new track champions in five different classes (Junior, Restrictor, Wing, Non Wing, and Senior), as well as recognizing it's track officials. Hardware for the Rookie of the Year was also awarded.

After a big dinner of ham and/or chicken and noodles, it was time to give out all the awards. First off was the recognition for the many track officials. Track officials being recognized included the Watts family (Eric, Mary Jo, Krista (Pictured Left), and Elizabeth), Kevin Ping, track officials (Ricky, Kelvin, EMS workers Wayne and John), announcer Rob, Fred Patton, John Wiedeman, and me (track reporter) was presented a certificate of recognition, along with a very nice winter jacket with the Miami County Speedway logo on the left side and the worker's name on the right side.

The program shifted to recognizing the track sponsors this year. Track sponsors being recognized for 2010 included; Red Dot Trophys, Miami County Trucking, Thrifty Muffler, Bretzman, Finer Details, Maximum Power Sports (formerly Max Pitts), Drew Olsen Graphics, Brandt's Harley-Davidson, Kokomo Honda, OSR Bikes & Motors, Gamester Racing Products (GRP Chassis), Hyper Racing, Wooten Power, Southside Sales, Patio Furniture Enterprises, Factor One Racing, C&D Racing, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Kokomo (Indiana).

After announcing the business sponsors for 2010, the program moved into the top tens for each of the five different classes of micro sprint racing this season. First up was the Junior Class. Taking tenth place honors was Devan Myers. Nineth went to Kiara Abbott, while Jacob Kernel ended the season in eighth. Seventh went to Kiara's bigger brother Stanley Abbott, while Jerrod Van Ness walked away with sixth. Kameron Butcher ended the season in fifth, while Jacob Bigger came home fourth. A pair of Denver natives finished second in third in the Junior points. Justin Harper ended the year in third, while second place honors went to Seth Ireland. Kokomo, IN. racer Kayaleb Bolton (Pictured Right) is your new 2010 Miami County Speedway Track Champion for the Junior Class.

After his big night, Bolton said, "My season was awesome. I'm happy to win the Junior Class Track Championship this year."

Bolton would like to thank his Mom and Dad, Ryan Kline, his Uncle Jimmy, Moser Automotive, Al Parigen (Parigen Engines), his Ma and Pa Bolton, Mama and Papa Joyce, Miami County Speedway and Tim McKey for all their support this season.

Next up to be awarded was the top ten finishers in the very tough Restrictor Class. Gavin Taylor came home tenth, while Andrew Smith finished the year in nineth. Lauren Longbrake ended up eighth, while Dalton Walker took seventh. Barbie Kimmel walked away with sixth, while fifth went to Deavan Bolton. Cole Angle was fourth, while third belonged to Shelby Larson. Zach Shepler ended the year in second. Peru native Braiden Black (Pictured Left) was crowned as your 2010 Track Champion in the Restictor Class.

"We had a great season. It feels awesome to take home the Track Championship in the Restrictor Class this year," Black said.

"I would like to thank George and Tammy Gamester (GRP Chassis, my Dad (Todd Black) and my Mom (Michelle Black) and everyone that helped me this sesaon. I would also like to thank my girlfriend Katie Milroy," Black continued.

The Senior Class Top Ten followed the Restrictor Class. Finishing tenth in the Senior Class in 2010 was Tony Carlson, while Wesley Bigger finished nineth. Eighth went to Gary Miller, while Bob Baker ended the year in seventh. Joe Taylor came home sixth, while Clarance Hoch came home fifth. Greg Baer ended the season in fourth, while third went to Bruce Bretzman, while Mike Stahl took second place honors. Your new 2010 Miami County Speedway Track Champion for the Senior Class was Flora, IN. racer Cory Angle (Pictured Right).

After taking home the first Senior Class Track Championship at Miami County Speedway, Angle said, "My season went pretty good. My boy (Cole) never flipped. We had a pretty good season."

"I would like to than my Dad (Ed). My Dad also was the crew chief. I would also like to than my sister (Carla Tetralua), along with my sponsor Singletree Trucking Transportation for all their help this season. One more person I would like to than is Cole's friend Dylan Cromer for helping us in the pits."

The Wing Class was the fourth of the five classes to be recognized. Taking tenth place this season in the Wing Class was Joe Taylor. Sam Kimmel raced his way to a nineth place finish. Randy Shilling ended the year in eighth, while seventh went to Chris Smith. Tyler Courtney came home in fifth, while fourth belonged to Austin Mead. Ben Taylor took third place honors, while second went to Bob Bourff. Your new 2010 Miami County Speedway Track Champion in the Wing Class is Kokomo racer Logan Jarrett (Pictured Left).

"We had a pretty good season. This is my first Track Championship," Jarrett explained.

"I would like to thank all my sponsors, as well as my Mom and Dad, and Sister for all their support this season," said Jarrett.

The fifth and final class to be recognized was the Non-Wing Class. Aaron Davis ended the year in tenth, while Kris Knox took home nineth. Eighth place went to Sam Kimmel, while Zeke Lewis raced his way to seventh. Tyler Courtney ended the year in sixth, while Ben Taylor took home fifth. Brandon Rose came home third, while Laine Hite raced his way to second. Your new 2010 Miami County Speedway Track Champion in the Non-Wing Class is North Manchester, IN. native Jordan Lambert (Pictured Right).

After his big night, Lambert said, "We had a pretty successful season. I think we won six Non-Wing features this season."

"I would like to thank my Dad (Steve Lambert) and my Mom (Linda Lambert), Schrader Auto Parts, Ridge Company NAPA, and KC Hughes," Lambert continued.

Following the five class trophy presentions (Upper Center), it was time for the Rookie of the Year awards to be handed out. The first of the five Rookie of the Year awards went to Denver, IN. native Seth Ireland in the Junior Class. The Restrictor Rookie of the Year was next, and that went to Dalton Walker. There was no Rookie of the Year award handed out for the Senior Class, because they were all adults and this was the first full year racing for the class at Miami County Speedway. The Rookie of the Year in the Wing Class went to Randy Shilling, while Jordan Sterling brought home the Rookie of the Year in the Non-Wing Class.

The awards portion of the night ended with the presentation of the Max Lambert Sportsmanship Award. Brothers Austin and Chase Mead were both awarded the Max Lambert Sportsmanship Award. The voting for the award resulted in a tie for both the Mead brothers.

There will be no big changes to Miami County Speedway for next season. "We poured fifty more loads of dirt on the track two weeks ago," MCS Track Co-Owner Norm Bailey said.

"We added the fencing a week ago. Everything else should be the same as last year," Bailey explained.

"The season went well. We would like to thank the racers, car owners, track staff, and fans for a great 2010," Bailey continued.

All in all it was very special night of recognition for all of Miami County Speedway. I would like to thank all the drivers, their fans, all the track officials, and fans for a great 2010. I would also like to thank my friend and Miami County Speedway Track Photographer Fred Patton for always supplying Through The Gears with awesome pictures throughout the year. I will be back at Miami County Speedway reporting all the action for my race column Through The Gears. I want to thank all the readers that take time to read Through The Gears. I can't wait to return to Miami County Speedway in 2010.

Edwards Sweeps Weekend at Phoenix

2010-11-14T15:42:00.000-08:00

Johnson, Harvick dodge bullet, inch closer to Hamlin
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

PHOENIX, AZ.- Roush-Fenway racer Carl Edwards (Pictured Left) became only the three NASCAR driver to sweep the weekend's races at Phoenix Raceway. Stewart-Haas driver and South Bend, IN. native Ryan Newman came home second, while third belonged to Joey Logano. Greg Biffle stayed around the front all day, to end the race in fourth, while Hendrick racer Jimmie Johnson limped home in fifth, after going eighty-nine laps on the final mileage run to the finish.

Richard Childress racer Kevin Harvick fought his way to a sixth place finish, after qualifying back in 29th for Sunday's race. Seventh went to Matt Kenseth, while Mark Martin took the checkers in eighth place. Penske racer Kurt Busch ended the race in nineth, while Jamie McMurray hung on to finish tenth.

NASCAR Championship points leader Denny Hamlin (Pictured Right) finished the race in 12th place after leading a big chunk of the race before Edwards took the lead with about 60 laps to go. Hamlin led a total of 118 laps to gain the ten extra points for most laps led, but made a late green flag pit stop on lap 298. After the green flag pit stop, Hamlin found himself in 19th. Hamlin clawed his way back finish 12th.

Hamlin holds a fifteen point advantage of four-time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson (Pictured Left), heading into the final race (Ford 300) at Homestead Raceway next Sunday, November 20th. Tune into ESPN on Sunday, November 20th for the final race of the NASCAR Championship Chase this coming Sunday afternoon from Homestead Raceway.

Next up for Through The Gears coverage will be live coverage of the 2010 Miami County Speedway Awards Banquet this Saturday, November 20th. Tune into Through The Gears this coming Saturday for all the coverage from the banquet!

NASCAR (Phoenix Raceway) Results credited to:
http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2010/35/data/results_unofficial.html
NASCAR 2010 Schedule credited to:
http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/
Carl Edwards Picture credited to:
http://fantasyracingcheatsheet.com/nascar-draft-kit/driver/rankings/carl-edwards/19
Denny Hamlin Picture credited to:
http://peopleatnascar.com/category/drivers

Edwards Wins Again at Phoenix

2010-11-13T15:58:00.000-08:00

Whitt finishes 15th in NNS debut
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

PHOENIX, AZ.- Roush-Fenway racer Carl Edwards (Pictured Left) broke free from the pack and never looked back, leading 153 laps en route to another Nationwide win at Phoenix Raceway this afternoon. Kevin Harvick drove his way through the field to earn second place honors, while third went to race polesitter Joey Logano. This year's Nationwide Champion Brad Keselowski used pit strategy early in the race to gain track position. Keselowski ended the day in fourth. Reed Sorenson raced up front for most of the day, taking home fifth.

Aric Almirola got up front early on, and slipped back to sixth. Colin Braun raced his way to seventh, while eighth went to the fast Penske ride of Justin Allgaier. Allgaier has one more race remaining for Penske Racing, before he heads to Turner Motorsports next season. Another Roush-Fenway driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. put together a solid race to take the checkers in nineth, while Steven Wallace rounded out the top ten finishers Saturday afternooon.

Alpine, CA. native Cole Whitt (Pictured Right) qualified 23rd for his first Nationwide race at Phoenix. Whitt was impressive in his Nationwide debut for Red Bull Racing, taking the checkers in 15th place. Look for Cole Whitt to be a top contender in the NASCAR Nationwide Series very soon. Congrats once again to Cole Whitt on a great day in Phoenix.

More racing action from Phoenix Raceway can be seen tomorrow at 3:30 Eastern time, when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series hits the Phoenix short track. It's the 9th race of the Chase. Check it out tomorrow on ESPN at 3:30 PM Eastern time.

Nationwide Race Results credited to:
http://www.nascar.com/nationwideseries/leaderboard/race/
Carl Edwards Picture credited to:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/389096-carl-edwards-leads-nationwide-practice-from-darlington-raceway
Cole Whitt Picture credited to:
http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/features/08/05/future.star.cwhitt/index.html

Hamlin Takes A Wild One at Texas

2010-11-07T19:31:00.000-08:00

Hamlin is new points leader after Texas victory
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

FORT WORTH, TX.- Joe Gibbs racer Denny Hamlin (Pictured Left) passed Roush-Fenway racer Matt Kenseth to seel up a big victory at Texas Motor Speedway earlier this afternoon. After the big win, Hamlin holds a thirty-three point advantage over Hendrick driver Jimmie Johnson, and a fifty-ninety point lead over third place Childress racer Kevin Harvick.

Hamlin had a solid day, staying up front despite the downfalls of his Gibbs teammate Kyle Busch. Busch spun out then used an inappropriate hand gesture to relay how he felt to NASCAR officials. NASCAR called Busch to his pits for a two lap penalty. This penalty set Busch back for the remainder of the day.

On the seventh caution flag (Lap 192), the action turned into a free for all between title contenders Jeff Burton and Jeff Gordon (Pictured Right). After Martin Truex Jr. brought out the caution flag, Burton crashed hard into the side of Gordan's DuPont Chevy. The damage was done, as far as the race cars were concerned. After the pile up, a very upset Gordan confronted Burton. The two had an altercation, which the safety officials finally got under control. Then they were both taken into the ambulence for observation. It was another frustrating day for Burton. This time he collected Gordan in the maylay.

Johnson's crew chief Chad Knaus (Pictured Left) made the careful decision to replace the 48 crew with his Hendrick teammate the 24 pit crew for the remainder of the race. Personally, I think is a stupid move. A pit crew may make a few bad pit stops, but a pit crew chief should never replace his original pit crew with another pit crew team. I think it was a bad call by Knaus that ultimately costed the 48 team, as well as Johnson the Championship points lead.

In the late stages of the race, Hamlin had too much for Johnson and Harvick to handle. Hamlin took the checkered flag, while Harvick finished the day with a solid sixth place finish. Johnson was a little off on the restarts and came home nineth. Hamlin carries the Championship lead into the nineth race of the Championship Series (Kobalt Tools 500) next Sunday, November 14th at Phoenix Raceway.

Race Results credited to:
http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2010/34/data/results_unofficial.html
Points Standing credited to:
http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2010/data/standings_unofficial.html
Schedule credited to:
http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/
Denny Hamlin picture credited to:
http://www.nascar.com/2010/news/headlines/cup/04/19/dhamlin.wins.texas.1/index.html
Jeff Gordan picture credited to:
http://www.seattlepi.com/motorsports/3010ap_car_nascar_gordon_burton_fight.html
Chad Knaus picture credited to:
http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/columns/story?columnist=blount_terry&id=4375301

Keselowski Comes Through at Texas

2010-11-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

First NASCAR Championship for Penske, Whitt makes big debut in Phoenix
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

FORT WORTH, TX.- It was a great day to be a Nascar fan. Carl Edwards walked away with a big win in Nationwide competition today, while his former bitter rival Brad Keselowski (Pictured Left) locked up his first Nationwide Championship with a solid third place finish. This was a big day for not only Keselowki and his family, but also for his car owner Roger Penske. The long-time Indy Car owner now has his first Nascar Championship as a car owner.

Kyle Busch held off a hard-charging Keselowski, finishing the day in second place. Busch won the Camping World Truck race at Texas Motor Speedway on Friday night. Now the Nationwide Series looks to Phoenix Raceway. A new face will be waiting for the Nationwide racers when they get to Phoenix next Saturday, November 13th.

Alpine, CA. racer Cole Whitt (Pictured Right) is set to make his debut for Red Bull Racing. Whitt is currently fourth in the K&N East Series po with an average finish of 10.2 for Red Bull Racing. Whitt has made 10 starts in the K&N East Series, with three second place finishes at South Boston Speedway, Lime Rock Speedway, and Gresham Speedway. Before racing in the K&N East Series, Whitt raced for Red Bull in for the National Sprint Car Series (USAC). He is the 2009 Kokomo Speedway (Kokomo, IN.) Track Champion. Look for Whitt to make a big debut in his first race in the NASCAR Nationwide Series next Saturday, November 13th at Phoenix Raceway.

Results credited to:
http://nationwide.nascar.com/nationwide-series/races/2010/results-unofficial/33

Cole Whitt stats credited to:
http://www.colewhitt.com/Latest-News/2010-knpse-season-in-review.html

Pictures credited to:
http://www.cbssports.com/autoracing/story/14251703/keselowski-notches-nationwide-title-at-texas-edwards-wins-race
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://hometracks.nascar.com/files/imagecache/driver_image_big/2010_NKNPS_East_profile_2_Whitt.jpg&imgrefurl=http://hometracks.nascar.com/drivers/nknps_east/cole_whitt&usg=__sYhAQyDf0HK0ofdHrwTwXhUBOsA=&h=550&w=700&sz=56&hl=en&start=14&sig2=I9vCl3nFjG59szbM_l13tQ&zoom=1&tbnid=_c2XrAjEZq4FCM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=165&ei=deHVTIKCEtXNngfM0oS6CQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcole%2Bwhitt%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26biw%3D1024%26bih%3D587%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C345&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=255&oei=buHVTIyCJZeanAfvzpSwBQ&esq=2&page=2&ndsp=13&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:14&tx=94&ty=81&biw=1024&bih=587

One Night to Remember at MCS

2010-09-19T14:14:00.000-07:00

Bourff battles through nasty flip to win the Sr. A-Main
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)

PERU, IN.- Threatening skies cleared way to a very fast, action-packed micro sprint racing, last night at Miami County Speedway. Crowds of people came to help celebrate Fan Appreciation Night, sponsored by Brandt's Harley-Davidson on Saturday. All proceeds from Saturday night went to the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana.

Drivers came into the grandstand to collect donations, and greet the crowd of spectators. It was an awesome scene at the Miami County Speedway. In all, MCS raised $1, 024.00 for the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana. Drivers collected $806.00 from fans during intermisson, while MCS donated it's portion ($218.00) to the cause.

"I'm so proud of our community, drivers, and fans for coming out and supporting the Ronald McDonald House," said MCS Co-Owner Julie Bailey. "We had a lot donated, and we want to thank everyone."

After the intermission concluded, it was time for micro sprint racing. The only B-Main of the night in the Wing Class was won by Brian Busz. Second went to Sharpsville, IN. racer Bob Bourff. Kylee Brown, Sam Kimmel, and Austin Mead closed out the top five that transferred into the Wing A-Main.

The A-Mains began in the Junior Class. Kokomo, IN. native Kayaleb Bolton (Pictured Left) took his fourth straight checkered flag, his nineth win this season.

Delphi, IN. racer Kaleb Kinsler ran second, while third went to Kokomo, IN. native Kameron Butcher. Denver, IN. racer Seth Ireland came home fourth, while Jered Van Ness took fifth.

Next up was the Wing Class feature. The Front Row Challenge came calling, but Pole-sitter Brandon Williams nor Ben Taylor took the offer. The Challenge pot is up to $420 , and will head over to the Non Wing Class next weekend.

Logansport's Chris Smith (#54 Pictured Right) raced his way to the Wing Class feature victory on Saturday night. After the win, Smith said, "This win has been a long time coming."

Indianapolis, IN. racer Tyler Courtney finished in second, with third going to Bloomington, IN. native Tyler Flynn. Kokomo, IN. native Logan Jarrett followed Flynn in fourth, while fifth went to Sharpsville's Bob Bourff.

Mentone, IN. racer Barbie Kimmel (Pictured Left) found victory lane in Saturday's Restrictor Class A-Main. "I'm so happy my Grandma could be here to watch me race tonight. This win was for my Grandma," Kimmel said.

Warsaw, IN. native Zach Shepler continued his good A-Main finishes in second. Jacob Eberly took the checkers in third. Fourth went to Deaven Bolton, while Gavin Taylor grabbed the fifth spot in Saturday's Restrictor A-Main.

The Senior A-Main followed the Restrictor feature on Saturday night. I want to take a little time before I tell you about the Senior A-Main. Sharpsville, IN. racer Bob Bourff (Pictured Right, #97) won the 25 lap Senior A-Main on Saturday night.

Bourff came back after he flipped hard on the front stretch in the second Senior Class heat. After the crash, the medical staff got the car, and flipped it over. Then Bourff got out, with an injured knee. Let me tell you that I saw a racer on Saturday night. I thought Bourff was done racing for the night, but he surprised me.

"My crew chief Jason Wilson and my Dad Dave Bourff put the car back together," Bourff said after the hard fought night.

Keep in mind that Bourff also raced in the twelve lap Wing B-Main, where he got second to be able to advance into the Wing A-Main. In the Wing A-Main, Bourff raced his way to fifth. Then Bourff jumped back in his Senior Class micro sprint that he flipped, and drove from the back to win the twenty-five lap Senior A-Main. That takes a lot of heart from Bourff. I have never seen a driver come back from an injury like that, but I have to give major credit to Bourff and his entire crew for not throwing in the towel.

After a very hard fought Senior A-Main victory, Bourff said, "I thought I would never have a chance of winning."

"Being able to get the Senior A-Main with a tore up car wasn't bad," Bourff said.

Cory Angle ended his night in second place, while third went to Joe Taylor. Greg Baer came home fourth, while Clancey Hoch rounded out the top five finishers in Saturday's Senior Class finale.

There was another awesome finish in Saturday's Non Wing feature. Indianapolis, IN. native Tyler Courtney (Pictured Left) barely beat North Manchester, IN. racer Jordon Lambert to take Saturday's Non Wing feature win.

"I was on the outside. I hit the gas coming out of Turn 4, hoping that it would work, and it did," Courtney explained.

"It feels pretty awesome winning tonight. It's been awhile, since I've been in victory lane, here at Miami County Speedway," Courtney added.

Amboy, IN. native Laine Hite took third, while Barbie Kimmel ended her night in fourth. Delphi, IN. racer Matt Johnson closed out the top five finishers in Saturday's Non Wing A-Main.

Miami County Speedway will resume micro sprint racing this Saturday, September 25th. This will be the final points night for drivers and classes.

Awesome Night of Racing at MCS

2010-09-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)

PERU, IN.- Yes, I missed last night's Nascar race at Richmond, but I covered some awesome micro sprint racing at the Miami County Speedway on Saturday night. For the second time this year, the Rumble Series roared into Miami County Speedway. Ninety-six cars braved the rain, to come race last night.

In the Junior Class A-Main, Kokomo, IN. racer Kayaleb Bolton (Pictured Left) led from green flag to checkers, for another impressive Junior A-Main win. Following his victory, Bolton said, "It was awesome to win again. The track was good. I would like to thank Ryan Kline, my Uncle Jimmy, Ma and Pa Bolton, Parigen Engines, and Mouser Automotive." Another Kokomo, IN. racer Kameron Butcher finished second. Jered Van Ness took the checkers in third.

Peru, IN. native Brandon Rose (Pictured Right #67) won Saturday's Nonwing A-Main. "It feels like a big weight off my shoulders," Rose said. "The track was good all night. I want to thank Rick Haley and Kevin Rose for their support." Joe Leek came home second, while North Manchester, IN. racer finished third.

Sharpsville racer Shelby Larson (Pictured Left #74) held off a hard-charging Zach Shepler to win her second consecutive Restrictor A-Main feature. "It feels great. It feels better than my first win. I would like to thank my sponsors: White's Meat Market, Advanced Auto Parts, JML Electric, Golden Corral, and Steel Dynamics Inc. for all their support," Larson said. Peru, IN. native Braiden Black rounded out the top three finishers in Saturday's Restrictor feature.

Francesville, IN. racer Jeremy Glasford (Pictured Right) won the twenty lap Senior A-Main on Saturday night. After the big win, Glasford said, "I'm just excited to come out and race on September 11th. I want people to remember the soldiers overseas, and the families that lost loved ones in the September 11th attacks. I also want to thank my sponsors: Fratco and Cash-N-Go of Rochester, IN." Delphi, IN. native Rob Johnson took the checkers right behind Glasford in second, while Gary Miller finished third.

The fifth and final Wing feature was won by Sharpsville, IN. native Bob Bourff (Pictured Left). "I had to work for that one. It was a tough win tonight. I would like to thank AJ Atherton for his great Afro by Benic shocks," Bourff said. Remington, IN. racer Sara Elrod took second place honors, while third went to Kokomo, IN. native Logan Jarrett.

Next weekend will be a special one for Miami County Speedway. On Saturday (September 18th), MCS will be hosting it's Fan Appreciation Night. Everyone will get in free of charge for grandstand seating. Bring your pop can tabs to donate to the Ronald McDonald House. The sponsor, Brandt's Harley Davidson of Wabash, IN. will have a poker run, with donations going to the Ronald McDonald House. It will be a lot of fun micro sprint racing action next Saturday, September 18th at Miami County Speedway.

Amazing Memorial Day Weekend at MCS

2010-09-06T12:48:00.000-07:00

Great weekend for Bolton and Bourff, Special feature wins for Hughes, Larson, and Shepler

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

Photos By: Fred Patton

MCS Logo credited to: http://www.pacechassis.com/contactlinks.html

Herron/Lambert Memorial

Saturday, September 4, 2010

PERU, IN. - Right off the bat, I want to say that this is going to be a different style of writing. I've been blessed to be able to write and cover racing, so from now on I'm going to add more details to my race stories.

On Saturday (September 4th), the Miami County Speedway hosted the Herron/Lambert Memorial, kicking off the first of a two night racing series this weekend. One hundred and two micro sprints showed up to ace on Saturday night, some traveling as far as Jackson, Michigan. It is really awesome to see racers from other states come race at Miami County Speedway.

On Saturday night, the Non wing class raced two B-Mains. Winning the first Non wing B-Main was Aaron Davis. Jacob Melvin finished second, while Amboy, IN. native Laine Hite finished third. Mentone, IN. racer Sam Kimmel took the checkered flag in the second Non wing B-Main. Kimmel was followed by Chris Smith in second and Braxton Hanft in third. The lone B-Main for the Wing Class was won by John DeGood. Kokomo, IN. racer Logan Jarrett raced his way to second, while third belonged to Kendallville, IN. native Joe Taylor.

The A-Main features started with the Junior Class. Kokomo, IN. racer Kayaleb Bolton (Pictured Left) won the first of his two feature victories in the Juniors. After the victory, Bolton said, "It felt awesome to win tonight." Kameron Butcher took second place honors, while Jered Van Ness raced his way to third. Denver, IN. racers Justin Harper and Seth Ireland rounded out the top five finishers in Saturday night's Junior A-Main.

The Non wing feature was next. On Saturday night, the Non wing class drew the Front Row Challenge. Polesitter Logan Jarrett and second place starter Zeke Lewis both declined the Challenge, taking moving the pot to $360 for Sunday night's Wing A-Main.

Lewis (Pictured Right) held off a hard-charging Jarrett to win Saturday night's Non wing A-Main. After the hard fought race, Lewis said, "It feels pretty awesome to win tonight. The track was good around the top. My motor likes to run the top." Delphi, IN. racer Matt Johnson raced his way to third.

Next up in the program was the Restrictor A-Main. Warsaw, IN. native Zach Shepler (Pictured Left) held on for the exciting Restrictor feature win on Saturday night. After the big win, Shepler said , "It felt really good to win tonight. This is my first feature win. It felt great." Peru, IN. racer Braiden Black came away with a hard fought second place finish. Craig Swartz, Cole Angle, and Barbie Kimmel raced their ways to top five finishes in Saturday night's Restrictor A-Main.

Sharpsville, IN. racer Bob Bourff (Pictured Right) won the first of two straight Senior Class features on Saturday night. After the race, Bourff said, "It was pretty good to win tonight. This is my 117th career feature win." Tony Carlson took the checkers in second place, while third went to Gary Miller. Mike Stahl raced his way to fourth, while Peru, IN. native Bruce Bretzman took fifth in Saturday night's Senior A-Main.

Remington, IN. racer Sara Elrod won the fifth and finale feature on Saturday night in the Wing Class. After the win, Elrod said, "It felt great to win tonight." Kokomo, IN. native Chris Smith came home second, while Kokomo, IN. racer Logan Jarrett ended his night in third.

Spectacular Night of Racing at MCS

Sunday, September 5, 2010

PERU, IN.- The action-packed micro sprint racing returned to Miami County Speedway on Sunday night. This was seriously one of the most amazing nights of racing, that I've covered at MCS. The Junior Class took the wings off for the night. Eighty-two micro sprints showed up to race on Sunday night. The Hard Chargers from the Herron/ Lambert Memorial on Saturday night were Kameron Butcher, Barbie Kimmel and her brother Sam Kimmel, Chris Smith, Cory Angle, Matt Johnson, and Randy Shilling. Each of the Hard Chargers received $50.00.

Kokomo, IN. racer Kayaleb Bolton (Pictured Left) won his second straight Junior Class feature of the weekend. About the win, Bolton said, "It felt awesome to win both Junior features this weekend." Kokomo, IN. racer Jered Van Ness came home with a hard fought second place showing. Denver, IN. natives Seth Ireland and Justin Harper took third and fourth place. Jacob Moore rounded out the top five finishers in Sunday night's Junior A-Main.

Next up was the Wing A-Main. Polesitter Bob Bourff and second place starter Austin Mead declined the Front Row Challenge. The Challenge pot is now at $380.00 for next weekend's race. Bourff (Pictured Right #67) went on to win the Wing feature on Sunday night. At one point, I wrote in my race notes, that Bourff was racing like a man possessed. Columbia City, IN. racer Blaine Culp took second place, while third belonged to Saturday night's Wing A-Main winner Sara Elrod. Kokomo, IN. native Logan Jarrett raced his way to a hard fought fourth place finish. Fifth place went to Kokomo, IN. racer Chris Smith.

Shelby Larson (Pictured Left) made her first trip to victory lane, by winning Sunday night's Restrictor feature. After the exciting win, Larson said, "It felt great to win. This is my first feature win. I screamed, I was so excited. I didn't know what to do. This is awesome." Saturday night's Restrictor A-Main winner Zach Shepler raced his way to finish second. Craig Swartz ended the night in third.

Bourff (Pictured Right) won his second straight Senior Class feature on Sunday night. After winning two features, Bourff said, "It felt awesome to double up (winning two features in one night) tonight. It doesn't happen very often. The two feature wins gave me a total of 119 career features." Tom Corcoran finished second, while Peru, IN. racer Bruce Bretzman took the checkers in third place.

The final feature of the weekend was the Non wing feature. This is the one feature that really put a cap on one heck of a special night of racing at MCS. Peru, IN. native KC Hughes (Pictured Right) made his long awaited trip to victory lane, winning Sunday night's Non wing feature. After the special win, Hughes took a few minutes to reflect upon what just happened. "I can't really describe it. It's been about two years since I've won a feature. I didn't think I was gonna get another win. George Gamester builds one hell of a race car," Hughes said. North Manchester, IN. racer Jordon Lambert came home second, while Peru, IN. native Brandon Rose raced his way to a hard fought third place finish.

I want to take a second to say that I saw the true heart of a racer on Sunday night. Other racers came up to Hughes to congratulate him on his big win. I would also like to send my congrats to KC Hughes, his family , and the entire Gamester Racing Products crew. I also want to send my congrats to all of the first time feature winners, as well as all the feature winners from this past weekend's races. I want to thank all of the track officials, drivers, and their families for letting me cover the racing each weekend. It really excites me to see the future of racing at Miami County Speedway.

Exciting Saturday Night at MCS

2010-08-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

Van Ness, Jarrett return to victory lane

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)
Ronald McDonald House Logo: http://www.rmhc-neo.org/gallery/RMH-Stacked-Logo-Blk-Red.jpg

PERU, IN.- The Miami County Speedway returned to action by hosting an exciting Saturday night of micro sprint racing action. All five classes (Junior, Non Wing, Wing, Restrictor, and Senior) put on a great show for the fans.

Kokomo, IN. racer Jered Van Ness (Pictured Left) won his third straight Junior feature. After the win, Van Ness said, "It felt good to win my third straight race tonight." Kokomo, IN. native Kayaleb Bolton finished right behind Van Ness in second place. Third went to Denver, IN. racer Justin Harper. Denver, IN. native Seth Ireland raced his way to fourth, while Kokomo, IN. native Kameron Butcher rounded out the top five finishers in the Junior feature.

Kokomo, IN. racer Logan Jarrett (Pictured Right) raced his way to another impressive feature win in Saturday night's Wing feature. "It felt great to win tonight. This is my fourth feature win at Miami County Speedway in recent weekends. I can't thank my Mom and Dad enough for all their support," Jarrett said. Taylor Courtney took the checkers in second place. His brother Tyler Courtney finished in third, while Chris Smith raced his way to fourth. Kris Knox rounded out the top five finishers in the Wing feature.

Amboy, IN. racer Laine Hite (Pictured Left) won a fast-paced Non Wing feature from the pole position. After getting the big win, Hite said, "It felt good to win tonight. This is my first feature win at Miami County Speedway this season." Kokomo, IN. native Chris Smith finished second, while third went to Kokomo, IN. racer Logan Jarrett. Camden, IN. native Chris Miller came home with a hard fought fourth place showing. Fifth went to Kris Knox.

Pierceton, IN. racer Brent Busz (Pictured Right) took the checkered flag winning the Restrictor feature. "It felt awesome to win tonight. I haven't won at this track in a long time. It feels awesome," Busz said. Shelby Larson raced her way to a hard fought second place finish. Third belonged to Cole Angle, while Craig Swartz took fourth. Gavin Taylor ended the night in fifth.

Peru, IN. native Bruce Bretzman (Pictured Left) came home with a big victory in the Senior finale. After the big win, Bretzman said, "It felt great to win tonight. This is my first feature win of my career. It's a lot of hard work, but this feels great." Bob Bourff finished right behind Bretzman in second place. Cory Kennel ended his night in third, while fourth went to John DeGood. Mike Stahl rounded out the top five Senior finishers.

Next weekend is a special weekend for the Miami County Speedway. Miami County Speedway will be racing not one but two night (Saturday and Sunday) September 4th and 5th. On Saturday, September 4th, Miami County Speedway is hosting the Lambert/Herron Memorial Race. The Lambert/Herron Memorial Race on Saturday night will also include the regular program of Juniors, Restrictors, Seniors, Non Wings, and Wing Classes. On Sunday, September 5th, the Miami County Speedway will host it's action-packed regular program. Special note for racers on Sunday, September 5th, the Junior Class will be running non wing. Come out and join the fun this coming weekend at the Miami County Speedway. Admission is $5.00 a person with children 12 years old and under getting in for free.

A special reminder for race fans to put down on your calendars. On Saturday, September 18th, the Miami County Speedway will be hosting it's Fan Appreciation Night sponsored by Brandt's Harley Davidson of Wabash. The general admission will be FREE to all race fans on Saturday, September 18th. There will also be a Poker Run with all proceeds to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana. All the classes will also be racing for an additional $50.00 to win. For more information on the upcoming racing events and times, please visit the official website for Miami County Speedway at http://miamicountyspeedway.com/. Come out and join in the fun at Miami County Speedway! I'll be there will you?

Van Ness Victorious in the Junior Special

2010-08-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

Jarrett wins second straight Wing feature

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)

PERU, IN.- Kokomo, IN. racer Jered Van Ness (Pictured Left) won the Junior Special this past Saturday night at the Miami County Speedway. After the big win, Van Ness said, "It felt great to win the Junior Special tonight. I'd like to thank my Dad and Papa for their support." Denver, IN. native Seth Ireland raced his way to second in the Junior Special. "It feels pretty good to get second in the Junior Special," Ireland said. Kokomo, IN. racer Kameron Butcher finished third in the Junior Special. "It felt good to get third in the Junior Special," Butcher said.

North Manchester, IN. native Jordan Lambert (Pictured Right) won the Non Wing feature on Saturday night. "It felt good to win tonight. My Dad put together one heck of a car tonight," Lambert said. Peru, IN. racer Brandon Rose took second place honors, while third went to Jacob Moore. Amboy, IN. native Laine Hite took fourth, while Zeke Lewis raced his way to fifth in Saturday night's Non Wing feature.

Peru, IN. racer Braiden Black (Pictured Left) came away with a hard fought win in Saturday night's Restrictor feature. After the win, Black said, "It felt good to win tonight." Zach Shepler put together a solid run to finish second. Shelby Larsen hung around the top three to finish in third. Fourth went to Mentone, IN. native Barbie Kimmel, while Jacob Melvin rounded out the top five in Saturday night's Restrictor feature.

Kokomo, IN. native Logan Jarrett (Pictured Right) won his second straight feature in the Wing Class on Saturday night. After the victory, Jarrett said, "Winning two in a row is crazy. I can't thank my Mom, Dad, and all my sponsors enough for all that they've done." Kendallville, IN. native Joe Taylor raced his way to second. Third went to Kris Knox, while Randy Shilling took the checkers in fourth.

The last feature of the night was the Senior Class feature. Robert Parrish (Pictured Left) won the Senior Class feature on Saturday night. Mike Stahl finished second, while third went to Jeff Weideman.

Miami County Speedway will not be racing next Saturday, August 21st, but they will return to action on Saturday, August 28th. Come out and enjoy some action-packed micro sprint racing at the Miami County Speedway. I will be there, will you?

Action-Packed Weekend of Racing Across the Country

2010-08-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photo Sources: http://www.timshaffer.com/images10/2010-04-10-Attica-All-Stars.jpg,
http://www.pbase.com/pitpass/image/126151868
Sources: http://www.knoxvilleraceway.com/results.aspx,
http://www.bryanclauson.com/NewsItem.aspx?NewsID=141

Shaffer Wins the 50th running of the Knoxville Nationals

KNOXVILLE, IA.- Aliquippa, PA. racer Tim Shaffer (Pictured Left) won the action-packed 50 lap A-Main at the Knoxville Nationals this past Saturday night. Fargo, ND native Donny Schatz finished second. Third went to Bixby, OK. native Shane Stewart. "The People's Pleaser" Craig Dollansky raced his way through the field to pick up fourth. Fifth belonged to the Australian Kerry Madsen. Another Pennsylvania racer, Thomasville, PA. native Greg Hodnett ran with the front runners, taking a strong sixth place showing. Kasey Kahne Racing's Paul McMahan raced his way to a seventh place finish. St. Michael, MN. racer Davey Heskin took the checkers in eighth place, while nineth went to Eunice, LA. native Jason Johnson. Broken Arrow, OK. racer Stevie Smith rounded out the top ten finishers.

Owasso, OK. native Daryn Pittman finished just outside the top ten in 11th. Bartlett, TN. racer Jason Sides ended the night in 12th. West Burlington. IA. native Josh Schneiderman finished 13th, while Grain Valley, MO. racer Brian Brown took home 14th. Findley, OH. native Chad Kemenah raced his way to 15th, while Sioux Falls, SD. racer Dusty Zomer grabbed 16th. Fairmount, IN. racer Brandon Wimmer ended his night in 17th. Willbraham, MA. native Erin Crocker finished right behind Wimmer in 18th. Germantown, TN. racer Sammy Swindell took the checkers in 19th. Fowler, OH. native Dale Blaney raced his way to 20th. Prairie City, IA. racer Lynton Jeffrey took home 21st. "The King" Steve King came home 22nd, while 23rd belonged to another Australian racer Skip Jackson. "The Brownsburg" Bullet Joey Saldana rounded out the field, finishing 24th.

Clauson Wins The Belleville Nationals Again

BELLEVILLE, KS.- Noblesville, IN. racer "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson (Pictured Right) found victory lane for the second straight year at the Belleville Nationals. Kasey Kahne Racing's Brad Sweet ran a hard fought race, to take second place. Third went to Jerry Coons Jr., while Avon, IN. native Brad Kuhn ended his night in fourth. Davey Ray had a solid top five finish for Keith Kunz Racing. Finishing sixth was Riverside, CA. racer "The Hawk" Darren Hagen. Villa Park, CA. native Henry Clarke took the checkers in seventh, while eighth belonged to Fremont, CA. racer Shane Golobic. Germantown, TN. native Kevin Swindell raced his way to nineth, while New Castle, IN. racer Tracy Hines rounded out the top ten finishers for the 33rd running of the Belleville Nationals. Congrats to Bryan Clauson on 2 straight Belleville National victories!

Cottle Wins at Gas City Speedway

2010-08-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Dave Merritt (www.davespitpassphotos.com)
Source: http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=4929935400678034305, http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/MODIFIEDS%208-13-2010.htm, http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/STREETS%208-13-2010.htm,
http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/THUNDER%20CARS%208-13-2010.htm, http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/FORD%20FOCUS%20MIDGETS%208-13-2010.htm

GAS CITY, IN.- Kokomo, IN. racer Shane Cottle (Pictured Left) won the 25 lap Sprint Car A-Main last Friday night at Gas City Speedway. Alexandria, IN. native Brandon Petty took second, while Caleb Armstrong put together a strong run to get third. Lafayette, IN. racer Justin Grant ended the night in fourth, while fifth belonged to Lincoln, IN. native Dave Darland.

Eleven USAC Ford Focus Midgets showed up to do battle on Friday night at Gas City Speedway. Joe Liguori (Pictured Right) swept both of his races, winning the first heat then later the 20 lap feature. Jessica Bean had a good night, coming in second in the second heat, then a strong second place finish in the feature. Kyle O'Gara finished second in the first heat, then followed that up with a third place showing in the feature. Jake Blackhurst won the second heat, and finished fourth in the feature. Erik Rankine finished third in the first heat, and fifth in the feature. Byron Stowe finished sixth in the feature. Seventh went to Bill Kreigbaum. Brunson Behning came home eghth, while Ross Rankine ended the night in nineth.

Andy Bishop picked up the A-Main feature win in the UMP Modified Division. Scott Orr finished right behind Bishop in second. Bub Patrick came away with third, while Jon Fosnaugh ended the night in fourth. Tommy Beezley raced his way to a fifth place finish.

Marion, IN. native Ervin Turner won Friday night's Street Stock A-Main from the pole position. James Headley ended the night in second, while third went to Scott Hubbard. Brett Clark came home fourth, while Danny Smith raced his way through the field to round out the top five finishers.

In the Thunder Car Division, DJ Holt raced his way to victory lane. Polesitter Mark Keith stuck up front, and finished second. Jerald Owens put together a great race to finish third. Rick Frasure raced his way through the field to finish fourth, while Steve Clark ended the night in fifth.

Gas City Speedway returns to action next Friday, August 20th, when they host the always-exciting regular program of Sprint Cars, UMP Modifieds, Street Stocks, and Thunder Cars.

Exciting Night of Racing at MCS

2010-08-09T17:59:00.000-07:00

Special night of racing for Jarrett

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)
Source: http://miamicountyspeedway.com/results08-07-10.htm

PERU, IN.- It was another exciting, action-packed night of micro sprint racing at the Miami County Speedway on Saturday. Saturday night was a special one for Kokomo, IN. native Logan Jarrett, who took the checkered flag in both the Non-Wing and Wing features. After his memorable night of racing, Jarrett said, "It is amazing to win one feature, let alone two in one night. It's something I've always dreamed of doing, and to finally be able to do it. It's amazing." Great Job Logan!

Finishing second behind Jarrett in the Wing feature was Warsaw, IN. racer Stuart Hanft. Chris Smith finished third. Sharpsville, IN. native Bob Bourff took second place honors in the Non-Wing feature. North Manchester, IN. native Jordan Lambert raced his way to another strong finish in third.

Kokomo, IN. native Jered Van Ness (Pictured Right) went to victory lane in the Junior Class A-Main on Saturday night. "It feels good to win tonight," said Van Ness. Kameron Butcher raced his way to a strong second place finish. Seth Ireland ended the night in third place.

Mentone, IN. Barbie Kimmel (Pictured Left) won a spirited back and forth battle with polesitter Shelby Larson in Saturday night's Restrictor Class A-Main. After the hard fought battle, Kimmel said, "It feels amazing to win tonight. I wish Shelby could of kept going. I think we could of made a fun race." Craig Swartz finished second, while Jacob Melvin put together another solid run to finish third.

Sharpsville, IN. racer Bob Bourff (Pictured Lower Right) held off a hard-charging Rob Johnson, to take the victory in the Senior Class feature. "It was awesome. It's been awhile, since I've won a feature. Tonight was my 116th A-Main win," Bourff said. Johnson took the checkers in second place, while third belonged to Bruce Bretzman.

Meseraull Wins at Gas City Speedway

2010-08-08T12:27:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Dave Merritt (www.davespitpassphotos.com)
Source: http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/SPRINTS%208-6-10.htm, http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/MODIFIEDS%208-6-10.htm,
http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/STREET%20STOCKS%208-6-10.htm,
http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/THUNDER%20CARS%208-6-10.htm,
http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/2010_racing_schedule.htm

GAS CITY, IN.- San Jose, CA. racer Thomas Meseraull (Pictured Left) won the 30 lap A-Main Sprint Car feature on Friday night. Lafayette, IN. native Justin Grant made his return to Gas City Speedway, finishing right behind Meseraull in second. Milan, IN. native Brett Burdette put together another good run, taking the checkers in third place. Alexandria, IN. racer Brandon Petty stayed up front most of the night, to finish fourth, while Jason Holt rounded out the top five finishers.

Friday night was the Gas City/Kokomo Modified Challenge for the UMP Modified racers .Aaron Orr raced his way to the UMP Modified feature win. Scotty Orr was second, while third went to Tony Urbine. Zeke McKenzie raced his way to a fourth place finish, while polesitter Steven Hogue ended the night in fifth.

Landon Miller won from the pole position in Friday's Street Stock feature. Ervin Turner finished right behind Miller in second. Third belonged to James Headley. Brett Clark worked his way through the field to finish fourth. Josh Gamblin held on to finish fifth.

The final feature of the night was Thunder Car finale. Josh Owens took the checkered flag, winning the Thunder Car feature from the pole position. DJ Holt took second, while Jason Shrout ended the night in third. Fourth belonged to Jerald Owens, while Mark Keith raced his way to a solid fifth place finish.

Gas City Speedway roars back to life, this Friday night (August 13th). Friday night is HARF and DARF night at the Gas City Speedway. If you are a member of the HARF or DARF organizations, you will get 50% off admission to the grandstand seating. Friday night's program will include the always-exciting regular program of Sprint Cars, UMP Modifieds, Street Stocks and Thunder Cars. In addition to the regular program, the Gas City Speedway will host the USAC Ford Focus Midgets.

Lauderbaugh Lands the $1000 at Miami County Speedway

2010-08-02T18:28:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)
Source: http://www.miamicountyspeedway.com/results07-31-10.htm

PERU, IN.- Kokomo, IN. racer Nate Lauderbaugh (Pictured Left) won the Non-Wing A-Main at Miami County Speedway on Saturday night. Lauderbaugh also landed the big $1000 winner's purse that went along with becoming the newest Non-Wing Bonanza winners. After the big victory, Lauderbaugh said, "It felt good to win the $1000 dollars tonight. The car was good. I put her on the cushion. That's where we like it. I would like to thank Hoosier Tire, Shively Racing Engines, my Dad (Pedg), and my wife Ashley for their continued support." Logan Jarrett came away with a hard fought second place finish. Third went to Jordan Lambert. Fourth belonged to Kris Knox, while Brandon Rose raced his way to finish fifth in Saturday night's Non Wing Bonanza.

Racing along with the big $1000 Non-Wing feature was the Junior Class, Restrictor Class, and the Senior Class. Every class that raced on Saturday night raced without a wing. That was kinda cool seeing the wings taken off every micro sprint Saturday.

Taking the big victory in the Junior Class was Indianapolis, IN. native Garrett Johnson (Pictured Right). "It felt awesome to win tonight. This is my first time here at Miami County Speedway. It was also my first win at Miami County Speedway," Johnson said. Connor Corcoran took the checkers in second place. Third went to Tate Price, while Stanley Abbott finished fourth. Seth Ireland raced his way to fifth in the Jr. A-Main.

Peru, IN. racer Braiden Black (Pictured Left) raced his way to another impressive feature win in the Restrictor Class on Saturday night. After the win, Black said, "The win felt good." Second went to Zach Shepler , while Jacob Melvin raced his way to finish third. Barbie Kimmel came home fourth, while Craig Swartz rounded out the top five Restrictor Class feature finishers.

The final feature of the night was the Senior Class feature. Royal Center, IN. native Mike Morock (Pictured Right) won the Senior Class feature. After the hard fought victory, Morock said, "It felt great to win tonight. It's been awhile since my last win (September)." Rob Johnson finished right behind Morock in second. Third went to Cory Angle, while Tom Corcoran held on to finish fourth. Rounding out the top five Senior Class finishers was Jim Ray.

The Miami County Speedway returns to action with their always exciting regular program of Juniors, Restrictors, Wing, Non Wing, and Senior classes, this Saturday, August 7th. Hot laps start around 6:30 PM with racing following hot laps. Admission is only $5.00 for adults with children 12 years and under getting in for free. I'll be there, will you?

Cottle Returns to Victory Lane at Gas City Speedway

2010-08-01T19:57:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Dave Merritt (www.davespitpassphotos.com)
Sources: http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/SPRINTS%207-30-2010.htm;
http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/MODIFIEDS%207-30-2010.htm;
http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/STREETS%207-30-10.htm;
http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/THNDER%207-30-2010.htm

GAS CITY, IN.- Kokomo, IN. racer Shane "The Throttle" Cottle (Pictured Left) held off a hard-charging Dave Darland to make a return visit to victory lane at Gas City Speedway. "It feels good to win tonight. It's been awhile since I've won at Gas City Speedway. I would like to thank Crume Evans Insurance, Monte and the crew for all their help," Cottle said. After a strong second place finish, Darland said, "The car felt good tonight. I have to give credit to the Goodnight crew for putting together another good car. It feels good." San Jose, CA. native Thomas Meseraull ended his night in third place. "It felt good to finish top three tonight. I gotta get my hat off to the Gas City Speedway track officials. The track was awesome tonight," Meseraull said.

Matt Westfall finished fourth. Fifth place went to this year's Byrider 100 winner Tracy Hines. The current Gas City Speedway Sprint points leader Andrew Elson ended his night in sixth. Crown Point, IN. racer Chris Gurley took the checkers in seventh place, while Brownsburg, IN. native Billy Puterbaugh Jr. came home in eighth. Nineth belonged to Kokomo, IN. racer Josh Spencer, while Joe Bares worked his way through the field to round out the top ten feature finishers.

In other racing action, Marion, IN. racer Scotty Orr won Friday night's UMP Modified feature. John Fosnaugh finished second, while Doug St. Myers ended the night in third. Fourth went to JD Francis, while Andy Bishop rounded out the top five finishers. Zeke McKenzie had another good run to finish sixth, while Clint DeMoss came home seventh. Eighth place went to Tony Urbine, while Aaron Orr raced his way to a nineth place showing. Jim Mallery took the checkers in tenth place.

The Gas City Speedway raced both the Street Stock and Thunder Car A-Main rain make ups from the Hastings Law Firm Midseason Doubler this past Friday night.

Lee Hobbs won both the remake Street Stock feature from the Hastings Law Firm Midseason Doubler and Friday night's Street Stock feature. Taking second behind Hobbs in Friday night's Street Stock feature was Landon Miller. Third belonged to Brandon Roundtree, while fourth went to Marion, IN. native Ervin Turner. James Headley rounded out the top five finishers.

DJ Holt had a big night on Friday night, winning both the Thunder Car rainout remake from the Hastings Law Firm Midseason Doubler and Friday night's Thunder Car A-Main. Jason Shrout raced his way to second, while third went to Mark Keith. Fourth went to Ervin Turner (driving Dennis Freeland's car), while fifth belonged to Josh Owens.

The Gas City Speedway returns to action this Friday, August 6th, when they race their action-packed regular Friday night program of Non-Wing Sprints, UMP Modifieds, Street Stocks, and Thunder Cars. Friday night will be a special night for the UMP Modified division as it welcomes the City/Kokomo Modified Challenge.

Mid-Season Non-Wing Bonanza at MCS on Saturday July 31st

2010-07-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

Photos By: Fred Patton (http://www.fredericsphoto.com/)

Source: http://www.miamicountyspeedway.com/

PERU, IN.- The action-packed regular program of micro sprint racing was rained out last Saturday at the Miami County Speedway. This Saturday, July 31st, the Miami County Speedway is set to host the high-flying, action-packed Mid-Season Non-Wing Bonanza!!!

Come out and watch the Non-Wing racers do battle for the big $1000.00 winner's purse. It will be only $40.00 for Non-Wing racers to start. MCS will race all classes non-wings, including the Senior, Junior, and Restrictor classes of micro sprints. For the Senior, Junior, and Junior classes, it will be $25.00. The pit passes from last weekend's rain-out will be honored for the next two race weekends (July 31st and August 7th). Just bring $5.00 and last weekend's pit pass wrist band, but you have to have the wrist band to get the discount. Come join us at the always exciting Miami County Speedway this Saturday night for the Mid-Season Non-Wing Bonanza!!!!!

Darland Wins Hastings Law Firm Midseason Doubler

2010-07-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Dave Merritt (www.davespitpassphotos.com)
Source: http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/SPRINTS%207-23-2010.htm, http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/MODIFIEDS%207-23-2010.htm
, http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/STREET%20STOCKS%207-23-10.htm, http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/THUNDER%20CARS%20FOR%207-23-2010.htm

GAS CITY, IN.- Lincoln, IN. racer Dave Darland (Pictured Left) won the 5th Annual Hastings Law Firm Midseason Doubler this last Friday night at the Gas City (I-69) Speedway. "It feels good to win tonight. I gotta thank the Goodnight Racing team for putting together a great car tonight. I would also like to thank the Hastings Law Firm (Indianapolis, IN.) for their support of the Gas City (I-69) Speedway. I was glad to be here. It was a great night for us," Darland said.

Sikeston, MO. racer Hunter Schurenberg (Pictured Right) charged his way through the field, finishing just behind Darland in second. After the hard fought battle with Darland, Schurenberg said, "It was good, but I'm so close to winning. I put it up on the high side. We just needed to get in lap traffic sooner." Schurenberg would like to thank his sponsors for their continued support this season. Schurenberg's sponsors include, Epperson Paint; Walter's Construction; Simpson; Creative Finishing; and Rock Steady Racing.

San Jose, CA. native Thomas Meseraull (Pictured Left) fought hard, and came away with a solid third place finish in Friday's A-Main. "It was a good night. The track went away . The track position was everything tonight," Meseraull said. "I caught a break after Ted Hines flipped earlier in the race. They restarted me outside the pole. I didn't even know I was supposed to restart there," Meseraull explained. Thomas Meseraull would like to thank the following people and sponsors for their continued support this season. The following include, Paul Hazen; Kercher Engines; Bell Helmet (Thank you for the new helmet); Buds Auto Sales; and the Physical Medicine Consultants.

Noblesville, IN. racer "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson worked his way through the field to come home fourth. Fifth belonged to Carmel, IN. native Andrew Elson. Alexandria, IN. racer Brandon Petty put together a solid race, to finish sixth. Seventh went to New Castle, IN. native Thursday's Byrider 100 winner Tracy Hines. Tempe, AZ. racer Casey Shuman ended his night in eighth. Matt Westfall came home in nineth, while Crown Point, IN. native Chris Gurley rounded out the top ten finishers in Friday's A-Main.

Bobbie Bittle brought home the win in Friday's UMP Late Modified A-Main. Taking second behind Bittle was Derek Losh, while third went to Glenn Bradley. Andy Bishop raced his way to fourth, while fifth belonged to Steven Hogue.

Both the Street Stock and the Thunder Car A-Main were rained out and will be made up within the next two weeks.

All the action returns to Gas City (I-69) Speedway this Friday, July 30th when they host the always exciting, high flying fun that comes along with their regular program. The program will consist of Sprint Cars, UMP Modifieds, Street Stocks, and Thunder Cars. Come out and watch some great racing action this Friday night. I'll be there, will you?

USAC Doubleheader at O'Reilly Raceway Park

2010-07-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

Big Night for Swanson and Wilke Racing
USAC Mopar Midget Series

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Dave Merritt (http://www.davespitpassphotos.com/)
Source: http://www.usacracing.com/index.php?id=3923

CLERMONT, IN.- Kingsbury, CA. racer Kody Swanson (Pictured Left) broke through with a big win in the USAC Mopar Midget A-Main on Thursday night. The California native also gave his race team (Wilke Racing) the all-time record for USAC Mopar Midget A-Main victories with 134.

Second place belonged to Jason Leffler, while third went to Levi Roberts. Riverside, CA. native "The Hawk" Darren Hagan took the checkers in fourth, while Kasey Kahne Racing's Brad Sweet rounded out the top five feature finishers in Thursday's 30 lap A-Main.

Daniel Bedford came home sixth. Tucson, AZ. racer Jerry Coons Jr. finished seventh, while Dakoda Armstrong raced his way to an eighth place finish. "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson ended the night nineth, while Caleb Armstrong finished tenth.

Finishing behind Armstrong was Indiana Midget Week Co-Champion Brad Kuhn in 11th. Chuck Gurney Jr. took 12th, while "The People's Champ" Dave Darland came home 13th. Tracy Hines ended his night in 14th, while 15th belonged to Brownsburg, IN. native Bobby East. David Byrne came home 16th, while Henry Clarke took the checkers in 17th. Mario Clouser finished 18th, while 19th went Adam Kramer. "The Dauminator" Zach Daum finished the night in 20th. Kyle Hamilton, Tate Martz, and Bobby Santos III finished 21st, 22nd, and 23rd respectfully.

The USAC Mopar Midget series gets a little break before they head west to race at the Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wisconson on August 28th and 29th.

Hines Hangs On to Win the Byrider 100
USAC K&N Silver Crown Series

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

Photos By: Dave Merritt (http://www.davespitpassphotos.com/)

Source: http://www.usacracing.com/index.php?id=3924

CLERMONT, IN.- New Castle, IN. racer Tracy Hines (Pictured Left) took the lead in the final laps to win Thursday's Byrider 100 at O'Reilly Raceway Park.

Tony Stewart Racing's Levi Jones finished second, while Jacob Wilson finished third. Fourth went to Grassvalley, CA. native Brad Sweet. Rounding out the top five was Brownsburg, IN. native Bobby East.

Bobby Santos III finished sixth. The current USAC K&N Silver Crown points leader Bud Kaeding took seventh. "The Real Deal" Shane Hmiel came home eighth, while nineth belonged to Troy DeCaire. "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson raced his way to tenth.

Brian Tyler took home 11th, while Eric Gordan came home 12th. Mario Marietta took the checkers in 13th, while 14th went to A.J. Fike. Justin Carver finished 15th. Aaron Pierce came home 16th, while 17th went to Lafayette, IN. racer Shane Hollingsworth. Mike Larrison finished 18th, while Jerry Coons Jr. raced his way to 19th. Tanner Swanson ended his night in 20th, while Derek Hagar took 21st. Coleman Gulick raced his way to 22nd, while Thursday's Mopar Midget feature winner Kody Swanson came home in 23rd. South Bend, IN. native and former (1999) Silver Crown Champion Ryan Newman finished in 24th. Mike Lichty was 25th, while Peru, IN. native Russ Gamester came home 26th. "The Dauminator" Zach Daum took the checkers in 27th. Jason Leffler ended the night in 28th. Zach Martini and Tyler Walker rounded out the thirty USAC K&N Silver Crown competitors in Thursday's 100 lap J.D. Byrider 100 at the O'Reilly Raceway Park.

The next scheduled race for the USAC K&N Silver Crown Series is August 4th, when they race the "Steel Palace Classic" in Oswego, NY.

I would once again like to thank all the readers and supporters of my race column "Through the Gears". Thanks- Matt "Night" Rider

Pro Late Models Hit Gas City Speedway

2010-07-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photo By: http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/2009_racing_schedule.htm
Sources: http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/LATE%20MODELS%207-16-2010.htm, http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/MODIFIEDS%207-16-2010.htm, http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/STREET%20STOCKS%207-16-2010.htm, http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/THUNDER%20CARS%207-16-2010.htm

GAS CITY, IN.- The Pro Late Models returned to action at the Gas City Speedway last Friday night (July 16th) for the "Summertime Classic". Zak Blackwood won the Pro Late Model feature from the pole position. Randy Shuman finished right behind Blackwood in second. Scott Graham came home third, while fourth belonged to Eric Varner. Taking fifth was Troy Clark.

Finishing just outside the top five was James Griffith in sixth. John Heyn took the checkers in seventh, followed by Mike Bechelli in eighth. Terry Romans took the checkers in nineth, while David Daughtery rounded out the top ten finishers in the "Summertime Classic" Pro Late Model feature.

Terry Hull won from the pole position in last Friday's UMP Modified feature. Andy Bishop put together another solid run to finish second. Third went to Bub Patrick, while Clint DeMoss came home fourth. Rounding out the top five finishers in the UMP Modified feature was Doug Losh.

Marion, IN. racer Ervin Turner raced his way to another impressive feature win in last Friday's Street Stock feature. Landon Miller finished right behind Turner in second, while third went to Brett Clark. John Van Pelt took the checkers in fourth, while Melanie Gaff rounded out the top five finishers in the Street Stock feature.

In the Thunder Car feature, DJ Holt raced his way to victory. Feature polesitter Josh Owens finished in second, while Jerald Owens rounded out the top three. Fourth place belonged to Mark Keith, while Jason Shrout came home in fifth.

The Gas City Speedway returns to action this Friday (July 23rd), as they welcome back the always exciting 5th annual Mid-Summer Doubler, sponsored by the Hastings Law Firm. Come out and enjoy the fun this Friday night at the Gas City Speedway. I'll be there, will you?

Stanbrough Takes 2010 ISW Title

2010-07-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

Fitzpatrick takes 30 lap A-Main at Haubstadt

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Dave Merritt (www.davespitpassphotos.com)
Source: http://www.usacracing.com/index.php?id=3899

HAUBSTADT, IN.- Terre Haute, IN. racer Blake Fitzpatrick (Pictured Lower Left) tracked down "The People's Champ" Dave Darland in the final laps to win tonight's USAC Amsoil Sprint 30 lap feature at the Tri-State Speedway. With his second place finish at Haubstadt, Avon, IN. racer Jon Stanbrough (Pictured Right) was crowned the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week Champion. Third went to Darland, while "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson put together another good race, finishing the night in fourth. "The Demon" Damion Gardner rounded out the top five finishers in Saturday night's feature.

New Castle, IN. racer Tracy Hines finished just outside the top five with his sixth place finish. Seventh belonged to Kurt Gross, while "The Bear" Chris Windom brought home eighth. "100%" Hunter Schuerenberg raced his way to nineth, while Danny Holtsclaw came home with another top ten in tenth.

New Castle, IN. native Ted Hines was 11th, while Jerry Coons Jr. came home 12th. "The Bedford Blaster" Brady Short bounced back from a Lap 2 flip to take the checkers in 13th. Jeff Bland Jr. raced his way to 14th, while 15th belonged to Casey Riggs. Henry Clarke ended the night in 16th, while Ricky Williams finished 17th. Kyle Cummins finished right behind Williams in 18th, while 19th went to tonight's top qualifier (13.137 sec.) Justin Grant. Matt "Rocky Balbou" Mitchell took the checkers behind Grant in 20th. New Castle, IN. racer Kyle Robbins raced his way to 21st, while Kevin Thomas Jr. came home in 22nd. The 23rd spot went to "The Modern Day Cowboy" Daron Clayton, while 24th went to Levi Jones who was involved in the Lap 2 flip with Brady Short.

Stanbrough won the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week with a total of 384 points. Jones finished second with 349 points, while third went to Clauson, who finished with 327. Fourth belonged to Darland, who had 319. Windom and Short were both tied with 309, and both occupied fifth and sixth respectively. Fitzpatrick ended Indiana Sprint Week in seventh with 276. "The Demon" Damion Gardner bounced back to end Indiana Sprint Week in eighth with 269. Jerry Coons Jr. came home in nineth with 263, while "100%" Hunter Schuerenberg rounded out the top ten finishers in the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week standings with 243.

Miami County Speedway Hosts Thrilling Racing

2010-07-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

Great night for Logan Jarrett
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)

PERU, IN.- It was another great night of racing at the Miami County Speedway. The hot, muggy afternoon weather was replaced by clouds and cooler weather. This made for some thrilling racing on Saturday night.

Saturday night's racing at Miami County Speedway was also special, as the track welcomed the return of the Restrictor Class Special. The two Restrictor Class feature starters had the option of taking the Front Row Challenge. The Front Row Challenge is when the racer is given the option of starting the feature in last, but if they go on to win the 25 lap feature, they receive $180.00. Neither of the Restrictor Class starters took tonight's Front Row Challenge.

Peru, IN. native Braiden Black (Pictured Left) drove to victory, winning Saturday night's Restrictor Class Special. "It felt good to win tonight. I would like to thank GRP Chassis (located in Peru, IN.) and my Dad for all their hard work." Columbus, OH. racer Lauren Longbrake came home with a hard fought second place finish in the Restrictor Class. After the race, Longbrake, "It was an exciting finish tonight. We worked really hard for 2nd place." Third place went to Pierceton, IN. native Brent Busz. "It was a hard fight out there. We did good with the laps we had left, but we just ran out of time," said Busz.

Kokomo, IN. racer Kayaleb Bolton (Pictured Right) brought home another impressive A-Main victory in the Junior Class division. After the win, Bolton said, "It felt good to win tonight. I would like to thank all my sponsors, along with my Grandma and Grandpa, my parents and brother, and the Mouser family for all their help." Taking second in the Jr. A-Main was Jared Van Ness, while Justin Harper raced his way to a third place finish.

Argos, IN. racer Travis Ray (Pictured Left) took the checkered flag, winning the 25 lap Nonwing A-Main on Saturday night. After the win, Ray said, "It felt pretty good to win tonight. The car was actually working for us." Second went to Zeke Lewis. Logan Jarrett raced his way to a hard fought third place finish.

Knightstown, IN. native Rob Parrish (Pictured Right) took home the Senior Class 25 lap feature win on Saturday night. "It felt good. I would like to thank the car owner Willard Frost," said Parrish. Mike Stahl came home second, while Brian Bitzel took third place honors in the Senior Class finale.

Warsaw, IN. racer Stuart Hanft (Pictured Left) held off a hard-charging Andrew Peters to win Saturday night's 25 lap Wing Class feature. After the race, Hanft said, "It felt good to win tonight. I could feel Andrew Peter's engine screaming at me from behind. It was the longest five laps of my life." Andrew Peters started the race in sixth, but was caught up in a lap one spin. Peters restarted in the back of the field to roar his way through the field, taking home an impressive second. Third belonged to Logan Jarrett.

Stanbrough Hangs for 3rd ISW win in 2010

2010-07-16T21:09:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Dave Merritt (www.davespitpassphotos.com)
Source: http://www.usacracing.com/index.php?id=3897

BLOOMINGTON, IN.- For the third time in a manner of days, Avon, IN. racer Jon Stanbrough (Pictured Left) broke free of the front runners, taking the 30 lap A-Main victory at Bloomington Speedway on Friday night. Stanbrough made his way to victory lane at both the Gas City Speedway last Saturday and the Terre Haute Action Track this past Wednesday. "100%" Hunter Schuerenberg led 13 laps in tonight's A-Main and took the checkers in second place. The 2010 Indiana Sprint Week points leader Levi Jones continued to his success, taking a strong third place finish. "The Demon" Damion Gardner raced his way to fourth. Jon Sciscoe rounded out the top five finishers on Friday night.

"The Bullet" Bryan Clauson put together another great run to finish sixth, while seventh belonged to "The Bear" Chris Windom. Brownsburg, IN. racer Bobby East (Pictured Right) set the quick time for tonight's racing action, and later took the checkers in eighth place. JJ Hughes raced his way to nineth, while "The People's Champ" bounced back to finish tenth.

Jesse Cramer finished right behind Darland in 11th, while Tucson, AZ. native Jerry Coons Jr. raced his way to 12th. Danny Holtsclaw finished the night in 13th, while Dickie Gaines took home 14th place. A pair of racers from New Castle, IN. (Tracy Hines and "K-Rob" Kyle Robbins) raced their way to the 15th and 16th places respectfully. Hud Cone came home in 17th, while "The Madman" Robert Ballou finished 18th. Last night's A-Main winner "The Bedford Blaster" Brady Short took the checkers in 19th place, while Matt "Rocky Balbou" Mitchell finished 20th. Ricky Williams raced his way to 21st, while Terre Haute, IN. native Blake Fitzpatrick ended the night in 22nd place. "The Modern Day Cowboy" Daron Clayton came home 23rd, while Henry Clarke and Jared Harris ended their nights in 24th and 25th respectfully.

Tony Stewart Racing's Levi Jones is still hanging on to the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week points lead with 328. With his third ISW feature win, Jon Stanbrough has narrowed Jones' lead to only seven points. Stanbrough sits in second with 321 points. Brady Short is third with 277. "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson is in fourth with 269. "The Bear" Chris Windom sits in fifth with 264 points. Dave Darland is sixth with 259 points, while Jerry Coons Jr. occupies seventh with 227. After his fourth place finish tonight, "The Demon" Damion Gardner is currently eighth with 216. "The Modern Day Cowboy" Daron Clayton stands in nineth with 212, while "100%" Hunter Schuerenberg rounds out the top ten in the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week points standings with 199 points.

The final stop for the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week series is tomorrow night, when the USAC Amsoil Sprint Cars roar into the always exciting Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, IN.

Short Wins a Close One at Brownstown

2010-07-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

Jones regains ISW points lead

23rd Indiana Sprint Week
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Dave Merritt (www.davespitpassphotos.com)
Source: http://www.usacracing.com/index.php?id=3896

BROWNSTOWN, IN.- "The Bedford Blaster" Brady Short (Pictured Right) fought hard, coming away with the 30 lap A-Main in the fifth night of the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week series. "The Bear" Chris Windom put together another top five run, finishing the night in second. Third went to Avon, IN. racer Jon Stanbrough, who has won two races (Gas City and Terre Haute) during 2010 Indiana Sprint Week competition. Tony Stewart Racing's Levi Jones bounced back from a flip, to finish fourth. Hunter "100%" Schuerenberg led a total of eight laps, and came home in fifth place.

Jeff Bland Jr. raced his way to a strong sixth place showing. "The Madman" Robert Ballou took seventh place, while eighth belonged to Hud Cone. Justin Grant came home nineth, while Dickie Gaines took the checkers in tenth place.

Casey Riggs raced his way to an 11th place finish. Taking 12th place was Henry Clarke. Terre Haute, IN. native Blake Fitzpatrick came home 13th. "The Real Deal" Shane Hmiel finished right behind Fitzpatrick in 14th. Jerry Coons Jr. ended the night in 15th. Fortville, IN. racer Jonathan Hendrick took the checkers in 16th, while 17th belonged to Ethan Barrow. Coming home in 18th place was Mark Perry III, while Carmel, IN. native Andrew Elson finished the night in 19th. Greg Bragg finished right behind Elson in 20th. "The Demon" Damion Gardner took the checkers in the 21st spot. New Castle, IN. racer Tracy Hines came home 22nd, while "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson took 23rd, while Kokomo, IN. native Shane "The Throttle" Cottle finished 24th.

Olney, IL. racer Levi Jones (Pictured Left) has regained the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week overall points lead, because Dave Darland didn't make the 30 lap A-Main on Thursday night. Jones is currently the 2010 ISW points leader with 268. With his recently victory, Short is now second in the ISW points standings with 254. Stanbrough is currently third with 249 points. "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson sits in fourth place with 223 points, while "The People's Champ" Dave Darland is fifth with 219 points. With another great top five finish, Windom is sixth with 217 in 2010 Indiana Sprint Week competition. "The Modern Day Cowboy" Daron Clayton and Jerry Coons Jr. are seventh and eighth, both having 192 points. Fitzpatrick is nineth with 185 points, while "The Demon" Damion Gardner is tenth with 158 points.

Tonight (Friday), the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week series head to Bloomington Speedway (Bloomington, IN.) to race the sixth night of Indiana Sprint Week competition.

Stanbrough Wins 2nd at Terre Haute

2010-07-14T22:09:00.000-07:00

23rd Indiana Sprint Week
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Dave Merritt (www.davespitpassphotos.com)
Source: ( http://www.usacracing.com/index.php?id=3895)

TERRE HAUTE, IN.- Avon, IN. racer Jon Stanbrough (Pictured Left) took the checkers in both his heat and later the 30 lap feature to claim his second win in 2010 Indiana Sprint Week competition. Stanbrough's other 2010 Indiana Sprint Week victory came at Gas City Speedway last Saturday, July 10th. Lincoln, IN. native Dave Darland put together another impressive run to pick up second. "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson raced his way to a strong third place showing. Jerry Coons Jr. came home in fourth, while fifth belonged to "The Modern Day Cowboy" Daron Clayton. Clayton (Pictured Lower Right) also set the fast time in the qualification sessions earlier in the night.

New Castle, IN. racer Tracy Hines ended his night with a sixth place finish. Seventh went to New Yorker Coleman Gulick. Terre Haute, IN. native Blake Fitzpatrick raced his way to eighth, while Temecula, CA. racer Mike Spencer finished nineth. Rounding out the top ten feature finishers was Matt "Rocky Balbou" Mitchell.

"The Real Deal" Shane Hmiel took the checkers in 11th. Polesitter Henry Clarke came home in 12th. The "Bedford Blaster" Brady Short ended the night in 13th. Another native of New Castle, IN. "K-Rob" Kyle Robbins finished right behind Short in 14th. J.J. Phillips came home 15th, while 16th went to Hud Cone. Caleb Armstrong took the checkers in 17th, while Kokomo, IN. native Shane "The Throttle" Cottle ended the night in 18th. Canton, IL. racer "The Bear" Chris Windom finished right behind Cottle in 19th. Levi Jones and "The Demon" Damion Gardner both flipped on Lap 14th. Jones ended the night in 20th, with Gardner finishing right behind him in 21st. "The Madman" Robert Ballou came home 22nd, while Ricky Williams brought up the rear in 23rd.

One other note, Adam Nigg had a nasty flip during the qualifying sessions, and was later taken to Terre Haute Regional Hospital for treatment. An update on Nigg will be on Through the Gears soon. Jones and Gardner were both okay after their crash on Lap 14 of the A-Main.

The new points leader for the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week is "The People's Champ" Dave Darland (Pictured Left). Darland has 218 points and holds an eleven point advantage over TSR racer Levi Jones, who has 207 points. Clauson is right behind Jones in third with 203 points. Clayton is fourth with 192 points, while Stanbrough sits in fifth place with 190 points. The next stop on the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week series is Brownsburg Speedway tomorrow (Thursday, July 15th). Look for continued coverage of the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week series each night from the one and only "Through the Gears." Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Goodnight and God Bless.

Action-Packed Saturday Night at MCS

2010-07-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (http://www.fredericsphoto.com/)
Source: http://www.miamicountyspeedway.com/results07-10-10.htm

PERU, IN.- Miami County Speedway hosted another action-packed program this past Saturday night. Taking another impressive Junior Class feature was Kokomo, IN. native Kayaleb Bolton (Pictured Left, #X). Jacob Bigger finished right behind Bolton in second. Third belonged to Seth Ireland. Brian Bunner came home fourth, while fifth went to Stanley Abbott.

In the Restrictor Class division, Jacob Melvin (Pictured Right, #0) took the checkered flag. Cole Angle put together a solid run to finish second. Shelby Larson came home third. Last weekend's Restrictor feature winner Barbie Kimmel raced her way to a fourth place finish. Rounding out the top five Restrictors was Zach Shepler.

Warsaw, IN. racer Stuart Hanft (Pictured Left, #69H) won the Wing Class feature on Saturday night. Chris Wilner came home second. Jason Montel took third. Fourth went to Brian Busz, while Kenyon Midget racer and Kokomo, IN. native Halen Shafer rounded out the top five.

Zeke Lewis (Pictured Right, #33Z) picked up the feature win in Nonwing action. Peru, IN. racer Brandon Rose took home a solid second place finish. North Manchester, IN. native Jordan Lambert finished right behind Rose in third. Fourth went to Jacob Moore, while Amboy, IN. racer took the checkers in fifth place.

Jeff Weideman (Pictured Left, #92) took the feature victory in the Senior Class. John DeGood came away with a hard fought second place finish. Gary Miller raced his way to a third place finish, while Jim Ray finished fourth. Mike Stahl rounded out the top five finishers.

Miami County Speedway will host the Restrictor Class Special this Saturday night (July 17th). The winner of the Restrictor Class feature will be awarded $150. Along with the $150, the feature winner will be awarded double points. Miami County Speedway will also be running it's action-packed regular program on Saturday night. Come check out Miami County Speedway next Saturday (July 17th). It's only $5.00 for adults. Children 12 years or under get in for free. I'll be there, will you?

Jones Comes Through with Big Win at Kokomo

2010-07-11T22:24:00.000-07:00

Jones Increases his ISW lead

23rd Induana Sprint Week

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

Photos By: Dave Merritt (http://www.davespitpassphotos.com/)

Source: http://www.usacracing.com/index.php?id=3885

KOKOMO, IN.- Tony Stewart Racing's Levi Jones (Pictured Left) took the checkered flag Sunday night, winning the third night of the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week. "It felt awesome to win tonight. It was awesome to be able to run wide open for 30 laps," Jones said. Jones holds a 32 point advantage over second place "The Bedford Blaster" Brady Short in the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week points standings.

Taking a hard fought second place finish was the "Bedford Blaster" Brady Short. After the race, Short explained, "It felt pretty good to get 2nd. We started the A-Main in 16th place. We came here to Indiana Sprint Week, trying to win a title. We have two 2nd place finishes so far." Short continued, "We go to some of my favorite tracks. We're gonna go out and try to win a couple."

Canton, IL. racer "The Bear" Chris Windom put together a solid run to finish third. "It was kind of a tough race tonight. We led it and fell back. We are happy with 3rd," said Windom.

Kokomo, IN. native Shane "The Throttle" Cottle came away with a strong fourth place finish. "It felt good considering the week we are having. It gives us some confidence, heading into these next couple of tracks," Cottle said.

Rounding out the top five was Tucson, AZ. native Jerry Coons Jr. "The People's Champ" Dave Darland took the checkers in sixth place. "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson came up through the field to pick up a seventh place finish. Eighth went to Terre Haute, IN. racer Blake Fitzpatrick. Tracy Hines came home in nineth, while Henry Clarke was tenth.

"The Real Deal" Shane Hmiel worked his way up to finish 11th. Matt Mitchell finished 12th, while Fortville, IN. native Jonathan Hendrick came home 13th. Fourteenth belonged to Bud Kaeding. Clayton ended the night in 15th. Justin Grant and Chase Stockton took the checkers in 16th and 17th respectfully. Temecula, CA. racer Mike Spencer finished 18th. "The Hawk" Darren Hagan finished 19th. Rocklin, CA. native Robert Ballou took 20th, while Jeff Bland Jr. raced his way to 21st.

"Hundred Percent" Hunter Schuerenberg flipped coming outta four in the Sprint Car B-Main. Jon Stanbrough raced his way from 20th all the way up to 4th, before flipping on Lap 24. Stanbrough ended the night in 22nd. Brownsburg native Bobby East and "The Demon" Damion Gardner both flipped during the A-Main. East finished the night in 24th, while Gardner came home 25th.

The Indiana Sprint Week series will return to action this Wednesday (July 14th) at the Action Track in Terre Haute, IN.

I would like to thank all the Sprint Car racers, their families, the race track officials, and USAC for letting me come in and cover the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week series. I've made some good friends. I also would like to give a big thank you to everyone out there, who follows "Through the Gears"!!! You all ROCK!!! Look for continued coverage from the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week series throughout the rest of this week and weekend. -Matt "Night" Rider

Stanbrough Breaks Through With Big Win

2010-07-11T21:14:00.000-07:00

23rd Indiana Sprint Week
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Dave Merritt (http://www.davespitpassphotos.com/)

GAS CITY, IN.- Avon, IN. racer Jon Stanbrough (Pictured Left) won a hard fought 30 lap feature in front of the largest crowd to ever gather at Gas City Speedway in the second night of 2010 Indiana Sprint Week competition. Following the big win, Stanbrough said, "It felt good especially after last night. We definitely needed this one to build our confidence."

Taking a strong second finish in Saturday night's A-Main was Temecula, CA. native Mike Spencer. "It felt really good. Sprint Week is tough. This was the first time we raced this week. It feels good to come outta here with a top three finish." Tony Stewart Racing's Levi Jones edged former TSR teammate Tracy Hines for third. "We kept it in one piece and that's what you gotta do over a seven race series," Jones said.

The 2010 Indiana Sprint Week continues tomorrow (Sunday) night at the always exciting Kokomo Speedway.

Darland Wins In Late Stages at Lawrenceburg

2010-07-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

23rd Indiana Sprint Week
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photo By: Dave Merritt (http://www.davespitpassphotos.com/)
Source: http://www.usacracing.com/index.php?id=3879

LAWRENCEBURG, IN.- Lincoln, IN. racer Dave Darland opened the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week series with a victory at the Lawrenceburg Speedway on Friday.

Bedford, IN. native Brady Short came home second, while third went to Brownsburg, IN.'s Bobby East. Last year's Indiana Sprint Week Champion Levi Jones raced his way to fourth. "The Demon" Damion Gardner rounded out the top five finishers on the first night of the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week series.

Sixth place belonged to Hunter Schuerenberg, while Daron Clayton put together a good run to finish seventh. Justin Grant came home eighth, while Terre Haute, IN. racer Blake Fitzpatrick raced his way to a nineth place showing. Rounding out the top ten finishers from the first night of the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week series was "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson.

The 2010 Indiana Sprint Week series will head up north for the weekend, racing at the always exciting Gas City (I-69) Speedway on Saturday, July 10th and the Kokomo Speedway on Sunday, July 11th. Check the Amsoil National Sprint Car schedule (http://www.usacracing.com/sprint_index/schedule_s) for the rest of the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week series schedule.

2010 Indiana Sprint Week Preview

2010-07-08T10:57:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Dave Merritt (http://www.davespitpassphotos.com/)
Schedule Source: http://www.usacracing.com/sprint_index/schedule_s
Points Standings Source: http://www.usacracing.com/sprint_index/points_s

ALL OVER INDIANA- The USAC National Sprint Cars are set to do battle in what some call, including me, the most exciting week, in dirt track racing. The 2010 Indiana Sprint Week kicks off at the Lawrenceburg Speedway on Friday, July 9th. Then it's off to Gas City Speedway (Saturday, July 10th) and Kokomo Speedway (Sunday, July 11th). The series takes a few days off to regroup before returning to action at the Action Track in Terre Haute on Wednesday, July 14th. On Thursday, July 15th, the series heads to Brownstown Speedway. The 2010 Indiana Sprint Week wraps up with two weekend shows in Bloomington and Tri-State Speedways on Friday and Saturday, July 16th and 17th.

Last year, Tony Stewart Racing's Levi Jones edged out the Bullet Bryan Clauson for the Indiana Sprint Week title. In my book, Jones and Clauson (Pictured #2B Upper Left) are my favorites to take this year's title or possibly repeat as Champion. Jones is the current Sprint Car points leader, with "The Demon" Damion Gardnre in second, and Clauson is close by in third. Other names to look out for, when considering a winner would be Lincoln, IN. native "The People's Champ" Dave Darland. Along with Darland, Jerry Coons Jr. Brad Sweet has to be another pair of favorites. Lastly, I would like to mention that Kokomo, IN. racer Shane "The Throttle" Cottle (Pictured #10E Upper Right) has won Track Championships at both the Gas City Speedway and Kokomo Speedways. He will be racing the #10E for Edison Motorsports in this year's Indiana Sprint Week competition.

Everyone has a favorite and anyone could win it. I can't wait to see a very competitive field in the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week series! I'll be there, will you?

2 Nights of Racing Action at Miami County Speedway

2010-07-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton

PERU, IN.- This 4th of July weekend was a memorable one for Miami County Speedway. The Speedway hosted not one, but two nights of micro sprint racing action on Saturday and Sunday nights. On Saturday, 127 cars signed in to race, with 63 cars racing on Sunday. The Speedway made up two big features in the Nonwing and Restrictor classes.

SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2010

Delphi, IN. native Matt Johnson (Pictured Left) took the checkered flag in the 25 lap Nonwing feature make-up. After the big win, Johnson said, "It was awesome to win tonight. This was my first feature win in the Nonwing class. My Dad (Rob) won the Senior Salute to the Troops feature makeup. This is awesome to win it." Second place belonged to KC Hughes, while #08 Austin Brown came home third.

There were a total of four B-Mains raced on Saturday night, because of the large car count. Winning the first Nonwing B-Main was North Manchester, IN. racer #23L Jordan Lambert. Coming in second was the #17 of Joe Leek, while #88 Travis Ray took the checkers in third. In the second Nonwing B-Main, #33Z Zeke Lewis won from the pole. The #44T of Zach Taylor raced to a second place finish, while #2J Justin Moore took third.

In the first Wing B-Main, Tyler Courtney cruised to victory. John DeGood finished second, while third went to #4 Sam Kimmel. Taking the second Wing B-Main was the #11J of Jason Montel. The #305 of Randy Shilling raced his way to second, while third went to #62 Joe Taylor.

Denver, IN. racer Justin Harper (Pictured Right, red car) took the win in the Junior 25 lap A-Main on Saturday night. "It felt good to win tonight. This was my fourth Junior Class feature win of the season," Harper said. Kayaleb Bolton came home second, while Stanley Abbott ended his night with a good third place run.

Taking Saturday night's Wing Class A-Main was Indianapolis, IN. racer Zach Taylor (Pictured Left). After the big win, Taylor explained, "It felt great. I started fourth. Everyone was running the high side, but I was able to run the low side." Travis Ray came home second, while Kris Knox raced his way to a hard fought third place finish.

Mentone, IN. native Barbie Kimmel (Pictured Right) won Saturday night's 25 lap Restrictor A-Main from the pole. "It felt amazing to win tonight. I haven't won since last year, so it felt awesome to come back and do it again," Kimmel said. Dax Kendall finished right behind Kimmel in second, while Addison True took home third place honors.

Kendallville, IN. racer Ben Taylor (Pictured Left) raced his way to a hard fought win in Saturday night's Nonwing A-Main. "It felt good to win. It's been awhile since my last feature win," Taylor said. Peru, IN. native Brandon Rose picked up second place, while Tyler Courtney finished in third.

Delphi, IN. racer Rob Johnson (Pictured Right) raced his way to another big win in the Senior Class finale. After the exciting win, Johnson said, "It was super. It's a blessing when you get to win. It was what I came to do." Taking second place honors was Gary Miller. Mike Morock raced his way to a solid third place finish.

SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010

Special night for Parker Price-Miller

First off I would like to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July! Second I would like to thank the many men and women of our United States Armed Forces, who continue to fight for our freedom!

On Sunday night, Kokomo, IN. racer Parker Price-Miller (Pictured Left and Right) did something that is rarely seen in the racing world. He won the make-up "Salute to the Troops" Restrictor Class feature, then went on to later win Sunday night's Restrictor Class feature! I want to congratulate Price-Miller on this awesome feat. After winning both Restrictor Class features, Price-Miller said, "It felt really good. It was hard to win 2 features in one night. We crashed last night, and wasn't for sure if we could race it tonight. The pit crew di a great job, getting the car back together. I want to thank my pit crew and family."

Taking second in Sunday night's Restrictor Class A-Main was Peru, IN. racer Braiden Black. Richard Dobbins took home a solid third place finish.

Another Kokomo, IN. racer, Kayaleb Bolton (Pictured Right) took the victory in Sunday night's 25 lap Junior Class feature. After the win, Bolton said, "It felt good to win tonight. I would like to thank Ryan, my Dad, my Grandpa and Grandma, my Uncle Jimmy, and all my sponsors for their support this season." Taking second behind Bolton was Jered Van Ness. Taking third place honors was Tate Andrew Price.

Kokomo, In native Andrew Peters (Pictured Left) bounced back from a flip in Saturday night's Wing A-Main, to take the win in Sunday night's Wing Class A-Main. Taking second place honors was North Manchester, IN.racer Jordan Lambert, while Tyler Courtney came home in third place.

North Manchester, IN. native Jordan Lambert (Pictured Right) raced his way to Sunday night's 25 lap Nonwing A-Main victory. After the big win, Lambert said, "It felt great to win tonight. The track felt good for the win. I would like to thank my Dad, Rodney Stealy, NAPA, and Shreoder Automotive for all their support this season." Taking the checkers in second place was Westfield, IN. racer Stephanie Mockler, while third belonged to Amboy, IN. native Laine Hite.

.Camden, IN. racer Tony Carlson (Pictured Left) took Sunday night's Senior Class A-Main. After the Senior Class victory, Carlson said, "It felt good to finally win one (feature). I would like to thank John "Bubba" Banes and Nick Banes. They were my help tonight." Taking second place honors was Rob Parish, while third went to #53.

Micro sprint racing resumes at the Miami County Speedway this coming Saturday night, July 10th. Look for coverage of the 2010 Indiana Sprint Week, starting Friday, July 9th and all throughout this next week on Through the Gears.

The #3 Wins One More TIme

2010-07-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photo By: Sports Illustrated (http://sports.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/racingfront.asp?series=NATIONWIDE&eref=sinav)

Schedules and Times: NASCAR Nationwide Series (http://nationwide.nascar.com/nationwide-series/races/2010/schedule); NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/)

DAYTONA BEACH, FL.- The famous #3 was back for one more night. Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the checkered flag, winning the Jalapeno 250 Nationwide race in the vintage #3 (Pictured Left), honoring the amazing legacy of his legendary father Dale Earnhardt Sr.

I will be completely honest with you on this one. When I saw that Dale Jr. won in the #3, I cried tears of joy. Like many, many others, I am a Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. fan. This was a race I will never forget, for many reasons. First off, the #3 came back for one more night and won! As I watched this amazing victory, I couldn't help, but think that Dale Sr. was in the driver's seat, right there with his son Dale Jr. This race also brought back memories of the 7-Time NASCAR Champion's victory in the 1998 Daytona 500! I really thought it was cool how all the Earnhardt fans raised the #3 in honor of Dale Sr. as Dale Jr. took the checkers!!! I just want to give a shout out to all the Dale Sr. and Jr. fans out there!!! This was one hell of a win!!!

Finishing second after Dale Jr. was Joey Logano. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. picked up a third place finish, while fourth belonged to Brad Keselowski. Kevin Harvick came home fifth, while Clint Bowyer took sixth. Finishing seventh was Kyle Busch, while South Bend, IN. native Ryan Newman ended his night in eighth. Brian Ickler raced his way to a nineth place showing, while Steve Arpin rounded out the top ten finishers in Friday night's Japaleno 250 at Daytona.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to action tonight. You can catch the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on TNT (or your local racing channel). All the action kicks off at 7:30 PM tonight from Daytona. After another exciting race, it's off to Chicagoland Speedway for the Nationwide racers. Next Friday, July 9th, the NASCAR Nationwide Series will race the Dollar General 300 Powered By Coca-Cola. All the action next Friday night kicks off on ESPN (or your local racing channel) at 7:30 PM.

Big Win For Ballou

2010-07-03T05:08:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Dave Merritt (http://www.davespitpassphotos.com/)

GAS CITY SPEEDWAY (GAS CITY, IN.)- It was another beautiful night for racing at the Gas City Speedway. The Gas City Speedway ran it's regular program of Sprint Cars, UMP Modifieds, Street Stocks, and Thunder Cars on Friday night.

Rocklin, CA. native Robert Ballou (Pictured Left) took home his second Gas City Sprint Car feature win this season. After the big win, Ballou said, "It felt good to win tonight. We won once here this season. This is probably one of the hardest tracks we come too, because it's D-Shape." Ballou would like to thank Dallas Malvaney, Jim Plew, Donnott Racing Engines, and Hinchman Uniforms for all their support this season.

Fortville, IN. native Jonathan Hendrick came home with a hard fought second place finish in the Sprint Car feature. "It was good. We've been having some trouble lately, so it was good to come out of here with a top three finish," Hendrick said. Taking third was Carmel, IN. racer Andrew Elson. "It felt really good to finish in the top three. It was just hard to pass out there tonight," Elson said. Finishing fourth was Chris Gurley, while fifth belonged to Kokomo, IN. racer Shane Cottle.

Claypool, IN. racer Zeke McKenzie took the checkers, winning the 25 lap UMP Modified finale. An excited McKenzie said, "It felt great to win tonight. We are doing good this season. We have three feature wins, two at Gas City Speedway, and one up north in Butler, MI." McKenzie went on to explain, "We got a lot of help from family, my Uncle, and Ryan Cripe." McKenzie would like to thank his Grandpa, his Dad, Zach, Rick, Cripe, and all of his sponsors for all their support this season.

Coming home with a strong second place finish was Columbia City, IN. racer Tommy Beasley II. "It felt awesome to have another good run tonight. We're leading the UMP Modified point standings, so it was a good points night for us," Beasley II said. Finishing right behind Beasley II was North Manchester, IN. native Ryan Cripe. After the race, Cripe said, "It felt real good to get a top three finish tonight. I just wish we could get up there and race with Zeke." Cripe would like to thank the McKenzie family and Dwayne Eakright for all their support this season. Fourth went to JD Francis, while Jeff Ochs took home a top five finish in the UMP Modified feature.

Craig Walker came home with the Street Stock feature victory on Friday night. Brandon Roundtree took second place, while third belonged to Brett Clark. Landon Miller raced his way to a hard fought fourth place finish, while Jeff Baldauf ended the night in fifth.

DJ Holt started outside the front row and never looked back, winning the Thunder Car finale. Polesitter Josh Owens put together another solid race to come home second. Third went to Jerald Owens. Jason Strout finished the night in fourth, while Mark Keith came home with the final spot in the top five feature finishers.

Gas City Speedway will not race it's regular program this coming Friday (July 9th). They will return to action on Saturday, July 10th, as the speedway welcomes back the USAC National Sprint Cars. This is going to be a very exciting race, as the USAC National Sprint Cars will be running the 23rd annual Indiana Sprint Week Series. I'll be there, will you?

NAPA Night at Gas City Speedway

2010-06-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Dave Merritt (http://www.davespitpassphotos.com/)

GAS CITY SPEEDWAY (GAS CITY, IN.)- It was a beautiful night for racing, as Gas City Speedway welcomed the "NAPA Night at the Races" on Friday night.

Lafayette, IN. racer Shane Hollingsworth (Pictured Left) passed Pone, CA. native Justin Grant to pick up the 25 lap Sprint Car feature A-Main. "It feels good to win. I'm just relieved we got to race. There has been many rainouts this year, but it feels good to get race and win," Hollingsworth said.

After the race, second place finisher Justin Grant said, "It feels good to finish second. The car was fast all night. I messed up on the restart. I let Shane (Hollingsworth) get by me. I'm happy to finish second tonight." Third went to Lincoln, IN. racer Dave Darland. "It felt good. We had a good car tonight. It was a good night," Darland said.

New Castle, IN. native Kyle Robbins came away with a hard fought fourth place finish, while fifth went to Thomas Meseraull. Sixth was the No. 16 Nonwing Sprint of Billy Puterbaugh Jr. Finishing behind Puterbaugh Jr. was Kokomo, IN. native Josh Spencer. Steve Ott came home in eighth. Andrew Elson bounced back from an early flat right rear to finish nineth. Rounding out the top ten was Casey Riggs.

Andy Bishop took the victory in the 25 lap A-Main UMP Late Modified feature. Taking second was No. 188 Aaron Orr. Jon Fosnaugh put together another solid run to finish third. Fourth belonged to No. 20 Scott Orr, while Zeke McKenzie rounded out the top five finishers.

Marion, IN. racer Ervin Turner raced to another impressive Street Stock A-Main victory. Landon Miller came home second in his No. OOM Street Stock. Finishing third is Brandon Roundtree. Jeff Baldauf took a strong fourth place showing in his No. 73 Street Stock. Caleb Nutter rounded out the top five in his 3N Street Stock.

Josh Owens roared from the back of the field to take the Thunder Car A-Main victory. DJ Holt finished second, while No. 001 Jerald Owens took third. Fourth belonged to No. 83 Travis Nichols. Jason Shrout raced his No. 50 Thunder Car to a hard fought fifth place finish.

The Gas City Speedway returns to action on Friday, July 2nd with their action-packed roster of Nonwing Sprints, UMP Late Modifieds, Street Stocks, and Thunder Cars! I'll be there, will you?

Exciting Racing Action at the 2010 Miami County Fair Race

2010-06-25T06:41:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (http://www.fredericsphoto.com/)

PERU, IN.- Wednesday's rain showers cleared just in time for some fun, action-packed micro sprint racing at the Miami County Speedway. One hundred and twelve micro sprints took part in this year's running of the Miami County Fair Race.

Miami County Speedway ran the full weekly program of micro sprint classes. These classes included the Nonwing, Wing, Restrictor, and the Senior.

"The Bullet" Bryan Clauson raced Joe Leek's black No. 17 Nonwing (Pictured Right) in this year's Fair Race. Clauson worked his way through the field, finishing the night, 4th in the 25 lap A-Main.

In the Junior Class, Tyler Duff cruised to the feature victory. Kayaleb Bolton took a solid second place finish, while third went to Kaleb Wilkerson. Jared Van Ness finished fourth, whle Justin Harper rounded out the top five Junior Class A-Main finishers.

Next up were the Restrictors. The Restrictors had a B-Main, which #14C Cole Angle won. Kokomo, IN. racer Parker Price-Miller (Pictured Left) led from green to checkers, winning the 25 lap Restrictor A-Main. After the big win, Price-Miller said, "It feels real good to win tonight. It was our night to win. We started 1st and won. I had a good setup from my Uncle Kacey Price." Taking second place was Zach Hampton. Mentone, IN. racer Barbie Kimmel came home third, while fourth belonged to Peru, IN. native Braiden Black. Garrett Duff rounded out the top five in the Restrictor Class.

The other B-Main came in the Wing Class. Bob Bourff held off Cole Ketchum to win the Wing Class B-Main. McCordsville, IN. racer Wes McIntire (Pictured Right) won the 25 lap feature. McIntire said, "It felt good to win. I'm glad to be back. I've been racing sprints. It feels good to get a win here." Tyler Courtney put together a solid run to finish second. Matt Johnson came home with a hard fought third place finish. Fourth went to Jason Montel, while Tyler Stump ended his night in fifth place.

The feature that most of the crowd was waiting for was the 25 lap Nonwing feature. North Manchester, IN. native Jordan Lambert (Pictured Left) won the 25 lapper. "It feels pretty good to win tonight. I'm a little tired, but I'm glad we won," said Lambert. Finishing right behind Lambert was Camden, IN. racer Chris Miller. Third belonged to Peru, IN. native Brandon Rose. "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson raced his way to a strong fourth place finish, while Tyler Stump grabbed a fifth place finish.

The final feature run during the Miami County Fair Race was the Senior Class. Logansport, IN. racer Tom Corcoran took the checkered floag in the Senior Class A-Main. "It's been a long time since I've won. My Dad raced for 40 years and won a lot of features. I let my kids run a few years. This was the year I said I'm going to race, and it feels good to get back to victory lane," said Corcoran. Mike Stahl was right behind Corcoran in second. Jim Ray raced hsi way to a solid third place showing., while fourth belonged to Gary Klein. Rob Johnson rounded out the top five Senior Class finishers.

Miami County Speedway returns to action during July 4th weekend, when they race a big two night program Friday and Saturday, July 3rd and 4th. I'll be there, will you?

Racers Prepare for Exciting Fair Race

2010-06-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (http://www.fredericsphoto.com/)

PERU, IN. - Miami County Speedway (Pictured Left) will be the place for fast racing on Thursday night, as the track welcomes back the Miami County Fair Race. This is a special race in many ways. First, Noblesville, IN. native and current USAC National Mopar Midget Series points leader "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson will be racing a micro sprint on Thursday night. Thursday's race will welcome Miami County fair goers and will feature the full program of micro sprint racing action. Here is a rundown of the racing action on Thursday night.

First up is the Junior Class. The Junior Class is the smallest class run at MCS, but they are really fun to watch. Kayeleb Bolton (Pictured Right) is politing his #X purple junior sprint. MCS racers start in the Junior Sprint Class then work their way up to the Nonwing or Wing Class.

The picture to the left is one of #20 Chris Miller, as he races the Nonwing Class during a previous night of racing. Miller races only in the Nonwing Class at MCS. Peru, IN. racer Brandon Rose also races only in the Nonwing Class. You often have drivers who race both the Nonwing and Wing Classes, using the same car. Some of the many racers who race both the Wing and Nonwing Classes are #19 Ben Taylor, #52 Stephanie Mockler, and #88 Travis Ray.

Tyler Courtney (Pictured Right #23) is a very talented, upcoming racer at MCS. In this picture, he is racing in the Wing Class. He also races in the Nonwing Class at MCS. The Senior Class is often run at MCS, when the full race program is run. The black #85 Senior Class micro sprint of Gary Miller (Pictured Upper Left) is among the many Senior Class racers that put on a great show for the MCS fans.

The final class of racing at MCS is the Restrictor Class feature. Warsaw, IN. racer #29H Braxton Hanft is among the many talented Restrictor Class racers at MCS. Hanft is pictured left, racing his #29H Restrictor Class micro sprint, in a race earlier this season.

The Miami County Fair Race on Thursday will be a very special race, so don't miss it! The race event is sponsored by Wooten Power. Admission is only $5.00 for adults and children 12 years and under get in for free. Hot laps are scheduled to start at 6:00 PM with action-packed micro sprint racing following at 7:00 PM. I will be there, will you?

Spectacular Finish to Indiana Midget Week

2010-06-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

Kuhn, Hines win Indiana Midget Week

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Dave Merritt (http://www.davespitpassphotos.com/)

KOKOMO SPEEDWAY (KOKOMO, IN.)- Avon racer Brad Kuhn (#17B Pictured Left) won a hard fought 30 lap feature in the final night of Indiana Midget Week action. By winning the 30 lapper, Kuhn claimed a share of the 2010 IMW title with New Case, IN. native Tracy Hines (#24 Lower Right), who finished fifth.

Early on, Shane Cottle flipped coming out of four. He bounced back to race #10E sprint car later that night in sprint car feature. Other than that it was a pretty caution free, but hard fought race.

It was a three way battle for the win. Grassland Valley, CA. native Brad Sweet and "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson were both gaining on Kuhn. In the late stages of the race, Sweet motored past Kuhn, but the yellow flag flew, and the field was inverted back to a lap earlier, giving the lead back to Kuhn. Sweet finish right behind Kuhn in second, while Clauson came home in third.

After the hard fought win, Kuhn said, "It feels really go to win the race, and take a share of the Indiana Midget Week Championship. It was a little scary holding em' off at the end because our motor was deading."

After his solid second place finish, Sweet said, "It was a good battle with Kuhn. A couple of yellows didn't go our way, but we are happy to finish 2nd."

Following a strong third place showing, Clauson said, "It was good to finish 3rd. It was a good points night. We just didn't have enough for the front two."

Fourth place went to Darren Hagen, while Tracy Hines came home fifth. With his fifth place finish, Hines claimed a share of the title with Kuhn. Brad Loyet took the checkers in sixth, while seventh belonged to Jerry Coons Jr. Chad Boat came home with another top ten finish in eighth. Thomas Meseraull ended his night in nineth. "The Fastest Man Alive" Shane Hmiel rounded out the top ten finishers on Sunday.

On a quick side note, Hmiel is often called "The Fastest Man Alive" because he ran the fastest lap ever recorded in a midget at 149 MPH at Iowa Speedway.

Finishers outside the top ten include; the Australian Matt Smith in 11th; "The Dauminador" Zach Daum in 12th; TSR racer Levi Jones in 13th; Chase Barber in 14th; and Mario Clouser in 15th. Finishing 16th was Henry Clarke "W. Griswald", while Brownsburg, IN. racer Bobby East in 17th. Steve Buckwalter ended his night in 18th. Kent Schmidt finished behind Buckwalter in 19th. The 20th finishing spot belonged to "The People's Champ" Lincoln, IN. native Dave Darland. Caleb Armstrong came home in 21st, while 22nd went to Shane "The Throttle" Cottle.

Now the Mopar National Midget series sets it's eyes on Burlington, IA. and the 34 Raceway for their next race on Saturday, June 26th.

On a side note, "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson will be racing in the always exciting Miami County Fair Race at the Miami County Speedway on Thursday, June 24th. Come out and watch Clauson and many other up and coming racers in the fair race! I'll be there, will you?

Hines Finds Victory Lane in Big Win at Lawrenceburg

2010-06-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Dave Merritt (www.davespitpassphotos.com)

LAWRENCEBURG SPEEDWAY (LAWRENCEBURG, IN.)- New Castle, IN. native Tracie Hines (Pictured Left) put his #24 USAC Mopar Midget in front and stayed there, winning the 30 lapper on Saturday night. The win put Hines in the lead for the 2010 Indiana Midget Week crown, heading into the Sunday's finale at Kokomo Speedway. The USAC Mopar Midget National points leader Bryan Clauson had a very strong run to finish in 2nd. Jerry Coons Jr. ended his night in third place. Brad Loyet raced with the front runners, finishing fourth, while fifth went to Lincoln, IN. racer Dave Darland.

Finishing just outside the top five was Avon, IN. native Brad Kuhn, while Zach Daum finished seventh. Chase Barber came home eighth, while Gas City winner Steve Buckwalter took the checkers in nineth place. Rounding out the top ten finishers on Saturday night was Caleb Armstrong.

Other finishers outside the top ten include; Mario Clouser in 11th; Shane Hmiel in 12th; Henry Clarke "D. Griswald" in 13th; Levi Roberts in 14th; while Brian Postle finished in 15th. Finishing 16th was Murray Erickson, while 17th belonged to Kent Schmidt. Brownsburg, IN. racer Bobby East came home 18th, while "The Hawk" Darren Hagan ended his night in 19th. Chad Boat took the checkers in 20th place, while 21st was occupied by Kellen Conover. Kasey Kahne racer Brad Sweet finished 22nd.

In the 2010 Indiana Midget Week standings, Hines holds an eight point advantage over second place Steve Buckwalter, who has 221 points. Kuhn sits third with 218 points, while Sweet is just one point behind Kuhn with 217 points. Clauson is currently fifth in the IMW points race with 206.

This sets up quite a spectacular finale on Sunday night at the Kokomo Speedway in Kokomo, IN. I'll be there, the only question is will you?

"The Throttle" Wins at Bloomington

2010-06-18T21:34:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Dave Merritt

BLOOMINGTON SPEEDWAY (BLOOMINGTON, IN.)- Kokomo racer Shane "The Throttle" Cottle (Pictured Right) passed New Castle, IN. native Tracy Hines on Lap 5 and never looked back, winning the 30 lap feature in the 3rd night of USAC Mopar "Indiana Midget Week.

Hines finished right behind Cottle in 2nd. Third went to "The Bullet" Bryan Clauson. Lincoln Park feature winner Brad Sweet put together another consistent run to finish fourth. Gas City feature winner Steve Buckwalter rounded out the top five finishers in Friday's feature.

Lincoln, IN. native Dave Darland finished the night in sixth. Seventh place went to the always exciting Jerry Coons Jr. Brent Beauchamp came home in eighth, while Thomas Meseraull took the checkers in nineth place. Tenth place belonged to Avon, IN. native Brad Kuhn.

TSR racer Levi Jones came home in 11th, while Brad Loyet raced his way to a 12th place finish. Matt Smith finished right behind Loyet in 13th. Billy Pauch Jr. finished the night in 14th, while Shane Hmiel ended the night in 15th. Don Droud Jr. finished right behind Hmiel in 16th. Henry Clarke "D. Griswald" took the checkers in 17th, while 18th went to "The Hawk" Darren Hagen. Matt Westfall ended the night in 19th, while Brownsburg racer Bobby East came home in 20th place. Finishing 21st was Davey Ray, while Caleb Armstrong ended his night in 22nd.

With his fourth place finish tonight, Kasey Kahne racer Brad Sweet is the leader of the USAC Mopar "Indiana Midget Week" points race with 198. Sitting in second is Buckwalter with 182. Kuhn is third with 162. Hines is just 2 points behind Kuhn with 160. With his big feature win at Bloomington, Cottle sits in fifth with 149.

Hagan and East will look to bounce back, as the USAC Mopar "Indiana Midget Week" sets it's sights on the always exciting Lawrenceburg Speedway in Lawrenceburg, IN.

Sweet Wins at Lincoln Park

2010-06-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

PUTNAMVILLE, IN. (LINCOLN PARK SPEEDWAY)- On Thursday night, Kasey Kahne racer Brad Sweet (Pictured Left) grabbed the top spot in qualification and never looked back, winning the 30 lap A-Main in the second night of Indiana Midget Week.

Taking a strong second place finish was Kokomo native Shane "The Throttle" Cottle. Third went to "The Hawk" Darren Hagan. Brad Kuhn finished fourth, while Wednesday night's winner Steve Buckwalter hung on to finish the night in fifth.

Bobby East stayed the front runner to finish sixth. Another solid run gave Tracy Hines a seventh place run. Caleb Armstrong finished eighth, while Matt Smith took nineth. Jerry Coons Jr. was right behind Smith, finishing tenth.

After Coons Jr, it was Thomas Meseraull in 11th, Brad Loyet in 12th, Shane Hmiel in 13th, Henry Clarke "W. Griswald" in 14th, and Davey Ray in 15th.

Chad Boat finished 16th, while Levi Jones finished 17th. Finishing 18th was Sean Dodendoff, while current Mopar Midget points leader Bryan Clauson ended his night in 19th. Zach Daum took 20th, while Dave Darland ran 21st. Billy Pauch Jr. finished 22th, while Alex Bowman came home 23rd.

Brad Sweet is now third in the USAC Mopar National points standings. Sweet is the current leader of the Indiana Midget Week" points race with 139. Buckwalter is second with 126. Kuhn is third with 121. East currently sits fourth with 108, while "The Hawk" Darren Hagen is fifth with 99 points.

The USAC "Indiana Midget Week" is racing Friday night at the Bloomington Speedway in Bloomington, IN.

Big Night for Buckwalter

2010-06-17T02:28:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Stanbrough Photo By: Dave Merrit (Dave's Pit Pass Photos- http://www.davespitpassphotos.com/

GAS CITY SPEEDWAY (GAS CITY, IN.)- Royersford, PA. native Steve Buckwalter (Pictured Right) took his very first USAC National Mopar Midget feature checkered flag to kick off the 2010 USAC Mopar Midget festivities. After the big win, Buckwalter said, "We've been trying to win one of these (Mopar Midget feature) for about four years. I came close to winning at Lawrenceburg, but we got a flat and it dropped us to a 3rd place finish. It feels great to finally win."

Grassland Valley, CA racer Brad Sweet put together another solid run, coming home in second place. "It feels good to get 2nd. The track changed a lot as the night went on. It was good to get track position and a top three finish," Sweet said. Avon, IN. native Brad Kuhn finished the night in third place.

Brownsburg, IN. racer Bobby East worked his way through the field to take home a solid fourth place finish. The current USAC Mopar Midget points leader Bryan Clauson finished fifth. Clauson set the fast time for qualifying earlier in the night, with a fast lap of 12.562 seconds, which is now a new track record at the Gas City Speedway. New Castle, IN. native Tracy Hines came up through the field to finish sixth. Seventh place belonged to Zach Daum, while eighth went to Caleb Armstrong. Shane Hmiel finished nineth, while Henry Clarke battled back from an early evening breakdown to take a tenth place feature finish.

Alex Bowman came home 11th. Riverside, CA. racer Darren Hagan in 12th. Ryan Smith finished the night in 13th. Phoenix, AZ. native Chad Boat in 14th. Finishing behind Boat in 15th was Lincoln, IN. racer Dave Darland. Kody Swanson took the checkers in 16th. Tony Stewart Racing's Levi Jones finished 17th. Matt Westfall (18th), Brent Beauchamp (19th), Kokomo, IN. racer Shane Cottle (20th), and Jerry Coons Jr. (21st) rounded out the feature finishers.

Thomas Meseraull finished the 30 lapper in 2nd, but his midget didn't pass tech inspection, so he was unfortunately disqualified giving second place to Kasey Kahne racer Brad Sweet.

Avon, IN. racer Jon Stanbrough (Pictured Left) held off Kokomo, IN. native Shane Cottle to win another Sprint Car feature at Gas City Speedway. Andrew Elson put together a solid run to pick up third. Chris Windom took fourth, while Thomas Meseraull rounded out the top five finishers.

Hunter Schuerenberg finished just outside the top five in sixth. Brandon Petty had a solid race to finish seventh. Matt Westfall finished eighth, while Ted Hines took home nineth. Rounding out the top ten finishers was Kyle Robbins.

The next stop on the 2010 Mopar Midget Week will be tonight at Lincoln Park Speedway in Putnamville, IN. Then the Mopar Midgets head to southern Indiana to race at the Bloomington Speedway on June 18th. The Mopar Midgets close out the 2010 Midget Week Series with stops at Lawrenceburg Speedway in Lawrenceburg, IN. on June 19th, and Kokomo Speedway in Kokomo, IN on Father's Day (Sunday, June 20th). You can catch all the 2010 Midget Week Series action here on "Through the Gears".

The Gas City Speedway welcomes the A.M.A "Grand National" Motorcycle Races on Saturday, June 19th.

Big Storms Rain Out Area Racing

2010-06-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

GAS CITY, IN.- The Gas City Speedway rained out once again from their regular four class program last Friday night. The next schedule racing action for Gas City Speedway is this Wednesday, June 16th when the USAC National Midgets and Regular Non-Wing Sprints hit the dirt. The action-packed racing event will feature a $1400.00 winners purse for the winner of the Regular Non-Wing Sprints. On Saturday, June 19th, the A.M.A. "Grand National" Motorcycle Races come to the Gas City Speedway for an exciting, special night of racing.

PERU, IN.- On Saturday, June 12th, the rain clouds went away for a little while. The humid made the air feel like 200 degrees, but racers and their families came to race. Miami County Speedway was ready to fire up the micro sprints after several delays as they celebrated 25 years of action packed racing. When hot laps started for the 113 car field, the rain looked like it was going to stay out of the way of the high-flying racing action. After hot laps concluded, the junior sprints hit the dirt for heat races. The #X junior sprint, driven by Kayeleb Bolton won the first heat race, while #75 Devan Myers took the second junior sprint heat race victory.

Then focus shifted to the Wing Class. Every wing class racer had their eye on the $500 winners purse, as it was the Wing Class Special on Saturday night. No. 91 Ryan Kline held off a hard charging Bob Bourff for the first wing heat race win, as lightning was visible to my right. Unfortunately, toward the end of the second heat, the storm hit and everyone ran to their cars. MCS is off the next few Saturdays because of the Miami County Fair activities, but will be back in action for the always exciting Miami County Fair Race on Thursday, June 24th. MCS will run it's regular program that night, so be there! I know I will be, will you?

Miami County Speedway Celebrates 25 Years

2010-06-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photo By: Fred Patton

PERU, IN.- This will be a very special weekend of racing for the Miami County Speedway. MCS is celebrating it's 25th anniversary this Saturday, June 12th.

The special night of exciting micro sprint racing action will include the Wing Class Special "Rumble in the Dirt", which is $500.00 to win.

Along with the Wing Class Special, MCS will race the regular program of Juniors, Restrictors, Non-Wings, and Senior classes. The sponsors for this event include C&D Racing Supply and OSR Bikes, whose the sponsor for the Hard Charger.

Gates open at 2:30 PM. Pit passes are $25.00. Admission is only $5.00 for adults with children 12 year old or younger get in for free. The Driver Draws close at 4:30 PM with the Driver's Meeting following at 4:45 PM. Hot laps follow the Driver's Meeting. The green flag drops at 6:00 PM! See you at the races!!!

Johnson Captures "The Dream" at Eldora

2010-06-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

ROSSBURG, OH.- Once a year, the best racers from NASCAR, IZOD Indy Car, NHRA...etc. gather at the Big E, Eldora Speedway to run the Prelude to the Dream. This year, "The Dream" was captured by 4-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson.

It wasn't easy for the 4-time NASCAR Champion though. The only FMX racer to ever land a Double Backflip (Travis Pastrana) and 16-time AMA Supercross Champion Ricky Carmichael hit the Eldora dirt in hopes of adding their name to the list of past Prelude winners.

The first two heats were won by Kasey Kahne and South Bend, IN. native Ryan Newman.

Johnson and Kyle Busch paced the field in the Dream's 30 lap A-Main. Pastrana took a spun in the Eldora dirt. Then Carmichael and Macros Ambrose got together. A third pile up involved "TK" Tony Kanaan and Bobby Labonte.

Johnson hot roded his way through the field, but his pace was slowed when Ray Everham took a ride in turn 2. Prelude rookie Justin Allgaier's motor gave way, followed by a second spin from AMA Supercross legend Ricky Carmichael.

In the late stages of the race, Busch wasn't able to keep up with Johnson, finishing the night in fourth. Clint Bowyer put together a solid effort to finish second, while the always exciting Carl Edwards rounded out the top three finishers.

Fifth belonged to Busch's JGR teammate Denny Hamlin, who flew through the field, passing late models left and right, gaining a total of twenty spots. Tony Stewart came from the last starting spot to take a sixth place showing.

The Prelude to the Dream will only get bigger as the years goes by. I'm excited to see what's up for next year's running of the Prelude!

Another Exciting Season Heads to Gas City Speedway

2010-06-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

GAS CITY, IN- The Gas City (I-69) Speedway has supplied great racing memories for racers and race fans alike for many years. This season will be one to remember.

Gas City Speedway offers race fans a variety of different types of racing. From the always exciting 410 sprints to the thunder cars, there is always action packed racing at Gas City Speedway throughout the summer months.

Kokomo native Shane "The Throttle" Cottle will look to defend his track Championship in the 410 Sprints division. Cottle won't have it easy. Billy Puterbaugh, Andrew Elson, Blake Fitzpatrick and company are strong comtenders for the 410 Sprint crown in 2010.

The UMP Modifieds return to Gas City Speedway in 2010 with a vengence. Marion native Scotty Orr won the overall track Championship last year. There will be a competitive group of UMP Modified racers that will try to grab the title in 2010. This competitive group includes Bub Patrtick, Andy Bishop and John Fosnaugh.

In the Street Stocks division, Marion racer Ervin Turner dominated the 2009 campaign and will look to stay on top in 2010. Rob Draper, Kaleb Nutter, and company will look to dethrown Turner in 2010. Thinking back on 2009, I remember Turner won 2 Street Stock features in one of the first races I covered at Gas City Speedway. The Street Stock feature was rained out the last weekend, so there was two Street Stocks features in one action packed night of racing. Like I said, both were won by Turner.

The last of the four weekly divisions that run at the Gas City Speedway are the thunder cars. Last season, Josh Owens took home the crown, but this year there will be a variety of thunder car racers, who will contend for the Championship in the Thunder Car division at the Gas City Speedway.

Look for some very exciting racing throughout the summer at the Gas City Speedway. You can find more information about the race schedule and more from Gas City Speedway, by logging onto their website at http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/.

"The King" Wins at Jackson

2010-05-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
To: Ginny and Kaleb Lindemann! You guys are amazing! I'm thinking about you! Cannot wait to see you! Love you guys!

JACKSON SPEEDWAY (JACKSON, MN.)- "The King" Steve Kinser (Pictured Left, #11) showed us once again why he is known as "The King of the Outlaws", winning Saturday night's A-Main event at Jackson Speedway.

Kinser held off the "Wild Child" Jac Haudenschild, who took a strong second place showing. Third belonged to Lucas Wolfe. KKR racer Paul McMahan raced his way to a fourth place finish, while Craig Dollansky rounded out the top five finishers.

Right behind Dollansky in sixth was Jason Meyers. Seventh place went to Saturday night's B-Main winner Tim Kaeding, while Jason Sides turned in another good run, finishing the night in eighth. Kinser's TSR teammate Donny Schatz came home in nineth, while Brooke Tatnell took the checkers in tenth place.

Other notable finishers from Saturday night's A-Main include Steve's son Kraig in 11th. Finishing right behind Kraig was the "Brownsburg Bullet" Joey Saldana in 12th. "The Dude" Danny Lasoski came home in 15th, while Sammy Swindell took a 19th place finish for Big Game Motorsports. Saturday night's fast time qualifier Sam Hafertepe Jr. finished the night in 22nd.

Next, the World of Outlaw Sprint Car Series will travel to Rossburg, Ohio, as they take on the "Big E" Eldora Speedway for not one but two exciting, action-packed nights of racing, starting Friday, May 7th and wrapping up Saturday, May 8th.

Steve Kinser Picture credited to:
http://www.worldofoutlaws.com/~/media/PhotoGallery/Sprint%20Galleries/2010%20Car%20Shots%20for%20Web%20Site/SteveKinserRightSideArch.ashx

World of Outlaw Sprint Car Series (Jackson Speedway) Results and 2010 Schedule credited to:
http://www.worldofoutlaws.com/sprint/Schedule/2010%20Season/050110_Jackson_Speedway.aspx
http://www.worldofoutlaws.com/sprint/Schedule.aspx

Dale Jr., Kahne Honors Legendary Racers and Their Fast Cars

2010-05-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

Dedicated to the loving memory of my Grandpa Bender. We will all love you and miss you! Thanks for the amazing memories!

Jr. Brings the No. 3 Back to Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, FL.- Dale Earnhardt Jr. will honor his father (Dale Earnhardt Sr.)'s upcoming induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, by running the vintage Wrangler's No. 3 at the Nationwide race on July 2nd. Dale Earnhardt Sr. will be inducted in the Hall of Fame on May 11th, as part of the first class of racing legends. Being inducted alongside Dale Sr. will be the original creator of NASCAR "Big" Bill France Sr., his son Bill France Jr., the winningest driver in NASCAR history "The King" Richard Petty and legendary driver/car owner Junior Johnson. It should be a very special next few weeks for NASCAR. Look for Dale Jr. in the legendary #3 as he takes the green flag July 2nd.

Dale Jr. Wranglers Vintage #3 credited to:
http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=multimedia_detail&newsId=20100429007262&newsLang=en&contentGroupId=1997122

Additional Information credited to:
http://www.dalejr.com/#myride

Kahne Races Waltrip's Vintage Paint Scheme at RIR
Finishes the night in 21st after late race collision

RICHMOND, VA.- Richard Petty Enterprises racer Kasey Kahne raced a special paint scheme (Pictured Left), honoring Darrell Waltrip's 1985 run to the NASCAR Championship. Kahne started Saturday night's race in 22nd, and kept the Budweiser #9 constantly in the top 20th, often flirting with the top ten. Unfortunately, Kahne was caught up in a late race wreck with Joey Logano, finishing the night in 21st.

Darrell Waltrip 1985 Vintage Paint Scheme Picture credited to:
http://images25.fotki.com/v944/photos/6/61479/1127536/11Bud1985ref-vi.jpg

Additional Information credited to:
http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2010/10/data/results_unofficial.html

Dungey, Weimer Gets It Done On Dirt

2010-05-03T07:36:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

In a season of ups and downs for the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series, one rider remained constant. His name you ask? Rookie AMA Supercross star Ryan Dungey (Pictured Left, #5) who capped off the 2010 campaign with five A-Main victories and an AMA Supercross title. Dungey was the first to win an AMA Supercross title as a rookie, since "The King" Jeremy McGrath won it as a rookie in 1993. I salute Ryan Dungey on an amazing first season with the Monster Energy AMA Supercross tour and I look forward to covering him in the seasons to come.

Ryan Dungey Picture credited to:
www.flickr.com/ photos/ kandvphotography/ 4421735784/

Additional Information credited to:
http://www.amasupercross.com/ViewPost.aspx?postId=365
http://www.amasupercross.com/ViewPost.aspx?postId=367

Weimer Wins West Lites Championship

Jake Weimer (Pictured Right, #12) sealed up the West Lites Supercross Title this past weekend in Salt Lake City. Wil Hahn came on strong in the late stages of the season to take the second place spot in the points race, while third place Trey Canard returned to the West Lites scene after gaining valuable experience, racing the 450 cc Supercross class earlier in the year. Look for very bright futures from the top three points finishers from the West Lites Series.

Jake Weimer Picture credited to:
http://allthingsmx.blogspot.com/

Additional Information credited to:
http://www.amasupercross.com/

Young Man Finds His Passion

2010-04-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

Big first round win
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

FREEPORT, IL.- Aaron Scibona (Pictured Left) is a very hard working, dedicated seventeen year-old. Aaron excels in and out of the classroom. Along with being a three sport athlete (baseball, basketball, and football) at nearby Freeport Aquin Junior-Senior, Aaron enjoys playing guitar along with his many other jobs.

Aaron has added the very exciting sport of drag racing to his schedule. Scibona had always been intrigued by racing, but it wasn't until he bought his red 1998 Ford Mustang Cobra (Upper Left), that he really started to get involved in it. After buying the car from local resident salesman Mark Brewer, Scibona was directed to long-time racing enthustiast Casey Roberts and newly-formed MVP Performance. Scibona learned more about his car and what it could do. After rebuilding the car, Roberts and Scibona were ready to see the Cobra in action. The two ventured over to nearby Cordova Dragway for a Friday night test and tune session. Roberts strapped Scibona into the Cobra. Aaron hit the gas and has never let off.

"After the first night, it was pretty much an addiction. You see the cars going fast and you want to go fast," Scibona recalled.

After only two practice runs, Aaron was ready to drag race, but Roberts wasn't for sure. On just his third pass out, Scibona beat one of the best drag racers in the midwest (Anthony Lane). Roberts couldn't believe it, but Aaron was now fully dialed into the sport of drag racing.

There was no question in his mind, when asked about his best racing memory thus far. "So far the night (Aaron's first night out), when I went against Anthony Lane (Blue car, Left Lane). I had the slower car, and I was just looking out my driver's side mirror. I kept my foot on the floor, knowing Lane was getting closer. I held on to get the close victory at the line." Scibona (Red Car, Right Lane) remembered.

After that special night, Aaron and Casey worked on getting more speed out of the Cobra. Over the winter, Aaron and Casey gutted the Cobra, and worked to put more power in the car for the upcoming season.

Along with the aderaline rushes and excitement, Aaron has learned some valuable life lessons from racing. "It's definitely taught me the value of a dollar," Scibona explained. Aaron has put in many long nights and days, working and learning about the Cobra with the help of MVP Performance.

Scibona went on to explain, "It's a lot of hard work. Sometimes you just have to get your hands dirty, and do what you enjoy doing. The biggest accomplishment this far has been building the car with the help of Casey." The before (Left) and after (Right) pictures of Aaron's engine are below.

Hard work pays off, if you are willing to put in the time and effort it takes to be successful. "In a way it's kind of hard to believe I'm racing," Aaron reflected. "Growing up, I never thought I'd have a car, and be able to race it. It's a dream come true. I have put a lot into racing without the help of my parents." Scibona continues, "I had to work for everything I've gotten. It wasn't just handed to me."

"Aaron is very laid back, not hyper like other kids in his position. He is really appreciative of his parents for letting him race," Roberts said.

Thursday is a big day for Aaron and MVP Performance. "On Thursday (April 1st), we go on the chassis dyno block with Aaron's car and see if we can break a World Record for the most powerful, naturally-aspirated Cobra 4-valve long block motor," Roberts explained. I want to wish Aaron and the rest of the MVP Performance the best of luck in their quest for the World Record. There will be an update coming from "Through the Gears" on the outcome of the chassis dyno (Lower Left).

Skies the limit for what Aaron has the potential to do in drag racing. "I definitely want to take it (racing career) as far as it will go. I want to have a good season, and gain some attention from the sponsors for the future," Aaron explained. "Hopefully, we'll be able to have multiple cars with different sponsors, and be able to run them."

Aaron has a very bright future in racing, and would like to take some time to thank some special people who helped him along the way. "I would definitely like to thank Casey Roberts and Mark Brewer. Brewer sold me the car, and gave me Casey's number. Casey and I talk everyday. Next, I would like to thank MVP Performance for helping me with all the car installs and labor. I would also like to thank my Mom and Dad, for all their support and understanding."

Mondays are the new Sundays when it rains

2010-03-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Hamlin Wins 3rd in Home State

MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY- GOODY'S FAST PAIN RELIEF 500 (MARTINSVILLE, VA.)- Chesterfield, VA. native Denny Hamlin (Pictured Left, Black Car) went to victory lane for the 3rd time on Monday afternoon in Martinsville. Hamlin's Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Joey Logano stayed around the top ten and walked away with a strong second place showing. Hendrick racer Jeff Gordan fought hard to stay up with the front runners towards the end. Gordan's day ended in a great third place finish. Fourth belonged to South Bend, IN native Ryan Newman, while Martin Truex Jr. brought home a solid fifth place finish for Michael Waltrip Racing.

Coming in sixth behind Truex Jr. was Red Bull racer Brian Vickers. Clint Bowyer put together a hard fought race, to take a seventh place finish. Eighth place belonged to Roush Fenway racer Carl Edwards. Last weekend's winner Bristol victor Jimmie Johnson flirted with the top ten all day, ending his day with a nineth place showing. Greg Biffle grabbed the last top ten spot in tenth.

Finishing on back in the field was some great racers. These racers include; Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 15th. Kasey Kahne in 17th. Matt Kenseth slid up the race track with just a few laps to go and finished 18th. Mark Martin had a dominant car, but was caught up in pit penalties. Martin took the checkers in 21st. The Busch brothers (Kyle and Kurt) took 22nd and 23rd place finishes respectfully. Tony Stewart had trouble with his car, but finished the day in 26th. Daytona winner Jamie McMurray finished 30th. Kevin Harvick had brake problems throughout the day and picked up a 35th place finish. All of these racers will look to bounce back in the coming races.
It was a dominating day for Hamlin, but it wasn't easy. Hamlin was in a back and forth battle with another Virginia native, Richard Childress Racing's Jeff Burton, whose from South Boston, VA. Burton had a very strong car, but cut a tire with just laps remaining in the race. Burton finished his day in 20th.

With about 10 laps to go, Hamlin and JGR teammate Kyle Busch made a surprising pit stop, to get four fresh tires. Hamlin took the green in nineth place but quickly moved up. Four fresh tires made the #11 faster in traffic. Then Busch was turned around. This set up for an exciting green, white checkered finish. Gordan had his eyes on an eighth Martinsville Grandfather Clock, if he could just hold off the hard-charging Hamlin. Kenseth slid up the race track, opening the door for Hamlin and JGR teammate Joey Logano. Hamlin took the checkers. Logano was right behind Hamlin in second place. All in all, it was a great day for Joe Gibbs Racing at Martinsville.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series take a break for the Easter holiday, but then head to Phoenix International Raceway to race the Subway Fresh Fit 600 on Saturday, April 10th. The race can be seen on the FOX stations at about 7:30 PM.

Denny Hamlin Picture credited to:
www.flickr.com/photos/nascarsays/3399149938/

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series "Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500" Results credited to:
http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2010/6/data/results_unofficial.html

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 2010 Schedule credited to:
http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/

Hamlin To Have Surgery
Despite winning his 3rd career Martinsville race on Monday, the Joe Gibbs racer will be heading into surgery to repair his left knee. Hamlin will have the surgery on Wednesday afternoon, and then take some time to heal up before the Subway Fresh Fit 600 at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday, April 10th. I want to wish Denny a speedy recovery, and will look forward to covering the race in Phoenix.

Information on Hamlin's Surgery credited to:
http://www.nascar.com/2010/news/opinion/03/29/one.menz.jmenzer.dhamlin.martinsville/index.html

IZOD Indy Car Series
Power Is On Fire After Monday's Win

Winning 2nd straight

HONDA GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETE (ST. PETERSBURG, FL.)- Will Power (Pictured Right) took the lead with about 40 laps to go, and never looked back. The Team Penske racer is on fire, after winning the 100 lap Hondra Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Monday afternoon. This was Power's second straight victory this season.

Dreyer & Reinbold racer Justin Wilson put together a solid run to pick up second place. Third and fourth went to Power's Penske teammates Ryan Briscoe and Helio Castroneves. Target Chip Ganassi's Dario Franchitti rounded out the top five finishers .

FAZZT Race Team driver Alex Tagliani finished the afternoon in sixth, while Andretti Autosports entry Danica Patrick matched her car number (7) and her finish (7th) in Monday's race. Luczo Dragon Racing de Ferran Motorsports racer Raphael Matos ran a smart race to finih eighth. Nineth went to Graham Rahal, who was racing for Sarah Fisher Racing. Andretti Autosports driver "TK" Tony Kanaan raced his way to a tenth place finish. Macro Andretti took a 12th place finish. Target Chip Ganassi racer Scott Dixon was up front for most of the day, but with about 25 laps to go, Dixon made contact with the wall. Dixon's day ended in an 18th place finish. Dan Wheldon finished 20th. Milka Duna finished 24th for Dale Coyne Racing.

The IZOD Indy Car Series will take the Easter holiday off, but will be back in action on Sunday, April 11th, when they race the Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by Legacy Credit Union from Birmingham, Alabama. All the IZOD Indy Car Series action kicks off at 3:00 PM on the Versus Network.

Will Power Picture credited to:
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Honda/ss/events/bs/081217_honda

IZOD Indy Car Series "Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg" Results credited to:
http://www.indycar.com/schedule/raceresults/55-izod-indycar-series/1800-honda-grand-prix-of-st-petersburg/

IZOD Indy Car Series 2010 Schedule credited to:
http://www.indycar.com/schedule/

Racing Weekend Recap: March 26, 2010-March 28, 2010

2010-03-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
The Spoiler Will Have To Wait
Point positions make up the starting field

MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY (MARTINSVILLE, VA.)- The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series roared into Martinsville Speedway (Pictured Left) only to find rain. This weekend's debute of the new spoiler will have to wait another day. Due to the consistent downpours, Sunday's Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 has been moved to Monday at Noon on FOX. Current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points leader Kevin Harvick will lead the field to the green on Monday. Look for coverage of Monday afternoon's Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 from Martinsville Speedway on "Through the Gears" by Monday night.

Martinsville Speedway Picture credited to:

www.racintoday.com/archives742

Other "Martinsville Rain-Out Information credited to:
http://www.nascar.com/2010/news/headlines/cup/03/28/martinsville.rain.postponed/index.html

NATIONWIDE SERIES- The Nationwide Series took this weekend off, but will return to action next Saturday, April 3rd, when they race the Nashville 300 from the Nashville Superspeedway. You can catch all the racing action at 3:30 PM from ESPN.

Nationwide Series 2010 Schedule credited:
http://nationwide.nascar.com/nationwide-series/schedule

CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES
Harvick Wins 2nd Straight at Martinsville
Another great run for Carmichael

MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY (MARTINSVILLE, VA.)- NASCAR Sprint Cup star and Camping World Truck Series owner Kevin Harvick (Pictured Left) proved once again, why he can race about anything with wheels. On Saturday afternoon, Harvick won his second straight CWTS race, the Kroger 250 at Martinsville Speedway. After an early exit at Atlanta, Harvick's teammate Ron Hornaday put together a solid finish for second place. Third went to Brian Ickler, while Daytona CWTS winner Timothy Peters raced his way to a fourth place finish. Rounding out the top five was the always competitive Johnny Benson..

Aric Almirola had another great run, finishing the day in sixth. Matt Crafton raced his way to seventh place, while former Indy Car and F1 racer Max Papis took the checkered flag in eighth. Mario Gosselin came home in nineth, while AMA Supercross legend Ricky Carmichael (Pictured Right) put together another great run, to claim the final spot in the top ten.

The next race for the Camping World Truck Series will be Friday, April 2nd, when they race the Camping World Truck Series Race at the Nashville Superspeedway. All the action kicks off at 7:30 PM on Speed.

Kevin Harvick Picture credited to:

www.3widealley.net/

Ricky Carmichael Picture credited to:
http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/columns/story?seriesId=2&columnist=blount_terry&id=2631753

Camping World Truck Series "Kroger 250" Results credited to:

http://www.nascar.com/races/truck/2010/3/data/results_unofficial.html

Camping World Truck Series 2010 Schedule credited to:

http://www.nascar.com/races/truck/

IZOD INDY CAR SERIES

St. Pete Get's Pounded By Rain

HONDA GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG- A late day shower brought an end to the hopes of many, who were hoping to get the IZOD Indy Car Series race in on Sunday. Oh my good friends. The event was merely put on hold until Monday. It can be viewed live on ESPN at 10 AM Eastern time. Look for coverage of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Monday night from Through the Gears.

"Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg" Logo credited to:

www.flagworld.com/news?tag=st.petersburg

IZOD Indy Car Information credited to:

http://www.indycar.com/

MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS

Villopoto Gets Sixth in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE MUNCIPAL STADIUM (JACKSONVILLE, FL)- Kawasaki rider Ryan Villopoto won his sixth Monster Energy AMA Supercross feature on Saturday night in Jacksonville. Current AMA Supercross Points Leader Ryan Dungey ran a solid race, coming in second place. Trey Canard had another strong showing, finishing his night in third place. Kevin Windham was right behind Canard in fourth. A fifth place finish went to the always competitive Ivan Tedesco.

After Villopoto made his way to the front, Dungey was patient and worked his way into the second place spot behind Villopoto. The very talented Trey Canard stayed up with the front runners out of the starting gate and ensured himself a top three podium spot, after he

After his recent victory in Jacksonville, Ryan Villopoto can smell the points lead. The points race is heating up. Twenty-one points seperate the leader Dungey (261 points) and second place Villopoto (240 points. Sitting third in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross points race is Yaham racer Josh Hill with 206 points this season.

Ryan Villopoto Picture credited to:

http://supercross.hookit.com/members/loopdsx/blog.aspx?resourceId=5f76746e-4a72-47dc-8625-86c4e9b08b94

Mnster Energy AMA Supercross "Jacksonville Results" credited to:

http://www.amasupercross.com/ViewPost.aspx?postId=361

AMA SUPERCROSS EASTERN LITES SERIES

Pourcel Put the #1 Back in Victory Lane

JACKSONVILLE MUNCIPAL STADIUM (JACKSONVILLE, FL.)- Kawasaki rider Christophe Pourcel (Pictured Left #1E) paved the way to victory lane, winning Saturday night's 15 lap Supercross Eastern Lites A-Main. Suzuki rider Austin Stroupe finished the night in second place, while Honda's Brett Metcalfe took third place honors. Justin Barcia finished behind Metcalfe in fourth, while fifth went to Jimmy Decotis

Christophe Pourcel Picture credtied to:
http://www.racerxonline.com/article/sign-of-the-lap-times-las-vegas-supercross.aspx

AMA Supercross Eastern Lites "Jacksonville" Results credited to:

http://www.amasupercross.com/ViewPost.aspx?postId=361

WORLD OF OUTLAW SPRINT CAR SERIES

Saldana takes time to recover

"The Brownsburg Bullett" Joey Saldana (Pictured Left) will be taking the next few weeks off to recover after having surgery on his broken left hand. He suffered the injury after a crash in the final night of the "King of the Bulls Gap" race at Volunteer Speedway. Saldana will return to action on Saturday, April 10th, when the World of Outlaw Sprints take on the Tri-State Speedway in Pocola, Oklahoma. Look for coverage of the World of Outlaw Sprint Cars through their 2010 season from Through the Gears.

Joey Saldana Picture credited to:
www.stevehardin.com/picpg176d.htm

World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series 2010 Schedule credited to:
http://www.worldofoutlaws.com/sprint/Schedule.aspx

WORLD OF OUTLAWS LATE MODEL SERIES
"TTG" RACE OF THE WEEKEND
Eckert Claims Big Victory at the Battleground

BATTLEGROUND SPEEDWAY (HIGHLANDS, TX.)- Rick Eckert (Pictured Left Orange #24) won the battle and walked away with the trophy on Friday night. Last weekend's Ocala winner Darrell Lanigan ended the night with second place honors. Third went to the impressive rookie Austin Hubbard. Tim Fuller put together another great run to take a fourth place finish, while Billy Moyer raced his way into the top five in fifth.

Coming in sixth was the always competitive Tim McCreadie, while the "Muscatine Madman" Brian Birkhofer ran a solid race to finish seventh. Behind Birkhofer was "Kid Rocket" Josh Richards in eighth. Clint Smith raced his way to nineth, while the "Kentucky Kernel" Steve Francis rounded out the top ten with a tenth place showing.

Brady Smith finished the night just outside the top ten in 11th. Shane Clanton was right behind Smith in 12th. Chub Frank raced his way to 16th, while Brent Robinson ended his night in 23rd

Rick Eckert Picture credited to:

www.lowes...edway.com/news_photosnews/530504.htm

World of Outlaw Late Model Series "Battleground Speedway" Results credited to:

http://www.worldofoutlaws.com/latemodel/Schedule/2010%20Season/032610_Battleground_Speedway.aspx

The "Kentucky Kernel" Wins in Kilgore

LONESTAR SPEEDWAY (KILGORE, TX.)- The "Kentucky Kernel" Steve Francis (Pictured Right #15) put together another great run to take home the A-Main victory on Saturday night. Clint Smith was right behind Francis, finishing second. Coming in third was "Kid Rocket" Josh Richard. Tim McCreadie stayed with the front runners to pick up a solid fourth place finish, while fifth belonged to Darrell Lanigan.

Tim Fuller ran a hard fought to finish his night in sixth. Seventh went to Shane Clanton. Chub Frank raced his way into the top ten, finishing the A-Main in eighth. Nineth went to Billy Moyer, while Friday night's winner Rick Eckert rounded out the top ten finishers in tenth.

The rookie Austin Hubbard took the checkers in 11th. After Hubbard, Brady Smith finished 18th.

Next, the World of Outlaw Late Model Series makes their way upward to Illinois for a two-night action-packed affair. The Illini 100 from Farmer City Raceway (Farmer City, IL) will kick off on Friday, April 9th and run through Saturday, April 10th.

Steve Francis Picture credited to:
www.dragraceusa.com/moparracingnews2006/05012006/mopar_speed_05012006.htm

World of Outlaws Late Model "Lonestar Speedway" Results credited to:
http://www.worldofoutlaws.com/latemodel/Schedule/2010%20Season/032710_Lonestar_Speedway.aspx

World of Outlaws Late Model 2010 Schedule credited to:
http://www.worldofoutlaws.com/latemodel/Schedule.aspx

USAC RACING

K&N SILVER CROWN SERIES- The K&N Silver Crown Series has some time to relax and reflect on what they can do to improve their cars. On May 22nd, the series returns to action at the Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa. You can catch all the USAC racing series action in 2010, right here on "Through the Gears."

K&N Silver Crown Series 2010 Schedule credited to:
http://www.usacracing.com/silvercrown_index/schedule_sc

AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT CAR SERIES- After a few weeks to regroup, the Amsoil National Sprint Car Series returns to one of the best dirt tracks in the midwest, Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. The two-night action-packed event will kick off on April 2nd.and run through April 3rd. You can catch all the USAC racing series action in 2010, right here on "Through the Gears."

Amsoil National Sprint Car Series 2010 Schedule credited to:
http://www.usacracing.com/sprint_index/schedule_s

MOPAR MIDGET SERIES- After rain ended their two-night event at Hickory Speedway in Hickory, North Carolina, the Mopar Midget Series will take a little break before racing at Anderson Speedway in Anderson, Indiana on April 11th. You can catch all the USAC racing series action in 2010, right here on "Through the Gears."

Mopar Midget Series 2010 Schedule credited to:
http://www.usacracing.com/midget_index/schedule_m

Hickory Race Ends Early

2010-03-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

Downpours ends 2 night race
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

HICKORY SPEEDWAY (HICKORY, NC.)- You know the saying, "Rain, rain go away, come again some other day." Well it didn't work for Hickory Speedway on Thursday night. The Mopar Midget Series had to end their 2 night racing event, due to consistent downpours.

Shane Hmiel will look to continue his recent success, as the Mopar Midget Series now head north to Indiana (my home state), for their next race on April 11th from the Anderson Speedway in Anderson, IN.

Mopar Midget Series information credited to:
http://www.usacracing.com/midget_index/news_m/3484.html