Devil’s Bowl Racers Score in Vermont Motorsports Magazine “Driver of the Year” Awards

Posted by Wayne G. Barber
Gonyo honored with three awards; LaVair is top four-cylinder driver

WEST HAVEN, Vt. – A select group of asphalt and dirt stock car drivers from Devil’s Bowl Speedway were honored on Monday night, December 28, as Internet news source Vermont Motorsports Magazine announced its annual “Driver of the Year” award winners.  The winners in 11 categories were revealed in a live audio broadcast at www.vtmotormag.com; more than 19,000 fan votes were tallied in a two-week span.

Devil's Bowl Speedway asphalt Mini Stock champion Chris LaVair was named the Vermont Motorsports Magazine Four Cylinder Driver of the Year.

Former multi-time Devil’s Bowl Speedway Late Model race winner Nick Sweet took top honors as the 2015 Driver of the Year in the overall voting, topping Modified racer Nick Heywood and multi-division dirt star Kevin Chaffee.  Devil’s Bowl champions Vince Quenneville Jr. and Chris LaVair were among the 10 nominees in the top category.  The list of past VMM Driver of the Year overall winners includes Devil’s Bowl competitors Todd Stone in 2013 and Don Miller in 2010.

 The late Leon Gonyo posthumously won three Vermont Motorsports Magazine "Driver of the Year" awards including Devil's Bowl Speedway Driver of the Year.

Veteran NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Modified competitor Leon Gonyo was honored posthumously with three awards, winning Driver of the Year laurels in the Devil’s Bowl Speedway, Airborne Park Speedway, and Open Wheel categories.  Gonyo, who passed away following a medical emergency during a victory lap at Devil’s Bowl in September, was the overwhelming favorite on all three ballots; he won five races at Devil’s Bowl in 2015.

Asphalt Modified track champion Quenneville finished second to Gonyo in the Devil’s Bowl Speedway category, followed by two-time asphalt Late Model winner Bobby Therrien.  Also nominated were dirt Sportsman Modified champion Kenny Tremont Jr. and runner-up Tim Hodge, asphalt Modified runner-up Ron Proctor, asphalt Late Model champion Josh Masterson, asphalt Renegade champion Robert Gordon, and asphalt Mini Stock stars LaVair and Chuck Bradford.

Mini Stock drivers LaVair and Justin Severance finished 1-2 in the Four Cylinder category.  LaVair, known for his asphalt success, took down six victories and the asphalt track championship, while rookie driver Severance was a two-time dirt winner at Devil’s Bowl and also took the Bear Ridge Speedway championship.  American-Canadian Tour Late Model driver Joey Polewarczyk Jr. was named the Touring Series Driver of the Year after a five-win season that included the People’s United Bank 100 at Devil’s Bowl in June.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway will officially crown its champions and top drivers from the 2015 season at the Holiday Inn Rutland-Killington in Rutland, Vt. on Saturday, January 30, 2016.  For tickets, contact Justin St. Louis at (802) 355-3282 or email devilsbowlspeedway@gmail.com.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway is located on Route 22A in West Haven, Vt., four miles north of Exit 2 on U.S. Route 4.  For more information, visit www.DevilsBowlSpeedwayVT.com or call (802) 265-3112.  Devil’s Bowl Speedway is on Facebook at facebook.com/DevilsBowlSpeedway and on Twitter and Instagram at @DevilsBowlSpeed; follow the action using the #DevilsBowl hashtag.

Seekonk Speedway announces new Race Director for 2016

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Seekonk Speedway is excited to announce the appointment of Cory Boudreau to the position of Race Director for both fast Fridays and the NASCAR Whelen All American Series racing on Saturday nights at Seekonk. Cory will be charged with all racing decisions and rule enforcements for all eight Seekonk Speedway Divisions.
Mr Boudreau has been involved in auto racing for over four decades in almost every level at Seekonk as well as many tracks in New England.
Mr Boudreau has been a driver in several divisions at Seekonk Speedway. Cory raced three nights a week at three different tracks for years spending time at Thompson, Hudson and Seekonk. His on track career was highlighted with a championship in the Late Model division in 1999.
Cory has also spent over 11 years as a track official at Seekonk working on the Pit Staff and as the Chief Technical Inspector. Cory also served as a Technical Inspector at Thompson Speedway.
” I look forward to bringing a racers perspective to the tower,” stated Mr Boudreau when asked about his new position. Competition Director David Alburn noted that “Cory brings with him a solid reputation and the ability to relate and interact with the competitors, we look forward to seeing his fresh approach in race control.”.
Before rejoining Seekonk Speedway Cory has been traveling with the Rusty Wallace Racing experience as well as racing in select events around New England.
He and his wife Renee live in West Warwick, RI.
Source:Seekonk Speedway Media Press Release & Photo

VMRS SERIES MEETING

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

12/20/2015

The Stafford Speedway Clubhouse was the sight of the Valenti Modified Racing Series meeting on Sunday December 20.

The general meeting was represented by 15 race teams where Wayne Wildermuth was introduced as Race Director for 2016, effective immediately. Mr. Wildermuth indicated he wants to bring professionalism back to the series and improve the image of the MRS and his staff.

Series director Jack Bateman announced that no major changes were in the plans for 2016. Some teams voiced concern about the 18 degree engines lacking power on the larger tracks on the schedule. One solution might be the use of Tri-Y headers for the 18 degree engines. A decision will be made shortly after prices are investigated.

The popular twin 50s were the next subject and the 2016 schedule will have a total of 5 twin 50 events. The tracks running the twin 50 format will be Lee USA Speedway, Oxford Plains Speedway, and one event at Monadnock Speedway. Each 50 lap race will have a separate payoff and points. A $500 bonus will be paid if the same car wins both segments.

Finally it was announced that $900 has been added to the purse. The increase will be towards the middle of the pack. The schedule and all updates can be found on the Modified Racing Series website:http://themodifiedracingseries.com/

By James Snape

photos by Crystal & James Snape

 

ACT Tour Announces Southern New England Tripleheader

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Waterbury, VT – The American-Canadian Tour (ACT), in collaboration with the New London-Waterford Speedbowl, Seekonk Speedway, and Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, has announced the creation of the Southern New England Tripleheader for the 2016 stock car racing season. The three-event series will match up the best of the three track’s weekly racers with the stars of the ACT Late Model Tour.

 

The Tripleheader will be held on three unique race tracks – the 1/3-mile New London-Waterford Speedbowl, Seekonk Speedway’s ¼-mile bullring, and the 5/8-mile high banks of Thompson Speedway. The series includes a special $7,500 point fund for local weekly teams which participate in all three events. The events will also award championship points for ACT competitors as part of their $30,000 Championship point fund, which includes $10,000 for the 2016 ACT Champion.

 

“We had great support from local race teams for the final event at Thompson during the World Series last fall,” ACT President Tom Curley said. “The three Southern New England tracks – New London-Waterford, Seekonk, and Thompson – have become an important addition to our ACT weekly business model over the past decade. This program of three races, tied together with an independent point fund, should be lots of fun to follow for southern New England Late Model fans and teams throughout the 2016 season.”

2016 ACT Southern New England Tripleheader

 

DATE                     DAY       TRACK                                                                   EVENT                                  

May 21                 Sat          New London-Waterford Speedbowl       NLW Tripleheader 100

Jul 16                     Sat          Seekonk Speedway                                        Seekonk Tripleheader 150

Oct 16                   Sat          Thompson Speedway                                    World Series Tripleheader 75

 

The ACT Late Model Tour previously raced at both Seekonk and New London-Waterford on an annual basis in the mid-to-late 2000s. Thompson hosted the Tour for the first time in 2015, which resulted in an emotional win for eight-time ACT Champion Brian Hoar. Thirty-five teams entered the inaugural event, of which 14 were local Thompson teams. The event’s success brought the promoters from the three ACT affiliate tracks together to create the Southern New England Tripleheader. All three tracks follow ACT rules in their weekly Late Model divisions.

“We are proud to showcase our Late Model competitors in ACT’s Southern Tripleheader,” Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park General Manager Josh Vanada said. “This is a great cooperative effort by all three tracks spearheaded by ACT. We are excited to see the impact that this will have on our competition level and on our ACT event at the World Series.”

 

The opener of the Southern New England Tripleheader will be a 100-lap event on Saturday, May 21 at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl. The last ACT event at New London-Waterford was held in October 2010 and was won by Joey Polewarczyk, Jr.; the #97NH team also won the last ACT event at Seekonk Speedway in August 2007. Seekonk’s 150-lap Tripleheader event will take place on Saturday, July 16. The final event, a 75-lap contest, will take the green on Saturday, October 16 as part of Thompson’s annual World Series of Speedway Racing and will also be the ACT season finale.

  

Joe Gibbs Racing Announces Crew Chief Changes:

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Joe Gibbs Racing announced changes to its crew chief lineup in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for the 2016 season. Dave Rogers, who most recently served as crew chief for JGR's #11 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team, will transition to lead the #19 team in 2016 with driver Carl Edwards. Mike Wheeler, who had spent 10 years with the #11 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team before transitioning to crew chief for JGR's #20 XFINITY Series team in 2015, will return to work with driver Denny Hamlin in 2016.
Darian Grubb, who had served as crew chief on the #19 Sprint Cup Series team last season, is currently exploring several opportunities for the 2016 season.
Meanwhile Jason Ratcliff and Adam Stevens will continue in their current roles as crew chief of JGR's #20 and #18 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams respectively.
"2015 was probably the strongest season we have ever had at Joe Gibbs Racing," said Joe Gibbs, owner of JGR. "We won more races than we ever have, qualified all four teams into the Chase and were blessed to end it with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship. I think every year you evaluate each of your teams however and sometimes during that process you find that a change might be in the best interest for all involved. Mike Wheeler is obviously someone that has a long history with Denny (Hamlin) and that #11 team. After seeing what he accomplished as a crew chief in our XFINITY Series program last year we felt the timing was right to move him back into our Cup program. Dave Rogers has also been successful in every role he has had with us and we think he will work well with Carl (Edwards) going into 2016.Media Press Release "(JGR)(12-21-2015)

Roush Fenway Racing crew chief assignments for 2016:

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Roush Fenway Racing has set its crew chief lineup for 2016, adding Brian Pattie to call the shots for veteran Greg Biffle and the #16 Ford team next year. Pattie first confirmed the news on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on Wednesday night. A Roush Fenway Racing representative confirmed the new-look crew chief roster Thursday for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and XFINITY Series. Pattie served as crew chief to Clint Bowyer with Michael Waltrip Racing's #15 Toyota for most of the last four seasons, switching to David Ragan and MWR's #55 team after the first Pocono race of 2015. The Waltrip-owned team ceased operation after the 2015 season.
Pattie replaces Matt Puccia, who had been paired with Biffle since the midway point of the 2011 season. Bob Osborne returns as crew chief for the #6 Ford of Trevor Bayne. Nick Sandler is back with the #17 team and driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
On the XFINITY Series side, Puccia shifts to the #6 team and driver Darrell Wallace Jr. Phil Gould, paired last season with Elliott Sadler and RFR's #1 team, will join forces with driver Ryan Reed next year on the #16.(NASCAR.com)(12-18-2015)

Whelen Modified Tour 2016 Schedule Announced

Getty Image

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

The 32nd season for the Whelen Modified Tour will feature nine different facilities and 17 championship races, the most for the tour since 2005. Here is a breakdown of the 2016 calendar:
• Connecticut’s Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park will once again hold the season opening and season closing events as well as two midseason races. Each of Stafford Motor Speedway’s four traditional dates also return to the famed Nutmeg State oval.
• The Whelen Modified Tour will remain a fixture on the racing card for both New Hampshire Motor Speedway NASCAR national series weekends.
• The Whelen Modified and Whelen Southern Modified Tours will return to Bristol Motor Speedway for the eighth edition of the annual combination event during the popular August NASCAR race week.
• Long Island New York’s Riverhead Raceway once again will return with events while Monadnock Speedway and New London-Waterford Speedbowl will feature one race each.
• The late spring run of consecutive Connecticut events at New London-Waterford, Stafford and Thompson returns for the second year, but is spaced out over the course of a month this time around.
• Oswego, a .625-mile oval near the shore of Lake Ontario, contested four Whelen Modified Tour races in both 1988 and 1989. Seekonk, bordering Rhode Island and its capital city Providence, held its first Whelen Modified Tour race in 1987. The .333-mile oval welcomed the tour back for five races between 2000 and 2005.Source:  Jason Cunningham, NASCAR
December 18, 2015 - 4:00pm

2016 NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR SCHEDULE

Date	Track	Location
4/10	Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park	Thompson, Conn.
4/24	Stafford Motor Speedway	Stafford, Conn.
5/14	New London-Waterford Speedbowl	Waterford, Conn.
6/3	Stafford Motor Speedway	Stafford, Conn.
6/15	Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park	Thompson, Conn.
6/25	Riverhead Raceway	Riverhead, N.Y.
7/15	New Hampshire Motor Speedway (All-Star Shootout)	Loudon, N.H.
7/16	New Hampshire Motor Speedway	Loudon, N.H.
7/23	Monadnock Speedway	Winchester, N.H.
8/5	Stafford Motor Speedway	Stafford, Conn.
8/10	Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park	Thompson, Conn.
8/17	Bristol Motor Speedway (combination with NWSMT)	Bristol, Tenn.
8/27	Riverhead Raceway	Riverhead, N.Y.
9/3	Oswego Speedway	Oswego, N.Y.
9/10	Seekonk Speedway	Seekonk, Mass.
9/24	New Hampshire Motor Speedway	Loudon, N.H.
10/2	Stafford Motor Speedway	Stafford, Conn.
10/16	Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park	Thompson, Conn.

Seekonk Speedway announces 2016 Race & Event Schedule

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

SEEKONK,MA; December 18, 2016
Seekonk Speedway is excited to announce its 2016 schedule. The schedule will feature 21 NASCAR Whelen All American Series events beginning with Opening Day on May1st. NWAAS events will follow on every Saturday through September 24 except for July 2nd for the mid season break. Seekonk NWAAS divisions Pro Stocks, Late Models, Street Stocks and Sport Trucks will all be battling their way to get into Everett’s Auto Parts Victory lane in 2016.
Opening Weekend will feature the final test and tune session on Saturday April 30 as well as the 6th annual Classic Car Show & Go featuring many of the best classic show cars around and drags on the track. The season officially opens on Sunday May 1st with Pro Stocks, Late Models, Street Stocks and Sport Trucks all beginning their drive for the championship.
Saturday Nights at Seekonk will also feature appearances from the following regional Touring series: NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (Sept 10), American-Canadian Tour (July 16), Valenti Modified Racing Series (June 4) New England Antique Racers ( Aug 13), Senior Tour Auto Racers ( July 9). Gates will open at 4 pm with the racing program starting at 6 pm. Ticket prices will remain unchanged at $14 for adults for regular NWAAS Saturdays with kids under 12 free.

 The Fast Friday Racing series will feature 16 events beginning on June 3rd and running through September 23rd with a night off on July 1st for a mid season break. Fast Friday series consist of weekly racing featuring Nick’s Pitstop Legend Series, Pure Stocks, Sport Fours and the Seekonk Youth Racing Association (SYRA). The Nicks Pitstop Legend series will open their season on Saturday May 21st with a $500 to win race and will also have a Regional Qualifier on Saturday July 16th. The Sport Four division will once again open their season on May 29th on the Memorial Day Thrill Show. Gates for Friday night races will open at 5 pm with racing starting at 7 pm. Ticket prices will remain unchanged for 2016 at $7 for adults and kids under 12 free.

 The Phil’s propane Triple Crown returns for 2016 featuring three extra distance double points races for each of Seekonk’s nine weekly divisions. Teams compete in the first race and follow a “chase” format as they drive towards the Phil’s Propane Triple Crown Championship.
There are also extra distance races in the Late Models in memoriam of Michael Marfeo Jr on July 9th and Crab Manchester on August 13th. The Pro Stocks feature another extra distance race sponsored by the friends and family of Brad Scott (75 laps) on June 18th.

   Wednesday June 29th is the date set for this years $10,000 to win 100 Lap Open Wheel Modified madness race in conjunction with the Tri-Track Open Modified Series. The NEMA Midgets will be on hand for the annual Boston Louie. The NEMA Lites will fill out the program. This is the 13th year for this event that regularly attracts the top modified drivers from the North East with car counts averaging between 44-48 modified. This event will also feature a $5000 B Main Modified event.

The US Pro Stock/ Super Late Model National Championship will make its debut race this season on Tuesday July 12th presented by Kraze Korlacki Speed Equipment (rain dates on July 13&14). This 200 lap race also features a $10,000 first place prize and is sure to attract the upper echelon of Pro Stock and Super Late Model teams from all over the country. Support divisions for this event TBA.

  Propane Plus of Rehoboth MA will once again be sponsoring the Autograph Series for NWAAS Divisions on July 23rd for the Street Stocks, July 30th for the Pro Stocks, August 6th for the Sport Trucks and August 13th for the Late Models. The Speedway will once again feature two Pit Parties on June 11th & September 3rd with the annual Fans on Parade being held on August 20th.
The Spectator Drag Series is returning for its sophomore season with 12 events with 6 Sunday races, 5 Saturday races and 1 Friday night show. The Spectator Drags are a points championship series featuring street legal cars racing head to head on one lap drag races using an elimination format to determine the winner on a nightly basis. The Spectator series will run 5/1, 5/14, 5/29, 6/18, 7/2, 7/15, 7/23, 8/7, 8/27, 9/4, 9/17 & 10/8.

  The Venditti Family Fall Classic will be held on September 30th & October 1st with rain dates on October 14th & 15th(Friday & Saturday). This annual event will feature all nine Seekonk divisions (Pro Stocks, Late Models, Street Stocks, Sport Trucks, Legends, Pure Stocks, Sport 4’s and SYRA) headlined by a $5000 to win Open Pro Stock race won in 2015 by local favorite David Darling.
The Speedway will feature their widely popular Thrill Shows plus several off track events. These immensely popular shows consist of car & truck enduros races and drags, spectator drags, figure 8 races, powder puff races and special features such as monster trucks, motorcycle stunt drivers and ground pounding fireworks. Please check out www.seekonkspeedway.com for up to date schedules and event info. Each thrill show will now host an all female “Powder Puff” race, this race has traditionally been held at select shows but has grown in popularity to warrant an addiction to the line up at every thrill show.
   This years Monster Truck event will feature Monster Truck Ride-A-longs pre show from 2-5.
– Memorial Day Thrill Show Sunday May 29
Independence Day Thrill Show Saturday July 2nd
Monster Truck Meltdown Sunday August 7th
Labor Day Thrill Show Sunday September 4th
Pumpkin Smash Spooktacular Saturday October 8th
There are two Automotive Swap Meets scheduled for 2016 as well as our weekly Flea market that runs every Sunday from April till November from 6 am till 2 pm. The Auto Swap meet dates are April 30th & October 29-30.
In addition to racing events the Speedway will also host three outdoor races. The Color Me Rad 5k will be May 21st
Please refer to www.seekonkspeedway.com for up to date info on schedule changes and select sponsored night announcements. Source: Seekonk Speedway Media Press Release

Devil’s Bowl To Offer Dual Sanction in 2016

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

WEST HAVEN, Vt. – Devil’s Bowl Speedway will break new ground in its upcoming 50th season of stock car racing in 2016.  For the first time ever, the Vermont track will host weekly NASCAR-sanctioned events on both its half-mile asphalt oval and its .300-mile dirt track, operating both surfaces as part of the national NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (NWAAS) sanctions nearly 60 paved and dirt weekly short tracks throughout the United States and Canada.  Each track designates a “Division I” class to compete for track, state, provincial, and national championships under a common point structure.  Series entitlement sponsor Whelen Engineering, based in Connecticut, manufactures automotive, aviation, industrial, and emergency lighting.
The two-track sanction at Devil’s Bowl Speedway creates an interesting and unique opportunity for competitors.  Drivers in the two Division I classes – Bond Auto Parts Modifieds on asphalt and Sportsman Modifieds on dirt – will compete directly with each other for the NWAAS Vermont State Championship, and several drivers are expected to participate on both surfaces in pursuit of the titles.
Drivers in all four weekly Devil’s Bowl divisions will earn points toward NWAAS National Championships in Divisions I-IV.  The double sanction at Devil’s Bowl also means double the post-season awards, and as much as $40,000 in total point funds will be posted by NASCAR for drivers competing at Devil’s Bowl.

“Devil’s Bowl Speedway is in a unique position within the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series with having both an asphalt track and a dirt track at the same facility,” said Kevin Nevalainen, NASCAR director, weekly racing operations.  “Devil’s Bowl racers and fans have been great supporters of the NASCAR program, and we’re excited to be able to build on that in Vermont in 2016 and beyond.”
Devil’s Bowl Speedway promoter Mike Bruno said that he anticipates a handful of drivers in each division to compete on both surfaces in 2016.
“The two-track NASCAR sanction is exciting for everyone at Devil’s Bowl,” Bruno said.  “It’s rare these days for drivers to switch between surfaces, but I think we’ve created something special and exciting that the teams really want to be a part of.  It’s going to be very interesting to watch.”
Devil’s Bowl Speedway’s full 2016 season schedule will be finalized and announced soon, and is expected to offer a full slate of events on each track surface.
Devil’s Bowl Speedway is located on Route 22A in West Haven, Vt., four miles north of Exit 2 on U.S. Route 4.  For more information, visit www.DevilsBowlSpeedwayVT.com or call (802) 265-3112.  Devil’s Bowl Speedway is on Facebook at facebook.com/DevilsBowlSpeedway and on Twitter and Instagram at @DevilsBowlSpeed; follow the action using the #DevilsBowl hashtag.Source: Track Release & Photo

Lionel Racing announce best-selling diecast of 2015:

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

 #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #24-Jeff Gordon didn't just have the top two die-cast cars of the year, they dominated the list of best-selling cars which was unveiled today by Lionel Racing - The Official Die-Cast of NASCAR. "Since we began publishing our top 10 list in 2011, we haven't seen such a dominant performance by two drivers as we have this year," said Howard Hitchcock, President of Lionel Racing. "Their sales numbers are a testament both to their impact on the sport and their ability to connect with the most passionate NASCAR fans - our collectors - in a big way." Earnhardt's new primary paint scheme drove sales of his #88 Nationwide Insurance die-cast to the top spot, while Gordon's wildly popular throwback, the #24 Axalta Rainbow Chevy, was the company's second biggest seller. "We knew when the Axalta Rainbow car was first announced that this would be one of the most important die-cast of the year to longtime fans of the sport," Hitchcock said. "I think we were just as thrilled as Gordon's fans were to see this iconic paint scheme on track in his final year of competition." The only driver to make the Lionel Racing list that wasn't named Earnhardt or Gordon was Chase Elliott. Elliott's #25 NAPA Chevy die-cast ranked a solid sixth. "Elliott's popularity with NASCAR fans is incredibly impressive when you consider he has competed in the sport for just two years," Hitchcock said. "That fan appeal is directly reflected in his sales numbers - his Cup debut car outsold several of our historically best-selling drivers.
" The 2015 Top 10 list is below:

    Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Insurance Chevy
Jeff Gordon. #24 Axalta Rainbow Chevy
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Mountain Dew/Dewshine Chevy
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Insurance/Talladega Win Chevy
Jeff Gordon #24 3M Chevy
Chase Elliott #25 NAPA Chevy
Jeff Gordon #24 Axalta/Homestead Chevy
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Insurance/Stars and Stripes Daytona Win Chevy
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Valvoline Chevy
Jeff Gordon #24 AARP Member Advantages/Martinsville Win Chevy

Top Ten Money Earners In NASCAR History

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Some people do not consider racing a sport. All they do is sit in a car and drive it around an oval for a few hundred miles really fast. How is that a sport?
Those who do not think it is a sport need to go to one of those racing experiences so they can climb into an actual race car and see just how physically taxing racing can be. It is not easy by any means. They may not hit, catch, or kick any balls, but it is common for drivers to lose 5-10 pounds a race in sweat alone.
Lose more than three percent of your body weight in sweat and your focus and reflexes become impaired. For a 180 pound person that would be just five pounds. The last thing you want if you are in a car driving 200 miles per hour while separated from other cars by inches the last thing you want is for your reflexes and focus to be off.
So whether you think racing should or shouldn't be a sport, there is one thing that can be pretty easily agreed upon. These guys earn their money. Most of them will earn nothing close to what the highest paid NFL, NBA, and MLB players make, but there is good money to be made in racing.
Like every other sport, the better you are, the more you make. Not only will you finish better and take home bigger paydays, but your team will bring in more money from sponsors and the contract you have with the team will have better terms.
Revenue is often driven by sponsorships so when the economy suffered and businesses drew back many teams and drivers suffered. Now that the economy is doing well again, sponsorships are on the rise, fans are coming back out to the track, and media deals are becoming more lucrative. This, of course, translates into more money to be made for the drivers.
Yearly earning and career earnings will depend on how well a driver races and on the contract a driver has with the owner of his team. As far as race winnings (no endorsements, contracts or other earnings) are concerned the following drivers have earned the most during their careers: Source Travis Pulver @  Celebritynetworth.com

10. Bobby Labonte–$81.08 million
9. Kurt Busch–$90.8 million
8. Dale Earnhardt Jr.–$87.8 million
7. Jeff Burton–$88 million
6. Mark Martin–$92 million
5. Kevin Harvick–$104.7 million
4. Matt Kenseth–$111.7 million
3. Tony Stewart–$121.4 million
2. Jimmie Johnson–$149.1 million
1. Jeff Gordon–$150.4 million

MARS THANKS JOE GIBBS RACING AND KYLE BUSCH WITH SWEET SURPRISE

Seven-Foot Mural Crafted from Thousands of M&M’S, SKITTLES, SNICKERS and PEDIGREE products Presented to JGR

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (December 11, 2015) --- To congratulate Kyle Busch, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) and the No. 18 team on their amazing season and winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship, Mars Inc. presented the team with a mural that captures the excitement of the Championship created from the Mars products that have gone along for the ride on the No. 18 this season.

 

Crafted from thousands of M&M’S, SKITTLES, SNICKERS and PEDIGREE products, the seven foot mural took more than 80 hours to create and replicates that iconic image captured immediately after Busch won the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami. The mural was presented to Busch and the JGR team on Thursday evening to commemorate the team’s first Sprint Cup Series Championship.

 

“From running on the M&M’S “Crispy Edge” for the win at Kentucky, to tasting the rainbow of victory with SKITTLES at Indianapolis to the final weekend in Miami, this has been a season Mars will never forget,” explained William Clements, Vice President, Sponsorships, Mars. “It’s truly been an honor for Mars to be a part of the team and join in tasting the success of the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship.”

 

The mural will take up permanent display at the Joe Gibbs Racing shop in Huntersville, NC.

Source:Bill Janitz Media Press Release

XFINITY Champion Chris Buescher to Compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for Front Row Motorsports in 2016

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

CONCORD, N.C. (Dec. 11,2015

  Roush Fenway Racing has announced an enhanced technical alliance with Front Row Motorsports, with the championship organization now providing engineering, equipment,  and driver support to Front Row in 2016.
As a key part of the alliance, 2015 NASCAR XFINITY Series Champion and Roush Fenway driver Chris Buescher will drive the No. 34 Front Row Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series during the 2016 season, with the team receiving full engineering and pit support from Roush Fenway.
“We are thrilled to announce this alliance,” said Roush Fenway President Steve Newmark.  “Not only will it foster increased communication within the Ford camp, it will allow our newest champion Chris Buescher to continue to hone his skills with substantial seat time behind the wheel in the Sprint Cup Series in top-grade equipment.
“We look forward to working more closely with Front Row on many levels and we believe it is a relationship that will be mutually beneficial for both parties,” added Newmark.
Buescher, in only his second season of full-time NASCAR racing in 2015, powered his way to the XFINITY Championship and added to his list of accomplishments that already included becoming the youngest driver to ever win an ARCA title in 2012. Buescher scored his first NASCAR win last season at Mid-Ohio and followed up his rookie-year performance with wins at Iowa and Dover this season en route to the championship.
Buescher never ranked lower than third in the driver championship standings, and the Prosper, Texas native completed the season with zero DNFs (Did Not Finish). He finished inside of the top-20 in all of the 33 races on the season, completing 99.9 percent of the laps during the 2015 campaign, while leading a total of 263 laps.
“We’ve grown a lot and accomplished a lot as an organization in our six years of full-time Sprint Cup racing, and I’m proud of our progress,” Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins said. “We’re ready for the next step, and this partnership with Roush Fenway Racing is going to take us there. Chris Buescher is a champion, and he’s a driver that we’ve worked with already and have great respect for, so he’s the perfect guy to bring into our line-up.”
Plans for Front Row Motorsports’ second Sprint Cup Series entry will be announced at a later date.
Roush Fenway Racing is the winningest team in NASCAR history, fielding multiple teams in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series competition with drivers Greg Biffle, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Trevor Bayne, Ryan Reed, Chris Buescher and Bubba Wallace. Now in its 28th season, Roush Fenway is a leader in driver development, having launched the careers for many of the top drivers in the sport. Off-track, Roush Fenway is a leader in NASCAR marketing solutions, pioneering motorsport’s first team-focused TV show and producing multiple award-winning digital and experiential marketing campaigns. Roush Fenway is co-owned by Jack Roush, the winningest team owner in NASCAR history and Fenway Sports Group, parent company of Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox and English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C. Visit RoushFenway.com, circle on Google+, become a fan on Facebook
Source: Roush/Fenway Media Press Release and Photo

2016 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Returns To the Bull Ring in 2016

Posted by Wayne G. Barber
Photos from Wayne G. Barber Collection

SEEKONK, Mass. – Dec. 8, 2015 – – For the first time since 2005, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will return to Seekonk Speedway in 2016, with a Saturday event on Sept. 10, under the lights.
The groundpounders will hit the one-third mile oval for a 150 lap event dead in the middle of the intense final stretch of the season. The ownership at Seekonk is proud of how their 2016 schedule is shaping up featuring the best racing that New England has to offer combining great weekly series with top notch touring series. Seekonk Speedway is excited to bring back NASCAR’s premier modified touring series.
The tour will be joined by three of the NASCAR Whelen All American Series divisions that compete at Seekonk each week. Though the Division I Pro Stocks will have the evening off, the Division II Late Models will compete, joined by the Division III Street Stocks and Division IV Sports Trucks.
In the history of the Whelen Modified Tour, six races have been held at the Cement Palace. The most recent appearance was in 2005, when Eric Beers drove “Ole Blue” into victory lane, holding off John Blewett III and leading 120 of the 150 laps.
Chuck Hossfeld scored the victory in 2004, while Ed Flemke Jr. took the checkered flag in 2002. Other past winners at Seekonk include Chris Kopec (2001) , Jerry Marquis (2000) and Reggie Ruggiero, who won the inaugural event in 1987.
Seekonk partnered with NASCAR in 2015 for the first time since the 2005 season, opening the option to bring in the NASCAR touring series. The track went a decade without the sanction, but felt it was the right time to return to it.
Stay up to date with all event in 2016 at www.seekonkspeedway.com
Source: Seekonk Speedway Media Press Release

Thomspon Speedway Motorsports Park Expands NASCAR Racing Schedule in 2016

Posted by Wayne G. Barber
Photos by Wayne G. Barber

(THOMPSON, CT) - Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park (TSMP), the famed 5/8-mile oval in Northeast Connecticut, announced the expansion of its NASCAR Whelen All-American Series schedule to 10 events in 2016. The announcement was greeted with excitement by many teams and drivers who are looking forward to competing in more races at the historic speedway. The schedule is highlighted by four NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (NWMT) events, the return of the Triple Crown Championship for the Limited Sportsman and Mini Stock divisions, and the inaugural Fan and Driver appreciation month.

“We're excited to release another creative oval schedule,” stated Josh Vanada, General Manager of TSMP. “We're proud to showcase our talented drivers in three additional events.  It's a privilege for us to honor both our fans and drivers with their own special events in July. It's the least we can do with their great support throughout our 75-year history.  It will be an exciting year with traditional favorites and some new, exciting formats."

This will be the 30th season that the track operates under the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (NWAAS) banner, offering Sunoco Modified, Late Model, Limited Sportsman, and Mini Stock competitors the benefits of NASCAR membership, awards, as well as state and national championship competition. 

The season will begin on Friday, April 8  – Sunday, April 10 with the 42nd Annual Icebreaker. This year’s season opener has been enhanced to include twelve divisions of racing throughout the weekend. It will once again be headlined by the return of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, with the first championship race of its 31st season, and include TSMP’s four NWAAS divisions, the NEMA Lites, and the Vintage Outlaws. The most notable addition is the Pro All Stars Series, as they will do battle in a 75-lap main event on Sunday afternoon, marking their first event at the 5/8-mile oval since 2012. The North East Street Stock Tour and New England Pro 4 Modifieds will be opening their seasons on Icebreaker weekend, also. As another new addition, Thompson will be organizing their own Truck race, including a generous and consistent purse. Fans will once again be invited to the Icebreaker Fan Appreciation party on the track Sunday morning for the opportunity to meet the stars and cars and enjoy some live entertainment.

The Limited Sportsman and Mini Stocks races at the Icebreaker will be their first in the Triple Crown Championship series. Both divisions will participate in three events in which their finishing positions will earn them both TSMP championship points and Triple Crown Series points.  The Triple Crown will pay their own point fund and award the top three. 

The regular Wednesday night season will start on May 18 with the Limited Sportsman Long Distance, presented by Circuit One Events. A new event in 2016, the Limited Sportsman Long Distance will be an opportunity for our Division III drivers to be showcased. Known for their wheel-to-wheel racing, the drivers of the Limited Sportsman will headline the only NWAAS event in the month of May. They will be joined by the Sunoco Modified, Late Model and Mini Stock divisions.

TSMP will hold Military Night on Wednesday, June 1, honoring our military and veterans with discounted pricing. The event will feature the 3rd Annual Late Model 20/20 Sprint, once again showcasing TSMP’s top-tiered fendered division. Known for its unique, segment-style format, the Sprint will once again be run in the same format that it has been for the past two season. A complete inversion of the second segment will set the stage for a charge to the front for the front-runners of the first segment. The final segment will be ordered by lap times of lead lap cars. The winner will not only take home $1,000 in purse money, but will also be a guaranteed starter for the American-Canadian Tour race at the World Series.

The NWMT will return on Wednesday, June 15 for the 2nd Annual Mr. Rooter 125. The only 125-lap event of the four NWMT races at TSMP, this one is guaranteed to be exciting with pit strategy playing a big part. TSMP’s four NWAAS divisions will also be in competition, as well as the NEMA Lites. This will be their second of three stops.

TSMP has dedicated July as Fan and Driver Appreciation month, kicking off with “For the Fans Night” on Saturday, July 9. This special event will give fans an opportunity to attend a weekend race at a reduced ticket price – only $12. The event will include Ladies Night, honoring females in all positions of motorsports. Fans will also have the opportunity to take home a trophy as a souvenir, as all drivers will be given two – one to keep and one to give to a lucky fan. This event will include the second Triple Crown race of the season for the Limited Sportsman and Mini Stock divisions.

“For the Drivers Night” on Wednesday, July 27, will show appreciation for drivers, with free admission for them for that night’s event. Cash bonuses will be added on top of the already substantial $22,000 purse for the four NWAAS divisions. The highlight of the night will be the Sunoco Modifieds, competing in their 3rd Annual 20/20 Sprint, with a purse of $2,000 on the line for the winner of the race.

One of Thompson’s most popular summer events, the Budweiser ‘King of Beer’s 150 on August 10 will see the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour return for their 3rd time in 2016. The program for the evening will include six divisions including TSMP’s four NWAAS divisions and the first of two stops for the NEMA Midgets.

Back to School Night will return on Wednesday, August 24. This event will feature the Sunoco Modified Twin 25 Lap races, giving fans double the open-wheel excitement, and drivers the opportunity to make up some ground in the NASCAR and TSMP points. This will also be the final race in the Triple Crown series for the Limited Sportsman and Mini Stock divisions.

#WayBackWednesday, the final event of the summer stretch will be a throwback event, held on September 7. It will feature many of the cars and drivers of the rich 75-year history at TSMP, and will include local involvement from racing museums and historical organizations. Past champions will be invited to gather, giving fans and competitors a great time to reflect and celebrate the rich history at Thompson.

The final championship weekend once again promises to be the one of the largest short track racing events in the country, with 15 divisions on the card for the Sunoco World Series of Speedway Racing, Friday October 14 – Sunday, October 16. This three-day extravaganza will see many champions crowned, culminating on Sunday afternoon with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, the International Supermodifieds (ISMA), NEMA Lites and Thompson’s own Limited Sportsman and Sunoco Modified divisions. Thompson’s Late Models will start off the racing for the weekend with a 25-lap feature on Friday evening. The American-Canadian Tour will return for a 75-lap feature on Saturday, after a great showing at last year’s World Series with a field of over 35 cars. They will be joined on Saturday by the NEMA midgets, Pro4 Modifieds, Valenti Modified Racing Series, Thompson’s Mini Stocks, the North East Mini Stock Tour, the Trucks, the North East Street Stock .
Tour, and the Lite Modified division. In addition to an action-packed weekend on track, fans will also be treated to a variety of off-track activities. The NWMT will once again arrive with a Hauler Parade on Friday afternoon, giving fans the chance to cheer for their favorite driver as their car enters. TSMP will also offer fan hay rides on Sunday morning, which will tour the paddock area, take a lap around the track, and feature guest appearances from some of the drivers. When all is done, 13 drivers will emerge as champions at the end of the Sunoco World Series weekend.

The new Season Pass program, launched by TSMP at the end of November, makes racing more affordable than ever for teams, drivers and fans. With a variety of options to choose from, and savings of nearly  $125 (25% off) the season pass is another way that TSMP is making it easier to come to the track for those dedicated fans and drivers that are an integral part of racing at the speedway.

For more information about the 2016 schedule or Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, visitwww.thompsonspeeedway.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Youtube.

 

 

Chapter 1: Kevin Swindell in His Own Words

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

So I guess I’ll begin this first blog with exactly where my life currently is.
You could say I’m semi-paralyzed from the waist down. I can voluntarily kick both legs outward to a straight position. I can also lock out my knees enough to stand with a walker. I haven’t gotten any movement back in my ankles or feet to this point, but the doctors and therapists say that the upper leg comes back before the lower.
Right now I go to therapy for two hours, three days a week. I also just added an extra hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays to try and get as much as I can.
I spend 30 minutes or so standing with the help of my therapist. They place electrode pads on each muscle group of my legs. This helps them contract to strengthen them. It also serves as a method to try to activate the nerves, which could encourage them to wake them.
They then harness me upright in a structure that helps hold some of my body weight over a treadmill, while someone on each side helps me move my legs for an hour or so.
I can’t say this doesn’t suck, because it does. Though with the help of my fiancé, family, and a lot of great friends there hasn’t been much that I haven’t been able to do just three and a half months after breaking my back in two places and going through 16 hours of surgery.
Therapy has now become the closest thing to a job I’ve basically ever had. When I was driving for my dad I had to be at the shop at certain time every day to work on my stuff. Past that I’ve been blessed to be in situations where I haven’t had to be on a five day a week schedule.
I’m really looking forward to heading to PRI in Indianapolis this week. I’m hoping to spend some time meeting with people to discuss how we can prevent what happened to me from happening to others.
We’ve spent a lot of time worrying about our necks in Sprint Cars. It’s time to think about our lower back and realize that the driver is truly the only thing there is to give when a car lands flat on the frame the way I did.
I had every piece of equipment to the newest standards you can get. From a HANS device connected to the best Arai helmet to a full containment Butlerbuilt seat with an insert under me I had everything. Yet one of the softest flips I’ve probably ever taken is the only one that’s ever hurt me.
I don’t regret any portion of that night. I just hope that we can learn from it and move things forward to try and prevent it from happening to anyone else.
Kevin Swindell will be submitting regular blogs here at OneDirt.com to keep everyone updated on his progress and thoughts. Also, please check out his online racing store at www.vintageracetees.com. Source: Onedirt.com

Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park Honors Champions at Mohegan Sun

Posted by Wayne G. Barber
Photo credit Wayne G. Barber Collection

Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park celebrated the 2015 oval track season this weekend at Mohegan Sun at its annual award ceremony honoring four division champions in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. Woody Pitkat celebrated his 2nd Sunoco Modified title, while Scott Sundeen was honored as a 4-time Xtra Mart Limited Sportsman champion. Late Model driver Brian Tagg and Mini Stock competitor Dave Trudeau each took home their first career championship.

  For Pitkat, it was his first season driving for car owner Stan Mertz in the Sunoco Modified division and the combination found immediate success. The duo placed in the top-10 in every race this season including five 2nd place finishes. Pitkat won the Modified title in 2006 in his first full-time season in the division to compliment his 2002 Late Model crown. It is the first championship for Mertz as a car owner at Thompson Speedway. 

            Late Model driver Brian Tagg saw his childhood dreams come true when he accepted the championship trophy before a large group of supporters. Tagg grew up attending races at Thompson Speedway with his dad, a former Sunoco Modified champion, who won the championship in the Speedway’s 50th anniversary season. This year’s Late Model triumph came in as the 75th season was celebrated. 2015 was Tagg’s rookie season in the division.

      Scott Sundeen defended his 2014 championship from one year ago to earn his 4th title in his 14th season competing in the Xtra Mart Limited Sportsman division. Each of his championships were won while driving the same race car, which was proudly on display Saturday night at Mohegan Sun. With the banquet complete, that chassis will be retired as a champion after winning two races in 2015. 

Special awards were presented to the Rookie of the Year including Sunoco Modified driver, Ryan Morgan who finished 5th in the final standings on the strength of 4 top-5 finishes in 2015.  William Wall led laps and registered two podium finishes to earn Late Model Rookie of the Year honors. Xtra Mart Limited sportsman driver Josh Wood was the Rookie of the Year in his division with 4 Top-5 finishes and 5 Top-10s. Robert ‘Bob’ Ducharme earned the honor in the Mini Stock Division by earning 2 Top-10 finishes. Each rookie driver was measured by his performance both on and off the racetrack.

In 2015, Thompson Speedway introduced the new Triple Crown Series in the Mini Stock and Xtra Mart Limited Sportsman Division. The Series became a race within a race as points counted for both the track championship and the Triple Crown. In the Mini Stocks, the Triple Crown races were held on June 10th, July 29th, and August 26th and Eric Bourgeois was honored as the first Triple Crown winner. Xtra Mart Limited sportsman driver Corey Hutchings won two of the three Triple Crown races that were held on June 10th, July 8th, and August 12th to earn the award in his division.

 The John Hoenig Memorial Award, which recognizes one individual for their hard work and dedication to the Speedway, was presented to Olivia Bouchard.

  Bouchard was born into racing and grew up around racetracks along the east coast. She has spent countless hours working tirelessly at Thompson Speedway in many different capacities. She has been responsible for speedway marketing, NASCAR licensing, the redesign of speedway awards, coordination of autograph sessions and many behind the scenes tasks. She has shown unmatched devotion to Thompson Speedway and its competitors. Bouchard was presented with the prestigious award that is given in her great-grandfathers name as part of Thompson Speedway’s Awards Celebration. 

As a final conclusion to the Awards Banquet, Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park management announced that 2016’s schedule would expand to include ten NASCAR Whelen All-American Series races

   

Sundeen will be back next season to attempt his 3rd straight championship.

Dave Trudeau has been a long time competitor at Thompson Speedway, but 2015 was his first taste of the champion’s champagne after earning the Mini Stock title. Trudeau was a factor all season by finishing 2nd in 3 of the first 4 races. His two victories came in the month of August only to pad his point lead heading into the Sunoco World Series where he captured the crown.