Race Releases
Check here for the latest news about the series
Race Results: July 19 2008 — Coos Bay
COMBUSTION COMBAT AT THE COLLOSIUM
KARTCO CLASSIC
W.O.D. RESULTS
The gladiators of the W.o.D. trekked to the unkown arena in Coos Bay July 19th 2008. Reports from the Double Shot drivers indicate a surface with bite, but bite to a sprint car is different than a latemodel. Set ups on the cars were tight on arrival, but that would change, as would gears, jets, and tire pressures.
The sea air required generous drinks of fuel to swallow down the oxygen rich mixture. Tire pressures increased to let the edges fling surface mud. Gears lowered to keep the FASTRAK latemodels from lugging as the track sucked the power out of every cylinder. The ding of spring and bar changes filled the pits after the first set of hot laps….not everyone was ready for this mystical surface, but the W.o.D. teams would adapt and overcome.
Heat races set off the wild life including the crowd as the W.o.D. chariots rubbed tires and skithered at eye watering speeds. John Ireland #88i collided with a local Latemodel who’s rearend locked up on the front stretch…and yes there was FIRE!!!!
Split Fuel Cell Left Fuel To Be Burned Off
Everyone was all right but the impact tore out the rear end of Ireland’s car ending his night.
Local Coos Bay favorites Tom Elam and Mike George joined the W.o.D. ranks to test their mettle. Mike George #67 demonstrated skill and racecraft racing door to door with the traveling professionals. Tom Elam not only held his own racing, he generously rewarded the W.o.D. teams that made the trek by providing tow money. Tom’s generosity is appreciated and remembered.
KARTCO sponsored this race and set the terms of bounty. The rookies would dash for cash and glory. Favorite Mike Keely #21 started with a tangle with Brittany Ray #12b as they slide back and forth through the turns. Kent Dollarhyde #00 slipped low and began to move around the battling Keely and Ray. Who was keeping new comer Ronnie Saner driving the two seater in check....NOBODY! Ronnie was gone like a freight train and running like he knew what he was doing. Keely #21 clears Ray #12b and began reeling in the unsuspecting Saner. White flag and SURPRISE, Keely takes the inside away from Saner with Dollarhyde #00 gaining by the second. Rookie finish: Keely, Saner, Dollarhyde, and Ray.
The battle for supremecy at the Coos Bay Collosium ends with Jason Wines #41 taking the checker and the $1000 to win bounty. In early laps of the race Casey Vitale #3V staved off Steve Suckow #37 by holding the low line that wasn’t necessarily faster, just a short distance around this lock down horse power eating race surface. Vitale #3V splits from the field as the tearing of fenders and skins behind him eventually brings out the caution, and then FASTRAK restart.
Vitale #3V chooses the low side as does Wines #41, but no stranger to danger Terry Ferrando #12 takes the outside line and he is in the front row for the start. Now the battle had come to Casey Vitale #3V, Wines #41 working on the inside while Ferrando #12 pinning from the outside, Vitale #3V does what he can but he no longer has an easy time of it. His Saturday night cruise to victory flipped to Mad Max of Thunderdome with just the waive of a yellow flag.
Right on the heels of the front runner melee Mark Carrel #26, Darvin Trammel #62, Joey Tanner #111, Local Mike George #67, Steve Suckow #37, Robby Ireland #8 and Tom Lawson #2 swap position three and four wide in the corners like a Las Vegas dealer shuffling fate.
Terry Ferrando #12 smacked past Wines #41 after the checker, but Wines proves again that his confident and consistent pace prevails.
Coos Bay Speedway has invited the W.o.D. for a two day extravaganza August 23-24. Make your plans early and come enjoy this new racing venue.
Race Results: July 4-5 2008 — Madras
PRIME-X FREEDOM RACE
$3,000 WON BY WINES!!!!!
A two day show over the Fourth of July, Mt. Hood, Mt. Bachelor, and Mt. Jefferson stood stalwart as the Madras faithful observed the FASTRAK Latemodels thunder out in three wide formation honoring the Red, White, and Blue. The Stars and Stripes set the pace carried by W.o.D. Kent Dollarhyde with a lucky fan passenger in the Ireland-Costello double seat Latemodel. The crowd was on their feet and before this first of two nights of racing was done, few ever found their seat. The rules of competition were simple, the driver with the best two finishes over the two-day show would take home the Sword of Freedom and $3,000 dollars.
Day one, green flag drops, the thunder intensified to a roar as Lisa Stroup #136 and Robby Ireland #8i trade positions back and forth pushing for the lead. The racing surface was smooth as a mirror, but tacky so long as the tires didn't break loose.
Steve “Primal” Suckow expertly drives on the frictionless smooth racing surface. Yes, you can see the reflection of his left front wheel.
A tangle brings out the yellow and the restart begins lining up. The next start would end the night for Scott Puncochar #14, down the front stretch going into the first turn, ten cars became one sliding screeching mass with Puncochar up on his side. RED FLAG and the anticipation grew as the safety crews led by Competition Director Jack Marontate checked each driver, amazingly nobody was hurt.
Puncochar waives to the crowd as his wounded car drags back on the hook. Bob Trout's #28 suffered left front suspension damage requiring a flat bed carpet ride to the pits. Trout stepped out of his car and signaled he was all right and would be back, the crowd cheered, the red flag was lowered. Stroup and Ireland led the parade of surviving W.o.D. competitors into racing formation.
The FASTRAK restarts were a new addition to the show, and the confusion shuffled the top cars making this first night of the two day event absolutely spellbinding. Expert Veteran Driver Jason Wines #41 wiggled his way to the front leaving Stroup #136 and Ireland #8i battling for second.
#136 Lisa Stroop and #8i Robby Ireland battle for second place
Newcomer to the Series Casey Vitale #3v proved himself passing both Ireland and Stroup, pressuring Wines.
#3v Casey Vitale puts pressure on the leader after passing Lisa Stroop and Robby Ireland
Wines chose the fastest line and held it till the checker. Vitale worked all angles around the #41 but couldn't find a line around.
Smart and sneaky Terry Ferrando #12 saw the opportunity as the FASTRAK restart lined up, nobody took the inside line. Ferrando gave up nothing, and took everything as he slipped into the third position gaining at least four spots.
#12 Terry Ferrando chose wisely and gain positions on the FASTRAK restart
Ferrando #12 slipped by Vitale into second place as the checker dropped Wines, Ferrando, Vitale, and Ireland. The crowd was on their feet welcoming the warriors to the front stretch for the celebration. Vitale moved passed the most cars earning him the title of Hard Charger and Wines prevails winning the sixth Feature Winner challenge coin.
#41 Jason Wines picks up the win Friday night
The fiercest competitors on the track, enjoy the strongest allegiance in the pits. Before the Feature, Vitale suffered an over fueling carburetor and a shredded distributor gear on his GM602 crate motor. The speedway didn't have the parts and everything was closed for Fourth of July, Vitale was S.O.L. until fellow W.o.D. racer Terry Ferrando loaned a carburetor and Privateer Racing provided a back up distributor bringing the #3V back to life and providing the opportunity for Vitale to run the show.
The new blood of any racing series is the rookies. Coming from various racing backgrounds, Doug Trout #28t, Mike Keely #21, Kent Dollarhyde #00, and Brittany Ray #12b are the true rookies of the Pacific Coast FASTRAK Latemodels. These competitors lined up to claim the "Fasted Rookie" title and a hand carved Latemodel on a billet aluminum stand. Doug Trout had turned the fasted time at Cottage Grove so he started in the back side by side with Rookie points leader Mike Keely. Keely's stock car background kept him out of trouble and on the fastest line.
Rookie Mike Keely pilots the #21 car to victory in the Rookie Dash
Victory goes to Keely establishing himself as the fastest and most consistent rookie of the weekend.
The end of the first day of competition brought together the W.o.D. drivers, the supporting W.o.D. legion, and Madras locals for a shared meal honoring and supporting Micah Burkley's Mom, and her battle with cancer. The food was incredible, the dining environment impossible to duplicate. The stars provided the lighting and the roasted pig afforded the sustenance for the day to come.
Day 2, the racing started as the sun came over the high desert, lighting the way for racing preparation. The banging of sheet metal, grinding of rubber, and rattle of impact wrenches signaled the genesis of the race to come. Every car that raced on Friday except Puncochar's #14 was made ready for Saturday's event. Setup notes were shared, and Jim Clair #44 benefitted from Tom Lawson Sr.'s expert advisement as to springs and configuration. Steve Suckow #37 tried a double spring pull bar, setting up to hook all the power his GM604 can put down. Tom Lawson Jr. #2 had taken a basket case 2003 Rayburn, and pieced together a competitive race car in less than two weeks, nut and bolted in final preparation. Bob and Doug Trout with their Dad Gary and crew Andy and Jeremy straightened what was bent, welded what was torn, and set both competition orange Trout machines back into play. Oscar Luckman, no stranger to Madras Speedway, dipped into his old school notes and set up Kent Dollarhyde's #00 and the Keevan Motorsport #21 car piloted by Mike Keely. JP Pagel and wife Christy pounded out the wrinkles and pinned the Pagel chariot back together. Brittany Ray's #12b endured reconstructive nose surgery as Dad and Grandpa readied her craft. The Madras pits looked as if someone kicked over an ant hill, so many moving people carrying so many burdens. The single goal, every car will be made ready, every driver will race.
As with any racing family, there are blood families who are nucleus to specific teams. Honoring this family tradition, a Family Feud was raged between Team Prime-X (Father Jim Clair, Son Steve Suckow, Team Privateer (Father John Ireland, Son Robby Ireland), Team Trout (Brother Bob Trout, Brother Doug Trout), and Team Bro-Sis. (Brother Mark Carrel, and Sister Lisa Stroup). Eight laps for eight cars, Mark Carrel evaded the competition to pick up the win, pursued, but not passed by Robby Ireland.
Mark Carrel #26 dominating the Family Feud
The deciding feature started with the best W.o.D. drivers in the fastest FASTRAK Latemodels, rank and file, fastest in the front. The FASTRAK signature restarts mixed up the rank and file and created opportunities to pass and move up for every competitor. The racing surface was superb and Jason Wines piloting the #41 moved to the front like a soap bubble out of water.
Steve Moore piloting Darvin Trammel's #62 ran high and low but couldn't find the footing to overtake Wines. Casey Vitale #3v kept pressuring but couldn't pass. Terry Ferrando #12 moved through the traffic but never cleared enough to challenge Wines.
Mark Carrel #26 and Terry Ferrando #12 dance the dance
The Tanner factor came into play once the experienced racers settled in on their fastest lines, which didn't include the Tanner line. Joey Tanner #111 known for lightening laps but also DNFs, streaked the inside line and stuck his car where the older more seasoned racers conservatively avoided.
Joey Tanner finding bite where others would not dare
Tanner passed Ireland and Vitale like they were stalled. Splitting Mark Carrel #26 and Steve Moore #62, Tanner cut to the inside, rubbed a yuke tire and took the lead. Not only did he take over the first position, he ran all the way to the checker with it! Nobody had anything for him as Tanner wins from the middle of the pack and establishes himself as the Hard Charger and Feature Winner for the night.
Jason Wines #41, winner of the Freedom Sword and $3,000 dollars
Special thanks to our Title Sponsor Prime-X Contracting and the Suckow family for supporting the series and promoting this All-American sport of stock car racing.
Catch the next race at Cottage Grove as the FASTRAK Latemodels take on open motor locals on July 12th.
Race Results: June 14 2008 — Cottage Grove
“1-2-3 The W.o.D. SWEEPS Local Competition with Joey Tanner Leading The Way!!!!”
The results of the RSR sponsored June 14th race at Cottage Grove left nothing to speculation, the W.o.D. racing revolution is taking ground and picking up speed. Fastest lap turned during hot laps was W.o.D. pilot Steve Suckow #37, who burned around the track at 12.881 seconds!!! During qualifying, Casey Vitale #3V running a HUGE aluminum block 800++ horsepower motor broke the track record and set the bar at 12.527 seconds. The racing surface had mythical bite and was glass smooth, horsepower would undoubtedly take the checker, or would it??????
As the four cars quickest qualifiers rolled out on the tacky surface for the trophy dash, the underpowered 350 H.P. chariot of Terry Ferrando #12 was the sole representative of FASTRAK. The other three dash drivers (Vitale, Hodges, Muth Sr.) cleared the throats of their unlimited motors and the green flag dropped. Ferrando #12 left late as his little motor groaned his car up to speed, but he finished early winning the dash. The surprised silence in the pits was followed by the whispers, "How did that just happen???"
The first heat prefaced the rest of the night, top five finishers were all FASTRAK with the win going to Rookie Doug Trout #28T, followed by John Ireland #88i, Mike Keely #21, Micah Burkley #30, and Kent Dollarhyde #00. Second heat W.o.D. driver Darvin Trammell #62 dominated, winning by a clear margin followed by FASTRAK two-seater #1 with Tom Lawson behind the wheel and Lisa Stroup #136 in chase. Lisa "IronWoman" Stroup is not only a Mother of three, she pitted for herself, set the car herself, and raced herself into the feature.
The feature started with W.o.D. driver Robby Ireland #8i taking the lead and leaving the competition, but after 10 laps lap traffic took his line and the FASTRAK freight train led by Joey Tanner #111 chugged on by with Jason Wines #41 and Terry Ferrando #12 making up the caboose.
Once Tanner took a breath of clean leading air he was unstoppable. Tanner's #111 turned the fastest lap of the feature during his 17th time around in 13.274 seconds. After enduring a difficult start this year, Tanner is entertaining and inspiring awe in just how fast a FASTRAK Latemodel can go. Crew chief Steve Moore nailed the set up matching Tanner's lightening quick reflexes with the lock down "Go-Fast" racing surface. At the age of 18 years old, this up and coming star shined brightly Saturday and demonstrated the type of talent being developed in this competitive FASTRAK environment. (See http://joeytanner.com/driver.htm).
HARDCHARGER Micah Burkley #30 struggled through the early part of this season and started in the back of the B-Main. Something synchonized and Micah became one with the #30 car half way through the B-Main and shot up to 4th, earning him a last row position for the feature. Starting the feature in 19th place, Burkley ran past half the field ending him eighth at the Grove and a FASTRAK 6th finish, his best finish of the year.
At the checker, Ferrando snuck by Wines, official FASTRAK finish: Tanner; Ferrando; and Wines.
The excitement continues with the "Prime-X Contracting" $3,000 to win Freedom Race at Madras Speedway July 4th and 5th.
Pre-Race Press Release: June 14, 2008
June 14th 2008
RSR RACECRAFT BRINGS YOU - Grapple at the Grove
"W.o.D. against Aluminum Block Bruisers"
Fans at the Grove will lay witness to the on-going battle between the FASTRAK Latemodels and the open motor local boys. The locals have lost the previous two races as W.o.D Driver Greg Walters is sweeping the Cottage Grove competition. "Hollywood" Walters is invincible this year and will be looking for his 3rd victory in a row this Saturday night.
The Pacific Coast FASTRAK Touring Latemodels trekked as far as Medford this season racing at differing venues and taking on local competition. As FASTRAK national lines up televised events for these rising Latemodel stars, Oregon fans have started following the excitement. Soon W.o.D. drivers will be showing their stuff on live webcast at http://www.warriorsofdirt.com every Saturday night. Keevan Motorsports and Pit Row Productions will be partnering with the W.o.D. to bring you in-car views, after race interviews, and behind the scenes pit action. Never miss a W.o.D. race again!!!
Within the W.o.D. ranks the points race is separated by TWO points, or TWO place differences, and involve TWO phenomenal drivers, #41 Jason Wines and#12 Terry Ferrando. Not only are these showman emissaries for this great sport, they move through their opposition cleanly and precisely, making the impossible line, probable.
#62 Darvin Trammel is within striking distance holding third in the points race and first in desire. Trammel improved consistency this year is putting him ahead and creeping him towards the points leaders. No stranger to overcoming adversity, #111 Joey Tanner is crawling the steep incline higher in the points standing after a painful DNF the first race.
Steve "Primal" Suckow #37 found his mojo and is grooving his way in the fast lane. Running a charity race last weekend Suckow improved his lap time each time he turned another one done.
Now off the injured list, John Ireland #88i will be racing side by side with Robby Ireland 8i as they wrestle for the 6th and 7th points spot. This Father/Son team is racing through some challenging luck and this Saturday night could be the start of a good run.
Every first year of a new Series the rookie of the year is remembered. This year the honor of this coveted title is far from decided. Mike Keely #21 and Kent Dollarhyde #00 are only five points apart. Keely benefiting from more years behind the stock car wheel has been besting Dollarhyde by a slim margin and we will see if Keely can continue his ever so slight lead over Dollarhyde.
Lisa Stroup #136, the highest placed female W.o.D. driver has finished strong at Medford and Cottage Grove. Her calm consistent line should safely land her a top ten finish at Cottage Grove.
The level of competition and quality of equipment at the Grove this weekend will be unparalleled at any other racing facility in Oregon. With the W.o.D. drivers challenging the open motor locals on their home turf, look for exceptional racing and rising stars. All of this performance entertainment brought to you by RSR Racecraft , the only FASTRAK sanctioned crate motor rebuilder.
Race Release: Crate Crusade Continues — Walters - Wines - Ferrando
BANKS, OREGON – 11AM MAY 19, 2008: The wide, tacky, 3/8 mile racing surface of Southern Oregon Speedway provided the field of battle for the Warriors of Dirt this last Saturday. The FASTRAK Pacific Region Crate Models lined up against expert Oregon drivers like Casey Vitale, Chris Salyer, and Randy Shafer. California drivers Paul Guglielmoni #22g and Clarke Guglielmoni #28g, who usually dominate Petaluma, further raised the bar of competition. Besides the advantage of aluminum block gas or alcohol unlimited motors, these renowned drivers where further benefitted with a 2300# minimum weight, while the FASTRAK 604 cars must weigh 2400#, and powered by a crate motor that runs best on pump gas. As the cars took the track for hot laps the open cars with their deeper rumble and high screaming warm up laps crying for battle left little doubt in the casual observers mind that the Warriors of Dirt were in for a slaughter.
For the record, the track never went dry slick. The bumps made for technical set up, and the spotty traction required disciplined driving. The W.O.D. drivers took three of the four dash spots, Walters, Tanner and Steve Moore driving Darvin Trammels #62 car. "Holly-W.O.D." Walters piloting the #97 snatched the dash away from W.O.D. driver Joey Tanner #111. Walters ran the dangerous outside as Tanner held the conservative low line. There wasn't an open motor within four car lengths as the checker saluted Walters and Tanner as they crossed 1-2. The track was tacky, Tanner was quicker in a single lap but Walters' experience made up for Tanner's youth and agility. This dash was just an indicator of what was to come. Then lightening struck, Walters drew a 16 car invert.
With the heavy hitters packed into the back of a 22 car field, the melee was three and four wide for the first 20 laps. Jason Wines #41 jumped to the lead and dominated the first wave of the competition until Wines met with lap traffic and his stride suffered a stutter. Open motor expert Casey Vitale burned the fuel to pass Wines and kept the hungry W.O.D. drivers just off his heals. As the clean leading air fed Vitale's monster motor the Warriors of Dirt started the incremental push to the front.
Wines #41 railed his car on the high side, low side, and passed between cars on the backstretch. Like a braced set of war dogs Walters #97 and Ferrando #12 picked up the scent of victory and pulled each other through traffic. The precision placement of their footing gripped and twisted every last bit of bite until Wines #41 could feel the hot pant as Ferrando said hello with a fender on the inside. Wines' pace quickened and began migrating to the outside line when Walters said "Howdy" with his left header. Wines' accepted fate and kept his line in the middle, and the three car FASTRAK chariot race would have made Ben Herr stand up and cheer. The last three laps could not have been any closer as the flayed front nose of the #97 gaped into the air causing the car to upset out of turn two almost ending the night for Walters. But almost doesn't count in racing, and the first FASTRAK car to fly by the flagger was Greg Walters pursued by Jason Wines and Terry Ferrando door-to-door.
Overcoming adversity and an unfortunate start, Joey Tanner #111 with a collapsed nose crinkled by an unforgiving Yuke, raced on as if tomorrow was never to come. Tanner finished 6th for FASTRAK and continues to develop as a driver.
The "Ironman" Scott Puncochar #12 endured a night of mechanical challenges. His carburetor would not cooperate bashing Scott's hopes of racing after the long haul to Medford. After checking around there wasn't a carburetor available, except for the FASTRAK base carburetor used for testing legality of engines. Competition Director "Captain" Jack wouldn't be needing it until after the race, and on the #12 car it went. You can't make this stuff up, Scott Puncochar, bolted on the test carb, plugged off the vacuum tester lines, unhooked the side can of gas, and lined up last for the main event. With everything stacked against him, he went racing.
The spirit of competition burned fanatical as Puncochar marshaled past open cars and FASTRAK cars alike. Charging forward without hesitation, Scott not only ran from last to a FASTRAK fourth place, he turned the fasted FASTRAK lap time in the main event!!!! "Ironman" Scott Puncochar #12 might have to change his name to "Titanium-man" because there was nothing heavy or rusty about his performance.
The "Bodyman" Mike Keely #21 shored up the fastest rookie spot with a FASTRAK top ten finish. Keely is leading the rookie points race and in the top ten for the Pacific Region.
Congratulations to Greg Walters winning the gold 04 Feature Winner Challenge Coin with a bonus $500, and Scott Puncochar winning the 04 silver Hard Charger Challenge Coin with the $250 kicker.
The next competition crucible will heat up in Madras May 31, 2008. This first Madras race will be pure FASTRAK, no open motors. The crate crusade will continue in Cottage Grove June 14, 2008.
Pre-Race Release: Medford
W.O.D. STRIKES WITH THE ONE, TWO, THREE, PUNCH!!!
BANKS, OREGON 9AM MAY 16, 2008: FASTRAK Pacific Coast Latemodels filled the number one, number two, and number three spots in the May 10th 2008 race at Cottage Grove. "Hollywood" Greg Walters #97 put on the show in the front row winning for a second time at Cottage Grove. Terry Ferrando #12 slicked by Joey Tanner #111 for the number two spot with Tanner swinging at his heels. The local regulars Mike DeSilva taking fourth and Don Muth finishing fifth could not hook up their power to the racing surface.
Steve Suckow #37 lit the fuse and let her burn looking more comfortable in the Prime-X chariot than he has all year. Look for Steve in the hunt in Medford.
Series newcomer Tom Lawson Jr., driving a two-seat latemodel powered by the smallest of the crates and weighing 150 pounds over the minimum, ran through traffic to win the coveted Hard Charger challenge coin.
Out for their first swim, the Trout's showed off the new vinyl and made a splash at the Grove. Bob Trout #28, driving for the first time in a new car finished 7th with the W.O.D.. Natural Rookie Doug Trout piloting the #28T, for the first time in a sanctioned latemodel race finished with the car intact. These Trout Brothers come from years of stock car racing at Sunset Speedway and took to latemodels like a fish to water.
The FASTRAK Pacific Coast Latemodels are heading for the last time to Medford this Saturday May 17, once again challenging the cast iron unlimiteds at Southern Oregon Speedway. The weather is heating up and so is the competition. Points leader Wines #41 with 98 points is only leading by one point with Ferrando #12 second. The others are not far behind. Tramel #62 is in 3rd with Tanner #111 a close fourth. Who will become leader after the black and white checker falls Saturday? Will Tanner, who moved up 4 places after last race, continue his jump to the lead? Will Tramel continue his unexpected, but steady rise to victory? Or can Wines hold everyone off?
With the temperature expecting to be high 90's to low 100's, the day will prove to be a challenge in the pits and out on the track. Especially for Robby Ireland #8i who took off his fan and put on an electrical flexlite to prevent parasitic losses associated with the four-blade metal fan. This decision might result in victory and more horsepower or it might result in another disastrous outcome for Robby giving the 88i, normally driven by his dad, John Ireland, but temporarily driven by Oscar Luckman, a chance to pass him in points. The 88i and the 8i are currently tied for 8th.
With three races under WOD's belt, this race will be lead by determination, skill and patience. Drivers are traveling around 4-7 hours just to arrive at the pit gate. Cars will be ready. Set-ups locked in. Anxiety, lead by winning desire, will be in the air. Drivers and pit crews will be making final adjustments as the sun beats down and sweat dripping. The question in everyone's mind..who will WIN?
Drivers will be available to give autographs or take pictures in the pits after the race. Everyone is welcome.
Pre-Race Release: Cottage Grove
May 7, 2008 4pm
BANKS OREGON
P.O.C. Robert Ireland 503-381-7232
May 3, 2008- W.O.D. Drivers Sweep Wins at Sunset Speedway and Willamette Speedway
The W.O.D. drivers are quickly getting the reputation of fearless competitors. Last Saturday Mark Carrel entered his #26 FASTRAK car in the Willamette Speedway "Outlaw" division, and not only made the show, he finished 11th.
"Hollywood" Greg Walters #97 snatches a victory from Eric Sayre #53 as the checker waves good night at Sunset Speedway last Saturday. Scott Punchocar #14 was in the hunt finishing third. All three of these top W.O.D. drivers set the pace and dominated the field.
While Walters and Sayre mixed it up in Banks, Young Gun Joey Tanner #111 conquered the Super Sports at Willamette. Winning the dash by a safe margin, Tanner started in the back of the feature and sliced through the competition cleanly winning his first 2008 feature. One should note that Tanner ran his FASTRAK crate car against the open cast iron competition and prevailed. Tanner thanks Steve Moore, Matt, Daniel and the Norton brothers for putting the pieces together and making this victory possible.
Tanner and Walters winning at different tracks last week converge on the Grove to face W.O.D. points leader Jason Wines #41 and Terry Ferrando #12. The last FASTRAK Cottage Grove race ended Walters, Ferrando, and Wines. Throw confident Tanner into the pack and this next race will be monumental.
The primal #37 piloted by Steve Suckow returns to the Grove after enduring upside down luck last time, ending in his modified being bent, and his head shaken. Suckow enters the Grove arena with his crew Randy and Kenny expecting nothing less than victory.
Jim Clair #44 after a skate boarding maneuver on the back stretch wall has his car repaired and will be turning laps this coming Saturday.
Micah Burkley #30 running his Rocket chassis is working out the winter bugs and headed over the mountain to improve his points standing.
Lisa Stroup #138 moved up six places last week in the points with her impressive FASTRAK 3rd place finish at Medford. Lisa's steady driving and patience demonstrates her veteran knowledge of what it takes to be a good driver.
Darvin Trammel #62 persevered a horse power disadvantage the last race at Medford but still battled into the A-Main. If lightening doesn't strike the #62 car, the checker could be decorating Darvin's trailer.
Other cars to watch will be John Ireland's 88i car piloted by Oscar Luckman. John will be out for at least another race while his broken hand continues to heal. Bob Trout #28 starts his 2008 season running the colors of orange and black with a splash of water. Bob comes out of the Street Stock class at Sunset Speedway where the MSI car was a permanent fixture in the front pack until Trout Racing began swimming in late models.
If you think you have seen it all, you better look again this Saturday night. A two-seat FASTRAK late model will be competing this Saturday night running the #1. The #1 Ireland-Costello car will be piloted by veteran Tom Lawson Junior with the help of his dad Tom Lawson Senior. Tom Senior won't be riding, but a lucky fan or two may get a promotional ride between heat races.
The Rookies are coming out of the shop and hitting the track. Rookie points leader Mike Keely #21 and Kent Dollarhyde #00 are separated by two points making this next race critical to their standings. Brittany Ray #12b accomplished her first race in Medford and looks to the Grove for further honing. New Rookie Doug Trout #28T rolls out for his 2008 debut. Doug comes from many years of stock car racing at Sunset Speedway and is no stranger to competition.
The added W.O.D. purse for May 10, 2008 was made possible by Mark Carrel #26 and Lisa Stroup #138. This brother/sister team exemplifies the best attributes racing has to offer, and a telling of things to come. Both Carrel and Stroup were "Big Motor" drivers that made the shift to FASTRAK. All of the excitement without the "Big Motor" price.
SEE YOU ALL AT THE GROVE
FASTRAK Press Release
PRESS RELEASE: To all press sources and media outlets
04/07/2008
Headquarters- Carnesville GA
Modern Chevrolet FASTRAK late models $60,000 "May Madness" includes Toccoa Speedway, Carolina Speedway, Travelers Rest Speedway, Lowes Motor Speedway, Wythe Raceway and Princeton Speedway
 |
 |
| Lowes Dirt Track crowd for the "Goodyear Challenge" | Austin Dillon wins his first late model event |
The nation's fastest growing racing series holds it's first ever "May Madness". Over $60,000 in purse money will be paid out in the month of May. Race one was held at Toccoa Speedway in Toccoa GA this past weekend with #21 Royce Bray taking the victory. Race two comes this weekend for a $20,000 'double header' running at Carolina Speedway in Gastonia NC Friday night then on to Travelers Rest Speedway in Travelers Rest SC Saturday night. The series will take the following weekend off allowing all the competitors to get prepared for the first 'three day swing' in series history. FASTRAK will head to Lowes Motor Speedway at the dirt track in Concord NC for the "Goodyear Challenge" on Friday May 23rd, .Then on to Wythe Raceway in Rural Retreat the next day May 24th. After finishing the Wythe event the teams load up and head to Princeton Raceway in Princeton WV for the grand finale on Sunday May 25th. The teams will take the following weekend off preparing for the June 6th and 7th $5000 to win South Carolina State Championship event at Travelers Rest Speedway once again.
"This is a first for us stated FASTRAK Founder Stan Lester. 2008 is a big season for all of our teams. $60,000 in purse money in the month of May is really something for all race teams to consider. I think the three day swing will really work out very well. With fuel prices the way they are this day and time, we decided to let our teams take advantage of the close proximity of these three tracks while we were in the area. I know we have teams coming from as far away as Wisconsin so it will be a great weekend for the teams and fans alike".
FASTRAK will be running in conjunction with the World of Outlaw winged sprints at the Lowes Motor Speedway. In the past several NASCAR teams have competed in the FASTRAK late model race at Lowes and this year is expected to be much the same. "It's a great opportunity for our teams" said Lester. "With the home of most NASCAR teams in the area, there are always drivers and team owners at the race. It's the perfect time for our teams to present themselves to the NASCAR fans. Last year it was a sold out crowd at the Lowes dirt track and there was standing room only. The fans saw some of the best racing anyone could imagine. I was amazed how fans came through the pits afterwards saying they had never been to a dirt late model race but they would be back this year".
The 2007 Lowes "Goodyear Challenge" brought about the first dirt late model victory for young Austin Dillon. Dillon is the son of RCR general manager Mike Dillon and grandson of RCR team owner Richard Childress. Dillon was driving the black number 3 car made famous by none other than Dale Earnhardt. As Dillon come to the podium there was nothing but smiles and tears from fans and grandfather Richard Childress. Childress was quoted as saying 'folks, this is real racing. I was never this nervous racing at the Daytona 500. Man this is great". Childress was no doubt a very proud grandparent. Young Dillon since that time has won races all over the country in both super late models and asphalt cars.
FASTRAK Racing Series and Wal-Mart "team up" to benefit Children's Miracle Network
The Fastrak Racing Series is proud to announce a joint venture with WAL-MART whereby the two will partner to benefit The Children's Miracle Network. The series will be racing at Toccoa Speedway on May 3rd. Earlier that day drivers from the series will hold an 'driver autograph session' whereby all the proceeds will go to the Children's Miracle Network.
The driver autograph session will be from 12:00-3:00 at the Wal-Mart in Toccoa GA. All drivers from the FASTRAK series and the Toccoa Speedway are invited to attend. There is expected to be a huge crowd at the session as the combination of race cars and children is close to the heart of many fans and teams alike.
"I'm very excited about having the FASTRAK series teams here for the Children's Miracle Network" stated Heather Lockridge of Wal-Mart. "This is very different from things we have done before and I really look forward to a great turn out for this event. The series has been very professional to work with and they really have great marketing ideas. I know this will be a huge success".
"I look forward to the future with Wal-Mart" said Doug Gillenwater of FASTRAK. "They have been great to work with and I know our teams will turn out to support a cause like this. It's a great opportunity for our teams and their sponsors as well. Race teams and children really go together with the philosophy of the FASTRAK series. We do a lot of things at our races that are marketed direct to children".
The Series teams will move from Wal-Mart on to the Toccoa Speedway for a FASTRAK event beginning at 7:00 that evening.
All teams are asked to be there, unloaded and set up by 12:45. Officials will be on hand to help with parking and set up.
Post Race Release: Battle at the Grove
BATTLE AT THE GROVE — OPEN VS. CRATE
Banks, Oregon
5pm – April 14, 2008
Sixteen Warriors of Dirt (W.O.D.) driving FASTRAK Late Models competed at the season opener at Cottage Grove this last Saturday night against fourteen open rule iron block cars. Locked and loaded, the open cars aimed for victory with more horsepower on their home turf, and a hundred and fifty pound weight advantage by Cottage Grove rule. The W.O.D. teams unsheathed their aero sharp limited power crate models, hung heavy with lead as per sanctioned FASTRAK rule, and sharpened their set-ups for qualifying. The Cottage Grove arena with a capacity mobbing crowd, cheered the home town hero's as the cars broke the anxious first race of the season silence.
The expected slaughter of the handicapped FASTRAK cars suffered it's first reality blow with qualifying. Out of the top ten qualifiers eight were FASTRAK cars piloted by W.O.D. drivers.
- 23 Don Muth Sr. 13.495 Open
- 8I Robby Ireland 13.523 FASTRAK
- 41 Jason Wines 13.571 FASTRAK
- 97 Greg Walters 13.720 FASTRAK
- 23P Scott Punchocar 13.787 FASTRAK
- 62 Darvin Trammel 13.793 FASTRAK
- 68 Greg Shellhorn 13.874 2 64.870 0.379 0.081 2 -
- 12 Terry Ferrando 14.088 FASTRAK
- 26 Mark Carroll 14.150 FASTRAK
- 37 Steve Suckow 14.156 FASTRAK
Seven out of the top ten feature finishers were all FASTRAK cars.
- 97 - Greg "Hollywood" Walters
- 23 - Open
- 12 - "Gentleman" Terry Ferrando
- 41- Jason Wines
- 23P - Scot Puncochar
- 26 - Mark Carrel
- 4 - Open
- 42- Open
- 62 - Darvin Tramel
- 37 Steve Suckow
The first race of the season usually proves to be high on car damage, but the carnage was nothing short of shocking. Four WOD cars suffered severe mutilation before the night ended. Eric Sayre #53 discussed outside line politics out of turn two and lost the argument upon impact. The bent rear snub memorialized the occasion, but don't count Sayre out just yet. Rumor has it the #53 car with the help of teammate Jason Wines is sitting straight, and will be mixing it up at the next race in Medford.
Turn three and four seemed to have a Bermuda triangle effect on the #111 Joey Tanner and #88i John Ireland. Making passing moves through open car traffic, the #111 bent an axle tube and came to a disappointing halt just out of turn three. John Ireland, the oldest W.O.D. driver at age 65 took on the yuke tire off the lip of turn three. The frame crumpled cushioning an otherwise dangerous impact as John's helmet rolled off into the pits. We understand John fractured his hand, we wish him a speedy recovery.
Robby Ireland #8i seemed to have left his survival instincts at the pit gate Saturday night, going to no-man's land on the cushion and ending with an impressive rollover on the last lap. "I'm disappointed but undaunted. You run the cushion, you better be ready for the consequences. I think I'm going to buy a lighter helmet, my old helmet made my neck stiff." To see the wreck check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGz9NcUoImw.
Fierce competition burned in #37 Steve Suckow after he forward flipped and totaled his modified. Stunned, but not defeated, he hopped into the #37 Prime-X Chariot and reined in a top ten finish. These W.O.D. drivers have no fear!
Open motor veteran #26 Mark Carrel proved himself as a FASTRAK front runner while making his crate motor debut. Carrel's Sister Lisa Stroup, the only FASTRAK woman competitor racing Saturday night, made the feature and gained some fans with the #136 car. This brother/sister team is an example of the family of racers joining the W.O.D. ranks.
#41 Jason Wines defined speed, stayed out of trouble, and crossed the line 4th over all, and 3rd among the FASTRAK cars. #12 Terry Ferrando once again established his clean driving style will result in top finishes, taking the 3rd spot across the finish and 2nd in FASTRAK. The "BIG KNIFE" Hollywood Greg Walters slashed through the competition, leaving many big motor egos bleeding. Walters' skill, concentration, and discipline put him up front, and kept him there the entire race.
When asked after winning the race, "Greg, what did you think about bringing a knife to a gun fight here at Cottage Grove?" Walters' answered, "We brought a BIG knife, my crew Brian, Porkchop, and Gene put on the edge, I just held on and handled it." Greg Walters thanks Jamie his supporting wife, and Doug "Dad" Walters and his sponsor T & G Trucking for making it possible. "I also want to thank Allen at WARPAINT for the graphics and Schram Excavation for their support." Greg went on to comment about the April 26th race at Medford, "Don't blink, the competition will be immediate and speeds in the extreme." "Watch Terry Ferrando and Eric Sayre work the inside line, and keep an eye on Jason Wines, he can be fast anywhere on the track."
The unexpected "Hard Charger" of the night was Rookie Mike Keely. Transferring the #21 Keevan Motorsports car from the B-Main into the Feature, this first time W.O.D. competitor demonstrated what a Sunset Speedway Street Stock driver can do in a late model.
Special thanks to Mechanical Systems Inc. and Sweere's Autobody for sponsoring the first race of the season. Make your plans early, the FASTRAK crate models take on the Medford open iron blocks in heads up competition on April 26th.
Race Release: Battle at the Grove — Open Vs. Crate
BATTLE AT THE GROVE — OPEN VS. CRATE
Banks, Oregon
9am – April 11, 2008
FASTRAK's Pacific Region, part of the Nation's largest dirt late model touring series will head to Cottage Grove this Saturday April 12th for a single battle in racing superiority. The Pacific FASTRAK Warriors of Dirt (W.O.D.) go head to head with the local drivers of Cottage Grove Speedway on April 12, 2008. This is not an ordinary race. While the cars look the same, the W.O.D. drivers bring a knife to a gun fight. The terms of competition provide for the Cottage Grove cast iron unlimited monster motors racing against the FASTRAK pump-gas-burning out-of-the-box crate motors. Heads-up competition, no mercy, no favorites, and no stopping the action!
FASTRAK Pacific Coast 2007 champion #97 Greg Walters will have his hands full, not only with the Cottage Grove big motor locals, but the W.O.D. young and hungry. #111 Joey Tanner, the internet favorite, is not old enough to buy beer, but fast enough to steal a victory. Tanner has proven a crate motor, in a well handling car can compete and win against motors doubling the horsepower. Keep your oxygen bottle turned up Grandpa, the excitement will take your breath away.
If you think Walters and Tanner will be the only W.O.D. combatants leading the way to the checker flag, you better wake up and smell the pump gas. #53 Eric Sayre and #41 Jason Wines passed and burned around cast iron open motors last year at Willamette Speedway. Sayre and Wines know their way around an open car like the back of their steering wheel, but there will be no easy victory. The #12 car piloted by gentlemen Terry Ferrando, will run to the front saying "thank you" all the way. Who will take this 2008 season's first checker?
The primal #37 Steve Suckow prefers to win the first race, and plans on repeating his famous 2007 win at Fallon Nevada. This January Suckow tuned up in Arizona with the Father-Son Team #88i John Ireland and #8i Robby Ireland. If these blue blazing cars run side by side get out your camera, something U-Tube worthy is about to happen.
The arena will entertain the crowd with the battle experienced veterans, but don't forget the rookies. The rookies literally will run their first race in Series competition with #12B Brittany Ray, #00 Kent Dollarhyde, and #21 Mike Keely losing their naivity tomorrow night. #12B Ray is no stranger to danger coming from the cage cart community. #00 Dollarhyde can disco a go-cart, but will he be able to lay into a late model? #21 Mike Keely, the mighty Monte driver from Sunset Speedway belts in his road-racing, street-stocking experience and prepares for challenge. These new drivers will be the next wave, watch their rise to success.
As of now, every W.O.D. driver and crew is tied as champions. The crews have sacrificed so much to test their race craft in Saturday's battle. The families, having donated all the resources available and traded quality hours for the car preparation, hold their breath. The drivers, no sleep, no peace, no turning back, too much has been sacrificed, vested, and exchanged for this chance in glory. Luck is for the unlucky, victory for the prepared, the drum in their chest beats ready, set, go.
Pit Gate Opens at 1pm, Qualifying at 5:30pm.