www.CILTRAK.com Hammer Down January 2014

Vol. 1 No. 1 HAMMER DOWN Special Edition For: A Publication Of www.CILTRAK.com B-SHEPP

A View From The Top Page 2 - By Steve Eighinger Photo Courtesy of Tim’s Racing Photos

Inside This Month’s Issue: BRIAN LYNN - Haulin’ The Mail SMASH: Remembering Those We Lost p8 p6 PLUS: Commentary From Patrick Davis and Jake Croxton p10 2 Hammer Down January 2014 www.CILTRAK.com THE BIG YEAR: BRANDON SHEPPARD BREAKS OUT IN 2013 Steve Eighinger

NEW BERLIN, Il. — So, what will the kid do for an encore? Brandon Sheppard cemented his stand- ing among dirt-track deity in 2013 when, among other accomplishments, the 21-year-old late model wiz won the Dirt Track World Championship in Ports- mouth, Ohio. Add in the UMP national title and win- ning the prestigious — not to mention grueling — UMP Summer Nationals Hell Tour and you begin to get an idea of what kind of checkered flags Sheppard was collecting. “I don’t think we could have asked for a better season,” Sheppard said. “We’ve been working really hard for a lot of years Photo by Tim’s Racing Photos to get where we’re at right now ... and it he posted “just” four victories during the peaceful offseason. “I’ve been around it my whole life, so was a long season, but it was all worth it.” 26-race schedule, he secured 19 top-five “We’ve been able to spend most of our it’s real special for me personally to win and 23 top-10 finishes. His wins came at time just regrouping, talking to our spon- both championships. We’ve been work- “My dad worked hard a Spoon River Speedway and Belle-Clair sors and trying to recruit more sponsors,” ing really hard for a lot of years to get lot of years trying to win Speedway in Illinois, and Clarksville he said. where we’re at right now and it was a long it and he was never able Speedway and Clay Hill Motorsports Sheppard has also had time to reflect season, but it was all worth it.” to ... I guess me winning Park in Tennessee. on all that transpired last season. Sheppard became the youngest driver it kind of fulfilled both of Sheppard ended with a 75-point “In the beginning, you never think in the 33-year of the Dirt Track World advantage (1,675-1,600) over another of you’d do something like win a national Championship (DTWC) to enter victory our dreams.” the sport’s hot young stars, 16-year-old championship that young,” he said. “But lane. He earned $50,000 for that victory Bobby Pierce of Oakwood, Ill., son of leg- we’ve been improving as a team and I’ve in late October, plus another $50,000 for endary driver and car builder Bob Pierce. been improving as a driver every year. I winning the Hell Tour and UMP national Sheppard, whose 2014 season will Pierce also finished second to Sheppard can see myself getting better every year, titles. begin in late January in Arizona with a in the UMP national points standings. driving harder and driving better. It all Sheppard drove the No. 1 Mark Rich- series of four races in the Tucson area, Sheppard won that title by 47 points came together (in 2013). ards Racing late model to the DTWC has already established his priorities for (2,549-2,502). “My dad worked hard a lot of years try- victory, finishing ahead of Steve Francis, coming campaign. The title he wants to “Our biggest goal is to repeat in the ing to win it and he was never able to ... I Jackie Boggs, Jason Feger and Jimmy repeat most is the Hell Tour, considered Summer Nationals,” said Sheppard, who guess me winning it kind of fulfilled both Owens. Sheppard was subbing that night the defining accomplishment for any late knows the law of percentages may not be of our dreams. I was always there when for Josh Richards in the Rocket chassis model driver in the Midwest. Stretching as kind in 2014 as they were a year ago. he was doing it and he’s there helping me house car. nearly six weeks for the second con- Sheppard managed to escape any now, so it meant a lot to both of us.” “That capped a pretty good season,” secutive year, late model racing’s most major on-track melee, which is almost a Sheppard is one of just four drivers to Sheppard said. demanding test of man and machine will prerequisite in putting together the kind win both the Hell Tour and UMP nation- And that is, obviously, quite an under- feature 33 races at 32 tracks in nine states of season he did in 2013. al title in the same season. He joins Brian statement. over a period of 39 days. “We had a few minor issues, but did Shirley (2012) of Chatham, Ill., Dennis “Next to the (World Series of) Outlaws not tear up much equipment,” he said. Erb Jr. ((2007-08) of Carpentersville, Ill., and the Lucas Oil series, I think the Hell “We’ll open the season with three cars.” and John Gill (1986) of Mitchell, Ind., on Steve Eighinger a.k.a “Stevie Dirt,” is a Tour is the most prestigious (title),” Shep- reporter for the Quincy Herald-Whig and Avoiding any major sheet-metal catas- that short list. pard said. provides extensive coverage of Quincy trophes — or blown engines — allowed “UMP is the big thing around us – has Sheppard’s consistency catapulted him Raceways, including his active blog which Sheppard and crew to enjoy a rather been since I was little kid,” Sheppard said. to the Hell Tour championship. Although can be found at www.whig.com/blogs www.CILTRAK.com Hammer Down January 2014 3

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Brandon Sheppard Race Party www.racetires.com Friday January 31 - Shepp’s Bar & Grill - New Berlin, IL Party at 6 - Auction at 7 4 Hammer Down January 2014 www.CILTRAK.com YEAR IN REVEW Quincy Raceways that class and first since 2009. making a great charge from 5th to win Brown, Shane Stewart, Jac Hauden- • Austen Becerra’s stranglehold on the the Summit Modified Nationals event schild, Bill Balog. • Steven DeLonjay captured his third IMCA Sport Compacts resulted in his during the UMP Summer Nationals, Lucas Oil POWRi straight UMP Modified track champion- first track championship. Becerra has but it was Springfield’s Matt Goulden Midget Series ship, which was his fifth overall at the won 19 features in the last 1 1/2 sea- who claimed the points title over Brian track -- all before he turned 21 in late sons. He also won the sport compacts’ Dively and Ethan Schnapp. • Zach Daum caputred his first POWRi December. Only three other drivers Triple Crown when he claimed both the • It was a youth movement in the street series championship driving his Toyota -- Mark Burgtorf (14), Hank DeLonjay midseason and season-ending cham- stock class as Justin Layne busted from powered Eagle to a season ending 520 (13) and Steve Fraise (9) -- have won pionship races to go with his points the pack to top the points chart at over point margin over Andrew Felker. more track titles. Hank DeLonjay is Ste- title. Becerra was the first Triple Crown Brandon Eskew. Layne claimed 3 wins • Among Daum’s notable wins was ven’s dad, who with Burgtorf and Fraise winner outside of the late model and on his way to his first track champion- capturing the Jason Leffler Memorial were charter members of the Quincy modified divisions since 2001. ship. at Wayne County Speedway which at- Raceways Hall of Fame in 2011. • Stephanie Eskew became Jacksonville’s tracted a stellar field of competitors and • DeLonjay’s 12 feature victories and 22 Lincoln Speedway first female track champion with an was later re-broadcast on MAV TV. overall checkered flags are the most outstanding season in the hornet class. • The Midget World Championship, a at the track in the UMP era for modi- • Greg Osman and Todd Smith battled Eskew claimed two wins on the year to 16 race international sub-series which fieds. Quincy has been a UMP track for throughout the season for a street stock best runner-up Thomas Angelo will make stops in Central Illinois June that class since 2009. DeLonjay’s nine championship that was ultimately cap- • Much of the offseason has been focused 5-7 at Jacksonville, Lincoln and Macon Fast 6 dash victories were the most by tured by Osman by a mere 5 points. on the track’s first ever STP World of Speedway is already under way with 3 any driver in any series since statistics • New Berlin’s Nick Bauman sealed a Outlaws sprint car event which will be races having been held in New Zealand started being kept in 1999. track championship in the UMP Pro held on Wednesday May 7th. A limited with winners Chris Bell, Bryan Clauson • Denny Woodworth won his third Late Model class bringing the B1 ma- number of grandstand tickets are being and Michael Pickens. overall track title when he captured the chine home with a 122 point final mar- sold with a very small number remain- UMP Super Late Model championship. gin. Roben Huffman and Myles Moos ing. Grandstand tickets will not be avail- Big 10 Late Model Series Woodworth also has the 2010 IMCA had a close battle for the second spot in able on race night. To get your tickets Late Model and 1993 “A” modified track points with Huffman claiming runner- while they last, visit www.CILTRAK. • Steve Sheppard, Jr claimed the series titles on his resume. up honors by a mere 18 points. com. crown over Brian Dively in a very close • Shannon Babb rocketed to the UMP • Brian Lynn continued his dominance battle throughout the ten race schedule Summer Nationals Hell Tour victory in of the UMP Modified class at Lincoln MOWA Sprint Car Series which competed at Macon, Lincoln and early July. The $5,000 win was Babb’s winning 8 features to capture his 7th Presented by Casey’s General Jacksonville Speedways in 2013. third Summer Nationals victory at the Lincoln Speedway track championship. Stores • The points battle came down to the final Broadway Bullring. His other triumphs • Bob Sanders claimed the hornet class night in Lincoln between Dively and came in 2009 and 2007. No other driver championship ending 2013 with a • Jerrod Hull continues to be the only Sheppard with Sheppard having to bor- has won more than one Hell Tour race comfortable 267 point margin over Dale champion in MOWA series history row a car for the feature after mechani- since the series’ first appearance at the Nelson winning his third straight title in 2013. cal issues sidelined the 5s. Dively went track in 2006. AJ Bruns, who led the first half of the on to win the event but it wasn’t enough • Tony Dunker dominated the IMCA season stayed in the hunt through the to overcome Sheppard’s final 6 point Sport Mods for the second straight year. Jacksonville Speedway final event after being overtaken in the margin. Dunker will enter the 2014 season with points battle by Hull. • The introduction of the Neal Tire Sprint • Matt Taylor stayed in the hunt for the a streak of 31 straight first- or second- • 135 different drivers participated in the Cars was the focus of the weekly show at series title throughout the season finish- place finishes in a division that debuted 20 MOWA events in 2013 with 61 dif- Jacksonville in 2013 and the cars proved ing just 18 points shy of Sheppard and at Quincy in late 2011. Dunker led all ferent drivers registering a top 10 finish to put on some great action like their ending third in points. drivers in all classes last season with and 38 different drivers registering a big motored brothers. Ryan Blakeman • The series returns in 2014 and will be 13 feature victories and 25 total wins. top 5 finish. The series saw 15 different captured the track championship with a adding Quincy Raceways for two special Dunker has won 28 main events over winners: Jerrod Hull (2), Jimmy Hurley win on the final night of racing for the $2,000 to win events to go along with the past two years. (2), Ian Madsen (2), Christopher Bell class. two stops at Lincoln Speedway, 2 events • Honest Abe Huls established an IMCA (2), Danny Lasoski (2), AJ Bruns, Paul at Jacksonville Speedway and 4 events at Stock Car record with 17 total victories • Jacksonville hosted some great modified Nienhiser, Joey Moughan, Danny Smith, Macon Speedway. en route to winning his second title in action in 2013 with Dave Wietholder Terry McCarl, Bryan Clauson, Brian www.CILTRAK.com Hammer Down January 2014 5 6 Hammer Down January 2014 www.CILTRAK.com Brian Lynn: Haulin’ The Mail For Another Lincoln Crown Casey’s General Stores Joins MOWA Bruce Yentes As Series Presenting MASON CITY, IL. – Sponsor The famous creed is etched in stone at the James Farley Officials of the Midwest Open Wheel Post Office in New York City: Association (MOWA) are pleased to “Neither snow nor rain nor announce a partnership with Casey’s General Stores that will make Casey’s heat nor gloom of night stays the presenting sponsor for the 2014 these couriers from the swift MOWA Sprint Car Series Presented by completion of their appointed Casey’s General Stores. rounds.” Nothing seems to be able to stop Springfield letter carrier Brian Lynn from delivering Photo Courtesy of Tim’s Racing Photos track championships in the Modified class at Lincoln entrance into the sport as a A core group of volunteers, Nationals series. Speedway either. serious competitor, an Army Dave Banister, Jerry Ben- “We’ll run as many as we “I won the championship buddy continued to stoke the ninger, Jason Harrison and can and try to hit a few more The series recently released a 2014 there the first year it opened fire to keep the dream alive. Mike Lockenour also play a of those to get more points,” schedule of over 25 events in Illinois, Southeast Iowa, Eastern Missouri and and I’ve loved it ever since,” A native of Mason City role. Lynn gives them credit he said, with an eye on im- where he still resides with for much of his success. proving last year’s 10th-place Western Indiana. Entering its fourth said Lynn. “It’s a fun track and season, the MOWA Sprint Car Series his wife, Danette, Lynn was “They’ll work in the shop finish. it just fits my style.” Presented by Casey’s General Stores That hard charging style has less than a month out of high and they’re always at the race- Lynn also wouldn’t mind features some of the best 410 winged served him well. Since his in- school when he found himself track,” he said. “They do a lot competing a little more sprint car action in the Midwest and augural crown in 2004, Lynn in Army basic training. on the car to keep it competi- outside of the Modified ranks. averaged nearly 30 cars per event in 2013. The partnership with Casey’s has claimed six additional While in the Army, which t i v e .” Last year he won two featured included a tour of duty in Also lending a hand is events at Spoon River Speed- General Stores will bring added awards championships at the track. and incentives for teams that regularly Iraq during Desert Storm, Lynn’s son, Austin. Just as way in Canton driving a Crate He’ll return this season to participate in series events. defend his 2013 title equipped Lynn and his best bud Mike Lynn got an early infusion Late Model owned by Brian “Casey’s General Stores has a long with a pair of new motors Bonham would while away of “racing blood” from his Quick. and rich history of supporting grass prepared by Dennis McQuinn the hours in the motor pool parents, Austin began going In the meantime, he’s hop- roots motorsports and sprint car racing in particular and we are honored for and relishing any challenge by sharing a mutual interest to the track with his dad at ing to deliver another Lincoln in motorsports and a mutual a young age. Lynn says the Speedway Modified champi- MOWA to become a part of the Casey’s from those who would dare to family.” Said MOWA Series Director, desire to someday compete. 16-year old’s involvement will onship and says carrying mail snatch the title away. Ken Dobson. “We look forward to “A lot of guys came (in Once discharged, Bonham grow this season. in what’s been a brutal Central carrying the Casey’s brand and mes- 2013) that were tops in the eventually became a U.S. Air “Last year he got to drive Illinois winter is doing its part sage to our events in 2014 and know nation (in UMP Modified Marshal. While he took to one of my older cars that I in keeping him in shape for that our MOWA members and fans will work hard to make this a reward- points) and I had fun racing the skies, “Flyin’ Brian” (as kept around,” Lynn said. “A the racing rigors ahead. Lynn is known) took to flying goal for him this year is a full “The snow and the cold ing partnership for everyone involved. them,” he said. There are over 600 Casey’s stores around race tracks in Central year at Lincoln to get some and the ice are the worst to “Fun” has been the op- within 30 miles of our MOWA venues erative word ever since Lynn, Illinois. seat time.” carry in,” he said. “You trudge which creates endless possibilities for 43, began attending races at This season he’ll again be Lynn – who also has a through that all day long, it marketing our series with the support Springfield Speedway as a driving two Modifieds, one of 9-year old daughter, Audrey wears you out.” of a brand our fans already know and child. them owned by his parents. – hopes to add to his personal An award winning writer and trust.” The 2014 MOWA Sprint Car Series Those trips with his parents The other, the familiar #14 at seat time as well this year. broadcaster, Bruce Yentes Lincoln Speedway, is owned Plans include some additional covers Central Illinois auto Presented by Casey’s General Stores inspired a fierce desire to race will open its season on Friday April by Logan County farmers Summit Racing Equipment racing for the Bloomington and Lynn began dabbling with 4th at Lincoln Speedway in Lincoln, Il- Dale Lessen, Rod Conklen Modified Nationals events, a Pantagraph. He also has an drag racing while still in high extensive background in auto linois in a double-header that will also and Junior Agee of Cashless series run in conjunction with school. Although a stint in racing publishing and public feature the Lucas Oil POWRi Midget the armed forces delayed his Racing. the grueling UMP Summer relations. Series. www.CILTRAK.com Hammer Down January 2014 7 BUY 2013 DVDS TODAY!

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Racing Events Private Parties Community Festivals Call 217-377-4637 to schedule DRIVE WITH US AT A TRACK NEAR YOU! 8 Hammer Down January 2014 www.CILTRAK.com amount of space here to list all of those who he helped in one manner or another. Most noteable of course would Reflecting On Those We Lost In 2013 be his beloved son Donnie who together with Howard So many times, when we hear of someone’s passing, amassed many MARA Championships together. we reflect on their memory and how they impacted our own life and wish we had one more opportunity to tell Rusty Allen: Rusty was a lifelong fan of dirt track them what they meant to us. But, in times of passing, SMASH THE racing and began helping Jack Tyne of Streator in the once we hear the news, it is too late. There will be no LOUD PEDAL 1970s. He continued helping Jack for many years until more opportunities to say thanks, no more opportuni- he bought and raced his own car. ties to shake a hand, no more opportunities to give a He raced many tracks in Illinois, his favorite being hug and a smile. No more opportunities to acknowledge Terry Young Fairbury American Legion Speedway, where he won what the person has meant to our lives or our career etc. the six-cylinder track championship in 1988. Rusty quit Seize each day as if it were your last opportunity to say racing in 1991, then worked at Fairbury Speedway as an to that special someone the words you would say if you official and eventually became track promoter. knew in advance it were their last day on earth. An often he raced at the old Springfield Speedway. He remained Under his leadership Fairbury American Legion heard cliche is “There are no guarantees of tomorrow. involved with the Ray family as a supporter of second Speedway received UMP Track of the Year for two con- Each day is a gift, hence why they call it the present”. generation driver Jeff Ray in his modified up until the secutive years. This simple statement holds such truth. time of Rich’s passing. Each year we lose people who have touched us in one Paul Ray said that Rich was his best friend for over Cale Osterhoff: He was born Aug. 22, 2006, in Kanka- way or another, this year was no exception. I want to 45 years and was a silent supporter over the latter years kee, the son of Chad and Jennifer Brosseau Osterhoff. take this opportunity to name just a few and take a mo- of his life. Jack Hewitt was always one of Rich’s favorite Cale was a first-grade student at St. Joseph Grade School ment to remember them. drivers, thus the 63 on the modified in memory of Rich and was a “Mite” hockey player for the Kankakee Coy- and in his honor a P&R logo also adorns the car which otes. He loved his dog, Carlee, and all sports. Gary Cook, Jr: The sport lost one of it’s greatest stands for Packingham and Ray. Cale was the Big Wheel champion for three years in a ambassadors in 2013 to a long battle with sinus cancer. Taken from us way too early in his life, I’m confident row at the Kankakee Speedway. He liked to play base- Gary won the UMP National Championship in 2009. Rich is watching down on us and cheering on his favor- ball, and also liked to play video games with his brother. When he accepted his award at the annual awards ite drivers each week. He enjoyed boating, and watching and cheering for his banquet there was not a dry eye in the house. Gary ex- dad and brother at their races. plained the circumstances that led to his championship Howard “Howdy” Hoyland: Howdy was one of those It is beyond our understanding why we lose people being delayed a year or so after he was diagnosed with a guys who never met a stranger. If he liked you he would in our life when we do. We many times question the tumor in 2008 while battling for the title. sit and talk with you as long as you would listen. Howdy untimeliness of a loss, when it seems someone is taken “Gary Cook Jr. will always be remembered as a great loved to talk. from us in their prime or even before as in the case of UMP Modified champion,” said DIRTcar UMP director My own experience with him was that you did more young Cale Osterhoff. Sam Driggers. “He spent his whole career racing with listening than you did chatting - and I was always fine Cale would have most likely been a racer when he UMP and became one of the UMP Modified division’.s with that. As a longtime supporter of Roger Drake, grew up and was tragically lost to a ski mobile accident most respected drivers. Howdy always made sure Roger knew, “you can always just before the Christmas season. We must have faith Cook’s cancerous tumor returned in 2011 and he had find a driver, all you have to do is go to the local tavern”. that there is a plan - a much deeper, much bigger plan responded positively to treatments and won seven UMP That thought always kept Roger on his toes and trying to than we may ever understand.. Modified features in 2012, but in 2013 doctors found give Howdy his best performance. that the cancer had spread and it ultimately took Gary Roger said that he always found it funny when he I am sure I have failed to mention someone who from us. drove for Howdy that Howdy was more popular than touched our racing community just as much as those Roger was as the driver. Roger recalled that after the listed above. These are but a few of those we lost that are Dean Garland: Dean was involved in auto racing for races people would crowd the car - but they were there from our area who impacted our lives as racers or fans. many, many years and in numerous different ways. His to see Howdy! If you take nothing else away from this article please last involvement was in the role of trackside supplier for Howdy often thought of his friends first and even remember one small but important lesson: take a mo- Hoosier Tires, racing fuel, tear offs, Allstar and other in his last days showed that once more. The day before ment to tell those around you what they mean to you. products. Howdy was to be operated on, he called Roger in a call and thank them for the part they have played in your Dean always had time to try to answer questions for that Roger says he will never forget. Howdy said to him, life. racers and he truly loved helping the underdogs - the “Roger, you have always been a good friend to me, I’m Imagine the smile that some would have had on their entry level racer that was just starting out that so many not going to make it through this surgery tomorrow and faces had they heard the wonderful things while they times get overlooked, yet are the backbone of our indus- I just wanted to say Goodbye”. were alive that were said at their funeral services. It is try. Howdy didn’t survive the surgery, but he sure did too late then. Let them know your feelings while you can Dean loaned parts to racers, carried them on open enjoy life while he was here! GODSPEED to you my still express them in person. account when they couldn’t afford to pay for a part in friend! May each of those listed above rest in eternal peace. full, and many times even gave racers parts because he We need not feel sorry for them, for they have won the knew they needed them but couldn’t really afford them. Howard Lehmann: Howard was one of the founders biggest race of all - they have earned a spot in Heaven. of MARA – Midwest Auto Racing Association - and Abe Until we meet again, know that each of you have Rich Packingham: Rich was an avid race fan for many Lincoln Quarter Midget Association. He served on the touched lives in ways you never imagined. years and in his later years was a major supporter of a Board of Directors for RFMS. Racing was more than a modified team. hobby to Howard, it was a way of life. Rich had a passion for auto racing that was fueled So many people relied on Howard to help them over the years by his being involved with Paul Ray when throughout their career and we do not have the proper www.CILTRAK.com Hammer Down January 2014 9 2014 Season Quinn’s Automotive Keeping You On The Road Schedule Quality Maintenance PROUD SUPPORTER OF LOCAL RACING Jim Quin - Owner Saturday March 29 –Weebles/MOWA Car Show Springfield, IL Friday April 4 – Lincoln Speedway, Lincoln, IL Friday April 11 – Jacksonville Speedway, Jacksonville, IL Saturday April 12 – 34 Raceway, W. Burlington, IA 309-928-3411 Friday April 18 - Tri City Speedway, Pontoon Beach, IL 820 N. James St. Saturday May 3 – Clay County Speedway, Flora, IL Farmer City, IL Sunday May 11 – Vermilion County Speedway, Danville, IL Friday May 23 – Jacksonville Speedway, Jacksonville, IL Saturday May 24 – Federated Auto Parts Raceway – Pevely, MO Sunday May 25 – Quincy Raceways, Quincy, IL Sunday June 15 – Lincoln Speedway, Lincoln, IL Friday June 20 – Bloomington Speedway, Bloomington, IN Saturday June 21 – Tri-State Speedway, Haubstadt, IN Get A 3 Track Sunday July 6 – Quincy Raceways, Quincy, IL Admission Card SPRINT WEEK Wednesday July 23 – Highland Speedway, Highland, IL Save Up To 20% Thursday July 24 – Tri City Speedway, Pontoon Beach, IL Friday July 25 – Jacksonville Speedway, Jacksonville, IL Valid For Pit Or Saturday July 26 – Macon Speedway, Macon, IL Grandstand Admission: Jacksonville Speedway Saturday August 23 – LaSalle Speedway, LaSalle, IL Lincoln Speedway Saturday Sept 6 – 34 Raceway, W. Burlington, IA Quincy Raceways Sunday Sept 7 – Quincy Raceways, Quincy, IL Friday Sept 12 – Jacksonville Speedway, Jacksonville, IL $55 Value $50 Saturday Sept 13 – Spoon River Speedway, Banner, IL $120 Value $100 Friday Oct 3 - Tri City Speedway, Pontoon Beach, IL $250 Value $200 Saturday Oct 4 - Tri City Speedway, Pontoon Beach, IL Friday Oct 10 – Lincoln Speedway, Lincoln, IL Available At Saturday Oct 11 Jacksonville Speedway, Jacksonville, IL www.CILTRAK.com 10 Hammer Down January 2014 www.CILTRAK.com folks from all over the country can tune in and watch can mean potential sponsorship or driving opportuni- Searching For The Next Breakout Star ties for that driver and draw attention to the local racing Motorsports is ALWAYS looking for a star. In various in the area they came from. divisions, there are drivers that bring legions of fans Justin Allgaier is a great example of how someone at to a race track just because that driver is at that track. The Race the local level, starting out in quarter midgets, progress- Whether it be Billy Moyer, Scott Bloomquist, Shannon ing up through classes such as 600cc mini sprints, UMP Babb, Jason Feger, or countless others in late models, Chaser Super Late Models, and open wheel midgets, can rise to Steve Kinser, Sammy Swindell, Donny Schatz, and oth- the top levels of stock car racing - NASCAR. Tyler Red- ers in the winged sprint car world, these drivers bring dick also fits this mold, coming from the mini sprints, large followings of people who will travel sometimes Patrick Davis then midgets, super late models, and now is moving up hundreds of miles and multiple hours just to see their @pdavis18491988 to race for Brad Keselowski Racing in the Craftsman favorite star in action. Truck Series this year for at least 15 races before doing a However, no one stays young or stay on dirt forever, full season in 2015. and we have to keep looking towards the future to find Super Late Model division. One thing all of the aforementioned drivers have in who will become a star that brings fans in out in droves. The biggest victory out of these two up-and-coming common is that they all started at a local home track. As we saw in the late model world last year, Central Il- drivers was Brandon Sheppard’s masterful job substi- Keep an eye on your area drivers. This doesn’t just mean linois drivers Brandon Sheppard and Bobby Pierce burst tuting for Josh Richards in the Rocket house car at the in one class of racing. It means every class that races on to the national late model scene with various great Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series sanctioned Red Buck weekly. runs throughout the 2013 season. Dirt Track World Championship at Portsmouth Race- Sometimes, a driver will really catch your eye. Some Both Brandon and Bobby won numerous races on the way Park in Portsmouth,Ohio This victory was worth may take a bit longer, and then come seemingly out of month long grind of the UMP DIRTcar Summer Nation- a whopping $50,000 payday - a career high. The race nowhere to score a surprise win. You never know how als, including for Bobby career high $10,000 paydays was taped for later viewing on Fox Sports 1, MavTV, and things might end up. You may be seeing something at Lincoln Speedway and Kankakee County Speedway. NBC Sports Network. special and not realize it at that moment. The next Brandon would go on to capture that title, as well as This caliber of win will put a young driver on the map breakout star may just be a lot closer than you might the overall points championship for the UMP DIRTcar of the sport as it is. Adding in national media, where think. Keep an eye out for him or her. Improving Fan Experience With Announcers and Race Formats For the eleventh consecu- will always have that segment ing from Row 6 and rising to tive year, I spent three days of the crowd that just wants to the top late in the Inverted Point after Christmas at Western be rowdy and obnoxious but as Average 305 Sprint Car features Illinois University’s Western long as you can explain what is SpeedBlitz at 34 Raceway – a field handi- Hall moonlighting as the public going on, it softens the blow if capped by average points of the address announcer for the 68th you can make the entire arena top 10 or 12 qualifiers. Macomb-Western Holiday aware as soon as possible. Jake Croxton My favorite is still the old Basketball Tournament. It is no Most of my negative inter- @JakeCroxton Busch All-Star Tour format from small fete as I endured twenty- actions at the racetrack are the late 80’s and 90’s. That’s back four games in three days in the because of misinformation or when you had 45-car NASCAR 16-team double-elimination someone simply not knowing Late Model fields for $3,000 to tournament. how we do things. That’s one that doesn’t understand passing The MOWA Sprint Car Series win and $300 to start. The field Throughout those contests, I thing I’d like to improve upon points, I can’t help but think that presented by Casey’s General was split into two “Qualifiers” of thoroughly enjoyed my duty of in 2014 – making what we do we messed up somewhere on Stores set the standard for com- 15-laps. The top 10 were invert- informing the arena audience known and easier to follow. I’m a massive level. The other part petition and boasted 15 different ed and the top 10 transferred. and keeping the arena pulse at a not saying that what we do as of my theory is that a fan that winners in 20 events with its Transfer cars got their time back high rate – all while trying not officials is unquestionable (we’re doesn’t know what’s going on now-familiar Modified Pass- and the top six were inverted for to draw attention away from the talking race format as much as is quickly turned off to another ing Points format – modified the A-Main. Everyone else went real spectacle – the athletes and we are calls on the racetrack source of entertainment. because winning a Heat Race to one large Consolation Race. the contest. here) but it’s nice to be able to Speaking of passing points, guarantees a trip to the Fast You essentially saw four fea- As with any sporting event, immediately jump to the facts of we always talk about race format Dash. tures on the track – lots of cars, there were a few times when the what happened versus explain- this time of year in the interest Some of the most heated bat- lots of action, lots of hard racing. crowd rained down a chorus of ing to someone why it hap- of deciphering what puts on the tles I saw were at Quincy when You had different guys win the boos on the officiating crew for pened. best show. I saw every format the DIRTcar Late Models and qualifiers. You had the cream at what was perceived as a blown That’s where a great announc- under the sun in 2013 – pass- Modifieds battled it out in the the top at the end of 50-100 laps. call. It’s always fun to try to er comes in – they’ve relayed ing points, time trials, inverted “Fast Heat Race” of the Quick 6 I still remember many of them decipher what verbal rubbish is the appropriate message at the point average, draw/redraw, in- Format – where the fastest six like it was yesterday; I hope we being hurled at those brave souls appropriate time and they’ve verted starts, straight-up starts. qualifiers are locked into the create more of those moments in stripes. shared knowledge of what we Each one has its advantages and front of the program. in 2014. In order to be a great an- do. In theory, an educated fan is disadvantages but each one has Some of the most dramatic See you at the races. nouncer, knowing each intricacy a happy fan. its place and provided great rac- races I saw featured the winners of every rule is mandatory. You Whenever I talk to a race fan ing at least occasionally. starting deep in the field, com- www.CILTRAK.com Hammer Down January 2014 11 KOREY WEYANT BRINGS GOLDEN DRILLER TO LAND OF LINCOLN World Of Outlaws Wednesday May 7 Jacksonville Speedway

Three Generations of the Weyant Family: Scott (left), Korey (center) and Gene “Stooge” (right) celebrate Korey’s victory in the 1200cc Mini Sprint division at the Tulsa Shootout at the River Spirit Expo Center Limited Tickets Remain in Tulsa Oklahoma on January 4th. Springfield’s Weyant, driving a car owned by longtime car owner Jim Mahan of Easton, Il, earned a coveted ‘Golden Driller’ trophy with the win - the first for an Illinois racer Order Online at www.ciltrak.com since 2007. Weyant, a 4th generation open wheel driver, spends his summers racing - and For Group VIP/Hopitality Inquiries winning - throughout the Midwest primarily in his family-owned #99 sprint car which he races with the call Ken at 217-371-3653 MOWA Sprint Car Series and in non-wing competition.

Left: ‘Finish Of The Year’. Bryan Clauson (21) and Chris Bell (53) cross the finish line at the MOWA Herb Bar- low Memorial at Jack- sonville. Clauson was declared the winner. Right: Kyle Larson took a break from his NAS- CAR duties to pick up a win at Jacksonville Speedway during Photo by Bill Baker Photo by Brendon Bauman POWRi Midget Week.

Left: The ‘Hell Tour’ lived up to its name for Todd Frank at the Quincy Raceways Right: Area late model racing saw a lot of battles on the track and on the points chart between Brandon Sheppard and Bobby Pierce in 2013. Here Pierce gets the upper hand in a narrow Photo by Jimmy Dearing win at Quincy Raceways. Photo by Randy Brown 12 Hammer Down January 2014 www.CILTRAK.com

2014 RACER/TEAM SCHEDULE

Friday April 11: MOWA Sprints, Big 10 Late Models, Modifieds, Hornets, Micros Wednesday July 2: UMP Summer Nationals, Modifieds, Street Stocks Friday April 25: POWRi Midgets, Micros, Pro Late Models, Street Stocks Friday July 25: MOWA Sprint Week, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Lightning Sprints Wednesday May 7: World of Outlaw Sprints Friday August 1: Neal Tire Sprints, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hornets, Micros Friday May 23: MOWA Sprints, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hornets, Micros Friday August 22: Neal Tire Sprints, Modifieds, Pro Late Models, Street Stocks, Hornets Thursday June 5: POWRi Midget Week, POWRi Micros, Neal Tire Sprints Friday September 5: Neal Tire Sprints, Modifieds, Pro Late Models, Street Stocks, Sunday June 8: 410 Sprints (Rain Date For MOWA), Modifieds, Pro Late Models, Street Hornets Stocks, Hornets Friday September 12: MOWA Sprints + POWRi Midgets, POWRi Micros, Modifieds, Street Friday June 13: Big 10 Late Models, Neal Tire Sprints, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hornets Stocks Friday June 27: Modified Special, Pro Late Models, Street Stocks, Hornets, Micros Saturday October 11: MOWA Sprints + POWRi Midgets. Other Classes TBD.

March 22, March 29 - Practice Sunday June 15 – MOWA Sprints, Modifieds, Pro Late Models, Street Stocks, Hornets April 4 MOWA Sprints, POWRi Midgets, Modifieds, Street Stocks June 20 – 305 Sprints, Modifieds, Pro Late Models, Street Stocks, Lightning Sprints April 11 Modifieds, Pro Late Models, Street Stocks, Lightning Sprints, Hornets Sunday June 29 – UMP Summer Nationals, Modifieds, Street Stocks April 18 Quick Late Model Series (PCRA), Modifieds, Street Stocks, Lightning Sprints, July 4 – Sprint Cars TBD, Modifieds, Pro Late Models, Street Stocks, Lightning Sprints Hornets July 11 – POWRi Midgets, 305 Sprints Other Classes TBD April 25 Big 10 Late Models, 305 Sprints, Modifieds, Lightning Sprints, Hornets July 18 – 305 Sprints, Modifieds, Pro Late Models, Street Stocks, Lightning Sprints May 2 410 Winged Sprints, Modifieds, Pro Late Models, Street Stocks, Lightning August 8 – Big 10 Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hornets, Lightning Sprints Sprints August 15 – POWRI Midgets, Micros, Modifieds, Street Stocks May 9 Modified Special, Crates, Street Stocks, Lightning Sprints, Hornets August 29 – 305 Sprints, Modifieds, Pro Late Models, Street Stocks, Hornets May 16 305 Sprints, Pro Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hornets September 19 –305 Sprints, Modifieds, Pro Late Models, Street Stocks, Lightning May 30 305 Sprints, Modifieds, Pro Late Models, Lightning Sprints, Illinois Vintage Sprints Racing Friday October 10 – MOWA Sprints + POWRi Midgets. Other classes TBD June 6th POWRI Midgets, POWRi Micros, Modifieds, Street Stocks **All Events Are Fridays Unless Otherwise Noted

March 15-16: Quincy Mall Car Show June 29: Modifieds (Non Points Night), 305 Sprint Cars, Sportmods, Stock Car Special, March 23, March 30 : Open Practice Sport Compacts April 6: Late Models, Modifieds, Sportmods, Stock Cars, Sport Compacts July 6: MOWA Sprint Car Series presented by Casey’s General Stores PLUS Late Models, April 13: Late Models, Modifieds, Sportmod Special, Stock Cars, Sport Compacts Modifieds, Stock Cars, Sport Compacts April 20: Albert Scott Memorial , “Scottie 40” featuring ALMS Sunoco Series Late July 13: Late Models, Modifieds, Sportmods, Stock Cars , Sport Compact Special Models, Modifieds, Sportmods, Stock Cars, Sport Compacts July 20: Big 10 Series Late Models $2,000 to win, Modifieds, Sportmods, Stock Cars, April 27: Modified Special, 305 Sprints, Sportmods, Stock Cars, Sport Compacts Sport Compacts May 4: Late Models, Modifieds, Sportmods, Stock Car Special, Sport Compacts July 27: ULMA Late Models, Modified Special, Sportmods, Stock Cars, Sport Compacts May 11: Late Models, Modifieds, Sportmods, Stock Cars, Sport Compact Special Aug 3: Late Models, Modifieds, Sportmod Special, Stock Cars, Sport Compacts May 18: $2,000 Big 10 Series Late Models, Modifieds, Sportmods, Stock Cars, Sport Aug 10: Late Models, Modifieds, Sportmods, Stock Car Special, Sport Compacts Compacts Aug 17: 360 Sprint Car Clash. Brockway Mechanical Sprint Invaders vs Speedway Mo- May 25: MOWA Sprint Car Series presented by Casey’s General Stores PLUS Impact Signs tors ASCS Warrior, Sportmods, Stock cars, Sport Compacts WAR Wingless Sprints, Sportmods, Stock Cars, Sport Compacts Aug 24: Late Models, Modified Special, Sportmods, Stock Cars, Sport Compact Special Monday May 26: Night of Destruction Aug 31: Late Models $2,000 to win, Modifieds, Sportmods, Stock Cars, Sport Compacts, June 1: Late Models, Modified Special, Sportmods, Stock Cars, Sport Compacts Lightning Sprints June 8: Late Models, Modifieds, Sportmod Special, Stock Cars, Sport Compacts Sept 7: MOWA Sprints Car Series Presented by Casey’s General Stores, Late Models, June 15: Late Models, Modifieds, Sportmods, Stock Car Special, Sport Compacts Modifieds Thursday June 19: Dirtcar Summer Nationals $5,000 to win, UMP Summit Modified Series Sept 13: Season Championship Late Models, Modifieds, Sportmods, Stock Cars, Sport $1000 to win, IMCA Sportmods $500 to Win. Compacts June 22: Mid-Season Championship: Late Models, Modifieds, Sportmods, Stock Cars, Sport Compact Special ** All Events Are Sundays Unless Otherwise Noted