Category: Other Series Racing

Other series racing

Tom Hessert Thunders To Runner-Up Finish At Lucas Oil Raceway

CLERMONT, Indiana (July 29, 2012) – – Tom Hessert III (@TomHessert) didn’t have the strongest No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala in practice or qualifying on Friday afternoon at Lucas Oil Raceway Park at Indianapolis but when the checkered flag was thrown in the Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 200 by Federated Car Care, Hessert stormed to an impressive runner-up finish.

It was clear that the Cherry Hill, New Jersey native wasn’t fazed about the performance of his No. 52 Federated Auto Parts as Hessert and crew chief Donnie Richeson recently tested at the facility where they worked on several adjustments preparing themselves for any situation that may fall into their laps for the 13th race on the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards tour.

Even though Mother Nature attempted to wash away track time for the ARCA Racing Series competitors, the Ken Schrader Racing (KSR) team posted the 12th and 17th quickest laps in the two practice sessions respectively. The long-time ARCA veteran would debrief with his crew chief following happy hour about wholesale changes to be made to their No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala leaning into qualifying.

In time trials, Hessert stepped up to the plate and maneuvered his bowtie around the .686-mile oval in 22.675 seconds at 108.999 miles per hour – landing him 12th overall on the starting grid for the ninth ARCA race held at Lucas Oil Raceway.

From the drop of the green flag, Hessert wasn’t afraid to mash the gas and attempt to move his way to the front. In a wad of traffic, the 26-year old found himself 14th overall by lap five. 10 laps later though Hessert found himself inside the top-10 and pedaling forward.

The first yellow flag of the day waived on lap 20 with the popular driver idling in the 10th position. Hovering in the 10th position through lap 35 – Hessert would make the move for ninth passing Grant Enfinger and setting his sights on points leader Chris Buescher.

10 laps after passing Enfinger, Hessert was able to make the move by Buescher coming out of turn two onto the backstretch moving him into eighth. The second caution flag of the day would waive on lap 52 when leader Matt Crafton crashed in turn one moving Hessert into the seventh spot. The yellow offered the opportunity for the lead pack including Hessert to come to pit lane for tires, fuel and a chassis adjustment to help Hessert rotate his automobile around the track.

Racing resumed on lap 61 with Hessert in ninth despite two leaders staying out on the racetrack on older tires. By lap 70, Hessert had momentarily slipped back to 10th but just two laps later, the driver made a move on Brennan Poole and quickly caught the pack of sixth through eighth. On lap 75, Hessert moved into seventh and set his sights again on passing Enfinger and Matt Lofton.

Through the halfway mark, the former NASCAR Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car star hovered in eighth but in reach of seventh. The caution waived for the third time on lap 107 allowing Hessert to communicate with Richeson about his racecar. With the leaders electing to stay out, the KSR gang did the same.

Maintaining his space inside the top-10, the yellow would waive for debris on lap 134 allowing Hessert to make his final pit stop of the evening. Richeson called for four tires, fuel and another chassis adjustment. The adjustments proved to be pivotal for Hessert as his No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala came to life within the final sixty laps of the race. Restarting 10th with 40 laps remaining, Hessert’s began rocketing through the field and with some courageous driving, the second-generation driver found himself third with 34 laps to go.

He remained in the podium position behind the No. 6 of Mason Mitchell but also tried to keep fourth place competitor Brennan Poole at bay. With 23 laps remaining, Poole on fresher tires would be to work his way around the No. 52 dropping Hessert to fourth.

Hessert’s chances of fighting his way back into the top-three came back to life when the caution flag waived inside eight laps remaining allowing him to tuck into the trenches of leaders Frank Kimmel, Mitchell and Poole.

The race restarted with three laps remaining with Mitchell spinning his tires on the restart and quickly allowing Hessert to move into third. Hessert now found himself battling the Venturini Motorsports duo of Poole and Kevin Swindell for second place. As the trio exited turn three coming to two laps to go – casual short track contact was made between Poole and Hessert which allowed the No. 52 to soar into second and take the checkered flag behind winner Frank Kimmel.

“We had a really solid night,” said Hessert. “Our No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala was good. Kenny (Schrader), Donnie (Richeson) and the KSR guys gave me a good car. We worked at it on practice. It wasn’t the best. When we started the race, we were a little free then got it too tight then were able to get it comfortable. The No. 6 car had a rough restart there at the end and we were able to get a couple spots and it got pretty wild there with a couple to go in turn three but it worked out in our favor. It was a good race, I’m just proud of the guys and I’m happy to be back in the top-five.”

The run was Hessert’s fourth top-five of the year and season-best thus far in 2012. Overall, it was the team’s seventh top-10 in 12 races. The last time Hessert notched a runner-up finish in the ARCA Racing Series occurred at the Illinois State Fairgrounds (Springfield) where he finished second after starting seventh last August.

Next up for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is a return trip to Pocono (Pa.) Raceway for the running of the Pennsylvania ARCA 125 in a double-header combo with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) at the 2.5-mile triangle. The 14th race of the year will air live on SPEED beginning at 3:00 p.m. Eastern.

Exiting Indianapolis, Hessert has 95 career ARCA Racing Series starts. In those outings, he has maneuvered two poles, one win, 23 top-fives and 50 top-10s.

For more on Tom Hessert III, please visit tomhessert.com.

Hessert has joined the Twitter crave. Follow and connect with him @TomHessert.

August 1, 2012
Korbin Forrister’s Respectable Run Sidelined Late At Lucas Oil Raceway

CLERMONT, Indiana (July 29, 2012) – – Korbin Forrister’s (@korbinforrister) headed into Friday night’s Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 200 by Federated Car Care at Lucas Oil Raceway with the goal and intentions of completing all 200 laps. However, his goal would be shattered just eight laps from the finish. After adapting to the heavier stock-cars through a series of start-and-parks, Forrister would be handed the wheel of the No. 68 Tilted Kilt Ford Fusion to have a shot at enhancing his learning curve even more at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis.

With former ARCA champion crew chief and car owner Bill Kimmel calling the shots for the 19-year old, the duo would bond together to find a comfortable setup for the rookie.Despite battling Mother Nature during the two practice sessions, Forrister was able to embrace critical track time to help become familiar with the track’s unique .686-mile oval.

In happy hour, the final practice run before qualifying, Forrister mounted 27th overall in a very competitive field after turning a lap of 23.508 seconds at 105.054 miles per hour, three tenths of a second faster than their previous run earlier in the day.

In qualifying, a bobble by the driver of the No. 68 Tilted Kilt Ford Fusion forced a lap of 23.804 seconds transferring to a speed of 103.747 miles per hour. The lap was 30th quickest overall but the Cedartown, Georgia native lined up 29th for his inaugural run at the historic short track. At the start of the 200-lap event, Forrister raced the racetrack – gunning for each position available. Hovering inside the top-25 for a majority of the first-half of the 200 lap event, Forrister’s tasks of finishing the race looked feasible.

It was evident that the driver’s comfort zone with the track during the second-half of the race, his lap times improved considerably and he began fighting for positions with his competition on the same circuit of his No. 68 Tilted Kilt Ford Fusion. With the driver pleased with the overall handling of his automobile and running in the top-20 inside the race’s final 15 laps of the 13th race of the year – it appeared that the Limited Late Model (LLM) pro would emerge from the Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 200 by Federated Car Care unscathed.

Unfortunately, with eight laps remaining and running with another lapped car, a hungry pack of lead laps cars closed in on them and contact was made in the group sending the No. 68 Tilted Kilt Ford Fusion around on the frontstretch and hard into the inside retaining wall. The damage would ultimately end the team’ night resulting in a 24th place run.

“I learned an awful lot,” offered Forrister. “I wish we would have had the opportunity to test, but this Kimmel Racing team gave me everything I asked for and more. I wish I could have become more comfortable with the higher groove earlier in the race – because the car was really fast once I figured the track out. Unfortunately, by then we were too far behind. I’m also real sorry to the guys for bringing our Tilted Kilt Ford home damaged. I was in a pack with the leaders and lapped cars and there was contact and I went spinning towards the wall. It’s just a shame, because I was just hoping to see the checkered flag and bring these guys home a respectable finish. I guess it was just one of those racing deals. I just want to thank Bill (Kimmel), Will (Kimmel), the guys and Tilted Kilt for making this opportunity possible.”

Kimmel offered his thoughts on his development driver’s performance at LOR. “Korbin definitely made some huge strides from practice to the race and we’re extremely proud of him for that,” he said. “It was a tough field, there’s no hiding that. This was just another opportunity for Korbin to acquire more seat time, learn more about these cars and earn respect from his competitors. The ending didn’t turn out like we wanted too, but sometimes that’s just it goes. He’ll be back at Springfield and we’ll hope for a strong showing there.”

In addition to Indianapolis, Forrister will drive for Kimmel Racing in upcoming events at the Illinois State Fairgrounds (August 19) and the DuQuoin (Ill.) State Fairgrounds (September 3).

Next up for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is a return trip to Pocono (Pa.) Raceway for the running of the Pennsylvania ARCA 125 in a double-header combo with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) at the 2.5-mile triangle. The 14th race of the year will air live on SPEED beginning at 3:00 p.m. Eastern.

For additional input on Kimmel Racing, please log on to kimmelracing.com.

Stay tuned for a newly re-launched website on Korbin Forristeratkorbinforristerracing.com.

See the buzz for yourself on Tilted Kilt by clicking on TiltedKilt.com.

August 1, 2012
Josh Williams Hoping Birthday Wish Comes True At Pocono

LONG POND, Pennsylvania (August 1, 2012) – – Josh Williams (@Josh02Williams) will turn 19 this Friday. Though still considered a teenager, the Port Charlotte, Florida native hopes his maturity will shine as the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards returns to Pocono (Pa.) Raceway for Saturday afternoon’s running of the Pennsylvania ARCA 125.

On the heels of a respectable 13th place finish in the most recent race at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis where the driver of the No. 02 Southwest Florida Cable Construction / Fields Auto Parts Ford Fusion wrestled an extremely tight automobile – he now returns to one of his favorite race tracks hoping his “early” Birthday wish will indeed come true.

“I’m coming back to Pocono looking to finish what we started in June,” said Williams. “We busted our tails to put a new car together and brought it to Pocono and had a 10th place run. Unfortunately, that car is on jack stands in the shop after our Michigan practice mishap. But, we’ve been thrashing on a new car and I’m wishing we’ll be able to duplicate or better our performance this weekend.”

The new car that the team is refereeing to has a pretty solid track record. After originating from Roush Fenway Racing, the team since acquired it from RAB Racing with Brack Maggard and is ready to put the blue oval back on the pavement.

“Being a small team, we don’t have a lot of resources that some of the other teams are fortunate enough to have,” he said. “However, it’s a comforting feeling to know that there are other teams on the circuit who do want to help us and like to see us succeed – so another strong finish would not only be a soothing feeling for us – but I think for them too. We greatly appreciate their support.”

Unlike June where Williams had 80 laps to maneuver his No. 02 Southwest Florida Cable Construction Ford Fusion to his second top-10 of the year – he’ll have just 50 laps to get the job done meaning that all bets will more than likely go out the window.

“It’s a sprint, literally,” the Floridian added. “I really didn’t realize it until I looked at the schedule at the beginning of the week. We’ve been talking in the shop on how we’ll deal with different situations, because we have to be prepared for anything. I think Saturday will be a lot about luck and track position. I think you’ll see a competitive race where it may not be so much about give – but a lot of take. I could be wrong. We’ll see. If we can just come out of there with a top-10; it will be a great day.”

Williams will again continue to sport his new helmet signifying his involvement with RAD (Racing Against Drugs). A slick Simpson helmet decked out in a stimulating and gasping design by Shell Shock, Williams will wear the piece through this weekend before auctioning it off in August with the proceeds being directly donated to the RAD program.

“The helmet’s gained a lot of attention because it looks so cool,” Williams explained. “RAD is such a great program and their techniques really do help make you think before choosing a path you may not want to follow. I enjoy my affiliation with them and we hope to gain them some additional attention with our team mission.”

The Pennsylvania ARCA 125(50 laps / 125 miles) is the 14th of 20 events on the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 55th ARCA event in Long Pond will be a two-day show. Practice begins Friday, August 3 with an hour and twenty minute session planned from 1:40 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later in the day slated to begin at 5:15 p.m. The event will take the green flag on Saturday, August 4 following the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series’ Pocono Mountains 125 set to launch shortly after 3:00 p.m. The race will be televised live on SPEED with additional coverage including timing and scoring will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local (Eastern).

After 13 races, JWM has competed in 12 of them and occupies a respectable 13th in the championship standings, just 50 markers from 11th. This season, the team has amounted three top-10 finishes including a season best of ninth at Salem (Ind.) Speedway. An 11th place qualifying run at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway in June is the team’s best time trials effort to date thus far.

For more information on Josh Williams, his Josh Williams Motorsports team and sponsorship opportunities for the 2012 and 2013 seasons please connect to the team’s official website at Joshwracing.com.

Williams has joined the Twitter crave. Follow and connect with him @Josh02Williams.

August 1, 2012
Welcome Back! Matt Merrell Reunites With Win-Tron Racing For Pocono Sprint

LONG POND, Pennsylvania (August 1, 2012) – – For the first time in over a year, Matt Merrell will return to the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards tour reuniting with Win-Tron Racing for Saturday’s Pennsylvania ARCA 125 at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway.

Even though the reunion is long-overdue, the history between the Portland, Texas native and the Lakeville, Minnesota-based team extends back many years which included competition in the CARS Pro Cup Series (formerly known as the USARacing Pro Cup Series) – it was though last July that the team made magic after Merrell made a late race charge at Berlin (Mich.) Raceway to net his first career ARCA Racing Series win on July 9 after starting third.

Set to roll into the emotions of returning to the ARCA tour, the Texan is eager to prove that despite his lack of presence on the track – he hasn’t forgotten how to wheel the No. 32 Win-Tron Racing Toyota Camry. In fact, before his impressive win in the Great Lakes State, the 2.5-mile triangle was one of Merrell’s sweet stops on the tour as he’s never finished outside the top-10 in his three previous starts.

Before finishing 10th in 2011, the 27-year old additionally boasted two top-five runs including a runner-up performance in the summer event of 2009. But, big things have happened to Pocono since Merrell has tackled the “Tricky Triangle” – including a complete repavement of the track’s surface. Even though he’ll be swimming in new waters this weekend, Merrell is hoping that some of his old tricks will still work on Saturday afternoon.

“First, I’m stoked about being back in a car with the guys at Win-Tron Racing,” said Merrell. “It feels like it’s been literally forever since I’ve been back at the race track. I love this team, I love the series and I love Pocono Raceway. No doubt that a few things have changed since I’ve last been behind the wheel but I’m okay with that. It just gives you the extra incentive to go out there and try and finish right where you left off.”

He added, “Pocono has always been good to me. Three races with two top-fives and three top-10s, I really can’t complain. But, those races have always been over 50 laps – this weekend that won’t be the case. It’s a shootout. But, I like a challenge and I’m looking forward to that opportunity of potentially pulling our No. 32 Win-Tron Racing Toyota Camry back into victory lane.”

Merrell says his long-term goal of returning to the ARCA scene on a more permanent basis looks optimistic.“We have a lot of stuff in the works and it looks promising, but we will see,” he said. “No doubt that a good run at Pocono will help us in those negotiations and we’ll see how everything unfolds. I’m hopeful, that’s for sure.”

Nate Thiesse, co-car owner of Win-Tron Racing offered his sentiments on welcoming Merrell back to the circuit. “There isn’t a driver that we would like to have back in the seat at Pocono Raceway other than Matt,” he said. “He has a gift for that place and has it figured out. I think the repavement of the track will only benefit him. We’re confident that we can go to the track this weekend – be strong out of the box and with his talent and ability our chances are as good as any on Saturday afternoon.”

Merrell is set to make his 25th career ARCA start Saturday afternoon. In his previous 24 starts, he has amassed one win, nine top-fives and 12 top-10 finishes. His best starting position based on speed occurred at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway in June of 2009 where he rolled off second.

The Pennsylvania ARCA 125(50 laps / 125 miles) is the 14th of 20 events on the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 55th ARCA event in Long Pond will be a two-day show. Practice begins Friday, August 3 with an hour and twenty minute session planned from 1:40 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later in the day slated to begin at 5:15 p.m. The event will take the green flag on Saturday, August 4 following the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series’ Pocono Mountains 125 set to launch shortly after 3:00 p.m. The race will be televised live on SPEED with additional coverage including timing and scoring will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local (Eastern).

Further information including driver opportunities with Win-Tron Racing is available by visiting win-tronracing.comor contacting Nate Thiesse at 612.306.1641

About Win-Tron Racing:

Located in Lakeville, Minnesota, Win-Tron Racing is the home of one the most potent ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards single-car operations. Owned by former racers Kevin Cywinski and Nate Thiesse, the team since has acquired the assets of County Joe Racing has become a favorable fixture on the circuit. Since Win-Tron Racing’s inception in 2007, the team has hosted a variety of drivers including leading drivers James Buescher, Blake Bjorklund, Justin Marks and Matt Merrell to their first career ARCA victories. In 2012, the team will begin its sixth year of competition with current drivers Chris Windom, Mason Mingus, Aleks Gregory and Merrell.

August 1, 2012

Stewart Rules at Ohsweken!

[media-credit name=”Bill Oldroyd” align=”alignright” width=”265″][/media-credit]The day started out rainy and cloudy at Ohsweken Speedway, but the closer race time got the clearer the skies became. Until at the close of the draw for qualifying positions, the skies were clear and the temperature was in the 70’s and the chances of rain had disappeared. There was a promise in the air. An excitement among those who had waited a whole year for these two days. The man who had won his first World of Outlaws race a year ago was back in town. He had come from the back to win the A Main in 360 Sprint Car competition on Monday night. What would tonight hold? Would he take another Outlaw victory and start his path towards another record setting end of the year again? Only the night would tell.

The qualifying process at the high-banked, 3/8-mile oval brought anticipation. With the cooler temperatures the engines would make more horsepower. More horsepower translates to more speed. But could they use that speed on the 3/8 mile track. The track record of 12.047 seconds was established by Kraig Kinser on July 30, 2010, and early hot lap speeds were way off of that pace. Qualifying speeds would continue to drop as the track became slower as the night progressed. Quick Time was set by Kraig Kinser with a lap of 13.511 seconds or 99.92 mph. Second fast time would go to Tony Stewart who turned a lap of 13.874 seconds or 97.40 mph with a broken top wing panel. As qualifying progressed times slowed leaving some notable names to the back of the inversion. Names like Sammy Swindell, Joey Saldana, and Cody Darrah.

The heat races were very quick and event free, with the cream rising to the top of the barrell. Heat number one would see Cody Darrah lead all 8 laps to defeat Bill Rose, Lucas Wolfe, Kraig Kinser and track owner Glen Styres. Darrah and Rose would transfer to the Dash as would Kraig Kinser based on his Quick Time of the evening.

The second heat race would be a hard core affair with some of the staunchest racing of the pre main show. Sunday’s winner Donny Schatz would come home ahead of Joey Saldana, James McFadden, Tony Stewart and Chris Steele. Schatz, Saldana and Stewart would advance to the dash. Stewart filling the remaining time spot.

The third heat would see a dominating performance by Sammy Swindell as he held off Chad Kemenah, Kerry Madsen, Dustin Daggett, Michael Parent. Swindell and Kemenah would advance to the Dash.

The final heat would see first surprise of the evening. Jessica Zemken held off a hard charging Craig Dollansky for the victory. Dollansky would hold off a strong side by side challenge from 20 time World of Outlaw Champion Steve Kinser and Tom Huppenen would hold off Shane Ross for the final A Main transfer spot. Zemken and Dollansky would finish out the Dash field.

The Last Chance Showdown saw a field of local competitors putting on a whale of a show for the final four A Main positions. The race was won by Jamie Collard with Travis Cunningham, Keith Dempster and Dain Naida following him to the A Main.

The Dash was a taste of what was to come. The inversion of 4 was drawn putting Bill Rose on the pole and to his outside Craig Dollansky. Neither driver would lead a single lap as third place starter Tony Stewart would take the lead out of 2 and never look back. Stewart would lead all 8 laps of the dash to take the pole holding off Craig Dollansky and Donny Schatz.

The big show was set to go. The 30 laps $10,000 to win A Main came out of the gate like the thoroughbreds that were running it. Tony Stewart would take the lead into one and set sail. Dollansky would close to within a car length in traffic but Stewart would pull away. Stewart ran the thin cushion in 3 and 4. and the middle of the track in 1 and 2. On lap 5 Stewart would have a close call with a lap car and have to jump on the binders nearly hitting it from behind. Dollansky closed right on his rear bumper but Stewart pulled him down the front stretch and again stretched his lead to over a second. All the 2 while with Donny Schatz was challenging for the 2nd spot. In Schatz’s mirror was team mate Steve Kinser who would go three wide for third with Kraig Kinser and Schatz with The King of the Outlaws coming out on the top. When the white flag waved Stewart was safely a half a second in front of Craig Dollansky but Steve Kinser was right there to challenge for 2nd. When the checkers waved and the dust settled it would be Dollansky coming home in second place with Steve Kinser, Kraig Kinser and Donny Schatz the top 5.

This was Stewart’s 3rd sprint car win in as many races and his second of the week. It was also the second year in a row that Stewart had claimed the World of Outlaws race at Ohsweken. His victory last year he credited for propelling him to his 3rd Sprint Cup Championship. If that is the case his competition in the asphalt series best be putting on their big boy pants cause Smoke is coming.

Today, was full of difficulties for the World of Outlaws staff. The broadcast equipment wouldn’t broadcast so the fans were without the voice of one of the best broadcasters in the business Johnny Gibson. They worked tirelessly to get the broadcast going in time for the A Main. It showed a lot. It showed a lot about the staff of the Outlaws and their commitment to the people that they entertain and call fans and friends. It said a lot about their dedication to the sport and the jobs they do. But what spoke the loudest was the silence. Without the voice of Johnny Gibson and just the timing and scoring loop the competition was just numbers. It became black and white and a life very different than what the public is use to. It became obvious that the old saying of you don’t know what you have until it’s gone is true. And without Johnny Gibson the Outlaws were missing a star competitor. A man who races every lap from the booth just like drivers do in the cars. A man whose dedication to the sport and the drivers is second to none. A man’s whose talents and gifts light up all of our lives every race.

It was not much different than the way a young man started a long time ago in Indiana. Not much money but a whole lot of talent and desire. He worked his way into people’s hearts he gained their respect and he took their breath away. That young man went on to accomplish big things, an Indy car championship, 3 Nascar Championships, USAC Silver crown championships. But as one sits at the dirt track having watched him work his magic and display his skills, it becomes painfully obvious that the world of dirt didn’t know what it had until it was gone. Thankfully, Tony Stewart will always call the dirt home, and so far he has continued to find ways to come back and visit.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Qualifying Results: 1) Kraig Kinser, 13.511 Seconds 2)Tony Stewart, 3) Dustin Daggett, 4) Steve Kinser, 5) Lucas Wolfe, 6) James McFadden, 7) Kerry Madsen, 8) Craig Dollansky, 9) Bill Rose, 10) Donny Schatz. 11) Chad Kemenah, 12) Tom Huppenen, 13) Cody Darrah, 14) JoeyVSaldana, 15) Sammy Swindell, 16) Jessica Zemken,17) Glenn Styres, 18) Jamie Collard, 19) Kyle Patrick, 20) Shane Ross.21) Travis Cunningham, 22) Keith Dempster, 23) Mitch Brown, 24) Dain Naida, 25) Mikey Kruchka, 26) Chris Steele, 27) Michael Parent, 28) Dave Dykstra, 29) Jamie Turner, 30) Havard Daniels. 31) Stevin Goldner, 32) Chris Durand, 33) Stan Zanchin.

First Heat Results: ‎1. Cody Darrah, 2. Bill Rose, 3. Lucas Wolfe, 4. Kraig Kinser, 5. Glenn Styres, 6. Travis Cunningham, 7. Jamie Turner, 8. Mike Kruchka, 9. Stan Zanchin

Second Heat Results: ‎1. Donny Schatz, 2. Joey Saldana, 3. James McFadden, 4. Tony Stewart, 5. Chris Steele, 6. Jamie Collard, 7. Keith Dempster, 8. Harvard Daniels

Third Heat Results: ‎1. Sammy Swindell, 2. Chad Kemenah, 3. Kerry Madsen, 4. Dustin Daggett, 5. Michael Parent, 6. Mitch Brown, 7. Kyle Patrick, 8. Stevin Goldner

Fourth Heat Results: ‎1. Jessica Zemken, 2. Craig Dollansky, 3. Steve Kinser, 4. Tom Huppenen, 5. Shane Ross, 6. Dania Naida, 7. Chris Durand, 8. Dave Dykstra

Last Chance Showdown Results: ‎1. Jamie Collard, 2. Travis Cunningham, 3. Keith Dempster, 4. Dain Naida, 5. Mitch Brown, 6. Jamie Turner, 7. Kyle Patrick, 8. Havard Daniels, 9. Stan Zanchin, 10. Mikey Kruchka, 11. Dave Dykstra, 12. Stevin Goldner, 13. Chris Durand

Dash Results: ‎1. Tony Stewart, 2. Craig Dollansky, 3. Donny Schatz, 4. Kraig Kinser, 5. Cody Darrah, 6. Bill Rose, 7. Chad Kemenah, 8. Sammy Swindell, 9. Jessica Zemken, 10. Joey Saldana

A Main Results: ‎1. Tony Stewart 2. Craig Dollansky 3. Steve Kinser 4. Kraig Kinser 5. Donny Schatz 6. Cody Darrah 7. Chad Kemenah 8. Sammy Swindell 9. Kerry Madsen 10. Michael Parent (Hard Charger) 11. Lucas Wolfe 12. Jessica Zemken 13. Tom Happenen 14. Dustin Daggett 15. Chris Steele 16. Jamie Collard 17. Travis Cunningham 18. Shane Ross 19. Joey Saldana 20. James McFadden 21. Glenn Styres 22. Keith Dempster 23. Bill Rose 24. Dain Naida

World of Outlaws Point Standings.

Pos.	Driver	Total	Diff	Wins	Top 5’s	Top 10’s	QT
1	Craig Dollansky	6205	0	6	23	33	8
2	Steve Kinser	6191	-14	3	21	34	0
3	Sammy Swindell	6154	-51	8	19	31	7
4	Donny Schatz	6150	-55	4	17	36	0
5	Joey Saldana	6130	-75	5	16	32	6
6	Kraig Kinser	6059	-146	4	17	32	5
7	Cody Darrah	5771	-434	1	13	22	2
8	Kerry Madsen	5733	-472	3	8	23	1
9	Chad Kemenah	5685	-520	2	8	22	2
10	Lucas Wolfe	5396	-809	0	5	15	1
11	Bill Rose	4920	-1285	0	0	8	0
12	Jason Sides	4006	-2199	0	11	18	0
13	Daryn Pittman	2462	-3743	0	6	13	1
14	Danny Lasoski	2356	-3849	1	5	8	0
15	David Gravel	2310	-3895	0	7	9	4
16	Tim Kaeding	2301	-3904	3	5	10	0
17	Paul McMahan	2221	-3984	1	2	3	0
18	Jac Haudenschild	2054	-4151	0	1	2	0
19	Austen Wheatley	1818	-4387	0	0	2	0
20	Brad Sweet	1779	-4426	1	5	8	1

August 1, 2012

Sage Karam: Driving to the Future

[media-credit name=”Photo Credit: IndyCar.com” align=”alignright” width=”250″][/media-credit]If you don’t know him yet, Sage Karam is the young phenomenal driver competing in the Star Mazda Championship for Andretti Autosport. The Nazareth, Pennsylvania native has amassed numerous accomplishments throughout his young career and has his sights set on a successful future in the world of open-wheel racing. Karam won nine races throughout the 2010 USF2000 Championship and graduated to the Star Mazda Series in 2011. In his rookie season in Star Mazda, Karam won two races and earned the Rookie of the Year award.

The youngest winner in USF2000 and the Star Mazda Championship has six top-five finishes in his sophomore season thus far and will be competing August 4th and 5th at one of his favorite venues on the schedule, Trois-Rivieres. With this list of credentials, the world needs to know one of open-wheels future stars. The Andretti Autosport driver took a few moments to interview with me and provided some great insight on who he is and what makes him a great race car driver.

What attracted you to racing?

“The Andretti’s are my neighbors and my parents were fans of Michael. I guess I was always exposed to IndyCar racing since I was very young.”

What’s your favorite track on the Star Mazda Championship Series schedule?

“That’s a tough question because the series is so diverse. I love the atmosphere of competing at Lucas Oil Raceway during the Indy 500 weekend – that’s huge! From a driver’s standpoint, Toronto brings out the best in you. But the fans at Trois-Rivieres know their racing and pack the stands. I guess it’s difficult to narrow it down to just one! Sorry.”

You were rookie of the year in Star Mazda in 2011, what’s the next big feat you would like to accomplish?

“Well, I am not closing the book on the 2012 Star Mazda Championship yet. We are really hot right now and I am more confident than ever in the car. The Star Mazda series really took my driving to the next level. I know I am prepared for Indy Lights, but if I am forced to stay another year in Star Mazda, I am prepared to do that too.”

Driving for Michael Andretti puts you in an environment with many successful people, how are you able to utilize this to your advantage?

“The expectations at AA are extremely high for every driver and employee on the team. Michael has me in that seat for a reason, if he didn’t believe in me, I wouldn’t be there. With that in mind, I never want to let him down. Everybody kept asking why I was so upset with getting two 2nd places at Edmonton over the weekend, and my response to that is my expectations are higher and my team deserves better. The resources on our team, for a young driver are plentiful. For example, I watched in-cars of RHR and Hinch when we rolled into Edmonton last weekend. Hinch then also took the time to review my in-car at the end of the day on Friday. The chemistry on the team is awesome and everybody works together. Marco always finds time to stop by on race weekends to check on me too. If I do well, he is one of the first people to send me a text or Tweet. It’s a pretty big deal when the Lights team engineers and mechanics stop by to watch your qualifying or race. Michael is at almost every session to observe. I always want to impress him and it probably takes my driving to the level too.”

What is your most cherished memory of your career to date?

“Fortunately, I have a lot of great memories. Some of them include being the first driver to get Michael his first win as owner of the rebranded Andretti Autosport (USF2000 St. Pete 2010). Winning the USF2000 title in the manner we did was awesome too. We set a lot of tracks records in USF2000 and Star Mazda which is always cool. Being the youngest winner of the Skip Barber shootout, and youngest winner in both the USF2000 and Star Mazda series is a milestone too. But probably the thing I take the biggest pride in is back in 2011 when we took a new driver in me, a new car (Star Mazda) for the Andretti Autosport team, and developed the car and driver to a respectable level without a teammate. I was the youngest driver in the series, turning 16 just two weeks before the first race.”

Who is your all time favorite driver and what do you admire about him?

“I grew up watching Michael Andretti and always enjoyed the confidence he demonstrated on the track. I love watching vids of Senna’s races and admire his passion to be the best. Both of these drivers commanded attention.”

A great sportsman never gives up, after starting in the back of the field in the 2nd Toronto race you drove like a man possessed to finish 3rd. Where does your motivation and drive for success come from?

“I guess I am just hardwired for this. We (my sister) were always taught growing up that nothing matters after first place. But we also were taught the value of sacrifice and hard work. I was angry in Toronto we didn’t have another lap so I could win the race. I woke up that Sunday morning (Toronto race #2), and I was looking to my dad for advice. He gives me advice whether I want it or not (haha). I asked him where he thought I’d finish the race since I was starting in last? He knows I am a student of the sport, and he said, “What would Senna do if he were in your shoes?” I knew immediately what my assignment was. Racing means everything to me. It is an everyday thing for me, not just something I do on the weekends or part time. Some drivers want to be a champion today, some tomorrow, for me, it’s an everyday thing. It’s all that I think about. My family has made great sacrifices to get me to this point. My manager and sponsor, Michael Fux, has put a lot of faith in my talent. So, to go out and race without passion and a true desire to win, is senseless to me.”

What is a typical week like for you during the season?

“Every morning, without exception, I meet my dad at the gym and we strength train hard. Then he takes me through a cardio workout of swimming or some type of running. He is my trainer and our relationship actually works out really well. He was Michael Andretti’s trainer when Michael competed. He has trained other drivers and probably the best guy to get you in serious shape. I workout very hard, because I never want to get in the car knowing any other driver outworked me. The very least you can do as a driver, even if you are not that talented, is to show up on race weekends in top shape. After training, I hang with my friends and we usually go fishing four or five days a week. I tried to get a part time job this summer, but nobody would hire me because of my racing schedule. I will be going into 11th grade this fall so my schedule will revolve around academics, tutors, wrestling practice and trying to fit time in for my friends. I usually wash my car once or twice a week and I enjoy keeping it looking sharp. I go on iRacing a couple of times a week to train at upcoming tracks too. I always have to complete a pre-race and post-race report for my engineer from my home computer.”

July 31, 2012
Rahal returns home, looks to continue family success at Mid-Ohio

[media-credit name=”indycar.com” align=”alignright” width=”250″][/media-credit]Graham Rahal will be returning home this weekend to compete in the Honda Indy 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. On August 5th the IZOD IndyCar Series will take to the track in Mid-Ohio for the sixth time, with 2007 being the first year IndyCar sanctioned a race at the venue. The Columbus, Ohio born racer will be looking to have success on a track that has been a place of bad luck for him in the past. In his four visits to the track, Rahal has landed only one top-ten finish (8th in 2009).

Rahal however is coming off a 4th place finish at Edmonton, a result that is tied for his second best finish of the season to date. The #38 Service Central Honda driver is looking to use that momentum from two weekends ago to translate into a great performance at his home track.

“It feels good anytime you can build momentum at any point in the season. Particularly for us at this point, of course going to Mid-Ohio, which is my home race, a place that’s always kind of stumped me. I’ve never really had a great result there,” Rahal says when speaking to IndyCar.com.

The Rahal family knows what success feels like at Mid-Ohio with Graham’s father, Bobby, winning the event in 1985 and 1986. Graham looks to mimic part of his father’s career and win at the road course in Lexington.

“I love the racetrack. There’s a lot of history there in Indy car racing. Certainly with the Rahal family.”

Like any other sporting event, a driver always wants to win on his home turf. Take Aryton Senna’s glorious victory in his home country of Brazil in 1991. The tremendous roars from the crowd that day can only be derived from the hometown hero coming away the victor. Or Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 British Grand Prix victory in the wet where he finished a whopping 68 seconds ahead of second place. “It is definitely and by far the best victory I’ve ever had,” stated Hamilton in regards to winning his home race.

Looking to the weekend, there can be more comfort found for Rahal than just the enthusiasm and luxury of being at home. Of the five IZOD IndyCar races at Mid-Ohio, Rahal’s owner, Chip Ganassi, has won four of them. He has a three-time Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio winning teammate in Scott Dixon and he has recently tested at his home track on July 26th.

Graham Rahal has got momentum, experience, and a team capable of producing a successful result in Mid-Ohio. At a track he loves and a venue he would embrace winning at, maybe this weekend Graham will etch his own history at a place already rich with the Rahal name.

July 30, 2012

Schatz rebounds with Cornwall victory

The World of Outlaws made their first visit to Cornwall Motor Speedway this evening. The high banked 4/10 mile track would hold many surprises for the drivers of the Greatest Show on Dirt; some would be pleasant and some would be not so pleasant. But at the end of the night all would leave with a new respect not only for the track but for the winner as well.

On Saturday Night during the A Main, teammates Donny Schatz and Steve Kinser got into a vicious tangle that would send Donny head on into the end of an inside retaining wall. The impact would send his winged sprint car into a series of wild and vicious flips leaving him in the infield. Schatz who climbed from the car under his own power took a few steps and then went down to his knees on the ground a short distance from the car. Although Schatz would be released by paramedics the impact and the flips were incredibly hard and bone jarring. Late Saturday night Schatz’s True Speed Communications representative would give the following update on his condition, “Donny is a little sore. But he is racing tonight.” During the broadcast by the World of Outlaws it would be reported that Schatz was competing with a shoulder injury. His performance through out the night would not give any indication that 4 time Outlaws Champion Donny Schatz was anything but on his A game.

Qualifying went quickly with the 22 cars turning 10 and 11 second laps. With this being a debut date the quick time would be the new track record and that time would be set by Lucas Wolfe with a lap of 10.246. The top 13 cars would all turn laps within the 10 second range with only .633 seconds separating first from 13th.

The Qualifying would prove eventful for the two female drivers in the field Jessica Zemken and April Wilson. Zemken would experience engine difficulties and have to change engines over to a 360 cu in rather than the 410 cu in engine she began the night with. April Wilson would scratch for the evening before even taking a lap on the track.

The three heat races were exciting and brought surprises of their own. With everyone transferring to the A Main the need to finish as far up as possible became critical to try to capture one of the 4 remaining dash positions to get in that precious top 10 starting spots of the A.

The first heat race was won by Joey Saldana but not without a hard fight from Australian Sprint Car Champion James McFadden. It would be a hard fought race that Saldana would win with no breathing room. McFadden didn’t have any either as he had 20 time World of Outlaws Champion Steve Kinser on his heels. The first big surprise came on lap 6 of the heat. Cody Darrah and McFadden would get together when McFadden would attempt a poorly timed slide job sending Darrah flipping wildly and coming to rest on the top of the back stretch retaining wall. Darrah would walk away but the car would not be so lucky. With massive front and rear damage the team went to the tree house for the back up. Pulling the back up would mean surrendering Darrah’s Dash spot and relegate him to the last starting spot in the A main. McFadden would somehow never come to a stop and continue on putting him back in the second spot that he was challenging Darrah for at the time of the wreck. When the checkers flew, it would be Joey Saldana holding off McFadden and Kinser but Saldana would hurt the engine on the final restart and have to change engines going into the dash his second such surprise of the day.

The second heat would start 4 time Champion Donny Schatz on the front row with Bill Rose. Schatz would pull to the lead and never look back. He would be challenged late in the heat by points leader Craig Dollansky but would hang on for the win. Finishing in third was Sammy Swindell.

The third heat would be the hardest fought of the heat battles. With Kraig Kinser holding off a hard charging Kerry Madsen and Chad Kemenah. Jessica Zemken would start the heat but would pull off at half way with more engine difficulties.

The Dash inversion draw was an 8. This started Schatz and Kraig Kinser on the front row with Kinser taking the pole. Schatz was on a mission and took the lead going into 3 on lap 2. Kinser would have his hands full with a hard charging Kerry Madsen for the entire 8 laps. Joey Saldana whose engine was changed in time to start the dash would pull off the track before half way with a broken rear end. Schatz would win the Dash to start on the pole and set up one of the hardest fought battles of the year with Kraig Kinser.

The A Main was a 40 lap hold your breath sit on the edge of your seat and yell for your favorite kind of race. Donny Schatz took the early lead but Kraig Kinser wasn’t going quietly. He charged at Schatz from the high side and Schatz held him off. He went to the bottom and slid up on Schatz but Schatz turned back under him. He got side by side. He tried everything short of contact to get around Donny Schatz to no avail. Schatz held on in traffic, on clear race track on the straights in the corners. With 8 laps to go Kerry Madsen would spin in 4 and Sammy Swindell would spin in 2 bringing out the only yellow flag of the evening. But not before Kraig Kinser would do a perfect 360 and drop to 5th. On the restart it would be Schatz and Dollansky with a hungry Steve Kinser in third. The green would be a drag race to 1 with Schatz going to the cushion and Dollansky to the inside Kinser would slide high and challenge Dollansky for the second spot and Dollansky would hold him off. All the while Schatz was getting away. Finally coming out of the 4th turn Steve Kinser pulled a perfect slider onto the straight to pass Dollansky and clear him at the line. The game had just changed. Schatz and his teammate would settle this feature. Who would it be, The King or his 4 time champion teammate. It didn’t take long to find out with 2 laps to go Schatz put a lapped car between he and Kinser and pulled out to a second lead. When the checkers fell Kinser would be just 3 car lengths off his bumper with Dollansky right on his and Sammy Swindell looking to Dollansky’s inside. . After the worst possible night on Saturday, Donny Schatz came back to win the debut appearance at Cornwall with the Outlaws. Shoulder pain is no laughing matter for a race car driver no matter what kind of car you drive but for a sprint car driver it’s twice as difficult. But Donny Schatz was there to win. He had the wing pulled all the way back and he was ready to fly. And fly he did. Schatz won every race he drove tonight and won it in convincing style. Proof that heroes are those among us that do what the rest of us don’t believe can be done no matter how bad it hurts or what the risks are.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Qualifying Results 1) Lucas Wolfe 10.246 New Track Record, 2) Craig Dollansky, 3) Kerry Madsen, 4) James McFadden, 5) Sammy Swindell, 6) Chad Kemenah, 7) Cody Darrah, 8) Donny Schatz, 9) Kraig Kinser, 10) Joey Saldana 11) Bill Rose, 12) Michael Parent, 13) Steve Kinser, 14) Devin Caron, 15) Kayle Robidoux, 16) Mike Stetler, 17) Lee Ladouceur, 18) Warren Mahoney, 19) Tyler Rand, 20) Curtis Bradshaw, 21) Jessica Zemken No time posted, 22) April Wilson No time posted.

Heat 1 Results: ‎1) Joey Saldana 2) James McFadden 3) Steve Kinser 4) Lucas Wolfe 5) James Stelter 6) Tyler Rand 7) Cody Darrah

Heat 2 Results: ‎1) Donny Schatz 2) Craig Dollansky 3) Sammy Swindell 4) Devin Caron 5) Lee Ladourceur 6) Bill Rose 7) Curtis Bradshaw

Heat 3 Results: ‎1) Kraig Kinser 2) Kerry Madsen 3) Chad Kemenah 4) Michael Parent 5) Warren Mahoney 6) Jessica Zemken 7) Kayle Robidoux

Dash Results: ‎1) Donny Schatz 2) Kraig Kinser 3) Kerry Madsen 4) Chad Kemenah 5) Lucas Wolfe 6) Craig Dollansky 7) Sammy Swindell 8) James McFadden 9) Bill Rose 10) Joey Saldana

A Main Results: ‎1) Donny Schatz 2) Steve Kinser 3) Craig Dollansky 4) Sammy Swindell 5) Lucas Wolfe 6) Chad Kemenah 7) Kraig Kinser 8) Joey Saldana 9) Michael Parent 10) Cody Darrah 11) James McFadden 12) Bill Rose 13) Kerry Madsen 14) Lee Ladouceur 15) Devin Caron 16) Jim Stelter 17) Warren Mahoney 18) Tyler Rand 19) Jessica Zemken 20) Kayle Robidoux 21) Curtis Bradshaw

KSE Hardcharger of the Race was Cody Darrah coming from 21st to 10th.

World of Outlaw Points standings as of Cornwall.

Pos.	Driver	Total	Diff	Wins	Top 5’s	Top 10’s	QT
1	Craig Dollansky	6059	0	6	22	32	8
2	Steve Kinser	6045	-14	3	20	33	0
3	Sammy Swindell	6020	-39	8	19	30	7
4	Joey Saldana	6018	-41	5	16	32	6
5	Donny Schatz	6010	-49	4	16	35	0
6	Kraig Kinser	5912	-147	4	16	31	4
7	Cody Darrah	5633	-426	1	13	21	2
8	Kerry Madsen	5601	-458	3	8	22	1
9	Chad Kemenah	5549	-510	2	8	21	2
10	Lucas Wolfe	5267	-792	0	5	15	1
11	Bill Rose	4816	-1243	0	0	8	0
12	Jason Sides	4006	-2053	0	11	18	0
13	Daryn Pittman	2462	-3597	0	6	13	1
14	Danny Lasoski	2356	-3703	1	5	8	0
15	David Gravel	2310	-3749	0	7	9	4
16	Tim Kaeding	2301	-3758	3	5	10	0
17	Paul McMahan	2221	-3838	1	2	3	0
18	Jac Haudenschild	2054	-4005	0	1	2	0
19	Austen Wheatley	1818	-4241	0	0	2	0
20	Brad Sweet	1779	-4280	1	5	8	1

July 30, 2012

Zack Jarrell Saving the Ocean One FASCAR Lap at a Time

[media-credit name=”Photo Credit: Barry Vaught/Sea Shepherd” align=”alignright” width=”225″][/media-credit]Nineteen year old FASCAR (Florida Association of Stock Car Auto Racing) racer Zack Jarrell has two passions, driving his race car and saving the ocean, both important parts of his life.

So, it was natural for Jarrell to marry those passions on the race track, flying the conservation organization Sea Shepherd’s Jolly Roger logo on his No. 18 Chevrolet Impala at a recent FASCAR Pro Late Models race at New Smyrna Speedway in his home state of Florida.

“My passion for the ocean really started in high school, “Jarrell said. “I was a little bit of a science major in high school, taking environmental science and marine biology.”

“I actually knew of Paul Watson, founder of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, before I ever knew about the movement against whalers and marine poachers,” Jarrell continued. “So, I learned about his work at the Cove and his documentaries.”

“Later on I saw the TV show Whale Wars, the Animal Planet TV Series, so that interest continued,” Jarrell said. “I live right on the beach and this is something that is close to home to me.”

This young racer sees absolutely nothing strange about his ocean and race car marriage. In fact, he thinks the two actually go hand in hand.

“Race cars these days are very scientific and very technical,” Jarrell said. “The science side of racing is something I’ve always enjoyed.”

“So, having Sea Shepherd on the car was the perfect combination of my passion for racing with my interest in science, all combined into one.”

Jarrell also believes that racing and being out on the ocean, especially enjoying his ocean passion of surfing, engender similar feelings.

“Being on the ocean, it’s a calming feeling,” Jarrell said. “I have the feeling like I belong there.”

“When I’m behind the wheel of the race car, it’s like I’m at home and I belong there,” Jarrell continued. “I feel like it’s meant for me to be there and it comes very naturally to me.”

Jarrell has been racing for quite some time, in fact since 2005 where he started in quarter midgets. In 2007, he started racing stock cars and then trucks at New Smyrna, racing 27 times with one win.

“It was a big culture shock, coming from a quarter midget to a full-size stock car with 450 horse power,” Jarrell said. “I ended up second in points for my first season and was Rookie of the Year.”

“That was a really big deal for me and I really tried hard for that, especially competing against some of the bigger name and bigger budget teams.”

Jarrell continued racing trucks in 2009, however, was unable to run the full season because of sponsorship. In spite of that, he ran sixteen select races and won seven of them.

“It was an amazing feeling showing up at race tracks and having great equipment,” Jarrell said. “But then we had to take the year off for 2010 because we didn’t have the sponsorship and I had a racing injury, a broken leg.”

“So, we decided to let my leg heal and focus on 2011,” Jarrell continued. “We were able to put sponsorship together and went racing in late models for the first time that year.”

“That was a different beast too but I was the happiest kid in the world being back in a race car,” Jarrell said. “I felt like I was back home.”

Jarrell was ‘home’ indeed, proving to many that he still had the ability to get behind the wheel of a race car and win. And this year, Jarrell has seen even more success.

“This year, I couldn’t ask for much more,” Jarrell said. “It’s been the best racing year I’ve ever had.”

“Even though I haven’t won yet, I’m racing in this new series, the Pro Late Model Series, against some of the best drivers I’ve ever seen,” Jarrell continued. “To be able to compete with them and even be mentioned in the same sentence as them, I’m so fortunate.”

“This last race, when I had the Sea Shepherd on board, I finished third, which was an amazing feeling,” Jarrell said. “It gave me a calming sense and I showed everyone I deserved to be out there driving a race car.”

“I was so happy that the race was able to go so well.”

Jarrell has big plans for next year’s season, which includes hopes for either a NASCAR K&N Pro Series ride or competing in the ARCA Series.

“Some new people have been approaching us this week because we are a low budget team and they have been impressed with what we have done in spite of that,” Jarrell said. “I’m proving to people that I can take a low budget car and finish up front with it.”

“I’m very happy,” Jarrell continued. “My only thing is to prove that I deserve to be out there.”

The youngster definitely fashions himself as a NASCAR up and comer, particularly dreaming of one day driving for one of the major teams.

“Growing up, my favorite race car drivers were the whole Hendrick Motorsports team, including Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson,” Jarrell said. “Drivers I’d like to follow are Joey Logano and also the Dillons (Ty and Austin).”

“They are closer to my age and I’ve seen them race at short tracks,” Jarrell continued. “Just to have an opportunity to start in a NASCAR Truck or Nationwide race ultimately, that’s my goal.”

Until he achieves that goal, Jarrell is content to race hard and also do all he can to save the ocean, one lap at a time.

“My career has paralleled the ocean,” Jarrell said. “I feel like when you’re surfing and you have that momentum and you’re getting ready to stand up and ride the wave in.”

“That’s the point I feel that my career is at right now,” Jarrell continued. “I’m just catching the wave and all I need to do is stand up.”

July 29, 2012

Swindell dominates at Outlaws Debut at the Autodrome

[media-credit name=”World of Outlaws” align=”alignright” width=”267″][/media-credit]Sammy Swindell recently found the problem for his so-called slump and he answered it with an emphatic victory on Friday during the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series inaugural visit to Autodrome Granby.

“We’ve kinda been struggling a bit, but we found out we had a car from some of those little skirmishes that we had was a little twisted so our setup wasn’t where it was supposed to be,” he said. “It’s nice to be back in a car that you can just run hard.”

Swindell did just that to dominate for his series-leading eighth feature win of the season in the Outlaws first of six races in Canada this season. He set a blistering pace while claiming the dash and then led all 25 laps of the main event, although it wasn’t decided until the checkered flag.

The fifth-and-final caution of the race came while Swindell was exiting turn four on the final lap, signifying a green-white-checkered finish and erasing nearly a half-a-lap lead.

“I thought well maybe they’d thrown the checkered and I kept looking,” Swindell said. “When I got there it was another yellow, so you have to endure that again. I’ve been bit a few times on that.”

He choose the outside lane and rocketed into a sizeable lead over Joey Saldana, who charged from sixth to second during the first nine laps.

“We chose a pair of 100 tires,” he said. “Sammy had a 200 on the right rear. I would say the longer the race went, the better he got. Early on to get from sixth to second, the 100s got me there and then they fell off at the end.”

There were four cautions, including two red flags, during the opening dozen laps to slow the pace of the main event. Donny Schatz stopped on the backstretch while running in the top 10 on the second lap. After a quick pit stop, he restarted last – 24th – and later finished 10th .

Rick Wilson brought out the second caution of the race on lap eight when he stopped in turn four. Three laps later Kerry Madsen spun in turn two while running 10th and fast qualifier Kraig Kinser tipped over in turn three as the caution started to be displayed, prompting the initial red flag of the event.

The second red flag happened after Alain Bergeron crashed into the frontstretch wall on the restart. Bergeron didn’t flip, but the fuel window was reached and all the teams were able to make changes during the red flag.

Swindell quickly sailed to a large lead on each restart while Saldana held off Cody Darrah for the runner-up position. Steve Kinser found grip on the bottom in the closing five laps and rallied to finish third.

“I was terrible at the beginning of the race,” he said. “I was just too tight. When you’re tight you can’t get no speed up going into (turn) one and lose a position every time. I made it all back up at the end, but not a good way to do it starting on the front row.”

Darrah was fourth and Dollansky placed fifth. Lucas Wolfe was sixth, James McFadden seventh, Chad Kemenah eighth, Jessica Zemken ninth and Schatz rounded out the top 10.

A-Main – (25 Laps) – 1. 1-Sammy Swindell [1] [$10,000]; 2. 9-Joey Saldana [6] [$5,500]; 3. 11-Steve Kinser [2] [$3,200]; 4. 4-Cody Darrah [7] [$2,800]; 5. 7-Craig Dollansky [4] [$2,500]; 6. 5W-Lucas Wolfe [3] [$2,300]; 7. 55X-James McFadden [13] [$2,200]; 8. 63-Chad Kemenah [9] [$2,100]; 9. 1Z-Jessica Zemken [10] [$2,050]; 10. 15-Donny Schatz [8] [$2,000]; 11. 11K-Kraig Kinser [5] [$1,500]; 12. 29-Kerry Madsen [11] [$1,200]; 13. 25-Michael Parent [14] [$1,100]; 14. 6-Bill Rose [12] [$1,050]; 15. 3-Dale Gosslin [23] [$1,000]; 16. 36-Mike Stelter [20] [$900]; 17. 24K-Devin Caron [17] [$800]; 18. 15AW-April Wilson [22] [$800]; 19. 84-Tyler Rand [18] [$800]; 20. 8B-Alain Bergeron [15] [$800]; 21. 46-Kayle Robidoux [21] [$800]; 22. 42W-Rick Wilson [16] [$800]; 23. X2-Curtis Bradshaw [19] [$800]; 24. 422-Etienne Girard [24] [$800]. Lap Leaders: Sammy Swindell 1-25. KSE Hard Charger Award: 3-Dale Gosslin [+8].

Qualifying – 1. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 16.040; 2. 11-Steve Kinser, 16.257; 3. 5W-Lucas Wolfe, 16.269; 4. 1-Sammy Swindell, 16.298; 5. 4-Cody Darrah, 16.317; 6. 7-Craig Dollansky, 16.330; 7. 9-Joey Saldana, 16.339; 8. 63-Chad Kemenah, 16.377; 9. 1Z-Jessica Zemken, 16.494; 10. 29-Kerry Madsen, 16.633; 11. 6-Bill Rose, 16.634; 12. 15-Donny Schatz, 16.634; 13. 55X-James McFadden, 16.740; 14. 25-Michael Parent, 17.049; 15. 8B-Alain Bergeron, 17.332; 16. 42W-Rick Wilson, 17.670; 17. 24K-Devin Caron, 17.738; 18. 84-Tyler Rand, 17.961; 19. X2-Curtis Bradshaw, 18.499; 20. 36-Mike Stelter, 18.501; 21. 46-Kayle Robidoux, 18.565; 22. 15AW-April Wilson, No Time; 23. 3-Dale Gosslin, 18.299; 24. 422-Etienne Girard, 18.074.

Heat 1 – (8 Laps – Top 5 finishers transfer to the A-feature) – 1. 9-Joey Saldana [2]; 2. 11K-Kraig Kinser [4]; 3. 1-Sammy Swindell [3]; 4. 29-Kerry Madsen [1]; 5. 55X-James McFadden [5]; 6. X2-Curtis Bradshaw [7]; 7. 15AW-April Wilson [8]; 8. 42W-Rick Wilson [6].

Heat 2 – (8 Laps – Top 5 finishers transfer to the A-feature) – 1. 63-Chad Kemenah [2]; 2. 4-Cody Darrah [3]; 3. 11-Steve Kinser [4]; 4. 6-Bill Rose [1]; 5. 25-Michael Parent [5]; 6. 36-Mike Stelter [7]; 7. 24K-Devin Caron [6]; 8. 3-Dale Gosslin [8].

Heat 3 – (8 Laps – Top 5 finishers transfer to the A-feature) – 1. 15-Donny Schatz [1]; 2. 1Z-Jessica Zemken [2]; 3. 7-Craig Dollansky [3]; 4. 5W-Lucas Wolfe [4]; 5. 8B-Alain Bergeron [5]; 6. 422-Etienne Girard [8]; 7. 84-Tyler Rand [6]; 8. 46-Kayle Robidoux [7].

Dash – (6 Laps, finishing order determined first 10 starting positions of A-feature) – 1. 1-Sammy Swindell [1]; 2. 11-Steve Kinser [3]; 3. 5W-Lucas Wolfe [2]; 4. 7-Craig Dollansky [6]; 5. 11K-Kraig Kinser [4]; 6. 9-Joey Saldana [7]; 7. 4-Cody Darrah [5]; 8. 15-Donny Schatz [10]; 9. 63-Chad Kemenah [8]; 10. 1Z-Jessica Zemken [9].

World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Top 20 Championship Standings

Pos.	Driver	Total	Diff	Wins	T5	T10	QT
1	Steve Kinser	5781	0	3	19	32	0
2	Craig Dollansky	5762	-19	6	20	30	7
3	Sammy Swindell	5741	-40	8	18	28	7
4	Donny Schatz	5740	-41	3	15	34	0
5	Joey Saldana	5730	-51	4	15	30	6
6	Kraig Kinser	5636	-145	4	15	29	4
7	Cody Darrah	5360	-421	1	12	19	2
8	Kerry Madsen	5344	-437	3	8	21	1
9	Chad Kemenah	5277	-504	2	8	19	2
10	Lucas Wolfe	5003	-778	0	4	14	0
11	Bill Rose	4552	-1229	0	0	7	0
12	Jason Sides	4006	-1775	0	11	18	0
13	Daryn Pittman	2462	-3319	0	6	13	1
14	Danny Lasoski	2356	-3425	1	5	8	0
15	David Gravel	2310	-3471	0	7	9	4
16	Tim Kaeding	2301	-3480	3	5	10	0
17	Paul McMahan	2221	-3560	1	2	3	0
18	Jac Haudenschild	2054	-3727	0	1	2	0
19	Austen Wheatley	1818	-3963	0	0	2	0
20	Brad Sweet	1779	-4002	1	5	8	1

July 28, 2012