First Look: 2014 Chili Bowl Qualifying Nights

TULSA, OK | Jan. 6, 2014 - There is no such thing as an easy night at the Chili Bowl. With 285 entries for the twenty-eight edition of the world's largest indoor Midget race, it's a sure bet that even the "E" Mains on Saturday will stack up like "A" Features anywhere else.

Among the list of 285 entries are 274 confirmed drivers of which 58 are past feature starters, 64 are Chili Bowl Rookies, and six who have already earned the coveted Golden Driller with each one looking for the advantage.

Being that the Tulsa Expo Raceway is ripped up, and rebuilt every year, that "hopeful" advantage comes, for some, in the form of the Speedway Motors Tulsa Shootout. Contested this past weekend, the lineup of 513 drivers showed 23 Chili Bowl entrants, including four-time and defending Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Champion, Kevin Swindell, who circled the Tulsa Expo Raceway 154 green-flag laps after competing in four divisions of Micro Sprint Cars.

STEVE FRANCIS MAKES IT TWO STRAIGHT IN AUSTRALIA LATE MODELS

Collie, Western Australia | Jan. 4, 2013 - The “Kentucky Colonel” Steve Francis has back to back in the first two events of the 2014 Moyle Engines USA Invasion Tour at Quit Collie Speedway Friday night and Manjimup Speedway on Saturday.

NIGHT ONE:
In what many described as a dominating display, Francis led the thirty lap main event from start to finish aboard his Ozmine Racing USA16 BWRC, only being brought back to the field courtesy of a few stoppages throughout the main event.

Twenty four cars were on hand for the opening night of the Invasion Tour with the six heats races producing six different winners. The heat wins going to Francis, Brad Blake, Jason Moyle, Koran Atkinson, Marc Giancola and Lee Watt.

2014 NeSMITH PERFORMANCE STREET STOCK LINE-UP HAS 10 TRACKS IN 5 STATES

CARTERSVILLE, GA | Jan. 4, 2013 - The 2014 Line-Up of NeSmith Performance Parts Street Stock Division Presented By AR Bodies sanctioned tracks shows ten tracks in five states. Drivers will compete for a point fund at their weekly track, plus a National point fund where they will compete against each other using a points system over a 27-week period from March 24 through September 28.

The Top 10 drivers in the 2014 NeSmith Performance Parts Street Stock Division Presented By AR Bodies National point standings will divide a $5,000 point fund and the Champion will pocket $2,000. 

Dillon Determined But Donny Does It - Schatz Wins World Series Sprintcars Round 6

Archerfield, Queensland AU | Jan. 4, 2013 - 5 times World of Outlaws Champion Donny Schatz won the 30 lap A-Main for Round Six of ENZED World Series Sprintcars at Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway tonight but not before South Aussie Luke Dillon impressed the strong Queensland crowd on hand by leading most of the race.

Schatz led home Dillon in second, James McFadden third, Andrew Scheuerle fourth, Bryan Mann fifth, Luke Oldfield sixth, Brent April seventh, Jason Sides eighth, David Murcott ninth, Brooke Tatnell tenth, Daniel Pestka eleventh, Jamie Veal twelfth, David Muir thirteenth, Danny Reidy fourteenth, Shane Stewart fifteenth, Garry Brazier sixteenth, Peter Lack seventeenth, Dylan Jenkin eighteenth and Terry Bracken nineteenth.

Steven Lines was classified as a DNF when he unfortunately blew a motor within sight of the last lap.

Casey’s General Stores Signs On with Midwest Open Wheel Sprints

Jan. 2, 2013 - Officials of the Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) are pleased to announce a partnership with Casey’s General Stores that will make Casey’s the presenting sponsor for the 2014 MOWA Sprint Car Series Presented by Casey’s General Stores.

The series will soon release a 2014 schedule of over 25 events in Illinois, Southeast Iowa, Eastern Missouri and Western Indiana. Entering its fourth season, the MOWA Sprint Car Series Presented by Casey’s General Stores features some of the best 410 winged sprint car action in the Midwest and averaged nearly 30 cars per event in 2013. The partnership with Casey’s General Stores will bring added awards and incentives for teams that regularly participate in series events.

BEITLER LANDS GRAYS HARBOR RACEWAY CONTRACT!

Elma, WA | Jan. 2, 2013 - This morning, Grays Harbor County Commissioners awarded the operations and promotions contract for Grays Harbor Raceway to Funtime Promotions of Burlington, Washington. Funtime Promotions is owned by Steve Beitler whose other interests include Skagit Speedway in Alger, WA.

After a two month application and bidding process, Beitler will take over the beautiful 3/8mi for the next 3 years. We at Dirt Dog think this will bring some much needed strategic planning and cooperation to the Washington State dirt racing scene.

Boespflug To Make Midget Debut At Chili Bowl

by Petersen Media 
Hanford, CA | Dec. 24, 2013 - After having a very strong year in the sprint car ranks, Hanford, CA driver, Chad Boespflug is excited to make his midget debut at the Chili Bowl Midget National’s aboard one of Bill Ecker’s RAB Racing entries.

“I am very excited to get behind the wheel of a midget at the Chili Bowl,” Boespflug said. “It is something I’ve always wanted to do, and I am really looking forward to getting to Tulsa, and shaking them down.”

The RAB Racing team had a very strong 2013 as they picked up the prestigious Kokomo Klash with midget ace, Shane Cottle behind the wheel, and over the coarse of the year, Brad Kuhn piloted their machine to the 2013 Badger Series Championship.

“The team had a great 2013, and I’m hoping I can make them proud at the Chili Bowl, and hopefully do some more midget racing in 2014,” Boespflug said.

Kasey Kahne To Pilot Jason Leffler Tribute Car In Chili Bowl Midget Nationals

Tony Stewart Racing & Beast Enterprises To Host Racecar Giveaway, Charles Dean Leffler Discretionary Trust Fundraiser Promotion

INDIANAPOLIS, IN | Dec. 20, 2013 – Tony Stewart Racing and Beast Enterprises announced today NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kasey Kahne has joined the star-studded field for the 28th annual Chili Bowl Midget Nationals presented by General Tire Jan. 14-18 at the Tulsa (Okla.) Expo Center. Kahne will pilot the No. 71 Jason Leffler Tribute/Chevrolet/Beast being entered by the late Jason Leffler and Julianna Patterson.

“Jason Leffler was a good buddy of mine and it’s neat that Bob East and Tony Stewart asked me to drive his tribute car in this year’s Chili Bowl,” Kahne said.

Race fans will have an opportunity to win the car – not including the engine – that Kahne will drive in this year’s Chili Bowl by registering online http://www.starnetdp.com/Charlie-ChiliBowll/intro.html. Stewart drove the same car in the Chili Bowl in 2012 and 2013. A random drawing following the Chili Bowl will determine one winner who will become the new owner of the racecar, built specifically for use indoors. No purchase or donation is necessary to enter.

Cali Civil War Sprint Car Series Presented by Flowmaster Geared Up For Aggressive 13 Race Season

Aptos, CA | Dec. 20, 2013 - On the heels of a very competitive Civil War Sprint Car Series Presented by Flowmaster in 2013, the Prentice Motorsports Group has taken command in 2014, and has put together a very competitive13 race schedule traveling to eight different tracks.

“We are very excited with the Civil War Sprint Car Series Presented by Flowmaster in 2014,” President of PMG, John Prentice said. “We have some really big events that boast a very nice payday, and we are excited with the start we are off to with Flowmaster coming on board on top of a nice schedule.”

Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals nearing 250 entries

by Bryan HulbertTULSA, Okla. | Dec. 17, 2013 - From every corner of the racing world, the names are pouring onto the entry list for the 29th Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire. With construction of the Tulsa Expo Raceway underway inside the River Spirit Expo Center, entries are creeping near the 250 mark with 236 entered prior to the December 17 discounted entry deadline.

Included in the latest wave of entries is the name that’s haunted the dreams of Golden Driller hopefuls over the last five years.

Payton Pierce Ends Rookie Sprint Car Campaign with Success!

Bridgeport, Texas | Dec. 17, 2013 – After 22 races at 11 different tracks in four states, Payton Pierce has closed out his rookie year in sprint cars. Running cars like outlaw kart, micros, and midgets, the 305 sprint car was a completely different animal for the young driver. While running his family owned 305 sprint car throughout the Texas area, Pierce was able to start every A-Main and win three of those. Only marking the start of what should be a lengthy and great career for the Bridgeport native.

Pierce was able to be blessed throughout the entire year with amazing races, sponsorship help, and much more. Gaining experience and knowledge while racing week in and week out, the team bonded together and learned a lot about not only each other, but the car and tracks as well. Not only did Pierce run 22 races throughout the year, but even promoted a non-wing 305 sprint car race at Boyd Raceway.

Andy Gregg and Russell Motorsports Land Mike’s Hard Lemonade Sponsorship

by Petersen Media 
California | Dec. 17, 2013 - After having a very successful end of the 2013 season with Scott Russell and his Russell Motorsports No. 14R, Andy Gregg is very excited to announce he will be aboard Russell’s machine full time in 360ci competition in 2014, and the team is thrilled to announce they have landed Mike’s Hard Lemonade as a primary sponsor for the season.

“I am thrilled to be back aboard Scott Russell’s car in 2014, and both of us are very excited to have Mike’s on board as one of our main sponsors.”

Kruseman Motorsports among latest teams to enter the Chili Bowl

by Bryan Hulbert 

TULSA, OK | Dec. 15, 2013 -  Every year the list of drivers that make up the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire becomes more diverse. Whether dirt, asphalt, or a mixture of the two, drivers that make their way to the clay of the Tulsa Expo Raceway each carry a back story unlike any other event in modern-day motorsports.

With just under a month until the first green flag falls, entries for the 28th running of the world’s largest indoor Midget Sprint Car race are closing in on the 200 mark with 177 between 119 owners confirming their run at the Golden Driller.

Increasing to 37 past feature starters, Cory Kruseman is among the latest Champions to add his name to the roster. Twice a Lucas Oil Chili Bowl winner in 2000 and 2004, Kruseman’s first Chili Bowl “A” Feature start came in 1998. Second only to Sammy Swindell in terms of best average finish in the Chili Bowl’s championship event, Kruseman’s record includes six podium appearances and just as many top fives’ to go along with nine top tens’. Kruseman also has seven preliminary night victories to his credit. Kruseman’s 2013 season included 5 victories.

In addition to his own Lucas Oil No. 21k, Cory’s name will be attached to a total of five entries, including a trio of Chili Bowl Rookies, and one seat still open for business.

2014 USAC NATIONAL SCHEDULES ANNOUNCED

Indianapolis, IN | Dec. 15, 2013 - USAC’s National racing schedules were announced today and distributed at the annual Performance Racing Industry trade show in Indianapolis, Ind.

The Silver Crown, AMSOIL National Sprint Car and Honda National Midget schedules contain 71 events in 16 states, beginning with the February 20-21-22 “Winter Dirt Games” Sprint races in Ocala, Fla. and concluding with the November 27 “Turkey Night Grand Prix” Midget race at Perris, Calif.

The Honda USAC National Pavement Midget schedule is currently being finalized and will be released soon.

2014 USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR PREVIEW & SCHEDULE

By Lance Jennings
PEORIA, AZ | DEC. 13, 2013 - After a successful campaign, USAC SouthWest Sprint Car Series Director Kevin Montgomery has released the 2014 schedule. Showcasing thirty-nine nights of action, the Arizona based group will start with the "3rd Annual Winter Challenge" and close with the $7,500-to-win "Western World Championships" at Canyon Speedway Park. In addition, the traditional sprint cars will clash in the special events like the “Grudge Series,” “Freedom Tour,” and “Border Tour” in Nevada, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, and California.

Quincy Raceways Announces Tentative 2014 Schedule With Increased Late Model Payout

by Jack Walbring
QUINCY, IL | Dec. 14, 2013 - Quincy Raceways has scheduled 26 nights of racing for the 2014 season. The schedule remains in the “tentative” stage as a few special events are still waiting to be booked which will require some minor modifications.

In addition, the track would like to give each of the weekly classes one or two nights off during the season so that teams can schedule vacations or make other plans. Those nights are not reflected on the tentative schedule for some classes and will be determined based on feedback and further scheduling of special events.

2014 Lucas Oil ASCS National Lineup

INDIANAPOLIS, IN | Dec. 14, 2013 - Expanding the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by MAVTV American Real in more way than one, the national arm of the American Sprint Car Series will potentially see 65 dates, if not more in 2014 with several new venues in the works as well as returns to tracks not seen in over ten years.

Spanning across 15 states and 32 municipalities already, the lineup for the series 23rd season of operation will see new facilities added to the record books of the Lucas Oil ASCS presented by MAVTV American Real. Along with the expanded schedule over 2013’s lineup of 55 dates, expanded tow-money will be offered with the top 12 in owner-points now eligible for tow-money.

With only a hand full of dates still needing to be finalized, the series will see a return to California with dates in May before heading up to Oregon’s Cottage Grove Speedway.

54th Annual FVP Knoxville Nationals to be aired on MAVTV

KNOXVILLE, IA | Dec. 14, 2013 - Knoxville Raceway today is proud to announce the most prestigious sprint car race in the world has a new television partner, MAVTV, for the 54th Annual FVP Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s General Store.

Knoxville Raceway’s General Manager, Brian Stickel says the addition of MAVTV broadcasting the Nationals will allow us to capture a larger audience via their network. The Knoxville Nationals will race August 6th-9th and the race will be shown on a delay in September on MAVTV. MAVTV is available in 60 Million households.

Owned and operated by Lucas Oil Products, MAVTV is a television network with its roots deep in the automotive world. With an unparalleled line-up of motorsports events and exclusive automotive reality shows, MAVTV is the answer for motorheads from all walks of life. But MAVTV is much more than a motorsports destination, with original action/adventure programming, live MMA and an unbelievable library of blockbuster movies – MAVTV is a network the whole family can enjoy. A network by the people and for the people, made in in America and American Real.

TALLADEGA SHORT TRACK TO HOST NeSMITH STREET STOCK SUMMER NATIONAL SHOOTOUT

INDIANAPOLIS, IN | Dec. 13, 2013 - NeSmith Racing officials announced today at the Performance Racing Industry Show that Talladega Short Track in Eastaboga, AL will host the NeSmith Performance Parts Street Stock Summer National Shootout on July 19. The event will consist of two $1,000-to-win races, plus a Non-Qualifiers Race.

Drivers competing in the NeSmith Performance Parts Street Stock National Shootout will receive points towards the NeSmith Performance Parts Street Stock Division Presented By AR Bodies National Championship. The event will be co-sanctioned by the Mississippi Street Stock Series, and drivers will receive points for that series as well.

Old Man's Garage Joins Ray Cook's Spring Nationals Series as Title Sponsor

Schaeffer Oil will Also be Presenting Sponsor of Second-Year Southern Tour

By Chris Tilley, Southern Nationals PR
BRASSTOWN, NC (December 13, 2013) - The Ray Cook-promoted Spring Nationals Series is extremely pleased to announce that Old Man's Garage will join the second-year tour as the title sponsor for the next three seasons.

The Rainbow City, AL based company will join the Spring Nationals Series as title sponsor for the next three seasons and will also become the presenting sponsor of the 10th Anniversary running of the Schaeffer's Oil Southern Nationals series.