ALLISON, Iowa – The sights and sounds of dirt track racing will fill the air this summer at the historic Butler County Fairgrounds in Allison, Iowa, as officials from the Highway 3 Raceway have unveiled their 2012 schedule of events for the upcoming season.

After more than a decade of hosting a handful of special events throughout the year, the 2012 calendar includes seventeen nights of racing action on the half-mile clay oval.

Weekly Saturday night events will feature four classes of racing machines sanctioned by the United States Racing Association – USRA A-Mods, USRA Stock Cars, USRA B-Mods and USRA Hobby Stocks – and well-known face will oversee the racing operations as Larry Flaws has been hired to run the day-to-day operations of the popular speedplant.

“This is a great opportunity to work for a couple of top notch racing facilities,” said Flaws, who will also co-promote Friday night shows at the Mineral City Speedway in Fort Dodge, Iowa. “Both tracks provide fast and exciting racing, and both facilities are very spectator friendly and set up for the fans to enjoy racing without a bad seat in the house.

“All race cars and haulers pit on the outside of the track which allows fans to see everything. They also have great concessions that offer some of the best sandwiches, pizza and snacks around. For the drivers, they can look forward to one of the best-prepared racing surfaces in the region and, without a doubt, one of the best points funds of any track around.”

USRA A-Mods will compete for a track points fund worth up to $1,500 to the season champion. USRA Stock Cars will compete for $600 to win the points battle while USRA B-Mods and USRA Hobby Stocks will each square off for a $500 to the 2012 track champion.

The USRA A-Mods will utilize the “alternative” rules package for Modifieds, while all other USRA rules will apply to all four classes.

In addition to the USRA Weekly Racing Series headlining the Saturday night festivities at the Highway 3 Raceway, several major special events are also on tap. The USMTS Modifieds will make three pilgrimages to the track in 2012 while the USRA Iron Man Challenge for Stock Cars and B-Mods will be featured four times.

“Having these special series which use the same basic rules package as our weekly classes should give the drivers that support our track week in and week out a strong advantage when the ‘big boys’ come to town, Flaws added. “But whether it is a weekly show of a big money USMTS race, we guarantee that the fans will be treated to the best racing around and each and every driver will be treated like a professional and given the same red carpet treatment as the next.”

The 2012 season will kick off on Saturday, April 21, for the first points race of the USRA Weekly Racing Series. The Season Championship is slated for Saturday, Aug. 11.

2012 HIGHWAY 3 RACEWAY SCHEDULE:

Sat Apr 21 … USRA Weekly Racing Series Season Opener.
Sat May 5 … USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Sat May 12 … USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Sat May 19 … USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Thu May 24 … USMTS Casey’s Cup Qualifier plus USRA Iron Man Challenge for B-Mods and Stock Cars.
Sat Jun 2 … USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Tue Jun 19 … Butler County Fair Race – USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Fri Jun 29 … USMTS National Championship Series plus USRA Iron Man Challenge for B-Mods.
Sat Jul 14 … USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Sat Jul 21 … USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Tue Jul 24 … Great American Stock Car Challenge – USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Wed Jul 25 … Great American Stock Car Challenge – USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Sat Aug 4 … USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Sat Aug 11 … Season Championships – USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Thu Aug 30 … USMTS Hunt for the Casey’s Cup plus USRA Iron Man Challenge for B-Mods and Stock Cars.
Fri Oct 5 … Fall Challenge – USRA Iron Man Challenge for B-Mods and Stock Cars.
Sat Oct 6 … Fall Challenge – USRA Iron Man Challenge for B-Mods and Stock Cars.

Unless otherwise noted, all USRA Weekly Series events feature USRA A-Mods, USRA Stock Cars, USRA B-Mods and USRA Hobby Stocks. Gates open at 5 p.m., hot laps start at 6:30 and racing begins at 7.

Regular weekly ticket prices are $10 for adults, $3 for kids ages 6-12 and children under 6 get in for free. Pit passes are $25. Ticket prices may be higher for special events.

The Highway 3 Raceway is located 0.3 miles north of SR 3 on S. Main St. (at the Butler County Fairgrounds). For more information or to inquire about sponsorships for the 2012 racing season, call Larry Flaws at 515-297-1691 or check out www.highway3raceway.com online.

To learn more about the USRA, visit www.usraracing.com or call 515-832-6000. You can also like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usraracing or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/usraracing.

CONCORD, NC – After a long off-season without any racing action behind the wheel of his ground-pounding Modified since early November, Andy Seuss is more than ready to get an early start on the 2012 season. His first on-track action will come with a few nights of action during the famed World Series of Asphalt Racing at New Smyrna Speedway next week.

“The deal came about because of boredom, basically,” explained Seuss. “The winter months are long and everybody wants to go racing. We thought we’d pull our old No. 70 out and go back down there. It’s the only place racing this time of year and it’s a lot of fun. There’s warmer weather and you get to go racing a few nights in a row. To get up day after day and get to go racing down there is like a racer’s dream. It was real nice when we used to go down and run for the whole points deal, but this time we’ll just go down for the last few nights and try to win the Richie Evans Memorial 100.”

Seuss is no rookie of the nine-night extravaganza; he’s a former champion of the event. The 2007 title was a catalyst for Seuss’ subsequent success.

“Not only was it a highlight to win a championship there, but when you look at all the names that have won there and the success that goes with it, that championship really sprung my career forward. That’s what did it for me. It got me noticed by some owners and probably got me to where I am today, first with Riggs Racing and now with Ideal Racing.”

It’s often said that racing is a family sport, and the Seuss family is the epitome of that idea. With the blue and white colors of his family business emblazoned upon the side of his No. 70 ride, Seuss will try to take his family to victory lane again at New Smyrna Speedway, but only after getting a little work in first.

“We’ll all be going down there,” said Seuss. “Our family is pretty tight-knit. We’ve got to do some work before we leave. We have to get our family business, Rockingham Boat, ready for the Boston Boat Show. That’s the main reason why we don’t go down there for the points anymore. We’ll take care of family business first, then we’ll all hop into the hauler and head down to New Smyrna.”

But not only will it be his family team making the trip to central Florida with him, Seuss has assembled a crew from all walks of his racing life including his NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour car owners.

“We’re going down there with a little bit of everybody, from people who help on my dirt Sprint Car to guys from Ideal Racing like (owners) Eddie and Howard Harvey. We’re looking forward to just getting along with everybody and having a good time.”

Beyond the upcoming World Series of Asphalt Racing at New Smyrna, Seuss is already focused on the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour 2012 schedule.

“We’re really looking forward to that,” said Seuss. “We’ve got a brand-new car in our stable for the bigger tracks, the red car that we won a few races with and the Riggs car that we love – our Caraway car. We’ve got a really, really good combination for this year.”

Andy Seuss will take on the final four nights of New Smyrna Speedway Speedweeks action next week, ending with the Richie Evans Memorial 100. Follow the progress of the Lee Vinal Excavating, Phoenix Pre-Owned and Triad Auto No. 70 live on Speed51.com’s Trackside Now coverage as well as throughout the week on the live Speed 51 Radio broadcasts at Speed51.com.

For more on Andy Seuss, please contact Matt Kentfield at 51 Sports at Matt@51sports.net, or visit his website at www.andyseuss.net.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The X.CELERATED SPORTS ACTION NETWORK (XSAN) has reached an agreement with Southern New Mexico Speedway promoter Royal Jones to broadcast the 17th Annual Winter Meltdown and Chub Daniels Memorial featuring USRA Modifieds on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 2-4, for FREE as an XSAN SUPERCAST live video presentation in partnership with Ustream.

Friday and Saturday will be qualifying nights for the USRA Modifieds with Sunday being the big money day with a huge $10,000 grand prize and $1,200 minimum to each competitor starting the “A” Main.

The XSAN SUPERCAST will bring this open wheel dirt track racing modified bonanza to life with the its well known high-quality video and production that XSAN is known for. XSAN SUPERCAST is an at-the-track documentary-like production that features DRIFT point-of-view cameras, MOTORSTATS.com live timing and scoring during select events, New Vision Graphics Sound of the Pits, RACEceiver RaceTrax and more.

In 2011, XSAN reached an agreement with Ustream – the leader in live, interactive and online streaming – for live dirt track racing pay-per-view and live events. The Winter Meltdown is the first foray for the partnership to bring a crown jewel live dirt track event to the masses for FREE with extensive promotion and support from Ustream promotional avenues.

“It is time,” stated XSAN Producer Barry Braun. “We have featured other forms of action sports for free and have seen the results with the aggressive and successful marketing efforts of Ustream that we can get the sport of dirt track racing to an audience that surpasses broadcast television. It is a true team effort between XSAN, Ustream and the Southern New Mexico Speedway to spearhead an effort to grow and promote this sport to the masses.”

Participating sponsors helping bring the XSAN SUPERCAST of the 17th Annual Winter Meltdown and Chub Daniels Memorial include Tiger Rear Ends, FK Rod Ends, GRT Race Cars and the Dirt Track Racing School. Interested sponsors that would like major national exposure for this event can contact XSAN at 218-220-9561 or barry@racexr.com.

To learn more about the X.CELERATED ACTION SPORTS NETWORK (XSAN) visit www.xsan.tv online.

The Southern New Mexico Speedway is a 3/8-mile semi-baked clay oval located 11 miles west of Las Cruces at the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds. Take exit 132, go left and take the frontage road south of I-10 heading west. For more information call 575-524-7913 or visit www.snmspeedway.com online.

To learn more about the USRA, visit www.usraracing.com or call 515-832-6000. You can also like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usraracing or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/usraracing.

Silver Bay, MN – The X.CELERATED SPORTS ACTION NETWORK (XSAN) has reached an agreement with Southern New Mexico Speedway promoter Royal Jones to feature the USRA Modified sanctioned 17th Annual Winter Meltdown and Chub Daniels Memorial on March 2-4, 2012, for FREE as an XSAN SUPERCAST live video presentation in partnership with Ustream.

The XSAN SUPERCAST will bring this open wheel dirt track racing modified bonanza to life with the its well known high-quality video and production that XSAN is known for. XSAN SUPERCAST is an at-the-track documentary-like production that features DRIFT point-of-view cameras, MOTORSTATS.com live timing and scoring during select events, New Vision Graphics Sound of the Pits, RACEceiver RaceTrax, and more.

In 2011, XSAN reached an agreement with Ustream, the leader in live, interactive, and online streaming for live dirt track racing pay per view and live events. The Winter Meltdown is the first foray for the partnership to bring a crown jewel live dirt track event to the masses for FREE with extensive promotion and support from Ustream promotional avenues.

“It is time,” stated XSAN Producer Barry Braun. “We have featured other forms of action sports for free and have seen the results with the aggressive and successful marketing efforts of Ustream that we can get the sport of dirt track racing to an audience that surpasses broadcast television. It is a true team effort between XSAN, Ustream, and the Southern New Mexico Speedway to spearhead an effort to grow and promote this sport to the masses.”

Participating sponsors helping bring the XSAN SUPERCAST of the 17th Annual Winter Meltdown and Chub Daniels Memorial include: Tiger Rear Ends, FK Rod Ends, GRT Race Cars, and the Dirt Track Racing School. Interested sponsors that would like major national exposure for this event can contact XSAN at 218-220-9561 or barry@racexr.com

More information on the 17th Annual Winter Meltdown and Chub Daniels Memorial can be found at: www.snmspeedway.com.

To learn more about the X.CELERATED ACTION SPORTS NETWORK (XSAN) visit www.xsan.tv online.

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – Rocky Mountain Raceways, an ASA Member Track in West Valley City, UT, is entering their 16^th season of racing in 2012. In the first 15 years, they have been building champions including the 2010 ASA Member Track National Champion Bryan Wordelman.

They may have another star on the rise at the 0.375-mile asphalt oval, and she is already a two-time track champion.

Kori Combs is only 19-years-old and won the Mini Cups division at RMR’s super oval in 2010 and 2011. Last year, she won seven feature events en route to her championship. After conquering the Mini Cup division she hopes to do the same as she moves up to compete in the Maverik Modified division this season.

“We are still looking for some sponsors to compete the entire season, but we are also looking ahead,” Combs said. “You will see me out there though, I can promise you that.”

Believe it or not, she really didn’t care about racing until her family moved from Illinois to Utah. “My family owned a go-kart track when we lived in Illinois, and to be honest I didn’t enjoy racing very much,” Combs recalled. “So when we moved away from it in 2005 I didn’t miss it at first. One day I just said to my dad, ‘I want to race, but I don’t want to be in a go-kart. I want a roll cage over me.’ And he did a little research and we found the Mini Cup class. Racing is sort of in our blood; it’s the Combs Family genes. My grandpa still races when he gets the chance.”

From that point on, she has become one of the toughest competitors in the Mini Cup divisions at RMR, especially the last two years where she captured the track championship.

In 2011 alone, she won 83% of the events she competed in with her worst finish being a fourth in a heat race. Her worst finish in a feature event was second, and that only happened twice.

Today, she is attending Utah State University and has a goal of becoming a teacher, with a minor as a racecar driver. “I am finishing my Generals up right now, and then I will go to school to be a teacher. What kind of teacher? I have no idea; I am being pulled right now toward Elementary Special Ed or just plain Elementary. But that could be because I am currently working in Special Ed at an Elementary School. So we will see where I get led to, I guess,” Combs explained. “One future goal is to make it big time in racing, of course! But I know that is not very likely to happen, so I hope to finish school and get a career somewhere in education. I will continue to race, too. That’s something I’m afraid I won’t be able to shake.”

Being a driver has also taught her a life lesson as well, “I have learned to not let the negative things others say influence who I am. There’s always going to be someone who wants you to fail, you can’t let them get to you,” Combs said. “It has also taught me patience and great determination. My first year of racing, my dad would tell me all the time to not make up too much of a game plan when I’m off the track. But, just feel the situation out because as soon as you’re out there your strategy will go right out the window. That’s a great way to look at what’s going on in life; you just have to take it as you go.”

She enjoys competing at RMR and under the ASA Member Track banner. “I haven’t competed anywhere else, so RMR is home for me,” Combs said. “The crew out there has been great to me and as far as I know, it’s a great track to race at each week. And it’s true, ASA does build champions!”

“Kori is a fantastic young racer and a wonderful ambassador for our sport. She is coming off two season championships in 2010 and 2011 and has decided to move up into our Modified division for 2012,” Mike Eames, RMR General Manager said. “Kori’s dad, Mike, will make sure that she keeps her nose clean and out of trouble on the track. Kori has an infectious smile and is a joy to be around. I look forward to see how she handles this new challenge in her racing career.”

Fans can learn more about Rocky Mountain Raceways by visiting www.rmrracing.com.

To learn more about the ASA Member Tracks and Sanctioned Series in your area, please visit www.asa-racing.com. Follow ASA Racing on Facebook at www.facebook.com/american.speed.assoc and on Twitter at @ASA_Racing.

You can also look for the nearest ASA Member Track, get the weekend schedule, ASA Series information right on your smartphone by downloading the ASA Racing App for the iPhone and Android phones for free. Just search for ASA Racing on iTunes and the Android Market and get the app today for FREE!

The American Speed Association started as a single racing series in 1968 and is a fast growing racing sanctioning body today. The ASA Member Track program sanctions dirt and asphalt short tracks along with road courses around the United States, as well as a variety of regional and national touring series. For more information call (386) 258-2221, or send an email to info@asa-racing.com. The latest news and information from all the
racetracks and tours involved in the ASA can be found by visiting www.ASA-Racing.com.

ASA®, ASA Racing®, American Speed Association® are registered trademarks of Racing Speed Associates, LLC.

Barberville, Fla. -Last year at Volusia Speedway Park, Craig Dollansky thought he had a couple of wins but saw them disappear. On Thursday, ‘The Crowd Pleaser’ charged from his eighth starting spot to pass Daryn Pittman on a lap 9 restart to take the lead and went on to score the win on the second night of the University of Northwestern Ohio All Star Circuit of Champions competition at the 41st Annual UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment.

“It was a beautiful race track tonight?they worked hard on it was racey..obviously if I came from eighth. This was a total team effort,” said Dollansky beside his Big Game Tree Stands, Aggressive Hydraulics, Aeroquip Performance Products backed #7. “This one is for Anita Zwern she was the biggest World of Outlaws fan?the biggest sprint car fan in the world.”

“Last year we led a lot of laps here?we should have come out of here with at least two wins. So to get a win here to night heading into the World of Outlaw race is huge,” added Dollansky of his sixth career UNOH All Star win and his fourth career win at Volusia.

Current UNOH All Star point leader, who opened the series with a win a week ago in Georgia, was disappointed with his runner-up finish aboard his Heffner Racing, Lelands.com backed #27.

“To lead that many laps and not win. We just got beat. During that caution (lap 9), I heard a seven car was in second on the radio. I was waiting to hear if it was a 7s or 7. If it was the 7s (Jason Sides) I knew he would be on the bottom. Then I saw it was the 7 (Dollansky) and I knew he would be up top. After he passed me I went up there and tried to get to him but it was too late,” said Pittman.

Wednesday night’s winner Danny Lasoski, who has won more sprint car races at Volusia than any other driver, would come home third.

“I’m happy with a third with our own car. I have to thank Penske Shocks, Kistler Engines and Triple X along with Todd Creason and Tony Ross for getting us down here,” said Lasoski beside his Klein Motors and RVs backed #33.

Daryn Pittman and Cody Darrah would bring the field of 24 to the green with Pittman grabbing the top spot over Lasoski. Dollansky was flying around the top, passing cars wholesale as he moved from eighth to third in the first lap. Dollansky would take second on the second circuit. As Pittman continued to lead, Lasoski would battle back to challenge Dollansky for second with Cody Darrah and Brad Sweet in tow. Pittman would hit the back of the pack on lap eight and this allowed both Dollansky and Lasoski to close.

The first caution would fly on lap nine as three time UNOH All Star champion Tim Shaffer spun in turn two. Dollansky narrowly escaped disaster as he squeezed between the spinning Shaffer and the outside wall. The restart order was Pittman, Dollansky, the lapped machine of Glenn Styres, Dollansky, Sweet, Darrah, Greg Hodnett, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Joey Saldana, Kraig Kinser and Steve Kinser, up from 17th. During the caution, three time series champion Dale Blaney would go to the work area and was unable to restart.

On the ensuing restart, Dollansky would blast to the outside and take the lead while Darrah moved into third as Lasoski fell to fourth and Hodnett moved into fifth. That would remain the running order until lap 14 when Lasoski regained the third position.

Dollansky would hit lapped traffic by the 17th circuit but held a 1.25 second lead over Pittman with Lasoski, Darrah and Hodnett in tow. As Dollansky tried to negotiate through the traffic, Pittman slowly reeled him in and with five laps to go, was on the leader’s rear bumper. Dollansky and Pittman battled for the lead over the next two circuits with Lasoski,
Hodnett and Darrah chasing. Dollansky would clear the traffic with two laps remaining and would power away for the win. Pittman, Lasoski, Hodnett, Sweet, Saldana (up from 13th), Darrah, Sammy Swindell, Sam Hafertepe and Steve Kinser (up from 17th) would round out the top 10.

The UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions now head to BubbaRacewayPark in Ocala, Fla. to wrap up their ?Southern Swing? with three nights of racing, Feb. 23-25.

Barberville, FL -There’s just something about Volusia Speedway Park that brings out the best in Danny “The Dude” Lasoski.
The Dover, Missouri driver passed Craig Kinser on lap 19 and went on to score his 18th career win at the track during the University of Northwestern Ohio All Star Circuit of Champions event during the 41st Annual UNOH DIRTCar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment.

Lasoski, a former World of Outlaws champion and many time Knoxville Raceway and Knoxville Nationals champion, is fielding his own team in Florida before joining the Chiappelli/Grubb Motorsports #98 to compete in Pennsylvania and other select shows throughout 2012.

“I got one guy from Pennsylvania who came down here to help me. This is huge to get a win down here. I have to thank Triple X Chassis, Klein Motors and RVs, Paul Kistler and Kistler Engines and Creason Motorsports,” said Lasoski of his 34th career All Star win.

Kinser, piloting his father, Steve?s #11k with sponsorship from Mesilla Valley Transportation, said a deflating left rear tire ended his bid for the win.

“I don’t like going backwards, but Danny was just better than us on the bottom. I abused my tires bad trying to get through lapped traffic. And on that last red flag I had a left rear going down. But, we’ll take a second our first night out,” said Kinser.

Three time and defending UNOH All Star champion Tim Shaffer would drive from his 10th starting spot to a third place finish.

“I have to thank my owners Aaron Call and Janet Holbrook. Aaron is doing a lot of the work on this car along with James and John” we have some new guys involved this year and they are working hard,” said Shaffer. “I have to thank Kistler Engines, VRP Shocks and J&J Chassis.”

Son and father, Kraig and Steve Kinser, would pace the field to the green. Kraig Kinser would grab the lead while Steve Kinser and Daryn Pittman, who opened the UNOH All Star season with a win last week in Georgia, battling for second with Lasoski, Dale Blaney and David Gravel in tow. Jack Haudenschild would stop with brake problems on lap four to bring out the caution with the running order Kraig Kinser, Steve Kinser, Pittman, Lasoski, Blaney, Gravel and Jason Sides (up from 12th). The car on the move was the #14 of two time and defending World of Outlaws champion Jason Meyers, who had moved from last to 15th.

On the restart, Lasoski would drive around Pittman into third. With seven laps in, Kraig Kinser held a two second lead over Steve Kinser with Lasoski and Pittman in tow. Meanwhile, Meyers had driven up to 11th.

Kraig Kinser would hit lapped traffic on the ninth circuit, and as he struggled to put Dave Blaney a down a lap, Steve Kinser quickly closed for the lead. With 10 laps in the books, son and father battled for the lead, with Lasoski now closing. At the half-way point the running order was Kraig Kinser, Steve Kinser, Lasoski, Pittman and Dale Blaney. On lap 18, Lasoski would drive under Steve Kinser into the runner-up spot, and would drive into the lead a lap later.

With 10 laps to go, Lasoski began to pull away while Kraig Kinser ran second and Dale Blaney moved into third. On lap 23, Lasoski was now having problems picking his way through traffic, and Kraig Kinser closed while smoke began billowing from Blaney?s mount. Blaney would exit the track on lap 26 as Shaffer moved into third.

The action would grind to a halt on lap 28 as Sam Hafertepe Jr. got upside down. The running order on the restart would be Lasoski, the lapped car of Tony Stewart, Kraig Kinser, Shaffer, Steve Kinser, who had a left rear tire going flat, Sides, Gravel, Pittman, Joey Saldana, Craig Dollansky and Meyers. Steve Kinser would spin in turn one on the restart, setting up another green-white-checkered finish.

Lasoski would pull away the final two circuits for the win over Kraig Kinser, Shaffer, Gravel and Sides.

SYLVANIA, GA.- On a night when even the most talented of veteran sprint car drivers struggled, Tony Stewart once again
proved he is one of the best racers of all time. The three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion put his winged 410 sprint car where no others dared to go on a frozen, rubber-down track, and passed Jason Sides coming to the white flag and went on to win his first ever University of Northwestern Ohio All Star Circuit of Champions feature on the final night of the Second Annual Winter Freeze at Screven Motor Speedway.

In a bold move, Stewart, a former USAC sprint, midget and silver crown champion and Indy Car champion, took his Home Depot, Mobil 1, Coca-cola backed #14 to the high side of the frozen track with 10 laps to go while the other competitors stuck to the rubber on the bottom of the track. It paid off as he passed Fred Rahmer and Terry McCarl and quickly closed on race-long leader Jason Sides. As the leaders finished the 28th lap, Stewart drove around Sides exiting turn two to grab the lead and went on to the win.

On a cold, crazy night for the second night of action at Screven, Paul McMahan, Brad Wickham and Danny Lasoski experienced mechanical woes early in the night with McMahan and Wickham scratching from the action.

After just a lap of the 30-lap feature, Alan Krimes, Jack Sodeman Jr. and T.J. Winegardner get together on the front stretch bringing out the caution. Pole-sitter Sides would lead at the restart over McCarl, Rahmer, Stewart and Sam Hafertepe Jr. On lap 6, Mark Smith would stop on the speedway with mechanical difficulties bringing out another caution. On the ensuing restart, Greg Hodnett, Jac Haudenschild, Danny Smith and Sodeman spin together in turn one, with Haudenschild and Hodnett retiring to the pits.

On lap 7, fifth place running Hafertepe would spin in turn four with the restart running order now Sides, McCarl, Rahmer, Steward and Cody Darrah. On the restart, the single file parade around the bottom would continue through the halfway point until Pete Miller and Sodeman spin in turn four. It was Sodeman?s third incident during the race and he was sent to the pits.

With only 15 laps in the books, the UNOH All Star officials decided to bring the race to a halt for a fuel stop as the cars had run 55 laps under green and caution combined.

When the race resumed, Sides would continue to lead McCarl, Rahmer, Stewart and Darrah. But, with five laps to go, Stewart had grown tired of the bottom parade and put his car on the high side of the track where no one else had dared to go. Stewart quickly dispatched Rahmer and McCarl and set his sights on Sides. Exiting turn two on lap 27, Stewart, who won his first career World of Outlaws feature last season, drove around Sides and led the field the remaining two laps.

Sides would drive his Wetherington Tractor Service, King Racing Products, BR Motorsports machine home in second with Darrah in his Kasey Kahne Racing machine third. McCarl, Joey Saldana, hard-charger Dale Blaney (up from 22nd starting spot), David Gravel, Logan Schuchart, defending UNOH All Star champion Tim Shaffer and previous night?s feature winner Daryn Pittman rounded out the top 10.

The UNOH All Stars now move to Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla. Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 15 and 16 as part of the 41st Annual University of Northwestern Ohio DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment. Each night will pay the feature winner $5,000.

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – Two ASA Member Tracks in Florida will be in action this weekend. Here is a look at what is happening
in ASA Racing.

DESOTO SUPER SPEEDWAY (Bradenton, FL) The ASA Member Track will open the track for practice on Saturday from 10am– 5pm for teams to get prepared for the season opener on Saturday, February 25. On Sunday, they will host Drifting competition from 10am – 5pm.

EAST BAY RACEWAY PARK (Tampa, FL) The 36^th Annual Winternationals continues through the weekend. The Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models have been in action every night this week with their finale on Saturday night. Thursday’s feature winner will take home $7,000 and the winner on Friday and Saturday will take home $10,000.

To learn more about the ASA Member Tracks and Sanctioned Series in your area, please visit www.asa-racing.com. Follow ASA Racing on Facebook at www.facebook.com/american.speed.assoc and on Twitter at @ASA_Racing.

You can also look for the nearest ASA Member Track, get the weekend schedule, ASA Series information right on your smartphone by downloading the ASA Racing App for the iPhone and Android phones for free. Just search for ASA Racing on iTunes and the Android Market and get the app today for FREE!

The American Speed Association started as a single racing series in 1968 and is a fast growing racing sanctioning body today. The ASA Member Track program sanctions dirt and asphalt short tracks along with road courses around the United States, as well as a variety of regional and national touring series. For more information call (386) 258-2221, or send an email to info@asa-racing.com. The latest news and information from all the racetracks and tours involved in the ASA can be found by visiting www.ASA-Racing.com.

BAYTOWN, Texas – With Valentine’s Day in the rear view mirror, the nation’s elite dirt Modified drivers begin their quest for a 2012 USMTS National Championship with the season openers for both the USMTS Casey’s Cup and newly-formed USMTS National Championship Series this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 16-18, at the Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Texas.

With the best names in the business entered for this year’s lidlifter, just making one of the main events will be a feat but one driver could come up smelling like roses and walk away with $10,000 or more from the tripleheader at the state-of-the-art 3/8-mile clay oval located just east of Houston.

HotMods (Limited Mods) will also be on the racing card each night. Thanks to the folks at Express Race Cars, the win amounts for the HotMods are $500, $600 and $900 to win, respectively, plus several bonus cash awards up for grabs.

The engines fire up and drivers get an opportunity to fine-tune their machines during an open practice on Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 6-9 p.m. before the green flag unfurls for the first time on Thursday for the year’s first USMTS Casey’s Cup Qualifier with at least $2,000 going to the winner.

With 27 USMTS Casey’s Cup Qualifiers on the schedule, drivers will be battling for a spot in the Hunt for the USMTS Casey’s Cup, which will begin Aug. 9 at the Valley Speedway in Grain Valley, Mo., and culminate Sept. 20-22 at Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn., during the 14th Annual Featherlite Fall Jamboree.

At the conclusion of the Hunt for the USMTS Casey’s Cup, the champion will earn a $15,000 paycheck.

On Friday and Saturday, the inaugural events for the USMTS National Championship Series are on tap with each night carrying a $4,000 top prize and at least $400 to take the green flag in the main event.

The USMTS National Championship Series currently has 29 events and each will pay at least $4,000 to win with up to 30 cars taking the green flag in every feature race. The driver with the best 20 showings during the campaign will be named the 2012 USMTS National Champion and will take home a record $30,000 while the runner-up in the final ranking will get a cool $20,000 in the richest season-ending payoff in USMTS history.

Paul White won the first-ever USMTS event at the Royal Purple Raceway in 2007. Since then, trips to victory lane have also been made by Alan Mondus, Kelly Shryock, Jason Hughes, Tommy Weder Jr., Johnny Bone Jr., Zack VanderBeek, Jeremy Payne, Rodney Sanders, Ryan Gustin, John O Whittington, Chris Brown and Dereck Ramirez.

Hughes leads all drivers with five wins at the former Houston Raceway Park, but Ramirez comes into the event with the momentum after capturing back-to-back wins on the final two nights of the 5th Annual USMTS Winter Nationals in November.

Other drivers on the list for this blockbuster include defending USMTS National Champion Ryan Gustin, nine-time USMTS National Champion Kelly Shryock, 2007 USMTS National Champion Jason Krohn, Zack VanderBeek, Johnny Scott, Rodney Sanders, Rick Beebe, Bryan Rowland, Chase Junghans, Grant Junghans, Shane Hebert, Randy Timms, Jeremy Payne, Steven Whiteaker Jr., Stormy Scott, Tyler Townsend, Dustin “Tater” Hyde, Tracy Denby Jr., Jason Thoennes, Joe Duvall, 2011 Lucas Oil MLRA Late Model Series champ John Anderson, four-time NCRA Modified national champ John Allen, defending Featherlite Fall Jamboree champ Terry Phillips, Jon Tesch, T.J. Herndon, Chris Henigan, Ron Keith, Jimmy Ray, Billy Turner, Rory Jordan, Larry Clevenger, Mike Sorensen, Michael Walker, Ben Stephens, Joe Marshall, Jimmy Ray, the father-son team of Fito and Jacob Gallardo, Southern New Mexico Speedway boss Royal Jones, Mark Dotson, Danny Barringer, Mark Smith, Rob Litton, Travis Johnson, Mississippi Thunder Speedway promoter Bob Timm and his son, Jake Timm.

THURSDAY PAYOFF:
Licensed – 1. $2000, 2. $1500, 3. $1000, 4. $800, 5. $700, 6. $600, 7. $500, 8. $450, 9. $400, 10. $350, 11. $320, 12. $300, 13. $275, 14-26. $250, Tow $80. Non-Licensed – 1. $2000, 2. $1200, 3. $800, 4. $600, 5. $500, 6. $400, 7. $350, 8. $300, 9. $250, 10. $230, 11. $210, 12-26. $200, Tow $60.

FRIDAY PAYOFF:
Licensed – 1. $4000, 2. $2200, 3. $1600, 4. $1200, 5. $1000, 6. $800, 7. $700, 8. $600, 9. $550, 10. $500, 11. $475, 12. $450, 13. $425, 14-30. $400, Tow $100. Non-Licensed – 1. $4000, 2. $2200, 3. $1500, 4. $1000, 5. $800, 6. $700, 7. $600, 8. $550, 9. $500, 10. $450, 11. $400, 12. $375, 13. $350, 14. $325, 15-30. $300, Tow $100.

SATURDAY PAYOFF:
Licensed – 1. $4000, 2. $2200, 3. $1600, 4. $1200, 5. $1000, 6. $800, 7. $700, 8. $600, 9. $550, 10. $500, 11. $475, 12. $450, 13. $425, 14-30. $400, Tow $100. Non-Licensed – 1. $4000, 2. $2200, 3. $1500, 4. $1000, 5. $800, 6. $700, 7. $600, 8. $550, 9. $500, 10. $450, 11. $400, 12. $375, 13. $350, 14. $325, 15-30. $300, Tow $100.

ENTRY FEES:
On Thursday, early entry is $90 for licensed or $100 for non-licensed while at-the-track entry is $110 on race day. On Friday and Saturday, the early entry is $125 for licensed or $135 for non-licensed while entry on race day is $150. Drivers can still get the early entry rate through the end of practice on Wednesday night.

LICENSES:
There is no requirement to purchase a USMTS license to compete in any USMTS event. However, benefits enjoyed by licensed drivers include provisional starting spots, higher event purses and bonus payouts, increased tow money, discounted entry fees, points fund eligibility, increased media recognition, a personalized driver profile page on the USMTS website and more. The cost of a USMTS Casey’s Cup license is $150 and the cost of a USMTS National Championship license is $300.

RULES & PROCEDURES:
All USMTS rules apply. Qualifying will be done by heat race passing points and “B” Mains. Draw for heat race starting spot ends 15 minutes before hot laps. RACEceivers and AMB transponders are mandatory and available for rent or purchase from the USMTS. See complete rules at www.usmts.com.

HOTMOD PAYOFFS:
Thursday – 1. $500, 2. $300, 3. $200, 4. $170, 5. $150, 6. $130, 7. $110, 8. $100, 9. $90, 10. $80, 11. $70, 12. $65, 13. $60, 14. $55, 15-24. $50.
Friday – 1. $600, 2. $400, 3. $300, 4. $200, 5. $170, 6. $150, 7. $130, 8. $110, 9. $100, 10. $90, 11. $80, 12. $75, 13. $70, 14. $65, 15-24. $60.
Saturday – 1. $900, 2. $500, 3. $400, 4. $300, 5. $200, 6. $175, 7. $150, 8. $140, 9. $130, 10. $120, 11. $110, 12. $105, 13-24. $100.

The top-finishing HotMod drivers that have not raced a USMTS Modified or are not currently a USMTS Modified driver will get the following bonus money: Thursday – $100, $75, $50, $25; Friday – $150, $100, $75, $50, $25; Saturday – $200, $150,
$100, $75, $50, $25.

A $100 bonus will be paid to any driver racing all three nights and not qualifying for the “A” Main on Saturday, and there is also a Hard Charger Award worth $100 each night too.

EVENT TIMES:
Practice on Wednesday will be from 6-9 p.m. On Thursday and Friday, the pit gate opens at 3 p.m., grandstands open at 5 and racing begins at 7. On Saturday, pit gates open at 3 p.m., grandstands open at 4 and the first heat race hits the track at 5:30.

TRACK INFO:
The Royal Purple Raceway is located just east of Houston on I-10 to exit 799, then 2.5 miles south on SH 99 (Grand Parkway), then 0.3 mile west on FM 565. For more information, call the track office at 281-383-7223 or visit
www.royalpurpleraceway.com online.

To learn more about the United States Modified Touring Series, visit www.usmts.com online or call 515-832-7944. You can also like the USMTS on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Wheatland, MO – Lucas Oil Speedway suffers from the winter blues, just like you! To keep us warm in 2012, we will be spicing things up this weekend at the 31st Annual Sertoma Chili Cook-Off in Springfield, Missouri. The event is a hit and we have gathered our managers, give-a-ways, tickets and a great recipe for Saturday’s event. The Sertoma Club of the Ozarks hosts the annual event at the Springfield EXPO Center. Sertoma raises funds for multiple charities in the Ozarks, including the Boys and Girls Club. Lucas Oil Speedway is excited to participate for the first time, we hear there is a “Rookie Award” up for grabs!

Saturday February 18, 2012 the doors open at the Springfield EXPOSertoma Center at 11am. In addition more than 100 Chili Cook-Off teams, two stages will include live music and entertainment all day, plus a large silent auction will be held. The event concludes at 5pm. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Contact the track office at 417-282-5984 to purchase your tickets. A ticket includes tasting of as many of the more than 100 chili’s, as your heart desires (pack the TUMS). Known as the biggest party fundraiser in the Ozarks, this event is sure to spice up this dreary February weekend. Adult beverages will be available and a Celebrity Chili Eating Contest will be held at 2pm. For complete event details visit www.SertomaChiliCookOff.com.

Stop by the Lucas Oil Booth for some tasty chili, chances to win tickets for the upcoming season. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite race track by making a donation in our fishbowl for the Boys and Girls Club!

Saturday and Sunday Lucas Oil Speedway will also be participating in the 32nd Annual Home and Lifestyle Show in Clinton, Missouri. If you are in the Clinton area, stop by and visit our booth in the Benson Convention Center Saturday from 10am-4pm, or Sunday from 11am-3pm. Cheri and Ashley will have 2012 Season Schedules, FREE tickets and prizes. For more information visit www.WestCentralMOInfo.com .

A limited number of reserved seat two-day 20th Annual Dart Show-Me 100 tickets remain. Call the track hotline 417-282-5984, to reserve your spot for the marquee event at the Diamond of Dirt Tracks.

Click the link to check out the most current 2012 Lucas Oil Speedway Schedule
For complete event information and the latest Lucas Oil Speedway news visit:

www.LucasOilSpeedway.com

Thorold, Ontario – It’s February . it’s Valentine’s Day and for Merrittville Speedway’s Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Teams and Race Fans alike – you have to LOVE that the 2012 Speedweek in Florida is underway!

Some may have enjoyed the East Bay Raceway Park SUPERCAST on line with J&S Heating & Air Conditioning Modified Lite Team-mates Josh and Shawn Sliter taking part or you may be counting down the days until the start of the Super DIRTcar Series during the 41st Annual UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit at the Volusia Speedway Park February 22nd to 25th – the same series that will challenge the Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modifieds in the 3rd Annual Bob St. Amand Senior Memorial Monday August 6th.

Or you may tune in for the start of ARCA’s 60th Season this Saturday for the running of the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona. A field of almost 60 cars is expected to take the green flag in the broadcast that begins at 4:30 live on SPEED.

From there, the focus shifts to Merrittville Speedway’s 2012 Spring Sizzler – just 10 Saturdays from this weekend’s first live TV Race.

Three divisions from the Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series line-up at the Thorold Ontario DIRTcar sanctioned showplace will be featured in 2012′s edition Saturday April 28th with the Hoosier Stocks and Original Pizza Logs Sportsman joining the 358 Modifieds – also the first chance Race Fans will have to win weekly Prize Packages from Lucas Oil.

“Lucas Oil is involved in major sporting events worldwide,” prided (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell-Jones, “we are quite proud of the fact that our events are part of their passion for auto racing and now . our fans can look forward to learning more about their products and winning some great prizes in the process.”

Lucas Oil Products were introduced to Canada in 1996 and since 2006 has flourished – gaining increasing exposure in the marketplace through its racing involvement while growing its product assortment and availability. Lucas Oil is becoming a truly national company with representation and sponsorship in every province. Lucas’s success is built upon hard work, an
unparalleled line of premium products and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

Lucas Oil’s problem solving and preventative maintenance products provide the ultimate protection for your engine. Whether your vehicle requires conventional or synthetic oils, Lucas premium oils and additives meet or exceed all OEM specifications. Lucas Oil’s extensive product line is divided into four categories and offers something for everyone – from Automotive to Heavy Duty Industrial and Agricultural to High Performance, Motor Cycle and Power Sports applications.

The Lucas Oil Slick Mist family of products outperforms the competition and will leave your finish slicker and shinier than any product on the market, with long lasting protection. Speed Wax … Fast and Easy Tire and Trim Shine and Interior Detailer are all great for Cars, Trucks, Boats, Motorcycles and Airplanes. Slick Mist shines and protects in one easy application.

Race Fans entering Merrittville Speedway’s Grandstand Area will surely want to visit the Lucas Oil Display Area once inside the gates April 28th and each and every event especially the 61st Annual Reunion Night – a quick 6 months from Valentine’s Day – Saturday July 14th.

Hosted by Merrittville Speedway’s Reunion Committee – the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 50 Jerry Winger Memorial for the Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modifieds as the main event – supported by Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Divisions – the Original Pizza Logs Sportsman, Hoosier Stocks, J&S Heating & Air Conditioning Modified Lites and Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Divisions in addition to Vintage Cars.

Race Fans and Race Teams looking for further information on Lucas Oil Products can visit www.lucasoil.ca.

Who’s coming back to the sport . how will the rookie class of 2012 shape up and what veterans are preparing to answer the bell on in just 10 more Saturdays and throughout the season?

In the coming weeks as the Count Down to Green continues – keep visiting our award winning Rick Smyth-mastered web site – merrittvillespeedway.com for all the news – it all contributes to make the Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series at Merrittville Speedway – one of the best on dirt!

Tuesday Nights – it’s the stars of tomorrow today in the Lucas Oil Weekly Karting Series.

Visit the Merrittville Speedway Race Car Shows at the Seaway Mall (the week of March 19th) and the Pen Centre (the week of March 26th) to see some of the new race cars up close and to get your 2012 Merrittville Speedway Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Schedule Card!

For all the news on Merrittville Speedway’s 61st Consecutive Season in 2012 including the Spring Sizzler and the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 50 visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com <http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/> . Race fans and Race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book (Facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway) and Twitter (Twitter.com/Merrittville).

Join us this season on a Saturday Night for a LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Divisions with local heroes and up and coming new stars. Make your plans . call your friends and maybe even get a carpool together and enjoy a staycation at the speedway with plenty of free parking and camping spots – a night at the races is so much fun and so close to home!

Your Local Dirt Track is where it’s at!!! Merrittville Speedway ‘The Best Family Entertainment in Niagara.”

MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS The 2012 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions is brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – Bobcat of Hamilton, Original Pizza Logs, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning, Hoosier Tire Canada and Turn 4 Collision in addition to many marketing partners Visit them at .
<http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/sponsors.htm>
http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/sponsors.htm and visit them when you require their products and/or services.

Lucas Oil Products is one the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry featuring a premium line of oils, greases and problem solving additives.

Through innovative product research and development along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top selling additive in the industry.

Look for Lucas Oil Products at your favorite automotive retailer or maintenance centre including B&C Truck Centre, the PartSource locations in Welland and St. Catharines, Drummond Home Hardware, KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage

FORT DODGE, Iowa – Officials from the Mineral City Speedway in Fort Dodge, Iowa, have announced the schedule of events or the 2012 racing season at the half-mile dirt oval.

Friday night racing at the track will feature four divisions sanctioned by the United States Racing Association – A-Mods, Stock Cars, B-Mods and Hobby Stocks – competing for outstanding track and national points funds as part of the USRA Weekly
Racing Series.

Also on the weekly Friday night card will be Econos and Hornets.

While the Stock Cars were sanctioned by the USRA last year at Fort Dodge, this will be the first season under the USRA banner for the A-Mods, B-Mods and Hobby Stocks. While the A-Mods will utilize the “alternative” rules package, all other USRA rules will apply.

A-Mods will compete for a track points fund worth up to $1,500 to the season champion. Stock Cars will compete for $600 to win the points battle while B-Mods and Hobby Stocks will each square off for a $500 to the 2012 track champion.

“This is a great opportunity for our drivers to earn their share of an unmatched points fund, and also for our fans who get to see some exciting classes of racing every Friday night in Fort Dodge,” said track manager Larry Flaws. “In addition to a fantastic Friday night line-up, we’ve also got some big shows on the calendar for 2012.”

Flaws, from nearby Webster City, was recently hired to promote and manage the Mineral City Speedway. He will oversee the day-to-day operations of the facility with Chuck Crimmins.

The 2012 season will get started on Sunday, April 22, with Fan Fest from 1-2 p.m., where fans can meet and greet many of the drivers they will see on Friday nights. Fan Fest will be followed by an open practice session at the track from 2-4 p.m.

The season opener is slated for the following Friday, April 27.

2012 MINERAL CITY SPEEDWAY SCHEDULE:

Sun Apr 22 … Fan Fest 1-2 p.m., Practice 2-4 p.m.
Fri Apr 27 … Season Opener – USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Fri May 4 … USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Fri May 11 … Kids Night – USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Fri May 18 … B-Mod Special – USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Fri May 25 … Hobby Stock Special – USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Fri Jun 1 … School’s Out Special – USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Fri Jun 8 … Stock Car Special – USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Fri Jun 15 … USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Fri Jun 22 … USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Wed Jun 27 … USMTS Casey’s Cup Qualifier plus USRA Iron Man Challenge for B-Mods and Stock Cars.
Fri Jul 6 … USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Tue Jul 17 … Great American Stock Car Shootout – USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Wed Jul 18 … Great American Stock Car Shootout – USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Fri Jul 27 … USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Thu Aug 2 … USMTS National Championship Series plus USRA B-Mods and USRA Hobby Stocks.
Fri Aug 10 … USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Fri Aug 17 … USRA Weekly Racing Series.
Fri Aug 24 … Season Championships – USRA Weekly Racing Series (rain date Sept. 1).
Fri Oct 12 … Bruce Sommerfeld Memorial Fall Challenge – USRA Iron Man Challenge for B-Mods and Stock Cars plus USRA A-Mods, USRA Hobby Stocks, Econo Stocks and Hornets.
Sat Oct 13 … Bruce Sommerfeld Memorial Fall Challenge – USRA Iron Man Challenge for B-Mods and Stock Cars plus USRA A-Mods, USRA Hobby Stocks, Econo Stocks and Hornets.

Unless otherwise noted, all USRA Weekly Series events feature USRA A-Mods, USRA Stock Cars, USRA B-Mods, USRA Hobby Stocks, Econo Stocks and Hornets. Gates open at 5:00, hot laps start at 7:00 and racing begins at 7:30.

Regular weekly ticket prices are $10 for adults, $6 for kids ages 13-16 and children 12 and under get in for free. Pit passes are $25. Ticket prices may be higher for special events.

The Mineral City Speedway is a 1/2-mile semi-banked dirt oval located 0.9 mile north of US 20 on US 169, then 0.5 mile east on 230th. For more information call track manager Larry Flaws at 515-297-3050 or 515-574-7223 on race day, or visit www.fdspeed.com online.

To learn more about the USRA, visit www.usraracing.com or call 515-832-6000. You can also like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usraracing or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/usraracing.

SYLVANIA, GA. –The difference a few months can make. For Daryn Pittman, when the rescheduled Winter Freeze at Screven Motor Speedway was postponed late in 2011, it took away the opportunity to win the University of Northwestern Ohio All Star Circuit of Champions Eastern Region championship. Pittman came back to Screven determined to not let that championship get away again. Friday night he proved he will be a contender for that All Star title, leading all 30 laps to claim the $5,000 prize to open the series? 2012 season.

Pittman finished just 17 points behind Lance Dewease in the UNOH All Stars. final Eastern Region points and its $20,000 payday in 2011. On Friday, the Owasso, Oklahoma native and now Pittsboro, Indiana resident held off several challenges from young gun David Gravel of Watertown, Connecticut including a green-white-checkered finish – to claim his sixth career All Star win.

“You can’t live in the past. Obviously we would have loved to have battled Lance for the championship last year. He was hurt and couldn’t race for the championship and I didn’t want to win it like that. But, for us to come down here and win you couldn’t ask for a better start to the year,? said Pittman beside his Heffner Racing machine.

“This proves Shawn and guys worked their tails off over the off season. The opening races are about preparation” who has done the best job in the off-season. We took the car we won the last race of the year with and shipped it to Australia to use. So this was a new car, but this team knows what they are doing,? added Pittman about his Lelands.com, Pasquariello’s
Body Shop, Danny?s Auto Sales backed #27.

The All Star opener began with Tim Shaffer, who has won the last three straight series? championships, grabbing the lead, but it was short-lived as The Steel City Outlaw suffered a broken front end in turn one. On the complete restart, Pittman grabbed the lead with Gravel and fellow 19-year-old driver Logan Schuchart in pursuit.

The caution would fly on lap eight when Gregg Hodnett spun in turns three and four. The running order was Pittman, Schuchart (the grandson of legendary sprint driver Bobby Allen), Gravel, Mark Smith and Aaron Ott. By the halfway mark of the 30-lap affair, Pittman was trying to pick his way through traffic and could not shake Schuchart or Gravel as NASCAR champion Tony Stewart and Hodnett go pit side.

The Wild Child Jac Haudenschild would spin on lap 16 and retire to the pits. When the race returns to green, Gravel would drive around Schuchart for second and stay on Pittman?s rear bumper. With six laps to go, Gravel begins battling with Pittman for the lead. As the field comes to the white flag, Sam Hafertepe Jr. spins to necessitate a green-white-checkered
finish. Pittman would hold off Gravel to take the opening night of the second annual Winter Freeze.

Gravel, Schuchart, Smith, Ott, Paul McMahan (up from 15th), Alan Krimes, Dale Blaney, Terry McCarl and Jason Sides (up from 20th) would round out the top 10. After winning one of the final World of Outlaw races of 2011, Gravel couldn’t wait to get back to competition in 2012 and his second place run proved he will be a contender for the UNOH All Star title.

“I was so excited to get back to racing. I think we are building something here. Tyler (Swank) had the car great tonight,” said Gravel beside his DDR Motorsports #89. “That last caution killed us” I think we might have had something for Daryn. I had pulled the wing back and it made the car very tight on the restarts. It took me two or three laps to get going,” added Gravel beside his JRC Transportation, Musco Fuels, P&M Transportation, Model Craft backed machine.

Schuchart, in his first full season of 410 sprint racing, showed his Shark Motorsports, Speedway 94, Don Ott Racing Engines backed team will also be a force to be deal with throughout 2012.

Three Lakes TNT Speedway, LLC, the new operators of TNT Speedway will be holding a meeting open to all drivers, pit crew members and any other interested parties on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Oneida Village Inn in Three Lakes.

Anyone interested in racing at TNT Speedway this year is encouraged to attend. During the meeting folks will get a chance to meet the managing partners. Rule changes for 2012 will be discussed along with new procedures and start times. Those interested in competing in the Pure Stock (formerly TNT Bomber) class are urged to weigh in on potential rule changes regarding 305 (and similar) cubic-inch engines.

The 2012 season at TNT Speedway is slated to begin Saturday, May 12, with racing every Saturday, including Labor Day weekend, through Sept. 9. Hot laps will begin at 6:45 p.m, with racing at 7:15 p.m.

Those with questions regarding the upcoming racers meeting should contact Three Lakes TNT Speedway, LLC at (715) 479-1033 or visit www.tntspeedway.com.

SYLMAR, Calif. – IMCA Modified regional champions are the recipients of awards from Speedway Engineering again in 2012.

The national champion receives a complete rear end housing. Top drivers from the other four regions each receive $300 product certificates from the Sylmar, Calif., suspension and drivetrain products manufacturer.

All five drivers will be notified after point standings become official in late October. Certificates will be presented during the national awards banquet in Lincoln, Neb., on Nov. 24.

Information about Speedway Engineering-made products is available by calling 818 362-5865 and at the www.1speedway.com website.

“The Speedway Engineering rear end is a very high quality piece for IMCA Modified drivers as it takes racing components for the highest level and brings them to the dirt track market,” said IMCA Marketing Director Kevin Yoder. “Continuing this
program is really an asset to our members and we are excited to offer it again in 2012.”

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – Another busy weekend is on tap in ASA Racing. ASA ProAutoSports will honor their 2011 champions while East Bay Raceway Park and Havasu 95 Speedway will host some great racing action.

Here is a look at what is happening this weekend in ASA Racing.

ASA PROAUTOSPORTS– ASA’s premiere road racing series will toast their 2011 champions this Saturday night at the Bondurant School of High Performance Driving Museum in Chandler, AZ. A total of 15 division champions will be recognized during the ceremony. The champions are: Donald Uhlir (GTO), Bryan McCormick (GTR), Bill Gibson (GTU), Tim Rollins (PS0), Team Perry (PS1), Leroy Moore (PS2), Rob Ashley (PS4), Combat Veterans RL (SFM), John Devine (SSM), Rick Elliot (CSR), Jens Ploughman (EFF), Michael Williams (FC), Greg Sayers (FST), Jake Johnson (LGD), and Kelly Gallant (FM). Events get underway at 5pm with kart racing.

EAST BAY RACEWAY PARK (Tampa, FL) The 36^th Annual Winternationals continue this weekend with the U.M.P./E.B.R.P. Modifieds and Team USA Mod Lites headlining the action this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The racing action will get underway at 6:30pm each night. A three-day pass is available for $40. Kenny Wallace will be looking for another Modified feature win at the Clay By The Bay.

HAVASU 95 SPEEDWAY (Lake Havasu City, AZ) Winter heat action is set for this Saturday night at the quarter-mile asphalt track. The Vintage Sprints & Midgets will be racing along with the ASA Street Stocks, Bandoleros, Factory Stocks and Team Factory Stocks. Gates open at 4pm with Racing at 6pm.

To learn more about the ASA Member Tracks and Sanctioned Series in your area, please visit [5]www.asa-racing.com. Follow ASA Racing on Facebook at www.facebook.com/american.speed.assoc and on Twitter at @ASA_Racing.
You can also look for the nearest ASA Member Track, get the weekend schedule, ASA Series information right on your smartphone by downloading the ASA Racing App for the iPhone and Android phones for free. Just search for ASA Racing on iTunes and the Android Market and get the app today for FREE!

The American Speed Association started as a single racing series in 1968 and is a fast growing racing sanctioning body today. The ASA Member Track program sanctions dirt and asphalt short tracks along with road courses around the United States, as well as a variety of regional and national touring series. For more information call (386) 258-2221, or send an email to info@asa-racing.com. The latest news and information from all the racetracks and tours involved in the ASA can be found by visiting www.ASA-Racing.com.

ASA®, ASA Racing®, American Speed Association® are registered trademarks of Racing Speed Associates, LLC.

Rice Lake WI – Adams-Hansen Inc, the owners of the Rice Lake Speedway, invite all racer drivers, crews, fans, friends and speedway employees to the 2011 awards banquet for the speedway, to be held on Saturday night, February 25th .

The banquet will be held at the Rice Lake Elks Club, 36 East Eau Claire Street in the heart of downtown Rice Lake.

Set to be honored for a successful 2011 racing season are the top ten drivers in points in all five divisions that race at the speedway along with the top rookies in each class.

Tickets for the affair are priced at $20 per person. Checks, made out to the Rice Lake Speedway , can be sent to Box 303, Cameron WI 54822 and the cut off date for reservations is February 18th .

The social hour begins with free beer at 6 p.m. to be followed by the meal and awards ceremony from 7-9 p.m. The meal will consist of chicken and roast beef and all the fixin’s. The night will conclude with DJ music and more free beer until closing.

The top ten drivers in each class will be eligible for cash drawings and all ticket purchasers will be eligible for one of the many door prizes to be presented.

Anyone with questions should call Dave Adams at 715-205-2861 or Mitch Hansen at 715-205-1122.

The Rice Lake Speedway will be celebrating its sixtieth consecutive year of dirt track racing in 2012.

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – An ASA Member Track owner and a 2011 ASA Member Track Grand American Modified champion will be tonight’s guests on “This Week in ASA Racing.” The new show will air at 7pm Eastern on RaceTalkRadio.com.

Ron Wimmer is the patriarch of the famous racing family. He and his son Scott are the owners of State Park Speedway, an ASA Member Track in Wausau, WI. Ron will be on to talk about operating the famous track, racing with his sons, and a trip that his family took with ASA two years ago.

Aaron Paulsen is the 2011 Grand American Modified Champion at I-25 Speedway, an ASA Member Track in Pueblo, CO. Paulsen was recently featured as an ASA Star to Watch in 2012. He will be on talk about racing at I-25 Speedway and how this is a weekly family adventure.

Fans can also listen live on your smart phone, or you can learn more by logging on to www.racetalkradio.com/mobile.html.

For the fans who cannot listen to the live broadcast, do not worry, there will be a replay available online at www.asa-racing.com. Fans can also subscribe to receive a podcast through iTunes, just look for ASA Racing.

Let your friends know about the radio show and follow us on  www.facebook.com/american.speed.assoc and Twitter @amerspeeda

To learn more about the ASA Member Tracks and Sanctioned Series in your area, please visit www.asa-racing.com.

The American Speed Association started as a single racing series in 1968 and is a fast growing racing sanctioning body today. The ASA Member Track program sanctions dirt and asphalt short tracks along with road courses around the United States, as well as a variety of regional and national touring series. For more information call (386) 258-2221, or send an email to info@asa-racing.com. The latest news and information from all the racetracks and tours involved in the ASA can be found by visiting www.ASA-Racing.com.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Officials from the United States Racing Association are proud to announce that COMP Cams is back on board as a contingency sponsor of the American Racer USRA Weekly Racing Series for the 2012 season.

As part of their program to support the drivers and teams of the USRA, COMP Cams will award product certificates valued at more than $4,000 to the top four finishers in the final points standings for the USRA RHS Modifieds and USRA Karl Chevrolet Stock Cars, and the top three in USRA Karl Performance Parts B-Mod and USRA Hobby Stock national points.

The top three in both the Stock Car and B-Mod divisions of the Iron Man Challenge will also receive awards.

“COMP Cams is happy to be a part of the finest in grassroots motorsports, found across every division on every track within USRA Weekly Racing,” said COMP Cams Marketing Coordinator Dan Hodgdon. “All of the competitors simply love to race, which also serves as a direct reflection of our company’s core values.”

In addition to valuable product awards, COMP Cams will also contribute cash to the national points funds for all four divisions.

For more than 33 years, the COMP Cams mission has never changed: to produce the highest-performing products possible, provide customers with superior service, and to lead the industry in technological development. While the COMP Performance Group has grown to multiple companies and hundreds of employees, we still retain the competitive spirit and desire to be the very best that has positioned COMP Cams as the absolute leader in valve train components.

COMP Cams has never forgotten that performance is defined by results – both at the track and on the street. Whether they’re working with a Pro Stock or USMTS Modified team, or putting thousands of grueling miles on one of their pro touring or street/strip components, COMP Cams tests their products in the same places you do. That’s why they know that every COMP Cams product will perform to the highest of standards.

To learn more about the USRA, visit www.usraracing.com or call 515-832-6000. You can also like us on Facebook, join us on MySpace or follow us on Twitter.