2004 News and Rumors - September

Dirt Racing

Over 281 cars in eight divisions showed up to run the 2004 Chilton Fall Invitational at the fairgrounds in Chilton. On Friday night, fans were treated to 31 heat races which qualified the competitors into the Saturday night main races. On tap for Saturday night was A-Mains in all 8 divisions, 7 B-Mains, 4 C-Mains, 3 D-Mains and 1 E-Main race for a total scheduled lap count of 381 laps. Press Release (09-26-04)

Jay Schraufnagel of Beaver Dam charged from his ninth row starting position to win the Coca-Cola Classic Clash on the Clay 25-lap A-Main for the Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson Buell / Triton Trailers Modified division at the Raceway at Powercom Park in Beaver Dam, WI on Saturday night. Schraufnagel, the track champion in the division for the season, powered his way into the lead on lap fifteen on his way to his eighth win at the facility this season. Press Release (09-20-04)

Luxemburg Speedway promoters are busy putting the final touches on the track's first ever two day Fall Spectacular, highlighted by the raindate of the Battle of The Burg III late model special October 1 and 2 sponsored by Seubert Calf Ranches of Dorchester and Salmon Meats of Luxemburg. The two day festival will feature six divisions total and two full nights of racing. Press Release (09-15-04)

Scott Mullen of Seymour out battled Mike Wedelstadt of Fremont and Jay Schraufnagel of Beaver Dam to win the Town and Country Construction of Mayville Modified 30-lap A-Main at the Raceway at Powercom Park in Beaver Dam, WI on Tuesday night. Press Release (09-15-04)

The final point race of the season took place at The Raceway at Powercom Park in Beaver Dam, WI on Powercom Corporation Night on Saturday night. Track champions were crowned in five divisions with the honors going to Jay Schraufnagel of Beaver Dam in the Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson/Buell Modifieds, Tim Doehling of Winneconne in the Northwoods Paper Converting Grand Nationals, Trevor Schmidt of Hartford in the Dodge Central Credit Union Stocks, Eric Barth of Sauk City in the Gibbsville Cheese INEX Legends and Mike Mueller of Waupun in the Wally’s Auto Dirt Devils. Press Release - Final Points (09-12-04)

Change is on the horizon for the Seymour Tri-Oval Raceway in 2005. The 1/3-mile, clay tri-oval will be converted to a standard oval in time for next season. For decades, the track thrived as one of the top ½-mile dirt tracks in northeast Wisconsin. The track hit its peak in the mid-1970’s when Paul Kaczrowski operated the track, with capacity crowds and a pit area chock full of big-name drivers. With its hairpin turn, many teams, mostly late models, stayed away from the track. One year ago, the club took a vote on whether to reshape the oval. It was a tight 50-46 vote. Full Story in Green Bay Press Gazette (09-10-04)

Forestville's Von Eytcheson took home the biggest paycheck of his racing career on Saturday night from Thunderhill Raceway. Eytcheson’s share of the Street Stock Slam purse came to a whopping $1200 including lap bonus money. Eytcheson, the 2004 Luxemburg Speedway Street Stock Champion, swept the night with a heat win and dominance of the 22-car field in the 30-lap feature event. In the IMCA Hobby Stock division, 2004 Track Champion Ed Anschutz of Algoma showed his stuff with a 15-lap feature event win. Billy “the Kid” LeMieux of Sturgeon Bay won the 12-lap IMCA Mod main event and Denmark’s Ryan Johnson took home his first feature win in the Sport 4 division. Press Release (09-05-04)

While not intended for racing, the famous quote from legendary baseball personality Yogi Berra is perfect for describing Friday night's modified feature at the Luxemburg Speedway. The quote: "It ain't over...'till it's over." Such was the case for Scott Mullen, as the recently crowned track champ saw a huge lead wiped away by caution, then needed to fight off a determined Jeremy Jacobs to win the Prestige Custom Cabinetry 40 lap modified special taking home $1,500 in the process. The night proved to be an encore performance for two other 2004 track champs, Shawn Kilgore in the stock cars and Tyler Smith in the Sport Fours, as both were also feature winners. In the hobby stocks, it was second year pilot Dave Lane capturing his second trophy in a row. Press Release (09-04-04)

Asphalt Racing

2004 FRRC Limited Late Model Track Champion, Tom Gee Jr, informs us that his team has made plans to purchase a Super Late Model ACE Motor from Uncle Mike Butz. The motor was ran by the Mike Butz Racing Team with driver Jeff VanOudenhoven in the #8 car in the 2003 season. It has since been freshened and was used as a back-up this past season by the #8 team. (09-28-04)

It was mentioned at the meeting last night that a poll should be put online to see what improvement the fans would like to see the most. Having a history of doing what people ask for, we have setup a poll to see what people really want. Racing Poll (09-28-04)

We understand Eric Hopfensberger has purchased Andy Kluck's car and will be putting it back together for the 2005 season. (09-28-04)

The Fox River Racing Club held it's first monthly meeting this evening. Nominations were taken for both the Vice President and Treasuer positions. For Vice President it was Scott Vanderloop and Matt Maynard who were nominated, Matt excepted and Scott is undecided at this time. For treasuer, Jeff Zwiers who currently holds the position was nominated, but didn't accept. No other nominations for treasuer were made. The meeting was run very smoothly and ALOT of ideas were discussed and tossed around. Watch for more discussion on the message board in the coming days. (09-27-04)

Sources tell us there will be a HUGE announcement about the 2005 season at Madison International Speedway that will be made this weekend at Rockford Speedway. Stay tuned here as we will report it as soon as we hear it.(09-20-04) UPDATE: Our sources had the information for us before it was announced, but we were unable to post the information as out 'dedication' took us elsewhere. (09-26-04) THE ANNOUNCEMENT: Racing at Madison International Speedway will return to Friday nights in 2005. The biggest changes for 2005 will come in the super truck division. "We are working very closely with the Mid-American Super Truck series to align our rules. We believe we are very close at this point and the two divisions will be able to run together in 2005," according to Steve Einhaus. The MIS trucks and Mid-Am super trucks will be able to run together at MIS weekly events as well as at series events. Two major American Speed Association events will also make stops in Madison in 2005. The ASA Late Model national touring series comes to town on Saturday, May 28. "We had two races in 2004 and they were both very competitive and very exciting," said Einhaus. The ASA national touring series is tentatively scheduled to visit MIS on Saturday, June 18. Press Release (09-26-04)

Limited Late Model State Championship at Wisconsin International Raceway took place last night. We were unable to get to the track until the first 50 lapper was over, so we have very few results. We are told Gary Natrop set fast time with a new track record. Tom Gee Jr. took the win in the first 50 lapper over Tom Spierowski. In the second 50 lapper it was Tom Spierowski taking the win over I belive Rod Wheeler and Jerry Van Handel. We understand that Kris Kelly and Todd Verhagen both faced blown motors during practice. (09-26-04)

The odds of this happening were not in Charlie Menard's favor. In fact, conventional racing wisdom said that a NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Midwest Regional champion would not come out of the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway. TMenard, who won six of the 18 feature races that were held this season and finished among the top five in all but two of those races, got a call from NASCAR on Wednesday informing him that he was indeed one of eight regional champions in the Dodge Weekly Racing Series. LaCrosse Tribune (09-24-04)

"I want it to suck me out the right-side door." - Brad Mueller, who is on his way to a second straight championship at Slinger Super Speedway. Mueller, who set fast time at 11.34 seconds for the Miller Lite Nationals, wants to someday turn a lap of 10.99 at the legendary Wisconsin quarter-mile. Late Model Digest Sound Bites (09-23-04)

2004 FRRC & Red, White & Blue Limited Late Model Champion, Tom Gee Jr., informs us that he will not be back next season to defend either title. The team has made plans to move up to the late model division at WIR for the 2005 season. More details to come as they unfold. Tom also tells us there are NO plans for him to drive either of Mike Butz Racing's Cars, something that has been rumored for some time.. (09-20-04)

Our sources tell us that they hear RUMORED that there is some talk of changes taking place at Mike Butz Racing. (09-15-04) UPDATE: At this time we are told there have been no changes and look to be no changes made. (09-20-04)

Brad Mueller tells us he would like to return to WIR in 2005 racing weekly if a top notch ride becomes available. Sources tell us there are some things being worked on that could make this happen. Watch for details as they unfold! (09-18-04)

We understand in the weeks since the season ended Keith Romenesko had his Super Late Model out at WIR doing some testing to get ready for some late season specials at area tracks. Keith let Limited Late Model driver Jerry Van Handel take some laps with the car and the car made some heavy contact with the wall coming out of turn 2. We understand the car needs a new right side rail along with major repairs to the rear of the car. (09-18-04)

Sources tell us that Rod Wheeler and Kris Kelly will be piloting both of Mike Kelly's Limited Late Models at the September 24th-25th Limited Late Model Championship event held at Wisconsin International Raceway. We are also told that Jim Duchow will be piloting Doug Carpenter's car in this event. We understand there are a good deal of cars from the Jefferson area that have already signed up to run this race. We understand some other Late Model drivers are working on some deals to run this event. (09-05-04) UPDATE: We also see Andy Monday has this race on his schedule of tentative races to be run yet this season. (09-10-04) UPDATE 2: Andy tells us he is still looking for a car to pilot in the Limited Late Mode Special at WIR. (09-18-04) UPDATE 3: Sources tell us they hear Jim Duchow will not be driving the #88 car of Doug Carpenter's. (09-20-04) UPDATE 4: Andy Monday tells us he will be driving Jeff Falbe's #95.3 for this weekends event. (09-21-04) UPDATE 5: Jim Duchow was driving Doug Carpenter's car today to get it setup for him. Doug will drive the car in tomorrow's event. (09-24-04)

Wisconsin Limited Late Model State Championships will be held at Wisconsin International Raceway on September 24th and 25th. Click Here for more information and entry form - Order of Events (09-21-04) ADVANCE TICKETS: We are told you can buy advance tickets in the Valley at Van Zeeland's Gas Station. In Green Bay you can buy them at the gas station located on North Military Avenue across from Family Video. You can save yourself some money by buying them in advance. (09-22-04)

Sources tell us they spoke with Lance Zuleger who drove Super Stock's this season at WIR and Lance told them that he will be moving up to the Limited Late Model divison in 2005. (09-18-04)

Sources tell us there are some driver changes for the Limited Late Model Special coming up in a week. Tom Hockers will drive the #26 car while Gary Natrop will drive the #9 car that was driven by Kyle Calmes all year. (09-18-04)

We have been informed about some new races that will take place next season at area tracks. Everything isn't complete or finalized yet, but watch here for details when we can release them. (09-15-04)

We are hearing rumors that Roy Kenseth MAY BE looking to purchase an area race track. (09-13-04)

Sources tell us that this fall there will be new lights up at Wisconsin International Raceway. There are 4 - 100' light towers on order that will be placed down the middle of the quarter mile and the pit area. New light fixtures and lights will be placed on these new towers. Once the new lights are up and running the old lights along with the wiring will be removed. (09-13-04)

The 2004 Fox River Racing Club Late Model Champion appears to be in the "rumor mill" this offseason, were hearing that a former car owner of Terry Baldry's maybe showing interest in Terry once again. (09-15-04) DENIED: Sources with the Baldry camp tell us there is no truth to the rumor. (09-16-04)

Rod Wheeler was at WIR this evening practicing the M & M Motorsports car that he will drive September 25th at WIR for the Wisconsin Limited Late Model Championship. The car that Rod was testing and will drive on September 25th is the car that Doug Mahlik wrecked in 2002 during the ASA weekend at WIR. (09-13-04)

It has been rumored all season long that there was some serious problems facing an area track. We had heard some very interesting things taken place with this track recently. You may listen to the Todd and Eddie show from this morning as they discuss the very same things we have been hearing. (09-12-04)

Dennis Rabas of Maribel got his second win in a row in the Mid-American feature race Saturday night at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek. But it was Bob Schultz of Reedsville who took the season championship. This was the first championship ever for Schultz who also won his first feature at 141 Speedway as well. Press Release (09-11-04)

Lowell Bennett is at this weekend's Busch Series race at Richmond International Raceway. He will start the race in the 35th position. Picture of the car - BGN Racing (09-10-04)

Since taking over ownership of Elko (Minn.) Speedway four years ago, Tom Ryan has worked to improve the amenities to attract fans to the 0.375-mile located south of the Twin Cities. Already completed at the historic speedway is a new concession area with modern restrooms and a new entrance into the grandstands. A large portion of the pit area was paved and now includes a garage area for technical inspections. Ryan’s next goal is to replace the aging wooden grandstands which were constructed in 1965 with new state-of-the-art seating that will include up to 60 suites and a renovated tower area. To be located on the ground level are plans for a conference center, banquet rooms, a full-service restaurant and lounge that will operate year-round. ASA Racing (09-10-04)

Labor Day weekend always marks the end of the racing season at Norway Speedway. The defending champions in the Pepsi late model and Auto Value super stock divisions retained their titles while the Wally's slammer division and the Fab-4 division had first time champions crowned. An early season crash led to Kris Kelly finding himself at a ten to fifteen point deficit throughout the summer to an experienced, consistent Jim Duchow from Appleton, WI. Duchow looked to be on his way to his first championship in the late model division at Norway Speedway when, on lap 11 of the feature, contact with the car of Dale Peterson sent both cars crashing into the backstretch retaining wall. Both cars received heavy damage and were unable to continue. Press Release (09-08-04)

Jim Brooks of Fredonia went home $1,000 dollars richer after winning the three hundred lap enduro race at 141 Speedway on Labor Day eve. Defending track champion Todd Welsing was on the pole as nearly eighty cars started the race. He held the lead for the first twenty one laps but was caught up in a collision with a lapped car and surrendered the lead to Jason Meulemans. Press Release (09-08-04)

Callin Harrell's dad mentioned on our message board that the #96 Matt Maynard owned car that Rod Wheeler has driven all season at WIR, Callin will drive at this weekend's Wisconsin Challenge Series race at Marshfield. Callin's dad Dan states that this will be the deciding factor as to what they will do in 2005. (09-07-04)

Matt Derricks Motorsports Update: Sept. 2nd was the last race with M&M Motorsports: Personality conflicts between driver and crew chief brought on the end of a good thing that products amazing results for a rookie season proving the competency of M&M Motorsports teams ability to prepare a great car for any level of competition. 2005 plans are being made to run the Wisconsin Challenge Series and the Red, White and Blue at WIR. Announcements will be made as agreements are finalized. Press Release (09-06-04)

Proving the first time was no fluke, Dennis Rabas captured his second straight Yellow Book USA MidAmerican Series feature win Saturday night at the 141 Speedway in Francis Creek. Joining Rabas in victory lane were Josh Sand in the Super Stocks, Jesse Sheffer in the Sport 4s and Paul Ray not once, but twice; capturing wins in both the Mini-Stock and Hobby Stock classes. Press Release (09-05-04)

We are told that Kris Kelly won the Late Model Championship at Norway Speedway. Points leader Jim Duchow had a run in with Dale Peterson which put Jim in the big tires which destroyed the front end of his car. (09-04-04)

Baldry, who wrapped up the title a couple of weeks ago, finished with 1,275 points, 95 ahead of Jeff Van Oudenhoven, who was runner-up for the fourth straight year and fifth overall — all to Baldry. Asked if he’ll be back next season, Baldry said, “Probably. I don’t have anything else to do.” That would be fine with Patton. “He’s the key,” Patton said. “If he hangs it up, I probably would to.” Full Story Appleton Post Crescent (09-04-04)

We understand that Jamie Iverson will be racing at Norway Speedway this evening, but he won't be wheeling the #97 that he owns. Jamie will drive the TV6, a car that was piloted by Brett Hanson. We understand that Brett was fired by the team after the races last week at Norway Speedway. (09-04-04)

Jay Kassera announced that he was hanging up his helmet after this evening's races. He went out of racing on top this evening by taking his heat win and the feature win. We understand Jay Kassera is getting married in 2 weeks and has decided to give up racing for right now. We are told that the team will still be racing in 2005 and are in the process of looking for a driver. (09-2-04)

This evening was the final Thursday Night Thunder of the 2004 racing season. Late Models: Fast Qualifier - Jeff Van Oudenhoven, 19.358. Dash: 1. Jeff Van Oudenhoven, 2. Jamie Iverson, 3. Jim Duchow. Heat 1: 1. Keith Romenesko, 2. Ryan Manthei, 3. Bob Danes. Heat 2: 1. Rod Wheeler, 2. JJ Smith, 3. Tom Hockers. Feature: 1. Terry Baldry, 2. Rod Wheeler, 3. JJ Smith, 4. Jeff Van Oudenhoven, 5. Jamie Iverson, 6. Tim Rothe, 7. Mark Schroeder, 8. Robb Vanderloop, 9. Terry Korth. Limited Late Models: Fast Qualifier - AJ Miller, 20.480. Dash: 1. Tom Spierowski, 2. Gary Bock, 3. Nate Van Wychen. Heat 1: 1. Dan Hansen, 2. Matt Derricks, 3. Doug Carpenter. Heat 2: 1. Jay Kassera, 2. Gary Natrop, 3. Jim Ebben. Feature: 1. Jay Kassera, 2. Nate Van Wychen, 3. AJ Miller, 4. Kyle Calmes, 5. Gary Natrop, 6. Gary Bock, 7. Matt Derricks, 8. Jerry Van Handel. Wisconsin Sport Trucks: Fast Qualifier - Jason Van Handel 16.164. Heat winners were Tyler Lind and Andy Wilquet. Feature: 1. Jason Van Handel, 2. Todd Schutte, 3. Andy Wilquet. Super Stocks: Heat winners Larry Raygo and Tim Arnoldason. 2004 Champions: Late Models - Terry Baldry, Limited Late Models - Tom Gee Jr, Super Stocks - Andy Casavant, Wisconsin Sport Trucks - Jason Van Handel, Sizzlin 4's - Bryan Monday, Figure 8 - Terry Van Roy. (09-2-04)

John Meidam was involved in a major wreck this evening at WIR in which he was put in the wall coming out of turn 4. Even though he hit the softwall, the car sustained heavy front end damage. The team had thought about putting the car back together, but decided it didn't make much sense for one week. The team will use the car of Brent Strelka for the final Thursday Night race of the season at WIR. The Bud team will be at the Milwaukee Mile this weekend helping Brent with the car at the MARS race. (08-26-04) UPDATE: John drove the #1 Stockbridge Engineering car that is normally driven by Don Dix this evening. We understand the team was out practicing Brent Strelka's car on Tuesday night when the motor blew 28 laps in to practice. (09-2-04)

Touring Racing

Richard Childress Racing is starting a driver development program just like many top Nextel Cup Teams are. Ed Cluka from the Todd and Eddie Show states that he heard Erik Darnell's name come up as one driver that is on Richard's list of drivers he is interested in. (09-29-04)

Dan Lensing wants to celebrate in victory lane Sunday at Rockford Speedway after winning the touring ASA Late Model Series race. It would be the Rockford driver’s second victory this season, but his first full-fledged celebration. Lensing finished second to Todd Kluever in the most recent series race at Madison (Wis.) International Speedway. However, series officials called Lensing two days later to inform him Kluever’s fuel had failed post-race testing, and he was being awarded the victory. Rockford Register Star (09-24-04)

SS Racing owner Ken Smith today announced the signing of driver Butch Miller to a multi-year contract. The three-time American Speed Association Champion (1987, ’88, ’94) will run part-time in the ASA National Tour as well the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2005. ASA Racing (09-24-04)

"The problem is, now you can't see the number or the sponsor." - Ron Breese Jr., on the American Speed Association's new-for-2004 policy of placing car numbers on the rear quarterpanel in the ASA Late Model Series and National Tour. ASA instituted that to make the larger space under the door available for sponsors, but it has made identifying cars at a distance extremely difficult for fans and scorers. Late Model Digest Sound Bites (09-23-04)

Wisconsin Limited Late Model State Championships will be held at Wisconsin International Raceway on September 24th and 25th. Click Here for more information and entry form - Order of Events (09-21-04)

Sources tell us there will be a Midwest Allstar Racing Series (MARS) event held at Madison International Speedway in June of 2005. (09-20-04)

Point Standings for all Mid American Series Divisions (09-20-04)

Sources who were at the MARS race at I-94 Raceway tell us that Jeff Van Oudenhoven won the feature event with Blake Bjorklund finishing 2nd. (09-19-04) MORE: After 150 grueling laps, Jeff VanOudenhoven led at just the right time as he captured the win in the Yellow Book USA MARS Late Model Dondelinger Chevrolet Fall Nationals at the I-94 Raceway in Sauk Centre. This set up a five lap dash for the win. Bjorklund continued to show the way, but VanOudenhoven managed to slip underneath and he took the lead with two laps to go. Bjorklund came back to reclaim the spot as the white flag waved. Both cars were dead even as they exited the final turn and VanOudenhoven squeaked out the win by only a few inches at the line. Press Release (09-20-04)

Jeff VanOudenhoven pocketed a big pay check as he came out on top of the Dondelinger Chevrolet Ultimate Super Late Model Showdown. The 40 lap race was broken into two 20 lap segments. Josh Vadnais looked strong in the first segment as he led the 18 laps prior to the half-way caution and inversion. When the race resumed, VanOudenhoven ended up on the pole and the soon to be two-time MARS Late Model Champion jumped at the opportunity as he shot off into the lead. Dan Fredrickson ran in second for a while, but his car dropped off a bit allowing Todd Hansen and Dean Cornelius to get by. Hansen tried to catch up with VanOudenhoven, but it was too little, to late as VanOudenhoven led the final 20 laps to take the win. Press Release (09-19-04)

Jeff Van Oudenhoven of Kimberly, WI is expected to wrap up his second straight Yellow Book USA Midwest AllStar late model title this weekend at the I-94 Raceway in Sauk Centre, MN. Van Oudenhoven leads Blake Bjorklund of Isanti, MN 1,044 to 891 in the point standings. The points were adjusted this week with each driver dropping their lowest race of the year. Press Release (09-16-04)

The race for the 2004 title in the Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Car Series continues this weekend at the I-94 Raceway in Sauk Centre, MN. Qualifying begins at 3 p.m. Saturday with racing at 6 p.m. that evening. Feature and last chance races in various divisions begin at 2 p.m. Sunday. Peter Hernandez of Mokena, IL is the series leader with 1,710 points. Bobby Gutknecht of Oak Creek, WI is second with 1,602 and Jonathan Eilen of Hampton, MN is third with 1,589. Press Release (09-16-04)

The Yellow Book USA Mid-Am Super Trucks will battle wheel-to-wheel for 50-laps during the Fall Nationals Saturday night at the I-94 Raceway in Sauk Centre, MN. Practice begins at noon with qualifying at 3 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m. A number of different divisions will be racing on the 3/8-mile paved oval during the weekend. Press Release (09-16-04)

Regrettably, ASA has had to cancel the planned SPEED Channel coverage of the September 18 National Tour race at Kentucky Speedway. I hope that all our competitors, sponsors and fans realize that this was something that we have been working very hard to avoid,” stated Steve Dale, ASA president and CEO. ASA Racing Lug Nuts (09-13-04) MORE: Early this week, live television for Saturday's scheduled race at Kentucky Speedway was cancelled. On Wednesday, SPEED Channel confirmed that the remaining races on the schedule - October 14 at Lowe's Motor Speedway and October 30 at Atlanta Motor Speedway - would also not be televised. RacingOne has also learned payment for the last two National Tour events has not yet been paid to teams that competed at Milwaukee and Elko. Racingone (09-15-04)

Todd Kluever crossed the finish line first during Saturday’s running of the Trackside Charities 100 ASA Late Model Series event at Madison International Speedway in Oregon, Wis. He posed for the photographers and took home the trophy. Now he has to bring it back. Kluever’s No. 40 Chevrolet, owned by Gerry Gunderman, failed a fuel sample test which was administered during the post-race inspection procedure. Because of this violation, he was disqualified from the event and the victory will officially be credited to Dan Lensing. ASA Racing (09-13-04)

For Joey Miller, it is the perfect next step in his young racing career. For Matt Hagans, it is a step into the “big-time” on a regular basis. For both of them, it is a shot at becoming one of the most successful teams in the 2005 Automobile Racing Club of America season. 19-year-old Miller and Hagans announced an agreement today that will put the youngster in Hagans Racing Dodges for 13-events next season, starting with the season-opener at “the World Center of Speed,” Daytona International Speedway, during Florida Speedweeks in February. Through an agreement with Ray Evernham, Hagans Racing will utilize former Evernham Motorsports Dodge equipment next season. Country Joe Racing (09-11-04)

Lug heard that the ASA officials are planning on starting 32 cars at the Late Model Series roundy-round at Madison on Saturday. That's going to be an exciting show for the fans since they had only intended on letting the normal 26 cars take the green flag. ASA Racing 'Lug Nuts' (09-10-04)

Veteran driver Mike Garvey was to start the Jani-King Minnesota 300 presented by Polaris in second, thanks to the rain-out of qualifying which set the field by owners points. During the pre-race technical inspection, both Garvey’s No. 17 jani-King Chevrolet and the No. 1 Country Joe Homes Chevrolet of Kevin Cywinski were found in violation of mechanical rules. Consequently, both drivers had to start from the rear of the field, a major penalty considering they had been the front row of the Labor Day race. Additionally, they will be penalized 50 points and were ineligible for any special awards from the event. ASA Racing (09-06-04) UPDATE: Both Cywinski and eventual race winner Mike Garvey were penalized before the race because the screws in their engine throttle plates were 1/8” too short. “We’re a little upset because we both just had the engines freshened by Lingenfelter and that’s how they both came back,“ said Cywinski. Country Joe Racing (09-07-04)

Sources tell us they have been hearing rumors that John McKarns is looking to start a new touring series in the coming seasons. We understand the name that is being tossed around is Artgo2. John was not able to start a series after selling Artgo to Nascar until the licensing agreement had ended. (09-4-04) UPDATE: Stay tuned as we are hearing there is more and more truth to this. As soon as we hear something from our sources we will be the first to let you know. (09-07-04)

Travis Kittleson will test his Busch Series car Monday and Tuesday (September 13th and 14th) at Memphis Motorsports Park. Butch Miller will race in this weekends Nascar Craftsman Truck Series Event. Speed 51 (09-06-04)

The American Speed Association National Tour will be returning to Hawkeye Downs Speedway in 2005 after a one-year absence. ASA owner Steve Dale said last night the National Tour will return for a show next June 4. Dale said he plans to have the ASA Late Model Series return for annual Labor Day weekend shows. Gazette Online (09-05-04)

Erik Darnell, of Beach Park, Illinois, notched his first career NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series, win Saturday night at Kalamazoo (Mich.) Speedway by claiming the Kalamazoo 150. Darnell was the Bud Pole fast qualifier, but started 10th after the mandatory series invert. He quickly roared to the front of the field and took the lead on lap 32. Steve Carlson, of West Salem, Wisconsin; Russ Blakeley, of Palmyra, Wisconsin and Eddie Hoffman, of Wheaton, Illinois rounded out the top five. Nascar Touring (09-05-04)

Two of the three faces standing atop the podium at the ASA Late Model Series Barron Motor Supply 100 presented by KHAK/KRNA had not been there before. Doug Mahlik in the No. 98 Mahlik Motorsports Chevrolet won his first ASA Late Model Series event in the Hawkeye Downs Speedway event, taking the lead on lap 86 and holding on for the win. He was followed across the line by Scott Baker and Don St. Denis, capturing a podium finish in his very first ASA Late Model Series race. ASA Racing - Complete Results (09-05-04)

Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today the signing of 22-year-old Scott Lagasse Jr. to its Talent Development Program. The St. Augustine, Fla. native joins the program with impressive credentials as a driver and a person. Lagasse Jr. becomes the fourth driver on the Talent Development roster at Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, which includes David Stremme, Reed Sorenson and Ryan Hemphill. Lagasse Jr. began running in the ASA series in 2003 where he earned an impressive four top-10 finishes in just six starts. Jayski (09-05-04)

Eighteen-year-old Blake Bjorklund of Isanti, MN will make his first career ASA National Tour start this weekend when the ASA National Tour visits the Elko Speedway. The Minnesota 300 is scheduled for Labor Day at 2 PM CDT. Bjorklund will drive the #34 I-94 Raceway, truckdriver.com, Landmark Community Bank, Bjorklund Properties, Chevrolet. Tentative plans call for Bjorklund to run the remainder of the 2004 ASA National Tour, with a focus on running for the 2005 Rookie of the Year title. Press Release (09-3-04)