January, February, March 2009 News

Dirt Racing

Luxemburg Speedway has scheduled a car show for Saturday, April 4 at the East Town Mall parking lot in Green Bay from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. IMCA modifieds, stock cars, northern sportmods and hobby stocks are invited to partake in the car show, along with sport fours and street stocks. Trophies for the "Best of Show" in each division will be awarded April 24 at Luxemburg Speedway. The street stock winner will be recognized on May 22 at the track. Press Release (03-5-09)

The officials of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series have handed down penalties for Terry Casey’s post-caution retaliation during the final night of the 33rd Annual DART “Winternationals” at East Bay Raceway Park. Due to Mr. Casey’s post-caution conduct, the officials of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series have levied a $5,000 fine, a five race suspension starting March 21st, and a 500 point deduction to Mr. Casey, for actions detrimental to the safety of all parties involved. Lucas Oil Late Model Series (02-24-09)

Tuesday June 2nd, 2000 - Special event (at (Charter Raceway Park) featuring Kasey Kahne driving 410 sprint against local IRA drivers! Wisconsin Motorsports (01-28-09)

More than 300 drivers, race officials and fans took part in the 2008 Luxemburg Speedway awards banquet at Beverly Gardens near Denmark Saturday night. Seymour's Brian Mullen wrapped up his record sixth track championship. The title was Mullen's second since current promoters Lakeshore Motorsports Promotions took the weekly, Friday night program over from Tri Star Promotions seven years ago. Mullen, who's last title was in 2003, outdistanced hometown driver and another former champion Benji LaCrosse by a points margin of 524-493. "To win a title on this Friday night track with what I feel is the toughest weekly competition for this class means a lot," said Mullen. "We're going to work hard to try and do it again in 2009." Mullen has plans to defend his title in 2009. Press Release (01-27-09)

An informational meeting for drivers pertaining to the upcoming 2009 racing season at Luxemburg Speedway will be held Friday, January 30 at 7 p.m. at Northbrook Country Club in Luxemburg. Drivers will receive information packets, including copies of the rules. IMCA modifieds, stock cars, hobby stocks and northern sportmods will compete weekly along with sport 4's. Pit stalls will be sold at this meeting. Front row stalls will be $100 and all other spots will be $50. To reserve your 2008 pit stall for the 2009 season, payment must be received by 7:30 p.m. on February 2 by driver or car owner in person with no exceptions. All unclaimed pit stalls not reclaimed from 2008 and all other open pit stalls will be sold on a first come, first served basis after cutoff time. Press Release (01-16-09)

Listen up Lug Nutz! You can't miss this event!!!! Last year we launched this tournament for all of the racing teams sponsored by CZ's Bushville lanes. This is a great time, bring anyone, doesn't matter if they like racing or not, this is just great fun! We flood the volley ball court with water, for those who remember molecular phase change from school, it turns to ice!! Go figure. Then we lay down some barriers to form lanes, throw a bunch of kids at the end to set pins, and frikken BOWL ON THE ICE! Press Release (01-7-09)

Asphalt Racing

A four cylinder enduro on Saturday, April 11 at 2 p.m. will officially kick off the 2009 racing season at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek. The 200 lap event is open to all four cylinder cars that meet the rules, which are available with the pre-entry forms at the track's website 141speedway.com. The cost to pre-enter 7 days prior to the race is $20.00. After that the cost is $30.00. Press Release (03-25-09)

After 23 years of being the announcer at Slinger Super Speedway, Todd Behling has been released of that position. Todd was given no reason for the termination, but believe it was because he was announcing at Dells Raceway Park. LTN Radio Network (03-24-09)

When the 2008 race season ended, ownership of (Gregg) Haese's team changed hands. (Tom) Hockers and (Mark) Patton sold half of their operation to David Musial of Diamond MotorSports. Press Release (03-19-09)

Madison International Speedway Week of March 19, 2009 special release (03-19-09)

The 2009 NASCAR Whelen All American Series season will roar to life on Saturday night April 25th at the LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway. Speedway Officials are preparing for another year of topnotch racing action and have added some exciting new events to the schedule. The 2009 schedule will include many of the favored traditional special events, including the Fair Time 50 on July 18, the Trailer Race of Destruction on Aug. 4, the Labor Day twin 50's on September 5, Eve of Destruction Sept. 12 and the Oktoberfest Race Weekend- Oct 8-9-10-11. Racing will begin at 7:30 for the Saturday night programs and qualifying is slated at 6:15 PM. Racing Wisconsin (03-16-09)

MIS E-News Week of March 16th, 2009 (03-16-09)

RK Race Promotions owner Roy Kenseth is pleased to announce the 5th Annual Swiss Colony All-Star Challenge scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2009. Daytona “500” Champion and 2003 Sprint Cup Champion Matt Kenseth will be joined by two time Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart for the fifth running of this popular superstar event at Madison International Speedway in Oregon, Wisconsin. Press Release (03-16-09)

MIS E-News Week of March 9, 2009 (03-10-09)

David (Satorius) will compete in the 93 car almost the whole season and run for ROY in 2009. He will miss the first Thursday in June due to the fact he's graduating from Appleton West high school that night. We would like to announce Northstar Dental as a new sponsor in 2009. We are also welcoming back our associate sponsors, The 10th frame bar and grill, Lake Park pub, Monday & Associates, and Fox Cities Janitorial inc. Press Release (03-5-09)

Update from Sawyer Effertz: Everything at the shop is coming together for 2009. A lot of man hours went into getting the Monte Carlo Super Stock rebuilt from the ground up. A different body, new B+B motor and a lot of guidance from Pete Berken will get Sawyer to the front of the points challenge in 2009. Our plans for the Monte Carlo Super Late Model is to be determained. It is tentative that Sawyer will be competing at several races on a limited schedule at Golden Sands Speedway. This should get him used to handling a real racecar and prepare him to go full time in the Late Model in 2010. Sawyer Effertz Racing (03-5-09)

Golden Sands Speedway is starting to prepare for its Annual Mega Bike Giveaway! Last year we gave ten bikes away. We would like to triple that number for this year! Drivers, fans, sponsors, and area businesses if you are interested in donating a bike for our June 5th Mega Bike Giveaway please call or email the speedway office. We are looking for bikes for 4 – 7 yr. olds and kids 8 – 12 yrs. Each bike will have an 8x10 sign attached to the handlebars stating from who the bike is from. Anyone who donates a bike will also receive a photo of the youngster and the bike they won. (03-3-09)

Brad & Julie Dahmer are very excited that Cardell Potter will be in the #58 Brad Dahmer Motorsports Super Late Model at Slinger on Sunday nights. Cardell will pilot one several BDM Pathfinder/Bulletproof Chassis. His car will be powered by a SPR 9:1 engine. Brad Dahmer Motorsports (02-24-09)

MIS E-News Week of February 12, 2009 (02-24-09)

Sad News: Lee Anne Darnell [mother of Erik Darnell], 49, of Beach Park, IL passed away on Monday, February 16, 2009, at home. Automobile racing was always a big part of her life. Lee Anne met Danny through racing and the two of them spent countless hours on road trips and at race tracks across the country, and continued to do so with their three children. Obituary - Jayski (02-21-09)

Golden Sands Speedway has added some new events to our 2009 season schedule. In May we will be featuring an Air-Bag Demonstration and a Motorcycle Wheelie Contest. Also along with the Mid-American Touring Series on May 22nd, we will have Armed Forces Night, in which all Military personnel showing their Military ID will receive one $5 grandstand admissions. The Wisconsin Challenge Series Memorial 100 will race on Memorial Day, May 25th, featuring Wisconsin Sport Trucks, Vintage Cars, Cruisers, and our very first Figure 8 Race. May 29th will be Chicken Night! Drivers will be paired up with fans for a driver/fan egg toss contest, specials on chicken sandwiches, and many prizes. Press Release (02-19-09)

For the past two years, the off season at DRP has been a busy time of the year for the full time staff. While this year isn't quite as busy as past years, fans will be treated to new grandstands in Turn one. 15 rows tall and 80 feet wide, 750 seats tower above the existing seating and provide a birds-eye view to all the action on the track. "We expect these seats are going to be the hot spot on Saturday nights, with a view directly down the front straight and turn 1 right in front of you," Scott Sauerbrei, director of race operations stated. Turn 1 has always been a popular location for fans on Saturday night; however, the seating was limited, which made this location a natural choice when it came to the placement of the seating. Press Release (02-19-09)

Fresh off of the ASA Midwest Tour annual banquet which yeilded Crewcheif Hank an award of recognition for promoting the tour, the Thrive to Drive team is gearing up for yet another season that is just around the corner. Currently our team is actively seeking sponsorship on both our Thursday Night Thunder (WIR) car, and also the ASA Midwest Tour car. Thrive To Drive (02-1-09)

Chase N' Monday motorsports has posted their 2009 schedule and photos of their 2009 car being built. Andy Monday (02-1-09)

For the first time since 1987 IMCA sanctioning will return to 141 Speedway in Francis Creek for the 2009 season with the northern sportmod division running in a fully sanctioned program. While the class won't compete every week, the track will provide the class a minimum of 10 dates so drivers can chase not only track points, but state, regional and national titles as well. That schedule of what nights the IMCA northern sportmods will compete is expected to be released in the very near future. Press Release (02-1-09)

De Pere's Mike Panure has been named the new race director for 141 Speedway for the 2009 season. One of the reasons Panure decided to take the position was the big plans for the future at the 1/4 mile, paved oval. "They plan on expanding the track to a third-mile in 2010, which is exciting. In a time where the economy can be a bit tough for everybody, these guys are sticking some serious resources into making 141 Speedway a sparkling clean, top notch paved track in Wisconsin." Press Release (01-30-09)

In many regards, Emily Sue Steck's racing program won't change this season. She'll still drive NASCAR late models at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem, and, as a 22-year-old woman in a male-dominated sport, will still be a bit of a curiosity. Steck will be among 12 drivers introduced today as participants in the 2009 edition of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program designed to help promising female and minority racers climb the competition ladder. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (01-28-09)

MIS E- News Week of January 26th, 2009 (01-27-09)

Over three hundred drivers, teams, sponsors, and friends gathered at The Heights in Verona, Wisconsin, for the annual Madison International Speedway banquet recognizing the accomplishments of the 2008 racing season. Five track champions and competitors from all five weekly divisions were honored along with many other special awards and door prizes. Nathan Haseleu of Pardeeville, Wisconsin, won his first-ever championship at MIS in the Weaver Auto Parts Super Late Models. Haseleu led the division with four feature wins, set fast time on six nights and finished in the top five eleven times. “I’d like to thank MIS for having the Super Late Models race. The competition level and racing was great every week. I am honored to be track champion in the Super Late Models with guys like Dick Trickle and Joe Shear. When I started racing it was guys like Ron Breese, Dave Feiler, Scott Ollerman, and Bob Wilberg and we’ve raced hard over the years so I’m really honored to be on a list with them. I would like to thank all of my crew guys... and all of my sponsors,” said Haseleu. Press Release (01-27-09)

After a summer of rumors, it sounds as though Jim Kemkes is moving down south to be with his son. It appears the whole Kemke Racing team is up for sale. We understand crew members are trying to keep the team together and looking at ways to buy the team. (08-29-08) UPDATE: We are told Jim Kemkes isn't moving down south anymore and his son Cory is actually moving back up here in the next month or so. Racing plans are up in the air right now. (01-23-09)

More than 300 drivers, crew members, track officials and crew members took part in the 2008 141 Speedway awards banquet that was held Saturday at Knox's Silver Valley in Manitowoc. Champions were crowned in the respective division as Green Bay's Brett Piontek captured his first ever Mid American Sportsman title. Piontek, a former dirt tracker, plans on defending his division title in 2009. Piontek outdueled hometown driver Daryl Gerke by a 36 point margin to capture the title. Manitowoc's Tim Conard captured the super stock track championship. The second-generation driver beat out Green Bay's Lee Kielpikowski in the final weeks by a points margin of 76 markers. Whitelaw's Kurt Naidl beat out Green Bay's Todd Hebel by 23 points in the final point standings to collect the mini stock title. In the Sport 4 division Manitowoc's Jake Fuller beat out Oregon's Ed Klug by 100 points to capture that division's crown. Press Release (01-22-09)

Johnny Sauter was on the Todd and Eddie show this past weekend. Johnny said he is in the process of building a couple short track cars and is looking at running the Nationals this year. Johnny says he has never turned a lap at Slinger and has been trying to make a race there for years. LTN Radio Network (01-21-09)

We (Mike Held Racing) are ending our Pro Cup adventure, but will keep everyone updated on my racing in Wisconsin. We have sold most of our Pro Cup stuff, car and equipment in the hopes of building a new Late Model and traveling in Wisconsin/Illinois in the 2009 season. I am actually very excited to be back in Wisconsin among my family and friends and I hope we can rekindle many successful race seasons to come. Mike Held Racing (01-19-09)

Kevin Eggert will be running all WIR races with our newly formed team. Shane Barr, former crew chief for Andy Mondaywill lead the team and make all chassis and setup decisions. The updated Lefthander chassis is being prepared with all entirely new parts and will come out of the shop this spring as a 2009 Ford Fusion. While the team will be pursuing the WIR rookie of the year title, we may look to make some appearances later in the year at tracks like Marshfield, LaCrosse and Madison. (01-18-09)

Slinger Speedway completed its 61st year of racing during the 2008 season and the annual awards festivities capped off another successful campaign for the Worlds Fastest Quarter Mile Oval. The Awards Ceremony took place Saturday evening January 10th 2009 at The Chandelier Ballroom in Hartford with 450 guests attending the event. Dinner was catered by Leroy Meats of Horicon and preceded the awards ceremony while DJ Express provided entertainment after all the cash and hardware was handed out. Other champions receiving accolades were: Limited Late Model – Jon Reynolds Jr, Midwest Sportsman – Jeff Holtz, Midwest Modified – Steven Schulz, Figure 8 – Scott Goetzke, Thunderstock – Al Stippich, and Slinger Bee – Ken Schraufnagel. The Late Model Rookie of the Year Award went to Jeff Way; Limited Late Model Rookie of the Year was Trevor Dassow, Suburban Motors HD Rookie of the Year was Justin Okruhlica, and the Slinger Bee Rookie of the year was Brandon Tackes. Press Release (01-16-09)

Track officials at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek have scheduled a drivers meeting for Sunday, January 25 beginning at noon inside the track's sports bar. Pit stalls and track memberships will be sold. Each division will have their own meeting, which is scheduled to last approximately one-half hour. Press Release (01-16-09)

MIS E-News Week of January 12, 2009 (01-12-09)

Touring Series

The third season of the American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment will kick off on Saturday, April 25 at Dells Raceway Park in Wisconsin Dells, WI. The season opening event will kick off a new three race series called "Race For The Gold" in which the overall champion will earn a bonus of $4,000 in pure gold. Bronze 125 Entry Form - Press Release (03-25-09)

Since the inception of the ASA Midwest Tour, more races have been won on Bassett Racing Wheels than all other wheel brands combined. 2008 was no exception, as the top four drivers in series points raced on Bassett Racing Wheels. The 2009 season marks the first year for Bassett Racing Wheel as an ASA Midwest Tour sponsor. "The ASA Midwest Tour is a outstanding showcase for our products and we wish to thank ASA Midwest Tour racers for making Bassett the most popular wheel in the series," said Brian Gill, Director of Marketing for Bassett Racing Wheel. Press Release (03-25-09)

Over 70 promoters and tech officials got together at Five Star Race Car Bodies in Twin Lakes, WI on Saturday, March 14th for the 2009 Midwest Tech Seminar and Promoter's Roundtable. At the end of the day, the theme of working together and sharing ideas was heard from all in attendance. Press Release (03-25-09)

American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour Presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment rookie Gregg Haese is not at all equivocal when it comes to his goals for his first campaign with the Midwest's premier super late model touring series. The Two Rivers, WI native expects to be a feature car, and a contender, at each and every event in 2009. The experience left a good impression on Haese. "That was a very well run show. That is how we decided to run ASA Midwest this year," he commented. "It's so organized and everyone knows what is going on. It's nice to go to a racetrack and know what's going on at all times." Press Release (03-19-09)

Michael Kern and the crew of the MJK Racing team are ready to kick off the 2009 racing year at the season opener for the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA). This annual event, held in support of the Mobil 1 12 hours of Sebring, will pit a 90 car field of historic and vintage sports cars against each other in both enduro and sprint race formats. At this year’s race the MJK Racing Camaro will be driven by both Michael Kern and Dalton Zehr, a very fast young ASA Midwest Tour stock car driver. To commemorate the event the MJK Racing Camaro will sport Dalton’s stock car number 119. Press Release (03-19-09)

It is well documented that Dan Fredrickson had a goal at the start of the 2008 American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment season, a championship. The consistency in the ASAMT makes him one of the top drivers to beat each and every week. That consistency can easily be seen in his stats from last season. In 14 events, he had two ECHO fast time awards, three wins, nine top-five and 11 top-ten finishes. Press Release (03-16-09)

American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment officials have announced that the 1995 American Speed Association Champion and 1996 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year is returning to the Midwest to compete this season. Bryan Reffner can't wait to get back on the Midwest tracks behind the wheel of a Super Late Model. Reffner has been busy putting together his Hamke Chassis Ford Fusion for the season opener on April 25 at Dells Raceway Park, "Its definitely my own team and we are going to be sponsored by raceteamgear.com and The Swiss Colony, our two major sponsors," Reffner recently stated. Press Release (03-10-09)

In 2008, he came in the American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment series quietly. At the end of the season, Chris Wimmer was still soft spoken but was speaking volumes behind the wheel. The Wausau, WI driver finished fourth in the final 2008 point standings with two ECHO fast qualifier awards, five top-five's and nine top-ten finishes. In fact, his five top-five finishes came in five consecutive events which started with a fifth place finish at Iowa Speedway, a fourth place at Wisconsin International Raceway, a fifth at Shakopee, a second at Milwaukee, and a fifth at Norway. Press Release (03-3-09)

Jamie Iverson is a quiet and humble person. He does his talking behind the wheel of his Super Late Model stock car. At the recent American Speed Association Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment Championship Banquet, his peers made sure that he was heard as this 2009 Touring Star was recognized for his efforts on and off the track. Iverson, from Escanaba, MI, ended the 2008 season with one win, two top-five's and eight top-ten finishes in 14 starts. He finished fifth in points, the second year in a row that he finished in the top-five in the final ASAMT point standings. Press Release (02-24-09)

Five Star Race Car Bodies is inviting all track and series officials to their Midwest Tech Seminar & Promoters Roundtable on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at Twin Lakes, WI location. The seminars and roundtable will feature some of the top names in the racing industry today. "We tried this a few years back and it turned out to be very successful," Steve Einhaus, Event Coordinator stated. "Carl Schultz asked me one day, can we do that again and I thought it was a great idea. We want this one to be bigger and better so we have asked the industry's most knowledgeable people to join us and it's our intentions to continue this every other year." Press Release (02-20-09)

His personality pretty much was the same as he came into the American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment in 2008. Andrew Morrissey is pretty quiet and low key, but once behind the wheel his consistency driving and heads up racing did all of the talking as he earned a Touring Star position for the upcoming 2009 season. Morrissey, a Deforest, WI native, used the Wisconsin short tracks, mainly Madison International Speedway and Dells Raceway Park, to enhance his driving skills in a super late model stock car. Last season, he surprised many with his sixth place run at the opening event at Elko Speedway. he original plan was to run some selected ASAMT events, but after a third place run at Jefferson Speedway, the third event of the season, Morrissey found himself near the top of the point standings. Press Release (02-19-09)

The Wisconsin State Fair Park Board of Directors has elected to terminate its agreement with Milwaukee Mile Holdings LLC, the current operators of The Milwaukee Mile race track. In an effort to protect racing at the country's oldest operating race track, the Fair Park Board felt it best to terminate the agreement now. The Fair Park Board is currently in the process of contracting with Wisconsin Motorsports, LLC. The Board expects a seamless transition because the new promoter has significant experience managing day-to-day track operations and race events. The new promoter expects to operate all the currently scheduled races during the upcoming season as well as some additional events. Through negotiations with the new promoter, the Fair Park Board has ensured that tickets already purchased by race fans for events at The Milwaukee Mile in 2009 will be honored by Wisconsin Motorsports, LLC. Jayski (02-13-09)

He is doing it again and his goal is to raise twice as more as he did last year. Gary Gonczy, Marketing Manager for Kwik Trips Stores Inc. will once again take the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Wisconsin on Saturday, March 7th. Gonczy helped formed the relationship with Kwik Trip and the ASA Midwest Tour, is going to be participating in his 11th Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Wisconsin. Gonczy's goal for 2009 is to personally raise $10,000, last year he rose over $5,000 and met his goal. Press Release (02-13-09)

The last name is a familiar name in racing with his grandfather, father and uncles creating a legacy for him to continue. In 2008, Travis Sauter made the most of his second year in the American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment in which he will continue as a Touring Star in 2009. Sauter finished seventh in points with one ECHO fast time award, five top-five and nine top-ten finishes. The highlight of his season was winning the Lefthander Chassis Hard Charger Award in which he received a new Lefthander Chassis. Looking towards next season, Sauter has many opportunities for sponsors to partner with his team. "I have been fortunate to have great sponsors this season with Arctic Ice, Cranberry Creek Cranberries and Coleman Racing Products along with B&B Racing Engines. As far as next year goes, we are in need of primary sponsorship. I think the ASA Midwest Tour is a great series for a sponsor to be recognized and I think I would be a good fit for any potential sponsor." Press Release (02-13-09)

Dan Fredrickson capped off a great evening at the American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment Championship Banquet as he was honored as the series 2008 champion. The top-20 and others were also honored this past Saturday evening at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Fredrickson was honored to be the second champion in the ASAMT. Along with thanking his friend, family and sponsors, he also thanked his fellow competitors for the competition he faced this past season. One of the thoughts he shared was the history of him and Tim Schendel going back to 2006 when the two were in a tight battle for the NASCAR Elite Division Midwest Series championship. Fredrickson came up short in that battle and he stated it was great to see what its like on the other side with his ASAMT championship. Along with a $6,000 championship check, he also received over $3,500 in additional rewards including a new 5.5 inch clutch from Powertrain Technology. Press Release (01-27-09)

The final trophy of the evening was presented to Mid-American champion James Swan. It was the fourth time overall that Swan has claimed the title and his third in a row. Swan was quick to thank his sponsors, crew, and fellow competitors. Although Swan will move to the Big 8 Late Model series in 2009, he ensured that he will be keeping close tabs on his Mid-American "family" and will return to visit drivers at the track. Racing Wisconsin (01-22-09)

It may be cold outside this weekend, but many American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment teams and their families will be enjoying the 85 degree warmth of the Kalahari Resort Indoor Water Park on Saturday, January 24th. Later that evening, Dan Fredrickson and others will receive their accolades for their efforts from this past season. Press Release (01-21-09)

BlackJack Racing, an ARCA RE/MAX Series team from 2005-2007, plans to attempt to make the Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500. The team will use the #51 and run a Dodge. BlackJack Racing has one Nationwide Series start at Memphis Motorsports Park in 2006. BlackJack Racing will field an ARCA RE/MAX Series entry for driver Dexter Bean at Daytona next month. A formal announcement is expected within the next week. No word who will drive the car for the Daytrona 500 attrempt. Catchfence via Jayski (01-19-09) UPDATE: As consolation prizes go, though, Bires' is not bad. He will drive for Blackjack Racing, a new, part-time team out of the ARCA series, at Daytona. The car is an ex-Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge that became expendible when that team merged with DEI and switched to Chevrolets. Blackjack plans a limited schedule for its regular driver, Westby native Dexter Bean, but with only one NASCAR short-track race to his credit, Bean has not been approved by NASCAR to race on a superspeedway. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Jayski (01-21-09)

Roush Fenway Racing has announced that Dan Stillman has been named the new crew chief for Carl Edwards and his No. 60 Nationwide team. Stillman, a Wisconsin native, brings over 25 years of racing experience to the position. He served last season as the crew chief on DEI’s No. 01 Sprint Cup team, where he led Regan Smith to the Raybestos Rookie of the Year award in 2008. Roush Racing (01-19-09)

Hearing that Travis Sauter [son of Tim Sauter] has signed on as a development driver for TRG Motorsports and will run some ARCA and truck events in 2009. Schedule and crew chief have not been locked down yet. Jayski (01-7-09)

Interstate 39/90 between the Rockton Road and Riverside Drive exits will be busy this weekend as the racing community will get together for the 3rd Annual Lefthander Chassis Trade Show and the Illinois Racers Auction. Both events will be taking place at two different locations but are just a mile off of the interstate, just north of Rockford, IL on Friday, January 9th and Saturday, January 10th. The Lefthander Chassis Trade Show and Seminars will take place at their headquarters located at 13750 Metric Drive in Roscoe, IL, just a mile west of the Rockton Road exit off of I-39/90. Press Release (01-7-09)

Reflecting back to the 2008 American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment, many different things occurred to make it a memorable season. But many of the drivers and car owners will remember the season for the clean competition they faced at each of the 14 events allowing a small number of caution flags and repairs to their super late models. "The ASA Midwest Tour has racers that are very exciting to watch and yet do not cause accidents in the process," Dan Fredrickson, 2008 ASAMT Champion said. "The battle Jamie (Iverson) and I had at Norway comes to mind. The give and take all the racers have is another reason I enjoy ASA Midwest." Press Release (01-4-09)