2005 official schedule
scroll down to the track/date for story/results
 

there are pictures from several tracks posted at
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photo by Shawn Crose

The Moweaqua Missile Blasts Into the Record Books with '05 Summer National Performance

Jeffrey A. Bayless

      The 2005 version of DIRT Motorsport's UMP Summer Nationals have come and gone, and now that the dust has settled and looking back at the whirlwind tour that competed 27 times (2 rainouts) in 30 days trekking across 8 states (IN, IL, KY, TN, MO, IA, MI, and OH) one can see that it was a special year.  First off the tour, scheduled for 29 races, was the longest in the 18 year history of the circuit. There was controversy with the H&R 100 at Macon Speedway when most of the series regulars loaded up and left after a heavy late afternoon shower soaked the track even though the track officials were working diligently to bring the track back into shape (which they did but very late).  There was much debate as to whether the Summer National format was in need of being overhauled.  The reason for this debate, and the thing most will remember about the 2005 Summer Nationals, was the performance of Shannon Babb, who had a season of season's in this years Summer Nationals setting an all time mark with 15 wins, shattering the 6 year old standard set by Billy Moyer in 1999 when he amassed 12 victories that season. 

     Shannon Babb of Moweaqua IL, known by his fans as the "Moweaqua Missile" or by those who have been around since his formative years in a dirt modified as the "Decatur Invader" lived up to both monikers as he invaded 27 different speedplants blasting away his opposition in route to winning his first Summer National crown.  Babb has been a regular on the circuit for several years and has been a strong force but has always encountered several problems on the circuit derailing him from a championship run.  That was until this year as he only failed to finish twice in the 26 events he participated in and out of the 24 events he finished he finished 6th or better including a record 15 visits to victory lane.  With his dominating performance he pocketed over $100,000 more than any other competitor on the 2005 circuit padding his account to a tune of $164,500 with race and series point fund awards.  Babb piloted two different Rayburn chassis during the series one with a Jay Dickens Racing Engines power plant and the other with a RaceTek Engines motor under the hood.  Babb's sponsors include CAR CITY, G&C Enterprises, PRC, Watters Autoland, J&J Steel, KARL Chevrolet, Outlawd Motorsports, Platinum Motors & RV, Triple B Outfitters, Mike Mudd Tractor and Combine Repair, Indy Screen Print, Chubby's Meals on Wheels, Petroff Towing and REVIVE.

     Finishing in the second spot in the series was Menomonie, WI native "The Iceman" Jimmy Mars.  Mars had an outstanding season in his own right making the entire tour for the first time and racing on many tracks he was not very familiar with including some he had never set foot on.  Mars tabulated 22 top 10 finishes in the 26 races he participated in including 2 wins and 10 other top 5 finishes to a tune of $64,100 in race and series winnings.  Mars drives Mastersbilt chassis with Pro Power engines and is sponsored by Deppe Enterprises, T. I. Sinz Plumbing Inc., Heeg Well Drilling, Keyes Chevytown, and Jimmy's Pub.

      The third spot went to series veteran Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, IL.  Erb set in the second spot for most of the series but several DNFs over the last leg of the series allowed Mars to catapult by him.  Erb picked up 21 top 10 finishes including 1 win and 16 other top 5 finishes.  Erb earned $55,200 in race and series winnings in his Malcuit Racing Engines powered CJ Rayburn race cars sponsored by Petroff Towing, B&K Sportswear and Vinyl Graphics, AFCO Racing Products, Petersen Aluminum Corporation, and Raeber Transport.

      Fourth finishing Brian Shirley of Chatham, IL continued to make a name for himself as he completed his first entire Summer National run.  Shirley's tour got off to a shaky start but with the series ending victory in Oakshade, Shirley capped off a very solid second half of the series racking up 18 top 10 finishes including 1 win and 8 other top 5 efforts earning $43,300 in race and series earnings.  Shirley drives CJ Rayburn race cars powered by Pro Power Racing Engines and sponsored by Petroff Towing, Michelle Petroff Promotions, B Auto Parts, Jayco Construction, Capitol Storage, Capitol Machine Shop, and Stlracing.com. 

      Defending UMP National Champion "The Intimidator" Rodney Melvin of Benton, IL rounded out the top 5 in series standings.  Melvin had several very strong runs during the series but also encountered several problems with his cars forcing to retire early several times or to not even make the show.  The end result was 17 top 10 finishes with 1 win and 7 other top 5 finishes.  Melvin earned $34,300 in race and series earnings with his Runion Engine powered CJ Rayburn race cars with sponsorship from Ricks Towing, Cingular Wireless, Melvin Collision and Auto Sales, Exit 83 CB Shop, Hess Portable Toilets, Rend Lake Automotive, Soapy Joe's Car Wash, and Stlracing.com. 

     Rounding out the top 10 in the standings were Jeep VanWormer, Darren Miller, Randy Korte, Billy Drake, and Don O'Neal.

 THE TOUR

June 24 Crown Point Speedway, Crown Point, IN 49 cars Shannon Babb winner

June 25 Kamp Motor Speedway Boswell, IN 44 cars Dennis Erb Jr. winner

June 26 Tri-State Speedway Haubstadt, IN 37 cars Rodney Melvin winner

June 27 Godfrey Speedway Godfrey, IL 31 cars Shannon Babb winner

June 28 Paducah International Raceway Paducah, KY 36 cars Shannon Babb winner

June 29 Clarksville Speedway, Clarksville, TN 40 cars Shannon Babb winner

June 30 Mt Vernon Raceway Mt Vernon, IL 32 cars Shannon Babb winner

July 1 Farmer City Raceway Farmer City, IL 51 cars Don O'Neal winner

July 2 I-55 Speedway Pevely, MO 37 cars Randy Korte winner

July 3 Vermillion County Speedway Danville, IL 35 cars Shannon Babb winner

July 4 Fayette County Speedway Brownstown, IL rainout

July 5 Highland Speedway Highland, IL 36 cars Shannon Babb winner

July 6 Twin Cities Raceway Park Mt. North Vernon, IN 33 cars Shannon Babb winner

July 7 Lawrenceburg Speedway Lawrenceburg, IN 39 cars Shannon Babb winner

July 8 Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway Calvert City, KY 36 cars Jimmy Owens winner

July 9 Kokomo Speedway Kokomo, IN 25 cars Shannon Babb winner

July 10 Hartford Speedway Park Hartford MI, 38 cars Don O'Neal winner

July 11 Peoria Speedway Peoria, IL 36 cars Shannon Babb winner

July 12 LaSalle Speedway LaSalle, IL rainout

July 13 Spoon River Speedway Banner, IL 45 cars Shannon Babb winner

July 14 Macon Speedway Macon, IL 39 cars Joe Ross Jr. winner

July 15 Lincoln Speedway, Lincoln, IL 31 cars Shannon Babb winner

July 16 Fairbury American Legion Speedway Fairbury, IL 46 cars Jimmy Mars winner

July 17 Tri City Speedway Pontoon Beach, IL 30 cars Shannon Babb winner

July 18 Freeport Speedway Freeport, IL 27 cars Brian Birkhofer winner

July 19 Farley Speedway Farley, IA 21 cars Steve Francis winner

July 20 34 Raceway W. Burlington, IA 28 cars Jimmy Mars winner

July 21 off no racing

July 22 I-96 Speedway Lake Odessa, MI 37 cars Shannon Babb winner

July 23 Oakshade Raceway Wauseon, OH 57 cars Brian Shirley winner

 
2005 POINTS 
1.  18 Shannon Babb, Moweaqua, IL $30,000
2.  28 Jimmy Mars, Menomonie, WI $12,000
3. 28 Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL $7000 
4.  3S Brian Shirley, Chatham, IL $5000
5.  27 Rodney Melvin, Benton, IL $3000
6.  55 Jeep VanWormer, Pinconning, MI $2000
7.  32D Darren Miller, Chadwick, IL $1000
8.  00 Randy Korte, Highland, IL $500
9.  9 Billy Drake, Bloomington, IL $300
10.  71 Don O'Neal, Martinsville, IN $200
 
2005 RACE STATISTICS
SET FAST TIME
1. 18 Shannon Babb 8
2. 55 Jeep VanWormer 4
3. 9 Billy Drake 3
4t. 27 Rodney Melvin 2
4t. Don O'Neal 2
6t. 28 Dennis Erb Jr. 1
6t. 00 Randy Korte 1
6t. 15 Steve Francis 1
6t. 32D Darren Miller 1
6t. 20 Jimmy Owens 1
6t. 3S Brian Shirley 1
6t. 2 Brady Smith 1
6t. 5S Steve Sheppard Jr. 1
 
DASH WINS
1. 18 Shannon Babb 12
2. 9 Billy Drake 2
3t. 64 Ryan Dauber 1
3t. 28 Dennis Erb Jr. 1
3t. 96 Terry English 1
3t. 15B Brian Birkhofer 1
3t. 00 Randy Korte 1
3t. 26 Billy Faust 1
3t. 15 Steve Francis 1
3t. 28 Jimmy Mars 1
3t. 27 Rodney Melvin 1
3t. 71 Don O'Neal 1
3t. 3S Brian Shirley 1
3t. 55 Jeep VanWormer 1
3t. 3L Matt Taylor 1
 
 
HEAT WINS
1. 3S Brian Shirley 8
2t. 00 Randy Korte 5
2t. 28 Jimmy Mars 5
2t. B12 Kevin Weaver 5
2t. 55 Jeep VanWormer 5
6t. 27 Rodney Melvin 4
6t. 32D Darren Miller 4
8t. 28 Dennis Erb Jr. 3
8t. 96 Terry English 3
8t. 15B Brian Birkhofer 3
8t. 4 Mike Mullvain 3
12t. 64 Ryan Dauber 2
12t. 75 John Gill 2
12t. 26 Billy Faust 2
12t. 71 Don O'Neal 2
12t. 5M Mike Marlar 2
12t. 78 Chad Zobrist 2
17t. 18 Shannon Babb 1
17t. 9 Billy Drake 1
17t. 11Z Brain Collins 1
17t. 5 Michael England 1
17t. 81C Kevin Cole 1
17t. 26 Steve Boley 1
17t. 3 Rick DeLong 1
17t. 25 Jason Feger 1
17t. 75 Ray Guss Jr. 1
17t. 45 Don Hammer 1
17t. 21 Billy Moyer 1
17t. Tony Morris 1
17t. Bobby Melvin 1
17t. 7 Matt Miller 1
17t. 1 Casey Noonan 1
17t. B1 Jeff Larson 1
17t. 0P Kris Patterson 1
17t. 1S Wes Steidinger 1
17t. 25W Dan Walden 1
17t. 23 Patrick Sheltra 1
17t. 88 Wendell Wallace 1
17t. 15 Joe Ross Jr. 1
17t. 9 Eric Smith 1
17t. 1A Duke Whiseant 1
17t. 91 Rusty Schlenk 1
17t. 5S Steve Sheppard Jr. 1
17t. 9Z Lyle Zankers 1
17t. #75 from Oakshade (no name given)
 
FEATURE WINS
1. 18 Shannon Babb 15
2t. 28 Jimmy Mars 2
2t. 71 Don O'Neal 2
4t. 28 Dennis Erb Jr. 1
4t. 15B Brian Birkhofer 1
4t. 15 Steve Francis 1
4t. 00 Randy Korte 1
4t. 27 Rodney Melvin 1
4t. 20 Jimmy Owens 1
4t. 3S Brian Shirley 1
4t. 15 Joe Ross Jr. 1
 
 
FEATURE FINISH 2-5
1. 28 Dennis Erb Jr. 16
2. 28 Jimmy Mars 10
3t. 18 Shannon Babb 8
3t. 3S Brian Shirley 8
5. 27 Rodney Melvin 7
6. 9 Billy Drake 6
7t. 96 Terry English 5
7t. 15B Brian Birkhofer 5
7t. 00 Randy Korte 5
10t. 32D Darren Miller 4
10t. 71 Don O'Neal 4
12. 55 Jeep VanWormer 3
13t. 0 Richie Hedrick 2
13t. 34 Steve Hillard 2
13t. 15 Steve Francis 2
13t. 21 Billy Moyer 2
13t. B12 Kevin Weaver 2
18t. 64 Ryan Dauber 1
18t. 22 Chris Dick 1
18t. 25 Jason Feger 1
18t. 26 Billy Faust 1
18t. 9 Mike Jewell 1
18t. 45 Don Hammer 1
18t. 23 Ted Loomis 1
18t. 7 Matt Miller 1
18t. 1 Kyle Logue 1
18t. 5M Mike Marlar 1
18t. 1S Wes Steidinger 1
18t. 78 Chad Zobrist 1
18t. 3 Randy Sellars 1
18t. 2 Brady Smith 1
18t. 5S Steve Sheppard Jr. 1
18t. 1 Aaron Scott 1
 
FEATURE FINISH 6-10
1t. 28 Jimmy Mars 10
1t. 55 Jeep VanWormer 10
3t. 3S Brian Shirley 9
3t. 27 Rodney Melvin 9
5. 34 Steve Hillard 7
6t. 32D Darren Miller 5
6t. B12 Kevin Weaver 5
8t. 28 Dennis Erb Jr. 4
8t. 9 Billy Drake 4
8t. 00 Randy Korte 4
11t. 26 Billy Faust 3
11t. 71 Don O'Neal 3
11t. 1S Wes Steidinger 3
11t. 30 Mark Voight 3
11t. 23 Patrick Sheltra 3
11t. 2 Brady Smith 3
17t. 96 Terry English 2
17t. 10 Jay Brinkely 2
17t. 5 Michael England 2
17t. 81C Kevin Cole 2
17t. 15B Brian Birkhofer 2
17t. 25 Jason Feger 2
17t. 25 Frankie Martin 2
17t. 1 Casery Noonan 2
17t. 0P Kris Patterson 2
17t. 88 Wendell Wallace 2
27t. 18 Shannon Babb 1
27t. 11Z Brain Collins 1
27t. 16A Ed Dixon 1
27t. 37B Ron Barker 1
27t. 3 Rick DeLong 1
27t. 75 John Gill 1
.27t. 51 Mark Faust 1
27t. 99 Frank Heckenast Jr. 1
27t. Z Joe Harlan 1
27t. 0 Richie Hedrick 1
27t. 19 Greg Johnson 1
27t. 21 Craig Jacobs 1
27t. 21 Billy Moyer 1
27t. 48 Tim Lance 1
27t. 12 Randy Myers 1
27t. 10P Pete Parker 1
27t. 21 Bobby Moyer 1
27t. 5S Brett Seivert 1
27t. 77V Guy Volk 1
27t. 49 Brian Ruhlman 1
27t. 1W Donnie Walden 1
27t. 24 Dick Taylor 1
27t. 1CJ Christian Rayburn 1
27t. 9Z Jayme Zidar 1
27t. 1 Jeff Roodvoets 1
 
CHAMPIONS
2005-Shannon Babb
2004- Don O'Neal
2003- Billy Moyer
2002- Scott Bloomquist
2001- Billy Moyer
2000- Kevin Weaver
1999- Billy Moyer
1998- Rick Aukland
1997- Rick Aukland
1996- Billy Moyer
1995- Bob Pierce
1994- Billy Moyer
1993- Billy Moyer
1992- unknown
1991- Scott Bloomquist
1990- Scott Bloomquist
1989- Rick Standridge
1988- Pete Parker
 
ALL TIME WIN LIST 1988 TO PRESENT (1989, 1992 Results Incomplete)
1. Billy Moyer, Batesville, Arkansas (60)
2. Shannon Babb, Moweaqua, Illinois (35)
3. Don O'Neal, Martinsville, Indiana (31)
4. Scott Bloomquist, Mooresburg, Tennessee (27)
5. Rick Aukland, Fargo, North Dakota (23)
6t. Kevin Weaver, Gibson City, Illinois (13)
6t. Bob Pierce, Danville, Illinois (13)
8. Billy Drake, Bloomington, Illinois (9)
9. Bill Frye, Greenbrier, Arkansas (8)
10t. Jim Curry, Norman, Indiana (6)
10t. John Gill, Mitchell, Indiana (6)
12. Ed Dixon, Washington, Missouri. (5)
13t. Roger Long, Fithian, Illinois (4)
13t. Terry English, Benton, Kentucky (4)
13t. Randy Korte, Highland, Illinois (4)
13t. Jimmy Mars, Menomonie, Wisconsin (4)
17t. Tony Izzo Jr., Bridgeview, Illinois (3)
17t. Tom Rients, Streator, Illinois (3)
17t. Kevin Claycomb, Vincennes, Indiana (3)
17t. Donnie Barnhart, N. Little Rock, Arkansas (3)
17t. Jim Leka, Buffalo, Illinois (3)
17t. Brian Birkhofer, Muscatine, Iowa (3)
24t. Dick Taylor, Springfield, Illinois (2)
24t. Bob Hill, Story City, Iowa (2)
24t. Steve Barnett, Franklin, Indiana (2)
24t. Randy Sellars, Mayfield, Kentucky (2)
24t. Wendell Wallace, Batesville, Arkansas (2)
24t. Rodney Melvin, Benton, Illinois (2)
24t. Joe Ross Jr. Springfield, Illinois (2)
24t. Brian Shirley, Chatham, Illinois (2)

Drivers with one victory: Tom Hekfrich, Steve Kosiski, Paul Shafer, Jack Boggs, Rick Egersdorf, Doug McCammon, Joey Izzo, Willy Kraft, Pete Parker, Ray Cook, Donnie Moran, Tony Stewart, Darrell Lanigan, Ed Bauman, Bart Hartman, Jay Johnson, Matt Taylor, Dan Schlieper, Jeep VanWormer, Matt Miller, Billy Faust, Earl Pearson Jr., Dennis Erb Jr., Jimmy Owens, Steve Francis

2005 official schedule
 
July 23....Oakshade, Wauseon, OH....60 laps....$10,000

top 5....Brian Shirley, Aaron Scott, Jimmy Mars, Dennis Erb Jr, Shannon Babb
for more click here
July 22....i96, Lake Odessa, MI....$10,000
top 5....Shannon Babb, Jimmy Mars, Brian Shirley, Dennis Erb Jr, Mike Marlar
for more click here
July 21....travel
top 5....BP, Citgo, Clark, Speedway, Shell
July 20....
34 Raceway, W. Burlington, IA....$10,000
top 5 ....Jimmy Mars, Don O'Neal, Shannon Babb, Darren Miller, Dennis Erb Jr
for more click here
July 19....
Farley, IA....$10,000
top 5....Steve Francis, Brian Birkhofer, Don O'Neal, Brady Smith, Shannon Babb
for more click here
July 18....
Freeport, IL....$10,000
top 5....Brian Birkhofer, Brian Shirley, Shannon Babb, Jeep VanWormer, Steve Francis, Jimmy Mars
for more click here
July 17....
TriCity Speedway, Pontoon Beach, IL....$10,000
top 5....Shannon Babb, Steve Francis, Jeep VanWormer, Brian Birkhofer, Brian Shirley
for more click here
July 16....
American Legion, Fairbury, IL....$10,000
top 5....Jimmy Mars, Richie Hedrick, Brian Shirley, Dennis Erb Jr, Billy Moyer
for more click here
July 15....Lincoln Speedway, Lincoln, IL....$10,000
top 5....Shannon Babb, Dennis Erb Jr, Brian Shirley, Terry English, Randy Korte
for more click here
July 14....
Macon, IL....
100 laps....$6,000
top 5....Joe Ross Jr, Steve Sheppard Jr, Don Hammer, Kyle Logue, Chris Dick
for more click here
July 13....Spoon River, Banner, IL....$6,000
top 5....Shannon Babb, Rodney Melvin, Jimmy Mars, Brian Shirley, Billy Drake
for more click here
July 12....
LaSalle, IL....$6,000
RAIN
July 11....
Peoria, IL....$6,000
top 5....Shannon Babb, Jimmy Mars, Billy Drake, Dennis Erb Jr, Brian Shirley
for more click here
July 10....
Hartford, MI....$6,000
top 5....Don O'Neal, Jeep VanWormer, Jimmy Mars, Matt Miller, Brian Shirley
for more click here
July 9....
Kokomo, IN ....$10,000
top 5....Shannon Babb, Brian Birkhofer, Dennis Erb Jr, Jason Feger, Ted Loomis
for more click here
July 8....
KLMS, KY....$10,000
top 5....Jimmy Owens, Terry English, Steve Hillard, Shannon Babb, Brian Birkhofer
for more click here
July 7....
Lawrenceburg, IN....$6,000
top 5....Shannon Babb, Dennis Erb Jr, Steve Hillard, Randy Korte, Terry English
for more click here
July 6....
Twin Cities, North Vernon, IN....$6,000
top 5....Shannon Babb, Don O'Neal, Rodney Melvin, Dennis Erb, Mike Jewell
for more click here
July 5....
Highland, IL....$6,000
top 5....Shannon Babb, Rodney Melvin, Jimmy Mars, Dennis Erb Jr, Randy Korte

for more click here
July 4....
Fayette Co, Brownstown, IL....$6,000
RAIN
July 3....
Vermilion County, Danville, IL....$6,000
top 5....Shannon Babb, Randy Korte, Jimmy Mars, Dennis Erb Jr, Richie Hedrick
for more click here
July 2....
I-55 Pevely, MO....$10,000
top 5....Randy Korte, Rodney Melvin, Shannon Babb, Jeep VanWormer, Brian Birkhofer
for more click here
July 1....
Farmer City, IL....$10,000
top 5....Don O'Neal, Dennis Erb Jr, Shannon Babb, Jimmy Mars, Rodney Melvin
for more click here
June 30....
Mt. Vernon, IL....$6,000
top 5....Shannon Babb, Billy Faust, Jimmy Mars, Dennis Erb Jr, Randy Korte
for more click here
June 29....
Clarksville, TN....$6,000
top 5....Shannon Babb, Dennis Erb, Jr, Billy Drake, Rodney Melvin, Jimmy Mars

for more click here
June 28....
Paducah, KY....$6,000
top 5....Shannon Babb, Rodney Melvin, Randy Sellars, Dennis Erb Jr, Billy Drake
for more click here
June 27....
Godfrey, IL....$6,000
top 5....Shannon Babb, Dennis Erb Jr, Billy Faust, Darren Miller, Terry English
for more click here
June 26....
Tri-State, Haubstadt, IN ....$6,000
top 5....Rodney Melvin, Billy Drake, Darren Miller, Don O'Neal, Chad Zobrist
for more click here
June 25....
KAMP, Boswell, IN....$10,000
top 5....Dennis Erb Jr, Shannon Babb, Billy Moyer, Terry English, Kevin Weaver
for more click here
June 24....
Crown Point, IN....$10,000
top 5....Shannon Babb, Kevin Weaver, Ryan Dauber, Darren Miller, Wes Steidinger
for more click here
 


payout:
$6000 to win     $10,000
2500          5000
1500          3500
1200          1500
1100          1200
1000          1100
700           1000
600           700
500           500
400            400
11-20th - 300


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Here They Come, The 2005 UMP Summer Nationals

Jeffrey A. Bayless....June 13

 

     The 2005 racing season is in full swing, the days are becoming increasingly warmer and that means that one of the most anticipated series of dirt late model fans is just around the bend, the UMP Summer Nationals.  The 2005 version of this grueling test of both man and machine will take the competitors to 29 different racing facilities in a span of 30 days and through 8 different states (Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Ohio).  All contests are scheduled for 40 laps unless otherwise noted.

 

     The tour kicks off on Friday June 24th at Crown Point Speedway in Crown Point, IN with a $10,000 to win show.  CPS is a 1/4 mile semi banked oval that has received some much needed overhauls in the last year since being taken over by KMS Promotions, Inc and will serve as an excellent facility to start the 2005 Summer Nationals.  From CPS the tour heads to Kamp Motor Speedway outside of Boswell, IN on Saturday the 25th for another $10,000 to win show.  Kamp Motor Speedway is a 3/8ths mile high banked speed plant operated by Bob and Gayle Kamp that is known for it's wide open 2 and 3 wide racing.  The tour then continues south to Haubstadt, IN and Tri-State Speedway for a $6000 to win show on Sunday the 26th.  Tri-State Speedway is a 1/4 mile high banked facility operated by the Helfrich Family and is known for it's meticulously prepared surface and side by side racing.  Monday the 27th will find the tour in Godfrey, IL at Godfrey Speedway.  The 55 year old facility is a 1/4 mile semi-banked facility and will pay the winner $6000.  Onto the Bluegrass State and Paducah International Raceway in Paducah, KY on the 28th for a $6000 to win show.  PIR is a 3/8ths mile high banked oval operated by area racer John Tindale.  Then onto the red clay of Clarksville Speedway in Clarksville, TN.  This Wil-Tam Enterprises operated facility is a 1/4 mile paper-clip style of track that produces some exciting racing and will host a $6000 to win event for round 6 of the 2005 Summer Nationals on June 29th.  The tour will end the month of June at Mt. Vernon, IL and Mt Vernon Raceway for a $6000 to win event.  Mt Vernon Raceway is a 1/4 mile high banked facility that is owned and operated by Jim Scott, Dave Clark, and Rick Heck. 

 

     The second week of the Summer National tour kicks off at Farmer City Raceway on July 1st with a $10,000 prize on the line.  Farmer City Raceway located in Farmer City, IL is a 1/4 mile high banked facility under the control of  TruSpeed, Inc who are having a successful go of it in their rookie campaign as track promoters.   Saturday July 2nd will find the tour at I-55 Speedway in Pevely, MO.  I-55 Speedway is a 1/3 mile high banked oval operated by Ray Marler and Kenny Schrader and hosts some of the best late model talent in the area on a weekly basis.   From I-55 the tour will head across the state of Illinois to Vermilion County Speedway, a 1/4 mile high banked facility outside of Danville, IL, for a $6000 to win event on July 3rd.  Promoter Bill Marietta has done some work to this race track and it has become more inclined to provide multi groove racing than it has in the past for Super Late Model action.   Independence Day will find the series at Fayette County Speedway competing for a $6000 top prize.  Fayette County Speedway is located near Brownstown, IL and is a large 1/4 mile high banked facility promoted by Charlie Depew.  July 5th will find the series at another Charlie Depew managed facility in Highland, IL for another $6000 top prize event.  Highland Speedway is a semi banked 1/4 mile facility with tight racing quarters.  From Highland Speedway the series treks to Twin Cities Raceway Park in North Vernon, IN for a $6000 to win event on July 6th.  This Tory and Trent Collins managed facility is a 3/8ths mile high banked oval.  Onto the "Legendary" Lawrenceburg Speedway in Lawrenceburg, IN on Thursday July 7th for a $6000 to win event.  Lawrenceburg Speedway is a 1/4 mile high banked facility managed by TWA Productions. 

 

     The third week of the touring series kicks off at the uxorious Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway outside of Calvert City, KY on Friday July 8th with a $10,000 to win event.  This 3/8ths mile high banked oval is owned and operated by Northern Illinois based racer Sherri Heckenast.  Saturday July 9th will find the series at the newly renovated Kokomo Speedway in Kokomo, IN.  Kokomo Speedway is another KMS Promotions facility and is a 1/4 mile semi banked facility.  The winner will earn $10,000.  Sunday the 10th will find the series at Hartford Speedway Park in Hartford, MI for a $6000 to win event.  Hartford Speedway Park is a 1/2 mile high banked facility operated by Fred and Gale Knight.  Monday July 11th will take the series to Peoria Speedway in Peoria, IL where the competitors will try their hand at another $6000 to win event.  Peoria Speedway is a 1/4 mile high banked facility managed by Sherrie Hamilton.  Tuesday July 12th will find the series at the classy LaSalle Speedway in LaSalle, IL.  This Izzo family operated 1/4 mile high banked facility will play host to a $6000 to win event.  Wednesday the 13th will take the Summer National series to "the best kept secret in Illinois" Spoon River Speedway in Canton, IL.  This Denney family owned and operated facility is a 3/8ths mile high banked oval and will pay the winner $6000.  Then onto the "Mighty" Macon Speedway in Macon, IL managed by Rich and Terry Webb on the 14th.  Macon Speedway, the smallest track on the circuit at 1/5th miles will play host to the Herald and Review 100, a 100 lap event paying $6000 to the winner.

 

     The final week of the 2005 UMP Summer Nationals will consist of 8 separate events each paying the winner $10,000.  Friday July 15th the series will visit Lincoln Speedway in Lincoln, IL.  Lincoln Speedway is a 1/4 mile race track managed by B&H Promotions.  Saturday the 16th the series heads to another 1/4 mile track in Fairbury, IL.  Fairbury American Legion Speedway is managed by Rusty Allen.  Sunday the 17th the tour heads to Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, IL.  Tri-City Speedway, managed by Kevin and Tammy Gundaker,  has two tracks and this event will be contested on the 1/2 mile semi-banked oval.  Monday the 18th will take the series to another 1/2 mile track at Freeport Raceway Park in Freeport, IL.  This Gill family operated facility is the largest stock car track in Northern Illinois.  Tuesday the 19th will find the series at the 1/2 mile high banked Simmons Promotions, Inc run Farley Speedway in Farley, IA.  Wednesday the 20th will take the competitors to the Terry Hoenig promoted 34 Raceway in West Burlington, IA.  34 Raceway is a 3/8ths mile high banked oval.  After a day off for travel the series will head into Lake Odessa, MI for the next to last event on Friday, July 22nd.  I-96 Speedway is a 1/2 mile semi-banked facility operated by Mike Mouch.  The finale will take the competitors to Oakshade Raceway in Wauseon, OH on the 23rd of July.  Pam Henricks promotes this 3/8ths mile semi-banked oval which will have the competitors competing in a 60 lap event.  This is the only event on the tour that will have a rain date and that will be the 24th.

 

     Now that we know where the 2005 Summer Nationals will be headed let's take a look at who is anticipated to follow this series.  2004 Champion "The Real Deal" Don O'Neal is expected to drop off of the Lucas Oil Dirt Car Series despite leading the points to defend his title on the Summer National circuit.  Don has posted 29 career Summer National wins, second on the all time list to Billy Moyer.  2004 runner-up and 2004 NARA Champion (now known as the Lucas Oil Dirt Car Late Model Series) "The Moweaqua Missile" Shannon Babb will make a strong run for his first Summer National title in '05.  Babb comes into this season with 20 career Summer National wins, 5th on the all-time list.  Long time Xtreme Dirt Car Series competitor and 2004 Xtreme runner-up "The Iceman" Jimmy Mars is expected to make his first full time run at the Summer Nationals now that the Xtreme Series has folded.  Mars has 2 career Summer National wins.  Dennis Erb Jr. who placed 4th in the 2004 Summer National campaign has the 2005 Summer Nationals on his schedule although he is toying with the idea of continuing to follow the Lucas Oil Series as he is running in the 7th position in that series posting several strong runs.  Erb has been a regular competitor in the Summer Nationals but has yet to post a victory despite many strong showings.  Billy Drake has been a regular on the series in the past but followed the Xtreme Series in 2004.  Drake is expected to follow the Summer Nationals again this year in search of his first title in the series.  Drake has 9 career Summer National victories.  As with Drake, Jeep VanWormer followed the Xtreme Series in '04 but is expected to make his return to full time Summer National competition this season.  VanWormer has 1 career Summer National victory.  The 2000 series champ, "The Flatland Flash" Kevin Weaver is expected to make another run at the Summer Nationals in '05.  Weaver has posted 13 career Summer National victories.  1997 UMP National Champion Randy "King Kong" Korte is expected to follow the series again this season.  Korte has posted 3 career Summer National wins.  Two time defending and 3 time overall UMP National Champion Rodney Melvin is planning on running the complete 2005 UMP Summer National schedule.  Melvin has 1 career Summer National victory.  2004 Northern Allstar Late Model Series Champion, Brian Shirley, has stepped up his program in 2005 and is expected to tackle the full Summer National series for the first time.  Shirley posted his 1st Summer National win in limited action during the '04 campaign.  Florida native "Mr. Showtime" Patrick Sheltra spends his summers traveling the Midwest and is expected to run the Summer National tour full time in '05.   Three other drivers have the entire schedule listed on their itinerary to make their first full time runs on the series as well;  "The Fairbury Flyer" Wes Steidinger, "Insane" Duane Chamberlain, and Rohn Moon.  In addition to these drivers who are planning on a full run at the Summer Nationals several others are expected to run selected portions or limited schedules including Brian Birkhofer, Scott James, Darren Miller, Brady Smith, and Rick Aukland.  You can also expect serious competition from local hot shoes when the series rolls through their area as well as an occasional appearance from other nationally known drivers.  Although the listed drivers are expected to compete in portions or all of the '05 Summer Nationals the series takes it's toll on both man and machine and the list of drivers that start off running the series is usually greater than that who finish the series.  Good luck to all the expected competitors in the '05 Summer National tour. 

 

PAST SUMMER NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
2004- Don O'Neal
2003- Billy Moyer
2002- Scott Bloomquist
2001- Billy Moyer
2000- Kevin Weaver
1999- Billy Moyer
1998- Rick Aukland
1997- Rick Aukland
1996- Billy Moyer
1995- Bob Pierce
1994- Billy Moyer
1993- Billy Moyer
1992- unknown
1991- Scott Bloomquist
1990- Scott Bloomquist
1989- Rick Standridge
1988- Pete Parker
 
ALL TIME WIN LIST 1988 TO PRESENT (1989, 1992 Results Incomplete)
1. Billy Moyer, Batesville, Ark. (60)
2. Don O'Neal, Martinsville, Ind. (29)
3. Scott Bloomquist, Mooresburg, Tenn. (27)
4. Rick Aukland, Fargo, N.D. (23)
5. Shannon Babb, Decatur, Ill. (20)
6t. Kevin Weaver, Gibson City, Ill. (13)
6t. Bob Pierce, Danville, Ill. (13)
8. Billy Drake, Bloomington, Ill. (9)
9. Bill Frye, Greenbrier, Ark. (8)
10t. Jim Curry, Norman, Ind. (6)
10t. John Gill, Mitchell, Ind. (6)
12. Ed Dixon, Washington, Mo. (5)
13t. Roger Long, Fithian, Ill. (4)
13t. Terry English, Benton, Ky. (4)
15t. Tony Izzo Jr., Bridgeview, Ill. (3)
15t. Tom Rients, Streator, Ill. (3)
15t. Kevin Claycomb, Vincennes, Ind. (3)
15t. Donnie Barnhart, N. Little Rock, Ark. (3)
15t. Randy Korte, Highland, Ill. (3)
15t. Jim Leka, Buffalo, IL (3)
21t. Dick Taylor, Springfield, Illinois (2)
21t. Bob Hill, Story City, Iowa (2)
21t. Steve Barnett, Franklin, Ind. (2)
21t. Randy Sellars, Mayfield, Ky. (2)
21t. Jimmy Mars, Elk Mound, Wis. (2)
21t. Wendell Wallace, Batesville, Ark. (2)
21t. Brian Birkhofer, Muscatine, Iowa (2)
Drivers with one victory: Tom Hekfrich, Steve Kosiski, Paul Shafer, Jack Boggs, Rick Egersdorf, Doug McCammon, Joey Izzo, Willy Kraft, Joe Ross Jr., Pete Parker, Ray Cook, Donnie Moran, Tony Stewart, Darrell Lanigan, Ed Bauman, Bart Hartman, Jay Johnson, Matt Taylor, Dan Schlieper, Jeep VanWormer, Matt Miller, Billy Faust, Brian Shirley, Rodney Melvin, Earl Pearson Jr.

Congrats to 2005 UMP Summernationals Champion Shannon Babb


July 23....Oakshade, Wauseon, OH....60 laps....$10,000
thanks to DirtRacingWorld
And thanks to Brenda Leonard
Qualifying 57 late models
Babb 15.844
Jeep 16.144
Shirley 16.172
Aaron Scott 16.226

Dash Finish
Finish-Name-Starting spot
1.Jeep(1)
2.Shirley(6)
3.Scott(5)
4.Mars(3)
5.#OJ(2)
6.Patterson(8)
7.Schlenk(9)
8.Erb(7)
9.Babb(4)

Heat 1-Top 2 go
 # 91a Schlenk
# 23 Sheltra
#4u Elling
#37 Hahn
#1 Steinaker

Heat 2
#75- Martin
#75- Moore
#00  Eitenier
#6 McKnight
#28 - Erb

Heat 3
#18  - Babb
#1 - Noonan
#15 - Schroyer
#7 -
#42 - Ron Miller
#30  - Reckner

Heat 4
#5M - Marlar
#53 -- Hillard Miller
#51
#12 - Bland
#3 - Anderson
#94 - Smith

Heat 5
# 3D - Rick Delong
Scott Smith
#40
#21 - Mack
#72 - Mike Miller
#6x6- Mitchell

Consi 1-top 2 go
#12 - Bland
#51

Consi 2
#15 - Schroyer
#6

feature
1st-Brian Shirley
2nd-Aaron Scott
3rd-Jimmy Mars
4th-Dennis Erb Jr (from last!)
5th-Shannon Babb
6th-Casey Noonan
7th-Rick Delong
8th-Kris Patterson
9th-Patrick Sheltra

And on Tuesday evening, thanks to Jimmy Dearing
 

57 Entries

Qualifying
1. 18 Shannon Babb 15.844
2. 55 Jeep Van Wormer 16.144
3. 3S Brian Shirley 16.172
4. 1AS Aaron Scott 16.226

Dash Finish
1. 55 Jeep Van Wormer
2. 3S Brian Shirley
3. 1AS Aaron Scott
4. 28M Jimmy mars
5. 0J Ron Perrine
6. 0 Kris Patterson
7. 91 Rusty Schlenk
8. 28 Dennis Erb
9. 18 Shannon Babb

Heat 1
1. 91 Rusty Schlenk
2. 23 Patrick Sheltra
3. 1BS Josh Steinacker
4. 37 Ken hahn
5. 4U Chris Elling

Heat 2
1. 75M Greg Martin
2. 75DM Dusty Moore
3. 00F Brad Ditnear
4. 6M Mike McKnight
5. 28 Dennis Erb

Heat 3
1. 18 Shannon Babb
2. 1N Casey Noonan
3. 15S Roddy Schroyer
4. 5H Mike Harger
5. 7L Brice Luttrell

Heat 4
1. 5M Mike Marlar
2. 53 Hillard Miller
3. 51S Devin Shields
4. 12B Jordan Bland
5. 3AM Dean Anderson

Heat 5
1. 3D Rick Delong
2. 12P Scott Fisk
3. 40 Brad Miller
4. 21H David Hilleker
5. 72 Mike Miller

Semi #1:
1. 12B Jordan Bland
2. 51S Devin Shields
3. 7L Brice Luttrell
4. 78N Rich Neisder
5. 37 Ken Hahn
6. 30 Skeet Reckner
7. 4 Ryan Gorby
8. 04 Tracy Grimes
9. 12X Darrell Scott
10. 4U Chris Elling
11. 94S Chris Smith
12. 00F Brad Eitniear
13. 87JR JR Stough
14. 21R Kevin Mack
15. 6N Jeff Nulton
16. 42M Ron Miller
17. 95 Chuck Desgrange
18. 01 Zac Davis
19. 22 Bill Hahn

Semi #2:
1. 15S Roddy Schroyer
2. 6M Mike McKnight
3. 3AM Dean Anderson
4. 49 George Lindsey
5. 21 David Helleker
6. 29J Joe Overmeyer
7. X3 Dan Wallace
8. 33K Brian Koebbe
9. 15G John Gamber
10. 40 Brad Miller
11. 72 Mike Miller
12. 1W Fred Wahl
13. 82D Curtis Deisenroth
14. 87 Max Stough
15. 61H Jon Horner
16. 1BS Josh Steinacker
17. 5H Mike Harger
18. 28E Dennis Erb
19. 6x6 Rob Mitchell

Feature:
1. 3S Brian Shirley
2. 1AS Aaron Scott
3. 28M Jimmy Mars
4. 28 Dennis Erb Jr
5. 18 Shannon Babb
6. 1N Casey Noonan
7. 3D Rick Delong
8. 0 Kris Patterson
9. 91 Rusty Schlenk
10. 0J Ron Perrrine, Jr.
11. 15S Roddy Schroyer
12. 23S Patrick Sheltra
13. 53 Hillard Miller
14. 75D Dusty Moore
15. 75M Greg Martin
16. 51S Devin Shields
17. 12B Jordan Bland
18. 55 Jeep VanWormer
19. 6M Mike McKnight
20. 12F Scott Fisk
21. 5M Mike Marlar

July 22....i96, Lake Odessa, MI....$10,000
thanks to Jeffrey Bayless and Richard Bila
 

Lake Odessa, Michigan
July 22, 2005
By Richard Bila

When Shannon Babb left his Moweaqua, Illinois home one month ago to join the UMP summer national tour, little did he realize the success he would have. The “Moweaqua missile” rolled to his 15th win out of 28 stops during the 40 lap $10,000 to win feature at I96 speedway on Friday night. The win added to his win record for the 29 race dates in 30 days. The event was run under chamber of commerce type weather and the largest crowd for a Friday night race.

Babb and Jimmy Mars brought the star studded field down to the green flag with Mars jumping into the early lead. The pace Mars was setting brought him up into lapped traffic during the 9th lap. While racing in heavy lapped traffic, Babb used a lapped car for a pick to take over the lead he would never give up during the 11th lap. At the half way mark it was Babb, Mars, Jeep VanWormer, fast qualifier Brain Shirley and Dennis Erb. The first yellow flag wave on lap 26 for ALMS point leader Brian Ruhlman who tangled with a lapped car and was put to the rear of the field. The restart saw a lapped car between Babb and Mars allowing Babb to open up a huge lead and check out for the win. In victory lane, Babb thanked CJ Rayburn chassis and his Jay Dickens engines for his success. Also he thanked the I96 fans for coming out and supporting this event and hopes they can come back next year. Babb was behind the wheel of his favorite car nicked named “full pull” in which he has scored most of his wins this year. Mars held on for second, Shirley, Erb, Tennessee driver Mike Marlar, Van Wormer, Casey Noonon, Jeff Roodvoets, Kris Patterson and Ruhlman rounded out the top ten. Heat race winners for the 34 late models were Noonon over David Hilliker, Roodvoets and Rick Whipple. Heat two was won by Patterson over Union Town, Florida driver Patrick Sheltra, current I96 point leader Zach Olger and Tim Stemler. Heat three saw Marlar over Mike Nugent, Bob Flinn and Scott Fisk. Roger Wing won the b-main over Jim Fairbanks after Wing went home and got his back up car after a hot lap tangle that was no fault of his wrecked his primary car. Babb won the 9 lap dash over Mars, Shirley, Ruhlman, Erb, Jeep and Noonon. Shirley had fast time of 19:49. Jordan Bland was added to the feature as a UMP provisional. Drivers from six states were on hand to make up one of the strongest late models fields in a long time at I96.

The IMCA modifieds provided the support division and put on their usual great racing. Don Hintz and last weeks winner Icky Vanslyke lead the 20 car field to the green flag. During the first lap Vanslyke took the early lead and began to check out, that created a good battle in the pack for positions. During the 11th lap Myron Deyoung, who last week was shaken up in an accident that saw his car get t-boned, had worked his way from his 6th starting spot and began to put the heat on Icky. Deyoung worked his way under Vanslyke in turn three and pulled away. The battle for second was now on as Josh Borton, who last week destroyed his car, John Heacock, Johnny Deyoung, points leader Tim Roodvoets and Mark Anderson had all caught Icky and were bumper to bumper and door handle to door handle for positions. At the finish of the all green flag 20 lap feature found Deyoung in victory lane for the 5th time this year at I96. Vanslyke held off the pack for second, Borton, J. Deyoung, Heacock, Roodvoets, Anderson, Hintz, Richard Sweet and Gary Vandermark rounded out the top ten. Heat race winners were Hintz over Borton and J. DeYoung. Heat two, Vanslyke over M. Deyoung and Heacock. Heat three Vandermark over Troy Sloan and Kevin Wadkins. B main winner was Anderson over Shannon Fisk.

Next Friday night at I96 is kid’s night. All kids are invited down before the races for a ride around the track on their favorite driver’s car. Along with that, all kids 12 and under are admitted free into the main grandstand. Also, if you live in the 49348 zip code area, you get in free.
 


thanks to DirtRacingWorld

37 cars

Shirley - quick time
Babb - 2nd

Dash:
Babb (Drew #1)
Mars
Shirley (Drew #6)
 

Heres the feature lineup
Babb-Mars
Shirley-Ruhlman
Erb-Jeep
Noonan-Patterson
5m (maybe Marlar?)-21
Sheltra-43
1-Olger
02-60
5-12 Scott Smith
12-61
55 Roger Wing

feature finish

Babb
Mars
Shirley
Erb
Marlar
Jeep
Noonon
Roodvoets
Patterson
Ruhlman


July 21....travel


July 20....34 Raceway, W. Burlington, IA....$10,000

28 cars present...that's all I know....
sorry, no one has sent in results....
see the note above, this is WHY this page may disappear....
maybe this will be the end of www.midwestdirttrackfacts.com and Summernationals reports????forever????
thanks to Jack Walbring

 Feature

 

1

28m

Jimmy Mars

Elkmound, WI

 

2

71

Don O' Neal

Martinsville, IN

 

3

18

Shannon Babb

Moweakqua, IL

 

4

32d

Darren Miller

Chadwick, IL

 

5

28

Dennis Erb Jr

Carpentersville, IL