LaSalle Lucas pictures by Marcus Mackey....July 30

Former La Salle Speedway Champion in biggest race; daughter Stephanie fights
for her life
By: Betty Glynn

Cystic Fibrosis, aka CF, is an inherited chronic disease that affects the
lungs and digestive systems of about 30,000 children and adults in the
United States. A defective gene causes the body to produce unusually thick,
sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life threatening lung
infections, obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping
the body break down and absorb food.

This is nothing new to Stephanie Soberri, a thirteen year old Illinois
Valley native, and her family. They have become experts on CF and the
up-hill battle encountered. She has been fighting the disease her entire
life. Steph was diagnosed at the age of one following numerous
hospitalizations during the first twelve months of her life.

Since then, the battle has continued. Breathing treatments are just a way of
life for her. She is your typical teenager though. She attends Ottawa's
Shepherd Middle School as an eighth grader and can't wait for her Aunt
Gina's new baby to arrive.

She loves to fish and play basketball. Her prayers are filled with hopes of
a Dell Laptop for Christmas and a dirt bike. Meeting Dale Earnhardt Jr. and
one day driving a stock car are at the top of her wish list.

She is an avid sports fan to say the least; She roots for the Steelers,
Packers and Cubs but what she wants more than anything is to be healthy. At
5'2" and a mere 80 lbs this ball of fire loves life and her family.
Unfortunately, she has been stricken with many health complications but CF
is the culprit of many stolen dreams.

Stephanie is so like other kids but so limited in following her teenage type
urges. Rheumatoid arthritis keeps her on the sidelines when CF doesn't. She
follows a no chocolate, no soda, low sodium diet but none of that seems to
matter to Steph. For most kids, the three things she has to avoid are at the
top of their food pyramid.

She has a tremendous passion for her family and racing.

Coming from a line of race car drivers makes her love of the sport natural.
Her maternal grandfather, Bill Weistart Sr. of Oglesby raced stock cars,
followed up by her uncle Billy Jr. who races a dirt late model.

Her most treasured racing hero, in front of Earnhardt, is a 34 year old
female that has been an inspiration and caregiver. It is none other than her
own mother, Tina.

Tina's racing concluded in 2005, due to the family's financial burdens, but
the smiles continue whenever a walk down memory lane is shared with
Stephanie.

Her mother not only raced but she accomplished what no other female had when
she was crowned the first female Midwestern Sportsman Track Champion at
LaSalle Speedway in 2005. The proudest of times for a child who seems to not
always have dreams come true.

Stephanie still proudly talks about the season when her mom was crowned a
champ. For now, those days and her hopes to be well enough to keep the
family tradition rolling are on hold.

Although racing brings out a powerful energy in this angelic teenager it
isn't enough to keep her breathing. She has blonde straight hair and a smile
that could melt anyone's heart. She is the type of child that within five
minutes you just feel like you've known her forever.

Stephanie has to cross the finish line of a double lung transplant at the
St. Louis Children's Hospital, four hours from home, before any more of her
dreams can be fulfilled.

"Stephanie is amazing," her mom told during a recent meeting. "She has been
through so much. This is really hard for her to be so far away and she can't
keep in touch with her friends and family too easily."

On November 13th, she was admitted to the St. Louis Children's Hospital
following a check up by her transplant doctor. To become active on the
transplant list, there are many requirements including infection free. For
now, they are using intravenous medication to cure her current lung
infection. She also has to maintain her weight which is no easy task with
hospital food and being far away from everyone dear.

For now, her mother is packing on the miles traveling back and forth to take
care of family and her job at Flying J while staying strong for the entire
family.

"Flying J has been so good to work around Steph's schedule," said her mom.
"When the time comes we will officially move to St. Louis and hopefully get
her transplant quick."

The move is mandatory for her to qualify for the transplant. Once a set of
lungs becomes available, the transplant doctor will be flown via a Lear jet
to personally inspect the lungs. Stephanie will begin the prep stages at the
hospital. If the lungs are free and clear of disease and meet the strict
criteria, she will be ready in the surgical room when the doctor returns.

Staying behind will be two of the most important male figures in her life.
At home, her big brother Nick, a high school sophomore, and their father
figure Brian will hold down the fort and wait for their return. The
relocation of mother and daughter to St. Louis will be hard but everyone
knows it is the only option to save her life.

"Being so far from everyone, especially Nick and Brian, is really difficult
for her. She wants a Laptop to help her keep in touch so bad it is heart
breaking, I just wish we could afford to give it to her," Tina explained.


Due to the tremendous expenses the family has right now and ahead of them, a
benefit to help defray some of the burden is being held on December 8th. The
Knights of Columbus will be the site of this event in La Salle. Tickets are
$15, which will include dinner, beer and soda.

Local businesses have been donating items to be raffled off at the event.
The list is growing and already includes a golf course package at Senica's
Oak Ridge, a skybox party at LaSalle Speedway, a Grand Bear Lodge family
suite worth over $300, overnight rooms at the Holiday Inn, Fairfield Inn,
LaQuinta, cash prizes and much more.

"We have been so lucky that our local businesses have been so generous to
us," Tina Soberri acknowledged. "We really are grateful for everything
everyone has done."

A fund has also been established for anyone wishing to make a donation.
Funds can be sent to: Benefit of Stephanie Soberri, c/o Eureka Savings Bank
101 N. Columbia Oglesby, IL 61348.

Williams beats the best for the final Illinois Valley Cellular race
By Betty Glynn
Sept 15, 2006

LaSalle,IL - Ed Williams Jr. earned more then he could have imagined at the
LaSalle Speedway in 2006. En route to his current Street Stock championship
status, he ran hard all season long and certainly made a name for himself in
the ultra competitive division.

Saturday night was yet another milestone for the humble Streamwood
competitor. "This was the highlight of my year," Williams said in a post
race interview. Williams was referencing his incredible run in the final leg
of the Illinois Valley Cellular Street Stock Series.

The feature grid was set after qualifying, three heat races and a semi
feature. At the head of the pack were two young drivers, Jimmy Partipilo and
Tim Loomis. In row two, Williams was on the inside of Eric Whittington
behind them in row three sat Gary Schmitt and former track champ Jeff
Hamilton.

Once the green dropped, it was a true battle to gain the leadership. A
caution was signaled quickly for Joe Jelinek then Schmitt left the pack
briefly with a tire down. Once everyone got back in order the race was
nothing short of exciting.

Partipilo made a mad dash to the lead with Williams and Loomis following.
Quickly, Partipilo and Williams began to generate some real estate over
their seventeen other contenders.

Marty Thompson, the dominator in this series, was on the hunt from an eighth
place start for the lead. Thompson a standout and track champion in Modified
and Late Models at multiple tracks dropped down to the Street Stock class to
compete in the newly formed special series for the Street Stock drivers.

His domination of the previous five races had already secured his points
chase for the series and made him the man everyone wanted to beat.

By Lap 6, Thompson had positioned himself side by side for second with
Williams on the inside. One lap later, Thompson took control of the
position.

Partipilo continued to shine carrying the veteran through lapped traffic.
With twelve laps in the books he was able to maneuver his way through a
tight squeeze of lapped cars to continue the lead.

Thompson and Partipilo were racing hard in the sixteenth circuit when
contact was made between the two leaders. Williams' smart driving style
enabled him to see the opening and steal the lead. Unfortunately, a great
run by Partipilo ended with him shuffling back to fourth.

Just when it looked like Williams had it in the bag, a caution for a stopped
machine on the back stretch ended their run during the final lap.

For the single file restart, Williams was in command over the only remaining
drivers of Thompson, Hamilton, Partipilo, Justin Rutledge, Scott Schoener,
Schmitt, Whittington, Brad Severs and Nick Sell.

The fight to the finish was a description well deserving of the leaders.
Williams looked as though he was giving it all he had when he beat someone
he holds much respect for.

"Marty was the top of the field every race of this series," according to
Williams. "I would like to congratulate Marty he is an excellent racer and a
clean driver."

Thompson took second over Hamilton, Partipilo, Rutledge, Schoener, Schmitt,
Whittington, Severs and Sell.

Whittington, Partipilo and Schmitt each won their heat races. Steve Lewis
and Don Cole transferred from the semi feature.

Twenty one drivers made the Midwestern Late Model feature call. On the front
row Mike Glynn was on the inside of Scott Schmitt. Rolling up behind them
was Steve Oeder and Darin Furar over Tim Hamburg and Billy Weistart Jr.

A caution before one lap was scored stopped a dicey race between Glynn and
Schmitt. Glynn was powered up running hard with Schmitt, Oeder, Hamburg,
Furar and Weistart all flying behind him.

The pace was set early and very fast to say the least. By the fifth lap out,
the leader was lapping traffic. During Lap 13, contact up front took Oeder
out of competition and back to his pits. While the field was under yellow,
Ralph Markham left the track surface and returned to his pit.

As the leaders powered up hard coming into turn three, Markham came flying
back onto the track in front of the leader from a non designated area.

His return at that time, created chaos up front as he raced the leader.

Three laps later the second place runner, Schmitt, slid up into the wall for
a brief greeting and fell back to fourth.

The pack was flying fast and furious when a lapped car got into the path of
Glynn forcing contact with the concrete wall. Hamburg, who was working hard
on the back of Glynn, stole the lead and went on to win the twenty five lap
main event.

Glynn collected second over Furar, Eric Dauber, Schmitt, Weistart, Johnny
Heath, Bart Schwartz, Will Harris, Jim Loomis and Scott Cimei.

Oeder and Furar each won their heat races. Glynn scored the fastest
qualifying lap.

Marty Thompson, working double duty, led the Modified class flag to flag to
claim the final feature of the season.

On the front row of the grid, it was Thompson with Jim Phelps on the
outside. Rick Thomas and current division champ Vince Cooper were in the
second row.

By the third lap, Thompson was already taking cars a lap down. Thompson
began distancing himself from a hard fought battle for second between Thomas
and Cooper with Dale Lueth close behind.

The single file restart of Lap 14, held Thompson on the post over Thomas,
Cooper, Lueth, Phelps and Aaron Elgin. Only two more laps were recorded
before the caution slowed an exciting race yet again.

Following the restart, Thomas fired up to the side of Thompson to make an
outside challenge for the lead when another caution halted his run.

At the finish it was Thomas runner up over Cooper, Lueth, Phelps, Joel Funk,
Ray Bollinger, Elgin, Brian Bushong, Jordan Schramm, Mike Styrewalt, Ron
Mons, and Joe Adam.

Phelps, Bollinger and Thompson won the heat events. Cooper posted the
fastest qualifying lap.

Joe Zrostlik led the 4 Cylinder Hornet feature race flag to flag and won the
first heat race early in the night.

Controversy on and off the track shadowed the job well done by Zrostlik.
Tony Provenzano took home second with Hank Henderliter, Chris Zavada, Tyler
Griswald, Jimmie Johnson, Jr. Brown, Loren Westerhold and Corey West
trailing.

The LaSalle Speedway racing season is officially over but the drivers, fans
and promoters are already anticipating the 2007 racing season.


LaSalle Speedway Results 09/16/06

Midwestern Late Models: 21 Cars
Qualifying: Mike Glynn 13.500
Heat One: Steve Oeder, Tim Hamburg, Mike Glynn, Eric Dauber
Heat Two: Darin Furar, Scott Schmitt, Billy Weistart Jr., Ralph Markham

Feature: 1. Tim Hamburg, 2. Mike Glynn, 3. Darin Furar, 4. Eric Dauber, 5.
Scott Schmitt, 6. Billy Weistart Jr., 7. Johnny Heath, 8. Bart Schwartz, 9.
Will Harris, 10. Jim Loomis, 11. Scott Cimei, 12. Ralph Markham, 13. Aaron
Schmitt, 14. Tony Coglianese, 15. Wally Forsythe, 16. Shwawn Kemp, 17. Mike
Provenzano, 18. Ed Williams Sr., 19. Joe Fratt, 20. Steve Oeder, 21 Vince
Incrocci

Modifieds: 20 Cars
Qualifying: Vince Cooper
Heat One: Jim Phelps, Rick Thomas, Vince Cooper, Justin McCoy
Heat Two: Ray Bollinger, Dale Lueth, Joel Funk, Brian Bushong
Heat Three: Marty Thompson, Kelly Jones, Aaron Elgin, Joe Adam

Feature: 1. Marty Thompson, 2. Rick Thomas, 3. Vince Cooper, 4. Dale Lueth,
5. Jim Phelps, 6. Joel Funk, 7. Ray Bollinger, 8. Aaron Elgin, 9. Brian
Bushong, 10. Jordan Schramm, 11. Mike Styrewalt, 12. Ron Mons, 13. Joe Adam,
14. Leah Monfries, 15. Mike Dyas, 16. Jimmy Thompson, 17. Denck Doerr, 18.
Scott Hauge, 19. Justin McCoy, 20. Kelly Jones

Illinois Valley Cellular Street Stock Series: 24 Cars
Qualifying: Tim Loomis
Heat One: Eric Whittington, Tim Loomis, Jeff Hamilton, Justin Rutledge
Heat Two: Jimmy Partipilo, Chuck Provenzano, Mike Hughes, Nick Sell
Heat Three: Gary Schmitt, Ed Williams Jr., Marty Thompson, Randy Balensiefen
Semi Feature: Steve Lewis, Don Cole, Bill Dauber, Joe Brown, Jim Prokup

Feature: 1. Ed Williams Jr., 2.Marty Thompson, 3. Jeff Hamilton, 4. Jimmy
Partipilo, 5. Justin Rutledeg, 6. Scott Schoener, 7. Gary Schmitt, 8. Eric
Whittington, 9. Brad Severs, 10. Nick Sell, 11. Randy Lucas, 12. Tom Legner,
13. Robert Schlappi,  14. Don Cole, 15. Steve Lewis, 16. Randy Balensiefen,
17. Mike Hughes, 18. Tim Loomis, 19. Chuck Provenzano, 20. Joe Jelinek

Hornets: 18 Cars
Heat One: Joe Zrostlik, Jeff Small, Tony Provenzano, Gabe Koncor
Heat Two: Dan Leonard, Jon Small, David Przybyla, Cory West

Feature: 1. Joe Zrostlik, 2. Tony Provenzano, 3. Hank Henderliter, 4. Chris
Zavada, 5. Tyler Griswald, 6. Jamie Johnson, 7. Jr. Brown, 8. Loren
Westerhold, 9. Cory West, 10. Kyle Fisher, 11. Jeff Small, 12. Colin Baker,
13. Asa Robart, 14. Gabe Koncor, 15. Darrell Porter, 16. David Przybyla, 17.
Dan Leonard, 18. Jon Small
 

Hamburg claims final leg of Mautino Triple Crown at LaSalle
By Betty Glynn

LaSalle,IL - The much anticipated final leg of the Mautino Triple Crown
Midwestern Late Model Series wasn't the ending many had hoped. The event
became a wreck fest in both their semi feature and the 100 lap special.

It was as if a full moon was shining on the Illinois Valley speed arena when
the cars just seemed to start dropping off like flies in the cold air.

It started out with the qualifying of twenty six competitors. Sixteen were
then locked into the main event. Ten drivers were put on the semi roster
with four transferring out of it.

During the first lap of the semi, contact was made concluding with John
Heath upside down. His car had to be lifted on the hook just for him to exit
his machine. This was the sign of things to come. The field of nine got back
into a complete restart format but again things didn't go well and four
drivers were involved in a wreck in turn one.

At the finish it was Dave Miller holding back Darin Furar, Scott Cimei and
Aaron Schmidt. All four were transferred to the back of the main.

After the roll of the dice, the number five determined how many inverted
positions there would be at the front. The fastest qualifier, Scott Schmitt,
started eleventh in the line up. James Muetze became the pole sitter next to
Steve Oeder with Jason Bogle and Jim Partipilo row two.

Oeder powered up hard and quickly took the lead. A pile up after the first
lap out claimed a few cars and slowed the pace.

On the single file restart it was Oeder heading the field over Muetze, Bogle
Tim Hamburg, Billy Weistart Jr., Partipilo, Eric Dauber, Mike Glynn and
Keith Piano.

After the green dropped, Glynn took the action three wide to move up the
field from ninth. One lap later a three car wreck ended with Dauber nose
first into the turn four wall, while Bogle and Ralph Markham's were out of
contention as well.

Oeder spent many laps flying solo while Hamburg, Muetze and Glynn tried to
reel him in. The leaders wasted little time taking machine after machine a
lap down. Glynn took over third during Lap 8.

By a restart of Lap 41 twelve cars were still in action. Oeder and Hamburg
were putting on a great show for the lead as the duo aggressively ran side
by side on the back stretch. One lap later, Hamburg took over.

Oeder went high on the track and Glynn stole second from him. An immediate
caution returned Glynn to the rear of Oeder for the start.

When the yellow flag flew, the lap meter was running out as all caution laps
counted until Lap 90. The last twenty laps were nothing but green flag
racing for the mere nine remaining competitors. Hamburg was at the helm and
at times generated a quarter of a track lead over Glynn and Oeder while
Furar battled with Schmitt and Ed Williams Sr.

With two to go, Hamburg found himself stuck behind two lapped cars. Glynn
began to close the gap. On the final turn of Lap 99 it was all or nothing as
Hamburg went high and opened the door.

Glynn made a hard run under Hamburg but the lapped traffic continued to race
full throttle and contact was made. Instead of a shoot out to the checkers
Glynn suffered the consequences with heavy damage and big disappointments.

Hamburg collected the checkers for the fifth time of the season with Oeder
coming up in an impressive second place finish for the second week in a row.

Furar had made a strong presence after he journeyed up from the back of the
pack and stayed out of trouble. He scored a convincing third from his
eighteenth place beginning.

Williams didn't finish the race after a collision with Schmitt on the final
lap. He placed fourth on the official roster. Schmitt walked away with a
fifth place showing over Glynn. Rebholz was paid for seventh ahead of Dave
Miller and Tony Coglianese in ninth.

Seven drivers crossed the actual finish line at the completion of Lap 100.
Scoring was a nightmare since the top three runners lapped machines multiple
times during the early laps and now two of them were out of contention for
the final lap.

Ray Bollinger continued his winning ways in the Modified division claiming
his second feature win in a row.

Vince Cooper and Bollinger started the twenty lap feature on the front row
with Brian Lucas and Dale Lueth in row two.

Cooper wasted little time starting the field with Bollinger keeping the
pressure on. Lueth took the high road with Bill Gray in fourth.

During the eleventh circuit, lapped traffic held up Cooper enabling
Bollinger to capture the lead from a lower groove. There was too much real
estate between Bollinger, Cooper, Lueth, and Gray for any of them to try to
gain a position.

During the final lap Cooper managed to give Bollinger a run but didn't have
enough to catch him.

At the finish Cooper scored second ahead of Lueth, Jim Phelps, James
Thompson, Gray, Joe Adam and Scott Hauge.

Cooper won his heat and took away fast time. Lueth collected the second heat
checkers.

Spud Balensiefen recently purchased the police replica number 911 Street
Stock and the car continues to find its way into the winners circle.

Twenty drivers made the call for the feature with Chuck Provenzano and Ed
Williams Jr. on the front row. Williams led until Lap 6 when he fell back
and Balensiefen took control with Rick Kotveit following.

At the end of the fifteen laps, it was Koltveit in second ahead of
Provenzano, Steve Lewis, Gary Schmitt, Tim Loomis, Jake Cholke, Eric
Whittington, Nick Sell and Justin Rutledge.

Koltveit and Provenzano won the heats.

Jeff Small came up the big winner in the Hornet division making a clean
sweep of their competition. First he won his heat race then he beat his
fourteen competitors to the finish of their main event.

Billy Williams took second while Dan Leonard, Brian Clubb, Jimmy Johnson,
Brown, Loren Westerhold, and Gabe Koncor crossed the line after him.

The last race of the 2006 season will be held on September 16th. Topping the
venue will be the finale of the Illinois Valley Cellular Street Stock Series
plus regular races for the Midwestern Late Models, Modifieds and Hornet
classes.


LaSalle Speedway Results 09/02/06

Midwestern Late Models: 26 Cars
Qualifying: Scott Schmitt 13.247
Semi Feature: Dave Miller, Darin Furar, Scott Cimei, Aaron Schmidt, Joe
Fratt, Shawn Kemp, Robert Voice, Wally Forsythe, Will Harris, Johnny Heath

Feature: 1. Tim Hamburg, 2. Steve Oeder, 3. Darin Furar, 4. Ed Williams Sr.-
DNF, 5. Scott Schmitt, 6. Mike Glynn - DNF, 7. Eric Rebholz, 8. Dave Miller,
9. Tony Coglianese, 10. Scott Cimei - DNF, 11. Keith Piano - DNF, 12. Aaron
Schmidt - DNF, 13. Billy Weistart Jr. - DNF, 14. Joe Partipilo - DNF, 15.
James Muetze - DNF, 16. Jim Partipilo - DNF, 17. Jason Bogle - DNF, 18. Eric
Dauber - DNF, 19. Ralph Markham - DNF, Jim Loomis - DNF

Modifieds: 16Cars
Qualifying: Vince Cooper 14.065
Heat One: Vince Cooper, Dan Goodhand, Randy Lucas, James Thompson
Heat Two: Dale Lueth, Ray Bollinger, Leah Monfries, Bill Gray

Feature: 1. Ray Bollinger, 2. Vince Cooper, 3. Dale Lueth, 4. Jim Phelps, 5.
James Thompson, 6. Bill Gray, 7. Joe Adam, 8. Scott Hauge, 9. Don Cole, 10.
Dan Goodhand, 11. Leah Monfries, 12. Ken Fischer, 13. Brian Lucas, 14. Bryan
Dickinson, 15. Mark Novorolsky

Street Stock: 20 Cars
Heat One: Rick Koltveit, Steve Lewis, Spud Balensiefen, Tim Loomis
Heat Two: Chuck Provenzano, Ed Williams Jr., Nick Sell, Justin Rutledge

Feature: 1. Spud Balensiefen, 2. Rick Koltveit, 3. Chuck Provenzano, 4.
Steve Lewis, 5. Gary Schmitt, 6. Tim Loomis, 7. Jake Cholke, 8. Eric
Whittington, 9. Nick Sell, 10. Justing Rutledge, 11. Steve Schemlein, 12.
Randy Lucas, 13. Brent Carlson, 14. Jimmy Partipilo, 15. Roger Rickels, 16.
Jerry Vance, 17. Jeff Small, 18. Ed Williams Jr., 19. Jim Prokup, 20. #4

Hornets: 15 Cars
Heat One: Jimmy Johnson, Ryan Clubb, Chris Zavada, Jr. Brown
Heat Two: Jeff Small, Alex Clubb, Dan Leonard, Jon Small

Feature: 1. Jeff Small, 2. Billy Williams, 3. Dan Leonard, 4. Brian Clubb,
5. Jimmy Johnson, 6. Jr. Brown, 7. Loren Westerhold, 8. Gabe Koncor, 9. Cory
West, 10. Chris Zavada, 11. David Rzyblyla, 12. Colin Baker, 13. Tony
Harlacher, 14. Jon Small, 15. Alex Small
 

Thompson thunders through Illinois Valley Cellular Series at LaSalle
By Betty Glynn

LaSalle,IL - Mineral's Marty Thompson knows how to win races. The veteran
racer has held the track championship title in multi divisions at more than
one track.

For years, he has had a strong hold on the Modified division at Bureau
County Speedway. Now he is running hard in the Street Stock special series
put together between LaSalle and Bureau County Speedway's. Coming into the
night's activities he was perched at the top of the series points chase over
Eric Whittington by thirty two points.

Saturday night his advanced skills shined as he claimed the fourth leg of
the Illinois Valley Cellular Street Stock Series. In their last visit to
LaSalle's high banks Thompson came out on top as well.

Thirty two cars signed in for competition with sixteen drivers locked into
their feature positions with qualifying and heat race finishes early in the
night. Four transferred from the consolation race for a total of twenty cars
making the call.

Last week's winner, Nathan Balensiefen and Kevin Lenzen started the field on
the front row with Rick Koltveit and former track champ Jeff Hamilton behind
them. Shortly after the restart, a wreck claimed Hamilton's radiator. It
took quite a few tries to get the ball rolling but once they got a pace
underway the show heated up.

Thompson, who started seventh, was on the move and had positioned himself
into third by the sixth lap out. During the tenth circuit, Thompson and
Lenzen were in a side by side battle for second as Balensiefen came up
quickly on a lapped machine. He went high and Thompson stole the thunder
from a lower run.

Four laps later, Thompson was attempting to lap two cars racing for their
positions. Once around one of them he and Balensiefen made it interesting as
they took the action three wide. The duo traveled out front alone with
Lenzen holding off Scott Schoener and Gary Schmitt.

By Lap 20, Chuck Provenzano had become the hardest charger of the race. He
was seventeenth on the starting grid after gaining a consolation transfer
spot and was holding sixth place. For the last five laps, Thompson flew into
a convincing lead.

At the checkers, Balensiefen took home second over Lenzen, Schoener,
Provenzano, Schmitt, Spud Balensiefen, Whittington, Steve Lewis and
Koltveit.

Schoener posted the fastest lap. Lenzen, Koltveit and Balensiefen each won
their heats.

Nineteen Midwestern Late Model drivers lined up for the twenty five lap
feature. Scott Schmitt sat up front after he earned the pole position.
Current track champ Mike Glynn was on his outside. Next row hosted Ralph
Markham and Keith Piano.

Glynn shot off to a quick lead when the flag dropped. Schmitt fell in behind
him then came up briefly to his back quarter panel. Piano wasted little time
putting the pressure on Schmitt for second. A caution slowed the action when
it was called for debris on the track during the fourth lap out.

Before the pack could get a lap in, another caution was out after Markham
nearly spun and collected Billy Weistart Jr. Weistart's hard contact ended
his night.

For the single file restart, it was Glynn, Piano, Schmitt, Ed Williams Sr.,
Steve Oeder, Eric Dauber, Dave Smith and Jim Loomis holding the top eight
running positions. Piano moved a line higher to try the outside of Glynn but
couldn't manage to get around the leader.

Lapped traffic started to become a key factor as Glynn used his veteran
advantage to dodge in and out of the traffic. Piano's great run ended with
mechanical woes during the eleventh lap scored.

Glynn pulled away with the lead while Oeder was in a hunt for second. He
claimed it when Schmitt slid up a groove opening the door for Oeder.
Fourteen of the nineteen starters were left for a restart of Lap 18.

Schmitt fell on hard times too after having a tire go down ending his run.

Glynn finished the night with his fourth feature victory in the 2006
campaign. Oeder took home an impressive second over Dauber, Loomis, Markham,
Williams, Tony Coglianese, Jerry Vance, James Muetze, and Aaron Schmidt.

Glynn and Williams won the heat races while Markham qualified the fastest
timed lap.

The Modified division struggled to get their show in. The race officials cut
the race from twenty five down to fifteen laps after the rough go at keeping
the light green.

At the front of the grid, was Dale Lueth and Casey Lappin while Justin McCoy
and Ray Bollinger lined up on the second row. Lueth shot out of the blocks
fast but the caution saga began with a six car pile up.

Before the green, Lueth pulled off after losing his fuel pump belt. Lappin
was now sitting at the helm over Marty Thompson, Bollinger, Brian Bushong
and Jim Phelps. By the third circuit, the three leaders were dicing it up
three wide. Bollinger took the lead.

For a restart of the fifth lap, only nine competitors were still running.
Bollinger pulled off to a nice lead while Thompson and Lappin were door to
door.

Eight laps later, Thompson's chance at winning two divisions for the night
ended with a trip pitside for a flat tire.

At the finish of Lap 15, Bollinger took the trophy with Phelps in a
convincing second over Bushong, Lappin, McCoy, Thompson and Ken Fischer.

Bushong and Lappin each won their heat contests. Fischer posted was their
fast qualifier.

Dan Leonard claimed the Hornet feature race over twenty other drivers.

Tony Provenzano finished second ahead of Rob Hammitt, Jon Small, Dave Roggy,
Jeff Seitz, Levi Burcham, Dave Prybyla, Tommy Cain, Alex Fisch and Jimmy
Johnson.

Small and Leonard won their prelim races.

Next week, the Hornet and Street Stock champions will be honored along with
a full program.


LaSalle Speedway Results 08/19/06

Midwestern Late Models: 19 Cars
Qualifying: Ralph Markham 14.809
Heat One: Ed Williams Sr., Billy Weistart Jr., Scott Schmitt, Ralph Markham
Heat Two: Mike Glynn, Keith Piano, Wally Forsythe, Aaron Schmidt

Feature: Mike Glynn, Steve Oeder, Eric Dauber, Jim Loomis, Ralph Markham, Ed
Williams Sr., Tony Coglianese, Robert Vance, James Muetzer, Aaron Schmidt,
Wally Forsythe, Scott Schmitt, #99, Will Harris, Shawn Kemp, Joe Fratt, Dave
Smith, Keith Piano, Billy Weistart Jr.

Modifieds: 17 Cars
Qualifying: Ken Fischer 15.838
Heat One: Brian Bushong, Dale Lueth, Scott Hauge, Justin McCoy
Heat Two: Casey Lappin, Ray Bollinger, Marty Thompson, Jim Phelps

Feature: Ray Bollinger, Jim Phelps, Brian Bushong, Casey Lappin, Justin
McCoy, Marty Thompson, Ken Fischer, Don Cole, Brian Lucas, Stanley Vervynck,
Ron Morris, Mark Vervynck, Dan Goodhand, Dale Lueth, Mark Novorolsky, Scott
Hauge, Leah Monfries

Illinois Valley Cellular Series Street Stock Special: 32 Cars
Qualifying: Scott Schoener 16.670
Heat One: Kevin Lenzen, Jeff Hamilton, Scott Schoener, Randy Lucas
Heat Two: Rick Koltveit, Gary Schmitt, Spuds Balensiefen, Justin Rutledge
Heat Three: Nathan Balensiefen, Joe Jelinek, Marty Thompson, Donnie Cole
Semi Feature: Steve Lewis, Chuck Provenzano, Robert Schlappi, Tom Legner,
Nathan Ultch, Roger Rickels, Jeff Small, Jim Prokup, #43, Dan Filkowski,
Cody Sommers, Jimmy Partipilo, Mike Hughes

Feature: Marty Thompson, Nathan Balensiefen, Kevin Lensen, Scott Schoener,
Chuck Provenzano, Gary Schmitt, Spud Balensiefen, Eric Whittington, Steve
Lewis, Rick Koltveit, Robert Schlappi, Justin Rutledge, Randy Lucas, Matt
Ramer, Donnie Cole, Steve Steve Schwemlein, Brad Severs, Joe Jelinek, Tom
Legner, Jeff Hamilton

Hornets: 21 Cars
Heat One: Jon Small, David Prybyla, Corey Joe West, Gabe Koncor
Heat Two: Dan Leonard, Tony Provenzano, Jeff Seitz, Chris Zavada

Feature: Dan Leonard, Tony Provenzano, Rob Hammitt, Jon Small, Dave Roggy,
Jeff Seitz, David Prybyla, Tommy Cain, Alex Fisch, Jimmy Johnson, Brown, Asa
Robart, Chris Zavada, Loren Westerhold, Gabe Koncor, John Wagner, Alex
Clubb, Jamie Deford, Corey West, Jeffery Wakeman
 

Piano gets his groove back at LaSalle
By Betty Glynn

LaSalle,IL -  Keith Piano's season hasn't been his best ever. Anyone who is
familiar with a slump quickly figures out that a victory can be a major
confidence booster. Piano is not a stranger to the winners circle at LaSalle
Speedway but in 2006 finishing the feature and up front hasn't come easy.

Even though he hasn't been on top of the winning roster he has very little
difficulty going fast. During qualifying the first night out, he broke the
Midwestern Late Model track record. In addition,  he currently owns the
Midwestern Sportsman fastest qualifier title.

The Midwestern Late Model driver hailing out of Oglesby traveled the second
fastest lap Saturday and scored a runner up finish in the heat race to earn
his front row outside start. Sitting next to him on the pole was Oglesby's
Billy Weistart Jr. Behind them in row two, rolled up last week's winner
Scott Schmitt of Tonica and LaSalle's Mike Glynn.

Before a lap could be scored, the caution was signaled but not everyone
caught the quick yellow light. Glynn was one of those who missed it and
sacrificed his fourth place start with heavy front end damage.

Yet another complete restart kept the pace slow and Glynn rejoined the tail
of the field looking more like a modified then a late model.

Once the flag man flashed the green, Weistart flew into the lead with Piano
close behind over Schmitt, Darin Furar of Mark and Ed Williams Sr.

In the fifth circuit, Furar went under Schmitt to battle for third but
Schmitt's mid track line was working well and he held him off as they
battled for five more laps.

Debris in turn four brought out a yellow to stop Furar's run. Weistart was
on the point over Piano, Schmitt, Furar, Williams and Ralph Markham for the
restart of Lap 10.

Piano quickly tried every angle to move around Weistart but he kept the door
shut and held him at bay. The twelfth circuit was when Piano was able to get
his groove back as he powered up heavy on the gas under a hard charging
Weistart.

Weistart didn't give up easily as he was working every inch of the track to
catch him. Furar was flying in third when his run, and points chase, ended
on the hook of a tow truck following a hard hit into the concrete barrier
wall.

Another top three points contender, Ralph Markham, also found himself
stopped during the same caution. His car was connected to Ed Williams Sr.
and got out of his machine trying to remedy the problem. He regained the
previous lap position prior to the green.

By Lap 18, Piano was powering into a solo run with a quarter of a track
lead.

"I kept waiting for someone to put their nose up there," Piano said after
the race. "My guys kept showing me that I had a big lead and I just couldn't
hardly believe it."

When the checkers dropped it was Piano crossing the finish line alone.

"It felt so good to win. I have a lot of my old crew back and you could
really tell the difference in the last couple of weeks."

Weistart finished a convincing second with Markham, Dauber, Williams, Jim
Loomis, Schmitt, Glynn and Wally Forsythe trailing.

Schmitt earned the fastest qualifying time for the third week in a row.
Forsythe held back Weistart, Eric Rebholz, and Schmitt to win the first
heat. Glynn took home the second heat race over Piano, Williams and Loomis.

In Open Wheel Modified action, Kewanee's Ray Bollinger and Ottawa's Dale
Lueth started the twenty lap feature next to each other on the front row.

Bollinger shot out in express mode pulling out to a nice lead. But the
leader was forced to the pits with trouble and returned to the tail before
racing began again. Lueth was now at the helm for the single file line up
over Mike Spatola, LaSalle's Jim Phelps and Vince Cooper of Morris. Cooper
started eleventh on the grid but moved up quickly.

By the fifteenth circuit Cooper was up close and personal to the back side
of Lueth. A lap later he had moved down a line and was side by side with
Lueth. He was getting around him but the yellow light came out just in time.

While the leaders were battling Bollinger was on the gas and moving up the
field.

With two to go, Bollinger made contact with Phelps but luckily both were
able to keep their pace.

As Lueth and Cooper rounded the final turn their side by side showdown was
coming to a close. Lueth captured his third feature race with a narrow
victory.

"I knew Vince was moving up quick," Lueth said. "We ran again tonight on six
cylinders instead of seven. Since I started up front I could set my own pace
but if Ray wouldn't have went off earlier I knew we couldn't catch him."

Talking to Bollinger after the night's final race he was still excited about
traveling up the pack even after he fell on tough times.

"It was so much fun racing out there," he laughed after the race. "I did I
had so much fun."

Crossing the line barely after Lueth was Cooper, Jim Phelps, Ray Bollinger,
Mike Spatola, Leah Monfries, Ken Fischer, Mark Novolosky, Ron Morris, and
newcomer Zac Oedewaldt.

Cooper and Spatola were later disqualified during tech inspection.

Brian Bushong and Phelps each won their heat races.

The Street Stock class saw a larger car count then usual with twenty two
drivers making the twenty lap feature call.

Nathan Balensiefen dominated the division with a clean sweep. His pole spot
was just where he needed to start to carry the large pack en route to a flag
to flag feature victory.

At the finish line Gary Schmitt took home a strong second in front of Rich
Bell, Kevin Lenzen, Jake Cholke, Steve Lewis, Joe Brown, Scott Schoener,
Robert Schlappi, Tim Loomis and Wally Forsythe.

Joe Brown won the first heat race while Balensiefen won the second.

Tony Provenzano also made a sweep of the Hornet class. Nineteen competitors
were in the feature race.

Bill Williams charged hard to take home second in the show with Jimmy
Johnson, Jamie Deford, Dan Leonard, Jon Clubb, Mark Sutton, Gabe Koncor,
David Przybyla and Ken Johnson following.

Alex Clubb won heat two.


LaSalle Speedway Results 08/12/06

Midwestern Late Models: 20 Cars
Qualifying: Scott Schmitt 13.300
Heat One: Wally Forsythe, Billy Weistart Jr., Eric Rebholz, Scott Schmitt
Heat Two: Mike Glynn, Keith Piano, Ed Williams Sr., Jim Loomis

Feature: Keith Piano, Billy Weistart Jr., Ralph Markham, Eric Dauber, Ed
Williams Sr., Jim Loomis, Scott Schmitt, Mike Glynn, Wally Forsythe, Aaron
Schmidt, Scott Cimei, Dwayne Williford, Joe Fratt, Eric Rebholz, Darin
Furar, Vince Imrocci, Dave Miller, Jack Benson, #116

Modifieds: 19 Cars
Qualifying: Vince Cooper 14.393
Heat One: Brian Bushong, Casey Lappin, Bay Bollinger, Ken Fischer
Heat Two: Jim Phelps, Mike Spatola, Dale Lueth, Derek Line

Feature: Dale Lueth, Vince Cooper - DQ, Jim Phelps, Ray Bollinger, Mike
Spatola - DQ, Leah Monfries, Ken Fischer, Mark Novolosky, Ron Morris, Zac
Oedewaldt, Dan Goodhand, Stanley Vervynck, Brian Bushong, Joe Adam, Derek
Line, Casey Lappin, Duane Peterson, Jerold Meirer

Street Stock: 22 Cars
Heat One: Joe Brown, Gary Schmitt, Mike Stewart, Tim Loomis
Heat Two: Nathan Balenseifen, Steve Schwemlein, Rober Schlappi, Nick Sell

Feature: Nathan Balensiefen, Gary Schmitt, Rich Bell, Kevin Lenzen, Jake
Cholke, Steve Lewis, Joe Brown, Scott Schoener, Robert Schlappi, Tim Loomis,
Wally Forsythe, Nick Sell, Chuck Provenzano, Mike Hughes, Mike Stewart, Bill
Dauber, Joe Jelinek, Roger Rickels, Ed Williams Jr., Steve Schwemlein, Rick
Koltveit, Jeff Small

Hornets: 19 Cars
Heat One: Tony Provenzano, Jamie Deford, Darrell Porter, Jr. Brown
Heat Two: Alex Clubb, Jon Small, Jon Clubb, Jimmy Johnson

Feature: Tony Provenzano Jr., Bill Willams, Jimmy Johnson, Jamie Deford, Dan
Leonard, Jon Clubb, Mark Sutton, Gabe Koncor, David Przybyla, Ken Johnson,
Jeff Jones, Asa Robart, Darrell Porter, Jon Wagner, Cory West, Loren
Westerhold, Alex Clubb, Jon Small, Jr. Brown
 

Championships nearly clinched at LaSalle Speedway
By: Betty Glynn

Anytime there is competition, some form of measurement is used to determine
success. For many, dirt track racing is not a sport but to the die hard
followers it is more then a sport, it is a lifestyle.

No doubt there are differences when compared to complete human powered
sporting events but in reality the time, effort, and commitment racers make
are no different at all.

To be successful in any sport it takes heart, soul and then some. Now of
course, how does one measure success. For dirt track racing, capturing the
top evening prize is an obvious way to judge but collectively earning a
seasonal title is yet a far more difficult road to reaching success.

The gauge of this achievement, or lack of, always comes down to where the
numbers are. Like it or not winning is everything when you're a competitor.
Consistency is the key to championships.

The measurement of points:

LaSalle Speedway's system is easy to follow and made available to the
public. An allotted number of points are awarded for each event the racers
participate in.

To get the drivers started, 15 "show-up" points are distributed to those who
sign their cars in.

The Midwestern Late Model and Modified drivers who travel the quickest lap
are the recipient of 4 points while second fast time earns 2.

For all divisions, the preliminary heat races are the path to the feature.
Not only does it help determine the main event start but they can collect 8
points for the win. The following three finishers earn 2 points less
respectively as they go down the line.

The main event, a.k.a. the Feature race, is the biggest opportunity to
stockpile points. The one to capture the checkers first not only collects
the trophy and the highest payout but is awarded 30 points for their hard
work. Each position following is less 2 points until the eleventh place
finisher. Eleventh and below all receive 10.

Summing up the current 2006 chase leaders:

Midwestern Late Models: As it stands, the coveted Midwestern Late Model
crown will belong to a racer who has yearned for a championship and always
come up short for one reason or another.

Mike Glynn's K9 machine is a familiar sight on the high banks, in the pit
area and victory lane but being runner up to a champ has also been too
familiar. Last year, the loss hurt the most when he fell short by eight
points for the Late Model title. He took an early season vacation and the
last point's night was rained out. If he wouldn't have taken the trip the 15
show up points alone would have raised him into a bracket he has never been
in, the champion.

For the 2006 racing season, this veteran racer has finally lifted the
proverbial monkey-off-his-back and earned his place in the LaSalle Speedway
record books.

"If you show up every night and put in as much effort as all of us do you
want the title," Glynn said. "There are a number of guys out here who could
win it and even more that deserve it."

No matter the class, seeing your name at the top is not only self gratifying
but also an incredible accomplishment for the racer, crew, sponsors and fans
in every division. Racing involves more then talent and equipment it is
takes incredible support and some luck as well.

"I'm lucky, we have a great crew, a lot of friends we have fun racing with
and sponsors I couldn't do without."

The racer second in points is Ralph Markham. He hasn't had the luck for the
championship either just yet. Hopefully, it won't take him as many years of
racing as Glynn.

His day is definitely coming though as this driver is always full throttle
no matter the event.

Markham has been a regular at LaSalle for about five seasons in the
Midwestern Late Model division. Nearly all have ended with him as the runner
up finisher. A position not to be ashamed of, but like any competitor he
stills wants more.

"I think I have been second every year but one," Markham said during a
recent phone interview. "And that year I think I finished third by only one
point. Something always seems to happen."

His current deficit of 98 points to Glynn is impossible to make up with one
race left. Now it is just holding onto second that has become a challenge
for the Maple Park driver.

He has had two bizarre circumstances during this final stretch.

With three chase races left, Markham had earned the pole position when a
rock flew off the fan and into his radiator during the slow paced line up
laps.

This past race, his tire rolled off the car at the start of the main show.
Things looked bleak for the points run but luck was on Markham's side in a
strange sort of way. The two drivers who were trailing him by fourteen
points also fell on unusually hard times in a freak incident.

Eric Dauber, the two time reigning champ, and Darin Furar were tied for
third going into the evening.  After Markham broke, it was their chance to
take over the second place in points.

Ironically, Dauber lost a driveshaft on the track and Furar ran over it a
couple of laps later at full speed. Both were out of contention by the
fourteenth lap. Dauber collected the same number of points as Markham for
the feature but won his heat. By his preliminary win he inched closer to
pose a threat. What a twist of fate for the Midwestern challenge for second.

"I am really lucky that I'm even still in contention for second," Markham
acknowledged about the strange night. "Now I have three DNF's so far."

Currently, Dauber trails by only 8 points with Furar 4 points behind him. If
one of the two would have finished up front last Saturday, and both were
running there, they could have lessened the pressure and easily stole the
spot away.

It just goes to show how any of the divisional chasers can make or break
their finish in the standings with a bad night.

Open Wheel Modifieds: These cars returned this season with their last
regular appearance in 1997. The young standout in the class was only nine
years old when the last Modified champ was crowned and now he will be
champion following a stellar season.

Vince Cooper may only be seventeen but this kid comes from a racing past and
family. He can win races and obviously championships. He started mounting
points when won everything raced early in the season. His smooth driving
style and smart moves have earned him the place he is at now.

He has been in the lead since the beginning. Presently, he holds first by an
88 points lead over Ray Bollinger. The closest race in their chase is
between Dale Lueth and Derek Line for third. A mere one point separates them
going into the final night.

Before last Saturday, Line was in second but Lueth just barely edged his way
past him with his third place finish and heat race victory. This Saturday
will be a showdown to decide third.

Street Stock's: Ed Williams Jr. is currently on top of the Street Stock's
chase by 57 points. If he shows up for the final points racing action he too
will automatically claim the title.

Leon Cade holds the second place on the roster but word has it that his
favored #911 car is sold and he may not be racing the remainder of the
season.

Jake Cholke trails in third by 17 points over Rick Koltveit. Anticipation
abounds to see if Cade will grace the oval to try to firm up the runner up
slot.

4-Cylinder Hornets: Going into the final night of competition Alex Clubb is
perched at the peak of the Hornet class. His 40 point advantage over Dan
Leonard would make it impossible to loose out if he signs in for the night.

The two are way out front while third and fourth have 18 points dividing
them.

John Clubb is in third over Jon Small.

The complete current standings are available on www.lasallespeedway.com.

The pressure of the points chase is almost over. Saturday night will be
filled with anticipation, hopefulness and disappointment for some but just
the points are closing. Three more races will still be on the schedule.

Qualifying begins at 6:30pm with racing at 7:30pm.
 

LaSalle Speedway Divisional Points:

Midwestern Late Model Division 5, 2006

Open Wheel Modified Division2006