Jeep VanWormer hugs the inside line as Chub Frank charges the high banks of La Salle Speedway during the World of Outlaws Illinois Fall Nationals	Roger Brickler needed landing gear after his Late Model took to the skies during the Illinois Fall Nationals at La Salle Speedway on September 16th.	Brickler was unscathed while his ride looked like a compact instead of a Late Model

Beep Beep watch out for Jeep
By: Betty Glynn
 
La Salle, IL – Jeep Van Wormer is one of those drivers you can never
underestimate. He has what it takes to win races and pilot his familiar #55
up the field.
 
On Sunday night, he did just that at the La Salle Speedway’s final big
dollar late model event for 2007.
 
The Illinois Fall Nationals has been synonymous with the state capitol for
the past fifteen years but Sunday night Track Enterprises brought the World
of Outlaws Late Model north. The tour thundered into La Salle county nearly
130 miles from its usual home.
 
The ¼ mile speed arena is a far cry from the Springfield mile located at the
Illinois State Fairgrounds but the fierce competition may not have changed
much. At the completion one driver staked his claim to the 40 lap feature
victory worth an impressive $7,000 payday.
 
Earlier in the weekend, Jeep lost an uncle and had dedicated the weekend of
racing to him. During a post race interview, the loud speaker was breaking
up but it was clear to see the emotions were mounting as the soft spoken
Michigan racer thanked his family, fans, God and dedicated the race to him.
 
Out of the thirty eight entries for the Late Model special event, only
twenty four grid positions were available for the main.
 
Racing the way in was not as easy as most had hoped.
 
To kick off the night, the competition traveled two laps for their quickest
times. Next, four heat races decided the top sixteen main starters. The
transfer of three cars from two “B” Main races and two provisional drivers
capped the field at twenty four.
 
When the grid was posted, it was the current UMP national points leader Wes
Steidinger on the pole next to Matt Miller. Van Wormer rolled into the
second row inside of Steve Francis.
 
Miller shot to an impressive start but the caution was signaled with a mere
one lap scored. By the time the leaders were finishing the second lap out,
it was all about Jeep. He was a man on a mission and never looked back.
 
Taking nearly twenty minutes to record ten laps seemed a bit much but when
the racing laps were green early in the event it was a display of talent.
 
After caution on Lap 10, Van Wormer led Francis, Miller, Jimmy Mars, and
Darrell Lanigan. Five laps later, the third place runner Miller hit hard
into an infield tire succumbing to front end damage. The tires were
repositioned farther onto the racing surface taking away the lowest line of
the racing surface and a few more competitive machines.
 
Van Wormer distanced himself from time to time but Lannigan, Tim Fuller and
Francis were in hot pursuit.
 
During Lap 22, Dennis Erb Jr. was full throttle charging around Chub Frank
for fourth. His fourteenth starting spot was only a minor obstacle as he
piloted his way into the front. Just after Erb’s move, a yellow flag was
thrown for Steidinger ending his run and sending him back behind Frank for
the restart.
 
Ironically, Steidinger and Erb are in a down to the finish points battle for
the UMP National championship. Going into the La Salle event the two were
closer then ever and the outcome of Sunday may have changed the leadership.
 
After the restart, Frank hammered down hard and tried the outer rim for
momentum. Not only did he get the speed he wanted but he put on a show for
the spectators. Frank was solo in the line he chose as the highest man on
the track. His hustle over the marbles was much different then the lower
lines being used by Van Wormer, Lanigan, Francis, Erb and Babb.
 
At the completion of the forty laps, Van Wormer collected the checkers in
front of Lanigan, Frank, Fuller, Francis, Erb, Babb, Shane Clanton, Rick
Eckert, Brady Smith, Clint Smith, Mars, Josh Richards, Darren Friedman, Mike
Mataragas, Steve Sheppard Jr., and Jason Feger.
 
Kerry Hansen, Brian Shirley, Steidinger, Roy Mitchell, Miller, Terry Casey
and Ryan Dauber did not finish the race.
 
The first heat race was a showcase of talent when Mars, Chubb, Lanigan,
Brady Smith and Babb put on an unbelievable ten lap showing. Mars came out
on top over Chubb, Lanigan and Smith.
 
Miller won heat number two with Shirley, Clint Smith and Erb trailing.
Fuller outdistanced Van Wormer, Richards and Steve Sheppard to capture the
third heat.
 
The fourth and final heat race for the division was one Roger Brickler will
not soon forget. Just after the restart of the second lap, Brickler found
his ride climbing the front stretch wall and traveling airborne. During the
horrific crash, Brickler’s machine was high and nearly above the fencing
with the nose pointing straight at the clay surface. When the final rotation
ended, the nose to tail distance of his machine was shortened and looked as
though the car had been visited by a crushing machine.
 
Thankfully, the rollcage appeared well built enabling Brickler to walk away.
Once action went back to green, Francis ran high and low until he scored his
victory over Steidinger, Terry Casey, and Clanton.
 
Thirty four UMP Open Wheel Modified’s joined the Late’s for a $2,000
special.
 
Jeff Leka charged flag to flag from the pole with his only real challenge
coming from Kevin Weaver early in the race.
 
The thirty lap special hosted Jeff Morris as the outside starter ahead of
Thad Wilson and Weaver in row two. Kyle Logue and Dave Porth rolled into the
third row.
 
When the flag dropped Morris tried to give Leka a battle but the pole sitter
had an unmatched machine.
 
Leka pulled away making Morris fend off Weaver and Denny Schwartz.
 
On Lap 14, Weaver managed to reel the leader in and journeyed up to his
inside door but Leka shut the door. Weaver realized there wasn’t a chance to
pass him on the inside and took to higher ground. Weaver could close the gap
but Leka was unstoppable.
 
At the checkers it was Leka making a visit to victory lane. Weaver finished
up the night with a strong runner up finish over Schwartz, Logue, Morris,
Wilson, Porth, Vince Cooper, McKay Winger, Gary Cook Jr., Marty Thompson,
Mike Spatola, Donovan Lodge, Joel Funk, Jeb Friedman, Kevin Hastings, Jim
Phelps, Matt Cleary, Randy Whitten, and AJ Dixon.
 
Wilson, Morris, Logue and Porth each won their heats.
 
Next Saturday night will be the final night of action at the speedway for
the 2007 season. The Illinois Valley Fall Sprint Classic highlights the
venue. The IRA sanctioned Sprints will compete in addition to the UMP
Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks and Hornet classes.
 
 
 
La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results 09/16/07
 
World of Outlaw Illinois Fall Nationals
Feature: 1. Jeep Van Womer, 2. Darrell Lanigan, 3. Chub Frank, 4. Tim
Fuller, 5. Steve Francis, 6. Dennis Erb Jr., 7. Shannon Babb, 8. Shane
Clanton, 9. Rick Eckert, 10. Brady Smith, 11. Clint Smith, 12. Jimmy Mars,
13. Josh Richards, 14. Darren Friedman, 15. Mike Mataragas, 16. Steve
Sheppard Jr., 17. Jason Feger, 18. Kerry Hansen - DNF, 19. Brian Shirley -
DNF, 20. Wes Steidinger - DNF, 21. Roy Mitchell - DNF, 22. Matt Miller -
DNF, 23. Terry Casey - DNF, 24. Ryan Dauber - DNF
 
UMP Modifieds 34 Cars
Feature: 1. Jeff Leka, 2. Kevin Weaver, 3. Denny Schwartz, 4. Kyle Logue, 5.
Jeff Morris, 6. Thad Wilson, 7. Dave Porth, 8. Vince Cooper, 9. McKay
Winger, 10. Gary Cook Jr., 11. Marty Thompson, 12. Mike Spatola, 13. Donovan
Lodge, 14. Joel Funk, 15. Jeb Friedman, 16. Kevin Hastings, 17. Jim Phelps,
18. Matt Cleary, 19. Randy Whitten, 20. AJ Dixon

‘Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals’ At La Salle Speedway Is VanWormer’s First-Ever World of Outlaws Late Model Series Victory

LA SALLE, IL – Sept. 16, 2007 – Now Jeep VanWormer is in the club.

VanWormer was victorious in Sunday night’s 16^th annual ‘Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals 40’ at La Salle Speedway, becoming the 28^th driver to win a World of Outlaws Late Model Series event since 2004.

“When you win with these guys, it’s top-notch,” VanWormer said of his first career triumph on the national tour. “They’re not the World of Outlaws for nothing, so winning a race against them is huge for your resume, huge for your career.”

VanWormer, 32, of Pinconning, Mich., drove a flawless race to pocket $7,725, including the $500 WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks’ cash for being the highest-finishing driver who had never won a tour event and was not ranked among the top 12 in the current points standings. He was the 18^th different driver to win a WoO LMS A-Main in 2007.

Taking advantage of the third starting spot, VanWormer overtook Matt Miller of Waterville, Ohio, for the lead on lap two and never looked back. He turned back late challenges from WoO LMS regulars Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., and Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., who finished second and third, respectively, to register one of his biggest wins ever.

WoO LMS Rookie of the Year contender Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., finished fourth and points leader Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., placed fifth.

While VanWormer is known across the dirt Late Model landscape for his ‘Spiderman’ nickname and hard-charging style, it was his cool, calm approach that propelled him to victory at the high-banked, quarter-mile oval.

Once VanWormer was in the lead, he eschewed his usual rim-riding in favor of an effective line around the extreme inside of the track.

“I knew the bottom was gonna be good, so we tightened our car up and put a hard tire on so I could run through the middle,” said VanWormer, who was very familiar with the event’s UMP DIRTcar Racing Hoosier 20/40 tire rule thanks to his years spent chasing the UMP Summernationals series. “There was a lot of moisture on the bottom, and that helps you get good drive off the corners.”

“I wasn’t gonna get off the bottom. They were gonna have to go around me on the top.”

Several guys tried to unseat VanWormer, most notably Lanigan and Frank.

After the race’s fifth and final caution flag flew, on lap 23 for the stopped car driven by UMP DIRTcar Racing Late Model national points leader Wes Steidinger of Fairbury, Ill., Lanigan closely tailed VanWormer around the inside of the speedway and Frank tossed his car around the extreme outside of the track.

VanWormer was too strong, however, and beat Lanigan to the finish line by about five car lengths. Not surprisingly, he was a very happy race car driver when he reached Victory Lane.

“Over this weekend I thought we had some good cars, but we just had some bad fortune,” said VanWormer, who finished 10^th on Friday night at Paducah (Ky.) International Raceway (he relinquished the pole starting spot and started last in the 50-lapper because a leaking water pump forced him to run his backup car) and placed 12^th on Saturday night at I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo. “Tonight we started close to the front and really capitalized on it – and I’m stoked.”

VanWormer, whose previous career-best WoO LMS finish was a fifth on July 26 at Lawrenceburg (Ind.) Speedway, dedicated the triumph to his late Uncle Rick.

“This one was for him,” VanWormer said of his uncle, who passed away on Aug. 31. “He always supported me. It was behind the scenes, but he was always there to support me.”

Lanigan, 37, came from the ninth starting spot to bid for the lead after the halfway mark, but his hopes were hampered by a mechanical problem on his gottarace.com Rocket.

“We broke a bolt in the shock mount with about 10 to go, and it let the car rock up too high,” said Lanigan, who had been rained out after qualifying in his only previous visit to La Salle. “Before that we were pretty good, but once it did that the car started getting too much roll-steer and I was getting loose.

“(VanWormer) kept scooting out some, so I thought if I could get up to him I’d be alright on the bottom. But I didn’t have enough to really get up there.”

The night’s showstopper was Frank, who spiced up the final 17 laps with his bid to win the race running the track’s unruly cushion.

Frank, 45, looked like he was ready to sail by both Lanigan and VanWormer shortly after the race’s final restart, on lap 23, but he gradually lost ground to the leaders and had to settle for third place in his Lester Buildings Rocket.

“I needed a restart with about four or five (laps) to go so I didn’t have to wear myself out up there,” said Frank, who closed to within 54 points of Francis in the WoO LMS standings with six events remaining. “It was so far out and rough up there, I just couldn’t make it work for many more laps than that in a row.

“If I got a yellow with about four to go and then just hammered it for the rest of the race, I would’ve had a chance to win.”

The 39-year-old Fuller’s Gypsum Racing Rocket might have been the fastest car in the closing laps. He slid by 2007 UMP DIRTcar Racing Summernationals champ Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, Ill., and Francis in the closing stages to reach fourth place – and nearly overtook Frank as well.

“Man, I wish the race was a little longer,” said Fuller, who flew from Albany, N.Y., to Peoria, Ill., on Sunday morning after competing in Saturday night’s Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series big-block Modified 200 at New York’s Lebanon Valley Speedway (he finished fifth in that event to keep his Mr. DIRTcar Modified points lead). “It was going on, it was happening the last five laps. I found some traction right there in the middle, and no one else was running there.”

Francis, 40, started fourth and climbed as high as second early in the distance, but couldn’t keep pace with the leaders. He said his tire selection cost him dearly.

“We gambled on tires,” said Francis. “We went with four 20s (softer compound tires), and should have had (harder) 40s on the right side – or at least one on the right-rear, like Jeep did.

“I knew we were in trouble after I ran about 10 laps. I said to myself, ‘Uh oh, we messed up here.’ But that’s how it goes. We said we’re going to all these races to win, and we gambled to win it. It just bit us at the end.”

Finishing in positions 6-10 was Erb, who started 14^th; Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., who started 17^th after winning a B-Main; Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., who recovered from a heat-race spin to transfer through the prelim; Rick Eckert of York, Pa.; and Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis.

WoO LMS title contender Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., finished 11^th after being forced to the rear of the field by a half-spin in turn one on lap two, and Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., had to be content with a 13^th-place finish after he pitted during an opening-lap caution period to repair nosepiece damage his car sustained in a scrape with an inside tractor tire.

Thirty-eight cars were signed in for the event, which was promoted by Bob Sargent’s Macon, Ill.-based Track Enterprises, Inc. It was the first-ever WoO LMS stop at La Salle Speedway.

Frank earned $100 for his second National Interstate Insurance Fast Time Award of the season. He circled the track in 12.725 seconds.

Heat winners were Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., Miller, Fuller and Francis, and the B-Mains were captured by Babb and Mike Mataragas of Dekalb, Ill.

The night’s most spectacular accident occurred during the fourth heat when Roger Brickler of Springfield, Ill., flipped wildly down the homestretch on a lap-two restart. Brickler’s four-race-old MasterSbilt car was destroyed, but he escaped injury in the wild wreck.

The WoO LMS returns to action this weekend with stops at Bedford (Pa.) Speedway on Friday night (Sept. 21) and Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway on Saturday night (Sept. 22).

For more info on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series ‘Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals’ (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (3) Jeep VanWormer/40 $7,725

2. (9) Darrell Lanigan/40 $3,625

3. (8) Chub Frank/40 $2,100

4. (7) Tim Fuller/40 $1,950

5. (4) Steve Francis/40 $1,500

6. (14) Dennis Erb Jr./40 $1,300

7. (17) Shannon Babb/40 $1,200

8. (16) Shane Clanton/40 $1,100

9. (19) Rick Eckert/40 $1,000

10. (13) Brady Smih/40 $900

11. (10) Clint Smith/40 $850

12. (5) Jimmy Mars/40 $800

13. (11) Josh Richards/40 $750

14. (20) Darren Friedman/40 $740

15. (18) Mike Mataragas/40 $710

16. (15) Steve Sheppard Jr./40 $680

17. (24) Jason Feger/40 $650

18. (22) Kerry Hansen/31 $630

19. (6) Brian Shirley/30 $620

20. (1) Wes Steidinger/23 $610

21. (23) Roy Mitchell/18 $600

22. (2) Matt Miller/16 $600

23. (12) Terry Casey/15 $600

24. (21) Ryan Dauber/4 $600

Yellow Flags: 5 (Laps 1, 2, 10, 16, 23)

Lap Leaders: Miller (1); VanWormer (2-40)

Provisional Starters: Mitchell, Feger

Rookie of the Race: Fuller ($250)

WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks’ Winner: VanWormer ($500)

National Interstate Insurance Fast Time Award: Frank ($100)

National Interstate Insurance Hard Luck Award: Brickler ($50)

Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race ($100): Wayne Caskey (Darrell Lanigan)

Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 12.725

2. 7M-Matt Miller/Waterville, OH 12.940

3. 55-Jeep VanWormer/Pinconning, MI 12.988

4. J1-Wes Steidinger/Fairbury, IL 13.013

5. 28M-Jimmy Mars/Menomonie, WI 13.065

6. 64-Ryan Dauber/Tonica, IL 13.067

7. 19-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 13.067

8. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 13.111

9. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 13.131

10. M-Mike Provenzano/Aurora, IL 13.137

11. 5s-Steve Sheppard Jr./New Berlin, IL 13.155

12. 89-Darren Friedman/Forest, IL 13.158

13. 18-Shannon Babb/Moweaqua, IL 13.204

14. 3s-Brian Shirley/Chatham, IL 13.208

15. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 13.317

16. 15-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 13.385

17. 2b-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 13.400

18. 83-Scott Bull/Fairbury, IL 13.431

19. 32J-Jason Jaggers/Wyanet, IL 13.462

20. 25-Kerry Hansen/Spencer, WI 13.469

21. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 13.513

22. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 13.516

23. 1M-Mike Mataragas/Dekalb, IL 13.535

24. 42-Terry Casey/New London, WI 13.545

25. 49-Brian Ruhlman/Clarklake, MI 13.595

26. 28e-Dennis Erb Jr./Carpentersville, IL 13.597

27. B5-Brandon Sheppard/New Berlin, IL 13.725

28. 82-Roger Brickler/Springfield, IL 13.737

29. 25-Jason Feger/Bloomington, IL 13.805

30. 43-Jim Felker Jr./Bloomington, IL 13.961

31. 10x-Scott Schmitt/Tonica, IL 14.115

32. 13-Mike Fannin/LeRoy, IL 14.223

33. DC3-Don Cisco/Blue Mound, IL 14.255

34. 38-Will Harris/Malden, IL 14.370

35. M10-Bryan Moon/Wyanet, IL 14.408

36. 53-Mike Anderson/Chicago, IL 14.653

37. 93-Roy Mitchell/Hobart, IN 15.145

38. 16-Tony Izzo Jr./Utica, IL N/T

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Mars, Frank, Lanigan, B. Smith, Babb, Eckert, Feger, Ruhlman, Cisco, Mitchell

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Miller, Shirley, C. Smith, Erb, Dauber, Provenzano, Bull, Felker, Harris, Izzo

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Fuller, VanWormer, Richards, S. Sheppard, Mataragas, Jaggers, B. Sheppard, Schmitt, Moon

Heat No. 4 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Francis, Steidinger, Casey, Clanton, Friedman, Hansen, Fannin, Anderson, Brickler

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Babb, Eckert, Dauber, Feger, Bull, Felker, Provenzano, Harris, Cisco, Mitchell, Ruhlman (DNS) Izzo

B-Main No. 2 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Mataragas, Friedman, Hansen, Jaggers, Schmitt, B. Sheppard, Fannin, Moon, Anderson (DNNS) Brickler

2007 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of Sept. 16 - 38 features completed (rank/driver/wins/top-5s/top-10s/earnings/points/deficit to leader):

1. Steve Francis 3-22-34-$108,725-5,252 (-0)

2. Chub Frank 5-18-31-$112,955-5,198 (-54)

3. Clint Smith 4-16-28-$113,175-5,154 (-98)

4. Shane Clanton 2-13-26-$84,647-5,080 (-172)

5. Josh Richards 3-10-23-$88,732-5,066 (-186)

6. Rick Eckert 0-11-23-$72,110-5,058 (-194)

7. Darrell Lanigan 2-8-24-$77,365-4,804 (-448)

8. Tim Fuller 1-9-14-$67,455-4,115 (-1137)

9. Brian Shirley 1-4-11-$51,229-3,682 (-1570)

10. Shannon Babb 4-12-16-$82,060-3,582 (-1670)

11. Eddie Carrier Jr. 0-2-5-$23,720-2,571 (-2681)

12. Chris Madden 2-8-12-$89,215-2,379 (-2873)

13. Billy Moyer 1-9-12-$42,575-2,373 (-2879)

14. Roy Mitchell 0-0-0-$10,280-2,104 (-3148)

15. Brian Birkhofer 0-1-7-$23,410-2,004 (-3248)

16. Jimmy Mars 0-5-7-$27,930-1,773 (-3479)

17. John Blankenship 0-0-0-$10,720-1,663 (-3589)

18. Dennis Erb Jr. 2-4-7-$33,000-1,433 (-3819)

19. Dan Stone 1-1-3-$17,305-1,340 (-3912)

20. Brady Smith 0-2-4-$13,240-1,284 (-3968)

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can’t get to a track to see the series, they can experience the excitement of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by several sponsors and partners, including National Interstate Insurance Company and contingency sponsors Wrisco Industries, Crane Cams, Ohlins Shocks, Quarter-Master, Hawk Brake, MSD Ignitions, Eibach Springs and Integra Shocks

Changes abound for the 16th running of the Best Western Illinois Fall
Nationals in 2007 but at least two things will remain a constant for this
year’s event, big name racing drivers and great competition as the Best
Western Illinois Fall Nationals moves from it’s home at the spacious
Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield to the friendly confines of the
LaSalle, Illinois Speedway one hour north of Bloomington. A large number of
World of Outlaw and UMP late model stock cars and modifieds are expected to
be on the grounds of LaSalle Speedway on Sunday, September 16 competing for
one of the largest purses in LaSalle history. Moving from the World’s
Fastest One Mile Dirt Track to the quarter mile bullring at LaSalle may mean
lower speeds for the late model and modified drivers but it certainly won’t
diminish the racing action as LaSalle Speedway is known for some of the best
dirt track racing in the Midwest.
 
The 16th Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals is the conclusion of a Midwest
tri-track racing weekend that will see World of Outlaw Late Model Series
action at the Paducah International Raceway on Friday September 14, with the
World of Outlaw Late Models heading to Missouri and the Ken Schrader owned
I-55 Raceway in Pevely for the annual Pepsi Nationals on Saturday September
15. The late model and modified teams then make their way up Interstates 55
and 39 to LaSalle for the 16th Fall Nationals event on Sunday. A winner’s
share of $7,000 is up for grabs at LaSalle for the winner of the 40 lap late
model main event, with $2,000 for the modified 30 lap feature winner.
 
This will be the second time that the World of Outlaws sanction an Illinois
Fall Nationals late model race having sanctioned the 2005 running at the
Illinois State Fairgrounds, an event won by Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg,
Tennessee as the veteran late model campaigner won his second Fall Nationals
event, winning previously in 1999. Other past winners of the Best Western
Illinois Fall Nationals late model events include John Mason of Millersburg,
Ohio, NASCAR’s Ken Schrader, Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, Iowa, Shannon
Babb of Decatur, Illinois and the only four-time winner of the Fall
Nationals late model feature, Billy Moyer of Batesville, Arkansas. Moyer is
currently 13th in the World of Outlaws Late Model Series National points
with Birkhofer 14th and both are expected to make the trip to LaSalle along
with World of Outlaw point leader Steve “the Kentucky Colonel” Francis of
Ashland Kentucky. Other World of Outlaw drivers in the top slots in points
expected at LaSalle are Chubb Frank, Clint Smith, Josh “Kid Rocket”
Richards, Shane Clanton, Rick Eckert and Darrell Lanigan.
 
Illinois driver Darren "The Thriller" Miller is the defending late mode
winner of the Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals and the one lap late
model track record holder at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Last year he
trailed Muscatine. Iowa's Bria Birkhofer for the first 19 laps of the Fall
Nationals late model main event before overtaking "Birky" and cruising to
the victory on the famed Springfield Mile. Birkhofer is expected to be at
LaSalle on September 16 as is Darren Miller.
 
A number of drivers from Illinois and surrounding states are also expected
at LaSalle including Chatham, Illinois’ Brian Shirley, currently 9th in
World of Outlaw Late Model points and winner of the 2006 Fall Nationals
Modified feature. Shirley won the prestigious Knoxville, Iowa Late Model
Nationals in 2006. Decatur’s Shannon Babb is currently 10th in the Late
Model points and in 2003 became the first central Illinois driver in 37
years to post a major race win on the Springfield Mile when he won the late
model portion of the Fall Nationals. Other drivers who may enter at LaSalle
include Joe Ross Jr. of Springfield, John Provenzano of Marsailles, UMP
Super Late Model national point leader Wes Steidinger of Fairbury, Billy
Drake of Bloomington, Dennis Erb of Carpentersville, Illinois (2nd in UMP
points), Don O’Neal of Martinsville, Indiana and Jeep Van Wormer of
Pinconning, Michigan. Other drivers may make their intentions known closer
to the Fall Nationals date.
 
UMP Modified drivers will be competing with the late models and the last 15
years have seen a variety of winners in the modified division, including
Charlie Sentman, Hank Delonjay, Curt Rhodes and Jim Shereck. A large number
of modified pilots can be expected and LaSalle and some may do double duty
in the late model division as well. Last year Jeff Leka set a modified
qualifying record at the Illinois State Fairgrounds for the UMP Modifieds
but it was Shirley who led all 20 laps of the main event.
 
Pit Gates for the 16th Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals open at 2 p.m.
on Sunday September 16, with the grandstand open at 4, practice at 5,
qualifying at 5:30 and the first race at 6. Tickets are $25 for adults and
$5 for children 11 and under. Tickets can be obtained through Track
Enterprises at 217-764-3200 or through LaSalle Speedway at 815-223-6939.
 

The Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals Will Be Held at the LaSalle Speedway For The First Time Ever!
---------------------------------
Posted Thursday, September 6, 2007 by Track:
Outlaw Late Models and UMP Modifieds Invade LaSalle Speedway for the Illinois Fall Nationals September 16th
 
LaSalle, IL – The normal tranquil Sunday nights in the LaSalle, IL community will be shattered with the raw horsepower and thunder of the World of Outlaw Late Model Series September 16th. The Illinois Fall Nationals will make its first appearance at the high banked 1/4 mile oval after 15 years of racing on the Springfield Mile and will feature some of the areas top notable Late Model drivers. Come watch Steve Francis, Josh Richards, Rick Eckert, Shannon Babb and the rest of the stars in the World of Outlaw Late Model tour battle for the $7000 to win the 40 lap feature. The UMP Modifieds will also join the Late Models this night providing an entertaining night of racing. The Modifieds will compete in their 30 lap feature event paying the winner $2000. Darren “The Thriller” Miller was the 2006 Fall Nationals winner in the Late Model division with Brian Shirley driving to the win in the UMP Modified division.
 
Track Enterprises welcomes Best Western Hotels of Illinois as the Official Hotel of the Illinois Fall Nationals. Pit Gates open at 2pm, the Grandstand gates open at 4pm, practice at 5pm, time trials at 5:30 pm and the first race for the Illinois Fall Nationals is set to take the green flag at 6pm. Grandstand admission for adults is $25, Children 11 and under is $5, Pit Passes $35 per person.
 
The LaSalle Speedway is located at 578 US-6 in LaSalle, IL 61301 which is 60 miles west of Joliet, 80 miles east of the Quad Cities, 70 miles south of Rockford, and 60 miles north of Bloomington. For further details or to purchase advanced general admission tickets please phone Track Enterprises - 217-764-3200, LaSalle Speedway – 815-223-6939 or by e-mail track@trackenterprises.com, or visit www.trackenterprises.com

 "Steve Oeder (67) uses the outside line while 2007 Track Champion Ralph Markham (10)
battles below him for the final Triple Crown Series 100 lap special."
 
Markham goes three-for-three in Triple Crown campaign
By: Betty Glynn
 
La Salle, IL – Ralph Markham took charge of his destiny on April 28th when
he kicked off what would become the best season of his racing career. The
Maple Park standout blew his Rayburn chassis into victory lane on opening
day and hasn’t stopped running in the front since.
 
Flying around the ¼ mile clay speed arena of the LaSalle Speedway, Markham
has proven he has both the talent and drive to get the job done. Ten feature
wins at a single track equals a stellar season by anyone’s standards and
deservingly so.
 
The Steel Block Late Model division boasts a field of racers who are not new
to the sport and can certainly give the best of drivers a run for their
money. Not to mention a couple of former track champions in the lineup. Now
add in those who have improved tremendously since opening day and you have
to be ready for showtime when the green flag waves.
 
The ability of the Maple Park driver to hook up and go was evident no matter
the track surface. Some drivers do better with dry slick while others favor
a tackier terrain. It didn’t appear to make a difference for the newly
crowned champion.
 
The final race didn’t end exactly as planned but when the checkers dropped
it was Markham adding yet another trophy to his mounting bounty. His tenth
return to victory lane was just the topping on the cake for a driver who
wanted a championship and fell short in recent years.
 
Saturday’s final leg of the Triple Crown Series was top billing with twenty
cars taking their positions for the 100 lap feature. Markham already had
the first two Triple Crown trophies all that was left was one more.
 
Qualifying was the first event with Scott Schmitt posting the fastest timed
lap of 13.385. His quick time status was the second in a row for the young
Tonica driver.
 
Once qualifications were complete, the top six qualifiers were inverted for
the trophy dash. At the completion of the six laps, Steve Oeder of Princeton
had out ran La Salle’s Mike Glynn, Keith Piano of Oglesby and Schmitt to
earn the pole position.
 
Their finishes determined the top six grid spots of the lengthy feature the
remaining fourteen contenders were lined up based on their qualifying times.
 
Oeder took the lead with a fast and furious pace. Glynn and Schmitt were
both flying right along with him and the trio had already caught the tail of
the field by the fifth lap in the books.
 
A caution during the eleventh lap out gave the pack a break from their pace
and restarted six laps later. Laps traveled under caution are counted until
the final ten laps during the Triple Crown Series.
 
Oeder charged the higher line with Glynn on the bottom and Schmitt running
high as well. While the trio commanded the front in an action packed format,
Eric Dauber also used a higher run to battle Piano.
 
Glynn and Schmitt were putting on a show for second when Schmitt exited the
track on Lap 26 with mechanical trouble closing the season in a
disappointing return to the pits.
 
During the next fifteen laps, Oeder had Glynn to fend off while Dauber’s
high run was being challenged by Markham. Slipping back and forth in the
top five positions was Piano in a consistent line ahead of Ed Williams and
Jim Loomis. The front runners changed grooves as they dodged lapped traffic.
 
During Lap 53, the field was under red after contact between Dauber’s high
run and Glynn’s bottom spot sent Glynn into the air and over the turn three
infield tire. His front running car could no longer go forward and returned
pit side on the hook.
 
For the single file restart six cautions laps later, Oeder still had the
lead over Markham, Dauber, Piano, Loomis, Williams, and Mark Larson. The
action didn’t last long as Dauber slammed hard into the outside retaining
wall of turn three bringing out another red flag. He exited the car and was
able to walk away.
 
By Lap 78, Oeder had a strong hold on his lead with Markham holding back
Piano. Williams was looking promising until he hit the turn two tires hard.
For the next ten laps, Markham chased down Oeder and eventually closed in on
him.
 
Oeder lost his line briefly up high and nearly lost the lead but once he
straightened his machine out, he was side by side with Markham in turns one
and two. With two to go, the pair had a wide open run for a showdown. But
the two made contact with Oeder meeting the turn three concrete barrier.
 
Oeder exited his car to check for damage and the leaders were surprisingly
granted their positions back. For the restart, it was Oeder, Markham and
Piano to close out with a green, white, checkered finish.
 
The decision to put the leaders in front together proved costly as again
contact was hard and heavy between Oeder and Markham. Their inability to run
side by side resulted in a stacked up field. Piano who had a good run on the
pair had no where to go but on the hook.
 
Oeder led the entire event but succumbed to damage to close out his last
racing season.
 
Due to cars being lapped down or not still in action at the finish, the
final scoreboard results became a scoring nightmare.
 
The officially posted results had Markham on top over Jim Loomis, Larson,
Joe Fratt, John Piccatto, Oeder, Piano, Tim Loomis, Dave Miller, Dan
Dogherty, Robert Voice, Brian Lock, Glynn, Williams, Jack Benson, Dauber,
Aaron Schmidt, Joe Jelinek, Schmitt and Darin Furar.
 
Fifteen UMP Modified drivers showed up with Marty Thompson posting the
fastest timed lap. Travis Kohler beat Thompson, Joe Adam and Casey Lappin
for the first heat win. Jim Phelps flew from fourth to first to capture the
second heat race victory over Bill Theodorf, Wally Forsythe and Milo Veloz
Jr.
 
Thompson is a seasoned driver who once he figures out a track he is tough to
beat. His recent ability to master La Salle has kept him returning to the
winners circle in two different divisions.
 
Thompson collected the checkers for the fourth Mod feature over the current
track champ Veloz, Phelps, Nathan Balensiefen, Lappin, Adam, Matt Cleary,
Travis Kohler, Justin McCoy, Bill Theodorf, Dan Goodhand, Forsythe, Felecia
Collins, Ray Bollinger and Don Cole.
 
Ironically, Street Stock driver Justin Rutledge’s previous victory was the
night of the last Triple Crown Late Model event in July.
 
Rutledge swept the division after winning both his heat and the main feature
race. Nathan Balensiefen finished second over Steve Lewis, Brandon
Maciejewski, Mike Hughes, Gary Schmitt, Rick Kotveit, Jimmy Partipilo, Nick
Sell, Duane Peterson, Larry Yardley, Karl Hayes, Alex Clubb, K. Hughes, Al
Gray and Jerrod Thomas.
 
The Hornet class has become the stage for fourteen year old standout DJ
Werkmeister’s dream season. In his eighth victory in a row, this youngster
has proven he can handle the pressure.
 
Only two other drivers have each won one race in a division that has been
dominated by Werkmeister. His thirteenth feature victory came with a clean
sweep after taking both the heat and feature wins.
 
Werkmeister beat Loren Westerhold, JR Brown, Phil Briddick, Nick Clubb, Gabe
Koncor, Asa Robart, Mark Sutton, Chad Williams, Bubba Siwinski, Ande Bivens
and Brent Carlson.
 
The Speedway is closed next week but will return with the World of Outlaws
Late Model Fall Nationals on September 16th. The $10,000 to win event will
be promoted by Track Enterprises. The UMP Modifieds will also compete with a
special for $2,000.
 
The last race is scheduled for September 22nd when the IRA Sprint Cars
return to the area. The Modifieds, Street Stocks and Hornets are also on the
schedule. This event will be promoted by the IRA Sprint Cars.
 
 
La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results 09/01/07
 
Steel Block Late Models – 22 Cars
Qualifying: Scott Schmitt 13.385
Fast Qualifier Dash: Steve Oeder, Mike Glynn, Keith Piano, Scott Schmitt
Feature: 1. Ralph Markham, 2. Jim Loomis, 3. Mark Larson, 4. Joe Fratt, 5.
John Piccatto, 6. Steve Oeder, 7. Keith Piano, 8. Tim Loomis, 9. Dave
Miller, 10. Dan Dogherty, 11. Robert Voice, 12. Brian Lock, 13. Mike Glynn,
14. Ed Williams, 15. Jack Benson, 16. Eric Dauber, 17. Aaron Schmidt, 18.
Joe Jelinek, 19. Scott Schmitt, 20. Darin Furar
 
UMP Modifieds 15 Cars
Qualifying: Marty Thompson 14.638
Heat One: Travis Kohler, Marty Thompson, Joe Adam, Casey Lappin
Heat Two: Jim Phelps, Bill Theodorf, Wally Forsythe, Milo Veloz
Feature: 1. Marty Thompson, 2. Milo Veloz, 3. Jim Phelps, 4. Nathan
Balensiefen, 5. Casey Lappin, 6. Joe Adam, 7. Matt Cleary, 8. Travis
Kohler, 9. Justin McCoy, 10. Bill Theodorf, 11. Dan Goodhand, 12. Wally
Forsyth, 13. Felicia Collins, 14. Ray Bollinger, 15. Don Cole
 
UMP Street Stocks 16 Cars
Heat One: Justin Rutledge, Larry Yardley, Jimmy Partipilo, Steve Lewis
Heat Two: Nathan Balensiefen, Mike Hughes, Al Gray, Brandon Maciejewski
Feature: 1. Justin Rutledge, 2. Nathan Balensiefen, 3. Steve Lewis, 4.
Brandon Maciejewski, 5. Mike Hughes, 6. Gary Schmitt, 7. Rick Koltveit, 8.
Jimmy Partipilo, 9. Nick Sell, 10. Duane Peterson, 11. Larry Yardley, 12.
Karl Hayes, 13. Alex Clubb, 14. K. Hughes, 15. Al Gray, 16. Jerrod Thomas
 
Hornets 12 Cars
Heat One: DJ Werkmeister, Gabe Koncor, JR Brown, Nick Clubb
Heat Two: Loren Westerhold, Phil Briddick, Bubb Swinski, Asa Robart
Feature: 1. DJ Werkmeister, 2. Loren Westerhold, 3. JR Brown, 4. Phil
Briddick, 5. Nick Clubb, 6. Gabe Koncor, 7. Asa Robart, 8. Mark Sutton, 9.
Chad Williams, 10. Bubba Swinski, 11. Ande Bivens, 12. Brent Carlson

August 25, 2007
Marty Thompson (#90) works the inside line of the highbanks at La Salle
Speedway as Dave Porth (25P) runs the outside. Lance Dehm (D1) looks for an
opening between the two.
 
Thompson does double duty; Oeder goes flag to flag from front row
By: Betty Glynn
 
La Salle, IL – Being behind the wheel of a racecar is a way of life for
Marty Thompson of Mineral. Not only is he a weekend warrior on dirt, he is a
multi track champ with a winning list that includes every division he
competes.
 
Saturday night at La Salle Speedway the veteran racer competed in the UMP
Modified’s and the Illinois Valley Cellular Street Stock special. The
outcome was the same – another trophy times two.
 
First up was the qualifying of both cars, then the Modified heat. He didn’t
earn the fastest timed laps but had positioned himself in good starting
positions for both divisions.
 
The Street Stock feature topped the venue as twenty seven contenders
registered for the event. Without preliminary races, drivers were lined up
based on their qualifying times and four transfer positions from the
consolation race.
 
The newly crowned divisional track champ, Rick Koltveit, and Alex Clubb were
on the front row ahead of Thompson and Randy Lucas. Koltveit was quick to
lead but fell back in the pack on lap three.
 
Immediately following, the field was under caution and Thompson was now the
race leader. A position he didn’t let go of for the remaining twenty two
laps.
 
Justin Rutledge was commanding second and even made his way close to the
tail of Thompson on more then one lap while Clubb and Steve Lewis gave
chase. The real action was with three of the semi feature transfers who were
working their way up from last.
 
Brandon Maciejewski started seventeenth but he was certainly a force to
reckon with. By the twelfth lap, he had already advanced six spots. At the
same time, the last place grid starter, Jimmy Partipilo was moving up just
as fast and furious.
 
When the checkers dropped, it was Thompson with the win over Rutledge.
Maciejewski, Koltveit, and Clubb were all racing nose to tail respectively
at the finish. Nathan Balensiefen ended his night in sixth over Lewis,
Partipilo, Jay Hamilton, Randy Lucas, Eric Whittington, and Nick Sell.
 
Koltveit scored the fastest qualifying lap of 15.785.
 
Thompson’s second act came when he rolled out for the twenty lap UMP
Modified show. This time he was on the pole next to Dave Porth while Jason
Hastings and Lance Dehm were in row two.
 
The front row contenders put on a show from the first corner of green flag
racing. The pair flew side by side with a strong running Dehm on their tail.
Dehm tried to take the trio into a three wide battle but couldn’t find the
room to slide in the middle.
 
The action was heating up when a car spun collecting two victims. Getting
past the five lap mark was a challenge all its own. Once they managed to get
past it, the green flag didn’t stay out long creating a painful beginning to
what was building up to be a competitive showing.
 
With the restart of Lap 15, it was evident the group was struggling as only
fifteen of the twenty one starters were still running. Two laps later, Porth
had made his charge on the outside for a door to door run but caution again
was signaled slowing his momentum. The showdown was not to be.
 
At the finish line, Thompson took the win over Porth, and Dehm. Casey Lappin
started sixth on the grid but gave Dehm a run for third in his low line
travel. He ended with a strong fourth place finish over Jason Hastings, Mike
Garland, Kevin Hastings, Justin McCoy, Cory Gerdes, Joe Adam, Brian
Carrington and Mark Novorolsky.
 
Thompson, Porth and Jason Hastings each won the heats. Garland posted the
quickest time of 14.500.
 
Steve Oeder and Scott Schmitt hosted the front row of the Late Model feature
in front of Jeff Hartzell and Ralph Markham.
 
Oeder quickly pulled ahead of Schmitt, Markham, Hartzell and Keith Piano.
Schmitt used every inch of the clay to hold Hartzell in third during the
early laps until contact was made between the pair. Hartzell slid back in
the pack. Schmitt continued to rule the second place running position until
Markham found room to get around him with four laps to go.
 
Oeder drove away with the win without contest finishing ahead of Markham.
Schmitt crossed in third after holding back Piano who could not find enough
room to pass. Glynn advanced the most positions moving up from tenth to a
fifth place finish on his first return to the Speedway since leaving in the
middle of July.
 
Eric Dauber moved up two positions from an eighth place start finishing over
John Piccatto, Ed Williams, Hartzell and Loomis.
 
Loomis and Piano each won the heats. Schmitt held the fastest qualifier
title.
 
The Hornet special got off to a rough start after a horrific flip ended the
night of Tanner Phelps. In his first night of racing, the young rookie was
hit hard in the wrong spot of his inside quarter panel as he exited the turn
two corner. The powerful and unrelenting push sent him on an airborne
journey he will not soon forget. Phelps was not injured in the incident.
 
DJ Werkmeister, the current divisional champ, won the feature marathon
adding to his stellar season. Nearly half the field was missing by the time
the checkers dropped.
 
Loren Westerhold tried everything to get a good run on DJ but ended in the
runner up spot over Jimmy Ellison, Ryan Webster, Scott Powell, Mike Weaver,
Jerry Legner, Nathan Lyday, Asa Robart, and Bubba Siwinski.
 
 
La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results 08/25/07
 
Steel Block Late Models – 18 Cars
Qualifying: Scott Schmitt 13.744
Heat One: Jim Loomis, Jeff Hartzell, Scott Schmitt, John Piccatto
Heat Two: Keith Piano, Steve Oeder, Ralph Markham, Eric Dauber
Feature: 1. Steve Oeder, 2. Ralph Markham, 3. Scott Schmitt, 4. Keith Piano,
5. Mike Glynn, 6. Eric Dauber, 7. John Piccatto, 8. Ed Williams, 9. Jeff
Hartzell, 10. Jim Loomis, 11. Doug Newlin, 12. Brian Lock, 13. Dan Doherty,
14. Joe Jelinek, 15. Joe Fratt, 16. Ande Bivens, 17. Jeff Small, 18. Terry
Knutti
 
UMP Modifieds 28 Cars
Qualifying: Mike Garland 14.500
Heat One: Marty Thompson, Lance Dehm, Kevin Hastings, Mike Garland
Heat Two: Dave Porth, Jay Ledfred, Justin McCoy, Phil Line
Heat Three: Jason Hastings, Casey Lappin, Matt Barker, Joe Adam
Semi Feature: Results not provided
Feature: 1. Marty Thompson, 2. Dave Porth, 3. Lance Dehm, 4. Casey Lappin,
5. Jason Hastings, 6. Mike Garland, 7. Kevin Hastings, 8. Justin McCoy, 9.
Cory Gerdes, 10. Joe Adam, 11. Brian Carrington, 12. Mark Novorolsky, 13.
Matt Barker, 14. Travis Kohler, 15. Wally Forsythe, 16. Phil Line, 17. Ken
Fischer, 18. Matt Cleary,19. Brian Lucas, 20. Mike Dyas, 21. Jay Ledfred
 
UMP Street Stocks 27 Cars
Qualifying: Rick Koltveit 15.785
Feature: 1. Marty Thompson, 2. Justin Rutledge, 3. Brandon Majewski, 4. Rick
Koltveit, 5. Alex Clubb, 6. Nathan Balensiefen, 7. Steve Lewis, 8. Jimmy
Partipilo, 9. Jay Hamilton, 10. Randy Lucas, 11. Eric Whittington, 12. Nick
Sell, 13. Kevin Hoffman, 14. Mike Hughes, 15. Keith Lucas, 16. Mike Stewart,
17. Gary Schmitt, 18. John Peterson, 19. Jamie Balensiefen, 20. Jay
Mesarchik
 
Hornets 27 Cars
Heat One: Brown, DJ Werkmeister, Jon Small, Matt McCarty
Heat Two: Brian Webster, Scott Powell, Chad Williams, Phil Briddick
Heat Three: Loren Westerhold, Tanner Phelps, Jamie DeFord, Jimmy Ellison
Semi Feature: Nathan Lyday, Gabe Koncor, Phil Burdette, Dan Whittercomb,
Nick Clubb, Don Slover, Travis Mahoney
Feature: 1. DJ Werkmeister, 2. Loren Westerhold, 3. Jimmy Ellison, 4. Ryan
Webster, 5. Scott Powell, 6. Mike Weaver, 7. Jery Legner, 8. Nathan Lyday,
9. Asa Robart, 10. Bubba Swinski, 11. Gabe Koncor, 12. Tony Harlacher, 13.
Chad Williams, 14. Jon Small, 15. Jamie DeFord, 16. Mark Sutton, 17. Phil
Briddick, 18. Matt McCarty, 19. Jr. Brown, 20. Tanner Phelps

The races for Saturday August 18th have been rained out.

Eric Dauber made his grand return to La Salle Speedway's winners circle. The victory moved him to second in the points championship challenge."	Sixteen year old Street Stock standout, Jimmy Partipilo, used his familiar #14 as a stepping stone with his third seasonal victory at La Salle Speed

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Dauber leaves competition in dust at La Salle
By: Betty Glynn
 
La Salle, IL – The 2007 points chase ended on Saturday night at La Salle
Speedway with four new champions ready to be crowned. The real highlight was
the grand return of a former champ to victory lane.
 
Ralph Markham was out so far in points that any outcome for the evening
could not hinder his chance at the coveted Late Model championship. But the
battle for second came down to the final laps of their feature event.
 
Princeton’s Steve Oeder was leading former division champ Eric Dauber in
second by a mere four points prior to signing in.
 
Dauber shot out to narrow the lead with qualifying the second fastest
picking up two points. But Oeder’s fourth place heat finish put two points
back in his favor. Next up, Oeder won the dash adding six points to his
corner.
 
The feature was still on tap and the runner up chase was about to get
interesting.
 
Oeder and Keith Piano were at the helm of the grid with Ritchie Bell and
fast qualifier Scott Schmitt in row two.
 
Oeder powered up hard to start the nineteen car field but got himself
sideways and nearly spun collecting quite a few of the front runners. Bell
and Billy Weistart Jr. were not as lucky as Oeder, they both returned to the
pits for quick repairs but were not granted their original grid positions
back for the complete restart.
 
The pack struggled to get past one lap on the board. As they came down the
back stretch Schmitt was running wide open and crashed hard into the outside
concrete barrier. His promising season has been shadowed by heavy damage as
a result of his love of the high side.
 
Oeder set the pace quick with Piano pulling under his door repeatedly during
the early laps. Dauber on the other hand was hunting for an opening. Heavy
on the gas, he worked every line he could find but favored a higher groove
for momentum. The momentum was hard to come by as the caution flag was
flying far too often.
 
During Lap 14, Dauber got the opening he was waiting for and used the
outside to stake his claim on second.
 
Just after, Oeder’s ride suffered mechanical woes and he ended his night
climbing up the back retaining wall. Now, it was Dauber in the lead of the
single file restart over Markham, Jeff Hartzell, Jim Loomis and Brian
Claudnic.
 
One lap later, Loomis and Claudnic made significant contact ending with
Claudnic’s machine briefly airborne. The division’s main event looked more
like a demo then the side by side racing everyone enjoys.
 
Dauber opened up full throttle to leave Markham, Hartzell, Aaron Schmidt,
Loomis, Jack Benson, Doug Newlin, Joe Fratt and Brian Lock in his dust.
 
Dauber’s return to victory lane was well overdue and moved him into the
second place points finish overall.
 
“We worked for that,” Dauber said trackside following his grand return. “It
feels so good finally getting a win. I was starting to get a little down.”
 
Markham beat Piccatto, Schmidt, and Jeff Small in the first heat. Weistart
won the fast heat over Hartzell, Piano and Oeder. Oeder took home the dash
in front of Piano, Bell and Scott Schmitt.
 
Morris driver Vince Cooper used the outside rails to win the UMP Open Wheel
Modified feature race in a flag to flag victory.
 
Cooper was unstoppable from his front row start next to Nathan Balensiefen
with Matt Barker and Milo Veloz Jr. in row two.
 
Fifteen drivers made the feature call but not as many were so lucky when the
checkers dropped. Much like the Late’s the Modified’s were struggling to get
a consistent run of green flag racing laps.
 
Cooper pulled away from Balensiefen, Veloz, and Joe Adam for the first ten
laps. By Lap 14, Veloz took over second and shut the door on Balensiefen.
 
Cooper charged high to capture the win over Veloz, Balensiefen, Adam, AJ
Dixon, Jim Phelps, Matt Barker, Mark Vervynck, Bill Theodorf, Ray Bollinger,
and Matt Cleary.
 
Bollinger traveled the fastest lap with a time of 14.584. Barker won the
first heat race in front of Cooper, Phelps, and Vervynck. Balensiefen took
home the second heat over Theodorf, Veloz and Cleary.
 
Veloz easily won the divisional championship as Bollinger’s evening was not
in his usual standout fashion. Veloz led the chase by twelve points prior to
the night but with a tenth place finish in the feature Bollinger’s hope of a
championship was not in the cards.
 
Young newcomer, Jimmy Partipilo, started the UMP Street Stock feature fourth
on the grid behind Nick Sell, Mike Hughes and Steve Lewis.
 
Sell led the pack for the first six laps when he fell back giving up the
lead to Partipilo for the first and final time.
 
Partipilo was unstoppable en route to his third main event victory. A late
race restart brought everyone back together but it didn’t make an impact on
the drive of Partipilo.
 
The youngster collected the checkers over Lewis, Justin Rutledge, Al Gray,
Hughes, Jay Mesarchick, Shawn Whittington, Rick Koltveit, Gary Schmitt, and
Sell.
 
Sell and Hughes each won their heats.
 
Koltveit won the Street Stock points challenge over Justin Rutledge.
 
DJ Werkmeister continued his winning ways in the Hornet division but not
without a well driven fight from Travis Mahoney.
 
Mahoney was flying in the lead until Werkmeister stole it on the outside
while they traveled the back stretch. After a restart, Mahoney gave it all
he had but Werkmeister continued doing what he does best, leading the field.
 
Mahoney’s chances were nixed when the event was yellow checkered with
Werkmeister as the leader. Mahoney finished a strong runner up over Loren
Westerhold, Jon Small, Jamie DeFord, Chad Williams, Asa Robart, Gabe Koncor,
Mark Sutton, and Dan Slover.
 
Westerhold and Mahoney each won their preliminary races.
 
Werkmeister won the championship uncontested.
 
 
 
 
La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results 08/11/07
 
Steel Block Late Models – 19 Cars
Qualifying: Scott Schmitt 13.735
Heat One: Ralph Markham, John Piccatto, Aaron Schmidt, Jeff Small
Heat Two: Billy Weistart Jr., Jeff Hartzell, Keith Piano, Steve Oeder
Dash: Steve Oeder, Keith Piano, Ritchie Bell, Scott Schmitt
Feature: 1. Eric Dauber, 2. Ralph Markham, 3. Jeff Hartzell, 4. Aaron
Schmidt, 5. Jim Loomis, 6. Jack Benson, 7. Doug Newlin, 8. Joe Fratt, 9.
Brian Lock, 10. Ed Williams, 11. Brian Claudnic, 12. Steve Oeder, 13. Keith
Piano, 14. Ritchie Bell, 15. Joe Jelinek, 16. Jeff Small, 17. John Piccatto,
18. Scott Schmitt, 19. Billy Weistart Jr.
 
UMP Modifieds 18 Cars
Qualifying: Ray Bollinger 14.584
Heat One: Matt Barker, Vince Cooper, Jim Phelps, Mark Vervynck
Heat Two: Nathan Balensiefen, Bill Theodorf, Milo Veloz Jr., Matt Cleary
Feature: 1. Vince Cooper, 2. Milo Veloz Jr., 3. Nathan Balensiefen, 4. Joe
Adam, 5. AJ Dixon, 6. Jim Phelps, 7. Matt Barker, 8. Mark Vervynck, 9. Bill
Theodorf, 10. Ray Bollinger, 11. Matt Cleary, 12. Wally Forsythe, 13. Duane
Peterson, 14. Mark Novorolsky, 15. Brian Lucas
 
UMP Street Stocks 20 Cars
Heat One: Nick Sell, Jimmy Partipilo, Jay Mesarchick, Justin Rutledge
Heat Two: Mike Hughes, Steve Lewis, Al Gray, Shawn Whittington
Feature: 1. Jimmy Partipilo, 2. Steve Lewis, 3. Justin Rutledge, 4. Al Gray,
5. Mike Hughes, 6. Jay Mesarchick, 7. Shawn Whittington, 8. Rick Koltveit,
9. Gary Schmitt, 10. Nick Sell, 11. Mike Stewart, 12. John Peterson, 13.
Alex Club, 14. Randy Lucas, 15. Ryan Johnson, 16. Joe Hamilton, 17. Roger
Rickels, 18. Jerrod Thomas
 
Hornets 19 Cars
Heat One: Loren Westerhold, DJ Werkmeister, Mark Sutton, Asa Robart
Heat Two: Travis Mahoney, Jon Small, Don Slover, Chad Williams
Feature: 1. DJ Werkmeister, 2. Travis Mahoney, 3. Loren Westerhold, 4. Jon
Small, 5. Jamie DeFord, 6. Chad Williams, 7. Asa Robart, 8. Gabe Koncor, 9.
Mark Sutton, 10. Don Slover, 11. Jon Wagner, 12. Tony Harlacher, 13. Ande
Bivens, 14. #72, 15. Bubba Siwinski, 16. Nick Clubb, 17. Dan Leonard
 

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Jimmy Owens (20) works an outside line of Tim McCreadie (39) during the second heat race of the Lucas Oil special at La Salle Speedway."	"Jimmy Owens collects his $10,000 check after dominating the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Illinois Valley Challenge 50 at La Salle Speedway."

Owens Struts Solo for Lucas Win at La Salle; Weistart Claims 2nd Career
Victory
By: Betty Glynn
 
La Salle, IL – Jimmy Owens rolled into La Salle Speedway for the first time
Monday night but quickly became a fan of the ¼ mile high banked speed arena.
The Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Illinois Valley Challenge 50 race was the
farthest north this Tennessee driver has won but it might not be the last
time he visits.
 
With a hefty payday of $10,000 on the line, the thirty five year old racer
strutted in solo style using every groove to lead the best of the best from
start to finish.
 
“This is a pretty nice track,” Owens told the crowd in a post race
interview. “It’s my first time here and I really like it a lot.”
 
He was being interviewed from victory circle with a profitable win and a
television timeslot on Speed TV – what more could a guy ask for.
 
Scott James and Owens were on the front row over Illinois drivers Darren
Miller and Dennis Erb Jr while fast qualifier Wendell Wallace and Tim
McCreadie were in row three on the grid.
 
Once the flagman gave the go, it was Owens fast on an outside line and
quickly pulled away from James in second as Miller and Erb battled for
third. By the second lap on the board, Owens was dominating some of the best
professional dirt track drivers in the country in his Bloomquist chassis.
 
While he was in his own zip code dodging lapped traffic, James circled in
second ahead of Miller, Erb, Wallace, McCreadie, and former LaSalle track
champ Ryan Dauber.
 
The first of only two cautions happened on Lap 20 when Garrett Durrett
stopped just shy of the racing surface. This brought the front runners back
together with their leader in front as the remainder lined up in double file
fashion without lapped cars.
 
Nothing changed his pace, or his mission, the fact that the pack was on his
back bumper and the surface turned black and slick didn’t slow him up. He
shot back into a solo run for the entire duration of the race.
 
James gave chase remaining in the consistent second place runner position
over Darren Miller. Those three top running spots never changed during the
twenty minute fifty-lap special.
 
Fourth place was another story altogether, Erb and Wallace diced it up back
and forth while Dauber and McCreadie did the same.
 
During Lap35, Owens was rapidly approaching Billy Drake and Billy Moyer Jr.
as they raced side by side. Owens took the action into a three wide battle
as he flew between the two cars to take them a lap down.
 
Two laps later, the second and final caution was signaled for Dauber when he
stopped on the track following contact with Dan Schlieper. It took numerous
yellow laps before the action got started again but once it did, the battle
for fourth between McCreadie and Wallace was worth watching. McCreadie moved
to a higher line but so did Wallace who looked tough on the back stretch and
corners.
 
Owens outdistanced the competition with James alone in second. Darren Miller
took an easy third, while Wallace held back McCreadie to finish fourth. Don
ONeal ended his night in sixth over Matt Miller, Brian Birkhofer, Jimmy
Mars, Jeep VanWormer, Erb who fell back to eleventh following the last
restart, Earl Pearson Jr., Schlieper, Terry English, Donnie Moran, Justin
Rattliff, Drake, Dauber, Steve Casebolt, Freddy Smith, Mike Mataragas, Damon
Eller, and Moyer.
 
Wallace led the first heat race until the final turn of the final lap when
Darren Miller brought the action side by side and stole the show at the
finish line. O’Neal took third ahead of VanWormer, Eller, Moyer, Jason
McBride.
 
Owens easily beat McCreadie, Pearson, Birkhofer, Casebolt, Durrett, and Mike
Provezano in the second heat.
 
Erb passed English during the third lap to win the third heat race. Matt
Miller, Drake, Freddy Smith, Mataragas and Steve Dimmick crossed the line
after him.
 
James and Dauber traveled side by side for much of the beginning laps during
the fourth and final heat. At the end of the ten laps, James took the
checkers in front of Dauber, Mars, Rattliff, Moran, and Shawn Toczek.
 
Casebolt and Moran each won the B Main’s.
 
The weekly steel block Late Model’s provided the support class with a
caution free twenty five lap main event for the evening.
 
Oglesby’s Billy Weistart Jr. dominated the class in his first feature
victory in at least seven years.
 
Thirteen contenders signed in for competition with two heat races
determining their starting feature grid. Dave Miller and Weistart were on
the front row over Ralph Markham and John Piccatto.
 
Markham jumped to the front but Weistart was heavy on the gas and
unstoppable from start to finish.
 
By the tenth lap out, Weistart was in complete control of the pace and his
ride. Markham, who has had a stellar season, trailed in second over Keith
Piano, Aaron Schmidt and Steve Oeder.
 
Weistart’s drought was worth the wait as he sailed easily back to the
winners circle without contest sweeping the division.
 
“The car was working good”, Weistart said. “It has been a long long time
since we won.”
 
Crossing the finish line behind him was Markham, Piano, Schmidt, Oeder,
Piccatto, Ritchie Bell, Scott Schmitt, Doug Newlin, Ed Williams, Dave
Miller, Jeff Small and Joe Fratt.
 
Miller beat a hard charging Markham, Piano and Newlin in their first heat
race. Weistart charged hard to win over Piccatto, Schmitt and Schmidt in the
second heat.
 
 
 
La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results 08/06/07
 
Lucas Oil Late Model Illinois Valley Challenge 50 – 35 Cars
Qualifying: Wendell Wallace 14.355
Heat One: Darren Miller, Wendell Wallace, Don O’Neal, Jeep VanWormer, Damon
Eller, Billy Moyer Jr., Jason McBride, Kerry Hansen, Steve Morgan
Heat Two: Jimmy Owens, Tim McCreadie, Earl Pearson Jr., Brian Birkofer,
Steve Casebolt, Garrett Durrett, Mike Provenzano, George Scheffler, Tony
Izzo Jr.
Heat Three: Dennis Erb Jr., Terry English, Matt Miller, Billy Drake, Freddy
Smith, Mike Mataragas, Steve Dimmick, Scott Schmitt, Brian Claudnic
Heat Four: Scott James, Ryan Dauber, Jimmy Mars, Justin Rattliff, Donnie
Moran, Shawn Toczek, Dan Schlieper, Aaron Ricketts
B Main #1: Steve Casebolt, Garrett Durrett, Damon Eller, Kerry Hansen,
George Scheffler, Jason McBride, Mike Provenzano, Billy Moyer Jr., Tony Izzo
Jr., Steve Morgan
B Main #2: Donnie Moran, Freddy Smith, Dan Schlieper, Shawn Toczek, Aaron
Ricketts, Mike Mataragas, Scott Schmitt, Steve Dimmick
Feature: 1. Jimmy Owens, 2. Scott James, 3. Darren Miller, 4. Wendell
Wallace, 5. Tim McCreadie, 6. Don O’Neal, 7. Matt Miller, 8. Brian
Birkhofer, 9. Jimmy Mars, 10. Jeep VanWormer, 11. Dennis Erb Jr., 12. Earl
Pearson Jr., 13. Dan Schlieper, 14. Terry English, 15. Donnie Moran, 16.
Justin Rattliff, 17. Billy Drake, 18. Ryan Dauber, 19. Steve Casebolt, 20.
Freddy Smith, 21. Mike Mataragas, 22. Damon Eller, 23. Billy Moyer Jr., 24.
Garrett Durrett
 
Steel Block Late Models – 13 Cars
Heat One: Dave Miller, Ralph Markham, Keith Piano, Doug Newlin
Heat Two: Billy Weistart Jr., John Piccatto, Scott Schmitt, Aaron Schmidt
Feature: 1. Billy Weistart Jr., 2. Ralph Markham, 3. Keith Piano, 4. Aaron
Schmidt, 5. Steve Oeder, 6. John Piccatto, 7. Ritchie Bell, 8. Scott
Schmitt, 9. Doug Newlin, 10. Ed Williams, 11. Dave Miller, 12. Jeff Small,
13. Joe Fratt

Markham, Veloz, Koltveit and Werkmeister claim wins at La Salle
By: Betty Glynn
 
La Salle, IL – Ralph Markham has become a victory circle regular at La Salle
Speedway this season. The Maple Park Late Model driver added his ninth
feature trophy to his collection without contest on Saturday night.
 
Sixteen steel block Late’s signed in for action with Tonica’s Eric Dauber
posting the quickest lap time of 13.600. Oglesby’s Keith Piano outdistanced
the competition in the first heat race. Markham finished runner up over
Dauber and Ed Williams. Aaron Schmidt stayed strong and held back a late
race challenge by Darin Furar to collect the second heat victory. Furar
ended his run second over Scott Schmitt and Billy Weistart Jr.
 
Dauber and Schmitt controlled the front row starting positions of the
feature grid ahead of Markham and Furar. Once the green was dropped, Dauber
took the lead. By the end of the first lap his outside partner, Schmitt, had
a meet and greet with the outside retaining wall and quickly fell back in
the pack.
 
During Lap 2, Markham shot into the lead and began to pull away from the
field. Dauber used a higher line trying to gain momentum but once the leader
took them into lapped traffic he was unstoppable.
 
Seventh place starter, Williams, was moving his way up the pack and rolled
under Dauber for second place by Lap 12.
 
Markham was in a zip code all his own when he took the checkers of the
caution free twenty-five lapper. Between the top five cars there was a lot
of real estate with no side by side action down to the wire.
 
During a victory lane interview Markham discussed his ride.
 
“It was working real good,” Markham announced to the crowd following his
impressive run. “It’s been a real good season.”
 
Markham’s stellar season will be topped by his first Late Model track
championship as the division only has one race left and he is sitting far
enough ahead of the points.
 
“It’s wrapped up already,” Markham told the announcer.
 
Williams finished second over Dauber, Piano, John Piccatto, Weistart, Furar,
Steve Oeder, Aaron Schmidt, Jack Benson, Joe Fratt, Dave Miller, Doug
Newlin, Brian Lock, Jeff Small, Schmitt.
 
Sixteen UMP Modifieds rolled onto the grounds with one driver ending his
evening high above the quarter mile high banks on the retaining fence when a
pre race activity didn’t go so well. Modified driver of the #87 ended his
night stuck up the fencing with too much damage to continue.
 
Leah Monfries took home the first heat race win with Brian Lucas, Mark
Vervynck, and Joe Adam in tow. Nathan Balensiefen won the fast heat over
Milo Veloz, Tom Otrembiak, and Marty Thompson. Veloz barely held off a late
race charge by Marty Thompson to win the dash race. Cooper finished third
ahead of fast qualifier AJ Dixon.
 
Fifteen cars made the main event call with Veloz and Thompson on front row
starting spots. Cooper and Dixon rolled up in the second row.
 
During the first lap out, Thompson got a little too close and personal with
the concrete barrier wall and took a few cars into the mayhem. Everyone
safely got their spots back for a complete restart except Dixon who had to
return to the pit area.
 
Now fourteen drivers were starting over. Veloz didn’t waste anytime pulling
into the lead with Cooper hot on his trail. By Lap 9, Thompson and Cooper
were providing some side by side action for second place. By the time the
pair returned to the start finish line, Cooper was still runner up in
second.
 
Nathan Balensiefen was in a strong fourth place run leaving Jim Phelps, Joe
Adam and Ray Bollinger to fight for fifth.
 
Up front, Thompson continued to work a higher line then Cooper but seemed to
fall shy on the straights as Cooper sailed down them.
 
With two remaining laps left, Cooper had his sights set on the win and
traveled all the way to the leaders door when they flew into lapped traffic.
 
Cooper gave it all he had but Veloz took the checkers.
 
“Cooper is pretty fast and I like racing against him,” Veloz told the
announcer during his winning interview.
 
Cooper picked up a powerful second place finish in front of Thompson,
Balensiefen, Adam, Phelps, Bollinger, Vervynck, Wally Forsythe, Duane
Peterson, Brian Lucas, Monfries, Scott Hauge, Tom Otrembiak, and Dixon.
 
The Street Stock class hosted sixteen competitors for the twenty lap main
event. Alex Clubb and Justin Rutledge rolled into the front starting
positions over Nick Sell and Rick Koltveit.
 
During Lap 1, Gary Schmitt lost control of his line and spun. With no where
to go several cars joined him including Jimmy Partipilo and Mike Hughes.
Partipilo hooked the front end hard on the tractor tires that keep drivers
out of the infield. The three went to the back of the field for the restart.
 
Rutledge was heavy on the gas and led the field until Koltveit began a
challenge from the lower line and grabbed it during Lap 9. Five laps later,
Partipilo was hard charging up the field from last into third.
 
Koltveit easily won the feature over Rutledge, Partipilo – certainly the
hardest charger of the night, Clubb, Sell, Mike Stewart, Hughes, Gary
Schmitt, Jerrod Thomas, Bill Dauber, Steve Lewis, Jay Mesarchik, Justin
Sellers, Shane Whittington, Neilson, and Tim Loomis.
 
Clubb and Rutledge won the heats.
 
DJ Werkmeister is proving to be the force to reckon with in the ultra
competitive 4 Cylinder Hornet division. This fourteen year old has been the
man to beat all season long.
 
Jon Small started as the pole sitter next to Chad Williams with Travis
Mahoney and DJ behind them.
Small was carrying the field as DJ made his way up for the lead challenge
when the front right tire took a ride solo off of Small’s machine.
 
DJ took over the lead for the restart and never looked back. Williams
finished second ahead of Eric Boudreau – who was later DQ’d, Loren
Westerhold, Jamie DeFord, Mahoney, Mark Sutton, Gabe Koncor, Phil Briddick,
Don Slover, Dan Leonard and Asa Robart.
 
Small and Williams won the preliminary events.
 
On Monday, August 6th, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Illinois Valley
Challenge 50 is slated to top the venue at La Salle. The weekly Steel Block
Late Models will be the support class.
 
Qualifying for the $10,000 to win Late Model televised event begins at 6:30
pm with racing at 7:30 pm.
 
Pit gates open at 1:00 pm, Grandstands 5:00 pm, Hot Lap at 6:00 pm.
Admission prices are as follows: Adults $25, Kids 11 and under $5, Skybox
$30, and Pit Passes $35.
 
 
La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results 08/04/07
 
Late Model – 16 Cars
Qualifying: John Piccatto 13.600
Heat One: Keith Piano, Ralph Markham, Eric Dauber, Ed Williams
Heat Two: Aaron Schmidt, Darin Furar, Scott Schmitt, Billy Weistart Jr.
Feature: Ralph Markham, Ed Williams, Eric Dauber, Keith Piano, John
Piccatto, Billy Weistart Jr, Darin Furar, Steve Oeder, Aaron Schmidt, Jack
Benson, Joe Fratt, Dave Miller, Doug Newlin, Brian Lock, Jeff Small, Scott
Schmitt
 
UMP Modifieds – 16 Cars
Qualifying: AJ Dixon 14.393
Budweiser Dash: Milo Veloz, Marty Thompson, Vince Cooper, AJ Dixon
Heat One: Leah Monfries, Brian Lucas, Mark Vervynck, Joe Adam
Heat Two: Nathan Balensiefen, Milo Veloz, Tom Otrembiak, Marty Thompson
Feature: Milo Veloz, Vince Cooper, Marty Thompson, Nathan Balensiefen, Joe
Adam, Jim Phelps, Ray Bollinger, Mark Vervynck, Wally Forsythe, Duane
Peterson, Brian Lucas, Leah Monfries, Scott Hauge, Tom Otrembiak, AJ Dixon
 
UMP Street Stocks – 16 Cars
Heat One: Alex Clubb, Nick Sell, Mike Stewart, Tim Loomis
Heat Two: Justin Rutledge, Rick Koltveit, Gary Schmitt, Jay Mesarchik
Feature: Rick Koltveit, Justin Rutledge, Jimmy Partipilo, Alex Clubb, Mike
Stewart, Mike Hughes, Gary Schmitt, Jerrod Thomas, Billy Dauber, Steve
Lewis, Jay Mesarchik, Justin Sellers, Shane Whittington, Neilson, Tim Loomis