Friday, March 29, 2019

USAC And FloSports Expand Racing Coverage To Western States

Seven-time USAC/CRA Sprint Car champion Damion Gardner can now be seen LIVE on FloRacing.com. (Mike Grosswendt Photo)

Speedway, Indiana - (March 29, 2019) - Today, The United States Auto Club and FloSports, the innovator in live digital sports and original content, announced an expanded partnership, to provide live and on-demand coverage of additional USAC Racing events exclusively on FloRacing.com.

This five-year deal nearly nearly doubles the amount of USAC events on FloRacing adding live events from the series' western divisions, including the CRA Sprint Cars, Western States Midgets and Southwest Sprint Cars, and more. Fans will now have access to more than 130 live USAC racing events during 2019.

"USAC's on-track action is second-to-none and we are thrilled to showcase the thrilling racing of our western series to the world on FloRacing," USAC President/CEO Kevin Miller said. "Racing fans worldwide will now be able to witness USAC racing year-round every day, delivering wall-to-wall content of the best of the best USAC talent to your streaming device."

"We are excited about expanding our partnership with USAC to provide fans with even more access some of the most exciting races in the sport and world," FloSports Vice President of Global Rights Acquisition Mike Levy said. "With the addition of these events, FloRacing is reinforcing our commitment to growing the sport. We're fortunate to have forward thinking partners like Kevin Miller and USAC who share our vision."

In addition to the over 80-plus USAC National events on the live FloRacing schedule, subscribers can access to witness live and on-demand AMSOIL USAC/CRA events from California venues such as Perris, Ventura, Bakersfield, Santa Maria, Petaluma and Merced. Marquee events include the "California Sprint Week" and the "Louie Vermeil Classic" at Calistoga, plus "Oval Nationals" from Perris and the "Western World Championships" from Arizona, both of which are co-sanctioned with the AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship.

The Sands Chevrolet Southwest Sprint Car events on FloRacing will take you, the racefan, to Arizona Speedway and throughout the Grand Canyon state, including Canyon and Central Arizona with a few stops in Perris, Calif. along the way.

The Western States Midgets will put you in the driver's seat for live racing action at California's Bakersfield, Merced, Santa Maria, Ventura, Petaluma and into Arizona along the way, including an expanded western swing for the USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship in the month of November, with stops in Arizona for the "Western World," the inaugural 100-lap "Hangtown 100" from Placerville, Calif., the "November Classic" at Bakersfield and the season-closing "Turkey Night Grand Prix" from Ventura.

To access live and on-demand coverage of the USAC racing events, visit FloRacing.com to become a monthly or annual PRO subscriber. Either subscription unlocks access to premium content across the entire FloSports network. Watch the event across all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Roku, or Apple TV 4.

Streaming more than 10,000 live competitions per year, FloSports continues to emerge as the global leader in live, in-depth, and on-demand digital coverage for passionate sports fans.

For more information and for the complete event schedule and streaming schedule for each series, visit www.usacracing.com, www.FloRacing.com, or www.FloSports.tv.

About FloSports

FloSports, the innovator in live digital sports and original content, partners with event rights holders, governing bodies, and other media companies to unlock a world of sports coverage that true fans have been waiting for. Through live streaming of premier events, original video programming, and weekly studio shows, FloSports is growing the sports, the events, the athletes, and the fans. Current verticals under the FloSports header include Track, Gymnastics, Swimming, Football, Wrestling, Rugby, Basketball, Hockey, and more.

North State Modified Series Gears Up For 2019 Season

Cameron Austin of Santa Rosa (#7c) won the last NSMS race at Madera Speedway in June 2018. The series will compete here three times in 2019 which includes the season opener on April 13.

Via NSMS Media

The North State Modified Series (NSMS), presented by Protect the Harvest, will once again bring top-notch modified action to five different race tracks for 11 events throughout Northern California and Central California. Plus for the first time the series will venture into Southern Oregon to race at Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg, Oregon, adding a 12th outing to its exciting schedule.

Mid California's Madera Speedway will host three NSMS races in 2019 including the season opener on April 13, a mid race event on June 15, and a late summer race on August 3. Promoter Kenny Shepherd will be donating $1,000 to the purse to make it $2,000 to win at each of the Madera shows.

“I’m putting the money on from my personal account to help make these events as big as possible,” Shepherd said. “I intend to film all three for a livestream and if we can get the car count strong enough and have a good race we might even be able to air one of the races on our Madera Racing on MAVTV show.”

Back in the line-up for two events this year is the Stockton 99 Speedway. They will host the second race in the series on April 27, and follow that up with a June 1 event. The Stockton facility is a favorite among many of the central and upper state competitors. Promoter Tony Noceti is looking forward to the return of the North State Modifieds.

Redwood Acres Raceway in Eureka always gives the racers a break from the heat with the first race, the “O'Reilly Auto Parts 60”, on May 11. The next visit to Eureka will be on July 20 for the “McMurray & Sons Roofing 60.” The final Event at “The Acres” will be during their “Fall Spectacular” on September 21.

The first of two shows at Shasta Speedway will be during the Shasta County Fair on June 22 in Anderson, CA. Competitors are encouraged to bring their families and have fun at the fair before the races begin.

The weekend following the 4th of July holiday will find the series at the All American Speedway in Roseville. This will be the 3rd annual Gene Welch Classic, sponsored by Jimmy Strauss Jeeps in Diamond Springs. This prestigious event honors Gene Welch, a many-time champion at All American Speedway who passed away in December of 2015.

August 24th is the date for the Roseburg, Oregon show. This event will be a part of the long-running “West Coast Modified Shootout” that will be offering an increased driver's purse. Several of the North State Modified drivers have attended, and won, this race in the past, but this is the first time it will be sanctioned and officiated by NSMS.

The season concludes at Shasta Speedway on October 5 for the Lloyd Burton “Against the Wind” Modified Challenge, sponsored by Mort Houston and the Burton Family.

Protect the Harvest will be the title sponsor of NSMS. Lucas Oil will fund a tow-money program for the drivers whereby the top 10 points leaders will each receive $200 upon arriving at the race track, and 11th through 15th in points will get $100. This program was designed to help with the high cost of travel.

Other sponsors of the series are Hoosier Tire West, Sunoco Race Fuels, Naake Suspension, Five Star Bodies, Racer Bling, Keyser Racing Products, Scribner Plastics, Gone Racin' Marine, Buckhorn Bar & Grill, and Franks Radios.

NSMS modified rules, procedures, schedule, entry forms and other information are available on the web site www.northstatemodifieds.com.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

New And Improved Partnership For Hoosier Tire California Speedweek



Via Blakesley Sports Media

STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA (March 27, 2019) – The fifth annual Hoosier Tire California Speedweek is fast approaching, with the best Micro Sprint racers in the world set to tackle four dirt bullrings from June 25-29. Super 600, Non Wing, and Restricted Micro Sprints will compete across Dixon Speedway, Delta Speedway, Keller Auto Raceway at Plaza Park, and Lemoore Raceway.

Hoosier Racing Tire increases its involvement in 2019 as the title sponsor of the series. Drivers and teams from across North America and Australia will venture to California compete for cash, prizes, and carved wooden bear trophies.

Driven Performance of Fresno, CA has joined as the fast-time sponsor for the entire week of action, providing $50 cash prizes for all 12 quick qualifiers. Wilwood Disc Brakes returns for a second season as a contingency sponsor, providing certificates for the hard charger from each of the 12 main events.

CSI Shocks and Keizer Wheels continue their support of the Speedweek by presenting multiple heat races throughout the event, offering gift certificates for the winners. Bullet Impressions returns with their tremendous partnership that includes official event merchandise. MyRacePass will handle lineups again in 2019 as well.

Pre-registration is expected to open in mid-April. Sponsorships are available by contacting Steven Blakesley at steven@norcalmedia.com or (916) 316-4854.

The California Speedweek is available online at its new home www.HoosierCASpeedweek.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

Monday, March 25, 2019

PIT BOX: After One Year Hiatus, Irwindale Set to Host Round Two of K&N West Season



DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – After not visiting one of the most famous half-mile short tracks on the West coast last season, the K&N Pro Series West makes its highly anticipated return to Irwindale Speedway this weekend for round two of the 2019 season and the 26th event in series history at the California half-mile.

IRWINDALE 150 AT IRWINDALE

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Bill McAnally Racing’s trio of Hailie Deegan, Derek Kraus and Brittney Zamora will be up front: you can bank on that. The organization tested at Irwindale on March 7.

Last time the circuit went to the California half-mile, BMR secured three of the top four finishers. The only driver from BMR who competed in that event who will also be racing Saturday night is Kraus. He’ll look to improve upon his fourth-place effort at Irwindale in 2017, and his sixth-place finish after leading 60 laps in the season opening race in Las Vegas.

Deegan will look to build upon her early season momentum following the win at Las Vegas and go back-to-back. She is currently the points leader, becoming the first female in NASCAR history to lead the standings. Although she’s never raced at Irwindale in a K&N Pro Series vehicle, she does have some track time.

Zamora said all three BMR cars were within two tenths of each other when they tested. Having never raced on dirt before Las Vegas, she also is excited to be back on asphalt at a track she knows pretty well.

The Sunrise Ford duo of Jagger Jones and Trevor Huddleston may have more experience at Irwindale than anybody else in the field combined. Huddleston has won three track championships at the track (2015-2017) in a late model, and knows it like the back of his hand. His father, Tim, has also operated and managed the track since late 2018.

Jones is no stranger to the half-mile, either. He’s won there once in a late model and specifically pointed out this event as one he was looking forward to most leading into his rookie campaign. However, he still is new to these K&N cars. Luckily, he has a driver coach and spotter who knows a thing or two about racing at Irwindale in Ryan Partridge, who has never finished outside the top 10 in his three races.

Other drivers who competed in the 2017 event that will also be racing this weekend are Todd Souza (finished 10th), Matt Levin (finished 12th), Kody Vanderwal (finished 15th), Rich Delong III (finished 16th) and Takuma Koga (finished 19th). K&N East regular Tanner Gray will also make his first K&N West start, driving his No. 15 Toyota for DGR Crosley.

Fans who can’t make it to Irwindale on Saturday will get a chance to watch it live on FansChoice.TV. The race will air as a one-hour broadcast on NBCSN on Wednesday, April 3 at 6 p.m. ET.

RACE FACTS

RACE
IRWINDALE 150
PLACE
Irwindale Speedway

DATE
Saturday, March 30

TIME
9:45 p.m. (approx.)

TELEVISION
FansChoice.TV (live), 7 p.m.; NBCSN – Wednesday, April 3, 6 p.m.

TRACK LAYOUT
Half-mile paved oval

2018 WINNER
N/A

2018 POLE
N/A

EVENT SCHEDULE
Garage opens: 10:30 a.m.; First practice: 1:15-2 p.m.; Final practice: 2:15-3 p.m.; Group qualifying: 5 p.m.; Driver autograph session: 5:30 p.m.; Driver introductions: 6:30 p.m.; Irwindale 150: 7 p.m.

TWITTER
@TheEIC

HASHTAG
#Irwindale150, #KNWEST

RACE CENTER

CREW CHIEF HANDOUT:
The starting field for the Irwindale 150 is 22 starters, including provisional positions. The first 20 drivers will secure starting positions based on group qualifying for the Irwindale 150. The remaining four spots will be awarded through the provisional process

Each vehicle’s starting position will be determined by their fastest lap in qualifying.

The Irwindale 150 will be 150 laps (75 miles).

The Irwindale 150 is to be run in two (2) segments. There will be a five (5) minute break at or near the conclusion of lap 75. Once the yellow flag is displayed at the start/finish line, the caution vehicle will pick up the field. The “Free Pass” vehicle will be moved past the caution vehicle to the outside. Once pit road is open, vehicles electing to pit may enter pit road. No work is to be performed until authorized by NASCAR Officials. A maximum of four (4) uniformed crew members will be allowed in the vehicle servicing area. The time will start when the last vehicle stops on pit road and the NASCAR Official authorizes work to begin. At the three (3) minute mark, start moving your vehicle onto the track behind the caution vehicle. The caution vehicle will roll at the five (5) minute mark and any vehicle that is not on the track may be assessed a penalty. At the end of the breaks, vehicles will line up with lead lap vehicles to the front. Lead lap vehicles that elected to pit will line up behind the lead lap vehicles that elected not to pit in order of running. Lap down vehicles that elected to pit will line up behind the lap down vehicles that elected not to pit in order of running. Fuel may only be added during the breaks.

The maximum tire allotment available for this event is: Four (4) tires for practice, four (4) tires for qualifying and heat races and to begin the feature, and two (2) additional tires to use during the break for a total over ten (10) tires.

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Apple Cup Pre-Race


Photo Courtesy Shari Garber


Via NWSLMS

RACE FACTS:
WHAT: Apple Cup 125
Race No. 1 of 7

WHERE: Yakima Speedway, Yakima, Wash.

WHEN: April 5-7
Apple Cup 125 Main Event scheduled for April 7

DISTANCE: 125 Laps/62.5 Miles

SANCTION: Northwest Super Late Model Series (NWSLMS)

PROMOTER: B&B Promotions, Inc.

CONTACTS: Randy Marshall Sr. Yakima Speedway (509) 248-0647
Jarrod Goodwin, NWSLMS Director (509) 879-5082

THE RACETRACK: Yakima Speedway is a slightly banked .500-mile paved
oval.

2016 TOP-10 IN THE EVENT
1) 64 Garrett Evans East Wenatchee, WA
2) 10 Owen Riddle Naches, WA
3) 5a Garret Archer Maple Valley, WA
4) 37 Mike Longton Moxee, WA
5) 89 Doni Wanat Woodinville, WA
6) 39 Pete Harding Surrey BC
7) 15 Tayler Riddle Naches, WA
8) 33 Nicole Behar Otis Orchards, WA
9) 86 Tom Berrow Surrey BC
10) 20s Andy Sole Marysville, WA

2018 TOP-10 CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS STANDINGS
1) Britney Zamora
2) Mitch Kleyn
3) Trenton Moriarity
4) Andy Sole
5) Doni Wanat
6) Tayler Riddle
7) Alan Cress
8) Braeden Havens
9) Tristan Haider
10) Garrett Evans

READY TO TAKE THE GREEN FLAG:
• The Wild “1” of Mitch Kleyn will be eyeing a championship in 2019. Kleyn has finished inside the final Top-5 championship standings in every season of NWSLMS competition.
• Tyler Tanner will be attempting to join his father, two-time NASCAR title-holder Kelly Tanner, as an Apple Cup champion. The younger Tanner has made starts on the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series in addition to his successes at Evergreen Speedway running in the NASCAR Whelan All-American Series.
• After a one-year hiatus, this will be the first Apple Cup run at Yakima Speedway under the operational leadership of Doug Bettarel. The track ran a limited schedule in 2018 culminating with the Fall Classic.
• The last time the NWSLMS opened its year at Yakima’s premier kick-off race was in 2016, won by Garrett Evans. Owen Riddle scored the 2017 Apple Cup and is the defending race winner.

APPLE CUP NOTE OF THE WEEK: TAYLER’S TIME?
• Brothers Owen and Tayler Riddle have dominated Northwest racing for many years, with Fall Classic victories, Montana 200 wins, Leonard Evans 150s (Tayler twice, Owen not yet) and the prestigious Evergreen Speedway Summer Showdown amongst the pair. It’s Yakima’s Apple Cup though that sits in the family trophy case with Owen’s name etched onto it, and not a single victory for younger brother Tayler. This year may be the race that changes those stats as Tayler debuts a new race car and engine package for the season-opening NWSLMS event.

UPCOMING ON THE NORTHWEST SUPER LATE MODEL SERIES:
The Northwest Super Late Model Series heads to Wenatchee Valley’s Super Oval on April 27 for the running of the Leonard Evans 150. Tayler Riddle is the defending champion and has two LE 150 victories on his resume. The race pays $5,000 to the winner who will also secure a starting position in the PASS-sanctioned 45th Annual Oxford (Maine) 250.

The Northwest Super Late Model Series is the premier regional touring Super Late Model series in the Northwest. The series has many valued sponsors including Hoosier Racing Tire, Racing Dynamics, McGunegill Engine Performance, Port City Race Cars, AR Bodies, Joes Racing Products, Penske Racing Shocks, Jostens, Accelerated Graphics, Five Star Bodies, Longacre Racing Products, Wheel Chill, KRC Power Steering, Atomic Screenprinting and Embroidery, Franks Racing Radio, BLP, Jefferson Pitts Racing, Leonard Evans Used Car Super Store, The Ti Company and Pacific Steel Structures LLC. For more information on the series visit www.nwslms.com or on Facebook or Twitter. To contact the series please email northwestsuperlatemodels@gmail.com