Tonight’s feature was fast and furious as it ran from wire-to-wire without a single caution period. It was a night when lapped traffic almost decided the feature event. Starting on the front row when the Green Flag fell was the 7k of Rob Chaney and 83 of Tim Shaffer, as they zoomed into the first turn it was Chaney with the early advantage. Then by the second turn Shaffer edged ahead bringing Ed Lynch Jr. along with him into second. When Shaffer first encountered traffic on Lap 5 he was followed by: Lynch, Blaney, Greg Wilson, and Rob Chaney.

At that point Wilson started to make his charge in traffic getting under Blaney on Lap 8, and waged quite a battle with Lynch for two laps, before taking over the second position. Wilson continued to use the high side to his advantage eventually catching Shaffer. On lap 13 he pulled up on Shaffer’s bumper and it only took a lap of sizing him up before Wilson made his move off of Turn 4, taking the lead.  Once he got into the top spot Wilson looked as if he could run away with the event.

It took until shortly after half-way point of the event for Blaney to make his presence known on track. The Ohio native began to make his move on Lap 18 getting around Shaffer with a slide job in Turn 4 and began to cut into Wilson’s lead.  While dodging in and out of lapped cars Blaney and Wilson swapped the lead back and forth several times, before Blaney took the top spot on lap 23.

Wilson fought back as they sliced in and out of lapped cars. The duo spent several laps side-by-side before Blaney edged ahead. It was short lived though as Blaney made slight contact with a lapped car, which let Wilson close again. Wilson was able to get around Blaney for a split second, but Blaney fought back. With the Checkered Flag looming in the distance Blaney got the edge and recorded his 69th career All Star victory. In a close second it was Wilson, who described the race as one of the best races he had ever been in. Rounding out the top five were: Shaffer, Randy Hannagan and Lynch.

Next up on the schedule for the All Star Circuit of Champions is Lernerville Speedway on June 5th. For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.

Top Two Quotes

First Place Dale Blaney “That was probably the best race I have ever been in, in my life. The car really came in the last part of the race. It was great running wheel-to-wheel with Greg. We had a great car tonight it really worked well on the bottom, I have to thank my guys for that. It was definitely a lot of fun out there.”

Second Place Greg Wilson “I just messed up, I should have zinged by him on the top side. That was the best race I have been in. I have to thank the Warnimont Race team, they gave 110% along with Bonzai, who I would like to thank for coming on board. It was a great night.”

Camargo, IL (5-26-09) by Kelly Brown - Public Relations Director – Eldora Speedway is simply legendary. After all, it was owned by legendary promoter Earl Baltes, before being bought by Tony Stewart who is a legend in the making, and it is home to some legendary events. The track simply known as “The Big E” will be hosting what promises to be legendary race as the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions will be lighting up the half-mile ton Saturday, May 30.

The last time the All Stars made their way to Eldora Speedway it was for the conclusion of 2008 Ohio Speedweek and it was All Star veteran Dale Blaney who stood in Victory Lane. “The Big E” is a staple on the All Star Circuit of Champions schedule as it has hosted at least one race a year since 1981.

Current All Star point leader Tim Shaffer has a single win in a 410 sprint car at Eldora. 2008 All Star Champion has a solid record in All Star competition at Eldora scoring 4 wins in and 21 top-fives in his 48 A-main starts. Sprint car veteran Danny Smith also has 4 wins at Eldora with 21 top-five finishes as well. Two time All Star Champ Greg Wilson only has a few wins at the legendary half-mile, but it is with a 360 engine.

The young pilots of the All Star series also have had success at the track. 2008 Rookie of the Year Ryan Myers has a single top-ten finish at Eldora in 360 sprint competition. While 2009 Rookie of the Year competitor Daron Clayton has a duo of top-five finishes in 410-non wing racing. Current rookie points leader Ryan Bunton will be making his first start at Eldora. Brandon Wimmer also has one top-five finish with the All Star series.  Who will reign supreme this weekend, the legendary veterans or hungry young guns?

Join the All Stars as they take on “The Big E.” On Saturday night May 30th hot laps will begin at 6:00 pm with race action taking center stage at 7:30 pm. Tickets for the event begin at $18 for ages 16 and up,  $8 for ages 12-15, $4 for ages 7-11, and ages 6 and under are free.  For those wanting a closer look at racing action, pit passes for the race will run $25. For more information or to order tickets visit www.eldoraspeedway.com or call (937) 338-3815.

Camargo, IL (5-23-09) by Kelly Brown - Public Relations Director – In racing terms 2 years is an eternity. Before tonight it had been almost two years since Danny Smith last visited Victory Lane in O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions competition, but that streak ended tonight as he celebrated his 29th career win at Fremont Speedway. 

On paper it may seem as if Danny Smith had an easy night after recording quick time and starting from the pole position, but the truth is it was a hard fought win for the 410 sprint car veteran. For him it took all the experience he had to maneuver through the traffic and the challenges he encountered tonight. 

On the drop of the Green Flag Smith took control of the event with Dave Harrison and Jody Keegan in his tire tracks. Jacobs would move into third on lap three, while Mayes stayed right on Smith's rear bumper .The first caution would fly on Lap 6 for a scuffle between Mike Linder and Phil Gressman in Turn 3. After the duo of spins Gressman was able to continue on, but the contact would end Linder’s night. 

Smith continued from that point with Mayes continuing his pursuit of the 4 car, but with a clear race track in front of him Smith opened up a big lead. Mayes and Jacobs were left to battle it out for the second position. Smith encountered lapped traffic on the 13th lap. Jacobs used the opportunity to apply pressure while Mayes and Shaffer battled for third. Smith and Jacobs would race side-by-side, making bold moves in traffic over the next portion of the race. Mayes would get to Smith's rear bumper by the 23rd lap as the two raced hard among the lapped machines. 

The final caution period of the night happened with 5 laps to go. The w20 of Greg Wilson slowed on track when his engine failed and was unable to pull off the course before the Yellow Flag flew. When the Green Flag was unfurled again it was Smith with Mayes, Tim Shaffer, and Lee Jacobs battling for position. At that point Jacobs changed his line and went to the top. This turned out to be an imperative move as he was able to make his way up to second before the Checkered Flag flew. It was Smith who would take it first with Jacobs, Mayes, Shaffer, and Dale Blaney, who started 14^th rounding out the top-five.  

This was Smith’s third win at Freemont Speedway. His first came in 2000 when he won an All Star event, and his last came in weekly competition at Fremont in 2003. The O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions will be back on track next week at Eldora Speedway on Saturday, May 30. For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.   

Top Three Quotes  

First Place Danny Smith - "This was an old man's track tonight, I ran the bottom. We ran a set-up I haven't ran for 20 years and it worked...it just goes to show you that anything is possible.” 

Second Place Lee Jacobs – "I screwed up in lapped traffic...lapped traffic really hurt us. I think we had the car to beat. On that last caution I saw Andy (Potter, crew chief) on the back stretch telling me to get my butt to the top and it was a kind of a last desperation move. I pulled my wing back and it really went around there well. I wish this was a 50-lap race...might have had something for them. I wonder how many times you have to run second in one of these All Star shows before you get to win one. I've got to be getting close." 

Third Place Brock Mayes - "Danny was running where everyone wanted to. I wanted to move up on that  
last caution, but my front wing broke with about 15 laps to go and it was a handful. I wanted to try what Lee did...I didn't come here to run second.  I wanted to let it rip and it was going to be the win or the soft wall. I just didn't feel comfortable when it broke. I started blocking the last 10 laps...because that front wing made it hard to drive. Before that happened I was licking my lips...thought we had 'em.” 

Camargo, IL (5-17-09) By Kelly Brown – Public Relations Director – After a week off to catch their breath following the triple header in PA, the drivers of the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions are now turning their attention to the next rung in the ladder to the Series Title: Fremont Speedway. On Saturday night May 23 the All Stars will be making their traditional trek to the 1/3-mile semi-banked clay oval which promises to be another unforgettable event, with $5,000 on the line.  

Fremont is a track that has been a staple on the All Star schedule since its conception. The first modern day All Star event at the track in 1981 was won by now team owner, “The Ohio Traveler” Rick Ferkel. That first year there was four events at the 1/3-mile bullring and other than Ferkle, legends Jack Hewitt and Fred Linder also celebrated in Victory Lane. Since then there have been 86 All Star events at the famed oval.

The last time the All Stars visited Fremont Speedway, it was in September before the season closer at Lawrenceburg.  It was Fremont that played a vital role in Dale Blaney recording his third All Star Series Title, as he padded his point lead with that victory. Over all Blaney leads All Star drivers with 6 All Star wins at the track, Greg Wilson had a pair of wins, while Danny Smith has one. This weekend will one of the veteran contenders in the series win or will one of the new pilots that are starting to make a name in the series find their way to Victory Lane?

Join the O’Reilly All Stars on Kears Speed Shop Night at Fremont Speedway with the gates opening at 4:00 pm and racing action beginning at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, with senior tickets running $15, ages 11-16 $10, and 10 and under are free. For more information on the event visit www.fremontohspeedway.com or call the track office at 419-333-0487.

Camargo, IL (5-8-09) by Kelly Brown - Public Relations Director – Five years may not seem like a long time to some, but for the fans of the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions in West Virginia, it has been five years since “America’s Series” has raced in the Mountain State. This is about to change though as the All Stars will be making a landmark trip to Elkins Speedway in Kerens, West Virginia, on  Saturday June 6th for the Gene Tallman Memorial.

This event will pay homage to legendary West Virginia driver Gene Tallman, who was a force to be reckoned with in the super modified classes of racing in the North Central portion of the state. This will be the first time in 40 years that 410 Sprint Cars have visited Elkins Speedway. To prepare for this momentous event Promoter AJ Rockwell has resurfaced and reconfigured the track to ensure the best racing action that the 3/8-mile oval can offer.

"To be able to work with a nationally-known, well respected organization like the O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champion Sprints in our first year of operation here at Elkins Speedway, well, we couldn't be more excited.  We have worked very hard on the racing surface and we hope to offer the racers and fans a racy, multi-groove track that will enable the faster guys the chance to move to the front. For the fans that haven't been to Elkins Speedway in a while, I think this "Gene Tallman Memorial" is a good excuse to come out and see some of the world's most powerful sprints and see all the improvements that have been made at the track. We are anxious to see the tremendous speeds these guys will attain!" said Elkins Speedway promoter A.J. Rockwell.

Elkins Speedway spokesman Jimmy Henry added, "To have the chance to honor and host a tribute to Gene Tallman, one of the greatest drivers to ever strap on a helmet is truly an honor for us. Gene not only won more than his share of races throughout the tri-state area but had tremendous fan-appeal as well...you just couldn't help but like the guy.  We feel this 30-lap, $5,000 to win O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions sanctioned event is the proper way to give Mr. Tallman the credit and respect he deserves and we hope the fans will come out and support this event as well."

The last time that the All Stars raced in West Virginia was at West Virginia Motor Speedway in 2004 and Dean Jacobs took the Checkered Flag in the event. Other notable tracks that have hosted All Star Races in West Virginia are Ohio Valley Speedway and Pennsboro Speedway.

“We are very excited with our new partnership with Elkins Speedway,” expressed All Star Series President Guy Webb. “We are looking forward to the inaugural Gene Tallman Memorial event and hope that it will grow and become one of the prestigious events on the All Star Circuit of Champions schedule.”

Camargo, IL (5-10-09) by Kelly Brown - Public Relations Director – After his victory last night at Port Royal, Stevie Smith was clearly the favorite going into tonight’s main event. Smith did not disappoint as he appeared the second night in a row in victory lane at Port Royal Speedway.

The first Yellow Flag flew just as the leaders were beginning to get into lapped traffic. As Smith was trying catching Pat Cannon to put a lap on him, the 17 car broke loose in Turn 3 and spun in front of Smith forcing him to take evasive action. When the Green Flag was shown to the field again it was short lived as Ryan Bunton’s 6r began to limp on course with a flat left rear tire.

On the restart, Smith dashed into the first corner with Blaney in his tracks, but Smith was able to put some distance between his 1 and Blaney’s 2 car. It was déjà vu on Lap 14 when the yellow banner was unfurled again as Cannon looped the 17 car around in Turn 2. Although this time Ryan Bunton got caught up in the incident and it ended both of their nights.

When the race resumed Smith continued to hold on to the top spot until there was another pause in the racing action a few laps later. In Turn 4, the 88 of Todd Shaffer and 22 of Greg Hodnett made contact and the 15 of Adam Wilt spun to miss the tangled cars.  This ended the night for Hodnett, but Shaffer and Wilt continued at the back of the field.

Camargo, IL (5-9-09) by Kelly Brown - Public Relations Director – With one of the most prestigious races on the All Star Circuit of Champions schedule, Stevie Smith was on point tonight as he won the warm up before the Bob Weikert Memorial.

When the Green Flag fell on the feature event, Mike Erdley and Todd Shaffer went side-by-side into the fist turn. By the end of the first lap Shaffer got an edge over Erdley and settled into the lead. In an event that went Green to Checkered Flag with non-stop action at every turn of the track you could have thrown a blanket over second to fourth for most of the event.

As the event went on Erdley, Alan Cole and Stevie Smith traded second, third and fourth several times. Shaffer had a sizable lead over the battling trio until he encountered lapped traffic. It was a encounter that Shaffer had with the lapped car of Daron Clayton that allowed Smith to close in on the lead.

Once the leader was in sight Smith settled into the high groove and began working on Shaffer. With the laps in the event winding down Smith and Shaffer traded the lead back and fourth several times. In the end, it was Smith who had the edge with the Checkered Flag looming in the distance, as he recorded his eighth All Star Circuit of Champions win. Behind Smith it was Shaffer, Erdley, Cole and Lance Dewease rounding out the top-five. 

Finishing in the top-four tonight carried extra prestigue as the cars of Smith, Shaffer, Erdley and Cole will be locked into the feature for the Bob Weirkert memorial.

Camargo, IL

The first caution banner would fly when Stevie Smith went on the offensive to miss a slowing Krimes, which caused a close call for both cars. When the Green Flag was unfurled again, Shaffer and Dewease went back at it. Even as the track slicked later in the night there was some exhilarating side-by-side racing action.

On Lap 14 Dewease dove to Shaffer’s inside to take the lead, but Shaffer fought back and held on to the top spot. By Lap 16 the fast and furious racing action slowed again, this time for debris on the race course.

When the field restarted Dewease made another move on Shaffer, but was blocked. At this point Greg Hodnett began to move up in the running order as he got past Chad Layton for third on Lap 22.

With five laps to go the top-five could have been thrown under a blanket as the positions changed in the final dash for the checkers. First Brian Montieth got past Layton to take over the fourth position while, Hodnett closed on Dewease and a skirmish ensued for the second position.

With the Checkered Flag looming in the air Todd Shaffer captured his eighth All Star Circuit of Champions win. Dwease just edged out Hodnett for second, while Montieth and Layton rounded out the top-five.

Camargo, IL (5-5-09) – By Kelly Brown – All Star Public Relations Director – Three is a number that has a lot of meaning. Some say that misfortune happens in threes, but this weekend the number three has a good connotation as the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions will be racing three nights in a row in Pennsylvania. On Friday night May 8, the drivers of the All Star Circuit of Champions will be making up the race at Williams Grove that was cancelled due to rain last weekend, before moving on to Port Royal Speedway for two nights of non-stop racing action.

Williams Grove Speedway

After rain postponed last weekend’s event at “The Grove” The drivers of the All Star Series are ready to take on one of the legendary tracks in all 410 Sprint Car racing.  When ever the All Stars make a pilgrimage to The Grove it is sure to be showdown between The Posse and All Star regulars.

The last time the series appeared at the infamous half-mile legendary PA Posse member Fred Rahmer, who recorded his 500th feature win at Lincoln Speedway with the All Stars last weekend visited Victory Lane. Last weekend went to the posse, what All Star can rise to the occasion and make it to Victory Lane? Will Dale Blaney, Daryn Pittman, Tim Shaffer or one of the other All Stars be able to spoil the posse’s strong hold on The Grove?

Ticket Information

On Friday racing action will begin at 7:30 pm. Adult tickets are $18 for the event with discount tickets available for students and children. To purchase tickets or get more info, please call the speedway office at 717-697-5000 or visit www.williamsgrove.com.

Port Royal Speedway

After a night at the Grove the All Stars will be making the voyage to Port Royal Speedway in Port Royal, PA for two nights of high-speed racing action between the All Stars and PA Posse. The inaugural race for the All Star Sprint Car Series at Port Royal was run in 1981 with Dave Wickham as the victor. Since then the track has been the host of 17 All Star events.

This weekend’s All Star PA Posse clash will mark the 7th running of the Bob Weikert Memorial. Former winners include: Fred Rahmer, 2003, 2004; Todd Shaffer, 2005; Dewease, 2006; Greg Hodnett, 2007; and Jeff Shepard 2008. This weekend’s event will be unique as since the top-four finishers in the first night of racing action will automatically be locked into the feature on the second night, so there in an incentive for doing well on night one. Who will be the next driver to etch their name in history as a Bob Weikert Memorial winner? All Star or PA Posse member?

Ticket Information

On Saturday May 9th the gates will open at 5:00 pm for the exciting duel of drivers. Time trials will take the green flag at 7:00 pm. Admission for Saturday night is $20 for adults, students 13-17 $10, and kids 12 and under are free. On night two, Sunday May 10th the gates will be unfurled to race fans at 3:00 pm with time trials beginning at 5:00. Adult admission will be 22, with student tickets being $11, and 12 and under are free. Pit passes will run $30 per night. To purchase tickets or get more info, please call the speedway office at 717-527-2301 or visit www.portroyalspeedway.com.