Camargo, IL (11-19-09)- The 2010 O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions, Inc. memberships are now available. The deadline for Florida Winternationals is January 8, 2010.
 
Please go to www.allstarsprint.com to download the 2010 membership form (Left Hand Side of Page, Under Team Menu). The annual membership is $425. The 2010 advantages are as follows:
1.      Driver and Owner receive free entry to all races.
2.      Two additional crew members receive $25.00 pit passes to select races.
3.      Qualifies team for appearance/tow package, top ten in points, $150,000.00 annually.
4.      Qualifies team for annual point fund and contingency package, $200,000.00 annually.
 
Remember if you are planning to run the six dates of the Florida Winternationals or seven dates of the Ohio Speedweek the 2010 membership is a money saving investment.

For more information about your 2010 membership go to www.allstarsprint.com or call the All Star Circuit of Champions office at 217-832-2308.

Camargo, IL (11-12-09) – By Kelly Brown – Even though the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions 2009 season is over, the drivers who finished in the top-ten in points with the series are out competing with the best in the 410 sprint car world and are letting their presence be known. Last weekend three drivers carrying the All Star Circuit of Champions banner competed at the World Finals at The Dirt Track at Lowes Motor Speedway and made the main event. Not only did one of them make the main event, but one came close to winning the final night in Charlotte. 

After having a wheel break while running third on Friday night, three time All Star Circuit of Champions Champion Dale Blaney won the dash and finished second in the finale of the World Finals after leading the first 15 laps of the race in the Ti-22 Performance Machine. Blaney used a lap-21 restart to get alongside Saldana in turn one, but could not quite make the pass. On the final restart of the night he again dove under Saldana in turns one and two, but Saldana held the lead.

“Any time we come and run with the Outlaws we seem to run good and that makes us feel like we accomplished a little bit,” Blaney said. “We had a great car all weekend and tonight I felt like I made a mistake that cost me the race. We always look forward to running with the Outlaws and it had been a few years since we had been down here. It’s a pretty cool place to come to.”

2009 All Star Circuit of Champions driver Tim Shaffer was also in attendance this weekend and gave his competitors a run for their money.  In the final night of the World Finals Shaffer started back in the field in the 21st position, but made a valiant run to the front during the A-Main. During the 30-lap feature Shaffer was able to make a fearless run through traffic to pick up the ninth position and the KSE Hard Charger Award for picking up the most positions during the feature.

Also in attendance was 2009 Rookie-of-the-Year competitor Brandon Wimmer. Both nights the young Hoosier would turn in a consistent effort, transferring to the feature event both nights and picking up a top-20 finish.

For the most up to date information as the All Star Circuit of Champions look forward to the 2010 season, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com  on your computer.

Camargo, IL (11-11-09) – By Kelly Brown – With the calendar officially showing it is November, the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions is looking back at July. It is hard to believe that just four short months ago the drivers of the series were getting ready for a month that would end with a swing across the plains. But before the All Stars headed out west they had three races in three different states to contend and these races would not disappoint fans as two new winners were added to the All Star record books.  It may be hard to believe but during the month that Americans celebrate their independence, both Jim Neir and Daryn Pittman would both go on to record their first career wins with the series.

Neir Win

At K-C Raceway in Ohio some of the younger drivers were trying to make a name for themselves with the All Stars. 2009 Rookie title hopeful Brandon Wimmer and 2008 O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions Rookie-of-the-Year Ryan Myers started side-by-side at the drop of the Green Flag. Going into the first turn it was Wimmer who had the edge and Myers was content to follow him for the first circuit of the track. The feature was fast and furious as it would continue on wire-to-wire without a single caution period. Early on Jim Nier, former K-C Raceway promoter quickly worked his way to the front, by lap three he had slid under Myers to take second. On Lap 5 Wimmer held on to the lead over a closing Nier, while David Gravel and Rob Chaney rounded out the top five. This is when Dale Blaney began to make his presence known, slipping his way into the top 5. Up Front Nier had caught Wimmer and the duo was beginning to catch the tail end of the field. While making their way through lapped traffic Nier set up his pass perfectly. Using a lapped car to block Wimmer, Nier dove under Wimmer and took the leap on Lap 8.

While Nier began to build his lead the battle for second began to warm up. Myers, Wimmer, and Blaney staged quite a battle, but in the end it was Blaney who would dive under Wimmer and Myers who were side-by-side to take over the second position. Wimmer would battle back and get back past Blaney for a split second, but in the end it was Blaney who had the upper hand. With 20 laps down in the 30 lap event, Blaney was closing on Nier’s lead. Two lapped cars stood in the way between him and the track veteran. With just four laps to go Blaney would pick off the first of the cars that stood in his way, on the following lap he would clear the second setting giving him just three laps to catch and pass Nier. With the White Flag waving in the air Blaney had Nier in his sight and was closing quickly. Blaney would move to the outside line in the last two turns to attempt a last lap pass on Nier, but the promoter held on. At the line it was Nier taking the Checkered Flag first. He was followed by Blaney, with Wimmer, Tim Shaffer and Jimmy Stinson who started 15th, rounded out the top-five.

Tim Shaffer has Hart

When the Green Flag first flew over the main event at Hartford Motor Speedway, Chad Kemenah got the jump over the pole sitter, who lived up to his name, Gary Fast. The first Yellow Flag would slow the event after the first lap of the race was completed when Brandon Wimmer lost the motor on this 0, 410 sprint car.  On the restart, it was Kemenah, Ryan Myers, and Shaffer leading the field to the green. Kemenah would retain the lead until Gary Fast spun on Lap 2 with apparent handling issues. In order to miss the spinning car both David Gravel and Daron Clayton spun.  Kemenah would run away from the field on the restart, but his racing machine would have a right rear tire go up in smoke on Lap 6 and he would hand over the lead to Ryan Myers for a few laps, but once Shaffer took the top spot on Lap 8, he never looked back. 

The third caution of the night came out on Lap 10 when the 27k of Ryan Kirkendall lost steering on his car and slowed on course. While the yellow flag was out two cars would go to the pits with tire issues, both the 4x of Toni Lutar and second place running Ryan Myers would be able to continue on at the end of the field. The fourth and final Yellow Flag of the night came out on Lap 12, when something went awry on the 23 of Ben Rutan. He would leave the track with parts flying, which would end his night. When the Green Flag flew again, it stayed out until the Checkered Flag flew.  Shaffer would drive out to a comfortable advantage, so the battle was for second. The best fight on the track the whole night was in the closing laps between second place running Greg Wilson and Randy Hannagan. Hannagan worked on Wilson and was even able to pull up beside him a few times, but was not able to pass him.  At the end of the 30 lap event, Tim Shaffer would take the Checkered Flag first, with the dueling duo of Wilson and Hannagan behind him.  Rounding out the top -5 would be home state driver Dustin Daggett, who was a crowd favorite throughout the night and David Gravel.

The Tri-City Twister

At the drop of the Green Flag at Tri-City Speedway in Franklin, PA pole sitter Cole Duncan took the lead initially with Pittman in his tire tracks. It would not take long for Pittman to start pursing the 22 car as he began sizing him up. On Lap 4 Pittman had Duncan in his clutches and slid around him to take the lead, just before the first caution flag of the night flew. On Lap 5 the yellow would come out for an incident involving Ed Lynch Jr. and Tim Shaffer. The two were battling side-by-side for position in the top-10 when the two touched wheels. This would send the two spinning, but both would rejoin the field at the tail. Almost simultaneously, Matthew Reed in the v92 sprint spun and came to a stop with a flat tire, but due to other problems with the car, he was unable to continue on. When the Green Flag flew again Pittman drove away from Duncan and left him in the clutches of Greg Wilson, who was able to get past him using the outside line. Just as Pittman was beginning to encounter lapped traffic the Red Flag came out on Lap 11. Coming out of the second turn the 92 of Daron Clayton made contact with the 6f of Bob Felmlee. The result sent Clayton airborne, but luckily the car landed on all four tires. This would end Clayton’s night, but Felmlee was able to continue on with minor damage.
 
Throughout the rest of the event Pittman was in command. He was able to endure a few charges by second place running Greg Wilson, but was able to work lapped traffic skillfully retaining the lead. In the closing laps Dale Blaney would make charge, trying to get past Wilson for second. It seemed every time Blaney would catch Wilson that Wilson would close the door.  With the Checkered Flag in Pittman’s sights, he out muscled Wilson to the finish line with Wilson and Blaney in tow. Fourth place Danny Smith turned in quite a performance tonight, after starting fifteenth he was able to make his way to the front before the end of the race. Rounding out the top-5 tonight was pole sitter Duncan.
 
Now that the stage has been set, it is time for the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions to take on the west. With five races in just five days the 2009 edition of Thunder though the Plains was another event that will be engrained in the memories of All Star fans for the unforgettable fast paced racing action displayed across three states. Stay tuned as the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions look back on another fast and furious season of racing action.

For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com  on your computer.

Camargo, IL (10-28-09) – By Kelly Brown – Halloween may be just a few days away and children are getting their costumes ready for trick or treating, but the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions want to take you back to the end of June for the 27th annual Ohio Speedweek. With six races in just eight nights, it made for a grueling week of competition which saw several drivers lead the point standings. In a romp across Ohio that started at Eldora Speedway and ended at Fremont Speedway, Ohio Speedweek was a thrilling week of racing that will not be soon forgotten.

The Big E and Millstream

As the Green Flag flew at Eldora Speedway Stevie Smith got ahead of pole sitter Greg Wilson going into the second turn, and took off to an early lead. Lining up behind the duo was Butch Schroeder, Randy Hannagan, and Cale Conley. Wilson was able to get side-by-side with him in Turn 4, but Smith held on. While they were battling for the top spot, Hannagan was on the move picking up the third position. On Lap 5 McCarl made his first appearance in the top-five and started picking off spots, position by position. Smith opened up a large lead as he left Wilson and Hannagan to battle for second. The duo would fight back-and-forth, side-by-side for the second position. As Smith started encountering lapped traffic on the eleventh circuit of the course, Hannagan started to reel him in and McCarl picked off another position moving to third. . Smith and Hannagan would struggle side-by-side for the lead before Smith got the edge. McCarl would get the edge on Lap 19 taking second away from “The Hurricane.” On Lap 24 McCarl would take the lead shortly before another Yellow Flag flew. On the restart the top-five were McCarl, Smith, Wilson, Hannagan, and Rob Chaney. When racing action began again McCarl got the jump and left Smith and Wilson who were fighting for the second position in the dust. In the final laps it was a scuffle to see who would finish where in the top ten. Wilson would get around Smith to take second and Chaney would get around Hannagan to claim fourth. As the Checkered Flag loomed in the distance McCarl had almost a straight-away lead. Second across the line was Smith, followed by Wilson, Chaney and Hannagan.

At the start of the second night of racing at Millstream Speeway Rob Chaney and Brock Mayes started on the front row.  Fast qualifier Rob Chaney bolted into the lead with third starting Shaffer sliding into second while Brock Mayes, Brandon Wimmer, Randy Hannagan and Paul McMahan staged a hot and heavy battle for the third position. Shaffer take the lead and never look back with a move in turns three and four establishing himself in the lead on Lap 5. The first of several cautions would fly on lap six and seven. Once the green flew again, Shaffer pulled away while Chaney had his hands full with Brock Mayes, Hannagan and a fast Greg Wilson. Another caution would fly on Lap 11 and 14. On the restart, Shaffer again pulled away while Chaney now had to contend with Hannagan while Wilson moved into fourth. The race would then go the remaining 12 laps under green with Shaffer setting a torrid pace. Meanwhile, the fans were treated to a great battle for second as Chaney and Hannagan ran side-by-side for next eight laps before Hannagan would take the runner-up spot on Lap 28. At the checkered Shaffer won by six car lengths over Hannagan, Chaney, Wilson and Stevie Smith.

Smith Sweep

At the beginning of the A-main at Hilltop Speedway, Tim Shaffer and Dean Jacobs shared the front row and once the Green Flag flew they stayed side-by-side throughout the first lap with Shaffer having a slight edge at the end of the first lap. Shaffer was showing the way and Stevie Smith was on the move in the early laps. First he closed in on the 59 of Jacobs and by the third lap he had stole the second position with a move on the high side. Smith then set his eye on the lead. He worked on Shaffer on the low side before moving to the high side. Shaffer moved low, but was nearly collected by a lapped car. When the duo was working traffic on Lap 12, Smith made his move. He continued to work the high side and it finally paid off. Once he got into the lead Smith pulled away from the field. While Smith was in the front skillfully working traffic, Brandon Martin came to life around Lap 15 and started his climb towards the front of the pack. At the front Shaffer was trying about every line he could to gain some ground on Smith, but the gap between the two was steadily growing. Smith was lapping cars that are normally contending for the win in All Star competition. On Lap 26, Smith avoided near disaster when he made contact with the wall while working in traffic, this allowed Shaffer to close again, but Smith held on to the lead. There was a fanatic moment on the track with Daron Clayton nearly got together with Steve Lines, but Smith dodged the two cars and everyone on track continued to battle. With a two lap shoot out remaining, Martin made his final move. The White Flag was waving high as he was still running third, but decided it was time to try once more for second. At the finish line it was Smith, with Martin edging out Jacobs in the final turn on the final lap of the race. Terry McCarl and Rob Chaney rounded out the top-five.

Stevie Smith, who recorded quick time at Waynesfield Raceway Park, started on the front row of the feature with Cole Duncan by his side. On the wave of the Green Flag Smith sprinted out to the lead, like a hunting dog pursing its prey. Behind him Brandon Martin slid past Cole Duncan for second, while Daryn Pittman and Jason Johnson brawled for the fifth position. On Lap 5 Smith started encountering lapped traffic and started picking them off car by car in the high line. Martin began to start mimicking Smith’s line hoping to catch up some ground. After a short Yellow Flag, Smith begun where he let off with Martin in his tire tracks trying every move he could to stick with the leader. At this point Pittman was at the move executing a slide job on Duncan to take over the third position. Pittman had a close call while working lapped traffic as he had a near collision with a lapped car, but in a skillful move he was able to save the 17 car without losing a position. On the restart there was a lapped car between Smith, and second place running Martin. Martin made quick work of the lapped machine, but not quick enough as Pittman was hot on his heels. While Smith pulled out to another sizable lead. At one point Martin looked to be reeling him in, but was not able to get close enough to pass Smith. In the last ten laps of the event Pittman could feel the race coming to the end and made his move between turns three and four. Pittman would put a slide job on Martin, but Martin fought back. As they sprinted down the front stretch towards Turn 1, Pittman got the edge taking over the second position. Rob Chaney was also on the move as he moved into the top-5 with eight laps to go. The night would end with a Green-White-Checkered showdown. On the final restart, Smith got the jump and did not look back. Smith would pass under the Checkered Flag first collecting his second win of Ohio Speedweek. He was followed to the line by: Pittman, Martin, Duncan, and Chaney.

Another Smith emerges and a familiar face returns to Victory Lane

When racing action got underway at Limaland Motorsports Park it was fast and furious as Danny Smith got the jump and led the first lap of the event. He would be followed to the line by Mayes, Rob Chaney and Tim Shaffer. A few laps later Shaffer made his move in Turn 3 snatching the third position. Chaney battled back, but Shaffer had his car working in the top groove, holding him off. By Lap 5 Mayes, took his turn in the top position briefly, but Smith quickly retook the lead. Mayes fell into the clutches of Shaffer as the top three traded positions back and forth. It seemed as if every time Mayes would catch Smith, Shaffer would close on the duo and join the battle. Shaffer appeared to be the best entering Turn 3 as he picked up the second position on Lap 11. Then a few laps later he would celebrate his 42nd birthday by taking the lead. While the top three were battling Dale Blaney was on the move from his seventh place starting position, moving into the top-five and closing in on the lead pack as he passed Greg Wilson for the position. When the field started encountering traffic on Lap 14, Danny Smith dove under Shaffer for the lead. Shaffer would get held up by a lapped car letting Mayes get by for second. Using a lapped car as a pick, Mayes took the lead away from Smith on Lap 16. This is when Blaney really made his presence known on the track as he dove under Shaffer and Smith to take the second position on Lap 17. Lap 18 will be one that goes down in infamy as Mayes, Smith, Shaffer and Blaney all led on the same lap. The top four could have been thrown under a blanket. Smith would out muscle his fellow competitors and establish himself in the lead on Lap 20 of the 40 Lap A main event. Blaney established himself in the second position, followed by Shaffer, Wilson, and Mayes. Once Smith was in the lead, he pulled away from the fray. In the latter part of the event Wilson came to life picking off Mayes for fourth. When he caught Shaffer the two battled side-by-side until Wilson bobbled slightly. In the mean time Shaffer caught Blaney for second and started working on him. As the two battled it allowed Wilson catch up to the leaders again. With five laps remaining Wilson made quick work of Shaffer diving under him in Turn 2 to take over the third position in the top line. Wilson then set his sights on second, catching Blaney using the high line. Wilson worked on Blaney each lap, but was unable to execute the pass. At the Checkered Flag it was Smith picking up the win, followed by Blaney, Wilson, Shaffer and Mayes.

Tim Shaffer, who won the B main to make his way into the main event at Fremont Speedway, put on a clinic on how to execute passes on the 1/3-mile semi-banked oval from the beginning of the event. Chad Blonde started from the pole of the feature with Brock Mayes by his side. As the Green Flag was unfurled Blonde had the edge rocketing towards Turn 1. Mayes, Duane Zablocki, and Craig Mintz would quickly fall in line. While Blonde was setting a fast and furious pace at the front of the pack, Shaffer was on the move picking up seven spots in just four laps. As the field began to encounter lapped traffic on Lap 9, Blonde began to fall into the clutches of Mayes and Mintz who were able to pull up on him. Mayes was right on Blonde’s tail allowing Mintz to join the fight. Mintz, who was the only driver who was hooked up on the high side made his move on Lap 13 to take the second position. Once he got into the second spot, he set his sights on the lead waging a battle with Blonde which would see the duo race side-by-side for four laps straight. While the cars up front were battling, Shaffer kept picking off cars and had moved up to four by the 14th circuit of the course. On Lap 18 Mayes a daring move diving between Blonde and Mintz to take the lead. It was short lived though as Mintz muscled his way back on the following lap. Mayes would take his turn up front, when he used a lapped car as a pick to drive around Mintz into the lead on Lap 27. Mayes would jet out to a slight lead as second was up for the taking and three cars wanted it. Mintz, Shaffer and Smith staged quite a battle as Smith drove under the 20x car. Mintz would fight back in the outside line trying to retake the spot. The same lapped traffic that had given Mayes the opportunity to take the lead became his enemy as Shaffer caught up to him. On Lap 36, Shaffer would make his move diving to the low side to take the lead. When the Green Flag flew for the final time Shaffer drove out to a sizable lead, with a clear track in his sight. At the line it was Shaffer taking the Checkered Flag first with Mayes, Smith, Blonde, and Brad Sweet rounding out the top-five.

A Champion is Crowned

When the dust settled at Fremont Speedway after six races in eight days, it was Stevie Smith who emerged as Ohio Speedweek Champion to take his first title. At the end Smith clinched the title with a third place finish at Fremont Speedway. During the week Smith proved to be one of the most consistent drivers, not placing out of the top ten once, in fact his worst finish came Friday night at Limaland Motorsports Park. Several times over the week Smith raced at few tracks for the first time, taking each one in stride. Smith began his quest for the Championship at Eldora Speedway with a second place finish. He lost a little momentum on the second night at Millstream Speedway finishing fifth. It was midweek when Smith hit his stride winning at both Hilltop Speedway and Waynesfield Motorsports Park, the latter he had not raced at previously. The only night he would place out of the top-five was at Limaland Motorsports Park where he finished ninth. Then to take the title, he finished third at Fremont Speedway. Smith added his name to those greats who have won Ohio Speedweek championships. In sprint car history Smith will be listed with greats such as: Jack Hewitt, Frankie Kerr, Sammy Swindell, Steve Kinser, Dave Blaney, Kenny Jacobs, and Bobby Allen.

As the O’Reilly Circuit of Champions zoomed into July it was another breath taking month which ended with the infamous Thunder through the Plains. First the All Stars had business to take care of though with races in three states before heading out west. Stay tuned as the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions look back on another fast and furious season of racing action. For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com  on your computer.

Camargo, IL (10-21-09) – By Kelly Brown – When the All Star Circuit of Champions embark on their 2010 race season, it will be on the wings of Goodyear. Today the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions announced it has entered into a multiyear agreement with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to be the Official Tire supplier.

When the 2010 season takes the Green Flag in Florida for the Winter Nationals in February, O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions competitors will be required to race with Goodyear tires on the left rear and right rear wheel positions.

“Goodyear recognizes Sprint Car racing as one of the elite forms of motorsports,” said Justin Fantozzi, Goodyear’s Marketing Manager of Global Race Tires. “We have a strong history in sprint car racing and we look forward to building on that tradition in 2010.”

Goodyear and O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions officials are currently working with teams and tracks to identify the compounds and construction that best suit Sprint Car racing. Multiple compounds will be coupled with stiffer construction in order to achieve objectives of reducing traction, increasing maneuverability and creating even more exciting racing for Sprint Car fans.

“We are excited to have Goodyear as the official tire of the All Star Circuit of Champions.” stated All Star Circuit of Champions President Guy Webb. “It is an advantage for everyone involved. They are committed to making a significant investment in Sprint Car racing through providing teams with world class tires that will produce the best racing possible. Goodyear is also providing major promotional support and will be supporting the All Star Circuit of Champions through various marketing initiatives.”

Goodyear’s first foray in racing was in 1901 and it is a tradition that continues to today. Their first victory was in 1901 when Henry Ford put Goodyear’s on his car sponsored by the Detroit Driving Club and next year they will be continuing their winning ways with the All Star Circuit of Champions. For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.

About Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs approximately 70,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 25 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information on Goodyear, please visit www.goodyeartires.com or www.racegoodyear.com.

Camargo, IL (10-20-09) – By Kelly Brown – As the trees have turned to their autumn colors, the O’Reilly All Stars are ready to turn the clock back their time clock from October to June. This year leading up to historic Ohio Speedweek the All Stars spent most of the month of June in PA with a landmark visit to West Virginia to bring the All Stars to a new track for sprint car racing. June was a time in the season where Tim Shaffer built some momentum that eventually led him to the 2009 title.

Shaffer Sweep

The All Stars kicked off June with a visit to what turned out to be a lightening quick Lenerville Speedway. When the green was unfurled at Lernerville it was pole sitter Bob Felmlee in his 6f sprint who had the edge going into the first turn. By the time he slid into the second turn the car that started to his outside, the 83 of Tim Shaffer stole the lead. Shaffer pulled out to about a straight away lead, but as Shaffer got into traffic, Felmlee began to reel him in.  With six laps in the books, Greg Hodnett had tracked down Felmlee and edged his way past to take the second position. At that point it was Shaffer and Hodnett battling tooth and nail for the lead. With the laps running down Greg Hodnett made a daring move past Shaffer to take the lead using lapped traffic to his advantage. As the duo darted in and out of traffic, it was a dog fight to see who would win the event. With three laps remaining Shaffer saw his final chance to take the victory at his home track. Shaffer deviated from the high line he had run all night, threading the needle in a bonsai move between two lapped cars to retake the lead.  Hodnett tried to battle back, but it was too late. With the Checkered Flag unfurled it was Shaffer taking it first with Hodnett, Felmlee, Fred Rahmer, and Mark Smith rounding out the top-five.

Next up would be Elkins Speedway, which would be a new track for the All Stars and also a new event as it was named the Gene Tallman Classic paying homage to one of the greats in West Virginia racing history. With sophomore driver Ryan Myers starting from the pole for the first time in his career and Rookie-of-the-Year title contender Brandon Wimmer lined up in second, the young guns of the series started the night out front ready to fire when the Green Flag flew. On the start it was Wimmer who got the early jump, with Myers and Shaffer in his tire tracks.In the early laps Shaffer was on the move. He spent a few orbits of the course sizing Myers up before pulling underneath him to take the second position on Lap 9. At this time fellow Rookie-of-the-Year contender Daron Clayton decided to make a charge to the front diving under Myers on Lap 15, then went to work on the 83 car. Feeling the heat, Shaffer made a move on Wimmer stealing the lead for a split second. Wimmer battled back though retaking the lead, but it was Shaffer with a stiff upper hand establishing himself in the top spot with a move under the 0 car with ten laps to go. With the Checkered Flag flying in the air it would be Shaffer picking up his second All Star race win in 24 hours. He was followed by Wimmer, Justin Henderson, Doug Esh, Dale Blaney and Myers

Three PA Nights

The second weekend of June would bring the All Stars a triple header against the Posse in the heart of PA. Night one would take the All Stars to the heart of PA racing: Williams Grove Speedway. When the green banner flew over the main event, it was Brian Leppo and Darrah starting their night on the front row. On the start, Leppo was able to get a jump going into Turn 1 and established himself in the top spot with Darrah, Stevie Smith, and Todd Shaffer in tow. In the early laps of the event the young gun was sizing up Leppo, stalking him in every corner. He followed him with the patience of a jungle cat following its prey, getting ready to pounce. Darrah made his move on Lap 9 as he went low in Turn 2 and muscled his way down the back stretch leaving Leppo to defend the second position. With just 9 laps left in the event restart it was Darrah, Todd Shaffer, and All Star points leader Tim Shaffer guiding the field to the Green Flag.  When the race resumed, Todd Shaffer was now the one pursing the young racer, but Darrah was able to hold him off. Throughout the latter stages of the races Darrah and Shaffer were locked together in a thrilling battle for the win. With the Checkered Flag looming in the distance, it was Darrah who picked up his first All Star win and his second career win at Williams Grove. He was followed to the finish line by Todd Shaffer, Greg Hodnett who got around Tim Shaffer for third with just a few laps to go and Alan Krimes.

The second round of racing action would take place at Lincoln Speedway for the All Stars. Cody Darrah picked up where he did the night before claiming the lead on lap one, but Dale Blaney battled back. Blaney and Montieth would fight tooth and nail swapping second and third the battle the first thirteen laps of the race. It seemed as if the duo were trying to outdo each other each lap. For three laps straight Blaney and Montieth ran side-by-side for the lead, before Montieth was able to get the edge. Montieth then set his sights on Darrah. Running in lapped traffic Montieth quickly closed the gap between himself and the leading 89 car. The duo dove in and out of lapped traffic trading positions for five laps before the Yellow Flag silenced their battle. On the final restart it was an all out drag race to the Checkered Flag as Montieth and Darrah swapped the lead several times a lap. At the end it was Montieth who put an end to the manic event as he claimed the win, after getting a good run coming off the fourth turn on the final lap. Darrah would cross the finish line in second with Siegel, Alan Krimes, and Tim Shaffer rounding out the top-five.

The third night of racing action would take the All Stars to Central PA Speedway for another round with the posse. Lining up for the feature event it was the 7 of Chad Layton and 0x of Andy McKisson on the front row of the event. When the Green Flag flew Layton would get the jump taking the lead going into Turn 1. McKisson would fall in line, with Mark Smith, Greg Hodnett and Tim Shaffer in his tracks. By Lap 5 Hodnett had made his way around McKission and began working on Layton. Over the following laps of the event, Layton and Hodnett would battle for the top position. Hodnett would try every move his could on Layton to no avail. It seemed as if Hodnett could get close to Layton, but sliding past him was more difficult that it looked. A Red Flag would come out with two laps to go for a fuel and air stop only, setting up a green-white-checker finish. When the Green Flag did fly it was a chaotic dash for positions, but Layton did not wavier, taking the Checkered Flag first. He was followed to the finish line by Daryn Pittman, Mark Smith, Tim Shaffer, and Fred Rahmer.

What would happen during historic Ohio Speedweek? How would the All Stars and Ohio’s best fare during the grueling six nights of racing in just eight days. Stay tuned as the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions look back on another fast and furious season of racing action. For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.

Camargo, IL (10-14-09) – By Kelly Brown – As the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions reflects on another season in the record books it is time to look back at the month of May. For those who are well versed in racing the month of May reminds them of a certain race in Indiana, but the All Stars did not have time to worry about just one race as they had six races spanning two states to run. As the All Stars moved into PA to take on the “Posse” and on to Ohio to take on their best drivers, there was a host of familiar names in Victory Lane including one that recorded a landmark win in his career.

The start of May in PA

May would begin with Freddie Rahmer scoring his 500th career victory, which is unheard of in almost any type of racing. Rahmer’s night began with pole sitter Brian Leppo by his side. On the drop of the Green Flag Leppo jumped out into the early lead and would set the pace for the first 13 laps of the event. Rahmer would fall in line with three time All Star Champion Dale Blaney following in the fray. When the field took the Green Flag, Rahmer blocked a charge by Esh and set his sights on the lead. Rahmer stalked Leppo in the bottom groove, until Lap 14. At that point Leppo’s car was clearly tight on the bottom and Rahmer was able to get around him in the second turn.  Rahmer did not drive away from the pack through once in the lead. He had to deal with lapped traffic and in the final laps he fought off advances by Leppo, Esh, and Alan Krimes, but Rahmer had number 500 in his grasps and did not let it go. At the finish line it would be Rahmer with Leppo, Esh, Krimes and Blaney rounding out the top-five.

The second race of the month would take the Green Flag at the famed Williams Grove Speedway. When the Green Flag flew on tonight’s match, Lance Dewease and Alan Krimes had a front-row seat, but not for long; going into the first turn Todd Shaffer grabbed the lead after starting in the fourth position.

Throughout the early laps of the race Dewease and Shaffer played a game of cat and mouse where Dewease would reel Shaffer in, but each and every time the wily veteran out ran Dewease. 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.

The third and races of May would take the All Stars to Port Royal Speedway for the Bob Weikert Memorial. On the night before the main event at the drop of the Green Flag 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 an 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. 

On the night of the Bob Weikert Memorial Stevie Smith seemed to be on a mission, although there was a All Star veteran that tried every move he could to keep Smith out of Victory Lane. 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.In the closing laps of the event, Smith and Blaney continued their rivalry: PA Posse versus All Star. Blaney was able to close in on Smith several times, but at the end lapped traffic was a factor. With the Checkered Flag flying in the air it was Smith who passed under it first by several car lengths over Blaney.

Rounding out May in Ohio

On paper it may seem as if Danny Smith had an easy night after recording quick time and starting from the pole position at Fremont Speedway, 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. Lee Jacobs would move into third on lap three, while Mayes stayed right on Smith's rear bumper . 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 goWhen 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 rounding out the top-five. 

At Eldora Speedway the All Stars went 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. It took until shortly after half-way point of the event for Dale 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.

What would happen during June to the All Stars leading up to historic Ohio Speedweek? How would they fare in June as they made a second trip to PA to take on the Posse? Who would win in the series inaugural event at Elkins Speedway in West Virginia? Stay tuned as the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions look back on another fast and furious season of racing action. For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.

Camargo, IL (10-7-09) – By Kelly Brown –Public Relations Director – With the 2009 season freshly etched into the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions record book it is time to start reflecting on a season that got a blazing start in the “Sunshine” State. For 2009 series champion Tim Shaffer the 26th edition of Florida Winter Nationals is where his title run began with a victory in Ocala Speedway. It was the first time in All Star Series history that the eventual champion won the first event of the season.

2009 Winter Nationals

After losing the first night of Winter Nationals to rain, the drivers of the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions were ready to blister the track at Ocala Speedway. Eventual winner Tim Shaffer had a consistent night and it seemed as if he was lurking from the drop of the Green Flag, waiting for his chance to sneak his way into the top position.  He began the main event on the front row beside Greg Wilson and the two waged quite a battle throughout the evening. On the start Wilson, who started in the pole took the lead and retained the top position until the first caution came out for Danny Lasoski’s 33 car. Lasoski who was the fastest qualifier was quick, but his motor gave out just five laps into the event. Wilson would lead through a couple of restarts, but Shaffer was inching closer and closer to the bumper of Wilson. When Wilson got tight in Turn 4, Shaffer jumped at the opportunity slipping past Wilson into the lead. The duo spent the remaining laps of the race in a tight battle, but once Shaffer got ahead he did not look back.

On the second night of racing action at Ocala from the time the Green Flag fell on the main event, Terry McCarl was a man on a mission. After starting in the top spot, he got past Danny Lasoski in Turn 1 to take the lead and Lance Dewease slid his way into second. Behind McCarl the battle waged on as second, third and fourth position was hot property. Dewease, Danny Lasoski, and quick time setter Greg Hodnett put on quite a show trading positions what seemed almost every lap. The final five laps of the event were chaotic as second through fifth was constantly changing. When the Checkered Flag flew and the dust settled McCarl claimed the victory. Behind him it was a drag race, but Danny Lasoski took second with Smith, Dewease, and Hodnett rounding out the top-five.

The third night of Winter Nationals would see the All Stars make their move to Volusia Speedway. The night would begin as a pair of Yellow Flag flew. The second one was most notable as Steve Kinser and his son Kraig Kinser touched wheels going into Turn 2. Trying to avoid the incident Donny Schatz attempted to take evasive action, but instead made contact with the 3c of Craig Conley. The incident caused Conley to roll end-over-end, and left Schatz at a halt at the exit of Turn 2. After a stop in the work area, Schatz joined the field at the tail end. Some may have thought Schatz’s night was over, but he showed he knows how to overcome adversity. Around the midpoint of the race Schatz began to make his presence known as he moved his way back into the top-ten. Lap-after-lap he began to pick off another position one-by-one, until he got around Cody Darrah to make it into the top-five. Schatz was clearly the fastest car on the track and he kept ascending in the running order moving up to fourth, third, and finally around Swindell to take the runner-up spot. Schatz quickly closed in on leader Stevie Smith, and they ran nose-to-tail for a few laps with Schatz sizing up Smith each lap finding the best way to get around him to take the top spot. With three laps to go Schatz made his move and zoomed around Smith. Smith hung on and tried to battle back, but in the end Schatz proved to be too strong, taking the Checkered Flag.

On night two at Volusia Speedway Schatz was gunning for two wins in a row. On the drop of the Green Flag, Schatz was a man on a mission taking the lead going into the first turn with Joey Saldana on his heels. Behind them a battle for third waged on as Jason Sides, Greg Wilson and Tim Kaeding got three wide at one point for the position. There were a few times where lapped traffic brought Saldana’s 9 car close to the bumper of Schatz’s 15, but Saldana could not get by. This allowed Sides to close on Saldana, but he held Sides’ advances off. The race ended with a green-white-checker finish. When the field saw the Green Flag unfurled for the final time, Schatz once again beat Saldana into the first turn and took off never looking back. When the checkers fell it was Schatz who took them first, followed by: Saldana, Sides, Pittman and Kinser.

On the last night of Winter Nationals Schatz was going for three in a row, but it was not to be. Starting from the pole position, Stevie Smith grabbed the lead going into turn one when the Green Flag was unfurled. In close pursuit were Craig Dollansky and Kraig Kinser. On the final restart with only nine laps to go, Smith and Dollansky stuck to their favored lines. The result was a side-by-side scuffle that saw Dollansky retake the lead on Lap 22. Behind the leaders Meyers was closely following Saldana, but time was running out. When the White Flag soared over the field, Smith knew it was his last chance for victory. In Turn 2 he made his move and slid under Dollansky to recapture the lead. With the Checkered Flag fluttering in the air, Smith was the first to cross the finish line; he was followed by: Dollansky, Saldana, Meyers and Steve Kinser.

Attica in April 

April showers would plague the first night of racing at Attica Raceway Park, but night two would be one of the most exciting nights of racing action in 2009.  On the drop of the green flag pole winner Rob Chaney and Tim Shaffer went into to Turn 1 side-by-side. By the time the duo had reached the back stretch Shaffer had nosed his way into the lead, with Greg Wilson moving into second. The yellow banner would fly for the first time after the opening lap was scored when Craig Conley tangled with Craig Mintz in Turn 4. On the restart Shaffer retained the lead with Wilson, Chaney, Chad Kemenah, and Kasey Kahne in close pursuit. On lap 16 Dale Blaney made his presence known as he made his first appearance in the top-five. As Shaffer encountered lapped traffic the lead the “Steel City Outlaw” had built quickly dwindled. Behind him Blaney was quickly moving up in the running order, taking the fourth position by the time the 20th lap was in the books. It only took Blaney five more laps to take third away from Kemenah. Blaney would take second a few laps later when he put a slide job on Greg Wilson in the second turn. At that point Blaney settled into Shaffer’s tire tracks sizing him up in each turn. With the white flag waving coming out of Turn 4, Blaney finally muscled his way past Shaffer to take the lead. Blaney would capture the win with Shaffer, Wilson, Kemenah and Lee Jacobs rounding out the top-five.

What would happen during May to the All Stars? How would they fare in May against the famous PA Posse? Stay tuned as the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions look back on another fast and furious season of racing action. For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.