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Exciting Action Kicks Off Volusia’s Weekly Racing

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Weekly racing at Volusia Speedway Park kicked off Saturday night with 85 cars across four divisions and thrilling action in each class.

Congrats to the winners:

  • Jason Fitzgerald, Florida Late Models (above)
  • Garrett Stewart, DIRTcar UMP Modifieds (below)
  • Kyle Livingood, Street Stock (below)
  • Paul Shead, 3/4 Stock (below)

RESULTS

FLORIDA LATE MODELS FEATURE (25 laps) — 1. Jason Fitzgerald, 2. Trey Mills, 3. Joe Kump, 4. Jackson Hise, 5. David Showers Jr., 6. Shan Smith, 7. Trynt Lloyd, 8. Tom Fiebelkorn, 9. Scott Gray, 10. John Bledsoe, 11. Cameron Saunders, 12. Robert Gast, 13. Jimmy Wagner, 14. Sonny Thompson, 15. Steve Shead, 16. Mark Steube, 17. Joshua Kuntsbeck, 18. Jason Pope, 19, Donnie Birdwell. DNF: Bill Adkins, Don Sniff, Jimmy Waldrop, Brenden Smith, Jonathan Thomas, Derrike Bennett, Dennis Williams, Richard Ferry, David Showers Sr.

DIRTcar UMP MODIFIEDS FEATURE (25 laps) — 1. Garrett Stewart, 2. Tyler Clem, 3. Seth Geary, 4. Buzzie Reitumann, 5. Jason Garver, 6. Patrick Vareika, 7. Brandon Wells, 8. Josh Sanford, 9. Paul Shead, 10. Ray Durrence Jr., 11. Kenny Mihalik, 12. Tony Campbell, 13. Shawn James, 14. Jason Thayer, 15. Charlie Phillips, 16. Paul Schloss, 17. Mike Phillips. DNF: Matt Johnson, Dale Kelley, Zach Permann.

STREET STOCKS FEATURE (25 laps) — 1. Kyle Livingood, 2. Joe Belkey, 3. Tuck Trentham, 4. Chris Lawrence, 5. Shaun Washam, 6. Brian Morgan, 7. Bruce Griffin, 8. Thomas Hill, 9. Chris Vogel, 10. Thomas Pratt, 11. Sammy Hatcher, 12. Carl Moore, 13. Jonathan Croson, 14. Bubba Christian, 15. Jacob Bell, 16. Richard Livernois, 17. Mike Stalnaker, 18. Bobby Ogelsby, 19. Alan Peacock, 20. Kameron McGauley, 21. Josh Sanford, 22. Dale Mimbs, 23. Clayton Ruth, 24. Patrick Mennenga, Rick Osteen.

3/4 MODIFIEDS FEATURE (15 laps) — 1. Paul Shead, 2. Tim Hogan, 3. Bo Bass, 4. Austin Hunter, 5. Pat Varieka, 6. Wray Shaffer, 7. Jeff Newton. DNF: Wade Olmstead, Jesse Powers, Brad Fender, Tad Olmstead, Wryan Shaffer.

American Flat Track Kicks Off 2020 at Volusia

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 18, 2020) – Five-time Grand National Champion Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) notched up the 50th premier-class victory of his American Flat Track career with a second dominant win at Barberville, Florida’s Volusia Speedway Park in Saturday’s Volusia Half-Mile II presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys.

The “50” that may be more relevant to Mees at the moment, however, is the 50 points he logged with his season-opening double victory that launched his 2020 AFT SuperTwins presented by Vance & Hines title campaign in perfect form.

Mees actually started from the second row this time around, allowing reigning AFT SuperTwins Champion Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) a chance to make an early escape of his own after Mees’ Friday disappearing act.

However, Mees worked fast, slashing through the field, and ultimately, Bauman less than three minutes into the Main Event. Mees steadily built his advantage up to just over a second as the two encountered lapped traffic and managed that gap to the checkered flag.

“What an amazing night,” Mees said. “We struggled in the Semi; we gambled with the set-up and just went backwards. Kenny Tolbert and Bubba Bentkey worked their magic for the Main and the motorcycle was hooked up so good off the corners thanks to Jimmy Wood with Öhlins Suspension. Those guys got me so hooked for the entire weekend, and I came in so hungry.”

Brandon Robinson (No. 44 HCRR Racing/Ben Evans Racing Indian FTR750) dueled with Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing Indian FTR750) for third over the race’s opening half before clearing off to a lonely podium finish. It was a supremely gritty performance on the part of Robinson, who not only managed to finish third following 38 laps in sweltering conditions, but did so just seven weeks after breaking his ankle.

Halbert got swallowed up by a charging Brandon Price (No. 92 Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas Indian FTR750), but managed to retake fourth as they went back and forth while weaving past slower riders. Price actually found himself dropped back to sixth at the flag, as Davis Fisher (No. 67 BriggsAuto.com Indian FTR750) joined their fight late and stole away fifth position.

AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys

2019 rookie sensation Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) entered the season as many pundits’ hot pick to earn the 2020 AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys crown. Those predictions may have been second guessed by some after Daniels failed to make the Main Event in Friday’s opener. However, Daniels immediately reestablished himself as a serious player in this year’s title fight with an inspired ride to victory on Saturday night.

Even better, the win came following one of the most entertaining and hectic races in AFT Singles history. An eight-rider pack fought for the lead throughout the eight-minute regulation of the Main, with Daniels, Chad Cose (No. 49 Wally Brown Racing/American Suzuki RM-Z450), and Mikey Rush (No. 14 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) all taking turns at the front with countless passes for position just behind.

But just as the timer clicked 0:00 to set up a final two-lap shootout to decide the winner, the red flag flew. As a result, Daniels took point in a staggered restart, lining up just ahead of teammate Rush and Shayna Texter (No. 52 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F).

Once the race resumed, Rush sought a way past teammate Daniels but instead found himself displaced by Texter entering Turn 1 on the final lap. Daniels pumped his fist as he closed on the checkered flag, unaware that Texter had a run on him as well. Despite the near disaster, Daniels held on to the redemptive win by a scant 0.020 seconds at the stripe, even though Texter’s final charge marked the fastest lap of the night between the three competitors.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve won a national, and last night we didn’t even qualify for the Main Event,” Daniels said. “It’s just awesome to have this great team behind me. We’ve got our work cut out for us now, but we’re going to make a fight for this championship — I think we showed that tonight. I’m just pumped.”

Early-race leader Cose finished fourth, followed by Brandon Kitchen (No. 105 Donley Excavating/TCD Suspension KTM 450 SX-F), Cameron Smith (No. 44 Mike Butler Racing/Cornerstone Masonry Group Honda CRF450R), and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Roof Systems DFW/Duffy Fleet Services KTM 450 SX-F).

AFT Production Twins

Reigning AFT Production Twins champion Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07) was far from satisfied after opening his title defense with a ‘mere’ podium finish in Friday evening’s opener. He promptly set things right for himself in Saturday’s rematch, registering a blowout victory to put himself back atop the points order.

Texter grabbed the holeshot and never looked back. James Rispoli (No. 43 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Ryan Varnes (No. 68 RVR/RoyBuilt Don’s Kawasaki Ninja 650) raced in close formation behind the leader over the contest’s opening half, but Texter slowly broke their challenge and powered to 3.244-second margin of victory.

Texter’s lopsided win was reminiscent of the three consecutive victories he logged to kick off his triumphant ‘19 campaign. It also provided strong evidence that he’s rediscovered the mojo he spent much of the latter half of last year looking to reclaim.

An emotional Texter dedicated the race to his best friend and title-winning mechanic, Jon Reid, who passed away last November, and another good friend in Jess Garcia, who died this past Wednesday.

“Last night felt a bonus to me because I knew how badly we were struggling,” Texter said. “And the first couple of sessions out today, we were really struggling again. But I have to say, I just have a lot of confidence in my team and in myself. And with all the hard work we put in, I’m just going to battle all year long. There’s no quit.”

Varnes appeared primed to overtake Rispoli late in the race as he did on Friday night. That is, right up until the moment he suffered a mechanical issue that erased his podium hopes with just over a minute remaining on the scoreboard.

As a result, the final spot on the box behind Rispoli went to another national championship-winning roadracer returned to dirt track in the ever-popular Danny Eslick (No. 64 Scott Powersports/R&D Machine Kawasaki Ninja 650).

Prior to Varnes’ misfortune, Eslick was also the beneficiary of a mechanical problem on the part of Nick Armstrong (No. 60 Lessley Brothers Racing, Competitive SheetMetal Yamaha MT-07), who slowed while battling Eslick for fourth with less than three minutes on the clock.

The final two positions in the top five fell to Ben Lowe (No. 25 Roof Systems of Dallas/Bruce Lowe Excavating Yamaha MT-07) and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Weirbach Racing, Kawasaki USA Ninja 650).

AFT Returns to Racing with Inaugural Volusia Speedway Park Doubleheader

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Volusia Half-Mile presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys to run Friday, July 17 & Saturday, July 18

Following almost ten months of anticipation, preparation, lockdown, and limbo, the 2020 American Flat Track season is at last set to commence. The long-awaited opener will kick off the resurrected campaign in spectacular fashion with the first of a season of doubleheader events, the Volusia Half-Mile I & Volusia Half-Mile II presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys on Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL.

The global pandemic that pushed back the season by four months has changed the world in any number of ways, including a heightened awareness of the safety precautions needed for spectators and participants alike. As a result, tickets will be available in limited numbers, there will be a pre-entry health screening to ensure fan safety, and enhanced sanitation and cleaning protocols will be followed.

While the practice of social distancing is highly encouraged outside the air fences, the action on track promises to be as close and intense as ever.

The dawn of the AFT SuperTwins presented by Vance & Hines era comes alongside a reconfigured schedule that features a heavy dosage of Half-Miles, starting AFT’s first-ever visit to Volusia Speedway Park for Rounds 1 & 2. That altered reality will force new Grand National Champion Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) to defend his #1 plate against a field stacked with heavy hitters who sense this season may be the best chance of their careers to earn the coveted title themselves.

It’ll be vitally important for Bauman to get out the gates quickly to reestablish himself as the rider to beat, especially considering the past three GNCs went to the winner of the season opener.

Bauman’s stiffest challenge will likely once again come from his fellow Indian Wrecking Crewmen. Future Hall of Famer Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) is angling to return to his commanding ways, while Briar’s younger brother, Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750), seems primed to take the next step and emerge a genuine championship threat.

While the factory Indian Motorcycle squad has proven to be a series juggernaut in recent seasons, the series’ historic dominator enters the 2020 fight rebuilt, refocused, and more powerful than its been in years. Now overseen by title-winning crew chief Ricky Howerton, the Harley Factory Flat Track Team is loaded with talent. Former Grand National Champion Bryan Smith (No. 4 Harley-Davidson/Vance & Hines XG750R Rev X) spearheads the effort, flanked by the up-and-coming Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Harley-Davidson/Vance & Hines XG750R Rev X) and supremely gifted rookie Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Harley-Davidson/Vance & Hines XG750R Rev X).

Yamaha has a pair of aces of its own in 2019 two-race winner JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and ‘17 AFT Singles champ Kolby Carlile (No. 36 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT).

In addition to the Wrecking Crew, Indian Motorcycle will again be represented by a deep bench of potential race winners on private FTR750s, including the likes of Brandon Robinson (No. 44 HCRR/Ben Evans Racing Indian FTR750) and Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing/Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas Indian FTR750).

Roof Systems AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys 

The 2020 Roof Systems AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys class is once again a wide-open affair with reigning champion Gaultier, ‘18 champ Dan Bromley (No. 62 Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas Indian FTR750), and ‘17 champ Carlile all graduating to the AFT SuperTwins class for 2020.

The aforementioned schedule reshuffle should seriously elevate the title chances of the category’s all-time winningest rider, Shayna Texter (No. 52 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F). But even without a bevy of TTs to bring her back to the pack, Texter figures to be pushed to the brink by a pair of former premier class standouts in Mikey Rush (No. 14 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Henry Wiles (No. 17 RMR Honda/Honda Talon CRF450R).

Rush made his transition to AFT Singles competition a year ago with the RMR squad and came through in a huge way, scoring four wins and finishing as the championship runner-up, just six points removed from the title.

With Rush moving over to the Estenson Racing outfit for ‘20, his slot at RMR has been filled by Wiles. That’s a momenuntal development for the class’ balance of power, as Wiles — who boasts the 2009 and 2010 GNC1 Singles crowns and 26 career premier-class victories aboard four-stroke singles — is arguably the greatest single-cylinder racer in American Flat Track history.

While Texter, Rush, and Wiles have been doing the business at the sharp end for years, the class has historically been a venue for young riders to showcase their abilities at the professional level. And it will remain so in 2020 if 17-year-old prodigy Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) has anything to say about it. In just a half-season of competition, Daniels lit the class up in year ago, exploding onto the scene with a win, three podiums, and five top fives in the final seven races of ‘19.

AFT Production Twins

Reigning AFT Production Twins king Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07) is back to defend his title. Texter opened his ‘19 campaign in scintillating form, tearing off three straight wins to start the year and then rode the wave of fast start to the throne.

He was pushed down the stretch by four challengers who each won two races apiece. While two of them, Gauthier and Carlile, have since moved on to the premier class, 2019 runner-up Ryan Varnes (No. 68 Varnes Racing/RoyBuilt Don’s Kawasaki Ninja 650) and fifth-ranked Chad Cose (No. Wally Brown Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) are back for another shot at the title.

The versatile James Rispoli (No. 43 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) promises to be a factor as well. After successfully transitioning back to dirt track racing following a decade focused on pavement, Rispoli should only be that much stronger in 2020 with 2000 GNC Joe Kopp serving as his crew chief.

Safety has been placed at a premium and, toward those ends, AFT has worked closely with Volusia County health and government officials. For more on the specific precautions being taken at Rounds I & II, please view the event FAQ sheet.

While ticket sales are being limited to promote a safe atmosphere and allow for proper social distancing, fans looking to attend the highly anticipated 2020 American Flat Track doubleheader opener can purchase tickets for the Volusia Half-Mile I at store.americanflattrack.com and the Volusia Half-Mile II at store.americanflattrack.com.

General Admission tickets start at just $25, and, as always, kids 12 and under are admitted for free in the General Admission area with the purchase of an adult GA ticket. Additionally, fans who purchase both days in advance will be offered a multi-day discount, which takes $10 off each pair of Friday/Saturday General Admission tickets. Multiple upgraded ticket options are also available to choose from.

While the Premium and Reserved Hook-Up camping spaces have sold out, a limited number of General Admission weekend camping passes remain. Fans are encouraged to reserve their spots now at store.americanflattrack.com.

Gates will open for fans at 4:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT on Friday and 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT on Saturday with the Main Event programs slated to begin shortly after 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT both nights. Live coverage of the entire weekend’s racing activities will be available on any device for less than $1 per event via TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold. Live streaming for Friday, July 17 will begin at 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. PT) and Saturday, July 18 at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT).

The Volusia Half-Mile I & Volusia Half-Mile II presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys will air back-to-back on NBCSN on Thursday, July 23, starting at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT. The feature broadcasts will include exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and the expert commentary of AFT legend Chris Carr.

Saturated Grounds from Weeklong Rain Halts Volusia Speedway Park Action

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BARBERVILLE, FL — Rain throughout the week has saturated the grounds at Volusia Speedway Park, forcing track officials to cancel Saturday night’s scheduled season opener.

The opener will now be on Saturday, July 11, with 602 Late Models, Thunder Stocks, Florida Late Models and Compact 4s. Tickets are only $10 and kids 12-and-under are FREE.

The next event at Volusia’s Kart Track will be Sunday, July 5.

For the latest news, follow @volusiaspeedway on social media channels.

Bike Week Rolls to Volusia Speedway Park

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Steve Nace Racing brings the AMA All Star National Flat Track Series and the AMA Amateur and Vintage National series to Volusia Speedway Park March 8 through March 11.

Sunday, March 8, it’s the AMA All Star National Flat Track Series on the half mile. Gates and registration open at 10 a.m., practice begins at noon and racing at 2 p.m.

On Monday, March 9, it’s the AMA Amateur and Vintage National on the half mile. Gates open at 8 a.m. with sign ups between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., practice at 10 a.m. immediately followed by racing.

Tuesday, March 10, is the AMA Amateur and Vintage National short track. Gates open at 8 a.m. with sign ups between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., practice at 10 a.m. immediately followed by racing.

The Volusia action concludes on Wednesday, March 11, with the AMA All Star National Flat Track Series TT. Gates and registration open at 10 a.m., practice begins at noon and racing at 2 p.m.

For more details, go to stevenaceracing.com or call 270-442-7532.

Owens, Williamson win; Wight, Sheppard Champs

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Owens Three-Peats, Williamson Picks Up Second Win at Volusia Speedway Park

Wight in Super DIRTcar Series, Sheppard in Late Model claim DIRTcar Nationals Big Gator titles

BARBERVILLE, FL — Feb. 15, 2020 — For the third consecutive night, Jimmy Owens captured the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series main event at Volusia Speedway Park’s DIRTcar Nationals presented by Bozard Ford.

After a series of drivers battled for the lead early in the Feature on Saturday night, it was Kyle Bronson who emerged to set a blistering pace on the top side of the half-mile dirt oval. Owens managed to keep up with Bronson, and with 11 to go in traffic slid to the lead exiting Turn 4 and pulled away. Ricky Weiss followed Owens a couple laps later as Bronson’s machine just couldn’t maintain its momentum.

Owens, who had never won at Volusia until this week, finishes the DIRTcar Nationals on a three-race win streak.

“We set the car up for late in the race,” said Owens, of Newport, Tenn. “We were debating on changing it, not changing it. We had it jacked up and down two or three times and finally we just said let’s go with what we started with. It worked, we just bided our time and used patience and I knew once the track slicked off it would come to us.”

Weiss was second with Bronson, Darrell Lanigan and Brandon Sheppard rounding out the top five. For Sheppard, it was just enough to claim his second DIRTcar Nationals Late Model Week Big Gator Championship in as many years.

“It’s been a great speed weeks for us,” said Sheppard, of New Berlin, Ill. “We’ve been fast every night, we’ve been in contention every night. I wish we had a few more nights left. I think we got the car a little bit better tonight for Feature time, and in the Feature there it was about the best I’ve felt in the past couple of days. It’s good to leave here knowing that we got the car a little bit better before we left. … We’re definitely fortunate to get this Gator Championship, it feels really good.”

In the Super DIRTcar Series finale at Volusia, Mat Williamson charged to his second victory of the week, bookending the event with his win on Tuesday night. Williamson jumped out front on the initial start, held off Jimmy Phelps on a restart with 17 laps down and cruised to victory over Phelps, Matt Sheppard, Billy Dunn and Billy Decker.

Larry Wight, who won three consecutive Features during the week, finished sixth on Saturday night, good enough to clinch his third Big Gator Trophy (2015, 2019, 2020) as the Super DIRTcar Series champion at the DIRTcar Nationals presented by Bozard Ford.

“I think it’s a combination of good preparation, good car, good motor and a phenomenal crew, and having the family to back all that up and allow us to put in the hours and time at the track to come down here,” said Wight, of Phoenix, N.Y, who has won four of the past seven Super DIRTcar Series races going back to 2019. “The track kind of threw us for a loop tonight, we didn’t think it was going to get as slick. We thought the top would be better, so we tried to get the car freed up versus [Friday] night. I guess we should have left it just left it a little bit snugger.”

DIRTcar Nationals Race Report; Volusia Speedway Park; Feb. 15, 2020

World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series (50 Laps): 1. 20-Jimmy Owens [2][$10,000]; 2. 7-Ricky Weiss [3][$5,000]; 3. 40B-Kyle Bronson [7][$3,000]; 4. 29v-Darrell Lanigan [4][$2,500]; 5. 1-Brandon Sheppard [11][$2,000]; 6. 8-Kyle Strickler [1][$1,700]; 7. 0-Scott Bloomquist [13][$1,400]; 8. 25-Shane Clanton [9][$1,300]; 9. 39-Tim McCreadie [15][$1,200]; 10. 25z-Mason Zeigler [10][$1,100]; 11. 0M-Chris Madden [23][$1,050]; 12. 2e-Rick Eckert [16][$1,000]; 13. 6T-Tyler Erb [12][$950]; 14. 3s-Brian Shirley [17][$900]; 15. 28-Dennis Erb [14][$850]; 16. B1-Brent Larson [28][$110]; 17. 18-Chase Junghans [19][$770]; 18. 76-Brandon Overton [21][$750]; 19. 12-Ashton Winger [24][$730]; 20. 97-Cade Dillard [18][$700]; 21. 66c-Matt Cosner [26][$110]; 22. 4G-Kody Evans [27][$110]; 23. 99B-Boom Briggs [25][$110]; 24. 5-Mark Whitener [6][$700]; 25. 22-Gregg Satterlee [20][$700]; 26. 157-Mike Marlar [8][$700]; 27. 17M-Dale McDowell [22][$700]; 28. 49-Jonathan Davenport [5][$700]; 29. 6-Blake Spencer [29][$110]. Lap Leaders: Kyle Strickler – 1, Darrell Lanigan – 2-7, 9-14, Jonathan Davenport – 8, Kyle Bronson – 15-39, Jimmy Owens – 40-50. KSE Hard Charger Award: 0M-Chris Madden [+12].

Super DIRTcar Series (50 laps): 1. 88-Mat Williamson [2][$5,000]; 2. 98H-Jimmy Phelps [1][$2,500]; 3. 9S-Matt Sheppard [4][$1,500]; 4. 49-Billy Dunn [5][$1,000]; 5. 91-Billy Decker [7][$800]; 6. 99L-Larry Wight [3][$700]; 7. 42P-Pat Ward [10][$650]; 8. 4-Andy Bachetti [19][$600]; 9. 25R-Erick Rudolph [11][$550]; 10. 19-Tim Fuller [15][$500]; 11. 20-Brett Hearn [23][$475]; 12. 44-Stewart Friesen [6][$450]; 13. 7MM-Michael Maresca [8][$425]; 14. 44P-Anthony Perrego [16][$400]; 15. 19M-Jessey Mueller [9][$375]; 16. 21A-Peter Britten [24][$350]; 17. 30-Ronnie Johnson [21][$325]; 18. 3-Justin Haers [18][$300]; 19. 23-Kyle Coffey [13][$300]; 20. 111-Demetrios Drellos [28][$300]; 21. 83-Brian Swartzlander [12][$300]; 22. 46-Jeremy Smith [14][$300]; 23. 32-Jim Rasey [25][$300]; 24. 8-Rich Scagliotta [26][$300]; 25. 1G-Darwin Greene [17][$300]; 26. 30M-JoJo Watson [22][$300]; 27. 1-Billy Pauch [20][$300]; 28. 7-Rick Laubach [27][$300]. KSE Hard Charger Award: 20-Brett Hearn [+12].

Wight Wins Third Consecutive Gator, Owens Repeats

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Larry Wight and his daughter, Audrey, celebrate Wight’s third Super DIRTcar Series win in a row. (Joe Grabianowski photo)

Wight Scores Third Consecutive Super DIRTcar Series Gator at DIRTcar Nationals

Owens goes back-to-back at Volusia World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models Features

BARBERVILLE, FL — Feb. 14, 2020 — For the third consecutive night, Larry Wight put on a thrill show at the DIRTcar Nationals presented by Bozard Ford, winning his third Gator Trophy of the week in the Super DIRTcar Series Feature at Volusia Speedway Park.

After winning from the front row the past two nights, Wight launched from the seventh position Friday and worked his way toward the front while teammate Billy Decker showed the way for the first 26 laps. Then with four to go, Decker would not budge off the bottom of the track and got pinned behind Kyle Coffey, who was trying everything he could to stay on the lead lap. Wight jumped top side and blasted around Decker and into the lead, powering away for his third win of the week.

“He got stuck behind the lapped cars, I have to make sure I give Kyle Coffey a beer for that one,” said Wight, of Phoenix, N.Y. “[Decker] didn’t move up in time and we were able to get the top. I thought after I messed up the first time going after it Billy would have taken the top away from me, but he left me just enough room so I could enter above the cushion and cut down, luckily the car turned just enough for it.”

In the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series main event, Jimmy Owens went back-to-back, winning the second Volusia Feature of his career in as many nights. It wasn’t easy, though, as Kyle Bronson surged forward from 15th to overtake Owens in heavy traffic just as the caution waved with five to go.

The field was reset with Owens, of Newport, Tenn., back in front, giving him a clear track to hold off Bronson to the checkered flag. Darrell Lanigan raced from eighth to third with Brandon Sheppard and Brandon Overton rounding out the top five.

2020 VOLUSIA SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED: Before racing began on Friday night, Volusia Speedway Park track officials announced the track’s full 2020 schedule, beginning with Bike Week events on March 8 and running through the Corbin 75 on Dec. 5. A full schedule of events is posted at https://volusiaspeedwaypark.com/schedule/2020-schedule-flyer/.

DIRTcar Nationals Race Report; Volusia Speedway Park; Feb. 14, 2020

World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series (40 Laps): 1. 20-Jimmy Owens [1][$10,000]; 2. 40B-Kyle Bronson [15][$5,000]; 3. 29v-Darrell Lanigan [8][$3,000]; 4. 1-Brandon Sheppard [5][$2,500]; 5. 76-Brandon Overton [10][$2,000]; 6. 0-Scott Bloomquist [11][$1,700]; 7. 7-Ricky Weiss [12][$1,400]; 8. 18-Chase Junghans [3][$1,300]; 9. 28-Dennis Erb [9][$1,200]; 10. 14-Josh Richards [17][$1,100]; 11. 2e-Rick Eckert [14][$1,050]; 12. 97-Cade Dillard [18][$1,000]; 13. 66c-Matt Cosner [21][$950]; 14. 8-Kyle Strickler [22][$900]; 15. B1-Brent Larson [25][$150]; 16. 99B-Boom Briggs [23][$800]; 17. 12-Ashton Winger [7][$770]; 18. 0M-Chris Madden [6][$750]; 19. 4G-Kody Evans [24][$730]; 20. 6-Blake Spencer [16][$700]; 21. 6T-Tyler Erb [19][$700]; 22. 5-Mark Whitener [2][$700]; 23. 3s-Brian Shirley [13][$700]; 24. 72-Michael Norris [4][$700]; 25. 36-Logan Martin [20][$700]; 26. 21-Ivedent Lloyd [26][$110]. Lap Leaders: Mark Whitner – 1-14, 17-18, Jimmy Owens – 15-16, 19-40. KSE Hard Charger Award: 40B-Kyle Bronson [+13].

Super DIRTcar Series (30 laps): 1. 99L-Larry Wight [7][$3,000]; 2. 91-Billy Decker [2][$1,500]; 3. 88-Mat Williamson [9][$1,000]; 4. 44P-Anthony Perrego [13][$800]; 5. 98H-Jimmy Phelps [8][$700]; 6. 4-Andy Bachetti [5][$650]; 7. 9S-Matt Sheppard [3][$600]; 8. 111-Demetrios Drellos [10][$550]; 9. 49-Billy Dunn [19][$500]; 10. 19-Tim Fuller [15][$450]; 11. 7-Rick Laubach [1][$400]; 12. 25R-Erick Rudolph [20][$375]; 13. 42P-Pat Ward [25][$350]; 14. 83-Brian Swartzlander [14][$325]; 15. 3-Justin Haers [11][$300]; 16. 19M-Jessey Mueller [17][$275]; 17. 46-Jeremy Smith [26][$250]; 18. 7MM-Michael Maresca [6][$250]; 19. 32-Jim Rasey [22][$250]; 20. 20-Brett Hearn [12][$250]; 21. 21A-Peter Britten [4][$250]; 22. 23-Kyle Coffey [18][$250]; 23. 30-Ronnie Johnson [23][$250]; 24. 6D-Dillon Steuer [24][$250]; 25. 1-Billy Pauch [16][$250]; 26. 30M-JoJo Watson [21][$250]. KSE Hard Charger Award: 42P-Pat Ward[+12]

2020 Schedule Announced

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Robust 2020 Schedule Featuring Wide Variety of Car Classes and Special Events Sets Course for Volusia Speedway Park

As the DIRTcar Nationals presented by Bozard Ford winds down, the focus at Volusia Speedway Park turns to the 2020 season. Track officials announced Friday a robust schedule kicking off March 8 during Bike Week and running through Dec. 5.

There are 35 race nights scheduled, including events at Volusia’s kart track. Florida Late Models, UMP Modifieds, 602 Late Models, Street Stocks, Compact 4s, Thunder Stocks and 3/4-Modifieds make up the backbone of the 2020 schedule along with several special events throughout the year, including five appearances by the Top Gun Sprint Series.

(Click to download a printable version of the schedule)

“We are extremely proud of the schedule we’ve put together for the 2020 season,” said Volusia Speedway Park GM James Sawyer. “There is a great mix of car classes and special events every month to keep our fans and competitors excited and entertained at Volusia all year long. With our new seating and all of the improvements and investment that has gone into Volusia, I know the energy level will be at an all-time high.”

Steve Nace Racing brings the AMA National Flat Track Series back to Volusia on March 8-11 during Daytona Beach’s Bike Week, setting the stage for the Volusia Speedway Park season opener on Saturday, March 14.

Two special events — the Gator 30 for Pro Late Models on March 28 and the Florida Late Model Challenge Series with the Top Gun Sprints on April 11 — kick the season into high gear.

UMP Modifieds return April 25 followed May 9 by a special Mother’s Day Weekend Thunder Stock race.

Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-24 will be busy with special Florida Late Model and UMP Modified 30-laps Features on the half-mile while the Kart Track opens up with a two-day event complete with a DJ and party.

The special Powell Memorial June 5-6 featuring a 67-lap Pro Late Model race and the Florida Pro Truck Challenge Series on June 20 help get the summer started, while July includes a mix of events at the Kart Track as well as the Half Mile, including Top Gun Sprints on July 4 and the Summer Sizzle featuring UMP Modifieds on July 25.

A mix of Florida Late Models and Sprint Car events top the August event schedule, with a huge Labor Day Weekend event Sept. 5-7 that includes UMP Modifieds, Florida Late Models, Street Stocks, Compact 4s, 602 Late Models, Thunder Stocks and 3/4-Modifieds.

The season winds down with a 40-lap Street Stock event Sept. 19, Top Gun Sprints on Oct. 17 and 602 Late Models on Nov. 14.

Finally, two marquee race weekends close out the year. First is the two-night Reutimann Memorial Nov. 20-21 featuring the Florida Late Model Challenge Series, UMP Modifieds, the Top Gun Sprints and Street Stocks. Then, Dec. 4-5 is The Corbin 75 with Florida Late Models, Street Stocks, 602 Late Models, Compact 4s and a 75-lap Thunder Stock Feature to checker the season.

In 2020 there will be Senior Pricing for everyone. General Admission is only $10, with kids 12-and-under FREE. Pits are $25 for DIRTcar Members or $30 for Non Members.

For select special events noted on the schedule, a One-Day General Admission ticket is $20 and a Two-Day General Admission ticket is $30. Kids 12-and-under are still FREE. One-day pit prices are $30 for DIRTcar Members, $35 for Non Members. Two-day pit prices are $45 for DIRTcar Members and $55 for Non Members.

DATE EVENT
March 8 – 11 BIKE WEEK Motorcycle Event:  Speedway all days plus March 10th Kart Track Event
March 8 & 11 AMA All Star National Flat Track Series
March 9 & 10 AMA Amateur & Vintage National
  (For more information visit www.stevenaceracing.com)
 
March 13 OPEN PRACTICE
  All Classes (Gates open at 4:00 pm; Practice 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
  (FREE General Admission)
 
March 14 SEASON OPENER
  Florida Late Models, UMP Modifieds,602 Late Models, Compact 4s FEATURE, Street Stocks, Thunder Stocks FEATURE
 
March 28 *GATOR 30
  PRO LATE MODELS 30 laps, 602 Late Models, Street Stocks, 3/4 Mods
 
April 11 *Spring Fling
  Florida Late Model Challenge Series
  Top Gun Sprints, Thunder Stocks, Compact 4s
 
April 25      BIG DOG 30      
  UMP Modifieds 30 Laps
  602 Late Models, Street Stocks, 3/4 Mods
 
May 9 Dennis North Memorial – Mother’s Day Weekend
  Thunder Stocks 38 laps
  Florida Late Models, 602 Late Models, Compact 4s
 
May 22 – 23 *Memorial Day Weekend
  FLORIDA LATE MODELS 30 LAPS & UMP MODIFIEDS 30 LAPS
  (Friday Qualifying Heats, Saturday Features)
  FRIDAY – Thunder Stocks, Compact 4s
  SATURDAY – 602 Late Models, Street Stocks, 3/4 Mods
 
May 23 & 24 KART TRACK ALL CLASSES 2 DAY SHOW
  (Reserved Camping Available) DJ & PARTY
 
June 5 & 6 *POWELL MEMORIAL
  PRO LATE MODELS 67 Laps
  (Friday Qualifying Heats, Saturday Features)
  FRIDAY – Thunder Stocks, Compact 4s
  SATURDAY – Street Stocks, 602 Late Models
  (Reserved Parking & Camping available)
 
June 20  *FLORIDA 30
  FLORIDA PRO TRUCK CHALLENGE SERIES 30 laps
  UMP Modifieds, 602 Late Models , 3/4 Mods
 
July 3 & 4 *KARTS / CARS SHOWDOWN
  FLORIDA LATE MODEL CHALLENGE SERIES
  (Friday Qualifying Heats, Saturday Features)
  FRIDAY – Thunder Stocks, Compact 4s
  SATURDAY – TOP GUN SPRINT SERIES, Street Stocks, 602 Late Models
July 4 & 5 KART TRACK  All Classes 2 day show
 
July 25 Summer Sizzle
  UMP MODIFIED 30
  Florida Late Models, Street Stocks, 3/4 Mods
 
Aug. 8 Hot Nights FLORIDA LATE MODELS
  UMP Modifieds, 602 Late Models, Compact 4’s
 
Aug. 22 Heat Wave FLORIDA LATE MODELS
602 Late Models, Thunder Stocks, Compact 4s
 
Aug. 28 *VOLUSIA TOP GUN Shootout
  TOP GUN SPRINT SERIES
  Florida Late Models, Street Stocks , 3/4 Mods
 
 
Sept. 4 Test & Tune (FREE General Admission)
 
Sept 5 – 7 *LABOR DAY CHAMPIONSHIPS
UMP MODIFIEDS 30 LAPS
  (Friday Qualifying Heats, Saturday Features)
  FLORIDA LATE MODELS 30 LAPS
  (Friday Qualifying Heats, Saturday Features)
  FRIDAY – Street Stocks, Compact 4’s
  SATURDAY – 602 Late Models, Thunder Stocks, 3/4 Mods
  (Reserved Camping & Parking Available)
 
Sept. 7 Kart Track – All Classes, J.R.1 , J.R.2, Lights, Medium, S.-Heavy, Heavy 30 laps
 
Sept. 19 Volusia 40
  STREET STOCKS 40 LAPS,  Florida Late Models, 602 Late Models, 3/4 Mods
 
Oct. 17 *Fall Classic
  TOP GUN SPRINT SERIES, 602 LATE MODELS
   Thunder Stocks , Street Stocks, Compact 4’s
 
Nov. 14 Cool Nights
  602 LATE MODELS 30 LAPS
  UMP Modifieds, Thunder Stocks, Compact 4’s, 3/4 Mods
 
 
Nov. 19 Test & Tune (FREE General Admission)
 
Nov. 20 & 21 *Reutimann Memorial – 2 BIG Nights
  FLORIDA LATE MODEL CHALLENGE SERIES
  (Friday Qualifying Heats, Saturday Features)
  UMP MODIFIEDS 40 LAPS
  (Friday Qualifying Heats, Saturday Features)
  SATURDAY – TOP GUN SPRINT SERIES, STREET STOCKS
  (Reserved Camping & Parking Available)
 
Dec. 4 & 5 *The Corbin 75
  Florida Late Models, Street Stocks, 602 Late Models, Compact 4s
  THUNDER STOCKS 75 Laps

Owens Breaks Through, Wight Repeats

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Jimmy Owens shows off the first Gator Trophy of his career after winning on Thursday night. (Jim DenHamer photo)

Owens Finally Adds Volusia DIRTcar Nationals Gator to Trophy Case

For second consecutive night, Wight dominates Super DIRTcar Series

BARBERVILLE, FL — Feb. 13, 2020 — Jimmy Owens has won almost 600 races in his career, including nearly every big Dirt Late Model race out there, but it took until Thursday night for him to earn his first Gator Trophy at Volusia Speedway Park’s DIRTcar Nationals presented by Bozard Ford.

Owens, of Newport, Tenn., dominated the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series main event, leading all 40 laps while behind him a furious battle was on to challenge him. A caution with 9 laps to go set up a shootout to the finish, but Owens was so strong he simply pulled away. A who’s who of star racers chased Owens to the checkered flag, with Dale McDowell second followed by Josh Richards, Jonathan Davenport and Mike Marlar.

“I tell you we’ve been close all week, we’ve been steadily getting better each night here,” Owens said. “This car was just phenomenal tonight. I’ve been coming down here for years and I don’t think I’ve ever won a Late Model race, let alone I don’t think I’ve won two heats in a week.”

For the second consecutive night, Larry Wight held off Stewart Friesen to capture the Super DIRTcar Series Feature. Wight started on the outside of the front row and quickly took command of the 30-lap race on the high side of the track. With only one caution Wight, of Phoenix, N.Y., held Friesen and the rest of the field at bay to win his third Gator Trophy and second in as many days.

“This car has just been on a rail,” Wight said. “We put the same setup in as [Wednesday] night and it was still glued to the track. Hopefully we can keep it going for the rest of the week. The car is good enough to where I don’t even need to run the cushion. Any time you’ve got Stewie right behind you, you definitely don’t want to see a restart. He’s a phenomenal restarter and he’s usually able to make stuff happen. The farther I can keep him behind me the better.”

 

DIRTcar Nationals Race Report; Volusia Speedway Park; Feb. 13, 2020

World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series (40 Laps): 1. 20-Jimmy Owens [2][$10,000]; 2. 17M-Dale McDowell [4][$5,000]; 3. 14-Josh Richards [12][$3,000]; 4. 49-Jonathan Davenport [14][$2,500]; 5. 157-Mike Marlar [3][$2,000]; 6. 1-Brandon Sheppard [1][$1,700]; 7. 40B-Kyle Bronson [5][$1,400]; 8. 0M-Chris Madden [13][$1,300]; 9. 29v-Darrell Lanigan [8][$1,200]; 10. 15-Donny Schatz [9][$1,100]; 11. 7-Ricky Weiss [23][$1,050]; 12. 25-Shane Clanton [10][$1,000]; 13. 0e-Rick Eckert [21][$950]; 14. 28-Dennis Erb [24][$900]; 15. 1st-Johnny Scott [22][$850]; 16. 18-Chase Junghans [20][$800]; 17. 6T-Tyler Erb [15][$770]; 18. 12-Ashton Winger [26][$750]; 19. 0-Scott Bloomquist [17][$730]; 20. 3s-Brian Shirley [6][$700]; 21. B1-Brent Larson [29][$110]; 22. 99B-Boom Briggs [27][$110]; 23. 39-Tim McCreadie [11][$700]; 24. 97-Cade Dillard [25][$700]; 25. 4G-Kody Evans [7][$700]; 26. 66c-Matt Cosner [28][$110]; 27. 25w-Allen Weisser [16][$700]; 28. 22-Gregg Satterlee [18][$700]; 29. 6-Blake Spencer [30][$110]; 30. 5-Mark Whitener [19][$700]. KSE Hard Charger Award: 7-Ricky Weiss [+12].

Super DIRTcar Series (30 laps): 1. 99L-Larry Wight [2][$3,000]; 2. 44-Stewart Friesen [5][$1,500]; 3. 25R-Erick Rudolph [4][$1,000]; 4. 7MM-Michael Maresca [3][$800]; 5. 20-Brett Hearn [7][$700]; 6. 91-Billy Decker [12][$650]; 7. 9S-Matt Sheppard [8][$600]; 8. 44P-Anthony Perrego [10][$550]; 9. 49-Billy Dunn [18][$500]; 10. 111-Demetrios Drellos [6][$450]; 11. 98H-Jimmy Phelps [11][$400]; 12. 21A-Peter Britten [19][$375]; 13. 42P-Pat Ward [14][$350]; 14. 7-Rick Laubach [1][$325]; 15. 88-Mat Williamson [15][$300]; 16. 19M-Jessey Mueller [9][$275]; 17. 30-Ronnie Johnson [22][$250]; 18. 19-Tim Fuller [21][$250]; 19. 23-Kyle Coffey [17][$250]; 20. 46-Jeremy Smith [13][$250]; 21. 83-Brian Swartzlander [20][$250]; 22. 3-Justin Haers [16][$250]; 23. 32-Jim Rasey [24][$250]; 24. 4-Andy Bachetti [25][$250]; 25. 48T-Dave Rauscher [26][$250]; 26. 1-Billy Pauch [23][$250]. KSE Hard Charger Award: 49-Billy Dunn [+9].