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After getting to know the personality that is Johnny Murdock this fall, I stayed in contact after the Chili Bowl entry lists came out. Ex-NASCAR driver and journeyman openwheel racer Tyler Walker was entered in one of his unique Zero Motorsports chassis and there was talk on the midget racing forums about him actually having a third

My work did not authorize my vacation time until a heated conversation on Tuesday morning (they had actually decided on Monday…but of coarse, no one could call me so I could make any plans). It was not until Tuesday night that I was able to start packing and getting ready to leave for Tulsa myself.

Johnny and I ended up talking again Wednesday morning. Turned out he had sold a couple of his other older cars this fall and had to build new frames from scratch. He was hard at work attempting to finish them and told me to give him a call when we got close to his new home in St. Louis. I asked about the car that Tyler was supposed to drive. He said that one (with a Mopar engine) was not ready either, but HE also said Tyler was not going to be able to make it due to complications from the surgery he was having after injuries in a sprint car wreck this fall. Of coarse, I mentioned that I had brought my helmet and suit along (a last minute decision I made after realizing I had some room left in the car after loading up a bunch of parts I hoped to sell) and would be interested in helping out anyway that I could-as I intended to set up all my old parts that I had for sale in Johnny’s pit area, anyway.

Once we closed in on St. Louis, I got directions and decided to stop by. Parts for the engine had just been dropped off and Johnny had his motor builders over to complete their final efforts. I quickly realized though, that with just the help of his 14 year old son Cole, and-due to the fact that he had just moved up from Texas-the cars were a lot far off from being finished. If either of them were mine, I would have gave up on getting them completed in time. Johnny seemed confident that we could get them done. The one car, with an Esslinger engine, was entered for Johnny on Thursday and the Mopar was for Friday. He had a few things for me to do while I was there. I ended up staying about an hour and half, but wanted to get to the track in time for the features. He said Cole would be available to help him load up after school, so I headed to Tulsa (we got there JUST in time for the B-mains!).

Thursday morning, I met Johnny and Cole outside the Expo center. I threw some parts in their rig, while we waited for someone to open the frickin door so we can unload. I helped them get everything out of the trailer and half-way set-up. We then began the ardouros process of completing both cars AT THE TRACK. It would have been ok, if we had ALL the parts, but I did get frusturated having to walk around and look for stuff. I consider myself half-way good at finding what is needed at the track (at least I do not give up easily), but it got tiring after a while. Anyway, after he fired it off (without bolts in his seat and a leaky fuel line), we-including some last minute help from a couple of younger drivers who ran on Tuesday-finished putting the brakes on the car and waited for the drill battery to charge so we could mount the seat right before his first race. We did complete the miracle of completing the car in time for Johnny to hot lap! (Although his results were nothing too spectacular, we pulled off what to me was almost a miracle).

After Johnny’s events OUR (much to my surprise, but appreciation) focus turned towards the Mopar powered car that I was to drive the next day. We “put a big dent” in the project Thursday night, before they turned the lights out. We headed back towards the hotel, washed our clothes (did not bring a “work” outfit, as I was not planning on this type of effort), and tried to get to sleep at a half-way decent hour.

Friday morning began much the same. I HAD to re-arrange the pit area on Thursday and set things up half-way decent. We went after it ALL day, but as the heat race closed in, Johnny had the idea to “put the number #13 on the…car” (if this leaves you with any questions, please email me for details). Anyway, I did get to make it out for my first laps around the 1/5 mile track and debut in a Zero chassis. Unfortunately, it was the heat race.

The draw put me in first heat with an inside row two starting spot. The front row, of Austin Mero and Joe Boyles, had trouble getting a clean start on a couple of attempts. My ride did not want to take off either, but the #25 of Mero struggled on one of the starts, so I stayed in my position. When we finally did get the green, it again took me sometime to get going. I quickly realized that the power steering was not working well and that the chassis was set-up too tight (in the haste, we never really checked the ride height blocks and/or changed the stagger from the night before). The engine was loading up and not really running that well either. I struggled trying to drive the car and fell to the back of the field. I did not get lapped though, and due to attrition, we ended up 6th (even though the rear-end cover bolts-that Cole had "tightened" and we failed to check...I do have an excuse for this put will not post here-had all backed out and the car jumped out of gear).

My heat race finish put me on the outside front row of a last chance race. I double checked some things on the car and Wednesday night’s second place feature finisher, Aaron Fiscus actually came over and helped set some of the fuel settings. The car ran much better in this race then the heat. I attempted to ignore the fact that Cup development driver Kevin Swindell was starting directly behind me in his state-of-the-art Mopar powered ride. The inside front row starter and even second row inside driver Doug McCune, did get the jump on me (the engine was still stumbling slightly but, the front-row grid position did benefit out effort), but I was able to hook the old Esslinger engine up and powered into the first corner. Although I gained ground, I went in there a lot a faster than I had when the thing was not running so well in the heat, and slipped up and over the virtually non-exsistent cushion. I was not able to get back on the throttle in time, and the car stumbled and died. I had to restart in the rear. We were much better set-up then the heat race (the drier track kind of “came” to the tight set-up on the car). Actually had a run going on a couple cars that restarted in front of me. I was trying to run the car towards the high line of the track. The Zero chassis was getting around the coarse pretty well. Two time ARDC champ Andy Martin (who was one of the "transfer stars" from 2007) had bobbled in front of me at one point, and I had hope that I could have passed him and the car between us. About the time I got a rythm going, after making a mistake or two along the way, the car started to run poorly again (we later determined that one of the throttle links had backed out and the car was just running around at idle...thankfully it was not stuck open-again something I had failed to double check). Martin and another car were involved in a nasty turn two flip, so I was not too dissapointed that we were not close enough to be involved. I attempted to idle around and hope for more incidents that might have allowed for a transfer, but the car was just running too poorly, so I pulled off. We ranked 4th. Swindell had run away with the race. He and the second place car transfered.

Our effort to correctly complete both cars continued in the pit area Friday night and Saturday morning. Reality and fatigue were setting in. A crew of three to four more guys would have been very much appreciated. We did get SOME more help from a few of Johnny's friends that stopped by, but for the most part, many of the pit side visitors were more of a distraction. So, it was just really Johnny, Cole, Felisha, and I. Things stayed pretty interesting Saturday.

Johnny was slated for the First I main. The car he ran, did not allow him to take off from his pole starting spot. He ended up getting the LR wheel bent on the second attempt (figures, the first start was not that bad for the #0).

G Main 2: ...14-year-old Coleman Gulick battled past tee shirt clad veteran Kevin Olson on the eighth lap...2. #4KO Kevin Olson, Machesney Park, IL; 3. #57B Johnny Heydenreich, Indianapolis, IN; 4. #75H Bart Hartman, Zanesville, OH...7. #1W Paul White, Temple, TX...10. #87 Johnny Rodriguez, Elk Grove, CA...14. #13 Jason Dull, Mattoon, IL

Date: 01-19-08

Track: Southern Illinois Center in DuQuoin, Illionis

Division: POWRi

Car: 2003 Stealth / Chevy II Fontana

When I first noticed that POWRi scheduled the indoor Winter Series at the DuQouin “mini-magic” mile, my initial concern was that they would get cancelled, like the events that had a couple of years ago. I also worried that with these races spread out once a month-after the first of the year-that there will not be any time to over-haul the car! (Like someone holds a gun to my head making me go…). Anyway, after making it through Ft. Wayne before the New Year, and then getting back from Tulsa in time to finish the trophies I was involved in assembling for the Rockford Speedway’s banquet, I consulted with my mom (who celebrated her 52^nd Birthday today) and got the ok to go.

My girlfriend Felisha and Eddie Sauer of Fast Eddie’s Lawn Care, were willing to help out (the former foregoing a fun night of "birthday partying" at my sister’s place of employment-the Brehaus in Loves Park, IL-which was a last minute plan). Felisha and Andy Jones of JJ Precision Grinding, assisted with some maintenance after Ft. Wayne. After some persuasions, I also was able to acquire some last minute help Friday night from Eddie, buddy Mike Cassatta, Marty Utech, Tom Dull, and my Dad. After un-sticking the trailer door in the freezing temps, we got everything loaded up by 10:30 p.m. Friday night.

Although Eddie, Felisha, and I did complete the long drive about 1 hour before the end of the pre-race draw, we were too late to get a good pit spot inside the building (although some spots were saved for an elite team) and had to set-up in the “heated” quonset hut-which would have been all right, but instead of doors on each end, there was just tarps hanging in front. It may have been all of a balming 40 degrees inside! Since I did not have a full propane tank, Eddie’s heater only last about ½ the night. Otherwise, all that we had was the electric oil heater for the tank on the side of the car. The three of us had everything unloaded and ready with plenty of time for the night’s events though.

Hot Laps: Eddie, who had-thankfully-volunteered his four-wheeler for event, pushed me out onto the neat little track. It did take some time for the car to fire off in the cold air, after the regular push truck got behind me. Once it cleared out, everything came up to temps fine. For my first time on the track, the session went well. I got stuck behind the #11 of Tyler Reddick, but we felt that we were faster than him. Although I may have bumped his rear push bar, and we had some close calls, I did not do anything too crazy to try to get around him. I tried out some different lines on the track. The car felt really good and very racey (It was even fun puttering around on the bottom!). The gear ratio in the car felt real good, as the car seemed to take off well and ran around the track pretty good. I also thought we had the stagger (about 8 inches) good for that practice. Of coarse, though, I wanted to make some changes after the session, as the track was going to dry up after 75 mini-sprints ran their heat races.

Heat #3: Much to my surprise, Eddie was willing to participate in the mentioned changes to the car. I had went in with a “baseline” set-up, but wanted to try some lighter springs in the front end. We took the 225 lbs spring off the RF and put a 200 on. Put a 185 on the LF corner. We also raised the front end. Then we took about 1 inch of stagger out of the car, bringing it down to about 7 inches. We managed to draw the third starting spot for the third heat. The two cars in front of me were none other than Bobby East and Danny Stratton. I must have got somewhat of a jump on fourth starting Derek King, but he did drive around me once the race got going. As I tried to figure out how to drive the track, the trio stayed with-in my range. I drove back underneath King, but the car slipped out from underneath me (unlike some of the other Southern IL tracks I ran last fall, that would hold SOME moisture in the middle of the groove), and I got it side-ways. At the same time, Stratton looped it up top. I will say maybe I would have done more to try to recover if it were not for what was going on up there, but I re-lined in the back of the pack (on a previous caution, I argued the pass from King…before a full-lap was complete…to no avail…so I just obliged this time). After the restart, I was able to power around the outside of J.C. Bland-although it was a pretty fierce battle. That was as far as I progressed. 1. Bobby East 2. Derek King 3. Danny Stratton 4. Zach Daum 5. Tyler Reddick 6. Jason Dull 7. J.C. Bland

Semi: With assistance from Felisha, Eddie and I took another inch of stagger out-even though they did actually re-do the track during the lengthly event. We also tried putting a softer spring on the RF too. I adjusted the shocks to more of a dry slick track as well (as I had forgot to do-to the fronts anyway-before the heat). We were slated to start 7^th in this race. Only the top four cars transferred to the feature. Although there were only 27 cars, this still meant that there was an 11 car B-main! The track was still pretty racey and I think we had the set-up better for the B, then in the heat. In what Eddie deemed the best race he has watched me run, we engaged in fierce battles through-out the event. I started off again getting stuck behind the #11 of Reddick. Although I was bombing it around the top pretty good (telling myself that this was nothing compared to Sun Prairie), Reddick was using that line as well, so I went to the bottom. I managed to tippy-toe it underneath him after a couple of laps, and would have took the position had the caution not come out. Although Eddie and Felisha were motioning me to go back up top, I did not see them. When the green came back out, I went back up there and eventually got around Reddick. After one of the races multiple cautions I (with less then 4 gallons in the tank before the start…we forgot to add any until push off time) I found myself behind fellow BMARA counter-part Buddy Luebke. On a restart, I dove it under Buddy, and although the track was just as slick-if not more-as in the heat, this time I “just” slid up into his groove. We banged nerf bars, but I slid up in front of him and had the pass complete. Unfortunately, the pass was for naught, as the caution again came out, and we were forced back behind him-still short of the transfer spot. Buddy showed his displeasure under the yellow, but he ended up hitting the re-start cone and had to go to the back. After that, my battle to “get-in” still continued. At one point during the race, I may have received assistance from a Johnny Murdock caused caution (His Mopar, the one that I was supposed to race last weekend, was not running well. He pulled off on the front streach). While Tony Roney did have a comfortable lead, the white #11 of Garrett Hood, Jeff Davis in an Orange #33, and maybe a couple others, raced pretty hard for most of the race. At one point in turns three and four, Davis stumbled in front of me. I did not react quickly enough and I thought for sure that the car was going to stall. Somehow (must have been geared right), the engine picked up and the car drove away! I secured the third spot and towards the end of the race, I may have closed in on Hood and Roney. It was only a 12 lap race though. I had contemplated going back to the bottom, to shut the door on the cars that I had passed (as it did not seem like the “boys” were hanging it out up top like other drivers I normally race with), but I pretty much stayed toward the top-although I may have cut the middle some…in an effort to slow other progression.

1. Tony Roney 2. Garrett Hood 3. Jason Dull 4. Tyler Reddick 5. Jeff Davis 6. J.C. Bland 7. Buddy Luebke 8. Steven Weber 9. Johnny Murdock 10. Tyler Robbins 11. Mike Hess

From POWRi: Defending O’Reilly POWRi National Midget Series champion Brad Loyet picked up where he left off Saturday in the first O’Reilly POWRi race of 2008, leading all 30 laps of the first “DuQuoin Winter Series” presented by Broken Bow Records. Loyet led 19 other starters into Turn 1 and never looked back despite a photo finish with Tim Siner to end the evening’s POWRi doubleheader. Siner caught Loyet during the final four laps and tried desperately to perform a slide job on the 20-year-old, but came up .067 seconds short on the temporary sixth-mile indoor facility. Loyet was unchallenged during the opening half of the race, and distanced himself from Siner and Tracy Hines when on Lap 11 he began lapping the tail of the field. While fighting for second, Siner and Hines snaked through the field in attempt to catch Loyet. The first of four caution periods occurred on Lap 19 and three subsequent yellows prior to the checkered flag kept the battle up front close. Siner fought past more lapped traffic on Lap 25 and pulled away from Hines and closer to Loyet. Over the final four laps of the 30-lapper, Siner finally caught Loyet. However, he couldn’t complete a firm pass attempt, and fell just shy of taking the checkered flag first. Hines came home third – only 1.081 seconds behind Loyet – and ahead of Brent Beauchamp and reigning Micro-Sprint champ Dereck King. Beauchamp, Hines, Bobby East and Hud Cone won heat races. Twenty-seven cars made the call to the track. The next “DuQuoin Winter Series” presented by Broken Bow Records race is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 16.

While my intentions to remain modest and not sound like some others who only talk about themselves all the time (in addition to a general obsession with this sport), led me down the path of time consuming daily updates on "all the racing news", the original intent of this website-information on our own racing efforts-may have been lost somewhat. What follows is a "off-season update". It is more of a rambling of various information and not as "professionally" wrote as I normally desire. I have somewhat choose to focus my efforts on other activities over this blog.

After years of hoping to update my power-plant package, time spent looking around at used equipment, a complete ignorance to everything else out there and just instead concentrating on what I had (since I didn't have any money to worry about it anyway), I came upon the "Short Track" engine offered by Esslinger Engineering-after I became aware of some sponsorship and other financial assistance coming my way. After much more thought, I had finally decided that I wanted to order this engine. As I stated, I felt that I had done my "homework", on what is out there. In addition to the classifieds and word of mouth I looked into in years past, I recently did check with Gearte and Brayton (two of the more "lower end" midget engine manufactures). They “only” want about $24,000 for their engine (Lee Brayton sure sounds like a very nice guy…was kind of neat to talk to him…still too bad Scott died). I also have now talked to Fontana. About all he would have is his “spec” motor for “only” $19,500. He also does not even have anything newer around that could just bolt on my current engine block and other parts (I had thought of just building up a couple engines like I have with new parts). So, at $16,300 this Esslinger ST did not seem like a bad “deal”. Unfortunately, it would take almost $21,000 to have the thing shipped to my door and ready to drop in with everything that I need. The reality is that is just something that I can not do. I really do not know what happened to the $16,300, but I am not going to call back and argue with him. The thought occurred to see if he could build me something with less expensive components, but I can not imagine that that it would be less then $12,000 - $14,000 and I really do not want to pay that much for a cast iron block or something (they do have a used “house” ST for $14,000 with a couple races on it, that I am still considering-but that is a lot for a used engine).

It seems that about the only “new” engine that I could afford would be a Ford Focus or something (and there is really not too many places to race those around here). While there is no doubt that I want to continue racing midgets (it is not like I have not enjoyed some of the runs we had with the equipment that I currently have…I do not even always utilize all of the power that I do have either), I have given up on my childhood dreams of acquiring new equipment. I doubt that I will ever have enough money to ever purchase a brand new engine, so it looks like I will have to buy something that someone else has already used. It was going to be real tough to get that Esslinger engine anyway. It would have taken all the money I had, and then some, to pay that much. Recent financial setbacks also include a tax return that is to be about ½ of what I anticipated, and a couple minor personal issues.

After all of the above factors, I finally decided to contact former racer and car owner Butch Dahlke-after seeing all the signs for his cars for sale at Tulsa. He had a Gearte powered Stealth for $12,000 that I have been considering (although it is my opinion that I need another car like I need another hole in my head). We had talked again recently and it was apparent that he was not doing very well. Ironically, he passed away the night before I called! He had fought a hard battle with Cancer the last year and a half or so. I spoke with him last fall and it sounded like he was improving, but it came back. (After I had a rod put a hole in the side of our "original" aluminum engine block back in the summer of 2005, I contacted Butch. He said that he had thought of trying to get a hold of me anyway. I ended up getting to drive a couple of his cars through-out the dog days of that season. Although we did not get the results that we desired-I ended up stepping aside for IPS driver Jake Slotten, suffered some mechanical issues, etc.-Butch was the first car owner to let me drive a “competitive” midget-see the Racing Journal on the website for all the details. Due to his offer, I was able to get through that time in my life and still was able to keep racing. It was a very interesting experience.).

Anyway, I will selfishly state, that did kind of take the wind out of my sales on the whole second car idea. At first I thought that maybe it was a direction from above to go that route, but now my original fear of maintain and campaign two cars has come back in full force. I spend enough time and have difficulty taking care of one. I just do not think with everything that I will have going on this summer (potential late model ride, new work hours, opportunity to drive for other car owners, etc.), that I really NEED two midget cars. Again, if there was another driver who would be willing to strongly assist this effort, with the idea that the second car would be available to drive on occasion, I would be much more excited about having a second car. Either way, I will have to wait a little bit to contact the Dahlke family regarding that car.

I had actually hoped to be able to continue my driving experience with Kevin Eggert, who I ran for at the end of last season, but his Gearte engine ironically blew up pretty bad last time I was in the car. He was not interested in “teaming up” with my engine and his car-but I may propose this to other car owners (I thought a new engine would be a better sell then if I bought anything else). Kevin is concentrating on getting his business opened back up but said that he still plans on getting the car out this year. I can only hope he has it ready for the “triple header” on May 18^th-when I plan on running my car in the IRS race at Rockford, starting the USAC feature, and then hopefully heading up to SP for the dirt race that night! Stay tuned for details.

Of coarse, there is plenty of "pre-owned" stuff out there. One could purchase a Gearte all day long for $6000-9000. The Slotten's have a fresh Brayton (I guess some of my Fontana stuff may work on this), but they want a little over $10,000 for everything. I have found an ex-Scott Hatton championship Fontana on the BMARA classified. After talking with the driver who recently campaigned the engine (for Scott's dad), Scott (who did actually seem very helpful), and Jerry Lemke of JAMR Racing Engines (one of my biggest mechanical supporters over the years), I am really leaning this direction. Although I believe some of the pumps and what not may spin opposite directions, etc.-it would be a much better piece of mind for me to have more of the same equipment. I know how to drop that style engine into a car and could do it with minimal assistance (which is going to be hard to find while I work second shift). Referring back to having a spare car, really the only other actual car I actually WANT is a new Spike or maybe a Zero Motorsports chassis. If I keep a little money in the bank, a new frame really is not that much money. If I did have any issues with my car, I could just order one of these sometime this season.

The car has been disassembled (at least what is going to come off) now. Stop by if you want. Unfortunately, it is going to be tough to get the everything ready for the next race now. After all of this decision process and thoughts of the last DuQuoin indoor race, there is now going to be barely enough time to get whatever engine installed when I make my mind up. I hope to hire some professional assistance, but I will be looking for all the help I can get over Easter weekend. The first BMARA race of the year is scheduled for March 29 & 30. Assistance is always appreciated. (Remember the 2008 potential schedule is posted on this site).

Financially, much of this would not be possible without the sponsorship of JJ Precison Grinding, some very appreciated "silent" help, and the little bit I have left from a "windfall" I acquired. I intend to soon contact my sponsors from last season, and possibly other potential marketing partners as well. Like I usually state, we always welcome any financial assistance and support. I have realized though, if one of the biggest problem I have is to determine how much money to spend on my racecar, I really do not have it that bad.

Date: 03-29-08

Track: Amsoil Sandbox Arena at Cedar Lake Speedway

Division: BMARA

Car: 2003 Stealth / Chevy II Fontana

Wednesday...Thanks to all the help I have had from various people for various amounts of time, we actually had the car ready to fire off this afternoon (although we had to get around the usual problems I experience acquiring certain parts that I desire, so that I feel things are done correctly). Anyway, the oil gauge came up all-right when I 'primed' the engine in the shop. The car also seemed to take water and all the other fluids without any problems. The only leak I noticed was the actual oil gauge line I left loose. That was quickly addressed and I was able to test fit my new seat belts, after we set the car on the ground and stuff. We attempted to utilize the push board designed by 'Fast' Eddie Sauer (which I had modified after problems last fall).  Andy Jones, from JJ Precision Grinding, had brought over his new style GM truck. The engineers up in Detroit apparently decided to change the mounting points on the front tow hooks, where we connect the tow bar too. After sometime we thought we had figured out how to bolt the bar to the front of the truck. The height on the bar and bumper on the racecar appeared to be ok. The set-up did not work though. When Andy got on the gas, with me in the car sitting on Otto Road, the tow bar bent down and the board broke. The way we mounted it, because of the 'new' design on the truck, was out to far. The actual extensions I had made are ok, but I have to again replace ANOTHER board. Somehow, the tail tank on the car that was just painted by Patrick Featherston at Byron Auto Body, was not damaged! The rear bumper on the racecar was not hurt either, but Andy's front bumper (most likely a $500+ part) was bent. That all occurred at 3:30 PM. I had to leave for work at 4:00, so it does not look like I will have a chance to start the car before Saturday's races. It is supposed to rain and snow around here for the next couple of days. We will have to see. I guess it is ONLY a five hour drive and the price of gas is not THAT much...I guess five weeks is just not enough time for me to rebuild the car like I want to. That last race did not get cancelled until Feb 13th, so it has been interesting since. Not much of an off-season. We will see what happens.

Friday AM...Our preparation for the BMARA events in New Richmond continue. After an unsuccessful attempt to start the car Wednesday (problems with the push bar/vehicle, not the car), I was plesentenly surprised that there were not any large leaks or anything under the car this morning. Fellow second shift worker Bruce Zittleman and I were able to start/complete a few more task that I desire to have done for this weekend. If I can get more help, from my "crew" and the weather, I hope to start the car sometime this afternoon (Friday).  As of right now, I am planning on loading it at 8:30 am Saturday. The "draw" is at 4:30 pm Saturday. If we leave at 10:00 am, we should get there in plenty of time. Will have to see what happens.

Friday PM...Thanks to the help of Bruce Zittleman, my uncle Tom, girlfriend Felisha, David Deery's truck, and mother nature for decent weather, we again tried to start the midget today. My second attempt at this was not successful (the first time-earlier in the week-we broke the push bar and bent a bumper Andy Jones new style truck). This time, it sounded to me that the car wanted to run, BEFORE I hit the ignition switch. Then, once I got oil pressure and flipped the switch on, the car just would not take off. I tried pulling the car out of gear to take the load off of it, and see if it would keep running. I couldn't make that happen. We only tried it the way it was twice. I thought the first time maybe it was just getting fuel to the pumps and stuff. My uncle Tom and I agreed after the second attempt that something was not right. Andy Jones came down, and with my dad on the phone, we attempted to but the original magneto, that I had sent out to get checked (I had hoped this would have shipped back a week ago, but instead we had to install this spare), back in.  We ran out of time before my second shift work schedule necessitated that I left. My dad and Tom came back to button it up later tonight. My plan is to get the truck from the Rockford Speedway on my way home tonight and then, whoever is around could help me try to start it again in the morning (can not imagine there will much interest at 8:30 a.m. though). I was planning on leaving for the New Richmond track at 10:00 a.m. If we can not get it going early tomorrow, hopefully I could at least run Sunday. Stay tuned to website for details. Thanks.

Saturday-I worked until approx. 2 a.m., but Eddie Sauer showed up before 8:00 a.m. I woke up and got going, although fighting about the worst cold I have all winter. After my dad and Tom put the magneto in the night before, we did test fire the car and loaded it up.

April 2008 Blog

...Although Jerry Lemke from JAMR got the V-8 engine fired back to life (after it had sat for about a year and a half) and we are only about a good day's worth of work away, Late Model 'car owner' Jim Melvin continues to put off our debut in the local Rockford Speedway headliner class. With the goal of challenging for Rookie of the Year, I was really looking forward to racing close to home (at a track that I think it only makes sense to compete at-not to mention that our effort would help the car count out). So, without enough early season interest from Jim, I guess I will be filling up the 'Dully' truck gas tank and hitting the road with 'real' race cars in tow ($4/gallon, 6 mpg...I think this may be worse than drugs)...my focus will then turn to the possible debut of the 'newer' (12+ year old technology) Gearte powered car...It is going to take a lot of effort to put that car back together (Thanks to Joe LaMarca of North State Motors and some help from my uncle, the car is currently in pieces). After some inspection, we have decided to run the supposedly 'fresh' engine, about as it is.

...As far as the local Late Model program, at this point, I will just plan on trying to run 3-4 Weekly races at Rockford this summer. I guess that will keep me eligible for RoY in 2009. We could also run a couple races at some other area tracks, or one of the 'specials' at Rockford. Although the only thing I really have in it is time, I have not invested much money into it. We will see how the program works out...I have tried a couple different angles and have done about all that I could do to get the car out this week. It is not mine though, and Jim has it in his head to not run it the first couple of weeks...My 2008 focus will now all but officially be on the IRS sportsman midget championship. With that 12 race restricted-midget schedule on both dirt and pavement, any experience I can get back on the harder surface should be beneficial. Thanks to the help of all those that assist me, we won a heat and feature when the club visited Sun Prairie, WI last summer.  With two return trips up there and an opening weekend event at Rockford upcoming, I am very much looking forward to more success (I just hope the club is headed in the right direction, it should be a pivotal year for them).

...Although Wednesday's Late Model practice session went all right (I was more than a second off of where we need to be, and all of a half second off of where I thought I should be after the day), it only looks like I can get the FIRST part of Saturday's second shift schedule off work...Thanks to the help of my girlfriend Felisha, Joe LaMarca of North State Motors, Bruce Zittleman, and, my Uncle Tom (in the order that they arrived at the shop that day) we did practice Jim Melvin's Late Model last week. It looks as though the schedules (mental and employment) will work out so that this Saturday I will make my debut in that V-8 stock car class at Rockford Speedway. Our intentions are to basically just get our feet wet, so I do not expect anything spectacular (it is here that I will post that I really never saw that car do anything 'spectacular', not to mention anything about my driving skill level). I am optimistic that we could make it through the 'slow' heat (unlike the BMARA, they still have that) though and try to have a respectable run in the feature. I believe that all Ladies are welcome to the track FREE Saturday night. With the price of gas and everything else lately, I hope no one passes that up. Hopefully it will be a nice Spring evening.

...After, and around that effort, my focus will 100% turn to the IRS Sportsman midget opening weekend events at Slinger and Rockford on May 17th and 18th. I have the Rockford track rented THIS Thursday afternoon. With some assistance from Tom, preparations on the old JJ Precision Grinding Stealth with the JAMR freshened Chevy II, are continuing.  My list of possible changes to test and tune, grows everyday. The only thing restricting those opportunities is the normal lack of available parts and the class specific pavement/dirt tires (I find ordering items about the worst thing in racing).

...Meanwhile, the 'sissy bars' have been welded to the 'new' Gearte powered frame. Thanks to brief assistance on car that from Bruce, Joe, my dad, Felisha, my sister, and Andy Jones of JJ Precision Grinding, we have been able to SLOWLY bolt items back onto that car. My intentions ARE to have that car ready to fire off the morning of Sunday May 18th (I HAVE to have that car ready to run that morning, in case there are any issues the night before-even though I do not plan on 'setting the world on fire' at Slinger...but you never know).

...Of coarse, there is always the opening event at Sun Prairie the evening of the 18th!  Although I did pay for the BMARA membership, and have some small interested sponsorship opportunities in that area, I do not believe that the time schedule would allow for my participation in the full night of racing at the prestigious 1/3 mile dirt track. Now, if any issues arrive during the day at Rockford, there is really no other place that I would want to be other than at that track. It is most likely my only 'Double Duty' opportunity that weekend. The 'National' headlining USAC midget class is priced so high it may not at all be worth trying to make the feature with that club or anything. WITHOUT the cost of pit passes included, which we will already have anyway, it would be more than $100 just to get a car out onto the track. If all else is going well, I will check into their pay-out though. I do already have tires mounted for that. Time will tell.

...USE AT WILL
Thanks to the graciousness of Gregg McKarns and the Rockford Speedway Staff, Machesney Park's Jason Dull intends to "hot lap" his Chevy II powered JJ Precision Grinding/JAMR Racing Engines/ Midwest Motorsports Racer's Auction/North State Motors #56 midget race car tonight on the 1/4 mile high banked quarter mile. Jason's efforts will be in attempt to expose the regular Saturday night Rockford Speedway crowd to the excitement of the traditional open wheel racing cars, who will be competing at the long running track next Sunday, May 18th. The National USAC midget series will headline the afternoon card. Jason's focus will be in the supporting Illini Racing Series restricted Sportsman midget club. Last year, Jason claimed preliminary and feature event wins during the series' inaugural visits to the prestigious Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, WI. Through-out the last four to five seasons, Jason has primarily campaigned in the "national" BMARA division at the dirt track, north east of Madison, WI. Jason has reached victory lane and recorded top three finishes in preliminary "national" midget races. Previous of that effort, Jason won numerous heats and feature events in the entry level classes at the Rockford Speedway. In addition to the scheduled "hot laps" in the midget tonight, Jason will be making his debut in the Stanley Steemer NASCAR Late Model division. This will be Jason's first start in any of the "premier" classes at the track...

Thanks to the graciousness of Gregg McKarns and the Rockford Speedway Staff, Machesney Park's Jason Dull intends to "hot lap" his Chevy II powered JJ Precision Grinding/JAMR Racing Engines/Midwest Motorsports Racer's Auction/North State Motors #56 midget race car tonight on the 1/4 mile high banked quarter mile.

Jason's efforts will be in attempt to expose the regular Saturday night Rockford Speedway crowd to the excitement of the traditional open wheel racing cars, who will be competing at the long running track next Sunday, May 18th.

Jason's focus will be in the supporting Illini Racing Series restricted Sportsman midget club.

Last year, Jason claimed preliminary and feature event wins during the series' inaugural visits to the prestigious Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, WI.

Through-out the last four to five seasons, Jason has primarily campaigned in the "national" BMARA division at the dirt track, north east of Madison, WI.

Jason has reached victory lane and recorded top three finishes in preliminary "national" midget races.

Previous of that effort, Jason won numerous heats and feature events in the entry level classes at the Rockford Speedway.

In addition to the scheduled "hot laps" in the midget tonight, Jason will be making his debut in the Stanley Steemer NASCAR Late Model division.

Jason is thankful for the support from all of his sponsors, family, and friends, for their assistance and support in these endeavors.

Please see Jason Dull.com, for more information on Jason's 2008 schedule and links to some of the referred entities above.

Hot laps: Even though we were about the last car to show up Dwight Steffan, Joe LaMarca, and I had time to go over the chassis. The USAC “national” cars practiced multiple times and it rained on and off some. Dwight and I moved some of the rear spacing around and re-scaled the car. Meanwhile, my dad got into the car next to us owned by Dan George (who I had raced real hard with last fall at Grundy). Dan had put together a new car over the winter and had the second one available. I ran around behind Dan most of the first part of the session. The car felt like it handled fine, other than a vibration down the straight. I will mention that mid-session we did get around my dad in the back-up car (I have to also mention that I did not get any satisfaction at all out of that pass). Anyways, I closed up on Dan towards the end of the practice, but never dived bombed under him to make the pass. I think this all kind of screwed me up, as I got in the bad habit of running that groove lower then him and less concerned about running a fast line. Turned 13.6s. (Another side note, longtime IRS member Doug Orsenske wrecked his #0 in the hot laps and, after some conversation, took over the #82 from my dad.)

Heat: We changed the front tires and wheels around some. Also added a little air to the LR tire. Started on the pole of the “slow” heat (it was lined up inverted points from last year and we only ran a couple of IRS races in 2007). I got kind of screwed up on the two start attempts. Beloit’s David Budress was on the outside and it seemed to me like he was trying to wind the car up down the backstretch. I tried to slow it some but I got taped from behind. The car pushed real bad after I drove it into the corner wrong and I let David get the jump on me both attempts. Once we finally got going I settled in behind Budress. Ran a 12.9 or so, lap. I did notice that his line was much different then mine, but I saw a lot of tire smoke from him and it seemed like I would gain on him at some points. The car was kind of pushing because the way I was driving it and I could never get up right behind him. On the last lap I threw it into turn three harder, but too low, and the thing slid up the track crazy bad. I had to lock the wheels all the way to the left and lost a bunch of ground. That opened the door for Loren Crichet to sneak underneath and take second place from me. Fortunately the track is so wide and banked I was able to drive away from my bonsai move and finished third.

Feature: I was again slated to start on the pole! Due to the way that I was driving the car and that it felt tight, we made an air pressure and coil spring adjustment to the RF & LR corners. I again got off to a poor start and let Joe Knippel (who runs part of the club) and veteran driver Freddie Teer by. The two experienced IRS/pavement drivers battled hard in front of me while I attempted to figure out how to get around the track. Joe and Dwight had pointed out some marks for me to watch for. I worked on my line and got a whole different feeling on the car. It was a pretty awesome experience to run around the “World’s Fastest Quarter Mile”. When the two leaders starting lapping cars and battling amoungst eachother, I did close in some a couple of times. I really had nothing for them though, but do think that I figured out how to get around the track. The car still had a little vibration and then the notorious “missing” condition picked up. We believe this is a fuel related issue. The car just cannot run right all night. So even though I believe my line was improving, the car was stumbling and I gave up some at the end. 2007 IRS champion Lamont Crichett made a run around me after ½ way. I gave it all that I really had and hung close at first. He maintained the “show” position and I settled for a comfortable 4^th.

My goal was to get through the night and be ready for Rockford Sunday Sunday. I was hoping for a “podium” finish though, but can not be to upset with a top five finish. We will go over the car, make some more fuel system and chassis changes. Hopefully we can do better tomarrow.

From IRS: The Illini Racing Series opened their 17th season by taking part in two out three of the Midget MAYnia races this weekend. The club’s first visit to Slinger Super Speedway got things started quickly - sort of. The problems weren’t as much with the cars as it was the haulers. Mark Morey lost a water pump on his way up, and the Critchetts’ dually scattered a transmission just 15 miles from home. Luckily the family towing service was able to get both their cars to the track ahead of many teams. Hot laps almost got by without incident, until the drop of the checkered flag. Doug Orseske bounced of the outside wall heading into turn one, damaging both axles. Ken Dull had hot lapped Dan George’s #82, but gave up the ride to keep Orseske in the points battle. With no spare rear ends available, the Orseske crew chief Brian Dobis, loaded up the damaged car and made the three and a half hour ride home to make repairs. Thanks to Glenn Ohlendorf’s help with parts, Brian and his brother worked through the night and had the car at Rockford the next morning...The night’s activity was twice delayed by rain, but the steep banking and high winds got things back under way with little delay. In fact, the entire program was done by 10 pm.

Heat #2 (10 laps): 1. David Budres (#31), 2. Loran Critchett, Jr. (#17), 3. Jason Dull (#56), 4. Dan George (#81), 5. Doug Orseske (#82), 6. Scott Dunning (R)(31) DNF

Feature Race (25 laps): 1. Freddie Teer (#54), 2. Joe Knippel (#33), 3. Lamont Critchett (#44), 4. Jason Dull (#56), 5. Loran Critchett, Jr. (#17), 6. Dan George (#81), 7. Doug Orseske (#82), 8. Scott Dunning (R)(#1) DNF, 9. Mark Morey (#3) DNF, 10. Bob Shreffler (#21S)DNF, 11. Allen Gillis (#39) DNS - fuel management problem.

llini Racing Series presented by Spencer's Jewelry E-Update-Wacky, Wet, Windy, Wild Weekend: The Illini Racing Series opened their 17th season by taking part in two out three of the Midget MAYnia races this weekend. The club’s first visit to Slinger Super Speedway got things started quickly - sort of. The problems weren’t as much with the cars as it was the haulers. Mark Morey lost a water pump on his way up, and the Critchetts’ dually scattered a transmission just 15 miles from home. Luckily the family towing service was able to get both their cars to the track ahead of many teams. Hot laps almost got by without incident, until the drop of the checkered flag. Doug Orseske bounced of the outside wall heading into turn one, damaging both axles. Ken Dull had hot lapped Dan George’s #82, but gave up the ride to keep Orseske in the points battle. With no spare rear ends available, the Orseske crew chief Brian Dobis, loaded up the damaged car and made the three and a half hour ride home to make repairs. Thanks to Glenn Ohlendorf’s help with parts, Brian and his brother worked through the night and had the car at Rockford the next morning...The night’s activity was twice delayed by rain, but the steep banking and high winds got things back under way with little delay. In fact, the entire program was done by 10 pm.

Heat #2 (10 laps): 1. David Budres (#31), 2. Loran Critchett, Jr. (#17), 3. Jason Dull (#56), 4. Dan George (#81), 5. Doug Orseske (#82), 6. Scott Dunning (R)(31) DNF

Feature Race (25 laps): 1. Freddie Teer (#54), 2. Joe Knippel (#33), 3. Lamont Critchett (#44), 4. Jason Dull (#56), 5. Loran Critchett, Jr. (#17), 6. Dan George (#81), 7. Doug Orseske (#82), 8. Scott Dunning (R)(#1) DNF, 9. Mark Morey (#3) DNF, 10. Bob Shreffler (#21S)DNF, 11. Allen Gillis (#39) DNS - fuel management problem.

Overcast skies, with a stiff breeze must have made Midget Maynia promoter Dan Thiel very nervous about getting people out of the house on Sunday for race three of his series at Rockford. Dan and the STM Promotions crew are to be commended for putting such a great series together, and the Illini group is very grateful to have been a part of it. We had learned late last week that we would have a flagman we all knew and trusted in Dan Carter. When we arrived we learned that the promoter knew how tough a job flagging a long program is, and we would have our own flagman for the support divisions. Any concerns we might have had were unfounded when we learned veteran Bill Shipman would be sharing the flagstand. Two top flight flagmen and both of them put on a great show! An embarrassment of riches. As the pits filled at Rockford Speedway, the Illini Racing Series welcomed another new car and three more new drivers...(Former BMARA driver and 1992 RoY, I think-JD) Dick Kaiser hung a rookie flag on the Dan George #82 for the night, and Eric Nitz climbed into the #31 so David Budres would be sure to make it to Sun Prairie. Scott Koerner had begun to sort out his “new” SESCO 2 x 4 in hot laps when he lost the oil filter heading into turn one, oiling his own tires. Scotty’s stock car experience (and a maybe a little luck) kept the car form driving head on into the boiler plate (?-JD). Koerner was able to get the car repaired in time for the feature. Lamont Critchett and Allen Gillis had another strong night with each winning their heat race. Freddie Teer and Joe Knippel both ran 2nd in their heats. Other points contenders Loran Critchett, Jr. and Jason Dull both took thirds in their heats. Doug Orseske was still sorting out the #0 and ran 5th in the first heat. These seven drivers would seem to be off to a pretty good start in 2008. Then the green flag dropped on the feature event. Turn one on lap one took out five cars and caused two others to retire early. The cars immediately went three and four wide, then it was all tire smoke as drivers locked up their brakes to try to avoid what was going to end up being “the big one”. Allen Gillis’ #39 seemed to get the worst of it, ending up on his lid. Thankfully, no drivers were injured. Joe Knippel would win the shortened feature, with Doug Orseske bringing home his repaired #0 2nd. Loarn Critchett, Jr., Mike Adams, Jr. and Dan George rounded out the top 5. The Wisconsin State Police must have wondered why there was so much traffic between Beloit and north of Madison, with so many teams, fans and officials heading to Angell Park after the show was done at Rockford. A look at the Prairie results will show a bunch of people who were in the pits at Rockford. Another great move by Dan Thiel and STM Promotions to move the times up on Sunday, so people had a chance to make it to another track. What a concept. Take care of the fans, take care of the teams, even take care of the officials. Now if they could just control the weather, they would be the perfect promoters! Next up for the Illini Racing Series is another new track for us, Bureau County Speedway in Princeton, IL next Saturday night (May 24th) on the 1/4 mile dirt track. On Sunday May 25th, the “Flyin’ Illini” will make the trip to our old home, the Grundy County Speedway to share the pits with the American Speed Association.

Feature Race (20 laps): Joe Knippel (#33), 2. Doug Orseske (#0), 3. Loran Critchett, Jr. (#17), 4. Mike Adams, Jr. (#21A), 5. Dan George (#81), 6. Dick Kaiser (R)(#82), 7. Scott Dunning, 8. Scott Koerner (4K), 9. Lamont Critchett (#44), 10. Freddie Teer (#54) DNF - flat tire, 11. Jason Dull (#56) DNF - crash, 12. Allen Gillis (#39) DNF - crash, 13. Eddie Sauer (#74) DNF - crash, 14. Eric Nitz (R)(#31) DNF - crash, 15. Charlie Holt (R)(#4H) DNF - crash

Unofficial Drivers Points after 2 races: 1. Joe Knippel, 571; 2. Loran Critchett, Jr., 533; 3. Lamont Critchett,503; 4. Doug Orseske, 474: 7. Dan George, 458; 6. FreddieTeer, 450; 7. Jason Dull, 448; 8. Scott Dunning, 421; 9. David Budres, 263; 10. Mike Adams, Jr., 256; 11. Allen Gillis, 240; Dick Kaiser, 226; 12. Scott Koerner, 203; 13. Mark Morey, 175; 14. Bob Shreffler, 163; 15. Eric Nitz, 155; Charlie Holt, 128; 16. Ken Dull 5.

It is here that I would like to apologize for my inability to get my car to make the first turn at the start of the feature Sunday. I am sorry and embarrassed for the IRS officials, teams, other drivers, my sponsors, crew, and the fans still in the stands. The last thing that I wanted to do was cause a wreck that eliminated half of the field. I understand that this was a pivotal event and a break-out season for the IRS. If I could have avoided the incident I surely would have.

My pre-weekend practice sessions were plagued by our car's notorious fuel system problems and testing parts shortages. At Slinger the night before, my most experienced crew helper steered me away from the wheel offsets I had grown somewhat comfortable with (although I will mention that set-up may have worked at that more banked track where we to managed third in the heat and fourth in the feature-even though the fuel system caused another late race fuel stumble). It took us all day Sunday, to get our weights on the scales to work out where we thought we wanted them. I had also put a stiffer RR bar in the car, too.  All of those efforts were to no avail, as the car still had a push in it the first part of the day.  Having made it through the heat with just another third place result, we made a more drastic change before the feature. We did our best to take some weight off of the LR and put more into the LF & RR. Without the opportunity to test the changes, I was unable to react correctly going into the first corner.  I did not have the talent to get the car-purpose built for dirt, with no brake bias, un-soaked tires, a jake ladder, 6 inch shaft shocks, as close to "IRS legal" as we could get, etc. - to make the turn (I am not sure if I could have made it through there in the most technological advanced creation from Danny Drinan or Bob East, but I would sure love to try). It can be up for argument if another driver could have had success with that set-up. No matter what, there really is not a good excuse as to what happened. It is my opinion that it is difficult to get a car around the lower groove at Rockford (if you saw hot laps though too, I guess you could say it is also difficult for me to get around the top too when the tires are still cold).

I hope that no one challenges my desire, commitment, or focus. There was nothing else that I was thinking about going into that corner at approx 50-60 mph, with cars all around me. I will also argue if any additional activities affected my result.  As mentioned, the night before we were on a somewhat similar surface and track.  I physically and mentally felt good and did not have anything going on that should have bothered me.  I had given up on any "Double-Duty" USAC or Sun Prairie ideas on the day.

The incident was obviously not the first mistake I have made behind the wheel of a race car though - ironically if you asked some of the participants in another midget series, I have more of an issue with getting the car too sideways, going into the corner. At this point I am not so sure what it is that I will do next. Dissecting last week's NSSN, I noted that many top name drivers (not that I consider myself in the same position as 99% of them) had there own share of issues.

I am certain that a car I own will be at a racetrack at some point this Holiday Weekend though. Fortunately no one, that I am aware of, was hurt. If this issue does come up in any Driver's Meetings, I would ask that it would be in a public apology by me. I would prefer to leave it at that and move on from there. If any other competitors needed anything, maybe I might have some parts available for their replacement.

While I am really not at all in any position, I will however mention a couple of issues that I had. I am not at all trying to pass any blame on or point anything negative out, but do wish to continue to explain my actions. I did my best to try to warm up the tires during the parade laps (I believe that the flagman actually pointed at me for trying to scrub heat into the rubber at one point, so I took a more conservative approach). Although as a fan I am of the opinion that it is the same for everyone and the IRS has gone years without many issues, I do wonder if there could be some consideration made to allow for a couple warm-up laps. If the IRS is hoping to attract cars and drivers that are not as familiar with the hard street tire, I believe this may be beneficial. I also wish to discuss how the post accident officiating was handled. I was not at all surprised that I would face some sort of disciplinary action, but while the clean-up was on-going, I was told by an official that I would have to start in the back. I did not have any problem with that decision. I figured that and the humiliation I was experiencing was sufficient. At the time, there was nothing I wanted more then to do my best to come through the field and salvage a somewhat respectable finish.   After suiting back up and restarting, I did notice the flagman motioning at me. I assumed his instructions were consistent with the other official, and that he was informing to go to the back. When the black flag came out, I questioned the consistency of the officiating. Realizing his intentions, I went into the pits and assumed that I would receive a reprimand and would then possibly be allowed to restart-at the back, as previously informed. I DID NOT do a "Robby Gordon" and stay on the track. However, when I arrived pit side there were no officials in site and I realized that my day was over. Again, there are not any malicious intentions here, I am just laying it all out.

In closing, I just wish that this communication is received how I intend. I am not trying to hide behind a computer or anything. I recognize this method as an effective means of communication. It is my opinion that I can reach more of the affected parties through this outlet, then if I attempted to contact everyone involved by phone or face to face. Thank-you.

Had to change on the way there. Bruce & Mindy didn’t get to draw, figured it was the IRS way of paying me back. I kept calling Bruce on the way down. He informed me of that and of the fact we were going to miss hot laps. At the first stop light as we went through the town of Princeton, I asked Joe to jump in the drivers seat so I could start getting changed because “I was not going to go down with out a fight”. That light turned green so I coasted in to the next one and jumped out. Joe jumped behind the wheel as soon as that light changed. With out time to get in the trailer, I just left the top of the truck bed open (thankfully I had bought new shocks to hold that up over the winter). Joe noticed the sign to the track and took the correct turn, while I changed in the back going down the road at 40 mph. We made it to the track in time to get our pit passes and unloaded before the first hot lap session was done. While Bruce, Mindy, and Felisha set the air pressures and helped me strap in the car, Joe dumped oil in the tank. The track workers actually gave us an extra second to dump one more quart of oil in and set the panard-bar.

Hot Laps: Having not been on a dirt track since the end of March, it took me a few laps to figure out how to get around the place-which was oddly D shaped. I got stuck behind a slower car or two and was apprehensive of going around him on the top. Once I finally figured it out, I went up to the high side and was able to keep the throttle down somewhat through the corner. After the events of last Sunday, it felt good. When we came in, Bruce and I checked the toe. I had changed the axle after last weekend's debacle and never set that. It was way toed-in. I also had not set the front shocks. We finished setting the pits up and checked the car over before the heat.

Heat: We only made a few changes to the car and had to start in the back-on the outside. Because there was not a cushion, I tried to drive the car in through the middle of the track on BOTH starts, to hold off Dick Kaiser on the inside. I tried to get a run going on the outside, but the field pulled farther away from me then I had expected. Mid-race Kaiser and another car got together in the middle of one and two. I had just moved to the bottom, as it seemed that was where the line was at. Kaiser ended up getting me after the restart. I spent the remainder of the race chasing down Mike Adams in the red #21. I tried to get underneath him, but could not get it done. Finally I powered back to the top and was able to battle around him at the finish line.

Heat race #2 (8 laps): 1. Scott Koerner #4K, Joliet, IL, Task Management Chevy Sesco/Bishop; 2. Allen Gillis #39, Westmont, IL, Task Management Illini Focus/White; 3. Dick Kaiser #82, Milwaukee, WI, George Racing Enterprises Scream Focus/Buzzard; 4. Jason Dull #56, Machesney Park, IL, Fontana/Stealth; 5. Mike Adams, Jr. #21A, Rockdale, WI, Albert Racing Enterprises Chevy II/Mislich; 6. Mark Morey #3, Sugar Grove, IL, Knippel/Spencer Illini Focus/White; 7. Scott Dunning #1, Bolingbrook, IL, Knippel/Spencer Illini Focus/Hawk; 8. Dan George #81 DNS

Feature: Lined up on the inside of front row. I tried my best to make sure it was a good start. I feathered the throttle so that...could go across the line beside me. I did get the jump going into the corner and went in through the middle of the groove. I did not come off turn two as good as a should, as...powered back around me going into three. I ran second before Dick Kaiser also passed me.

Feature race (20 laps):1. Gillis, 2. Kaiser, 3. Knippel, 4. Orseske, 5. Adams, Jr., 6. Dull, 7. Lamont Critchett, 8. Loran Critchett, Jr., 9. Nitz, 10. Morey, 11. Holt, 12, Koerner, 13. Shilkuski, 14. Krysiak DNS, 15. Dunning DNS, 16. George

Illini Racing Series Race #4, May 25, 2008, Grundy County Speedway, Morris, IL

Heat race #1 (10 laps): 1. Lamont Critchett #44, Chicago Heights, IL, Critchett VW/Stapp, 2. Loran Critchett, Jr. #17, Alsip, IL, Dave Gass VW/Challenger; 3. Joe Knippel #33, Mokena, IL, Knippel/Spencer Quad 4/Buzzard; 4. Doug Orseske #0, Frankfort, IL, Diana Orseske Quad 4/Buzzard; 5. Jason Dull #56, Machesney Park, IL, Fontana/Stealth; 6. Dan George #81, Milwaukee, WI., Scream Focus/Stealth; 7. Mike Adams, Jr. #21A, Rockdale, WI, Albert Racing Enterprises Chevy II/Stealth; 8. Eric Nitz #31, Beloit, WI, Knippel/Spencer Quad 4/Ellis; 9. Scott Koerner #4K, Joliet, IL, Task Management Chevy Sesco/Bishop DNF; 10. Joline Deheve-Slomka, Addison, IL, Deheve Racing Ford 2300/Genenten DNS; 11. Dick Kaiser #82 DNS

Feature race (20 laps): 1. Lamont Critchett, 2. Knippel, 3. Orseske, 4. Dull, 5. Adams, Jr., 6. Loran Critchett, Jr., 7. Nitz, 8. Koerner DNF, 9. George DNF, Slomka DNS, Kaiser DNS.

Illini Racing Series Sportsman Midget Points after 4 races:
1. Joe Knippel #33, 1134; 2. Loran Critchett #17, 1022; 3. Doug Orseske #0, 1015; 4. Lamont Critchett #44, 1006; 5. Jason Dull #56, 970; 6. Mike Adams Jr. #21, 721; 7. Allen Gillis #39, 714; 8. Dan George #81, 661; 9. Scott Koerner #4, 609; 10. Eric Nitz #31, 579; 11. Scott Dunning # 1, 526; 12. Freddy Teer #54, 518; 13. Dick Kaiser #82, 504; 14. Mark Morey #3, 399; 15. Charlie Holt #4, 323; 16. David Budres #31, 263; 17. Eddie Sauer #74, 188; 18. Bob Shreffler #21S,181; 19. Tom Shilkuski #23, 128; 20. Mike Krysiak #7, 120; 21. Ken Dull #82, 5 ; 22. Joline Slomka #95, 5

Spencer’s Jewelry Heat #2: Allen Gillis, Westmont, IL #39 Task Management Illini Focus/White; 2. Sean Murphy, Evanston, IL #5 Quad 4/Hawk; 3. Jason Dull, Machesney Park, IL #56 (JJ Precision Grinding Racing) Chevy II/Stealth; 4. Mark Morey, Sugar Grove, IL #3 Morey Enterprises Illini Focus/White; 5. Charlie Holt, Lemont, IL #4H Thompson/Engstrom EcoTech/Stewart; 6. Dick Kaiser, Milwaukee, WI #82 George Racing Enterprises Scream Focus/Buzzard; 7. Tom Shilkuski, Spring Valley, IL #23 Ray Shilkuski Illini Focus/Jack Rich; 8. David Budres, Beloit, WI #31 Knippel/Spencer Quad 4/Ellis.

...Started fourth, alongside Allen Gillis (who won the last IRS feature at the track), and behind Beloit's David Budruss. The pole car of Mark Morey held up Gillis and I was able to run with Budress down the straight. I went into the first corner and thought I turned in too soon. As Budress stayed on the top, I quickly decided to take advantage of my decision and bomb it into the turn. I went through the middle of the track and did a slide job. Budress got in the loose stuff above the "cushion" and wrecked. Restart, Morey got the jump, I didn't get all the way on his side. Got into wall. I thought for sure I was going to flip. Managed to get it going straight though.

ADM Real Estate Feature Event (25 laps): 1. Doug Orseske, 2. Joe Knippel, 3. Allen Gillis, 4. Dick Kaiser, 5. Lamont Critchett, 6. Loran Critchett, Jr., 7. Charlie Holt, 8. Mark Morey, 9. Jason Dull, 10. Sean Murphy, 11. Scott Dunning, 12. Scott Koerner, 13. Tom Shilkuski, 14. David Budres

Illini Sportsman Midget Points after 6/7/08: 1. Joe Knippel 1420, 2. Doug Orseske 1300, 3. Lamont Critchett 1276, 4. Loran Critchett 1263, 5. Jason Dull 1195, 6. Allen Gillis 999, 7. Scott Koerner 790, 8. Dick Kaiser 745, 9 Mike Adams Jr. 721,10. Scott Dunning 721, 11. Dan George 661, 12. Mark Morey 625, 13. Eric Nitz 579, 14. Charlie Holt, 548, 15. Freddie Teer 518, 16. David Budres 361, 17. Tom Shilkuski 233, 18. Sean Murphy 226, 19. Eddie Sauer 188, 20. Bob Shreffler 181, 21. Mike Krysiak 120, 22. Ken Dull 5, 23. Jolene Slomka 5.

While many of the Sun Prairie regulars got to compete at Knoxville last weekend (I was at work), we had another off-week from racing-due Sunday's rainout at Sun Prairie. There may still be some bugs to work out of the 'new' car, and I am still tempted to run it around Rockford for a couple laps Saturday. Thanks to recent help from my dad, uncle Tom, Andy Jones, Bruce Zittleman, and my girlfriend Felisha though, we have attempted to prepare the car as best as possible and also worked to improve some of the appearance. Hopefully this Sunday night at Sun Prairie, will be a better representation for our primary sponsor JJ Precision Grinding and all the other parties that assist this effort. If it means anything to anyone, there will be Fireworks after the racing events Sunday night...I have discovered some items that may improve the handling conditions. On this particular car, chassis builder John Callahan suggests (due to the alignment of the mounting locations) only to run the RF shock in the inner most mounting hole-contrary to it's location in the 'debut' race. I have also discovered that the Steering gear on the car is KSE's most 'stiffest' valved unit. My 'old' car with the brand new 'GEN-2' enclosed-low-resistant-reservoir, Steering Gear, was not so physically demanding (at least when I DID get the car to turn). This 'new' car did take all that I had, at least by feature time, to get around the track. Now, early in the night, in the few laps that we ran, I did like the way the car felt. With the way the track was in the feature that night though, I am sending this out so that no one will be surprised if the old, spare steering gear finds it's way into the car soon. I have attempted to increase my arm work-out program, but I only have so much to start with...Part of the 'off-week' included a stop at the Late Model shop (speaking of cars that are hard to steer). While that trip was primarily to bend one of the new body panels for the 'new' midget, we did take a moment to start the 8-cylinder engine. While I am one who doesn't believe in just starting the car to hear it run, we figured that since it has sat since MAY 12TH (!) without turning over, it may not have been a bad idea. With my Saturday night work schedule possibly opening up, the midget effort officially down to just one engine again, and the Sportsman restricted club's schedule in limbo (of which we still stand 5th in points); maybe I will put more time into that endeavor again. I will have to say it was pretty cool to just walk in there and hit the starting button and have the thing (a car that is just sitting there, that I could drive whenever it works out) fire right off. It did not even need a battery charge-or a push truck!

Although Jerry from JAMR did offer to help me take a look at the "new" Gearte engine we just debut last month, I decided to try something different and took the WHOLE CAR to this Bill guy in Stoughton, WI. I had hoped to start by taking the head off and keeping things local, but I got a late start Wednesday morning (working until 2AM) and that did not happen. There was not anybody else around either (kind of hard to expect with these work hours) and as frustrated as I was, I decided it was better to get the thing out of my hair, before I threw a temper tantrum or anything. Bill sounded confident that he would have parts available to get the thing running. I thought it was my best chance to still get to race Sunday.

While, after the approx. 2 hour round-trip, word from Bill was worse then even my most pessimistic estimate. According to him (remember this is my first experience working with an engine in this position) the cylinder walls, pistons, and valves are damaged. His theories basically amount to the assembly of this engine as unsatisfactory and that it appeared it was just done to get the thing out the door. Bill is thinking that the cam timing adjustment may be off and caused the valves to hit the pistons. He was also not impressed with the honing of the cylinders and thought that may have caused some problems. Guess that ticking noise we heard when we started it may have been something?

At this point, it does not sound like there is any realistic chance I will be racing that car Sunday. Plans are to head back up there Friday at 9 AM to at least pick up the car and consider the options on the motor. I would still like to have the thing ready for next Saturday July 12th at Beaver Dam. I would really like to run that car there.

I have put my position out there on the midget racing forum. I remain optimistic that I may be able to find something to at least start the IRS races Sunday night in their first Sun Prairie appearance of the year. We are currently 5th in those point standings and there schedule is down to about just 10 races. I already called some "vintage" car owners, but neither would have anything ready.

While looking back won't do any good at this point, I will at least write what some are already thinking. As stated previously, I will never quit wishing I could have bought something brand new. I will state again though, that the prices of even the "econo" engines are beyond reality for me. I knew that I was taking a huge gamble not going through this thing before the season, but (after checking and cleaning out what we could-including pumps, lines, etc.) I felt that the decision to leave the engine in was an educated one and that I could trust it was really "fresh" and ready to go. It won't do any good to regret purchasing this thing, but I will state that about the only large purchase I DON'T regret is the only brand new vehicle I ever bought-commonly referred to as the A-gay-o (so far, the Dually truck has worked out ok, but I'm not holding my breath). I do believe that I would feel even worse right now if we HAD gone through the engine and then still had any problems. It is ironic that the thought did cross my head to stay home last weekend, after it appeared that the water pump was leaking on the truck in the parking lot of the gas station in Beloit. I really wanted to get a night on the car before this upcoming Sunday. I guess it bit me in the end here. I am just not ready to reserve myself to just a 9-10 race schedule, although maybe I should.

As far as the next couple of weeks go, as I previously stated, I am not yet giving up on the sponsors, supporters, and that 10 year old boy who wanted to drive midget race cars-even with a Late Model sitting at a shop here in Rockford all but ready to go. This Saturday night the Rockford race is 76 laps long and I could barely make it 16 in the manual steered thing. They are off on the 12th & 26th anyway, so I figured I would continue to focus on the midgets-although I may be tempted to try to get a four cylinder "hornet" going for Saturday night!

Your advice, thoughts, and comments are welcome.

Contrary to what he initially thought, the "expert" from Oregon was not able to get the midget engine rebuilt before last weekend. The damage that was done to the "new" Gearte was worse then he expected. It was however not as bad to my eye as he described on the phone...Sounds like there was a problem with the cam adjustment/idler gear on the front of the motor (the Geartes are notorious for issues with this). The exhaust valves kissed the top of the pistons. There were lots of other parts in the valve train that did not look so good. He says he has the cam polished up and would not be afraid to use it though. While the cylinder walls are definitely damaged, it is my opinion that 2,3, & 4 would clean up to maybe .045 over-but #4 has a deep gap and looks like it would have to go to .060. The pistons are the standard 4.030, so if we did hone the walls out, they would then have to be replaced. According to Bill (from Oregon) new sleeves are $275 from Gearte. He would want about $100 to install and size them. It may cost a little more for a complete set of larger pistons. They do no go to water, so hopefully this would not cause any major issues. He is quoting $101 for a set of Total Seal Rings. Otherwise, even though they look good but since the engine is apart, new rod bearings are ironically $56 and main bearings are $105. Bill SAYS that a "high total estimate" for parts and labor is $1500. That is about all that my bank account says I have left (my calculations have it in the negatives)...While I went to inspect what he had apart and picked up the car Saturday (after they pulled the Gearte), the engine does remain up there. I am thinking that I will give them a shot at rebuilding it. There is plenty that I can be doing to the car and it is much less stressful for someone else to do it. I have had second thoughts about not having it done locally though. We will have to see how it works out. I would like to have the thing done before the weekend. I do not believe that we could really have it ready for Saturday at Beaver Dam (although I intend to give it a shot), but I want to at least run Sun Prairie Sunday. (They say they are going to host a 50 lap feature-after last week's possible record low 19 BMARA car count I bet less then 10 cars will be running at the finish of that marathon weekend though)...In general, it was Bill's opinion that the rod length, cam, etc. are geared for larger tracks though. I do not intend to do anything about this at this time. It should be better then what I am used to no matter what it is. Now if I can figure out how to use it all? That or it may be time for another purchase that would at least assist my traction efforts...

Date: 07-05-08
Track: Rockford Speedway
Division: Hornet
Car: 1991 Cavalier

Thanks to Andy Jones from JJ Precision Grinding, who "donated" the old rusty Cavalier, and Joe LaMarca of North State Motors-who was the only one who assisted my last minute preparation efforts and thankfully pointed out that I had removed the stock seat belt when stripping the car (good motivation to "install" a 5-point harness), I did get a few laps around the Rockford Speedway track in the their 4th of July Holiday weekend events. While it has been sometime since these efforts have beard "fruitful" (Ironically I won a heat and finished 3rd in a July 4th Hornet feature 7 years ago! Ran 2nd in the next feature and led laps in the one after that. See "Racing Journal" for more details), it was a nice distraction from the disappointment of my 2008 midget season (or "career"?). The biggest problem with Saturday night's effort was keeping RF tires on the car. While the car did take off (except for the feature when the required radio feel out of the dash and landed by the shifter...I knew I should have wired it in) and got around all-right, the Hornet track includes a trip through the infield (they call it a "Monza coarse") necessitating a less then ideal entry angle into the "real" turn 3. I just could not get it through that part of the "chicane" correctly. The "original" tires on the car were less then ideal, so after the RF blew out after a few laps in the heat, Joe and I went back to the shop at Otto Road and then had all four tires replaced with a nicer "pre-used" set I had around. We also did what we could for "chassis" adjustments (stiffing the RF) and air pressure (had to run more then ideal in the LR, as the bead seal was leaking). I attempted to not be so conservative in the opening laps of the feature, but ended up getting caught up in a deal when I was "leaning" on a car going into the chicane. I lost any ground that I might have had. I believe that one of the front running cars got around after this, and I think we may have at least held some ground for a lap or two anyway. The effort was not really going anywhere though, so I kept working on getting out of "turn 3". Growing tired of this struggle, I did my best to "bomb it in" (thinking like I do on a qualifying lap at Sun Prairie). If there was any life left on my "new" RF tire, it did not handle that though. Might have to try a "beadlock" next time? Maybe had too much air still in the LR. I think the car would be fine for the Enduro though.

Although I did have the 36 hour Hornet "distraction" going on, I did continue my efforts to find a ride for Sun Prairie through-out the weekend. I called about everyone I could think of, from John Lajune to AJ Fike and even BJ Dahlke (they did sell the other Mopar powered car), for an opportunity to at least start their car in the IRS (we were 5th in the "restricted" class going into Sunday) feature. While former "sportsman" racer Matt Dailey did offer an ex-Quinn McCabe quad 4 "vintage" car for future use (I have to go up to Albany, pick up, and complete "restoration"..."It might have an oil pump in it") the only other group to entertain my offer (all the IRS "prize money" and whatever else they may want) was the Slotten team. Bypassing the thought of putting the old Chevy II back together at least for "start and parks", I loaded up the "A-gay-o" with a brand new set of the hard IRS tires (thought I could at least break them in). When I was not spending time pursuing about every other option that I could at the track, we hung out in the Slotten pit. With engine problems of their own, and the fact that BMARA is running a "joke" B-main (which Slotten would have had to run), the deal was off. I did appreciate John and Jake Slotten's time and consideration though (we had "worked" with them in the past and can confidentially say we assisted their top 10 BMARA point finish in 2005-see the "Racing Journal" on website for details). Less then happy, we left the track before the features (which Jake was scored last in) and, with tears in my eyes, headed toward the Wisconsin Dells to get some laps in the go-karts up there. It was not until passing the Schoep's Ice Cream headquarters on the side of I-90 that I had to really struggle. Talking of how they used to give away FREE icecream (guess I have always looked for a deal) and thinking of how my sister, mom, and I would usually take advantage of while my dad was in the pits, I thought of how long Sun Prairie has been a part of my life and has been something I have wanted to be successful at. As much as I have kind of tried to "hate" the place the last couple of years (due to the grind of showing up every week with a less then competitive car and only so much talent), I guess it is kind of like, air. What do they say, you don't realize how much you need/like it until you "aren't getting any"?...Anyway, as I'll have posted, we did fall from 5th to 6th in the IRS standings. At this stage, any real chance of competing in 75% of the BMARA shows (enough for point fund money) is out the window as well. Hopefully I can get my act together though and can end this season with as much optimism as last year...I have however found out that "car owner" Kevin Eggert (who's late year offer actually gave me some confidence and credibility) has sold off his midget stuff. After his business burnt down and his Gearte expiring when I ran it down the back straight last fall, Kevin's interest waned. He sold the all-but brand new Spike and equipment to somebody in Australia. Kevin said that the way the economy is right now, they are paying top US dollar for midgets. Maybe I should do the same with some of my midget "junk"? Anyway, he is going Super Late Model racing at Kaukauna and hoping some group will start a local non-wing 360 sprint club. He figures with "only" $12,000 V-8s, that would put BMARA out of business.

From IRS: Just one week after having a hit and run driver destroy his tow vehicle and trailer, Kurt Mayhew found himself in victory lane at the world’s most famous midget track. Mayhew had planned to run once again with the Illini Racing Series, but after his highway accident, that seemed in doubt. When the “friends of Mayhew” brought the car into the pits tonight, everyone was happy to see the veteran driver feeling well enough to give it a try. With his Brayton/Buick choked down with the required intake restrictors, and a set of Illini spec tires bolted on his Buzzard chassis, Mayhew gingerly slid his bruised ribs into the cockpit of his racecar. With no qualifying, his draw put him in the 2nd heat with four of the five feature race winners from this year, Joe Knippel, Allen Gillis, Lamont Critchett, and Doug Orseske. The heat also included Sean Murphy, Mark Morey and Duke Fulton in his 1980’s vintage Vogler chassised car from Iowa compete. Knippel won the heat, with Mayhew 2nd. The first heat saw a sweep of the top three positions by Wisconsin drivers. David Budres took the early lead, but spun in turn one, sending him to the back of the pack. The Beloit driver came back to win, followed by Milwaukee’s Dick Kaiser, and Rockdale’s Mike Adams, Jr. The A-Main featured a number of great batttles for positions, with Mayhew working his way to the front, chased by a determined Gillis and Knippel. Mayhew was able to catch a breather under yellow flags on lap 6 for a Budres brush with the inside guardrail in turn 4, on lap 8 for Murphy’s broken Panhard bar, and on lap 12 when Orseske lost the right front tire and gently brushed the wall.

Heat #2 (10 laps): 1. Joe Knippel, Mokena, IL, #33 INR Beatty Lumber Quad-4/Buzzard 2. Kurt Mayhew, Hammond, IN, #21 Mayhew Racing Buick/Buzzard; 3. Allen Gillis, Westmont, IL, #39 Task Management Illini Focus/White; 4. Lamont Critchett, Chicago Heights, IL, #44 Critchett VW/Stapp; 5. Sean Murphy, Evanston, IL, #5 Half Fast Quad-4/Hawk; 6. Duke Fulton, Winton, IA, #32 Arnold Automotive VW/Vogler;; 7. Doug Orseske, Frankfort, IL, #0 Orseske Farms Quad-4/Buzzard; 8. Mark Morey, Sugar Grove, IL, #3 RaceFab Illini Focus/White; 9. Jason Dull, Machesney Park, IL, DNS

A-Main (25 laps): 1. Mayhew, 2. Gillis, 3. Knippel, 4. La. Critchett, 5. Kaiser, 6. Sauer, 7. Lo. Critchett, Jr., 8. Fulton, 9. Morey, 10. Shilkuski, 11. Koerner, 12. Orseske, 13. Adams, Jr., 14. Murphy. 15. Dunning, 16. Budres, 17. Dull (DNS)

CURRENT ILLINI RACING SERIES POINTS AS OF 7/7/08: 1. Joe Knippel, 1705; 2. Lamont Critchett, 1532; 3. Loran Critchett, Jr., 1496; 4. Doug Orseske, 1473; 5. Allen Gillis, 1277; 6. Jason Dull, 1195; 7. Dick Kaiser, 1008; 8. Scott Koerner, 970; 9. Mike Adams Jr., 916; 10. Scott Dunning, 879; 11. Mark Morey, 813; 12. Dan George, 661; 13. Eric Nitz, 579; 14. David Budres, 549; 15. Charlie Holt, 548; 16. Freddy Teer, 518; 17. Eddie Sauer, 421; 18. Tom Shilkuski, 414; 19. Sean Murphy, 399; 20.. Kurt Mayhew, 293; 21. Duke Fulton, 211; 22. Bob Shreffler, 181; 23. Mike Krysiak, 120; 24 Ken Dull, 5; 25. Jolene Slomka, 5.

By Bryan Gapinski Beaver Dam, Wis., July 12---Brandon Waelti scored his second feature victory of the season, winning "Round Three of Duel at the Dam", 30-lap Badger Midget Series feature, Saturday Night at Charter Raceway Park. Due to curfew regulations, the events final seven laps were not completed. Chad DeSelle moved from outside of row 2 to take the lead on the opening lap, followed by Brad Loyet, who improved two positions. The events first seven laps were slowed by four caution flags, including a five car accident on lap 7 involving series points leader Mike Hess. On the restart Dan Mecum, flipped escaping injury. Each restart DeSelle maintained the lead over Loyet. The turning point of the event came on lap 11, when Waelti moved into second position, one lap later Waelti took the lead from DeSelle. Two more cautions on laps 17 and 18, bunching up the field. Waelti maintained a three car-length advantage over Loyet when a mutli-car spin occurred on lap 23, forcing the completion of the event due to curfew regulations. Waelti driving the Waelti-Schulenberg Racing/Stealth/Ford-Esslinger finished ahead of Loyet, Matt Smith scored a career best feature finish, coming home in third place. Aaron Fiscus, and Hess who recovered from the lap 7 accident completed the top five. DeSelle set a 15-lap track record winning the semi-feature...SUMMARY: 1. Brandon Waelti; 2. Brad Loyet; 3. Matt Smith; 4. Aaron Fiscus; 5. Mike Hess; 6. Scott Hatton; 7.Chad DeSelle; 8. Robbie Ray; 9. Tim Noble;10. David Gough; 11. A.J. Fike; 12.Joe Wipperfurth; 13. Dakota Armstrong; 14. Davey Ray; 15. Kris Hoegsted; 16. Jason Dull; 17. Bryon Walters; 18. Buddy Luebke; 19. Jake Slotten; 20. Michael Pickens; 21. Dan Mecum; 22.Nick Lundgreen; 23. Bobby East; 24.Jim Fuerst; 25. Zach Daum; 26. Derrick Myers...Cars Present: 29*Mecum flipped lap 7 of feature, uninjured.

By Bryan Gapinski: Scott Hatton won the 50-lap Badger Midget Series feature Sunday Night at Angell Park Speedway. The win marked the 30th career feature victory at the track for Hatton, seventh place on the all-time track feature win list.
Bobby East paced the initial two laps, before Michael Pickens took over the lead. Pickens and East pulled away from the field. On lap 8, Pickens suffered a broken rear axle midway down the backstretch causing the car to flip several times. After landing on its side, the car caught on fire. Pickens emerged uninjured. East inherited the lead on the restart. Hatton moved into second place on lap 9, and one lap later took the lead from East. Hatton, running the cushion on a rough track increased his lead each lap, and held a 1/3-lap lead, when the red flag appeared for a flip involving fast qualifier Nick Lundgreen on lap 26. East restarting in third place suffered mechanical problems lining up for the restart and retired from the event. Hatton quickly moved away from the field and again began lapping cars again on lap 35. Hatton spent the remainder of the event in lapped traffic. Sixth place Robbie Ray flipped on lap 48, escaping injury, due to curfew regulations the event was scored complete. Hatton driving the Huston Solution Racing/Stealth/Mopar#15 finished ahead of Brandon Waelti, Brad Loyet, Mike Hess and Matt Smith. Hess holds a 98-point lead over Waelti heading into the July 20 event at Angell Park...Lap Leaders: East 1-3, Pickens 4-8, East 9-10, Hatton 11-50.
* Justin Allgaier flipped in semi feature.

From Ken Dull: Doc J piloted the #56 last night at Angell Park. Battled his way to 7th in the B-main..one spot out of the transfer position. Then one of the Fiscus cars pooped and brought out a yellow with three laps to go. The Dr. was in the transfer spot. Behind him was the injured Kurt Mayhew, who was still walking slow from his traffic accident (drunk Driver) two weeks ago. Jason had already passed Kurt earlier and assumed he had secured this position. On the restart he played it a little too easy and Mayhew, the wily veteran, seized the opportunity and regained the transfer spot, relegating Doc J to "first alternate" status. And guess what, they didn't need an alternate this evening. Lessons learned;

1) Old age and treachery can still beat youthful exuberance on occasion.
2) Never back off until you see the checkered flag.
3) It ain't over till it's over.

Hornets
A-Main 01 -- 1. Alan Bekielewski, Roscoe; 2. Solomon Barker, South Beloit; 3. Matt Mangiaracina, Machesney Park; 4. Randy Reynolds, Rockford; 5. Bryan Ellis, Roscoe; 6. Richard Remer, Winnebago; 7. Roger Schultz, Rockford; 8. Dennis Deckard, Pecatonica; 9. Andy Hill, South Beloit; 10. Scott Schelling;; 11. Rick Conradson, Janesville, Wis; 12. David Pautsch, Jr, Roscoe; 13. Jason Dull, Machesney Park (RF tire problems); 14. Mark Vicencio, Rockford; 15. Jake Vicencio, Rockford; 16. Jason Kline, Loves Park; 17. Justin Pearson, Belvidere.

Challenge 01 -- 1. Nick Lasher, Machesney Park; 2. Alan Bekielewski, Roscoe; 3. Solomon Barker, South Beloit; 4. Matt Mangiaracina, Machesney Park; 5. Roger Schultz, Rockford; 6. Andy Hill, South Beloit; 7. Jason Dull, Machesney Park; 8. Randy Reynolds, Rockford; 9. Jake Vicencio, Rockford; 10. David Pautsch, Jr, Roscoe; 11. Jason Kline, Loves Park; 12. Rick Conradson, Janesville, Wis.

Winged Women on Wheels
A-Main 01 -- 1. Olivia Chance, Roscoe; 2. Sarah Trank, Belvidere; 3. Laura Siarkiewicz, Algonquin; 4. Robin Ulrey, Rockford; 5. Felicia Morgan, Machesney Park.

Heat 01 -- 1. Laura Siarkiewicz, Algonquin; 2. Robin Ulrey, Rockford; 3. Sarah Trank, Belvidere; 4. Felicia Morgan, Machesney Park; 5. Olivia Chance, Roscoe.

I was just planning on taking the hornet out there while doing trophies. Was hoping to go a couple of rounds in the Hornet "Spectator Drags" Challenge. I was not too worried about the chicane, as that car doesn't come our of the infield well. I got teamed against the reigning Hornet champ in the one-on-one event. Although I got a better start then I thought and I all but put the guy against the wall through one and two, he pulled away coming out of the second corner (I think he went on to win). At the end of the night, I made a last minute decision to run the Hornet feature-figured it would be somesort of workout and we were there anyway (I quickly wore off another RF tire trying to get the thing out of the chicane).

Felisha's deal was definitely last minute. She was wound up and complaining back in the trophy room. I finally told her to take my $40, go get registered, and find out if she HAD to have a wing-but that I couldn't go with her right then, as I HAD to finish making the trophies for that night. She quit whining and took the money. I ended up throwing the rest of the trophies together and used some I might not have otherwise and went with her. She did get the paperwork taken care of and started to unload the car herself, while I set the trophies out. In typical fashion, we (with some help from Joe LaMarca) got her out just in time for the heat! I have never watched a longer race! I was very thankful that it was only 6 laps! (That car is not the safest that has ever left the Otto Road shop). She made it through fine (avoiding an out of control driver that spun early and then when trying to pass the #56D), staying on the lead lap and all, coming in and saying "I thought I did a good job for my first time". She was then surprised to learn that she could run the feature too. I was surprised that she was going to have an outside front row starting spot (reveresed heat finish?) in the five car feature. She held her own for the opening laps and ran "mid-pack" until the faster cars got around. Not a bad start at all. Stayed on the lead lap again. I almost had her black flagged as that notorious RF was rolling over and almost riding on the wheel. I stood in three and watched that it didn't get any worse. Again I was glad that was only a 12 lap race.

By Bryan Gapinski: Jerry Coons Jr. scored his third series victory of the season, capturing the 30-lap Badger Midget Series feature, Sunday Night at Angell Park Speedway. After setting fast time Coons moved up four positions in the first two laps, before the event was stopped for a flip involving Tim Noble. On the restart Robbie Ray continued to lead, while Coons moved into third place on the lap 5 behind Ray and Bubba Altig. A caution on lap 7 bunched up the field. One lap after the restart Coons running in third behind Ray and Altig passed both drivers down the backstretch and drove into turn 3, as the leader. Within one lap Coons stretched his lead to a five-car length advantage. Coons then increased his lead over Altig, to a full straightaway with 10 laps remaining. Despite running in lapped traffic Coons continued to increased his lead.
Coons lapped up to eight place, when with three laps remaining Jake Slotten flipped in turn 2, escaping injury.This set-up a three-lap dash to the finish. With two laps cars between himself and Altig on the restart, Coons driving the Ralph Wilke owned Spike/Mopar#5 raced unchallenged to the checkered flag. Australian Matt Smith placed third, his best career finish at the track, while series points leader Mike Hess after starting last finished fourth, with Brandon Waelti completing the top five. Hess currently leads Waelti by 96 points heading into the July 27 event at Angell Park.

BMARA POINTS STANDINGS AS OF 7/20/08
POSITION, DRIVER, POINTS, PASS PTS, CAR #, OWNER, POINTS

I am going to attempt to take the 'new' midget out to Rockford Speedway for a few laps tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon. I would have much rather tested during the night session, but I cannot get off work. Being that this car has most likely NEVER been on pavement, I think it is important to at least get a few laps in. Although I did not feel that my driving performance had improved Sunday at Sun Prairie and I did not do enough to pass David Gough and Bryon Walters (the 9th and 10th place feature finishers), I do not believe that (thanks to Andy Jones of JJ Precision Grinding for 'newer' equipment) there were any issues/excuse with the performance of the engine and car (the steering rod that has been notorious for coming loose this year-even though it is double nutted and lock tighted-and another bolt that holds on one of the RH radius rods-which I KNOW was tight before the races-were the only issues I have discovered...maybe these did effect the handling some?). Anyway, I have tried to keep the maintenance light this week and have mostly concentrated on switching the chassis set-up over to the hard surface. My thoughts are to do my normal 'surgical cleaning', engine/fuel system maintenance, and final fastener checks Friday and Saturday.

Hopefully I can get through the first corner of the IRS feature Saturday night at Rockford without wrecking half of the field and then work for a successful finish. If all goes well, I would still have the desire to compete at Sun Prairie again Sunday night. Although I would prefer to race almost everyday, it is not the end of the world if I missed a show at the track-but with the car count as low as it has been and I expect it to be (big midget race week starting in the NE & KS area) there is an opportunity for a decent run. I will however, not be able to make an attempt at properly switching everything back over without assistance. There are obviously corners I could cut, but I tend to do the actual work on the car pretty slow and am anal about how I feel things should be done. Not to mention the fact that educational and work experience have led me to believe in the success of a team environment and the fact that the lack of recent results has all but eliminated any confidence I have in making decisions. So, if there is not any interest in assisting this effort (unless it is from a mass contingent, anything after noon Sunday may not be enough), please let me know and I will instead start drinking beer following the events at the Speedway. Thank-you.

From IRS (See racing journal for more details-JD): For the second time this season, the Illini Racing Series (IRS) midgets shared the card with the ASA Late Models and their support classes. This time the venue was the historic Rockford Speedway. The midgets put on some the best racing of the evening. Doug Orseske became the first two time winner of the season, after a spirited battle with Lamont Critchett. Critchett was able to use lapped traffic to gain the lead for one lap, but Orseske battled back on the high side to reclaim the top spot a lap later. Loran Critchett, Jr. picked a his first checkered flag of the year, winning heat #1 over local favorite Jason Dull and Orseske. Heat #2 was all Freddie Teer, with Joe Knippel closing in on the final laps. Sean Murphy brought the Half Fast team’s new car to a pavement track for the first time to take third in this heat and the feature.

Heat Race #1 (8 laps): 1. Loran Critchett, Jr., Alsip, IL, Dave Gass #17 VW/Challenger; 2. Jason Dull, Machesney Park, IL, #56 JJ Precision Grinding #56 Chevy II/Stealth; 3. Doug Orseske, Frankfort, IL, Orsske Farms #0 Quad 4/Buzzard; 4. Mike Adams, Jr., Rockdale, WI, Albert Motorsports #21 Chevy II/Mislich; 5. Scott Dunning, Bolingbrook, IL, Knippel/Spencer Racing #1 Illini Focus/Hawk; 6. Black Bart, Chicago, IL, Black Bart Race Cars #91 VW/Kenyon; 7. Ben Gillis, Westmont, IL, Task Management #39 Illini Focus/White; 8. Eddie Sauer, Davis, IL, Sauer Motorsports 2300cc Ford/Edmunds.

Feature Race (25 laps): 1. Orseske, 2. La. Critchett, 3. Murphy, 4. Knippel, 5. Lo. Critchett, 6. Budres, 7. Dull, 8. Teer, 9. Gillis, 10. Morey, 11. Koerner, 12. Bart, 13. Dunning, 14. Adams, !5. Sauer, DNS.

Illini Racing Series Points after 7 races: 1. Joe Knippel, 1976; 2. Lamont Critchett, 1803; 3. Loran Critchett, 1766; 4. Doug Orseske, 1758; 5. Jason Dull, 1443; 6. Allen Gillis, 1277; 7. Scott Koerner, 1158; 8. Mike Adams Jr., 1097; 9. Scott Dunning, 1059; 10. Dick Kaiser, 1008

...Threw away a win in the heat after "Fast" Eddie Sauer blew his engine up with two laps to go. I let Lamont Crichett get the jump on me on BOTH restart attempts. Could not find a way around him and settled for second-where I took the green from.

Had a decent start to the feature. Ran 4th, behind three very experienced IRS drivers, for the first seven laps. Was having the time of my life...until another caution came out. My right side "head rest" pad fell off and I had to throw that out before we went green. Did not get off to a good restart, again, and let former IRS champion Joe Knippel by. I think that maybe we had blown the oil dry of the track from the previous street stock race, and it seemed to tighten up on me. Maintained fifth through mid-race, but-in addition to the lack of a head rest, I had some other "comfort" issues occur. Something just did not feel right with the throttle pedal. It seemed to be somewhat binding, or something was underneath it. I wonder if I may have got a little oil on it (CANNOT find the slight leak) and my foot slipped up? Then, even though I was not even taking it into the corner that hard, the brakes faded! I let Lamont and fellow IRS/BMARA counterpart David Budress by late.

A lot of work for 7th place, but gained snuck back into top five.

Not sure what is going to happen tomorrow. Either way I will be out in the shop most of the day.

...It was a broken brake rotor! A bolt flew up under the pedal. THIRD rotor I have broke in my midget "career". I don't even think I use them that much on dirt-and I was not bombing it into the corner that hard Saturday night. Might have to start getting them from somewhere else.

Date: 08-03-08

Track: Sun Prairie

Division: IRS/BMARA

Car: 1999 Stealth/Gearte

From IRS: Kurt Mayhew made it two straight Illini Racing Series (IRS) wins at Angell Park Speedway, picking up a clean sweep along the way. Mayhew’s qualifying time of 17.124 established a track record for this club on their first night with qualifying at the legendary speedway. Five time Illini driving champion, Sue Spencer returned to the track that helped her win the Badger Rookie of the Year title in 1986, joining Lee Beckwith and Dave Ohlendorf on their first outing in some time. Chuck Shultz signed in as a car owner after a 32 year break. Badger veteran Mayhew took the first heat, but it was stock car veteran Scott Koerner who showed his versatility by taking the checkers of heat two, followed by another stock car driver Scott Dunning, flexing the power of his newly installed single overhead cam Olds powerplant. Dave Ohlendorf made an impressive debut on dirt with a strong third place heat finish. The feature race was highlighted by a great battle between Mayhew and Jason Dull that lasted until the crossed flags at half way. At that point, Dull’s car encountered a mechanical problem that slowed him slightly, but just enough for Joe Knippel and Allen Gillis to slip by. Knippel’s car put a hole in both sides of the block as he entered turn three, but managed to cross the stripe in an expensive plume of smoke ("Suitcase" tireman Dwight Steffan reported shrapnel of the rod and piston assembly landed inches away from a pair of the fairer members of the Jim Fuerst crew. Makes a good argument for the utilization of high dollar "race" parts, compared to some of the "stock" components found in most of the IRS engines-JD).

Peacock Publishing Qualifying Results: 1. Kurt Mayhew, Roselawn, IN, #21k Mayhew Racing Buick/Buzzard, 17.124; 2. Jason Dull, Machesney Park, IL, #56 JJ Grinding Chevy II/Stealth, 17.486; 3. Joe Knippel, Mokena, IL, INR Beatty Lumber Quad 4/Buzzard #33, 17.904; 4. Allen Gillis, Westmont, IL, #39 Task Management Illini Focus/White, 18.057; 5. Dick Kaiser, Milwaukee, WI, #82 Allis Car Care Scream Focus/Buzzard, 18.173; 6. Lamont Critchett, Demotte, IN, #44 Boomba Specialties VW/Stapp, 18.364; 7. Sue Spencer, Joliet, IL, #31 Spencer/Knippel Quad 4/Ellis, 18.748; 8. Doug Orseske, Frankfort, IL, #0 Orseske Farms Quad 4/Buzzard, 19.065; 9. Eddie Sauer, Davis, IL #11 Beta Gear Service VW/Mongrel, 19.227; 10. Scott Koerner, Joliet, IL #4 Task Management Sesco/Bishop, 19.239; 11. Loran Critchett, Jr., Alsip, IL #17 Micro Blue Racing, 19.251; 12. Lee Beckwith, Channahon, IL #69 Evolution Motorsports Quad 4/Stewart, 19.260; 13. Mark Morey, Sugar Grove, IL, #3 Morey Enterprises Illini Focus/White, 19.602; 14. Scott Dunning, Bolingbrook, IL, #1 Knippel/Spencer Olds/Hawk, 19.870; 15. Dave Ohlendorf, New Lenox, IL, #2 Ohlendorf Racing Products Focus/Stealth, 20.592; 16. Mike Adams, Jr., Rockdale, WI, #21A Albert Racing Experience Chevy II/Mishlich, DNQ

Heat #1 (10 laps): 1. Mayhew, 2. Knippel, 3. Dull, 4. Gillis, 5. Spencer, 6. Orseske, 7. Kaiser, 8. La. Critchett

Heat #2 (10 laps): 1. Koerner, 2. Dunning, 3. Ohlendorf, 4. Sauer, 5. Beckwith, 6. Lo. Critchett, Jr., 7. Morey, 8. Adams

ADM Realty Feature Race (20 laps): 1. Mayhew, 2. Knippel, 3. Gillis, 4. Dull, 5. Sauer, 6. Spencer, 7. Dunning, 8. Lo. Critchett, Jr., 9. Morey, 10. Ohlendorf, 11. Koerner, 12. Beckwith, 13. Orseske, DNS: Kaiser, La. Critchett, Adams, Jr.

Well, thanks to the help that I do have from the crew in the pits, sponsors, and everyone else that assists my effort, we were able to start the night of racing last Sunday, with some success (please see the website for more details). Even though we qualified second, ran third in the heat, and led about half the feature with the IRS club (before I threw away the lead and then a steering bracket problem-possibly due to my Dukes of Hazard attempt at the start of the heat?-cost us two more spots in the end), the engine progressively got sour as the night when on. It just did not have the pull it needed when we did have a good lap, and it would not come off of (or from above) the cushion when I did actually try to run a good line (hence the reason I moved from the way wide top side of the track and shut the door on the low line, then running the middle of the track in the IRS feature; after eventual winner, 35-year racing veteran Kurt Mayhew, had shown me his nose early on. Although it was a beautiful lane to run in that night, the top just seemed too far around for that restricted motor).  I had thought that any sound variation or lack of power had to be from the fact that the IRS club requires intake inserts that cut-off about half of the air supply into the engine (reducing the power and-with the use of the harder tire-leveling the playing field). The crew convinced me otherwise and we did check out all that we really could-without giving up on chassis adjustments during the night-in the pits, but did not find anything.

After everyone worked at removing the restrictors, setting the car up for the regular BMARA class, and made a quick repair to the right front spindle and steering link (not that any of that is really that important...) we did make it out just in time for the start of the feature.  We were able to get around a couple of the backmarkers, after what some have described as a pretty intense battle (while I got used to the 'regular' midget set-up and the fact that the steering had just been hastily screwed together, I really had not got too far 'up on the wheel' yet though).  We eventually closed in on a pack of eventual top-10 finishers and we should have made the pass, but I screwed up my line through turns one and two. Once I finally got a rhythm going again, the motor officially went sour. Being the slow reactor that I can sometimes be, I did have to 'make-sure'. It did not get any better though, so I finally did shut the power off (I will mention that having missed the front stretch track exits, I did kill the car in a timely enough matter that it was able to coast all the way around the first corners and into the back stretch entrance, and almost to the pit area! All without the benefit of a caution).

Plenty upset for not being 100% confident that the water level in the car was sufficient, after I somewhat calmed down, some of us on the crew went to work to evaluate the situation. I apologize for any post race 'shortness', as every minute counts when it comes to these quick turn around deals (I would have surely rather enjoyed a little bench racing). After finding metal particles in the oil filter screen and 'blow-by' in the cylinders, a good amount of the crew joined me back at the shop to assist removing the engine. After more hours of sleep then I intended, but with some additional assistance Monday morning, we did have the car down to JAMR Racing Engines and then had the engine out of the car by 12:15 p.m.

It appears that the number one lifter went bad and caused damage to the camshaft (I should have known that the thing was trying to tell me something when I did notice some more lash while checking the engine out Sunday morning). After Next Day shipping the cam to the original engine manufactor, I have been informed that the replacement of all these items should be 'only' about $700. (Another reminder to NEVER EVER buy anything used, EVER again...I knew better and am not at all surprised that we are dealing with these engine issues).

Even with all of this going on, because of the timing of events and the way things work out, we will be involved at Rockford Speedway tonight (Wednesday) for one of their last mid-week events. Girlfriend Felisha Morgan will be campaigning one of the four cylinder 'Hornets' in the Winged Women on Wheels division and I hope to run an event or two (with the boys), if we can get the car handling better and everything works out. We will be working on the chassis and safety issues most of the day.

While my focus is to compete again Sunday at Sun Prairie (the IRS-the club that we remain 5th in points-is back for their last appeareance) it would be much easier if I could find another car to run in either class. Any assistance on either endevour is grealty appreciated. There are only so many hours in the day and the cars can not get themselves to the racetrack. Please let me know if you would like to be, or can continue to be, involved at all. Thank-you.

...I never knew Kurt was right behind me the whole first half! I swear I heard "yellow-yellow" on the radio AFTER (anyway) he passed me. As slow as some of those cars were and with the flagman waving the blue and yellow flag, I coasted down the front straight one lap. I quickly realized it was still green, but you had pulled away. Would not have mattered much anyway, as it was a steering issue that slowed my pace to a crawl with two to go.

From IRS: With races left at Angell Park this Sunday and August 30th at Hawkeye Downs (and possibly one more pavement date), here is how the points shake out year to date: 1. Joe Knippel 2256, 2. Loran Critchett, Jr. 1951, 3. Doug Orseske 1938, 4. Lamont Critchett 1878, 5. Jason Dull 1713, 6. Allen Gillis 1537, Scott Koerner 1363, 7. Scott Dunning 1259, 8. Mark Morey 1199, 9. Dick Kaiser 1158, 10. Mike Adams, Jr. 1097, 11. David Budres 782, 12. Freddie Teer 766, 13. Eddie Sauer 744, 14. Sean Murphy 669, 15. Dan George 661, 16. Kurt Mayhew 593, 17. Eric Nitz 579, 18. Charlie Holt 548, 19. Tom Shilkuski 514, 20. Sue Spencer 225, 21 Duke Fulton 211, 22. Ben Gillis 195, 23t.Bob Shreffler 181, 23t. Black Bart 181, 25. Dave Ohlendorf 175, 26. Lee Beckwith 170, 27. Mike Krysiak 120, 28t. Ken Dull 5, 28t. Jolene Slomka 5

From Angell Park: ...Some were high, some ran low and Kurt Mayhew went wherever he needed to at the start of the first IRS heat. As Mayhew cruised past everyone from his third row start, they went three wide behind him in a battle for third on lap three. Joe Knippel, the current IRS point leader, came out ahead in that fight. He caught a break three laps later when a yellow bunched the field. But Mayhew was too strong and he lead a parade around the cushion to take the win...Scott Koerner walked away from the field in the last IRS heat as his most likely adversary, Eddie Sauer was close early, but got caught up in a racing incident and was relegated to start in the rear after a yellow. Koerner, who is also a stock car regular, won easliy...The 20 lap feature for the IRS started with Jason Dull on the outside pole and Mayhew right behind him. Mayhew won the last time the IRS ran at Angell Park and Dull is always strong with the group. Both are also Badger regulars. Dull took the lead early, but Mayhew was right behind him. On lap one Mayhew took a peek under Dull, but Dull cut the route off in turn one. Mayhew then passed Dull on the next lap only to have Dull get him back. The two worked closely together for several laps when Mayhew finally got by Dull at the line on lap ten. Dull stayed on the gas and banged the cushion hard in turn one, trying to regain the lead, but to no avail. Before that lap was complete, Dull was noticeably slower and Mayhew distanced himself. Mayhew was able to glide along the cushion while encountering respectful lapped cars and went unchallenged to make it a clean sweep. Knippel was second and Alen Gillis was third. Both have run with Badger in the past. Dull came across in fourth, barely under power...The Badger drivers were advised that the IRS feature would serve as their ten minute warning. The problem with this is there is no break for the IRS crossovers. Mayhew did an abbreviated Victory Lane interview, but had the luxury of two cars, so he had to just strap into a different machine. Dull could sit in his car, already strapped in, but his crew had to change injector pills and tires to make the car Badger-ready. Both made the bell, with some courtesy from Badger.

QUAL HT 1
B FEAT

A FEAT

1 4 HESS 14.737 1 WAELTI 1 DESELLE 1 HATTON

2 3 WAELTI 15.043 2 WIPPERFURTH 2 WALTERS 2 ALTIG

3 67 ALTIG 15.047 3 HATTON 3 NOBLE 3 CLARKE

4 57 DESELLE 15.057 4 GOUGH 4 FISCUS 4 NOBLE

5 3R RAY 15.083 5 DESELLE 5 GOUGH 5 DESELLE

6 15 HATTON 15.088 HT 2 6 LEJUENE 6 RAY

7 13 CLARKE 15.181 1 HESS 7 LUEBKE 7 FISCUS

8 14 GOUGH 15.250 2 RAY 8 IRWIN 8 GOUGH

9 5W WALTERS 15.263 3 ALTIG 9 CLARKE 9 IRWIN

10 7 FISCUS 15.276 4 CLARKE 10 MAYHEW

11 71 NOBLE 15.285 5 WALTERS 11 LUEBKE

12 19 WIPPERFURTH 15.409 DASH 12 LEJUENE

13 34 LEJUENE 15.439 1 DESELLE 13 WIPPERFURTH

14 43 LUEBKE 15.586 2 WAELTI 14 WALTERS

15 21K MAYHEW 5.630 3 ALTIG 15 BUDRES

16 56 DULL 15.933 4 HESS 16 WAELTI

17 31 BUDRES 16.868 17 HESS

18 79 IRWIN 17.734

Email and ask about our qualifying run, if interested. jdull99@hotmail.com

From Rockford Speedway (Finally updated for Wednesday): ...Robin Ulrey claimed the Winged Women on Wheels feature win, an event that saw multiple wild slide jobs (between the second and third place finishers-JD) in the third and fourth turn...

A-Main 01 -- 1. Robin Ulrey, Rockford ; 2. Olivia Chance, Roscoe; 3. Felisha Morgan, Machesney Park ; 4. Laura Siarkiewicz, Algonquin

Heat 01 -- 1. Robin Ulrey, Rockford ; 2. Olivia Chance, Roscoe; 3. Felisha Morgan, Machesney Park ; 4. Laura Siarkiewicz, Algonquin.

From IRS: Indiana driver Kurt Mayhew won his third straight Illini feature race at Angell Park Speedway. Mayhew set fast time, but had to settle for sixth place in his heat, as Jason Dull showed the way in heat #1...First time Illini driver Jeff Steenbergen paced the pits waiting for his new car to be delivered from St. Louis (from Johnny Murdock-JD). It made it in time for qualifying, but an oil fitting prevented a qualifying run or heat race start. With a determined effort, he was able to turn a few laps in the feature, a tough challenge to make your first laps in a midget at this legendary speed plant. He says he is looking forward to racing on the pavement at Grundy County Speedway on August 31st for the Illini season finale...The feature race was a classic, with Mayhew and Dull putting on a dirt track driving school. They traded the lead several times, each using a variety of lines, but a mechanical problem forced Dull to the pits with just a few laps to go. Allen Gillis and Joe Knippel had an equally exciting battle for 3rd and 4th, until Knippel suffered his second straight week of motor problems. Gillis took home 2nd place honors, with Badger regular Aaron Fiscus in 3rd in his first run with the Illini, just ahead of Lamont Critchett

Peacock Publishing Qualifying Results: 1. Kurt Mayhew, Roselawn, IN, #21k Mayhew Racing Buick/Buzzard, 17.579; 2. Jason Dull, Machesney Park, IL, #56 JJ Grinding Chevy II/Stealth, 17.853; 3. Joe Knippel, Mokena, IL, INR Beatty Lumber Quad 4/Buzzard #33, 17.894; 4. Dick Kaiser, Milwaukee, WI, #82 Allis Car Care Scream Focus/Buzzard, 18.098; 5. Allen Gillis, Westmont, IL, #39 Task Management Illini Focus/White, 18.153; 6. Aaron Fiscus, Sun Prairie, WI #71, 18.303; 7. Sean Murphy, Evanston, IL, #5 Half-Fast Quad4/Hawk, 18.419; 8. Lamont Critchett, Demotte, IN, #44 Boomba Specialties VW/Stapp, 18.671; 9. Tom Shilkuski, Spring Valley, IL, #23 Ray Shilkuski Illini Focus/Jack Rich, 18.702; 10. Scott Koerner, Joliet, IL, #4 Task Management Sesco/Bishop, 19.151; 11. Eric Nitz, Beloit, WI, #31 Spencer/Knippel Quad 4/Ellis (rookie), 19.172; 12. Eddie Sauer, Davis, IL #11 Beta Gear Service VW/Mongrel, 19.231; 13. Doug Orseske, Frankfort, IL, #0 Orseske Farms Quad 4/Buzzard, 19.414; 14. Scott Dunning, Bolingbrook, IL, #1 Knippel/Spencer Olds/Hawk, 19.431 (rookie); 15. Loran Critchett, Jr., Alsip, IL #17 Micro Blue Racing, 19.547; 16. Mike Adams, Jr., McFarland, WI, #21A Albert Racing Experience Chevy II/Mishlich, 19.844; 17. Mark Morey, Sugar Grove, IL, #3 Morey Enterprises Illini Focus/White, 19.942; 18. Jeff Steenbergen, Waupun, WI, #62 Pontiac/Beast DNQ

Heat #1 (10 laps): 1. Dull, 2. Fiscus, 3. Gillis, 4. Knippel, 5. La. Critchett, 6. Mayhew, 7. Murphy, 8. Kaiser, 9. Shilkuski

Heat #2 (10 laps): 1. Koerner, 2. Adams, 3. Lo. Critchett, 4. Orseske, 5. Nitz, 6. Morey, 7. Dunning, 8. Sauer, 9. Steenbergen (DNS)

ADM Realty Feature Race (20 laps): 1. Mayhew, 2. Gillis, 3. Fiscus, 4. La. Critchett, 5. Koerner, 6. Kaiser, 7. Nitz, 8. Orseske, 9. Lo. Critchett, Jr., 10. Dull, 11. Morey, 12. Knippel, 13. Dunning, 14., Shilkuski, 15. Sauer, 16. Steenbergen, 17. Murphy, 18. Adams, Jr.,

Illini Racing Series Points after 8/10/08: 1. Joe Knippel 2476, 2. Loran Critchett 2131, 3. Doug Orseske 2128, 4. Lamont Critchett 2108, 5. Jason Dull 1963 (If we would not have had those last two mechanical problems, we would be battling for SECOND in points!-JD), 6. Allen Gillis 1802, 7. Scott Koerner 1598, 8. Scott Dunning (R) 1404, 9. Dick Kaiser 1383. 10. Mark Morey 1344, 11. Mike Adams Jr. 1217. 12. Eddie Sauer 884, 13. Kurt Mayhew 868, 14. Sean Murphy 809, 15. David Budres 782, 16. Eric Nitz (R) 779, 17. Freddy Teer 766, 18. Dan George 661, 19. Charlie Holt (R) 548, 20. Tom Shilkuski 509, 21. Aaron Fiscus 260, 22. Susan Spencer 225, 23. Duke Fulton (R) 211, 24. Ben Gillis (R) 195, 25. Bob Shreffler 181, 26. Black Bart (R) 181, 27. Dave Ohlendorf 175, 28. Lee Beckwith 170, 29. Mike Krysiak 120, 30. Jeff Steenbergen (R) 25, 31. Ken Dull 5, 32. Jolene Slomka 5

Next race: Hawkeye Downs, Cedar Rapids, IA, August 30th

From Angell Park: The "Summer Sizzle," was a good choice of titles for the racing at Angell Park on Sunday as the race sponsor Quaker Steak and Lube held a chicken wing eating contest on the front stretch at intermission. Contestants had to eat the Atomic flavor made famous at the racing themed restaurant. They were warned not to touch any part of their body afterward. The resulting sting would be similar to being pepper sprayed apparently. The youngest of contestants, who looked to be of teen years, won. At least one of his competitors was asking the firefighters for a fire extinguisher afterward. SIGN-1-1 was also on board as a sponsor tonight. The Badger Midget Series and the Illini Racing Series both took to the Angell Park clay on Sunday. Sean Murphy was fastest qualifier for the IRS with a time of 18.4 (? I think above is more accurate-JD), Mike Hess was the leader with Badger at 14.7. Badger then held a four car trophy dash which was won by Chad DeSelle.

There was a ton of Badger experience in the first IRS heat were six of the nine starters were current or former drivers with the club. Aaron Fiscus took the early lead from the pole. Jason Dull bolted into second by lap two, after starting fifth. On the next lap Dull slid under Fiscus for the lead. Coming out of turn four on lap five Dull got just short of totally sideways, but collected his car. Fiscus tried to take advantage and got even with Dull. But an unrelated yellow flag soon came out with Dull still ahead. Dull lead them on the restart and went on to the win followed by Fiscus, Allen Gillis and Joe Knipple, all current or former Badger drivers.

...The last Badger heat saw Jon LeJeune take the lead from the pole. By lap three the powerful Chevy of Adam Clarke muscled by LeJeune. The Chevy started to sound sour by lap five and on the next circuit Mike Hess got past the Australian. Hess went on to the win...Asked about the work that goes into his point leading car, Hess gave all the credit to John Callahan indicating his crew chief does all the weekday work on the car. Hess also likes the set ups Callahan chooses saying, "About all we do is change tires."

DeSelle looked strong and sturdy tonight as he took the RAB, Printing Place car to Victory Lane in the Semi. The car has had its unfair share of gremlins this year (uh, try the last few years. Maybe as many as we have had?-JD).

It looked like it could be a yawner in the IRS feature (Yawner? I was jacked up singing Danzig's "Mother", "Do you wanna find hell with me". Not sure where it came from. Under the pace laps, I did realize-after the heat win-that we had as good of a chance to win the thing as anyone-JD) as Kurt Mayhew, winner of the last two IRS features at Angell Park, started on the pole. He took the lead at the green, but from the third row, Dull was already in second on lap two (If I can say so-above the "cush" in a turn or two, changing lanes as necessary-JD). They both ran smoothly along the cushion as they left the rest of the field behind. On lap seven of the 25 lap race, they encountered lapped traffic (with about the least amount of hesitation as I may have evey had-JD). They split the lappers once or twice with Dull finding the advantage on lap 11, only to have Mayhew get him back three laps later. There was clear sailing for a bit as Mayhew had a comfortable lead over Dull. But six circuits later lapped traffic played a role again as Mayhew had to slam on his brakes to avoid running over a lapped car also working his line on the top. Dull dove under as they came out of four and was the leader at lap 18, but then Dull (threw it away-JD) got sideways in the first turn and collected a lapped car (4th place IRS point runner Loran Crichett-JD). That car lapped car stalled out, but Dull kept going. The resulting yellow put Mayhew ahead of Dull. Soon after the resumption of racing, Dull pulled off for the night (more engine problems. Stay tuned for details-JD) and Mayhew went on to the win.

It’s been a tight point race between Hess, Waelti and Hatton all year and each one is a threat to win every week. But there were other former winners in the field also looking to add another Angell Park trophy to their collection. Things got interesting early, as before the first lap could be completed, Hess took a tumble coming out of turn four. He seemed a bit dazed as he climbed out of the car, but his mandatory visit with the EMS crew as a short one. He was done before a lap was officially finished. On the restart DeSelle and Waelti tangled in turn two. They almost looked locked together as they came out of the corner, but separated by the time they hit the middle of the backstretch. DeSelle charged on, but Waelti slowed and brought it into the pits. In two laps of racing, the top two in points were done for the night. The front row had been comprised of the two Jim Fiscus cars with Aaron Fiscus and Tim Noble each behind a wheel. The two battled hard in the early going, with Noble finding himself in front on lap seven. It was at this point that Hatton had worked his way to second. Three laps later Hatton started to pass Noble on the back straight and worked the Janesville native through turn three before completing the maneuver in the next corner. On lap 17 Noble found his way back around Hatton, thanks in part perhaps to lapped traffic. One lap later Hatton got him back though. Noble now had to deal with Altig who is currently fourth in points. On lap 23 Altig bumped the berm hard in two and rocketed under Noble for the runner up spot. Noble then tried to fend off Clarke, but the Chevy’s earlier problems were resolved and Noble was relegated to fourth as Hatton finished up unchallenged. Hess still leads the way in Badger points. Hatton’s win took him past Waelti for the second spot and Altig is a seemingly distant fourth.

Date: 08-10-08

Track: Sun Prairie

Division: IRS/BMARA

Car: 1999 Stealth/Gearte

Well another week of work, after the roller coaster ride last Sunday. After what appeared to be a lifter failure two weeks ago, Jerry from JAMR Racing Engines, had the engine ready (I concentrated on the car during the week and did very little) to install last Saturday night. With assistance from Andy Jones of JJ Precision Grinding and Tom Dull, we seemed to be in decent shape to finish the re-install Sunday morning. While Andy arrived mid-Sunday morning, the only other "pre-noon" arrival was of Zero Motorsport's Johnny Murdock-who towed up two cars from St. Louis (One to sell at the track and another that I could have put some of my engine parts, completed, and ran). After much contemplation, I finally decided to stick with the car that I knew was good enough for at least second in the IRS class at the track (as previous results proved...at least in qualifying, and where we were running in that week's feature). Anyway, after I screwed up some of the upper end engine parts, Jerry arrived to complete the engine re-assembly (I should have had all the parts so he could have done in the shop) and then Tom and my girlfriend Felisha helped me get everything loaded up. We coasted to the gas station on fumes to pick up my Vacationing dad and arrived at the track as our normal: one of the last cars. We finished the car up at the track (something I have always strived to not have to do...we may be the last one there, but usually the car is at least ready to go). Missing hot laps, the BMARA qualifying effort was the engine break-in session. We did manage second again in the IRS action though. More details of the actual racing results were posted here previously (best described by Bill Blumer from Angell Park Speedway.com) and will be on the "Racing Journal" page, but after claiming the IRS heat and battling for the lead in the feature, the engine expired (while running second) about a lap and half shy of the checkered flag! I wanted to mention how up and down this sport can be in Victory Lane, but I forgot about 3/4 of what I wanted to say...including sponsors Pietro's Pizza and North State Motors, not to mention countless other supporters of this effort.

After my recently normal post-race-temper-tantrum (having discovered broken push-rods and then "piston dust" on the #1 spark plug), Andy convinced the team (including myself at this point) our time would be best spent removing the engine from the car that night. While Tom and my dad did assist (amazing how much we can get done with 4-5 people working on it), Andy, Felisha, post-bar time sister Becky, and I drug the thing out with a floor jack before 3 AM. Andy and I loaded it into the back of my "A-gay-o" that night. I had it back to JAMR and apart around noon.

Post tear down speculation has ranged from fuel and timing issues to clearance concerns. Initially I considered the age of the pistons as a factor. Testing on some of the remaining pistons did not offer any negative results. Also not identified was any problem with the fuel system and the ignition.

Regardless, after I screwed up a couple other items and mostly just got everything cleaned up, the time frame I had in mind, limited JAMR to only so much. Having decided to send the head (after Gaerte said they could not get it done until next week) up to Bill at RX (who rebuilt the thing earlier this summer), and then the block (after discovering the difficulty in finding a large piston for the damaged cylinder), I have decided it would not make that much sense to not just have him put it back together. He believes that he can have it ready to go Sunday morning. If I can get any help to go up there with me to install it, I think that we could run that night. It is pretty much the last "regular" show for the year. After this weekend, the "big dogs" come to town. I can only hope that this effort results in a "legitimate" top ten run, or some other form of success. I am more interested in running this Sunday then any of the remaining events at the track. Of note, it is the annual Cornfest, so if you wanted an excuse to attend the races, the carnival in the background adds a nice atmosphere to the event.

After missing last week's Cornfest races (previously explained here or via email-but basically coming down to the fact that I did not order all of the parts I needed to have my engine rebuilt, after it lost a piston), here are my plans for this weekend:

Friday, mid-morning through late afternoon - Get car rolling and load up everything.
Before 5:30 PM Friday night - Head up to Oregon, WI shop to put engine in the car.
Until Dark, Friday night - Attempt to assemble most of the components that require sealent, at shop.
Around 8:30 - Head to MIS to watch stock car races.

Late Saturday morning - Finish engine installation in Hotel parking lot or at track.
Before 6:00 - Have everything done and be at track, hopefully first car to fire off.

Sunday - If we still run, get car ready for that night's races. Last year, the pit area was open early, and pit passes were not required.

Like usual, I would take any help that I could get. There should be multiple opportunities for other cars, besides the tow rig, going back and forth. Main sponsor and sometimes main crewman Andy Jones, will not be attending any events this weekend. 'Two year's ago, main-man' Tom Dull will not be able to attend Saturday's races. 'Tireman' Dwight Steffan may attend the actual races. Otherwise, all that is committed (should she be?) is girlfriend Felisha.

Date: 08-24-08
Track: Angell Park
Division: BMARA
Car: 1999 Stealth/Gearte

...Didn't find a valve until about noon on Sunday. Worked too slow to get it done in a decent amount of time to leave.

Qualify Results
Driver Time
Michael Pickens 15.073
Brad Loyet 15.243
Brad Sweet 15.248
Davey Ray 15.263
Brady Bacon 15.302
Dave Darland 15.375
Levi Jones 15.385
Chase Barber 15.41
Darren Hagen 15.442
Scott Hatton 15.443
Ricky Ehrgott 15.448
Cole Whitt 15.482
Dustin Morgan 15.489
Dakoda Armstrong 15.499
Brian Chriswell 15.545
Jerry Coons Jr. 15.553
Tracy Hines 15.559
Chad Boat 15.568
Brandon Waelti 15.646
David Gough 15.65
Brad Kuhn 15.655
AJ Fike 15.663
Kody Swanson 15.67
Jason Dull 15.675
Mike Hess 15.682
Chris Malone 15.689
Robbie Ray 15.709
Joe Wipperfurth 15.712
Buddy Luebke 15.715
Kurt Mayhew 15.719
Bobby East 15.831
Tim Noble 15.88
Aaron Fiscus 15.928
Bubba Altig 15.93
Jon LeJeune 16.084

Heat 4 Starting Lineup
Top 4 transfer
1.Bobby East
2.Robbie Ray
3.Jason Dull
4.Brandon Waelti
5.Ryan Criswell
6.Cole Whitt
7.Chase Barber
8.Davey Ray
9.Jon Le Jeune
---------------------------------------
Heat 4 Results
1.4 East
2.32 Ray
3.71 Whitt
4.3w Waelti
5.13 Criswell
6.21s Ray
7.56 Dull
8.90 Barber
9.34 LeJeune
Jon LeJeune did not start.
Lap 1 RED for Chase Barber who flipped down the front straight into the turn

...wonder if some of my heat race struggles were due to the bent LF axle I found. I guess that is what I get for not running a radio (charger broke weeks ago, and we haven't been able to find one). When that red came out after we DID have that decent start in that heat, I bumped into at least the #13 pretty hard. Those guys heard that the red came out and I didn't! My fault. I had just figured I struggled some on the restart due to missing last week and no hot laps...also noticed (going back to that thought of working on the motor too much at the track) that the LF shock was bent pretty bad after that red flag came out in that heat race. I do suppose that between the bent axle and shock, the handling should have been affected for the rest of the event. Like I said, that is what I get for not running a radio

Not sure things are very right with the engine. Might have to take the head off again. Trying to check everything real close and they didn't wait for us at all in that B. I think one of the Fisci cars pushed off right before us. I guess we deserved it. At least I got to check out a couple things before the A. Not sure if we will be at SP Saturday or IRS racing...40-50-60 % leak down! Gotta check with Bill at RX to see how much he milled off of head...going to have to come off. The new pistons should have allowed for plenty of clearence, but it sure sounds like a couple of the cylinder leakage is coming from exhaust vavles (the ones that normally hit). If I did not hear that, I would think maybe it is because the rings have not seated yet (remember barely 15 laps on the thing). Oil looked good and I'm sure everything was tight under valve cover. Will have to see what happens.

...There does not appear to be any trace of valve to piston contact between the exhaust valve and piston. There may be a slight knick on the intake pocket, but I swore I heard the leak down through the exhaust valve! All I can really think is that maybe the thing jumped when I pumped the air into it and opened the exhaust valve. I KNOW I had lash, at least before pushing the air into the cylinder. According to JAMR, there did not appear to be any leakage at all, even with the valves closed-when off the car. So it does not appear that there even needs to be a valve job done. None of the valves were bent. I have ordered a new valve to replace the shorter one we used Sunday though. All I can really do now is clean out the actual fuel feed lines from the barrel valve to injectors-especially #1. Although all of the main fuel hoses and components, have been cleaned almost every week, those little black lines really haven't been since this spring. As long as the timing and everything else is good, will just have to quit worrying about it. Not getting anywhere spending time working on engine. That, or I will just have to put the mechanic gloves on and pull the plugs myself-instead of waiting until they cool off-to check for lean conditions.

Still have to decide which event to attend Saturday. If I could guarantee some help AFTER the Nationals and EARLY Sunday morning, would attempt to go from Sun Prairie to Grundy Sunday night. I can't get excited about, or really afford to, drive all the way out to Cedar Rapids since we would HAVE to leave by noon to make hot laps and then hurry up and wait 4 hours for the first heat race! Not to mention the restricted class really doesn't pay at all. I do hate giving up a chance for second in the club points and an even better chance of losing 5th. I'm sure there won't be enough cars for another Nationals C-main win and all we could realisticallyy hope for at Sun Prairie would be a B-main transfer. Last Saturday the BMARA point leaders and the car that won the feature the week before (which I will mention we out qualified two of that group Sunday) were battling for the transfer in that B-main. If we went to Cedar Rapids, and if I have my act together at all, we are all but guaranteed a top five. I guess I really can't afford to drive to DuQuoin (and it doesn't make much sense with other races a lot closer). I am pretty certain we could run in the top ten down there though.

I guess I will keep plugging away getting the front end straightened out and then hopefully have the engine back together before the weekend. It still looks like I will have to work during the day Friday, so I not be able to work on it much then. I guess if it is sitting with everything but the springs, hubs, etc. on, we could see what the weather is doing Saturday morning, and (as long as I have help) could get it ready to go wherever we wanted.

From IRS: Nine races down, two to go, and it ain’t over yet folks! Our last two races are back to back pavement events. Saturday night we will be in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to do battle at Hawkeye Downs as part of the big ASA show (see partial schedule below). For the third time in 2008, we come right back the next day at a different track, Grundy County Speedway, the track where our club started in 1992. Take a close look at the points below, and remember, a maximum of 300 points can be earned at any one race, 600 maximum up for grabs this weekend!

> 1. Joe Knippel 2476 (+345)
> 2. Loran Critchett, Jr. 2131 (+3)
> 3. Doug Orseske 2128 (+20)
> 4. Lamont Critchett 2108 (+145)
> 5. Jason Dull 1963 (+161) (168 out of 2nd-JD)
> 6. Allen Gillis 1802 (+204)
> 7. Scott Koerner 1598 (+194)
> 8. Scott Dunning (R) 1404 (+21)
> 9. Dick Kaiser 1383 (+39)
> 10. Mark Morey 1344 (+127)
> 11. Mike Adams Jr. 1217 (+333)
> 12. Eddie Sauer 884

Now let’s take another look at the battle to make the top 10. Joe Knippel seems to have a huge lead, but he has blown two motors in the last two races, so his 345 point lead could go away in a hurry. Only 23 markers separate 2nd, 3rd and 4th, nuff said. Jason Dull has been running strong on the dirt to earn his top 5 spot, but the pavement races could cause him some trouble. (Yea, my top five runs at Slinger, Grundy, and Rkfd have 'caused trouble'. Screw these guys. Screw BMARA, let's go to DuQuoin! Maybe we could stop at Grundy on the way back...unless we stay for SC race!...let me know what you want to do. Andy and Dwight obviously are in Love with SP-JD). Will it be Allen or Ben Gillis in the #39? That could effect the 6th spot..(Allen has not race any pavment races all year-JD) The Scotts, Koerner in 7th and Dunning in 8th will want to show their stuff in front of their fellow stock car competitors this weekend. 9th place Dick Kaiser (and Dan George) will most likely miss this weekend to take part in the big Harley-Davidson event in their hometown of Milwaukee. That should help keep Mark Morey in the top 10, but the 11th place Joe Albert #21 with Mike Adams, Jr. behind the wheel has been running strong on occasion, however Mike has hurt an ankle and may have trouble getting behind the wheel. It will take a strong performance by Eddie Sauer in the Chuck Schultz #11 Mongel to come up with 499 points to catch Kaiser, but it is do-able! It aint’ over yet folks!

Date: 08-31-08
Track: Angell Park
Division: BMARA
Car: 1999 Stealth/Gearte

We have 34 cars signed in for tonight.
Jake Slotten returns after a long absence.
Bubba Altig is back in the Mecum #67.
Aaron Fike will be in the RFMS #132.
Matt Westfall is here for the first time in years tonight. It's great to see him back.
Jason Dull is a surprise entry this evening.
Aaron Fike's #132 was withdrawn, apparently he's still feeling the effects of last night's crash.
Brad Loyet will also be unable to compete tonight, we wish him a speedy return to racing.
Bob Shreffler is a late entry in the Fiscus 7X.
Bryon Walters and Jason Dull had trouble in qualifying and only got one lap. (Ironic, both of us were ignorant enough to buy used cars from Butch Dahlke. We BOTH had motor problems tonight! ... again! I should have known better...I did know better. Some of the night's motor problems could have been my own, but the bottom line is a newer motor should have not required so much attention - JD)

...Heat 4 Starting Lineup

1.Chad DeSelle
2.Buddy Luebke
3.Joe Wipperfurth
4.Jake Slotten
5.Tracy Hines
6.Dustin Morgan
7.Davey Ray
8.Mike Hess
9.Jason Dull
---------------------------------------
Heat 4 Results
Top 4 Transfer
1.21 Hines
2.4 Hess
3.67 Morgan
4.32 Ray
5.87 Slotten
6.19 Wipperfurth
7.57 DeSelle
8.43 Luebke
9.56 Dull
Lap 1 YELLOW for Jason Dull who spun in turn 1, avoiding trouble (Couldn't miss the sideways Morgan and Ray. Thanks for the clarification updater! Seriously-JD). Complete restart...Lap 7 YELLOW for Chad DeSelle who spun after contact with Hess...Tracy Hines wins this one from the bottom. Mike Hess charged through the field but was unable to catch Hines after the restart. The yellow was a big help to Davey Ray who was able to recover from being bitten by the turn 4 cushion early in the heat race.
---------------------------------------
B-Main Starting Lineup
1.Bubba Altig
2.Chad Boat
3.Chris Malone
4.Jake Slotten
5.Dakoda Armstrong
6.Joe Wipperfurth
7.David Gough
8.Aaron Fiscus
9.Buddy Luebke
10.Matt Westfall
11.Jon LeJeune
12.Jim Fuerst
13.Chad DeSelle
14.Kurt Mayhew
15.Tim Noble
16.Bob Shreffler
17.Jason Dull
---------------------------------------
B-Main Results
Top 6 Transfer
1.30 Boat
2.87 Slotten
3.7a Armstrong
4.57 DeSelle
5.14w Westfall
6.7 Fiscus
7.41 Malone
8.14 Gough
9.43 Luebke
10.28 Fuerst
11.21k Mayhew
12.7x Shreffler
13.19 Wipperfurth
14.14a Altig
15.34 LeJeune
16.56 Dull
17.71n Noble
Bubba Altig scratches the #67. He jumps into the Jerryatric #14A and will start from the tail.
Tim Noble stalls on the front stretch during staging. (I tried to avoid him and Altig got into the back of my car. We spun on parade lap!-JD)
RED FLAG ambulance responding to a non-race related call for service. (This one was NOT for us, but a similar incident regarding Kevin Doty Jr.-JD)
---------------------------------------
Feature Starting Lineup
1.Brady Bacon
2.Dave Darland
3.Dustin Morgan
4.Chad Boat
5.Jerry Coons Jr
6.Darren Hagen
7.Davey Ray
8.Cole Whitt
9.Brad Sweet
10.Mike Hess
11.Bobby East
12.Tracy Hines
13.Scott Hatton
14.Brandon Waelti
15.Jake Slotten
16.Brad Kuhn
17.Dakoda Armstrong
18.Levi Jones
19.Aaron Fiscus
20.Kody Swanson
21.Matt Westfall
22.Chad DeSelle

Feature Notes-Chad Boat's car suffered mechanical damage and will be replaced in the feature lineup by Chris Malone.

Lap 10 YELLOW for Kody Swanson who spun in turn 3.
Dave Darland just dropped out.
Aaron Fiscus sounds sour.
Lap 11 YELLOW for Levi Jones and Bobby East who spun in turn 2.
Bobby East is out
Jake Slotten slows on the restart; we're still yellow.
Lap 24 YELLOW for Jerry Coons Jr who stopped on the track.
Coons had built a good lead but now Brady Bacon will take over.
We are now RED for a non-racing related ambulance call (I was not able to see much after this-JD).
They are working on Coons car in the pit area.
Coons is back on the track, but will have to start in the back for causing the yellow.
Jerry Coons Jr pulls into the pits on the restart
Lap 24 YELLOW on the restart for debris. We'll try again.

Qualify Results

Driver Time

Mike Hess 14.854

Bubba Altig 14.908

Brad Sweet 14.924

Cole Whitt 14.965

Davey Ray 14.974

Darren Hagen 15

Jerry Coons Jr. 15.015

Chad Boat 15.08

Dave Darland 15.084

Dustin Morgan 15.084

Brady Bacon 15.098

Bobby East 15.109

Tracy Hines 15.139

Scott Hatton 15.144

Brandon Waelti 15.153

Chris Malone 15.179

Jake Slotten 15.181

Brad Kuhn 15.185

Dakoda Armstrong 15.193

Levi Jones 15.219

Joe Wipperfurth 15.239

David Gough 15.314

Aaron Fiscus 15.318

Cody Swanson 15.376

Buddy Luebke 15.491

Matt Westfall 15.505

Jon LeJeune 15.525

Jim Fuerst 15.692

Chad DeSelle 15.702

Kurt Mayhew 15.724

Tim Noble 15.984

Bob Shreffler 16.051

Jason Dull 16.072

Week of 09-06-08

So, with the closest midget race this weekend 7 hours from Rockford, I have pursued stock car and go-kart opportunities this week. Meanwhile-after another engine problem last week-the midget has sat. Although-after my dad helped unload-Andy Jones of JJ Precision Grinding, my girlfriend Felisha, and I have removed the damaged engine. While the #1 exhaust lifter and lobe on the original cam went earlier this year, the new intake lifter and lobe on the new cam let go Saturday. Now it is time to decide what to do with it.

Both JAMR & Bill at RX Automotive have offered to look at the thing-for minimal costs. I do not know if the damage was due to anything I did on the top end myself (I had installed the head and rocker assemblies after what I though was a problem the week before...and it appeared I had issues after this as well). I am perfectly confident that these two are capable of building an engine, but it just seems that something has not worked well with this deal.

With the extra week to work on the car, and slow down in the "side-job" running the Rockfrdo Speedway trophy program, I would have more time to dedicate to working on the engine at JAMR . Although that would save me money, I am not sure if it is better for me to stay away from the thing. I really don't have any extra money though.

I could drop the thing off at that Bill's in Clinton (closer then shop in Stoughton), and then not have to touch it myself. He put the bottom end together last and could be responsible. Like I said, he offered to re-do it for no labor cost.

My thought was I need to get it to someone who works on midget engines primarily and could be at the track for most of the area midget races. The two area builders in that category would be Ron Hoetels from SESCO and Steve Smith from HAWK. While Ron's sidekick was somewhat helpful Sunday night, Mr. Smith seems to be at more tracks more often and appears no less then 20 years younger then Mr. Hoetels. While this would cost me much more then the other two options, it would be something different from what has been done in that past (again I am sure that both JAMR and RX CAN build a motor though. I really think most of the problems have been with parts or something that I am doing). Either way, I could just drop the thing off and hopefully have it assembled with a the valve cover on and I would not have a chance to touch it and screw anything up.

Please let me know what you think. Thank-you.

2008 Illini Racing Series Final Drivers Points
1. Joe Knippel 2914,
2. Lamont Critchett 2673,
3. Loran Critchett 2661,
4. Doug Orseske 2649,
5. Allen Gillis 2365,
6. Jason Dull 1963,
7. Scott Koerner 1903,
8. Scott Dunning 1860,
9. Mark Morey 1549,
10. Dick Kaiser 1383,
11. David Budres 1310,
12. Mike Adams Jr. 1217,
13. Sean Murphy 1044,
14. Eric Nitz 1012,
15. Eddie Sauer 884,
16. Kurt Mayhew 868,
17. Freddy Teer 766,
18. Dan George 661,
19. Charlie Holt 548,
20. Tom Shilkuski 509,
21. Dave Ohlendorf 385,
22. Black Bart 351,
23. Aaron Fiscus 260,
24. Susan Spencer 225,
25. Duke Fulton 211,
26. Ben Gillis 195,
27. Bob Shreffler 181,
28. Lee Beckwith 170,
29. Basil Hicks 135,
30. Mike Krysiak 120,
31. Jeff Steenbergen 60,
32. Ken Dull 5,
33. Jolene Slomka 5.

Date: 09-07-08
Track: Sugar River Raceway
Division: Endurance go-karts
Car: 9 HRP (#13, #6, & #12!)

...Familiarized myself with the rental program there. Went out and practiced Friday afternoon (had to go to work that night). We went out and did the Endurance race yesterday. Didn't react quick enough in time trails, when Andy (partnered with Felisha)-in front of me, "parked it" going into that real tight turn by the pit exit, popped him and knocked into the re-coil. Had to switch karts and then the chain fell off that before qualifying was over! Ended up mid-pack. I made it up to the top five on the first lap before another guy got out of shape in front of me going into one of the corners towards the back of the track and collected a few of us (I'm pretty sure I could have made it through the turn on my own, but again, didn't do what I had to miss this guy), got caught up in another early melee after going to the back (where we didn't want to be) before settling in and getting through the first 25 lap stint. The chain fell off again as I was ready to make the driver change! We lost over 4 minutes and they gave us a different kart again (after it was thrown off one more time with my buddy behind the wheel). Partner Joe LaMarca flew through the field and I had a better second stint myself and we got back to 10th (out of 16 karts I think...pretty sure no one else had mechanical trouble). I'm pretty sure we could have stayed in the top five if it would have worked out. I guess they have another one scheduled for mid-Oct, so if no midget or stock car action, will definitely consider!

From Rockford Speedway: Hornets A-Main 01 -- 1. Matt Mangiaracina, Machesney Park; 2. Bryan Ellis, Roscoe; 3. Solomon Barker, South Beloit; 4. Mark Vicencio, Rockford; 5. Jason Dull, Machesney Park; 6. David Pautsch, Jr, Roscoe; 7. Mark Bielefeldt, Loves Park; 8. Randy Reynolds, Rockford; 9. Dennis Deckard, Pecatonica; 10. Andy Hill, South Beloit; 11. Alan Bekielewski, Roscoe; 12. Jake Vicencio, Rockford.

Hornet points as of 9/13/2008
Rank Car # Driver Name Points
1. 71 Matt Mangiaracina 172
2. 416 Solomon Barker 152
3. 0 Bryan Ellis 145
4. 23 Randy Reynolds 135
5. 113 Alan Bekielewski 117
6. 10 Roger Schultz 109
7. 9 Mark Vicencio 101
8. 19 Justin Pearson 71
9. 023 David Pautsch, Jr 51
10. 54 Andy Hill 50

(Running with the point leaders...maybe I should just go back to Hornets full-time? - JD)

Image below describes my attempt to win the "second over the line" Hornet Challenge race at Rockford Speedway. As you can see, it didn't work out well. Ran 5th in the "real" feature. I should have known better then to run this race! Weather claimed the heat, so I thought I'd try this deal. Led the whole thing, but that wasn't the point...maybe I'll get on Speed Channel though?

Radiator doesn't leak. Still rolls, although RF wobbles. Hopefully steering arm, maybe ball-joint, etc. Think body/"frame" is allright. I should have known better then to run that stupid race. They were rushing things, so didn't have to wait around at all AFTER feature. Had Felisha put some more air in RR to get it to turn better then it did in Feat. Started on pole (both races), thing ran around the bottom, from the inside front row start, good early and took lead. Not sure anyone else was trying, but after a mid-race caution, I decided to try to get far enough away so it'd just come down to me and then second place. As picture describes, didn't work out too well. I tried rolling through three and four, but didn't want to completly shut it down, as that car don't take RIGHT off, so had too much speed on straight and had to stand on brake going towards the line. I guess BOTH cars behind me started pushing. I was still trying to win the race and thought I could not only slow down my car and the one (didn't know both were under me) behind me...never thought to give up, get back on gas, and drive it off straight (kinda hard to hit the gas when back end is 3 ft in air...would have worked on FWD car though). Once it landed, sent the RF into the front wall. Drove it off allright though. Haven't looked it over well in good light though. Was glad just had Brock Bhenke weld the roll hoop in it! Thought maybe I was gonna use it. Was my first attempt at one of them stupid "races". Maybe my last.

As far as the racing update, not too good. Not that I have a car ready to go or anything, but the best two chances I had to run this weekend are tonight (Friday). As my schedule on this site indicated, the POWRi midgets are running in Granite City and the "Bandit" 4-cylinder cars are up at Madison International. I will be at work. I have a somewhat rare Saturday off, but nothing to really run (I had hoped to run that LM at MIS). I'm still holding out for maybe a trip to Slinger Sunday for a stock 4-cylinder Enduro, but that would take a lot of repair work to the JJ Precision Grinding Cavelier-not to mention $150 in gas, the fact most likely no one would want to crew, etc...although I may want to go up that way to pick up my midget engine..

4-Cylinder Enduro Miller Lite 75 Feature (36 cars) — 1, Matt Rowe, Maribel; 2, Ron Amann, West Salem; 3, Dale Chitek, Deforest; 4, Jeremy Myhre, Eitzen, Minn.; 5, Kaleb Miller, Sparta; 6, Matthew Carpenter, Galesville; 7, Cole Viner, West Salem; 8, Kyle Riedner, Waunakee; 9, Jesse Bodensteiner, Ossian, Iowa; 10, Andrew Meyer, Winona, Minn.; 11, Mike Carlson, West Salem; 12, Matt Goetzinger, Eitzen, Minn.; 13, Kyle Ranzenberger, Caledonia, Minn.; 14, Wes Burroughs, Eitzen, Minn.; 15, Cheryl Mierendorf, Jefferson; 16, Chris Shimek; 17, Jeff Ranzenberger, Caledonia, Minn.; 18, Logan Donahue; 19, David Fruechte, Winona, Minn.; 20, Ryan Shafer, Sparta; 21, Harley Jankowski, Sparta; 22, ; 23, Jason Dull; 24, Bill Miller, Sparta; 25, Ryan Pelowski, Winona, Minn.; 26, Adam Kerley, Minnesota City, Minn.; 27, Tony Falkner, Menomonie; 28, Troy Dockerty, Sparta; 29, Nate Szymoniak; 30, Josh Chapman, Galesville; 31, Brad Dennis; 32, Tom Dienger, Mankato, Minn.; 33, Ryan Manke, West Salem; 34, Corey Jankowski, Tomah; 35, Adam Krause; 36, Cody Bollman.

The 75-lap Enduro was the final event of the 39th Annual Oktoberfest Race Weekend. In the early going it was Kyle Ranzenberger leading a huge field of 4-cylinder cars around the ¼-mile oval at the 15-lap mark. With 25 laps in the books, Corey Jankowski got around Ranzenberger to take over the top spot. Mike Carlson was running third. Three laps later, Jankowski would break his rear axle and was done for the day, this hand the lead over to Ryan Pelowski. Pelowski had about a straightaway lead over Carlson with 40 laps to go in the event. The leader was doing a great job working his way around the lap traffic allowing his lead to grow over Carlson. With 30 laps to go, Carlson gave up his second position as he went to the pits with a flat right front tire. The leader had problems with 27 laps to go as he was collected in a wreck with Josh Chapman. This handed the lead over to Matt Rowe. Rowe would go on to lead the final 26 laps to take home the Oktoberfest 75-lap Enduro and bring the 39th Annual Oktoberfest Race Weekend to a close.

Having been one of the last to get to the track, get inspected, lined-up, and due to the fact that the JJ Precision Grinding Cavalier was fuel injected and - specials thanks to Brock Behnke - just had a racing seat installed, we started outside and towards the back at least 5 rows of cars lined up three wide on the frontstreach of the 5/8 mile LaCrosse track. Meanwhile, the other half of the field, carburated/automatic cars with out any "penalities", ran the first couple of laps on the 1/4 (at the most) mile track located in the infield of the fairgrounds facility.

Surprised I was able to get onto the bullring throug the turn four entrance and somehow to the bottom groove (where I usually attempt to run at least the first part of these Enduros - in order to miss the opening lap carnage), I quickly discovered that the actual shape of the "oval" was somewhat adjusted through turns one and two! An earth tire was placed almost out in the center of the track, causing an almost "diamond" groove.

After getting used to the track (remember, no hot laps for this event), I discovered that the Cavealier actually hooked up pretty good coming out of that diamond deal. Although even after increasing the rear "stagger" by 3-4 inches (simutalensly conforming to the rule of all the same size-175 R14-tires), the car still had it's notorious "push" that has plaqued my efforts with it. I had to really get the wheel wrapped around to get the thing to turn, but once I got underneath that tire, I could stab the gas and let it un-wrap.

Once the early/overly aggresive drivers excited the event and the pace picked up some, I discovered that the cautious approach to that corner would have to be adjusted. No less then two cars got into the rear-end as I eased into that corner. The thing with that car is, even a little "bump draft" lifts the back of the car up (as witnessed in the photo from the "second over the line" race in September...we later discovered - once the rear "facia" cover was knocked loose - that the rear bumper has all but roted away). We were never completly spun around, but bounced off enough stuff to eventually end up pointed the right way down the back straight. The only problem I had trying to run it harder into and through that corner was the push in the car and some water that was laid down at one part or another-causing me to drift pretty wide at least one lap and into the car next to me (8 wheels are better then four!). Anyway, I finally figured out I had to take it in hard enough to avoid getting tagged from behind, but cautious enough to stay on the bottom...still hooking up and passing cars down low coming out of the turn.

My "Cautious/Aggressive" approach transitioned to the entire coarse, as the race neared the half-way point (the first time I looked on the board 30 laps were in). Having givin up all the forward progress I thought we were making when we got caught up in those couple deals through that corner, I knew we were doing allright, but by no means were we the fastest car so I had to take what I could reasonably get. I did explore other lanes and was involved in couple-at least-three wide instances (once in my bottom groove and another in the fearful middle lane). I believe one of these battles occured between the eventual winner who came down after the race to (not only apologize-as he thought he may have been one to get into the back, and underneath of, the sled) announce that he had to pick up his pace after we passed him. It was his opinion that we were one of the cars to beat!

I had definetly been passed by a few cars, but all and all, the way the thing was shaking out, Felisha said with just 2/3 of the race down, we were at least up to just 1 lap down (after starting outside the track as multiple laps were completed). Approx around the 55th lap, I must have lapsed or something, because the front of the car found that earth tire!

Had other issues with:

Could not shame any of the "normal" pit crew into going to Granite City.

Figure I could maybe get Eddie Sauer's nephew, friend Dusty, and girlfriend Felisha to go. I'd be the only one to have ANY money out of that group though. $25 pit passes on Friday, $35 on Saturday, + $150 entry fee, $40+ hotel (if I'm lucky), not to mention (like everyone else does) still rather high gas prices = priceless to race a midget the second weekend of October!

Other reasons are guiding me to stay home, though. Any money that I do spend would just be taking away from what I have allocated to pay off my credit card payment on the engine (The insurance on the truck was due-thankfully "Mr. Dull" paid almost half-but the only "help" I got so far on the engine was from the longtime midget fan couple from up in WI). I have not made anytime to work on Truck this week - it did not blow out any heat on the way up to LaCrosse, and would not stop putting out hot air on the way back (I am hoping to do my blog on that trip tonight...stay tuned to website). It would be pretty tough to not be one of the approx. 40 drivers who are going to miss the show down there! As far as the money goes, POWRi does not pay hardly anything out to the drivers that do not make it into the feature (most likely how they are going to pay that Saturday night feature purse).

It will still be a lot of work tomarrow, but I think I will just plan on staying close to home and running the Cavalier in the Bahama Brackets. I can get in there for almost nothing and have a bunch of trophies to make anyway (more then I originally planned on). I guess if it were not for the activity at Rockford and the fact it is not just a "regular" POWRi race-which I am pretty confident we could have done well in, I would be headed to Granite City in a heartbeat. It is a shame that the car is actually just sitting there all but ready to go and the effort was put into getting the engine done. At least I know it runs, but now the fuel system will all have to come back apart and be cleaned! Maybe I will try to get it out to Rockford Sunday night and do a real break-in on the engine.

As far as Kokomo, I will leave everything together and keep it in my head-but there are a few people who would like to see me stick around town next weekend. The "racer" in me would rather go there Saturday then do anything else. We will have to see which direction I go! There is always the Enduro at Rockford or Sugar River next Sunday. I WILL compete in one or the other.

After Kokomo, the only outdoor midget event left for the season is that deal at Springfield in November. Not sure about that 8 hour drive again. We will have to see which indoor events we decide to run. I still have those all but new pavement tires sitting in the basement!

Heat 01 -- ... 9. Jason Dull, Machesney Park...10 cars (flat tire on last lap...ran in top 5 until last lap - JD)

(Fought a "push" all weekend. Tried all we could think of to help it. Might have gotten better, but was never good.

I had a whole "blog" typed up with info on this race and some other racing notes. Somehow it was lost in email outerspace. Please see my letter to Ryan at Autohouse for SOME details. Thanks-JD.

By Eric Huenefeld: Since early September, Josh Nelms has driven about every sort of racecar at about every track in the region. Super Late Models at Illiana, ASA North Late Models in La Crosse and Mid American Stockcars at the Rockford Speedway during the 43rd Annual National Short Track Championships. Nelms, the former Rockford Speedway Late Model Rookie of the Year, would return to the Rockford high banks Sunday and submit an entry for the Goblin 250 enduro. Nelms not only returned to merely race, but to defend his title as 2007 Goblin 250 winner. Mission: Accomplished.
Nelms was patient and took the lead nearly three-quarters of the way into the event and cruised to his second consecutive Rockford enduro crown. The 250 lap, two-segment event was rapid with lots of action, yet very few dust ups on track...halfway break at lap 125...Segment two would see the field switch tracks, from the Quarter-mile oval, to the unique ‘Monza Style’ course, utilizing the backstretch chicane...The one major incident on track during the 250 lap feature was early in Segment Two, when WXRX’s own Jim Stone of “Stone and Double T” fame, was turned over while racing through the chicane. Stone’s car ended up on it roof as the red flag appeared. Stone was okay, and also has material for months to talk about on the highly-rated radio show.

A-Main 01 -- 1. Josh Nelms, Lockport...62. Jason Dull, Machesney Park...111 cars

Ryan,
Thanks again for ALL that you did to get that VW going! Like I said, it ran like a champ the first 40-50 laps or so. I called my 'spotter' and told him 'we finally got a racecar here again!'. Compared to that Cavalier, it handled like a dream. No shortage of HP...at first. I was able to power under plenty of guys at the start. There was no hesitation then.

Unfortunately, about the time traffic started to clear out some (and I was ready to use more power), it laid down on me. It was coming out of the corner (but I do not believe anything was different that lap from anything else), that the thing all but shut-off on me. I coasted down the backstrech, refusing to give up on the race. Somehow, the old battery cranked it over and I must have got it cleaned out enough to drive away...but it just didn't have the power it did before. No more 'push to pass'. Later, any time I got caught up in something, it just died. The one time, I couldn't keep it running after getting spun (I watched the tape and didn't see what I could have done different) and then on that first red flag (when I got drilled by Lignell). Both times, I finally got it to fire, but just did not run right. Another time, I even got it to fire after a push start in the infield. Finally though, right before the break, I just pulled it off the track and got pushed in, as I figured I was not doing it any favors.

All that I can wonder is if I either just got the thing too hot, that hose from the valve cover to carb popped out (think maybe after running through the infield too much), still room for adjustment on carb, and/or I kept catching a spot on that belt that would let it run? As long as tearing up that belt did not damage the head or any valves (is it an interference motor?), I figure I would first start with doing a compression test. As long as all is good, I am more then interested in getting a new belt back on. The oil looked ok when I checked it on the dipstick. If it will run again, I will now take the time to get all the water hoses straightened out (I did look at this Saturday night, but couldn't find anything to improve any of the kinks). Hopefully that would help with the temperature. Maybe I should put a gauge in the thing too? I suppose a new rear bumper would be in order too. At least we know it still handled all-right after the big hit. Might just need to move the battery to the LR or hide some weight somewhere back there.

Thank-you though for everything. It was nice to look forward to running that race Saturday night and it is just awesome being there Sunday (I get depressed when I do not get to run the Enduro). We did mess around with the car for a while Saturday night, but I forgot another return spring. After putting that one hose into the valve cover, I went to fire the car off Sunday and the throttle stuck wide open. I was able to dial TWO more solid springs on there and had an awesome pedal! I liked all that travel.

While (although plagued by TWO right front wheels snapping off at the center) Felisha was in contention for a top finish in the 12 car Powder Puff race Saturday, I was somewhat embarrassed by my most recent Enduro experience. With "only" 41 cars starting on the 1/5 mile Jefferson track, I did consider that my "Enduro" strategy of running the bottom early (to miss the opening lap wrecks) may not be the most successful coarse of action there. Starting spots were determined by a draw and I WAS slated to start about mid-pack, on the OUTSIDE. The Jefferson officials decided to start us three wide, with the #56 JJ Precision Grinding special stuck IN THE MIDDLE! I did play around with the outside some after the green, but have had too many past Enduro experiences (while attempting to gain ground in that top groove) previously eliminate me from competition. I settled in to the low line, but kept my eye on what was going on up top. While I was losing ground down there, about the time I thought of moving up the track, I would kept noticing multiple cars skid up the track and wreck. I decided to stay down there and try to get towards the end of the race before getting more aggressive. It appeared that eventually I got into a rhythm (I actually think my front tires wore out-mostly due to a dreaded push and my decision to keep the wheel turned to the left off of the corner, instead of sawing the wheel back and forth-enough to become "slicks" and the car was actually hooked up all-right) and thought we were doing half-way decent, but an early race altercation with another car in turns one and two sent me into the infield and cost me a bunch of positions and momentum. Later, my effort was derailed behind a couple other "bottom-feeders" - at least one (the dark colored Honda Accord #893), who I just could not find a way around. Having let Felisha "hot-lap" the car before her race, I just did not have the track time/experience/confidence (was not sure if the "wheel snapping" issue was corrected) in the car to get anything done around the outside of the "Slow Moving Vehicle". Whenever I moved to the high side of him (the middle of the track), it just did not seem like the car would stick as well (we have fought the referred "push" with the thing since it was converted to a "race-car"), not to mention I feel he was making the Accord awfully wide...Contemplating the situation, I really feel if I would have went all the way up, it would have opened the door for everyone else to slip between us (proved out in at least a couple examples). Anyway, stuck behind the SVM (infuriating me going down the frontstraight waving at the crowd!), I wore the brakes off the car (my pre-race maintenance did include inspection of the pads. I thought that we could have gotten through the event, but failed to consider my "bottom-feeding" style and our goal of 275+ laps - Felisha's 75, my 200, and hot laps). Although the pedal was moving down, I initially just thought the fluid was just getting hot and did not really adjust my style too much. There was (finally) a break (red-flag) on the 85th lap (ironically, I think I may have just cleared the SVM!). On the re-start, I quickly discovered that the fading pedal was now all-but gone (must have cooled off under the stoppage?). Although the pedal was all the way on the floor, at least the car would eventually slow down enough-at least shortly after that first red. Around the half-way point, another problem began to develop. Completely a surprise, it seemed as though the car was running low on fuel! My previous Enduro experience was that the 4 cylinder cars really did not burn that much gas, but with this being the stock tank and gauge still, I thought that it was filled up. At some points, going around the track, the gauge was reading on E, but when I did slow or down the straight, it read 1/4 full. Somehow, although stumbling at points, the car still managed to run-for the most part. I decided to stay out until it ran out...hoping to catch a red, yellow, or if I got stuck behind a slower car again! With-out communication, I eventually pulled off the track real quick (using the Emergency brake) and asked Felisha and her friend (our only pit-crew member) to find some gas (as ALL that we had brought was in the car). We kept going around, fighting the stumble and lack of brakes. The brakes finally then all but left. That was the part of the race I felt the least best about. I ended up using the cars in front of me to slow down! Not the way I prefer to race, I misjudged this attempt multiple times and sput-out/moved more then one car up the track. I finally decided to pit and hoped to see if they could add some brake fluid. While it was not the miracle fix I was looking for, I believe the extra fluid may have filled into the cavities opened up by the fact that the brake pucks on the calipers had come about ALL THE WAY OUT, as the pads were down to the metal against the rotor! With a "safe" amount of brake pedal, I went back out to salvage what we could-although no fuel had been located. Hoping to make it to the end, I ran around hoping for some sort of a break. As the car continued to stutter-but still optimistic of a decent finish-I pulled in the pits and told "the crew", that I didn't care if it cost $500..."FIND some fuel, PLEASE!". I went back out and rode around, trying to stay out of trouble and just get to the end. Felisha later waved me in, signifying they had found some gas! As the laps were winding down, I decided at this point we were farther ahead just trying to get to the end though. Finally, another red flag came out, but this time the race was not restarted. While the board said we were at about 185 laps, they were having issues with the scoring clock and decided to stop the race at 175. The official results have not been posted. Felisha's friends (who scored for me), thought before all the problems, that we would have secured a top 10 result. I wished I would have tried harder to get around that slower car, on the top, or (as I hate that I did later to an even slower car...and even BEFORE, I lost my brakes) used the "chrome horn" to have moved him out of MY lane. With the straight-aways so short there though, it just did not seem like I could get the run I needed on the outside...I think that could have been assisted with a full tank of gas though (which I will be sure to do next time). After the problems Felisha had with the broken wheels in her 75 lap race, I felt I kind of had to run the race I did to attempt to make it 200 laps though (later, I figured it must have been the addition of the track mandate "safety" over-size lug nuts, as we have just ran the stock nuts in the past, caused stress to the wheel - which, due to all the camber in it was bent out - had washers between the wheel and hub. After Felisha's issue, we removed the washers - ensuring there WAS clearance).

There are some options still for this coming weekend. The midget "Rumble Series" has their first indoor event scheduled in Columbus, OH Saturday. While I have yet to find anyone who wants to drive the rig through the night - after I get out of work - I think we COULD leave at 7-8 AM Saturday morning and still get there in time for a hot lap session and qualifying. Other then that, there IS still one more Enduro in the "area". The "Creepy Classic Enduro" at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, WI is scheduled for Saturday at 2 PM. It is billed as the LAST Enduro of the season. Francis Creek is "only" almost 3 hours away, while Columbus, OH is about 8. The extended forecast for Saturday calls for temps with a "high" of 45 degrees, and just an 8 mph wind. I am going to have a hard time not going to ONE of these races though, no matter what. Please let me know if you want to be involved at all. I am not aware of ANYTHING, for the next couple of weeks, so this is about it. Thank-you.

The mostly downward spiraling roller coaster ride that is my midget racing "career" continued at the Ft. Wayne Coliseum. Although our preparation was strenuous and thorough, it failed to included a clearance check between the rear-end and back of the seat, causing what I deemed the "hospital hop"...front end was bouncing all over the place. While we have ran this car with the IRS at Rockford Speedway (maybe the clearance issue is why the brake rotor broke?), it is a dirt car and really had no business on pavement. It was thanks to the help of UMARA midget champ Jimmy Anderson that we discovered the clearance issue. This was after much help (special thanks and apologies to Brad Wilson & John Steadman) and lots of suggestions (too many to list here) from many others who must have felt sorry for my total lack of ability to go around the racetrack. Andy Jones, of JJ Precision Grinding, his wife Tracey Jones, and my girlfriend Felisha, all worked through-out the day (after less than 4 hours of sleep the night before...arriving in Ft. Wayne around 3:00 a.m. and at the track around 8:00 a.m.) on making all the changes that we could to get the awful bounce out of the car. It was a miserable experience, and due to that-and other issues-I was ready to load the car in the trailer. After finding some smaller issues, including fuel system problems, "bubbles" in the sidewall of the RR (thanks Brad Wilson and Don Kenyon for the brand new replacement!), etc.; Jimmy discovered the bind with the seat just in time for us to make the repair before the last chance race. I was more than happy and ready, as the wicked beast had done about all it could to shake my brain out of my skull and I had a pretty pounding headache; not to mention I could not believe our set-up (after running it on the other similar car last year) was that far out to lunch.

90% of the problem was cured and it was actually like driving a real racecar. It was then that the notorious Ft. Wayne LR-RF "teeter-totter" reared it's ugly head (problem we experienced with other car last year). After the race we checked everything out and tore part of the car down; before finally getting kicked out of the building when they turned the lights off.

While Felisha and I were putting the thing back together Saturday morning, I invited the consultation of Don Kenyon (who just happened to wander into our out of the way pit area...being the last car to unload Friday...since brother Mel was not at the track...although on the pre-entry) to our effort. After questioning the basics on the springs and shocks, considering it was a dirt car, Don mentioned the steering box may be too weak. Blu Metz (one of the most helpful gentleman from Friday) had discovered that the "lash" on the older unit I had in the car, was a little much anyway (our effort had included an attempt to tighten that up, but as most of the "fast" guys run a rack-n-pinion steering indoors now, no one had the tool to use to correct this, and I was unable to make one), so I decided to put the stiffer gear (that was originally in that car when I bought it from Butch Dahlke, but I was not strong enough to steer on the dirt) in the car. Andy also took most of the caster out of the front axle too. Surprisingly, there were no issues with air in the power steering system, and we were able to get through the first hot lap session.

With the thought that we were finally where we should have started the weekend off at and hopes of a good run, we were able to concentrate on fine tuning the chassis and just working at getting the LR to stay planted in the corners. The second session was promising and we hoped for a good end to the weekend. There was hardly any of the "hospital hop" or "teeter-totter" going on.

Qualifying went ok, but I picked too much of the throttle up too soon on the last lap and caused that LR to pick up. We ranked a lowly 27th out of 35. The time was a second off from Tony Stewart's fast time in the purpose built "munchkin". I was not happy with the time, but considered that it was maybe not too bad for a dirt car-especially with me behind the wheel.

Unfortunately, all of that was basically the highlight of the weekend. In the heat, I kept getting back on the gas too soon (since I was worried about picking the LR up and not good enough to carry any of it through) coming off the corner, (causing the car to get loose). The semi was even more frustrating, as the pre-race anticipation centered on an aggressive effort to get to the front and I apparently was not good enough to drive it hard enough to keep up with the field and keep the LR on the ground. In the end, I tried the "go slower to go faster" method, and seemed to improve (maybe about only the second time this has worked for me...the first being a go-kart run with friend Joe LaMarca of North State Motors). By then, there was not enough time to do anything though.

It took some effort, but I was able to find some positives from the weekend: Nothing got wrecked, broke (do not think I was going fast enough), or fell off the car (I checked all the bolts that I could after the early weekend vibrations). The fresh engine seemed to run fine and there were no leaks! In the end, about the only one upset was me (again, I do not think I was fast enough to make anyone on the track mad). Made a $100 sale of used parts and safety equipment. Saved money in other places...not posted here. Beat the bad weather both times and made it there and back without any problems (too bad can't say the same for Andy & Tracey...flat tire), even though all we basically had for trailer lights was the brake lights (though my uncle Jeff...who helped load...and Dad tried helping me with this Christmas night). I got to do an interview for the website "Talk2drivers".com (of coarse I failed to mention much of what I wanted to do there...including thanks to Huss Enterprises, Inc., "silent" backers, my mom for sitting with us in the stands at Sun Prairie when my dad used to race, all the help I get from Joe LaMarca of North State Motors, etc.). Unfortunately all that is not good enough for me though, as I did not go through all of that effort, time, money, etc. to run as bad as I did. I am sure that the help I have is not interested in a poor effort either.

It is hard to stay away from Ft. Wayne and the performance of Tony Stewart (feature winner on Friday and drove through the field Saturday-after trouble in his heat and having to come through MY consi-to a second place finish) fuels the teen-age idolization I have for the legend. Even though his "munchkin" is a heck of a machine, it still takes a driver to steer it.

Witnessing the effort and the results of the feature (Geoff Kaiser in Don Moore's #10 was the highest finishing "conventional" midget in 6th place), the reality was reconfirmed that I am not that good of one to develop my skill to learn how to drive the dirt car on that track in one day. Reviewing the results of the cars that missed the show (including pavement specialists Timmy Jzerdyck-in my consi on Saturday, Rich Corson on Friday, etc.), it is also apparent that it is a lot to ask of our team and equipment to ever make the show either. It would take a large amount of push from my crew and a commitment to run more than just the one "Rumble Series" races for me to be interested in attending again (I say this with hopes of one day going to Tulsa, and the chance that POWRi will continue to host indoor midget races...on DIRT!). It is very much something I want to do and be successful at, but the effort and expense may not be worth it. While it is nice to think that we had all fall to get the car ready, with the temptation to run the dirt race the weekend before, and everything else, the preparation goes down to the wire...hence the reason I would want to do all of this for more than just one race. In addition to all the mentioned changes, it is pretty common for pavement cars to run 6" shocks too, and I am sure that would help us in at least the RF (I think I now understand why really NO half-way competitive dirt teams switch their cars over to pavement anymore). Another thing to consider is that most of these other guys have raced the other two series and had that much more time to work on their driving and set-up. Although none of this is to make money, the fact that non-qualifiers only make $50 per day, does not help either (especially after paying a $60/day...supposed to be $75 post "deadline day" though...entry fee!). I would have to see an increase in this, maybe even an equalizer with the "pavement only cars" (that could include a better driver...hopefully that could be me?), our own purpose built pavement/indoor car (maybe the older coil chassis in the garage I wanted to put that steering gear in anyway?) before I would want to go back on my own decision. Of coarse it would not take much to twist my arm...

Again, special thanks to everyone that assisted this effort. The only thing worse than running as bad as I did, would have been to have not gone at all. In the end, I guess we were really "only" about 1/2 second slower than "conventional" midgets (unfortunately, even that is a lot for a 1/6 mile track though). Too bad I could not have started working on my indoor driving skills and set-up 7-8 years ago, before all the "munchkin" hype, etc.

NATIONAL MIDGETS Qualifications -- 1. Tony Stewart, 2x, Stewart, 8.037 seconds; 2. Billy Wease, 99, Burrow, 8.097; 3. Lou Cicconi Jr., 75, Cicconi, 8.115; 4. Jon Stanbrough, 0, RAD, 8.189; 5. Mike Fedorcak, 97, Stewart, 8.219; 6. Kyle Hamilton, 33, Hamilton, 8.278; 7. Charlie Schultz, 56, Rencurrel, 8.279; 8. Matt Westfall, 19, Ryder, 8.343; 9. Geoff Kaiser, 10, Moore, 8.380; 10. Dave Darland, 14, RAD, 8.440; 11. Tim Jedrzejek, 8up, Williams, 8.460; 12. Kim Hughes, 53, Johncox, 8.478; 13. Tom Schnabel, 20s, Schnabel, 8.483; 14. Tyler Nuckles, 57, Cottongim, 8.531; 15. Tony Elliott, 5, Williams, 8.531; 16. Joe Liguori, 28x, Cottongim, 8.596; 17. Brandon Knupp, 15k, Knupp, 8.600; 18. Patrick Wilda, 28, Wachter, 8.611; 19. Jacob Wilson, 07, WBR, 8.633; 20. Jim “Timex” Morgan, 2, Morgan, 8.8.648; 21. Chris Hettinger, 3, Barnett, 8.699; 22. Ryan Klingelhofer, 08up, Williams, 8.720; 23. Rich Corson, 15, Corson-Savage, 8.786; 24. Ryan Litt, 41, Griffith, 8.843; 25. Adam Wilsdon, 71, Wilsdon, 8.866; 26. Jeff Wimmenauer, 15x, Wimmenauer, 8.913; 27. Zach Leeke, 19x, Leeke, 9.048; 28. Mike Osite, 20, Osite, 9.074; 29. Bryan Nuckles, 59, Columbus Motor Speedway, 9.103; 30. Lamont Critchett, 44, Critchett, 9.120; 31. Deano Lennon, 27, Lennon, 9.256; 32. Sean Murphy, 4, Murphy, 9.398; 33. Chase Hightower, 00, Brown Bottle Boys, 9.431; 34. Matt Palmer, 33x, Wuerdeman, 9.569; 35. Jason Dull, 56d, Dull, 9.890 (please see Ft. Wayne blog for details of our trials and tribulations-JD); 36. Jeff Norris, 32x, Fuhrman, 10.337; 37. Paul Crafton, 51, Nigh, 10.433; 38. Gary Bradley, 4p, Bradley, 11.278; 39. Mike Hardy, 5m, Myers, 11.732.

First heat (8 laps) -- Kaiser, Schnabel, Knupp, B. Nuckles, Hightower, Stewart, Fedorcak, Wilsdon, Crafton, Hettinger.

Second heat (8 laps) -- Darland, Wease, Hamilton, Palmer, Critchett, Bradley, Wimmenauer, T. Nuckles, Wilda, Klingelhofer.

Third heat (8 laps) -- Jedrzejek, Cicconi, Schultz, Elliott, Corson, Wilson, Leeke, Lennon, Dull, Hardy

Fourth heat (8 laps) -- Hughes, Stanbrough, Westfall, Morgan, Liguori, Osite, Litt, Murphy, Norris.

First semi-feature (8 laps) -- Stewart, Schultz, Hettinger, Critchett, Wilda, Norris, Elliott, Litt, Hightower, Leeke.

Second semi-feature (8 laps) -- Fedorcak, Westfall, Liguori, Klingelhofer, Osite, Wilson, Wilsdon, Lennon, Palmer, Crafton.

Third semi-feature (8 laps) -- Hamilton, Knupp, Corson, Wimmenauer, T. Nuckles, B. Nuckles, Dull, Murphy, Bradley, Morgan.

Third heat (8 laps) -- Cicconi, Hamilton, Schultz, Hughes, Morgan, Dull, Wimmenauer, Norris, Hardy.

Fourth heat (8 laps) -- Wease, Kaiser, Leeke, Klingelhofer, Hightower, Osite, Corson, Schnabel.

First semi-feature (8 laps) -- Stewart, Morgan, Jedrzejek, Osite, Hettinger (first "conventional" midget-JD), Leeke, Dull, Lennon, Bradley.

1	MIKE HESS	1106	65	4	JERRYATRIC MOTORSPORTS	1106
2	BRANDON WAELTI	1010	55	15	HUSTON SOLUTION RACING	959
3	SCOTT HATTON	959	26	2	HANS LEIN	920
4	JERRY COONS JR	944	36	3	WAELTI-SCHULENBERG	851
5	AARON FISCUS	755	58	7	JIM FISCUS	755
6	JOE WIPPERFURTH	693	33	19	IMHOFF/DAVIS	693
7	DAVID GOUGH	678	26	14	JERRYATRIC MOTORSPORTS	678
8	DAVEY RAY	673	15	67	DAN MECUM	670
9	BUBBA ALTIG	670	7	5	WILKE PAK MOTORSPORTS	580
10	CHAD DESELLE	656	41	71	JIM FISCUS	556
11	MICHAEL PICKENS	596	40	3R	MARK RAY	485
12	NICK LUNDGREEN	560	24	43	BULLDOG MOTORSPORTS	451
13	TIM NOBLE	556	23	14AU	JERRYATRIC MOTORSPORTS	445
14	ROBBIE RAY	485	17	57	RAB RACING	435
15	BUDDY LUEBKE	451	14	21S	BERNIE SHREFFLER	431
16	MATT SMITH	445	18	69	RFMS RACING	411
17	A.J.FIKE	411	43	41	JONES MOTORSPORTS	389
18	JAKE SLOTTEN	321	18	11	WILKE PAK MOTORSPORT	364
19	DAN MECUM *	283	5	81	DESELLE RACING	304
20	DAVID BUDRES	267	8	8	DAN MECUM	283
21	ROB KEELAN	266	21	31	MANIC RACING	267
22	BRYON WALTERS	230	0	17	ROB KEELAN	266
23	JASON DULL	228	43	87	ACCELERATION RACING	238
24	KRIS HOEGSTED	159	15	5W	BILLINGS- WALTERS RACING	230
25	JON LEJEUNE	140	2	56	KEN DULL	228
26	KURT MAYHEW	120	23	34	JON LEJEUNE	184
27	JIM FUERST	99	7	71X	NICK LUNDGREEN	175
28	BOB SHREFFLER	82	3	63	PAUL PERKINS	174
29	ADAM CLARKE	35	0	7X	JIM FISCUS	159
30	RIK FORBES	23	0	97	MARY HOEGSTED	159
31				32	RFMS RACING	133
32				21K	KURT MAYHEW	120
33				28	JIM FUERST	99
34				79	RANDY POLEWCZYNSKI	89
35				33	DAN MECUM	35

QUAL				HT 1		DASH		A-FT
1	14	GOUGH	11.818	1	RAY	1	DARLAND	1	WAELTI
2	34	LEJUNE	11.824	2	ALTIG	2	WAELTI	2	DARLAND
3	67	ATIG	11.893	3	LUNGREEN	3	FISCUS	3	FISCUS
4	7X	WAELTI	11.906	4	NOBLE	4	ALTIG	4	GOUGH
5	15	HATTON	11.934	5	DESELLE	5	RAY	5	LUNDGREEN
6	63	RAY	12.074	HT 2		6	COONS	6	HATTON
7	4	HESS	12.121	1	COONS	7	ROSENBOOM	7	NOBLE
8	19	WIPPERFURTH	12.168	2	BUDRES	8	BUDRES	8	RAY
9	71	NOBLE	12.200	3	ROSENBOOM	9	LUNDGREEN	9	WIPPERFURTH
10	43	LUEBKE	12.207	4	WIPPERFURTH			10	DULL
11	56	DULL	12.232	5	HATTON			11	ALTIG
12	8	MECUM	12.243	HT 3				12	COONS
13	7	FISCUS	12.315	1	DARLAND			13	PETERSON
14	6X	ROSENBOOM	12.320	2	FISCUS			14	MECUM
15	41	LUNDGREEN	12.321	3	WAELTI			15	DESELLE
16	2	DARLAND	12.330	4	HESS			16	ROSENBOOM
17	31	BUDRES	12.427	5	LUEDKE			17	BUDRES
18	5W	WALTERS	12.485					18	HESS
19	1	PETERSON	12.530					19	LUEBKE
20	5	COONS	12.720					20	LEJUNE
21	94	DESELLE	NT
22	21S	SHREFFLER	NT
23	33	RAY	NT

1	BRANDON WAELTI	115	1	7X	JIM FISCUS	115
2	DAVE DARLAND	104	0	2	HANS LEIN	104
3	AARON FISCUS	93	0	7	JIM FISCUS	93
4	DAVID GOUGH	77	6	14	JERRYATRIC MOTORSPORTS	77
5	DAVEY RAY	68	0	63	PAUL PERKINS	68
6	NICK LUNDGREEN	65	4	41	JONES MOTORSORTS	65
7	BUBBA ALTIG	64	0	67	DAN MECUM	64
8	SCOTT HATTON	60	6	15	HUSTUN SOLUTIONS	60
9	TIM NOBLE	56	8	71	JIM FISCUS	56
10	JERRY COONS JR	53	0	5	RAJO WILKE PAK MOTORSPORT	53
11	JOE WIPPERFURTH	53	5	19	IMHOFF/DAVIS	53
12	DAVID BUDRES	40	0	31	MANIC RACING	40
13	JASON DULL	40	7	56	KEN DULL	40
14	MIKE HESS	38	0	4	JERRYATRIC MOTORSPORTS	38
15	CHAD DESELLE	35	4	94	DESELLE RACING	35
16	DAN MECUM	32	0	8	DAN MECUM	32
17	BUDDY LUEBKE	32	0	43	BULLDOG MOTORSPORTS	32
18	JON LEJUNE	24	0	34	JON LEJUNE	24
19	BRYON WALTERS	0	0	5W	BILLINGS- WALTERS RACING	0
20	BOB SHREFFLER	0	0	21S	BERNIE SHREFFLER	0
21				33	DAN MECUM	0

QUAL				HT 1		B FEAT		A FEAT
1	5	COONS	14.859	1	SMITH	1	WIPPERFURTH	1	PICKENS
2	2	PICKENS	14.914	2	EAST	2	R.RAY	2	HESS
3	4X	EAST	15.057	3	GOUGH	3	HATTON	3	WAELTI
4	4	HESS	15.202	4	D.RAY	4	D.RAY	4	EAST
5	19	WIPPERFURTH	15.210	5	LUNDGREEN	5	LUNDGREEN	5	D.RAY
6	21S	D.RAY	15.246	HT 2		6	DESELLE	6	SMITH
7	15	HATTON	15.304	1	PICKENS	7	KEELAN	7	LUNDGREEN
8	43	LUEBKE	15.401	2	NOBLE	8	MAYHEW	8	FISCUS
9	14	GOUGH	15.428	3	LUEBKE	9	HOEGSTED	9	WIPPERFURTH
10	86	ALLGAIER	15.437	4	WIPPERFURTH	10	FISCUS	10	LUEBKE
11	3R	R.RAY	15.449	5	R.RAY	11	ALLGAIER	11	R.RAY
12	21K	MAYHEW	15.453	HT 3		12	LEJEUNE	12	GOUGH
13	7	FISCUS	15.488	1	COONS	13	DULL	13	DESELLE
14	17	KEELAN	15.528	2	HESS			14	DULL
15	14AU	SMITH	15.539	3	WAELTI			15	COONS
16	3	WAELTI	15.559	4	HATTON			16	ALLGAIER
17	34	LEJEUNE	15.612	5	ALLGAIER			17	NOBLE
18	41	LUNDGREEN	15.708					18	MAYHEW
19	57	DESELLE	15.801					19	HATTON
20	31	BUDRES	16.191					20	KEELAN
21	97	HOEGSTED	16.366					21	HOEGSTED
22	56	DULL	16.759
23	71	NOBLE	17.208
24	5W	WALTERS	NT

Qualify Results
Driver	Time
Mike Hess	14.854
Bubba Altig	14.908
Brad Sweet	14.924
Cole Whitt	14.965
Davey Ray	14.974
Darren Hagen	15
Jerry Coons Jr.	15.015
Chad Boat	15.08
Dave Darland	15.084
Dustin Morgan	15.084
Brady Bacon	15.098
Bobby East	15.109
Tracy Hines	15.139
Scott Hatton	15.144
Brandon Waelti	15.153
Chris Malone	15.179
Jake Slotten	15.181
Brad Kuhn	15.185
Dakoda Armstrong	15.193
Levi Jones	15.219
Joe Wipperfurth	15.239
David Gough	15.314
Aaron Fiscus	15.318
Cody Swanson	15.376
Buddy Luebke	15.491
Matt Westfall	15.505
Jon LeJeune	15.525
Jim Fuerst	15.692
Chad DeSelle	15.702
Kurt Mayhew	15.724
Tim Noble	15.984
Bob Shreffler	16.051
Jason Dull	16.072