Brian Bergakker became the third different winner in the first three NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Outlaw Super Late Model events of the 2013 season by winning the WWMT 50 Presented by Cool 101 on Saturday night at Kalamazoo Speedway.  Bergakker started deep in the field and held off Jeff Ganus on a late race restart to pick up the victory.  Ganus continued his incredible run of consistency with a second place finish ahead of AJ Foote, fast qualifier Mike “Bubba” Brooks and Billy Shannon.  Dave Lober made his first appearance of the season and finished sixth ahead of Matt Frazier, Rick Senneker, Marty Crawford and Ben Raber.  Notable finishers included Mark Shook, who finished 12^th.  Bergakker and Chuck Greer won the heat races.

The Super Stock race saw a thrilling battle for the victory with Send Out Cards driver Ben Beeler emerging victorious.  Beeler passed Rob Hardy late in the event and held on for the win.  Hardy finished second ahead of young Tyler Hufford, Ryan Wheeler and Darren Lane.  Justin Dinzik was sixth ahead of Buddy Head, Lindsey Katz, Chris Shannon and Rich Hardy.  Several of the championship contenders had disappointing evenings including Kelli Jo Hofacker in 12^th, Chris Orr in 17^th and fast qualifier Kenny Head in 18^th.  Hufford and Larry Hollenbeck picked up the heat race victories.

Veteran driver Brent Hook held off a hard charging John Foote to capture the Pro Stock victory.  Toby Montgomery had a solid third place outing ahead of Brad VanAvery and fast qualifier Lloyd Brooks.  Bud Hybels finished sixth beating out former champion Greg Haynes, Zack Cook, Travis Hall and Jerry Pierman.  Hook and Cook were the heat race winners.

The Mini Stocks ran a 25 lap event called “Mini Stock Madness Presented by 92.5 the ZUU”.  For the second time this season Jerime Damron ended the night in victory lane.  Damron held off Shane Clark, Dave Long, fast qualifier Chaz Hook and Steve Potter for the victory.  Jeremy Collins led the second half of the top ten over Dennis Zimmerman, former Cyber Stock champion Doug Smith, Rick Gale and Matt Gross.  Defending champion Frank Stager broke in practice and was unable to compete in the night’s events.

The Cyber Stocks also ran a 25 lap feature called the “Cyber Stock Goat Roper 25 Presented by VanGuard Fire & Security Systems”.  Barry Jenkins came out victorious in a great battle with Jack Cook.  Keegan Dykstra finished an impressive third ahead of Felicia Meade and Walter Nielson IV.  Brian Gregersen finished sixth ahead of fast qualifier Jerry Jansen Jr., Dion Vrooman, Tyler McGhan and Walter Nielson III.  Notable finishers included Jerry Jansen III, who finished 16^th.

Next up is the first double header weekend of the 2013 Kalamazoo Speedway season.  On Saturday night all five divisions will be in action.  The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Outlaw Super Late Models will take center stage with the running of the Weller Auto Parts 75, paying $1,500 to the winner.  Kalamazoo Speedway regulars Jeff Ganus, Mike “Bubba” Brooks, Brian Bergakker, Mark Shook, Billy Shannon and more will try to hold off outside challengers for this big event, including Intimidator 100 winner Steve Needles.  The Super Stocks, Pro Stocks and Mini Stocks will also be on hand with the “Mini Stock 25-Magnum Presented by Titan Equipment” serving as the second consecutive special event for the Mini Stocks.  The always exciting Cyber Stock division will complete the program.

Then on Sunday will be the first event of the Kalamazoo Speedway Enduro Series with the running of the Veterans 200 Presented by Allstar Performance.  In addition to the Enduro there will also be Spectator Drags, a Powder Puff Event and Fireworks! 

For more information on Kalamazoo Speedway visit www.kalamazoospeedway.com.

Pulliam Still Leads Nation; Rocco Rises To Fifth

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Luke Krick built his racing career step by step. His goal this year is to reach new heights in NASCAR Whelen All-American Series competition at Kalamazoo (Mich.) Speedway.

Krick competes in the Outlaw Super Late Model division at the .375-mile banked paved oval. His quests are to get his first career Kalamazoo NASCAR Division I feature win and improve on his best track point finish of seventh last year. He placed sixth in 2012 NASCAR state points with a record included five top-fives and nine top-10s in 13 starts.

“We definitely have some big competition at Kalamazoo,” Krick said. “There are at least 15 cars running within a couple of tenths of a second of each other. We’re going all out in points this year. That’s our goal.”

Krick, 30, of Plainwell, Mich., is sixth in track and NASCAR state point standings this week. Defending track and state champion Brian Bergakker leads the state NASCAR standings while Jeff Ganus leads the track point race.

Track schedules and weather prevented the top four in NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national points from making a single start over the weekend.

TOP 500 STANDINGS | STATE/PROVINICIAL TOP 20

Lee Pulliam of Semora, N.C., maintains the national point lead for the second week with 10 wins and 15 top-fives in 17 starts. Pulliam races pavement Late Models and has won at South Boston (Va.) Speedway, Southern National Motorsports Park in Kenly, N.C. and Caraway Speedway in Sophia, N.C.

Deac McCaskill of Raleigh, N.C., is second in points with five wins, 10 top-fives and 13 top-10s in 14 starts. He races pavement Late Models at Southern National and South Boston. Tommy Lemons Jr. of Troy, N.C. is third in standings with a 14-race record of three wins, 11 top-fives and 13 top-10s. He races pavement Late Models at Southern National, South Boston and Caraway. Fourth in points is Anthony Anders of Easley, S.C. His pavement Late Model racing schedule includes Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway, Greenville-Pickens, Kingsport (Tenn.) Speedway and Myrtle Beach (S.C.) Speedway. Anders’ 16-race record stands at seven wins, 12 top-fives and 14 top-10s.

Making his first appearance in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Top 500 this year is fifth place Keith Rocco of Wallingford, Conn. Rocco is the series’ 2010 national champion. He bumped pavement Late Model driver C.E. Falk III from fifth to sixth place in national points. Falk was rained out at Langley Speedway in Hampton, Va., Saturday. Rocco posted SK Modified finishes of 15th and fourth at Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, Conn., and Waterford (Conn.) Speedbowl Friday and Saturday respectively. With a 10-race record of four wins, seven top-fives and eight top-10s, Rocco leads Falk by three points for fifth place in national standings.

Krick drives a car owned by his grandfather, Paul Fitzpatrick, a 60-year veteran car owner. Economics dictate that Fitzpatrick and Krick rely on knowledge and experience more than the latest racing equipment. Their race car began life as a 2000 Lefthander chassis for Limited Late Model competition. It’s been rebuilt, re-clipped and modified into the wedge-type Outlaw Super Late Model car that is prominent in Michigan.

“We race on a budget so that keeps it interesting,” Krick said. “I enjoy the time in the shop with my grandpa and I wouldn’t give that up.”

Krick grew up in Sarasota, Fla., racing motocross motorcycles for nine years. When he moved to Michigan after high school graduation at age 18, he knew Fitzpatrick was fielding Stock Cars. Originally the family racing patriarch told the youngster he’d never have family drive for him. Over the years, those who drove for Fitzpatrick include Bob Senneker, Chris Orr, Mike VanSparrentak and Bob Holley. Eventually Fitzpatrick acquiesced and hired Krick as his driver and as an employee at his Shelbyville Garage auto repair shop.

Krick won Pure Stock and Sportsman division championships, then came within three points of winning a Limited Late Model division title at Kalamazoo. Fitzpatrick put him in an Outlaw Super Late Model about five years ago and they won a championship at Galesburg (Mich.) Speedway before returning to a fulltime schedule at Kalamazoo.

“Hands down the best Late Model competition in Michigan is at Kalamazoo Speedway,” Krick said. “It’s a fast track and you can’t just come in here for the first time and expect to win. It’s the kind of place you have to learn where to accelerate and brake, and find a line that’s best for you. It really takes time.”

Fitzpatrick is also crew chief for the team. Crew members include Cory Shoemaker, Willy Bozzo, David Oglesby and Nate Drake. Jerry Olney is the engine builder.

Krick’s nine-year-old son Jason is in his second season of racing Quarter Midgets at Little Kalamazoo Speedway, a twentieth-mile banked concrete oval. Krick is engaged to Gina Mele.

Now in its 32nd season, the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series is NASCAR’s national championship program for weekly short track auto racing. There are 55 sanctioned tracks throughout the United States and Canada that participate.

A NASCAR Division I driver’s best 18 results through the Sept. 15 closing date count toward their state and national point totals and the champions are decided on overall point total. Once a driver reaches 18 starts, their point total increases incrementally as they replace some poorer runs with better results.

Under the point structure for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, a race winner receives two points for every car in the event up to 20 cars. Second place receives two fewer points and so on through the field. Race winners receive an additional five points. For example, if 20 cars are in the field, the winner receives 45 points, second place 38 and third 36. If there are 15 cars, the winner receives 35 points, second 28 and third, 26.

Track operators also designate support classes as NASCAR Divisions II-V and drivers in those divisions compete for points in the NASCAR Finalist program. The program brings added recognition to support division drivers. Points are kept separately for asphalt and dirt tracks.

Kalamazoo Speedway officials have announced three new procedures to be put in place immediately for its NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Outlaw Super Late Models:

1. The qualifying order for each event will be set by the reverse order of speeds in the final practice session.  This should make each qualifying session interesting until the very last driver completes their attempt.

2.  The “Lucky Dog” rule will be in effect for every feature event.  This should give drivers a chance to get back on the lead lap if they have dropped a lap or more down due to a flat tire, etc. and will put more cars on the lead lap at the end of the events.

3.  All restarts will have lead lap cars only to the front, even in Last Chance races.  This should enhance the fan experience by not putting lapped cars in between the leaders on restarts during the event.

All three of these procedures should make the already exciting Outlaw Super Late Model division even more exciting for the fans as the 2013 season continues.  For more information on Kalamazoo Speedway, visit www.kalamazoospeedway.com.

Hall To Host All-American Series & Night of Champions In December
May 17, 2013 – 1:30pm

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – NASCAR announced today the postseason awards dates for the annual NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards and the NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Series Awards, set for Dec. 13 and 14 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame / Charlotte Convention Center.

The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards will take place Friday, Dec. 13. Among those honored will be the 2013 national champion, as well as track champions from 55 tracks across the United States and Canada, state and provincial champions and top rookies.

On the following evening, NASCAR’s touring series champions will be recognized at the traditional NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards. Set for Saturday, Dec. 14, honorees will include the champions from the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1, Mexico’s NASCAR Toyota Series and Euro-Racecar NASCAR Touring Series.

“Holding our two NASCAR Home Tracks awards ceremonies at the NASCAR Hall of Fame is the perfect setting to recognize the soul of NASCAR,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president of regional and touring series. “Celebrating the young talent whose passion build this sport over these two events are highlights each year.”

Both the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards and the NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Series Awards will be streamed live on NASCARHomeTracks.com.

NASCAR previously announced the date for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards (Dec. 6 at Wynn Las Vegas) and the NASCAR Nationwide-NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Awards (Nov. 18 at Loews Miami Beach).

By Paul Schaefer, NASCAR
May 9, 2013 – 12:08pm

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series is NASCAR’s national championship program for weekly short track auto racing. The program brings NASCAR-sanctioned racing to the hometown level at more than 50 tracks. By the end of May, all participating tracks in the U.S. and Canada are scheduled to be open for the series’ 32nd season.

Connecticut-based Whelen Engineering is the series’ title sponsor. Whelen Engineering is a leading manufacturer of automotive, aviation, industrial and emergency vehicle lighting. NASCAR tracks and pace cars across North America are among the many showcases for Whelen products.

“The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series has always been the foundation for all of NASCAR,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president, regional and touring series. “NASCAR’s heritage was built on weekly short tracks. These drivers, teams and tracks are a vital part of NASCAR’s present and future.”

How It Works:

Each track operator designates their top weekly division as that track’s NASCAR Division I. The series’ national champion is the competitor who accumulates the highest total of Division I points over the course of the season. Division I drivers are able to compete for points at any NASCAR-sanctioned weekly track in North America. Each NASCAR Whelen All-American Series participant must have a current, valid NASCAR license to receive NASCAR points and be eligible for awards.

Pavement Late Model driver Lee Pulliam, 24, of Semora, N.C., won the 2012 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national championship. His racing record was 22 wins, 30 top-fives and 32 top-10s in 36 starts.

A NASCAR Division I driver’s best 18 results through the Sept. 15 closing date count toward their state and national point totals and the champions are decided on overall point totals. Once a driver reaches 18 starts, their point total increases incrementally as they replace some poorer runs with better results.

Under the point structure for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, a race winner receives two points for every car in the event up to 20 cars. Second place receives two fewer points and so on through the field. Race winners receive an additional five points. For example, if 20 cars are in the field, the winner receives 45 points, second place 38 and third 36. If there are 15 cars, the winner receives 35 points, second 28 and third, 26.

In addition to awards from NASCAR, Whelen and tracks, Division I year-end awards also include the Lunati Crew Chief Award for the national champion driver’s crew chief and the Lincoln Welders national champion car owner award. The UNOH Ultimate Mechanic Challenge recognizes a national winner from track award winners. Other special awards include state and national Rookie Of The Year Awards presented by Jostens; the Wendell Scott Trail Blazer Award; and the Mobil 1 Racing Oil Crew Chief Award for the Division I track champion crew chief at each track.

Division I track and state or provincial championships are also awarded.

Track champions are determined by local track points. A competitor does not have to win a track championship in order to win a state, province or national championship.

State and province champions are those who accumulate the most NASCAR points at any NASCAR-sanctioned track within a state or province. Points do not transfer between states or provinces, but a driver may compete for more than one championship.

Division I track, state and provincial champions, the top-three finishers in the national standings, and special award winners earn invitations to the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards event.

NASCAR Finalist Division Program:

The NASCAR Finalist Division program recognizes drivers who compete in support divisions at NASCAR Whelen All-American Series tracks. With “Division I” being the top class, the NASCAR Finalist Division line-up at each track highlights drivers competing in their second, third, fourth and fifth tier divisions. A NASCAR-licensed driver’s best 14 finishes count toward their Finalist Division point total for the year. Points are kept separately for dirt and asphalt tracks. Track operators designate their support classes as NASCAR Divisions II-V.

The top three drivers in the four asphalt and four dirt track NASCAR Finalist Divisions also earn invitations to the series’ awards event where they will be recognized.

Per section 12-4K of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series rule book, all drivers must display the series’ and contingency decals on their race cars to be eligible for state and province awards. The exclusive NASCAR Member website is www.nascarmembers.com.

NASCAR will begin the release of weekly NASCAR Division I Top 500 national standings on May 14, and the NASCAR Finalist Division standings on May 16. Those standings will be updated each Tuesday and Thursday respectively.

Just announced LuxBrownRacing will be holding a Charity fundraiser for Bronsons Childrens Hospital at Express Auto on stadium drive in Kalamazoo MI. This event will be held on May 31, 2013 from 3pm-6pm.  We will be having food and beverage for donation. There will also be a rafle for tickets to Kalamazoo speedway, as well as other prizes. So come on out grab something to eat and possible win a prize. Remember the date May 31, 2013 from 3pm-6pm.  See you there…..

Kalamazoo Speedway is fully committed to promoting its drivers and teams, as well as the sponsors that make it possible for the drivers to compete week in and week out.  For the 2013 season Kalamazoo Speedway has added another way for teams to be able to promote themselves, as well as their sponsors, while providing their fans with another way to follow them also.  On the right side of the Kalamazoo Speedway website is now a link that teams can click and send a press release directly to the Kalamazoo Speedway staff.  The staff will then review the press release and might post it on the Kalamazoo Speedway website as well as Kalamazoo Speedway’s social media pages.  Drivers and teams should feel free to submit as many press releases as they wish.  Press releases could include, but are not limited to: event previews, event reviews, new sponsor additions, sponsor appearances, etc.  Please keep the releases professional.

We are very excited about this new opportunity for drivers and teams in 2013 and we hope that you will take advantage of it.  For more information on Kalamazoo Speedway and the season opening Intimidator 100 visit www.kalamazoospeedway.com.

Continued rainfall and extremely low temperatures forced Kalamazoo Speedway officials to cancel to Cool 101 Shootout, scheduled for Saturday, May 11.  Racing action continues next Saturday featuring the WWMT 50 for the Outlaw Super Late Models.  For more information on Kalamazoo Speedway stay tuned to www.kalamazoospeedway.com.

The battle for the 2013 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Outlaw Super Late Model championship continues this Saturday with the running of the Cool 101 Shootout.  Jeff Ganus leads the point standings with two top three finishes but has yet to visit victory lane.  Ganus looks to extend his point lead this Saturday and will attempt to pick up his first victory of the season.  Mike “Bubba” Brooks is fresh off a victory in last Saturday’s Little Caesars 50 and sits just 19 points behind Ganus in the battle for the title.  Defending champion Brian Bergakker has also been shut out of victory lane in the first two events and is looking to break into victory lane this Saturday.  Bergakker sits 65 points out of the lead and is looking to make up ground this Saturday.  Other drivers looking to break into the winners circle this Saturday include Mark Shook, Billy Shannon, Luke Krick, Todd Currier, Rick Senneker, AJ Foote and several others.

Cool 101 is “The Oldies Station” for Otsego and Kalamazoo.  The station features Motown soul and great rock ’n roll.  For more information on Cool 101 visit www.wqxc.com.

For more information on the Cool 101 Shootout and Kalamazoo Speedway visit www.kalamazoospeedway.com.

This Saturday Kalamazoo Speedway’s Mini Stock division will run a 25 lap feature paying $400 to win, 92.5 the ZUU.  Opening Night winner Dave Long enters the event with a six point lead over last Saturday’s winner Jerime Damron.  Defending champion Frank Stager sits third in the standings and is looking for his first victory of the season.  Other drivers expected to challenge for the victory include Shane Clark, Chaz Hook, Dennis Zimmerman, Noah Gallandt, Rick Gale, Jeremy Collins, Rick Mann Sr. and several others.

For more information on 92.52 the ZUU visit them online at www.wzuu.com.

For more information on Mini Stock Madness Presented by 92.5 the ZUU and Kalamazoo Speedway visit www.kalamazoospeedway.com.