Rather than putting a bunch of touring series at the head of the class, Kalamazoo Speedway will be highlighting our five weekly classes throughout much of the 2013 season.   Most tracks could only dream of having the car counts & the outstanding quality & competition of our weekly classes; thus this will be where we will be putting our focus on so our existing as well as our new race fans will continue to see some of the finest weekly short track racing found anywhere in the Midwest.

As you open up the schedule, you will see that the Full 5 in 1 Show will be the theme for 2013.  Each class of cars will have either 5 or 6 special championship style events throughout the season (not even counting the COTW or the Super Shoe), paying extra money as well as racing for extra laps.  Again, this is Kalamazoo Speedway putting our weekly five classes first, hoping that the local fans will come out & cheer for their favorite local driver!  You will notice the special event pay chart at the bottom of this article showing what each special event will pay for each class.

Kalamazoo Speedway will of course be hosting a few of their specialty events as well with some of which are listed below:

• Two Auto Value Winged Super Sprint Shows in 2013!!
• The Kalamazoo Klash
• The Super Stock Klash
• Four Belle Tire Front Wheel Drive Enduro Events
• The Night of Destruction, hosted by LKQ
• The Call of the Wild Extravaganza
• The granddaddy of them all, the 27^th annual Super Shoe Nationals!
• One of the Largest Fireworks Show in southwest Michigan will take place at the Zoo in July of 2013!
• All of this, not even mentioning the Intimidator 100, Season Championship Night, the Goat Roper 25 and a whole sleuth of new races for 2013!

As you go through the above list, you can see why our optimism for 2013 remains at an all-time high……big named events, great weekly racing…….it’s all a recipe for great success for the upcoming race season.  And for you drivers, look at the chart below at the special event pay for all five classes!

Attention Weekly Drivers & Race Teams:

If you choose to rent a reserved Pit Stall for the 2013 season, you will have until January 12^th to reserve your pit spots that you had paid for last season.  Starting on the 14^th, all reserved pit spots will be up for grabs for the upcoming season.  You can call the speedway office at 269-692-2423 or e-mail me at gary@kalamazoospeedway.com   to reserve your pit spots.  The prices will remain the same as they have been for the last 12 seasons…..$100 for the main infield & $50 for the top or third pits (which does not include Super Shoe).  As always, there are a ton of paved spots that all have electric, so renting a pit spot is not a priority, unless you want the same spot each week or you choose to park with a group of other race teams.

Kalamazoo Speedway officials have announced that they have added an open practice on Wednesday night, May 15.  The practice will go from 5:00-8:30.  For more information on Kalamazoo Speedway visit www.kalamazoospeedway.com.

Cool 101 Shootout Information Sheet

Saturday, May 11th 7:00PM 

Cool 101 Shootout A Feature Payout:  $1,000-700-600-450-400-350-300-275-265-255-250 on back 

Non Transfer Cars: $150; No Entry Fee!   Raceceiver’s are mandatory (available for rent at the track for $60)

How the Cool 101 Shootout Field will be Set:

24 cars or less - all in the A Feature 

25 or more cars – Top 18 locked in from qualifying – the top 4 from the Last Chance transfer to the A Feature 

Cool 101 Shootout Race Format/Rules:

• The qualifying order will be the determined by the speeds in the Cool 101 Shootout practice session.  The slowest driver in the practice will qualify first, while the fastest car in the practice session will qualify last.  If a car does not compete in the practice session it will be the first car to qualify.  If multiple cars do not compete in the practice their order will be determined by a blind draw.  If any car does not qualify in the position they are scheduled to, they will lose one lap of qualifying.  If there is a tie in qualifying to the thousandth of a second, the tie breaker will be the car higher in the 2013 Kalamazoo Speedway Outlaw Super Late Model point standings.  If the tie is still not broken the next tie breaker will be the faster car from the practice session.  The final tie breaker will be a coin flip (2 drivers) or blind draw (3 or more drivers).
• The top running eligible lapped car at each caution will receive the “Lucky Dog Free Pass”.  A car is not eligible to receive the “Lucky Dog Free Pass” when, in judgment of the officials, 1) The car caused the caution 2) The car was in the pit area when the caution came out or 3) The car has been penalized with a discretionary call.  In the case of a discretionary penalty, it will be made known to the competitor, at the time the discretionary penalty is imposed, that the car will not be eligible to receive the “Lucky Dog Free Pass” to make up the penalized lap(s).  Transferring the “Lucky Dog Free Pass” will only occur when the first eligible car becomes ineligible to receive the “Lucky Dog Free Pass” because of a discretionary penalty, because the car pitted under the caution or because the first eligible car is not in competition at the time the yellow flag is displayed.  Then the “Lucky Dog Free Pass” will be transferred to the next eligible car.  There will not be a lucky dog on a “false start”.
• 50 laps  –  Tire rule will be the Hoosier 970R
• All Single File restarts with lead lap cars to the front, even in the Last Chance race.  In the event there is a car being sent to the tail, a lucky dog and a car coming out of the pits, they will be lined up in that order.  If a car comes out of the pits after the “one to go” signal has been called for on the Raceceiver, the car coming out of the pits will go all the way to the tail, even if they are on the lead lap.

Kalamazoo Speedway would like to welcome all of the Midwest Thunder Quarter Midget Drivers and Families to the “BigTrack” on Saturday Night!  All QM drivers in fire suits will get in Free…..any of the handlers or parents with a Little Kalamazoo Speedway wristband will get in for just $9!!

Mike “Bubba” Brooks took the white flag in the Little Caesars 50 with what appeared to be not much hope of beating fast qualifier and race leader Jeff Ganus back to the checkered flag.  As the duo came to the end of the backstretch and entered the third turn Brooks pulled an amazing banzai move to the bottom to pull even with Ganus and beat Ganus in a drag race back to the start/finish line to claim the victory.  The victory was the second career Outlaw Super Late Model win for Brooks, driving the Leduc Blueberries machine.  Even after having time to reflect on the pass Brooks tweeted (@flyinberry84) on Sunday evening “Still cant believe that pass worked last night #shouldabeenthere #kzoocrew”.  Defending champion Brian Bergakker rebounded from his Intimidator 100 crash with a third place finish ahead of Luke Krick and Mark Shook.  AJ Foote, Billy Shannon, Doug True, Steve Dolphin and Rick Senneker completed the top ten finishers.  Bergakker and Outlaw Super Late Model rookie Matt Frazier won the two heat races.  Ganus retains the point lead by just 19 points over Brooks, who moves all the way up to second in the standings.  Bergakker (-65), Shook (-98) and Shannon (-100) complete the top five heading into this Saturday night’s Cool 101 Shootout.

Defending Super Stock champion Kenny Head reached victory lane for the first time in 2013, beating out 1989 Outlaw Super Late Model champion Chris Orr in a late race duel.  Opening night winner Buddy Head was third ahead of Darren Lane and Jordan Hunderman.  Kelli Jo Hofacker led the second half of the top ten over Rob Hardy, Bryan Noble, Gary Denzel and Ben Beeler.  Notable finishers included Chris Shannon, who finished a disappointing 19^th.  Kenny Head set quick time with a lap of 13.772 seconds, while Shannon and former champ Matt Corliss won the heat races.  With the victory Kenny Head takes the point lead over his brother Buddy by just 8 markers.  Hofacker (-50), Orr (-68) and Lane (-72) complete the top five.

Pro Stock point leader Brent Hook appeared to be on his way to his second victory in as many weeks but mechanical failure sent him to a 12^th place finish and opened up the door for John Foote, who claimed his first victory of 2013.  Brad VanAvery finished a solid second ahead of Zack Cook, former champion Greg Haynes and Bud Hybels.  Defending champion Lloyd Brooks was sixth ahead of Travis Hall, Greg Brown, Keith Wilfong and Nick DeLongpre.  Toby Montgomery set quick time with a lap of 14.827 but was the first car out of the feature and finished 16^th.  With the victory Foote takes the point lead, by virtue of holding the tie-breaker over VanAvery.  Hybels (-10), Hook (-36) and Hall (-36) complete the top five in the standings after two events.

Another very competitive Mini Stock event saw Jerime Damron come out on top, beating Dave Long to the checkered flag.  Dennis Zimmerman, defending champion Frank Stager and young Chaz Hook finished third through fifth.  Sophomore driver Noah Gallandt rebounded from an early spin to finish sixth beating out Rick Gale, Jeremy Collins, Rick Mann Sr. and former Cyber Stock champion Doug Smith.  Notable finishers included Shane Clark, who finished 13^th.  Steve Potter was the fastest qualifier while Collins and Damron won the heat races.  Dave Long keeps his point lead by just six points over Damron with Stager (-23), Clark (-51) and Hook (-62) also hot on his heels heading into “Mini Stock Madness Presented by 92.5 the ZUU” this Saturday.

A strong field of Cyber Stocks saw Jack Cook come out on top of the twenty lap main event.  Tyler McGhan again impressed the crowd with a second place finish ahead of Barry Jenkins, Jerry Jansen III and Felicia Meade.  Brian Gregersen finished sixth beating out opening night winner and point leader Walter Nielson IV, Dion Vrooman, Keegan Dykstra and Joel Ritsema.  Jenkins was quick time while Jansen III and Ritsema won the heats.  Jenkins jumps to the top of the point standing ahead of McGhan (-29), Nielson IV (-30), Jansen III (-46) and Vrooman (-51).

The Kalamazoo Speedway is back in action this Saturday night, May 11 with a Full 5 in 1 Show featuring the “Cool 101 Shootout” for the Outlaw Super Late Models.  Jeff Ganus leads the standings but seeks redemption after being passed for the victory in the final corner this week.  Mike “Bubba” Brooks will try to propel momentum into a second consecutive victory and cut into Ganus’s point lead.  2012 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Outlaw Super Late Model champion Brian Bergakker will look to break into victory lane for the first time in 2013, as will Mark Shook, Billy Shannon and several others.  In addition to the Outlaw’s the Super Stocks and Pro Stocks will be back in action, as will the Mini Stocks, running “Mini Stock Madness Presented by 92.5 the ZUU”.  The always competitive Cyber Stocks will complete the program.  The Michiana Vintage Cars will also be on hand to turn some demonstration laps and take fans down memory lane.  For more information on Kalamazoo Speedway visit www.kalamazoospeedway.com.

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Due to the extreme cold temperatures forecasted for this coming Saturday night, Kalamazoo Speedway is forced to postpone its season opening event from this Saturday, April 20^th to the following Saturday, April 27^th!  Over 110 racecars will fill the pits & 3-4000 race fans are all anxiously waiting the start of the 2013 racing season at the Zoo, however  with temps forecasted to quickly be dipping down to the low 30’s, this is the best decision for both the fans in the stands as well as the race teams. 

Starting the 2013 season off with a bang will be the always popular, action packed Intimidator 100, featuring the Outlaw Super Late Models.  The Intimidator 100 will be full of familiar drivers, as well as several new teams for 2013. Who will be crowned the Intimidator for the 2013 season; could it be one of the new hi-profile teams who are calling Kalamazoo Speedway their home this season?  There are several cagy veterans, such as Brian Bergakker, Mark Shook, Jeff Bozell, Billy Shannon, Bubba Brooks, Todd Harrington and a sleuth of other hot drivers returning  to the Zoo who are betting against that!!?

The Super Stock class will prove to be the strongest class at the Kalamazoo Speedway as well as one of the strongest classes in the entire Midwest!   Kenny Head will return and contend for back to back championships, although drivers like Chris Shannon, Chris Orr, Darren Lane, Lindsey Katz, Ryan Wheeler & Kelli Jo Hofacker will be there all season long to contend for numerous wins!  With the strong car count expected for this class, who knows what the outcome could end up being?  June 12^th will bring back the 2^nd annual Super Stock Klash……one of the hottest new races to hit the area tracks in many years!

The Pro Stocks could very well be Kalamazoo Speedway’s sleeper division this year, with as many as 8-10 new weekly teams have pre-registered for the 2013 season!   Last year, Lloyd Brooks walked away with the championship…….this year, drivers such as Tyler Hufford, Keith Wilfong, Brent Hook, Zack Cook & Greg Haynes will do their best not to make life quite so easy for Mr. Brooks in 2013!

Frank Stager returns to the Zoo to defend his 2012 Mini Stock track title.  But with all the young talent in the class like Chaz Hook and Noah Gallant, that may not be so easy.   Also hungry for a win are the old guys such as Donnie Brest and Doug Smith.  Moving up into the mini stock division is Anna Haynes, as this young lady is looking to challenge the guys for the spot in victory lane.  Several well established new teams from various area tracks are looking to take home some Kalamazoo Speedway hardware & cash as well!!

As always, the Cyber stocks will be full of some of the wildest action on the track!  With upwards of 35 of these FWD bandits showing up on any given night, we aren’t sure how clean our freshly painted walls will stay looking nice once the green flag flies for this class!!  Come out and see the youngsters, as well as the older guys compete for the win, with standouts such as Jerry Jansen, Jack Cook, Barry Jenkins, Brian Gregerson, the Nielson boys & Mark Campbell!   Cyber Stock Nationals will be held on August 3^rd, featuring the fan favorite Big Wheel and Bicycle Races.

Every year the Kalamazoo Speedway hosts several fan favorite marquee races such as the Kalamazoo Klash, the Super Shoe Nationals, the Call of the Wild as well as the always popular Night of Destruction!!  Plan on calling Kalamazoo Speedway your family friendly Saturday Night Entertainment Hot Spot for the 2013 racing season at the Zoo!!

The Express Auto,Bronson Childrens Hospital #40 Camaro Pro Stock will be piloted by Toby Montgomery for the 2013 season. LBR is excited to have him and his team as we run for a season championship.  Good luck guys and lets bring home some trophies. Keep updated at www.lbr.Luxbrownracing.com for fundraising and new annoucements.

Emotions are very much a part of short track racing as are heated tempers in the pits after on track incidents take place.  However, with this being said, Kalamazoo Speedway is announcing two new policies that will cater to the safety & wellbeing of every person in our very tight pit area.  We are pleading with our fans to come into the pit areas during or especially after the races…….we can no longer subject our fans to a bunch of foul language or fighting after our racing concludes.

Speeding in the Pits

Any car that is deemed by speedway officials as going too fast in the pit area will be handled with as such:

• If the speeding violation is deemed minimal, a onetime warning will be given to the driver.
• If the speeds appear to be at an unsafe speed deemed by speedway officials, that driver will be notified immediately that for the remainder of that day’s events as well as the next three events where that driver is participating at Kalamazoo Speedway, that driver will shut off their car and stop in the make ready chute before their car reaches two orange cones (that will be placed in a safe location for the said car to stop at) and their car will then be pushed by hand back to the pits by their crew. 

Leaving Your Pit Spot During an Altercation In the Pit Area of any Kind 

At any time while on Kalamazoo Speedway property, any person in a restricted pit area will be expected to follow the rules & behave in an orderly & safe fashion.   During any racing altercation on the track, the driver, their crew, the car owner, the spouse or any other person in the pits is expected to follow the following rules:

• When an altercation occurs on the track all people associated with any car in the pits will 100% stay in your own pit area.  No member of that team is allowed to go and talk to another driver or member of that driver’s team until 5 minutes after the completion of the event.
• If the other team is close to your pit area, you will be expected to act in a professional manor; you will keep your mouth shut & not be yelling & screaming at the other team or driver.
• No team member will leave their pit area to go and confront another person in the pits at any time, until the 5 minute cool down period has taken place.  This means No Drivers will get out of their car & march directly over to another driver to have a heated talk….None whatsoever!!!
• After the 5 minute cool down period has elapsed, the driver by themselves can then find a uniformed pit steward and together can go and talk with another driver.  No team members will be going along with the driver……this will be the two drivers talking it over by themselves.
• A warning will be given the first time for a minor infraction; however failure to follow these rules may result in a loss of money and or points for that event or a suspension from the track for a decided period of time.  If the first time infraction deems not to be minor, the first time infraction will go directly to loss of money & points and suspensions!!