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.

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.

Twenty-nine Outlaw Super Late Models took to the track last Saturday night at the Kalamazoo Speedway with Steve Needles emerging victorious in the season opener for the second season in a row.  This week the Outlaw bodied machines return to the Zoo with a fifty lap main event on the schedule.  Jeff Ganus, who set quick time on opening night, enters the event as the track point’s leader and is expected to try to build on his lead.  Other drivers expected to challenge Ganus for the victory include Mike “Bubba” Brooks, defending champion Brian Bergakker, Billy Shannon and Mark Shook.

The battle for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series state championship also begins this Saturday as the season opening Intimidator 100 was a non-NASCAR event.  This Saturday drivers will begin collecting points in hopes of becoming this season’s state champion.  Brian Bergakker was the 2012 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Michigan State champion.

If you plan on attending the Little Caesars 50 this Saturday night make sure to stop by the Little Caesars Pizza Barn, located on the midway.  You can purchase pizza by the slice, a whole pizza and/or bread sticks.  Little Caesars Pizza is the official pizza of the Kalamazoo Speedway.  For more information on Little Caesars Pizza visit www.littlecaesars.com.

For more information on the Little Caesars 50 and Kalamazoo Speedway visit www.kalamazoospeedway.com.

Titan Equipment will be the presenting sponsor of this week’s Outlaw Super Late Model feature, called the “Little Caesars 50 Presented by Titan Equipment”.  The event will kick off the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series season and will come just one week after twenty-nine Outlaw Super Late Models participated in the season opening Intimidator 100.  Driver expected to challenge for victory include point leader Jeff Ganus, former Modified champion Mike Brooks, defending Outlaw Super Late Model champion and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Michigan State champion Brian Bergakker, 1995 Super Stock champion Billy Shannon and Mark Shook.

Titan Equipment is locally owned and operated and is your number one source for sales, service, parts and rentals of lifting equipment.  Since 2005, Titan has offered all your equipment needs – ranging from electric booms to scissor lifts and forklifts.  For more information on Titan Equipment visit them online at www.titaneq.com.

For more information on the Little Caesars 50 Presented by Titan Equipment and Kalamazoo Speedway visit www.kalamazoospeedway.com.

The Saturday Kalamazoo Speedway’s Pro Stock division will run a 35 lap feature paying $500 to win, courtesy of Cool 101.  Brent Hook enters the event fresh off of his victory in the season opener last Saturday night.  Hook holds a slim four point lead over Toby Montgomery, who is just two points ahead of a third place tie between Bud Hybels and Brad VanAvery.  Other drivers expected to challenge for the $500 include John Foote and Travis Hall.

For more information on Cool 101 visit them online at www.wqxc.com.

For more information on the Pro Stock Spring Fling 35 Presented by Cool 101 and Kalamazoo Speedway visit www.kalamazoospeedway.com.

For the second consecutive season Steve Needles started the season in victory lane by winning the Intimidator 100 Presented by Boyne Machine at Kalamazoo Speedway.  Twenty-nine Late Models filled the pit area Saturday night at the Zoo, with several heavy hitters included but when the smoke cleared it was Needles, driving for car owner Terry Gentry that emerged victorious.  Tyler Roahrig made a late charge but came up just short by finishing in the second position ahead of fast qualifier Jeff Ganus, who came all the way from 14^th starting position to finish third.  Twelve time Kalamazoo Speedway Outlaw Super Late Model champion Andy Bozell came home in fourth position ahead of his son and 2011 Outlaw Super Late Model champion and Intimidator 100 winner Phil Bozell.  JR Roahrig, Jeff Bozell, former Modified champion Mike Brooks, Matt Frazier and Randy Day completed the top ten finishers.  Defending champion Brian Bergakker was involved in an accident and finished a disappointing 15^th.  Dick Bissett won the Last Chance race.  Ganus leaves the season opener as the point leader ahead of Tyler Roahrig by just four points.  Needles (-8), Phil Bozell (-12) and Andy Bozell (-18) complete the top five.

Super Stock Pre-Season Testing at Kalamazoo Speedway saw Buddy Head put his machine at the top of both sessions this season but there were some that questioned whether he could back it up on Opening Night.  Head turned the doubters to believers on Saturday with a win in the season opening “Super Stock Mania Presented by Hayes Jeep”.  Chris Shannon finished second ahead of fast-qualifier and defending champion Kenny Head.  Kellie Jo Hofacker finished a strong fourth ahead of TK Whitman.  Bryan Noble, Larry Hollenbeck, former champion Matt Corliss, Tyler Hufford and Chris Orr completed the top ten.  After opening night Buddy Head sits atop the standings by just two points over his brother Kenny Head.  Hofacker (-8), Shannon (-18) and Whitman (-20) round out the top five.

Veteran driver Brent Hook took the season opening win in the Pro Stock division, coming out on top of a late race duel between himself and Brad VanAvery.  Travis Hall, Tony Montgomery and fast qualifier Bud Hybels completed the top five.  John Foote finished sixth ahead of Jerry Pierman, Keith Wilfong, Greg Brown and Mark Flierman.  Hook’s win propels him to the early season point lead, just four points ahead of Montgomery.  VanAvery (-6), Hybels (-6) and Hall (-14) complete the top five after one event.

Nineteen Mini Stocks made the call for opening night with Bobby Blount emerging victorious over Jim Newman.  Shane Clark finished a solid third ahead of Jerime Damron and Dustin Kline.  Defending champion Frank Stager led the second half of the top ten over Noah Gallandt, Doug Smith, Rick Gale and Brian Echtinaw.  Chaz Hook was the fastest qualifier but was involved in an accident and finished a disappointing 17^th.  Blount takes the point lead after opening night with Newman (-6), Clark (-6), Damron (-16) and Stager (-16) completing the top five.

The Cybernetic 25 Presented by McDonald’s Towing ironically saw a lot of carnage, resulting in several cars needing to be towed off the track.  When the smoke cleared Walter Nielson IV collected his first ever Cyber Stock victory holding off a head charging Barry Jenkins.  Tyler McGhan finished a strong third ahead of Jerry Jansen III and Dion Vrooman.  Walter Nielson III finished sixth ahead of Joel Ritsema, Jason Ratashak, Matt Majewski and Josh Roberts.  Notable finishers included former champion Dale Leonard in 16^th and defending champion as well as fastest qualifier Jerry Jansen Jr. in 23^rd. 

Next on the schedule is another Full 5-in-1 Show coming up this Saturday night, May 4^th.  The evening will be highlighted by the “Little Caesars 50 Presented by Titan Equipment” for the Outlaw Super Late Models.  Also on hand will the Super Stocks and Pro Stocks, who will be running the “Pro Stock Spring Fling 35 Presented by Cool 101”.  The Mini Stocks and Cyber Stocks will complete the program.  It will also be Autograph Night and Scout Night, making this an evening you won’t want to miss!  For more information on Kalamazoo Speedway visit www.kalamazoospeedway.com.