There is a practice on Sat April 7th from 12

Although my dad did give me a hand getting everything loaded up, I went out to the track by myself and attempted to try to figure out a fast way around the oval. I had kept the car in second gear during the Enduro last fall, and had not spent much time actually trying to turn fast at speed laps with it around the oval. It seemed to "run out" at the start finish line and I had to shift it into Third to get down the straight. I struggled trying to get through the corner with the downshift. I tried different lines and shifting combinations, and even started to hold down my "push to pass" choke button all the way down the straights, hoping to keep up with the others. At one point, the tire pressures crept up and I got a little push. I took a little air out of the Right Front and it seemed to help, but I was really not very fast. In the third practice session, I got passed-again-and went into turn one behind the faster car. He got out of shape and spun. I had to shut it down a little before I normally would have and jumped on the brakes. I was able to slow, but the notorious brake system on this car failed me again. I discovered that I would have to change a hard to access rubber brake line. Although my dad and buddy Joe Lamarca would have eventually made it out, I decided I did not want to roll around in the dirt fighting it by myself, and figured I would just take it home and do it right in the shop. I got my money back from the Speedway, so all-and-all, it was not a bad experience, just a glorified practice session and one that I was fortunate that the circumstances worked out the way they did and I did not wreck when the brakes went out.

FROM: JasonDull.com DATE: 05-18-07 CONTACT: 815 494 6002 EMAIL: jdull99@hotmail.com USE AT WILL SEASON STARTS: This coming Sunday is marked as the opening race for the Badger Midget Auto Racing Association (BMARA) at the Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, WI. My 2007 intentions are to compete with the long established club (one of the oldest sanctioning bodies in the country) at the prestigious track, on a mostly regular basis. Although the motto of the season is to take it one race at a time, I will mention that in addition to opening day, the next couple of weeks offer more than just the standard show. The first event is scheduled as a 50 lapper, but I do believe (and hope) that they will push the show along, as the local schools are still in session. The following Memorial Day Weekend Sunday night special is usually capped with a dance in the banquet hall. Moving into the first Saturday in June, my “long-term” goal would be to join the BMARA club at the Beaver Dam, WI Charter Park for their event. 2007 SUPPORTERS: Although the opportunity still exists for a Primary sponsor to be involved in my program, I am pleased to announce the following places of business who have offered to support my recent and upcoming efforts. The listed assistance guided me to continue in my efforts with the BMARA and primarily at the Sun Prairie track. Major Associate Sponsor-JJ Precision Grinding, Roscoe, Illinois. Associate Sponsors-Quiznos Subs, Patio Pleasures, and Pietro’s Pizza & Pasta (all located in Sun Prairie, WI). Product and or Service Relationships-JAMR Racing Engines, EWT3DCNC, Fast Eddie’s Lawn Care, JJ & Associates, lia sohpia, MicroBlue Racing, and North State Motors. All are located in the Greater Rockford, IL area. There will be more information available on Jasondull.com. I also need to thank my family, friends, and even a couple of silent backers, who offer their assistance. We welcome any further support with open arms, and attempt to provide interesting opportunities as part of the experience. OPEN HOUSE: The car will be on display at Patio Pleasures tomorrow, Saturday May 18, 2007. The one stop shop for backyard and game room entertainment is located at 622 W Main Street, in Sun Prairie, WI. There will be coupons and information to Quiznos Subs and Pietro’s Pizza & Pasta available in or around the car, as well. Please stop by if you are in the area. OUTLOOK: Although very much appreciative of the support that I have received, I was unable to secure the necessary funding to allow for the updating of my basically stock block Fontana engine. As I have completed other maintenance procedures and made some updates to some of the other components, I do look forward to the upcoming year and first race with great anticipation however. Thanks to some of the above referred help, we were able to participate in a practice session a couple of weeks ago, but the goals for the first couple races are realistic; as many of my competitors spent parts of the winter and spring racing through-out warmer parts of the country and even “down-under”. This week marked the 10 year Anniversary of my very first "professional" automotive race event (In a stock car at Rockford Speedway on May 17, 1997), and I can only hope for more success in the next decade. Please note that although I do send this material out to promote my endeavors, it is not my intention to spam my correspondents, and the newsletter is intended to be genuinely “entertaining”. If you do not wish to receive this material, just ask to be removed from the email list, and I will promptly honor your request.

Division: BADGER
Track: Sun Prairie
Car: 2003 Stealth
Date: 05-20-06

After a practice session at Wilmot a couple of weeks previous, I had gone over the car with a fine toothed comb and had it available to display for Sun Prairie's Patio Pleasures-one of my 2007 associate sponsors. There was still the normal rush to load everything, because, due to my work schedule, it had to be done Friday night. I dropped the car off at the business around 9 p.m., as their Open House started at 9 a.m. the next morning. Saturday, I took the new tow rig we purchased, a 1995 Chevy full ton, and got everything set back up for Sunday. My buddy, Joe Lamarca, picked me up so that we could go watch the ASA Tour race at Jefferson.

Qualifying: Tried to work on using the low line (were the moisture is) through the corners and drifting out on the straights. I had not previosuly used that path in qualifying before, only in the C-main I won in last year's rained out Pepsi Nationals. I did back off in attempt to allow the car to set in better, but only managed a 16.150 and a 16.2. Jerry Coons was fastest at 14.674.

Heat 1: Due to my low ranking time, and the fact that the 2007 Rookies still have to start in the back, I was positioned on the inside of the front row of the first heat. We only made a few small changes to the car, since it was so early in the night. I tried guiding outside frontrow starter, hotshoe Danny Stratton-who has won numerous prestigious races, up over the high groove, but he still got the jump on me (with the level of his equipment, this was inevitable, but I was still optimistic) on both attempts (I actually think I did get a better start on the first try, falling in behind him, but the officials saw otherwise). When we did go green I was able to hold onto the runner-up spot, before the second row made their presence known. Ryan Durst, who last year drove cars owned by Kasey Kahne, got around early. A short time later, former BMARA champ Davey Ray, also made his way by. Although my pre-season dream of being able to suck in behind cars of that caliper was quickly offset by reality, I was able to maintain the fourth and final feature transfer spot for a couple of laps. As I was pretty "rusty" having not races all spring and/or even winter like some of these drivers, my line was less then perfect at first. I had utilized some of the bottom, where there was still moisture since it was so early, but I had also flirted with the top. I believe that they all had made their way around on the top. When the mentioned trio began to pull away, I finally got a rythm going, and moved up to the high side. That only opened the door for "JerryAtric" (Kevin Olson's car owner Jerry Hardy) teammates Mike Hess and Joe Wipperfurth to sneak by. Moments later, Bryan Walters (who I have raced with in the past), drove his brand new car around, too. He struggled a little later, and I was able to go around him on the outside and then shut the door on him coming off of turn two. That is how we ended up though, back in the 6th spot. Again only the top four transferred to the feature, so I had to run the B-main.

B-main: I was set to line up 10^th, but due to at least one DNS, I actually moved a little further up the grid. Realizing that, unlike the “stacked” heat race, this event is one that I should “shine” in, Fergie’s pop song “Glamorous” filled my head on the parade lap going down the backstraight. When the green came out, I made an attempt to make something happen going into turn one. The car went out of the groove a little and I did not react correctly. Rookie Robbie Ray slipped underneath and used a far share of the lower to middle part of the track. Tim Noble, another rookie, also showed his nose in between one and two, but I was able to protect my position. It took me sometime to finally get going and around Ray on the top side. When I did, mid-pack runners, Brian Ramstack, Rob Keelan, and the previously mentioned Bryon Walters were in view. Using my “Never give up” strategy that I intend to employee every race this year, I did end up closing in on the trio. Keelan and Walters traded lanes back and forth battling for what would be the transfer spot. Kurt Mayhew spun out his JerryActic #14 and there was a restart. I did not outside of Keelan as we reached the restart cone, but thought better of it (we are not supposed to pass before the marker) and may have ended up losing a little ground, when the green came out. Our battle went down to the wire, as first Ramstack pulled away, and then Walters secured the elusive 6^th spot, but Keelan’s effort seemed to derail. He must have been having trouble, as after the B-main he “scratched” for the night, and he pretty much stayed on the bottom lane. I kept my car up top and gave it a good attempt to get around, as I figured it may have been the spot that would have gotten me in the feature. In the end, I was the alternate for the main event, but all 22 cars started, and my night was done.

As I had raced with Keelan, Walters, Ramstack, etc. before, I was not at all upset with the first night, since I know that there has been some changes and updates to their equipment, and mine remains mostly the same as last year. It was an ok start, but something that hopefully we can improve on.

Hot Laps: We again had an issue with the vent for the crank case and my dad had to re-route the lines. There was a red flag and we got back out though. The car did not smoke that time, but I never really lifted the throttle.

Qualifying: I went out mid session in the draw order. The track was already basically dry slick and not quite like it always is in time trials. (Actually the times of the fast cars were about .5 second slower than they were last week). Still tried to hold the throttle all the way down and run the “qualifying” line (low in the corners, high coming out and into the straight away). After a sluggish push-off and then a close encounter with the back straight wall, when it did take off, I just breathed the engine a couple of times during the run. Otherwise it was flat footed most of it. Only timed 16.1s again, though.

Heat: Was slated to start on the pole of the third heat, but had an issue with the fuel injectors. I was fortunate enough to have someone new help me clean the fuel system (since my dad was the only “regular” to come around all week, and I failed to check the old fashion screw that goes into the outdated style nozzle), but I failed to double check what I had "delegated". One of the old fashion/out-dated injection screws fell out and the car started to not run well. The rest of the field kind of made their way around on the parade laps, and since I did not know what the car was going to do, I let them go. When the green came out, I did have a little power at top end, but otherwise it was just not right. Eventually I verified that I was getting sprayed with fuel and it was covering my driving suit (fortunately my dad brought his suit, so I was able to change into it). After a couple laps, I figured that no one was going to drop out, which may have allowed for me to transfer into the feature, so I pulled off the track.

B-main: Andy Jones, Bruce Zittleman, and “The crew” all worked together and we repaired the fuel system issue, but without any feed-back, pretty much left the chassis the same. My qualifying time allowed for me to start on the outside of row three, exactly in the transfer spot. I went into one on the green flag lap and attempted to go up into the moist stuff above the cushion. The car got pretty far out of shape, and I actually almost lost ground. I quickly got a little rhythm going, and was throwing the car in harder than David Gough, who was right in front. I was not able to put everything together and make the pass though, before an early red flag came out. We made a couple changes to the car under the red, and then went back out. Chad DeSelle had brake issues, so I got the restart third behind Gough and Danny Stratton. Under the long delay, I kind of had an epiphany and decided that as much as I wanted to try to pass the cars in front of me, it might have made the most sense to just make sure that I protect my position and make the feature. That decision was made due to the difference in third and fourth spot. With the top six transferring, I felt I should go into defense mode. Wes Carner and Dwight Steffan had the car was set-up pretty good still, but I did not do every lap perfect. After a long battle, Bob Schreffler eventually got around in his almost state of the art, Mopar powered brand new car. Late in the race, I let Rob Keelan by as well, although not without a fight. On the last lap, Schreffler’s smoking car shut-down coming out of turn three. I slowed down to avoid him, and rookie Robby Ray made his way underneath, but it was as the checkered and yellow flag came out, and the race was over. Either way, we still made the feature.

A-main: We took some stagger out and made a few other changes and lined up inside row 8, again beside Gough. With the race being 50 laps, I was somewhat conservative when the green did come out. Gough and I quickly found our way to the top though. If I would have been a little better, the car was working well enough; I should have been able to pass a couple cars. Jerry Coons had been having some issues through-out the night, and had only started a few cars in front of us. I had a good view of his run, as he did not seem to be pulling very far ahead and was running slightly above the line we were. Davey Ray hit the wall the coming out of turn four, and Jerry just missed him. If he would have bounced down a little lower, his car may have been in my lane, but we were able to avoid him. On the restart, I attempted to keep the car up on the top, but was not hitting the ideal line exactly, and it seemed a little bit loose up there. Brian Ramstack showed his presence a couple of times and I “got up on the wheel”, to hold him off. It seemed like I could run the top decent, but we could have maybe set the right rear up a little softer (as I was thinking) and if might have helped me hook-up a little better. As the leaders were closing in, I went more towards the bottom. Eventually Mike Hess, Brad Kuhn, and Danny Stratton got around. I tried jacking with the cockpit adjustable right rear shock, and veteran Kurt Mayhew, in Jerry Hardy’s pristine number 14, found his way by for position. I had been holding off quite the Hornet’s nest of driver’s, but started to really struggle with the track conditions. Ramstack had finally found his way around. The car got way sideways in between turns one and two, and I created a situation for Tim Noble to plow into the left hand side of me. It bent the muffler, but we were able to keep going. I was not sure of the condition of the rest of the car, though and I thought I felt a little vibration, so I was a little timid on the restart. The other top five frontrunners finally made their way past to put me a lap down under the green. I continued to give up ground, but eventually felt comfortable enough to go up to the top again. Was pretty much locked in behind Mayhew, and kind of followed him up there, as it seemed that the bottom had gone away somewhat. I really had nothing going on at this point. Another red came out, for front runner Hess. I had previously noticed that the water temperature was a little hot and sitting there under the red, it pegged. With the muffler almost closed up, etc., we called it a day. Ended up ranking 15^th, but seemed to impress a few people with the old cast iron engine, the only one out there.

Hot Laps: After a couple weeks of major repairs and rebuilds, including an engine freshen, rear-end overhaul, fabrication on the header, misc. brackets, etc., we made it back to the track. Last week’s Sun Prairie races rained out though, but it still took me a while to get a rhythm going. We went out for the second practice session. The track was kind of “greasy”. The way it worked out, we had a lot of stagger in the car. I struggled and was all over the place.

Qualifying: Wes Carner and Dwight Steffan took some stagger out of the tires and made some other adjustments. My dad made some changes to the fuel system, and the rest of the crew-Tom, Bruce, Mindy, and Amy helped get everything else ready. I still was not my best, though. Managed 16.0s. Quick time was 14.9.

Heat: Continued to adjust to the track and was slated to take the green from the pole. Outside starter Tim Noble and I could not stay together on the first couple green flag attempts. He got the top spot from me each time eventually, but I actually did not think that they were that bad. The officials said we had to go to the second row, and the new front row, Kurt Mayhew and Bob Schreffler took a second chance as well. After all that, I did let Noble pull away on the actual green and his teammate-Chad DeSelle, and Doug Schenck got around as well. I still was not very consistent, but after a couple laps, I finally got something going. I worked on what line to run, and ended up gaining on the fifth place running Noble, but could not make the pass.

B-main: Started 8^th. David Gough and Tim Noble started in the row in front of me. I flirted with the idea to go up above the cushion at the start, but ended up losing ground. I saw Nick Lundgreen’s nose a couple times, early, but finally got a little rhythm going and held him off. I had discovered some holes going into three, in the heat race, and if I hit them right, I got a little momentum going a few times. A couple times, the car did seem to get up in the air a little, but I did what I had to do with the throttle to keep it from getting to far out of shape. My line was not perfect, but I ended up gaining some ground on Gough and Noble. The former ended up falling back a little. I was optimistic that I may have been able to get around him, but I got out of shape coming out of turn two real bad and then let Lundgreen around. I still had the mentality that I was going to keep after it to make the pass for the transfer, but just could not get going fast enough. Towards the end I was able to get over some of the driving problems I had. Many believe that a newer and lighter engine would assist this effort, but I do know that I was not getting all that I could have out of the car most of the night, so there is still room for improvement. When I pulled in, the car was up to 250 degrees too. We did finally see the Tach read the kind of RPM we have been looking for all year-7900 (It previously seemed “stuck” around 7400 before all the recent work).

A-main: We ended up being the second alternate. Tim Noble had an electrical problem and we did get to go out onto the track during the parade laps. As the other 22 starters did not have any problems, I was waved off though.

I again have to thank my dad, uncle Tom, Dwight Steffan, and the "cooler crew" for their help loading everything up, as I had to leave early for my third shift work schedule.

I did want to thank a few others whom I failed to mention in that release: North State Motors, Wes Carner of Service BP, AutoHaus, and my mom. Seems like someone is always omitted, and for that I apologize.

Started behined bong's car. last row, outside, due to not wualifying. outside pass around 387, turn four...outside of Mecum going into one...right behind Budress, dove to inside attempting slide job, let Mecum by, we all slowed for Schreffler, who got his spot backtrestarted 7th, behind Budress, Mecum had spun, Budress flipped. restarted behind Robby Ray, was holding Mecum off, using the top, took the bottom going into one, Mecum got around on backstrech, ended up 8th.

Hot Laps: I tried to work on my line and keep up with Nick Lundgreen, who took the green in front of me. “Quick” Nick pulled away, but I was able to hold off a couple other cars until the very end. The track was in just about perfect shape. The engine seemed kind of flat, but the Tach turned 7700 RPM. I was able to mostly hold the throttle down, only breathing it in the center of the corner if it seemed like it was getting away from me.

Qualifying: I really worked on the “qualifying line” and keeping the throttle down. I was able to take the car into the corner without lifting, but on the first lap, I was down on the bottom in the center of one and two (trying to pick up the moisture), and had to lift before hitting the guardrail. On the second lap, I felt that I kept the throttle down, but the car still sounded like it was bogging down. Either I subconsciously was breathing it (I really don’t think the sole of my shoe left it, but maybe I did take the pressure off my foot a little or something) or my line was causing me to pitch the engine different. It was still pretty consistent with the times we have ran all year-16.0s. Quick time was 14.8. The engine turned 8000 RPM.

Heat: Started on the pole, with Kurt Mayhew alongside. He got the jump on me and headed into turn one on the top. Although, my crew guy, Dwight Steffan advised me to protect the bottom, as it looked like the fast cars in the other heats were still playing with the low line, I figured I should tag in behind Mayhew. That opened the door up for the #21 of High. I was way out of shape going into turn three, drifted high and into the greasy marbles. The car jumped completely sideways on me and Lundgreen hit my left front wheel. On the caution, the officials finally noticed my left front nerf bar was dragging on my tire. We had to pull in and they said I could not run without having the frame welded. I could not find a welder and my night was done. (I will point out that because of the new BMARA rules, I had to start this heat ahead of no less than three of the front running feature cars.)

Again, I had some great help this week. I have to thank my dad-Ken, Tom Dull, Bruce Zittleman & Mindy, Andy Jones of JJ Precision Grinding, Joe LaMarca of North State Motors, my mom, Dusty & Andy Stehley, Mike Swanson, Wes Carner, Dwight Steffan, Rick Imhoff, Mike and Tammy Hobson, Midwest Motorsports Racers Auctions, EWT3DCNC, lia sohpia, JJ & Associates, Fast Eddie's Lawncare, and the following businesses (located in Sun Prairie, WI) Quiznos Subs, Patio Pleasures, and Pietro’s Pizza & Pasta; & JAMR Racing Engines in Loves Park, IL. It is very dispointing that I have not been able to capitalize on all the help that I have received lately. I ensure these supporters that as the week goes on, I will continue to mechanically prepare the car and mentally and physically prepare myself for next Sunday's races.

Qualifying: The car did not take off that well again, but I tried to utilize the track and get some speed on the warm up lap. I did lift the throttle on the first lap, but tried to run the right line. On the second lap, I don’t believe that I brought my foot up at all, even when I dove toward the bottom in the corner-trying to pick up the moisture offered down there. I have never felt so comfortable with the inside guardrail and thought the lap would have been pretty good. Unfortunately, we went out late and the track was not so good, resulting in a 16.2 second lap. Quick time was a 15.0.

Heat: Started on the pole. I got the jump on outside starter Chad Dreher, but the first couple attempts were waved off; including when Dreher spun coming out of two. I would have had a nice position if he would have steered out of his slide. On the final attempt, he got the jump and led going into one. I got out of shape and let the rest of the field by. It took me most of the entire race to get a rhythm going. Finally at the end, I got a run on

Chad

. He was on the top and I was on the bottom. I was able to actually get some good left rear drive and hooked it up to the track and completed the pass before the checkered flag.

B-main: Due to my lackluster time trial, started last. The car did not take off well on the start. Finally got a rhythm going and built up enough speed to power down the back straight and under Dreher going into turn three. I had enough speed that the car drifted up into the next lane and I believe that

Chad

gave me room. I eventually got back into my bad habits and

Chad

got around again though. After a few laps I was able to start working on Joel Wytenbach in Tom Bong’s #38. I noted that he seemed to be struggling to hold onto the bottom groove and thought I may be able to find a hole underneath. Eventually, I got some good drive on the bottom and drove under him. His Brayton powered ride was a tough match for my Chevy II Fontana, but I did finally got the spot. As the race wound towards the end, I took the position into turn three again. This time, I did not drift up or anything, although I may have abruptly slowed too much. Joel drove over my right rear and looked like he was going to flip. His car landed and just the caution came out. I drove around for a couple laps and my dad tried to get a good look at the back of the car. Before the green came out, the officials waved me in. The impact had broken a radius rod bolt on my car and broke the right rear shock. Although they did make an attempt, in the limited amount of time, my crew was unable to change out the affected parts. After sometime, I realized that I should have pulled in sooner and gave them a better chance. It was completely my fault.

From Ken Dull: Top Ten Jason Dull Excuses for last week's 4th heat start

10.) Thought Pole Position referred to the fence poles around the outside of the track.

9.) Couldn't hear the officials on the radio because the Esslinger's were so loud.

8.) The lane markings were all covered up with dirt.

7.) Always liked the nick-name "High, wide, and handsome."

6.) Was actually trying to throw dirt on Les McBurney…come on, that's gotta be worth something!

5.) Wasn't present at the driver's meeting the night the starting procedure was voted on.

4.) Misinterpreted the part in the rule book where it says the guy on pole sets the pace for the field.

3.) Didn't want the wind from his car blowing the hat off the cock-eyed cowboy.

2.) He was being chased by Rick Imhoff.

1.) The flag man's seeing-eye dog had wandered on to the track.

We arrived to the track as prepared as we could be, but did have to make some changes to accommodate to the IRS rules as the night went on. Thanks to the help of my dad, Uncle Tom, Joe LaMarca of North State Motors, Bruce & Mindy, Lavern Spencer and Joe Knippel, we were able to adjust the car so that it did not feel bad.

Hot Laps: I had noticed that Rich Corson, a frontrunner in “National” midgets, pushed off for our session and tagged in behind him. I quickly realized that, as he broke in his new tires, he was not able to pull away from us. Towards the middle part I did close in and thought we may have actually had faster lap times. At the end though, he did pull away a little. It did not seem like we were that far off. In the second session I ran behind one of the Crichett brothers. We may have been faster, but I struggled with the line to run, as I attempted to bomb in on the inside if he slowed at all, rather than to stay in the faster groove and attempt to slip out when I achieved a faster speed.

Quick Time: In addition to the required changes, we also had to figure out the correct gears to run and went out with a different ratio for qualifying. Turned 16.7s and an ideal 7900 RPM. With it being my first laps on the track by self in that environment, I did struggle slightly. I let the car jump a little loose going in to turn one and may have not "feathered" the throttle enough. Quick time was a 16.2.

Heat Race: The time was not quick enough for the “fast” heat, but the way the invert worked out, we started outside row two in the second event. I went into turn one too hard, but did not loose much ground. Mike Adams Jr. (who’s dad the race was named after) and Brian Hicks pulled ahead as Dan George slipped underneath. We eventually got around Davis , IL ’s “Fast Eddie” Sauer-who gave me plenty of room going through turns one and two. I closed up on George but again found myself in the same position as hot laps. I tried to run my own race and almost would get going fast enough to drive underneath him. I bounced around on the inside of the track a few times, and got real low at least once, as I attempted to pass. Finally, as the laps waned down, I had the run on the inside of him, but the caution came out, and my efforts were negated. I ended up fourth.

Feature: The way the invert worked out I started on the pole! (No, we were not the slowest car and the entire field was NOT inverted). We did not have anyone helping in the pit area who was experienced with set-ups at the track and I really felt the pressure with the opportunity of the starting spot. Unlike my recent attempts at Sun Praire, the green flag was dropped, even though I pulled away from the outside starter-George-and took the high line at the flag. I did not go into the first turn too hard this time, and led the field. In what is just about the best feeling possible (leading a midget race) I was at the front of the pack for approx. five or six laps. Throughout that time period, I did make a couple of mistakes, getting it out of shape going into turn one again, and may have came off the corner with too much throttle a time or two. I also remember coming off of two once and letting the car drift out pretty high to the outside boiler plate wall (which bit me my first time at the track). I attempted to relax behind the wheel so that I would have energy left for the end of the race, and worked on my drive. Joe LaMarca said I was still in the consistent 16.7 second range. Adams was in second and was not challenging at that point. Although I never heard another car, I was told that he did close in going into the corners, but I was able to pull away coming off. My run was ruined though as I went into the corner and discovered that brakes were gone! We had issues with the brakes when we ran pavement before and, although we took measures to avoid this, I thought the problem was back. It was more serious, as the caliper bolts had pulled out of the rear-end housing and the rear caliper fell off and bounced around the track. I continued to run, trying to pump the pedal and adjust the front brakes to try to get some stopping power. My efforts were of no avail, and most of the field passed me. On the ninth lap a car did spin out in front of me, and I had enough distance that I was able to drive around him. Under the caution, I took a few laps and decided that I would try to pull in the pits and see if we could work on the brake system. As there was not enough time, I never found out if we could have gone back out. Our quick inspection revealed that even though our preparation efforts were meticulous, the bolts may have pulled out of the threads on the housing. As the bolts were tight before the night, I do not think it would have ever been a problem on a dirt track, but do to the intense force and heat on the pavement surface, the issue occurred.

Although it was pretty fun for the six laps, I still have commitments (to myself and other organizations) to the BMARA “doubleheader” at Beaver Dam and Sun Prairie this upcoming weekend. As the IRS has one of their last few races scheduled next Sunday, we will watch the weather over the week and keep the set-up on the way it is until we know for sure which is the best direction to head. Hopefully they will have me back down there.

From IRS: Using his 30 years of midget experience, and a little help from lady luck, veteran driver Rich Corson became the 44th driver to score a feature win in the Illini Midgets 16 year history. The win came at the Mike Adams, Sr. Memorial Race, presented by D’Arcy GMC...at Grundy County Speedway in Morris, IL. It was an unusual site to see the familar #15 Corson/Savage car sitting in the pits with Mickey Thompson’s on all four corners, but it was more than just the tires that had to be changed to get car ready for it’s first outing with the Illini sportsman Midgets, and this would be like taking a totally different car out on the speedway. Doug Orseske would put the #0 car on the top of the timing charts on this hottest race night of the year, turning a 16.273. Corson was the next car out, turning 16.383 on the 1/3 mile oval, good enough for 2nd quick, and showing what talent and experience can do with a totally new and different set-up...Corson would pick up the 4 lap dash hardware, getting an early taste of victory in his first time out on the track with other cars...The first Illini Midget heat race looked like Corson’s luck was starting to change, as he was black flagged for dumping fluid on the track. A problem that was later traced to a faulty radiator cap, not a blown motor...Heat 2 saw Basil Hicks’ new car come out on top with Mike Adams, Jr. second, and Milwaukee rookie Dan George third. Eddie Sauer would drop out on lap 4 with problems that would end his night, this after a great 2nd place finish at Angell Park recently. The 30 lap feature unfolded like it was scripted by a drama teacher. Jason Dull, giving up a night at Sun Prairie would start on the pole. Outside row one was Dan George, enjoying his first night without his rookie flag. Row two inside finds Mike Adams, Jr. Who could be more motivated to win this memorial race? Outside of row two finds Basil Hicks, enjoying great promise with his new ride. Row three is Loran Critchett, Jr. on the inside and Tom Schnabel outside. Critchett has struggled so far this season and is overdue for a good finish, and Schnabel seems to be having a good time aboard the car that won it’s first time out at the Prairie. Orseske and Teer share row four, both looking for their first win of the season, and both running well this night. In the fifth row, not one but two veteran drivers who have shown their talents throughout the country, ASA rookie Murphy and the old pro, Corson. The line-up was dramatic enough, but the race showed why short track open wheel racing is the most entertaining there is. Dull would lead the opening laps, until a mechanical gremlin forced him out on lap 9, just two laps after Orseske took over the top spot...Corson would take the lead on lap 10, but Teer drove around his high side to take over position one the next lap. On lap 26, Lamont Critchett made the drive from his 11th starting position up to 2nd place, also passing Corson on the top of the track. Teer, Lamont Critchett, Corson and Orseske cross the stripe as the white flag fell, but the finish would reflect something entirely different. With $1000 to the winner on the line, you could almost read the drivers’ minds...Down the backstraight with half a lap to go, Teer leads everybody into turn three, but loses control in the middle of 3 and 4. Lamont has nowhere to go, but manages to come to a stop without touching Teer. Caution is out, but down the front straight Orseske’s car pops out of gear, and coasts to a stop. Critchett and Orseske will be able to restart, but at the back of the pack. It would be a green, white, checker finish, with Corson holding off Hicks, Adams, and Murphy. No question Corson had some luck on his side this night, making the trophy dash by just .012 seconds; only a radiator cap and not something more serious in his heat; and getting passed cleanly by the two guys leading at the drop of the white flag in the feature, only to come out on top when it was all said and done; and to have all this happen at the race with the largest purse of the year (so far). Somebody once told me, the more I do this, the luckier I get. Luck is where preparation, experience, and opportunity all come together, and they all gathered in the Corson/Savage team hauler on July 8th. Time Trials 1. #0, Doug Orseske, Frankfor, IL, 16.273 2. #15, Rich Corson, Markham, IL, 16.383; 10. #82, Dan George, Milwaukee, WI, 16.722: 11. #56, Jason Dull, Machesney Park, IL, 16.725: (No wonder George and I raced so close together-JD) 13. #74, Eddie Sauer, Davis, IL, 17.177: Heat 2 1. Hicks, 2. Adams, 3. George, 4. Dull, 5. Smith, 6. Morey, 7. Rowe, 8. Koerner, DNF, 9. Sauer, DNF FEATURE RACE (30 LAPS) 1. Corson, 2. Hicks, 3. Adams, 4. Murphy, 5. Lo. Critchett, 6. La. Critchett, 7. Orseske, 8. George, 9. Teer, 10. Morey, 11. Rowe, 12. Smith, DNF, 13. Gillis, DNF, 14. Schnabel, DNF, 15. Dull, DNF, 16. Koerner, DNF, 17. Sauer, DNS, 18. Bart, DNS, 19. Knippel, DNS

Qualifying: The track was in decent shape. Took the green (Grand Prix style) behind Tim Noble, but he seemed to be caught sleeping. I was faster than him at that point and made my way underneath. The yellow came out shortly after though and I let him back around and spread out so we had room (Tim ended up 9^th quick). Under the green I was able to throw the car in real hard, maybe too hard, and tried to come off without spinning the tires. Had a decent time of 15.435. Quick time was 14.613. Not off as much as we usually are.

Heat: Started on the outside pole alongside Chris Hogsted. Although the track was in much different condition that it was earlier in the night, I was able to get the jump and actually took the lead. Going through turn one and two I realized that the way I was driving and the way the car was set-up may have been too soft for the upper rough conditions. (I do have a cockpit adjustable right rear shock, but ARS did not ship it back to me from repair, in time to use this weekend.) I managed to bounce through three and four still out in front, but eventually the pack of front runners-including Brandon Welti, Danny Stratton, Chad DeSelle, etc. -got around. Brad Kuhn made his way by coming out of two. Davey Ray was the last of that group who made the pass. After a couple more mistakes (I know it seemed like the back wall was sucking me in a couple time…but I tried not to let it intimidate me), Bryon Walters and Chase Scott also passed. Finally, towards the end of the race, I found a line to run, and got a rhythm going. It was too late to do anything though, but I tried not give up.

B-main: Started inside row four. They were transferring seven cars out of this event. I debated at the start weather I should try to pass Byron Walters, the car in front of me, on the outside or inside when the green came out. I ended up towards the high side of the track again-my line was a lot better and it was a lot smoother this time also made the pass. So, my efforts to improve my position-by diving below the cars I was in front of instead of just following them-were of no avail and actually cost me a transfer into the feature, since I did not realize my mistake and continued to run the same line. Two cars I was racing, Matt Smith-in the #14, and Walters both collided in an accident. I missed that wreck and relined fifth for the restart. Bob Schreffler was right in front of me and I figured that he would stay on the high side, so I thought I would try to dive under him going into one. It did not seem to be a bad move at first, as I was able to gain ground on both him and the third place car of Scott. They ended up pulling away, but I stayed down there thinking it might still work. Eventually Joe Wyttenbach got around in the high groove as well. Joe, on the top, and I, trying to run the bottom, battled pretty hard through the mid-point of the event. He powered away as I continued to struggle on the lower part of the track and then I got real sloppy. Eventually Hoegsted stuck the dagger in my heart and put me out of the feature. Not a good run.

My dad Ken and Uncle Tom helped prepare the car after Saturday night’s debacle (minus approx. 6 laps that I ran good) at Beaver Dam (posted under the “Racing Journal” section). We owe a special thanks to Sun Prairie’s Bill Blumer for allowing us to use his yard for our maintenance and cleaning efforts.

Hot Laps: Did not have a lot going the first session, but ended up with a couple decent laps the second set.

Qualifying: Thanks to my Uncle’s draw, was the first car to go out and had some new rear tires on. The car did not seem to take off very well, again. Finally got a good run down the backstretch, since I was not going that fast, and it felt real good through turn three and four. I went into turn one and dropped down to the lower groove-were the moisture is in time trials-but lifted a little bit as the car got out of shape down by the guardrail. Only turned a 16.0 again that lap. The second lap I actually did do about as best as I could, I never even thought about lifting (although the way the car pitched it may have sounded like that in the pits) and I ran about the best line I ever have. Ended up at 15.770. Quick time was 14.959. That is about as close as we get!

Heat: Started on the pole again, this time with veteran Kurt Mayhew alongside. I tried not to play any games at the start and just take off when the green came out. I actually did get a jump on him going into turn one, but I did not slide up into the high groove. He nosed ahead of me coming out of turn two, and then most of the rest of the field (Including Brandon Waelti and Scott Hatton) followed. I ended up getting a little rhythm going after they all got around though. I remained optimistic that I could catch Mayhew. With the way I was driving it, the car seemed a little bit loose in the center of one and two, and I continued to struggle coming out of four-as the car wanted to slide up out of the groove and into the rough stuff above the cushion. The later issue caused me to lift too much mid-race and Kevin Eggert got around me and put me back to 7^th. On the last lap though, he flipped, and I ended up 6^th. All-in-all, it was one of my better heat races of the year.

B-main: Lined up about the best I could ask for, behind Mike Hess and Nick Lundgreen, with Bob Shreffler, Tim Noble, and Kurt Mayhew in the row alongside. I managed to get off to an ok start and had a decent race going. Joe Wyttenbach showed his nose early on, but I attempted to hold him off. Towards the mid-point, I apparently left too much room on the outside and allowed Joe Wyttenbach to make a run up there, again. After a couple lap battle, he finally got around. During the race, I gave up a little ground (especially) going into turn three, as I was not letting the car get all of the way against the cushion. I believe that this caused an issue for me coming out of turn four, again, as the car was jumping into the "greasy" stuff headed towards the wall, and I lifted the throttle a couple times, which opened the door for Chad Dreher to pass. Although I thought I was running it pretty hard most of the race (towards the end I tried the "go slower to go faster approach"-to no avail), I never found the line to get the car around as fast as I could. When the cars in front of me lapped Leroy Waelti, Brandon's dad, they came back to me a little bit. I did my best to "get up on the wheel" and reminded myself of the "Rich Vogler Never Give up attitude", but my talent ran out and I lost ground. I do believe that if I would have anticipated this lapped car situation, I may have had something for them though. I ended up 9^th-outside the top six transfer to the A-main.

Thanks to the help of Bruce Zittleman, Andy Jones, Tom Dull, and the Stehely brothers (especially to Drew for picking up Dusty), we got everything loaded up and headed out on time. Duh and I stopped by Norm Schratz's to grab a few gear sets (I reliezed the night before that I did not have a set I would want). We met and picked up my Dad, and buddy Mike Cassatt; and also hit some construction on the way down. I called and the POWRi officials drew for my starting line-up. Missed the drivers' meeting, but had time to put the desired gear set in and check the track out a little bit.

Hot Laps: We were in the last session. I noticed that the cars coming off the track were not very muddy, and had Dusty drop the RR air pressure down. I just tried to get used to the place and did not do anything special.

Heat.: Was slated to start outside row two. At that time of the night, no one was able to make the top work. The lower line was the way to go. My start was ok, but I did not improve my position or anything. Going down the backstraight, I let the cars in front of me increase their distance. They got together and went for a wild ride up the banking in turn three. I sat coming out of four, and Bubba Altig left his car running for a longtime (for some reason) and the exhaust was blowing right on me. After the lined us back up, I tried to get a better start. The inside car and I made contact, and I spun.

86-Justin Allgaier---------92-Brandon Wagner
114-Hud Cone------------5o-Joey Montgomery
67-Bubba Altig------------56q-Jason Dull
22-Kenny Biro------------15-Tim Siner

1. Justin Allgaier 2. Joey Montgomery 3. Bubba Altig 4. Kenny Biro 5. Jason Dull 6. Tim Siner 7. Brandon Wagner 8. Hud Cone

SEMI #1:

5-Patrick Bruns------86c-Dave Camfield
11-Brett Anderson---56q-Jason Dull
36-Brad Paris--------15-Tim Siner
0-Kyle Wissmiller----6c-Corey Malone
41-Nick Lundgreen--92-Brandon Wagner
4-Kent Schimdt------12j-Jay Mounce
7-Austin Brown

1. Dave Camfield 2. Brett Anderson 3. Jason Dull 4. Kyle Wissmiller 5. Corey Malone 6. Brad Paris 7. Austin Brown 8. Kent Schimdt 9. Jay Mounce 10. Patrick Bruns 11. Brandon Wagner 12. Nick Lundgreen 13. Tim Siner

05-Brad Loyet-----------17-Steve Knepper
31x-J.C. Bland-----------25-Nick Knepper
112-Brent Beauchamp--43nz-Brad Kuhn
69-A.J. Fike--------------86-Justin Allgaier
5o-Joey Montgomery----51-Mike Hess
87-Rich Camfield--------25m-Derek Myers
2-Thomas Messeraul----67-Bubba Altig
22-Kenny Biro-----------31-Donnie Lehmann
86c-Dave Camfield------20-Tony Stewart
11-Brett Anderson-------5d-Zach Daum
56q-Jason Dull-----------43-Bryan Stanfill
15-Tim Siner-------------1t-Tony Roney

1. A.J. Fike 2. Brad Kuhn 3. Derek Myers 4. Rich Camfield 5. Bubba Altig 6. Joey Montgomery 7. Mike Hess 8. Tony Roney 9. Brett Anderson 10. Zach Daum 11. Dave Camfield 12. J.C. Bland 13. Tony Stewart 14. Nick Knepper 15. Jason Dull 16. Steve Knepper 17. Donnie Lehmann 18. Justin Allgaier 19. Bryan Stanfill 20. Brent Beauchamp 21. Kenny Biro 22. Thomas Messeraul 23. Brad Loyet

Brad Kuhn gave somechassis help! I actually got a rythm going late in the A...after AJ Fike and Brad Kuhn lapped me (hopefully I didn't get in your way)...we almost made it into the 10th car in line (not sure where they were scoring us for sure)...kept getting caught up in all the accidents though...but never really hit anything...

Anyway...we did drop down to 5 inches, moved the RR in about 1 inch, and took a turn out of the LF before the A. After the first caution or so, I turned the RR shock down even farther and tightened the LR. The car seemed to grip pretty good. Would say that the track "took rubber".

Hot Laps: Tried a couple different things, including different off-set on the RF and less stagger then other times. Had not raced at Sun Prairie the week before and took awhile to get the right line figured out again. The car was pushing real bad and the track was pretty greasy. Also, a bolt that keeps the steering gear in place, broke (I tightened it during my nut-and-bolt check).

Qualifying: Thanks to the help of my dad, Tom, and Dwight Steffan, we got the car buttoned up in time to make our run. Did not do very well again though. The car seemed to still want to slide out in the center of the corners again. Only qualified 16.2.

Heat: Started on the pole inside of Brian Ramstack. I got the jump on him coming out of turn four and slid in front by the flagstand. The car felt real good through turn one and two, but Ramstack got the lead coming out of two. I tucked in behind, but they finally threw the yellow down the backstretch. On the second attempt, I did not have that bad of a start, but going into turn three, I got sideways and changed lanes while straightening the car back out. Mike Hess tried to take advantage and stuck his nose under me and we made contact, causing him to spin. The yellow came out, and Chad DeSelle flipped with Bubba Altig. It was a complete restart. We ran ok on that start, but still got passed by Doug Schenk and Altig right away. Hess got by shortly after, but we were still in the elusive fourth and final transfer spot. After a few laps though, I was up on the high side and got passed by Brian Ramstack. Then, Kurt Mayhew showed his nose on the bottom. I did not give him any room coming out of two and then took the lower groove for the remainder of the race. I knew that Kurt would not pass me on the outside. Ended up fifth and was rewarded with a $50 gift certificate from Behling for my efforts.

B-main: Originally I lined up behind Rob Keelan, outside the third row. I figured that he would take the high line, so my game plan was to go to the bottom, and to try to get a run underneath him and the rest of the field. Under the lengthy pace laps, waiting for Jim Fuerst (who had flipped in his heat), the officials directed Rob and I to trade positions. I was now slated to start behind Robbie Ray, still outside, but in row two. With only the front row in front of me, I figured going into the first corner, that my choices would be less, and that I would just have to go wherever they were not. The initial start was waved off, due to Ray and fellow rookie Dan Mecum jumping the start. On the second attempt, I tried to hold Joe Wipperfurth-who started inside-down in the low groove. He led me through turn one though, and I went in on the high side. I really used up a lot of the racetrack, getting a good run on the bottom, but flirting with the top as well-although Mecum was in that line and not much faster. I settled in more towards the lower groove, hoping to get under him. That blocked the advancement of Kurt Mayhew momentarily, until I got a good run back on the top. I held him off for a couple laps, but I was thinking that he was letting his car get pretty wide in the center of the corners (causing me a concern for my left front) possibly, as retaliation for our just completed heat race battle. While I settled into that higher line it opened the door for Kurt, Keelan, and Luebke to power underneath. The latter got around coming out of four, and upset me, as I had to lift to give him room. My car did not seem to slow much, as I stayed right on him into turn one though. I then really got up high, and allowed Chris Hogestead to show his nose. Fuerst stalled to bring out the yellow mid race. I faked to the high side of Luebke, but dove underneath (as he was running the top). Hogestead flipped on the restart. Mayhew and Luebke were battling hard in front of me, and I struggled to find a way around. I could keep up, but couldn’t pass either of them. Real late in the race, I was able to cut from the bottom, behind Mayhew, up to the top, back in front of Luebke, to take the final transfer spot! It was about the best pass I have ever completed in a midget.

A-main: We made some final adjustments, but had to start at the back of the field (Luebke ended up making the show as an alternate anyway, as Danny Stratton broke). I resumed my battle with Mayhew and Luebke, again running a combination of lines-basically where they were not. A few laps in, we all got caught up in an incident with Keelan and Ramstack. My brakes had not been working as well as they should, since the Macon trip, and I just nudged into the pile-up. I would have been in a real good position if it were not for that. After the restart I did get hooked up real good with some LR drive and drove under Joel Wytenbach and Tim Noble. I got a really good run-again on the bottom-on another restart (for a stalled Bob Schreffler and Mayhew), and got by Mecum and (somehow) Joe Wipperfurth. Closed up on Aaron Fiscus, Matt Smith, and Brian Beauchamp (who ended up pulling off later), but my progression was slowed. Eventually Wipperfurth powered back around on the top and they began to show us the blue and gold flag (I actually was not sure if Joe was the leader or not). Not wanting to be in the way, I took a more conservative line. Davey Ray, the leader, finally lapped me a few laps latter. Some time later, Mike Hess, Bubba Altig, Brad Kuhn, Nick Lundgreen, and Brandon Wealti all went around. Towards the end of the race, I ran out of talent, and tagged the inside gaurdrail. I had not been afraid of getting close to it through-out the night, but it finally bit me. The left front end of the axle got bent, too. With only three laps to go, Davey broke, and the yellow came out. I was set to restart sixth in line, and was ok with that (It is my opinion that no racing organization should allow lapped cars to restart between the leaders, and I have gone to the back before, but this time it would have cost me a bunch of spots). When the green came out, Tim Noble got up behind the leaders and “Drove his Ass off” to pass me late, although I did not allow any other cars or leaders around. Ranked 12^th, again knocking on the door of a top ten finish (which would be my highest midget result) but falling short late.

Although I have not "blogged" about my recent midget races-how I like to-here is a report from Wednesday's Spectator drag at Rockford: With my schedule the way it is this week, I was making the race night trophies almost as the particular events were coming out. On one of my frequent delivery trips, I heard that they only had two cars signed up for the spec drags. I told the announcer/promoter Greg McKarns that if he needed an Aveo, to call me. He told me to go ahead and enter it. As the races were still a few minutes away, I went back to the Trophy Room to attempt to finish the night’s events. As I have only owned this new car for less then a year, I did contemplate my participation. I finally decided that if I could get the trophies I needed done before the event, I would enter (the tires are already worn out-can't understand why they only last 16,000 miles-and since I had to go that way to deliver the trophies anyway…). Motivated, I finished in time to head towards the pits and sign-up. I barely got back in my car before we pulled out on the track (just the way I would have it...no waiting). As we drove out, I was trying to secure all the papers, and misc I had accumulated in it over the week. Before lining-up, I had one of the workers remove the freshly assembled trophies from the car. Through-out the process, I was reminded that my mirrors flip back on the car. I thought I should kick them back to avoid the air resistance, but decided this effort would entertain the crowd much more if I did it after lining up for my first race, especially wearing a red long sleeve "racing" jacket that happened to be among the contents in the four-cylinder sub compact. Surprisingly, I beat the first opponent (who I believe was also a Speedway employee, driving a Cavalier) off the line. I was fearful that they would charge back, so I cut to the low lane-without mirrors-going down the frontstreach. Actually, I should have made it look like a better race, but I did not want to lose. The second round, I started on the inside and beat a mini-van handily. The final round was between last week's "winner" (who was disqualified for being involved in a wreck) and I. I had to start on the outside, but his Eagle Talon had me covered. I did get the inside starting spot in the “best of three” event. He must have had some concern, as last week he put on more of a show-starting backwards, giving up a few car lengths, etc. This was a heads-up race. I’m not sure if he was entertaining the crowd or not, but we were not bad going into turn four (the second time around is the opposite, turning right on the oval). I did not give him any room coming out of three, but he pulled away going down the backstretch. I then decided, due to the smells and sounds coming from the car (although it still does have a GM warranty), to take it easy into turn two and let him go.

I was looking forward to running Wilmot the night before, but it was rained out. Since the car was ready, we just made the quick few changes and had it ready to go for Sun Prairie. The precipitation had hit that area hard as well though, and the track was very moist. Wes Carner suggested a stiffer right rear bar to compensate for the possible rougher conditions. Dwight Steffan helped my Uncle Tom and me to select a different gear then what we had run the week previous. Qualifying was cancelled, due to the track conditions. Instead we had to participate in lengthy track packing sessions.

Hot Laps: I only got a few laps in, as I noticed that it sounded like a broken exhaust pipe. The yellow came out early in the session, and my suspicions were confirmed. I did drive it into the pits, figured any damage was already done, so we could try to get the spare one mounted. Thanks to my dad, Tom, Joe LaMarca of North State Motors, and Dwight, we did actually make the swap before the first heat, although we had to uncharacteristically work through the National Anthem. Dwight tried to stay on top of the rear tire stagger situation and we raised the rear of the car to compensate for the spare exhaust, which hangs below the frame.

Heat: Started inside row two-the races were lined up by a draw instead of the normal time trial invert. As I was basically all over the place, the event turned into more of a hot lap session for me, since we had missed most of the practice. It was a despicable run. Not at all close to being competitive.

B-main: Dwight and I took a little stagger out of the car and raised the front of the car about ½ inch, since the track was drying a little bit. Although we took a turn out of the RR, we left the stiffer rear bar in (due to the header issue, the rear-end was basically raised two turns across the rear to compensate). We kept the gear from the beginning of the night in. Started this race in the 10^th position. I thought that we might have been ok at first. The car felt pretty good. My driving still was not were it needed to be, though. I continued to struggle, especially entering turn three. I got the car too sideways and lost some ground. In order to not loose all my momentum, I let the car drive down towards the bottom of the track. Michael Pickens, and a host of others, bounced off my car (similar to the heat race with Mike Hess last week) as I changed lanes. My effort continued to go down hill, as the left rear had got cut and was flat. Eventually I got lapped by cars that I should be able to race with, and I pulled off.

Basically, it just was not my night. About all it ended up amounting to was a glorified and expensive work-out session for me. At least I got a few laps in, instead of taking the entire weekend off, as I did have to leave early for work. That situation is just not ideal for my racing effort. Although I can not say that I think about when I am on the track, it does seem that most of my “good” nights are when I can actually get coverage on my Monday (which starts at 11PM Sunday night). Fortunately too, the flat tire was not brand new! Although I was very unhappy with my effort, I was able to look forward to the next weekend, as Wilmot was rescheduled for Saturday August 11^th and the IRS will be back at Sun Prairie on Sunday. At least it should not be the same-old same-old. As my schedule has been unrealistically packed lately, I really did not even have time to feel bad about the deal, since it was important to focus on preparing for the busy weekend ahead, and attempt to keep up with everything else I try to do. During the middle of the week, I learned of another upcoming opportunity (to be announced here soon) as well. Fortunately, I was still able to attract a little bit of assistance in the shop before the next race, too.

As far as the chassis set-up last week: I do think that it would have been ok to have put a lighter RR bar in, as the track just did not get any ruts in it and it would have allowed the car to grip a little bit better. I could have at least turned the adjustable shock down a little, but I failed to do so. Maybe the gear could have been lowered also.

After last weeks terrible run, there were many items, including the header which, besides myself, was the largest contributor to the less then stellar night. I also spent some time setting up for the IRS race on Sunday at Sun Prairie and attempted to accomplish a few other times as well. Preparations went down to the wire, like usual. I had to work the night before, and was not able to start very early Saturday morning. Andy Jones arrived about 1:00 to assist. Tom picked the before mentioned header up from Mighty Mig welding shop, as I had “spaced” it earlier Friday. Bruce & Mindy showed up a short time later, and then my dad arrived (after being called in to work) just in time to finish up the exhaust.

Hot Laps: Was able to position myself behind Mike Hess. We caught up to Ric Forbes a few laps in. Neither seemed to really gain on me. The track was still pretty good, not too dry, and had some grip. When we pulled in, a loose fuel line had caused a little bit of a problem, and caught the air breathers and pre-filters on fire. It was not a big deal, but never a good thing.

Qualifying: About the same deal. Took the green behind Hess again. Due to the above mentioned issues, left the stagger, about 7 inches, in. Mindy dropped the right rear air down to 10.5 lbs and put 6+ in the LR, while dad and Bruce buttoned up our problems on the intake. Got around fairly decent again. Timed in at 16.640, which ranked 17^th, out of 24. That was about the highlight of the night.

Heat: Since I was not the slowest car there, started on the outside front row this time (Figures, usually, I start on the pole and want to be on the outside, here, lined up on the outside, when the inside is normally preferred). On the second attempt, I believe, I did not have a bad start, drag racing leader Rob Keelan into turn one. He had the preferred line, but I was able to tuck in behind him down the backstraight. I did not go into turn three correctly, and let a few cars around. Some of them, including Keelan, Harley Slotten, Brandon Welti, and Dan Mecum, got together coming out of turn four though. The race was completely restarted. This time, I restarted alongside Nick Lundgreen. There was no competition between he and I, as both attempts at a restart, Nick got me coming out of turn four. I attempted to follow him, but was basically out to lunch. I am certain that I almost lost it at least once, let it chug down a couple times on the bottom and found out that it does not want to take off, and all-in-all, did nothing right. After a few laps, I tried to run the top to chase down Mecum. About the same result. Towards the end of the race, I finally got a rhythm going, and it felt like I was not running too bad. I was throwing into the corner through the bottom and let it drift out towards the top on the straight, using up most of the race track. Again, I am not sure it was fast, but at least I didn’t get lapped in another wasted effort.

Feature: Fortunately, there were only just enough cars for a feature line-up. Due to my decent qualifying time, I started out the race not too bad. Had a good run going down on the bottom and actually slipped under Aaron Fiscus coming out of turn four. He shut the door on me and I, trying to avoid the implement tires I hit last time, had to lift at about the time I needed to be accelerating. Because of the gear, and the well-known notorious nature of our fuel system, the car did not immediately take back off, and I got passed by about three or four cars. I ended up going up towards the top of the track. The line I was running was not high enough though, as the car swung out in the slick lane (since I did not have it up against the cushion), and I let it spin out. At the time, there were still a few cars behind me, but no one made contact. After another restart, I lined up Rob Keelan. Due to the fact that the car did not take off well, I was riding the brake but on the gas as we came to the green. The leader, Chad DeSalle, was bringing us to a very slow restart. The field stacked up, and I, at the back and on the receiving end of the accordion affect, did not react quickly enough. We recently installed master cylinder that I have not grown accustomed too as well. Between a combination of everything, I ran over Rob Keelan’s RR and almost rolled over. The car bounced around all sorts of ways and the LR went flat. It was the end of another less then stellar day.

From IRS: The Illini Racing Series returned to Angell Park for the second time in the club’s history and put on some great side by side racing. The A-Main featured some classic duels, first with pole sitter Doug Orseske and outside front row starter Lamont Critchett going at it for several laps. One of the other great battles was set up by heat race #1 winner Joe Knippel’s suspension failure, which brought out the caution, and the tow truck. Jason Dull work his way around Orseske and Critchett, but had to contend with David Budres and Allen Gillis, the winner of the second heat. Budres’ night came to a grinding halt against the turn one wall on lap 14 after the right front suspension collapsed. He was uninjured. This set up great match-up between Gillis and Dull. Gillis’ non-SCREAM Ford Focus had plenty of power to swap the lead several times with “Double Duty Jason Dull”, who was running his car in both the Illini Division, then changing over to compete with the Badger Midgets. Gillis slowed and pulled into the pits on lap 18 as Dull went on to take the checkers. Illini Racing Series, Illini Midget Division Results from Angell Park August 12, 2007: Heat #2 (10 laps): 1. Allen Gillis, Wetmont, IL #39, Gillis Focus/White; 2. Jason Dull, Machesney Park #56, Dull Fontana/Stealth; 3. Doug Orseske, Frankfort, IL #0, Orseske Quad-4/Buzzard; 4. Mike Adams, Jr., Rockdale, WI #21A, Albert Chevy II/Mislich; 5. Eddie Sauer, Davis, IL #74, Sauer Ford/Edmunds... A-Main (20 laps): 1. Dull, 2. Lamont Critchett, 3. Orseske, 4. Koerner, 5. Sauer...(17 car present) Top Ten in Points: ...10th-Eddie Sauer-951.

From IRS-Posted on MM: It was an awesome night for Jason Dull. I got a kick out seeing him doing his Victory Lane inerview, while his team rolled the car back to the pits to switch it back to run with the Badger cars...45 - the number of drivers who have won an Illini Midget feature race with the addition of Jason Dull to that list of winners...300 - the number of degrees Gillis’ Focus reached (while leading) before it began to slow, causing him to lose the top spot to Jason Dull and forced him to pit on his way to the white flag. “ I wasn’t about to pull off while I was leading” said Gillis...2 - the additional number of laps Gillis would have liked to have maintained the performance he showed early in the feature (see 300 above)

From APS: The Illini Racing Series, billed as a midget sportsman group, also competed on Sunday. Heat winners were Joe Knipple and Allan Gillis. The 16 car feature was won by Jason Dull, a Badger regular. Dull had a strong night as he finished second in his IRS heat after starting last and was tickling the top ten in the Badger feature before he broke a shock absorber late in the race. Dull had little chance to enjoy the fruits of his night, as he had to dash to his street car and head to Rockford and report for his normal third shift duties at work, while his crew of father Ken and uncle Tom Dull (and Joe LaMarca of North State Motors-JD) were left to load up and haul the midget home.

Feature Lineup

Rob Keelan Brandon Waelti
Aaron Fiscus Nick Lundgreen
Jake Slotten Joe Whipperfurth
Michael Pickens Brian Ramstack
Mike Hess Scott Hatton
Doug Schenck Robbie Ray
Brian Walters Kurt Mayhew
Jason Dull Tim Noble
Joe Wyttenbach Bob Shreffler
Buddy Luebke Kirt Boers

After 10 laps

Brandon Waelti leads Nick Lundgreen and Michael Pickens

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Caution on lap 13 as Michael Pickens and Jake Slotten get together in turn 1

Brandon Waelti leads Nick Lundgreen, Mike Hess and Aaron Fiscus

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Caution on lap 17 as Michael Pickens comes to a stop in turn 2

Brandon Waelti leads Mike Hess and Nick Lundgreen

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After 20 laps

Mike Hess leads Brandon Waelti and Nick Lundgreen

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Caution on Lap 26

Brandon Waelti leads Doug Schenck and Mike Hess

Left work at a decent hour the night before, after they shut down early. Thanks to a neighbor kid and John Huss, we got the car and trailer loaded up right afternoon. Had to get everything else lined up before we were ready to go though. Finally got on the Highway just after 2:30. Hit some construction and stopped twice on the way down. Arrived to the track late and missed the draw and driver’s meeting.

Hot Laps: Thanks to the help from Joe LaMarca of North State Motors, Bill Balig, and Brian Benisch, we did have everything ready to go in time. I hung in behind Ryan Durst and Mike Hess. The car felt pretty good and seemed to go around the track all-right. Brad Loyet ended up passing me before the session was over.

Heat: HEAT #4

25-Nick Knepper-------------9-Dave Darland
7a-Dakota Armstrong-------86c-Dave Camfield,Jr
31-Donnie Lehmann---------87c-Rich Camfield
5x-Tom Hessert--------------4-Bryon Walters
56Q-Jason Dull

RESULTS : 1. Dave Darland 2. Nick Knepper 3. Dave Camfield,Jr 4. Donnie Lehmann 5. Dakota Armstrong 6. Tom Hessert 7. Jason Dull 8. Bryon Walters 9. Rich Camfield

Had to start in the back, due to missing the draw. Camfield dropped out. I never really got a rhythm going, the car was kind of tight in the center of the corner, and then when I got in the slick lane, it was real loose. Tried to adjust my line and started turning in sooner. We ended up looking a little better at the end, but not enough to get anything done.

B-main: SEMI #1 LINE-UP

67-Bubba Altig------------31-Donnie Lehmann
79-Kevin Swindell---------67s-Brad Sweet
7a-Dakota Armstrong----36-Brad Paris
22-Kenny Biro-------------56Q-Jason Dull
25nz-Scott Buckley-------17-Chris Windom
21a-Andrew Skezitich----4-Bryon Walters
51-Mike Hess-------------87-Rich Camfield

RESULTS : 1. Brad Sweet 2. Kevin Swindell 3. Mike Hess 4. Brad Paris 5. Bubba Altig 6. Chris Windom 7. Scott Buckley 8. Dakota Armstrong 9. Bryon Walters 10. Jason Dull 11. Donnie Lehmann 12. Andrew Skezitich 13. Kenny Biro 14. Rich Camfield

Did get to line up 8^th, but only three transferred. Got off to a pretty good initial start, but coming out of turn three, a bunch of cars piled up. I almost made it through, but spun it sideways at the very end and slapped into another car with the RR. Did get a complete restart, and I tried taking my initial spot as the green came out. There was another caution right away though and they clarified that I should be in the back. After that I finally got a little rhythm going on the high side. Dakota Armstrong and Scott Buckley were right in front of me. I could get a little run going, but could not pull off the pass. Bryan Walters, in Sue Meents #4, actually drove underneath and joined our battle. Ended up where one car was on the top and another was on the bottom. Late in the race, they opened up the high groove for me, and that lap, I did not go in like I had all the others! I tried going through the middle instead and threw away a chance to pass both of them! It would not have been for the transfer though anyway. Towards the end I tried going to the bottom, but it was too late to do anything.

Thanks to Joe LaMarca of North State Motors, Eddie Sauer of Fast Eddie’s Lawn Care, and Jerry Lemke of JAMR Engines we were able to complete just about all the maintenance I wanted to do to the car before Dusty Stehley and I loaded it up to go to the track. Dusty and I met Dwight Steffan there.

Hot Laps: Interrupted session. Mike Hess flipped pretty hard right in front of me. When we were under the green, I noticed that the track was real wide, flat, and smooth (other than one bump going into turn one). I also had a little different feeling, as due to an opportunity with Kevin Eggert, I had to put the seat in at the track and forgot the side body panels. I told some, that we were going “old school”, for the Hall of Fame Night fans.

Qualifying: Made a couple mistakes on the first lap and timed in at 15.9. Had a better lap the second time around, qualifying at 15.773-my best of the year!

34. Scott Buckley, 25nz, Buckley-15.361; 35. Bryce Townsend, 3nz, Buckley-15.375; 36. Brad Mosen, 77, Buckley-15.383; 37. Ryan Durst, 191, Auto Auction-15.386; 38. Bobby East, 04, Klatt-15.395; 39. Bryon Walters, 5W, Billings/Walters-15.456; 40. Buddy Luebke, 43x, Bulldog-15.456; 41. Robbie Ray, 3R, Ray-15.482; 42. Joe Wipperfurth, 4x, Jerryatric-15.504; 43. Bob Shreffler, 21xs, Shreffler-15.534; 44. Kurt Mayhew, 21K, Mayhew-15.563; 45. Aaron Fiscus, 7x, WOR-15.567; 46. Jason Dull, 56, Dull-15.773; 47. Jon LeJeune, 34, LeJeune-16.028; 48. Kenny Love, 71x, Love-16.089; 49. Michael Gruenberg, 03, Gruenberg-19.056

QUALIFYING RACE: (6 laps) : Started outside row seven. As the top six transferred, I “only” had six spots to make up! It was a pretty stacked field, with the Australian Super Team, last year’s winner Ryan Durst, and NASCAR Truck driver Bobby East were among the starters. Kurt Mayhew was right in front of me at the green. I tried holding inside row starter Aaron Fiscus down coming out of four, but was not able to get anything done at the start. The track was pretty “racey” and we were battling hard. With the limited pit assistance and lack of time in between our late qualifying run and the race, I failed to put enough tear-offs on. I did struggle a little due to that. At times, I was up on the top and making a run on Fiscus, but I babied it into the corners a couple laps-due to the lack of vision (like the MN bridge excuse, I going to blame it on Pigeon dung). I lost some ground and was not improving much. Robbie Ray and Bob Schreffler stopped in front of me in one and two. I barely missed hitting Schreffler, swerving and sliding to the right. After the green came back out, Schreffler and I raced pretty clean. He was on the bottom and I was up top. Neither one of us improved out position.

1. Mosen, 2. Buckley, 3. East (#04), 4. Wipperfurth, 5. Barber, 6. Durst, 7. Mayhew, 8. Fiscus, 9. Luebke, 10. Dull, 11. Shreffler, 12. R.Ray, 13. Townsend, 14. Walters.

Date: 08-26-07

Track: Angell Park

Division: BADGER / USAC

Car: 2007 Spike / Gearte SB2 Brayton

Hot Laps: I did not do anything special here, just kind of tried to feel out the new car. Noticed that the engine definitely had a different “whine” to it then our car.

Qualifying: About the only thing I did real well was draw an early qualifying number. I dove towards the bottom, like is the usual line around the place, and but there was not much down there, and I had to lift a lot. Even though it was my fastest lap in a couple years, the car had more. After that the track went away even more, so at least we didn't run the non-Qualifiers race.

1. Brad Loyet, 05L, Loyet-14.992; 2. Scott Hatton, 15, Huston-15.057; 3. Brad Kuhn, 43, Quin-15.076; 4. Danny Stratton, 4, Klatt-15.143; 5. Levi Jones, 20, Stewart-15.165; 6. Brad Mosen, 71 Kunz-15.175; 7. Doug Schenck, 19x, Imhoff-15.175; 8. Michael Pickens, 2x, Lein-15.192; 9. Jerry Coons Jr., 11, Wilke-Pak-15.213; 10. Darren Hagen, 32, RFMS-15.224; 11. Kevin Swindell, 79, Kahne-15.256; 12. Nick Lundgreen, 41, Jones-15.280; 13. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., 21, Stewart-15.288; 14. Davey Ray, 91, Nine Racing-15.298;15. Brad Sweet, 67, Kunz-15.364; 16. Brady Bacon, 99, Kahne-15.380; 17. Gary Taylor, 999, Tel-Star-15.395; 18. Chad DeSelle, 81, DeSelle-15.428; 19. Dave Darland, 9, Nine Racing-15.430; 20. Bobby East, 04, Klatt-15.452; 21. Ryan Durst, 191, Auto Auction-15.462; 22. Tom Hessert III, 5, Hessert-15.462; 23. Chase Barber, 90, Barber-15.509; 24. A.J. Fike, 69, RFMS-15.569; 25. Matt Sherrell, 135, Tel-Star-15.603; 26. Joe Wipperfurth, 4x, Jerryatric-15.612; 27. Gary Altig, 33, Mecum-15.623; 28. Brandon Waelti, 3, Waelti/Schulenburg-15.653; 29. Jason Dull, 98, Eggert-15.681; 30. Buddy Luebke, 43x, Bulldog-15.735; 31. Donnie Ray Crawford, 299, Tel-Star-15.783; 32. Mike Hess, 44, Jerryatric-15.815; 33. Chuck Gurney Jr., 51, Gurney-15.818; 34. Chris Windom, 17, Windom-15.840; 35. Brian Ramstack, 02, Ramstack-15.841; 36. Robbie Ray, 3R, Ray-15.868; 37. Tim Noble, 9x, WOR-16.015; 38. Aaron Fiscus, 7x, WOR-16.064; 39. David Gough, 6x, WOR-16.088; 40. Chad Dreher, 69x, Dreher-16.098; 41. Kurt Mayhew, 21K, Mayhew-16.103; 42. Jim Fuerst, 28x, Fuerst-16.162; 43. Brandon Wagner, 92, Wagner-16.222; 44. Kris Hoegsted, 97, Hoegsted-16.277; 45. Joe Wyttenbach, 38, Bong-16.367; 46. Bob Shreffler, 21x, Shreffler-16.431; 47. Rob Keelan, 17x, Keelan-16.482; 48. Jon LeJuene, 34, LeJuene-16.615; 49. Leroy Waelti, 7W, Waelti-17.202; 50. Kurt Boers, 79x, Polewczynski-17.954; 51. #19 Nine Racing-NT; 52. #5H Hessert-NT; 53. #97 Kunz; 54. #132 RFMS-NT; 55. #21s Stewart-NT; 56. #93 Wagner-NT; 57. #143 Quin-NT; 58. #05 Loyet-NT; 59. #56 Dull-NT.

FIRST HEAT: The time put us in the heats with the “big dogs” and I did not get much done from there. Matt Sherrell lined up on the outside. Under the parade lap, I reminded myself that although his name was vaguely familiar, I was not aware of him winning any big races in that in my mind, “He wasn’t nothing” – or another word. I believe we went under the flag stand allright, but he got the jump going into turn one. I actually was able to tuck behind him going into turn three though. I thought for a second that we might be ok, but just then, most of the rest of the field, including Jerry Coons, Ricky Stenhouse, Brad Loyet, and Levi Jones, drove underneath me. It took some of the rest of the field a lap or two to complete their pass. David Gough transferred out of the “non-qualifier” race and was the last one to make it underneath. I tried to get a rhythm going, but never did. Ended up 10^th.

1. Durst, 2. Coons, 3. Stenhouse, 4. Loyet, 5. Jones, 6. Sherrell, 7. Taylor, 8. Windom, 9. Gough, 10. Dull.

SEMI: (10 laps): We had set the car up to run the bottom, but took the green outside row seven-with AJ Fike on the inside. Did not have a bad start on the initial attempt, but it was waved off for issues up front. The second time I did not get going as well. Since we started up there, I tried running all the way up on the top, as I had struggled with in the heat. There were some pretty hard battles, but eventually I ended up letting everyone that started behind me, freight train underneath. The Fiscus trio of Tim Noble, Aaron Fiscus, and Gough all slid underneath. At one point, Noble got some air time in between three and four, but nobody came back to me. Later in the race, Brandon Wagner and then Kurt Mayhew also drove by on the inside. I thought I finally had a few decent laps towards the end, as the car felt like it was setting in the corner good, but I believe I was still letting it slide up into the cushion and slap against it, rather that letting the car ride against it. Finally, Sherrell, too, found his way around. I ended up making it down to the bottom for the last couple laps. The car did feel pretty good down there, but it was too late to do anything.

1. Stratton, 2. Jones, 3. Mosen, 4. Hagen, 5. Sweet, 6. Schenck, 7. Taylor, 8. B.Waelti, 9. East, 10. Hessert, 11. Fike, 12. Windom, 13. Luebke, 14. Barber, 15. Noble, 16. Fiscus, 17. Wagner, 18. Mayhew, 19. Sherrell, 20. Dull.

Date: 09-01-07

Track: Angell Park

Division: BADGER / USAC

Car: 2007 Spike / Gearte SB2 Brayton &2003 Stealth / Chevy II Fontana

When I talked to Kevin Eggert mid-week, he informed me that his business had burned down one morning! I figured that he would not want to come down to the track Sunday, but he still brought the car out and let me drive it anyway.

Hot Laps: I did find a few loose fasteneners in the front end when I did a pre-race nut & bolt check. We got everything ready in plenty of time though. I felt a little better in the car this week, compared to the week before. I did not set the world on fire or anything, but got some more time in the car.

Qualifying: I managed to draw ANOTHER lower number and went out early again. I got the car pretty sideways through three and four on the warm-up lap, but did not spin or anything. The other two laps were about the best that I could do as a driver. My line may have not been perfect, but the track was still in pretty good shape and a definite groove was not worn in. If I did lift my foot off the throttle at all, I honestly do not believe the sole of my shoe left the actual pedal. We timed in 15.571. Quick time was 14.974.

Heat: My qualifying time was fast enough (24^th out of 47) to not have to run the C-main.

HEAT #1

21K-Kurt Mayhew------------6-Tim Noble
98-Jason Dull------------------57-Harley Slotten
17-Chris Windom------------20-Levi Jones
33-Davey Ray-----------------21-Ricky Stenhouse,Jr

FINISH : 1. Harley Slotten 2. Ricky Stenhouse,Jr 3. Levi Jones 4. Davey Ray 5. Chris Windom 6. Kurt Mayhew 7. Jason Dull (Engine problems) 8. Tim Noble

B-main: My dad had finished in the C-main, which put us right on the edge of a transfer position (as an alternate at least) into the B-main. He graciously stepped aside and took his driver’s suit off, making the car available to me (I do own most of it anyway, but…). We were not really thinking that we would make it in, as it was going to take a lot of misfortune for a couple of the transferred cars, in order for us to get a spot. We went ahead and took the seat out of Eggert’s car and put it in ours though. We did what we could with the chassis. Ryan Durst had flipped earlier in the night, but the Greg Nelson led crew had the car rolling again as the rest of us pushed off for the semi feature. They tried to start Ryan, much to my disappointment. Unfortunately for him and that crew, my wishes came true, as the car just would not fire off! I was really optimistic that with my new found confidence (after driving Eggert’s car), I would be able to drive through the field and be the story of the race-coming from the back and into the transfer on “Pepsi Nationals” night! Reality quickly set in at the green though. The track had gone pretty dry slick and was real wide. This made for a circuit that was hard to pass on (at least for me anyway) and took a lot of horsepower to get around the top. I started behind Dean Mcaoon in the Fiscus #9 and Joel Wyttenbach. I made an early run under Wytenbach in turn one, but he stalled on the track and brought out the first caution anyway. After the restart I got a rhythm going and felt like I was driving the car about as hard as I did all year. Most of the run was around the bottom though and I was kind of stuck behind Kurt Mayhew-who does not usually leave a lot of room down there to make a pass. Although, as stated, I was using the low groove, I was not pressing on the brake pedal much, just letting the car roll through the corner. I kept up with Kurt all-right for awhile, but never got enough going to get around him. Eventually he made his way around Bob Shreffler. Before I could make a run on Bob, the leaders (some of the best in the country) did come upon us. They put a lap on us right before the end of the race.

HEAT #2

4-Ken Schmidt------------2-Michael Pickens
56q-Jason Dull------------43nz-Brad Kuhn
17-Ken Brown-------------6c-Cory Malone
33-Davey Ray-------------5d-Zach Daum
50-Daniel Adler

HEAT #2 : 1. Michael Pickens 2. Brad Kuhn 3. Davey Ray 4. Jason Dull 5. Zach Daum 6. Daniel Adler 7. Cory Malone 8. Ken Schmidt 9. Kenny Brown

56q-Jason Dull-------------55-Steve Knepper
50-Daniel Adler------------7-Aaron Fiscus
15-Tim Siner---------------31x-J.C. Bland
1t-Thomas Chandler------0-Kyle Wissmiller
21a-A. Andruskevitch-----6c-Cory Malone
8-Dan Mecum--------------0j-Johnny Murdock
76-Kellen Conover---------4-Ken Schmidt
21-Steve Stroud-----------4s-Michael Severs
6-Tim Noble----------------17-Kenny Brown
51-Mike Hess--------------111-Dustin Morgan

SEMI : 1. Steve Knepper 2. Aaron Fiscus 3. Mike Hess 4. Daniel Adler 5. J.C. Bland 6. Kyle Wissmiller 7. Thomas Chandler 8. Aaron Andruskevitch 9. Kenny Brown 10. Tim Siner 11. Kellen Conover 12. Tim Noble 13. Steve Stroud 14. Michael Severs 15. Dan Mecum 16. Ken Schmidt 17. Johnny Murdock 18. Jason Dull 19. Cory Malone 20. Dustin Morgan

From IRS: The Fifth Annual Bob Corson Memorial was destined to be a great night of racing with all the work the Corson family put into the effort. What it ended up being was one of those exceptional nights of great racing, mixed with a fund raiser for an injured driver, a salute to an 82nd Airborne trooper home on leave, many drivers doing double duty, a serious thrash on an out of town driver’s car to get him back on the track, and some of the best racing of the year. Jim Anderson qualified the #36 Guess/Anderson national midget car 5th quick...When the feature rolled around, nobody had anything for him from the drop of the green. Anderson led all 30 laps for his third win of the season...The Illini Sportsman Midget 25 lap feature went to Joe Knippel, with fast qualifier Freddie Teer challenging hard in the final circuits. Knippel also won the trophy dash with the heats going to Billy Hulbert and newly crowned champ Lamont Critchett.

National Midgets: Qualifying: 1. #20b, David Bryne, 14.82; 2. #11, Brandon Hartsell, 14.992; 3. #20s, Tom Schnabel, 15.005; 4. #79, Reid Ceponis, 15.115; 5. #36, Jim Anderson, 15.12; 6. #32, Rich Corson 15.285; 7. #0, Doug Dietsch, 15.372; 8. #97, Phil Rutledge, 15.592; 8. #56, Jason Dull 15.769; 9. #4t, Terry Ahern, 15.788; 10. #38, Billy Hulbert, 16.525; 11. #21, Dan VanderMolen, 16.801; 12. #69, Jon Ruff, 17.951

10 lap heat #1: Tom Schnabel, 2. David Bryne, 3. Jim Anderson, 4. Doug Dietsch, 5. Jason Dull (Started third), 6. Dan VanderMolen, 7. Jon Ruff

30 lap feature: 1. Jim Anderson, 2. Brandon Hartsell, 3. Tom Schnabel, 4. David Bryne, 5. Doug Dietsch, 6. Phil Rutledge, 7. Jason Dull, 8. Rich Corson, 9. Reid Ceponis, 10. Billy Hulbert DNF, 11. Jon Ruff DNF. 12. Dan VanderMolen DNF, 13. Terry Ahern DNS

Illini Sportsman Midgets: Qualifying: 1. #54, Freddie Teer, 16.184; 2. #44C, Lamont Critchett, 16.244; 3. #33, Joe Knippel, 16.27; 4. #0, Doug Orseske, 16.39; 5. #82, Dan George, 16.449; 6. #O4, Eddie Griffith, 16.47; 7. #17, Loran Critchett,Jr, 16.486; 8. #33X, Sean Murphy, 16.558; 9. #56, Jason Dull, 16.742; 10. #4V, Scott Koerner, 16.821; 11. #74, Eddie Sauer, 16.936; 12. #88, Mike Smith, 16.986; 13. #4h, Billy Hulbert, 16.992; 14. #86, Scott Shilkuski, 17.038; 15. #3, Mark Morey, 17.129; 16. #81, Jon Ruff, 17.264; 17. #22, Basil Hicks, 17.437; 18. #21A, Mike Adams, Jr., 18.202; 19. #51, Frank Reiss, 18.457; 20. #91, Black Bart, 19.923

10 lap heat #1: 1. Lamont Critchett, 2. Freddie Teer, 3. Doug Orseske, 4. Joe Knippel, 5. Sean Murphy, 6. Loran Critchett,Jr, 7. Scott Koerner, 8. Dan George, 9. Jason Dull (Started last row, behind Critchett), 10. Eddie Griffith DNF

25 lap feature: 1. Joe Knippel, 2. Freddie Teer, 3. Loran Critchett, Jr., 4. Sean Murphy, 5. Doug Orseske, 6. Eddie Griffith, 7. Jason Dull (Started behind Lamont Critchett and Sean Murphy), 8. Dan George, 9. Eddie Sauer, 10. Frank Reiss, 11. Scott Shilkuski DNF, 12. Mike Smith DNF, 13. Mark Morey DNF, 14. Billy Hulbert DNF, 15. Black Bart DNF, 16. Mike Adams, Jr. DNF, 17. Scott Koerner DNF, 18. Lamont Critchett DNF, 19. Basil Hicks DNS, 20. Jon Ruff DNS

National Short Track Championship Weekend...Thursday night, Loves Park's George Sparkman let me Hot Lap his daughter’s #5 American Short Tracker (As far as the car goes, Rachel only ran an abbreviated Rookie schedule. Veteran George drove it through the field to a second place finish in an attrition filled Labor Day special though). I did not do anything special in it (like most of the time I drive-I guess). Anyway, I had never drove an AST before and did not want to push it over the edge the first time out. We were there by ourselves and since it wasn't my deal (anyone that thinks I am too anal in the pits should hang out around one of these stock car crews-not just this pit area, but most I noticed...extension cords hanging everywhere, piles of stuff all over the trailer, etc.) I was not really sure what was going on, so both times I went out I missed the warm up laps. Although it is a lot harder to break the rear tires loose in a car like that than what I am used to, I was not going in hard enough and actually did get it a little out of shape coming out of four a couple times. At least I kept it off the wall and never spun...was there all afternoon Friday. In the second session, the only car that passed me was Tim Melvin-who finished second in points this year. I guess Randy Samples was upset because he thought I was "chopping him off in the corners". I just tried to run the line that I thought I watched George run, as he dipped the left wheels under the high white line around the upper groove of the track. Anyway, George's daughter had a soccer game until 3:00, and then drove back from Chicago. She made it just in time to qualify.

I also had my four cylinder "Volkswagen of Death" North State Motors Special Hornet out there. The VW guys couldn't help me with it Thursday, so we tried to tune it in Friday. Last time I practiced it, it could not get out of its own way. We changed the spark plugs, again, and adjusted the fuel idle, but still could not get it to run right.

I was hoping between the two, that I could have raced something and represented all of my “silent supporters” and sponsors JJ Precision Grinding, Midwest Motorsports Racers Auctions, JAMR Racing Engines & Dyno Service, EWT3DCNC, lia sohpia, JJ & Associates, Fast Eddie's Lawncare, Asphalt Maintenance, and the following businesses (located in Sun Prairie, WI) Quiznos Subs, & Patio Pleasures. I guess I failed to capitalize again. Hopefully we can someday.

Hot-Laps: Drew an early number again, so I HAD to go out in the early hot lap session. The track was pretty greasy. I really could not figure out the way around the place-it was my first time there. The car was pushing real bad. I had to dump it in pretty hard to get it to turn, but when I did, it was not that bad.

Heat: The draw put me on the pole of the fourth heat. Considering that and the fact that 55 mini-sprints also hot-lapped on the track, I actually did not want to adjust the chassis too much for the perceived “loose” condition (as my thought was that it would dry out due to the use). We made the normal changes to the front-end for a track like that (put softer springs on, adjusted the shocks, and raised the ride height), but basically left the rear of the car alone-other than checking the block heights and air pressure.

56q-Jason Dull-----------1t-Thomas Chandler
51-Mike Hess-------------86-Dave Camfield,Jr
12j-Jay Mounce----------5o-Randy Bateman
55-Steve Knepper-------21a-Aaron Andruskevitch
31-Donnie Lehmann

I struggled again taking the green and going into turn one. I let the car push out on me from the lower groove. A few cars passed me down the back straight. I went into three harder but was more in the middle of the track and got way out of shape. Another driver or two bounced off my out of control car. They actually threw the yellow flag and announced a “complete restart”. I assumed that would mean I got a second chance, and slowed up for the field to go around (every other time I have raced with POWRi this season, they give me a hard time on the radio if I run it hard at all under the cautions). The official came over the radio then and said that if something was wrong with my car, to pull off, since the green was coming out the next time around! I did not feel there was much I could sensibly do at that point, so I kind of stepped back and decided that maybe it would not be such a bad idea to just start from the back and try to learn the track.

I managed to keep up ok on the restart. Reaffirmed my philosphophy that it seemed like I had to really throw the car into the corner to get it to turn well. It was not a bad effort, as I actually made my way around a couple cars. Randy Bateman in the black and yellow #05 car, stumbled coming out of turn four and I diced underneath him. As much of a mistake he made, I figured that the yellow would be coming out. I guess it was actually a legitimate pass! None of the position improvements mattered though, but it was good practice session.

1. Mike Hess 2. Dave Camfield,Jr 3. Steve Knepper 4. Aaron Andruskevitch 5. Thomas Chandler 6. Jason Dull 7. Jay Mounce 8. Randy Bateman

B-main: We only mad a few changes to the chassis after the heat, but my dad repaired the Jake ladder after the turn three and four tussle. Although the track was pretty tacky still, it had just a nice little cushion around the edge. We ended up just softening the right rear a turn, taking 1.5 inches of stagger out, moved the wheel in about 1 inch, and my friend Dusty lowered the air pressure to 8 lbs

92-Brandon Wagner-------17-Kenny Brown
4ko-Kevin Olson-----------68-Jonathan Hendrick
73e-Ben Petter------------31x-Donnie Starks
56q-Jason Dull-------------1c-Chad McDaniel
05r-Mike Riley-------------35-Tyler Robbins
5o-Randy Bateman--------5d-Zach Daum

I did not get off to a good start in this race either though. It was not nearly as bad as the heat, but I gave up a spot or two, from my ninth ranking on the grid. Once I finally got a rhythm going, we engaged in a torrid battle with the other cars. More than once I thought I was ready to go over a wheel of the car in front of me, in particular a close call with Wagner. A couple of the cars came back to me and I moved up the order. A pass or two were near “slide-jobs”, coming off the corner, as I let the car slid up and into the opposing driver’s line. I ended up behind the orange #35 of Kyle Robbins. He was running about the same line I was and caused me issues. I could get very close and looked faster, but just could not complete the pass. I was certain that one attempted slide job was going to result in contact going through turn three and four. Somehow we kept going. One lap I remember being up and over the cushion and into the loose stuff up above. Although I was oblivious to the fact that we were close to the wall, I do remember clods of dirt flying off and around of my right front. It was pretty fun and intense racing, although we were not anywhere near the transfer spot! As mid-race it did not seem like I was moving forward on the top, I went down to the bottom for a lap or two. Although that may have been the time I slid under one of the other cars, Robbins pulled away. I ended up back on the top going into three, but Robbins flipped coming out of the turn. I did not react quickly enough to drive under him, but ended up sliding around backwards into his upside down car and the outside wall. The safety crew and officials stated that my ride looked all-right and we restarted. I quickly discovered that something was wrong, as the dreaded “push” was back. After another caution I realized that the right front tire had gone flat. Since POWRi only pays out part of their field, I stayed out and rode it around to the finish though.

SEMI #2 : 1. Daniel Robinson 2. Derek King 3. Kenny Brown 4. Donnie Starks 5. Jonathan Hendrick 6. Kevin Olson 7. Mike Riley 8. Brandon Wagner 9. Randy Bateman 10. Chad McDaniel 11. Jason Dull 12. Tyler Robbins 13. Ben Petter 14. Zach Daum

Car: 2003 Stealth / Chevy II Fontana

HEAT #1 : 1. Brad Loyet 2. Nick Knepper 3. Justin Allgaier 4. Kenny Biro 5. Tony Roney 6. Derek Hagar 7. Jason Dull 8. Daniel Robinson 9. Rob Simpson 10. Steve Stroud

SEMI #1 : 1. Donnie Lehmann 2. Dave Camfield,Jr 3. Tony Roney 4. Daniel Robinson 5. Jason Dull (actually tried running the top instead of huggy pole on the bottom - where pretty much everyone else was running...Mr. Dull thought I would have made the show if I had stayed down low - JD) 6. Ben Petter 7. Steve Aplin 8. Greg Lueckert 9. Aaron Andruskevitch 10. Ken Schmidt 11. Rob Simpson 12. Steve Stroud

In addition to the assistance from my usual crew and sponsors (including just recently added, Zero Motorsports out of St. Louis and Asphalt Maintenance of Byron) and thanks to the help of neighborhood kids Devon Ferguson & Jon Anderson, my girlfriend Felisha, Dustin Arnold of Ozark Racing, and even my sister Becky, we made the 8 hour haul to Springfield, MO for their Inaugural Turkey Open Wheel Classic. After MUCH persuasion from Devon, Eddie Sauer’s nephew, and support from the previously mentioned parties, I checked the weather one last time (the “experts” predicted high temps in the mid to upper 40s), and made my final decision to make the trip at about 11:30 a.m. Friday morning. Due to the previously less than ideal weather forecast, I had held off on preparing the car (as it was set-up for pavement from last month’s “play-day” and was close to being ready for next month’s indoor show at Ft. Wayne-which is on the brain). I had spent the morning working on what I could for either event, and did kind of get excited when I put my seat back in the car. The way the plans were finalized, everything went done to the last minute (like usual) and I ended up not getting hardly any sleep. We got on the road right after 4AM, sitting five wide in the dually truck (although Becky gave me gas money to drop her off in St. Louis), and getting less than 6 mi/gal!

Hot Laps: We actually made it to the track with plenty of time to make pre-race preparations, thanks to the energetic help of my inexperienced crew. We did almost have to make a quick thrash, to change the rear brake rotor, though. I discovered a crack when making some pre-race changes (more detail below). Surprisingly, I had missed that during my "surgical" cleaning and nut and bolt check. We decided against the change, as the crack stopped at a radius and was not into the mounting point...plus I didn't intend to use the brakes too much anyway. The track was banked more than I anticipated, seemed to have a little water on it, and we were the first session to practice. With the temputures not far above freezing (you could see your breath all day) I was concerned about the car not starting well (we had issues with that a couple of years ago and was most of my cause for concern on making the trip). The only problem I ended up having was that I forgot to turn the cockpit fuel valve on! It took off with-in 3/4 of a lap around the track though. Although I had adjusted somewhat for the above mentioned track conditions (from my preconceived impression of a completely dry slick track), the way I was driving the car, it seemed like it wanted to go off the edge of the unconstrained (without walls) corners. I tried turning it in before the end of the straight (like at Sun Prairie), but I would end up too far in the inside lane for a good lap. I also tried to follow POWRi regular Zach Daum in the #5 (the only driver’s name-other than Eddie-who I recognized at the sign in). He may have pulled away some, but no one passed me or anything. I had a 5.77 rear-end gear installed and only turned 7100 RPM, but I figured the conditions would change before the heat and that would be all-right.

Heat: After the hot laps, I left the stagger where it was at (approx 7 inches); even though I thought it was “tight” in the practice-since the track had dried out a lot. We softened up the RR corner though and raised the front end. Started inside row three. Although Daum pulled away at the green, I got off to a decent start. We got underneath a couple cars early and made our way into the second position. I found a decent line and got a good rhythm going (making the whole trip worth it). Mid-race I was able to “flat-foot” it, although I was spinning the tires (like I seem to do a lot of lately). Daum may have eased off towards the end and did not “blow-by” a lapped car as fast as I thought he may, and we closed in somewhat. I did not give up until the end of the race (thinking of Rich Vogler), but finished second. If I would have looked farther ahead and been more aggressive when Daum was lapping that other car, I think we may have had something for him though.

Feature: Had only turned 7800 RPM in the heat, but as the track continued to slick off, I decided to drop the gear down to a 5.67 (in attempt to help me avoid my notorious tire-spin problem). We also softened the RR a little more and intended to take some stagger out of the car (trying to go down to just above 4 inches). Johnny Murdock of Zero Motorsports, was offering chassis assistance, but I got myself discombobulated and put the original LR back on! We ended up with about 6.5 inches of stagger on the “ice-like” oval! Apparently the line-ups were determined off of the heat race finish (although we were told it was by passing points, which I had thought may have placed me even higher…guess I should have fought that one), so we started inside the second row, behind Daum. I went into one, with all that stagger, maybe too much confidence, and a foggy visor (from the cold temps). I let the car get way out of shape. Somehow the whole field missed my sideways JJ Precision Grinding #56Q and I tucked back in line, comfortably with-in the top five. We all engaged in pretty intense battles. I flirted with the high line, but moved around a lot. After a few laps, the #4 car (previously owned by Ronnie Burke of Texas-recognizable from the Chili Bowl) now drove by Evan Pardo and another driver got together causing Pardo to flip right in front of me coming out of turn one. I was close enough I had to stall the car to avoid being caught up. After the red came out, I let the car coast down turn two, in an effort to confirm that I was not involved in the accident. Although I was not entirely sure I had been re-lined up correctly on every restart, I did get to restart back in the top five this time. The restarts were odd though, as it was the first time I have been involved in a double-file restart in a midget. It didn’t seem like I capitalized on this at all though. I did make some cockpit shock adjustments under one of the race stoppages. After thinking that the car was working better mid-race, I decided to continue the adjustment under the next delay as well. Not sure if this really helped me or not, but at least we got to try something. Mid-race I finally got a pretty good rhythm going on the feature track. Although Daum had the field covered, the 2^nd-4^th place cars and I engaged in an interesting battle. I was able to get a run down the straights and thought I had a line through the middle groove in the corner, but I would let them pull away while I slipped the tires coming out. I finally passed the 4^th place car of Merrill Lamb. If I would have had everything together, I should have blew around the other two cars, Kevin Bayer and Beau Heavelow, in front of me as well. Under one of the final caution periods, Eddie showed his presence (apparently he was running directly behind me). I then ran the bottom for a few laps after the green came back out and did not see anymore of him. Late in the race, after the lack of sleep and some frustration from the less than perfect set-up, I was giving up some to the front runners. Lamb made his way back around in the closing laps. I held on for a fifth place finish, short of my goal of no less than a top three in the 15 car starting field (17 drivers signed in at the start of the night though). I can’t say for certain that having that much stagger was enough of an excuse to cause our less than satisfactory result, as it still felt like the car had pretty good LR drive and, other than the first lap spin, really did not want to spin out every lap. Just didn’t have all the stars, sun, and moon line up for a podium finish I guess. One of the issues I may be having is lately, on the dry slick tracks, I have gotten into the habit of NOT using the brakes much at all. Normally, when you are running the top, you wouldn't really touch them either, but I believe that to have success around the bottom, I may have to go back to using the brake pedal. My thoughts are that I get so much momentum going into the corners, I hate to loose any speed (it is a RACECAR that I am trying to drive). I believe what may be happening though, is I loose so much speed coming off, and that is where a lot of my tire spin comes from. I also have to keep reminding myself, that when I can't "flat-foot" it, I need to just ease of the throttle, instead of being all "jumpy" with it. Might have to consider a driving school and traction control before spending a bunch of money on a new engine before next season.

Maybe the best part of the trip occurred on the drive home. After a couple hour lay-over in East St. Loius, our journey back continued in the dawning hours of Sunday (return day for many Thanksgiving travelers). Having recalled an article I read last week regarding extra State Police patrols this weekend (almost enough in itself to cause me to originally stay home), I was not "on the gas" as much as I usually am. I may have let the speedometer creep up a little (having felt relief after getting through the MO hills the night before), but an early morning radar alert and police sighting slowed my run again. Having returned to a more reasonable speed, it allowed the opportunity for a faster traveling SUV to go around in the left lane. I was very excited to tuck in behind the other car! I had my "rabbit". Although this is the oldest trick in the book, usually I am the passing car, and have not worried much about the consequences...but I had already spent enough money on gas this week. Anyway, after some time of keeping the "rabbit" in my sights (including an even faster period when a sedan drove his way around and the three of us checked out for a little bit...guess we figured they couldn't get all of us!), the ole' radar detector went off again. The member of Illinois finest was southbound so I figured I was all right. Having been distracted by the cramped corners in the cockpit (we were back to all five occupants), I didn't realize, that he must HAVE turned around, until the patrol car was side-by-side (northbound now!) with my rig. I watched with great interest as he hunted down the Sport Utility Vehicle that I had grown fond of. After that episode, my attention turned to the always dropping gas gauge of the 454 Big Block truck. It had dipped towards the bottom. After sometime of looking for a station along the highway, we finally filled up. It ONLY took 31+ gallons in the 32 gallon tank. Oh ya, they gave me a free donut though! Later on in the trip, one of the younger drivers that were helping me make this 8 hour (one-way) trip and his navigator (guess I should have took that role...I couldn't sleep all weekend anyway) missed the interchange for I-39. It wasn't too bad, as we got to see a wrecked cop car (on both ends!) and a flipped pick-up truck down the road. It looked like a car chase that would have but Bullet to shame!

From Dustin Arnall, President Ozark Mountain Midget Series: POWRi series regular Zach Daum arrived in Springfield with the intention of "shaking down" a new car before the 2008 Chili Bowl. Everyone in attendance quickly realized that there were no bugs to be worked out when Zach came from the back of the pack to win his heat race in convincing fashion (I'd humbly argue with that-JD). Zach then used his front row starting position to lead all twenty laps of the A feature. Although there was never a contest for the lead the racing for 2ND place definitely raised the temperature for all of the spectators who braved freezing temperatures to see a great show. A yellow flag on lap 2 for the spinning car of Mike Cooper bunched up the field. The restart saw the first red flag in OMMS history when Evan Pardo got upside down in turn 2. When the green flag flew the crowd witnessed a dogfight for the runner up spot between the cycle powered cars of Merril Lamb and Beau Heavelow and the traditional midgets of Kevin Bayer and Jason Dull. After nine laps of hard core racing Lamb slipped from 2ND to to 6TH when he felt that he had a tire going down. Bayer and Heavelow settled into 2ND and 3rd while Merril used the remaining 8 laps to sneak back by Eddie Sauer and Dull to finish in 4TH. After ducking into the pits due to damage sustained on the lap 3 red flag, Barry Lamb put on a passing clinic to charge from the rear to to 6TH with a slightly damaged car...The OMMS would like to thank the drivers who traveled from 5 states to race in extremely cold weather. The OMMS would also like to thank Springfield Raceway for allowing us to be part of this event and the all fans in attendance for watching us in spite of the weather.

1) Zach Daum, Daum 5d
2) Kevin Bayer, Bayer 91
3) Beau Heavelow, Heavelow 4h
4) Merril Lamb, Lamb 15
5) Jason Dull, Dull 56
6) Barry Lamb, Lamb 5
7) Eddie Sauer, Sauer 74
8) Pete Palazzollo, Bill Allen 5m
9) Chris Schofield, Schofield 9
10) Niel Gamble, Gamble 4x
11) Mike Cooper, Cooper 22
12) Cody Baker, Bill Allen 3a
13) Phil Heavelow, Heavelow 44
14) Evan Pardo, Pardo 4b
15) Dustin Arnall, Arnall 21
dns) Eric Todd, Sawyer 7j

From IRS: The Jennifer's Garden, Chicagoland's premier banquet facility, was the setting for the 16th Annual Illini Racing Series Awards Banquet, which saw the Critchett brothers collect the lion's share of the post season awards for the Illini Midget Division...Lamont also picked up the "Quinn McCabe Full Throttle Award" for his hard charging driving style and dedication to the club...Wisconsin driver Dan George was named the "Bob Higman Rookie of the Year", took home the 4th place hardware, and his 82nd Airborne tribute car was honored as "Best Appearing Car". Jason Dull received the "Determination Award" for his efforts running the same car in two classes, at two tracks, winning a heat and a feature at Angell Park. The "Bob Meyers Perseverance Award" would have been presented to late model stock car driver Scott Koerner, but he had to leave after collecting his 5th place open wheel awards, so he could attend the stock car banquet down the road...Nearly $6000 in cash and prizes was distributed at the banquet, bringing the total for the year to over $30,000.

Of course, the loading-up effort went down to the wire, like usual, but last minute thoughts had included trying to leave real early and get to the track in time to unload the night before. My dad, Uncle Tom, and Andy Jones of JJ Precision Grinding, helped make the final preparations and put everything in the trailer. Once we were ready to go, the truck, hooked up to the old little white enclosed trailer (in an effort to save gas), seemed to experience electrical problems and completely died while warming up out in the drive-way! Suspecting a bad ground, I disconnected the trailer, and fortunately it started up as soon as I put the charger on it. Everything checked out ok, but I threw a couple spare batteries and a “jumper kit” from my dad in, before we left. On the way to the highway, the truck seemed to not be shifting correctly. I tried to go through the gears manually and then see what happened when I got on 90. It never seemed to take off. My thoughts were that all the effort to set the car up for the pavement race was a waste (as the next event for the car would be on dirt or an overall in the garage). I was convinced that the transmission was blown and that all that stuff about never giving up on dreams and that anyone can do anything if they put their mind to it, was a load of crap. I did call my dad and “on-call”/mechanic/buddy Ron Morris, of Lisa’s Garage, for technical advice. We decided to stop by Andy’s house, since it was on the way, and loosen up the battery connections, check fuses, and anything else that we could. After sometime of dodging 6:00 traffic in his neighborhood, he got behind the wheel with no problems. My girlfriend, Felisha, and I, decided to go back to Farm & Fleet to buy a new electrical connection for the truck and trailer. Our thoughts were if the truck had any more problems, we would determine it while headed north. We ended up finally making it to Ft. Wayne for about five hours of sleep before the pits opened Friday morning.

Felisha and I unloaded the trailer and set up the pit area before the “Driver’s Meeting” (the lamest excuse for a pre-race conference that I have ever been apart of). Once we finally located him, Don Moore provided us with some used indoor tires that he had offered. Andy and his wife Tracey arrived in time to help mount the rubber and push us up for hot laps.

Practice: After years of attending the special event with my friend Joe LaMarca of North State Motors (who blew this year off to play on his snowmobile up North), many questions and concerns about the maiden voyage to the 1/6 mile paved track, I was pleasantly almost surprised that I was able to at least hang with in sight of veteran Mike Fedorcheck (Tony Stewart’s teammate for the weekend) in his purpose built “Munchkin” midget. The car did not feel too bad and no other cars passed me or anything.

The second session was much of the same, but this time I trailed legend Mel Kenyon. After a couple of changes and discussion with Andy, I attempted to try to carry the throttle through the corner a little more (like I need to every time I’m in a racecar …instead of just jumping on and off the gas). The car seemed like it would push to me in the center of the corner, when I did that though (in the word’s of Clint Bowyer, “I’m way to tiiiight!”). Again, no one passed me and at least we did not appear to be out to lunch.

Qualifying: Managed an 8.5 second lap. Tony Stewart set quick time with a 7.8. I did not figure we were too far off, for the first time there. We made a couple of more changes.

Qualifying race: I was not fast enough to break into the top 32, of 48, to run the heats, but instead had to attempt to transfer out of the non-qualifying race. They took the top two finishes. We started third, which I did not figure we would be too bad.

Practice: Having another late night (found a “nice” $35 hotel) and going through the car, we rushed up to the push off area, only to find out that the first practice was being ordered by car numbers (I drew a low number…and figured it we would go out first)! “Hurry up and wait” I guess. After all of the events on Friday, the track started to take rubber and had lots of grip. With the weak RF spring, the car wanted to lay over on that corner and lifted the LR off the ground. Andy said it looked like many others were experiencing the same issue and that the RR was actually hooking up too much. We managed to turn an 8.2 second lap. Andy and I put some more weight on the RF and LR, but did not soften the RR, because the bar that I ordered was not what I thought it was (big surprise). We also happened to have a new RF (thanks to JJ Precision Grinding) and a LR to put on.

This practice was actually determined how we drew. Stewart happened to be in this session. I had planned on trying to take the green behind him, as I usually do, in an attempt to see how he got around the place so fast. I could not see him when they sent us off, so I figured he was behind. Much to the mid-season run at Macon, when the two time Cup champ restarted behind us after he spun, I “got up on the wheel” and drove the best laps I may have ever. The car felt the best it did all weekend, with the new rubber, and I was able to carry some of the throttle through the corner how I should. Without a “hot shot” in front of me, I just concentrated on driving my own line around the track (although I do not think I was looking far enough ahead for race conditions…). We timed in an 8.1. I did not think that was too bad for a dirt car. In both sessions, we ranked right on the borderline of making the cut for the top 32 that started the heats.

Qualifying: I did not have as good of laps and went the other way way on the time. I ended up at an 8.3 (which would have made the heats on Friday). Ranked a lowly 39^th, out of 46, and was slated for the fourth starting spot in the first Qualifying race.

Qualifying race: My thoughts were that it was going to be all that I could do to get into the top two from that outside second row starting spot. We managed to get the jump on inside starter Dave Furman, in a green Ford Focus-that I have noticed at the event in year’s passed, and actually secured the third position before the start/finish line. I trailed the #56 of...again...

Qualifications -- 1. Tony Stewart, 2, Stewart, 7.708 seconds…38th. Jason Dull, 56q, Dull, 8.758

Second qualifying race (8 laps) – Tyler Cottongim, Jason Dull, Adam Schuyler, Gary Bradley, Jeff Bookwalter, Zach Leeke, Jessica Iannuzzi.

Fourth heat (12 laps) – Derek Bischak, Jeff Wimmenauer, Kyle Robbins, Kyle Hamilton, Rich Corson, Mel Kenyon, Cale Conley, Jacob Wilson, Jason Dull.

First consolation (12 laps) – Joe Liguori, Brandon Knupp, Ginny Quinones, Cale Conley, Jason Dull, Drew Charlson, Doug Dietsch, Dave Thompson, Tyler Nuckles.

Qualifications -- 1. Tony Stewart, 2, Stewart, 7.509 seconds…39. Jason Dull, 56q, Dull, 8.519;

First qualifying race (8 laps) -- Robinson, Dave Fuhrman, Adam Schuyler, Dull (unless I got DQ’d), Gary Bradley (From TJSlideways: Turned over at the finish and slid on his side down the frontstretch. He was ok), Jessica Iannuzzi, Jeff Bookwalter.

USAC Midget Non-Qualifiers Race #1 Lineup:
4m - Robinson
56x - Schuyler
32 - Fuhrman
56q - Dull
96 - Iannuzzi
16 - Bookwalter
4g - Bradley
16b - Gray

QUAL				HT 1		B-FT		A-FT
1	67x	ALTIG	14.990	1	B.WAELTI	1	R.RAY	1	HESS
2	43NZ	KUHN	15.013	2	SMITH	2	KEELAN	2	ALTIG
3	33	D.RAY	15.015	3	NOBLE	3	WIPPERFURTH	3	LUNDGREEN
4	3	B.WAELTI	15.105	4	WYTTENBACH	4	MECUM	4	KUHN
5	19	SCHENCK	15.113	5	LUEBKE	5	MAYHEW	5	B.WAELTI
6	8	PICKENS	15.304	HT 2		6	DULL	6	SCHENCK
7	8M	MECUM	15.355	1	D.RAY	7	LUEBKE	7	SMITH
8	13	SMITH	15.371	2	FISCUS	8	L.WAELTI	8	WIPPERFURTH
9	44	HESS	15.407	3	STRATTON	9	HOEGSTED	9	FISCUS
10	41	LUNDGREEN	15.417	4	SHREFFLER	10	FUERST	10	R.RAY
11	2	STRATTON	15.455	5	R.RAY			11	NOBLE
12	17	KEELAN	15.460	HT 3				12	DULL
13	6	DESELLE	15.481	1	KUHN			13	SHREFFLER
14	4	WIPPERFURTH	15.509	2	BEAUCHAMP			14	MECUM
15	3R	R.RAY	15.556	3	PICKENS			15	WYTTENBACH
16	9	NOBLE	15.570	4	LUNDGREEN			16	D.RAY
17	21K	MAYHEW	15.574	5	HOEGSTED			17	PICKENS
18	28	FUERST	15.656	HT 4				18	BEAUCHAMP
19	7	FISCUS	15.659	1	SCHENCK			19	MAYHEW
20	67	LUEBKE	15.696	2	HESS			20	RAMSTACK
21	02	RAMSTCK	15.704	3	ALTIG			21	KEELAN
22	112	BEUCHAMP	15.731	4	RAMSTACK			22	LUEBKE
23	21S	SHREFFLER	15.951	5	DULL
24	38	WYTTENBACH	16.087
25	56	DULL	16.223
26	97	HOEGSTED	16.398
27	7X	L.WAELTI	17.410
28	15	HATTON	NT

QUAL				HT 1		A-FT
1	15	HATTON	15.012	1	R.RAY	1	HESS
2	44	HESS	15.111	2	WAELTI	2	LUNDGREEN
3	02	RAMSTACK	15.196	3	NOBLE	3	WAELTI
4	2	PICKENS	15.266	4	SLOTTEN	4	SCHENCK
5	4	WIPPERFURTH	15.389	5	RAMSTACK	5	FISCUS
6	57	SLOTTEN	15.427	HT 2		6	WIPPERFURTH
7	41	LUNDGREEN	15.466	1	HESS	7	NOBLE
8	7	FISCUS	15.478	2	SCHENCK	8	R.RAY
9	3	WAELTI	15.480	3	WIPPERFURTH	9	KEELAN
10	17	KEELAN	15.523	4	FISCUS	10	RAMSTACK
11	19	SCHENCK	15.533	5	DULL	11	LUEBKE
12	3R	R.RAY	15.576	HT 3		12	WALTERS
13	5W	WALTERS	15.598	1	PICKENS	13	WOODS
14	8M	MECUM	15.630	2	MAYHEW	14	MAYHEW
15	33	WOODS	15.783	3	WALTERS	15	DULL
16	21K	MAYHEW	15.787	4	KEELAN	16	BOERS
17	56	DULL	15.934	5	WYTTENBCH	17	WYTTENBACH
18	28	NOBLE	16.034	DASH		18	SLOTTEN
19	38	WYTTENBACH	16.082	1	SLOTTEN	19	PICKENS
20	79	BOERS	16.783	2	HESS	20	SHREFFLER
21	21S	SHREFFLER	NT	3	PICKENS	21	MECUM
22	43	LUEBKE	NT	4	FISCUS
23	6	DESELLE	NT	5	WIPPERFURTH
				6	RAMSTACK