Carl Short Reviews DTWC On Doug’s Dirt Diary Radio
By Jarrod Lehman
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Chillicothe, OH --- Dirt Late Model fans can tune in and check out an all-new audio interview with famed founder & promoter of the 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by GottaRace.com Carl Short that now appears on Doug’s Dirt Diary radio program hosted by Doug Elkins. Short reviews the just completed DTWC race that was held last weekend at Jim Nier’s KC Raceway near Waverly, OH. Chub Frank of Bear Lake, PA won the $50,000 to win dirt Late Model crown jewel race. The show can be accessed at: www.dougsdirtdiary.com

Short remembered his role as promoter this past weekend at the Dirt Track World Championship at K-C Raceway. He talks about how the weather got things off to a wet start, how good the racing was after that and describes the hardest part about being a promoter. He also talks about the Jim Dunn Memorial, wonders about the affect that The Weather Channel has on the sport and gets ready to be a fan next weekend in Charlotte.

The extremely popular radio program, that also features video, has been in operation a little over a year and a half and has accumulated listeners from all over the country on a daily basis. Doug’s Dirt Diary has been recording audio daily since it’s launch on April 15, 2006 and is updated numerous times each day by Doug Elkins the founder of the site, who has been covering racing in the Northeast for over 15 years. The site has amassed hundreds of hours of audio, and that number continues to grow by the day.

Chubzilla Conquers Dirt Track World Championship

By Scott Wolfe

CHILLICOTHE, OHIO-Warm October weather and a record, standing-room only crowd greeted 117 of the world's fastest dirt late model stock cars for the 27th running of Carl Short's Dirt Track World Championship sponsored by << Gottarace.com >>. When the final checkered flag fell it was veteran driver Chub Frank of Bear Lake, PA claiming the $50,000 first prize at Jim Nier's K-C Raceway. Over $200,000 of prize money was awarded at this year's record-breaking event.
Zanesville, Ohio's Rick Aukland claimed the 30-lap modified version of the Dirt Track World Championship (see separate story), while Mike Balzano, the "Floodwall Flyer" from Parkersburg, WV claimed the Jim Dunn Memorial.
Oh what an event! Oh what a race! And oh what a victory celebration!
The magic of Pennsboro glittered the K-C high banks for what will go in the history books as one of the raciest DTWC's ever. Once the final engine silenced and Frank became official after making weight at the scales, the celebration began. Frank emerged to a thunder of cheers in victory lane, and gave the Olympic salute atop the roof of his winning machine. Frank stood at the masthead of three Rockets (Rocket Chassis) staged in the checkered victory circle.
Announcer Petie Secret directed the winning Chub Frank toward his 7-foot trophy for which Frank responded, "Heck with the trophy, I want the $50,000. I need the money!" "All I was thinking was just get to the checkered," sighed a relieved, but ecstatic Frank. "I didn't think we had a good car after that hot lap session. But I knew I might have a chance if I could get some heat in the tires. After a few laps the car came on. That was a great race between Josh (Richards) and I. I'd think I had him, and then looked over my shoulder and there he was right back beside me. I just couldn't shake him."
Mike Marlar led the first four laps before Richards blasted by on lap five after an abbreviated battle with the Winfield, Tennessee racer. >From that point on, Richards was literally riding a "Rocket" as "Kid Rocket", the Shinnston, WV hotshoe took charge of the race. A lot of battles took place back in the pack, but on the 37th circuit Frank and Richards jumped into the ring for a 17-lap battle-royal. Frank had dropped back briefly as far as sixth, then started his rebound as his tires took on heat. As the fifty-lap mark approached, Frank flanked Richards, first on the high side, then on the low. Lap after lap the two dueled in full body armor for racing's top prize. Neither took kindly to the thought of going to the mat, not until the final checkered had fallen. Finally, on lap 59 Frank made the winning pass.
Frank had high praise for the rising star Richards, "He used to get the track ready at I-79 when we used to test there. When I was done I'd let him drive my car. Sometimes, like tonight (laughing), I wish I wouldn't have let him have so many laps. He was pretty good then and he is pretty good now."
"It's hard to be so good and then get passed by Chub...and that just ruined everything," joked Richards. "It was a heck of a race. I tried to save my tires early, and at the end they started to come back to me. I just feel fortunate to hang on to finish second. It's been a lot of fun being able to race side-by-side for so many laps and still make it to the podium without a scratch."
Another veteran racer, Steve Francis of Ashland, KY had his say in victory lane after coming home third. "We didn't really need that caution, but that's the way it goes. I found a groove up on the top and had it cleared out, then out comes the yellow. But I'm just glad to get third."
"About midway the car started bouncing and I couldn't run down low with those guys," asserted Francis. "I broke something on the right front. And gee, we had to race someone the whole 100 laps. That made gettin' to the front that much harder. I gotta give the Nier family credit for the track they gave us tonight. It was well-prepared and you could race any groove on the track. Hats off to making this race the deal that it is today."
Many battles made the war. The main battle was the fight for first, but Showtime Steve Shaver of Parkersburg, WV and Francis wagered one of the fiercest of the night. Laps 24-34 Francis and Shaver tangoed nose-to-nose with Shaver taking fourth on lap 38. Shaver then set his sights on Marlar as that pair lassoed in Frank, who was making his bid for the top spot. Richards squeezed every ounce of sidebite out of his Rocket, pinning Frank to the lowest orbit, where Frank made his pass for the lead.
Richards gave Frank all he could handle for eight more markers, then Shaver bagged Marlar and began to pull rank on Richards for second. Frank opened up a 12 car length lead as Shaver and Richards fought wheel to wheel through lap 66 when Richards closed the door for good. Francis, meanwhile, blasted past Marlar for fourth. Because of the fierce competition, the race was a scoring nightmare as on any given lap, lead-changes left a different trail of numbers scattered across the grid. With cars jockeying back and forth 3-4 positions at any given lap, the fall classic echoed hours of cheers through the Southern Ohio hills.
While the combatants fought it out back in the trenches, Frank started to garner some breathing room up front. A lap 79 caution for Mike England then erased Frank's lead, however. Only two lapped cars stood between Richards and the eventual winner.
All chaos broke loose on the restart as three different packs of three-wide racing chased Frank, who pulled away momentarily only to be reeled back in by Richards as the race came to a close. Francis shuffled Shaver back to fourth, then climbed back into the hunt on Richard's hind quarters. Like a pioneer trailblazer, that duo then tracked down the leader to make it an exciting DTWC finish.
Jackie Boggs and Rod Conley were in the early mix, but tire wear played a factor in their shuffling out of the top ten. Earl Pearson, Jr.
was running tenth by lap 40, but his charge stalled, and a 21st to tenth run resulted in a 12th place finish. Randy Weaver came from 18th to 8th, one of the top passing stints of the night; while Darrell Lanigan leaped from 17th to seventh in an equally impressive run. Former champ Scott Bloomquist, the first B-main winner came from 19th to ninth.
At the finish it was Frank, Richards, Francis, Shaver and Darren Miller. Miller managed a top five finish after starting 13th. Marlar was sixth, followed by Lanigan, Weaver, Bloomquist, and fast timer Brady Smith.
Mike Balzano claimed the legendary Jim Dunn Memorial race after a race-long battle with Donnie Moran. Balzano pulled into victory lane with a choice to make: "Deal or no Deal". Promoter Carl Short came up with another innovative idea when he gave the winner a choice to take the $2,500 first prize or tag the tail of the 100-lap DTWC.
When Balzano climbed from the car in victory lane, trackside announcer James Essex asked Balzano what he had decided. Blazo responded, "It's up to Dad!" Dad Lou said, "It's up to you." After much persuasion from the crowd and a reverberating roar of "race", Balzano said "We're gonna race. That's what the crowd wants, so that is what we'll do. 100 laps is a long way, but it would be nice if we could win this thing." Balzano's decision was a popular one, and his choice placed an exclamation point beside why Balzano will go down as one of the best driver's of his time.
Dan Schlieper won the hard luck award after falling out early in the race. Jordan Bland was the winner of the best looking crew and best appearing car award from Indiana Decal. Brady Short claimed the DirtOnDirt.com Fast Time $1,000 check, setting quick time of 14:730.
Prior to the racing, Bill Holder conducted the announcement of the
2008 class of inductees for the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame.
Inductees were Danny Dean of Mount Vernon, Ohio, Paul "Butterball"
Woolridge of Frankfort, Kentucky; Gary Stuhler, Greencastle, Pa; Chuck McWilliams, Union, KY; Joe Kosiski, Omaha, Nebraska; Herman Goddard, Knoxville, TN; Gary Webb, Bluegrass, Iowa; Porter Lanigan and Morgan Chandler, car owner presented by J.T. LeFevers; while the sportsmanship award went to Skip Arp, Georgetown, TN.
Plans for the 28th annual Dirt Track World Championship will be announced soon, so that fans can make plans to attend next year's "Greatest Race on Dirt".
Following is the summary:
Summary DTWC Oct. 18-20
Dirt Track World Championship at K-C Raceway

Late Models
Heat One-Jackie Boggs, Steve Francis, Darren Miller, Scott Bloomquist, Brian Birkhofer, Brady Smith, Don O'Neal, Dennis Erb, Jr., Freddy Smith, Jared Hawkins, Tim McCreadie, Chris Hackett, Sean Cosgrove, Ryan Markham, Andy Bond, Anthony Huber, Brad Hutson, D.J. Miller, Scott Peltz, Shannon Thornsberry

Heat Two- Rod Conley, Steve Shaver, Scott James, Shannon Babb, Eric Wells, Jeep VanWormer, Donnie Moran, Matt Miller, Mike Benedum, Tyler Boggs, Audie Swartz, George Lee, Dutch Davies, Brian Shirley, Chuck Harper, Jeff Houser, Cody Enlow, Steve Casebolt, Jr., Victor Lee, Paul Wilmoth Jr.

Heat Three- Jimmy Owens, Chris Combs, Michael England, Paul Harris, Brian Ruhlman, Clint Smith, Jimmy Mars, Jason Montgomery, Alex Ferree, Terry Hicks, Doug Drown, Jacob Hawkins, Eric Myers, Bump Hedman, Jerry Bowersock, Mike Wilson, Jason Jamison, Rick Lucas, Daniel Cattine, Larry Smith

Heat Four- Josh Richards, Keith Berner, Dan Schlieper, Wayne Chinn, Anthony Adams, Tim Tungate, Corey Conley, Jared Miley, Tracy Fritter, D.
J. Wells, Russ Frohnapfel, Chad Hina, Chris Shannon, Kenny Spencer, Brandon Thurlby, Michael Howard, Wade Davis, Chris Wilson, Bobby Kitchen

Heat Five- Chub Frank, Eddie Carrier, Jr., Darrell Lanigan, Earl Pearson, Jr., Josh McGuire, Mike Balzano, Rick Eckert, Tim Dohm, Brad Neat, Jason Holton, Josh Tidwell, Randy Boggs, Donnie Stewart, Daniel Williams, Brandon Fouts, Jamie Ferguson, Nick Bocook, Kenny Christy, Rick Aukland.

Heat Six-Mike Marlar, Bart Hartman, Randy Weaver, Ben Adkins, Dave Hess, Jr., Rick Rogers, Jordan Bland, Ricky Arms, John Mason, Jason Smith, Chris Garnes, Joe Ramey, Dee Jay Miller, Josh Bocook, Arnie Fields, Rod Patterson, Greg Buckland, Mike Ratliff

C-Main One- Brian Shirley, Steve Casebolt, Andy Bond, Anthony Huber, Jeff Houser, Brad Hutson, Cody Enlow, D.J. Miller, Scott Peltz, Victor Lee, Shannon Thornsberry, Paul Wilmoth

C-Main Two- Jerry Bowersock, Mike Wilson, Daniel Cattine, Jason Jamison, Larry Smith, Chris Wilson, Rick Lucas, Brandon Thurlby, Wade Davis, Michael Howard, Bobby Kitchen

C-Main Three-Arnie Fields, Nick Bocook, Brandon Fouts, Greg Buckland, Jeff Gress, Mike Ratliff, Jamie Ferguson, Rod Patterson, Kenny Christy, Rick Aukland

B-Main One-Scott Bloomquist, Brian Birkhofer, Shannon Babb, Donnie Moran, Don O'Neal, Dennis Erb, Jr., Matt Miller, Mike Benedum, George Lee, Brian Shirley, Dutch Davies, Chris Hackett, Ryan Markham, Freddy Smith, Audie Schwartz, Jared Hawkins, Tim McCreadie, Tyler Boggs, Steve Casebolt, Jr., Brady Smith, Eric Wells, Jeep VanWormer, Sean Cosgrove, Chuck Harper

B-Main Two-Wayne Chinn, Tim Tungate, Brian Ruhlman, Alex Ferree, Clint Smith, Corey Conley, Paul Harris, Jason Montgomery, Anthony Adams, Doug Drown, Tracy Fritter, Jared Miley, D. J. Wells, Terry Hicks, Bump Hedman, Eric Myers, Chad Hina, Mike Wilson, Chris Shannon, Russ Frohnapfel, Jerry Bowersock, Kenny Spencer, Jimmy Mars, Jacob Hawkins

B-Main Three-Earl Pearson, Jr., Josh McGuire, Rick Eckert, Mike Balzano, Dave Hess, Jr., Ben Adkins, Ricky Arms, Brad Neat, Tim Dohm, Greg Johnson, Randy Boggs, John Mason, Josh Bocook, Nick Bocook, Jordan Bland, Chris Garnes, Dee Jay Miller, Arnie Fields, Rick Rogers, Josh Tidwell, Donnie Stewart, Jay Helton, Joe Ramey, Daniel Williams

Jim Dunn Memorial-Mike Balzano, Donnie Moran, Rick Eckert, Brian Ruhlman, Jason Montgomery, Shannon Babb, Corey Conley, Alex Ferree, Anthony Adams, Doug Drown, Dennis Erb, Jr., Chris Hackett, George Lee, Greg Buckland, Jared Hawkins, Andy Bond, Tim Dohm, Kenny Spencer, Josh Tidwell, Josh Bocook, Mike Ratliff, Mike Benedum, Daniel Cattine, Jerry Bowersock, Scott Peltz, Paul Harris, Russ Frohnapfel

27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship A-Main:
Chub Frank, Josh Richards, Steve Francis, Steve Shaver, Darren Miller, Mike Marlar, Darrell Lanigan, Randy Weaver, Scott Bloomquist, Brady Smith, Eddie Carrier, Jr., Earl Pearson, Jr., Michael England, Rod Conley, Jackie Boggs, Scott James, Josh McGuire, Keith Berner, Mike Balzano, Wayne Chinn, Bart Hartman, Jimmy Mars, Chris Combs, Tim Tungate, Jimmy Owens, Brian Birkhofer, Dan Schlieper

Qualifying

POS CAR# DRIVER Q.TIME
1 2 Brady Smith 14.730
2 28M Jimmy Mars 14.863
3 40 Dutch Davies 14.940
4 1* Chub Frank 14.960
5 18 Shannon Babb 14.975
6 18w Eric Wells 15.003
7 8 Josh Tidwell 15.041
8 16T Tim Tungate 15.053
9 75 Bart Hartman 15.061
10 4b Jackie Boggs 15.068
11 1 Josh Richards 15.070
12 32d Darren Miller 15.085
13 83 Scott James 15.086
14 15 Steve Francis 15.121
15 0 Scott Bloomquist 15.122
16 15b Brian Birkhofer 15.130
17 39 Tim McCreadie 15.136
18 99 Donnie Moran 15.165
19 47 Chris Combs 15.175
20 10 Paul Harris 15.177
21 S9 Dan Schlieper 15.217
22 41 Josh McGuire 15.250
23 4 Victor Lee 15.263
24 28 Eddie Carrier, Jr. 15.265
25 55 Jeep VanWormer 15.275
26 21L George Lee 15.310
27 16O Don O'Neal 15.323
28 17H Jared Hawkins 15.327
29 25 Mike Benedum 15.328
30 24 Rick Eckert 15.360
31 20 Jimmy Owens 15.370
32 44 Clint Smith 15.393
33 96f Keith Berner 15.405
34 5E Michael England 15.420
35 49 Brian Ruhlman 15.445
36 b7 Ben Adkins 15.445
37 34 Mike Marlar 15.458
38 71r Rod Conley 15.463
39 5m Ryan Markham 15.464
40 30 Steve Shaver 15.470
41 28e Dennis Erb, Jr. 15.476
42 H1 Jared Miley 15.500
43 4 Ricky Arms 15.500
44 62 Andy Bond 15.519
45 0L Larry Smith 15.520
46 17X D.J. Miller 15.527
47 29 Darrell Lanigan 15.527
48 e1 Mike Balzano 15.549
49 19 Brian Shirley 15.565
50 21 Jason Montgomery 15.571
51 1 Audie Swartz 15.572
52 8a Anthony Adams 15.583
53 7 Matt Miller 15.584
54 00H Chuck Harper 15.605
55 44h Dave Hess, Jr. 15.610
56 79 Doug Drown 15.612
57 38 Donnie Stewart 15.617
58 32H Brad Hutson 15.625
59 64 Terry Hicks 15.638
60 33h Chris Hackett 15.642
61 11H Kenny Christy 15.643
62 44 Earl Pearson, Jr. 15.649
63 1 Wayne Chinn 15.652
64 116 Randy Weaver 15.673
65 77 Scott Peltz 15.690
66 1 Nick Bocook 15.710
67 b1 Josh Bocook 15.710
68 20M Eric Myers 15.728
69 B22 Bump Hedman 15.748
70 B3 Randy Boggs 15.750
71 44 Rick Rogers 15.763
72 41 Brad Neat 15.780
73 64 Sean Cosgrove 15.797
74 6t Tim Dohm 15.868
75 18 Chad Hina 15.900
76 3H Jason Holton 15.903
77 4 Alex Ferree 15.910
78 37 Jacob Hawkins 15.935
79 59 Tracy Fritter 15.950
80 07 Mike Wilson 15.958
81 12 Jordan Bland 15.958
82 81 Brandon Fouts 15.982
83 14L Corey Conley 15.999
84 G1 Freddy Smith 16.023
85 72 John Mason 16.035
86 42 Chris Garnes 16.109
87 23 Arnie Fields 16.134
88 17 Chris Wilson 16.137
89 45 Russ Frohnapfel 16.170
90 1 Tyler Boggs 16.207
91 9 Chris Shannon 16.217
92 8 Greg Buckland 16.265
93 12DJ Dee Jay Miller 16.288
94 24H Michael Howard 16.308
95 13 Jamie Ferguson 16.340
96 73 Jason Smith 16.391
97 12L Rick Lucas 16.455
98 X1 Cody Enlow 16.474
99 95j Jerry Bowersock 16.547
100 65 Daniel Cattine 16.556
101 1x Jason Jamison 16.588
102 99h Jeff Houser 16.699
103 20L Anthony Huber 16.716
104 3s Kenny Spencer 16.780
105 77 Mike Ratliff 17.042
106 63 Rod Patterson 17.140
107 M14 Brandon Thurlby 18.000
108 3D Wade Davis 18.232
109 113 Jeff Gress 20.912
110 17t Shannon Thornsberry XX.XXX
111 C9 Steve Casebolt, Jr. XX.XXX
112 8 Paul Wilmoth Jr. XX.XXX
113 we11s D J Wells XX.XXX
114 1* Bobby Kitchen XX.XXX
115 12DJ Daniel Williams XX.XXX
116 12 Rick Aukland XX.XXX
117 77 Joe Ramey XX.XXX*

Dirt Track World Championship Modified results also Friday
prelims for Late Models below
By Scott Wolfe

*CHILLICOTHE, OHIO-Although he was estatic about the monumental feat he had just attained, "Badlands Bandit" Rick Aukland of Zanesville, Ohio proclaimed somewhat jokingly in victory lane, "I just keep winning the wrong race here." Aukland, a member of the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame, showed his expertise in the open-wheel modifieds as he raced from a 7th place start to claim the modified portion of the prestigious 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship by gottarace.com before an enthusiastic standing room only crowd. Twice previously while the race has been run at Jim Nier's K-C Raceway, Aukland, who still races his late model, has won the Jim Dunn Memorial non-qualifiers (late model) race, finishing just short of a slot in racing's "crown jewel" event for Late Model stock cars.
"I had a pretty good race car," noted Aukland, who just last week was crowned the 2007 INDEPENDENT RACING SERIES (IRS) Champion. "Thanks to all those who help me, especially Jerry (owner Jerry Snyder). Without them this would not be possible. I just keep winning the wrong race here. The car was pretty comfortable and this track was just great. I really enjoy racing here at K-C. It is one of my favorite tracks and I have had a lot of success here. I could put this modified about anywhere on the track."
In the modified portion of the program, an all-star field led by Jess Hartman and Mark Dickson shimmied to the enthusiastic wave of Gary Stollar's green flag. Jess Hartman jumped into the early lead and was in control much of the race with a torrid battle taking place in his rear view mirror. Dickson and J.P. Roberts kept the fans on the edge, while directly behind, Aukland locked horns with Dave Hess, Jr., Doug Adkins, and Corey Conley.
Announcer Rick Eshelman joined Bruce Hines in calling Aukland's terror of a charge to the front. Formerly of North Dakota, Aukland, the Badlands Bandit, used a racer-sized shoe horn to slip past that trio of chargers, all in a two lap swing. One lap later, Aukland bagged Roberts with Conley in tow. Dickson began to fade, but held off Aukland for several circuits, then Wellsburg, WV driver Corey Conley and Aukland rubbed doors for several circuits before the central Ohio legend could break free and concentrate on number one.
Hartman blasted well in front of the field over Dickson and J.P. Roberts who were battling for second. Hartman really started to stretch it out early, as two-car duals all the way back to tenth highlighted the action. Aukland and Doug Adkins "The Buzzard" from West Portsmouth were stoking the fires in tow of Roberts and Dickson. Kenny Johnson, lit the afterburners with a great run from 18th to 10th and was on the move, forging his bid for a top ten.
K-C track champion Bob Crace Jr. dropped out on lap seven, while Hartman led the field through lap eight, Dickson and Roberts continued to battle hard. It was then that Aukland and Corey Conley continued up through the pack. Both bagged Adkins on lap 11 with Dave Hess, Jr.
anxiously awaiting to take the bait for another move up the ladder.
Aukland started to close the gap on Hartman. Appearing as though Aukland had landed his catch--hook, line, and sinker--the "High Plains Drifter" reeled in his foe by the lap 15 mark. Hartman went high and Aukland was one groove down engaged in racing's version of virtual combat.
Jess Hartman started to pick it back up a bit, but couldn't shake the hook. Aukland diamond'ed off the track and finally took the lead on lap 20. Louis Krushansky was in line for hard-charger of the night, coming up from 11th to 5th, but one lap later he bowed out with a flat tire.
Before Lucky Louis's demise, Hess nosed under Conley and Krushansky and made it stick as that trio had a race of their own for nearly the entire 30-lap duration.
Once past Hartman, Aukland set the standard high with a surface burning blitz that led him to the win ahead of Hartman, David Hess, Dave Groves, Cory Conley, Kenny Johnson, Mark Dickson, Doug Adkins, Andre Layfield, and Jerry Bowersock. Kenny Johnson and Chris Stotts moved up through the field from 18th and 25th to finish sixth and 11th in great drivers. Had another caution come out, Johnson may well have been in contention for at least a top three. Johnson thrilled the crowd with a gravity defying run against the cushion, a trait that has made him one of the Ohio Valley's favorite sons.
Aukland pulled into victory lane aboard his Poske's Performance Parts/Quicktime Parts/ Lightening chassis. Dutch Davies was the fastest car not to make the field and won a 55 gallon drum of VP fuel.
Thursday, Night October 18, 2007
The first preliminary night of the 27th annual Dirt Track World Championship by Gottarace.com was a huge success as 109 of the Midwest's best open-wheel modifieds from eight different states battled to win a spot in Saturday's championship event at Jim Nier's K-C Raceway.
Saturday's modified A-main will pay $3,000 to the winner as a prelude to the "Crown Jewell" of dirt track racing--The Dirt Track World Championship paying $50,000 to win of a $200,000-plus total purse.
Six heat races and two B-mains highlighted Thursday night's modified action. The world's most powerful stock cars will take to the K-C high banks Friday night with qualifying heats and time trials on the race card to set the field for Saturday's 27th annual event. Dave Groves of St. Clairesville, Ohio set fast time for the night of 16:201.
Mark Dickson and Rick Aukland put on a battle in the first of six exciting heats as early contender Chris Stotts, the second fast timer, fell out with a flat tire. Aukland challenged ****son hard on laps 14 and 15 but after a caution Dickson took the lead unchallenged. Rick Hensley blitzed past Aukland for second, but lost the handle, falling back to 8th, then recovering to finish fourth.Bruce Takach took home the final transfer spot to make the feature. ****son drew pill number 2 and will start second Saturday night.
In the exciting second heat, a pair of number 44's battled door-to-door for the first ten laps with Murry City, Ohio's Jeremy Berwanger narrowly holding the lead. Hess made a lap ten pass, but Berwanger recovered and once again blitzed to the front. Hess made yet another bid for number one with Joe Hunley making it three-wide racing. Bonzai, high speed passing highlighted the newly resurfaced K-C high banks. Hunley and Hess put on a classic battle right down to the checkered where Hess edged by for the photo finish win.
Doug Adkins blew away the competition in the third heat. Andre Layfield and Dave Groves put on the battle armor for a paint scraping Groves-Layfield finish at the line, as those three transferred to Saturday's A-main championship event.
The track seemed to get more racy as the night progressed. J.E. Stalder put on a show in the fourth heat as J.P. Roberts jumped into the early lead. Stalder twice had to go to the back and never let it break his confidence. Roberts continued to lead the freight train of Charlie Duncan, Bob Crace, Jr., Stalder, and Mike Long who followed in tow.
Roberts held on for the win as Crace, Jr. of Massieville, Ohio took number two.
Jess Hartman held off former AMRA Champion Louis Krushansky and Anthony Huber in a great three-way battle that saw a gaggle of passing througout the pack. Hartman pulled away for the win to guarantee a top five start Saturday.
2005 champ Corey Conley rocketed to the final heat win over 2006 winner Jeff Staggers, while Kenny Johnson came in third. Johnson had dominated the race, but with two laps to go he blew a right rear, yet was able to nurse his car home third ahead of Adam Lawson. Lawson, however, weighed in light at the scales, where Ron Gregory validated fourth spot. Tommy Riggs hit the turn three wall hard, then flipped wildly into turn four.
He was shaken but otherwise in good condition.
The K-C crew and promoter Carl Short battled two separate rain storms in the B-main races. The crew was able to keep things rolling and ran in the track, setting the stage for some flat foot racing on the newly re-watered speed-bowl. Rick Hensley, Jason Hall, and Sam Lovejoy claimed the B-main wins.
Summary DTWC

Modifieds
Heat One-Mark ****son, Rick Aukland,Bruce Takach,Rick Hensley, Mark Hopkins,John Whitney, Mike Gross, Dave Jamison, Bill Keeler, Mark Hopkins,Gary Park, Greg Anderson, Christopher Prater, John Remy, Chris Stotts,Jeremy Landrum, Aaron Hopkins.
Heat Two-Dave Hess, Joe Hunley, Kevin Morehouse, Robbie House, Jeremy Berwanger, Brandon Morrow, Dave Spille, Jason Cottrill, Michael Poe, Dan Reno, Jesse Wardell, Jamie Lawson, Darrell Mayer, Sean Schobelock, Randy Gray, Jason Wheatley, Pete Brunton, Bruce Miller.
Heat Three-Doug Adkins, Dave Groves, Andre Layfield, Sam Lovejoy, Jerry Bowersock, Darren Muncy, Jeff Meadows, Daniel Luning, David Fitzpatrick, Jim Lemaster, Greg Thompson, Chuck Yeley, Glenn Patten, Fireball Pinkerton, Todd Robinson, Norman Aronhalt, Sammy Duncan, Steve Bobo.
Heat Four- J.P. Roberts, Bob Crace, Jr., Charlie Duncan, J.E. Stalder, Miles Cook, Mike Long, Brett Kennard, Thomas Conley, Clint Shutts, Steven Duty, Denny Szekacs, Rob Stambaugh, Bo Cox, Matt Yates,Kris McComb, James Grigsby, Joe Cox, Jason Defibaugh Heat Five-Jesse Hartman, Louis Krushansky, Jacob Hawkins, Jason Hall, Adam Jordan, Robert Garnes, Mark Frazier, Adam Colley, Jeff Houser, Anthony Huber, David Botkins, Rory Reed, Beadie Blackburn, Jeremy Rayburn, Randy Boggs, Kyle Brown, Jason Perry, Scott Smith.
Heat Six- Corey Conley,Jeff Staggers, Kenny Johnson, Ron Gregory, Tom McClain, Brian Whiteman, John Bravard, Doug Betts, Clint Jamison, Larry Holbrook, Ricky French, Brandon Hittle, Tommy Riggs, Nick Rosselit, Dusty Boley, Anthony Slusher, Gary Turner, Adam Lawson(4th but too light).
B-Main One- Rick Hensley, Jamie Adams, Robbie House, Darrell Mayer, Jason Cottrill, Jeremy Berwanger,Jason Wheatley, Dave Jamison, Mike Gross, David Spille,Jamie Lawson, Dan Reno, John Whitney, Brandon Morrow, Lenny Guyton, Garry Park,Jesse Wardell,Bill Keeler, Michael Poe, Sean Schobelock,Greg Anderson, Danny Szekacs B-Main Two- Sam Lovejoy, Jerry Bowersock, J.E. Stalder, Mike Long, Norman Aronhalt, Jeff Meadows, Daniel Luning, Glen Patton, Kris McCombs, James Grigsby, Jim Lemaster, Miles Cook, Chuck Yeley, Denny Szekacs, Brett Kennard, Rob Stambaugh, Steven Duty, Darren Muncy, Gregory Thompson, Clint Shutts.
B-Main Three-Jason Hall, Doug Betts, Adam Jordan, Jeff Houser, Clint Jamison, John Bravard, Brian Whiteman, Adam Lawson, Scott Smith, Dusty Boley, Kyle Brown, Jason Perry,Robert Garnes, David Botkins, Adam Colley, Jeremy Rayburn, Tom McClain, Anthony Huber, Rory Reed, Randy Boggs, Larry Holbrook

A Main DTWC Modified Feature:
Rick Aukland, Jess Hartman, David Hess, Dave Groves, Cory Conley, Kenny
Johnson, Mark Dickson, Doug Adkins, Andre Layfield, Jerry Bowersock,
Chris Stotts, Sam LoveJoy, Rick Hensley, Greg Anderson, Jamie Adams,
J.P. Roberts, Jason Hall, Joe Hunley, Kevin Morehouse, Bruce Takach,
Randy Boggs, Louis Krushansky, Brandon Morrow, Jeff Staggers, Bob Crace,
Jr., Charlie Duncan, Jacob Hawkins

Qualifying

1 T3 Dave Groves 16.203
2 E1 Chris Stotts 16.218
3 23L Louis Krushansky 16.300
4 44H David Hess 16.392
5 11 Andre Layfild 16.412
6 48 Greg Anderson 16.455
7 1 Kenny Johnson 16.460
8 ZERO Mark ****son 16.493
9 j5 Jess Hartman 16.506
10 7a Doug Adkins 16.526
11 9R JP Roberts 16.560
12 L19 Larry Holbrook 16.615
13 53 Joe Hunley 16.651
14 2 Rick Aukland 16.655
15 707 Cory Conley 16.700
16 44j Jeremy Berwanger 16.709
17 309 Norman Aronhart 16.745
18 24 Robbie House 16.756
19 65 Bruce Tatach 16.772
20 90 John Whitney 16.783
21 37j Jacob Hawkins 16.805
22 13 Adam Jordan 16.812
23 84 Charlie Duncan 16.819
24 20L Anthony James 16.826
25 41 Kyle Brown 16.830
26 28 Kevin Morehouse 16.839
27 42A Jamie Adams 16.853
28 3J Jeff Meadows 16.858
29 23x Bob Crace, Jr. 16.864
30 M1 Brandon Morrow 16.872
31 19 Jeff Staggers 16.882
32 27C Thomas Conley 16.887
33 45 Sam LoveJoy 16.930
34 99T Jeff Houser 16.955
35 03 Rick Hensley 16.986
36 11 Danny Szekacs 17.033
37 1 Kris McCombs 17.042
38 4C Bo Cox 17.042
39 55 Darren Muncy 17.052
40 98 Christopher Prater 17.056
POS CAR# DRIVER Q. TIME
41 07 Jerry Bowersock 17.056
42 000 Robert Garnes 17.059
43 61 Jesse Wardell 17.073
44 911 Jason Hall 17.074
45 56 Adam Colley 17.075
46 12 Jeremy Rayburn 17.089
47 7 Jason Wheatley 17.107
48 2 Sean Schobelock 17.162
49 17JE Stalder,J E 17.188
50 52 Randy Gray 17.195

K-C Raceway results Friday night Preliminaries for the Dirt Track World Championship

By Scott Wolfe

CHILLICOTHE, OHIO-With 117 cars from eleven different states checked into the pit area for the 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship at Jim Nier's K-C Raceway, Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wisconsin bested the field with a time of 14:730 an average speed of over 95 miles per hour. Six exciting heat races of twenty laps qualified the field for Saturday's grand finale which will kick off at 6 p.m. Saturday night at the nationally renowned speedway.

The first heat was stacked with a large sector of perhaps the most elite of dirt late model racing. A great race developed early as Steve Francis--the Kentucky Colonel-- jumped into the early lead with Darren Miller in second and Jackie Boggs applying intense pressure for the runner-up. A freight train of a race evolved as Boggs took over second on lap seven, challenging for the lead. Boggs went on to run away during the mid-portion of the race with Francis left to hold off Miller for second. Bloomquist battled Birkhofer hard for fourth, just short of a transfer, sending several former DTWC champs to a Saturday night B-main.

Shannon Babb the defending DTWC champ from Moweaqua, Illinois took the early lead in the second heat, but Scott James blasted by on the high side on lap two. Babb slammed the turn one wall, jumped the cushion and continued only losing one spot. Rod Conley took over second on lap five as Babb appeared to nurse his mount for an early third. Despite a string of sparks Babb recovered after a Steve Casebolt skirmish. James led through lap 12 with intense pressure and side-by-side action with Rod Conley. Conley took over on lap 13 with Babb within inches of James' hind quarters. Conley blitzed from tenth to first for the win with Steve Shaver taking second

Jimmy Owens turned on the "Fast" switch as he rolled into the early lead of heat number three with veteran Kentucky driver Paul Harris anchoring second in a torrid battle with Chris Combs. Owens stretched it out by lap six as Senoia, GA driver Clint Smith battled Michael England and Jimmy Mars for fourth. Many of the Triple Crown winners struggled, exemplifying the competition level of the notorious DTWC. Owens leaped back into a huge lead after a lap 12 caution as England bested Harris for third behind Chris Combs.That's the way the race concluded with 21 drivers on the outside looking in.

In the fourth heat Josh Richards, the "Kid Rocket" of Shinnston, WV put a strategic slide job on former KC champ Keith Berner in the early running of another adrenaline pumping qualifier. Anthony Adams pressured Wisconsin's Dan Schlieper for the transfer spot in a wild and desperate bid for a spot in Saturday's "Crown Jewel" event. Richard's, who recently drove Tony Stewart's ARCA stock car, continued to refine his dirt late model career in an attempt to advance to racing's next level. Adams faded late in the race, but Independent Racing Series Rookie of the Year Wayne Chinn came on strong to finish fourth behind Schlieper, Berner, and race
winner Richards.

Tickets are still available for Saturday's finals. Gates open at 4 p.m. K-C Raceway is located three miles out Blain Highway 12 miles South of Chillicothe off SR 23.

POS CAR# DRIVER Q.TIME
1 2 Brady Smith 14.730
2 28M Jimmy Mars 14.863
3 40 Dutch Davies 14.940
4 1* Chub Frank 14.960
5 18 Shannon Babb 14.975
6 18w Eric Wells 15.003
7 8 Josh Tidwell 15.041
8 16T Tim Tungate 15.053
9 75 Bart Hartman 15.061
10 4b Jackie Boggs 15.068
11 1 Josh Richards 15.070
12 32d Darren Miller 15.085
13 83 Scott James 15.086
14 15 Steve Francis 15.121
15 0 Scott Bloomquist 15.122
16 15b Brian Birkhofer 15.130
17 39 Tim McCreadie 15.136
18 99 Donnie Moran 15.165
19 47 Chris Combs 15.175
20 10 Paul Harris 15.177
21 S9 Dan Schlieper 15.217
22 41 Josh McGuire 15.250
23 4 Victor Lee 15.263
24 28 Eddie Carrier, Jr. 15.265
25 55 Jeep VanWormer 15.275
26 21L George Lee 15.310
27 16O Don O'Neal 15.323
28 17H Jared Hawkins 15.327
29 25 Mike Benedum 15.328
30 24 Rick Eckert 15.360
31 20 Jimmy Owens 15.370
32 44 Clint Smith 15.393
33 96f Keith Berner 15.405
34 5E Michael England 15.420
35 49 Brian Ruhlman 15.445
36 b7 Ben Adkins 15.445
37 34 Mike Marlar 15.458
38 71r Rod Conley 15.463
39 5m Ryan Markham 15.464
40 30 Steve Shaver 15.470
41 28e Dennis Erb, Jr. 15.476
42 H1 Jared Miley 15.500
43 4 Ricky Arms 15.500
44 62 Andy Bond 15.519
45 0L Larry Smith 15.520
46 17X D.J. Miller 15.527
47 29 Darrell Lanigan 15.527
48 e1 Mike Balzano 15.549
49 19 Brian Shirley 15.565
50 21 Jason Montgomery 15.571
51 1 Audie Swartz 15.572
52 8a Anthony Adams 15.583
53 7 Matt Miller 15.584
54 00H Chuck Harper 15.605
55 44h Dave Hess, Jr. 15.610
56 79 Doug Drown 15.612
57 38 Donnie Stewart 15.617
58 32H Brad Hutson 15.625
59 64 Terry Hicks 15.638
60 33h Chris Hackett 15.642
61 11H Kenny Christy 15.643
62 44 Earl Pearson, Jr. 15.649
63 1 Wayne Chinn 15.652
64 116 Randy Weaver 15.673
65 77 Scott Peltz 15.690
66 1 Nick Bocook 15.710
67 b1 Josh Bocook 15.710
68 20M Eric Myers 15.728
69 B22 Bump Hedman 15.748
70 B3 Randy Boggs 15.750
71 44 Rick Rogers 15.763
72 41 Brad Neat 15.780
73 64 Sean Cosgrove 15.797
74 6t Tim Dohm 15.868
75 18 Chad Hina 15.900
76 3H Jason Holton 15.903
77 4 Alex Ferree 15.910
78 37 Jacob Hawkins 15.935
79 59 Tracy Fritter 15.950
80 07 Mike Wilson 15.958
81 12 Jordan Bland 15.958
82 81 Brandon Fouts 15.982
83 14L Corey Conley 15.999
84 G1 Freddy Smith 16.023
85 72 John Mason 16.035
86 42 Chris Garnes 16.109
87 23 Arnie Fields 16.134
88 17 Chris Wilson 16.137
89 45 Russ Frohnapfel 16.170
90 1 Tyler Boggs 16.207
91 9 Chris Shannon 16.217
92 8 Greg Buckland 16.265
93 12DJ Dee Jay Miller 16.288
94 24H Michael Howard 16.308
95 13 Jamie Ferguson 16.340
96 73 Jason Smith 16.391
97 12L Rick Lucas 16.455
98 X1 Cody Enlow 16.474
99 95j Jerry Bowersock 16.547
100 65 Daniel Cattine 16.556
101 1x Jason Jamison 16.588
102 99h Jeff Houser 16.699
103 20L Anthony Huber 16.716
104 3s Kenny Spencer 16.780
105 77 Mike Ratliff 17.042
106 63 Rod Patterson 17.140
107 M14 Brandon Thurlby 18.000
108 3D Wade Davis 18.232
109 113 Jeff Gress 20.912
110 17t Shannon Thornsberry XX.XXX
111 C9 Steve Casebolt, Jr. XX.XXX
112 8 Paul Wilmoth Jr XX.XXX
113 we11s D J Wells XX.XXX
114 1* Bobby Kitchen XX.XXX
115 12DJ Daniel Williams XX.XXX
116 12 Rick Aukland XX.XXX
117 77 Joe Ramey XX.XXX

October 16, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Carl Short Preps DTWC On Doug’s Dirt Diary Radio

Chillicothe, OH --- Dirt Late Model fans can tune in and check out an all-new audio interview with famed founder & promoter of the 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by GottaRace.com Carl Short that now appears on Doug’s Dirt Diary radio program hosted by Doug Elkins.
The show can be accessed at: www.dougsdirtdiary.com The race will be held October 18-20 at Jim Nier’s KC Raceway near Waverly, OH and will pay the winner $50,000.

Short, a National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame inductee, previews this weekend’s 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by GottaRace.com at KC Raceway that features dirt Late Models & Modifieds.
Short goes over some of the history surrounding this race, explains why he likes to move the race to a new venue every so often and breaks down the three days of action that begins this Thursday. He also compares this event to other big races, talks about the current state of Late Model racing and tells what he thinks is important as a promoter.

The extremely popular radio program, that also features video, has been in operation a little over a year and a half and has accumulated listeners from all over the country on a daily basis. Doug’s Dirt Diary has been recording audio daily since it’s launch on April 15, 2006 and is updated numerous times each day by Doug Elkins the founder of the site, who has been covering racing in the Northeast for over 15 years.
The site has amassed hundreds of hours of audio, and that number continues to grow by the day.

In addition to the full Dirt Track World Championship presented by Gottarace.com dirt Late Model program the 3rd Annual Jim Dunn Memorial for non-qualifiers will be held in addition to a full program for Modifieds. 26 starters will race for $3,000 to win and $300 to start in the Modified main event.

Tickets prices will be $50 for adult general admission, $15 children general admission ages 6-11 with children under age six admitted free for general admission. Three-day pit passes will be $60.

Special reserved seating is also being made available for the 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by Gottarace.com. The top five rows of the grandstands, including the main grandstands and the new grandstands in turn four, will be mandated reserved seating. Reserved seating will be $55. Reserved seating ticket prices for children age 11 and under will be $20 per ticket. A seating chart is available on the KC Raceway website (www.kc-raceway.com) and race fans may pick their preferred seats on a first-come, first-served basis.

Many area hotels have already filled up. Other area motels listed on the DTWC and KC Raceway websites still have some rooms available and also others within a 35-mile radius of the track. Reserved seating sales have been booming and all indications are that a full house and one of the biggest fields in DTWC racing history will be on hand.

Camping is allotted on a first-come, first-serve basis with 50 spots in the main area and several hundred in the adjacent field. All camping is primitive and there is no need to call to make reservations. Campers are asked to conserve space and clean up after themselves by bagging trash and observing the rights of other campers.

K-C Raceway has also constructed an all-new playground in addition to other attractions for kids and adults of all ages

Due to a couple accidents last year, no four-wheelers are allowed anywhere on the K-C Raceway premises. No ATV's are permitted in the camping area, nor will they be permitted in the pits due to the anticipated overflow number of race teams. Golf carts, however, are permitted in the main parking lot and camping area only. No Golf carts in the pits. A five-mile per hour speed limit will be enforced to ensure the safety of all fans.

Race fans are reminded that DirtOnDirt.com will be on hand all weekend and will be updating their website frequently with news, updates, video interviews & coverage and much more.

The 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by Gottarace.com kicks off on Thursday evening October 18. Qualifying and heat races will be held on Friday evening October 19 with the consolation race, a non-qualifiers race and the 100-lap Dirt Track World Championship presented by Gottarace.com to be held on Saturday evening October 20.
Sunday October 21 will serve as the rain date.

K-C Raceway is located south of Chillicothe on SR 23, two miles out Blain Highway at Alma. For further information, please call 740-663-4141. For ticket information call 740-289-4114 Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The KC Raceway website is located at:
www.kc-raceway.com

For more information contact DTWC promoter Carl Short at: 865.945.3423.

Visit the new DTWC website at: http://dirttrackworldchampionship.net

October 14, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship Preview

By Doc Lehman

Waverly, OH --- The upcoming 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by GottaRace.com (DTWC), one of dirt Late Model racing's true crown jewel events that will be held on October 18-20, 2007 at Jim Nier's KC Raceway in Waverly, OH is now only a short time away and race fans by the thousands are already looking ahead at the prestigious race with a $50,000 payday awaiting the winner.

“It was special winning that weekend,” commented Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN. Bloomquist won the DTWC in 2005 during the 25th anniversary season of both the DTWC and Bloomquist’s dirt Late Model career. Bloomquist, who finished a close second last year to Shannon Babb, wants another DTWC win.

“It kind of put the cap on our career. It wasn’t a race we didn’t think we could win, It was frustrating because there was always a problem or something and some people try to gauge off that. I knew we could win that race and it was a matter of time and it was so good to happen during our 25th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the race.”

Bloomquist is also a supporter of having the race at KC Raceway for the facility as well as the racing surface. “When it was at Pennsboro it was hard to pass,” explained Bloomquist. “Everyone knew if you qualified good you had a better chance. You had to have a lot of luck. It wasn’t a race people could win from the back.”

Bloomquist has his eye on the prize this year as he appears confident. “To some degree I guess but I’d bet it will be one of my cars that wins the race, whether it’s me or one of my boys in my cars. You can go to some tracks and be the fastest car but cant win because you can’t pass, it’s not that way at KC.”

There will likely be well more than 100 of the country’s top dirt Late Model drivers on hand, a virtual who’s who of dirt Late Model racing, all vying for the trophy, the 50 grand and a piece of dirt Late Model racing history.

“All of the pre-entries are up in Ohio and I think the pre-entries are coming in dramatically,” stated promoter Carl Short from his Tennessee home. “As for a car count, I’m guessing around 125 or 130 or maybe even as many as 140 cars. A lot of them are just hard to get pinned down for a pre-entry and it’s always been that since day one.”

The DTWC and KC Raceway offices have been swamped with calls and emails for weeks now and Short is genuinely appreciative of the response the race gets each year. “There is no question it makes you feel good that the fans appreciate what you try to give them and the racers appreciate it also,” stated Short when asked about the longevity of not only the DTWC, but his ‘other’ race, the historic Hillbilly 100 that will celebrate 40 years in 2008. “The secret I think is I try to give them the best value for their racing dollar I try to keep prices down. We try to give them more bang for their buck.”

Another key to the expanding success of the DTWC in recent seasons has been KC Raceway, both the facility and the management. And when it comes right down to pure entertainment, KC Raceway’s previous DTWC races have all been well-received overwhelmingly.

“You can throw a blanket over the top three cars over the last few years at KC,” related Short, who is also an inductee of the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame. “Last year Bloomquist was right there on Shannon just about the entire race. It was as good a race as anyone could see and I’m sure it will be the same this year. Jimmy (Nier) has added some clay to the track this year so it should make for even better racing this year.”

“There is no question that Jimmy is one of the hardest workers anywhere. I was up there last week and they were on the race track just steady. To be working on the race track this early, it’s a great thing for everyone. They do everything in their power to make sure it’s a good show. Last year I was told by people to go ahead and cancel but with everyone help and cooperation we were able to get it in.”

Short made history with the DTWC back in 1981 at Pennsboro Speedway in West Virginia when the inaugural race winner was the Cinderella success story of the fabled Jim Dunn of Roseville, OH who came from the B Main and won the then unheard of sum of $30,000 DTWC before a packed and stunned crowd. History was made that day and the DTWC keeps gaining steam in terms of prestige and impact.

“It took Scott (Bloomquist) 25 years to win it and he said in one of his interviews with you it was one of his most important wins,” said Short. “Its being able to put your name with that race and being able to say you won that race and to be able to put it on your resume, that’s important to those drivers. I don’t think it just the money I think they want to win the Dirt Track World Championship.”

Short also likes the fact that there are so many potential winners who will be in competition October 18-20. “The parity out there in dirt Late Model racing is probably better than it’s ever been,” stated Short. “You’ll still have one driver who will get hot, like Scott last year and Jimmy Owens this year, but the parity is really there. I don’t think there is much difference between the top 25 drivers in the country and maybe even more than that.”

“It’s $3,000 to win for the Modifieds this year,” explained Short, who increased the purse across the board. “I think in talking with some of the guys its not the $3,000 they are after, they are performers and like other performers they like to perform on the biggest stage in front of the large crowds. I think this is the second biggest crowd for them to have a chance to run in front of.”

27th Annual DTWC presented by GottaRace.com: THE DRIVERS

Drivers from all across the United States have been submitting their entry fees and registering for the classic event and they all have their eye on the prize. “It's big, we've won it five times and at two different tracks that are now closed,” commented superstar Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN. “No one will win it again at those venues. To be honest with the finishes we've had, we could've won it a few more times I feel. It is so much harder to win today because the kids out there have good money behind them and good cars with good motors. No one is building a bad car or motor, so it is a lot tougher to win."

Smith, who has become as much a part of the race for race fans than any other driver, knew from the start that the Dirt Track World Championship was something that would stand the test of time.

"I really thought this race would last this long," proclaimed Smith. "At the first one I thought this would end up being an annual deal. And I think this race is good for the sport, I really do. It's always been a good deal and with Carl keeping it as long as he did and keeping the car counts it's been good for this sport. I really enjoy going to this race."

Smith isn’t the only one with hopes of a trip to victory lane.

“I’d like to get that $50,000,” stated famed dirt Late Model star Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, IA. “It’s one of those races that is another big one you need to win to help your career. And I want it.”

“I’m just going to go there like I did last year. I’m pretty enthused about going back this year and I think we have a lot of big wins left this year.”

Birkhofer, like so many of his fellow competitors, are more than happy the Dirt Track World Championship moved to KC Raceway last year. “KC Raceway is a beautiful place,” commented Birkhofer. “That place has come a long way since the short span I’ve been there. I think I’ve been there three times in the last five years and in the last five years there has been a lot of improvements. The track sure is racy and well prepared. If you’re comparing it to Pennsboro or something like that, hands down it’s better.”

“I love the track over there,” commented Rick Aukland of Zanesville, OH who agreed with Birkhofer on his assessment of KC Raceway. “I thought taking the Dirt Track World Championship to KC was a nice change, that track is racy from bottom to top. It’s a first class facility and I hope they keep it there. The track is in good shape and usually always smooth and I love it there.”

"It's pretty cool that the race has been around that long,” stated Rick Eckert of York, PA. “KC Raceway is a great facility and a great racetrack. The fans will get a show there, that's for sure."

“It would mean a lot to me to win the Dirt Track World Championship because it would be my second win," stated Steve Francis, known nationwide as the ‘Kentucky Colonel’. Francis won the Dirt Track World Championship in 1999.

"It would also mean a lot because it’s at KC Raceway," explained Francis who resides in Ashland, KY. "When I first started racing back years ago Jeff Gordon and I both raced there a lot with him in the Sprint Cars and me in the Late Models and they kind of made a big deal about us being the youngest Late Model driver and the youngest Sprint Car driver. We were both about 13 or 14 years old racing down there. So I have a lot of history with that place being there a lot and racing there a lot and I’ll get to sleep in my own bed during the Dirt Track World Championship weekend so I think that’s an advantage too."

“My goals and my team’s goals are to approach this race like another race,” added George ‘The General’ Lee of Loudonville, OH. “Qualify well and not to over think making changes. Making this race would be great. It would cap off a great season and make it a better one, if we play our cards right, we will be in victory lane at the end of the night Saturday night.”

Another Ohio driver has his sites set on the DTWC championship trophy, ring and money and he, too, appreciates the fact the race is at KC Raceway. "KC Raceway is another one of my favorite race tracks," stated Matt Miller of Waterville, OH. "It’s a neat track to run on and fun to race on. And obviously any time you hit one of those big races, like the Dirt Track World Championship it’s great. The Dirt Track World Championship, it’s a crown jewel of our sport and when you win one of those obviously it helps you in your career and gives you some bragging rights."

"I would definitely say this race is right up there with winning the World 100," said Scott James of Bright, IN. "The World 100 and the Dirt Track World Championship, those two races have to be two of the biggest races out there. I don't see any other race being more prestigious than those two races. As far as being able to win the Dirt Track World Championship, right off the bat I'd say the cash is what I want but down the road definitely having that trophy in the trophy case and looking at the list of those who have won it, that's a major accomplishment."

“It would mean that I could buy a motorcycle and get a tattoo!” quipped dirt Late Model star Josh McGuire of Ashland, KY when asked what it would mean for him to win the prestigious crown jewel dirt Late Model race.

“That is a deal I have with my wife when I win any race over $10,000!” added McGuire. “I look forward to the race and it helps that KC is such a well-ran track that always seems to provide fans with an exciting show. I like it because it is never single file! The biggest challenge I face is making the show, this an elite field of cars!”

There is one talented ‘young gun’ who is itching for another shot at the race this year as well. “To win the Dirt Track World Championship, it would mean that I've stepped it up a notch,” understated Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, KY. “The DTWC is the second biggest title in dirt racing and just to make the starting field would mean a whole lot to me.”

“We definitely look forward to this race! After leading the non-qualifiers for most of the race until parts failure last year, it just gave me a taste of what the DTWC really stands for. Even in all the mud, it was a great learning experience.”

27th Annual DTWC presented by GottaRace.com: THE FANS

Tickets prices at the gate will be $50 for adult general admission, $15 children general admission ages 6-11 with children under age six admitted free for general admission. Three-day pit passes will be $60. Reserved seating will be $55. Reserved seating ticket prices for children age 11 and under will be $20. A seating chart is available on the KC Raceway website (www.kc-raceway.com)

Many area hotels have already filled up. Other area motels listed on the DTWC and KC Raceway websites still have some rooms available and also others within a 35-mile radius of the track.

Camping is allotted on a first-come, first-serve basis with 50 spots in the main area and several hundred in the adjacent field. All camping is primitive and there is no need to call to make reservations. Campers are asked to conserve space and clean up after themselves by bagging trash and observing the rights of other campers.

K-C Raceway has also constructed an all-new playground in addition to other attractions for kids and adults of all ages.

There will be a mandatory drivers autograph session held on Saturday at 5:00 PM.

The Class of 2008 will be officially announced for the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame (NDLMHOF). Executive Director Bill Holder and other representatives of the NDLMHOF will be on hand to announce the new inductees prior to race time.

“What better place to announce the inductees to the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame than at one of the sport's most famous and historical Dirt Late Model races,” stated Bill Holder. “This will be the fourth year that the announcement has been made at the DTWC. DTWC promoter Carl Short has been very helpful in enabling the Hall of Fame to make this announcement and we certainly appreciate it.”

The announcement will be made approximately at 6:30 PM on Saturday October 20 before the racing program for the 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by Gottarace.com begins.

For the second year the BAS Racing Network will be on hand providing a live broadcast. The live broadcast will air on Saturday evening beginning at 8:00 PM EST with the BAS Racing Network covering the entire Saturday evening program beginning with the heat races and through the 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by GottaRace.com main event.

The DTWC broadcast will be carried on four radio stations in Ohio including WFRO/Eagle 99 FM that covers the north central region of Ohio from Toledo to west Cleveland; WQIO/Eagle 93.7 FM covering north central Ohio to mid Ohio from Columbus to Mansfield; WYBZ/Oldies 107.3 FM covering southeast Ohio in the Zanesville area and WPAY/Power County 104.1 FM covering southern Ohio, northern Kentucky and northwest West Virginia.

K-C Raceway is located south of Chillicothe on SR 23, two miles out Blain Highway at Alma. For further information, please call 740-663-4141 Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The KC Raceway website is located at: www.kc-raceway.com and the DTWC website is located at: www.dirttrackworldchampionship.net

27th Annual DTWC presented by GottaRace.com: THE SCHEDULE

DTWC RACE SCHEDULE:

Thursday October 18:
10:00 AM – Pits Open
4:00 PM - Grandstands Open
6:00 PM - Practice Modifieds
6:45 PM - Qualifying Modifieds
8:00 PM - Heats Modifieds
10:00 PM – Modified B Main

Friday October 19:
2:00 PM - Pits Open
4:00 PM - Grandstands Open
5:45 PM - Drivers Meeting
6:30 PM - Practice Late Models
7:30 PM - Qualifying Late Models
9:30 PM - Heats Late Models

Saturday October 20:
3:00 PM - Pits Open
4:00 PM - Grandstands Open
5:00 PM - Mandatory Drivers Autograph Session
6:15 PM - Drivers Meeting
6:30 PM – Nat’l DLM Hall of Fame Announcement
7:00 PM - B-Main (s) Late Models
8:30 PM - Modified Feature 30-laps (30 min. time limit)
9:00 PM - Late Model Non-Qualifiers Race (30 laps Jim Dunn Memorial)
*Time permitting late model feature cars hot laps feature cars only!
10:00 PM - Late Model A Main (100 laps 27th Annual DTWC)

27th Annual DTWC presented by GottaRace.com: THE SUPPORTERS

“Everyone associated with the Dirt Track World Championship is upbeat and very enthused to welcome the line up of 2007 sponsors for the 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by GottaRace.com,” stated Short. “Each year the support the race gets continues to grow with so many fine companies in the dirt racing industry extending themselves to support not only the race, but the teams who compete.”

Gottarace.com, a subsidiary of Arizona Sport Shirts, inc., based in Indianapolis, IN, is the presenting sponsor for the grand event. Gottarace.com & Arizona Sport Shirts will also be the official wearing apparel supplier for the Dirt Track World Championship.

Arizona Sport Shirts of Indianapolis, IN has been named the Official Merchandiser and Clothier of the 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by GottaRace.com (DTWC),

“I am just thrilled to have Gottarace.com as this year’s presenting sponsor of the Dirt Track World Championship,” stated Short. “Karl Korbacher and Gerald Newton have been strong supporters of this race and the past two years their corporate Arizona Sport Shirts was the presenting sponsor. I’m happy they have decided to utilize the Dirt Track World Championship as a venue to market and promote their Gottarace.com business.”

“The Dirt Track World Championship is one of the sport’s very few prestigious ‘crown jewel’ events and it continues to grow in stature, prestige and fan attraction,” stated Gerald Newton, Vice-President of Operations at Arizona Sport Shirts and Gottarace.com. “We see this not only an as an advantageous marketing program but it also solidifies Gottarace.com’s position as a supporter, cheerleader and advocate for the sport of dirt Late Model racing.”

The exciting, new cutting-edge online website, DirtOnDirt.com, debuted on September 4, has come on board as the sponsor of the Fast Qualifier Award for the 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by GottaRace.com. The all-new DirtOnDirt.com website, will have an active and significant presence at the 27th Annual DTWC. DirtOnDirt.com and its staff will be on the premises for several days updating and bringing race fans the most up-to-date news, interviews and video from the prestigious crown jewel race for dirt Late Models.

Among the companies signing on as DTWC Heat Race sponsors for the Late Models are Bert Transmission, Racing Optics, Cornett Racing Engines, Rocket Chassis and 4m.net. DTWC Late Model B Main sponsors are Mastersbilt Race Cars and CJ Rayburn Race Cars with the DTWC Hard Charger being sponsored by CJ Rayburn Race Cars.

Additional sponsorship support has come from VP Fuels (“Official Fuel Supplier of the DTWC”), Indiana Decal Company, Design 500, Sports Plus Video, Bob Pierce Race Cars, Lehman Motorsports Services, Dave Poske Performance Parts, Hoosier Racing Tire/HTOV, WRT Web Design.

27th Annual DTWC presented by GottaRace.com: THE TEAMS

The dirt Late Models will have an open tire rule but the Modifieds will be running under the Hoosier Tire banner with the following compounds deemed for use during the DTWC weekend. Teams must use Hoosier Racing Tires and may be any of the following compounds: 26.0 x 8 x 15, 26.5 x 8 x 15, 26.5 x 8 x 15, and 27.5 x 8 x 15 Hoosier Soft, Medium, and Hard and 26.5 x 8 x 15 and 27.5 x 8 x 15 Hoosier D40, A40, and H40.

After October 1 the driver entry fee will be $200.

The winner of the 2007 edition of the 27th Annual DTWC presented by GottaRace.com will go home with a very special memento after the checkers fall. A custom designed and crafted ‘DTWC Championship Ring’ will be awarded to the winner. The ring, adorned with the DTWC, STARS & KC logo images, is being sponsored by Arizona Sports Shirts of Indianapolis, IN.

During the weekend festivities of the 27th Annual DTWC one dirt Late Model team will come away with the designation ‘Best Appearing Team’ and along with that recognition will come some special prizes announced Carl Short. “This is a special promotion for the teams to have fun with,” stated Short. “We will be choosing one race fan who will make the final selection of ‘Best Appearing Team’ and with that designation one lucky team will pick up some interesting prizes.”

The winning race team will receive a new graphics ‘wrap’ package compliments of the Indiana Decal Company, the official decal company of the DTWC. In addition, the winning team will also receive six new crew shirts compliments of Design 500, the official uniform company of the DTWC.

Dave Poske Performance Parts of Parkersburg, WV, has been tabbed as the exclusive parts supplier and Hoosier Racing Tire supplier for the DTWC. “We will be providing parts service in the pits with our 32' fully stocked tri axle parts trailer,” explained owner Dave Poske. “Hoosier Tire Ohio Valley, a division of Dave Poske Performance Parts Inc., will be providing the Hoosier tires for the event also and will be in the pits with our 40' Hoosier Racing Tire trailer. We would also like to let all of the competitors know that if they need anything brought to the track that they can call the store up to October 16th and get whatever they need put on one of the trailers and delivered to the track. All they have to do is call the store phone at 800-430-7223.”

27th Annual DTWC presented by GottaRace.com: THE HISTORY

PREVIOUS DTWC CHAMPIONS:
2006: Shannon Babb, Moweaqua, Ill.
2005: Scott Bloomquist, Mooresburg, Tenn.
2004: Rick Eckert, York, Pa.
2003: Darrell Lanigan, Union, Ky.
2002: Shannon Babb, Moweaqua, Ill.
2001: Bart Hartman, Zanesville, Ohio
2000: Wendell Wallace, Batesville, Ark.
1999: Steve Francis, Ashland, Ky.
1998: Freddy Smith, Knoxville, Tenn.
1997: Marshall Green, Dalton, Ga.
1996: Billy Moyer, Batesville, Ark.
1995: Jack Boggs, Grayson, Ky.
1994: Ronnie Johnson, Chattanooga, Tenn.
1993: Freddy Smith, Baton Rouge, La.
1992: Ronnie Johnson, Chattanooga, Tenn.
1991: Freddy Smith, Kings Mountain, N.C.
1990: Jack Boggs, Grayson, Ky.
1989: John Mason, Millersburg, Ohio
1988: Donnie Moran, Frazeysburg, Ohio
1987: Larry Moore, Dayton, Ohio
1986: Billy Moyer, Batesville, Ark.
1985: Freddy Smith, Kings Mountain, N.C.
1984: Jack Boggs, Webbville, Ky.
1983: Freddy Smith, Kings Mountain, N.C.
1982: Charlie Swartz, Ashland, Ky.
1981: Jim Dunn, Roseville, Ohio

27th Annual DTWC presented by GottaRace.com: THE STAFF

KC Raceway’s staff is professional and accommodating with such seasoned professionals as pit steward Jeff Hougland, flagman Kenny Blade, backchute flagman and pace truck driver Jeff Dubois who’s wife, Cheryl, is one of the sport’s top scorers at KC along with announcer Bruce Hines, track prep gurus (and former track owners) Dave and Brian Karshner, office manager Amy Felts, and many others including the entire Nier family in addition to Scott Wolfe, a former dirt Late Model racer who has now worked at KC Raceway for over two decades as a staff member.

"I have a feeling that this DTWC will be the best ever,” stated Wolfe. “The last two DTWC races at KC have generated a lot of great three-wide racing and restored the DTWC atmosphere. I think the magic is back!! I really do feel the excitement and I am excited about this year's event. We have had an overwhelming response from fans and drivers, especially people from outside the tri-state area. If you are not at K-C on October 18-19-20, you are going to be missing one heck of an event."

Wolfe also revealed that the DTWC is one race that his fellow staffers look forward to. "From opening night on, you here all the staff talking about October,” said Wolfe. “It's show time for all of us as K-C employees."

Other non-KC Raceway staff who have been brought on board to assist in this year’s edition include Doc Lehman as promotional and media director, Larry Boos of Eldora Speedway as race director, Brian Tidball of Virginia Motor Speedway as race day media liaison, Gerald Newton of Arizona Sport Shirts as sponsor advocate and announcers Rick Eshelman, Doc Richards, Pete Secret and James Essex to assist KC’s Bruce Hines.

For more information visit the WRT Web Design maintained DTWC website at: http://dirttrackworldchampionship.net or telephone KC Raceway at: 740-663-4141.

-Prepared by Lehman Motorsports Services

The 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship would like to acknowledge the many fine sponsors of the race:
GottaRace.com, Arizona Sport Shirts, DirtOnDirt.com, VP Fuels, Indiana Decal Company, Design 500, Bert Transmission, Racing Optics, Cornett Racing Engines, Rocket Chassis, 4m.net, Mastersbilt Race Cars, CJ Rayburn Race Cars, Sports Plus Video, Bob Pierce Race Cars, Lehman Motorsports Services, Dave Poske Performance Parts, Hoosier Racing Tire/HTOV & WRT Web Designs.

October 11, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

BAS Racing Network To Broadcast 27th Annual DTWC

Chillicothe, OH --- Race fans in the Ohio and surrounding region who may not be able to attend the 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by GottaRace.com October 18-20 will be able to tune in to the high intensity racing action of the prestigious crown jewel event being promoted by Carl Short at Jim Nier’s KC Raceway near Waverly, OH. The winner of the dirt Late Model extravaganza will collect $50,000. For the second year the BAS Racing Network will be on hand providing a live broadcast.

The live broadcast will air on Saturday evening beginning at 8:00 PM EST with the BAS Racing Network covering the entire Saturday evening program beginning with the heat races and through the 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by GottaRace.com main event.

“It’s an absolute honor to partner for the second year in a row with Carl Short and the 2006 edition of the Dirt Track World Championship,” stated producer and show host DC Bash of the BAS Racing Network. “They have been a joy to work with in every capacity. And my thanks to the great radio stations who have opened their airwaves to one of the finest forms of racing there is. This form of racing deserves to be exposed to this market.”

Joining DC Bash on the microphones will be Chuck Griffith and Chris Tilley. Griffith is a long time veteran announcer and radio host and has worked as the track announcer at race tracks like Eldora Speedway and Wayne County Speedway in addition to television work. Tilley works for the Independent Racing Series as public relations director and owns C/T Marketing.

In addition to the full Dirt Track World Championship presented by Gottarace.com dirt Late Model program the 3rd Annual Jim Dunn Memorial for non-qualifiers will be held in addition to a full program for Modifieds. 26 starters will race for $3,000 to win and $300 to start in the Modified main event.

Tickets prices will be $50 for adult general admission, $15 children general admission ages 6-11 with children under age six admitted free for general admission. Three-day pit passes will be $60.

Special reserved seating is also being made available for the 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by Gottarace.com. The top five rows of the grandstands, including the main grandstands and the new grandstands in turn four, will be mandated reserved seating. Reserved seating will be $55. Reserved seating ticket prices for children age 11 and under will be $20 per ticket. A seating chart is available on the KC Raceway website (www.kc-raceway.com) and race fans may pick their preferred seats on a first-come, first-served basis.

K-C Raceway has also constructed an all-new playground in addition to other attractions for kids and adults of all ages

Race fans are reminded that DirtOnDirt.com will be on hand all weekend and will be updating their website frequently with news, updates, video interviews & coverage and much more.

The 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by Gottarace.com kicks off on Thursday evening October 18. Qualifying and heat races will be held on Friday evening October 19 with the consolation race, a non-qualifiers race and the 100-lap Dirt Track World Championship presented by Gottarace.com to be held on Saturday evening October 20. Sunday October 21 will serve as the rain date.

To purchase presale tickets and pit passes and/or to pre-enter a driver, money orders, cashier’s checks and credit cards may be used. The DTWC will accept pre-sale credit card orders with Mastercard or Visa. To place your credit card order telephone the KC Raceway office at: 740.289.4114.

Tickets are also available via mail order by sending a money order or cashier’s check to: DTWC, 340 Bailey Chapel Road, Piketon, OH 45661.

For more information contact DTWC promoter Carl Short at: 865.945.3423.

Visit the new DTWC website at: http://dirttrackworldchampionship.net

October 10, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Drivers Getting Anxious For 27th Annual DTWC presented by GottaRace.com

Chillicothe, OH --- Drivers all across the country are getting anxious for next week’s 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by GottaRace.com that will be held October 18-20 at Jim Nier’s KC Raceway in Waverly, OH. DTWC promoter Carl Short has been fielding calls from all across the United States from drivers and teams high with anticipation for another shot at winning the crown jewel dirt Late Model race.

"It would mean a lot to me to win the Dirt Track World Championship because it would be my second win," stated Steve Francis, known nationwide as the ‘Kentucky Colonel’. Francis, who won the Dirt Track World Championship in 1999, has extra incentive for being anxious to compete in this year’s edition: KC Raceway.

“My goals and my team’s goals are to approach this race like another race,” added George ‘The General’ Lee of Loudonville, OH. “Qualify well and not to over think making changes. Making this race would be great.
It would cap off a great season and make it a better one, if we play our cards right, we will be in victory lane at the end of the night Saturday night.”

Francis isn’t the only previous winner wanting to add another DTWC trophy to his collection. “Maybe we can get number six," stated Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN who has a record five DTWC titles and who is looking forward to the race. "I think it’s better at KC right now because there will be more racing there. It's a nice racetrack and they put a good effort in fixing that place up. It's safer for the drivers, too.”

Tickets prices will be $50 for adult general admission, $15 children general admission ages 6-11 with children under age six admitted free for general admission. Three-day pit passes will be $60.

K-C Raceway has also constructed an all-new playground in addition to other attractions for kids and adults of all ages

Race fans are reminded that DirtOnDirt.com will be on hand all weekend and will be updating their website frequently with news, updates, video interviews & coverage and much more.

To purchase presale tickets and pit passes and/or to pre-enter a driver, money orders, cashier’s checks and credit cards may be used. The DTWC will accept pre-sale credit card orders with Mastercard or Visa. To place your credit card order telephone the KC Raceway office at:
740.289.4114.

Tickets are also available via mail order by sending a money order or cashier’s check to: DTWC, 340 Bailey Chapel Road, Piketon, OH 45661.

For more information contact DTWC promoter Carl Short at: 865.945.3423.

Visit the new DTWC website at: http://dirttrackworldchampionship.net

October 9, 2007

Attention DTWC Drivers & Teams:

In order for the staff of the 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by GottaRace.com and KC Raceway to help you better serve your team’s sponsors drivers/teams are asked to email your team information to KC Raceway announcer Bruce Hines. Bruce Hines is one of the best announcers in the business and wants to promote your driver/team and sponsors in a positive accurate manner in order to help you gain even more exposure for your team supporters. All dirt Late Model and Modified drivers/teams are welcomed to submit their information.

Please feel free to email the following information so it can be utilized the weekend of the 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by GottaRace.com:

1. Driver Name
2. Hometown
3. Team/Owner Name
4. Car Number
5. Chassis
6. Engine
7. Crew Chief
8. Your main sponsors

Drivers/teams are asked to e-mail announcer Bruce Hines with information at the following link: *bdhines13@roadrunner.com*

The 27th Annual Dirt Track World Championship presented by GottaRace.com will be held October 18-20, 2007 at Jim Nier’s KC Raceway in Waverly, OH. DTWC founder & promoter Carl Short is offering up a $200,000 purse with $50,000 going to the winner of one of dirt Late Model racing’s crown jewel races.

Tickets prices will be $50 for adult general admission, $15 children general admission ages 6-11 with children under age six admitted free for general admission. Three-day pit passes will be $60.

K-C Raceway has also constructed an all-new playground in addition to other attractions for kids and adults of all ages

Race fans are reminded that DirtOnDirt.com will be on hand all weekend and will be updating their website frequently with news, updates, video interviews & coverage and much more.

Tickets are also available via mail order by sending a money order or cashier’s check to: DTWC, 340 Bailey Chapel Road, Piketon, OH 45661.

For more information contact DTWC promoter Carl Short at: 865.945.3423.

Visit the new DTWC website at: http://dirttrackworldchampionship.net

October 9, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

A LOOK BACK AT THE DTWC
By Doc Lehman

Although it now appears that Pennsboro Speedway in West Virginia is just a fading and favorite memory for many in dirt Late Model racing, the magic and the mystique will always live on. The scene of some history-making races and the births of some careers, the DIRT TRACK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP at Pennsboro Speedway will always be looked back on favorably and with more than a noticeable twinge of nostalgia as the race now makes new exciting memories and adds new pages to the history books from its new home at KC Raceway in Waverly, OH.

Freddy Smith had been known as “Mr. Pennsboro” long before he won the DIRT TRACK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP five times. To many, Pennsboro is Smith’s track. When Smith first came to Pennsboro Speedway to race in July 1979 for the SPIRIT OF ’76 race, Smith dominated the affair.

In 1983 Smith scored his first DTWC win, the third edition of Carl Short’s extravaganza, after starting fifth and surviving 17 caution flags. Driving his then-famous Denny’s Marina sponsored Custom Chassis #00, Smith was coming off a win the previous month in Short’s HILLBILLY 100. Two years later he became the first repeat winner outrunning Dock Potts and Rodney Combs. And they kept coming. In all, Smith owns five DTWC victories.

During Smith’s long career he has raced at hundreds of tracks and won with nearly every sanctioning group that has existed. Among his HILLBILLY 100 and DTWC wins, Smith won the first ever $100,000 THE DREAM race at Eldora Speedway and numerous other high profile events all across the United States.

What does Mr. Pennsboro think of the DTWC and the legendary race track?

“The track had been really good to us,” stated Smith. “It was exciting and great to win shows there. The first time we went there we came up over the hill and, gee whiz, two bridges! Really an experience. Never ran on anything like that.”

It was with the third DTWC that Smith snared a win. He still remembers the excitement. “Great!” was how Smith described the win. “We never raced for money like that before, and we were traveling for a couple years then and it was great to know we could get up there and win a show like that.”

Smith was asked if there was considerable pre-race planning when going to Pennsboro.

“Not really,” said Smith. “Too many factors to take into account.
Besides, not always the fastest car wins. It depended on how and where you qualified. Been there many times when it was two grooved, like the time we rained out and we raced on Monday. The rain sure helped make it two grooved.”

“I’ve seen the track really nice when you can really pass- that’s good for the fans. Would like it to be two grooved all the time, but we’ve been fortunate to qualify up front a lot.”

As for his competition, when asked to look back and declare who were and are the toughest, Smith doesn’t have a ready-made list.

“All of them are,” proclaimed Smith. “There are so many racers who were running so good those days. Fifteen drivers could have won.”

Smith was also asked what the attraction was to the rustic old race track. “It didn’t change,” Smith responded. “Same old race track. Lot of people didn’t like it, they’d say they don’t like it, but they come back every year.”

Donnie Moran has been a player at Pennsboro Speedway for years, winning the HILLBILLY 100 multiple times and capturing the 1988 DTWC. He has fond memories of Pennsboro.

“It felt pretty darn good winning that race in 1988,” stated Moran.
“Pennsboro is a lot of luck. Don’t get a good qualifying spot, you’re done! It’s a challenge. You drive both ends completely different. One corner you sweep through and the other end you have to drive it like asphalt. There was no room for error.”

“When there were two grooves it was one of the best places to race. It was a blast! When you can get outside it was one of my favorite places to race. When it’s one lane, I hated it!”

Moran can’t be specific to name his toughest competition. There are too many variables when dealing with Pennsboro.

“Anybody can be tough,” said Moran. “It’s hard to say. 2-30 guys can be tough, tough, tough! You just never know. Look at Scott Bloomquist. He should have won it, had been in a position to, but it was his hard luck track.”

For two time STARS national champion Racin’ John Mason, his turn at making dirt Late Model history at Pennsoro came with his DTWC win in 1989. After coming to Pennsboro for years, Mason started yet another DTWC feature. In 1989 he started third, slipped back a few spots, but worked his way back up front.

By the halfway point he was in second behind Jack Boggs and took the lead on a high risk outside move on lap 63. Mason held on to win $48,000 in his CJ Rayburn/ Malcuit Racing Engines #72.

It was a day Mason won’t soon forget.

“I can’t describe winning it,” declared Mason. “I don’t think it really soaked in for three days, but it was a numbing experience. That’s all I can say: I was numb!”

Mason had showed up every year for the HILLBILLY 100 and DTWC and, having made the features 11 times, finally experienced the highest high.

“We’ve run the whole gamut at Pennsboro,” explained Mason. “We’ve won races, wrecked cars and went to the hospital. It means a lot to me, still one of the premier races and it’s hard to pass up.”

Mason also finds the mystique of the old track interesting.

“It’s the atmosphere,” said Mason. “The magic of Pennsboro, however you describe it. The fans are the atmosphere. If not for the fans on the hillside, even for 50 grand, it wouldn’t be nothing.”

When Larry Moore won the DTWC in 1987, he hauled back to his Dayton, Ohio area home a whopping $60,000. One of the sport’s greatest racers, and biggest winners, Moore was a regular fixture at Pennsboro Speedway and the DTWC for years.

In 1987 Moore, for the first time, had his own self-owned team. Down to one car and one motor, Moore made the trip to Pennsboro in ’87 and by virtue of winning the dash, earned the pole position. Moore took the lead and never looked back, as he and Freddy Smith pulled away from the field. During the latter stages Smith made several bold moves on Moore, but Moore held him off and took the win.

Who was one of the first in victory lane to shake hands and congratulate Moore? Freddy Smith.

“$60,000, it was just wonderful!” exclaimed Moore. “Biggest race I ever won. I already won three WORLD 100’s by then, but this was my biggest paying race and it was just wonderful!”

“Only year I ever drove for myself and I would have been in trouble financially if not for winning. I learned I didn’t need to own my own car.”

Moore wasn’t hesitant when asked to give his opinion of Pennsboro Speedway.

“It’s such a challenging track, quite different,” explained Moore.
“Never the same. That track can change two or three seconds over the course of a day. The last couple races I ran the track got faster earlier than usual. Usually you’re slow in the heats and fast in the feature.”

“It’s such an old place. Got so much character. People claim it’s terrible but they are always there. It’s quite a sentimental place, really neat. And that bridge!”

Rest In Peace, Pennsboro!

And long live the DTWC at KC Raceway!

*PREVIOUS DTWC RACE RESULTS*

2006
Oct. 21 - K-C (OH) Raceway

1. Shannon Babb
2. Scott Bloomquist
3. Earl Pearson Jr.
4. Clint Smith
5. Darrell Lanigan
6. Steve Francis
7. Chub Frank
8. Dennis Erb Jr.
9. Bart Hartman
10. Chris Combs
11. Darren Miller
12. Jeep Van Wormer
13. Chris Madden
14. Brady Smith
15. Mike Balzano
16. Steve Casebolt
17. Josh Richards
18. Tim McCreadie
19. Brian Birkhofer
20. Dan Schlieper
21. Donnie Moran
22. Josh McGuire
23. Aaron Bapst
24. Steve Shaver
25. Greg Johnson
26. Matt Miller

2005
Oct. 15 - K-C (OH)Raceway

1. Scott Bloomquist
2. Brian Birkhofer
3. Bart Hartman
4. Rick Eckert
5. Chub Frank
6. Wendell Wallace
7. Dan Schlieper
8. Darrell Lanigan
9. Billy Moyer
10. Dale McDowell
11. Steve Shaver
12. Jimmy Mars
13. Darren Miller
14. Freddy Smith
15. Matt Miller
16. Steve Francis
17. Rod Conley
18. Donnie Moran
19. Josh Richards
20. Jackie Boggs
21. Chad Hina
22. Davey Johnson
23. Tim McCreadie
24. Shannon Babb
25. Paul Harris
26. Eric Jacobsen

2004
Oct. 16 – Bluegrass (KY) Speedway

1. Rick Eckert
2. Shannon Babb
3. Chub Frank
4. Billy Moyer
5. Brad Neat
6. Scott Bloomquist
7. Wendell Wallace
8. Dan Schlieper
9. John Blankenship
10. Brad Hall
11. R.J. Conley
12. Brandon Kinzer
13. Bart Hartman
14. Brian Ruhlman
15. Freddy Smith
16. Jimmy Owens
17. Darrell Lanigan
18. Steve Francis
19. Tim McCreadie
20. Joey Daniel
21. Mike Balzano
22. Dale McDowell
23. Mike Marlar
24. Clint Smith
25. John Gill
26. Aaron Hatton

2003
Oct. 19 - Bluegrass (KY) Speedway

1. Darrell Lanigan
2. Dan Schlieper
3. Steve Francis
4. Scott Bloomquist
5. Rod Conley
6. Brian Birkhofer
7. Mike Jewell
8. Jeff Smith
9. Jimmy Mars
10. Scott James
11. Ray Cook
12. Mike Marlar
13. Wendell Wallace
14. Steve Shaver
15. Rick Eckert
16. Rick Corbin
17. R.J. Conley
18. Rodney Combs
19. Jerry Rice
20. Rick Aukland
21. Bryan Barber
22. Matt Miller
23. Denny Eckrich
24. Joey Kramer
25. Shannon Babb