Aussie remembers Bryan Clauson

Posted on August 26, 2016 by admin

Aussie remembers Bryan Clauson

Speedway has been my most favorite sport ever since I was 16 years old and in that time I have had the real pleasure of watching some of the best dirt track racers .Covering Speedway meetings and writing reports has been my hobby and during this time I have met .watched and been thrilled by many of the best.

Bryan Clauson, USAC Champion in Midgets and Sprintcars was the one driver that always grabbed my attention and was the one I found myself cheering for. Watching via live streaming from the US or New Zealand or live in Australia there was something very special about BC.I have been reporting on Bryan Clauson’s race exploits for some time and back in 2013 I meet Bryan at the POWRi World Midget show at Lismore Speedway.

Wandering around the pits speaking with and photographing the teams I was desperately trying to find an opening to grab Bryan and introduce myself .With drivers meeting, car preparation taking priority finding Bryan on his own was difficult and frankly as the afternoon passed I was becoming a little nervous each time I tried to approach him only for another driver to attract his attention. Clauson was a driver certainly in demand.

Later that afternoon my opportunity arrived, Bryan sitting quietly on the rear wheel of the United Truck repairs Esslingler. I looked around, no one in sight, so boldly I approached him with a “good day Bryan “I am from Talking Speedway mind if I have chat. I had hundreds of questions but suddenly I was lost for words .Here I was talking to one of the greatest USAC drivers of all time. We chatted for what seems like hours but in reality it was 5 to 10 minutes .What a guy, warm and generous he made me feel completely at ease. After thanking me for my support he wished me well explaining he had changes to make to racecar, his team arrived immediately and they went to work and I wandered off to explore more and photograph the likes of Christopher Bell, Darren Hagen and Andrew Felker.Unfortunately the night did not go as planned and the Kiwi Brad Mosen won the feature.

We have lost many drivers over the times and with each track death we feel such heart break and sadness and we wonder if we will ever get over the pain. While our loss is nothing when compared to the loss the family of these brave and courageous racers have to deal with. As a speedway supporter we can only offer our deepest sympathy and hope their hearts will heal in time.

The memories left, the images of Bryan Clasuon at work together with the thousands of tributes on social media place o n record his greatness, generosity to fans and the energy he put into growing and advancing the sport of Speedway open wheel racing. Bryan’s life was Speedway and in death his organs have given life to five people who are blessed and will carry a small part of Bryan with them as they travel through life. Bryan will be remembered by his racing exploits and also by the donation of his organs. Chasing 200 continues only the goal has changed to saving saves by promoting the benefits of donating your organs so that others may benefits.

Most important of all a young man loved by his family and Lauren Stewart has left us all too soon. Rest in peace Bryan Clauson 15/6/1989 to 7/08/2016

Kerry Madsen gets call up from Matt Wood racing

Posted on August 26, 2016 by admin

Kerry Madsen gets call up from Matt Wood racing

The late Bryan Clauson’s SprintcarTeam Matt Wood Racing has thrown a life line to Kerry Madsen after his US based Team closed their racing operation in the US. Kerry Madsen will team with Matt Wood Racing for up to 10 meetings .The first outing for the new team will be this coming weekend at the National Sprint Leagues event at Knoxville Raceway.

After the terrible loss at Belleville of their driver Bryan Clauson the decision to keep the car running was a nice call and the inclusion of Kerry Madsen as Team driver will be welcomed by Bryan Clauson’s fan as a fitting tribute .Clauson achieved so much in the W17 race car in such a short time and the debut of the Madsen / Matt Wood racing at the home of Sprintcar Racing is fitting.

The short term schedule with Matt Wood Racing comes after 17 World of Outlaw a Main wins with Keneric Racing from 2012 thru to 2016.Madsen will continue to run for the Keneric team during the Australian season.

The Wood /Madsen team will chase the big events now that he is not committed to the World of Outlaws and the NSL. Whatever races the team enters they are sure to receive a massive welcome.

McFadden signed with Monte Motorsports for 2016/7

Posted on July 25, 2016 by admin

In a joint announcement today Monte Motorsports and Milwaukee Tools advised that they had signed James McFadden for the 2016/17 season .James will take over the seat held by the likable and talented Californian Kyle Hirst.

This is a big announcement by Monte Motorsports particularly as their last two drivers have both been Americans and both brought some big trophies to the team .The teams decision to put an Australian in the seat will be welcomed by local race fan .Kyle Hirst during his time in the W17 was adopted by most fans forgetting he was an American and he brought much credit to the team during his stay and most importantly he gave the team the 2015 Warnambool Classic trophy, the most sought after of all the big Australian Sprintcar events .I am sure this news comes as a disappointment to Hirst who has been have a super season in California. Most recently he won the weekend of the Peter Murphy Classic in NZ1.

Great news for McFadden who is currently dividing his racing between the Joe Garete Engines #3G and the Highlands Tire and Service #3. There has been no announcement as to will replace James in NQ25 or if Kyle Hirst will drive in Australia during 2016/17, let’s hope he lands a ride as I for one will miss his talent.

James’s response to the appointment was released on his Facebook page, “This was one of the hardest and most exciting decisions of my racing career yet. Scott and Stephanie Milling gave me a huge opportunity at a young age, as a kid who had proved nothing, and for that I will always be thankful. To walk away from a team that has become your family is a tough decision to make, and one I did not take lightly. It is a credit to those involved at the NQ25 that I was met with complete understanding about my eventual choice to move in a different direction.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to steer this W17 Milwaukee Monte Motorsport car and belong to one of the most successful and professional teams in the world of Speedway.

I am very excited for what I hope to be a solid season 2016/2017 aboard the W17. Keep your eyes peeled for race schedules and the likes. Results and interaction will continue on this page, as well as the Monte Motorsport Sprintcar Team Page.”

Kyle Hirst’s response to the new was via twitter “Want to thank @Montemotorsport @MilwaukeeToolAu for letting me be part of such a great team! Lifetime memories made & best wishes this year!”

Australians came but Schatz won the Kings Royal.

Posted on July 17, 2016 by admin

Australians came but Schatz won the Kings Royal.

Tonight at Eldora Donny Schatz lifted the Kings Royal Crown and Trophy for the third time .After running second in the Jokers Wild and the night before the Kings Royal Schatz would have had the bookies shortening his odds. A field of 60 started through qualifying and the heats the best 24 drivers had earned the right to run the 40 Lap $50,000 to win Feature .

The field had all the big hitters ready to pounce including three Australians, Jamie Veal, Ian Madsen and former Kings Royal winner Kerry Madsen. James McFadden and Daniel Harding were unable to make the Show despite strong performances. Ian Madsen was the best of the Australians finishing 10^th , brother Kerry 15^th and Jamie Veal DNF.

With the biggest purse in the 33 years of the Kings Royal the stage was set for one hell of a race. The pressure was right on from the time the green lights came on and the intensify of the battle can been seen from the number of race leaders during the re first 20 laps .First it was Brown then it was Swindell having his turn before Sweet came thundering past and the defending Champion looked comfortable out front .

But as we have all come to expect Schatz started to lay down his challenge for the crown. Schatz soon stormed past Sweet but coming fast to stake his claim was Christopher Bell and was at one point looking like he might be a concern for Schatz. Bells surge came to nothing after making second he got into the wall, climbed the wall, caught the fence and was done for the night. Behind Bell it was Abreu who was arriving fast and would present more concern for the checker would come out. Many can catch Schatz but passing is art not many have perfected

As hard as Abreu charged and worked the track he would be denied the pass and would have to settle for a position behind Schatz for the night at the Kings Royal, third behind Gravel and Schatz at the Jokers Wild and third behind Pittman and Schatz at the night before the Kings Royal.

Post race with Donny Schatz,Rico Abreu and Brad Sweet : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hz8wZbiKGZE

Schatz’s third Kings Royal win takes his season wins to 15 and as the Outlaws head into the month of money the team has increased his points lead to 186 over second place Brad Sweet.

.A-Main – (40 Laps) – 1. 15-Donny Schatz [3] [$50,000]; 2. 24-Rico Abreu [8] [$20,000]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet [6] [$15,000]; 4. W20-Greg Wilson [5] [$12,000]; 5. 21-Brian Brown [2] [$10,000]; 6. 2-Shane Stewart [21] [$7,500]; 7. 9-Daryn Pittman [23] [$6,500]; 8. 41-Jason Johnson [9] [$6,000]; 9. 83-Joey Saldana [7] [$5,500]; 10. 18-Ian Madsen [11] [$5,000]; 11. 5-David Gravel [20] [$4,750]; 12. 1-Sammy Swindell [4] $4,500]; 13. 49X-Tim Shaffer [13] $4,000]; 14. 7-Paul McMahan [10] [$3,750]; 15. 29-Kerry Madsen [19] [$3,500]; 16. 19M-Brent Marks [12] [$3,450]; 17. 11N-Randy Hannagan [18] [$3,400]; 18. 7S-Jason Sides [24] [$3,350]; 19. 10H-Chad Kemenah [17] [$3,300]; 20. 71-Jamie Veal [1] [$3,250]; 21. 14-Christopher Bell [14] [$3,200]; 22. 33-Danny Lasoski [15] [$3,150]; 23. 1B-Dale Blaney [22] [$3,100]; 24. 17W-Bryan Clauson [16] [$3,000]. Lap Leaders: Brian Brown 1-9, Sammy Swindell 10-12, Brad Sweet 13-19, Donny Schatz 20-40. KSE Hard Charger Award: 9-Daryn Pittman [+16]

Credit Photo: Vince Vellelle @VinnieV77 and Jeremy Elliott 2jelliott101

Kings Royal 2016 record prize purse

Posted on July 14, 2016 by admin

Press release from Eldora Speedway

Record $320,975 Posted For 33rd Annual Kings Royal Weekend At Eldora

World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series Return For Expanded Three-Day Event July 14-15-16

ROSSBURG, Ohio (July 7, 2016) – The 33rd running of Kings Royal Weekend, expanded this year to include a full World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series race on Thursday, July 14, already promises fans more racing and Eldora Speedway officials today announced more prize money for the racers.

Saturday’s tradition of $50,000-to-win and the pomp and circumstance that surrounds racing’s most unique victory remains untouched – but that is the only position that does not see a major increase for 2016. Over half of the 40-lap Kings Royal finishers will earn double the money posted in previous years. Highlights include: 2nd) $20,000; 5th) $10,000; 10th) $5,000; 24th) $3,000 and the first non-transfer from the B-Feature will receive $2,000. All B-Feature and C-Feature positions received healthy increases as well.

Thursday’s “Jokers Wild” will pay $10,000 to the winner while Friday night’s “The Knight Before” has been increased to $12,000-to-win.

Eight different drivers have won the Kings Royal over the past eight years. Shane Stewart is the defending winner of both the Kings Royal and The Knight Before.

Tickets and camping for all three nights of the 33rd Kings Royal Weekend, sprint car racing’s annual showcase featuring the stars of the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series versus Ohio’s best, including the Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions, are available now at www.EldoraSpeedway.com or by phone at (937) 338-3815.

Full Kings Royal Saturday Purse Breakdown:
Kings Royal A-Feature
1)$50,000; 2)$20,000; 3)$15,000; 4)$12,500; 5)$10,000; 6)$7,500; 7)$6,500; 8)$6,000; 9)$5,500; 10)$5,000; 11)$4,750; 12)$4,500; 13)$4,000; 14)$3,750; 15)$3,500; 16)$3,450; 17)$3,400; 18)$3,350; 19)$3,300; 20)$3,250; 21)$3,200; 22)$3,150; 23)$3,100; 24)$3,000;

Kings Royal B-Feature
1)Transfer; 2)Transfer; 3)Transfer; 4)Transfer 5)$2,000; 6)$1,750; 7)$1,500; 8)$1,250; 9)$1,000; 10)$750; 11)$650; 12-24)$600.

Kings Royal C-Feature
1)Transfer; 2)Transfer; 3)Transfer; 4)Transfer; 5)Transfer 6)Transfer; 7)$500; 8)$450; 9)$400; 10)$375; 11-24)$350.

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About Eldora Speedway:
Since carved from a cornfield in the natural amphitheater that existed between the Eldora Ballroom and the Wabash River by bandleader Earl Baltes in 1954, Eldora Speedway has grown to be a frontrunner in motorsports growth and stability. Baltes chose to sell the legendary high-banked clay oval to motorsports entrepreneur and NASCAR, IndyCar and USAC champion Tony Stewart in 2004. Celebrating its 63nd season in 2016, Eldora hosts the biggest events in short-track racing including the 22nd annual Dirt Late Model Dream by Ferris Mowers; the 33rd annual Kings Royal Weekend; the fourth NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on dirt – the Aspen Dental Eldora Dirt Derby; and the 46th annual World 100. The complete schedule for Eldora’s 63rd consecutive season, including ticket and campsite information, is available at www.EldoraSpeedway.com and can be requested by phone at (937) 338-3815. Fans can get behind-the-scenes access of Eldora Speedway by following @EldoraSpeedway on Twitter, hitting ‘Like’ at www.facebook.com/EldoraSpeedway and on www.youtube.com/EldoraSpeedway.

McFadden shook it up but Schatz won the Doty Classic .

Posted on July 13, 2016 by admin

McFadden shook it up but Schatz won the Doty Classic .

Aussie James McFadden back in the Garete Engines 3G won the right to start the Doty Classic at Attacia from pole and shook up the field in a tremendous drive before an unlikely spin on lap 28 while running second ended his Doty chance .McFadden accounted for Holtgraver from the start and then had to defend his position from a charging Haudenschild .The battle between the two young chargers was intense before the young Hud found a way passed on lap 13.McFadden and Sheldon Haudenschild held the crowd’s interest for the early part of the Classic before the amazing Donny Schatz started to imposed his authority over the race and score his 3^rd Dody Classic win from Dale Blaney and Daryn Pittman .

The Brad Doty Classic , one of the most sought after wins on the Sprintcar circuit brings together the Outlaws and the All Star as they battle for the right to hold aloft the Doty Classic trophy. The 28^th running of the Ohio Logistic Brad Doty Classic honors the career and talent of Brad Doty. This was he biggest entry list 59 for an Outlaw show this year.

Australia had a strong present at the Doty with the Madsen brothers, James McFadden, Jamie Veal and Daniel Harding .An indication of just how difficult it was to qualify for A main can be illustrated by the failure of Shane Stewart, Rico Abreu, David Gravel who joined Aussies Jamie Veal and Daniel Harding as spectators’ for the A Main . Ian Madsen was the best placed Australian finishing in 7^th.

The podium of Schatz,Blaney and Pittman was quite an achievement considering all three came from deep in the field to share the spoils, Schatz drove from P15,Blaney from P10 and Pittman after taking a provisional from P 25. Pittman had the most disastrous start to a race you could image .Doing an engine before qualifying set the 2013 Outlaw Champ a huge hill to climb and climb it he did!

Attacia victory lane interviews

A-Main – (40 Laps) – 1. 15-Donny Schatz [15] [$10,000]; 2. 1B-Dale Blaney [10] [$5,500]; 3. 9-Daryn Pittman [25] [$2,400]; 4. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild [6] [$2,800]; 5. 70-Danny Holtgraver [2] [$2,500]; 6. 83-Joey Saldana [5] [$2,300]; 7. 18-Ian Madsen [18] [$2,200]; 8. 33M-Caleb Griffith [3] [$2,100]; 9. 7-Paul McMahan [14] [$2,050]; 10. 5R-Byron Reed [26] [$1,200]; 11. 5T-Travis Philo [11] [$1,500]; 12. 49-Brad Sweet [24] [$1,200]; 13. 7S-Jason Sides [20] [$1,100]; 14. 41-Jason Johnson [21] [$1,050]; 15. 45L-Brian Lay [7] [$1,000]; 16. 3G-James McFadden [1] [$900]; 17. 17-Josh Baughman [16] [$800]; 18. 10H-Chad Kemenah [23] [$800]; 19. 29-Kerry Madsen [17] [$800]; 20. 2X-Parker Price-Miller [8] [$800]; 21. 21-Cap Henry [9] [$800]; 22. 9X-Rob Chaney [13] [$800]; 23. 49D-Shawn Dancer [22] [$800]; 24. 26-Willie Croft [19] [$800]; 25. 1A-Jacob Allen [4] [$800]; 26. 11N-Randy Hannagan [12] [$800]. Lap Leaders: James McFadden 1-12, Sheldon Haudenschild 13-26, Donny Schatz 27-40. KSE Hard Charger Award: 9-Daryn Pittman [+22]

The Outlaws will stay in Ohio for the next big show, three nights at Eldora ending with the Kings Royal on July 16^th .It is expected the Australians will all be present .James McFadden will be back in the Highlands Tires Service #3 for the Eldora shows

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is giving Tony Stewart one heck of a retirement gift.

Posted on June 29, 2016 by admin

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is giving Tony Stewart one heck of a retirement gift.

Story by curt.cavin@indystar.com 9:03 p.m. EDT June 28, 2016

“Indianapolis Motor Speedway is building Tony Stewart a going away present of sorts, a 3/16th-mile dirt track inside Turn 3 of the big oval. Scott Horner/IndyStar

Tony Stewart, who is retiring from NASCAR at season’s end, will receive a going-away gift from Indianapolis Motor Speedway next week that will encourage him to return.
IMS is giving Stewart a dirt track inside Turn 3.

Yes, that Turn 3.

The plan, IMS president Doug Boles said Tuesday, is to install a 3/16th-mile oval for Stewart’s media appearance July 5. Several teams that own dirt midgets have been invited for what amounts to an exhibition. It stands to reason Stewart will take anyone’s offer to take a spin around the new oval, and he might even be the first to do so.

Stewart was told of the plan last weekend, Boles said.

Assuming things come together as expected, IMS will modify the track so it’s large enough to host sprint cars, too.

“Tony doesn’t want gifts, per se, but we thought this was a great way to marry his love for dirt-track racing with his love for racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” Boles told IndyStar.

Boles said IMS won’t get in the business of hosting frequent dirt-track events, but it could have an assortment of “special” events, such as a spot in Indiana Sprint Week or a sprint/midget event during Brickyard 400 weekend.

For the July 5 test run, the dirt track will not have fencing, and the banking will be minimal – maybe 6 inches, Boles said – but all aspects of the presentation will be considered for the final product.

As for the real estate the dirt track will encompass, Boles said it will still be able to serve as primary infield parking area for major oval-track events such as the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400.

Stewart has twice won the Cup race at IMS, but the July 24 race is scheduled to be his final start on the oval. Well, the big oval, anyway.”

Follow IndyStar reporter Curt Cavin on Facebook and Twitter: @curtcavin

Braydan Willmington Motorsports Press Release

Posted on June 17, 2016 by admin

The following press release was received today from young Speedcar driver Braydan Willmington.The Marulan based Team will move up to the 410 Winged Sprintcar division and will compete in the highly successful and competitive Ultimate Sprintcar Championship, the USC.

Here is the Teams press release: Braydan Willmington Motorsports

“Our team has some exciting news for the 2016/2017 speedway season, we’ll be racing a 410 Winged Sprintcar in the Ultimate Sprintcar Championship at Sydney, and also doing some selected interstate rounds. At this point in time we’re looking for a naming rights sponsor for the team, also happy to announce that Xtreme Auto Parts will be continuing their support for next season and also thanks to ARDESIGNS who will also be continuing their support.” End release

For a young racer to have performed so well during his short Speedcar career the move up to the 410 Sprintcars will be a massive one. We have no doubt this move will prove successful and after a settling in period he will become a threat to many of the established stars at Valvoline Raceway.Willmington has confirmed that the team will run some interstate meets and will contest the Classic,

Earlier tonight Braydan told Talking Speedway “at this stage we’ve only got the budget to race the sprintcar. Thank you for promoting my release on your site “

If you are looking to expand your brand exposure then wrapping Braydan’s Sprintcar with your Companies Brand will gain immediate impact in front of huge crowds at any Speedway this young racer campaigns on.

If you are interested message. https://www.facebook.com/Braydan-Willmington-Motorsports-408593189243694/?fref=nf

Breaking news-Larson to Race Ohio

Posted on June 15, 2016 by admin

Breaking news-Kyle Larson to Race Ohio Speed Week.Six of the eight days of the Ohio Speed Week just got a little more interesting and just that more competitive.

Australians on for Ohio Speed Week

Posted on June 14, 2016 by admin

AUSTRALIANS ON FOR OHIO SPEED WEEK !

Attica Raceway Park opens the eight nights of racing at eight tracks for the Ohio Speed Week. The Australian flag will be unfolded and fly over the rigs as Jamie Veal’s Indy Parts #71 and James McFadden’s Garete 3G roll into Attica raceway Park.

Sean Zemunik and Bruce White both currently are racing at Attica Raceway Park and we expect both to take their places during the eight nights of racing.The driver roster for the week is unknown as we post but you can bet Ohio’s best will be on hand. Heading the entries that we know are Dale Blaney and Chad Kemenah who have between them 46 career wins at Attica Raceway Park. Coming off a last start win at Attica 7 times track Champion Bryon Reed is in form at the right time. .

Local Ohio base drivers have recently proved to be a problem for the Outlaws particularly Chad Kemenah and Greg Wilson both with Outlaw wins in 2016 and you can be certain the locals will protect their territory with terrier like pride.

The Australians have the equipment, speed and crew backing to be a major player in the week’s results and I am looking forward to McFadden exchanging sliders with Blaney. Last time McFadden came off second best and Blaney went on to win.

With so many top class teams expected the Ohio Speed Week promised to be of a cracker of a series.

The Ohio Speed Week schedule:

17 June Attica Raceway Park

June 18 Waynesfield Speedway

June 19 Millstream Speedway

June 20 Wayne County Speedway

June 21 Sharon Speedway

June 22 Atomic Speedway

June 24 Limaland Speedway

June 25 Eldora Speedway

Pic credits :Mark Funderburk, Dirtho Fotos 2016,Dirtrack Memories.com

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