Boggs wins Cabin Fever 50 at Willard

Night #2 of a busy dirt racing week in the bluegrass was at Willard Speedway for Friday night's $5000 to win "Cabin Fever 50".

The night was owned by its most popular driver, Jackie Boggs. He took home his first win of the season and bounced back after a disappointing finish the night before at 201 Speedway.

Feature finish (Top 10):
1. Jackie Boggs
2. Greg Oliver
3. Tim Dohm
4. Zack Dohm
5. Chris Combs
6. Paul Davis
7. Derek Fisher
8. Travis Brookover
9. Robbie Lewis
10. Michael Wright

Photo courtesy of Chris Belcher Images 

Kinzer wins Spring Nationals at 201 Speedway

Brandon Kinzer kicks off the 201 Speedway season with a $4000 Spring Nationals victory.

Kinzer picked up the overall fast time award and started on the front row of the feature and he never looked back. Jackie Boggs was the only driver that was able to give him any kind of competition, but lap 7 contact between the two sent Jackie Boggs to the back.

Georgia's Donald McIntosh, in his first ever race in the bluegrass state finished 2nd. He was followed by Eddie Carrier Jr, who might have had something for Kinzer had he qualified better. Carrier Jr earned the hard charger award, after starting 13th to finish 3rd. Tim Dohm & Gregg Satterlee rounded out the top 5.

Unofficial results:
1. Brandon Kinzer
2. Donald McIntosh
3. Eddie Carrier Jr
4. Tim Dohm
5. Gregg Satterlee
6. Zack Dohm
7. Chris Combs
8. Michael Chilton
9. Eric Wells
10. Rod Conley
11. Billy Ogle Jr
12. Dustin Linville
13. Shannon Thornsberry
14. Victor Lee
15. Kenneth Howell
16. Stacy Boles
17. David Payne
18. JT Conley
19. Derek Fisher
20. Paul Davis
21. Jackie Boggs
22. Austin Smith
23. Stephen Breeding

Notables who didn't make the feature: Steve Casebolt, RJ Conley, Michael Wright

32 late models signed up to compete last night.

The Ray Cook Spring Nationals will be at Ponderosa Speedway tonight and Florence Speedway tomorrow night to round up their trip to the bluegrass state.

Previewing the Ray Cook Spring Nationals at 201

Tomorrow night kicks off the dirt racing year at 201 Speedway, as the Old Man's Garage Ray Cook Spring Nationals will invade Sitka, KY. Traveling drivers like Eddie Carrier Jr (Last years winner), Steve Casebolt, Justin Ratliff, Chub Frank, Billy Ogle Jr, Michael Chilton, Casey Roberts, Gregg Satterlee, and many more will be there. Local favorites like Jackie Boggs, Michael Wright, Derek Fisher, Chris Combs, Michael Wright, RJ Conley, Rod Conley, etc will too be there.

The series mostly races in Tennessee, but it will be touring the Bluegrass this weekend, as it not only makes a stop at 201 tomorrow, but Ponderosa on Friday for $4000, and Florence on Saturday for the Spring 50 paying $5000.

Mike Marlar is the current points leader, followed by Billy Ogle Jr, Stacy Boles, Michael Chilton, and Casey Roberts.

Marlar will not be racing at 201 or Florence though, he'll only be at Ponderosa on Friday. I'm not too sure of the reasoning, but I do know that he's said numerous times over the past few months that he planned on spending more time at home this year.

201 Speedway's Facebook page says that the drivers meeting will begin at 6 PM tomorrow with hot laps following. Admission prices will be $20 for general admission - $35 for pits - Kids 5 & under free.

Brandon Kinzer realeases 2014 schedule

Allen's Brandon Kinzer has released his 2014 schedule that includes 5 trips to 201 Speedway. Kinzer will also be attending both the Dream 100 and the World 100 at the famed Eldora Speedway.

To view Kinzer's schedule, click on the following link: www.BrandonKinzer.com/Schedule

Preseason Top 10 Drivers Rankings (2/18)

photo taken by B. Meyer Images

1. Steve Francis (Ashland) - Francis is coming off of a 2nd place finish in the 2013 Lucas Oil points standings and has already started off on the right foot getting an early season points win at Golden Isles Speedway in Georgia. Look for a strong 2014 from the Bowyer Racing/Georgia Boot #15.

2. Jackie Boggs (Grayson) - We all know that 4B is fast wherever it shows up. Seems like he won just about every race he showed up to last year and I don't expect all that much to change this year, as Jackie and his team are coming off of a HOT 2013 campaign. Hopefully we can see Jackie at Eldora, Florence, and a few other crown jewel events this year.

3. Eric Wells (Hazard) - Coming off a impressive year in 2013, the young Wells captured the World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year award. Wells has added the former Scott Bloomquist crew chief Tommy Hicks to his team as well this year. Should be an exciting year for Eric.

4. Josh McGuire (Grayson) - I'm not entirely sure if Josh will be able to race this year after fracturing his back in a scary wreck at 201 this past October, but if he doesn't plan to, we will remove him from the rankings once racing kicks off here in EKY. Hopefully we get to see "BAD FAST" wheel that #41 this year though.

5. Chris Combs (Isom) - Combs was one of the hottest drivers after he jumped into his new Swartz car this past summer. He captured wins at several different tracks last year and also raced his way into the DTWC at Portsmouth. He'll be a favorite no matter where he shows up this year in the Bluegrass.

6. Derek Fisher (Olympia) - Fisher was THE man every time he pulled into the pits at 191 this past year. He also got a couple of victories at Richmond and 201. Fisher will be a handful wherever he shows up at in '14.

7. Shannon Thornsberry (Martin) - The 201 track champion was fast last year. Only got into victory lane twice, once at 201 and once at 191, but "Thunder" found a way to finish near the front of every race he was at in 2013. 

8. Brandon Kinzer (Allen) - Kinzer raced more times last year than he has in recent memory. He's got a very fast car and should be used to his MB Customs Chassis now, so look for him to be very strong at 201 and in the south. Would like to see him hit a few more races at Portsmouth and Florence as well.

9. Stephen Breeding (Isom) - Stephen was good last year picking up a big win in his hometown at Lucky 7 Speedway. I expect him to be a very good this year, especially at 201.

10. Michael Paul Howard (Salyersville) - A former 201 track champion that could never really get luck on his side last year, whether it was engine problems, getting caught in a wreck, or whatever, it seemed like just when MPH was about to get a win, something went wrong. Look for him to be a very strong contender for a 201 track championship and it wouldn't surprise me to see him move a few spots on this list.

______________________________________________

I like ranking these drivers to get the pot stirred a little bit before all these guys get behind the wheel, however from about the 4th ranked position on back, the drivers are about as even as you can get. Other drivers in the area, like Jamie Ferguson, Chris Wilson, Brandon Fouts, DJ Wells, Raymond Nichols, Paul Harris, Terry Hicks, etc could all be considered for a spot on this ranking. We're fortunate as fans to have as deep and a strong field of drivers from our area. Super late model racing and dirt racing in general is very popular in this region and we as fans need to get out and show our appreciation to these drivers, track owners, promoters, etc. 

Can't wait to see that mud fly!!! It's only a few weeks away.

Carrier Jr wins night #1 at East Bay

Picture by @DirtonDirt 

Local driver Eddie Carrier Jr continues his impressive speedweeks run at East Bay Raceway just outside of Tampa, Florida, as Carrier Jr wins $5000 over the youngster, Devin Moran.

Carrier Jr set the new track record during qualifying and led from start to finish in his heat and the A-main feature. He had to hold off the up-and-coming Devin Moran, who has also had a good speedweeks thus far. 

Top 10 finish:

1. Eddie Carrier Jr

2. Devin Moran 

3. Brandon Sheppard

4. Brian Shirley

5. Billy Moyer Jr.

6. Greg Satterlee

7. Billy Moyer

8. Ray Cook

9. Jared Landers

10. Dennis Erb Jr.

Tomorrow night is night #2 from the East Bay Winternationals and Eddie and some of the other best late model drivers in the country will be competing again for $5000.

Steve Francis and teammate Don O'Neal did not participate in tonight's race. I assume they're saving their equipment for the Lucas Oil points races.

Josh Hall's 2014 Swartz

Floyd County late model driver Josh Hall just about has his 2014 Swartz race car ready for the upcoming season.

Best of luck to Josh this year!

Francis wins Lucas Oil finale at Golden Isles

Ashland's Steve Francis captured his first victory of the 2014 season last night at the Golden Isles Speedway finale for the Lucas Oil Series.

Francis held off another local favorite in Eddie Carrier Jr, as both started on the front row.

Top 5 finish:
1. Steve Francis
2. Eddie Carrier Jr
3. Earl Pearson Jr
4. Scott Bloomquist
5. Brandon Sheppard

Congrats to Steve & Eddie!

Photo taken by B. Meyer Images 

Madden wins first Lucas Oil points race of 2014

Chris "Smokey" Madden took the checkered flag last night at Golden Isles Speedway in Georgia, earning the $10,000 payday. Madden held off Clint Bowyer Racings, Don O'Neal on a flat right rear.

It was the second feature of the day yesterday, as rain postponed Thursday nights $5,000 to win non-points race to yesterday afternoon. Johnathon Davenport swept the afternoon event, as he was the fast qualifier, won his heat, and the feature.

Madden set the fast time in group A while the afternoon winner Johnathon Davenport set the fast time in group B. Madden, O'neal, Pearson Jr, and Moyer Jr where your heat race winners..

Steve Francis captured a 7th place finish and Eddie Carrier Jr finished 8th.

Top 5 finish :
1. Chris Madden
2. Don O'Neal
3. Earl Pearson Jr
4. John Blankenship
5. Greg Satterlee

Pic taken by Rick Schwallie Photography 

Francis finishes 8th as Davenport wins day race at Golden Isles

Mother nature postponed last night's 25 lap Lucas Oil Series feature from Georgia's Golden Isles Speedway to this afternoon.

Fast qualifier Johnathon Davenport led from start to finish, as he held off Brandon Sheppard, who was piloting Josh Richards Rocket house car.

Ashland native, Steve Francis finished 8th and Eddie Carrier Jr failed to make the A-main.

Top 5:

1. Johnathon Davenport 

2. Brandon Sheppard 

3. Earl Pearson Jr 

4. Billy Moyer Jr 

5. Tim McCreadie 

Racing continues again tonight from Golden Isles Speedway.

Via @gispeedway 

Victor Lee releases 2014 schedule

photo taken by B. Meyer Images - #4 Victor Lee

Central Kentucky native, Victor Lee, who was named "Kentucky's Most Popular Driver" by Dirt Racing in the Bluegrass has released his 2014 racing schedule.

The schedule includes stops in 7 different states and 6 trips to 201 Speedway here in Eastern Kentucky. 

Lee did capture a $1500 win last year at 201. He also had a 13th place finish at the Coal Miners Classic at Lucky 7 Speedway and a 10th place finish at 191 Speedway during their Labor Day weekend of racing.

To check out Victor's schedule and website click on the following link: VictorLeeRacing

Thank you to B. Meyer Images for all the great photos

I'd like to take a few minutes to thank Brandon Meyer, the man that takes all the great photos that I love to use here on my blog.

Brandon hit a lot of different tracks this past year and shared all his amazing photos with us on his Facebook page (B. Meyer Images) and allowed myself to use his photos on my blog. I really appreciate it and I'm really looking forward to what's to come this new year.

Everyone needs to stop by and give his page a like on Facebook if you already haven't and let him know how much you appreciate all the great photos.

Facebook.com/B.MeyerImages

Want to relive the 2013 racing year from tracks like 201, 191, Portsmouth, etc?

If your like me and you just have that itch that can't be scratched, because it's winter time and there just isn't any dirt to be slung around here this time of year, however we can cure that itch for a short time on our computers, smartphones, and tablets via YouTube.

Our friend over at Dirt Racing Media on Facebook did a GREAT job at getting video of all of the biggest races in the Ohio Valley area this past year. You can relive this past racing year on his YouTube page and watch races from tracks like 201, 191, Portsmouth, Southern Ohio, Atomic, Ohio Valley, etc.

Here is the link to his page on YouTube to view all of his videos: ZKR06 Racing Video's

191 Speedway releases 2014 schedule

191 Speedway released their 2014 schedule last week on their Facebook page and website. The schedule will feature six $3000+ to win super late model races. There will also be the Swift Silver Mining 40 on the same weekend as the Wince Mayabb Memorial, however a payout hasn't been announced for that race as of yet.

To check out the schedule, just visit 191's website: www.191Speedway.com

Should be another great year of racing at 191 and in Eastern Kentucky.

201 Speedway kicks off year with Schaeffer Oil Southern Nationals Series

201 Speedway announced recently that they'll kickoff their 2014 racing year with a $4,000 Schaeffer Oil Southern Nationals. The series is sponsored by Old Mans Garage, and this will be their 2nd trip to 201 Speedway, as Eddie Carrier Jr captured the win in last years race.

The race will be on April 17th, another Thursday night event, like last year. So everyone may need to go ahead and put in for some vacation time for this one.

This is just one of many big super late model races to be held at 201 Speedway this year. As most already know, the World of Outlaws and Lucas Oil series will be coming to 201 this year and both races will be paying $10,000 to the winner. Plus there are many more unsanctioned super late model races this upcoming year as well.

Can spring just hurry up and be here already?

2014 Wraps at PRI

This week kicked off the annual Performance Racing Industry trade show in Indianapolis and new wraps for 2014 from the more popular drivers from around the country are being shown off.

Here are some I've found from various places on the web:

Darrell Lanigan

Scott Bloomquist

Tony Jackson Jr.

Bobby Pierce

Billy Moyer

Jimmy Schiltz

201 Speedway announces 2014 Schedule

201 Speedway released their 2014 schedule today.

The schedule includes two $10,000, two $5,000, and two $3,000 to win late model races.

April 26th - Open Practice 

May 3rd - Racing in all class's + First points race 
May 10th - Racing in all class's 
May 16th World of Outlaws 2nd annual Shine Runners 50 $10,000 to win + Rumble in the Mountains $800 to win 4 cyl stock 
May 24th - No racing this weekend 


June 7th - Racing in all class's + Compact Demolition Derby $1,000 to win
June 14th - 3rd annual Walter "Peg" Combs Memorial $3,000 to win + racing in all other class's
June 21th – Racing in all class’s
June 28th – Racing in all class’s

July 5th - Lucas Oil 2nd annual Hatfield & McCoy Feuding 50 $10,000 to win + 2nd annual Bill McCloud Memorial $1,000 to win Bomber race
July 12th - Racing in all class's + Kids night
July 19th- Racing in all class's
July 26th - Racing in all class's

August 2nd - 1st annual "coal show 50" $5,000 to win late model + Thunder in the Mountains $1,500 to win Openwheel Modified + racing in all other class's
August 9th - Racing in all class's
August 16th - Racing in all class's
August 23rd - Racing in all class's , Last points race + fan appreciation night

September 20th - 5th annual Roger Breeding Memorial $3,000 to win + racing in all other class's

October 4th - 3rd annual Halloween 50 $5,000 to win + racing in all other class's

Willard Speedway announces $5000 to win Cabin Fever 50

Willard Speedway announced on their Facebook page that they will host a $5000 to win super late model race on March 14th of 2014. The race will be called the "Cabin Fever 50" and limited late models will also have a 30-lap $1000 to win race.

** Mark Your Calendars Folks**. FRIDAY, MARCH 14th. **CABIN FEVER 50**, $5,000 to Win, $300 to start, With A *50 Laps Feature for Late Models. Also $1,000 to Win Limited Late Models With A *30 Lap Feature!! Plus Modifieds, Sport Mods, And 4 Cyls. **Pit Passes Will Change To $22, **General Admission Will Stay The Same At $12, With 10 And Under FREE!! **LETS FILL THE PITS AND STANDS UP, Pass The Word, Share Our Page, Drag Your Neighbors Out From Hibernation From The Dreadful Winter!! ;)) Stay Tuned, Well Be Posting Race Day Trivia, For Chances To Win FREE PIT PASSES From Here Until March!! **Be Sure To a check Back**.....

Looks like this race will kickoff the very big 2014 season for super late model racing in the Ohio valley area, as tracks like 201, Portsmouth, Atomic, etc will all host $10,000+ win races next year.

World of Outlaws Late Model series coming to 201 Speedway

Not only will 201 Speedway host a $10,000 Lucas Oil Series event next July, the track will also host a WoO series race on May 16th. The race will also be paying $10,000 to the winner.

The two most popular dirt late model series in the country will be coming to Eastern Kentucky and 201 Speedway! Not many tracks around the country can say that they host both series in the same year.

Hats off to the Breedings, Tony Sturgill, and everyone else that made this possible for the great dirt racing fans of EKY.

Can't wait for 2014.

Surprising day of news and rumors

I didn't expect to wake up today and find out some potential HUGE news for a few tracks in the area.

We all know that 201 Speedway is hosting a Lucas Oil series event next year on July 5th, however if you've kept up with 201's Facebook and Twitter, you also likely knew that more big news was coming and today on their Twitter they hinted at potential huge news being announced in the coming days for Friday, May 16th.

I have been informed that it is a $10,000 to win late model race and I know what series it is. You can likely guess pretty easily, but I told that I wouldn't spoil the surprise and leave that to 201.

It is another huge race for 201 Speedway, who is becoming the premier super late model racing track in Kentucky.

The other bit of information I learned today was that the old Salyersville Speedway in Magoffin County would be reopening for next year. I was told that they're already working to get the track opened next spring. Not sure on what divisions they'll be racing, but I'm guessing they'll be running on Friday nights.

If that rumor is true, then you'll now have 191, 201, Lucky 7, Mountain Motor, Salyersville, and Willard all racing weekly next year within a few hours of each other.

This many tracks could potentially hurt other tracks. Hopefully it doesn't, but dirt track racing is an expensive hobby and prices for all things dirt racing keep rising in these tough economic times.

If you're interested in some dirt racing this weekend in the area, then Willard Speedway plans on racing this Friday night. Check out their Facebook page for more information.

That's it for now.