Lucas Oil Late Model
Dirt Series News
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09/18/06

Bloomquist Wins Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Bluegrass Classic at Bardstown for the Second Year in a Row

BARDSTOWN, KY--In a spectacularly entertaining Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event on Saturday Night at the Bluegrass Speedway, Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN notched his seventh series win of 2006 as he took home $10,000 for his second straight win in the "Bluegrass Classic." Bloomquist who started on the pole did not take the lead until lap 47 of the 60 lapper and then pulled away for the victory which puts him over $370,000 in total winnings so far in '06.

Bloomquist behind the wheel of his Bloomquist Race Cars Chevrolet sponsored by Vic Hill Racing Engines/Miller Brothers Coal/Hawkeye Trucking/Allstar Performance/Sweet Mfg/Hoosier Tires/Ohlins/VP Racing Fuels and KB Carburetors picked up his all time series leading ninth win. Darren Miller of Chadwick, IL made a late race charge to finish second in his Greg Greenhill Construction Company Inc./Pro Power Engines/ Rocket Ford Taurus with Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL finishing third in the Bill Moyer Racing/Car City/Racetek Engines/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo. Completing the top five were 21st starting Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC in the Arvil Cook Investment Properties/Grover Engines/MasterSbilt Ford Fusion and 19th starting Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN in the Harrod Racing/Central Painting/C.J. Rayburn Grand Prix. A total of 48 cars from 11 states were on hand before a jammed packed crowd at the David and Anita Ferrell promoted facility.

With Bloomquist going from the pole and Shannon Babb starting alongside the 6th Annual Bluegrass Classic was shaping up to be a good one. And in indeed it turned out that way. Babb would get the lead coming off of turn number two on the opening lap with Bloomquist, Earl Pearson, Jr., Brian Birkhofer and Jimmy Mars taking the top five spots. Mars would make the first move for position change in the top five as he passed Birkhofer for fourth on the fourth circuit. With Babb barely in front by a car length Bloomquist and Pearson would go door to door for second with Pearson edging ahead of Bloomquist on lap six.

By the eighth lap Babb and the rest of the challengers for the lead would start to get into some heavy traffic. Babb, Pearson and Bloomquist were all three using different lines around the well groomed 1/2 mile high banked track. Babb would be on the high side, Pearson down low and Bloomquist running right in the middle. The three wide battle for the lead intensified even further in traffic with Pearson scored the leader on lap 10 a lap later Babb would retake the point. With 11 laps scored Birkhofer who was running fifth would slow with a flat tire bringing out the first caution of the race.

On the restart Babb would be on the point with Pearson, Bloomquist, Mars and now 17th starting Don O’Neal the top five in the running order. Brad Neat would slow with a flat on lap 14 as the second caution flag of the race would wave. A wild restart would see Pearson grabbed the lead once more with Mars now in the hunt running in third place as Bloomquist would fall another spot back as O'Neal went around him. Pearson would hold the top spot until lap 18 when Babb roared back by him on the top side. Bloomquist then recovered from falling two spots as he went past both O'Neal and Mars to get back into third place. The top four cars were putting on quite a show for the huge crowd on hand as Pearson would bring his car to the front again taking the lead on lap 21.

This back and forth action was breathtaking as Pearson and Babb were side by side for the lead and Bloomquist and Mars were side by side in the race for third. The third caution of the race for Steve Casebolt on lap 23 would slow to torrid pace once more. On the restart the race would go green for two more laps until Freddy Smith slowed bringing out the fourth yellow flag of the event. On the restart the heated battle would go on for eight more laps until back to back cautions would bring as halt to the excitement.

With 35 laps in the books Pearson would be scored the leader with Babb in second followed by Bloomquist, O'Neal and Mars. On the 39th lap Babb would take over the lead again from Pearson with Bloomquist going to second. The seventh caution of the race on lap 40 would set up another unbelievable restart with Babb in front. A driver making his way up to put his name in contention was Darren Miller. Miller who had started sixth, but had lost some positions early in the race fought his way back into a top spot on lap 40. With 20 laps to go Babb, Bloomquist and Pearson were dueling it out three wide at times for the lead of the race. Pearson then started to slow and on lap 44 he would bring out a caution as he had suffered a flat tire. While Pearson pitted for fresh rubber it looked like Babb and Bloomquist would be left to settle it.

But Miller would begin to flex his strength as Babb, Bloomquist and Miller exited off of turn number two on the lap 45 restart it would be a replay on early action as they raced three wide for the lead. On Lap 47 Bloomquist would make his move for the lead on Babb firing a slide job heading into turn four to go by Babb and take the lead for the first time in the race. Then three laps later Miller would get by Babb to take over second place. Bloomquist would at this point begin to pull away from Miller and Babb and for the first time in the entire race someone was leading by more than a car length.

Bloomquist built his lead to five car lengths over Miller and Babb with Ray Cook, who started 21st passing O'Neal for fourth on lap 53. O'Neal was hanging on at this point as Jimmy Owens would start to challenge him for fifth. Up front Bloomquist had set sail and was gaining a bigger advantage over Miller and Babb and he would take it all the way to the checkers for his seventh Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win of the season. Miller finished second followed by Babb, Ray Cook and Owens who passed O'Neal on the final lap was fifth.

After the race in victory lane on the front-stretch, Bloomquist talked about his strategy during the race. "Shannon was good up high; we knew we were faster than him and the other guys running up there."
"I saw Darren Miller on the bottom and knew he probably had hard tires on as well, so I thought I better get going and get this thing over with." "I want to thank Bob and Barb Miller, they couldn't be here tonight and I can't say enough about Vic Hill and his motors and for what he has done for our engine program." "We've got our act together."

Completing the top ten were O'Neal, Jimmy Mars, Chris Combs, Matt Miller and Brad Neat.

In preliminary action it was Brian Birkhofer pacing the way in the Comp Cams Time Trials with a 15.023 second lap besting the 48 entrants on hand. The PBM Performance Products Heat Races were won by Brian Birkhofer, Shannon Babb, Earl Pearson, Jr. and Scott Bloomquist. The Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main was won by Don O'Neal and the Penske Shocks Second B-Main went to Davey Johnson.

The K&N Engineering "Clean Pass of the Race" went to Scott Bloomquist for his pass to take the lead from Shannon Babb on lap 47. The K&N Engineering "Clean Pass of the Race" is awarded at each Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event and can take place during a heat race, B-main or the feature event.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will be action twice this upcoming Labor Day weekend with the $10,000 to win "All American 50" at the Virginia Motor Speedway in Saluda, VA on Friday Night, September 1. The cameras of SPEED Channel will be on hand to tape the action. The next night the series heads to the Tyler County Speedway in Middlebourne, WV for the running of the "Hillbilly 100" paying $25,000 to win. For more information you can log on to www.lucasdirt.com.

Race Summary
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Saturday Night, August 26, 2006
Bluegrass Speedway-Bardstown, KY

Com Cams Fast Qualifier: Brian Birkhofer 15.023 seconds

PBM Performance Products First Heat: (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Brian Birkhofer, Jimmy Mars, Matt Miller, Justin Rattliff, Don O'Neal, David Webb, Jimmy Owens, Ray Cook, Greg Lucas, Joey Daniel, Brandon Kinzer

PBM Performance Products Second Heat: (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Shannon Babb, Daren Miller, Brad Neat, Aaron Hatton, Jason Keltner, Mike Marlar, Patrick Sheltra, Jordan Bland, Greg Johnson, Timmy Yeager, Ben Adkins

PBM Performance Products Third Heat: (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Earl Pearson, Jr., Donnie Moran, Scott James, Tim Tungate, Davey Johnson, Bobby Wolter, Jr., Mike Watson, Doug Horton, Steve Casebolt, Terry English, Michael England, John Gill

PBM Performance Products Fourth Heat: (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Scott Bloomquist, Freddy Smith, Dan Schlieper, Whitney McQueary, Jeff Watson, John Mason, Jerry Rutherford, Johnny Wheeler, Chris Combs, Mike Jewell, Rick Combs

Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main: (12 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Don O'Neal, Jimmy Owens, Ray Cook, Brandon Kinzer, David Webb, Jason Keltner, Greg Lucas, Ben Adkins, Joey Daniel, Patrick Sheltra, Mike Marlar, Timmy Yeager

Penske Shocks Second B-Main: (12 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Davey Johnson, Chris Combs, Jeff Watson, Bobby Wolter, Jr., Doug Horton, Terry English, John Mason, Jerry Rutherford, Mike Watson, Michael England, Steve Casebolt, Johnny Wheeler

6th Annual Bluegrass Classic A-Main: (60 Laps): Scott Bloomquist, Darren Miller, Shannon Babb, Ray Cook, Jimmy Owens, Don O'Neal, Jimmy Mars, Chris Combs, Matt Miller, Brad Neat, Earl Pearson, Jr., Tim Tungate, Michael England, Justin Rattliff, Dan Schlieper, Steve Casebolt, Freddy Smith, Joey Daniel, Jason Keltner, Aaron Hatton, Scott James, Mike Watson, Whitney McQueary, Davey Johnson, Brian Birkhofer, Donnie Moran

Race Statistics:
Entries: 48
Caution Flags: 9
Red Flags: 0
Lap Leaders: Shannon Babb 1-9, Earl Pearson, Jr. 10, Babb 11, Pearson 12-17, Babb 18-20, Pearson 21-38, Babb 39-46, Scott Bloomquist 47-60
Allstar Performance Performer of the Race: Ray Cook (Started 21st and finished 4th, advanced 17 positions)
K&N Engineering Clean Pass of the Race: Scott Bloomquist
Hawk Brake Tough Break Award: Earl Pearson, Jr.
Quarter Master Move the Race: Shannon Babb
On the Edge Graphics Fastest Non Qualifier: Mike Marlar
Weld Wheels Award: Justin Rattliff
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Race: Michael England
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Steve Casebolt and Michael England
Track Provisionals: Jason Keltner, Mike Watson and Joey Daniel

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings (After August 26)
1. Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-4780
2. Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-4605
3. Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-4270
4. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-4085
5. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-3795
6. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-3635
7. Freddy Smith (Seymour TN)-3185
8. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-2905
9. Scott Bloomquist (Mooresburg, TN)-2900
10. Darren Miller (Chadwick, IL)-2460

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year Standings (After August 26)
1. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-3635
2. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-2905
3. Brad Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-2265

Upcoming September Schedule for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
September 1-Virginia Motor Speedway-Saluda, VA-"All American 50" $10,000 to win SPEED CHANNEL TAPING
September 2-Tyler County Speedway-Middlebourne, WV-"Hillbilly 100" $25,000 to win
September 15 and 16-West Virginia Motor Speedway-Mineral Wells, WV-"Racefest" $20,000 to win

27th Annual Jackson 100 Awaits Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Drivers on August 19th

One of the Midwest’s long time traditional events the "Jackson 100" will be held on Saturday Night, August 19 at the Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, IN. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will sanction the popular event for the very first time as the cameras of SPEED Channel will be on hand to tape the event which will be broadcast on a date and time to be announced in the future. The winner's share of this year's Jackson 100 has been raised to $15,000 with $1,000 just to start the main event. It will be the highest first place prize up for grabs at the Jackson 100 since 1999. There will be a complete show for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series at Brownstown on Saturday Night with the Comp Cams Time Trials, PBM Performance Products Heat Races, Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-Mains followed by the 100 lap 27th Annual Jackson 100 paying $15,000 to win. The 27th Annual Jackson 100 is sponsored by Bob Poynter Ford of Seymour, IN.

It will be the fourth ever appearance for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series at the 1/4 mile dirt track located at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. In 2004 Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN took the "Hoosier Dirt Classic" win, and in 2005 it was Benton, KY's Terry English taking top honors in the same event. This year the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series played host to one of Brownstown's largest crowds in years as Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL won the "Indiana Icebreaker" back on April 1.

Pearson continues the lead the chase for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 2006 Championship as he holds the points lead over former two-time Brownstown Speedway Late Model Track Champion, Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN who is now a regular on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Donnie Moran of Dresden, OH is third in the series points standings followed by Matt Miller of Waterville, OH and Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN. Pearson, O'Neal, Miller and James are no strangers to victory lane at Brownstown, but Moran will be seeking to become a first time winner at Brownstown this Saturday Night.

Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN leads the second five in points and he is also the top driver in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" race. Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN is seventh in points followed by Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN, Michael England of Glasgow, KY and Darren Miller of Chadwick, IL. England is currently second in the "Rookie of the Year" points to Casebolt.

There have been 25 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events contested in 2006 with 14 different winners. Scott Bloomquist leads the way with six victories followed by three for Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, IA. Drivers who have two victories with the series this season include; Pearson, Billy Moyer of Batesville, AR, Steve Francis of Ashland, KY and Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL. Several drivers have laid claim to wins with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in 2006 including; Dan Schlieper of Sullivan, WI, Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, GA, Matt Miller, Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC, Chub Frank of Bear Lake, PA, Steve Shaver of Vienna, WV, Chris Wall of Holden, LA and Darren Miller.

Brownstown Speedway will be holding a special "Night Before the Jackson" event on Friday Night, August 18. This will be a special tune-up for the Late Model drivers with a $2,000 to win and $200 to start feature event followed by a $750 to win and $100 to start feature race for those drivers that have never won a Late Model Feature race at Brownstown Speedway. Brownstown Speedway rules and procedures will be in effect for Friday Night's show.

Brownstown Speedway is located on State Road 250, 1 half mile south of Brownstown, IN at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. For more information you can visit the track's website at www.brownstownspeedway.com. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series website is where you can get caught up with the latest happenings with the series with news, press releases, results, current points standings, updated scheduling and photos at www.lucasdirt.com or by calling the series office at (951)532-2503.

The 27th Annual "Jackson 100" on Saturday Night, August 19 will see the gates opening at 12 Noon with hot laps at 6:00 p.m. General admission is $30 for adults with kids tickets priced at $5.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Next Event: Saturday Night, August 19, 2006
Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, Indiana
27th Annual "Jackson 100" Sponsored by Bob Poynter Ford
$15,000 to win/$1,000 to start

27th Annual Jackson 100 Payoff
1. $15,000.00
2. 7,500.00
3. 5,000.00
4. 4,000.00
5. 3,000.00
6. 2,000.00
7. 1,800.00
8. 1,700.00
9. 1,600.00
10. 1,500.00
11. 1,400.00
12. 1,350.00
13. 1,300.00
14. 1,250.00
15. 1,200.00
16. 1,150.00
17. 1,100.00
18. 1,050.00
19. 1,000.00
20. 1,000.00
21. 1,000.00
22. 1,000.00
23. 1,000.00
24. 1,000.00

Previous Jackson 100 Winners
1980--Charlie Swartz
1981--Paul Crockett
1982--Russ Petro
1983--Russ Petro
1984--Kenny Simpson
1985--Kenny Brightbill
1986--Jack Boggs
1987--Billy Moyer
1988--Jim Curry
1989--Jeff Purvis
1990--Scott Bloomquist
1991--Scott Bloomquist
1992--Billy Moyer
1993--Davey Johnson
1994--John Gill
1995--Jack Boggs
1996--John Gill
1997--Rick Aukland
1998--Jim Curry
1999--Billy Moyer
2000--Don O'Neal
2001--Brian Birkhofer
2002--Billy Drake
2003--Jim Curry
2004--Don O'Neal
2005--Billy Drake

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings
1. Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-4385
2. Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-4155
3. Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-3960
4. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-3745
5. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-3480
6. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-3360
7. Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-2865
8. Scott Bloomquist (Mooresburg, TN)-2650
9. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-2600
10. Darren Miller (Chadwick, IL)-2230

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year Standings
1. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-3360
2. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-2600
3. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-2035
4. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-1690
5. Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-1175

Remaining August Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Schedule
August 19--Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, IN-27th Annual Jackson 100-$15,000 to win-SPEED Channel Taping
August 26--Bluegrass Speedway-Bardstown, KY-6th Annual Bluegrass Classic-$10,000 to win

Brian Birkhofer Barely Beats Hurst in Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Event at Dubuque

DUBUQUE, IA--Muscatine, IA's Brian Birkhofer defended his home turf once more against some of the best dirt late model drivers in the nation on Tuesday Night at the Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway as he won his third Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event of '06 pocketing another $10,000 paycheck. Birkhofer started sixth in the strong field of entrants and grab the lead from Steve Boley with five laps to go for the win. Birkhofer then had to hold off up and coming driver, Jeremiah Hurst for the win.

34 year old Birkhofer took his J&J Steel/Simon Trucking Driver Recruitment/ Daufeldt Transport/TB&Company/Bryant Roofing/McDonald's of the Quad Cities/S&S Concrete/Pratt Motorsports/ASI Racewear/Community Bank of Muscatine/J.C. Dubil Race Parts/Pro Power Engines/Rocket Chevrolet to victory lane just one car length in front of Hurst who hails from Dubuque, IA and drives the Capri College/Dubuque Federation of Labor/Rocket Monte Carlo as he came from the 19th starting spot to claim second. Steve Boley of West Liberty, IA who led the most laps in the feature was third in the Iowa-Illinois Taylor Insulation/Triple R Performance Engines/MasterSbilt Ford Taurus with Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN coming back from a pit stop to take fourth in the Randall Eller Motorsports/Independence Lumber/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo and Donnie Moran would complete the top five in the Donnie Moran Racing/Custom Cutters/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo. A total of 28 cars were on hand for the series' first ever vist to the Simmons Promotions, Inc. promoted facility. The event was sponsored by J.P. Schermann Inc. of Farley, IA and Bobcat of Waterloo.

Steve Francis and Don O'Neal made up the front row for the 50 lap A-Main, but they would not stay there long as Steve Boley roared from his third starting spot to grab the lead from O'Neal on the second go round. Earl Pearson, Jr. was already up to second with O'Neal falling to third as Francis and Brian Birkhofer would be the top five with four laps scored. A caution after four laps was scored would slow the fast paced action round the speedy 3/8ths mile high banked track.

There would be two more green flag laps until another yellow came out for Francis, who was running fourth at the time as he suffered a flat tire. On the restart Steve Casebolt would get crossed up as he had to check up for another car and that would bring out the yellow once more. It would cause a huge jumble in the top five running order as Pearson who was running in second and O'Neal who was in third both pitted and rejoined the field on the tail. That would move Birkhofer into second behind Boley.

Scott Bloomquist, who started eighth, was one of the benefactors of Pearson and O'Neal pit stops as he would be third on the restart in front of Scott James and Ace Ihm. As the green flag racing action would pick back up again as Boley would pull away from Birkhofer on the restart. The fifth caution for a slowing Pearson would once again stop the hotly contested event on lap 11. On the restart James would get by Bloomquist for third with Ihm hot on their heels. With 15 laps down it was Boley still showing the way with Birkhofer, James, Bloomquist and the 15th starting Ihm trying to track down Boley.

By the 16th lap Boley's lead had disintegrated as Birkhofer was now right on him in the race for the lead. But once Birkhofer began to challenge on the top side Boley would pull back away from Birkhofer using the low line on the race track and extend his lead to three car lengths by lap 19. Lap traffic would start to enter the picture as Boley picked up the tail end of the field for the first time in the race by lap 21. Boley would handle traffic very well and in fact he would stretch his lead over Birkhofer to six lengths. The sixth caution of the event would come out on lap 23 when the high flying Ihm would lose fluid on the race track and see his night end on the back of a wrecker after a strong effort.

At the halfway mark Boley was still the man in charge as the veteran driver would hold onto to the lead with Birkhofer still running in second, Bloomquist now back to third and O'Neal and Francis back from the tail to enter the top five. Boley by the 27th circuit was on a roll extending his lead to as many as ten car lengths over Birkhofer. O'Neal would slid past Bloomquist for third on the 27th lap and two laps later the seventh caution of the race would come out for a flat tire on James' car.

On the restart to begin lap 30 O'Neal would get by Birkhofer for second with Francis now up to fourth. A car on the move was that of Jeremiah Hurst as the local driver who was making his first career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series start was on the charge from 19th as he would be running fifth by lap 32. Hurst was not done yet as he whipped past Francis a lap later for fourth place. The ninth and final caution of the race for a Francis flat on lap 37 would set the stage for an exciting finish.

On the final restart Boley would again sprint ahead of the field as Birkhofer continued to work the outside groove. By lap 39 Boley was at a two car length advantage over Birkhofer. O'Neal who was passed by Birkhofer after the final restart would see Hurst all over him for third. Hurst would get by O'Neal on lap 41 for the third spot. As the cars crossed the line to complete lap 44 Birkhofer was all over Boley in the race for the lead with Hurst closing quickly on the leaders. Birkhofer would switch lines on the race track and slid to the inside of Boley as the cars began lap 45. Birkhofer would make the slid job work as he took the lead coming off of turn number two.

Hurst would then pass Boley for second with four to go and start to track down Birkhofer. As the cars came off of turn four headed to the finish line Hurst would try the inside route but come up just one car length short of a career best win after a valiant effort. Boley would finish in third with O'Neal and Donnie Moran getting by Pearson with three laps to go to take a top five finish.

"That was crazy" said the former World 100 winner in a post race interview. "Steve Boley was great the whole race and I didn't know if we could get him or not, there at the end we changed lines and that made the difference, because he was going to commit to the bottom no matter what," said Birkhofer. "On the slide job, I don't think I touched him and he gave me room and I appreciate that," said Birkhofer who was joined in victory lane by his wife Allysa and sons Cruz and Creed. "That Jeremiah Hurst is some kind of racer, he's going to be real good, I thought he might get me there on that last lap but hats off to him for driving a great race."

The rest of top ten in finishing order were, Earl Pearson, Jr., Curt Martin, Andy Eckrich, Gary Webb and Frank Heckenast, Jr.

In preliminary action Scott James nabbed the Comp Cams Fast Qualifier Award with a quick lap of 15.65 seconds among the 28 entrants. The PBM Performance Products Heat Races went to Don O'Neal, Steve Francis and Steve Boley. The Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno B-Main was won by Michael England.

The K&N Engineering "Clean Pass of the Race" went to Brian Birkhofer for his winning slide job pass of Steve Boley with just five laps to go in the feature. The K&N Engineering "Clean Pass of the Race" is awarded at each and every Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series show in 2006 and can be awarded for a pass in the heat race, B-main or the feature event.

The next Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event will take place on Saturday Night, August 19 at the Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, IN for the 27th Annual Jackson 100 which will pay $15,000 to win. The cameras of SPEED Channel will be on hand to tape the event. It will be shown on a date and time to be announced in the future.

Race Summary
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Tuesday Night, August 8, 2006
Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway-Dubuque, IA
Comp Cams Fast Time: Scott James - 15.65 seconds
PBM Performance Products First Heat: (10 Laps-Top 5 Advance): Don O'Neal, Earl Pearson, Jr., Scott James, Matt Miller, Curt Martin, Jason Rauen, Frank Heckenast, Jr., Gary Webb, Rick Wendling, Matt Leibfried
PBM Performance Products Second Heat: (10 Laps-Top 5 Advance): Steve Francis, Kerry Hansen, Scott Bloomquist, Dennis Erb, Jr., Andy Eckrich, Ron Barker, Michael England, Matt Furman, Jeff Larson
PBM Performance Products Third Heat: (10 Laps-Top 5 Advance): Steve Boley, Brian Birkhofer, Steve Casebolt, Freddy Smith, Steve "Ace" Ihm, Donnie Moran, Boone McLaughlin, Bobby Moyer, Jeremiah Hurst
Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno B-Main: (12 Laps-Top 7 Advance): Michael England, Ron Barker, Donnie Moran, Jeremiah Hurst, Boone McLaughlin, Gary Webb, Jason Rauen, Frank Heckenast, Jr., Bobby Moyer, Rick Wendling, Jeff Larson, Matt Furman

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series A-Main: (50 Laps): Brian Birkhofer, Jeremiah Hurst, Steve Boley, Don O'Neal, Donnie Moran, Earl Pearson, Jr., Curt Martin, Andy Eckrich, Gary Webb, Frank Heckenast, Jr., Matt Furman, Boone McLaughlin, Steve Francis, Scott Bloomquist, Dennis Erb, Jr., Matt Miller, Steve Casebolt, Scott James, Steve "Ace" Ihm, Freddy Smith, Jason Rauen, Michael England, Kerry Hansen, Ron Barker

Race Statistics
Entries: 28
Caution Flags: 9
Red Flags: 0
Lap Leaders: Don O'Neal 1 Steve Boley 2-44 Brian Birkhofer 45-50
Allstar Performance Performer of the Race: Jeremiah Hurst (Started 19th and finished 2nd-advanced 17 positions)
K&N Engineering Clean Pass of the Race: Brian Birkhofer
Hawk Brake Tough Break: Freddy Smith
Quarter Master Move of the Race: Donnie Moran
On the Edge Graphics Fastest Non Qualifier: Matt Leibfried
Weld Wheels Award: Matt Miller
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Race: Steve Casebolt
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Frank Heckenast, Jr. and Matt Furman

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings (After August 8)
1. Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-4385
2. Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-4155
3. Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-3960
4. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-3745
5. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-3480
6. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-3360
7. Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-2865
8. Scott Bloomquist (Mooresburg, TN)-2650
9. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-2600
10. Darren Miller (Chadwick, IL)-2230

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year Standings (After August 8)
1. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-3360
2. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-2600
3. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-2035
4. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-1690
5. Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-1175

Remaining August Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Schedule
August 19--Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, IN-27th Annual Jackson 100-$15,000 to win-SPEED Channel Taping
August 26--Bluegrass Speedway-Bardstown, KY-6th Annual Bluegrass Classic-$10,000 to win

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Set for Debut at Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway on August 8

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will make its first ever visit to the Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway in Dubuque, IA on Tuesday Night, August 8. The 3/8ths mile high banked clay oval will play host to a complete show for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series with Comp Cams Time Trials, PBM Performance Products Heat Races, Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-Mains and the 50 lap $10,000 to win and $700 to start main event. The event at Dubuque is presented by J.P. Scherrman, Inc. Bobcat of Waterloo.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has completed 24 events so far in 2006 with 14 different drivers earning victories. Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL is still on top of the championship points standings heading into the Dubuque event on Tuesday Night. Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN is second in points followed by Donnie Moran of Dresden, OH, Matt Miller of Waterville, OH and Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN.

Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN leads the next five in points and he is also the top man in the "Rookie of the Year" chase. Behind Casebolt are Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN, Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN, Michael England of Glasgow, KY and Darren Miller of Chadwick, IL the series' most recent winner at Cedar Lake on August 3.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event at Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway on August 8 will see the pit gates opening at 4pm with the front gates opening at 5 pm. There will be a drivers meeting at 6pm with hot laps to start at 6:30 pm. Pit Passes are $35 with Adult Front Gate General Admission Tickets priced at $25 per person, with seniors at $20 per ticket and students ages 13-20 at $20. Children age 12 and under are admitted for free with a paying adult.

The Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway is located 5 miles west of Dubuque on US 20, then 1.3 miles NW (towards Centralia) on Old Highway Road. For more information you can log onto www.simmonspromotionsinc.com or call the track at (563) 588-1406. To get up to date on the latest happenings with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series please feel free to visit the series website at www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Next Event: Tuesday Night, August 8
Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway-Dubuque, IA
$10,000 to win/$700 to start
www.simmonspromotionsinc.com
www.lucasdirt.com

Rest of August Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Schedule

Saturday Night, August 19
Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, IN
27th Annual Jackson 100
SPEED Channel Taping
$15,000 to win
www.brownstownspeedway.com

Saturday Night, August 26
Bluegrass Speedway-Bardstown, KY
6th Annual Bluegrass Classic
$10,000 to win
www.bluegrass-speedway.com

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 2006 Race Results and Winners
2/6 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Dan Schlieper)
2/7 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Billy Moyer)
2/8 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Dale McDowell)
2/9 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Matt Miller)
2/10 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Steve Francis)
2/12 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Steve Francis)
4/1 Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, IN (Earl Pearson, Jr.)
4/8 Dixie Speedway-Woodstock, GA (Ray Cook)
4/9 Cherokee Super Speedway-Gaffney, SC (Scott Bloomquist)
4/22 The Dirt Track@Lowe's-Concord, NC (Scott Bloomquist)
4/29 Hagerstown Speedway-Hagerstown, MD (Chub Frank)
5/13 Tazewell Speedway-Tazewell, TN (Scott Bloomquist)
5/19 Farley Speedway-Farley, IA (Billy Moyer)
5/20 La Salle Speedway-La Salle, IL (Shannon Babb)
6/3 Florence Speedway-Union, KY (Scott Bloomquist)
6/17 Cedar Lake Speedway-new Richmond, WI (Earl Pearson, Jr.)
7/3 Muskingum County Speedway-Zanesville, OH (Steve Shaver)
7/14 North Alabama Speedway-Tuscumbia, AL (Scott Bloomquist)
7/15 Columbus Speedway-Columbus, MS (Chris Wall)
7/21 Knoxville Raceway-Knoxville, IA (Brian Birkhofer)
7/22 Lucas Oil Speedway-Wheatland, MO (Brian Birkhofer)
7/29 La Salle Speedway-La Salle, IL (Scott Bloomquist)
7/30 Tri-City Speedway-Pontoon Beach, IL (Shannon Babb)
8/3 Cedar Lake Speedway-New Richmond, WI (Darren Miller)

Darren Miller Cruises to Cedar Lake Speedway Masters Win

NEW RICHMOND, WI - Darren “The Thriller” Miller led from start-to-finish Thursday night to win the Masters 50, a Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series co-sanctioned event at Cedar Lake Speedway. The event originally schedule as part of the traditional Masters weekend in June, but was postponed due to rain following the completion of qualifying races.

The Milledgeville, Illinois driver started on the inside pole and flawlessly worked through lapped traffic over the final circuits to score his first career Lucas Oil Dirt Series win.

“We had a good race car again tonight,” commented Miller. “Since we came up here in June and won at Menomonie (June 14), we’ve had top threes and top fives every night out in this car. Actually, the car was a little too tight to run through the black well,” added the winner. “But overall, I would say it was ‘right’ for tonight.”

Miller’s NAPA Auto Parts/Rocket/Pro Power Ford Taurus powered to the advantage at the drop of the green flag, with outside front row starter Brian Birkhofer running in his tracks as the pair raced through turns one and two on the opening circuit.

A three-car tangle, involving Brady Smith, Chris Simpson and Al Humphrey, slowed the field on lap two, but when racing resumed, Miller again darted to the advantage, with Birkhofer, Indiana driver Scott James, and Brian Harris in hot pursuit.

The front-runners moved in on slower traffic by lap ten, with Miller continuing to hold a slim advantage over the second-place running Birkhofer. The pair used the top side of the well-groomed three-eights mile race track to move through traffic, with Miller racing to an advantage of a half-dozen car lengths by the race’s midpoint.

With Miller continuing to widen his lead in congested traffic, local favorite Jimmy Mars, who had started eleventh, powered to the inside of James to grab third on lap 26.

By lap 30, the 29-year old Illinois chauffer had roared to a seemingly comfortable advantage of ten car lengths, before Birkhofer began a late-race charge in his Daufelt Transport/Rocket/Pro Power Chevrolet Monte Carlo. With a half-dozen laps remaining, Birkhofer pulled in behind the race leader as the duo powered through turns three and four, and then, with a pair of laps to go, mounted a strong run out of turn two to challenge Miller in heavy traffic in turn three.

Miller was able to use the slower cars to his advantage though, and stormed out of turn four a pair of car lengths ahead of Birkhofer as the white flag was displayed.

“You never know what’s going on behind you,” noted Miller of Birkhofer’s late-race challenge. “It’s always easier to run second than be out there in the lead.”

“We were in such heavy traffic there and you hate to get into trouble with lapped cars,” he added. “It’s way easier chasing a guy than leading in that situation and I really don’t know if he (Birkhofer) was better in the end or if we were better, but we got the paycheck and that’s what counts.”

Miller took the checkers a short distance ahead of Birkhofer to grab the $10,000 win, with Mars finishing a comfortable distance ahead of James and Donnie Moran for third.

The event was co-sanctioned by the World Dirt Racing League.

Race Summary
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, WI
August 3, 2006

Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main: (12 Laps-Top 2 Advance):: 1. Kerry Hansen (Spencer, WI), 2. Jimmy Owens (Newport, IN), 3. Scott Cramer (Random Lake, WI), 4. Brent Laursen (Osceola, WI), 5. Steve Hucovski (Maple Grove, MN), 6. Mike Nutzman (New Richmond, WI), 7. Al Humphrey (Giltner, NE), 8. Eric Pember (Pittsville, WI), 9. Denny Eckrich (Tiffin, IA), 10. Rob Moss (Iowa City, IA), 11. Andrew McKay (Edina, MN), 12. Tom Nesbitt (Thunder Bay, ON), 13. Jeff Provanzino (Hibbing, MN), 14. Brent Larsen (Lake Elmo, MN).

Penske Shocks Second B-Main: (12 Laps-Top 2 Advance):1. Pat Doar (New Richmond, WI), 2. Lance Matthees (Winona, MN), 3. Jeep VanWormer (Pinnconing, MI), 4. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI), 5. Scott Bloomquist (Mooresburg, TN), 6. Dan Schlieper (Sullivan, WI), 7. Chris Simpson (Marion, IA), 8. John Seitz (Bemidji, MN), 9. Michael England (Slick Rock, KY), 10. Jeff Keeney (River Falls, WI), 11. Stewart Hayward (Calgary, AB), 12. Jason Utter (Columbus Junction, IA), 13. Trent Follmer (Elk River, MN), 14. Mike Hesselink (Deer Park, WI).

Pole Dash: 1. Darren Miller (Milledgeville, IL), 2. Brian Birkhofer (Muscatine, IA), 3. Brian Harris (Davenport, IA), 4. Scott James (Bright, IN), 5. Steve Laursen (Cumberland, WI), 6. Donnie Moran (Dresen, OH), 7. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH), 8. Justin Fegers (Mound, MN).

Masters 50: 1. Darren Miller, 2. Birkhofer, 3. Jimmy Mars (Menomonie, WI), 4. James, 5. Moran, 6. Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL), 7. Harris, 8. Matt Miller, 9. Owens, 10. Steve Laursen, 11. Fegers, 12. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN), 13. Joey Jensen (Forest Lake, MN), 14. Kyle Berck (Marquette, NE), 15. Dave Eckrich (Cosgrove, IA), 16. Denny Eckrich, 17. Doar, 18. Hansen, 19. Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN), 20. Matthees, 21. Brady Smith, 22. England, 23. Bloomquist, 24. Don O’Neal (Martinsdale, IN), 25. Humphrey, 26. Simpson.

Race Statistics:
Number of Entrants: 47
Lap Leaders: Darren Miller (1-50)
Time of Race: 22:30.603
Margin of Victory: .791
Caution Flags: 1 (lap 2)
Red Flags: 1 (lap 2)
All-Star Performance Performer of the Race: Darren Miller
K&N Engineering Clean Pass of the Race: Jimmy Owens
Weld Wheels Award: Michael England
Hawk Brake Tough Break Award: Jason Utter
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie-of-the-Race: Steve Casebolt
Lucas Oil Provisionals: Brady Smith, Michael England (Based on June 16 Series Points)
WDRL Provisionals: Denny Eckrich, Al Humphrey (Based on June 16 Series Points)
Track Provisionals: Scott Bloomquist, Chris Simpson (Based on August 3 Points)

Upcoming Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Events

August 8--Dubuque Speedway-Dubuque, IA $10,000 to win
August 19-Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, IN "27th Annual Jackson 100" $15,000 to win
August 26-Bluegrass Speedway-Bardstown, KY "6th Annual Bluegrass Classic" $10,000 to win

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series to Resume 8th Annual Masters at Cedar Lake August 3

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is set to finish what was the opening night of the 8th Annual "Masters" at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond. The rest of the race program which was postponed due to rain on Friday Night, June 16 will resume on Thursday Night, August 3. There will be a dash, two B-mains and the 50 lap $10,000 to win main event. This will be run in conjunction with the annual "USA Nationals" at Cedar Lake Speedway which will be contested on Friday and Saturday, August 4 and 5 with Saturday's Night finale paying $50,000 to the winner. The event on Thursday Night is co-sanctioned with the World Dirt Racing League as it will be a points race for those drivers as well.

After Cedar Lake, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will next be in action on Tuesday Night, August 8 at the Dubuque Speedway in Dubuque, IA for a $10,000 to win and $700 to start main event. For more information please visit www.lucasdirt.com or www.simmonspromotionsinc.com.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Thursday Night, August 3, 2006
Cedar Lake Speedway-New Richmond WI
Completion of June 16 Postponement
Dash Lineup
Brian Birkhofer-Darren Miller
Scott James-Brian Harris
Donnie Moran-Steve Laursen
Matt Miller-Justin Fegers

Rest of Cars Already Qualified For A-Main
Joey Jensen-Don O'Neal
Jimmy Mars-Earl Pearson, Jr.
Damon Eller-Tommy Elston
Corey Conley-Steve Casebolt

First B-Main Lineup
Freddy Smith-Dave Eckrich
Scott Cramer-Tom Nesbitt
Andrew McKay-Kerry Hansen
Brent Laursen-Chris Spieker
Rick Hanestad-Jeff Provizino
Brady Smith-Al Humphrey
Eric Pember-Steve Hucovski
Tim Dohm-Steve Boley
Denny Eckrich

Second B-Main Lineup
Kyle Berck-John Anderson
Lance Matthees-Steve Isenberg
John Seitz-Jason Utter
Pat Doar-Bill Koons
Chad Simpson-Nick Anvelink
Chris Simpson-Terry Anvelink
Jeff Keeney-Dan Schlieper
Mike Nutzmann-Michael England

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings (After July 30)
1. Earl Pearson, Jr (Jacksonville, FL)-3985
2. Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-3820
3. Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-3550
4. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-3405
5. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-3120
6. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-3045
7. Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-2600
8. Scott Bloomquist (Mooresburg, TN)-2375
9. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-2350
10. Darren Miller (Chadwick, IL)-1980

Upcoming Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series August Race Schedule
August 3--Cedar Lake Speedway-New Richmond, WI-Completion of 8th Annual Masters-$10,000 to win
August 8--Dubuque Speedway-Dubuque, IA--$10,000 to win
August 19-Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, IN-27th Annual Jackson 100 $10,000 to win
August 26-Bluegrass Speedway-Bardstown, KY-6th Annual Bluegrass Classic $10,000 to win

Shannon Babb Best in Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Action at Tri-City

PONTOON BEACH, IL--The "Moweaqua Missile" Shannon Babb from Moweaqua, IL proved once again why he is one of the best dirt late model drivers in the nation as he captured the "Miller-Lite 50" Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event on Sunday Night at the Gundaker family promoted Tri-City Speedway. The 32 year old racer dominated from lap six until a pair of late cautions allowed Chub Frank to pass him with two laps to go. Babb valiantly fought back and grabbed the lead down the backstretch and brought home the $10,000 victory in front of a jubilant crowd.

Babb piloting the Arkansas Motors/Car City/Petroff Towing/J&J Steel/Waters Auto Land/Performance Rod and Custom/Wicks Racing Products/Hoosier Tires by Smash/Platinum Enterprises/G&C Enterprises/Allstar Performance/Karl Chevrolet/Outlaw Factory Pilot/Jay Dickens Racing Engines/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo earned his second Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win of 2006 beating Frank to the line. Frank of Bear Lake, PA was second in his Lester Buildings/Custom Race Engines/Rocket Monte Carlo with Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL in the Lucas Oil Products/Dunn-Benson Ford/MasterSbilt Ford Taurus just nipping out Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN at the wire to grab third. O'Neal in the Randall Eller Motorsports/Independence Lumber/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo was fourth and Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN was fifth in the Miller Brothers Coal/Vic Hill Racing Engines/Bloomquist Race Cars Chevrolet.

Chub Frank and Earl Pearson, Jr. would make up the front row for the 50 lap feature with Pearson who won the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event at Tri-City Speedway in 2005 taking the point at the drop of the green flag with Frank and fifth place starting Shannon Babb in hot pursuit. Babb would pass Frank for second on the third circuit with Randy Korte the winningest dirt late model driver in the nation so far in '06 with 23 feature wins taking the third spot from Frank a lap later.

The first caution of the race came out for 2005 Tri-City Speedway track champion Steve Sheppard in turn number three. On the restart Babb would get the advantage on Pearson and take the lead with six laps scored. Pearson was second with a high flying Darren Miller now up to third. Babb would immediately start to pull away from the field opening up a six car length advantage within a few laps.

With ten laps in the books Babb was still performing a commanding performance with Miller running second after he had passed Pearson three circuits earlier. Pearson was third with Scott James up from his eighth starting slot to run fourth just ahead of Frank. Babb then would see his lead up to eight seconds ahead of Miller as trafic would be just in front of him as the cars completed 15 laps.

The top five remained the same until the 21st lap when 11th starting Don O'Neal cracked the top five passing both Frank and James. O'Neal then was in a bigger hurry as he raced past the series points leader Pearson on lap 23 for third. At the halfway mark it was all Babb with Miller in second followed by O'Neal, Pearson and Frank. Babb would be in top form around the half mile oval putting almost a half a track on Miller as they would fight through traffic.

On lap 35 the third caution of the race came out for debris on the racing surface. With Babb's huge lead wiped out it looked like an opportunity for Miller, O'Neal, Pearson and Frank to see what they had for the former NARA DirtCar Series Champion. But on the restart after the debris caution Babb again would put the hammer down and build a six car length lead up. Caution number four of the race for Freddy Smith on lap 40 would set up a potential ten lap dash to the finish.

With ten laps remaining Babb would still be in total control of the race with Miller in second. On the restart Frank would get back in the thick of the battle coming up to third after O'Neal brushed the guardrail in turn two. With the five to go signal given Babb would see Miller and Frank stay with him this time around and both drivers were taking their best shot. The fifth and sixth cautions would come out back to back with 47 laps in the books. Right before the caution Miller's nice run would end as he pulled his car into the pit area ending his charge.

Coming to complete lap 48 Babb slipped up high in turn four and Frank would come to the line as the new leader of the race. As the cars exited off of turn number two Babb would take the high side and rocket back around Frank to regain the lead. Babb would then see the white flag first and he would lead the final circuit bringing home the win. Frank would take a close second followed by Pearson, who got by O'Neal at the flag stand for third, with Bloomquist who had to take a series provisional and starting 23rd, finishing in fifth.

On the victory podium a relieved Babb was glad the race was over. "The car started to push and I had all kinds of trouble there in turn four a couple of times," said the winner. "I want to say thanks to Chub (Frank) for racing me clean coming off of turn two, he gave me plenty of room and I appreciate that." "During the middle part of the race the car was flawless, I mean I could drive it anywhere and it would work great, but there after those last two restarts we were fighting it a little bit and that kept those other guys on me."

Completing the top ten were Matt Miller, Randy Korte, Ken Schrader, Chris Smyser and Billy Laycock.

In preliminary action Donnie Moran was the Comp Cams Fast Qualifier with a lap of 20.523 seconds. The PBM Performance Products Heat Races went to Earl Pearson, Jr., Michael England and Chub Frank. The Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno B-Main was taken by Mark Voigt. The K&N Engineering "Clean Pass of the Race" went to none other than Shannon Babb for his move to retake the lead with two laps to go from Chub Frank. The K&N Engineering "Clean Pass of the Race" is awarded at each Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event and can take place during a heat, consy or feature event.

The next Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event will take place on Thursday Night, August 3 at the Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, WI. The event will be the completion of the 8th Annual "Masters" race that was postponed from June 16. There are two B-mains to be run yet and the feature event will then commence with a $10,000 winners purse on the line. The series will then race on Tuesday Night, August 8 at the Dubuque Speedway in Dubuque, IA for a $10,000 to win payoff. For more information you can log onto to the series website at www.lucasdirt.com.

Race Summary
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Sunday Night, July 30
Tri-City Speedway-Pontoon Beach, IL
Comp Cams Fast Time: Donnie Moran 20.523 seconds
PBM Performance Products First Heat: (10 Laps-Top 5 Advance): Earl Pearson, Jr., Randy Korte, Donnie Moran, Steve Casebolt, Steve Sheppard, Jayme Zidar, Billy Laycock, Kyle Steffens, Reid Millard, Brian Shirley
PBM Performance Products Second Heat: (10 Laps-Top 5 Advance): Michael England, Shannon Babb, Scott James, Don O'Neal, Matt Miller, Craig Smith, Bryan Collins, Butch Kruckeberg
PBM Performance Products Third Heat: (10 Laps-Top 5 Advance): Chub Frank, Darren Miller, Michael Kloos, John Mason, Freddy Smith, Chris Smyser, Mark Voigt, Mike Hammerle, Ken Schrader
Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno B-Main: Mark Voigt, Jayme Zidar, Chris Smyser, Billy Laycock, Ken Schrader, Bryan Collins, Brian Shirley, Kyle Steffens, Reid Millard, Butch Kruckeberg, Mike Hammerle, Craig Smith, Scott Bloomquist
"Miller-Lite 50" A-Main: Shannon Babb, Chub Frank, Earl Pearson, Jr., Don O'Neal, Scott Bloomquist, Matt Miller, Randy Korte, Ken Schrader, Chris Smyser, Billy Laycock, Freddy Smith, Bryan Collins, John Mason, Mark Voigt, Reid Millard, Donnie Moran, Darren Miller, Scott James, Michael Kloos, Jayme Zidar, Michael England, Steve Casebolt, Brian Shirley, Steve Sheppard, Craig Smith

Race Statistics
Entries: 28
Yellow Flags: 6
Red Flags: 0
Lap Leaders: Earl Pearson, Jr. 1-5, Shannon Babb 6-47, Chub Frank 48, Babb 49-50
Allstar Performance Performer of the Race: Scott Bloomquist (Started 23rd and finished 5th, advanced 18 positions)
K&N Engineering Clean Pass of the Race: Shannon Babb
Hawk Brake Tough Break Award: Darren Miller
Quarter Master Move of the Race: Chub Frank
On the Edge Graphics Fastest Non-Qualifier: Kyle Steffens
Weld Wheels Award: Matt Miller
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Race: Michael England
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Scott Bloomquist and Reid Millard

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings (After July 30)
1. Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL) 3985
2. Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-3820
3. Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-3550
4. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-3405
5. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-3120
6. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-3045
7. Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-2600
8. Scott Bloomquist (Mooresburg, TN)-2375
9. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-2350
10. Darren Miller (Chadwick, IL)-1980

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year Points Standings (After July 30)
1. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-3045
2. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-2350
3. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-1910
4. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-1640
5. Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-1125

Upcoming Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Events
August 3--Cedar Lake Speedway-New Richmond, WI "8th Annual Masters" $10,000 to win
August 8--Dubuque Speedway-Dubuque, IA $10,000 to win
August 19-Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, IN "27th Annual Jackson 100" $10,000 to win
August 26-Bluegrass Speedway-Bardstown, KY "6th Annual Bluegrass Classic" $10,000 to win

Scott Bloomquist Blazes to Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Win at La Salle Speedway

La Salle, IL—On a hot and humid Saturday Night at La Salle Speedway no one was hotter than Mooresburg, TN driver Scott Bloomquist who picked up his sixth Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win of 2006 as he captured the annual “Illinois Valley Challenge” worth $10,000 at the Izzo Family promoted facility. Bloomquist took the lead on the seventh lap and never looked back in taking the win in his Miller Brothers/Hawkeye Trucking/Allstar Performance/Sweet Mfg/Ohlins/K-B Carburetors/VP Racing Fuels/Vic Hill Racing Engines/Bloomquist Race Cars Chevrolet #0. Jeep VanWormer of Pinconning, MI who started 17th on the grid finished second in his Bayline Fire Protection/Cornett Racing Engines/MasterSbilt Ford Taurus and 14th starting Darren Miller of Chadwick, IL took third in his Ernie Bates Country Companies/Ideal Ready Mix/Rocket Ford Taurus. Completing the top five were Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL in the Lucas Oil Products/Larry Wallace Racing Engines/MasterSbilt Ford Taurus and Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN in the Powell Motorsports/Jay Dickens Racing Engines/Rocket GTO.

Shannon Babb and Earl Pearson, Jr. would make up the front row starting grid in front of the cameras of SPEED on hand with Babb firing the first shot grabbing the lead at the start of the 50 lap race. Pearson jumped to second until Bloomquist, who started fourth would pass him. Bloomquist then would take up the challenge of pressuring Babb for the lead. Pearson, Donnie Moran and Steve Casebolt were the rest of the top five with five circuits complete.

Babb and Bloomquist would duel for the lead with Babb hanging on as Bloomquist was trying every groove to get by the May Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series winner at La Salle. Finally on the seventh lap Bloomquist was able to clear Babb in the race for the lead with Casebolt passing Moran for fourth on the same lap. A caution on lap eight for the 10th place running Jeep VanWormer would slow the action.

On the restart Bloomquist would sprint ahead of Babb and Pearson with Moran going back by Casebolt in a battle for fourth. Pearson would pull up alongside Babb as the two would race side by side for second for three laps. Bloomquist was now up to a six car length advantage with 15 laps scored he would continue to build on that lead. Babb would regain the second slot with Pearson, Matt Miller and Donnie Moran racing side by side for fourth place.

By the 16th lap Bloomquist was starting to enter some heavy traffic and that would allow Babb and Pearson to close the margin. Bloomquist was fighting through traffic Babb really started to close coming to within two car lengths of Bloomquist. With the crossed flags signaling the half way mark of the race Bloomquist was able to put at least three cars between himself and Babb as he was starting to develop some breathing room. The yellow flew after lap 25 was scored when Billy Drake made contact with Don O’Neal forcing a caution flag.

On the restart Bloomquist would have Babb and Pearson lined up behind him side by side on the restart with Miller and new top fiver, Scott James who started 10th now up to fifth place. The top five would remain in the same running order until Darren Miller would charge from his 14th starting slot to go to fifth. Matt Miller would get back in the chase passing Darren Miller for fifth on lap 31. There were two cautions within three laps of each for debris on lap 33 and 35 which would bunch up the field for a restart.

On the restart to lap 36 Pearson would speed by Babb to take over second as Bloomquist was again pulling away. Babb would spin into the infield on lap 37 ending his night while running third. Bloomquist stretched his lead to a full straightaway over Pearson with VanWormer making a tremendous recovery now in third, from his lap eight caution flag in which he had to restart on the tail of the field.

With ten to go Bloomquist was cruising along with VanWormer and Darren Miller all over Pearson for second. VanWormer would make the top line of the racing surface work as he went by Pearson in a flash for second on the 42nd lap. Darren Miller would then follow suit racing by Pearson on the top groove a lap later. With five to go Bloomquist was not threatened for the lead as VanWormer and Darren Miller were hoping for a caution flag to have a shot at stealing the win from Bloomquist who had been dominant the event up front to this point.

Bloomquist would go on to easily cross the finish line in first to take his sixth Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win of the season and his 12th overall of ’06. VanWormer’s performance in coming from the back earned him a runnerup check with Darren Miller a close third. Pearson and Scott James would complete the top five.

“The car was real tight when we qualified,” said the 42 year old Bloomquist in victory lane. “We went to work real hard after the heat race and the car really took a liking to the race track in the feature,” stated the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer. “We hadn’t run here in a while, but we’ve always liked coming up here to race cause it’s a track you can really race on and we like those kinds of tracks.”

Rounding out the top ten were Matt Miller, Dennis Erb, Jr., Donnie Moran, Ryan Dauber and Jason Feger.

In preliminary action for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Shannon Babb captured the Comp Cams Fast Time with a 12.377 second qualifying lap for the 30 entries on hand. The PBM Performance Products Heat Races were won by Shannon Babb, Earl Pearson, Jr. and Steve Casebolt. The Mason Racin’ Rebel Shock Dyno B-Main went to Mike Mataragas. The K&N Engineering “Clean Pass of the Race” went to Steve Casebolt for his third heat race winning pass of Donnie Moran. The K&N Engineering “Clean Pass of the Race” is awarded at each Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event and can happen during a heat race, consy or feature event.

Race Summary
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Saturday Night, July 29, 2006
La Salle Speedway-La Salle, Illinois

Comp Cams Fast Time: Shannon Babb 12.377 seconds

PBM Performance Products First Heat: (10 Laps-Top 5 Advance): Shannon Babb, Scott Bloomquist, Matt Miller, Scott James, Jim Partipilo, Mike Mataragas, Jeep VanWormer, Michael England, Frank Heckenast, Jr., Brian Claudnic

PBM Performance Products Second Heat: (10 Laps-Top 5 Advance): Earl Pearson Jr., John Mason, Jason Feger, Ryan Dauber, Darren Miller, Skip Martin, Tim Hamburg, Kevin Weaver, Jay Fiene, Tony Izzo, Jr.

PBM Performance Products Third Heat: (10 Laps-Top 5 Advance): Steve Casebolt, Donnie Moran, Bret Sievert, Freddy Smith, Jason Jaggers, Travis Rokey, Billy Drake, Don O’Neal, Dennis Erb, Jr., Dan Schlieper

Mason Racin’ Rebel Shock Dyno B-Main: (12 Laps-Top 7 Advance): Mike Mataragas, Jeep VanWormer, Billy Drake, Skip Martin, Kevin Weaver, Dan Schlieper, Dennis Erb, Jr., Jay Fiene, Frank Heckenast, Jr., Michael England, Travis Rokey, Tim Hamburg, Don O’Neal

“Illinois Valley Challenge” A-Main: (50 Laps): Scott Bloomquist, Jeep VanWormer, Darren Miller, Earl Pearson, Jr., Scott James, Matt Miller, Dennis Erb, Jr., Donnie Moran, Ryan Dauber, Jason Feger, Don O’Neal, Steve Casebolt, John Mason, Skip Martin, Mike Mataragas, Michael England, Freddy Smith, Shannon Babb, Bret Sievert, Billy Drake, Kevin Weaver, Jason Jaggers, Dan Schlieper, Jim Partipilo

Race Statistics:
Entries: 30
Yellow Flags: 6
Red Flags: 0
Lap Leaders: Shannon Babb 1-6 Scott Bloomquist 7-50
Allstar Performance Performer of the Race: Jeep VanWormer (Started 17th and finished second, advanced 15 positions)
K&N Engineering Clean Pass of the Race: Steve Casebolt
Hawk Brake Tough Brake Award: Shannon Babb
Quarter Master Move of the Race: Darren Miller
On the Edge Graphics Fastest Non Qualifier: Tony Izzo, Jr.
Weld Wheels Award: John Mason
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Race: Steve Casebolt
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Don O’Neal and Michael England

$140,000 Midwest Tour Up Next for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

The much anticipated Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series three race weekend in the Midwest is just about set to begin. With over $140,000 in prize money up for grabs the series heads to three of the premier dirt track facilities in the country.

On Friday Night, July 21 the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series heads to the historic Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, IA for the "Iowa Telecom Summer Classic." On Saturday Night, July 22 another first time visit to the "Diamond of Dirt Tracks" the Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, MO and to conclude the busy weekend the stars of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series take to the track at the Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, IL at the Gundaker family promoted facility just outside of St. Louis. All three events will feature Comp Cams Time Trials, PBM Performance Products Heat Races, Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-Mains and a $10,000 to win and $700 to start 50 Lap A-Main. All three shows will be taped by SPEED Channel as the races will be shown on a date and time to be announced.

The visit to Knoxville on Friday Night will mark a first for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. While Knoxville hosts the Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals at the end of September this will be the first sanctioned points race for the series at Knoxville. Since Knoxville Raceway began racing weekly back in 1954 this will only be the 36th ever Late Model Stock Car race at the facility as the track has predominately featured sprint cars on its weekly schedule. After Knoxville a trip down to the Show-Me State of Missouri awaits the fans and competitors to the Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, MO. The track formerly known as Wheatland Raceway was purchased by Forrest Lucas and the facility itself has been completely redone with modern amenities. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will then head east to the Tri City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, IL for the "Miller Lite" Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event. It will be the second time in two years the series has visited the track located just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. Last year Earl Pearson, Jr. took his first series win of the season on his way to the 2005 series championship.

With 19 events already in the books this season the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has had 12 different event winners. Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL the defending Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion holds the top spot currently in the chase for this year's title. Pearson heads into this weekend with a 175 point lead over Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN. Donnie Moran of Dresden, OH sits third in the points followed by Matt Miller of Waterville, OH and Scott James from Lawrenceburg, IN.

The rest of the top ten after the most recent events in Alabama and Mississippi include Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN, Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN, Tim Dohm of Cross Lanes, WV, Michael England of Glasgow, KY and Brady Smith of Solon Springs, WI.

Casebolt leads the rookie points followed by England, Brady Smith, Corey Conley of Wellsburg, WV and Damon Eller of Crumpler, NC.

For more information regarding the tour through the midwest please visit the respective tracks websites at http://www.knoxvilleraceway.com, www.LucasOilSpeedway.com and www.tricityspeedway.net.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series website is continually updated with photos, results, news, point standings and press releases at www.lucasdirt.com. For any questions regarding the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can contact the series office at (951) 532-2503.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Schedule of Events

Friday Night, July 21
Knoxville Raceway
Knoxville, Iowa
"Iowa Telecom Summer Classic"
$10,000 to win/$700 to start 50 Lap A-Main
www.knoxvilleraceway.com
Info: 641-842-3220
Tire rule will be in effect for this event will be: Hoosier LM20, 1300, LM40, 1600 and the D55 (Shoulder Plated) along with American Racer SD44 and MD56 and the Goodyear G40 and G50 compounds will all be allowed. Soft compounds must durometer 40 prior and Hard compounds must durometer 60 prior.

Saturday Night, July 22
Lucas Oil Speedway
Wheatland, MO
$10,000 to win/$700 to start 50 Lap A-Main
www.LucasOilSpeedway.com
Info: 417-282-5984
Tire rule will be in effect for this event will be: Hoosier LM20, 1300, LM40, 1600 and the D55 (Shoulder Plated) along with American Racer SD44 and MD56 and the Goodyear G40 and G50 compounds will all be allowed. Soft compounds must durometer 40 prior and Hard compounds must durometer 60 prior.

Sunday Night, July 23
Tri City Speedway
Pontoon Beach, IL
"Miller Lite" Sponsored
$10,000 to win/$700 to start 50 Lap A-Main
www.tricityspeedway.net
Info: 618-931-7836
Tire rule will be in effect for this event will be: Hoosier LM20, LM40, and the D55 (Shoulder Plated) along with American Racer SD44 and MD56 and the Goodyear G40 and G50 compounds will all be allowed. Soft compounds must durometer 40 prior and Hard compounds must durometer 60 prior. (No Hoosier 1300’s or 1600’s for this event only)

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings (After July 15)
1. Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-3180
2. Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-3005
3. Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-2885
4. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-2595
5. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-2490
6. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-2420
7. Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-1950
8. Tim Dohm (Cross Lanes, WV)-1810
9. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-1785
10. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-1645

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year Standings
1. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-2420
2. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-1785
3. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-1645
4. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-1640
5. Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-1125

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 2006 Results (Winners Listed)
2/6 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Dan Schlieper)
2/7 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Billy Moyer)
2/8 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Dale McDowell)
2/9 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Matt Miller)
2/10 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Steve Francis)
2/12 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Steve Francis)
4/1 Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, IN (Earl Pearson, Jr.)
4/8 Dixie Speedway-Woodstock, GA (Ray Cook)
4/9 Cherokee Super Speedway-Gaffney, SC (Scott Bloomquist)
4/22 The Dirt Track@Lowe's Motor Speedway-Concord, NC (Scott Bloomquist)
4/29 Hagerstown Speedway-Hagerstown, MD (Chub Frank)
5/13 Tazewell Speedway-Tazewell, TN (Scott Bloomquist)
5/19 Farley Speedway-Farley, IA (Billy Moyer)
5/20 La Salle Speedway-La Salle, IL (Shannon Babb)
6/3 Florence Speedway-Union, KY (Scott Bloomquist)
6/16 Cedar Lake Speedway-New Richmond, WI (Earl Pearson, Jr.)
7/3 Muskingum County Speedway-Zanesville, OH (Steve Shaver)
7/14 North Alabama Speedway-Tuscumbia, AL (Scott Bloomquist)
7/15 Columbus Speedway-Columbus, MS (Chris Wall)

Remaining July Schedule for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
July 21-Knoxville Raceway-Knoxville, IA ($10,000 to win) SPEED Channel Taping
July 22-Lucas Oil Speedway-Wheatland, MO ($10,000 to win) SPEED Channel Taping
July 23-Tri-City Speedway-Pontoon Beach, IL ($10,000 to win) SPEED Channel Taping
July 29-LaSalle Speedway-LaSalle, IL ($10,000 to win) SPEED Channel Taping

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sees Wall to Wall Excitement at Columbus Speedway

COLUMBUS, MS--The "Intimagator" Chris Wall of Holden, LA scored his first ever Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win on Saturday Night at the Columbus (MS) Speedway as the 38 year old racer took the lead on third lap of the 50 lap Cliburn Tank Lines 8th Annual James Nickoles Memorial Race presented by the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau and then withstood several caution flags to become the 12th different winner on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Tour in '06 as he led the remainder of the race.

Wall earned $10,000 for the victory in front of one of the largest crowds in the history of the Johnny Stokes promoted facility. Wall drove his Xtreme Graphics/Stuckey Enterprises/C&M Gator Farm/Gator Trax Boats/GVS Racing/Eagle Motorsports/American Racer Tires/Wall2Wall Performance Engines/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo to his 18th overall win this season. Mike Boland of Cuba, AL also put up an exceptional effort running right with Wall for the entire race as he came home in second in his Boland Performance/Jay Dickens Racing Engines/Rocket GTO with 15th starting Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN passing Earl Pearson, Jr. on the final lap to finish third in his Miller Brothers Coal/Vic Hill Racing Engines/Bloomquist Race Cars Chevrolet as Pearson finished fourth in the Lucas Oil Products/Larry Wallace Racing Engines/MasterSbilt Ford Taurus. Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN who started 17th on the grid wound up fifth in the Dargie Race Engines/Rocket Ford Taurus. A total of 58 cars were on hand for the event which was also a points race for the Mississippi State Championship Challenge Series.

Fellow Alabama drivers Mike Boland and Ronny Lee Hollingsworth would draw the front row from the six heat race winners but it was Kentucky's Brad Neat who would sprint from his third place starting spot to nab the lead as the first lap was being scored. Disaster however would strike Neat on the second go round as he spun coming off of turn number two and came to a halt bringing out the caution flag. With Neat relegated to the tail Boland would inherit the lead with Wall, Don O'Neal, Earl Pearson, Jr. and Donnie Moran your top five at this point. On the restart Wall who started fifth would take the lead from Boland as the pace up front and throughout the field was fast and furious around "The Baddest Bullring in the South."

Moran would make a charge taking over third on the fourth circuit with Scott James coming to fourth place. On the sixth lap James and O'Neal would make contact as both drivers would eventually go pit side following their lap six skirmish. On the restart a four car wreck would again slow the action with Wall still holding the point. As the race progressed to green flag action with ten laps in the books it was Wall showing the way with Pearson back in the thick of things taking the runner-up slot just ahead of Boland, Moran and Matt Miller.

A caution for debris on lap 12 would again halt the action as Boland would get the advantage over Pearson for second on a lap 13 restart. The race for the lead was extremely exciting as Wall, Boland and Pearson were putting on a show for the huge crowd on hand. Boland and Pearson would run side by side for not only this portion of the race but for most of the half as well. At the halfway mark Wall was still in command with Boland and Pearson in tow. Billy Moyer who had slipped from fourth to 11th in the early running order was now getting it going as he was headed to the front moving into the fourth slot by lap 24 with Scott Bloomquist the previous night's winner at North Alabama hot on his heels.

With 20 laps to go Wall would maintain a two car length lead over Boland and Pearson. With Boland and Pearson dueling it out side by side and Moyer and Bloomquist going door to door there was action all over the track. A caution on lap 36 for Eddie Rickman would slow the field for the next to last time. A total of four good green flags would then get scored until the final caution for debris on the track would see the yellow wave for the last time on lap 40.

With ten laps to go Wall would again see Boland and Pearson right behind him on the double file restart. A car who really showed strength as the laps wound down was Steve Casebolt. Casebolt who started 17th was hanging tough with Moyer and Bloomquist as he would pass Bloomquist and then Moyer for fourth. With five laps to go Wall was still only one to two car lengths at the most ahead of Boland and Pearson. Boland and Pearson would swap second place lap after lap with Boland scored in second with nine laps to go. The two would still go side by side with Pearson on the low groove and Boland riding the rim of the track.

With the five to go signal given it was finally showtime for Boland and Pearson as the question remained could they eventually pass Wall in the closing laps. Boland would shoot off the corners charging to the outside of the middle groove running Wall with Pearson showing his talents on the hub. With the white flag Boland and Pearson would once more give it their all but Wall was just too tough as he would hold on and cross the finish line first for his initial Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series victory in front of a cheering crowd. Boland who drove a great race as well finished with Bloomquist taking the high side in the last few laps to go by Pearson on the white flag lap to claim third. Pearson would cross the stripe in fourth followed by the strong effort of Casebolt.

In victory lane the popular Wall would greet the home area crowd with a fence climbing victory celebration and then told the throng of fans. "Man that was a great race, to outrun Mike and Earl and this great field of drivers is just fantastic." "The car was just great all race long, there were a lot of cautions and we just hung in there and kept our line and you know you can race anywhere on this track and those other guys were giving it their all, but we just had everything right tonight." "I want to thank all the great fans that came out here tonight; I believe they saw a tremendous race."

Completing the top ten were Billy Moyer, Donnie Moran, Ronny Lee Hollingsworth, Rick Rickman and Matt Miller.

In preliminary action at Columbus Earl Pearson, Jr. would garner the Comp Cams Fast Time for the 58 entrants with a quick lap of 13.93 seconds. The PBM Performance Products Heat Races were won by Ronny Lee Hollingsworth, Billy Moyer, Donnie Moran, Brad Neat, Mike Boland and Chris Wall. The Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main was won by Rob Litton and the Penske Shocks Second B-Main saw David Breazeale victorious. The K&N Engineering "Clean Pass of the Race" would go to Scott Bloomquist with his move in passing Earl Pearson, Jr. for third place on the final lap. The K&N Engineering "Clean Pass of the Race" is awarded at each Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event and can take place during a heat, consy or feature event.

The much anticipated trip to the Midwest for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series awaits the competitors and fans next as the series heads to the historic Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, IA for the "Iowa Telecom Summer Classic" this Friday Night, July 21. On Saturday Night, July 22 the series makes its first ever visit as well to the Lucas Oil Speedway "The Diamond of Dirt Tracks" in Wheatland, MO and to conclude the upcoming weekend with a visit to the Gundaker family promoted Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, IL awaits the drivers on Sunday Night, July 23. All three events will pay $10,000 to win and the cameras of SPEED Channel will be on hand all three nights to tape the action. The event will be shown on a date and time to be announced in the future. For more information on these races you can visit the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series website at www.lucasdirt.com.

Race Summary
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Saturday Night, July 15, 2006
Columbus Speedway-Columbus, MS

Comp Cams Fast Time: Earl Pearson, Jr. 13.93

PBM Performance Products First Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Ronny Lee Hollingsworth, Earl Pearson, Jr., Scott James, Dean Carpenter, Bub McCool, Shawn Edwards, Joe Baroni, Mark Stokes, Cliff Williams

PBM Performance Products Second Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Billy Moyer, Matt Miller, Tombo Callahan, Jim Bo McDuffie, John Mason, Terrance Nowell, Dennis Duncan, Jason Cliburn, Mark Dodson

PBM Performance Products Third Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Donnie Moran, Don O'Neal, Scott Bloomquist, Rob Litton, Jay Blair, Clint Logan, Chad Thrash, Dwight Falcon, Ray Mottz

PBM Performance Products Fourth Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Brad Neat, Scott Dedwylder, Rick Rickman, David Breazeale, Justin McRee, Anthony Burroughs, Jack Daughtry, Stacy Holmes, Terry Wilson

PBM Performance Products Fifth Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Mike Boland, Garrett Durrett, Steve Casebolt, Scott Slay, Chris Jimerson, Wade Byars, Jessie Bailey, Roger Shirley, Freddy Smith

PBM Performance Products Sixth Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Chris Wall, Jamie Elam, Eddie Rickman, Neil Baggett, Michael England, Jimmy Cliburn, Jerry Inmon, Ricky Rawson, Don Cliburn

Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main: (12 Laps-Top 2 Advance): Rob Litton, Dean Carpenter, Bub McCool, Terrance Nowell, Jay Blair, John Mason, Dwight Falcon, Clint Logan, Mark Dodson, Dennis Duncan, Jason Cliburn, Chad Thrash, Joey McKinney, Shawn Edwards, Ray Mottz, Jim Bo McDuffie

Penske Shocks Second B-Main: (12 Laps-Top 2 Advance): David Breazeale, Stacy Holmes, Jimmy Cliburn, Jessie Bailey, Ricky Rawson, Jerry Inmon, Wade Byars, Jack Daughtry, Scott Slay, Anthony Burroughs, Neil Baggett, Justin McRee, Michael England, Chris Jimerson, Freddy Smith

8th Annual James Nickoles Memorial A-Main Finish: (50 Laps): Chris Wall, Mike Boland, Scott Bloomquist, Earl Pearson, Jr., Steve Casebolt, Billy Moyer, Donnie Moran, Ronny Lee Hollingsworth, Rick Rickman, Matt Miller, Rob Litton, Scott Dedwylder, Jamie Elam, Scott Slay, Jay Blair, Eddie Rickman, Stacy Holmes, David Breazeale, Brad Neat, Michael England, Dean Carpenter, Tombo Callahan, Scott James, Don O'Neal, Garrett Durrett, Shawn Edwards

Race Statistics
Entries: 58
Caution Flags: 12
Red Flags: 0
Lap Leaders: Brad Neat 1, Mike Boland 2, Chris Wall 3-50
Allstar Performance Performer of the Race: Steve Casebolt (started 17th and finished 5th, advanced 12 positions)
K&N Engineering Clean Pass of the Race: Scott Bloomquist
Hawk Break Tough Break Award: Brad Neat
Quarter Master Move of the Race: Chris Wall
On the Edge Graphics Fastest Non Qualifier: John Mason
Weld Wheels Award: Matt Miller
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Race: Steve Casebolt
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Freddy Smith and Michael England
Mississippi State Championship Challenge Series Provisionals: Jay Blair and Scott Slay
Track Provisional: Shawn Edwards

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Championship Points Standings (After July 15)
1. Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-3180
2. Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-3005
3. Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-2885
4. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-2595
5. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-2490
6. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-2420
7. Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-1950
8. Tim Dohm (Cross Lanes, WV)-1810
9. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-1785
10. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-1645
11. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-1640
12. Scott Bloomquist (Mooresburg, TN)-1480
13. Billy Moyer (Batesville, AR)-1465
14. Rick Eckert (York, PA)-1450
15. Darren Miller (Chadwick, IL)-1410

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year Standings
1. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-2420
2. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-1785
3. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-1645
4. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)--1640
5. Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-1125

Remaining July Schedule for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
July 21-Knoxville Rcaeway-Knoxville, IA ($10,000 to win) SPEED Channel Taping
July 22-Lucas Oil Speedway-Wheatland, MO ($10,000 to win) SPEED Channel Taping
July 23-Tri-City Speedway-Pontoon Beach, IL ($10,000 to win) SPEED Channel Taping
July 29-LaSalle Speedway-LaSalle, IL ($10,000 to win) SPEED Channel Taping

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Points Standingsafter July 15, 2006

Pos Car# Name Points
1 1 Earl Pearson, Jr. 3180
2 71 Don O'Neal 3005
3 99 Donnie Moran 2885
4 7 Matt Miller 2595
5 83 Scott James 2490
6 c9 Steve Casebolt ® 2420
7 00 Freddy Smith 1950
8 6t Tim Dohm 1810
9 5E Michael England ® 1785
10 2 Brady Smith ® 1645
11 14 Corey Conley ® 1640
12 0 Scott Bloomquist 1480
13 21 Billy Moyer 1465
14 24 Rick Eckert 1450
15 32d Darren Miller 1410
16 15 Steve Francis 1355
17 28E Dennis Erb, Jr. 1315
18 s9 Dan Schlieper 1275
19 46 Doug Horton 1230
20 *1 Chub Frank 1185
21 15b Brian Birkhofer 1175
22 I 4 Damon Eller ® 1125
23 28m Jimmy Mars 1090
24 18 Shannon Babb 1070
25 72 John Mason 1060

Scott Bloomquist Wins Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series “Heart of Dixie 40” at North Alabama

TUSCUMBIA, AL-Taking the lead at the start of the “Heart of Dixie 40” on Friday Night at the North Alabama Speedway Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN led every lap in taking the $7,000 first place money as he scored his fifth Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event of 2006. Overall this year Bloomquist has won 11 main events in just 16 starts as he drove his Miller Brothers Coal/Hawkeye Trucking/Allstar Performance/Sweet Manufacturing/Ohlins/K-B Carburetors/VP Racing Fuels/Vic Hill Racing Engines/Bloomquist Race Cars Chevrolet to victory at North Alabama outlasting three caution flags in leading Don O’Neal by six car lengths to the checkers. O’Neal of Martinsville, In took the runner-up cash in the Randall Eller/Independence Lumber/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo with current series points leader, Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL coming home third in the Carlton and Kemp Lamm/Lucas Oil Products/MasterSbilt Ford Taurus. Billy Moyer of Batesville, AR was fourth in the J&J Steel/Pro Power Engines/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo with Chris Wall of Holden, LA finishing fifth in the C&M Gator Farm/Wall2Wall Performance Engines/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo. A standing room, overflow crowd was on hand as 38 cars were in attendance at the Jeff Greer promoted facility.

Ronny Lee Hollingsworth and Bloomquist started from the front row of the main event as Bloomquist would grab the point down the back straight on the opening circuit going by Hollingsworth using the outside line. Byron Michael was running third with fifth starting Don O’Neal a close fourth with one lap scored. O’Neal would wait two laps before dropping Michael to fourth. Billy Moyer, who started ninth had moved to sixth by the fifth lap then went by two more cars a lap later to put his car in fourth. Earl Pearson, Jr. was another car on the move as he was up to fifth challenging Moyer for fourth.

With ten laps scored Hollingsworth was still mounting a challenge for the lead pressuring Bloomquist until O’Neal would catch the two frontrunners and pass Hollingsworth for second on lap eight. Bloomquist and O’Neal then would pull away from Hollingsworth as the leading duo would enter traffic by the 10th circuit. O’Neal closed on Bloomquist rapidly as the two encountered some heavy traffic around the racy 3/8ths mile oval. The race for third was heating up as Moyer and Pearson went by Hollingsworth for third and fourth. O’Neal would get within a car length of Bloomquist before the first caution of the race fell on lap 21 for a three car accident in turn four. Then four laps later Tony Morris would bring out the second caution when he stopped in turn three.

With 30 laps in the books Bloomquist was holding a three to four car length advantage over O’Neal with Moyer, Pearson and Chris Wall up to fifth place. After 30 laps were complete the third caution was out for Garrett Durrett. This would set up a potential ten lap shootout between Bloomquist and O’Neal. On the final restart of the race Bloomquist would pull away and make it at least seven car lengths over O’Neal with five laps remaining. Meanwhile Moyer and Pearson were fighting it out for third place running side by side as Wall settled in fifth.

With just a few laps remaining Bloomquist was still in control of the race as O’Neal was unable to mount a challenge to him in the final laps as Bloomquist would win by six car lengths. Pearson and Moyer would take their battle to the last lap with Pearson just nipping Moyer at the finish line for third place. Wall in his first ever Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event would take fifth.

In victory lane Bloomquist said “the longer my car ran the better it got.” “The track was completely different tonight than the last time we were here.” “It was a lot slicker and we had to go a lot a harder on tires this time, on the restarts we had to be careful, but it took us a lap or two to get our momentum going and the car was just terrific.” Bloomquist’s season earnings are now well over the $200,000 mark competing on a very limited schedule than in the past.

Completing the top ten were Steve Casebolt, Brad Neat, Jay Blair, Donnie Moran and Matt Miller.

In preliminary action Eddie Rickman was the Comp Cams Fast Timer for the 38 car field with a near track record breaking lap of 13.59 seconds. The track record is 13.56 held by Daniel Miller. The PBM Performance Product Heat Races were won by Byron Michael, Scott Bloomquist, Ronny Lee Hollingsworth and Garrett Durrett. The Mason Racin’ Rebel Shock First B-Main went to Eddie Rickman and the Penske Shocks Second B-Main was taken by Donnie Moran. The K&N Engineering “Clean Pass of the Race” went to Garrett Durrett for his winning pass in the fourth heat race. Durrett passed Chris Wall on the final lap to take the win. The K&N Engineering “Clean Pass of the Race” is awarded at each Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event and can take place during a heat, consy or feature event.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will be in action on Saturday Night, July 1 at the Columbus Speedway in Columbus, MS for the 8th Annual James Nickoles Memorial Race paying $10,000 to win. The cameras of SPEED Channel will be on hand to tape the event which will be shown on a date and time to be announced in the future.

Next weekend the series will race three nights in the Midwest with over $120,000 in prize money up for grabs on Friday Night, July 21 at the historic Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, IA, Saturday Night, July 22 at the Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, MO and Sunday Night July 23 a the Tri City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, IL. All three events will pay $10,000 to win and the cameras of SPEED Channel will be on hand to tape all the three races which will be shown on a date and time to be announced in the future.

Race Summary
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Friday Night, July 14, 2006
North Alabama Speedway-Tuscumbia, Al

Comp Cams Fast Qualifier: Eddie Rickman 13.59 seconds

PBM Performance Products First Heat: (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance)” Byron Michael, Don O’Neal, Billy Moyer, Brad Neat, Robert Gant, Jeremy Taylor, Anthony Burroughs, Eddie Rickman, Jay Blair, Scott James

PBM Performance Products Second Heat: (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Scott Bloomquist, Earl Pearson, Jr., Tony Morris, Mat Miller, Jay Brinkley, Daniel Miller, Jon Miller, Tim Busha, Michael England, Nik Howell

PBM Performance Products Third Heat: (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Ronny Lee Hollingsworth, Steve Casebolt, Jamie Elam, Donovan Henry, Donnie Moran, Chris Ragan, Jessie Bailey, Mark Mears, Billy Flanagan

PBM Performance Products Fourth Heat: (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Garrett Durrett, Chris Wall, Dean Carpenter, Bub McCool, Kelly Hanvey, Rick Rickman, Jason Cliburn, Jerry Inmon, Freddy Smith

Mason Racin’ Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main: (12 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Eddie Rickman, Jay Blair, Scott James, Jay Brinkley, Jon Miller, Michael England, Daniel Miller, Robert Gant (DNS), Jeremy Taylor (DNS), Anthony Burroughs (DNS), Tim Busha (DNS), Nik Howell (DNS)

Penske Shocks Second B-Main (12 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Donnie Moran, Chris Ragan, Jerry Inmon, Mark Mears, Freddy Smith, Kelly Hanvey, Billy Flanagan, Jason Cliburn, Jessie Bailey, Rick Rickman

Heart of Dixie 40 Feature Finish: Scott Bloomquist, Don O’Neal, Earl Pearson, Jr., Billy Moyer, Chris Wall, Steve Casebolt, Brad Neat, Jay Blair, Donnie Moran, Matt Miller, Ronny Lee Hollingsworth, Bub McCool, Scott James, Jamie Elam, Jerry Inmon, Chris Ragan, Michael England, Dean Carpenter, Donovan Henry, Freddy Smith, Garrett Durrett, Eddie Rickman, Tony Morris, Byron Michael

Race Statistics
Entries: 38
Yellow Flags: 3
Red Flags: 0
Lap Leaders: Scott Bloomquist 1-40
Allstar Performance Performer of the Race: Donnie Moran (started 18th and finished ninth, advanced nine positions)
K&N Engineering Clean Pass of the Race: Garrett Durrett
Hawk Brake Tough Break Award: Byron Michael
Quarter Master Move of the Race: Billy Moyer
On the Edge Graphics Fastest Non-Qualifier: Jason Cliburn
Weld Wheels Award: Brad Neat
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Race: Steve Casebolt
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Freddy Smith and Michael England

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Remaining July Race Schedule
July 15--Columbus Speedway-Columbus, MS (James Nickoles Memorial) $10,000 to win SPEED CHANNEL TAPING
July 21--Knoxville Raceway-Knoxville, IA (Iowa Telecom Summer Classic) $10,000 to win SPEED CHANNEL TAPING
July 22--Lucas Oil Speedway-Wheatland, MO $10,000 to win SPEED CHANNEL TAPING
July 23--Tri City Speedway-Pontoon Beach, IL $10,000 to win SPEED CHANNEL TAPING
July 29--LaSalle Speedway-LaSalle, IL (Illinois Valley Challenge) $10,000 to win SPEED CHANNEL TAPING

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Set for Cedar Lake Speedway's "Masters" on June 16 & 17

For the second consecutive year the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will co-sanction the 8th Annual "Masters" on Friday and Saturday, June 16 and 17 at the Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, WI. Along with the World Dirt Racing League the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will see drivers compete for two nights in two different racing programs as both will end each night of racing with a $10,000 to win A-Main event. Last year Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series regulars Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN and Donnie Moran of Dresden, OH each wound up in victory circle at Cedar Lake in what turned out to be two of the most exciting events on the 2005 schedule. This year's edition will see the cameras of SPEED Channel on hand to tape Saturday Night's finale. The event will be shown at a date and time to be announced in the future.

Heading into Cedar Lake Speedway the 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion, Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL leads the current championship points standings by 35 points over last year's runner-up, Don O'Neal. Donnie Moran currently is third in points followed by Matt Miller of Waterville, OH and Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN.

The rest of the top ten for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series after the series' most recent event at Florence Speedway in Union, KY include Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN, Tim Dohm of Cross Lanes, WV, Brady Smith of Solon Springs, WI, Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN and Rick Eckert of York, PA.

Casebolt leads the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" standings ahead of Brady Smith, Corey Conley of Wellsburg, WV, Michael England of Glasgow, KY, Damon Eller of Crumpler, NC and Steve Hillard of Sadorus, IL.

Coming in to the "Masters' at Cedar Lake 2005 World Dirt Racing League Champion, Denny Eckrich of Tiffin, IA sits atop the points standings once again followed by Brian Harris of Davenport, IA, Kyle Berck of Marquette, NE, Trent Follmer of Elk River, MN and Dave Eckrich of Oxford, IA.

The 2006 edition of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series continues to draw rave reviews from fans and promoters as there have been 10 different winners in the first 15 events with large crowds packing the grandstands this season. Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN has won four events with the series this year including the last time out in capturing the 20th Annual "Ralph Latham Memorial" Race at Florence Speedway on June 3. Other multiple winners this year include Billy Moyer of Batesville, AR and Steve Francis of Ashland, KY. Several other drivers have tasted victory this season with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series including Dan Schlieper of Sullivan, WI, Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, GA, Matt Miller, Earl Pearson, Jr., Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC, Chub Frank of Bear Lake, PA and Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL.

Advance two-day discount tickets for the Masters are currently on sale for $50 online at www.cedarlakespeedway.com or by calling (612) 363-0479. By purchasing in advance not only do you save money, but receive a reserved seat for free! Camping is also available for just $25 for the entire weekend. For more information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can visit their website at www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 2006 Championship Point Standings
1. Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-2260
2. Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-2225
3. Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-2080
4. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-1905
5. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-1830
6. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-1675
7. Tim Dohm (Cross Lanes, WV)-1665
8. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-1470
8. Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-1470
10. Rick Eckert (York, PA)-1450
11. Steve Francis (Ashland, KY)-1355
12. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-1325
13. Dennis Erb, Jr. (Carpentersville, IL)-1315
14. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-1295
15. Doug Horton (Bruceton Mills, WV)-1230

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" Points Standings
1. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-1675
2. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-1470
3. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-1325
4. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-1295
5. Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-1020
6. Steve Hillard (Sadorus, IL)-765

2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Completed Events to Date
2/6 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL - Winner-Dan Schlieper
2/7 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL - Winner-Billy Moyer
2/8 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL - Winner-Dale McDowell
2/9 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL - Winner-Matt Miller
2/10 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL - Winner-Steve Francis
2/12 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL - Winner-Steve Francis
4/1 Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, IN - Winner-Earl Pearson, Jr.
4/8 Dixie Speedway-Woodstock, GA - Winner-Ray Cook
4/9 Cherokee Super Speedway-Gaffney, SC - Winner-Scott Bloomquist
4/22 The Dirt Track@Lowe's-Concord, NC - Winner-Scott Bloomquist
4/29 Hagerstown Speedway-Hagerstown, MD - Winner-Chub Frank
5/13 Tazewell Speedway-Tazewell, TN - Winner-Scott Bloomquist
5/19 Farley Speedway-Farley, IA - Winner-Billy Moyer
5/20 La Salle Speedway-La Salle, IL - Winner-Shannon Babb
6/3 Florence Speedway-Union, KY - Winner-Scott Bloomquist

Scott Bloomquist Wins Ralph Latham Memorial Race the Final Lap at Florence Speedway

UNION, KY--In an unbelievable ending to the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 20th Annual Ralph Latham Memorial Race on Saturday Night at the Florence Speedway Scott Bloomquist passed Darrell Lanigan on the white flag when Lanigan slipped in turn number two which allowed Bloomquist to go by and beat Lanigan to the finish line by one car length in an exciting finish. Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN driving his Bloomquist Race Cars Chevrolet sponsored by Vic Hill Racing Engines/Miller Brothers Coal/Hawkeye Trucking/Sweet Manufacturing/Allstar Performance/Ohlins and Hoosier Racing Tires picked up his fourth series win of 2006 in the thriller which was taped before the cameras of SPEED Channel. Lanigan of Union, KY led 48 of the 50 laps was second in his Accutex Signs and Banners/Cornett Engines/Rocket Taurus with Dan Schlieper of Sullivan, WI placing third in the Miller Brothers Coal/Pro Power/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo. Rounding out the top five were Wendell Wallace of Batesville, AR in the J&J Steel/Gaerte Engines/GRT GTO and 19th starting Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL in the Lucas Oil Products/Larry Wallace Race Engines/MasterSbilt Taurus. A total of 68 cars were on hand at the King Family promoted facility as Greg Johnson of Bedford, IN was crowned the 2006 Kentucky Speedweek Points Champion.

Jesse James Lay and Darrell Lanigan would make up the front row for the feature which saw Lanigan take the lead coming off of turn number two on the opening lap with Lay, fifth place starter Bloomquist, Greg Johnson and Steve Hillard in the top five after one lap was scored. By the second go round Bloomquist was quickly into second past Lay and eighth place starter, Dan Schlieper was up four spots to fourth place. By the fourth circuit Lanigan had built a five car length lead over Bloomquist as Schlieper would pass Lay taking over the third spot.

The first caution of the race flew after four laps were complete for a four car accident in turn number two. On the restart Rick Eckert would loose a right rear tire forcing him out of the race. When the race resumed Lanigan would still be in front followed by Bloomquist, Schlieper, Lay and Johnson. Bloomquist would slip underneath Lanigan momentarily coming off of turn number four on lap six to lead the lap. But Lanigan was up to the challenge retaking the point on the lap. Wendell Wallace then started to make his presence known as he raced his way into the top five and eventually by Lay for fourth on lap eight.

The race would go green until the third caution of the race came out on lap 21 for Bill Blair, Jr. At this point Lanigan had built a four car length lead over Bloomquist with Schlieper running a close third followed by Wallace and Lay. On the restart Earl Pearson, Jr. continued his march to the front vaulting into the fifth slot on lap 22. Pearson, who had started 19th, had methodically worked his way to the front by several cars. The fourth caution appeared on lap 27, which would turn out to be the final caution of the event.

With 23 racing laps to go it would set up a dandy ending as Lanigan continued to hold the top spot with Bloomquist, Schlieper, Wallace and Pearson all within striking distance. On this last restart Lanigan was unable to pull away like he did on the previous restarts as a terrific battle was really starting to take shape with five cars in contention for the win. Shane Clanton, who started 14th, was now running side by side with Pearson for the fifth spot as the two would exchange the position several times over the last part of the race.

With 10 laps remaining Bloomquist, Schlieper and Wallace were right there giving Lanigan all he wanted. Bloomquist kept running the top groove of the track and Lanigan would then switch the line he was running which prevented Bloomquist from the pass for the lead. With plenty of racing room at Florence, Lanigan was doing everything he could to keep the lead as Bloomquist would try inside and out to pass him, but Lanigan was doing what he had to do and when the frontrunners took the white flag he was just one car length in front of Bloomquist. As Lanigan entered turn number two suddenly his car drifted up the track and out of the groove and that bobble allowed Bloomquist to go underneath him and take over the lead. Lanigan would then fire one last ditch effort in turn four to retake the lead, but his visions of victory went by the wayside as Bloomquist beat him to the line by one car length for the win. Schlieper would come home a close third with Wallace right on him at the finish. Pearson would outlast the duel with Clanton to take fifth.

"Wow what a finish" said the 42 year old Bloomquist in victory circle as he was joined by sponsors Bob and Barb Miller and the Latham Family. "I don't know what exactly happened to him (Lanigan) on the final lap, it looked like he possibly hit something there on the track and it caused him to drift up, but I just kept my foot in it off of two and brought it home." "It's always a great show here at Florence, the track is always the same when you come here and the fans really enjoy watching the racing here."

Completing the top ten were Clanton, Jerry Rice, Don O'Neal, Jesse James Lay and Greg Johnson.

In preliminary action six-time Florence Speedway track champion Steve Landrum was the Comp Cams fast time award winner with a lap of 17.070 seconds around the half mile oval. The PBM Performance Products Heat Race Winners were: Steve Hillard, Jesse James Lay, Greg Johnson, Scott Bloomquist, Rod Conley and Darrell Lanigan. The Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main went to Earl Pearson, Jr. and the Penske Shocks second B-Main was won by Jack Sullivan. The K&N Engineering "Clean Pass of the Race" went to Scott Bloomquist. The K&N Engineering "Clean Pass of the Race" is awarded at each Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event and can be made during a heat, consy or feature event during the night.

After the conclusion of the Ralph Latham Memorial feature event, Greg Johnson of Bedford, IN was named the 2006 Kentucky Speedweek Champion. The originally scheduled week was to have five events scheduled, but due to rain three events were held with Johnson winning on May 29 at Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway in Calvert City, KY, Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN taking the victory on June 1 at the Richmond (KY) Raceway and Scott Bloomquist winning at Florence. Johnson would outdistance Scott James, Mike Jewell, Tim Tungate and a fifth place tie between Justin Rattliff and Jack Sullivan as Johnson becomes the very first Kentucky Speedweek Champion in the John Hall owned/J&H Construction/Outlaw Graphics/Hall's Angus Farms/Pro Power Engines/Intimidator Pontiac Grand Prix.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will next be in action on Friday and Saturday, June 16 and 17 at the Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, WI with back to back $10,000 to win events. The cameras of SPEED Channel will be on hand to tape Saturday Night's events which will be shown on a date and time to be announced in the future. For more information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can visit their website at www.lucasdirt.com.

Race Summary
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Saturday Night, June 3, 2006
Florence Speedway-Union, KY
Comp Cams Fast Time: Steve Landrum 17.070 seconds
PBM Performance Products First Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Steve Hillard, Mike Marlar, Steve Landrum, Earl Pearson Jr., Josh Williams, Justin Rattliff, Michael England, Garrett Durrett, John Gill, Tim Dohm, John Holt, Jason Jameson
PBM Performance Products Second Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Jesse James Lay, Dan Schlieper, Shane Clanton, Scott James, Chub Frank, Steve Casebolt, Wayne Chinn, Mike McWilliams, Jordan Bland, Doug Horton, Brian Stinson
PBM Performance Products Third Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Greg Johnson, Jerry Rice, Dale McDowell, Bryan Barber, Steve Francis, John Mason, Roger Williams, Audie McWilliams, Adrian Nichols, Rodney Combs, Chris Combs
PBM Performance Products Fourth Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Scott Bloomquist, Wendell Wallace, Rick Corbin, Joey Tackett, Don O'Neal, Corey Conley, Mike Balzano, Barry Doss, Larry Pickelheimer Jr., Glenn Bell, Devin Sebree
PBM Performance Products Fifth Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Rod Conley, Dan Hoard, Rick Eckert, Jack Sullivan, Rick Aukland, Brady Smith, Donnie Moran, Steve Shaver, Jason Smith, Josh McGuire, Bill Williams
PBM Performance Products Sixth Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Darrell Lanigan, Mike Jewell, Robby Hensley, Matt Miller, Ted Nobbe, Tim Tungate, Bill Blair, Jr., Blake Chinn, Anthony Ferguson, Jeff Alsip, Marty Stepp
Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main: (12 Laps-Top 2 Advance): Earl Pearson, Jr., Scott James, Chub Frank, Steve Casebolt, Steve Francis, Josh Williams, Justin Rattliff, Bryan Barber, John Mason, Michael England, Roger Williams, John Gill, Tim Dohm, John Holt, Garrett Durrett, Mike McWilliams, Jordan Bland, Doug Horton, Jason Jameson, Rodney Combs, Adrian Nichols, Chris Combs, Freddy Smith, Audie McWilliams
Penske Shocks Second B-Main (12 Laps-Top 2 Advance): Jack Sullivan, Don O'Neal, Rick Aukland, Matt MIller, Ted Nobbe,, Corey Conley, Tim Tungate, Brady Smith, Donnie Moran, Steve Shaver, Larry Pickelheimer, Jr., Barry Doss, Blake Chinn, Jeff Alsip, Anthony Ferguson, Jason Smith, Devin Sebree, Bill Williams, Glenn Bell, Marty Stepp, Josh McGuire, Joey Tackett, Mike Balzano, Bill Blair, Jr.

20th Annual Ralph Latham Memorial Feature: (50 Laps): Scott Bloomquist, Darrell Lanigan, Dan Schlieper, Wendell Wallace, Earl Pearson, Jr., Shane Clanton, Jerry Rice, Don O'Neal, Jesse James Lay, Greg Johnson, Matt MIller, Scott James, Rod Conley, Steve Hillard, Robby Hensley, Dan Hoard, Donnie Moran, Jack Sullivan, Bill Blair, Jr., Mike Marlar, Steve Landrum, Rick Eckert, Dale McDowell, Mike Jewell, Rick Corbin

Race Statistics
Entries: 68
Caution Flags: 4
Red Flags: 0
Lap Leaders: Darrell Lanigan 1-5, Scott Bloomquist 6, Lanigan 7-49, Bloomquist 50
Allstar Performance Performer of the Race: Earl Pearson, Jr. (started 19th and finished 5th, advanced 14 positions)
K&N Engineering "Clean Pass of the Race”: Scott Bloomquist
Hawk Brake Tough Brake Award: Rick Corbin
Quarter Master Move of the Race: Scott Bloomquist
Weld Wheels Award: Greg Johnson
On the Edge Graphics Fastest Non-Qualifier: Josh Williams
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Donnie Moran and Matt Miller
Track Provisional: Bill Blair, Jr.

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 2006 Championship Point Standings (After June 3)

1. Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-2260
2. Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-2225
3. Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-2080
4. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-1905
5. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-1830
6. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-1675
7. Tim Dohm (Cross Lanes, WV)-1665
8. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-1470
8. Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-1470
10. Rick Eckert (York, PA)-1450

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Set to Invade Florence Speedway on June 3rd

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series makes a visit to the King Family promoted Florence Speedway in Union, KY for the 20th Annual "Ralph Latham Memorial" Race on Saturday Night. June 3rd. The race is a tribute to one of the all-time great drivers out of the Cincinnati, OH area who will be posthumously inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame at Florence on August 12th. There will be a complete show for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series with Comp Cams Time Trials, PBM Performance Products Heat Races, Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-Mains followed by the 50 Lap $10,000 to win "Ralph Latham Memorial" A-main event.

In an absolute barn burner of a race last year Don O'Neal, Earl Pearson, Jr. and Matt Miller were all three contenders for the win with O'Neal passing Pearson with just three laps to go for the victory, his first in this annual event at Florence. This year's edition also will see the crowning of the 2006 Inaugural Kentucky Speedweek Champion at the conclusion of the events at Florence Speedway on Saturday Night, June 3rd. An added attraction will be the cameras of SPEED Channel who will be on hand to tape the "Ralph Latham Memorial" race as it will be shown on a date and time to be announced in the future.

A virtual who's who of dirt late model racing royalty has won this prestigious event including several drivers who have been inducted the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame which is located just yards from the start-finish line at Florence Speedway. Drivers such as Bob Pierce, Jack Boggs, Scott Bloomquist, Billy Moyer and Donnie Moran have won this event. Other talented racers to enter victory lane at Florence in the "Ralph Latham Memorial" include: Bobby Carnes, John Gill, Steve Francis, Bart Hartman, Wendell Wallace, Darrell Lanigan, R.J. Conley, Scott James, Mike Jewell and last year's winner, Don O'Neal. The late Jack Boggs won the event three times in the early 1990's. Billy Moyer and Steve Francis are the only other drivers other than Boggs who have won it more than once as each has recorded two victories.

Heading into the Florence event the 2006 chase for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship takes on a larger significance as Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL leads Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN by a mere 20 points. Donnie Moran of Dresden, OH is third in the standings followed by fellow Buckeye driver, Matt Miller of Waterville, OH and Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN.

Currently residing in the top ten of the points are: Tim Dohm of Cross Lanes, WV, Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN, Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN, Brady Smith of Solon Springs, WI and Rick Eckert of York, PA.

Casebolt leads a strong contingent of "Rookie of the Year" contenders including Brady Smith, Corey Conley of Wellsburg, WV, Michael England of Glasgow, KY and Damon Eller of Crumpler, NC.

In the 14 events so far the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has seen 10 different drivers win events this season and 326 drivers have competed with the series at least once in 2006.

At Florence Speedway on Saturday, June 3rd the pit gates will open at 3:00 pm with the main and back gates opening at 5:00 pm, there will be an autograph session at 5:30 pm with time trials for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series scheduled to start at 7:00 pm. Pit admission for this event will be $35 with general admission grandstand pricing at $25 per person with kids ages 6-11 priced at $3. For more information on Florence Speedway you can visit their website at www.florencespeedway.com or call (859) 485-7591. For the latest news and happenings with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can log on to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.

Next Event
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Saturday Night, June 3, 2006
Florence Speedway-Union, KY
20th Annual "Ralph Latham Memorial" Race
$10,000 to win/$700 to start

Previous Ralph Latham Memorial Race Winners
1987--Bobby Carnes
1988--Bob Pierce
1989--John Gill
1990--Jack Boggs
1991--Scott Bloomquist
1992--Jack Boggs
1993--Jack Boggs
1994--Billy Moyer
1995--Donnie Moran
1996--Billy Moyer
1997--Steve Francis
1998--Bart Hartman
1999--Wendell Wallace
2000--Darrell Lanigan
2001--R.J. Conley
2002--Steve Francis
2003--Scott James
2004--Mike Jewell
2005--Don O'Neal

2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Results to Date (Winners in Parenthesis)
2/6 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Dan Schlieper)
2/7 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Billy Moyer)
2/8 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Dale McDowell)
2/9 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Matt Miller)
2/10 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Steve Francis)
2/12 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Steve Francis)
4/1 Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, IN (Earl Pearson, Jr.)
4/8 Dixie Speedway-Woodstock, GA (Ray Cook)
4/9 Cherokee Super Speedway-Gaffney, SC (Scott Bloomquist)
4/22 The Dirt Track@Lowe's-Concord, NC (Scott Bloomquist)
4/29 Hagerstown Speedway-Hagerstown, MD (Chub Frank)
5/13 Tazewell Speedway-Tazewell, TN (Scott Bloomquist)
5/19 Farley Speedway-Farley, IA (Billy Moyer)
5/20 La Salle Speedway-La Salle, IL (Shannon Babb)

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Set to Invade Florence Speedway on June 3rd

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series makes a visit to the King Family promoted Florence Speedway in Union, KY for the 20th Annual "Ralph Latham Memorial" Race on Saturday Night. June 3rd. The race is a tribute to one of the all-time great drivers out of the Cincinnati, OH area who will be posthumously inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame at Florence on August 12th. There will be a complete show for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series with Comp Cams Time Trials, PBM Performance Products Heat Races, Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-Mains followed by the 50 Lap $10,000 to win "Ralph Latham Memorial" A-main event.

In an absolute barn burner of a race last year Don O'Neal, Earl Pearson, Jr. and Matt Miller were all three contenders for the win with O'Neal passing Pearson with just three laps to go for the victory, his first in this annual event at Florence. This year's edition also will see the crowning of the 2006 Inaugural Kentucky Speedweek Champion at the conclusion of the events at Florence Speedway on Saturday Night, June 3rd. An added attraction will be the cameras of SPEED Channel who will be on hand to tape the "Ralph Latham Memorial" race as it will be shown on a date and time to be announced in the future.

A virtual who's who of dirt late model racing royalty has won this prestigious event including several drivers who have been inducted the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame which is located just yards from the start-finish line at Florence Speedway. Drivers such as Bob Pierce, Jack Boggs, Scott Bloomquist, Billy Moyer and Donnie Moran have won this event. Other talented racers to enter victory lane at Florence in the "Ralph Latham Memorial" include: Bobby Carnes, John Gill, Steve Francis, Bart Hartman, Wendell Wallace, Darrell Lanigan, R.J. Conley, Scott James, Mike Jewell and last year's winner, Don O'Neal. The late Jack Boggs won the event three times in the early 1990's. Billy Moyer and Steve Francis are the only other drivers other than Boggs who have won it more than once as each has recorded two victories.

Heading into the Florence event the 2006 chase for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship takes on a larger significance as Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL leads Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN by a mere 20 points. Donnie Moran of Dresden, OH is third in the standings followed by fellow Buckeye driver, Matt Miller of Waterville, OH and Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN.

Currently residing in the top ten of the points are: Tim Dohm of Cross Lanes, WV, Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN, Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN, Brady Smith of Solon Springs, WI and Rick Eckert of York, PA.

Casebolt leads a strong contingent of "Rookie of the Year" contenders including Brady Smith, Corey Conley of Wellsburg, WV, Michael England of Glasgow, KY and Damon Eller of Crumpler, NC.

In the 14 events so far the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has seen 10 different drivers win events this season and 326 drivers have competed with the series at least once in 2006.

At Florence Speedway on Saturday, June 3rd the pit gates will open at 3:00 pm with the main and back gates opening at 5:00 pm, there will be an autograph session at 5:30 pm with time trials for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series scheduled to start at 7:00 pm. Pit admission for this event will be $35 with general admission grandstand pricing at $25 per person with kids ages 6-11 priced at $3. For more information on Florence Speedway you can visit their website at www.florencespeedway.com or call (859) 485-7591. For the latest news and happenings with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can log on to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.

Next Event
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Saturday Night, June 3, 2006
Florence Speedway-Union, KY
20th Annual "Ralph Latham Memorial" Race
$10,000 to win/$700 to start

Shannon Babb Takes Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Thriller at La Salle

La Salle, IL--Before a capacity crowd at La Salle Speedway Shannon Babb came out the winner of an exciting four way battle for the lead on Saturday Night taking his first Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series A-main event win of 2006 becoming the 10th different winner this season. The 33 year old Moweaqua, IL driver earned $10,000 for his win in the annual "Spring Shootout" event held at La Salle. Babb drove the Arkansas Motors/Car City/Petroff Towing/J&J Steel/Watters Auto Land/Performance Rod and Custom/Hoosier Tires/Wicks Racing Supply/Platinum Motors and RV's/G&C Enterprises/Allstar Performance/Karl Chevrolet/Outlaw Factory Pilot/RaceTek Race Engines sponsored C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo to the winner's circle after fending off Billy Drake, Chub Frank and Earl Pearson, Jr. Drake of Bloomington, IL finished second in the Steve Drake/Steidinger Construction/Bob Pierce GTO with 16th starting Chub Frank of Bear Lake, PA in the Lester Buildings/Custom Engines/Rocket Monte Carlo taking third. Pearson of Jacksonville, FL finished fourth in the Lucas Oil Products/Dunn-Benson Ford/MasterSbilt Ford Taurus with 20th starting Steve Francis of Ashland, KY grabbing fifth in the Moring Motorsports/MOPAR/Rocket Dodge Charger. A total of 50 cars were on hand for the third ever visit to the Izzo family promoted facility.

The 50 lap main event would get underway with Babb taking the lead from his pole starting spot. Earl Pearson, Jr. who started alongside Babb on the front row would go to second with Billy Drake and Brian Birkhofer trailing. Pearson would encounter issues with a tire barrier on the inside of the race track on the second lap and he would loose several positions in the running order. Drake would lead a line of drivers around Pearson, who scooted through the infield and got back in the mix on the main straightaway. With Babb showing the way Drake, Birkhofer, Freddy Smith and Tony Izzo, Jr. would be the top five as the field completed lap five.

By the 11th lap Babb would start to pick up the back of the field as he would see heavy traffic right in front of him as the drivers were clicking off laps at a lightning pace. Just as Drake and Birkhofer closed on Babb in traffic, Darren Miller would bring out the caution flag on lap 13. On the restart with Babb on the point as Drake and Birkhofer lined up side by side behind him on the Delaware double file restart. Birkhofer would zip past Drake to take over second on lap 14. A lap later Birkhofer would use the top groove to fly by Babb and take over the lead. Birkhofer would lead until the 19th circuit when Babb moved his Rayburn mount to the outside of Birkhofer off turn two.

Meanwhile Pearson, the defending Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series champion, had started his rally back forward as he moved by Izzo and Smith to take fourth place while setting his sights on the three drivers in front of him. With Babb now back in front, Birkhofer and Drake would set a showdown for second going side by side for five consecutive laps around the track with Drake clearing Birkhofer for second on lap 24. At the halfway mark the top four were a closely knit group as Babb, Drake, Birkhofer and now Pearson were putting on a show keeping the capacity crowd on the edge of their seats. The second caution would come out for Freddy Smith, who's strong fifth place run would come to a halt with a flat right front tire on lap 30. With Smith relegated to the tail after the tire change, Kevin Weaver became the new fifth place car.

With a clear track in front of him on the restart, Babb would get the jump on the field when the green came out but the third caution of the race would quickly wave for Scott James on lap 31. When the green flag reappeared on the restart Babb would again gain the advantage heading into turn number one, but with multiple racing grooves on the finely prepared surface, Drake would charge underneath Babb coming off of turn two as the duo went side by side. They would run wheel to wheel for the lead while Birkhofer and Pearson were doing the exact same thing for third and fourth. While Drake would never officially lead a lap at the scoring line a couple of times it was almost a too close to call scenario between the two.

Pearson would gain the third spot past Birkhofer on lap 36 while the torrid battle continued for the lead. Babb who was using the high line changed his racing groove and went to the bottom to protect his lead in front of Drake. Steve Francis, who had started 20th was making a late race charge as he would enter the top five on lap 37 and began to hunt down the leaders. Another car flying through the field was 16th starter, Chub Frank. Frank was using the top side and that would enable him to pick off several cars as he would take Francis on the outside on lap 41 for fourth. The fourth and final caution of the race would come out for James after 41 laps were scored.

This would set up a nine lap showdown for the win. Babb would get a good start firing into turn number one with Drake, Pearson, Frank and Francis hot on his heels. Drake remained all over Babb in the race for the lead with Pearson now trying to hold off the high flying Frank for third. Babb would get to a three car length lead over Drake and with that breathing room that would be good enough to take his car across the finish line first in an exciting race. Drake would finish second with Frank getting by Pearson at the start-finish line to grab fourth. Francis would finish fifth.

In the post race interview, Babb was just happy to get back into the winner's circle. "I don't think we had the fastest car out there tonight, it was all about where we started, Billy (Drake) and Brian (Birkhofer) were both real good tonight." "We just had to battle and battle with those guys and I'm sure it was great show for the fans," said Babb. "The track prep crew here are some of the best in the business, the race track was a lot better than when we hot lapped and they just stayed at it and got it right after they worked on it and you could run anywhere out there in the feature."

Completing the top ten drivers were Don O'Neal, Darren Miller, Brian Birkhofer, Kevin Weaver and Tony Izzo, Jr.

In preliminary action, Ryan Dauber would capture the Comp Cams Fast Time Award with a lap of 12.645 seconds among the 50 entrants. The PBM Performance Products Heat Race Winners were Earl Pearson, Jr., Brian Birkhofer, Tim Dohm, Tony Izzo, Jr., Billy Drake and Shannon Babb. The Mason Racin' rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main went to Tim Hamburg and the Penske Shocks Second B-Main was won by Steve Francis.

The K&N Engineering "Clean Pass of the Race" Award went to Chub Frank who thrilled the large crowd with his daring moves on the top side of the race track during the feature event in moving from 16th to third at the finish line, just barely beating out Earl Pearson, Jr.

The series will take the Memorial Day Weekend off and resume action on Saturday Night, June 3 with a visit to the King Family promoted Florence Speedway in Union, KY for the 20th Annual "Ralph Latham Memorial" paying $10,000 to win. The cameras of SPEED will be on hand to tape the event.

Race Summary
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
La Salle Speedway-La Salle, IL
Saturday Night, May 20, 2006

Comp Cams Fast Time: Ryan Dauber 12.645 seconds
PBM Performance Products First Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Earl Pearson, Jr., Scott James, Ryan Dauber, Jeep VanWormer, Denny Eckrich, John Provenzano, Brian Shirley, Eric Dauber, John Clemmons
PBM Performance Products Second Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Brian Birkhofer, Freddy Smith, Matt Miller, Tim Hamburg, Corey Conley, Mike Mataragas, Bart Schwartz, Dennis Erb, Jr., DNS-Jason Jaggers
PBM Performance Products Third Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Tim Dohm, Damon Eller, Jimmy Mars, Kerry Hansen, Michael Glynn, Steve Casebolt, Jim Mineo
PBM Performance Products Fourth Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Tony Izzo, Jr., Kevin Weaver, Chub Frank, Steve Francis, Rick Eckert, Ronny Lee Hollingsworth, Bill Weistart, Brian Claudnic
PBM Performance Products Fifth Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Billy Drake, Brady Smith, Don O'Neal, Dan Schlieper, Donnie Moran, John Mason, Frank Heckenast, Jr., Scott Schmitt
PBM Performance Products Sixth Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Shannon Babb, Darren Miller, Billy Moyer, Jason Feger, Dave Eckrich, Michael England, Bill Clemmons
Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main: (12 Laps-Top 2 Advance): Tim Hamburg, Jeep VanWormer, Kerry Hansen, Corey Conley, Dennis Erb, Jr., John Provenzano, Mike Mataragas, Brian Shirley, Eric Dauber, Jim Mineo, Bart Schwartz, Michael Glynn, John Clemmons, Steve Casebolt, Denny Eckrich
Penske Shocks Second B-Main: (12 Laps-Top 2 Advance): Steve Francis, Dan Schlieper, Rick Eckert, Jason Feger, Donnie Moran, John Mason, Ronny Lee Hollingsworth, Frank Heckenast, Jr., Dave Eckrich, Michael England, Brian Claudnic, Mike Provenzano, Scott Schmitt, Bill Clemmons, Bill Weistart
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Spring Shootout" Feature: (50 Laps): Shannon Babb, Billy Drake, Chub Frank, Earl Pearson, Jr., Steve Francis, Don O'Neal, Darren Miller, Brian Birkhofer, Kevin Weaver, Tony Izzo, Jr., Dan Schlieper, Freddy Smith, Donnie Moran, Steve Casebolt, Tim Dohm, Jeep VanWormer, Brady Smith, Damon Eller, Scott James, Ryan Dauber, Tim Hamburg, Matt Miller, Billy Moyer, Jimmy Mars

Race Statistics
Entries: 50
Yellow Flags: 4
Red Flags: 0
Lap Leaders: Shannon Babb 1-14, Brian Birkhofer 15-18, Babb 19-50
Allstar Performance Performer of the Race: Steve Francis (Started 20th and finished 5th, advanced 15 positions)
K&N Engineering Clean Pass of the Race: Chub Frank
Hawk Break Tough Brake Award: Freddy Smith
Quarter Master Move of the Race: Brian Birkhofer
Weld Wheels Award: Donnie Moran
On the Edge Graphics Fastest Non-Qualifier: Jason Feger
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Race: Steve Casebolt
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Donnie Moran and Steve Casebolt

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings (After May 20)
1. Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-2055
2. Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-2035
3. Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-1935
4. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-1730
5. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-1660

Billy Moyer Best in Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Event at Farley

FARLEY, IA—Billy Moyer of Batesville, AR took the lead on lap 16 from Dan Schlieper and then went on to lead the rest of the 50 lap Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event on Friday Night at the Farley Speedway earning $10,000 for his triumph. Moyer had to hold off Schlieper and Rick Eckert after a yellow flag with 11 laps to go for the victory. Moyer’s second Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win of the year came aboard his J&J Steel/Car City/Banner Valley Hauling/Petroff Towing/Karl Chevrolet/Watters Auto Land/Rd Line Oil/Chase Race Decals/Platinum Motors and Rv’s/McCarthy Heating and Air/Pro Power Engines/C.J. Rayburn GTO. Schlieper of Sullivan, WI finished second in his Miller Brothers Coal/Pro Power Engines/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo with Eckert of York, PA coming home third in the Raye Vest Excavating/Cornett Engines/Rocket Ford Fusion. Completing the top five was 13th starting Denny Eckrich of Tiffin, IA in the Precision Performance/Grove Automotive/Barry Wright Grand Prix and pole sitter Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN in the Powell Motorsports/Baylor Trucking/Jay Dickens Race Engines/Rocket GTO. There were a total of 53 cars on hand for the series’ second ever visit to the Simmons Promotions Inc. promoted facility.

The 50 lap A-main event would go green with Scott James and Moyer leading the way, but a first lap caution for a spin in turn two negated the start. On the second attempt to get the race underway Schlieper quickly make his presence known as he bolted into the lead ahead of Moyer, James, Kerry Hansen and Rick Eckert. Schlieper would start to stretch his lead over the strong field of participants as he went to a four car length lead by lap five. Eckert would race past Hansen for fourth on lap nine and then start to pressure James for the third position.

Steve Francis, who started eighth, was on the move up to fourth by Hansen on the 10th circuit. Moyer then began to pick up the pace and tracked down Schlieper as the race for lead began to heat up. With 15 laps in the books Schlieper was showing way, but by only one car length over Moyer with James running third and Eckert and Francis trailing. On the 16th lap Moyer would make the pass on Schlieper to take over the top spot. Moyer then proceeded to open a six car length advantage over Schlieper as Eckert would go by James to take over the third spot.

Moyer’s lead at the halfway mark was 10 lengths over Schlieper and Eckert who were battling it out for the second spot. Moyer would then start to encounter heavy lapped traffic after Schlieper had sliced his lead down to five car lengths. Schlieper closed right in on Moyer and got within one car length of Moyer. Meanwhile Eckert was also in the hunt now as he closed on the two frontrunners. A tight three car race for the lead was going on but Moyer started to control the tempo of the race again and pulled to a three car length advantage by lap 34.

With 15 laps to go Moyer was showing the way followed by Schlieper, Eckert, James and Denny Eckrich, who was on the move from his 13th starting spot. The yellow flag would come out for Brady Smith’s flat tire on lap 39. On the restart a three car entanglement occurred in turn one slowing the field for the final time. With 11 laps remaining Moyer would have Schlieper and Eckert lined up behind him in single file formation. On the restart Moyer would quickly open up a three car length lead pulling away from Schlieper who continued to hold off Eckert for second. Also on the restart Eckrich passed James for fourth.

Moyer’s drive to the finish was uninterrupted as he crossed the line first to earn his second career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win. Schlieper finished second followed by Eckert, Eckrich and James.

In victory lane at Farley, Moyer who is a native of Iowa was cheered on in commenting about how nice it was to come back to his home state and win. “It always feels good to come back and run as well as we did tonight, it took us a little bit of time to get to Dan, but the car handled real well for most of the race and once we got the lead I felt real comfortable about things.” As far as the last restart knowing Schlieper was right behind him on the restart Moyer commented, “The car fired real well on the restart and I just wanted to make sure to hit turn one good and not push in two and we made it through that first lap there on that restart and we just tried to drive consistent all the way to the finish line.”

Completing the top ten were Steve Francis, Earl Pearson, Jr., Don O’Neal, Chub Frank and Darren Miller.

In preliminary action Denny Eckrich was the Comp Cams fast time award winner with a lap of 18.909 seconds around the half mile oval. The PBM Performance Products Heat Race Winners were Scott James, Dennis Erb, Jr., Dan Schlieper, Kerry Hansen, Rick Eckert and Billy Moyer. The Mason Racin’ Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main went to Jimmy Mars and the Penske Shocks Second B-Main was won by Andy Eckrich. The K&N Engineering “Clean Pass of the Race” went to Shannon Babb for his performance in the second B-Main as he came from the 10th starting spot to finish second earning the final transfer spot into the evening’s A-Main.

Race Summary
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Farley Speedway-Farley, IA
Friday Night, May 19, 2006
Comp Cams Fast Time: Denny Eckrich 18.909
PBM Performance Products First Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Scott James, Chub Frank, Denny Eckrich, Jimmy Mars, Jay Johnson, Damon Eller, Steve Ihm, Johnny Spaw, Steve Johnson
PBM Performance Products Second Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Dennis Erb, Jr., Steve Francis, Darren Miller, Freddy Smith, John Mason, Mike Fryer, Billy Tuckwell, Matt Furman, Tim Dohm
PBM Performance Products Third Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Dan Schlieper, Brian Birkhofer, Matt Miller, Brady Smith, Mike Mataragas, Ron Baker, Scott Lemke, Jeff Larson, Curt Martin
PBM Performance Products Fourth Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Kerry Hansen, Brian Harris, Ronny Lee Hollingsworth, Corey Conley, John VanDenBerg, Jeff Tharp, Shannon Babb, Jeff Hayunga, Steve Casebolt
PBM Performance Products Fifth Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Rick Eckert, Don O’Neal, Dave Eckrich, Andy Eckrich, Craig Jacobs, Michael England, Johnny Johnson, Jill George, Chris Simpson
PBM Performance Products Sixth Heat: (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Billy Moyer, Earl Pearson, Jr., Donnie Moran, Steve Boley, Chad Simpson, Jason Rauen, Jon Rogers, Bobby Moyer
Mason Racin’ Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main: (12 laps-Top 2 Advance): Jimmy Mars, Brady Smith, Damon Eller, Scott Lemke, Curt Martin, Jay Johnson, Mike Mataragas, Steve Johnson, John Mason, Tim Dohm, Jeff Larson, Johnny Spaw, Steve Ihm, Freddy Smith, Ron Barker, Mike Fryer
Penske Shocks Second B-Main: (12 Laps-Top 2 Advance): Andy Eckrich, Shannon Babb, Steve Boley, Corey Conley, Chad Simpson, Michael England, Jon Rogers, Johnny Johnson, Jason Rauen, Craig Jacobs, Jill George, Jeff Tharp, John VanDenBerg, Steve Casebolt

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series A-Main: (50 Laps): Billy Moyer, Dan Schlieper, Rick Eckert, Denny Eckrich, Scott James, Steve Francis, Earl Pearson, Jr., Don O’Neal, Chub Frank, Darren Miller, Dave Eckrich, Donnie Moran, Matt Miller, Jimmy Mars, Steve Casebolt, Kerry Hansen, Brady Smith, Tim Dohm, Andy Eckrich, Dennis Erb, Jr., Brian Harris, Brian Birkhofer, Ronny Lee Hollingsworth, Shannon Babb

Race Statistics
Entries: 53
Yellow Flags: 3
Lap Leaders: Dan Schlieper 1-15, Billy Moyer 16-50
Allstar Performance Performer of the Race: Denny Eckrich (started 13th and finished fourth) advanced 9 positions
K&N Engineering Clean Pass of the Race: Shannon Babb
Hawk Brake Tough Break Award: Brian Birkhofer
Quarter Master Move of the Race: Billy Moyer
Weld Wheels Award: Steve Casebolt
On the Edge Graphics Fastest Non-Qualifier: Mike Mataragas
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year: Steve Casebolt
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Tim Dohm and Steve Casebolt

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Visits Farley and La Salle May 19th and 20th

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series gets back into action this Friday and Saturday, May 19th and 20th as over $90,000 in total prize money up for grabs with shows at Farley Speedway in Farley, IA on Friday Night May 19th and La Salle Speedway in La Salle, IL on Saturday Night May 20th. There will be a complete show both nights for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series with Comp Cams Time Trials, PBM Performance Products Heat Races, Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-Mains with a $10,000 to win A-main event to be contested each night.

It will be the second visit to the Simmons Promotions, Inc. promoted Farley Speedway. In the series' inaugural visit in 2005, Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN, the 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" captured the win in an exciting race at the "Palace of Speed" that was captured by the cameras of ESPN2.

On Saturday Night the series visits at the La Salle Speedway for the third time in the last two years. La Salle Speedway saw two exciting events in '05 with Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, WI and Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, IA taking the wins with Mars' charge to the front airing on ESPN2. It will be the first of two Izzo Family promoted visits to La Salle in '06 for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series as the "Spring Shootout" on Saturday Night will be followed up by the "Illinois Valley Challenge" on Saturday Night, July 29th.

A very close points race takes the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series to the track this upcoming weekend with defending Series Champion, Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL holding a mere five point advantage over last year's series runner-up, Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN. Donnie Moran of Dresden, OH is currently third in points just 50 points behind Pearson. Matt Miller of Waterville, OH continues to right the ship on his early season as he now is up to fourth in points followed by last year's Farley winner, Scott James.

Last year's Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" runner-up, Tim Dohm of Cross Lanes, WV is sixth in points followed by the current "Rookie of the Year" top contender, Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN who has recorded two top five finishes in a row in series competition. Doug Horton of Bruceton Mills, WV, Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN and Brady Smith of Solon Springs, WI round out the top ten drivers after the event at Tazewell last Saturday Night.

Casebolt leads a strong rookie class competing for the year end $10,000 top prize that goes to the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "top rookie" of 2006. Brady Smith is second in the rookie chase followed by Michael England of Glasgow, KY, Corey Conley of Wellsburg, WV, Damon Eller of Crumpler, NC and Steve Hillard of Sadorus, IL.

So far in 12 events this season on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN has won three events with Steve Francis of Ashland, KY winning twice. Other drivers who have entered victory lane in series competition in 2006 include: Dan Schlieper of Sullivan, WI, Billy Moyer of Batesville, AR, Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, GA, Matt Miller, Earl Pearson, Jr., Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC and Chub Frank of Bear Lake, PA.

Simmons Promotions, Inc. has announced that advance tickets are now on sale through Thursday, May 18th for the visit to Farley Speedway this Friday Night. Tickets can be purchased at the track before Friday to receive the special discounted price. Tickets in advance are $20 for adults with seniors and students priced at $18 per ticket. Tickets at the gate on Friday Night will be $25 for adults and $20 for seniors and students. For more information you can call (563) 744-3620. Farley Speedway is a 1/2 mile dirt track and is located on Old Farley Road. Take U.S. 20 to exit 300, then south to Frontage Road, then west 0.8 mile on Old Farley Road. For more information via the internet regarding Farley Speedway you can log on to www.simmonspromotionsinc.com.

La Salle Speedway is a 1/4 mile high banked dirt oval and is located on U.S. 6 in La Salle, IL. The track is located south of I-80. Take exit 57 off of I-39, then go a mile and a half east on U.S. 6. For more information on the "Spring Shootout" this Saturday Night at La Salle you can call (815) 223-6900 or (815) 223-6939 or visit their website address at www.lasallespeedway.com. 

For more information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can check the latest news at www.lucasdirt.com or contact the series office at (951) 532-2503.

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Points Standingsafter May 13, 2006

Pos Car # Name Points
1 1 Earl Pearson, Jr. 1650
2 71 Don O'Neal 1645
3 99 Donnie Moran 1600
4 7 Matt Miller 1440
5 83 Scott James 1320
6 6t Tim Dohm 1295
7 c9 Steve Casebolt 1245
8 46 Doug Horton 1155
9 00 Freddy Smith 1150
10 2 Brady Smith 1080
11 28E Dennis Erb, Jr. 1075
12 5E Michael England 1015
13 14c Corey Conley 985
13 24 Rick Eckert 985
15 53 Ray Cook 975
16 15 Steve Francis 840
17 32d Darren Miller 830
18 0 Scott Bloomquist 760
18 I 4 Damon Eller 760
20 18 Shannon Babb 695

Scott Bloomquist Sails to Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Win at Tazewell

TAZEWELL, TN--Making his first appearance at Tazewell Speedway in two years, Scott Bloomquist took the lead on lap 12 from Steve Casebolt and went on to lead the rest of the way in capturing his fifth career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win Saturday night pocketing the $10,000 to win Lincoln Mercury of Knoxville 75 before a standing room only crowd. The 42 year old National Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer whose race shop in less than an hour away in Mooresburg, TN drove his Miller Brothers Coal/Hawkeye Trucking/Sweet's Mfg/Ohlins/Hoosier Racing Tires/Allstar Performance/Vic Hill Racing Engines powered Bloomquist Race Cars #0 to the winners circle ahead of runner-up Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN in the Randall Eller/Independence Lumber/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo and Steve Smith of Powell, TN piloting the Mathis Farms/Bonanza Produce/C.J. Rayburn Grand Prix. Completing the top five were Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN driving the Casebolt Racing/Dargie Race Engines/Rocket Ford Taurus and Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN in the Harrod Racing/Red Line Oil/C.J. Rayburn Grand Prix.

The four heat race winners redrew for the first two rows of the 75 lap main event and Casebolt and Bloomquist would be the front row starters. With the race starting under a few light rain drops the excitement level was the usual Tazewell Speedway experience as the race started with Casebolt beating Bloomquist into turn one and grabbing the lead. The furious first two laps would be slowed however for a caution for debris on the race track. With two laps in the books Casebolt was showing the way followed by Bloomquist, Don O'Neal, John Gill and Earl Pearson, Jr. On the restart Casebolt again would keep his lead over Bloomquist as Bloomquist was all over him in the race for the lead. The top five running order would remain the same for 11 circuits until Bloomquist would make the move to get past Casebolt coming off of turn four at the flag stand on lap 12 to take the lead.

Bloomquist then would start to distance himself from Casebolt and third place running, O'Neal. By lap 15, traffic started to enter the picture as both Casebolt and O'Neal would cut down Bloomquist's five car length advantage. The second caution for a slowing Brett Miller of lap 18 would bunch the field up leaving Bloomquist now with a clear race track in front of him on the restart. On the restart Bloomquist would continue to flex his muscles pulling away from a hotly contested race for second between Casebolt and O'Neal. On lap 19 O'Neal would take second from Casebolt with fellow Hoosier State driver John Gill hot on their heels. Bloomquist's lead would again go to five car lengths of the field and by lap 26 he again would catch up to the back of the field and start to encounter lapped traffic.

With 30 laps complete Bloomquist was leading with O'Neal, Casebolt, Gill and Billy Ogle, Jr. in the top five trying to chase him down. By lap 31 Bloomquist's lead was cut to two lengths as O'Neal had tracked him down in traffic and was making a run at him for the top spot. The third caution of the race came out on lap 32 when the fifth and sixth place cars of Ogle and Ricky Arms got together on the front stretch causing damage to both race cars. Both drivers were okay, but after both had made strong runs their nights would end prematurely as they would be out of the race. On the restart Bloomquist would have O'Neal and Casebolt side by side behind him as he again sprinted out to a lead that would go to eight car lengths by lap 38. The Indiana trio of O'Neal, Casebolt and Gill would now be joined by Tennessee veteran, Steve Smith would had moved into the top five after Ogle and Arms left the race.

Again traffic would start to play role in the race for the lead as by lap 42 Bloomquist had caught up to the rear of the field. O'Neal would close to within one car length of Bloomquist in heavy traffic by lap 54 as the race was in the midst of what would be a long stretch of 40 consecutive green flag laps of racing. A car on the move was Donnie Moran. Moran, who started 22nd reached the top five by lap 55 after Gill had slipped back a couple of spots allowing Smith and Moran to move up a spot in the running order. With O'Neal now all over Bloomquist for the lead Bloomquist was careful in navigating traffic as the he would put two lapped cars between himself and O'Neal with some nifty moves. O'Neal would get bogged down in traffic and that allowed Bloomquist to further extend his lead. Smith on lap 65 would pass Casebolt for fourth as Pearson was back in the top five getting back around Moran two laps prior.

With five laps to go Bloomquist was continuing to get closer to the checkered flag with O’Neal second followed by Smith, Casebolt and Pearson. Just as 72 laps were completed a wreck in turn one involving Tim Dohm, Pearson, Gill and Bryan Hendrix would set up a three lap dash to the finish line. As the cars were taking the green flag for the restart Moran pulled to the top of the race track with a bent spindle putting him out of the race after charging up 17 positions. The rain started to pick up more as the green would come back out and with the cars turning 12 seconds laps it did not take long to bring this race to a conclusion as Bloomquist would drive away from O'Neal to pick up the victory. Smith would cross the line in third followed by Casebolt and 10th place starter, Jimmy Owens. Completing the top ten were Matt Miller, Ray Cook, David Payne, Scott James and Pearson.

"It feels good to get back here to Tazewell and pick up the win" said Bloomquist afterwards. "We hadn't run here in a while and the car was really superb tonight from the moment we unloaded it. I want to thank Bob and Barb Miller, Randy Sweet and all the crew on the race team, it's good to come here so close to home and run so good. I want to thank the fans for coming out tonight, it looked like a huge crowd up there and I'm glad they were all here tonight."

In preliminary action Don O'Neal was the Comp Cams fast timer with a lap of 12.059 seconds. The PBM Performance Products Heat Race Winners were Steve Casebolt, Scott Bloomquist, John Gill and Earl Pearson, Jr. The Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main went to Mike Marlar and the Penske Shocks Second B-Main was won by Brian Smith. The K&N Engineering Clean Pass of the Race which is awarded to a driver who makes the pass of the night went to Jimmy Owens who passed two cars on the final lap of his heat race to earn a transfer spot into the A-Main.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series gets right back to business this coming Friday Night, May 19 with a visit to the Farley Speedway in Farley, IA and a Saturday Night, May 20 event at La Salle Speedway in La Salle, IL. Both events will pay $10,000 to win and $700 to start. For more information you can visit www.lucasdirt.com.

Race Summary
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Saturday Night, May 13, 2006
Tazewell Speedway
Tazewell, TN
Comp Cams Fast Time: Don O'Neal 12.059 seconds
PBM Performance Products First Heat: (10 Laps-Top 4 Transfer): Steve Casebolt, Don O'Neal, Vic Hill, Ray Cook, Mike Marlar, Anthony White, Freddy Smith, Bryan Hendrix
PBM Performance Products Second Heat: (10 Laps-Top 4 Transfer): Scott Bloomquist, Ricky Arms, Jimmy Owens, Brett Miller, Randy Weaver, Tim Dohm, Michael England, Scott Gardner, Troy Eads
PBM Performance Products Third Heat: (10 Laps-Top 4 Transfer): John Gill, Steve Smith, Matt Miller, David Payne, Brady Smith, Donnie Moran, Corey Conley, Jeff Wolfenbarger
PBM Performance Products Fourth Heat: (10 Laps-Top 4 Transfer): Earl Pearson, Jr., Billy Ogle, Jr., Scott James, Rick Rogers, Brian Smith, Stephen Rogers, Eric Wells, Jason Trammell
Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First Main: (12 Laps-Top 3 Transfer): Mike Marlar, Anthony White, Freddy Smith, Randy Weaver, Tim Dohm, Bryan Hendrix, Scott Gardner, Troy Eads, Michael England
Penske Shocks Second B-Main: (12 Laps-Top3 Transfer): Brian Smith, Brady Smith, Donnie Moran, Corey Conley, Stephen Rogers, Eric Wells, Jeff Wolfenbarger, Jason Trammell
Lincoln Mercury of Knoxville 75 Lap A-Main: Scott Bloomquist, Don O'Neal, Steve Smith, Steve Casebolt, Jimmy Owens, Matt Miller, Ray Cook, David Payne, Scott James, Earl Pearson, Jr., Anthony White, Brady Smith, Vic Hill, Freddy Smith, Donnie Moran, John Gill, Tim Dohm, Bryan Hendrix, Brian Smith, Billy Ogle, Jr., Ricky Arms, Rick Rogers, Brett Miller, Mike Marlar, Michael England

Race Statistics
Entries: 34
Yellow Flags: 4
Lap Leaders: Steve Casebolt 1-11, Scott Bloomquist 12-75
Allstar Performance Performer of the Race: David Payne (started 15th and finished 8th) advanced 7 positions
K&N Engineering Clean Pass of the Race: Jimmy Owens
Hawk Brake Tough Brake Award: Earl Pearson, Jr.
Quarter Master Move of the Race: Steve Smith
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Race: Steve Casebolt
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Tim Dohm and Michael England
Track Provisional: Bryan Hendrix

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings (After May 13)
1. Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-1650
2. Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-1645
3. Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-1600
4. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-1440
5. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-1320
6. Tim Dohm (Cross Lanes, WV)-1295
7. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-1245
8. Doug Horton (Bruceton Mills, WV)-1155
9. Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-1150
10. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-1080
11. Dennis Erb, Jr. (Carpentersville, IL)-1075
12. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-1015
13. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-985
13. Rick Eckert (York, PA)-985
15. Ray Cook (Brasstown, NC)-975

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" Points Standings (After May 13)
1. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-1245
2. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-1080
3. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-1015
4. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-985
5. Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-760
6. Steve Hillard (Sadorus, IL)-605

Inaugural Kentucky Speedweek Less Than One Month Away

LEXINGTON, KY - The excitement is building as the first ever Kentucky Speedweek is now less than one month away. The O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will sanction the events which are being held the week of May 29th to June 3rd.

The highly-anticipated Kentucky Speedweek will kickoff on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29th, as the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts makes their first ever visit to the Sherri Heckenast-promoted Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway. The Calvert City, KY track is a 3/8-mile high-banked clay oval and is the home of several prestigious events such as The Early Bird Classic and The Commonwealth Cup. Kentucky Lake's wide racing surface and state-of-the-art facilities are sure to be the perfect combination to host this historic event.

On Tuesday, May 30th, the nation's most competitive regional racing series will start making its way back east with a stop at Bardstown, KY's Bluegrass Speedway. On tap at the Charles Hamilton-owned, David & Anita Ferrell-promoted track will be the 9th Annual Spring Sizzler. Past winners of this event include Mike Hawley, Terry English, Rick Corbin, Don O'Neal, and Shannon Babb. Bluegrass Speedway first opened in 1995 and has hosted the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series every year since the series was founded in 2002. Over that time span, Mike Jewell, Darrell Lanigan, and Don O'Neal each have two Series wins at the 1/2-mile speedplant.

After taking Wednesday night off, the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts will venture to the action track known as Richmond Raceway on Thursday, June 1st. Never short on excitement, Richmond Raceway is a 3/10 semi-banked oval that is home to the Butterball Wooldridge Memorial among other special events. Owned by James Stinnett and Bobby Reed, the track is now promoted by Shayne Puckett and Brandon Witt. Another track that has hosted the BoB Series every year since its inauguration, 2003 BoB Champion Mike Marlar leads the pack in Series wins at Richmond with three, followed by Mike Hawley, 2005 Series Co-Champion Mike Jewell, and Greg Johnson with two each.

The fourth leg of the inaugural Kentucky Speedweek will be a $5000 to win show on Friday, June 2nd as the Series slips over to Ponderosa Speedway for the first ever running of the Ponderosa 50. "The Pond" is a 3/8-mile high-banked clay oval promoted by 2005 O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Promoter of the Year Larry Yantz. The home of races such as the Junebug Rowland Memorial and the Annual Fall Classic, the track is a favorite among fans and drivers alike. Johnny Wheeler leads all drivers with three Series wins at the Junction City, KY facility.

The inaugural Kentucky Speedweek comes to a close on Saturday, June 3rd at the King Family's Florence Speedway with the $10,000 to win 20th Annual Ralph Latham Memorial which will be sanctioned by the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. The Ralph Latham Memorial always draws a stellar field of cars to the 1/2-mile high-banked clay oval and this year's event is expected to be no different. Past winners of the race include Don O'Neal, Mike Jewell, Scott James, Steve Francis, Donnie Moran, Billy Moyer, Bart Hartman, Darrell Lanigan, Jack Boggs, and Scott Bloomquist among several others. O'Neal won last year's event in thrilling fashion, passing Earl Pearson Jr. with just three laps to go.

Additional information will be release soon. For more information on the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts, please log on to www.battleofthebluegrass.com or call the series office at (859) 433-5707.

For more information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, please log on to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.

2006 Kentucky Speedweek Schedule
Monday, May 29 – KY Lake Motor Speedway - $3000 to win/O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass
Tuesday, May 30 – Bluegrass Speedway - $3000 to win/O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass
Wednesday, May 31 – Off
Thursday, June 1 – Richmond Raceway - $3000 to win/O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass
Friday, June 2 – Ponderosa Speedway - $5000 to win/O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass
Saturday, June 3rd - Florence Speedway - $10,000 to win/Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

Current O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Points
1. 9 Mike Jewell (Scottsburg, IN) - 975
2. 10 Bryan Barber (Buffalo, KY) - 930
3. 18 Tim Tungate (Campbellsville, KY) - 895
4. 47 Chris Combs (Isom, KY) - 880
5. 41 Brad Neat (Dunnville, KY) - 820
6. 16 Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY) - 790
7. 11 Bobby Wolter Jr. (Lexington, KY) - 760
8. 83 Scott James (Greendale, IN) - 730
9. 33 Aaron Hatton (Mt. Sterling, KY) - 670
10. 17 Shannon Thornsberry (Martin, KY) - 560

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Points
1. 1 Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL) - 1470
2. 99 Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH) - 1445
3. 71 Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN) - 1405
4. 7 Matt Miller (Waterville, OH) - 1240
5. 46 Doug Horton (Bruceton Mills, WV) - 1155
6. 6T Tim Dohm (Cross Lanes, WV) - 1150
7. 83 Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN) - 1135
8. 28 Dennis Erb Jr (Carpentersville, IL) - 1075
9. C9 Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN) - 1035
10. 00 Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN) - 990

Edelbrock Joins the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series as a Contingency Sponsor

Edelbrock "The Most Respected Name in Performance" has teamed up with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series to offer a contingency program for the race teams that participate in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events for 2006.

At each event throughout the season Edelbrock will give out product certificates to the top three finishers in the A-main events for the series this season if that car has the Edelbrock decal on it. The first place winner of each A-main with the proper Edelbrock decals will receive a $200 certificate, the second place finisher in each A-main with the proper Edelbrock decals will receive a $100 certificate and the third place finisher in each A-main with the proper Edelbrock decals will receive a $50 certificate.

The Edelbrock Corporation Headquarters is located in Torrance, CA. and was started by Vic Edelbrock, Sr. in 1938. The late Mr. Edelbrock's "Proven Performance" is the philosophy that still continues today as in 2006 the same high standards of performance and quality are still in place as Edelbrock continues to grow with many new products, partners and technologies. Vic Edelbrock, Jr is the President and CEO of the Edelbrock Corporation and Edelbrock Foundry Corporation and shares the same enthusiasm for the performance industry as his father did many years ago.

To check out the current product lines or obtain a catalog you can visit their website at www.edelbrock.com or call (310) 781-2222.

After a weekend break, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series resumes its 2006 race schedule this Saturday Night, May 13th as the series heads to the home of the “Fastest 12 Seconds in Motorsports” the Tazewell Speedway in Tazewell, TN. There will be a complete show for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Late Models with Comp Cams Time Trials, PBM Performance Products Heat Races, Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-Mains followed by the 75 Lap $10,000 to win/$700 to start A-main event presented by Lincoln Mercury of Knoxville, TN.

For more information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series log onto www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Points Standings
1. Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-1470
2. Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-1445
3. Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-1405
4. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-1240
5. Doug Horton (Bruceton Mills, WV) 1155
6. Tim Dohm (Cross Lanes, WV)-1150
7. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-1135
8. Dennis Erb Jr. (Carpentersville, IL)-1075
9. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-1035
10. Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-990
11. Rick Eckert (York, PA)-985
12. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-910
13. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-890
14. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-865
15. Steve Francis (Ashland, KY)-840

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year Points Standings
1. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-1035
2. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-910
3. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-890
4. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-865
5. Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-710
6. Steve Hillard (Sadorus, IL)-605

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Heads to Tazewell Speedway on May 13th

After a weekend break, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series resumes its 2006 race schedule this Saturday Night, May 13th as the series heads to the home of the “Fastest 12 Seconds in Motorsports” the Tazewell Speedway in Tazewell, TN. There will be a complete show for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Late Models with Comp Cams Time Trials, PBM Performance Products Heat Races, Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-Mains followed by the 75 Lap $10,000 to win/$700 to start A-main event presented by Lincoln Mercury of Knoxville, TN.

It will be the second ever visit to "The Taz" for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Last year in a special Labor Day make-up event, Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN captured the $10,000 first place prize in the event which was originally scheduled for May before rain forced postponement until September.

Heading into the visit to Tazewell, Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL leads the Championship Points Standings with a 40 point margin over Donnie Moran of Dresden, OH. Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN rests in third place 65 markers behind Pearson. Matt Miller of Waterville, OH and Doug Horton of Bruceton Mills, WV complete the top five currently.

The rest of the top ten as the series rolls into the high banked 1/3 mile dirt oval include: Tim Dohm of Cross Lanes, WV, Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN, Dennis Erb, Jr. of Carpentersville, IL, Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN and Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN.

The competitive Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" chase shows Steve Casebolt leading the way over Brady Smith of Solon Springs, WI, Michael England of Glasgow, KY, Corey Conley of Wellsburg, WV, Damon Eller of Crumpler, NC and Steve Hillard of Sadorus, IL.

The pit gates will open at 2:00 pm on Saturday, with Pit Admission being $35. The grandstand gate will open at 4:00 pm with General Admission pricing at $25. All children under the age of nine will be admitted for free. A special autograph session for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series drivers will be held at 5:30 pm.

Tazewell Speedway is located two miles northwest of Tazewell, Tennessee on US 25-E, turn right off of US 25-E and then left onto Bacchus Road, then 1.8 miles north, then .8 miles west. For more information on Tazewell Speedway you can visit their website at www.tazewellspeedway.net or call (423) 626-2222. For more information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series log onto www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Points Standings
1. Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-1470
2. Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-1445
3. Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-1405
4. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-1240
5. Doug Horton (Bruceton Mills, WV) 1155
6. Tim Dohm (Cross Lanes, WV)-1150
7. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-1135
8. Dennis Erb Jr. (Carpentersville, IL)-1075
9. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-1035
10. Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-990
11. Rick Eckert (York, PA)-985
12. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-910
13. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-890
14. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-865
15. Steve Francis (Ashland, KY)-840

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year Points Standings
1. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-1035
2. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-910
3. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-890
4. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-865
5. Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-710
6. Steve Hillard (Sadorus, IL)-605

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Prepares for May Schedule

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is set for three events during the month of May starting on Saturday Night, May 13 at the Tazewell Speedway in Tazewell, TN, followed the next weekend with back to back shows in Iowa and Illinois. On Friday Night, May 19 the series visits the Farley Speedway in Farley, IA and the next night travels to the La Salle Speedway in La Salle, IL. All three shows for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will feature Comp Cams Time Trials, PBM Performance Products Heat Races, Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno B-Mains and $10,000 to win/$700 to start feature events.

The first race of the month will be at "The Taz" on May 13th as the Gary Hall owned facility will see the second ever visit by the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series to his "Bristol of Dirt" facility. In 2005 Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN came home the victor over a stout field of cars last Labor Day weekend. The next weekend the series ventures to the Hawkeye State of Iowa on Friday Night, May 19th with a return visit to the Simmons Promotions facility, Farley Speedway in Farley, IA. Last year in the Series initial visit to Farley it was 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN coming home the winner in his only win on the Series Tour in '05. The next night the series travels east to Kerrianne Izzo's La Salle Speedway in La Salle, IL as the Illini State sees the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series for the first time in 2006 as La Salle presents the "Spring Shootout". Last season the series visited La Salle twice with Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, WI and Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, IA taking the wins.

Heading into the 75 lap Lincoln Mercury of Knoxville presented event at Tazewell on May 13th there is a tight points battle for the 2006 Championship Title. Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, Fl, the 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion currently sits atop the standings by just 35 points over Donnie Moran of Dresden, OH. Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN is only 65 points out of the lead coming to Tazewell. Matt Miller of Waterville, OH and Doug Horton of Bruceton Mills, WV are currently fourth and fifth in the points standings after the last event at Hagerstown, MD.

The rest of the top 10 include: Tim Dohm of Cross Lanes, WV, Scott James, of Lawrenceburg, IN, Dennis Erb, Jr. of Carpentersville, IL, Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN and Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN.

Casebolt is currently the top "Rookie of the Year' driver leading Brady Smith of Solon Springs, WI, Michael England of Glasgow, KY, Corey Conley of Wellsburg, WV, Damon Eller of Crumpler, NC and Steve Hillard of Sadorus, IL.

With 11 events in the books there have been nine different winners at Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events in 2006. Only Steve Francis of Ashland, KY and Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN have been able to win more than one race this season on the ultra tough tour. Other drivers who have visited victory lane in '06 include: Dan Schlieper of Sullivan, WI, Billy Moyer of Batesville, AR, Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, GA, Matt Miller of Waterville, OH, Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL, Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC and Chub Frank of Bear Lake, PA. There have been 276 different drivers race with the series at least once in 2006.

For more information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can log on to their website at www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951)532-2503.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series May Schedule of Events
Saturday Night, May 13
Tazewell Speedway
Tazewell, TN
www.tazewellspeedway.net
$10,000 to win/$700 to start
Friday Night, May 19
Farley Speedway
Farley, IA
www.simmonspromotionsinc.com
$10,000 to win/$700 to start
Saturday Night, May 20
La Salle Speedway
La Salle, Illinois
"Spring Shootout"
www.lasallespeedway.com
$10,000 to win/$700 to start

2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Results
2/3/06 Golden Isles Speedway-Brunswick, GA (rained out)
2/6/06 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Dan Schlieper)
2/7/06 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Billy Moyer)
2/8/06 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Dale McDowell)
2/9/06 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Matt Miller)
2/10/06 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Steve Francis)
2/12/06 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Steve Francis)
4/1/06 Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, IN (Earl Pearson, Jr.)
4/8/06 Dixie Speedway-Woodstock, GA (Ray Cook)
4/9/06 Cherokee Speedway-Gaffney, SC (Scott Bloomquist)
4/22/06 The Dirt Track@Lowe's-Concord, NC (Scott Bloomquist)
4/29/06 Hagerstown Speedway-Hagerstown, MD (Chub Frank)

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Points Standingsafter April 29, 2006

Pos Car # Name Points
1 1 Earl Pearson, Jr. 1470
2 99 Donnie Moran 1445
3 71 Don O'Neal 1405
4 7 Matt Miller 1240
5 46 Doug Horton 1155
6 6t Tim Dohm 1150
7 83 Scott James 1135
8 28E Dennis Erb, Jr. 1075
9 c9 Steve Casebolt 1035
10 00 Freddy Smith 990
11 24 Rick Eckert 985
12 2 Brady Smith 910
13 5E Michael England 890
14 14c Corey Conley 865
15 15 Steve Francis 840
16 32d Darren Miller 830
17 53 Ray Cook 780
18 I 4 Damon Eller 710
19 18 Shannon Babb 695
20 *1 Chub Frank 660
21 15b Brian Birkhofer 630
21 28 Eddie Carrier, Jr. 630
23 72 John Mason 610
24 34 Steve Hillard 605
25 28m Jimmy Mars 595
26 19j Davey Johnson 590
27 30 Steve Shaver 555
27 21 Billy Moyer, Jr. 555
29 4B Jackie Boggs 550
30 99c Jeff Cooke 530

Chub Frank Flies to Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Win at Hagerstown Speedway

HAGERSTOWN, MD--Chub Frank of Bear Lake, PA recorded his first career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win as he captured the 25th Annual Stanley Schetrompf Memorial on Saturday, April 29th at the Hagerstown Speedway. Frank led all 50 laps in securing the $10,000 win becoming the ninth different winner in 11 races of the 2006 season. The 44 year old Pennsylvania racer driving the Lester Buildings/Corry Rubber Corporation/Nystrom's Auto Sales/Lake Shore Paving/Corry Laser Technology/Hoosier Tires/All Star Performance/Outlaw Disc Brakes/Flinner Signs and Decals/Custom Race Engine sponsored Rocket Chevrolet Monte Carlo would outpace runner-up Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL in the Carlton and Kemp Lamm/Lucas Oil Products/MasterSbilt Ford Taurus for the victory. Rick Eckert of York, PA finished third in the Raye Vest owned/Raye Vest Excavating/Rocket Ford Fusion followed by Gary Stuhler of Greencastle, PA in the Glenn Nininger owned/Nininger's Tire and Auto Center/MasterSbilt GTO with Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN coming home in fifth in the Casebolt Racing/Dargie Race Engines/Rocket Ford Taurus. A total of 50 cars were on hand for the Series' first ever visit to Frank Plessinger's Hagerstown Speedway.

Earl Pearson, Jr. and Chub Frank drew the front row out of the four heat race winners with Frank getting the jump over Pearson heading into turn one at the drop of the green flag. Rick Eckert would quickly move to third in front of Steve Casebolt and Steve Shaver. The race was going along smoothly until a caution on lap five for Damon Eller slowed the race's momentum. On the restart Mike Balzano, who had started tenth bolted up to fourth around both Shaver and Casebolt. Casebolt would have none of it getting back around Balzano two circuits later to recapture fourth. By lap 12 Frank had set sail and was up to a six car length advantage over Pearson who was still running in second several lengths in front of Eckert.

However by lap 16, Pearson had trimmed Frank's lead as he sprinted to just one car length behind making it a much closer margin. Pearson would begin to challenge Frank for the lead as Eckert and Casebolt were starting to close on the two frontrunners. With the race getting the crossed flags at the 25 lap halfway mark it was Frank, Pearson, Eckert, Casebolt and Balzano the top five cars. One car advancing quietly to the front was all-time Hagerstown Speedway Late Model feature winner, Gary Stuhler, who had started in 11th. Stuhler was able to pass Balzano on lap 27 to take over the fifth slot. At this point of the race Frank had again gotten away from Pearson's sight stretching his lead to a three second advantage over Pearson as the two fought through traffic.

With 36 laps in the books Frank had a clear race track as he had negotiated traffic in a timely and efficient manner. Meanwhile Pearson was starting to get attention from Eckert as he had closed on Pearson in the race for second place. Stuhler went around Casebolt to get the fourth slot dropping Casebolt to fifth. With 15 laps to go Frank had built a sizable lead over the field and had lapped all the way up to the 12th position. But to show it is not over until it's over a third and final caution would wave for Jason Covert who slowed in turn number one with a flat tire on lap 46.

The Delaware double file restart would see Frank in front by himself followed by the pairing of Pearson and Eckert with Stuhler and Casebolt side by side behind them on the restart. When the final restart of the race would get the go signal Frank would jump to a three car length lead over Pearson heading off of turn number two. With two circuits to go Pearson would mount one final charge on "Chubzilla", but Frank was just too strong on this night as he would go on to record his first career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event. Pearson would finish second and take over the points lead by 25 points over Donnie Moran heading into an off weekend for the series. Eckert finished third followed by Stuhler and Casebolt.

"I want to thank all my crew and everyone here, the track was great all night long, the car was a little tight early on and I saw Earl stick his nose in there a couple of times, but it handled real well in traffic and I am pleased to get this win." said the 2004 World 100 winner in victory lane afterwards. "I also want to especially thank all of my great sponsors including Lester Buildings and everyone associated with them, we couldn't do this without a lot of help from them and everyone else on the car along with the product sponsors we have, they are all a tremendous help with our race team."

Completing the top ten were 13th starting, Matt Miller, Donnie Moran, Darren Miller, Mike Balzano and Josh Richards.

In preliminary action Chub Frank was the Comp Cams Fast Timer for the 50 cars on hand wit a lap of 18.856 seconds around the half-mile oval. The PBM Performance Products Heat Races were won by Chub Frank, Rick Eckert, Steve Casebolt and Earl Pearson, Jr. The Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main went to Don O'Neal and the Penske Shocks Second B-Main was taken by Nathan Durboraw.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will resume its 2006 racing schedule on Saturday Night, May 13th with a visit to the Tazewell Speedway in Tazewell, TN for a $10,000 to win main event.

Race Summary
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Hagerstown Speedway-Hagerstown, MD
Saturday Night, April 29, 2006

Comp Cams Fast Qualifier: Chub Frank 18.856 seconds

PBM Performance Products First Heat: (10 Laps-Top 4 advance): Chub Frank, Nick Dickson, Donnie Moran, Matt Miller, Don O'Neal, Jeremy Miller, Doug Horton, John Mason, J.T. Spence, Corey Conley, Devin Friese, Brian Booze, Terry Lescalleet

PBM Performance Products Second Heat: (10 Laps-Top 4 advance): Rick Eckert, Steve Shaver, Mike Balzano, Scott James, Freddy Smith, Brady Smith, Michael England, Allen Brannon, Al Shawver, Jr., Frankie Plessinger, D.J. Troutman, Steve Hillard, Bo Feathers

PBM Performance Products Third Heat: (10 Laps-Top 4 advance): Steve Casebolt, Ricky Elliott, Gary Stuhler, Darryl Hills, Jason Covert, Jonathan DeHaven, Tim Dohm, Sean Cosgrove, Roy Deese, Jr., Paul Crowl, Keith Barbara, Tim Murphy

PBM Performance Products Fourth Heat: (10 Laps-Top 4 advance): Earl Pearson, Jr., Josh Richards, Darren Miller, Nathan Durboraw, Damon Eller, Alan Sagi, Jim Bernheisel, Andy Anderson, Ronnie DeHaven, Jr., Ray Love, Jr., Jeep VanWormer

Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main: (12 Laps-Top 3 advance): Don O'Neal, Bo Feathers, Freddy Smith, Jeremy Miller, Brady Smith, Devin Friese, Allen Brannon, Michael England, J.T. Spence, Corey Conley, Brian Booze, John Mason, Frankie Plessinger, Al Shawver, Jr., Terry Lescalleet, Doug Horton, D.J. Troutman

Penske Shocks Second B-Main: (12 Laps-Top 3 advance): Nathan Durboraw, Jason Covert, Damon Eller, Jim Bernheisel, Jonathan DeHaven, Sean Cosgrove, Alan Sagi, Andy Anderson, Keith Barbara, Tim Dohm, Ray Love, Jr., Paul Crowl, Ronnie DeHaven, Jr.

25th Annual Stanley Schetrompf Memorial Feature: (50 Laps): Chub Frank, Earl Pearson, Jr., Rick Eckert, Gary Stuhler, Steve Casebolt, Matt Miller, Donnie Moran, Darren Miller, Mike Balzano, Josh Richards, Don O’Neal, Steve Shaver, Bo Feathers, Freddy Smith, Tim Dohm, Damon Eller, Darryl Hills, Doug Horton, Jason Covert, Nick Dickson, Nathan Durboraw, Scott James, Davey Johnson, Ricky Elliott, Allen Brannon

Race Statistics
Entries: 50
Caution Flags: 3
Red Flags: 0
Lap Leaders: Chub Frank 1-50
All Star Performance Performer of the Race: Matt Miller (started 13th and finished 6th) advanced seven positions
K&N Engineering Clean Pass of the Race: Bo Feathers (from the tail of the consy to finish second)
Hawk Brake Tough Brake Award: Nick Dickson
Quarter Master Move of the Race: Gary Stuhler
Weld Wheels Award: Don O'Neal
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Race: Steve Casebolt
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Doug Horton and Tim Dohm
Track Provisional: Allen Brannon

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Points Standings after April 29, 2006
1. Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-1470
2. Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-1445
3. Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-1405
4. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-1240
5. Doug Horton (Bruceton Mills, WV) 1155
6. Tim Dohm (Cross Lanes, WV)-1150
7. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-1135
8. Dennis Erb Jr (Carpentersville, IL)-1075
9. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-1035
10. Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-990
11. Rick Eckert (York, PA)-985
12. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-910
13. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-890
14. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-865
15. Steve Francis (Ashland, KY)-840

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year Points Standings after April 29, 2006
1. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-1035
2. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-910
3. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-890
4. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-865
5. Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-710
6. Steve Hillard (Sadorus, IL)-605

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Set for Initial Visit Hagerstown Speedway on April 29th

For the first time in series history the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will visit Frank Plessinger's Hagerstown Speedway in Hagerstown, MD this Saturday Night, April 29th. The "Capitol of Dirt Track Racing" will play host to one of the premier dirt late model racing series in the country as the 11th event of the 2006 Season for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series gets ready for the 25th Annual Stanley Schetrompf Memorial Race at Hagerstown which will feature a complete show for the Lucas Oil Late Models with Comp Cams Time Trials, PBM Performance Products Heat Races, Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-Mains and the 50 Lap "Stanley Schetrompf Memorial" A-Main paying $10,000 to win and $700 to start.

Donnie Moran of Dresden, OH heads to Hagerstown Speedway leading the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Point Standings as he holds a scant 10 point lead over the defending Series Champion, Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL. Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN last year's series runner-up currently is third as he is just 10 points behind Pearson. Dennis Erb, Jr. of Carpentersville, IL and Matt Miller of Waterville, OH fill out the top five in the current standings.

Leading the second half of the top 10 is Doug Horton of Bruceton Mills, WV followed by Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN, Tim Dohm of Cross Lanes, WV, Steve Francis of Ashland, KY and there is a tie for 10th between Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN and Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN.

Casebolt sits atop the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" chase leading Brady Smith of Solon Springs, WI, Michael England of Glasgow, KY, Corey Conley of Wellsburg, WV, Damon Eller of Crumpler, NC and Steve Hillard of Sadorus, IL.

With the stout weekly competition that Hagerstown Speedway has to offer the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series stable of drivers prepare to take on all challenges this Saturday Night as the Series races for the first time ever at one of the nation's premier racing facilities. In the first 10 series events of 2006 there have been eight different winners with Steve Francis and Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN the only two drivers to win more than one event this season. Other drivers who have entered victory circle this year in Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series competition include: Dan Schlieper of Sullivan, WI, Billy Moyer of Batesville, AR, Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, GA, Matt Miller, Earl Pearson, Jr. and Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC

The Stanley Schetrompf Memorial Race began in 1982 with Jeff Robinson taking the inaugural race win and Tim McCreadie captured the honors in 2005. Gary Stuhler the all-time winningest Late Model driver in Hagerstown Speedway history has won the event a record six times, including five in a row from 1993-1997.

For more information on the first time ever visit to Hagerstown Speedway or the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can call the Track Office at (301)582-0640 or visit the Hagerstown Speedway website at www.hagerstownspeedway.com. To keep up to date with the latest happenings with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can log on to www.lucasdirt.com or contact the Series Office at (951)532-2503.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Event #11 of 2006
Saturday Night, April 29, 2006
Hagerstown Speedway-Hagerstown, MD

25th Annual Stanley Schetrompf Memorial Race
50 Lap A-Main Event
$10,000 to win/$700 to start

Previous Stanley Schetrompf Memorial Race Winners (1982-2005)
1982--Jeff Robinson
1983--Sam Nalley
1984--Larry Moore
1985--Rodney Franklin
1986--Jeff Purvis
1987--Rodney Franklin
1988--Rodney Franklin
1989--Gary Stuhler
1990--Bob Wearing Jr
1991--Donnie Moran
1992--Freddy Smith
1993--Gary Stuhler
1994--Gary Stuhler
1995--Gary Stuhler
1996--Gary Stuhler
1997--Gary Stuhler
1998--Steve Francis
1999--Donnie Moran
2000--Mike Balzano
2001--Davey Johnson
2002--Rick Aukland
2003--Brian Birkhofer
2004--Rick Eckert
2005--Tim McCreadie

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Point Standings afterApril 22, 2006

Pos Car # Name Points
1 99 Donnie Moran 1250
2 1 Earl Pearson, Jr. 1240
3 71 Don O'Neal 1230
4 28E Dennis Erb, Jr. 1075
5 7 Matt Miller 1040
6 46 Doug Horton 1015
7 83 Scott James 1010
8 6t Tim Dohm 995
9 15 Steve Francis 840
10 c9 Steve Casebolt 830
10 00 Freddy Smith 830
12 2 Brady Smith 795
13 5E Michael England 785
14 53 Ray Cook 780
15 14c Corey Conley 770
16 24 Rick Eckert 765
17 18 Shannon Babb 695
18 32d Darren Miller 640
19 15b Brian Birkhofer 630
19 28 Eddie Carrier, Jr. 630
21 28m Jimmy Mars 595
22 I 4 Damon Eller 560
23 34 Steve Hillard 555
23 21 Billy Moyer, Jr. 555
25 4B Jackie Boggs 550
26 99c Jeff Cooke 530
27 72 John Mason 525
28 0 Scott Bloomquist 510
28 39 Tim McCreadie 510
30 79 Terry English 500

Freddy Smith to Debut First Retro Scheme of 2006 at the "Colossal 100" This Weekend

Freddy Smith will debut his first “40 Years of the Southern Gentleman” retro paint scheme this weekend when the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series takes to the track for the Inaugural Circle K "Colossal 100" at the Dirt Track@Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. Activities will begin on Friday Night, April 21 with time trials and heat races with Saturday Night, April 22 scheduled for the C and B Mains along with the 100 Lap "Colossal 100" paying $50,000 to win and $2,000 to start. 36 cars will start the A-main event and the total purse is $200,000.

In 2006, Freddy and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series are celebrating "40 Years of the Southern Gentleman" at race tracks across the country this season. Freddy will debut his first retro paint scheme re-created by Bart Radar of Banshee Graphics this weekend at Lowe's with the famous 00 on the side of the car that Freddy piloted in the early 90's with a predominately orange color with a blue strip.

Arizona Sport Shirts, the Official Souvenir Manufacturer & Vendor for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will have available this weekend new apparel which features Freddy's retro scheme. Also on sale at the Arizona Sport Shirts Souvenir Trailer will be the new Freddy Smith shirt that features the car Freddy is currently competing on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.

Freddy Smith is a legend in dirt track racing and in 2006 marks his 40th year of racing competition. Freddy is the proud owner of 782 career feature wins and is the only driver to win five Dirt Track World Championship events. He is also a member of two Hall of Fames, the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame at Florence Speedway in Union, KY and the Lowe's Walk of Fame at The Dirt Track@Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, NC.

To keep up to date with the latest happenings with the "Southern Gentleman" you can visit www.freddysmith.com or www.lucasdirt.com.

The Inaugural Circle K "Colossal 100" Up Next for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series gets set for the first mega dirt late model event of the 2006 racing this Friday and Saturday, April 21 and 22 as the Inaugural Circle K "Colossal 100" comes to The Dirt Track@Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. The 100 Lap $50,000 to win "Colossal 100" which will start 36 cars and pay $2,000 to start. The total purse for this event is $200,000.

The 10th event of the 2006 season for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series as Dresden, OH's Donnie Moran now on top of the National Points Standings holding just a ten point advantage over defending series champion, Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL. Last year's series runner-up Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN currently sits in third place with Dennis Erb, Jr. of Carpentersville, IL and Doug Horton of Bruceton Mills, WV rounding out the top five drivers heading to Lowe's.

Matt Miller of Waterville, OH leads the next five drivers inside the top ten with last year's rookie of the year, Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN, Tim Dohm of Cross Lanes, WV, Steve Francis of Ashland, KY with Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN and Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN tied for 10th in points coming into the "Colossal 100".

A very competitive "Rookie of the Year" battle is taking shape with Casebolt leading the way presently followed by Brady Smith of Solon Springs, WI, Michael England of Glasgow, KY, Corey Conley of Wellsburg, WV, Steve Hillard of Sadorus, IL and Damon Eller of Crumpler, NC the six drivers chasing the coveted title as top rookie on the series tour.

It will be the second ever visit to The Dirt Track@Lowe's Motor Speedway for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series as in 2005 it was Grayson, KY's Jackie Boggs scoring the win in the series' first ever visit to the ultra modern facility. Tickets for this event are sold on a reserved basis only and maybe purchased by calling 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com. Tickets are $49 for adults, $19 for kids 12 and under. Again all seats are reserved and include Friday admission. Two day pit passes are $60 in advance.

For more information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can visit their website at www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951)532-2503.

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Points Standings
1. Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-1200
2. Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-1190
3. Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-1180
4. Dennis Erb, Jr. (Carpentersville, IL)-1075
5. Doug Horton (Bruceton Mills, WV)-1015
6. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-990
7. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-960
8. Tim Dohm (Cross Lanes, WV)-945
9. Steve Francis (Ashland, KY)-790
10. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-780 (R)
10. Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-780
12. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-745 (R)
13. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-735 (R)
14. Ray Cook (Brasstown, NC)-730
15. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-720 (R)


Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" Standings
1. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-780
2. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-745
3. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-735
4. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-720
5. Steve Hillard (Sadorus, IL)-555
6. Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-510

2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Season To Date
2/3/06 Golden Isles Speedway-Brunswick, GA (Rained Out)
2/6/06 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Dan Schlieper)-88 Entries
2/7/06 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Billy Moyer)-90 Entries
2/8/06 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Dale McDowell)-89 Entries
2/9/06 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Matt Miller)-99 Entries
2/10/06 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Steve Francis)-95 Entries
2/12/06 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Steve Francis)-66 Entries
4/1/06 Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, IN (Earl Pearson, Jr)-69 Entries
4/8/06 Dixie Speedway-Woodstock, GA (Ray Cook)-60 Entries
4/9/06 Cherokee Super Speedway-Gaffney, SC (Scott Bloomquist)-46 Entries

Remaining April Schedule
4/21-22/06 The Dirt Track@Lowe's Motor Speedway-Concord, NC (Inaugural Colossal 100)-$50,000 to win
4/29 Hagerstown Speedway-Hagerstown, MD (25th Annual Stanley Schetrompf Memorial)-$10,000 to win

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Announces 2006 "Rookie of the Year" Candidates

Officials of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series have announced a strong field of six candidates for the 2006 "Rookie of the Year" honors. Among the drivers announcing their intentions are: Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN, Brady Smith of Solon Springs, WI, Michael England of Glasgow, KY, Corey Conley of Wellsburg, WV, Steve Hillard of Sadorus, IL and Damon Eller of Crumpler, NC. The 2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" will receive $10,000 and an award at the Series' Awards Banquet in December.

At the present time Steve Casebolt leads the “Rookie of the Year" standings with 780 points. The points for the rookie chase started the same night at East Bay as the season long Championship Points on February 9th. Casebolt has entered all nine events this year with the series and has made three A-Main starts with his best finish being an eighth place at Cherokee on April 9th. Casebolt drives a Rocket Ford Taurus with Dargie Race Engine power. Casebolt comes into the season with one career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event win to his credit that came last July at Elkins Speedway in Elkins, WV where he scored a $7,000 to win victory. Prior to that the 27 year old biggest career win came at Florence Speedway in Union, KY when he won the "Spring 50" worth $5,000 in 2003.

Brady Smith is currently second in the Rookie standings just 45 points behind Casebolt. The 28 year old Smith was the 2004 World Dirt Racing League Champion and has entered all nine Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events in '06 making the starting lineup four times with his best finish coming at East Bay on February 10th where he finished fourth. Smith drives a MasterSbilt by Mars Monte Carlo with a Pro Power engine. His sponsors include: AMSOIL, Big Red Motorsports, Willow River Saloon, Mid-States Equipment Inc. Hydraulics, McFarland Pain Clinic, Rich Gondik Attorney, Hood Loaders and Slashers, VP Racing Fuels, Chase Race Decals, Solon Springs Mercantile and Copp Racing Products.

The youngest candidate running for the "Rookie of the Year" title is 22 year old Michael England of Glasgow, KY. England who drives the David England Motorsports C.J. Rayburn Grand Prix with a Pro Power Engine is sponsored by Young's Oil Corporation, D&D Dairy, Young's Angus Farms, Simpson Machine and Fabrication, Wayne Bowen Racing Supply, Hiseville Feed and Supply Inc., Base Racing Fuels, Penske Shocks and Bigg Dawg Motorsports. England has appeared at all nine events for the series in '06 making the starting grid two times this year with his best finish coming at East Bay on February 10th where he finished in 13th place. Entering the 2006 season, England’s biggest win to date is $5,000 Possum Town Grand Prix Winner at Columbus (MS) Speedway in November of 2005.

Currently fourth in the rookie standings for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is Corey Conley of Wellsburg, WV. The 31 year old racer from the Ohio Valley area has entered all nine shows so far in 2006 making two trips to the A-Main starting grid for the main event. His best finish was an 11th place at Brownstown on April 1st. Conley is also an accomplished open wheel modified racer. He competes in a Rocket Chassis Grand Prix with a Performance Off-Road engine. His sponsors include: Reese Homes, Denoon Lumber, Logotek Signs, Yale Industrial Trucks, West Virginia Motorsports Council, Dave Poske's Performance Parts, Bilstein Shocks, Hoosier Racing Tires and Ballato Auto Salvage.

Steve Hillard sits fifth in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" chase. The 39 year driver is a two-time Northern Allstars Late Model Series point’s runner-up and was the 1997 UMP Open Wheel Modified National Champion. Hillard too has been at all nine events so far in 2006 with one start at East Bay on February 7th where he finished in 22nd place. Hillard drives for Owen and Mary Lu Stephens from Flemingsburg, KY and pilots a MasterSbilt Pontiac GTO with an Estes Racing Engines under the hood. The sponsors on the #34 car for 2006 include: Stephens Trucking, Doyle Fertilizer, Fleming Auto Parts, Grasshopper, Crumps Lawn and Garden, Hoosier Racing Tires, S&B Cattle Company and Bill's Tech Industries.

Damon Eller is the sixth candidate in the running for the “Rookie of the Year” crown in '06. The 27 year old racer has less experience turning the wheel of a dirt late model than any of the other candidates this year, but he has shown improvement over the last couple of events. Eller pilots both a MasterSbilt Chassis and Warrior Chassis with a Pro Power Engine with sponsorship from Independence Lumber, Grayson Farm and Leasing and Foxfire Realty. His father, Randall Eller owns the race team.

The next event for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will be on Friday and Saturday, April 21st and 22nd at The Dirt Track@Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, NC for the Inaugural "Colossal 100" paying $50,000 to win and $2,000 to start. The total purse is $200,000. For more information you can check out the track's website at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

To keep up to date on the 2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" chase you can visit our website at www.lucasdirt.com as the standings are updated after each event.

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" Points Standings (After April 9th)
1. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-780
2. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-745
3. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-735
4. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-720
5. Steve Hillard (Sadorus, IL)-555
6. Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-510

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Points Standing(After April 9th)

Pos Car # Name Points
1 99 Donnie Moran 1200
2 1 Earl Pearson, Jr. 1190
3 71 Don O'Neal 1180
4 28E Dennis Erb, Jr. 1075
5 46 Doug Horton 1015
6 7 Matt Miller 990
7 83 Scott James 960
8 6t Tim Dohm 945
9 15 Steve Francis 790
10 c9 Steve Casebolt 780
10 00 Freddy Smith 780
12 2 Brady Smith 745
13 5E Michael England 735
14 53 Ray Cook 730
15 14c Corey Conley 720
16 24 Rick Eckert 715
17 18 Shannon Babb 645
18 32d Darren Miller 590
19 15b Brian Birkhofer 580
19 28 Eddie Carrier, Jr. 580
21 34 Steve Hillard 555
22 28m Jimmy Mars 545
23 I 4 Damon Eller 510
24 21 Billy Moyer, Jr. 505
25 4B Jackie Boggs 500
25 79 Terry English 500
27 99c Jeff Cooke 480
28 72 John Mason 475
29 0 Scott Bloomquist 460
29 39 Tim McCreadie 460

Scott Bloomquist Banks Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Event at Cherokee Speedway

GAFFNEY, SC--National Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN put on a dominating performance in winning the 50 lap Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event on Sunday Night at the Cherokee Super Speedway as he led every lap in collecting $10,000 for this third career series win. Bloomquist behind the wheel of his Miller Brothers Coal/Hawkeye Trucking/All-Star Performance/Sweet Manufacturing/Ohlins/Hoosier Tires/Vic Hill Racing Engines/Bloomquist Race Cars Chevrolet won by several car lengths over race runner-up Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN who came home second in the Randall Eller/Independence Lumber/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo with Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC placing third in the Youngblood Concrete/Engines Inc./MasterSbilt Fusion. The rest of the top five would be Dennis Franklin of Gaffney, SC in the Swiftco Motorsports/Cherokee Landscaping/Barry Wright Taurus and Chris Madden from Gray Court, SC in the Jamie Henderson/Time Out Family Restaurant/Barry Wright Grand Prix. A total of 46 cars were on hand for the first ever visit to the Lennie Buff promoted facility.

Bloomquist would draw the number one starting spot for the main event and he fired from the pole with Scott James starting alongside. James tried to get to turn number one over Bloomquist, but Bloomquist fought back coming off of turn two on the opening lap grabbing the point. Dennis Franklin would be in third with Ray Cook and Don O'Neal in the top five after one circuit was scored. Bloomquist would quickly open up a significant advantage over everyone coming to a 15 car length lead by the eighth lap. With Bloomquist setting sail a good battle for second was going on between James and Franklin. Those two would go side by side for a couple of laps with James holding on to the spot. The top five would remain the same through lap 15 with Bloomquist encountering some lapped traffic at this point of the race.

On lap 16 the first change inside the top five would occur when Franklin passed James for the runner-up position. Cook would then get by James on lap 21 for third dropping him to fourth in front of O'Neal. The first caution of the race flew on lap 23 for Johnny Collins and that would bunch the field for the first time since the start of the race. On the restart Cook would get by Franklin to take over second but a yellow for Jackie Boggs on lap 25 would slow the action again this time at the halfway mark of the race. That particular restart would be beneficial for O'Neal as he went to third around Franklin and would then challenge Cook for second. The third caution of the event appeared on lap 28 for Mike Marlar and then a circuit later Tim Dohm stopped in turn four which resulted in again another restart.

With 29 laps officially in the books Bloomquist was still showing the way with O'Neal now up to second. Franklin was third followed by James. On the lap 30 restart a melee occurred on the main straightaway when an upper control arm broke on James' car and several drivers would pile into each other just past the flag stand. The red flag would come out and all drivers were checked out to be okay, but there were several damaged race cars that would be out of the race. For the rest of the 20 lap event Bloomquist would remain the man in control extending his lead over O'Neal and Cook as he would go unchallenged to the checkered flag in picking up his first Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event win of '06 and thus becomes the eighth different winner in the first nine series races this season. O'Neal finished a distanced second followed by Cook, who had won the previous night at Dixie Speedway, Franklin and Chris Madden would complete the op five drivers.

"The car just worked perfectly all night long," said the 42 year old Bloomquist in victory lane. "We had to make an engine change after our heat race and that kept us on our toes, but the Vic Hill Engine performed flawlessly in the feature and everything went real well for us here and we are glad to pick up this win." "I especially want to thank Bob Miller, he has been with our program a long time and we really appreciate his support and help and thanks to all the fans for coming out tonight."

Completing the top ten drivers in the final rundown were: Jeff Cooke, Donnie Moran, Steve Casebolt, Tim Dohm and Billy Hicks. With Moran's seventh place finish he now takes over the series points lead by ten points over Earl Pearson, Jr. who did not finish the race after being involved in the lap 30 accident.

In preliminary action at Cherokee, Brandon Kinzer was the Comp Cams Fast Timer for the 46 entries with a lap of 20.119 seconds. The PBM Performance Products Heat Race Winners were Scott Bloomquist, Scott James, Ray Cook and Dennis Franklin. The Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main went to Jeremy Clements and the Penske Shocks Second B-Main was won by Jimmy Owens.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will take the Easter weekend holiday off and resume it's 2006 tour on Friday and Saturday, April 21 and 22 with the first mega event of the 2006 season in dirt late model racing as the "Colossal 100" will be held at The Dirt Track@Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. The inaugural event will pay $50,000 to win and $2,000 start and features a $200,000 total purse. Fore more information you can log on to www.lowesmotorspeedway.

Race Summary
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Sunday Night, April 9, 2006
Cherokee Super Speedway-Gaffney, SC
Comp Cams Fast Time: Brandon Kinzer 20.199 seconds
PBM Performance Products Heat #1 (Top 4 advance): Scott Bloomquist, Randle Chupp, Billy Hicks, Steve Casebolt, Johnny Collins, Kelly Thacker, Jeremy Clements, David McCoy, Kevin Tessner, Freddy Smith, Brandon Kinzer, Bruce Hall
PBM Performance Products Heat #2: (Top 4 advance): Scott James, Chris Madden, Donnie Moran, Jeff Smith, Damon Eller, Steve Shaver, Steve Hillard, Mike Duvall, Doug Sanders, Larry Blankenship, Corey Conley
PBM Performance Products Heat #3: (Top 4 advance): Ray Cook, Earl Pearson, Jr., Matt Miller, Mike Marlar, Jimmy Owens, Dennis Erb, Jr., Tim Dohm, Ricky Weeks, Doug Horton, Jack Pennington, Josh Echoles
PBM Performance Products Heat #4: (Top 4 advance): Dennis Franklin, Don O'Neal, Jeff Cooke, Jackie Boggs, Royce Bray, Brady Smith, Randy Weaver, Petey Ivey, Jonathan Davenport, Michael England, Phillip Seifert
Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main: (Top 3 advance): Jeremy Clements, Steve Shaver, Johnny Collins, Steve Hillard, Corey Conley, Brandon Kinzer, Kelly Thacker, Mike Duvall, Freddy Smith, Doug Sanders, Damon Eller, David McCoy
Penske Shocks Second B-Main: (Top 3 advance): Jimmy Owens, Dennis Erb, Jr., Petey Ivey, Tim Dohm, Ricky Weeks, Doug Horton, Michael England, Jonathan Davenport, Brady Smith, Josh Echoles, Royce Bray
A-Main Feature Event: (50 Laps): Scott Bloomquist, Don O'Neal, Ray Cook, Dennis Franklin, Chris Madden, Jeff Cooke, Donnie Moran, Steve Casebolt, Tim Dohm, Billy Hicks, Petey Ivey, Scott James, Earl Pearson, Jr., Randle Chupp, Matt Miller, Steve Shaver, Jeremy Clements, Doug Horton, Mike Marlar, Jackie Boggs, Jimmy Owens, Johnny Collins, Jeff Smith, Dennis Erb, Jr.

Race Statistics
Entries: 46
Yellow Flags: 4
Red Flags: 1
Lap Leaders: Scott Bloomquist 1-50
All-Star Performance Performer of the Race: Tim Dohm (started 24th and finished 9th) Advanced 15 positions
K&N Engineering Clean Pass of the Race: Ray Cook
Hawk Brake Tough Break Award: Scott James
Quarter Master Move of the Race: Don O'Neal
Weld Wheels Award: Mike Marlar
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Race: Steve Casebolt
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Doug Horton and Tim Dohm

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Points Standings (after April 9th)
1. Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-1200
2. Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-1190
3. Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-1180
4. Dennis Erb, Jr. (Carpentersville, IL)-1075
5. Doug Horton (Bruceton MIlls, WV)-1015
6. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-990
7. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-960
8. Tim Dohm (Cross Lanes, WV)-945
9. Steve Francis (Ashland, KY)-790
10. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-780
11. Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-780
12. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-745
13. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-735
14. Ray Cook (Brasstown, NC)-730
15. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-720

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year Standings (after April 9th)
1. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-780
2. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-745
3. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-735
4. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-720
5. Steve Hillard (Sadorus, IL)-555
6. Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-510

Ray Cook Captures Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Jimmy Mosteller Classic at Dixie Speedway

WOODSTOCK, GA—Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC scored his first career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event win on Saturday Night at the Dixie Speedway in thrilling fashion as he passed the three frontrunners in front of him on lap 46 and then went on to capture the 50 Lap $10,000 to win “Jimmy Mosteller Classic”. The 34 year old driver with the win becomes the seventh different series winner in the first eight races as he drove his Youngblood Concrete/Jacky Jones Automotive/Arvil Cook Investment Properties/Bill Elliott Motorsports/Engines, Inc. /Performance Rod and Custom/Grover Racing Engines/MasterSbilt Ford Fusion. Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, GA finished second in the RSD Enterprises/SAE Parts/Custom GTO with Earl Pearson Jr of Jacksonville, FL taking third in the Lucas Oil Products/Dunn-Benson Ford/MasterSbilt Ford Taurus. Completing the top five were Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN in the Miller Brothers Coal/Vic Hill Racing Engines/Bloomquist Race Cars Chevrolet and Jake Knowles of Tyrone, GA in the Mike Stewart/Walker Concrete/Rocket Grand Prix. A total of 60 cars were on hand for the Series’ third ever visit to the Mike Swims promoted facility.

Matt Miller and Marshall Green would make up the front row for the 24 car starting field, but as the cars took the green flag to start the race there would be contact between Miller and Green heading into turn number one resulting in the first caution of the night as both cars were finished for the night. Jake Knowles and Earl Pearson Jr. would make up the new front row starting lineup on the restart with Pearson taking the point on the first lap followed by Knowles, David Payne, Scott Bloomquist and Shane Clanton. Clanton would pass Bloomquist for fourth on lap two as Pearson started to build his lead over Knowles. The caution would come with five laps complete for Phil Coltrane and then on the ensuing restart Knowles would drop from second place all the way to fifth as Payne, Clanton and Bloomquist would go by him.

A few laps into the restart Pearson was up to a three car length advantage with Payne holding on for second as Clanton and Bloomquist were battling it out for third place. The second caution of the race on lap nine for Skip Arp would slow the field. A lap later into the restart Clanton would pass Payne for second and now was within striking range of Pearson who was directly in front of him on the race track. On lap 12 Clanton would pass Pearson to take over the point as Bloomquist moved by Payne for third. Clanton was up to a six car length lead over Pearson and Bloomquist by the 17th lap as those three started to distance themselves from the rest of the field.

By the 23rd lap Clanton was beginning the get into some heavy traffic in front of him as Pearson and Bloomquist were racing for second with eighth place starting Ray Cook up to fourth with Knowles holding down the fifth slot. With 20 laps remaining Clanton started to see is lead evaporate as Pearson and Bloomquist had closed to with three car lengths in heavy traffic. With no caution flags to clear the track in front of him Clanton would have to try and maneuver his way around cars that were in his racing line and that would allow Pearson, Bloomquist and eventually Cook to close right on him.

With less than ten laps to go Clanton would have Pearson and Bloomquist breathing down his neck as the tension started to build up front as Cook was making his presence known as he would make it a four car chase to the checkers as the top four would go bumper to bumper. As the cars crossed the start-finish line to complete lap 45 Pearson pulled alongside Clanton at the flag stand and the two went side by side into turn number one. They would run side by side through the corner and coming off of turn two there was contact between Clanton and Pearson and that forced Bloomquist who was right behind them to check up just enough as to where Cook would go by all three drivers to take over the lead on the 46th lap.

From that point Cook would sprint to the finish line and come home the winner with Clanton, Pearson, Bloomquist and Knowles completing the top five drivers. “It feels great to get a win here at Dixie,” said Cook in a jubilant victory lane. “Our car got real good there towards the end of race and I just saw an opening there when Shane and Earl got together and I made it through just fine and here we are.” “I want to thank Brownie Brown and all of my great sponsors, the Grover Ford ran great and I can’t thank them and Tader Masters enough for all of their help with our race team.”

Completing the top ten were Donnie Moran, Ricky Williams, Don O’Neal, Steve Shaver and Rodney Martin.

In preliminary action Shane Clanton topped the Comp Cams Time Trials with a lap of 14.865 seconds among the 60 entrants. The PBM Performance Heat Races went to Earl Pearson, Jr., Matt Miller, Marshall Green, Scott Bloomquist, Jake Knowles and David Payne. The Mason Racin’ Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main was won by Clint Smith and the Penske Shocks Second B-Main went to Brandon Rose.

Race Summary
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Dixie Speedway-Woodstock, GA
Saturday Night, April 8, 2006

Comp Cams Fast Time: Shane Clanton 14.865 seconds

PBM Performance Products First Heat: (Top 3 Advance): Earl Pearson Jr., Shane Clanton, Wayne Echols, Joe Armistead Jr., Skip Arp, Jeremy Clements, Lamar Haygood, Scott Knowles, Bobby Giffin, William Burton

PBM Performance Products Second Heat: (Top 3 Advance): Matt Miller, Ray Cook, Don O’Neal, Clint Smith, Scott James, Kenneth Westmoreland, Damon Eller, Terrence Nowell, Gary McPherson, Randall Walker

PBM Performance Products Third Heat: (Top 3 Advance): Marshall Green, Ricky Williams, Phil Coltrane, Billy Ogle Jr., Derrick Rainey, Michael England, Lavon Sparks, Doug Horton, David McCoy

PBM Performance Products Fourth Heat: (Top 3 Advance): Scott Bloomquist, Dale McDowell, Rodney Martin, Brandon Rose, Frank Ingram, Steve Casebolt, Tony Knowles, Laddie Fulcher, Steve Hillard, Sam Ruff

PBM Performance Products Fifth Heat: (Top 3 Advance): Jake Knowles, Steve Shaver, Johnny Cloer Jr., Derek Nichols, Scott Howard, James Roulette, Brady Smith, Jamey Cagle, Tim Day, Tracy Pearson

PBM Performance Products Sixth Heat: (Top 3 Advance): David Payne, Donnie Moran, Freddy Smith, Dennis Erb Jr., Greg Johnson, Randy Weaver, Brandon Kinzer, Ken Rupp, Lee Sutton, Tim Dohm

Mason Racin’ Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main: (Top 2 Advance): Clint Smith, Skip Arp, Joe Armistead Jr., Derrick Rainey, Billy Ogle Jr., Michael England, Scott James, Lamar Haygood, Lavon Sparks, Kenneth Westmoreland, Terrence Nowell, Damon Eller, Gary McPherson, Doug Horton, Corey Conley, Bobby Giffin, Jeremy Clements, Scott Knowles, William Burton, Randall Walker, David McCoy

Penske Shocks B-Main: (Top 3 Advance): Brandon Rose, Derek Nichols, Greg Johnson, Randy Weaver, Frank Ingram, Dennis Erb Jr., Scott Howard, Steve Casebolt, Brady Smith, Ken Rupp, James Roulette, Tony Knowles, Brandon Kinzer, Jamey Cagle, Laddie Fulcher, Lee Sutton, Sam Ruff, Tracy Pearson, Tim Dohm, Tim Day, Steve Hillard, Jimmy Mosteller Classic Feature (50 Laps): Ray Cook, Shane Clanton, Earl Pearson Jr., Scott Bloomquist, Jake Knowles, Donnie Moran, Ricky Williams, Don O’Neal, Steve Shaver, Rodney Martin, Freddy Smith, Dennis Erb Jr., Johnny Cloer Jr, Doug Horton, Brandon Rose, Clint Smith, Wayne Echols, David Payne, Derek Nichols, Phil Coltrane, Dale McDowell, Skip Arp, Matt Miller, Marshall Green

Race Statistics
Entries: 60
Yellow Flags: 2
Red Flags: 0
Lap Leaders: Earl Pearson Jr. 1-11, Shane Clanton 12-45, Ray Cook 46-50
All-Star Performance Products Performer: Dennis Erb Jr (Started 23rd and Finished 12th) Advanced 11 Positions
K&N Engineering Clean Pass of the Race: Scott Bloomquist
Hawk Brake Tough Break Award: Marshall Green
Quarter Master Move of the Race: Ray Cook
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Dennis Erb Jr. and Doug Horton

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Points Standings (After April 8th)
1) Earl Pearson Jr (Jacksonville, FL)-1025
2) Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-1005
3) Don O’Neal (Martinsville, IN)-950
3) Dennis Erb Jr (Carpentersville, IL)-950
5) Doug Horton (Bruceton Mills, WV)-875
6) Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-835
7) Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-790
7) Steve Francis (Ashland, KY)-790
9) Tim Dohm (Cross Lanes, WV)-760
10) Rick Eckert (York, PA)-715
11) Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-685
12) Shannon Babb (Moweaqua, IL)-645
13) Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-640
14) Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-620
15) Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-605
16) Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-590
16) Darren Miller (Chadwick, IL)-590
18) Brian Birkhofer (Muscatine, IA)-580
18) Eddie Carrier Jr (Salt Rock, WV)-580
20) Jimmy Mars (Menomonie, WI)-545

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Live on the Internet from Dixie This Saturday Night

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series racing action can be heard live via the internet this Saturday Night, April 8th from the Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, GA. The Series makes its third ever visit to the Mike Swims promoted facility with a complete show for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series with Comp Cams Time Trials, PBM Performance Products Heat Races, Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-Mains and the 50-Lap $10,000 to win "Jimmy Mosteller Classic".

The racing action can be heard on www.RaceTalkLive.com starting at 8 pm (Eastern Time). Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series announcer, James Essex and Dixie Speedway announcer, Johnny Clark will call all the action from the 8PM time until the conclusion of the 50 lap A-Main event. To be able to listen to the broadcast you must have the Windows Media Player Download on your computer. Go to www.RaceTalkLive.com and click on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series logo and listen to the broadcast live.

It will be the eighth Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event of the 2006 season at Dixie Speedway on Saturday Night.

On Sunday Night, April 9th the series makes its first ever visit to Lennie Buff's Cherokee Super Speedway in Gaffney, SC for another $10,000 to win event. That event will not be broadcast live via the internet.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Adds 70 Compound to Cherokee Event on Sunday April 9th

Officials of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series have announced that the Hoosier and American Racer 70 compound will be added to the allowed limited compounds that are legal to run on Sunday, April 9th at the Series Event scheduled for the Cherokee Super Speedway in Gaffney, SC. The first ever visit by the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series to the Lennie Buff promoted facility will see a complete show for the Series with Comp Cams Time Trials, PBM Performance Products Heat Races, Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-Mains followed by the 50 Lap $10,000 to win and $700 to start A-Main event.

The tire rule for the 2006 season for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and the brands and compounds allowed are: the Hoosier LM20, 1300, LM40, 1600 and the D55 (shoulder plated), the American Racer SD44 and MD56 and the Goodyear G40 and G50, with the 70 Compound in Hoosier and American Racer available for use at this event only.

At Cherokee on Sunday, the Pit Gates will open at 3 PM with the Grandstand Gates opening at 4 PM. Hot Laps will start at approximately 6:15 PM with Time Trials slated for 6:45 PM. General Admission tickets are priced at $25 with Pit Admission at $35. Kids 10 and under are admitted for free to the Grandstand Area. For directions and more info on Cherokee Super Speedway you can visit their website at www.cherokeesuperspeedway.com.

For Information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can log on to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (859) 271-4501.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Heads to Dixie and Cherokee with Points Lead Tied

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series coming off of a tremendous "Indiana Icebreaker" at the Brownstown (IN) Speedway where five different drivers took turns leading the race with Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL coming home the winner. With the win Pearson, the 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion and Dresden, OH's Donnie Moran are now tied for the series points lead heading to Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, GA this Saturday Night, April 8th and a first time visit to the Cherokee Super Speedway in Gaffney, SC on Sunday Night, April 9th. Both race tracks this weekend will be a complete show for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series with Comp Cams Time Trials, PBM Performance Products Heat Races, Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-Mains and 50 lap A-Main event at each track with a $10,000 to win first place prize on the line. Both main events will pay $700 to start.

It will be the third ever visit to the Mike Swims promoted Dixie Speedway as the "Jimmy Mosteller Classic" will be contested this Saturday Night. This event was originally scheduled for the night before the Dixie Shootout last October, but was rained out. Jimmy Mosteller is a legendary figure in dirt track racing and is a member of the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame. He has been an announcer in the sport for over 50 years and will still occasionally get behind the microphone to keep the crowds entertained with his wealth of knowledge and love for the sport. Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL has been the man to beat the last two times the series has been to Dixie winning the last two Dixie Shootouts in 2004 and again in 2005. At Dixie on Saturday Night, pit gates will open at 2 PM, grandstand gates at 4 PM, Hot Laps will start at 6 PM with Time Trials to follow at 6:30 PM. Also on the race card will be Econo Bombers, Econo Bombers and Sportsman. General Admission is $25 with Pit Admission priced at $35 with ages 9-17 tickets at $5 and kids 8 and under are free. For more information you can visit the track's website at www.dixiespeedway.com or call (770) 426-5315.

Then on Sunday Night, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will visit the Lennie Buff promoted Cherokee Super Speedway in Gaffney, SC. The series will make its one and only appearance this year at the track they call "The Place Your Mama Warned You About." Cherokee Speedway has a long history of hosting special events including the "Blue-Gray 100" and the "Stick Elliott Memorial." Cherokee has also played host to the Hav A Tampa/UDTRA Series and the STARS Late Model Series in the past. Pit gates at Cherokee will open at 3 PM with Grandstand Gates at 4 PM. Hot laps are to start at 6:15 PM with Time Trials at 6:45 PM. General Admission is $25 with Pit Admission priced at $35 with kids 10 and under admitted free. For more information you can visit the track's website at www.cherokeesuperspeedway.com or call (864) 489-1969.

Heading into Dixie and Cherokee there is a tie for top spot in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series with Earl Pearson, Jr and Donnie Moran each with 805 points. Pearson is coming off of the win at Brownstown which marked his third career series win. Moran, who in 2005 had three series wins and eight second place finishes finished ninth at the "Indiana Icebreaker" at Brownstown the last time out. Steve Francis of Ashland, KY, who has two Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series wins to his credit in '06 is third in points followed by Dennis Erb, Jr. of Carpentersville, IL and former Dixie Shootout Champion, Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN.

The rest of the top ten in points include: Doug Horton of Bruceton Mills, WV, Rick Eckert of York, PA, Matt Miller of Waterville, OH, Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN and Tim Dohm of Cross Lanes, WV. Two-time Dixie Shootout Winner, Shannon Babb is 11th in points followed by Darren Miller, Brian Birkhofer, Eddie Carrier Jr. and a tie for 15th between Jimmy Mars and Brady Smith.

The 2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series tire rule will be in effect for both events. The tires allowed are the: Hoosier LM20, 1300, LM40, 1600 and the D55 (Shoulder plated), the American Racer SD44 and MD56 and the Goodyear G40 and G50. Soft Compounds must durometer 40 prior and Hard Compounds must durometer 60 prior. For more information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can log on to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (859) 271-4501.

2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Season Summary to Date (Winners in Parenthesis)
2/3 Golden Isles Speedway-Waynesville, GA (Rained Out)
2/6 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Dan Schlieper)
2/7 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Billy Moyer)
2/8 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Dale McDowell)
2/9 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Matt Miller) *Points Race
2/10 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Steve Francis) *Points Race
2/12 East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL (Steve Francis) *Points Race
4/1 Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, IN (Earl Pearson Jr.) *Points Race

Rest of April Race Schedule
4/8 Dixie Speedway-Woodstock, GA ($10,000 to win)
4/9 Cherokee Super Speedway-Gaffney, SC ($10,000 to win)
4/21-22 The Dirt Track@Lowe's Motor Speedway-Concord, NC ($50,000 to win)
4/29 Hagerstown Speedway-Hagerstown, MD ($10,000 to win)

Main Event Payoff for Dixie and Cherokee, April 8th and 9th
1. $10,000.00
2. 5,000.00
3. 3,000.00
4. 2,500.00
5. 2,000.00
6. 1,500.00
7. 1,400.00
8. 1,300.00
9. 1,200.00
10. 1,100.00
11. 1,000.00
12. 950.00
13. 900.00
14. 875.00
15. 850.00
16. 825.00
17. 800.00
18. 775.00
19. 750.00
20. 725.00
21. 700.00
22. 700.00
23. 700.00
24. 700.00

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Points Standings (after April 1)
1. Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-805
2. Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-805
3. Steve Francis (Ashland, KY)-790
4. Dennis Erb Jr. (Carpentersville, IL)-780
5. Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-760
6. Doug Horton (Bruceton Mills, WV)-715
6. Rick Eckert (York, PA)-715
8. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-710
9. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-690
10. Tim Dohm (Cross Lanes, WV)-685
11. Shannon Babb (Moweaqua, IL)-645
12. Darren Miller (Chadwick, IL)-590
13. Brian Birkhofer (Muscatine, IA)-580
13. Eddie Carrier Jr. (Salt Rock, WV)-580
15. Jimmy Mars (Menomonie, WI)-545
15. Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI) 545
17. Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-530
18. Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-515
19. Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-510
20. Billy Moyer (Batesville, AR)-505

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Points Standingsafter April 1, 2006

Earl Pearson Jr. Prevails in "Indiana Icebreaker" at Brownstown Speedway for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

BROWNSTOWN, IN--Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL passed race leader Darrell Lanigan on lap 61 of the 75 lap Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series main event on Saturday Night at the Brownstown Speedway and then went on to score his first series win of 2006 as the defending series champion captured the Ninth Annual "Indiana Icebreaker" sponsored by Jones Core. The win was Pearson's third career on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and earned the 34 year old driver $10,000 as he came from the 10th starting spot to take the win aboard the Carlton and Kemp Lamm owned, Lucas Oil Products, Dunn-Benson Ford, K&N Engineering, Inc., Sunoco Race Fuels, All-Star Performance, Larry Wallace Racing Engines, MasterSbilt Ford Taurus. Lanigan of Union, KY would finish second after starting 14th in the Lanigan Autosports/GottaRace.com/Rocket Ford Taurus with Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN placing third in the Randall Eller/Independence Lumber/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo. Completing the top five were Greg Johnson of Bedford, IN in the John Hall/J&H Construction/Intimidator Grand Prix and Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, IA in the J&J Steel/Pro Power Engines/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo. A standing room only crowd was on hand as 68 cars were entered in the night's events.

Front row starters Greg Johnson and Rick Eckert would lead the field to the green flag with Eckert taking the lead heading into turn number one with Johnson right on his heels. Tim Dohm was third with Don O'Neal and Darren Miller running in the top five after one completed lap. Dohm would make a charge from third to second around Johnson by the fourth circuit, but a lap later Johnson made his back by Dohm to regain the spot. Eckert was building up to a five car length lead over the field when the first caution came out on lap six for Matt Miller and Shannon Reed. The restart was costly for Eckert as going into turn two he would slip up the track allowing several cars to get by falling all the way back to tenth place. Johnson would pick up the lead and the race would go green for a complete lap until Scott James brought out the second caution on lap seven. On the restart Johnson would show the way with O'Neal now running in second followed by Dohm, Jimmy Mars and Darren Miller.

Mars would then be the man on the move climbing to third in the race to challenge O'Neal for second. On lap 14 Mars' race would suddenly end as something happened to his race car heading into number one as he ended up over embankment and came to a halt. Mars' nice run was done as he was towed back to the pit area after coming from the 12th starting spot to third. Johnson again would be on the point for the restart with O'Neal still in second with Pearson now in the hunt from tenth to run third at this point in the race. O'Neal and Pearson would then run side by side for at least three laps with O'Neal hanging on for second place. Birkhofer was now showing some strength using the top groove of the track as he was fourth in the race with pressure from Lanigan.

The race would stay green until lap 22 when Brad Neat stopped on the front stretch and an ensuing restart would see Steve Barnett, Eckert and Brad Barrow involved in a caution in turn number two. Those would be the last cautions of the race and that would set up a showdown in the 53 laps of racing between four drivers. Johnson would lead lap 23 on the restart, but on lap 24 O'Neal would take his turn leading the race grabbing the point with Lanigan following him to second. O'Neal and Lanigan would then dice it out for the lead until Lanigan would finally clear O'Neal taking his first lead of the race on lap 27. Pearson then got in the act going side by side with O'Neal for a few laps in the race for second. While O'Neal and Pearson were slugging it out Lanigan had pulled out to a six car length lead over the pair. With 30 laps scored by was Lanigan showing the way followed by O'Neal, Pearson, Johnson and Doug Horton.

Heavy traffic started to play a role in the race for the first time as Lanigan would catch up to the tail of the pack by lap 33. At this time Pearson was finally able to wrestle second from O'Neal and set his sights on Lanigan. Pearson would eventually catch up to Lanigan by lap 38 with O'Neal still running in third with Horton now fourth as he had gotten by Johnson. With 30 laps to go it was still Lanigan and Pearson showing the way. Lanigan was about two to three car lengths ahead of Pearson as the two were still battling through some heavy traffic in front of them. Johnson then went by Horton to regain the fourth spot and he was catching up to O'Neal trying to make a race of it for the third position. Now with 20 laps remaining the crowd was on their feet as Pearson saw an opening on the inside of Lanigan and he made the pass on the 61st lap to take over the lead. Pearson was the fifth different driver to lead this race, but Lanigan was not through yet as he was not about to settle for second place.

With ten laps to go Lanigan was all over Pearson for the lead as Pearson was encountering some traffic in front of him. With the roles reversed Pearson now had to fight to maintain the lead knowing one mistake and Lanigan would be by him. With five laps to go Lanigan was on the rear of Pearson's racer, but Pearson was able to withstand Lanigan's challenges and cross the finish in first to claim his first ever win at Brownstown Speedway. Lanigan came home a close second followed by O'Neal, Johnson and Birkhofer.

In victory lane Pearson thanked a multitude of people who have helped him get off to an excellent start in 2006. "My new crew chief Jason Fitzgerald, my car owners Carlton and Kemp Lamm and all the crew they've done a great job this year, we are really running well and it feels good to win here at Brownstown, probably one of the toughest tracks to ever win a race at." "I caught Lanigan there in traffic and I knew if I could get a run on him and get to the inside I might have a shot at passing him and it worked out real well and we were able to get by him, I don't know if I could have beat him without the lapped traffic, he had a real good car tonight."

Completing the top ten were Doug Horton, Rick Eckert, 24th starting Scott James, Donnie Moran and Shannon Babb.

In preliminary action Steve Francis set a new Brownstown Speedway track record with a fast lap of 13.546 seconds to earn the Comp Cams fast time award among the 68 cars on hand. The PBM Performance Products heat races were won by Brian Birkhofer, Tim Dohm, Greg Johnson, Darren Miller, Rick Eckert and Don O'Neal. The Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno first B-Main went to Shannon Babb with the Penske Shocks second B-Main belonging to Corey Conley.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series returns to action this Saturday and Sunday, April 8 and 9 with a visit to the Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, GA on Saturday Night for the "Jimmy Mosteller Classic" and a first ever trip to the Cherokee Super Speedway in Gaffney, SC on Sunday Night awaits the series participants. Both events will pay $10,000 to win.

Race Summary Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Event #7
Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, Indiana Saturday Night, April 1, 2006
Comp Cams Fast Time: Steve Francis 13.546 seconds (New Track Record)
PBM Performance Products First Heat: (Top 3 advance): Brian Birkhofer, Steve Francis, Eddie Carrier, Jr., Mike Watson, Brady Smith, Brad Barrow, Bret Sievert, Damon Eller, C.J. Rayburn, Ryan Eads, Bryan Barber, Doug Ault
PBM Performance Products Second Heat: (Top 3 advance): Tim Dohm, Michael England, Darrell Lanigan, Shannon Babb, Dan Schlieper, Kevin Weaver, Billy Drake, Matt Miller, Tim Prince, Brian Wilhite, Justin Rattliff, Mike Marlar
PBM Performance Products Third Heat: (Top 3 advance): Greg Johnson, Doug Horton, Dennis Erb, Jr., Steve Casebolt, Rick Aukland, Jeep VanWormer, Scotty Earl, Steve Hillard, Jayme Zidar, Justin Robinson, Scott Wenell
PBM Performance Products Fourth Heat: (Top 3 advance): Darren Miller, Earl Pearson, Jr., Patrick Sheltra, Chad Kinder, Marty O'Neal, Brent Londeree, Rickey Riggle, Jeremy Masters, Shannon Reed, Scott James, John Mason
PBM Performance Products Fifth Heat: (Top 3 advance): Rick Eckert, Steve Barnett, Donnie Moran, Corey Conley, Johnny Wheeler, Mike Jewell, Duane Chamberlain, Frank Heckenast Jr., Jordan Bland, Gary Harden, Brad Erwin
PBM Performance Products Sixth Heat: (Top 3 advance): Don O'Neal, Jimmy Mars, Brad Neat, Freddy Smith, Tim Tungate, Justin Blackwell, Steve Godsey, Randy Riggle, Aaron Hatton, Kerry Hansen, Daniel Bohall
Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main: (Top 2 advance): Shannon Babb, Dan Schlieper, Rick Aukland, Billy Drake, Steve Casebolt, Steve Hillard, Bret Sievert, Jayme Zidar, C.J. Rayburn, Justin Robinson, Tim Prince, Damon Eller, Brian Wilhite, Scott Wenell, Jeep VanWormer, Mike Watson, Brady Smith, Roy Mitchell, Justin Rattliff, Scotty Earl, Ryan Eads, Kevin Weaver, Brad Barrow, Bryan Barber, Matt Miller
Penske Shocks Second B-Main: (Top 2 advance): Corey Conley, Tim Tungate, Freddy Smith, Johnny Wheeler, Justin Blackwell, John Mason, Marty O'Neal, Duane Chamberlain, Kerry Hansen, Frank Heckenast Jr., Steve Godsey, Gary Harden, Rickey Riggle, Jeremy Masters, Jordan Bland, Randy Riggle, Chad Kinder, Brent Londeree, Mike Jewell, Scott James, Shannon Reed, Daniel Bohall, Brad Erwin

Ninth Annual "Indiana Icebreaker" Feature: (75 Laps): Earl Pearson Jr., Darrell Lanigan, Don O'Neal, Greg Johnson, Brian Birkhofer, Doug Horton, Rick Eckert, Scott James, Donnie Moran, Shannon Babb, Corey Conley, Tim Dohm, Steve Francis, Darren Miller, Patrick Sheltra, Michael England, Eddie Carrier Jr, Tim Tungate, Steve Barnett, Dan Schlieper, Dennis Erb Jr., Shannon Reed, Brad Barrow, Brad Neat, Jimmy Mars, Matt Miller

Race Statistics
Entries: 68
Yellow Flags: 5
Red Flags: 0
Lap Leaders: Rick Eckert 1-6 Greg Johnson 7-23 Don O'Neal 24-26 Darrell Lanigan 27-60 Earl Pearson Jr. 61-75
All-Star Performance Performer of the Race: Scott James (Started 24th and finished 8th) advanced 16 positions
K&N Engineering Clean Pass of the Race: Earl Pearson Jr. for taking the lead from Darrell Lanigan
Hawk Brake Tough Break Award: Brady Smith
Quarter Master Move of the Race: Don O'Neal
Weld Racing Wheels Award: Tim Tungate
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Race: Doug Horton
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Matt Miller and Scott James

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Points Standings (After April 1)
1. Earl Pearson Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-805
1. Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-805
3. Steve Francis (Ashland, KY)-790
4. Dennis Erb Jr. (Carpentersville, IL)-780
5. Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-760
6. Doug Horton (Bruceton Mills, WV)-715
6. Rick Eckert (York, PA)-715
8. Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-710
9. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-690
10.Tim Dohm (Cross Lanes, WV)-685
11.Shannon Babb (Moweaqua, IL)-645
12.Darren Miller (Chadwick, IL)-590
13.Brian Birkhofer (Muscatine, IA)-580
13.Eddie Carrier Jr. (Salt Rock, WV)-580
15.Jimmy Mars (Menomonie, WI)-545
15.Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-545
17.Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-530
18.Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-515
19.Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-510
20.Billy Moyer (Batesville, AR)-505

Dixie and Cherokee Take Center Stage for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series on April 8th and 9th

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series heads to the southeastern part of the United States with back to back races on Saturday and Sunday, April 8th and 9th. On Saturday Night, April 8th Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, GA will host the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series for the running of the "Jimmy Mosteller Classic" paying $10,000 to win and on Sunday Night, April 9th the series makes its first ever appearance at the Cherokee Super Speedway in Gaffney, SC for another $10,000 to win feature event. Both shows will feature a complete race program for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series with Comp Cams Time Trials, PBM Performance Products Heat Races, Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-Mains and 50 lap A-Main events to top off the evening.

It will be the third ever appearance for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series at Dixie Speedway. The last two years the "Dixie Shootout" has been the scene for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series travelers with Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL winning both times the Series has visited Dixie. The Mike Swims promoted facility will see the Pit Gates open at 2PM, Grandstand Gates at 4PM, Hot Laps are set to begin at 6 PM, Time Trials at 6:30 PM followed by Racing Action at 7PM. For more information on Dixie Speedway you can call (770) 926-5315 or visit the tracks website at www.dixiespeedway.com. 

The visit to Cherokee Super Speedway on Sunday April 9th will complete the weekend of racing at the Buff Family promoted facility as the Series makes its initial appearance at "The Place Your Mama Warned You About". Pit Gates at Cherokee Super Speedway will open at 3PM, grandstand gates at 4PM, Hot Laps are to commence at 6:15PM with Time Trials at 6:45PM with Racing Action set to start at 7:30PM. For more information on Cherokee Super Speedway you can call (864) 489-1969 or check out their website at www.cherokeesuperspeedway.com.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 2006 tire rule will be in effect for these events. The tires that are allowed are the following: Hoosier LM20, 1300, LM40, 1600 and the D55 (Shoulder Plated), the American Racer SD44 and MD56 and the Goodyear G40 and G50. Soft compounds must durometer 40 prior and hard compounds must durometer 60 prior. For more information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can log on to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (859) 271-4501.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series April Race Schedule
Saturday, April 1 - Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, IN-9th Annual "Indiana Icebreaker" $10,000 to win
Saturday, April 8 - Dixie Speedway-Woodstock, GA-"Jimmy Mosteller Classic" $10,000 to win
Sunday, April 9 - Cherokee Speedway-Gaffney, SC-$10,000 to win
Fri-Sat, April 21-22 - The Dirt Track@Lowe's Motor Speedway-Concord, NC-Inaugural "Colossal 100" $50,000 to win
Saturday, April 29 - Hagerstown Speedway-Hagerstown, MD-25th Annual "Stanley Schetrompf Memorial" $10,000 to win

2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sponsors
Lucas Oil- Title Sponsor and “Official Oil Products of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
K & N Filters - “Official Filters” of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
Sunoco Race Fuels- “Official Race Fuel of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
Arizona Sport Shirts – “Official Souvenir Manufacturer & Vendor of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Supporters Include: Lucas Oil Products, K & N Filters, Sunoco Race Fuels, Arizona Sports Shirts, DART Machinery, COMP Cams, PBM Performance Products, Hawk Performance Brakes, Edelbrock, PPM, AFCO, Quarter Master, Design 500, Penske Racing Shocks, Banshee Graphics, Jesel, C J Rayburn Race Cars, Rocket Chassis, Real Wheels, MasterSbilt Race Cars, Lazer Race Cars, Mason Racin, Cruise With The Champions, Petroff Towing and All-Star Performance

K&N Filters Named "Official Filter" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

RIVERSIDE, CA--Officials of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and K&N Engineering, Inc. have announced that K&N Filters has joined the series as the "Official Filter" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series for the 2006 season. At each Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event held in 2006 a Driver will be given the K&N Filters "Clean Pass of the Race" Award based on a significant pass made during the nights' events. There will be an award of $250 given to that driver at each event plus a season long point fund will award a Driver $3000 and a trophy for garnering the most K&N Filters "Clean Pass of the Race" points that accumulate during the season.

"K&N Filters is very excited to be a part of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. It is a very unique brand of exciting, high energy motorsports that is increasing in popularity each year. Our products are not only for the racer but for the many loyal fans that come out each and every weekend to watch them. We look forward to serving all of them with the "World's Best Air Filter", said Charles Maier, Director of Sports Marketing for K&N Filters.

K&N Filters "The World's Best Air Filters" will also help sponsor the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events to be televised on SPEED TV in 2006. There will be 13 events shown on a tape delayed basis on SPEED this year. SPEED TV can currently be seen by 71 million people across North America. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has scheduled 35 events across the country in 2006. Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL is the defending National Champion for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.

K&N Engineering, of Riverside, California, is the inventor and leading innovator of reusable cotton gauze filter technology for automotive applications. From humble beginnings as a family run business over 35 years ago, K&N Engineering, now a truly global company with offices in the U.K. and the Netherlands, continues to exist as a family owned business with an enthusiast mindset and a direct connection with motor sports that carries over throughout all levels of management and manufacturing.

Today, K&N exists as both the sales and brand leader for performance filters, and maintains a stocking catalogue of over 3,500 part numbers, including an extensive line of both factory replacement drop-in filters, FIPK (Fuel Injection Performance Kit) applications, and its line of innovative Performance Gold oil filters. For more information on K&N Filters and the products they have to offer you can log on to their website at www.knfilters.com.

To keep up with the season long point standings for the K&N Filters "Clean Pass of the Race" Award you can visit the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series website at www.lucasdirt.com.

Next Event
Saturday Night, April 1, 2006
Brownstown Speedway
Brownstown, Indiana
www.brownstownspeedway.com

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Jones Core Sponsored 9th Annual "Indiana Icebreaker"
$10,000 to win/$700 to start 75 Lap Main Event
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series April Race Schedule
Saturday, April 1 - Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, IN-9th Annual "Indiana Icebreaker" $10,000 to win
Saturday, April 8 - Dixie Speedway-Woodstock, GA-"Jimmy Mosteller Classic" $10,000 to win
Sunday, April 9 - Cherokee Speedway-Gaffney, SC-$10,000 to win
Fri-Sat, April 21-22 - The Dirt Track@Lowe's Motor Speedway-Concord, NC-Inaugural "Colossal 100" $50,000 to win
Saturday, April 29 - Hagerstown Speedway-Hagerstown, MD-25th Annual "Stanley Schetrompf Memorial" $10,000 to win

2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sponsors
Lucas Oil- Title Sponsor and “Official Oil Products of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
K & N Filters - “Official Filters” of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
Sunoco Race Fuels- “Official Race Fuel of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
Arizona Sport Shirts – “Official Souvenir Manufacturer & Vendor of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Supporters Include: Lucas Oil Products, K & N Filters, Sunoco Race Fuels, Arizona Sports Shirts, DART Machinery, COMP Cams, PBM Performance Products, Hawk Performance Brakes, Edelbrock, PPM, AFCO, Quarter Master, Design 500, Penske Racing Shocks, Banshee Graphics, Jesel, C J Rayburn Race Cars, Rocket Chassis, Real Wheels, MasterSbilt Race Cars, Lazer Race Cars, Mason Racin, Cruise With The Champions, Petroff Towing and All-Star Performance

Dennis Erb Jr. Leads Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Points Standings Heading to Brownstown on April 1st

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series swings back into action this Saturday Night, April 1st at the Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, Indiana for the 9th Annual "Indiana Icebreaker" sponsored by Jones Core. There will be a complete show for the traveling dirt series with Comp Cams Time Trials, PBM Performance Products Heat Races, Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-Mains followed by the 75 Lap "Indiana Icebreaker" main event paying $10,000 to win. Brownstown promoter Tim Keithley has announced earlier starting times for the festivities with gates opening at 1 PM followed by Hot Laps at 4 PM and then Comp Cams Time Trials. Racing action is set to begin at approximately 6 PM.

Dennis Erb, Jr. of Carpentersville, IL currently leads the Series standings after three points races at East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa, FL. Erb comes into Brownstown with a 35 point lead over Donnie Moran of Dresden, OH. Erb will be behind the wheel of his familiar number 28 C.J. Rayburn Chevrolet Monte Carlo this Saturday night looking to keep his points lead. Erb's car is powered by a Malcuit Racing Engines and sponsored by Petroff Towing, B&K Sportswear and Vinyl Graphics, Petersen Aluminum, Thomason Transportation, Hoosier Racing Tires, Reaber Transport, AFCO Racing Products and his car is crew-chiefed by Heather Lyne. Sitting in third place in the points standings behind Erb and Moran is Steve Francis of Ashland, KY who is the only two time winner on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series so far in 2006. Matt Miller of Waterville, OH and the defending Series Champion, Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL sits in fifth. Erb and Miller have two career wins at Brownstown with Francis winning once there back in a STARS event in 1997, but he hasn't raced at Brownstown since 1999 and Moran and Pearson are looking for their first ever wins at the speedy 1/4 mile race track.

The rest of the top ten in the current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series standings are Don O'Neal of Martinsville, In, Rick Eckert of York, PA, Tim Dohm of Cross Lanes, WV, Doug Horton of Bruceton Mills, WV and Billy Moyer of Batesville, AR. O'Neal is a two-time Brownstown Speedway Track Champion and has 41 career wins at his home track. Eckert, Dohm and Horton have never won at Brownstown. In fact Eckert has not raced there since 1999 and Horton will be making his first ever appearance at Brownstown. Moyer has 13 career wins at Brownstown Speedway including one on his last visit there during a Summernationals event in 2001.

Terry English of Benton, KY who won a Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event last season at Brownstown Speedway and the 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year, Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN are tied for 11th in the points. English's win at Brownstown in '05 was his first there after several attempts. James won the "Kenny Simpson Memorial" at Brownstown in 2000 for his only official win at Brownstown. Brady Smith of Solon Springs, WI is currently 13th in the series points standings and will be making his first ever visit to Brownstown on April 1st. Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL entered Brownstown's victory in back to back years in 1998 and 1999, but hasn't won there since. Tim McCreadie of Watertown, NY sits 15th in the series standings and he has never raced at Brownstown.

Eddie Carrier, Jr. of Salt Rock, WV rests in 16th place in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series standings after East Bay. Carrier has raced at Brownstown Speedway twice before in a Open Wheel Modified car, but never in a Late Model. Darren Miller of Chadwick, IL will be looking for his first ever win at Brownstown and he sets 17th in points with Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, WI, Davey Johnson of Greensburg, PA and Anthony Rushing of Kosciusko, MS completing the top 20 in the national points standings for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.

For more information on the 9th Annual "Indiana Icebreaker" event at Brownstown Speedway you can log on to the track's website at www.brownstownspeedway.com and more info on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can visit their website at www.lucasdirt.com or contact the Series Office at (859)271-4501.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 2006 Year to Date Results and Winners
February 3-Golden Isles Speedway-Waynesville, GA--(Rained Out)
February 6-East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL-(Dan Schlieper)
February 7-East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL-(Billy Moyer)
February 8-East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL-(Dale McDowell)
February 9-East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL-(Matt Miller)
February 10-East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL-(Steve Francis)
February 12-East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL-(Steve Francis)

Next Event
Saturday Night, April 1, 2006
Brownstown Speedway
Brownstown, Indiana
www.brownstownspeedway.com

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Jones Core Sponsored 9th Annual "Indiana Icebreaker"
$10,000 to win/$700 to start 75 Lap Main Event

2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sponsors
Lucas Oil- Title Sponsor and “Official Oil Products of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
K & N Filters - “Official Filters” of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
Sunoco Race Fuels- “Official Race Fuel of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
Arizona Sport Shirts – “Official Souvenir Manufacturer & Vendor of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Supporters Include: Lucas Oil Products, K & N Filters, Sunoco Race Fuels, Arizona Sports Shirts, DART Machinery, COMP Cams, PBM Performance Products, Hawk Performance Brakes, Edelbrock, PPM, AFCO, Quarter Master, Design 500, Penske Racing Shocks, Banshee Graphics, Jesel, C J Rayburn Race Cars, Rocket Chassis, Real Wheels, MasterSbilt Race Cars, Lazer Race Cars, Mason Racin, Cruise With The Champions, Petroff Towing and All-Star Performance

Brownstown Speedway Announces Earlier Start Times and Hotel Info for "Indiana Icebreaker" on April 1st

Officials of the Brownstown (IN) Speedway and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series have announced there will be special earlier starting times for the Jones Core sponsored 9th Annual "Indiana Icebreaker" sanctioned by the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series on Saturday, April 1. Gates will open at 1:00 P.M. with Hot Laps at 4:00 P.M. followed by Time Trials for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Racing is scheduled to begin at approximately 6:00 P.M.
There will be a complete show for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series with Comp Cams Time Trials, PBM Performance Products Heat Races, Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-Mains followed by the 75 Lap "Indiana Icebreaker" A-Main Event paying $10,000 to win and $700 to start.
Brownstown Speedway is located on State Road 250, a mile southeast of Brownstown, Indiana at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. For more information you can log on to their website at www.brownstownspeedway.com. For up to date news and other information regarding the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can visit the series website at www.lucasdirt.com of contact the Series Office at (859)271-4501.

Area motels listed in Seymour, Indiana which is 15 miles east of Brownstown:
All State Inn (812) 522-2666
Days Inn (812) 522-3678
Econo Lodge (812) 522-8000
Hampton Inn (812) 523-2409
Holiday Inn (812) 522-6767
Knights Inn (812) 522-3523
Lees Inn (812) 523-1850
Super 8 (812) 524-2000
Motel 6 (812) 524-7443

2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sponsors
Lucas Oil- Title Sponsor and “Official Oil Products of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
K & N Filters - “Official Filters” of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
Sunoco Race Fuels- “Official Race Fuel of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
Hoosier Race Tires – “Official Race Tire of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
Arizona Sport Shirts – “Official Souvenir Manufacturer & Vendor of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Supporters Include: Lucas Oil Products, K & N Filters, Sunoco Race Fuels, Arizona Sports Shirts, DART Machinery, COMP Cams, PBM Performance Products, Hawk Performance Brakes, Edelbrock, PPM, AFCO, Quarter Master, Design 500, Penske Racing Shocks, Banshee Graphics, Jesel, C J Rayburn Race Cars, Rocket Chassis, Real Wheels, MasterSbilt Race Cars, Lazer Race Cars, Mason Racin, Cruise With The Champions, Petroff Towing and All-Star Performance

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Set for Huge Month of April

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series gets back into action in April with an intense racing schedule with five events to be held with the total purses exceeding $360,000. To kick off the month on Saturday Night, April 1st it will be the third visit for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series to the historic Brownstown (IN) Speedway for the 9th Annual "Indiana Icebreaker" paying $10,000 to win. In the previous two appearances at the Jackson County Fairgrounds 1/4 mile speed-plant Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN and Terry English of Benton, KY have captured victories there.
After visiting America's Heartland the Series then turns its attention to the southeastern part of the United States with events on Saturday Night, April 8th at the Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, GA followed by a Sunday evening affair at the Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, SC. Dixie Speedway will host the "Jimmy Mosteller Classic" on Saturday Night paying $10,000 to win. The event was originally scheduled for last October as part of the annual "Dixie Shootout", but fell victim to rain. It will be the third appearance for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series to one of the legendary venues in all of dirt track racing. Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL has won both times the series has raced at Dixie Speedway in 2004 and again last season. The following night, the Series makes its first appearance at "The Place Your Mamma Warned You About" Cherokee Speedway for a $10,000 to win event.
After the weekend off for the Easter Holiday Weekend the Series cranks up into high gear with the first mega dirt late model event of the '06 Season the Inaugural "Colossal 100" at The Dirt Track@Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, NC on April 21st and 22nd. The 100 lap Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event on Saturday Night will pay $50,000 to win and $2,000 to start with a total purse right at $200,000. Last year Grayson, KY's Jackie Boggs picked up the win in the first appearance at the ultra-modern facility for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.
To wind up the month of April it will be another track making its first ever appearance on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series schedule as the 25th Annual "Stanley Schetrompf Memorial" will be contested at the one of the most recognizable venues for dirt late model racing, the Hagerstown Speedway in Hagerstown, MD on Saturday Night, April 29th. A top prize of $10,000 to win will be up for grabs in the Series first ever visit to the Frank Plessinger promoted facility.
For more information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can visit their website at www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (859) 271-4501.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series April Race Schedule
Saturday, April 1----Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, IN-9th Annual "Indiana Icebreaker" $10,000 to win - www.brownstownspeedway.com
Saturday, April 8----Dixie Speedway-Woodstock, GA-"Jimmy Mosteller Classic" $10,000 to win - www.dixiespeedway.com
Sunday, April 9------Cherokee Speedway-Gaffney, SC-$10,000 to win - www.cherokeesuperspeedway.com
Sat-Sun, April 21-22-The Dirt Track@Lowe's Motor Speedway-Concord, NC-Inaugural "Colossal 100" $50,000 to win - www.lowesmotorspeedway.com
Saturday, April 29---Hagerstown Speedway-Hagerstown, MD-25th Annual "Stanley Schetrompf Memorial" $10,000 to win - www.hagerstownspeedway.com

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series All-Time Event Winners (2004-2006)
Don O'Neal-7
Shannon Babb-4
Steve Francis-3
Matt Miller-3
Donnie Moran-3
Brian Birkhofer-2
Scott Bloomquist-2
Rick Eckert-2
Terry English-2
Earl Pearson Jr-2
Jackie Boggs-1
Eddie Carrier Jr-1
Steve Casebolt-1
Bart Hartman-1
Scott James-1
Mike Jewell-1
Randy Korte-1
Mike Marlar-1
Jimmy Mars-1
Tim McCreadie-1
Dale McDowell-1
Billy Moyer-1
Jimmy Owens-1
Dan Schlieper-1
Robbie Scott-1
Steve Shaver-1

2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sponsors
Lucas Oil- Title Sponsor and “Official Oil Products of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
K & N Filters - “Official Filters” of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
Sunoco Race Fuels- “Official Race Fuel of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
Arizona Sport Shirts – “Official Souvenir Manufacturer & Vendor of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Supporters Include: Lucas Oil Products, K & N Filters, Sunoco Race Fuels, Arizona Sports Shirts, DART Machinery, COMP Cams, PBM Performance Products, Hawk Performance Brakes, Edelbrock, PPM, AFCO, Quarter Master, Design 500, Penske Racing Shocks, Banshee Graphics, Jesel, C J Rayburn Race Cars, Rocket Chassis, Real Wheels, MasterSbilt Race Cars, Lazer Race Cars, Mason Racin, Cruise With The Champions, Petroff Towing and All-Star Performance

Copyright © 1998-2005 by South Jersey Dirt Racing/ToddJ All Rights Reserved.  Born on date April 21, 1998