Click on the title to read about an article published in the Muskegon Chronicle about my grandparents.

Mark Jalovec

UMP Modified driver John McCaul was recently honored with the 2008 Michigan Racing Scene Driver of the Year. John becomes the second driver from Winston to garner this award. The first being John Grega in 2001.

Great Job John!

Winston Sportsman driver Ed "Bean" Falbe is driving #08 Arena Racing/Pennzoil house car for the 2008 Delta Plex Arena Racing Season. 

With help from Kerkstra Services  ASI Manufacturing,A&M Dental,Winston Speedway, JFK Machine, All Speed, CNC & Automation, Randy Ellen Photos, and Huiskens Technologies they are doing well.

Last week Falbe qualified 6th, started 10th in the heat and finished 4th, and in the feature started 11th and finished second.

For ticket pricing check out: www.arenaracinggr.com 

Winston Speedway concluded their racing season on September5th and 6th with their annual “Fall Spectacular.” The event was sponsored by Port City Racing and Integra Racing Shocks and Springs. This annual event is turning out to be one of the best year end gathering of race fans and drivers from all over the state of Michigan. Owner’s Tom and Lois Sprague would like to thank the employees, drivers, crew members and fans for their support of Winston Speedway. The economy has been tough but the support of Winston Speedway has been great. The Sprague’s are looking forward to the 2009 season.

After running Heat races in the hot afternoon sun, drivers had to make big adjustments to run in the cool evening. The drivers who made the correct changes were the drivers who were able to make their way to the front. The track was dry and slick during the afternoon while the evening saw a track that was tacky and fast.

The 30 lap Late Model Feature event came down to 2007 Winston Track Champion Tom Sprague Jr and former IMCA Modified National champion Rick Stout. Sprague started on the front row and made his way to the point early. Youngster Kyle Borgman was the first to give Sprague a run for his money getting under Sprague only to see Sprague pull away coming out of turns two and four. By the half way mark Stout had charged his way to second from his eighth place starting position. With five laps to go fans could see that Stout was gaining on Sprague. Getting to him was one thing, passing him was going to be another. Stout made a valiant effort at the finish diamonding both ends of the track on the last lap. Stout was able to dive under Sprague coming out of both turns, but Sprague showed why he has the most wins at Winston in his Late Model. Sprague held his line, stayed in the throttle and picked up his 7th win and a check for $1200. Stout’s second place run was admirable as it was his first visit to Winston this season. Andy Sprague, Borgman, Jim Fairbanks and Tim Stott completed the top five. Heat races were won by Brian McQueen, Stout, and Mike Nichols. The top transfer spot from the Consolation feature was won by Kevin Juusola.

The entire season of Modified racing at Winston Speedway can be summed up in one name. “John McCaul” Only John Grega’s dominance in the Late Model division in the early 1990’s can compare to McCaul’s efforts this season.  McCaul left no question of who is the top Modified driver in the State of Michigan. Starting from the fourth position McCaul made quick work of his competitors and left everyone else running for second. McCaul's win was his 27th of the season around the state of Michigan. Track Championships at Winston Speedway, Thunderbird Race Park and the UMP State title will be added to his resume. The National title is still within reach for McCaul. Jacob Poel was second edging Rich Robinson, Derek Poland, and Jeff Erickson. Heat race winners included Nate Bostrom, Mike Wilbern and Poel.The Sportsman division saw a non Winston Speedway regular take top honors.

Mick Latch has spent this summer trying to get a handle on his Modified. When he was asked to drive a Sportsman car at the “Fall Spectacular” he jumped at the chance. Latch is well known in West Michigan racing circles for his ability in a stock car. Latch and Rob Sternberg swapped the lead at the Flag stand two different times midway through the race. Ultimately Latch’s high groove turned out to be the place to be as he cruised to the win and earned $500 for his efforts. Mike Lynn used the same line as Latch to edge Sternberg for second. Troy Marcinaik and Chad Weinrick completed the top five. Heat races were won by Mike Epplett and Bean Falbe.

If Factory stock driver Bill May was a baseball player he would be a hall of famer. Running in only ten events this summer May was able to win five. May took only eight laps to get to the front and stay there. May’s pass of Tony Weinrick earned him “Top Gun Challenge” bonus money bumping his earnings for the night to over $500. Bill Delong did his best to get by May at the finish line only to come up short by a front fender. Mike Pickard, Mark Ransom and Weinrick completed the top five. Pickard, Weinrick and May were Heat Race winners. Loren Peterson won the top transfer spot out of the consolation feature.

If anything could ever make a driver mad it would be being turned around on the last lap while looking for the checkered flag. Winning Mini stock driver Luke Near must have the temperament of a saint as he never retaliated or spoke a harsh word in the pits. Near was spun out twice while leading by the same driver.  The first time came early in the event and the last was on final lap. Both times Near was able to resume racing and get his top spot back. His nemesis had their scoring card pulled for their actions. Near ended up leading every lap of the 25 lap event and picked up his ninth win at Winston. Carl McCann was the best of the rest as he beat Mark Farber, Mike Horton, and April Spriggs to the line. Heat races were won by McCann and Randy Whitten.

Mark your calendars for Saturday December 6th. Winston Speedway will hold their 2008 Awards Banquet at the VFW on Apple Avenue in Muskegon.  For the best in Family entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.

For complete results and news visit: www.winstonmotorspeedway.com

Racing Photographer Tom Devette made his way to Winston and took some great photos of our Fall Spectacular. You can take a look at his photos and order any that you would like by clicking on the title that is linked to his web site.

Thank you Tom for thinking of Winston in your Photo Racing tour around the state.

FALL SPECTACULAR SEPT. 5^TH & 6^TH

SPONSORED BY PORT CITY RACING and INTEGRA SHOCKS & SPRINGS

Check out one of the best racing weekends of the year. Click on the title to look at the details of the weekends events.

Every track has a "Top Gun" in each class. I would like to challenge other drivers to attend the Fall Spectacular and beat the Top Gun in their class. Of course there will be a bonus for beating the Top Gun. NOTE: Winston's Top Gun must be on the lead lap to collect the bonus. Here are the Top Gun's at Winston.

We had so much fun with the bounty in this class last
month I think we should add #28 Rob Nieman to the list and see who really is the "Top Gun"

Are You up for the CHALLENGE ????

Winston Speedway concluded their regular season on Friday August 29th. A huge crowd came out to see Sprint Car action along with the last night of points racing. Track Championships were not claimed until the end of the main events in three different divisions. Some drivers were left wondering about all the “What ifs” during the season while others were celebrating long after the track lights went out.

Sixteen Sprint Cars lined up for the main event. Brett Mann was the man of the hour as he drove to victory in the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Feature event. Mann used his front row starting position to the fullest holding off 2007 Series Champion Tim Norman along with Ben Rutan who was trying to make it two in a row at Winston. It was Mann’s second win of the season.

Mann and Louie Carufel started on the front row for the 25-lap main event. At the start Ryan Grubaugh tumbled end for end into turn one bringing out the red flag. It was the only halt of action for the main event. Grubaugh was uninjured.

Mann once again jumped into the lead during the restart while Carufel battled with Norman, Rutan, and Dalman for second. After battling for several laps Norman and Carufel banged wheels off the fourth corner with Norman taking the spot. Several laps later Rutan threw a big slide job on Carufel through turns three and four, sliding up the ledge on the top of the track to hold third.

Norman set sail after Mann through lapped traffic, but Mann masterfully worked his way around the back markers. Norman settled for second followed by Rutan, Carufel, and Steve Irwin.
Norman won the Dash event and a Heat race. Mann also won his Heat race.

Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Modified driver Mike Wilbern has been on both sides of the fence when it comes to seeing a Track Championship dominated by a single driver. Wilbern in 2006 pulled off double digit wins at Winston in claiming a Track Championship and a State Title. Wilbern knows the winning feeling John McCaul has enjoyed this season. McCaul has had a target on his back all season and Wilbern has been one of the arrows.

At the start of the feature Wilbern was on the pole. Wilbern quickly cleared John Hammerle at the start and moved to the high groove. Wilbern stayed on the very top of the track for the entire event. With ten laps to go there was a familiar car to his inside. McCaul was trying his best to get to Wilbern’s inside and clear him for the lead. They had the fans on the edge of their seats as they swapped the lead back and forth running completely different lines. A caution with three laps to go saw Wilbern able to pull away and pick up the win. It was the second time only this season that a driver other than McCaul celebrated in victory lane. McCaul finished second, but claimed the 2008 UMP Track Championship at Winston. It was McCaul’s third track championship at Winston in the last five years.  McCaul also is in contention for State and National UMP Modified titles. Youngster Jeff Erickson continues to show that he will be a contender in 2009 as he gets better each week. Erickson’s pass of John Hammerle with four laps to go earned him the third position. Greg Smith completed the top five. Heat races were won by Wilbern and Hammerle.

The Sportsman division feature played out like a soap opera. If Chad Weinrick won the feature, Point leader Ralph Sternberg knew he would have to finish sixth or better to claim his second Port City Racing Sportsman track championship. Ralph Sternberg had won his heat race early in the evening but it turned out to be a double edged sword. Sternberg’s heat race win called for him to draw the inversion chip. The inversion placed Weinrick on the outside pole. Out front Weinrick went unchallenged in a caution free event. Ralph Sternberg started eighth and struggled to move forward. With laps winding down Ralph’s brother Rob started falling back from his fourth place running position. Could Rob Sternberg be losing positions in order to help his brother? The answer was no. Rob had broken a right upper “A” frame and was hanging on for dear life. Ironically Ralph’s pass of Rob for sixth place earned Ralph Sternberg the Championship by a mere two points. It was a stressful and exciting championship run for all the drivers and families involved. The fans loved it.The race for second had three drivers slicing and dicing for the runner-up position. Dan Wilson edged Derek Poland and Bean Falbe after all three held the position at one point during their main event. Brad Afton rounded out the top five. Heats were won by Ralph and Rob Sternberg. The Dash for Cash event was taken by Weinrick.

Factory Stock driver Scott Erickson in 2007 watched his son Robert win the Factory Stock division championship. Robert Erickson’s success put the racing bug back into Scott who had not raced in nearly ten years. Heading into the evening Scott Erickson was coming off two consecutive feature wins and held the point lead. Tonight Erickson did exactly what he has done all season. Erickson finished strong with a fifth place finish. Erickson’s consistency and level headedness in a division that has drivers aged 14 to 76 shined all year. Scott Erickson’s followed in his sons footsteps claiming the 2008 Factory Stock Championship. The main event winner of the night was Tony Weinrick. Weinrick battled his way by Derek Passenier midway through the event and later held off Bill Delong. The win was Weinrick’s fourth of the season. Delong’s charge to second was impressive as he started sixteenth. Passenier was third followed by Justin Gilland and Erickson. Heat races were won by Passenier, Gilland and Weinrick.

The Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock division also was not decided until their final checkered flag was waved. CJ Rectors run off bad luck the last couple of weeks had put his top spot in the standings in jeopardy. Rector won his heat race, but drew an inversion chip of eight putting Luke Near in front of him for their main event. Rector had to finish within six spots of Luke Near to claim the championship. On the start of the event Near charged his way to the front with Carl McCann glued to his bumper. McCann entered the main event with a Heat race win and set third in points. McCann turned out to have the best car on the night. Near raced McCann hard but had nothing for him once McCann powered his way to the front. Near finished second followed by Andrew Bartozsek, and Brandon Tramper. Rector was able to ride without any traffic around him and cruise to a fifth place finish. Rector’s run earned him a track championship by five points over Near.

Next Friday September 5th and Saturday September 6th Winston Speedway will be holding their annual “Fall Spectacular.” The weekend will be full of excitement. Friday will be “Fun Day” with Mechanic, Powder Puff, Push Me, and an Enduro race as part of the action. On Saturday the program is packed full with six classes of racing. Late Models, Modified, Sportsman, Factory Stock, Mini Stocks and Four Cylinder Warrior classes will be competing for the huge purses “Top Gun” challenge money being awarded in each class. It is a weekend of racing you will not want to miss. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.

For Complete Results and News visit: www.winstonmotorspeedway.com

ASCS Sprints on Dirt Set for Weekend Double
Lonnie Wheatley, TULSA, Okla. (August 26, 2008) After a soggy Saturday night this past weekend, it's back to business for the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt presented by Victor Reinz with a pair of Michigan events this weekend. 

On Friday night, the series contests the eighth and final round of the MAHLE Clevite Short Track Challenge with the lone stop of the season at Winston Speedway in Rothbury, MI. Then on Saturday night, the series makes its third and final stop of the season at Crystal Motor Speedway. 

While Brett Mann holds the edge in the series season championship points chase, Gregg Dalman holds the lead in the season's Short Track Challenge standings. 

Gunning for his first series title, Mann of Goshen, IN, enters Saturday's action with a meager 14-point lead over Ben Rutan.  Dain Naida is 42 points off the lead pace in third, with Ryan Grubaugh and reigning series champion Tim Norman rounding out the top five. 

Ranked sixth in overall points, Dalman lead the Short Track Challenge by ten markers over Naida, with Rutan just a dozen points off of Dalman's pace in third.  Mann is 20 points out of the lead in the Short Track Challenge, with Ryan Grubaugh rounding out the current top five. Rutan topped last year's series stop at Winston Speedway with a dramatic flip across the finish line.  Tim Norman and Dustin Daggett have split this year's top honors at Crystal. 

Both nights of action are set to get under way at 7:30 p.m.

Winston Speedway is located in Rothbury, MI, off US 31 to the Winston Road Exit, then 0.2 miles west.  For more information, contact the track at 231-893-3023.

Friday August 22nd Winston Speedway fans were treated to three Season Championship races as part of a full racing program.  The Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Modified, the Port City Racing Factory Stocks and the Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock division were the headline divisions for the evening. With one week left in the battle for Track Championship point titles two were crowned a week early.

In the Late Model division Tom Sprague Jr would win the battle, but Rich Neiser would win the war. For 2007 Late Model track champion Tom Sprague the 2008 season has seen its ups and downs. Going into the last week of points racing for the Late Model division Sprague entered the evening in the third position behind point leader Rich Neiser and Matt Pickard. Sprague proved tonight that he was not going to go down without a fight. Early in the race Andy Sprague set the early pace from his pole position. Sibling rivalry was fun to watch as Andy and Tom Sprague Jr battled side by side midway through the race. Andy had just cleared Tom coming out of turn two only to go off the embankment in turn three bringing out the caution.  On the restart Tom Sprague Jr was placed on the point with Rich Neiser on his bumper. The final laps saw Sprague Jr pull away while Neiser battled eleventh place starter Jim Fairbanks. When the checkered flag was waved Sprague Jr had picked up his fifth win of the season, the most of any Late Model driver. The last turn saw Fairbanks get under Neiser for the second position. Neiser’s third place finish was enough for him to claim his second Track Championship in the past three years at Winston. Rounding out the top five were Kevin Nelson Jr and Brian McQueen. Heat Race winners were Tom Sprague Jr. Andy Sprague, and Scott Wenell. Kevin Juusola was the winner of the Consolation feature.

When the twenty-one Modified lined up by points for their Season Championship race everyone assumed that point leader John McCaul would run way from the field. McCaul has been in his own league this summer winning all but one feature at Winston. For twenty four of the twenty five laps the best racing was well behind McCaul who again was dominating. The last lap proved that even when McCaul has bad luck it strikes at the appropriate time. As McCaul entered turn three of the final lap fans could tell that McCaul’s car was off pace. Closing the gap fast in one of his best runs of the season was youngster Jeff Erickson. McCaul had lost fuel pressure. As McCaul headed for the finish line under powered he was able to get help from lapped traffic. Erickson had no lane to pass and was left pushing McCaul to his 14th win of the season. Greg Smith finished third ahead of Mike Wilbern and Jacob Poel. Heat race winners were McCaul and Derek Poland. McCaul's win assured him of title of UMP Modified Track Champion at Winston.

Sportsman driver Mike Lynn made it back to back wins. Fresh off his Season Championship race win a week ago Lynn proved his previous win was no fluke. Starting in the sixth position Lynn held off a late race charge by Derek Poland.  The finish was the closest of the night as Poland made his way inside of Lynn at the finish line losing by one foot. Jeremy Holman, Dan Wilson, and Chad Weinrick rounded out the top five. Poland and Brad Afton were Heat Race winners. This division will be worth the price of admission alone next week as the front three in points, Ralph Sternberg,  Rob Sternberg, and Chad Weinrick will not know who is the Sportsman Champion until the final checkered flag is waved in this division. The Points battle is that close.

Factory Stock point leader Scott Erickson had taken a ten year layoff from racing. To say he has returned in full force would be an under statement. Starting from the pole position for their Season Championship race Erickson was able to lead every lap to take the win. The win was his second of the season and the second in two weeks. Erickson’s win was not easy as youngster Derek Passenier pressured him for most of the race to finish in the runner-up position. Bill Delong edged Bill May and Tony Weinrick for the third position. Heat Races were won by May, Delong and Weinrick. Passenier won the “Dash for Cash” event. Robert Erickson earned the top transfer spot in the Consolation Feature.

Mini Stock driver Luke Near continues to be the class of the field as of late. Near started on the outside of point’s leader CJ Rector.  Near wasted no time getting to the front. While Near’s stock is rising CJ Rector has seen his points lead dwindle.  Near left Winston with his eighth win of the season and a five foot trophy. Rector was hauled off on a wrecker after an accident in turn four. Rector still holds the upper hand for a track championship but he cannot afford any more bad luck. Following Near across the line were Carl McCann, Brandon Tramper, John Foss, and Paul Rice. Heat Race winners were Near and Tramper.Friday

August 29th Winston Speedway will end their regular race season with an appearance of the ground pounding Sprints on Dirt series. The Late Model division will not be on hand but all of Winston Speedways other divisions will be fighting for their final spots in the point standings. The racing will be fast and furious. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.For Complete Results visit: www.winstonmotorspeedway.com

Results are finalized by the managment of Winston Speedway. If changes occur after I leave on friday night, I will update the results sheet accordingly.

Thank you

Mark Jalovec

Friday August 15th saw the final stretch of the race season begin at Winston Speedway. It was the start of Season Championship races. The Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model Division and Port City Racing Sportsman division were the center of attention on the night as they were the first of the five divisions at Winston to battle for bragging rights and trophies. Fans witnessed 104 race cars compete under perfect weather conditions. Patrons of Winston Speedway continue to show their support for the efforts of owners Tom & Lois Sprague.  Finding a place to sit at Winston has been a pleasant problem. Dirt Track racing at Winston is alive and well!

Twenty-eight Late Models were on hand to battle in their 30 lap Season Championship race. The starting grid for their main event was based upon the top twenty drivers in points, and two transfer spots from a consolation feature.  Earning the right to be on the first row were Rich Neiser and Matt Pickard. Neiser jumped to the early lead, but it was not long before Tom Sprague Jr from his third starting position was up front. On Lap three Sprague Jr used the high side grove going down the backstretch to take the lead. By lap twelve Sprague Jr was making his way through traffic a half lap in front of his brother Andy Sprague who had battled his way by Pickard and Neiser. Only two cautions in the last four laps slowed Sprague Jr. Each restart Sprague was able to pull away from the pack. Sprague willingness to run right on the edge of the high side paid off tonight as he picked up his division leading 5th feature event win this season. Andy Sprague held onto the second spot over Neiser and Pickard. Kyle Borgman completed the top five. Heat race winners were Andy Sprague, Jim Fairbanks, and Brian McQueen. The top transfer spot in the consolation feature was won by Roger Brooks.

The Sportsman division for the last two seasons has seen the brother team of Ralph and Rob Sternberg grab many headlines. The brothers lined up side by side at the start of the 25 lap Sportsman Championship race.  Ralph Sternberg gained the early lead after the two raced into turn one battling door to door. Contact between the two turned out to be the demise of Rob Sternberg as a tire would go flat on lap two while running second. Ralph’s luck was no better as he spun out in turn two handing the lead over to Chad Weinrick.  Staring in the eleventh position Mike Lynn was on the move. Lynn proved it did not matter what line he ran. His car was the fastest of the night. Lynn was able to pass Weinrick running low with twelve laps to go only to see a caution wave resulting with the lineup to revert to the previous lap. Weinrick switched grooves in an effort to maintain the lead, only to see Lynn go around him on the outside with four laps to go. Once out front there was no stopping Lynn. He picked up his first win of the season and claimed the Trophy as Season championship winner. Chad Weinrick’s second place helped him make up some ground in a points battle that looks to go down to the final night of racing. Mike Anderson was third followed by Larry Passenier and Points Leader Ralph Sternberg. Heat races were won by Dan Wilson and Weinrick.

When the racing flag is waving green, there is no change foreseen in the Modified division. John McCaul has been brutal on his competitors. Mike Wilbern had the best race of his season going until he saw McCaul on his outside making a pass with five to go. McCaul had charged his way to the front for the thirteenth time this season in fourteen tries. With just two weeks of the regular season left, could the one other winner (Greg Smith) this season be a trivia question for the future. Wilbern was able to hold onto second over a hard charging Greg Smith. Dan Dykman and Derek Poland completed the top five. Dykman and Wilbern garnered heat race wins.

Veterans Bill May and Scott Erickson raced each other hard and clean out front for the Factory stock win. This not could be said for the rest of the field as seven cautions flew behind them in their fifteen lap event. When you combine experience with inexperience, it can make for very entertaining racing. Scott Erickson knows that no one wants to lose worse than Bill May. As the two drivers raced lap after lap many were wondering when May was going to force the issue to get to the front. It was not until the final lap when May left the rear of Erickson’s bumper to dive inside. May’s efforts came up a foot short at the finish line, but his actions proved him as a champion. Erickson’s win was his first of the season. Completing the top five were Tony Weinrick, Derek Passenier and Mike Pickard. Heat race wins went to Erickson, Chuck Smith and Robby Sternberg. Passenier earned the top spot in the Consolation Feature to transfer to the Main event.

Luke Near continues to be the man to beat in the Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock division. Starting in the tenth position Near was out front by lap five and never looked back. Near also won his heat race and the “Dash for Cash” event. Carl McCann was the best of the rest finishing ahead of CJ Rector, Brandon Tramper and Colen Parker in the Main event. Brandon Tramper was also a Heat Race winner.

Just two weeks remain for Track Champions to be crowned. Other than John McCaul in the Modifieds there is no clear front runner. Look for the action Friday August 22nd to be fast and furious as the headline events include three Season Championship races. Mini Stock, Factory Stock, and Modified divisions will be the center of attention. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.For complete results visit: www.winstonmotorspeedway.com

Drivers gave the fans an up close look at their cars on "Fan Appreciation Night" The night was a huge success as the stands were packed.

Two of Winston's top divisions go to battle in their Season Championship races. Late Model driver's Rich Neiser, Matt Pickard, Tom Sprague Jr, Andy Sprague, and Tim Stott all have wins to their credit. They are the top five drivers in the standings and look to put on a great show. Don't count out the rest of the Late Model field as some of the strongest Late Model fields have been at Winston all year long.

In the Sportsman Division the brother team of Ralph and Rob Sternberg will battle the likes of Chad Weinrick, Kody Weisner, and Mike Anderson for bragging rights. They also set at the top of the standings in one of the closest points battle in recent history for any division.

Look for the action to be fast and furious!

Mark your calendars for Augsut 29th. The Sprints on Dirt series make thier way to Winston for some of the most exciting action of the season. The 700+ horsepowered Sprint cars will tour Winston's 3/8th mile track in some of the fastest speeds this season. This program is always filled with thrills and some times spills.

Make your way to Winston Speedway! 

Winston Speedway fans again were treated to some great racing Friday August 8th. The headline event of the night was the Paul Vanderstelt Memorial Race for the Factory Stock division. Vanderstelt recently lost a long battle with cancer. Vanderstelt was well known in West Michigan racing circles for his days as a driver most recently for his tire business. His passion for racing spanned 40 plus years.  Vanderstelt will be missed but his generosity and willingness to help drivers will not be forgotten. Thirty Eight Factory Stocks were on hand to battle in honor of Vanderstelt.It was fitting on this night that a second generation driver would take the win in the Factory Stock Memorial race for Paul Vanderstelt.

How ironic Bill May, who’s father Vanderstelt raced against for years would take the win. Bill May used to watch his dad Bill May Sr battle with Vanderstelt during their racing days. Tonight May was a man on a mission as he earned the right to start on the pole after winning his heat race. May has won many features in his race career. The only thing his competitors could hope for was a mechanical failure. May never missed a mark leading all 25 laps. May left with a trophy, $500 cash and another cherished racing memory. The race for second had the fans on the edge of their seat. Dan Wilson held the runner-up spot for all but the last ten feet as Bill Delong edged him at the finish line by a bumper. Mike Pickard and Scott Erickson rounded out the top five. Heats were won by Erickson, Wilson, May and Jeff Califf. The top transfer spot out of the consolation feature went to Justin Gilland.

The story in racing is not always about the winner. The last couple of weeks in the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model division driver Kevin Juusola has been the talk of many people in the pits.  The Juusola name is well recognized in Michigan because Kevin’s father Karl was recognized as one of the best Late Model drivers around before back injuries ended his racing career. Kevin has been on the rise and showed again tonight that he is looking to contend for wins.  Juusola paced the field from his pole position never being challenged for the first fifteen laps. With ten to go Juusola found himself battling side by side with 2007 Track Champion Tom Sprague Jr.  This lasted for 4 laps before Sprague Jr was able to clear Juusola.  Once out front Sprague Jr could not breathe a sigh of relief.  Hard charger Matt Pickard was on the move after starting tenth. With four laps to go Pickard made his way by Juusola and reeled in Sprague. Pickard made the pass on the low side only to be picked off by lapped traffic. Sprague’s veteran move of holding his line on the high side turned out to be the move of the race. While Pickard was left frustrated behind slow traffic, Sprague pulled away was able to make his way to victory lane for the 4th time this season. Matt Pickard held off Juusola for second. Andy Sprague and Rich Neiser completed the top five. Heat races were won by Shawn Reed and John McDonald. The “Dash for Cash” event was won by Neiser.

The field of twenty-two UMP Modified were all shaking their heads after the inversion draw. After winning the first heat race Points Leader John McCaul proceeded to draw a one chip that placed him on the pole for the feature. McCaul lined up for the main event already with eleven wins in twelve tries. Twenty laps and four cautions later he had made it twelve out of thirteen at Winston Speedway. Not only is McCaul dominating at Winston he is in serious contention to win the UMP Modified National title. Daryl Woodring was second followed by Jeff Erickson, Tim Tuttle and Stan Dodds.  Woodring was also a Heat race winner.In the Port City Racing Sportsman division Point leader Ralph Sternberg gave way to Kody Weisner after leading the first eleven laps of their twenty lap feature. Once out front Weisner held off a late race charge from Bobby McQueen to take the win. The win was the third of the season for Weisner at Winston. Sternberg held onto third followed by Bean Falbe and Rob Sternberg.  Weisner and McQueen garnered Heat race wins.

The most exciting finish of the night belonged to the Mini Stock division. Luke Near once won a feature after rolling his car over in turn three at Winston. It should not be a shock that tonight he won going across the finish line backwards. After watching front runner CJ Rector use every inch of track to keep Near behind him in the closing laps, Near made a clean pass on the outside of the final turn. Rector made contact to Near’s left rear quarter panel causing near to spin and slide across the finish line for his 5th feature win of the season. Rector was credited with second. Carl McCann, Chris Rice and April Spriggs completed the top five. Heat races were won by Rice and McCann.

The Warrior Four Cylinder division saw some of Crystal and Berlin Raceway’s top four cylinder drivers make their way to Winston and lead the pack. In their main event Rob Nieman made his way by Dennis Holtzlander on lap four for the winning pass. Nieman proved his Heat race win was no fluke as he went on to lead the rest of the main event to make his first visit to Winston a success. Holtzlander held onto second followed by Kyle Shattuck, Eric Dykema, and Cory Holtzlander.

Next Friday August 15th is the battle for bragging rights in the Sportsman and Late Model divisions. It will be their season Championship races. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.

It was Fan Appreciation Night at Winston Speedway on Friday August 1st. Fans were treated to lowered ticket prices, free ticket giveaways and a driver autograph session on the front stretch at the beginning of the night. JD BYRIDER was the sponsor of the night’s activities. Once racing started the action was fast and furious. A packed house was treated to two and three abreast racing the entire night.

Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model driver Andy Sprague only took three laps to work his way to the front from his fifth place starting position in their main event. Up until six laps to go Sprague was on a Sunday cruise. Heavy lapped traffic and pressure from point’s leader Rich Neiser were the final two battles Sprague had to endure. Sprague did so with flying colors masterfully staying out front to pick up his first win of the season at Winston. Neiser was second followed by Matt Pickard, Kevin Juusola, and Bob Finlay. Heat Races were won by Neiser, John McDonald, and Sprague. The top transfer spot in the “B” Feature was garnered by Tim Stott.

In the Modified division it does not matter where John McCaul starts the main event. Fans are witnessing history every time he takes to the track. Never in Winston’s history has a driver been this dominant this far into the season. All eyes turn to McCaul when the feature starts. McCaul's ability to stay out of trouble and work his way to the front with his aggressive style makes him one of Winston’s top attractions. McCaul did it again tonight starting from the eleventh spot. McCaul made his last pass of the night with twelve laps to go getting to the inside of veteran Daryl Woodring. The win was McCaul’s eleventh win in twelve nights of racing at Winston. Strong runs by Woodring and Chad Wilson earned them the second and third spots. Mike Wilbern and Steve McClees completed the top ten. Heats were won by Derek Poland and Dan Dykman.

The Port City Racing Sportsman division continues to be one of the most competitive at Winston. Chad Weinrick made at statement tonight. Third in the standings at the beginning of the night Weinrick, had one of his best nights of the season. Starting third Weinrick found the bottom of the track to his liking and used that groove to pick up the win and keep him in the hunt for a track championship. The Sportsman “Hard Charger” of the night went to Mike Lynn. Starting dead last after problems in his Heat Race Lynn was able to nip Dan Wilson on the last lap to take the runner-up spot. Kody Weisner and Rob Sternberg rounded out the top five. Heat Race winners were Tim Tuttle and Ralph Sternberg.

A couple of longtime veteran racers showed the youngsters in the Factory Stocks how it is done. Scott Erickson and Bill May had the crowd on their feet as they swapped the lead back and forth in the final five laps. Erickson was trying to hold onto his pole starting position while May had to work his way to the front from his seventh place starting position. May did not waste time as he raced to second on lap four.  After three decades of racing May has not lost his touch. With three laps to go May was able to clear Erickson on the back stretch and maintain the point. The win for May was his first of the season at Winston. Erickson’s runner-up spot after a ten year layoff from racing proved that he also has not missed a beat. Jerry Fairchild, Robby Sternberg and Bill Delong rounded out the top five.  Bill Delong, Kendal Marlink, and Derek Passenier were Heat Race winners. The top transfer spot in the “B” feature was won by Justin Gilland.

Spragues’s Auto Parts Mini Stock drivers had to cringe when they saw Luke Near placed on the front row after the inversion draw. Out front Near has been unstoppable. It was no different tonight as Near led every lap. CJ Rector was the best of the rest followed by Brandon Tramper, April Spriggs and Andrew Bartoszek.  Heat race winners were Near and Mark Farber. The “Dash for Cash’ event was won by Farber.

The racing action continues next Friday August 8th with the Paul Vanderstelt Factory Stock Memorial race. Vanderstelt recently passed away after a long battle with cancer. The “Tire Man” as known to by many, Vanderstelt was well known around the West Michigan race scene for his willingness to help area racers with his tire business. All five divisions of racing will again be in action. If you have not made your way to Winston this summer, you are missing out. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.

For Complete Results visit: www.winstonmotorspeedway.com

It was another great night of racing at Winston Speedway on Friday July 25th. Another standing room only crowd witnessed Winged Outlaw Late Models along with four other classes of racing. Sideboards running the full length of a Late Model rising eight feet tall held the cars to the track like slot cars. Fans were in awe of the speeds being turned as drivers never lifted their foot off the accelerator touring Winston’s 3/8ths mile clay oval in under 14 seconds.

Sixteen Outlaw Late Models were on hand to compete for the $2000 to win prize.  Three cautions before the first full lap had the fans wondering if the twenty-five lap feature would ever get under way. Once it did start it was over in a flash. Matt Sprague’s Fast Time qualifying lap of 13.34 gave him the honor of drawing the inversion chip to set the field for the start of the race. The inversion placed Muskegon’s Tim Stott on the pole. From the start of the race Stott proved to be the best in the field on this night. By the end of the race Stott had led every lap and  lapped the field up to the third place finisher. Matt Pickard was the best of the rest as he held of the charges of third place finisher John McDonald. John Krusinsky and Matt Sprague completed the top five.  Scott Wenell and Tom Sprague Jr powered their way to Heat race wins.

The Integra Racing Shocks and Springs UMP Modifieds continue to see one driver have one of the most dominating seasons ever witnessed at Winston Speedway. John McCaul has been nothing less than spectacular all season. Just when you think there is no way McCaul can win another feature he finds a way. Tonight it looked like McCaul’s teammate Stan Dodds was going to pick up the win. Starting on the pole Dodds held off all comers including McCaul for the first fifteen laps. With five to go McCaul made an outside pass of Dodds on the back stretch and never looked back. The win was McCaul’s tenth in eleven tries at Winston. Dodds held onto second over Dan Dykman, Steve McClees, and Derek Poland. Heat Races were won by McCaul and Daryl Woodring.

After tonight the Port City Racing Sportsman division is all tied up at the top of the Point Standings. Ironically brothers Ralph and Rob Sternberg are the leaders. It was younger brother Rob’s turn to shine tonight. Rob worked his way from his fifth place starting position to take the lead after leader Tim Tuttle spun on the front stretch. Once out front Rob Sternberg’s car hooked on the bottom of the track. Rob Sternberg held off Chad Weinrick for the final eight laps to take his first Feature win of the season. 2007 Thunderbird Race Park Sportsman Champion Brian Williams made a strong appearance at Winston finishing third over Kody Weisner and Mike Lynn.  Heats were won by Dan Wilson and Rob Sternberg.

The Factory Stock division continues to provide a huge field of cars and some great racing action. Racing again this week turned out to be feast or famine. Last weeks feature winner Justin Gilland was the first car in the pits this week with mechanical problems. Last week Point leader Tony Weinrick suffered a similar situation last week losing his points lead to Derek Passenier. Unfortunately being at the top of the Point Standings is not the place to be as Passenier suffered transmission problems after hot laps and did not race the “Dash for Cash” event. The feature started with youngster Robby Sternberg holding the point. Sternberg led the first 12 laps before Tony Weinrick made his move to the front from his seventh place starting position with just three laps to go. Weinrick’s move to the front was tested as Derek Passenier’s charge from 16th had him wishing for one more lap as he moved by Sternberg for second but ran out of time to pass Weinrick. The win was Weinrick’s second of the season. Passenier’s runner-up position will keep him at the top of the standings another week. Sternberg was third followed by Scott Erickson, and Bill Delong. Heat race winners were Weinrick, Zach Wiggers, and Gilland. The “Dash for Cash” event winner was John Person.

Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock division driver Luke Near only took four laps to grab the lead from his fifth place starting position. Once out front Near was untouchable. Near’s win was his fourth of the season. Mark Farber was second ahead of Carl McCann, Brandon Tramper and Kyle Hulett. McCann and April Spriggs garnered Heat Race wins.Friday

August 1st will be Fan Appreciation Night at Winston Speedway. All general admission tickets will be $3 off. The Night is sponsored by JD BYRIDER.  The season is winding down but the action continues to grow at Winston. Divisional Point Standings continue to be tight. Look for the racing to be fast and furious in the up coming weeks. For the Best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway

For Complete Results visit: www.winstonmotorspeedway.com

Winston Speedway has had the privledge this season of not only having a great track photographer in Bob Deephouse taking photos, but also the likes of two of the best racing photographers in Michigan make their way to Winston. Randy Ellen and Tom DeVette have both visited Winston this season and have taken some great photos of our drivers. Friday July 25th Tom Devette showed off his talents at Winston. Click on the Title or photo to take a look. Photos may be ordered through his website.

The Friday July 18th race program at Winston Speedway had a little bit of everything for the fans. Not only were there five divisions of racing there was a Push Me Race, A Roll Over contest and Spectator drags. There was laughter in the stands as fans watched the “Push me Race”. One car under power pushes another that is in neutral causing some interesting maneuvers. There was also looks of shock and disbelief in the stands as cars were rolled over after hitting a steel ramp on the front stretch. Combine this with some great racing and another great night at Winston Speedway was put in the books.

If you’re a fan of Modified driver John McCaul you think he has an “S” on his chest. For the rest of the Modified drivers and their fans it is more of a “Bull’s-eye”. For the eighth time this season McCaul showed his dominance. Dean Wilkerson looked like he was going to be the man to knock McCaul of his pedestal. For half the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs UMP Modified feature Wilkerson held the point. Twelve cautions and a rocket ship under McCaul did not aide his cause. Coming from the sixth position McCaul took the lead from Wilkerson on lap nine and never looked back. While McCaul opened his lead, Wilkerson wound up in the pits with mechanical failure. By the end of the race only seven of the seventeen starters were still on the track. Dan Dykman proved that his car was still in great shape after a wild accident last weekend. Dykman finished second ahead of Derek Poland, Randy Whitten and rookie Jared Guinn. Heat races were won by Dykman and Wilkerson.

The Port City Racing Sportsman division is a log jam at the top of the Point standings. Balanced competition is making for a great run for their season championship. Early in the race 60 year old Mike Anderson held the point. On lap five Kody Weisner and Tim Tuttle made contact on the front stretch causing Tuttle to look like a "Joey Chipwood" stunt driver riding on his two driver’s side tires showing the bottom of his car to the fans. Unbelievably both drivers did get some more racing in before giving into mishandling cars. Anderson’s lead lasted until lap 10 when Chad Wienrick made his pass to the front. The rest of the race saw great action as Weinrick and Ralph Sternberg swapped the lead back and forth running side by side. Fans were on their feet as Weinrick captured the win while Point Leader Ralph Sternberg settled for second. Mike Lynn charged from eleventh to third beating Rob Stenberg and Larry Passenier to the line. Tim Tuttle won the “Dash for Cash’ and a Heat race. Jeremy Holman also garnered a Heat race win.

The best race of the night was in the Factory Stock division. Coming for the line you could have thrown a blanket over the first three cars as they charged three abreast for the win. The win was the feel good story of the night. Fifteen year old Muskegon High School student Justin Gilland has been racing since he was twelve. Fans of Winston Speedway have watched Gilland come of age this season. Gilland started out turning laps, gaining experience and never altering the finish of a race with his inexperience. Those days are gone as Gilland, Derek Passenier and Bill Delong put together one of the most exciting finishes of the season. When the checkered was waved Gilland was all smiles as his and his family’s efforts had finally paid off with a feature win. Bill Delong’s charge from seventeenth nipped Derek Passenier for the runner-up spot  at the finish line. John Person and Loren Peterson completed the top five. Heat race winners were Zach Wiggers, Brad Huisken, and Robby Sternberg. Scott Erickson claimed the top transfer spot in the “B” Feature.

Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock drivers CJ Rector and Mark Farber pulled away from the rest of the field to stage their own battle up front. When the dust settled it was Rector picking up the win. Kyle Hulett, Harley Farkle and Cody Moorman completed the top five. Hulett and Chris Rice claimed Heat race wins earlier in the evening. In the Warrior four cylinder class Harley Farkle edged Heat Race winner Dale Hilliard for their Feature win.

In Special events, Cousins Josh and Robby Sternberg won the Push Me Race. Steve Delong rolled his way to a win over Randy Whitten in Roll Over contest.  The Spectator Drag competitions saw Kenny Wilson take top honors in his Jaguar.

The action at Winston continues grow next Friday July 25th. Matt Sprague gave fans a peek of what to expect next Friday as he turned laps at Winston’s 3/8 mile oval in under 12 seconds with his “Bat Man’ wing attached. The $2000 to win Outlaw Late Model show is the headline event. Fans will get to see the fastest laps turned at Winston this season. Combine this with a full racing program and you can understand the attraction of Winston Speedway. For the Best in Family Entertainment along the lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.

Friday July 11th was another great night of racing at Winston Speedway. It was I-96 Speedway Challenge Night for the Late Model and Modified divisions along with the Mid Season Championship for the Sportsman division.  For the second week in a row the weather was not a factor in getting in the program. Five classes of racing provided a show for the fans that ran smooth and fast.

In the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model division out side pole sitter Jim Fairbanks held the early lead. By lap ten Tom Sprague Jr had pulled even with Fairbanks racing him side by side. On Lap thirteen Sprague gained the advantage with a pass going through turns one and two.  As Sprague opened up the lead working his way through lapped traffic the next driver on the move was sixth place starter and present points leader Rich Neiser. A late race caution put Neiser on Sprague’s bumper. On the final lap Nesier was able to diamond the final two turns only to come a half car short on the inside of Sprague’s #21 Late Model. The win was Sprague’s third of the season at Winston. Fairbanks held onto third over Andy Sprague and Matt Pickard. Heat Races were won by Jeff Roodvoest and Andy Sprague. The “Dash for Cash” was won by Andy Sprague.

The Modified division continues to be a playground for John McCaul. After three laps being led by Dean Wilkerson it was all McCaul. Drivers in the Modified division have to be scratching their heads at McCaul's dominance. Only one other driver has a main event win at Winston. The race for second was as good as any racing action all season.  With ten laps to go Wilkerson, Andy Sprague and Jacob Poel were the best of the rest as they swapped the second position on different occasions.  With three to go all eyes were on Andy Sprague and Jacob Poel racing side by side. Coming for the checkered Poel and Sprague made contact. Poel showed the bottom of his race car to the fans as he went by the flag stand riding the wall and fence. The ensuing race for positions was scary as Poel and Sprague were stopped on the front stretch. No solid contact was made with either but cars did clip both of them as they went by. When the smoke cleared four drivers would have their cars taken to the pits on a wrecker. Poel would be credited with second but his car got the worst of all the carnage. The front sub of Poel’s car was bent bad enough to have his motor facing to the left. Sprague was third followed by Jeremy Ferguson and Dan Dykman. Heat Races were won by Poel and Wilkerson.  The “Dash for Cash” winner was McCaul.

The Port City Racing Sportsman division was finally able to compete for their Mid-Season championship. After a two week delay drivers lined up by points with Ralph Sternberg holding the pole starting position. Outside of him was Chad Weinrick. The start of the race tuned out to be the big key as Sternberg jumped to the lead with Weinrick glued to his bumper. For the next twenty five laps Sternberg hit all his marks. Weinrick could only hope for a mistake by Sternberg. It never happened as Sternberg picked up his third win of the season. Weinrick was second followed by Tim Tuttle, Jeremy Holman, and Rob Sternberg.  Dan Wilson and Holman garnered Heat Race wins.

Bill Delong’s eighth place starting position in the Factory Stock division was not a factor for him as he moved to the point by lap four. Once out front only Tony Weinrick could challenge as these two broke away from the rest of the field. Delong was too strong at the end and beat Weinrick for the win. The third spot went to Loren Peterson. John Person and Paul TenBrink completed the top five. Heat race wins earlier in the evening went to Person, TenBrink, and Delong. The top transfer spot in the consolation feature went to Scott Erickson.

The Sprague Auto Parts Mini Stock division saw Rothbury native Luke Near race his way to another feature win. Starting out front Near held off the hard charges of second and third place finishers, Carl McCann and CJ Rector to take the win. Mark Farber and John Foss completed the top five.  Heat races were won by McCann and Near.

Friday July 18th will see another exciting night of action planned. Four divisions of racing along with a Roll Over contest will take place. The Late Model division will have the night off. For the best in Family entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.

Friday July 4th was reason for celebration at Winston Speedway. Not only was it Independence Day, but for the first time this season there was no threat of rain. Fans were treated to four Mid-Season Championship races, a Sportsman Invitational and a great Fireworks display. All of the championship races lined up by points while the Sportsman Invitational drivers raced there way to their starting spots for their main event through Heat races. One-hundred twenty race cars battled two and three abreast putting a great show on for the fans.

In the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model Mid-season Championship race Rich Neiser started on the pole and stayed at the point the entire 30 lap event. Neiser continues to be excel picking up his third feature win of the season and increasing his lead at the top of the point standings. Matt Pickard finished in the second position. Brothers Tom and Andy Sprague raced each other side by side for third with Tom Sprague Jr earning the third position by a quarter-panel over his younger sibling. Tim Stott rounded out the top five. Heat races were won Kyle Borgman, Neiser, and Tom Sprague Jr.

The Modified division continues to be a playground for John McCaul. Points leader McCaul has won all but one feature at Winston this season. McCaul did not disappoint his fans as he led every lap besting the field by half a track. The runner-up position was the talk of the night in the pit area as McCaul’s teammate Stan Dodds had the run of the night. Starting in the 18th position Dodds charged his way through the field to the runner-up position. A freshened motor and some set-up tips might come back to haunt McCaul as Dodds run was nothing less than impressive. Dan Dykman earned the third spot ahead of Randy Whitten and Jason Ferguson. Heat race winners were Dykman, Whitten and Nate Bostrom.

The Port City Racing Sportsman Invitational saw a familiar name in the winners circle. The Weisner racing name has been around for years. Michigan racing legend Paul Weisner’s legacy is being carried on by his grandson Kody who led every single lap to take home the $500 winners share. Weisner held on for the win through nine caution restarts. It was Wesiner’s third win of the season. Rob Sternberg won the race for second over Mike Lynn, Jeremy Holman, and Brian Williams. Heat race winners included Kyle Borgman, Weisner and Rob Sternberg.

The Factory Stock division continues to see a good balance of competition. Bill Delong and Scott Erickson both got by leader Tony Weinrick with seven laps to go to set up a show down. When the checkered was waved fans were on their feet as Delong edged Erickson for the win by less than two feet. Tony Weinrick settled for third followed by pole starter Derek Passenier and Paul TenBrink. Justin Gilmore earned the top transfer position in the consolation feature. Heats were won by Erickson, Dennis Bringedal, Paul TenBrink, and Loren Peterson. The “Dash for Cash” event was won by TenBrink.

The Mini Stock division had one of the most exciting finishes of the season. Coming out of turn four of the final lap you could have thrown a blanket over the top three. At the line points leader CJ Rector held on for dear life as he beat Luke Near to the line by a bumper and Carl McCann by a quarter panel. The win for Rector was his second of the season. Andrew Bartoszek and Cody Moorman rounded out the top five. Heat races were won by Near and Bartoszek. The “Dash for Cash” event winner was Bartoszek.

Winston Speedway will run the Sportsman Mid Season Championship along with a full race program on Friday July 11th.  For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.

Click on the title to take a look at some of the fine sponsors who made our annual "Kids Night" something to remember. There is nothing better than seeing a smile on a child's face.

Winston Speedway owner Tom Sprague put it best during the Friday June 27th drivers meeting. “I have never seen anything like this in my 35 years of racing” stated Sprague when refering to the weather. For the sixth time this season Winston would have to cancel their race program. It was Mid-season championship night for all classes, but only two make-up features from the previous weeks rain shortened program took place. The drivers were willing to run their features first, the program even started earlier to try to beat Mother Nature. To no avail a thunderstorm an hour into the program wiped out another Friday night of racing.

The make-up late model feature had some excitement from start to finish. The line-up was set from the previous week. Pole sitter Tim Stott paced the field early with Matt Pickard in hot pursuit. An Early race caution saw the demise of Tom Dusen when cars piled up on the front stretch. Rich Neiser was also involved on his charge to the front. Neiser’s car showed no worse for wear as he found himself in a heated battle with Pickard midway throughout the race. Neiser finally made it past Pickard late in the race but his charge to the front came up a little short as Stott never slipped once. The win was Stott’s first feature win of the season at Winston. Neiser’s runner-up position was followed by Pickard, Kyle Borgman, and Andy Sprague. Rounding out the top ten were Scott Wenell, John McDonald, Brian McQueen, Kevin Nelson Jr and Mike Wilbern.

In the Sportsman event Dan Wilson used his pole position start to full advantage. Wilson led from start to finish holding off the Sternberg brothers. Ralph edged his brother Rob for the second position.  Cody Weisner and Tim Tuttle completed the top five. The second half of the top ten was Chad Weinrick, Bean Falbe, Jeremy Holman, Robert McDonald, and Brian Juusola.

The Fourth of July Friday night program will have a Sportsman Invitational as part of the program along with the make-up of Mid Season Championship races. Fireworks will also light the nighttime skies on Friday and then again on Saturday. Winston will have cars smashing and crashing as part of the Demolition Derby and Off Road Scramble schedule that will take place Saturday night July 5th. For the best in Family entertainment make your way to Winston Speedway.

For complete results and news visit: www.winstonmotorspeedway.com

Mother nature does it again. Winston Speedway was only able to get in two features tonight before the rains fell. Ironically they were make-up features from a rain shortened program last week. Click on the title or Photo to take a look. Story line will be later.

Winston Speedway’s June 20th race program saw a little bit of everything. The crowds at Winston continue to be strong. It was standing room only for the second week in a row. Look for more bleachers to be added as part of owners Tom & Lois Sprague’s plans for the future.  The pits were also full with 120 racecars taking part in the night’s events. It was “Kids Night” and close to 500 children under the age of 12 took part in a variety of prerace activities. Every child walked away with something including over 60 bicycles.  One driver showed why he owns multiple track championships and once again the weather was unpredictable. The evening started with sunshine and clear skies and ended with rain showers.   Ludington Late Model driver Frank Morrison’s car was being cleared off the track when the rains hit. Morrison rolled his car over three times on the front stretch when he snagged his right front tire on the wall. The “Happy go lucky” Morrison has been battling cancer for over a year.  Tonight’s accident was just a bump in the road for him. The Winston Speedway racing family looks forward to seeing his return.

There were two performances on the night that stood out. They both just happen to be by the same driver. The UMP Modifieds held two features on the night. Thirty cars were in the pits for this respective division. Both events were won by John McCaul . In the $1000 dollar to win Invitational McCaul showed why he is one of the best Modified drivers in the state. McCaul found the high groove to his liking and stayed there for the entire event.  Drivers were able to race side by side as a mist in the air made the track very racey.  Todd Feutz looked like a man on a mission early as he powered his way by Mark Anderson for the second position.  Feutz’s challenge of McCaul ended with him spinning out in turn two with nine laps remaining. Anderson’s strong hold on the runner-up position was also put in jeopardy late in the race. Greg Smith might have been the fastest driver on the track when the checkered flag was waved. Smith charged from tenth to third before running out of laps.  Dave Baker and Randy Whitten completed the top five. In the June 13th makeup feature McCaul took just three laps to make his way to the front. In the caution free feature McCaul hit all his marks. Strong runs by Jason Ferguson, Greg Smith, Walt Wisnewski, and Jeremy Ferguson garnered them top five finishes.  Heat races were won by Feutz, Baker and Jeremy Ferguson. Todd Cowan earned the top transfer spot out of the consolation feature and later finished a respectable 6th in the Invitational “A” main.

The Factory Stock division also had double features. Thirty cars were on hand for this tough division. In the make-up event the race started with some excitement. Pole sitter Brad Bates and Paul TenBrink swapped the lead, shared the same space and ultimately shared some paint before Bates brought out a caution in his attempt to get under TenBrink coming out of turn two on lap three.  TenBrink remained strong out front for the rest of the event to take the win. Longtime driver Bill May’s return to racing at Winston was stout. After breaking an axle in the heat race and having to race his way into the “A” main through the consolation feature, May finished in the runner-up spot. Bill Delong, Scott Erickson and Tony Weinrick completed the top five. In the nights main event Tony Weinrick made the move of the race getting by Paul Tenbrink and Bill May who were holding down the top two spots with just six laps to go. Weinrick went on to win over TenBrink, May, Delong, and Chuck Smith.  Scott Erickson earned the top Transfer spot in the “B’ feature for the night while Bill Delong earned it for the make-up event from June 13th. Heats were won by Dennis Bringedal, Bill May, Tony Weinrick and Paul TenBrink.

The twenty car Mini Stock feature had trouble making consecutive laps without a caution. Eight cautions made their feature reach the time limit. Pole sitter CJ Rector was credited with the win over Luke Near, Seth Moody, Cody Moorman, and Brandon Tramper. Heats were won by April Spriggs and Rector. Cody Dykman won the 3 car front wheel drive Warrior division race.In the Sportsman division Rob Sternberg and Chad Weinrick were heat race winners. In the Late Model division Rich Neiser, Steve Fairbanks and Kevin Nelson Jr all took checkered flags. Both the Sportsman and Late Model divisions will have double features in a future race program.

Next week is Mid-Season Championship night for all divisions. Hopefully “Mother Nature” will be kind as there is no doubt that the drivers, crews and fans are excited to be at Winston Speedway on Friday nights. For the best in Family entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.

For complete results visit: www.winstonmotorspeedway.com

Click on the Title or Photo to take a look. Storyline later today.

Winston Speedway continues to show the fruits of labor from owners Tom and Lois Sprague. It has not been since the mid 90’s that Winston has experienced car counts of over a hundred. Every race program this season has met the century mark of competitors. Friday May 23rd saw another 105 racecars entertain the race fans of West Michigan. The “Build it and they will come” philosophy is paying of for the Sprague’s.  Drivers, crews, and fans are appreciating their hard work. Drivers have been provided with a great racing surface and fans get to witness a fast paced program in a family atmosphere. The crowds have been steady and Tom and Lois will be the first one’s to tell their drivers and fans how much they appreciate their patrons. 

The center of attention on Friday was on the Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock division. Their Invitational saw 22 cars show up to compete for the $300 to win purse.  John Foss led the first three laps from his pole position, but after that if was all Luke Near.  Starting in the sixth position Near showed why he is a former three-time Winston Speedway track champion. The only things that slowed Near and closed the gap with his competitors in the twenty-five lap main event were late race cautions.  Carl McCann was the best of the rest as he secured the runner-up spot over CJ Rector, Foss, and April Spriggs. Heats were won by Near and McCann.

The Intergra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model Division continue to bring a strong field of competitors. Twenty-six cars competed for top honors. In the Late Model 25 lap feature it was all Sprague’s. First it was Andy Sprague grabbing the point on the first lap from his third place starting spot.  By lap three Tom Sprague Jr joined his brother at the front. For the rest of the race the two siblings battled each other. Andy Sprague led the first five laps but gave way to Tom Sprague Jr on the front stretch of lap six.  These two put on a great show for the fans as they worked their way through lapped traffic pulling away from the rest of the field.  Tonight it would be the older brother Tom Sprague Jr getting the best of his younger brother Andy Sprague. Their one-two finish was the best for both of them this season at Winston. Grabbing the third position was Tim Stott followed by Bryan McQueen and Tom Dusen.  Late Model heat races were won by McQueen, Tom Sprague Jr, and Andy Sprague.  Frank Morrison garnered the top spot in the ‘B” feature.

Andy Sprague, John McCaul and Dean Wilkerson had the fans on the edge of their seats in the UMP Modified division. These three drivers midway through the race went three abreast for an entire lap for the top spot.  At the end of the race it was McCaul and Sprague who brought the fans to their feet. With McCaul out front coming out of turn four Sprague powered to the inside of him only to come up short by less than a foot. McCaul became the first three time winner in the Modifieds at Winston while Sprague backed up his Late Model run with another runner-up spot. Dean Wilkerson, Brian Lasak and Jeremy Ferguson rounded out the top five. Heat Races were won by Derek Poland, Brian Lasak, and Mark Anderson.

The Port City Racing Sportsman division brought out the best and worst in drivers for their twenty lap event. Front row starters Rob Sternberg and Larry Passenier livened up the action late in the race. Sternberg and Passenier raced door to door banging each other for the lead heading into turn one. Coming out of turn two Cody Weisner made his way inside both of them to grab the top spot. It only lasted for a second as Passenier clipped Weisner in the right rear quarter panel after contact with Sternberg. Weisner went flying over the backstretch embankment bringing out the caution. Sternberg and Passeneir were both black flagged for rough driving and sent to the pits. Fortunately for Weisner minimal damage was done to his car and he was placed back at the point.  The task at hand for Weisner did not get easier as Ralph Sternberg was placed on his bumper for the restart. Weisner rose to the occasion down the stretch holding off the hard charging Ralph Sternberg to pick up his second feature win in as many weeks. Chad Weinrick, Robert McDonald, and Mark Ransom completed the top five.  The Heat race was won by Ralph Sternberg. Weinrick won the Dash for Cash event.

Youngster Derek Passeneir had a night of racing that he will never forget. The Oakridge High School student led every lap of the Factory Stock main event to pick up his first Feature win ever at Winston Speedway and also supported that with a heat race win. The race for second in the main event was won by Paul Tenbrink over Scott Erickson, Justin Gilland, and John Person. Other Heat race winners included Bill Delong and Robby Sternberg.Next Friday May 30th all five classes return to action.  It will be I-96 Speedway “Challenge Night”.  I-96 Speedway drivers will join forces with Winston’s in the Late Model and UMP Modified divisions. The competition looks to be great. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.

For Complete Results Visit: www.winstonmotorspeedway.com

Winston Speedway will have its first Demolition Derby of the 2008 season along with an Off Road Scramble and a special visit from Monster Truck "Lil Miss Dangerous" on Saturday May 24th.

If you have never been to one of these events you are in for a treat. Get there early as the stands fill up fast. It will be non stop action.

Gates Open at 4:30

Program Starts at 7:00

Forty of the best Late Model drivers in Michigan made their way to Winston Speedway for the “Player Hater 50” Invitational on Friday May 16th.  This Port City Racing and Integra Racing Shocks and Springs sponsored event has become a tradition that the racing community looks forward to every year.  A total of one-hundred four racecars were on hand for the nights activities but it was one driver who took the spotlight claiming the largest amount of race winnings in Winston Speedway history.  The “Player Hater 50” main event did not disappoint fans as they were treated to one of the most unusual endings ever witnessed at Winston.

In the early going of the 50 lap main event Roger Wing showed his strength moving from his fourth place starting position to take the lead from Rich Neiser on lap four with a high groove pass coming out of turn two.  Wing began to pull away. By lap ten Wing was already dealing with lapped traffic.  Because of this Neiser was able to catch Wing.  Both drivers dealt with lapped traffic that was running two abreast.  Neiser stayed in the high groove while Wing raced him door to door in the low groove.  While Neiser and Wing battled each other Kevin Nelson was making his way to their bumpers.  Nelson appeared to be the fastest at the half way point but slipped coming out of turn four going over the embankment and ending his chance for the win.  Nelson’s caution put Neiser out front. Wing now had to contend with Rusty Seaver.  Neiser was able to pull away as Wing and Seaver battled side by side. Neiser’s gap up front kept getting larger. With five laps to go Neiser held a half track lead. What appeared to be an anticlimactic finish as the white flag waved, turned into a nightmare for Neiser.  As Neiser accelerated coming out of two his right rear tire went over the embankment. Neiser’s entire car followed over the top edge of the track.  With his car completely out of site to the grandstands what happened next looked like a scene out of “Dukes of Hazard”.  Neiser never lifted off the throttle and drove back up onto the track with all four tires catching air as he used the embankment as a ramp.  Neiser had no idea that his lead was so great that he would still be out front. Once on the track Neiser straightened out his car, kept his composure, and earned his second feature win of the season.

Neiser’s win was the third for him that night. Earlier in the evening he had won his heat race and took top honors in the Port City Racing Dash for Cash. By nights end Neiser had earned over $3300 in cash and prizes. It was the largest amount ever taken by a driver at Winston.

“All I could think of going off two was that I blew it” stated Neiser.  “I was so mad at myself.  I was just hoping I was going to have a decent finish after such a stupid mistake.  I had no idea that I was so far ahead. I swear I could hear a car right behind me” laughed Neiser.

The race for second was won by Seaver who put on a show for the fans with Wing right to the very end.  Rob Taylor captured the fourth.  Curtis Roberts charged his way all the way from his seventeenth place starting position to round out the top five. Kevin Nelson Jr, Zach Ogler, Matt Pickard, Billy Trueblood and Kevin Juusola completed the top ten. Heat races were won by Neiser, Bob Findlay, Pickard, and Seaver.

In the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs UMP Modified action Greg Smith recovered from an early race spin to take his first feature win of the season. Smith’s winning pass came after a restart on lap three. Coming out of turn two Smith made his way by Scott Fisk and then leader Dan Dykman. Out front it looked like Smith was on a Sunday cruise. Smith maintained the point for the entire race hitting all his marks, but by the end of the feature Jeremy Ferguson was the fastest Modified on the track. Ferguson had used the high side groove to pass five competitors in the last four laps.  Ferguson was in second with two laps to go but ultimately ran out of time and settled for second.  Jeff Erickson, Derek Poland and Mike Wilbern completed the top five. Heat races were won by Randy Whitten and Smith. Darrell Woodring garnered top honors in the Dash for Cash event.

The last time Port City Racing Sportsman driver Cody Weisner visited Winston Speedway he was in one of the most violent accidents ever witnessed at Winston. Weisner was stalled on the front stretch and hit at full throttle by a competitor. It destroyed his car and took the breath away from everyone who witnessed the crash.  Weisner showed no fear of being back at Winston. Starting sixth Weisner was able to take the point on lap three and win in dominating fashion.  Needless to say this was a much happier night.  Chad Weinrick was the best of the rest followed by Rob Sternberg, Bean Falbe and Barry Mendendorp.  In Heat race action Tim Tuttle and Dan Wilson were the winners.

The Factory Stock division keeps providing Winston fans with some great racing action. This division continues to have 30 plus cars battle every week for bragging rights.  Youngster Derek Passenier looked stout early leading the first portion of their 15 lap event.  Veteran Dean Wolever showed his patience and made a high groove pass for the lead on lap seven. Once out front Wolever’s experience showed as he took the win over Passenier. Seventy-six year old Mel Whitten moved up 8 positions to finish a strong third. Justin Gilmore and Justin Gilland made up the rest of the top five. Heat races were won by Passenier, Tony Weinrick and Wolever. Jerry Fairchild earned “B” feature top honors after charging his way from dead last to the top spot.

Next Friday May 23rd all five divisions of racing will be back in action. A $300 to win Four Cylinder event will be the main event of the evening. On Saturday May 24th Winston Speedway will have their first Demolition Derby of the season along with an Off Road Scramble event. Monster Truck “Little Miss Dangerous” will also be on hand to entertain the fans.  For the best in Family entertainment along the lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.For Complete Results visit:  www.winstonspeedway.com

Winston Speedway drivers, crews, and fans were all anxious to get back to racing after Mother Nature had taken away the previous two race programs.  One hundred nineteen racecars were on hand to entertain the fans. The racing was great all night with two and three wide action. This night was special as the Winston Speedway racing family honored one of it fallen family members. The Sportsman division ran an Invitational feature race in memory of Kenny Blondeel who had succumbed to cancer in January. Kenny was a long time driver and car owner around the West Michigan race community.  When you said the name “Kenny B” as he was known, everyone knew who you were talking about.  Kenny was known just as much for his ability to make his friends laugh as he was for his competiveness on the track.  In his honor the race lasted 55 laps which represented the car number that was associated with his name. Kenny will be sorely missed but not forgotten.

In the Kenny Blondeel Memorial event for the Port City Racing Sportsman division Ralph Sternberg led from start to finish. Starting on the outside pole, Sternberg held off charges by numerous drivers who had made their way to the second spot.  Sternberg’s patience and his familiarity with Winston Speedway proved to be the key. Once he was out front he never missed a mark. The race for second was finally won by Jamie Gilmore with nine laps to go as he passed Kyle Borgman.  Rob Sternberg and Chad Weinrick also got by Borgman in the final five laps to garner the third and fourth positions. Borgman settled for fifth.  Heat Races were won by Dan Hekkema, Borgman, and Weinrick.

The Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model field at Winston continued to be strong in numbers as 32 Late Models were on hand to battle. Rich Neiser was man of the hour as paced the field for he entire 25 lap event. Neiser was able to hold off a hard charging Matt Pickard and Tom Sprague Jr. for top honors. Bob Findlay and “B” Feature winner Tim Stott completed the top five. Rob Taylor, Jim Fairbanks, Tom Dusen, and Pickard were Heat Race winners. Dashes of the Week honors were taken by Matt Pickard.

One name has risen to the top of the UMP Modified field thus far at Winston. John McCaul is two for two. It only took three laps to see the former two time track champion at the head of the field. McCaul again proved to be dominating once out front leaving the rest of the pack to battle for second. Randy Whitten was the only other driver to lead a lap in his second place finish.  Troy Marciniak was third followed by Dan Dykman and Dean Wilkerson. Heat races were won by McCaul and Wilkerson.

The Factory Stock division saw one of its drivers make the move of the night before he reached the flagstand on the first lap. Starting in the in the sixth position Keith Chrysler did not hesitate one bit when saw the flag being waved coming out of turn four. By the time he reached turn one he was in the lead. While other drivers were caught sleeping he was racing. Once out front Chrysler opened up a lead that was insurmountable.  The race for the runner-up spot saw some hard racing as Jerry Fairchild bested Kurt Woodard for a second place finish. Bill Delong and Tony Weinrick rounded out the top five. Delong, Chrysler and Woodard all took checkered flags in their respective heat races. John Pierson earned the top spot in the “B” Feature earning him a transfer spot into the “A” main.

The Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock Division had double the fun as they made up their feature that was delayed from opening night due to curfew and ran their night’s main event. In the make-up feature youngster CJ Rector proved that he is going to fit in nicely with his competitors. Rector led every lap in his first Mini Stock win of his career. Winston’s 2006 Track Champion Carl McCann finished second ahead of Mark Farber, John Foss, and Glen Parker.  In second feature event of the evening McCann made amends taking top honors. Parker, Seth Moody, Farber and Rector completed the top five.  Heat Race honors went to Farber and McCann.

Next Friday May 16^th will be the make-up event for the “Player Hater 50” Late Model Invitational. The $2500 top prize looks to lure some of the best Late Model drivers in the state to Winston Speedway. With car counts reaching 120 and packed grand stands fans of West Michigan racing have realized Winston Speedway is the place to be on Friday nights. For the best in family entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.

This Friday May 9th Winston Speedway will hold the Kenny Blondeel Memorial for the UMP Sportsman division. Kenny was a long time racer and car owner who passed away this past January after a long battle with cancer. His #55 racecars were his signature around West Michigan tracks for years.

There will be a MINIMUM of $400 to win. Winston Speedway is also taking  donations for the memorial race. Every penny that is donated will go towards the purse for the event.

If you are interested in donating towards the purse in memory of "Kenny B" then just give Tom Sprague a call at (231) 719-0326 or drop an E-mail at: sprague5318@aol.com

Winston Speedway started the 2008 season in fine fashion. Owners Tom and Lois Sprague’s hard work is paying off.  One hundred eighteen race-cars made their way to Rothbury to open the season. It was one of the largest opening night car counts in recent history. Combine that with a near capacity crowd and great weather and it made for a great start to the 2008 race season at Winston Speedway. Thirty-two Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Models battled on the night.  The class of cars and drivers was outstanding. Just how good? 2007 Late Model Track Champion Tom Sprague Jr had to transfer to the “A” main by placing in the top spot of the “B” feature along with former track champion Rich Neiser. In the Late Model Main event race it was two drivers sporting the number 55 on the sides of their cars who battled for the win. Veteran Roger Wing and young gun Matt Pickard both did a great job to make their way to the front. Wing started racing before Pickard was born but don’t let his age fool you, Wing has not lost his edge. Starting in the eighth position Wing made his way to the point charging through the field. Wing's outside move of leader Mike Wilbern took place on lap five. As Wing paced the field for the next 15 laps Pickard was also on the move. With laps winding down Wing had to make his way through lap traffic. Because of this Pickard was able to close the gap. With two laps to go Pickard was within a car length and had fans on the edge of their seat. But when the checkered flag was waved, Wing was the driver who would celebrate in the Port City Racing Victory Lane. Pickard settled for second while Wilbern held onto third. Zack Ogler made his way from 12^th to finish in the fourth position. Andy Sprague in his first race since moving up from the Modifieds completed the top five. In Heat race action Kevin Nelson, Tim Stott, Danny Knowles, and Pickard earned wins. Goentz was picked as the 2008 Late Model Glamour car award winner.

In the Modified division John McCaul let everyone know he is going to be a force to be reckoned with in 2008. McCaul was the class of the 29 Modified who made their way to Winston. In the Modified Main event McCaul moved to first from his fourth place starting position on lap 3 and never looked back. Glamour car award winner Randy Whitten was the best of the rest finishing a strong second. Dan Dykman, Greg Smith and Derek Poland rounded out the top five. Heat races were won by McCaul, Poland, and Whitten.

In the Port City Racing Sportsman Division fans were treated to a very popular win. Mike Anderson did not start racing till his early fifties. The last two years he has proven he is just not out there trying to recapture his youth, but to compete for the win every night. After winning his first Main Event in 2007 at the ripe age of 55 he has made a habit of getting his photo taken in victory lane. Anderson was able to avoid early race cautions while charging to the front from his fifth place starting position. The brother team of Rob and Ralph Sternberg did not make it easy on Anderson as they were glued to his bumper in the second and third positions. Bean Falbe’s charge from last resulted with a strong fourth place finish. Tim Tuttle was fifth. The Heat race was won by Rob Sternberg. The Glamour Car award winner was Chad Weinrick.

The Factory Stock Main season started more like a demolition derby. Four cautions in the first two laps had drivers scrambling for position and track officials trying to get the track cleared as quickly as possible. The race had to be shortened because of curfew. Tony Weinrick's early race moves resulted with him taking opening night honors. Scott Erickson chased him to take the runner-up position. Dave Hronek, Derek Passenier, and Mitch Smith rounded out the top five. Heat race winners included Weinrick, Erickson, Bill Delong and Joe Ferrier. The Glamour car award for best looking Factory Stock went to Frank Harris.

Both Mike Garvey (Muskegon) and Johnny VanDoorn (Coopersville) have toured the 3/8ths mile at Winston Speedway to start their race careers. Both of them were recently picked as part of a Draft of NASCAR future stars. Vandoorn as a Driver and Garvey as a Crew Chief for Matt Hawkins. Click on the title to take a look.

It comes with great pleasure to announce that Julie Taylor has fulfilled one of her dreams. Julie and Dave Jennings have spent the last year going through the process of adopting a little girl from Guatemala. They were finally able to pick her up in Guatemala on February 22nd. The little girl is nine months old and named Eliana. Julie has decided to take the year off from racing to spend more time with Eliana. Rest assured Julie's fans will be able to see her and her daughter out at the track cheering for her brother Rob, cousin Tom Dusen and many of her friends.

Local auto tracks hope to get jump on season

The sound of motors have been humming all month at racing facilities across West Michigan.

And not a single race car could be found.

Instead, power washers, paint sprayers and bulldozers were the tools of the trade as area owners race against the clock -- and the weather --- preparing to open the season this weekend.

With most state tracks still thawing out from the Michigan winter, why such an ambitious effort to start the year with near-freezing temperatures and snow flurries in the forecast?

"Because most of the tracks aren't open yet," said Troy Marciniak, who is in his fifth season as general manager of Thunderbird Raceway. "It's a competitive business. We hope to draw some out-of-town drivers and offer them a good show."

Thunderbird Raceway, which opened as the old Birchwood Speedway in 1957, is the longest running speedway along the lakeshore and will begin its season with one of its biggest shows of the year -- a $1,500-to-win Bob Pierce UMP Modified Shootout on Saturday.

The local racing is scheduled to kick off Friday night with Tom and Lois Sprague beginning their second seasons as owners at Winston Motor Speedway off U.S. 31 near Rothbury.

However, more rain or inclement weather still could force the cancellation of one, or both, shows.

SUBHEAD: Winston Motor Speedway

Auto racing consumed the life of Tom and Lois Sprague for most of the last 35 years.

However, even they didn't realize what they were getting into after purchasing the Oceana County track prior to last season.

"There's a lot of year-round work involved," said Tom Sprague, the 1980 Late Model champion at the track. "There's no off-season for us. As soon as last season ended, we were getting started with our scheduling and advertising back in December.

"I was pleased with how the first year went and it will get a little easier for us."

Sprague, who is a cousin of three-time Craftsman Truck Series champion Jack Sprague, has maintained an agressive job of "cleaning up" the track and making it safer. The facillity added a new catchfence along the front stretch, resurfaced the track with over 500 yards of clay and did some landscaping work to the infield.

"We're hoping the improvements make for a better experience, for both the drivers and our fans," said Sprague. "We know we can't predict the economy, we're just trying to offer yet another affordable entertainment option for people."

Another safety feature is the introduction of "raceivers." The ear-pieces allow drivers to hear warnings and instructions from the control tower throughout the events, which will eliminate delays during caution periods.

The track will offer five regular classes -- mini-stock, bomber, sportsman, modified and late model -- and is scheduled to begin the season Friday night.

Highlighted events include the $2,500 "Player Hater 50" Late Model Invitational on May 2 as well as a 55-lap Sportsman race on May 9 in honor of Kenny Blondeel, who died last January. The season wraps up with its fourth annual Fall Spectacular on Sept. 5-6.

SUBHEAD: Thunderbird Raceway

If the rain and snow holds off this weekend, Thunderbird Raceway will kick off its season with one of its biggest shows of the season.

"We're pretty excited about it," said Marciniak, who spent the week making the last-minute preparations at the track. "We're expecting a good turnout. Right now, a lot depends on the weather."

Whatever happens, the facility is pursuing an ambitious schedule this year, including several big-money modified and late model shows. In all, the same four classes will run at Thunderbird, including bombers, mini-stocks, street-stocks and modified.

Marciniak hopes the drivers find the track surface to their liking this year after adding additional clay to smooth out some rough stretches.

"We continue to work on it. I think it's getting better and better every year," Marciniak said.

Other key events this season are a May 3 Lex Marciniak Late Model Invitational; a flat-track motorcycle event on July 18, which will coincide with Muskegon's Bike Time festival; and the track will continue to have test and tune events on its drag strip on Wednesdays throughout the season.

The year wraps up with Thunderbird's fifth annual Rolling Thunder spectacular on Sept. 19-20.

Fourteen year old 2007 Young Gun Champion Seth Moody represented Winston Speedway in a Race of Track champions at the DeltaPlex in Grand Rapids on Saturday, March 29th. Racing 1/4 scale cars on a track the size of a Hockey Arena Seth did his fans and Winston Speedway proud as he won the race of champions beating out Kalamazoo Speedway Late Model Champion Andy Bozell among others.

Great Job Seth!!!!

Winston Speedway will open their season on Friday, April 11^th.  Five divisions of racing along with “Glamour Car” awards will highlight the night’s events. Owners Tom and Lois Sprague have area drivers, crews and fans anticipating a great 2008 season.  The Sprague’s have been working day and night to prepare for the 2008 season. Their goal is to continue to make Winston Speedway one of the best racing venues in the state of Michigan and Midwest.

Winston Speedway has gone through some physical changes in the off-season. A new catch fence along the front stretch, remodeled bathroom facilities, new clay for the racing surface and a new Pit Area entrance are just a few of the noticeable changes fans, drivers and crews will witness when they enter for the first time in 2008.  Also new in 2008 will be the “Raceiver.” This tiny communication device worn by drivers will allow Track Officials to communicate with drivers when a caution takes place on the track and assist them with line-ups to keep the race program moving along after cautions.

Winston Speedway will again be racing under the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) banner.  UMP will be awarding state and national points for four out of the five divisions at Winston. Mini Stocks, Bombers/Factory Stock, Sportsman and Modified will all race under the UMP banner.  Late Models will race under UMP rules with one exception. MSPA American Racer MD 56 or Hoosier LM 40 tires are the two types of tires that will be used for the Late Models.

In the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model division Tom Sprague Jr of Muskegon will return to defend his 2007 Track Championship title. Look for Sprague to battle 2006 Champion Kevin Nelson of Twin Lake as well as many other veteran drivers.  Rich Neiser, Eddie Reyes, Rob Taylor, and Tom Dusen all out of Muskegon look to be the heavy hitters along with Twin Lake racing veterans Matt Pickard and Kevin Nelson Jr.  Grand Rapids Dean Huizinga and Fruitport’s Scott Wenell also are expected to battle for the title.

The Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Modifieds will see some great talent return along with a crop of youngsters who should make for an interesting season. The 2007 Track and State UMP Modified Champion Andy Sprague of Muskegon will try repeating his 2007 efforts. Look for 2006 Track Champion Mike Wilbern of Cloverville along with two- time Track Champion John McCaul of Hesperia and Greg Smith of Twin Lake to apply the pressure for the title. Racing Veterans Dan Dykman, Derek Poland and Randy Whitten also look to make their presence known throughout the season.

Port City Racing will again sponsor the Sportsman and Factory Stock Divisions. 2007 Sportsman Champion Ralph Sternberg returns to battle 2007 UMP State Point Champion Kyle Borgman, Chad Weinrick , and Mike Anderson for the 2008 title. Ralph Sternberg’s younger brother Rob also hopes to switch places with his brother at the Awards table for 2008. Returning 2007 Bomber Champion Tim Epplett along with Jamie Lorenz, Tony Weinrick and Robert Erickson look to make the Factory Stock classes one of the best to watch at Winston Speedway.

Sprague’s Auto Parts returns to be the primary sponsor for the Mini Stock 4 cylinder divisions. The former Young Gun class has been combined with the Mini Stock division in 2008. Look for this division to provide some great racing. Combine some new talent with the likes of Former Champions Don Keech, Luke Near, and Carl McCann and this division looks to be very entertaining.

Sponsor Integra Shocks and Springs will provide early season schedule highlights. The $2500 to win “Player Hater 50” Late Model Invitational on May 2nd looks to have some of the best Late Model Drivers in the State make their way to Winston Speedway.  Another early season highlight will be a Sportsman Memorial race for former driver and car owner Kenny Blondeel who passed away in January. The race will take place on May 9^th. Sportsman will race 55 laps in honor of Blondeel’s familiar #55 race -cars. Numerous invitationals will take place throughout the season for all divisions.

Winston Speedway Demolition Derby and Off Road Scrambles on Saturday nights also will provide some of the best entertainment on the schedule throughout the summer.

For the best in family entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.

For a complete schedule, results and news visit Winston Speedway at: www.winstonmotorspeedway.com

The following excerpts were taken from a  press release about the UMP BAnquet this past weekend.

Earning $1,000 each as Modified State champions were Kenny Neu (California), Robbie Chiles (Colorado), Matt Miley (Florida), Leka (Illinois), Miles (Indiana), Sweeney (Kentucky), Shane Hebert (Louisiana), Andy Sprague (Michigan), Martintoni (Missouri), Mark Herbert (Mississippi), Jon Henry (Ohio), Mark Wauge (Oregon), Clayton Miller (Tennessee), Troy Seidl (Texas), Curtis Coulter (Canada), Joey Kramer (Winternationals) and Steve Arpin (Florida DIRTcar Nationals).

The Sportsman, Street Stock and Limited Modified State champions were each presented $800. The Sportsman titlists were John Anderson (CO), Chris Day (FL), Greg Kimmons (IL), Ryan Huddleston (IN), Jason Jackson (LA), Kyle Borgman (MI), Naeger (MO), Pete Stefanski (NY), Mike Jessen (OH) and Joseph Hamm (TN); Street Stock champs were Ashley Chiles (CO), Erik Nelson (FL), Steve Ewing (IL), David Hurst (IN), Stacy Tretter (KY), Mark Debate (LA), Randy Dickman (MO), Michael Welch (NY), Mike Neighbors (TN) and Jodie Moon (TX); and Limited Modified winners were Bobby Fehring (TX), Clayton (LA) and Randy Dickman (MO).

Promoters or representatives of UMP DIRTcar Racing tracks in attendance were recognized throughout the affair. Recipients of appreciation plaques included Eldora’s Boos; Farmer City Raceway; Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway; Oakshade’s Pam Henricks; La Salle Speedway; Bob and Gayle Kamp of Kamp Motor Speedway; Bill and Jean Nelson of Vermilion County Speedway; Mike Null of Montgomery County Speedway; William Scoggins of Clarksville/Crossville speedways; Stan Shanter of Belle Clair Speedway; Tom Sprague of Winston Motor Speedway; Billy West of Morgan County Speedway; Fairbury American Legion Speedway; I-55 Raceway; Track Enterprises (Macon Speedway and Paducah International Speedway); Highland Speedway; and Callaway Speedway.

To read all about the banquet click on the title.

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TRACK 

1) NEW FENCE IN FRONT OF GRANDSTANDS 

2) REMODLED WOMANS REST ROOM 

3) NEW ENTRANCE TO THE PITS (SOUTH END) THAT SHOULD  IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW

4) MORE CLAY AND BANKING ON THE FRONT STRETCH