Speed51.com's Quick News Archive
Entries From January 2012
Kyle Larson to Run SLM Events at Smyrna for Tim Russell
SLM - 1/31/12
Super Late Model champion Tim Russell told Speed51.com Tuesday that his newly-formed Tim Russell Driver Development program will field a Super Late Model for 19-year-old Sprint Car sensation and 2012 NASCAR K&N East campaigner Kyle Larson. The deal will include the Pete Orr Memorial 100 on February 11th as well the Super Late Model events during the 46th Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway (FL) from February 17th to the 25th. Larson, from Elk Grove, CA, won 22 races in 2011 and was a Nominee for the 2011 SPEED Performer of the Year. Larson recently finished third at the Chili Bowl in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tim Russell Driver Development will also field Pro Late Models Canadian Riley Emmel for Smyrna SpeedWeeks.
Courant: Pitkat and Stefanik Have New Whelen Mod Tour Rides
NWMT - 1/30/12
Shawn Courchesne of the Hartford (CT) Courant has posted two recent articles with updates on two NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour regulars and their new rides for 2012. Woody Pitkat will drive for car owner John Lukosavage (story link), while Mike Stefanik will compete for a team with dual ownership between Ed Marceau and Christopher Our (story link).
Same Tire, Lower Prices for Southern Superstars in 2012
Southern Superstars - 1/30/12
The Southern Superstars Short Track Series will once again utilize the American Racer EC 31 tire for the season and as in years past the tire will be sold by Wagner racing Tires in Harvest, AL. The tires will also have a new price as we have managed to work with American Racer and get the tire prices lowered for the 2012 season as compared to last year. A new incentive program for the top five is also being put in place for this year for the top five drivers at each event in the series points standings will receive one free tire for that night’s event as they are in the top five in the point standings. This program will kick off at the series second event at Huntsville Speedway on April 14th.
Florida United Promoters Late Model Series Launches Web Site
FUPLMS - 1/28/12
The Florida United Promoters Late Model Series has launched their own web site. www.floridaunitedpromoterslatemodelseries.com is the address fro the second year sereis that will host 12 events in 2012 at five different tracks. Their first race will be March 3rd at Desoto Super Speedway (FL).
LW Miller Gets New Number, Sponsor for 2012 So. Mod Tour
NWSMT - 1/26/12
Three-time Southern Modified champion L.W. Miller will enter the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified season with two notable additions to his Baker Motorsports car. Miller will carry the No. 88 in 2012, consistent with the JR Motorsports Late Model program in which he serves as crew chief and team manager. His car will also feature the logos of TaxSlayer.com, the team’s new primary sponsor.
Racecar Engineering to Present 51's SpeedFest Coverage
51/SpeedFest - 1/26/12
Speed51.com's exclusive coverage of SpeedFest 2012 this weekend at Watermelon Capital Speedway (GA) will be brought to the fans throughout the world on 51 by Racecar Engineering. Based in Lakeland, Florida yet open worldwide 24-7 at www.racecareng.com, Racecar Engineering is a one-stop source for racing parts and accessories. Their Parts and Accessories Catalog features over 300 suppliers including Hurst, Mallory, FRAM, Holley, and more with 465 pages of track proven parts. Visit racecareng.com for more.
Truex, Santos Join Blaney at TBR's Nationwide Team
NNS - 1/26/12
Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) expands NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) program with the addition of two-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Champion Ryan Truex and former NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour titlist Bobby Santos, who will split driving duties with Ryan Blaney. Truex will compete in the DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) February 25. Santos will race in the Subway Jalapeno 250 at DIS July 6. Blaney will run six NNS events with TBR, debuting April 27 at Richmond International Raceway.
Sealed Engine Alliance Leaders (S.E.A.L.) Clarify Ford Specs
S.E.A.L. - 1/26/12
S.E.A.L. (Sealed Engine Alliance Leaders) announced two clarifications of specifications for the FORD D347SR crate engines and the approval of a part change. These clarifications and changes are effective immediately. Clarification #1: The ONLY oil pans permitted for use in competition for the FORD D347SR are Champ Pans Oil Pan part # CP 6100LT or KEVKO Oil Pan part #F201. Clarification #2: The 7mm valve OPTION that Ford Racing lists is NOT LEGAL for competition. Additionally, any other OPTIONS outlined by Ford in the “Ford Racing 347 Series Sealed Engine Handbook” are NOT permitted for use in competition unless they are specifically identified and approved in the rules or technical updates of the appropriate track or series. S.E.A.L. officials also announced the approval of a change to the lifters that the FORD D347SR uses. The same production hydraulic lifter continues to be used – but with two parts changed inside. The steel check ball is replaced with a lighter ceramic ball and a higher rate piddle valve spring is used. These lifters are available under PN M-6500-R302H. This approved change resolves the Ford crate engine’s on-going issue with valve train distress (float) due to the use of the production lifter and the weight of the valve train. This change only resolves a reliability and consistency issue and does NOT increase the maximum horsepower.
Speed51.com Exclusive Update & Radio Home for SpeedFest 2012
SpeedFest - 1/25/12
Tickets are going fast for SpeedFest 2012 at Watermelon Capital Speedway (GA) this weekend. The fans unable to make it to the track, however, will be able to catch all the action right here on Speed51.com. 51 is the exclusive live update provider of SpeedFest 2012 and will have live Trackside Now updates beginning Thursday at WCS all the way through race day Sunday. Also, Speed 51 Radio will provide a live audio broadcast of the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour and ARCA/CRA Super Series feature races on Sunday. Stay tuned to Speed51.com for more details on 51's coverage leading up to SpeedFest weekend.
Spencer Davis to Run JEGS at SpeedFest; New Site In the Works
PLM - 1/23/12
Thirteen-year-old Georgia racer Spencer Davis will start his 2012 season off by competing in the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour event at Watermelon Capital Speedway (GA) on January 29th. Davis, who will compete for his family team in 2012 in Pro Late Model events across the Southeast and beyond, will also have a new website produced by 51 Sports, the parent company of Speed51.com. A temporary website has been built at www.spencer-davis.net, with a full site launch coming soon.
Ted Christopher to Compete on NWMT With Whelan Team
NWMT - 1/23/12
According to Shawn Courchesne of the Hartford Courant (story link), 2008 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Champion will be back behind the wheel of Ed Whelan's #36 Al-Lee Installations Modified when the 2012 season starts at Thompson (CT) in April. In addition, Christopher will chase the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series points title at Riverhead Raceway (NY) and will kick off the 2012 season at the New Smyrna Speedway (FL) World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing in February, where he is a multiple-time Modified champion. Christopher will drive for longtime Modified car owner Joe Brady at New Smyrna.
PASS to Add Super Limited Division to South Events
PASS - 1/23/12
PASS has announced that it will sanction the Super Limited division beginning in 2012. The Super Limiteds will run as a support division to the PASS South Super Late Models at approximately 10 events. The PASS Super Limiteds will employ a variety of chassis and engine combinations to allow racers an affordable way to compete in a touring division. The PASS Super Limiteds will be open to both perimeter and straight rail chassis, with rules aimed at making both types of chassis competitive. Racers will also be able to utilize a variety of different engine combinations. There will be a claim rule for shocks and brake calipers. Also in an effort to keep costs down, racers will race on scuffed Hoosier F-45 bias ply tires. The purse is guaranteed paying $1,000 to win and $150 to start. The inaugural race for the PASS Super Limiteds will be on March 10th at Dillon (SC) Motor Speedway as part of the 7th Annual South Carolina Clash.
AR Bodies' "Muscle Cars" Approved For Southern Superstars
Southern Superstars - 1/20/12
Southern Superstars Short Track has announced that the AR Bodies Muscle Cars are eligible to run with the Southern Superstars Short Track Series for the 2012 season. These cars resemble the muscle car looks of the Chevrolet Camano, Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger that will also be available soon. The cars will have to fit the measurements of the current AR Bodies Muscle Car diagrams and will have to weigh the same as the current ABC bodies will have to weight. This rule however can be adjusted or amended as needed in the fairness of competition, which will be evaluated throughout out the season with this style of body. For more information visit www.superstarsracing.com.
PASS Speedway 660 Date Moved Up a Week to June 9th
PASS - 1/20/12
The fifth race of the 2012 PASS North schedule at Speedway 660 in New Brunswick has been moved up to June 9th. The 200-lap event will be one of two extra distance events on the 2012 calendar. This will also mark the fourth straight year in which the PASS North guys have headed to Speedway 660.
Johnny Sauter & Erik Darnell Enter SpeedFest 2012
SpeedFest - 1/19/12
Two more drivers with extensive short track and NASCAR resumes have added their names to the entry list for SpeedFest 2012. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver and near-champion in 2012 Johnny Sauter has entered the January 29th event at Watermelon Capital Speedway (GA). Another former Truck Series racer and part-time Nationwide Series runner Erik Darnell also has entered the event. Darnell ran well in several Super Late Model races throughout the Midwest and East Coast in 2011.
TBR Taps Ryan Blaney To Compete In NASCAR Nationwide Series
NASCAR - 1/18/12
Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) signed Ryan Blaney to compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS). The 18-year-old will get behind the wheel of the No. 36 SealWrap Repair Tape Chevrolet and compete in six events throughout the season with his debut set for April 27 at Richmond International Raceway. Blaney will also run six NASCAR K&N Pro Series (NKNPS) races in his family-owned DB Racing No. 10 SealWrap Repair Tape/Heavy Duty Industrial Services machine, beginning at Bristol Motor Speedway March 17, and Trent Owen will return as crew chief for the NKNPS car.
Rheem to Sponsor SpeedFest JEGS Tour Race at Cordele
JEGS - 1/18/12
CRA officials have announced that Rheem has agreed to be the Title Sponsor of the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by GM Performance Parts 150 lap event with SpeedFest 2012 at Watermelon Capital Speedway, in Cordele, GA, January 28-29, 2012. The Rheem 150 will pit many of the country’s best Pro Late Model racers against each other in an effort to win this prestigious event.
East Series Champion Gresham to Run ARCA Daytona Event
ARCA - 1/18/12
2011 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Champion Max Gresham will drive JDM's No. 9 Chevrolet in the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway (FL). Gresham has one win in 12 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards starts, but has never raced at Daytona. His debut will be televised on SPEED at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 18. Gresham will then run for 2012 the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year honors.
Strong Entry Lists Now Posted for SpeedFest 2012
SpeedFest - 1/18/12
CRA Officials have released the initial entry lists for SpeedFest 2012, held January 28th and 29th at Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, GA. As of Tuesday January 17th, 33 CRA Super Series Super Late Models were entred with 24 JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Pro Late Models set for that event. Headlining the Super Late Model list are NASCAR stars Kyle Busch and David Ragan, as well as up-and-coming next-generation racers Chase Elliott and Ross Kenseth. Other big names on the SLM list include Bubba Pollard, Erik Jones, Donnie Wilson, Austin Theriault, Kenzie Ruston, TJ Reaid, Stephen Nasse, Colt James and Clay Rogers. The JEGS Tour list is headlined by Mike Garvey, Pollard, Brandon Hermiller, Spencer Davis, Dwayne Buggay and Ricky Brooks. For the full lists, click here for JEGS and here for CRA.
Former Lanier GM Stan Narrison Renting Track for June 30th Event
Tracks - 1/17/12
Lanier National Speedway, after announcing last year that it would not be offering a full racing schedule in 2012 for the first time in 30 years, will after all continue a time honored tradition. Lanier will be holding its annual 4th of July Celebration racing event. Stan Narrison, the track's General Manager for six years back in the mid 2000’s, will be renting the track from owner Donnie Clack. The event is set for Saturday June 30th and will include Late Models, support divisions and a demolition derby, as well as North Georgia's largest fireworks show.
Ricky Brooks to Drive Smith Motorsports Late Model at SpeedFest
SpeedFest - 1/17/12
Noted Deep South tech man Ricky Brooks will put away the templates and tape measures during SpeedFest 2012 weekend at Watermelon Capital Speedway (GA) and will get behind the wheel of the Smith Motorsports #33 Pro Late Model and perhaps Super Late Model, as well. Brooks will drive the team's Pro Late Model in the CRA/JEGS All-Stars Tour portion of SpeedFest 2012 and will also compete in the 200-lap ARCA/CRA Super Late Model event if the car is prepared in time.
Ice Cold Shriner's Bowl at Lanier Rescheduled for March 31st
PLM - 1/17/12
The Ice Cold Shriner's Bowl event at Lanier National Speedway (GA), which was originally scheduled for Sunday, January 8th and rained out just before cars hit the track, has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 31st. Bubba Pollard set fast time for the event before rains came on its original date.
Austin Theriault To Run ACT & Big Super Late Model Shows
Drivers - 1/17/12
Brad Keselowski Racing will field a Super Late Model for Austin Theriault to run some of the biggest Super Late Model shows in the country. With BKR Theriault will run SpeedFest next week, the Rattler 250, the Rowdy 251, The Snowflake 100 and the Snowball Derby. Theriault will run the complete ACT Late Model Tour schedule in 2012 as he chases his first career Tour championship with the family owned AT Racing No. 57 Ford.
Busch, Ragan, Elliott Team All Running SpeedFest at Cordele
SpeedFest - 1/17/12
NASCAR drivers Kyle Busch and David Ragan, as well as the Bill Elliott Racing team with Chase Elliott and TJ Reaid have all pledged their allegiance with the ARCA/CRA Super Series in the move of SpeedFest 2012 to Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, GA January 29th. Those drivers, plus many others via Facebook and Twitter, have committed to support the CRA event at the new facility.
Hamke Files Entry for SpeedFest 2012 With Clay Rogers
SpeedFest - 1/16/12
Former Snowball Derby winner and Multi-time Pro Cup Champion Clay Rogers has filed an entry for SpeedFest 2012. Rogers will driver the Hamke house car in which he won with on two occasions in 2011. Rogers finished second to Mike Fritts in a SpeedFest event at USA International Speedway (FL) in 2006.
Kyle Busch Files Entry for SpeedFest 2012
SpeedFest - 1/16/12
ARCA/CRA Super Series officials have informed Speed51.com that NASCAR Sprint Cup Series star Kyle Busch has filed an entry for SpeedFest 2012, now scheduled for Watermelon Capital Speedway (GA), January 27th through 29th. Busch is a two-time SpeedFest winner, taking the title in the Super Late Model event in both 2009 and 2010.
Ted Christopher to Run Weekly at Riverhead for Wayne Anderson
NWAAS - 1/16/12
According to an online post by crew chief Kenny Lechner, Ted Christopher will drive on a weekly basis in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Modified division at Riverhead Raceway (NY) in the car normally driven by mult-time Riverhead track champion Wayne Anderson. Anderson will continue to drive in several events this season, as well.
Sloan Henderson to Run ARCA at Daytona for Brian Keselowski
ARCA - 1/13/12
Brian Keselowski Motorsports has announced that Sloan Henderson will drive the No. 29 Dodge in the February 18th Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway (FL). This will be the first career start for Henderson in the ARCA Racing Series. Henderson was second in points at Columbus Motor Speedway (OH) in 2010 with two victories.
Pallai to Drive SK Mods at Stafford for Ted Christopher
NWAAS - 1/13/12
The 2012 season will find Richie Pallai Jr. running an SK Modified at Stafford Motor Speedway (CT) on five-to-eight occasions for seven-time SK Modified Track Champion Ted Christopher. Pallai will run selected events at Stafford that will not interfere with his 2012 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour plans which includes 10 scheduled events at this time. Pallai will run his first Stafford event at the Spring Sizzler scheduled for April 26-29th.
NASCAR to Have Oval Races and Series in Europe
NASCAR - 1/12/12
According to NASCAR Home Tracks on Twitter, NASCAR has entered into a licensing deal branding EURO-RACECAR as a NASCAR Touring Series in Europe. The EURO-RACECAR organization is part of the FIA International Series that competes in France, England, Spain and Belgium. The first race will be held on July 7th and 8th at Tours Speedway in France
NASCAR Racer Max Papis to Drive RE Legends Car at Charlotte
Legends - 1/12/12
NASCAR Driver Max Papis will be driving a Legends Car in the Masters Division this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway's infield road course. In a business meeting earlier this week, Papis mentioned to Bruce Silver, owner of Bruce Silver Racing and President/CEO of Racing Electronics, that he really wanted drive a Legends Car on the CMS road course after competing in a Legends Car once before on an oval. Wednesday evening, Max was fitted into the #54 Bruce Silver Racing Car at 860 Motorsports, which sets up the cars for the team. Bruce Silver, Gregory Lang and TJ Larsen will be driving other Bruce Silver Racing cars sponsored by Racing Electronics with 860 Motorsports setup.
ASA Midwest Tour Looking for a New Full-Time Announcer
ASAMT - 1/11/12
The ASA Midwest Tour is accepting applications for a full time Announcer for the 2012 racing season and beyond. Individuals that are interested in this position must have at least two years of announcing experience in the auto racing field or related sports venues. Applicants must be capable of producing a strong voice that is capable of entertaining thousands of race fans around the Midwest. Additional requirements include a basic knowledge in PR, Marketing, and Media along with exceptional writing skills are a plus. Candidates must be able to travel on weekends with our team and assist in at track marketing display setups and technical aspects of the event. Please submit resumes to Steve Einhaus via email at
(steve@asamidwesttour.com) by March 1st 2012.
Racing Electronics Hosting Factory-Authorized IMPACT Blowout
Industry - 1/11/12
Racing Electronics has negotiated exclusive discount pricing on factory clearance items from IMPACT Race Products. You’ll find racing helmets starting at just $192, driving shoes as low as $42 and gloves for drivers and crew members from $60. The inventory selection is good but popular sizes and colors are expected to sell out quickly. Don’t wait! Contact Deborah at deborah.jones@racingelectronics.com or 1-800-272-7111 to place your order. For more information and products available, click here.
Santerre Leaves Revolution Racing for Hattori's KNPSE Team
NKNPSE - 1/10/12
According to Phil Whipple of the Lewiston (ME) Sun-Journal, four-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Championship winning driver and former Revolution Racing team manager Andy Santerre will head up the KNPSE operation owned by former NASCAR and IndyCar driver Shigeaki Hattori in 2012. Santerre, who came to Revolution after owning cars in his Andy Santerre Motorsports stable, led the K&N Pro Series division of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program under the Revolution Racing banner, taking Sergio Pena and Darrell Wallace, Jr. to victory lane in recent seasons. Hattori became an owner of X Team Racing in 2011.
Free Entry Into Rattler 250 for Out-Of-Region Drivers
Rattler - 1/10/12
The 36th Annual Rattler 250 will pay $12,500 to the winner if they can get 40 cars or more to the March 4th event. South Alabama Speedway is offering a free entry to the Super Late Model event for drivers from outside the South (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN). Officials are collecting names to reach the 40-car mark with two months remaining until the event. Former Viper Series Champions Casey Smith, Logan Boyett lead up the early list that also includes Chris Davidson, Brandon Odom, Allen Karnes and Dale Little. More entries are expected to roll into Alabama in the next few weeks. Visit SouthAlabamaSpeedway.com for more information.
ARCA Co-Founder Mildred Marcum Passes Away at 98
In Memoriam - 1/9/12
Mildred Marcum, matriarch and co-founder of ARCA, passed away overnight at St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo, Ohio. Mildred had just celebrated her 98th birthday on January 6, 2012. In 1953, Mildred and husband John Marcum founded a pair of motorsports companies in their home of Toledo, Ohio: the Midwest Association for Race Cars (MARC), a sanctioning body for organizing and administrating races and licensing and insuring competitors which would evolve into the present-day Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA); and Marcum Promotions, formed to operate the grandstand side of the racing business. Mildred worked in the ARCA home office right up until her birthday on Friday. Mildred is survived by her daughter Suzie Drager, grandsons John, Ron and Jim, and a host of great grandchildren. Funeral services are pending.
Wayne Anderson to Serve as Crew Chief for Jeff Scofield at Smyrna
WSASCR - 1/9/12
Two-time World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Super Late Model Champion Wayne Anderson will trade his usual racing seat for wrenches this February as he will serve as the crew chief for another former Speedweeks SLM Champion, Jeff Scofield. The two partnered together in the Red Eye 100 on January 7th and will continue to work together as Scofield chases the 2012 Speedweeks title.
Luckett & Brooks to Handle Speedweeks Modified Divisions
WSASCR - 1/9/12
There is a major shake-up in the tech and race directing roles for the various Modified divisions for February's World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway (FL). Glenn Luckett (of the CRA Super Series) will be the race director for the Tour-Type Modifieds, the SK Modifieds and the Florida Modifieds, while noted Deep South Late Model tech man Ricky Brooks will handle the tech duties for the Modified divisions. Luckett and Brooks will assume the roles previously held by longtime World Series Modified race director/tech man Dick Brooks. Luckett will also handle the race directing for the full-fendered divisions, as well.
Noted Modified Car Owner & Former Racer Roger Hill Passes
In Memoriam - 1/6/12
Longtime NASCAR Whelen Modified & Southern Modified Tour car owner and former racer Roger Hill passed away on January 5th. Hill was the patriarch of the "Hillbilly Racing" team that competed in Modified events since the 1980's with Hill as the driver, then as the car owner of the #79 cars. Drivers to pilot one of Hill's cars over the years include Ed Flemke, Jr., Woody Pitkat, Ted Christopher, James Civali, Chuck Hossfeld and most recently Daniel Hemric. Hill was known just as much as a family man as a racer, as his wife Sandra was always at the track with him and his children played an integral part of both his Westfield, North Carolina-based Hill Enterprises business and the race team. Speed51.com extends condolences to the entire Hill family for their loss.
UPDATE: Funeral arrangements have been made for Roger Hill: Calling will be on Sunday from 6pm to 8pm at Moody's Funeral Home at 202 West Blue Ridge St. in Stuart, VA 24171. The Funeral will take place on Monday, January 9th at 3pm at the Stateline Primitive Church at 1060 Hillbilly Hollow Westfield, NC 27053
Blizzard Series to Stick with Hoosier F 40’s for 2012
Blizzard - 1/5/12
On Tuesday Mike Garvey and Bubba Pollard took part in a test session at Five Flags Speedway (FL) to compare notes on the Hoosier F-40’s and the Hoosier F-45’s. After the test both drivers agreed along with Hoosier and track officials that the track will stick with the F 40’s for the Blizzard Series in 2012. The F-40’s allowed teams to race on one set of tires in the popular Blizzard Super Late Model Series last year and will continue to be the tire of choice for Five Flags Speedway and the Gulf Coast Championship Series.
51 Names Kentfield Executive Director, Traylor Operations Manager
51 - 1/4/12
Two of 51's most tenured staff members have been given new titles going into the 2012 season by company owner Bob Dillner. Matt Kentfield, known as "Duke" to many in the short track scene, has been named Executive Director for Speed51.com and its parent company 51 Sports. Kentfield will manage the regional editors of Speed51.com and work with editorial content on the site while also being the company's lead designer and overseeing all of the 51 companies' multimedia and social media efforts in 2012. Elgin Traylor, aka "Stat Boy," has been named as the Operations Manager of the 51 companies. Traylor will continue his role as an integral writer for Speed51.com and 51 Sports while overseeing radio production, client relations and planning for 51 events throughout the year.
51 Sports to Produce New Website for FL SLM'er Anthony Sergi
51 - 1/3/12
Florida Super Late Model competitor Anthony Sergi is gearing up for the Red Eye 100 at New Smyrna Speedway (FL) this weekend. At the same time, 51 Sports of Concord, North Carolina, will be gearing up to launch a new AnthonySergiRacing.com for the 16-year-old driver. 51 Sports, the parent company of Speed51.com, will produce a new Sergi website and handle all of the racer's public relations efforts in 2012. Already, 51 Sports has created a temporary "splash page" for Sergi. The driver is a former Truck Series Champion at Orlando SpeedWorld (FL) and finished in the top-five in points in both the Bright House Challenge Series and the Florida United Promoters Late Model Series in 2011. He will be competing in a multitude of Super Late Model events throughout the country in 2012.
51 Adds Three New Positions for the 2012 Race Coverage Season
51 - 1/3/12
As a vow to our fans to continue the web's best short track racing coverage in 2012, Speed51.com has added three new positions to its staff for the new racing season. Three regional Editors have been named and will provide in-depth race coverage, regional stories and columns and much more. Mike Twist has been named as the Northeast Editor for Speed51.com and has already re-introduced his "Northern Exposure" column this week and has more in the works from his Maine headquarters. Twist has been an integral part of Speed51.com's growth over the years and the fans in the Northeast and beyond can expect even more great things in 2012. Matt Prieur joins the staff of Speed51.com as the Midwest Editor in 2012. A periodic "Midwest Minutes" column will be introduced soon from Prieur and he will be the hub of information for 51 throughout the Midwest. Also, Daniel Vining, who led 51's coverage of the Blizzard Series and more in 2012, will return as the Deep South Editor. Vining will continue to hold the Blizzard beat, as well as cover many events throughout the Deep South and more with periodic columns and feature stories. More announcements on new and returning Speed51.com staff for the 2012 staff will be made soon.
Speed 51's Facebook Page Crosses Over 13,000 Fans
51 - 1/2/12
We at Speed51.com would like to thank each and every one of our fans who have clicked "Like" on our Facebook Page, presented by Five Star Race Car Bodies since its inception. 51 crossed over the 13,000-fan-mark on January 2nd. Five Star has committed their support of our Facebook page again in 2012 and fans can expect to see up-to-the-minute race results, information and photo galleries posted there all season long. If you're not already a fan of 51 on Facebook, visit it here and be sure to click "Like" at the top of the page.
Two 51ers Spend Off Season Researching History
51 - 1/2/12
While most people like to get away for the holidays, two of 51's staff stayed around the Charlotte area and beyond, researching race results from the past. Speed51's resident stat guys Elgin Traylor and Tim Quievryn spent a full day in the off season pulling out old race reports and information for historical sites TheThirdTurn.com and ShortTrackHistory.org. Key findings were the past results from the Snowflake 100 and even the 1969 Governor’s Cup 200 rundown. If you have any results from the Short Track world that we are missing let Elgin or Tim know know by emailing us elgin@51sports.net or tim@TheThirdTurn.com
