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THE CHECKERED FLAG |
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September 21, 2007 Edition |
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| GREEN FLAG | |
Oberg Podiums, Keeps Pace in Points
Douglas finds rough outing at Crandon
Team AMSOIL Super Team member Mike Oberg left the Crandon International Raceway and the World Championship Weekend with a podium while teammate Scott Douglas left with a few bruises and some twisted steel on Labor Day weekend. The event was a World Series of Off-Road Racing (WSORR) sanctioned event.
Oberg, who drives the AMSOIL/Kumho Chevy in the Pro 2wd class,
followed up a fourth place finish in Saturday's World Championship race with a second
in Sunday's class race. Oberg led the field for the first few laps before overall
point's leader Scotty Taylor took over the top spot. In the cup race, Oberg again
grabbed a hole shot, and was the second Pro-2wd to finish, but with a full field
of Pro-4x4 chasing him down, he was credited with a fifth place finish.
"We had to change our gearing on Saturday night to get some more bite," said Oberg. "We had some great starts this weekend, but Taylor was unbelievably fast in all three races. We feel confident that we can make up the final 13 points at Wheatland to take home the Pro 2wd championship."
In the Pro 4x4 class, Douglas was the show on Saturday. Unfortunately, it was for a monstrous crash in the first turn of the race. Douglas, who was holding the leading heading off the start, was slammed by Adrian Cenni, pushing the AMSOIL/Kumho Ford F-150 into the bank and starting a spinning, free-wheeling flip that send the truck over the k-rail. Douglas was able to walk away from the crash buy was not allowed to use his back-up truck on the restart. Click Here to see a frame-by-frame photo gallery of the crash. (Flash Player Required)
"Adrian didn't see me, is what I figure," said a bruised Douglas following the race. "I had the line and he just scooted up into me and sent me spinning. Luckily we are one of the few teams with a back up truck as there is no way we'll get this one ready to go for Sunday. I'm a little sore in the neck area and have a couple of bruised cheeks, but we'll be ready to go tomorrow."
Douglas put his back-up truck on the line for Sunday and found a great start come off the land-rush starting line. Douglas was poised to grab the hole shot, but he got side-ways on one of the jumps and broke his forward drive. The move made his truck drive like a 2wd, thus losing valuable seconds in each tight corner. Douglas did finish fourth in the class race and followed that up with a fourth place finish in the BorgWarner Cup race, the event he won in 2006.
The WSORR will continue with the
final two rounds of racing being held in Wheatland, Mo. on September 22-23.
Douglas Narrows Gap in California
Repairs to truck mean podium for AMSOIL driver
After a rough time at the BorgWarner Off-Road World
Championships, AMSOIL/Kumho Super Team driver Scott Douglas and his crew were looking
for some California sunshine to change their luck. The team headed cross country
to the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds in Lancaster, Calif. for the second time this
season. Before the team could head west, crew chief Bill Smith and his team went
to work, reconstructing the '06' primary AMSOIL Kumho Tire race truck to its championship
form.
After crashing at Crandon, Douglas Motorsports had the Ford F-150 fixed and on the
transporter in just four days, ready to take on the top PRO-4 drivers in the country.
On Friday, Douglas' qualifying run for round six of the Championship Off Road Racing
series saw the #7 AMSOIL/Kumho Tire/Ford stop the clocks third fastest. This put
the Ford F-150 inside of the second row, just behind the pole winner for Saturday's
race.
The rolling start saw the top five trucks run close together. Just before the midway
mandatory caution lap, Douglas had worked his way into third place. When racing
resumed, the top three trucks, Johnny Greaves, Rick Huseman and Douglas, began to
pull away from the rest of the field. The racing was close, but nobody was able
to make a pass for position. Then with three laps to go, Greaves crashed out of
the race. This put Huseman in the lead, with the AMSOIL truck close behind. At the
finish, Huseman took the win with Douglas in tow. AMSOIL sponsored driver Steve
Barlow had closed the gap and finished third.
"This was good clean racing," commented
Douglas. "I was really having fun trying to get around Rick. The brake compound,
Hawk Performance gives us, works awesome. It allowed me to dive into the corners
deeper than I had ever before."
The second place finish moved Douglas Motorsports into second place in the CORR
PRO-4 Championship Points standings.
On Sunday, the top Pro-4 drivers
lined up for the Jason Baldwin Memorial Cup Qualifier. Douglas took to the freshly
watered track, first, for qualifying. Unfortunately, the muddy track made the conditions
less than ideal to run a fast lap. The time posted for his run was eighth quickest
in the session.
Starting towards the back of the field, Douglas knew he had his work cut out for
him. By lap five, Douglas was in fourth, looking to move into podium contention.
Then on the next lap, a right rear wheel broke as it landed coming off of the turn
6 jump. The force of the landing, broke the right rear wheel, flattened the tire,
and then caused the rear axle housing to tear away from the right side trailing
arm. Officially, Douglas was credited with an eighth place finish.
"I thought we could get through traffic and be in contention by the mandatory yellow,"
stated Douglas. "The truck was working great. The Kumho Tires really gave us a great
bite. The AMSOIL kept our ProPower engine and J & H transmission performing
great. That jump has been really hard on the truck. Unfortunately, it bit us today."
In the Pro-2 class, Super Team member
Dan Vanden Heuvel finished fifth in the points race and fourth in the Jason Baldwin
Memorial Cup Pro-2 Qualifier. Barlow Motorsports driver Rob MacCachren had a very
successful weekend in Pro-2 winning both the points race and Baldwin Cup race.
Douglas Motorsports has a hectic schedule in front of them. This weekend, the team
will be in Wheatland, Missouri for the final WSORR weekend of racing. Then the following
weekend, the team will be in Chula Vista, California for the next CORR round of
racing.
Douglas will be joined this weekend by teammate Mike Oberg, who is currently in second place in the WSORR points race. Oberg sits less than 15 points behind Scott Taylor with two races left, both of them this weekend.
Teague Roars through Two More Wins
California off-shore legend cruises in Cat Lite
The Pacific Offshore race circuit brought the AMSOIL Offshore
Racing team to Pittsburg, Calif. on September 9 for the Delta Thunder Offshore Powerboat
Race. 125,000 spectators enjoyed the roar of the offshore boats from mere yards
away.
Team AMSOIL Throttleman Bob Teague and driver Paul Whittier finished first in the
Cat Lite class and second overall, just seconds behind higher class entry Team Renegade,
a 36 foot Skater Super Cat powered by twin Mercury 775HP engines compared to the
twin Mercury 525 horsepower engines required in the Cat Lite class. AMSOIL completed
a 10 lap course, racing a total of 75 miles.
A week after Team AMSOIL’s victory in the Delta, the AMSOIL Cat Lite Skater and
other POPRA offshore race teams added to the fanfare of San Diego’s Mission Bay
Thunderboat Championships. Team AMSOIL raced in two heats on both Saturday and Sunday.
AMSOIL was the overall winner of all four heats and had a dominant presence on the
race course that sat in front of 300,000 fans.
Up next, Team AMSOIL is off to the OSS National Championships at Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. on September 29-30.
Rinker Nabs Second Straight Podium
First win followed up by second place finish in Colorado
Terry Rinker always enjoys his annual trip to the Colorado Rockies. Maybe it’s the clean air or the obligatory round of golf, but it probably has more to do with the stellar racing the yellow-AMSOIL sponsored boat is known for in the Mile High City.
On Labor Day weekend, Rinker and the rest of the ChampBoat class headed to Windsor, Colo. Rinker was positioned in the third spot on the starting dock after finishing second in both of his heat races. That put him in great position to gain ground on pole sitter and point's leader Tim Seebold.
In the final, Rinker kept his third position after Shaun Torrente pushed to a large lead over Seebold. After a restart on the 17th lap, Torrente again moved into the lead ahead of Seebold and Rinker. On the 41st lap, however, a spark plug wire shook loose and sidelined the Miami driver. Seebold moved into the lead, but Rinker pushed his AMSOIL boat next to Seebold for some, exciting side-by-side racing. The two raced into the sharp, 135-degree turn four when Rinker skated wide and was never able to get close to Seebold for the remainder of the race. Rinker finished second but moved into third in the overall points standings.
"We just couldn't get by that Bud Light boat today," said Rinker. "This AMSOIL team is gunning for its third straight championship and we were able to pick up some valuable points today. We’ll need a great final weekend of racing to grab our fourth championship in five years.”
Terry's brother Randy Rinker also ran a solid race, finishing sixth in his AMSOIL sponsored boat. He gained enough points this weekend to move into sixth overall in the standings.
The next round of the 2007 F1-ChampBoat Grand Prix Series will be the final round this season. The entire field will be on the Savannah River in Savannah, Ga. on the weekend of November 3-. All of the events will be airing this winter on SPEED.
Smith Sterling in September
Month of Money push for AMSOIL Late Model driver
Fall means big money in the dirt track racing world as the top tracks across the country open up their check books for some high dollar races. Team AMSOIL Late Model driver Brady Smith is cashing in on the big buck tour with some top finishes throughout the Midwest.
Smith was red hot at the 4th Annual 'Scorcher 100' at the Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap, Tennessee on August 22-23. Smith set the fast time for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series event as he toured the 4/10-mile, high-banked oval in a mere 12.400 seconds. He then finished a strong second to car builder Scott Bloomquist in his heat race to earn a coveted starting spot in the 100-lap A-Main. Smith rolled off from the inside of the fourth row in the feature and sported a strong car throughout the main and was able to improve his AMSOIL entry three spots to earn a fourth place finish in the $20,000 to win event.
Smith continued his improvement the next weekend as he collected their second win of the 2007 racing season at the Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn. Smith was eighth quickest in the World Dirt Racing League (WDRL) Series group qualifying and later ran second in his heat race. After a third place finish in the pole dash, Smith rolled off third for the $5,000 to win A-Main. Smith moved up to second shortly following the drop of the green flag and set his sights on race leader Justin Fegers. Smith then moved past Fegers for the point in heavy lapped traffic and never looked back. At the conclusion of the 50-lapper, Smith had earned the big payday ahead of Denny Eckrich, Eric Pember, and Adam Hensel.
One night earlier, Smith found himself at the Farmer City Raceway in Farmer City, Illinois for the 'Farmer City 50.' Smith finished third in his competitive heat race to earn the eleventh starting spot for the $5,000 to win feature. During the course of the A-Main, which was shortened to only 40 laps, Smith was able to pass seven cars en route to a fourth place performance behind winner Dennis Erb, Wes Steidinger, and Billy Moyer.
Up next for Smith and his AMSOIL
team was the famed Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio for the 37th Annual 'World
100.' Smith timed in twentieth quickest of the 203 entrants in qualifying
on September 7. Following a victory by Mother Nature on Saturday, the high-banks
of the "Big E" once again hosted racing action on Sunday afternoon, September 9.
Smith ran fourth in his competitive heat race, which was one spot out of a coveted
transfer position. However, Smith earned his first 'World 100' start by virtue of
his convincing B-Main victory. Smith rolled off 21st for the $40,000 to win A-Main,
which was held on an ultra-slick racing surface. During the course of the 100-lap
affair, Smith was able to pick up a few spots and was credited with a 15th place
performance.
“It felt great to get into our first ‘World 100’ main event, but I wish we could have performed a little better,” said Smith. “We got dinged up a little bit in an early incident and our body suffered some damage. Even though the track was slick and the speeds were down, aero still plays a big part at Eldora.”
Smith will be off this weekend before chasing the big paydays again. The AMSOIL sponsored team will be back in action at the Knoxville Nationals in Knoxville, Iowa on September 27-29.
Redetzke Captures First Ever AMSOIL Series Victory
AMSOIL Late Model driver Darrell Nelson has eye on second series
championship
The 19th Annual Northern Nationals wrapped up its three day run as it started, fighting the weather. Despite a couple of rain shower delays and a persistent on and off again sprinkle, the program was completed.
The AMSOIL Series drew a total of 34 Late Models and due to the threatening weather the feature was cut from 50 to 30 laps. A rain delay of perhaps 15 minutes turned the race track into a very fast surface once it was packed in. Darin Meierotto of Superior lined up on the pole next to second year, second generation driver Jake Redetzke of Eau Claire. Redetzke got a great run into the first turn at the green flag and leaned hard into the top groove. The car stuck and he came out of the second turn with the lead. The great start for the youngster was called back, however, as fellow Iron rangers Harry Hanson and Kyle Peterlin clashed at the bottom of turn two bringing out the caution flag.
At the restart Redetzke tried the same trick, again it stuck and he had the lead once again over Meierotto, Terry Casey, Ashley Anderson and Hanson who was restored to his starting spot and promptly moved from the sixth row to fifth in the early going. Redetzke raced off to a three quarters of a straight away lead on Meierotto. Meierotto, Casey and Anderson needed something to bunch the field and a third of the way in on lap ten the got their wish as Kevin Carlson's #79 slowed on the back stretch. The Delaware restart put Redetzke in the front row by himself and the rest of the field lined up two by two. At the green Redetzke retained the lead but Meierotto fell to Casey and then to Anderson kicking him back to fourth where he fell into a battle with Hanson and Tom Waseleski, Sr. Redetzke was on cruise control as Casey tried to run him down with little success. The top three soon had nearly a straight away lead over Meierotto while Waseleski, Sr grabbed fifth. Hanson became the meat in a Waseleski sandwich as Tom Waseleski, Jr battled with Hanson for sixth. Back up front Anderson had caught Casey and the two skirmished for second letting Redetzke increase his lead. The final caution flag appeared with seven laps remaining when Budisolavich rolled to a halt in turn three, thus putting Casey in a favorable position in the single-file restart. Redetzke was equal to the task at the green and kept the lead as Casey now had his hands full with a persistent Anderson. Redetzke led all 30 circuits for his first AMSOIL Series race win as well as his first Northern Nationals victory. Casey held off Anderson for second with Waseleski, Sr fourth and a fast moving Kelly Estey up from the ninth row to record a fifth place finish.
The AMSOIL Late Model Series will wind up its six race run at the third annual Proctober Fest at the Proctor Speedway October 5th and 6th. With several of the Series' front runners absent, 2004 Series Champion Darrell Nelson of Hermantown unofficially has the point lead going into the last event.
Windham Wins in Finale
Team AMSOIL motocross rider finishes season strong
Steel City
Team AMSOIL rider Kevin Windham continued his second half surge on the AMA Outdoor
Nationals last weekend at the Steel City Raceway in Delmont, Penn. With near-perfect
track conditions, K-Dub made a strong push for his first overall win of the year.
In the first moto, Windham took on a pair of riders, Grant Langston
and Mike Alessi, for most of the race. The trio broke away from the pack early and
excited the Steel City crowd, swapping positions and even a little paint before
the checkered flag flew. While battling Langston for second, Windham almost came
unglued. Langston hit a slippery spot coming off a jump in the rhythm section and
made contact with Windham's Honda CRF 450. K-Dub was knocked off the track and visibly
angry with Langston. The two hopped back on the track with Langston in second behind
Alessi. Windham finished in third and confronted Langston immediately after the
race.
The trio squared off again in the
second moto. The back-and-forth racing was even more heated throughout the race.
Windham grabbed the early lead and was in control for most of the circuit. A bobble
put Alessi in third and left the final battle for the finish line up to Windham
and Langston. With a chance at the overall, Windham couldn't hold off the hard-charging
Suzuki rider in the final laps. K-Dub finished second behind Langston, who took
home the overall. Windham finished the day third overall.
In the Lites class, Team AMSOIL trotted out Josh Grant, Jake Weimer and rookie Trey
Canard to battle in the competitive class. Grant had the best chance of unseating
the Pro Circuit Kawasaki regime for a podium spot, riding in fourth for much of
the first moto before finishing fifth. Grant's strong ride was made all the more
impressive after he had dislocated two fingers during the morning practice. Weimer
made the top ten with a ninth and Canard finished 16th.
The second moto saw a reversal of fortunes for the AMSOIL riders. It was Canard who picked up the pace. The Oklahoma-native, who was competing in only his second pro race, rode in the top ten for much of the race and was able to pick up a fifth place finish for tenth overall. Grant dropped back after a slow start and finished ninth for a sixth overall. Weimer held steady with a tenth in moto 2 for ninth overall.
Wortham, Texas
The AMA returned to the
Lone Star State after a 19-year absence on Labor Day weekend. Rave reviews
came in from across the industry for the event held at Freestone MX Park in Wortham,
Texas.
In the MX class, Windham struggled to get his footing during the first moto.
A slow start led the way to a ninth place finish. In the second moto, K-Dub
turned on the jets. He came out of the first turn in third behind Andrew Short
and Alessi. That running order held until the fifth lap, when Langston was
able to get around Windham for third. Windham would drop all the way down
to seventh by the time the checkered flag fell, and his 9-7 scores put him in seventh
overall.
In the Lites class, Grant again started well, coming out of turn one in third. Point’s leader Ryan Villopoto made it passed the AMSOIL rider. Grant, still battling through and injured hand, was forced to pull off and was done for the day. Meanwhile, teammate Trey Canard was working his way through the field. By the half-way point, Canard had moved his CRF 250 into fourth. Canard would drop back one position, but still ended the moto with a top five finish.
In the second moto, Canard improved his chances right away. Heading through turn one in second, Canard battled with the top riders in second. His podium position would only last two laps as he quickly found himself in fourth. He would battle with Martin Davalos in fourth for the remainder of the race, before finishing with his consecutive fifth and a fifth overall.
Glen Helen
Windham’s resurgence continued
at the final round of the AMA Outdoor Nationals at the at the Glen Helen track in
San Bernardino, Calif.
Windham finished the first lap of the first moto in third and was putting pressure on the race leaders. On lap nine, K-Dub was right behind race leader Mike Alessi heading into the bottom of Yamaha Hill. Windham found trouble in the valley, getting cross-rutted and sending him to the ground. Windham would lose three spots in the crash and was able to salvage a fifth place finish.
In the second and final moto of the Outdoor Nationals, Windham made up for his earlier crash. K-Dub pulled in behind hole-shot artist Alessi. Windham was on a mission as he shifted and slung his CRF 450 into the lead. Once out front, K-dub was in control, pulling out a comfortable gap within two laps and cruised to his second win of the season. Windham finished third overall for the day and fifth in the final championship standings.
In the Lites class, AMSOIL rider Josh Grant looked to have regained his top-end speed, despite nursing an injured hand. He raced into third in the first moto, but was pushed off his bike when he washed out in turn number one. Grant would pull off the track and finished third overall in the Lites championship standings.
Rookie Trey Canard finished fourth in the first moto but couldn't duplicate his success in moto 2. The young rider finished 12th overall on Sunday. Teammate Jake Weimer ran solid in both moto's, finishing 6-7 for seventh overall. Weimer finished the season sixth in the Championship standings.
Much of the team is off until the U.S. Open in mid-October. The AMA Outdoor Nationals, in which AMSOIL is the exclusive Official Oil, will be aired on SPEED.
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