Welcome to Independent Racing Series
Aukland wins Battle and War during Independent Racing Series stop at Skyline
By Chris Tilley (Independent Racing Series P.R. Director)
CONTACT: (606) 219-1723 or tilleyracing@hotmail.com
STEWART, OH (October 13, 2007)-Rick Aukland of Zanesville, OH cashed in on Saturday night October 13th in the Independent Racing Series stop at the Skyline Speedway in Stewart, OH.
Aukland not only claimed the $5,000 Jack-O-Lantern 50 event, but captured the series championship to add to his outstanding racing resume.
Aukland came to Independent Racing Series Victory Lane for the first time this season while driving the K&E Trucking, Chase Race Decals, Malcuit Racing Engines powered MasterSbilt Pontiac Grand Prix. Aukland became the 14th different winner in 15 races total on the 2007 tour.
Dash winner Rod Conley and Doug Drown would bring the 24 car field down to the green flag for the start of the 50 lap main event with Rod Conley going to the lead off the back-chute. Rod Conley would lead the opening lap with Drown second and Rick Aukland in tow.
The first yellow flag would come out on the fifth lap as Steve Wilmoth spun in turn four. This would set the field up for a single-file restart with Rod Conley up front, Drown second, Tim Dohm third, Aukland fourth and Ben Adkins fifth.
On the restart, Tim Dohm would make the move to go around Drown for second out of turn two on the outside line.
The next yellow would wave on lap six as Freddie Carpenter came to a stop in turn one. On the restart, the cars of Wayne Chinn and Josh McGuire both got together and spun around on the front-chute bringing out the next yellow flag.
On lap eight, Drown would get back around Dohm for the second spot behind leader Rod Conley.
Drown then made a bid for the lead on the ninth lap going around Rod Conley on the inside line with Dohm, Aukland, and Adkins in tow.
On the 17th circuit, Jason Montgomery, Tracy Fritter and Josh McGuire got caught up in turn two which brought out the yellow flag. This would send the three cars that stopped to the tail of the field. On the next restart, Rick Aukland went straight to the bottom in turn one and would challenge Rod Conley for second spot. Aukland would take the spot away by the next lap leaving Conley and Dohm to battle for third.
Fast moving Steve Shaver had already moved up to fourth by the 30th circuit. Shaver made a bid for third spot on Conley by lap 35; he would then take the position away on the next lap using the outside line to his advantage.
Aukland and Shaver would duke it out for the second spot on the 38th lap, but Aukland would stay on the bottom of the multi-groove racing surface to hold the position.
By the 44th lap, Rick Aukland, who was fishing on the bottom, reeled in Doug Drown and took the lead on the inside coming off turn four.
The caution would come out on lap 47 as Kenny Christy spun on the back-chute. This would set up a three lap shoot-out to the finish with Drown in second, Shaver a close third, Mike Balzano fourth after starting ninth, and Tim Dohm fifth.
Aukland would bring the field back down for the restart and lead the field around for the last three circuits and claim his first-ever Independent Racing Series feature win. Aukland crossed the stripe over Drown, Shaver, Balzano and Dohm. Josh McGuire, Rod Conley, Ben Adkins, Jeff Burdette and Ryan Markham completed the top ten.
In post-race ceremonies, Rick Aukland was named the 2007 Independent Racing Series National Champion. Wayne Chinn was awarded the 2007 Independent Racing Series Rookie of the Year while Ryan Markham was awarded the Championship Runner-up. Chris Wilson was awarded for his fourth place finish in the series final points and Runner-up in the Rookie of the Year standings as well.
For more information on the Independent Racing Series please visit www.irsracing.net or call the series office at (419) 425-3929. The Celebration of Champions Awards Banquet information will be released in the very near future.
Official Summary of Results:
Round # 15-Independent Racing Series
Skyline Speedway-Stewart, OH
$5,000 to win ($24,100 Purse)
A-Main Finish:
1. Rick Aukland-Zanesville, OH
2. Doug Drown-Wooster, OH
3. Steve Shaver-Vienna, WV
4. Mike Balzano-Parkersburg, WV
5. Tim Dohm-Cross Lanes, WV
6. Josh McGuire-Grayson, KY
7. Rod Conley-Wheelersburg, OH
8. Ben Adkins-West Portsmouth, OH
9. Jeff Burdette-Parkersburg, WV
10. Ryan Markham-Ashland, OH
11. Jason Montgomery-Jackson, OH
12. Larry Bond-Guysville, OH
13. Corey Conley-Wellsburg, WV
14. Kenny Christy-Vanceburg, KY
15. Anthony Huber-Parkersburg, WV
16. Chris Garnes-Evans, WV
17. Wayne Chinn-Bradford, OH
18. Paul Wilmoth Jr.-Clarksburg, WV
19. Freddie Carpenter-Parkersburg, WV
20. Charlie Swartz-Minford, OH
21. Ralph Withem-Athens, OH
22. Steve Wilmoth-Clarksburg, WV
23. Chris Wilson-Louisa, KY
24. Tracy Fritter-Zanesville, OH
Entries: 50 from four states (KY, OH, WV, MI)
Integra Racing Shocks Fast Time: Rick Aukland-13:806 seconds
Heat-1 (Top-4 Transfer): Tim Dohm, Rick Aukland, Anthony Huber, Doug Drown, Freddie Carpenter, Kevin Layne, Rick Lucas, Larry Ferrell, Chuck Hummer, Charlie George, Tyler Carpenter, Ricky Williams, Chris Wilson
Heat-2 (Top-4 Transfer): Rod Conley, Ben Adkins, Jeff Burdette, Corey Conley, Tracy Fritter, Jeff Wood, John Mason, Larry Bond, Jason Edge, Rodney Gibson, Cody Enlow, Nick Corbitt, Delmas Conley
Heat-3 (Top-4 Transfer): Paul Wilmoth Jr., Mike Balzano, Steve Wimoth, Josh McGuire, Jason Montgomery, Andy Bond, Dan Morrison, Chris Carpenter, Justin Powell, Butch McGill, Joe Ramey, Jeff Cunningham
Heat-4 (Top-4 Transfer): Chris Garnes, Wayne Chinn, Steve Shaver, Kenny Christy, Charlie Swartz, Richard Frazier, Jeff Esbenshade, Clint Coffman, Danny Moore, Ralph Withem, Ryan Markham, Kenny Johnson
Dash: Rod Conley, Doug Drown, Rick Aukland, Ben Adkins, Jeff Burdette
B Main # 1 (Top-3 Transfer): Larry Bond, Tracy Fritter, Freddie Carpenter, John Mason, Delmas Conley, Jeff Wood, Rick Lucas, Jason Edge, Chris Wilson, Cody Enlow, Tyler Carpenter, Chuck Hummer, Nick Corbitt, Larry Ferrell, Kevin Layne, Rodney Gibson, Charlie George, Ricky Williams
B-Main # 2 (Top-3 Transfer): Jason Montgomery, Charlie Swartz, Ralph Withem, Joe Ramey, Dan Morrison, Justin Powell, Jeff Esbenshade, Chris Carpenter, Clint Coffman, Ryan Markham, Richard Frazier, Jeff Cunningham, Butch McGill
Series Provisionals: Ryan Markham and Chris Wilson
2007 Independent Racing Series Event Winners:
Dave Hess Jr. (Hilltop Speedway)
Marty O'Neal (Union County Speedway)
Robbie Blair (Twin Cities Raceway Park)
Doug Dodd (Muskingum County Speedway)
Robbie Blair (Challenger Raceway)
Paul Wilmoth Jr. (Tyler County Speedway)
Eddie Carrier Jr. (KC Raceway)
Steve Francis (Rocky Top Raceway)
Ryan Markham (Hilltop Speedway)
Mike Balzano (Portsmouth Raceway Park)
DJ Myers (Winchester Speedway)
Jared Hawkins (Elkins Motor Speedway)
Josh Richards (Hagerstown Speedway)
Clint Smith (Cannonball Motor Speedway)
Rick Aukland (Skyline Speedway)
Final 2007 Independent Racing Series Championship Points (after 10/13/07)
1. Rick Aukland-2059 (Zanesville, OH)
2. Ryan Markham-2030 (Ashland, OH)
3. Wayne Chinn-2014 (Bradford, OH)
4. Chris Wilson-1744 (Louisa, KY)
5. Robbie Blair-1329 (Titusville, PA)
6. Dave Hess Jr.-1299 (Waterford, PA)
7. Corey Conley-1236 (Wellsburg, WV)
8. Mike Balzano-1022 (Parkersburg, WV)
9. Rick Bond-947 (Mansfield, OH)
10. Steve Shaver-900 (Vienna, WV)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Independent Racing Series set for Awards Banquet on Dec. 22nd
By Chris Tilley (Independent Racing Series P.R. Director)
CONTACT: (606) 219-1723 or tilleyracing@hotmail.com
FINDLAY, OH (November 12, 2007) - The 2007 Independent Racing Series is now looking forward to the Inaugural Awards Banquet which will take place on Saturday, December 22nd, at the Midwest Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus, OH. The invitations have been mailed. If you need more information on the banquet, you can contact Dean Miracle at (419) 306-1499 or (419) 425-3929.
Rick Aukland of
“We are really pleased to have Rick Aukland as the 2007 Independent Racing Series Champion. He had lead the events on several occasions this season, he never quit after having problems on a few occasions, and consistently ran in the top five as well and finally picking up the win during the last race of the season at Skyline Speedway,” stated Dean Miracle, President of the Independent Racing Series.
“It also goes to show that you don’t have to win races all the time, just be consistent to win the points, and that’s what Rick Aukland did this year,” said Miracle.
Wayne Chinn not only picked up the Rookie of the Year honors, but was third in the final point totals after the season ending shoot-out at Skyline Speedway. “It is a real, real pleasure to have him. He is an up and coming dirt driver in the country and has went out and ran some of the big shows, finished 4th in this year’s World 100, and we are really pleased to have talent like that running with us,” stated Dean Miracle, President of the Independent Racing Series.
Ryan Markham of
Chris Wilson of
“These two young men (Markham and Wilson) are what we want running our series, because its dedication and determination that puts you on top, and that’s what these guys have done,” stated Miracle again.
“Robbie Blair and Mike Balzano also competed fairly regularly with us, and we look forward to seeing them again next season as well as all of the guys that ran with us this year,” stated Miracle.
Final 2007 Independent Racing Series Championship Point Standings
1) Rick Aukland (
2) Ryan Markham (
3) Wayne Chinn (
4) Chris Wilson (
5) Robbie Blair (
6) Dave Hess Jr. (
7) Corey Conley (
8) Mike Balzano (
9) Rick Bond (
10) Steve Shaver (
Final 2007 Independent Racing Series “Rookie of the Year” Point Standings
1) Wayne Chinn (
2) Chris Wilson (
3) Robbie Scott (
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Robbie Blair Terrorizes the field during Independent Racing Series event at Hilltop
By Chris Tilley (Independent Racing Series P.R. Director)
CONTACT: (606) 219-1723 or tilleyracing@hotmail.com
MILLERSBURG, OH (April 18, 2008)—Robbie Blair of Titusville, PA became the only driver to win three Independent Racing Series-Sanctioned events since the series started in 2007 by capturing the $6,000 prize during the Second Annual ‘Deadline 50’ event at the Hilltop Speedway in Millersburg, OH on Friday April 18, 2008.
Blair, from his outside front-row starting positioning the 50-Lap A-Main led the opening 11 laps until seeing the pressure from 2007 ‘Deadline 50’ event winner Dave Hess Jr. of Waterford, PA. Hess rolled on the high-line to keep the lead until the 20th circuit when Blair rolled past Hess on the inside to lead the 21st lap. Blair would then re-take control over the field on the 40th lap and not look back in route to his third-career Independent Racing Series event win.
The 2007 Independent Racing Series National Champion Rick Aukland, who started in the ninth position, finished second with Tim Dohm, pole-sitter Doug Drown and Hess rounding out the top five.
The two Provisional starters Ryan Markham and Wayne Chinn rallied from the 12th row to finish sixth and seventh. Chinn, who went to a back-up car before the A-Main ran as high as third before bringing out the caution on lap-30.
Eight cautions and a red flag on lap-36 for Mike Knight's flip halted the event. The driver from Ripley, NY, who made his intentions for running for the Independent Racing Series Rookie of the Year, was running in the third spot when the accident occurred in turn two.
Blair’s Rocket Chassis is sponsored by Bossard’s Auto Parts, Specialty Products, Maloney Tool & Mold, Armstrong Lumber, Chelby’s Tanning, Moody & Son Welding, Genesis Racing Shocks, Hypercoils, Hoosier Racing Tire, Slavic Shirts & Decals, Simpson Racing Products, Farr Motorsports, VP Racing Fuels and Dano Paint.
The next weekend of Independent Racing Series competition will come up on Friday night May 2 at the Elkins Speedway in Elkins, WV for a $5,000 to win event and on Saturday night May 3 for a $5,000 to win event at the Wayne County Speedway in Orrville, OH for the Annual ‘Buckeye Classic 50’ event.
Official Summary of Results
Round # 1-2008 Season
Hilltop Speedway-Millersburg, OH
April 18, 2008
Independent Racing Series Super Late Models
A-Main Finish:
1. Robbie Blair-Titusville, PA
2. Rick Aukland-Zanesville, OH
3. Tim Dohm-Cross Lanes, WV
4. Doug Drown-Wooster, OH
5. Dave Hess Jr.-Waterford, PA
6. Ryan Markham-Ashland, OH
7. Wayne Chinn-Bradford, OH
8. Mike Balzano-Parkersburg, WV
9. Dusty Moore-Swanton, OH
10. Andy Bond-Coolville, OH
11. Wayne Maffett Jr.-Mansfield, OH
12. Mark Gardiner-Navarro, OH
13. Rick Bond-Mansfield, OH
14. Eric Myers-Holmesville, OH
15. Duane Chamberlain-Richmond, IN
16. Justin Chance-Mansfield, OH
17. Mike Knight-Ripley, NY
18. Jared Hawkins-Fairmont, WV
19. Matt Miller-Waterville, OH
20. John Mason-Millersburg, OH
21. Steve Casebolt Jr.-Richmond, IN
22. George Lee-Loudonville, OH
23. Doug Dodd-Cambridge, OH
24. Scott Peltz-Cadiz, OH
Cornett Racing Engines Heat-1: Matt Miller, Mike Knight, Rick Bond, George Lee, Dusty Moore, Wayne Maffett Jr., Larry Kingseed, Thomas Baker, Dave Hornikel, Corey Conley
Malcuit Racing Engines Heat-2: Steve Casebolt Jr., Tim Dohm, Justin Chance, Jared Hawkins, Cody Parker, Andy Bond, David Scott, Jeff Esbenshade, Jeremy Canada, Chester Elliott
Gustwear Heat-3: Dave Hess Jr., Robbie Blair, Mike Balzano, Duane Chamberlain, Devin Friese, Wayne Chinn, Ryan Markham, Mark Gardiner, Jeff Gress, Keith Tish
Indy Screen Printing Heat-4: Doug Dodd, Rick Aukland, Doug Drown, Scott Peltz, Eric Myers, John Mason, Jason Montgomery, Rob Stambaugh, Ryan Eddleblute, Mike Pivonka
Dave Poske Performance Parts B-Main 1: Wayne Maffett Jr., Dusty Moore, Andy Bond, David Scott, Jeff Esbenshade, Cody Parker, Jeremy Canada, Larry Kingseed, Thomas Baker, Corey Conley
Dave Poske Performance Parts B-Main 2: John Mason, Eric Myers, Mark Gardiner, Ryan Markham, Rob Stambaugh, Jason Montgomery, Ryan Eddleblute, Devin Friese, Keith Tish, Jeff Gress, Mike Pivonka, Wayne Chinn
Entries: 40 from five states
Integra Racing Shocks Fast Time Award: Matt Miller-14:322 seconds
Cautions: Eight (Laps 1, 1, 14, 19, 24, 27, 30, 44)
Red Flags (Lap 36)
Independent Racing Series Championship Points: (after April 18)
1. Robbie Blair-150 (Titusville, PA)
2. Rick Aukland-147 (Zanesville, OH)
3. Tim Dohm-144 (Cross Lanes, WV)
4. Dave Hess Jr.-139 (Waterford, PA)
5. Ryan Markham-137 (Ashland, OH)
6. Wayne Chinn-135 (Bradford, OH)
7. Mike Balzano-134 (Parkersburg, WV)
8. Andy Bond-132 (Coolville, OH)
9. Wayne Maffett Jr.-131 (Mansfield, OH)
10. Rick Bond-129 (Mansfield, OH)
Independent Racing Series Rookie of the Year Points: (after April 18)
1. Tim Dohm-144 (Cross Lanes, WV)
2. Andy Bond-132 (Coolville, OH)
3. Duane Chamberlain-127 (Richmond, IN)
4. Mike Knight-125 (Ripley, NY)
5. Devin Friese-75 (Chambersburg, PA)
5. Cody Parker-75 (Zanesville, OH)
2008 Independent Racing Series Sponsors: Allstar Performance, American Racer Tires, Bashee Graphics, Bert Transmissions, CJ Rayburn Race Cars, Cornett Racing Engines, Dave Poske Performance Parts, GRT Race Cars, Gustwear, Hoosier Racing Tire, Impact Racing, Indy Screen Printing, Integra Racing Shocks, Intercomp Scales, KB Carburetors, Malcuit Racing Engines, Mason Racin’, MasterSbilt Race Cars, Miracle Motorsports, Rocket Chassis, Simpson Racing Products, Sunoco Race Fuels, Sweet Manufacturing, University of Northwestern Ohio, Vendor Row Productions, and Vickery’s Speed Shop.
Independent Racing Series: Elkins and Hagerstown Weekend Wrap-up
By: Chris Tilley (Independent Racing Series P.R. Director)
CONTACT: (606) 219-1723 or tilleyracing@hotmail.com
FINDLAY, OH (August 6, 2007)—The Independent Racing Series will spend the next several weeks off before returning to action on Saturday night September 15 for the “Fall 50” at the Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, IN. The event will pay $5,000 to win.
ELKINS AND HAGERSTOWN WRAP-UP: The Independent Racing Series made their first appearance to the Brad Hutton promoted Elkins Speedway in Elkins, WV as part of the $5,000 to win 19th Annual RH Armstrong Memorial event. Jared Hawkins picked up his first Independent Racing Series win over Tim Dohm from Cross Lanes, WV. The series then made another first-time visit to the Frank Plessinger owned Hagerstown Speedway in Hagerstown, MD as “Kid Rocket” Josh Richards of Shinnston, WV took home $5,000 after winning the 27th edition of the Shorty Bowers/Bull Durham Championship race.
VICTORY LANE TWICE: Josh Richards of Shinnston, WV visited victory lane two weeks ago during the 60th Anniversary Classic at Frank Plessinger’s Hagerstown (MD) Speedway during the World of Outlaws Series visit and backed up the win with his first-ever Shorty Bowers/Bull Durham Championship event win last weekend adding his name to the long list of drivers winning the prestigious event.
CAR COUNT THIS SEASON CONTINUES TO GROW: The Independent Racing Series hit an all season high car count this past Saturday night at the Hagerstown (MD) Speedway during the 27th Annual Shorty Bowers/Bull Durham Championship event. The event drew 51 cars from seven states including drivers from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Delaware and Maryland.
FIRST TIME WINS: Jared Hawkins of Fairmont, WV became the youngest Independent Racing Series victory lane winner up until Saturday night when Josh Richards of Shinnston, WV won the 27th Annual Shorty Bowers Bull Durham Championship event. The birthdays between the two drivers are only 14 months and one day apart as Richards is now the youngest driver to have ever won an Independent Racing Series event.
ROOKIES IN THE FIELD: Both fields of cars during the weekend saw lots of Rookie drivers competing and finishing surprisingly well. On Friday Rookie Jared Hawkins won the Independent Racing Series event with Louisa, KY driver Chris Wilson finishing 11th, and Wayne Chinn of Bradford, OH 14th. Wilson and Chinn both compete regularly with the Independent Racing Series. On Saturday night, former WoO Series Rookie of the Year Josh Richards won the event while this season’s Ray Cook promoted O’Reilly Southern Nationals Series Rookie of the Year driver Brian Booze of Marion, PA finished 13th in his first Independent Racing Series appearance at Hagerstown Speedway.
LOTS OF NEW WINNERS: The Independent Racing Series has produced 12 different winners in the first 13 races on the series schedule with only one repeat winner. Robbie Blair of Titusville, PA has been the only driver that has visited victory lane twice including wins at the Twin Cities Raceway (IN) Park on May 19 and the Challenger (PA) Raceway on June 10. Jared Hawkins and Josh Richards became the most recent winners.
FOGGY FAST ELKINS: The Independent Racing Series event at the Elkins Speedway saw a late start to the event as track crews worked to properly prepare the racing surface after Hot Laps enabling Cross Lanes, WV driver Tim Dohm to set a new Track Record during Integra Racing Shocks Time Trials with a 13:987 second lap. This is the third time this season the Independent Racing Series has set new track speedway Qualifying records as track records have been broken at both Hilltop Speedway and Twin Cities Raceway Park.
ECKERT’S FIRST RUN WITH THE IRS: Rick Eckert of York, PA took a break from his busy traveling schedule to stop in with the Independent Racing Series. The night didn’t start off to well as Eckert fell off while leading the Heat Race with mechanical woes. Eckert then started last in the second B-Main and transferred into the feature by virtue of finishing in the second and final transfer spot knocking Hagerstown Speedway regular Frankie Plessinger out of the show. Eckert went on to finish seventh in the 40 lap affair.
“KID ROCKET” IN THE NUMBER 25? Josh Richards did not pilot his familiar number 1 Cornett Racing Engines powered Rocket Chassis during the 27th Annual Shorty Bowers/Bull Durham Championship event but instead piloted the Ernie Davis owned # 25 Rocket Chassis to the win. Richards was preparing his equipment for the 25th Annual North/South 100 coming up this weekend at the King Family promoted Florence Speedway in Union, KY. Josh’s father Mark Richards of Rocket Chassis attended the event with his son as part of the 27th running of the Shorty Bowers/Bull Durham Championship.
IMPRESSIVE STATS SO FAR FOR IRS: The Independent Racing Series has not only produced 12 different winners in just 13 races, but has hit a good car count for the season with 271 different drivers from 12 states and two countries competing on the tour. Four different drivers have attended all 13 races so far this season including Rick Aukland, Ryan Markham, Wayne Chinn and Chris Wilson.
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