By Tony Veneziano
Concord, NC-October 18, 2010-
One of the biggest crowds ever: One of the largest crowds in Tri-State Speedway history was on hand for the World of Outlaws event last Saturday on a picture perfect fall afternoon and evening. The race which was originally scheduled as the track’s season opener in April was postponed by rain and thus served as the season finale at the always racy high-banked ¼-mile. It marked the first time the World of Outlaws have raced in the fall at Haubstadt since 2004 and just the second time ever, as the series traditionally visits the track in the spring.
“Thanks to all of the fans that came out tonight,” said Paul McMahan, who finished third. “What a great October night and turnout. Everyone definitely saw a great show. I love this track and everyone here does such a great job. It’s always fun to come here.”
Three for five: Craig Dollansky and Steve Kinser have alternated wins in each of the last six World of Outlaws events at Tri-State Speedway. Each has won in three of their last five starts at the track. Dollansky, who is a native of Elk River, Minnesota, has racked up eight consecutive Top-10 finishes at Tri-State Speedway which is the longest current Top-10 streak of any active World of Outlaws driver at the track. Dollansky started fourth and led the final 19 laps to score this win, which was his fourth of the season. He also opened the night by turning the fastest lap in qualifying for the first time this season.
“It’s pretty good company to win three of the last five here with Steve Kinser,” said Dollansky. “He is plain and simple an animal. To be out here still going like he is doing is pretty amazing.”
Back on track: Joey Saldana scored his best finish since returning from a concussion a couple of weeks ago with his runner-up performance at Tri-State Speedway, which marked the second consecutive year he finished second at the track in his home state. The second generation driver is currently fourth in points, just 18 markers out of the third spot and 22 out of second.
“We just want to finish the year strong and prepare for next year,” said Saldana. “I want to be smart out there and not make any mistakes. We definitely want to pick up another win or two before the season is over.”
Another podium: Paul McMahan finished third at Tri-State Speedway to earn his 13th podium finish of the season and his fourth in the last six races. The veteran has one win this year, with that coming at the famed Eldora Speedway back in May. He is currently sixth in points, just eight markers behind Jason Sides as the pair battles for the fifth spot with two races remaining. McMahan is on pace to finish the highest he ever has in the World of Outlaws standings, as he continues to fill in for the injured Cody Darrah at Kasey Kahne Racing.
“It feels good to have another strong run, but I really need to get a win for my crew,” said McMahan after the race at Tri-State. “We have a couple of more chances this year to win and will give it everything we have at Charlotte. This is a great team and everyone works very very hard.”
Every point matters: Jason Meyers, who leads the World of Outlaws championship standings, also leads the series with 103 bonus points earned in time trials this season. Points are awarded each night to the five fastest drivers in qualifying. Meyers has earned 103 points for being among the Top-Five in time trials, with fellow Californian Paul McMahan earning the second most at 99. That pair is tied for the series lead with 10 fast time honors each. Donny Schatz and Joey Saldana are tied for third in bonus points earned with 82 a piece. Meyers led the series in bonus points earned last season as well.
A career night: Sheldon Haudenschild, the son of Hall of Famer Jac Haudenschild, finished a career-best 11th with the World of Outlaws at Tri-State Speedway in his first career start at the high-banked ¼-mile bullring. He opened the night by turning in the 13th fastest lap in time trials which put him on the pole of the first heat. He would finish fifth in the heat race to earn a spot in the main event. Twice this season Jac and Sheldon have competed in the same main event with the World of Outlaws, with the first time being in the Brad Doty Classic at Limaland Motorsports Park in Ohio back in July.
Chizmark Larson hard luck award: Randy Hannagan received the Chizmark Larson Hard Luck Award at Tri-State Speedway, after being caught up in a four-car accident on the sixth lap of the 40-lap contest which ended his night in the 22nd position. Mike Larson presented Hannagan with the $100 cash award following the race. Larson will be on hand again at the World Final in Charlotte, November 4-6 to present the Chizmark Larson Hard Luck Award.
On the dial: Steve Kinser will join host Erik Tomas on The Raceline Radio Network in Canada this week. The interview with Kinser will air across The Raceline Radio Network Canada on Monday, October 18 at 7 p.m. Eastern, including on the Toronto flagship station, The FAN 590: www.fan590.com . For additional airtimes and station affiliates visit http://www.fan590.com/onair/more.jsp?content=20090119_164431_37496 , as the show airs throughout the week.
Tune in: Jason Meyers, who is chasing his first World of Outlaws title, will stop by The Racing Fan on 1320 KFAN out of Salt Lake City on Saturday, October 23. The show airs between 9-11 a.m. Mountain Time with hosts Shane Beck, Russ Sala and Steve Schoenfeld, who will talk to Meyers about the upcoming World Finals and his pursuit of his first career World of Outlaws title. The Racing Fan can be heard online via live steaming audio at: http://www.1320kfan.com.
On the air: The finale of the National Open will air on SPEED on Saturday, October 23 at 8 p.m. Eastern, as a super-sized three hour show. Bobby Gerould will call all the action from the legendary half-mile with Hall of Famer Brad Doty offering expert analysis, along with Shane Andrews and Sarah Jane Hunt reporting from the pit area. Tune in to SPEED on Saturday, October 23 at 8 p.m. Eastern to see all the action from the National Open.
Up next: The World of Outlaws wrap-up the ultra competitive 2010 campaign with the World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte, November 4-6 along with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series and the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds.
Photo galleries: The Media Gallery section of www.worldofOutlaws.com continues to be updated after each event. Visit http://www.worldofoutlaws.com/sprint/MediaGallery.aspx to see Photo Galleries from all 2010 World of Outlaws events. A photo gallery from the event at Tri-State Speedway will be posted shortly.
Keep up with all the action: The number of “Followers” keeping up with the World of Outlaws via Twitter online and through text messages on cell phones continues to grow and recently surpassed the 5,400 “Follower” mark. Updates are provided throughout race nights beginning with hot laps and continuing all the way through the final checkered flag of the night. To sign-up visit: http://twitter.com/worldofoutlaws and receive live race updates, anywhere, anytime.
On sale now: Tickets for the Fourth annual World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte November 4-6 remain on sale, as well tickets for the 2011 40th Annual Florida DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park, February 8-19. For tickets visit www.WorldofOutlaws.com/tickets.
The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Chizmark & Larson Insurance , Goodyear Tires (Official Tire), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser), VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, KSE Race Products, Penske Shocks , R2C Performance, Racing Electronics, S&S Volvo; Engine Builder’s Challenge participants Don Ott Racing Engines, Kistler Engines, Shaver Specialties and Speedway Engines; and Chassis Builder’s Challenge participants J&J Auto Racing, Maxim Racing and XXX Race Company.