LIMA, OH (Jan. 22, 2012) – Aliquippa, Pennsylvania’s Tim Shaffer was crowned the champion of the University of Northwestern Ohio All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Car Series during a gala banquet Sunday at the UNOH Events Center. It was the third straight All Star title for “The Steel City Outlaw.”
UNOH All Stars Guy Webb announced the series’ regional concept introduced in 2011 was a big success. The series had four separate point funds – the Ohio Region, Eastern Region, Great Plains Region and National – and sanctioned 37 races in 2011.
“We were able to attract more cars to more All Star events which was great for the fans and tracks and put more money into the hands of the teams. We have added $27,000 in point fund money this year due to the regional concept,” said Webb.
Shaffer’s 10 All Star victories in 2011 led the way to his championship in the National, Ohio Region and Great Plains Region and finished fourth in the Eastern Region. Shaffer’s team owners Janet Holbrook and Aaron Call accepted the hardware on his behalf as Shaffer is racing in Australia.
“We have to thank the members of the team during 2011…Brian Kemenah, James, Five-O…there were many who helped out throughout the year. It’s been unbelievable what we have been able to achieve. And, we’re ready to defend our titles in 2012. We are ready to have some fun this year,” said Holbrook. “We have to thank Paul Kistler and Kistler Engines and Racing Products, J&J Race Cars, VRP Shocks and everyone who has contributed to our success. And Tim Shaffer? What can I say; he has proven he is one of the best drivers in the world.”
Since teaming up with the C&H Motorsports team, Shaffer has compiled 38 All Star wins since 2008 and now has 45 career victories in the series to sit sixth on the all-time win list.
Three-time All Star champion Dale Blaney finished second to Shaffer in the National, Ohio Region and Great Plains Region points and third in the Eastern Region and ended 2011 with eight series wins. Blaney has scored 30 All Star wins since 2007 and now has 84 career victories with the series to sit second on the all-time win list behind Kenny Jacobs 98 career wins.
“We were good this year, but the 83 team was better. Tim is a good friend and a hell of a race car driver. He paid his dues on the road all those years and now it’s paying off. That team has set the bar pretty high and we all have to work hard to get to that level,” said Blaney. “George (Fisher, car owner and mechanic) and I have been together a long time now which is pretty remarkable in today’s racing environment. That speaks a lot about our friendship.”
Fisher was named the UNOH All Star’s Crew Chief of the Year as well.
“We had a good year. Dale and I communicate very well…we are like brothers. I would like to thank Ti-22 for all their help and support. We will be back stronger in 2012 and hopefully get more wins,” said Fisher.
Fayetteville, Pennsylvania’s Lance Dewease was on hand to collect his title as the All Star’s Eastern Region champion. Dewease, who scored two series’ wins in 2011 to take his career total to 29, is recovering from neck and back surgeries from injuries he suffered in a late season crash.
“This Eastern Region deal was tough. Not only did we have to compete against Shaffer and Blaney, but Daryn Pittman was hot this past year (3 All Star wins) and throw in Stevie Smith, Fred Rahmer and all the Posse drivers…it’s doesn’t get much tougher,” said Dewease. “We are in rehab and will continue to get better every day. Just to be able to walk into this banquet is a success. We will continue to work hard on healing and probably won’t be back out until April.”
Pete Miller III of Port Vue, Pa., was named the UNOH All Star’s Rookie of the Year for 2011. He finished fifth in the National points, ninth in the Ohio Region, seventh in the Great Plains Region and 10th in the Eastern Region.
“I have to thank my mom and dad and every one of the teams in this room. They all helped me so much and I learned more than could have ever imagined. I got to race on many new tracks and look forward to going back in 2012,” said Miller.
Other drivers attending the banquet were 2010 All Star Rookie of the Year Cap Henry, who finished fourth in the National points, eighth in the Ohio Region, fourth in the Great Plains Region and eighth in the Eastern Region. Two-time All Star champion Greg Wilson announced he would be back stronger in 2012 with Kemenah joining the team. Wilson finished sixth in the National points, fifth in the Ohio and Great Plains Regions. Cole Duncan, who finished 10th in the Ohio Region points, announced he would be teaming up with Tony Kennedy in 2012 and planned to run for the Ohio Region title.
Bryan Grove, owner of the #45 driven in 2011 by Rob Chaney to a 7th place finish in the Ohio Region points, announced Paul McMahan would pilot his sprint car in 2012.
David Gravel, who finished third in the National and Ohio Region points and sixth in the Great Plains and Eastern Region, was unable to attend.
Webb also was excited about partnering with UNOH. “We will sell this college and help recruit students. This is a great place filled with great people.”
The UNOH All Stars released their 2012 schedule with 50-52 events. Webb said there are “seven to eight new tracks” and the 30th Annual Ohio Sprint Speedweek will feature eight and possibly nine races over nine days.
For more information go to www.allstarsprint.com