Flat Rock Speedway

Before we start, I want to apologize to the Gold Cup top 5 from Toledo… The speakers kept cutting out and didn't pick up all of your interviews. Congrats to Steve Needles winning his second Gold Cup race.

Also Get Well wishes go to the 2015 Gold Cup Champion Jeff Ganus (and his wife) who were injured in a motorcycle accident a few weeks ago.

Here's the May races Trackside Tidbits.

Opening night happened a week late after wet weather pushed it back a week.

And the wait was worth it for 2015 SLM Rookie of the Year, Corey Duane. Corey drove a masterful race to take home his first career SLM feature. He held off multiple-track champion Paul Pelletier and 2016 Gold Cup point leader, Steve Needles. After hugging everyone "I had to work for it (the feature win). Started losing the car, started pushing, no bite. I just kept working that lapped car (Kevin Stepinski), kept him to the outside and it worked out. It was a great thing to do, get my first feature win in the Late Models," said the very happy winner. "I want to thank my wife Lindsay, the crew, Justin Schroeder, Limelight-Paul (Pelletier), my sponsors Duane's Roadrunners, Senneker Performance, JRI Shocks and CMD Racing. Nick saved the day, he fixed the fuel leak we had earlier. It's awesome, we worked our asses off for the win."

Paul Pelletier finished second, "I'm not sure what happened on the restart (from caution on lap 26), it felt like I had a flat right front tire and it took a couple of laps for the car to come around. It made it interesting. Congrats to Corey and the guys, they worked hard for it. So we'll come and get them in a couple weeks," said the driver of the Fraza Forklifts, ABC plumbing, Dusty's Collision, Exotic Automation, L & M Hardwood and Skids, Bluewater Air Compressor.

The current point leader for the Gold Cup Series, Steve Needles made his first visit to Flat Rock Speedway. He finished third in the feature for the team that won the 150-lap Stan Yee Memorial last year. "Our day started off rough, but once we got some mechanical bugs worked out we had a blast. I probably played it a little too conservative in the race and waited too long to make our move. I'm not used to running on tracks that short and the laps go by really fast, it caught me off guard a little. I thought the 46's strategy was pretty smart, although if we were racing for more money the bumper may have gotten used ha-ha... Sponsors: Direct Detail, Amsdell Companies, Hutter Racing Engines, Bicknell Racing Products, Allstar Performance, Earnest Performance. Thanks!"

Kevin Stepinski ran his first Late Model race, renting a car from Steve Bunge. Steve's car, although the familiar blue is sporting Kevin's number 70 instead of his normal 71 that daughter Lori drove a few years ago. He finished 11th, last car on the lead lap.

Will Sahutske drove a couple races late in 2015, returning to run for rookie of the year in 2016. "WDRacing had a productive evening at the track. After having an electrical issue at Toledo that kept us from participating in any on track activities back in April we were able to identify the root cause of the issue and get it fixed. Since the car was fixed and we hadn't been out yet we decided to load up without even changing over the set up to get some laps on the car and work out any bugs. We unloaded with a dead battery, and a firing issue. Once resolved we had noticed we had no clutch pressure and an oil leak. The team worked hard to get it all fixed just in time to make one hot lap session before qualifying. We qualified 18th or 19th and missed our heat race. The car had a bad push all night and it was something that couldn't be resolved by a minor adjustment so we decided to start at the rear of the field and pulled off for the night at about the halfway point when the car became to much to handle in traffic. All and all we an eventful night but we learned a lot that will help us a lot going onto Sandusky this weekend!"

Tom Cronenwett's return to LM racing after 12 years (according to the team) wasn't a joyous one, as he crashed in the heat and was done with significant damage. Let's see if I get this right… The car belonged either Stevie or Steve Cronenwett, was driven last year by Clarity Newhouse and is now back home with the Cronenwetts.

Jimmy Theil was in the pits but had mechanical problems and wasn't able to race.

Kyle Worley won his X Street Stock A division feature. "I was a rough, rough week. I almost didn't run, Tuesday my trailer got broken into and they took everything. This is all I have left, the car.

Rich Abel started on the front row of the Street Stock B division feature and never looked back. His newly painted #50 looked nice with flag numbers "I painted the car, but my daughter picked out the paint scheme for the numbers, Les Shore Signs did that. I want to thank Utility Trailer… but first I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for keeping me safe and healthy all year long so I'm able to do this. It's such an honor to do it for him. The car ran well, hope we make a habit of it this year," the jovial Abel said.

Finishing second and tying his best career finish was the 2015 Street Stock Rookie of the Year, Ray Morneau Jr. "I had a lot of fun racing side by side with Kyle (Worley) and Greg (Studt) for the whole race it was a great finish and a great start to our year I also want to add that it was awesome to see Corey Duane get the win in the late models. I'd also like to thank all of my sponsors: Xpress Group, Hallmark Memorial, Rivard Snowplowing, Highland Tool, JR Graphics, Double R Reworks, Scooter Pro, 401 Truck Source, London Drive Systems, George Newman and the crew." Thanks for the message!

Multiple time Figure 8 champion Greg Studt is running the full year in Street Stocks this year, and part time in the Figure 8s. "Really great racing up front in the Street Stock feature last night. It was a whale of a show racing for the lead with Kyle Worley (winner) and Ray Morneau Jr. (second)," said the driver of the Apollo Broach, Giles Auto Body, Jack's Garage, Budget Tire, Sportway Go-Karts, Wine Town Party Store and Mark's Toy Box.

Thanks Jeffrey Kurzyniec for the message. "I'd just like to thank my dad and the Frantz family for the help at the track and my new vinyl sponsor that made the car look awesome this season, B'Raine Storm Vinyl. I also want to thank my other sponsor G&L Mac Tools. Hopefully we can get a handle on the car this season and pick up some speed and make the A main."

Welcome back to racing goes out to Billy Cronce, "We was off for 3 years. I was rebuilding my car from the ground up. It's all new. We are even starting with a brand new engine my girlfriend Jenn Geberdt built. (It's her first attempt at building an engine). Ever. Also have a new body by Don Johnson. The final one he built before retiring. I'm driving Ian Jezylos #90 for a few weeks till we get my car completely ready. We are all working together this year. I'm hoping the new car runs as good as it looks. And hoping for a good year." Thanks for the message. Oh and a fun tidbit, Jenn's so tickled that Billy's using her engine she painted it pink… I've been in racing for 35 years and I think that might be the first pink engine I've heard about.

Rob Moore Jr. started his rookie year off with a win in his heat (and his dad also won his heat, it was a great night for the Moore family). The 14-year old driver is sponsored by: American Dream, Sterling Painting and Cisco. Some more on Rob, he's a fourth generation driver and Did You Know: His car is Grey and Pink because it represents Grey for Type 1 Diabetes, which he has, and Pink is to represent Breast Cancer.

Stephanie Pankow was racing, but not her familiar #34 Figure 8. Tonight she was in a Street Stock, driving for Greg Critchfield.

Robbie Loving will be out in a couple weeks, for those of you wondering where he was opening night. But the big surprise is he won't be racing in the Figure 8's, but in Street Stockers. It'll be the first time in his long career that he's raced in the SS division.

Where the Super Late Models and Street Stocks (there was 29 or 30 of them which is the largest opening night field we've had in a long time), the Figure 8's field was eight cars (would've been one more if Parker hadn't broke). But don't confuse quantity with quality. Eventual winner Jeremy Miller and Billy Earley had a terrific race between them for most of the race. "I love racing against Billy (Earley) and Dennis (Whisman). I want to thank my sponsors, Grafton Inn, Miller Built Race Cars, Miller Built Race Engines … sorry couldn't pick the first one off the tape, we'll get that sponsor for the next article).

Parke Wade drove Ricky Ferrell's #8 after he had mechanical problems in hot laps.

And new to the Figure 8's (I don't remember him racing in the Figs last season) was Travis Earley, Billy's son.

Congrats to the Toledo Winners, Jim Froling in the Late Model Sportsman and Jeremy Vanderhoof in the Figure 8s.

Flat Rock, May 21

Frank Jiovani won his third career Super Late Model feature on May 21. "This was a huge win for the Moran Motor Sports team! Everyone has worked very hard over the off season to bring the best equipment to the race track. After suffering through some bad luck in both Toledo and Flat Rock openers we are back on track. This win wouldn't have been possible without some key people... Pat Moran and Dick Barker who both do so much for me and the series. Al Monk and my Dad Ron who work both work their tails off on the cars, Moran Chevrolet, 4th Street Auto, Gemini Electric, Painter's Supply & Equipment Co., Shadowoods Race Engines, PAC Racing Springs, Diamond Pistons, Quick Fuel Tech." said the 2012 Street Stock Champion. "Last Sunday I was also lucky enough to make ARCA REMAX Racing Series debut. Hixson Motorsports extended the opportunity to me and I jumped on it! I made some rookie mistakes but enjoyed every second of it. We scored a top 20 finish and stayed out of trouble which was my goal."

How things change from week to week. One week you have the skills and good luck to win the feature and the next, you could be at the opposite end of it… As the 2015 SLM Rookie of the Year, Corey Duane found out. An accident that happened in front of him during this week's feature sent his Duane's Roadrunners, Senneker Performance, JRI Shocks and CMD Racing #46 airborne after riding up and over Paul Pelletier's tire. Pelletier returned to the race after the red flag and finished sixth (minus the right side sheet metal on his Fraza Forklifts, ABC plumbing, Dusty's Collision, Exotic Automation, L & M Hardwood and Skids, Bluewater Air Compressor.#44).

Here's the link to the feature if you missed it ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omRdTIHitro … Thanks Mike Miller for taping and putting these up on YouTube.

Terry Bogusz was also involved in the accident, "I sprained my left hand when I hit Matt (Bullock's) #66 in the driver's door. hit my left front wheel real hard and it jerked the steering wheel and caught my index finger and bent it backwards towards my wrist. It just bent up my left front suspension. Hand is real sore and swollen.I was the one that walked to the infield during the red flag." Terry's car is sponsored by: Nicholas Gantner Foundation, Pit Stop Mobil, Lucido and Manzella, 1-800-attorney, McColl Racing, Ram Engineering, Romeo Ford, Traffic Light, Superior Radiator, Leslie Tire Service, Villa Penna's, Just A Dollar, Allstar Performance, Diamond Pistons, Trend Performance, Champion Performance Racing Engines, Jomar Performance Products, RJS Racing Equipment, Richardson Racing Seats, HOWE Racing Exhaust, Pit Stop Graphics.

Tadek Stadniczuk and Dennis Reiderstorf were also involved in the accident.

New to Flat Rock, as drivers continue to visit getting ready for the first Gold Cup race in late June was Sam Coulter. He finished 11th.

Tim Moore missed opening night, but his first race of the season ended right where it should, with a win in the Street Stock A division. "Great to be back. Found a problem with a bent rear end we been dealing with for years, got that fixed and hope that fixes it. Have to thank my crew for getting the car solid for last week's race. Feels good knowing I have family that's been into racing for so long and a great wife that supports me 100% no matter what the cost headaches it brings. My sponsors are another huge factor. My father, Dow engines for building great motors, Bayou Bar and Grill. A-lot Seal Coating, Yost Collision, DRC. … and most of all. my job, Sheetmetal Workers Local 80. (I) want to thank for them, (because without them) I wouldn't be here racing. The car felt better than it ever has in the past, just hope it stays that way and we will be good. Just like they say, if you aint first, your last," said the 2011 Street Stock A Division Champion.

A neat little tidbit was Bayou Motorsports took the top three position this week in the A division feature with Tim winning, 2014 A Division Champion, Rob Moore second and multiple Legends Champion, Guy Fire. The fourth car in the group, rookie, Rob Moore Jr., who won his heat opening night.

Rich Abel made it two for two in 2016. Congrats!

From 2015 Rookie of the Year, Ray Monreau Jr. "I never thought being the second night out with a new car that we would end up getting the pole especially with the talent stacked field that the street stocks have on hand I didn't think that we would put up a fast time like that I was very surprised I would also like to thank all of my sponsors and everybody who helps out on the car," said the driver of the Xpress Group, Hallmark Memorial, Rivard Snowplowing, Highland Tool, JR Graphics, Double R Reworks, Scooter Pro, 401 Truck Source, London Drive Systems #03.

Last race Rich beat rookie Karen Matelic, this week it was rookie James Baber trailing him. Both rookies, have never driven before.

Add to those two first time drivers, Greg Critchfield. Stephanie Pankow drove the car last race and Greg qualified and ran the heat race. Stephanie drove it in the feature and finished fifth.

Like Tim Moore, Dan Apperson was in his first race of the season and also won taking the victory in the Figure 8 feature. "I want to thank my sponsors, Twins Auto Sales, A&M Transmission, Jim's Butcher Shop. I took a year off, glad to be back. (I) wanna thank you mom and the crew to make it a go and thank Billy Earley for a clean race," said the 2005 Toledo Figure 8 Champion.

Here's the link again to Mike Miller's video of the May 21 Late Model race. All of the nights should be up on YouTube.

May 28th…

Flat Rock has had very competitive racing this year with a different winner in all divisions each week with the exception of the Street Stock B division where Rich Abel has won all three races.

Craig Everage from Angola, Ind., won his first career ARCA Super Late Model feature. It's the third different SLM winner this season. After a lot of checking, the nearest anyone can figure is it's the first V-6 engine to win a Late Model feature at Flat Rock since Greg Studt did it in 2005. Thanks Craig for the email.

'I started competing in the bigger events back in 2013, then 2014 ran a few more shows.Iin 2015 I competed on a regular basis (at Flat Rock) finishing fifth in points. Last season we just couldn’t seal the deal. the car was fast with three fast times but (we) never won. So in 2016 the car is even faster. on opening night. We were battling for the lead mid-way through the race but tangled with Chris Benson, This frustrated me so bad I pulled in the pits and watched the ending. I took a week off do to work related issues and wanted to regroup. It was a great win for me ---My father passed away back in November and he was the reason I race. We would go to the races every weekend growing up and even after that, he loved racing as much I do. So my next win was going to be for him. (It was a) Special win for me. On to my sponsors. EverageAuto.com, We Hop, Fort Wayne Auto and Truck Auction. I would also like to thank my great crew, Senneker Performance. Winning is tough at any level but we finally got the first one here at The Rock. I will be back for the 100 lapper next because of conflicts with my home track (Angola Speedway) for the Stan Perry Memorial.

Thanks Craig for the email! His last win was at New Paris Speedway (Ind.) in 2010 and is one of the few drivers from Indiana to win at Flat Rock (Brent Jack was the last one to do so several years ago).

It was shaping up to be a great finish with Jimmy Theil, who led most of the race, Everage and 2015 Super Late Champion, Justin Schroeder. "Running third with 11 to go and drive flange bolts stripped out. Tough racing deal but still had a blast. Can't thank my crew enough for the hard work all day. Thanks to Don's Garage, Dr. Kabot, Glass Unlimited, and Victory Racing parts for all their support!"

The sportsmanship award of the week goes to Derek Wiley who loaned his car to Corey Duane while his car was still out of commission from last week's accident. Corey who finished eighth. #2 Sportsmanship award goes to the owner of the #08 which Ian Jezlo drove it in the feature last week after his car had problems and was driving it again this week.

For those of you that use the RaceMonitor app or looked on the Flat Rock website, it shows Jeff Vrsek finishing 17th with 40 laps. He had problems with the transponder on his Diamond Pistons, Trend Performance, Performance Engineering, Amsoil/Pat O'Dell #20 with 10 laps to go. He really finished 10th on the lead lap.

Veteran Bob Varney has never raced at Flat Rock before this year (although he did practice when the Iceman Series was at the track) has improved each week finishing 14th, fifth and third this week. This is the first season since 2000 that he has raced weekly. He's sponsored by Great Lakes Helicopter, AF Vohs Contractors, Montique Towing, Novaks Supply and Equipment, Van's Tire Center, MD's Sports Tavern (sorry can't read my handwriting for the last one… looks like ConQuest Scent Stickers)

Greg Studt "I was a little worried, it wasn't running around the bottom as well as I would like. That last restart I saw Guy Fire behind me and he's a rocket ship. It was a good run. I got a lot of good people who support me ... Apollo Broach, Giles Auto Body, Jack's Garage, Budget Tire, Sportway Go-Karts, Wine Town Party Store and Mark's Toy Box."

Landon Schuster was the fast qualifier, got to third in the feature when the rear end broke on this his car. "Well last night our horrible luck continued, we went and set fast time out of 27 cars, drew a six for the inversion and on the green started working our way up, got to third on lap three and the rear end broke. We have been fast every week, just have had zero luck on our side. We go through the car every week from front to back and check ever nut and bolt, this just happened to be something we couldn't see. I want to thank my sponsors UA local 50, Georgia Cable and Boring, Arnold Motorsports, Complete Refrigeration, Josephs Beverage Center, D&S Boring, Rocky's Body Shop and Nick Carroll.

Billy Earley finished second the first two nights, found himself in victory lane. "When I got out front, I knew I had to go. Once they lined up (behind me) they were coming. Got to thank the Good Lord, B&H Race Parts and my dad, Pork Chop."

Troy Brehmer won the Enduro. "The car has been fast the last few races. Little bit of bad luck at the beginning of last year. The changes worked out to my favor. This is fantastic. I want to thank all the fans for coming out here and ARCA for putting on the race, all the sponsors here at the race track. We ha 31 cars tonight, nice to see the larger car count back. I could've lapped Rick (Bennett) but I stayed behind him. With 10 laps to go the last thing I needed was a flat tire or something. I love doing this race, been doing it since 2001 and I'll keep doing it."

Welcome back to racing Terry Humphrey (in the Street Stocks)! After a two or three-year absence, Terry returned to the track. He wasn't in his familiar #81. Thanks for the update Justen (who besides being Terry's grandson is Late Model driver Matt Bullock's cousin).

And the Enduro guys get their mention too… From Derek Denton "I ran the enduro number 39, my dad's number when he ran Figure 8s in the late 70s. I have a new sponsor Logistics Sawmill and Wiley's Coyote Grill. Finished 13th and I'm married to Krista Wiley, Derek Wiley's sister."

I put that last line in there because doesn't it make you wonder who all is related in the pits. Or maybe you don't I just think it's interested.

Want to get your sponsors mentioned, send me an email at icechips@hotmail.com, or send me a message on Facebook (private message me because it could get lost on my page). A couple sentences