ArchiveS

BATTLE BY THE BAY RE-CAP

09/10/11 WINNERS:

Engine Pro Late Models: #72 Kyle Borgman

K&B Truck & Trailer IMCA Modified: #42 Dan Minikey Jr

Advance Auto Glass and More Street Stock: #5 Brook Brasington

Saginaw Welding Supply Pro Stocks: #54 Chaney Newland

Michigan Truck Spring Open Modified: #19 Chad Bauer

First Annual Battle By the Bay Held At the New Tri-City Motor Speedway

The First Annual Battle by the Bay at Tri-City Motor Speedway Saturday night brought 98 competitors from across the state of Michigan and Ohio to conquer the newest 3/8ths mile dirt oval in its final night of competition for 2011. Champions and newcomers filled the five fields consisting of Engine Pro Late Models, Saginaw Welding Supply Pro Stocks, K&B Truck and Trailer IMCA Modified, Advance Auto Glass and More Street Stock, and Michigan Truck Spring Open Modified classes.

Eighteen Michigan Truck Spring Open Modified drivers, led by Midlands #21 Steve Hilliker and Lowells #60 Shannon Fisk, took the green flag for their 33-lap feature event. Hilliker led the opening laps with constant challenges on the high side from Fisk. #04 Nate Jones, in his first night running an UMP style modified, moved from his third place starting position to take the lead from Hilliker. Following Jones was #19 Chad Bauer up to second. By the halfway point, it looked as if it would come down to Bauer and Jones to decide the winner of the event. However, with approximately six laps remaining, Jones tangled with #43 Tyler Norton, as he was being put a lap down, which caused Norton to spin. Jones was forced to go to the tail of the field which handed the lead to Bauer. Bauer would lead the final laps to pick up the win in his first appearance at Tri-City Motor Speedway. #711 Scott Payton, who started twelfth, finished a close second. #B1 Brennan Bowen, who started in the final position (18^th) weaved his way through traffic to a podium finish of third. The remainder of the top five was #5f Justin Fleming and #18 Kyle Roberts. Bauer, Hilliker, and Fleming won the heat races earlier in the evening. Friday night, Hilliker also set a new track record in the Open Modified division with a lap time of 14.273 seconds.

The field of Engine Pro Late Models was whittled down to eighteen of the nights best to take the green flag in their 30-lap feature. A cool $1200 was on the line for the winner as #58 Renton Hurley and #20d Dan Delong set the field to the green flag. Hurley and Delong would battle back and forth in the opening laps. A long green flag run and a wide track provided a lot of two and three wide racing throughout the field. 2011 Track Champion #72 Kyle Borgman rocketed from his 9^th place starting spot to take the lead shortly before the halfway point of the event. St. Johns Driver #0p Kris Patterson Jr was able to hang with race leader but was unable to make the pass and had to settle with another runner-up finish behind Borgman. Fourteenth place starter and last weeks winner, #51 Devin Sheils was third followed by 2011 Mount Pleasant Champion #85 Mark Anderson and Ohio native (and 18^th place starter) #77k Steve Kester. #15 Justin McNeil was victorious in the B-main while heat race gold went to Anderson, #77v Jay Van Dyke, and Borgman. #50 Scott Phillips had the quickest lap in Fridays qualifying with a time of 13.507.

Eighteen K&B Truck and Trailer IMCA Modified drivers lined up to take the green flag in their feature event led by Ionia driver #20w AJ Ward and, one of the hottest modified drivers as of late, #7d Myron Deyoung. Ward took the lead at the drop of the green leaving a battle for second place between Deyoung and #776 Rusty Zeigler. Contact between both drivers sent Deyoung to the rear of the field and he was never able to recover and eventually finished a disappointing fifteenth. Zeigler had the best opportunity to take the lead away from Ward, but it was #42m Dan Minikey Jr. who methodically moved from his seventh position and began pressuring Ward for the lead. With about ten to go, Minikey was able to wrestle the lead from Ward and cruised to his first victory of the season. Ward would have to settle for a second place finish and was followed by #776 Rusty Zeigler. #27 Matt Szecsodi and #78 Brody Bowser completed the top five. Preliminary race winners included #76 Greg Wiles, Zeigler, and Ward. #42 Craig Vance had the quickest lap in Fridays Qualifying session and broke the track record with a lap of 14.860.

#M65 Rick Spencer and #31 Mark Howie brought the eleven Fourteen Saginaw Welding Supply Pro Stocks to the green. Spencer took a big lead in hopes that he could run away to capture his first feature of the season and first on dirt. However, Piersons #54 Chaney Newland did what he has done every time he visits Tri-City Motor Speedway. He reeled in the race leader, made the pass, and cruised to another checkered flag. Spencer was able to hold on to the second position. #76b Vern Buskirk took third with #41 JC Witherspoon and #01 Randy Radabaugh completing the top five. Heat checkered flags went to Newland and 2011 Track Champion #40 Ron Bieri. Newland also shattered the track record on Friday night with his fast lap clocked at 14.962.

Twenty-Nine Advance Auto Glass and More Street Stocks were on hand to try and make the eighteen car starting field for the feature event. Heats were won by #77b Rob Brillhart, #6.7 Kent Strong, #99 Rick Beauchamp, #5 Brook Brasington. B-mains were won by rookie #28 Jared Rizer and #49 Greg Tragis. Once the field was set for the feature, it was up to Brillhart and #53 Shane Aeschliman to pace the field to the green flag for their 27-lap feature. Brillhart was the class of the field early, but eventually suffered mechanical issues and left him with a 12^th place finish. Brasington, sho had won the Cherry Speedway championship and feature the night before, was able to take over the lead once Brillhart started to experience his issues. Brasington was able to survive numerous restarts for on-track incidents and picked up his first Tri-City feature. A wild finish for second on back as #152 Malusi, #77 Morell, #55 Vandecar were all racing for top five spots when they all tangled on the backstretch of the white flag lap. This allowed #21 Cortland Skoog, Aeshliman, Rizer, and Morell to sneak through and capture top five finishes in a wild completion to the 2011 season. Beauchamp also broke the track record the previous night with his quick lap of 15.742.

We would like to thank all of the fans, drivers, staff, and sponsors for a successful inaugural season. We look forward to 2012 as we continue to make improvements to the facility. Please visit our website at www.tricityracetrack.com for information regarding the 2012 season schedule. Thank you to Williams Township and the City of Auburn for your hospitality. We expect 2012 to be another record breaking year at Michigan newest Dirt Track, The New Tri-City Motor Speedway!!

9-2-11 RACE NIGHT REVIEW

09/02/11 WINNERS:

Engine Pro Late Models: #51 Devin Shiels

J&L Transport IMCA Modified: #42 Craig Vance

Auburn Hotel Street Stock: #8 Jim Miller Sr

Elgin Pro Stocks: #54 Chaney Newland

Mini Sprints: #6f Mike Fountain

2011 Season Champions

Engine Pro Late Models: #72 Kyle Borgman

J&L Transport IMCA Modified: #111 Josh Borton

Elgin Pro Stocks: #41 Ron Bieri

Auburn Hotel Street Stocks: #7r Dave Newcomb

2011 Champions Crowned at the New Tri-City Motor Speedway

The culmination of an entire season came down to its final night this past Friday night at the new Tri-City Motor Speedway. Local fire and police personnel were greeted with free grandstand admission and witnessed a season high 82 drivers attempt to conquer the 3/8ths mile dirt oval. Championships were on the line for the Engine Pro Late Models, Elgin Pro Stocks, J&L Transport IMCA Modifieds, and Auburn Hotel Street Stock classes. In addition, Mini Sprints were also on hand to put a high flying show on for the fans. The night was sponsored by Thorton Brothers Sewer and Septic Cleaning of Bay City.

Eight Mini-Sprints, sponsored by Sequin Lumber of Bay City and Standish, took the green flag for their twenty lap feature. By the time they were halfway through the first lap, it was apparent that #84 Bill Dunham was the driver to beat. At times, he would stretch his lead to a full straightaway on the field. However, #6f Mike Fountain was plotting his strategy to get to the front. Lapped traffic would slow Dunham down with nearly five laps remaining. As he exited turn four heading to the white flag, Fountain made his move and led the final lap to capture the checkered flag. Dunham would have to settle for second. #6 Bruce Dezelski, #22r Rusty Riles, and #79 Nate Jones would complete the top five. Dunham and Fountain would also win their heats. The Mini-Sprints also had the opportunity to set their track record earlier in the evening. Riles would absolutely blister the track with a time of 12.689 which averages nearly 105 MPH.

A season high twenty-one Engine Pro Late Models were on hand to find victory lane on Championship night. #31jr Scott Nieman and #51 Devin Shiels paced the field to the green flag for their twenty-five lap main event. Shiels took the lead immediately leaving Nieman to try and hold on to his second spot. A few cautions would bunch up the field and allow for some players that started deep in the starting line-up to make their moves towards the front. Middleton driver and Michigan Hall of Fame driver, #55w Roger Wing, was one of those drivers and seemed as if he would be the only one that had a chance of wrestling the top spot from Shiels. As the track got slicker, Wing got stronger. However Shiels was able to hold off Wing to pick up his first feature of 2011. Wing would take second. #15 Justin McNeil found a line around the top of the track and was able to pilot his car from the eight row to finish third. Marlette driver #50 Scott Phillips and the 2011 Engine Pro Late Model Champion #72 Kyle Borgman would salvage top five finishes. Heat race gold went to Phillips, Shiels, and Nieman. A new track record was set earlier in the evening by St. Johns driver Kris Patterson Jr. with a lap time of 13.481.

Another strong field of Eighteen J&L Transport IMCA Modified drivers lined up to take the green flag in their feature event led by Third Generation driver #42 Craig Vance and #55 Armond Holley Jr. Vance immediately found that his car was hooked up on the bottom by taking the lead at the drop of the green. Vance new it would be only a matter of time before multi-time feature winners would be knocking on the quarter panels. Last weeks winner #7d Myron Deyoung was quickly making his move towards the front. Deyoung, #EZ1 Don Hintz, and #27 Matt Szecsodi were all around Vance pressuring him to make a mistake. Szecsodi would end up making contact and brought out a caution which sent him to the rear of the field ending his hopes of winning the championship. Deyoung saw his bid for another feature win fall short as he had to retire early with mechanical issues. Through all that excitement, Vance was able to lead all twenty laps a win his first feature of the season. Hintz would have to settle for a second place finish and was followed by 2011 J&L IMCA Champion #111 Josh Borton, #42m Dan Minikey Jr., and #776 Rusty Zeigler. Preliminary race winners included Deyoung and Hintz.

Fourteen Elgin Pro Stocks took the green in their championship feature in hopes of winning the money and taking home a large trophy from the Tri-City IceHawks. #40 Ron Bieri just had to start the feature in order to be the 2011 Pro Stock champion. #91 Gary Shank Jr took the early advantage and tried to make his car as wide as possible as he held off numerous challenges from Bieri. Eventually Bieri would take the lead away from Shank. Once again, Pierson native #54 Chaney Newland was carefully navigating through traffic and found himself on the rear bumper of Bieri. Just past the halfway point, Newland took the lead and, eventually, another feature win. Bieri, again, would have to settle for runner-up. His grandson, #41 JC Witherspoon (who also finished second in the points chase for 2011), took home a podium finish in third. #66t Rick Trewartha and #31 Mark Howie completed the top five. Heat checkered flags went to Newland and #M65 Rick Spencer.

The Auburn Hotel Street Stocks have been exciting all season long with many former asphalt drivers running dirt for the first time or for the first time in many years. One of those drivers took home the 2011 Season Championship. #7r Dave Newcomb just needed to start the feature in order to clinch his first dirt championship. But for Newcomb, that was not enough. He wanted to win the feature, too. A number of race cautions before reaching lap number one, including a multicar wreck that took out top drivers like #99 Rick Beauchamp, #44 Jeff Haley, and #152 Joe Cunningham, would decimate the twenty-one car starting field. Once they started to get green flag laps, Newcomb took little time getting to the front. However, Flints Jim Miller Sr. started putting the pressure on Newcomb for the top spot. The final five laps were especially exciting as Newcomb and Miller rubbed, bumped, and pushed each other around the track to the crowds delight. Miller would make the move and take the win sliding off the front stretch and inching out Newcomb at the line. #15 Brent Reil, #28 Jared Rizer, and #21j James King were the top five of the eight that finished the event.

Next weekend is the final event of the 2011 season. September 9^th and 10^th will host the first annual Battle By the Bay. Friday night will feature two hot lap sessions, qualifying for Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, Open Modifieds, Elgin Pro Stocks, and Auburn Hotel Street Stocks. $100 will be paid the fastest driver in each division. Plus, if that driver beats the track record, they will receive an additional $100. There will also be an autograph session after the beat the track record, grudge matches, and winner takes all races will be held. Saturday night will feature a full race program starting at 6:30. Drivers do NOT need to be present on Friday night to race on Saturday. Big money, lots of racing, and lots of fun for the season finale!

8-26-11 RACE NIGHT REVIEW

08/26/11 WINNERS:

Engine Pro Late Models: #72 Kyle Borgman

J&L Transport IMCA Modified: #7d Myron DeYoung

Auburn Hotel Street Stock: #99 Rick Beauchamp

Elgin Pro Stocks: #B76 Vern Buskirk

Figure 8: #01 Randy Radabaugh

Repeat Winners at Tri-City Motor Speedway

Friday night, Tri-City Motor Speedway hosted the Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club (MARFC) and 57 drivers that were ready to tackle the newest and fastest 3/8ths dirt oval. In addition to the Engine Pro Late Models, Elgin Pro Stocks, J&L Transport IMCA Modifieds, and Auburn Hotel Street Stock classes, Tri-City hosted its first ever Figure-8 race. The evenings events were sponsored by Saginaw Welding Supply.

Eighteen J&L Transport IMCA Modified drivers pulled lined up to take the green flag in their feature event. #11 Mike Shanteau of Weidman took advantage of his front row start to lead a majority of the 20-lap affair. However, last weeks winner #7d Myron Deyoung was making his move towards the front. Deyoung, #776 Rusty Zeigler, and #EZ1 Don Hintz all found different lines around the track that provided speed and many times creating three and four-wide battles. However, with two laps to go, DeYoung would make the move on the top side of the track and taste victory yet again. Shanteau would have to settle for a second place finish and was followed by Zeigler, Hintz, and #27 Matt Szecsodi. Heat winners included #42 Craig Vance, #78 Brody Bowser, and Zeigler. Zeigler was also the recipient of the MARFC helmet bag that is presented to a driver that has been an outstanding representative of the sport. Earlier in the night, the modified drivers had the opportunity to beat the existing track record that was held by Hintz. Eight drivers lapped the track in less than the existing 16.904. At the end, it was Hintz reclaiming his record with a lap of 15.621 or an average lap speed of 78 MPH.

Twelve Engine Pro Late Models took the green flag led by #04 Wade Witherspoon and #75 Rod Laney. Witherspoon seemed to be the man to beat as he jumped out to a huge advantage early. However, cautions would continue to bunch the field and allowing the top five to challenge Witherspoon for the lead. #001 Joe Hanson, #72 Kyle Borgman, #23 Ryan Vanderveen, and #42 Bruce Vance all looked like candidates to add another win to their Tri-City resume. Green flag laps for the top five were all record setting times with times in the mid 13 seconds (approximately 100MPH). Muskegon native #72 Kyle Borgman was finally able to pull alongside of Witherspoon and snatch the lead away with about 6 laps remaining and cruised to his third feature win of the season. Witherspoon was second with Vanderveen, Vance, and Hanson the remainder of the top five. Heat races were captured by Witherspoon and Vance.

The Auburn Hotel Street Stocks saw another familiar face in Victory Lane. Bay Citys #99 Rick Beauchamp quickly moved from his second row starting spot to lead the first lap. Beauchamp, who had won his heat race, would blow away the field and lead all 20 laps. #27 Shawn OConner, who also won his heat, made his way to the front and was Beauchamps only challenger. For the second week in a row, he would finish second. Rookie #28 Jared Rizer would have a career best finish of third. The remainder of the top five included #7r Dave Newcomb and #152 Dale Malusi.

The thirteen Elgin Pro Stocks provided the most action in their feature event. There was plenty of banging and rubbing that saw six different leaders in the race. Sanford native #66 Rick Trewartha and #45 Mike Husted brought the field to the green flag of their twenty-lap event. Husted and Trewartha battled each other during the opening laps. This allowed #01 Randy Radabaugh, #B76 Vern Buskirk, #M65 Rick Spencer, #40 Ron Bieri, #41 JC Witherspoon to all have opportunities to steal the lead. The racing brought plenty of cheers from the fans as fenders and sparks flew up front of the field. Husted would eventually have to retire from the event. Buskirk eventually would take over the lead for good and led the final laps to take his second consecutive feature win. Bieri captured another runner-up finish and was followed by Radabaugh, Witherspoon, and Spencer. Heat gold went to Husted, and Radabaugh.

The final event of the night was the first Figure-8 race in the history of Tri-City Motor Speedway. Eight Street Stock and Pro Stock drivers had an extra opportunity to pick up extra cash and the trophy. #01 Randy Radabaugh showed that knowing how to make the corners and maneuver through the intersection takes skill and guts. He would end up lapping the field with the exception of the second place finisher #57 TJ Gilbert. #77 Kevin Morrell, in his first night of ever racing, would finish third ahead of #8 Aaron Spearling and #00k of Chris Kamlay.

Next week is Fire and Policeperson Appreciation night. Fire and Police personnel that provide an ID will receive free general admission. It will be another full show with Season Championships for all four of our divisions. Mini Sprints will also be back. In addition, to celebrate the holiday weekend, there will be fireworks. On Sunday, September 4^th we will hold the first Destruction on the Dirt with enduros and destruction races. The Battle by the Bay will be our final event of the season on Friday, September 9^th and Saturday, September 10^th. For more information on any of the upcoming events, please visit our website at www.tricityracetrack.com or call us at 989-316-6804. We hope that you will come and see what everyone in the Tri-City area is talking about!!!!

8-19-11 RACE NIGHT REVIEW

08/19/11 WINNERS:

Engine Pro Late Models: #23 Ryan Vanderveen

J&L Transport IMCA Modified: #7d Myron DeYoung

Auburn Hotel Street Stock: #42 Mike Vandermark Jr.

Elgin Pro Stocks: #B76 Vern Buskirk

Action Packed Races Entertain Family Night Crowd

This past Saturday night was Family night at Tri-City Motor Speedway. Another night with 71 drivers were ready to dazzle the crowd in Engine Pro Late Models, J&L Transport IMCA Modifieds, and Auburn Hotel Street Stock classes. In addition, Pro trucks were invited to be part of the show.

Although only nine trucks were on hand, they provided some great action as a special division for the evening. The track record was blown away by Blanchards #45 Chris Verhaar as he clocked a lap at 15.545 seconds. Verhaar would see his bid for a second Pro Truck Feature slip away in the first set of corners during his heat race as he would hit the guardrail outside of turn two. #35 Richard Melton and #24 Kevin Deal brought the field to the green flag for the start of their 20-lap feature event. Deal would lead lap one, but Vestaburg driver #7s Ashlee Scott, who won her heat race, would steal the lead on lap two. She would lead until lap ten when she got loose in turn three and looped her truck. She would have to restart at the rear of the field and hand the lead over to defending Crystal Motor Speedway Champion #73 Carl Thayer. He would end up pulling away from the field once the green flag flew and picked up the feature win. Deal would finish second followed by Scott, #5 David Dancer, and #42 JT Anderson.

Fifteen Engine Pro Late Models took the green flag led by #31jr Scott Nieman and #001 Joe Hanson. Nieman was able to hug the bottom of the track to lead the first six laps of the main event. #55 Roger Wing, Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame Driver, overcame a rare hot lap incident and an eighth place starting position to take the lead away from Nieman at lap seven. However, Six Lakes #23 Ryan Vanderveen was hooked up on the top side and took the lead away from Wing at lap thirteen and led the final twelve laps to take his first Tri-City feature win of the season. #72 Kyle Borgman, who was sent to the rear at the first caution, came through the field to finish second. Borgman was followed by Wing, #0p Kris Patterson Jr, and#19 Joe Fowler. Heat races were captured by Nieman and Wing.

A season high twenty-one J&L Transport IMCA Modified drivers pulled in to the pits for the evenings events. Only twenty Modified drivers would start the feature event and were led to the green by #42 Craig Vance and #79s Jordon Sherlock. Caution flags plagued the event early and included Sherlock which sent him to the rear. Once laps began to it was evident that there were three cars that were going to conted for the win. Vance would lead a number of laps before #EZ1 Don Hintz took the lead for a few laps. However, it was #7d Myron DeYoung that would find the top spot and lead the entire second half of the feature and coasted to another win over Hintz, Vance, #11 Josh Borton, and #776 Rusty Zeigler. Heat winners included Hintz, DeYoung, and #78 Brody Bowser. The B-Main was captured by #Z Mark Bohannon.

Another great field of Auburn Hotel Street Stocks were on hand and saw another familiar face in Victory Lane. The fifteen competitors were ready to take the green flag with #28 Jarred Rizer and #152 Smokin Joe Cunningham setting the pace. Cunningham led the opening laps but was soon overtaken by Bay Citys #99 Rick Beauchamp. Beauchamp looked to have a feature win in his future as he pulled away from the field, but #42 Mike Vandermark tracked Beauchamp down from his eighth place starting spot. By lap nine, Vandermark made his move and pulled away for good picking up another feature win for 2011. #27 Shawn OConner, who started fifteenth made his way to the front to finish second. Beauchamp would hold on to third followed by #7r Dave Newcomb and #15 Brent Reil. Heat victors were Reil and Beauchamp.

Eighteen Elgin Pro Stocks was the final event of the night. Sanford native #66 Rick Trewartha and #91 Gary Shank Jr brought the field of eleven to the green flag of their twenty-lap event. Trewartha led the first three laps before Pigeon driver #41 JC Witherspoon took over. Witherspoon drove a smooth line up until he reached lapped traffic with just three laps remaining. #01 Randy Radabaugh and #B76 Vern Buskirk were all over Witherspoon waiting for him to make a mistake. As they took the white flag, Buskirk jumped to the high side in turn one and was able to complete the move out of turn two for the lead. Witherspoon made a last ditch effort in turn four, but ended up spinning the car and crossed the finish line in a a disappointing fourth place. Buslirk would grab his first win of the season with Radabaugh finishing second. #M65 Rick Spencer took home third and was followed by Witherspoon and #40 Ron Bieri. Heat gold went to Buskirk, and Witherspoon.

Next week is Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Night. Members will receive free general admission. It will be another full show with all four of our divisions competing in preparation for Season Championships on September 2nd. In addition, we will hold the first ever Figure-8 race!!! For more information, please visit our website at www.tricityracetrack.com or call us at 989-316-6804. We hope that you will come and see what everyone in the Tri-City area is talking about!!!!

8-12-11 RACE NIGHT REVIEW

Engine Pro Late Models: #Op Kris Patterson

J&L Transport IMCA Modified: #27 Matt Szecsodi

Auburn Hotel Street Stock: #6.7 Nate Jones

Elgin Pro Stocks: #54 Chaney Newland

Newland Tops at Wix Filters 100 Nights of Racing

Wix Filters sponsored a night of action-packed racing Friday night at The New Tri-City Motor Speedway. With a strong threat of wet weather predicted for Saturday, a record 71 drivers were ready to compete for top prizes in the Engine Pro Late Models, J&L Transport IMCA Modifieds, and Auburn Hotel Street Stocks. The Elgin Pro Stocks were the elite class of the night as they were racing for $750 to win the 43-lap feature event.

Eighteen Elgin Pro Stocks were on hand for their biggest field of the season hoping to knock off a hot running #54 Chaney Newland. Pigeon area teammates, #40 Ron Bieri and grandson #41 JC Witherspoon led the field to the green flag in their feature event. Bieri looked like the man to beat all night after capturing his heat race and setting the new Elgin Pro Stock Track record earlier in the evening. Bieri was able to hug the bottom line for the first twenty-six green flag laps. #B76 Vern Buskirk, who was the runner-up finisher last week, came from sixth starting spot and wrestled the top spot away from Bieri on lap twenty-seven. However, something started to go away on the car and with six laps remaining, Buskirks brother-in-law, Chaney Newland made the move in turn two to take over the lead. Buskirk ended up retiring early and never finished the event. Newland was never challenged after that and he took home his third victory in a row. Greenvilles #52 Ryan Kent finished second with Stanton antive #1* Gary Buskirk finishing third. Bieri would have to settle for a fourth place finish and #M65 Rick Spencer completed the top five. Heat gold went to Bieri, V. Buskirk, and #25 Jake Headly.

The seventeen Engine Pro Late Models were paced by #04 Wade Witherspoon and #001 Joe Hanson. Turn two ended up being a sour spot at the start as a six car pileup claimed many strong cars. After a fifteen minute delay, the field was ready for a second attempt at the green flag. Witherspoon was able to shoot out to a large lead, but as the race went on, the track began to become slicker and Witherspoons lead began to be chipped away. St. Johns driver, #0p was able to get by Witherspoon and pulled a full straightaway lead that would never be challenged. He led the final 12 laps en route to his third feature win of the season. #42 Bruse Vance picked up his second second-place finish in as many weeks. #51 Devin Shiels, who started 10^th finished third, with #6r Carl Ries and Witherspoon rounding out the top five. Heat races were captured by Ries and last weeks feature winner #72 Kyle Borgman.

A season high nineteen J&L Transport IMCA Modified drivers took to the track for their feature race. #4s Toby Steele and #5 Tanner Pray were the drivers scheduled to set the pace. Steele was able to lead the first couple of laps of the feature. Caution flags plagued the event and many drivers were caught up in the on-track incidents. In fact, the feature was cut to eleven laps due to time constraints. Steele led up to around lap five when he experience rear end issues that eventually caused another caution. #EZ1 Don Hintz would inherit the lead once the field took the green once again. He would lead but was receiving hard challenges from the 2003 Dixie Motor Speedway Modified Champion, #27 Matt Szecsodi. Szecsodi gave it once last effort but overdrove turn one on the white flag lap, at the same time, Hintz got loose in turn two and spun his machine. Szecsodi, who has finished runner-up a number of times this season, found him with the lead for the last half of a lap. He ended up capturing his first feature win of 2011 and his first feature on dirt. settled The remainder of the top five included #111 Josh Borton, #747 Jimmy Hale Jr, Pray, and #36 Rich Young. Heat winners included Hintz and #776 Rusty Zeigler.

A slick race track greeted the Auburn Hotel Street Stocks in the final event of the night. The seventeen competitors were ready to take the green flag with #21j James King and #57 TJ Gilbert setting the pace. Gilbert led the opening laps but was soon overtaken by Flint driver #8 Jim Miller. Miller hugged the bottom as it was evident there was a small area in which drivers were getting grip with their cars. As Miller led, 13^th place starter, #6.7 Nate Jones and, 15^th place starter and precious weeks winner, #42 Mike Vandermark figured out the slick track and put pressure on Miller for the lead. By lap fourteen, Jones made the move to the inside in turn four and made the pass on Miller. Miller spun and brought out the caution. Vandermark had one last chance to take another win home to Sand Lake, but was denied as Jones would grab the checkered flag for the first time in 2011. Vandermark would have to settle for second place. Gilbert would hold on to third followed by #7g Dan Krause Jr and #21k John Krause. Heat victors were Miller and #99 Rick Beauchamp.

Next week is Family Night. Two adults and two children get in for $29 which includes a meal deal. There will also be kids races on the front stretch! It will be another full show. In addition, the Pro trucks will have another opportunity to compete! For more information, please visit our website at www.tricityracetrack.com or call us at 989-316-6804

8-5-11 Race Night Review

WINNERS:

Engine Pro Late Models: #72 Kyle Borgman

J&L Transport IMCA Modified: #7D Myron Deyoung

Auburn Hotel Street Stock: #42 Mike Vandermark Jr.

Elgin Pro Stocks: #54 Chaney Newland

Vandermark Jr. wins big at Tri-City Motor Speedway

The Auburn Hotel was the host sponsor Friday night at Tri-City Motor Speedway. The packed grandstand was first treated to three and a half year old Zach Kennedy singing the National Anthem. Afterwards, a season high, 66 drivers were ready to compete for top prizes in the Engine Pro Late Models, J&L Transport IMCA Modifieds, Elgin Pro Stocks, and Stock Front Wheel drive cars. The Auburn Hotel Street Stocks were the elite class of the night as they were racing for $500 to win the 31-lap feature event.

Twenty-seven Auburn Hotel Street Stocks were present with all drivers eyeing the increased purse to capture the feature win. A pair of #21s in Allen Markel and John Krause brought the highly competitive field to the green flag to start the extended lap feature. Getting that first lap completed proved to be a challenge and caused some early attrition. Markel would lead the first handful of laps before a crash involving a rolled over #26 of Amber Eberspeaker, #02 Will Stanley, and #06 Kyle Prochaska, regrouped the field. With the pair of #21s back to battling each other, #42 Mike Vandermark Jr., who started 11^th, found an empty lane on the bottom of the track and passed both Markel and Krause to take over the top spot. Vandermark was never seriously challenged after that and cruised to his second Tri-City Motor Speedway feature win of 2011. #27 Shawn OConner had weaved his way through traffic to capture second. Krause finished third with Markel and Prochaska completing the top five. The B-main was won by #96 Rick Smith. Heat gold went to Markel, Krause, and Eberspeaker. Earlier in the night, Vandermark Jr. had spanked the track record with a 16.41 to earn him an extra $100.

The fifteen Engine Pro Late Models were paced by #59 Nate Hurley and, last weeks winner, #42 Bruce Vance. Once again, early cautions plagued the event. Once the field calmed down, it became a race between Vance, #6r Carl Ries, #72 Borgman, and #0p of Kris Patterson Jr. Vance hugged the low line and led the first half of the event, with the others searching for the fastest line around the track. Muskegon native, Borgman was finally able to make a move along the outside of turn two and blew away from the field. Patterson Jr. would later have to retire from the event with a tire issue and knocked out his chances to win his third feature. When the dust settled, Borgman took his second checkered flag feature of the season. Vance was able to hold on to second in a close challenge by Ries, who ended up third. Houghton Lake driver #15 Justin McNeil was fourth with #96 Andy Chester fifth. Vance picked up a heat race win as did Carl Ries.

The Elgin Pro Stocks have had few winners all season long. Chad Raby, Jeremy Raby, and Chaney Newland have been the only feature winners in 2011. #66 Rick Trewartha and #31 Mark Howie had the best opportunity to pick up their first wins of the season by their front row start to the feature event. Trewartha would lead the first lap, but it was fan favorite #M65 Rick Spencer that showed his muscle as a feature contender on his former home turf. #54 Newland, who won his heat, worked on Spencer waiting for him to make an error. It finally happened with about seven laps remaining when Spencer drifted up the track and Newland was able to make the pass that would once again led him to victory as he cruised to his second feature victory of 2011. Newland was followed by newcomer #B76 Vern Buskirk, Spencer ,#40 Ron Bieri, and #01 Randy Radabaugh. Buskirk won the second heat.

Ten J&L Transport IMCA Modified drivers took to the track for their final event of the night. #4s Toby Steele and #776k Ken Zeigler were the first drivers to witness the green flag at the start of their feature event. Steele was able to lead the first lap of the feature, but found himself losing that top spot when Ovid native #776 of Rusty Zeigler motored his way to the front. Zeigler was strong for a while until #7d of Myron Deyoung got his opportunity to lead a number of laps. Unlike the week prior, DeYoung had no issies and cruised to an easy victory. #27 Matt Szecsodi settled for second for the second week in a row. The remainder of the top five included #111 Josh Borton, #776 Zeigler, #36 Rich Young. Heat winners included DeYoung and R. Zeigler.

Next week is the 100 Nights of Racing Presented by Wix Filters. In addition, the Elgin Pro Stocks are competing for a top prize of $750 to win for their 43 lap feature! In addition, it will be Carload night!!! Fill your car full of people and the entire carload gets in for $35 (No Busses, please!!)!!! For more information, please visit our website at www.tricityracetrack.com or call us at 989-316-6804. We hope that you will come and see what everyone in the Tri-City area is talking about!!!!

7-29-11 Race Night Review

WINNERS:

Engine Pro Late Models: #42 Bruce Vance

J&L Transport IMCA Modified: #111 Josh Borton

Auburn Hotel Street Stock: #7r Dave Newcomb

Elgin Pro Stocks: #54 Chaney Newland

Vance grabs Victory at Tri-City Motor Speedway

Past and present Military Veterans were honored Friday night at Tri-City Motor Speedway. On the track, racing veterans put on a high paced show for those in attendance. A full grandstand witnessed some great racing on the newest dirt track in Michigan.

The Engine Pro Late Models ran a special 53-lap feature paying $1250 to win. Thirteen competitors came from across the state to take home the top prize. A pair of former feature winners in Sanfords #001 Joe Hanson and Muskegons #72 Kyle Borgman set the pace for the big event. Borgman took over the early lead and led for nearly half the event. Blanchards #6r Carl Ries challenged Borgman a number of times, but ended up have his issues in turn two that put him to the tail of the field. Borgmans next set of challenger were to come from Midland veteran #42 Bruce Vance, and #0p Kris Patterson Jr.. Around the half way point, Vance would use the low side to overtake Borgman and never relinquish the lead. In only his third time out in 2011, Vance would get his biggest victory of the season. He was followed across the line by Borgman, Patterson Jr., #96 Andy Chester, and #25 Chris Brindley. Patterson Jr. picked up a heat race win as did Carl Ries. Earlier in the night, Andy Chester set a brand new track record by posting a lap nearly one second faster than the previous track record that had been set by #21 of David Hilliker. Chester blistered the track in a time of 13.892.

The Elgin Pro Stocks had only one winner all night long. #91 Gary Schank Jr. and #41 JC Witherspoon had the best opportunity to pick up their first wins of the season by their front row start to the feature event. However, it was #54 Chaney Newland that moved from his outside row two starting spot to move to the front of the field. Newland, who won the heat, was unstoppable once again, as he cruised to his second feature victory of 2011. Newland was followed by another runner-up finish from Pigeons #40 Ron Bieri, #M65 Rick Spencer, Witherspoon, and Whittemores #31 Mark Howie.

The Auburn Hotel Street Stocks provided some intense action in their 20-lap feature event. #M2 Mike Pashak and heat race winner #57 of TJ Gilbert had the spotlight as they brought the field to the green flag. Gilbert would lead a couple of laps before #152 of Dale Malusi would take over the lead. He would lead his first laps of the season. By lap nine, Bay Citys #99 of Rick Beauchamp started to reel in Malusi and was able to take over the lead. However, Beauchamp would fight an ill handling car that finally gave way with about five laps to go. #7r of Dave Newcomb had been in the hunt for the lead and found himself being handed that top spot. At the finish, it was a pair of sevens that finished in the top two spots. Newcomb took the checkered flag over the #7g Dan Krause Jr. #15 Brent Reil finished third with rookie driver #28 Jared Rizor and Malusi completing the top five.

The J&L Transport IMCA Modified drivers took to the track for the final event of the night. #4s Toby Steele and #36 Rich Young were the first drivers to witness the green flag at the start of their feature event. Steele was able to lead the first lap of the feature, but found himself losing that top spot when Ovid native #776 of Rusty Zeigler motored his way to the front. Zeigler was strong for a while until #7d of Myron Deyoung got his opportunity to lead a number of laps. #111 Josh Borton, who had won the feature on the 4^th of July weekend had quickly moved to the runner-up spot from his fourth row starting spot. A number of cautions slowed and bunched the field. On the final restart, both Borton and Deyoung made a mistake in turn two which caused Deyoung to cut a right rear tire and retired him from the event. The lead became Bortons. He, too, was finding issues with his motor that caused him to lose power as the green flag laps continued. This gave #27 Matt Szecsodi an opportunity to go after his first feature win. As they came out of turn four to the checkered flag, Szecsodi made contact with the back end of Borton. Szecsodi backed off the gas to let Borton straighten out his car and Borton was able to cross the finish line picking up his second feature win of the season. Szecsodi settled for second. The remainder of the top five included Zeigler, Steele, and #5 Tanner Pray.

Next week is an Auburn Hotel Street Stock special paying $500 to win! In addition, we will include a Jalopy contest. The worst looking car that is in our parking lot on July 5^th will win $75 worth of fuel! Stock front wheel driver stock cars will also be part of the racing action along with our regular race divisions. For more information, please visit our website at www.tricityracetrack.com or call us at 989-316-6804. We hope that you will come and see what everyone in the Tri-City area is talking about!!!!

July 22nd, 2011 Race Night Review

Different Names Find Victory Lane At Old Timers Night At Tri-City Motor Speedway

Old Timers Night brought lots of memories for area fans, drivers, and families as memorabilia of yesteryear was presented for future display at the new dirt track in Auburn. In addition to the historical artifacts, new faces had the opportunity to slug it out on the track. With the J&L Transport IMCA drivers off for the evening, we opened up the rules to allow other sanctioned modified drivers to try their hand on Michigans newest 3/8ths dirt oval. In addition, the Auburn Hotel Street Stocks, Engine Pro Late Models, and Elgin Pro Stocks were part of the billing.

The Modified division pulled twenty drivers from across the state of Michigan to compete for the $750 top prize to be the first to complete the 41-lap feature event. Roy Harvey and Justin Fleming brought the full field to the green flag. Harvey found himself leading the first ten laps before Spartas CJ Rector took over the point on lap ten. He would hold that lead until lap eighteen until Fleming fought his way back to the front. Cautions during the second half the feature event gave opportunities to both Harvey and Rector, but Fleming was able to maneuver through lap traffic and put enough distance between him and the rest of the field to claim the win. A close battle for second had Brad Roberts beating out Rector by hundredths of a second. Harvey would complete the race in fourth and Midlands Steve Hilliker rounding out the top five. Heats were captured by Rector, Fleming, and Hilliker. The fastest lap in the Break the track record attempt by the Modified drivers belonged to Beavertons Kyle Roberts 14.949.

An unusually light count of Engine Pro Late Models still created some close racing action. Heat race winner, Mickey Carmen Jr. and Nate Hurley were in charge of bringing the Late Model field to the green flag for their twenty lap feature. The opening laps were fast and furious as the top five drivers were making laps quicker than the track record for their class. Carmen Jr. led the first seven laps of the feature, but last weeks winner, Kris Patterson Jr., was finding the happy groove around the track and was able to wrestle the lead away from Carmen by lap eight. He would lead the final twelve circuits to collect his second feature win in a row. Carmen would finish in the runner-up spot. The remainder of the top five included opening night winner, Kyle Borgman, Blanchards Carl Ries, and Sanfords Joe Hanson.

Once again, the Elgin Pro Stocks showed some exceptional competitiveness but ended up with a familiar last name in victory lane. Pigeons, JC Witherspoon and Gary Shank Jr had the best view of the initial green flag for the feature event. Witherspoon was able to take the lead for the opening laps. But by lap four, Riverdales Jeremy Raby came from his fourth row starting spot to overtake Witherspoon and dominate the remainder of the event. Ron Bieri and teammate Witherspoon finished second and third. Randy Radabaugh and Rick Trewartha completed the top five. Witherspoon was victorious in his heat race.

The Auburn Hotel Street Stocks had another stout field as the fifteen car field was led to the green flag by TJ Gilbert and Smokin Joe Cunningham. This feature was plagued by numerous cautions. The opening laps were led by Cunningham. Once some consecutive green flag laps were run, Bay Citys Rick Beauchamp took over the lead. Tim Schmidt took a nasty drive off of the back stretch in his #31 and hit the guardrail head on which brought the red flag. Schmidt would be okay. Once we went back to the green flag it was two lap later that the caution flag would wave again. During that caution, Beauchamp would stop on the front stretch and was unable to continue. This handed the lead over to Jay Chlebek. He would lead the final five laps to take his first checkered flag of the season. He was followed by an impressive run by Amber Eberspeaker, Dave Newcomb, Justin Kuhl, and Dan Krause Jr.. TJ Gilbert picked up a heat race win as did Chlebek.

Next week, the Engine Pro Late Models will be competing for a $1250 top prize. In addition, it is Veterens/ Military Night. All members of the military, past or present, will get into the grandstand for free (with ID). The J&L Transport IMCA Modified drivers will be back along with the Elgin Pro Stocks and Auburn Hotel Street Stocks. Check for updates on our website www.tricityracetrack.com or call 989-316-6804 for more information. Thank you for supporting the new Tri-City Motor Speedway!!!

July 15th Race Review

Myron Deyoung Wins Greased Pig 1.0

Many new teams were on hand to try their luck at the newly configured Tri-City Motor Speedway. Another great crowd saw some fantastic side-by-side racing on the 3/8ths, progressively banked, clay oval.

The special for the evening was the J&L Transport IMCA Modified Greased Pig 1.0 42-lap feature event. Fourteen IMCA drivers started the feature event with the hopes of coming home with the $750 top prize. Stantons Browdy Bowser and Midland native Rich Young brought the field to the green flag. The early laps had Bowser leading as Young was freight trained out of the top-five. By lap number four, four time Crystal Motor Speedway champion, Myron DeYoung made the move to the top spot. The drivers found themselves struggling to maintain the bottom groove and allowed some of the other drivers to work their way from mid pack. When the dust settled, DeYoung led the final 38 laps to claim the top prize. Don Hintz came from the third row to finish in the runner-up spot, with Almas Melvin Allen third. The remainder of the top five included the July first feature winner, Josh Borton, and last weeks winner Chad Wernette. Bowser and DeYoung were heat race winners. Earlier in the night, J&L Transport drivers had the opportunity to establish their class track record. Don Hintz had the fast lap making a circuit in a time of 16.904 seconds.

The Engine Pro Late Models had a light car count due to a competing event at Merritt Raceway, but the six that were on hand put on arguably the best feature of the night. Last weeks winner, Sanford native, Joe Hanson and the opening night winner, Kyle Borgman, brought the field to the green flag of their 20-lap money race. Hanson was off to a quick start, but it was a race of ever-changing positions amongst Hanson, Borgman, Hall of Fame Driver Roger Wing, St. Johns hot shoe and Chris Patterson Jr. . After numerous position changes, Chris Patterson Jr. was able to take the lead for good just after the halfway point and take the checkered flag. Borgman finished second followed by Wing, Hanson, and Kevin Blackhurst. Middletons Roger Wing took the heat gold.

The Auburn had many new cars and another different winner at the end of their feature event. Dan Krause Jr. and Mike Pashak were in charge of bringing the field to the green flag. It was Krause who took the point for the initial laps, but once again, it was cars deeper in the pack that made the racing exciting. Eventually, Jeff Haley and Kyle Prochaska worked their way to the front. With forur laps to go, Prochaska made his run to the front of the field. However, contact with Haley during that pass cost Prochaska as the right rear tire went flat and handed the lead back to Haley. He was able to coast to the victory. Brent Reil from Sebewing took second and was followed by Krause, Shawn OConner, and Dave Newcomb. The heats were captured by Reil and Haley.

All eyes were in Riverdales Chad Raby in the Elgin Pro Stocks as he had been undefeated in this divisions feature events in 2011 at Tri-City. If he was going to achieve another win, he would have to do so from outside of row three. It was Rick Trewartha and Gary Shank Jr that were the first to see the green flag. However, Trewartha had a tire failure in turn three that bunched up everyone behind him and some cars made some heavy contact. Raby was one of those involved and was forced to retire from the event. Trewartha was also unable to continue. The next restart moved Pigeons JC Witherspoon to the front row with Shank. Witherspoon would take the early advantage. Newcomer, Chaney Newland, fought through the pack looking smooth on the bottom of the track to challenge young Witherspoon. The challenge was short-lived as Witherspoon as his machine lost power and drew the caution. On the restart, Ron Bieri had the only show at catching Newland, but it was not to be as Newland won the event in his first visit to the speedway. Bieri finished runner-up for another night. The remainder of the top five included a hard charging Randy Radabaugh, Rick Spencer, and Brett Hollenbeck. Raby and Newland were the heat victors.

Next week, the J&L Transport Modified division will be off. However, we open the show up to any modified drivers regardless of their sanctioning body. They will have a 41-lap feature with $750 to win. The modified drivers will also get the opportunity to establish a track record. The Elgin Pro Stocks, Auburn Hotel Street Stocks, and Engine Pro Late Models will be back in action. In addition to the action on the track, it will be Old Timers Night. Bring a piece of Tri-City memorabilia and your General Admission is free! Check out our website www.tricityracetrack.com or call 989-316-6804 for more information. Thank you for supporting the new Tri-City Motor Speedway!!!

7-8-11 Race Night Review

A season high55 cars came out to Michigans newest dirt track, Tri-City Motor Speedway, to celebrate the official grand opening and the inaugural Bringin Back The Dirt Spectacular! Earlier in the day, the area Chambers of Commerce celebrated the Speedways reopening with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. Later in the day, it was time to put a show on the track. The drivers did not disappoint the capacity crowd in an eventful night of competition.

The Mid Michigan Mini Sprints were the special division of the night getting an opportunity to try out the 3/8s mile clay oval. They had the opportunity to set a track record for an extra $100 going to the class quick time. Former MORA driver, Bruce Dezelski set that fast time. The Traverse City native was able to navigate the track in 14.11 seconds and currently holds the quickest lap in the dirt tracks short history. Unfortunately, it was not to be Dezelskis day when it came to holding the final checkered flag in the Mini Sprint main event. Dezelski started on the pole for the 15-lap feature race and led the first 13 laps of the event. However, the handling started going away and a patient Rusty Reylentz was able to take advantage of Dezelskis misfortune. When the checkered flag fell, it was Williamsburgs Reylentz taking the win. Bill Dunham, who also won the heat race, finished in the runner up spot. Dezelski finished third followed by Derek Donaldson and Terry Welch.

The Elgin Pro Stocks had more competition arrive in the pit area to try and change the dominance of Riverdales Chad Raby. Former Tri-City Champion, Rick Spencer, and Pigeons JC Witherspoon paced the field to the green flag of the 20-lap feature. Spencer led the early laps, but it wasnt long before Raby was able to snatch the top spot. Throughout the event, Raby was challenged by Ron Bieri, Spencer, and Witherspoon. Although they all got close, nobody was able to find a way around the former Crystal Motor Speedway champion, Raby. At the end of the 20^th lap, Raby again found himself holding the checkered flag in Victory Lane for the third straight race night. Jacob Headly finished second followed closely by Spencer. Witherspoon and his grandfather, Bieri, completed the top five. Spencer also won the heat race and set the class track record with a qualifying lap of 15.823.

The J&L Transport IMCA Modified division saw its biggest field of the 2011 season as seventeen drivers competed for trophies and cash in their feature event. Veterans Rusty Zeigler and Toby Steele were in charge of bringing the field to the green flag. The opening laps were caution-filled as the drivers dealt with rapidly changing and difficult conditions. Through the dust, Sheridan native, Chad Wernette navigated his #615 to the front while Myron Deyoung battled to take the top spot away. With one lap to go, Deyoung made contact with Wernette and caused the caution to fly. This took Deyoung out of contention as he was put to the rear, but forced the field to tighten up behind Wernette. The one-lap shoot out proved to be exciting at Don Hintz and, opening night winner, AJ Ward were within striking distance. After what proved to be a very trying feature event, Wernette came out victorious. Ward would finish second with Hintz third. 2010 state IMCA Champion and last weeks winner, Josh Borton, survived to finish fourth as Melvin Allen took fifth. Hintz and Deyoung took home heat race trophies.

The Engine Pro Late Models had a very stout field of competitors pull into the Auburn track. Kevin Blackhurst and Joe Hanson were in charge of the 12 car field as they took the green for the 25-lap main event. Early cautions, one of which took out Blackhurst, caused some attrition and shortened the field created some tense moments. Sanford native, Joe Hanson, was able to take advantage of his front row start and led all 25 laps and take home his first ever Late Model feature victory. Chris Patterson Jr, from St. Johns, had a strong car, but was never able to get close enough to put the pressure on Hanson. Kingslys Andy Chester came from deep in the field and three-wheeled his way to a strong third place finish. The remainder of the top five included, opening night winner, Kyle Borgman, and last weeks winner, Carl Reis. The heat races were taken by Climax, Mi driver Mickey Carmen Jr and Borgman.

The final event of the evening was the Auburn Hotel Street Stocks. Again, we increased the car count in this class in our third week yet the results were nearly the same as last week. Last week, Mike Vandermark Jr was the guy that could not be beaten. He, again, fought his way to the front and led a majority of the race. However, Bay City driver, Rick Beauchamp was coming to the front from the rear of the field and was ready to pounce on the top spot by lap fifteen of the 20-lap feature. Beauchamp was able to use a lap car as a pick to get past Vandermark. Vandermark tried to wrestle his top spot back, but he fell just short as Beauchamp would not be denied his first Tri-City feature. Vandermark had to settle for second and was followed by Dave Newcomb, George Wease, and Tim Schmidt. Wease won the heat.

Tri-City Motor Speedway would like to thank Fastenal, Saginaw Welding, Hooters of Bay City and Saginaw, J&D Motorsports, Wolverine Fireworks, Karbowski Oil Company, and Michigan Tire Warehouse for their donated items to help officially kick off the season. Next week is the Greased Pig 1.0. All four divisions will be in action plus the J&L Transport IMCA Modified division will have a special 42-lap feature with $750 as the big pay-off for the winner. In addition, the modified drivers will be setting their track record. Qualifying will be set to begin at 7:30 with the first race at 7:55. Check out www.tricityracetrack.com for schedule and other information.

7-1-11Race Night Review

Tri-City Motor Speedway hosted another exciting night of racing in preparation for the upcoming Bringing Back the Dirt Grand Opening set for Friday, July 8^th. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life night and State, County, and Township Workers Appreciation Night were the special guests of the evening along with the make-up of the rained out Pro truck Invitational.

Track conditions continue to improve as the new clay surface receives more laps. The Pro Trucks were the first division of the 3/8ths mile clay oval. They had the opportunity to set their class track record. Bob Griffin set that with a time just over eighteen seconds. The Sumner native netted an extra $100 for his efforts in creating the truck track record. However it was all Chris Verhaar, from Six Lakes, when it was time for the racing. He swept both the heat and feature events.

The Auburn Hotel Street Stocks had increased their numbers from the previous race night and put on an exciting night of racing for the nearly one thousand fans. Tim Phillips set the new track record with a 17.87. He edged out Sand Lakes Mike Vandermark Jr for the fast lap by one hundredth of a second. Again, it was not the fast qualifier that took home the top prize. Vandermark, from his front row start, that jumped out front and was able to blister the field to lead all twenty laps of the feature event.. He was never challenged and won by a full straightaway. Bay Citys Rick Beauchamp fell short for the second week in a row to finish in the runner up spot. Beauchamp was followed by John Krause, Tim Schmidt, and Eric Watz. Heats were won by Vandermark Jr. and Krause.

Once again, the Elgin Pro Stocks had a light turnout and ended with the same victor. Chad Raby, from Riverdale, took the lead from the drop of the green flag and led just about every lap to pick up the feature win for the second night in a row. Raby had challenges early from The Hooters #41 of JC Witherspoon. Witherspoon had to drop out of the event after he broke a tie rod when he and Raby made contact in turn one with a just a few laps into the event. Witherspoons teammate and grandfather, Ron Bieri in his Hooters #40, tried multiple times to make a bid for the top spot, but fell short in his bid for a feature win. Raby was first across the strip, followed by Bieri, Gary Shank Jr, Rick Trewartha, and Witherspoon. Raby also captured the heat race.

The J&L Transport IMCA Modified division saw a different victor in its second night of action. The feature seemed like it would never get going. Entering turn two on the first lap, Aaron Raby dropped a driveshaft and came to an immediate stop and pile up a bunch of cars including 2010 IMCA State Champion Josh Borton. Josh was able to continue as the field restarted. Within five laps, Borton was able to work his way to the front of the field and received multiple scares as lapped cars became a challenge for the Crystal driver. Once the dust settled, Borton survived to take the checkered flag. He was followed by a hard charging Matt Szecodi, Rich Young, Rusty Zeigler, and Tanner Pray. Brody Bowser and Aaron Raby were heat race winners.

The final event of the evening was the Engine Pro Late Model main event. Brad Buskirk and Joe Hanson led the field to the green flag for their twenty five lap main event. Sanford native, Joe Hanson led the opening laps, but Carl Reis, with his hand in a soft cast from an incident from the week before, was able to move from inside row three to pick up the lead by lap number five. He hugged the bottom groove to pick up the win. The Coleman Comet, Curtis Roberts, was flying along the top of the track but ran out of laps and finished in the runner-up spot. Hanson picked up third. Chris Brindley finished fourth followed by opening night winner, Kyle Borgman.

This Friday will be our official grand opening. The inaugural Bringing Back the Dirt will have many prizes for both fans and drivers. Come see the improvements that are being made weekly! Qualifying will take place at 7:30 and race time at 7:55. For more information check out our website www.tricityracetrack.com . Come out and see what everyone is talking about at Tri-City Motor Speedway!!!

6-24-11 Press Release

Due to the Michigan monsoons that swept across the area, dumping over six inches of rain, Tri-City Motor Speedway was forced to postpone their events for Friday, June 24^th. The $500 to win/$100 to start Pro Truck Invitational and American Cancer Societys Relay For Life Night has been rescheduled for this Friday, July 1^st. The start of the holiday weekend will also include the regularly scheduled Township, County, and State Employees Appreciation Night. Free general admission to those employees that bring proof of their municipality employment. The action will begin at 7:30 with the Break The Track Record for both the Pro Trucks and the Auburn Hotel Street Stocks. Since neither class has established a track record, the fast time for each division will be awarded $100. The regular racing program will begin at approximately 7:55 and include the Engine Pro Late Models, J&L Transport IMCA Modifieds, Elgin Pro Stocks, and Auburn Hotel Street Stocks and four-cylinder stock cars.

On Friday, July 8^th, dont miss our Grand Opening Bringing Back the Dirt Special. Its the grand opening you will not want to miss! The evening will include the Engine Pro Late Models, J&L Transport IMCA Modifieds, Elgin Pro Stocks, and Auburn Hotel Street Stocks. Gates open at 5pm with qualifying at 7:30 and races at 7:55pm. Adult admission just $12, Seniors $11, Kids 7-13 $8 and kids 6 and younger are free. Pit passes are just $25. Coolers are welcome. Please no glass!

Come see what the East side has been talking about at the new Tri-City Motor Speedway!

6-17-2011 Race Night Review

A packed grandstand watched over 50 drivers make history as a new era of auto racing took to the sacred grounds of the Tri City Motor Speedway. The opening, which had been pushed back from the previous week, featured the Engine Pro Late Models (LM), J&L Transport IMCA Modifieds, Elgin Pro Stocks (PS), and Auburn Hotel Street Stocks (SS). In addition, it was the first annual Fans Choice for best looking cars.

The fans chose Kevin Blackhurst from Midland as the best looking Engine Pro Late Model and Ionias AJ Ward for J&L Transport IMCA Modified. JC Witherspoon, from Pigeon, in his Bay City and Saginaw Hooters Restaurant #41, won for the Elgin Pro Stocks, and Jim Miller from Flint was voted the best looking Auburn Hotel Street Stocks.

Each week a different class will have the opportunity to establish, and later break, the track record. This week, the Engine Pro LMs had the opportunity to create the new track record for their class. It was Midlands Dave Hilliker posting a blistering time of 14.87 around the 3/8ths clay oval with his Hilliker Glass #21. The next time the LMs have an opportunity to qualify, Hillikers time will be the one to shoot for. Next week, the Pro trucks will get the opportunity to set a track record for their class. Setting the track record put an extra $100 in Hillikers pocket.

In the regular racing program, the Engine Pro LMs showed that the track will be wide and racey as the racing surface gets additional laps. Dave Hilliker and The Shepherd Shocker, Justin Robinson paced the field for the 25-lap main event. Both Robinson and Hilliker raced door to door for over half the race before Muskegons Kyle Borgman made his way to the front. Once he took over the lead, Borgman was unstoppable as he was able to navigate through lapped traffic to capture the first LM feature event of the 2011 season. Hilliker would finish second followed by Middletons Roger Wing, Carl Ries, and Robinson. Heat gold was captured by Wing and Ries.

Fourteen J&L Transport IMCA Modifieds made the trip to Auburn to go after state and national IMCA points. Although it was a different track for these drivers, the results were nearly the same as seen at Crystal Motor Speedway on Saturday nights. Myron Deyoung took over the early lead of the race until he experiences mechanical issues. AJ Ward , from Ionia, was able to weave his way through traffic and discover a smooth line to move his way from the third row in less than 10 laps to take over the lead. The 2010 Crystal champion and Rookie of the Year showed his strength by picking up the feature win. 2010 State Champion, Josh Borton finished runner up. Borton was able to hold off some strong challenges from Sheridans Chad Wernette, Jason Borton, and Ovids Rusty Zeigler. Heat races were won by Ward and Deyoung.

The Elgin Pro Stock field was a little on the light side, but they did not lack in quality or excitement. Belding native, Jake Headly, and Chad Raby, from Riverdale, started on the front row for their twenty lap feature event. They swapped the lead back and forth for a majority of the caution filled race. In the end, the veteran, Chad Raby would lead the final lap to collect the first dirt PS feature event. Headly finished second. JC Witherspoon, despite his handling issues, was able to capture third and was followed by Ron Bieri and Don Rohn. Headly was first to the checkered flag in the heat race.

The final division for the evening was the Auburn Hotel SS feature event. Bay Citys Rick Beauchamp and West Branch native, Allen Markel were the class of the field as they pulled away from the rest of the field early. By about lap seven, smoke started to slowly trickle from the rear of Beauchamp #99. By lap fourteen, it was obvious that the power was going away on Beauchamps SS. He was forced to drop out and handed the lead over to Markel. Markel was able to lead the final laps on his way to the victory. Another Bay City resident, Tim Schmidt captured second place followed by Dan Krause Jr, an unknown driver in the red #7 (sorry), and Midland driver Mike Pashak completing the top five.

The racing action was a learning experience for just about every driver as they were schooled on the two sets of corners and the bumps that a new track will provide. Attrition took its toll, but the track remained grippy and fast providing many moments of excitement for the standing room only crowd. A big thank you goes out to the drivers and fans that were patient in our first night of racing. Improvements will continue to happen throughout the season including the new entrance from Wheeler Rd, permanent restrooms, concessions, and many other changes. Next Friday night is the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Benefit night. Along with our four divisions, it is also the Pro Truck Invitation. If it is legal at your track, your truck is legal for this race! Qualifying for the track record will begin at 7:30 with the first race starting at 7:55. We encourage you to come watch history being made at Tri City Motor Speedway in 2011!!!