PASS Adds New North SLM Event at OPS
With the postponement of two races back to back, the PASS North SLM tour has added an event at Oxford Plains Speedway, Sunday, June 23, with heats at 4 PM and features to follow.
The OPS regular divisions will run, the Outlaw Sportsman, Strictly and Minis for OPS points, along with the PASS Mods being added to the show.
It is expected that many of the OPS weekly Pro Late Models, who will run their weekly event Friday June 21, will try their luck against the top touring drivers in the Northeast as this will be the final tune up for the PASS Super Late Models before the TD Bank 250 on July 21st. Expect a full field of drivers to be at OPS on June 23rd to fine tune their cars for the TD Bank 250.
Continue reading ‘PASS to Race at Oxford Plains Speedway Sunday, June 23′
CHARLOTTE, NC — As the halfway point of the 16 race season nears for the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Models, veterans Jay Fogleman and Kyle Grissom are once again duking it out for the series championship. But heading into Saturday night’s 150 lapper at Virginia’s South Boston Speedway, a new group of contenders has emerged this year looking to challenge for wins. A stellar contingent of rookies has impressed this year in the PASS South Super Late Model division which includes Brandon Lynn, Spencer Davis, Cole Timm, Tate Fogleman, and Karl Weber. For Lynn, Davis, and Timm, their paths to the PASS South Series might have differed greatly, but the goals are all the same.
After moving from New York to North Carolina with his family to pursue a career in racing, Brandon Lynn has steadily climbed the racing ladder. From Bandoleros and Legends, Lynn made the move to the legendary Hickory Motor Speedway where he won in the Limited Late Model division before moving up to Late Model Stocks. With time spent reassessing his plans, Lynn joined with David Pletcher to make the move to PASS South in 2013, immediately finding success with a fourth place finish in the season opening South Carolina Clash at Dillon Motor Speedway.
“We’re real happy with our start to the year,” said Lynn. “We’ve been out of the game for about two years and to come back and run full-time with these PASS guys, be third in the championship and the top rookie, we’re definitely pleased.”
[SLM Entry Form - SOBO - 6/8]
[Event Schedule - SOBO - 6/8]
[Entries Received - SOBO - 6/8]
Continue reading ‘PASS South Rookies Hoping to Make Mark at South Boston’
ASHEBORO, NC — Kyle Grissom took the lead from Brandon Ward on a lap 84 restart and held off points leader Jay Fogleman to win the “Krazy” Kevin Powell 150 for the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Models Friday night at Caraway Speedway. Grissom’s seventh career PASS South Super Late Model win moves him to within four points of Fogleman headed to the next series event in two weeks at South Boston Speedway.
“I wasn’t crazy about taking the lead that early, but I was getting good restarts and took advantage of it,” said Grissom, after becoming the first two-time winner this season in PASS South. “Once the 2 car (Fogleman) got up there, that was pretty tough, that was nerve wracking having Jay Fogleman back there those last 60 laps.”
Grissom began the night by breaking his own track record in qualifying with a lap of 100.485 miles per hour around the .455 mile Caraway Speedway. Following the top 10 qualifier redraw, Grissom slid back to the seventh starting position while veterans Brandon Ward and Randy Gentry would move up to row one for the start.
Continue reading ‘Grissom Holds Off Fogleman for PASS South Win at Caraway’
NAPLES, ME — For many, Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer. Folks all over the country break out their swimsuits and sunscreen to unwind after hibernating through the winter and spring. For race fans, the upcoming weekend highlights many of the pinnacles in racing. Open wheel’s Indianapolis 500 and the Grand Prix of Monaco and stock car racing’s Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte are some of the most coveted trophies in all of motorsports.
Short track racing is no different. The Pro All Stars Series (PASS) Super Late Model divisions provide some of the toughest competition in all of racing. And, competitors know they have beaten the best if they are lucky enough to take home a checkered flag in PASS. It is a rare occasion when both the PASS North and PASS South Super Late Models compete on the same weekend and Memorial Day weekend just happens to be one of those occasions. This weekend the best short track drivers in the country will be in competition with the PASS South Super Late Models and PASS Pro Late Models racing at North Carolina’s Caraway Speedway on Friday night and the PASS North Super Late Models racing at New Hampshire’s White Mountain Motorsports Park on Saturday afternoon.
The PASS South Super Late Models will start the weekend off on Friday returning to Caraway Speedway for the “Krazy” Kevin Powell 150. In two events at Caraway in 2012, PASS South front runners Kyle Grissom and Jay Fogleman took home the checkered flags. The two drivers enter Friday night’s event separated by just six points for the PASS South points lead.
Continue reading ‘Memorial Day Weekend Double Set for PASS Competitors’
Ross Kenseth took the lead from Trey Mitchell on what proved to be the final restart of the night and was up front when it counted to win the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Model event at Virginia’s South Boston Speedway. In a race plagued by a constant threat of rain, Kenseth’s third career PASS South Super Late Model victory came when the event was finally halted eight laps short of the finish due to a brief shower. Kenseth becomes the ninth different winner in nine PASS South events held at South Boston dating back to 2006.
“The track was damp and we both spun our tires real bad coming to the green flag,” said Kenseth of the final restart to take the lead from Mitchell. “Kyle [Grissom] got a heck of a jump and drove hard into turn one, we hit a little bit, but with 15 or 20 to go, that’s racing. This is a real fun series to run and they called it at the right time.”
Another strong field of 31 PASS South Super Late Models took time in qualifying with defending series champion Kyle Grissom reeling off a lap of 94.631 miles per hour to set fast time for the fifth time in his career. But, in the top 10 qualifiers redraw, Grissom pulled #10 and would have to start outside row five to begin the race.
Continue reading ‘Kenseth Outlasts Rain and Competition for Wild PASS South Win at South Boston’
CHARLOTTE, NC — Racing has long been a sport that families have enjoyed together. Fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, grandparents and cousins, have made lasting memories attending races together spanning multiple generations. The competitive side of motorsports is no different. Maine’s racing Rowes, Mike and Ben, have seen countless checkered flags in their time competing together in the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) North and South Super Late Model divisions, winning a combined 7 championships between the two of them.
This year, another famous short track dad is passing the torch to his son as the PASS South Super Late Models prepare for this weekend’s 150 lapper at the South Boston Speedway in Virginia. Jay Fogleman has been one of the top names in short track racing since beginning his career at bullrings like South Boston over 25 years ago. His success has continued in PASS South, racing with the series since 2008 and winning the 2012 PASS National Championship. Despite admittedly being in the twilight of his long career, Jay Fogleman currently leads the PASS South Super Late Model points standings on the strength of winning the most recent event in the series at Southern National Raceway Park back in April. But now, Fogleman is being pushed by an unlikely challenger, his 13-year-old son, Tate.
Continue reading ‘Tate Fogleman Hopes to Follow in Father’s Footsteps in PASS South Return to SoBo’
CHARLOTTE, NC — With a quarter of the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Model schedule in the history books, 2013 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons on record. Through the first four races of the year there have been four different winners and the driver who has led the most laps in each of those events has failed to go on and capture the checkered flag. Additionally, the top five in points are separated by less than 50 markers and feature a great mix of veterans and rookies. One would expect to see Jay Fogleman, Kyle Grissom, and Brandon Ward in the mix for the championship, but upstarts Brandon Lynn and Spencer Davis have fared well early in the season.
With the racing as competitive as it is, one can’t be sure from race to race as to who might have the best odds in going to victory lane on a given weekend. One of the hottest drivers as of late in PASS South has been Sanford, NC’s Jody Measamer. Measamer has found great success in the region racing Late Model Trucks and has made the move to full-time PASS South Super Late Model competitor this year. Despite missing the first two races of the season at Dillon and Myrtle Beach due to engine problems, Measamer has stormed back finishing fifth at both Hickory and Southern National.
“The way Hickory went, we ran good all weekend and had a real good finish against some of the best drivers in the country and at Kenly we ran good again and were up at the top of the time sheets all weekend,” said Measamer.
Continue reading ‘PASS South Drivers Look for Opportunities at South Boston’
KENLY, NC — Preston Peltier looked to be on the way to his second straight Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Model win, but slipped in oil from rookie Brandon Lynn’s car coming to the white flag handing Jay Fogleman the win in the Dogwood Blossom 150 Saturday night at Southern National Raceway Park. Fogleman’s 8th career win moves him out of a tie with Ben Rowe into sole possession of second place on the PASS South All Time Wins list.
“My spotter told me that there might be oiI going into turn three and when we got there Preston (Peltier) was about a lane higher than I was and got in it and we were able to get by and make it back to the checkered flag first,” said Fogleman. “I can’t thank Dicky Woodman and these guys enough for the car they gave me tonight. I’m gonna try to run as many races as I can driving other people’s cars because all the focus in my shop is on Tate (Fogleman’s son). He’s got a lot brighter future than I do.”
Beautiful weather greeted 32 PASS South Super Late Model teams to Southern National Raceway Park on Saturday afternoon for the series’ first trip to the speedway since 2009. In qualifying, Preston Peltier obliterated the PASS South track record at Southern National with a lap of 97.422 miles per hour around the high banked 4/10 mile track. Following the top ten qualifiers redraw to determine their starting positions in the main event, Peltier would draw pill #4 to start outside of the second row while his Johnson Motorsports teammate Tyler Church would pull pill #1 to start from the pole.
Continue reading ‘Fogleman Slides to Victory in PASS South Return to Southern National’
CHARLOTTE, NC — As the thermometer rises, so does the excitement level of Eastern North Carolina race fans as the “Big Boys With The Bad Fast Toys” head back to Southern National Raceway Park in Kenly, NC. This weekend’s Dogwood Blossom 150 marks the return of the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Models to Southern National for the first time since 2009. It will only be the third time PASS South has ever raced at Kenly. To show how tough the high-banked, 4/10 mile speedway is look no further than the record books and who came away with those checkered flags, Freddie Query in 2006 and Ben Rowe in 2009, two of the best to ever race Super Late Models.
In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, Nashville, NC’s John Batten was the man to beat when it came to Super Late Model racing at Southern National. Race wins were commonplace to the driver of the #48 Batten Ceramic Tile/Digital Repair/Hutson Insurance Chevrolet, who also won back-to-back Southern National titles in 2004 and 2005. Batten has been a regular with PASS South since the series started in 2006, finishing in the top 10 in points each of the last six seasons. But, despite being one of PASS South’s most consistent drivers, Batten has yet to go to victory lane. And, 2013 has not started the way the veteran had hoped, finishing no better than 14th at Dillon and failing to make the Easter Bunny 150 at Hickory due to a blown engine in practice. The veteran hopes his luck can change this weekend at the site of much of his early racing success.
“Really looking forward to going back to Southern National,” said Batten. “It’s a place where we have been successful in the past and it’s a great place to hopefully turn our season around. We would really like to get a great finish in front of the hometown fans.”
Continue reading ‘PASS South Drivers Excited For Return To Southern National’
CHARLOTTE, NC — From the time Southern National Raceway Park first opened as Southern National Speedway in 1993, Super Late Models have been an intricate part of what made the speedway special. While other tracks in the Carolinas were abandoning Super Late Models, Southern National held firm with a dwindling pool of speedways to keep the division alive.
At that same time, a young crew chief from Winston-Salem, NC named Jeff Day was forming a Super Late Model team with one of the region’s heroes, John Paul Linville. A union that would prove fruitful for the two men at opposite ends of their respective careers in racing. For the duo, checkered flags and victory lane celebrations became commonplace at Southern National.
“When I first started working with Super Late Model cars I was with John Paul Linville at Kenly,” said Day. “He was at the end of his career and he wanted to do something fun so we ran Super Late Models down there and I crew chiefed for him for several years, won some races and had a great time.”
Continue reading ‘Ward And New Day Motorsports Look For Old Magic In PASS Return To Southern National’
HICKORY, NC — Preston Peltier took the lead from Trevor Sanborn with 10 laps to go and utilized an aggressive stance on the final two restarts to win the 8th Annual Easter Bunny 150 Saturday night at Hickory Motor Speedway. The win was Peltier’s fourth Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Model triumph at Hickory and he becomes the first driver to ever win the Spring Classic more than once.
“For me a win is a win and I don’t care where it is,” said Peltier of his PASS South record tenth career victory. “It feels good to be in victory lane, maybe a week from now it’ll sink in a little bit. I just gotta thank my guys. When we unloaded the car was good and it stayed good all day long.”
Carolina blue skies welcomed fans from across the country to “America’s Most Famous Short Track” for the spring’s biggest Super Late Model race in the country. Thirty-eight PASS South Super Late Models participated in practice with only the machine of John Batten having to miss the time trial session after he suffered a blown engine. In qualifying, former three-time Hickory Motor Speedway track champion Andy Loden qualified fastest with a lap just over 97 miles per hour around the .363 mile oval. Loden would draw the fourth starting position during the top ten qualifiers redraw with defending Easter Bunny 150 winner Kyle Grissom drawing pill one to start from the pole.
Continue reading ‘Peltier Not To Be Denied For Second Easter Bunny 150 Triumph’
PASS South Series: Austin Theriault- Hickory Motor Speedway Race Report
HICKORY, N.C. – Austin Theriault of Fort Kent, Maine, overcame an early handling issue to finish sixth in the PASS South Series Easter Bunny 150 at Hickory Motor Speedway in Hickory, N.C., on Saturday, March 30. After posting the fastest overall practice time from Saturday’s sessions and qualifying fourth for the 30-car field in the Brad Keselowski Racing No. 29 Checkered Flag Foundation Ford Fusion, Theriault started ninth after the redraw of the Top-10 qualifiers. He was happy with the car during the first green-flag run, but an issue with the air pressure in the right side tires forced the car into an ill-handling condition. The PASS South Series points leader heading into the weekend, Theriault rode around in the Top-10 for most of the night and used a couple of late caution flags to gain track position and salvage another good outing.
WHO: Austin Theriault, Fort Kent, Maine
TEAM: Brad Keselowski Racing No. 29 Checkered Flag Foundation Ford Fusion
CREW CHIEF: Gary Crooks, Mooresville, N.C.
WHAT: PASS South Series Easter Bunny 150
WHERE: Hickory Motor Speedway, Hickory, N.C. (.363-mile oval)
STARTED: 9th
FINISHED: 6th
NEXT RACE: April 6, Southern Series Nashville 125, Fairgrounds Speedway, Nashville, Tenn. (.596-mile banked oval)
Continue reading ‘Theriault Rallies To Finish 6th In PASS Easter Bunny 150 At Hickory’
Center Conway, NH – After a top ten run in the first PASS National race at Auburndale Speedway, DJ Shaw is looking for another strong performance to stay near the top of the points standings this weekend at Hickory Motor Speedway in the “Easter Bunny 150.” He will do so behind the wheel of the latest machine out of the Dale Shaw Race Cars shop, “Eleanor.” Eleanor is a 2010 Straightrail Chassis with a brand new Mustang ARP Body, a body style that PASS is currently pushing for teams to run and brings more brand identity to the race cars.
“The only thing that makes me nervous is that it’s different from what everyone else is running,” DJ Shaw explained, “We will try it out at Hickory and if it works well Eleanor will stick around, there are some advantages and disadvantages to this body style but we believe the good will outweigh the bad or else we wouldn’t of put the time in to build the new car.”
This weekend will be Shaw’s first race at the historic speedway that has hosted many of short track racing’s premier events in its 60 year history. With the first “Easter Bunny 150” taking place in 2006, it has quickly become one of the most prestigious events in the south. Shaw has been to the track before to spot for his father, Dale Shaw and is hoping that bit of experience will help him adapt to the track this weekend.
Continue reading ‘DJ Shaw Set to Debut “Eleanor” at Hickory’
CHARLOTTE, NC — As the weather warms and families get ready for a relaxing Easter holiday together, Pro All Stars Series (PASS) fans from around the country are preparing to make their annual trek to the base of North Carolina’s famed Blue Ridge Mountains this weekend. Since 2006, they look forward to Easter weekend every year in the hopes of seeing the best Super Late Model racers in the country compete at Hickory Motor Speedway.
This year’s Easter Bunny 150 looks to have all the ingredients of another instant classic. Besides being a PASS South Super Late Model points race, the Easter Bunny 150 will also be a PASS National Championship event and the final PASS National race prior to the TD Bank 250 at Oxford Plains (ME) Speedway in July. A good finish in the Easter Bunny will go a long way towards at least locking in a provisional at Oxford Plains for National Championship contenders like Jay and Tate Fogleman, two-time PASS National Champion Ben Rowe, Spencer Davis, Kyle Desousza and DJ Shaw. PASS National Points Leader Joey Doiron is coming off an impressive early season win in the Winter Meltdown 200 at Auburndale (FL) Speedway and will be attempting to qualify for his first Easter Bunny 150 this weekend.
“Hickory has a ton of history and it’s a huge deal to head to Hickory as the [National] points leader,” said Doiron. “I’ve personally never seen the track, but the last time we went to a track we had never seen before [Auburndale] we dominated the second half of the race and picked up the win.”
Continue reading ‘Stout Easter Bunny 150 Field Could Prove Tough For PASS Points Leaders’
NEWTON, NC — When the cars and stars of Super Late Model descend upon Hickory Motor Speedway for the biggest Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Series race in the Easter Bunny 150, fans around the world will be able to follow the action as it happens exclusively on RACE22.com.
PASS Series President, Tom Mayberry and RACE22.com owner, Langley Austin have reached an agreement for RACE22.com to become the exclusive LIVE Coverage provider for the PASS Series. RACE22.com will bring fans who can’t make it to select PASS Series events for the race interactive and comprehensive coverage of the event including text updates lap by lap during the heat races and the feature races and even during practice and qualifying.
We’ll also have photos and videos of the action as it transpires throughout the day as well as video interviews during the live coverage of anything important that transpires as well as the top finishers from the race. Tom Mayberry is happy to have a platform to bring the Easter Bunny 150 at Hickory Motor Speedway to fans of drivers who will be coming from a long ways away.
Continue reading ‘RACE22.com Becomes Exclusive LIVE Coverage Provider of PASS Series’
CHARLOTTE, NC — Since the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) announced its expansion into the Southeast back in 2006, the Easter Bunny 150 has grown into one of the biggest Super Late Model races in the country. Regularly attracting 40-50 of the Nation’s top short track drivers, the Easter Bunny trophy is at the top of most racecar drivers Spring wish list. And, this year’s second race of the 2013 PASS National Series on March 30th should not be any different.
One would think a race that attracts Super Late Model racing’s best would favor veteran drivers. That was certainly the case in 2006 when New England legend Mike Rowe won over fellow veterans Chuck Barnes, Clay Rogers, and Scott Mulkern. But, that year’s fifth place finisher had something up his sleeve for the old timers in 2007. Texas tyro Ryan Lawler was impressive in the Inaugural Easter Bunny, but he was dominant the following year, showing that youth and speed could beat old age and treachery at legendary Hickory.
In 2008, youth once again prevailed when Maine’s Corey Williams took the checkered flag and launched himself into the national spotlight. But, by 2009, the veterans again showed they knew their way around Hickory totally dominating that year’s Easter Bunny 150. Not a single youngster that year led a lap as Ben Rowe claimed the win over Jeff Fultz and Aric Almirola. With all the wins that Ben and his Dad, Mike, have collected over the years, their Easter Bunny 150 triumphs rank at the top of their racing bucket lists.
Continue reading ‘Hickory’s Easter Bunny 150 Has Been Good to Veterans and Youngsters Alike’
MYRTLE BEACH, SC – Defending PASS South Champion Kyle Grissom charged from 12th after a lap 100 competition caution to the lead in just nine laps and held on to win the the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Model Bash At The Beach 150 at Myrtle Beach Speedway. The win was Grissom’s sixth in his PASS South Super Late Model career.
“That first half we tried to save our tires as best we could and the left rear just wore out really bad. We made an adjustment at the break and as soon as we got back going, I knew that saving the tires wasn’t going to do anything for us,” said Grissom. “All I was trying to do was get to the lead and fall back from there to conserve. To finally win a race here at Myrtle Beach in a Super Late Model with PASS and beat all of those guys…it’s a really good night.”
Last week’s winner at Dillon and current PASS South points leader Austin Theriault employed a similar strategy to Grissom, falling back in the early going to outside the top 15. But, by lap 100, Theriault brought Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation Ford back up to 8th and in sight of the leaders. Both he and Grissom stormed to the front at the drop of the green flag and were mired in heavy lapped traffic in the final five laps. Theriault closed to within five car lengths of Grissom, but could not make an advance on the race leader and ultimately came home in second.
Continue reading ‘Grissom Charges for PASS South “Bash At The Beach” Win’
CHARLOTTE, NC — A lot has changed since Super Late Models last raced at Myrtle Beach Speedway in 2004. The headline division for that event was the old All Pro Series, which no longer exists. And, the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) which will sanction this weekend’s Inaugural Bash At The Beach was just gaining strength in New England and would not start as the South’s premier Super Late Model division for another two years. And, even more telling, young PASS South talent competing this weekend like John Hunter Nemechek, Tate Fogleman, and Cole Timm were just getting ready for elementary school back in 2004.
PASS South’s first visit to Myrtle Beach will certainly prove to be one of the toughest challenges teams will face all year. By short track standards, the .538 mile D-shaped layout of Myrtle Beach Speedway will be by far the biggest track PASS South competes on all year. But, Myrtle Beach is perhaps more famous for its abrasive surface which chews up tires lake a cheese grader.
Daytona Truck Series winner Johnny Sauter returns to PASS at the Bash At The Beach driving his family-owned #5, a tribute to his father, Jim. A win at Myrtle Beach would be nothing new for the Sauter family however. After all, Johnny’s older brother Tim won a thrilling All Pro Series race at the track in 2001, crossing the finish line with a flat tire.
[SLM Entries Received - Myrtle - 3/16]
[PLM Entries Received - Myrtle - 3/16]
Continue reading ‘Sauter Headlines Strong Contigent in Super Late Model Return with PASS to Myrtle Beach’
CHARLOTTE, NC — Anticipation continues to build for what looks to be one of the most exciting and competitive seasons yet for the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Model division and the new PASS Pro Late Model division. PASS South has proven to be the place where top short track drivers from around the country come to compete on the Southeast’s toughest track. The PASS Pro Late Models will race as a companion series to PASS South and is already proving to be one of the top divisions for young racers just starting out.
The 16 race PASS South schedule kicks off this weekend at the demanding Dillon Motor Speedway with the 8th Annual South Carolina Clash and will be followed just a week later by the Bash At The Beach at Myrtle Beach Speedway. Both tracks have been very busy of late with teams preparing for these first two PASS South races on back-to-back weekends.
Since 2011, Brad Keselowski Racing has built a top notch Super Late Model team led by veteran head wrench Gary Crooks. Last year, the BKR team took its first ever Super Late Model victory in a PASS South event at South Boston Speedway with Landon Cling piloting the #29 entry. Cling finished fifth in final PASS South points, just edging out Iowa rookie Nate Caruth who finished sixth in the #19 BKR machine
[Event Schedule - Dillon - 3/9]
[SLM Entries Received - Dillon - 3/9]
[PRO Entries Received - Dillon - 3/9]
Continue reading ‘Strong Field Expected for PASS South Opener at Dillon’
DURHAM, NC — Representatives from Jfco Motorsports announced today that Cayuga, Indiana-based Speedco, Inc. will sponsor Tate Fogleman and will challenge for the 2013 Pro All Stars Series (PASS) Pro Late Model championship. Additionally, Fogleman will drive the Speedco-sponsored Ford in 4-5 select PASS Super Late Model races this year. Along with the new sponsorship, Tate will make the switch from the familiar #4 and will sport the #8 on his machine in 2013.
Tate Fogleman scored two wins in the PASS Pro Late Model ranks in 2012 and finished 7th in the first PASS National Super Late Model race of the season at Auburndale Speedway in Florida. This will be a reunion of sorts as Speedco had a long and successful relationship sponsoring Tate’s father, Jay, in a variety of series in the late 1990s and 2000s.
“I’m glad to finally have Tate with a sponsor that has such a great reputation like Speedco does,” said 2012 PASS National Jay Fogleman, owner of Tate’s Speedco Ford. “Speedco has been great to work with over the years and with my career winding down and more of an emphasis on growing Tate’s, I’m glad to know that Speedco will be winning races with the Foglemans for years to come.I’d also like to send special thanks out to Darin Odle and Odle Motorsports, without them this deal wouldn’t have happened.”
Continue reading ‘Tate Fogleman and Speedco Look to Continue Competitive Legacy in 2013′
CHARLOTTE, NC — It doesn’t seem all that long ago racers and fans around the Southeast were talking about a new tour that would soon be contesting races around the region. During the winter of 2005-2006, the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South was born and Super Late Model racers around the country were anxious to see what it was all about. PASS had been a force in New England since 2001, but still, folks were unsure how double-file restarts and not counting caution laps would catch on in the South. As we know now, it did catch on and PASS has grown to be North America’s premier sanctioning body for asphalt short track racing. But for PASS South, there has been a core group of events that have been a part of the schedule since day one. The Easter Bunny 150 at Hickory Motor Speedway has become one of the biggest Super Late Model races of the Spring. And, the Mason-Dixon Meltdown has concluded the season by bringing the best Super Late Model racers from the North and South together for one final season ending showdown. In between, the Firecracker 150 has provided Summer excitement and the Orange Blossom Special at Orange County Speedway has gone on to be one of the best attended races of the season. But, in addition to becoming one of PASS South’s most traditional races, the South Carolina Clash has chartered a history as unique as the state itself.
Early versions of the South Carolina Clash were held in the hot, stifling months of Palmetto State summers. In 2006, 17 cars took the green flag at Florence Motor Speedway in a race that marked the Super Late Model return to racing of hometown favorite Hal Goodson and the debut of future PASS South favorite Justin Wakefield. High attrition saw cars go every which way, including over the embankment of the track without walls. At the end, and with only five cars running, the race came down to a battle between short track legends Freddie Query and Mike Rowe and youngster Charlie Bradberry. With Rowe spinning and Query running out of gas, Bradberry held on for his only PASS South victory. Tragically, Bradberry would lose his life just a few short months later in an automobile accident after leaving Talladega Superspeedway.
In 2007, the South Carolina Clash transitioned to Anderson Motor Speedway. Following heavy rains all day on Saturday, the race was rescheduled for the following Sunday afternoon. A great field of 28 cars took the green flag in race dominated early by former track champion Gary Greenwood, Jr. Following a late caution, Ryan Lawler powered past Greenwood for his third win in four races dating back to 2006. The most memorable moment to occur in that event came on the final lap when Southern star Jason Hogan and PASS North Champion Ben Rowe crashed coming to the checkered flag while racing for fourth. The two got into a verbal spar on the front straightaway much to the delight of their fans.
Continue reading ‘PASS South Brings Unique History in Return to Dillon for SC Clash’
CHARLOTTE, NC — The start of the 2013 Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Model season is quickly approaching. Not only for the high horsepowered Super Late Models though, but also for one of the most anticipated new divisions in the country, the PASS Pro Late Models.
Top teams from across the Southeast are busy in race shops and with on track testing in preparation for the March 9th running of the 8th Annual South Carolina Clash at Dillon Motor Speedway. And being prepared is the key, as teams will start the season with three races in four weekends. Following the South Carolina Clash at Dillon, PASS South and PASS Pro Late Model competitors will head an hour east the next week to Myrtle Beach Speedway and will then wind the month of March down with one of the season’s biggest races, the 8th Annual Easter Bunny 150 at Hickory Motor Speedway.
The South Carolina Clash is one of PASS South’s most traditional races and has been held at Dillon Motor Speedway since 2008. This year’s race will be the fourth time in the last five years that the South Carolina Clash will begin the season for PASS South competitors. Dillon Motor Speedway is no easy track to conquer either with a unique egg shape to the 4/10 mile oval. In addition to the PASS South regulars, 2009 Clash winner Ben Rowe and Florida Winter Meltdown runner-up Joe Boyd have made their intentions known to compete in the Palmetto State. Dillon Motor Speedway promoter Ron Barfield has also announced that he will leave the speedway open on Sunday and Monday for any teams traveling from out of town that might need to make repairs to their cars prior to the next week’s race at Myrtle Beach.
Continue reading ‘PASS South Ready To Kick Off Season With Busy March Schedule’
Joey Doiron nudged past Florida hotshoe Joe Boyd with eight laps to go to win the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) Super Late Model National season opener Saturday night at Auburndale Speedway. Doiron’s win in the Florida Winter Meltdown 200 and was his second straight season opening win after capturing the PASS North opener last year at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway.
“This is such a big deal, last year’s win at Beech Ridge gave us a big boost and I can’t wait to get to Hickory and Oxford,” said an elated Doiron in victory lane. “We’ve always had a decent car when we come down South, but we’ve had terrible luck. I got into the 5 (Boyd) in turn two and he had a chance to get back to me, but we were just a little bit better there at the end.”
After qualifying fastest and leading the most laps, Boyd was happy with a strong effort and glad to come home in second.
Continue reading ‘Joey Doiron Scores Biggest Career Win in PASS Florida Winter Meltdown 200′
Berwick, ME — While many of the drivers in the New England area are waiting until April to get their cars on the track, Joey Doiron and his team will head south to run the first Pro All Stars Series (PASS) race at Auburndale Speedway in Winter Haven, FL. The “Winter Meldown” is the first of six races that make up the 2013 PASS National Schedule.
After learning the ropes in his first two seasons on the PASS North Series, Doiron started last season with a win at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway and ran up front in many of the races on his way to a seventh place finish in the final points standings in his #73 JBJ Machine Super Late Model. Doiron is looking for the same start this year.
“Winning on opening day last year was definitely huge for us,” said Doiron. “As long as you don’t have a bad race in the second or third event, you can carry the momentum through the rest of the year and hopefully be in contention for the championship throughout.”
Continue reading ‘Doiron Ready to Get 2013 Season Started at Auburndale’
NAPLES, ME — There’s something about Florida in February that’s been attracting the best drivers in racing for the better part of a century. From the “North Turn” at Daytona’s world famous beach to short tracks stretching from the Panhandle to Miami, racers have flocked to the Sunshine State every winter. And 2013 will be no different. Florida’s “big race” season is set to begin in just over a week as some of the best of the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) make the trek down to Auburndale Speedway for the Winter Meltdown. The first PASS National Series race of the year is attracting Super Late Model drivers from all over North America in the hopes of wrestling the checkered flag away from the top short track hot shoes in Florida.
PASS North will be represented well by a trio of young drivers joining two-time PASS National Series Champion Ben Rowe in making the long trip down South. D.J. Shaw, Kyle Desousza, and Joey Doiron have all found success racing in New England’s top short track series. Shaw is coming off a successful return to the PASS North Series in 2012 that saw him score two wins and finish third in points. Evidence that the Precision JLM/Mulkern Excavating team could be poised for a PASS National Championship this year.
“We’re really looking forward to getting the season started in Florida,” said Shaw. “Auburndale looks like a driver’s track and I’m really anxious to see if we can continue the momentum we ended with last year.”
Continue reading ‘PASS North to be Well Represented by Young New Englanders at Florida Winter Meltdown’
NAPLES, ME — When it comes to racing in the Pro All Stars Series (PASS), there’s not much Ben Rowe hasn’t done. He learned his trade while following his legendary dad, Mike Rowe, around the bullrings of New England and Canada and has been with the series since its inception in 2001. Since then, Ben has gone on to race in every single PASS North race that has ever been contested. He’s won more PASS Super Late Model races than any other driver, over 40 victories between PASS North and PASS South. He has taken a total of seven PASS championships…four in PASS North, two PASS National Championships, and even a PASS South Championship in 2009. Again, a feat that surpasses all drivers. And, if that isn’t enough, he’s a back-to-back winner of short track racing’s biggest single day event, the TD Bank 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway, with wins in 2003 and 2004.
But, 2012 was very atypical for Ben Rowe. He only managed to finish sixth in the final PASS North standings, his lowest points finish ever. And, only had a single win, albeit one of the series biggest races, the PASS 400 at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway. With a career full of checkered flags and trophies behind him, Rowe and his team knew something had to give heading into the 2013 season.
“Last year didn’t go like we hoped it would, so we’ve brought some new guys in and changed some stuff around from last year,” said Rowe. “We’re definitely excited and looking forward to getting started.”
Continue reading ‘PASS Wins Leader Rowe Ready to Heat Things Up at Florida’s Winter Meltdown’
NAPLES, ME — Pro All Stars Series (PASS) officials announced today that the 2013 PASS National Series Champion will be awarded a one-of-a-kind championship ring. PASS, in association with series supporter Northern Race Tire, will present the newly crowned PASS National Champion with the championship ring following the final race of the season as part of the Mason-Dixon Meltdown at Southern National Raceway Park in Kenly, NC. The PASS National Champion’s ring is currently being manufactured by Stylecraft. From Super Bowl rings to civic awards, Stylecraft has been making finely crafted jewelry in the United States for over six decades. The 2013 PASS National Champion’s ring will be massive in size and will be emblazoned with the PASS logo and other jewels. This year’s championship ring is meticulously being designed now and will be unveiled on the PASS website in the coming weeks. It joins an impressive list of awards for the PASS National Champion which includes a chassis from Bull City Race Cars and a custom helmet made by Bell Helmets.
“We are very excited to be giving this opportunity to North America’s best Super Late Model racer,” said PASS President Tom Mayberry. “For whoever wins the 2013 PASS National title, no matter where they go, this championship ring will stand as a symbol of the hard work and dedication it took to achieve one of short track racing’s ultimate goals.”
The PASS National Series is comprised of six elite Super Late Model events throughout North America and gets underway in less than three weeks with the Inaugural Florida Winter Meltdown at Auburndale Speedway on February 8-9. In addition to a talented group of PASS regulars, former PASS National Champions Ben Rowe and Jay Fogleman hope to contain a strong contingent of Florida Super Late Model standouts on the tricky quarter mile oval.
Continue reading ‘PASS to Award 2013 National Champ with Championship Ring at Season’s End’
CHARLOTTE, NC — Pro All Stars Series (PASS) officials announced today that both the 2013 PASS South Super Late Model and PASS Pro Late Model schedules are now complete with the addition of a date at Orange County Speedway. The nation’s top short track stars will race at Orange County Speedway near Rougemont, NC on October 19 as part of the 8th Annual Orange Blossom Special. The date joins an impressive schedule of events previously announced for the PASS South Super Late Models and PASS Pro Late Models. Excluding Hickory Motor Speedway, more PASS South races have been held at Orange County Speedway than any other facility in the Southeast. The 8th Annual Orange Blossom Special marks the first time, however, that PASS has raced in the Fall at the high-banked 3/8 mile oval.
The PASS North Super Late Model schedule is also nearing completion and negotiations are currently underway to possibly add an additional race.
Continue reading ‘PASS South and PASS Pro Late Model Schedules Now Complete With Orange County Speedway Addition on 10/19′
- National Champion’s awards to include chassis and helmet
- 40th Annual TD Bank 250 at Oxford to pay PASS Super Late Model winner $25,000, plus $25,000 in guaranteed lap leader money
- 3rd Leg of Autobus La Quebecois Triple Crown at Chaudiere Will Pay Winner $10,000 to win, plus $20,000 in guaranteed lap leader money
- Easter Bunny 150 at Hickory Continues Tradition as Spring’s Premier Super Late Model Event
NAPLES, ME — Pro All Stars Series (PASS) officials have released the six races that will make up the 2013 PASS National Championship Series. The schedule is comprised of six premier Super Late Model events in both PASS North and PASS South that will determine an overall PASS National Champion. The PASS National Series will be highlighted by the return of Super Late Model action to the 40th Annual TD Bank 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway in July. And, for the first time, the PASS National Series will take on a more international flavor with an event scheduled in Canada later this year. While awards are currently still being finalized with sponsors, Bull City Race Cars has announced it will award the 2013 PASS National Champion with a chassis and Bell Helmets will provide a helmet to the new title holder.
“Thanks to a lot of time and effort by a group of really dedicated people, we are very pleased to announce our 2013 PASS National Series,’” said PASS President Tom Mayberry. “These events exemplify what’s great about short track racing and we feel each of them will attract the best Super Late Model drivers competing today. All of these events are unique and will prove to be a challenge for our competitors. And, with the addition of races in Florida and Canada, a broad base of fans will get to see racers from all over North America come together and compete to see who truly is the best of the best.”
The PASS National Series gets underway in less than a month with the Inaugural Florida Winter Meltdown at Auburndale Speedway on February 8-9. In addition to a talented group of PASS regulars, former PASS National Champions Ben Rowe and Jay Fogleman hope to contain a strong contingent of Florida Super Late Model standouts on the tricky quarter mile oval.
Continue reading ‘PASS National Series To Be Highlighted By Major Events and Big Money’
CHARLOTTE, NC — Pro All Stars Series (PASS) officials announced today that both the PASS South Super Late Models and the PASS Pro Late Models will race at Caraway Speedway next year on Memorial Day weekend. The nation’s top short track stars will help kickoff the Memorial Day weekend at the speedway near Asheboro, NC with a special Friday night show scheduled for May 24. The date joins an impressive schedule of events previously announced for the PASS South Super Late Models and PASS Pro Late Models. The Memorial Day weekend races at Caraway Speedway will be the only stop of 2013 for the PASS Pro Late Models at the .455 mile oval, while the PASS South Super Late Models will race there again on November 9 as part of the 11th Annual North-South Shootout.
PASS is currently in negotiations with two other tracks in North and South Carolina and could add another race to fill out the remainder of its Southern schedules.
Continue reading ‘PASS South & PASS Pro Late Model 5/24 Date at Caraway Speedway Added To Schedules’
