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| BELLEVILLE MIDGET NATIONALS 2011 LIVE UPDATES |
*NOTE: There is limited Internet connectivity here in Belleville.
Updates and photos will be uploaded once a day (from the library).
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 PHOTOS
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 UPDATES
Hard to believe it's already Saturday here at the Belleville Midget Nationals
- seems like I just arrived! Think I'm still recovering from my 16-hour ride
here (should have been about 13 but road construction frustratingly
delayed my arrival). Not looking forward to the ride back to Ohio. At least
the long journey to Belleville has a happy ending, as there's so much to
look forward to here. Not so much going back the other way (except
another visit next year).
SO happy to have been able to re-connect with old friends, and make a few
new ones along the way this week! That's as important to me as the
racing.
Races last night were FANTASTIC! Super fast track that was about as
good as I've ever seen here at Belleville. The hard rains we've had the
previous two nights played a factor in keeping the track in such great
shape!
Today is, by far, the hottest day of the week - mid-90's and high, high
humidity. With no help from Mother Nature, wondering how tonight's track
will fare. Think it will still be fast, but the cushion will be right up against
the rail (flirting with it last night, especially in turns 1 and 2). No accidents
last night, and only a couple of yellows for cars that had trouble getting off
of the track. Love to see such a safe, fast night as we had Friday!
A BIG congratulations to race winner, California's Kyle Larson, one of the
hottest, young drivers in the country right now. This 18-year-old made it
look easy in both his heat race and feature, running away from the field!
Definitely a young shoe to watch this year, and in the foreseeable future.
Not a great crowd last night, and not a great car count - believe it was
around 25 cars in the pits. Can't complain about the quality of the field,
though, as every big gun in Midget racing was represented. Wishful
thinking, I know, but I'm hoping that sometime in the next five years or so
we can get back to numbers closer to 40 or 50 like it was just a decade
ago. It's not that the cars/drivers don't exist - they do, as witnessed by the
increasing car count at the Chili Bowl each year. It's just that those drivers
can't afford to come here and blow up, putting the rest of their season in
jeopardy. Sad that the rules can't be changed to give smaller budgeted
teams a legitimate shot at the big prize here.
Was very happy to see Marty Boyer in the pits last night! After surviving
four strokes a few years ago, Marty is doing well and was enjoying his time
in the infield, rooting on his cousin Randy Boyer, who was making his
midget racing debut here at Belleville (did OK, finished the race in one
piece). Before his strokes, Marty played a huge role in promoting this
legendary race, working year round behind the scenes to acquire
sponsorships and prizes as well as organizing many of the great
driver/team promotions that used to be a part of this race. When Marty was
unable to continue in that role, all of those fantastic additions to this race
stopped as well, unfortunately. I've spent many, many days and nights at
Marty's house celebrating this race and visiting with the large amount of
friends he amassed throughout the years, namely the (Robby) Flock
family, who stayed at Marty's each year. That whole era here in Belleville is
very much missed by everyone.
Spoke with Davey Ray in the pits last night, riding his bike around instead
of a race car! He was not able to secure a ride (unless he ponied up big
bucks, and for a guy who is a perennial threat to win this race, he
shouldn't have to, and won't), although he said there's a small chance a
ride might open up for tonight. Said he's having good success off of the
track working with his Australian car owner in an import/export automotive
business. Davey sources out good cars here in the U.S., and works with
his Aussie boss to import them into Australia. Said the job started out of
necessity, but is now something he enjoys and is having great success
with! Good for him! (but wish he didn't have to have an outside job and
could rely on his racing to make a living).
Great job by announcer Bryan Gapinski last night - always a professional
and so well informed about every driver, team, sponsor, etc. that he really
makes the night more enjoyable!
The competing USAC National Sprint Car race at Eagle Raceway in nearby
Lincoln, Nebraska, was rained out last night, and no one here at Belleville
seemed particularly upset about that (an understatement). As they say,
karma's a bitch...
Here's the press release on last night's activities here at Belleville, written
by announcer Bryan Gapinski:
34th Annual Rev Honey BELLEVILLE MIDGET NATIONALS
By Bryan Gapinski
Belleville, Kan., Aug. 5---Eighteen-year old Kyle Larson continued his
brilliant season capturing the 25-lap feature, Friday Night on the opening
night for the 34th annual RevHoney Belleville Midget Nationals. It marked
the Elk Grove, California’s drivers first ever appearance at the track.
Larson jumped into the lead at the start, from the pole position. Two
cautions during the first seven laps kept the field grouped together. Jerry
Coons Jr. passed Brad Loyet for second place on Lap 8, while Larson
increased his lead each lap.
Coons running second, retired with engine problems on Lap 13, one lap
later the caution appeared for another stopped car. Brad Kuhn took over
second place on the restart, while a heated battle waged for positions two-
five. Larson appeared headed for an easy victory when Danny Sheridan
stopped with a flat tire, with four laps remaining.
On the restart Larson was flawless, while Kuhn ran second, defending
winner Bryan Clauson moved into third place, and challenged Kuhn for
the runner-up position. Larson driving the Keith Kunz owned Bullet-
Toyota No. 71 finished 1.8 seconds ahead of Kuhn, Clauson, Loyet, and
Caleb Armstrong.
Zach Daum who started in 18th position finished sixth, followed by Mario
Clouser who earlier in the night during qualifications lowered the track
record to 17.497 seconds, breaking Cole Whitt’s two-year old record.
Dalton Armstrong, Bobby East, and C.J. Johnson completed the top ten.
“This event has so much history, its great to score a victory here”
commented Larson afterwards.
SUMMARY
Qualifications: 1. Mario Clouser, MCM#06-17.497(NTR); 2. C.J. Johnson,
Johnson#45-17.568; 3. Kyle Larson, Kunz#67-17.589; 4. Brad Kuhn,
RWB#17-17.737; 5. Don Droud Jr., Smith#44-17.782; 6. Brad Loyet,
Loyet#05- 17.784; 7. Caleb Armstrong, Kunz#71-17.803; 8. Bobby East,
Klatt#4-17.807; 9. Dave Darland, Wilke-PAK#11-17.829; 10. Jerry Coons Jr.,
Lendich#3nz-17.917; 11. Bryan Clauson, Tucker-BCI-Curb-Agajanian-
17.954; 12. Levi Roberts, Nine Racing#9-17.986; 13. Danny Sheridan,
Allen#12s-18.000; 14. Josh Pelkey, Allen#12jr-18.018; 15. Zach Daum,
Daum#5d-18.084; 16. Darren Hagen, RFMS#3-18.154; 17. Cody Brewer,
Brewer#96-18.155; 18. Jeff Stasa, Stasa#91-18.219; 19. Dalton Armstrong,
Kunz#71k-18.291; 20. Patrick Stasa, Stasa#19-18.459; 21. Terry Goodwin,
Goodwin#2-18.554; 22. Chet Gehrke, Mattson#11c-18.586; 23. Todd
Plemons, Minarik#98-18.702; 24. Garrett Hood, Hood#11h-18.991; 25.
Randy Boyer, Boyer#69-20.799.
8-lap Heat Race#1: Loyet, Brewer, Clouser, Sheridan, Droud, Hood, Boyer.
8-lap Heat Race#2: Hagen, Roberts, Darland, Kuhn, P. Stasa, Plemons.
8-lap Heat Race#3: Larson, Clauson, D. Armstrong, East, Daum Gehrke.
8-lap Heat Race#4: Coons, C. Armstrong, Pelkey, Johnson, J. Stasa,
Goodwin.
20-lap Feature: 1. Kyle Larson; 2. Brad Kuhn; 3. Bryan Clauson; 4. Brad
Loyet; 5. Caleb Armstrong; 6. Zach Daum; 7. Mario Clouser; 8. Dalton
Armstrong; 9. Bobby East; 10. C.J. Johnson; 11. Don Droud Jr.; 12. Levi
Roberts; 13. Danny Sheridan; 14. Cody Brewer; 15. Garrett Hood; 16. Jeff
Stasa; 17. Terry Goodwin; 18. Josh Pelkey; 19. Jerry Coons Jr.; 20. Randy
Boyer; 21. Dave Darland; 22. Darren Hagen; 23. Chet Gehrke; 24. Patrick
Stasa; 25. Todd Plemons.
Feature Lap Leaders: Larson 1-25.
# # #
Updates and photos will be uploaded once a day (from the library).
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 PHOTOS
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 UPDATES
Hard to believe it's already Saturday here at the Belleville Midget Nationals
- seems like I just arrived! Think I'm still recovering from my 16-hour ride
here (should have been about 13 but road construction frustratingly
delayed my arrival). Not looking forward to the ride back to Ohio. At least
the long journey to Belleville has a happy ending, as there's so much to
look forward to here. Not so much going back the other way (except
another visit next year).
SO happy to have been able to re-connect with old friends, and make a few
new ones along the way this week! That's as important to me as the
racing.
Races last night were FANTASTIC! Super fast track that was about as
good as I've ever seen here at Belleville. The hard rains we've had the
previous two nights played a factor in keeping the track in such great
shape!
Today is, by far, the hottest day of the week - mid-90's and high, high
humidity. With no help from Mother Nature, wondering how tonight's track
will fare. Think it will still be fast, but the cushion will be right up against
the rail (flirting with it last night, especially in turns 1 and 2). No accidents
last night, and only a couple of yellows for cars that had trouble getting off
of the track. Love to see such a safe, fast night as we had Friday!
A BIG congratulations to race winner, California's Kyle Larson, one of the
hottest, young drivers in the country right now. This 18-year-old made it
look easy in both his heat race and feature, running away from the field!
Definitely a young shoe to watch this year, and in the foreseeable future.
Not a great crowd last night, and not a great car count - believe it was
around 25 cars in the pits. Can't complain about the quality of the field,
though, as every big gun in Midget racing was represented. Wishful
thinking, I know, but I'm hoping that sometime in the next five years or so
we can get back to numbers closer to 40 or 50 like it was just a decade
ago. It's not that the cars/drivers don't exist - they do, as witnessed by the
increasing car count at the Chili Bowl each year. It's just that those drivers
can't afford to come here and blow up, putting the rest of their season in
jeopardy. Sad that the rules can't be changed to give smaller budgeted
teams a legitimate shot at the big prize here.
Was very happy to see Marty Boyer in the pits last night! After surviving
four strokes a few years ago, Marty is doing well and was enjoying his time
in the infield, rooting on his cousin Randy Boyer, who was making his
midget racing debut here at Belleville (did OK, finished the race in one
piece). Before his strokes, Marty played a huge role in promoting this
legendary race, working year round behind the scenes to acquire
sponsorships and prizes as well as organizing many of the great
driver/team promotions that used to be a part of this race. When Marty was
unable to continue in that role, all of those fantastic additions to this race
stopped as well, unfortunately. I've spent many, many days and nights at
Marty's house celebrating this race and visiting with the large amount of
friends he amassed throughout the years, namely the (Robby) Flock
family, who stayed at Marty's each year. That whole era here in Belleville is
very much missed by everyone.
Spoke with Davey Ray in the pits last night, riding his bike around instead
of a race car! He was not able to secure a ride (unless he ponied up big
bucks, and for a guy who is a perennial threat to win this race, he
shouldn't have to, and won't), although he said there's a small chance a
ride might open up for tonight. Said he's having good success off of the
track working with his Australian car owner in an import/export automotive
business. Davey sources out good cars here in the U.S., and works with
his Aussie boss to import them into Australia. Said the job started out of
necessity, but is now something he enjoys and is having great success
with! Good for him! (but wish he didn't have to have an outside job and
could rely on his racing to make a living).
Great job by announcer Bryan Gapinski last night - always a professional
and so well informed about every driver, team, sponsor, etc. that he really
makes the night more enjoyable!
The competing USAC National Sprint Car race at Eagle Raceway in nearby
Lincoln, Nebraska, was rained out last night, and no one here at Belleville
seemed particularly upset about that (an understatement). As they say,
karma's a bitch...
Here's the press release on last night's activities here at Belleville, written
by announcer Bryan Gapinski:
34th Annual Rev Honey BELLEVILLE MIDGET NATIONALS
By Bryan Gapinski
Belleville, Kan., Aug. 5---Eighteen-year old Kyle Larson continued his
brilliant season capturing the 25-lap feature, Friday Night on the opening
night for the 34th annual RevHoney Belleville Midget Nationals. It marked
the Elk Grove, California’s drivers first ever appearance at the track.
Larson jumped into the lead at the start, from the pole position. Two
cautions during the first seven laps kept the field grouped together. Jerry
Coons Jr. passed Brad Loyet for second place on Lap 8, while Larson
increased his lead each lap.
Coons running second, retired with engine problems on Lap 13, one lap
later the caution appeared for another stopped car. Brad Kuhn took over
second place on the restart, while a heated battle waged for positions two-
five. Larson appeared headed for an easy victory when Danny Sheridan
stopped with a flat tire, with four laps remaining.
On the restart Larson was flawless, while Kuhn ran second, defending
winner Bryan Clauson moved into third place, and challenged Kuhn for
the runner-up position. Larson driving the Keith Kunz owned Bullet-
Toyota No. 71 finished 1.8 seconds ahead of Kuhn, Clauson, Loyet, and
Caleb Armstrong.
Zach Daum who started in 18th position finished sixth, followed by Mario
Clouser who earlier in the night during qualifications lowered the track
record to 17.497 seconds, breaking Cole Whitt’s two-year old record.
Dalton Armstrong, Bobby East, and C.J. Johnson completed the top ten.
“This event has so much history, its great to score a victory here”
commented Larson afterwards.
SUMMARY
Qualifications: 1. Mario Clouser, MCM#06-17.497(NTR); 2. C.J. Johnson,
Johnson#45-17.568; 3. Kyle Larson, Kunz#67-17.589; 4. Brad Kuhn,
RWB#17-17.737; 5. Don Droud Jr., Smith#44-17.782; 6. Brad Loyet,
Loyet#05- 17.784; 7. Caleb Armstrong, Kunz#71-17.803; 8. Bobby East,
Klatt#4-17.807; 9. Dave Darland, Wilke-PAK#11-17.829; 10. Jerry Coons Jr.,
Lendich#3nz-17.917; 11. Bryan Clauson, Tucker-BCI-Curb-Agajanian-
17.954; 12. Levi Roberts, Nine Racing#9-17.986; 13. Danny Sheridan,
Allen#12s-18.000; 14. Josh Pelkey, Allen#12jr-18.018; 15. Zach Daum,
Daum#5d-18.084; 16. Darren Hagen, RFMS#3-18.154; 17. Cody Brewer,
Brewer#96-18.155; 18. Jeff Stasa, Stasa#91-18.219; 19. Dalton Armstrong,
Kunz#71k-18.291; 20. Patrick Stasa, Stasa#19-18.459; 21. Terry Goodwin,
Goodwin#2-18.554; 22. Chet Gehrke, Mattson#11c-18.586; 23. Todd
Plemons, Minarik#98-18.702; 24. Garrett Hood, Hood#11h-18.991; 25.
Randy Boyer, Boyer#69-20.799.
8-lap Heat Race#1: Loyet, Brewer, Clouser, Sheridan, Droud, Hood, Boyer.
8-lap Heat Race#2: Hagen, Roberts, Darland, Kuhn, P. Stasa, Plemons.
8-lap Heat Race#3: Larson, Clauson, D. Armstrong, East, Daum Gehrke.
8-lap Heat Race#4: Coons, C. Armstrong, Pelkey, Johnson, J. Stasa,
Goodwin.
20-lap Feature: 1. Kyle Larson; 2. Brad Kuhn; 3. Bryan Clauson; 4. Brad
Loyet; 5. Caleb Armstrong; 6. Zach Daum; 7. Mario Clouser; 8. Dalton
Armstrong; 9. Bobby East; 10. C.J. Johnson; 11. Don Droud Jr.; 12. Levi
Roberts; 13. Danny Sheridan; 14. Cody Brewer; 15. Garrett Hood; 16. Jeff
Stasa; 17. Terry Goodwin; 18. Josh Pelkey; 19. Jerry Coons Jr.; 20. Randy
Boyer; 21. Dave Darland; 22. Darren Hagen; 23. Chet Gehrke; 24. Patrick
Stasa; 25. Todd Plemons.
Feature Lap Leaders: Larson 1-25.
# # #