Post by JamieWeaknecht on Nov 9, 2010 23:21:06 GMT -5
NOTE: If there's a question mark at the end of the headline, it means the thing I posted isn't confirmed. The newer pieces of news are at the top. Pieces of news with question marks will have updates throughout the off-season until the rumor is confirmed or proven wrong. Posts without a question mark in the headline are confirmed. As updates come along, I'll post "UPDATE" and move that piece of news back to the top of the page here.
Monroe and Armstrong Move Up
Two top sportsman drivers from different speedways will be moving up to big block modifieds in 2011. Kyle Armstrong moves up to run big block modifieds this season at Lebanon Valley Speedway, while Luke Monroe will be moving up into the big block modified division for weekly action at Fonda Speedway.
Chuck Allen Moves Up
Chuck Allen will be moving up to the big block division in 2011 after rule changes to the Fonda sportsman division. Allen has purchased a big block and a small block motor for 2011, and will run weekly at Fonda Speedway this season. Allen also hopes to do some traveling later in the season for some big money shows.
Storms to Sherlock Motorsports
Michael Storms has finally landed a ride. Storms will drive for Randy Sherlock weekly this season. Schedules are still being worked out, but right now it looks like they'll run at Accord Speedway on Friday nights this year. Randy Sherlock will continue to run a second car part-time this season as well.
Southern Tier Drivers Moving Up
Three young drivers will be moving up to the modified division for 2011. Mike Nagel Jr, Byron Worthing, and Jamie Batzel will all move up to run weekly at Five Mile Point on Saturday nights, and Mike Nagel Jr will also run Friday nights at Penn Can Speedway.
Crawn Comes Back
Five Mile Point Speedway superstar Jim Crawn will come out of retirement for the 2011 season. Crawn will take over for Brent Wilcox, who will run a limited schedule this year, in the Chris Clark Racing modified. Crawn will run weekly at Five Mile Point Speedway Saturday nights.
Jamie Gilbert Moves Up From Mod-Lights
Mod-lite star Jamie Gilbert will make the move up to the small block modified division in 2011. Gilbert will compete weekly on Saturday nights at Merrittville Speedway.
Sweet Small Block Bound
Long time sportsman star Brandon Sweet has purchased one of the new CT525 motors for 2011, which means he'll be moving up to the small block division in 2011. He'll run with the small blocks at Can Am Motorsports Park, and will also run in the CT525 division at Fulton Speedway.
Higbie Replaces Tomkins in the Ray Tuit TeamUPDATE: Higbie Out Tomkins In
Jerry Higbie has a new ride for weekly competition at Orange County Fair Speedway. Higbie takes over the Ray Tuit Racing #673 big block modified after Gary Tomkins left the team when they decided they wanted to focus their efforts on weekly competition at Orange County in 2011. Higbie will run his own car at Accord.
UPDATE: Jerry Higbie will not run for the Ray Tuit team after all. Higbie told the team that he was not going to drive their car in 2011 after the two sides agreed to run weekly at Orange County. Higbie will not run his own #97 modified on Friday and Saturday nights. Jeff Heotzler and Jim Spellmon are the favorites to land the 673 ride, but talks are just starting.
UPDATE 2: Gary Tomkins will return to the seat of the Ray Tuit Motorsports 673 big block modified in 2011. Tomkins will run the car on the road this season, similar to what the team did last year. The team does, however, plan on doing more racing than they did last year.
Mike Stofflet Moves Up
Asphalt late model driver, Mike Stofflet, will make the jump to dirt modifieds for 2011. Stofflet will run his dirt modified weekly on the asphalt at Mahoning Valley Speedway.
Gagne to CMB Racing
Martin Gagne has landed a ride with the CMB Racing Team for weekly action at Autodrome Granby. Gagne replaces Alex Fortier in the car.
Pascual Moves to Big Blocks
Orange County Fair Speedway pro stock superstar Bill Pascual will be making the jump up to modifieds in 2011. The veteran driver will run his new car weekly at Orange County Fair Speedway along with select traveling.
Rogala Returns to Modifieds
Rick Rogala, who's ran mod lites and sportsman over the past 2 seasons, is making his return to big block modifieds in 2011. Rogala has purchased a new car that he will use to run weekly at Brewerton Speedway along with hitting a few shows at Fulton Speedway this year.
Eastern Rigging Racing Merge With Terry Fastnacht
Billy Pauch Jr. is moving to 358 sprint cars every Saturday night, which means he's leaving weekly competition at Grandview Speedway. The team that Pauch ran at Grandview last year, Eastern Rigging Racing, will be merging with Terry Fastnacht Racing and helping out Mike Gular. It should be noted, the team was planning on merging with Fastnacht before he picked up his sprint car ride.
Gilmore to Breitenstein
In a move we've been anticipating, Kenny Gilmore will return to weekly competition in 2011 to race for Breitenstein Motorsports. Breitenstein Motorsports parted ways with Doug Manmiller early in the off-season, and since then Kenny Gilmore has been mentioned as the leading candidate to replace Manmiller with the long-time team. The news is finally official, Gilmore will run weekly for the team at Grandview Speedway.
Strunk Replacing Strunk? UPDATE: Confirmed
It looks almost certain that Jeff Strunk will not be back behind the wheel of the Gagliardo Motorsports 41 car in 2011. The driver that Jeff got a ride for the end of the year in 2010, his brother Glenn Strunk, looks like he'll take over driving duties full-time next year. An announcement shouldn't be too far away. Also, look for the Gaglardo team to scale back a bit with Glenn Strunk next season. The team may also be scaling back next season and do very little traveling.
UPDATE: Jeff Strunk leaves the Gagliardo Motorsports team for Norm Hansell Motorsports, which leaves Glenn Strunk as the new full-time driver of the Gagliardo Motorsports modifieds in 2011. Glenn ran the end of the 2010 season in a second Gagliardo Motorports entry, and even picked up a win with the team at Grandview Speedway's Run Whatcha Brung Show in late September.
Godown Out with Hansell? UPDATE: UPDATE 2 Strunk?: UPDATE 3 Strunk Confirmed
Reports on multiple websites have claimed that Ryan Godown and Norm Hansell have parted ways. I have yet to hear anything about the situation, but that doesn't mean it isn't happening. Stay tuned as more updates will come on this.
UPDATE- Ryan Godown has confirmed that he has parted ways with the Norm Hansell Race Team. Godown doesn't have any confirmed plans next year, but look for Godown to return to New Egypt Speedway in 2011, probably with a partnership with the former owners of the 747. It would be a team effort, as the cars would be Godown's own equipment. Although is hasn't been confirmed yet, look for JR Motorsports and Rick Laubach to announce they've parted ways in the future, if that does happen (it looks like it will) don't be surprised to see Laubach run for Hansell weekly at Big Diamond. The two had a huge amount of success in half a season in 2009 at Big Diamond together. Stay tuned.
UPDATE 2- Godown is now being rumored to go to the JR Motorsports R1. Jeff Strunk now appears to be headed to the Norm Hansell 357. Strunk ran one race for Norm Hansell a few years ago in the Thunder on the Hill Series finale, but is one of the few major names on the PA Small Block circuit to never be a full-time driver for Hansell. Nothing is confirmed yet.
UPDATE 3- Jeff Strunk is now officially the new driver of the Norm Hansell Motorsports 357. Strunk leaves the Gagliardo Motorsports team after 2 seasons. The team will run weekly at Big Diamond and Grandview, along with traveling to big money shows throughout the east coast.
Laubach and JR Motorsports Part Ways?- UPDATE- Godown? UPDATE 2 confirmed
Rick Laubach and JR Motorsports may only last together one season. Laubach was able to pick up a win at Big Diamond Raceway in 2010 aboard Johnny Rea's JR Motorsports #R1 small block modified, and was competitive all-season long, but the duo failed to reach their pr-season expectations. It appears, although it is not confirmed, that there will be a new driver in the #R1 small block modified in 2011. Don't be surprised to see a young up-and-comer take over the seat, although 2010 Big Diamond Raceway champion Doug Manmiller is now a free agent, and Rea in the past has put a lot of big name drivers in his equipment such as Jeff Strunk, Keith Hoffman, and Ryan Godown. Check back for updates.
UPDATE- Despite the fact that it still is not confirmed that JR Motorsports and Rick Laubach have parted ways, reports are claiming that Ryan Godown will return to the seat of the JR Motorsports R1 in 2011. We expect an announcement from Godown soon.
UPDATE 2- Ryan Godown has officially been named the driver of the JR Motorsports R1 for the 2011 season. Godown will run weekly at Big Diamond Raceway and Grandview Speedway, along with traveling to other shows with the team. Godown will also once again drive the Troy and Donna Wink owned #27, and his self-owned #26 in specials throughout the year.
Cossaboone Retires
Veteran Chic Cossaboone has called it a career before the 2011 season starts. The long time modified fan favorite has supported Bridgeport over the past few seasons while still traveling to select specials, and picked up a win in his final career behind the wheel of a modified. We'll miss seeing the beautiful 7A on the track!
Meitzler Replaces Brightbill with Stankiewicz
Addison Meitzler will take over driving duties over the Rich Staniewicz owned #2 small block modified for weekly competition at Grandview Speedway. Meitzler ran a few races for the team late in 2010 after the team parted ways with Keith Brightbill, and was rewarded with the full-time ride for 2011. Meitzler will park his self-owned #21 car unless it's needed in an emergency situation. No word on Keith Brightbill's plans for 2011.
Grasso Hires Heotzler
After a strong season with Ronnie Johnson behind the wheel, Grasso Racing has announced that Jeff Heotzler will take over in the car for weekly competition at Accord Speedway in 2011.
Petruska and Higbie Part WaysUPDATE: Johnson In
It's been a strange off season for Petruska Racing. First, rumors swirled that Jerry Higbie and the team were done after Danny Johnson drove for the team at Bridgeport Speedway in the final dirt race of the year. Following the rumors, Jerry Higbie posted on a few message boards that he was remaining with the team. However, a few weeks later he announced on his Facebook page that he has parted ways with the Petruska Racing #66. Danny Johnson, Clinton Mills, and Michael Storms have all been mentioned as possible replacements for the team. However, we've received word that Petruska is leaning towards signing a different driver to take over the team. Stay tuned for what Higbie and Petruska decide to do next year.
UPDATE: Danny Johnson will be the new driver of the Petruska 66 modified for 2011 in select races.
Beer City Racing Selling Out
Beer City Racing, who fielded equipment for Jason Hamilton for weekly action at Grandview Speedway, is selling out. Jason Hamilton will sit out next season. There's a possibility for a future return, but we'll all have to wait and see if that happens. We wish Jason and Bert Jones the best in the future!
Blewett Moving Up
Asphalt modified super star Jimmy Blewett will make the move to big block modifieds in 2011 after a successful season in the dirt sportsman ranks. Blewett will only run when his schedule permits, but plans on doing a little traveling with a main focus on competition at New Egypt Speedway.
Danny Varin Released from Dover Brakes Racing- UPDATE: UPDATE 2 Signs with Magsarus Racing
Contrary rumors that the Dover Brakes Racing team would be selling out following the 2010 season, the team will continue to operate. However, the team will scale back their 2011 operation to just one car as opposed to the two cars it fielded the past two and a half seasons. Bobby Varin will remain in the 00 car, while his son, Danny Varin, will be left looking for a ride for the 2011 season. Don't be surprised to see Danny end up with the Magsarus Racing 93 team, both Varins drove for the team in the past, and Danny Varin entered the Outlaw 200 at Fulton Speedway with the team. Brian Weaver finished out the year with the Masagarus team.
UPDATE- No rides have come up for Danny Varin in 2011 yet. The Magsarus deal seems less likely, but isn't dead yet. The worst case scenario is Danny ends up driving part-time for the Kenny Saya #10 team his dad travels with. Danny and Bobby will both be racing at Volusia for the team.
UPDATE 2- Danny Varin will take over driving duties of the Magsarus Racing #93 modified for weekly competition at Fonda Speedway. Varin replaces Brian Weaver, who will continue to drive the Dieffenbach/Weaver Racing #1a in specials, and the Randy Decker Racing #9R in weekly and touring competition.
Kormann Teaming with DiAntino/Moving to Big Blocks
Eric Kormann is teaming up with Frank DiAntino Racing to go big block racing in 2011. The team will run weekly at Delaware International Speedway but will run select shows throughout Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and even possibly New York. DiAntino will also have a small block and a crate motor for Kormann to run other shows throughout the season.
Kevin Hirthler to BPG Racing
Kevin Hirthler will be the new driver for BPG Racing in 2011 for weekly competition at Grandview Speedway. Hirthler will he a teammate to Duane Howard, who will remain with the team as well. There was going to be a third driver named to the team, but with the Bridgeport announcement, that deal appears to have fallen through. Hirthler will still have his own equipment, but don't expect him to do too much more traveling next season, or add a second night to his weekly racing. He still is looking to spend time with his young kids.
Jeremy Banos Done Racing: Team Still Running
Jeremy Banos will be stepping out of the driver's seat of a modified for the 2011 season. Banos will be moving away from the area which will not allow him to race next season. There's a possibility he could return to racing in the future. The Banos Racing Team, which has fielded cars for drivers like Jimmy Reppert, Meme DeSantis, Keith Brightbill, and this past season Danny Erb, will continue to run. Danny Erb will once again run for the team in 2011.
Keith Hoffman a Free Agent- UPDATE 2
Keith Hoffman is once again a free agent. Hoffman drove for Moose Eisenhard Racing at New Egypt Speedway this past season to a top-5 spot in the final standings. Eisenhard will field a car for his grandson and slingshot standout Jordan Henn in the crate sportsman division next year. Keith Hoffman will run weekly if something comes along, but he isn’t actively looking for a ride. Don’t be surprised to see Hoffman only running a handful of shows next year. I don’t expect Hoffman to sit completely out this season or reture, although that seems like a real possibility right now.
UPDATE- Keith Hoffman will race in 2011. Stay tuned for a press release with the announcement soon.
UPDATE 2- Hoffman will return to race in 2011 after all. Despite losing his ride at the end of the 2010 season, Keith Hoffman will run his own equipment this season at Big Diamond Raceway. Hoffman doesn't plan to do much racing outside of Big Diamond every Friday night.
Todd Marburger Getting Out
Grandview Speedway small block modified veteran Todd Marburger will be selling off his equipment and getting out of racing. Marburger doesn't plan to strap into a modified in the future.
Paul Klager Moving Up
Paul Klager, who had a great mod-lite career, will move up to the 358 modified division to race weekly at Merrittville Speedway and Humberstone Speedway. Klager will drive for drive for Brian Simms in weekly competition.
Gular to drive for JSG Motorsports
Mike Gular will take over driving duties for the JSG Motorsports #3G small block modified. Gular, who drove the car in one race last year, will run the car in special shows including mid-week RoC races, Brett Deyo's new series, and other shows in Pennsylvania and New York. Gular will continue to drive the Terry Fastnacht Racing #53 modified weekly at Grandview Speedway on Saturday nights and Penn Can Speedway on Friday nights. JSG Motorsports ran a few end of season shows last year after sitting out most of the season. Kerry Kratz, who was the last full-time driver for the team, drove the car a few times in later 2010 as well.
Michael Storms Out from Four Star Motorsports-- UPDATE
One of the sport’s rising stars, Michael Storms is currently a free agent for 2011. Storms and Four Star Motorsports parted ways before the end of the 2010 season after having some very strong runs on the Super Dirt Series, and picking up a win at Brewerton during the season. Tim McCreadie finished out the season for the Vinnie Salerno-owned team. Look for McCreadie to run for the team more frequently in 2011, and don’t be surprised to see the Four Star team scale down and only run special events with McCreadie next year.
UPDATE- In an interview with Doug Elkins, Vinnie Salerno stated that it looks likely that the team is going to scale back in 2011 and just run races with Tim McCreadie and run nowhere weekly.
Chuck Hossfeld Running Dirt
Top asphalt modified star Chuck Hossfeld will be running modifieds on both dirt and asphalt in 2011. Hossfeld announced via an interview on Doug's Dirt Diary that he purchased a 358 modified to run part-time at Ransomville Speedway next season. Expect to see him to a little traveling throughout the year as well.
Jeremy Wilder Moving to Big Blocks
Rising modified star Jeremy Wilder, who spent the past 2 seasons wheeling a 358 modified on the 358 Dirt Series tour as well as against big blocks at Glen Ridge Motorsports Park and Fonda Speedway, will move up to running big blocks weekly in 2011. Wilder is still finalizing his 2011 plans, when they're finalized they'll be posted on the Driver Chart. \
Doug Manmiller and Breitenstein Motorsports Part Ways
Doug Manmiller has parted ways with Breitenstein Motorsports. The Breitenstein Motorsports team has fielded cars at Grandview Speedway over the past few years with Manmiller. Josh Biever Racing, who fielded cars for Manmiller in 2010 at Big Diamond Raceway, will field cars Manmiller at Grandview next seaso instead of Big Diamond. The Breitenstein team may be done fielding cars, and sitting out 2011 seems like a real possibility. However, don’t be surprised to see the team at least run the big races at Grandview in 2011 if sponsorship isn’t found. Kenny Gilmore is a possibility to drive the car if it’s a specials only schedule, he’s ran for the team the past two years at the Freedom 76er. Sportsman Brad Grim is another name that has been thrown around with a possibility with the Breitenstein team because he can help ease some of the costs for the team.
Ryan Susice Moving Up
Ryan Susice, the 2010 sportsman Super Dirt Week champion, is moving up to small block modifieds next year. Susice will run weekly at Ransomville and is still sorting out his schedule for next year. He also plans to follow the 358 Dirt Series as well.
Chris Raabe to run Small Blocks
Chris Raabe will move up to running 358 modifieds weekly next season for small block driver Perry Francis. The team is still sorting out their schedule for 2011, but they’re leaning towards running weekly at Drummondville on Saturday nights and the 358 Dirt Series. Francis will continue to run his own #55 as well, but not as frequently.
Bill Torissi Retiring
Long time Ransomville Speedway modified regular Bill Torissi will call it a career after a long career in the modified racing world. Torissi only ran a partial schedule the past few seasons, but has announced that 2010 was his final year behind the wheel of a racecar.
Monroe and Armstrong Move Up
Two top sportsman drivers from different speedways will be moving up to big block modifieds in 2011. Kyle Armstrong moves up to run big block modifieds this season at Lebanon Valley Speedway, while Luke Monroe will be moving up into the big block modified division for weekly action at Fonda Speedway.
Chuck Allen Moves Up
Chuck Allen will be moving up to the big block division in 2011 after rule changes to the Fonda sportsman division. Allen has purchased a big block and a small block motor for 2011, and will run weekly at Fonda Speedway this season. Allen also hopes to do some traveling later in the season for some big money shows.
Storms to Sherlock Motorsports
Michael Storms has finally landed a ride. Storms will drive for Randy Sherlock weekly this season. Schedules are still being worked out, but right now it looks like they'll run at Accord Speedway on Friday nights this year. Randy Sherlock will continue to run a second car part-time this season as well.
Southern Tier Drivers Moving Up
Three young drivers will be moving up to the modified division for 2011. Mike Nagel Jr, Byron Worthing, and Jamie Batzel will all move up to run weekly at Five Mile Point on Saturday nights, and Mike Nagel Jr will also run Friday nights at Penn Can Speedway.
Crawn Comes Back
Five Mile Point Speedway superstar Jim Crawn will come out of retirement for the 2011 season. Crawn will take over for Brent Wilcox, who will run a limited schedule this year, in the Chris Clark Racing modified. Crawn will run weekly at Five Mile Point Speedway Saturday nights.
Jamie Gilbert Moves Up From Mod-Lights
Mod-lite star Jamie Gilbert will make the move up to the small block modified division in 2011. Gilbert will compete weekly on Saturday nights at Merrittville Speedway.
Sweet Small Block Bound
Long time sportsman star Brandon Sweet has purchased one of the new CT525 motors for 2011, which means he'll be moving up to the small block division in 2011. He'll run with the small blocks at Can Am Motorsports Park, and will also run in the CT525 division at Fulton Speedway.
Higbie Replaces Tomkins in the Ray Tuit TeamUPDATE: Higbie Out Tomkins In
Jerry Higbie has a new ride for weekly competition at Orange County Fair Speedway. Higbie takes over the Ray Tuit Racing #673 big block modified after Gary Tomkins left the team when they decided they wanted to focus their efforts on weekly competition at Orange County in 2011. Higbie will run his own car at Accord.
UPDATE: Jerry Higbie will not run for the Ray Tuit team after all. Higbie told the team that he was not going to drive their car in 2011 after the two sides agreed to run weekly at Orange County. Higbie will not run his own #97 modified on Friday and Saturday nights. Jeff Heotzler and Jim Spellmon are the favorites to land the 673 ride, but talks are just starting.
UPDATE 2: Gary Tomkins will return to the seat of the Ray Tuit Motorsports 673 big block modified in 2011. Tomkins will run the car on the road this season, similar to what the team did last year. The team does, however, plan on doing more racing than they did last year.
Mike Stofflet Moves Up
Asphalt late model driver, Mike Stofflet, will make the jump to dirt modifieds for 2011. Stofflet will run his dirt modified weekly on the asphalt at Mahoning Valley Speedway.
Gagne to CMB Racing
Martin Gagne has landed a ride with the CMB Racing Team for weekly action at Autodrome Granby. Gagne replaces Alex Fortier in the car.
Pascual Moves to Big Blocks
Orange County Fair Speedway pro stock superstar Bill Pascual will be making the jump up to modifieds in 2011. The veteran driver will run his new car weekly at Orange County Fair Speedway along with select traveling.
Rogala Returns to Modifieds
Rick Rogala, who's ran mod lites and sportsman over the past 2 seasons, is making his return to big block modifieds in 2011. Rogala has purchased a new car that he will use to run weekly at Brewerton Speedway along with hitting a few shows at Fulton Speedway this year.
Eastern Rigging Racing Merge With Terry Fastnacht
Billy Pauch Jr. is moving to 358 sprint cars every Saturday night, which means he's leaving weekly competition at Grandview Speedway. The team that Pauch ran at Grandview last year, Eastern Rigging Racing, will be merging with Terry Fastnacht Racing and helping out Mike Gular. It should be noted, the team was planning on merging with Fastnacht before he picked up his sprint car ride.
Gilmore to Breitenstein
In a move we've been anticipating, Kenny Gilmore will return to weekly competition in 2011 to race for Breitenstein Motorsports. Breitenstein Motorsports parted ways with Doug Manmiller early in the off-season, and since then Kenny Gilmore has been mentioned as the leading candidate to replace Manmiller with the long-time team. The news is finally official, Gilmore will run weekly for the team at Grandview Speedway.
Strunk Replacing Strunk? UPDATE: Confirmed
It looks almost certain that Jeff Strunk will not be back behind the wheel of the Gagliardo Motorsports 41 car in 2011. The driver that Jeff got a ride for the end of the year in 2010, his brother Glenn Strunk, looks like he'll take over driving duties full-time next year. An announcement shouldn't be too far away. Also, look for the Gaglardo team to scale back a bit with Glenn Strunk next season. The team may also be scaling back next season and do very little traveling.
UPDATE: Jeff Strunk leaves the Gagliardo Motorsports team for Norm Hansell Motorsports, which leaves Glenn Strunk as the new full-time driver of the Gagliardo Motorsports modifieds in 2011. Glenn ran the end of the 2010 season in a second Gagliardo Motorports entry, and even picked up a win with the team at Grandview Speedway's Run Whatcha Brung Show in late September.
Godown Out with Hansell? UPDATE: UPDATE 2 Strunk?: UPDATE 3 Strunk Confirmed
Reports on multiple websites have claimed that Ryan Godown and Norm Hansell have parted ways. I have yet to hear anything about the situation, but that doesn't mean it isn't happening. Stay tuned as more updates will come on this.
UPDATE- Ryan Godown has confirmed that he has parted ways with the Norm Hansell Race Team. Godown doesn't have any confirmed plans next year, but look for Godown to return to New Egypt Speedway in 2011, probably with a partnership with the former owners of the 747. It would be a team effort, as the cars would be Godown's own equipment. Although is hasn't been confirmed yet, look for JR Motorsports and Rick Laubach to announce they've parted ways in the future, if that does happen (it looks like it will) don't be surprised to see Laubach run for Hansell weekly at Big Diamond. The two had a huge amount of success in half a season in 2009 at Big Diamond together. Stay tuned.
UPDATE 2- Godown is now being rumored to go to the JR Motorsports R1. Jeff Strunk now appears to be headed to the Norm Hansell 357. Strunk ran one race for Norm Hansell a few years ago in the Thunder on the Hill Series finale, but is one of the few major names on the PA Small Block circuit to never be a full-time driver for Hansell. Nothing is confirmed yet.
UPDATE 3- Jeff Strunk is now officially the new driver of the Norm Hansell Motorsports 357. Strunk leaves the Gagliardo Motorsports team after 2 seasons. The team will run weekly at Big Diamond and Grandview, along with traveling to big money shows throughout the east coast.
Laubach and JR Motorsports Part Ways?- UPDATE- Godown? UPDATE 2 confirmed
Rick Laubach and JR Motorsports may only last together one season. Laubach was able to pick up a win at Big Diamond Raceway in 2010 aboard Johnny Rea's JR Motorsports #R1 small block modified, and was competitive all-season long, but the duo failed to reach their pr-season expectations. It appears, although it is not confirmed, that there will be a new driver in the #R1 small block modified in 2011. Don't be surprised to see a young up-and-comer take over the seat, although 2010 Big Diamond Raceway champion Doug Manmiller is now a free agent, and Rea in the past has put a lot of big name drivers in his equipment such as Jeff Strunk, Keith Hoffman, and Ryan Godown. Check back for updates.
UPDATE- Despite the fact that it still is not confirmed that JR Motorsports and Rick Laubach have parted ways, reports are claiming that Ryan Godown will return to the seat of the JR Motorsports R1 in 2011. We expect an announcement from Godown soon.
UPDATE 2- Ryan Godown has officially been named the driver of the JR Motorsports R1 for the 2011 season. Godown will run weekly at Big Diamond Raceway and Grandview Speedway, along with traveling to other shows with the team. Godown will also once again drive the Troy and Donna Wink owned #27, and his self-owned #26 in specials throughout the year.
Cossaboone Retires
Veteran Chic Cossaboone has called it a career before the 2011 season starts. The long time modified fan favorite has supported Bridgeport over the past few seasons while still traveling to select specials, and picked up a win in his final career behind the wheel of a modified. We'll miss seeing the beautiful 7A on the track!
Meitzler Replaces Brightbill with Stankiewicz
Addison Meitzler will take over driving duties over the Rich Staniewicz owned #2 small block modified for weekly competition at Grandview Speedway. Meitzler ran a few races for the team late in 2010 after the team parted ways with Keith Brightbill, and was rewarded with the full-time ride for 2011. Meitzler will park his self-owned #21 car unless it's needed in an emergency situation. No word on Keith Brightbill's plans for 2011.
Grasso Hires Heotzler
After a strong season with Ronnie Johnson behind the wheel, Grasso Racing has announced that Jeff Heotzler will take over in the car for weekly competition at Accord Speedway in 2011.
Petruska and Higbie Part WaysUPDATE: Johnson In
It's been a strange off season for Petruska Racing. First, rumors swirled that Jerry Higbie and the team were done after Danny Johnson drove for the team at Bridgeport Speedway in the final dirt race of the year. Following the rumors, Jerry Higbie posted on a few message boards that he was remaining with the team. However, a few weeks later he announced on his Facebook page that he has parted ways with the Petruska Racing #66. Danny Johnson, Clinton Mills, and Michael Storms have all been mentioned as possible replacements for the team. However, we've received word that Petruska is leaning towards signing a different driver to take over the team. Stay tuned for what Higbie and Petruska decide to do next year.
UPDATE: Danny Johnson will be the new driver of the Petruska 66 modified for 2011 in select races.
Beer City Racing Selling Out
Beer City Racing, who fielded equipment for Jason Hamilton for weekly action at Grandview Speedway, is selling out. Jason Hamilton will sit out next season. There's a possibility for a future return, but we'll all have to wait and see if that happens. We wish Jason and Bert Jones the best in the future!
Blewett Moving Up
Asphalt modified super star Jimmy Blewett will make the move to big block modifieds in 2011 after a successful season in the dirt sportsman ranks. Blewett will only run when his schedule permits, but plans on doing a little traveling with a main focus on competition at New Egypt Speedway.
Danny Varin Released from Dover Brakes Racing- UPDATE: UPDATE 2 Signs with Magsarus Racing
Contrary rumors that the Dover Brakes Racing team would be selling out following the 2010 season, the team will continue to operate. However, the team will scale back their 2011 operation to just one car as opposed to the two cars it fielded the past two and a half seasons. Bobby Varin will remain in the 00 car, while his son, Danny Varin, will be left looking for a ride for the 2011 season. Don't be surprised to see Danny end up with the Magsarus Racing 93 team, both Varins drove for the team in the past, and Danny Varin entered the Outlaw 200 at Fulton Speedway with the team. Brian Weaver finished out the year with the Masagarus team.
UPDATE- No rides have come up for Danny Varin in 2011 yet. The Magsarus deal seems less likely, but isn't dead yet. The worst case scenario is Danny ends up driving part-time for the Kenny Saya #10 team his dad travels with. Danny and Bobby will both be racing at Volusia for the team.
UPDATE 2- Danny Varin will take over driving duties of the Magsarus Racing #93 modified for weekly competition at Fonda Speedway. Varin replaces Brian Weaver, who will continue to drive the Dieffenbach/Weaver Racing #1a in specials, and the Randy Decker Racing #9R in weekly and touring competition.
Kormann Teaming with DiAntino/Moving to Big Blocks
Eric Kormann is teaming up with Frank DiAntino Racing to go big block racing in 2011. The team will run weekly at Delaware International Speedway but will run select shows throughout Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and even possibly New York. DiAntino will also have a small block and a crate motor for Kormann to run other shows throughout the season.
Kevin Hirthler to BPG Racing
Kevin Hirthler will be the new driver for BPG Racing in 2011 for weekly competition at Grandview Speedway. Hirthler will he a teammate to Duane Howard, who will remain with the team as well. There was going to be a third driver named to the team, but with the Bridgeport announcement, that deal appears to have fallen through. Hirthler will still have his own equipment, but don't expect him to do too much more traveling next season, or add a second night to his weekly racing. He still is looking to spend time with his young kids.
Jeremy Banos Done Racing: Team Still Running
Jeremy Banos will be stepping out of the driver's seat of a modified for the 2011 season. Banos will be moving away from the area which will not allow him to race next season. There's a possibility he could return to racing in the future. The Banos Racing Team, which has fielded cars for drivers like Jimmy Reppert, Meme DeSantis, Keith Brightbill, and this past season Danny Erb, will continue to run. Danny Erb will once again run for the team in 2011.
Keith Hoffman a Free Agent- UPDATE 2
Keith Hoffman is once again a free agent. Hoffman drove for Moose Eisenhard Racing at New Egypt Speedway this past season to a top-5 spot in the final standings. Eisenhard will field a car for his grandson and slingshot standout Jordan Henn in the crate sportsman division next year. Keith Hoffman will run weekly if something comes along, but he isn’t actively looking for a ride. Don’t be surprised to see Hoffman only running a handful of shows next year. I don’t expect Hoffman to sit completely out this season or reture, although that seems like a real possibility right now.
UPDATE- Keith Hoffman will race in 2011. Stay tuned for a press release with the announcement soon.
UPDATE 2- Hoffman will return to race in 2011 after all. Despite losing his ride at the end of the 2010 season, Keith Hoffman will run his own equipment this season at Big Diamond Raceway. Hoffman doesn't plan to do much racing outside of Big Diamond every Friday night.
Todd Marburger Getting Out
Grandview Speedway small block modified veteran Todd Marburger will be selling off his equipment and getting out of racing. Marburger doesn't plan to strap into a modified in the future.
Paul Klager Moving Up
Paul Klager, who had a great mod-lite career, will move up to the 358 modified division to race weekly at Merrittville Speedway and Humberstone Speedway. Klager will drive for drive for Brian Simms in weekly competition.
Gular to drive for JSG Motorsports
Mike Gular will take over driving duties for the JSG Motorsports #3G small block modified. Gular, who drove the car in one race last year, will run the car in special shows including mid-week RoC races, Brett Deyo's new series, and other shows in Pennsylvania and New York. Gular will continue to drive the Terry Fastnacht Racing #53 modified weekly at Grandview Speedway on Saturday nights and Penn Can Speedway on Friday nights. JSG Motorsports ran a few end of season shows last year after sitting out most of the season. Kerry Kratz, who was the last full-time driver for the team, drove the car a few times in later 2010 as well.
Michael Storms Out from Four Star Motorsports-- UPDATE
One of the sport’s rising stars, Michael Storms is currently a free agent for 2011. Storms and Four Star Motorsports parted ways before the end of the 2010 season after having some very strong runs on the Super Dirt Series, and picking up a win at Brewerton during the season. Tim McCreadie finished out the season for the Vinnie Salerno-owned team. Look for McCreadie to run for the team more frequently in 2011, and don’t be surprised to see the Four Star team scale down and only run special events with McCreadie next year.
UPDATE- In an interview with Doug Elkins, Vinnie Salerno stated that it looks likely that the team is going to scale back in 2011 and just run races with Tim McCreadie and run nowhere weekly.
Chuck Hossfeld Running Dirt
Top asphalt modified star Chuck Hossfeld will be running modifieds on both dirt and asphalt in 2011. Hossfeld announced via an interview on Doug's Dirt Diary that he purchased a 358 modified to run part-time at Ransomville Speedway next season. Expect to see him to a little traveling throughout the year as well.
Jeremy Wilder Moving to Big Blocks
Rising modified star Jeremy Wilder, who spent the past 2 seasons wheeling a 358 modified on the 358 Dirt Series tour as well as against big blocks at Glen Ridge Motorsports Park and Fonda Speedway, will move up to running big blocks weekly in 2011. Wilder is still finalizing his 2011 plans, when they're finalized they'll be posted on the Driver Chart. \
Doug Manmiller and Breitenstein Motorsports Part Ways
Doug Manmiller has parted ways with Breitenstein Motorsports. The Breitenstein Motorsports team has fielded cars at Grandview Speedway over the past few years with Manmiller. Josh Biever Racing, who fielded cars for Manmiller in 2010 at Big Diamond Raceway, will field cars Manmiller at Grandview next seaso instead of Big Diamond. The Breitenstein team may be done fielding cars, and sitting out 2011 seems like a real possibility. However, don’t be surprised to see the team at least run the big races at Grandview in 2011 if sponsorship isn’t found. Kenny Gilmore is a possibility to drive the car if it’s a specials only schedule, he’s ran for the team the past two years at the Freedom 76er. Sportsman Brad Grim is another name that has been thrown around with a possibility with the Breitenstein team because he can help ease some of the costs for the team.
Ryan Susice Moving Up
Ryan Susice, the 2010 sportsman Super Dirt Week champion, is moving up to small block modifieds next year. Susice will run weekly at Ransomville and is still sorting out his schedule for next year. He also plans to follow the 358 Dirt Series as well.
Chris Raabe to run Small Blocks
Chris Raabe will move up to running 358 modifieds weekly next season for small block driver Perry Francis. The team is still sorting out their schedule for 2011, but they’re leaning towards running weekly at Drummondville on Saturday nights and the 358 Dirt Series. Francis will continue to run his own #55 as well, but not as frequently.
Bill Torissi Retiring
Long time Ransomville Speedway modified regular Bill Torissi will call it a career after a long career in the modified racing world. Torissi only ran a partial schedule the past few seasons, but has announced that 2010 was his final year behind the wheel of a racecar.