WINLING REBOUNDS AFTER AERIAL DISPLAY IN UPIR FALL FINALE

Racing to Return in 2011

Full Results: www.motorstats.com/TrackResults.php?trackId=251

ESCANABA, Mich. (September 18, 2010) - Racing can be a roller coaster of emotions. It can be a physical roller coaster too. Tyler Winling experienced both in Saturday’s Upper Peninsuala International Raceway Fall Finale Small Car feature.

Winling charged to the front of the field from mid-pack, flew over a jump in the infield losing several spots and stormed to the front again. “I wanted to put on a show, and I think I did,” Winling said in victory lane.

Randy Degrave and Justin Sprins led the field to the start of the 18-lap main event. Degrave secured an early lead, pacing the first five circuits with Erik Marenger riding in the second spot. While Marenger attempted to wear down Degrave, Bret Widdis ascended into the top three by lap four.

After a lap-five restart Marenger overtook Degrave for the lead. Widdis started alongside Winling in the second row, and the duo traded spots on laps seven and eight. As Widdis went to the outside Winling inadvertently slid to the infield. With the Tough Truck/Car jumps just five feet away Wiling had a choice, slow down or storm over the jump. Winling mashed the gas and flew over the jump, keeping him in contention.

Another caution for a stalled Curt Knauf placed Widdis and Winling in second and third. On the lap-eight restart Winling stormed around Widdis and Marenger into the lead. Winling maintained the lead through another restart on lap ten and flexed his muscle over the final eight circuits. John Bordeau finished second after transferring through the last chance race, Alex Constantino was third, Matt Adams was fourth and Marenger rounded out the top five.

The Small Car division had a branch off class with the six cylinder and dual overhead cam four cylinder cars competing in a race. Rick Martin started on the front row of the 12-lap feature. Martin broke away early but was reeled in by Triple Crown Round Three winner Dan Carne. Carne challenged Martin over the final three circuits. Multiple challenges by Carne where thwarted by Martin who picked up his first victory of the season.

Steve Ives dominated the ten-lap 650 division Micro Sprint Feature event. Ives started on the front row and dashed away from Cole Possi at the drop of the green. John Mathias made a late pass on Possi to finish second.

When the 600 division Micro Sprints hit the track, Ives was looking for a repeat. He came up one spot shy, however, as Scott Degnan captured the 15-lap event. Degnan and Triple Crown champion Nick Pinar started on the front row with Pinar grabbing an early lead.

The two broke away from the pack as Degnan continued to challenge Pinar. Degnan made his pass on Pinar on lap ten. A yellow on lap three for a stalled Mike Richer bunched the field up and set up a last chance for Pinar to overtake Degnan. On the restart Degnan broke away and Pinar experienced mechanical issues. Degnan cruised to a comfortable win. Ives and Jake Relf rounded out the top three.

Crowd-pleasing Jesse James Liss won his first feature of the season in the Kids Micro Sprints. Liss passed Trent Peppin at the line on lap one of the eight-lap race and cruised to victory.

Bill Quarfoot topped the Tough Truck/Car division with a time of 12.41 seconds.

Donna Sundstrom, Sarah Johnson, and Leanne Vaughn won powder puff races. Tom Bordeau, Dan LaMarche, John Johnson, Darren Winling, Wayne Peppin and Nick Pinar Jr. were victorious in the mechanics races.

UPIR officials announced that racing will be held again in 2011 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. Funding has yet to be completely secured for the reconstruction of UPIR into a multiple-use motorsports facility, but the possibility still exists.

All money raised in the four races in 2010 will be used to build a track. If funding is not secured UPIR’s eighth-mile will remain in action. More details will be available through the off-season at the UPIR Web site and at www.deltami.org

UPIR is an abbreviated eighth-mile multi-surfaced course carved out of the existing course at the Delta Co. Fairgrounds. A Triple Crown in 2010 was used to gage the interest of race fans in the area and to fund the efforts of reopening the facility in 2011 on a full-time basis as a multi-purpose motorsport facility featuring a 3/8-mile asphalt oval.

For more information visit upirracing.blogspot.com or www.deltami.org.

PLENTY OF FESTIVITIES INCLUDED IN UPIR FALL FINALE THIS SATURDAY

ESCANABA, Mich. (September 13, 2010) – Upper Peninsula International Raceway’s Fall Finale, beginning this Saturday, Sept. 18 at 2 p.m. (EST), will be much more than just a race. Fans will get the same racing excitement from the UPIR Triple Crown, with a few extra twists.

The racing program will be shaken up with a new division. UPIR officials have split the small car class into two different divisions. The class had permitted both four cylinder and six cylinder cars to compete, but will split the two into separate divisions to encourage more competition.

“We’re going to add a six cylinder and dual overhead cam class for a couple reasons,” Boyd Widdis, volunteer coordinator said. “Those cars are a little faster and it will give us a chance to put on a few more races.”

Revised rules for the division are available at upirracing.blogspot.com or by calling Boyd Widdis at 906-450-5112.

Fans will also be treated to a return of the Tough Truck/Car division. Three divisions of Micro Sprints will join in the festivities, as well.

UPIR officials have also added mechanics races and powder puff races. Mechanics races allow the crew members who work on the cars to get some time behind the wheel. Wives, girlfriends, sisters, etc. jump behind the wheel for the powder puff races.

When the racing action ends, the fun will continue at UPIR. Once the final checkered flag has fallen an awards ceremony will crown the champions and top finishers in the 2010 UPIR Triple Crown. A DJ will be on hand to play after the races from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. under the grandstand.

Other special events include a kids’ nickel drop and a food drive. The food drive is sponsored by Radio Results network and Drivers & Volunteers. Boxed, canned food items or monetary donations will be accepted. Any monetary donations will be used to purchase food items. Donors can register for prizes.

Contact Jim Baldwin with questions or for donation pick up at 906-789-1900 or 906-553-1042. Collection points will be under the grandstands and in the pit area.

The pit area opens this Saturday at 10 a.m. The grandstand opens at 1 p.m. with racing slated to begin sharply at 2 p.m. Grandstand admission is $5.

UPIR is an abbreviated 1/8-mile multi-surfaced course carved out of the existing course at the Delta Co. Fairgrounds. A Triple Crown in 2010 was used to gage the interest of race fans in the area and to fund the efforts of reopening the facility in 2011 on a full-time basis as a multi-purpose motorsport facility featuring a 3/8-mile asphalt oval.

Rules and registration are available by contacting Boyd Widdis at 906-450-5112. For more information visit upirracing.blogspot.com or www.deltami.org.

RULE UPDATES FOR 9/18/10

TIRES AND WHEELS
Passenger car tires only, must be '?' rated or metic equivalent No "LP'. 60,65,74,75, or 80 series tires only are allowed. No shavingo grinding, buffrng grooving siping, or profiling. Both front wheels must use stock length studs. Maximum tires size is 205x15 by 60 through 80. Magnetic steel, stocktype wheels only, no aluminum, after market or alloy wheels. Stock offset wheels only. Racing wheels may be used but must have stock offset. No studded tires or chains, no mini donut or space saver spare tires allowed. Tire sizes may be mixed but tires must be either 13",14",or 15" rim size. Additionally,rim sizes of 13", 14",and 15"cannot be mixed. No snow tires. To help deplete current tire inventories, snow tires may be used on rear of car only.
None on front. Tech inspectors will determine what constitute snow tire. Their decision will be final.

STEERING AND SUSPENSION
Stock as delivered from manufacturer. No modifrcations or after market performance parts. No tie downs or suspension limiting devices. Car must maintain stock ride attitude. 1/2" camber max. Cars should be prepared to run in either direction.

POST RACE INSPECTION
At the conclusion of a scheduled event, top 5 finishing cars will report for technical inspection. At the time necessary checks will be made to determine that cars conform to the rules. Offrcials reserve the right to interpret and enforce the rules and procedures as they see fit and that the intent of the rule is being applied. The decision of the officials shall be final, offtcial, binding and not appealable.

NEW CLASS
DOHC (Double Over Head Cam) 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder cars will be in one class. 4-cylinder Non-DOHC will be one class.

CARNE SUPER IN UPIR TRIPLE CROWN FINALE

Full results and final points available at UPIR’s Motor Stats page: http://www.motorstats.com/TrackHome.php?trackId=251

ESCANABA, Mich. (August 21, 2010) – Even kryptonite wouldn’t have been able to stop Dan Carne Saturday afternoon. With a Super Man statue attached to his roof, Carne proved to be faster than a speeding bullet in the Small Car feature at Upper Peninsula International Raceway.

UPIR also determined four champions on the evening. Steve Labre was crowned the Triple Crown champion in the Small Cars. Nick Pinar, Paul Hosking and Brooke Mathias topped their respective divisions of Micro Sprints

Carne, who also won his heat race, started 12th in the Small Car feature field and patiently picked his way through traffic. While Carne began his ascent Robbie Iverson paced the field from his pole-position starting spot. Iverson broke away from second-place Rick Martin, who tangled with Bobby Rose on the second lap. Both Rose and Martin suffered damage and retired.

As Iverson started to put real estate between him and the rest of the 18-car pack, Jim Beauchamp slid to the inside of Chris Dupuis on the third lap. Beauchamp began the task of reeling in Iverson and caught the leader on lap nine. One lap later Beauchamp muscled his way past Iverson into the lead.

A caution on lap 11 erased Beauchamp’s lead over Iverson and the remaining field. Luke Sanville had worked his way to the third spot bringing Bret Widdis and Carne along into the top five.

On the restart Beauchamp, Sanville and Carne started on the inside line of a double-file format. After the green Sanville rocketed to the inside of Beauchamp, causing a three-wide situation with Iverson stuck on the high side. Sanville made contact with Beauchamp sending him out of the lead spot. Track officials penalized Sanville for rough driving.

Carne was able to capitalize on the penalty as he had followed Sanville into the second spot after the restart. Over the final seven laps Carne held off several challenges from Beauchamp, who was forced to settle for second. Ron Sanville and Matt Adams finished third and fourth after transferring from the last chance race and Iverson rounded out the top five.

Labre led Fran Berube by 13 points entering the event. Berube secured a sixth-place finish, but didn’t provide himself enough of a cushion with Labre’s eighth-place finish.

In the Micro Sprints both Nick Pinar and Paul Hosking were denied third consecutive feature wins.

Pinar did register a second place finish to wrap up the title in the 600 Micro Sprints, but couldn’t challenge Scott Degnan in the final laps.

The 600 Micro Sprint feature got off to a rocky start with a wild accident exiting turn two. Entering the first turn on lap one Ben Ives swung to the inside to make a three-wide pass. Ives could not hold his momentum and spun in the second turn. Mike Dolezal clipped the left front of Ives’ machine and flipped twice down the back stretch. He was unharmed. Neither car was able to continue.

Robbie Resch led the field off the restart, which was short-lived due to a stalled machine on lap three. Another caution fell on lap four when Mike Richer spun exiting turn two and collected Jay Baumler Jr.

With the 14-car field down to seven machines, Resch led Pinar and Degnan back to green. Degnan and Pinar swapped the second spot several times over the next three laps until Degnan secured the spot and set his sights on Resch.

Degnan did not need to provide Resch with a challenge to capture the lead. Resch spun exiting turn four on lap six, handing the lead to Degnan. Pinar came close to challenging, but was unable to close up on Degnan in the final laps. Steve Ives finished third, Jason Kressin fourth and Jordan Ives rounded out the top five.

A potential Triple Crown sweep was also in place for the 650 Micro Sprints. However, Paul Hosking, who was looking to complete the task, struggled early in the day with an ill-running machine in the heat race. Hosking was able to start the feature event on the outside of Karen Degnan.

Degnan secured the lead at the drop of the green with John Mathias swiping second from Hosking on the second lap. Mathias jumped away from the battle from second, leaving Degnan and Hosking locked in battle. The two exchanged the runner-up spot several times early in the race, but Degnan broke away in the latter stages.

Mathias was second in standings entering the afternoon, but Hosking’s third-place finish proved to be enough to wrap up the title.

Tanner Resch won his second consecutive Kids Micro Sprint feature. Crowd-favorite Jesse James Liss finished second. Brooke Mathias secured the championship.

Due to the success of the three-race Triple Crown, UPIR has added a fourth date to the 2010 schedule. The UPIR Fall Finale will take place on Saturday, Sept. 18. The Tough Trucks/Cars are scheduled to rejoin the Small Cars and Micro Sprints. A fourth division may be added, as well. More information about the event, including starting times, will be available shortly through the UPIR Web site.

UPIR is an abbreviated 1/8-mile multi-surfaced course carved out of the existing course at the Delta Co. Fairgrounds. A Triple Crown in 2010 was used to gage the interest of race fans in the area and to fund the efforts of reopening the facility in 2011 on a full-time basis as a multi-purpose motorsport facility featuring a 3/8-mile asphalt oval.

Rules and registration are available by contacting Boyd Widdis at 906-450-5112. For more information visit upirracing.blogspot.com or www.deltami.org.

UPIR TRIPLE CROWN FINAL ROUND SATURDAY, FOURTH DATE ADDED

ESCANABA, Mich. (August 17, 2010) – Fans will have more than one chance to keep filling the grandstand at Upper Peninsula International Raceway this season. With the final round of the Triple Crown scheduled for this week, officials have added a fourth date at UPIR for Saturday, Sept. 18.

This Saturday, Aug. 21’s race will round out the points championship in the three-race Triple Crown. The Small Cars and all three Micro Sprint divisions will battle to have the honor of being the first group of UPIR champions. Racing begins at 1 p.m. (EST).

Steve Labre leads the Small Car standings heading into the final round. He holds a 13-point advantage over Fran Berube and a 21-point advantage over Triple Crown round one winner Adam Johnson. Round two winner Tyler Winling sits fourth 25 points behind Labre.

With wins in round one and round two, Nick Pinar leads Scott Degnan by 20 markers in the 600 division Micro Sprints. Paul Hosking, who has won both features in the 650 Micro Sprints, leads standings in that division by 26 over John Mathias. Jordan Ives leads Brooke Mathias by 18 points and Holly Mathias by 19 points in the kids division.

One championship will have already been decided before Saturday. Due to a closed-off demolition derby arena being built in the infield, the Tough Trucks/Cars will not compete. Dan Arts won both events in the division and will be the 2010 UPIR Triple Crown Tough Trucks/Cars champion.

The Tough Trucks/Cars will rejoin the Small Cars and Micro Sprints, however, as part of the fourth event on Sept. 18. A fourth division may be included in the program. Officials are also working to hold an awards ceremony for the Triple Crown after the event. More details will be available at this Saturday’s race and on the UPIR Web site.

UPIR is an abbreviated 1/8-mile multi-surfaced course carved out of the existing course at the Delta Co. Fairgrounds. A Triple Crown in 2010 will be used to gage the interest of race fans in the area and to fund the efforts of reopening the facility in 2011 on a full-time basis as a multi-purpose motorsport facility featuring a 3/8-mile asphalt oval.

Rules and registration are available by contacting Boyd Widdis at 906-450-5112. For more information visit upirracing.blogspot.com or www.deltami.org.

WINLING STORMS TO WIN IN UPIR TRIPLE CROWN ROUND TWO

Photos Courtesy of Cathy Winling

Full Results - http://www.motorstats.com/TrackHome.php?trackId=251

ESCANABA, Mich. (July 31, 2010) – Time is of the essence in racing – ask Tyler Winling. Just as fans and competitors wasted no time packing Upper Peninsula International Raceway Saturday, Winling wasted no time securing the lead in the Small Car feature to dominate the night’s main event.

Winling charged into the lead past pole sitter Terry Royer on a lap two restart.

Outside pole sitter Matt Ison caused the first yellow as he spun in front of the 16-car field exiting turn four on the first trip around the eighth-mile. As the field jostled after the green, Winling weaved through traffic into second from his tenth-place starting spot.

Tyler Winling - Winner Small Cars

Pulling to the inside of Royer in turn two, Winling wasted no time stretching out his newly claimed lead spot. The advantage quickly was erased, however, as Matt Adams flipped his racer on the third lap. Adam’s machine came to a rest on its lid in turn two, but Adams was able to make a quick exit and was unharmed.

Following the restart on lap three, Steve Labre filed into second behind Winling. As laps continued to click off in the 18-lap main event, Winling’s lead continued to grow. Labre remained unpressured for second after he turned away Fran Berube’s attempt to take the spot on lap eight.

Winling also claimed his heat race earlier night and completed an improbable sweep in a stellar 54-car field.

The 600 and 650 Micro Sprint divisions both saw repeat winners.

In the 650 Micro Sprints, Paul Hosking was again victorious. Hosking started on the outside of heat-race winner Karen Degnan and walked away with the 18-lap event.

Paul Hosking - Winner 650 Micro Sprints

Although a victory seemed assured for Hosking in the waning portions of the event, an uneasy moment raised some question marks. Leading by more than a half of a lap, Hosking lost control of his racer exiting turn four on lap 15. Hosking pitched sideways and slid to the infield. Calmly, Hosking regained control and cruised through the final three circuits without incident.

In a field that included travelers from the southern part of Michigan and Central Wisconsin, Nick Pinar collected his second consecutive 600 Micro Sprint Feature win.

Behind pole sitter Ben Ives, Pinar dashed to the outside line. After one circuit of following the leaders, Pinar slid back to the high line to power past Ives. Behind Pinar, Scott Degnan, who flipped his racer in the heat, kept pace.


Nick Pinar - Winner 600 Micro Sprints

With Pinar pacing the field up front, Bill Dunham, who traveled from Bellevue, Mich., began sifting through traffic. Dunham moved to third on lap seven, but was unable to catch the lead duo. Degnan closed the gap on several occasions as Pinar disposed of lapped traffic, but was unable to get within striking distance.

Tanner Resch made his family’s trek from Antigo, Wis., worth while by capturing the Kid’s Micro Sprint six-lap feature. Resch swiped the lead from Triple Crown Round One winner Jordan Ives exiting turn two on the second lap.

Tanner Resch - Winner Kid's Micro Sprints

As Resch pulled away, the capacity crowd was electrified by the run of Jesse James Liss. Liss’ machine appeared to be half the size of the other Micro Sprinters, but was just as fast. A last lap pass by Liss to secure second, garnered a loud cheer from the grandstand.

Dan Arts was credited with his second win in the Tough Truck/Car division. The division could have been renamed on the evening as Jerry Hansen participated in a modified school bus, much to the delight of spectators. Arts’ time of 11.13 seconds on his second run bested the first run of Bill Quarfoot at 12.06 seconds

The third and final round of the UPIR Triple Crown is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 21 during the UP State Fair. Only the Small Car and Micro Sprint divisions will compete. Racing begins at 1 p.m.

UPIR is an abbreviated 1/8-mile clay-surfaced course carved out of the existing course at the Delta Co. Fairgrounds. A Triple Crown in 2010 will be used to gauge the interest of race fans in the area and to fund the efforts of reopening the facility featuring a 3/8-mile asphalt oval in 2011.


The UPIR Triple Crown will take place on three Saturday evenings in 2010. The dates are June 12, July 31 and Aug. 21. Racing is slated to begin at 7 p.m. on June 12 and July 31 and at 1 p.m. on Aug. 21.

Rules and registration are available by contacting Boyd Widdis at 906-450-5112. For more information visit upirracing.blogspot.com or www.deltami.org.

UPIR PREPARES FOR TRIPLE CROWN ROUND TWO

ESCANABA, Mich. (July 21, 2010) – The stands and pit area were full and a great amount of racing action was on display in Escanaba – finally. The first round of the Upper Peninsula Triple Crown on June 12 was a wild success.

Officials and volunteers could have rested on their laurels, but decided to make several improvements to the program to make it even better than the first. With the improvements, round two promises to provide just as much excitement in a streamlined program.

“We learned a lot,” said UPIR volunteer coordinator Boyd Widdis. He said many suggestions were made to speed up the show, and he was willing to listen.

One of the setbacks was the amount of time to re-align cars after a caution, Widdis said. Other volunteers agreed.

“Boyd and I sat down with some people after the race on June 12 and put some policies in place right there,” said volunteer consultant Doug Strasburg. “These policies will speed up the show.”

Cars will be stopped on the track, realigned and sent back to the green flag. Lineups will be handled by Lonny Dalgord, who raced at tracks in Northeastern Wisconsin notorious for fast programs.

“Lonny had some really good suggestions,” Widdis said. “He did a great job of lining up cars before the race. The problem was getting them back in line after the cautions. With Lonny’s suggestions, we’ll move the show through much faster.”

Widdis said time may be of a factor because he expects more racer entries due to the interest generated on June 12.

Improvements to the track may help expedite the program, as well. With a smoother surface and more room to race, Widdis expects fewer cautions to interrupt the racing action. Ed Brunette of Brunette and Son Construction was once again responsible for improvements to the track.

“Ed prepared the track for the monster truck show and put it back to how it was afterward,” Widdis said. “He reworked the track, made it wider, put more fill in and more clay on and added a couple degrees of banking.”

Widdis said the extra banking should help drain the track if an excessive amount of rain is received before the race, as was the case on June 12. He also said it should provide another groove of racing and more action. The track also added traffic lights to help alert the drivers when a caution is out.

Fans can anticipate the same three divisions on Saturday July 31. Three divisions of Micro Sprints, the Small Cars and the wild and crazy Tough Trucks will be back. Racing begins at 7 p.m.

UPIR is an abbreviated 1/8-mile clay-surfaced course carved out of the existing course at the Delta Co. Fairgrounds. A Triple Crown in 2010 will be used to gauge the interest of race fans in the area and to fund the efforts of reopening the facility featuring a 3/8-mile asphalt oval in 2011.

The UPIR Triple Crown will take place on three Saturday evenings in 2010. The dates are June 12, July 31 and Aug. 21. Racing is slated to begin at 7 p.m. on June 12 and July 31 and at 1 p.m. on Aug. 21.

Rules and registration are available by contacting Boyd Widdis at 906-450-5112. For more information visit upirracing.blogspot.com or www.deltami.org.

Triple Crown Race at UPIR on July 31, 2010

The second race of the Triple Crown Racing Series will be held at the Upper Peninsula International Raceway at the Escanaba Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 31, 2010. Pit gates open at 2:00 PM EST and the grandstand opens at 4:00 PM EST.

A Driver Meet & Greet will be held from 4:00 to 5:00 PM in front of the grandstand. Checkered Flags will be passed out to the first 500 children who can have drivers autograph them. Racing begins at 7:00 PM featuring Small Cars (4/6 Cylinders), Micro Sprints, Junior Mini Sprints & Tough Trucks.

Concessions will be available under the grandstand & in the pits. Local band Rock, Stock & Loaded will provide post race entertainment.

The final race of the Triple Crown Series will be on Saturday, August 21, 2010 during the fair at 1:00 PM EST.

Grandstand admission is $5.00. Pit admission is $10.00 and $10.00 per race vehicle.

Rules & entry forms are available online at www.deltami.org. Click on the UPIR Logo. Preregistering will save $5.00 and can be submitted to the Delta County Chamber of Commerce. Race organizers anticipate an increase in racers and improvements have enhanced the clay track.

Volunteers run the racing & concessions with all profits going for future track development. Check out UPIR on Facebook and www.upirracing.blogspot.com for current news. Plan to arrive early and enjoy pre-race activities.

JOHNSON WORST TO FIRST IN INAUGURAL UPIR EVENT

FULL RESULTS AVAILABLE AT UPIR MOTORSTATS PAGE: www.motorstats.com/TrackResults.php?trackId=251

ESCANABA, Mich. (June 12, 2010) – Over 2,500 fans and 73 competitors convened to show their support for the Upper Peninsula International Raceway opener Saturday despite inclement weather. Although the skies stayed murky all evening, at the end of the night one thing was clear – racing belongs in Escanaba.

Adam Johnson raced from a last-place starting spot in the small car division to win the curfew-shortened, mayhem-filled feature event. Johnson raced his way to second in the 18-car field and inherited the win after Luke Sanville tangled with a lapped racer to bring out the final caution of the race.

Due to the two inches of rain received Friday, the newly-deposited clay surface had its rough portions, which led to a caution-marred feature for the small cars. Scheduled for 25-laps, the field was led to green by pole sitter Guy Hubble, who led the first three circuits of the event. Hubble had to survive several early cautions for stalled machines.

After a lap-two restart Sanville had charged into the top three. Sanville swung to the outside of Hubble on lap three and snatched the lead exiting turn four. As Sanville hit the stripe, Rodney Lemerand’s machine stalled entering turn three, brining out the third caution of the race. On the restart, Johnson, who had worked his way through traffic using the high line, swiped the second spot from Hubble using the high groove.

Two more cautions ensued due to stalled cars. On each restart, Adams was able to challenge early, but faded off the back bumper of Sanville. While the two leaders broke away from traffic, John Bordeau used the high line to work his way to third by lap seven.

Another caution for the stalled racer of Kyle Adams set up a final chance for Johnson to surpass Sanville. As he did on the prior restarts, Sanville broke away from Johnson and the remainder of the pack. Sanville’s luck turned sour, however, when he tangled with the lapped car of Bradley Osterman. The caution flew for Sanville, the lead was given to Johnson and officials were forced to end the race on lap ten due to curfew.

Bordeau was credited with second, Kim Sanville was third, Steve Labre fourth and Robbie Iverson rounded out the top five.

Small Car winner Adam Johnson (Cathy Winling photo)

The Micro Sprints split into three divisions for their feature events. The highlighting division was the 600 class, which contained several former asphalt late model drivers.

After winning the heat race earlier in the evenings, Nick Pinar proved tough to beat in the 600 class feature. With an invert after the heat race, Pinar watched Jason Kressin and Ben Ives lead the field to green. Kressin marched away from Ives at the drop of the green. Ives brought out the lone caution in the 12-lap feature when he looped his Micro Sprint exiting turn four on lap two.

Pinar restarted alongside Kressin, but was unable to capture the lead on the restart. After tucking behind Kressin on lap three, Pinar decided to test the outside. Exiting the final turn, Pinar took the lead for good at the start/finish line on lap four. Watching Pinar speed away, Kressin held on for second and Scott Degnan secured third.

Micro Sprint 600 winner Nick Pinar (Cathy Winling photo)

The 650 class of Micro Sprint saw a less decisive margin of victory by Paul Hoskings. Cole Possi used his outside-front-row stating position to secure the initial lead. On lap three, Possi spun exiting turn two, handing the lead to Hoskings. Hoskings held a comfortable lead until lap six when Trenton Stone moved into second.

A lap-seven caution for a Bill Gagne spin erased Hoskings’ lead. On the restart Hoskings disposed of Stone, only to see Stone regenerate with two laps remaining in the 15-lap feature. Although he was close enough to strike, Stone was unable to mount an attack on the lead spot and was forced to settle for second. John Mathias finished third.

Micro Sprint 650 class winner Paul Hoskings (Cathy Winling photo)

Just as in the 600 class, there was a sweep by the feature winner of the Kids’ class. Jordan Ives won his heat race and lapped the other two competitors in the 10-lap feature event.

The Tough Truck/Car division determined the final feature of the evening. After the 18 entrants wowed the crowd in their first runs, times dropped in the second time trips for all but four drivers. Dan Arts recorded the fastest time, completing the course in 21.79 seconds. Scott Lamarche (22.46 seconds) and Bill Quarfoot (22.48 seconds) rounded out the top three.

The second leg of the 2010 UPIR Triple Crown is scheduled for Saturday, July 31 at 7 p.m. (EST) with the same three divisions competing toward an overall win. The final leg is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 21 in conjunction with the U.P. State Fair with a start time scheduled for 1 p.m.

UPIR is an abbreviated 1/8-mile clay-surfaced course carved out of the existing course at the Delta Co. Fairgrounds. A Triple Crown in 2010 will be used to gauge the interest of race fans in the area and to fund the efforts of reopening the facility featuring a 3/8-mile asphalt oval in 2011.

Rules and registration are available by contacting Boyd Widdis at 906-450-5112. For more information visit upirracing.blogspot.com or http://www.deltami.org/.

UPIR READY FOR SATURDAY’S OPENER

ESCANABA, Mich. (June 9, 2010) – The clay is down, the wall and flag stand are up and the city is abuzz with excitement. The Delta County Fairgrounds in Escanaba is ready for its first race in almost ten years this Saturday, June 12.

Volunteers have worked tirelessly in weekly work bees to get the track prepped. On Wednesday they watched the flag stand go up as the finishing touch on the 1/8-mile Upper Peninsula International Raceway.

Boyd Widdis, UPIR volunteer coordinator, said he could not be more pleased with the response he has received so far. “We have a bunch of people I didn’t think cared about racing, but now they want to be involved,” he said.

Over the final two days before the opener, volunteers will add bleachers in the pit area, paint the front stretch wall and manicure the track to ensure that it is race ready. Rain in the Escanaba area has presented a challenge for the volunteers, but the use of some heavy duty track prep equipment has Widdis confident the track will be ready.

Widdis said he expects the track to be in perfect condition Saturday, and plans to run the event rain or shine. He said he knows that the weather could present a challenge, but he and UPIR officials have every intention of giving race fans a show regardless of conditions.

With the response of drivers and entry forms received, fans can expect plenty of racing action at UPIR. Officials from the venue expect well over 30 competitors in the Small Car division, over a dozen in the Micro Sprint division and anywhere from 15 to 20 in the Tough Truck/Car division.

The Small Car and Micro Sprint Divisions will run heat races, a last chance race (if necessary) and a feature race. Each of the Tough Trucks/Cars will take two timed runs through their specialized course. The best time will be taken for each competitor with the fastest qualifier named the winner.

UPIR expects a few drivers from other tracks such as Norway Speedway and Thunder Valley Raceway in Sands, Mich. Among them will be Bobby Rose of Cornell, who is a top competitor in the 4 cylinder division at both venues. Bret Widdis who races in the Mid-American Stock Car Series and boasts a win at the Milwaukee Mile with the United State Super Trucks also plans on fielding an entry. Nick Pinar of Escanaba won a championship on the ice this winter, and will head the contingent of Micro Sprint drivers.

After the racing concludes, the entertainment will continue below the grandstand. Local band Rock, Stock and Loaded will play a concert for no additional charge.

Admission prices for Saturday’s first round of the 2010 UPIR Triple Crown will be $5. The grandstand will open at 4 p.m. (E.S.T). Racing is scheduled to begin at 7.

UPIR is an abbreviated 1/8-mile clay-surfaced course carved out of the existing course at the Delta Co. Fairgrounds. A Triple Crown in 2010 will be used to gauge the interest of race fans in the area and to fund the efforts of reopening the facility featuring a 3/8-mile asphalt oval in 2011.

The UPIR Triple Crown will take place on three Saturday evenings in 2010. The dates are June 12, July 31 and Aug. 21. Racing is slated to begin at 7 p.m. on June 12 and July 31 and at 1 p.m. on Aug. 21.

Rules and registration are available by contacting Boyd Widdis at 906-450-5112. For more information visit upirracing.blogspot.com or www.deltami.org.

UPIR JOINS MOTORSTATS NETWORK

ESCANABA, Mich. (June 7, 2010) – Upper Peninsula International Raceway has partnered with the internet database site Motorstats.com Motorstats.com allows a framework for race tracks and sanctioning bodies to enter their data and receive instantaneous results. Joining the Motorstats network is completely free.

UPIR volunteer consultant Doug Strasburg has utilized Motorstats with his series, the Mid-American Stock Car Series, for the past three seasons.

“When I met with Chris Graner (from Motorstats) in Florida in February of 2008, I could tell he was someone who was passionate about the sport. His program added a strong new dimension to our Mid-American Web site,” Strasburg said.

Graner notes the simplicity of the program. “Using the Motorstats.com Web Tools, it's free and easy to get race results, point standings, pictures, video and other racing information to the racing fans,” he said.

Motorstats also looks to help organizations expand their ability to advertise. “Fans can continue their racing experiences beyond the track gate to the internet using Motorstats.com. We help turn those fan eyeballs into additional sponsorship opportunities,” Graner added.

Another unique aspect of Motorstats is the ability for a driver to have his or her own website. Drivers can sign up, fill out their information and sell their own ad space on Motorstats.com. They can also keep track of all of their finishes and the amount of points they received at each event.

A newer feature of Motorstats will allow UPIR to add widgets to a future web site. Featuring the Motorstats widgets, UPIR’s site will give real time results and up to the second point standings placed directly on the site’s main frame.

"When Mid-American joined Motorstats, it was very important that our Web site was on the cutting edge of web technology,” said Strasburg. “We didn’t want to be just another face in the crowd. By joining the Motorstats network, we hope to give UPIR the same advantage," he said.

The UPIR Motorstats page is available by following this link:

http://www.motorstats.com/TrackHome.php?trackId=251

UPIR is an abbreviated 1/8-mile multi-surfaced course carved out of the existing course at the Delta Co. Fairgrounds. A Triple Crown in 2010 will be used to gage the interest of race fans in the area and to fund the efforts of reopening the facility in 2011 on a full-time basis as a multi-purpose motorsport facility featuring a 3/8-mile asphalt oval.

The UPIR Triple Crown will take place on three Saturday evenings in 2010. The dates are June 12, July 31 and Aug. 21. Racing is slated to begin at 7 p.m. on all three dates.

Rules and registration are available by contacting Boyd Widdis at 906-450-5112. For more information visit upirracing.blogspot.com or www.deltami.org.

Racing ready for test drive in Esky

By Todd Guerne
Daily Press

http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=465455&sms_ss=facebook - cut and paste for video of UPIR practice

ESCANABA - After a nine-year hiatus, stock car racing is returning to Escanaba next month.

Escanaba Speedway closed in 2001, but the U.P. State Fair authority is looking to reopen the speedway on a full-time basis next year. Whether that happens will depend on the interest generated from a triple crown of exhibition races this summer. The first event is June 12 on a 1/8 mile clay oval track at the fairgrounds. The other races are July 31 and Aug. 21. Racing begins at 7 p.m. each night.

"The fair authority wanted information last September on putting a track in the Escanaba area," said Boyd Widdis of Manistique, who started racing at the Escanaba Fairgrounds in 1963 when he was 14 years old. His son Bret is part of an illustrious group of racers who have won at the Milwaukee Mile, the nation's oldest continually operating auto racing track.

Boyd Widdis and several former board members of the Upper Peninsula Racing Association got together and proposed an idea on building a track, which the authority would own and manage.

"For the exhibition races, we're building the clay track in front of the grandstand," Widdis said. Last week, the group put some finishing touches on the track, including a layer of fresh clay.

To help get stock car racing back on track in Escanaba, the group is leaning on volunteer advisor and consultant Doug Strasburg of Fort Atkinson, Wis. Strasburg has been involved in racing almost all of his life in one capacity or another. He and wife Julie own the Mid-American Stock Car Series, which returned to the U.P. last June for an event at Norway Speedway.

"I'm honored and flattered they asked me to help and I'll give them all the help I can," said Strasburg, who has family in Manistique.

Although the clay oval track race fans will see for the exhibitions is sure to bring excitement, the ultimate goal is to build a 3/8 mile blacktop oval at the fairgrounds.

"Although we're gearing up for this summer, we've also been looking ahead at what it will take to put a state-of-the-art paved course here in Escanaba," Strasburg said.

The races will consist of three different divisions: small car, micro sprints and tough trucks/cars. The small car division will have four or six cylinder vehicles under 192 inches in overall length to compete. However, safety modifications must be made to the vehicle, and a street legal vehicle will not be permitted to run in this division.

Street legal vehicles will be allowed to compete in the tough truck/car division.

The fastest division is the micro sprints, which are powered by a 650 motorcycle engine and compete during the winter on the ice course in Escanaba.

According to Vickie Micheau, Executive Director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, there has been a constant request from fans to bring racing back to the area.

"The response has been better than expected," said Micheau. "We knew based on the number of questions we were getting people were interested in racing."

The fair board authority passed a resolution May 21, stating the net income from the three races this summer will go toward construction of a new track. Micheau would not commit, however, any net income from this year's U.P. State Fair toward a race track.

"The racing will have to be self-sustaining," she said. "We have a huge obligation toward making sure the fairgrounds are profitable. I would expect any fair revenues would be used strictly for fairground improvements and operation."

No plans for racing at the fairgrounds in 2011 have been finalized. Widdis estimates it would cost $500,000 for a state-of-the-art blacktop facility.

"If built, it would probably be the premier short track facility in the Midwest and draw drivers from all over," said Widdis, who added it would be a multi-motor sports facility with three configurations of the paved oval that could be used.

The biggest issue is arranging financing for such a track. Micheau says the county and the fair board are exploring many options.

"We'll pursue all possible funding and grant opportunities," she said. "But the only way to put in the track is if the grant requests come through. It would be very difficult to service the debt if we don't have grants."

Widdis says this might be the best chance there has been to bring stock car racing back to Escanaba full-time.

"The people involved are the best people you can get involved," Widdis said. "The Chamber of Commerce is behind it because they realize you can't make money if the grandstand (at the fairgrounds) is sitting empty."

If all parties involved have anything to say about it, the grandstands won't be sitting empty much longer and racing fans will be happy once again.

THREE WEEKS BEFORE OPENER, UPIR RECEIVES UNEXPECTED FINAL TOUCH

ESCANABA, Mich. (May 24, 2010) – As the first leg of the inaugural UPIR Triple Crown inches nearer, volunteers have been working frantically to prepare the Midwest’s newest racing facility. Last week, the group put some of the final touches on the raceway – including a layer of fresh clay as a surface.

The layer of clay will provide a smoother, much more consistent surface for the racers. It will also significantly decrease the possibility of small rocks or debris becoming unearthed during a racing event.

“It is very clean clay,” said volunteer coordinator Boyd Widdis. “There were no rocks or debris for us to pick out of it.”

Funding for the clay was provided by several of the Micro Sprint teams. Degnan Motorsports, Steve Ives, Jason Kressin, Jesse and Justina Liss, John Mathias and Nick Pinar made donations to purchase the clay. Ed Brunette of Brunette and Sons Construction dug out the clay and hauled it to the Upper Peninsula Fairgrounds.

Placing the clay, was icing on the cake for UPIR volunteers, who have been working on a weekly basis to prepare the 1/8-mile facility. Thanks to the long list of volunteers, over the past month UPIR has undergone a complete facelift. What was once an empty field in front of a grandstand is now fully capable of hosting an event on Saturday, June 12.

“It already looks like a race track,” said Widdis after the latest volunteer work day, or work bee. “The enthusiasm is great. The Wednesday work bees have worked out really well for us.”

The first work bee was held to pick rocks off the surface and lay the concrete wall. Since that time the front stretch wall has been completed, fencing for the front stretch wall and the pits have been placed and the facility has been prepped for race fans.

“It's pretty exciting at the fairgrounds,” said Vickie Micheau, Executive Director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce. “I think even Boyd is surprised at all the work the volunteers have done. They're excited and so are we.”

Racing is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on June 12 and will feature the Micro Sprints, Small Cars and Tough Trucks. The second leg of the Triple Crown is scheduled for Saturday, July 31 and the third for Saturday, Aug. 21. All funding that is raised during the Triple Crown races will be used for track development.

UPIR is an abbreviated 1/8-mile multi-surfaced course carved out of the existing course at the Delta Co. Fairgrounds. A Triple Crown in 2010 will be used to gage the interest of race fans in the area and to fund the efforts of reopening the facility in 2011 on a full-time basis as a multi-purpose motorsport facility featuring a 3/8-mile asphalt oval.

Rules and registration are available by contacting Boyd Widdis at 906-450-5112.

Micro Sprints Prepare for UPIR Triple Crown

The Micro Sprints held a practice at Eagle River Speedway in preparation for the UPIR Triple Crown.

"Everyone is getting pumped for the races," said Nick Pinar, Micro Sprint champion from this past winter.

Among those on hand to practice were Glenn Nance (#99), Jason Kressin (#31), Karen Degnan (#23), Nick Pinar (#454), Scott Degnan (#75) and John Mathias.

The Micro Sprints will be back in action this Sunday at Eagle River.

5/19 Work Bee Pics and Thank You

The generosity of micro sprint racers paid for the clay hauled in. Thank you Degnan Motorsports, Steve Ives, Jason Kressin, Jesse & Justina Liss, John Mathias & Nick Pinar.

‘The Drivers of Tomorrow’ Junior Mini Sprints will showcase their class at the Triple Crown Races.

The number of work bee volunteers continues to grow. Thank you: Marv & Tyler Adams, Jim Baldwin, Bill & John Bourdeau, Lonnie Dalgord, Tom Dubord, Scott, Karen, Macy & Drake Degnan, Octavian Hartwell, Jamie Iverson, Steve Ives, Jason Kressin, Jim Leonard, Alyssa & Colin Nugent, Teddy Peippo, Jonathan Pepin, Nick Pinar, Kathy Rose, Bear Stankowicz, Boyd Widdis, Cathy, Danielle, Darren & Tyler Winling

5/12 Work Bee Pics and Thank You

The Degnan's came prepared and had whatever was needed.

Little Caesar's donated pizza and pop again - thank them when you go in there.

Most of the chain link fence is up on the cement barrier. Clay will be hauled in very soon. The flag stand was donated by Coplans of Escanaba.

The next work bee will be Wednesday, May 19th at 4:00 pm est.

Thanks: Marv Adams, Jim Baldwin, Bill Bourdeau, Scott, Karen, Macy & Drake Degnan, Chuck Dubord, Tom Dubord, Nick Kallio, Jason Kressin, Jim Leonard, John Mathias, Nick Pinar, Jim Smith, Bobby, Steve & Kathy Rose, Boyd & Bret Widdis, Cathy, Danielle, Darren & Tyler Winling. The pipes for the fence are measured perfectly thanks to Macy Degnan

Meet the Micro Sprints

The following are some of the cars and stars of the Micro Sprint Division competing in this summer's UPIR Triple Crown:


#71 - Jesse Liss (youngest Micro Sprint driver)



#28 - Karen Degnan


#31 - Jason Kressin



#99 - Glen Nance (car owned by John Mathias)


#1 John Mathias

Meet the Microsprints(2)

#77 - Bill Gagne

(R to L) - #29 Jason Kressin, #11 Randy Snowden Jr., #99 John Mathias, #454 Nick Pinar Sr., #93 Paul Hosking, #77 Bill Gagne, #104 Randy Snowden Sr.


454 - Nick Pinar Sr., 2010 Micro Sprint Champion

4/29/10 Work Bee Thank You and Pics

Thanks to the following volunteers at the most recent UPIR Work Bee:

Jim Baldwin - Fran Berbue - Ken Bower
Josh Brazeau - Scott Brunette - Lonnie Dalgord
Drake, Karen, Macy & Scott Degnan
Rob Germain - Allen Guindon - Octavian Hartwell
Jason Kressin - Jon Pepin - Nick Pinar
Bobby & Kathy Rose - Paul Wagner
Boyd & Bret Widdis
Cathy, Danielle, Darren & Nate Winling

4/24 Work Bee Pics and Thank You

A big THANK YOU to the volunteers at the UPIR Work Bee on Saturday, April 24th. Many drove all the way from Gulliver to help.

Tom Dubord & his logging truck

Little Casesars donated pizza & pop

Jim Baldwin - Bret Bobby - Ken Bower
Bill Clement - Lonnie Dalgord - Jeff Dehanke
Allen Guindon - Liza Grzena - Jason Kressin
Nick Pinar - Kathy Rose - Gary N Spencer
Brett Widdis - Boyd Widdis - “Nascar” Bob Williams

4/17/10 Work Bee

A big thank you to volunteers at the UPIR work bee Saturday, April 17th. The cement wall barrier is nearing completion. Rock pickers made a big dent in the stones. The Tough Truck track is now complete.

Volunteers
Marv Adams - Tom Dubord - Nick Pinar
Matt Adams - Ray Gardner - Steve Rose
Jim Baldwin - Allen Guindon - Bobby Rose
Bill Clement - Jamie Iverson - Kathy Rose
Lonnie Dalgord - Julie Iverson - Gary N. Spencer
Karen Degnan - Jim Liss - Luke Vermote
Scott Degnan - Justina Liss - Boyd Widdis
Macy Degnan - Jesse Liss - Bret Widdis
Drake Degnan - Dennis Pepin … hope nobody omitted

Equipment
-Tom Dubord
-John Buckland Contracting
-Derouin’s Auto Body
-Ken & Marcia Bower
-Dennis Pepin
-Rose Forest Products
-Boyd, Bret & Allison Widdis

Pizza Pizza
Little Caesar’s donated pizza and soda

Future Track Layout

The potential future of UPIR. The track is a 3/8-mile asphalt track that is progressively banked in the turns at 3 degrees, 6 degrees, 9 degrees and 12 degrees.

The access road is intended to create a smaller track in turns three and four to accomodate go-karts, small cars, etc. The plans may include a small dirt track/motocross/snocross track in the infield. There will also be room for mud drags on the infield.



**These plans are NOT FINALIZED, they are simply a CONCEPT of what UPIR's future may hold.

Micro Sprints on the Ice

Here are some videos of the Micro Sprints you will see at UPIR this summer!

UPIR Photos 4/14/10

UPIR Photos 4/14/10 (2)