Gary Morton owned #70. RG Design Photo

HOLLY, Mich. — Canadian, Gary Morton, was the last man to ever win a Super Modified race at Winchester Speedway. In fact, he won the last two events there. He won the 1989 and 1990 fall events at the speedway. Supers haven’t raced at Winchester Speedway in nearly twenty-two years. So technically, Morton has a winning streak that currently stands at twenty-three years.

Morton will be at the track this Sunday for the first time since 1990 when Must See Racing will debut its new Super Modified series. Morton wont be behind the wheel, but he will be supporting the event as a car owner with Brampton, Ontario, Canada’s Dave McKnight behind the wheel of his familiar #70.

Morton recently recalled that chilly early November 1990 Sunday afternoon when Supers last ran Winchester Speedway. ” The last time we were there we got booed by the fans ” Morton recalls. ” It wasn’t a pretty day. We tore up a lot of cars and they red flagged it. The fans got impatient. They ran some other stuff so we could get some cars repaired and finish the race. I ended up winning it “. Perhaps Sundays event will go a lot smoother than that long ago 1990 event.

Morton’s vast experience at the legendary Indiana speedway should help his driver out tremendously. The duo will be battling several other teams for a hefty payday.The winners share for Sunday’s event will be one of the biggest paydays of the year for the division. $6,000 will be on the line with another $1000 being paid for fast time thanks to BIOBASED.US as part of their ‘ Winners Circle Bonus ‘ sponsorship.

The event will have several significant headlines. This will be the first time in twenty-two years Supers have raced at Winchester. In addition, the new MSRSMS will be hosting its inaugural event. This will be the first time in the history of the speedway that Supers have raced with wings.

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Dave Shullick Jr -DB3 Imaging Photo

Dave Shullick Jr. made a sweeping pass on then leader Charlie Schultz with just two laps to go to grab the 30 lap Midwest Supermodified Association (MSA) presented by Town Money Saver 2012 opening season feature race at Sandusky (OH) Speedway Saturday night. For Shullick Jr. this was his career 20th MSA victory and it came on a night when he was celebrating his Father Dave Shullick Sr.’s birthday. Getting to the front was a task in itself, but getting past a very fast and determined Schultz, Shullick Jr. had his work cut out for him.
MSA veteran drivers Jack Smith and Jon Henes would bring the field of 16 fire breathing, alcohol burning, winged monster to the start of the 30 lap contest. Smith would go on point as the first marker was completed as several cars battled side by side for position. The first of five cautions would fly at lap two. After a quick realigning of the field it was back to full speed as Smith continued to set the pace. Another handful of laps into the event Henes and Mike Lichty would make contact ending both cars night and sending them pit side. However, that yellow gave Schultz the track position he was looking for. Steadily moving through the field Schultz was now in position to mount a challenge. Once the green flew again Schultz wasted little time as he pushed to the front and started setting a blistering pace. Through 15 more laps and two cautions Schultz still maintained a sizable lead as the two team Stout cars where coming through the field trying to get to the leader. With but a handful of laps to go the yellow would be displayed and the field would be bunched up for a final run to the checkers. When racing resumed Shullick Jr. was there, breathing down the leader’s pipes with his teammate and 2011 MSA Champion Trent Stephens in tow. Being fast qualifier, but have some heat race mishaps Stephens had started dead last on the field and now found himself in the thick of the battle as laps clicked off. Shullick Jr. would get a run then fall off as Schultz soldiered on. But, finally Shullick Jr. got the boost he needed and pulled up beside Schultz with just two laps to go. Shullick Jr. muscled by to get the point and one lap later, on the last lap, Stephens zipped past Schultz to get the runner up position. Once Shullick was in front it was all over as he set sail for the final two markers unchallenged and in control. Following the Stout cars and Schultz across the line was Bobby Dawson fourth as Kyle Edwards rounded out the top five.

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Tanner Swanson -Madera Speedway Photo

Madera, CA – Never count a Swanson out at the Madera Speedway.

After trailing for the first 38 laps, Kingsburg’s Tanner Swanson took the lead from Kyle Vanderpool and prevailed in the 50-lap 410/360 Super Modifieds  main to win the Vukovich Classic on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Madera Speedway.

After a leak from Jim Birges’ car caused him to retreat to the infield, Vanderpool bolted out to a huge lead on the Lap 7 restart.

While Vanderpool seemed to have a decent lead, Swanson kept chugging away and eventually got side-by-side with him on Lap 38 before pulling out in  front two laps later. From there, Swanson wouldn’t be stopped as he led for the final 10 laps and claimed a spot in the winner’s circle – a place that his  racing family members have been in before.

Swanson is the younger brother of Kody Swanson, who’s won many races in Madera, and the son of former Madera Speedway track champion Mike  Swanson. Swanson also raced right afterwards in the USAC/BCRA main, finishing second while Chad Nichols won the 30-lap main.

Other winners on the night included Tony Hunt (USAC Sprints), Ed Amador (NCMA Sprints) and Jeff Williams (Southwest Tour Trucks). Three track qualifying records also fell in the event as Scott Pierovich (USAC Sprints), Eric Humphries (NCMA Sprints) and Williams each set the mark in  their respective classes.

After having a dark week, the Madera Speedway’s lights will be back on Saturday, May 19, 2012 for Holiday Inn Express Night featuring Race No. 3 of the  $1,000 to win Coors Light Open Late Model Series 100 laps (twin 50′s), Sports Mods, Hobby Stock, MST, Toyota Sedans, and 4-Bangers. Results

Main 410/360 Super Modifieds – 50 Laps

1. Tanner Swanson 2. Kyle Vanderpool 3. Roger Galleano 4. Carl Johnson 5. Jim Birges

Otto Sitterly -Mike Johnson Photo

OSWEGO, NY (May 6) – Otto Sitterly proved yet again that he is the man to beat in the Novelis Supermodified division at Oswego Speedway on Saturday May 5, by claiming his 21^stcareer victory and 4^th overall opening night (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012) win at the Steel Palace.  The Canajoharie native, and defending Budweiser International Classic 200 champion, started from the 12^th position and sliced his way through the field to the lead on the 46^th circuit, propelling himself to Chris Nelson Insurance Victory Lane as a part of the 62^nd Annual Opening Night presented by Gater Racing News and the Palladium-Times.

Sitterly’s Nicotra Racing teammate, Davey Hamilton of Boise, ID, would finish in the runner-up spot putting the No. 7 and No. 6 cars at the top of the podium, beginning 2012 where they ended 2011.  Canadian Mike Lichty drove the Nicotra No. 6 machine to a second place finish in the 2011 International Classic behind Sitterly.

Brian Sobus, with a brilliant run, Dave Gruel, and Jeff Abold would complete the Top 5 order ahead of Ray Graham, Shaun Gosselin, Tim Snyder, Randy Ritskes, and Pat Lavery.

“Dave had a left front tire going flat,” said Sitterly, in Chris Nelson Insurance Victory Lane.  “I’m sure that dampened the performance of his car.  I got him once and then that yellow came out, and the second time I wasn’t going to mess around because I figured if the caution came out again he could hold me off for a couple laps with only two tires, so I sort of made a bonsai pass there but it was open.  He couldn’t make the car turn out of turn 2 so I did my best to beat him into turn three.”

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OSWEGO, NY (March 28) – There is little doubt that the Novelis Supermodified class, and Oswego Speedway, has a certain mystique about them.  Ever since the formative years there have been teams that have driven hours upon hours, hauling passed other speedways, on their way to racing Supermodifieds at Oswego Speedway.

In the early days drivers like Art Bennett, Sammy Sessions, and ‘Jungle Jim’ Gresley towed 12 hours to run the Big O.  Years after, Norm Mackareth, Todd Gibson, Mike Ordway, Doug Didero, and Skip Matczak made Oswego their home tracks.

That tradition continues today, as Fairlawn, NJ driver Joey Payne has made the 5-hour trip for the past half-decade to run an Oswego Supermodified.

“It’s funny, Wall Stadium is right up the road, but Oswego Speedway is my home away from home,” the ‘Jersey Jet’ said, looking forward to the May 5th opener.  “I have a lot of great friends, and fans up there, and they have all welcomed me with open arms.”

This year will see Payne switch rides, having switched seats from the Strong Racing No. 99, to the Muldoon Racing stable.

“Pat and Terry are great people,” Payne reiterated.  “We did very well together, and I wish them luck with Michael, he’s a really talented driver, and they’ll get some wins for sure. The two-car team just didn’t work out for me.  Things didn’t work out as well as I had hoped for.  I decided to step back and look at things. ”

Payne now teams up with someone he has driven for in the past, former Track Champion, Budweiser International Classic Champion, and Oswego Speedway Hall of Famer, Mike Muldoon.

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Must See Racing Super Modified Series managers Randy and Rhonda Burch discussed the overwhelming positive response from race teams and race fans that has followed the  announcement of the new MUST SEE RACING SUPER MODIFIED SERIES.

“Our first meeting  with the super modified drivers and owners, held on Saturday March, 3 in Cleveland, was a great success. Must See President Jim Hanks gave a  45 minute presentation to the 90 plus attendees covering racing, the business of racing, the Must See Racing value to the race teams and an exact description of what, who and how the new series will operate and conduct racing events” said Randy Burch. “We also had a question and answer session that was followed by a press conference that included MSR television color commentator and Hall of Famer Tom Bigelow, American Racer representative Wayne Bishop, MSRXSS car owner Jim McCune, and super modified drivers Gene Lee Gibson and Jim Shirey.” continued Burch.

Jim Hanks, president and founder of Must See Racing commented, “To say I was pleased with the turn out, enthusiasm, welcome and positive response from the race teams would be an understatement. I had the opportunity to discuss our approach concerning safety, level competitive playing field and major cost reduction for the race teams, including the very positive aspects of using the American Racer tire. The meeting was objective, factual and the teams had some well thought out and important questions that we addressed and answered. Overall it was a terrific meeting.” said Hanks. “Having Don Wilshe of BioBasedUS. , car owner Jim McCune,Tom Bigelow plus Gene Lee Gibson and Jim Shirey share their experience racing at Winchester Speedway was very beneficial to everyone at the meeting” said Hanks.

Over twenty race teams, including drivers Gene Lee Gibson, Kody Swanson, Rich Reid, Tanner Swanson, Aaron Pierce, Jim Shirey,  Jason Blonde, and Indy car star Davey Hamilton have officially joined the new Must See Racing Super Modified Series.

The series first event will bring the supers back to Winchester Speedway after a twenty two year hiatus joining the MUST SEE RACING XTREME SPRINTS, FULL THROTTLE MODIFIEDS and front wheel drive division in the BIOBASED.US sponsored XTREME SPEED CHALLENGE Sunday May 20th.

The MUST SEE RACING SUPER MODIFIED SERIES information, schedule, drivers, teams and television programming information will be on the mustseeracing.com website in mid March.

Saturday, from a team owners and drivers organization meeting in Cleveland, Ohio  the formation of the new MUST SEE RACING SUPERMODIFIED SERIES.

“This is an outstanding group of drivers and race teams that will be both competitive and entertaining for the fans at the Must See Racing tracks. The addition of the exotic and fast winged super modifieds is a perfect fit and addition to our Xtreme Sprint Series, which has without question proved, at Bristol Motor Speedway, to be the “World’s Fastest Short Track Cars.” said Hanks.

“The MUST SEE RACING SUPERMODIFIED SERIES was formed to bring added value and entertainment to the fans at the tracks and on our television programming, plus provide an alternative racing option for the race teams with a level competitive playing field while significantly reducing their operational costs with our proven AMERICAN RACE TIRE program. This is a win win deal for racing, our series, the race teams, the sponsors and most importantly the fans.” continued Hanks.

The new series will be managed by long time super modified driver Randy Burch along with his wife Rhonda. The couple has extensive experience operating a race series delivering wheel to wheel, high speed competition on the race track for the race fans entertainment and enjoyment. The Burch’s have assembled a complete staff of experienced and dedicated officials.

“Rhonda and I are very excited to become a part of the MUST SEE RACING management family and look forward to operating a first class series. We are completely prepared and will put forward every effort necessary to extend the MSR success and valued reputation as an outstanding racing organization. This gives the race teams a great alternative racing option and a tremendous opportunity to be on the Must See Racing television programming to showcase this type of racing and their sponsors,” said series manager Randy Burch.

The series first event will bring the supers back to Winchester Speedway after a twenty two year hiatus joining the MUST SEE RACING XTREME SPRINTS, FULL THROTTLE MODIFIEDS and front wheel drive divisions in the BIOBASED.US sponsored XTREME SPEED CHALLENGE Sunday May 20th.

The MUST SEE RACING SUPER MODIFIED SERIES information, schedule, drivers, teams and television programming information will be on the www.mustseeracing.com website in mid March.

DACONO, Colo. – Madera, California’s Kyle Vanderpool and the Don Penix race team invaded Colorado this past weekend and stole an Englewood Racing Association supermodified triumph from series regulars in the season’s final race. Vanderpool became the first non-regular to win an ERA main in several seasons, and he did it by passing the best the historic supermodified series has to offer – 2011 champion Harold Evans – on the final turn of a competitive 30-lap championship night main event at Colorado National Speedway.

Vanderpool, a 23-year-old 360 supermodified veteran in his first season racing a 410-powered super, started eighth in the 12-car main, directly behind Evans. An opening lap accident involving Chris Sheil and Joe Priselac halted the heavily anticipated race as quickly as it began. Officials cleared Sheil’s and Priselac’s racecars off the track under a red-flag condition. Priselac’s No. 51 was badly damaged.

Once the race resumed, Johnny Pickard jumped into the lead while Evans and Vanderpool began picking cars off and moving toward the front of the field.

A second red flag waved on lap 19 for Ricky Otts, an ageless Texas supermodified veteran wheeling the freshly repaired Harry Stone No. 40. A suspension part apparently failed on the Stone-owned mount, sending Otts hard into the third turn wall. Otts was OK but the car badly damaged, a sad sight for the ERA community after Stone recently repaired the car from last year’s devastating accident in the 2010 season closer.

A major shakeup at the front of the field occurred during the race’s second stoppage, when officials notified Pickard that he’d be negated two positions for jumping the initial restart. The race-long leader would restart his red No. 02 in the third position.

Pickard’s misfortune handed the lead to Evans, and the cagey veteran took control of the race with Vanderpool hot on his heels. The pair raced hard throughout the last 10 laps, giving Denver-area fans a thrill in what was one of the best supermodified races at the track in recent memory.

Vanderpool worked on Evans, pulling underneath the Castor Racing No. 3 several times but not able to complete the pass. The final lap saw Evans lead Vanderpool into turn three, when Vanderpool gave the multi-time ERA champ’s rear bumper a nudge, sending H.J. slightly up the track. Vanderpool pulled low, made the pass and went on to the big victory in his first visit to the CNS three-eighths-mile oval.

Vanderpool pulled into victory lane while Evans pulled along side the California driver’s No. 31, offering some comments to the young racer before heading pitside. Vanderpool offered his thoughts in a phone interview Monday afternoon.

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Photo By Jim Feeney

Thompson, CT – It wasn’t a tremendous surprise to anyone when Chris Perley pulled the Vic Miller 11 into victory lane on Sunday at Thompson Speedway. After all he’d been there eight times before. His first World Series ISMA 50 win came on Oct. 15, 2000 and he’s only been out of the winner’s circle at that Connecticut oval three times since. He only took seven laps to move into the frontrunner spot from his 11th place starting position. His complete domination of the supermodified portion of the famous Thompson World Series is undeniable, as the record books show, but Perley himself can’t quite explain why.

He shook his head in victory lane and admitted, “I don’t think the domination here has a lot to do with me. Every time we unload here I just can’t believe it. I just sit in the car and drive it. The car seems to love it here. I don’t know what to say really. We don’t break down. The crew gives me an awesome car.  Thompson has been just great to come to every year. I kind of wish we came here more often but I wouldn’t want to take anything away from what we have right now. I don’t want to wear it out. It’s just incredible. Happy to see the weather came out great this weekend and all the fans who all came out to see us. I’m happy my family made it too. It’s just that I have a great car, great sponsors, great motors for a great track and it’s a great day.  Congratulations to my car owner Vic Miller on his seventh ISMA car owner title. It was great to race for him when I could this year and it’s been great every year. You just can’t beat all of this.”

Having an exciting run to finish second was Raymond, NH’s Jeff Locke who got to lead one lap before the 11 stormed by. Locke had some strong challenges, especially toward the end of the 50-lapper from Timmy Jedrzejek, but he held onto the runner-up spot. He said after the race, “This was awesome. I have to thank Richard (Witkum). The car was really good. I didn’t have a whole lot for Chris. I could stay with him but that was about it. Congratulations to him and the whole team. They obviously have this place figured out. I’m really happy to come home second. I have to thank my father and my family for sticking with me. This is a great finish to a pretty crummy year for us. I’m very happy.”

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Johnny Benson, Jr. wins the ISMA Supermodified “Racing Against Cancer 100″ @ Seekonk Speedway [MA] 10.02.11 (RG Design Photo: Robert Gill)

by Carol Haynes

Seekonk, MA – Last year Johnny Benson Jr. of NASCAR truck fame, came to Seekonk Speedway for the first time to compete in the ISMA 100. He left Seekonk with his career-first ISMA victory after an exciting battle with Chris Perley to the end of the 1^st annual Racing Against Cancer 100. Benson duplicated his feat Sunday at the Cement Palace with a few different adversaries, but an equally awesome run. Benson was able to present the $2500 ISMA check once again to the Racing Against Cancer effort and he also participated in the Cancer Team Walk on Saturday for one fulfilling weekend.

The former NASCAR Camping World truck champ started 7^thin the field of 26 potent supermodifieds and had to work by Eddie Witkum Jr, swap the top spot with 7-time ISMA champ Russ Wood and then spend over half the race fending off the torrid advances of Louie Cicconi in his newly-purchased Vic Miller machine, a car which Cicconi had taken to two wins in 2011 while subbing for Chris Perley. Benson was finally able to clear some heavy traffic with less than five to go, leaving second place finisher Russ Wood a couple car lengths behind at the checkers.

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