This Week In DIRT- Syracuse and Beyond; Friesen Charges To Victory; Schatz Wins 25th; Abreu Keeps Rolling; Bloomquist is King Cotton

Racing's biggest party took place this week in the salt city. Syracuse, NY and surrounding areas played host to a plethora of races leading up to a Sunday afternoon climax at the NY State Fairground's famous "Moody Mile".  There were modifieds, USAC Silver Crown cars, World of Outlaw Sprints, and more modifieds. So, if you missed eating a garbage plate or some salt potatoes, or if you missed seeing what transpired, or you were kept away from enjoying anything that resembled a dirt race for any reason (Dog ate your laptop?) we're here to help catch you up on what you missed.

So sit back, relax, and grab a Shaefer beer if you can find one, Genny light would also make for good reading this week as well. Because it's time for This Week in DIRT.....

Friesen Charges to Victory in Syracuse 200

Stewart Friesen started in the middle of the pack for the Sunday afternoon Super Bowl for the northeastern modifieds.  He'd been having fuel intake problems all weekend and although he can never be counted out of contention anywhere he goes, he was no overwhelming favorite as the day began.

But after a caution filled first 2/3 of the race, Friesen put his car up top on the narrow fairgrounds speedway with authority, eventually passing Matt Sheppard for the win as the laps wound down to collect his third "200" title. 

The win was extraordinary in the way that Friesen was able to run down top competitors over the final 60 laps with a car that seemed to get better while everyone else began to fade.  It didn't come down to fuel mileage this year, Friesen was the best car/driver combination in the field and there was no doubt about it. 

The win was especially sweet for the Canadian wheelman, in 2011 when he won his second title, the mood was dimmed with the revelation in post race tech that his fuel cell was illegal and Friesen was docked $25,000 from his winnings and allowed to keep the win. This year, his car came through clean as a whistle. Well done Mr. Freeze!

You can check the full field rundown and other news and notes from Syracuse
here at super dirt week online.

Schatz Wins 25th:

Donny Schatz bested a 30 car field at Rolling Wheels Raceway Saturday night during Super Dirt Week festivities. It was a win made more special with the fact that it was his 25th WoO Sprint victory in 2014, and also because there were salt potatoes left for him in the hauler.

Last weeks reluctant winner, David Gravel garnered a second place finish, while Daryn Pittman completed the podium. Schatz has now virtually won the World of Outlaw points championship and possibly earned a few points in 2015 if he keeps going at his current pace.

For the WRG press release just click here

Abreu Keeps Rolling; Takes Eldora Sprintacular:

So, who can trade slidejobs at Eldora with Dale Blaney for laps on end, in an All Star Sprint race and emerge victorious? Rico Abreu can.

The California driver came from deep in the field to win his first career winged sprint race at the famed Ohio speedway, and we're pretty sure it'll be the first of many to come. Abreu made the final pass for the lead on lap 18 and never looked back, taking the final checkered flag of the UNOH All Star Sprint season. The win was Abreu's 23 in his 2014 campaign and he's certainly garnering votes for our TDN Driver of the Year award.

In other action at Eldora, Randy Hanagan took home the victory in the NRA 360 Sprint portion, while Thomas Meseraull found victory lane in the B.O.S.S Wingless Sprint feature.

In other news, sprint car pilot Lee Jacobs had to be transported to a local hospital following a very bad accident in the All Star Sprint portion of the festivities. Jacobs is said to have sustained some injuries, but is stable at the current time. We here at TDN wish him a speedy recovery!

You can find the full field rundown and press release from Eldora here

And we have the highlights for you below:

Bloomquist is King Cotton:

And in the land of the late models, and cotton this week, Scott Bloomquist added to his novelty check collection with a $20,000 fake check.  Bloomquist handed a fairly stacked field of cars, a fairly good tail whipping at Magnolia Speedway in Columbus, MS this Saturday in the annual "Cotton Pickin 100".

We're not sure if there's room at the shop for all these he's collected in 2014, he may have to construct more storage space for them, and his growing collection of lexan and lexan free window nets as well

In all seriousness, Bloomquist's second half of 2014 has been as dominant as there has been in any division in dirt in recent memory. Perhaps not as impressive as Schatz's win total, but he's won far more special events. 

Top 10:

1. Scott Bloomquist
2. Chris Simpson
3. Mike Marlar
4. Randy Weaver
5. Morgan Bagley
6. Jimmy Owens
7. Billy Moyer Jr
8. Steve Francis
9. Dennis Erb Jr
10. Rick Eckert

You can check out the overview from our friends at dirt on dirt.com here!



Alright everyone, have a great week and stay DIRTY!