This Week In Dirt

If we had a banquet hall big enough, we'd invite you all over for a TDN Thanksgiving this week. We could gather around swapping stories, putting logs on the fireplace as we mistakenly set the chimney on fire, eating all sorts of racing related fare (Think Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Menu only with items you can find at the concession stand) and of course...drinking.really good beer! It'd be a blast!

One day when the proverbial ship comes in, we'll have to do that. But for now, we can offer you another edition of This Week In DIRT, and if anybody wants our recipe for beer batter turkey cutlets or french fry casserole, don't hesitate to ask! We're here to help..



Ballou Completes Dream Season

Robert Ballou came to USA Raceway in Tucson to finish business and so he did. Ballou capped off a 13 win season on the USAC Amsoil National sprint tour. The 26 year old wheelman managed a win, a runner up and another top five finish in the final three points races in the annual Western World Championship. The season saw Ballou come home with 13 wins, 26 top fives, and 35 top tens en route to his first ever USAC championship.

Aaron Clay Photo

"This year has been something that’s come from years of work and struggle. I’m really proud of Derrick Bye and myself for getting our program to this point, and I again have to thank all the people who have helped in any way to get us here,” said Ballou post race on the final night of competition when he came up just short of winning the final feature to some guy named Bryan Clauson.  Brady Bacon rounded out the winners for the weekend with his Friday night victory.

Aaron Clay Photo

Final USAC Amsoil National Sprint Car Point Standings:

1. Robert Ballou - 2274
2. Dave Darland- 2187
3. Chase Stockon- 2092
4. Brady Bacon- 2085
5. Jon Stanbrough- 1788


Madden Continues Rampage

Chris Madden continued to obliterate and terrorize the sun belt late model racing scene in the closing weeks and months with yet another five digit paycheck. This weekend, the veteran South Carolina based driver managed to take the 77 lap Gobbler held at Cleveland Speedway in Tennessee, leaving Dale McDowell, Randy Weaver, Chase Junghans and Jimmy Owens in his wake as he collected $10,000 on Saturday night.

 Of course from glancing the starting positions and the finish, one could gather that Madden was the class of the field by default as hardly any passing occurred throughout the feature event, but nonetheless, it was Madden's 6th win over 16 races since he resumed his racing season following several months off and in that time Madden accumulated over $65,000 in novelty checks.

Madden was seen with legendary crew chief Tommy Hicks in victory lane who kept badgering people in the celebration for a Marlboro and a lighter.  The tandem could very well be onto a winning combination capable of an amazing run in 2016.


Southern Nationals "Gobbler" Finish:

1. Chris Madden
2. Dale McDowell
3. Randy Weaver
4. Chase Junghans
5. Mike Marlar
6. Jimmy Owens
7. Billy Ogle Jr.
8. Riley Hickman
9. Derek Ellis
10. Jason Hiett

Williams Grove Fans Subjected to Big Block Modifieds: SDS Schedule Released.

The Super DIRTcar big block modified schedule was released at this weekend's Parts Peddler trade show in Syracuse, NY, and fans immediately had to do a double take as the series will make it's first appearance at the legendary Williams Grove Speedway in years.  The mecca of central Pennsylvania sprint car racing will host the huge, loud, lumbering machines on Wednesday June 22nd.

There will be 28 points races to the 2016 SDS slate including stops at Eldora and Sharon Speedways in Ohio as well as dates at the hopefully finished Central New York Raceway Park for the annual Super DIRT Week.  If construction is not completed in time, fans are encouraged to bring wheel barrows of dirt from their backyard to Oswego Speedway starting in September and continuing through early October so that children with large tonka trucks may begin preparing a surface over the famed 5/8 mile asphalt oval.

To catch a glimpse of the 2016 Super DIRTCar Series Schedule, click here: 2016 SDS Schedule


Meanwhile....

The All Star Sprint schedule was released this week. Here it is. ASCOC Schedule

Well that's about it for us. Have a great week and stay DIRTY everyone!

To keep up with the movement in the offseason, check out our 410/SLM/BBMod Silly Season Page

Want a dirty calendar? It just so happens we've got one of our own. And if you buy one, $10 goes directly to Racers For Tots, a wonderful racing charity that helps make the holidays brighter for kids in need. Reserve your copy today!  2016 TDN Calendar