2008 Archived News

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2008 Illini Racing Series Final Drivers Points: 1: Joe Knippel 2914; 2: Lamont Critchett 2673; 3: Loran Critchett 2661; 4: Doug Orseske 2649; 5: Allen Gillis 2365; 6: Jason Dull 1963; 7: Scott Koerner 1903; 8: Scott Dunning 1860; 9: Mark Morey 1549; 10: Dick Kaiser 1383; 11: David Budres 1310; 12: Mike Adams Jr. 1217; 13: Sean Murphy 1044; 14: Eric Nitz 1012; 15: Eddie Sauer 884; 16: Kurt Mayhew 868; 17: Freddy Teer 766; 18: Dan George 661; 19: Charlie Holt 548; 20: Tom Shilkuski 509; 21: Dave Ohlendorf 385; 22: Black Bart 351; 23: Aaron Fiscus 260; 24: Susan Spencer 225; 25: Duke Fulton 211; 26: Ben Gillis 195; 27: Bob Shreffler 181; 28: Lee Beckwith 170; 29: Basil Hicks 135; 30: Mike Krysiak 120; 31: Jeff Steenbergen 60; 32: Ken Dull 5; 33: Jolene Slomka 5; -- End

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Illini Racing Series - News

2008 ILLINI BANQUET A HUGE SUCCESS!

Morris, IL (11/15/08) The 18th Annual Illini Racing Series is now history. The awards and prizes are all handed out, the food and good company enjoyed, and the celebrations over. But the memories of one of the most successful Illini seasons will linger on for some time to come.

Congratulations to Joe Knippel on his 5th driving and 6th owner's championships and his first Quinn McCabe Full Throttle Award.

We want to thank Bruce Field and Amy Kinsey for their help in handing out awards. Other special awards were presented to: Scott Dunning as the Bob Higman Rookie of the Year;

Scott Koerner was named Most Improved Driver;

Brad Robinson's #5 driven by Sean Murphy won Best Appearing Car honors;

The Best Dressed Crew went to Chuck Schultz and the #11 crew;

The Brett Lovellette Sportsmanship Award was presented to Critchett & Sons Towing Service for helping out so many teams;

Eddie Sauer was the latest recipient of the Bob Meyers Perseverance Award,presented by Amy and Diana Orseske, Bob Meyers' niece;

Brian Dobis picked up the Determination Award;

The Allen Gillis team won the Bob Lockard Mechanical Excellance Award;

Amy is joined by the five finalist for the Quinn McCabe Full Throttle Award, (left to right) Joe Knippel, Allen Gillis, Kurt Mayhew, Amy, Doug Orseske, and Lamont Critchett:

Kurt Mayhew also picked up a plaque for setting the Illini track record at Angell Park:

Jason Dull and Dick Kaiser both had to work on the night of the banquet,but the other eight of the Top 10 show off their new Illini jackets (from left to right, back row) Doug Orseske, Scott Koerner, Scott Dunning, and Allen Gillis (front row) Joe Knippel, Loran Critchett, Jr., Lamont Critchett, and Mark Morey

Joe Knippel presenting the signed flag to Art Peacock in appreciation of his generous sponsorship in 2008;

Art Peacock announcing that ADM Realty will once again sponsor the tow money fund in memory of Brett Lovellette;

Marlene Murphy (left) and Johanna Spencer handled registration and collecting autographs;

Diana Orseske (seated) and Sue Douvan (right) show Mrs. Phil Rider our new line of apparel. Phil was busy taking this picture, and all the banquet pictures! Thanks Phil!

Schultz takes 2nd at Wheaton Car Show

Wheaton, IL (9/27/08) Chuck Schultz brought out his #11 "Mongel", driven by Eddie Sauer since it's debut at Angell Park on

August 3rd, to a charity car show in Wheaton, a western suburb of Chicago. Holy Cross Lutheran Church provided their parking lot and facilities for the benefit of the Community Outreach program. The front engined dragster seen next to Chuck's display, edged out the "Mongrel" to take home the first place trophy in the Special Interest class.

This car show marked, at the minimum, seven off-track promotional appearances by Illini Racing Series cars in 2008 involving over 15 midget race cars.

*PICTURED - (left) Chuck Shultz "Mongrel" at Wheaton car show (right) Eddie's replacement?

Budres Wins Task Management Night Of Features

Morris, IL (08/31/08)

David Budres drove his way into the record book as the 9th Illini Racing Series driver to win the Task Management Night of Features in front of a packed grandstand at the Grundy County Speedway. The Beloit, WI driver had the fans on his side after his come from behind heat race win, making his victory lane appearance very popular with the crowd.

In only his second night in the Fred Teer #54, Budres seemed to be getting comfortable in the car until the white flag flew in his heat and he did an unassisted spin in turn two. Restarting at the tail end of the field for the green-white-checker finish, the crowd cheered louder with every car he passed. As he made his move past the lead car of Scott Dunning in turn four of the final lap, thousands of fans stood to roar their approval.

Sean Murphy, coming off a late model win the night before, ran away with his heat over Loran Critchett and Allen Gillis.

After the four wide salute to the fans, the feature race was a dandy. Doug Orseske took them three wide into turn two on the opening lap. Orseske had moved into third in points after his qualifying effort, but had dropped back to fourth after his heat. Only 40 points separated 2nd and 4th so it would come down to this last feature event of the year to settle who would be runner-up behind 2008 champion Joe Knippel, who had clinched the title the previous night at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Knippel, using Budres’ regular ride, used up a right rear dirt tracking the 1/3 mile paved track lap after lap, never giving Budres a chance to catch his breath until lap 14 when Murphy kissed the front stretch wall. Murphy was uninjured. Knippel’s ride started to overheat under the caution, forcing him to the infield pit area.

Gillis would challenge Budres for the remaining 11 laps, but when Danny Carter’s twin checkers fell, it would be Budres by a car length. Loran Critchett finished third to keep Orseske one position behind him, in the race and the year-end points.

Illini Racing Series Race #11, Grundy County Speedway, Morris, IL, August 31, 2008 32nd Annual Night of Features Summary:

Peacock Publishing Qualifying Results: 1. Lamont Critchett, Demotte, IN, #44 Boomba Specialties VW/Stapp, 16.085 (new event record); 2. Doug Orseske, Frankfort, IL, #0 Orseske Farms Quad 4/Buzzard, 16.142; 3. Scott Koerner, Joliet, IL, #4 Task Management Sesco/Bishop, 16.210; 4. Allen Gillis, Westmont, IL, #39 Task Management Illini Focus/White, 16.272; 5. Sean Murphy, Evanston, IL, #5 Half-Fast Quad4/Hawk, 16.331; 6. Loran Critchett, Jr., Alsip, IL #17 Micro Blue Racing, 16.408; 7. Joe Knippel, Mokena, IL, #31 Spencer/Knippel Quad 4/Ellis, 16.408: 8. David Budres, Beloit, WI, Teer/Snyder Fabrication #54 VW/Beast, 16.418; 9. Basil Hicks, Joliet, IL, #88 B&B Automotive 2300cc/Hawk, 16.748; 10. Mark Morey, Sugar Grove, IL, #3 Morey Enterprises Illini Focus/White, 17.094; 11. Scott Dunning, Bolingbrook, IL, #1 Knippel/Spencer Olds/Hawk, 17.182 (rookie); 12. Dave Ohlendorf, New Lenox, IL, #2 Ohlendorf Racing Supply, ORS Focus/Beast, 17.308; 13. Black Bart, Chicago, IL, #9
1 Black Bart Race Cars VW/Kenyon 18.877; 14. Jeff Steenbergen, Waupon, WI, #64 Pontiac/Beast, 19.973; 15. Eric Nitz, Beloit, WI, INR Beatty Lumber Quad 4/Buzzard #33 DNQ (blown motor)

ADM Realty heat race #1 (10 laps): 1. Murphy, 2. Lo. Critchett, 3. Gillis, 4. La. Critchett, 5. Koerner, 6. Knippel, 7. Orseske

ADM Realty heat race #2 (10 laps): 1. Budres, 2. Dunning, 3. Ohlendorf, 4. Morey, 5. Bart, 6. Hicks, 7. Steenbergen (DNS), 8. Nitz (DNS)

Task Management Night of Features main event (25 laps): 1. Budres, 2. Gillis, 3. Lo. Critchett, 4. Orseske, 5. La. Critchett, 6. Ohlendorf, 7. Dunning, 8. Morey, 9. Knippel (DNF), 10. Murphy (crash), 11. Bart (DNF), 12. Koerner (DNF), 13. Hicks (DNS), 14. Steenbergen (DNS), 15. Nitz (DNS)

Critchetts’ Capture Cedar Rapids, Knippel Crowned Champ

Cedar Rapids. IA (08/30/08) Lamont Critchett did everything he could to keep his championship hopes alive, winning his heat and the feature, driving the 1/4 mile Hawkeye Downs pavement like a man possessed and collecting the maximum 300 points . Piloting the #44 car of his brother Loran, Lamont nearly overcame two DNFs earlier this season to have a shot at repeating as the Illini Racing Series championship team.

Joe Knippel managed to score just enough points before another motor issue sidelined the #33. Just enough to maintain a 301 point lead going into the final race August 31st at Grundy County Speedway. One point beyond the reach of Lamont.

Illini Racing Series Race #10, Hawkeye Downs, Cedar Rapids, IA, 08/30/08 w/ASA
Peacock Publishing heat race #1: 1. Lamont Critchett, 2. Doug Orseske, 3. Loran Critchett, Jr. 4. Eric Nitz, 5. Eddie Sauer (DNS)

Peacock Publishing heat race #2: 1. Allen Gillis, 2. David Budres, 3. Joe Knippel, 4. Scott Dunning, 5. Scott Koerner

ADM Realty feature event: La. Critchett, 2. Gillis, 3. Lo. Critchett, 4. Orseske, 5. Budres, 6. Dunning, 7. Nitz, 8. Knippel, 9. Koerner, 10. Sauer (DNS)

Hoosier Mayhew Wins Illini Race in Wisconsin

Sun Prairie, Wi (08/10/08) Indiana driver Kurt Mayhew won his third straight Illini feature race at Angell Park Speedway. Mayhew set fast time, but had to settle for sixth place in his heat, as Jason Dull showed the way in heat #1.

Late model regular Scott Koerner won his second straight heat race in heat #2. After an early race battle with rookie Scott Dunning, another stock car transplant. Dunning fell back, but Mike Adams, Jr. made a late race charge, but had to settle for second.

First time Illini driver Jeff Steenbergen paced the pits waiting for his new car to be delivered from St. Louis. It made it in time for qualifying, but an oil fitting prevented a qualifying run or heat race start. With a determined effort, he was able to turn a few laps in the feature, a tough challenge to make your first laps in a midget at this legendary speed plant. He says he is looking forward to racing on the pavement at Grundy County Speedway on August 31st for the Illini season finale.

The feature race was a classic, with Mayhew and Dull putting on a dirt track driving school. They traded the lead several times, each using a variety of lines, but a mechanical problem forced Dull to the pits with just a few laps to go. Allen Gillis and Joe Knippel had an equally exciting battle for 3rd and 4th, until Knippel suffered his second straight week of motor problems. Gillis took home 2nd place honors, with Badger regular Aaron Fiscus in 3rd in his first run with the Illini, just ahead of Lamont Critchett

Illini Racing Series at Angell Park Speedway, August 10, 2008 Results:
Peacock Publishing Qualifying Results: 1. Kurt Mayhew, Roselawn, IN, #21k Mayhew Racing Buick/Buzzard, 17.579; 2. Jason Dull, Machesney Park, IL, #56 JJ Grinding Chevy II/Stealth, 17.853; 3. Joe Knippel, Mokena, IL, INR Beatty Lumber Quad 4/Buzzard #33, 17.894; 4. Dick Kaiser, Milwaukee, WI, #82 Allis Car Care Scream Focus/Buzzard, 18.098; 5. Allen Gillis, Westmont, IL, #39 Task Management Illini Focus/White, 18.153; 6. Aaron Fiscus, Sun Prairie, WI #71, 18.303; 7. Sean Murphy, Evanston, IL, #5 Half-Fast Quad4/Hawk, 18.419; 8. Lamont Critchett, Demotte, IN, #44 Boomba Specialties VW/Stapp, 18.671; 9. Tom Shilkuski, Spring Valley, IL, #23 Ray Shilkuski Illini Focus/Jack Rich, 18.702; 10. Scott Koerner, Joliet, IL, #4 Task Management Sesco/Bishop, 19.151; 11. Eric Nitz, Beloit, WI, #31 Spencer/Knippel Quad 4/Ellis (rookie), 19.172; 12. Eddie Sauer, Davis, IL #11 Beta Gear Service VW/Mongrel, 19.231; 13. Doug Orseske, Frankfort, IL, #0 Orseske Farms Quad 4/Buzzar
d, 19.414; 14. Scott Dunning, Bolingbrook, IL, #1 Knippel/Spencer Olds/Hawk, 19.431 (rookie); 15. Loran Critchett, Jr., Alsip, IL #17 Micro Blue Racing, 19.547; 16. Mike Adams, Jr., McFarland, WI, #21A Albert Racing Experience Chevy II/Mishlich, 19.844; 17. Mark Morey, Sugar Grove, IL, #3 Morey Enterprises Illini Focus/White, 19.942; 18. Jeff Steenbergen, Waupun, WI, #62 Pontiac/Beast (rookie), DNQ

Heat #1 (10 laps): 1. Dull, 2. Fiscus, 3. Gillis, 4. Knippel, 5. La. Critchett, 6. Mayhew, 7. Murphy, 8. Kaiser, 9. Shilkuski

Heat #2 (10 laps): 1. Koerner, 2. Adams, 3. Lo. Critchett, 4. Orseske, 5. Nitz, 6. Morey, 7. Dunning, 8. Sauer, 9. Steenbergen (DNS)

ADM Realty Feature Race (20 laps): 1. Mayhew, 2. Gillis, 3. Fiscus, 4. La. Critchett, 5. Koerner, 6. Kaiser, 7. Nitz, 8. Orseske, 9. Lo. Critchett, Jr., 10. Dull, 11. Morey, 12. Knippel, 13. Dunning, 14., Shilkuski, 15. Sauer, 16. Steenbergen, 17. Murphy, 18. Adams, Jr.,

Next race: Hawkeye Downs, Cedar Rapids, IA, August 30th

Mayhew Makes it Two at Angell Park

Sun Prairie, WI (08/03/08)

Kurt Mayhew made it two straight Illini Racing Series (IRS) wins at Angell Park Speedway, picking up a clean sweep along the way. Mayhew’s qualifying time of 17.124 established a track record for this club on their first night with qualifying at the legendary speedway.

Five time Illini driving champion, Sue Spencer returned to the track that helped her win the Badger Rookie of the Year title in 1986, joining Lee Beckwith and Dave Ohlendorf on their first outing in some time. Chuck Shultz signed in as a car owner after a 32 year break.

Badger veteran Mayhew took the first heat, but it was stock car veteran Scott Koerner who showed his versatility by taking the checkers of heat two, followed by another stock car driver Scott Dunning, flexing the power of his newly installed single overhead cam Olds powerplant. Dave Ohlendorf made an impressive debut on dirt with a strong third place heat finish. The feature race was highlighted by a great battle between Mayhew and Jason Dull that lasted until the crossed flags at half way. At that point, Dull’s car encountered a mechanical problem that slowed him slightly, but just enough for Joe Knippel and Allen Gillis to slip by. Knippel’s car put a hole in both sides of the block as he entered turn three, but managed to cross the stripe in an expensive plume of smoke.

Illini Racing Series at Angell Park Speedway, August 3, 2008
Peacock Publishing Qualifying Results: 1. Kurt Mayhew, Roselawn, IN, #21k Mayhew Racing Buick/Buzzard, 17.124; 2. Jason Dull, Machesney Park, IL, #56 JJ Grinding Chevy II/Stealth, 17.486; 3. Joe Knippel, Mokena, IL, INR Beatty Lumber Quad 4/Buzzard #33, 17.904; 4. Allen Gillis, Westmont, IL, #39 Task Management Illini Focus/White, 18.057; 5. Dick Kaiser, Milwaukee, WI, #82 Allis Car Care Scream Focus/Buzzard, 18.173; 6. Lamont Critchett, Demotte, IN, #44 Boomba Specialties VW/Stapp, 18.364; 7. Sue Spencer, Joliet, IL, #31 Spencer/Knippel Quad 4/Ellis, 18.748; 8. Doug Orseske, Frankfort, IL, #0 Orseske Farms Quad 4/Buzzard, 19.065; 9. Eddie Sauer, Davis, IL #11 Beta Gear Service VW/Mongrel, 19.227; 10. Scott Koerner, Joliet, IL #4 Task Management Sesco/Bishop, 19.239; 11. Loran Critchett, Jr., Alsip, IL #17 Micro Blue Racing, 19.251; 12. Lee Beckwith, Channahon, IL #69 Evolution Motorsports Quad 4/Stewart, 19.260; 13. Mark Morey, Sugar Grove, IL, #3 Morey Enterprises Illini Focus/White, 19.602; 14. Scott Dunning, Bolingbrook, IL, #1 Knippel/Spencer Olds/Hawk, 19.870; 15. Dave Ohlendorf, New Lenox, IL, #2 Ohlendorf Racing Products Focus/Stealth, 20.592; 16. Mike Adams, Jr., Rockdale, WI, #21A Albert Racing Experience Chevy II/Mishlich, DNQ

Heat #1 (10 laps): 1. Mayhew, 2. Knippel, 3. Dull, 4. Gillis, 5. Spencer, 6. Orseske, 7. Kaiser, 8. La. Critchett

Heat #2 (10 laps): 1. Koerner, 2. Dunning, 3. Ohlendorf, 4. Sauer, 5. Beckwith, 6. Lo. Critchett, Jr., 7. Morey, 8. Adams (DNS)

ADM Realty Feature Race (20 laps): 1. Mayhew, 2. Knippel, 3. Gillis, 4. Dull, 5. Sauer, 6. Spencer, 7. Dunning, 8. Lo. Critchett, Jr., 9. Morey, 10. Ohlendorf, 11. Koerner, 12. Beckwith, 13. Orseske, DNS: Kaiser, La. Critchett, Adams, Jr.

Important Annoucement

Rockford, IL (07/26/08) The Illini Racing Series announced at today's drivers' meeting that August 10th at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, WI has been added to the 2008 race schedule. The track will provide transponders for the Illini Midgets to qualify at the legendary track for the first time at the August 3rd and August 10th dates.

Orseske’s Zero the Hero at Rockford

Rockford, IL (07/27/08) For the second time this season, the Illini Racing Series (IRS) midgets shared the card with the ASA Late Models and their support classes. This time the venue was the historic Rockford Speedway. The midgets put on some the best racing of the evening.

Doug Orseske became the first two time winner of the season, after a spirited battle with Lamont Critchett. Critchett was able to use lapped traffic to gain the lead for one lap, but Orseske battled back on the high side to reclaim the top spot a lap later.

Loran Critchett, Jr. picked a his first checkered flag of the year, winning heat #1 over local favorite Jason Dull and Orseske. Heat #2 was all Freddie Teer, with Joe Knippel closing in on the final laps. Sean Murphy brought the Half Fast team’s new car to a pavement track for the first time to take third in this heat and the feature.

Illini Racing Series Midgets, Race Results from Rockford Speedway; July 26, 2008:

Heat Race #1 (8 laps): 1. Loran Critchett, Jr., Alsip, IL, Dave Gass #17 VW/Challenger; 2. Jason Dull, Machesney Park, IL, #56 JJ Precision Grinding #56 Chevy II/Stealth; 3. Doug Orseske, Frankfort, IL, Orsske Farms #0 Quad 4/Buzzard; 4. Mike Adams, Jr., Rockdale, WI, Albert Motorsports #21 Chevy II/Mislich; 5. Scott Dunning, Bolingbrook, IL, Knippel/Spencer Racing #1 Illini Focus/Hawk; 6. Black Bart, Chicago, IL, Black Bart Race Cars #91 VW/Kenyon; 7. Ben Gillis, Westmont, IL, Task Management #39 Illini Focus/White; 8. Eddie Sauer, Davis, IL, Sauer Motorsports 2300cc Ford/Edmunds.

Heat Race #2 (8 Laps): 1. Freddie Teer, Union IL, Snyder Fabrication #54 VW/Beast; 2. Joe Knippel, Mokena, IL, INR Beatty Lumber #33 Quad 4/Buzzard; 3. Sean Murphy, Evanston, IL, Half Fast Motorsports #5 Quad 4/Hawk; 4. Lamont Critchett, Demotte, IN, Knight Body Shop #44 VW/Stapp; 5. David Budres, Beloit, WI, Snap-On Tools #31 Quad 4/Ellis; 6. Scott Koerner, Joliet, IL, Task Management #4 Sesco/Bishop; 7. Mark Morey, Sugar Grove, IL, Morey Enterprises #3 Illini Focus/Outhouse.

Feature Race (25 laps): 1. Orseske, 2. La. Critchett, 3. Murphy, 4. Knippel, 5. Lo. Critchett, 6. Budres, 7. Dull, 8. Teer, 9. Gillis, 10. Morey, 11. Koerner, 12. Bart, 13. Dunning, 14. Adams, !5. Sauer, DNS.

Illini Racing Series Points after 7 races: 1. Joe Knippel, 1976; 2. Lamont Critchett, 1803; 3. Loran Critchett, 1766; 4. Doug Orseske, 1758; 5. Jason Dull, 1443; 6. Allen Gillis, 1277; 7. Scott Koerner, 1158; 8. Mike Adams Jr., 1097; 9. Scott Dunning, 1059; 10. Dick Kaiser, 1008; 11. Mark Morey, 1001; 12. David Budres, 782; 13. Freddie Teer, 766; 14. Sean Murphy, 669; 15. Dan George, 661; 16. Eric Nitz, 579; 17. Charlie Holt, 548; 18. Eddie Sauer, 519; 19. Tom Shilkuski, 414; 20. Kurt Mayhew, 293; 21. Duke Fulton, 211; 22. Ben Gillis, 195; 23t. Bob Shreffler, 181; 23t. Black Bart, 181; 25. Mike Krysiak, 120; 26t. Ken Dull, 5; 26t. Jolene Slomka, 5.

Next Illini Racing Series event: August 3rd at Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, WI.

Some Notes

Minooka, IL 07/24/08 As we all get ready for this weekend’s race at Rockford Speedway, we have a few notes: Our sympathies are extended to the Gibson family from Ohio. Terry will be missed. Times for the Illini teams Saturday at Rockford Speedway: pit gate at 1:30 with hot laps at 4 pm. Heats will be 8 laps and the feature is scheduled for 25 laps. The Illini drivers’ meeting will be around 3 pm at Orseske’s trailer (where the line-up board will probably be. TWO big announcements will be made at our drivers’ meeting, and posted right here as soon as possible for those not at Rockford.

Joliet Race Fan Rally

Joliet, IL 07/09/08 The Illini Midgets were proud to be part of the annual Joliet Race Fan Rally. The event drew nearly 40

thousand race fans and their families to downtown to see race cars of every description. The festival atmosphere provides great refreshments and plenty for all to do. One of the photos from Illini Images shows a sample of the dozens of kids who sat in one of the Illini midgets on display, another shows the Murphy's early in the day taking a break after unloading, and the third shot shows the Half Fast midget driven by Sean Murphy.

MAYHEW OVERCOMES MAYHEM FOR ILLINI WIN AT ANGELL PARK

Sun Prairie, WI, 07/06/08 Just one week after having a hit and run driver destroy his tow vehicle and trailer, Kurt Mayhew found himself in victory lane at the world’s most famous midget track. Mayhew had planned to run once again with the Illini Racing Series, but after his highway accident, that seemed in doubt. When the “friends of Mayhew” brought the car into the pits tonight, everyone was happy to see the veteran driver feeling well enough to give it a try.

With his Brayton/Buick choked down with the required intake restrictors, and a set of Illini spec tires bolted on his Buzzard chassis, Mayhew gingerly slid his bruised ribs into the cockpit of his racecar. With no qualifying, his draw put him in the 2nd heat with four of the five feature race winners from this year, Joe Knippel, Allen Gillis, Lamont Critchett, and Doug Orseske. The heat also included Sean Murphy, Mark Morey and Duke Fulton in his 1980’s vintage Vogler chassised car from Iowa compete. Knippel won the heat, with Mayhew 2nd.

The first heat saw a sweep of the top three positions by Wisconsin drivers. David Budres took the early lead, but spun in turn one, sending him to the back of the pack. The Beloit driver came back to win, followed by Milwaukee’s Dick Kaiser, and Rockdale’s Mike Adams, Jr..

The A-Main featured a number of great batttles for positions, with Mayhew working his way to the front, chased by a determined Gillis and Knippel. Mayhew was able to catch a breather under yellow flags on lap 6 for a Budres brush with the inside guardrail in turn 4, on lap 8 for Murphy’s broken Panhard bar, and on lap 12 when Orseske lost the right front tire and gently brushed the wall.

RESULTS:

Heat #1 (10 laps): 1. David Budres, Beloit, WI, #31 Snap-On Tools Quad-4/Ellis; 2. Dick Kaiser, Milwaukee, WI, #82 Dan George Scream Focus/Stealth; 3. Mike Adams. Jr., Rockdale, WI, #21A Joe Albert Chevy II/Mislich; 4. Loran Critchett, Jr., Alsip, IL, #17 Dave Gass VW/Challenger; 5. Eddie Sauer, Loves Park, IL, #74 Sauer Racing 2300cc Ford/Edmunds; 6. Scott Dunning, Joliet, IL, #1 Knippel/Spencer Racing Illini Ford/Hawk; 7. Scott Koerner, Joliet, IL, #4 Task Management Sesco 2x4/Bishop; 8. Tom Shilkuski, Spring Valley, IL, #66 Ray Shilkuski VW/Kenyon

Heat #2 (10 laps): 1. Joe Knippel, Mokena, IL, #33 INR Beatty Lumber Quad-4/Buzzard 2. Kurt Mayhew, Hammond, IN, #21 Mayhew Racing Buick/Buzzard; 3. Allen Gillis, Westmont, IL, #39 Task Management Illini Focus/White; 4. Lamont Critchett, Chicago Heights, IL, #44 Critchett VW/Stapp; 5. Sean Murphy, Evanston, IL, #5 Half Fast Quad-4/Hawk; 6. Duke Fulton, Winton, IA, #32 Arnold Automotive VW/Vogler;; 7. Doug Orseske, Frankfort, IL, #0 Orseske Farms Quad-4/Buzzard; 8. Mark Morey, Sugar Grove, IL, #3 RaceFab Illini Focus/White; 9. Jason Dull, Machesney Park, IL, DNS

A-Main (25 laps): 1. Mayhew, 2. Gillis, 3. Knippel, 4. La. Critchett, 5. Kaiser, 6. Sauer, 7. Lo. Critchett, Jr., 8. Fulton, 9. Morey, 10. Shilkuski, 11. Koerner, 12. Orseske, 13. Adams, Jr., 14. Murphy. 15. Dunning, 16. Budres, 17. Dull (DNS)

CURRENT ILLINI RACING SERIES POINTS AS OF 7/7/08: 1. Joe Knippel, 1705; 2. Lamont Critchett, 1532; 3. Loran Critchett, Jr., 1496; 4. Doug Orseske, 1473; 5. Allen Gillis, 1277; 6. Jason Dull, 1195; 7. Dick Kaiser, 1008; 8. Scott Koerner, 970; 9. Mike Adams Jr., 916; 10. Scott Dunning, 879; 11. Mark Morey, 813; 12. Dan George, 661; 13. Eric Nitz, 579; 14. David Budres, 549; 15. Charlie Holt, 548; 16. Freddy Teer, 518; 17. Eddie Sauer, 421; 18. Tom Shilkuski, 414; 19. Sean Murphy, 399; 20.. Kurt Mayhew, 293; 21. Duke Fulton, 211; 22. Bob Shreffler, 181; 23. Mike Krysiak, 120; 24 Ken Dull, 5; 25. Jolene Slomka, 5.

Next Scheduled Illini Racing Series midget race: Saturday, July 26 at Rockford Speedway with the ASA Northern Late Model Series.

Five Races, Five Faces

Princeton, IL (6/7/08) On a beautiful night for racing at the historic Bureau County Fairgrounds, the Illini Racing Series showed once again how well their rulebook works. The fifth different driver in five races found their way to victory lane, but it wasn’t easy.

Doug Orseske picked up his seventh career feature win, his third on dirt. Orseske started his heat from the pole, but did a 360 degree spin in turn one in front of the entire field. The 0 car kept running, but flagman Matt Rahmer had already alertly thrown the yellow flag in anticipation of the big pile-up that never came. Orseske took the lead on third circuit of the 25 lap feature, but was pressured by Joe Knippel until lap 14. Knippel was finally able to clear Orseske just as the red flag was thrown.

The red was to allow the ambulance to leave the infield for a non-race emergency. With the restart based on the previous completed lap, Knippel would have to try again to take the top spot. He wasn’t able to, and Orseske became the first driver to win a feature event on our new American Racer tires. A great battle for 3rd was won by Allen Gillis, with Dick Kaiser 4th, and Lamont Critchett 5th.

The second heat was won by Gillis, and the trophy dash hardware went home with the Sean Murphy team, a team who debuted their new car with style.

The Illini Dwarf Car/Mod-Lite Division saw Jeff Norton sweep the heat and feature. The Davenport driver was chased to the feature finish by Bobby Fox in 2nd, David Norton in 3rd, Shon Sanders 4th, and Dan Guss 5th.

The next Illini Racing Series race is June 21st at Bureau County Speedway.

Illini Racing Series Event #5, June 7, 2008 Bureau County Speedway, Princeton, IL

Illini Sportsman Midgets:

Peacock Publishing Heat #1: 1. Lamont Critchett, Chicago Heights, IL #44 Critchett Brothers Racing VW/Stapp; 2. Joe Knippel, Mokena, IL #33 Knippel/Spencer Quad 4/Buzzard; 3. Doug Orseske, Frankfort, IL #0 Orseske Farms Quad 4/Buzzard; 4. Loran Critchett, Jr., Alsip, IL #17 On the Gass Racing VW/Challenger: 5. Scott Dunning, Bolingbrook, IL #1 Knippel/Spencer Illini Focus/Hawk; 6. Scott Koerner, Joliet, IL #4K Task Management Sesco/Bishop.

Spencer’s Jewelry Heat #2: Allen Gillis, Westmont, IL #39 Task Management Illini Focus/White; 2. Sean Murphy, Evanston, IL #5 Quad 4/Hawk; 3. Jason Dull, Machesney Park, IL #56 D & D Racing Chevy II/Stealth; 4. Mark Morey, Sugar Grove, IL #3 Morey Enterprises Illini Focus/White; 5. Charlie Holt, Lemont, IL #4H Thompson/Engstrom EcoTech/Stewart; 6. Dick Kaiser, Milwaukee, WI #82 George Racing Enterprises Scream Focus/Buzzard; 7. Tom Shilkuski, Spring Valley, IL #23 Ray Shilkuski Illini Focus/Jack Rich; 8. David Budres, Beloit, WI #31 Knippel/Spencer Quad 4/Ellis.

ADM Real Estate Feature Event (25 laps): 1. Doug Orseske, 2. Joe Knippel, 3. Allen Gillis, 4. Dick Kaiser, 5. Lamont Critchett, 6. Loran Critchett, Jr., 7. Charlie Holt, 8. Mark Morey, 9. Jason Dull, 10. Sean Murphy, 11. Scott Dunning, 12. Scott Koerner, 13. Tom Shilkuski, 14. David Budres

Illini Sportsman Midget Points after 6/7/08: 1. Joe Knippel 1420, 2. Doug Orseske 1300, 3. Lamont Critchett 1276, 4. Loran Critchett 1263, 5. Jason Dull 1195, 6. Allen Gillis 999, 7. Scott Koerner 790, 8. Dick Kaiser 745, 9 Mike Adams Jr. 721,10. Scott Dunning 721, 11. Dan George 661, 12. Mark Morey 625, 13. Eric Nitz 579, 14. Charlie Holt, 548, 15. Freddie Teer 518, 16. David Budres 361, 17. Tom Shilkuski 233, 18. Sean Murphy 226, 19. Eddie Sauer 188, 20. Bob Shreffler 181, 21. Mike Krysiak 120, 22. Ken Dull 5, 23. Jolene Slomka 5.

Illini Dwarf Car/Mod-Lites:

Heat Race: 1. Jerry Norton, Davenport, IA, 2. David Norton, Moline, IL, 3, Shon Sanders, Blue Grass, IA, 4. Bobby Fox, Moline, IL, 5. Rob Guss, Muscatine, IA, 6. Dan Guss, Muscatine, IA, 7. Dan Vincent, Solon, IA, 8. Jeep Leiker, Joliet, IL

Feature Race: 1. Jerry Norton, 2. Bobby Fox, 3. David Norton, 4. Shon Sanders, 5. Dan Guss, 6. Rob Guss, 7. Dan Vincent, 8. Jeep Leiker

Illini Dwarf Car/Mod-Lite Points after 6/7/08: 1. Sean Sanders 563, 2. Jeep Leiker 474, 3. Jerry Norton 300, 4. David Norton 278, 5. David Imming 271, 6. Bobby Fox, 271, 7. Erik Close 263, 8. Dan Guss 233, 9. Rob Guss 233, 10. Dan Vincent 210

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Effective with the June 7th race at Bureau County Speedway, each Illini Midget that takes a green flag will receive an additional $20 stipend to help offset the high fuel prices. This is in addition to any prize money earned in competition. This money will come from a special fund established in memory of Brett Lovellette by Art Peacock of ADM Real Estate. Art Peacock has authored two books about racing in our area.

Wreckers to Checkers, Gillis and Critchett Rebuild and Win

Morris, IL (5/25/08) After being involved in a five car crash last weekend, everyone knew it would a week of long nights in many race shops to get everybody back on the track. The time and effort was put forth and it paid big dividends for two of the teams.

Saturday night marked the first appearance for the Illini Sportsman Midgets at Bureau County Speedway in Princeton, IL. The track was a perfect fit for the Illini group. Illini Rookie of the Year candidate Dick Kaiser drove the Dan George #82 to the trophy dash win. Joe Knippel took advantage of his outside front row starting position to win heat one. Heat two saw Scott Koerner pick up his first heat race win, although his Chevy Sesco was smoking heavily.

The feature race was one of the great ones. Allen Gillis?#39 may have been the most seriously damaged cars at Rockford. The car looked straight in hot laps, but it lost brakes and had to be worked on further. Gillis managed to finish 2nd in his heat, but by time the main rolled around, it became apparent the Task Management car wasn抰 going to finish 2nd to else this night. A late caution to remove a stalled car bunched up the field, but Gillis held off all challenges to claim his first feature win.

Less than 24 hours later, the group found themselves as part of the big ASA show at Grundy County Speedway. After finishing last in his heat, and 7th in the feature the night before on the dirt, Lamont Critchett looked strong in hot laps. In fact, he looked strong winning his heat. And he still looked good taking to the high side to get around Joe Knippel on his way to his first feature win of the season.

Celebrating in victory lane with his crew and car owner (brother Loran Critchett, Jr.), Lamont revealed the team had to pull an all-nighter to get their cars repaired and changed over to their pavement set-up. They did, and it paid off.

Four races, four faces in victory lane. A first time trophy dash winner, a first time heat race winner, a first time feature winner, two new tracks visited, 22 drivers, and a bunch of new cars. Not bad for just two weeks into the season.

Next Illini Racing Series race is June 7th at Bureau County Speedway.

Illini Racing Series Race #3, May 24, 2008, Bureau County Speedway, Princeton, IL

Heat race #1 (8 laps):1. Joe Knippel #33, Mokena, IL, Knippel/Spencer Quad 4/Buzzard; 2. Doug Orseske #0, Frankfort, IL, Diana Orseske Quad 4/Buzzard; 3. Loran Critchett, Jr. #17, Alsip, IL, Dave Gass VW/Challenger; 4. Tom Shilkuski #23, Spring Valley, IL, Ray Shilkuski Focus/Stewart; 5. Mike Krysiak #7, Peru, IL, VW/White; 6. Eric Nitz #31, Beloit, WI, Knippel/Spencer Quad 4/Ellis; 7. Charlie Holt #4H, Lemont, IL, Thompson/Engsrtom EcoTech/Stewart; 8. Lamont Critchett #44, Chicago Heights, IL, Critchett VW/Stapp

Heat race #2 (8 laps): 1. Scott Koerner #4K, Joliet, IL, Task Management Chevy Sesco/Bishop; 2. Allen Gillis #39, Westmont, IL, Task Management Illini Focus/White; 3. Dick Kaiser #82, Milwaukee, WI, George Racing Enterprises Scream Focus/Buzzard; 4. Jason Dull #56, Machesney Park, IL, Fontana/Stealth; 5. Mike Adams, Jr. #21A, Rockdale, WI, Albert Racing Enterprises Chevy II/Mislich; 6. Mark Morey #3, Sugar Grove, IL, Knippel/Spencer Illini Focus/White; 7. Scott Dunning #1, Bolingbrook, IL, Knippel/Spencer Illini Focus/Hawk; 8. Dan George #81 DNS

Feature race (20 laps):1. Gillis, 2. Kaiser, 3. Knippel, 4. Orseske, 5. Adams, Jr., 6. Dull, 7. Lamont Critchett, 8. Loran Critchett, Jr., 9. Nitz, 10. Morey, 11. Holt, 12, Koerner, 13. Shilkuski DNS, 14. Krysiak DNS, 15. Dunning DNS, George DNS

Illini Racing Series Race #4, May 25, 2008, Grundy County Speedway, Morris, IL

Heat race #1 (10 laps): 1. Lamont Critchett #44, Chicago Heights, IL, Critchett VW/Stapp, 2. Loran Critchett, Jr. #17, Alsip, IL, Dave Gass VW/Challenger; 3. Joe Knippel #33, Mokena, IL, Knippel/Spencer Quad 4/Buzzard; 4. Doug Orseske #0, Frankfort, IL, Diana Orseske Quad 4/Buzzard; 5. Jason Dull #56, Machesney Park, IL, Fontana/Stealth; 6. Dan George #81, Milwaukee, WI., Scream Focus/Stealth; 7. Mike Adams, Jr. #21A, Rockdale, WI, Albert Racing Enterprises Chevy II/Stealth; 8. Eric Nitz #31, Beloit, WI, Knippel/Spencer Quad 4/Ellis; 9. Scott Koerner #4K, Joliet, IL, Task Management Chevy Sesco/Bishop DNF; 10. Joline Deheve-Slomka, Addison, IL, Deheve Racing Ford 2300/Genenten DNS; 11. Dick Kaiser #82 DNS

Feature race (20 laps): 1. Lamont Critchett, 2. Knippel, 3. Orseske, 4. Dull, 5. Adams, Jr., 6. Loran Critchett, Jr., 7. Nitz, 8. Koerner DNF, 9. George DNF, Slomka DNS, Kaiser DNS.

Illini Racing Series Sportsman Midget Points after 4 races:
1. Joe Knippel #33, 1134; 2. Loran Critchett #17, 1022; 3. Doug Orseske #0, 1015;
4. Lamont Critchett #44, 1006; 5. Jason Dull #56, 970; 6. Mike Adams Jr. #21, 721; 7. Allen Gillis #39, 714; 8. Dan George #81, 661; 9. Scott Koerner #4, 609; 10. Eric Nitz #31, 579; 11. Scott Dunning # 1, 526; 12. Freddy Teer #54, 518; 13. Dick Kaiser #82, 504; 14. Mark Morey #3, 399; 15. Charlie Holt #4, 323; 16. David Budres #31, 263; 17. Eddie Sauer #74, 188; 18. Bob Shreffler #21S,181; 19. Tom Shilkuski #23, 128; 20. Mike Krysiak #7, 120; 21. Ken Dull #82, 5 ; 22. Joline Slomka #95, 5

Wacky, Wet, Windy, Wild Weekend of Racing

Rockford, IL (5/18/08) The Illini Racing Series opened their 17th season by taking part in two out three of the Midget MAYnia

races this weekend. The club’s first visit to Slinger Super Speedway got things started quickly - sort of.

The problems weren’t as much with the cars as it was the haulers. Mark Morey lost a water pump on his way up, and the Critchetts’ dually scattered a transmission just 15 miles from home. Luckily the family towing service was able to get both their cars to the track ahead of many teams.

Hot laps almost got by without incident, until the drop of the checkered flag. Doug Orseske bounced of the outside wall heading into turn one, damaging both axles. Ken Dull had hot lapped Dan George’s #82, but gave up the ride to keep Orseske in the points battle. With no spare rear ends available, the Orseske crew chief Brian Dobis, loaded up the damaged car and made the three and a half hour ride home to make repairs. Thanks to Glenn Ohlendorf’s help with parts, Brian and his brother worked through the night and had the car at Rockford the next morning.

Union, IL’s Freddie Teer adapted well to the high banks of Slinger, winning his heat and the feature. David Budres of Beloit, WI won heat two. Stock car veteran Scott Dunning made his open wheel debut, but suffered some new car gremlins with his new car.

The night’s activity was twice delayed by rain, but the steep banking and high winds got things back under way with little delay. In fact, the entire program was done by 10 pm.

2008 Illini Racing Series Race #1, Slinger Super Speedway, Slinger, WI 5/17/08

Heat #1 (10 laps): 1. Freddie Teer (#54), 2. Allen Gillis (#39), 3. Joe Knippel (#33), 3. Lamont Critchett (#44), 4. Mark Morey (#3), 5. Bob Shrefler (#21S), 6. Ken Dull DNS

Heat #2 (10 laps): 1. David Budres (#31), 2. Loran Critchett, Jr. (#17), 3. Jason Dull (#56), 4. Dan George (#81), 5. Doug Orseske (#82), 6. Scott Dunning (R)(31) DNF

Feature Race (25 laps): 1. Freddie Teer (#54), 2. Joe Knippel (#33), 3. Lamont Critchett (#44), 4. Jason Dull (#56), 5. Loran Critchett, Jr. (#17), 6. Dan George (#81), 7. Doug Orseske (#82), 8. Scott Dunning (R)(#1) DNF, 9. Mark Morey (#3) DNF, 10. Bob Shreffler (#21S)DNF, 11. Allen Gillis (#39) DNS - fuel management problem.

Overcast skies, with a stiff breeze must have made Midget Maynia promoter Dan Thiel very nervous about getting people out of the house on Sunday for race three of his series at Rockford. Dan and the STM Promotions crew are to be commended for putting such a great series together, and the Illini group is very grateful to have been a part of it. We had learned late last week that we would have a flagman we all knew and trusted in Dan Carter. When we arrived we learned that the promoter knew how tough a job flagging a long program is, and we would have our own flagman for the support divisions. Any concerns we might have had were unfounded when we learned veteran Bill Shipman would be sharing the flagstand. Two top flight flagmen and both of them put on a great show! An embarrassment of riches.

As the pits filled at Rockford Speedway, the Illini Racing Series welcomed another new car and three more new drivers. Bob Thompson and Roger Engstrom debuted their new EcoTech powered Stewart chassis with dwarf car driver Charlie Holt at the wheel in his rookie season in a midget. Dick Kaiser hung a rookie flag on the Dan George #82 for the night, and Eric Nitz climbed into the #31 so David Budres would be sure to make it to Sun Prairie.

Scott Koerner had begun to sort out his “new” SESCO 2 x 4 in hot laps when he lost the oil filter heading into turn one, oiling his own tires. Scotty’s stock car experience (and a maybe a little luck) kept the car form driving head on into the boiler plate. Koerner was able to get the car repaired in time for the feature.

Lamont Critchett and Allen Gillis had another strong night with each winning their heat race. Freddie Teer and Joe Knippel both ran 2nd in their heats. Other points contenders Loran Critchett, Jr. and Jason Dull both took thirds in their heats. Doug Orseske was still sorting out the #0 and ran 5th in the first heat. These seven drivers would seem to be off to a pretty good start in 2008.

Then the green flag dropped on the feature event. Turn one on lap one took out five cars and caused two others to retire early. The cars immediately went three and four wide, then it was all tire smoke as drivers locked up their brakes to try to avoid what was going to end up being “the big one”. Allen Gillis’ #39 seemed to get the worst of it, ending up on his lid. Thankfully, no drivers were injured.

Joe Knippel would win the shortened feature, with Doug Orseske bringing home his repaired #0 2nd. Loarn Critchett, Jr., Mike Adams, Jr. and Dan George rounded out the top 5.

The Wisconsin State Police must have wondered why there was so much traffic between Beloit and north of Madison, with so many teams, fans and officials heading to Angell Park after the show was done at Rockford. A look at the Prairie results will show a bunch of people who were in the pits at Rockford. Another great move by Dan Thiel and STM Promotions to move the times up on Sunday, so people had a chance to make it to another track. What a concept. Take care of the fans, take care of the teams, even take care of the officials. Now if they could just control the weather, they would be the perfect promoters!

Next up for the Illini Racing Series is another new track for us, Bureau County Speedway in Princeton, IL next Saturday night (May 24th) on the 1/4 mile dirt track. On Sunday May 25th, the “Flyin’ Illini” will make the trip to our old home, the Grundy County Speedway to share the pits with the American Speed Association.

2008 Illini Racing Series Race #2, Rockford Speedway, Rockford, IL 5/18/08

Heat #1 (8 laps): 1. Lamont Critchett (#44), 2. Joe Knippel (#33), 3. Loran Critchett, Jr. (#17), 4. Mike Adams, Jr. (#21A), 5. Doug Orseske (#0), 6. Dick Kaiser (R)(#82), 7. Dan George (#81), 8. Charlie Holt (R)(#4H)

Heat #2 (8 laps): 1. Allen Gillis (#39), 2. Freddie Teer (#54), 3. Jason Dull (#56), 4. Eddie Sauer (#74), 5. Eric Nitz (R)(#31), 6. Scott Dunning (R)(#1), 7. Scott Koerner (#4K) DNF

Feature Race (20 laps): Joe Knippel (#33), 2. Doug Orseske (#0), 3. Loran Critchett, Jr. (#17), 4. Mike Adams, Jr. (#21A), 5. Dan George (#81), 6. Dick Kaiser (R)(#82), 7. Scott Dunning, 8. Scott Koerner (4K), 9. Lamont Critchett (#44), 10. Freddie Teer (#54) DNF - flat tire, 11. Jason Dull (#56) DNF - crash, 12. Allen Gillis (#39) DNF - crash, 13. Eddie Sauer (#74) DNF - crash, 14. Eric Nitz (R)(#31) DNF - crash, 15. Charlie Holt (R)(#4H) DNF - crash

Unofficial Drivers Points after 2 races
1. Joe Knippel, 571; 2. Loran Critchett, Jr., 533; 3. Lamont Critchett,503; 4. Doug Orseske, 474: 7. Dan George, 458; 6. FreddieTeer, 450; 7. Jason Dull, 448; 8. Scott Dunning, 421; 9. David Budres, 263; 10. Mike Adams, Jr., 256; 11. Allen Gillis, 240; Dick Kaiser, 226; 12. Scott Koerner, 203; 13. Mark Morey, 175; 14. Bob Shreffler, 163; 15. Eric Nitz, 155; Charlie Holt, 128; 16. Ken Dull 5.

Strong Illini Turnout for 14th Annual Mike G Racefest

Joliet, IL (4/12/08) At least a dozen and a half of Illini drivers, car owners, crew members and officials were on hand on a cool Spring evening that ended with

snowflakes, the 14th Annual Mike Guglielmuci, Sr. Racers Benevolent Fund Racefest again drew a capacity crowd to meet with some of the legends of motorsports and get their autographs, bid on a variety of racing memorabilia, enjoy a good meal, and most importantly, support the worthwhile causes of the fund. The group has financially assisted many injured drivers, distributed many scholarships, and is now planning to build a very special playground in the Joliet area.

1977 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year, Jerry Sneva, and his brother Tom, the 1983 Indy 500 race winner spent some time looking over and showing interest in Doug and Diana's #0 Illini car which ended up in the premiere display location of the cars on display. Thanks to everyone who helped make this event a success, and if half the people who took Illini schedules show up at our races, we are going to have some big crowds in 2008!

New Tires

Illini Racing Series member,

Recently, we learned that Mickey Thompson tires has discontinued the “I” Block tires that we use and they sold the rights to these tires to Summit Racing Equipment. After talks with Summit to have these tires made for us, they have decided not to produce them because there just isn’t enough volume to justify their costs in manufacturing and warehousing the tires. Mickey Thompson tires are still legal to use in any Illini Racing Series event through the 2008 season. Just be aware that they are no longer being produced and once the stock is gone they are gone.

After investigating several options, we have found replacements that meet the Illini Racing Series criteria of cost effective, durable tires that will keep the current, high level of competition in our group. American Racer tires has agreed to produce a 13”, treaded, DOT tire using the exact same rubber compound (and hardness) that was used in the Mickey Thompson tires. These tires can be used on paved and dirt tracks, will mount on the same size rims that we’ve been using and will have the compound code stamped on the tire to make them easy to inspect.

In being consistent with our mission to keep overall costs low for our members, we are pleased to announce that the new tire prices will be between $84 and $87. Depending on where you’ve been buying Mickey Thompson tires, this is a 15%-23% savings on each tire. How many of your racing expenses have gone down this year? The Illini Racing Series is striving to keep the costs of racing down as much as possible and this is an example of their commitment. Boubin tire (see link on the IRS website home page) is going to be the exclusive supplier of these tires and can be reached at 319-334-6058. Be sure to tell them that you want tires for the Illini Racing Series, American Racer DOT A4 (704). These tires are legal to use at all Illini Racing Series events from now on.

Given the fact that the new tires have exactly the same rubber compound and similar construction as the old tires, the two should perform the same and one will not have a competitive advantage over the other. If there is evidence that one tire does have a performance edge, the rules committee reserves the right to make rules adjustments to even out the advantage. That way everyone with Mickey Thompson tires in their inventory can use them up before going to the new American Racer tires.

Mickey Thompson discontinuing the “I” Block tires put a bump in the road for our association. Thanks to the hard work of Paul at Boubin Tire, an equal and economical replacement has been introduced and should serve us well for many seasons to come. If any one has any questions concerning the new tire they can contact Mark Morey at Racefab1320@aol.com or at 630-888-7753 between 2:00pm – 9:00pm. He has more technical information on American Racer tires as well as the Mickey Thompson tires.

American Racer DOT A4 (704) Tire Specifications:
Tire size/compound	Rim width	Circumference	Weight
P215/60D-13 DOT A4 (704)	6”-7”	71”	15.0 lbs. (Fronts)
P235/60D-13 DOT A4 (704)	7”-8”	75”	16.0 lbs (Right rear)
P235/60D-13SH DOT A4 (704)	7”-8”	73”	16.0 lbs (Left rear)


Note: Stagger can be adjusted with air pressure.
Illini Racing Series INC.

Quick News and Notes

Princeton, IL (3/30/08) The Bureau County Speedway has announced a postponement of their April 12th practice day, due to the extended winter weather. Frost line is still too deep to properly prepare the track.

Rockford, IL (3/30/08) Many thanks to the Teer Racing Team for getting their car on display at Cherryvale Mall in Rockford, IL on VERY short notice, after the show's only midget (from another club) canceled late last week. It's that kind of effort by the Illini teams that seems to have caught the eye of promoters this season. Thanks to everyone who has pitched in!

Richmond, WI (3/29 & 3/30/08) Congratulations to two Illini veterans for setting fast time at the Badger season opener at the new indoor race facility at northwestern Wisconsin. David Gough (Saturday TQ) and David Budres (Sunday TQ) are among the five Illini vets who find themselves in the top 20 in BMARA points, Mike Hess, Jason Dull, and Bob Shreffler are the others. Visit BMARA.com for the complete race story.

Midget MAYnia Adds Illini Midgets to Fox Memorial at Slinger!

Mokena, IL 3/26/08 Midget MAYnia Tour promoter Dan Thiel announced the addition
of the Illini Racing Series (IRS) Midgets to the May 17th Stan Fox Memorial at
Slinger Super Speedway. The event, presented by Mid States Equipment and
Kubota, will be highlighted by the USAC MOPAR Midget National Championship
Series, which is expected to include the NASCAR development teams of Tony
Stewart Chevy, Kasey Kahne MOPAR, Nine Racing Toyota, Klatt Racing Ford, plus
all the top USAC National Midget starts and cars.

The race will be the 17th season opener for the IRS cars, and their first ever
visit to the high banks of Slinger. The 2008 IRS schedule now features 12
races, with five on pavement at Slinger, Rockford, Grundy, and Hawkeye Downs,
and the rest at Angell Park and Bureau County Speedway.

The USAC cars are part of the Midget MAYnia Tour which will kick off on Friday
May 16th with “The Battle of the Bluffs” at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway in
West Salem, WI, stop at Slinger on Saturday, then finish up the three day
weekend series at Rockford Speedway on Sunday May 18th for “The Open Wheel
Rumble in Rockford”. On May 30th, “The 7th Annual Mid-State Equipment Sue Thiel
Memorial Classic” at Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, WI will rap up the
Midget MAYnia Tour for 2008.

For more information on the Midget MAYnia Tour, contact Dan Thiel at STM
Promotions, LLC at 930-319-0177. For more on the Illini Racing Series, keep an eye on this site!

Illini Display & Booth Busy at Chicagoland

Illini Display & Booth Busy at Chicagoland

Joliet, IL 3/16/08 A cool Spring day wasn’t very comfotrable for the teams with cars on display outside, but the body heat from thousands of race fans was enough to heat the inside of the garage area of Chicagoland Speedway.

As usual, the Illini Racing Series booth was a gathering spot for open wheel fans, racer, and announcers past and present. Wayne Adams who called most of the early races of UARA, as well as spending decades in the booth at Raceway Park stopped by, as well as the man who made “Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!” famous on the radio ads for U.S. 30 Dragstrip, and was the voice of Sante Fe Speedway for many years, Jan Gabriel.

Bob Richards, Roger West, and Bruce Field from the UARA record books spotlighted our heritage, while current teams were also well represented with Doug and Diana Orseske, Allen Gillis, and Joe Knippel having their cars on display. The Albert, Spencer, Brzeczak, and Loseniecki Illini midget teams were on hand, along with ASA/Illini driver Sean Murphy. Several dwarf car owners expressed interest in trying a little dirt racing with us in 2008.

Racing historian Loren Olson once again shared some of his incredible knowledge of the history of midget racing throughout the Midwest. One of racing’s good guys, Loren is one of the people who always makes us feel welcome in the tower at Sun Prairie.

Recently retired push truck driver Everett Holt (and his camera) made the rounds. Ron Kessler from the Mazon Speed Bowl/Grundy County Speedway Hall of Fame, photographers Phil Rider, Bob Sheldon, and Fred Ruetz whose old pick-up truck towing a vintage midget made several Racers’ Reunions (and who is now looking for another old chassis to tow behind his “new” duece coupe), were all part of our busy day.

The only problem we had was running out of schedules. The hundreds we had printed were gone by 11 am, but Diana Orseske and Sue Douvan came to the rescue. From all indications, everyone is looking forward to seeing the Illini Racing Series’ Blue Collar Series hit the track at Bureau County Speedway in Princeton after starting the season at Rockford Speedway for MAYnia.

Thanks to Stan Kalwasinsi and Tommy Turtle for putting on such a great show, and to Chicagoland Speedway for supplying such a great backdrop for a gathering that mixes motorsport’s newest diecast with our oldest memories, and a place for the fans of today to meet the stars of yesterday.

Crowd Enjoys Illini Display at Bureau County Speedway Swap Meet (IRS Images)

2/23/08 Princeton, IL The Illini Racing Series took part in the 2008 Bureau County Speedway Swap Meet today at the Bureau County Fairgrounds Allen Building.

The IRS wants to thank Fred Teer for bringing out the #54 Illini Sportsman midget car, which along with Tracy Hull’s IMRA TQ midget were the stars of the show.

Thanks to promoter Paul Ramer and all the folks at Bureau County Speedway for you hospitality today! 2008 is gonna be great at BCS!