Speedway to put Commonwealth 100 and USA 100 on Hold for 2013; Focus on Weekly Racing

Jamaica, VA – With the current economic climate and the uncertainty of the upcoming year Virginia Motor Speedway track owner Bill Sawyer has decided to place the Commonwealth 100 and USA 100 on hold. The speedway will focus on its weekly racing for the 2013 season and re-evaluate the running of the two special events at the end of next season. “This is purely a business decision. With the current economic climate I felt we are best served by focusing on our weekly racing program, our weekly competitors and our local fan base,” commented track owner Bill Sawyer. The staff is currently at work putting the 2013 schedule together and should have it released in the coming weeks. Please check the track’s website for details. Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway, an ASA Member Track, is a ½ mile dirt oval track is located on U.S. Route 17, eight miles north of Saluda, VA and 25 miles south of Tappahannock, VA in Jamaica, VA. The speedway is just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland and the Hampton Roads area. To learn more about Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway fans may call the Speedway office at (804) 758-1VMS or visit the track’s web site at www.vamotorspeedway.com. MEDIA CONTACT: DAVE SEAY (804) 758-1867 OR (804) 357-7223...

Lathroum Lands Biggest Payday of Career in USA 100; Erwin Doubles up in Modifieds

Jamaica, VA (Lucas Story by James Essex) – Jamie Lathroum of Mechanicsville, MD a former track champion at Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway captured the biggest victory of his racing career on Saturday Night taking home the $20,000 first place in the 33rd Annual USA 100. Lathroum took over the lead on lap 18 and held off Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN for the win in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series-sanctioned event. Steve Francis of Ashland, KY led the first 15 laps of the race until Lathroum forged under him coming off of turn four. Francis then jumped the cushion and was forced to stop on the track before contact with the inside guardrail. On the restart Lathroum would pick up the lead of the race, but a big wreck in turn four involving four cars would change the complexion of the top five. Lathroum would maintain the top spot with Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL and John Blankenship of Williamson, WV running in third. Lathroum would build his lead over Pearson and Blankenship as the drivers approached the halfway mark of the race. Blankenship would squeeze by Pearson for second as he began to run down the leader, Lathroum. Blankenship would close the gap in a hurry as he closed to within a car length of Lathroum, who was having difficulty negotiating lapped car. Blankenship would try to pass Lathroum several times, but could never get a good enough run. Lathroum meanwhile stretched his lead out to a comfortable margin over Blankenship, who was now receiving pressure from the duo of Pearson and Bloomquist. Bloomquist would move into the third spot on lap 43 as he tracked down Blankenship and overhauled him on lap 46. Bloomquist then tried to diamond-off the runs in an effort to catch the high-flying Lathroum, but it was to no avail as Lathroum hit his marks lap after lap as he took his car to Lucas Oil Victory Lane for the first time in his career. He becomes the 15th different winner this year in series competition. “This is just awesome,” said Lathroum, who emerged from his MasterSbilt by Huey with tears in his eyes. “This is the biggest win of my career and to outrun Bloomquist, O’Neal and the rest of these guys is just unbelievable, I have to thank my crew, everybody here at Virginia Motor Speedway, my family and the fans,” said the 33-year-old, whose biggest win before tonight was a $10,000 victory in 2009. Lathroum, who captured the late Model track title at VMS back in 2005, said keeping his car away from the bumps and cushion was critical to his success. “I tried to stay away from all of that, there were guys jumping the cushion, it would bite you if you let it, I just tried to be smooth lap after lap and we got it done,” said the driver of the Three Mules Welding, Claar Logging, Superior Tank, The Bowles Boys, Lathroum’s Seafood, Integra, Abell Auto Glass and Eugene Copsey’s Plumbing. His car is powered by an Eatmon Racing Engine. Bloomquist would come home in second followed by Blankenship, Don O’Neal of Martinsville, IN, who pitted twice during the race finished fourth and Pearson rounded out the top five. Completing the top ten were: Tyler Reddick of Corning, CA; Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN; Jared Landers of Batesville, AR; Dan Stone of Thompson, PA; and Walker Arthur of Forest, VA. In the Modified Madness 25 for the Budweiser Modifieds Chris Parker of Lumber Bridge, NC got the jump on Dan Arnold of Chester, VA for the lead and kept it until his car slowed on a lap 9 restart handing the lead over to Russell Erwin of Beaverdam, VA. On the restart, Arnold would bring out another caution and head pit side with right front end damage. Erwin would continue with the lead while the rest of the field battled for positions. But no one had anything for Erwin as he would go on to make it a clean sweep during the USA 100 weekend, winning for the second time in his #22 Erwin Racing Supply Shaw. Rounding out the top five were Brandon Galloway, Page Harrison, Bret Hamilton and Craig Ramich. With the round track season now done the speedway will focus on getting ready for Saturday October 6th as The Pit at Virginia Motor Speedway hosts the 8th Annual Run-A-Muck Mud Bog, Mud Sling and Truck Show presented by Rappahannock Tractor and the Virginia Army National Guard. Additional sponsorship provided by Davis Off Road, Monster Energy Drinks, ORI of Richmond, Collision One and Truckin Thunder. There will be nine classes of “Mud Maniacs” in action ranging from stock to unlimited with cash payouts in all classes. Not only will fans get to see hordes of trucks splashing through the 200 foot Mud Bog pit but they will also get the opportunity to see some of the region’s best Mud Dragsters covering the 200 foot Mud Sling pit in under three seconds. New for this year’s event will be the addition of a truck show for all those guys and gals that don’t like to get their rides dirty. The truck show will help raise funds for the children of the late Chuck Engel. Engel, a frequent competitor in his truck Mud Life Crisis, passed away un-expectantly on July 7th of this year. The funds raised will go to the trust fund set up for his five children. There will be awards given out in multiple categories that will include best Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge and Import. Registration fee for the truck show will be $10. Truck show participants need to be registered by 11:30am. The event will also include a car crushing monster truck freestyle show by Steve Sims in Stone Crusher and Maxey Broadus in Walking Tall. Dennis Anderson and his new creation King Sling will once again be competing in the Unlimited Bog division; that is if it is still in one piece after he goes off in the Freestyle show he has scheduled! Dennis will also be signing autographs and selling souvenirs. Gates and registration will open at 9am with Single Eliminations for Stock A, B; Modified A, B, C, Unlimited Bog, Pro Modified and X, XX classes beginning at 12 noon. Registration and inspection for Stock, Modified, Pro Modified and Unlimited Bog classes ends at 11:30pm with X and XX Unlimited ending at 1pm. Rules for each class are now available at The Pit website www.thepitatvms.com. Admission for Mud Mayhem 2 is Adults – $12, Children 7 – 17 years old – $10 and Children 6 and under FREE. Competitors should visit www.thepitatvms.com to print off draw sheets and driver information sheets that must be filled out before going through for inspection. Don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vamotorspeedway and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/vamotorspeedway for the latest news and results. Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway, an ASA Member Track, is a ½ mile dirt oval track is located on U.S. Route 17, eight miles north of Saluda, VA and 25 miles south of Tappahannock, VA in Jamaica, VA. The speedway is just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland and the Hampton Roads area. To learn more about Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway fans may call the Speedway office at (804) 758-1VMS or visit the track’s web site at www.vamotorspeedway.com. MEDIA CONTACT: DAVE SEAY (804) 758-1867 OR (804) 357-7223 USA 100, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14 – 15, 2012: LUCAS OIL LATE MODEL 50 LAP A MAIN FINISH: 1. Jamie Lathroum (Mechanicsville, MD), 2. Scott Bloomquist (Mooresburg, TN), 3. John Blankenship (Knoxville, TN), 4. Don ONeal (Martinsville, IN), 5. Earl Pearson Jr. (Jacksonville, FL), 6. Tyler Reddick (Corning, CA), 7. Jimmy Owens (Newport, TN), 8. Jared Landers (Batesville, AR), 9. Dan Stone (Thompson, PA), 10. Walker Arthur (Forest, VA), 11. Austin Hubbard (Laurel, DE), 12. David Watts (Buchanan, VA), 13. Kenny Moreland (Waldorf, MD), 14. Steve Francis (Ashland, KY), 15. Billy Tucker (King George, VA), 16. Jonathan Davenport (Blairsville, NC), 17. Steve Shaver (Vienna, WV), 18. Ricky Elliott (Seaford, DE), 19. Eric Wells (Hazard, KY), 20. Jerry Bard (Shippingsburg, PA), 21. Chris Madden (Gaffney, SC), 22. Dale McDowell (Chickamauga, GA), 23. Jeremy Miller (Gettysburg, PA), 24. Dean Bowen (Whiteville, NC), 25. David Williams (Avenue, MD), LUCAS OIL LATE MODEL 25 LAP QUALIFIER #1 (Top 8 Transfer): 1. Steve Shaver (Vienna, WV), 2. Jared Landers (Batesville, AR), 3. Chris Madden (Gaffney, SC), 4. Dale McDowell (Chickamauga, GA), 5. Earl Pearson Jr. (Jacksonville, FL), 6. Scott Bloomquist (Mooresburg, TN), 7. Jimmy Owens (Newport, TN), 8. Kenny Moreland (Waldorf, MD), 9. Dean Bowen (Whiteville, NC), 10. Ricky Elliott (Seaford, DE), 11. Eric Wells (Hazard, KY), 12. Walker Arthur (Forest, VA), 13. Tyler Reddick (Corning, CA), LUCAS OIL LATE MODEL 25 LAP QUALIFIER #2 (Top 8 Transfer): 1. Steve Francis (Ashland, KY), 2. Jamie Lathroum (Mechanicsville, MD), 3. Jonathan Davenport (Blairsville, NC), 4. John Blankenship (Knoxville, TN), 5. Don ONeal (Martinsville, IN), 6. Austin Hubbard (Laurel, DE), 7. Jerry Bard (Shippingsburg, PA), 8. Jeremy Miller (Gettysburg, PA), 9. David Williams (Avenue, MD), 10. Matt Quade (Mechanicsville, MD), 11. David Watts (Buchanan, VA), 12. Dan Stone (Thompson, PA), LUCAS OIL LATE MODEL GROUP QUALIFYING: Red Buck Fast Time Group A: Jimmy Owens / 17.456 seconds Red Buck Fast Time Group B: David Williams / 17.673 seconds BUDWEISER MODIFIED HEAT 1 (Top 5 Transfer): 1. Dan Arnold (Petersburg, VA), 2. Tony Quade (Leonardtown, MD), 3. Page Harrison (Jetersville, VA), 4. Craig Ramich (Fairfax, VA), 5. Stephen Bryant (Swoope, VA), 6. Robert Lipford Jr. (Mosely, VA), 7. Francis Jarrelle III (Chesterfield, VA), 8. Neal Hudgins (Grimstead, VA), 9. Brandon Galloway (Gloucester, VA), 10. Josh Harris (Gloucester, VA), BUDWEISER MODIFIED HEAT 2 (Top 5 Transfer): 1. Chris Parker (Lumberbridge, NC), 2. Brian Dobie (Partlow, VA), 3. Jimmy Duncan (Fredericksburg, VA), 4. Charlie Hubbard (Chesapeake, VA), 5. James Sparks (Hollywood, MD), 6. Donnie Smith (Fredericksburg, VA), 7. Rich Marks IV (Bryans Road, MD), 8. Tim Schulte (Troy, 229), 9. Chris Arnold (Petersburg, VA), 10. Rudy Denke (Fredericksburg, VA), BUDWEISER MODIFIED HEAT 3 (Top 5 Transfer): 1. Russell Erwin (Beaverdam, VA), 2. Joe Cox (Beckley, WV), 3. Greg Brown (Concord, NC), 4. Bret Hamilton (Powhatan, VA), 5. Mike Reynolds (Clements, MD), 6. Aaron Harris (Richmond, VA), 7. Curtis Barricks (Chesterfield, VA), 8. Ryan Toole (Richmond, VA), 9. Jeff Solinger (Bumpass, VA), BUDWEISER MODIFIED B MAIN (Top 9 Transfer): 1. Aaron Harris (Richmond, VA), 2. Rich Marks IV (Bryans Road, MD), 3. Brandon Galloway (Gloucester, VA), 4. Francis Jarrelle III (Chesterfield, VA), 5. Neal Hudgins (Grimstead, VA), 6. Ryan Toole (Richmond, VA), 7. Jeff Solinger (Bumpass, VA), 8. Donnie Smith (Fredericksburg, VA), 9. Tim Schulte (Troy, 229), 10. Curtis Barricks (Chesterfield, VA), 11. Robert Lipford Jr. (Mosely, VA), 12. Chris Arnold (Petersburg, VA), 13. Josh Harris (Gloucester, VA), 14. Rudy Denke (Fredericksburg, VA), BUDWESIER MODIFIED MADNESS 25 LAP FEATURE (29 Entries): 1. Russell Erwin (Beaverdam, VA), 2. Brandon Galloway (Gloucester, VA), 3. Page Harrison (Jetersville, VA), 4. Bret Hamilton (Powhatan, VA), 5. Craig Ramich (Fairfax, VA), 6. Tony Quade (Leonardtown, MD), 7. Joe Cox (Beckley, WV), 8. Francis Jarrelle III (Chesterfield, VA), 9. Ryan Toole (Richmond, VA), 10. Neal Hudgins (Grimstead, VA), 11. Charlie Hubbard (Chesapeake, VA), 12. Donnie Smith (Fredericksburg, VA), 13. Jeff Solinger (Bumpass, VA), 14. Stephen Bryant (Swoope, VA), 15. Brian Dobie (Partlow, VA), 16. James Sparks (Hollywood, MD), 17. Jimmy Duncan (Fredericksburg, VA), 18. Chris Parker (Lumberbridge, NC), 19. Dan Arnold (Petersburg, VA), 20. Greg Brown (Concord, NC), 21. Aaron Harris (Richmond, VA), 22. Mike Reynolds (Clements, MD), 23. Tim Schulte (Troy, 229), 24. Robert Lipford Jr. (Mosely, VA), 25. Curtis Barricks (Chesterfield, VA), 26. Rich Marks IV (Bryans Road, MD), FAST TIME: Dan Arnold – 20.110 seconds...

Shaver and Francis on Front Row for Saturday’s USA 100; Russell Erwin Sweeps night in Modifieds

Jamaica, VA (Lucas Story by James Essex) – Steve Shaver of Vienna, WV and Steve Francis of Ashland, KY will start on the front row of the 33rd Annual USA 100 on Saturday Night at Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series-sanctioned event will pay $20,000 to win. Shaver and Francis each captured their 25-lap qualifying heat races on Friday Night. Jared Landers of Batesville, AR and Jamie Lathroum of Mechanicsville, MD will make-up row number two tomorrow evening. Shaver in the K&L Rumley Enterprises, Rocket Chassis Chevrolet took the lead at the start of the first 25-lapper. The caution flew with one lap complete when LOLMDS point’s leader, Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN spun in turn number two. Chris Madden of Gaffney, SC challenged Shaver for most of the race until a caution with three laps to go cost Madden a runner-up finish. Landers was able to outgun Madden on the restart as he stayed close to Shaver until the checkers flew. Madden came home third, followed by Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, GA; Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL; Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN; Owens; and Kenny Moreland of Waldorf, MD were the final drivers to transfer to tomorrow night’s 50-lap main event from qualifying heat number one. Francis in the Valvoline, Barry Wright Race Cars Chevy stormed to the lead at the start of the second 25-lap qualifier. Lathroum stayed within striking distance of Francis early on in the race, but Francis clearly had the best car on the track as he pulled away to more than a straightaway lead in the late stages of the qualifier. Lathroum was able to hold off the trio of Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, GA; John Blankenship of Williamson, WV; and Don O’Neal of Martinsville, IN to earn the fourth starting spot in tomorrow’s USA 100. The final three drivers to make it out of qualifying heat number two were Austin Hubbard of Seaford, DE; Jerry Bard of Shippensburg, PA; and Jeremy Miler of Gettysburg, PA. In preliminary action, Jimmy Owens set the Red Buck Fast Time amongst the 25 entrants, with a lap of 17.456 seconds. David Williams set the fastest time in Group B with a time of 17.673 seconds. Steve Shaver and Steve Francis won their respective Heat Races. and won their respective B-Mains. Tomorrow Night, the USA 100 at Virginia Motor Speedway will continue for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Action on the track will kick off at 6:30PM with Hot Laps, B-Main, and the 50-Lap main event, worth $20,000-to-win. In Budweiser Modified action Russell Erwin took out the broom and swept the Modified Madness 25 during night one of the USA 100 weekend. Erwin had to hold off a couple of challenges but led flag to flag to get the $1500 win. Both Jimmy Duncan and Brian Dobie tried to get inside Erwin for the leader on separate occasions but neither could make the pass. The car on the move at the end of the feature was eleventh starting Bret Hamilton who worked his way to third with four laps to go but could not mount a charge to get any closer. Erwin would cruise to the checkers with Brian Dobie, Bret Hamilton, Jimmy Duncan and Brandon Galloway rounding out the top five. Heat race wins went to Eric Erwin, Jimmy Duncan and Joe Cox. The speedway will once again provided fans with a top-flight show at very favorable ticket prices. Adults two-day tickets are $35.00 while seniors (60+) are $28.00; military (active and retired) are $25; students 7-17 are $15.00 and children Under 6 are FREE. Two-day Pit passes will be $50.00. The competitor gates open at 3:00 p.m. while the spectator gates swing open at 4pm. On track action begins at 6:30 pm with hot laps. To enhance the fans racing experience the speedway has installed a short wave FM transmitter and all of the evening’s action can be heard at 95.5 FM. So bring your portable radio headset and enjoy hearing all the action. Don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vamotorspeedway and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/vamotorspeedway for the latest news and results. Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway, an ASA Member Track, is a ½ mile dirt oval track is located on U.S. Route 17, eight miles north of Saluda, VA and 25 miles south of Tappahannock, VA in Jamaica, VA. The speedway is just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland and the Hampton Roads area. To learn more about Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway fans may call the Speedway office at (804) 758-1VMS or visit the track’s web site at www.vamotorspeedway.com. MEDIA CONTACT: DAVE SEAY (804) 758-1867 OR (804) 357-7223 USA 100, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14 – 15, 2012: LUCAS OIL LATE MODEL 25 LAP QUALIFIER #1 (Top 8 Transfer): 1. Steve Shaver (Vienna, WV), 2. Jared Landers (Batesville, AR), 3. Chris Madden (Gaffney, SC), 4. Dale McDowell (Chickamauga, GA), 5. Earl Pearson Jr. (Jacksonville, FL), 6. Scott Bloomquist (Mooresburg, TN), 7. Jimmy Owens (Newport, TN), 8. Kenny Moreland (Waldorf, MD), 9. Dean Bowen (Whiteville, NC), 10. Ricky Elliott (Seaford, DE), 11. Eric Wells (Hazard, KY), 12. Walker Arthur (Forest, VA), 13. Tyler Reddick (Corning, CA), LUCAS OIL LATE MODEL 25 LAP QUALIFIER #2 (Top 8 Transfer): 1. Steve Francis (Ashland, KY), 2. Jamie Lathroum (Mechanicsville, MD), 3. Jonathan Davenport (Blairsville, NC), 4. John Blankenship (Knoxville, TN), 5. Don ONeal (Martinsville, IN), 6. Austin Hubbard (Laurel, DE), 7. Jerry Bard (Shippingsburg, PA), 8. Jeremy Miller (Gettysburg, PA), 9. David Williams (Avenue, MD), 10. Matt Quade (Mechanicsville, MD), 11. David Watts (Buchanan, VA), 12. Dan Stone (Thompson, PA), LUCAS OIL LATE MODEL GROUP QUALIFYING: Red Buck Fast Time Group A: Jimmy Owens / 17.456 seconds Red Buck Fast Time Group B: David Williams / 17.673 seconds BUDWEISER MODIFIED HEAT 1: 1. Russell Erwin (Beaverdam, VA), 2. Brian Dobie (Partlow, VA), 3. Charlie Hubbard (Chesapeake, VA), 4. Chris Arnold (Petersburg, VA), 5. Josh Harris (Gloucester, VA), 6. Stephen Bryant (Swoope, VA), 7. Brian Maxey (King George, VA), 8. Chris Parker (Lumberbridge, NC), 9. Mike Reynolds (Clements, MD), 10. Curtis Barricks (Chesterfield, VA), BUDWEISER MODIFIED HEAT 2: 1. Jimmy Duncan (Fredericksburg, VA), 2. Tony Quade (Leonardtown, MD), 3. Page Harrison (Jetersville, VA), 4. Bret Hamilton (Powhatan, VA), 5. Robert Lipford Jr. (Mosely, VA), 6. James Sparks (Hollywood, MD), 7. Rich Marks IV (Bryans Road, MD), 8. Neal Hudgins (Grimstead, VA), 9. Skippy Johnson (Aylett, VA), 10. Gary Long (Newport News, VA), BUDWEISER MODIFIED HEAT 3: 1. Joe Cox (Beckley, WV), 2. Brandon Galloway (Gloucester, VA), 3. Dan Arnold (Petersburg, VA), 4. Francis Jarrelle III (Chesterfield, VA), 5. Ryan Toole (Richmond, VA), 6. Donnie Smith (Fredericksburg, VA), 7. Jeff Solinger (Bumpass, VA), 8. Shon Flanary (Church Hill, TN), 9. Greg Brown (Concord, NC), 10. Aaron Harris (Richmond, VA), BUDWESIER MODIFIED MADNESS 25 LAP FEATURE (29 Entries): 1. Russell Erwin (Beaverdam, VA), 2. Brian Dobie (Partlow, VA), 3. Bret Hamilton (Powhatan, VA), 4. Jimmy Duncan (Fredericksburg, VA), 5. Brandon Galloway (Gloucester, VA), 6. Tony Quade (Leonardtown, MD), 7. Dan Arnold (Petersburg, VA), 8. Joe Cox (Beckley, WV), 9. Page Harrison (Jetersville, VA), 10. Greg Brown (Concord, NC), 11. Chris Parker (Lumberbridge, NC), 12. Rich Marks IV (Bryans Road, MD), 13. Neal Hudgins (Grimstead, VA), 14. Stephen Bryant (Swoope, VA), 15. Skippy Johnson (Aylett, VA), 16. Ryan Toole (Richmond, VA), 17. Curtis Barricks (Chesterfield, VA), 18. Brian Maxey (King George, VA), 19. Donnie Smith (Fredericksburg, VA), 20. Francis Jarrelle III (Chesterfield, VA), 21. Charlie Hubbard (Chesapeake, VA), 22. Jeff Solinger (Bumpass, VA), 23. Josh Harris (Gloucester, VA), 24. James Sparks (Hollywood, MD), 25. Robert Lipford Jr. (Mosely, VA), 26. Chris Arnold (Petersburg, VA), DNS: Mike Reynolds (Clements, MD), Shon Flanary (Church Hill, TN), Gary Long (Newport News, VA), Aaron Harris (Richmond, VA), FAST TIME: Russell Erwin – 20.073 seconds....

Bloomquist Banks Big Check in Commonwealth 100 Victory

Jamaica, VA – Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN scored his first Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series victory of the year on Saturday Night at Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway. Bloomquist took over the lead when Dennis Erb, Jr. of Carpentersville, IL suffered a flat tire just 11 laps from the finish. Bloomquist then went on to lead the rest of the way to earn a $25,000 payday in taking his first-career Commonwealth 100 win. The event was taped by Lucas Oil Studios for airings on SPEED, MAVTV, and NBC Sport Network. The track was re-worked before the main event kicked-off. Bloomquist started 18th and entered the top five for the first time with 38 laps scored. He then moved to second and trailed John Blankenship of Williamson, WV for several laps until Blankenship blew a tire with 13 laps remaining. “It feels great to get back to Lucas Oil Victory Lane,” said the Hall of Fame driver. “It has been a rough start to the year, but I knew if we kept digging we were going to get one here sooner rather than later,” said an elated Bloomquist afterwards. “My hats off to the track crew, they went out and worked the track, I saw a lot of drivers going to a softer compound of tire to run, but we actually kept our hard compound on and it paid off. We got off to a good start in the race and the car worked really well, we passed a ton of cars early on and then got behind John (Blankenship) and followed him for a number of laps until his tire gave out.” “It’s nice to win at such a great facility, it looked like they had one of their best crowds tonight and we look forward to coming back here in September,” said the 2-time LOLMDS Champion who notched his 43rd career win on the series. Bloomquist also won the USA 100 last September. The story of the race was Erb. He had the dominant car for almost the entire distance, but with 11 laps to go his right rear tire gave out. Erb and Jared Landers battled hard in the first 18 laps of the race until Erb, who started fifth gained the lead. Erb led a total of 72 laps, and was unchallenged for most of those circuits as he was primed and ready to score the biggest win of his racing career. It was not to be, as he was coming off of turn two with 89 laps scored, he suddenly slowed forcing a caution flag. Bloomquist went unchallenged the rest of the way to score the win in his Hawkeye Trucking, Base Racing Fuels, Lucas Oil Products, Sweet Mfg., Lane Automotive, Ohlins, Weld Racing, and Allstar Performance sponsored Bloomquist Race Cars Ford. His car is powered by a Roush-Yates Engine. Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL came home in second after starting 26th in the Bobby Labonte Racing, Lucas Oil Products, Longhorn Dodge. It was Pearson’s best finish of the season as the 4-time LOLMDS champion tried to stay with Bloomquist in the final laps. Don O’Neal of Martinsville, IN came from 15th to finish third in the Optima Batteries, Jay Dickens Racing Engines, MasterSbilt House Car. Former Commonwealth 100 race winner, Chris Madden of Gaffney, SC roared through the field from 24th to grab fourth in the Baird Transport, Cornett Racing Engines, Bloomquist Race Cars Chevrolet. Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, GA came in fifth with the Clint Bowyer Racing, Georgia Boots, Barry Wright Toyota. Completing the top ten were defending race winner, Steve Shaver of Vienna, WV; Jared Landers of Batesville, AR; Eric Wells of Hazard, KY; Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN, who suffered a flat tire on the final lap dropping him to ninth. Shane Clanton of Fayetteville, GA completed the top ten. Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway will return to action next Saturday night April 21st for Safety-Kleen / WRR / WNNT Night featuring four divisions of Virginia Army National Guard Dirt Series action. See the Victory Lap Late Model, Truckin Thunder Sportsman, Budweiser Modifies and the Collision One Limited Stock divisions. This is the first event of the 2012 season for the weekly competitors as they try to get off to a good start towards the division championships. Competitor gates for Saturday, April 21st will open at 4pm with spectator gates opening at 5pm. On track activities will begin at 6:30pm with hot laps. Divisions scheduled to race on Saturday April 21st: Victory Lap Late Models (35 Laps); Truckin Thunder Sportsman (25 Laps); Budweiser Modifieds (25 Laps); and the Collision One Limited Stock Cars (20 laps). All divisions will run Hot Lap Time Trials and Features. Admission price for Adults $12, seniors (60+) $10; military (active/retired w/ proper I.D.) $8, students 13 – 17 years old $6, children 7 to 12 $4 and children 6 and under admitted free. We offer a family pass for $25 (two adults and two children 12 and under). Pit passes will be $20. To enhance the fans racing experience the speedway has installed a short wave FM transmitter and all of the evening’s action can be heard at 95.5 FM. So bring your portable radio headset and enjoy hearing all the action. Don’t forget to become a Fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vamotorspeedway and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/vamotorspeedway. Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway, an ASA Member Track, is a ½ mile dirt oval track is located on U.S. Route 17, eight miles north of Saluda, VA and 25 miles south of Tappahannock, VA in Jamaica, VA. The speedway is just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland and the Hampton Roads area. To learn more about Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway fans may call the Speedway office at (804) 758-1VMS or visit the track’s web site at www.vamotorspeedway.com. MEDIA CONTACT: DAVE SEAY (804) 758-1867 OR (804) 357-7223 Red Buck Cigars Fast Time: Casey Roberts / 17.058 seconds (Group A and Overall) Jimmy Owens / 17.071 seconds (Group B) Wiles Driveshafts First Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Steve Shaver, Dennis Erb, Jr., Casey Roberts, David Williams, Austin Hubbard, Tim McCreadie, Earl Pearson, Jr., Gregg Satterlee, Walker Arthur, Brandon Overton U. S. Steel Second Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Rick Eckert, Stevie Long, Shane Clanton, Don O’Neal, Jared Hawkins, Steve Francis, Jason Covert, Dean Bowen, David Zona, Eric Wells Simpson Performance Products Third Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Jimmy Owens, Brian Birkhofer, Ricky Elliott , Tyler Reddick, Scott Bloomquist, John Lobb, Dennis Franklin, Kyle Lear, Chris Madden, Mike Marlar HAWK Brakes Fourth Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Jared Landers, Daniel Stone, Kenny Moreland, John Blankenship, Jamie Lathroum, Darryl Hills, Ronnie DeHaven, Jr., Jonathan Davenport, Andrew Mullins, Tim Shelton JRi Shocks First B-Main (20 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Jared Hawkins, Austin Hubbard, Tim McCreadie, Steve Francis, Earl Pearson, Jr., Dean Bowen, Brandon Overton, Eric Wells, Gregg Satterlee, David Zona, Walker Arthur, Jason Covert-DNS PAC Racing Springs Second B-Main (20 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Scott Bloomquist, Jamie Lathroum, John Lobb, Chris Madden, Dennis Franklin, Jonathan Davenport, Kyle Lear, Darryl Hills, Andrew Mullins, Tim Shelton, Ronnie DeHaven, Jr.-DNS, Mike Marlar-DNS Non-Qualifiers Race – 30 Laps: Gregg Satterlee, Darryl Hills, Brandon Overton, Dean Bowen, Dennis Franklin, Kyle Lear, David Zona, Walker Arthur, Andrew Mullins, Tim Shelton Feature Finish (Finish / Start) – 100 Laps 1. (18) Scott Bloomquist, Mooresburg, TN; 2. (26) Earl Pearson, Jr., Jacksonville, FL; 3. (15) Don O’Neal, Martinsville, IN; 4. (24) Chris Madden,Gaffney, SC; 5. (25) Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, GA; 6. (1) Steve Shaver, Vienna, WV; 7. (4) Jared Landers, Batesville, AR; 8. (27) Eric Wells, Hazard, KY; 9. (2) Jimmy Owens, Newport, TN; 10. (11) Shane Clanton, Fayetteville, GA; 11. (7) Stevie Long, Mechanicsville, MD; 12. (16) John Blankenship, Williamson, WV; 13. (5) Dennis Erb, Jr..Carpentersville, IL; 14. (19) Austin Hubbard, Seaford, DE; 15. (23) Steve Francis, Ashland, KY; 16. (13) David Williams, Mechanicsville, MD; 17. (22) John Lobb, Frewsburg, NY; 18. (17) Jared Hawkins, Fairmont, WV; 19. (21) Tim McCreadie.Watertown, NY; 20. (9) Casey Roberts, Toccoa, GA; 21. (14) Tyler Reddick, Corning, CA; 22. (12) Kenny Moreland, Waldorf, MD; 23. (20) Jamie Lathroum, Mechanicsville, MD; 24. (6) Brian Birkhofer, Muscatine, IA; 25. (10) Ricky Elliott, Seaford, DE; 26. (3) Rick Eckert, York, PA; 27. (8) Daniel Stone, Thompson, PA...

Night 2 of Commonwealth 100 Info

Jamaica, VA – Beautiful temperatures and weather are sure to make for an outstanding afternoon of racing as Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway hosts night 2 of the 3rd Annual Commonwealth 100. Who will win the $25,000? We find out tonight. Spectator gates will open at 4pm with on track action taking place at 6:30pm with hot laps. There will be two 20-lap B Mains followed by the $3000 to win Rumble on the River non-qualifiers race and the $25,000 to win Commonwealth 100. Saturday only admission prices: adults $35; senior(60+) / military $32; Students (7 – 17) $15 and children 6 and under are free. Pit passes for Saturday will be $40. 16″ coolers are welcomed and we have plenty of FREE parking and camping (no -hook ups)....

Shaver and Owens on Commonwealth 100 Front Row For Saturday Night

JAMAICA, VA (April 13, 2012) – Defending Commonwealth 100 winner Steve Shaver of Vienna, WV and defending Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion, Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN will make up the front row for the Third Annual Commonwealth 100 on Saturday Night at Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway. Shaver and Owens won their respective first and third heats on Friday Night to earn their starting spots for the $25,000 to win race. Other heat race winners include Rick Eckert of York, PA and Jared Landers of Batesville, AR. Casey Roberts of Toccoa, GA set fast time among the 40 entrants in Red Buck Cigars Time Trials with a lap of 17.058 seconds around the half-mile oval. The top four finishers out of four-15 lap heat races advanced from Friday Night’s action to the Commonwealth 100. On Saturday, activities will get underway when the pit gates open at 3 pm. There will be a celebrity slot-car race underneath the main grandstand area starting at 3:15pm. Dirt Racing Outreach will hold a service beginning at 3:30PM. General admission gates will open up at 4 pm with a driver’s autograph session slated for 4:30 PM. The drivers’ meeting is scheduled for 5:30pm. Action on the track will kick off at 6:30pm with the first of two B-mains that will determine the rest of the starting grid for the feature. After that, will be the $3,000 to win Non-Qualifiers race and rounding out the night will be the Third Annual Commonwealth 100. The event is being taped by Lucas Oil Production Studios and will be shown on MAV-TV, SPEED, and NBC Sports Network. For the latest breaking news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series visit www.lucasdirt.com. For the latest breaking news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, log onto www.lucasdirt.com or call the series’ office at (951) 532-2503. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Summary Friday Night, April 13, 2012 Commonwealth 100 Virginia Motor Speedway – Jamaica, VA Red Buck Cigars Fast Time: Casey Roberts / 17.058 seconds (Group A and Overall) Jimmy Owens / 17.071 seconds (Group B) Wiles Driveshafts First Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Steve Shaver, Dennis Erb, Jr., Casey Roberts, David Williams, Austin Hubbard, Tim McCreadie, Earl Pearson, Jr., Gregg Satterlee, Walker Arthur, Brandon Overton U. S. Steel Second Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Rick Eckert, Stevie Long, Shane Clanton, Don O’Neal, Jared Hawkins, Steve Francis, Jason Covert, Dean Bowen, David Zona, Eric Wells Simpson Performance Products Third Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Jimmy Owens, Brian Birkhofer, Ricky Elliott , Tyler Reddick, Scott Bloomquist, John Lobb, Dennis Franklin, Kyle Lear, Chris Madden, Mike Marlar HAWK Brakes Fourth Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Jared Landers, Daniel Stone, Kenny Moreland, John Blankenship, Jamie Lathroum, Darryl Hills, Ronnie DeHaven, Jr., Jonathan Davenport, Andrew Mullins, Tim Shelton...

Commonwealth 100 Begins Tonight!

Jamaica, VA – The haulers are rolling in and the campers are setting up for what is expected to be a stellar weekend of racing. Spectator gates open 5pm tonight with hot laps starting at 6pm. Tonight’s program will include practice, qualifying and heat races. All ticket sales are now at the ticket office when they open at 5pm. The $30 two-day adult advance ticket price is good at the ticket window tonight; senior (60+) / military is $27; Students 7 – 17 are $15 and children 6 and under are free. Pit passes are $50. Tomorrow’s program will be B Main(s), 30 lap non-qualifiers race and the Commonwealth 100 A Main. Saturday only prices are: Adults $35; senior / military $32; students (7 – 17) $15 and children 6 and under free. 16″ coolers are welcomed and we have plenty of well lit free parking. Camping is free but you must be self contained....

$25,000 to win Commonwealth 100 at Virginia Motor Speedway This Weekend; Two day advance ticket prices extended through Friday

Jamaica, VA – After weeks of preparation the gates at Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway will swing open for the 2012 season this Friday and Saturday April 13-14, 2012 for the much anticipated Commonwealth 100. This year’s edition will have a new twist as the Lucas Oil Late Model series will now sanction the $25,000 to win event. The weekend will also include a $3000 to win non-qualifiers race. The $25,000 to win dirt late model crown jewel event will once again see the best of the dirt late model world converging on the ½ mile speed plant in Jamaica, VA. With some of the industries top names headed in attendance this is a must see event for any and all race fans. To help out the fans the speedway has announced it will extend the discounted two-day advance ticket pricing through the end of business on Friday April 13th. “With the current gas prices our fans are facing we wanted to help ease the sting by extending our advance ticket prices through Friday,” commented track owner Bill Sawyer Fans have until April 13 to grab one of the best deals in dirt Late Model racing — a two-day advance adult ticket for just $30; Senior / Military are $27 and students (7-17) just $15. All tickets are general admission. No reserved seats will be sold for the event. Saturday only ticket prices will have adults at $35; senior and military at $32; students 7 – 17 at $15 and children 6 and under free. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting www.vamotorspeedway.com, downloading the advance ticket order form and sending it to the track with a money order or cashier’s check (no personal checks), or by calling the speedway office at 804-758-1867 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and using a Mastercard, Visa or Discover card. Not only is this event shaping up to be one of the biggest events of the year to attend, but Lucas Oil Studios will also be on hand to tape the event. The Commonwealth 100 at Virginia Motor Speedway on April 13-14th will be the first televised event in 2012 for the LOLMDS. The event will air on both SPEED and NBC Sports Network in 2012. The SPEED Channel will air the event on May 13th at 6PM EST while NBC Sports Network will air the event on June 10 at 6PM EST. The Commonwealth 100 weekend kicks off on Fri., April 13, with Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series time trials and heat races, while B-Mains, a 30-lap Non-Qualifiers’ Race and the headline 100-lapper take center stage on Sat., April 14. A raindate of Sun., April 15, has been established for the event. Competitor gates for Friday April 13th and Saturday April 14th will open at 3pm with spectator gates opening at 5pm on Friday and 4pm on Saturday. There will be a BB&T “Meet and Greet” with the Lucas Oil Series drivers from 4:15 – 5:15pm on Saturday April 14th. On track activities will begin both days about 6:00pm with hot laps. Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway, an ASA affiliate track, is a ½ mile dirt oval track and located on U.S. Route 17, eight miles north of Saluda, VA and 25 miles south of Tappahannock, VA in Jamaica, VA. The speedway is just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland and the Hampton Roads area. To learn more about Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway and its 2012 schedule of events, fans may call the Speedway office at (804) 758-1VMS or visit the track’s web site at www.vamotorspeedway.com. MEDIA CONTACT: DAVE SEAY (804) 758-1867 OR (804) 357-7223...

Commonwealth 100 TV Commercial

Check out the new commercial for the Commonwealth 100! Tickets are currently on sale with adult tickets only $30 for the two-day ticket. Senior and military are $27 for a two-day ticket with students 7 to 17 years old only $15 for the two-day ticket. As always children 6 and under are free. You can pre-order your tickets by downloading the order form or by calling the speedway at (804) 758-1867....

2012 Commonwealth 100 driver entry list heavy with Champions

Jamaica, VA – With the 3rd Annual Commonwealth 100 at Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway just four weeks away the driver’s list is looking like a who’s who in dirt late model royalty. Leading the list of drivers expected to be competing for the $25,000 top prize is the event’s defending champion Steve Shaver of Vienna, WV driving the familiar K&L Rumley Enterprises #6 Rocket. Shaver was masterful in his approach to last year’s event, dominating the event to take home the top prize. For anyone that knows the history of Virginia Motor Speedway they also know that the K&L Rumley car will always be in contention for the win. A long list of former national and regional tour champions will try to unseat Shaver as the marquee events defending champion, leading the list is the defending Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion Jimmy Owens. Other series champions expected to be on hand will be 2-time Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion Scott Bloomquist, 4-time Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion Earl Pearson Jr, 2011 World of Outlaws Late Model Champion Rick Eckert, two-time World of Outlaws Late Model Champion Josh Richards, 2007 World of Outlaws Late Model Champion Steve Francis, 2006 World of Outlaws Late Model Champion Tim McCreadie, 2-time UMP Late Model National Champion Dennis Erb, Jr. and 3-time Three State Flyers Champion Jason Covert. Of the list of champions Bloomquist, Eckert and Covert have scored special event wins are the ½ mile facility with Bloomquist being the latest winner at Virginia Motor Speedway picking up the win in the $15,000 to win 32nd Annual USA 100 held last September. With such a big prize on the line fans can expect a tremendous field of other national and regional talent to include 2010 World of Outlaws Late Model Rookie of the Year and current Lucas Oil Rookie of the Year contender Austin Hubbard, Jonathan Davenport, Jared Landers, Don O’Neal, Tyler Reddick, Terry Casey, John Blankenship, Eric Wells, Walker Arthur, Ricky Elliott, Jamie Lathroum and a host of other regional hot shoes. Not only is this event shaping up to be one of the biggest events of the year to attend, but Lucas Oil Studios will also be on hand to tape the event. The Commonwealth 100 at Virginia Motor Speedway on April 13-14th will be the first televised event in 2012 for the LOLMDS. The event will air on both SPEED and NBC Sports Network in 2012. The SPEED Channel will air the event on May 13th at 6PM EST while NBC Sports Network will air the event on June 10 at 6PM EST. This year’s edition will have a new twist as the Lucas Oil Late Model series will now sanction the $25,000 to win event. The weekend will also include a $3000 to win non-qualifiers race. Fans have until April 1 to grab one of the best deals in dirt Late Model racing — a two-day advance adult ticket for just $30; Senior / Military are $27 and students (7-17) just $15. All tickets are general admission. No reserved seats will be sold for the event. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting www.vamotorspeedway.com, downloading the advance ticket order form and sending it to the track with a money order or cashier’s check (no personal checks), or by calling the speedway office at 804-758-1867 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and using a Mastercard, Visa or Discover card. Drivers, meanwhile, can also save by entering the Commonwealth 100 prior to the early-entry deadline of April 1. The $150 early-entry fee not only saves racers $50 off the regular $200 entry fee but also includes a two-day driver pit pass worth $50. The Commonwealth 100 weekend kicks off on Fri., April 13, with Lucas Oil Late Model time trials and heat races, while B-Mains, a 30-lap Non-Qualifiers’ Race and the headline 100-lapper take center stage on Sat., April 14. A raindate of Sun., April 15, has been established for the event. Schedule of events is tentative and subject to change. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/vamotorspeedway and follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/vamotorspeedway.com for a chance at special deals and prizes during the 2012 season. Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway, an ASA affiliate track, is a 1/2-mile, dirt oval. The track is located on U.S. Route 17, eight miles north of Saluda, VA and 25 miles south of Tappahannock, VA in Jamaica, VA. The speedway is just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland and the Hampton Roads areas. To learn more about Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway and its 2012 schedule of events, fans may call the Speedway office at (804) 758-1VMS or visit the track’s web site at www.vamotorspeedway.com. For the latest breaking news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, visit the series’ website at www.lucasdirt.com. MEDIA CONTACT: DAVE SEAY (804) 758-1867 OR (804) 357-7223...

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