WEEKLY POLL

Speedway to reward teams at Gibsonburg banquet

By Brian Liskai
Special to The Press
Bliskai2x@cros.net

The top 12 drivers in Fremont Speedway's 2007 point standings will share in a purse of $32,000 during the traditional awards banquet scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 3 at Ole Zim's Wagon Shed, located just outside of Gibsonburg on State Route 590 (south of U.S. 20).

Jim and Joanne Ford, who are stepping down after promoting "The Track That Action Built" the past eight seasons, have increased the 2007 point fund by $12,000 from last year, in addition to rewarding the top 12 in the point standings rather than the top 10 as in the past. Also, two rookie of the year awards will be presented for each of the three divisions.

"We just wanted to again say 'thank-you' to the teams who supported us all these years. When you're getting between 90 and 100 race cars in the pits every week...that means a lot of people are making sacrifices and working hard to support Fremont Speedway," said Jim Ford.

The top 12 in points, who will share in the point fund and receive trophies at the banquet are:

Fort Ball Pizza Palace 410 Sprints: 1. Byron Reed; 2. Lee Jacobs; 3. Paul Weaver; 4. John Ivy; 5. David Harrison; 6. Caleb Griffith; 7. Troy Vaccaro; 8. Mike Linder; 9. Brian Smith; 10. Mark Keegan; 11. Todd Heller; and 12. Gregg Dalman. The rookies of the year are Gregg Dalman and Chris Andrews.

Fremont Federal Credit Union 305 Sprints: 1. Andy Shammo; 2. Kevin Lee; 3. Chad Gullett; 4. Stuart Brubaker; 5. Dustin Dinan; 6. Bill Kraylek; 7. Coty Runion; 8. Cap Henry; 9. Dustin Keegan; 10. Matt Lucius; 11. Duane Zablocki; 12. Craig Kays. The rookies of the year are Cap Henry and Travis Hoffbauer.

Fremont Fence Dirt Trucks: 1. Cory Ward; 2. Bob Dible; 3. Jim McGrath; 4. Shawn Valenti; 5. Steve Sabo; 6. Steve Endicott; 7. Dwight Waltermeier; 8. Art Howey Jr.; 9. Andy Maynard; 10. Chuck Roelle; 11. Brad Mitten; 12. Eric DeVanna; Rookies of the year are Zack Kramer and Alex Wiechman.

Besides the point fund, there will be other special awards such as the Computer Man Dash Championship monies.

Doors at Ole Zim's will open at 5:30 p.m. with a family-style dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the awards presentation to follow.

Call the speedway office at 419-862-2206 for tickets. Tickets, which are $25 each, will also be available at the upcoming Racers Swap Meet at the Sandusky County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 27.

For more information log onto www.fremontohspeedway.com

Andy Shammo — a proven champion at Fremont, Attica

By Brian Liskai
Special to The Press
Bliskai2x@cros.net

Andy Shammo added his name to the list of winners at both Attica and Fremont Speedways.

With a fourth place run in the 305 sprint feature two weeks ago, Millbury's Shammo scored his second straight track title at Attica Raceway Park in the 305 sprints.

Last Sunday, Shammo won the Burns Iron & Metal 305 Sprint Invitational Sunday at
Fremont Speedway, taking home the $2,500 prize.

Shammo, who recently wrapped up his second straight track championship in the 305 sprints at Attica Raceway Park, passed early leader Cap Henry on lap 17 and held off a late race charge from Bryan Sebetto to claim his fifth feature win of the season at "The Track That Action Built." It marks.
Shammo's 13th career win at the Sandusky County Fairgrounds' speedplant, as he leads the 2007 point standings in the Fremont Federal Credit Union 305 Sprints with two races remaining.

"To be listed n the same group as Bobby Foster, Roger Shammo, Scott Miller, Bryan Scott and Paul Weaver...this was a race I really wanted to win," said Shammo beside his Lamar and Yvonne Burkin owned sprinter in the Engine Pro Victory Lane.

"I have to thank my dad and my cousins who work on this thing and Dennis Level and Guy Meyers at Level Performance...this engine is awesome," Shammo continued beside his KS Sales and Service, Herman Kinn Funeral Home, Fort Ball Pizza Palace backed #48.

The evening began with a celebration, as the dirt trucks lined the front stretch to pay tribute to Fremont Speedway Promoters Jim and Joanne Ford and their family. The Fords recently announced they were ending their promotion of "The Track That Action Built" following the 2007 season.

The dirt truck division began in 2000 when the Fords took over as Fremont Speedway's
promoters. The festivities included a proclamation by Fremont Mayor Terry Overmyer declaring Sunday, Sept. 2, 2007 as "Jim Ford Day" in the City of Fremont.

A special collection was also taken up on this Labor Day weekend for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, with race fans donating $1,237.

The 30-lap 305 sprint feature saw Brad Bowman jump into the lead from his pole starting position with Cap Henry, Duane Zablocki, Craig Kays and Shammo in tow. Cap Henry would rive under Bowman for hte lead on lap three, with the yellow flying for a Kevin Lee and Dustin Keegan spin. Henry would continue to lead on the restart, with Shammo moving into second on lap 4. The yellow would fly again on lap 7 for a multi-car pile-up involving six cars.

Henry would ride the bottom groove to continue his lead, while Shammo patiently followed. Bowman would continue to run in third with quick qualifier Bryan Sebetto and Coty Runion battling hard behind. Shammo showed his experience on the 17-year-old Henry as they raced into lapped traffic on lap 16.

Shammo and Henry would race side by side the next 2 circuits before Shammo would drive around the outside of Henry exiting turn 2 for the lead. Henry would fight under Shammo ilapped traffic before the yellow would fly on lap 20 for a Todd Heuerman spin.

Shammo would now power away from the field on the restart with Henry, Sebetto, Bowman and Dustin Dinan battling hard behind. Sebetto would drive around Henry into the runner-up spot on lap 24 and would move right onto Shammo's rear bumper when the final caution flew on lap 26 for Chad Gullett.

Shammo would not budge from the bottom groove on the restart and was able to pull away from Sebetto who rode the outside rim. Shammo would easily take the checkered with Sebetto, Henry, Dinan and a late-charging Bobby Clark (up from his 14th starting spot) rounding out the top five.

"I felt comfortable with the clear track on that last yellow until I rode around and saw Bryan Sebetto right behind me on the scoreboard. It seemed appropriate though...we've run in the top two spots all season long," said Shammo. "We haven't decided yet if we're going to move to the 410 sprints next season...that's something we'll discuss this winter. Right now we want to win the track championship here."

Shammo reflecting on his “dream” racing season

By Brian Liskai
Special to The Press
Bliskai2x@cros.net

The Fremont Federal Credit Union 305 Sprints and Fremont Fence Dirt Trucks at Fremont Speedway were split into odds and evens in their point standings for two feature events for each division, each paying $1,000 to win.

As the speedway’s final night of racing came to a close, Millbury’s Andy Shammo had picked up his fifth victory of the season in one 305 main, to claim the 2007 Fremont Speedway track championship. He also picked up a new XXX Chassis for his feature win. Shammo also won the track title at Attica Raceway Park. In the other 305 feature, Fremont's Dustin Dinan scored his second career victory.

"This was a dream season. I have to thank Lemar and Yvonne Burkin for giving me the opportunity to drive their car and all our sponsors...without them we couldn't do this," said Shammo beside his Fort Ball Pizza Palace, K-S Sales and Service backed #48. "Dennis Level built us one heck of a motor."

"When I won the first one it really didn't comprehend what I had done. I'm going to enjoy this one a lot more," said Dinan beside his Quality Welding, Tanks Meats, Johnson's Hunting & Fishing backed #5.

In the first truck feature, Sandusky's Cory Ward picked up his 7th victory of the season to claim the 2007 track championship. In the second truck feature, Tiffin's Art Ball matched his age with his 68th career victory at Fremont Speedway to lead all drivers on the all-time win list.

"This started with my grandpa and then my dad. Now I have a track championship just like my dad (Jim Ward). I couldn't ask for a better year," said Ward beside his Budweiser, Blue Chip Machine, Excuses Lounge backed #18w.

"I still feel good and Keith Pierce and the crew give me a good truck, so I'll keep on driving," said Ball beside his Magers Lumber, Clouse Constructioned backed #01.

By virtue of his 12th place finish, Monclova, Ohio's Byron Reed claimed the track championship for the Fort Ball Pizza Palace 410 Sprints, his second title at Fremont Speedway having took the trophy in 2003. Reed also won the 2007 track championship at Attica Raceway Park.

Rod George jumped into the early lead in the big 50-lap 410 sprint feature with Brandon Wimmer, Mark Keegan, Mike Linder and David Harrison in tow. The first yellow would fly on lap three with another caution waving on the restart as Reed made contact with Linder, sending Reed spinning. Once the green came back out, the race was on.

George led until lap 10 when Keegan would drive around the outside. Keegan would continue to lead over George, Wimmer Harrison, Linder and Smith. Smith would move into fourth on lap 11, third on lap 15 and into the runner-up spot on lap 17. Keegan and Smith would race side by side until driving under Keegan exiting turn four on lap 21 for the lead. Smith could not shake Keegan who stayed on his rear bumper until third place running Mike Linder made contact with the lapped machine of Greg Dalman entering turn 3 on lap 42, sending Linder and Dalman both flipping.

On the restart, Smith had six lapped machines between himself and Keegan and would cruise to his second career win at "The Track That Action Built." Keegan would finish second with Wimmer, Harrison and Kevin Huntley rounding out the top five. John Ivy earned the RickandKell Hard Charger Award for his drive from 21st starting spot to a 6th place finish.

In "odds" 305 sprint feature, outside front row starter Todd Heuerman would grab the early lead with Mark Pridemore, Travis Hoffbauer and Mark Whaley in tow. Shammo was on the move, going from his 10th starting spot into 6th in the first lap before the yellow would fly. Another caution followed on lap 2 with Shammo now up to fourth. While Heuerman continued to lead over Pridemore, Shammo drove into third on lap 4 and would take the runner-up position on lap 6 before another caution would fly. On the restart, Shammo seemed content to follow Heuerman until lap 12 when he would race beside him and grab the lead a circuit later. Shammo pulled away for the win with Heuerman, Pridemore, Bill Kraylek and Hoffbauer rounding out the top five.

In the "evens" 305 sprint feature, pole-sitter Scott Mominee would grab the lead at the drop of the green with Bobby Foster, Matt Merrill and Brad Bowman in tow. Foster would drive under Mominee to take the lead a lap later. The driver on the move was Bowman who moved into second on lap 3 and began to pressure Foster. Foster made contact with a lapped machine on lap 5, collapsing his front wing, but he continued to lead. Bowman would drive around Foster to grab the lead on lap 11. Dinan, who started 10th, whould move into third on lap 11 and take second on lap 14. Bowman and Dinan would race side by side until Dinan slipped under for the lead on lap 18. Dinan would go on to the win with Matt Lucius moving into second in the closing laps; Stuart Brubaker into third, Foster and Bowman rounding out the top five.

Gibsonburg’s Hahn claims Attica’s late model track title

By Brian Liskai
Special to The Press
Bliskai2x@cros.net

Greg Wilson notched his third 410 sprint win of the season at Attica Raceway Park, while Bryan Sebetto took his eighth checkered in the 305 sprints, Wayne Maffett Jr. claimed his second win in the late models and Art ball picked up his fourth win in the dirt trucks.

By virtue of his runner-up finish in the feature, Byron Reed claimed his third straight and fourth overall track championship in the 410 Sprints.

With a fourth place run in the 305 sprint feature, Millbury's Andy Shammo scored his second straight track title in the 305 sprints.

With a sixth place run in the feature, Gibsonburg's Ken Hahn edged five-time track champion Larry Kingseed by seven points and Ryan Missler by eight points to claim his first track title in the late models.

Art Ball came into the championship night 11 points back. With his feature win, combined with Cory Ward's 12th place finish, Ball scored his second straight track title by 14 points over Ward.

For Wilson, the win came aboard Veryl Warnimont's No. M20 rather than his normal No. W20 ride.

“This team has been struggling and we decided to race this car and help them sort it out. Butch (Schroeder, the driver of the M20) had a wedding he had to go to. And, we've climbed back in the title picture (for the O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions) and we wanted to save that car for that run,” said Wilson of his 17th career Attica victory aboard the All Star Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning backed car.

“I have to thank the crew, Ken Fan and my Australian friend...they have never given up on this team. It's great to get a win on Kistler Engines Night....this engine has like 16 races on it...just goes to show ‘ya that Paul Kistler builds one heck of a motor.”

For Sebetto, the win was bitter sweet as it is his last night in the Josh Meggitt No. 01 as he will be racing a 410 sprint the rest of the season.

“To win eight races and not get the championship is hard to swallow. But hats off to Andy Shammo and that team...they didn't have any DNFs the entire year and we had a couple when we crashed while leading. I'm glad I could leave Josh with a win,” said Sebetto.

Maffett's win was No. 29 in his career at Attica, just one behind his late father for the all-time late model/street stock mark.

“I just like racing here...this place is awesome. The harder you drive the better you go,” said Maffet.

For Ball, it was all about his team propelling him to his fourth win of the year and the track title.

“Keith Pierce and this entire team never gave up. Last week we had a good top three that would have given us the point lead and we lost a rear end. The guys went to work and here we are,” said Ball.

At the drop of the green for the 30-lap 410 sprint feature, Wilson bolted into the lead from his pole starting spot with Reed, Jamie Miller, Brandon Martin, and Dean Jacobs in tow. Wilson would hold a comfortable lead as he flew around the top side, with Reed getting no challenge for second. Miller, Martin, Jacobs, and Mike Linder would battle hard behind that duo. Action would slow for a Craig Mintz spin on lap two and would be followed by a stoppage a lap later as Chad Blonde flipped, collecting Mark Keegan. Blonde would come back but Keegan was done for the night.

On each restart, Wilson would fly to a comfortable advantage with Reed still getting no challenge for second. Miller would continue to run in third when a Brock Mayes tip-over on lap 23 brought out the red. On the restart, Martin would surrender fourth to Linder who would grab third a lap later.

At the checkered it was Wilson, Reed, Linder, Jacobs, and Martin rounding out the top five, with Blonde coming from the back to score sixth.

Sebetto would utilize his patented high line to grab the lead from his outside front row starting spot and wouldn’t look back. However, the racing behind him was fantastic. Brad Haudenschild held the runner-up spot the first two laps before surrendering it to Brad Bowman. With five laps in the books the running order was Sebetto, Bowman, Dustin Dinan, Dustin Keegan and Shammo. Dinan would grab the second spot on lap 14 of the 25-lap affair, with Keegan moving into third by lap 16.

When the checkered flew for Sebetto, Dinan, Keegan, Shammo, and Matt Lucius would round out the top five.

In the 20-lap late model main, Maffett grabbed the lead from his pole starting spot, but couldn't shake Jim Fleming who hounded him the entire race. The real battle was for third through sixth with the positions seemingly changing every lap. At the halfway mark the running order was Maffett, Fleming, Bill Hahn, Ryan Missler, Larry Kingseed, and Ken Hahn. Missler would move into third on lap 12, bringing Kingseed into fourth.

Maffett would go onto the win with Fleming, Missler, Kingseed, and Bill Hahn rounding out the top five.

Rookie Zak Kramer grabbed the lead in the 15-lap dirt truck fature, with Paul Brown Jr., Ball, Bob Dible, and Shawn Valenti in tow. Ball would power into the lead on lap three as Kramer spun. At the halfway mark the order was Ball, Brown, Dible, Valenti and Steve Endicott.

With five laps to go Ball had pulled away to a seven truck length advantage with Dible in second, Brown, Brian Arnold, and Endicott rounding out the top five.

At the checkered it was Ball over Dible, Arnold, Valenti, and Brown.

Gibsonburg’s Hahn claims Attica’s late model track title

By Brian Liskai
Special to The Press
Bliskai2x@cros.net

With a fourth place run in the 305 sprint feature, Milbury's Andy Shammo scored his second straight Attica Raceway Park track title in the 305 sprints.

Greg Wilson notched his third 410 sprint win of the season, while Bryan Sebetto took his 8th checkered in the 305 sprints, Wayne Maffett Jr. claimed his second win in the late models and Art ball picked up his fourth win in the dirt trucks on Kistler Engines Season Championship Night.

By virtue of his runner-up finish in the feature, Monclova's Byron Reed claimed his third straight and fourth overall track championship in the World Auto Parts of Huron & Cleveland 410 Sprints.

Gibsonburg late model stock car driver honored

Special to The Press
sports@presspublications.com

Attica Raceway Park crowned its 2007 champions at a gala awards program Saturday, Dec. 1. Earning the track titles were Byron Reed in the World Auto Parts of Huron-Cleveland 410 Sprints; Andy Shammo in the 305 sprints; Ken Hahn in the Fultz Fabrications & Speedshop Attica Late Models; and Art Ball in the dirt trucks.

Attica Promoter John Bores thanked all the teams and fans for a successful 2007 season. He also paid special tribute to all the businesses who have become partners in the track's success.

"To the drivers...you guys put on great shows every week. That's what brings people to the race track. To the sponsors...without your support we couldn't do this. It's because of the business support we're able to provide one of the best purses in the country every week," said Bores.

Bores paid special tribute to World Auto Parts of Huron-Cleveland for being the division sponsor for the 410 sprints along with sponsoring nights of racing, and Fultz Fabrications & Speedshop for their backing of the late model division.

ARP Operations Manager Rex LeJeune also thanked Kears Speedshop for providing a new Eagle chassis to Reed and a Triple X chassis to Shammo, and to Rayburn Race Cars and Wynn's Service Drive Solutions for providing a new chassis to Hahn.

Bores also thanked the 2007 point fund sponsors, Friendship Food Stores, Underground Utilities Inc., Burns Electric, Jeff Hoyda Dentistry, Schiefer Nationwide Insurance, Quick Dry, Inc by Nick Zeis, Myers & Smith Insurance, Make a Wish Team 33, Reinecke Family Dealerships, and Missler Industries.

Prior to the top 10 in the final point standings for each division being introduced by emcee Brian Liskai, a brief video presentation produced by the Black Swamp Media Group highlighting the season was played.

For Reed, 2007 was a banner year. Not only did he win Attica's title - his third straight - he also claimed the track title for 2007 at Fremont. The Monclova driver competed in all 15 A-mains at ARP in 2007. Reed, who had titles in 2003, 2005 and 2006, scored an incredible 14 top 10 runs and a remarkable 10 top fives. He posted wins on May 11, June 8, June 15 and Aug. 3 and had three runner-up finishes. Reed now has 21 career Attica victories, moving into second place on the all-time win list. His average A-main finishing position was a fantastic fourth.

"This was probably the most consistent...the best year I've had," said Reed, who thanked his parents and family for their support and backing and his sponsors - JEI chassis, ProShocks, Black Swamp Media Group and Reebar Diecasting. "I've always said Attica fits my driving style better than any other track. The competition here week in and week out is second to none."

For Shammo, 2007 was also a stellar season, as he too won the ARP title - for the second straight year - and the championship at Fremont. The Millbury driver recorded four wins in the 13 A-mains he competed in. Incredibly, he never finished lower than 7th all season, including 9 top five runs. His average A-main finishing position was 3rd.

"While we weren't as fast as Bryan (Sebetto) all season, we were consistent, and we never had a DNF. That's a tribute to Lamar and Yvonne Burkin (car owner) my dad and the crew and to Dennis Levell at Levell Performance," said Shammo, who announced he would be racing 410 sprints in 2008.

Hahn picked up his first career feature wins in 2007 - all three coming at Attica. The Gibsonburg driver competed in all 16 A-mains in 2007. He racked up a remarkable 15 top 10 finishes and 10 top fives. In fact, the only time he finished out of the top 10 was a 20th on April 20. From May 4 through the end of the year his worse finish was a pair of ninth place runs. He recorded three wins - on June 1, June 15 and June 24th. His average A-main finishing position was 5th.

"We had traveled a little over my career and to be honest, racing wasn't fun any more. Then we started coming here every week and the crew here, the drivers and fans made racing fun again," said Hahn, who thanked his family and crew for their efforts.

For 69-year-old Art Ball, 2007 was a challenge, as he had to overcome some minor health problems. The Tiffin driver backed up last year's championship in style. The two-time ARP street-stock/limited late model champion competed in all 13 A-mains, racking up 12 top five finishes - his worse finish a 17th on Aug. 3. He scored wins on June 1, June 15, June 22, Aug. 25 and Sept. 1 and leads the all-time win list for the division with 7 victories. From opening night to August his worse finish was a fourth. His average A-main finishing position was an incredible third.

"Keith Pierce and the entire crew won this championship. They worked their tails off to put a good truck under me," said Ball, who noted his doctor wasn't pleased when, after his gall bladder was removed, was back to racing just three days later.

Millbury’s Andy Shammo point leader at Fremont

By Brian Liskai
Special to The Press
sports@presspublications.com

Sometimes new isn't better. Paul Weaver brought back a two-year-old car and held off teammate John Ivy to score his first 410 sprint win of the season at Fremont Speedway Saturday on Schiets Motors Night.

The last lap of the Fort Ball Pizza Palace 410 Sprints' feature had a lot of drama. First, as the Genzman Racing teammates of Weaver and Ivy raced through turns three and four for the checkered, the yellow would fly for a stalled Dustin Daggett.

On the restart, as the green and white waved together, once again there were problems in turns three and four as Mike Linder, Mark Keegan and Todd Heller got together. Once again the white and green waved together...this time third place running Caleb Griffith had a front end failure and stopped in turn two.

During each yellow, Ivy, who started 14th, would pull along side of Weaver, but the Fremont veteran would not let that intimidate him and he powered to the outside on the final restart and went on to score his 21st career victory at the historical speedway.

"I knew there wasn't much left on the bottom for him. I just had to keep my momentum up. We started with a different car this year, then put together a new chassis and then Guy Meyers and I put this old car back together this week," said Weaver in the Engine Pro Victory Lane beside his M&L Excavating backed No. 1W.

Clyde's Jim McGrath used a last-lap, last corner pass to score his second career feature win in the Fremont Fence Dirt Trucks.

"I followed Shawn (Valenti) around the high side...everyone else was on the bottom. I just got a good run," said McGrath in the Engine Pro Victory Lane. "It's about time I get to win one of these on the last lap."

Fremont's Dustin Dinan came out on top of a three-car battle with Steve Rando and Andy Shammo to score his first career win at "The Track That Action Built" in the Fremont Federal Credit Union 305 Sprints. The non-stop 25-lap feature came down to lapped traffic with two laps remaining, as Shammo, who has four wins this season at Fremont, tried to drive around Dinan and a lapped machine, only to make contact and spin, handing the victory to Dinan.

"That was one heck of a hard race. I tried to race Andy clean…heck, he's won enough this year, it was my turn," said Dinan in the Engine Pro Victory Lane beside his Tanks' Meats/Quality Welding backed No. 5.

In the 30-lap 410 sprint main, Griffith would grab the early lead with Weaver, Byron Reed, and Greg Wilson in tow. Weaver would drive into the top spot on lap three, as the yellow would fly after contact between Reed and Wilson sent the later spinning down the front stretch. All eyes were on Ivy, who had worked his way up from 14th to seventh in just three laps.

After a lap seven caution for Daggett, Weaver would continue to lead as Griffith and Reed swapped the runner-up position each lap. Ivy would move into fourth and challenge Reed by lap 11. Once again fans were treated to a drive from the back as Wilson was roaring back from 20th to 10th by the half-way mark.

As Weaver hit lapped traffic by lap 16, Griffith, and now a closing Mark Keegan would move closer with Ivy, Reed, Mike Linder, Chris Andrews and David Harrison in tow. Ivy would get around Keegan on lap 17 and drive under Griffith for second on lap 21. With just five laps remaining, Ivy was closing in on Weaver, setting up the dramatic finish.

At the checkers it was Weaver, Ivy, Harrison, Wilson and Andrews rounding out the top five.

Andy Maynard led the first two laps of the 20-lap feature for the Fremont Fence Dirt Trucks before Art Howey Junior slipped under for the top spot. Howie would continue to lead with a tremendous battle for second between Chuck Roelle, Cory Ward, Steve Endicott and Valenti.

Howie couldn't shake Roelle and Ward as they ran in his tire tracks. After a lap 16 caution, the action up front would heat up. Howie stuck like glue to the bottom as did Roelle with Ward trying the middle. McGrath would power into second on lap 18, with Ward fighting back under him. At the white flag, Howie led with Ward and McGrath side by side right on his rear bumper.

McGrath would drive to the outside of both down the back stretch and race door to door for the lead. He would drive off four for the victory with Howey finishing second, Ward, 13th-starter Art Ball and Endicott rounding out the top five.

Steve Rando would grab the point at the drop of the green for the 25-lap feature for the Fremont Federal Credit Union 305 Sprints, but not for long as Brad Haudenschild would take it on lap three. Rando and Haudenschild would battle back and forth the next three laps before Rando would pull ahead. Dinan would move into second on lap seven and the battle was on with Rando and Haudenschild.

Meanwhile current point leader Shammo was steadily climbing through the field from his ninth starting spot and would move third behind Rando and Dinan on lap 11. Those three would race hard and clean until lap 20 when Dinan would take the top spot. Again, the fans were treated to a charge to the front, this time in the form of Bryan Sebetto, who had worked his way from his 12th starting spot to fourth by lap 21. Shammo would move into second, right on Dinan's rear bumper on lap 21, before making contact with the lapped machine on lap 23.

Dinan would take the checkered over Sebetto, Rando, Bill Kraylek and Shammo.

Mark Keegan notches 59 th racing win at Fremont

By Brian Liskai
Special to The Press
Bliskai2x@cros.net

Mark Keegan has been racing for over 30 years. He has accumulated over 180 feature wins and 20 track championships.

But over the last few years the competition has gotten tougher and made it harder for the Fremont driver to find victory lane.

However, the 49-year-old driver still has some wins left in him and he made that clear Saturday at Fremont Speedway, as he executed a daring pass to move from third to the front and went on to take his 59th career victory at "The Track That Action Built."

Tiffin's Cody Runion was forced to bring out an old car a few weeks ago after destroying a brand new one. And once again, it propelled him to a win in the Fremont Federal Credit Union 305 Sprints.

Sandusky's Cory Ward drove a flawless race to claim his third win of the season in the Fremont Fence Dirt Trucks.

Keegan's win on Burger King Night in the Fort Ball Pizza Palace 410 Sprints puts him in the third spot on Fremont Speedway's all-time win list, just three away from his uncle Gug Keegan and eight away from leader Art Ball.

"I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever get back up here," said Keegan in the Engine Pro Victory Lane beside his Midwest Transportation & Auto Sales/Jon Wright Custom Chrome Plating sponsored #X. "These kids are just getting better and better and you really have to be on your game if you're going to beat them."

"And the way my luck has been going...the motor quit after I took the checkered...I hope it isn't too bad," added Keegan about his J&J chassis/Kistler Engines ride.

Runion took the lead from Duane Zablocki on lap 17 and survived the race's only yellow with just four laps remaining to score his second career Fremont victory.

"We really thought coming into the season we'd be good. We bought a new car and I proceeded to junk it. We rolled out this 1998 car once again. It got me my first win here and now it has us back in the Engine Pro Victory Lane," said the 18-year-old driver of the CamTech, Waterville Sheet Metal sponsored #49.

"I really hated to see that yellow. I didn't have any brakes the last four laps. But when I looked at the scoreboard and didn't see the 48 car (point-leader Andy Shammo who has 4 wins at Fremont in 2007). I relaxed and just cruised around the bottom."

Ward grabbed the lead from Bob Dible on lap 10 of the 20-lap truck feature and would not budge off the bottom to score the victory.

"I came off the bottom to pass for the lead, but I blew a couple of wins by trying to race up there before...I really didn't know what to do but go back down there and wait to see if anyone was going to try the high side," said Ward beside his Lakefront Drywall, East Side Cafe, Hisers Transmission's backed #18w truck.

Pole-sitter Paul Weaver led the first lap in the 30-lap 410 sprint feature before being passed by last week's Fremont winner John Ivy a lap later. Defending track champion Mike Linder would move around Weaver on lap five and would race outside of Ivy for the lead the next circuit. Meanwhile Keegan, who started 7th, moved into third and waited for his opportunity.

Keegan would split Linder and Ivy in the third and fourth turns to grab the lead on lap 7. Linder would mount several challenges to Keegan before the veteran would move to the bottom groove in 3 and 4 to stop Linder's advance. Just as Keegan got into heavy traffic on lap 17, the second and final caution of the feature would fly, giving him a clear track.

Linder would battle hard with Keegan on the restart, but once he regained his momentum, Keegan would cruise to the win. Ivy would nip Linder at the checkers for second, with fast-qualifier Byron Reed fourth and rookie Chris Andrews rounding out the top five.

In the 25-lap feature for the 305 sprints, Duane Zablocki would grab the early lead with Runion and Brad Bowman right on his bumper. The real battle was for positions 4-10 as they changed with every lap.Bowman would drop out on lap 11, making the running order Zablocki, Runion, Kevin Lee and Bill Kraylek.

The leaders would hit lapped traffic by lap 15, allowing Runion to close on Zablocki. The duo would battle hard for the lad the next two circuits before Runion shot under Zablocki exiting turn 4 on lap 17 for the lead. The only yellow would fly on lap 21 with Runion and Zablock having a lapped car between them and third place Bill Kraylek.

Runion would set sail on the restart, pulling away from Zablocki for the win. Kraylek would come home third with Lee and Bobby Foster rounding out the top five.

Brad Mitten took the early lead in the 20-lap dirt truck feature, with Dave Gibbs driving around him on lap 3. The driver on the move were 8th starting Bob Dible and 12th-starting Ward. Dible would drive under Gibbs for the lead on lap 5, bringing into second. Ward would drive around Dible on lap 10. Dible's teammate Steve Endicott would grab the second apot on lap 12 and would put pressure on Ward.

Ward would not budge off the bottom and went on to the victory with Endicott, Dible, Art Ball and Jim McGrath rounding out the top five.

Millbury’s Shammo receives early Christmas present

By Brian Liskai
Special to The Press
bliskai2x@cros.net

It was good to be running second late in the features at Attica Raceway Park Friday. The lead drivers experienced problems in the 410 feature, 305 feature and late model mains, as Greg Wilson, Andy Shammo and Randy Scott took the checkers in dramatic fashion. Bob Dible battled four other trucks before claiming his second victory in a row on Smith Family Frosted Foods' Christmas in July at " Ohio's Finest Racing" speedplant.

Wilson, who opened up Attica's 20th season with a win back in March, bumped wheels with race-long leader Mile Linder exiting turn 2 with three laps remaining in the World Auto Parts of Huron/Cleveland 410 Sprint feature, sending Linder off the back stretch and himself in victory lane.

"I hated that Mikey and I made contact. I got a good run under him and thought I had him cleared. There's no darn mirrors on these things...I couldn't see him. He was going for the win and I was going for the win...it was just one of those racing deals," said Wilson beside his All Star
Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning sponsored #W20. "We switched back to a Maxim recently and started going better. Veryl (Warnimont, the car owner) is on his boat and missed this...I can't wait to call him."

For the second time this season Fremont's Bryan Sebetto made contact with a spun car while leading a 305 sprint feature. Sebetto, who has six wins at Attica in 2007, hit a spun car with just two laps remaining, handing the lead to Millbury's Andy Shammo who cruised to his third win of the year at ARP. In fact, only one other driver - Mike Linder - has won a 305 sprint feature besides Sebetto and Shammo.

"They say it's better to be lucky than good. I don't know if I could have gotten around Bryan. I could race under him in one and two, but he's so darn fast in three and four," said Shammo beside his KS Sales & Service, Advanced Speciality Contractor, Lotycz & Sons Floor Covering backed #48.

In the Fultz Fabrications & Speedshop Late Model feature, it looked like Ryan Missler would claim his second win of the year, but during a late race yellow, his car would lose power. Mansfield's Randy Scott, making only his third appearance behind the wheel in 2007, passed John Mayes Jr. with just two laps remaining to score his first career ARP victory.

"I thought I was into the front stretch wall when I passed for the lead...I didn't think this car was that small," said Scott Rod Eddleblut'e Garage/RTE Bingo backed #63. "This is just unbelieveable....this is only my third night out this year."

In the dirt truck feature, it was another barn-burner, with five trucks having a shot at the victory on the last lap. When the dirt settled, it was Fostoria's Bob Dible edging Art Ball for the second stright week for his third career ARP victory.

"I really needed that caution towards the end. I saw Art stick his nose under me...I knew I just had to stay up top and keep the hammer down," said Dible beside his Bob's Machine Shop/BMS Engines backed #17.

In the 30-lap 410 sprint feature, Linder grabbed the early lead, driving around the big top cushion, with Brandon Martin, Mark Keegan, Brock Mayes and David Harrison in tow. Linder set a blistering pace, hitting lapped traffic by the 12th circuit. While Linder drove away in front, Martin and Keegan lurked behind. Meanwhile, 11th-starting Wilson steadily worked his way toward the front and was up to fourth by the half-way mark.

Martin would give up second when he jumped the big cushion in turn 4 on lap 21. The running order was now Linder, Wilson, Keegan, Harrison and Mayes. Wilson would try to drive under Linder the next five laps before trying the slide-job in turn 2 on lap 27 when his right rear made contact with Linder's left front, sending the later onto the back stretch horse track.

Wilson would claim the victory over Keegan, Harrison, Mayes and Gus Wasson.

In the 25-lap 305 sprint feature, Cody Runion would grab the initial lead with Chad Gullett, Shammo, Duane Zablocki and Scott Kraylek running close. When the first caution flew on lap 7, the running order was Runion, Gullett, Shammo, 8th-starter Sebetto and Zablocki. Sebetto would move into third a lap later and take the runner-up position on lap 9.

Runion and Sebetto would race side by side the next four circuits before Kevin Lee made hard contact with the front stretch wall, sending him flipping. On the restart, Runion bobbled slightly exiting turn 2, allowing Sebetto to drive under for the lead. Shammo would move into second on lap 18 and put pressure on Sebetto the next five laps.

Brad Haudenschild spun exiting turn 4 on lap 23 as the leaders raced down the back stretch. Sebetto flew out of turn 4 and there sat Haudenschild. Sebetto made slight contact, but stopped on the track nonetheless, sending him to the tail and handing the lead to Shammo.

Shammo would hold off a charging Zablocki the next two laps for the win, with Runion, Gullett and 18th-starter Todd Heuerman rounding out the top five.

In the 20-lap late model main, John Mayes Jr. took the initial lead, with third-starting Missler grabbing it on lap 4. Missler would build a sizeable lead until disaster struck on lap 15. During a yellow to a separate incident in turn 4, Missler’s car lost power. That put Mayes back into the top spot, with 8th-starter Scott , Larry Kingseed and Mike Marteney in tow.

Mayes and Scott would race door to door the next three circuits before Scott would drive under Mayes for the win as the leaders took the white flag. At the checkers it was Scott, Marteney, Mayes, Kingseed and 11th-starter Ken Hahn.

Dible would lead all 15 laps of the dirt truck main, but it wasn't easy, as Chuck Roelle, Shawn Valenti, Art Ball and Brian Arnold swaped the top spots each lap. At the checkers it was Dible over Ball by half a truck length, with Roelle, Valenti and Arnold rounding out the top five.

Attica Raceway Park will be back in action Wednesday, July 25 as World Auto Parts of Huron/Cleveland Presents the World of Outlaws Late Models. Gates will open at 5 p.m. with racing action slated to get underway at 8 p.m. For more information log onto atticaracewaypark.com or call 419-680-5606.

Millbury’s Shammo third in Fremont sprint feature

By Brian Liskai
Special to The Press
Bliskai2x@cros.net

In the 25-lap feature for the 305 sprints at Fremont Speedway last weekend, pole-sitter Mark Whaley would grab the early lead with Coty Runion and Heuerman challenging the next 16 laps. The action would halt on lap 18 for a tip-over by Scott Mominee (he was uninjured), with the running order Whaley, Heuerman, Runion, Bobby Foster and Andy Shammo of Millbury.

When the green flew again, Heuerman immediately began pressuring Whaley, driving to his outside. With five laps remaining, Heuerman exited turn four high and swept under Whaley whose momentum had taken him up the racetrack. Heuerman would slide under Whaley entering turn one and would slide up in front for the lead. He would then cruise to the victory with Whaley, Shammo, Foster and Runion rounding out the top five.

In the first truck feature, Paul Brown Jr. would grab the initial lead with Chuck Roelle racing him hard until he took the top spot on lap 6, bringing Cory Ward into second with him. Ward and Roelle would race side by side for the lead with Ward gaining the advantage on lap 8. Meanwhile veteran Art Ball would steadily climb from his 8th starting spot to grab second at the half-way mark of the 20-lap affair.

Ward and Ball would race nose to tail to the checkered, with Eric DeVanna, Mark Warnick and Jim McGrath rounding out the top five.

In the second truck feature, Aaron Schatzinger would take the lead at the green with Dwight Waltermeier, Brad Mitten, Zak Cramer and Shawn Valenti in tow. Valenti would vault into second by lap 3 and would race into the lead a lap later. The action behind him was exciting as Waltermeier, Schatzinger, 11th-starter Bob Dible and 10th-starter Brian Arnold continuously swapping positions.

Dible would move into second at the half-way mark and would hound Valenti the remaining 10 laps, but just couldn't get around him Arnold, Schatzinger and Waltermeier would round out the top five at the checkers.

Chaney dominates at Fremont; Kayes scores first

By Brian Liskai
Special to The Press
sports@presspublications.com

Rob Chaney's resume speaks for itself. Yet the Millersburg, Ohio driver seems to have had problems finding a sprint car ride of late. However, it appears he has found a comfortable seat in the Randy and Lisa Hammer car in 2007 as he dominated Saturday's 410 sprint feature at Fremont Speedway.

"Randy and Lisa Hammer spend a bunch of money to give me an opportunity to race. Rob Hunter owns the truck and trailer and motor. We have a bunch of guys working on this that just love racing," said Chaney beside his Hammer Pallets sponsored #24h in the Engine Pro Victory Lane.

"Aaron (Hammer, crew chief) wasn't here tonight, but we've been on the phone with him all night and he got us pointed in the right direction. I put the wing all the way back on the start and it stuck," said Chaney of his eighth career Fremont victory.

It was double features on Legendz Sports Bar & Grill Night for the Fremont Fence Dirt Trucks. Sandusky's Cory Ward took the lead for good on lap 16 of the 20-lap affair to grab his first win of the year in the make-up Kistler Engines Night feature from April 28. It was his second career Fremont victory.

"I'm dedicating this year to my Grandpa...we lost him this winter and he was a special part of our team," said Ward beside his Excuses Lounge, Budweiser sponsored #18w in the Engine Pro Victory Lane.

In the Fremont Federal Credit Union 305 Sprint feature, Bettsville, Ohio's Craig Kayes held off Andy Shammo to score his first career feature victory.

"The yellow flags at the end gave me a clear track, but I saw that 48 car on my bumper. I knew I had to just hit my marks on the high side and I'd be alright," said Kayes beside his Jenny's Copper Penny, Michael Snell Construction, Roberts Sandblasting sponsored #9k.

In the Legendz Sports Bar & Grill Night A-main for the dirt trucks, Risingsun's Shawn Valenti held off challenges by Brian Arnold to win his second career Fremont feature.

"After I watched the sprint features I saw there wasn't much on the bottom, so I went to the top groove...I had to be careful not to slip up over the lip," said Valenti beside his Kern Tool, Dymond Motorsports sponsored #28.

The Fort Ball Pizza 410 Sprints saw Bobby Clark lead the first lap from his pole starting spot. Chaney then utilized the extreme high groove to sling shot around Clark exiting turn 4 to complete the second lap and never looked back. The racing behind Chaney was tight with Clark, David Harrison, Lee Jacobs, Mike Linder and Byron Reed.

Harrison would move into second on lap 8 and that is where he would finish. Jacobs, fast-qualifier Byron Reed and 13th starter John Ivy would round out the top five in the non-stop affair.

Pole-sitter Scott Mominee would grab the lead in the 25-lap Fremont Federal Credit Union 305 Sprints feature, with Kayes and Cap Henry in tow. Henry would move under Kayes on lap four, with Chad Gullett putting the pressure on for third.

Mominee, Henry and Kayes would run nose to tail until lap 14 when Kayes suddenly found the speed to overtake them on the high side for the lead. Gullett would move into second on lap 15 and hounded Kayes. Meanwhile 12th start Andy Shammo - who won both the make-up and regular features the previous week at Fremont, steadily picked his way through the pack and would take second on lap 17. The first caution would fly on lap 17 with the running order Kayes, Shammo, Gullett, Henry and Mominee.

Shammo would take a couple of peaks under Kayes the next three laps until another yellow waved on lap 20. Kayes began to pull away on the restart and went on the Engine Pro Victory Lane over Shammo, Henry, Stuart Brubaker and Gullett.

In the make-up feature for the dirt trucks, Steve Sabo would take the initial lead with Dwight Waltermeier, Art Ball, Valenty and Ward racing hard on his bumper. By lap four Sabo would lead over Ward and Waltermeier as they raced each other hard. They would remain the top three until Ward moved around Sabo for the lead on lap 14. With just two laps remaining Waltermeier's engine expired.

At the checkered it was Ward over Sabo, 11th-starter Art Howey Jr., Brian Arnold and 10th-starter Steve Endicott.

In the regular truck A-main, Charley Gingrich would grab the initial lead, but Valenti would power around him on the second lap. Meanwhile Arnold would move into second on lap five and would pressure Valenti the remaining 15 laps. Gingrich would hold onto third at the checkered, with 10th-starter Bob Dible fourth and Eric DeVanna rounding out the top five.

Millbury’s Andy Shammo sweeps 305s at Fremont

By Brian Liskai
Special to The Press
bliskai2x@cros.net

Race fans got their money's worth at Fremont Speedway Saturday, with close racing - and plenty of it, as the 305 sprints had feature events to make up from the rained out Kistler Engines
Night, along with the regular program of 410 sprints, 305 sprints and dirt trucks on Baumann Auto Group Night.

Fowler, Ohio's Dale Blaney would end up in the Engine Pro Victory Lane for the second time in as many outings in 2007 in the 410 sprints. Millbury’s Andy Shammo visited the Engine Pro Victory Lane twice, sweeping both 305 sprint mains - the make-up feature that was rained out on April 28, and Saturday's regular feature. Risingsun’s Steve Endicott would not budge off the bottom of the track and powered into the Engine Pro Victory Lane in the dirt truck feature.

Blaney was sitting in the right place at the right time, as he used a lapped machine as a pick to slip by Mark Keegan with just 9 laps remaining to score his sixth career Fremont victory in the Fort Ball Pizza Palace 410 sprints.

Shammo would work his way up from 10th starting spot to capture the April
28th make-up feature in the Fremont Federal Credit Union 305 Sprints. In the
night's regular feature, he would take the lead with just two laps remaining
to take the checkered flag for his 10th career Fremont victory.

In the Fremont Fence & Guardrail Dirt Truck's Endicott would take the lead
on lap 5 and race side by side with Jim McGrath the remaining 20 laps to
score his 3rd career victory at "The Track That Action Built."

Greg Wilson would jump into the lead at the drop of the green in the 30-lap
410 sprint feature with Keegan, Blaney, and Lee Jacobs in tow. While most of
the field tried the bottom groove, Keegan went to the high side and in
rim-riding fashion took the lead on lap 2. Keegan would continue to lead, as
Wilson, Blaney and 7th starting Byron Reed would battle behind him.

By the half-way mark, Blaney began to pressure Keegan utilizing the bottom
groove as Keegan continued to ride that fine line between quickness and
disaster on the high side. As the leaders raced into lapped traffic on lap
20, Blaney - a former basketball standout - used the Bobby Clark as a pick
to move under Keegan for the lead as they raced down the front-stretch.
Keegan would try to drive around Clark and Blaney in turn 1 and ended up
spinning, as a fast-closing Wilson also looped it out.

Blaney would cruise to the win over Reed, fast-qualifyer Mike Linder, Jacobs
and Brock Mayes.

"Mark was really quick up top and I just had to be patient and wait for
lapped traffic...it's always better to be second at that point," said Blaney
beside his George Fisher owned sprinter. "We had a top three car the night
before (with the All Star Circuit of Champions at Attica) and a fuel pump
cost us. It's great to get back to victory lane...that makes you feel a lot
better."

In the make-up feature for the 305 sprints, Coty Runion would jump into the
lead, with Bryan Sebetto overtaking him a few laps later. Shammo would go to
the high side to take the lead just past the half-way mark and would cruise
to the win. Sebetto, Duane Zablocki, Bill Kraylek and Stuart Brubaker would
round out the top five.

In the Baumann Auto Group A-main, Brad Bowman would take the lead from the
pole with Ryan Lowe and Craig Mintz following. Bowman would continue to
rocket off the bottom of the track, as Mintz moved into second by lap 10. As
they raced into lapped traffic on lap 13, Bowman had his hands full with
Mintz, who was piloting the Rich Farmer #29, as he took a night off from his
regular 410 sprint ride.

Mintz would slip by Bowman on lap 18, only to see Bowman get back by on lap
19. Then disaster struck for Bowman, as he and Mintz raced side by side into
turn 1, Bowman made contact with a lapped machine which collapsed the front
end of his sprinter, ending his night.

On the restart, Mintz led over a closing Shammo and Sebetto. Shammo would
sneak by Mintz exiting turn 2 on lap 23 to take the win. Mintz would hold
onto second, with Lowe, Sebetto and Dustin Dinan rounding out the top five.

"Everyone wanted to run the bottom when the track slicked off. I knew if we
could get a run in the middle we'd be good. It was just a matter of being
patient and racing the track," said Shammo beside his Village Inn/KS Sales
and Service sponsored #48. "I want to thank Lamar and Yvonne Burkin (car
owners), my dad and mom and all the sponsors. I've been racing a lot of
years and I've never had a night like this. My wife couldn't be here
tonight...I can't wait to call her."

In the dirt truck feature, Jimmy Sebetto would grab the early lead with
Endicott, McGrath, Cory Ward, Eric DeVanna and Shawn Valenti waging a torrid
battle behind him. Sebetto would slip up on lap five, allowing Endicott to
take the lead. As everyone road around the bottom, McGrath took to the high
side and moved into second by lap 11 and ran side by side with Endicott the
remaining 9 laps, and even had the edge for the lead on lap 17.

But Endicott would keep his truck straight around the bottom and would hold
on for the victory over McGrath, Ward, Dwight Waltermeier and 18th-starting
Bob Dible.

"I wasn't coming off that bottom for nothing," said Endicott beside his
Bob's Machine Shop sponsored truck. "We've been really good right out of the
gates this year. I just hope we can continue these good runs."

At Ole Zim’s Wagonshed
Jim Ford’s retirement cause for emotional evening

Special to The Press
sports@presspublications.com

It was a very emotional night November 3 when Fremont Speedway put the wraps on the 2007 season with its traditional awards banquet at Ole Zim’s Wagonshed near Gibsonburg.

Besides honoring the top 12 in the point standings for the 410 sprints, 305 sprints, and dirt trucks, it was also the last function the Jim and Joanne Ford family would preside over as promoters of "The Track That Action Built."

Jim Ford, who took over the failing speedway in the Sandusky County Fairgrounds in 2000, revitalized the facility with the help of his family, friends, and the racing community, returning the “speed plant” to its rightful place among the historic race venues in the country. Ford announced late in 2007 that he would be stepping down as track promoter, turning the reins over to Andy James and Rich Farmer.

"Everyone thought I was nuts when I decided to reopen Fremont Speedway. To be honest, I probably was...it was a lot more work than we realized, but in the end, it was well worth it. We are now a part of a very large, supportive family," said an emotional Ford in front of the standing-room-only crowd.

Ford stunned the crowd when he announced he was fighting cancer, but with the prayers and support of his family and the racing community, he would beat the disease.

"I would like to personally thank the Ford family – Jim and Joanne, Doug, Vicki, Randy and Deb and Becky and Bob Kayden. Like many of you in this room, I grew up at Fremont Speedway…I thought going to the fairgrounds every Saturday was just a way of life. That would have come to an end if it weren’t for the Fords stepping in and breathing new life into this historic race track," said Brian Liskai, track announcer and banquet emcee.

"Over the past eight years I have become a member of the Ford family and I am truly honored. Yes, Jim can be – for lack of a better term – hard-headed – most of us in this room have been 'invited' to take a golf-kart ride with him at one time or another. But his criticisms were always to make sure we were running the best show we could for everyone.

“Besides what you saw of the Ford family at the track, there was the side only a few got the opportunity to experience – visits to racers and fans in hospitals, funeral homes, nursing homes…cards and letters of encouragement and support. This family truly cares about the people in racing. On behalf of everyone in this room and from my heart, I say thank you and job well done."

During the awards, the top 12 in the final point standings for the Fort Ball Pizza Palace 410 Sprints, Fremont Federal Credit Union 305 Sprints, and the Fremont Fence Dirt Trucks shared in over $32,000 in point-fund money. The track champions were Monclova’s Byron Reed in the 410 sprints, Millbury’s Andy Shammo in the 305 sprints, and Sandusky’s Cory Ward in the dirt trucks.

Also, Ross Paulson handed out over $5,000 in funds from the Computer Man Championship Dash. Throughout the year, the winners of each of the heat races in the 305 sprints competed in a dash where they accumulated points based on where they finished and how many cars they passed. In the four years of the Computer Man Dash, over $20,000 has been handed out. Shammo became the fourth different driver to win the Computer Man Championship Dash.

Blaney holds off Reed to win 50-lapper at Fremont

By Brian Liskai
Special to The Press
Bliskai2x@cros.net

There's just something about the clay or the shape of Fremont Speedway that suits the driving style of Dale Blaney.

The former All-Star champion and World of Outlaws competitor scored his fourth win of the season - in five outings at "The Track That Action Built" - in the KOT Trucking/Crown Battery 50-lap challenge Saturday, taking home $5,000.

In the Fremont Federal Credit Union 305 Sprints, Leipsic's Todd Heuerman picked up his third win of the season - also his third career sprint car feature victory.

The Fremont Fence Dirt Trucks were split into two complete fields - odds and evens in the point standings. In the "odds" feature, Sandusky's Cory Ward continued his fantastic season, as he picked up his sixth feature victory. In the "evens" feature, defending dirt truck track champion Brian Arnold scored his second win of the year.

At the drop of the green in the Fort Ball Pizza Palace 410 Sprints' feature, rookie-of-the-year candidate Greg Dalman jumped into the early lead. Blaney drove the George Fisher Racing/Berlin Natural Bakery No. 2 around Dalman for the lead on lap four. The first caution would appear on lap 19, with the running order Blaney, current point leader Byron Reed, John Ivy, Dalman and Brian Smith.

Blaney would pull away on the restarts, as Reed's harder compound Hoosier tire would take awhile to adhere to the clay. Just as Reed would mount a challenge, another yellow would fly on lap 23 with the running order Blaney, Reed, Ivy, a closing Brandon Martin and a strong Smith.

Again, just as Reed began to catch Blaney, the final caution would fall on lap 40 with the running order now Blaney, Reed, Martin, Ivy and a closing David Harrison. Blaney would then pull away for his 8th career Fremont victory.

In the 25-lap feature for the 305 sprints, Duane Zablocki would drive into the early lead with fellow Tiffin resident Matt Lucius in tow. The caution would wave on lap 11 with the running order Zablocki, a hard-charging Heuerman from his 8th starting spot, Lucius, 10th-place starter and current point leader Andy Shammo and Steve Rando. Heuerman would blast around Zablocki on the restart and go on to claim his third victory of the year aboard his Dale's Concrete backed sprinter.

In the dirt trucks' "odd" feature, Andy Maynard grabbed the early lead, with Dave Brewer jumping to the point a lap later. Shawn Valenti, who has won the last two feature events, would drive into the top spot on lap four. Ward would run side-by-side with Valenti over the next five laps before grabbing the lead for good on lap nine and going on for the victory.

In the dirt trucks' "even" feature, Eric DeVanna blasted into the early lead before three-time track champion Steve Sabo would take the point on lap five. Jim McGrath would drive to the high side to take the lead on lap seven and would lead to the half-way point before Arnold would drive under for the lead on lap 11 and go on to the win.

Fremont Speedway will be down for the Sandusky County Fair until action resumes on Sunday, Sept. 2 for the popular Eighth Annual Burns Iron and Metal 305 Sprint Invitational, carrying one of the largest purses for that division in the country. The dirt trucks, vintage race cars and school buses will also be in action.

Millbury’s Shammo records fourth Attica victory

By Brian Liskai
Special to The Press
Bliskai2x@cros.net

The point leaders in the 410 sprints and 305 sprints protected their turf on Legendz Sports Bar & Grill Night at Attica Raceway Park Friday, while the feature winners in the late models and trucks helped tighten those point battles.

Monclova's Byron Reed, the 2003, 2005 and 2006 Attica champion, dominated the second half of the 30-lap feature to pad his lead in the point standings for the World Auto Parts of Huron & Cleveland 410 Sprints. It was Reed's fourth win of 2007 at " Ohio's Finest Racing" speedplant.

Defending co-champion in the 305 sprints, Andy Shammo of Millbury, also increased his point lead - ever so slightly - by claiming his fourth victory of 2007 at ARP during the non-stop 25-lap feature. Second place point man Bryan Sebetto finished second. Shammo and Sebetto have won all but one 305 sprint feature at ARP in 2007.

Bellevue's Ryan Missler, who entered the night third in the Fultz Fabrications & Speed Shop Attica Late Model point standings, led all 20 laps of the feature to claim his second victory of 2007, tightening the point battle as he closed on leader Ken Han and second place point man Larry Kingseed.
Risingson's Shawn Valenti entered the night's racing fourth in the dirt truck point standings. He too closed the gap with his second victory, edging third place point man Bob Dible by a fender with a last lap, last corner pass. Point leader Art Ball dropped out while running second.

Coty Runion would grab the early lead in the non-stop 25-lap 305 sprint feature with Dustin Dinan, Bryan Sebetto, Shammo and Scott Kraylek in tow. Shammo would move under Sebetto on lap 3 and past Dinan into second a lap later. Runion and Shammo would race side by side the next five laps before Shammo gained the top spot on lap 9. Sebetto would move into second a lap later, but couldn't reel in Shammo.

While Shammo picked his way through traffic, Runion fought back to reclaim second on lap 15. Runion would bobble three laps later, allowing Sebetto to move back into the runner-up spot and close briefly on Shammo. The car on the move was Stuart Brubaker, who climbed from his 7th-starting position to fourth by lap 14 and would move into third by lap 19.

Shammo would take the checkered over Sebetto, Brubaker, Runion and Benny Bowman.

In the 20-lap late model feature, Missler grabbed the early lead with Devin Shiels, John Mayes Jr., Curtis Diesenroth and Hans Gross in tow. Missler would continue to lead when the first yellow flew on lap 10. The car on the move was Randy Scott, who had worked his way up to third from his 11th-starting position behind Missler and Mayes.

While Missler continued to lead, Mayes and Scott would battle back and forth for second with Scott taking the position on lap 14 as the yellow flew again. Missler would build a big lead once again, only to see it vanish as he took the white flag which was replaced by yellow for a spinning Ernie Haynes. As the white and green came out together on the restart, Missler stayed out front for the win, with Scott, new point leader Ken Hahn, Mayes and Gross rounding out the top five.

Dible, who had won the last two features at Attica, grabbed the lead at the drop of the green in the 15-lap dirt truck feature. Chuck Roelle wouldn't let him get away though, staying right on his bumper. Art Ball, who was recovering from a brief hospital stay for surgery to remove his gall bladder earlier in the week, utilized the bottom groove to move from fifth to second by lap five. Dible and Ball raced door to door the next eight laps until Ball left with what appeared to be mechanical woes as the final yellow would fly. Dible continued to lead over Roelle, 9th-starter Valenti and 10th-starter Cory Ward. Valenti would dispose of Roelle as they took the white flag. He and Dible would touch exiting turn two as they raced hard down the back stretch. Dible would change his high land to the bottom in 3 and 4, trying to stop Valenti's assault, but Valenti drove to the outside as they raced side by side to the checkered flag.

Valenti edged Dible by a half-funder for the win, with Roelle, Steve Endicott and Ward rounding out the top five.

Weaver takes Fremont loot; Bowman claims 305

By Brian Liskai
Special to The Press
bliskai2x@cros.net

Sometimes bad things happen for a reason. Such was the case for Fremont's Paul Weaver at Fremont Speedway on Wilhelm Auto Parts Night.

Weaver blew his motor racing Friday night. The team, led by his wife Andrea, installed a back-up engine from owner Dee Genzman and it propelled him to victory in the Fort Ball Pizza Palace 410 sprints, his second win of the season.

Weaver escaped disaster on lap 23 while hunting down race leader Mike Linder. Linder made contact with Chuck Wilson as he tried to put him a lap down entering turn three. Linder flipped, with the crash also collecting third place runner John Ivy, fourth place runner Byron Reed and fifth place driver Mark Keegan. Only Keegan was able to restart at the tail.

Shelby's Brad Bowman drove the Gary and Earl Lowe sprinter to an emotional win in the Fremont Federal Credit Union 305 sprints.

Risingsun's Shawn Valenti continued his hot streak in the Fremont Fence Dirt Trucks, claiming his third feature victory in as many outings, having won last week at Fremont and Friday night at Attica Raceway Park. It was his fourth win of the season at "The Track That Action Built."

"I don't know how I made it through that...I thought Mike (Linder) was going to land on the wing," said Weaver in the Engine Pro Victory Lane. "Everyone was trying to run the bottom...I knew once we hit lapped traffic I could catch Mike by staying up top."

"I have to thank Dee for giving us this back-up engine. It's actually the motor John (Ivy) ran last week here. To win number 22...to be tied with Rick Ferkel (and Roy Sheets and Dan Roepke for 18th on the all-time win list)...I used to cheer for him...I wanted to be just like him," added Weaver beside his M&L Excavating sponsored sprinter.

Bowman grabbed the lead from Dustin Keegan on lap four of the 25-lap 305 sprint feature and never looked back to collect his fourth career Fremont victory.

"This car has been better than the results have shown. I have to thank Gary and Earl Lowe, Ryan Lowe and their families...they have taken me into their family...they are the greatest racing people in the pits," said Bowman in the Engine Pro Victory Lane beside his Ron Campbell Farms/Riegel Electric, Fred Wolfe Auctioneer backed #66L.

For Valenti, it was a matter of getting back to the top side of the race track. He powered around Bob Dible on lap 8 and went on to claim the victory in the 20-lap dirt truck feature.

"I tried the bottom and got punted off so I went back to where I feel comfortable. I have to thank Tom Kern...he sets this thing up and it makes me look good," said Valenti in the Engine Pro Victory Lane beside his Kern Tool, Dymond Motorsports and Fabrication backed truck.

In the 410 sprint feature, Weaver, who turned down the "Deal" (move to 13th starting spot and win and collect a $2,500 bonus), grabbed the initial lead, but it wasn't for long, as Linder moved underneath for the top spot a lap later. Linder would continue to lead while Weaver and teammate John Ivy swapped the second spot back and forth.

Linder would hit lapped traffic by lap 8, but second place Ivy couldn't make a move. The yellow would fly for a Troy Vacarro and Bryan Sebetto spin on lap 9. A lapped machine seperated Linder and Ivy, with Weaver, Mark Keegan and Byron Reed rounding out the top five.

On the restart, Weaver would drive around Ivy into second, with Keegan following into third. Linder would again encounter lapped traffic by lap 16. Weaver would begin pressuring Linder by lap 21, with Ivy back into third, Reed fourth and Keegan falling back to fifth.

The disaster struck on lap 23, involving four of the top five runners - Linder, Ivy, Reed and Keegan. Following the red flag, Weaver had three lapped machines between he and second place running Gus Wasson. Weaver would power to the win, with Wasson, 14th-starter Lee Jacobs, 10th-starter Brian Smith and David Harrison rounding out the top five.

Outside front row starter Brandon Martin took the "deal," moving from second to 13th starting spot for a chance at another $2,500 bonus had he won. He finished ninth in the A-main.

In the 305 main, Dustin Keegan hugged the bottom to grab the early lead, with Bowman, last week's winner Chris Lang and Cap Henry in tow. Bowman would make his winning move on lap four, driving to the outside of Keegan.

The race was slowed only once for a Bobby Clark spin on lap 15, with the running order Bowman, Keegan, Henry, Kevin Lee and Stuart Brubaker.

Bowman would pull away for the win, while the action behind him heated up. With the race winding down, current point leader Andy Shammo got his elbows up and made a charge, moving from fifth to third by lap 23.

At the checkers it was Bowman, Keegan, Shammo, Lee and Henry rounding out the top five.

Andy Maynard led the first lap of the dirt truck feature before Bob Dible would slip by. Dible would continue to lead over Maynard as fifth-starting Valenti moved up on the track and into third by lap 6. Valenti would grab second a circuit later and challenge Dible for the top spot. Valenti drove around Dible for the lead on lap 8 and never looked back.

Dible would come home second, with Steve Endicott, current point leader Cory Ward and Jim McGrath rounding out the top five.

Son gives father birthday present with Speedway win

By Brian Liskai
Special to The Press

FREMONT, Ohio (Saturday, July 28, 2007) - Byron Reed gave his dad, Sam, a great birthday present last Saturday at Fremont Speedway - a 410 sprint victory on Custom Chrome Plating Night.

Reed, who started 8th after setting quick time in qualifications, battled with John Ivy the last 8 laps before claiming his third win of the season.

It was the Monclova, Ohio driver's 13th career victory at "The Track That Action Built" in the Fort Ball Pizza Palace 410 Sprints. He currently leads the track's point standings.

It's been so long since his first feature win, Fostoria's Chris Lang couldn't remember when it happened. He'll have no problem remembering his latest though, as he took the checkered flag in the Fremont Federal Credit Union 305 Sprints feature for his second career victory at Fremont Speedway.

Once again, the Fremont Fence Dirt Trucks put on a whale of a show, as five trucks battled for the lead the last five laps. At the checkered, it was Risingson's Shawn Valenti taking his third win of the season.

"I usually don't qualify that well and that puts us behind the eight ball. That was one of those deals where it was better to be in second late in the race. We're really getting around this place well now," said Reed in the Engine Pro Victory Lane next to his ProShocks/Reebar Diecasting backed sprint car.

"What an incredible night. We won our heat, won the dash and now the feature. I can't remember the first win, but I'll definitely remember this one," said Lang from the Engine Pro Victory Lane beside his Wendt Key Team Realty/Burns Electric/Eric McCormick Trucking/Bright.net sponsored #29.

"This truck just likes the high side. Once I got into the lead I knew I wasn't coming down from there...someone was going to have to drive under me to get me," said Valenti beside his Kern Tool, Dymond Motorsports & Fabrication sponsored #28 truck in the Engine Pro Victory Lane.

Bryan Sebetto, in his new 410 ride, grabbed the early lead from his outside front row starting spot, with Scott Euler, Caleb Griffith, John Ivy and Mike Linder in tow. Action would grind to a halt on lap 3 for a Todd Heller tip over.

Sebetto would set sale on the restart, with Griffith and Ivy right on his rear bumper. Ivy would move into second on lap 5 and would grab the lead two circuits later getting under Sebetto exiting turn 4. Ivy would continue to lead, with the action for second now heating up between Sebetto and Griffith, with Reed moving into fourth. Griffith would move into second on lap 13, with Reed moving into third at the half way mark.

The caution would fly on lap 16 when David Harrison and Sebetto got together, sending both pitside. On the restart, Ivy would continue to lead, with Griffith and Reed closing. Reed would grab the runner-up spot on lap 18 and began putting pressure on Ivy. After a yellow followed by a red for last week's winner Troy Vaccaro's tip over, the racing action up front began to heat up.

Ivy and Reed raced side by side from lap 22 to the end. Reed would get under Ivy to take the top spot on lap 27. The duo would nearly collide racing for the lead exiting turn 2 a lap later.

At the checkered it was Reed by a less than a car length over Ivy and Griffith, with Brandon Martin and 11th-starter Mark Keegan rounding out the top five. Ivy would later be disqualified after his car failed to meet the minimum weight of 1,375 pounds.

In the 25-lap 305 sprint feature, Lang would grab the initial lead from his pole-starting spot, with Chad Gullett, Benny Bowman, Mark Pridemore and Stuart Brubaker in tow. Brubaker, who scored his first career victory last week, was the car on the move, as he vaulted into second on lap 5 and would grab the lead two laps later.

Brubaker looked like he was headed to another win until disaster hit on lap 13. Matt Merrill would flip in front of Brubaker, collecting the leader and ending his run. That gave the lead back to Lang, with Gullett, 10th-starter Andy Shammo, Bowman and Coty Runion rounding out the top five.

Fremont Speedway will be back in action Saturday, Aug. 4 on Wilhelm Auto Parts Night featuring the Fort Ball Pizza Palace 410 Sprints; Fremont Federal Credit Union 305 Sprints; and the Fremont Fence Dirt Trucks. Once again the "Deal or No Deal" will be in affect for the 410 sprint feature whereby the pole-sitter can opt to start 13th and if he wins collect a $2,500 bonus for a potential $5,000 pay day.

For more information contact the track office at 419-862-2206 or log onto www.fremontohspeedway.com