STARS Racing

2012 SEASON MEETING

starsracing — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:49:11 +0000

Here we go again! 2012 is shaping up to be an exciting and fun-filled year. The second season of the Short Track Auto Racing Series at the Grundy County Speedway in Morris, Illinois is quickly approaching. In an effort to continue the dialogue and enhance the communication process with the participating owners and drivers, we are respectfully requesting your attendance at an upcoming meeting. The details for the meeting are as follows:

Date: February 4, 2012

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Place: The Hot Rod Barn

6245 N. Seneca Road
Morris, IL 60450
(I – 80 and exit 105)

The meeting will include the introduction of the 2012 rule book, membership details, race official introductions, and other season related information. If you have any questions or need directions, please call Mike Guglielmucci at (815) 545-2305 or Joe Kirkeeng at (630) 408-8465. If you are able to attend, I would kindly ask you to RSVP to JKirkeeng@sbtbanknow.com by January 31^st. I would like to thank in advance for attendance and participation on February 4th.

Sincerely,
Joe Kirkeeng
President, S.T.A.R.S., LLC

2011 STARS CHAMPIONS OFFICIALLY CROWNED

starsracing — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:40:30 +0000

2011 STARS CHAMPIONS OFFICIALLY CROWNED AT YEAR END BANQUET

By: Michael J. Guglielmucci

Joliet, Il– The 2011 Inaugural D’Arcy GMC Short Track Auto Racing Series came to an official close last Saturday, January 14th, at the Joliet Moose Lodge with the year end awards banquet. Three Champions were crowned in their respective divisions in front of a crowd of 200 plus! Along with the championship crowning, other special awards were handed out throughout the night. Many traditions of Joliet area midget racing were continued, notably the prestigous Bob Tattersall Hard Charger Award presented by All-Star Performance given by 23-time Joliet Memorial Stadium winner Bob Richards.

Joliet’s Jimmy Anderson brought home his second career National Midget Championship in the last four years, his first coming in 2008. The 35 year old veteran considered this championship a little more special than the first because this one gave long time car owner Bob Guess his first Owner’s Championship. Anderson’s mom Sharon, who is co-owners with Guess, announced that this was the sixth owners title for Anderson Motorsports in its 50 plus year existance in midget auto racing. Jimmy was presented with an array of hardware, notably the Mi-Jack Cup, Champion’s Ring courtesy of David Nelson Exquisite Jewelry, and a $1,000 certificate from Mechanix Wear.

20 year old Brad Greenup of Channahon, IL was awarded with the annual Bob Tattersall Hard Charger Award presented by All-Star Performace. Greenup, a junior at St. Ambrose University in Iowa, said that this award was something he has always had in the back of his mind, that some day would be his. Tyler Trainor, who hails from Tattersall’s hometown of Streator,IL was crowned Rookie of the Year with his 8th place points finish. Trainor was awarded a brand new composite helmet courtesy of Bell Helmets. 70 year old veteran Terry Ahern took home the Hard Luck Award after flipping his car in a heat race one night and the following week picked up his 4th heat race win of the season.

Ed Ensor was crowned with his first career Classic Modified championship in 2011. Ensor nudged out 2010 champion Mike Anderson. Anderson took home the Hard Charger award for the Classic Modifieds after posting five wins in 2011.

The Town and Country Lanes Legends series named Andy Jones their champion for 2011. Jones, who was unable to attend the banquet because he was also being named champion for a Wisconsin-based track, posted multiple victories in 2011 and looks to repeat again in 2012. Brian Tedeschi was named the Legends series Hard Charger winner.

The Champions and Hard Charger Awards weren’t the only awards being handed out Saturday Night. Three new awards were presented to three very worthy recipients. The Founding Member Award was presented to Bob Guess, who was the mastermind behind the forming of the STARS series. The Shining STAR award went to Pit Steward Jim Webber. Webber spent every possible minute at the track greeting drivers and teams, posting lineups and staging the cars for their respective races. The inaugural Bopper Award, named after long time car owner Bob Thompson who recently lost his short battle with cancer, was given to National Midget Car Owner Bill Hulbert. The Bopper Award is given to an individual who represents the qualities that Thompson did. Thompson was always their to lend a hand for any team, driver, or fan. Hulbert spent many hours at the track prior to opening the pit gates cleaning the pits and blowing the track, among other things, before the Saturday night festivities began.

2012 looks to be a promising season for STARS and its teams. Many sponsors have committed to coming back in 2012 along with a few new sponsors. Saturday night, June 2nd, will be the opening night for the 2012 D’Arcy GMC STARS season. “Like” STARS on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shorttrackauto or follow STARS on twitter @shorttrackauto.

INAUGURAL D’ARCY SHOOTOUT This Saturday

starsracing — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 03:24:28 +0000

By: Michael J. Guglielmucci

The inaugural running of the Short Track Auto Racing Series D’Arcy GMC Shootout will be held this Saturday August 27th at the Grundy County Speedway. Teams and drivers are preparing their cars for what will be the largest payout ever at the 40 year old Speedway in Morris, Illinois. The largest car count of the year is expected for this event. Competing for the $4,000 winner’s purse in the National Midget division will be the STARS, USAC D1 and USAC National Midget teams. In addition to the National midget competition, the Illini Racing Series Sportsman Midgets, Tool Store Classic Modifieds, Town and Country Lanes Legends and the CSR Super-Cups will compete throughout the event.
That large amount of purse and contingency awards will attract many drivers to the Grundy Fairgrounds on August 27th. Not only will it bring in drivers from out of state, but many of the local drivers have their eyes on the prize. Current points leader Jimmy Anderson of Joliet, the Young Guns out of Channahon Brad Greenup and Billy Hulbert and veteran Patrick Wilda Jr. will look for a home track advantage throughout the night as they all seek to become the first winner of the D’Arcy GMC Shoot Out.
“Our plan is to make this a very special event”, commented Mike Guglielmucci, managing director for STARS. “This will be a great event for the fans, the drivers, the car owners and everyone else involved.” Mike went on to state, “Our goal is to grow the D’Arcy GMC Shoot Out into a national type event. We would like fans and race teams to put the shoot out on their schedule and make this event a destination.”
Announced late last week, former Indy 500 driver and Chili Bowl winner, Donnie Beechler will be the Grand Marshall for the evening’s events. Beechler will be on hand at D’Arcy GMC the night before the Shootout for a special Cruise Night at the dealership. On Friday August 26th, title sponsor D’Arcy GMC will have a cruise night in their dealership parking lot from 6-9 pm. Many of the competing cars will be on hand for display so fans can get an up close and personal view of them before they take to the 1/3 paved oval that is Grundy County Speedway. There will also be live music as well as Sprint Car Simulators. The simulators will also be on hand at Grundy the following night for the D’Arcy Shootout.
Tickets for the D’Arcy Shootout may be purchased at Ken Woody Sports and More, The Hot Rod Barn and The Winner’s Circle. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $2 for children 5-12. Children 4 and under are free. Pit gates open at 2 pm with the main grandstands opening at 5 pm and first race is at 6:30 pm. Tickets will also be available the day of the race at the Grundy County Speedway box office. The first 400 fans (21 and over) will receive a complimentary Bud Light hat and all kids will receive a glow necklace. For additional information please visit www.stars-racing.com or visit the STARS facebook page. You can also call Joe at 630 408 8465 or Mike at 815 725 2130.

ANDERSON TAKES FIRST CAREER ILLINOIS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, 4TH WIN OF 2011

starsracing — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 03:22:48 +0000

By: Michael J. Guglielmucci

Morris, IL—Joliet’s Jimmy Anderson continued his quest for the 2011 D’Arcy GMC STARS Championship by picking up win number four on the season as well as his first career Illinois State Championship presented by Chicagoland Speedway. Anderson set quick time on the night with a 14.244 second lap, only .05 shy of breaking the track record set by Saturday’s runner-up Aaron Andruskevitch. Anderson, starting from the eighth position on the grid, wasted no time getting to the front. He worked his way up to fourth by lap 2 and by lap five he took second spot away from Travis Young. Pole Sitter, Tom Schnabel, led the first 8 laps and on lap 9 is where Anderson took over the top spot and never looked back. A few late race cautions proved beneficial at the time for Andruskevitch, but Anderson’s restarts proved to be too much with the little time left in the race for Andruskevitch to catch him. Following Anderson and Andruskevitch at the line was Schnabel, Travis Young and Billy Hulbert. Rich Corson picked up another heat race win this season and 15 year old Isaac Chapple picked up his first career National midget win in the second heat race. Andruskevitch was the Hot Rod Barn Trophy Dash winner.
The Tool Store Classic Modified feature belonged to Ed Ensor. Ensor led all 15 laps en route to his second feature win of the season. Ensor battled Mike Anderson for most of the feature. Coming out of turn 4 to take the checkers, Anderson and Ensor tangled with Ensor being victim of a spinout. Race officials determined that Ensor was the victor because he was spun out by another competitor and not on his own. Ensor and Anderson, both 1 and 2 in the points were the top two finishers. Jon McGeorge, Ken Nona and Rick Bassalone rounded out the top 5. Ensor was the night’s fast qualifier. Anderson was the heat race winner and George Pershey was the Hot Rod Barn Trophy Dash winner.
In the Town and Country Lanes Legends series, Chance Rice took home the feature win in his first trip to Grundy County Speedway in 2011. Chance led 13 of the final 15 laps after passing Andy Jones on lap 2. Jones, Ryan Shattuck, Drew Higginson and Brian Tedeschi completed the top 5. Rice was the chart topper in qualifying and heat race winner. Andy Jones picked up another Hot Rod Barn Trophy Dash on the season.
For the CSR SuperCups, Tony Valez cleaned house by taking home the fast qualifier, heat race and feature. Valez picked up his second victory on the season. He was followed at the line by Austin Kunert, Joshua James, Zach Newland and Mike Naples.
STARS would like to thank all the fans and competitors that made the trip to the Grundy County Speedway for the Illinois State Championship presented by Chicagoland Speedway despite all the rain the area was hit with in the early hours on Saturday.
This Saturday, August 27th will be a must see event for everyone. It is the 1st annual “D’Arcy Shootout”. Five different divisions of heart pumping racing. The winner of the National Midget feature will take home the biggest purse ever at the Grundy County Speedway. $4,000 to the winner and a projected car count of over 20 National Midgets will make for some exciting action. Gates open at 5pm with the first race taking place at 6:30.

FINAL MIDGET RESULTS
QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Jimmy Anderson, 36, Guess/Anderson- 14.244; 2. Billy Hulbert, 88, Hulbert- 14.507; 3. Brad Greenup, 4, Greenup- 14.529; 4. Aaron Andruskevitch, 5, Domark- 14.551; 5. Travis Young, 11, Young- 14.593; 6. Rich Corson,15, Corson/Savage- 14.465; 7. Tyler Trainor, 25, Trainor- 14.687; 8. Tom Schnabel, 20S, Schnabel- 14.695; 9. Nick Wagner, 93, Wagner- 14.723; 10. Kyle Kettman, 8, Kettmann- 14.798; 11. Terry Ahern, 6T6, Ahern- 14.945; 12. Isaac Chapple, 52, Chapple- 14.952; 13. Mike Wallace, 10, MWR- 15.160; 14. Patrick Wilda Sr., 33, Wilda- 15.313; 15. Tom Eyman, 2, Eyman- NT
TROPHY DASH: (4 Laps) 1. Andruskevitch 2. Anderson 3. Hulbert 4. Greenup
FIRST HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Chapple 2. Wallace 3. Wagner 4. Kettmann 5. Wilda 6. Ahern
SECOND HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Corson 2. Anderson 3. Trainor 4. Greenup 5. Young 6. Hulbert 7. Andruskevitch
FEATURE: (30 Laps) 1. Jimmy Anderson 2. Aaron Andruskevitch 3. Tom Schnabel 4. Travis Young 5. Billy Hulbert 6. Rich Corson 7. Kyle Kettmann 8. Tyler Trainor 9. Mike Wallace 10. Isaac Chapple 11. Nick Wagner 12. Patrick Wilda Sr. 13. Brad Greenup
LAP LEADERS: Schnabel 1-8 Anderson 9-30
**Ahern flipped in turn 3 of the first heat

NEW D’ARCY GMC NATIONAL MIDGET STANDINGS: 1. Jimmy Anderson- 914 2. Brad Greenup- 812 3. Billy Hulbert- 784 4. Patrick Wilda Jr.- 619 5. Mike Wallace- 587 6. Terry Ahern- 583 7. Tyler Trainor- 523 8. Travis Young- 457 9. Kyle Kettmann- 442 10. Rich Corson- 374
NEXT D’ARCY GMC NATIONAL MIDGET RACE: August 27, 2011—Grundy County Speedway “D’Arcy Shootout”

ANDERSON PICKS UP THIRD WIN OF 2011 STARS CAMPAIGN

starsracing — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:08:32 +0000

Morris, IL— One week ago, Jimmy Anderson didn’t know if he would even have a ride to continue his drive for the Inaugural D’Arcy GMC STARS championship. Last week Anderson blew up not one, but two of his Mopar powered engines. One as he took the green flag in qualifying and the other while leading the feature with nine laps to go. Early Monday evening the team was able to work out a deal and acquire a new engine. By Saturday night, Anderson found himself in a familiar spot, in victory lane for the third time this season and extending his very slim point lead over Brad Greenup. Starting from the third spot on the grid, Anderson made it to second by turn one and by lap three took the lead from pole sitter Kyle O’Gara. Once he took the top spot, Anderson never gave up, leading the final 27 laps. A late charge from fast qualifier Aaron Andruskevitch and a couple late race cautions put Anderson in defense mode but it was too late for Andruskevitch to make a move to try to pick up his first win of the season. Andruskevitch made a return to Grundy County Speedway after engine troubles have kept him sidelined for most of the 2011 season. Taylor Ferns, Kyle Hamilton and Brad Greenup rounded out the top five. Hamilton, who won on Friday night at Plymouth (IN) Speedway had a chance to earn a $500 bonus from Town and Country Lanes if he were to double up and win Saturday, fell just a bit short as he had handling issues for most of the 30 lap feature. Terry Ahern and Grant Galloway picked up the heat race wins and Brad Greenup won the Hot Rod Barn Trophy Dash.
The Tool Store Classic Modifieds had their first new winner of 2011. Ed Ensor picked up his first win of the 2011 season. Ensor battled Mike Anderson for most of the 20 lap race. Running nose to tail on the final lap, Ensor passed Anderson on the outside of turn four to take the checkered. Anderson later said that a throttle cable broke on his car coming out of four. With 12 laps remaining in the feature Ensor and George Pershey were battling for second when Pershey spun and collected Mike McGeorge. McGeorge “t-boned” Pershey. McGeorge’s car rolled over on its side but both drivers walked away uninjured. Eric Pershey, Rick Bassalone and Sam Shew made up the top 5. Mike Anderson picked up the heat race win, Eric Pershey won the Hot Rod Barn Trophy Dash and Ensor was fast qualifier.
In the Town and Country Lanes Legends Series, it was once again the Andy Jones Show. Jones picked up his third straight win Saturday night leading most of the race. Jones’ brother Tommy finished second and was also the Hot Rod Barn Trophy Dash winner. Cullen Camasta, Rachael Pinkerman and Brian Tedeschi completed the top five. Andy Jones was also the fast qualifier and heat race winner.
Tony Valez picked up the victory in the Mini Cup division. He was followed by last weeks winner Jim Tremanes, Jordan Caskey, Joshua James and Zach Newland. Tremanes was the fast qualifier. Austin Kunert and Valez were the winners of the heat race.
Racing resumes this Saturday (August 13th) at the Grundy County Speedway with all four divisions competing in the Carter/Anderson Classic. The theme for the evening’s event is Ladies Night and the Humane Society will be the highlighted local charitable organization. The spectator gates will open at 5:00 and the first race is scheduled for 6:30.

FINAL RESULTS
QUALIFYING: 1. Aaron Andruskevitch, 5, Domark- 14.293; 2. Kyle Hamilton, 33H, Spike- 14.416; 3. Taylor Ferns, 55F, Ferns- 14.433; 4. Brad Greenup, 4, Greenup- 14.469; 5. Tyler Cottongim, 28, Cottongim- 14.477; 6. Jimmy Anderson, 36, Guess/Anderson- 14.482; 7. Patrick Wilda Jr., 33, Wilda- 14.537; 8. Kyle O’Gara, 6, East- 14.548; 9. Billy Hulbert, 88, Hulbert- 14.593; 10. Grant Galloway, 84, Galloway- 14.607; 11. Tyler Trainor, 25, Trainor- 14.648; 12. Derek Bischak, 31, Bischak- 14.656; 13. Rich Corson, 15, Corson/Savage- 14.724; 14. Travis Young, 11, Young- 14.760; 15. Tom Schnabel, 20S, Schnabel- 14.879; 16. Kyle Kettmann, 8, Kettmann- 14.883; 17. Isaac Chapple, 52, ICR- 15.088; 18. Aaron Willis, 121, Ballinger- 15.437; 19. Terry Ahern, 6T6, Ahern- 15.670; 20. Richard Drangmeister, 3, Drangmeister- 17.220
TROPHY DASH: 1. Greenup 2. Andruskevitch 3. Ferns 4. Hamilton
FIRST HEAT: 1. Ahern 2. Young 3. Kettmann 4. Schnabel 5. Corson 6. Willis 7. Chapple 8. Trainor 9. Bischak 10. Drangmeister
SECOND HEAT: 1. Galloway 2. Hulbert 3. Hamilton 4. Anderson 5. O’Gara 6. Greenup 7. Andruskevitch 8. Ferns 9. Cottongim 10. Wilda
FEATURE: 1. Jimmy Anderson 2. Aaron Andruskevitch 3. Taylor Ferns 4. Kyle Hamilton 5. Brad Greenup 6. Billy Hulbert 7. Tyler Cottongim 8. Travis Young 9. Derek Bischak 10. Patrick Wilda Jr. 11. Tom Schnabel 12. Kyle Kettmann 13. Tyler Trainor 14. Isaac Chapple 15. Terry Ahern 16. Grant Galloway 17. Kyle O’Gara 18. Richard Drangmeister 19. Rich Corson 20. Aaron Willis
LAP LEADERS: O’Gara 1-3 Anderson 4-30

INDIANA NATIVE VICTORIOUS IN ‘YOUNG’ STARS SEASON

starsracing — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:25:01 +0000

Morris, IL—Franklin, Indiana resident Travis Young picked up the Bob Tattersall Challenge Saturday night at Grundy County Speedway for his first victory of the 2011 D’Arcy GMC STARS midget season. Starting in the fifth position of the 30 lap main event, Young wasted no time getting to the front. On lap 3 he took over the second spot from fellow Hoosier Brandon Wagner. Young would maintain second spot to Jimmy Anderson until lap 21 when Anderson dropped out due to a mechanical failure, handing the lead to Young. Following Travis Young at the line was Billy Hulbert, Patrick Wilda, Jr. and Fast Qualifier Brad Greenup. Tyler Trainor rounded out the top 5. Hulbert and Terry Ahern were the heat race winners and Wilda took home the Hot Rod Barn Trophy Dash.
The Mike Anderson show continued once again in the Tool Store Classic Modified series. Anderson cleaned house Saturday night, winning the feature, heat race and the Hot Rod Barn Trophy Dash. Fast Qualifier Ed Ensor took home runner up spot followed by Jon McGeorge, George Pershey and Mike Mc George. Anderson is now 4 for 4 on the season at Grundy County and he is looking to catch Ed Ensor in the points standings. Anderson missed the first race of the season in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The Illini Racing Series made their second of five trips to Grundy County this year. Ray Seach picked up his first career win with Aaron Willis coming home a close second. Patrick Bruns, Dave Ohlendorf, and Mike Gass rounded out the top five. The Illini Racing Series returns to Grundy on August 27th as part of the 1st annual “D’Arcy Shootout”.
In the Town & Country Lanes Legends series, Andy Jones made it back to back feature wins, holding off Cullen Camasta at the stripe. Kyle Bradley, Rachael Pinkerman, and Drew Higginson completed the top 5. Jones completed the sweep for the second week in a row winning the heat race, Hot Rod Barn Trophy Dash and was the Fast Qualifier.
In Mini Cup action, Jim Tremanes took home the feature win. Following Tremanes was the hard charging Tony Valez. Last week’s winner Jordan Caskey took home third and Jamie Domski and Mike Harrold rounded out the top five. Erica Ensor was the Fast Qualifier and Tremanes and Domski were heat race winners.
This week there will be a special 2 day show for the D’Arcy GMC STARS Midgets. Friday night they will travel to Plymouth, Indiana to compete in a co-sanctioned event with the USAC D1 series and both groups will return to Grundy County Speedway on Saturday night. A $500 bonus sponsored by Toun & Country Lanes will be awarded to the driver that can win both nights. Scheduled to compete at Grundy County on Saturday will be USAC’s all-time female winner and Grundy veteran Taylor Ferns.

MIDGET RESULTS
QUALIFICATIONS- 1. Brad Greenup, 4, Greenup- 14.647; 2. Travis Young, 11, Young- 14.762; 3. Mike Wallace, 10, MWR- 14.765; 4. Patrick Wilda Jr., 33, Wilda- 14.766; 5. Jimmy Anderson, 36, Guess/Anderson- 14.782; 6. Brandon Wagner, 93, Wagner- 14.808; 7. Billy Hulbert, 88, Hulbert- 14.816; 8. Grant Galloway, 84, Galloway- 14.829; 9. Tyler Trainor, 25, Trainor- 14.849; 10. Nick Wagner, 93w, Wagner- 15.133; 11. Kyle Kettmann, 8, Kettmann- 15.162; 12. Terry Ahern, 6T6, Ahern- 15.197; 13. Tyler Schumaker, 121, Ballinger- 15.480; 14. Tom Eyman, 2, Eyman- 15.643; 15. Paul Ballinger, 12, Ballinger- 16.088; 16. Palmer Eicher, 54, Eicher- 16.497; 17. Rich Corson, 15, Corson/Savage- NT
TROPHY DASH: 1. Wilda 2. Wallace 3. Young 4. Greenup
FIRST HEAT: 1. Ahern 2. Trainor 3. Schumaker 4. N. Wagner 5. Eyman 6. Ballinger 7. Eicher 8. Kettmann
SECOND HEAT: 1. Hulbert 2. Wallace 3. Galloway 4. Anderson 5. Greenup 6. Young 7. Wilda 8. B. Wagner
FEATURE: 1. Travis Young 2. Billy Hulbert 3. Patrick Wilda Jr. 4. Brad Greenup 5. Tyler Trainor 6. Kyle Kettman 7. Brandon Wagner 8. Tyler Schumaker 9. Terry Ahern 10. Paul Ballinger 11. Palmer Eicher 12. Jimmy Anderson 13. Nick Wagner 14. Tom Eyman 15. Mike Wallace 16. Grant Galloway

ANDERSON BROTHERS VICTORIOUS FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 2011

starsracing — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:09:31 +0000

Morris, IL—For the second time in three possible chances, Joliet’s Anderson brothers, Jimmy and Mike, take home feature victories in their respective D’Arcy GMC STARS divisions. Jimmy, piloting the infamous red, white and blue number 36 Beast/Mopar, started 7th in the midget feature and didn’t waste any time getting to the front. Using the same strategy that Darren Hagen used to claim his victory at Grundy County in early July, Anderson got up on the high side and motored his way past then leader Patrick Wilda Jr. and never looked back. Jimmy had his hands full with Brad Greenup and Billy Hulbert most of the night. On lap 20, Hulbert caught Anderson entering turn 3 just before a Mike Anderson spinout brought out a yellow. Since the lap was not completed, the line up reverted to the previous completed lap, which gave Jimmy Anderson the top spot back. With 5 laps to go Anderson crossed the finish line as a mechanical issue started to affect his car. Anderson stated that those were the longest 5 laps of his life as he tried to hold off the hard charging Hulbert and Greenup, while under power. Just as Anderson was about to take the white flag, Greenup and Hulbert tangled while battling for the second spot with Hulbert being victim of a spinout. The final lap came and Greenup made a late move on the outside of turn four but it wasn’t enough as Anderson took the checkers for the second time this season. Following Anderson and Greenup at the flag were Jake Blackhurst, Nick Wagner and Billy Hulbert rounded out the top 5 of the D’Arcy GMC National Midgets. The Jimmy Johns “Freaky Fast” Fast Qualifier went to Patrick Wilda Jr. Hulbert took home the Hot Rod Barn Trophy Dash.
In the STARS Classic Modified division it was the Mike Anderson show with Anderson going 3 for 3 on the season. After being troubled with mechanical problems all day, Anderson didn’t see a lap of track time until the feature event so he had no idea what was going to happen. It didn’t take long for the 2010 track champion to find his way to the front after starting last. It only took 3 laps for Mike to get up to second place and reel in 2009 champion Nick O’Dell. O’Dell made his first start of the season on Saturday. It was right around the halfway point where Anderson made the move coming out of turn 4 to take the lead. Three laps later the red flag came out after a blown O’Dell engine resulted in an oil down. The race resumed and Anderson led the remaining laps. During his post race interview Anderson took off his driving gloves gave them to a lucky fan. He said his reason for that was, “STARS was benefitting the Mark Stahley Foundation. I didn’t know Mark, but I knew of him and what he did during his short time with us by giving back to the kids was inspiring. So I wanted to give back to the kids in my own way.” Ed Ensor, George Pershey, Rick Basalone and Ken Nona rounded out the top 5. Jimmy Johns Fast Qualifier went to Ensor and the Hot Rod Barn Trophy Dash winner was Eric Pershey.
The night belonged to Andy Jones in the Town and Country Lanes Legends Series. Jones took home the feature for the second time this season and was also the Jimmy Johns Freaky Fast Qualifier, heat race winner, and the Hot Rod Barn Trophy Dash winner Jones was followed to the checkers by Cullen Camasta, Dan Ivaska, Mickey Kudlicki and Brian Tedeschi.
In Mini Cup action, Jordan Caskey was the feature winner with Erica Ensor a close second. Tony Valez, Jamie Domski and Mike Harrold was the top five.
Final Midget Results
QUALIFYING: 1. Patrick Wilda Jr., 33, Wilda- 14.464; 2. Jimmy Anderson, 36, Guess/Anderson- 14.555; 3. Jake Blackhurst, 39, Blackhurst/BCI- 14.615; 4. Billy Hulbert, 88, Hulbert- 14.631; 5. Brad Greenup, 4, Greenup- 14.822; 6. Travis Young, 11, Young- 15.029; 7. Nick Wagner, 93, Wagner- 15.113; 8. Rich Corson, 15, Corson/Savage- 15.187; 9. Mike Wallace, 10, MWR- 15.191; 10. Mike Anderson, 36T, Guess/Anderson- 15.225; 11. Kyle Kettmann, 8, Kettmann- 15.457; 12. Terry Ahern, 6T6, Ahern- 15.701; 13. Tyler Trainor, 25,Trainor- 16.115; 14. Tom Eyman, 2, Eyman- 16.218 15. Ryan Probst, 99, Probst- NT
TROPHY DASH: 1. Hulbert 2. Blackhurst 3. J. Anderson 4. Wilda
FIRST HEAT: 1. Corson 2. Wallace 3. Ahern 4. Kettmann 5. M. Anderson 6. Trainor 7. Eyman
SECOND HEAT: 1. Greenup 2. Blackhurst 3. Wagner 4. Young 5. J. Anderson 6. Hulbert 7. Wilda
FEATURE: 1. Jimmy Anderson 2. Brad Greenup 3. Jake Blackhurst 4. Nick Wagner 5. Billy Hulbert 6. Travis Young 7. Kyle Kettmann 8. Mike Wallace 9. Terry Ahern 10. Tyler Trainor 11. Mike Anderson 12. Patrick Wilda Jr. 13. Tom Eyman 14. Rich Corson

GREENUP EARNS FIRST CAREER MIDGET VICTORY, CRITCHETT WINS IN IRS RETURN TO GRUNDY

starsracing — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 04:22:37 +0000

Morris, IL -Five racing Divisions strapped in for a night full of exciting STARS racing at the Grundy County Speedway this past Saturday. In addition to the National Midgets, Classic Modified Dwarf Cars, INEX Legends, and the Mini-Cup cars, the Illini Racing Series was welcomed back with open arms. The Illini Racing Series made everyone aware of their return with an outstanding feature race. This was all part of the Baseball at the Track theme in which one lucky fan left with tickets to the Cubs/Sox series. STARS also rolled out the red carpet for the Big Brothers/ Big Sisters organization treating them to many track related activities.
Brad Greenup of Channahon, IL captured his first career D’Arcy GMC STARS National Midget victory in a comeback fashion. Starting on the pole, Brad fell back to second early and trailed by nearly a straightaway to Patrick Wilda Jr. for most of the race. Greenup gained that straightaway back in his 100.7 RXQ/Little Caesar’s Pizza/Beast/Mopar and at lap 23 of 30 caught Wilda and passed for the lead with Wilda spinning out and eventually going to the back and driving all the way to a third place finish. Trailing Greenup at the checkers was last week’s winner Jimmy Anderson, Wilda, Mike Wallace and Paul Ballinger. The Jimmy John’s “Freaky Fast” Fast Qualifier went to Billy Hulbert. Wilda was the Hot Rod Barn Trophy Dash winner. Heat race winners included Jim Anderson and Minooka’s Terry Ahern.
In the Illini Racing Series return to Saturday Nights at Grundy, Lamont Critchett won a nail-biter. The top 3 IRS cars finished within 3 car lengths of Critchett and the mid pack looked the same. With the IRS return to Grundy, STARS honored multi-time Illini Champion Susan Spencer before the nights festivities began. Aaron Willis was the winner of the Hot Rod Barn Trophy Dash.
The STARS Classic Modified feature once again went to Joliet’s Mike Anderson. Anderson started on the pole and never looked back. Anderson drove his Merlin Muffler/Kawasaki/Madden to his second straight STARS Classic Modified feature. Anderson beat the Jimmy John’s Freaky Fast Qualifier, George Pershey to the line by a commanding three seconds. Jon McGeorge, Ed Ensor and Rick Basalone rounded out the top 5. The Hot Rod Barn Trophy Dash winner Eric Pershey did not compete in the feature after hard contact with the turn one wall in the heat race, ending his night. The Classic Modified heat winner was Jon McGeorge from Seneca, IL.
The Town & Country Lanes Legends Series saw a new winner this week with Tommy Jones taking the checkered flag first. Jones was two seconds ahead of second place finisher Kyle Bradley. Daniel Ivaska, Brian Tedeschi, and Rachael Pinkerman were the top five. Andy Jones took home the Trophy Dash bonus. Andy Jones won the heat race and was also the fastest qualifier for the division.
In Mini-Cup action, Jaret James passed Austin Kunert on lap 9 and led the remaining laps en route to his feature victory. James beat out Erica Ensor, Kunert, Jordan Caskey and Mike Harrold for the win. Erica Ensor was the fastest qualifier for the evening. Erica also won the heat race followed by Jaret James and Austin Kunert.
STARS racing will again be at the Grundy County Speedway this Saturday June 25. In addition to a full night of racing (hot lap sessions, qualifying, trophy dash races, heat races, and feature races for all divisions), it is “Ladies Night” at the speedway. All ladies will receive a special giveaway as they enter the facility and there will ladies theme raffle prizes as well. There will plenty of other activities including Big Wheel races, trivia, door prizes and more. The features community organization is the Humane Society. The event is sponsored by Freakster’s Roadhouse in Wilmington. Gates open at 5:00 and the first race is scheduled for 6:30. Adult admission is $10, $2 for children 5 – 12 and children under 4 are free. It is Yorkville/Plano community night all residents of those communities will receive $2 off an adult admission. For more information visit www.Stars-racing.com or on facebook at www. Facebook.com/shorttrackauto.

National Midget Final Rundown
Qualifying: 1.Billy Hulbert ,88,Hulbert- 14.707; 2. Patrick Wilda Jr., 33,Wilda- 14.769; 3. Jake Blackhurst, 39, Blackhurst/BCI- 14.847; 4. Brad Greenup, 4,Greenup- 14.856; 5. Jimmy Anderson, 36, Guess/Anderson- 14.924; 6. Mike Wallace, 10, Wallace- 14.929; 7. Terry Ahern, 6T6, Ahern- 15.228; 8. Aaron Willis, 121, Ballinger- 15.400; 9. Tyler Trainor, 25, Trainor- 16.099; 10. Paul Ballinger, 12, Ballinger- 16.168; 11. Rich Corson, 15, Corson/Savage- 19.002; 12. Aaron Andruskevitch, 5, Domark- 21.163; 13. Isaac Chapple, 52, ICR- NT; 14. Kyle Kettmann, 8, Kettmann- NT; 15. Mike Anderson, 36T, Anderson- NT

HOT ROD BARN TROPHY DASH: 1. Wilda 2. Greenup 3. Blackhurst 4. Wallace
FIRST HEAT: 1. Ahern 2. Willis 3. Ballinger 4. Trainor
SECOND HEAT: 1.Anderson 2. Wallace 3. Wilda 4. Hulbert 5. Greenup 6. Blackhurst
FEATURE: 1. Greenup 2. Anderson 3. Wilda 4. Wallace 5. Ballinger 6. Hulbert 7. Corson 8. Ahern 9. Trainor 10. Willis

Dan Carter is Back

starsracing — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 02:32:18 +0000

Dan Carter is back in the Flag Stand.

After a short time out, Danny Carter has decided to get back to his familiar spot in the Flag Stand at Grundy County Speedway!
“With Short Track Auto Racing Series running the Midget program at the Grundy County Speedway in 2011, it was an easy decision to come back again to participate in the sport that our family has been involved with for so long”, Danny Carter said.
“We are putting together the best program for our fans and racers. It takes the best people to put that formula into place” stated Bob Guess, a part owner of the STARS, LLC.

Dan Carter’s involvement and love for racing has been a life long journey. At age 10, Danny started selling Yearbooks at all UARA races. In 1975, he started his career as an Official at Joliet Memorial Stadium as a Track Crew member. During the 1977 season, he took over as Chief Pit Steward with the UARA and WOOM organizations. Beginning with 1987 season, Danny started his flagging career for UMARA. “My very first race to flag was at Blue Island Raceway. Boy that was something, and that place was a very tight race track. During that night, I kept asking myself ’What did I get myself into’. “But the more races I did, I felt really at home in the flag stand”. Danny Carter recalled.

Danny Carter has flagged at many race tracks including Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, and Ohio. He even flagged a couple of races for the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars.

Danny retired at the end of the 2008 racing season and since has been inducted into the Mazon Speed Bowl and Grundy County Speedway Hall of Fame Class 2010.

Danny Carter concluded by saying, “I can’t wait to get back in the stand doing something I really love to do.”

Welcome to our new website!

starsracing — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 03:26:37 +0000

Welcome to the STARS-Racing.com – The Short Track Auto Racing Series new website. We are working hard to provide you the most up-to-date information of our local racing series in Morris, IL. At our website, you will find information about how and why S.T.A.R.S was formed, you can “meet” our teams and drivers, check the schedule, get ticket purchase information, and information on the Grundy County Speedway. We hope you enjoy your visit to our website, and please spread the word about the site to your friends and family. We hope you will frequent this website and be part of the wonderful family and tradition of S.T.A.R.S. !
Sincerely,
The Management
S.T.A.R.S.