Category Archives: Sprints on Dirt presented by ARP

SANDERS DOMINATES PLACERVILLE FUJITSU NATIONALS

SANDERS DOMINATES PLACERVILLE FUJITSU NATIONALS
July 28, 2018
Jim Allen

(7/28/18 Placerville, CA – Jim Allen) … Justin Sanders jumped into a new ride and turned in a dominating sprint car performance to capture Saturday’s fast paced 30-lap King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Summer Nationals main event at Placerville Speedway.

It was a sweet victory for Sanders, who was subbing for regular driver Tanner Thorson who was competing at a NASCAR truck race at Pocono. Sanders made the most of his opportunity, bolting his seat in the Clyde Lamar-owned, Lee Lindgren-wrenched, Tri-C/Amsoil-sponsored Spike sprint car. He set quick time and led the entire distance in the feature to score his second KWS-NARC victory of the season. It was the first for Lamar. Continue reading SANDERS DOMINATES PLACERVILLE FUJITSU NATIONALS

SOD returns to Hartford for King Engine Bearings KoM Race #3

ERIE, MI (July 23, 2018) –Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP returns to Hartford Speedway this Friday, July 27th, for the third of five 2018 King Engine Bearings King of Michigan races.

Ryan Ruhl took KoM race 1 on July 6th over Chad Blonde and Gregg Dalman after it had been rained out twice. Chad Blonde took the KoM win on July 13th with Steve Irwin finishing second and Shawn Valenti taking third.

With outstanding racing in the first two KoM races, this Friday promises to be a real crowd pleaser. The wide track’s multiple grooves provide plenty of room and three-wide racing. Continue reading SOD returns to Hartford for King Engine Bearings KoM Race #3

Shawn Valenti powers to SOD MAHLE/Clevite BLC win at Crystal

ERIE, MI (July 15, 2018) – Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP took on the racy 3/8 mile Crystal Motor Speedway last night for the second time in 2018 for the MAHLE/Clevite Beyond Limits Challenge Race #3. Fostoria, Ohio’s Shawn Valenti drove an impressive race to take the victory, his second SOD win of the year utilizing a Gressman Powersports engine. Continue reading Shawn Valenti powers to SOD MAHLE/Clevite BLC win at Crystal

Chad Blonde takes Friday the13th SOD King Engine Bearings KoM win at Hartford

ERIE, MI (July 14, 2018) –The King Engine Bearings King of Michigan Race #2 at Hartford Speedway on Friday the 13th was just what Litchfield, Michigan’s Chad Blonde needed. After being the bride’s maid several times this season, Blonde drove his Krieger Racing Engines powered Maxim to victory to the delight of the large, enthusiastic crowd that braved sweltering temperatures to see a great night of racing. Continue reading Chad Blonde takes Friday the13th SOD King Engine Bearings KoM win at Hartford

Ryan Ruhl SOD King Engine Bearings King of Michigan at Hartford

ERIE, MI (July 7, 2018) – After being rained out twice, the third attempt proved to be a charm for the Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt race #1 of the King Engine Bearings King of Michigan at Hartford Speedway Friday night. It was Ryan Ruhl’s night to rule in his Krieger Racing Engines powered Maxim as he was the Lane Automotive/MSD Ignitions Faster Master in qualifying for his heat, won the RockAuto.com heat race, won the feature, then proposed to long-time girlfriend Courtney Squires in victory lane to the delight of the large, enthusiastic crowd. Continue reading Ryan Ruhl SOD King Engine Bearings King of Michigan at Hartford

Hartford King Engine Bearings KoM kicks off SOD Month of the King

ERIE, MI (July 2, 2018) – The King is back, and going big in July, with the Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP Month of the King, including three King Engine Bearings King of Michigan races! The KoM opener was rained out on May 18 and again on June 8, so we travel to Hartford Speedway for the first 2018 KoM race this Friday, July 6.

SOD teams kick off the Month of the King Friday, then return to Hartford on July 13 for the KoM round 2. SOD will race at Crystal Motor Speedway on Saturday, July 14, for the season’s third MAHLE/Clevite Beyond Limits Challenge race on July 14. The month is capped off at Hartford on July 27 for the KoM round 3.

The 2018 KoM Champion will be crowned at the series finale on August 31. The champion will have a guaranteed starting spot in the Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP Mike Olrich Memorial Race at Crystal Motor Speedway on September 1st. The King Engine Bearings King of Michigan will pay a point fund to the top five at the 2018 Sprints On Dirt Awards Banquet at the Battle Creek (MI) Holiday Inn on Saturday, October 27.

Chad Blonde won the first three 2017 KoM races, including a record 5 minute and 25 second, non-stop feature on August 11th; Ryan Ruhl won the 2017 KoM finale. Blonde won the KoM points championship over Steve Irwin (2001 & 2017 SOD champion), Gregg Dalman (2015 SOD champion), and Thomas Schinderle (2017 SOD Series Rookie of the Year).

SOD takes on Tri-City Motor Speedway this Friday

ERIE, MI (June 19, 2018) – Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP returns to Tri-City Motor Speedway, Auburn, Michigan, on Friday, June 22 for the first time since 2015.

The race will be the second of five SOD MAHLE/Clevite Beyond Limits Challenge races. The first BLC race was at Crystal Motor Speedway on April 28 where recent high school graduate Zane DeVault drove his 360 cubic inch sprinter to a narrow victory over Chad Blonde.

Tri-City is a slightly banked 3/8-mile track that is a fan favorite. It is recognized for its emphasis on family-focused entertainment, fan involvement, and efficiently run race programs.

Sprints On Dirt last raced at TCMS twice in 2015. Ryan Ruhl won his third SOD feature of the season on June 4. Floridian Kyle Pitts, now a Polk County, Florida, deputy sheriff, picked up his only SOD win on July 17.

Chad Blonde (Litchfield, Michigan) currently leads SOD Championship points over Shawn Valenti (Fostoria, Ohio) and Josh Turner (Osseo, Michigan). Zane DeVault (Plymouth, Indiana) leads MAHLE/Clevite Beyond Limits Challenge points. Blonde is in second and Matt Foos (Fremont, Ohio) is in third.

Josh Turner SOD Master in Butler WWIII

ERIE, MI (June 17, 2018) – Josh Turner drove to a spectacular Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP win at Butler Speedway’s WWIII, the second Hog Creek Showdown race Saturday night.

Top Shelf Turner utilized his Gressman Powersports engine and J&J Auto Racing chassis and the track’s top ridge, often slipping over it, blasting by Chad Blonde to the delight of the huge crowd for the win. Former multi-time Butler champion car owner Tom Dale, turned the wrenches to fine tune Turner’s machine.

Turner started on the pole for the feature with Shawn Valenti. Valenti took the early lead as Turner was down to third by the end of the first lap and eventually fell to fifth place. On lap seven, Chad Blonde blasted by Valenti who dropped to fourth by lap 13.

While there was plenty of action up front, all eyes were on Ryan Ruhl. Ruhl, forced to start twentieth due to a heat race issue, made an impressive charge to fifth by lap twelve before a cut right front tire ended his race early. It was deja vu with a flat tire taking Ruhl out of contention at the Butler SOD race on May 19.

Meanwhile, back up front, Turner was searching for a way to correct his backslide. In fifth place on lap nine, Turner moved to fourth on lap ten, third on lap 13, and second on lap 16. On lap twenty-two, Turner charged past Chad Blonde and withheld cautions and Blonde’s attempts to retake the lead, driving off to a three-car length win.

Butler WWIII this Saturday for SOD

ERIE, MI (June 11, 2018) – A fan-favorite special event at Butler Motor Speedway, the WWIII race, will be run this Saturday in partnership with Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP. The race will also be the second Hog Creek Showdown.

This year’s WWIII winner will be awarded a unique trophy custom designed and built by Tylar Rankin. The polished stainless steel and black wood 4’-7” tall trophy is topped off by a large globe and accented by small glass globes and black graphics. Continue reading Butler WWIII this Saturday for SOD

Chase Ridenour takes Hog Creek Showdown for SOD at Butler

ERIE, MI (May 20, 2018) – “Kid Rocket” Chase Ridenour, from Perry, Michigan, used a lot of speed and a little luck to win the much-anticipated Hog Creek Showdown at Butler Motor Speedway Saturday night. The first appearance of the Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP at Butler saw a huge crowd enjoy great racing while many other speedways suffered rain outs.

The youth movement led qualifying with Ridenour fastest overall, Quentin Blonde (Litchfield, Michigan) was fastest in his heat group and Onsted, Michigan’s Boston Mead was fastest in his heat group. Continue reading Chase Ridenour takes Hog Creek Showdown for SOD at Butler

King Engine Bearings King of Michigan & Butler Hog Creek Showdown

ERIE, MI (May 14, 2018) – Thanks to a little mischief by Mother Nature last Saturday, Engine Pro Sprints on Dirt presented by ARP competitors will do battle in two big races this Friday and Saturday.

King Engine Bearing King of Michigan – On Friday, the King is back! SOD travels to Hartford Speedway for the first 2018 King Engine Bearing King of Michigan race.

This year, with King Engine Bearings returning as the KoM title sponsor, the series has expanded to five races. The KoM opens on May 18, followed by June 8, July 6, July 27, and the finale on August 31. Continue reading King Engine Bearings King of Michigan & Butler Hog Creek Showdown

Sprints on Dirt–Hog Creek Showdown

ERIE, MI (May 7, 2018) – The much anticipated four-race Butler Motor Speedway/Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP Hog Creek Showdown kicks off this Saturday. Many SOD drivers will get their first laps on the reduced banking of the storied 3/8 speedway, the home of weekly sprint car racing in Michigan.

The 2018 Hog Creek Showdown will include two major annual races at Butler, WWIII and the two-day Butler Bash. Hog Creek Showdown dates are:
Saturday, May 12
Saturday, June 16 – WWIII
Friday, August 3 – Butler Bash 1
Saturday, August 4 – Butler Bash 2 Continue reading Sprints on Dirt–Hog Creek Showdown

Zane DeVault Grabs SOD MAHLE/Clevite BLC win at Crysta

ERIE, MI (April 29, 2018) – If last night’s Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP season opening MAHLE/Clevite Beyond Limits Challenge Race #1 was any indication of what lies ahead, SOD fans will be treated to an exciting, action packed season.

Zane Devault
Johnny B photo

Zane DeVault, Plymouth, Indiana, drove to his first SOD victory by just 0.03 seconds over hard-charging Chad Blonde (Litchfield, MI) and Matt Foos (Fremont, OH). Not only was the racing exciting, but SOD’s “Beyond Limits” format once again proved itself with DeVault winning with a 360 engine over Blonde’s 410 and 305 of Foos.

The temperature may have been frigid, but the action couldn’t have been hotter! A huge crowd braved the cold and were rewarded with a “caution-free zone” at Crystal Motor Speedway as the Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt drivers put on a spectacular show that saw the SOD races go without a single caution. Continue reading Zane DeVault Grabs SOD MAHLE/Clevite BLC win at Crysta

Engine Pro Sprints on Dirt presented by ARP

ERIE, MI (April 5, 2018) – Engine Pro Sprints on Dirt presented by ARP has released the all five dates for the much-anticipated 2018 MAHLE/Clevite Beyond Limits Challenge.

The BLC, known as the Short Track Challenge before 2016, is the granddaddy of SOD mini-series and a fan favorite since its inception. Drivers compete in a challenging mini-championship with its own point fund.

The 2018 MAHLE/Clevite Beyond Limits Challenge dates are:
Saturday, April 28 – The SOD season opener also kicks off the 2018 BLC at Crystal Motor Speedway.
Friday, June 22 – SOD returns to Tri-City Motor Speedway for the first time since 2015 to kick off the 2018 BLC.
Saturday, July 14 – The BLC returns to Crystal Motor Speedway for round 3.
Saturday, August 25 – Things get serious in the BLC points battle as the series heads to Merritt Speedway for the 4th race.
Saturday, September 1 – The Mike Olrich Memorial Race caps off the 2018 MAHLE/Clevite Beyond Limits Challenge and crowns the 2018 BLC champion at Crystal Motor Speedway. Continue reading Engine Pro Sprints on Dirt presented by ARP

COMP Cams joins Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt by ARP as 2018 heat race sponsor

ERIE, MI (February 21, 2018) – Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP is proud to announce that COMP Cams will be a primary heat race sponsor partner for the 2018 season.

COMP Cams’ partnership allows Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP to pay its competitors for winning heat races, something not very common in sprint car racing. SOD racers appreciate the opportunity to be rewarded for top performance in preliminary races, not just feature events.

For more than 35 years, the COMP Cams mission has never changed: to produce the highest-performing products possible, provide customers with superior service, and to lead the industry in technological development. While the COMP Performance Group has grown to multiple companies and hundreds of employees, COMP Cams still retains the competitive spirit and desire to be the very best that has positioned it as the absolute leader in valve train components. COMP Cams works with the best teams in sprint car racing and fits perfectly as a partner with SOD.

ENGINE PRO & ARP RENEW SPRINTS ON DIRT TITLE SPONSORSHIP FOR 2018

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (December 7, 2017) – Sprints on Dirt is excited to once again have Engine Pro and ARP as title sponsor partners for 2018. Powered for the third season by its “beyond limits” format, SOD is charging full speed into next season. Its exceptional racing has attracted the attention of competitors, sponsors, and fans alike. The partnership with Engine Pro and ARP was proven to be the right decision as results have exceeded all expectations. SOD is busy putting together all the pieces for 2018 and details will be released throughout the next few months.
Scott Overlund, Sales and Marketing Manager, The Perfit Corporation / Engine Pro, had this to say about the partnership renewal: “We are pleased to announce our continued partnership with Sprints On Dirt for the 2018 season. For over 15 years, the SOD series has been a great marketing partner showcasing our name and our products at many great venues throughout the Midwest. Their thrilling style of racing, along with the great people involved within this series, make it easy to keep this relationship going.”
Engine Pro is the largest engine parts warehouse network in the USA, distributing a full line of brand name internal engine components exclusively to the wholesale market. Engine Pro inventories engine parts for domestic and import passenger car, light truck, heavy duty, industrial, marine, agricultural and performance applications. Engine Pro is committed to building the success of their customers by offering competitive pricing, innovative programs and knowledgeable sales representatives. It also produces Engine Pro brand engine products to provide an affordable option for race engine builders who want the highest quality and a moderate price. To learn more about Engine Pro, go to www.enginepro.com.
ARP, a leader in high performance fasteners, has an extensive product line containing thousands of part numbers, and has includes virtually every fastener found in an engine and driveline. These range from quality high performance OEM replacement parts to exotic specialty hardware for Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR and NHRA drag racing and marine applications. ARP is a highly diversified manufacturer with five operational entities in Southern California including forging, machining, finishing and packaging/warehousing facilities. For more information about ARP, go to www.arp-bolts.com.
Sprints On Dirt shares Engine Pro’s customer commitment by providing fans, promoters, sponsors, and racers with exciting winged dirt track sprint car racing.
Follow SOD at www.sprintsondirt.com and the Sprints On Dirt Facebook page. For more information, email SOD at director@sprintsondirt.com or call 734.309.RACE.

Steve Irwin crowned 2017 Sprints On Dirt Champion

ERIE, MICHIGAN (November 14, 2017) – The curtain came down on the Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP 2017 season with the 38th Annual Awards Banquet at the Holiday Inn Battle Creek (MI) Saturday night with the last of the season’s $76,535 points money and awards handed out.

The top 12 drivers in season points were led by Steve Irwin, now a two-time SOD champion. Irwin’s share of 2017 points money and awards was $7,609. Irwin and wife/car owner Adrianna looked ready for to appear at a celebrity awards show in their vintage 50s-style attire.

Cap Henry takes the SOD COMP Cams Great Lakes Sprint Car Classic

MARNE, MI (October 1, 2017) – Cap Henry drove his Lane Racing, Kister-powered J&J to victory in the Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP COMP Cams Great Lakes Sprint Car Classic before a huge, enthusiastic crowd at Berlin Raceway Saturday night.

Henry started 4th and wasted little time getting to the front, taking the lead on lap 3. Henry drove to victory over the Ryan Ruhl and Jordan Ryan. While Henry looked untouchable, Ruhl was closing in on the leader quickly at the end, but ran out of laps. Ruhl dropped to seventh from his fifth place starting position, but came to life late in the 30 lap feature and finished just 0.6 seconds behind Henry. The only caution came out on lap 11 for a Thomas Schinderle flat tire; he rejoined the field after changing the tire. 2017 SOD Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Andrew Scheid finished 7th to win the KSE Hard Charger Award for advancing 7 positions.

Heat races were rough. Veteran Marl Aldrich caught the front straightaway wall in the 1st heat and did a series a hard flips to put an end to his night. Jared Horstman clipped a turn 3 tire marker in the 2nd heat and flipped, bringing his night to an end. In the 3rd heat, Brett Mann made hard contact with a tire marker in turn 2, destroying his #19. All drivers were okay.

The well-prepared temporary Berlin Raceway dirt surface held up extremely well under the pressure of a big program of 28 SOD sprints, 28 AELMT late models, and 30 AEMODT modifieds.

The CCGLSCC closes an exciting 2017 Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP season. Next on tap is the 2017 awards banquet that will be held Saturday, November 11 at the Battle creek Holiday Inn, Battle creek, Michigan.

COMP Cams Great Lakes Sprint Car Classic next for SOD

ERIE, MI (September 16, 2017) – Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP returns to the most unique venue it has ever raced at. Michigan’s renowned Berlin Raceway, a leader among paved short tracks, is being transformed into a dirt track for a few, select races this fall. Saturday, September 30, the raceway will present SOD’s COMP Cams Great Lakes Sprint Car Classic.

COMP Cams, a 2017 SOD heat race sponsor partner, has signed on as title sponsor of the Great Lakes Sprint Car Classic. The thirty lap feature will pay $4,000 to win and $400 to start. As with all SOD shows, Engler Machine & Tool, COMP Cams, RockAuto.com, Jim Coffey & Son Plumbing & Heating, and Engine Pro will pay $100 to each heat race winner. Lane Automotive and MSD Ignition will pay $50 to the fast qualifier in each heat group. $1,500 in contingency cash and awards will be available to competitors.

Berlin Raceway’s storied 67-year history and SOD’s status as the nation’s most progressive and recognized regional sprint car series promise to make the race an event fans won’t want to miss. The Classic will be part of an event that includes Michigan’s three leading dirt series, Sprints On Dirt, the American Ethanol Late Model Tour (AELMT), and the American Ethanol Modified Tour (AEMODT).

When it comes to oval track racing in Michigan, Berlin Raceway’s story is right at the top. In 1951, it was born as an oval dirt track located within the Berlin Fairgrounds. 1966 saw the track paved as a 7/16 mile asphalt oval track. In 2012, Berlin Raceway returned to its roots, covering the asphalt with clay and turning the track into a dirt track for the month of September. In 2013, 2014, and 2015, Berlin Raceway again hosted September dirt track racing. This will be SOD’s third race at Berlin with previous appearances in 2013 and 2014.

Steve Irwin 20Steve Irwin 2017 Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP Champion17 Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP Champion

ERIE, MI (September 9, 2017) – With the final points race in the books, Steve Irwin (Fenton, MI) has earned the 2017 Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP championship.  The Flying Zero team of Irwin, car owner/wife Adrianna, and crew chief Nathan Whitney put together a consistent season in their Krieger-powered Maxim Flying Zero, finishing in the top seven in fourteen races while dropping out of one. Continue reading Steve Irwin 20Steve Irwin 2017 Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP Champion17 Engine Pro Sprints On Dirt presented by ARP Champion