SALEM SHORT TRACK CALLS; ARCA RACING SERIES

COMING SATURDAY, SEPT. 18th FOR FALL CLASSIC

SALEM, IN, Sept. 1 – Short-track roots are calling.  The grand ole speedway awaits.  And at no other place is the ARCA Racing Series, presented by RE/MAX and Menards, more rooted than Salem Speedway where the series has been a staple for more than 50 years.

It started at the historical southern-Indiana high-banked short-track in 1955, and, for the most part, it’s never stopped.  Nor has the race fans hunger for one of the country’s most thrilling and worthwhile short-track classics.  ARCA Racing Series race event number 88 at Salem is on the way with the upcoming Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic on Saturday night, September 18th.

As always, it’s loaded with stories of local drivers, far away flavor, rookies, veterans and a championship chase that is going down to the wire.

From the veteran side, not to mention the local angle, Frank Kimmel charges to the forefront.  The nine-time champ hails from nearby Borden, Ind., and like his father before him, he learned the ropes at Salem.  He’s also the all-time ARCA winner at Salem with an incredible nine victories.  There was a time over a three year span that Kimmel won an amazing five consecutive races at Salem.  But that was then, and this is now.  In fact, Kimmel has been winless in ARCA competition since visiting victory lane at Salem in September of 2008. 

Despite the 39 race winless streak (heading into Monday’s race at the DuQuoin mile-dirt), Kimmel, who ranks second in career ARCA wins, finds himself squarely in the midst of the 2010 championship race.  A championship that will no doubt still be undecided when the teams head to Rockingham for the season finale in early October.

With five races remaining in the 2010 season (DuQuoin, Toledo, Salem, Kansas and Rockingham) just 25 points separate the top four drivers in the standings.  North Carolina’s Craig Goess leads the way (3,670) with Kimmel second (3,665) and Florida’s Patrick Sheltra, currently the hottest driver on the circuit and a former Salem winner, third (3,660).  New Jersey’s Tom Hessert is currently fourth (3,645).

How did the championship contenders do at Salem in April?  They were just about as close as the current standings, with Goess finishing second, Sheltra fourth, Hessert fifth and Kimmel eighth.

Steve Arpin of Fort Frances, Ont., drove the Venturini Motorsports-Tag Heuer Chevrolet to victory in the spring race for his first career ARCA win.

Sharing the high banks with the ARCA Racing Series on September 18th will be the Dave & Deb’s Winner’s Circle Street Stocks.

Spectator gates open on Saturday, Sept. 18th at 11:30 a.m., with Street Stock practice set to begin at 12-noon, followed by ARCA practice at 1:05 p.m.  Street Stock qualifications are scheduled for 3 p.m. with Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell for the ARCA cars at 4 p.m.  The popular on-track autograph session is scheduled to take place from 4:445 to 5:15 p.m. with the start of the Salem 50 for the Street Stocks set for 5:30.  The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic 200 is scheduled for a 7:15 p.m. (EDT) start.

Advance tickets, both reserved and general admission, are currently selling for the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic and may be purchased by calling 812-883-6504 or toll free 1-888-246-7223.

 ARPIN WINS KENTUCKIANA FORD DEALERS

ARCA 200 BY ApplianceZone.com

SALEM, IN, April 12.- Steve Arpin earned his first career ARCA Racing Series victory Sunday afternoon, winning the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 presented by ApplianceZone.com at Salem (Ind.) Speedway.

Arpin, driving the No. 55 Tag Heuer Chevrolet from the Venturini Motorsports stables, powered around the outside of Joey Coulter on lap 142 and outran a hungry field to claim the win, leading the final 57 laps. For Arpin, the Salem win was special, as it also marked the scene of owner Billy Venturini's only career win as a driver.

"Our day was pretty good!" Arpin, the Aaron's lap leader, exclaimed. "This is the place I wanted to win the most. It's just wild...the fans are right on top of you...it's just a rush driving around this place! Billy won here, and now I've won here!"

Venturini reflected on the win, "This is where I got my first win, and it was so special. Steve is like a brother. I just love him. He has been an awesome addition to this team. I thank God every day that he is a part of this program and to give him his first win was almost as emotional as my first win here."

Craig Goess, the CGS Imaging Hard Charger of the race, also posted his career best finish in the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards, earning runner-up honors. "Johnny made the adjustment to try to make the car driveable, and I think considering everything, it was a good finish for us," Goess commented. "I think that we could have had the win without that happening, but we will take second. Only one more spot to get, and I'm looking forward to Texas."

Point leader Justin Marks finished third, with defending race winner Patrick Sheltra fourth and Tom Hessert fifth. Coulter, who was completive all day, didn't have a finish that reflected his car. "The car was awesome. The guys gave me an awesome car, and anyone who watched the race saw that. Anytime I wanted to, I could just zip up to the front," Coulter commented.

As usual, the action was fast and furious on the .555 high-banked Salem oval, and the event was slowed 11 times for caution, none of them serious. The slam-bang action at the high banked Salem oval started early, as the field bunched up with an accordion-effect on lap one, causing a caution for debris.

Another yellow flag was waved on lap 15, when Brent Brevak spun in turn 3. The No. 3 Brevak Racing Dodge obtained significant front end damage. As the field went green again, Menards pole-sitter and ARCA rookie Max Gresham fell back to third, with Arpin and Coulter in the first two spots. Arpin and Coulter battled hard until lap 50, when two cars got together on the backstretch. Sixteen cars took advantage of the caution and pit for fuel and tires, while ten cars, including Arpin and Coulter, stayed out.

On lap 78, the No. 6 ApplianceZone.com Toyota of Brandon McReynolds, making his ARCA debut this weekend, pulled off the race track due to a engine problem. Lap 79 brought on another caution, as the No. 36 Orchard Chrysler Dodge Jeep Dodge and No. 89 Lafferty Performance Chevy made contact in turns 1 and 2. Robb Brent's No. 36 Dodge had major front damage. Arpin and Coulter took this opportunity to make pit stops, with eight other lead lap cars.

As the field went green on lap 86, Patrick Sheltra led the field in his No. 60 Buffalo Wings and Rings Dodge. As halfway approached, Coulter got into Nick Igdalsky in turn 3. Igdalsky's No 1 ModSpace Ford slammed into the outside wall, resulting in significant damage to the right front. Coulter was on a hard charge when the green flag dropped on lap 103, picking up six spots in six laps and taking the lead in 13 laps. The bad day continued for Igdalsky, cutting a right front tire, he hit the turn 2 wall. The No. 1 car, again, received damage on the right front. Coulter stayed out, when 13 cars took advantage of the caution for pit stops.

Coulter's lead was challenged again by Arpin, with Arpin taking the lead on lap 142. His lead did not last long under green flag conditions, as his teammate Mikey Kile got into the wall in turn 4. Kile's No.25 Venturini Motorsports Toyota stalled on the frontstretch and had severe damage on the right front. The field once again slowed for a yellow when the No. 14, 48 and 47 got together and spun in turn 3.

As the field went back to green, Arpin got to a good start and a sizeable lead. Working his way back to the front, Coulter and RE/MAX Rookie of the Race Dakoda Armstrong made contact and spun into the turn 3 wall. Coulter's fast racecar received heavy damage to his racecar, and he settled for a disappointing 14^th place finish. Four laps later, Alli Owens, Bryan Silas and Chris Buescher got together in turn 2. The last caution of the day occurred on lap 186, as Coulter made contact with the inside wall of the backstretch. As the checkers fell with Arpin in the lead, a battle was heating up for the top-5. Coming out of turn 4, Sheltra got into the turn 4 wall but caught the car to get a fourth place finish.

Seventeen cars survived the 11 cautions and were running at the end - ten were on the lead lap. Of the five drivers making their ARCA Racing Series debut, Gresham finished the highest in sixth place.

Racing returns to the high banks on Saturday night, April 24th, as the ARCA Truck Series returns to the .555-mile oval for the Casey’s General Store Spring Shootout, presented by Salem True Value Hardware.  The Spring Shootout is also the season opening event for both Salem Speedway divisions - the Lucas Oil Super Stocks and Dave & Deb’s Winner’s Circle Street Stocks

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 TRADITIONAL EVENTS AND NEW SHORT-TRACK

RACING HEADLINE 2010 SALEM SPEEDWAY SCHEDULE

SALEM, IN, January 11 – Salem Speedway gears up for one of the most anticipated seasons in the 64 year history of the venerable oval in 2010 with a full slate of action to include 14 events and 17 days of on-track activity.

The diverse schedule of top-flight programs include traditional events on the .555-mile high banked oval, plus an exciting line-up of races for the new quarter-mile asphalt oval being constructed in the infield of the existing track.

“The 2010 Salem Speedway schedule is unlike any other in the storied history of the high banks,” said Salem Speedway general manager Richard Deaton.  “The variety of the schedule is unparalleled in area short-track racing and one that is sure to provide season-long excitement.”

The ARCA Racing Series, presented by RE/MAX and Menards, returns to the high banks for two shows in 2010, beginning with the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA 200 presented by ApplianceZone.com on Sunday afternoon, April 11th.  A second ARCA event, the Fall Classic 200, is scheduled for Saturday night, Sept. 18th.  The spring race also includes a visit by the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Series.

Open wheel racing is well represented on the 2010 Salem schedule and kicks-off with the Winged Sprint Spectacular on Saturday night, May 8th.  Over 30 sprint cars are expected for what will be the season opening event for the Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series.

The USAC National Sprint Car Series and the MSR Xtreme Sprint Series will share the high banks on Saturday night, August 14th, for the 51st annual Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial.  This will be the first time in the history of the event that two different sprint car series will share the racing program.  The annual visit by the Midwest Oldtimers Vintage Race Car Club is also part of the James/O’Connor festivities.

The gigantic Grand Opening of the new Salem “short-track” is planned for Sunday afternoon, May 23rd, with the International Outlaw Figure 8 Series headlining five different racing divisions scheduled for the historic event.  The Grand Opening event will feature races on both the oval short-track and figure-8 track, as well as the high banks.

“This is the start of an exciting new era for Salem Speedway,” said longtime track owner Owen Thompson.  “We’re thrilled to be involved with such a historic undertaking, one that will shape the face of racing at Salem Speedway for years to come.”

The International Outlaw Figure 8 Series is also scheduled for a race at Salem on Sunday afternoon, August 29th.

The USAR Racing Pro Cup Series, the former Hooters Pro Cup division, returns to the high banks in 2010 for a huge two-day event on July 9th and 10th, that also features the ASA LATE MODEL SERIES.  The weekend of activity kicks-off on Friday evening with ASA LATE MODEL SERIES practice, to be followed by racing for the Super Stocks and Street Stocks, and concludes on Saturday with a 200-lap race for the Pro Cup Series and 150-lap ASA LATE MODEL SERIES main event.

The Ken-Ten (Kentucky-Tennessee) Late Model Series visits the high banks for the first time in 2010 for the June 19th Hoosier Hills 100.  Some familiar drivers from the Kentuckiana area are expected to be in the starting line-up for the inaugural Ken-Ten race at Salem.

Nationally known stuntman Tricky Travelstead will be the center of attention on Saturday night, July 31st at Salem Speedway, as he adds to the excitement of the racing program with his  death defying stunts and car crashes.     

The ARCA Truck Series, a mainstay of the ARCA Fall Classic 200 for a number of years, returns in 2010, as part of the Spring Speed Fest on Saturday night, April 24th.  The Lucas Oil Super Stocks and Dave & Deb’s Winner’s Circle Street Stocks, both scheduled for regular appearances on the high banks in 2010, are part of the late April event.

The much anticipated return of the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League is set for Saturday night, June 5th.  The tenth annual Hoosier Classic Truck & Tractor Pull will feature the ground-pounding power of four different pulling divisions.

Other traditional events planned for 2010 include the 21st annual Papa John’s Firecracker 200 on July 4th and the season ending 22nd annual Halloween 200 by Smoker Friendly Discount Tobacco on October 24th.

An announcement concerning rules and other details for a pure stock class and front wheel drive class for the new Salem Speedway “short-track” will be forthcoming shortly.

Additional information concerning 2010 activities at Salem Speedway, including ticket information, may be obtained by calling (812) 883-6504 or toll free 1-888-246-7223.

FRANK KIMMEL STREET STOCKS TO BE A PART OF

APRIL 10-11 KENTUCKIANA FORD DEALERS ARCA 200

SALEM, IN, December 29 – The second annual Frank Kimmel All-Star Challenge will return to Salem Speedway in 2010 as part of the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA 200 reports track management.

“We’re happy to announce that the Frank Kimmel Street Stocks will be associated with one of the biggest racing weekends of the season at Salem Speedway,” said track general manager Richard Deaton.  “The addition of the Kimmel Series only adds to the excitement of this major early season event.”

The Frank Kimmel cars, sporting a distinctive roof mounted wickerbill, made their first visit to Salem in August of 2009 and left no fans disappointed.   

“The inaugural All-Star Challenge turned out to be one of the most exciting races at Salem in a number of years,” said Deaton.  “The competition was close and intense all evening long.”

The race ended with Brett Hudson of Owensboro, Ky., sliding backwards across the finish line to take the win over Todd Kempf of Huntingburg, Ind.

Drivers and race teams from as far away as North Carolina, Florida and Minnesota were on hand for the inaugural race.

The 2010 edition of the Frank Kimmel All-Star Challenge kicks-off on Saturday, April 10th with practice and twin 25-lap qualifying races.  The 50-lap main event, the ApplianceZone.com 50, will be held the next day in conjunction with the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA 200. 

MAJOR CHANGES IN STORE FOR SALEM SPEEDWAY

INCLUDING ADDITION OF NEW INFIELD SHORT-TRACK

SALEM, IN, December 18 – Salem Speedway owner, Owen Thompson, announced today that phase one of a major transformation project planned for the historic southern Indiana oval is slated to begin within the next few weeks.

“We are certainly excited to announce the start of a long awaited facility renovation,” said Thompson.  “The changes about to take place will unfold over the next three years and greatly enhance the motorsports possibilities for Salem Speedway.”

Phase one of the project will focus on the addition of a 3/8-mile asphalt oval in the infield of the existing .555-mile track.

“The new short-track will be configured for both oval and figure-8 racing,” said Thompson.  “It will have many, many functions built into it, including connecting roads to the existing oval to facilitate road racing type events.”

No completion date has been announced for the 3/8-mile track, but a full season of racing is in the planning stages for the 2010 season.

“Weather conditions during the winter and spring months will dictate the construction schedule and completion of the project,” said Thompson.  “Everything is in place to move full steam ahead with the undertaking.”  

“The new short-track opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for racing at Salem Speedway,” said track general manager Richard Deaton.  “It will be suited for everything from figure-8 cars to pure stocks, to Legends Cars and go-carts.”

According to Thompson, entry level racing divisions will play a prominent roll in the development of the new oval.

“We want to provide an opportunity for young and inexperienced drivers to gain pavement experience in an affordable class of cars,” said the track owner.  

Deaton points out that longtime fans of the high banks need not worry about the half-mile track playing a lesser roll in the overall picture of the planned motorplex.

“The historic high banks have stood the test of time and will continue to be the centerpiece of racing at Salem,” said Deaton.

The 3/8-mile track is just phase one of Thompson’s overall plan for the track that first opened in June of 1947.  Each year over the next three years the Speedway plans to add a new facet with the culmination being the opening of a drag strip at the current Salem Municipal Airport, which adjoins the Speedway property.

Phase two of the project, scheduled for 2011, includes improvements to the existing .555-mile oval and construction of a .44-mile dirt track.

Thompson and his wife, Beverly, who purchased the track in the summer of 1995, have overseen many facility improvements during their 15 years of ownership.  Major renovation projects included the construction of a 9600 sq. ft., three story structure that houses concessions, gift shop, offices, press facilities and hospitality suite.

Other improvements the Thompson’s have made include replacing the metal guardrail that once encompassed the track with a concrete retaining wall, a grandstand expansion, a widening of pit road, installation of new light towers, pavement of all roads in the spectator parking area, construction of a 2,000 square foot open air pavilion for hospitality and making the grandstands handicapped accessible with the addition of a spectator ramp, as well as other smaller projects.

The 2010 Salem Speedway season is set to open on Sunday, April 11, when the ARCA Series, presented by RE/MAX and Menards returns to the high banks for the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA 200.

The full 2010 Salem Speedway schedule will be released in early January.    

2010 JOE JAMES/PAT O’CONNOR MEMORIAL TO

FEATURE TWO DIFFERENT SPRINT CAR SERIES

SALEM, IN, Dec. 15 – The Salem Speedway “Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial” will feature an exciting new twist in 2010 reports track management.  The USAC National Sprint Car Series, a mainstay of the event for over 45 years, will be joined by the Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series for the 51st edition of the storied classic.

This marks the first time in the history of the event that two different sprint car series appear together on the racing program.  In recent years, midgets or local stock car divisions have joined the USAC sprints for the annual race.

“We’re certainly excited to have these two great sprint car series appear on the same program,” said Salem Speedway general manager Richard Deaton.  “This historic night on the high banks will provide fans an excellent opportunity to see the best-of-the-best in open wheel short-track racing.

“The breathtaking action of USAC sprints, combined with the raw speed and excitement of the Must See Racing Xtreme winged sprint cars, will undoubtedly deliver a memorable night of racing,” said Deaton.

The overall Salem Speedway track record of 14.377-seconds was posted by Kevin Feeney during time trials for a 2006 winged sprint car race on the high banks.

The honor roll of past James/O’Connor victors reads like a “who’s-who” in open wheel racing history with such names as A.J. Foyt, Parnelli Jones, Bob Sweikert, Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser, Pancho Carter, Rich Vogler, Kenny Irwin Jr. and Tony Stewart gracing the list of former winners.

Originating in 1953 as the Joe James Memorial, in remembrance of the popular California driver who lost his life in a racing accident, the event was renamed the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial in 1958 following the death of O’Connor in that year’s Indianapolis 500.

The 2010 sprint classic, set for Saturday night, August 14th, will be topped off with a 30-lap feature for the MSR Xtreme Sprint Series and the 50-lap James/O’Connor Memorial for the USAC sprints.

 MID-SOUTHERN SAVINGS BANK TO CONTINUE

AS STREET STOCK HARD CHARGER SPONSOR

SALEM, IN, Dec. 10 – Mid-Southern Savings Bank has agreed to continue sponsorship of the Salem Speedway Street Stock Hard Charger Award for the 2010 season.

Mid-Southern Savings Bank, with locations in Salem, Orleans and Mitchell, will present a $100 bonus to the “Mid-Southern Savings Bank Hard Charger” at each 2010 Street Stock race.  The hard charger award goes to the driver registering the greatest improvement from starting to finishing position.

“We’re very happy to announce the continuation of the Mid-Southern Savings Bank hard charger program,” said Salem Speedway general manager Richard Deaton.  “Mid-Southern Savings Bank has been a longtime supporter of racing on the high banks.” 

Mid-Southern Savings Bank, Washington County’s only locally owned and operated bank, has been serving the Kentuckiana area since 1886.

KENTUCKIANA FORD DEALERS EXTEND SALEM

ARCA SPONSORSHIP THROUGH 2011 SEASON

SALEM, IN, Dec. 1 – The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers have agreed to title sponsorship of the spring ARCA race at Salem Speedway for the next two years reports track management.  The Kentucky and Southern Indiana Ford dealer advertising group recently signed an agreement extending its sponsorship of the popular early season race through the 2011 season.

“We are extremely pleased to have the continued support of the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers for this major event at Salem Speedway,” said track general manager Richard Deaton.  “The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers are instrumental in making this early season race one of the top short-track events on the ARCA schedule.

The “Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA 200”, scheduled for Sunday, April 11, is the first short-track race on the 2010 ARCA schedule, following early season events at Daytona International Speedway and the Palm Beach International Raceway road course.

Since 1955 a total of 86 ARCA events have been contested on the .555-mile oval.  Former Salem winners in ARCA competition include some of the top names in motorsports, including Benny Parsons, Troy Ruttman, Bobby Allison, Ken Schrader, Jack Bowsher, Ramo Stott, Iggy Katona and others.

Patrick Shelta won the 2009 Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA 200 at Salem and Justin Lofton captured the ARCA Fall Classic on his way to the ’09 series championship.

Ticket orders are currently being accepted for both 2010 ARCA events at Salem Speedway.  To place your order call 812-883-6504 or toll free 1-888-246-7223.

The 2010 ARCA Fall Classic at Salem is scheduled for Saturday night, September 18.

THE HOOSIER RACE REPORT: They Don’t Like Me Anymore

From Hawkeye Racing News and www.hoeheads.com – By Danny Burton

I’m aware enough that sometimes change is good. Even though much of the time any changes are forced upon us, many of those are good, no matter how much we grumble. (Think of mandatory seat belt laws.)  Sometimes changes involve the passage of time, as in the concept of time passing us by. What we enjoyed in our younger years changes into something we have trouble recognizing today. And so it is that both NASCAR and the IRL have changed into something that my long deceased father wouldn’t recognize and into something that I often have trouble digesting myself, especially when I think of racing’s days gone by.

Targeting a younger market is nothing new in American marketing history; it was done when I was young myself. I easily recall the eagerness to cash in on the phenomenon of the hippies and the so-called Woodstock generation. But this didn’t happen to big time racing until it became a bit more than a blip on the entertainment radar screen. And now it is here in full force and the experts in Indianapolis, Daytona Beach, Charlotte, Los Angeles and New York City are saying that the racing industry needs to grab those younger consumers who have, presumably, money to buy more of the perceived essentials (cell phones, video games, beer, etc.). And if older consumers/viewers wish to hang around, fine. But they are not an integral part of the plan to increase TV ratings, race attendance and revenues…for now.

So what about us age 50+ fans who have followed NASCAR and/or the Indy car racing for all these years? We can’t relate to all the fancy TV gadgets and marketing wizardry that goes on today. Many of us cannot stomach side-by-side racing and commercials, lucky dog awards, “stock” cars that look alike, the hype that borders on hysteria with former drivers bleating the company line, not to mention overpriced tickets, motel rooms, traffic issues and long lines to restrooms. We walk away, sadder but at least possessing a ton of good memories. We may still follow the weekly racing soap operas, even to the point of watching races on TV, but even then we’re apt to fall asleep at some point. It isn’t the same anymore and as a respected TV news journalist (another vanishing species) said to close out his broadcast, “that’s the way it is.” Those good old days aren’t coming back.

What is an aging race fan to do? Walk away from his/her love of racing altogether? Hardly. No matter what the medium, real beats virtual every time. What that means is your local/area short track is there and, ideally, ready to provide you and your family a weekly dose of grass roots racing at its finest. Of course, my living in Indiana means that I have several quality choices of real racing each weekend and often it’s a great problem to have in choosing which track to visit on a given weekend. And it doesn’t matter if it’s open wheel or fendered racing; the choices are still there.

What’s more, the aging or disillusioned race fan can take advantage of technology that allows us to live in the past, at least temporarily. Whether it is online or on a recording of some sort, fans can either relive or enjoy racing from the past, no matter what time of year.

I realize that racing’s movers and shakers may love racing, but they love making money and having power maybe even more. I realize that I’m not a part of their plans to “grow the sport.” But that’s no problem; there often comes a time in one’s life that it’s time to move on with no (well few) hard feelings and a ton of great memories. And so that’s what we’ll do; actually it’s what I’ve already done. I’ll still pay passing attention to various races, especially the two big 500s in Indianapolis and Daytona, but much of my attention will be elsewhere, most likely a Hoosier bullring of no more than a half mile.

Scheduling an oval instead of a road/street course, I’m………

Danny Burton

TRACK CHAMPIONS AND OTHERS HONORED DURING

SALEM SPEEDWAY’S 21st ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET

SALEM, IN, Nov. 23 – Track champions were crowned and numerous other honors were handed out at the 21st annual Salem Speedway “Night Of Champions” Awards Banquet on Saturday evening, November 21.

Over 170 drivers, owners, mechanics, sponsors and guests gathered at the National Guard Armory in Salem for the season ending event.  The top 10 finishers in both Salem Speedway divisions were among the honorees.

The night of festivities was highlighted by the distribution of season prize money and contingency awards to the teams in attendance.

Season champions honored were Frank Kimmel II of Borden, Ind., Lucas Oil Super Stocks, and Brian Bayer of Birdseye, Ind., Dave & Deb’s Winner’s Circle Street Stocks.

Papa John’s Rookie of the Year honors went to Kimmel in the Super Stock division and Winston Wood of Bloomington, Ind., in the Street Stock division.

Six Sigma Mechanic of the Year awards were presented to Frank Kimmel (super stocks) and Marshall Leuken (street stocks).

Todd Kempf won the Stewart Automotive & Transmission Performance Award for the Super Stock division by completing 372 out of a possible 380 laps during the 2009 season.  In the Street Stock division the award went to Bayer, who completed 314 out of a possible 315 laps in feature competition.

Lucas Oil Super Stock driver, Chris French of Vine Grove, Ky., was recipient of the Boyd Smedley Sportsmanship Award presented annually by radio station WUME-FM.

Prior to the awards ceremony Salem Speedway owner Owen Thompson spoke to the gathering about future plans for the historic half-mile track.  The 2010 season, the 65th year for the venerable oval, is scheduled to kick-off in April. 

 FRANK KIMMEL II AND BRIAN BAYER

CAPTURE SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS

SALEM, IN, Oct. 5 – Frank Kimmel II and Brian Bayer walked away from Salem Speedway on Saturday night with season championships in tow.

Kimmel, a third-generation driver from Borden, Ind., captured the Lucas Oil Super Stock championship, while Bayer from Birdseye, Ind., claimed the Dave & Deb’s Winner’s Circle Street Stock title.

Kimmel, who won the 2008 street stock championship at Salem, finished 42 points in front of two-time super stock champion Todd Kempf (2004-2005) of Huntingburg, Ind.

The UNC Charlotte freshman, who is the son of nine-time ARCA RE/MAX Series champion Frank Kimmel, topped off his championship run by winning the Six Sigma 50 on Saturday for his fourth victory of the season.

Mike Sharp of Cox’s Creek, Ky., who finished third in the season standings, was second in the Six Sigma 50, with Kempf third.

Bayer finished 18 points in front of former track champion Casey Heavrin of Jeffersonville to capture his first Salem Speedway championship in the street stock division.

Winston Wood of Bloomington, Ind., who entered Saturday’s race second in points, watched his title hopes disappear after being sidelined in a first lap accident.  The Papa John’s Rookie of the Year candidate slipped to third in the final season standings.

David Bayens of Memphis, Ind., captured Saturday’s Mitchell Motors 40 for the Dave & Deb’s Winner’s Circle Street Stocks, with Heavrin second and Beau Hendrich third.  The victory was Bayens’ fourth of the season.

Racing returns to the high banks of Salem Speedway on Sunday afternoon, October 25th.  The 21st annual Halloween 200, presented by Smoker Friendly Discount Tobacco, is the final race of the 2009 season on the famed oval.

Advance general admission tickets for the Halloween 200 are priced at $13 for adults and $3 for children (age 7-12).  Advance reserved seat tickets are $18 each.  All prices are $2 more on weekend of race.  For tickets or more information call 812-883-6504 or toll free 1-888-246-7223.

LOFTON HOLDS OFF KLIGERMAN TO WIN

 FORD DEALERS ARCA FALL CLASSIC

SALEM, IN, Sept. 19 - The battle for the ARCA RE/MAX Series championship came down to a battle to the very end Saturday night at Salem Speedway where Justin Lofton held off a hard late-race charge from rookie Parker Kligerman to win the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic.

"This is just absolutely awesome to get a win at Salem," said Lofton, driver of the Lofton Cattle Toyota. "It just means so much to me. There's probably no other series that I am going to get to race in for the rest of my career that races at a track like Salem and to get a win here at this track in the ARCA RE/MAX Series is just absolutely awesome to me. This win is just as big as Chicagoland, Pocono and any of them. I think my battle with Parker Kligerman just shows the ability of the drivers in this Series."

Lofton also regained the points lead over Kligerman by 25 points with just two races left.

"Me and Parker are going to be racing each other for a long time to come so there is no reason to get off on a bad note early in our careers," added Lofton. "I barely lifted during those last 20 laps. It was unbelievable but that's what it's about. When you can get a win like that running this close it just means that much more to you then if you were to just run away with it."

Kligerman, on the inside groove, was completely alongside Lofton for much of the final 10 laps, but could not find the momentum to pull off the pass. Kligerman, in the Cunningham Motorsports Dodge, took one more shot at Lofton off turn four coming to the checkered flag, but had to settle for second, a half-length away.

"I think I kind of let my team down there at that last run," said Kligerman. "I should have gotten by Justin Lofton but we're racing for a championship here and I don't want to get into the situation that you saw those two (Ricky Stenhouse and Scott Speed) get into running for the Championship last year. Hopefully Justin Lofton will remember that the next two races going into the end of the season."

Kligerman had several opportunities to move the eventual winner in the closing laps but chose otherwise.

"I was running right behind him [Justin Lofton] and I could have moved him a bunch of times," added Kligerman. "He was all over the place and I thought 'I'll just get by him, I'll get by him clean and we'll go on to the next race and we don't need to get into a pushing match for a Championship. Maybe I'm a little bit too nice but hopefully he will remember that next week."

Dakoda Armstrong finished a career-best third in a second Cunningham Motorsports Dodge.  "I just have to thank this Cunningham Motorsports team," said Armstrong. "They put an awesome car together.  I was a little bit worried because I didn't think our car was that great during practice. I wish there would have been a yellow there at the end so that I could have caught back up to them but even without one it was a great race for us."

Frank Kimmel finished fourth in the Ansell-Menards Ford.

"It was an interesting night, that's for sure," said Kimmel. "Our car was okay-it wasn't great. It had brake problems. It didn't handle very good right in the middle of the racetrack and then we kind of got screwed out of the Aaron's Lucky Dog really bad right there at the end of the race. We would have finished third instead of fourth but that was a bad, bad call. We didn't scratch the car too much and we finished the race so we will go on from there."

Steve Arpin was fifth in the Taylor Chassis-Pinewood Sports Chevrolet.

Lofton, from the second starting position, dominated much of the race, leading 161 of 200 laps. Outside of Kligerman, Lofton's biggest challenger was Joey Coulter, who was the only driver in the field who was able to pass Lofton. After Lofton led the first 136 laps, Coulter finally caught Lofton and made the pass on the 137th lap. From there, Coulter continually pulled away from Lofton before a late-race caution bunched up the field inside of 40 laps from the finish. Coulter held off Lofton for five laps after the restart but slipped high in turn one allowing Lofton to get underneath for the lead on lap 169. It got worse for Coulter a few laps later when the Miami Springs, Florida driver bounced off the wall in turn four ending his night 20 laps shy of the finish. The incident brought out the final caution of the night that set up the battle to the checkered flag between Lofton and Kligerman.

Stephan McCurley, making his return to ARCA RE/MAX Series competition, finished sixth in the Porter Glass-American Screen-Royal Purple Chevrolet in front of Terry Jones, who drove the Jones Group Dodge home in seventh. Tom Hessert finished eighth in the Cherry Hill Classic Cars Ford with Bryan Silas trailing in ninth in the Rockingham Speedway-PBG Ford. Ken Butler III finished 10th in the LoanMax Ford.

Chris Buescher earned the Menards Pole Award presented by Ansell but fell out just before halfway with battery issues. Just five cautions slowed the race for 28 laps.

The next event for the ARCA RE/MAX Series will be the Kansas Lottery 150 at Kansas Speedway Thursday night, October 1st, live on SPEED at 5:00 PM ET.

Racing returns to the high banks of Salem Speedway on Saturday, October 3rd, as the Lucas Oil Super Stocks and Dave & Deb’s Winner’s Circle Street Stocks share the .555-mile oval for the Six Sigma Championship Night.