Arena Racing™ News

HAMPTON, Va. (Mar. 6) -- Jordan Wood grabbed the lead on a restart at lap 26 and paced the field to his third feature win of the season in the 50-lap Top Dog race, the headlining event of Saturday evening's American Cancer Society 200 for the Arena Racing Hampton Roads Pro Series at the Hampton Coliseum. The victory was Wood's second in Top Dog competition.

Brittany Bangas started on the pole and snagged the lead as the race got under way, pulling ahead of two-time series champ Travis Miller.

The first of six caution flags waved on lap 2 when Michael Weddell spun off the fourth corner.

On the double-file restart, Miller stayed on Bangas' flank and nosed ahead at the end of lap 3, clearing Bangas on the fourth circuit. The second caution flag flew on lap 7 when third-place Aaron Leach was bunted into the inside wall by Scott Prillaman.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Mar. 5) -- Looking to solidify his position atop the standings, Scott Prillaman moved out front on lap 20 and sailed to his first Top Dog win -- his seventh win overall on the season. The 50-lap feature race was the main event of Friday evening's Chick-fil-A 200 for the Arena Racing Hampton Roads Pro Series, the first night of a Friday-Saturday weekend doubleheader at the Hampton Coliseum.

Denver Alvis drew the pole for the start of the race. He was due to share the front row with Jason Styron. Styron, though, was unable to answer the bell, along with B Main winner Craig Carlton, trimming the 14-car lineup to 12. Matt Leach took Styron's place on Row 1, while Jordan Wood and Sparky West made up Row 2.

As the race got under way, Alvis jumped out front, bringing Wood and Florian along with him. Rookie contender Josh Ayer moved up to fourth, while Prillaman, who started ninth, emerged from the opening shuffle in fifth.

On lap 11, Wood poked a fender underneath Alvis off Turn 4 and edged out front on lap 12. Florian tagged along with Wood and took over the second spot. Ayer, Prillaman and Derek Miller also bypassed Alvis, who tumbled through the running order.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Mar. 3) — For the first time in nearly two years, Arena Racing Hampton Roads holds back-to-back events when its Pro and Youth Series roll into the Hampton Coliseum for a Friday-Saturday doubleheader weekend on Mar. 5 and 6.

For Friday’s Chick-fil-A 200/All Faiths Night, doors open at 6:30 p.m. to kick off the pre-race pit party and racing gets under way at 7:30. Solace, a Christian rock band, is slated to perform during the intermission. All tickets are just $5 — the final $5 event of the season. Tiny race enthusiasts (under 3) are admitted free.

Saturday brings the American Cancer Society 200, which is a makeup for the Sunbelt Equipment Rentals/Daily Press event that was snowed out on Jan. 31. Doors open at 6 and racing begins at 7. Tickets are $10 for adults. When purchased at the Coliseum box office, each regularly-priced adult ticket also includes one free kids (3-12) ticket. Additional kids tickets are $5. Military personnel (with ID), senior citizens (65+, with ID) and students (13-18) receive a $2 discount off the adult ticket price. Pint-sized fans (under 3) are admitted free.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Feb. 27) -- Derek Miller nosed ahead on the 30th circuit and showed the way to his first win of the season in the 50-lap Top Dog race, the featured event of Saturday evening's Towne Bank 200 presented by GEICO to benefit the March of Dimes for the Arena Racing Hampton Roads Pro Series at the Hampton Coliseum.

Jordan Wood drew the pole for the event. He shared the front row with Robbie Davis. Craig Carlton and Charlie Green occupied Row 2. Miller launched from the 12th spot on the 14-car grid, to the outside of defending series champ Adam Florian.

As the race got going, Davis hung tough on the outside and edged ahead of Wood by half a car-length at the end of the first three laps.

The first caution flag waved on lap 4 when Cody Turbitt did a half-roll in the middle of the pack off the second corner, spelling an early end to his night.

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College basketball isn’t the only sport to watch in March…. You have your very own Arena Racing, racing live at the Deltaplex Arena. Come experience NASCAR like racing with real half-scale stock car racing with cars that can race up to 50 mph around a track inside the Deltaplex Arena.

There have been 11 races and there are only 4 more to go and the heat is really on. Oh, and it’s not the heating system inside the arena that we’re talking about…. Arena Racing race car drivers are fighting for that top prize of $10,000 and the competition has been extremely fierce. So fierce, the line in the sand has been drawn between two drivers who are cousins (and also has divided their families) because they are serious about winning the championship.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Feb. 24) — After taking last weekend off, the Arena Racing Hampton Roads Pro Series roars back into action this Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Hampton Coliseum with the Towne Bank 200 presented by GEICO to benefit the March of Dimes, the 11th of 15 events on the series’ 2009-10 schedule.

Saturday’s feature lineup includes A, B and C Mains — each 50 laps in distance. The top six finishers from the A Main and the top four finishers from the B and C Mains advance to the 50-lap Top Dog feature, the last race of the evening. The Youth Series leads off the program with Connor Hall looking to run his unbeaten streak to five.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for the pre-race pit party — an excellent opportunity to meet the drivers and get an up-close look at the cars. The racing program gets under way at 7, following opening ceremonies. Drivers will also be available to meet fans on the concourse at the conclusion of the Top Dog feature.

Tickets are $10 for adults. When purchased at the Coliseum box office, each regularly-priced adult ticket also includes one free kids (3-12) ticket. Additional kids tickets are $5. Military personnel (with ID), senior citizens (65+, with ID) and students (13-18) receive a $2 discount off the adult ticket price. Tiny race fans (under 3) are admitted free. Tickets are available at the Coliseum box office, Ticketmaster locations and online at . A service fee will be added to each ticket purchase.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Feb. 13) -- Defending series champ Adam Florian moved out front on lap 22 and rolled to the win in the 50-lap Top Dog shootout, the featured event of Saturday evening's Structural Mechanical 200 for the Arena Racing Hampton Roads Pro Series at Hampton Coliseum. The victory was Florian's third in Top Dog competition and his sixth overall this season.

C Main winner Chris Crecelius drew the pole for the start of the event, sharing the front row with Charlie Green, last week's Top Dog victor. Craig Carlton and Nelson Moody lined up Row 2, followed by Michael Weddell and Scott Prillaman in Row 3. Florian launched from the eighth slot on the 14-car grid.

As the race got under way, Crecelius nosed ahead of Green to lead lap 1. Green battled back on lap 2. Before that lap was officially in the books, though, the first caution flag appeared for Aaron Leach's spin in Turn 3. Scoring reverted to the previous lap, putting Crecelius back atop the leaderboard.

On the double-file restart, Green got the jump on Crecelius and took over the top spot. Moody moved up to second, while Florian grabbed third.

By lap 10, Green had stretched his lead to four lengths over Moody, who faced a challenge from Florian. Behind them, Derek Miller took fourth from Weddell. He was soon followed by Prillaman and Travis Wall.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Feb. 10) — Adam Florian will look to continue his push toward a second straight Pro Series title this Saturday, Feb. 13, when Arena Racing Hampton Roads rolls back into the Hampton Coliseum for the Structural Mechanical 200 to benefit the Arthritis Foundation, the 10th event on the 2009-10 calendar.

Saturday’s feature lineup includes A, B and C Mains — a trio of 50-lap contests. The top six finishers from the A Main and the top four finishers from the B and C Mains advance to the 50-lap Top Dog shootout, the final race of the evening. The Youth Series kicks off the program with its fourth race of the season as Connor Hall tries to maintain his unbeaten record. Also, the high-flyers from Debbie’s RC World take center stage during the intermission between the A Main and Top Dog races.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for the pre-race pit party — an excellent opportunity to meet the drivers and get an up-close look at the cars. The racing program gets under way at 7, following opening ceremonies. Drivers will also be available to meet fans on the concourse at the conclusion of the Top Dog feature.

Tickets are $10 for adults. When purchased at the Coliseum box office, each regularly-priced adult ticket also includes one free kids (3-12) ticket. Additional kids tickets are $5. Military personnel (with ID), senior citizens (65+, with ID) and students (13-18) receive a $2 discount off the adult ticket price. Tiny race fans (under 3) are admitted free. Tickets are available at the Coliseum box office, Ticketmaster locations and online at . A service fee will be added to each ticket purchase.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Feb. 6) -- While his pursuers scuffled behind him, Charlie Green pulled away in the closing circuits to score the win in the 50-lap Top Dog race, the featured event of the Saturday evening's Kees Vacations 200 presented by USA Discounters for the Arena Racing Hampton Roads Pro Series at the Hampton Coliseum. The victory was Green's third of the season and his first in Top Dog competition.

Cody Turbitt drew the pole for the start of the event, sharing the front row with rookie contender Landon Florian. As the green flag waved, Florian nosed out front. With momentum on the outside, Florian managed to eke out the lead for the first three laps.

The first caution flag appeared on lap 4 when Brittany Bangas stopped in Turn 3 after a three-wide joust along the backstretch.

On the double-file restart, Florian bolted ahead of Turbitt, bringing Green and Derek Miller along with him. A lap later, Green pushed his machine to the point, slipping by Florian as they headed into Turn 1 to begin lap 5. Miller tagged along with Green and moved into second.

The second caution flag flew on lap 12 when Turbitt spun in Turn 2.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Jan. 29) — With local meteorologists forecasting heavy snowfall (up to a foot) for the area this weekend, Arena Racing Hampton Roads, in consultation with Hampton Coliseum officials, has announced the postponement of this Sunday afternoon’s scheduled racing program — the Sunbelt Equipment Rentals 200 presented by the Daily Press. The series is working with the Coliseum folks to arrange a makeup date for the event.

Arena Racing Hampton Roads will be back in action at the Hampton Coliseum next Saturday, Feb. 6, with the Kees Vacations 200 presented by USA Discounters. Doors open at 6 p.m. and racing begins at 7. Tickets are available at the Coliseum box office, Ticketmaster locations and online at .

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HAMPTON — Bethel High School teenagers are gearing up to be the first high school students in the nation with an arena racing team.

Principal John Bailey selected 20 students last week for a complete team that includes drivers, a pit crew and marketing staff to work with mini stock car No. 68, which represents the school's opening in 1968. The $4,000 car arrived at Bethel and was decked out with school logos Friday.

Bailey's hope is that the unique activity will be a draw for students who need encouragement to be more involved in school.

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Last years North-South Shootout was an historic event that drew almost 5,000 spectators that came out to cheer their local racers. This year’s event will be no different. Come on out and show our community and team sprit and cheer our local racers to the finish line! Lets’ encourage our west Michigan race car drivers to out race those drivers from the south and win the North-South Championship!

Come early to enjoy $1 beer and $1 hot dogs in our tailgate area from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. After the races, bring the kids to the driver autograph table to meet the racers, take pictures with them and get their autograph.

General admission single race tickets are on sale now! Tickets can be purchased at the DeltaPlex Arena box office, www.DeltaPlex.com, www.ArenaRacingGR.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet or by phone at 800-745-3000. All regular tickets are $9.50 for adults 13 and up or $5.00 for kids ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are free with a ticket that can be obtained at the box office on the night of the race. An Arena Racing race is affordable fun for the entire family!

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As the Arena Racing Pennzoil Cup Series progressed through the night, it was obvious to spectators and officials of Arena Racing that the competition had become extremely fierce among racers and their teams. So much so, that during the Top Dog Race, the final race of the night where the chase for first, second and third place of the days racing take place, numerous incidents occurred on the track (before, during and after the racing) as well as in the pits. A melee broke out that resulted in numerous altercations that prompted officials to immediately interject and remove participants from the track and in some cases, from the building. “We take these actions very seriously and absolutely don’t tolerate any unsportsmanlike behavior among participants and their crew whatsoever” said Jack Gritter, Race Director of Arena Racing. “We’ve never had any problems like this before and I expect that we’ll move forward with exciting, fair, fun and fair competition and good sportsmanship.” Gritter continued.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Jan. 10) -- Defending series champ Adam Florian edged ahead of Robbie Davis off the final corner and claimed his fourth victory of the season in the 50-lap Top Dog race, the featured event of Sunday afternoon's Arena Racing Hampton Roads program at the Hampton Coliseum. The win was Florian's second in a Top Dog event, to go along with a pair of A Main wins, one of which came earlier in Sunday's show.

Davis drew the pole for the start, sharing the front row with Denver Alvis. C Main winner Jason Styron started third, alongside Florian.

As the event got under way, Alvis remained to the outside of Davis until they reached Turns 3 and 4 for the first time. There, Davis scooted ahead and opened the inside lane for Florian, who moved up to second. Alvis dropped back to third, followed by rookie Josh Ayer and a side-by-side standoff between Styron and Jordan Wood.

The first caution flag waved on lap 5 when Travis Wall spun in Turn 4.

On the double-file restart, Davis quickly cleared Florian, who settled in on the leader's bumper. Meanwhile, Ayer and Wood scuffled for third.

The second caution flag appeared on lap 8 for a multi-car mess at the end of the backstretch. Alvis, Travis Miller and Craig Carlton were involved in the mishap and all three were forced to the sidelines for the duration of the event.

Returning to green, Davis once again rocketed ahead of Florian, leaving the second-place runner to contend with a challenge from Wood. That battled continued until lap 12 when Florian momentarily slowed along the backstretch, giving way to Wood and Derek Miller.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Jan. 6) — The Arena Racing Hampton Roads Pro Series hits the halfway mark of its 2009-10 campaign this Sunday, Jan. 10, as teams roll back into the Hampton Coliseum for the eighth meet on the 15-event schedule.

Sunday’s race lineup includes A, B and C Mains for the Pro Series — 50 laps each. The day’s grand finale, the 50-lap Top Dog race, features the top six finishers from the A Main and the top four finishers from the B and C Mains. The season’s second Youth Series contest is slotted between the A Main and Top Dog races.

Doors open at 3:00 p.m. for the pre-race pit party — an excellent opportunity to meet the drivers and get an up-close look at the cars. The racing program gets under way at 4, following opening ceremonies. Drivers will also be available to meet fans on the concourse at the conclusion of the Top Dog feature.

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Defending series champion Tim Phillips of Otsego captured his first Top Dog feature race of the season after outdueling points leader Dave Sensiba of Middleville on Saturday. Phillips started on the pole but lost the lead to Sensiba seven laps into the 50-lap main event.

However, Phillips was able to pass Sensiba on a double-file restart with 16 laps to go.

Sensiba continued to challenge over the waning laps before taking second in a accident-filled race that saw five of the 14 cars finish. Jay Niewick was third, followed by Kelsey Steele and Megan Carpenter.

Niewiek won the A main, while Clay Sanders took top honors in the C main.

Action will return Saturday for a 7:30 p.m. program.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Jan. 2) -- Spencer Saunders nosed into the lead on lap 29 and pulled away in the closing circuits to notch his third win of the season in the 50-lap Top Dog race, the featured event of Saturday evening's Arena Racing Hampton Roads program at the Hampton Coliseum. Two of Saunders' victories have come in Top Dog features, while he also has an A Main win to his credit.

C Main winner Aaron Leach started on the pole and took the lead on the opening lap. Chris Raiford moved from third to second, followed by Brad Hancock and Adam Florian. Denver Alvis, who shared the front row with Leach, was unable to get to the inside lane in the early going and dropped all the way back to sixth, just behind Saunders.

On lap 6, Florian, the defending series champ, pulled his car to the infield, retiring for the night and allowing Saunders to advance to fourth. Meanwhile, at the front, Leach held a one-length edge over Raiford.

The running order was jumbled on lap 12 when Raiford and Hancock tangled off Turn 2. Saunders took advantage of the tussle, darting to the inside and moving from fourth to second in one fell swoop. As his pursuers jockeyed behind him, Leach increased his margin to four lengths. Within a handful of laps, though, Saunders had chased him down.

The first caution flag waved on lap 26 as Raiford and Hancock continued to have their differences in Turn 4. Lining up for a double-file restart, Leach was flanked by Saunders.

Back under green, Saunders edged ahead of Leach for the lead. Before that lap was officially in the books, however, the second caution flag flew and Leach was returned to the top spot.

On the ensuing restart, Leach quickly cleared Saunders. Only three laps later, though, the third, and final, yellow flag appeared as Raiford's damaged machine slowed off the fourth corner.

Under green for the last time, Saunders nosed ahead of Leach to take the lead for the first time. He cleared Leach on lap 31, bringing Prillaman along with him, to second.

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Due to popular demand, The Triple 4-pack is back!

4 tickets, 4 sodas and 4 hot dogs for just $25!

Saturday, December 19th at the Deltaplex Arena!

This Saturday, Arena Racing Grand Rapids is bringing back the Triple 4-pack! That’s right, enjoy a night of Arena Racing and the Pennzoil Cup Series with a special Triple 4-pack, which includes 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs and 4 sodas for only $25! “The phones were ringing off the hook, and due to overwhelming demand, we decided to bring back the Triple 4-pack special of 4 tickets, 4 sodas and 4 hotdogs for just $25 bucks,” states Peter Jackson, Arena Racing Grand Rapids General Manager.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Dec. 12) -- Jordan Wood moved into the lead on lap 34 and held on to win the 50-lap Top Dog race, the featured event of Saturday evening's Arena Racing Hampton Roads program at the Hampton Coliseum. The victory was Wood's first in a Top Dog event and his second overall.

Aaron Leach started on the pole and edged ahead off Turn 2 to take the lead on lap 1. As the leaders were beginning lap 2, Brittany Bangas overturned off Turn 4 to bring out the first yellow flag.

The race got off to a rocky start with two more caution flags on lap 2 -- the first for a seven-car pileup in the middle of Turns 3 and 4 and the second for an unsatisfactory restart.

On the ensuing double-file restart, Scott Prillaman, who was starting to the outside of Leach, nosed ahead to take over the top spot. He cleared Leach on the backstretch on lap 3. Wood followed Prillaman's cue and snagged second from Leach.

The fourth caution flag flew on lap 4 when Landon Florian spun at the start/finish line.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Dec. 9) — Travis Wall will be looking to extend his current hot streak this Saturday, Dec. 12, as Arena Racing Hampton Roads returns to action at the Hampton Coliseum with the sixth event of the series’ 2009-10 campaign.

Saturday’s race lineup includes A, B and C Mains — 50 laps each. The evening’s grand finale, the 50-lap Top Dog race, features the top six finishers from the A Main and the top four finishers from the B and C Mains.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for the pre-race pit party — an excellent opportunity to meet the drivers and get an up-close look at the cars. The evening’s racing program kicks off at 7, following opening ceremonies. Drivers will also be available to meet fans on the concourse at the conclusion of the Top Dog feature.

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Mitch Meppelink came up short in his bid for victory during last weekend’s Top Dog feature race at DeltaPlex Arena in Walker.

The Zeeland West freshman finished second in arena racing action to Dave Sensiba of Middleville in the 50-lap main. However, Meppelink managed a big smile after the race.

It was Meppelink’s best finish in three starts this season.

“The car got better after the A main,” Meppelink said. “I drov pretty hard trying to catch up to Dave, but he was way too fast.”

No driver has been beaten Sensiba in a Top Dog feature this season, since Sensiba has swept the first three races.

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Arena Racing USA has just announced the formation of a new class with ARENACAR's for drivers in the 10-13 age group. Some 9 year olds may be approved to race with previous motor racing experience.

The division will use the same cars currently being driven in the PRO series with the addition of a restrictor plate used to slow the cars down. By using the same cars, when the driver advances to the PRO class they will only need to remove the restrictor plate and make the weight adjustments necessary. No new car purchase will be necessary.

"This class is designed as a safe and professional class to teach these young racers how to race", stated the Founder of Arena Racing Ricky Dennis. "It will be used as a feeder series for the PRO class and allow them to learn the finesse of driving a race car before we open them up to the speeds of the top division."

Hampton Roads will launch this new class on January 2, 2010.

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WALKER -- The Arena Racing world appeared to have been turned upside down, or at least on its side, during Saturday night's action at DeltaPlex Arena.

Car-crunching accidents saw drivers such as Clayton Marvel of Lowell and Jay Niewiek of Cutlerville end up on their roofs, and Clay Sanders of Holt rolled over on his door.

Kelsey Steele of Coopersville headed to the hospital for X-rays on her wrist after being caught in a Turn 3 crash during the A feature.

But normalcy did return in time for the Top Dog feature. Dave Sensiba of Middleville remained perfect on the season when he won his third consecutive race.

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It was cold outside, but things were heating up inside the Delta Plex Arena. The 1,100 fans that attend this race watched some great side by side racing with lots of action in between. The fans that came out to enjoy the tailgate party and the qualifying witnessed a new track record set. Qualifying started out with Tim Phillips going out on the track and beating his current track record of 7.955 to the new record of 7.953. All of the other times were much quicker from previous weeks as well and then came Dave Sensiba in his newly painted yellow and blue WIP, ALS Association number 46. Dave hit the track and on lap one and ran a 7.914 setting the new track record and putting Dave in the A Main. The pill draw did not make it easy for Dave putting him in 7th for the A Main.

The first race of the night was the C-Main and the pill draw put 14 year old Clay Sanders of Joker Motorsports making his first Arena Racing appearance on the Pole. Clay started out strong, but the 29 car of Aaron Langlois driving newly painted yellow Pennzoil car was coming quickly. The racing was exciting with a lot of action and on lap 29 Dave Price in the number 35 Custom Transport car took over the lead of the 29 and the 3 car of Scott Swem followed suit by taking over second. The race wrapped up with the Top four running nose to tail with Dave Price taking the checkered flag.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Nov. 28) -- In what is believed to be the closest finish in series history, Travis Wall nipped Scott Prillaman by six-thousandths of a second for his third win of the season in the 50-lap Top Dog race, the featured event of Saturday evening's PANCAN 200 for Arena Racing Hampton Roads, held at the Hampton Coliseum. With his second straight win in the spotlight event, Wall becomes the season's first two-time Top Dog champ.

Prillaman drew the pole for the start of the race, sharing the front row with Matt Midgett. Adam Florian and Spencer Saunders made up Row 2, while Patrick Morgan and Derek Miller occupied Row 3. Wall launched from the seventh spot on the 14-car grid.

As the race got under way, Prillaman edged ahead of Midgett out of Turn 2 to take the lead, leaving the inside lane open for Florian, who moved up to second. Midgett dropped back to third, followed by Morgan and Wall.

On lap 3, Morgan got the better of Midgett and advanced to third. Four laps later, Wall scooted past Midgett for fourth. Saunders tried to follow Wall's cue and the field began to stack up as Saunders and Midgett dueled door-to-door.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Nov. 21) -- Continuing an early-season theme of unpredictability, Travis Wall moved out front on the 47th circuit and showed the way to his first win in the 50-lap Top Dog race, the featured event of Saturday evening's Arena Racing Hampton Roads program at the Hampton Coliseum. Through four events, this season's 16 races have produced 13 different winners, including four different Top Dog victors.

Chris Raiford drew the pole for the start, sharing the front row with Wall. Robbie Davis and rookie Josh Ayer made up Row 2, while Charlie Green and Matt Leach occupied Row 3.

Trouble broke out early as Cory Millard, the ninth-place starter, got dumped on her roof as the field was coming to the initial green flag. The caution flag quickly waved and a complete restart was ordered.

Finally under way, Raiford pulled into the lead, while Wall settled into second. Only one lap was in the books when the second caution flag flew as Matt Leach and Derek Miller tangled in Turn 4. The incident resulted in a lengthy red-flag delay for repairs to the Turn 4 wall.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Nov. 18) — After taking a break last weekend, the drivers and teams of Arena Racing Hampton Roads swing back into action this Saturday, Nov. 21, when the series rolls back into the Hampton Coliseum for an evening of fun and excitement.

Saturday’s lineup includes A, B and C Mains — 50 laps each. The top six finishers from the A Main and the top four finishers from the B and C Mains advance to the 50-lap Top Dog race, the evening’s grand finale.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for the pre-race pit party — an excellent opportunity to meet the drivers and get an up-close look at the cars. Following opening ceremonies, the evening’s racing program kicks off at 7. Drivers will also be available to meet fans on the concourse at the conclusion of the Top Dog feature. As an added treat, Debbie’s RC World will be on hand during the intermission with an assortment of speedy, high-flying remote-controlled vehicles.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Nov. 7) -- Defending series champ Adam Florian nosed into the lead on lap 10 and paced the field to his first victory of the 2009-10 season in the 50-lap Top Dog race, the featured event of Saturday evening's Arena Racing Hampton Roads program at the Hampton Coliseum.

Travis Wall drew the pole for the start of the race and vaulted out front as the initial green flag went in the air. Florian, Wall's front-row partner, dropped into second place, followed by Zach Moran, Anthony Perez and Jason Styron.

The first caution flag flew on lap 8 when Jordan Wood spun in Turn 2. As Wood's machine was coming to rest, Perez, Styron and Aaron Leach stacked up in Turn 3. Styron and Perez were eliminated by the incident.

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Walker, MI (TMWN) - "Arena Racing is real racing," one fan told me before the race began. I went to the Delta Plex early to talk with the fans. To my surprise, about half of the fans that night were women. Several fans told me this was their first time. Mine too! Many were Berlin Raceway,"old timers." Many came because the outside racing season was over, but with Arena Racing, "the races are never rained out!" No one was concerned about the fact that the cars were one-half-scale NASCAR stock cars or that the track was 1/10 of a mile and could fit inside a hockey rink. To them, it was about speed and competition. The cars averaged about 50 mph and can complete a lap in under 10 seconds. Arena Racing season runs from mid-October to mid-March.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Nov. 4) — Early season points leaders Patrick Morgan and Scott Prillaman lead the charge as Arena Racing Hampton Roads returns to the Hampton Coliseum this Saturday, Nov. 7, for the third event on its 2009-10 calendar.

This week’s lineup includes A, B and C Mains — 50 laps each. The top six finishers from the A Main and the top four finishers from the B and C Mains advance to the 50-lap Top Dog race, the final race of the evening.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for the pre-race pit party — an excellent opportunity to meet the drivers and get an up-close look at the cars. Following opening ceremonies, the evening’s racing program kicks off at 7. Drivers will also hobnob with fans on the concourse after the Top Dog feature.

Tickets are $10 for adults. When purchased the Coliseum box office, each regularly-priced adult ticket also includes one free kids (3-12) ticket. Additional kids tickets are $5. Military personnel (with ID), senior citizens (65+, with ID) and students (13-18) receive a $2 discount off the adult ticket price. Tiny race fans (under 3) are admitted free. Tickets are available at the Coliseum box office, Ticketmaster locations and online at . A service fee will be added to each ticket purchase.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Oct. 31) -- Spencer Saunders nosed out front on lap 45 and held off Scott Prillaman over the closing circuits to snag his first win in the 50-lap Top Dog race, the featured event of Saturday evening's Arena Racing Hampton Roads program at the Hampton Coliseum.

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This Saturday spend Halloween Indoors with Arena Racing Grand Rapids celebrating Halloween with a special $15 Family Ticket to the Arena Racing Pennzoil Cup Series! Each Family (includes up to 2 adults) pays only $15 and gets to bring all their kids in for free. That’s right, a night full of indoor auto racing for the whole family for just $15 Bucks! Arena Racing race car drivers will be on hand passing out candy to all the kids during the official meet and greet from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. And be sure not to miss the special Costume Parade around the track during the first intermission of Saturday’s races. Also included will be various activities and games for kids and bouncy inflatables. Dress up and have fun at this Saturday’s Arena Racing at the Deltaplex Arena.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Oct. 28) — Ghosts and goblins won’t be the only things going bump in the night on Halloween as Arena Racing Hampton Roads roars back into the Hampton Coliseum this Saturday, Oct. 31, for the second event on its 15-race 2009-10 schedule.

This week’s lineup includes A, B and C Mains — 50 laps each. The top six finishers from the A Main and the top four finishers from the B and C Mains advance to the 50-lap Top Dog race, the final race of the evening.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for a special pre-race pit party, featuring trick-or-treating with the drivers. The evening’s racing program gets under way at 7. A costume contest is slated for the intermission between the A Main and Top Dog races and the winner will wave the green flag to start the finale. Drivers will also be available to meet and greet fans on the concourse following the program.

Tickets are $10 for adults. When purchased the Coliseum box office, each regularly-priced adult ticket also includes one free kids (3-12) ticket. Additional kids tickets are $5. Military personnel (with ID), senior citizens (65+, with ID) and students (13-18) receive a $2 discount off the adult ticket price. Tiny race fans (under 3) are admitted free. Tickets are available at the Coliseum box office, Ticketmaster locations and online at . A service fee will be added to each ticket purchase.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Oct. 24) -- Patrick Morgan led all the way from the pole to take the win in the hard-hitting 50-lap Top Dog race, the featured event of Saturday evening's season-opening program for Arena Racing Hampton Roads at the Hampton Coliseum.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Oct. 22) — Buoyed by a strong cadre of returning veterans and a small, but promising, crop of rookie contenders, Arena Racing Hampton Roads kicks off its 15-race 2009-10 campaign this Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Hampton Coliseum — the series’ exclusive home for the third straight season.

Saturday’s lineup includes A, B and C Mains — 50 laps each. The top six finishers from the A Main and the top four finishers from the B and C Mains advance to the 50-lap Top Dog race, the final race of the evening.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and racing gets under way at 7:00. Drivers will be available to meet and greet fans before and after the program.

Read the entire article here

Steve Kaminski | The Grand Rapids Press

Middleville's Dave Sensiba didn't exactly run away from the field and hide during Saturday night's season-opening Arena Racing Top Dog feature race.

That's because there really is no place to escape. Drivers tear around in half-scale stock cars on an aluminum track spread out on the cramped DeltaPlex floor that makes Bristol look like Talladega. When you're running eight-second laps, you tend to get on each other's bumpers -- and each other's nerves.

But Sensiba got lost in the crowd of cars, leading all 50 laps and beat outing second-place finisher Clayton Marvel by 3.251 seconds. No one passed Sensiba during the race.

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WALKER -- Spectators who voted Katey Niemeyer the league's fan favorite during last year's inaugural Arena Racing season at the DeltaPlex will see some changes with the Caledonia teenager's car this year.

Remember how Niemeyer had Saginaw Valley State University splashed across her car, because that's where she was headed after finishing at Caledonia High School last spring? She has had to peel that name off her car.

Click here to read the entire article

This October, get ready for the most electrifying indoor sport in West Michigan as Arena Racing Grand Rapids returns for its second season of indoor racing at the Deltaplex Arena.

“Last season was a great success and we can’t wait to present a new season of 15 indoor auto races” says Peter Jackson, General Manager of Arena Racing. “We’re already expecting virtually all the drivers to return who raced last season plus more” Peter continued.

Each race this year with be highlighted with different promotional themes, starting October 17th with Pennzoil Cup Series Kickoff Race and ending with the Pennzoil Cup Series Championship on March 27th. The 2009-2010 schedule features three Friday night races, eleven Saturday races and one Sunday race.

Click here for the full press release

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by Steve Kaminski | The Grand Rapids Press

Arena Racing of Grand Rapids officials made the best of a difficult situation in February after scheduling a race on the same day as the Daytona 500. A big-screen television was hauled into DeltaPlex Arena so spectators could keep an eye on the NASCAR Sprint Cup race.

Officials were much more careful when preparing the 2009-10 schedule, which was released Tuesday.

"We have scheduled only one Sunday race. We don't want to compete with NASCAR," said Peter Jackson, Arena Racing's general manager. "Our schedule is more in line with what you see at area tracks. We have scheduled three Friday night races, and the rest will be run on Saturdays."

The Arena Racing schedule features, like last year, 15 races. Opening night is Oct. 17, and the season will continue through the March 27 season finale.

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Richmond, VA - June 25, 2009

Arena Racing USA® and SportsQuest announced today they have reached an agreement to launch indoor stock car racing within the Richmond, VA market.

Arena Racing USA® is a unique indoor half scale stock car racing series, which is poised for explosive growth over the next few years both domestically and internationally. Arena Racing USA® is backed by an exceptional investor group that includes Joe Gibbs of Joe Gibbs Racing, Tom and Norm Miller of Interstate Batteries, and Gary Becker formerly of PACE Entertainment. Its seasoned leadership team includes Bob Keane, CEO and Ricky Dennis the founder of Arena Racing USA®.

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by Steve Kaminski | The Grand Rapids Press
Thursday May 14, 2009, 9:25 AM

Jack Gritter of Zeeland hung up his racing helmet in 2002 after spending 32 years competing at short tracks throughout West Michigan.

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Grand Rapids, MI Apr 17, 2009 – Arena Racing Grand Rapids capped off its’ inaugural season with the Pennzoil Platinum Cup Series Driver Awards Banquet presented which was held Friday night at the English Hill Terrace in Comstock Park, drivers, crew members, families and car sponsors were in attendance to honor the 2009 award winners.

Tim Phillips of Otsego, MI , who posted 3 A Main victories, 1 C Main victory and 1 Last Chance victory and 3 Top Dog Feature victories took home the Pennzoil Platinum Cup and $10,000. Tim who is the owner of Advanced Automotive and promoter of the Great Lakes Mini Cup Series lead the points race from wire to wire. Mike Bursley of Zeeland and owner of Perfect Circle Race Cars and former Super Stock Champion at Berlin Raceway in 2007 finished in 2nd winning 4 A Main races, 1 Last Chance and 3 Top Doge Feature victories. Clayton Marvel out of Lowell Michigan finished in 3rd. Clayton is no stranger to the victory platform with an impressive karting resume that includes 2 Divisional Championship, 1 Grand National Championship. The banquet presentations included $35,000 in points fund money distributed to drivers in each the top 20 of owner points.

View the full Press Release

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MARNE -- Times are changing at the Berlin Raceway, and it has nothing to do with new promoter Mike Blackmer and the new front-stretch grandstand, Victory Lane and pit road he has introduced.

Blackmer dropped the age requirement to 14 years old and has created a Young Guns class for kids 14-16, and four drivers took advantage of it.

Kelsey Steele, a 14-year old West Catholic sophomore, made history twice before approximately 4,300 fans when the 2009 season opened Saturday night.

Not only did Steele become the youngest driver to win a feature, but she is believed to be the first female in the track's 59-year history to win a main.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Mar. 28) -- After two opening-lap mishaps moved him up to the pole position, Derek Miller seized command and rolled to victory in the 50-lap Top Dog feature, the main event of Relay For Life Night for Arena Racing USA's Hampton Roads series, held Saturday evening at the Hampton Coliseum. The win was Miller's fourth of the season, including three Top Dog victories and one A Main win.

Nelson Moody drew the pole and shared the front row with Michelle Pearl, the longtime Arena Racing veteran who was making her last start. After leading a couple of parade laps, Pearl dropped to the back of the pack, handing over her front-row spot to Mike Dayton.

Two attempts at getting the race under way produced two melees and jumbled the field. Officials ruled that Moody had jumped the green flag in both instances and relegated him to the rear of the field, putting Miller on the inside of Row 1.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Mar. 25) — With the driver’s championship already in his hip pocket, Adam Florian will be trying to seal up the $10,000 car owner’s title this Saturday, Mar. 28, at the Hampton Coliseum as Arena Racing USA’s Hampton Roads series closes out its 2008-09 campaign with Relay For Life Night, presented in conjunction with the American Cancer Society.

Saturday’s season-ending lineup includes A, B and C Mains — 50 laps each. The top six finishers from the A Main and the top four finishers from the B and C Mains advance to the 50-lap Top Dog race, the final race of the evening.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and racing gets under way at 7:00. Drivers will be available to meet and greet fans before and after the program. As an added attraction, local country singer Nate Sparks will perform selections from his latest CD during the intermission break.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Mar. 14) -- Cody Carlton started on the pole and led flag-to-flag to win the 50-lap Top Dog race, the featured event of Saturday's Girl Scout Night program for Arena Racing USA's Hampton Roads series at the Hampton Coliseum. The victory was Carlton's first in a Top Dog event and his fourth of the season, overall.

Carlton got a big jump at the drop of the initial green flag, clearing his front-row colleague, Spencer Saunders, before the field reached Turn 1. As Carlton pulled away, points leader Adam Florian filled the void to Saunders' inside. Florian cleared Saunders on lap 4.

The first caution flag was displayed on lap 8 when Anthony Perez slowed with damage. Only one more lap was in the books when the second yellow flag flew for Chris Raiford's overturned car.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Mar. 12) — Any residual mellowness from last weekend’s trio of Phish concerts will be quickly swept from the Hampton Coliseum this Saturday, Mar. 14, as Arena Racing USA’s Hampton Roads series returns to “The Mothership” with its unique brand of ultra-competitive mayhem.

Saturday’s Girl Scout Night lineup includes A, B and C Mains — 50 laps each. The top six finishers from the A Main and the top four finishers from the B and C Mains advance to the 50-lap Top Dog race, the final race of the evening.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and racing gets under way at 7:00. Drivers will be available to meet and greet fans before and after the program. Also, the Hampton High School band is slated to provide the entertainment during intermission.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Feb. 21) -- Charlie Green drew the pole and led all the way for his second victory in the 50-lap Top Dog feature, the headlining event of Saturday evening's program for Arena Racing USA's Hampton Roads series at the Hampton Coliseum. The win was Green's third, overall, as he had also claimed a C Main victory earlier in the season.

Sharing the front row with rookie Anthony Perez, Green got a good jump on the initial green flag, motoring ahead as the field reached Turn 1 for the first time. Patrick Morgan tagged along with Green and picked up the second spot, while Perez dropped to third. Mike Weddell and Aaron Leach came away from the opening shuffle in fourth and fifth, respectively.

The first caution flag appeared on lap 4 for Cory Millard's spin in Turn 2. Before another lap could be completed, the yellow flag was flying again, this time for Jordan Wood's spin, also in the second corner.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Feb. 19) — The battle for the $10,000 championship continues this Saturday, Feb. 21, when Arena Racing USA’s Hampton Roads series returns to action at the Hampton Coliseum for the 13th event on its 15-race schedule.

Saturday’s lineup includes A, B and C Mains — 50 laps apiece. The top six finishers from the A Main and the top four finishers from the B and C Mains advance to the 50-lap Top Dog race, the final race of the evening.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and racing gets under way at 7:00. Drivers will be available to meet and greet fans before and after the program.

Read the entire article here

Mitch Meppelink and Gabe Ensing just might end up in the same drivers education class this spring. Heaven help their instructor.

"I wonder if they will be able to get the car up on two wheels?" said Ensing's father, Rick Ensing.

All kidding aside, the two 14-year old Zeeland youths might be able to teach their instructor a thing or two, especially if it's about race cars. Both won feature races during last week's Arena Racing program at the DeltaPlex.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Feb. 7) -- Derek Miller motored into the lead on lap 12 and led the rest of the way to notch his second victory of the season in the 50-lap Top Dog race, the featured event of Saturday night's program for Arena Racing USA's Hampton Roads series at the Hampton Coliseum.

Cody Carlton drew the pole for the start and shot ahead of Robbie Davis at the drop of the initial green flag to take the lead. Miller quickly moved up to second, while Davis dropped into a third-place battle with Jordan Wood.

The first caution flag flew on lap 4 when Clayton Parrish spun at the end of the frontstretch. Setting the running order, Carlton was out front, followed by Miller, Wood, Adam Florian and Davis.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Feb. 5) — Sporting a fresh dose of momentum after a pair of big victories last weekend, Adam Florian will look to keep his roll going this Saturday, Feb. 7, when Arena Racing USA’s Hampton Roads series swings back into action at the Hampton Coliseum.

Saturday’s lineup includes A, B and C Mains — 50 laps apiece. The top six finishers from the A Main and the top four finishers from the B and C Mains advance to the 50-lap Top Dog race, the evening’s grand finale.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and racing gets under way at 7:00. Drivers will be available to meet and greet fans before and after the program.

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Arena Racing Hampton Roads will extend the special ticket price of just $5 to all the fans for the February 7th race at the Hampton Coliseum. This will be the last time this special rate is offered during the 2008-2009 season. Don’t miss what everyone is talking about. Come check out the excitement this Saturday at the Hampton Coliseum.

*The $5 ticket price is not valid with any other offer and additional fees may apply

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HAMPTON, Va. (Jan. 31) -- Team Hampton Roads successfully defended its home turf Saturday night as Adam Florian led a sweep of the top four positions in the 50-lap All-Star Shootout, the featured event of Make-A-Wish Night at the Hampton Coliseum. Overall, the victory was Florian's eighth of the season.

Scott Prillaman, the defending Hampton Roads series champ, started on the pole, sharing the front row with Pete Hunt from the Charlotte, N.C., series. Dave Sensiba of the Grand Rapids, Mich., series started third, to the inside of Florian.

As the event got going, Prillaman grabbed the lead from Hunt. Florian moved up to second on lap 2, dropping Hunt to third in the running order. Sensiba and Derek Miller emerged in fourth and fifth, respectively.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Jan. 29) — It’ll be Hampton Roads vs. Grand Rapids vs. Charlotte this Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Hampton Coliseum as drivers from all three of Arena Racing USA’s franchises gather under the same roof for the first time for an All-Star Shootout, the featured event of Make-A-Wish Night.

Tim Phillips, points leader of the fledgling Grand Rapids series, will lead a five-car contingent from Michigan, while Josh Turner, the 2007-08 Charlotte, N.C., series champ, will head up a three-car delegation from stock car racing’s hub. Defending Hampton Roads titlist Scott Prillaman captains the five-car home team.

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The All-Star Shootout To Be Held This Weekend At The Hampton Coliseum

It’s Make-A-Wish night at Arena Racing Hampton Roads in the Hampton Coliseum this Saturday, January 31st. The stars will shine as drivers from the Charlotte, North Carolina; Grand Rapids Michigan; and Hampton Roads, Virginia franchises of Arena Racing will meet for a 50 lap shootout. This race will be scheduled to run after the Top Dog race that evening. The race will feature Charlottes reigning champion Josh Turner, Grand Rapids points leader Tim Phillips and Hampton Roads reigning champion Scott Prillaman. In addition to these drivers will be two other top drivers from Charlotte, and four other top drivers form both Grand Rapids and Hampton Roads. This will be the first event that all the franchises of Arena Racing have come together for one race.

Blake Murphy, CEO of the Hampton Roads franchise, stated “During the past two years we have had a lot of interaction with the Charlotte drivers, but this is the first time that three locations will all meet at one track. It is a race seven years in the making. I for one am excited to see the how these drivers will interact together on the track. With everything basically being the same at each location, they should all be able to adapt rather quickly.”

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HAMPTON, Va. (Jan. 23) -- Charlie Green regained the lead on lap 19 and rolled to his first Top Dog victory of the season as Arena Racing USA's Hampton Roads series celebrated its 100th local event with Military Appreciation Night on Friday at the Hampton Coliseum.

The win in the 50-lap finale was Green's third overall. He had previously posted a B Main win on Jan. 11 and a C Main win on Nov. 29.

Craig Carlton was the pole-sitter for the start of Friday's race, lining up to the inside of Patrick Morgan. As the race got under way, Morgan shot into the lead, leaving Carlton to battle side-by-side with Green.

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Joe Gibbs and Norm Miller begin this weekend's race preparations with some friendly trash talking.

"It's gonna be ugly," Gibbs said, laughing. "I'm telling you, if Norm thinks he can beat me, it's gonna be ugly. . . . I'll try not to rough him up -- unless he gets in front of me."

Miller suggested he get a head start since at 70 he is two years older than Gibbs. That didn't sit well with Gibbs.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Jan. 21) — With an assist from NFL Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs and Norm Miller, chairman of Interstate Batteries, Arena Racing USA’s Hampton Roads speed demons will hit the track at the Hampton Coliseum this Friday, Jan. 23, for Military Appreciation Night — the 100th event in the series’ local history.

Friday evening’s lineup includes A, B and C Mains — 50 laps each. The top six finishers from the A Main and the top four finishers from the B and C Mains will advance to the program’s grand finale, the 50-lap Top Dog race. Also, Gibbs and Miller are slated to square off in a match race during the intermission between the Mains and the Top Dog feature.

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The excitement is building around the Joe Gibbs versus Norm Miller race this coming Saturday, January 23rd, in Hampton Roads.

Arena Racing is making headlines around the internet and local news agencies.

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Richmond, VA - Arena Racing USA®, the nation’s premier indoor stock car sport, announced today that retired Washington Redskins Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs and owner of Joe Gibbs Racing will be appearing at the January 23rd Arena Racing USA® event at the Hampton Coliseum. During this special appearance, Joe will be racing Interstate Batteries Chairman, Norm Miller, a long time sponsor of the Joe Gibbs Racing’s # 18 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Car.

They will be competing in two identical ARENACAR®s for bragging rights, and possibly the first race of its kind with a top NASCAR Sprint Cup Owner against his Sponsor.

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January, 13th, 2009, Richmond, VA - Arena Racing USA, the only spectator-participating major league sport, announced today that Washington Redskins Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs will be appearing at the January 23rd Arena Racing event at the Hampton Coliseum. During his appearance, he will be racing Interstate Batteries Chairman, Norm Miller.

They will be competing in two identical ArenaCars for bragging rights between them and possibly the first race of its kind with a top NASCAR Sprint Cup Owner against his Sponsor.

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Ricky Dennis, the founder and chief executive officer of Arena Racing USA, said that Charlotte remains "an important city" for the indoor racing league, but that he's still looking for the right person or group to own and operate the local franchise.

The league is competing in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and in Grand Rapids, Mich., this season. The start of the 2008-09 schedule in Charlotte was originally set for November, but was then pushed back until after the first of the year at least before the call finally came to remain dark this season.

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After a wreck late in the A Main on Jan 11, 2009, Brittany Bangas was taken to the hospital because of neck/shoulder pain. X-rays showed no broken or fractured bones and Bangas is now at home resting.

Bangas is slated to return for the January 23rd race, and she stated, “ I’m ready to show Joe Gibbs what I’ve got. I would love the opportunity to work and drive for him!”

Bangas drives the #91 A-1 Additions car and is the daughter of Michelle Pearl who drives the #19 Century 21 car.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Jan. 11) -- Starting from the pole, Jordan Wood jumped out front on the opening circuit and led all the way to the checkered flag in the 50-lap Top Dog race, the featured event of Sunday evening's Faith Night program for Arena Racing USA's Hampton Roads series at the Hampton Coliseum.

The victory was Wood's first of the season in a Top Dog race and his fourth overall. He also has three A Main wins to his credit.

Spencer Saunders shared the front row with Wood and remained on the pole-sitter's flank for the first couple of laps before Wood gained the upper hand. On lap 4, Saunders slapped the wall off Turn 2, allowing Wood to drive away and opening the door for Cory Millard to make a bid for second.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Jan. 8) — After a nearly-month-long holiday break, Arena Racing USA’s Hampton Roads series swings back into action this Sunday, Jan. 11, as the stretch drive to the $10,000 championship begins in earnest.

Sunday’s “Faith Night” lineup includes A, B and C Mains — 50 laps apiece. The top six finishers from the A Main and the top four finishers from the B and C Mains advance to the 50-lap Top Dog finale, the day’s featured event. Also, Christian rock band “Solace” will perform during the intermission between the Mains and the Top Dog feature.

Doors open at 3:00 p.m. and racing gets under way at 4:00. Drivers will be available to meet and greet fans before and after the program.

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Saturday January 3 marked the inaugural North v. South race between drivers from the Hampton Roads region and the Grand Rapids region of Arena Racing. Five drivers journeyed up to The DeltaPlex Arena in Grand Rapids Michigan over the weekend to participate in the scheduled races plus the 50 lap North v. South shootout. #34 Patrick Morgan, #60 Aaron Leach, #51 Matthew Leach, #02 Jordan Wood, and #20 Mike Weddell all made the trip with one goal in mind: taking home the Arena Bowl trophy.

Patrick Morgan in the #34 Structural Mechanical machine set the pace for the evening when he laid down a 7.97 second qualifying lap. He is now on a prestigious short list of the drivers who have ventured below an eight second lap time. Morgan, followed by Jordan Wood in the #02 Affordable Transmissions race car, and reigning Rookie of the Year Aaron Leach in the #60 Structural Mechanical ride all qualified in the A-Main for the evening. Rookie Matthew Leach in the #51 Structural Mechanical car and #20 Mike Weddell in the Seven Seas Yacht Services machine both qualified in the C main race.

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Blake Murphy, CEO of Arena Racing Hampton Roads, announced Tuesday that the Hampton Roads venue of Arena Racing will reduce the adult ticket prices from $12 to $10.

He also stated that along with the reduction in ticket prices a child 12 and under will be admitted free with the purchase of an adult ticket.

“Times are still rough for the Hampton Roads community. By lowering the adult prices and giving a free kids ticket with each adult ticket purchased it will allow families to still be able to have some great weekend entertainment without breaking the bank.”

Murphy went on to say “During the holidays we held some five dollar ticket promotions to provide extra relief to the fans, and we are planning to have another night at the five dollar ticket price level before the season ends”. A date for the five dollar ticket night has yet to be set.

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WALKER -- Three-time ARCA Series champion Tim Steele is not known for being a softie.

After all, the former hard-charging stock car driver from Marne once checked himself out of the hospital after spending six days in bed with kidney stones. He then went out and won an ARCA race at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March 1996.

Ask Steele about his 14-year-old daughter Kelsey, though, and he gets sentimental. And he is getting prouder by the lap.

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Blake Murphy already has a spot picked out to display the trophy he plans on taking home to Hampton, Va.

Murphy, who is the general manager of the Hampton arena racing franchise, will bring a team of five drivers to Grand Rapids for Saturday night's North vs. South Shootout at the DeltaPlex, and he appears confident his guys will rule the night.

Virginia drivers will square off against racers from the Grand Rapids Arena Racing League, with the overall feature winner earning his team the traveling trophy, not to mention bragging rights.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Dec. 14) - by Gary Daughtrey -- Larry Murphy moved out front on lap 7 and pulled away in the waning circuits to score his second victory of the season in the 50-lap Top Dog race, the featured event of Sunday afternoon's program for Arena Racing USA's Hampton Roads series at the Hampton Coliseum.

Denver Alvis was the pole-sitter for the start and jumped out front as the race got under way. His stint atop the leaderboard was short-lived, however, as Brittany Bangas steamed past to take over the lead. Murphy tagged along with Bangas, grabbing second and dropping Alvis to third.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Dec. 10) - by Gary Daughtrey — Arena Racing USA’s Hampton Roads series will reach the halfway mark on its 15-race 2008-09 schedule when drivers and teams convene at the Hampton Coliseum this Sunday, Dec. 14, for a matinee appearance.

Sunday afternoon’s lineup includes A, B and C Mains — 50 laps apiece. The top six finishers from the A Main and the top four finishers from the B and C Mains advance to the 50-lap Top Dog finale, the day’s featured event.

Read the entire article here

HAMPTON, Va. (Dec. 6) - by Gary Daughtrey -- Derek Miller grabbed the lead on the opening circuit and held off Scott Prillaman in a furious finish for his first victory of the season in the 50-lap Top Dog race, the featured event of Saturday evening's program for Arena Racing USA's Hampton Roads series, held at the Hampton Coliseum.

Jason Styron was due to start the race from the pole position. Beset by mechanical problems, though, he voluntarily retreated to the rear of the field. As Styron dropped back, Miller moved up to the pole, alongside Mike Weddell.

As the race got going, Miller powered ahead of Weddell off Turn 2 to take the lead. Spencer Saunders and Prillaman also slipped past Weddell before he found a place to slide in line.

The first yellow flag appeared on lap 4 when second-place Saunders slapped the outside wall off Turn 4 and slowed dramatically.

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Bring a smile to a child who is unable to be home this Christmas.

Grand Rapids, MI – December 3rd, 2008: Arena Racing Grand Rapids will launch its first “Race for a Cause” beginning this Saturday, Decembber 6th 2008 at the DeltaPlex Arena & Conference Center. This week Arena Racing Grand Rapids will bring focus to the children at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital who are unable to be home with their loved ones this Christmas.

“Infants and Teens are in desperate need of new, unwrapped toys this Christmas. Even the smallest donation puts a smilee on their faces.” said Dev Warmelink, Promotions Coordinator for Arena Racing Grand Rapids. “Race fans are devoted by nature, I know our fans will put forth the extra effort to help these children,” she added.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Dec. 3) — by Gary Daughtrey - Adam Florian will try to add to his points lead this Saturday, Dec. 6, when Arena Racing USA’s Hampton Roads series swings into action at the Hampton Coliseum for the seventh event on the 15-race 2008-09 schedule.

Saturday’s lineup includes A, B and C Mains — 50 laps apiece. The top six finishers from the A Main and the top four finishers from the B and C Mains advance to the 50-lap Top Dog finale, the evening’s featured event.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and racing gets under way at 7:00. Drivers will be available to meet and greet fans before and after the program.

Read the entire article here

Arena Racing Hampton Roads announced that the $5 ticket price has been extended to include the Saturday Dec 6th and the Sunday Dec 14th races.

All tickets are just $5 plus box office fees/taxes. Tickets are available at the Hampton Coliseum Box Office and any Ticketmaster location. For more information please call 757.216.4426 Saturday Races Doors Open @ 6pm, Sunday races Doors Open @ 3pm. Special Ticket Price not valid with any other offer.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Nov. 29) - by Gary Daughtrey -- A week after failing to advance to the Top Dog race for the first time in almost two years, Scott Prillaman returned to Victory Lane on Saturday as he posted his second win of the season in the 50-lap grand finale of 102.1 FM "The Game" Night for Arena Racing USA's Hampton Roads series, held at the Hampton Coliseum. Overall, the win was Prillaman's third of the current campaign as he also notched an A Main victory on Oct. 25.

Greg Pass was the pole-sitter for the start of the event and grabbed the lead as the field rolled into Turn 1 for the first time. Charlie Green bypassed Cameron Williams on lap 2 to take over second. Three-time Top Dog winner Adam Florian moved up to third, followed by Robbie Davis and Aaron Leach, while Williams slipped back in the pack.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Nov. 27) - by Gary Daughtrey — Buoyed by an enthusiastic response to last Saturday’s $5 ticket promotion, which yielded the season’s largest crowd, the “Race Fan Bailout” continues this Saturday, Nov. 29, when Arena Racing USA’s Hampton Roads series returns to action at the Hampton Coliseum for 102.1 FM “The Game” Night.

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In the Top Dog Race Charlotte driver Nate Kennon’s front right wheel locked up causing a small pile up during the warm up laps and the North Carolina inplant was done for the night. The Top Dog Race was tightly fought battle, the #35 car of David Price II patiently waited for the right time to make a move, Price started the race in the middle of the pack but surged forward to the lead, taking his first Top Dog Race trophy of the young season. Following close behind him in was the #34 car of Championship Points Leader Tim Phillips, with the #18 car of Rob Burlsey finishing close behind in 3rd place.

Watch the race here

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HAMPTON, Va. (Nov. 22) - by Gary Daughtrey -- Former series champion Larry Murphy grabbed the lead from Adam Florian in traffic on lap 9 and rolled to the win in the 50-lap Top Dog race, the featured event of Saturday evening's program for Arena Racing USA's Hampton Roads series at the Hampton Coliseum.

Jason Styron drew the pole for the start of the race. His stay at the front was short-lived, however, as he spun in Turn 4 on the initial lap, bringing out the first of four yellow flags.

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by Steve Kaminski | The Grand Rapids Press - Most area stock car drivers are enjoying a well-deserved break now that tracks across West Michigan have closed up for the season.

Kyle Ballard of Comstock Park isn't the type to cool his wheels, not even during the winter months.

Look for Ballard to hit the track Saturday night when Arena Racing returns to DeltaPlex Arena at 7:11 p.m. Ballard, who competes in Berlin Raceway's Super Stock division during the summer, will be unveiling his new Arena Racing car colors now that he is receiving sponsorship help from the International Hockey League's Muskegon Lumberjacks.

Don't think that Arena Racing is only a hobby that gives Ballard something to do during the winter. Ballard said it's serious racing.

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ARENA RACING USA - Hampton Roads
at Hampton (Va.) Coliseum
Update: All tickets just $5 this Saturday night
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008

HAMPTON, Va. (Nov. 19) - by G. Daughtrey — Race fans’ battered entertainment budgets get a welcome boost this Saturday, Nov. 22, as Arena Racing USA’s Hampton Roads series returns to action at the Hampton Coliseum with the fifth event of the 15-race 2008-09 season.

Saturday’s lineup includes A, B and C Mains — 50 laps apiece. The top six finishers from the A Main and the top four finishers from the B and C Mains advance to the 50-lap Top Dog feature, the evening’s grand finale.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and racing gets under way at 7:00. Drivers will be available to meet and greet fans before and after the program.

Dubbed the “Arena Racing Economic Stimulus Package,” all adult and children’s tickets for this Saturday’s program are just $5 (plus applicable fees). Kids under 3 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available at the Coliseum Box Office, TicketMaster locations and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

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November 8th, 2008 was Military Appreciation Night at the Hampton Coliseum. The US ARMY teamed up with Arena Racing USA to hold re-enlistment ceremonies for Hampton Roads.

The racing action was intense, and the US Army car driven by Adam Florian took the spotlight. Thanks to all the fans and military personnel who showed up to show their support for veterans and Arena Racing USA®.

Click here to see the photo gallery.

HAMPTON, Va. (Nov. 8) - By G. Daughtrey -- Adam Florian bypassed former champ Larry Murphy for the lead on the 41st circuit and stormed to his second straight victory in the 50-lap Top Dog finale, the featured event of Saturday evening's Military Appreciation Night program for Arena Racing USA's Hampton Roads Series at the Hampton Coliseum. The win was Florian's third in Top Dog competition and fourth overall this season.

Murphy started from the pole position and grabbed the lead as the field charged into Turns 1 and 2 for the first time. Anthony Perez emerged from the shuffle in second, followed by Jason Styron, Florian and Greg Pass.

After giving way to Styron in the early going, Perez slipped another spot on lap 5 as Florian moved into third. Two laps later, Patrick Morgan scooted by Perez to pick up fourth place.

On lap 10, Florian overtook Styron for the runner-up spot. The exchange allowed Murphy to pad his lead to a full straightaway.

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Do you have a photo to share with the Arena Racing USA® community? Well now is your chance! Submit your photo through our online form and it will be featured on our website under the Fan Submitted Photo section.

From time to time we will run contests for the most popular fan submissions, so don't miss your chance!

Submit your photos today!

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HAMPTON, Va. (Nov. 6) — By G. Daughtrey - Arena Racing USA’s Hampton Roads Series wraps up its season-opening flurry of four events on four consecutive weekends this Saturday, Nov. 8, with Military Appreciation Night at the Hampton Coliseum.

Saturday’s lineup includes A, B and C Mains — 50 laps apiece. The top six finishers from the A Main and the top four finishers from the B and C Mains advance to the 50-lap Top Dog feature, the evening’s grand finale.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and racing gets under way at 7:00. Drivers will be available to meet and greet fans before and after the program.

Read the entire article here

The feature Top Dog race was the fiercest of the night. The race was slow to start as drivers started battling before the green flag waved for the night. Less than 1 lap after the flagman started the race there was a shattering crash in turn 4, totaling two of the cars. Kyle Ballard in the #71 car led from start to finish, winning him his first feature race of the season. Clayton Marvel of the #1 car came from the middle of the pack to finish in 2nd place, .296 second behind Ballard. Rounding out the top 3 finishers was Zach Dunson, capping off a successful night for the #30 car.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Oct. 31) — During the 2007-08 Arena Racing USA Hampton Roads series season, Scott Prillaman and Adam Florian, both of Suffolk, Va., combined to score victories in eight of the first nine Top Dog races and that fast start catapulted them to a 1-2 finish in the final driver standings.

After the first two events of the new campaign, history seems to be repeating itself as Florian was the big winner on opening night, while defending champ Prillaman swept last weekend's Top Dog and A Main events. Prillaman and Florian hold down the top two spots, respectively, in the current points rundown.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Oct. 25) -- Scott Prillaman moved out in front on the first lap restart to win the 50-lap Top Dog race, the main event of Saturday evening's Daily Press Kids Night program for Arena Racing USA's Hampton Roads Series at the Hampton Coliseum.

Denver Alvis drew the pole, but his machine went on two wheels taking Adam Florian with him for the first caution of the night. Florian was pushed into the wall taking his chance at the Top Dog feature.

On the restart, Prillaman darts down the straight away for a three car length lead ahead of the pack. Spencer Saunders battled for the third position along with Denver Alvis. Alvis loses his gain for the second position and is pushed in the pursuit of the third position with Spencer Saunders and Jason Styron.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Oct. 22) — After posting victories in the A Main and Top Dog races during last week's season-opening program, Adam Florian of Suffolk, Va., will be looking to maintain his early momentum this Saturday, Oct. 25, as Arena Racing USA's Hampton Roads Series returns to the Hampton Coliseum for Daily Press Kids Night.

Saturday's lineup includes A, B and C (Rookie) Mains — 50 laps each. The top finishers from the A and B Mains will fill the 14-car starting grid for the 50-lap Top Dog finale.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and racing gets under way at 7:00. Drivers will be available to meet and greet fans before and after the program.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $11 for military, senior citizens and students (13-18) and $7 for children (3-12). Kids under 3 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available at the Coliseum Box Office, TicketMaster locations and online at .

Several family-friendly ticket options are available. A Family 4-Pack of four adult tickets is $44, while a package of two adult and two children's tickets is $34. Those packages may be upgraded to include a hotdog and a soft drink for each ticket holder. (Four adult tickets plus hotdogs and sodas, $54. Two adult and two children's tickets plus hotdogs and sodas, $44.) Family 4-Packs are available only at the Coliseum Box Office.

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WALKER -- The black car cruised around the track at high speeds, but it had trouble negotiating the corner turn.

The car flipped and landed on its top, resulting in a caution flag.

In a normal race, an event like this might spell disaster. But when several guys approached the car, bent over and turned it right side up , that was not the case.

Welcome to the world of Arena Racing, Grand Rapids, which held its first of 15 feature programs Saturday at the DeltaPlex.

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HAMPTON, Va. (Oct. 17) -- Adam Florian assumed the lead on lap 21 and motored to victory in the 50-lap Top Dog race, the featured event of Friday evening's season-opening program for Arena Racing USA's Hampton Roads Series, held at the Hampton Coliseum.

Michelle Pearl drew the pole position, but was unable to make the start due to mechanical issues. As she pulled aside, Greg Pass moved up to the inside of the front row, alongside Mike Weddell.

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HAMPTON - Arena Racing USA, an indoor stock-car racing series using half-scale cars, kicks off its 2008-09 season tonight at the Hampton Coliseum.

The racing series, described by fans as a "mini-NASCAR," draws many drivers from local race tracks and has become a popular winter event for fans in the area.

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Arena Racing USA has finalized a partnership agreement with the Courtyard by Marriott, 1917 Coliseum Drive in Hampton for the 15 races of season seven, which kicks off this Friday night, October 17th, with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m.

"We've set up rates specific to Arena Racing for sports teams, race teams and patrons," said Courtyard by Marriott's General Manager Mark Bleakley.

Bleakley, who said his family consists of "huge Nascar and Arena Racing fans," said patrons will benefit from the $79 room rate as well as the short walking distance to the Hampton Coliseum.

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WALKER -- Race car team owners can be a demanding bunch, but South Christian sophomore Jay Niewiek is pretty sure the likes of Roger Penske have nothing on his dad.

Tom Niewiek purchased an Arena Racing car, hooked up a sponsor in Insurance Auto Auction and told his son the ride was all his, but only on one condition.

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Saturday's lineup includes A, B and C Mains — 50 laps each. The top finishers from those events will make up the 14-car starting field for the 50-lap Top Dog feature, the final race of the evening.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and racing gets under way at 7:30. Drivers will be available to meet and greet fans before and after the program.

Read the entire article here

"I went and tested and wasn't very good, but I'm trying different things," Bursley said. "They are a little bit different from a stock car, and I'm still figuring out what adjustments we need to make."

Bursley has been among West Michigan's most successful drivers recently, winning the Berlin Raceway Super Stock championship in 2007 and three races at the Marne track this summer while competing part time.

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Short Track is an authentic racing comedy-drama with exhilarating, door-to-door short track stockcar racing action.

Blake Beckett (Pepper Sweeney), the son of a stockcar racing legend, is himself a four-time short track champion in the UARA-STARS racing series. Blake never made it to the speedways of the National Cup Racing circuit, but surely he could still have a shot…possibly…maybe…even at forty-something? He can definitely drive the wheels off a racecar and he's paid his dues. Maybe if he touched up the gray in his hair?

Click here to see the official Shor Track website.

We're opening up our next round questions for Ask The Expert. If you have a question, simply send an e-mail to AskTheExpert@ArenaRacingUSA.com and we'll pick the best questions to be answered by Ricky Dennis and our management team.

So submit your questions, and you could see your name and question featured on our website!

In the coming weeks we will be having some message board related events, which will be your chance to help make the Arena Racing™ website even better!

So come join us and have some fun!

Click here for the entire press release.

Arena Racing Grand Rapids is gearing up for its inaugural season, which will run from October through mid-March at the DeltaPlex Arena.

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The cars and series were then featured on Sunday morning's "NASCAR RaceDay" on the Speed Channel.

The show included an appearance by NASCAR Sprint Cup points leader Kyle Busch, who had plenty of praise for the series, which will be coming to Walker's DeltaPlex in October.

Click here for the entire article.

With 15 weeks of exciting racing action, be sure to get your tickets today!