APRIL SHOWERS BRING EARLY END TO SPRING CLASSIC

By: Eric Huenefeld

Due to persistent afternoon showers which set in just past halfway of the Mid-American Stock Car Series 50 lap feature event, the 37th Annual Spring Classic at Rockford Speedway was cut short Sunday afternoon.

Before the rains, Dixon’s Tim Hamburg was victorious in the 20 lap Tibor Machine Vintage Series feature while Franksville Wisconsin driver Jeff Holtz was declared the winner of the Mid-American Series race after 29 of 50 laps.

The showers washed away the 108 lap Big 8 Late Model Series feature event, which was the only remaining race on the day’s schedule. Due to the circumstances, the Big 8 Series feature race has been postponed and will not be rescheduled.

Pit Passes and Tickets from Sunday’s Spring Classic will be honored at one of the three following events:
Saturday April 19- 67th NASCAR Season Opener at Rockford Speedway
Saturday April 26- Mobil 1 Dollar Night at Rockford Speedway
-or-
Monday May 26- Big 8 Late Model Series Memorial Day Special at Columbus 151 Speedway

OVER 30 TRACK AND SERIES CHAMPIONSHIPS REPRESENTED ON SPRING CLASSIC ENTRY LIST!

By: Eric Huenefeld

Once again this year, the Big 8 Late Model Series Spring Classic at Rockford Speedway will be a “Clash of the Champions.”

The 37th Annual event, happening this Sunday April 13 at the high banked quarter mile in northern Illinois, boasts an entry list featuring a combined 30 track and series championships between the 35 entrants.

The “Best Weekly Warriors in the Country” kick off their tenth anniversary season at Rockford Speedway this weekend, with a 108 lap feature race headlining the afternoon. Spring Classic is the first of ten races on the 2014 Big 8 Series schedule, making it the busiest Big 8 season ever.

Rockford Speedway regulars have enjoyed great success at their hometrack through the years; winning 13 of the 21 Big 8 Series events held at Rockford, including the last four. One year ago, Alex Papini started his 2013 campaign with a win at Spring Classic, Papini’s first Big 8 triumph. ‘Driver X’ Jon Reynolds Jr has won five Big 8 Series races at Rockford, including the last two National Short Track Championships and the 2012 Spring Classic.

Papini is also the defending Rockford Speedway Track Champion, joined this weekend on the entry list by past Rockford Speedway Track Champions Ricky Bilderback, Bobby Wilberg and Tim Sargent. They’ll be joined by drivers who have captured track championships throughout the region, like ‘The Cruiser’ Chris Marek (Elko), Casey Johnson (Madison, Jefferson), Mike Ehde (Dells), ‘Rocketman’ Dan Lensing (Dells), Mike Meyerhofer Jr (WIR), J Herbst (LaCrosse), ‘Insane’ Wayne Freimund (Slinger) and Reynolds Jr (Slinger).

Joining the Big 8 Series on Sunday afternoon will be the Mid-American Stock Car Series and the Illinois Vintage Racing Series. The Mid-American cars open their season at Rockford for the 22nd consecutive year with a 50 lap feature event, while the Illinois Vintage racers race for 20 laps in their ‘Hall of Fame Classic.’

Spectator gates open at 11 AM this Sunday, with qualifying getting underway at 11:30 AM. The first green flag flies at 1 PM. Adult general admission is $20, Students age 12-17 are admitted for $10, Children 6-11 admitted for $5 with ages 5 and under admitted for FREE.

For more information on Rockford Speedway and the 37th Annual Spring Classic, please visit www.rockfordspeedway.com or please call 815-633-1500.

For more information on the Big 8 Late Model Series, please visit www.big8series.com.

Big 8 Late Model Series – Entry List
37th Annual Spring Classic at Rockford (IL) Speedway
Sunday April 13, 2014
(as of 4/9/13)

02- Ricky Bilderback Rockton, IL
2- Kyle Kirberger Ramsey, MN
2- Tim Sargent South Beloit, IL
3- Chris Marek Lakeville, MN
5- Dave Edwards Salem, WI
5- Casey Johnson Edgerton, WI
7- John DeAngelis Jr. Hubertus, WI
9- Tony Brutti Dyer, IN
X- Jon Reynolds Jr Rockford, IL
14- Austin Nason Roscoe, IL
17- Eric Connell Ft Atkinson, WI
17- Gregg Pawelski Muskego, WI
18- Mike Ehde Prairie du Chien, WI
19- Dan Lensing Roscoe, IL
23- Casey Strese Johnson Creek, WI
27- Collin Olson Hugo, MN
28- Jesse Bernhagen Markesan, WI
28- Bobby Wilberg Beloit, WI
30- Mark Hartline Gilberts, IL
32- Mike Meyerhofer Jr Hilbert, WI
38- Jeff Holtz Muskego, WI
39- Alex Papini Machesney Park, IL
46- Ryan Miles Crystal Lake, IL
46- Tom Jasinski Pewaukee, WI
50- Jake Gille Machesney Park, IL
51- Sam Redmond Crystal Lake, IL
52- Steve Dobbratz Rio, WI
55- Craig Phillips Edgerton, WI
57- Mark English Edgerton, WI
66- Michael Bilderback South Beloit, IL
66- Adam Peschek Oconomowoc, WI
79- Jeff Nowak Weston, WI
82- J Herbst West Salem, WI
84- Jake Vanoskey Hartford, WI
95.3- Wayne Freimund Elkhorn, WI

YOUNG MINNESOTA TRIO ENTERS SPRING CLASSIC!

By: Eric Huenefeld

The state of Minnesota will be well represented this weekend at Rockford Speedway’s 37th Annual Spring Classic, as three young and accomplished drivers have filed their entries for the opening event of the 2014 Big 8 Late Model Series season.

Leading the charge is Lakeville Minnesota’s Chris Marek, the 2013 Elko Speedway Track Champion. The 25 year old ended last season red hot behind the wheel of a Big 8 Late Model, winning two of the Series’ final three races (Elko and LaCrosse), while also winning the ‘JMcK 63’ Big 8 Late Model Invitational at Oktoberfest.

23 year old Kyle Kirberger has also filed his entry for this weekend’s Rockford opener. The Ramsey Minnesota native was last year’s Late Model ‘Rookie of the Year’ at Elko Speedway and also pocketed his first ever Late Model feature win last season at his hometrack. The “Ramsey Rocket” makes his first trip to Illinois this weekend looking to tame Rockford’s high banks.

One of the youngest drivers in the field this weekend will be Hugo Minnesota’s Collin Olson. At just 15 years old, Olson hops behind the wheel of a Big 8 Late Model for the first time at Rockford Speedway. Despite his youth, Olson already has racked up some major racing accomplishments, including the 2012 USAC Quarter Midget Championship.

The 37th Annual Spring Classic kicks off the Midwestern racing season this Sunday April 13 at Rockford Speedway. The Big 8 Late Model Series will headline the day, running a 108 lap feature event. Also on the Spring Classic card are the Mid American Stock Car Series and the Illinois Vintage Racing Series. Gates open at 11 AM, with the first green flag at 1 PM.

For more information on Rockford Speedway and the 37th Annual Spring Classic, please visit www.rockfordspeedway.com or call 815-633-1500.

For more information on the Big 8 Late Model Series, please visit www.big8series.com.

LOCAL FAVORITES SET TO DEFEND THEIR HOME TURF THIS WEEKEND AT SPRING CLASSIC!

By: Eric Huenefeld

When the Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet rolls into Rockford Speedway this Sunday afternoon April 13 for the 37th Annual Spring Classic, the “Best Weekly Warriors in the Country” will be greeted by a strong local contingent looking to keep the winner’s trophy close to home.

Over the last several years, the local talent at Rockford Speedway has made things tough on the Big 8’s best. Thirteen of the twenty-one Big 8 Series events held at Rockford Speedway since September of 2004 have been won by Rockford regulars. Most recently, Rockford regulars have won the last four Big 8 races held at the high banked quarter mile.

“Driver X” Jon Reynolds Jr has been the man to beat when the Big 8 Series competes at Rockford Speedway. The 2005 Series champion has visited Big 8 Series victory lane five times at his hometrack. Reynolds himself has captured four of the last six National Short Track Championships as well as the 2012 Spring Classic.

2013 Rockford Speedway Track Champion Alex Papini plans to challenge for victory Sunday afternoon. Papini, who collected eight feature wins last summer en route to the Rockford track championship, is also the defending Spring Classic winner. Last April, Papini held off numerous challenges on the way to his first ever Big 8 series triumph.

Three former Rockford Speedway Track Champions also plan to run Spring Classic this weekend, including seven-time track champions Ricky Bilderback and Bobby Wilberg and 2010 track champion Tim Sargent. Bilderback, the 2006 Big 8 Series champion, won last year’s ‘Star Spangled 76’ at Rockford, charging from his 15th starting spot to claim the win. Wilberg, one of the most consistent drivers in Big 8 history and always a threat at Rockford, will go into Sunday still looking for his first ever series win. Sargent comes into Rockford riding the momentum of 2013, which included five Big 8 Series top-five’s and a pair of podium finishes.

Michael Bilderback, the 2008 Spring Classic champion, returns to Rockford this weekend. Bilderback aims to become only the second Big 8 driver to win multiple Spring Classics, joining Mike Beyer, who accomplished the feat in 2005 and 2006.

Teenager Austin Nason, the 2012 Rockford Speedway Rookie of the Year, is set to compete at Spring Classic. Nason was among the Big 8’s elite in 2013, finishing fourth in series points, with two runner-up finishes. Jake Gille, a multi-time feature winner at Rockford, is also entered for the weekend’s events, along with former Slinger Speedway champion “Insane” Wayne Freimund and Former Spring Classic NASCAR Touring Series competitor Mark Hartline

The 37th Annual Spring Classic is set for this Sunday afternoon, April 13 at 1 PM, with the Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet headlining the day with a 108 lap main event. The season-opening card also includes the Mid American Stock Car Series and the Illinois Vintage Racing Series.

For more information on Rockford Speedway and the 37th Annual Spring Classic, please call 815-633-1500 or visit www.rockfordspeedway.com. For more information on the Big 8 Late Model Series, please visit www.big8series.com.

QUARTERMASTER ONCE AGAIN REWARDS BIG 8 FAST QUALIFIERS

By: Eric Huenefeld

Since 2006, Quartermaster Racing Clutches and Driveline Components of Lake Zurich Illinois has been a strong supporter of the Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet.

For the past seven years, Quartermaster has sponsored ‘Quartermaster Time Trials’ at each Big 8 Series event. The fastest qualifier at every Big 8 Series race is rewarded for their efforts with a $100 certificate courtesy of Quartermaster. For the eighth consecutive year, the Big 8 Late Model Series is proud to partner with Quartermaster and reward the “Best Weekly Warriors in the Country” for their efforts during qualifying.

Whether it’s dirt or asphalt racing, since 1958 the country’s top circle track racers have relied on Quarter Master Racing Clutches and Driveline Components to power them to the front of the pack. Quartermaster produces state-of-the-art driveline products, from clutches to drive shafts to made-to-order products.

For more information about Quartermaster Racing Clutches and Driveline Components, please visit their website www.quartermasterusa.com.

For more information about the Big 8 Late Model Series, please visit www.big8series.com.

POWERSOURCE RACING ENGINES CONTINUES ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES

By: Eric Huenefeld

For the seventh consecutive year, Powersource Racing Engines of Ingleside Illinois and the Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet are partnering up to reward the ‘Hard Charger’ at each Big 8 Series event.

Again in 2014, the Powersource ‘Power Mover of the Race’ will be awarded to the driver who advances the most spots from their starting position in each and every Big 8 Series event. The ‘Power Mover of the Race’ receives a $100 bonus courtesy of Powersource Racing Engines after each Big 8 feature race.

Powersource Racing Engines was founded over 20 years ago to supply quality performance engines and machine work to the nation’s finest oval track and endurance racers. Through the years, Powersouce has expanded its reach into the marine, street performance, and vintage market. Powersource has also become a familiar name on the regional short track racing scene, powering several top racers in recent years.

For more information about Powersource Racing Engines, please visit their website www.powersourceengines.com or call them at 847-587-8999.

For more information about the Big 8 Late Model Series, please visit www.big8series.com.

EARLY ENTRY LIST FOR SPRING CLASSIC FILLED WITH CONTENDERS!

By: Eric Huenefeld

With one of the most relentless winters in recent memory slowly fading away, the thoughts of race fans across the Midwest are shifting towards Rockford Speedway and the season opening Spring Classic featuring the Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet.

The ‘Best Weekly Warriors in the Country’ kick off their 10th Anniversary Season Sunday afternoon April 13, testing Rockford’s ‘high banks’ for 108 laps. Over the past two weeks, entries have begun flooding in as drivers throw their hats into the ring for the season opening affair.

Leading the way is 2013 Big 8 Series champion Casey Johnson. The two-time Jefferson Speedway Track Champion is looking to duplicate his success of a season ago, which included a Super Late Model Track Championship at Madison International Speedway and five race wins. Johnson, who is also a past winner of Spring Classic, plans to run a majority of the Big 8 Series events this season, while also vying for ARCA Midwest Tour Rookie of the Year.

No driver ended the 2013 season hotter than Lakeville Minnesota’s Chris Marek. The 2013 Elko Speedway Track Champion won two of the last three Big 8 Series races last season while also pocketing the JMcK 63 during Oktoberfest Race Weekend at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway. “The Cruiser” has entered his machine for action at Rockford while also eyeing the Big 8 Series championship.

2012 Dells Raceway Park Track Champion “Rocketman” Dan Lensing is focused on being number one this season. Lensing, who finished third in Series points in 2013, is looking to capture his first Big 8 Series win this year and figures to be a contender for the Series Championship. Two-time LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway Track Champion J Herbst also looks to be among the Series’ elite this year. Herbst, an eighth place finisher in 2013 points, will adapt a barnstorming schedule in 2014 while also chasing the Big 8 crown.

Milwaukee area veteran Jeff Holtz is among those planning to open his season at Rockford, along with young hard chargers John DeAngelis Jr and Austin Nason. Holtz, a former Modified and Sportsman champion at Slinger Super Speedway, is looking to shake the bad luck that usually greets him at Rockford. DeAngelis is fresh off a sixth place finish in 2013 Big 8 points while Nason began his racing season in February with solid finishes in New Smyrna Florida during Speedweeks.

2013 Big 8 Series Rookie of the Year Casey Strese and 2012 Big 8 Series Rookie of the Year Jesse Bernhagen are both ready to kick their seasons off at Rockford’s Spring Classic. Strese is eyeing a top ten finish in Big 8 Series points in 2014, while Bernhagen continues to work towards his first Series win.

The sparks are sure to fly when the Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet begins its tenth anniversary season at Rockford Speedway Sunday April 13 for the 37th Annual Spring Classic. The Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet will take center stage, with their 108 lap main event highlighting the day. The season-opening card also includes the Mid American Stock Car Series and the Illinois Vintage Racers. The first green flag flies Sunday April 13 at 1 pm.

For more information on Rockford Speedway and the 37th Annual Spring Classic, please call 815-633-1500 or visit www.rockfordspeedway.com. For more information on the Big 8 Late Model Series, please visit www.big8series.com.

Big 8 Series Spring Classic Entry Available Online

2014 Spring Classic Schedule (PDF) // Spring Classic Entry Form (PDF)

The Official Entry Blank for the 37th annual Spring Classic Big 8 Late Model Series event being contested at Rockford Speedway on Sunday afternoon April 13 is now available online at www.big8series.com. The 108 lap feature event kicks off the ten race schedule during the 10th anniversary season. The popular Weekly Warrior Wages program which rewards each driver up to $250 per event based on their weekly racing success and Big 8 Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet accomplishments will also continue. The 1pm green flag officially brings the Midwest racing season to life during an afternoon which will also showcase the Mid-American Stock Car Series and Illinois Vintage Racing Series. Saturday April 5 and April 12 will both host practice sessions for the Big 8 teams. For additional information regarding the Spring Classic event including a complete schedule of events visit www.rockfordspeedway.com or call the Speedway Box Office at 815-633-1500.

NASON & SARGENT SET TO REPRESENT BIG 8 SERIES AT SPEEDWEEKS!

Mark Melchiori // MDM Racepix Photo

By: Eric Huenefeld
Two top Big 8 Late Model Series racers are preparing to make the southern trek to Florida during the month of February, testing their skills against some of the nation’s top short-track racing stars.

South Beloit IL’s Tim Sargent and Roscoe Illinois teenager Austin Nason have both filed entries for the 48th Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway near New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The nine day event kicks off Friday February 14 and continues through Saturday February 22.

The ‘World Series’ is part of a busy short track racing scene in the state of Florida during the month of February, full of events on both dirt tracks and asphalt tracks from Tampa Bay to Daytona Beach. The bevy of short track racing, along with the events held at the Daytona International Speedway, help make up the motorsports event known as ‘Speedweeks.’

Sargent, the 2010 Rockford Speedway Late Model Track Champion, looks to be among the contenders during Speedweeks. The 39 year old racer is coming off a solid season, which saw him finish fifth in the 2013 Big 8 Late Model Series point standings. Sargent captured (5) top five finishes in nine Big 8 Series starts this past season, while also pocketing a win at Jefferson (WI) Speedway during the regular season

Nason, who turned 18 in January, makes his first ever trip to Florida for Speedweeks competition. The 2012 Rockford Speedway Late Model Rookie of the Year finished last season fourth in Big 8 Series points with (4) top five finishes, including a pair of runner up finishes at Milwaukee in July and LaCrosse in October. Along with those accomplishments, Nason finished fifth in September’s National Short Track Championship 200 lap Super Late Model race at Rockford, his first race in on of the high powered Super Late Models.

Both drivers are campaigning their automobiles in the Pro Late Model division at New Smyrna. As of February 1, drivers from eight states, two Canadian provinces and the country of Peru filed entries to race a Pro Late Model at New Smyrna Speedway during Speedweeks.

Sargent, Nason and the rest of the Pro Late Model drivers take to the track seven times during the eight night event, including a 50 lap race on Monday February 17 and a 100 lap race on Thursday February 20. Other divisions competing during the ‘World Series’ include the NASCAR K&N East Series, NASCAR Modifieds, Super Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, Sportsman, Mini Stocks, Super Stocks and Pro Trucks.

For more information on the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car racing, please visit www.newsmyrnaspeedway.org. To follow Sargent and Nason during their stay in Florida, please visit www.speed51.com for live updates each race day.

TEN EVENTS FILL TENTH ANNIVERSARY BIG 8 SLATE!

Mark Melchiori // MDM Racepix Photo

By: Eric Huenefeld
The 2014 racing season promises to be an unforgettable one for the Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet.

This season, the “Best Weekly Warriors in the Country” will campaign a ten-race schedule, visiting the top short tracks in the region while taking part in many of the most prestigious events on the Midwest racing calendar.

Engines will come to life during the 37th Annual Spring Classic at Rockford Speedway on Sunday afternoon April 13th, when the Big 8 Late Models will headline the traditional season opening affair with a 108 lap feature event. Joining the Big 8 Late Models on the card will be the Mid American Stock Car Series and the Illinois Vintage Racers.

Exciting new dates on the 2014 schedule include the return of the Big 8 Series to Dells Raceway Park on Friday night July 4 as part of the ‘North American Cup’ weekend. The stop at DRP will be the first Big 8 event at the 1/3 mile speed plant since June of 2007.

Also returning to the Big 8 Series schedule is Slinger Super Speedway. The Big 8’s best will take to Slinger’s high banks Sunday night July 13 for the 88 lap “King of the High Banks.” The event at Slinger will be part of the “Prelude to the Nationals”, leading up to the “Slinger Nationals” Super Late Model race, held two nights later, Tuesday July 15 on the World’s Fastest Quarter Mile.

Traditional dates returning to the 2014 schedule include a return to the tight confines of Columbus 151 Speedway on Monday afternoon May 26, for a Memorial Day Special which includes the season opening race for the Great Northern Sportsman Series and the four cylinder “Bandit Blast.” Friday night June 27, Madison International Speedway hosts the Big 8 Series as part of its ‘Salute to America’ Program. And for the third consecutive year, the Big 8 Late Model Series headlines Friday night of the Larry Detjens Memorial Weekend at State Park Speedway in Wausau Wisconsin on Friday night July 25.

For a second straight year, “Four Races in Four Weeks” will determine the Big 8 Late Model Series point champion. The four race swing begins at Jefferson Speedway with the 34th Annual Wisconsin State Championships Friday and Saturday September 12 & 13. The following weekend, Friday and Saturday September 19 & 20, the series heads north for the Thunderstruck ‘93’ at Elko Speedway in Minnesota. Then on Saturday evening September 27, the Big 8 Late Models will again headline ‘Short Track Saturday Night’ at the Rockford Speedway as part of the 49th Annual National Short Track Championships. The curtain closes on the series’ tenth anniversary season Saturday night October 4, with a 68 lap championship feature during the 45th Annual Oktoberfest Race Weekend at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway.

For additional information regarding the Big 8 Late Model Series visit www.big8series.com or contact the Series Office at 815-633-0035.

2014 Big 8 Late Model Series Schedule

Sunday April 13- Rockford Speedway (Loves Park, IL)
37th Annual Spring Classic (108 laps)

Monday May 26- Columbus (WI) 151 Speedway
Memorial Day Special (78 laps)

Friday June 27- Madison International Speedway (Oregon, WI)
Salute to America (48 laps)

Friday July 4- Dells Raceway Park (Wisconsin Dells, WI)
North American Cup Weekend (68 laps)

Sunday July 13- Slinger (WI) Super Speedway
“Prelude to the Nationals” (88 laps)

Friday July 25- State Park Speedway (Wausau, WI)
Larry Detjens Memorial Weekend (58 laps)

Fri & Sat Sept 12 & 13- Jefferson (WI) Speedway
34th Annual Wisconsin State Championships (Twin 75’s)

Fri & Sat Sept 19 & 20- Elko (MN) Speedway
6th Annual Thunderstruck ‘93’ (58 laps)

Saturday Sept 27- Rockford Speedway (Loves Park, IL)
49th Annual National Short Track Championships (108 laps)

Saturday October 4- LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway (West Salem, WI)
45th Annual Oktoberfest Race Weekend (68 laps)