“This is purely a business decision. With the current economic climate I felt we are best served by focusing on our weekly racing program, our weekly competitors and our local fan base,” commented track owner Bill Sawyer.

The staff is currently at work putting the 2013 schedule together and should have it released in the coming weeks. Please check the track’s website for details.

Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway, an ASA Member Track, is a ½ mile dirt oval track is located on U.S. Route 17, eight miles north of Saluda, VA and 25 miles south of Tappahannock, VA in Jamaica, VA. The speedway is just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland and the Hampton Roads area.

To learn more about Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway fans may call the Speedway office at (804) 758-1VMS or visit the track’s web site at www.vamotorspeedway.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: DAVE SEAY (804) 758-1867 OR (804) 357-7223

The track was re-worked before the main event kicked-off. Bloomquist started 18th and entered the top five for the first time with 38 laps scored. He then moved to second and trailed John Blankenship of Williamson, WV for several laps until Blankenship blew a tire with 13 laps remaining.

“It feels great to get back to Lucas Oil Victory Lane,” said the Hall of Fame driver. “It has been a rough start to the year, but I knew if we kept digging we were going to get one here sooner rather than later,” said an elated Bloomquist afterwards.

“My hats off to the track crew, they went out and worked the track, I saw a lot of drivers going to a softer compound of tire to run, but we actually kept our hard compound on and it paid off. We got off to a good start in the race and the car worked really well, we passed a ton of cars early on and then got behind John (Blankenship) and followed him for a number of laps until his tire gave out.”

“It’s nice to win at such a great facility, it looked like they had one of their best crowds tonight and we look forward to coming back here in September,” said the 2-time LOLMDS Champion who notched his 43rd career win on the series. Bloomquist also won the USA 100 last September.

The story of the race was Erb. He had the dominant car for almost the entire distance, but with 11 laps to go his right rear tire gave out. Erb and Jared Landers battled hard in the first 18 laps of the race until Erb, who started fifth gained the lead.

Erb led a total of 72 laps, and was unchallenged for most of those circuits as he was primed and ready to score the biggest win of his racing career. It was not to be, as he was coming off of turn two with 89 laps scored, he suddenly slowed forcing a caution flag.

Bloomquist went unchallenged the rest of the way to score the win in his Hawkeye Trucking, Base Racing Fuels, Lucas Oil Products, Sweet Mfg., Lane Automotive, Ohlins, Weld Racing, and Allstar Performance sponsored Bloomquist Race Cars Ford. His car is powered by a Roush-Yates Engine.

Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL came home in second after starting 26th in the Bobby Labonte Racing, Lucas Oil Products, Longhorn Dodge. It was Pearson’s best finish of the season as the 4-time LOLMDS champion tried to stay with Bloomquist in the final laps.

Don O’Neal of Martinsville, IN came from 15th to finish third in the Optima Batteries, Jay Dickens Racing Engines, MasterSbilt House Car. Former Commonwealth 100 race winner, Chris Madden of Gaffney, SC roared through the field from 24th to grab fourth in the Baird Transport, Cornett Racing Engines, Bloomquist Race Cars Chevrolet. Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, GA came in fifth with the Clint Bowyer Racing, Georgia Boots, Barry Wright Toyota.

Completing the top ten were defending race winner, Steve Shaver of Vienna, WV; Jared Landers of Batesville, AR; Eric Wells of Hazard, KY; Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN, who suffered a flat tire on the final lap dropping him to ninth. Shane Clanton of Fayetteville, GA completed the top ten.

Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway will return to action next Saturday night April 21st for Safety-Kleen / WRR / WNNT Night featuring four divisions of Virginia Army National Guard Dirt Series action. See the Victory Lap Late Model, Truckin Thunder Sportsman, Budweiser Modifies and the Collision One Limited Stock divisions. This is the first event of the 2012 season for the weekly competitors as they try to get off to a good start towards the division championships.

Competitor gates for Saturday, April 21st will open at 4pm with spectator gates opening at 5pm. On track activities will begin at 6:30pm with hot laps.

Divisions scheduled to race on Saturday April 21st: Victory Lap Late Models (35 Laps); Truckin Thunder Sportsman (25 Laps); Budweiser Modifieds (25 Laps); and the Collision One Limited Stock Cars (20 laps). All divisions will run Hot Lap Time Trials and Features.

Admission price for Adults $12, seniors (60+) $10; military (active/retired w/ proper I.D.) $8, students 13 – 17 years old $6, children 7 to 12 $4 and children 6 and under admitted free. We offer a family pass for $25 (two adults and two children 12 and under). Pit passes will be $20.

To enhance the fans racing experience the speedway has installed a short wave FM transmitter and all of the evening’s action can be heard at 95.5 FM. So bring your portable radio headset and enjoy hearing all the action.

Don’t forget to become a Fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vamotorspeedway and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/vamotorspeedway.

Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway, an ASA Member Track, is a ½ mile dirt oval track is located on U.S. Route 17, eight miles north of Saluda, VA and 25 miles south of Tappahannock, VA in Jamaica, VA. The speedway is just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland and the Hampton Roads area.

To learn more about Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway fans may call the Speedway office at (804) 758-1VMS or visit the track’s web site at www.vamotorspeedway.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: DAVE SEAY (804) 758-1867 OR (804) 357-7223

Red Buck Cigars Fast Time:
Casey Roberts / 17.058 seconds (Group A and Overall)
Jimmy Owens / 17.071 seconds (Group B)

Wiles Driveshafts First Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Steve Shaver, Dennis Erb, Jr., Casey Roberts, David Williams, Austin Hubbard, Tim McCreadie, Earl Pearson, Jr., Gregg Satterlee, Walker Arthur, Brandon Overton

U. S. Steel Second Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Rick Eckert, Stevie Long, Shane Clanton, Don O’Neal, Jared Hawkins, Steve Francis, Jason Covert, Dean Bowen, David Zona, Eric Wells

Simpson Performance Products Third Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Jimmy Owens, Brian Birkhofer, Ricky Elliott , Tyler Reddick, Scott Bloomquist, John Lobb, Dennis Franklin, Kyle Lear, Chris Madden, Mike Marlar

HAWK Brakes Fourth Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Jared Landers, Daniel Stone, Kenny Moreland, John Blankenship, Jamie Lathroum, Darryl Hills, Ronnie DeHaven, Jr., Jonathan Davenport, Andrew Mullins, Tim Shelton

JRi Shocks First B-Main (20 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Jared Hawkins, Austin Hubbard, Tim McCreadie, Steve Francis, Earl Pearson, Jr., Dean Bowen, Brandon Overton, Eric Wells, Gregg Satterlee, David Zona, Walker Arthur, Jason Covert-DNS

PAC Racing Springs Second B-Main (20 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Scott Bloomquist, Jamie Lathroum, John Lobb, Chris Madden, Dennis Franklin, Jonathan Davenport, Kyle Lear, Darryl Hills, Andrew Mullins, Tim Shelton, Ronnie DeHaven, Jr.-DNS, Mike Marlar-DNS

Non-Qualifiers Race – 30 Laps: Gregg Satterlee, Darryl Hills, Brandon Overton, Dean Bowen, Dennis Franklin, Kyle Lear, David Zona, Walker Arthur, Andrew Mullins, Tim Shelton

Feature Finish (Finish / Start) – 100 Laps
1. (18) Scott Bloomquist, Mooresburg, TN; 2. (26) Earl Pearson, Jr., Jacksonville, FL; 3. (15) Don O’Neal, Martinsville, IN; 4. (24) Chris Madden,Gaffney, SC; 5. (25) Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, GA; 6. (1) Steve Shaver, Vienna, WV; 7. (4) Jared Landers, Batesville, AR; 8. (27) Eric Wells, Hazard, KY; 9. (2) Jimmy Owens, Newport, TN; 10. (11) Shane Clanton, Fayetteville, GA; 11. (7) Stevie Long, Mechanicsville, MD; 12. (16) John Blankenship, Williamson, WV; 13. (5) Dennis Erb, Jr..Carpentersville, IL; 14. (19) Austin Hubbard, Seaford, DE; 15. (23) Steve Francis, Ashland, KY; 16. (13) David Williams, Mechanicsville, MD; 17. (22) John Lobb, Frewsburg, NY; 18. (17) Jared Hawkins, Fairmont, WV; 19. (21) Tim McCreadie.Watertown, NY; 20. (9) Casey Roberts, Toccoa, GA; 21. (14) Tyler Reddick, Corning, CA; 22. (12) Kenny Moreland, Waldorf, MD; 23. (20) Jamie Lathroum, Mechanicsville, MD; 24. (6) Brian Birkhofer, Muscatine, IA; 25. (10) Ricky Elliott, Seaford, DE; 26. (3) Rick Eckert, York, PA; 27. (8) Daniel Stone, Thompson, PA

Saturday only admission prices: adults $35; senior(60+) / military $32; Students (7 – 17) $15 and children 6 and under are free. Pit passes for Saturday will be $40.

16″ coolers are welcomed and we have plenty of FREE parking and camping (no -hook ups).

Shaver and Owens won their respective first and third heats on Friday Night to earn their starting spots for the $25,000 to win race. Other heat race winners include Rick Eckert of York, PA and Jared Landers of Batesville, AR.

Casey Roberts of Toccoa, GA set fast time among the 40 entrants in Red Buck Cigars Time Trials with a lap of 17.058 seconds around the half-mile oval. The top four finishers out of four-15 lap heat races advanced from Friday Night’s action to the Commonwealth 100.

On Saturday, activities will get underway when the pit gates open at 3 pm. There will be a celebrity slot-car race underneath the main grandstand area starting at 3:15pm. Dirt Racing Outreach will hold a service beginning at 3:30PM. General admission gates will open up at 4 pm with a driver’s autograph session slated for 4:30 PM. The drivers’ meeting is scheduled for 5:30pm.

Action on the track will kick off at 6:30pm with the first of two B-mains that will determine the rest of the starting grid for the feature. After that, will be the $3,000 to win Non-Qualifiers race and rounding out the night will be the Third Annual Commonwealth 100.

The event is being taped by Lucas Oil Production Studios and will be shown on MAV-TV, SPEED, and NBC Sports Network.

For the latest breaking news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series visit www.lucasdirt.com.

For the latest breaking news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, log onto www.lucasdirt.com or call the series’ office at (951) 532-2503.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Race Summary
Friday Night, April 13, 2012
Commonwealth 100
Virginia Motor Speedway – Jamaica, VA

Red Buck Cigars Fast Time:
Casey Roberts / 17.058 seconds (Group A and Overall)
Jimmy Owens / 17.071 seconds (Group B)

Wiles Driveshafts First Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Steve Shaver, Dennis Erb, Jr., Casey Roberts, David Williams, Austin Hubbard, Tim McCreadie, Earl Pearson, Jr., Gregg Satterlee, Walker Arthur, Brandon Overton

U. S. Steel Second Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Rick Eckert, Stevie Long, Shane Clanton, Don O’Neal, Jared Hawkins, Steve Francis, Jason Covert, Dean Bowen, David Zona, Eric Wells

Simpson Performance Products Third Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Jimmy Owens, Brian Birkhofer, Ricky Elliott , Tyler Reddick, Scott Bloomquist, John Lobb, Dennis Franklin, Kyle Lear, Chris Madden, Mike Marlar

HAWK Brakes Fourth Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Jared Landers, Daniel Stone, Kenny Moreland, John Blankenship, Jamie Lathroum, Darryl Hills, Ronnie DeHaven, Jr., Jonathan Davenport, Andrew Mullins, Tim Shelton

Tomorrow’s program will be B Main(s), 30 lap non-qualifiers race and the Commonwealth 100 A Main.

Saturday only prices are: Adults $35; senior / military $32; students (7 – 17) $15 and children 6 and under free.

16″ coolers are welcomed and we have plenty of well lit free parking. Camping is free but you must be self contained.

This year’s edition will have a new twist as the Lucas Oil Late Model series will now sanction the $25,000 to win event. The weekend will also include a $3000 to win non-qualifiers race.

The $25,000 to win dirt late model crown jewel event will once again see the best of the dirt late model world converging on the ½ mile speed plant in Jamaica, VA. With some of the industries top names headed in attendance this is a must see event for any and all race fans.

To help out the fans the speedway has announced it will extend the discounted two-day advance ticket pricing through the end of business on Friday April 13th.

“With the current gas prices our fans are facing we wanted to help ease the sting by extending our advance ticket prices through Friday,” commented track owner Bill Sawyer

Fans have until April 13 to grab one of the best deals in dirt Late Model racing — a two-day advance adult ticket for just $30; Senior / Military are $27 and students (7-17) just $15. All tickets are general admission. No reserved seats will be sold for the event.

Saturday only ticket prices will have adults at $35; senior and military at $32; students 7 – 17 at $15 and children 6 and under free.

Fans can purchase tickets by visiting www.vamotorspeedway.com, downloading the advance ticket order form and sending it to the track with a money order or cashier’s check (no personal checks), or by calling the speedway office at 804-758-1867 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and using a Mastercard, Visa or Discover card.

Not only is this event shaping up to be one of the biggest events of the year to attend, but Lucas Oil Studios will also be on hand to tape the event. The Commonwealth 100 at Virginia Motor Speedway on April 13-14th will be the first televised event in 2012 for the LOLMDS. The event will air on both SPEED and NBC Sports Network in 2012. The SPEED Channel will air the event on May 13th at 6PM EST while NBC Sports Network will air the event on June 10 at 6PM EST.

The Commonwealth 100 weekend kicks off on Fri., April 13, with Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series time trials and heat races, while B-Mains, a 30-lap Non-Qualifiers’ Race and the headline 100-lapper take center stage on Sat., April 14. A raindate of Sun., April 15, has been established for the event.

Competitor gates for Friday April 13th and Saturday April 14th will open at 3pm with spectator gates opening at 5pm on Friday and 4pm on Saturday. There will be a BB&T “Meet and Greet” with the Lucas Oil Series drivers from 4:15 – 5:15pm on Saturday April 14th. On track activities will begin both days about 6:00pm with hot laps.

Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway, an ASA affiliate track, is a ½ mile dirt oval track and located on U.S. Route 17, eight miles north of Saluda, VA and 25 miles south of Tappahannock, VA in Jamaica, VA. The speedway is just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland and the Hampton Roads area.

To learn more about Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway and its 2012 schedule of events, fans may call the Speedway office at (804) 758-1VMS or visit the track’s web site at www.vamotorspeedway.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: DAVE SEAY (804) 758-1867 OR (804) 357-7223

Leading the list of drivers expected to be competing for the $25,000 top prize is the event’s defending champion Steve Shaver of Vienna, WV driving the familiar K&L Rumley Enterprises #6 Rocket. Shaver was masterful in his approach to last year’s event, dominating the event to take home the top prize. For anyone that knows the history of Virginia Motor Speedway they also know that the K&L Rumley car will always be in contention for the win.

A long list of former national and regional tour champions will try to unseat Shaver as the marquee events defending champion, leading the list is the defending Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion Jimmy Owens. Other series champions expected to be on hand will be 2-time Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion Scott Bloomquist, 4-time Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion Earl Pearson Jr, 2011 World of Outlaws Late Model Champion Rick Eckert, two-time World of Outlaws Late Model Champion Josh Richards, 2007 World of Outlaws Late Model Champion Steve Francis, 2006 World of Outlaws Late Model Champion Tim McCreadie, 2-time UMP Late Model National Champion Dennis Erb, Jr. and 3-time Three State Flyers Champion Jason Covert.

Of the list of champions Bloomquist, Eckert and Covert have scored special event wins are the ½ mile facility with Bloomquist being the latest winner at Virginia Motor Speedway picking up the win in the $15,000 to win 32nd Annual USA 100 held last September.

With such a big prize on the line fans can expect a tremendous field of other national and regional talent to include 2010 World of Outlaws Late Model Rookie of the Year and current Lucas Oil Rookie of the Year contender Austin Hubbard, Jonathan Davenport, Jared Landers, Don O’Neal, Tyler Reddick, Terry Casey, John Blankenship, Eric Wells, Walker Arthur, Ricky Elliott, Jamie Lathroum and a host of other regional hot shoes.

Not only is this event shaping up to be one of the biggest events of the year to attend, but Lucas Oil Studios will also be on hand to tape the event. The Commonwealth 100 at Virginia Motor Speedway on April 13-14th will be the first televised event in 2012 for the LOLMDS. The event will air on both SPEED and NBC Sports Network in 2012. The SPEED Channel will air the event on May 13th at 6PM EST while NBC Sports Network will air the event on June 10 at 6PM EST.

This year’s edition will have a new twist as the Lucas Oil Late Model series will now sanction the $25,000 to win event. The weekend will also include a $3000 to win non-qualifiers race.

Fans have until April 1 to grab one of the best deals in dirt Late Model racing — a two-day advance adult ticket for just $30; Senior / Military are $27 and students (7-17) just $15. All tickets are general admission. No reserved seats will be sold for the event.

Fans can purchase tickets by visiting www.vamotorspeedway.com, downloading the advance ticket order form and sending it to the track with a money order or cashier’s check (no personal checks), or by calling the speedway office at 804-758-1867 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and using a Mastercard, Visa or Discover card.

Drivers, meanwhile, can also save by entering the Commonwealth 100 prior to the early-entry deadline of April 1. The $150 early-entry fee not only saves racers $50 off the regular $200 entry fee but also includes a two-day driver pit pass worth $50.

The Commonwealth 100 weekend kicks off on Fri., April 13, with Lucas Oil Late Model time trials and heat races, while B-Mains, a 30-lap Non-Qualifiers’ Race and the headline 100-lapper take center stage on Sat., April 14. A raindate of Sun., April 15, has been established for the event. Schedule of events is tentative and subject to change.

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/vamotorspeedway and follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/vamotorspeedway.com for a chance at special deals and prizes during the 2012 season.

Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway, an ASA affiliate track, is a 1/2-mile, dirt oval. The track is located on U.S. Route 17, eight miles north of Saluda, VA and 25 miles south of Tappahannock, VA in Jamaica, VA. The speedway is just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland and the Hampton Roads areas.

To learn more about Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway and its 2012 schedule of events, fans may call the Speedway office at (804) 758-1VMS or visit the track’s web site at www.vamotorspeedway.com.

For the latest breaking news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, visit the series’ website at www.lucasdirt.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: DAVE SEAY (804) 758-1867 OR (804) 357-7223

Fans are invited to come out and watch open practice to see all the new cars and paint schemes. There will be no charge for grandstand admission for open practice. Anyone wanting to visit the pits will be required to buy a pit pass. Pit passes will be $20 per person. All cars must be inspected before they will be allowed to practice.

Registrations are currently being accepted with all numbers being given out on a first come first served basis. Competitors can obtain a 2012 registration form by going to the tracks website or by calling the speedway Monday through Friday 10am through 3pm at (804) 758-1867.
–
LUCAS OIL LATE MODELS TO OPEN 2012 SEASON: The 2012 season will once again kick off in a huge way on April 13 – 14, 2012 when the Speedway swings open the gates for its 43rd season with the running of the third annual $25,000 to win Commonwealth 100. This year’s edition will have a new twist as the Lucas Oil Late Model series will now sanction the event. The weekend will also include a $3000 to win non-qualifiers race.

Fans can expect to see the best in national and regional dirt late model drivers for this highly anticipated event. Defending Lucas Oil Late Model Series Champion Jimmy Owens, two-time Champion Scott Bloomquist, Steve Francis, Don O’Neal, 5-time Champion Earl Pearson Jr., Jared Landers along with rookie contenders Austin Hubbard and Jonathan Davenport are just a few of the Lucas regulars that will compete against defending race winner Steve Shaver, Booper Bare, Ricky Elliott, Jason Covert, Jamie Lathroum and a host of other regional hot shoes for the top prize.

Fans still have until April 1 to grab one of the best deals in dirt Late Model racing — a two-day advance adult ticket for just $30; Senior / Military are $27 and students (7-17) just $15. All tickets are general admission. No reserved seats will be sold for the event.

Fans can purchase tickets by visiting www.vamotorspeedway.com, downloading the advance ticket order form and sending it to the track with a money order or cashier’s check (no personal checks), or by calling the speedway office at 804-758-1867 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and using a Mastercard, Visa or Discover card.

Drivers, meanwhile, can also save by entering the Commonwealth 100 prior to the early-entry deadline of April 1. The $150 early-entry fee not only saves racers $50 off the regular $200 entry fee but also includes a two-day driver pit pass worth $50.

The Commonwealth 100 weekend kicks off on Fri., April 13, with Lucas Oil Late Model time trials and heat races, while B-Mains, a 30-lap Non-Qualifiers’ Race and the headline 100-lapper take center stage on Sat., April 14. A raindate of Sun., April 15, has been established for the event. Schedule of events is tentative and subject to change.

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/vamotorspeedway and follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/vamotorspeedway.com for a chance at special deals and prizes during the 2012 season.

Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway, an ASA affiliate track, is a 1/2-mile, dirt oval. The track is located on U.S. Route 17, eight miles north of Saluda, VA and 25 miles south of Tappahannock, VA in Jamaica, VA. The speedway is just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland and the Hampton Roads areas.

To learn more about Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway and its 2012 schedule of events, fans may call the Speedway office at (804) 758-1VMS or visit the track’s web site at www.vamotorspeedway.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: DAVE SEAY (804) 758-1867 OR (804) 357-7223