Contact: Aaron Fiedler
DIRTcar Racing PR
704-795-7223 | afiedler@dirtcar.com

Bobby Pierce Looks for a Repeat of Summer Nationals Success
From a storied racing family, Pierce is looking to make history of his own

By Brendan Capria

CONCORD, N.C. - June 20, 2016 - It is a story 19-year-old Bobby Pierce Jr. can laugh about now, and that is just what he did when he told it. But to his credit, this particular step was big for a four-year-old. Pierce Jr. grabbed hold of a quarter midget for the first time then, and it was nothing like skating his toy cars across the Vermilion County Speedway grandstands.

It only lasted one day. The throttle got the best of the little daredevil, who drove the cart right into the side of his father's pickup truck. He called it quits. It was scary yet humbling experience. But there was still something so intriguing about racing to him. Maybe it was because of his lustrous bloodline or the simple fact that he has been around racing since birth. Being the typical curious kid, he still wanted to find out why it interested him so much, though it scared him.

The Oakwood, Ill. rising-star became the youngest driver ever at 18 years-old to win the DIRTcar Summer Nationals title in 2015. Not only that, but he also joined his father Bob Pierce in becoming the first father-son duo to win Summer Nationals titles. He did start young; it is in his blood.

"I never thought I'd be doing it this young," said Pierce Jr., who started racing late models at 13 years-old. "Now that I think about it, 13 [years-old] racing these things is pretty crazy. I always wanted to compete on this level. I just wasn't sure how soon I'd be doing it."

One year after the pickup truck mishap, he gave that quarter midget another go. This time Pierce Jr. was on a closed course at Vermilion. He managed to steer away from any trouble, but similar to his first experience the adrenaline was frightening. Mind you, his quarter midget lacked a part other carts had - a restrictor plate. His was a "full-bore, wide-open" one. No-holds-barred.

He learned throttle control - the reason why he is in fact the "Smooth Operator" now. Pierce Jr. ended up racing quarter midgets for almost three years until switching to four-cylinder modifieds in 2008. The following year Pierce Jr. made the switch to late models, claiming the track championship at Vermilion in the crate division. He hopped into a super late model in 2010.

The true test in super late models is the competition, though he is a back-to-back DIRTcar Late Model National Champion. Despite having grasped throttle control, he said it is difficult being "silky smooth" when the rest of the field puts the pedal to the metal.

"It's either all you got or you might as well not be doing it at all," Pierce said. "The competition is just so stiff [at this level]. But with my dad's experience, it really helps me a lot…with him building the cars and everything. We've had a lot of good times over the years."

Bob Pierce Sr., an inductee into the Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2003, is his son's crew chief. Though retired, Pierce Jr. said he can tell he has more fun watching him more than he did racing. This was especially true after Pierce Jr. locked-up the 2015 Summer Nationals title at the final race at Oakshade Raceway in Wauseon, Ohio.

"He was pretty emotional," Pierce Jr. remembers. He got teary-eyed the final night when it was all said and done. It was a long tour, and we won it by 10 points. It got really close at the end. The whole thing is an accomplishment in itself just because it takes a toll on you. He was very proud."

As for the National Championship, he won the series by a larger margin of 121 points. The irony of this was that he solidified the championship at the DIRTcar UMP Track of the Year, Eldora Speedway. Besides Vermilion, Pierce Jr. basically grew up at Eldora. The track, less than 200 miles away, is where his father regularly competed. So, it was a crazy coincidence to Pierce Jr. to seal the deal at that particular track. It was one of those "full-circle" feelings.

"I just remember being up there, playing with little toy cars," said Pierce, who brought his cars with him to each track. "Now I'm competing against all these Illinois guys I looked up to as a kid."

Pierce collected $45,000 in total winnings from both championships, but the experience was like none other. It was invaluable. The "Hell Tour" for Pierce Jr. is a testament to what he has learned in such a short career, and the help he has received along the way - especially from his father.

"There's just a lot of blood sweat and tears that go into it honestly," Pierce said. "In the summer heat things get hot, and if you don't have a good night it can be hard on everybody. Preparation is key and my crew goes a long way. If you don't have a good crew, it's hard to do it all."

The DIRTcar Summer Nationals continues tomorrow, Tuesday June 20 at Jacksonville (Ill.) Speedway.

Follow the Summer Nationals and Summit Modified Nationals on Twitter atwww.Twitter.com/SummerNationals or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SummerNationals. Stay up-to-date with the latest news from the series throughout the lead up and the summer on the series' websites atwww.TheHellTour.com and www.ModifiedNationals.com.

The DIRTcar Summer Nationals "Hell Tour" is brought to fans across the country by many important partners including: Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Racing Electronics (Official Communication), VP Racing Fuel (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to these fine Contingency Partners: Beyea Headers, Comp Cams, Edelbrock, Fox Shocks, JE Pistons, MSD, Impact Race Products, Quartermaster, Superflow Dynos, Summit Racing Equipment and Wrisco Aluminum; Promotional Partners include: Chevy Performance Parts, Indiana Decal, Intercomp and Petroff Towing.

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Susan Arnold, sarnold00@earthlink.net

DAVE BLANEY SCHEDULED TO JOIN ALL STAR OHIO SPRINT SPEEDWEEK COMPETITION TUESDAY AT SHARON SPEEDWAY

PENGILLY, Minn. (June 20, 2016) – Dave Blaney is looking forward to getting back into the cockpit of the Motter Equipment Mohawk Northeast Beltline Body shop 71M sprint car Tuesday, June 21, to join the Arctic Cat All Stars at Sharon Speedway.

“We’re excited to get back into night five of Ohio Sprint Speedweek competition,” said Blaney.  “We drove a Modified at Brewerton Speedway (New York) Friday, June 17, and we felt really good.  We started the feature in the 24th and last position since the field was set based on points.  We raced to 11th place.

“Sharon is a track where we have raced a lot through the years and we are ready to tackle the competition.”

The Blaneys are one of three families that own Sharon Speedway.

If all goes according to plan, the Buckeye Bullet will race with the All Stars Friday at Limaland Motorsports Park and Saturday night at Eldora Speedway.

Blaney was injured at Eldora May 6 in a serious qualifying accident during World of Outlaws competition.  He made an appearance at Weedsport Speedway May 22 but didn’t feel comfortable behind the wheel of the 71M.

“I have kept in constant contact with Dave,” said team owner Dan Motter, “and he is upbeat and ready to hit the dirt.  He sounds very excited.

“I know it’s hard for any racer to sit on the sidelines and watch the competition, but I have a lot of respect for him for not pushing to get back out before he was totally ready. 

“As a team owner, I’m as excited as he is to get back into the thick of it. Plus his enthusiasm is contagious.  I believe our gladiator is ready to go back into battle.”

# # #

Contact: Shawn Miller
Inside Line Promotions
Shawn@InsideLinePromotions.com | (541) 510-3663

Rilat Making Northwest Season Debut This Weekend at Dirt Cup

Inside Line Promotions - FORNEY, Texas (June 20, 2016) - Travis Rilat will make his Northwest season debut this weekend at the 45th annual Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup.

Rilat is set to drive for Richard Saumure this Thursday through Saturday during the Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour event at Skagit Speedway in Alger, Wash.

"We always enjoy racing in the Northwest and going back to Skagit," Rilat said. "We've run well there in the past and have won at the track so that's always a confidence booster."

Rilat powered to the 26th annual Bob's Burgers & Brew Summer Nationals preliminary night victory after starting 12th and he claimed a third-place result during the finale last year at Skagit Speedway approximately a month after he pocketed a pair of fifth-place results during the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup.

Rilat also claimed a Dirt Cup preliminary triumph in 2006 and 2012 when the event hosted 410ci winged sprint cars.

Rilat and Saumure have teamed up to earn eight podium finishes and 15 top 10s during 19 races at the high-banked track since the start of the 2013 season.

"We have a good package when we head to Skagit and we have the confidence knowing we can run up front based on our past experience there," Rilat said. "I think the next step for us is to win the Dirt Cup and we should have an opportunity to do that this weekend."

SEASON STATS -

17 races, 1 win, 4 top fives, 8 top 10s, 11 top 15s, 15 top 20s

UP NEXT -

Thursday through Saturday at Skagit Speedway in Alger, Wash., for the 45th annual Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup with the Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour

MEDIA LINKS -

Website: http://www.TravisRilat.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TravisRilat29

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT - Carlan Services

Established in 1997, Carlan Services operates an environmental cleanup business that transports contaminated and other materials as well as a variety of other services. For more information, visit http://www.Carlan.com.

"They do so much stuff I can't even keep up," Rilat said. "They are one of the major sponsors and we're grateful for all of the help they provide."

Rilat would also like to thank Xtreme Oilfield Technology, Shark Racing Engines, Northern Provincial Pipelines, Matt's Oilfield Services, TriJet Manufacturing Services, Northern Lights Welding, Camex VP, Rob Wright Building Supplies, Scott Safety, Max Fuel, Jaron Water Hauling, Maxim, Factory Kahne, HRP, Ti22, Weld Wheels, Ben Cook Racing and Smiley's Racing Products among others for their continued support on Richard Saumure's No. 39c Maxim.

INSIDE LINE PROMOTIONS -

Inside Line Promotions specializes in affordable public relations and media management for motor sports drivers, teams, sponsors, tracks, series, events, organizations and manufacturers. ILP Founder Shawn Miller leverages professional journalism with new media technologies and social networking to improve your exposure and the return on investment for your sponsors.

To meet the media relations needs of your program by joining Team ILP, contact Shawn at 541-510-3663 or Shawn@InsideLinePromotions.com. For more information on Inside Line Promotions, visit http://www.InsideLinePromotions.com.

Contact: Shawn Miller

Inside Line Promotions

Shawn@InsideLinePromotions.com | (541) 510-3663

Sides Sets New Track Record and Nets Top-Five Finish at Brown County Speedway

Inside Line Promotions - ABERDEEN, S.D. (June 20, 2016) - Everything is starting to flow well for Jason Sides, who scored a trio of top-10 finishes last weekend to give him six top 10s in his last eight World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series races.

"It was good that we put together some good runs," he said. "It could have been three nights in the top five, but it could have been a couple of DNFs, too. All in all, it was a good week and it's been getting better. Having some consistency is nice."

The competition was set to begin last Tuesday at Granite City Speedway in Sauk Rapids, Minn., where rain delayed the event one day. Sides opened Wednesday's action by qualifying 10th quickest before he advanced from fourth to third place - only one spot out of the dash - in a heat race.

That locked Sides into the seventh starting position for the main event.

"We were really, really good," he said. "I drove up through there. We were beating on the door of the top three and a red flag came out. We sat there for a long time for (the officials) to not open it. The tires lost air and that made the car really tight once we restarted so it would bicycle. I think we were third on the restart and fell back to ninth in the last five or six laps."

Sides held on for a ninth-place result.

The team ventured to River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D., on Friday. Sides timed in ninth quickest during qualifying and he again placed third in a heat race to miss advancing into the dash by only one spot. This time it lined him up on the inside of the fifth row for the feature.

"We passed a few cars," he said. "I think we got to fifth or sixth. We had a couple of red flags so we couldn't keep the tires good and hot. Whether you use a bleeder or not the tires are shrinking. So you go out with one number for stagger. After they get hot and cool off it comes out with a different number for stagger. When you went into the corners there one corner was nice and slick and the other off turn four was kind of wet. When you lose stagger the car gets really tight and wants to bicycle real bad and that's what we did. We were lucky to finish and not be one of the red flags."

Sides ended with an eighth-place finish.

The weekend wrapped up on Sunday at Brown County Speedway, where Sides established a new track record as he set quick time during qualifying. He then won a heat race from the pole position to lock into the dash redraw. Unfortunately, the highest number - six - was drawn. That lined him up on the outside of the third row for the dash.

"We had a good qualifying lap to set quick time and I was pretty decent in the heat race and won it," he said. "We go into the dash draw and they draw the six, putting us on the third row. I didn't realize how rocky the track was because I hadn't been behind anybody. It was really rocky and really dusty and I didn't go anywhere."

Sides placed sixth in the dash to start the main event in that position.

"There wasn't much passing," he said. "Brad Sweet tried running the top when you had to stay on the bottom in turns three and four. When he did that that's where I got him. Then we just ran behind everybody in line."

Sides finished with a fifth-place result, which was his fourth top five of the season.

He will return to World of Outlaws competition this Wednesday at I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, Neb., for the NAPA Auto Parts Outlaw Showdown; Friday at Jackson Motorplex in Jackson, Minn.; and Saturday at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis., for the Jim "JB" Boyd Memorial presented by Karavan Trailers.

QUICK RESULTS -

June 15 - Granite City Speedway in Sauk Rapids, Minn. - Qualifying: 10; Heat race: 3 (4); Feature: 9 (7).

June 17 - River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D. - Qualifying: 9; Heat race: 3 (3); Feature: 8 (9).

June 19 - Brown County Speedway in Aberdeen, S.D. - Qualifying: 1; Heat race: 1 (1); Dash: 6 (6); Feature: 5 (6).

SEASON STATS -

42 races, 2 wins, 4 top fives, 18 top 10s, 28 top 15s, 39 top 20s

UP NEXT -

Wednesday at I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, Neb., for the NAPA Auto Parts Outlaw Showdown; Friday at Jackson Motorplex in Jackson, Minn.; and Saturday at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis., for the Jim "JB" Boyd Memorial presented by Karavan Trailers with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series

MEDIA LINKS -

Website: http://www.SidesMotorsports.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SidesMotorsport

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sides-Motorsports/283833970847?ref=br_tf

LIVE AUDIO -

Keep up with Sides Motorsports via free, live audio from DIRTVision at every World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series event throughout the season. Select events also include live Pay-Per-View video. For more information, click http://www.DIRTVision.com.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT - King Racing Products

King Racing Products builds the strongest, lightest and most affordable American made sprint car products. For more information, visit http://www.KingRacingProducts.com.

"King Racing Products has been a big supporter of Sides Motorsports and we wouldn't be able to travel up and down the road with the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series without their partnership," Sides said. "King Racing Products builds a great selection of parts for racers so I would encourage every driver to give them a shot."

Sides would also like to thank Wetherington Tractor Service, Inc., R.E. Enterprises, Clean Seal, Inc., VRP Shocks, Dancer Logistics Inc., BR Motorsports, FSR Radiators, Dancer Logistics, Inc., Jim Schuhknecht, East Coast Logistics, Driven Racing Oil, Ingles Racing Engines, Wings Unlimited and All Pro Aluminum Cylinder Heads for their continued support.