PixelatedRESULTS: Opening Night for Mobile Speedway Regular Season

Mobile racer Chance Imel piloted his Pure Stock to a third place finish on Opening Night at Mobile Speedway on March 30, 2019. (Daniel Vining/PixelatedSPEED)

By: Daniel Vining, Twitter: @danielvining

IRVINGTON, Alabama (March 31, 2019) -- Mobile International Speedway kicked off it’s 2019 regular season on Saturday night, March 30th, with five classes competing. A very healthy crowd played witness to both new and old winners in Pure Stocks, Sportsman, Pro Trucks, Outlaw Stocks and Winged Sprint Cars.

The preliminary build up to the night’s feature racing consisted of group qualifying for the Pure Stock and heat racing for the Pro Trucks, Outlaw Stocks and Winged Sprint Cars. Afterward, kids from the stands joined track announcer Bill Roth to roll the dice and determine the number of cars/trucks inverted for the features.

The five classes of Mobile International Speedway went to work in feature racing, putting on a great show for the fans in the stands, with a mix of new winners and returning victors.

In the Pure Stock 20 lap feature, it was all Daryl McDonald. Starting on the pole, McDonald led wire to wire, taking an unchallenged victory to start the 2019 season… his first at Mobile Speedway.

“It was a good race,” said McDonald. “We worked hard every week to get ready for this first race and it was… good.”

At the checkers, Citronelle, Alabama’s Dylan Courtney and Pensacola, Florida native Robert Balkum were second and third respectively. After post race technical inspection, however, both were disqualified for violations in their ignition systems. This handed second to fast qualifier TJ Thompson and third to McDonald’s teammate, Chance Imel.

After battling hard the night prior in Pensacola, BJ Laytham and Mark Barnhill continued to trade blows on Saturday night in Mobile. Laytham got the jump on polesitter Barhnill to start the 25 lap feature in the Sportsman Division, but after a bump in turn three, Barnhill was able to take the point on lap three. From then on, Laytham was able to keep up with Barnhill in the turns, but Barnhill continued to stretch out his lead on the straightaways, taking the checkers and sweeping the weekend with wins at both Five Flags and Mobile Speedway. Laytham held on to second, with Lee “Red Dog” Reynolds in third.

“It feels pretty good to come out here and win,” said Barnhill. “I know we’ve got a lot of good cars and any given night any given driver can win.”

The Pro Truck Division feature started with a wild ride off of the turn four banking for driver Jesse Salazar. At the start, Josh Hicks and Andrew Johnson took youngster Grant Thompson three wide going down the backstretch and into turn three. In the ensuing log jam, Salazar backed up a bit and Eric Courville made slight contact with Salazar’s left rear, sending Salazar up the track and over the banking. Salazar refired his machine, brought it to the attention of his crew and returned to the race after going airborne over the banking.

Up front, Hicks and Johnson again took Thompson three wide on the restart, with Thompson getting stuck up high and quickly losing spots, finding a spot in line behind Salazar in sixth.

Meanwhile, Andrew Johnson worked his way to the lead, around polesitter Brian Wiemer, who then lost the second spot to Josh Hicks. Hicks then began to chase down the leader Johnson before the caution flew on lap 11 for Grant Thompson, who lost power and came to a stop in turns three and four.

This setup a duel between Johnson and Hicks. As the pair checked out from the field following the restart, Hicks kept his machine close to Johnson, and on lap 18 rubbed his way by to take the lead. After Hicks got by Johnson, he got gone… sailing away to the feature win, doubling down on the weekend with victories at both Five Flags Speedway and Mobile Speedway.

“I’d like to thank Curt Britt Motorsports,” said Hicks. “He gave one really fast truck and couldn’t ask for a better truck to drive and win with. I’d like to thank my Mom and Dad couldn’t make it today because they had to to another race for our Bando and Legends Car drivers.”

The Outlaw Stocks put on a whale of show, with the field of cars battling hard in their 15 lap contest. Wesley King started on the pole and quickly began to pull out to a healthy margin over second place Kevin Chase. Chase had Jason Welch all over his back bumper, hounding him lap after lap. On lap six, Welch took second from Chase, then a lap later, dove down low on King to snatch away the lead in turn three. Welch drove off from there to score an emotional victory after not having claimed a win in some time.

“It’s been a long time,” said Welch. “It’s been a long day… no sleep from last night. I know it wasn’t a great car count tonight, but I’m glad you fans came out. We finally got one and it feels pretty damn good!”

The wicked fast Winged Sprint Cars closed out the night, putting on a clinic of raw, ground pounding speed around the Mobile half-mile.

Todd Fayard led the majority of the race while polesitter Ronnie Roberts made surges at the lead, trying to find a way around Fayard. Roberts was no match for Fayard on this night, and was looking at settling for second place until lap 11 of the 25 lap feature. After dominating, Fayard found himself with a major problem, losing power in turn four and rolling to a stop on the frontstretch as the field crossed the line at the start of lap 12.

After the restart, Ronnie Roberts took off, easily taking the checkers. Gulf Port, Mississippi drivers Shane Morgan and Cody Karl finished second and third respectively.

“We finally got all the bugs worked out after last year,” said Roberts. “I think we’ll be alright from now on.”

MOBILE SPEEDWAY OPENING NIGHT RESULTS:

Pure Stock:

1. 19 - Daryl McDonald III
2. 12 - TJ Thompson
3. 325 - Chance Imel
4. 4 - Matt Jackson
5. 21 - Thomas Norman
6. 92 - Taylor Goudreault
7. 2 - Michael Moody
8. 22 - Dylan Courtney (DQ)
9. 52 - Robert Balkum (DQ)

Sportsman:

1. 3 - Mark Barnhill
2. 8 - BJ Laytham
3. 32 - Lee Reynolds
4. 71 - Tommy Blocker
5. 1 - Maddox Langham
6. 35 - Heath Hudson
7. 55 - Jimbo Walker

Pro Trucks:

1. 56 - Josh Hicks
2. 66 - Andrew Johnson
3. 30 - Memphis Villarreal
4. 40 - Brian Weimer
5. 52 - Eric Courville
6. 18 - Eric Salazar
7. 1 - Johnathan Langham
8. 1 - Howard Langham
9. 54 - Grant Thompson
10. 51 - Trevor Bowen

Outlaw Stocks:

1. 21 - Jason Welch
2. 14 - Wesley King
3. 15 - Kevin Chase
4. 95 - Phillip Crownover

Winged Sprint Cars:

1. 32 - Ronnie Roberts Jr.
2. 1 - Shane Morgan
3. 52 - Cody Karl
4. 88 - Brandon Blenden
5. 152 - Blake Carrier
6. 121 - Todd Bliss
7. 13 - Todd Fayard
8. 77 - Francis Crowder

The stars and cars of the Mobile International Speedway return to have the “Fastest Fun Around” next week for another week of local division action on April 6th. In an added twist, the feature races will showcase a style of racing called “Black Flag Racing.” The basic premise in this is that the field will run a certain amount of laps before whoever is last will be black flagged, and that driver’s finishing position will be scored at that point. This will continue until there are only two cars remaining, setting the stage for a grudge match dash to the finish. The classes running on April 6th are the Pure Stocks, Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Pro Trucks.

For more information, check out the Mobile Speedway Facebook Page, or head over the track’s website at http://www.mobilespeedway.net

PixelatedSPEED is a motorsports news and views website covering all things racing and has been “Bringing Pixels 2 Pavement Since 2018”. If you've made it this far into the post, thank you. Please consider sharing this content on the interwebs and following PixelatedSPEED on Facebook and Twitter and joining in on the conversation. http://facebook.com/PixelatedSPEED & http://twitter.com/PixelatedSPEED 

Gio Bromante Survives Late Race Crash to Win 2nd Southern Super Series Race in a Row

Anthony Campi Racing team owner, Anthony Campi, stands proudly in victory lane with 15 year old Gio Bromante after Bromante wins his second Super Late Model race in a row, and first at Five Flags Speedway on March 29, 2019. (Daniel Vining/PixelatedSPEED)

By: Daniel Vining, Twitter: @danielvining

PENSACOLA, Florida (March 30, 2019) -- Two weekends ago, Giovanni Bromante burst onto the Super Late Model scene with a breakout win in the 43rd Annual Rattler 250 in Opp, Alabama. Fast forward to Friday night, and the 15 year old finds himself once again in victory lane, this time at Five Flags Speedway in the Blizzard Series opening SERF 100, round two of the 2019 Southern Super Series season.

Reaching victory lane meant overcoming a late race crash that wiped out the top four, then passing another eight cars to get to the lead.

“I just went into turn one, I knew there was something wrong up the track,” he said. “I just went in on my line then I started to turn around. I kept on the throttle so I wouldn’t flat spot the tires and that really paid off. I didn't have a lot of tire to begin with, but we came in and made a change to the rear of the car and it really helped. It wasn’t a loose and I was actually better than before we came in. We picked off eight cars and wound up in victory lane.”

Casey Roderick took 37 laps to find his way to the front and looked to be the car to beat on the night, with Connor Okrzesik a close second.

That all changed on lap 84 when Steven Davis began dropping fluid from the rear end of his machine.

Jett Noland, following behind Davis, hit the fluid sending him spinning in turns one and two just as the leaders came speeding through. Roderick went high, making heavy contact with Nolland. Okrzesik followed suit, also making contact. The crash also claimed third place Chris Davidson and fourth place Gio Bromante.

This left a brand new top five, with fast qualifier Logan Boyett on the point for the restart. Boyett just didn’t have the car he needed to maintain the top spot, and quickly began to drift backwards, surrendering the lead to Lucas Jones, who had started the race from the pole thanks to the dice roll invert.

It wasn’t long, however, before Bromante was on the tail of the leader, having darted through the field on the restart.

A final caution flew after several cars in toward the back of the field tangled in turn one. This set up a dash the finish.

RELATED >> Dream Comes True as Giovanni Bromante Wins 43rd Ratter 250

On the final restart, Jones heavily spun his tires, fish tailing down the front stretch, but somehow how saved his machine and held on to the second spot as Bromante rocked away for the win.
Team owner Anthony Campi was all smiles in victory lane after a job well done by his driver.

“He did a great job,” siad Campi. “We unloaded with a really good car, but just struggled in qualifying. We were really optimistic going into the race. Just kept him calm and saved the tires. We probably had a third place car there at the end, but we spun in that oil, so we came in a pitted and made the most of it.”

“He’s really good, really aggressive,” he added. He does what we tell him to and he learns every race and its just showing… he’s going to be a super star. He’s going to make it in the sport and I’m just glad to be a part of it.”

For his effort, Bromante is now a two-time winner in the Southern Super Series in only his second Super Late Model start. He is also the Southern Super Series points leader.

“It’s another dream come true,” said Bromante. “I never thought I’d be in victory lane again so soon. These guys just gave such a great car for the whole race and we just work so great together as a team that and just can’t thank them enough for giving me such a great car.”

The next opportunity for Bromante and the stars of the Southern Super Series comes on May 4th at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway in a combo event with the CRA Super Series and CARS Super Late Model Tour.

RESULTS:

1. Gio Bromante
2. Lucas Jones
3. Kyle Plott
4. Trey Bayne
5. Dennis Prunty
6. Jesse Dutilly
7.Jeremy Pate
8. Logan Boyett
9.Anthony Sergi
10. Joe Aramendia
11. Ryan Herbert
12. Chris Davidson
13. Kyle Bryant
14. Casey Roderick
15. Connor Okrzesik
16. Steven Davis
17. Jeff Batten
18. Roger Reuse

PixelatedSPEED is a motorsports news and views website covering all things racing and has been “Bringing Pixels 2 Pavement Since 2018”. If you've made it this far into the post, thank you. Please consider sharing this content on the interwebs and following PixelatedSPEED on Facebook and Twitter and joining in on the conversation. http://facebook.com/PixelatedSPEED & http://twitter.com/PixelatedSPEED 

Langham has a Big Night in Bandit Big Rig at Mobile

Johnathan Langham made his debut in the Bandit Big Rig Series in front of a sellout crowd at his hometrack of Mobile International Speedway on March 23, 2019 (Daniel Vining/PixelatedSPEED)

By: Daniel Vining, Twitter: @danielvining

IRVINGTON, Alabama (March 27, 2019) - Johnathan Langham went into the opening event for the 2019 Bandit Big Rig Series season a rookie, but relied on his years of experience at Mobile International Speedway to carry him through this new experience, coming away with a solid performance in equipment that his competition thought wouldn’t perform at such a high level in front of a sellout crowd on March 23rd.

Prior to raceday, Langham had only turned a handful of laps, shaking down his number 69 Kruckeberg Motorsports Frieghtliner. It didn’t take long for the Mobile area native to begin to find comfort behind the wheel, and find speed... looking forward to a very full plate of racing scheduled throughout the day to give him the laps he needed to be ready for the night’s 30 lap feature.

“It’s definitely going to help,” he said. “Anytime you can get seat time is a major plus in anything. We’re still learning little things lap by lap.”

“With the last man standing race and the 15 lap Challenge race we should definitely have a lot more seat time going into them as long as we complete every lap in ever event tonight, I’ll be very happy and I think we’ll be able to be somewhere in there in the end.”

Was he nervous? A little right at first, but those nerves quickly subsided, allowing Langham to place his focus on the task at hand.

“I’m ready to get out there and be able to run with trucks. It’s been a bunch of single truck runs. I haven’t really been side by side in traffic much yet so I’m looking forward to the heat race and seeing if we can capitalize on it.”
While Langham didn’t have the results in his heat race that he was looking for, he did have a bit of a battle with driver Tim Ashley in the first 15 lap Challenge race, finishing second, and learning a lot about his truck and what it would take to get it done in the A-Main later in the evening.

“A lot of luck,” said Langham. “This truck that I’m in is a bone stock truck. It’s got bone stock turbos… stock injectors… you can’t adjust on the injectors none. It’s got a stock steering box so I’m having to turn three times, four times as much as these other guys.

“I think if we can keep the right front on it, keep the brakes cool, I think we’ll be able to come out of here with a top five and who knows we may have a little bit of luck on our side and some of these others have attrition not play in their favor, it may play in ours and we could probably wind up better than fifth.”

In the 30 lap A-Main feature, Johnathan Langham performed very well, running solidly in the top half of the field throughout the entire event. After a late race restart, last year’s race winner Allen Boles made contact with Langham as the pair rolled around turn two. The contact sent Langham into a lazy spin, just cresting the turn’s banking. Langham got his truck refired, and back to pit road to the attention of his crew.

After the race, Langham shared his thoughts, relishing in the overall accomplishment of the night, but aggravated to have his overachieving run thwarted by the late race contact.

“We were able to keep it on all four, but it really sucked though cause we restarted fourth and got collected with Allen on the restart,” he said. “We came in to make sure the tires were good and everything was good on the truck. Instead of giving you two courtesy laps, they only gave me a half a lap or whatever. They had taken the green and was coming off of turn two by the time we had gotten through the gears coming down the front straightaway.”

“It just sucks because I was really surprising myself there, you know,” he continued. “We were sitting there fifth, fourth, sixth, and coming down to the halfway point and you know you still have a truck that’s good enough and you’re running with the leaders, it pisses you off but you take it with a grain of salt.”

“I set out with my original goal. I wanted to complete all the laps, stay out of trouble and finish on the lead lap, and we accomplished that. We were ‘that’ close, we were so close and could of had us a podium finish. I feel like we really had a top three truck.”

“The ninth place finish we got doesn’t show the finish we were capable of.”

The Bandit Big Rig Series visit to Mobile International Speedway was by all accounts a huge success, posting a sellout crowd and setting the stage for next week when the track’s regular season schedule kicks off.

During my interview with Langham, you could hear the roaring crowd in the background, something that gave the local guy chills as we sat on the pit wall.

“That’s the part that will give you chills more than sitting in this truck today,” said Langham. “I love sitting in this packed house. This is the Bandits’ first ever sellout crowd and they accomplished it here at Mobile International Speedway. This track has needed something like this. This is something very big for Mobile.”

“Hopefully, if we can get half these people back thats in the stands tonight, and get them back next week, then the week after that they tell their friends and they come out. Man, this is what Mobile International Speedway needs again, is a packed house like this. People will want to build cars if they see people in the stands like this and that will get Mobile back to the way it was back in the 90s.

Langham will return to the familiar seats of his Sportsman, Pro Truck and Outlaw next Saturday, but is open to a return to the Bandit Big Rig Series should the opportunity arise.

“If I get a second chance to run one of these trucks for somebody, I’ll definitely be interested and want to take them up on it. It was a lot of fun.”

PixelatedSPEED is a motorsports news and views website covering all things racing and has been “Bringing Pixels 2 Pavement Since 2018”. If you've made it this far into the post, thank you. Please consider sharing this content on the interwebs and following PixelatedSPEED on Facebook and Twitter and joining in on the conversation. http://facebook.com/PixelatedSPEED & http://twitter.com/PixelatedSPEED 

Rookie Bendeguz Molnar Wins in Debut Race Over Champ Ricky Rude at Mobile in Bandit Big Rigs

2018 European Swift Cup Champion Bendeguz Molnar won the Bandit Big Rig Series season opener at Mobile Speedway on March 23rd in his debut race in the United States. (Daniel Vining/PixelatedSPEED)

By: Daniel Vining, Twitter: @danielvining

IRVINGTON, Alabama (March 26, 2019) -- Hailing from Budapest, Hungary, Bendeguz Molnar shocked the Bandit Big Rig Series with a convincing victory in his debut performance. To get there, Molnar had to fend off reigning series champion Ricky Rude. Oh, by the way, this was Molnar’s first race in a truck, first race on an oval, and first race in the United States.

“It was exciting,” said Molnar in victory lane. “I tried to do my best and fortunately we had a great truck… thank you to the team and to  Michael (Caesars) for the great setup.”

“It’s my dream. I was really hungry to win the race, and wanted to get to the end very fast.”

“For me it’s a bit different than in Europe because I race road courses there. It’s very different. Three days ago was my first time to try a race truck, before that it was only smaller cars.”

A start in racing simulators led Molnar to an opportunity to participate in a racing talent show against other semi-pro drivers in Hungary. After winning that show, Molnar was awarded the chance to race in the FIA European Swift Cup, winning the 2018 title before coming to the United States.

Although already a championship driver, Molnar relished in the support he received from the sellout crowd at Mobile International Speedway. He participated in the driver meet and greet, the first time he’d experienced such an event.

“In Hungry for a national championship there aren’t many spectators like here so its way different. All the people are all so fun and very nice. Plus its all road courses and this is an oval. I need to learn a lot but I’m trying to do my best.”

Now, Molnar will focus on continuing his success during his rookie season in the Bandit Big Rig Series.

“I’m just trying to go for the win… it’s very different and good fun.”

“Fortunately we have worked great with Michael and the truck was very good for this moment.”

“I think we are gonna try to get some other wins here too.”

Two-time and defending Bandit Big Rig Series champion Ricky Rude put up a strong effort in his attempt at getting around the rookie Molnar, but opted to maintain a cautious approach as a counter to Molnar’s aggressive tactics.

“I had three or four chances to make the pass,” said Rude. “He was too aggressive so I just saved the truck. I’d rather finish second on my wheels tonight than back in the back torn all to pieces. Maybe he’ll learn, I just talked to him and we’ll see what he does in the future.”

“They don't’ know circle track racing, he’s a road course guy, but  e have a rule that if the truck is to your door then you’ve got to hold your line. That’s what I’ve always done, especially at the green flag. Green flags, you have to take everything you can get because you may not have another opportunity. Me, with experience, I just backed up and let him come up because there is no recourse for me other than wrecking my truck.”

Rude choosing to not push the issue against the rookie led to a solid second place finish, and early lead in the points standings after also claiming the win the Bandit Shootout, and Challenge race earlier in the day.

“I have a very good record of not doing well at the first of the year,” joked Rude. “To come down here and do as well as I did in the heat races, the Challenge race, the Shootout and to finish second… I’m good.”

As we concluded the interview, I mentioned that he now as the points lead, to which he simply responded, “Thank you, I hope I can hold on to it.”

PixelatedRESULTS: Bandit Big Rig Series Puts on a Big Show in Mobile

Defending Bandit Big Rig Series Champion Ricky Rude is off to a great start in 2019 with wins in his heat race, Challenge race, the Bandit Shootout and a second place in the A-Main. That puts him atop the points leaving Mobile Speedway. - March 23, 2019 (Daniel Vining/PixelatedSPEED)

By: Daniel Vining, Twitter: @danielvining

IRVINGTON, Alabama (March 24, 2019) -- The Big Rig Bandit Series rolled into Mobile International Speedway on Saturday March 23rd for their season opening event of 2019. There was no other divisions or series on the agenda, but the Bandits put on a full plate of racing excitement for the sellout crowd over the course of the night. Group qualifying, Heat Races, Challenge Races and the Bandit Shootout all served as preliminaries leading up to the night’s 30 lap A-Main feature race.

Here are the complete results from all the racing action across the night. Results are not official.

Bandit A-Main (30 laps):

16 - Bendeguz Molnar
14 - Ricky Rude
41 - Marshall Davis
55 - Craig Krukeberg
5 - Tim Ashley
13 - Bob Mitchell
3 - Allen Boles
8 - Doug Hilson
69 - Johnathan Langham
66 - Austin Hoppe
46 - Brian Cash
88 - Mike Morgan
74 - Mark Noble
7 - Jon Lisenbee
4 - Scott Treadway
27 - Darren Proffitt

Bandit Challenge Race #1 (15 laps):

5 - Tim Ashley
69 - Johnathan Langham
3 - Allen Boles
46 - Brian Cash
88 - Mike Morgan
66 - Austin Hoppe
8 - Doug Hilson

Bandit Challenge Race #2 (15 laps):

14 - Ricky Rude
16 - Bendeguz Molnar
74 - Mark Noble
7 - Jon Lisenbee
55 - Craig Kruckeberg
27 - Darren Proffitt
4 - Scott Treadway
41 - Marshall Davis
13 - Bob Mitchell

Bandit Shootout Results:

This is listed in order of how the rounds went. It starts with the two slowest trucks from qualifying going head to head for a single green flag lap. The winner moves on to face the next slowest. This is repeated all the way through the field of trucks.

41 - Marshall Davis defeats 27 - Darren Proffitt
41 - Marshall Davis defeats 46 - Brian Cash
41 - Marshall Davis defeats 66 - Austin Hoppe
41 - Marshall Davis defeats 8 - Doug Hilson
55 - Craig Kruckeberg defeats 41 - Marshall Davis
55 - Craig Kruckeberg defeats 13 - Bob Mitchell
55 - Craig Kruckeberg defeats 4 - Scott Treadway
55 - Craig Kruckeberg defeats 3 - Allen Boles
55 - Craig Kruckeberg defeats 69 - Johnathan Langham
55 - Craig Kruckeberg defeats 7 - Jon Lisenbee
55 - Craig Kruckeberg defeats 88 - Mike Morgan
55 - Craig Kruckeberg defeats 74 - Mark Noble
14 - Ricky Rude defeats 55 - Craig Kruckeberg
14 - Ricky Rude defeats 16 - Bendeguz Molnar
14 - Ricky Rude defeats 5 - Tim Ashley

Bandit Heat Race #1:

Data was unavailable at the time of initial posting. PixelatedSPEED will update this info when/if the data becomes available. Scoring officials were having some difficulties early on.

That being said, I did jot down the top three…

27 - Darren Proffitt
55 - Craig Kruckeberg
41 - Marshall Davis

Bandit Heat Race #2:

7 - Jon Lisenbee
4 - Scott Treadway
13 - Bob Mitchell
69 - Johnathan Langham
3 - Allen Boles
51 - Luke Whitmire

Bandit Heat Race # 3:

14 - Ricky Rude
16 - Bendeguz Molnar
74 - Mark Noble
5 - Tim Ashley
88 - Mike Morgan

Bandit Group Qualifying:

5 - Tim Ashley
16 - Bendeguz Molnar
14 - Ricky Rude
74 - Mark Noble
88 - Mike Morgan
7 - Jon Lisenbee
51 - Luke Whitmire
69 - Johnathan Langham
3 - Allen Boles
4 - Scott Treadway
13 - Bob Mitchell
55 - Craig Kruckeberg
 8 - Doug Hilson
66 - Austin Hoppe
46 - Brian Cash
41 - Marshall Davis
27 - Darren Proffitt

Bandit Practice:

14 - Ricky Rude
74 - Mark Noble
69 - Johnathan Langham
4 - Scott Treadway
5 - Tim Ashley
55 - Craig Krukeberg
7 - Jon Lisenbee
27 - Darren Proffitt
13 - Bob Mitchell
8 - Doug Hilson
46 - Brian Cash
66 - Austin Hoppe
13 - Marshall Davis

PixelatedSPEED is a motorsports news and views website covering all things racing and has been “Bringing Pixels 2 Pavement Since 2018”. If you've made it this far into the post, thank you. Please consider sharing this content on the interwebs and following PixelatedSPEED on Facebook and Twitter and joining in on the conversation. http://facebook.com/PixelatedSPEED & http://twitter.com/PixelatedSPEED 

PixelatedBITS: Leftovers from the 43rd Annual Rattler 250

Fans will see plenty more of Ty Majeski this year at short tracks across the country in his Super Late Model, and in the ARCA Menards Series super speedway races with Chad Bryant Racing. (Daniel Vining/PixelatedSPEED)

By: Daniel Vining, Twitter: @danielvining

OPP, Alabama (March 23, 2019) -- The 43rd Annual Rattler 250, opening up the 2019 Southern Super Series at South Alabama Speedway is in the books, but here are a few more tidbits before we move on to the season’s second race at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida.

Gio Youngest Rattler Winner

At just 15 years old, Giovanni Bromante became the youngest winner in the 43 year history of the Rattler 250. Previously, the youngest winner was Kyle Benjamin, who won his Rattler 250 in 2013 at the age of 16.

When told about that little stat, Bromante told PixelatedSPEED, “Wow! That’s crazy to know!”

Majeski looking at more short track racing, plus speedway racing in ARCA

During the post race interviews, Short Track Scene’s Matt Weaver found out that Ty Majeski is still employed by Ford Performance as simulator driver and still stoking the fire in an effort to continue his career.

Majeski feels like he was “thrown to the wolves” in his NASCAR Xfinity Series run with Roush Fenway Racing in 2018. This year, Roush’s Xfinity effort has been shutdown, leaving Majeski without a ride in NASCAR’s second tier series.

That said, Majeski plans on having a full plate of short track racing coupled with the recently announced ARCA Menards Series deal to race at super speedways for Chad Bryant Racing… the same team that fields cars for Corey Heim on the ARCA short track schedule. Heim finished 14th in the Rattler 250 behind the wheel of his number 78 Super Late Model.

Okrzesik rebounds to finish the weekend on a high note

Connor Okrzesik has been one of late model racing’s hottest shoes as of late, scoring a surprising win against Kyle Busch in the SpeedFest 200 in Georgia, and constantly being in contention in every race he runs.

In Saturday night’s Baby Rattler 125, Okrzesik battled with Bubba Pollard late for the win after starting from the pole. His night did not turn out the way he would have liked, however, after three restarts that were marred by jumping, laying back and contact with Pollard.

In Sunday’s main event, Okrzesik started further back in the field, but stayed out of trouble and was able to finish off a dramatic weekend, added to the notebook with a strong fourth place finish.

“It was alright,” he said after the race. “I would have liked to have finished top three, maybe even win. We just didn’t have a car to compete with them (the leaders) at all… it was just way to free early then too tight in the last run.”

“It’ solid notes, but I would’ve like to have finished better with our Metro Glass Toyota.”

Nasse, Pollard and Roderick all favorites to win, all have issues

The front row of the 43rd Rattler 250 consisted of 2014 winner Casey Roderick on the pole, alongside former Baby Ratter winner Stephen Nasse.

Roderick seemed to be off the pace compared to his rivals during the first 100 laps of the race, ultimately pulling his machine behind the wall with drive train issues. Roderick won the Baby Rattler 125 on Saturday night.

Nasse had a left rear tire come loose, causing him to spin out near the entrance of pit road, just as a caution for Austin Nason flew. Nason made contact with another car going into turn one on lap 105, and came to a stop at the exit of turn two. In the process of the caution, Nasse lost two laps getting his car down to the attention of his crew.

“We had a left rear tire come loose and that’s why I spun out,” Nasse told Speed 51’s Koty Geyer.  “I needed a caution and we got that but I lost two laps trying to get the studs to strip.  Trying to make up that track position was almost impossible.  I thought I almost got a lap back but we ended up not getting it back and it’s just one of them deals where cautions never really flew when we needed them to.”

Bubba Pollard was a top five car the bulk of the day after starting in the third spot. Contact with another driver following the race’s final restart on lap 176 left Pollard with a left front tire rub. It wasn’t long before the 2012 Rattler 250 winner began to fall back, settling in for a disappointing 13th place finish.

Grill and Bryant’s ended way too early after contact in turn four

Augie Grill’s day ended on lap 7 after contact with Dawson Fletcher in turn four sent Grill spinning into the inside wall. In the process, Kyle Bryant was jacked up by Logan Bearden, with the resulting damage causing Grill, Bryant and Bearden to drop out of the event.

Unfortunately, Bryant would be credited with a last place finish after starting 12th.

“Disappointing end to the weekend,” he said. “Got shoved into a car on lap 7 and we have nothing to show for the good car we brought to the racetrack. Guys worked hard all weekend, and we’ll rebound at Pensacola.”

PixelatedSPEED is a motorsports news and views website covering all things racing and has been “Bringing Pixels 2 Pavement Since 2018”. If you've made it this far into the post, thank you. Please consider sharing this content on the interwebs and following PixelatedSPEED on Facebook and Twitter and joining in on the conversation. http://facebook.com/PixelatedSPEED & http://twitter.com/PixelatedSPEED 

Langham to Represent Mobile in a Big Way with Start in Bandit Big Rig Series Opener

Johnathan Langham is no stranger to victory lane and looks to get the chance at seeing the checkered flag in his debut with the Bandit Big Rig Series at Mobile Speedway on March 23, 2019. (James Morris/Johnathan Langham Facebook page)

By: Daniel Vining, Twitter: @danielvining

IRVINGTON, Alabama (March 22, 2019) — At most short tracks, racers tend to help other racers. Even teams that have a beef with each other one weekend, can just as likely find themselves lending a hand to each other the next weekend. It’s just something racers in the short track world do. That mentality can go a long way, and for one local driver, has resulted in a chance to represent his hometown in one of the biggest events of the year for Mobile International Speedway.

A helping hand by Mobile Speedway champion racer Johnathan Langham has gone an extremely long way, with the favor being repaid this weekend when the Bandit Big Rig Series rolls into town.

Last year, during the inaugural visit by the series, driver… and series owner, Craig Kruckeberg found himself with a busted oil pan. Langham and others gave the visiting driver a helping hand, striking up a relationship that has sparked a tremendous opportunity for the Mobile, Alabama native.

“He helped me out when I wrecked last year there in Mobile,” said Kruckeberg.  “He just jumped right in and started helping my crew put my truck back together.”

“Last year me and Robert Loper went to the Big Rig Bandit Series race at Mobile,” said Langham.  “In the mix of the race, Craig ended up busting his oil pan. Me and Loper volunteered to help. We went to Charlie Lyons’ restoration shop, and welded the oil pan up for him.”

Fast forward to this year, and the favor is being paid off in a big way.

“About a month or so ago I got a message from him (Kruckeberg) asking if I’d be interested in running one of their trucks for them,” said Langham. “I was like heck, I’ll try anything once.”

Langham is excited about the challenges that racing these big rigs will bring as the Bandit Big Rig Series will be the biggest, oddest thing he’s raced.

“Hands down, definitely,” he said. It’s going to be a very different change of pace. I’m going from being four inches off the ground in an Outlaw car or six inches off the ground in a Pro Truck to being 24 to 36 inches off the ground. “

“It’s definitely going to be a change for sure, but I’m looking forward to it and I think it’s going to be very fun and interesting to say the least.”

It takes nerves of steel to conquer these beasts, and Langham is ready for his chance at greatness, but also wants to ensure that he brings the truck home in one piece.

“Nerves haven’t really struck me yet,” he said. “I keep going back to the thought that I’ll be cozy in my office cubicle, so to say. I’ll have my four point cage and have a halo around me, a five point harness and be in my office. It’s going to different. It’s going to take a little while to get used to.”

“I would love to go out there and make all the laps, and try to stay on the lead lap,” he continued.

“Jimbo Myers, one of the guys I’ve looked up to my whole life, messaged me and was like ‘You got this, you’re going to go out there and you’ll get the hang of it and you’ll adapt to it just like anything else you’ve ever driven. You can win this thing,’” said Langham.

“I’m thinking to myself, Yeah, okay,” he added. “Win it? Nah, I think that’s shooting for the moon. I just want to shoot for the vision of it.”

Having Langham in this truck this year is quite the way to repay the favor, but Kruckeberg didn’t want to detract from everyone else that also helped.

“Well more guys than just him that were in the infield helped,” he said. “He’s the only one I felt had enough racing experience to drive one of the Bandit Trucks.”

Langham hasn’t been in the truck yet, but after this weekend will have at least turned a lap in everything that Mobile Speedway has to offer, except a Sprint Car. In the Bandit Series race, when it's go time, how hard is Langham willing to press the issue to get a victory?

“I guess it would be no different than any of the other stuff I’ve driven,” he said. “If I find myself there in the last five laps somehow in the top three and the leader is in sight, I think it’d be very interesting to watch. I’m not saying I’d move anybody or tear anything up, but I would definitely give that rig all she’s got.”

“I’m no stranger to Mobile,” he added. “Don't’ think I wouldn’t try going to the outside.”

The impact of the Big Bandit Series coming to Mobile International Speedway isn’t lost on Langham, who hopes to see this event grow, and help elevate the speedway as it continues to progress through a journey of rebirth, after several years of uncertainty.

“I think it’s very awesome,’ said Langham. “I’m hoping this year we have a lot more people coming. This is only the third or fourth year of the series and I think it's very cool. I think there’s a ton more people coming this year than last year from last year. Just by me being able to run this event, I know of a lot more people wanting to come out just for the simple fact that they are friends of mine, family, people just supporting me.”

“I put on my Facebook page for people to come out,” he said. “Love me, hate me, watch fail or watch me succeed. I know there’s people out there that don't care for Johnathan Langham that much, and maybe they care more to watch me fail. Either way, come to the race track, support the Bandit Big Rig Series, support your local hometrack… Mobile has had a rough time over the past ten years and the Lyons family is trying their best to get people back interested in racing. We need these kinds of shows to get Mobile back on the map.”

Langham’s impressions from last year’s race shows that there is plenty of room for both the event and the series to continue to build momentum and grow.

“I thought it was different and very cool to see ‘daily’ semi-trucks on the fast half-mile of Mobile International Speedway,” he said. “People were like all they’re doing is running the Bandits, but I was like, ‘heck…  it’s racing!...  You know?’”

“They made a full day out of it,” he added. “Meeting the drivers and all the different racing activities from qualifying, heat races, to the last man standing races... then you got the grand finale of the feature. It was different, it was unique, and it was cool.”

Craig Kruckeberg is excited to help by bringing the series back to Mobile. He has nothing but praise for the speedway.

“The Bandit Big Rig Series has been growing like a weed,” he said. “We loved it down there last year, and I like the fact there is no wall around most of the track.”

Gates open at Mobile International Speedway at 3:00 PM on Saturday, March 23, 2019. Prior to and during the event, there will be a Fan Series Truck Show, featuring daily drivers that run the open roads in their shined up rigs. Practice and qualifying for the Bandits take up the latter part of the afternoon before racing starts at 7:00 PM. Tickets for the show start at $15.00 but kids 8 and under are FREE!

For more information, check out the series website at https://www.banditseries.com

PixelatedSPEED is a motorsports news and views website covering all things racing and has been “Bringing Pixels 2 Pavement Since 2018”. If you've made it this far into the post, thank you. Please consider sharing this content on the interwebs and following PixelatedSPEED on Facebook and Twitter and joining in on the conversation. http://facebook.com/PixelatedSPEED & http://twitter.com/PixelatedSPEED 

Pollard, Okrzesik, and Chance Comment on the Chaos from the Late Stages of Baby Rattler 125

Bubba Pollard looked to be the man to beat late in the Baby Rattler 125 at South Alabama Speedway on March 16, 2019 until a series of events with Connor Okrzesik resulted in a premature end to Pollard's night. (Daniel Vining/PixelatedSPEED)

By: Daniel Vining, Twitter: @danielvining OPP, Alabama (March 21, 2019) — The prelude event to the Ratter 250 at South Alabama Speedway is known as the Baby Rattler, and features a mix of up and coming talent pitted against cagey veterans. One of the premiere Pro Late Model shows of the year, the 14th Running of the Grasshopper Baby Rattler 125 saw up and comer Connor Okrzesik go toe to toe with a veteran driver who many have deemed the best in late model racing, Bubba Pollard. Connor Okrzesik started on the pole for the event, but drifted back early, giving way to Patrick Latullipe, Justin South, and Jack Dossey III for the opening salvos of the race. Okrzesik would remain solidly in the top five, even leading for a bit after lap 50. Bubba Pollard qualified third, but had to start from the rear due to a shock change after qualifying. It took Pollard to lap 53 to reach the top five, then to lap 79 to get the lead. “We started from the back and come to the front and didn’t touch a race car,” said Pollard. Okrzesik worked his way to Pollard’s rear on lap 90, and the pair battled hard for the next ten laps. On lap 102, following a caution, Okresik seemed to get a great restart… perhaps too good of a restart. Word quickly came down over the radio from the control tower that the 14 car of Okrzesik had to give the spot back to Pollard. He was also given a warning for jumping the restart. “The first time, I jumped the restart. That’s completely my fault,” Okrezsik admitted to Speed51.com. On lap 115, following another caution, it looked as though Okrzesik again jumped the restart, but Pollard stayed close. Pollard spun in turn four after contact with Okrzesik just as the yellow flew for an unrelated incident elsewhere on the track resulting in the lap not being completed, allowing Pollard to regain the lead for the ensuing restart. Okrzesik was again warned about jumping the restart, and an additional warning was sent to Pollard for laying back. On that next restart, still on lap 115, the lead pair once again made contact on the backstretch going into turn three and in the check up, Brandon Johnson sent Pollard spinning. This time, Pollard went straight into the pits following the spin. Subsequently, Okrzesik was charged with causing the caution and sent to the rear, but instead chose to pull his car down pit road. This incident ended both drivers race, but the drama was far from finished. Okrzesik believes Pollard was baiting him into jumping, taking advantage of the notion that Okrzesik had blatantly jumped earlier. “He slowed down and I was maintaining my pace,” said Okrzesik. “I wasn’t going to give him any leeway at all. It was possibly the last restart of the night, ten laps to go and that’s what it was going to come down to, it was going to come down to whoever got the best jump on the restart was going to win the race because our two cars were dead even.” After climbing out of his race car, Pollard went to lead technical inspector Ricky Brooks, who was stationed in turns three and four during this sequence of events. Pollard, and members of his crew, showed their displeasure with what had transpired in a very verbal way using language that is best not repeated. The next morning, PixelatedSPEED asked Pollard about what happened and he gave his perspective. “No, they should’ve made the call,” said Pollard. “He (Brooks) was down there for a reason in turn three and four. Either he makes a call, or I’d be pissed that the track didn’t listen to what I was saying because he said he told them that they were wrong, so it’s on them at that point.” “The track let him get away with them… Connor, and the way he was driving… uh, when you got a fast race car like that, he’s wanting to win,” continued Pollard. “When we were coming through the field, he was being really aggressive and he didn’t have to be. It was just him being impatient. He’s young, and he’s got to perform.” While Pollard was angry with Ricky Brooks and had the convenience of Brooks being stationed mere feet from his pit, the calls during this exchange were coming from the control tower, and Race Director Kevin Chance. Chance also spoke with PixelatedSPEED to convey what exactly was being observed from race control. “The initial restart (lap 102) he jumped,” said Chance referring to Okrzesik. “I told him to give it back and he did. The second time (first attempt at lap 115 restart) I wouldn’t say that he jumped, but he had his nose out. I think he still allowed Pollard to start.” “We had a caution, and warned him and Bubba because they both got tangled up and were hitting each other.” “On the third one (second attempt at lap 115 restart) it looked as if not only did the Okrzesik have his nose out, but it also looked like Pollard slowed down. We warned them again, but by that time they had tangled again on the backstretch coming into turn three.” In response as to why Okrzesik and Pollard were given so many opportunities to get it right, Chance explained that the procedures given to the teams said that if someone jumped the restart, then he would notify the spotter and they would have to give the spot back. In the end, both drivers ended up out of the race, Pollard finishing 13th and Okrzesik in 14th. Casey Roderick slid by both drivers and went on to win the Baby Rattler 125 rather easily with Kyle McCallum in second, and Jack Dossey III in third. PixelatedSPEED is a motorsports news and views website covering all things racing and has been “Bringing Pixels 2 Pavement Since 2018”. If you've made it this far into the post, thank you. Please consider sharing this content on the interwebs and following PixelatedSPEED on Facebook and Twitter and joining in on the conversation. http://facebook.com/PixelatedSPEED & http://twitter.com/PixelatedSPEED 

Race Control: Schedule, Ticket Info & More for the Bandit Big Rig Series Visit to Mobile Speedway

Ricky Proffitt and Tyler Kruckeberg battle side by side around Mobile Speedway's high banks in the 2018 running of the Bandit Series event at MIS. (Robyn Kruckeberg/Robyn K Photos)

By: Daniel Vining, Twitter: @danielvining

IRVINGTON, Alabama (March 21, 2019) -- The return of the Bandit Big Rig Series to Mobile International Speedway in Irvington, Alabama is set for March 23, 2019. The biggest, baddest, semi trucks in the nation will do battle around the famed high banks of the Alabama half-mile.

Jason Johnson of the Bandit Series said, “We raced this southern favorite for the first
Time last year and didn’t know what to expect. The Mobile fans were awesome! The
racing was great, our truck show made its debut and we had a great turnout. Allen
Boles became the first ever semi truck feature winner at Mobile in the #3 Peterbilt.”

“We can’t wait to get back - it’s been a long Minnesota winter and we need to get out
and race.”

The Bandit Big Rig Series returns big rig tractor truck racing to the short track in the
United States. The series was designed to be affordable and accessible for anyone
Wishing to put together a race team.

Here is all the vital info you need if you plan on making the trip to see this exciting event.

TRACK ANALYSIS:

Mobile International Speedway is a high-banked, half-mile asphalt oval located in Irvington, Alabama, just outside of the Mobile, Alabama city limits.

The turns are banked at 12 degrees, but for the Bandit Series, the biggest feature of the track will be the lack of an outside wall around the speedway (excluding the frontstretch in front of the grandstands).

Trucks will use all of the space available to race, and then some.

SCHEDULE:

The Bandit Big Rig Series schedule for March 23, 2019 starts with gates opening at 3:00 PM. Racing begins at 7:00 PM after the Bandit Meet N’ Greet at 5:00 PM.

Heat racing, and challenge races will set the stage for the 30 lap A-Main feature to close out the night.

Full Schedule:
3:00 PM -- Gates Open, Practice Begins
4:00 PM -- Group Qualifying
5:00 PM -- Bandit Meet N’ Greet (Autograph and Photo Sessions)
6:45 PM -- National Anthem/Pre-Race Ceremonies
7:00 PM -- Bandit Heat Race #1, 10 laps
7:08 PM -- Bandit Heat Race #2, 10 laps
7:16 PM -- Bandit Heat Race #3, 10 laps
7:24 PM -- Intermission
7:34 PM -- Bandit Shootout
7:54 PM -- Intermission
8:05 PM -- Bandit Challenge Race #1, 15 laps
8:17 PM -- Bandit Challenge Race #2, 15 laps
8:29 PM -- Intermission
8:49 PM -- Driver Introductions
9:04 PM -- Parade Laps & 3 Wide Salute
9:10 PM -- Green Flag for A-Main Feature, 30 laps

LIVE STREAMING:

While the best way to experience a race is to see it in person, for those that cannot make it out the track, Live Streaming will be available. The Bandit Big Rig Series streams their events with an in-house crew on Facebook Live and YouTube Live. For more information, check out the series website, https://www.banditseries.com/livestream/

TICKETS:

Kids 8 and Under are FREE

General Admission - $15.00

Infield Tailgating Pass - $100.00

Purchase tickets here >> https://www.showclix.com/event/bandit-big-rig-series-mobile-scN1GTCFS?_ga=2.179194144.508019225.1553056184-1374044111.1553056184&_gac=1.249026933.1553056184.Cj0KCQjwpsLkBRDpARIsAKoYI8yMpBEMloSAgbbIRsUAZpetQJATJVEpYGp2IdKbXSvNCrrg8GA76DEaAq5cEALw_wcB

CONTACTING BANDIT BIG RIG SERIES:

Website: https://www.banditseries.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Bandit-Series-1078154025529348/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2CmtVxNInye8FyFLC3q-bw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banditbigrig/

CONTACTING MOBILE SPEEDWAY:

Website: http://www.mobilespeedway.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mobile-International-Speedway-157521247599405/
Phone: 251-957-2063

PixelatedSPEED is a motorsports news and views website covering all things racing and has been “Bringing Pixels 2 Pavement Since 2018”. If you've made it this far into the post, thank you. Please consider sharing this content on the interwebs and following PixelatedSPEED on Facebook and Twitter and joining in on the conversation. http://facebook.com/PixelatedSPEED & http://twitter.com/PixelatedSPEED 

Bandit Big Rig Series Returns to Mobile International Speedway on March 23rd & PixelatedSPEED Will Be There

The Bandit Big Rig Series returns to Mobile Speedway on March 23rd. Cody Slowinski (63) races side-by-side with Tyler Krukeberg on the frontstretch at Mobile in 2018 during the inaugural event. (Robyn Kruckeberg/Robyn K Photos)

By: Daniel Vining, Twitter: @danielvining

IRVINGTON, Alabama (March 20, 2019) -- The Bandit Big Rig Series is returning to Mobile International Speedway for the second year in a row to open up it’s 2019 racing season on March 23, 2019. The Bandits will fill the entire day with an assortment of racing entertainment, providing a great experience for fans at the high-banked half-mile oval.

The Bandit Series features full sized semi-trucks, trimmed out for racing. Racing consists of time trials, heat racing and features. The Bandit Series travels around the country, racing at short tracks from Wisconsin to Florida.

Last year, Allen Boles won the feature event, beating out Tommy Boileau and collecting a cool $10,000 in the process.

Mobile Speedway General Manager Kody Lyons took some time to talk to PixelatedSPEED about the upcoming event for this year.

“We are certainly looking forward to the Bandits as they give the fans something different,” he said. “The largest race vehicles in the country flying around this high-bank true half-mile short track, and they put on such a great show, the fans just eat it up.”

Lyons explained that Mobile Speedway’s lack of an outside wall (except for along the frontstretch) just adds to the excitement that the Bandit Series brings.

“Really and truly this weekend is a show everyone needs to attend and watch, he said. “They are 11,000 pound race trucks with heavy gauge front and rear bumpers and they are not afraid to use them! These drivers beat and bang, and I tell you another thing, with Mobile not having a outside wall, that doesn’t make them second guess, they will put it threewide and use that top line and the entire track. They are truly fearless in these massive rigs!”

Bandit Series owner Craig Kruckeberg is also a driver in the series, and echoed Lyons comments about the lack of an outside wall, giving nothing but praise about Mobile Speedway.

“The Bandit Big Rig Series has been growing like a weed,” he said. “We loved it down there last year, and I like the fact there is no wall around most of the track.”

Lyons is optimistic about the return of the Bandit Series as Mobile Speedway looks to put it’s best foot forward going into the speedway’s 2019 racing season.

“This race was such a great kick off race last year and brought in a large crowd of new and existing fans to the track last year, that we hope we get the same or better response this year, said Lyons. “We will be using this race to introduce these people to our full 2019 schedule and price format, which is finally complete and up on the website now.”

“There are new additions including a demolition derby, chain racing, kids bike race, skid racing, a school bus race, and spectator racing along with dropping the prices for every single regular season race to $10, $5 and FREE, we hope to carry the momentum the entire year.”

For the Bandit Big Rig Series, this is race number one of a 12 race season. Mobile Speedway kicks things off before the series heads up to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on April 27th. The series will also visit several tracks across the Midwest region of the country, before heading back down to the Deep South, taking on the challenges of Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida on August 31st.

PixelatedSPEED will be on hand this weekend, covering all the action with stories, photos and video from Mobile International Speedway.

For those coming out to the track to experience this madness live, tickets start at $15.00 and Kids 8 & Under get in FREE!

For more information on the Bandit Big Rig Series, check out their website, https://www.banditseries.com and follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/The-Bandit-Series-1078154025529348/

PixelatedSPEED is a motorsports news and views website covering all things racing and has been “Bringing Pixels 2 Pavement Since 2018”. If you've made it this far into the post, thank you. Please consider sharing this content on the interwebs and following PixelatedSPEED on Facebook and Twitter and joining in on the conversation. http://facebook.com/PixelatedSPEED & http://twitter.com/PixelatedSPEED 

Casey Roderick Wins Chaotic Baby Rattler 125 That Results in Surprises on the Podium

Casey Roderick has won dozens of races in his the Ronnie Sanders Pro Late Model. He scored his first win in the Baby Rattler at South Alabama Speedway on March 16, 2019. (Daniel Vining/PixelatedSPEED)

By: Daniel Vining, Twitter: @danielvining

OPP, Alabama (March 19, 2019) -- Sometimes you have to be both lucky and good to win a race. On Saturday, March 16th, Casey Roderick was indeed both lucky and good by having a competent racecar and being fortunate enough to avoid the late race chaos to come away with a massive victory in the Baby Rattler 125 Pro Late Model race at South Alabama Speedway.

Roderick started on the outside pole, but faded early with an ill-handling car. In a race that normally would not require it, Roderick brought his machine to the attention of the crew for adjustments during one of the race’s many cautions.

That move, and the moves made to avoid getting collected in the chaos created by leaders Bubba Pollard and Connor Okrzesik, allowed Roderick to emerge victorious in the prelude event to the 43rd Annual Ratter 250.

“I was worried about the car getting tight on me, and it did,” said Roderick. “It got real tight where I couldn’t do nothing with it. The front end wasn’t in the racetrack… I’d go into the corner and it’d wash up. I was having to do a lot of footwork, a lot of hand work and forcing the car where I needed it to go. You kill your tires doing that and I was killing them.”

“We had that caution there, and there was only a few cars behind us and I said dang we ain’t got nothing to lose so let’s come in a try and make an adjustment to try and make it better.”

“We made a couple of adjustments and went back out and it was a totally different race car. It wasn’t the best, but it was a lot better than what we were and we were able to progress after that.”

“Got ourselves in position with those last few cautions to sit third and be in position for what happened with the leaders in front of us when we took advantage and went underneath them.”

The surprise on the podium went to Kyle McCallum, who finished second in the event.

“People were being a little too aggressive to start with,” said McCallum. “It’s a long race and really no need to push it until 50 to go but that’s how it is at a lot of these places.

“Finishing second in this race is great. We’ve struggled a lot, especially the last three or four years so hopefully this is a step in the right direction.”

Also finding his way through the chaos, third place Jack Dossey III was a strong contender throughout the race. Dossey led several laps, and was in the top five all night, being in the right position to capitalize on the follies of the leaders ahead of him.

“I saw things getting kinda dicey and wanted to lay back and lay in the weeds, kinda fly under the radar,” said Dossey. “I knew it was gonna get they way with ten to go.

“I think we about a fifth place car. I don’t think we had anything for Bubba Pollard, but I think we had a really strong race car. He’s in his own league… that’s expected, he’s the best in the country and that’s what he’s supposed to do.

The start of the race saw Patrick Lutillipe and Justin South lead, with South putting up a convincing performance early. The second stint of the race saw Jack Dossey take the point. It wasn’t long, however, before Bubba Pollard and polesitter Connor Okrzesik rose to the top, beginning what became a very chaotic sequence of events. Pollard was very strong, but Okrzesik hounded Pollard, getting right up to his bumper many times.

Warnings from race control about jumping restarts, and games being played by the leading duo led to an eruption in turn four during the final ten laps as the Pollard and Okrzesik tangled. The incident meant the end of the race for both, and collected early frontrunner Justin South in the process.

In the fallout of the drama in turn four, a furious Bubba Pollard emerged from his car and proceeded to confront lead technical inspector Ricky Brooks, who had stationed himself in turn four to watch the restarts.

Pollard objected to Okrzesik not being penalized sooner for jumping restarts, though race control had warned that both drivers were in jeopardy of receiving the black flag just prior to the turn four contact.

At the end of the night, Casey Roderick came out on top, surviving perhaps the most interesting show of the weekend.

And yes, Roderick gladly posed with the rattlesnake in victory lane.

PixelatedSPEED is a motorsports news and views website covering all things racing and has been “Bringing Pixels 2 Pavement Since 2018”. If you've made it this far into the post, thank you. Please consider sharing this content on the interwebs and following PixelatedSPEED on Facebook and Twitter and joining in on the conversation. http://facebook.com/PixelatedSPEED & http://twitter.com/PixelatedSPEED 

Dream Comes True as Giovanni Bromante Wins 43rd Rattler 250

Giovanni Bromante emerged from his racecar victorious in his Super Late Model debut, winning the 43rd Rattler 250 at South Alabama Speedway on March 17, 2019. (Daniel Vining/PixelatedSPEED)

By: Daniel Vining, Twitter: @danielvining

OPP, Alabama (March 17, 2019) -- Giovanni Bromante drove to victory lane, winning the 43rd Annual Ratter 250 at South Alabama Speedway on Sunday, opening up the 2019 Southern Super Series season and completing a dream scenario in what was his debut race behind the wheel of a Super Late Model. To get there, Bromante beat two former Ratter 250 champions in Harrison Burton (2nd), and Ty Majeski (3rd).

Bromante made his Super debut after being out of any racecar for the past eight months following a nasty dirt bike crash in October 2018 that left the Anthony Campi Racing driver with an injured back.

“It was just a good day, the car was really good from the beginning,” said Bromante. “I can’t thank Anthony Campi Racing enough for giving me such a great piece. This is really just a dream come true to be in victory lane at my first Super Late Model race.”

Bromante was a contender throughout the entire race, leading the most laps in the event. He and Ty Majeski battled hard throughout the first 100 laps of the race, trading licks and using lapped traffic to pass each other.

“I timed it wrong and I hit him, and he repaid the favor,” said Bromante. “You know, that’s just racin’. I got by him and the car was really good so I was able to pull away and win this race.”

The middle portion of the race was dominated by Majeski, but the former Ratter 250 winner began to fade, relinquishing the lead to Bromante on lap 177. From there, Bromante checked out on the field until the waning laps, when defending Ratter 250 winner Harrison Burton made a late race charge, getting to the bumper of Bromante but failing to make the pass, allowing Bromante to pick up the checkered flag.

“I just raced my race, and it really paid off,” said Bromante. “The car was just so good from the beginning so I wasn’t really worried about anybody passing me because I knew I could get back by them. It was just a really great day.”

Harrison Burton, finishing second, had run in the top five all day long, but come up just shy of scoring a repeat win in this race.

“I was a lot of fun,” said Burton. “We came from the middle of the pack kinda like we did last year and eventually got up to second and started to try and ride and save tires. Gio took off for about the first 20 laps and then I started trying to run him back down and just couldn’t quite get back to him.”


While he didnt’ pick up the win, Burton was still very upbeat with the result, and the racing in general.
“It was a fun race and I was glad that I was able to come out here and race,” he said. “I’m so busy now with the Truck and ARCA deal… I miss Super Late Models, they are some of my favorite racecars to drive, for reasons like this.”

He added, “What a great race, and great crowd. We’re out here in the middle of Alabama and there are still thousands of people that come out to watch these races and cheer us on. I love the community around Super Late Models, I love the competition and I wish I could race them more often.”

Ty Majeski faded to a very distant third place, thinking there would have been more yellows that would have given him the opportunity to catch back up and mount a late charge.

“We just played our cards a little bit wrong,” said Majeski. “We just thought there was going to be another competition caution and it never came. I let Gio and Harrison go there with 80 to go or whatever it was thinking that they were gonna go racin’ and burn their stuff up and there’d be another yellow but unfortunately it never came.”

Touching on some other big names in the field…

• Augie Grill’s day ended on lap 8 after contact with Dawson Fletcher in turn four sent Grill spinning into the inside wall. In the process, Kyle Bryant was jacked up by Logan Bearden, with the resulting damage causing Grill, Bryant and Bearden to drop out of the event.

• The front row of the 43rd Rattler 250 consisted of 2014 winner Casey Roderick on the pole, alongside former Baby Ratter winner Stephen Nasse.
  
  Roderick seemed to be off the pace compared to his rivals during the first 100 laps of the race, ultimately pulling his machine behind the wall with drive train issues. Roderick won the Baby Rattler 125 on Saturday night.
  
  Nasse had a left rear tire come loose, causing him to spin out near the entrance of pit road, just as a caution for Austin Nason flew. Nason made contact with another car going into turn one on lap 105, and came to a stop at the exit of turn two. In the process of the caution, Nasse lost two laps getting his car down to the attention of his crew.
  
  “We had a left rear tire come loose and that’s why I spun out,” Nasse told Speed 51’s Koty Geyer.  “I needed a caution and we got that but I lost two laps trying to get the studs to strip.  Trying to make up that track position was almost impossible.  I thought I almost got a lap back but we ended up not getting it back and it’s just one of them deals where cautions never really flew when we needed them to.”

• Bubba Pollard was a top five car the bulk of the day after starting in the third spot. Contact with another driver following the race’s final restart on lap 176 left Pollard with a left front tire rub. It wasn’t long before the 2012 Rattler 250 winner began to fall back, settling in for a disappointing 13th place finish.

The next race on the calendar for the Southern Super Series is on March 29, 2019 at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida for the first Blizzard Series race of the year.

Official Results for the 43rd Annual Rattler 250:

1 81 Giovanni Bromante
2 12 Harrison Burton
3 91 Ty Majeski
4 14 Connor Okrzesik
5 17 Josh Brock
6 54 Jeff Fultz
7 24 Colin Garrett
8 21 Jeremy Pate
9 20D Jack Dossey III
10 50 Jett Noland
11 51 Stephen Nasse
12 34 Nolan Pope
13 26 Bubba Pollard
14 78 Corey Heim
15 10 Steve Dorer
16 4 Kyle Plott
17 14N Austin Nason
18 18 Casey Roderick
19 71 Dawson Fletcher
20 97 Steven Davis
21 20S Anthony Sergi
22 66 Logan Bearden
23 112 Augie Grill
24 79 Kyle Bryant

PixelatedSPEED is a motorsports news and views website covering all things racing and has been “Bringing Pixels 2 Pavement Since 2018”. If you've made it this far into the post, thank you. Please consider sharing this content on the interwebs and following PixelatedSPEED on Facebook and Twitter and joining in on the conversation. http://facebook.com/PixelatedSPEED & http://twitter.com/PixelatedSPEED 

Roderick Wins Rattler 250 Pole at South Alabama Speedway; Connor Okrzesik on Baby Rattler Pole

By: Daniel Vining, Twitter: @danielvining

OPP, Alabama (March 16, 2019) — Casey Roderick took his number 18 Phoenix Construction Super Late Model all the way to top of the chart, winning the pole for the 43rd Annual Rattler 250 at South Alabama Speedway, the opening race for the 2019 Southern Super Series season.

His time, a blistering 15.224 barely edged out Stephen Nasse’s time of 15.229 seconds. Roderick now looks to turn the pole into a second win in this prestigious race.

“Man it would be awesome”, said Roderick. “I’ve been looking for that second Rattler trophy for quite some time now, I won it back in 2014 and I’m ready to do it again so let’s see if we can get it done this weekend.”

“We are on the free side with the Super, but it’s a really good turn out for the Rattler 250… this is a fun racetrack and i love coming here. John (Dykes) and his family do an awesome job with this track and it’s one of my favorites to come to.”

Stephen Nasse was pleasantly surprised by his lap, and hopes to parlay that lap into a race winning run come Sunday.

“We wasn’t really expecting that,” said Nasse. “I have good racing car, not so much of a qualifying car, but it feels good and I have a lot of confidence going into tomorrow. We just gotta make it through the whole race… a lot of things can happen. We’re gonna change tires a couple of times, and anything can happen in these things. Just gotta keep it together; the guys have done their job now I have to do mine. It’s all up to me now, so we’ll see how it goes, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Bubba Pollard did what he seems to do everywhere he takes his race cars, put them solidly at the top of the pack and in position to win.

Pollard put his machine in the third starting position for both of the weekend’ premiere races.

“Yeah they (laps) were good, and we’re pretty happy with it,” said Pollard. “I feel like we were kinda free during the Super run, but I think as more rubber lays down tonight and it will get a little warmer… be a little slick. Tonight (for the Pro Late Model race), we’ll have to make a few adjustments.

Looking forward to the Rattler Super Late Model race, Pollard shared what he thinks it will take to win from the third starting spot.

“Patience,” he said. “You have to be there at the end of all 250 laps… just put yourself in the right positions… when we come in to pit we have to make the right calls and the right adjustments.”

In qualifying for the 14th Annual Grasshoper Baby Rattler 125 Pro Late Model race, Irvington, Alabama’s Connor Okrzesik our down a cool lap of 15.555 seconds, scoring the pole and beating Rattler 250 pole winner Casey Roderick and Bubba Pollard.

“We has a really quick car in practice,” said Okrzesik. “I thought if just got a new set of tires we’d have a really good shot at beating Bubba Pollard and we did.”

Okrzesik also beat Casey Roderick, who was very happy with his qualifying run.

“Good effort for the Pro,” said Roderick. “I really wasn’t expecting that. We were pretty tight in practice, but on the free side with the Super… kinda on the opposite ends on both cars.”

The 43rd Annual Rattler 250 rolls on Sunday, March 17th at 2:00pm Central.

More Reaction to the Hamner Restrictions on Practice Day at the Rattler 250

Stephen Nasse, who races with a Progressive Engine, has had plenty to say about the recent restriction imposed on competitor Hamner Racing Engines. (Daniel Vining/PixelatedSPEED.com)

By: Daniel Vining, Twitter: @danielvining

OPP, Alabama (March 15, 2019) — The big story coming into the 43rd Annual Rattler 250
weekend at South Alabama Speedway was the new restrictions imposed on Hamner Racing Engines following dyno testing during the winter.

The Hamner motors, which are the most widely used engine within the garage area at South Alabama Speedway this weekend, have a mandated spacer size of 1.350” to bring those power plants closer in line with competitors Progressive, McGunegill and RW Engines.

PixelatedSPEED spoke with Southern Super Series officials early on Friday morning about the importance of maintaining the balance of performance.

“We tested eight motors in 2011, and we got our baseline,” said senior technical inspector Ricky Brooks. “In 2011 we felt like we were as close to having everything as equal as we could. I’ve tested motors since then… every motor I’ve tested since 2011 has been spot on, including the Hamners, and even the parts motors (motors using parts from the main engine builders but put together by other independent motor manufacturers). When we dyno’d the motors after the (51st Annual Snowball) Derby the other motors were spot on, but the Hamner motor was way over that. (Brooks explained that he gives about a 1 percent allowance in the numbers for a motor to be over).”

“This was because of multiple changes that he (Hamner Racing Engines) made on his own, that he never got approved, that brought it to that level.

I asked Brooks to clarify if Hamner was in violation of the rules. While Brooks didn’t outright say that Hamner was in direct violation of a rule, he said that because Hamner changed parts without approval, that was the violation.

He added that it's common for parts and pieces to be changed out over the course of time, but the key point is that when those changes happen, they happen with the approval of the committee. In this instance, Hamner did not receive that approval.

Brooks summed up with, “These restrictors are being put in place to bring everything back in line.”

“The S.E.A.L committee performed baseline testing of these motors and it’s very important to keep these builders within the range of that baseline,” said Nicholas Rogers, Southern Super Series Race Director and seasoned tech inspector.

From the standpoint of the officials in charge of maintaining balance, it’s an effort that helps save racers from themselves by preventing the floodgates from opening and spending going into complete chaos.

Editor-in-Chief of Short Track Scene, and fellow motorsports writing colleague Matt Weaver chimes in on Twitter, making a very valid point.

“It can’t be the Wild West because it will turn into an arms race if you let the builders do whatever. That’ll cost racers too, y’know?,” said Weaver.

In the garage, there is mixed reaction. The thoughts of several racers have been well documented, including Stephen Nasse, who basically called out Hamner Racing Engines as cheaters, but also added to the conversation of the importance of the balance of performance in an interview with PixelatedSPEED earlier in the day at SAS. Note, Nasse races with engines built by Progressive Engines.

“The deal that’s going on with that is a crazy deal right now but I hear they’re getting to the bottom of it,” said Nasse. “They are really trying to sugar coat it for Hamner because they don’t want to discredit all the wins they’ve gotten in the past couple years, but in all reality 18 horsepower is 18 horsepower. “

He continued, “You have certain specs you’re supposed to run inside the motors, and if you’re outside the rules no matter which way you want to put it…”

“The balance of performance is very important,” added Nasse. “The spec engine program was brought in to save racers money. When you’re starting to jack those prices up by doing all these performance edges you’re losing the point of what we came to the spec motors for. I just want it all to be on a level playing field and put it in the hands of the drivers and I think we are heading that way.”

Ronnie Sanders, car owner of the machines driven by Casey Roderick added his thoughts while waiting in the tech line this morning.

“If it’s the 18 horsepower they are saying it is, that’s a lot, “ said Sanders. “A lot of teams are already using restrictor plates to reduce tire spin. I’ll say this… I think they should’ve used a chassis dyno at the Derby right after the race instead of sending the motors off. By the time they are tested they could have all kinds of things different on them. Carbs, timing and many other things that will tell you where that horsepower number really is.”

It should be noted that the motors tested from the Derby were taken directly from the cars and placed in a van within sight of the other teams, the inspectors and media… including myself.

While some drivers have used restrictors voluntarily to help prevent tire spin, some, like Marietta, Georgia's Kyle Plott, prefer having all the available power at the ready.

“I never run restrictors,” said Plott. “That gas pedal is on a hinge for a reason. It’s going to help me at the end of the race, no doubt.

Others, like defending Rattler 250 champion Harrison Burton have chosen to not worry about the engine adjustments. While Burton’s car is powered by a Hamner, he said that because he drives so many different types of race cars, the adjustment really hasn’t affected him.

“It’s hard for me to tell, really,” said Burton. “I drive so many different cars I don’t really have an exact feel for every motor. I have an idea what it should feel like and everything but a small change is hard for to pick up on. We seem to be quick and competitive and that’s all I really care about.”

He added, “Our idea was that we weren’t really going to complain about it… we’re just gonna take it (the motor) and try to whoop their butts with it.”

Again, the widespread opinion throughout the fanbase is that Hamner shouldn’t be penalized for making their motors better over time. I personally still feel that in Super Late Model racing, teams and builders should have more room for innovation and evolution.

I understand, however, the point of the officials that want to keep the costs down at a more manageable, and reasonable level.

Over the next few months, it seems likely that further changes will be made in an effort to bring Hamner Racing Engines back in line with the rest of the engine builders that service these Super Late Models, most likely resulting in the lifting of the engine restrictions in the long run.

Until then, however, teams and drivers will have to adjust to the current requirements and continue to work to move forward.

Moving forward starts with the completion of the 43rd Annual Ratter 250 weekend at South Alabama. Tech Day is over, Saturday will feature qualifying for the Southern Super Series cars, and the running of the Baby Ratter 125 for the Pro Late Models.

PixelatedSPEED is a motorsports news and views website covering all things racing and has been “Bringing Pixels 2 Pavement Since 2018”. If you've made it this far into the post, thank you. Please consider sharing this content on the interwebs and following PixelatedSPEED on Facebook and Twitter and joining in on the conversation. http://facebook.com/PixelatedSPEED & http://twitter.com/PixelatedSPEED