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by Dave Sully

September 9

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dave Sully- Little Valley Speedway

Ron Smoker Leads Big Block Tour Into Little Valley

Veteran modified driver Ron Smoker from North Boston, NY, who began his
career on the dirt in Western New York, running 358s, and big blocks, will be
returning to his roots when he leads the Big Block Modified Tour, formerly
known as the BRP tour, to Little Valley Speedway on Saturday, September 21st.
 It will be the final race of the 2002 season at the fast ½ mile oval, and
the final point race in the Big Block Tour. The evening will co-feature the
Empire Super Sprints, making their second appearance of the year.

Smoker, who has won three races on the tour and leads the point battle as of
this writing, has been having a dream season, highlighted by nine wins and
the track championship at Dave Blaney's Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio,
including a stunning victory over NASCAR stars Blaney and Tony Stewart.

Previously, he gained fame on the midget circuit, winning the championship at
the now defunct Sixteenth Street Speedway in Indianapolis, claiming two
national midget races, and placing third in the prestigious Hut Hundred at
the legendary Terre Haute Action Track in Terre Haute, Indiana.  Last season
he recorded a third at the Moody Mile at Syracuse, his highest big block
finish ever in the October Classic.

He will be attempting to clinch the Big Block title when they return to the
scene of one of their most exciting races of last season at Little Valley, a
race which saw Rex King come from the rear twice during the race to win by a
whisker.

Joining the Big Blocks will be the Empire Super Sprints, led by seven time
champion Mike Woodring from Eden, who has a comfortable lead for his eighth
title.  Mike also has recorded one of the fastest speeds ever at Little
Valley, clocking 140 mile per hour down the front straightaway.  Along with
Mike and the other ESS stars will be his teammate, sensational rookie, Erin
Crocker, who has claimed three wins and has driven like a seasoned veteran.

Also on the card will be the Super Stocks, Street Stocks, and School Buses in
a dynamite conclusion to the season.  Gates open at 3:00, with the first race
at 6:00.  Tickets for this special show are $15 for adults, with those under
12 admitted free.

Little Valley Speedway is located on the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds in
Little Valley, New York, located on Rt. 353, just north of Salamanca off
I-86.  As always, there is free camping, with hookups, available on the
grounds.  For more information, including pre-race and group sales, contact
the track at (716) 938-9146, or log on to our website
www.littlevalleyspeedway.com.

*****************************************************************

August 29

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dave Sully- Little Valley Speedway

DIRT 358s Join Super Lates at Little Valley

The Super Late Models return for the second week in a row and their final
race, as the season winds down at Little Valley Speedway.  A full card of
racing will be held on Saturday, September 7th at 6:00 PM, an hour earlier
than the usual starting time. Topping the list will be the lightning fast
Super Late Models, vying for the top prize of $2500 for 25 laps, and
continuing their quest for the point title, which will be decided that night.
 Dick Barton, Bob Close, Todd Andrews, and Ron Davies all have legitimate
shots at the title, with Barton and Close neck and neck for the lead.

Also appearing at the speedway for their annual shootout are the 358
modifieds, who will be gunning for a winner's check of $2500 for 25 laps, and
a coveted qualifying spot at Syracuse for Super Dirt Week, and the All Star
Race at Fulton during the Victoria 200 Weekend.  Originally advertised as a
guaranteed starting spot in the Victoria 200, Fulton officials departed from
past practice and created the All Star format to reduce the number of
guaranteed cars in the field.  All those who qualify for the All Star event
will get $300 to start.

The Super Stocks led by Bill Holmes, who has a commanding lead, will run 20
laps, and with two races remaining, anything can happen.  The race for second
is hot, with Steve Watson, Bob Dixon, Kyle Bradigan, and the ageless Ron
Baker all in serious contention.  The Street Stocks, with Wayne Mohawk and
Jim Kennerknecht leading the way, will race 15 laps, with the championship
still in doubt.  The school buses will round out the card.  Remember, racing
will start at 6:00PM, with the gates opening at 3:00.

Tickets for this event are $15 for adults, with those under 12 admitted free.
 As always, there is free camping on the grounds.  Little Valley Speedway is
located on the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds in Little Valley, New York. 
Little Valley is on State Route 353 eight miles north of Interstate 86 Exit
#20 [Salamanca] westbound and twelve miles northeast of Interstate 86 Exit
#16 [Randolph] eastbound.  From the Buffalo area LVS is accessed off State
Route 242 10 miles southwest of Ellicottville / Route 219.  The Speedway
office phone is 315-536-3728 or 716-938-9146 [race day]. The World Wide Web
address is www.littlevalleyspeedway.com
 

************************************************************

August 25

Scott Edges Barton At Little Valley Amidst Blizzard of Yellow

By Dave Sully

(Little Valley, NY)  David Scott from Garland, PA, put on a dazzling display
of rim riding to take the $3000 winner's share in the 30 lap Super Late Model
Feature at Little Valley Speedway on Saturday, August 24th, but not before
ten cautions put their stamp on the outcome.  There was plenty of action in
the race, but the cavalcade of cautions from the normally clean running late
model drivers prevented any real flow from developing and produced some
frayed nerves at night's end.

Bob Close from Eldred, PA, who went into the event two points ahead of
defending champion, Dick Barton from Ashville, took the early lead from the
outside front row, outgunning polesitter, Mike Wonderling, from Wellsville to
the first turn.  Barton quickly jumped into second, and then the first
caution flew for a spin in turn four that seemed to set the tenor for the
rest of the race.

When the contest resumed, Close and Barton had a short but intense battle,
which saw them swap the lead before the next caution flew on lap three.  When
the green flew once again, Barton got by Close and took Scott, who started
sixth, with him.  Barton and Scott then went at each other hammer and tong,
with Scott hounding Barton, even briefly taking the lead on lap eight, before
King Richard took command once more.  This scenario continued through several
cautions, the struggle continuing on each restart, with Scott bouncing off
the cushion high, and Barton characteristically hugging the bottom.
During a lap thirteen caution, Close dove into the pits, apparently with a
flat tire, and returned at the rear of the field, without losing a lap.

A caution on lap twenty-five was particularly helpful to Scott as seconds
before it flew he jumped the cushion during one of his bonzai charges through
turn two, losing considerable ground to Barton.  The caution got it all back.
 On the ensuing restart, confusion reined, as Scott made an outside pass on
Barton in turn one, but the yellow flew again as they exited turn two,
apparently due to a safety vehicle pushing a car from the previous caution
toward the track on the backstretch.  When the cars lined up for the restart,
Scott was placed in front of the Barton machine (there were conflicting
reports as to why this was done), from where he led the remaining laps,
enduring one final exasperating caution on lap twenty-six.  At the line it
was Scott by about four car lengths.
Barton came home second, followed by Todd Andrews, Ron Davies, and Close, who
salvaged a good finish despite his earlier misfortune.

Scott offered this explanation for what transpired.  "I was dedicated to the
top.  The track changed a lot from when the super stocks started to when it
was over.  We didn't really tighten up the car enough to run the bottom.  It
got pretty slick in the middle.  I was pretty much committed to the cushion
and Dick knew that.  He was running it.  Then he tried something different,
and it just didn't work out for him."  Of the fateful lap twenty-five
restart, he observed, "That was the whole thing.  If they'd have took that
deal back because of that screwed up deal, I doubt Dick would have ever made
another mistake."

While Barton gave Scott credit for his fine effort, he and his team were
understandably perplexed by the turn of events and were looking for some kind
of official explanation for the ruling that they felt cost them the lead and
ultimately, the race.  The only solace for Barton is that with his second
place finish and Close's fifth, he takes over the point lead, going into the
final two races of the season.

In other action, current point leader "Billy the Kid" Holmes from Chaffee
captured an exciting 20 lap Super Stock event, passing his closest rival in
the points battle, Steve Watson, from Coudersport, PA, on lap fifteen and
then holding him off the final five circuits.  Holmes, who started eleventh,
was aided by some aggressive driving on the part of his competitors, which
made moving to the front somewhat easier.  Dave Miller was leading when he
broke on a restart on lap two.  On lap four, leader Doug Ricotta and Bruce
Miller tangled, putting them at the rear.  Then on lap ten ageless veteran
Ron Baker and Jack Harrington came together in turn two as they fought for
the lead.

By the time the race restarted after a spin on lap eleven, the smooth driving
Holmes was in third, mostly by being patient and staying out of trouble.  He
turned up the wick at that point, moving into second on the restart and then
making the lap fifteen pass which led to the victory and a check for $1000.  
Watson finished second, followed by Tim Dunham, Todd Hansen, and Ricotta, who
made a gallant charge from the rear following his mishap earlier in the race.

Wayne Mohawk from Irving, won his second 15 lap Street Stock Feature of the
season, passing leader Rob Stromecki on the final lap, following a restart,
to collect $500.  Mohawk, the current point leader, was followed over the
line by points runner-up Jim Kennerknecht, Stromecki, Jason Schoonmaker, and
Roger Ball.

In the final event of the evening, Kenny Foster won the School Bus race,
prevailing over Ray Wright.

NOTES:  With the threat of rain in the area all day long, the late model car
count took a hit, as some of the drivers from the far reaches didn't take the
risk of a long drive going for naught……There were sixteen late models,
thirty-four super stocks, thirty-two street stocks and five buses in the
pits…….The weather and possibly the televised Winston Cup Race at Bristol
also took its toll on attendance, although a decent crowd braved the
threatening weather to see the show….. The next race is the Labor Day special
on Sunday, September 1st, when the late models do battle once more, joined by
the pro stocks, back for an encore performance.  Gates open at 3:00 and
racing starts at 6:00, an hour earlier than usual.

Late Model Finish: (30 laps) David Scott, Dick Barton, Todd Andrews, Ron
Davies, Bob Close, Ed Carley, Andy Kania, John Haggerty, Dan Dunham, Eric
Ensell, Tony Lombardi, Mike Wonderling, Rick Isadore, Frank Poniatowski, Kirk
Bradley, and Rob DeGolier.  Heat winners were Scott and Carley.

Super Stock Finish:  (20 laps) Bill Holmes, Steve Watson, Tim Dunham, Todd
Hansen, Doug Ricotta, Ron Baker, Kyle Bradigan, Bruce Miller, Jack
Harrington, TJ Shaw, Bob Dixon, Jr. Peters, Tim Schram, Andy Miller, Tim
Rockwell, John Kemp, Jeremy Wonderling, Brock Young, Dave Miller, Todd Rice,
Darren Kish, Don Wagner, Mike Coast, Jason Dupont, Gary McDowell, and Dustin
Croft.  Heat winners were Shaw, Harrington, and Holmes.  Consi winner was Jr.
Peters.

Street Stock Finish: (15 laps)  Wayne Mohawk, Jim Kennerknecht, Rob
Stromecki, Jason Schoonmaker, Roger Ball, Ted Ingalls, Lee Zimmerman, Jim
Parmenter, Jerry Condren, Kevin Hill, Scott Bennett, Joe Pocobello, Allen
Jerge, Art Jimerson, Steve Dixon, Colin Kulpa, Adam Cox, Tony Colantine, Bill
Deming, Lee Wulff, Darryl Greene, Shawn Parks, and Kevin Pangrazio.  DQ-
Chuck Biniarz, Ken Donkert.  Heat winners were Biniarz, Stromecki, and
Kennerknecht.  Consi winner was Parmenter.

School Bus Finish: (10 laps)  Kenny Foster, Ray Wright, Corry Allen, Ron
Foster, and Wayne Osgood.

*******************************************************************************

August 22

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dave Sully- Little Valley Speedway

Pro Stocks Return to Little Valley with Super Lates for Labor Day Special

Little Valley Speedway will present its Labor Day Full Fender Special on
Sunday, September 1st, featuring the return of the DIRT Pro Stocks, who put
on a great race when they debuted at the lightning fast ½ mile clay oval on
July 3rd, with the margin of victory a scant half car length, one of the
closest finishes in a long time.  The Pro Stocks will race 25 laps for $1000
to win.  Co-featured will be the Super Late Models, who are embroiled in a
tight points battle, racing for 30 laps and $3000 to win.

Thirty Pro Stocks were on hand for their first appearance and the drivers
took to the track immediately, all of them enjoying the speed they could run
at Little Valley, arguably the second fastest track they get to run, behind
Syracuse.  Scott Kerwin from Newfane put on a driving clinic as he came from
the rear of the field after an earlier mishap, being nipped at he wire as he
made a final straightaway charge.  As fortunes played out, his No. 7 was
declared the winner after post race inspection revealed a technical violation
on the No. 92.1 of Joey Ladouceur. You can look for the same kind of action
when the drivers return with race experience under their belts.

The Super Late Models will be making their second last appearance and there
are a number of top runners with a shot at the title, including perennial
front runners, Dick Barton from Ashville, Bob Close from Eldred, PA, Todd
Andrews, also from Eldred and "Mr. Outside," Ron Davies from Warren, PA. 
Others who have found Little Valley to their liking are past winner Scott
Haus from Hamburg, PA, David Scott from Garland, PA, Brent Rhebergen from
Clymer, Andy Kania from Erie, and Mike Wonderling from Wellsville.  The
competition should be fierce as the season winds down.

Also on the card will be the Super Stocks, led by "Billy the Kid" Holmes from
Chaffee, and the Street Stocks, led by Wayne Mohawk from Irving and Jim
Kennerknecht from Erie. 

Gates open at 3:00, an hour earlier than usual, and racing starts at 6:00,
again an hour earlier than the regular starting time.  Tickets are $12 for
adults, with those under 12 admitted FREE.  As always, there is free camping,
with hook-ups, available on the grounds.

Little Valley Speedway is located at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds on
Rt. 353 in Little Valley, NY, just north of Salamanca off I-86.  For more
information, contact the office at 315-536-3728, the track at 716-938-9146,
or visit our website at www.littlevalleyspeedway.com.

*****************************************************************

August 10

Dave Sully- Little Valley Speedway

Little Valley Back in Action on August 24th

On August 24th, Little Valley Speedway will be back in action, after a hiatus
for the Cattaraugus County Fair, with a full card of racing action, headlined
by the Super Late Models, vying for a $3,000 winner's check.  Following a
highly successful Tri State Championship Series in conjunction with Raceway 7
and McKean, which was won by Bob Close from Eldred, PA, over Ashville, New
York's Dick Barton by a single point, the extremely tight Late Model point
chase at Little Valley continues, with Close leading Barton by a mere two
points, 72 to 70.  With three races remaining, there are a number of drivers
in contention, including Todd Andrews from Eldred, PA, and Ron Davies from
Warren, PA, who are tied for third with 58 points, plus Scott Haus from
Hamburg, PA, and Waterford, PA's Andy Kania, who are tied for fourth with 52
points. 

Also on the program will be the Super Stocks, racing for $1,000 to win and
for a guaranteed berth in the King of the Hill at Ransomville Speedway on
Saturday, September 14th. Bill Holmes from Chaffee currently leads that
division, with 74 points, followed by Steve Watson from Coudersport, PA, Bob
Dixon from Smethport, PA, and Todd Rice from Eldred, PA, tied for second with
55. 

The Street Stocks, led by Jim Kennerknecht from Erie, PA, who has won six of
the last eight races at the Little Valley half mile will be competing for
$500 to win.  Despite winning the last two races Kennerknecht trails Wayne
Mohawk from Irving by six points, 75 to 69, with Ted Ingalls from Cuba at 66
and Bergen's Lee Zimmerman at 65 still very much in the hunt. 

The school buses will be racing as well, with their unique brand of
competition.  Kenny Foster from Great Valley has a comfortable lead over Ray
Wright from Little Valley in the title chase, 78 to 64, but Wright is trailed
closely by Steamburg's Ron Foster, who is only 2 points behind him in third.

Gates open at 4:00, with the first race at 7:00.  Tickets are $12 for adults,
with those under 12 years old admitted free. Little Valley Speedway is
located on the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds in Little Valley, New York. 
Little Valley is on State Route 353 eight miles north of Interstate 86 Exit
#20 [Salamanca] westbound and twelve miles northeast of Interstate 86 Exit
#16 [Randolph] eastbound.  From the Buffalo area LVS is accessed off State
Route 242 10 miles southwest of Ellicottville / Route 219.  The Speedway
office phone is 315-536-3728 or 716-938-9146 [race day]. The World Wide Web
address is www.littlevalleyspeedway.com

**************************************************************

June 30

Dave Sully- Little Valley Speedway


Friesen and Pesarek added to Little Valley Pro Stock Field

Eighteen year old Stewart Friesen, son of Ransomville Speedway promoter Jamie
Friesen, and an accomplished racer despite his tender years, will be
accepting a new challenge, as he will chauffeur the No. 7 Good Guys
Transmissions Monte Carlo of Scott Kerwin, who has prior commitments, at the
Empire Network Super DIRT Series Pro Stock tour event at Little Valley
Speedway on Wednesday, July 3rd.  Friesen drives the No. 10a Sportsman car at
Ransomville, where he is the current point leader and winner of the 25 lap
event on June 28th, and Merrittville Speedway.  He is also an accomplished
three quarter midget pilot.  Racing both outdoors at Lancaster Motorsports
Park and other venues, and indoors on the tough Norhtern Motorsports Indoor
Midget Series at the Niagara Falls Convention Center, Stewart has had
remarkable success.  Racing indoors against the likes of Greg Furlong, and
Lou Cicconi, he garnered a victory at the tender age of seventeen and is one
of the fiercest competitors on the circuit.  No stranger to high speed,
Friesen will get the chance to test his mettle against the top Pro Stock
pilots at what is arguably the fastest track, other than Syracuse, that the
Pro stocks will visit.

Also making an appearance at Little Valley will be Steve Pesarek, the 1995
Mr. DIRT Pro Stock champion, who will be piloting the Met Life Monte Carlo of
tour director, Dave McCready, in quest of the $1,000.00 winner's check.

The Pro Stock tour event will be part of the largest purse in Little Valley
history as the Super Late Models will running 30 laps for $3,000.00 to win,
the Super Stocks will be racing for $1,000 to win, and the Street Stocks
$500.00 for coming home first.

Gate open at 4:00 and racing begins at 7:00. There will also be a fireworks
display at the conclusion of the racing activities. Tickets are $12.00 for
adults and those under 12 are admitted Free.  Free camping with hookups is
available on the grounds.

Little Valley Speedway is located on the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds in
Little Valley, New York.  Little Valley is on State Route 353 eight miles
north of Interstate 86 Exit #20 [Salamanca] westbound and twelve miles
northeast of Interstate 86 Exit #16 [Randolph] eastbound.  From the Buffalo
area LVS is accessed off State Route 242 10 miles southwest of Ellicottville
/ Route 219.  The Speedway office phone is 315-536-3728 or 716-938-9146 [race
day]. The World Wide Web address is www.littlevalleyspeedway.com

******************************************************

June 26

Dave Sully- Little Valley Speedway


Tri State Championship Series Concludes at Little Valley

The first Tri State Championship Series for Super Late Models, featuring a
collaborative effort between Ron Neilson of Raceway 7 in Conneaut, Ohio;
Dennis Shutt of McKean County Raceway in E. Smethport, Pennsylvania; and Gary
Montgomery of Little Valley Speedway in Little Valley, New York, will award
its championship at Little Valley on Sunday night, July 14th, after races the
previous two nights at Raceway 7 and McKean.

The Super Late Models have been running for a unique purse structure of
$3333.00 for 33 laps each in the six race series. So far, 71 different cars
have attempted to qualify at the three tracks. Following competition at
Little Valley on the 14th of July, a $6,000 point fund will be awarded in
addition to the regular purse. The winner will receive $3000, with the
runner-up cashing a check for $1,000. Third place money is $500, while
fourth will garner $400. Positions 5-10 will get $200 each. Racers have to
attempt to qualify in five of the six races to be eligible for the point fund
payout. With Little Valley being the final race and the likelihood that the
championship chase will not be over, the action should be hot and heavy. As
an added twist the cars will run the second round "topless," which should
give the fans a new perspective on the racing action.

Going into the second round, Dick Barton from Ashville, NY, holds a slim 14
point lead over arch rival Bob Close, from Eldred, PA, winner of the second
race of the series at McKean County on May 25th. Scott Haus from Hamburg,
PA, lies third, while Clymer, New York's Brent Rhebergen and Ron Davies,
winner of the May 26th Series race at Little Valley, round out the top five.

The Little Valley race featured a torrid battle between Davies and Bob Close,
which featured Davies running his patented high line, inches from the wall,
and then making a surprise move underneath on the backstretch late in the
race to secure the win, which had the near capacity crowd on its feet.

Also on the card will be the Super Stocks, Street Stocks, and School Buses.
Gates open at 4:00, with the first race at 7:00. Tickets are $12 for adults,
with those under 12 admitted FREE, and the facility is noted for having 3000
covered grandstand stadium seats and some of the best food on the racing
circuit. There is free camping (with hookups) on the grounds. Little Valley
Speedway is located on the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds in Little Valley,
New York. Little Valley is on State Route 353 eight miles north of
Interstate 86 Exit #20 [Salamanca] westbound and twelve miles northeast of
Interstate 86 Exit #16 [Randolph] eastbound. From the Buffalo area LVS is
accessed off State Route 242 10 miles southwest of Ellicottville / Route 219.
The Speedway office phone is 315-536-3728 or 716-938-9146 [race day]. The
World Wide Web address is www.littlevalleyspeedway.com

*************************************************

June 20

Dave Sully- Little Valley Speedway

Freedom Daze at Little Valley to Feature Late Models and Pro Stocks

Little Valley Speedway will place host to a varied offering of motorsports
action on July 3rd and 4th, at the traditional Freedom Daze spectacular. On
Wednesday evening, July 3rd, the Super Late models will race for a winner's
check of $3,000.00 for 30 laps, while the Empire Sports Network Pro Stock
Super DIRT Series will make its first ever appearance at the fast ½ mile clay
oval in a 25 lap tour event, paying $1,000 to win, with a generous payout to
the runners-up. In addition, the Super Stocks will be racing 20 laps for
$1,000.00 to win in a special event, which is being carried over from the
June 14th rainout, along with the Street Stock 15 lap race which offers
$500.00 to the winner. All told the purse represents a record for Little
Valley (just under $25,000), further testimony to the commitment that track
officials have to making the Speedway a major player in Northeast racing
circles.

Many Western New York drivers are represented in the Pro Stock Tour roster,
including
Dave Schulz from Somerset, Jon Miller from Olcott, Scott Kerwin from Newfane,
who won the inaugural tour stop in Charlotte, NC, earlier this year, Pat
McCoy from Youngstown, Pete Stefanski from Wheatfield, and Lewiston
residents, Mike Williams and Roger Chrysler. In addition, there is a
Canadian contingent made up of Jeff Dayman from Port Colborne, Steve Devos
from Welland, and Rick Baker from Fort Erie. These drivers produce some of
the most competitive racing week after week at Ransomville, Merrittville, and
Gasport International Speedways.

The late models will be led by "Mr. Outside" himself, Ron Davies from Warren,
Pennsylvania, who electrified the crowd with his stunning outside moves past
perennial all-star Bob Close from Eldred, Pennsylvania, in the Tri-State
championship series race on May 26th. He will be joined by current Little
Valley track champion, Dick Barton, from Ashville, New York; Brent Rhebergen
from Clymer, who is currently 5th in Tri State points, Todd Andrews from
Eldred, Pennsylvania; and many other top late model pilots from the area.

A fine field of Super Stocks, including current champion Bob Babbitt from
Pavilion, defending McKean champion Bill Holmes from Chaffee, and the ageless
wonder, Ron Baker, will be on hand, with their own particular brand of high
speed excitement, as will the Street Stocks and their defending champion, Jim
Kennerknecht from Erie, Pennsylvania, who won five of six races last year.

On Thursday, July 4th, the School Buses, led by the local Foster boys,
defending champ Kenny, Ron, and Herbie will be on the card, along with a
Demolition Derby. Both nights will also include fireworks.

Admission on Wednesday will be $12.00 for adults with those under 12 admitted
Free. Gates open at 4:00, with the first race at 7:00. On Thursday the
admission price is a mere $6.00, with those under 7 admitted free. The action
gets underway at 7:30.

There is free camping on the grounds, so plan to stay over and catch both
shows. Little Valley Speedway is located at the Cattaraugus County
Fairgrounds on Rt. 353 in Little Valley, NY, just north of Salamanca on I-86.
For more information, call the office at (315) 536-3728 or the track at
(716) 928-9146. You can also log on to our website at
www.littlevalleyspeedway.com.

*********************************************************

June 16

Dave Sully- Little Valley Speedway

Record Purse Offered by Little Valley

The highest purse in the history of Little Valley Speedway will be up for
grabs on Wednesday, July 3rd, when the ARANY Pro Stock Tour pays its first
ever visit to the ½ mile clay track at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds on
Rt. 353 in Little Valley, NY, where it will share top billing with the Super
Late Models.  These racers will be vying for a share of just under $25,000 on
the night, as the Super Stocks and Street Stocks will also compete, followed
by a Freedom Daze fireworks display.

For the sleek full-fendered DIRT Pro Stocks, it will be an opportunity to
compete on what is arguably the second fastest track on the circuit (the
fastest being the Moody Mile at Syracuse).  With Little Valley's long
straightaways and tight turns those drivers who really like high speed will
find the race to be truly exhilarating.  They will also be sharing in a very
generous purse structure, with $1,000 going to the winner of the 25 lap
event, with $500 for second, $400 for third, $300 for fourth, and $200 for
fifth.  Even the tenth place driver will receive $150, while those finishing
15-19 will get $100.  Drivers will earn $75 to start the event. 

Going into the June 23rd Tour event at Gasport International Speedway, the
top five drivers were Dave Schulz from Somerset, NY; Tom Barron from Ontario,
NY;
Joey Ladoucuer from Alexandria, Ontario; Jon Miller from Olcott, NY; and
Scott Kerwin from Newfane.  They were separated by a mere 20 points, so the
competition should be intense.

The Super Late Models, led by the likes of current track champion Dick
Barton, arch rival Bob Close, Little Valley Tri State Championship race
winner, Ron Davies and his brother Dutch, veteran Mike Wonderling and son
Brady, Brent Rhebergen, and other top pilots, will compete for a winner's
check of $3,000 for 30 laps.

Also adding to the rich pay day will be the Super Stocks racing 20 laps for
$1,000 to win and the Street Stocks looking for a $500 winner's check for 15
laps of competition.  These two special races were originally scheduled for
Friday, June 14th as part of the Open Cockpit Reunion, featuring the Empire
Super Sprints, which was, unfortunately, rained out. The Reunion has been
rescheduled for September 21st, with the ESS and Big Block Modifieds as
headliners.

Gates open at 4:00, with the first race at 7:00.  Tickets are just $12 for
adults, with those under 12 admitted FREE.  As always there is free camping
available on the grounds.  Plan to stay over for the July 4th Freedom Daze
spectacular, featuring School Bus races, a demolition derby, and a giant
fireworks display.  Gates for that event open at 4:00, with action starting
at 7:30.  Tickets are just $6.00 for adults, with those under seven admitted
free.  The Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds are located just north of Salamanca
off I-86.

For more information, including pre-race and group sales, contact the track
at (716) 938-9146, or log on to our website at www.littlevalleyspeedway.com.

*****************************************************

June 14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dave Sully- Little Valley Speedway

Little Valley's Open Cockpit Reunion Falls Victim to Rain

(Little Valley, NY)  Persistent rain, which blanketed much of the area for
most of the day, claimed the Open Cockpit Reunion, scheduled for Friday, June
14th at Little Valley Speedway.  It also spoiled the party for the Empire
Super Sprints, who were the headline event for the evening, and special races
for the Super Stocks, which were to run for $1,000 to win, and the Street
Stocks, with the winner collecting $500.00.

Track officials have announced that the Open Cockpit Reunion has been
rescheduled as part of the ESS show on September 21st.  Hopefully, all of the
guests who were planning to attend will be available on that date.  The
special purses for the Super Stocks ($1,000 to win) and Street Stocks ($500
to win) will be included in the next scheduled event, Wednesday, July 3, when
the Freedom Daze ARANY  Pro Stock Tour and the Super Late Models will share
top billing.  The DIRT Pro Stocks will be making their first ever appearance
at Little Valley, racing 25 laps for $1,000 to win, while the Super Late
Models will be vying for a $3,000 winner's check for 30 laps of high speed
competition.

The evening will conclude with a Freedom Daze Fireworks display.  Gates open
at 4:00, with the first race at seven.  For more information, call the track
office at (315)-536-3728 or the track at (716)-938-9146. 

***************************************************

June 6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dave Sully- Little Valley Speedway


Woodring and Protégé Erin Crocker Lead ESS Invasion of Little Valley

Seven time champion and all time series win leader Mike Woodring from Eden
and his young teammate, Erin Crocker, from Wilbraham, Massachusetts, will
lead the Empire Super Sprints into Little Valley Speedway on Friday, June
14th, as part of the Open Cockpit Reunion.  Woodring is no stranger to Little
Valley, with five wins to his credit at the fast ½ mile facility.  He
considers it one of his favorite tracks. 

The program, which includes a vintage car display and guest appearances by a
number of open wheel stars of the past, including 87 year old Joe "Rubberman"
Russo, will see the second appearance by Crocker, the 21 year old Rookie of
the Year candidate, who joined forces with Woodring this season, with
Woodring acting as both driver of the No. 19 and crew chief for her ESS
effort, driving the No. 16 RPI- sponsored machine.  With the unique
sponsorship package from Rensselaear Polytechnic Institute, where she will
enter her senior year as an Industrial and Management Engineering student,
Erin has already begun to make her mark in the sprint car arena.  After four
races, she was lying ninth in points, while Woodring was second to Lance
Yonge.

The plan was for Erin to start slowly and to learn the basics of sprint car
racing, with the emphasis on making steady progress.  Erin is a very
determined individual, and the word "slow" is not part of her vocabulary, so
she didn't seem surprised by her early season performance when I spoke to her
at the World of Outlaws show at Rolling Wheels recently.  "Things are going
well.  Things started off real strong.  Then I wrecked the car a few weeks
ago, so it was back to basics.  I'm just concentrating on being consistent
right now, gradually making more and more progress."  Consistent she has
been, as she has qualified for the A Main in every race this season.  She
continues, "I haven't missed a show yet, luckily.  I've had top tens and top
fives. Personally I'm not surprised (that I've made all the shows), and I
don't really think I'm ahead of schedule, but that's by my standards.  I
think as far as what Mike expects and what he wants from me, maybe I am
(ahead of schedule).  Of course my standards are pretty high and I need to
lower them a little."  This came on the heels of a nasty flip at Tri City
Speedway in Pennsylvania, where she freely admits that she was mostly to
blame, explaining, "I got in a little too hot into turn one.  The guy in
front of me was running a totally different line.  It was 75% my fault. 
We're back to working on that."

She will be making her second appearance at Little Valley and is optimistic,
commenting, "I think I can do well there.  I like speed, and I like to able
to go in there (the turns) fast.  That's what I like, and I'm looking forward
to it."

Woodring admits that she is ahead of schedule, noting, "I knew what she could
do, but, yes, she is actually ahead of schedule.  She's passing cars which I
didn't expect her to do this fast.  I expected her to maintain positions, but
she's actually been passing, and passing good cars, quite regularly.  She's
been fast at different race tracks right out of the box.  I'm very happy with
the way things are going." 

In addition to the ESS and the ceremonies honoring heroes of the past, the
Super Stocks will compete in a $1,000 to win feature, while the Street Stocks
will vie for a $500 winner's check.  The school buses will also be racing on
this gala evening.  Gates open at 4:00, with the first race getting the green
flag at 7:00.  Tickets are $12 for adults, with those under 12 Free.

Little Valley Speedway is located on the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds, on
Rt. 353 in Little Valley, NY, just north of Salamanca, off I-86.      

****************************************

June 6

Dave Sully- Little Valley Speedway


Open Cockpit Reunion at Little Valley to Host Racing Legends

On Friday, June 14th, Little Valley Speedway will be hosting the Empire Super
Sprints in conjunction with the Open Cockpit Reunion, a gathering of some of
the most influential and colorful open wheel drivers from the past, who made
their mark on countless dirt and asphalt ovals in the Northeast.  These
legends will be honored with special ceremonies, along with a display of some
vintage racers.

One of the most interesting of those attending will be Joe "Rubberman" Russo,
who raced midgets for many years and has the Illinois State Championship in
1935, and the New York State Championship in 1948 as part of his many
credits, driving a Hyrum Hillingas-built midget powered by a flathead Ford
V-8 engine.  He still holds the three and six lap speed records for the Erie
County Fairgrounds, which he set in 1949.  Joe acquired his unusual nickname,
"Rubberman," from announcer Bill Tuttle, when he came back to race a week
after a nasty crash which saw his car climb a light pole and he emerged with
a mere broken nose.

A number of past Little Valley winners will also be in attendance, including
the winningest driver in the bygone era, Vern Harriman, from Buffalo, who
captured wins in 1960, '65, and '66, running the old fairgrounds circuit. 
Vern was also a frequent competitor at the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, in
what was affectionately known as the "Big Car" races, a traditional staple at
the fair for many years.

Other former winners expected to be honored are two time victor (1956 and
1961), Bill Spear from Warren, Ohio; Jim Schaffer, from Newcastle,
Pennsylvania, who captured back to back features in 1958 and 59; Denny Lott
from Hartville, Ohio, who won in 1968; Bob Miley from Kent, Ohio, who
triumphed in 1957; and 1975 winner Lou Fray from Shelton, Connecticut. 

They will be joined by other racing luminaries, like Cletus "Bud" Johnson
from Olean, a former "Big Car" pilot who has numerous wins to his credit; Jim
Casey from Depew, who still promotes TQ midget racing in Western New York,
along with the "Flying Mailman," Harry Macy, whose Northern Motorsports
promotes the richest indoor TQ series in the country over the winter and the
Lancaster Midgets during the summer months.  The driver of the famous Bad
Banana, Doc Hoctor, from Buffalo, will also be in attendance.  Close to 20,
with the possibility of several more, of the men who paved the way to the
sophisticated, high-powered cars of today will be on hand to share their
stories of the early days and to be honored as pioneers of the sport, in what
will become an annual event at Little Valley.

Gates open at 4:00 for this nostalgic evening, with racing starting at 7:00. 
Along with the Empire Super Sprints, featuring seven time champion and all
time win leader (including five at Little Valley), Mike Woodring, the Super
Stocks, Street Stocks, and School Buses will also be racing in what promises
to be a great night for all.  Tickets are $12 for adults, with those under 12
admitted FREE.

Little Valley Speedway is located at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds on
Rt. 353 in Little Valley, New York, just a short distance from Salamanca off
I-86.  Free camping is available on the grounds.

*************************************

May 27

Ron Davies Blitzes Field in Tri State Championship Race at Little Valley

By Dave Sully

(Little Valley, NY)  Ron Davies, from Warren, PA, who didn't qualify for the
first race of the series and finished nineteenth in the second, made a
stunning pass for the lead on a lap 5 restart, drove to a big lead an then
staged a dramatic battle with previous night's winner, Bob Close, from
Eldred, PA, to win the final race of the first round of the Tri-State
Championship Series for dirt late models at Little Valley Speedway on Sunday
night, May 26th.  Davies threw caution to the wind, sticking his No. 71D on
the extreme outside to power past leader and polesitter, Bob Close, after
moving to second from his sixth place starting spot in the early going.  He
led the rest of the way, sometimes by close to a straightaway, but some late
race drama kept the issue in doubt until the final three laps of the 33 lap
feature.

Close started on the pole by virtue of the redraw and immediately took
command until a lap five caution when Greg Fenno from Erie, PA, stopped
against the turn two wall. Davies was outside Close on the restart and
electrified the crowd with his pass for the lead.  He opened a comfortable
lead, but that evaporated on lap 7 when Rick Isadore from Smethport, PA,
suddenly came to a halt near the same spot in turn two that Fenno did.

On the restart, Davies chose the outside, with Close underneath.  Close
appeared to jump the start and took the lead, but Davies hung his car on the
outside once again and shot back into the lead in turn two, a move that had
the crowd cheering wildly.  Davies re-established his advantage until a lap
10 caution bunched the field once again.  The restart saw Davies leading
Close, Dick Barton, Todd Andrews, who started tenth, and David Scott,
followed closely by defending MACS Champ Mike Blose, who started thirteenth.

Davies checked out on the field when the race resumed, surviving a caution on
lap 16 in the process.  He was holding nearly a straightaway lead when the
final drama was set up by a caution on lap twenty-nine, when the No. 33 of
Scott Haus from Hamburg, PA, stopped in the now fateful turn two.

When the race resumed Davies jumped the cushion in turn three, allowing Close
to barrel underneath to take the lead as he roared down the front chute. 
Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Davies reappeared, flying up on the inside,
and retaking the lead on the backstretch, a move that had the crowd roaring. 
By the time everyone had a chance to exhale, Davies had driven off, and at
the line he was over a half a straight away ahead of Close.  Todd Andrews
finished third, followed by Barton, and Scott to round out the top five.  The
win was worth $3333 to Davies.

Davies explained his strategy, "All the time I've been here I've always been
an outside guy.  The track just had enough traction that we could get the job
done out there tonight.  When Bobby (Close) passed me and was on the outside,
the only move I had was on the inside.  We just had a run on him.  He pushed
a little bit, and we got back by him."  The move startled Close who never
expected it.  Davies continued, "When he got out of his car to congratulate
me, he said, 'I never thought you'd ever pass me on the bottom."  He also
explained what happened when he jumped the cushion.  "I couldn't turn.  My
car was getting tight on me, and I just couldn't get the thing turned under
power." 

Close was clearly in awe of Davies accomplishment, noting, "When it comes to
big race tracks like this, when you can barrel it in there, Ron's the master
at it.  He's a whole lot braver than I was. If I'd run her in there like that
I'd have probably knocked the wall down.  I could run out there, but I don't
have as much nerve as he's got." 

He also thought he had the race won when he passed Davies late in the race,
adding, "I thought I had him because I thought I was going to take the top
lane away from him,
and the next thing I know he came right back at me on the bottom.  The man
just doesn't give up, and he knows the limits of his race car. He can get her
done.  He jumped the cushion probably ten times going into four, and it
didn't matter.  He got right back the next time.  He drove her in there the
same as he did the last time.  If it stuck, great, and if it didn't, he
didn't care.  He's good when it comes to this kind of race track."

In other action, young Andy Miller from Wellsville, took the lead on lap
seven, and then held off a hard charging Bill Holmes from Chaffee, to capture
the 20 lap Super Stock Feature.  It was his first ever win at Little Valley. 
Wayne Mohawk also won his first race at the facility, when he passed leader
Rick Tingue from Machias on the front straight of the final circuit in the 15
lap Street Stock Feature, and Kenny Foster from Great Valley won the 8 lap
school bus race.

NOTES: There were 103 cars in the pits: 32 street stocks, 39 supers, and 32
lates…. The event played to a near capacity crowd on a clear comfortable
evening….The Tri-State Championship Series continues the weekend of July 12,
13, and 14 at Raceway 7, McKean County, and Little Valley.  The new twist is
that the cars will run "topless."….. The next action at Little Valley will be
the Open Cockpit Reunion on Friday, June 14 at 7:00, featuring the Empire
Super Sprints, led by seven time champions Mike Woodring from Eden, NY, and
his teammate, rookie Erin Crocker, who is quickly establishing herself as a
top driver in the 360 division.  There will also be a $1000 to win Super
Stock event, a $500 to win Street Stock feature, a School Bus race, and a
vintage car display, with a number of guests who drove open cockpit cars in
the 40s, 50s, and 60s. 

Late Model Feature Finish:  (33 laps)  Ron Davies, Bob Close, Todd Andrews,
Dick Barton, David Scott, Matt Urban, Mike Blose, Andy Kania, Brent
Rhebergen, Jim Yoder, Mickey Wright, Chad Ruhlman, Scott Haus, Miles
Stitzinger, Paul Davis, Kirk Bradley, Jeff Hoffman, Ed Carley, Dutch Davies,
Jim Mazur, Rick Tripodi, Rick Isadore, Greg Fenno, and Al Brewer.  DNQ: 
Lloyd Swain, Tony Lombardi, Ryan Markham, Mike Wonderling, Terry Hough, and
Scott Pangrazio.  Heat winners were Scott, Stitzinger, and  Barton.  Consi
winner was Ruhlman.

Super Stock Finish: (20 laps)  Andy Miller, Bill Holmes, Jason Dupont, Chad
Carlson, Jim Johnson, Steve Watson, Jeremy Wonderling, Bob Dixon, Kyle
Bradigan, Ron Baker, Don Wagner, Alan Tinkous, Terry Pangrazio, Bob Babbitt,
Mike Coast, Gary McDowell, Brock Young, Mike Robinson, Matt Cobb, Todd Rice,
Darren Kish, Tim Dunham, TJ Shaw, Bruce Miller, Jim Mazur, and Jason Tingue. 
DNQ:  Ed Carley, Chad Arnold, Paul Grigsby, Kenny Sturdevant, John Kemp Jr.,
Ron Heard, Tim Rockwell, Eric Edwards, Todd Hansen, Jack Harrington, Don
Krug, Alan Wais, and Mike Wonderling.  Robinson, Miller, Dupont, and Holmes. 
Consi winner was Babbitt.

Street Stock Finish: (15 laps)  Wayne Mohawk, Ted Ingalls, Rick Tingue, Steve
Dixon, Lee Zimmerman, James Parmenter, Jerry Condren, Mike Cicero, Paul
Norman, Jim Kennerknecht, Jason Schoonmaker, Joe Pocobello, Rich Conte, Brian
Crandall, Kevin Pangrazio, Ken Dankert, Allen Jerge, Ron Richter, Craig
Bedell, Ray Houser, Adam Cox, Bill Deming, Chuck Biniarz, Shane Wolfer, and
Bob Frisbee.  Heat winners were Frisbee, Zimmerman, Tingue, and Kennerknecht.
 Consi winner was Biniarz.

School Bus Finish: (8 laps) Kenny Foster, Ron Foster, Gary Reynolds, Jeff
Loomis, Cory Allen, Ray wright, Dick Tarbox, and Wayne Osgood

**********************************

May 21

Dave Sully- Little Valley Speedway


Bill Cunningham to Appear in Tri-State Championship at Little Valley

"Wild Bill" Cunningham, a regular runner on the Renegade Late Model, will be
racing in the unique Tri-State Championship Series, a two weekend, six race
competition for Super Late Models. Round one of the series begins at Raceway
7 in Conneaut, Ohio, on Friday, May, 24, and then moves to McKean County
Raceway in East Smethport, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, May 25th, concluding on
Sunday, May 26th at Little Valley Speedway in Little Valley, New York.  Each
night the region's top super late model drivers will be competing for a purse
of $3333 to win for 33 laps, with a $6000 point fund being added after the
second weekend, which will run July 12-14 at the same tracks and in the same
order.  An added bonus for the fans is that on the second weekend the cars
will run "topless."

With the announcement by Bret Emerick of the rainout of the Renegade Series
race at Portsmouth, Ohio, scheduled for May 26th, due to severe flooding
conditions, Cunningham contacted Little Valley promoter, Gary Montgomery to
say that he would be racing at Little Valley that day.  Montgomery is
presently working on bringing even more of the Renegade Series drivers in for
what promises to be a precedent setting event, which will showcase the
cooperative effort of Ron Neilson from Raceway 7, Dennis Shutt of McKean
County, and Montgomery of Little Valley. 

Cunningham joins previously announced drivers, Todd Andrews, Ryan Markham,
Dick Barton, Bob Close, and numerous other top late model pilots in pursuit
of the total purse of $72,000 for the two weekends, with top point getter
pocketing $3000 in addition to the nightly purses.  Second place money is
$1000, with $500 for third, $400 for fourth, and $200 each for fifth through
tenth.  In order to participate in the point fund a driver must attempt to
qualify in five of the six races.

For more information, contact Little Valley Speedway at 315-536-3728 or the
track 716-938-9146.  McKean County Raceway at 716-593-6984 or Raceway 7 at
814-967-4230.

May 16

Dave Sully- Little Valley Speedway


Ron Baker to Lead Super Stocks into Little Valley

Ron Baker has been racing stock cars longer than a lot of people have been
alive, beginning his illustrious career in 1957, at the age of 21.  A quick
calculation will tell you that Ron is 66 years old and has been racing for
some 45 years.  That's a long time to do anything, much less endure the
rigors of piloting a race car, but Ron is still enjoying himself, and that's
all that matters.

Ron, who lives in Freedom, New York, started racing at Southern Tier tracks
like Olean, Angelica, Cuba, Hunts Raceway, and all the little tracks around
the area.  In those days the term "stock cars," described the vehicles,
before the age of sophistication.  Ron said that in those days, you'd take a
regular car that you drove on the street, put a roll bar in it and go racing.
 He roamed the area tracks for three years and then went to the trio of
Holland, North Collins, and Perry in 1960, all of which were dirt at the
time.  He ran what were referred to as the "new" car division, and the
modifieds, affectionately known as the "B Bombs."   When they paved Holland
and Perry, he ran 1968-70 on the asphalt, but went back to dirt racing in
1971.  His only appearance on asphalt since was when he ran his brother's
mini-cup car at Lancaster last year.  Ron puts it this way, "Dirt, to me, is
where it's at.  I've tried both surfaces, and I like the dirt."

Though he has no idea how many feature wins he's had over the years, the soft
spoken Baker knows that he has quite a few track championships and points
proudly to 1972 when he recorded 25 feature wins at Woodhull, Dundee,
Allentown, and Bradford.  "It was our best year.  We were running Dodges
then," he noted.

The key to Baker's career is the enjoyment he still gets by climbing into a
race car, which is currently in the Super Stock division, one of the raciest
classes on dirt.  "Where am I going to go at sixty-six years old and have the
most fun I've had in a lot of years," he quipped.  Ron is also a realist and
knows that he can't race forever.  He knows what he will do.  "When I'm not
competitive, I'll put somebody else in the car." 

This season Ron will be running in various locales once again (McKean,
Freedom, Bradford, plus specials at Ransomville), but one track he is
particularly fond of is Little Valley Speedway, where he will appear eight
times this season.  Ron explains his affinity for the track.  "To me, I like
half miles.  I like the speed.  Speed is what turns me on.  I like running
there.  Everybody is real nice.  All the people at the track have been
excellent to all the racers as far as I can see.  I like the whole operation
down there.  I've had pretty good luck.  Two years ago I lost the
championship by five points.  Last year we were sixth in points, so we've
been pretty successful.  I definitely like the high speeds on the half mile. 
The only real drawback is that you have to have a super motor or you're not
going to survive.  I run a Dick Fite-built motor and they run pretty strong. 
I ran forty-eight races last year."

Unlike some teams that show up at the track with big haulers and all manner
of glitz, Ron's is the classic low buck operation, his hauler being an open
flat bed truck.  He explains, "I've got the girlfriend, Ronnie Lincoln, and
Ricky Wolf (who owns Rainbow Auto Repair).  We do our own thing.  Tommy Taber
down at Alfred does our chassis setup.  We go around try to keep things in
one piece and make it for the next day." 

With a philosophy like that and experiencing the success that he does, we can
expect to see a lot more of Ron Baker, one of racing's really nice guys.

Catch Ron and the top Super Stock pilots, as they do battle at Little Valley
on Sunday, May 26th, as part of the Tri-State Championship weekend for Super
Late Models, which starts on Friday at Raceway 7 in Conneaut, Ohio, moves to
McKean County Raceway in East Smethport, PA, before concluding at the
Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds on Sunday.  Along with the Super Late Models,
running for $3333 to win for 33 laps, and the Super Stocks, the Street Stocks
and popular school buses will also be running.  The gates open at 4:00, with
the first race at 7:00.  Tickets are $12 for adults, with those under 12
FREE.

Little Valley is on State Route 353 eight miles north of Interstate 86 Exit
#20 [Salamanca] westbound and twelve miles northeast of Interstate 86 Exit
#16 [Randolph] eastbound.  From the Buffalo area LVS is accessed off State
Route 242 10 miles southwest of Ellicottville / Route 219.  There is free
camping available, and the speedway offers the best food anywhere on the
racing circuit.  The Speedway office phone is 315-536-3728 or 716-938-9146
[race day]. The World Wide Web address is www.littlevalleyspeedway.com.  

Feb. 24

Bob Babbitt Set to Defend Super Stock Title at Little Valley


When the extremely racy Super Stocks take the track for their first action of
the 2002 Little Valley Speedway racing season on Memorial Day Weekend, Bob
Babbitt will be there ready to defend the title he captured last season by a
narrow margin over Russ Prentice and Bob Dixon.  Babbitt, from Pavilion, New
York, has always run well at the high speed Little Valley half mile clay oval
and will certainly be a favorite to repeat.  He was one of the first drivers
who stood out in my mind when I began going to races at Little Valley
Speedway.  His flamboyant style makes him hard to miss as he makes a mad dash
for the lead, letting it all hang out, every time he takes to the track.

The veteran fifty-two year old pilot got a fairly late start in racing,
having debuted in 1985 when his youngest son encouraged him to enter some
enduro events at Perry Raceway, which was dirt at the time. 

When Perry made the cars into the pure stock class, which required a little
more sophistication, Bob had immediate success, winning on opening night and
finishing the season with five victories. The street stocks gradually evolved
into super stocks, with bigger motors, more advanced transmissions, and
suspensions.  Bob ran some Monte Carlos in the early stages of the super
stock era, but in 1993 he bought a brand new Bernheisel, which was first car
he owned that was an actual race car, not a converted street car.

Running at Perry and Batavia, he had immediate success in the new car,
winning five races with it and Bob had the distinction of winning the last
dirt race ever at Perry, which has since become Wyoming County Speedway.

Bob won his first race at Little Valley in 1998, and he has been one of the
most durable and successful super stock drivers at Little Valley, having made
every show since 1998.

Babbitt really likes the Little Valley track.  "The biggest thing I like
about Little Valley is it's fast," he notes, "and the there are a decent
bunch of guys who run there.  Everybody is there to have fun, and we race
each other clean.  I also like the format, which allows the fast cars to
start in the middle of the field, giving everybody a chance to win."  Bob
certainly knows how to do that, as he is the defending champion for the
upcoming season, having beaten Prentice by 10 points and Dixon by 11 to take
the 2001 crown.

The super stock class is certain to be a highly competitive division, with
the issue not likely to be settled until the final night.  Babbitt suggest
there are at least ten cars which are a threat each night, and mentioned Todd
Hansen, Don Wagner, Todd Rice, and Jim Mazur, along with Prentice and Dixon,
as guys who will keep things hot all season.

On Sunday, May 26th, he will begin the defense of his Little Valley title.
He'll be driving his familiar No. 2 Arrowmart Convenient Stores, Yott Club,
Ed Galley prepared 1998 Bullet Chassis Grand Prix, and you can be assured
he's looking forward to the opportunity.

News from LITTLE VALLEY SPEEDWAY…
For immediate release
Contact Dave Sully 716-992-4994 or dlsully99@aol.com
February 20, 2002


Little Valley Speedway Sponsors Return To Back Ambitious Plans

Little Valley, NY…The start of 2002 racing season at Little Valley Speedway
will be Sunday May 26, which is conveniently, Memorial Day Weekend.  Though
that is nearly three months away, the Speedway offices are already racing on
eight cylinders working on of what promises to be the best year ever at the
historic Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds race track.

John Charlesworth, President of the Cattarargus Agricultural Society, which
owns and operates the Fair and Speedway, is proud to announce the renewal of
major sponsorship programs.  These include: Emerling Chevrolet in Boston,
Emerling Ford - Mercury in Springville, Kendall Oil by Wm. Satterlee & Sons
of Bradford, Pennsylvania, Little Valley Sand & Gravel, the Miller Family of
Beers by Salamanca Area Beverage, and Pepsi of Olean.  "These fine people
have  been with us since we reopened the Speedway in 1997.  The sponsorships
help all of our businesses, and we are very proud of the continuing
relationships," reports Charlesworth.

Speedway signage and program sponsor opportunities are still available. 
Contact Mary Charlesworth at the Speedway Office in Little Valley
716-938-6676 for details or check the Sponsors Page on the Speedway website
www.littlevalleyspeedway.com

Little Valley Speedway's nine event 2002 schedule is the most varied and
probably the most ambitious auto racing program in the long history of the
Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds.  The diverse programs during the season will
provide seven classes of race cars, plus school buses and a demolition derby
which promise to provide plenty of excitement.  Gary Montgomery, the recently
appointed promoter of Little Valley Speedway, is working with Louis Ensworth
of Allegany, NY, to document the rich history of LVS.  "Big Cars," as they
were called then, raced at LVS until the early 50's when Midgets became the
"hot ticket" for county fair barnstorming.  It is interesting to note that
when LVS was reopened in 1997 the scheduled headline division was Sprint
Cars.  It is this background of open cockpit cars that has sparked the "Open
Cockpit Reunion" program scheduled for Friday, June 14.  Vintage race cars
and heroes of the open cockpit era will be guests of the Speedway for what
will become an annual tradition.  On track action that night will be
highlighted by the ESS 360 Super Sprints. 

Little Valley Speedway is located on the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds in
Little Valley, NY.  The Speedway is easily accessed from Interstate 86 or US
Route 219.  Use the trip planner available on the LVS website
www.littlevalleyspeedway.com to determine your route to Little Valley
Speedway.

News from LITTLE VALLEY SPEEDWAY…
For immediate release
Contact Dave Sully 716-992-4994 or dlsully99@aol.com
February 22, 2002

Little Valley Speedway will participate in Carquest Motorsports Expo


Little Valley, NY…Little Valley Speedway will participate in the Carquest
Auto Parts Motorsports Expo 2002 at the New York State Fairgrounds in
Syracuse on March 8,9,10.  This marks LVS's first appearance at the event.

"We plan to put Little Valley Speedway on the racing options list of Central
New York State race teams and race fans.  Taking three of our cars and
several track officials to Syracuse will aid in that task.  We have a great
facility, which is both fan friendly and competitor friendly.  However, few
race teams and few race fans from Central New York know about us.  We are
going to change that, and our participation in the Carquest Show will help
facilitate that objective," states LVS Media Relations Director Dave Sully.

All three race cars on display in the LVS booth will be General Motors bodied
creations, two Chevy Monte Carlos and a Pontiac Grand Prix.  Louis Chevrolet
would not recognize either of the bowtie cars as having much resemblance to
the Chevrolet Monte Carlos that roll off a General Motors assembly line.  The
least recognizable to Mr. Chevrolet would be Vic Coffey's Sweeteners Plus
Super Late Model.  Coffey's race car is a Mark Richards built Rocket
chassised full fledged race car powered by a Frank Cici built aluminum block
replica of a small block Chevy engine.  The 2200 pound 800+ horsepower beauty
may still have a touch of red clay stuck to her from the just completed
Florida Tour.  Next in line will be Bob Babbitt's Arrowmart Convenience
Stores/Yott Club Grand Prix Super Stock.  No clay here, this brand new blue
beauty has just been completed. Babbitt, the 2001 LVS Super Stock Champion,
plans to earn a repeat championship in a car that looks a lot more like
Coffey's car than anything on the show room floor.  Under the much-modified
Grand Prix skin is a Bullet chassis fitted with a 500 horsepower small block
Chevy V8 built by Babbitt himself.  The closest in exterior appearance to the
production model Monte Carlo is Tiger Chapman's DIRT Pro Stock.  Tiger will
display his absolutely beautiful Jeff Spraker built Savage & Son Roofing Pro
Stock. The car will make its race debut in the DIRT Pro Stock race at Lowes
Motor Speedway in Charlotte.  The public gets its opportunity to see the
masterpiece at Carquest Motorsports Expo 2002.  Tiger will compete in the two
DIRT Pro Stock events at LVS and may run his Pro Stock in some of the LVS
Super Stock events as well.  The LVS Super Stock rules are compatible but
less restrictive than the DIRT Pro Stock rules. 

Little Valley Speedway schedule cards will be available at the LVS display. 
Officials will be on hand to address questions and share information on the
Speedway.

Northern Motorsports Press Release
For IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dave Sully- Northern Motorsports

Furlong and Wollaber Vie for Castrol Cup in Niagara Falls Indoor Finale

By Dave Sully

The fourth and final race in the Northern Motorsports "Bobcat of Buffalo"
Indoor Racing Series will be contested on Saturday, March 9th, at the Niagara
Falls Convention and Civic Center in downtown Niagara Falls, New York.  It
will feature young Dave Wollaber from nearby Ransomville, New York, who has
captured the last two "A" Mains and trails veteran super-modified pilot, Greg
Furlong from Hannnibal, New York, who has a win, a second, and a fourth in
the previous three events, by a mere 38 points.  With points awarded for time
trials and heats, as well as the A Main, positions can change dramatically,
with nothing assured. 

They are the prime contenders for the prestigious Castrol Cup, which is
awarded to the series champion. The winner will also receive $1700 from a
point fund of over $15,000, the richest indoor point fund in the country, the
bulk of which is tendered by NResearch of Caldwell, New Jersey.  The
runner-up will collect $1525, with cash payouts continuing through
twenty-fifth place. Thirty-four TQs were on hand for the January 26th event,
with a like number expected for the concluding program. 

Chuck Hossfeld, the former Rousch Racing Craftsman Truck driver, who put on a
scintillating effort in the "B" Main, followed by a fifth place finish in the
50 lap Feature in the last show, will be returning in another Vinnie
Christiano owned machine.  He will join Vinnie Christiano Jr., who put
Hossfeld in his car for the last race but is returning to his ride, and
Wollaber, as the Christiano effort will be fielding three cars.

The colorful and always exciting "Liquid" Lou Cicconi from Aston,
Pennsylvania, will be there, along with former champion Mike Tidaback from
Little Falls, New Jersey, and fellow New Jersey resident, Glen Halbing,
president of the ATQMRA, who has been having a highly successful series,
currently lying sixth in the standings.  They will be challenged by a strong
Canadian contingent, led by the always quick Colin Turnbull, Dave McIntosh,
Mark Sammut, Friesen cousins, Stewart and James Michael, and long time
campaigner, Wayne Turnbull.  Other local drivers joining Wollaber and
Christinao Jr., and Hossfeld, include last season's Castrol Cup winner, Mike
Stahl, Mel Raab, and Bill Mislin, who was involved in a spectacular crash
that saw his car catapult off the catch fence before rolling over in the
crash filled night of January 26th, the third race of the competition.

Also on the card will be the quick and entertaining karts where Brett
Stratford from Mt. Hope, Ontario, has been dominant, and young third
generation racer Erick Rudolph from Ransomville has continued to shine in the
Junior Sportsman division.  Over 70 karts were on hand for the last show,
coming from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Canada, and New York.

Gates open at 11:00 AM, with midget time trials and kart heats beginning at
1:00 PM.  Racing gets underway at 7:00, following an autograph session at
6:30.  For group sales, reservations, or more information, call promoter
Harry Macy at (716) 832-4419. 

Feb. 21

Woodring Racing to Field Two Car Team in 2002

Seven time Empire Super Sprints Champion and all time win leader, Mike Woodring, announces that Woodring Racing will be fielding a two car team in the upcoming season, with the addition of Wibraham, Massachusetts, driver Erin Crocker.  She will become only the second full time female driver in the history of the organization, following Kris Dow, who had a short but successful ESS career.

Erin, who will be twenty-one years old in March, comes to the team with solid racing credentials.  She started her career in 1988 with the Quarter Midgets of America, where she became a three-year Driver of the Year and Northeast Regional Champion in the early 90s before graduating to the Central New York Mini Sprint Association headquartered in Syracuse, where she authored an auspicious debut.  She earned the Rookie of the Year Award, while becoming the youngest feature winner and the only female feature winner in 1997.  She was also the first female to drive in the PRO Truck Series, with four "A" Feature starts to her credit in 2000. She gained valuable dirt sprint car experience, with her participation in ELS (Eastern Limited Sprint Car Association), where she earned Rookie of the Year status in 1999.  In the next two seasons she had two "A" Feature starts and two heat victories to her credit.  Moving up to ESS, she had 8 "A" Feature starts, with two heat wins in 2001.

Erin is currently a second semester junior at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in Troy, NewYork, studying Industrial and Management Engineering and is scheduled to graduate in May of 2003.  RPI will be sponsoring her racing effort for the upcoming season, enthusiastically backing the concept, with an eye to promoting both engineering students and females in diverse endeavors, such as auto racing.   She will be driving the red, black, and white (RPI's school colors) No. 16 car. It will be a top of the line J and J chassis, with Jereco engines.

The partnership came about as a result of a friendship which was developed during the last ESS season.  Woodring called her about the possibility of forming the team and the details have now come together.

Erin is realistic about running the entire upcoming ESS season, setting the goal of gaining seat time and knowledge, with possibly a feature victory or two.  Working with the all time ESS win leader as a teammate will be an invaluable asset to her career, and she will be a driver to watch in the upcoming racing season. 

Well aware of her status as one of the few female race drivers in the country, Erin's long term goal is to move up to USAC in 2003 and eventually graduating to IRL.  One thing she is sure of is that she wants to make racing her full time career, with an eye to expanding the opportunities for other young females as well.

Woodring Racing fans will have a chance to see the team cars at the Carquest Motorsports Expo at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse on March 8, 9, 10.