Got Nitro? Western Michigan racing fans will have more than their share this Saturday when the annual Funny Car Nationals rolls into the beautiful US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin for the sixth consecutive year. “The Fastest Track in Michigan” repaved their track surface during the off-season last year and their impressive surface now features a concrete surface to the 1,000-foot mark for maximum traction. After a full season of racing, and a long, hot summer, the new track surface has fully “cured” and record times are expected.

Headlining the big show are the modern day Nitro Funny Cars of Dale Creasy, Jr. and Jack Wyatt. Wyatt, from Iowa, is bringing his popular Dodge Stratus while Creasy, Jr. will be appearing in his familiar Chevrolet Impala SS. Both of these stars are fan favorites at US 131.

Hot on their heels will be a full field of Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars. Shawn Bowen, driving the Bowen Family’s Trans Am handily defeated Troy Martin, in the legendary Chi-Town Hustler Dodge, last month at US 131 while recording record elapsed times and top speeds. Both Shawn and Troy will be back to headline a program that includes Doc Holiday in the Telstar Omni, Justin Grant in the Stardust ‘Cuda, Rob Bruce’s Zombie Pontiac, the Punisher Camaro, the Shake & Bake Omni, and Danny Miller’s 1970 Ford Maverick.

The Nostalgia Alcohol Funny Cars won’t be denied as they are bringing a full field of cars to Martin as well headlined by the Detroit Thunder ‘56 Ford Thunderbird. Also appearing are the Dazed & Confused ‘69 Camaro, the Solid Rock ‘71 Mustang, the Fuelish ‘77 Monza, the Snakebite ‘79 Mustang, the Old & Fuelish ‘78 Corvette, the Doran Chevrolet ‘69 Camaro, and the Gold Coast Charger ‘72 Cordoba.

Rounding out the professional program will be the popular cars and stars of the Supercharged Thunder Series as well as the Great Lakes Gassers, the Nostalgia B/Gassers and the Nostalgia Super Stockers. There will be two complete rounds of the professional show and both rounds will be capped off by the Jet Funny Car of Fran Peppler.

Track champions will be crowned in the Lane Automotive Bracket Series in all classes, VP Racing Fuel Top ET, Modified, Street and Jr. Dragsters.  The much anticipated Engine Pro/Dart Machinery Engine Giveaway will take place at 6:40 pm.  Performance Engineering of Jenison has built this fabulous 565 ci BBC that one lucky racer will walk away with Saturday night.

US 131 Motorsports Park is located alongside US 131 between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Use Exit 55 from US 131 for quick and easy access to the track. Fans can save $5 per adult of ticket by purchasing their tickets in advance at www.us131msp.com. They can also save $2 off of children’s tickets at the same site while children under five are free.

Tickets will also be available at the track’s gate on the day of the event for those that don’t purchase their tickets in advance. A special discount will be available for service men and women in honor of the event being held on 9/11.  For more information call the track at 269-672-7800 during business hours, M-F 9am-5pm or visit www.us131msp.com anytime.

This Saturday night one extremely happy racer will walk away from US 131 Motorsports Park with a brand new 565 cubic inch Big Block Chevy engine, valued at nearly $20,000, courtesy of the terrific sponsors who support this coveted prize.

“Without Engine Pro, Dart Machinery and Performance Engineering this opportunity wouldn’t be available to our racers.  In addition to these sponsors we have many others who have given parts to make this engine complete, with the exception of the fuel and ignition systems,” stated US 131’s Marketing Director Stephanie Peterson.

Many loyal sponsors are contributing high tech parts for this engine as they have for the two previous engines put together by Engine Pro and US 131.  Included are Melling Performance’s billet oil pump, JE Pistons, Hastings Racing performance piston rings, Oliver billet performance connecting rods, ARP fasteners, Ferrea performance valves and Comp Cams valve train products, SCAT performance crankshaft, Mahle-Clevite engine bearings, Victor Reinz performance gaskets and Stef’s Performance’s B&B Performance line oil pan.  Pro Finish Powder Coating will be powder coating parts of the engine.  Other prizes to racers who do not win the engine are a $250 gift certificate from Pro Finish Powder Coating, and a six switch panel with pigtails from R & R Wireloom.

To determine eligibility each racer entered into the track’s bracket racing series in either the Top ET or Modified class.  The winner will be determined by taking the top 10 racers in point standings in each class.  All qualified racers will have their names placed in a box and the names will be drawn until only one name is left, the winner.

Past winners are Dennis Geeting of Muskegon, MI in 2008 and last year’s winner Justin Wanamaker of Kalamazoo, MI.

Eligible racers are:

VP Racing FuelsTop ET Top 10

Rusty Baad                                          Chuck Stirdivant

Rick Baad                                             Roger Kiefer

Randy Nellis                                       Lewis Hall

George Wroblewski                        Jim Davis

Dave Lorentz                                     Bernie VanderPloeg

Modified Top 10

Stan Jones Jr                                      Mark Boardman

Justin Wanamaker                           Ryan Gortney

John DenBleyker                              Jason Kiefer

Matt Nap                                             Tim Primm

Brian Lillibridge                                  Paul Stewart

The CARSTAR Car Show is open to any make, model or year of car.  There is no additional cost to enter.  Car Show registration is from 5pm-10pm.  Trophies will be awarded at 11pm.

Drag Racing 101 will begin at 9 pm.  The class size is limited so be sure to sign up at Kimberly’s Kafé when you arrive.  You will learn the basics of drag racing, how to better your reaction time and become familiar with what’s needed at tech to run your vehicle and many other racing tips and terms.  This class is free, (gate admission only), fun and the perfect opportunity to heighten your drag racing skills.

Gate admission from 5pm-8pm is $12 and $20 to race.  The gates open Friday at 5pm, open test & tune begins at 6pm and CARSTAR Midnight Madness starts at 8pm where the gate entry is only $5 and $15 to run your vehicle until 1am.  Children 6-12 are only $5 and children under five years of age are free with a paid adult.

Martin, MI – Twenty-seven year old Rusty Baad of Mattawan, MI is on the longest winning streak US 131 Motorsports Park has seen in its Lane Automotive Bracket Series history.  This two-time track champion has his sights on capturing his third track championship having won the last 21 consecutive rounds of racing in the VP Racing Fuels Top ET class.  Not only has Baad won the last 21 rounds in a row, he has seen the win light in 29 of the 56 total rounds in the eight points races that have been completed.

Although Baad is currently 120 points ahead of second place, there’s no relaxing yet, especially when it’s your Dad, Rick Baad also of Mattawan, MI, who is tied for second place with Randy Nellis of Muskegon, MI.  What does the father and son team talk about when in the pits?  “We are a team and we want each other to succeed,” stated Rusty.  As far as when these two find themselves up against one another, Rusty was adamant in saying, “It’s all about racing.  We raced each other earlier this year. That was the first time Dad beat me and he went on to win the race.”

Racers have taken notice of Rusty’s success and now a bounty has been put up for this Saturday’s race.  The racer who can stop Rusty’s winning streak will take home a cool $100 cash.

The championship isn’t the only thing Rusty is trying to achieve this year.  He wants to upgrade to a bigger motor and hopes to accomplish this by winning the Engine Pro/Dart Machinery Engine Giveaway during the 6^th Annual Funny Car Nationals on September 11 at US 131.  This 565 cubic inch Big Block Chevy engine has been built by Performance Engineering of Jenison, MI and will be awarded to one happy racer thanks to the many sponsors who have made this possible.

Top ET – 16

Modified – 20

Street – 6

Motorcycle – 4

Jr Dragster – 4 (3 Advanced, 1 Beginner)

If you are interested in participating please be sure to sign up at Customer Service/Souvenirs during the final upcoming Lane Bracket races.

Because of the terrific support from all of our bracket racers our sponsors have taken notice.  Thank you for making US 131 Motorsports Park successful and please consider our sponsors when making your next purchase if you aren’t already customers of theirs.

US 131 Motorsports Park hosts its 4th Annual Fall Bug Run this Sunday, August 29, 2010.  This exclusive VW event features drag racing, judged car show, swap meet and vendors.  There are three drag racing classes, Pro, Super Pro and Modified.  Racers may also enter into a Gambler’s Race or just have fun driving down “The Fastest Track in Michigan!” with Fun Runs for only $15. 

Gates open for vendors and those selling parts in the swap meet and car corral at 7:30 am.  Gates open at 9 am for all participants and spectators.  Time trials for racing begin at 11 am with the race starting at 1 pm.  Car Show awards will be presented at 3 pm.

Admission is only $12 per adult with free entry to participants into the car show, swap meet and vendor spaces.  Drag racing is an additional fee and Fun Runs are only an additional $8 for unlimited runs.  Children ages 6-12 are $5 and children under five years of age are free.  Each admission includes a free pit pass and includes all the events at the track.

The payout and times for each class running 1/8th mile are as follows; Pro 7.50-9.49, winner $300 with 15 car minimum, Super Pro 7.49 and quicker, winner $750 with 20 car minimum, Modified Street 9.5 & slower, winner $150 with 10 car minimum.  Gambler’s Race is $20 to enter with buyback 1st round.  Time runs and Fun Runs are on the ¼ mile.

Join us Saturday night at 6 pm for a cruise in and cookout at the track.

For more information please call the track office at 269.672.7800.

US 131 Motorsports Park is hosting its second $2000.00 to win in its Top ET and Modified classes with $350 going to the winner of the Street category.  This the second increased payout for the Lane Automotive Bracket Series that was put into place for the 2010 racing season courtesy of Lane Automotive and Edelbrock.  The first increased payout event was a huge success and US 131 Motorsports Staff is expecting nothing less with a great car count and an entertaining day of racing.  Tech card prices for the race are $60 for Top ET and Modified, $35 for Street and $25 for Jr Dragsters.  Spectator gate fees are just $12.  Gates open at 11am with Jr Dragster on the track from 12noon to 2pm, race cars are on the track at 2pm.  First round of eliminations estimated to be at 6pm.

Lagana sweeps for third time this season; ‘Madman’ Manners, Gallen cap wild weekend

MARTIN, Mich. (August 14, 2010) – Unpredictable racing, 300 mile-per-hour dragsters and jets, daredevil wheelstanders, the world’s best drivers and the single biggest payout of the year.

Just another weekend on the Nitro Jam tour.

Fans at Michigan’s U.S. 131 Motorsports Park were brought into the new world of Nitro Jam over the weekend and the debut certainly did not disappoint as drivers pushed their machines to the limits and produced arguably the single most exciting weekend of racing yet this year.

From the breakout weekend by the new Pro Fuel class to the weekend sweep by Top Fuel veteran Bobby Lagana Jr. and everything in between, the Northern Nitro Jam at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park certainly lived up to its reputation as one of the biggest and brightest stars in the Nitro Jam sky as more than 15 different drivers took home IHRA hardware from Saturday’s grand finale.

“What a great crowd and what a great weekend for everyone. Jason and Stephanie do such a good job with the help of IHRA and Jim and his crew do an awesome job with the track. It was just a great effort on behalf of everyone this weekend,” said Saturday Top Fuel winner Bobby Lagana Jr. “We always look forward to our time spent in Michigan.”

After a slow start the Pro Fuel class finally came into its own over the weekend as Michael Manners became the latest winner in the class that is slowly becoming a fan favorite, while Bobby Lagana Jr. swept the weekend in Top Fuel and Peter Gallen rallied for a huge win in Prostalgia Nitro Funny car all during Saturday’s “Night of Fire” at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park.

In addition to a great weekend of pro racing the Northern Nitro Jam also hosted the single largest payout of the year with the Moser Engineering Axle-Mania Sportsman Showdown. With 32 cars vying for their share of the $51,000 purse up for grabs, only one could come away a winner and on Saturday night that person was Bo Upton.

Having already won the largest IHRA tournament of the year and a championship back in the spring, Upton added the richest tournament to his already impressive resume over the weekend in a year that has seen the South Carolina native win just about every big race drag racing has to offer.

“This means the world to me. To have the opportunity to come out and get to run for $22,500 in a five round race is incredible. These guys at Moser are a quality act,” Upton said. “We towed 14 hours to get here and to have it pay off like this is a dream come true. What an amazing weekend and what an amazing season. We truly feel blessed to get to do what we do and be a part of such an amazing program.”

In other sportsman action Sheldon Bissessar returned to his dominating ways in the Harland Sharp Elite 8, winning the Top Dragster category for the fourth time this season, while Curt Fredrich won in Top Sportman over Matt Sam.

Not to be outdone sportsman national event winners from Saturday’s Northern Nitro Jam included Gilmer Hinshaw (Burlington, N.C.) in Top Sportsman, Rob Moser (Portland, Ind.) in Top Dragster, Joe Bauman (Chesaning, Mich.) in Super Rod, Dave Elrod (Harrod, Ohio) in Quick Rod, Kenny Underwood (Tampa, Fla.) in Hot Rod, Brian Clayton (Port Perry, Ontario) in Super Stock and Nick Folk (Durand, Ill.) in Stock.

Each of the seven drivers also punched their ticket to the end of year Tournament of Champions to be held at Virginia Motorsports Park in October.

While the entire weekend was certainly filled with good old-fashioned drag racing action, nowhere was the desperation to win more evident then in Top Fuel.

With a remarkable seven of the last eight Top Fuel World Champions having won at the Michigan facility the same year as their title, the annual summer tradition has become a must-win for drivers seeking a championship. And on Saturday night Lagana hopes that he added his name to that list as well.

Coming into the weekend just three points behind Bruce Litton in the Top Fuel title chase Lagana swept both nights of the Northern Nitro Jam for his sixth and seventh wins of the season and put himself in a prime position to potentially capture his first career title with only three races remaining.

“We made a huge leap in the right direction this weekend and look forward to building on this momentum in two weeks,” Lagana said. “This is what we needed to get steered back in the right direction.”

After a Friday night win over Mitch King, Lagana kept his streak alive with a dominating victory over Del Cox in the opening round before taking down Litton in the championship bout. Despite expiring an engine on the run, Lagana still ran a 4.652 elapsed time at 317.19 miles-per-hour to drive around Litton and his 4.826-second pass.

“The puke tank came off the valve cover so it burned up a piston and put oil on the track instead of the tank,” Lagana said. “It wasn’t pretty, but I guess we still got the win.”

With seven wins in an astonishing 10 final rounds, Lagana leaves Martin with all the momentum entering one of his favorite tracks in Budds Creek, Md. later this month.

In Saturday’s consolation matchup Mitch King, Friday’s runner-up, defeated Cox.

After being shut out of the finals on Friday Litton returned with a vengeance on Saturday with low E.T. of the opening round at 4.770/309.27 in a first round victory over Cox. Lagana was second with a 5.106, his second final of the weekend. Both Cox and King ran into big problems on their runs and were forced to shut it off early.

After a wild and wacky opening night for the Pro Fuel class things calmed down a bit on Saturday, but the racing remained some of the best seen all year.

Newcomer Dave Hirata made his second final of the weekend on Saturday, but he could not overcome a near record pass by Manner as the Texan put down a 5.360/267.48 lap to Hirata’s 5.607/251.95 in Saturday’s Pro Fuel final.

“We had a really good day today. We had the car worked on in the six weeks we took off and when you have an old chassis and you go to a brand new chassis it changes the tuneup,” Manners said. “Yesterday we were fighting all sorts of gremlins, but today we were able to adjust to those things and get down the track. We will only get better from here.”

Manners won for the third time this season and his first time since sweeping the Spring Nitro Jam back in May. The win also gives him a momentum boost as he attempts to chase down series leader Jeff Hamelink.

In the consolation rounds Bill Evans and Jared Dreher came away victourious.

Hirata punched his second ticket to the finals in two nights with a first round win over Jeff Hamelink, running a 5.647/248.84 during the round.. Despite that effort low E.T. of the first round actually went to fan-favorite Manners in “The Shredder” machine as he absolutely attacked the track with a 5.340/267.32.

Gallen wrapped up the pro sessions with a big win Saturday night over Mike McIntire in Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car.

While most of the year has been centered on the Gallen-Nichols rivalry, the matchup didn’t get to play out in the finals Saturday because the two were instead paired up in the opening round. In that round Gallen got the best of his opponent, opening the door to get back some ground after a disastrous Friday night.

Gallen severely hurt his motor Friday night in a winning run and was unable to make the call, knocking him out of the championship and giving Nichols a chance to extend his championship lead.

“There was nothing enjoyable about last night, but I guess we made up for a little bit of it tonight,” Gallen said. “We certainly had hoped for another big weekend and it didn’t go exactly as planned, but we still came away with a win and we will take it. Now we just have to keep pounding away and catch that yellow car before its too late.”

In the final Gallen ran a 6.011/234.61, although he didn’t need much as McIntire went red.

In the consolation matchups Nichols beat Greg Jacobsmeyer, John Dunn beat Aaron Armstrong and John Lawson won on a bye.

After thrashing away on his motor throughout the morning and afternoon Gallen returned in a big way Saturday night in punching his second straight ticket to the finals.

Gallen ran a blistering 5.977/236.05 in an opening round win over the points leader while McIntire filled the other final spot with a 6.163/230.53 in a win over Jacobsmeyer. Saturday’s opening round win placed McIntire in his first final in over five months.

Wrapping up the Saturday evening show was the Moser Engineering Axle-Mania Sportsman Showdown in which South Carolina native Bo Upton took home a cool $22,500 for just five rounds of work. The win is Upton’s second big money IHRA victory of the season as he continues his run of wins at Nitro Jam’s crown jewels of sportsman racing.

Upton defeated Myron Piatek in the eighth-mile final, running a 4.662 on a 4.64 dial. Piatek was just off his mark with a 7.296 on a 7.30 dial.

Upton defeated Piatek, David Elrod, Gilmer Hinshaw, Allen Constantine and Stuart Smith on his way to picking up the richest payout in Nitro Jam competition. Upton did it all from the Quick Rod category.

Next up for the Nitro Jam series is a trip to Maryland for the Maryland Nitro Jam at the beautiful Maryland International Raceway in Budds Creek August 28-29. Don’t miss another exciting addition to the Nitro Jam schedule as the season winds down.

About Feld Motor Sports℠

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in outdoor and specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam^®, IHRA^® Nitro Jam^®, SuperBull℠, Monster Energy^® Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz℠ and Gravity Slashers℠. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment.  For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.

MARTIN, Mich. (August 14, 2010) – Just four months ago Bo Upton was just another ordinary racer with a dream and a racecar.

Upton loved to race, but knew he didn’t have the means to chase a championship. Upton loved to win, but knew that his hobby would never be much more than that.

Now, two big wins and $32,500 later, Upton is a prime example of just what can happen when a person doesn’t give up on a dream and continues to chase after the things that matter most.

Upton, already with one big win in his pocket this year and a World Championship to go with it, continued his run of IHRA’s crown jewel events with a victory in the Moser Engineering Axle-Mania Sportsman Showdown during the Northern Nitro Jam event at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park Saturday in Martin, Mich.

Upton hauled his car all the way from South Carolina to be a part of this weekend’s big event and walks away $22,500 richer for his troubles, taking down many of the best drivers in the business along the way to claim his second big win of the season.

“This means the world to me. To have the opportunity to come out and get to run for $22,500 in a five round race is incredible. These guys at Moser are a quality act,” Upton said. “We towed 14 hours to get here and to have it pay off like this is a dream come true. What an amazing weekend and what an amazing season. We truly feel blessed to get to do what we do and be a part of such an amazing program.”

Placing 32 of the best drivers from around the country on a ladder regardless of class with the winner taking home their share of the $51,000 purse generously put up by Moser, the Moser Axle-Mania Sportsman Showdown is one of the biggest events on the sportsman calendar each year and big part of each Nitro Jam that has been lucky enough to host this prestigious event.

Now Upton can add his name to the list of drivers that have hoisted the unique trophy presented by Moser and the check declaring him the winner of one of the biggest races of the year.

“This is the biggest weekend for us from a racing standpoint,” said Rob Moser, president of Moser Engineering. “To get together 32 of the best sportsman drivers in the country is a pretty amazing feat and this event, with the help of the IHRA, went off great as it always does.

“What can I say about Bo? Bo has been in this shootout before and has never been able to get it going. He certainly changed that this weekend.”

Along with the big win this weekend in the Moser Axle-Mania Showdown, Upton also claimed a win in the Tournament of Champions back in April to take home another big prize and the title of World Champion in the Quick Rod class.

Now, after Saturday’s win, Upton can say that he is not only a champion in Quick Rod, but one of the best regardless of class.

“I have never chased points or a championship before, I just couldn’t do it. Now the IHRA has stepped up and made it possible to be a champion by proving it on the track and stuff like that carries over to a big program like the Moser deal and it makes for a lot of fun opportunities for sportsman racers in the IHRA,” Upton said. “And for me to win both of these things in the same year is simply unbelievable. You have to be lucky in this business to get a win and I feel very fortunate to have won the events I have won this year.”

With $22,500 on the line, Upton defeated Stock racer Myron Piatek in the final, running a 4.662 on a 4.64 dial in the eight-mile final. Piatek was just off his mark with a 7.296 on a 7.30 dial.

Upton defeated Piatek, David Elrod, Gilmer Hinshaw, Allen Constantine and Stuart Smith on his way to picking up the richest payout in Nitro Jam competition. Upton did it all from the Quick Rod category.

Piatek defeated Brandon Peterson, Brian Folk, Nick Folk and Terry Taylor on his way to a runner-up finish.

“Me and a buddy of mine made the haul up here splitting driving time. I just knew that if I am going to make the trip I am not leaving anything on the track,” Upton said. “Thankfully we didn’t really run into any issues this weekend. I had to get back in the groove today because my driving was not up to par today like it was yesterday, but I was able to regroup and focus. You definitely don’t want to tow 14 hours and not show up on the track.”

Immediately following his big win Upton rushed to call his father and family who were unable to make the trip to Martin.

“I can’t wait to call my wife and my dad. My dad travels everywhere with me and was with me when I won at Rockingham earlier this year. He just can’t ride long trips like this,” Upton said. “But I know he is sitting at home by the phone just waiting for me to call.”

Upton also wanted to thank Moser for everything they have done to put on this exciting and one-of-a-king program.

“They really don’t know what a program like this means to the racers. It is huge just to get to come race for the money so you can imagine how big winning this thing is,” Upton said. “I hope the IHRA and Moser continue to offer this awesome race. It was a ton of fun and I look forward to possibly coming back and defending my win next year.”

Adding to the excitement this weekend is the fact that the entire Moser family was on hand to witness Upton’s win and be a part of the race itself. Nearly everyone in the Moser family competed in this weekend’s event with Rob Moser actually coming out on top in the Top Dragster category Saturday afternoon.

So with another big payday and big win in his pocket, what are Upton’s plans for an encore?

“Well, I really don’t know. I mean, how do you top what we have done so far this year,” Upton said. “Who knows, maybe I will just retire. My boy wants to go junior racing so who knows. Maybe I will just retire on a high note and go junior racing with my boy.”

About Feld Motor Sports℠

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in outdoor and specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam^®, IHRA^® Nitro Jam^®, SuperBull℠, Monster Energy^® Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz℠ and Gravity Slashers℠. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment.  For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.