By Brian Liskai: (Attica, OH) Attica Raceway Park wrapped up its 25th season of racing by crowning its four division champions and rewarding the top 10 in points at its reward banquet on Friday, November 23.

Gibsonburg, Ohio’s Craig Mintz earned the track title in the O’Reilly Auto Parts 410 Sprints. Mintz’ first Attica championship capped off a season that saw him score three wins, including his first UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions win on a last lap pass during the Spring Nationals.

Mintz competed in all 15 features at Attica in 2012, scoring three wins – on April 7, May 11 and June 8. Besides his 3 wins which runs his career total at Attica to 8, Mintz also recorded five second place finishes and a third. He scored 10 top five finishes, including a stretch from April 6 through June 22. Craig also recorded 12 top 10 finishes. Mintz’ average A-main finishing position was 5th.

“My guys worked hard for me this year. I have to thank my dad and mom…if it weren’t for them I couldn’t be doing this. I want to thank my fiancée for putting up with all of this and all my great sponsors like R2C filters, Ti22, KS Sales and Service, Real Geese Decoys, Design Graphics Group, Keller Chevrolet and Kistler Engines,” said Mintz. “I don’t know for sure what we’re doing next year, but we will be racing.”

Bellevue, Ohio’s Ryan Missler earned his fourth straight championship in the Summit Racing Equipment UMP Late Models. He competed in all 15 A-mains in 2012 and recorded two wins – June 22 and Aug. 25 – to take his career total to 9 in the late models. Ryan also recorded four runner-up finishes on route to posting 8 top five finishes and 11 top 10 runs. During a stretch from April 14 through June 22, Missler finished no worse than 9th. Ryan’s average A-main finishing position was 8th.

“We finally got some wins after going last year with out any. I really have to thank Jerry Huff and York Fabrication and the rest of my crew, Dave Gulick, Chase Gulick and Dave McElwain. I have great sponsors and couldn’t do this without them. I want to thank Quality Welding, Taze DJ Service, Crave Energy, Level Performance, Terry McConnell Excavating, J&H Concrete, Twin Lakes Golf Course, Cenpeco Lubricants, TNT Farms, Gordon Lumber, SCS Gear Box, the Bellevue Beverage Center, and everyone who gives us help,” said Missler.

Bradner, Ohio’s Nate Dussel grabbed his second straight championship in the Fremont Fence 305 Sprints. He competed in all 15 A-mains in 2012. Nate posted two wins – April 27 and July 13 – to run his career total to five at Attica. He also recorded a pair of runner-up finishes on route to scoring 9 top five finishes. During a stretch from May 18 through the end of the year – 9 races – Nate never finished out of the top 8! In fact, Nate only finished out of the top 8 twice – a pair of 11th place finishes. His average A-main finishing position was a remarkable fifth.

“The way D.J. (Foos) started the year; we figured we didn’t have a chance at the championship. So, we just decided to go out and try to win as many races as we could. Then, we started consistently finishing in front of D.J. and got a little luck at the end. I have to thank my crew and my family for all their support. I want to thank Berrier Fabrication, Kistler Racing Products, Gressman Powersports, Kylynn Manufacturing, Jeff’s Bar and Grill, Craig and Les Mintz and Conrad Transport,” said Dussel. “We will be back and will win more races next year.”

Vickery, Ohio’s Andy Keegan claimed his first ever championship in the Bob’s Machine Shop Dirt Trucks at Attica. He competed in all six events in 2012 and never finished out of the top three! Keegan posted his first career win on April 14 and followed with another win on June 15. He also scored a pair of runner-up finishes and a pair of thirds. Andy’s average A-main finishing position was an incredible second.

“What a year….I couldn’t have imagined this coming into the season. I want to thank my dad for all he has done and my wife for all the sacrifices. I have great sponsors in G&H Restoration, Log Home Dreams and B&K Auto,” said Keegan.

A look at the rest of the top-10 in the Bob’s Machine Shop Dirt Trucks:

2. Dan Roepke Jr., Woodville. Dan never finished worse than fifth in all six of the feature events in 2012. He scored the last three wins of the season, the first of his career at Attica. His average A-main finishing position was third.

3. Art Ball, Tiffin. The 2012 Fremont champion and Attica’s 2009 truck champion never finished out of the top three during the six features this season. Ball, a two-time Attica street stock/limited late champion, scored his division leading 13th career win on June 8. Art’s average feature finishing position was second

4. Brian Sorg, Fremont. Brian recorded four top 10 finishes in 2012, including a season-best third on June 15. His average feature finishing position was 7th.

5. Brian Arnold, Tiffin. Attica’s 2010 champion scored four top 10 finishes in 2012, including a season best 7th on June 8. His average feature finishing position was 10th.

6. Kyle Cline, Ashland. Kyle recorded a pair of top 10 finishes in 2012, including a season-best sixth on July 6. His average feature finishing position was 12th.

7. Keith Sorg, Fremont. Keith scored three top 10 finishes in 2012 including a season best eighth on Aug. 18. His average feature finishing position was 11th.

8. Chuck Roelle, Fostoria. Chuck recorded two top 10 funs in 2012, including a season-best fourth on Aug. 25. His average A-main finishing position was 14th.

9. Dwight Waltermeier, Wayne. Dwight recorded three top 10 finishes in 2012, including a pair of season-best ninth place runs. His average finishing position was 14th.

10. Dustin Keegan, Fremont. After missing the opening night, Dustin would go on to score four top 10 finishes in the final five events including a season-best sixth on June 15. His average feature finishing position was 8th.

A look at the rest of the top-10 in the Fremont Fence Company 305 Sprint Car division:

2. D.J. Foos, Fremont. The 2010 Attica champion and 2012 Fremont and FAST champion competed in all 15 A-mains in 2012. On a season that saw him record 11 total victories – five came at Attica – March 31, April 6, April 7, May 11` and June 8. D.J. opened the season with three consecutive wins and now has 15 for his career at Attica, moving him into sixth on the track’s all-time win list for the division. During a stretch from April 27 through July 13, he finished no worse than sixth. Foos recorded an incredible 11 top five finishes and 12 top 10. His average A-main finishing position was 5th.

3. Dustin Dinan, Port Clinton. Dustin competed in 14 of the 15 A-mains in 2012, missing only the April 7 show. He posted 8 top five finishes and 11 top 10 finishs. During a stretch from June 8 through the end of the year, Dustin never finished out of the top six during those final 7 shows. His average A-main finishing position was 7th.

4. Jordan Ryan, Castalia. Competing in his sophomore season, Jordan battled in 13 of the 15 A-mains, missing only the May 11 and July 13 events. He scored his first career sprint car win on the season finale, Aug. 25. Jordan opened the year strong, finishing no worse than 8th through April 27. He recorded six top five finishes and 9 top 10 runs. Jordan’s average A-main finishing position was 7th.

5. Jamie Miller, Fostoria. Attica’s 2005 305 sprint champion competed in all 15 A-mains in 2012. He posted a season-best second on April 6 and recorded 10 top 10 finishes. Jamie’s average A-main finishing position was 10th.

6. Jason Keckler, Fremont. Jason, a former rookie of the year, competed in all 15 A-mains in 2012. He recorded 10 top 10 finishes including a pair of season-best eighth place runs. Jason’s average A-main finishing position was 11th.

7. Jimmy Colvin, Bellevue. Jimmy competed in 13 of the 15 A-mains, missing only the June 8 and July 20 events. He recorded a pair of season-best fourth place finishes on route to scoring 8 top 10 runs. Jimmy’s average A-main finishing position was 10th.

8. Steve Rando, Lindsay. Steve competed in 14 of the 15 A-mains in 2012, missing only the June 15 event. Steve scored his third career Attica win on July 20. He recorded three top five finishes and 8 top tens. Steve’s average feature finishing position was 10th.

9. Matt Merrill, Fremont. Matt competed in all 15 A-mains at Attica in 2012. He recorded five top 10 finishes including a season-best pair of sevenths. Matt’s average A-main finishing position was 13th.

10. Tyler Gunn, Napoleon. The 2012 Attica 305 sprint rookie of the year competed in 14 of the 15 A-mains this season, missing only the Aug. 18 event. Tyler recorded a pair of top 10 runs, including a season best eighth on July 20. Tyler’s average A-main finishing position was 13th.

A look at the rest of the top-10 in the Summit Racing Equipment UMP DIRTcar Late Model division:

2. Justin Chance, Mansfield. Justin competed in 13 of the 15 A-mains at Attica in 2012, missing only the April 27 and July 6 events. Justin recorded 5 top five finishes including a season-best second on April 6. He also scored 9 top 10 runs. Justin’s average A-main finishing position was 9th.

3. Larry Kingseed, Castalia. A five time street stock/limited late model Attica champion, Larry competed in 12 of the 15 features in 2012. Larry posted four top five finishes, including a season best runner-up finish on Aug. 25. From July 20 through the end of the season, Larry finished no worse than sixth. He also recorded eight top 10 finishes. His average feature finishing position was 9th.

4. Mike Bores, Bellevue. Mike competed in all 15 feature events in 2012. Mike posted six top five runs, including a pair of runner-up finishes. Mike scored 9 top 10 finishes. Mike’s average A-main finishing position was 10th.

5. Ky Harper, Holland. Ky competed in 13 of the 15 features in 2012, missing only the May 18 and July 13 features. He scored his first career win on July 6 and added a runner-up finish on April 14. Ky recorded three top fives and 8 top 10 finishes. His average feature finishing position was 9th.

6. Steve Sabo, Fremont. Steve competed in 11 of the 15 features in 2012. He recorded a season-best 7th place finish on Aug. 3 and had two top 10s. Steve’s average feature finishing position was 13th.

7. John Bores, Bellevue. John competed in 11 of the 15 A-mains in 2012. John posted a season-best fifth on May 18 and had 4 top 10 finishes. His average A-main finishing position was 13th.

8. Matt Irey, Mansfield. Matt competed in 10 of the 15 feature events at Attica in 2012. He recorded a season best third on Aug. 3 on route to posting five top 10 runs. Matt’s average A-main finishing position was 12th.

9. John Mayes Jr., Clyde. John competed in 10 of the 15 A-mains in 2012. He recorded a season-best runner-up finish on June 22 and posted three top 10 finishes. John’s average feature finishing position was 13th.

10. Kyle Perry, Perrysburg. Kyle competed in 9 of the 15 feature events in 201w. He scored a season-best 8th place finish on July 6. His average feature finishing position was 14th.

A look at the rest of the top-10 in O’Reilly Auto Parts 410 Sprint Car division:

2. Chris Andrews, Sandusky. Chris, Attica’s 2009 champion, and former 305 sprint champion, competed in all 15 features in 2012. He recorded three third place finishes and 7 top ten runs. Andrews’ average A-main finishing position was 10th.

3. Phil Gressman, Fremont. A two time Attica 305 sprint champion, Phil competed in 14 of the 15 features in 2012, missing only the All Star speedweek event. Phil scored his 7th career 410 sprint win on Sept. 1, defeating the All Stars. Gressman posted four top five finishes, including a pair of runner-up runs. He scored eight top 10 finishes and had an average A-main finishing position of 10th.

4. Mike Linder, Fremont. A three time Attica 305 sprint champion, Mike competed in 12 of the 15 features in 2012, missing the first three events. Mike posted 6 top five finishes, including a season-best pair of third place runs. Mike’s average A-main finishing position was 10th.

5. Bryan Sebetto, Fremont. The 2012 and 2012 Fremont Attica Sprint Title champion competed in 14 of the 15 A-mains, missing only the July 6 event. Bryan racked up four wins in 2012 – April 27, June 15, July 20 and Aug. 18 to take his career total to 7 in the 410 sprints. Sebetto recorded 8 top five finishes and 11 top 10 finishes. Bryan’s average feature finishing position was 8th.

6. Brian Smith, Fremont. A former 305 sprint champion at Attica, Brian competed in 10 of the 15 feature events in 2012. Brian scored two top five finishes, including a season best third, and six top 10 runs. His average feature finishing position was 9th.

7. Brad Bowman, Shelby. Brad competed in 14 of the 15 features in 2012, missing only the final All Star event. He posted a season-best fourth on June 15 and recorded 6 top 10 finishes. Brad’s average A-main finishing position was 13th.

8. Stuart Brubaker, Fremont. A former 305 Attica champion, Stuart competed in 11 of the 15 features in 2012. Attica’s 2012 410 sprint rookie of the year recorded a season-best finish of sixth on Aug. 18. His average A-main finishing position was 13th.

9. Duane Zablocki, Tiffin. After missing the first three features of the year, Duane made the final 12 events. Duane posted a pair of fourth place runs as his season best finishes and scored three top 10 finishes. Duane’s average feature finishing position was 15th.

10. Travis Philo, Waterville. Travis competed in 10 of the 15 A-mains in 2012 at Attica. He scored his first career win on July 6 and had three top 10 finishes. His average feature finishing position was 14th.

By Brian Liskai: (Attica, OH) Attica Raceway Park will reward all the race teams that finished the 2012 season in the top 10 in points at an awards banquet Friday, Nov. 23. The event will be held at the Attica Fairgrounds Reception Hall with doors opening at 6 p.m., a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the awards ceremony beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for the banquet are $25 each which includes the meal. All tickets must be purchased in advance as there will be no tickets sold at the door. The deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, Nov. 19. To purchase tickets call Attica Raceway Park ’s Director of Operations Rex LeJeune at 419-680-5606. LeJeune will also have tickets available at the Racers’ Swap Meet at the Sandusky County Fairgrounds in Fremont on Oct. 27.

Drivers in the O’Reilly Auto Parts 410 Sprints who will share in the point fund include champion Craig Mintz; 2. Chris Andrews; 3. Phil Gressman; 4. Mike Linder; 5. Bryan Sebetto; 6. Brian Smith; 7. Brad Bowman; 8. Stuart Brubaker; 9. Duane Zablocki; and 10. Travis Philo. Brubaker will also be crowned the 2012 rookie of the year.

In the Summit Racing Equipment UMP DIRTcar Late Model Division, Ryan Missler will be crowned the champion for the fourth straight year. Others receiving point fund money include Justin Chance, Larry Kingseed, Mike Bores, Ky Harper, Steve Sabo, John Bores, Matt Irey, John Mayes Jr. and Kyle Perry.

Drivers being rewarded for their top 10 finish in the points in the Fremont Fence 305 Sprints include champion for the second straight year Nate Dussel. D.J. Foos was second in points with Dustin Dinan, Jordan Ryan, Jamie Miller, Jason Keckler, Jimmy Colvin, Steve Rando, Matt Merrill and Tyler Gunn rounding out the top 10. Gunn will also be recognized as the division’s rookie of the year.

In the Bob’s Machine Shop Dirt Trucks, Andy Keegan scored his first ever track title. Dan Roepke Jr. was second followed by Art Ball, Brian Sorg, Brian Arnold, Kyle Cline, Keith Sorg, Chuck Roelle, Dwight Waltermeier and Dustin Keegan.

For more information go to www.atticaracewaypark.com

By Brian Liskai: (Attica, OH) Two of the Midwest most successful winged sprint car tracks – Fremont Speedway and Attica Raceway Park – both located within 40 miles of one another – have announced that Hoosier Tires will be the official tire supplier for 410 and 305 sprints in 2013.

The new contract with Hoosier Tire calls for all four corners of sprint cars to carry the brand. The contract is for five years.

Fremont Speedway Promoter Rich Farmer said after Goodyear announced they were leaving sprint car racing, there has been testing go on between the remaining two tire manufacturers.

“Our main goal going into the negotiations was to find a tire that was capable of lasting longer than one night and bring the cost down to our teams,” said Farmer. “The tires we will be using are capable of going two or three nights or longer and can be reversed to get even more wear.”

Fremont Speedway and Attica Raceway Park join Knoxville Raceway, the IRA and many other tracks across the country who will be running the Hoosier brand in 2013.

“We tried to strike a balance between what is best for the race teams, the tracks and the fans. We feel Hoosier offered the best alternative to accomplish our goals,” said Rex LeJeune, Director of Operations for Attica Raceway Park . “Hoosier has been a very good partner to Attica with our late model division and previously for both race tracks for the sprint cars. We are happy to be working with a company like Hoosier whose commitment to racers and the tracks has been unsurpassed over the years.”

The cost of the Hoosier rear tires will be $198 and the fronts $165.

More information about Attica Raceway Park can be found at www.atticaracewaypark.com and more on Fremont Speedway at www.fremontohspeedway.com.

Hoosier is the largest race tire manufacturer in the world, and all Hoosier race tires are still proudly “Made in the USA .” The company continues to be privately owned and operated by the Newton family. Hoosier has grown to be one of the largest employers in Plymouth, Indiana, and produces over 1000 different types of race tires. For more information on Hoosier Tire go to www.hoosiertire.com.