By Brian Liskai (Attica, OH) Racing and auto parts…you can’t have one without the other. That is why Attica Raceway Park and World Auto Parts of Huron, Ohio, are teaming up for the 2007 racing season.

World Auto Parts, based in Cleveland, Ohio since 1982, expanded to the Huron, Ohio area last year. According to World Auto Parts representatives Mark Shetzer and Rob Natole – who have both been very active in grassroots racing – the partnership between the company and “Ohio’s Finest Racing” venue will be very beneficial for the racers, fans and World Auto Parts not only in 2007, but for years to come.

“Both company’s thrive on that personal touch and know what it takes to be rewarding for both parties involved,” said Shetzer.

Shetzer said he knows how race fans and business owners in the racing community support those that support racing.

“As we grow in the Ohio area it is important for us to be involved with company’s that reach both fans and businesses so they become familiar with us,” added Natole.

World Auto Parts of Huron will sponsor race nights on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, August 18. Also, Attica Raceway Park’s premier weekly division will be called the World Auto Parts of Huron 410 Sprints.

World Auto Parts is a motor factors distribution center specializing in the automotive aftermarket. World Auto Parts is a member of the Professional Choice Auto Parts Group.

World Auto Parts two locations are 1240 Carnegie Ave in Cleveland, Ohio (216) 781-6800 and 1710 Sawmill Parkway in Huron, Ohio (419) 616-7000.

Racing begins at “Ohio’s Finest Racing” venue on Friday, March 30 (rain date Saturday, March 31st), featuring the World Auto Parts of Huron 410 Sprints, 305 sprints and the Fultz Fabrication & Speed Shop Attica Late Models. For more information visit www.atticaracewaypark.com.

By Brian Liskai: (Attica, OH) While the weather outside may not be ideal for mud-slinging dirt track racing action now, work at Attica Raceway Park is proceeding and the excitement to be offered up in 2007 will certainly warm the thoughts of race fans.

Many more improvements and a very aggressive action packed schedule have Promoter John Bores and his race staff excited about the 2007 season at Attica Raceway Park. The new ARP team made tremendous strides during the 2006 season at “Ohio’s Finest Racing” venue after taking over the racetrack in mid January last year.

Improvements began immediately with repairing the drainage system, installing new concession equipment, an all new guardrail down the front stretch, digging a pond with an endless water supply for track preparation, many pieces of equipment for track preparation, and increased purses for all classes.
Bores was especially excited about the way the track crew was able to learn and improve the track conditions throughout the season. “I believe from about the mid-season point on, the track preparation really improved and the racing surface was smooth and fast,” said Bores, who also competes in the Fultz Fabrication & Speed Shop ARP Late Model division.

As soon as the 2006 season ended the ARP crew was at it again to make more improvements to give the fans, drivers and race teams an even better night of racing and fun for the 20th racing season at Attica Raceway Park. Improvements for 2007 included an all-new spectacular website, more remodeling and equipment for the concession area to make it better for the fans that enjoy the tasty food at ARP. The front stretch catch fence and lights were taken down and an all new catch fence and new light poles and lights were installed.

“The catch fence and lights will really help both the racers and fans, for safety, appearance, and being able to see the races better,” said Bores.

Also, a new set of grandstands with over 600 seats will be placed in the pit area. The seats will be elevated higher for a great view from the pit area. A section of the old bleachers are placed off the third turn area for the teams that park in the back of the pit area. Clay was added and the entire racing surface was regraded.

Attica Raceway Park’s 2007 schedule appears to be one of the best in the track’s history with the reunited World of Outlaws sprints returning Friday, April 20. Reserved seats are available. The first ever appearance of the World of Outlaws Late Models will happen on Wednesday, July 25.

The fan-favorite O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champion Sprints will invade Attica four times with the Spring Nationals on Friday, April 6 and Saturday April 7; Ohio Sprint Speedweek on Sunday, June 24; and Saturday, Sept. 1 of Labor Day weekend.

The Sunoco American Late Model Series will make three and possibly four appearances in 2007, on Saturday, April 14, Friday, May 25, and Friday, June 22.

Add all that to one of the best weekly programs in the country with 410 Sprints, 305 Sprints, Attica Late Models, and Dirt Trucks racing for a weekly purse in excess of $22,000, and Attica Raceway Park will be the place to be on Friday nights. The 2007 season kicks off Friday, March 30, with a rain date of Saturday, March 31.

A complete schedule and special pricing for season passes and skybox seating will be available soon. For more information visit www.atticaracewaypark.com or call (419) 680-5606.

By Brian Liskai: (Attica, OH) — Attica Raceway Park wrapped up its 19th season by crowning its champions at a gala banquet Saturday, Nov. 11.

Winning the crowns were Monclova’s Byron Reed (410 sprints); Sandusky’s Chris Andrews and Milbury’s Andy Shammo shared the 305 sprint title; Sandusky’s Larry Kingseed (limited late models) and Tiffin’s Art Ball (dirt trucks.

Reed, the 2003 and 2005 Attica champ, was the only driver to compete in all 17 A-mains run in 2006. Reed recorded an incredible 13 top 10 finishes, including a remarkable 10 top 5 runs. He opened the season with his 17th career Attica feature win and recorded four runner-up finishes and a pair of thirds. His average A-main finishing position was 7th.

“Last year it seemed I was the one passing for the lead late in the race and this year it happened to me,” said Reed. “I have to thank my family for all of their support and my sponsors, Reebar Diecasting, Black Swamp Graphics and Paul Kistler…he builds a heck of a motor, we didn’t have one engine issue all year.”

Shammo competed in all 14 A-mains in 2006 finishing out of the top 10 only once, a 16th place showing on April 28. He never finished worse than 7th in any of the other 13 features. He scored an incredible 11 top five finishes, including a win on Aug. 19. He scored runner-up finishes three times and a pair of thirds. His average A-main finishing position was a remarkable 4.7.

Andrews, the 2004 co-rookie of the year, also competed in all 14 A-mains in 2006, never finishing out of the top 10! He recorded 7 top five finishes, including three feature wins – April 28, May 5 and Aug. 18. He also picked up a second and three thirds. His average A-main finishing position was 5th.

“We were in the hunt every week and you can’t complain about that,” said Shammo of his first sprint car championship. “I have to thank Lamar and Yvonne Burkin for all they do to keep us racing, and my wife and all my family for their support. I want to thank Matt Tille Enterprises, Fort Ball Pizza, Applebee’s, and all my sponsors.”

“We had a lot of help setting the car up this year and it showed. I want to thank my parents and all my sponsors – Blue Chip, Spill Tech, Goofy Golf and everyone that made this year so special,” said Andrews, who announced he was moving up to a 410 sprint in 2007.

Kingseed – the 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2005 Attica champion – never finished out of the top 8 in all 13 limited late model A-mains in 2006. He recorded a remarkable 11 top five finishes. His worst finish was an eighth on June 9. Kingseed scored five feature wins in 2006 to move his career mark to 21 and into fifth on the all-time stock car win list, just nine behind Wayme Maffett Sr. Kingseed’s average A-main finishing position was an incredible third!

“When they announced the rules change allowing aluminum blocks last year I didn’t know what to expect. But, our steel block motor was up to the challenge,” said Kingseed.

Age doesn’t seem to slow down Art Ball. The 67-year-old driver – who earned the 1996 and 1997 limited late model champion – only had one dirt truck feature finish out of the top 6 – an 11th on June 16. He picked up a victory on July 28 and scored a runner-up finish and a pair of thirds. His average A-main finishing position was 4.3.

“I want to dedicate this to Roy Pierce….we lost him this year and he is responsible for keeping me racing all these 45 years. When I got fired, he bought a car and put me in it and we’ve been together ever since. I want to thank his son and the rest of the family and all my crew for all their hard work. I want to thank Magers Lumber, Kear’s Speedshop and all the sponsors…without them we couldn’t do this,” said Ball, who announced he would give up the limited late model driving chores next year to concentrate on the trucks.

The rest of the top 10 in each division were:

410 Sprints:

2nd – Mike Linder: Mike, the 1996, 1997 and 1998 Attica 305 sprint champion, competed in 15 of the 17 A-mains in 2006, missing only the May 31 and July 21 National Sprint Tour features. He scored 9 top 10 finishes, including 7 top five runs. He scored a pair of runner-up finishes and 3 third place runs. His average A-main finishing position was 8.5.

Tied for 3rd – Bryan Scott and Lee Jacobs.

Scott, the 2001 and 2002 Attica 305 champion, is the 2006 410 Rookie of the Year. He competed in 13 of the 17 A-mains in 2006, picking up 9 top 10 finishes and 4 top fives. He scored his first 410 feature triumph on June 9. He also had a pair of third place runs. His average A-main feature finishing position was 9th.

Jacobs competed in 15 of the 17 A-mains in 2006, missing only the April 28 and May 5 features. He picked up 9 top 10 finishes and 5 top fives. Lee scored his first career feature victory on Aug. 19. He also had a runner-up finish on July 7 and a third on June 9. Lee’s average A-main finishing position was 9th.

5th – Craig Mintz: Craig made 15 of the 17 A-mains in 2006, missing only the June 25 Speedweek show and the July 21 NST feature. He scored 8 top 10 finishes, including a season-best 2nd on Aug. 4. Craig’s average A-main finishing position was 11th.

6th – Mark Keegan: Mark, who has won 12 track titles in 19 years, made 15 of the 17 A-mains in 2006, missing only the June 25 Speedweek show and the Aug. 4 feature. Mark scored 11 top 10 runs, including 7 top five finishes. Mark picked up career wins 53 and 54 on July 7 and Aug. 26. His average A-main feature finishing position was 7.5.

7th – David Harrison: David competed in 13 of the 17 A-mains in 2006. He recorded 7 top 10 finishes including a season-best 5th on July 28. He also had three 7th place runs.His average A-main finishing position was 11th.

8th – Roger Shammo: A rookie in the 410 sprints, Roger competed in 6 of the 17 A-mains. He recorded a season best 12th place finish on Aug. 4.

9th – Caleb Griffith: Caleb, the 2003 Attica 305 sprint champion and 2004 rookie of the year in the 410 sprints, competed in 11 of the 17 A-mains in 2006. He recorded five top 10 finishes, including a season best 3rd on July 28 and a 4th on Aug. 19.

10th – Bruce Robenalt: Bruce competed in 8 of the 17 A-mains in 2006. He recorded a season best 11th place finish on July 7.

Other 410 sprint notes: Phil Gressman picks up $125 from Ramsey Trucking for winning the most first t heats in 2006 (2), while Mike Linder takes home $125 from Ramsey Trucking for winning the most second heats (tied with Bryan Scott and Mark Keegan with 2 wins each, but finishes higher in points); David Harrison pickes up an extra $125 from Ramsey Trucking for winning the most third heats (3); and Craig Mintz gets $125 for winning the most fourth heats (tying Jamie Martin and Brandon Martin with a win each, but finishes higher in points).

305 Sprints:

3rd – Scott Kraylek: Scott competed in 13 of the 14 A-mains, missing only the May 5 feature. He scored 10 top 10 finishes and 6 top five runs. He wrapped up the year hot, finishing no worse than sixth in the last 6 shows. He scored career wins #8 and #9 on July 21 make-up and Aug. 4. He also recorded a runner up finish and a pair of thirds. His average A-main finishing position was 7th.

4th – Stuart Brubaker: Stuart competed in 13 of the 14 A-mains, missing only the July 7 feature. He scored 9 top 10 finishes, including a season best third. He opened the season hot, finishing no worse than 10th through June 16. His average A-main finishing position was 10th.

5th – Bill Kraylek: Bill competed in 13 of the 14 A-mains, missing only the July 7 feature. He picked up 5 top 10 runs, including a season best pair of 4th place runs. Bill’s average A-main finishing position was 11th.

6th – Kevin Lee: Kevin – the 2004 co-rookie of the year at Attica – competed in 13 of the 14 A-mains in 2006, missing only the July 28 feature. He scored 9 top 10 runs, including 5 top five runs. He opened the season with 7 straight top 10 runs. He picked up a runner-up finish along with a third. His average A-main finishing position was 8th.

7th – Brad Bowman: Brad competed in 11 of the 14 A-mains in 2006. He scored 6 top 10 finishes, including a season best fourth on May 5 and a 5th on April 28. His average A-main finishing position was 10th.

8th – Duane Zablocki: Duane competed in 11 of the 14 A-mains in 2006. He scored 7 top 10 finishes, including a season-best 4th on Aug. 18. His average A-main finishing position was 11th.

9th – Dustin Dinan: Dustin compated in 12 of the 14 A-mains in 2006, missing only the April 15 and May 5 features. He scored 7 top 10 finishes. He scored a season-best pair of third place showings. His average A-main finishing position was 9th.

10th – Mark Pridemore – 3,010 points: Mark competed in 10 of the 14 A-mains in 2006, including scoring a pair of 9th place finishes.

Other notes: 2006 Rookie of the Year was Clyde’s Shawn Colvin who finished 12th in season-long points. He competed in 7 of the 14 A-mains and scored a career best eighth place finish on June 9.

Andrews received a $1,000 gift certificate from Griff’s Engines for recording the most heat race wins in 2006 – 7 (he tied with Paul Weaver, but won the tie-breaker by finishing higher in points.

Limited Late Models:

2nd – Jeff McCoy: In all 13 A-mains he competed in in 2006, Jeff only finished worse than 8th once – a 17th place showing on Aug. 4. Besides his 12 top 8 runs, he scored 7 top five finishes. Jeff picked up career wins #18 and #19 on June 25 and July 28. He also scored a pair of runner-up finishes. His average A-main finishing position was an incredible 5th.

3rd – Ryan Missler: Ryan – the 2005 rookie of the year – competed in all 13 A-mains in 2006, recording 11 top 10 finishes. He marked up 10 top five runs, including finishing no worse than sixth in the last 8 shows. He wrapped up the year by claiming his first career Attica feature win on Aug. 26. He also racked up a second and a pair of thirds. His average feature finishing position was 5th.

4th – Mike Bores: Mike competed in all 13 A-mains in 2006. He recorded 9 top 10 finishes, including four top fives. He picked up his third career win on May 31 and also scored a pair of runner-up finishes. His average A-main finishing position was 8th.

5th – Mike Marteney: Mike – the 2001 Attica champion – competed in all 13 A-mains in 2006. He recorded 6 top 10 finishes, including five top fives. He scored career wins #18 and #19 on June 16 and July 7, and picked up a runner-up finish on Aug. 26. Mike’s average A-main finishing position was 10th.

6th – Brandon Perkins: Brandon competed in 12 of the 13 A-mains in 2006, missing only the June 16 feature. He scored 8 top 10 finishes and five top five runs. His season-best was a runner-up finish on June 9. His average A-main finishing position was 8th.

7th – Chester Fitch: Chester – the 2004 Attica champion – competed in 11 of the 13 A-mains in 2006, missing the May 31 and July 21 shows. He scored 9 top 10 finishes, including a season-best second on opening night and a third on April 14. His average A-main finishing position was 7th.

8th – John Bores: When not busy supervising track preparation, John competed in 12 of the 13 A-mains, missing only the July 28 feature. He scored 3 top 10 runs, including a season-best pair of 7ths on May 5 and July 21. His average feature finishing position was 13th.

9th – Steve Sabo: Steve competed in 12 of the 13 A-mains, missing only the Aug. 4 feature. He recorded 8 top 10 finishes. He scored a season-best 6th on May 5. His average A-main finishing position was 10th.

10th – Art Ball: Art – the 1996 and 1997 Attica champion – competed in 12 of the 13 A-mains in 2006, missing only the Aug. 4 show. He scored four top 10 finishes, including a season best fifth on July 7. His average A-main finishing position was 13th.

Other notes: Craig Corfman of Fremont was the 2006 Rookie of the Year. He ran 7 A-mains in 2006 with a career best finish of 9th in the make-up feature from July 21. He also scored a 10th on July 7.

Ryan Missler picks up a $650 gift certificate from Griff’s Engines for winning the most heats in 2006 – 6.

Dirt Trucks:

2nd – Bob Dible: Bob never finished out of the top 10. He picked up a win on July 17. His average A-main finishing position was 5th.

3rd – Brian Arnold: Brian scored four top five finishes, including a pair of runner-up showins and a pair of thirds. His average A-main finishing position was 6th.

4th – Steve Endicott: Steve had only one finish out of the top five – a 21st on Aug. 4. He recorded a runner-up finish on June 16 and three fourth place showings. His average feature finishing position was 7th.

Tied for 5th – Paul Dymond and Eric DeVanna.

Dymond scored four top 10 finishes out of the 6 A-mains, including a season best 4th and a fifth.

DeVanna also scored four top 10 finishes, including a season best fifth and a sixth.

7th – Brian Sorg: In the 6 features in 2006, Brian scored a pair of eighths and a ninth.

8th – Ron Kepling: In the 6 A-mains in 2006, Ron ended the year hot, scoring a fifth and a third.

9th – Aaron Schatzinger: In the 6 features he ran in, he scored a season best 7th and a 10th.

10th – Greg Harmon: In the 6 features he competed in, Greg scored a season best pair of 13th place showings.

Other notes: Shawn Valenti was the 2006 Rookie of the Year. He competed in 5 of the 6 A-mains, never finishing worse than 9th. He scored a runner-up finish on Aug. 26. His average A-main finishing position was 6th.