CAMERON LAWRENCE WINS AT BIR

By Jason D Searcy

The driver whose name had to be written in by hand with a sharpie on duct tape won the Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic Trans Am series race presented by Pirelli at Brainerd (MN) International Raceway.  Twenty-four year old Cameron Lawrence from Dania (FL) won his first career TA series race in just his second career start.

The number 6 car is not the usual ride for Cameron Lawrence, Mickey Wright has driven that car for Shakopee (MN) based Derhaag Motorsports for the last few years, but Lawrence was in that seat for the Indianapolis race and now the win at BIR.  Lawrence had to start the 100 mile, forty lap event at the back of the pack in 8th on the grid because a busy racing schedule elsewhere prevented him from qualifying this car on Saturday.

The crew members of the #6 car cheered as Cameron Lawrence crossed the finish line at BIR in first.  The 40 lap race saw the lead swapped numerous times as pole sitter #41 Vinnie Allegretta and current point leader #98 Ernie Francis Jr battled for the top spot.  Allegretta finished as the runner-up and was all smiles after the race "It was hard trying to hold off Ernie, the kid is fast and he always has a good car for the long haul and our car got a little loose," said Allegretta "I had an absolute blast out there Ernie and Cameron are true sportsmen and great racers, it's an honor to be running with these guys."

Here is our exclusive interview with Vinnie Allegretta https://soundcloud.com/dean-reller/allegretto-p2-in-ta-at

It looked like #98 Ernie Francis Jr was going to win the race at BIR, he had a nice lead until a shocking moment happened with just three laps remaining.  "When I came around turn 12 and when I got off the throttle to get on the brakes the throttle just stuck to the floor, it was something random, don't know what happened yet" said Francis "we had a good race going, we had a fast car, we will get it at the next one."

Here is our Speed Talk exclusive interview with Ernie Francis Jr https://soundcloud.com/dean-reller/francis-jr-p3-in-ta-at

Brainerd Track owner Jed Copham #44 did a great job to finish just off the podium in fourth even though he struggled with some mechanical problems and two time defending Trans Am Champion #23 Amy Ruman finished fifth.  Minnesota born driver and four time winner at BIR Tony Ave lost power steering, pitted and finished fourteenth.

Even though it was the first career TA victory for Cameron Lawrence he is no stranger to winning, he is a two time TA2 Champion and has won 20 races in his ever growing Trans Am career.  Lawrence was subdued in Victory Lane and mentioned thoughts about a fellow racer and friend who died at the track during a regional SCCA race held at BIR just a few hours earlier, the start of the Trans Am race was delayed by more than an hour because of that accident.  Victory lane had more hugs than high-fives and the mood was somber and reflective.

Speed Talk on 1360 had an exclusive interview with Cameron Lawrence, he mentions the recent death of fellow racer Mel Shaw who died at Brainerd International Raceway earlier that day while racing in an SCCA race.  https://soundcloud.com/speedtalkon1360/cameron-lawrence-wins-ta-at



The Results can be found HERE http://gotransam.com/news/Cameron-Lawrence-Captures-Trans-Am-Win-at-Brainerd-International-Raceway/66922

The Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic TA race was televised and can be seen on CBS Sports Network on Saturday July 22nd at 11am (CDT).

The Ryan Companies Muscle Car Challenge TA2 race was also televised and can be seen on CBS Sports Network on Saturday Aug 5th at 11am (CDT).


A full audio recap of the race can be heard Saturday morning 10-11am (CDT) during Speed Talk on 1360 radio on KRWC1360.com or search KRWC on the free Tunein app.

BYRON WINS E15 250 AT IOWA SPEEDWAY

William Byron has already been a winner at Iowa Speedway in the Truck Series, but the young driver added more to his legacy as he won the NASCAR XFINITY SERIES E15 250 Presented by Enogen Saturday at Iowa Speedway.

Byron started 6th and was at or near the front a good portion of the race, leading five times for a total of 78 laps.  The win was his first in the XFINITY Series in just his 14th carreer start. Byron is also the youngest series winner at Iowa speedway at the age of 19 years, 6 months and 26 days.  (The previous record was Erik Jones after his win last year at 20 years, 2 months and 0 days.)  Following the win, Byron took a phone call from owner Rick Hendrick while in Victory Lane.

Ryan Sieg finished second, his first top 10 finish in 2017.  Sieg started 22nd and a strange combination of the leaders pitting under green late in the race coupled with a caution in the middle of the pit sequence put Sieg in position for a top five finish.

Tyler Reddick moved from a 15th place start to a career best 3rd place finish and first top 10 finish at Iowa Speedway.

Ross Chastain put himself in  position for a good finish when his team worked the strategy to give him a career best 4th place finish.

Click to hear interview with Ross Chastain

Dakota Armstrong flirted with the lead cars the entire race and was also one of the cars that did not pit under green, which helped him to a 5th place finish.

Click to hear interview with Dakota Armstrong

Pole sitter Christopher Bell led 3 times for a race leading 152 laps and was the leader when many of the other top cars pitted under green.  Bell was caught up in a wreck with Ryan Reed and  Brennan Poole.  Bell was part of the caution that he was looking for.  He would finish 16th.

Midwest Late Model star Ty Majeski made his first carreer NASCAR XFINITY SERIES start in the number 60 iRacing.com Ford.  Majeski started 10th, but by making some bold moves on the outside, he quickly moved up to fifth.  Near the end of the first stage of the race, Majeski slowly began to fade as his tires went away.  On lap 114, while running in the middle of the pack, Majeski tangled with the already spinning car of Kyle Benjamin.  The pair collided hard in turn four and Majeski suffered considerable damage.  After making several pit stops for repairs, he was able to continue.  Then on lap 146, Majeski pounded the wall in turn one to bring out the 6th of 9 cautions on the night.  Majeski limped his car back to his pit with heavy damage including a fire on the right front tire, thus ending his night with a disappointing 34th place finish.  Due to the impact of the crash, he we examined and released from the infield care center with no injuries.


NASCAR XFINITY SERIES E15 250 Presented by Enogen

Fin   Str   Driver                        Laps    Status
1.     9      William Byron           250     Running
2.    22     Ryan Sieg                  250     Running
3.    15     Tyler Reddick            250     Running
4.    14     Ross Chastain            250     Running
5.    7       Dakota Armstrong     250     Running
6.    20     Michael Annett          250     Running
7.    18     Jeremy Clements       250     Running
8.    4       Elliott Sadler             250     Running
9.    5       Justin Allgaier           250     Running
10.  31     Garrett Smithley        250     Running
11.  30     Tommy Joe Martins   250     Running
12.  27     Quin Houff                250     Running
13.  25     JJ Yeley                     250     Running
14.  32     David Starr                250     Running
15.  28     Dylan Lupton            250     Running
16.   1      Christopher Bell        250     Running
17.  26     BJ McLeod                250     Running
18.  37     Joey Gase                  250     Running
19.  17     Ryan Reed                 250     Running
20.  21     Ben Kennedy             249     Running
21.  11     Daniel Hemric           249     Running
22.   9      Matt Tifft                   249     Running
23.   23    Brandon Jones           249     Running
24.   24    Cole Custer               249     Running
25.   13    Blake Koch               249     Running
26.   16    Brendan Gaughan     249     Running
27.    8     Brennan Poole          249     Running
28.   38    Timmy Hill               247     Running
29.   34    Ray Black Jr.            246     Running
30.   19    Spencer Gallagher    244     Running
31.    2     Kyle Benjamin         241     Running
32.   12    Scott Lagasse Jr.      236     Running
33.   33    Dexter Bean            161     Accident
34.   10    Ty Majeski              143     Accident
35.   40    Mike Harmon          121     Engine
36.   29    Harrison Rhodes     118      Engine
37.    3     Sam Hornish Jr.        78     Accident
38.   39    Carl Long                 18      Brakes
39.   36    Morgan Shepherd    16      Vibration
40.   35    Jeff Green                  6      Electrical

Time of Race:  2 Hrs, 32 Min, 52 sec.
Cautions:  9 for 65 laps
Lead Changes:  11 among 6 drivers
Lap Leaders:  Bell 1-64; Black Jr 65; Byron 66-86; Allgaier 87-91; Byron 92-103; Bell 104-114; Gaughan 115-123; Byron 124-142; Bell 143-219; Byron 220-224; Lupton 225-229; Byron 230-250

NEMECHEK WINS M&M'S 200 AT IOWA SPEEDWAY

John Hunter Nemechek took the lead with 5 laps remaining and held on to win the NASCAR CAMPINGWORLD TRUCK SERIES M&M's 200 Presented by Casey's General Stores at the Iowa Speedway on Friday June 23rd.

The final 6 laps, would be the only ones that Nemechek would lead in the race.

Johnny Sauter finished second, leading twice for 72 laps and surrendering the lead on lap 194 after a late restart.

13th starting Brandon Jones finished third and did not lead any laps during the race.

10th starting Grant Enfinger finished 4th.

Click Here to listen to Grant Enfinger

Christopher Bell started second and led once for 99 laps, but a caution before the end of stage 2 got him out of pit sequence and he finished 5th.

Click Here to listen to Christopher Bell

Third starting Chase Briscoe led once for 7 laps and finished 7th.

Click Here to listen to Chase Briscoe

NASCAR CAMPINGWORLD TRUCK SERIES M&M'S 200 Presented by Casey's General Stores

Fin   Str   Driver                             Laps Completed  Status
1       5     John Hunter Nemechek        200                Running
2       4     Johnny Sauter                       200                Running
3       13   Brandon Jones                      200                Running
4       10   Grant Enfinger                      200                Running
5       2     Christopher Bell                    200                Running
6       1     Noah Gragson                       200                Running
7       3     Chase Briscoe                       200                Running
8       11    Austin Cindric                      200                Running
9       9     Jesse Little                            200                Running
10     7     Justin Haley                          200                Running
11     14   Harrison Burton                    199                Running
12     15   Cody Coughlin                      199               Running
13     20   Scott Lagasse Jr.                    196               Running
14     6     Ben Rhodes                           195               Running
15     19   Jordan Anderson                   193               Running
16     18   Trey Hutchens                       192               Running
17     29   Wendell Chavous                  191               Running
18     22    Josh Reaume                        185               Running
19     12    Matt Crafton                         184               Accident
20     8      Ryan Truex                           166              Overheating
21     32    Mike Senica                          143              Too Slow
22     27    Norm Benning                      126               Transmission
23     17    Austin Self                            124               Accident
24     16    Kaz Grala                             115                Accident
25     28    Bryce Napier                          98               Engine
26     24    Kyle Donahue                        68               Engine
27     31    Ted Minor                              25               Brakes
28     26    Kevin Donahue                      24               Brakes
29     21    TJ Bell                                   15                Electrical
30     25    Tyler Young                           12                Electrical
31     23     Joe Nemechek                        3                 Rear Gear
32     30     JJ Yeley                                  3                 Oil Pump

Time of Race: 1 hr, 47 min. 42 sec.
Average Speed:  97.493 MPH
Margin of Victory:  1.62 sec.
Cautions:  4 for 34 laps
Lead Changes:  5 among 5 drivers

Schatz wins at Granite City Speedway

At Granite City Speedway in Sauk Rapids (MN) Donny Schatz #15 won his 11th World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car series race of the year and he extended his point lead.  Schatz has now won two of the three events held at Granite City Speedway.

Jason Johnson #41 might have had the fastest car, he won time trials with a time of 11.572 around the .284 mile dirt oval at Granite City Speedway, not even close to the track record time of 10.720.  Johnson also won his heat race and the fast dash and he led the first 13 laps of the Main Event until a caution slowed the field and Schatz passed Johnson just after the restart.  Schatz held back a few darting moves from both Johnson and #49 Brad Sweet to score the win and the $6000 first place check and the cool Granite trophy.

Brad Sweet had a terrible time in qualifying, he was only the 16th fastest qualifier out of the 22 cars competing.  Sweet was a half second slower than Johnson in qualifying but his car was awesome in the main event.  Sweet started the race 10th and moved up to the fourth position when the caution was displayed on lap 13, Sweet was able to charge up one more position and finished third, he also was the hard charger of the race.

Here are our exclusive interviews with the TOP 3 finishers at Granite City Speedway.  Click on the link for audio.

Donny Schatz 1st Place
Jason Johnson 2nd Place
Brad Sweet 3rd Place
4th- Kerry Madsen
5th- David Gravel
6th- Sheldon Haudenschild
7th Jason Sides
8th Shane Stewart (2016 winner)
9th Logan Schuchart
10th Joey Saldana #17

The extreme speed from the 900 horse power World of Outlaws Sprint Cars was amazing to see and the pass for the lead was very exciting.  The track was tacky and multiple grooves were available, small clumps of mud were flying into the stands and the nearly packed crowd seemed very pleased with the show.  The four wide salute at the beginning of the Main Event was a highlight

The only wreck of the night occurred during time-trials when #9 Jared Goerges flipped his car between turns three and four.  His crew worked feverishly in the pits to try and return the car to the track.  He did start the main event but ended up getting scored last place in the feature (22nd) after completing only one lap.

For More information go to WooSprint.com

Here is our Segment on Speed Talk on 1360 radio where Jason and Dean recap the WoO race at Granite City and hear interviews with the TOP 3 drivers.  https://soundcloud.com/dean-reller/speed-talk-6-24-17-outlaws-trucks

For Full Race Highlights on Youtube Click HERE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFWhdR0yOwk

Incredible finish of Elko Speedway ARCA race

The finish of the Shore Lunch 250 ARCA series race at Elko Speedway was amazing.  It ended with #52 Austin Theriault edging #15 Christian Eckes by just a couple feet at the finish line a margin of .029.

Here is the audio of the final 5 laps from ELKO announcer Jason Searcy https://soundcloud.com/speedtalkon1360/final-5-laps-at-elko-arca-race

Here is the TV coverage of the final few laps https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8u-s6eE8-Y

Here is an audio recap including interviews of the Shore Lunch 250 at ELKO https://soundcloud.com/dean-reller/speed-talk-6-10-17-arca-shore-lunch-250-recap

Here is the post-race winner interview of Austin Theriault as heard only on Speed Talk on 1360 radio https://soundcloud.com/speedtalkon1360/austin-theriault-wins-arca-at

Second Place finisher #15 Christian Eckes drove an incredible race but came up just short, here is our interview with him post-race.  https://soundcloud.com/dean-reller/christian-eckes

Third place finisher #18 Riley Herbst was the General tire pole award winner with a time of 14.362, he had contact with #55 Zane Smith (photo below) in the final corner of the last lap, Smith was transferred to the hospital and was later released.  Here is our interview with Herbst https://soundcloud.com/dean-reller/riley-herbst-p3

Bret Holmes #23 finished 4th, he started the race in second with a time of 14.364, only .002 behind Herbst for the pole.  He is a student at Auburn and proudly displays their logo on his helmet.

Local Minnesota racer #78 Cole Anderson (below) of Northfield drove for Mason Mitchell Motorsports, he had a very strong race and was in the "top 5" much of the night.  He was involved in the last lap wreck though and finished 10th.

Here is our interview with Cole Anderson https://soundcloud.com/dean-reller/cole-anderson-p5

Here is the race story from ARCA https://www.arcaracing.com/articles/2006584-theriault-wins-shore-lunch-250-at-elko

Another local racer Natalie Decker from Eagle River (WI) raced the #25 for Venturini Motorsports and finished a lap down in 13th after a pass-through penalty under green, she spent most of the race on the lead lap.  Decker did pose in a Victory Lane photo with Great North Legends winner Derek Lemke.

What an incredible night of racing and a good crowd at Elko Speedway for the #ShoreLunch250.  For more coverage of this event and all MN racing listen to Speed Talk on 1360 Radio Saturdays 10-11am on KRWC1360.com or search KRWC on the free Tunein app for your mobile device.

Here are the official results from ARCA.  https://www.arcaracing.com/events/1986120-elko-arca-200#session_1988552

ARCA Returns to ELKO

By Jason D Searcy

Circle the date Saturday June 3rd 2017 on your racing calendar because that is the return of the ARCA series to Elko (MN) Speedway.  The ARCA series presented by Menards not only is one of the very few chances for us to see live pit-stops up here in the North, it also provides the unique opportunity to meet and greet the future stars of our favorite sport.  

As an example, think back to the very first ARCA race ever held in Minnesota, it was at Elko Speedway six years ago, it was a beautiful day on June 2nd in 2012.   28 cars started the Akona 200 with Alex Bowman on the pole.  Alex Bowman currently is employed by Hendrick Motorsports and he drove the #88 car for Dale Jr in the opening Clash at Daytona International Speedway last February.  He is so highly thought of that Mr Hendrick offered him a contract even though he has no ride for him at the moment, he might be driving the #88 car next year in the Cup series.

Matt Lofton led the race for a few laps until Brennan Poole took the lead on lap 12, he had the quickest car all night long.  Poole currently races full time in the NASCAR Xfinity series in the #48 car for Chip Ganassi.

Some cars pitted for tires on lap 66, including Chris Buescher who is now racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series for JT Daugherty after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Championship in 2015 for Roush/Fenway racing.

Local driver Joey Miller from Lakeville (MN) brought out the caution on lap 90 providing the opportunity for Brennan Poole to pit for tires, Poole returned to the track in 8th position.

Steve Arpin, who grew up just a few miles north of Minnesota in Fort Francis, Ontario, Canada brought out the next caution on lap 117.  Arpin is now racing for Chip Ganassi as a factory Global Rallycross driver.  Poole had worked his way up to fourth when the caution flag flew.

Poole (photo below) then used the high side to his advantage and took a lead he would never relinquish on lap 133, he won by 1.205 seconds over Matt Lofton with Chris Buescher finishing 3rd and Frank Kimmel coming across the finish line 4th. Tom Hessert was 5th and Joey Miller fought back for a strong 6th place finish.

Two other notable drivers were not even a factor in the race.  Erik Jones, a 7 time winner in the Xfinity series, who currently drives for Furniture Row in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup series finished 8th and two-time Daytona Xfinity series winner Ryan Reed, who is now driving for Roush/Fenway in the #16 car, finished 13th.

The race took just over one hour to complete in 2012, so an extra 50 laps were added in 2013.  It was a very memorable event when NASCAR Cup Legend Ken Schrader won the pole and ARCA Legend Frank Kimmel tied Iggy Katona for the most career ARCA wins with 78.  Grant Enfinger (below) spun early but came back through the field and won the ARCA race at Elko Speedway in 2014.  Here is our Speed Talk on 1360 audio recap of the 2014 race https://soundcloud.com/speedtalkon1360/arca-elko-2014

Thinking back 6 years ago to the first race in 2012, If only we had known just how many of those ARCA drivers would go on to become stars in NASCAR things would've been different.  We all easily could've gotten autographs from each and every driver in the race and filled up our camera's with the photographic proof that I met THAT GUY who now races every weekend on TV! 

Many of us didn't take advantage of that opportunity a few years ago but, thankfully we now have a second chance because after a two year hiatus, the ARCA series presented by Menards will be returning to Elko Speedway for the Shore Lunch 250 lap event on Saturday night June 3rd and joined by the Great North Legends cars.

Look for rising stars like #52 Austin Theriault from Fort Kent Maine who has recently raced in both the Truck series and Xfinity series, he drives for Ken Schrader and is the point leader.  Dalton Sargeant #77 is a 19 yr old from Boca Raton FL who is turning heads, he is second in points.  Gus Dean #32 from Bluffton Georgia and Justin Fontaine #33 from Fletcher North Carolina are driving for Win-Tron racing owned by former ASA Champion Kevin Cywinski who lived for many years in Minnesota.  Joe Gibbs racing has an entry in the field as well, #18 is Riley Herbst from Las Vegas Nevada.

Natalie Decker (below) from Elk River WI, who has spent a lot of time at Elko Speedway the last couple years, will be racing #25 for Venturini Motorsports after a lead-lap finish in her ARCA debut at Toledo.

Northfield (MN) racer Cole Anderson is also entered in the race, he will be driving the #78 car for Mason Mitchell Motorsports.  Cole has won some big Super Late Model races in his short career but a win in this race would really get him some National attention.

The race itself is sure to be memorable but the pre-race autograph session and selfie line with all the ARCA drivers might provide that lasting image that you will cherish in a few years.  When you live way up here in the North Country, opportunities like this one don't come along every day.  So don't miss it.  Spectator Gates open at 1pm, ARCA Qualifying at 5pm, the Eternity Homes Great North Legends feature is at 5:30pm, the on-track autograph session is from 6:15-7:15pm with ARCA racing at 8pm.

Get discounted Tickets at Regional Minnesota Menards Stores and get more information at ElkoSpeedway.com or Aracracing.com

***Franklin (VA) driver Willie Mullins has a CW Metals from Monticello (MN) as a sponsor for this race and is putting a big effort into having a good run at ELKO.  Here is the interview Jason and Dean did with Willie https://soundcloud.com/dean-reller/speed-talk-5-6-17-willie-mullins-arca-driver

***Kevin Cywinski is the owner of ARCA team Win-Tron Racing.  Here is an interview with Kevin talking about his storied racing career and the upcoming ELKO race.  https://soundcloud.com/dean-reller/speed-talk-5-13-17-kevin-cywinski


****Cole Anderson from Northfield MN will be in the ARCA race at ELKO.  He is driving the #78 car for Mason Mitchell Motorsports.  Here is the interview we did with Cole talking about this great opportunity.  https://soundcloud.com/dean-reller/speed-talk-5-27-17-cole-anderson-interview

Speed Talk on 1360 is Back for a 9th Season!

Dean and Jason are ready for a 9th season of Speed Talk on 1360 Radio on KRWC in Buffalo (MN) broadcasting every Saturday morning 10-11am on 1360AM, KRWC1360.com and on the free Tunein app by searching KRWC.  TUNEIN  KRWC

Thanks to our Sponsors, without their support, this would not be possible.
ELKO Speedway
Performance Driving School at BIR
Lou Fegers Racing Products
Highway 55 Trailer Sales

Jason continues to be the Announcer at Elko (MN) Speedway for the 5th year and Dean is now the Announcer at Granite City Speedway in Sauk Rapids (MN).  We will bring you interviews from our home tracks every week.

HERE are the Podcast links to 2017 shows:
First Show of 2017
Adam Brachle from Youth Impact Racing
Jake Mataya Flat Track Motorcycle
Jordan Bianchi on Dale Jr retirement
Willie Mullins (ARCA)
Kevin Cywinski (ARCA)
Harry Gant (NASCAR)
Rick Allen (NBC)
Ron Krog (USMTS)

We will also continue to cover Big Racing Events across the North including the Trans-Am Race at Brainerd International Raceway over the Independence Day weekend.

Speed Talk on 1360 will bring you full coverage of  Indy Car, Camping World Truck Series, ARCA and the NASCAR Xfinity series events at Iowa Speedway.

We will bring you the best coverage of everything going on in NASCAR with SBNation writer Jordan Bianchi (below right) who is in attendance at many of these events.  We also check in every week with Dan Plan (below left) who covers the local scene as well as anyone, he is the editor of the Midwest Racing Connection.  SBNation/NASCAR The Racing Connection

From the local ARCA Midwest tour races, ARCA National Tour or the World of Outlaws, we will be there.

Many of our past interviews are Podcasted.  CLICK THIS LINK for a listing of previous podcasts.
Speed Talk PODCASTS  We interview over 50 drivers per year.

You can join our Facebook Page and keep up with all that goes on Speed Talk on 1360, even get a Shoutout on the radio!  Speed Talk Facebook Group

You never know who will be on the radio show.  We have done one on one interviews with some of the biggest names in racing.  In 2016 we talked to:  Ryan Hunter-Reay, Ty Dillon, Helio Castroneves, Erik Jones, Scott Dixon, Sam Hornish, Elliott Sadler, Tommy Archer, Brad Sweet, Paul Fix, Shane Stewart, Josef Newgarden, Daniel Suarez, Chase Briscoe, Ty Majeski, Harrison Burton and many others.

Jason and Dean have each been covering Motorsports for over 25 years and appreciate all of you that has made that possible.  Thank you for listening to the show and Thumbs Up for an awesome 2017!.

To follow all the action be sure and follow Jason and Dean on Twitter.  Thanks for listening to the "Fastest Hour on Radio," Speed Talk on 1360.   Follow Jason HERE Follow Dean HERE