Breaking Down the Kinser and Lasoski Announcements/ Where to Now?/ Homestead Update
Kiss and Make Up
Typically the news cycle on a Friday afternoon is pretty much dead. That was not the case yesterday as a load of news releases came down the pipe from both Steve Kinser Racing and the World of Outlaws. The main news? The 20 time WoO champ, Steve Kinser and the 2006 National Sprint Tour Champion Danny Lasoski would be returning to the World of Outlaws Sprint Series in 2007. In a year where we lost NST founder Fred Brownfield and WoO founder Ted Johnson, the news was earth shattering.
Why the Return?
So why are the three top teams (Steve Kinser Racing owns two cars) in the National Sprint Tour headed back to the World of Outlaws? Their owners and sponsors appeared to have had a say in the decision. Roth Racing owner Dennis Roth says it is what is best for the sport.
“The best thing for sprint car racing is that the top cars are back together where they belonged from the beginning.”
According to a news release from Steve Kinser Racing, it was Kinser’s sponsor, Quaker State that influenced the King’s decision.
“The World of Outlaws with their new leadership, expanded schedule and new ESPN and SPEED TV deals have really positioned sprint car racing for growth,” said David Lerch, Director of Motorsports for Q. “Steve Kinser, Q and the World of Outlaws belong together and we are pleased to continue our partnership with Steve as he competes for his 21st World of Outlaws title.”
The news releases say that Q renewed their sponsorship with Kinser but do not give details of the sponsorship. There is another reason for the King’s return to the WoO. In a World of Outlaws news release, Steve Kinser said that the late Ted Johnson told Kinser before he died that he would like to see one major 410-winged sprint car series again.
What Will Happen to the NST?
Following the passing of founder Fred Brownfield, the series was purchased by Don Lamberti, Lonnie Parsons, Guy Stockbridge and Steve Kinser. According to a WoO news release Kinser is now out.
“It’s been a hard situation for me to race with all the confusion that’s been going on the last year,” he said. “I just want to get back and relax and worry about my race team more than anything, worry about making my racecars fast and be in the right frame of mind when I hit the racetrack. It’s no fun for me going to the races when I’m worried about scheduling and trying to run a race organization. Now I’ll just have to worry about my two race teams.”
Steve Kinser was unavailable for comment when contacted Saturday. Danny Lasoski indirectly called for the demise of the NST in a WoO news release saying, “I feel we need to be back together as one group under one banner, stronger than ever. The World of Outlaws has done its homework, they got the proper television package with ESPN2 and SPEED and I'm excited to be coming back.”
What About the NST Drivers and the WoO Mean 15?
Already sixteen returning teams have committed to running the full WoO schedule in 2007. So will Roth and Kinser’s teams get tow money? What about the others that may break away from the NST and follow the King? I was unable to immediately reach a spokesperson with the World of Outlaws Saturday. An email requesting comment by the National Sprint Tour had not been returned at the time of the posting of this story. The National Sprint Tour’s website http://www.nationalsprinttour.com/ has not yet posted which drivers would be returning for 2007.
What About the Promoters and the Race Tracks?
The NST website has also not posted a schedule for the 2007 season. In previous seasons Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wisconsin has hosted the World of Outlaws on a Monday traditionally following the 4th of July weekend. In 2006 the track elected to bring in the National Sprint Tour in place of the WoO. Cedar Lake Speedway was not listed on the preliminary WoO 2007 schedule. www.dirtmotorsports.com/sprint/downloads/WOOSPRINT2007.pdf/ According to the CLS website, the track will host a 410 sprint car show on July 9th this season but the website does not name the sanctioning organization. The National Sprint Tour has not updated their website since Tuesday November 14th. The website still lists Kinser, Tim Kaeding and Lasoski as NST drivers. Series, teams and sponsors often make their announcements during the Performance Racing Industry show in Orlando. PRI, which is just a few weeks away, should provide more insight. The now defunct National Sprint Car League http://www.nationalsprintcarleague.com/ had an empty booth at the 2006 show indicating that series was no more. Hopefully more positive announcements will be made at the 2007 show.
What is in it for the Fans?
So just what does Friday’s announcements mean for the fans? It means that the level of racing in the World of Outlaws just jumped up a few notches. If other drivers follow Kinser and Lasoski, it means the best drivers in 410 winged sprint car racing will again drive with the World of Outlaws. Having two series competing against each other was good in that it forced both series to become more competitive in all areas from on the track, to working with the promoters, dealing with the fans and in the avenues of media distribution. The National Sprint Tour has NOT announced that it is folding its tent. Regardless of what happens in the next few weeks, the sport of sprint car racing is now better because of the NST.
The full news release from Steve Kinser Racing as well as the WoO releases can be viewed at the bottom of this update.
Two of the Top Three are Open Wheelers
Two of the top three starters for tonight’s NASCAR Busch Series finale are Open Wheelers. Series champion Kevin Harvick is on the pole but JJ Yeley and Carl Edwards will be right on his tale. Yeley qualified second quick while Edwards took third quick. Erin Crocker qualified 21st quick. Crocker’s 43 is wearing Evernham Betty Crocker colors but the car is owned by Mike Curb. Kraig Kinser did not make it in on time.
Open Wheeler Busch Qualifying Results Homestead
1. (21 Kevin Harvick)
2. 18 JJ Yeley
3. Carl Edwards
10. 99 David Reutiman
14. 11 Paul Menard
19. 9 Kasey Kahne
21. 43 Erin Crocker
23. 38 Jason Leffler
24. 39 Sam Hornish Jr.
31. 42 Juan Pablo Montoya
32. 10 John Andretti
Martin Wins Final Truck Race for Roush
Mark Martin won his final NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race driving for Roush Racing last night at Homestead Speedway. Todd Bodine clinched the 2006 Truck Series Championship with his 21st place finish last night. David Reutiman led several laps and finished 8th. Reutiman finished 3rd in points. Terry Cook was 10th. He finished 8th n points. Erin Crocker was out of the race early with ignition problems. She finished the season 25th in points, the lowest points finish of any driver that started all 25 truck races.
Open Wheeler Truck Results Homestead
1. (6 Mark Martin)
8. 17 David Reutiman
10. 10 Terry Cook
16. 21 Bobby East
30. 16 Mike Bliss
34. 98 Erin Crocker
Kahne Will Lead the Field to the Green Sunday
Maybe it was too little too late but regardless Kasey Kahne is on the pole for Sunday’s final Cup race at Homestead. Kahne who is in the Chase but has been mathematically eliminated grabbed the top spot with a time of 178.259mph. JJ Yeley will start 8th. Jimmie Johnson will start 15th and Matt Kenseth 19th. Juan Pablo Montoya will make his first Cup start at 29th in the No. 30 car.
Open Wheeler Cup Qualifying Results Homestead
1. 9 Kasey Kahne
8. 18 J.J. Yeley
12. 24 Jeff Gordon
16. 12 Ryan Newman
17. 49 Mike Bliss
21. 20 Tony Stewart
25. 22 Dave Blaney
28. 15 Paul Menard
29. 30 Juan Pablo Montoya
31. 99 Carl Edwards
35. 7 Robby Gordon
37. 21 Ken Schrader
39. 42 Casey Mears
My Top 25
If you are looking for our My Top 25 feature, you can fin it ion it’s new website at http://www.mytoptwentyfive.blogspot.com/.
Newsreleases on the Kinser/ Lasoski Announcement
Steve Kinser Takes Aim At His 21st World of Outlaws Championship
Concord, NC — Nov. 17, 2006 — By Chris Dolack, VP Public Relations
There is little debate Steve Kinser is the greatest sprint car driver in history. In 2007, Kinser will be aiming to add to his legendary career as he returns to the World of Outlaws and competes for his 21st championship.
One of the original World of Outlaws competitors in 1978, Kinser has earned a series record 533 victories in a racing career that has spanned four decades with the Outlaws. In 2005, he was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame.
But Kinser isn’t resting on his laurels. Instead, 2007 will be a bit of a rebirth for him. Not only is he returning to World of Outlaws competition, he also has renewed a deal with long-time partner Quaker State, through its Q brand, to power his Steve Kinser Racing No. 11 Maxim. In addition, his Steve Kinser Racing No. 11k Maxim also will be chasing the World of Outlaws championship.
“I’ve had a good partnership with Quaker State since I started my own race team in 1995,” said Kinser, of Bloomington, Ind. “I hope to continue with them the rest of my racing career and maybe with Steve Kinser Racing after that.”
Ultimately, Kinser’s return to the World of Outlaws brings him back to the series he helped to build and where he experienced his most memorable moments, many of which he shared with series founder Ted Johnson, who passed away in October.
“Ted and I talked quite a bit,” Kinser said. “We talked probably every day, especially since the Knoxville Nationals. Ted’s wishes were to get back together with the World of Outlaws, something he founded and something that, to be honest with you, I was a big part of all my racing career. Me and Rick Ferkel and a lot of guys the first few years spent a lot time at television stations and radio stations trying to build this thing and get it off the ground. I had a good relationship with Ted over the years. We had a working partnership. Over 28 years, Ted and I had a lot of great times together and he was a great friend of mine.”
“We welcome Steve and his return to the World of Outlaws,” said DIRT MotorSports President and CEO Tom Deery. “Not only is he a proven champion, he’s also concerned about what’s best for the future of sprint car racing. We’re excited for our fans that he once again is part of the Greatest Show on Dirt.”
Kinser’s return to the World of Outlaws also has him eager to put his focus back on his two-car team.
“It’s been a hard situation for me to race with all the confusion that’s been going on the last year,” he said. “I just want to get back and relax and worry about my race team more than anything, worry about making my racecars fast and be in the right frame of mind when I hit the racetrack. It’s no fun for me going to the races when I’m worried about scheduling and trying to run a race organization. I will definitely look at the racing part of it a lot different from the way I did before because I’ve been on all ends of it — not that I haven’t been on those sides before, but not to the extent I was last year. Now I’ll just have to worry about my two race teams.”
There is little doubt that Steve Kinser Racing’s return to the World of Outlaws will add to the highly competitive series.
“It’s not going to be easy because there’s a lot of good race teams out there now with a lot of good drivers,” Kinser said. “It’ll be tougher than it’s ever been.”
With two national touring series in 2006, several young teams jumped at the opportunity to race with the World of Outlaws, giving them experience that will no doubt raise the level of competition next year. All of the teams that competed full-time with the series last season already have signed on to compete in 2007.
“That was probably the only good part about having two national organizations,” Kinser said. “It did give a few teams a chance to get out there and get a taste of what was going on out on the road and see what it was like. It can get pretty tough. There are a lot of good race teams on both sides of it and when you put it all back together, it strengthens them. I can remember back when they first started running the Gumout Series. They took some of those drivers and they started winning races. When they came back to the World of Outlaws, they came back with confidence. That means a lot for race teams, when they build that confidence. Sometimes it’s pretty hard to get them beat back down.”
Given the unparalleled competitiveness in the World of Outlaws, Kinser certainly will have his work cut out for him and looks forward to the challenge.
Steve Kinser and Quaker State Return to the World of Outlaws Seeking Record 21st Championship
Q Motor Oil to Help Power Kinser in 2007
Bloomington, Ind., November 17, 2006 — Steve Kinser and Quaker State, through its Q brand, is pleased to announce the relationship will continue in 2007 as Steve Kinser Racing returns to the World of Outlaws.
"The World of Outlaws with their new leadership, expanded schedule and new ESPN and SPEED TV deals have really positioned sprint car racing for growth," said David Lerch, Director of Motorsports for Q. "Steve Kinser, Q and the World of Outlaws belong together and we are pleased to continue our partnership with Steve as he competes for his 21st World of Outlaws title."
Kinser, among the original World of Outlaws drivers when the series began in 1978, owns a record 533 victories and 20 championships. He was enshrined in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2005. Kinser has been in partnership with Quaker State and Q since forming Steve Kinser Racing in 1995.
“Many things contribute to a winning team, and having Q to help keep our engines running at maximum power under the grueling conditions of sprint car racing will be a tremendous benefit,” said Steve Kinser. “The long-term backing of Quaker State and Maxim Chassis has been a great asset to our team, and we look forward to chasing another World of Outlaws title with them in 2007.”
About Q
Q’s highly-engineered motor oils are designed to provide today’s modern engines with maximum performance and power. Quaker State’s Q line of motor oils features a family of specialty motor oils that have been customized for specific engines and driving needs including: Q Advanced Engine Full Synthetic; Q TorquePower Full Synthetic and three specific Q Racing Oils. These premium-performing lubes cover just about every possible application for the automotive enthusiast.
The Q line of performance products also includes the Q Power System — a unique line of premium engineered coolants and fluids designed to work in combination to fight heat and power-robbing frition to help maximize horsepower. The Q Power System of products consists of Q Advanced Engine Full Synthetic motor oil, Q Quench™ Radiator Additive, Q Coolant/Antifreeze with Quench™, Q Gear & Differential Lubricant SAE 75W-90, and Q Transmission Fluid.
Roth Motorsports Brings Danny Lasoski Back to the World of Outlaws
Concord, NC — Nov. 17, 2006 — By Chris Dolack, VP Public Relations
Danny Lasoski is one of the most successful drivers in World of Outlaws history, and in 2007 he will return to the series as driver of the Roth Motorsports Eagle.
"It's good to be back," said car owner Dennis Roth, a long-time sprint car supporter from California that saw Lasoski compete on 94 nights in 2006 and capture the National Sprint Tour title. "The best thing for sprint car racing is that the top cars are back together where they belonged from the beginning. We had a great year in 2006. The competition in the NST was awfully tough like it is in the World of Outlaws. We were very happy to win the championship."
"Danny raced with us quite a bit last season and we’re pleased he and Dennis have decided to compete for another World of Outlaws championship," said World of Outlaws Sprint Series Director Carlton Reimers. "Dennis Roth is one of the classiest owners in the business and we look forward to seeing him more often in 2007."
The 2001 World of Outlaws champion, Lasoski will seek to add to his total of 74 World of Outlaws victories beginning Feb. 9 at Volusia Speedway Park as the series drops the green flag on its 30th season.
"The competition is going to be the fiercest it has ever been with the World of Outlaws," Roth said. "Two series in 2006 gave some of the new people out there a chance to gain some experience and make the programs and be in the running every night. Now, they're going to be that much better and that much more to contend with. Overall the whole racing program is going to be the best it has ever been."
Last season, Lasoski earned main-event World of Outlaws victories at Manzanita Speedway and Southern Oregon Speedway, as well as a preliminary feature win at Calistoga Speedway. He was excited to be the first driver to commit to the 2007 World of Outlaws championship run following the 16 teams that re-signed after the 2006 season concluded.
"The bottom line is to secure 410 sprint car racing," said Lasoski, of Dover, Mo. "I feel we need to be back together as one group under one banner, stronger than ever. The World of Outlaws has done its homework, they got the proper television package with ESPN2 and SPEED and I'm excited to be coming back. I think really great things are on the horizon and the biggest winner will be the fans."
Images appearing in this blog courtesy of, Open Wheeler, SPEED and NASCAR Images.
Typically the news cycle on a Friday afternoon is pretty much dead. That was not the case yesterday as a load of news releases came down the pipe from both Steve Kinser Racing and the World of Outlaws. The main news? The 20 time WoO champ, Steve Kinser and the 2006 National Sprint Tour Champion Danny Lasoski would be returning to the World of Outlaws Sprint Series in 2007. In a year where we lost NST founder Fred Brownfield and WoO founder Ted Johnson, the news was earth shattering.
Why the Return?
So why are the three top teams (Steve Kinser Racing owns two cars) in the National Sprint Tour headed back to the World of Outlaws? Their owners and sponsors appeared to have had a say in the decision. Roth Racing owner Dennis Roth says it is what is best for the sport.
“The best thing for sprint car racing is that the top cars are back together where they belonged from the beginning.”
According to a news release from Steve Kinser Racing, it was Kinser’s sponsor, Quaker State that influenced the King’s decision.
“The World of Outlaws with their new leadership, expanded schedule and new ESPN and SPEED TV deals have really positioned sprint car racing for growth,” said David Lerch, Director of Motorsports for Q. “Steve Kinser, Q and the World of Outlaws belong together and we are pleased to continue our partnership with Steve as he competes for his 21st World of Outlaws title.”
The news releases say that Q renewed their sponsorship with Kinser but do not give details of the sponsorship. There is another reason for the King’s return to the WoO. In a World of Outlaws news release, Steve Kinser said that the late Ted Johnson told Kinser before he died that he would like to see one major 410-winged sprint car series again.
What Will Happen to the NST?
Following the passing of founder Fred Brownfield, the series was purchased by Don Lamberti, Lonnie Parsons, Guy Stockbridge and Steve Kinser. According to a WoO news release Kinser is now out.
“It’s been a hard situation for me to race with all the confusion that’s been going on the last year,” he said. “I just want to get back and relax and worry about my race team more than anything, worry about making my racecars fast and be in the right frame of mind when I hit the racetrack. It’s no fun for me going to the races when I’m worried about scheduling and trying to run a race organization. Now I’ll just have to worry about my two race teams.”
Steve Kinser was unavailable for comment when contacted Saturday. Danny Lasoski indirectly called for the demise of the NST in a WoO news release saying, “I feel we need to be back together as one group under one banner, stronger than ever. The World of Outlaws has done its homework, they got the proper television package with ESPN2 and SPEED and I'm excited to be coming back.”
What About the NST Drivers and the WoO Mean 15?
Already sixteen returning teams have committed to running the full WoO schedule in 2007. So will Roth and Kinser’s teams get tow money? What about the others that may break away from the NST and follow the King? I was unable to immediately reach a spokesperson with the World of Outlaws Saturday. An email requesting comment by the National Sprint Tour had not been returned at the time of the posting of this story. The National Sprint Tour’s website http://www.nationalsprinttour.com/ has not yet posted which drivers would be returning for 2007.
What About the Promoters and the Race Tracks?
The NST website has also not posted a schedule for the 2007 season. In previous seasons Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wisconsin has hosted the World of Outlaws on a Monday traditionally following the 4th of July weekend. In 2006 the track elected to bring in the National Sprint Tour in place of the WoO. Cedar Lake Speedway was not listed on the preliminary WoO 2007 schedule. www.dirtmotorsports.com/sprint/downloads/WOOSPRINT2007.pdf/ According to the CLS website, the track will host a 410 sprint car show on July 9th this season but the website does not name the sanctioning organization. The National Sprint Tour has not updated their website since Tuesday November 14th. The website still lists Kinser, Tim Kaeding and Lasoski as NST drivers. Series, teams and sponsors often make their announcements during the Performance Racing Industry show in Orlando. PRI, which is just a few weeks away, should provide more insight. The now defunct National Sprint Car League http://www.nationalsprintcarleague.com/ had an empty booth at the 2006 show indicating that series was no more. Hopefully more positive announcements will be made at the 2007 show.
What is in it for the Fans?
So just what does Friday’s announcements mean for the fans? It means that the level of racing in the World of Outlaws just jumped up a few notches. If other drivers follow Kinser and Lasoski, it means the best drivers in 410 winged sprint car racing will again drive with the World of Outlaws. Having two series competing against each other was good in that it forced both series to become more competitive in all areas from on the track, to working with the promoters, dealing with the fans and in the avenues of media distribution. The National Sprint Tour has NOT announced that it is folding its tent. Regardless of what happens in the next few weeks, the sport of sprint car racing is now better because of the NST.
The full news release from Steve Kinser Racing as well as the WoO releases can be viewed at the bottom of this update.
Two of the Top Three are Open Wheelers
Two of the top three starters for tonight’s NASCAR Busch Series finale are Open Wheelers. Series champion Kevin Harvick is on the pole but JJ Yeley and Carl Edwards will be right on his tale. Yeley qualified second quick while Edwards took third quick. Erin Crocker qualified 21st quick. Crocker’s 43 is wearing Evernham Betty Crocker colors but the car is owned by Mike Curb. Kraig Kinser did not make it in on time.
Open Wheeler Busch Qualifying Results Homestead
1. (21 Kevin Harvick)
2. 18 JJ Yeley
3. Carl Edwards
10. 99 David Reutiman
14. 11 Paul Menard
19. 9 Kasey Kahne
21. 43 Erin Crocker
23. 38 Jason Leffler
24. 39 Sam Hornish Jr.
31. 42 Juan Pablo Montoya
32. 10 John Andretti
Martin Wins Final Truck Race for Roush
Mark Martin won his final NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race driving for Roush Racing last night at Homestead Speedway. Todd Bodine clinched the 2006 Truck Series Championship with his 21st place finish last night. David Reutiman led several laps and finished 8th. Reutiman finished 3rd in points. Terry Cook was 10th. He finished 8th n points. Erin Crocker was out of the race early with ignition problems. She finished the season 25th in points, the lowest points finish of any driver that started all 25 truck races.
Open Wheeler Truck Results Homestead
1. (6 Mark Martin)
8. 17 David Reutiman
10. 10 Terry Cook
16. 21 Bobby East
30. 16 Mike Bliss
34. 98 Erin Crocker
Kahne Will Lead the Field to the Green Sunday
Maybe it was too little too late but regardless Kasey Kahne is on the pole for Sunday’s final Cup race at Homestead. Kahne who is in the Chase but has been mathematically eliminated grabbed the top spot with a time of 178.259mph. JJ Yeley will start 8th. Jimmie Johnson will start 15th and Matt Kenseth 19th. Juan Pablo Montoya will make his first Cup start at 29th in the No. 30 car.
Open Wheeler Cup Qualifying Results Homestead
1. 9 Kasey Kahne
8. 18 J.J. Yeley
12. 24 Jeff Gordon
16. 12 Ryan Newman
17. 49 Mike Bliss
21. 20 Tony Stewart
25. 22 Dave Blaney
28. 15 Paul Menard
29. 30 Juan Pablo Montoya
31. 99 Carl Edwards
35. 7 Robby Gordon
37. 21 Ken Schrader
39. 42 Casey Mears
My Top 25
If you are looking for our My Top 25 feature, you can fin it ion it’s new website at http://www.mytoptwentyfive.blogspot.com/.
Newsreleases on the Kinser/ Lasoski Announcement
Steve Kinser Takes Aim At His 21st World of Outlaws Championship
Concord, NC — Nov. 17, 2006 — By Chris Dolack, VP Public Relations
There is little debate Steve Kinser is the greatest sprint car driver in history. In 2007, Kinser will be aiming to add to his legendary career as he returns to the World of Outlaws and competes for his 21st championship.
One of the original World of Outlaws competitors in 1978, Kinser has earned a series record 533 victories in a racing career that has spanned four decades with the Outlaws. In 2005, he was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame.
But Kinser isn’t resting on his laurels. Instead, 2007 will be a bit of a rebirth for him. Not only is he returning to World of Outlaws competition, he also has renewed a deal with long-time partner Quaker State, through its Q brand, to power his Steve Kinser Racing No. 11 Maxim. In addition, his Steve Kinser Racing No. 11k Maxim also will be chasing the World of Outlaws championship.
“I’ve had a good partnership with Quaker State since I started my own race team in 1995,” said Kinser, of Bloomington, Ind. “I hope to continue with them the rest of my racing career and maybe with Steve Kinser Racing after that.”
Ultimately, Kinser’s return to the World of Outlaws brings him back to the series he helped to build and where he experienced his most memorable moments, many of which he shared with series founder Ted Johnson, who passed away in October.
“Ted and I talked quite a bit,” Kinser said. “We talked probably every day, especially since the Knoxville Nationals. Ted’s wishes were to get back together with the World of Outlaws, something he founded and something that, to be honest with you, I was a big part of all my racing career. Me and Rick Ferkel and a lot of guys the first few years spent a lot time at television stations and radio stations trying to build this thing and get it off the ground. I had a good relationship with Ted over the years. We had a working partnership. Over 28 years, Ted and I had a lot of great times together and he was a great friend of mine.”
“We welcome Steve and his return to the World of Outlaws,” said DIRT MotorSports President and CEO Tom Deery. “Not only is he a proven champion, he’s also concerned about what’s best for the future of sprint car racing. We’re excited for our fans that he once again is part of the Greatest Show on Dirt.”
Kinser’s return to the World of Outlaws also has him eager to put his focus back on his two-car team.
“It’s been a hard situation for me to race with all the confusion that’s been going on the last year,” he said. “I just want to get back and relax and worry about my race team more than anything, worry about making my racecars fast and be in the right frame of mind when I hit the racetrack. It’s no fun for me going to the races when I’m worried about scheduling and trying to run a race organization. I will definitely look at the racing part of it a lot different from the way I did before because I’ve been on all ends of it — not that I haven’t been on those sides before, but not to the extent I was last year. Now I’ll just have to worry about my two race teams.”
There is little doubt that Steve Kinser Racing’s return to the World of Outlaws will add to the highly competitive series.
“It’s not going to be easy because there’s a lot of good race teams out there now with a lot of good drivers,” Kinser said. “It’ll be tougher than it’s ever been.”
With two national touring series in 2006, several young teams jumped at the opportunity to race with the World of Outlaws, giving them experience that will no doubt raise the level of competition next year. All of the teams that competed full-time with the series last season already have signed on to compete in 2007.
“That was probably the only good part about having two national organizations,” Kinser said. “It did give a few teams a chance to get out there and get a taste of what was going on out on the road and see what it was like. It can get pretty tough. There are a lot of good race teams on both sides of it and when you put it all back together, it strengthens them. I can remember back when they first started running the Gumout Series. They took some of those drivers and they started winning races. When they came back to the World of Outlaws, they came back with confidence. That means a lot for race teams, when they build that confidence. Sometimes it’s pretty hard to get them beat back down.”
Given the unparalleled competitiveness in the World of Outlaws, Kinser certainly will have his work cut out for him and looks forward to the challenge.
Steve Kinser and Quaker State Return to the World of Outlaws Seeking Record 21st Championship
Q Motor Oil to Help Power Kinser in 2007
Bloomington, Ind., November 17, 2006 — Steve Kinser and Quaker State, through its Q brand, is pleased to announce the relationship will continue in 2007 as Steve Kinser Racing returns to the World of Outlaws.
"The World of Outlaws with their new leadership, expanded schedule and new ESPN and SPEED TV deals have really positioned sprint car racing for growth," said David Lerch, Director of Motorsports for Q. "Steve Kinser, Q and the World of Outlaws belong together and we are pleased to continue our partnership with Steve as he competes for his 21st World of Outlaws title."
Kinser, among the original World of Outlaws drivers when the series began in 1978, owns a record 533 victories and 20 championships. He was enshrined in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2005. Kinser has been in partnership with Quaker State and Q since forming Steve Kinser Racing in 1995.
“Many things contribute to a winning team, and having Q to help keep our engines running at maximum power under the grueling conditions of sprint car racing will be a tremendous benefit,” said Steve Kinser. “The long-term backing of Quaker State and Maxim Chassis has been a great asset to our team, and we look forward to chasing another World of Outlaws title with them in 2007.”
About Q
Q’s highly-engineered motor oils are designed to provide today’s modern engines with maximum performance and power. Quaker State’s Q line of motor oils features a family of specialty motor oils that have been customized for specific engines and driving needs including: Q Advanced Engine Full Synthetic; Q TorquePower Full Synthetic and three specific Q Racing Oils. These premium-performing lubes cover just about every possible application for the automotive enthusiast.
The Q line of performance products also includes the Q Power System — a unique line of premium engineered coolants and fluids designed to work in combination to fight heat and power-robbing frition to help maximize horsepower. The Q Power System of products consists of Q Advanced Engine Full Synthetic motor oil, Q Quench™ Radiator Additive, Q Coolant/Antifreeze with Quench™, Q Gear & Differential Lubricant SAE 75W-90, and Q Transmission Fluid.
Roth Motorsports Brings Danny Lasoski Back to the World of Outlaws
Concord, NC — Nov. 17, 2006 — By Chris Dolack, VP Public Relations
Danny Lasoski is one of the most successful drivers in World of Outlaws history, and in 2007 he will return to the series as driver of the Roth Motorsports Eagle.
"It's good to be back," said car owner Dennis Roth, a long-time sprint car supporter from California that saw Lasoski compete on 94 nights in 2006 and capture the National Sprint Tour title. "The best thing for sprint car racing is that the top cars are back together where they belonged from the beginning. We had a great year in 2006. The competition in the NST was awfully tough like it is in the World of Outlaws. We were very happy to win the championship."
"Danny raced with us quite a bit last season and we’re pleased he and Dennis have decided to compete for another World of Outlaws championship," said World of Outlaws Sprint Series Director Carlton Reimers. "Dennis Roth is one of the classiest owners in the business and we look forward to seeing him more often in 2007."
The 2001 World of Outlaws champion, Lasoski will seek to add to his total of 74 World of Outlaws victories beginning Feb. 9 at Volusia Speedway Park as the series drops the green flag on its 30th season.
"The competition is going to be the fiercest it has ever been with the World of Outlaws," Roth said. "Two series in 2006 gave some of the new people out there a chance to gain some experience and make the programs and be in the running every night. Now, they're going to be that much better and that much more to contend with. Overall the whole racing program is going to be the best it has ever been."
Last season, Lasoski earned main-event World of Outlaws victories at Manzanita Speedway and Southern Oregon Speedway, as well as a preliminary feature win at Calistoga Speedway. He was excited to be the first driver to commit to the 2007 World of Outlaws championship run following the 16 teams that re-signed after the 2006 season concluded.
"The bottom line is to secure 410 sprint car racing," said Lasoski, of Dover, Mo. "I feel we need to be back together as one group under one banner, stronger than ever. The World of Outlaws has done its homework, they got the proper television package with ESPN2 and SPEED and I'm excited to be coming back. I think really great things are on the horizon and the biggest winner will be the fans."
Images appearing in this blog courtesy of, Open Wheeler, SPEED and NASCAR Images.
posted by Blake Johnson at 3:55 PM
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