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Super DIRTcar Series

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Super DIRTcar Series
CategoryAuto racing
CountryUnited States, Canada
Inaugural season1972
ConstructorsBicknell Racing Products · DKM Chassis · HigFab · PMC Race Cars · Teo Pro Car · Troyer Race Cars
Tire suppliersHoosier Racing Tire
Drivers' championMatt Sheppard
Makes' championBicknell
Teams' championMatt Sheppard Motorsports
Official websiteSuper DIRTcar Series
Current season

The Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds is a North American big block modified touring series currently promoted by World Racing Group. The series primarily races on dirt ovals in the Northeastern United States and Canada along with select dates in Florida and North Carolina.

The cars feature big block V8 engines (up to 467 c.i.) that develops over 750 hp and a center-steer style chassis that weighs at least 2,500 lb with driver included.

History

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The series was founded in 1972 by Glenn Donnelly as a series of qualifier races for the inaugural Super Dirt Week at the New York State Fairgrounds Racetrack in Syracuse, New York. The series became a true points championship in 1974 that also awarded a points fund. Will Cagle won the first points championship in 1974 over two-time Super DIRT Week champion Buzzie Reutimann.

The series and Super Dirt Week grew in popularity along with corporate title sponsors & television coverage throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Past series title sponsors include Schaefer Beer (1972–1975 and 1978), CRC Industries (1979–1985), Sun Country Cooler (1986), U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (1987–1998) and Advance Auto Parts (1999–2008).

The series briefly included asphalt races on the championship trail from 1988 to 1992 at tracks such as Cayuga, Flemington, Nazareth, Oswego, Sanair and Thompson.

The series was acquired by World Racing Group (then Boundless Motorsports) in 2003.

The crown jewel event of the series, Super Dirt Week had to changed venues for the first time in 2016 to a dirt-covered Oswego Speedway in Oswego, New York following the demise & razing of the New York State Fairgrounds Racetrack.

Cars

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Specifications

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  • Engine: Max cubic inches 467
  • Fuel system: Carburetor only 4 barrel Holley 950-1050 cfm
  • Horsepower: range 650-800 hp
  • Compression ratio: 13–14.5 :1
  • RPM: 7000-8300
  • Speed: Approximately 160 mph at the Syracuse Mile
  • Powertrain: 2 speed trans 1 reverse plus quick change rear end.
  • Lubrication system: Belt driven dry sump (app 13qts.)
  • Fuel: VP Fuels racing gasoline only
  • Wheelbase: 106”- 110”
  • Thread width: 74” min. to 86” max.
  • Weight: 2500 lbs. min. with driver
  • Chassis: 1018, 1020 steel only
  • Suspension: Mostly coil spring (coil over) or Torison Bar, rear. Coil spring (coil over), front.
  • Ground clearance: App. 5” front 6” rear on frame heights.
  • Minimum ground clearance: 2½”
  • Tire brand: Hoosier Racing Tire
  • Right rear tire: Circumference 92½”
  • Wheels: Aluminum (bead lock)
  • Steering system: Power steering (worm and sector)
  • Brakes: 4 wheel hydraulic disc brakes (no power assist)

Events

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The premiere event for the series is the Billy Whittaker Cars & Trux 200, a part of NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT Week which is currently held at the Oswego Speedway in Oswego, New York. The race features one of the biggest purses in dirt modified racing with the purse paying $50,000 to the winner. The race is currently broadcast by [1] (live video), DIRTVision.com (live radio) & MavTV (delayed television).[1] The race was originally held at the New York State Fairgrounds Mile in Syracuse until the track was razed in 2016. Previous broadcasters of Super DIRT Week include CBS Sports Network, Empire Sports Network, ESPN, SPEED & TNN.

Other major events currently on the Super DIRTcar Series schedule include DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park, Hall of Fame 100 at Weedsport Speedway, Mr. DIRT Track USA at Lebanon Valley Speedway and the World of Outlaws World Finals at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Champions

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Mr. DIRTcar

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Beginning with the 1980 season points earned in the Super DIRTcar Series were credited toward crowning an overall Mr. DIRTcar champion. Over the years, a variety of formulas have been used, and included bonus points for feature wins and/or seasonal standings at weekly home tracks. In 2000, the two series were merged. Beginning in 2011, the Mr. DIRTcar championship was separated and decided only on a driver's best 16 finishes at their weekly home track.[2] In 2019 the contest garnered a title sponsor and was renamed the Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship.[3]

358-Modified Mr. DIRTcar

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Further information: Small block modifieds

In 1983, the Mr. Dirt 320 Modified Championship trail was created. These small block modifieds emerged from NASCAR's Sportsman division, which had been revamped in 1968.[4][5] Many Northeast race tracks continued to run the old class, and the new series allowed these racers from the St. Lawrence Valley to compete against their counterparts in the Hudson Valley and Twin Tiers regions of Pennsylvania and New York.[6] In 1985 the 358 cubic inch engine was introduced to the class, and later separate championships were created for the traveling series and the weekly home track competition, with the later keeping the Mr. DIRTcar title.[3][7]

Champions by year

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Year Super DIRTcar Series[8] Mr. DIRTcar /Hoosier Champion[9] DIRTcar 358 Modified Series[10] Mr. DIRTcar /Hoosier 358 Champion[10]
2024 Mat Williamson Peter Britten Felix Roy Lance Willix II
2023 Matt Sheppard Marc Johnson Mat Williamson Lance Willix II
2022 Matt Sheppard Larry Wight Dave Marcuccilli Mat Williamson
2021 Matt Sheppard Matt Sheppard Billy Dunn Mat Williamson
2020 Stewart Friesen Stewart Friesen -- Mat Williamson
2019 Mat Williamson Matt Sheppard Erick Rudolph Mat Williamson
2018 Matt Sheppard Matt Sheppard Larry Wight Steve Bernier
2017 Matt Sheppard Matt Sheppard Steve Bernard David Herbert
2016 Matt Sheppard Matt Sheppard Chris Raabe David Herbert
2015 Matt Sheppard Brett Hearn Steve Bernard David Herbert
2014 Billy Decker Brett Hearn Erick Rudolph David Herbert
2013 Brett Hearn Brett Hearn Erick Rudolph Erick Rudolph
2012 Matt Sheppard Brett Hearn Dale Planck Dale Planck
2011 Matt Sheppard Matt Sheppard Danny Johnson David Herbert
2010 Matt Sheppard Awarded Regionally† Danny Johnson Awarded Regionally†
2009 Brett Hearn Awarded Regionally† Dale Planck Awarded Regionally†
Mr. DIRTcar Super Series Champion Mr. DIRTcar 358 Series Champion
2008 Billy Decker[11]† Pete Bicknell[12]†
2007 Brett Hearn[13]† Mario Clair[14]†
2006 Alan Johnson[15] Brett Hearn[13]
2005 Tim Fuller[16] Alan Johnson[17]
2004 Gary Tomkins[18] Pat Ward[19]
2003 Alan Johnson[15] Tim Fuller[6]
2002 Alan Johnson[15] Steve Paine[20]
2001 Brett Hearn[13] Alan Johnson[17]
2000 Steve Paine[20] Danny Johnson[17]
Super DIRT Series[8] Mr. DIRT Champion Mr. DIRT 358 Champion
1999 Kenny Tremont Jr.[21] Danny Johnson[22] Steve Paine[20]
1998 Billy Decker Billy Decker[11] Alan Johnson[23]
1997 Danny Johnson D.Johnson /B.Hearn[13] Alan Johnson[23]
1996 Brett Hearn Brett Hearn[13] Danny Johnson[24]
1995 Bob McCreadie Bob McCreadie[25] Pat O'Brien[23]
1994 Bob McCreadie Bob McCreadie[25] Pete Bicknell[12]
1993 Brett Hearn Brett Hearn[13] Tim Fuller[26]
1992 Danny Johnson Danny Johnson[22] Pat O'Brien[23]
1991 Doug Hoffman Doug Hoffman[27] Pete Bicknell[12]
1990 Brett Hearn Brett Hearn[13] Pat O'Brien[23]
1989 Danny Johnson Danny Johnson[22] Laurent Ladouceur[6]
1988 Jack Johnson Jack Johnson[28] Pat O'Brien[23]
1987 Jack Johnson Jack Johnson[28] Curt Van Pelt[29]
1986 Charlie Rudolph Charlie Rudolph[30] Doug Carlyle[6]
1985 Bob McCreadie Jack Johnson[28] Lin Hough[31]
1984 Jack Johnson Jack Johnson[28] Jeff Hoetzler[32]
1983 Alan Johnson Alan Johnson[33] Tony Corcoran[6]
1982 Jack Johnson Jack Johnson[28]
1981 Alan Johnson Alan Johnson[33]
1980 Jack Johnson Jack Johnson[28]
1979 Jack Johnson
† Regional Awards Year Central Eastern Western Northern
Mr. DIRTcar[9][34] 2010 Matt Sheppard Bobby Varin Jeramiah Shingledecker
2009 Matt Sheppard Andy Bachetti Kevin Bolland
2008 Billy Decker Brett Hearn Brian Swartzlander
2007 Jimmy Phelps Brett Hearn Brian Swatzlander
Mr. DIRTcar 358[10][34] 2010 -- Pete Bicknell Tim O'Brien
2009 -- Pete Bicknell Danny O'Brien
2008 Jerry Higbie Pete Bicknell Kayle Robidoux
2007 David VanHorn Pete Bicknell Yan Bussiere
1978 Will Cagle
1977 Dave Lape
1976 Will Cagle
1975 Will Cagle
1974 Will Cagle
1973 Will Cagle[2]
1972 Will Cagle[2]

Records

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  • Most career wins: Brett Hearn (141)
  • Most DIRTcar titles: Matt Sheppard (10)
  • Most wins in a season: 10 (Brett Hearn 2002, Billy Decker 2008, Matt Sheppard 2016)
  • Consecutive wins: 5 (Alan Johnson: 1983)
  • Most seasons with at least 1 win: Brett Hearn (32)
  • Consecutive seasons with at least one win: Brett Hearn (22)
  • Different track wins: Danny Johnson (33)
  • Youngest winner: Alex Yankowski (17 years old)

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References

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  1. ^ "MAVTV - SPEED SPORT Announces Fifth Season of "Suzuki Presents SPEED SPORT" on MAVTV". www.mavtv.com.
  2. ^ a b c "Super DIRTcar Series History". Super DIRTcar Series. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  3. ^ a b Grabianowski, Joe. "Hoosier Championship Highlights 2020 DIRTcar Racing Season in Northeast". Super DIRTcar Series. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  4. ^ "The Busch Series dilemma". Archived from the original on December 1, 2006. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  5. ^ "Tracks, Series & Organizations - Catamount Speedway". Auto Racing Research Associates. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d e "The Mr. DIRTcar Championship Road Rolls Through Brockville Ontario Speedway". BrockvilleSpeedway.com. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  7. ^ "OCFS History". Orange County Fair Speedway. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  8. ^ a b "Super DIRTcar Champs and Rookies". Super DIRTcar Series. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  9. ^ a b "Big-Block Modified Points". DIRTcar. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  10. ^ a b c "358 Modified Points". DIRTcar. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  11. ^ a b Skibinski, Tom (November 22, 2010). "Billy Decker crowned 2008 Advanced Auto Parts series big-block modified champion". Super DIRTcar Series. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  12. ^ a b c "'Mr. Small-Block' Pete Bicknell last veteran riding Mr. DIRTcar train". DIRTcarRacing.com. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g Fedich, Justin (March 25, 2019). "Brett Hearn return brings excitement to OCFS". Middletown NY: Times Herald-Record. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  14. ^ Skibinski, Tom (April 22, 2008). "358-Modified title defense begins Saturday at Merrittville for Mario Clair". DIRTcar. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  15. ^ a b c Skibinski, Tom (November 22, 2010). "Car carousel continues as Alan Johnson teams with Thompson Motorsports". Super DIRTcar Series. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  16. ^ Herzig, Tom. "Fuller returns to Big Block Series". Super DIRTcar Series. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  17. ^ a b c "DIRTcar 358 Modified Series". The Third Turn. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  18. ^ "Horton & Tompkins Selected To NE Dirt Modified Hall of Fame". Speed Sport. 31 January 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  19. ^ Swanson, Buffy (May 13, 2021). "Cayuga County driver Pat Ward grew up racing". The Citizen (Auburn, New York). Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  20. ^ a b c "Northeast Dirt Modified Hall of Fame announces 2017 entrees". The Citizen (Auburn, New York). March 8, 2017. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  21. ^ "1999 Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series Central". The Third Turn. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  22. ^ a b c "Danny Johnson to race at Fonda entrees". The Daily Gazette. Schenectady NY. February 3, 2016. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  23. ^ a b c d e f Hill, John (October 26, 1998). "Decker ends season with flair". The Post-Standard. p. 29. Retrieved October 8, 2023 – via NewspaperArchive.
  24. ^ Yasinsac-Gillespie, Robin (May 19, 2019). "NE Dirt Modified Hall of Fame to induct Danny Johnson". Middletown NY: Dirt Track Digest. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  25. ^ a b "Bob McCreadie 'Barefoot Bob'". Eastern Motorsports Press Association. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  26. ^ "Fuller, O'Brien and Cameron to be inducted into NE Dirt Modified Hall of Fame". The Citizen (Auburn, New York). May 7, 2023. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
  27. ^ "Doin' it in the dirt: Doug Hoffman is thrilled after winning the prestigious Fay's 300". The Morning Call. Allentown PA. October 16, 1996. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  28. ^ a b c d e f "EMPA Hall of Fame-" Jumpin" Jack Johnson". Eastern Motorsport Press Association. Retrieved August 31, 2023.
  29. ^ "Pat Ward, Curt Van Pelt, Gary Iulg & Jerry Rose Latest To Be Inducted Into NYSSCA Hall Of Fame". RaceProWeekly.com. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  30. ^ "Rudolph inducted into DIRTcar Hall of Fame". Niagara Gazette. NY. August 7, 2014. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  31. ^ "Lin Hough 2010 NE Modified Hall of Fame Selection". SuperDIRTcarSeries.com. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  32. ^ Sciria, Chris (August 9, 2016). "Dirt Hall of Fame in Weedsport inducts new members". The Citizen (Auburn, New York). Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  33. ^ a b Swanson, Buffy (May 11, 2017). "Alan Johnson to be inducted in NE Dirt Mod Hall of Fame". Middletown NY: Dirt Track Digest. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  34. ^ a b Skibinski, Tom (May 13, 2008). "Northeast Regional point titles on the line". Super DIRTcar Series. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  35. ^ "Big Block Modified Super DIRTcar Series Stats". www.coracingworld.com.
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