FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2010

Kaanta leads Dart LM Series into final two events of 2010 Season

by Rob Fogle
Sioux Falls, SD -- The Dart Challenge Series makes it way down the home-stretch with two events remaining in northern Minnesota after a successful and fun-filled trip to Montana and Wyoming three weeks ago.

Two-time series champion John Kaanta of Elk Mound, WI continues to lead the point standings heading into the final two events despite not grabbing a feature win on the tour in 2010. Consistent finishes has aided in his reign thus far with a third place finish at Electric City Speedway in Great Falls, MT being his highest finish to date.

Eight points back of Kaanta sits defending and two-time Dart Challenge Series champion Lance Matthees of Winona, MN, Matthees has two wins to his credit this year at Brown County Speedway in Aberdeen, SD and Gallatin Speedway in Belgrade, MT. Matthees has made great strides climbing up the point standings ladder considering he did not qualify for the feature event for the series opener at Dakota State Fair Speedway in Huron, SD.

Young gun Jake Redetzke of Eau Claire, WI is in third just four points back of Matthees and also has two wins to his credit on the 2010 tour. The first took place on July 2 at Mississippi Thunder Speedway near Fountain City, WI; the other came six days later at Casino Speedway. He also charged from 20th to 3rd at the most recent event held at Gillette Thunder Speedway.

Don Shaw of Ham Lake, MN sits in fourth place in the series standings. Seven points separates Shaw and Redetzke and both are still within striking distance of capturing his first ever series championships. Shaw has experienced highs and lows throughout the season including a third place finish at Gallatin Speedway and a 25th place finish the night before in Great Falls. Shaw is hoping to have a home-state advantage going into the last two races to get him back on top of the standings.

Rounding on the top ten in points includes a South Dakota contingent that includes John Bey of Sturgis, Curt Gelling of Aberdeen, David McDonald of Huron and Chad Becker of Aberdeen. Four-time series champion Pat Doar and Kyle Peterlin of Hibbing, MN are also in the top ten.

On Sunday, August 29, AMSOIL Dirt track series drivers travel to Ogilvie Raceway near Ogilvie, MN for a $2,000-to-win event. Not only is this a first-time visit by the Dart Challenge Series to Ogilvie Raceway, but it will be the first ever Late Model race held at facility. WISSOTA Late Model drivers from all over the Midwest are expected to participate in this inaugural event.

WISSOTA Modifieds, Super Stocks and Midwest Modifieds will accompany the Late Models. Pit gates open at 3 p.m. with draw cutoff at 5:30.

Grandstands open at 4 and racing stars at 6 p.m. Adult tickets are $15. Children 7-14 are $5 while 6 and under are free.

“We are eagerly anticipating the first ever visit by the Late Models and hope drivers and fans come out in full force to make this event a memorable one,” stated Nate Fischer of Ogilvie Raceway.

Visit www.ogilvieraceway.com for news and information regarding the event or contact Fischer at 763-267-4572.

The final race takes place on Saturday September 4, at Hibbing Raceway in Hibbing, MN as part of the Como Oil and Propane sponsored, 34th annual Labor Day Shootout, presented by U.S. Steel and Mine Operations and Minnesota Power . The winner of the 40-lap feature will collect the $3,500 pay day.

Race enthusiasts will be treated to a complete Como Modified Series event presented by Subway besides a full show of Dart Late Models, In addition, a complete show of WISSOTA Super Stocks and Midwest Modified qualifying races will be run on the Saturday of the doubleheader.

Pit gates open at 9 a.m. with draw cutoff at 1:30 p.m. Grandstands open at noon with racing beginning at 3. Adult tickets are $20 and children 12 and under are free.

Previous Challenge Series winners at Hibbing include AJ Diemel of Bonduel, WI, Steve Vesel of Hibbing, Pat Doar and Gregg Hill of Eveleth, MN.

The series finale will move to Sunday September 5 in the event inclement weather. Log on to www.hibbingraceway.com for more information regarding the action packed race weekend. Questions can be directed to Bill Engelstad at 218-262-5823 or the speedway on race day at 218-262-2324.

For series information contact director Rob Fogle at 605-216-0865 or via email at dartchallengeseries@gmail.com.