Super DIRTcar Series

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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.

Contents

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

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

Specifications

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 (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

Mr. DIRTcar

Beginning with the 1976 season points earned in the Super DIRTcar Series were credited toward crowning an overall Mr. DIRT 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. [2] In 1998, the two titles were merged. [3] Beginning in 2007 the Mr. DIRT series was rebranded to Mr. DIRTcar, and separate regional champions were also named. [4] Since 2011 the overall title has been decided only on a driver's best 16 finishes at their weekly home track. [5] [6] In 2019 the contest garnered a title sponsor and was renamed the Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship. [6]

358-Modified Mr. DIRTcar

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. [7] [8] 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. [9]

In 1985 the 358 cubic inch engine was introduced to the class, and in 2006 DIRT MotorSports initiated a new "Regional Point System" for the 358-Modified, Sportsman and Pro Stock divisions. Each race run within a specified region was added into a driver's point standings for that region. A driver's top 12 finishes were then used to calculate the regional point standings and determine a regional Mr. DIRT champion. [10] Later the weekly home track competition replaced the regional points in determining the overall Mr. DIRTcar title. [6] [11]

Champions by year

YearSuper DIRTcar Series [3] [12] Mr. DIRTcar /Hoosier Champion [13] DIRTcar 358 Modified Series [14] Mr. DIRTcar /Hoosier 358 Champion [14]
2024Mat WilliamsonPeter BrittenFelix RoyLance Willix II
2023Matt SheppardMarc JohnsonMat WilliamsonLance Willix II
2022Matt SheppardLarry WightDave MarcuccilliMat Williamson
2021Matt SheppardMatt SheppardBilly DunnMat Williamson
2020Stewart FriesenStewart Friesen--Mat Williamson
2019Mat WilliamsonMatt Sheppard Erick Rudolph Mat Williamson
2018Matt SheppardMatt SheppardLarry WightSteve Bernier
2017Matt SheppardMatt SheppardSteve BernardDavid Herbert
2016Matt SheppardMatt SheppardChris RaabeDavid Herbert
2015Matt SheppardBrett HearnSteve BernardDavid Herbert
2014 Billy Decker Brett HearnErick RudolphDavid Herbert
2013 Brett Hearn Brett HearnErick RudolphErick Rudolph
2012Matt SheppardBrett Hearn Dale Planck Dale Planck
2011Matt SheppardMatt SheppardDanny JohnsonDavid Herbert
Mr. DIRTcar Super Series Champion [4] Mr. DIRTcar 358 Series Champion [4]
2010Matt Sheppard†Danny Johnson†
2009Brett Hearn†Dale Planck†
2008Billy Decker [15] † Pete Bicknell [16] †
2007Brett Hearn [17] †Mario Clair [18] †
Mr. DIRT Super Series ChampionMr. DIRT 358 Champion
2006 Alan Johnson [19] Brett Hearn [17] †
2005 Tim Fuller [20] Alan Johnson [21]
2004 Gary Tomkins [22] Pat Ward [23]
2003Alan Johnson [19] Tim Fuller [9]
2002Alan Johnson [19] Steve Paine [24]
2001Brett Hearn [17] Alan Johnson [21]
2000 Steve Paine [24] Danny Johnson [21]
1999Danny Johnson [25] Steve Paine [24]
1998Billy Decker [15] Alan Johnson [26]
Super DIRT Series [12] Mr. DIRT Champion
1997Danny JohnsonD.Johnson /B.Hearn [17] Alan Johnson [26]
1996Brett HearnBrett Hearn [17] Danny Johnson [27]
1995 Bob McCreadie Bob McCreadie [28] Pat O'Brien [26]
1994Bob McCreadieBob McCreadie [28] Pete Bicknell [16]
1993Brett HearnBrett Hearn [17] Tim Fuller [29]
1992Danny JohnsonDanny Johnson [25] Pat O'Brien [26]
1991 Doug Hoffman Doug Hoffman [30] Pete Bicknell [16]
1990Brett HearnBrett Hearn [17] Pat O'Brien [26]
1989Danny JohnsonDanny Johnson [25] Laurent Ladouceur [9]
1988 Jack Johnson Jack Johnson [31] Pat O'Brien [26]
1987Jack JohnsonJack Johnson [31] Curt Van Pelt [32]
1986 Charlie Rudolph Charlie Rudolph [33] Doug Carlyle [9]
1985Bob McCreadieJack Johnson [31] Lin Hough [34]
1984Jack JohnsonJack Johnson [31] Jeff Hoetzler [35]
1983Alan JohnsonAlan Johnson [36] Tony Corcoran [9]
1982 Dave Lape Jack Johnson [31]
1981Alan JohnsonAlan Johnson [36]
1980Jack JohnsonJack Johnson [31]
1979Jack Johnson Will Cagle
1978No PointsWill Cagle
1977Will CagleDave Lape
1976Will CagleWill Cagle
1975Will Cagle
1974Will Cagle
1973No points
1972No points
† Regional AwardsYearCentralEasternWesternNorthern
Mr. DIRTcar [5] [13] 2010Matt Sheppard Bobby Varin Jeramiah Shingledecker
2009Matt Sheppard Andy Bachetti Kevin Bolland
2008Billy DeckerBrett Hearn Brian Swartzlander
2007Jimmy PhelpsBrett HearnBrian Swatzlander
Mr. DIRTcar 358 [5] [14] 2010--Pete BicknellTim O'Brien
2009--Pete Bicknell Danny O'Brien
2008Jerry HigbiePete BicknellKayle Robidoux
2007David VanHornPete BicknellYan Bussiere
2006Brett Hearn [17] Pete BicknellPat O'Brien [10]

Records

[37]

References

  1. ↑ "MAVTV - SPEED SPORT Announces Fifth Season of "Suzuki Presents SPEED SPORT" on MAVTV". www.mavtv.com.
  2. ↑ Skibinski, Tom (October 13, 2006). "Modified Series Points Awarded Sunday". DIRT Motorsports (press release). Retrieved March 17, 2025– via racepulse.com.
  3. 1 2 "DIRTcar Modified Series". Auto Racing Research Associates. Retrieved March 16, 2025.
  4. 1 2 3 Skibinski, Tom (March 12, 2007). "Track Promoters Lay Building Blocks In Final DIRTcar Pre-Season Meeting (press release)". DIRTcar. Retrieved March 19, 2025– via racepulse.com.
  5. 1 2 3 Skibinski, Tom (May 13, 2008). "Northeast Regional point titles on the line". Super DIRTcar Series. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  6. 1 2 3 Grabianowski, Joe. "Hoosier Championship Highlights 2020 DIRTcar Racing Season in Northeast". Super DIRTcar Series. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  7. ↑ "The Busch Series dilemma". Archived from the original on December 1, 2006. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  8. ↑ "Tracks, Series & Organizations - Catamount Speedway". Auto Racing Research Associates. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 "The Mr. DIRTcar Championship Road Rolls Through Brockville Ontario Speedway". BrockvilleSpeedway.com. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  10. 1 2 Spaid, Gary (September 20, 2006). "DIRT MotorSports NorthEast Declares 2006 Regional Point Champions". DIRT Motorsports (press release). Retrieved March 17, 2025– via racepulse.com.
  11. ↑ "OCFS History". Orange County Fair Speedway. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  12. 1 2 "Super DIRTcar Champs and Rookies". Super DIRTcar Series. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  13. 1 2 "Big-Block Modified Points". DIRTcar. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  14. 1 2 3 "358 Modified Points". DIRTcar. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  15. 1 2 Skibinski, Tom (November 22, 2010). "Billy Decker crowned 2008 Advanced Auto Parts series big-block modified champion". Super DIRTcar Series. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  16. 1 2 3 "'Mr. Small-Block' Pete Bicknell last veteran riding Mr. DIRTcar train". DIRTcarRacing.com. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Fedich, Justin (March 25, 2019). "Brett Hearn return brings excitement to OCFS". Middletown NY: Times Herald-Record . Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  18. ↑ Skibinski, Tom (April 22, 2008). "358-Modified title defense begins Saturday at Merrittville for Mario Clair". DIRTcar. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  19. 1 2 3 Skibinski, Tom (November 22, 2010). "Car carousel continues as Alan Johnson teams with Thompson Motorsports". Super DIRTcar Series. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  20. ↑ Herzig, Tom. "Fuller returns to Big Block Series". Super DIRTcar Series. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  21. 1 2 3 "DIRTcar 358 Modified Series". The Third Turn. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Horton & Tompkins Selected To NE Dirt Modified Hall of Fame". Speed Sport. 31 January 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  23. ↑ Swanson, Buffy (May 13, 2021). "Cayuga County driver Pat Ward grew up racing". The Citizen (Auburn, New York) . Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  24. 1 2 3 "Northeast Dirt Modified Hall of Fame announces 2017 entrees". The Citizen (Auburn, New York) . March 8, 2017. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  25. 1 2 3 "Danny Johnson to race at Fonda entrees". The Daily Gazette . Schenectady NY. February 3, 2016. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  26. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Hill, John (October 26, 1998). "Decker ends season with flair". The Post-Standard. p. 29. Retrieved October 8, 2023– via NewspaperArchive.
  27. ↑ 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.
  28. 1 2 "Bob McCreadie 'Barefoot Bob'". Eastern Motorsports Press Association. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  29. ↑ "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.
  30. ↑ "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.
  31. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "EMPA Hall of Fame-" Jumpin" Jack Johnson". Eastern Motorsport Press Association. Retrieved August 31, 2023.
  32. ↑ "Pat Ward, Curt Van Pelt, Gary Iulg & Jerry Rose Latest To Be Inducted Into NYSSCA Hall Of Fame". RaceProWeekly.com. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  33. ↑ "Rudolph inducted into DIRTcar Hall of Fame". Niagara Gazette . NY. August 7, 2014. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  34. ↑ "Lin Hough 2010 NE Modified Hall of Fame Selection". SuperDIRTcarSeries.com. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  35. ↑ Sciria, Chris (August 9, 2016). "Dirt Hall of Fame in Weedsport inducts new members". The Citizen (Auburn, New York) . Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  36. 1 2 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.
  37. ↑ "Big Block Modified Super DIRTcar Series Stats". www.coracingworld.com.
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