by RacingNews | Jan 25, 2015 | Big 8 Late Model Series, Touring Series News
The Rockford Speedway and the Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet is seemingly a match made in heaven.
First there’s Rockford Speedway, celebrating its sixty-eighth season of continuous operations in 2015. The high-banked quarter mile has long been known as an action-packed bullring throughout its history. Then, there’s Big 8 Late Model Series, which during its ten-plus year existence has featured some of the best Late Model drivers in the Midwest while providing some of the most thrilling short-track races year after year.
(more…)
by RacingNews | Oct 1, 2014 | Big 8 Late Model Series, Rockford Speedway
Casey Johnson only led one lap Saturday night at Rockford Speedway.
But it was the most important lap.
Johnson survived a caution-filled 108 lap feature event and came out on top of a thrilling three-way battle during a green-white-checkered finish to capture his first National Short Track Championship win and his fourth win of the season in the Big 8 Late Model Series.
Dale Nottestad was the driver to beat for most of the event. Nottestad, the two time Jefferson Speedway track champion, took the race lead at the drop of the green flag from pole sitter Jake Gille. As the race progressed, several drivers arrived at Nottestad’s bumper, with few able to make a move for the lead. In the second half of the race, seven-time Rockford Speedway track champion Bobby Wilberg made his way to second spot and promptly began a wrestling match for the lead with Nottestad. The two determined drivers traded paint and punches over the next several laps. Wilberg at one point ripped the lead from Nottestad, but soon after it was Nottestad slamming back into the top spot.
(more…)
by RacingNews | Sep 25, 2014 | Big 8 Late Model Series, Touring Series News
As the Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet closes out it’s tenth anniversary season, both its Championship and Rookie of the Year point battles are coming down to the wire. This fact, coupled with the unpredictable nature of each Big 8 Series event at Rockford Speedway, means no point lead is safe as the series takes to the track during Rockford Speedway’s 49th Annual National Short Track Championship.
(more…)
by | Apr 11, 2014 | Big 8 Late Model Series, Touring Series News
This Sunday afternoon April 13, it’s the Midwest’s first major asphalt race of the season, with the running of the 37th Annual Spring Classic, featuring the Big 8 Late Models presented by Gandrud Chevrolet. Sunday’s Spring Classic again looks to be a “Clash of the Champions,” with over 30 track and series championships represented between 35 pre entrants. 2013 Rockford Speedway Track Champion Alex Papini is the defending race winner, while ‘Driver X’ Jon Reynolds Jr has won three of the last four Big 8 races on the high banks. Other local favorites joining Reynolds and Papini this weekend include seven-time track champions Ricky Bilderback and Bobby Wilberg, along with 2010 Track Champion Tim Sargent. Drivers from as far away as Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and Indiana will also be at Rockford Speedway Sunday, with their eyes on the prize. The Mid American Stock Car Series and Illinois Vintage Racers are also set compete at Spring Classic. Gates open at 11 AM Sunday, with the first race going green at 1 PM. Adult admission is $20, Students 12-17 are $10, Children 6-11 are $5, with kids 5 and under free!
(more…)
by | Apr 11, 2014 | Big 8 Late Model Series
By: Eric Huenefeld
When the Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet rolls into Rockford Speedway this Sunday afternoon April 13 for the 37th Annual Spring Classic, the “Best Weekly Warriors in the Country” will be greeted by a strong local contingent looking to keep the winner’s trophy close to home.
Over the last several years, the local talent at Rockford Speedway has made things tough on the Big 8’s best. Thirteen of the twenty-one Big 8 Series events held at Rockford Speedway since September of 2004 have been won by Rockford regulars. Most recently, Rockford regulars have won the last four Big 8 races held at the high banked quarter mile.
(more…)
