Weekend "LAST CALL"

You ever have things going along just fine, then *BAM*, it all goes awry? Well, that about sums up the weekend for Team Feger.
Friday night started out great. Starting on the pole of the heat, it only took the first two corners to know how that was going to turn out as Jason cruised to an easy win. Even with some other drivers doing better with the passing points, Team Feger would start the 50 lap feature in the second row. Plenty of time to race to the front.
Then the rain came.
Races cancelled.

Saturday night at I-55 Speedway proved to be an exercise of frustration for the guys. Unloading a proven fast car and a pole starting position in the heat, things were looking good. Then a broken axle at the start of the heat relegated the 25 car to the back of the consi. Haven't had to race many of those lately. Knowing they were in line for a provisional, the team experimented with setups as the track was not it's usual self. Taking the provisional put Feger shotgun on the field...24th.
With MARS using double file restarts on cautions, there was still the possibility of a good finish if things went Jason's way.
The feature went green for 40 laps.
While Jason was able to advance ten positions and raced his tail off to do so, a 14th place finish left the guys shaking their heads in frustration. Giving back some UMP points to a third finishing Dennis Erb was not in the plan either.
The guys will "clean their wounds" and move on.

Quote of the weekend has to go to Devin, commenting after the feature:
"Well...that sucked."
Yep.

Shop Talk / Weekend "ON TAP"

Feger joins Team Zero/ Scott Bloomquist Racing!!
Just kidding. But if you were at the tracks last weekend, there were a lot of double-takes as Team Feger pulled in the pits. With a little assistance from the McQueary family, Jason bought Scott Bloomquist's used race trailer, complete with 9'x9' skull logos on the sides. It's a really nice piece and it isn't taking long for the guys to adjust to the extra space. With the capability to haul two cars and all the spare parts, it will give the team even more options throughout the season.

I was talking to Austin about the trailer. I commented that Scott won a lot of "crown jewel" events out of that hauler and that hopefully it still had some of that "mojo" left in it.
Always the optimist, Austin replied "It's already won $850 at Kankakee last Friday, does that count?"

Big motor back in the car.
Just in time for a couple of "motor" tracks. The guys have the big powerplant or as I like to call it, "The Rhyne-O," back in the car. Jason doesn't do too bad with his little motors but that big motor never stops pulling. With some of the talent they'll be up against this weekend, at least they're taking a bazooka to the gunfight.

PIR and I- 55 are "On Tap" for the weekend.
Korey has it confirmed on the schedule page. Team Feger heads south this weekend for the MARS/UMP double header at Paducah KY on Friday, and I-55 Raceway at Pevely MO on Saturday. Both events are $5000 to win and should have plenty of competition. PIR is one of the team's favorite tracks, sans flat tires. Let's just hope Hoosier can hold up to the punishment.

I-55 has also produced some good runs as of late and I highly recommend both tracks for putting on great shows.

Ump Points.
It looks like Team Feger has opened the national point lead up a little bit, now 29 points ahead of Dennis Erb Jr.
With Dennis heading south and Korte in the neighborhood, Team Feger is "locked, cocked, and ready to rock." Time to go down there and get some more of those big MARS/UMP checks.

Hope to see you at the races.

Great weekend for Team Feger

Work and family obligations kept me away from the track and the internet this weekend, might be time to buy one of those "Blackberry" phones with all the bells and whistles...what did we do before the internet? And if they want to name a phone after something that tastes good, why don't they call it "The Pizza?"
I would of had one when they first came out.

Friday night at Kankakee Speedway
With rain cancelling the races at Farmer City, the team headed north for a night of points racing. Jason set fast time, started 8th in the fast heat, finished 3rd. Then rallied from a third starting spot to win the 25 lap feature.

Saturday Monster Midwest show at Highland
After Qualifying 2nd, and finishing second in the heat, Jason Took the lead on lap 17 and took the victory. Reports are that the track was racy throughout the night and Jason and 2nd finishing Korte put on a great show for the fans. I believe this marks Team Feger's 16th feature win of the season, and their fifth "Monster Tour" win as well.

Sunday Monster Midwest show at Quincey Raceway
Going by the results on the "MM" website, looks like a fifth place qualifying run put the 25 car outside row two of the 2nd heat. After winning the heat and drawing the pole position for the big show, it was looking like this weekend might be a clean sweep. But, apparently Mark Burgtorf had a little better run, with Jason finishing second.
Team Feger now leads the Monster Midwest points by a mere 9 markers over Ryan Unzicker.

All in all, not too bad of a weekend for the guys. We'll see how the national UMP points stack up after this weekend, but Team Feger should have maintained their slim point lead over Dennis Erb. The next few weeks will be the true test for the guys...keep that momentum going.

Lots of cool things happening at the Feger Compound, more on that later...

Shoptalk / Weekend "ON TAP"

Not much talk, but a lot of activity.
With the UMP points battle as tight as it is, everyone is focused on getting ready for the upcoming weekend. Look for Team Feger to be at Farmer City on Friday night for a regular show. Saturday is still undecided between The Northern Allstars at Lasalle, or the Monster Midwest show at Highland. Sunday, the Team will be at Quincy Raceway for night two of the Monster tour. I'll have Saturdays decision posted as soon as it's made. With Dennis gaining back some points at FALS last Saturday, Team Feger will have their game faces on this weekend. (Even though I will still try to get them to go see The Reverend Horton Heat's show after Fridays races!)

The new car, "Clawhammer," is in the shop and under construction. Still has that new race car smell to it. Once the cockpit and decking are in place, the rest should come together fairly quick. My guess would be a debut right after the World, but you never know.

Lots of neat things going on at the shop, not letting the cat out of the bag just yet, but keep your eyes open cuz' you never know what might happen!

Hope to see you at the races.

All good things come to an end.

Unfortunately, Team Feger's four race win streak has come to an end at FALS. After qualifying second overall and winning the heat, things were looking good for another strong run. After a fourth place draw for his starting spot in the field, things went well for the first few laps. Jason was running in second and pressing the leader, however, after an early caution, the car wasn't right. As the race wore on, Jason turned more and more to defense, racing hard to avoid losing positions. With two laps to go, the right rear went completely flat, forcing Jason pit side. "The car never really felt right from the start" commented Jason after the race "I wonder if that tire wasn't going down at the beginning (of the feature)."
Not to be kept down for long, Jason was all smiles as he took care of fan requests for autographs and pictures. That is one quality that I've always admired about Team Feger...they've never forgotten that the fans are the reason all of this happens.

Lots of positive comments about the blog and the website being kept current. With Tracy's workload, it's been a real pleasure for Korey and I to step in and help out. Korey Rich has been keeping the schedule/results page current. He's been typing lots of "ones" in the results column, after last night, he'll unfortunately have to put another number next to the "one."

Quote of the night comes from Kristy. "Where's my Joey dollar?" Her and I have a long running bet on who will finish higher in the feature, Jason or Joe Harlan. When Jason heard her say that, the second quote of the night popped up..."Ain't I still about $299 dollars ahead?!"

Good times.

Identifying the goals...

On the way to Kankakee, the guys made a list of their goals for the evening:
1 Set fast time.
2 Win the heat.
3 Draw good for the feature.
4 Put a power move on Dennis that he won't soon forget.
5 Win the feature by at least a straightaway.
6 Keep UMP points lead.
7 Take over the Monster Midwest points.
8 Party like rockstars.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

Quote of the night comes from Butch Hixson, commenting on Jason's feature run.
"Bigger Balls than anyone right now..."

Weekend "ON TAP"

"Monster" weekend in store for Team Feger.
Friday night has the team heading to Kankakee Speedway for the Monster Midwest Show. Saturday night follows the tour right down Rt. 24 to the Fairbury American Legion Speedway. Both events pay $2000 to the winner. With the team running local this weekend, come out and support Team Feger. Both tracks provide exciting , side by side racing, and the after-party at FALS is always a good time.
(Rumor has it, a certain FALS corner worker will be bringing the Jello shots!)

Feger recaptures the UMP points lead.
In a tight, three way battle for the UMP points championship, Jason has retaken the lead by a mere 14 points over Dennis Erb. Randy Korte is also adding points fast...looks like this is shaping up to be quite a contest.
Jason is also running third in Monster Midwest points going into this weekend, 14 points out. Hopefully, last weekends luck and momentum continues.

Fresh ink
Team Feger would also like to welcome aboard two new advertising partners,
Jaxon Chase and Stearn Ironworks now occupy space on both quarter panels.
More details to follow shortly!

Hope to see everyone at the races!

Shoptalk

Swung by the shop today to check the happenins' and it was sad to see "Nightrain" being cleaned up to be dismantled and retired. For those of you that don't know, the cars have names. Nightrain and Split Lip. Seems Nightrain gave one too many piggy-back rides at Clarksville. Anyway, Jason was at Pierce's finishing up a new chassis, and the guys will start assembly of the new car ASAP.
I asked Austin what the new car will be named.

"Clawhammer."

Clawhammer? Has a nice ring to it, but why Clawhammer?

"Cuz' you can get a lot of *(things)* done with a clawhammer..."

Agreed.

Feger wins at Shepps!

Rounding out a great weekend, a last minute decision to go to Shepps paid off for Team Feger. In a race that Tracy called "Jason's toughest win of the year," Feger rallied from a 15th starting spot to win the feature at Shepps!

Quote of the night: "I'd like to thank Stevie for being my lead blocker this evening..."

X 2

Not too many things will keep me from being at a dirt track on a Saturday night, however, Hobo's birthday bash kept us close to home. With that being said, the phone call I was waiting for came at about 11p.m.

Feger wins the $2500 to win MARS/UMP race at Lake of the Ozarks Speedway!!
Another evening of passing points racing had Jason start 5th in his heat, which he won, putting him on the pole of the feature.
At the drop of the green, Feger set out to do a repeat of the previous nights performance...win big. When the checkers waved, Jason had almost a straightaway lead on the rest of the field. Maybe this passing points racing isn't so bad after all!
This was Team Feger's first visit to the 3/8th's mile facility promoted by the Gundaker family. Jason commented that like Tri City, the track prep was excellent with plenty of multi groove racing. The place is really nice and he's looking forward to returning there when his schedule permits.

Great job Team Feger on a weekend filled with great racing and trophy girls!!

Quote of the night again goes to Jason. When answering the phone to get the scoop on the evenings racing, the first thing I heard was "WE LIKE LAKE OF THE OZARKS!!"

Pierce makes it, Rhyne shakes it, Feger takes it!!

Feger leads all 40 laps of the MARS/UMP race at Tri City to capture his first series win, and the $3000 top prize!

Not being a big fan of passing points, the team was a little discouraged with a last place starting spot in the heat. But, Jason went to work and charged from the tail to finish a close second, just inches from taking the heat win. His performance in the heat race landed him pole position in the feature.

When the green waved, Jason proceeded to put on a clinic, amassing a 5 second lead over the second place car. Lap traffic was never much of a problem, and while he spent most of the race in his familiar top groove, the car was fast wherever Jason needed it to go.
After the races, Jason commented that "I don't like passing points racing, but maybe they aren't so bad when you get a track like that to race on. The Gundakers did a great job with the racing surface and the heats were long enough to make things happen."

The team has decided to continue on south to Lake of the Ozarks Speedway, in Eldon Missouri, for the second night of MARS/UMP competition.

Comment of the night goes to Jason. After almost winning the heat, he says: "I wish I had my big motor in the car..."

WOO HOO -- Brettman on board!

How kool is that -- Brettman will be posting on the blog too! Seems like these days most people know who I am, but just in cast any of you don't know Brettman -- here's a few tidbits:
  • He's a Feger Fan -- guess ya knew that, otherwise he wouldn't be posting on our blog :)
  • He's known Jason and Austin pretty much since they were wee, little tots, guess since they were babies.
  • Loves RACING and has a lovely bride who equally loves the races.
  • Brett's darn articulate and from my perspective, much witter than I will ever be.
  • He's a connoisseur of music and underground type bands.
  • and a proud owner of a classic camaro he's customizing.
So, if you're around after the races, stop by the pits, say hi to all of us. If ya don't know Brettman, let us know and we'll introduce you. He usually treks to most of the tracks.

Thank you, Thank you to Brettman for helping with the blog!!

-- Tracy Feger

World 100 Tickets -- Still some remaining

FYI -- Lots of reserved seats have been spoken for, only a few are left.

Section SH Row 10
Seats 22 - 27

PLUS, we still have 18 general admission seats.

Thanks much to everyone that has reserved a seat and is sending us the $$$.

You've helped us get the souvenir trailer to the World 100!

-- Tracy

Weekend Update August 8 and 9

Hey Folks, Brettman here "takin' care of shop" for the always busy Tracy.

On Friday, The Feger Racing Team will be taking their high flying act south to Tri City Speedway in Pontoon Beach IL, for the $3000.00 to win Mars/UMP show. As of late, Tri City has been pretty good to the Feger Team, hopefully Friday night will bring more positive results.

Saturday is still undecided, it will either be Kamp or Lake of The Ozarks Speedway, but it will be posted here as soon as a decision is made.

World 100 tickets are selling fast, but it was decided today that section "NG" at Eldora has been unofficially renamed "The Highside Headquarters." It will be THE place to be for the World 100, so you'd better get your tickets ordered soon, as only a handful are left.

Hope to see everyone at Tri City tomorrow...

World 100 Ticket update

Thanks much -- getting lots of emails and phone calls about tickets. I've been trying very hard to make sure we get back to everyone. If you haven't heard back from me or gotten a confirmation on your tixs, please email info@griffindesign.net.

Bryant -- I left you another voicemail to confirm what you want.

Here's what's left ticket wise:
Section NG, Row 10, Seats 16 & 17
Section NG, Row 9, Seats 11 - 17
Section SH, Row 10, Seats 22 - 27

PLUS we have 18 General Admission Tickets left!

Thanks much,
Tracy

Thanks to Cedar Lake and Fans Fund

Cedar Lake was an awesome week-end. Team Feger had a strong showing, one of the best from Illinois the entire week-end.

Thursday -- Jason won his heat. In the feature was running a strong third when a yellow came out on lap 10. During the yellow Babb let Jason know his right rear was going flat. The guys fixed the flat, came back out to restart 24th. Jason rallied back to 9th.

Friday -- USA Nationals Feger won the R2C Performance for his fast time!!! He was the only car with 13 second laps. Heat race finished third. Feature started 18th, moved to 13th. Lap 10 another darn flat. Came back out to 24th. Moved up to 8th and was looking strong. The track went away around lap 43, Cedar Lake had put new clay on the track. From what I'm told that was a rare occurance.

Thanks much to the Fans Fund and everyone that voted for Team Feger. We had fun at the luncheon and drawing for give-aways.

People every where were so gracious, we've never had so many people thank us for coming to their track -- how awesome is that.

Rich Olson and crew had to put in tremendous hours.

Thanks to R2C Performance for sponsoring the fast time $500 bonus, plus additional $500 for running their filter, your sponsorship really helped.

Thanks to the promoters at Cedar Lake. WOW -- do they ever work hard. The facility is top notch. The people at the front gate and pit gate, very nice. The track prep crew worked the track through-out the night, but they also sped things up to get the heats in Friday when the rain was coming. Driver introductions -- amazing, any track that has a major event should take notice to what Cedar Lake does.