tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15832356209558795012024-02-20T20:32:23.173-06:00Feger RacingFeger Bros Racingdirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-87363489362832521992010-02-07T23:27:00.002-06:002010-02-07T23:32:07.003-06:00UMP DIRTcar Super Late Model Champ Jason Feger Ready to Tackle DIRTcar Nationals<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">From <a href="http://www.volusiaspeedwaypark.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=458&Itemid=67">Volusia Speedway's website</a>:</span><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Jason Feger officially put the cap on his spectacular 2009 season last Saturday night when he received his UMP DIRTcar Racing Super Late Model national championship check and trophy during the organization's awards banquet in Springfield, Ill.<br /><br />So what's next for the rising star from Bloomington, Ill. His first-ever winter racing trip to Florida, an excursion highlighted by six nights of Super Late Model action during the 39th annual DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park.</span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Feger, 31, will test his considerable skills at the half-mile oval outside Daytona Beach in four UMP DIRTcar-sanctioned events (Feb. 8, 9, 10, 12) and two World of Outlaws Late Model Series programs (Feb. 11 and 13) that open the national tour's 2010 schedule.<br /><br />“I'm pretty anxious to get down there,” said Feger, who left the recent UMP DIRTcar gala with $32,700 in points-fund cash, including 20-grand for winning his first career national title. “All of the best in the business will be there, so it's definitely gonna be a measuring stick to show where we're at.”<br /><br />Coming off a campaign that saw him win a UMP DIRTcar- and career-best 23 features at 13 different tracks in four states, Feger certainly brings a growing reputation to Volusia's week-long blockbuster. But he'll also be tackling one of the country's most competitive Super Late Model meets for the first time since entering the division in 2002.<br /><br />Feger has previously experienced the DIRTcar Nationals atmosphere, but only as a high-profile crewman. Two years ago he provided a helping hand during the week to his buddy from the UMP DIRTcar Summer Nationals trail, Jeep Van Wormer of Pinconning, Mich., giving him an up-close taste of what it takes to speed around the sprawling track.<br /><br />“I think that year I was (at Volusia) with Jeep is gonna help me a lot,” said Feger, whose 2009 season included his first-ever WoO LMS A-Main triumph on May 24 at Charter Raceway Park in Beaver Dam, Wis. “It looks like a challenging place and has a lot of unique characteristics, and I know that with so many good cars there it's gonna be tough if your car's not right and your stuff's not good. But I like fast racetracks and feel like I learned a lot just by watching (while working with VanWormer), and hopefully that will translate to success on the track.”<br /><br />Feger's long-awaited chance to kick off his racing season in the Sunshine State comes courtesy of Stearn Ironworks and Jaxon Chase Steel Detailing, the Midwestern companies that joined his family-owned team midway through the 2009 schedule. The extra sponsorship gave Feger the financial boost he needed to obtain a larger hauler and trailer (a transporter formerly used by Scott Bloomquist) and hit the road more actively.<br /><br />Two cars built by Midwestern racing legend Bob Pierce will be in strapped into Feger's rig for the haul south – one a virtually-new machine with just four starts on it, the other Feger's battle-tested ‘Good Old Girl' that's two-and-a-half years old and has seen action in more than 120 events.<br /><br />“We're gonna give it everything we got with our best stuff,” said Feger, who won't have to adjust to an open-tire rule for the WoO LMS events at Volusia because the UMP DIRTcar Hoosier tires he knows so well are mandatory in all DIRTcar Nationals shows. “We're not going down there to run second. We had a great run (in November) at the World Finals (charging from 19th to second in the WoO LMS 50-lapper before cutting down a tire) and that was our first time at Charlotte (Motor Speedway), so hopefully we can do the same thing (at Volusia).<br /><br />“I know it would be awesome if we could get a win. To kick off the year beating the best guys in the country – man, that would mean a lot. That would sell Bob (Pierce) some cars and give me a lot of notoriety.”<br /><br />Feger should say <em><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">more </span></em>notoriety, because, win or lose, he figures to attract plenty of attention throughout his visit to Volusia Speedway Park. He's one of the hippest, most gregarious drivers currently on the dirt Late Model scene, his car sports a cool color scheme and ‘tumbling dice' graphics, he sells trendy apparel and he displays a hard-charging driving style (he's not called the ‘Highside Hustler' for nothing).<br /><br />With a unique first-time promotion for this year's DIRTcar Nationals providing all ticket-buyers an opportunity to sign into the pits each night at no additional charge, a steady procession of fans will undoubtedly make their way to Feger's trailer. You can bet that he'll be accommodating to every last one of them – after all, he succinctly summed up his feelings toward his supporters during the speech he delivered to a packed ballroom upon accepting his 2009 UMP DIRTcar national championship laurels.<br /><br />“It can't be possible without the fans – that's absolutely positive,” Feger said near the end of his heartfelt banquet remarks, which stretched for more than 20 minutes. “They buy your t-shirts, they fill (tracks') stands. We all gotta do what we can in this day and age for the fans, and I'm fortunate I have a lot of really good ones.<br /><br />“I work really hard at (fan relations) – I try to treat them good, and I try to put on a show. Sometimes it's hard to determine if you're in the entertainment business or the racing business, but it's always really great when you can get the support of the fans because of what you do.”<br /><br />The DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH begin on Feb. 2 and run nightly through Feb. 13. Joining the Super Late Models on the schedule are the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series (Feb. 5-7); the Super DIRTcar Series for big-block Modifieds (Feb. 10-13); the All-Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Car Series (Feb. 3-4); and the UMP DIRTcar Modifieds (Feb. 2-9).<br /><br /></span></span></div>dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-31364538672274071732010-01-15T22:48:00.012-06:002010-01-16T13:36:26.263-06:00Jason Feger The Highside Hustler by Kevin Kovac<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0oyiaU6Yka2J34pmtEk0HtzzjpXWDkKWyEtPvdGQTLa-lYi7wnxIeP0K2KWwtuNoIGLqfpHD1kFkTcE6MDMeivkOBLLmDqk3ULlFtec_4O2SZhO_f09r05jRKAv8szZ_LoVwZfnWm-0/s1600-h/LowResCoverDirtLateModelIllustratedFeb2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 402px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 508px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427423241023646338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0oyiaU6Yka2J34pmtEk0HtzzjpXWDkKWyEtPvdGQTLa-lYi7wnxIeP0K2KWwtuNoIGLqfpHD1kFkTcE6MDMeivkOBLLmDqk3ULlFtec_4O2SZhO_f09r05jRKAv8szZ_LoVwZfnWm-0/s400/LowResCoverDirtLateModelIllustratedFeb2010.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span></span> Racing is fortunate enough to be on the cover of the Feb 2010 Dirt Late Model Illustrated, writer Kevin <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kovac</span></span> wrote the article. <strong>How awesome is that!!</strong> Please forgive me for any typos that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occurred</span> while I retyped the article :) Thank you both to Kevin <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kovac</span></span> and Dirt Late Model Illustrated for the article. It is so very cool. They guys always dreamed of being in the dirt late model magazines, to have a feature article is awesome. Believe me -- if you see a glow coming from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bloomington</span></span>, it is Grandma Griffin sharing her article with her customers at Denny's on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Eldorado</span></span> Road. Grandpa Griffin would have loved it and everything published on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">dirtondirt</span></span>.com -- anyway --<br /><br /><strong>HERE'S KEVIN'S ARTICLE FROM DIRT LATE MODEL MAGAZINE FEB 2010:</strong><br /><br />As modern-day dirt Late Model <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">champions</span> go, Jason <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span></span> seems to have come straight from central casting. He has all the marketable qualities -- steely desire and dedication (he's steadily built his family <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">back</span> operation from humble beginnings), exciting style (he's not called the "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Highside</span></span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Huster</span></span>" for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">nothing</span>), youthfulness (he's just 31), bubbling personality (he's always approachable and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accommodating</span>) and a dose of hipness (cool race car graphics, trendy apparel, the occasional <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">mohawk</span></span> hairdo and a team that's not afraid to party and have fun).<br /><br />It's no surprise, then, that after winning his first career UMP <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">DIRTcar</span></span> Racing Super Late Model national championship in 2009, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span></span> has become the poster boy of the Midwestern-based sanctioning body. He even hails from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bloomington</span></span>, Illinois, right in the heart of UMP Late Model Country.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span></span> will blush at the notion that he's now the face of UMP, but it's a fact. A driver doesn't put together one of the most spectacular season in circuit history -- a UMP -leading 23 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">feature</span> wins at an astonishing 13 different tracks in fours states -- <em>and</em> end the two-year national title reign of a hard-nosed owner-operator like Dennis <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Erb</span></span> Jr. of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Carpentersville</span></span>, Illinois without turning into the It Guy of the moment.<br /><br />A winner of UMP <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">DIRTcar's</span></span> Most Improved Driver Award in 2008 after finishing a then career-b<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">est</span> third in the national points standing, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span></span> got a taste of his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">new found</span> celebrity status when he made some late-season trips to tracks outside his usual realm.<br /><br />"A lot of fans came up to talk to me and I heard a lot of compliments,"<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span></span> said. "So you realize that winning the championship is a pretty big deal." The way <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span></span> secured the prestigious $20,000 crown, of course made him a deserving recipient of widespread acclaim. He's not only a home-grown UMP talent who <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">started</span> his racing career in the Sportsman division before moving to the seat of a dirt Late Model in 2002, but also the driver who finally took down the 37-year-old <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Erb</span></span>, aka the "One Man Band" an impeccably <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">consistent</span> racer whom many observers thought would remain atop the UMP Late Model work in 2009 sweeping the organizations <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Summernationals</span></span> tour and national titles for an unprecedented third consecutive season. To be The Man you have to <em>beat</em> The Man, ant that's what <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span></span> did in '09.<br /><br />"I think beating Dennis really makes the championship more special," said <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span></span>, who bested <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Erb</span></span> by 31 points in a national battle that was determine using drivers' best 40 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">finishes</span>/points night of the season. "A lot of people know how good Dennis is. He's good in the big shows and can win against anybody, and he's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> the guy to beat around here. Whenever you roll into a racetrack -- especially for the last three years -- night in and night out, Dennis is the guy you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_37" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">know</span> you're gonna have to beat to win. You very rarely see that guy [<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_38" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">finish</span>] out of the top five.<br /><br />"Racing against Dennis makes you focus to really stay up on your game. He's a competitor who hates to lose, so I think people know [the title] wasn't given to us or anything. We had to earn it."<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_39" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Erb</span></span> certainly got a little too close for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_40" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger's</span></span> comfort heading down the homestretch of UMP points race. While <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_41" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span></span> never relinquished the top spot in the standings after grabbing it late in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_42" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">the summer</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_43" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">Erb</span></span> pulled within seven points in late September with just two weekends of weekly points action remaining. Then <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_44" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger's</span></span> two bouts with bad luck the last weekend in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_45" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">September</span> -- a flat tire struck him leading at Peoria (Ill.) Speedway and more trouble knocked him from the lead the next night at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_46" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shepp's</span></span> Speedway in Alexander, Illinois - left him wondering if all his success in '09 might not be enough to dethrone <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_47" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">Erb</span></span>.<br /><br />"After those races at Peoria and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_48" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shepp's</span></span>, I started getting stressed out, " said <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_49" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span></span> who found himself thinking of points <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_50" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">possibilities</span> morning, noon and night. "It was tougher than I ever thought it would be and got us worrying a little bit. You don't want to give a guy like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_51" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-error">Erb</span></span> any extra chances because he can take advantage of 'em."<br /><br />But <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_52" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span></span> came through under pressure, rolling through the final weekend of weekly points racing with three consecutive victories in October 2 - 4 at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_53" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tri</span></span>-City <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_54" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Speedway</span> in Pontoon Beach, Illinois, Lincoln (IL) Speedway and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_55" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_37" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shepp's</span></span> to clinch the title. He was able to make the points-season-ending UMP <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_56" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_38" class="blsp-spelling-error">DIRTcar</span></span> Nationals the following weekend at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_57" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_39" class="blsp-spelling-error">Eldora</span></span> Speedway in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_58" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_40" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rossburg</span></span>, Ohio, his championship coronation rather than a pressure-packed weekend.<br /><br />Finally, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_59" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_41" class="blsp-spelling-error">Erb</span></span> was out of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_60" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_42" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger's</span></span> hair, though even with the title decided, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_61" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_43" class="blsp-spelling-error">Erb</span></span> didn't stray far from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_62" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_44" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger's</span></span> mind. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_63" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_45" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span></span>, after all, feels honored to follow <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_64" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_46" class="blsp-spelling-error">Erb</span></span> as the UMP Late Model national <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_65" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">champion</span> since he sees a bit of himself in the gritty veteran. The tow drivers have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_66" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">decidedly</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_67" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">different</span> personalities -- while <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_68" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_47" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span></span> is talkative and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_69" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">outgoing</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_70" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_48" class="blsp-spelling-error">Erb</span></span> tends to be quiet and reserve -- and aren't especially friendly with each other, but they have scratched and clawed their way to the top of UMP <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_71" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_49" class="blsp-spelling-error">DIRTcar</span></span> Racing in much the same manner.<br /><br />"i have a lot of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_72" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">respect</span> for him," <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_73" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_50" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span></span> says of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_74" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_51" class="blsp-spelling-error">Erb</span></span>. "I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_75" class="blsp-spelling-error">feel</span> like the way he's done it is kinda the way I've done it. He's a self made guy who's worked his but off to get where he is.<br /><br />"I probably have a little more help in the pit [crew] department than him, but we come from the same ranks."<br /><br />Indeed, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_76" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_52" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span></span> and his family have slowly-but-surely assembled a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_77" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">championship</span>-caliber operation. His entire rise has come driving Late Models under the banner of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_78" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_53" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span></span> Brother Racing (that's Jason and his 29-year-old <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_79" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">brother</span>/crew chief Austin), though he <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_80" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_54" class="blsp-spelling-error">creits</span></span> his more recent <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_81" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">associations</span> with the chassis builder and former UMP Late Model national champion Bob Pierce (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_82" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_55" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span></span> began running <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_83" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pierce</span> cars midway through the 2007 season), <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_84" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_56" class="blsp-spelling-error">powerplant</span></span> constructor <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_85" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_57" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ryhne</span></span> Engines and sponsors Stearn Ironworks and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_86" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_58" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jaxon</span></span> Chase Steel Detailing (who signed on midway through the 2009 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_87" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">seasons</span>) with giving him that final push into the promised land. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">"To be kind of self-made and win the championship is a big deal in my mind," says <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_59" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span>, who works for his family's Absolute Apparel business when he's not racing (or getting ready to race) more than 80 nights a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_60" class="blsp-spelling-error">seson</span>. "it's not like we just had somebody give us money and we went out and used it. We've gotten our program really built up over time. "it's definitely tough to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_61" class="blsp-spelling-error">di</span> it this way. It's a lot of hard work , but we're proof it can be done." </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The future appears incredibly bright for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_62" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span>, whose entry into the limelight in 2009 puts him near the top of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_63" class="blsp-spelling-error">every one's</span> list of potential national stars capable of carrying the dirt Late Model division for years to come. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Anyone who might wonder whether <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_64" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span> has the good to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_65" class="blsp-spelling-error">excell</span> beyond the hardscrabble weekend wars of the UMP circuit need only look at some of his recent performances on the big stages. For instance, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_66" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fege</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_67" class="blsp-spelling-error">bascially</span> announced his 2009 intentions in March when he drove by such luminaries as Billy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_68" class="blsp-spelling-error">Moyer</span>, Steve Francis and Shannon Babb to win the 40-lap March Madness feature at Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway in Calvert City, Kentucky, a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_69" class="blsp-spelling-error">vitory</span> he calls "a turning point" in his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_70" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">burgeoning</span> career.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Two months later, on May 24 at Charter Raceway Park in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_71" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span> tossed his trademark "tumbling dice" number 25 around the outside lane for 40 laps to register his first-ever triumph in a World of Outlaws Late Model Series A-Main. It was another checkered flag that added to his growing stature. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">"I had never been to Beaver Dam before, so to be able to show up and beat those Outlaw guys was an incredible feeling," says <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_72" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span>, whose previous best finish in a limited World of outlaws starts was a fourth in the 2008 Pepsi Nationals at I-55 Raceway in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_73" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pevely</span>, Missouri. "I really like racing with those guys and I have a whole lot of respect for them.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">"I just hope that win gives them a little more respect for me -- you know, solidifies me a little more in their minds."</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_74" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span> closed out his '09 campaign with a memorable heat-race charge to qualify for October's Dirt Track World Championship at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_75" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lawrenceburg</span> (Ind.) Speedway and just two weeks late, an outing at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, that likely raised his national profile to an even higher level. With a packed house of over 14,000 fans looking on during the Friday-night World of Outlaws World Finals 50-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_76" class="blsp-spelling-error">lapper</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_77" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span> made a stirring, cushion-pounding assault on the tour-tenths-mile oval that took him from the 19<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_78" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> starting spot to second place -- and the bring of passing eventual winner Scott <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_79" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bloomquist</span> -- before a flat tire did him in with just ten laps remaining. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_80" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger's</span> run at The Dirt Track so endeared him to the crowd, he sold enough <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_81" class="blsp-spelling-error">t-shirts</span> at his trailer the following day to pay his tire bill for the weekend.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In addition, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_82" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span> has been a force in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_83" class="blsp-spelling-error">Eldora's</span> recent crown-jewel shows, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_84" class="blsp-spelling-error">qualifing</span> for the World 100 in 2007 and 2008 and the $1000,000 Dream in 2009. He was one of just 12 drivers to qualify for all <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_85" class="blsp-spelling-error">three</span> of those UMP <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_86" class="blsp-spelling-error">DIRTcar</span>-sanctioned events. </span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Does his success against national-caliber competition give him the confidence that he can strike out on the road and make a profitable living as a dirt Late Model driver? You bet it does, although he also still understands that has plenty left to learn.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">"Talent-wise, I feel I can go out and run with the best guys in the country," says <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_87" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span>, who also won the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_88" class="blsp-spelling-error">championship</span> of Don Hammer's UMP-sanctioned Monster Midwest Tour in 2009. "That's always been my ultimate goal - to race for a living, to run a national series like the World of Outlaws. But if I go run with the Outlaws, I know it's gonna be a learning curve for me. I know I can do it, but it would take <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_89" class="blsp-spelling-error">some</span> time to figure things out. We haven't run open tires very much.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">"We <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_90" class="blsp-spelling-error">definetly</span> would need some time to make our program better (on open tires), and that means you have to have the backing to keep you out there on the road when you're struggling and learning those lessons."</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_91" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span> is getting closer to putting <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_92" class="blsp-spelling-error">together</span> the necessary backing that would allow him to test his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_93" class="blsp-spelling-error">talen</span> - and go through the school of hard knocks - as a national touring driver, but he's not there yet. His fresh sponsorship deal with Stearn <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_94" class="blsp-spelling-error">IornWorks</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_95" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jaxon</span> Chase Steel Detailing provided him the chance to obtain a former Scott <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_96" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bloomquist</span> hauler and trailer to replace the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_97" class="blsp-spelling-error">conventional</span> enclosed trailer he had been using and he plans to start his 2010 season with a February <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_98" class="blsp-spelling-error">Speedweeks</span> trip to Florida's East Bay Raceway Park and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_99" class="blsp-spelling-error">Volusia</span> Speedway Park, but his regular -season focus will likely remain the UMP trail.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_100" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span> is content to continue building his reputation in the UMP Late Model <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_101" class="blsp-spelling-error">divison</span>, which happens to give an Illinois-based dirt Late Model driver like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_102" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span> more <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_103" class="blsp-spelling-error">opportunities</span> to race than virtually any other circuit in the country.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">"Some people don't <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_104" class="blsp-spelling-error">understand</span> why we don't get out aways from home to race more than we do, but it's tough to leave what we have here, "says <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_105" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span>, who graduated with honors from Parkland community College in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_106" class="blsp-spelling-error">Champaign</span>, Illinois and has also completed courses at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_107" class="blsp-spelling-error">Heartland</span> Community College and Illinois State University. "UMP country is pretty tough, and we've got a lot of pretty good tracks and races that pay decent money right around home. There's always a special somewhere in our area; I think I probably only ran five regular nights all year in (2009). </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">"And in my opinion, UMP has the best tire deal in the country. With three compounds, you don't need many tires or many wheels. I've only got 24 rims to my name, so it's a great rule for me."</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The grueling, month-long UMP <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_108" class="blsp-spelling-error">Summernationals</span> tour, which <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_109" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span> began following in 2007, is the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_110" class="blsp-spelling-error">championship</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_111" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span> most covets in 2010. Perhaps he could even follow in Dennis <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_112" class="blsp-spelling-error">Erb's</span> footsteps again, becoming the second driver in UMP <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_113" class="blsp-spelling-error">DIRTcar</span> history to sweep the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_114" class="blsp-spelling-error">Summernationals</span> and national titles in the same season.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">"The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_115" class="blsp-spelling-error">Summernationals</span> is a goal," says <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_116" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span>, who finished fourth in the 2009 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_117" class="blsp-spelling-error">Summernationals</span> points standing while winning the first two tour features of his career. "And if you have a good year on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_118" class="blsp-spelling-error">Summernationals</span>, it's going to put you in a position for the national title. The you just have to take advantage of it."</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_119" class="blsp-spelling-error">Summernationals</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_120" class="blsp-spelling-error">gloris</span> is definitely a possibility in 2010 for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_121" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span>, who last year <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_122" class="blsp-spelling-error">demonstrated</span> the type of across the board speed and versatility that's necessary to achieve success on the series.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">"[In 2008] I was good at my certain tracks, most the the fast, high-banked places," says <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_123" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feger</span>. "We had a good setup for places like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_124" class="blsp-spelling-error">Paducah</span> (KY), Farmer City (IL) and Boswell (Indian's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_125" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kamp</span> Motor Speedway), but we lacked something when we went to other places. We made some huge strides in that department [in 2009] - especially with the help of Pierce - and that's why we were able to win at so many different tracks." </span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Feger is also figuring out how to balance his instinct to charge, charge, charge with a calmer, smarter approach. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">"I'm not a points racer," says Feger. "I like to win races. For eight years in a Late Model, I've only driven one way. I try to get to the front and get everything I can out of my equipment. I'm always gonna run as hard as I can, but I'm learning to be more patient and not take all the chances I'd normally take." </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The Highside Hustler isn't going anywhere. He's just refining his distinctive style in order to win more races and more championships.<br /></span></p></div>dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-68076693462168473102010-01-14T07:23:00.010-06:002010-01-14T10:35:51.968-06:00Feger, UMP Champion thanks childhood hero in collecting honors.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuMMBBx6h5dUephfkXPzeprQH34KAnhiHnB5VMLAxghCYy3yd359v3yiwpmB9qspIj1sVm8CgFswtylfElvN4d-_B7oaupCApLoQfyWXbwrzHbmPNrEGHFVaCIaY8MqoZ3D-nEhDjmbM/s1600-h/umpBanquet2010Feger.jpg"></a><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">By Kevin Kovac, DirtCar Racing</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Posted on </span><a href="mhtml:{7358FD28-7796-4428-BE17-75CAD60627B6}mid://00000111/!x-usc:http://www.umpracing.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">www.umpracing.com</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> and </span><a href="http://www.dirtondirt.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">www.dirtondirt.com</span></a></span></p><br /><div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">SPRINGFIELD, IL – Jan. 9, 2010 – Rising Midwestern stars Jason Feger and Gary Cook Jr. saw their dreams meet reality during Saturday night's 26th annual UMP DIRTcar Racing ‘Night of Champions' Awards Banquet inside the Springfield Crowne Plaza Hotel's ballroom.<br /><br />Feger, 31, of Bloomington, Ill., was saluted for his spectacular 2009 season, which saw him win his first UMP DIRTcar Super Late Model national championship – ending the two-year reign of Carpentersvile, Ill.'s Dennis Erb Jr. – lead the circuit with 23 feature wins and capture the UMP DIRTcar-sanctioned Monster Midwest Series title. The homegrown talent's success earned him a total of $32,700 in points-fund checks during the gala evening.<br /><br />Over 750 attendees from more than a dozen states and Canada filled the ballroom to watch UMP DIRT Racing officials distribute over $400,000 to the organization's 2009 champions and top performers.<br /><br />An approachable racer known for his outgoing personality, Feger surprised no one when he accepted his championship laurels with a heartfelt, banquet-ending speech that stretched for more than 20 minutes. He spent much of his time behind the podium thanking the people who made his championship season possible, including his crew – led by his younger brother Austin, who earlier in the night was named the 2009 UMP DIRTcar Super Late Model Mechanic of the Year by vote of the organization's membership – mother, grandmother, chassis builder Bob Pierce, engine builder Matt Rhyne and long list of sponsors.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZ1s3aCtZSuSKQteJaRMA7HQNwxnnhJPMWMMLMTLwMFFgEAXtM8Gx5iZ6JA1ZSzgivxekUEWe-cgOVSBqKUv6Oj-fz-ziVevCbDLGRYI6-WVfQ7tqKZvjdT5FwFE7s_eLkkw9fKBHeuY/s1600-h/umpBanquet2010Feger.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426587167886655170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZ1s3aCtZSuSKQteJaRMA7HQNwxnnhJPMWMMLMTLwMFFgEAXtM8Gx5iZ6JA1ZSzgivxekUEWe-cgOVSBqKUv6Oj-fz-ziVevCbDLGRYI6-WVfQ7tqKZvjdT5FwFE7s_eLkkw9fKBHeuY/s400/umpBanquet2010Feger.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></span></div><div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span></div><div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span></div><div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span></div><div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span></div><div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span></div><div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span></div><div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span></div><div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span></div><div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span></div><div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span></div><div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span></div><div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span></div><div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span></div><div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span></div><div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Feger had especially kind words for Pierce, the legendary racer whose chassis Feger has used for the past two-and-half years.<br /><br />“It's such an honor to race with my childhood hero and help make his business succeed,” Feger said of Pierce. “You can't imagine how much that means to me.”<br /><br />After posing for photos with his close-knit team, Feger reflected on his career campaign.<br /><br />“Earlier today I did a radio show at the Speed Expo (at the nearby Illinois State Fairgrounds) with Larry Lembeck and he kind of put (the national title) in perspective for me,” said Feger, who won the championship one year after being named UMP DIRTcar's Most Improved Driver. “He started naming off some of the guys who have won this deal and the history behind it, and that really made it sink in for me. To be able to be listed with a group of guys like Gary Webb, Erb, (Randy) Korte, (Rodney) Melvin and a lot of others – that's pretty impressive to me.<br /><br />“Just to think that someday down the road somebody is gonna look back and see my name on this list (of UMP DIRTcar champions) – I hope they can have the same respect for me that I have for the guys who have won it.”<br /><br />Feger's points-fund earnings were topped by the $20,000 he received for the national title. He picked up another $5,000 for winning Don and Bonnie Hammer's Monster Midwest Series, plus $5,000 for finishing fourth in the UMP DIRTcar Summer Nationals points standings; $2,000 for placing second in the Central Region points battle; and $700 for fourth place in the Northern Allstars Late Model Series points standings. Feger also received two sets of Dyer's Top Rods for his national and Monster Midwest Series titles.<br /><br />The only driver who left the banquet with more points-fund cash than Feger was Erb, who collected a total of $38,100 despite failing to three-peat as national champion. He still earned $25,000 for winning his third consecutive UMP DIRTcar Summer Nationals title; $10,000 for finishing second in the national points standings; $2,000 for a runner-up placing on the Northern Allstars Late Model Series; $700 for fourth place on the Monster Midwest Series; and $400 for sixth place in the Central Region.</span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />Following a 2009 campaign that saw over 10,000 drivers earn points, all eight 2009 national champions wore their crowns for the first time. </span></span></div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span></div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span><br /><br /><p><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em>Photo left to right: Bob Pierce, Josh aka Cowboy, Austin Feger, Jason Feger, Mike Posio and Devin Shickel.</em></p></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-72312714435090284362010-01-05T18:49:00.003-06:002010-01-05T18:51:18.386-06:00UMP Banquet & Midwest Expo -- January 9<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Be sure to catch out the 2010 Feger - Pierce car at the Midwest Expo in Springfield Jan 9 - 10. Feger will receive the UMP National Late Model Championship and Monster Midwest Championship this Sunday at Springfield, IL.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Hope to cya there!</span>dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-58217432500695780282010-01-05T18:46:00.005-06:002010-01-05T18:52:33.325-06:00Get Your DREAM & WORLD Tickets from Feger<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Feger has reserved tickets coming for the Dream and World!!</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Dream Tickets will be available early February.<br />All tickets are for reserved seating in the middle of turns 3 & 4.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Help us get the souvenir trailer to the Dream and World.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We'll post the available seats soon! </span>dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-80654894059444197762009-12-29T19:39:00.008-06:002010-01-05T18:59:37.958-06:00Dirt on Dirt's Top Five Performances of 2009<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">WOW -- Jason made several highlights from <a href="http://www.dirtondirt.com/">http://www.dirtondirt.com/</a> -<br />including their top five performances of 2009. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Remember to check out the video reels on the site too -- especially the top bloopers of 2009, you'll find Jeep performing a "shark" attack, while dirtondirt is trying to interview Jason. Other videos include highlights of Feger in 2009 victories.<br /><br />Here's the Top Five Performances of 2009 from the leading dirt late model website, <a href="http://www.dirtondirt.com/">http://www.dirtondirt.com/</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong>1) Jimmy Mars</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">at the North-South 100, where he made up a straightaway deficit the final six laps to stun Don O’Neal at Florence (Ky.) Speedway on Aug. 8. What was Mars thinking? "Oh my god, this is going to happen on the last lap. And it did for his second $50,000 payday in an eight-day stretch.<br /><br /><strong>2) Jason Feger</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">at Eldora Speedway, Lowe’s Motor Speedway and Lawrenceburg Speedway, where he daringly showed again and again why he’s called the Highside Hustler. Mark Richards of Rocket Chassis called Feger’s heat race victory at Eldora’s Dream XV, <strong><em>“most impressive cushion run I’ve ever seen.” </em></strong><br /><br /><strong>3) Randle Chupp</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">at Golden Isles Speedway’s Super Bowl V finale, where he went worst-to-first in a 50-lapper for a $10,000 victory against a stacked 24-car field that included six World 100 winners. "I wasn't going to be denied, said Chupp, who had started on the pole the previous two nights.<br /><br /><strong>4) Jimmy Owens</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">at Eldora Speedway’s Dream XV, where he went from third-to-first on the 73rd lap passing Scott Bloomquist and Tony Stewart - and then survived smoke-signaled engine woes the rest of the way. “I was afraid the motor was gonna blow up any minute,” said Owens, who earned $100,000. “I finally just said, “You know what? If it blows, it blows.”<br /><br /><strong>5) Brian Birkhofer</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">at the 17th annual Show-Me 100, where he lapped all but six drivers and won by more than three-quarters of a lap in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event. "At one point tonight, I didn't realize I was that far ahead, so it may have gotten boring for the crowd ... but believe me, I was trying my hardest,” said Birkhofer, who earned $40,000.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.dirtondirt.com/"></a></span>dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-72910649160039015502009-12-25T10:09:00.010-06:002009-12-25T12:18:23.160-06:00Merry Christmas !!Last year's Christmas card...<br /><br /><em><strong>'Twas the night before Christmas, </strong></em><br /><em><strong>when all through the stands.<br />Not a creature was stirring, </strong></em><br /><em><strong>not even the fans. </strong></em><br /><em><strong><br />The stockings where hung,</strong></em><br /><em><strong>on the pit cart with care,<br />In hopes that St. Nicholas,</strong></em><br /><em><strong> soon would be there,<br /><br />The pit crews were nestled, </strong></em><br /><em><strong>all snug in the rigs.<br />While visions of victories </strong></em><br /><em><strong>danced in their heads.</strong></em><br /><br /><em><strong>When out on the track, </strong></em><br /><em><strong>there arose such a thunder,<br />I sprang from the rig </strong></em><br /><em><strong>to see what was out yonder.<br /><br />When what to my wondering eyes </strong></em><br /><em><strong>should appear,<br />but a miniature track, </strong></em><br /><em><strong>with eight fast cars </strong></em><br /><em><strong>shifting gears. </strong></em><br /><em><strong><br />The drivers were, </strong></em><br /><em><strong>so lively and quick,<br />I knew in a moment the track </strong></em><br /><em><strong>must be dry slick.<br /><br />More rapid than eagles,</strong></em><br /><em><strong>the late models came.</strong></em><br /><em><strong><br />I whistled and shouted, </strong></em><br /><em><strong>and called them by name;<br />"Go Feger! Now Sheppard! </strong></em><br /><em><strong>Now, Babb and Van Wormer!<br />On, Frankie! On, Brandon! </strong></em><br /><em><strong>On, Korte and of course </strong></em><br /><em><strong>Billy Moyer!<br /><br />To the top of the track! </strong></em><br /><em><strong>Near the top of the wall!<br />Now dash away! Dash away! </strong></em><br /><em><strong>Dash away all!"<br /><br />The crowd sprang to stand, </strong></em><br /><em><strong>as the cars neared the checkers.<br />And away they all flew,</strong></em><br /><em><strong>like comets at night.<br />But I heard the winner exclaim, </strong></em><br /><em><strong>as he drove out of sight.<br /><br />"Merry Christmas to all, </strong></em><br /><em><strong>and to all a Good Night!"</strong></em>dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-50325478356197719382009-12-04T10:02:00.002-06:002009-12-04T10:03:16.389-06:00From Dirtondirt.com Feger's Car at IMIS Trade Show in Indy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUQGrjnsqpYP9K1w7MI2r5h0F6O0c2FxdWoNOfeaNSR_mHfCHxkIxssVXUdRtPdPbbLQ-VRMG_XMIyt626k-xxkKkHcKOGY4TiTk55f0QRQht1BvRpNu2zBVBcoFhF1uePqgtLd8ryQ8/s1600-h/Indy+Show+2009.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUQGrjnsqpYP9K1w7MI2r5h0F6O0c2FxdWoNOfeaNSR_mHfCHxkIxssVXUdRtPdPbbLQ-VRMG_XMIyt626k-xxkKkHcKOGY4TiTk55f0QRQht1BvRpNu2zBVBcoFhF1uePqgtLd8ryQ8/s400/Indy+Show+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411412213502280642" /></a>dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-12409256468951784932009-12-01T19:23:00.004-06:002009-12-01T19:26:50.805-06:00Feger 2010 Pierce Car on Display at the IMIS Trade Show, IndianopolisIf you've got time -- check it out:<br /><strong>Feger's new 2010 Bob Pierce Race Car is<br />at the IMIS Trade Show in Indy on December 2 - 3.</strong> <br /><br />Bob and Angie Pierce had the new Pierce chassis powder-coated by R&R Powdercoated in Charleston, IL in a very cool metallic florescent green.<br /><br />Dustin Griffin of Griffin Performance has been busy outputting the wrap.<br /><br />The guys have been working their rears off to get it ready for the show. Jason has added a few new sponsors: RCI, CV Products, Petersen Aluminum, Performance Bodies, Hooker Harness, Scott Perf and Wehr’s Machine.<br /><strong><br />THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU!</strong><br />2009 was awesome – the UMP Championship, 23 feature wins, first WOO win, some terrific runs at big shows -- <br /><br /><strong>–IT IS A TEAM EFFORT!</strong> <br />From the guys in the shop, to Jason doing his job --<br />from support of great fans (aka –the Feger Nation) to these sponsors--<br />Advance Shocks, Rhyne Competition Engines, Jaxson Chase, Stern Ironworks, B&R Grocery, VP Fuels, ProTire, SVC, BSB, ABS, Sheps, Mulligans, Crutcher, Pic-A-Part, Wilwood, HyperCo, R2C, Stealth, Budda, Howe, Sweet, JoeGibbs, Wiles, PRC, Outwears, Allstar, Franklin, Beyea, Goodridge, Richardson, Dyers, Weld, Ricks Towing, KDK, Strong Concrete, Bairds, Harley Erectors, Stain & Paint Shop, and Jim & Lacie. <br /><br /><strong>Plans for 2010 are in the works,</strong> it looks like the season will be starting in Feb at East Bay and than to Volusia. Once UMP announces the Summernationals we'll update the schedule on www.jasonfeger.com.dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-49773863471717790942009-11-18T19:58:00.014-06:002009-11-28T20:47:22.600-06:00Feger Video MixCheck out this video by Mike McKinney of DirtRacer Productions. Mike put this video together to highlight Team Feger's 2009 UMP National Championship and a great season. Michael Rigsby captured all the video for www.dirtondirt.com -- one of the best racing sites ever. THANKS GUYS -- Love the video!<br /><OBJECT id=BLOG_video-901c224306ba681d class=BLOG_video_class width=400 height=295 contentId="901c224306ba681d"></OBJECT>dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-79676191545787221832009-11-15T21:33:00.004-06:002009-11-16T23:35:43.624-06:00Weekend "ON TAP"<strong>Feger Race Car Party 2009</strong><br />As most of you know, this Saturday night is the annual Feger Racing party. Every year this event continues to grow and this year is no exception with some of the coolest, one of a kind items being put up for bid. I mentioned before about our good friend Jeff from "The Stain and Paint Shop" putting together some 'over the top' goodies for this years bash. Now I have to tell you that these pictures really don't do Jeff's work justice but I wanted to give everyone a sneak peak at his work...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyUlv-TKNTq9FNG7K0KIKf-OwPiARq3MaaGgm3MbuOwrdlkgBhVlgb0Ue4gvtNLrxcYKVoutplRluycyVrpP3fgVFjpYy_Ib7ZeOaYPNsIJeNjV2nHy7CnaVMo9oH0VCGEv3fnGibX5k/s1600/plaque.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyUlv-TKNTq9FNG7K0KIKf-OwPiARq3MaaGgm3MbuOwrdlkgBhVlgb0Ue4gvtNLrxcYKVoutplRluycyVrpP3fgVFjpYy_Ib7ZeOaYPNsIJeNjV2nHy7CnaVMo9oH0VCGEv3fnGibX5k/s400/plaque.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404541112106042770" /></a><br />In person this plaque has an almost 3-D effect, the car is literally coming at you. Jeff put a lot of work into this and it really shows. This will be a neat treasure for some lucky bidder.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYH5DSWYub1BWa7GXh7W7kuKuOoth8qXV6daYKRpht83jPmAgGzyRjkz7nBxFJxs4NRPSPGev9u3bOSj5EQQG08-6h0_wU3UGc8dZkV9FtGOpbNRQTPqEcGPAwVJ6LAVffQwxunU4uxk/s1600/pitcart.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYH5DSWYub1BWa7GXh7W7kuKuOoth8qXV6daYKRpht83jPmAgGzyRjkz7nBxFJxs4NRPSPGev9u3bOSj5EQQG08-6h0_wU3UGc8dZkV9FtGOpbNRQTPqEcGPAwVJ6LAVffQwxunU4uxk/s400/pitcart.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404540952624328258" /></a><br />And here is one of the coolest items EVER at a race party...a full size bar/entertainment center patterned after Team Feger's world famous pit cart. Now while it is painted white at the moment, a full wrap will be applied emulating the original cart that the team uses to do battle. Truly a one of a kind piece that once again shows off Jeff's talent. <br />Hey Luke, wouldn't this be cool to have down there in Nashville?<br /><br />I also know that the Anderson's are putting the finishing touches on a Feger Christmas tree and lots of other way cool items are in the works and will be up for raffle or auction. This party is the must attend event of the season and everyone at Team Feger hopes to see you there.<br /><br />Here's the party info...don't miss it.<br />Date: Sat Nov 21<br />Place: Tri-Lakes Bloomington, IL<br />Time: 5:30 - Midnight<br />Food Served 5:30 - 8:00 or 8:30<br />Cost $8 (includes all the food you want to eat)<br />Kids under 12 are free with adult. All ages are welcome.<br />Yes, there will be plenty of alcohol for those of us over 21 with a cash bar.<br /><br />Auction will start around 7:00 and go to about 10:00, the rest of the time is party time!!!<br /><br />Where is Tri-Lakes?<br />2100 Bunn Street, Bloomington, Illinois 61701<br />Thats the far South West side of Bloomington.<br />Easiest way to get there US 51 South turn West on Hamilton Road (the side of the Street McDonalds is on)<br />Next turn left on Bunn Street -- the first four way stop.<br />Go down Bunn Street, Turn right immediately BEFORE the tracks.<br />Take the curvy road all the way back to Tri-Lakes, you'll wonder where in the world you are going.<br /><br />C'MON SATURDAY!!<br /><br /><br />Bob Watters <br />Feb.28, 1928--Nov.13, 2009dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-90762658142172350142009-11-15T19:55:00.003-06:002009-11-15T19:59:38.011-06:00Feger VideosLinks to a few of our favorite videos:<br /><br />From Mike at DirtRacerProductions:<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41B-WE4sdeI">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41B-WE4sdeI</a><br /><br />You may need a paid subscription to watch this one. Dirtondirt.com video of last Friday's World Finals at Charlotte Motor Speedway:<br /><a href="http://dirtondirt.com/video.php?watch=1747">http://dirtondirt.com/video.php?watch=1747</a>dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-46486198824666762762009-11-11T19:27:00.007-06:002009-11-13T23:14:13.773-06:00Feger electrifies Lowe's with high-side run<div class="SYN_ROW"><div class="SYN_LNB"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span class="HTML_TXT">Lowe's Motor Speedway, November 7, 2009, 8:42 am</span><br /></span></div></div><div class="SYN_ROW"><div class="SYN_LNB"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span class="HTML_TXT">By Kevin Kovac </span></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span class="HTML_TXT">World of Outlaws Late Model Series</span></span></div></div><div class="SYN_LNB"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Posted on <a href="http://www.dirtondirt.com/">http://www.dirtondirt.com/</a> </span></div><div class="SYN_LNB"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></div></span><div class="SYN_LNB"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></div></span><div class="SYN_ROW"><div class="SYN_LNB"><span class="HTML_TXT"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">CONCORD, N.C. (Nov. 6) Everywhere he goes, Jason Feger of Bloomington, Ill., gets fans excited when he finds a high groove no other driver can. Last month it was during a Dirt Track World Championship heat race in Lawrenceburg, Ind., and Friday it was during the opening feature of the World of Outlaws World Finals at the Dirt Track at Lowe's Motor Speedway.</span></span></div><div class="SYN_LNB"><span class="HTML_TXT"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />The 31-year-old Feger, who clinched his first career UMP DIRTcar points title a month ago, reached Scott Bloomquist's rear bumper on lap 40 after electrifying the huge crowd with an outside charge from the 19th starting spot to second in his Pierce car. Alas, his charge fell short when a flat left-rear tire forced Feger to slow and bring out a caution flag, leaving Bloomquist home free for the remainder of the distance.</span></span></div><div class="SYN_LNB"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span class="HTML_TXT"></span><br /></div></span></div><div class="SYN_ROW"><div class="SYN_LNB"><span class="HTML_TXT"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The driver nicknamed the Highside Hustler impressed observers with his performance just two days after laying eyes on the 4/10-mile Lowe's oval for the first time, but an untimely flat tire robbed him of a shot at a popular upset victory.<br /><br />I was trying to be smooth - as smooth as you could be in that cushion, - said Feger, who came back to finish sixth. "But when it's choppy like that, it's hard for these tires to stay under you.<br /><br />We got right to his back bumper there in (turns) three and four, and then the next lap is when the tire just disintegrated. It just wasn't our night, but me and the guys are happy that we're up to speed. I think we showed what we have.<br /><br />Bloomquist, who earned $10,000 for his third straight Friday-night victory at the World Finals, knew that Feger's charge carried a calculated risk. </span></span><span class="HTML_TXT"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">If Jason was closing, I'm sure he was just wide open on the top, - he said.<span class="HTML_CHA"><span style="color:#ff0000;"> - </span></span>I don't think he cut a tire; I think he jerked it off the wheel. That's the kind of chances you take (running the cushion).</span></span></div></div>dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-63049140429160218182009-11-10T16:47:00.003-06:002009-11-13T23:14:56.957-06:00Weekend "LAST CALL"<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong>Turned some heads and made some new fans.</strong><br />The trip to North Carolina had some ups and downs and while it wasn't the most profitable of trips in terms of dollars won, a lot of new fans were converted by the high flying act that calls itself "Team Feger."<br /><br />With the weekend starting off with a busted up race car and a DNQ for the topless event, Team Feger turned there misfortunes around and left their mark on the fans at the Lowe's dirt track.<br /><br />Friday nights 19th to 2nd run in the feature was the talk of the town and it would have been amazing had the left rear tire decided to cooperate. We all know how that deal worked out.<br /><br />Saturday's run in the feature wasn't quite as dramatic however I believe Jason still passed more cars than anyone this weekend. Feger had moved up to ninth before an oil leak sidelined the #25 car with a lap to go.<br /><br />So, another learning experience in the books and a little more t.v. time for Team Feger.<br /><br />Quote of the weekend goes to Scott Bloomquist. When asked about Feger closing in on him in Friday's feature, Scott responded with "I'm sure if Jason was coming he had to be WIDE OPEN on the top..."<br />Yep. </span>dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-4436742388533135662009-11-03T19:54:00.004-06:002009-11-13T23:17:35.499-06:00Weekend "ON TAP"<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong>Carolina bound...</strong><br />After a successful testing session on Monday, Team Feger is headed south to compete in The World of Outlaws 'World Finals' at The Lowes Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC.<br /><br />The weekend gets an early kick start on Wednesday November 4th with the Topless Showdown (nope... ain't gonna touch that one) 50 lap feature with up to $30,000 to win depending on passing bonuses of $1000 per position.<br /><br />Team Feger will then be competing in the 3 day "World Finals" event throughout the weekend.<br /><br />Let's all raise our glasses in a toast..."Here's to no flat tires and solid runs against some of the best in the business."<br /><br /><em>Cheers.</em><br /><br /><strong><em>Article below is from the </em></strong></span><a href="http://www.worldofoutlaws.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong><em>World of Outlaws Late Model website</em></strong></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong><em> written by Kevin Kovac</em></strong><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>UMP DIRTcar Super Late Model National Champ Jason Feger Heads For Lowe's Motor Speedway To Top Off Spectacular Season<br />Posted Monday, Nov 02, 2009</strong><br /></span><br />— Jason Feger won't be an anonymous first-time visitor to The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway when he drives through the pit gate for the postponed Topless Showdown by Hungry Man (Nov. 4) and the World of Outlaws World Finals (Nov. 5-7).<br /><br />Once a driver wins a prestigious title, after all, he becomes impossible to overlook.<br /><br />So it is with Feger, a 31-year-old from Bloomington, Ill., who is heading for the big stage of The Dirt Track to top off a spectacular 2009 season that saw him emerge as the UMP DIRTcar Racing Super Late Model national champion.<br /><br />“Since we won the championship we've gone to some tracks where fans have never seen us much before,” said Feger, who clinched the crown one week before the UMP DIRTcar points season ended with the organization's Nationals on Oct. 9-10 at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. “A lot of fans came up to talk to me and I heard a lot of compliments, so you realize that winning the championship is a pretty big deal. More people know who you are.”<br /><br />Feger figures to find himself in much the same situation at The Dirt Track. With his national title and 23 feature wins (at a remarkable 13 different tracks in four states) stamping him as one of the country's most successful dirt Late Model drivers in '09, he'll have plenty of eyes focused on him throughout the four days of competition for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.<br /><br />Yes, expectations will be high for Feger, but he's ready for the challenge. Though this will be the first time he's ever seen the gorgeous four-tenths-mile oval in person, he plans to do his best to live up to the hype.<br /><br />“I'm going to run as hard as I can, just like I always do,” said Feger, a personable racer whose distinctive style has earned him the nickname the ‘Highside Hustler.' “Everybody I talk to (about The Dirt Track) says I'm gonna like it, so that makes me feel good about going there. But if we're gonna do well we have to make the right decisions on tires (compounds) – that's what it's gonna come down to.<br /><br />“We've had a great season in our area but this is going to be a whole new deal for us,” he continued. “We'll be running against the best drivers in the country, so it's going to be a real test. Talent-wise I feel I can go down there and run with them because we've done it this year around home, but when those guys come out here (to the Midwest) they play by our rules (using UMP DIRTcar Hoosier tires). It's a different story (during the World Finals) – we'll be on open tires, so you know it's gonna be a learning curve.<br /><br />“We need to get better (running) on open tires. We haven't done that too much, and that's one of the reasons we want to go to Charlotte. We're trying to learn more and make our program better.”<br /><br />Feger has certainly mastered the tough UMP DIRTcar circuit. Now in his eighth season behind the wheel of a dirt Late Model after excelling in UMP DIRTcar Sportsman action, Feger went from being named UMP DIRTcar's Most Improved Driver in 2008 to national champion in '09.<br /><br />And Feger reached the promised land after a dramatic late-season showdown for the $20,000 points title with 37-year-old Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, Ill., who was bidding to sweep the UMP DIRTcar Summer Nationals tour and national championships for the third consecutive season. Feger held off Erb down the stretch to win the crown by 31 points.<br /><br />“I think beating Dennis really makes the championship more special,” said Feger, who finished third in the 2008 national points battle. “A lot of people know how good Dennis is. He's good in the big shows and can win against anybody, and he's definitely the guy to beat around here. Whenever you roll into a racetrack – especially for the last three years – night and night out, Dennis is the guy you know you're gonna have to beat to win. You very rarely see that guy (finish) out of the top five.<br /><br />“Racing against Dennis makes you focus to really stay up on your game. He's a competitor who hates to lose, so I think people know (the title) wasn't given to us or anything. We had to earn it.”<br /><br />Feger feels honored to follow Erb as the UMP DIRTcar national champion since he sees a bit of himself in the gritty owner-operator known as the ‘One Man Band.' The two drivers have decidedly different personalities – while Feger is talkative and outgoing, Erb tends to be quiet and reserved – but they have scratched and clawed their way to the top of UMP DIRTcar Racing in much the same manner.<br /><br />“I have a lot of respect for him,” Feger said of Erb. “I feel like the way he's done it is kinda the way I've done it. He's a self-made guy who's worked his butt off to get where he is. I probably have a little more help in the pit (crew) department than him, but we come from the same ranks.”<br /><br />Indeed, Feger and his family have slowly-but-surely assembled a championship-caliber operation. His entire rise has come driving Late Models under the banner of Feger Brothers Racing (that's Jason and his 29-year-old brother/crew chief Austin), though he credits his more recent associations with chassis builder Bob Pierce (Feger began running Pierce cars midway through the 2007 season), powerplant constructor Rhyne Engines and sponsors Stearn Ironworks and Jaxon Chase Steel Detailing with giving him that final push.<br /><br />“To be kind of self-made and win the championship is a big deal in my mind,” said Feger, who works for his family's Absolute Apparel business when he's not racing (or getting ready to race) more than 80 nights a season. “It's not like we just had somebody give us money and we went out and used it. We've gotten our program really built up over time.<br /><br />“It's definitely tough to do it this way,” he added. “It's a lot of hard work, but we're proof it can be done.”<br /><br />Now Feger will try to continue his success story this week in front of a packed Lowe's Motor Speedway grandstand and a national television audience on the SPEED cable network, which will televise the World Finals Late Model/Sprint Car doubleheader on Saturday (Nov. 7) starting at 8 p.m. ET.<br /><br />Considering his '09 resume, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Feger make some noise at The Dirt Track with his green-and-white, ‘tumbling dice' No. 25. He's excelled on some pretty big stages this season – he won a heat race for June's UMP DIRTcar-sanctioned $100,000 Dream at Eldora, thrilled the fans with outside charges during qualifying for the Dirt Track World Championship last month at Lawrenceburg (Ind.) Speedway and, of course, scored his first career WoO LMS triumph with a flawless flag-to-flag run on May 24 at Charter Raceway Park in Beaver Dam, Wis.<br /><br />Feger lists his WoO LMS victory, which came in a race co-sanctioned by UMP DIRTcar (both entities are owned by the World Racing Group), as a career highlight and confidence-booster heading into the World Finals.<br /><br />“I had never been to Beaver Dam before, so to be able to show up and beat those Outlaw guys was an incredible feeling,” said Feger, who has entered four WoO LMS events this season. “I really like racing with those guys and I have a whole lot of respect for them. I just hope that win gives them a little more respect for me – you know, solidifies me a little more in their minds.”<br /><br />http://www.worldofoutlaws.com/latemodel/News/2009/November/110209_LM_FegerWF.aspx</span>dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-70410311310787569982009-10-30T13:09:00.004-05:002009-10-30T14:47:16.719-05:00Shop Talk<strong>Team Feger 2009 Monster Midwest Champions.</strong><br />Korey sent down the official word that the Monster Midwest Series has ended it's 2009 season and Team Feger has added another title to the list of accomplishments. With eight series victories in 2009, Jason won the title by a 62 point margin over second place Ryan Unzicker. It sure would have been nice to run for the $10,000 that was supposed to be the season finale but I guess Mother Nature had other plans.<br /><br />Is it just me or does anyone else find it funny that Team Feger <em>officially</em> wins the "Monster" title on Halloween weekend?<br />(Yeah, I was reaching a bit for that one.)<br /><br />As I mentioned earlier, our buddy Jeff from 'The Stain Shop' has been working on a very special piece for the 2009 race car party. Jeff is quite the woodworker and he is putting together a special version of Team Feger's pit cart that will be going home with one lucky bidder.<br />Now it's long been known that hands down, Feger has the coolest pit cart in dirt racing...even if the stripper pole that was originally in the design never made it past the drawing board.<br />Jeff's version of the cart is more of a home bar/entertainment center. While still a work in progress, the entire unit is hand crafted with many neat features and when finished will have a wrap emulating the original cart. This will be a one of a kind piece and we are all very excited to see how it will turn out. Photos and more on this as it all comes together.<br /><br />While there is no racing this weekend, Team Feger is very busy preparing for the World of Outlaws 'World Finals' November 4th through the 7th at The Lowes Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina.dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-5696845021840838782009-10-26T20:08:00.009-05:002009-10-26T21:40:53.487-05:00Weekend "LAST CALL"<strong>Mixed results at "The Billy Bob..."</strong><br />Once again a promising heat race victory led to high expectations, unfortunately the feature results were less than what Team Feger is capable of.<br />A decent qualifying lap had Jason starting towards the front of the heat race and he delivered the goods, passing the likes of Darrell Lanigan and Steve Francis on the way to a heat race victory. Listening to the race via The DRC, I believe it was Chris Nunn that I heard exclaim:<br />"That Feger is a MADMAN!!"<br />The elation was short lived however as tire troubles plagued the #25 car and Jason quickly resorted to defense. While the tires were all holding air this time, a wrong choice in compound on the ever changing racing surface threw Team Feger a curve ball. Pitting early, the guys made some changes making the car better however Jason was never able to be a contender.<br />As soon as we find someone to put up big money for spectacular heat race runs...<em>WE ARE FRIGGIN' THERE.</em><br />The team did learn a few things from this experience and there is a short list of things that will be done different in the future.<br />Racing "outside the box" is gonna have some challenges.<br /><br />Since Team Feger is capable of much better results...I will take a moment to razz them a little.<br />Kristy says you need to return <em>someone'z </em>back up beeper...and she wants a dollar.<br /><br />The Feger race party is less than a month away and we've got our good friend Jeff Wesselhoff from 'The Stain Shop' in Pontiac, IL working up something way cool for this year's bash...stay tuned.dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-8919180190554912192009-10-22T09:42:00.008-05:002009-10-22T16:59:45.036-05:00Weekend "ON TAP"<strong>Team Feger heading to Brush Creek Motorsports Complex for "The Billy Bob" $10,000 to win late model show.</strong><br />With the cancellation of the Monster Midwest Show at Lincoln Speedway, Team Feger will be heading east to Peebles Ohio to compete in "The Billy Bob."<br />Now I have no clue who Billy Bob is but he must carry enough clout to have a 50 lap, $10,000 to win race in his honor. Here at Feger Motorsports we really don't care what you want to call a particular event as long as you print it on a great big check with lots of zero's...<br />I guess we're off to find Billy Bob and try to take some of his money.<br />Hope some of you can make the journey...<br /><br />I'll have to confirm with Korey but I believe that with the cancellation of the final MMS show, Team Feger is the 2009 Monster Midwest Champion. 23 feature wins (so far) and two championships this year...not too shabby.<br /><br />Also, after speaking with Jason they now plan on attending the World of Outlaws World Finals at Lowes Motor Speedway on November 4th through November 7th. More about that as plans come together.dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-8754367167372313252009-10-19T18:36:00.007-05:002009-10-20T06:46:23.784-05:00Weekend "LAST CALL"<strong>Feelin' like Superman on Saturday...Clark Kent on Sunday.</strong><br />With all the positive talk on Saturday after heat race #5, we were all pretty stoked for Sunday's 100 lapper. Jason was moving to the front and all was going well until about lap 34 when the right rear decided it didn't want to play anymore, threw a conniption fit and made a hasty departure.<br />After a lot of naughty words and a scramble to put on fresh rubber, Jason rejoined the field at the tail and started a march to the front. When all was said and done, Team Feger salvaged a 14th place finish. We need to find out where Jimmy Mars gets his tires from, his go flat in victory lane.<br /><br />While fourteenth was not the result the guys were hoping for, some good things did come from their trip to The Dirt Track World Championship.<br />After Saturday, EVERYBODY had taken notice and quite a few "names" in the business were more than impressed with Feger's heat race performance.<br />Racing with the caliber of talent that was present this weekend is still a big learning curve and Team Feger paid some dues.<br />Before the flat the #25 was fast and headed in the right direction and even though some of the big dogs still mispronounce Feger, (as long as I can remember there never has been an 's' on the end) they are having to take notice of the storm that's brewing here in the midwest.<br />The Feger/Pierce/Rhyne/Advanced combination has become a force to be reckoned with and as soon as the rocky relationship with R/R tires gets smoothed over ...<br />It will be 'GAME ON.'<br /><br /><br />I have to give a shout out to long time fans Pete, Chris and Mike Portman for watching over the Florida Chapter for us...looking forward to popping some cold ones and telling some lies at East Bay.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong>dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-43726491090513516182009-10-17T22:59:00.004-05:002009-10-17T23:11:27.050-05:00Highside Hustler puts on a show at Lawrenceburg<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiM3xukDhvzV1UI7EK-DUV0pQjBiFIMzaVnNwmgTpZkRQjUduVSGE3Zd5O9xPKbrQjERh0DNi4qX_zEPFRGdo-GMmBa425-pZkReu9q7oZ1SoRxW9a5Ya98IRaHr3ElyKhGNnGLbD_4k/s1600-h/DTWC09.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 353px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393787447221652658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiM3xukDhvzV1UI7EK-DUV0pQjBiFIMzaVnNwmgTpZkRQjUduVSGE3Zd5O9xPKbrQjERh0DNi4qX_zEPFRGdo-GMmBa425-pZkReu9q7oZ1SoRxW9a5Ya98IRaHr3ElyKhGNnGLbD_4k/s400/DTWC09.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNBPfgb3V8HGhBxumaJ9GS9pChM93-p_ez9C8kPKHkAIrKbwSpb6LhRskvnQ_oM_UwD5xNsSZMLNGm_f79e_kuHtafziwe0I5_53Toh-4Qju8vWUypYwWaV-e79CL-44Cor5XZN4rPJw/s1600-h/DTWC09.jpg"></a>From <a href="http://www.dirtondirt.com/">http://www.dirtondirt.com/</a><br />By Todd Turner, DirtonDirt.com chief writer<br /><br />LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. (Oct. 17) Fans at the 29th annual Dirt Track World Championship who don't often get to see Jason Feger didn't have to ask twice why he's called the Highside Hustler.<br /><br />During daytime heat races at Lawrenceburg Speedway when most every driver stuck with the lower grooves, the 31-year-old Feger from Bloomington, Ill., showed everyone there was enough traction on a slick high groove to get the job done.<br />Feger, who recently wrapped up the $20,000 UMP DIRTcar Racing points championship while racking up more than 20 victories, got as many cheers as any heat winner with his runner-up performance in the fifth heat.<br /><br />And the fans bundled up under coats, hats and mittens in the stands on a chilly afternoon weren't the only ones to notice. Plenty of Feger's competitors admired the Illinois driver's performance on the high-banked, 3/8-mile oval baked by afternoon sun.<br /><br />"Did you see that Feger?" second heat winner Rick Eckert of York, Pa., asked. "That guy was up there, he was in a lane of his own. That guy's cool to watch, he really is."<br /><br />For Feger, starting fourth and needing to run in the top three to advance to his first Dirt Track World Championship feature, running the high groove was a given, especially after he briefly fell back to sixth at the outset of the 15-lap prelim.<br /><br />"You know where I was going to go," the Highside Hustler said later. "There wasn't much choice for me."<br />Feger clocked Dale McDowell's laps while running a little higher during his heat race run and figured the high groove was worth a shot even with rubber starting to build up in the lower grooves where everyone else was racing.<br /><br />"Everybody kept saying it was rubbering up, but the lap times never picked up, so I figured I oughta just jump up there and see what it was," Feger said. "It was make or break and it ended up working real good.<br /><br />"I got shuffled back there a little bit at the beginning; kind of a racing deal — and I had to fight my way back up. I'm just real happy to make my first Dirt Track and hopefully they can do some work on the track and get it more raceable for tomorrow."<br /><br />Feger's groove choice was obvious as his Tumbling Dice No. 25 stood out in the high groove, especially when he swept past competitors exiting turns two or four. First he moved around Steve Casebolt, then took third from Scott Bloomquist and then grabbed second from polesitter Jeep Van Wormer. Ray Cook was a straightaway ahead by the time Feger got into second, and although he made up a little ground, he was fortunate to survive his only near-mistake as he once got a bit high in turns one and two.<br /><br />Third-heat winner Steve Francis and sixth-heat winner Jimmy Mars were among drivers pointing to Feger's run to show that Lawrenceburg's daytime racing surface has definite possibilities of being better than the one-grooved norm.<br /><br />"If they wanted to work the track a little bit (Sunday), they could end up with a really racy track," Mars said. "Even if you watched Feger there, right before my heat, he was balls to the wall up on the top and here there are guys creeping around on the rubber, and here he's passing guys out in no man's land."<br /><br />Feger spends most of the UMP DIRTcar Summernationals exploring the high grooves on 25 tracks each season, so it was nothing new to do the same thing at Lawrenceburg. "I was pretty confident, just by knowing how I drive and how the track's banked," Feger said. "I knew the cushion in three and four; not really a cushion, but the little bit of moisture that was up there; I was pretty confident the whole time."<br /><br />"We've still got some work to do, but we're just happy to get in the show, and tomorrow's a new day."<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNBPfgb3V8HGhBxumaJ9GS9pChM93-p_ez9C8kPKHkAIrKbwSpb6LhRskvnQ_oM_UwD5xNsSZMLNGm_f79e_kuHtafziwe0I5_53Toh-4Qju8vWUypYwWaV-e79CL-44Cor5XZN4rPJw/s1600-h/DTWC09.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNBPfgb3V8HGhBxumaJ9GS9pChM93-p_ez9C8kPKHkAIrKbwSpb6LhRskvnQ_oM_UwD5xNsSZMLNGm_f79e_kuHtafziwe0I5_53Toh-4Qju8vWUypYwWaV-e79CL-44Cor5XZN4rPJw/s1600-h/DTWC09.jpg"></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNBPfgb3V8HGhBxumaJ9GS9pChM93-p_ez9C8kPKHkAIrKbwSpb6LhRskvnQ_oM_UwD5xNsSZMLNGm_f79e_kuHtafziwe0I5_53Toh-4Qju8vWUypYwWaV-e79CL-44Cor5XZN4rPJw/s1600-h/DTWC09.jpg"></a></div>dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-50006748590662259822009-10-17T13:22:00.003-05:002009-10-17T18:31:58.081-05:00"HAPPY HOUR"With rain moving the 100 lap feature to Sunday, Jason and the Fight Club will have to do battle without us this weekend. However, here's a few tidbits gleaned off the 4m (thanks Chris Nunn) and DoD.<br /><br />Seventy one late models signed in and 9o% of 'em are stout cars. Qualifying had six cars on the track at a time using transponders. Drivers get to run three green flag laps with your fastest lap being your 'time.' I've seen this done at Wheatland and it is pretty cool.<br />Team Feger rolled out in the 5th group and qualified fourth fastest at 16.21 putting them (you guessed it) 4th on the grid for their heat. Jason's time was 18th fastest overall. While I doubt anyone will be calling the newspapers, that time was pretty darn decent when you look at the competition.<br />Falling back to seventh on the start Feger "put it on the fence" and put forth an outstanding effort finishing second. I spoke with Jason afterwords and he said "everyone was on the bottom and I went to the top and drove right by 'em." A report on 4m by Chris Nunn said "it was an awesome run and the crowd was going nuts." Team Feger rolls off eleventh in tomorrow's 100 lap Dirt Track World Classic<br />Now you can call the papers.<br /><br />Good Job Guys...dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-91326597202960806452009-10-15T15:58:00.006-05:002009-10-15T18:51:47.347-05:00Weekend "ON TAP"<strong>Team Feger heads to Lawrenceburg for the $50,000 to win Dirt Track World Classic.</strong><br />Originally scheduled for Thursday through Saturday rain has forced the program to be ran on Saturday and Sunday of this weekend. No points racing...no shortage of top shelf talent...and a whole bunch of money on the line. Here's hoping the guys strike it rich come Sunday.<br /><br />On a personal note. Keep your chin up Sis...it will all be ok.dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-79018153328520169192009-10-12T19:53:00.003-05:002009-10-13T07:08:05.995-05:00Weekend "LAST CALL"<strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Eldora</span> Fall Nationals</strong><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ELDORA</span>...Team <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Feger</span> is really starting to have a love/hate relationship with that place.<br />The day started out great with Jason's qualifying time being fast overall and just 3/10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ths</span> of a second off a new track record.<br />Won the heat.<br />Finished second in the "Race of Champions."<br />Then came the feature. Starting sixth on the grid, Jason quickly moved into fourth place. With passing at a premium it was pretty much a given that a slider was brewing. Unfortunately Jason drove it in a little 'hot' and caught a bit of wall resulting in (you guessed it) a flat right rear tire.<br />One of these times it will all come together.<br /><br /><strong>Fall Harvest at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kankakee</span> Speedway.</strong><br />Still feeling a little <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">disappointed</span> from the events at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Eldora</span>, Team <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Feger</span> did what they do best after a less than stellar performance...answer with a win. Team <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Feger</span> took the $2509 top prize at the 40 lap season finale at Triple K Speedway.<br /><br />Twenty Three feature wins and counting for 2009.dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-58742298828801743162009-10-08T06:19:00.007-05:002009-10-09T09:58:23.026-05:00Weekend "ON TAP"<strong>Fall Nationals at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Eldora</span> Speedway.</strong><br />With the UMP championship wrapped up, Team <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Feger</span> heads to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Eldora</span> Speedway for the upcoming weekend. Not only is Team <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Feger</span> guaranteed a starting spot in the main event due to winning the UMP points, they will also be competing in the "Race of Champions" event as well. Hopefully the provisional will not be necessary but if you do make the trip to support the guys, they will be in the show.<br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">**Rain has cancelled Friday's events at Eldora. The Fall Nationals will be ran as a one day show on Saturday.**</span></strong><br /><br />Taking the long way home, Sunday has the guys at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kankakee</span> Speedway for the Fall Harvest Stock Car Festival. A 40 lap $2509 to win feature event will be the finale for the 2009 racing season at Triple K.<br /><br />I was by the shop last night and with the tension of the points chase behind them, spirits were high as the guys readied both cars for this weekends activities. After the disappointment at this years World 100, redemption is in order at the "Big E."dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583235620955879501.post-45488606726556127732009-10-05T16:42:00.005-05:002009-10-05T19:54:08.559-05:00Weekend "LAST CALL"<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Got a little bit of style...a little bit of class...and just enough 'Kung Fu' to kick some ass! </strong><br /></span><strong>Team Feger has won the 2009 UMP points championship and the $20,000 paycheck that comes with it. </strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Heading into Sunday's "double feature" night at Shepp's Speedway, we had it figured that Jason needed to finish third or better in just one of the two feature events to clinch the national title.<br />After a first place finish in the heat, Team Feger took care of business early winning the first of two 25 lap features. Cue the proverbial fat lady...the run for the title was over. Not real sure how Jason finished in the second main event. Doesn't really matter now does it?<br /><br />A heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to Dennis Erb Jr. If ol' Dennis the Menace wasn't such a fierce competitor and all around tough racer, this title wouldn't mean nearly as much.<br />Thanks for setting the bar high.<br /><br />Along with all the fine folks listed on the right, Team Feger would like to thank all the fans that helped make this championship possible. Whether you sponsor the car, purchase gear from the team or simply offer words of encouragement...this title is for you.<br /><br />Here's a good one from last night.<br />As Jason was making his way back to the pits from purchasing one of those great big ice cream cones they sell on the front stretch, Austin comes running up yelling "let's go guy...your heat race is rolling out NOW!" Somehow a few seconds later Jason was on the track taking the green. After ten quick laps, he'd won the heat and was headed back to the pits to finish his cone...<br />didn't even let it drip once.dirtrac25http://www.blogger.com/profile/13142881879804329693noreply@blogger.com