Four Lead Changes in Open Wheel Power Rankings

The Wheatley Chronicles – Volume III, No. 44

Lonnie Wheatley, TULSA, Okla. (May 8, 2015) – There are changes aplenty in the latest edition of the Open Wheel Power Rankings with four new leaders going into this weekend’s action.

Only Donny Schatz and Ryan Bernal remain atop their respective rankings with Schatz still leading the STIDA Winged 410 Power Rankings and Bernal atop Beaver Stripes Non-Wing 360 Sprint Car Power Rankings.

New leaders this week including Robert Ballou in Infinity Shocks Non-Wing 410s, Mark Smith in Rod End Supply Winged 360s, Darren Hagen in www.midgetmadness.com Midgets and Jordan Ryan in 305s presented by Dodge City Raceway Park.

STIDA Winged 410 Sprint Car Power Rankings – Top 50 (Through May 3):

Paul McMahan chipped away at Donny Schatz’ lead in STIDA Winged 410 Power Rankings during last weekend’s World of Outlaws triple, nibbling four points off the lead after Sunday’s score at Haubstadt to close the gap to 23 points.

Joey Saldana used a pair of third-place finishes to jump up a pair of positions to third while Kerry Madsen went the other way with a slide from third to sixth.

Brian Montieth cracked the top ten after posting a pair of wins over the weekend at Williams Grove and Lincoln while Cody Darrah broke into the top 25 with a pair of All Star runner-up finishes behind Dale Blaney and Chad Kemenah.

Rank – Name, Hometown (Wins) – Points (+/- previous ranking)

1. Donny Schatz, Fargo ND (6) 338
2. Paul McMahan, Elk Grove CA (3) 315
3. Joey Saldana, Brownsburg IN 283 (+2)
4. Shane Stewart, Bixby OK (3) 281
5. Brad Sweet, Grass Valley CA (2) 266 (+1)
6. Kerry Madsen, St. Marys NSW (3) 264 (-3)
7. Greg Hodnett, Thomasville PA (4) 260
8. Daryn Pittman, Owasso OK (3) 226
9. Dale Blaney, Hartford OH (2) 185 (+1)
10. Brian Montieth, Phoenixville PA (4) 167 (+3)
11. Jason Sides, Bartlett TN 164 (+1)
12. Brent Marks, Myerstown PA 158 (+2)
13. David Gravel, Watertown CT 158 (-2)
14. Danny Dietrich, Gettysburg PA (3) 152 (+1)
15. Danny Lasoski, Dover MO (1) 152 (-6)
16. Chad Kemenah, Alvada OH (2) 128 (+5)
17. Lucas Wolfe, Mechanicsburg PA (1) 127 (+1)
18. Terry McCarl, Altoona IA (1) 112 (-2)
19. Cody Darrah, Red Lion PA (1) 106 (+16)
20. Rico Abreu, Rutherford CA (3) 103 (-3)
21. Byron Reed, Monclova OH (1) 99 (+11)
22. Aaron Ott, East Berlin PA (1) 98 (-3)
23. Lance Dewease, Fayetteville PA (1) 98 (+3)
24. Tim Kaeding, San Jose CA (1) 95 (-4)
25. Ryan Smith, Kunkletown PA (1) 94 (-2)

Also in the Top 50: 26. Brian Brown (1) 94, 27. Kraig Kinser 92, 28. Alan Krimes 90, 29. Cory Haas 90, 30. Steve Kinser (1) 83, 31. Dean Jacobs (2) 81, 32. Danny Holtgraver 79, 33. Stevie Smith (1) 74, 34. Bud Kaeding (1) 71, 35. Steve Buckwalter (1) 70, 36. Cap Henry 70, 37. Tim Shaffer 70, 38. Brad Loyet 69, 39. Parker Price-Miller (2) 68, 40. Austin Hogue 68, 41. Craig Dollansky 65, 42. Tanner Thorson (1) 64, 43. Sean Becker (1) 62, 44. Aaron Reutzel (1) 61, 45. Freddie Rahmer 61, 46. Logan Schuchart 60, 47. Jimmy Stinson (2) 57, 48. Christopher Bell (1) 57, 49. D.J. Foos 55, 50. Kyle Hirst (1) 54.

On the Rise (Breaking into the Top 50): Bud Kaeding, Sean Becker, Aaron Reutzel, Christopher Bell, D.J. Foos.

Falling Down (Out of the Top 50): Jason Johnson, Wayne Johnson, Tommy Worley, Jr., Bill Balog, Andrew Palker.

Features Completed: 89

Number of Different Winners: 56

Number of Drivers to Earn Points: 255

Formed in 1998, STIDA (Short Track Independent Drivers and Associates) is an international company serving the safety and insurance needs of drivers competing in any country. Get covered now by calling 1-800-378-4608 or get more information by checking online at www.stida.com.

 

Infinity Shocks Non-Wing 410 Sprint Car Power Rankings – Top 25 (Through May 3):

With Brady Bacon off winged racing with World of Outlaws last weekend, Robert Ballou took quick advantage to take over the top spot in Infinity Shocks Non-Wing 410 Sprint Car Power Rankings.

Ballou strung together three top-fives over the weekend to take the number one ranking away from Bacon by 15 points while Dave Darland overtook Chase Stockon for third and Jon Stanbrough moved past Kevin Thomas, Jr., for fifth.

The big mover of the week was Thomas Meseraull, who climbed a dozen positions from 22^nd to crack the top ten after a Lawrenceburg runner-up finish to C.J. Leary and third-place runs at Gas City (where Stanbrough won) and Kokomo (where Justin Grant picked off the win).

Rank – Name, Hometown (Wins) – Points (+/- previous ranking)

1. Robert Ballou, Rocklin CA (4) 206 (+1)
2. Brady Bacon, Broken Arrow OK (4) 191 (-1)
3. Dave Darland, Lincoln IN (2) 177 (+1)
4. Chase Stockon, Sullivan IN (1) 173 (-1)
5. Jon Stanbrough, Avon IN (1) 149 (+1)
6. Kevin Thomas, Jr., Cullman AL (1) 147 (-1)
7. C.J. Leary, Greenfield IN (2) 130
8. Brady Short, Bedford IN (2) 96
9. Damion Gardner, Concord CA (2) 85 (+2)
10. Thomas Meseraull, San Jose CA (1) 82 (+12)
11. Chad Boespflug, Hanford CA (2) 81 (+4)
12. Tracy Hines, New Castle IN 77 (-3)
13. Justin Grant, Ione CA (1) 73 (+1)
14. Mike Spencer, Temecula CA 71 (-2)
15. Chris Windom, Canton IL 71 (-5)
16. Casey Shuman, Tempe AZ (1) 63 (-3)
17. Richard Vander Weerd, Visalia CA (2) 57 (+3)
18. Jarett Andretti, Mooresville IN 51 (+3)
19. (tie) Kyle Cummins, Princeton IN 51 (-3)
20. (tie) Matt Mitchell, Yorba Linda CA 51
21. Shane Cottle, Kokomo IN (1) 50 (+6)
22. Carson Short, Marion IL 47 (-5)
23. Bryan Clauson, Noblesville IN (1) 42 (-5)
24. Joshua Hodges, Tijeras NM (2) 41 (+1)
25. Austin Williams, Yorba Linda CA 41 (+1)

On the Rise (Breaking into the Top 25): Shane Cottle, Austin Williams.

Falling Down (Out of the Top 25): Jerry Coons, Jr., Max McGhee.

Features Completed: 36

Number of Different Winners: 23

Number of Drivers to Earn Points: 109

Infinity Shocks is dedicated to meeting your shock needs for all variety of Sprint Car, Midget and Micro Sprint racing. Keep track of Infinity Shocks via the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/infinity.shocks.

 

Rod End Supply Winged 360 Sprint Car Power Rankings – Top 50 (Through May 6):

Mark Smith moved to the top of the Rod End Supply Winged 360 Sprint Car Power Rankings after sweeping through a pair of URC events, taking a 12-point advantage over previous leader Aaron Reutzel, who saw a potential Rock ‘N Roll 50 triumph at West Memphis slip away when a tire went flat under a late red flag.

Dusty Zomer moved back into the top ten after Sunday’s MSTS win at Huset’s while a handful of drivers broke into the top 25 including Davie Franek, John Carney II, Josh Baughman, Doug Hammaker and Wayne Johnson.

Rank – Name, Hometown (Wins) – Points (+/- previous ranking)

1. Mark Smith, Tower City PA (5) 216 (+1)
2. Aaron Reutzel, Clute TX (5) 204 (-1)
3. Justin Sanders, Prunedale CA (3) 194
4. Seth Bergman, Snohomish WA (3) 179
5. Johnny Herrera, Albuquerque NM (1) 154
6. Danny Martin, Jr., Sarasota FL (4) 145
7. Matt Kurtz, Jacksonville FL (4) 112
8. Dusty Zomer, Brandon SD (3) 112 (+3)
9. Andy Forsberg, N. Auburn CA (3) 109 (-1)
10. Colby Wiesz, Colfax CA (2) 101 (+2)
11. A.J. Maddox, Tampa FL (3) 99 (-1)
12. Brad Loyet, Sunset Hills MO 95 (-3)
13. Shane Golobic, Fremont CA (1) 85 (+2)
14. Terry McCarl, Altoona IA 84 (+3)
15. Tony Bruce, Jr., Liberal KS (+1)
16. Blake Hahn, Sapulpa OK (2) 82 (-3)
17. Davie Franek, Lafayette NJ (1) 77 (+18)
18. Robbie Price, Cobble Hill BC (2) 76 (+7)
19. John Carney II, El Paso TX (1) 76 (+19)
20. Danny Lasoski, Dover MO (1) 76 (-6)
21. Josh Baughman, Odessa TX 76 (+13)
22. Steven Tiner, Elverta CA (2) 74 (-3)
23. Kevin Ramey, Ft. Worth TX 72
24. Doug Hammaker, Grantville PA (2) 69 (+15)
25. Wayne Johnson, Oklahoma City OK 69 (+7)

Also in the Top 50: 26. Sean Becker (1) 68, 27. Logan Forler (1) 67, 28. Terry Gray (2) 66, 29. Jason Sides (1) 63, 30. Robbie Stillwaggon 61, 31. Matt Covington 61, 32. Jeff Swindell 61, 33. Bradley Terrell (2) 60, 34. Trey Starks (2) 58, 35. Randy Hannagan (1) 58, 36. Matt Peterson 58, 37. Curt Michael (1) 57, 38. Mark Ruel, Jr. (1) 54, 39. Dominic Scelzi 53, 40. Tim Crawley 53, 41. Greg Hodnett 53, 42. Rick Ziehl (2) 52, 43. Greg DeCaires (1) 52, 44. Morgan Turpen 51, 45. Craig Stidham 51, 46. Brian Brown (2) 50, 47. T.J. Stutts 49, 48. Tommy Tarlton (2) 48, 49. Brandon Hanks 48, 50. Travis Rilat 47.

On the Rise (Breaking into the Top 50): Robbie Stillwaggon, Curt Michael, Tim Crawley, Greg DeCaires, T.J. Stutts, Travis Rilat.

Falling Down (Out of the Top 50): Rico Abreu, Ryan Linder, Greg Wilson, Gene Lasker, Kurt Nelson, Eric Riggins, Jr.

Features Completed: 106

Number of Different Winners: 66

Number of Drivers to Earn Points: 402

The Winged 360 Power Rankings are presented by Rod End Supply, which offers a wide assortment of rod ends, radius rods, and specialty products that fit the needs of anyone involved in all variety of auto racing and performance related industries including farming equipment. More information regarding Rod End Supply is available at www.rodendsupply.com.

 

Beaver Stripes Non-Wing 360 Sprint Car Power Rankings – Top 20 (Through May 3):

R.J. Johnson reeled off his fourth consecutive USAC Southwest Sprint Car win to close to within seven points of Ryan Bernal in Beaver Stripes Non-Wing 360 Sprint Car Power Rankings with Josh Pelkey and Michael Colegrove moving into the top ten while Kyle Smith cracked the top 20 after a Saturday win over a depleted Ventura field.

Rank – Name, Hometown (Wins) – Points (+/- previous ranking)

1. Ryan Bernal, Hollister CA (5) 105
2. R.J. Johnson, Phoenix AZ (4) 98
3. Danny Faria, Jr., Tipton CA 74
4. Charles Davis, Jr., Buckeye AZ 53 (+1)
5. Jace Vander Weerd, Visalia CA 49 (-1)
6. Josh Pelkey, Peoria AZ 47 (+9)
7. Stevie Sussex, Tempe AZ (1) 45 (-1)
8. Michael Colegrove, Peoria AZ 41 (+11)
9. Colby Copeland, Roseville CA 41 (-2)
10. Richard Vander Weerd, Visalia CA (1) 40 (-2)
11. Matt Rossi, Peoria AZ 40 (-2)
12. D.J. Johnson, Stockton CA 38 (-2)
13. Bud Kaeding, Campbell CA (1) 33 (-2)
14. Landon Hurst, Riverdale CA 33 (-2)
15. Greg Taylor, Ojai CA (1) 32 (-2)
16. Guy Woodward, Santa Clarita CA 32 (+1)
17. Shon Deskins, Waddell AZ 32 (-3)
18. Kyle Smith, Moorpark CA (2) 28 (+6)
19. Troy Rutherford, Ojai CA (1) 28 (-3)
20. Trey Marcham, Newcastle OK 28 (-2)

On the Rise (Breaking into the Top 20): Kyle Smith.

Falling Down (Out of the Top 20): Dave Darland.

Features Completed: 19

Number of Different Winners: 11

Number of Drivers to Earn Points: 53

Title sponsor of the Non-Wing 360 Sprint Car Power Rankings, Beaver Stripes Custom Graphics and Molding Supply is an Arizona supplier of automotive graphics, moldings and custom accessories. In business for more than 30 years, Beaver Stripes is actively involved in keeping the local racing action alive in the Phoenix and Arizona area with a strong interest in local car clubs, car shows and other vehicle related activity involving the community.

A sponsor of Canyon Speedway Park and Arizona Speedway, Beaver Stripes is located at 2389 W. McDowell Road in Phoenix for all your graphics needs and may be contacted at 602-289-8000 or 800-257-7835. More information is available at www.beaverstripes.com.

 

www.MidgetMadness.com Midgets (Top 25 – Through May 3):

Darren Hagen swept through a pair of POWRi events in Missouri last weekend to take over the top spot in the latest www.midgetmadness.com Power Rankings.

Hagen holds a 28-point advantage over Tanner Thorson while Tyler Thomas, Austin Brown, Matt Sherrell and Jake Neuman each cracked the top 25.

Rank – Name, Hometown (Wins) – Points (+/- previous ranking)

1. Darren Hagen, Riverside CA (3) 147 (+1)
2. Tanner Thorson, Minden NV 119 (-1)
3. Christopher Bell, Norman OK (2) 100
4. Zach Daum, Pocahontas IL 91
5. Rico Abreu, Rutherford CA (2) 80
6. Bryan Clauson, Noblesville IN (2) 75
7. Spencer Bayston, Lafayette IN (1) 72
8. Blake Hahn, Sapulpa OK 71
9. Andrew Felker, Carl Junction MO 67
10. Kevin Swindell, Germantown TN 67
11. Kyle Larson, Elk Grove CA (1) 61
12. Tyler Thomas, Collinsville OK 61 (+26)
13. Daryn Pittman, Owasso OK 58 (-1)
14. Andrew Deal, Caney KS 57 (-1)
15. Jerry Coons, Jr., Tucson AZ (1) 55 (-1)
16. Brad Loyet, Sunset Hills MO 55 (-1)
17. Sammy Swindell, Germantown TN 51 (-1)
18. Damion Gardner, Concord CA 49 (-1)
19. Ronnie Gardner, Norco CA (1) 42 (-1)
20. Austin Brown, Millstadt IL 38 (+17)
21. Danny Stratton, Riverside CA (1) 36 (-2)
22. Matt Sherrell, Owasso OK (1) 36 (+8)
23. Jake Neuman, New Berlin IL 36 (+20)
24. Chris Windom, Canton IL 36 (-4)
25. Frankie Guerrini, San Rafael CA (1) 35 (-4)

On the Rise (Breaking into the Top 25): Tyler Thomas, Austin Brown, Matt Sherrell, Jake Neuman.

Falling Down (Out of the Top 25): J.J. Yeley, Ryan Bernal, Kevin Thomas, Jr., Jonathan Beason.

Features Completed: 24

Number of Different Winners: 18

Number of Drivers to Earn Points: 141

Title sponsor of the Midget Power Rankings, www.midgetmadness.com is the leading source of headline news, results and more for Midget racing throughout the world.

 

305s presented by Dodge City Raceway Park (Top 25 – Through May 3):

Jordan Ryan topped Attica last Friday for his fourth win of the year to take over the top spot in 305 Sprint Car Power Rankings presented by Dodge City Raceway Park for the first time this year.

Ryan holds a five-point lead over Chad Wilson with once again nearly one-third of the top 25 changing out this week.

Title sponsorship for the 2015 305 Sprint Car Power Rankings is available, simply contact lonniewheatley@gmail.com for information.

Rank – Name, Hometown (Wins) – Points

1. Jordan Ryan, Castalia OH (4) 134 (+1)
2. Chad Wilson, N. Richland Hills TX (4) 129 (-1)
3. Jeb Sessums, Joshua TX (3) 103 (+3)
4. Bobby Clark, Fremont OH (2) 103 (+4)
5. Steve Rando, Lindsey OH (1) 98
6. Marcus Thomas, Corsicana TX (1) 92 (-3)
7. T.J. Michael, Fremont OH (2) 88 (-3)
8. Logan Scherb, Paradise TX (1) 83 (-1)
9. Jamie Miller, Vandalia OH 79 (+4)
10. Zach Newlin, Millerstown PA (1) 67
11. John Carney II, El Paso TX (2) 64 (-2)
12. Seth Schneider, Fremont OH 59 (+18)
13. John Ivy, Fremont OH 55 (-1)
14. Mike Haggenbottom, Levittown PA 53 (+5)
15. Jeff Day, Greenville TX (3) 51 (+12)
16. Luke Cranston, Ness City KS (1) 48 (-5)
17. Eddie Wagner, Franklinville NJ (1) 48 (+19)
18. Dave Brown, Jr., Aston PA (1) 46 (+15)
19. Patrick Stasa, Kingman KS (1) 45 (+18)
20. Sean Kirkpatrick, Holland PA (1) 45 (+25)
21. Paul Weaver, Fremont OH 45 (-1)
22. Ricky Peterson, Rawson OH 45
23. Dustin Gates, Haughton LA (2) 44 (+20)
24. Alvin Roepke, Elmore OH 44 (+2)
25. Josh Hawkins, Whitehouse TX 44 (-8)

On the Rise (Breaking into the Top 25): Seth Schneider, Jeff Day, Eddie Wagner, Dave Brown, Jr., Patrick Stasa, Sean Kirkpatrick, Dustin Gates, Alvin Roepke.

Falling Down (Out of the Top 25): Kyle Capodice, Kyle Jones, C.J. Johnson, Jake Bubak, Tyler Thomas, Steve Storrie, Claud Estes, Zach Blurton.

Features Completed: 89

Number of Different Winners: 68

Number of Drivers to Earn Points: 280

The state-of-the-art Dodge City Raceway Park in southwest Kansas is the presenting sponsor of the 305 Sprint Car Power Rankings. Dodge City Raceway Park hosts a variety of racing events over the course of the season including World of Outlaws, NCRA Sprint Cars, DCRP Sprint Cars and URSS. Check www.dodgecityraceway.com for the full schedule and more information.

 

A part of the recurring “The Wheatley Chronicles” series of articles on www.sprintcarmania.com, the Open Wheel Power Rankings are determined by cumulative points based on a sliding scale dependent upon car count at Sprint Car and Midget events across all sanctions and non-sanctions throughout North America.

The Wheatley Chronicles brings insight and highlights from all variety of racing series throughout the nation in 2015 and beyond along with the Open Wheel Power Rankings on a regular basis. Please send any comments, questions or advertising inquiries regarding The Wheatley Chronicles at www.sprintcarmania.com to Lonnie Wheatley at lonniewheatley@gmail.com.