Joy Auto Racing - Nascar Camping World Truck Series

Joy Racing is pleased to announce our latest member of the race team, Josh Richards. Josh and Kyle Busch Motorsports will be racing for select NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races throughout the 2011 season.
http://www.kylebuschmotorsports.com/news/entry.php?nid=190 

The official website of Kyle Busch Motorsports

www.kylebuschmotorsports.com

Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) essentially began with Kyle's first purchase of a Legends Car in 2003 to provide an outlet for Kyle to hone his driving skills. Over the years, KBM filled a trophy case with Legends Car and Late Model hardware.

The Steam Team of Texas - Dirt Track Auto Racing Fans Advertisement

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Dirt Track Autor Racing Roaring Knob May 7 2011 Jeremy Zufall

Jeremy raced at Roaring Knob this past weekend.  He started 13th in the finals and came home 11th.  No excuses, but the dirt track had lots of ruts in it, most likely due to all of the rain we've had.  He gave a special thanks to his mother who took care of 3 yr old Ava after working midnight shift to come to the track.  That is not an easy task.  He also thanked his beautiful wife for staying home with their sick 9 yr old Lexi so he was able to race. Hopefully all will be well for next week's race.  See you on the dirt track!

Sharon Speedway Dirt Track Auto Racing Results 4-30-2011 Jeremy Zufall

Dirt Track Auto Racing Results courtesy of Joy.

Here are Jeremy's results from Sharon speedway 4-30-11.  He started last in heat (seems to be something that happens to him often in these draws).  He finished 7th, and had to run a B-main to make the feature. He started 6th and made it to the A-main, started 24th and was working his way in traffic. He was up to 16th on lap 13 of 20 and had a mechanical problem with the car. We were all very happy for him. 

There were 32 Fastrak cars at Sharon Raceway Saturday night.

 

The good news is that Jeremy said the car is ready and so much better than last years car.

Great Job Jeremy! 

Roaring Knob 2011 Dirt Track Racing Schedule

Check out the 2011 Dirt Track Racing Schedule for Roaring Knob.  If you can't see this clearly enough you can go to www.roaringknob.com the website and view the schedule and other information about the site in more detail.  Check back with our blog every week or so after the season begins for updates.  Jeremy is looking forward to having a great season this year due to some updates on his late model.  Check out the new wrap from his main sponsor Joy.  Looking good!

Jeremy's New Late Model Fastrak Joy Wrapped for 2011

Here it is.  Jeremy's late model dirt track racing car looking good, wrapped in the Joy logo over the past two weeks.  The schedule is posted on the refrigerator.  Now we need some decent days to race.  Hopefully the rain will stop for awhile so these guys can get on the tracks soon.

Now the excitement begins!  Check out the dirt track auto racing schedule for Roaring Knob and come join the action this year.  See you on the track!

Jeremy's Late Model is Getting Wrapped

The garage is empty.  The late model is gone for a few weeks.  It's at Joy getting wrapped in Joy's logo before the car is ready for the dirt track.  We are praying that everything falls into place for this season and are anxious to see Jeremy have a great year.  We'll put up some pics as soon as the car returns home.  In the near future we'll be adding more pics of some of his older dirt track cars.

Dirt Track Auto Racing - Jeremy's Late Model Before It Gets Wrapped

Jeremy's late model is built and ready for the dirt track auto racing season.  But first, he needs to get his car wrapped by Joy, his sponsor.  The car is loaded and the guys are ready to make the trip to drop it off.  When it gets back, it will look very different from the one you see here.  Looking forward to a great season.  Good luck Jeremy!

Click on the picture to make it larger.

Dirt Track Racing - Out With the Old Late Model - In With the New

Progress is being made.  Jeremy sold / traded his old late model for his new late model dirt track car.  It is definitely a work in progress.  Here are some of his latest pictures to show you what's happening while he is building his new car. 

Late Model Dirt Track View 1

Late model dirt track auto view 2

Late model dirt track auto view 3

Late model dirt track auto view 4

Dirt Track Auto Racing 2011 - Building the Car

Dirt Track Auto Racing, 2011 is underway.

Out with the old and in with the new. That's what happens each year. Jeremy and his dad are working on building his new late model getting ready for the dirt track this year. Joy Manufacturing will still be his main sponsor. There is lots of work to do to get ready for the first race later this spring. What you see is the start of something new. The car guts are a few years newer than the last late model Jeremy drove so hopefully it will help him move up in the ranks this year. More sponsors are always welcome. We'll post pics as the progress continues. Lots of things have been done already but there is plenty more to do.

Roaring Knob October 8, 2010 FASTRAK Late Model Series

Last racing weekend of the dirt track auto racing season for Roaring Knob. This is Jeremy Zufall, #20 racing in the final heat race for this year. He did ok in this one but found that his car wasn't adjusted correctly for the track. During the time in between races, he adjusted his car and and qualified for the B team. During that race, he was hit by another driver and his car was badly damaged. We're hoping for a better next year but are really proud of him for taking on the challenge of moving up into the FASTRAK late model series.

Rain Rain Go Away - On the Dirt Track At Least

Jeremy finally got his dirt track car up and running again.  It almost looked like new.  New tires, a few new parts and everything was ready to go in two weeks.  Then, when he was ready to get on the track, he finished the hot laps, but when it came to the feature at Roaring Knob two weeks ago, it started raining.  It rained too hard so the races had to be canceled for obvious safety reasons.

It's been raining off and on the dirt track lately.  It doesn't rain all week but when race day comes, the dirt track seems to get the brunt of the weather.

Jeremy raced again the following week at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio.  The season is now over there.  He started 23rd and finished 11th for an outstanding race for him.  He passed some of the regular FASTRAK late model drivers.  Drawing for a better position will really help him.  It just hasn't happened yet, but it will.

He's working with his sponsors to try to get more money to take care of what needs to be done to make his car more competitive.  Dirt track auto racing is expensive, especially when you get into the late model cars.  If you are thinking of taking up dirt track racing, you will want to find out how much money is involved.  If you can get enough money together to get on the track, that's great, but make sure you have enough to stay on the track.  It's worth a try if you really want to get onto the dirt track.  Just make sure you know what you are getting into for the long haul.

Bad Day at Roaring Knob August 28, 2010

After last weeks rain delay, the night's events were canceled.  Jeremy was looking forward to racing again on Saturday, August 28th and making up for the rain day on Sunday, August 29th.  Instead, Jeremy is now looking at some serious repairs as a result of a four car pile up on Saturday.

He did fine in the heat race and started off well keeping up with the group until two cars in front of him spun out and wrecked and another car beside him wrecked forcing him to go under the car in front of him.  

You can see the damage to the front end of the car in these two pictures.  The radiator is bent and leaking and the panels are all damaged.  Some of the other metal is bent and it will stay that way until at least $400 can be found to repair it.  I guess when there is a will, there is a way.  He wants to finish out the racing season so we will see what is in store.

Here is the damage to the front panels of the car.  You can see the radiator in the background.  Jeremy was not injured and neither was anyone else. 

Dirt track auto racing can be fun but a bit dangerous as well.  The cars are built to protect the drivers but not much else.  It was a bad day for Jeremy at Roaring Knob but we are hoping he can make a comeback soon.

Joy Employee Fun Night - Great Family Fun Tri-City Speedway Franklin PA August 8, 2010

Dirt Track Auto Racing is fun for the whole family!   Enjoy some of the pics from a great, family fun day at the Tri-City Speedway racetrack. Thank you Joy Mining!

Jeremy's Girls, Alexia and Ava jumping for joy before the Joy sponsored, Tri-City Speedway dirt track auto racing event.

It was a beautiful, hot sunny late afternoon on Sunday August 8th at the Tri-City Speedway as fans filled up the bleachers to watch their favorite dirt track auto racers.  It was Joy Family Fun night and Jeremy Zufall's Late Model FASTRAK car, wrapped in Joy Mining's theme, was on display before the races for anyone who wanted a close up view of a race car.  Jeremy and family handed out T-Shirts and Frisbees, compliments of Joy Mining. 

(You can click on the pics to make them larger.)

Jeremy's Late Model Fastrak

Jeremy "clowing around" before the hot laps. 
Mr. Clown gave the big and little kids rides on his motorcycle throughout the evening.

Jeremy's loyal pit crew. Uncle Dale, Dad Jim, Cousin Ashley.

Jeremy's three beautiful girls, Sara, Ava, Alexia

A few more of Jeremy's family who came to watch him.  Daughter Alexia, Mom Tammy, wife Sara, daughter Ava, Grandma Donna, Aunt Tina, Uncle Dale

Joy Mining Machinery is one of Jeremy's sponsors.  Jason Hagg who is Supervisor of Graphic Production for Joy had Jeremy's late model wrapped in a coal theme.  These are Jason's two handsome boys.

More Joy Racing Fans!

This is a picture of the Tri-City Speedway before the events started.  The fans were just coming in to watch some great dirt track auto races.

Right Side View of Tri City Dirt Track

Tri City's dirt track is a well maintained, wide oval track which allows a little bit more room for passing than some of the other smaller dirt tracks. 

Left Side View of Tri City Dirt Track

The night was well organized and  was great fun for the kids too. Racing on the track was the Joy sponsored car driven by Jeremy Zufall, the Engles Trucking Services DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds, 4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Models, Welding Technologies/Shaw Industries E Mods, E.F. Rogers Plumbing & Heating Pro Stocks, and Horn's Collision Repair Center Mini Stocks. 

Jeremy's Mom Video Taping Jeremy's Heat Race While
Pit Crew Member Uncle Dale Looks On

For the kids they had a two big yellow school bus race and kids bike races that were sponsored by McDonald's Kids Night at the track. The Lowry Auto Wrecking Demo Derby concluded the night on the dirt track.

Too much excitement for Jeremy's daughter Alexia.  
The nights can be long for the kids with events ending even around
midnight depending on how the night goes.

This was Jeremy's first time on the Tri-City speedway track.  He was able to get a feel for the track during the hot laps and then in the heat races.  The hot laps allow the drivers to test out their cars to see how they will run on the dirt track.  When a driver has never driven on a particular track, s/he will need to make appropriate adjustments to their cars to make them run efficiently on the track.  This has to be done for each individual dirt track because the tracks have different conditions every time. 

As you will see in the short video clip below, Jeremy in #20, started near the back of the pack and in the feature event, finished 14th out of 18 drivers. 

For him, this day wasn't so much about knowing he even had a chance to win the race as getting used to a new track and finishing the best he could without any major problems.  Here is a short video of Jeremy's heat race.  (Sorry for the poor quality.  We'll get a better one on here soon.)  This is just to give you some idea of the sights and sounds of a Fastrak late model race.  Jeremy's car is #20.  He started fourth from the last in the heat race and finished third from the last by a nose.  He also had a flat tire during the last lap of the heat race which obviously slowed him down.

Video of Jeremy's heat race.  Jeremy's car is #20.  Turn up your speaker volume to get some idea of the sights and sounds on the dirt track.

My commentary:  Based on his past performances in a variety of dirt track auto racing classes where getting first place was a routine event, I fully expect some day to write a blog post telling everyone that Jeremy finished first in the feature for his Fastrak late model. 

It can get discouraging week after week for the drivers and the families when there are problems with the cars, poor dirt track conditions because of the weather, and unforseen events that happen during the race.  The key though is to remember why you are even in the race to begin with.  It can't be for money all the time so it must be for love of the sport.

When you don't meet your goals, tough it out and don't give up.  There can only be one first place winner.  Each driver has to set his/her own goals and everytime that goal is met, set a new and higher standard until that goal is reached and so on. 

It was evident that this night at the dirt track at Tri-City was just as much about family fun as well as making good money for some of the top winners.  There were family members rooting on their favorite driver.  The kids were getting treats and participating in their own races.  Everyone likes the excitement of the event and everyone knows there can only be one winner. 

Everyone who is serious does try their best.  Some drivers have the advantage over others because they have more money or more driving skill because they have been competing in their class for a longer time.  When money is tight, those drivers do as much as they can with what they have.  They try to win and when they don't do as well as expected, they are disappointed.  They don't quit though because they love the sport.  Their families are still there supporting them no matter what the outcome. 

The goal for just about every driver is to see that first place spot some day, but that takes practice, time, money, a fine tuned car, great tires, and the perseverence to continue on, even when all you see for awhile is the dirt flying in your eyes for many races before you reach your ultimate goal.

With this being said, if you have the desire to get on the track and you do come in last, pick yourself back up and try again.  Just as there is only one first place winner, someone has to come in last. Everyone realizes that you have to start at the bottom to get to the top.  So find yourself a dirt track car, modify it and get on the track and have some fun.  That's what dirt track auto racing is all about.

Jeremy's Fastrak Late Model Honor's Deceased Coal Miners

Dirt track auto racing is all about family for most of the racers who participate.  On Thursday, July 15, 2010, the Mount Pleasant Journal, a local community newspaper did an article about the Zufall family and how they are honoring the miners who died at the Upper Big Branch Mine in Montcoal, WV.

Joy Mining Machinery is one of Jeremy's sponsors and Jason Hagg, who is Supervisor of Graphic Production for Joy, had Jeremy's late model wrapped in a coal theme.  The car gets quite a few second looks everywhere it goes.

Jeremy's family has been in dirt track auto racing for generations.  They are happy to not only display the designs provided to them by Joy, but are happy to have a chance to honor all of the men and women who put their lives on the line everyday to produce the coal that we need to make our life here in America so much better.

Dirt Track Auto Racing can run through family generation after generation. 

Jeremy's dad and pap are just a few of the dirt track auto racers in the family - 3 generations shown here.

Disappointing Dirt Track Auto Racing Weather at Roaring Knob

In dirt track auto racing, sometimes the weather just doesn't want to cooperate.  Four weeks ago Jeremy finally got in the top 4 in his heat.  He went two laps and then went wide, but since it had rained and the track recently dried, the outside area around the track had lots of loose dirt.  He started to head back on the track as the caution flag came out but he never made it.  A driver sped up behind him and drove his car into the wall.  The damage was done.  The fuel line was leaking.  He was out of the race.

He stayed out for two weeks in anticipation of racing at his sponsor's hometown track (Joy Mining ).  It was their family day, but it poured down rain and there was no hope of any cars getting on the track.  He sat out the next week waiting to hear from his sponsor because he had put on all new panels in preparation for the family day.  The even was rescheduled for this coming Sunday, August 8, 2010. 

He did race last week but rain had saturated the track as well.  He started 18th and finished 14th.  Nothing to write home about but he still moved up.

It can be extremely frustrating to keep on trying, but the dirt track auto racers who win are the ones who don't give up.  The car looks great and is ready for Joy Mining's family day and the race he will attend there.  We'll hopefully get a few pics and let you know how it goes there. 

Thanks for reading and keeping up with Jeremy and his dirt track auto racing adventures.

Pictures at Roaring Knob Autograph Night

Another great night on the dirt track at Roaring Knob in Markleysburg, PA.  Anyone who has pictures at Roaring Knob from autograph night, July 10th, please feel free to post them in the comments here. 

All of the drivers lined up on the dirt track to give their fans a chance to meet with them and get autographs, pictures and the best part for the kids, lots of candy and other goodies (even a small coconut cream pie for the fans from a local bakery in Markleysburg). 

The sun was beating down and it was in the mid 80 degrees and the weather was perfect for this fun night for families and friends.  The kids were treated to free face painting at the end of the autograph signing.

Post your favorite pictures from Roaring Knob autograph night so we can show the dirt track auto racing world what a fun, family sport this really is.

Fantastic July 4th Celebration at Roaring Knob Dirt Track PA

What a night!  It was a perfect night for the dirt track auto races at Roaring Knob in Markleysburg, PA on July 2, 2010. 

Not only were the races exciting, but the Vets and active duty soldiers who have defended and who are defending our country from all of the wars fought were honored before the feature races.  Each Vet gave their name, rank and branch of military that they served in.  It was heartwarming to be able to thank so many who provided the freedom that we have today.


The Classic Cars were great and this was their first time at Roaring Knob.  It was fun to watch these funny looking dirt track cars in this 20 lap race. 

The fireworks were the best I ever remember seeing.  They were comparable to any of the major city fireworks in the PA area.  A big "THANK YOU" goes out to Roaring Knob for a greatly entertaining night.

Now, back to Jeremy and his race of the night.  Jeremy raced in the late model FASTRAK feature.  The FASTRAK cars all have the same engine requirements, so car set up and driver skill play a key role in winning this type of race.

Things can go wrong too.  Mistakes can be made resulting in set backs.  The moral of the story is, most dirt track auto racing tracks will not bend the rules.  If you aren't in your car, ready to go when they call for the line up, you lose big time.  Jeremy had placed 4th for the starting line up in the feature race after winning second in his heat.  Due to an unavoidable problem, Jeremy was 3 seconds late for lining up.  As a result, he went from 4th in line to the end of the line of 22 dirt track cars.  After a futile attempt of arguing with the ref, he went to the back of the line.  Now he was mad as a hornet so to speak which put even more fire in his desire to pass his way up to the front.

In the first two laps of the feature, the first four cars wrecked and spun out.  One returned.  Had Jeremy been in the top four, it's very possible he wouldn't have been able to complete the race. As his mom said, "everything happens for a reason".  The end result was that Jeremy raced his heart out and used his talent and skills to move from last place,  then to 15th place after the wreck, to his finish in 8th place.  He drove aggressively and passed 7 other cars in the 20 lap feature.  Great job Jeremy.

Here's the story from Roaring Knob:

"Shawn Jett of Harrisville, WV earned his career first win in the 20-lap Brooks Automotive Group FASTRAK Late Model feature. Jett battled all race long with good friend Derek Doll before taking the win. Doll was able to get under Jett but could not complete the pass and settle for second. John Over, Troy Shields and Mike Lewis filled out the top five. Sixth through tenth were Billy Stile III, Tim Snare, Jr. (from 13th), Jeremy Zufall (from 15th), Jim Bryce and Ron Smithley. Shields and Stile were the heat winners."

If you missed the dirt track auto race, you missed some great fun and good times.  Perhaps you will make the races soon!  See you on the dirt track.

Dog Hollow Dirt Track Auto Race Results for July 2, 2010

Jeremy's class is the Fastrak late models.  He  started out the night at the Dog Hollow Dirt Track Auto race great, making it to second place in the heat race but then spun out because of another driver and wound up back in 6th in his heat.  He was seeded 12th and finished 12th.  He said he didn't drive well after getting off to a good start at the beginning of the night.  It was a clear, beautiful night for racing.  He's racing again today at Roaring Knob.  Fireworks and other surprises will greet all of the fans tonight.  Good luck Jeremy.

Here are the race results for Dog Hollow Dirt Track for the Fasttrak late models.



1. Tim Snare Jr.


2. Joe Moyer


3. Brian Force


4. Troy Sheilds


5. Mike Laughard


6. Ken Herman


7. Bobby Cossell


8. John Eckenrod


9. Mike Hughes


10. Frank Monteparte


11. Shawn Schaltenbrand


12. Jeremy Zufall


13. Sierra Records


14. Chris Knutti


15. Shane Weaver


16. Mylan Markovich


16. Billy Stile


DNS: Joey Valenti

Not Such a Great Night at Roaring Knob

The Saturday night qualifying heat race started out great on Sat June 19th.  Jeremy moved his way from near last up to fourth in his heat.  He was to start 8th out of 22 in the feature.  All started well.  He was working his way around the dirt track when he was slammed into and knocked into the side metal railing.  Several other cars were involved in the collision, but after going to the pits, most of them recovered.  Jeremy's crew checked out his car.  It was pretty banged up, but after evaluating it, he went out on the track to try to finish the race.  He made one lap around the track, keeping up with everyone when all of a sudden he pulled off to the right of the track and stopped, triggering another yellow flag.  This time he left the track not to return.

He said that the brakes weren't working right.  He was correct.  When he had a chance to look at his car once he returned home, he found that the brake line was severed and there was other internal damage as well.  He wasn't able to get the parts he needed in time for the next dirt track racing event at Roaring Knob this past Saturday, June 26th, but hopes to be racing this coming Saturday, July 3rd if he can fit it into his work schedule. 

Accidents on the track are costly and disappointing and they are not always caused by the driver whose car is damaged.  The way the rules work though, regardless of who causes the accident, all of the drivers have to move to the back of the line.  It doesn't seem fair, but it must work as these rules have been in place for years.  It was obvious that Jeremy didn't cause his own accident, but the end result made for a bad night at the dirt track for him.

At least the announcer gave his sponsor, Joy Mining a great plug while his crew was looking over his car.  They described the wrap and named the company and gave it a thumbs up.

Hopefully July 3rd will bring a better result.  We know Jeremy has it in him to win.  It's just a matter of time and racing more often.