Ross Hoek swept the weekend at Bark River in July

The CORR series makes the trek back to the Midwest for Rounds 9-10 of the 2006 season. The first trip resulted in the announcement of the changes for 2007 and the limited Midwest schedule. The tentative schedule reserves two dates for the Midwest, one at the always popular Crandon International Off-Road Raceway, and the other at Bark River. The official dates for 2007 have not been released by CORR yet at this time. The pull-out from the Midwest by CORR has resulted in another sanctioning body stepping in to provide a series for the many racers that reside in the Great Lakes region. It is expected to hear more information regarding this series in the near future.

Scott Douglas went to the winner's circle in Pro-2 earlier this year at Bark River

Opening the weekend will be the always popular Jump Contest on “The Hill”. Carl Renezeder holds the record and set the benchmark at nearly 200 feet. The contest is open to all divisions although the winner will most likely come from the Pro-2 or Pro-4 division. The last visit to Bark River resulted in some great racing in the Pro and Sportsman Divisions. Jeff Kincaid rolled through the competition in Pro-Lite taking both races as well did Ross Hoek in the Sportsman 2 races. After putting together three wins Johnny Greaves saw his win streak come to an end in Round 6. Greaves has not been to the winner’s circle since then although he made the podium in Chula Vista and retains the points lead after the 10 point penalty given to Carl Renezeder. At this stage of the season every finish is important since opportunities to make up ground become slimmer after each race.

Scott Beauchamp went 1-2 in July during rounds 5-6

The Midwest Sportsman Series has just four rounds of action remaining. Craig Metz leads the Light Buggy division after a pair of top 5 finishes in the last weekend of racing. The top three are bunched up, setting the Light Buggies up for a battle to the finish. Brad Erickson wedged himself in between Mark Steinardt and Michael Seefeldt to keep the standings close in Single Buggy. Just 13 points separate the top three in this ultra competitive division. The Super Buggies are even close with the top three sitting in a span of 10 points. Scott Schwalbe leads Ryan Mulder and John Mason. Western points leader Gary Nierop is well within striking distance of the top spot with four rounds to go with only 11 points to the top. U.P. native Scott Beauchamp leads the Stock Truck Division after a win and a 2 nd place finish during the last visit to Bark River. Keith Steele and Dave Waldvogel sit in 2 nd and 3 rd respectively. Any slip up by the top three will result in changes at the top. With no finishes lower than 4 th, Ross Hoek has quietly put himself atop the Sportsman 2 standings. A pair of wins gave him the lead and also put the competition on alert that he is ready to fight to the end for the Championship. All in all, the Sportsman will no doubt put on a good show this weekend at Bark River.

Stay tuned for the Friday night Jump Contest Results and Race Day coverage.

Brad Erickson and Mark Steinhardt lead the Single Buggy standings

Photos by Jeremy Pyatskowit