Willoughby, Ohio
(Dec. 3, 2002) - The Iceman Series has disbanded after 16 seasons,
ending its racing era in the Michigan/Ohio area. Promoter Terry Adams
cited his reasons for ending the series was: there is too much
competition for the same drivers/cars and tracks and the economic
slowdown for both the tracks and the drivers.
The first champion of
the series was Bruce VanderLaan in 1987. Rookie Barry DeSalve Jr from
Penfield, Pa. is the final champion of the Iceman Series. He is the 12th
different Iceman champion in 16 seasons. Barry is also the only driver
to be credited with Rookie of the Year and the Champion title in the
same season.
The
series began with only four races at their home-track of Toledo
Speedway in 1987. Over the next several years the series would use the
defending champion's name as the series title. In 1989 Tim Ice won the
first of his two championships. The series founding owner/promoter
Sonny Adams liked "Iceman", which was Tim's nickname, and decided it
should become the series permanent title. The name Iceman has remained
in the title of the series through three different promoters during
the series final 13 seasons.
Health
issues in 2000 forced Adams to end his tenure as head of the series,
Jim Hennessy took over the series for the next two seasons. The final
season, 2002, was promoted by Terry Adams, who is no relation to the
series founder. Lack of cars and race dates plagued the series during
2002 and contributed the demise of the series.
Over
the years some of the well known drivers who have raced with the
series included: Winston Cup driver Johnny Benson, former Busch and
ARCA driver Tracy Leslie, NASCAR Craftman truck drivers Terry Cook and
Stan Boyd (and NASCAR Craftman crew chief Jerry Cook), ASA driver
Butch Miller (co-champion 1993), former ASA drivers Harold Fair Sr and
Harold Fair Jr (2000 champion), Hooter Cup driver Glenn Gault (1997
champion) and former ARCA driver Rick Sheppard.
FINAL
STATISTICS:
Races: 158.
Most
Races: Scott Baker, 131.
The
100 races Club: Baker, 131; Dave Kuhlman, 130, Jerry Cook, 122; Chuck
Roumell, 100.
Drivers who competed in the series: 302.
Most
wins: Dave Kuhlman, 22.
Most
fast qualifications: Freddie Campbell, 20.
Most
Top 5 finishes: Dave Kuhlman, 79.
Most
Top 10 finishes: Dave Kuhlman, 100.
Most
laps led (1991-2002): Dave Kuhlman, 1,789 laps.
Wins
at most different tracks: Freddie Campbell and Dave Kuhlman, eight.
Consecutive years in the series: Scott Baker, 14 years.
Any
Iceman Series drivers wanting to compete with the Sunoco Super Series
in 2003 can contact the series office for rules and registration
information.
The
2003 Sunoco Super Series Car Specifications and Racing Guidelines will
be posted on the series web site at
www.sunocosuperseries.com. To receive a copy by mail or
fax, contact the Sunoco Super Series office at 812-883-0455.
