SJE Motorsports / Doug Finley Motorsports
Contact: Sammy Epling  
For Immediate Release:
517-749-6745

Sammy Epling heads to home state to take on the World of Outlaws Late Models at LaSalle Speedway

Perry, Michigan (Tuesday, March 29th, 2011): The state of Michigan has long been known for having some of the most competitive and talented dirt Late Model drivers in the country. Some names that immediately come to mind include; Kris Patterson, as well as Jeep VanWormer, Curtis Roberts, Brian Ruhlman, and 2010 UMP National Champion, Rusty Schlenk.

When the name Sammy Epling is mentioned, many observers point out that his name should be right up there with those listed as one of the top contenders throughout the Midwest representing the state of Michigan and throughout the 2011 racing season, Epling looks to make sure those observers are right on track with their analysis!

Originally from Cicero, Illinois and now calling Perry, Michigan home, Epling and crew will make the trip back to his home state and his former home track of LaSalle Speedway in LaSalle, Illinois to take on the traveling invaders from the World of Outlaws Late Model Series in the running of the Illini 100 on Friday and Saturday, April 1-2nd. Once the Illini 100 is complete, the team will make the short trip southwest to Peoria Speedway in Peoria, Illinois on Sunday, April 3rd for the running of the 4th annual Don Bohlander Tribute race.

I'm so excited to be going back to my home town. It’s been way to long; 10 years since making any laps around LaSalle Speedway,” Remarked the 41-year-old Epling as he and his team continue preparations for the return trip home. “I can't wait to see family and lots of friends I haven't gotten to see in years. But I guess the only change they'll see in me is my number. Everyone will remember me in the #28, I’m in the #29 now for my Car Owner, Doug Finley, so I’ll just tell everyone I had a birthday.” He laughed.

For the 2011 racing season, Epling’s #29 Northside Service / SJE Trucking Pontiac GTO UMP Late Model will make a run for the 2011 Sunoco American Late Model Series Championship. In addition, he’ll also make select appearances at the famed Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio as well as I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan and Mt. Pleasant Speedway in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. He’ll also make appearances at several other events throughout the Midwest and especially in his home state of Michigan. In all, over 40 events are scheduled for the team throughout the 2011 racing season.

“We have a lot to look forward to this year. We’re planning on running the entire Sunoco ALMS tour.” He continued. “It will be a lot of hard work, but I have a great bunch of guys who bust their butts to give me a good car. When not racing the Sunoco ALMS series, you will probably find us right around home at I-96 and Mt Pleasant as well as a show or two at Merritt (Speedway in Merritt, Michigan) and Winston (Motor Speedway in Rothbury, Michigan). There are a lot of big shows planned at just about every track in Michigan! We will need to be on our “A” game to be competitive.” Epling added.  

During the 2010 racing season, Epling captured the 2010 UMP Late Models Track Championship at Mt. Pleasant Speedway. He also made the most of his limited appearances at I-96 Speedway as he scored three feature wins on the inner 3/8s mile including the tracks’ Fall Finale at the end of the season, to finish sixth in the final points standings. He also made limited appearances in the Sunoco American Late Model Series as well as at the famed Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.

“We had such a great season last year. I finally won my first ever Track Championship at Mt. Pleasant and we did so well in our few appearances at I-96. It gives us a ton of confidence heading into this season.” Epling continued. “We’re looking to do really well wherever we unload and we expect to be contenders every time we head out to race.” He ended.

Epling’s racing career began in 1985 racing in the Sportsman division at the old Santa Fe Speedway in his home state of Illinois. He raced there exclusively until 1991 scoring 10 Feature Wins and consistent top five finishes in the final points standings at Santa Fe. Prior to the start of the 1992 season, he purchased a Late Model from Eight-Time Track Champion, Frank Reaber and for the next two seasons, Epling called LaSalle Speedway home in his Late Model.

In 1994, he began traveling to other facilities such as Farmer City Speedway, Fairbury American Legion Speedway, and Kankakee Speedway all in his home state while also venturing across the state line to Crown Point Speedway in Indiana scoring a total of 12 Feature Wins from 1994-2001. He also traveled with the Northern All-Stars Series during the 2000 season finishing 13th in the final points and was the Rookie of the Year runner-up in that series.

In 2002, Epling moved to the Great Lakes State and settled in Perry, Michigan. He began venturing to short tracks throughout the state of Michigan making appearances primarily at Crystal Motor Speedway as well as I-96 Speedway, Merritt Speedway, Mid-Michigan Raceway Park, and Mt. Pleasant Speedway while not running for a track championship, he did score 10 feature wins including the end of the season Corn Harvest at Mid-Michigan Raceway Park twice in 2007 and 2009. He also ventured south to Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio on several occasions as well including appearances in the World 100.

For the 2011 racing season, Epling’s #29 Mastersbilt Chassis with power from Hedrick Precision Engines of Urbana, Illinois will sport a Pontiac GTO nose on his UMP Late Model and carry sponsorship decals from; Northside Service as well as SJE Trucking, Imaging Solutions, Shift Shop Transmissions, Fusion Sign Company, Lane Automotive, Nashcar Trailers, Huffy’s Marathon, M.P.H. Promotions, SJE Motorsports, and Doug Finley Motorsports.

The SJE Motorsports / Doug Finley Motorsports crew consists of: Car Owners Doug Finley and Jimmy Markski as well as Crew Members, Tommy Klopp, Jeff Smith, and J.R. Smith.
     
For more information about Sammy Epling and the entire SJE Motorsports / Doug Finley Motorsports Team and to inquire about additional sponsorship opportunities for the 2011 racing season, log onto the teams’ website at: www.sammyepling.com You can also follow the entire 2011 season with Epling by becoming a fan on his Facebook Fan Page. Just search “Sammy Epling / SJE Motorsports” and click on “Like” today.