December 19, 2008 - Wes Steidinger Racing calls it quits.

(Fairbury, Illinois) December 19, 2008 -Wes Steidinger Racing has decided to close its doors and Wes Steidinger will no longer be racing. This comes after wrapping up the 2008 season with fifty-three (53) starts, eight (8) wins, twenty-three (23) top fives, and fourteen (14) top tens.

Wes Steidinger is coming off the 2008 season finishing 2nd in UMP DIRTcar National Point Standings and 2nd in the month long UMP DIRTcar Summer Nationals points. He also finished 9th in final point standings at Fairbury American Legion Speedway, and 10th at Farmer City Raceway. Over the 9 years of racing, Wes collected over 60 wins, Two (2) track championships, one at Fairbury American Legion Speedway, and the other at Farmer City Raceway, both of those came in 2006. He started racing Modifieds in 1999 and after two quick years moved into the UMP Late Model division for the next seven years.

This announcement comes during a poor economic time for everybody, a major reason for this tough decision. Spending more time focusing on the well being of his family is also a factor in the decision. When asked what prompted him to make this decision, Steidinger commented, “There are several factors but the two major ones are the current state of the economy, spending more time and looking out for the well being of my family. I would love to keep racing, it's in my blood hopefully a situation presents itself and someone will give me a chance to continue my career! We just can't do it with our budget anymore.”

Wes would like to thank all of the sponsors who have supported him throughout his career. Some of those include: Executive Homes, S & M Trim Carpentry, Aaron's Disc Sharpening, Pontiac RV, Limestone Transit, Hundman Lumber Do-It Center, Garrels Powersports, Coreco Enterprises, Aftershock Graphix, C.J Rayburn Race cars, ARC Racing Engines Inc., Cook Performance, Design 500, Absolute Limousine, Vallow Race Fuels and Central Illinois Buildings. A special thanks to Paul Bayne with Fast Lane Web Design who maintained my website for years, also to Erik Grigsby Photography for all of the help and support.

Wes would also like to thank all of his fans for their support throughout his racing career.

“I would especially like to thank all the guys that have been there for me my "crew guys" , Scott, Brian, Jimmy, Bubba, Jared, Marky, Jamey, Brenton & Albie; they were the heart and sole of my team. However the guy that deserves all the credit in the world for my success is Terry he will never know how much he meant to me and my racing career. Last but not least thank you Dad for making my racing dreams come true its been an unbelievable ride. Im going to miss all the bonding time we had together, thats what I call "priceless". I've made so many friends in the racing world and I wish every single one of you good luck in your years to come. Go B5!”

Information about items for sale will be released in the coming weeks. To find out about anything that is for sale, please contact Wes at 815-867-0582 or Terry at 815-848-3275.

Wes Steidinger Racing

Erik Grigsby Photography

Media Contact / Public Relations / Webmaster

(309).224.3611 - photos@erikgrigsbyphotos.com

For more information on Wes and WSR, be sure to check out the newly redesigned website at http://www.wessteidingerracing.com .

October 15, 2008 - Wes Steidinger Racing wraps up 2008 racing season.

(Fairbury, Illinois) October 15, 2008 -Wes Steidinger Racing put the wraps on their 2008 racing season on October 3 & 4. They made their way to the famous 1/2 mile high banks to trytheir luck at the $5,000 to win UMP Fall Nationals. With a qualifying time that would put Steidinger in the 6th heat race, he would finish 4th behind, Dennis Erb Jr., Randy Korte and Ronnie Perrine Jr. One spot away from making the transfer, he was placed in 1 of 3 b-main events. He would go on to pick up the win over Jeff Beyers, Scott Orr, Ken Hahn and Brandon Thirlby. With mechanical problems arising in the 40 Lap, $5,000 to win A-Main event, Steidinger picked up a 27th finishing spot. Wes Steidinger held a tight spot finishing 2nd in the UMP National Points with 2966 behind Dennis Erb Jr. and ahead of Jason Feger, Brian Shirley, and Steve Sheppard Jr. Steidinger would also finish 2nd in Illinois Points with 2521 behind Steve Sheppard Jr, and ahead of, Dennis Erb Jr, Mike Hammerle and Ryan Unzicker. In North Region Points, he would also pick up 2nd place with 2495 behind Steve Sheppard Jr, and ahead of Jason Feger, Dennis Erb Jr., and Eric Smith. Wes had a total of 53 starts tallying, 8 Feature wins, 23 top 5's and 14 top 10's. Stay tuned to the website for Wes Steidinger Racing's 2009 Racing Plans. 

Wes would like to thank all of his 2008 Sponsors which include: Executive Homes, S & M Trim Carpentry, Aaron's Disc Sharpening, Pontiac RV, Limestone Transit, Hundman Lumber Do-It Center, Garrels Powersports, Coreco Enterprises, Aftershock Graphix, C.J Rayburn Racecars, ARC Racing Engines Inc., Cook Performance, Design 500, Absolute Limousine, Vallow Race Fuels, and Central Illinois Buildings.

Wes would also like to thank all of his fans for all of the support which he has received throughout his racing career.

For more information on Wes and WSR, be sure to check out the newly redesigned website at http://www.wessteidingerracing.com .

September 8, 2008 - Wes Steidinger takes chances at World 100.

(Fairbury, Illinois) September 8 , 2008 - The World 100 is a race that every driver wishes to make. The WSR team took the trek east to the 1/2 mile highbanks at Eldora Speedway. Friday Night everything got under way with two sets of one lap time trials. He qualified 107 of 175 at 16.653. This qualified him for the top 120 that went to the heat races. Saturday Night brought heat races around. Steidinger started 18th in the 5th heat where he finished 10th. This placed him in one of two B-Main Events. He started 20th and raced himself into the 11th.

This coming weekend WSR will take the weekend off. Stay tuned to the website for updated schedule posting and to find out where the J1 team will be.

Wes would like to thank all of his 2008 Sponsors which include: Executive Homes, S & M Trim Carpentry, Aaron's Disc Sharpening, Pontiac RV, Limestone Transit, Hundman Lumber Do-It Center, Garrels Powersports, Coreco Enterprises, Aftershock Graphix, C.J Rayburn Racecars, ARC Racing Engines Inc., Cook Performance, Design 500, Absolute Limousine, Vallow Race Fuels, and Central Illinois Buildings.

Wes would also like to thank all of his fans for all of the support which he has received throughout his racing career.

For more information on Wes and WSR, be sure to check out the newly redesigned website at http://www.wessteidingerracing.com .

August 15 , 2008 - WSR grabs another win!

(Fairbury, Illinois) August 25 , 2008 - Two nights of racing, makes a top 5 and a win. Steidinger and Crew started out Friday night taking their camp to Morgan County Speedway in hopes to make it back to back wins at the Jacksonville 1/4 mile. The J1 machine came home 4th in the A-Main.

Saturday night was a different story. Things got under way with 2 laps of time trails where after many drivers came in with fast time, Wes was that last to set the fast time of 12.718. This set the J1 on the front row for the Lock 8 heat race, where he took the green flag and the lead from starter Kevin Weaver, and never looked back. He picked up the heat race win over Weaver, Walden, Unzicker, and Schmitt. With a pole starting position for the A-Main, and strong competition alongside and behind him he made it look easy as he took the lead on lap 1 and brought home the checkers. Frank Shickel Jr., Eric Smith, Kevin Weaver, and Rich Bell rounded out the top 5.

Wes will take Friday night the 29th as he gets prepared for the 19th Annual Prairie Dirt Classic on Saturday Night at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway. $10,000 will go to the winner of the historic race.

Wes would like to thank all of his 2008 Sponsors which include: Executive Homes, S & M Trim Carpentry, Aaron's Disc Sharpening, Pontiac RV, Limestone Transit, Hundman Lumber Do-It Center, Garrels Powersports, Coreco Enterprises, Aftershock Graphix, C.J Rayburn Racecars, ARC Racing Engines Inc., Cook Performance, Design 500, Absolute Limousine, Vallow Race Fuels, and Central Illinois Buildings.

Wes would also like to thank all of his fans for all of the support which he has received throughout his racing career.

August 15 , 2008 - Steidinger picks up win #7 for 2008.

(Jacksonville, Illinois) August 15 , 2008 - With the temperatures dipping into the low sixties, a full moon and clear skies, anything could happen. What happened for the J1 team at the end of a 40 lap A-Main, was victory. After having a great qualifying run, and picking up his heat race win. This put Wes on the pole for the $6,000 to win, 40 lap A-Main event. Melvin would get the early jump on Steidinger but on lap nine, Wes took the lead and never looked back. With many challenges by Steve Sheppard Jr, Steidinger was able to maintain a great lead and come home in victory lane, ahead of Steve Sheppard Jr, Kevin Weaver, Jason Feger, and Dennis Erb Jr. "The car felt great all night, and it's nice to be back on track." Steidinger said after the victory.

WSR and the J1 team will head to Macon Speedway tonight for the Herald & Review 100. This race will pay $6,000. Steidinger will try to make it not only back to back wins on the weekend, but back to back wins for this race. He is the reigning Herald & Review 100 winner. For more information go to www.maconracing.com.

Wes would like to thank all of his 2008 Sponsors which include: Executive Homes, S & M Trim Carpentry, Aaron's Disc Sharpening, Pontiac RV, Limestone Transit, Hundman Lumber Do-It Center, Garrels Powersports, Coreco Enterprises, Aftershock Graphix, C.J Rayburn Racecars, ARC Racing Engines Inc., Cook Performance, Design 500, Absolute Limousine, Vallow Race Fuels, and Central Illinois Buildings.

Wes would also like to thank all of his fans for all of the support which he has received throughout his racing career.

August 11, 2008 - Steidinger picks up one top 5 this past weekend

(Fairbury, Illinois) August 11 , 2008- With only one night of racing in this past weekend, the J1 crew decided to stay close to home and race at Fairbury American Legion Speedway. After picking up 2nd fast time of 12.597 behind Daren Friedman's 12.503. Steidinger would find a pole starting position for the Lock 8 heat race, he would go on to win that race, placing him on the pole for the A-Main event. After mechanical issues he would finish 4th in the feature behind Eric Smith, Jr. Shickel, and Daren Friedman.

Stay tuned for the upcoming schedule!

Wes would like to thank all of his 2008 Sponsors which include: Executive Homes, S & M Trim Carpentry, Aaron's Disc Sharpening, Pontiac RV, Limestone Transit, Hundman Lumber Do-It Center, Garrels Powersports, Coreco Enterprises, Aftershock Graphix, C.J Rayburn Racecars, ARC Racing Engines Inc., Cook Performance, Design 500, Absolute Limousine, Vallow Race Fuels, and Central Illinois Buildings.

Wes would also like to thank all of his fans for all of the support which he has received throughout his racing career.