STEPHENS AND MACALUSO TEAM UP AT THE HOLIDAY CONVENTION RACE
Dakotah is racing at Volusia in the Tom Macaluso Better Leather and Auto Trim Ford Powered Open Wheel Modified car.
See you there.
October 11, 2008 Checkered Flag Sprint Series Charlotte County MotorSports Park Racing at 6:00
Results: Dakotah started 3rd and finished 11th out of a 12 car field. Congratulations to Keith Butler on his victory. Dakotah spun on lap 2 with assistance from a driver whose signature move is all four on the grass with a nice slingshot back on to the paved surface in the apex of turn 2. That's racing.
October 4, 2008 TBARA New Smyrna Speedway Racing at 6:00
Results: Dakotah started 15 and finished 11. Dave Steele took the win.
See Dakotah's Next Race 9/26/08 and 9/27/08
September 27, 2008 TBARA 2nd Annual Frank Riddle Memorial Race Desota Raceway Park Racing at 6:00
Results: 20th place at TBARA. motor short on hp tonight. 25 cars started the feature and 7 cars finished the race, Troy Decaire won! Congrats to the 68 team.
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September 26, 2008 Central Florida Wingless Sprints Rusty Dixon Memorial Race Orlando Speedworld
Results: Dakotah finished 10th after being sent to the pits on lap 29. Dakotah lead 27 laps and with 2 green, white, checker attempts, someone inadvertently lost their safety equipment, a foam neck brace and complained about Dakotah's car leaking oil. No penalties for loss of safety equipment were handed out but the race fans were definitely the biggest losers in that they were cheated out of an exciting race finish.
Results: Dakotah started 5th and finished 8th. Eightteen sprints started the feature event. Gary Gimmler was the Winner.
Congratulations to Gary! Charlotte County experienced a blackout for about an hour that delayed the race. Fortunately, the lights went out during the autograph session and not during a race.
DAKOTAH'S NEXT RACE: Orlando Speedworld Friday Night September 26, 2008 Rusty Dixon Memorial Race
Dakotah will be wheeling the Better Leather and Auto Trim sponsored
Open Wheel Modified Macaluso built Ford at Ocala on Friday night, September 12, 2008.
23 Winged Sprint Cars started the main event at Citrus County Speedway. Although lap one yielded it's typical spinning cars, the race got underway with Tommy Nichols leading more than half of the show. Dakotah started 3rd on the field and maintained that spot until about lap 20. Dave Steele displayed his usual, fan pleasing hard charge to the front after starting in the rear of the field. And points leader, Troy DeCaire had an unusual off night finishing 6th. A late caution changed the finishing order leaving Dakotah with a 9th place finish for the night and Dave Steele the Ultimate Winner of the night. Dakotah reports the car would not turn after the last restart because the stagger closed up. You may find those bleeders in the trash can this week at Dakotah's shop. Overall the night was fun, the competition was stiff and lots of passing and position changes happened all race long. So, what more can a race fan ask for?
GREAT SHOW TBARA!
DAKOTAH'S MESSAGE TO MS. AUSBURN & MS. ROSTICK'S 4TH GRADE STUDENTS AT INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL
It is very important to always make your car better and make yourself better. Students, keep making your class work better, keep making your homework better, and keep making your mind stronger. It only takes a few minutes to make everything better, so take the time and GO FOR THAT WINNING GRADE. I will keep going for that WINNING RACE and you keep going for that WINNING GRADE and I will see you in VICTORY LANE!
Tampa's Independent Day School 4th Grade Class Racing to Win Year 2008
Dakotah has partnered with Independent Day School's 4th grade students and together, they have made a committment to Race to a Winning Year in their academics. Dakotah met Ms. Ausburn and Ms. Rostick's 4th grade class on Friday, August 22 to kick off the first week of school with a Winning Attitude towards learning. Dakotah brought his sprint car and the kids got to sit in the car and feel like a real race car driver. They also discussed how hard work pays off and how working in the shop-a racer's homework, is just like a student's homework. In order to win, you have to practice and get better and better until you are the first to cross the finish line at the checkered flag.
Good Luck Independent Day School Students on having a Winning School Year and remember,
RESULTS: Dakotah Started 2nd and finished 7th. But, he won heat race #2 and he lead laps 1-27 and was heavily favored to win until he ran out of fuel. The race was riddled with cautions-including on the very first lap when a cut tire during the 4 wide yeilded a long caution to allow the driver time to get back on the track. It was an awesome night overall and Congratulations to Joey Agular who was a true and humble winner and raced a clean race to the win tonight.
Dakotah has a big Racing Weekend May 30-June1, 2008
May 30, 2008 Ocala Speedway Open Wheel Modified Better Leather Auto and Trim Owned and Sponsored Racing Friday Night at 8:00
RESULTS: Started 17th, Dakotah missed the big wreck on lap one and then got nailed from behind and tore the springs off the car. Finished somewhere in the back. Done for the night.
May 31, 2008 Desoto TBARA Stick Pest Control and Better Leather Sponsors Racing Saturday night at 6:00
RESULTS: Dakotah WON HEAT RACE #3. He started on the outside pole and lead the first 10 laps of the feature. Then the car started tightening up and he was running back in 3rd place. A Red flag on Lap 18 stopped the action and Dakotah is still in 3rd. Officials identified a minor oil leak while the car was setting on the track stopped and made the call to put Dakotah off the track. He was done for the night again but this time, due to the officiating of the Club. If Dakotah was in 15th, would the same call have been made? Brian Gingras, who happened to be leading the race on lap 18 was privileged to the same kind of officiating call when his car lost some water on the track during the same red flag. The only difference was Girngras restarted the race from the last place position.
It was one of those Saturday nights that makes you go huh??? That's Racing I guess. See you next week.
June 1, 2008 Volusia Summer Sizzler Open Wheel Modified Better Leather Auto and Trim Owned/ Sponsored Racing Sunday afternoon at 2:00
The car is not ready.
See Dakotah Race May 23, 2008 Friday night
Dakotah's next race will be at Orlando Speedworld next Friday night, May 23rd. CFWSCA is honoring one of our own, Rusty Dixon at the 2nd Annual Rusty Dixon Memorial Race. Bring the kids. Every CFWSCA Driver is bringing a bicycle to give to the kids because Rusty raced for the kids and was a big kid at heart. See you there.
RESULTS: Dakotah finished 7th. He was holding a strong 5th place until a lap car trapped him and 2 cars got past him at the checkers. Oh, Just one little Glitch tonight: Dakotah piloted the #79 with no steering. The Steering box was not working so this 16 year old had to manhandle the Better Leather and Auto Trim/Sticks Pest Control sponsored Sprint Car for 30 laps in the feature and 8 laps in the heat. Dakotah's Strategy for tonight: He set his marks and hit them the same every lap, and he reported he never took the car to maximum speed-no flatfooting tonight. He had more motor but was cautious due to the ill-handling steering system. It was a great night overall considering the circumstances.
Slaziak won the 30 lap main event followed by Gary Gimbler and Scotty Adema. 16 cars started the main event.
Be sure and schedule off from work to be at Orlando Speedway next Friday night, May 23rd. Central Florida Wingless Sprint Car Series is honoring one of our own, Rusty Dixon at the 2nd Annual Rusty Dixon Memorial Race. Bring the kids. Every CFWSCA Driver is bringing a bicycle to give to the kids because Rusty raced for the kids and was a big kid at heart. See you there.
The Ocala racetrack started out very slick early on in the evening but the racing surface ended up being a 1 grove black top surface and by the end of the Modified race, two and a half racing grooves were blacken out with rubber down. No ruts or holes were in the track surface the week. Way to go Ocala track prep team-the track is really curing out nicely with it's own slick personality. Note: Ocala's Race report shows Tom Macaluso as the the driver of the #79 but Tom is the car owner, Dakotah was the pilot.
Dakotah started the feature in the 10th position in the #79 Open Wheel Modified Better Leather and Auto Trim sponsored machine. The field was practically a full inversion which added to the excitement and anticipation for the start of the race. On Lap 9, Dakotah spun coming out of turn 4 and had to restart behind the 21 cars in the event. But by lap 15 he had raced his way back up to 5th and was continuing to move forward in the field. However, during hard racing, Robbie Barris punted Dakotah on the back stretch and Dakotah spun while Robbie continued the race. Track officials dropped Barris to the end of the field, and Dakotah being the spun car, was directed to fall to the end of the line as well. Kudo's to the Ocala officials for making the right call by the rule book to both drivers. That is straight up racing as it should be. During the last 4 laps of the feature Dakotah salvaged a 10th place finish after coming through the field for the 2nd time of the night. Dakotah displayed some great driving skills in finding a line on the track that worked with his setup out of turn 4.
Congratulations to Roger Crouse for winning the feature event and to TEAM MACALUSO Driver #27 Johnny Bradley for his 3rd place finish at Ocala.
Dakotah and Car Owner Tom Macaluso are racing the Better Leather Auto and Trim Open Wheel Modified car at Ocala Speedway on Friday Night, April 25. Come on out! The stands have been packed in Ocala. Everyone is loving the new dirt surface at Ocala Speedway. Come see the Warriors of the Open Wheel Modified Battle for the Win.
Dakotah went from 3rd to 13th on Lap 13 after ending his night on his lid. (NO INJURIES)
Winner: Congratualtions to DUDE TEATE
2nd: Troy Decaire
3rd: Dave Steel
4th: Lil' Jimmy Alvis
5th: Mickey Kimpens
CFWSPA had 22 cars last night. Even some of the guys from the Checker Flag Sprint Car Series joined the CFWSPA series last night. Welcome to all. It was one great show for the fans. There was lots of racing action all over the track.
Full Reports and Photos on Monday
Dakotah with Taylor
Young Fan at Citrus County Speedway-Taylor getting Dakotah's Autograph after a spectacular night of racing at Citrus County Speedway.
The Divas
Girls Scouts Powder Puff Race April 19, 2008
Dakotah was the MC for the Powder Puff Derby for the Girl Scouts in Brandon. Dakotah along with Suzie and Becca George set up their Sprint Cars and Go-Kart to for the Girl Scouts to learn more about Racing full size cars. A Special Guest Appearance was made by Miss SouthWest Florida US Teen- Brandi George. It was a full day of racing action and festivities for the Girls Scouts.
Dakotah ran 2nd in Heat 1. Motor issues continued to plagued the night.
In the Main, Dakotah started 10 and went to 3rd before having to pull into the pits when the engine
started overheating on lap 5 of the 30 lap event. Dakotah reported angerly, that the setup and handling of the car was awesome. He settled for a 12th place finish for the night.
Decaire won with Gringas on his tail in second and last years champ, Misuraca rounded out the top 3.
See Dakotah Race April 4-5, 2008
Double Header Weekend for Driver #79-Dakotah
April 4, 2008 Ocala Speedway Better Leather and Trim Open Wheel Modified Rain Out Tom Macaluso-Car Owner/Crew Chief
April 5, 2008 TBARADesoto Raceway Park 360 Winged Sprint/Pavement Davey Stephens-Car Owner/Crew Chief Results:
Mechanical Failure prevented Dakotah from Starting the Main Event at Desoto.
Troy DeCaire was the winner after 26 of the 50 laps due to massive winds and rain. Troy was followed by Larry Brazil, Dave Steele, and Michael Smith.
Inside Florida Racing Radio Show 3/17/08
Dakotah is on Inside Florida Racing Tonight, March 17, 2008
Tune in from 7-9
Click the link below and follow instructions to listen.
Jake is a very energetic 4 year old boy with wandering hands and curious eyes. His developmental ability currently scores as an 8 month old. Jake is now learning to bring himself to the sitting position. He is able to maintain sitting anywhere from 10 seconds to 10 minutes, but you must be there in case he falls. He isn't able to crawl yet, but is very mobile. He can scoot on his back all the way to your house. He isn't able to form words, but does babble a lot and loudly. Our neighbors say they enjoy hearing what a happy boy he is. Jake attends Pre-K @ Nina Harris School, an Exceptional Student Education center. If you want to help Jake, go to jakejunction.com
CFWSCA March 8, 2008
Dakotah is Going Topless in the Sprint
Dakotah is scheduled to race with the Central Florida Wingless Sprintson Saturday, March 8 at Columbia Motorsports Park in Lake City, FL. Racing begins at 7:30. It is the first race of the season and sure
to be an awesome event with lots of cars in attendance.
RESULTS 3/8/08
Dakotah won Heat Race #2. The top 8 of the field were inverted. Dakotah started 7th and finished 5th for the night. It was an exciting weekend racing with the Stars of the Central Florida Wingless Sprint Car Association.
Our spotlight crew member for the week is Engine Specialist- Jim O'Brien, NEMA Hall of Fame inductee and Car Owner of the #16 Revenge of the Pink Panther Midget. Jim came onboard with the #79 Dakotah Stephens Racing Team at the onset of the 2008 season as a consultant and contributes many years of expertise and knowledge to our engine program. The results showed on Saturday night with a strong 5th place finish on the field.
Open Wheel Modified Winternationals 2/14-16/08
Day 3 No Qualifying-Line up based solely on points. Heat Race #6 8 laps - Started 11th and Finished 6th. C Main15 laps - Started 2nd and Won. Dakotah lead every lap. Yahoo. On to the B. B Main 20 laps - Started 17th and raced his way to a 8th place finish. Dakotah missed the A-main by 3 cars. Only the top 4 advanced.
Day 2 Qualifying time of 17.41 6th out of 99 cars. Fast time by Devin Dixon at 17.009 Heat Race #3 8 laps-Started 2nd and Finished 2nd. Dakotah lead every lap except the checkered flag lap. Straight into the A-Main
A-Main 25 laps-Started 11th and finished 23th. The birdcage broke and also tore off the braking system.
Day 1 Heat Race #8 8 laps-Started 11 and Finished 11 The Reutimann designed chassis would idle great in the pits, but then sputter when it was under power on the track. Talk about frustrating for a driver when he put the petal to the medal. The culprit turned out to be deteriorated foam in the fuel cell. Picture #13 shows the fuel cell contents.
Team Macaluso
Car Owner Tom Macaluso fields 2 Open Wheel Modified car's for three night's of racing at Eastbay's Winternationals. Johnny Bradley is piloting the #27 and Dakotah Stephens is in the #79. Both cars are powered by ford engine's built by Tom Macaluso.
Pits Open at 2:00 Hot Laps and Qualifying at 5:00 Racing at 7:00
Everyone is Welcome to Stop by the Team Macaluso Pits
TBARA 360 Sprints Speedweeks 2/9-10/08
2/10/08 New Smyrna Speedway with TBARA
New Smyrna is an amazingly fast track. This one is definitely for the speed junkies.
Dakotah started the main in the 21st position and completed the race with a 13 place finish.
Congratulations to Troy Decaire on his feature win.
This week's Racing is dedicated to the infamous Jet Taylor. You will be missed Friend & Fellow Racer.
Racing with TBARA at Citrus was awesome. I started 26th on the field and finished 21 for the night after a broke steering arm after a a little bumping and grinding.
Overall, the new car felt great except for the tight set up but we'll get that solved. It killed me to pull off the track on lap 20, but hey, steering is one of those must have items at full speed.
Congratulations to the Winner-Dave Steele. Larry Brazil also strutted some skills battling for the top position but had to settle as the runner up at the checkers.
Thanks to my sponsors, Citrus Speedway Park , the TBARA series and my crew-Jim, Boris Said and Dad for a great night of racing.
Pictures are coming on the TBARA Speedweeks button
HEY MIKE LOVE, "When are we going pavement racing buddy"?
360 Sprints Winternationals 1/31-2/2/08
Day 1 Pictures at Winternationals 08 Click Here A Main Winner: Kenny Adams
Day 2 Dakotah finished 4th in the Strawberry Dash A Main Winner: Terry McCarl
Day 3 Pictures at Winternationals 08 Click Here Dakotah finished 6th in B Main after starting 10. Red Flag on lap 8 created a tire bleeder problem. King of the 360's was Crowned Jason Johnson
Tampa Tribune Writer Bill Green is always pounding the pits for the latest racing news around Florida. He is sure to make an appearance Winternationals. See Bill's 1/25/08 article summarizing Eastbay's 2007 season standings. Note: Limited Sprint Rookie Title was none other than our very own Dakotah.
Dakotah Stephens-16 years old, 6 Race Cars, 7 Race Tracks in Florida and Georgia
2007 Season Highlights
37 Racing Events
4 Feature Wins
16 Top 5 Finishes
22 Top 10 Finishes
2007 Rookie of the Year at Eastbay for Limited Sprints
Finished 4th in points at Eastbay in the Limited Sprint Division- partial schedule
Finished 7th in points at Eastbay in the Open Wheel Modified Division- partial schedule
Most Exciting Moment in 2007-Driving the OWM from 11th to 2nd at Volusia
Most Disappointing Moment in 2007-Leading the whole race at Eastbay and Lasker jumped the cone and stuffed me in the wall and no jumping the green penalty was imposed. Video
of this event can be seen on http://www.mashthegas.tv/ website.
Dakotah Stephens
#79 Sprint Car Racer
Tampa, Florida
Jake is a very energetic 4 year old boy with wandering hands and curious eyes. His developmental ability currently scores as an 8 month old. Jake is now learning to bring himself to the sitting position. He is able to maintain sitting anywhere from 10 seconds to 10 minutes, but you must be there in case he falls. He isn't able to crawl yet, but is very mobile. He can scoot on his back all the way to your house. He isn't able to form words, but does babble a lot and loudly. Our neighbors say they enjoy hearing what a happy boy he is. Jake attends Pre-K @ Nina Harris School, an Exceptional Student Education center. If you want to help Jake, go to 
