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Autocross Challenge 2024

A bright red sports car with the number 114 races on a track at the UMI Autocross Challenge. An orange traffic cone is positioned on the track beside the car.

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2024 UMI Autocross Challenge Recap

The 8th annual UMI Autocross Challenge, presented by Visit Clearfield County, took place from August 25-27, 2024, at the scenic UMI Motorsports Park. With perfect weather and thrilling competition, the event once again showcased the camaraderie that UMIMP is known for, leaving both competitors and fans with unforgettable memories.

Kickoff Weekend

The festivities kicked off on Thursday with the traditional registration pizza party, followed by a track walk and relaxing campfires in the camper lot. This calm before the action allowed friends—both old and new—to gather together and strategize their racing plans for Friday morning.

Friday’s Thrills

Friday featured a course designed by Roger Irvine, which received rave reviews from participants. Descriptions like “fun,” “flowing,” “fast,” and “a blast to drive” were common among racers. The day saw mostly clean runs, with the exception of a minor spin by Joey Eichelman in NASCAR Turn 1. Though his crew attempted repairs, they ultimately had to call it a day. By the end of Friday, a total of 128 cars had taken their turns on the motorsports complex located atop Mt Zion in Clearfield County.

This year introduced a new Sport class, which combined elements from both Muscle on the Mountain and King of the Mountain events. The addition proved popular, fostering close competition that is sure to continue in future challenges.

Friday night was filled with community fun at the Finish Line Pavilion, presented by A+ Powder Coaters.

A geometric design features two overlapping circles with rays emanating from one, accompanied by three smaller circles. Predominantly orange and purple colors are used.

The Emily Whitehead Foundation held a bake sale along with other raffles and prizes during the event. EWF supports pediatric cancer charities and other local causes. In this instance, both EWF and UMI’s fantastic group of racers and friends came together to raise $6,900 to aid local father, Nate Wooster, in his battle with brain cancer. Our support and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time.

Nate’s GoFundMe

Saturday Highlights

Saturday morning kicked off with a driver meeting that acknowledged racers who have attended every autocross challenge. Honorees included Eric Hjelm, Kenny Goodman, Mike Goodman, John Norton, Rob Beck, Gary Hatfield, Doug Lutes, David Redden, Derek Redden, Mike Stewart, David Pereira, and Steve Marshall. It’s a testament to their loyalty and passion for the sport.

Qualifying on Saturday showcased fierce competition with many top racers swapping positions throughout the day. After the dust settled on Roger’s Day 2 course, the field for the shootout was set with familiar favorites and a few surprises that kept everyone on their toes.

The After Dark Speed Shootout was undoubtedly the highlight of the afternoon. Drivers tackled the same Day 2 course but in an F1-style knockout format. The number of shootout entries depended on how many cars or trucks were in each class, making for an exciting and nail-biting experience as drivers raced against the clock.

2024 Autocross Challenge Winners

Super Early Class Winners

Presented by A Plus Powder Coaters

A man stands smiling next to a white sports car holding a flag and a trophy at an autocross event, with several other race cars parked in the background.

1st Ron Scott Jr
1963 Chevrolet Corvette

A man stands next to a bright green car holding a trophy, surrounded by other cars on a racetrack, with signs and an American flag in the background.
2nd Bob Bertelsen Jr 1968 Green Mamba
A person stands next to a blue vintage car on a racetrack, holding a plaque. Other cars and sponsor banners are visible in the background. The setting appears to be an automotive event.
3rd Chris Mulberry 1973 Chevrolet Corvette

Early Muscle Car Class

Class Sponsor: Wizard Cooling Performance Radiators

Two individuals stand next to a black vintage car on a racetrack during the Autocross Challenge event. Racing cars and sponsor banners are visible in the background.

1st Steve Eich
1965 Chevrolet Nova

A man stands holding a plaque beside a blue race car, surrounded by other race cars, with various sponsor banners visible in the background, under a clear sky. The image is labeled: "Autocross Challenge.
2nd Smitty 1970 Chevrolet Camaro
A man stands beside a black race car on a racetrack, holding a flag and a plaque. Several other race cars are parked in the background, and a logo for the Autocross Challenge is visible.
3rd Larry Wolfe 1966 Ford Mustang

Mid Muscle Car Class

Class Sponsor: Ron Francis Wiring

A man stands next to a black sports car on a racetrack holding a flag with the "Autocross Challenge" logo. Other cars and sponsor billboards are visible in the background.
1st Jon Nwanagu 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
A person stands smiling next to a race car at an autocross challenge event. Other cars and various sponsor banners are visible in the background.
2nd Jason Smith 1987 Chevrolet Camaro
A person stands beside a red sports car on a racetrack, surrounded by other cars. The scene is part of the UM Autocross Challenge, as indicated by the banner in the background.
3rd Ryan King 1987 Ford Mustang

Late Muscle Car Class

Class Sponsor: Hawk Performance

A man stands next to a black Ford Mustang holding a plaque at the Grassroots Motorsports Autocross Challenge event. The car and the track are adorned with various sponsor logos and decals.
1st Mike Casino 2014 Ford Mustang
A man stands next to a black sports car at an autocross event, with several other cars lined up on a racetrack in the background. The event banner says "Autocross Challenge" on the right side.
2nd Tim Gordon 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
A person stands next to a black race car holding a trophy, with several other cars and a red barrier in the background. The scene is part of the Optima Autocross Challenge event.
3rd Mikey Albacete 2014 Ford Mustang

Super Late Muscle Car Class

Class Sponsor: After Dark Speed

1st Aaron Shoe 2006 Mitsubishi Evo
A man stands next to a modified black racing car on a track during an event, holding a booklet. Other parked cars and event signage are visible in the background.
2nd Josh Luster 2006 Mitsubishi Evo
A man stands beside a black race car on a racetrack, holding a plaque. The car features various decals, and two other cars are seen in the background. An "Autocross Challenge" banner is visible.
3rd Steve Anstey 2011 Subaru STi

Sport Class Winners

Class Sponsor: Gordon Automotive Specialties

1st Jeremiah Thomas 2007 Mini Cooper S

2nd Jeff Gordon 2007 Chevrolet Cone-balt

3rd Scott Baker 2004 Mazda RX8

Truck Class Winners

Class Sponsor: Level 7 Motorsports

1st Blake Woolam 1972 Chevrolet Blazer

2nd Steve Marshall 1985 Chevrolet S10

3rd Chris Howell 2023 Ford FP700

Champion Interviews

MOTM Interviews

7 Videos

King of the Mountain Golden Ticket Winners 

Super Early: Brad Long
Early: Larry Wolfe
Late: Mike Thompson
Super Late: Jansen Fischer
Truck: Blake Woolam
Sport: Karen Thomas

MOTM 2024 Results

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AXC 2024 Action Shots

Bring the adrenaline-pumping moments of the event home with you by purchasing our captivating action shots! Relive the heart-pounding excitement, the intense competition, and the unforgettable memories through high-quality photographs that capture every thrilling moment. Don’t miss the chance to own a piece of the excitement – get your action shots today and treasure the memories forever!

Friday Action Shots

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Saturday Action Shots

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Shootout Action Shots

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Drone Coverage

Event drone footage and photography provided by AerialJimPA.
For individual driver drone footage visit their website.

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