Local Headlines

Saturday, September 11th will mark the First Annual Russ Chapman Memorial Race at the Milwaukee Mile for the United States Super Trucks National Series. Russ Chapman was a friend to the Series and to many of its participants. We unexpectedly lost Russ last year, and he has been sorely missed. In memory of Russ' passion and commitment to the sport and especially the series, we are honored to present this event as a way to remember and celebrate his love of motor sports and his many contributions and look to make this an annual event.

We would like to thank Michael Annett for his part in making this event come together. Annett met Russ Chapman while racing in the ASA Late Model Series, Russ became a supporter of Michael’s career in motor sports. Like many, Annett was touched by Chapman’s passion and love of the sport and was able to use the knowledge he learned from Russ to help further his career into NASCAR racing. Following a successful run in the ASA Late Model Series, ARCA and NASCAR Truck Series Annett is now in his second full season in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. In 2009 Annett finished 10th in points and currently stands 12^th in the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series standings. With Michael’s contribution we are able to coordinate this event to remember and celebrate our friend Russ Chapman. For more information on Michael Annett go to michaelannett.com or follow on Twitter@MichaelAnnett.

Russ Chapman

Russ Chapman, 67, former ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards driver, died Dec. 31,2009 at his home in Two Rivers Wisconsin after suffering a heart attack. In 1979, racing out of Chattanooga Tennessee, Chapman finished 10th in ARCA Series points and posted his best career series finishes of 6th at Salem, 7th at Talladega and 9th at Dayton. At the time of his death, Chapman held the position of Technical Director for Ron and Sandy Varney's ASA Late Model Series.

Russ began racing in the early 1960s driving at local tracks in Chattanooga TN, Rome, GA, and Corbin KY, driving a 1957 Chevrolet in the Cadet Car division.

In 1969 driving a 1967 Chevelle, Russ competed in the NASCAR late model sportsman division, racing 3 to 4 days a week at various tracks: (Huntsville, AL: Kingsport, TN; Nashville, TN; Bristol, TN: Birmingham, AL; Macon, GA; Coeburn, VA etc). Tracks ranged in size from one-third mile to five-eighths mile.
In 1973, he was runner up for the Rookie-of-the-Year at Huntsville Speedway.
In 1974, awarded Most Promising Driver Award at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.
April 4, 1979, driving a 1977 Chevelle, Russ passed his NASCAR driving test and was given his NASCAR Gold License # 1-276 allowing him to drive in Grand National, Grand American, Late Model Sportsman, and Modified Divisions
In August, 1979, he qualified 18th and finished 7th at Talladega International Motor Speedway.
In July 1980, he qualified 28th and finished 8th at Michigan International Speedway in the Norton 200.
In August, 1980, he qualified 14th and finished 11th at Talladega International Motor Speedway.
In September 1980, he qualified 23rd and finished 9th at Michigan International Speedway in the Gould 200.
1983-1984, raced in PACA (now known as Winston West) at the following tracks: Yakima, WA; Richland, WA; Santa Maria, CA; Hanford, CA; and Portland, OR. He finished in the top 15 both years. These tracks were one-third to one-half mile.
2001 to 2006: Crew Chief for several Mid American Stock Car/Truck Race Teams.