KALAMAZOO, MI - All it took was one phone call from John Brolick and we were loading the race car to go to Kalamazoo Speedway for the 75 lap Boyne Machine Super Late Model Race on August 17, 2011 at Kalmazoo Speedway.

     Many local hot shoes -  Johnny Benson, Ross Kenseth Brian Campbell and Johnny Van Doorn were among the competitors.  The #52 qualified 16th and taking the checkered flag in the 11th position.  Former NASCAR driver, Johnny Benson, would win the race.  "It was an awesome race and Kalamazoo is one of my favorite tracks, fun, fun, fun" said Phil Splant.  "I would also like to thank Tristan Dupuis, John Brolick, Dale and  Riley".

     The Premier Boyne Machine Super Lates continue to draw interest and has additional dates lined up at Berlin.  For more information visit:  http://www.shorttrackaction.com/super-late-models/3069-premier-boyne-machine-super-lates-continue-to-draw-interest-before-inaugural-season.html 

CEDAR LAKE - Cruise on over to Cedar Lake for the 30th anniversary of the Cedar Lake Summerfest and the Cedar Lake Summerfest Car Show, held fro 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the town complex, 7408 Constitution Avenue.

     The #52 Late Model Race Car and Driver will be making a guest appearance to meet and greet visitors and participants at the show.  Cars, trucks and motorcycles are the focus of the show that will feature all types, makes, models and years of vehicles.

       The second purpose of the show is to raise money for local charities, including the Project Love Food Pantry, Boy Scout Troop 105 and the Cedar Lake Boys & Girls Club.  Donations will also be given to the Cedar Lake Parks Department.

     For additional information about Cedar Lake Summerfest go to www.cedarlakesummerfest.com.

CEDAR LAKE | Forget Justin Bieber and Britney Spears, Lincoln Elementary School students had their own celebrity last week.

     Nathan Splant, a first-grader at the Cedar Lake school, topped everyone at "show-and-tell" by bringing his dad, Philip Splant, a local businessman and part-time race car driver.

     Youngsters gathered around the driver and his No. 52 racer in the school parking lot to hear about what it's like to drive fast in a cool car. Splant talked about the equipment he uses and the car, and patiently signed autographs.

     The annual visit also promoted the Nathan C. Splant Foundation's Fifth Annual Racing for Babies fundraiser, set for Saturday at Illiana Motor Speedway, 7211 U.S. 30, Schererville. Gates open at 4 p.m. and the first race begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $12 and children under 7 are admitted free.

Philip and Kim Splant established the foundation in 2004 after Nathan was born 15 weeks prematurely.

     The  501 (c) (3), nonprofit organization provides grants for families dealing with the same medical and family issues the Splant family faced.

     Each year, the foundation welcomes supporters and guests to Racing for Babies, offering donated auction items for bidding along with event T-shirt sales, face painting and special guest appearances. "In 2010, we added the 'Racing for a Cause and Give Five Program,' which gave everyone the opportunity - the day of the event - to autograph the race car hood donated by Five Star, for a donation. This was a great success and will be available once again," Kim Splant said.

     This year, the #52 Super Late Model Race Team headed by Phil Splant will have a show car on the midway dedicated to help raise prematurity awareness in combination with their Racing for a Cause efforts. " So bring your camera for a picture with the race car," added Splant.

     For more information about the foundation, Racing for Babies or volunteer opportunities, contact Kim Splant at (219) 365-5800 or ksplant@ncsplantfoundation.org.

     We at Xclusive Motorsports are pleased to welcome back QSC Design as an associate sponsor in 2011.  QSC Design has continued to support the #52 Late Model and also contributes to our "Racing for a Cause Program".  "We are very thankful for QSC's continued support and their custom design to our race car," said Phil Splant.

About QSC Design

     QSC Design was founded in 1988 as Quality Sign Company in Kankakee, Illinois.  Along the way, the craft of painting signs evolved, becoming more technology-driven, and the company followed suit, changing the name to QSC Design and opening an operations facility in nearby Bradley, Illinois.

     QSC is known as a leading provider of cutting-edge large format printing, producing a range of custom commercial graphic products.  QSC remains a small family owned and operated business with over 20 years experience.  Working with companies to separate you from the competition - from concept through completion to deliver the style your business deserves.

     Recently, QSC has added a sales and design office - Chicago Auto Wraps - in Chicago's bustling River West neighborhood to facilitate business in the Chicago-land area.  Giving your vehicle or "race car" talk-and-go mobile advertising.

     For all your graphic design needs, please visit www.qscdesign.com, www.chicagoautowraps.com or call 815.933.6777 and ask for Steve.

Phil Splant and Xclusive Motorsports Racing Team would like to welcome back Party Linens by DeNormandie as sponsor for the #52 Late Model for the 2011 season.

Family owned and operated for over 100 years, DeNormandie Towel & Linen Supply Co. has become Chicago-land's premier supplier of towels, uniforms and table linens for all your special occasions/events.  The fourth and fifth generation of family members continue to carry on this family tradition.  "Big enough to serve you.... small enough to care".

Party Linens experienced party consultants will help and provide all your fine linen needs from casual parties, weddings, extravagant gala events and everything in between - from set up to clean up.

• Table Cloths
• Chair Covers
• Napkins
• Skirting
• and much more!

Party Linens sets your imagination free. Featuring dozens of the most popular contemporary and traditional designer prints, that you can mix and match with solid coordinates.  Just one of the many ways Party Linens provides a world of endless possibilities.  Call today for all your party needs at (773) 731-9281.

XL Motorsports received welcoming news with the renewal of Schepel Buick GMC Cadillac as sponsor of Phil Splant's No. 52 Chevy for the 2011 season.

"We look forward to continuing our relationship, creating new and fun ways to engage the fans" says Phil Splant.

Schepel Buick GMC Cadillac has been a staple in Northwest Indiana for over 42 years and is Chicago-land and Northwest Indiana's premier auto dealer.

Schepel is the largest Buick and GMC dealer and GM Certified Used Vehicle dealer in Chicago-land for over 17 years.

"Experience the Schepel Difference"

This is more than just a slogan.  It is a promise and commitment to provide exceptional customer service.  Schepel also has the largest GM parts inventory in the State of Indiana including its very own on-site dealer owned and managed body shop.

Schepel is located at 3209 W. Lincoln Highway, Merrillville, Indiana or call for an appointment at 219.769.6381.  Visit www.schepel.com.

Tuesday, December 7 - Join us Tuesday, December 7, at Buffa Louie's, 2124 45th Street in Highland for the "Adopt an Angel" program through the Salvation Army in conjunction with Z107.  Bring a toy and enter to win a cool prize from our race car sponsor - Buffa Louie's.  The race car will also be on location.  All you can eat wings after 4 p.m.!  For additional information visit www.z1071.com.

Saturday, August 27 - The #52 Limited Late Model had an unfortunate incident on the track in the first practice at Illiana Motor Speedway.  Another car entering the track for the practice session ended our day with serious damage to the rear-end that couldn't be fixed at the track - broken shock, trailing arm bracket and bent wheel.  So we loaded her up and brought her back to the shop to make a further evaluation.  We will definitely be back next weekend, but we will be running the Super Late Model division to get ready for the Bettenhausen on September 11th presented by Schepel GMC Commercial Truck Division. 

Thanks for your continued concern and support.  See you next Saturday night!

Phil Splant and the Xclusive Motorsports Race Team would like to welcome Comfort's Catering as a new associate sponsor for the #52 Limited Late Model.  "I speak on behalf of the entire race team, when I say how excited we are to have Comfort's Catering as a new sponsor," said Phil Splant.

Comfort's Catering of Saint John, IN provides all your catering needs from casual parties in your home to extravagant gala events.  Their experienced staff will tend to all your catering needs - from set up to clean up and everything in between - for the perfect event.

Comfort's Catering also offers a full breakfast and lunch menu Monday thru Friday and Sunday's from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.  They are located at 9585 North Industrial Drive, Saint John, IN or call 219.365.6506 to plan your future catering event.

Munster, IN (July 22, 2010) - The #52 Limited Late Model made a special appearance through the accommodations of the Munster Parks and Recreation Summer Camp Program on Thursday, July 22, to promote "Kids Night" at Illiana Motor Speedway on Saturday, July 24, 2010.  Children 6 thru 12 including his son Nathan, got the opportunity to check out the race car under the Lion's Pavilion at the Park.  There was a Q&A session and Andy the Armadillo from Texas Roadhouse also joined us to greet the kids and had a special treat for the kids and their moms and dads.

Nathan's Summer Camp Students

We would like to thank Jill, Trevor, and the Munster Parks & Recreation staff for their accommodations.