Spiering out of car, will spend 2010 working on engines

Former Pro Modified driver Carl Spiering will be behind the scenes in 2010, directing his attention on his engine-building business and other racing related projects, as well as providing tuning assistance to many of his ERD customers.

“Our focus right now is on engine building and track support,” said Spiering. With his Jordan Station, Ontario-based Engine Research & Development (ERD) facility, Spiering and his staff will continue to develop, build, and provide support in the performance engine arena. Along with engines for drag racing, ERD provides powerplants for dirt oval track, Sprint Car, tractor pull, and road racing applications.

Spiering and his team, Terry Vince and Rob Becker, have spent the winter focusing on the screw charger program for customers as well as competitive engines that will be running on unleaded fuel. Spiering said he will be concentrating on research and development for unleaded gas engines within the ERD shops. [5/3/2010]

Former St. Louis drag race promoter Jody Trover dies

Joseph E. “Jody” Trover, 67, passed away on Wednesday, April 28, in Belleville, Ill. Jody and his brother Phil took turns as promoter at the Madison, Ill., track when it was known as St. Louis International Raceway. Jody gave DRO editor, Jeff Burk, his first job as a track announcer almost 30 years ago.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 5, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Fairview Heights, Ill., with the funeral at 10 a.m. on Thursday. He is survived by his mother, his wife, Jeanette, four children, 13 grandchildren, a sister and brother Phil. [5/3/2010]