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Frenchie’s Chevrolet Presents Frenchie’s ‘Chevy Runs Deep’ Modified Series Race and Memorial Cup Plus Full Show at Mohawk International Raceway on Friday Night
AKWESASNE, NY – Last weekend’s season opener produced some great racing, and we look forward to doing it all over again this week as Frenchie’s Chevrolet presents the first round of the ‘Frenchie’s Chevy Runs Deep’ 358 Modified Series and Memorial Cup race, along with a full program for Sportsman, Pro Stocks, Mod Lites and Bandits.
Last year’s Frenchie’s Champion Billy Dunn will be back to defend his title as the ‘Chevy Runs Deep’ Series gets underway for 2013. Friday night’s 50 lap feature will also be the annual Memorial Cup event at MIR.
The Memorial Cup has been a huge part of Mohawk International Raceway dating back to the 1990 season. Barry Poitras and Roger Lalonde split the inaugural Memorial Cup event on the only year they had twin 20 lap features. Poitras also won the event in 1995. Dave Heaslip won in 1991, picking up his first of five Memorial Cup victories, also earning wins in 1997, 2004, 2005, and 2008. Randy Connors won in 1992 followed by back to back wins from Billy King in 1993 and 1994. Peter Mantha won the coveted trophy in 1996, Pierre Dagenais in 1998 and Bill “Moon” Mullin won back in the 1999 season. Vince Quennville, Joel Doiron, Mike Perrotte and Jeff Sykes won in 2000 to 2003, with invaders Danny Johnson and Tim Fuller stealing the local’s thunder with wins in 2006 and 2007. Carey Terrance went back to back in 2009 and 2010 with Memorial Cup wins, while more recent winners include Chris Raabe in 2011 and Dale Planck in 2012. Be sure to attend Mohawk International Raceway this Friday night to see who will add their name to the list of Memorial Cup winners.
Pit Gates and Spectator area will open at 4pm. Heat race action will get underway at 7:30pm. Pit Admission is $30 with DIRTcar License and $35 without. Grandstand Admission is only $20 with children 12 and under is just $5.
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VONDOHREN LOOKS TO GO 3 FOR 3 IN 30 LAP EXTRA MONEY EVENTS
MINERSVILLE, PA - MAY 22nd, 2013
Friday, May 24th, Big Diamond Speedway presents the third of five races this season for the 358 Modifieds going 30 laps and paying $3,000 to win/$300 to take the green. Also on the card will be the Sportsman, Roadrunners, and Street Stocks.
So far this season, Craig Von Dohren is perfect in these events, taking both of the 30 laps events run so far this season. Can he go three for three, or will two time winner Jeff Strunk, last weeks winner Frank Cozze, or one of many other Big Diamond hot shoes find themselves in victory lane when the dust settles? We'll find out Friday night when starter Galen Kohler waves the checked flag over the feature event.
First heat hits the track at 8:15 PM. The entire evenings events will be brought to you by Ken's Tire, with locations in Pottsville, Cressona, and Frackville.
The following Friday, May 31st, Big Diamond is pleased to welcome the TSRS 305 Sprint Cars to the speedway for the first of two shows this season. Led by defending champion Mike Haggenbottom, Rick Steif, Steve Wilson, Joe Lord, Tim Tanner, and a host of others, this group is sure to put on a fantastic race. Forty three cars have competed in this series to date in 2013, and it is a double points show this evening, so a great field of cars is expected. These cars may be a little slower than there 358/360/410 counterparts, but that doesn't take away from the racing excitement. The TSRS 305 Sprints offer clean, close, exciting racing for everyone to enjoy.
They will be joined on the racing card by the 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, Roadrunners, and the 600cc Modifeds, who will also be making their first appearance of the season.
Reminder that the next event on Little Diamond Speedway has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 9th at 2 PM. On the racing card that day will be the 600cc wingless Micro Sprints, 270cc Micro Sprints, and Slingshots. Grandstand admission is only $8.00 with kids 12 and under admitted for free.
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Sheppard wins Zavitz Financial Services 358 Modified Super DIRTcar Series 100 at Merrittville
Monday May 20, 2013 THOROLD, ONTARIO – Mat Sheppard won the Zavitz Financial Strategies 358 Modified Super DIRTcar Series 100 lap main event.
Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series action also saw Kevin Knapp win the Hoosier Stock Duel on the Dirt Big 6 Series Home Track Opener while Glen Hils took home the 1st Enduro Qualifier accelerated by Niagara College.
“I love coming to this place” Sheppard said in victory lane. “I just had to keep it smooth and the track was real racy and we had to stay on top of it”
Danny Johnson and Jimmy Phelps would lead the stout field of 358 Modifieds to the green flag for their 100 lap feature event with Phelps getting early race advantage over Johnson with Matt Sheppard, Pete Bicknell and Mat Williamson running inside the top five. Yellow lights came on for the first time on lap number two for Erick Rudolph spinning entering turn three. Randy Chrysler spun to avoid Rudolph.
The restart on lap six saw Phelps pull away from Johnson as Mike Bowman, winner of the Bob St. Amand Big Block Series race last August moved up from his eighth place starting spot to get into fourth by lap ten.
Bowman’s run to the front would come to a halt on lap 14 as he came to a stop to bring out the second caution of the night. The lap 18 restart would see Phelps once again using the outside to his advantage to clear Johnson. Lap 24 saw Phelps get passed for the lead by Sheppard after the Waterloo NY driver went to the top shelf to pass Phelps. The third caution came out on lap 25 as Chad Brachmann had a flat tire.
Sheppard would pass Phelps for the lead on lap 29 after the restart with Mat Williamson passing Johnson for third on lap 30. The yellow lights would go on once again on lap 36 as Pete Bicknell and Australian Peter Britten came together in turn one.
The lap 42 restart would see Phelps try everything he had to get underneath Sheppard but Super Matt would keep the lead and Danny Johnson would get underneath Phelps to take over second. The man on the move was Tim McCreadie, driving for Scott Kerwin, started 18th on the grid and was up to fifth by the halfway mark.
When the cross flags were displayed, Sheppard continued to show the way with Johnson, Phelps, Williamson and McCreadie running in the top five with three time defending Victoria Day race winner Brett Hearn running in sixth. Hearn started seventh on the original starting grid.
Hearn would get by McCreadie on lap 55 to take over fifth place as the leaders hit heavy lap traffic. Danny Johnson would go to work and get within five car lengths of Sheppard. Twenty five laps to go and Sheppard would still lead Johnson, Phelps, Williamson and Hearn.
Sheppard would continue to pick off lap cars with ease in the closing laps as no one had anything for the Xtreme Lubricants, FX Caprara Car Companies sponsored 9s.
Sheppard, Johnson and Jimmy Phelps were followed by 2012’s Series runner-up Williamson and McCreadie. After his mid race incident, Pete Bicknell returned to start in 29th and by lap 100 finished out in 7th spot.
BOBCAT OF HAMILTON DIRTcar 358 MODIFIED FEATURE (100 laps) Mat Sheppard, Danny Johnson, Jimmy Phelps, Mat Williamson, Tim McCreadie, Brett Hearn, Pete Bicknell, Chad Chevalier, Billy Dunn, Mario Clair, Chris Steele, Todd Gordon, Brandon Easey, Scott Wood, Danny O’Brien, David Hebert, Chad Brachmann, Jeremy Wilder, Bill Bleich, Randy Chrysler, Robbie Krull, Ryan Arbuthnot, Tommy Flannigan, Shayne Pierce, Carey Terrance, Zach Aubertine, Jeff Sykes, Peter Britten, Mike Bowman, Erick Rudolph, Mark D’Ilario.
Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modified Super DIRTcar Series Qualifying Results (Top 5 Qualify, Top 3 Redraw)
Heat 1 – Chris Steele, Chad Brachmann, Matt Sheppard, Paul Peter Britten, Erick Rudolph, Bill Bleich Jr, Jeremy Wilder, Stephane LaFrance, and Randy Chrysler
Heat 2 – Pete Bicknell, Bill Bleich Sr, Todd Gordon, Mario Clair, Tim McCreadie, Robbie Krull, David Hebert, Daniel Nadeau, Jeff Sykes, Brandon Easey
Heat 3 – Mat Williamson, Danny Johnson, Danny O’Brien, Billy Dunn, Mark D’llario, Fred Carleton, Shayne Pierce, Zach Aubertine, Carey Terrance, Chris Raabe
Heat 4 – Jimmy Phelps, Mike Bowman, Brett Hearn, Tommy Flannigan, Chad Chevalier, Ryan Arbuthnot, Tyler McPherson, Roger Chrysler, Travis Stacey
Consolation Races (Top 4 Advance to feature)
Consi #1 – Wilder, Easey, Hebert, Sykes, Randy Chrysler, Krull, LaFrance, Bleich Jr., Nadeau
Consi #2 - Wood, Arbithnot, Pierce, Aubertine, Carleton, Stacey
Time Trials: Mike Bowman 15.324 sec(Fast Time)
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Writenour and Grant Sr. back in victory lane after long waited period.
By Paul Harkenrider
(Woodhull NY)- It has been a while since you heard the former four time track champion, Glen Writenour, in the 360 late model division in victory lane. It has also been an even longer time since you heard Brian Grant Senior’s name in the Instant Heat Wood Pellets victory lane as well.
Glen Writenour, that lives just miles from the race track in Jasper, NY, battled with John Waters for the top spot, once Writenour passed Waters mid-way through the feature, it was all Writenour from there on out as he took the doubled checkered and won his feature in roughly over a year. Rounding out the top five was Waters, Wayne Robertson, Carl Hughes and Cecil LaBarron, respectively. Heats were granted to Bruce Miller and Waters.
Despite the very low car count, it still would probably have not stopped Brian Grant Sr. from cruising into victory lane as he started on the pole and no driver came close to give the long time driver a run for his money. Mechanical issues left current point leader in the Mini Stock class, Brandon Morseman, pit side for a majority of the race. Morseman however, did pick up the heat win. Rounding out the top five in the feature was Jason Gleason, Mike Navone, Rick Amidon, and John Hand.
In the Joe Wilcox Performance Street Stock Class, it was Teddy Morseman’s night to finally shine as he was coming just short of a victory the last three weeks. Finishing in the top five was; Kurt Stebbins, Rich Sharpsteen, Kane Stebbins, and Corey Costa. Heats were granted to Trevor Tompkins and Morseman.
The Insiginer performance 370 Modified’s had an exciting night of racing as they had just one caution and multiple exchanges for the top spot. After it was all said and done between Donnie Lawson, Dylan Dewert and Mike Bills, it was the Woodhull native himself, Donnie Lawson winning his first feature event in his 2013 racing campaign. In the top five were Bills, Dewert, Bobby Davis and Dale Welty. Heats were granted Dewert and Davis.
The NAPA Crate Sportsman were off to a great start before a rare power outage, on lap 6, occurred on the front straight away which delayed any type of racing activity on the track for roughly 30 minutes. After we went back to racing, a number of cautions occurred within the next couple of laps, which ended a number of cars night, early. In the feature, it was second generation star, Brett Buono winning his first feature of the year. In the top five, was Ray Smith, John Hargrave, Russell Morseman and Bobby Peoples.
In the last class of the evening, the Front Wheel drives performed yet another great race. Winning his 2nd feature of the 2013 season, it was Matt Prescott. On the very last lap, Cody Baker challenged Prescott for the lead on the last lap, but lap traffic on turns 3&4 factored into the situation and Prescott was able to come away with the win. Rounding out the top five was Baker, Wesley Houghtaling, Carl LeBarron, and Dan Mitchell. Heats were granted to LeBarron and Prescott.
Next weekend, we have a two night special when Friday night, the Super Late Models will make their one and only appearance up on the high banks, along with them is the BRP Can AM Series, NAPA crate Sportsman and Front Wheel Drive, Then on Saturday, it is a Regular Big 6 Show, with a 35 Lap, 370 Modified Special. Gates both nights open at 4:30 and racing action on 6:30.
370 Modifieds Feature: Donnie Lawson (1), Mike Bills, Dylan Dewert, Bobby Davis, Dale Welty, Billy VanPelt, Frank Dunning, Kenny Peoples Jr, Kevin Chilson, Brian Doolittle, Bryce Davis, Casey Pavlick, Joe Dgein, Josh Nobriga, Ron White, Don Lawson, Lee Bills, Vern Wasson, Dave Dubois, Steve Hartman Jr, Brian Butler
Crate Sportsman Feature: Brett Buono (1) Ray Smith, Russell Morseman, Bobby Peoples, Chris Daugherty, Bob Buono, Collin Brown, Scott Waters, Connor Brown, Dillon Groover, Josh Keesey, James Howard, Larry Keegan, Jake Dgein, Doug Kline, Rod Mullen
360 Late Models Feature: Glen Writenour (1), John Waters, Wayne Robertson, Carl Hughes, Cecil Lebarron, Bruce Miller, Jeremy Wonderling, Frank Lebarron, Jaye McConnell, Buck Payne, Steve Lebarron, Clint Button, Mick Seely, Freddy Amann, Jerry Wilson
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Big Diamond Speedway
358 Modifieds
1. Craig VonDohren 1397
2. Jeff Strunk 1343
3. Doug Manmiller 1284
4. Meme DeSantis 1231
5. Kevin Albert Jr. 1154
6. Frank Cozze 1122
7. Ray Swinehart 1075
8. Dale Hartz 981
9. Brad Arnold 915
10. Kevin Smith 900
Sportsman Modified
1. Kevin Beach Jr. 1427
2. Ray Woodall Jr. 1392
3. Jared Umbenhauer 1382
4. Billy Moyer Jr. 1353
5. Mike Glass 1171
6. Tim Fitzpatrick 1122
7. Mike Lisowski 1059
8. Wayne Witmer 967
9. oug Hendricks 954
10. AJ Gerhart 922
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RAIN SHOWERS WIPE OUT SATURDAY RACING AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY FOR SECOND WEEK IN A ROW
BECHTELSVILLE, PA May 18, 2013 .. . First it was cold weather and now wet weather is impacting weekly NASCAR stock car racing at Grandview Speedway.
For the second Saturday in a row rain washed out the scheduled NASCAR stock car racing tripleheader. "We had showers coming down for about an hour and planned to wait it out," said track owner Bruce Rogers. "Then the rain turned heavier and the radar indicated it would be going on into the evening so we felt it best for fans and racers to cancel."
PBGW Accounting of Colmar was scheduled to be the sponsor for the night. A new date for their sponsorship will be scheduled.
Early season race events have been hampered by unseasonably cold weather and now two straight weeks of being rained out. It has everyone hoping for improved weather conditions for the Saturday, May 25th show. That tripleheader card of racing will include the NASCAR 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman stock cars with racing starting at 7:30 p.m.
Outlaw Enduro racing and Blast from the Past Vintage cars will be in action on Sunday (May 19th) at 1 p.m. There will be two 100-lap features for the Enduro cars while the Vintage cars race in qualifying events and two 15-lap features. Adult admission is $7 while youngsters under the age of 11 will be admitted free. Two lucky youngsters will get to wave the green for the Enduro features.
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Burley, Wills, score modfied wins at Ransomville, Kerwin wins held-over race
Ransomville, NY – Friday, May 17, 2013 – A total of ninety-eight cars filled the pit area last Friday night at Ransomville Speedway set to entertain a grandstand full of race fans. It was a picture perfect day weather wise as bright blue skies greeted all as they entered the Western New York half mile dirt oval.
Todd Burley of Spencerport, NY turned his season around last Friday as he captured the win in the Mighty Taco Modified thirty lap feature main. To say Burley has had a tough start to the season would be an understatement. A blown rear-end on opening week followed by a blown motor on the second week. His luck couldn’t get much worse. Burley certainly showed why he has multiple Modified championships under his belt last Friday as he topped the field in a big way and claimed his first win since2011. Burley took the lead away from Steve Schumacher on lap ten and never looked back. Schumacher came home in second followed by Tommy Flannagan, Ryan Susice, and Pete Bicknell.
Allan Wills of Ransomville, NY took the lead away from James Henry on a late race caution and held it the remaining distance of the twenty-five lap Investor’s Services feature main. Wills had to contend with Billy Coleman in the late going but would hold on aboard his #111 Got Milk sponsored entry. Wills became the third different winner of the 2013 season. Coleman finished his season best in second followed by Scott George, Henry, and Kevin Wills. Henry had led the early going aboard his Norampac sponsored #21.
Scott Kerwin of Newfane, NY took the Blue Cross/Blue Shield of WNY and National Maintenance Contracting Corporation sponsored machine to the win in the rained out feature main from May 10th. Kerwin took the lead away from John Smith on lap three and would maintain the point position through the final thirty laps. Having suffered a bit of a dismal start to 2013, the BCL Racing team certainly turned things around last Friday and visited victory lane. Kerwin has won titles at the Big R in three different divisions – if her were to win one in the 358 Modifieds as well – he would certainly make history. Erick Rudolph came from the back of the pack to finish in second aboard his Snyder Industries sponsored #25 followed by defending champion Pete Bicknell, Rich Vinson, and Ricky Richner.
MODIFIED FEATURE FINISH – –TODD BURLEY, Steve Schumacher, Tommy Flannigan, Ryan Susice, Pete Bicknell, Jeff McGinnis, Chad Brachmann, Robbie Krull, Brian Sage, Erick Rudolph, Ricky Richner, Scott Kerwin, Justin Wright, John Smith, Nick Joy, Steve Miller, Rich Vinson, and Phil Vigneri Jr. Brian Sage and Ryan Susice.
MODIFIED FEATURE FINISH (May 10th) – SCOTT KERWIN, Erick Rudolph, Pete Bicknell, Rich Vinson, Ricky Richner, Justin Wright, Ryan Susice, Chad Brachmann, Brian Sage, Robbie Krull, Todd Burley, Jeff McGinnis, Steve Schumacher, Tommy Flannagan, Steve Miller, John Smith, Nick Joy, Pat Vigneri, and Phil Vigneri Jr.
SPORTSMAN FEATURE FINISH –ALLAN WILLS, Billy Coleman, Scott George, James Henry, Kevin Wills, Justin Sharp, Don Spatorico, Jesse Cotriss, Mike Williams, James Michael Friesen, Nate Reynolds, Adam Hilton, Matt Farnham, Chrs Burek, Bob Winters, Brett Martin, Boyd MacTavish, Phil Vigneri III, Greg Martin, Derrick Borkenhagen, Jim Zimmerman, and Ken Washburn. Heat Winners – Greg Martin, Billy Coleman, and Jesse Cotriss.
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COZZE WINS 1st OF SEASON IN MODIFIEDS, BEACH TAKES 2ND OF YEAR IN SPORTSMAN, BECKER WINS ROADRUNNERS, STREET STOCKS TO WALLS
MINERSVILLE, PA - MAY 18th, 2013
Frank Cozze was finally able to shake off some early season gremlins to park the Norm Hansell #357 car in victory at Big Diamond Speedway on Friday evening.
Ricky Yetter bolted into the lead from his pole starting spot, followed by Brad Arnold and Kevin Albert Jr. Yetter was able to hold on to the top spot despite three caution flags in the events first fives laps. Following a lap five restart, the event went clean and green the rest of the way. Yetter still led after the resart, but Cozze, Craig Von Dohren, and Duane Howard were quietly moving forward from their 5th, 12th, and 11th starting positions respectively. By the events halfway mark, Cozze began applying pressure to Yetter, but each time Yetter would prevail. At the same time, Von Dohren and Howard had a spirited battle going on for the 3rd and 4th positions that had the fans on their feet. Coming down to take the two to go signal, Cozze was finally able to clear Yetter and take over the top spot. From there Cozze was able to drive home to the checkered flag for his first ever Big Diamond Speedway victory in the 358 Modifieds, and 2nd of his career at the track. Von Dohren and Howard were able to get by Yetter on the final lap for the 2nd and 3rd positions, followed by Yetter and Albert. Meme Desantis, Jeff Strunk, who came from the rear after an early race spin, Doug Manmiller, Dale Hartz, and Andy Burkhart rounded out the top ten positions.
Wayne Witmer led the Sportsman feature early from his front row spot, followed closely by AJ Gerhart and Doug Hendricks. Hendrick's night ended on lap three after slight contact with Gerhart coming off turn two broke something in his cars front end. Andy Cozze did a slow rollover in turn three coming down to complete lap eight which led to red flag conditions on the speedway. Cozze was shaken, but otherwise fine from the incident. On the restart, Witmer continued to lead, but Kevin Beach was a man on a mission from his tenth starting position. Beach was able to wrestle the top spot away from Witmer on lap number twelve, and drove away to his second win of the season at the track. Ray Woodall Jr. and Billy Moyer Jr. were able to get by Witmer late in the race for the 2nd and 3rd spots, followed by Witmer and Mike Lisowski, winner last time the Sportsman raced at the track. Corey Renninger, Robin Schultz, Jared Umbernhauer, Harry Landis, and Heath Metzger rounded out the top ten spots.
Jeremy Becker was able to take the win in the Roadrunner division after the top four drivers at the time were eliminated in a crash late in the race. Something appeared to break on leader Kyle Killian's car going into turn one, slowing it considerably and leaving Glenn Rowan, Terry Kramer Jr. and Andrew Fayash III with nowhere to go. All four cars were eliminated from the event. Killian was shaken and taken to a local hospital, but later released. Becker was followed very closely by Jim Kost, TJ Fitzpatrick, Devin Trexler, and Tim Fitzpatrick Jr.
Mike Walls was the victor in the 20 lap Street Stock event, followed by Randy Zechman, Scott Thunberg, Marc Berzowski, and Jeff Haag. Mike Kiehl crossed the line in 3rd, but failed post race tech.
The entire evenings events were run with heavy hearts after last Sunday's tragic death of popular competitor Andy Fayash Jr. Announcer Tim Pitts provided an emotional speech regarding Andy before the prayer and national anthem that had tears in the eyes of everyone that knew Andy. Most every competitor displayed an American flag on the back of their car during the evenings events as a tribute to Andy. That was always a trademark on any vehicle Andy ever raced. Andy will be sorely missed by everyone at Big Diamond Speedway.
Racing returns to Big Diamond Speedway next Friday, May 24th with a 30 lap event for the ZY Pyrotechnics 358 Modifieds paying $3,000 to win and $300 to take the green. This is third or five events this season paying $3,000 to win, and so far Craig Von Dohren is two for two. Also on the card will be the Sportsman, Roadrunners, and Street Stocks. First heat hits the track at 8:15 PM. The entire evenings events will be brought to you by Ken's Tire, with locations in Pottsville, Cressona, and Frackville.
The following week on Friday, May 31st, the 358 Modifieds will be joined by the Sportsman, Roadrunners, Street Stocks, and 305 Sprint Cars.
358 Modifieds (25aps) 1)Frank Cozze 2) Craig Von Dohren 3) Duane Howard 4) Ricky Yetter 5) Kevin Albert Jr. 6) Meme Desantis 7) Jeff Strunk 8) Doug Manmiller 9) Dale Hartz 10) Andy Burkhart 11) Craig Whitmoyer 12) Brad Arnold 13) Ray Swinehart 14) Shawn Fitzpatrick 15) Nathan Klinger 16) Dan Hineline 17) AJ Desantis 18) Tim Buckwalter 19) Ron Haring Jr. 20) Jim Bobbitt Jr. 21) Kevin Smith 22) Donny Hartz
Sportsman modifieds (20 Laps) 1) Kevin Beach 2) Ray Woodall Jr. 3) Billy Moyer Jr. 4) Wayne Witmer 5) Mike Lisowski 6) Corey Renninger 7) Robin Schultz 8) Jared Umberhauer 9) Harry Landis 10) Heath Metzger 11) Charles Fayash 12) Brandon Whitmoyer 13) Jared Siegfried 14) AJ Gerhart 15) Joe Mooney 16) Mike Glass 17) Andy Cozze 18) Tim Fitzpatrick 19) Jason James 20) Colt Harris 21) Kevin Brady 22) Doug Hendricks DNS) Josh Hertzog, Mark Behm
Roadrunners (20 Laps) 1) Jeremy Becker 2) Jim Kost 3) TJ Fitzpatrick 4) Devin Trexler 5) Tim Fitzpatrick Jr. 6) Bill Wingle Jr. 7) Kyle Wingle 8) Kyle Killian 9) Marc Berzowski 10) Andrew Fayash III 11) Glenn Rowan 12) Terry Kramer Jr. 13) Kris Ney 14) Shon Elk 15) Chris Holland 16) Tim Spesak 17) Joe Kavanaugh 18) Brian Buchinski 19) Bill Wingle Sr. 20) Marty Purcell DNS) Jon Schluach, John Whyne
Anthracite Coal Delivery Street Stocks (20 Laps) 1) Mike Walls 2) Randy Zechman 3) Scott Thunberg 4) Marc Berzowski 5) Jeff Haag 6) Michelle Walls 7) Jeremy Becker 8) Jason Geesaman 9) Dustin Hollinger 10) Chip Kennedy DQ) Mike Kiehl
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BRICO TECHNOLOGIES PRESENTS THE ANNUAL FIREMAN’S APPRECIATION NIGHT AT THE WOODHULL RACEWAY
(Woodhull, NY) For BRICO Technologies President, Brian Adams the Woodhull Raceway is a perfect way to market the many products and services that BRICO has to offer. Thru an aggressive sponsorship package with the track in addition to helping out numerous race teams, Adams and company are the regions leader in two way communications. Weather it is at the Woodhull Raceway, several Steuben and surrounding area town and county highway departments or the many companies involved with the Marcellus Shale Drilling operations in Pennsylvania, BRICO has become a household name throughout the Twin Tiers.
BRICO Technologies will once again present the Annual Fireman’s Appreciation Night at Woodhull on Saturday, June 1, 2013 as the track will begin its second full month of race competition for the 2K13 seasons.
“As with many of our current customer base, we have a tremendous relationship with several of the fire departments all across the Southern Tier as well as the northern corridor of Pa. and we always look forward to the Fireman’s Night of sponsorship at Woodhull, stated Adams from his Elmira office. It is imperative that we provide cutting edge technology for the thousands of full time and volunteer firefighters across the region as they depend on our services to save lives.”
As they have for well over a decade, any card carrying fireman, firewoman, junior firefighter, EMT, First Alert or rescue person will be granted free General Admission to the track on June 1 with gates opening at 4:30 and racing at 6:30 pm.
Any fire company is encouraged to bring trucks or any specialized equipment to the track for display purposes.
BRICO Technologies, the Official Two Way Communication Supplier of the Woodhull Raceway has two locations in both Elmira and Wellsville. Interested parties can learn more by logging on at www.bricotech.com.
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PBGW ACCOUNTING TRIPLEHEADER SET AT GRANDVIEW, FIRST 100 PAYING MOMS WILL STILL GET FLOWERS
BECHTELSVILLE, PA May 16, 2013 . . . Despite the rainout last Saturday night the first 100 paying Moms through the main spectator gate will still get their beautiful Mother’s Day wooden roses courtesy of Unique Creations by Lisa this Saturday night.
The Saturday night show, sponsored by PBGW Accounting of Colmar, will include the NASCAR 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman stock cars. Racing will start at 7:30 p.m. with spectator gates open at 5:30 p.m. As has become a weekly attraction a driver meet and greet will take place at the main gate just as they open and will feature a driver from each division along with their race car.
Adult admission is $15 while youngsters 12 and under will be admitted for FREE.
Heading up the action will be the point leaders in each division and they are Duane Howard (Modifieds), Mike Kellner (Late Models) and Craig Whitmoyer (Sportsman).
At least 14 events of racing will be featured in the Saturday night show.
The oldest active auto racing fan club in the nation, the Checkered Flag Fan Club, will be on hand to honor feature winners along with solicit memberships for this organization. Their injured driver fund has done a great deal for racers and families that faced financial hardships.
On Sunday, May 19th, 1 p.m. the Outlaw Enduros will be in action with two 100-lap main events along with the Blast from the Past Vintage cars racing in qualifying events and two 15-lap features. Adult admission is $7 while kids 11 and under are admitted FREE. Two youngsters will be chosen to wave the green flag for the Enduro features.
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Racing Resumes Saturday at Mercer Raceway Park
Mercer, PA (May 14, 2013): Racing will resume this Saturday, May 18, at Mercer Raceway Park. It will be the third round in the championship fights in all divisions. And, because of last week's inclement weather, the special presentation of a motorized all-terrain wheelchair to Cowboy Brian Steinman will take place at intermission time.
Brandon Spithaler and Danny Holtgraver copped the wins in the pair of 410 Sprint Car mains staged for Luxaire Heating & Cooling and New Wilmington Motors. However, Jack Sodeman, Jr. has the early points lead due to his consistent finishes. Scott Priester is just a single marker behind, while defending champion Eric Williams and Dan Kuriger are within striking distance of the leader. Bill Jones, Jr. holds down fifth in the standings. Others in the top ten include Adam Kekich, Chris Best, Bob McMillen, Brandon Matus and Dennis Wagner.
With one win under his belt, Lonny Riggs has a ten point margin over Andy Paden in the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds. J.R. McGinley, Jeff Schaffer and Frank Guidace complete the top five. Matt Reeher, Kyle Fink, Makayla Guidace, Tommy Marshall, III and Eric Beggs are just some of the other pilots who will be fighting for the win. Despite winning opening night, Gary Smoker is outside the top ten in points, as he skipped round two.
In the Bonnel's Collision Center Outlaw Sprint Warriors, Michael Bauer leads the way over defending champion Joe McEwen. Jason Scoville, Greg Dobrosky and Jacob Lagastee are close behind them. Top runners Jim Morris and C.J. Jones need a little good luck to climb back into contention. Tom Sanders, Andy Feil, and New Yorker Chris Graves round out the top ten. Feature wins in 2013 belong to Bauer and Scoville.
There have been three different winners in the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars, points leader Bob Schwartzmiller, defending champ Rusty Moore and invader Chris Schneider. Resting in third place in the standings is Andy Thompson. Leigh Wheeler and Curtis Bish are fourth and fifth.
Tyler Frankenberry and Cody Bova have captured the two victories in the Modified Lites presented by Big Daddy's Speed Center and Rock Concrete, so it is no surprise that they lead the way in that division. Shane Pfeuffer is on the hunt for his first track championship and he's currently ranking third. Veteran Bill Stivason and Cory Webb are fourth and fifth. Darin Gallagher, a former champion, is in sixth place so far.
Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles are the proud sponsors of the Mini Stocks. Jamey Lee, with a single win, is at the head of the class. Defending champion Steve Longwell, Jr., Mike McConnell, Tyler Fulton and Dan Bish could move up in the rankings with a top finish or two. The other winner in 2013 was Jerry Batcher.
Gates will open at 4, with practice at 6:30 and racing at 7. Come out early to grab your favorite seats!
For the Saturday Night Live! racing program, adults will be admitted for $13, seniors (age 60+) for $11, and students (ages 9-18) for $5. Children (ages 8 and under) are always free. The popular Family Pass will be $28, which is good for two adults and four minors of any age. Pit Passes will be $25.
Coming up over the Memorial Day weekend will be a pair of special events. The B.O.S.S. wingless Sprint Cars will take to the oval on Saturday, May 25, along with five other classes. Then, on Sunday, May 26, the pulling pit will feature the All-American Spring Nationals World Championship Pulling event. The pull will have a raindate of May 27.
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Mohawk International Raceway Set for 2013 Season Opener This Friday Night as Mac’s Marina Presents a Full Program
AKWESASNE, NY – After a long off-season, Mohawk International Raceway is ready to get the 2013 season started this coming Friday night as Mac’s Marina Presents a full racing program featuring the 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, Pro Stocks, Mod Lites and Bandits.
The 358 Modifieds will battle for 25 laps in their opening night main event, while the Sportsman and Pro Stocks will battle for 20 laps. The Mod Lites will compete in a 12 lap feature and the Bandits will race for 10 laps to decide their opening night winner.
Pit Gates and Spectator area will open at 4pm. Heat race action will get underway at 7:30pm. Pit Admission is $25 with DIRTcar License and $30 without. Grandstand Admission is only $12 with children 12 and under admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
Racing action continues at MIR throughout May with the first round of the Frenchie’s “Chevy Runs Deep” 358 Modified Series on Friday, May 24th, and Hometown Auto – Driver Autograph Night on Friday, May 31st.
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Rudolph and Knapp score first wins of Season in Lococo’s Night at Merrittville – Pelrine, Sliter and Rouse bag double up
Sunday May 12, 2013 THOROLD, ONTARIO – Race Fans that braved the unseasonably cold temperatures were treated to a night of hot on track action that in some cases led to overheated tempers.
Third generation driver Erick Rudolph and Kevin Knapp scored their first 2013 wins in Lococo’s Wholesale Night at Merrittville Saturday May 11th in the Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modified and Hoosier Stock Divisions respectively.
Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series action also saw three drivers make their second straight visits to Victory Lane – Kyle Pelrine, Josh Sliter and Brad Rouse in the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lites and the Rick’s Delivery Sportsman Features.
“We have been working more than a year to get this one,” thanked Erick Rudolph in Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modified Victory Lane for the first time in his career, “thanks to my crew and my sponsors – you had to be passive and aggressive at the same time. Now we have to be here when it’s a dry and slick!”
It has probably been close to 25 years since a Rudolph has been in Victory Lane at the Thorold facility and Erick’s dad – former racer Charlie was one of the first to congratulate him.
Around the halfway point and beyond of the 35 lap event, Rudolph and then leader Mike Bowman staged quite a battle for the lead with Chris Steele also in the fray.
The first serious challenge by Rudolph came on lap 20 after pulling alongside Bowman with Steele challenged by Scott Wood. With Bowman running high and Rudolph low – both drivers were looking for the advantage – one that Rudolph found on lap 23 after taking the lead. Caution on lap 25 would slow the pace. Again the two front-runners were side by side until Bowman regained top spot only to be slowed once again.
Rudolph was able to power back past Bowman for good with Pete Bicknell taking control of second on lap 28. The 22 time points champion still looking for his first win of the season could not catch Rudolph by the Checkered Flag however.
Initial leader Todd Gordon was put back two spots on a early caution for a multicar incident after jumping on the initial start.
While waiting to take the field back to green while under red, soon to be leader Mark D’Ilario was discovered to have a broken shock tower but chose to continue. Bowman would take control of top spot when action resumed until a lap 6 caution after Gordon slowed after loosing a front shock and spring.
Bowman regained control until Steele took control before a Turn 4 incident involving Bill Bleich and Larry Lampman slowed the pace quickly once more.
There was lots of activity on the Lucas Oil Live Leaderboard as for three straight laps the lead changed hands between Bowman and Steele before settling on Bowman.
At the finish, Rudolph, Bicknell and Bowman were followed by Steele and Mat Williamson.
“You could almost go around here full steam tonight with the track in great shape,” relayed Kevin Knapp in Hoosier Stock Victory Lane, “it was a rough one last week but it helped us tonight for sure – we’ll take it.”
Knapp would out race fellow front row starter Bryce Richardson to the green flag at the start of the 20 lap event and by the lap 5 mark had opened up a huge lead.
Just prior to lap 10, Knapp would come up on slower cars. Just past the halfway point Richardson would soon be pressured by Peter Reid and quickly Reid would take over the runner-up spot.
With the entire distance run under green, the field could not catch the leader with Reid and Richardson settling for second and third. Brad Sheehan and Jason Fontaine rounded out the top 5.
“I was taught to look ahead … and look farther ahead – coming through traffic was pretty easy,” said two time Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Feature Winner Kyle Pelrine, “the crew has this car dialed in – it just stuck to the rail.”
The second win was not the only thing celebrated as with the schedule shuffled a little on account of the weather as Pelrine was also presented B&C Truck Centre Mack Canada Driver of the Week Honors.
Leroy Buscumb was first to lead the 15 lap Feature until Craig Coutu taking control to complete lap 2. Garnet Wilson dropped from second spot after slowing and pulling into the infield with Pelrine now in the runner up spot after starting in 15th.
Pelrine would catch the leader by lap 10 and by lap 11 – took the lead exiting Turn 4.
Through to the finish Pelrine would open up a lead of a half straightaway by lap 15.
Jason Coutu battled back to second with Rob Overholt coming from last to take third. Defending Champion Rocco Conte and rookie Kyle Rothwell closed out the top 5.
Ray Sliter was first to lead the 15 lap J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Feature until the field was about to complete the first lap when Randy Hollingshead became the new leader.
Eventually Josh Sliter would land in second spot and by the backstretch of lap 6 was in the lead. Hollingshead now had Jason Corless to contend with the that position changing hands on lap 9.
Sliter would drive away to a lead of half a straightaway in the caution-free event with Corless settling for second. Paul Klager would take third spot with Hollingshead and Kory Howe closing out the top 5.
“I think I was lifting the left rear I was driving it in so hard the track was so tacky,” informed 2 time 2013 J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Feature Winner Josh Sliter, “ can’t wait to bring out our 4th team car next week.”
Josh’s dad Ray Sliter was first to lead the 15 lap Feature for the first lap when Randy Hollingshead became the new leader.
Eventually Josh Sliter would land in second spot and by the backstretch of lap 6 was in the lead. Hollingshead now had Jason Corless to contend with the that position changing hands on lap 9.
Sliter would drive away to a lead of half a straightaway in the caution-free event with Corless settling for second. Paul Klager would take third spot with Hollingshead and Kory Howe closing out the top 5.
“It’s so competitive - you got to take chances,” said 2 time Rick’s Delivery Sportsman Feature Winner Brad Rouse, “sometimes they work … and sometimes they don’t. We’ll just keep plugging away – hopefully things will keep falling our way.”
Rouse would take his chance exiting Turn 4 to complete lap 16, rocketing past then leader Rob Knapp.
Rouse and Knapp were fighting for top spot while Paul Gaboury would face a challenge from Gary Lindberg before caution would calm things down on lap 20 after rookie Jordan Cosco slowed along the front-stretch coming to a stop on the infield Kart Track where he was a 2012 Champion.
Rouse chose the outside groove for the restart and regained the lead. Gaboury would take second from Knapp with Rouse opening up a comfortable lead before a multicar incident in Turn 4 of lap 23 set up a two lap dash to the finish.
Rouse resumed control of top spot with Gaboury trying to overtake the leader but by the finish Rouse opened a couple car length lead.
Robert Baker beat Charlie Lynch to the green flag before caution slowed the field right away after Joey Mastroianni slowed off the backstretch. Baker resumed control on the restart with Rob Knapp now in the runner spot.
Exiting Turn 4 to c omplete lap 5, Knapp powered underneath Baker and became the new leader with Paul Gaboury and Adam Leslie following through to round out the top 3. Caution would slow the pace for the first time on lap 12 after Travis Gagnon slowed in Turn 4.
At the finish Rouse was followed by Gaboury, Lindberg, Knapp and Greg Panunte.
BOBCAT OF HAMILTON DIRTcar 358 MODIFIED FEATURE (35 laps) Erick Rudolph, Pete Bicknell, Mike Bowman, Chris Steele, Mat Williamson, Scott Wood, Tyler McPherson, Chad Chevalier, Fred Carleton, Brandon Easey, Tommy Flannigan, Rob Krull, Billy Bleich, Jr., Shayne Pierce, Mark D’Ilario, Todd Gordon, Ken Winnfield, Bill Bleich, Larry Lampman.
RICK’S DELIVERY DIRTcar SPORTSMAN FEATURE – (25 laps) Brad Rouse, Paul Gaboury, Gary Lindberg, Rob Knapp, Greg Panunte, Cody McPherson, BJ Willard, Jason Farraway, Boyd MacTavish, Robert Baker, Adam Leslie, Justin Sharp, Dan Miller, Robbie Rounce, Joey Mastroianni, Jason Moore, Shawn Sliter, David Flannigan, Charlie Lynch, Ron MacAulay, Paul Williamson, Austin Wood, Jordan Cosco, Travis Miller. DNQ – Rob Clark, Gord McIntosh, Chris Bellamy, Derick Hodge.
UPCOMING AT MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY
Merrittville Speedway will celebrate Victoria Day with a Double Header that kicks off with a 5 Division Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Event Saturday May 18th, concluding Monday May 20th when Zavitz Financial Services and Employee Benefits presents the Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modifieds in a 100 lap Super DIRTcar Series Event plus Hoosier Stocks and the first Enduro Qualifier accelerated by Niagara College.
The Grandstand Gates open each night at 5:30. Showtime is 7:00.
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CONSISTENCY PAYS AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY, TIGHT POINT BATTLES EXIST AS NASCAR RACING CONTINUES ON SATURDAY
First 100 paying Moms receive arrangement of wood roses
BECHTELSVILLE, PA May 9, 2013 . . . Consistency has its rewards for stock car racers at Grandview Speedway on Saturday nights.
Going into this Saturday night’s tripleheader racing show, sponsored by Whelen Engineering, the top four in the NASCAR 358 Modified point standings are separated by less than 100 points. Duane Howard tops the standings with 1503 and two wins. Craig VonDohren is second with 1444 points and two wins.
Newcomer (to Grandview) Frank Cozze has no wins and he is third with 1415 points and nine time track champion Jeff Strunk, without a win at his hometown track, has 1407 points.
In the NASCAR Late Models Mike Kellner has a couple of wins and 1364 points while six time Late Model kingpin Chuck Schutz has one win and 1343 points. Just a 29 point difference.
And in the Sportsman division, Craig Whitmoyer, who races with the handicap of having just one arm, has no wins but leads the standings with 1351 counters. Brad Brightbill has tallied 1345 points without benefit of a win and defending Sportsman champion Jared Umbenhauer is in the battle for the title with 1273 counters and two wins.
Consistency is important at the one-third-mile, banked clay oval as is shown by the fact that there are non feature winners with consistent top five efforts that are in the battle for the lucrative championships early in the season.
This Saturday night, May 11, Whelen Engineering Night will feature exciting stock car racing action for the NASCAR 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman stock cars. At least 14 events of racing will be presented starting at 7:30 p.m.
The first 100 paying Moms through the front gate, opening at 5:30 p.m. will receive a unique arrangement of wooden roses created by Lisa Houck of Unique Creations by Lisa to celebrate Mother’s Day.
As has become a regular Saturday night attraction at Grandview there will be three drivers and there race cars at the main entrance as part of the weekly meet and greet starting at 5:30 p.m.
Adult admission is just $15 while youngster 12 and under are admitted FREE. Pit admission is $30, pits open at 4 p.m., and those entering the pits must have a NASCAR license.
Coming up on Saturday, May 18th is PBGW Accounting Night featuring the 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, May 19th, 1 p.m. the Outlaw Enduros will see action in two 100-lap events plus racing featuring the Blast from the Past Vintage cars in qualifying heats and two 15-lap features. Adult admission is $7 while children 11 and under are admitted free. Two lucky kids will win the opportunity to flag the start of one of the feature races.
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ANNUAL GEORGE WILLIAMS MEMORIAL TO KICKOFF THE 1ST HOLIDAY WEEKEND OF 2013 AT THE WOODHULL RACEWAY
Special 2 night affair set for Friday and Saturday, May 24 and 25, 2013
(Woodhull, NY) For the second consecutive year, the Woodhull Raceway will offer a huge two consecutive nights of racing to commerate the first official holiday season of the year.
For decades the George Williams Memorial has laid its claim to the Memorial Day Weekend with the intent of saluting the founding father of the historic Steuben County oval. With a successful background current Woodhull owner/promoter, Ted White will once again stage a two night affair to make the George Williams Memorial weekend a must see event.
With a schedule change in 2K13 the ULMS Super Late Models will make their first ever appearance at Woodhull in the merry month of May as the alcohol burning, fire breathing, monsters of the midway will compete on Friday night , May 24. For well over 20 years the Super Late Models has raced at Woodhull in the month of August. Also on the card it will be the second of five appearances of the year at Woodhull for the Gary Montgomery led BRP Can Am 360 Late Model Series. The NAPA Crate Sportsman along with a 50 lap Front Wheel Drive feature will round out night one of the jam packed weekend. The Friday, May 24 show will be presented by S&W Awards and Photos of Corning, a long time associate of the ULMS Super Late Model Show at Woodhull.
Then on Saturday, May 25 Griffith Energy along with the Elkland Moose will sponsor a Regular Big 6 Show featuring all of Woodhull’s weekly classes of competition including the traditional 35 lap feature for the Insinger Performance 370 Modifieds.
Gates for both Friday and Saturday open at 4:30 with racing at 6:30 both nights.
Race fans and drivers should be reminded that there is Free Camping all weekend long with a variety of grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations well within a 10 mile radius of the track.
For more information including ticket prices as well as directions to the track simply log on at www.woodhullraceway.com.
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358-Modified Series Jump-Starts with Back-to-Back Shows in Ontario
Small Block Series Racers Set out to Conquer Premier Merrittville Speedway and Cornwall Motor Speedway in Opening Races
WEEDSPORT, N. Y. - May 8, 2013 - The DIRTcar 358-Modified Series revs up north of the border with back-to-back races at Ontario tracks. The series opens Sunday, May 19, at Cornwall Motor Speedway in Cornwall, Ontario, and heads west to take on the 3/8-mile clay oval at Merrittville Speedway in Thorold, Ontario, Monday, May 20.
"Feel the Excitement": 358-Modifieds Open at Cornwall
The first of the two races promises a night of excitement for the fans as the DIRTcar 358-Modified Series competitors present opening night for the series and for Cornwall Motor Speedway's 2013 season. The Minute Auto Wash Canadian Nationals presented by Gaetan's Chip Stand on Sunday, May 19, features a 100-lap DIRTcar 358-Modified Series feature, a 40-lap Mohawk Racing Parts Pro Stock Series feature, plus Sportsman, Semi Pro and Mini Stock weekly divisions.
Many weekly competitors in the 358-Modified division at Cornwall Motor Speedway agree that their home track's high-banked quarter-mile clay oval is a thrilling place to race.
"It's a real fast, small, high-banked track with multiple groves of racing even when it's dried out, you can run the top, the bottom, the middle," said driver of the No. 151kb Brian McDonald, who ranked seventh in track points at Cornwall in 2012 and 10th in points for the series."It's definitely a very exciting place to watch racing - it's very fast-paced even when the track is slowed down or a little slick."
McDonald aims to continue running Cornwall Motor Speedway on a weekly basis in 2013, while also running at Brockville Ontario Speedway as a home track and following the DIRTcar 358-Modified Series.
"We didn't do the whole thing last year, just hit or miss," McDonald said of the series, "but we had a few decent finishes so if we do the whole thing we may do well in points."
Adult general admission tickets are just $25 for the DIRTcar 358-Modified Series opener at Cornwall Motor Speedway, located just across the Seaway International Bridge. Racing starts at 7 p.m. and gates open at 5:30 p.m.
For more information, visit the track website at www.cornwallspeedway.com or call (613) 938-3945. Follow Cornwall Speedway on Twitter, @cornwalspeedway, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CornwallMotorSpeedway.
D-Track Debut: Round 2 at Merrittville
The excitement won't end Sunday, with 358-Modified Series racers wheeling southwest from Cornwall to take on the challenging Merrittville Speedway in Thorold, Ontario, the very next day. The Monday, May 20, race night, presented by Zavitz Financial Strategies & Employee Benefits, features a 100-lap DIRTcar 358-Modified Series event plus a Hoosier Stock duel and the first Enduro Qualifier.
Track owner and 23-time 358-Modified Merrittville track champion Pete Bicknell said that even the series' best have their work cut out for them on the D-shaped 3/8-mile banked clay track.
"It's probably one of the hardest tracks to figure out because turn 4 is so tricky," said Bicknell, whose experience at Merrittville and in the 358-Modified division has earned him the nickname "Mr. Small Block." "It just takes experience. It takes lots of laps to figure out. It's something that very few people can come and adapt to right away."
"They say if you can race well at Merrittivllle, you can race well anywhere," Bicknell contended.
On his way to proving that mantra is Merrittville's own Mat Williamson. The 6m pilot collected six top-five finishes out of 12 starts in last year's DIRTcar 358-Modified Series to finish second in points. In track points at Merrittville, Williamson fell just 14 points of the top spot - held, of course, by Pete Bicknell. This year the 23-year-old Williamson is at it again, already first in track points and ready to take on the series.
"I'm pretty excited to have a 358 race start off the year at my home track," Williamson said. "Hopefully we can get in a good run at home and start campaigning on the series in the points battle."
After a successful 2012 season at Merrittville plus success last year at Cornwall making two top-five finishes out of two starts, Williamson hopes these first series races at a couple of his strongest tracks will fuel some momentum going into the DIRTcar 358-Modified Series.
"We run good at Cornwall," Williamson said. "I don't think that we can go there and go to Merrittville and not have a good couple nights on the series. We're still looking for our first series win, so hopefully between those two races we can get it."
Williamson, of St. Catharines, Ontario, said he is also looking forward to some Big-Block Modified shows, and is preparing several Super DIRTcar Series events. Last year, he racked up one top-five finish and two top-tens out of his two starts in the Big-Block Modified tour. Nonetheless, he said the small block still takes precedence in 2013.
"We're going to kind of see where we're sitting in points," Williamson said. "We were going to see if we could solve both series, but there are some conflicting dates so that's where we're going to focus on the 358 tour."
For the second race of the DIRTcar 358-Modified Series, pit gates open at 4 p.m., front gates at 5:30 p.m., and racing begins at 7 p.m. For more information, visit the track website at www.merrittvillespeedway.com or call (905) 829-8266. For the latest news about Merrittville Speedway, follow the track's Twitter updates, @Merrittville, and "like" the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/groups/merrittvillespeedway.
For the latest news and updates about the DIRTcar 358-Modified Series and the other DIRTcar Northeast traveling tours, including the Super DIRTcar Series, follow @DIRTcarNE on Twitter, "like" the DIRTcar Racing Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pages/DIRTcar-Racing/286953054655394. The full DIRTcar 358-Modified Series is available by visiting www.dirtcarump.com/schedule/10844-2.
AT A GLANCE
What: DIRTcar 358-Modified Series Round 1
Minute Auto Wash Canadian Nations presented by Gaetan's Chip Stand
Divisions: DIRTcar 358-Modified Series (100 laps)
Mohawk Racing Parts Pro Stock Series (40 laps)
Sportsman
Semi Pro
Mini Stock
When: 7 p.m. Sunday, May 19
Where: Cornwall Motor Speedway, Civic #16981, Cornwall Centre Road, Long Sault, Ontario
About the Track: High-banked quarter-mile clay oval
For more information: www.cornwallspeedway.com or (613) 938-3945
What: DIRTcar 358-Modified Series Round 2
Zavitz Financial Strategies & Employee Benefits presents a 100-lap DIRTcar 358-Modified Series event plus Hoosier Stock Duel and Enduro Qualifier No. 1 accelerated by Niagara College
Divisions: DIRTcar 358-Modified Series (100 laps)
Hoosier Stock Duel
Enduro qualifier
When: 7 p.m. Monday, May 20
Where: Merrittville Speedway, 2371 Merrittville Highway, Thorold, Ontario
About the Track: 3/8-mile banked clay track, unique D-shape
For more information: www.merrittvillespeedway.com or (905) 829-8266
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Big Diamond Speedway
358 modified points
1. Craig Von Dohren 1100
2. Jeff Strunk 1093
3. Doug Manmiller 1048
4. Meme Desantis 974
5. Ray Swinehart 886
6. Kevin Albert Jr. 884
7. Frank Cozze 813
8. Kevin Smith 795
9. Dale Hartz 754
10. Brad Arnold 717
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Rocco Infante Wins Modified First at NES, Godown Takes Nightcap
New Egypt, NJ (Apr. 20, 2013) – Rocco Infante of Robbinsville, NJ & Ryan Godown of Ringoes, NJ split the twin 20 lap 358 Modified features on Craftmaster Printing night at New Egypt Speedway Saturday. Infante lead the entire non-stop opening event as he picked up his first ever Modified victory. In the second event, Godown inherited the lead when leader Jimmy Blewett was penalized two spots for going too soon on a restart during the first half of the event. He then took full advantage of it as he cruised to his second win of the season.
Infante grabbed the lead at the start of the first 20 lapper as John Stangle took up the chase. Fifth starter Sammy Piazza quickly raced into third as these three drove away from the field. Meanwhile 9th starter Billy Pauch was quickly slicing thru traffic as he moved into the top five by lap 6 and was fourth at halfway. Infante raced 8-10 car lengths out in front as Stangle and Piazza charged after him but it was not meant to be as the all-time leader in Sportsman wins cruised to his first Modified triumph. Stangle and Piazza crossed the line next followed by Pauch who was right on Piazza’s rear bumper at the finish. Modified rookie Tim Apgar rounded out the top five.
The second feature found Jimmy Blewett grabbing the lead from his pole starting position as Godown and Pauch were hot on his heels. Blewett survived several restarts and looked like he may become the 7th different winners in as many events, however before halfway Blewett fired too early as he brought the field to green and was put bacvk two positions, the standard punishment for going before the start area marked by two cones in turn four. This moved Godown and Pauch to the front row. Godown not only held off Pauch on the restart but he pulled away over the final 5 laps to take his second win of the 2013 campaign. Pauch was second as he got back by seventh starting John Stangle with two laps remaining. Stangle appeared to finish third and be the overall best finisher on the night, however following the event he was 18 lbs. light at the scale and was DQ’d. Blewett settled for third, followed by 14th starting David Van Horn and Neal Williams in fifth.
Jim Housworth passed race long leader Steve Davis with 4 laps to go and went on to win his first feature at New Egypt in the Sportsman division in the 20 lap event. Davis ran a very good race but had to settle for second. Third was Brian Roemer followed by Bob Lineman Jr. and defending champ Clay Butler.
Next Saturday May 12th it will be Mother’s Day Night as we celebrate all of the Mom’s at NES. The 358 Modifieds will headline the night, joined by the Fastrak Crate Sportsman, TSRS 305 Sprint Cars, the Fastrak Late Models and the HCI/SpikeNGo Rookie Sportsman. Racing gets underway 6pm, with gates opening at 4pm. For more information, call the speedway office at (609) 758-1900 or log on to www.newegyptspeedway.net. You can also follow NES on Facebook and Twitter.
MODIFIEDS
1st Feature (20 Laps): 1. Rocco Infante 2. John Stangle 3. Sammy Piazza 4. Billy Pauch 5. Tim Apgar 6. Ryan Godown 7. Tad Cox 8. Jimmy Blewett 9. Bob Drayton 10. Neal Williams 11. Tommy Farrell 12. John McClleland 13. Willie Osmun 14. David Van Horn 15. Ron John Koczon 16. PJ Oliver 17. Gary Butler 18. Rick Holsten 19. Chris Grbac 20. John Pakenham 21. Mike Lyons 22. Doug Ostwald
2nd Feature (20 Laps): 1. Ryan Godown 2. Billy Pauch 3. Jimmy Blewett 4. David Van Horn 5. Neal Williams 6. Willie Osmun 7. Sammy Piazza 8. Rocco Infante 9. Bob Drayton 10. Ron John Koczon 11. Rick Holsten 12. Tommy Farrell 13. Tim Apgar 14. PJ Oliver 15. John Pakenham 16. Mike Lyons 17. Doug Ostwald 18. Tad Cox 19. Chris Garbac 20. Gary Butler 21. John McClelland DQ: John Stangle
1st Heat: 1. Sammy Piazza 2. Neal williams 3. John Stangle 4. Billy Pauch 5. Tad Cox 6. David Van Horn
2nd Heat: 1. Tim Apgar 2. Rocco Infante 3. John McClleland 4. Jimmy Blewett 5. Bob Drayton 6. Tommy Farrell
SPORTSMAN Feature (20 Laps): 1. Jim Housworth 2. Steve Davis 3. Brian Roemer 4. Bob Lineman Jr. 5. Clay Butler 6. Rich Rutski 7. John Cornell III 8.
Mike Howardson 9. Mike Lyons 10. Alan Bleacher 11. Patrick Gold 12. Joe Systo 13. Kevin Vaclavicek 14. Mike Henedershot 15. Marty Saxton
16. Jason Dunn 17. Mike Butler 18. Ebby Ridge 19. J.T Trsensky 20. Andy Visinski DNS: Thomas McCoy
ROOKIE SPORTSMAN Feature (10 Laps): 1. Patrick Gold 2. Robbie Dunn 3. Chuckles Stone 4. Jessie Rozycki 5. Aaron Weaver 6. Ryan Cox 7. George Gareis Jr. 8. George Kohrman 9. Dean Conk Jr. 10. Justin Dunn 11. Joe Amato 12. JR Fulper
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Holtgraver Wins All Stars Tune-un at Mercer Raceway Park;
Mercer, PA (May 4, 2013): Pittsburgh's Danny Holtgraver won the tune-up for next week's UNOH All Stars Circuit of Champions Sprint Car event at Mercer Raceway Park.
The Tugboat, Lonny Riggs, docked in victory lane for the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds. Jerry Batcher made his first appearance of the season a memorable one, capturing his heat and the feature in the Mini Stocks, now sponsored by Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles. Bob Schwartzmiller also doubled up in the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars. Fourteen-year-old Tyler Frankenberry blew past STARS Modified Lite National Champion Josh May on his way to the win in the Big Daddy's Speed Center and Rock Concrete promoted class. Taking the final checkers of the night, in the Bonnell's Collision Center Outlaw Sprint Warriors, was Jason Scoville.
"We needed that one big time," Holtgraver gushed after his victory. He was shut out after taking the checkers in the Ronald Laney Memorial at East Bay Raceway Park, back in February. Holtgraver, who was exceptionally good in traffic, noted "when Eric (Williams) was leading, I could get to him and stay right with him, but it could have gone either way." After Holtgraver took the lead with just a few laps remaining, he was glad that he did not encounter too much traffic, as fellow All Star Cap Henry was on the march.
Eric Williams and Danny Holtgraver waged an intense battle for the first nine laps of the 410 Sprint Car feature event, presented by Luxaire Heating & Cooling and New Wilmington Motors. Holtgraver led until lap four, when Williams powered off turn two with the lead. Williams then opened up a few car lengths advantage over the local All Star, but Holtgraver chased him down in traffic. The pair swapped positions everywhere but on the scoreboard as they diced through heavy traffic.
Williams kept the point through a pair of cautions for minor incidents. However, Holtgraver was always close, looking for his chance to pounce. That came on lap 19, when he dove low through turn two. Williams seemed to lose his concentration, as Cap Henry executed a similar pass in turn three one lap later. WIlliams was in danger of losing another spot to Rod George, who was making his first start for Jim Chappell. Williams gathered himself up again to regain the position for the final few laps.
Holtgraver scored the popular win, with another All Star invader in second, Henry. Williams finished ahead of George and Jack Sodeman, Jr.
Dan Kuriger led the second quintet to the stripe. Joining him were Adam Kekich, Scott Priester, Carl Bowser and Bill Jones, Jr.
The three heat victories went to Bowser, Sodeman and Henry. The track eliminated the B Main, so that all cars could start the feature.
Lonny Riggs rode the cushion to the lead on the opening lap and he did not look back in the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds. He opened up a comfortable advantage over Kyle Fink over the first half of the event. After a brief stoppage for a collision involving Shayne Izzo and J.R. MCGinley in turn two, Andy Paden shot from fourth to second on the restart. Fink faded fast, and soon retired with a flat right rear tire.
Riggs continued to lead, but Paden challenged him with two laps remaining. Riggs caught a break on the last lap, though, as Paden slid over the edge of the back chute, losing valuable ground. Riggs reported that last week's pesky miss came back in his engine late in the race, which allowed Paden to close in on him.
Jeff Schaffer held off hard-charging Frankie Guidace for third. Matt Reeher crossed in fifth with his Mopar entry.
Positions six through ten belonged to J.R. McGinley, Makayla Guidace, Tommy Marshall, III, Shawn Fleeger and rookie Eric Beggs. That was his second top ten in two outings.
Heat wins were scored by Schaffer and McGinley.
Remember that next week's program will feature the UNOH All Stars Circuit of Champion Sprint Cars. The 358 Modifieds and the Modified Lites will have the night off. The Stock Cars will operate under the Open Stock rules. Points will be awarded for the Outlaw Sprint Warriors, Stock Cars and Mini Stocks. Local band, Sky Pilot, will perform before the races. Special guest Cowboy Brian Steinman will get his new motorized all-terrain wheelchair, which was made possible by a grant from the Steve King Foundation and the generosity of the racing community.
410 Sprint Cars: Danny Holtgraver, Cap Henry, Eric Williams, Rod George, Jack Sodeman, Jr., Dan Kuriger, Adam Kekich, Scott Priester, Carl Bowser, Bill Jones, Jr., Stuart Williams, Chris Best, Bob McMillen, Francis Sesco, Dennis Wagner, Caleb Helms, Brandon Matus, Brian Smith, Mike Miller, John McCracken, Brent Matus, Ralph Spithaler, Jimmy Light.
358 Modifieds: Lonny Riggs, Andy Paden, Jeff Schaffer, Frankie Guidace, Matt Reeher, J.R. McGinley, Makayla Guidace, Tommy Marshall, III, Shawn Fleeger, Eric Beggs, Kyle Fink, Jimmy Holden, Shayne Izzo, Max Smoker, Clyde Gumpp.
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THE 56TH SEASON OPENER AT RANSOMVILLE SPEEDWAY FOUND A RECORD SETTING OPENING NIGHT CROWD WITNESS BRACHMANN, FRIESEN, TAKE FEATURE WINS
Ransomville, NY – Friday, May 03, 2013 – WOW!! What an amazing start to the 56th season opener at Ransomville Speedway. 115 cars pitside and a jammed packed grandstand made this season start one for the record books!
Chad Brachmann of Sanborn, NY captured the win on opening night in the Mighty Taco Modifieds. Fitting to say the least as Brachmann piloted his Mighty Taco sponsored #3 to the top spot at the drop of the green and never looked back. Brachmann is setting a championship pace as he captured his third win in three different area codes in the very short 2013 season. Brachmann took the lead from the outside pole position with fast timer Erick Rudolph in tow. Rudolph would battle with Ryan Susice through the remainder of the thirty lap main with Susice taking the runner up position on lap twenty. Susice would come home in second followed by Rudolph, defending champion Pete Bicknell and Phil Vigneri Jr..
What an amazing race in the Investor’s Services Sportsman main. Three strong – Scott George, Jesse Cotriss, and James Michael Friesen put on a show that brought the crowd to their feet! When the checkered flew it was Friesen in victory lane taking opening night’s feature main. Friesen went from third to first on lap eight as he used a high low switch to take the top spot. Friesen would set the pace through the remaining distance and take the big win. Cotriss stayed close to Friesen but would have to settle for second followed by defending champion Don Spatorico, Nate Reynolds and Boyd MacTavish. A total of twenty-three cars took the initial green in the Sportsman main event.
Alex Morris of Niagara Falls, NY captured the win in the twenty lap Ki-Po Chevrolet Streetstock feature main. After setting fast time the week prior, our defending champion backed up his title of a year ago with another feature win. Morris took the lead at the drop of the green and held it through the twenty circuits. Pat Dell was able to pull in on the back bumper of the Morris machine in the closing laps but to no avail as Morris held on for the win. Dell would come home in second aboard his 14p followed by Webb Nashwinter, Jesse Johnston, and Jason Meyer. A nineteen car field took the initial green.
Chris Leone of Niagara Falls, NY took top honors aboard the twelve lap FindItQuick.com Fireball feature main. Leone used the outside lane to take the initial lead with fast timer Pat OKeefe in tow. While Leone would not put a ton of distance between himself and OKeefe, he would comfortably take the win. OKeefe was able to bring home the second place position despite a wild roll over in the final practice session at the annual test, tune, and time. Defending champion Jim Stone came home in third followed by Zack Sam and Chris Lederhouse.
MODIFIEDS – FEATURE FINISH – CHAD BRACHMANN, Ryan Susice, Erick Rudolph, Pete Bicknell, Phil Vigneri Jr., Tommy Flannigan, Justin Wright, Ricky Richner, Robbie Krull, Jeff McGinnis, Rich Vinson, Brian Sage, Scott Kerwin, Steve Miller, Nick Joy, Todd Burley, John Smith, and Steve Schumacher. Heat Winners - Ryan Susice and Pete Bicknell.
SPORTSMAN – FEATURE FINISH – JAMES MICHAEL FRIESEN, Jesse Cotriss, Don Spatorico, Nate Reynolds, Boyd MacTavish, Scott George, Greg Martin, Mark Chiddy, Kevin Wills, Chris Burek, Allan Wills, Matt Farnham, James Henry, Mike Williams, Derrick Borkenhagen, Bobby Winters, Adam Hilton, Billy Coleman, Ed Cain, Jim Zimmerman, Brett Martin, Kenny Washburn, and Justin Sharp. Heat Winners – Don Spatorico, Nate Reynolds, and Chris Burek.
STREETSTOCKS – FEATURE FINISH – ALEX MORRIS, Pat Dell, Webb Nashwinter, Jesse Johnston, Jason Meyer, Brian Lonneville, Ryan Stephenson, Sean Letts, Kyle Wendt, Ricky Washburn, Mike Greenawalt, Cliff Gregg, Andrew Neiderhoffer, Neil Pafk, Randy Zimmerman, Jaren Israel, Ken Camidge, Cliff Brucker, and Donald Hermanson. Heat Winners – Pat Dell and Webb Nashwinter.
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VON DOHREN WINS 2nd OF SEASON, LISOWSKI WINS FIRST EVER IN SPORTSMAN, BERZOWSKI WINS 3rd IN A ROW
MINERSVILLE, PA - MAY 5th, 2013
One week after seeing a potential feature victory snatched from his grasp after running out of fuel, Craig Von Dohren returned to victory lane at Big Diamond Speedway. The 30 lap feature event victory was worth $3,000 to the veteran racer from Oley, PA.
Ricky Yetter jumped to the lead from his pole starting position, followed closely by Dale Hartz and Kevin Smith. Meanwhile, Von Dohren and Jeff Strunk were charging to the front from their 9th and 10th starting positions respectively. Strunk was able to pass Yetter for the lead coming down for the completion of lap 11. From there, Strunk was able to lead in spite of numerous restarts, until the final one on lap 21. On the final restart, Von Dohren was able to stay even with the leader at the stripe and was able to power into the lead coming off turn two. From there Von Dohren was able to lead the final four laps to record his second victory of the season, and 76th of his career at Big Diamond. Strunk was able to hold on for second, followed by Meme Desantis, Frank Cozze from the 20th starting spot, and Doug Manmiller. Tim Buckwalter, Andy Burkhart, Dale Hartz, Kevin Smith, and Dan Hineline rounded out the top ten.
Mike Lisowski bolted into the lead from the 3rd starting position and never looked back, posting his first ever victory in the Sportsman division at Big Diamond Speedway. Over the second half of the 20 lap event, Tim Fitzpatrick was able to apply pressure on Lisowski, but couldn't rattle the youngster as Lisowski was able to cross the finish line as the victor. Fitzpatrick held on for second, followed by Kevin Beach Jr., current point leader Jared Umbenhauer, and Ray Woodall Jr. Joe Mooney, Billy Moyer Jr., Shawn Light, Robin Schultz, and Charles Fayash completed the top ten finishers.
Marc Berzowski made it three in a row in the Savage 61 Roadrunner 20 lap feature. He was followed across the line by current point leader Chris Holland, Jeremy Becker, TJ Fitzpatrick, and Elvin Brennan III, making his first start of the season.
Racing returns to Big Diamond Speedway next Friday, May 10th with a 25 lap event for the ZY Pyrotechnics 358 Modifieds. Also on the card will be the Roadrunners, round #2 of the Street Stock series, and the Legend cars. First heat hits the track at 8:15 PM.
The following week on Friday, May 17th, the 358 Modifieds will be joined by Sportsman and Roadrunners.
Big Diamond Speedway
Friday
358 Modifieds (30 Laps) 1)Craig Von Dohren 2)Jeff Strunk 3)Meme Desantis 4)Frank Cozze 5)Doug Manmiller 6)Tim Buckwalter 7)Andy Burkhart 8)Dale Hartz 9)Kevin Smith 10)Dan Hineline 11)Danny Nicholas 12)Ricky Yetter 13)Ron Haring Jr. 14)Bill Gensler 15)Donny Hartz 16)Billy Pauch Jr. 17)Jim Bobbitt Jr. 18)Ray Swinehart 19)Brad Arnold 20)Nathan Klinger 21)Shawn Fitzpatrick 22)Mike Mamanna 23)Blaine Bracelin 24)Kevin Alvert Jr. 25)Glenn Strunk.
DNS)Craig Whitmoyer
Sportsman (20 Laps) 1)Mike Lisowski 2)Tim Fitzpatrick 3)Kevin Beach Jr. 4)Jared Umbenhauer 5)Ray Woodall Jr. 6)Joe Mooney 7)Billy Moyer Jr. 8)Shawn Light 9)Robin Schultz 10)Charles Fayash 11)Corey Renninger 12)Mike Glass 13)Andrew Cozze 14)Jason Neidlinger 15)Todd Huffman 16)Heath Metzger 17)Jared Siegfried 18)Doug Hendricks 19)AJ Gerhart 20)Harry Landis 21)Wayne Witmer 22)Josh Hertzog 23)Kirby Schlappich
Roadrunners (20 Laps) 1)Mark Berzowski 2)Chris Holland 3)Jeremy Becker 4)TJ Fitzpatrick 5)Elvin Brennan III 6)Joey Brennan 7)Terry Kramer Jr. 8)Tim Fitzpatrick Jr. 9)Glenn Rowan 10)Kris Ney 11)Jim Kost 12)Shon Elk 13)Devin Trexler 14)Joe Kavanaugh 15)Jon Schlauch 16)Kyle Killian 17)Billy Wingle Jr. 18)Brian Buchinski 19)Charles Webber 20)Jesse Krasnitsky 21)Kyle Wingle 22)Tim Spesak DNS)Andrew Fayash III
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FIRST 200 PAYING ADULTS RECEIVE A FREE TICKET FOR POCONO ARCA 200, NASCAR CUP TICKETS FOR LUCKY FANS AT GRANDVIEW
Starting time for balance of the season is now 7:30 p.m.
BECHTELSVILLE, PA May 2, 2013 . . . In addition to seeing some exciting NASCAR stock car racing, fans coming out to Grandview Speedway on Saturday (May 4) will have the opportunity to win tickets to the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Pocono on June 9th. The first 200 paying adults entering the main gate to see the tripleheader show of stock car racing will receive a FREE ticket to the June 8th ARCA race at Pocono Raceway.
The tripleheader show of stock car racing will include the NASCAR Whelen All American Series 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman stock cars in action. Main gate will open at 5:30 p.m. with racing getting the green flag at 7:30 p.m. The starting time is important to note since this is a change from the 7 p.m. starting time that had been used in April.
Fans will be asked to register at the Pocono Raceway table set up at the main entrance area to have the opportunity to win tickets for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race. The Stock Car Racing Experience will have a simulator in the first turn grandstand area along with the Pocono Raceway pace car.
Racing action will include all three divisions of racing running in a full series of qualifying events leading up to a 30-lap feature, starting 28 cars, for the NASCAR 358 Modifieds. The Late Models will top off their events with a 25 lap feature and the Sportsman go in a 25 lap feature.
The Modified division has had four different winners so far this season while the Late Models have had a different winner each week. The Sportsman have had three different winners.
Fans are reminded that three racers will be part of a meet and greet at 5:30 p.m. along with their race cars. Fans have the opportunity to collect autographs, take photos and possibly even sit in the race cars.
Adult admission for the Saturday racing show is $15 while youngsters 12 and under are admitted FREE.
There has been a change in the printed schedule released by Grandview management which will now show that the Outlaw Enduro events set for May 12th have been moved to Sunday, May 19th at 1 p.m. The Blast from the Past Vintage cars will also be included.
The Enduros will race in two 100-lap events while the Vintage cars will race in qualifying events topped by 15 lap feature races. Adult admission is $7 while youngsters 11 and under are admitted FREE. Two youngsters with lucky tickets will have the opportunity to flag the Enduro features. The Sunday Enduro/Vintage events are operated by an outside promotional group.
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INTENSE RACING ACTION TO CONTINUE THIS SUNDAY AT UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY ON WILLIAMS TIRE & AUTO NIGHT
VERNON, NY- For the first two weeks of the 2013 season at Utica-Rome Speedway, fans have been treated to two fantastic nights of racing action. This Sunday, May 5, that action will continues when Williams Tire & Auto present a complete regular show of Modifieds, Sportsman, Pro Stocks, and Pure Stocks. The nights on track activities begin at 6 p.m., with gates opening at 3:30 p.m.
Ronnie Johnson and Ryan Phelps have been to the winners so far this season in the Modified ranks, but it is defending champion Stewart Friesen that finds himself atop the standings at the early stage of the season. Matt Sheppard sits second in the standings with Ronnie Johnson and Billy Decker tied for the third spot. Decker’s teammate, Larry Wight, rounds out the top five in the standings ahead of Ryan Phelps, Todd Burley, Jason Rood, Jimmy Davis, Willy Decker, Pat Ward, Dale Planck, Alan Johnson, Casey Williams, Mike Mahaney, and many more. Can the Modified division repeat the epic feature events that taken place the past two weeks?
Opening night winner Claude Hutchings, Jr. leads the logjam in the Sportsman division rankings by just a couple of point over Jeremy Vunk and last week’s winner Steve Way. Just four markers back is defending champion Matt Janczuk followed by Chris Mackey, Tye-Scott Rood, Randy Shantel, Jack Miller, AJ Filbeck, and Heath Carney.
Defending Pro Stock champion Tom Denton is again showing the way in standings over Pete Stefanski, Bret Belden, Chris Carr, and Glenn Forward.
In the Pure Stock standings, teammates Ron Hawker and Ricky Breed are tied atop the standings followed by Bill Mason, Tim Janczuk, Frank Hyatt, and Nathan Peckham.
For more information including full point standings, season schedule, and more please log on to www.uticaromespeedway.com or call the speedway office at (315)829-4557.
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Green Flag Waving at Mercer Raceway Park
Mercer, PA (April 30, 2013): Mother Nature finally cooperated with us at Mercer Raceway Park, providing wonderful conditions for our first Saturday Night Live! racing program of the 2013 season, and it looks like she will smile upon us again in the days ahead. Wednesday night, May 1, the track will host its first open practice session. Then, on Saturday, May 4, the speedway will present another Saturday Night Live! event, with an added bonus. The Mini Stocks have been added to the racing card, along with the debut of the new 602 Crate Modifieds!
Pit gates will swing open for the Wednesday practice session at 4 p.m., with the track being available from 5 p.m. until dusk. All drivers, in all classes, are allowed to practice. There will be a Pit Pass fee of $20 for the practice. Due to insurance regulations, the grandstand viewing area will not be open for spectators.
Then, on Saturday night, the racers will gather for the second round of points racing in all six of the track's exciting divisions. Pit gates and general admission gates will open at 4 p.m., with racing set to start at 7 p.m.
Brandon Spithaler accomplished his objective of taking a third straight season opener in the Sprint Car division, now sponsored by Luxaire Heating & Cooling and New Wilmington Motors. But, Scott Priester served notice that he will be a force to reckon with, as he led the way until Spithaler's daring pass in turn one of the final lap. Dan Kuriger also put in a strong performance, challenging Priester several times throughout the race. And, with the UNOH All Stars Circuit of Champions coming to town on May 11, it is quite possible that we will see a few fresh faces to get in some laps to tune up for that event.
Gary Smoker took his first checkers of 2013 in the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds, but he had to fight off a furious last lap threat from J.R. McGinley to do it. They will be back, of course, along with many others. Can track favorites Lonny Roggs and Jimmy Holden recover from their engine problems? Can rookie Eric Beggs improve on his ninth place run in the opener? These questions and more will be answered this Saturday.
Michael Bauer overcame mechanical problems early in the night to score the win in the Bonnell's Collision Center Outlaw Sprint Warriors. He found the parts that he needed on, not in, the pick-up that towed his colorful car to the track. And, who can forget the performance turned in by Jacob Lagastee? He won his first heat race and then logged a career-best second place finish in the main event! And, speaking of outstanding performances, how about defending champ Joe McEwen? He ran in the top five driving with a hand swollen from an accident weeks ago at another area track. Over a dozen more racers will be looking to make some headlines of their own, so you will not want to miss this one.
Trusty Rusty Moore began his quest for a third consecutive points championship in the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars. However, best wishes go out to Gary Miller, who was injured in a turn one crash during his heat race last Saturday. Miller was making his return to the racing wars after suffering serious injuries in a highway crash coming home from a race in Maryland.
Cody Bova and Shane Pfeuffer thrilled the crowd in the Modified Lites, presented by Big Daddy's Speed Center and Rock Concrete. Bova showed the moxie of a veteran when he closed the door on Pfeuffer between turns on and two on the last lap!
Ron Eperthener of Eperthener's Auto Wrecking, one of the co-sponsors for the Mini Stock class, was on hand watching the action instead of mixing it up himself. The jovial driver of a 358 Modified is not quite ready to go, but he was cheering on his charges, along with the other divisional sponsor, Ray Baselj of Ray's Racing Collectibles. Jamy Lee took the win in the nightcap, edging out Trooper Tim Callahan.
Saturday night will mark the maiden voyage for the new 602 Crate Modified class, which is the brainchild of last year's 358 Modified champ, Rob Curtis. These cars are similar to the 358 Modifieds, but with two notable exceptions. One will be in the body, as "sail panels" are allowed. They are large rectangular panels mounted above the rear quarter panels of the cars in place of the stock-appearing panels that connect the quarter panels to the roofs. The other difference, of course, will be in the engine compartment. Instead of the 358 racing engines, these cars will be powered by stock GM 602 Crate engines, which can be purchased economically from any local GM dealer. These engines must be kept in a sealed condition, much like those that power the FASTRAK Late Models, which appeared earlier this season at the track. Because this is a start-up effort, it is uncertain how many cars will be ready for this race. If an insufficient number of them turn out, they will be allowed to race with the 358 Modifieds.
General admission for the May 4 program will be just $13 for adults, $11 for seniors (60+) and $5 for students (ages 9+). Children 8 and under will be free, as usual. The economical Family Pass will be $28 and that will be good for up to two adults and four minors. Pit passes will be $25.
If you cannot make it this Saturday, plan to attend the UNOH All Stars Circuit of Champions race on May 11. Two special events will also take place that evening. Starting at 4 p.m., the popular band, Sky Pilot, will perform. Then, during the program itself, Cowboy Brian Steinman will receive his new, motorized wheel-chair that was made possible by the support of the Steven King Foundation and the generosity of the racing community.
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BIG DIAMOND SPEEDWAY READIES FOR FIRST EVER FANDEMONIUM EVENT
MINERSVILLE, PA - APRIL 30th, 2013
Awesome. Epic. Unprecedented. Wow. Rarely seen in dirt track racing. These are just a few of the words and phrases being used by fans to describe how they feel about the first ever FANdemonium event happening at Big Diamond Speedway. This event is scheduled for Friday, July 12th, with a rain date of Friday, July 19th.
What is FANdemonium? FANdemonium is an event created by track owners Jake and Jasmine Smulley to thank the most important people in racing - the fans. How much will admission be to FANdemonium? Free. That's right - free. All fans entering the grandstand area on the night of FANdemoium will be admitted free of charge.
When Jake and Jasmine purchased the track back in October 2012, one of their main goals was to give the track a fresh start. A new beginning. FANdemonium is part of this new beginning. This event, the first of its kind in track history, is their way of showing the fans exactly how important they are, and to thank them for their fantastic support so far in 2013.
FANdemonium will consist of regular, points paying events for the Modifieds, Sportsman, and Roadrunners. But the racing is only a small part of the days activities. There will be plenty of activities for the kids. Tons of giveaways for the fans. Plans are in the works to have dozens of cars on display in the grandstand area. An autograph session is planned featuring many of your favorite drivers, and much, much more.
More details will be released as they become available, but mark your calendars now to be part of history. You will want to get there early that night so as to not miss out on any of the days events. Friday, July 12th is truly about the fans of Big Diamond Speedway. It is going to be FANdemonium.
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REGULAR DIVISIONS ONCE AGAIN THE MAIN FOCUS AS BIG DIAMOND SCHEDULE ENTERS MAY
MINERSVILLE, PA - APRIL 30th, 2013
On the heels of an April race schedule that saw a successful "Money in the Mountains" event, two rainouts, and the URC Sprint cars, the focus at Big Diamond Speedway now turns to a very busy May.
This coming Friday, May 3rd, Big Diamond presents the 2nd of 5 races this season for the ZY Pyrotechnics 358 Modifieds paying $3,000 to win and $300 to take the green. Heat line-ups will be luck of the draw, with standard handicapping procedures used to line up the feature field for the 30 lap main event. Also on the card will be the Sportsman and Roadrunners competing in qualifying races and 20 lap feature events. Craig Von Dohren was victorious in round one and has been on a roll to start the season. Can his good luck continue, or will Jeff Strunk, Meme Desantis, Frank Cozze, current point leader Kevin Albert Jr., Ray Swinehart, invader Billy Pauch Jr., or one of a host of others find their way to victory lane?
The following week on Friday, May 10th, the 358 Modifieds will be back in action for a regular 25 lap event paying $2,750 to win. They will be joined on this night by the Roadrunners, round #2 of the Street Stock series, and Legend cars. The Sportsman car will have the night off.
Finally, on Friday, May 17th, a regular show of 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, and Roadrunners will be presented.
Little Diamond Speedway will be in action on Thursday, May 2nd and again on Thursday, May 16th. Both evenings will feature 270cc Micro Sprints and Slingshots competing in a full slate of qualifying events and 20 lap features for each division.
The entire Big Diamond and Little Diamond schedules, plus much more information can be found at www.bigdiamondspeedway.net. Also, be sure to check out the Big Diamond Speedway Facebook page to keep abreast of all the daily happenings at the track.
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New Egypt Speedway Point
thru 4/27/13
358 Modifieds
1. Billy Pauch* 199
2. Ryan Godown* 196
3. David Van Horn 184
4. Gary Butler* 182
5. Willie Osmun* 176
6. Sammy Piazza 170
6. Tad Cox 170
8. Neal Williams 168
8. Ron John Koczon 168
10. John Stangle 159
* denotes wins
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HOWARD, NEDEROSTEK AND BEACH WIN NASCAR FEATURE RACES AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY
BECHTELSVILLE, PA April 28, 2013 . . . Three first time winners for the 2013 season were in victory lane on Saturday night at Grandview Speedway. Defending NASCAR Whelen 358 Modified champion Duane Howard drove the Chad Sinon owned BPG Racing No. 4 to victory in the 30-lap NASCAR 358 Modified feature race for his first win of the season and 201st of his career. Steve Nederostek earned his first career victory in the 25-lap NASCAR Late Model feature race, his first career victory and Kevin Beach was able to get his second career victory in the 25-lap NASCAR Sportsman feature race.
Justin Grim was in charge of the 28 car starting field in the 30-lap NASCAR 358 Modified feature race until the 6th lap when hard charging Tommy Scheetz III moved by the leader and set the pace through the halfway mark of the race. With 21 laps in the record book and Scheetz still in front Kyle Follweiler spun in turn two bringing out the caution. And on the restart Nate Christman, who charged to the front, spun in front of the field in turn four bringing out another caution. Because Christman did not stop he was allowed to regain his position after things had been cleared up.
This is when Duane Howard, who had been charging up through the field from his 13th starting spot, pulled off the move of the night as he “threaded the needle” between Scheetz and Christman coming off the second turn to take the lead and set the pace for the balance of the race to gain his first win of the season at the Berks County clay oval. The Oley racer earned $2750 including the TP Trailers Bonus Bucks.
In victory lane Howard said his second turn move was “gutsy but they had had the wind taken out of the sails.” He was referring to the strong start to the 2012 season and the slow start to 2013. “We are getting a handle on the new Bicknell chassis and the track surface seems to have changed this year,” said the defending track champion. “It was the first time we had a double up weekend in a while (referring to winning on Friday at Big Diamond and then at Grandview).” Howard gave a lot of credit to his engine builder who was able to get things in shape for the Saturday night racing after having engine woes the previous week.
Second spot went to young Tommy Scheetz III (Boyertown) who has been a factor in just about all the feature races run so far this season. Third spot was earned by Nate Christman (Oley) followed by John Willman (Douglassville) and Jeff Strunk (Pottstown).
Sophomore racer Steve Nederostek went to the front of the 21 car starting field early in the 25-lap feature race for the NASCAR Late Models and held the top spot throughout the race with his Salvage Transport/Ironton Telephone No. 769 to gain his first career victory. The field was able to close up on the leader during a couple of cautions but the Walnutport racer was able to hold off all challengers on his way to the victory as Sean Merkel (Gilbertsville) was gaining ground but had to settle for his second second place finish in a row. Third place was earned by Jason Miller (New Tripoli) followed by six time champion Chuck Schutz (Pottstown) and early season feature winner Mike Kellner (Lansdale) who had charged from 20th starting position.
“This is awesome. I am in victory lane at Grandview,” said a very happy Nederostek in victory lane.
Mike Stringer set the early pace in the 25-lap NASCAR Sportsman feature race that closed out the 14 event card of racing that was completed in two and one half hours. At the five lap marker Ron Krex, a former Late Model racer, went to the front of the 25 car starting field. With 14 laps in the record book Kevin Beach put his Gary E. Brown Trucking No. 17x in front to stay and went on to win his first of the season and second of his career at Grandview. The Minersville resident had Joe Funk (Coopersburg) and the Morrisville Tavern No. 14J right on his rear bumper at the finish. CraigWhitmoyer (Hamburg) was coming on strong at the finish but had to settle for third followed by Ron Krex (Hatfield) and Mike Lisowski (Minersville).
Eight lap qualifying events for the Late Models were won by Kory Fleming and Kyle Merkel. Sportsman eight lap qualifiers were won by Kevin Beach, Ryan Lilick and Craig Whitmoyer. In the 12 lap qualifiers for the NASCAR 358 Modifieds wins were earned by Tommy Scheetz III, Don Norris Jr., Jordan Umbenhauer and Jeff Strunk. The 10 lap 358 Modified consolation races went to Mike Gular and Kyle Follweiler.
In the Modifieds there have now been four different feature winners in five features run this season. The Late Models have had no repeat winners while the Sportsman have had three different winners in four features. Close to 90 racers took part in the three division show.
Racing action on Saturday, May 4th at 7:30 p.m. will feature a tripleheader show of NASCAR 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman stock cars. At least 14 events of racing. First 200 paying adults will receive a free ticket for the June ARCA race at Pocono Raceway. Spectator gates open at 5:30 p.m. Adult admission is just $15.00 while young people 12 and under enter for FREE.
358 MODIFIED FEATURE - 30 LAPS: 1. Duane Howard 2. Tommy Scheetz III 3. Nate Christman 4. John Willman 5. Jeff Strunk 6. Frank Cozze 7. Craig VonDohren 8. Mike Gular 9. Kyle Weiss 10. Brad Grim 11. Kevin Hirthler 12. Jordan Umbenhauer 13. Jarred Miller 14. Ryan Grim 15. Shawn Reimert 16. Doug Manmiller 17. Chris Esposito 18. Mike Laise 19. Todd Smith 20. Meme DeSantis 21. Addison Meitzler 22. Eric Biehn 23. Ron Seltman 24. Bobby Gunther Walsh 25. Jon Kellner Sr. 26. Justin Grim 27. Don Norris Jr.28. Kyle Follweiler
SPORTSMAN FEATURE - 25 LAPS: 1. Kevin Beach 2. Joe Funk 3. Craig Whitmoyer 4. Ron Krex 5. Mike Lisowski 6. Brian Hirthler 7. Brad Brightbill 8. Mike Stringer 9. Kenny Gilmore 10. Brett Kressley 11. Jordan Henn 12. Ryan Lilick 13. Kyle Borror 14. Tommy Scheetz II 15. Scott Davis Jr. 16.Guy Germano 17. Ken Eckert 18. Joe Fanelli 19. Mark Behm 20. Jamie Undercoffler 21. Jared Umbenhauer 22. Dean Bachman 23. Ryan Beltz 24. Chuck Miller 25. Pat Conrad.
LATE MODEL FEATURE - 25 LAPS: 1.Steve Nederostek 2. Sean Merkel 3. Jason Miller 4. Chuck Schutz 5. Mike Kellner 6. Lou Egrie Sr. 7. Kory Fleming 8. John Giesler 9. Kyle Merkel 10. Bill Henning 11. Sam Schlosberg 12. Rick Todorow 13. Dan Green 14. Doug Walton 15. Lee Miller 16. Dirk Rimrott 17. Steve Butler 18. Wayne Pfeil 19. Steve Todorow 20. Danny Snyder 21. Buddy Mertz
UNOFFICIAL POINT STANDINGS FOR NASCAR MODIFIEDS AS OF APRIL 27, 2013
1. Craig VonDohren, Oley, PA #1C 1397**
2. Jeff Strunk, Bechtelsville, PA #4* 1250
3. Frank Cozze, Easton, PA #357 1237
4. Duane Howard, Oley, PA #4 1193*
5. Meme DeSantis, Temple, PA #88D 1102*
6. Doug Manmiller, Shoemakersville, PA #46 1063*
7. Kyle Weiss, Hamburg, PA #21K 1049
8. Mike Gular, Green Lane, PA #53 1009
8. Jordan Umbenhauer, Richland, PA #19 1009
10. Nate Christman, Oley, PA #37 918
UNOFFICIAL POINT STANDINGS FOR NASCAR SPORTSMAN AS OF APRIL 27, 2013
1. Brad Brightbill, Sinking Springs, PA #19 1058
2. Craig Whitmoyer, Hamburg, PA #99 1053
3. Jared Umbenhauer, Richland, PA #5 1016**
4. Joe Funk, Coopersbur, PA #14J, 934
5. Kenny Gilmore, Fleetwood, PA #7 932
6. Kevin Beach, Minersville, PA #17X 896*
7 Brett Kressley, Orefield, PA #19K 874*
8. Brian Hirthler, Green Lane, PA #4* 818
9. Kyle Borror, Peach Bottom, PA #B4 791
10. Mike Lisowski, Minersville, PA #15 786
* denotes feature win (Feature wins listed are only those that are NASCAR point events)
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Spithaler Gets Opening Night Hat Trick in Sprints; Smoker, Moore, Bova, Bauer and Lee also Win
Mercer, PA (April 27, 2013): Under warm and sunny skies, Mercer Raceway Park opened the gates for the first Saturday Night Live! program of the 2013 racing season. Brandon Spithaler made a daring move entering turn one on the last lap to garner his third straight opening event for the 410 Sprint Cars presented by Luxaire Heating & Cooling and New Wilmington Motors.
Gary Smoker returned to victory lane after a long hiatus in the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds. Rusty Moore began his march to a third straight track championship in the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars. Cody Bova held off a last lap challenge from Shane Pfeuffer to claim his first win in the Modified Lites sponsored by Big Daddy's Speed Center and Rock Concrete. Michael Bauer took his new colors into victory lane in the Bonnell's Collision Center Outlaw Sprint Warriors. Jamy Lee scored the win in the finale for the Mini Stocks, now racing for Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles.
"We're three for three, I love opening night," exclaimed Spithaler after exiting the car. He had to work hard, especially on the last lap, to gain the victory. "I thought that I was faster, but I didn't know if I would be able to get by without a little help from the lapped traffic." He got the break that he needed on the last lap, as he managed to scoot between a lapped car and leader Scott Priester. Spithaler then got a scare on the final circuit when his wing came apart entering turn three. The sound of the air coming off the damaged wing caused him to think that he was blowing some fluid from the engine, but he was relieved to see that the side of the car was clean.
Gale Ruth, Jr. and Scott Priester paced the field for the first 410 Sprint Car event at the Park. Ruth jumped out to the early lead, but his bid for a win came to an end when his car stopped on the backstretch with just two laps in the books. That gave the lead over to Priester, who was working the Martha Dionise Sprinter to perfection.
Priester was pressured in the early stages by Dan Kuriger, while Jack Sodeman, Jr. and Brandon Spithaler worked their way to the front. However, Priester was able to open up a few car lengths on Kuriger when the pair got to lapped traffic.
Sodeman, who was seeking his second win of the weekend, reached second place on lap 12, pulling Spithaler along with him. Within the span of a few laps, Spithaler got by Sodeman and he began to close on Priester.
As the laps clicked away, Spithaler continued to chop away at Priester's lead. On lap 21, Spithaler reached his rear nerf bar. Priester still maintained a slight advantage in traffic.
However, as the leaders were approaching another lapped car, Spithaler pounced. He squeezed between Priester and the lapped car. Then, he went to the cushion to pull away from Priester as they raced down the backstretch.
With the checkered flag in Spithaler's view, a car spun between turns three and four. Spithaler swept under the checkers for the win, and the remainder of the field reverted to the previous lap for their final results.
That put Priester in second, followed by Kuriger, Sodeman and defending champion Eric Williams.
Bill Jones, Jr. placed sixth, ahead of the father and son team of Brandon and Brent Matus. Bob McMillen and Shawn Hubler completed the top ten.
Heat winners were Sodeman and Adam Kekich, who brought out the first caution of the race.
"It's been a long time since I've been here," said a happy Gary Smoker after taking the win in the Approved Toilet rentals 358 Modifieds. Smoker took some time away from the cockpit to help get his son, Max, started in racing. Now, he plans to run a part-time schedule while continuing to groom him.
At the drop of the green, Gary Smoker jumped out to a lead that he would never relinquish. Frank Guidace tried valiantly to pass the veteran driver, while J.R. McGinley raced patiently in third. McGinley made a strong move to grab second from Guidace following a lap seven restart.
With Smoker and McGinley leading the way, Guidace drove harder and harder to try to gain ground. The strategy did not work, as the lead pair began to pull away from him. Meanwhile, Lonny Riggs kept his faltering car ahead of Andy Paden for the fourth spot.
On the final lap, Smoker's pace was slowed by lapped traffic. That gave McGinley one last chance to try to steal the win. McGinley dove low entering turn three, but Smoker had just enough in reserve to hold him off in the final stretch run.
After Smoker and McGinley came Frank Guidace, Riggs and Paden.
Jeff Schaffer worked past Clyde Gumpp in the waning laps for sixth. Eighth went to second-generation driver Max Smoker. Rookie Eric Beggs was ninth and Tommy Marshall, III rounded out the top ten.
Heat winners were Paden and Kyle FInk, who retired early in the race while running inside the top five.
Michael Bauer led the entire distance in the Bonnell's Collision Center Outlaw Sprint Warriors. After experiencing problems in hot laps and his heat, Bauer was able to get his racer ready to go for the feature by taking a part from his pick-up truck. Jacob Lagestee scored his career best finish, a second, after taking his first ever heat win earlier in the evening. Joe McEwen finished third despite a swollen hand suffered in a wreck at another area seppedway a couple of weeks ago.
Newcomer Greg Dobransky drove his beautiful Sprinter to fourth, just ahead of hard-charging Jason Scoville.
C.J. Jones, Dalton Daniels, Jimmy Morris, Tyler Graves and Thomas Sanders were sixth through tenth.
Jones joined Lagastee as a victor in the heat races.
Next week will be another Saturday Night Live! program, plus the debut of the 602 Crate Modifieds. The Mini Stocks will be added to this card and they will race for points.
Then, on May 11, the All Stars Circuit of Champions Sprints will be in for their first of two visits. This will be a special occasion, as Cowboy Brian Steinman will get a new, motorized all-terrain wheelchair. Purchase of the new equipment was made possible by a major contribution from the Steve King Foundation and the generosity of teh racing community.
410 Sprint Cars: Brandon Spithaler, Scott Priester, Dan Kuriger, Jack Sodeman, Jr., Eric Williams, Bill Jones, Jr., Brandon Matus, Brent Matus, Bob McMillen, Shawn Hubler, Chris Best, Dennis Wagner, Francis Sesco, adam Kekich, John McCracken, Jr., Gale Ruth, Jr.
358 Modifieds: Gary Smoker, J.R. McGinley,Frank Guidace, Lonny Riggs, Andy Paden, Jeff Schaffer, Clyde Gumpp, Max Smoker, Eric Beggs, Tommy Marshall, III, Makayla Guidace, Matt Reeher, Kyle Fink, Eric Gabany, Jimmy Holden (DNS).
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JOHN WATERS DOUPLES UP AT THE WOODHULL RACEWAY IN 360 LM ACTION.
(Woodhull, NY) John Waters showed why he is one of the top 360 Late Model pilots in the northeast as he pick-up BRP Can Am 360 LM Series event #1 of the2K13 campaign at the Woodhull Raceway. In doing so it was Waters second win a the Steuben County oval in as many weeks and like last season the veteran Whitesville, NY speedster has sent out a message to all his fellow competitors that he will be the man to beat again this season.
Bruce Miller drew the pole position for the 30 lap affair and looked poised to pick-up the win as he pulled away to a comfortable lead in the early stages of the event. However, three yellow flags within the first ten laps kept the field bunched up and allowed Waters to keep Miller within his cross hairs. After a spirited battle for the top spot Waters was able to wrestle the lead away from Miller and from that point on he cruised to the popular win. Miller was second at the checkered in an uncontested battle, however the real dog fight was for third on back as a whole pack of cars raced sometimes three wide for position with Jeremy Wonderling claiming the third spot followed by Glen Whritenour and Brian Knowles. Heat wins went to Waters, Brady Wonderling and Mike Wonderling Jr.
Al Rudalavage made short work of the 25 lap Insinger Performance 370 Modified feature event as he chased down then race leader, Donnie Lawson near the half way mark and drove away to a full straight a way victory. Kenny Peoples put on a soild performance and as like Rudalavage he was able to pass Lawson and came home for second. Lawson did finish third chased across the line by Billy VanPelt as Ray Bliss Jr. rounded out the top five finishers. Heat wins were claimed by Steve Hartman Jr., Peoples Jr. and Lawson.
Like Al Rudalavage before him, Chris Daugherty pretty much destroyed the field in the NAPA Crate Sportsman Divisions 25 lap feature go. With a good re-draw starting spot in the 25 lap feature, Daugherty was able to get to the front in a hurry and once in the lead he was on cruise control. Scott Waters put on a late race charge to get a high as the second spot, but that was as far forward as he would go as he was chased across finish line by Connor Brown, Ray Smith and John Hargrave. Heat wins went to Steve Hartman Sr., Art Goodier and Russ Morseman III.
Next week, May 4 it will be a Regular Big 6 Show featuring a special 35 lap feature for the Joe Willcox Performance Street Stocks as well as the make-up NAPA 360 Late Model Race of Champions event which was rained out at the end of the 2012 season.
The night of action is presented by Maple City Dodge with gates at 4:30 and racing at 6:30.
For more information log on at www.woodhullraceway.com.
370 Modifieds 25 lap feature. Al Rudalavage, Kenny Peoples Jr., Donnie Lawson, Billy VanPelt, Ray Bliss Jr., Brian Doolittle, Bob Davis, Mike Bills, Frank Dunning, Joe Dgien, Bryce Davis, Steve Hartman Jr., Ron White, Dale Welty, Vern Wasson, Dave Dubois, Kevin Chilson, Casey Pavlick, Eric Fisher, Don Lawson. DNS, Brandon Martin, Lee Bills.
Heats. Steve Hartman Jr., Kenny Peoples Jr., Donnie Lawson.
Crate Sportsman 25 lap feature. Chris Daugherty, Scott Waters, Connor Brown, Ray Smith, John Hargrave Collin Brown, Steve Hartman Sr., Art Goodier, James Howard, Josh Keesey, Russ Morseman III, Brett Buono, Ryan Tracy, Bob Buono, Jake Dgien, Josh Sawyer, Bob Peoples, Larry Keegan, Dillon Groover, Rod Mullen, Bill LaViolette, Doug Kline, Lynn Burrell, Chris Brockway.
360 Late Models. 30 lap feature. John Waters (2), Bruce Miller, Jeremy Wonderling, Glen Whritenour, Brian Knowles, Steve LeBarron, Brady Wonderling, Jaye McConnell, Clint Button, Jason Knowles, Mike Wonderling Sr., Frank LeBarron, Carl Hughes, Dave Dubois, Jerry Wilson, Brandon Smith, Wally Wade, Cecil LaBarron, Ray Bliss Jr., Carl Cleveland, Jared Hill, Quinnn Sutherland, Mike Wonderling Jr., Mick Seeley
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DUANE HOWARDS WINS 200th CAREER FEATURE IN MODIFIEDS, STILLWAGON BESTS URC FIELD, BERZOWSKI REPEATS IN ROADRUNNERS
MINERSVILLE, PA - APRIL 27th, 2013
Duane Howard raced to his 200th career victory Friday night at Big Diamond Speedway in the 25 lap ZY Pyrotechnics 358 Modified feature. Howard was driving the Ed and Karen Nowotarski #11 car and earned $2,750 for the victory.
Ricky Yetter charged in to the lead from his pole starting position, leading the first six laps. On a lap #7 restart, Yetter, Howard, and Craig Von Dohren went three wide coming off turn two, with Von Dohren taking over the lead. Howard moved into second on this same lap, but was no match for Von Dohren. On several restarts over the next 14 laps, Von Dohren continued to pull away each time. The complexion of the race changed dramatically with Von Dohren coming down to complete lap #21, as he coasted to a stop on the front stretch, his car out of fuel. Howard inherited the lead at this time, and ran the remaining four laps error free to cross the line for career win #200.
Howard was followed across the line by Doug Manmiller, Jeff Strunk, Meme Desantis, and Dale Hartz. Manmiller and Desantis both came from the rear of the field after being involved in early race tangles. For Hartz, it was his first top 5 of the season.
In victory lane, Howard thanked the many car owners and crew members who have helped him over the years to reach this milestone in his racing career. Howard's first modified race was at Big Diamond Speedway, so it was only fitting career win #200 came where it all began. The victory was Howard's 71st 358 Modified win at Big Diamond, and 77th overall. Thus the nickname "The Diamond Cutter" he was given many years ago.
Defending URC point champion Robbie Stillwagon took the lead from Dave Franek with less than five laps remaining to score the victory in the season opening 25 lap event for the URC Sprint Cars. Franek settled for second, followed by Bryn Gohn, Brian Carber, and Kevin Darling.
Marc Berzowski made it two in a row in the Savage 61 Roadrunner 20 lap feature. He was followed across the line by defending point champion Joey Brennan, Chris Holland, Jeremy Becker, and Jim Kost.
Racing returns to Big Diamond Speedway next Friday, May 3rd with a 30 lap event for the 358 Modifieds paying $3,000 to win and $300 to take the green. Also on the card will be the Sportsman and Roadrunners.
The following week on Friday, May 10th, the 358 Modifieds will be joined by the Roadrunners, Street Stocks, and Legend cars.
358 Modifieds (25 Laps) 1) Duane Howard 2) Doug Manmiller 3) Jeff Strunk 4) Meme Desantis 5) Dale Hartz 6) Ray Swinehart 7) Andy Burkhart 8) Kevin Albert Jr. 9) Nathan Klinger 10) Brad Arnold 11) Daryl Dissinger 12) Shawn Fitzpatrick 13) Robin Schultz 14) Donny Hartz 15) Craig Von Dohren 16) Joe Mooney 17) Ricky Yetter 18) Gary Wagner 19) Neil Huber 20) Jim Bobbitt Jr. 21) Kevin Smith 22) Ron Haring jr. 23) Craig Whitmoyer 24) Blaine Bracelin 25) Frank Cozze 26) Mike Mamanna
URC Sprint Cars (25 Laps) 1) Robbie Stillwagon 2) Dave Franek 3) Bryn Gohn 4) Brain Carber 5) Kevin Darling 6) Joey Biasi 7) Josh Weller 8) Billy Pauch Jr. 9) Kramer Williamson 10) Chad Trout 11) Randy West 12) Joe Zuczek 13) Troy Betts 14) Danny Mazy 15) Andy Best 16) Jimmy Stitzel 17) Dave Mausteller 18) Mark Bitner 19) Car #70 20) JJ Grasso 21) Jimmy Reppert 22) Johnathan Swanson 23) Tim Kelly 24) Dave Ely
Roadrunners (20 Laps) 1) Marc Berzowski 2) Joey Brennan 3) Chris Holland 4) Jeremy Becker 5) Jim Kost 6) Terry Kramer Jr. 7) Andrew Fayash III 8) Chuck Eckert 9) Devin Trexler 10) Kris Ney 11) Tim Spesak 12) TJ Fitzpatrick 13) Joe Kavanaugh 14) Charles Webber 15) Shon Elk 16) Glenn Rowan 17) Kyle Killian 18) Brian Buchinski 19) Alan Renninger 20) Tim Fitzpatrick Jr. 21) Jon Schlauch
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RUDOLPH, COTRISS, SET FAST TIME AT RANSOMVILLE SPEEDWAY’S TEST, TUNE, AND TIME
Ransomville, NY – Friday, April 26, 2013 – The 56th season at the Big R kicked off last Friday night with the annual test, tune, and time. A total of ninety cars filled the pit area with many more expected for the season opener slated for Friday, May 3rd. It will be the 41st season of operation under the Friesen family ownership.
Time trials were used to determine opening night’s front row starting positions in all five divisions. For the Mighty Taco Modified’s and Investor’s Services Sportsman – much more was at stake as a full barrel of VP Racing Fuel was awarded to the fastest teams. These barrels of fuel value in excess of $500! The barrels of fuel were compliments of Ransomville Speedway and VP Racing Fuels. In 2012 – Ransomville Speedway was named the VP Racing Fuels Track of the Year and as such was awarded an allotment of fuel which in turn will be awarded through various programs. Two of these barrels went to Erick Rudolph and Jesse Cotriss as they set fast time in their perspective divisions.
Nineteen drivers posted times in the head-lining division – the Mighty Taco Modified. Taking top honors with a time of 16.69 was Erick Rudolph of Ransomville, NY. Some people are good at time trails, some aren’t. Safe to say Rudolph has it down pat as he posted the quick time in 2012 as well. 2011 track champion Chad Brachmann will join Rudolph on the front row as he posted the second quickest time with a 16.94. Ryan Susice, 2012 track champion Pete Bicknell, and Ricky Richner rounded out the top five.
A total of twenty-four competitors took time aboard the Investor’s Services Sportsman class. Setting fast time for the second year in a row was Jesse Cotriss of Medina, NY. Cotriss posted a time of 17.75 – the only Sportsman driver to post in the 17 second range. Scott George claimed the second fast time and will start alongside Cotriss for opening nights twenty-five lap feature main. James Henry, Allan Wills, and James Michael Friesen rounded out the top five.
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CLARIFICATION ON THE MAY 11 PATRIOT SPRINT EVENT AT THE WOODHULL RACEWAY. 360 LATE MODELS WILL NOT BE ON THE CARD!
(Woodhull, NY) Please be advised!
In the Woodhull Raceway Press Release that was issued on April 24, 2013 there has been a change.
The 360 Late Model show that was tentatively scheduled as part of the Patriot Sprint Tour night at the Woodhull Raceway on May 11, 2013 has been cancelled from the originally scheduled event.
Due to the fact that the BRP Can Am 360 LM series will be at the 5 Mile Point Speedway on that same night, the management of the Woodhull Raceway will forego a 360 LM show at Woodhull on that night allowing the teams to travel to 5 Mile for that particular event.
The Patriot Sprint Tour event will high light the show on May 11, 2013 supported by the 370 Modifieds, Crate Sportsman, Street Stocks as well as the combined Quad C Class.
Outman Equipment LLC will be the nightly event sponsor.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
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Practice Session Postponed Until May 1
Mercer, PA (April 24, 2013): Due to rain throughout the area, the April 24 practice session has been postponed until Wednesday, May 1. Gates will open at 4, and the track will be available from 5 until dusk. All classes of cars are invited. Pit passes will be $20.
Please join us this Saturday, April 27, for the start of points racing in all classes. Gates will open at 4, with racing at 7.
Remember that alerts regarding any cancellation of the racing activity can be sent to your smart phone or other electronic devices. Just go to the track website and click on the icon for RainedOut.com and follow the easy steps to sign up.
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VONDOHREN AND UMBENHAUER GO FOR THIRD WINS AT GRANDVIEW, DUANE HOWARD LOOKS TO ADD AN IMPRESSIVE WIN TO HIS RESUME
BECHTELSVILLE, PA April 25, 2013 .. . When NASCAR stock car racing action returns to Grandview Speedway on Saturday (April 27th) 7 p.m. Craig VonDohren and Jared Umbenhauer will be looking for their third wins of the season.
That same night defending NASCAR Whelen All American Series 358 Modified champion Duane Howard possibly will be looking to add his 200th victory to his impressive resume. Howard’s first feature race win came on October 8, 1983 in a Late Model race at Grandview in a car that he shared ownership with Alan Finch, his current crew chief. His last victory came at Selinsgrove, PA Speedway in a 358 Modified owned by Chad Sinon. However Howard will be racing on Friday night so it is possible the 200th win will come there.
On Saturday night VonDohren, a six time track champion, who was shut out of the NASCAR 358 Modified victory lane in 2012 will go after his third win of the season at the Berks County clay oval. And Jared Umbenhauer, the defending Sportsman champion, will be seeking his third feature race win of the season as he defends his title.
Last Saturday night Howard had engine problems force him to take a provisional start in the Ron Seltman owned No.R19 entry. He was able to secure some valuable points as he goes after another championship.
Howard does not talk much about his impressive 199 career wins but race fan Bill Braga has kept a close record of Howard’s wins and can tell where each win took place, on what date, and the car owner on the particular night. Over the years Howard has won races in cars owned by him and Finch, Buddy Biever, Craig Hirthler,
Cary Duncan, Glen Hyneman, Mavericks MC, Norm Hansell, the Petruska #4 and Chad Sinon. Most of the wins have come with Sinon as the team has been together since 2006.
Few racers can claim 200 feature victories during their career and fans could be part of this history making event if Howard is able to come back from a tough Saturday night to take his 200th victory provided he has not reached that mark elsewhere on Friday.
The NASCAR 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman will be part of a tripleheader show that will feature at least 14 events of racing topped by a 30-lapper for the Modifieds and 25-lappers for the Late Models and Sportsman.
Spectator gates open at 5 p.m. with racing scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Pits open at 4 p.m. Adult admission is $15 while youngsters 12 and under are admitted free. Anyone entering the pit area will be required to have a NASCAR license. Pit admission is $30.
A meet and greet featuring three Grandview racers and their race cars is set for 5 p.m. at the main entrance to the speedway
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Defending Champ Ryan Godown Breaks the Ice at New Egypt
New Egypt, NJ (Apr. 20, 2013) – Ryan Godown of Ringoes, NJ broke through for his first win of 2013 on a very chilly evening as he captured the 30 lap 358 Modified event at New Egypt Speedway Saturday night. Godown passed leader John McClelland as the halfway sign was displayed and then ran away and hid from the field in the non-stop event that finished in just nine and a half minutes.
McClelland led the first half of the event in strong fashion as he led by ¾ of a straightaway when Godown and David Van Horn pulled into second and third. Godown was fast and appeared to me a man on a mission as in just 6 laps he erased McClelland’s advantage and began to work on him in lapped traffic for the lead. As the two exited turn number 4 coming to the halfway sign, Godown powered around him for the lead he would never relinquish. Godown dominated the final 15 laps as he drove away to win by over a half of a straightaway over McClelland and Van Horn. Modified rookie Tim Apgar continues to impress in the first month as he finished fourth and Tad Cox crossed the line in fifth.
The ARDC Midgets made their first of three appearances of the season Saturday as they kicked off the 2013 season for the tour. Steve Buckwalter of Royersford, PA picked up his fifth win at New Egypt Speedway of his career as he rebounded back from a first lap tangle to drive from last to first. Bruce Buckwalter, Jr. held on for second as last year’s NES victor Alex Bright charged up to finish third. Ryan Greth and Steven Drivicki rounded out the top five.
Mike Lyons won the 20 lap Sportsman feature event over defending champion Clay Butler. For Lyons it was his 18th career Sportsman win at NES, fourth on the all-time list. Butler settled for second after a late race charge, followed by Kevin Vaclavicek, Brian Roemer and Mike Butler.
Next Saturday Apr. 27th it will be Little League Night with all Little Leaguers in uniform admitted for free, along with a parade of all of them at Intermission. The 358 Modifieds will headline the night, joined by the Fastrak Crate Sportsman, TSRS 305 Sprint Cars, the Fastrak Late Models and the HCI/SpikeNGo Rookie Sportsman. Racing gets underway 6pm, with gates opening at 4pm. For more information, call the speedway office at (609) 758-1900 or log on to www.newegyptspeedway.net. You can also follow NES on Facebook and Twitter.
MODIFIED Feature (30 Laps): 1. Ryan Godown 2. John McClelland 3. David Van Horn 4. Tim Apgar 5. Tad Cox 6. Billy Pauch 7. Jimmy Blewett 8. Gary Butler 9. Willie Osmun 10. Sammy Piazza 11. John Stangle 12. Kevin Albert 13. Rick Holsten 14. Neal Williams 15. Ron John Koczon 16. Tommy Farrell 17. PJ Oliver 18. Doug Oswald 19. Bob Drayton 20. Rocco Infante
1st Heat: 1. Sammy Piazza 2. Ryan Godown 3. David Van Horn 4. Gary Butler 5. Tad Cox 6. Billy Pauch
2nd Heat: 1. Rick Holsten 2. Tim Apgar 3. John Stangle 4. John McCelland 5. Kevin Albert 6. Jimmy Blewitt
SPORTSMAN Feature (20 Laps): 1. Mike Lyons 2. Clay Butler 3. Kevin Vaclavicek 4. Brian Roemer 5. Mike Butler 6. John Cornell III 7. Jim Housworth 8. DJ Ruppert 9. Ebby Ridge 10. Rich Rutski 11. Marc Herman 12. Bob Lineman Jr. 13. Mike Hendershot 14. Gene Stravinsky 15. Alan Bleacher 16. Mike Howardson 17. Mick Search 18. Andy Visinski 19. Steve Davis 20. Chad Barney 21. Marty Saxton 22. J.T Trsensky 23. Jason Dunn
1st Heat: 1. Mike Lyons 2. Kevin Vaclavicek 3. Mike Butler 4. Brian Roemer 5. Mike Hendershot 6. Marc Herman
2nd Heat: 1. DJ Ruppert 2. Ebby Ridge 3. Clay Butler 4. Bob Lineman Jr. 5. John Cornell III 6. J.T Trsensky
3rd heat: 1. Steve Davis 2. Mike Howardson 3. Gene Stravinsky 4. Mick Search 5. Alan Bleacher 6. Jason Dunn
ARDC MIDGET Feature(20 Laps): 1. Steve Buckwalter 2. Bruce Buckwalter Jr. 3. Alex Bright 4. Ryan Greth 5. Steven Drevicki 6. Nick Wean 7. Jimmy Glenn 8. Brian Gilmore 9. Trevor Kobylarz 10. Steve Craig 11. Shawn Jackson 12. Steven Bull 13. Brett Arndt 14. Mark Gilmore 15. Billy Courtwright 16. PJ Gargiulo 17. Jason Rice 18. Carey Becker 19. Kyle Lick 20. Tony Dimattia 21. John Barnett Jr.
DNS: Brendon Bright, Austin Burke, Brett Wanner
1st Heat: 1. Steven Drevicki 2. Alex Bright 3. Trever Kobylarz 4. Shawn Jackson 5. Tony Dimattia 6. Brian Gilmore
2nd Heat: 1. Steve Buckwalter 2. Jason Rice 3. Ryan Greth 4. Nick Wean 5. Bruce Buckwalter Jr. 6. Jimmy Glenn
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BIG DIAMOND SPEEDWAY ENDS THE MONTH OF APRIL WITH A SHOWER OF ACTIVITY
MINERSVILLE, PA - APRIL 21th, 2013
After losing the last two Friday evenings events to rain, Big Diamond Speedway is hoping to ring out the month of April with a huge weekend of racing.
This coming Friday, April 26, Big Diamond presents the season opener for the URC Sprint cars. This will be the only appearance for the URC sprinters at Big Diamond in 2013, brought to you by Alpine Building Supply of Schuylkill Haven, PA. A stellar field of sprint cars is expected for this event, led by defending URC champion Robbie Stillwaggon. He will be joined by 2012 points runner-up Dave Franek and last years URC winner at Big Diamond, Kevin Darling. Former modified and late model standout Ed Aiken is expected, as is former Sportsman driver Joey Biasi, and former modified drivers Larry Kelleher, Scott Lutz, and Dan Mazy. Former Big Diamond Late Model Champion and multi-time feature winner Keith Prutzman will be in the field along with 2011 Georgie Stevenson Memorial winner Billy Pauch Jr. Make it a point to be there, as this is a show you do not want to miss.
On Saturday, April 27th, Big Diamond will present the second test and tune of the season on Big Diamond Speedway from noon to 2 PM. This will be followed immediately by the second Enduro of the season. The Enduro cars are schedule to hit the track at 3:00 PM.
The following Friday, May 3rd, Big Diamond presents the second of five shows this season for the Modifieds paying $3,000 to win and $300 to take the green. Defending point champion Craig Von Dohren took the first of these five events on opening day, and looks to add another victory to his Big Diamond resume. Two time winner Jeff Strunk looks to keep his hot streak going, while Meme Desantis, Frank Cozze, Doug Manmiller, Ray Swinehart, Kevin Albert Jr., and a host of others look to add their name to the 2013 win list.
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VONDOHREN AND UMBENHAUER ARE NOW TWO TIME WINNERS, KYLE MERKEL WINS FIRST LATE MODEL FEATURE OF SEASON AT GRANDVIEW
BECHTELSVILLE, PA April 21, 2013 . . . If you are a betting person you just may want to place a wager that Craig VonDohren will be the NASCAR 358 Champion at Grandview Speedway for the seventh time when the season is complete and Jared Umbenhauer will win his second straight NASCAR Sportsman title.
VonDohren, Umbenhauer and Kyle Merkel were the feature winners at the Berks County clay oval on Saturday night with Oley based VonDohren winning the 30-lap NASCAR 358 Modified feature. Umbenhauer, who calls Richland home, won the 25-lap Sportsman feature race while Kyle Merkel (Gilbertsville) was able to win his first 25-lap Late Model feature race of the season.
Brad Grim led the 30 car starting field to the green in the 30-lap NASCAR Whelen All American Series 358 Modified feature race with former URC sprint car racer Jason Clauss close behind. With one third of the race in the record books soon to be DIRT Modified Hall of Famer Frank Cozze charged into third spot.
At the midway mark Craig VonDohren, coming from 15th starting spot, put his Beartown Recycling/Kauffman’s BBQ Chicken No. 1c in second spot. Grim, the leader, and six time track champion VonDohren, were in a heated battle for the top spot for several laps before the duo made contact headed into Turn 3, with two thirds of the race completed, and VonDohren took the top spot and Grim recovered to hold on to third.
In the late laps Frank Cozze (Wind Gap) came back to be a challenger for the win but had to settle for second as VonDohren was able to hold the top spot to the finish. Grim (Allentown) salvaged a third place finish followed by Jason Clauss (Fleetwood) getting one of his strongest finishes since becoming a regular at Grandview, and nine time track champion Jeff Strunk (Bechtelsville).
In victory lane VonDohren had high praise for his engine builder and the entire team. When the victory lane announced asked him who he would like to thank, “All that are involved” was the short and quick response.
Former Late Model racer Ron Krex set the pace at the drop of the green for the 24 car Sportsman feature. Krex was able to keep the top spot for the first ten laps before John Kovatch IV moved to the front. At 14 laps Ken Eckert Jr. spun on the backstretch bringing out the caution and bunching up the field. On the restart Krex was able charge to the front and look destined to win his first feature. However at the 19 lap marker Jared Umbenhauer, coming from 15th starting spot, took the top spot with his Eastern Rigging No. 5 and went on to win his second feature of the season making him a solid favorite to win a second track title. Second spot went to Krex followed by Joe Funk (Coopersburg), John Kovatch IV (Nesquehoning) and last week’s feature winner Brett Kressley (Orefield).
In the 25-lap main event for the NASCAR Late Models Kyle Merkel had control of the first place position at the finish of the first lap and never gave up that spot as he led all the laps to win his first Late Model feature of the season. Older brother Sean, coming from seventh position, tried to mount a challenge and a late race caution did close up the field but Kyle was able to bring his Kochel Equipment/Merkel Rebar No. 117 home first. Second spot did go to Sean (Gilbertsville) followed by Kory Fleming (Milford, NJ), Danny Snyder (Green Lane) and Chuck Schutz (Pottstown).
When the day started at Grandview the chances of racing being presented were not good as three feet of water covered most of the infield and track area. The track crew consisting of Justin Merry, Scott Schaffer and Brad Missimer were able to pull off some miracles with the assistance of pumps to clear out most of the water and the track was ready for racing at 7:15 p.m.
Qualifying heat victories in the Late Model division were won by Danny Snyder and Kyle Merkel. Heat race victories for the Sportsman racers went to Guy Germano, Jared Umbenhauer and Kyle Borror. Modified qualifying races were won by Eric Biehn, Mike Guler, Jason Clauss and Brad Grim. Consolation races for the Modifieds had Jon Kellner Jr. and Kevin Hirthler winning Scott Davis Sr. won the Sportsman consolation race.
Racing action returns to Grandview Speedway on Saturday, April 27th with the NASCAR 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman in action starting at 7 p.m. At least a dozen racing events being presented.
NASCAR 358 MODIFIED FEATURE - 30 LAPS: 1. Craig VonDohren 2. Frank Cozze 3. Brad Grim 4. Jason Clauss 5. Jeff Strunk 6. Terry Meitzler 7. Mike Gular 8. Jarred Miller 9. Shawn Reimert 10. Doug Manmiller 11. Nate Christman 12. Meme DeSantis 13. Jon Kellner Sr. 14. Don Norris Jr. 15. Tim Buckwalter 16. Kevin Hirthler 17. Jordan Umbenhauer 18. Chris Esposito 19. Kyle Weiss 20. John Willman 21. Glenn Strunk (provisional starter based on top ten point standings) 22. Addison Meitzler 23. Todd Smith 24. Bobby Gunther Walsh 25. Andy Ressler 26. Jon Kellner Jr. 27. Duane Howard (provisional starter based on top ten in point standings) 28. Ryan Grim 29. Eric Biehn 30. Kyle Follweiler
NASCAR SPORTSMAN FEATURE - 25 LAPS:1. Jared Umbenhauer 2. Ron Krex 3. Joe Funk 4. John Kovatch IV 5. Brett Kressley 6.Guy Germano 7. Brian Hirthler 8. Brad Brightbill 9. Kenny Gilmore 10. Kyle Borror 11. Kevin Beach 12.Steve Young 13. Craig Whitmoyer 14.Mike Lisowski 15. Kirby Sites 16. Kaitie McCardle 17. Scott Davis Jr.18. Scott Davis Sr. 19. Joe Fanelli 20. Ryan Beltz 21. Dean Bachman 22. Mike Stringer 23. Ryan Lilick 24. Ken Eckert Jr.
NASCAR LATE MODEL FEATURE - 25 LAPS: 1. Kyle Merkel 2. Sean Merkel 3. Kory Fleming 4. Danny Snyder 5. Chuck Schutz 6. Steve Nederostek 7. Wayne Pfeil 8. Sam Schlosberg 9. Rick Todorow 10. Lou Egrie Sr. 11. Dan Green 12. Mike Kellner 13. Jason Miller 14. Dirk Rimrott 15. Steve Butler 16.Steve Todorow 17. Buddy Mertz 18. Doug Walton 19. John Giesler
UNOFFICIAL POINT STANDINGS FOR NASCAR MODIFIEDS AS OF APRIL 20, 2013
1. Craig VonDohren, Boyertown, PA #1C 1153**
2. Meme DeSantis, Temple, PA #88D 986*
3. Jeff Strunk, Bechtelsville, PA #4* 980
4. Frank Cozze, Easton, PA #357 979
5. Glenn Strunk, Bechtelsville, PA #2 906
5. Doug Manmiller, Shoemakersville, PA #46 906*
7. Duane Howard, Oley, PA #4 886
8. Kyle Weiss, Hamburg, PA #21K 821
9. Jordan Umbenhauer, Richland, PA #19 809
10. Mike Gular, Green Lane, PA #53 774
UNOFFICIAL POINT STANDINGS FOR NASCAR SPORTSMAN AS OF APRIL 20, 2013
1. Jared Umbenhauer, Richland, PA #5 910**
2. Brad Brightbill, Sinking Springs, PA #19 811
3. Craig Whitmoyer, Hamburg, PA #99 763
4. Kenny Gilmore, Fleetwood, PA #7 707
5. Brett Kressley, #19K 659*
6. Joe Funk, Coopersbur, PA #14J, 636
7. Kyle Borror, Peach Bottom, PA #B4 604
8. Kevin Beach, Minersville, PA #17X 586
9. Kirby Sites #21K 566
10. Brian Hirthler, Green Lane, PA #4* 561
* denotes feature win (Feature wins listed are only those that are NASCAR point events.)
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Spring Snow Cancels Mercer Show
Mercer, PA (April 20, 2013): Awakening to a fresh blanket of Spring snow, officials at Mercer Raceway Park canceled the racing program set for April 20. Points will now start next Saturday, weather permitting, of course. Negotiations are underway to find a replacement date for the FASTRAK Northeast Regional Late Model Series event.
"This weather is incredible," said track manager Frank Benic. "It was eighty-four degrees the other day, and now we have snow!"
The April 27 race will feature the track's six exciting divisions. There will be two classes of Sprint Cars at the top of the list, the 410s sponsored by Luxaire Heating & Cooling and New Wilmington Motors, and the Outlaw Sprint Warriors presented by Bonnell's Collision Center. The Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds and the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars thrill the crowds at every turn. The Modified Lites race under the banners of Big Daddy's Speed Center and Rock COncrete, while the Mini Stocks now fly the colors of Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles.
Gates will open at 4 p.m., with racing at 7.
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RAIN FORECAST FORCES CANCELLATION OF RACING AT BIG DIAMOND SPEEDWAY
MINERSVILLE, PA - APRIL 19th, 2013
A near 100% chance of major thunderstorms this evening, with rainfall amounts of well over 1" predicted, has forced the cancellation of the racing events scheduled for this evening at Big Diamond Speedway.
Racing resumes at Big Diamond Speedway next Friday, April 26 with the season opener for the URC Sprint cars. This will be the only appearance for the URC sprinters at Big Diamond in 2013, brought to you by Alpine Building Supply of Schuylkill Haven, PA. They will be joined that evening by the 358 Modifieds and Roadrunners. Warm-ups will begin at 7:45 PM with the first heat hitting the track at 8:15 PM.
This coming Thursday, April 25th, we will try once again to get the season started on Little Diamond Speedway. Gates open at 6:00 PM and racing begins at 7:00 PM. The 125cc Micro Sprints, 270cc Micro Sprints, and Slingshots will be the three divisions on the racing card. The Slingshots will be competing in an MA Silver Regional tour race.
Pit participation fee for Little Diamond will be $20 per person, with no age limits on who can enter the pit area. Pit membership is free, with no license required. Car registration is $20 per car/per division. Grandstand admission will be $8.00 per person for everyone ages 13 and up. Children 12 years of age and under are admitted free if accompanied by a paying adult.
Also next weekend on Saturday, April 27th, we will present another test and tune session on Big Diamond Speedway from noon to 2 PM. This will be followed by our second Enduro of the season. The Enduro cars are schedule to hit the track at 3:00 PM.
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VONDOHREN, MANMILLER, SCHUTZ AND KRESSLEY WIN NASCAR FEATURE RACES AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY
BECHTELSVILLE, PA April 14, 2013 . . . After being shut out of victory lane in 2012 Craig VonDohren was able to earn his first NASCAR Modified feature victory since 2011 picking up the win in the first of two 35-lap NASCAR Whelen All American Series 358 Modified features at Grandview Speedway on Saturday night. Doug Manmiller, after finishing second in the first feature, came back to win the second 35-lap NASCAR 358 Modified feature. Both winners picked up $3250 including the $250 bonus bucks from TP Trailers of Limerick, PA.
The 25-lap Late Model feature was won by defending Late Model champion Chuck Schutz while rookie Brett Kressley drove to victory in the 25-lap feature for Sportsman.
Brad Grim set the pace at the start of the first 35-lap feature for the 358 Modifieds but dropped out during a third lap caution. On the restart Tommy Scheetz III took control and looked like a possible feature winner. Craig VonDohren, coming from 13th starting spot, challenged Scheetz at the midway point and the duo put on a crowd pleasing battle for the top spot for several laps. With 26 laps in the record book VonDohren and Scheetz rubbed sheet metal with VonDohren able to gain the lead and go on to victory.
At the checkered flag VonDohren, who calls Boyertown home, had a comfortable margin of victory with his Beartown Recycling No. 1c over Doug Manmiller (Shoemakersville). Third spot went to last week’s feature winner Meme DeSantis (Temple) followed by Scheetz III (Boyertown) and Frank Cozze (Wind Gap).
The second 35-lap for NASCAR 358 Modifieds saw Chris Esposito take command at the start but just two laps later Tommy Scheetz III charged to the front in Turn 2. Doug Manmiller, looking to improve on his second place finish in the first feature, quickly moved into second spot and challenged the leader for first.
At the 10 lap marker Manmiller was able to charge by Scheetz for the lead in Turn 2 with Jordan Umbenhauer now in the chase for the top spot.
With 17 laps in the record book Scheetz and Kevin Hirthler made contact in Turn 2 as they battled for top five spots with Scheetz’s mount being towed to the pits and Hirthler sent to the rear of the field.
Defending NASCAR Modified champion Duane Howard, coming from 13th start spot, challenged Manmiller in the late laps of the race but fell short in his effort to claim his first win of the season. Man miller (Shoemakersville) steered the GMI/Manmiller Electric No.46 to his first win of the season. Second spent went to Howard (Oley). In third was Craig VonDohren (Boyertown) coming from 15th starting spot while Glenn Strunk (Bechtelsville) claimed fourth with a strong effort and Jordon Umbenhauer (Richland) had an impressive fifth place effort.
The second feature for the Modifieds had the top 15 in the first feature given points based on their finish in that event and then handicapped with VonDohren getting the 15th starting spot. Those finishing in 16th through 30th started according to their finishing positions in the first feature.
Going into the Saturday, April 20th, events Duane Howard has just a two point edge over Craig VonDohren in the chase for the lucrative track and NASCAR point funds.
Lee Miller looked as if he would visit victory lane in the 25-lap Late Model feature as he had a commanding lead for the first half of the race. Defending Late Model champion Chuck Schutz challenged Miller with about one third of the race completed and was able to take the top spot with half the laps in the record book. Danny Snyder put some pressure on Schutz in the closing laps but Schutz was not to be denied the victory. Schutz (Pottstown) steered the Pioneer Pole Building/BPG Racing No. 1 to victory with Danny Snyder (Green Lane) finishing second. Third spot was earned by last week’s feature winner Mike Kellner (Lansdale) followed by Lee Miller (New Tripoli) and Wayne Pfeil (Mohnton).
Charging to the front of the 24-car Sportsman feature starting field Ryan Beltz had things pretty much under control. Rookie Brett Kressley ran second for the first ten laps but when a caution created a restart Kressley was able to charge to the front and set the pace for the balance of the 25-lap feature race. At the finish Orefield based Kressley, driving the No. 19K sponsored by the family owned Kressley Auto and Truck Sales business, was able to grab his first win at the Berks County clay oval. Craig Whitmoyer (Hamburg) was closing quickly but had to settle for second followed by point leader Jared Umbenhauer (Richland), Brad Brightbill (Sinking Springs) and early leader Beltz (Harleysville).
Close to 100 cars were seen in action on the very fast clay oval during the 15 racing events presented.
Qualifying heat races in the NASCAR 358 Modified division were won by Brad Grim, Justin Grim, Doug Manmiller and Tommy Scheetz III. The consolation races had wins going to Jordan Umbenhauer and Tim Buckwalter. In the qualifiers for Sportsman racers wins were earned by Jared Umbenhauer, Ken Eckert and Guy Germano while the consolation victory went to Kirby Sites. In the Late Model division Lou Egrie Sr and Kyle Merkel won the qualifying races.
Things return to normal at Grandview Speedway on Saturday, April 20th, 7 p.m. when a regular show of NASCAR 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman will be presented. Each division presents a full series of qualifying events topped by a 30-lap feature for the Modifieds and 25 lap features for the Late Models and Sportsman. Adult admission is $15 while youngsters 12 and under are admitted free.
358 MODIFIED FEATURE - 35 LAPS:1. Craig VonDohren 2. Doug Manmiller 3. Meme DeSantis 4. Tommy Scheetz III 5. Frank Cozze 6.Duane Howard 7. Chris Esposito 8. Glenn Strunk 9. Terry Meitzler 10.Jeff Strunk 11. Kevin Hirthler 12. Kyle Weiss 13. Ryan Grim 14. Don Norris Jr. 15. Jordon Umbenhauer 16. Addison Meitzler 17. Jon Kellner Sr. 18. Tim Buckwalter 19. Ray Swinehart 20. Nate Christman 21. Mike Gular 22. Kyle Follweiler 23. John Willman 24. Dan Waisempacher 25. Jon Kellner Jr. 26. Justin Grim 27. Eric Biehn 28. Brad Grim 29. Jarred Miller 30. Shawn Reimert
358 MODIFIED FEATURE - 35 LAPS:1. Doug Manmiller 2. Duane Howard 3. Craig VonDohren 4. Glenn Strunk 5. Jordon Umbenhauer 6. Kyle Weiss 7. Mike Gular 8. Ryan Grim 9. Jeff Strunk 10. Nate Christman 11. Frank Cozze 12. Meme DeSantiz 13. Tim Buckwalter 14. John Willman 15. Chris Esposito 16. Jarred Miller 17. Ray Swinehart 18. Andy Ressler 19. Kevin Hirthler 20. Jon Kellner Jr. 21. Dan Waisempacher 22. Tommy Scheetz III 23. Jon Kellner Sr. 24. Addison Meitzler 25. Justin Grim 26. Kyle Follweiler 27. Don Norris Jr. 28. Eric Biehn 29. Terry Meitzler 30. Shawn Reimert
SPORTSMAN FEATURE - 25 LAPS:1. Brett Kressley 2. Craig Whitmoyer 3. Jared Umbenhauer 4. Brad Brightbill 5. Ryan Beltz 6. Jordan Henn 7. Joe Funk 8. Ken Eckert 9.Kenny Gilmore 10. Ryan Lilick 11. Scott Davis Jr. 12. Paul Kline 13. Kirby Sites 14. Mike Lisowski 15. Joe Fanelli 16. Kaitie McCardle 17. Mike Stringer 18. Guy Germano 19. Brian Hirthler 20. Kyle Borror 21. Dean Bachman 22. Kevin Beach 23. Steve Young 24. Erik Renninger
LATE MODEL FEATURE - 25 LAPS: 1. Chuck Schutz 2. Danny Snyder 3. Mike Kellner 4. Lee Miller 5. Wayne Pfeil 6. Rick Todorow 7. Lou Egrie Sr. 8. Doug Walton 9. John Giesler 10. Dan Green 11. Buddy Mertz 12. Kyle Merkel 13. Sean Merkel 14. Steve Nederostek 15. Kory Fleming 16. Jason Miller 17. Sam Schlosberg 18. Bill Henning 19. Steve Butler
UNOFFICIAL POINT STANDINGS FOR NASCAR MODIFIEDS
AS OF APRIL 13, 2013
1. Duane Howard, Oley, PA #4 846
2. Craig VonDohren, Boyertown, PA #1C 844*
3. Meme DeSantis, Temple, PA #88D 788*
4. Jeff Strunk, Bechtelsville, PA #4* 713
5. Glenn Strunk, Bechtelsville, PA #2 706
6. Kyle Weiss, Hamburg, PA #21K 697
7. Doug Manmiller, Shoemakersville, PA #46 690*
8. Ryan Grim, Laury’s Station, PA #17 684
9. Frank Cozze, Easton, PA #357 682
10. Jordan Umbenhauer, Richland, PA #19 663
UNOFFICIAL POINT STANDINGS FOR NASCAR SPORTSMAN
AS OF APRIL 13, 2013
1. Jared Umbenhauer, Richland, PA #5 600*
2. Brad Brightbill, Sinking Springs, PA #19 576
3. Craig Whitmoyer, Hamburg, PA #99 575
4. Kenny Gilmore, Fleetwood, PA #7 484
5. Paul Kline, Muhlenberg, PA #14 442
6. Kirby Sites #21K 401
7. Brett Kressley, #19K 394*
8. Kaitie McCardle, Honeybrook, PA #11 387
9. Kevin Beach, Minersville, PA #17X 384
9. Kyle Borror, Peach Bottom, PA #B4 384
*denotes feature win
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Wet Grounds and Bad Weather Cancel Mercer Raceway Park
Mercer, PA (April 13, 2013): Mercer Raceway Park cancelled the racing action scheduled for Saturday night, April 13, due to wet grounds,inclement weather and cold temperatures. Racing will resume on April 20.
"The grounds are just saturated," stated track manager Frank Benic. "The rain this week just flooded the grounds, we were hoping it was going to warm up today and the sun would help dry things out, but that just didn't happen. Hopefully things will improve next Saturday."
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WOODHULL RACEWAY LOOSES SEASON OPENER TO MOTHER NATURE.
(Woodhull, NY) The 49th consecutive season opener at the Woodhull Raceway will have to wait one more week as a massive three day rain storm that covered the entire northeast washed out any plans of racing on Saturday, April 13, 2013.
Track owner, Ted White made the decision early in the day after heavy overnight and early race day rains saturated the already wet grounds and with a forecast of even more rain and possible snow flurries later in the day it made the decision much easier to make.
The season lid lifter will be pushed back one week until April 20 with Lias American Racer Tires to sponsor the 5 card show featuring a special $1,000 to win feature event for the NAPA Crate Sportsman. Also on the card it will be the S&W Awards and Photos 360 Late Models along with the Joe Willcox Performance Street Stocks, the Signs Plus of Kanona Mini Stocks and the LaBarron Brothers Repair and Parts Front Wheel Drive Divisions.
The Insinger 370 Modifieds will make their season debut on April 27.
Gates for the April 20 event open at 4:30 with the first green flag waiving at 6:30 pm.
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RAIN FORCES CANCELLATION OF RACING AT BIG DIAMOND SPEEDWAY
MINERSVILLE, PA - APRIL 12th, 2013
Heavy rains all morning, with more expected this afternoon, have forced the cancellation of the racing events scheduled for this evening at Big Diamond Speedway.
Racing resumes at Big Diamond Speedway next Friday, April 19th, with a regular show of ZY Pyrotechnics 358 Modifieds, USS Achey Sportsman, and Savage 61 Roadrunners. Also on the card next Friday will be round 2 of the Anthracite Coal Deliver Street Stocks.
In two weeks on Friday, April 26th, Big Diamond Speedway presents the season opener for the URC Sprint cars. This will be the only appearance for the URC sprinters at Big Diamond in 2013, brought to you by Alpine Building Supply of Schuylkill Haven, PA. They will be joined that evening by the 358 Modifieds and Roadrunners.
This coming Thursday, April 18th, will be the season opener for Little Diamond Speedway. The 125cc Micro Sprints, 270cc Micro Sprints, and Slingshots will be the three divisions competing on the Little Diamond.
Gates for Little Diamond Speedway open at 6 PM with warm-ups slated for 6:45 PM. Managements goal is to have the entire show completed in 2 hours or less each and every week to insure everyone gets home at a reasonable hour.
Pit participation fee will be $20 per person, with no age limits on who can enter the pit area. Pit membership is free, with no license required. Car registration is $20 per car/per division. Grandstand admission will be $8.00 per person for everyone ages 13 and up. Children 12 years of age and under are admitted free if accompanied by a paying adult.
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TWIN 35-LAP FEATURES FOR NASCAR 358 MODIFIEDS PLUS RACING FOR LATE MODELS AND SPORTSMAN SATURDAY AT GRANDVIEW
BECHTELSVILLE, PA April 11, 2013 . . . The NASCAR 358 Modified stock cars will be in the limelight on Saturday, April 13th, 7 p.m. at Grandview Speedway when twin 35-lap feature races are presented.
Racers will be going after $3250 to win in each of the feature races. TP Trailers of Limerick has kicked in the $250 for each winner provided their decal is clearly visible on each side of the race car. In addition there will be beautiful custom trophies created by Bux-Mont Awards of Lansdale and Sellersville.
Qualifying heat races will be used to fill the starting field for each of the 35-lap features. Once the first feature is over those racers unable to make it out to start the second feature will be replaced by alternate starters.
Qualifying heat starting spots will be based on points earned in the opening night races.
The second feature will see the first 15 finishers in the first feature being re-handicapped with the winner starting 15th. The rest of the field will start straight-up based on their finish in the first race.
Points will be awarded for each feature.
“It has been a while since we have run a double feature program so there may be some adjustments made on race night,” said track marketing director Ernie Saxton. “This is going to be an interesting night of racing, very exciting, not only for the racers but for fans.”
With $3250 up for grabs for each Modified feature it will have an impact on how hard the racers work for the wins.
Also part of the show will include Late Models and Sportsman running in a full series of qualifying races topped off by 25 lap features.
Three of the Grandview regular racers ( Buddy Mertz, Erik Renninger and a Modified driver) will take part in an autograph session starting as soon as spectator gates open at 5 p.m. First 25 youngsters showing up for the autographs will receive an autograph photo card with all 3 drivers on it. Session takes place in front of the main gate.
Adult admission is $20 while youngsters 6 thru 12 pay just $5. Children under 6 are admitted for FREE.
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Point Chase Starts Saturday at Mercer Raceway Park
Mercer, PA (April 9, 2013): After a successful Chiller Thriller, Mercer Raceway Park will host its first Saturday Night Live! event of the 2013 racing season on April 13. And, to add to the excitement, the points chase will begin immediately for all six of the classes. All but one of the reigning champions are expected to be on hand to begin their title defenses.
Eric Williams, of Greenville, will look to build upon a remarkable 2012 racing season. In addition to snaring his first championship at Mercer Raceway Park, "Turkey" was a top five finisher at Lernerville Speedway last year. He will go to the post in his familiar number 7 Sprint Car. He will get plenty of competition from Scott Priester, pilot of the Martha Dionise number 15. Although he did not pick up a feature win, Priester was one of the most consistent runners at the speedway. The father and son duo of Brent and Brandon Matus, and many more, will be on hand. The 410 Sprint Car division will be presented by Luxaire Heating & Cooling and New Wilmington Motors in 2013.
The Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modified class will be up for grabs in 2013, as Greenville's Rob Curtis is likely to miss the opening event. His car owner, Larry Riffe, reported last week that the team has yet to secure some needed financial support for the campaign. There will be no shortage of talent, though. Former champions Jimmy Holden and Frankie Guidace are ready. Mix in veterans like Lonnie Riggs, Matt Reeher, Ron Eperthener, and Kyle Fink, and young drivers like Max Smoker and Makayla Guidace, and you have the makings of a pretty stout field.
Joe McEwen, of Mercer, will lead the way in the Outlaw Sprint Warriors. That class is under the Bonnell's Collision Center banner for 2013. Interest is running high for this division, as thee were more Sprint Warriors than any other class represented at the annual car show. Rookie of the year C.J. Jones, Cavalcade award winner Jimmy Morris, Harold Braden, Jr., and Jacob Lagastee were just some of the other drivers who had their cars on display, so you know that they will be ready for action.
Trusty Rusty Moore was flying at the Chiller Thriller in his Stock Car before he pitted due to a mechanical problem. The New Castle driver got it fixed and returned to finish sixth. He'll be looking to get a jump on a three-peat in the Precise Racing Products sponsored class. It won't be easy, though, as Joe Kelley and a host of others will try to unseat him. The question of the day will be whether Hot Rod Laskey can get his mount repaired after his hard front stretch crash last week.
Can Mark Marcucci match his stellar performance in the Modified Lites? The racer from West Middlesex dominated the division in 2012, but 2011 champ Darrin Gallagher will be ready to take him on. A number of Mercer Mod Lite drivers saw action in Florida in February, so a banner field is expected. Once again, the class benefactors are Big Daddy's Speed Center and Rock Concrete.
Evans City's Steve Longwell, Jr. will go for family bragging rights, as well as an early points lead this Saturday. His father, Steve Sr., and his brother-in-law, Joel Wisser, would like to set him back a notch or two, though. Ed Haylett reported last week that he'll have his "green machine" ready to go, too. The Mini Stocks will race for Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles this season.
Gates will open at 4, hot laps will start at 6:30, and racing will begin at 7.
General admission for adults will be $13. Seniors (60 and over) will be $11, and students (ages 9-18) will be $5. Children (8 and under) are always free. The economical Family Pass will be $28 and that will be good for up to two adults and four minors. Pit passes will be $25.
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Mohawk International Raceway Set to Honor Champions and Top Finishers From 2012 at Annual Awards Banquet This Weekend
AKWESASNE, NY – Although the 2013 racing season is just a few weeks away, Mohawk International Raceway still has some unfinished business from 2012 as they prepare to honor their champions and top finishers from the past season at their annual awards banquet coming up this weekend at the Brass Horse in Hogansburg, New York.
Tickets for the banquet can be purchased by contacting the track office throughout the week at 518-358-9017. The track office will be open from 12pm to 3pm each day. Banquet ticket pricing will be $30. Doors will open at 6pm on Saturday, with dinner served at 7pm. Awards presentation will follow. Banquet tickets will also be sold at the door on Saturday.
The chase for the 2012 358 Modified track championship came down to several drivers on the final night of points. It was Billy Dunn taking home the championship, despite missing a race early in the year. Dunn finished just five points ahead of Chris Raabe, and 11 points ahead of Carey Terrance. Matt Billings finished the season in fourth place in points with Danny O’Brien, Dale Planck, Laurent Ladouceur and Roy Tarbell completing the top 8. Dunn also captured the Frenchie’s “Chevy Runs Deep” 358 Modified Series championship over Matt Billings, Chris Raabe, Brian McDonald and Roy Tarbell. Tom Conklin won the 2012 Rookie of the Year award.
For the second year in a row, Dylan Evoy dominated the Sportsman division at Mohawk International Raceway. Evoy claimed the championship by an astonishing 169 points over second place competitor Josh VanBrocklin. Mike Arquiett had a great season finishing in third place, while Brent Kelsey and Jessica Power rounded out the top five. Evoy also claimed his second straight Frenchie’s Ford “Drive One” Series title over Brandon Hagan, Mike Arquiett, Giles Godard and Jessica Power. Adam Rozon captured the Rookie of the Year title for the Sportsman Division.
PJ Peters claimed the Mohawk International Raceway Pro Stock Championship in 2012 and will be honored for his efforts this weekend. PJ captured the title by 32 points over Stephane Lebrun. Dion Oakes, Marc Lalonde and Rock Aubin rounded out the top five, while newcomer Owen White claimed Rookie of the Year Honors. Joey Ladouceur claimed his second consecutive Bailey Motor Company Series Championship over PJ Peters, George Renaud, Stephane Lebrun and Jody Swamp.
Brian Green claimed the Mod Lite Track championship at Mohawk International Raceway in 2012, finishing just 12 points ahead of 2011 champion Mathieu Robinson. Scott Waldriff finished in third place on the season and claimed Rookie of the Year. Dan Reif captured the 600cc Mod Lite track championship with Bailey McDonald earning Rookie of the Year honors. Green also claimed the CKON 97.3 Mod Lite Series title over Jim Boggett and Mathieu Robinson.
Mathieu Aubin dominated the Bandit division in 2012, claiming the championship by 119 points over second place finisher Stuart Mossow. Cory Castell finished the season third overall, while Matt Zira captured Rookie of the Year honros.
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DESANTIS, M.KELLNER AND UMBENHAUER WIN OPENING NIGHT NASCAR FEATURES AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY
BECHTELSVILLE, PA April 7, 2013 . . . Dirt track legend Meme DeSantis showed that he is looking to be a serious contender for the lucrative championship at Grandview Speedway winning the opening night 30-lap feature for the NASCAR Whelen All American Series 358 Modifieds Saturday night. Mike Kellner, a consistent winner at the one-third-mile, banked clay track, kicked off his season with a win in the 25 lap Late Model feature while Jared Umbenhauer started defense of his 2012 Sportsman title by leading almost all the laps to win the 25 lap main event for the Sportsman racers.
Don Norris Jr. was quick to set the pace at the drop of the green flag for the 30-lap NASCAR 358 Modified feature with Kyle Weiss close behind. With six laps in the record book Weiss went a little wide as he was challenged and gave second to hard charging Meme DeSantis. At the halfway mark it was a three car battle for the number one spot featuring Norris, DeSantis and now defending Modified champion Duane Howard. At 18 laps Howard, now second, was able to take the top spot by “rubbing” past Norris.
With 22 laps completed Doug Manmiller, who had been running in the top five for much of the race, hit the fourth turn wall hard. Manmiller climbed out of his car pointing his finger at Howard apparently blaming him for an earlier incident that had Manmiller bouncing off the wall going into Turn 3 and, perhaps, damaging his car and leading to the hard crash.
One lap later DeSantis got wide in Turn 2 while taking the top spot from Howard bouncing the defending champion off the wall. Howard was able to maintain control and charge after DeSantis.
The final laps had DeSantis, who calls Temple, PA home, holding on to the lead and holding off a strong late race challenge from Howard (Oley). Norris (Douglassville) was able to grab third followed by nine time track champion Jeff Strunk (Boyertown) making a late race charge. Ryan Grim (Laury’s Station) had a strong effort grabbing fifth in the final standings.
In victory lane DeSantis, coming off a difficult season that actually had rumors floating around during the off season that he would not be racing at Grandview this season, brought quite a reaction from the large fan turnout on a very cold night when he responded to a question from the victory lane announcer. DeSantis indicated that he did not feel bad about the contact with Howard that got him the lead.
The victory earned DeSantis $2750 for his winning efforts with the In-Home Oxygen/Dino’s Wings & Things sponsored #88D. $250 of the winner’s money coming from the TP Trailers of Limerick bonus bucks given to the feature winner provided TP decals are both sides of the car and clearly visible.
A multi-car accident in the first turn shortly after the green flag was displayed eliminated a couple of the top performers in the 25-lap Late Model feature. On the restart after the caution Mike Kellner went to the front and that is where he and his Power Washer/Mary Kay #57 stayed until the checkered flag was displayed.
With seven laps remaining Wayne Pfeil, who had challenged the leader for most of the race, made a run for the top spot but got sideways in Turn 2 losing a couple of spots.
At the finish Kellner (Lansdale) was able to hold off a fast closing Sean Merkel (Gilbertsville) to get the victory. Pfeil (Mohnton) was able to hold on for a third place finish followed by Jason Miller (New Tripoli) and Bill Henning (Lansdale).
Defending Late Model champion Chuck Schutz had to climb into a borrowed car (Buddy Mertz’ s #00) and start last in the feature race. He managed to come home with a 10th place finish.
Jared Umbenhauer (Richland) showed that he is serious about winning his second straight Sportsman title as he lead all but two of the laps in the driving the Eastern Rigging #5 to victory in the 25 lap Sportsman main event. The win was his second of the weekend having also earned a victory with the Sportsman at Big Diamond Speedway.
Brad Brightbill (Sinking Spring) challenged Umbenhauer for much of the race and even managed to lead for two laps but had to settle for second. Kevin Beach (Minersville) came home third followed by a hard charging Craig Whitmoyer (Hamburg) and Kyle Borror (Peach Bottom).
Qualifying heat races for the Late Models went to Mike Kellner and Bill Henning. In the Sportsman qualifying heats were earned by Jared Umbenhauer, Brad Brightbill and Kaitie McCardle. Heat races for the NASCAR 358 Modifieds were won by Kyle Weiss, Don Norris Jr., Meme DeSantis and Doug Manmiller. Consolation races for Modifieds were won by Craig VonDohren and Jon Kellner Sr. The Sportsman consolation went to Erik Renninger.
Coming up this Saturday, April 13th, 7 p.m. is double 35-lap features for the 358 Modifieds. Each feature will pay $3250 to the winner provided the winner has the TP Trailers decal clearly visible on both sides of the race car. No decal means the first place money will be $3000. The Sportsman and Late Models will also see action with a full slate of qualifying events topped off by 25-lap features. Each of those feature winners gets a $100 TP Trailers bonus if the decals are in place. Adult admission is $20 while kids 6 through 12 pay just $5 and under 6 are admitted free.
358 MODIFIED FEATURE - 30 LAPS: 1.Meme DeSantis 2. Duane Howard 3. Don Norris Jr. 4. Jeff Strunk 5. Ryan Grim 6. Craig VonDohren 7. Kyle Weiss 8. Jordan Umbenhauer 9. John Willman 10. Frank Cozze 11. Kevin Hirthler 12. Glenn Strunk 13. Mike Gular 14. Todd Smith 15. Addison Meitzler 16. Mike Laise 17. Ron Seltman 18. Tim Buckwalter 19. Jon Kellner Jr. 20. Dan Waisempacher 21. Brian Houseknecht 22. Nate Christman 23. Doug Manmiller 24.Shawn Reimert 25. Ray Swinehart 26. Andy Ressler 27. Terry Meitzler 28. Jon Kellner Sr.
SPORTSMAN FEATURE - 25 LAPS:1.Jared Umbernhauer 2. Brad Brightbill 3. Kevin Beach 4. Craig Whitmoyer 5. Kyle Borror 6.Kenny Gilmore 7. Paul Kline 8.John Kovatch IV 9. Katie McCardle 10. Kirby Sites 11. Dean Bachman 12. Joe Fanelli 13. Brian Hirthler 14.Brandon Whitmoyer 15. Mike Lisowski 16. Steve Young 17. Jamie Undercoffler 18. Erik Renninger 19. Scott Davis Jr. 20. Chuck Miller 21. Jordan Henn 22. Joe Funk 23. Brett Kressley 24. Steve Searock
LATE MODEL FEATURE - 25 LAPS: 1. Mike Kellner 2. Sean Merkel 3. Wayne Pfeil 4. Jason Miller 5. Bill Henning 6. Doug Walton 7. Lou Egrie Sr. 8.Kory Fleming 9. Dan Green 10. Chuck Schutz 11.John Giesler 12. Dirk Rimrott 13. Kyle Merkel 14. Steve Butler 15. Lee Miller 16.Rick Todorow 17.Danny Snyder 18. Steve Todorow 19. Steve Nederostek 20. Drew Weisser
UNOFFICIAL POINT STANDINGS FOR NASCAR MODIFIEDS
AS OF APRIL 6, 2013
1. Meme DeSantis 310*
2. Duane Howard 299
3. Don Norris 290
4. Jeff Strunk 276
5. Ryan Grim 268
6. Craig VonDohren 255
7. Kyle Weiss 250
8. Jordan Umbenhauer 238
9. John Willman 229
10. Frank Cozze 216
* denotes feature win (Feature wins listed are only those that are NASCAR point events.)
UNOFFICIAL POINT STANDINGS FOR NASCAR SPORTSMAN
AS OF APRIL 6, 2013
1. Jared Umbenhauer 310*
2. Brad Brightbill 300
3. Kevin Beach 289
4. Craig Whitmoyer 277
5. Kyle Borror 267
6. Kenny Gilmore 258
7. Paul Kline 246
8. John Kovatch IV 236
9. Kaitie McCardle 230
10. Kirby Sites 217
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STRUNK POCKETS HUGE PAYDAY WITH MONEY IN THE MOUNTAINS VICTORY, UMBENHAUER, BERZOWSKI ALSO VICTORIOUS
MINERSVILLE, PA - April 5th, 2013
In front of a huge crowd on a chilly April evening, Jeff Strunk continued the hot start to his season, besting a talent laden 36 car field to win the first ever 40 lap Money in the Mountains event a Big Diamond Speedway. Strunk earned $7,500 for his efforts.
Former track regular Neal Williams jumped into the lead from his pole starting position and led the first 20 laps of the event. Invader Stewart Friesen took over the lead from Williams at the halfway mark after starting fourth on the grid.
While all this was going on in front of the pack, Jeff Strunk and 2012 track champion Craig Von Dohren were charging to the front from their 11th and 16th starting positions respectively. On a 31st lap restart, following the first caution of the race for a stopped Bobby Varin car, Strunk showed his cards to Friesen. After a failed attempt on lap 33 to pass for the lead on the inside, Strunk went to the outside groove in the same turn on lap 34 and rocketed into the lead. From there Strunk was not to be denied, as he went on to capture his 47th career checkered at the Forestville, PA oval in the Vinnie Salerno #4* car.
Von Dohren was able to wrestle the bridesmaid spot away from Frieisen on the final lap. Friesen ended up third, followed by Duane Howard in the Glenn Hyneman #126 car and Billy Decker in the Gypsum Express #91. Sixth thru tenth were Billy Pauch, Ryan Godown, Frank Cozze, Pat Ward, and early race leader Neal Williams.
In victory lane, Strunk was sure to thank the fans for coming out in large numbers on such a cold night. He was also sure to thank the track crew for another tabletop smooth, multi-groove track surface which made for some great racing.
Heat races for the 36 cars on hand were won by Billy Pauch, Duane Howard, Neal Williams, and Rick Laubach. Twin consolation races were captured by Mike Gular and Bobby Varin.
In the 20 lap USS Achey Sportsman feature, Jared Umbenhauer continued his early season success, driving from his 9th place starting position to take his second win of the young season. This victory came in the Eastern Rigging #11 car, unlike opening day which was in the car #16d. Kevin Beach followed up last week’s victory with a solid 2nd place effort, followed by Ray Woodall Jr. who charged from the 15th starting spot, pole sitter Mike Lisowski, and Billy Moyer Jr. With the victory, Umbenhauer took over the early season points lead in the Sportsman division.
Marc Berzowski raced from his outside pole starting position to the lead on lap one and never looked back to claim his first victory of the season in the Savage 61 Roadrunner division. Berzowski’s victory ended the three race win streak of young Kyle Killian. Action behind Berzowski was hot and heavy, with 2nd position at the checkered claimed by Shon Elk, followed by Killian, Andrew Fayash III, and TJ Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick recovered from an early race spin that saw him go to the rear and race back to into the top five.
This coming Friday, April 12th, the 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, and Roadrunners are on the card once again, joined by the 600cc Modifieds. This will be the first of two appearances by the 600cc Mods this season.
The following Friday, April 19th, the Street Stocks are back for their 2nd appearance of the season. Then on Friday, April 26th, Alpine Building Supply presents the season opener for the URC Sprints cars, making their only appearance of the season at Big Diamond Speedway.
Money in the Mountains Big Block/Small Block Modifieds (40 Laps) Jeff Strunk ($7,500), Craig Von Dohren, Stewart Friesen, Duane Howard, Billy Decker, Billy Pauch, Ryan Godown, Frank Cozze, Pat Ward, Neal Williams, Kevin Albert Jr., Rick Laubach, Ryan Watt, Mike Gular, Jimmy Horton, Gary Wagner, Dale Hartz, Billy Pauch Jr., Doug Manmiller, Sammy Piazza, Justin Grim, Shawn Fitzpatrick, Bobby Varin, Tommy Sheetz Jr., Grant Hilfiger, Mike Mamanna
DNQ – Kevin Hirthler, Ray Swinehart, Danny Nicholas, Brad Arnold, Tommy Sheetz Sr., Ron Haring Jr., Kevin Smith, Meme Desantis, Jim Bobbitt Jr., Chris Esposito
Sportsman (20 Laps) Jared Umbenhauer, Kevin Beach Jr., Ray Woodall Jr., Mike Lisowski, Billy Moyer Jr., Tim Fitzpatrick, Wayne Witmer, Mike Glass, Andrew Cozze, AJ Gerhart, Jason James, Daryl Dissinger, Charles Fayash, Shawn Light, Doug Hendricks, Rob Martin, Joe Mooney, Jeff Hertzog, Josh Hertzog. DNS – Corey Renninger
Roadrunners (19 Laps) Marc Berzowski, Shon Elk, Kyle Killian, Joey Brennan, Andrew Fayash III, TJ Fitzpatrick, Chris Holland, Kris Ney, Jeremy Becker, Glenn Rowan, Kyle Wingle, Brian Buchinski, Devin Trexler, Chip Kennedy, Terry Kramer Jr., Tim Spesak, Billy Wingle Jr., Charles Webber, Tim Fitzpatrick Jr., Jim Kost, Joe Kavanaugh, Jon Schlauch
Big Diamond points
358 modifieds
1. Craig Von Dohren 622
2. Kevin Albert Jr. 571
3. Jeff Strunk 504
4. Ray Swinehart 489
5. John Willman 482
6. Doug Manmiller 481
7. Frank Cozze 475
8. Kevin Smith 458
9. Meme Desantis 405
10. Shawn Fitzpatrick 381
Sportsman Point Standings
1. Jared Umbenhauer 865
2. Kevin Beach Jr. 828
3. Ray Woodall Jr. 828
4. Mike Glass 816
5. Billy Moyer Jr. 814
6. Doug Hendricks 714
7. Tim Fitzpatrick 686
8. A.J. Gerhart 617
9. Jason James 604
10. Wayne Witmer 584
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HUGE MONEY IN THE MOUNTAINS EVENT AT BIG DIAMOND SPEEDWAY THIS FRIDAY
MINERSVILLE, PA - March 31st, 2013
The time has come. After months of planning, this coming Friday, April 5th, 2013 is the first ever “Money in the Mountains” event at Big Diamond Speedway.
This event is a 40 lap big block/small block challenge race paying $7,500 to win and $500 to take the green.
A large field of drivers is expected for this event, with inquiries coming from drivers in Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and even Vermont.
As an added bonus to the purse paid for this event, we will also have the “Friends of Big Diamond/Dog Pound Hard Luck Award”. This award will give someone who fails to qualify for the feature event a cool $700 to help ease the pain.
Gates for this event open at 5:00 PM. Warm ups are at 7:45 PM and first heat is at 8:15 PM. Also on the card this night are the Sportsman and Roadrunners, each competing in 20 lap feature events.
Adult general admission is $25.00 for this event. Seniors, students, and active military (all with valid ID) are $23.00. As always, kids 12 and under are free. Pit participation fee is $30.00 with a valid license from any track and $40.00 without.
Please call 484-256-5149 with any general questions you may have about this event. Rules for this event are posted at www.bigdiamondspeedway.net. Please call Harvey Emsinger at 570-617-5816 with any other technical questions you might have.
We are hoping this event will be a huge success so we can offer it for years to come. We hope to see everyone there for some great racing – Big Diamond style.
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Big Diamond Speedway
358 Modified Point Standings
1. Craig Von Dohren 597
2. Kevin Albert Jr. 546
3. John Willman 482
4. Jeff Strunk 479
5. Ray Swinehart 464
6. Doug Manmiller 456
7. Frank Cozze 450
8. Kevin Smith 433
9. Meme Desantis 380
10. Shawn Fitzpatrick 356
Sportsman
1. Mike Glass 586
2. Jared Umbenhauer 559
3. Billy Moyer Jr. 549
4. Ray Woodall Jr. 548
5. Doug Hendricks 547
6. Kevin Beach Jr. 530
7. Tim Fitzpatrick 427
8. AJ Gerhart 398
9. Jason James 396
10. Robin Schultz 366
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THE CHASE FOR THE LUCRATIVE POINT FUNDS GET UNDERWAY AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY ON SATURDAY, APRIL 6TH
BECHTELSVILLE, PA March 30, 2013 . . .Practice day is over. A huge turnout of racers and fans made for a very successful practice day last Saturday with Ma Nature lending a hand with great weather conditions. The racers have had their final opportunity to test their new equipment. It is time for the new auto racing season to begin.
The lucrative point battles get started at Grandview Speedway on Saturday (April 6th) as the season opening events for the NASCAR Whelen All American Series 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman stock cars gets the green flag at 7 p.m. The first 250 paying adults through the main gate will receive a free Grandview Speedway water bottle.
Modified defending champion Duane Howard will headline the action with the NASCAR Modifieds as he goes after his sixth track title. Nine time champion Jeff Strunk and six time champion Craig VonDohren will be giving Howard plenty of competition as they chase the NASCAR title and the track title, each offers separate point fund money for the competitors. Howard and VonDohren have both been to victory lane in early season events are other tracks.
Doug Manmiller made the point battle interesting in the Modifieds in 2012 and settled for second. He is looking to move up to first. Newcomer Frank Cozze, a legend in the sport, will be testing his talents at Grandview and midget racing standout Tim Buckwalter has decided to make his Saturday home at Grandview Speedway in a Modified stock car.
Jared Umbenhauer, fresh from an early season win at another area track, will be looking to kick off the season with a win in the Sportsman main event as he chases his second title.
And Chuck Schutz, Mr. Late Model at Grandview, will start defense of his championship and start his efforts to win a seventh title.
A full series of qualifying events will be presented in all divisions of competition with a 30-lap feature for the Modifieds topping their action. The Sportsman will present a 25 lap feature and new this year the Late Models will race in a 25 lap feature.
Adult admission for the opening night action will be $15 while youngsters 12 and under will be admitted FREE. Those entering the pits will be required to have a NASCAR license and pit admission will be $30. There is always free parking on the grounds of Grandview Speedway.
Coming up on Saturday, April 13th will be Twin-35 lap features for the NASCAR 358 Modifieds with the winners walking off with $3250 provided they have TP Trailers decals clearly visible on both sides of the race car. No decals means the first place money will be $3,000. Also included in the show will be the Late Models and Sportsman racers.
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Big Diamond Speedway
Friday
Modified Quick Results: 1) Jeff Strunk 2) Frank Cozze 3) Craig Von Dohren 4) Doug Manmiller 5) Mike Mamanna 6) John Willman 7) Kevin Albert Jr. 8) Meme Desantis 9) Shawn Fitzpatrick 10) Ray Swinehart 11) Gary Wagner 12) Dale Hartz 13) Tim Buckwalter 14) Kevin Smith 15) AJ Desantis 16) Nathan Klinger 17) Brad Arnold 18) Jim Bobbitt Jr. 19) Donny Hartz 20) Ricky Yetter 21) Ron Haring 22) Dan Hineline 23) Scott Miller
Sportsman Quick Results: 1)Kevin Beach Jr 2) Billy Moyer Jr 3) Mike Glass 4) Doug Hendricks 5) Paul Kline 6) Ray Woodall Jr 7) Jared Umbenhauer 8) AJ Gerhart 9) Joe Mooney 10) Andrew Cozze 11) Jason James 12) Robin Schultz 13) Brandon Whitmoyer 14) Charles Fayash 15) Tim Fitzpatrick 16) Heath Metzger 17) Jared Siegfreid 18) Josh Hertzog 19) Mike Lisowski 20) Corey Renninger 21) Wayne Witmer 22) Daryl Dissinger 23) Harry Landis 24) Shawn Light DNS) Jeff Hertzog
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Big Diamond Speedway
358 Modified Results (3/24/2013)
30 Lap Feature
1) Craig Von Dohren ($3,000)
2) Kevin Albert Jr.
3) Jon Kellner Sr.
4) Bobby Varin
5) Duane Howard
6) Kevin Smith
7) Ray Swinehart
8) Kyle Weiss
9) John Willman
10) Justin Grim
11) Brad Arnold
12) Keith Hoffman
13) Ryan Grim
14) Doug Manmiller
15) Jeff Strunk
16) Frank Cozze
17) Eric Biehn
18) Meme Desantis
19) Shawn Fitzpatrick
20) Andy Burkhart
21) Ricky Yetter
22) Mike Kellner
23) Craig Whitmoyer
24) Gary Wagner
25) Ron Haring Jr.
26) Nathan Klinger
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THE TRADITION CONTINUES AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY WITH FREE-TO-THE-PUBLIC PRACTICE SESSION ON MARCH 30TH
BECHTELSVILLE, PA March 21, 2013 . . . A tradition continues when NASCAR sanctioned Grandview Speedway presents their annual free-to-the-public practice session Saturday, March 30th with the engines coming to life at noon.
“This gives the racers planning to race here in 2013 to get some testing and tuning time and there will even be some that are just thinking about racing here,” said track owner Bruce Rogers. “Those coming out to enjoy the action will get a chance to see a lot of racers with their new equipment and there will be a variety of types of race cars. It makes for an enjoyable afternoon and it is FREE. And there is no NASCAR license needed for practice day.”
The NASCAR Whelen All American Series 358 Modifieds will again be the headline division in the Saturday night tripleheader action at the Berks County clay oval. The Late Models and Sportsman stock cars will make up the rest of most of the Saturday night shows.
Duane Howard will be back in action looking for his sixth overall title and second straight in the NASCAR 358 Modifieds. Howard is hot off a season opener win at Selinsgrove Speedway recently. Defending champ Chuck Schutz will shoot for his seventh Late Model title. Jared Umbenhauer will go for his second straight Sportsman title.
Fans coming out for the FREE practice session will have the opportunity to purchase season tickets that will guarantee a reserved seat for all the Saturday night events, April through September. And fans that have already purchased their season tickets can pick their reserved seat location.
The chase for the valuable championship points and point fund money gets started on Saturday, April 6th at 7 p.m. with the Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman in racing action. The first 250 paying adults through the main gate will receive a Grandview Speedway water bottle courtesy of the Rogers family. Keith Gerhart will kick off the season with his great rendition of the National Anthem.
Admission for regular Saturday night events is $15 for adults and FREE admission for youngsters 12 and under.
Then on Saturday, April 13th two 35-lap features for the NASCAR 358 Modifieds will be the main attraction. Each feature will pay $3,000 to win plus a $250 bonus from TP Trailers provided the TP decals are on the race car. One driver could have the opportunity to walk off with a total of $6500 for one night of Modified racing action. The Late Models and Sportsman will also be featured in the 7 p.m. show.
This special twin feature show for the Modifieds will carry a $20 admission price for adults and $5 for youngsters 12 and under.
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TWO PRACTICE DATES SET FOR THE WOODHULL RACEWAY
Track will be open for test and tune on Friday and Saturday, April 5 and 6, 2013
(Woodhull, NY) Racers that plan on competing at the Woodhull Raceway in 2013 are encouraged to attend a pair of test and tune nights at the track on Friday and Saturday, April 5 and 6, 2013. On Friday the track will be open from 6:00 until approximately 9:00 pm and on Saturday from 4:00 until 7:00 pm allowing drivers and teams the opportunity to shake down their equipment for the upcoming season.
With the snow and blustery weather conditions throughout the past several months it has made access into the facility tough at best, but the management of the Woodhull Raceway will be hard at work preparing the track and buildings for the two practice dates along with the season opener set for Saturday, April 13.
According to track owner, Ted White, “The weather is a lot different than a year ago when we had an extremely mild winter and spring with dry grounds throughout all of March making it easy to get race car haulers and passenger vehicles in and out of the facility. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that the weather pattern gets more in mode with those of 2012 with warm and dry conditions which will help dry out the facility making for easy access into and out of the pits and grandstand seating area along with a great racing surface.”
On both April 5 and 6 pit gates will open about an hour and a half prior to practice time with a small fee charged for those entering the pit area to cover the necessary insurances.
Grandstand admission is absolutely free on both dates and Season Passes along with Yearly Reserved Seating will be on sale. To save time, fans are encouraged to secure their season passes and reserved seats prior to the season lid lifter the following Saturday, April 13, 2013.
For more information including the 2013 Schedule of Events log onto www.woodhullraceway.com.
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PREPARATIONS ARE COMPLETE - ALL SYSTEMS A GO FOR BIG DIAMOND OPENER THIS SUNDAY
MINERSVILLE, PA - March 20th, 2013
The mall show is over, all off season improvements to the track are complete, and last weeks test and tune and Enduro is now in the books. That can only mean one thing. Opening day!
This Sunday, March 24th, Big Diamond Speedway is pleased to present the start of the 2013 race season for the Modifieds, Sportsman, and Roadrunners. This is the 41st consecutive season of racing at the 3/8's mile oval, located in Forestville, PA, and it is shaping up to be one of the best in the history of the track.
Opening day finds the mighty Modifieds competing in a points paying 30 lap event that pays $3,000 to win and $300 to take the green. Defending track champion Craig Von Dohren is expected to be on hand to begin defense of his title. It will not be easy, as a host of others, including Jeff Strunk, Frank Cozze, Meme Desantis, Doug Manmiller, Kevin Albert Jr., and many more will be looking to replace Craig as point champion.
Also on the card that day will be the Sportsman competing in a 20 lap event paying $1,000 to win and the always exciting Roadrunners, who will go 20 laps for a $300 top prize.
Gates open at 1:00 PM, racing begins at 4:00 PM. Pit admission is $30 for those with a valid pit license and $40 for those without a license. Adult general admission is $20. Seniors, active military, and students ages 13 to 17 are all $18 with valid ID. As always, kids 12 and under are free. Also available on this day will be the RockAuto.com family four pack. The family four pack will consist of two adult and two student general admission tickets, two hot dogs, two hamburgers, and four drinks for $75.
Upon entering the track, fans will notice many asthetic improvement to the facility, along with an expanded food menu, but with lower food and drink prices.
One car from each division will be on display in the grandstand area from 2:30 to 3:15 PM in order to give the fans an up close and personal experience. This will be a weekly attraction for the 2013 season.
The following Friday, March 29th, the Modifieds, Sportsman, and Roadrunners return for a regular show, but on this night they will be joined by the Street Stocks. The Street Stocks are returning to Big Diamond Speedway for the first time since the mid to late 90's. This will be the first of eight events slated for them in 2013.
Then on Friday, April 5th, it's the event everyone has been waiting for since it was first announced back in October. The first ever 40 lap "Money in the Mountains" big block/small block challenge race paying $7,500 to win and $500 to take the green. Several drivers from New York, New Jersey, and Delaware have expressed their intentions to come compete in this event. Throw in the always tough track regulars, and this will be a show you do not want to miss.
As an added bonus on this day, one "unlucky" driver who fails to qualify will win the "Fans of Big Diamond/Dog Pound Hard Luck Award" Put together by Big Diamond's #1 fan Diamond Dog, this award pays $700 to one driver who fails to make the feature event.
Also on the card that day will be the Sportsman and Roadrunners, both competing in 20 lap feature events.
The 2013 race season at Big Diamond is starting off fast and furious. Make sure you are there for all of the exciting action.
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Practice at Mercer Raceway Park March 23; Chiller Thriller March 30
Mercer, PA (March 17, 2013): Mercer Raceway Park will host a practice session on Saturday, March 23, from 1 until 4 p.m. The session will be open to all classes of cars. Pit gates will open at noon. Pit passes will be $20. The grandstands will not be open for spectators, due to insurance regulations.
Remember that racing action will start on Saturday, March 30, with the annual Chiller Thriller. Gates will open at 4 p.m. There will be an autograph session at 6 p.m., with racing starting an hour later. The ULMS Late Models will headline the show, with UEMS Modifieds and FASTRAK Late Models also in action. The Mercer Open Stocks will make their first of several appearances at the speedway.
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New Egypt Speedway Announces New Driver Loyalty Program and ROC Sportsman Gambler’s Challenge
New Egypt, NJ (March 13, 2013) – New Egypt Speedway management has been very busy preparing for the fast-approaching first race of the 2013 season. With the beginning of the new season will also begin a new Driver Loyalty Program. Similar to that of the URC Sprint tour, driver’s who race regularly at New Egypt Speedway will now be rewarded for the press they garner for themselves and therefore for the Speedway.
Whenever a New Egypt Speedway driver makes an appearance, brings their car to an event, does a radio broadcast, or sends a press release about their racing, they will be given a “chip.” At the end of the season, all the driver’s chips will be entered into a final drawing where one driver per division will win $100.
“I’ve always liked the way URC has rewarded their drivers for everything they do for them,” said General Manager Allyse Wolfinger. “I wanted to show our drivers that we thank them for all of the extras they do to help us promote our track.”
Drivers must inform the Speedway of their appearances, car shows, and radio interviews. They will also need to send their press releases directly to the Speedway’s email, nesoffice@comcast.net. All appearances, radio interviews, and press releases will not only earn the drivers a “chip” but also get promotion from the Speedway staff as well.
The Driver Loyalty Program will begin with the first race of the season on Saturday, March 23rd and run until the end of the season on Thursday, October 3rd. New Egypt Speedway had begun the steps to implementing the program with their off-season drawing for a $50 Visa gift card for all driver’s that had made an appearance or done a radio interview.
Speedway staff is also offering a Gambler’s Challenge for the ROC Sportsman for the Cabin Fever 40 event on Saturday, March 23rd. Similar to last year’s events challenge, Sportsman drivers who take the $30 Gambler’s Challenge will have the chance to claim a $1,500 winners pay day. If the winner does not take the challenge he will win $1,000.
The ROC Cabin Fever event is shaping up to be a must-see first event of the 2013 season. The 60 lap Modified feature winner can walk away with $10,000 if they chose to take the $100 Gambler’s Challenge. Now, the Sportsman drivers can also walk away wealthier if they are willing to do a little gambling.
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CHAMPIONS HAVE MANY CHALLENGERS IN 358 MODIFIEDS AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY IN 2013
BECHTELSVILLE, PA March 8, 2013 . . . Defending NASCAR Whelen All American 358 Modified Series champion Duane Howard, Jeff Strunk and Craig VonDohren have won 20 titles between them at Grandview Speedway.
Strunk has topped the point standings with nine titles while VonDohren has six and Howard claimed five. All three will be back trying to add another title to their impressive resumes in 2013.
However winning a title at the one-third-mile, banked clay oval will be far from easy for any of the three that have shared those 20 titles or anyone else.
Doug Manmiller finished strong in 2012 taking second spot in the standings and earned two feature wins. He has his eye on his first Grandview title.
Veterans Ray Swinehart and Terry Meitzler, both past champions, will be back in action and looking to challenge Strunk, VonDohren and Howard for wins and perhaps the championship.
The always tough Meme DeSantis is expected to be back in the thick of the battle in Saturday night NASCAR 358 Modified action at the Bechtelsville oval. Other fan favorites returning to action include John Willman, Nate Christman, Todd Smith, Mike Gular, Glenn Strunk, Kyle Weiss, Kyle Follweiler, Jon Kellner Sr. & Jr. along with a host of others.
And toss in dirt track racing legend Frank Cozze who will be driving the always competitive Norm Hansell owned #357 Modified. He is looking to win a few during the season.
Also add midget racing standout Tim Buckwalter to the group of newcomers that will be challenging the champions at Grandview Speedway in 2013.
Again in 2013 it is expected that there will be large fields of entries trying to qualify for the 30-lap Modified feature race through the qualifying heats and consolation events.
In addition to the Saturday night action that features the NASCAR 358 Modifieds there will be qualifying events for the Late Models and Sportsman topped off by the top performers competing in feature race events. The Late Models will increase their features to 25 laps this season and the Sportsman will also race in 25 lap main events.
The season gets underway on Saturday, March 30th at noon with a free-to-the-public practice session for all divisions of competition that are planning to take part in racing at the Berks County oval in 2013.
Season ticket holders will be able to attend the practice and pick out their reserved seat that goes with their season ticket.
The chase for the lucrative point championships will get the green on Saturday, April 6, 7 p.m. with a tripleheader show featuring all three classes, 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman.
Stock car racing action will be the Saturday night attraction April through September 14th when the $25,000 to win BPG Racing Freedom 76 is presented.
Adult admission for the regular Saturday night events will be $15 and youngsters 12 and under are admitted for FREE.
Free parking is always available on the speedway grounds.
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Mercer Raceway Park Car Show Coming to Shanango Valley Mall March 8-10
Mercer, PA (March 3, 2013): The staff and management of Mercer Raceway Park began counting down the days until the Chiller Thriller, which will take place on March 30, featuring the ULMS Super Late Models, the UEMS Modifieds, and the FASTRAK Late Models . But, now, the rest of the racing community can get a glimpse of what the 2013 season has in store. The Shanango Valley Mall will play host to the track's annual car show on March 8-10.
Leading the way will be the defending champion of the Approved Toilet Rentals Sprint Car division, Eric Williams. The driver from nearby Greenville thrilled the fans with his exciting style and he's looking for more opportunities to display his keen sense of humor in the customary post-race interviews held in victory lane.
Third generation driver Adam Kekich will also have his 410 Sprint Car on display. He owns one career victory at the track that was so good to his grandfather, Paul "Putsy" Kekich, and his dad, Mike Kekich.
The Ti22 Outlaw Sprint Warriors will have plenty of representation at the show. In addition to the car of 2012 Rookie of the Year, C.J. Jones, Jimmy Morris, Jacob Lagastee and Harold Braden, Jr. will have have their machines on hand.
One of Mercer's favorite sons, Mike Lutz, will have his 360 Sprint on display. While Mike will be in action with the Jimmy Chappel number 8 410 Sprinter most weekends, he will climb aboard his own car to defend the turf against the Patriot Sprints, which will roll into town on June 1.
The Guidace racing team of Frank and his daughter, Makayla, will have their Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds on display. Fans will also get their first views of Frank's brand new Big Block Modified, which he will campaign against the BRP Modified Tour on August 17, as well at other area venues. They will also see, for the first time, the 358 Modified of Brandon Johnston, who will be doing double duty at the track.
Johnston, a regular in the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars for several seasons, will also have his familiar Stocker on hand. Joining him at the show and on the track will be Dan McEwen.
Brandon Blackshear is another area racer moving up in the ranks. He will have his new FASTRAK Late Model on display. He will be on the track, of course, on
March 30. The FASTRAK Late Models will make a return appearance on April 20.
Many of the drivers who compete each Saturday night got their starts in Go Karts, so it is only fitting that the annual car show will include a Kart or two. Scott Bonard will have his Kart on display and, who knows, some day soon, he may have a big car to unveil.
After the mall show, the cars will go back to their respective shops for any final adjustments that may be required for the 2013 season.
The Mercer Raceway Park schedule has a little something for every racing fan. It can be viewed at the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com. Economical
ticket packages can still be purchased by March 10, by contacting the track office at 724-662=1310.
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SEVERAL SPECIAL EVENTS PLANNED FOR SATURDAY NIGHTS AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY IN 2013
BECHTELSVILLE, PA January 31, 2013 . . . Believe it or not the 2013 auto racing season is quickly approaching and NASCAR sanctioned Grandview Speedway is anxious to get started with their 51st season of auto racing action.
The season, as announced previously, will get started with the annual free-to-the-public practice session on Saturday, March 30th at noon. This test and tune session is the last chance for racers to get their equipment in shape for the start of the chase for the lucrative point battles. Fans get a chance to see what is new for the 2013 season.
On Saturday, April 6th, 7 p.m. the NASCAR 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman racers will be featured in the first events counting toward the championships.
The first of the special Saturday night events takes place on April 13th, 7 p.m. with the NASCAR 358 Modifieds featured in two 35-lap feature races. The Late Models and Sportsman will also be part of the special night each running 25 lap features. There will also be a full slate of qualifying events for each division.
The very next day, Sunday, April 14th, 1 p.m. the Outlaw Enduro Series will kick off with their first of six scheduled Sunday events along with the Blast from the Past Vintage Cars.
URC Sprint cars will be in action on Saturday, June 15th, 7:30 p.m., along with the NASCAR Whelen All American Series 358 Modifieds. There will be no Sportsman or Late Model racing that evening.
Sportsman stock cars will be featured in a 40 lap event on Saturday, June 22nd along with the Modifieds and Late Models. The night is sponsored by Bashore Trucking/BFP Specialty.
The popular Firecracker 40 for Late Models is set for Saturday, July 6th at 7:30 p.m. The Modifieds will be part of that event along with the always crowd pleasing fireworks display.
On Saturday, July 27th the Bashore Trucking Pepsi Challenge as the top Modified racers running in one against one challenge events with the survivor taking home the big bucks. Of course a full show of Modified, Late Model and Sportsman stock car racing will be featured.
Modifieds will be in the limelight on Saturday, August 10th when the prestigious Forrest Rogers Memorial presented by Pioneer Pole Buildings. Last year the event paid $20,000 to win as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration. Late Models and Sportsman will also be included. There is an August 17th rain date.
And the biggest event of the season, the rich BPG Racing Freedom 76, will close out the regular Saturday night racing season for the Modifieds on Saturday, September 14th with a rain date of September 21st. The event will offer $25,000 to win plus various perks and lap money.
A full schedule of events for 2013 can be found at www.grandviewspeedway.com.
Season tickets, priced at $335, are available by sending a check payable to Grandview Speedway to cover the number of tickets being ordered. The address is 87 Wilt Road, Bechtelsville, PA 19505. Please include a self addresses stamped envelope. Season ticket holders are entitled to a reserved seat for all regular Saturday night events, April through September.
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BIG DIAMOND SCHEDULE HAS HISTORICAL FEEL
MINERSVILLE, PA January 28, 2013
After purchasing Big Diamond Speedway back in October, new owners Jake and Jasmine Smulley said one of their major goals was to bring the speedway back to its glory days. A look at the 2013 schedule shows they are definitely on the right track to doing just that.
The past few years have been filled with events showcasing divisions that were visitors to the speedway. This year, one look at the schedule shows you the modifieds are once again king of Big Diamond.
The season starts off on Sunday, March 17th with a test and tune for all divisions followed later that day by the first of six Enduro races slated for 2013. The Enduros were absent from Big Diamond in 2012. After a year off, they are back full force with races on May 5th, June 1st, June 29th, July 27th, and September 21st along with the aforementioned date.
The following Sunday, March 24th, is opening day for the 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, and Roadrunners. Opening day finds the Modifeds running 30 laps for $3,000 to win and $300 to take the green. The Sportsman and Roadrunners will both go 20 laps on this day for $1,000 and $300 to win respectively.
Racing switches to Friday evenings for the remainder of the season the following Friday.
Aside from opening day, the Modifieds will be running 30 laps for $3,000 to win and $300 to take the green on May 3rd, May 24th, June 21st, and September 23rd.
Friday, April 5th finds a new event entering the Big Diamond schedule. The first ever "Money in the Mountains" Big Block/Small Block Modified combination race will be a 40 lap event paying $7,500 to win and $500 to take the green. Drivers from all over the Northeast are expected for this event.
The 33rd running of the Georgie Stevenson Memorial will be on July 5th. This event will be 33 laps paying $3,300 to win and $330 to take the green.
The Street Stocks, a staple at the track for many, many years, make their return for an eight race series beginning on March 29th. Other Street Stock events will be on April 19th, May 10th, May 24th, June 14th, June 21st, July 26th, and August 23rd. The Street Stocks last ran at Big Diamond in 1996.
Other special events will be the URC Sprints on April 26th and the 410 Sprint Speedweek event on June 30th.
The season wraps up with the Coalcracker 72 race for Modifeds on Sunday, September 1st.
Admission prices for regular Friday night events will remain the same with adults paying $15, seniors and active military paying $13 (with ID) and young people 12 and under admitted free. New for 2013 is a student rate of $12 for students ages 13 thru 17 with valid ID.
Event organizer Jake Smulley has released the entire 2013 schedule online at www.bigdiamondspeedway.net
Schedules will be available to fans attending the Big Diamond Speedway car show at the Fairlane Village Mall in Pottsville March 3rd thru March 9th.
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BIG DIAMOND SPEEDWAY ANNOUNCES FAMILY FOUR PACK
MINERSVILLE, PA - JANUARY 28, 2013
We here at Big Diamond Speedway feel racing is a family sport. We also know that bringing a family of four to the races can be a burden on the wallet. That is why we are happy to announce the RockAuto.com Family Four Pack.
The RockAuto.com Family Four pack is aimed at families who have teenagers that attend the races with them. Children 12 and under are already admitted free of charge at Big Diamond Speedway, and a student rate has been created for the 2013 season (ages 13 to 17 with valid ID), but we wanted to take it one step further.
The RockAuto.com Family Four Pack get you two adult admission tickets, two student admission tickets (ages 13 to 17 with valid ID), 4 soda, 2 hamburgers, and 2 hot dogs all for the price of $50. That is a savings of $22.00 if these items were purchased separately.
This offer is only valid for any show at Big Diamond where adult admission is $15 and student admission is $12. For shows with an increased admission cost, the RockAuto Family Four Pack will be available at an increased cost also.
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Mercer Raceway Park Banquet this Saturday
Mercer, PA (January 13, 2013): The management and staff of Mercer Raceway Park will honor the 2012 champions at the annual banquet and awards ceremony held at the Normandy Banquet Center, in Hermitage, PA, on Saturday, January 19.
The doors will open at 5:30 and happy hour will start immediately thereafter. The sumptuous buffet dinner will follow at 6:30. After dinner, emcee Mike Dutko will present the awards to the champions who made Saturday Night Live! racing so exciting. In addition, several special award winners will be announced. Dancing to a DJ will round out the evening's festivities.
Receiving the top accolades will be:
Eric Williams - Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars
Rob Curtis - Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds
Joe McEwen - Ti22 Performance Outlaw Sprint Warriors
Rusty Moore - Precise Racing Products Stock Cars
Mark Marcucci - Big Daddy's Speed Center/Rock Concrete Modifed Lites
Steve Longwell, Jr. - Mini Stocks
However, the other drivers in the top ten in each division will also be recognized for their accomplishments on the speedway.
It will be a fun-filled evening for the entire racing family of Mercer Raceway Park to enjoy.
Although there will be no tickets sold at the door, please contact track manager Frank Benic at 724-699-1260 to see if last-minute accommodations can be made.
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HOWARD BACK TO DEFEND NASCAR TITLE AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY, 2013 SCHEDULE RELEASED
BECHTELSVILLE, PA January 10, 2013 …….It is official!!! 2012 NASCAR Whelen All American Series 358 Modified Champion Duane Howard will be back to defend his title at Grandview Speedway.
Howard, winner of nine feature races at the Berks County clay oval, in 2012 is looking to improve on that record as he wheels the Chad Sinon owned BPG Racing entry sporting a new Bicknell chassis.
The Oley, PA driver will be looking for his sixth track championship as the official chase for the championship kicks off with a tripleheader NASCAR point show on Saturday, April 6th featuring the NASCAR 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman stock cars. Racing will start at 7 p.m.
Admission prices for regular Saturday night events will remain the same with adults paying $15 and young people 12 and under admitted free. Military are admitted free when in uniform. Free parking is available on the speedway grounds.
Event organizer Bruce Rogers has released the 2013 schedule and it can now be found at www.grandviewspeedway.com.
The schedule will also be available to fans attending the Motorsports 2013 Race Car and Trade Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. Grandview Speedway and the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series will share a display area during the show that runs from Friday, January 18th thru Sunday, January 20th.
A variety of racing events will be featured at Grandview Speedway during the 51st anniversary season with the BPG Racing Freedom 76 topping off the action on Saturday, September 14 with $25,000 going to the winner of the annual classic.
Enduro Racing action will return to the one-third-mile, banked clay track in 2013 with six events schedule starting with Sunday, April 14th at 1 p.m.
The first midweek Thunder on the Hill show, promoted by Bob Miller and Bruce Rogers, is set for Wednesday, June 5th and will feature the United States Auto Club sprint cars and American Racing Drivers Club wingless midgets.
Season tickets, good for all 2013 Saturday night events, are available for $335. Send a check payable to Grandview Speedway covering the number of season tickets you are purchasing at 87 Wilt Road, Bechtelsville, PA 19505. Please include a self addressed stamped envelope. Season ticket holders are entitled to a reserved seat of their choice.
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GRANDVIEW SETS FREE PRACTICE DAY, TWIN-35s FOR MODS SCHEDULED, BPG RACING AND TP TRAILERS RETURN AS SPONSORS
BECHTELSVILLE, PA January 4, 2013 . . . The annual practice day that kicks off the season at NASCAR sanctioned Grandview Speedway has been scheduled for Saturday, March 30th with a 12 noon starting time.
Practice, free-to-the-public, proves to be a popular attraction with fans coming out to see all the new racing equipment as it is tested just before the season opens the following Saturday. The practice session is open to all divisions of competition that are planning to race at the one-third-mile, banked clay track during the 2013 season, the 51st consecutive season of operation for the Berks County racing facility.
The chase for the lucrative NASCAR and track point championships will get underway on Saturday, April 6th with a tripleheader show featuring the NASCAR Whelen All American Series 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman stock cars. Grandview is unique in that it offers two point funds for racers in each division. Racing will have a 7 p.m. starting time on Saturday nights during April.
All Saturday night regular shows will feature qualifying events for all three divisions of competition with a 30 lap feature for the Modifieds, 25 laps for the Late Models (this is an increase in laps from previous years when 20 lap features were run) and 25 laps for the Sportsman.
There will be no increase in ticket prices for the Saturday night regular events with adults admitted for $14 and youngsters 12 and under admitted FREE. There is free parking on the speedway grounds.
The first extra distance event of the new season will take place on Saturday, April 13th when the NASCAR 358 Modifieds will be featured in Twin 35-lap features paying $3,000 to the winner of each. In addition there will be 25 lap features for the Late Models and Sportsman.
A complete schedule of events for Grandview Speedway will be available at the Motorsports 2013 Race Car and Trade Show being presented at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA, January 18-20. Grandview Speedway will be part of a display at the show along with the Thunder on the Hill Series that will once again be part of the racing action at the Bechtelsville, PA oval.
The new schedule will also be posted at www.grandviewspeedway.com.
BPG Racing will again return as sponsor of the biggest event of the season when the BPG Racing Freedom 76 is presented on Saturday, September 14th with a September 21st rain date. The 76-lap race, featuring many of the top names in area dirt track stock car racing, will pay the winner $25,000 making it the richest event for the 358 Modifieds.
Fans can purchase season tickets, good for all Saturday night events (including a reserved seat if desired) for just $335. Send a check to cover each season pass being ordered along with a self addressed stamped envelope to Grandview Speedway, 87 Wilt Road, Bechtelsville, PA 19505.
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2013 Big Diamond Speedway Schedule
(Subject To Change)
3-17: Test & Tune For All Divisions Plus Enduro
3-24: Season Opener: 358 Modifieds 30 Laps $3,000 to win/$300 to take the green. Sportsman $1000 to win. Roadrunners $300 to win
3-29: 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, Roadrunners, and Street Stocks
4-5: Money In The Mountains Big Block/Small Block Challenge - 40 laps - $7500 to win/$500 to take green plus Sportsman and Roadrunners
4-12: 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, Roadrunners, and 600cc Modifieds
4-19: 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, Roadrunners, and Street Stocks
4-26: 358 Modifieds, URC Sprints, and Roadrunners
5-3: 358 Modifieds 30 laps $3000 to win/$300 to take green, Sportsman, and Roadrunners
5-4: Test & Tune Plus Enduro and AMA Motorcycles
5-10: 358 Modifieds, Roadrunners, Street Stocks, and Legends
5-17: 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, and Roadrunners
5-24: 358 Modifieds 30 Laps $3000 to win/$300 to take green, Sportsman, Roadrunners, and Street Stocks
5-31: 358 Modifieds, 305 Sprints, Roadrunners, and 600cc Modified
6-1: Test & Tune Plus Enduro
6-7: 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, and Roadrunner Crazy 8's (Four 8 Lap Features)
6-14: 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, Roadrunners, and Street Stocks
6-21: 358 Modifieds 30 Laps $3000 to win/$300 to take green, Sportsman, Roadrunners, and Street Stocks
6-28: 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, Roadrunners, and Legends
6-29: Test & Tune Plus Enduro
6-30: 410 Sprint Cars PA Speedweek plus Support Division (TBD)
7-5: Georgie Stevenson Memorial 33 Laps $3300 to win/$330 to take green, Sportsman. Roadrunners, and 600cc Modifieds
7-12: 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, and Roadrunners
7-19: 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, and Roadrunners
7-26: 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, Roadrunners, and Street Stocks
7-27: Test & Tune Plus Enduro and AMA Motorcycles
8-2: 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, Roadrunners, Legends, Plus Sportsman Challenge Races
8-9: 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, and Roadrunners
8-16: 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, Roadrunners, Plus Coca-Cola Challenge Races For 358 Modifieds
8-23: 358 Modifieds 30 Laps $3000 to win/$300 to take green, 305 Sprints, Roadrunners, and Street Stocks
8-30: 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, Roadrunners, Plus Roadrunner Challenge Races
9-1: Coalcracker 72 For 358 Modifieds Plus Roadrunner 35
9-2: Coalcracker Rain Date
9-21: Test & Tune Plus Enduro and AMA Motorcycles
Unless Noted Otherwise, 358 Modified Features are 25 Laps, Sportsman, Roadrunner, and Street Stock Features are 20 Laps.
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WOODHULL RACEWAY ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR 2013 ARNOT MALL CAR SHOW
(Woodhull, NY) The Woodhull Raceway is pleased to announce that Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24, 2013 are the dates set for the two day Woodhull Raceway Arnot Mall Car Show.
Drivers and cars that will participate in this year’s event will enter the Big Flats, NY facility on Friday evening, March 22 at approximately 9:45 pm with show hours during regular Arnot Mall business hours on Saturday and Sunday. It is anticipated that participants will be released at approximately 6:00 pm on Sunday.
Any racers that plan on competing at the Woodhull Raceway on a regular basis in 2013 and would like to be involved with this years car show Woodhull Raceway Arnot Mall Car Show are encouraged to pre- register in advance by contacting the event coordinator via e-mail at kshupp@stny.rr.com or by phone at 607-329-6305.
Racers are asked to please wait until after January 11 to register. The cut off date for registrations will be March 15, 2013 at 6:00 pm. After that time no additional applicants will be accepted. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
When registering, each competitor is obligated to list the drivers name, car number and class of competition. A complete list of registered competitors will be available on the tracks web site at www.woodhullraceway.com.
A sponsor for the 2013 Woodhull Raceway Arnot Mall Car Show as well as a complete list of rules and any other pertinent information will be announced at a later date.
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GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY PROMOTER BRUCE ROGERS EARNS EASTERN REGION PROMOTER OF THE YEAR HONORS
BECHTELSVILLE, PA January 2, 2013 . . . Racing Promotion Monthly, the idea newsletter for auto racing promoters, has honored Bruce Rogers, promoter of the NASCAR sanctioned Grandview Speedway, with the Eastern Region Promoter of the Year award.
This is the fourth time that Rogers has earned the honor and now puts him in the running for the prestigious Auto Racing Promoter of the Year award that will be announced at the RPM Promoter’s Workshops that take place in Daytona Beach, Florida February 18-20. 2013. The workshops attract hundreds involved in the operation of racing facilities across the nation and into Canada.
The one-third-mile, banked clay Grandview Speedway is coming off its 50th anniversary season which was topped by the highly successful $50,000 to win BPG Racing Freedom 76 race which was won by nine time track champion Jeff Strunk.
The track was built by Forrest Rogers, Bruce’s dad, and opened for its first racing event back in August, 1963 and the popular racing facility, home to a variety of different types of racing over the years, has been continually operated by the Rogers family.
Much attention has also been brought to the Grandview oval by the Bob Miller/Bruce Rogers promoted Thunder on the Hill Series that offers fans the opportunity to see a variety of different types of racing action.
Racing for 2013 will kick off with the annual free-to-the-public practice session for all divisions of racing on Saturday, March 30, 12 noon. Officially the chase for the lucrative NASCAR Whelen All American Series point titles (modifieds, late models and sportsman) will get the green flag on Saturday, April 6th at 7 p.m.
Season passes are available for $335 and include all Saturday night events throughout the 2013 season. Fans can mail a check payable to Grandview Speedway to cover the number of season passes being ordered to 87 Wilt Road, Bechtelsville, PA 19505. Each season pass includes a reserved seat if desired.
Fans and racers can keep up with information on the 2013 activities being planned at Grandview Speedway at www.grandviewspeedway.com or telephone 610.754.7688.
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