Ryan Godown and Car Owner Rick Clay Hope For Another Winning Hand At Bridgeport Speedway May 27 Poker Series Event; Memorial Day Weekend Special Presents Plenty of Activities for Fans Plus First TSRS 305 Sprint Car Appearance of 2012

BRIDGEPORT, NJ - Ryan Godown hopes for another winning hand on Sunday, May 27 at Bridgeport Speedway.
 
Godown and the Rick Clay-fielded No. 88c team have set their sights on 'Hand Two' of the Poker Series at Bridgeport Speedway on Memorial Day weekend. The Colonial Pipeline-811 Awareness program at the South Jersey five-eighths-mile oval is headlined by a 40-lap, $4,000-to-win event for big-block Modifieds paying a complete Race of Champions purse: $1,000 for fifth, $500 for 10th and $300 to take the green flag.
 
Gates open at 4 p.m. with hot laps planned for 6 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.
 
Off the track, there will be plenty of activities for fans enjoy.  A driver autograph session is set for the grandstand area from 5-5:30 p.m., an opportunity for fans to meet the drivers who will be competing later that night.
 
WXTU 92.5 FM will be on hand with a "Ticket Stop" for the 28th anniversary show June 2 at Susquehanna Bank Center (Camden, N.J.) starring Miranda Lambert, Chris Young and Uncle Kracker. Seventy-five pairs of tickets will be raffled off that night. WXTU representatives will be on hand from 6-7 p.m.
 
Following the completion of racing, there will be music under the pavilion during a post-race party. Camping on the speedway grounds is encouraged.
 
Godown, of Ringoes, N.J., won the first Poker Series event contested at Bridgeport on March 31. After pitting for two fresh tires, Godown sliced through the field for a victory worth more than $4,000. He also took away an 'Ace' from the five-race series' first hand and gave Lebanon, Pa., area car owner Clay his first big-block victory. The Teo-Pro car is maintained by former PA 358-Modified racer Tom Umbenhauer.
 
At each 'Poker Series' event, the winner receives an Ace (A), second a King (K), third a Queen (Q) and so on down to the 13th-place finisher receiving a Deuce (2).  Following the completion of the five-race series, the driver with the best poker hand earns $2,500, second $1,500 and third $1,000. The driver with the worst hand receives $1,000. Drivers must participate in all five events to be eligible for a points fund.
 
Rick Laubach of Quakertown, Pa., and Ryan Watt of Boyertown, Pa., both Bridgeport weekly regulars, finished second (King) and third (Queen), respectively in the March race. Hillsborough, N.J.'s Mike Barone, who recently won his first Bridgeport main event, was 13th in the opener and earned a 'Deuce' in March.
 
A shorter 40-lap distance for 'Hand Two' with the solid purse structure should prove economical for teams. Joining the Modifieds on the program are TSRS 305 Sprint Cars (their first visit to Bridgeport this season), Crate Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks.  There will be no racing at Bridgeport on Saturday, May 26 in advance of the 'Poker Series' event.
 
Grandstand admission is $25 for Adults and $23 for Seniors (65 and over) and Students (with ID). Kids 12 and under are admitted FREE. Pit admission is $30 for Bridgeport members and $35 for non-members. Rules for Modifieds are identical to the Race of Champions event run in March.
 
The remaining Modified 'Poker Series' dates are Wed., July 4, Mon., Sept. 3 and Sat., Nov. 10.

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MODIFIED TOUR SPRINGS INTO ACTION SUNDAY AT ERIEZ SPEEDWAY
 
Marble, PA (May 14, 2012): After a long winter's nap, the BRP/Hoosier Tire Modified Tour will spring into action at Bobby Rohrer's Eriez Speedway on Sunday, May 20. The event will pay $2,000 to win and $200 to start. The total purse will exceed $10,000, and there will be valuable contingencies on the line!
 
Sunday's program will be the first of two appearances for the powerful Big Blocks at Eriez Speedway. The Modified Tour will return over Labor Day weekend, as Eriez will be the final leg of the Bully Dog Northern Challenge.
 
Five-time and defending champion Rex King, Sr. will lead the way. He's one of three past winners in Modified Tour races held at Eriez. Other winners were Rick Hall and Jeremiah Shingledecker.
Surprisingly, the driver who has the most career wins with the Modified Tour has been shut out at the track. Kevin Bolland has 19 wins, but none at Eriez. He's off to a hot start in 2012, with wins at Lernerville Speedway and Sharon Speedway. He will be one of the contenders for sure.
 
Dave Murdick and Jeremiah Shingledecker are other Modified Tour standouts who have already reached victory lane in 2012. They have has been fast and smooth every time out, so look for them to be near the front when the checkers fall.
 
Another driver who has been fast in 2012 is Frank Guidace. The driver of a potent 358 Modified has a pair of wins at his home track, Mercer Raceway Park, and he has been a threat to win at Lernerville Speedway as well. Frank has expressed interest in running with the Modified Tour in 2012, and his "on the Gas" style will bring plenty of excitement.
 
Other leading drivers expected to take part in the 2012 Modified Tour include Rex King, Jr., Kevin Hoffman, Mike Turner, Chris haines, Mark Frankhouser, Tom Mattocks, Shawn Fleeger, Brad Rapp, Eric Gabany, Steve Feder, Skip Moore, and many more.
 
With the Tour opening in the northern area, several drivers from the Empire State are expected. Last season, Shannon Whaley finished in the top ten in points in 2011 and he's out to crack the top five this season. Brian Weaver picked up a win, but fell out of the top ten in points when he missed a program due to work commitments. He's itching to win a series championship, as that would put a capper on a stellar career. Chad Homan is another New Yorker who has been to victory lane with the Tour, and he's wants to get back on track in 2012 after missing a number of events last year due to a blown motor. And, let's not leave out Chad Brachmann. He's already shown that he can run with the best that the Tour has to offer.
 
The next program for the BRP/Hoosier Tire Modified Tour will be at Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 26.

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JIMMY PHELPS COLLECTS FIRST CAREER UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY MODIFIED WIN IN A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO FRIEND J.J MICHAELS
 
VERNON, NY- Sometimes things seem to happen for a reason or seem from a Hollywood script and this past Sunday evening at Utica-Rome Speedway, it was one of those nights.  The speedway was honoring former driver J.J. Michaels and longtime family friend and relative Jimmy Phelps came in searching for his first ever Utica-Rome Speedway win and when the checkered flag dropped at the end of the 50 lap main event, it was a reunion between the Michaels family and Phelps as they celebrated his win in victory lane.  The hard fought win was worth $5,000.
 
Tim Fuller jumped to the lead over the 28 car starting field at the start of the 50 lap feature with Alan Johnson and Brett Hearn in tow.  Hearn slipped past Johnson went after Fuller, closing in and challenging by lap five.  Fuller and Hearn battled out front with the battle for the remaining top five spots heating up between Stewart Friesen, Matt Sheppard, and Johnson.  With 10 lap complete, Fuller was still being hounded by Hearn with Friesen, Sheppard, and Johnson filling out the top five.
 
Lap after lap, Hearn would dive underneath Fuller in a bid for the lead but Fuller would pull away from the top lane and while they continued their battle, there were five cars gaining on them in the form of Friesen, Sheppard, Johnson, Jimmy Phelps, and Billy Decker.  Sheppard slipped by Friesen for third on lap 18 which put him on Hearn’s tail.  On lap 19 Hearn finally found the hole he was looking for and got underneath Fuller for the lead coming off turn two, but that was short lived as Sheppard got by both of them as they entered turn three and with 20 complete it was Sheppard over Hearn, Fuller, Johnson, and Friesen.
 
It was at this point when Phelps was making his charge as he cracked the top five on lap 24 and snagged the fourth spot on lap 26.  A circuit later he climbed into the third spot behind Hearn and Sheppard with Johnson a very close fourth. With 30 laps down, it continued to be Sheppard in the front of the field with Phelps, Hearn, Johnson, and Fuller in tow with Billy Decker and Mike Mahaney trying to crack into the top five.
 
Sheppard continued to set the pace using the middle groove of the track with Phelps glued to the bottom as the pair drove underneath the flag stand to complete lap 34, they were side by side for the lead with Sheppard barely holding the spot.  As they entered the turns one and two, Phelps was finally able to clear Sheppard for the lead with Hearn and Johnson just behind them waiting to pounce on any mistake they might make.  The second and final caution of the night flew on lap 38 which bunched the field up one more time and on the restart, Phelps was up to the task as he pulled away from Sheppard and with 10 circuits remaining, it was Phelps over Sheppard, Hearn, Johnson, and Mike Mahaney who had charged from his 19th starting spot and into the top five.
 
From this point, Phelps seemed to have the top spot under control but the battle was on for the second spot between Hearn and Sheppard as they traded slide jobs in every turn.  As Phelps collected the hard fought win at the checkered in the special Mothers Day event, Sheppard survived his crowd pleasing battle with Hearn to take the second spot with Johnson nipping Hearn at the line for third.  Hearn had to settle for fourth with Mahaney coming home in the fifth spot.  Early leader Fuller slipped back to sixth ahead of Decker, Ryan Phelps, Pat Ward, and Larry Wight filling out the top ten.
 
Sportsman action saw Joe Harrington set the early from his fifth starting spot while the mad rush from the back of the pack was on.  Defending Matt Janczuk was on the charge from the 16th starting spot and into the top ten by lap five.  A lap seven caution slowed the pace and gave Janczuk the chance he was looking for as he passed several cars on the restart and by lap nine he was on Harrington’s bumper.  On lap 10 of the 20 lap main event, he got by Harrington for the lead and then raced off for the win, his second of the young season.  Craig Pope, Jeff Leslie, Claude Hutchings, Jr., and Harrington rounded out the top five.
 
Next week, the exciting racing action will continue with One Small Step “Go the Extra Mile” for Prader-Willi Syndrome and Mirabito Fuel Group present a regular show of Modifieds, Sportsman, Pro Stocks, and Pure Stocks.  Gates will open at 3:30 p.m. with racing at 6 p.m.  More information is available at www.uticaromespeedway.com or by calling (315)829-4557.
 
MODIFIED FEATURE FINISH (50 LAPS)-JIMMY PHELPS, Matt Sheppard, Alan Johnson, Brett Hearn, Mike Mahaney, Tim Fuller, Billy Decker, Ryan Phelps, Pat Ward, Larry Wight, Tim McCreadie, Stewart Friesen, Danny Johnson, Ronnie Johnson, Kenny Tremont, Todd Burley, Bobby Varin, Brian Murphy, Casey Williams, Dave Rauscher, Steve Hulsizer, AJ Romano, Willy Decker, Danny Varin, Jimmy Davis, Gary Tomkins, Robby Bellinger, and Jason Rood. DNQ-Shannon Whaley, Adam Roberts, Lance Willix, Phil Burkart Jr., Alan Barker, Ryan Godown, Matt Hulsizer, and Mike Bowman.
 
SPORTSMAN FEATURE FINISH(20 LAPS)-MATT JANCZUK, Craig Pope, Jeff Leslie, Claude Hutchings Jr., Joe Harrington, Chris Mackey, Jeremy Vunk, Tye-Scott Rood, Heath Carney, Steve Way, AJ Filbeck, Jim Nagle, Randy Shantel, Jack Miller, Bobby Heinz, Aaron Jacobs, Mike Stiles, CJ Castelletti, Dave Moyer, and Stephen Denton.

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Heffner wins big block, Bachetti 358 opener at Lebanon Valley

Saturday May 12, 2012

By: Rodney Rescott

West Lebanon, NY:  Blue skies and lots of sun and warmth settled on the mighty high banks at Lebanon Valley Speedway.  That brought the fans out in full force to watch the most exciting action on dirt!  Madsen Overhead Doors and Bonded Concrete presented the night with the return of the Steve Hough Motors 358 Modifieds.

But out first was the marquee feature event as the mighty big block Modifieds took to the high banks for their 30 lap feature event.  Veteran racer Denny Soltis powered his #0 out to the early lead, but sophomore driver Jimmy Burns powered his #101 out front by lap 2 and checked out on the field!

With a dozen laps in the books, Burns has a commanding lead on the field as he tried to put the lights out on the competition, but the caution flag flew on lap 13 erasing the lead and his chance to secure his first win.

On the next restart, Matt Pupello charged out front to steal the lead, but the #74 of J.R. Heffner was doing some charging of his own from his 6th row starting spot all the way to the runner up spot on lap 14.

By lap 15, Heffner was out front, and the field could do nothing but watch.  As the race went green for the remaining 15 circuits on the Kokosa Oil Lap Counter, Heffner scored the win at the checkers for his first of the season.

Brett Hearn worked his way through the field to finish 2nd followed by Pupello, Burns, and Mark Flach Jr.

That wasn’t the end of the racing excitement as the night was just beginning.  The Steve Hough Motors 358 Modifieds returned the Valley of Speed for their 24 lap feature event.  At the head of the class was the #171 of Tommy Faxon as he brought the field to green.  The Mighty Matt Quinn’s #20Q charged to the lead by lap 3 and held on for several laps until the caution flew on lap 11 for the smoking #21L of John Lutes Jr.

On the restart though, the other #20 took the top spot, which was the #20H of Brett Hearn, darting out to a comfy lead, but that lead was also erased by a late race caution on lap 22 for the #171 of Faxon who made contact with the turn 3 fence.

On the restart, Andy Bachetti got a run down the front stretch and dove under Hearn’s #20H in turn 1 and stuck the ‘slide for life’ and powered away on the final 2 laps to steal the win!  Hearn had to settle for 2nd with Quinn, Wayne Jelley, and Steve Hough rounding out the top 5.

In the LV Sportsman 20 lap feature event, Olden Dwyer led nearly wire to wire to hold off Brian Sandstedt for his 2nd career win.  Sandstedt had to settle for 2nd with Alan Houghtaling, Frank Harper and Darek Schibi completing the top 5.

Next Saturday Night is the Doherty Brothers Construction and Wohrle’s Food Night with a special $2,500 to Win Bedell Racing Engines Modified Feature Event!  All weekly divisions will be on tap, including another round of Budget Sportsman!

For more information, tickets, the full 2012 schedule of events, or directions; visit our website at www.LebanonValley.com and click on “Speedway”, or you can friend us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @LVSpeedway.
 
Big Block Modified (30 Laps):  1)J.R. Heffner, 2)Brett Hearn, 3)Matt Pupello, 4)Jimmy Burns, 5)Mark Flach Jr, 6)Donnie Corellis, 7)Eddie Marshall, 8)Brian Berger, 9)Keith Flach, 10)Kyle Armstrong, 11)Kolby Schroder, 12)Kenny Tremont Jr, 13)Kyle Sheldon, 14)Paul Gilardi, 15)Rob Pitcher, 16)Wayne Jelley, 17)Denny Soltis, 18)J. C. Flach, 19)Mike Keeler, 20)Mike King, 21)Dave McFeeters, 22)Brandon Pitcher, 23)Steve Hough, 24)Andy Bachetti

358 Modified (24 Laps): 1)Andy Bachetti, 2)Brett Hearn, 3)Matt Quinn, 4)Wayne Jelley, 5)Steve Hough, 6)Bobby Hackel IV, 7)Marc Johnson, 8)Kim Herrick, 9)Jason Harrington, 10)Tom Faxon, 11)JR Heffner, 12)Baronowski David SR, 13)John Lutes JR, 14)Cory Sandstedt, 15)Cass Bennett, DNQ)Rich Salisbury, DNQ)Jeff Kelley

LV Sportsman (20 Laps): 1)Olden Dwyer, 2)Brian Sandstedt, 3)Alan Houghtaling, 4)Frank Harper, 5)Darek Schibi, 6)Kim Herrick, 7)Chad Pierce, 8)Brett Haas, 9)Steve Meilleur, 10)Cullen Howe, 11)Sean Mandel, 12)Wayne Keyes, 13)Brandon Piastka, 14)Dylan Gibson, 15)Paul Knox, 16)Ryan Darcy

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MILESTONE 20TH WIN FOR BOLLAND IN MODS AT SHARON

Hartford, OH May 12, 2012 After a successful 83rd anniversary season opener then three straight rainy, cold Saturdays, Sharon Speedway has been blessed with two straight sunny and warm Saturdays as the 2012 season is now well underway. Celebrating in the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply victory lane were Kevin Bolland-Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, Will Thomas III-Barris Supply FASTRAK Late Models, Jack Young-Summit Racing Equipment E-Mods, Tim Burns-Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars, Brian Hathaway-HTMA/Precise Racing Equipment Econo Mods, and Scott Gilliland-Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks.

It's been quite a start to the 2012 season for Kevin Bolland. Bolland raced to the April 7 opening night victory then worked his way through the pack to finish second last Saturday night to Rex King. On Saturday night, Bolland was back in victory lane this time holding off King in the 20-lap DIRTcar Big-Block Modified feature for his milestone 20th career victory at the speedway. Bolland also has a victory at Lernerville Speedway this season.

"I knew he was going to be there," stated the 52-year-old New Brighton, Pa. veteran when asked about King's challenges. "The car was awesome up top. I have to thank God for following us and opening up those doors to tell us where to go. I'm thankful to be here. I couldn't do it without Boundary/CREO Systems, all my sponsors and Bolland Machine for the good horsepower. We have a skeleton crew tonight, but we got it done!"

Bolland jumped into the lead past pole-sitter Jim Rasey and immediately began to pull away from the field. On lap three, it was three-wide for second with Kevin Hoffman taking the spot over Rasey and King. Following a restart, King overtook Rasey for third on lap four then one lap later drove under and past Hoffman for second in turn four.

King began eating away at Bolland's lead until the next stoppage when Jimmy Weller III's #31W went up in flames with 12 laps scored. Back under green flag conditions, King was all over Bolland looking for a way by. The two veterans went at it hard racing side-by-side for the lead between laps 14-16; meanwhile, as those two pulled away, the battle was on for third as Hoffman was trying to hold off seventh and 10th starting Dave Murdick and Rex King, Jr.

A caution for Bob Warren with 17 laps completed allowed King, Jr. to overtake both Murdick and Hoffman for the third spot on the restart before the final caution when rookie Jeff Monoskey spun with two laps to go. When racing resumed, Bolland was able to hold off King by 1.237 seconds for the $1,100 victory in the Bol-Tech Motorsports-owned, Boundary/CREO Systems/Bolland Machine/Cintas/Cranberry Coin & Currency-sponsored #777.

The battle over the final two laps for third was hot and heavy. Murdick passed both Hoffman and King, Jr. on lap 19, but on the final lap King, Jr. was able to nose back ahead for a season best third. Murdick edged Hoffman for fourth. Sixth through 10th were Jim Weller, Jr., Dean Pearson, Rasey, newcomer Tom Mattocks, and Carl Murdick. Heat victors over the season high 17-car field were Weller III and Dave Murdick.

One week ago, Will Thomas III charged from eighth to run down and pass FASTRAK Late Model standout Joe Martin for his first career dirt victory. On Saturday night, Thomas came from sixth and denied a first career Sharon win for Dave Airgood, Jr. with a last lap pass in the Barris Supply 20-lap feature.

"It got hairy there," described the 36-year-old Sharpsville, Pa. former asphalt standout. "Dave (Airgood) drove a great race. I lost one like that last year, but lapped cars are part of the game. I didn't drive a great race. I kept messing up my entry in turn three and would slide across the race track. We should have been a little bit tighter, but when we hit the black we slid a little bit more than we needed to. This is just awesome. It's great to be able to come here and race every week. I love coming to Sharon Speedway!"

Matt Latta took off in the early lead, while Airgood passed Bobby Rohrer and Shane Bambarger for second. Thomas meanwhile picked off three cars on the opening lap to move into third. Three cautions would slow action in the first three laps, but the final 17 would go green-to-checkered.

Airgood and Thomas overtook Latta for first and second respectively on laps three and four. As the laps ticked off, Airgood would catch the back of the back on lap 12. Thomas closed in on lap 14, but Airgood did a better job in lapped traffic as he pulled back away on lap 17. Thomas though remained in striking distance in the closing laps.

On the final lap, Airgood went low in turns one and two and made contact trying to lap Lauren Longbrake. Longbrake would do a 360-spin and by the time Airgood regained his momentum, Thomas flew by and took his second straight $700 checkered flag by 1.190 seconds in his Colonial Metals/Barris Supply/All Star Motorstate/Sweet Manufacturing/Quarter Master-sponsored #9.

Airgood was able to hold on for a career best Sharon finish of second. Latta was a season best third. Billy Henry, Jr. had a strong run coming from 11th to place fourth. After finishing a close second to Henry last Sunday at Eriez Speedway and winning his first career Raceway 7 feature on Friday night, Chad Wright worked his way from 10th to finish a season best fifth. George Kowatic made his way from 18th to finish sixth over Bobby Rohrer, Bill Cunningham, Brian Booher, and Eric Wilson. Topping the heats over the 21-car field were Shane Bambarger, Latta, and Thomas.

DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds (20 laps): 1. KEVIN BOLLAND (777) 2. Rex King (65) 3. Rex King, Jr. (165) 4. Dave Murdick (61) 5. Kevin Hoffman (17H) 6. Jim Weller, Jr. (31) 7. Dean Pearson (8J) 8. Jim Rasey (32) 9. Tom Mattocks (69) 10. Carl Murdick (6) 11. Tom Glenn (83T) 12. Bob Warren (96B) 13. Jeff Monoskey (22) 14. Rob Kristyak (00) 15. Jimmy Weller III (31W) 16. Chris Haines (35H) 17. Justin Rasey (21).

FASTRAK Late Models (20 laps): 1. WILL THOMAS III (9) 2. Dave Airgood, Jr. (42) 3. Matt Latta (21) 4. Billy Henry, Jr. (McGee 21*) 5. Chad Wright (6) 6. George Kowatic (5) 7. Bobby Rohrer (11) 8. Bill Cunningham (44c) 9. Brian Booher (Hoover 00H) 10. Eric Wilson (27) 11. Bobby Whitling (7W) 12. Jason Stanke (44) 13. Lauren Longbrake (27) 14. Randy Wilson (McGee 13) 15. Alan Dellinger (Longwell 114) 16. Josh Double (38) 17. Bob Diver (23) 18. Lonnie Emerick (3) 19. Shane Bambarger (68B) 20. Clay Ruffo (14R) 21. Tom Copeland (98)-DNS.

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FRIESEN WINS FOURTH IN A ROW IN MODIFIEDS

By: Ron Szczerba

Niagara on the Lake Ontario, Canada driver Stewart Friesen continued his dominance of the Modified field at the Track of Champions Fonda Speedway on Saturday evening, taking home his fourth win in a row and the sixth of his career at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds track in the Thad Park’s owned, Foundation for Prader Willi Research sponsored #1 Teo car.

“I love this race track,” Friesen said in victory lane. “Being able to run flat out an inch from the wall in between turns one and two is awesome.”

Other winners at Fonda on Saturday were defending 602 Sportsman Track Champion Mark Mortensen (602 Sportsman), Kenny Martin Jr. (Pro Stock), Chuck McSpirit (Street Stock), and Kerrie Hollenback (4-Cylinder).

Another well run racing program by Fonda Speedway management saw the final checkered flag of the evening come out at approximately 9:45 p.m.

Dave Lape took the early lead at the drop of Denny Tilison’s green flag to start the 30-lap Modified feature with Vinny Sanganetti in tow. Defending Modified Track Champion Ronnie Johnson started the event in the sixth position and by lap two he was the new third place car after getting by Darwin Greene for the spot.

Johnson took the second position away from Sanganetti on lap three with Lape now out to a straightaway lead. A.J. Romano also got by Sanganetti for the third position as Johnson caught up to Lape when lap six was completed.

Going down the backstretch on lap nine, Johnson made a move under Lape for the lead but had to check up when the two came up on a lap car and Lape used the lap car as a pick to hold on to the lead. One lap later on the inside of turn four, Johnson took the lead away from Lape and pulled away from the pack.

Friesen started the event in the 15th position and by lap 11 he was already up to the fifth spot with the top five at the halfway point consisting of Johnson, Lape, Romano, Friesen, and Alton Palmer.

On lap 17 Friesen went three wide to the inside of both Romano and a lap car for the third position and one lap later was the new second place car after getting by Lape with Johnson now out to a straightaway advantage. Just as Romano got by Lape for the third position with 10 laps to go, Friesen was pressuring Johnson for the lead.

On the backstretch on lap 23, Friesen made a move to the outside of Johnson in turn two and by the time he got to turn three Friesen was the new race leader and easily pulled away to the win over Johnson, Romano, Jim Davis who started the event in the 14th spot, and Lape who ran a fantastic race to finish fifth.

“This is our Fonda car and we are only doing regular maintenance to it and we don’t touch anything else,” Friesen said. “Dave (Lape) ran a great race and it was great running with him up front. I was a huge fan of his growing up and I think that he is going to get win number 100 this year.”

Jason Greco took advantage of his pole position start to take the lead in the 20-lap 602 Sportsman feature at the start of the event with Steve Constantino who started the event in the third position in tow. On lap four Constantino was the new race leader after getting by Greco for the lead on the inside of turn three.

Ray Zemken started the event in the fifth position and on lap six was the new second place car with two consecutive caution flags slowing the event on laps eight and nine. On the last restart Zemken was the new race leader with the action heating up behind him as Drew Fallis, defending 602 Sportsman Track Champion Mark Mortensen, and Rocky Warner all tried to make their way to the front.

Fallis was the new second place car at the halfway point in the event but that was short lived as Mortensen made a great move between both Doug Flynn and Fallis in turn three to take away the second spot with Zemken out a half straightaway ahead in the lead.

Mortensen reeled in Zemken by lap 13 and one lap later Mortensen was the new race leader. From that point on Mortensen pulled away for the win, his first of the 2012 season and the fifth of his career in the division at Fonda.

Warner who started the event in the 11th position made a late race move to get by both Flynn and Zemken with only two laps to go and finished second followed by Zemken, Flynn, and Cody Bleau who was the hard charger of the race after starting the event in the 17th position and finished fifth.

“I was just glad that we were able to get to the front tonight,” Mortensen said in victory lane. “It is always great to win; we have had a different winner every week this year so far in this division and hopefully we can get back here to victory lane again this season.”
 
Next Saturday, May 19 a regular show in all divisions is on the racing card with a 7:00 p.m. starting time.

MODIFIED FEATURE – 30-LAPS – STEWART FRIESEN, Ronnie Johnson, A.J. Romano, Jim Davis, Dave Lape, Alton Palmer, Matt DeLorenzo, Darwin Greene, Josh Hohenforst, Ryan Odasz, Elmo Reckner, Danny Varin, Bobby Varin, Mark Kislowski, Vinny Sanganetti, Dave Constantino, Josh Flint, Erik Nelson, Tim Dwyer, Robert Perry, Chuck Allen, Ray Sitterly, Jeremy Wilder, Ken McGuire, Craig Hanson

602 SPORTSMAN FEATURE – 20-LAPS – MARK MORTENSEN, Rocky Warner, Ray Zemken, Doug Flynn, Cody Bleau, Adam McAuliffe, John Scarborough, Robert Bublak, Brian Gleason, Brian Pessolano, Harry Shaffer, Ricky Quick, Jeff Rockefeller, Jason Greco, John Marsh Jr., Tony Farone, Justin Auspelmyer, Chris Schaffer, Chris McCoy, Craig Ritchie, Carol Parker, Dana Palombo, Kurtis Hohensheldt, John Palmer, Drew Fallis, Steve Constantino, Troy Palmer, Justin Boehler, John McAuliffe

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Matt Sheppard Seizes Second Of Season At Canandaigua Motorsports Park

Canandaigua, NY – May 12, 2012 – Dave Roberts, Canandaigua Motorsports
Park Correspondent

Matt Sheppard of Waterloo, NY won his 24th career DIRTcar Big-Block Modified feature at Canandaigua Motorsports Park on Saturday night before a good crowd at the Ontario County Fairgrounds.
 
It was Mothers of Racing Night with the first 200 moms through the grandstand gate getting a rose. It was also Scout Night as several local scouts and scoutmasters helped celebrate Mothers Day with an evening out at the popular routes 5 & 20 oval.
 
Sheppard slipped by leader Justin Haers on lap 26 and went on to the exciting victory. Sheppard, along with several of the front runners, had to deal with heavy traffic throughout the last 20 laps of the scheduled 35 lap main event.
 
'Super Matt' earned it as the race went without a yellow flag for the second straight week.
 
“This is a good win for us,” Sheppard said afterwards. ”I’m looking to keep the momentum up, keep this thing rolling. Our guys really worked hard for this one.”
 
It didn’t take long for something to happen on this night. As the field came across the finish line to complete lap one, four cars came together on turn one bringing out a red flag to check all involved in the incident. Billy Dunn, Rob Bellinger and Gil Tegg Jr were all able to pull away. Gary Tomkins was the only driver that needed help from a tow truck. Tomkins and Bellinger would not return to the racing surface.
 
Colton Chappius was the leader at that point but when the green flag appeared to start the race again, Ron Cartwright Jr. moved to the point.
 
On lap 12, Haers took over the top spot while Sheppard would follow through ahead of Cartwright into second. Both Sheppard and Haers had a pretty good run together when Cartwright had the lead. They would take the battle a little higher as both ran hard for the lead.
 
Lap cars became an issue as both Haers and Sheppard did a great job getting through the lapped traffic they had to endure.
 
On lap 21, both Haers and Sheppard had some clean air  and continued the fight.. Sheppard fought tooth and nail with Haers but the Phelps, NY driver kept the two time and defending CMP Modified champion in his rear view mirror.
 
They entered lapped traffic once again on lap 25.
 
A lap later, Sheppard got an inside move on Haers and slipped by into the lead. Haers had a good shot in getting the lead back when he came upon the side of Sheppard in turn two but that would be as close as he would come to Sheppard for the remainder of the event.
 
Haers would find himself in another battle as the laps wound down to it’s final conclusion. Jimmy Phelps made Haers work for second as he was all over the back end of the runner-up.
 
In the end, it was Sheppard, Haers, Phelps, Danny Johnson and Alan Johnson.
 
Heat winners were Daryl Hilkert, Ron Cartwright and Dave Allen, who lost the motor just as he cross the finish line following his qualifying run. He was unable to find a ride for the feature. The consolation event was won by Tomkins.
 
In the 25 lap Safety Awareness Solutions Sportsman feature, it was Rob Bussey winning his first main event at Canadaigua Motorsports Park since June of 2009. Bussey took the lead on lap 13 and was never headed en route to victory lane.

“We’ve got a brand new car and a new motor,” Bussey said afterwards. “It looks like we’re starting to work this thing out.”
 
Finishing second was points leader Dan Wiesner while Eric Giguere was third. Rounding out the top five was Todd Henderson and Dave Marcuccilli
 
Heat winners were Steve Gray, Paul Guererri and Kane Bristol.
 
The race was red flagged after lap one when James Maier was involved in an incident on the front stretch with Gray and Paul Guererri. Meier would go over on his side. The good news is that all drivers were alright following the accident.
 
In the 15 lap Parts Plus Street Stock event, Russ Marsden would go on to his third win of the season. The event would go caution free.
 
“We missed the set-up last week but it seems like we have it  back where we want it to be,” Marsden said afterwards.
 
Marsden would finish far up the track ahead of second place finisher Blane Smith. Third was Mike Welch followed by Adam DePuy and Patrick Hobbs.
 
The heat winners were Jack Terrell and Nate Peckham.
 
In the 12 lap Pure Stock event, Marc Minutolo led all the way to win his first of the season. The victory broke a Vance Vanderwall four race win streak.
 
“This division don’t seem to get any easier,” said Minutolo, a second generation driver. “It was good to get a win tonight. It feels great.”
 
Following Minutolo to the finish line was Roger Bush, Eric Chapman, Vance Vanderwall and Rod Comfort. The feature event would go caution free.
 
The heat race was won by Comfort.
 
Josh Livingston won his second of the season at Canandaigua Motorsports Park in the New Legends Sportsman 10 lap feature.
 
Livingston took the lead on lap four and controlled the race for the remainder of the event. Polesitter Jeff Davoli led the first three laps.
 
“We were able to get through last week’s misses and get the win,” said Livingston afterwards. “I stayed on the bottom of the track the whole race. Our car was working very well there.”
 
Davoli held on for second while Billy Brown was third. Rounding out the top five was Kaitlin Pashina, who also was a heat race winner, and Daryl Nutting.
 
Along with Pashina, Davoli also won a heat race.
 
Mike Stelter was the winner of the 12 lap Castner Performance 305 Sprint feature. Second was Billy Jaycox followed by Dave Ferguson, Jeff Frasier and Mike Castner Jr. The heat race winner was Stelter.
 
A total of 86 cars filled the Canandaigua Motorsports Park pit area, including 27 Original Pizza Logs Modifieds.

Action returns Sat. May 19 with Empire Becks Recycling and the Ontario County Fairboard headlining a full show of Original Pizza Logs Big-Block Modified, Safety Awarness Solutions Sportsman, Parts Plus Street Stock, Pure Stock and New Legends Sportsman racing plus a $1,000-to-win Demolition Derby. Pit gates unlock at 4pm, grandstands open at 5pm and the first qualifying heat goes green at 7pm.

A complete schedule is posted on www.CanandaiguaMotorsportsPark.com along with updated point standings, driver rosters and the latest breaking news. Send a note to fan@canandaiguamotorsportspark.com to join the e-mail list, or register with http://www.twitter.com/Canandaigua_MSP to keep up-to-date on-line and through text messages on cell phones via Twitter.

For more information, please contact Jeremie Corcoran via cell 315-374-2839 or e-mail jeremiecorcoran@yahoo.com. Contact CMP Marketing Director Joe Bailey (585-500-8852, jbailey0626@yahoo.com) during the week to discuss marketing opportunities still available at the track in 2012.

Canandaigua Motorsports Park is located at the Ontario County Fairgrounds, east of the city on Town Line Road (County Road 10), with easy access off either Exit 43 (Manchester, Route 21 South) or Exit 44 (Farmington, Route 332 South) of the New York State Thruway, just ½-hour southeast of Rochester.

Big-Block Modified Feature (35 Laps): MATT SHEPPARD, Justin Haers, Jimmy Phelps, Danny Johnson, Alan Johnson, Peter Britten, Steve Paine, Ron Cartwright Jr, Derrick Podsiadlo, Vince Vitale, Billy Dunn, Chad Homan, Gil Tegg Jr, Mike O’Brien, Tyler Siri, Rich Scagliotta, Justin Wright, Eldon Payne Jr., Marcus Dinkins, Dave Rauscher, Henry Maier, Colton Chappius, Gary Tomkins, Tim Currier, Rob Bellinger. DNS-Mike O’Brien.

Sportsman Modified Feature (25 Laps): ROB BUSSEY, Dan Wiesner, Eric Giguere, Todd Henderson, Dave Marcuccilli, Frank Burnell Jr, Justin Henderson, Kevin Ridley, AJ Lloyd, Matt Guererri, Kane Bristol, Paul Guererri, Greg Cool, Stu Sheppard, Joe Cook Jr, Nick Guererri, Tom Keyes, John Wilber Jr, Steve Gray, James Maier

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Pat Ward Out Runs Tough Tracey Road Equipment Big Block Modified Field At Fulton Speedway

FULTON, NY May 12, 2012 (By Dave Medler) – Crowd favorite Pat Ward out of Genoa, New York said after Saturday nights Tracey Road Equipment Big Block Modified feature, that the young guys are getting tougher and tougher to beat on a weekly basis with their equipment and talent.

When the checkers flew at the end of 35 laps, Ward showed he has no signs of slowing down anytime soon as he parked his Gypsum Express, Stadium International Trucks/LJL Kevlar Race Engines/ Bicknell/No.42p in victory lane. Ward took the lead on lap 20 from Matt Hulsizer and never looked back in the caution free feature.

Other winners on WOLF 105.1 New Country, Girl Scouts, Capital Home Improvements, and McDonalds Family Fun Night were, Andrew Ferguson, SUNY Canton Sportsman, Tim Sears Jr., NAPA Late Models, Kris Van Norstrand, Jerry Herbert, Parts Plus Four Cylinder Stocks and Mike Mullen, Mod Lites.

Chris Hile and Matt Hulsizer led the power packed Tracey Road Equipment Big Block Modified down to the green with Hulsizer jumping out to the early advantage.

With 10 laps complete, Hulsizer and Ward were setting a fast pace at the front of the pack as they started to catch the back of field. Behind the top-two, Hile, Matt Fink and Chad Phelps showed in the top-five.

By lap 15, Hulsizer and Ward were a straightaway out front fighting for lead, while Hile, Fink, Phelps and now Larry Wight battled for third through sixth.

On lap 20 and in heavy traffic, Hulsizer moved slightly off the top groove in three and four he had been running to get around a back maker. That allowed Ward just enough room exiting turn four to be scored the new leader of the race.

With 10 laps to go, Ward opened a ten car length advantage over Hulsizer.Hile, Chad Phelps and Fink showed in the top-five.

With no yellows the rest of the way to bunch the field up, Ward cruised under the checkers for the win. Matt Hulsizer, Chris Hile, Chad Phelps and Mike Bowman rounded out the top-five. Larry Wight, Roy Bresnahan, Billy Decker, Ryan Phelps and Tom Sears Jr. completed the top-ten.

“It feels good; we’ve been struggling all year with the big block car. We keep changing and changing, getting the motor tuned good, the car tuned good, the crew has been working super hard,” Ward said after his win.

“We started up front, with the quality field of cars we’ve been running against. These young guys have been stepping up their program making it tough on us old fellows.

Ward talked about his winning pass for the lead on lap 20.

“He (Matt Hulsizer) was running a real good line. I think he anticipated a lapped car and cut down a little too early to go under him. That gave me the opportunity to go up top; he made it tight there, which I don’t blame him. Luckily I got by him, He’s going to get a win here soon”

In the 20 lap SUNY Canton Sportsman feature, Andrew Ferguson led the opening 7 laps before Greg Kimball was able to work his way Ferguson on lap 8. Kimball and Ferguson ran nose to tail and side by side fighting for the lead before Ferguson retook the lead at the halfway point.

Once back out front, Ferguson was able to hold off the rest of the field and he crusied under the checkers first. Katelyn Kane, Jim Spano, Tom Juhl Jr. and Beth Schneider rounded out the top-five.

After a post race inspection, Andrew Ferguson was fined all points and money for a technical infraction.

In the NAPA Late Model main, Tim Sears Jr. grabbed the lead at the drop of the green and then lead the entire distance picking up the win. Jason Parkhurst and Larry Wight had a tight battle throughout with Parkhurst coming home second, with Wight third,Chris Hile and Steven Coit rounded out the top-five.

Kris Van Norstrand led in the early going before losing the top spot to Dan Keyes on lap 4. Van Norstrand fought back, retaking with two laps to go and the win in the E&V Energy Novice Sportsman feature. Dan Keyes, Brandon Ford, Gary Hoppins and Nick Krause chased Van Norstrand across the line.

Joe Isabell and Mike Mullen put on a show in the 15 lap Mod Lite feature that saw Mullen beating Isabell in a photo finish at the checkers. Jeffrey Isabell, Sam Usborne and Lowell Zehr finished third through fifth.

After a post race inspection, Mike Mullen was fined all points and money for a technical infraction.

In the Parts Plus Four Cylinder Stocks, defending track champion Jeff Herbert put another victory in his win column after the 15 lap feature. Keith Zirbel, Colby Herzog, Mark Johnston and Matt Dawson rounded out the top-five.

This coming Saturday, May 19th thanks to Industrial Tire Of CNY the SUNY Canton Sportsman take center stage as they will be racing for $1,000 to win.

Also on the race card on Syracuse Haulers Night will be the Tracey Road Equipment Big Block Modifieds, NAPA Late Models, E&V Energy Novice Sportsman, Parts Plus Four Cylinder Stocks and the Mod Lites.

Gates will open at 5:00 with racing at 7:00. Adult grandstand admission will be $12 with everyone 18 years old and younger admitted FREE to the grandstand.

BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS 35 LAPS – PAT WARD, Matt Hulsizer, Chris Hile, Chad Phelps, Mike Bowman, Larry Wight, Roy Bresnahan, Billy Decker, Ryan Phelps, Tom Sears Jr., Matt Fink, Willy Decker, Jim Witko Jr., Mike Mahaney, Tim Sears Jr., Chuck Bower, Dan Vauter, Joe August Kr., Adam Roberts, Shane Donath, John Juhl, Tim Harris.

SPORTSMAN 20 LAPS – *ANDREW FERGUSON*, Katelyn Kane, Jim Spano, Tom Juhl Jr., Beth Schneider, Tony Finch II, Jordan Bennett, Tim Schneider, Ron Davis III, Earl Rudy, Sean McCarthy, Scott Ford, Rocco Leone, Joe Kline, Bob Reis, Matthew Parkhurst, Dave Emmons, Matt Emmons, Greg Kimball, Bob Bennett, Jeremy Pitcher, Jason Occhino, Greg Mrzywka, Doug Cook. (* Fined All Points And Money For Technical Infraction*

BUNTING SCORES SECOND WIN IN DELAWARE BIG BLOCKS

By Charlie Brown, Delmar, DE (5/12/12) – H.J. Bunting had to first chase Brad Trice then was caught off guard on a restart and had to run down Matt Jester before winning Saturday night’s 25-lap NAPA Big Block Modified feature at the Delaware International Speedway.

Brad Trice started on the pole and had to hold off Jester right from the drop of the green. The caution was out before the first lap of the feature was in the books as Scott Van Gorder got around coming off the second turn collecting Donnie Radd and Matt Hawkins.

When the green came back out Bunting was able to work by Jester into second and closed on Trice just as the yellow flew for a second time as Van Gorder came to a stop for a second time with suspension problems. On The restart, Jester jumped up to the high groove and was able to work past both Bunting and Trice to take the lead.

Bunting followed into second and was able to close on the leader in te bottom groove. Bunting worked has way on top just before halfway. At the midpoint the top five were Bunting, Jester, Jamie Mills, Trice and Robert Dutton.

The race remained green from lap four on and by lap 18, the leaders were working traffic. Bunting was smooth cutting through the back of the pack but Mills was able to take advantage of the lapped cars to get by Jester with three laps  to go.

Bunting remained flawless the remainder of the distance to post his second win of the season with Mills second and Jester third. Trice finished in the fourth spot and Dutton rounded out the top five. Heats were won by Mills and Van Gorder.

Former Champion Bobby Watkins was back in championship form as he led wire to wire to win the 15-lap AC Delco PSC Modified feature. Watkins started on the pole with Jordan Watson in second and John Curtis in third.

On a lap three restart, Rodney Cordrey moved into the second spot before the yellow was out for a second time. The race would be slowed for one final time on lap five was Chris Hitchens rolled to a stop.

Watkins was flawless the remainder of the distance with Cordrey keeping within striking distance but unable to mount a challenge for the lead. Watkins took the checkered for the first time In the Ellis Motorsports car with Cordrey finishing a strong second. Curtis won a battle for third with Brandon Blades and Jeff Brown came on strong in the closing laps to round out the top five.

Fast time in qualifying was set by Blades with Paul McGinley winning the consolation.

Donald Lingo, Jr. had been plagued with being at the wrong place at the wrong time in the early 2012 season. That all turned around on Saturday night with a solid run and even a bit of luck thrown in to win the 20-lap Super Late Model feature at Delaware International.

Ray Davis, Jr. looking for his second win of the season, jumped out to the early lead over Kerry King. Late week’s winner, Mark Byram quickly worked by King into second and by lap four had driven by Davis to take the lead.

David Hill was running a solid third the New Jersey’s Brian Driver in fourth and Donald Lingo, Jr. moving from seventh into the top five. With Byram setting the pace Lingo moved by Driver for fourth and four laps later on lap nine, dropped Hill to fourth.

Kerry King, Jr. came to a stop at the halfway sign. On the restart, Lingo went to work on Davis taking second on lap 12. As Lingo was trying to run down leader, Byram slowed going down the back straight and rolled to a stop in the fourth turn with a broke drive shaft.

Lingo was the new leader and took full advantage of the situation to lead the remainder of the distance to post his first win of the year. “We worked hard the entire off season,” said Lingo, Jr. “It’s just frustrating when in the season opener I had a fast car and got caught up in a wreck and went to the back. Last week there was what happened there. It was a heartbreak for Mark but we’ll take it.”

Heats were won by Lingo, Jr. and Hill.

Big Block Modified Finish: 1. HJ Bunting; 2. Jamie Mills; 3. Matt Jester; 4. Brad Trice; 5. Robert Dutton; 6. Dana Walker; 7. Tim Trimble; 8. Beau Wilkins; 9. Howard ONeal; 10. Michael White; 11. Kyle Fuller; 12. Shawn Ward; 13. Matt Hawkins; 14. Dale Hawkins; 15. Scott Van Gorder; 16. Donny Radd.

AC Delco RSC Modified Finish: 1. Bobby Watkins; 2. Rodney Cordrey; 3. John Curtis; 4. Brandon Blades; 5. Jeff Brown; 6. Danny Smack; 7. Trent Willey; 8. Nick Nash; 9. Westley Smith; 10. Scott Baker; 11. Joseph Tracy; 12. Jeff Coffey; 13. Ty Short; 14. Billy Carr; 15. Chad Clark; 16. Paul McGinley; 17. Eric Humlhanz; 18. Ryan Walls; 19. Drew Simmons; 20. Adam Weber; 21. Dwayne Crockett; 22. Scott Hitchens; 23. Kevin Gardner; 24. Herbie Hempel; 25. Brandon Watkins; 26. Nick Alberti; 27. Shawn Weber; 28. Gary Bostwick; 29. Chris Hitchens; 30. Jordan Watson; DNS: Jack Fortney: DNQ: Norman Short; Tyler Reed.

Super Late Model Finish: 1. Donald Lingo Jr; 2. Ray Davis Jr; 3. David Hill; 4. Richard Jarvis Jr; 5. David Pettyjohn; 6. Kerry King; 7. Lou Johnson; 8. Bryan Driver; 9. Bob Geiger; 10. Kerry King Jr; 11. Mark Byram; 12. Staci Warrington; 13. Stacy Roberts; DNS: Amanda Whaley; Rob Schirmer.

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Alan Johnson Overcomes Early Season Troubles To Win Big Block Modified Feature At The Brewerton Speedway

BREWERTON, NY May 11, 2012 (By Dave Medler) – After two weeks of mechanical problems, Alan Johnson was able to put it all together Friday night at the Brewerton Speedway. Johnson, using the topside of the speedway was able to shoot by Dan Vauter to grab the lead on lap 7 of the 35 lap Tracey Road Equipment Big Block Modified feature. Once in the lead Johnson out distanced Chad Phelps to the checkers in his Commercial Roofing And Sheet Metal, No.10 Bicknell.

Other winners on SUNY Canton and McDonalds Family Fun Night were, Ryan Scott, IMCA Modifieds, Tim Devendorf, Beaver River Distribution ESDCA Mod Lites and Keith Shay, Anchor Bar & Grill Four Cylinder Super Stocks.

Dan Vauter bolted out to an early advantage to start the 35 lap Tracey Road Equipment Big Block Modified feature till a yellow flew on lap 3 when Willy Decker made hard contact with a yuke tire on the back straight. After a quick trip to the pits, Decker was able to continue.

With 5 laps in the books, you could have thrown a blanket over Vauter, Alan Johnson and Chad Phelps as they battled for the lead with Jim Witko Jr. and Matt Hulsizer showing in the top-five.

Working the high side, Johnson was able to bolt around Vauter on lap 7 to be scored the new leader of the race.

At the halfway point, Johnson built-up a half a straightaway lead as he started to catch the back of the pack as Phelps, Vauter, Witko and Hulsizer chased the leader.

On lap 19 Johnson’s lead was erased when week one winner Ryan Phelps suddenly slowed with driveshaft problems.

With 10 laps to go Johnson still led as Phelps started cutting into his lead. Robbie Bellinger, Vauter and Witko ran third through fifth.

Over the remaining laps Johnson was able to maintain his advantage over Chad Phelps to be the first under the checkers over Phelps. Robbie Bellinger, Jim Witko Jr. and Matt Hulsizer rounded out the top-five. Larry Wight, Mike Mahaney,Roy Bresnahan, Pat Ward and Matt Sheppard completed the top-ten.

“Our luck has been so bad here, we were pretty fortunate to start up front tonight. We ran so terrible in the heat race, we felt like loading up and going home, and forgetting about Fridays,” Alan Johnson said in SUNY Canton Victory Lane.

“We threw everything at it but the kitchen sink (after the heat race) and it paid off.  You name it, we changed tires, we changed carburetors, gears, wedge, we changed just about everything and it worked.

This coming Friday, May 18, Syracuse.Com presents Family Autograph Night, one of the most popular nights of the season. Fans can come down on the track and meet their favorite drivers, get autographs and get up close to the cars.

On track action will feature the Tracey Road Equipment Big Block Modifieds, Nationwide Insurance IMCA Modifieds, Beaver River Distribution ESDCA Mod Lites and Anchor Bar & Grill Four Cylinder Super Stocks.

Gates will open at 5:30 with racing at 7:30. Adult grandstand admission will be $12 with everyone 18 years old and younger admitted FREE to the grandstands. Pit admission is $27 for competitors and $30 for non-competitors.

BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS 35 LAPS – ALAN JOHNSON, Chad Phelps, Robbie Bellinger, Jim Witko Jr., Matt Hulsizer, Larry Wight, Mike Mahaney, Roy Bresnahan, Pat Ward, Matt Sheppard, Rich Scagliotta, Jimmy Phelps, Billy Decker, Chuck Bower, Matt Fink, Chris Hile, Peter Britten, Mike Bowman, Tim Sears Jr., Tom Sears Jr., Willy Decker, Rich Townsend, Joe August Jr., Dan Vauter, Ryan Bartlett, Ryan Phelps.

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Lou Blaney Memorial Tickets on Sale

By Mike Leone

Hartford, OH May 9, 2012 Tickets are on sale for the fourth annual Lou Blaney Memorial Alzheimer's Benefit coming Tuesday, July 10 to Sharon Speedway featuring Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne & Dave Blaney racing Sprint Cars!

The DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds will also be on the card. Tickets are $20, which admits holder into the grandstands for preferred seating one hour earlier, and can be ordered by calling 330-772-5481 ext 2 for Kate.

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New Egypt Speedway
thru May 5
Big block modifieds
1. Ryan Godown* 191
2. Sam Martz  179
3. Willie Osmun 176
4. Billy Pauch Jr. 175
5. Billy Pauch** 173
6. Neal Williams 167
7. David Van Horn 165
7. Ron John Koczon* 165
9 Tad Cox 163
10 John McClelland 161
* denotes wins

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DAVIS MAKE LATE RACE PASS FOR FIRST CAREER WIN AT UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY

VERNON, NY- For the second consecutive week, the fans at Utica-Rome Speedway were treated to another thrilling Modified main event that saw two drivers battle side by side for nearly two-thirds of the race with a late race pass deciding the outcome.  Jimmy Davis scored the popular win over veteran Kenny Tremont as he made the winning pass with two circuits remaining.  In the other divisions, Matt Janczuk was the victor in the Sportsman while Shawn Frost scored the Pro Stock win.  Ron Hawker again took top honors in the Pure Stocks.
 
The front row of Casey Williams and Kenny Tremont led the charge to bring the 28 car starting field to the green flag to start the 30 lap Modified main event with Williams edging out front.  Tremont hounded Williams for the first three circuits and on lap four, Tremont went to extreme top of turn one and made the pass of Williams exiting off turn two.  While the battle for the lead raged, eighth place starter Jimmy Davis was on the move.
 
By lap three, Davis had cracked into the top five and three circuits he was up to the third spot.  A circuit later, Davis had made the pass of Williams and set off for the leader Tremont who had begun to pull away.  With 10 laps complete, the leader board show Tremont leading Davis, Williams, Willy Decker, and Ronnie Johnson with Matt Sheppard, Pat Ward, Steve Hulsizer, Mike Mahaney, and Alan Johnson rounding out the top ten.
 
At this point, Davis had reeled in Tremont and the duo would begin their race long battle that will have fans talking for a long time.  Lap after lap and corner after corner, Davis would duck underneath Tremont and pull even with him but Tremont would pull away on the exit of the turns.  With the thrilling battle going on up front, there were battles for position throughout the rest of field.  Williams, Willy Decker, and Sheppard went three wide for the third spot and by lap 19; Sheppard had wrestled the position away.  Two consecutive cautions at the lap 19 and 20 mark allowed the fans and drivers to collect their thoughts and prepare for the dash to the finish.  With 10 to go, Tremont still led Davis, Sheppard, Willy Decker, Williams, Ronnie Johnson, Mahaney, Alan Johnson, Stewart Friesen, and Ward.
 
When the green lights blinked back on to continue the race, Tremont and Davis renewed their battle for the top spot with Sheppard in tow, waiting for the leaders to make a mistake.  As the laps kept ticking down, Tremont and Davis were still side by side for the top spot and as they went into turn four on lap 28, Tremont made the mistake that Davis was waiting for.  Tremont slipped up over the cushion enough to slow his momentum and Davis had a nose in front as the duo took the white flag.  Davis would hang on to take his first ever career Utica-Rome Speedway Modified victory.  Tremont would finish in second with Sheppard in close pursuit.  Friesen made a late race charge to fourth with Willy Decker hanging on to the fifth spot.  Mahaney, Alan Johnson, Billy Decker, Ronnie Johnson, and Ryan Phelps rounded out the top ten.
 
In the Sportsman 20 lap feature, Joe Harrington used his outside front row starting spot to his advantage as he led the first five circuits.  With Harrington out front, it was defending track champion and 12th place starter Matt Janczuk was making a beeline towards the front of the field as he was into the fourth spot by lap three.  With five complete, Janczuk made a daring move that saw him go from fourth to the lead in the span of two corners to be scored the leader on lap six.  Janczuk would dominate the remainder of the event with Jeremy Vunk, Heath Carney, AJ Filbeck, and Claude Hutchings, Jr. chasing him to the finish line.
 
Next week, Utica-Rome Speedway will remember one of its favorite drivers as it honors JJ Michaels with a special Modified event. The Modifieds will compete in a 50 lap main event which will pay $5,000 to win that will be presented by Luther Excavating.  Joining in on the action on the special “JJ Michaels Remembered” night will be the Sportsman, Pro Stocks, and Pure Stocks. Gates will open at 3:30 p.m. with racing scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.  For more information, log on to www.uticaromespeedway.com or call the speedway office at (315)829-4557.

MODIFIED FEATURE FINISH(30 LAPS)-JIMMY DAVIS, Kenny Tremont, Matt Sheppard, Stewart Friesen, Willy Decker, Mike Mahaney, Alan Johnson, Billy Decker, Ronnie Johnson, Ryan Phelps, Bobby Varin, Pat Ward, Robby Bellinger, Casey Williams, Todd Burley, Larry Wight, Danny Varin, Alan Barker, Matt Hulsizer, Brad Alger, Jason Rood, Adam Roberts, Lance Willix, AJ Romano, Brian Murphy, Dave Rauscher, Phil Burkart Jr., and Steve Hulsizer.
 
SPORTSMAN FEATURE FINISH(20 LAPS)-MATT JANCZUK, Jeremy Vunk, Heath Carney, AJ Filbeck, Claude Hutchings Jr., Chris Mackey, Danny Tyler, Jim Nagle, Rocky Warner, Steve Way, Stephen Denton, Joe Harrington, Craig Pope, Tye Scott Rood, Jack Miller, Bobby Heinz, Mike Stiles, Dave Moyer, Aaron Jacobs, Brian Thomas, Craig Ritchie, Randy Shantel, Toby Klish, CJ Castelletti, and Jeff Leslie.
 
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ERIC KORMANN SNAGS HIS FIRST BIG BLOCK MODIFIED WIN AT BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY

Swedesboro, NJ (May 6, 2012) – On Nostalgia Night at Bridgeport Speedway, Eric Kormann snagged his first career Big Block Modified win. Tommy Beamer was victorious in the Crate Sportsmen main event. In the Outlaw Stock Car feature, Terry Griffin won the postponed contest from April 21 and the regularly scheduled race.

At the start of the 30-lap feature for the Big Block Modifieds, Jack Swain scurried to the front of the pack  with Stan Frankenfield and Ryan Watt in pursuit. Following a caution period on lap one for a spin by Corey Anderson, Watt blasted to the front with Swain in second. Scott Ambruster moved into the picture by motoring into third with three circuits completed. On lap 9, Watt was about to encounter slower traffic when the yellow lights flickered for a slowing Frankenfield.
 
When action got back underway, Watt kept his front running spot with Ambruster slipping into second and Eric Kormann charging into third.  Behind the top three, Jimmy Horton was continuing his march to the front by gaining fourth with eleven revolutions in the books. At the midway point, Watt was still on top with Ambruster in striking distance. Behind the top two, Kormann and Horton were in tight quarters fighting for third place. Horton won the entertaining multi-lap tussle for the position on the eighteenth tour.

As the leaders were in the midst of lap traffic, the caution flag waved on lap 21 for a slowing Rick Laubach. When action got back underway, Kormann swept by Horton and Watt to gain the lead. Just after the change at the top, Matt Harrell’s flat tire on lap 22 caused the final caution period. On the restart, Kormann maintained his lead over Watt and Horton. With five laps left in the contest, Watt was nearing Kormann in an attempt to regain the lead. Kormann was able to hold onto the front running position in the remaining laps to claim his first career Big Block Modified feature win. Watt held on for second with Horton taking home third. Fourth went to Richie Pratt, Jr. and Mike Barone finished in fifth. Jack Swain, Ryan Watt, and Scott Ambruster were the victors in the Big Block Modified qualifying races.  Joe Masaido won the consolation event.

Following in the steps of Wade Hendrickson and a few other racers, Tommy Beamer used the extreme high groove of the speedway to win the 20-lap main event for the Crate Sportsmen. Rookie Brett Kelly paced the contest for the opening lap before Brett Kressley took over on the second circuit. Beamer, who started the race in ninth place, gained the victory by sweeping past Kressley for the lead with two circuits left in the contest. With Kressley taking second, Ryan Anderson wound 
up in third. Matt Budd and Ken Eckert rounded out the top five. The Crate Sportsmen heats were taken by Ryan Anderson and Brad Roberts.

BIG BLOCK MODIFIED FEATURE - 30 LAPS 1. ERIC KORMANN 2. Ryan Watt 3. Jimmy Horton 4. Richie Pratt, Jr. 5.  Mike Barone 6. Mike Franz 7. Jack Swain 8. Jimmy Chester 9. Ron Roberts 10. Corey Andersen 11. Brett Ballard 12. Matt Harrell 13. Don Cogdill, III 14. Gino Postorivo 15. Tom Maccherone 16. Brian Kressley 17. Bob Sarkisian 18. Scott Ambruster 19. Rick Laubach 20. Rob Nixon 21. Jason Rivers 22. Stan Frankenfield 23. Jimmy Horton, IV 24. Joe  Masiado. DNQ: Ed Firth

Heat 1 - 1. Jack Swain 2. Ron Roberts 3. Rick Laubach 4. Brian  Kressley 5. Mike Barone 6. Bob Sarkisian.
Heat 2 - 1. Ryan Watt 2. Eric Kormann 3. Richie Pratt, Jr. 4. Matt Harrell 5. Stan Frankenfield 6. Corey Andersen
Heat 3 - 1. Scott Ambruster 2. Mike Franz 3. Jimmy Chester 4. Jimmy Horton 5. Brett Ballard 6. Tom Maccherone
Consolation  -  1. Joe Masaido 2. Don Cogdill, III 3. Jimmy Horton, IV4. Rob Nixon 5. Jason Rivers 6. Gino Postorivo

CRATE SPORTSMAN FEATURE - 20 LAPS 1. TOMMY BEAMER 2. Brett Kressley 3. Ryan Anderson 4. Matt Budd 5. Ken Eckert 6. Brad Roberts 7. Steve Davis 8. CJ Jones 9. George Nardelli, IV 10. Jason Bittner 11. Ryan Wozunk 12. Brett Kelly 13. Aleia Geisler 14. Ricky DiEva. DNS:  Tom Gibson, Forrest Peters

Heat 1 - 1. Ryan Anderson 2. Ricky DiEva 3. Brett Kelly 4. Steve Davis 5. Ken Eckert 6. CJ Jones
Heat 2 - 1. Brad Roberts 2. Brett Kressley 3. Matt Budd 4. Tommy Beamer 5. George Nardelli, IV. 6. Jason Bittner

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Hearn closes in on century mark with Malta win

May 4, 2012: Malta, NY ― Just rewind the race video from the week before ― the race result will be the same. Modified sensation Brett Hearn and Bobby Hackel can’t do anything wrong at Albany Saratoga Speedway. On Friday night the duo securing their second consecutive success stories at the Malta oval.

Brett Hearn who came from the 15th starting position, entertained the race fans as he briefly went up and over the race surface in the second turn in the early stages of the 35-lap feature event. But by the 10th time around the surface Hearn was comfortable ― and it showed. The Madsen Motorsports car was moving.

On a lap 19 restart Kenny Tremont lost the second place spot to Hearn after he went high and it cost him a few positions in the field ― Hearn slid into second place. And with 10 laps remaining he took over the main spot and onto the win.

“I got it back together and started working my way up towards the front,” said Hearn of the early race mishap. “It was a heck of a race. I was using every bit of the racetrack and then some.”

The win was Hearn’s 99th win at the Malta speedway.

Prior to Hearn making his appearance known, it was all about Mark Kislowski. He owned the night ― until then. Kislowski brought the Morris Auto Group automobile to a win in his qualifying event, was impressive all evening, and ran the race lead until Hearn took over.

Super runs by Donnie Corellis and Jeff Trombley, both were holding onto top five runs when mishap on lap 19 saw Corellis go high and up and over the bank while Trombley took a slow role into the pit area.

Matt DeLorenzo, Kenny Tremont and Ronnie Johnson rounded out the top five.

Once again the Budget Sportsman cars were plentiful ― and again, Bobby Hackel was one of the dominant automobiles. Hackel started out in 15th and by lap five he was already in third place ― shortly before the 10 to go mark he was sitting in the race lead.

“We had to work for that one ― that was good,” said Hackel during post race ceremonies. “We finally figured out a groove and once we did it was easier because the car was so good last week that we came up with a win and it was the same way again this week.”

Scott Duell’s eighth place starting spot put him up front early on in the 25 lap Budget Sportsman feature event. Duell, who took an early race command in his qualifying event did the same for the feature until Hackel took over the lead.

Jeremy Pitts, Mike Ostrander and Tim Hartman in the B-Dry sponsored automobile rounded out the top five.

Nice run for Ostrander, a former full fender driver, who’s run on Friday night was only his third open wheel ride.

After a rough start to the 2012 race season at Albany Saratoga Speedway it was finally Rob Yetman’s time. Just like in past weeks, Yetman’s Lazzaro’s Auto Body sponsored machine was fast ― this time he finally had a little luck on his side.

Yetman, who started the 25 lap Pro Stock feature event on the outside of the front row, owned his qualifying event and did just the same for the finale.

“We haven’t been doing well so we got to start up front,” said Yetman. “I’m pretty rough on my crew during the week in the garage ― you want to win and that’s where it is won, in the garage so I have to thank them.”

Yetman is happy to be back on the Malta clay where success has been plentiful.

“It’s great to see dirt back on this place,” said Yetman. “Everybody in the stands is loving it. I don’t think many people liked that blacktop ― this is the way to go.”
Kim Duell, who joined his son on the qualifying event win list for the evening, was behind Yetman’s black and neon green machine the entire time. Duell also run under the Lazzaro Motorsports banner.

Last week’s feature event winner Chad Jeseo, Dean Charbonneau and Bill Smith rounded out the top five.
Despite appearing that he was losing some of his race lead on a few occasions during the 25 lap Street Stock feature event, Josh Coonradt remained in control and took his second victory lane celebration.

Bits: Albany Saratoga Speedway race announcer Dan Martin was celebrating a moment on Friday night. Martin won his first Pro Stock event at the Malta speedplant 26 years ago… There were two red flag events during the race program. Once for a fire on Brandon Emigh’s Pro Stock during the feature event, The second coming when Andy Durte suffered a bad crash on the frontstretch… lots of rain fell in the Saratoga area on Friday a.m. playing havoc with the track prep team…. a surprise head turner was Brett Wright who just started in the open wheel cars this season. Wright’s only experience comes from racing go-karts ― he won his qualifying event.

Modified Feature Results: (35 Laps): ― 1) BRETT HEARN, 2) Mark Kislowski 3) Matt Delorenzo 4) Kenny Tremont 5) Ronnie Johnson 6) Mike Perrotte 7) Todd Stone 8) Donnie Corellis 9) Dustin Delaney 10) Jason Herrington 11) Don Ronca 12) Marc Johnson 13) Bodie Bellinger 14) Rich Ronca 15) Keith Flach 16) Hector Stratton 17) Bob Savoie 18) Pep Corradi 19) Chris Johnson 20) Jimmy Cottrell 21) Chris Busta 22) JC Flach 23) Matt Depew 24) Cass Bennett 25) Justin Barber 26) Joe Williams 27) Jeff Trombley 28) Elmo Reckner 29) Neil Stratton DNS Brian Whittemore

Budget Sportsman Results: (25 Laps) ― 1) BOBBY HACKEL IV, 2) Scott Duell 3) Jeremy Pitts 4) Mike Ostrander 5) Tim Hartman 6) Mike Burdo 7) Jack Swinton 8) Mike Tholin 9) Robert Bublak 10) Derrick McGrew 11) Anthony Marro 12) Brian Gleason 13) Brett Wright 14) Paul Dunham 15) DJ Brundige 16) Dave Baranowski Jr. 17) Dan Santabarba 18) Jon Miller 19) Mike Jeske 20) Joey Scarborough 21) Jeff Rockefeller 22) Chuck Dickinson 23) Pete Carlotto 24) Stan Lemiesz 25) Matt Shadic 26) Jack Speshock 27) Jack Gentile 28) Mark Hughes 29) Fred Proctor

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Kolby Schroder Holds On For 1st Mod Win

Saturday May 5, 2012

By: Rodney Rescott

West Lebanon, NY:  It’s been 3 weeks since someone other than Brett Hearn visited victory lane at the famed ½ mile high banked oval at Lebanon Valley Speedway in the Big Block Modified division.  And it took a 2nd year chauffer to take charge and dethrone the early dominance by the “Jet”.

With Boomer’s Performance and Funplex Funpark headlining the events schedule, the front row for the 30 lap Modified feature had the #24S of Rich Salisbury and the #16 of Kyle Hoffman, bringing the field to the green.

But once again, before the 1 lap could tick off on the Kokosa Oil Lap Counter, the caution flag flew as the #17B of Brandon Pitcher piled into the first turn wall, ending his night with heavy damage.  In the midst of the wreck, the #16 of Hoffman pulled into the pits with ignition issues, and the #74 of JR Heffner visited pit road with mechanical issues.

The field re-assembled and the green flew once again, this time, it was Salisbury and Kolby Schroder’s #98S on the point.  Schroder dove down into turn 1 hard, and took over the top spot from Salisbury before he could even lead a lap.  The #98s proceeded to check out on the field, so all eyes fell upon the battles deep in the field.

Brett Hearn began making his bid to the front as he, Donnie Corellis, and Eddie Marshall charged through the field like a freight train.  Picking their way through the traffic in tandem had all eyes watching to see if Hearn had enough to get by Corellis and Marshall and make a run at 4 in a row.

But Marshall’ #98 and Corellis’ #57 were too fast for the #20H of Hearn to get any further than 4th as laps wound down, it was clear, Schroder had the upper hand with a commanding lead down the stretch.

Without any further cautions to slow the field, Kolby Schroder scored his first career Big Block Modified victory!  A closing Eddie Marshal settled for 2nd, with Donnie Corellis scored a strong 3rd, followed by Brett Hearn, and J.C Flach to round out the top 5.

The 20 lap LV Sportsman feature had the #21 of Ryan Darcy out front and in control early of the event.  The only caution flew on lap 7 for the #88 of Olden Dwyer as his ride came to rest in turn 2.  But everyone was chasing the #21 of Darcy.

Next Saturday Night’s events will include the return of the Steve Hough Motors 358 Modifieds, as Madsen Overheard Doors and Bonded Concrete present the nights festivities.  Also on tap will be the first leg of the Pro Stock Echo Series, as well as all the rest of the weekly divisions.

For more information, full event schedules, full finishes and points, visit our website at www.LebanonValley .com and click on ‘Speedway’, or friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @LVSpeedway.

Big Block Modified Results (30 Laps): 1)Kolby Schroder, 2)Eddie Marshall, 3)Donnie Corellis, 4)Brett Hearn, 5)J. C. Flach, 6)Brian Berger, 7)Andy Bachetti, 8)Wayne Jelley, 9)Kyle Armstrong, 10)Rob Pitcher, 11)Kenny Tremont Jr, 12)Kyle Sheldon, 13)Keith Flach, 14)Steve Hough, 15)Mark Flach Jr, 16)Matt Pupello, 17)Mike Keeler, 18)Jimmy Burns, 19)Mike King, 20)J.R. Heffner, 21)Dave McFeeters, 22)Paul Gilardi, 23)Rich Salisbury, 24)Denny Soltis, 25)Kyle Hoffman, 26)Brandon Pitcher

LV Sportsman Results (20 Laps): 1)Kim Herrick, 2)Steve Meilleur, 3)Cullen Howe, 4)Alan Houghtaling, 5)Chad Pierce, 6)Brett Haas, 7)Brian Sandstedt, 8)Frank Harper, 9)Derek Schibi, 10)Sean Mandel, 11)Brandon Piastka, 12)Dylan Gibson, 13)Paul Knox, 14)Olden Dwyer, 15)Ryan Darcy

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Danny Johnson Rallies To Repeat In Big-Block Blitz At Canandaigua

Epic charge from 18th in caution-free Modified main nets 74th career CMP triumph

Canandaigua, NY – May 5, 2012 – In a flawless flag-to-flag performance staged Saturday at Canandaigua Motorsports Park, second-generation standout Danny Johnson emerged as the first repeat winner of the young season in the Original Pizza Logs Big-Block Modified ranks, making Morrisville State College-Labatt Blue/Blue Light Nite one of the most memorable of the millennium in the process.

Johnson navigated around the fast Ontario Co. Fairgrounds half-miler after starting 18th in the stacked field of 24 racers, with Gary Tomkins becoming the final victim with just two to go in the headline 35-lapper for the mighty Modifieds.

Mike Welch (Parts Plus Street Stock), Vance Vanderwall (Pure Stock) and Billy Brown (New Legends Sportsman) joined Johnson in their own victory lane celebrations while Rich Swarthout was credited with the Sportsman Modified win despite a post-race infraction diluting his first checkered flag of the 2012 campaign.

Chad Douglas fulfilled a life-long dream by taking top honors in the 1-on-1 Spectator Races to cap off another entertaining card on a cool night in Canandaigua.

During intermission prior to the start of the featured events, drivers scaled the main grandstands collecting donations on behalf of the Finger Lakes Region chapter of the March of Dimes. A total of $1045 was raised and will go towards the fundraising goals of the Canandaigua March for Babies Walk, scheduled May 12 at nearby Sonnenberg Gardens Historic Park on Charlotte Street in downtown Canandaigua.

While the show marked Johnson's 74th career Big-Block triumph scored at the hallowed 'Land of Legends' layout over the past 30 years, far fewer have provided his loyal fan following with the same amount of drama in such a short period of time. Positioned ahead of the Rochester native on the starting grid were such notables as points leader Matt Sheppard, older brother Alan Johnson, last week's winner Billy Dunn, veterans Steve Paine and Tomkins, upstarts Rob Bellinger and Peter Britten, and top tour traveler Jimmy Phelps ...and it took just 12 minutes to dispose of each.

“Its really hard to believe I'm standing n victory lane tonight,” remarked Johnson, who didn't post his first win at Canandaigua last season until mid-July en route to taking a trio of checkered flags by September. The son of 1961 CMP champ Milt Johnson has already won twice after securing opening night honors in the Super DIRTcar Series Corcoran Memorial held the first week of April. “I'm just dumfounded at the moment but its still great to be here.”

“I cried about the car, the way its been running. We've been struggling, struggling, struggling but these (crew) guys worked really hard to get it going good. Still can't believe we made it here, its really awesome. Can't thank everybody enough, especially the Chryslers for all their support,” said Johnson, as he returned to the spotlight during the festive winner's circle presentations.

Third-place starter Mike O'Brien took advantage of pole-sitter Daryl Hilkert slipping high on the opening circuit to grab the early lead while Tomkins maneuvered his way into the runner-up slot with five laps complete. While O'Brien stretched the distance out front, plenty of eyes were fixed on all-time Canandaigua feature winner Alan Johnson, who began 13th and had cracked the front-five a dozen laps in.

'A.J. Slideways' rolled into third past Tim Currier on lap 18 and after just two more times around Tomkins shot past O'Brien high out of turn four to take over first. Hard-charging Danny Johnson was scored fifth behind division rookie Justin Wright with 15 laps left, yet more than a straightaway deficit and not a single yellow flag in sight seemed as critical to overcome as Tomkins himself.

The youngest Johnson sibling suddenly put the potent no. 27J Page Trucking-Honeoye Auto Parts-Waste Management/Bicknell in high-gear, rim-riding around the track in do-or-die fashion over the remaining distance. A bonzai move high around Alan high in turn four and O'Brien as the threesome jockeyed down the front straightaway elevated Danny into second-place with Tomkins clinging to first as the scoreboard flashed 30 laps complete. The mission was accomplished three laps later as Johnson bolted ahead high out of turn four with chief starter Scott Hixson displaying parellel flags signaling just two to go.

“I'm not really a big fan of starting in the back with the handicapping but that gave me the opportunity to get behind some of the other competitors and see what they're doing,” noted Johnson, after finishing with a 10 car-length margin over Alan, who edged Tomkins on the final circuit with Phelps and Britten crossing next. “You get to see where they're running fast and what's working good for them so you can adjust your lane.”

“Pete Britten showed me how fast it was up top in (turns) three and four and I started using that line. And that's really what propelled us to the front,” Johnson added.

The 25-lap Safety Awareness Solutions Sportsman feature was just as dramatic as the Modified main and nearly as dominating in the end for Swarthout, who rebounded after being unable to even start the feature last week due to mechanical problems. The routine inspection, however, revealed other issues as it was determined that non-standard bolts were used on the team's GM crate engine and the result was loss of all points and money earned along with suspension from further competition for the remainder of the season.

“We've been having some problems here the last couple weeks, think we finally got (car) dialed in,” Clifton Springs' Swarthout said prior to his fifth career CMP Sportsman triumph being tarnished by the customary post-race technical proceedings. “This is good for my car owner Tom Fox, he's been working with me and dumped a lot of money into the program this year. So this is for him.”

Except for the yellow lights coming on lap one to realign the original starting field, the Sportsman effort mirrored that of the Big-Blocks as the entire distance went green to checkers in near record time. Swarthout put the no. p5s Fox's Auto-Dar's Auto-Beck's Recycling-Tri County Excavating/Bicknell machine out front early ahead of Rob Bussey and Greg Cool and the order remained intact the rest of the way.

Bussey took advantage of heavy traffic in the closing laps to pull up to the leader's rear bumper, yet lapped cars ultimately worked in favor of the winner as Swarthout salvaged a two car-length margin en route to the apparent victory. Frank 'Bubba' Burnell, Jr. registered his best career finish in fourth while division points leader and defending champion Dan Wiesner tallied his third Top-5 in four starts.

In honor of Mother's Day, the first 200 moms through the gate will receive a special holiday gift from the Corcoran Family on Saturday, May 12 when Mothers of Racing present a complete card of Original Pizza Logs Big-Block Modified, Safety Awarness Solutions Sportsman, Parts Plus Street Stock, Pure Stock and New Legends Sportsman racing plus Castner Performance 305 Sprints and Pit Stop Challenge on Scout Night. Pit gates unlock at 4pm, grandstands open at 5pm and the first qualifying heat goes green at 7pm.

Big Block Modified Feature (35 laps): 1. 27j-Danny Johnson, 2. 10j-Alan Johnson, 3. 84-Gary Tomkins, 4. 99j-Jimmy Phelps, 5. 21a-Peter Britten, 6. 1jr.-Mike O'Brien, 7. 9s-Matt Sheppard, 8. 19w-Justin Wright, 9. 7x-Steve Paine, 10. 10-Tim Currier, 11. 56-Vince Vitale, 12. 49-Billy Dunn, 13. 8r-Rob Bellinger, 14. 3-Justin Haers, 15. 4-Daryl Hilkert, 16. 91-Chad Homan, 17. 8-Rich Scagliotta, 18. 22-Gil Tegg Jr., 19. 2b-Ron Cartwright,Jr., 20. 5*-Tyler Siri, 21. 48too-Dave Rauscher, 22. 28p-Eldon Payne,Jr., 23. 17-Marcus Dinkins, 24. 21-Derrick Podsiadlo.

Heats (8 laps)
#1: Phelps, Podsiadlo, A.Johnson, Wright, Paine, Homan, Payne, Cartwright, Chappius.
#2: Tomkins, Scagliotta, O'Brien, D.Johnson, Tegg, Bellinger, Siri, Haers, Allen.
#3: Vitale, Currier, Sheppard, Dunn, Britten, Hilkert, Rauscher, Maier, Dinkins.

Consolation (8 laps) #1: Haers, Payne, Siri, Rauscher, Cartwright, Dinkins, Dave Allen, Henry Maier, Colton Chappius.

Sportsman Modified *Feature (25 laps): 1. p5s-Rich Swarthout, 2. 76-Rob Bussey, 3. 22-Greg Cool, 4. 57b-Frank Burnell Jr., 5. 66-Dan Wiesner, 6. 25g-Nick Guererri, 7. 5-Tom Keyes, 8. 18h-Todd Henderson, 9. 21-Justin Henderson, 10. 7-Paul Guererri, 11. 12g-Matt Guererri, 12. m1-David Marcuccilli, 13. 31-Kane Bristol, 14. 38-Steve Gray, 15. 67g-Eric Giguere, 16. 1f-A.J.Lloyd, 17. 24a-A.J. Lewis, 18. 02-Loren Lincoln, 19. 29-Brent Ayers, 20. 1j-John Wilber, 21. 3m-Jimmy Maier, 22. 20x-Kevin Ridley, 48b-Stu Sheppard(DNS), 8-Joe Cook Jr.(DNS).

Heats (8 laps)
#1: Keyes, T.Henderson, Burnell, Giguere, Lincoln, Lewis, Wilber, Ayers.
#2: Swarthout, N.Guererri, J.Henderson, Ridley, P.Guererri, M.Guererri, Lloyd, Maier.
#3: Bussey, Marcuccilli, Cool, Wiesner, Gray, Bristol, Sheppard, Cook.

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FRIESEN THREE PEATS AT FONDA

By: Ron Szczerba

FONDA, NY – Stewart Friesen is without a doubt the hottest driver in the Northeast right now, winning at whatever track he decides to race at on any given night. Making the Capital District his home base of sorts for the 2012 racing season was definitely the right decision as Saturday evening he took home his third consecutive win at the Track of Champions Fonda Speedway.

The win for Friesen was the fifth of his career at Fonda and again came in the Thad Parks owned; Foundation for Prader Willi Research sponsored #1F Teo car.

“My car owner Thad Parks had a first birthday party today for his son and after the win tonight I guess the party will continue on here in the pits at Fonda,” Friesen said in victory lane. “The track was great tonight, super smooth, and I have to give the track crew here at Fonda credit for that after all of the rain that we have had here this week.”

Other winners at Fonda on Saturday evening were Tony Farone (602 Sportsman), Pete Broderson (Pro Stock), Dave Horning Sr. (Street Stock), and Ken Hollenbeck (4-Cylinder).

Fonda Speedway management are to be commended as well as the entire five division racing program was completed just before 9:30 p.m. after a 7:00 p.m. starting time.

Dave Constantino and Craig Hanson shared the front row at the start of the 30-lap Modified feature with Constantino leading early before Hanson came back to lead the event with lap one in the record books. The yellow flag was out early just after lap one was completed for Darwin Greene who ended up hitting the wall in between turns one and two ending his night early but fortunately he was not injured.

On the restart the red flag was out for Hanson who ended up on his roof in turn three. Also involved in the wreck were Bobby Varin who was able to go to the hot pit area for repairs and restart at the rear of the field, defending track champion Ronnie Johnson who had some body damage to his car but was able to continue on without having to pit, and Marc Johnson who was done for the night at that point. Hanson was not injured in the wreck.

The restart put Mark Kislowski on the front row for the restart and he took full advantage of it as he took the lead when the green flag waved on the restart. The final caution flag of the event waved on lap two when Matt DeLorenzo ended up on the infield just past turn two and on the restart Kislowski continued to lead the event after choosing the inside line on the restart.

Jim Davis was the new second place car on the restart with Constantino third and Friesen going from seventh to fourth at the drop of the green flag. On lap five, Davis used an inside move in turn three to take the lead away from Kislowski with Friesen now third after getting by Constantino.

Friesen got by Kislowski for the second position on lap six and one lap later began to cut into the straightaway lead that Davis had built up. On lap 11 using a move that has gained him many positions so far this season, Friesen took the lead away from Davis on the short chute between turns three and four and took off and hid from the rest of the field from that point on.

At the checkered flag Friesen lapped up to the seventh place car and won the event by a straightaway over Davis, Constantino, A.J. Romano, and Kislowski.

“I certainly hope not,” Friesen told Mimi Lazzaro in victory lane when she asked him whether or not he was going to give anyone else a chance to win this season at Fonda. “I hope to keep taking it to them. This Teo car went everywhere I put it tonight and it has been that way no matter what car I’m in this year, it has been a dream season for me so far.”

“Happy” Harry Shaffer led at the start of the 20-lap 602 Sportsman feature from his pole position start with he and Tony Farone side by side for the lead by lap two after Farone started the event in the third position. Shaffer held the lead at that point with the two drivers spending many more laps side by side in a great race for the lead.

After starting 10th Ricky Quick moved into the top five by lap six with Rocky Warner just behind after starting 14th. With five laps to go Farone made his move to the lead as he got by Shaffer on the inside of the backstretch and led the remaining laps in the Tony’s Concessions sponsored #18 for his first career win at Fonda in the 602 Sportsman division after having two wins in the former “open” sportsman division.

Brian Pessolano and Jeff Rockefeller spent the entire race in the top five, Pessolano finishing the event in the second position after starting fifth while Rockefeller finished third after starting fourth. Warner and Cody Bleau who started the event in the 11th position completed the top five in the event.

“I got tore up on Friday night at that s**t hole up on the hill and tonight we had to do what we had to do to get back to a real race track today,” an emotional Farone said in victory lane. “We worked on this car all day today up to the time when we had to leave to get here to the track and I have to thank my father and crew for all of their hard work. Racing is all about family, and all of us here in the pit area put a lot of money, sweat, and tears into it.”

Next Saturday, May 12 at the Track of Champions a regular card of racing in all divisions will take place along with Kiddie Rides. Starting time next Saturday will be 7:00 p.m. For more information about the Fonda Speedway you can go to their website www.fondaspeedway.com

MODIFIED FEATURE – 30-LAPS – STEWART FRIESEN, Jim Davis, Dave Constantino, A.J. Romano, Mark Kislowski, Bobby Varin, Ronnie Johnson, Elmo Reckner, Jeff Trombley, Jeremy Wilder, Erik Nelson, Josh Flint, Alton Palmer, Chuck Allen, Ray Sitterly, Robert Perry, John Kollar, Josh Hohenforst, Matt DeLorenzo, Craig Hanson, Darwin Greene, Danny Varin, Marc Johnson, Dave Lape (DNS)

602 SPORTSMAN FEATURE – 20-LAPS – TONY FARONE, Brian Pessolano, Jeff Rockefeller, Rocky Warner, Cody Bleau, Harry Shaffer, Ricky Quick, Mark Mortensen, Kory Wilder, John McAuliffe, Justin Auspelmyer, Doug Flynn, John Scarborough, Brian Gleason, Robert Bublak, Jason Greco, Adam McAuliffe, Steve Constantino, Frank Hoard Jr., Drew Fallis, Fred Muhlberger, Craig Ritchie, Justin Boehler, Chris McCoy, Jon Miller, Carol Parker, Josh Palmer

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Billy Decker And Jeremy Pitcher Start Defense Of Their Track Titles With Opening Night Wins At Fulton Speedway

FULTON, NY, May 5, 2012 (By Dave Medler) – Billy Decker and Jeremy Pitcher served notice that they have no plans of giving up their 2011 track championships in the Tracey Road Equipment Big Block Modifieds and SUNY Canton Sportsman, as they grabbed opening night wins.

Each took a different road to get their victories. Decker totally dominated the Big Block Modifieds, while Pitcher used a last lap, last corner pass for his win.

Other winners on Ferris Mowers opening night were, Larry Wight, NAPA Late Models, Corey Barker, E&V Energy Novice Sportsman and Eric M Zirbel, Parts Plus Four Cylinder Stocks.

Jim Witko out ran Tim Sears Jr. and the rest of the field to lead the opening lap of the 35 lap Tracey Road Equipment Big Block Modified feature to kick off the 2012 season.

With 5 laps in the books, Witko still set the pace as Billy Decker, Tom Sears Jr., Tim Sears Jr. and Mike Mahaney chased the leader.

On lap 9 after chasing Witko in his tire tracks on the top of the speedway, Decker dove to the bottom in turn one and had the lead by time they exited turn two.

By lap 15 and no yellows, Decker built over a full straightaway lead on the field. Witko, Tom Sears, Tim Sears and Mahaney still fought for top-five spots.

With 20 laps showing on the scoring tower, Decker was still setting a fast pace alone out front, while Witko and Tom Sears were having a side by side fight for second. Rookie Tim Sears and now Ryan Phelps ran fourth and fifth.

On lap 25 and still no yellows to slow down the field, Decker had built-up almost a half-a-track lead as all eyes were still on the Witko and Sears battle for second in heavy traffic.

Over the remaining laps, Decker was in another zip code as he cruised to the over eight-second win over Tom Sears Jr.. Ryan Phelps, Jim Witko Jr. and Mike Mahaney rounded out the top-five. Tim Sears Jr. in his first ever modified start at Fulton held onto sixth, with Mike Bowman, Chad Phelps, Roy Bresnahan and Matt Fink completed the top-ten.

“This Gypsum Wholesalers Car was great tonight. It really helped having a great starting spot,” Billy Decker said in victory lane.

“I saw the top starting to go away and getting slick slowing Witko down a little. I went to the middle (turns one and two) where it was still brown, hoping my momentum would carry me in front of him, without making any contact. I didn’t feel anything,” Decker said about the winning pass.

In the SUNY Canton Sportsman, Bob Bennett led from the drop of the green and had a fight almost the entire race for the lead with his son Jordan Bennett till Jeremy Pitcher grabbed second with three-laps to go. A caution with one-lap to go, setup a shootout to the checkers.

On the restart, Bennett stayed on the bottom where he led the entire race, leaving Pitcher only one place to go, the top. Pitcher tossed his Troyer hard into three and four hoping it would stick keeping his momentum up. The move worked as he out raced Bennett to the checkers for a 0.534 of a second win. Jordan Bennett, Ron Davis III and Greg Mrzywka finished third through fifth.

Larry Wight grabbed the lead from Sean Beardsley on lap 4 of the NAPA Late Model feature and never looked back for the win. Bodie Bellinger, Tim Sears Jr., Sean Beardsley and Alan Fink chased Wight across the line.

This coming Saturday May 12, WOLF Radio 105.1 presents, Girl Scouts OF NYPenn Pathways and McDonalds Family Night. On the race card will be the Tracey Road Equipment Big Block Modifieds, SUNY Canton Sportsman, NAPA Late Models, E&V Energy Novice Sportsman, Parts Plus Four Cylinder Stocks and Mod Lites.

Gates will open at 5:00 with racing at 7:00. Adult grandstand admission will be $12 with everyone 18 years old and younger admitted FREE to the grandstand.

Any questions about the upcoming season please contact Cory Reed at (315) 638-4056 or by e-mail at cory@fultonspeedway.com for all your questions.

Keep up with the tracks throughout the season by visiting www.brewertonspeedway.com and www.fultonspeedway.com, on each speedway’s Facebook accounts and on Twitter at twitter.com/Fultonspeedway and twitter.com/BrewertonSpdway.

BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS 35 LAP) – BILLY DECKER, Tom Sears Jr., Ryan Phelps, Jim Witko Jr., Mike Mahaney, Tim Sears Jr., Mike Bowman, Chad Phelps, Roy Bresnahan, Matt Fink, Larry Wight, Pat Ward, Willy Decker, Matt Hulsizer, Chris Hile, Steve Hulsizer, Joe August Jr., Shane Donath, Chuck Bower, Brian Murphy.

SPORTSMAN 20 LAPS – JEREMY PITCHER, Bob Bennett, Jordan Bennett, Ron Davis III, Greg Mrzywka, Beth Schneider, Matt Emmons, Matthew Parkhurst, Tom Juhl Jr., Dave Emmons, Tim Schneider, Rob Humphreys, Tony Finch II, Earl Rudy, Bob Reis, Sean McCarthy, Jim Spano, Scott Ford, Rocco Leone, Katelyn Kane, Jason Occhino, Joe Kline, Greg Kimball, Justin Lindsey, Doug Cook, Gregg Carner, Andrew Ferguson.

LATE MODELS 15 LAPS – LARRY WIGHT, Bodie Bellinger, Tim Sears Jr., Sean Beardsley, Alan Fink, Brandon Kidd, Lazlow Hollefeld, Rick Miller,

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KING WINS MILESTONE 40TH CAREER IN MODS AT SHARON WHILE THOMAS COLLECTS 1ST CAREER DIRT WIN IN FASTRAK L.M.;

By Mike Leone

Hartford, OH May 5, 2012 After three straight rainy, cold Saturdays that forced racing to be postponed, the front dropped far enough south on Saturday to allow for sunny and warm conditions as Sharon Speedway resumed their 83rd anniversary season. Another strong crowd watched the following drivers make it to the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply victory lane: Rex King-Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, Will Thomas III-Barris Supply FASTRAK Late Models, Mike Kinney-Summit Racing Equipment E-Mods, Brian Carothers-Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars, Brandon Blackshear-HTMA/Precise Racing Equipment Econo Mods, and Bill Fuchs-Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks.

Defending champion Rex King captured his milestone 40th career Sharon Speedway victory and moved into sole possession of second place on the all-time DIRTcar Big-Block Modified win list following his non-stop 20-lap victory.

"There was bite on the bottom," explained the Bristolville, Ohio veteran. "Traffic really wasn't a problem. I just wanted to pick and choose them and not hit them. I have to thank all of my sponsors and everyone that helps out to get me here."

King started from third and worked his way past Jim Rasey for second on lap two. Kevin Hoffman had jumped into the lead and King began closing the margin. By lap five, King was right on the leader and one lap later raced side-by-side and nosed ahead at the start-finish line with an inside move in turn four.

Kevin Bolland and Jeremiah Shingledecker were on the move from their sixth and seventh starting spots respectively. Bolland drove around Jim Rasey for third on lap seven, while Shingledecker moved into contention taking fourth from Dave Murdick on the ninth circuit.

King stretched his advantage to a straightaway, while Hoffman had his hands full in a four-car race for second with Bolland, Shingledecker, and Murdick knocking on the door by lap 13. King caught lapped traffic on lap 16, but went to the inside to make the passes and didn't lose too much ground. Finally on lap 17, Bolland went to the inside of Hoffman in turn four to take runner-up. Shingledecker followed two laps later for third.

Up front, King was too much as the KMB, Inc-owned, GS Engine Power/Bristol Disposal/Midway Garage Doors/RD Banks Chevrolet/Longboyz Tavern/Hunyady Auction/Campbells Hydroponics-sponsored #65 took the checkered flag. Bolland, who won opening night, was second and continues to lead the points over Shingledecker, who finished third.

Hoffman edged Murdick for fourth. Completing the top 10 were Rex King, Jr., Jim Weller, Jr., Rasey, Dean Pearson, and Jimmy Weller III. Weller, Jr. and Shingledecker won the heat races.

Will Thomas III had a successful career racing asphalt Late Models, but late last season decided to make the move to dirt as he joined the growing FASTRAK Late Model division. Thomas had some good runs at the end of the season and has been fast in early action this season. On Saturday night, Thomas came from eighth, ran down Joe Martin, and passed the FASTRAK standout to capture his first career dirt win in the 20-lap Barris Supply feature.
"This is a lot different," stated the 36-year-old Sharpsville, Pa. resident. "There's a learning curve, but I really have to thank Robbie Blair, his son Max, and my friend Russell King. Those guys really helped take the learning curve away. They've taught me about the cars and how to drive them. I'm real excited. I've stood in victory lane at Sharon Speedway a million times in my career with Lou Blaney. My dad's cars have won a ton of times here, but it's really, really neat to be here by myself."

Martin raced out ahead of second year racer Eric Wilson for the early lead. Defending track champion, Josh Double, was making his season debut and passed Shane Weaver for third on the opening lap then Wilson for second on lap two. Thomas wasted little time moving forward as he was already up to third on lap four passing Wilson before a caution for Clay Ruffo with five laps scored.

On the ensuing restart, Thomas passed Double for second. Alan Dellinger and opening night winner George Kowatic were moving forward as the duo raced into fourth and fifth respectively on lap six. By the halfway point, Thomas began closing in on Martin. Kowatic, who started ninth, passed Dellinger for fourth on lap 12.

By lap 15, Thomas was on Martin as Martin dealt with the lapped car of Jason Stanke. Heavy traffic came into play on lap 17 as Thomas pulled even and nosed ahead to lead the lap before Wilson spun to bring out the second and final caution with 17 laps completed.

When racing resumed, Double was able to get by Martin for second. Double though had nothing for Thomas, who pulled away to win by 1.245 seconds in his Colonial Metals/Barris Supply/All Star Motorstate/Sweet Manufacturing/Quarter Master-sponsored #9. Martin held on to third ahead of Kowatic and Dellinger. Sixth through 10th were Bill Cunningham, Bobby Rohrer, Matt Latta, Chad Wright, and Randy Wyant in his FASTRAK debut. Heat victors were Martin and Wilson.

DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds (20 laps): 1. REX KING, SR. (65) 2. Kevin Bolland (777) 3. Jeremiah Shingledecker (37MD) 4. Kevin Hoffman (17H) 5. Dave Murdick (61) 6. Rex King, Jr. (165) 7. Jim Weller, Jr. (31) 8. Jim Rasey (32) 9. Dean Pearson (8J) 10. Jimmy Weller III (31W) 11. Rob Kristyak (00) 12. Carl Murdick (6) 13. Justin Rasey (21) 14. Bob Warren (96B).

FASTRAK Late Models (20 laps): 1. WILL THOMAS III (9) 2. Josh Double (38) 3. Joe Martin (55) 4. George Kowatic (5) 5. Alan Dellinger (Longwell 114) 6. Bill Cunningham (44c) 7. Bobby Rohrer (11) 8. Matt Latta (21) 9. Chad Wright (6) 10. Randy Wyant (11T) 11. Bobby Whitling (7W) 12. Ben Black (27B) 13. Butch Lambert (27) 14. Shane Weaver (Ruffner 325X) 15. Lauren Longbrake (27) 16. Eric Wilson (27) 17. Jason Stanke (44) 18. Brian Booher (Hoover 00H) 19. Tom Copeland (98) 20. Clay Ruffo (14R).

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JOSEPH WATSON PULL UPSET IN DELAWARE BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS

By Charlie Brown, Delmar, DE (5/5/12) – Joseph “JoJo” Watson made his first start of the season and impressive one as he captured the 25-lap NAPA Big Block Modfiied feature, Saturday nght at the Delaware International Speedway.

Scott VanGorder led the first lap of the feature but it was Watson powering by to lead lap two. Matt Jester locked into a good wheel to wheel battle for second with Robert Dutton and Brad Trice running in the top five.

H.J. Bunting worked from seventh into fifth as Watson began to open his lead margin over VanGorder. As the race remained caution free, Jester managed to work by VanGorder for second on lap 16. Bunting worked his way up to fourth just as the first yellow came out with six to go when Dana Walker slowed.

Under the yellow VanGorder pulled to the infield nearly collecting Trice. On the restart, Jamie Mills, who started in tenth, made his presence known in the top five taking fourth from Trice. Going into the third turn, Mills moved inside Jester and when Jester tried to move to the bottom the two made contact with Jester going of the turn bringing out the final yellow.

Bunting now chassed from second but Watson would make no mistakes, taking the win in the I.G. Burton Chevrolet/Bicknell. “I was happy when that last yellow came out,” said Watson. “I don’t know how big of a lead I had. I was resting my head on the seat and just counting the laps.”

Bunting finished six tenths of a second back in second with Mills recovering to finish in third. Fourth went to Trice and Beau Wilkins rounded out the top five. Heats were won by Mills and Wilkins.

The 15-lap AC Delco PSC Modified feature was the most competitive of the night. Twenty-nine cars started the main with Brandon Blades quickly establishing himself as the car to beat. Jordan Watson worked from fourth to second on the first lap and Jeff Brown settled into third.

Joseph Tracy climbed to fourth at the halfway sign. Blades survived several restarts in the second half of the race and continued to hold off the challenges of Watson. Tracy worked his was past Brown into the third spot.

A caution with two laps to go set up the final challenge. Blades led Watson and Tracy as the three crossed under the white flag bumper to bumper. Going into the third turn the trio went three wide the Tracy using the outside to pull into the lead and take the win in the Virgil Davis Trucking/Dirt Wheels. Watson finished second just one-tenth of a second behind Tracy and Blades finished just three-tenths back in third. Fourth went to Jeff Brown and Bobby Watkins rounded out the top five. Fast time in qualifying was set by Brown.

James Hill remained on an early season roll as he captured the 15-lap Mod Lite feature. Ray Gulliver was quick heading the first three laps of the feature. Hill worked by Brandon Dennis for second on lap three and one lap later took the lead.

Jimmy Wills made a late race charge pulling to third with two to go. Hill had the car handling to perfection as he drove to his second win in two starts this season. Gulliver ended a great drive in the second spot and Wills rounded out the top three. Fourth went to Jason Musser and Mike Stratton came from 18th to finish in fifth. Fast time in qualifying was set by Wills

This Saturday night the Little Lincoln Vintage Cars will join the five weekly divisions. Gates open at 5 p.m. with hot laps at 7 p.m.

The Super Late Model field was super quick on Saturday night at the Delaware International Speedway and when the checkered flag fell, it was Georgetown, Del.’s Mark Byram ending a long win drought by holding off Ricky Elliott for the win.

David Pettyjohn took command from his pole starting spot with Mark Byram moving by Herb Tunis for second. Byram immediately began to apply pressure to the lead and when Pettyjohn slid high in the fourth turn on lap four, Byram drove by on the bottom to take the lead.

Ricky Elliott started in the eighth spot but quickly climbed to second bringing Richard Jarvis, Jr. with him in third.  A tangle on a lap seven restart found Kevin Scott, Jr. getting over the nose of Lou Johnson’s car and rolling onto its roof. Scott was not injured in the crash.

At the halfway sign the top five were Byram, Elliott, Jarvis, Pettyjohn and Herb Tunis. Tunis slowed on lap 12 bringing out the yellow and moving Amanda Whaley into the top five. The remainder of the race was under the green with Elliott making several bids for the lead and Byram holding off the challenges.

Byram took the win in the Charles Jarvis/Seaside Builders /Rocket just seven tenths of a second ahead of Elliott. “It’s been a long time coming,” said Byram. “I’m glad it finally happened. It takes a lot off of me.”

Jarvis finished three second back in third with David Pettyjohn ending up in fourth and Whaley fifth. Heats were won by Dale Lingo and Byram with Ray Davis, Jr. taking the consolation.

Joe Warren set the early pace in the 15-lap Crate Model feature. Matt Hill and Nick Davis battled for the second spot with Davis holding the spot for lap two but Hill was back up  in second one lap later. Hill continued his drive to the front taking the lead on lap five.

At the halfway sign the top three were Hill, Warren and Davis while Dylan Evans and Rob Bragg put on a good battle for fourth. The final yellow was out at this point when Robbie Emory came to a stop. Hill controlled the restart and was able to open a comfortable lead to take the win in the Lynch’s Towing/Rocket.

Joe Warren finished in the second spot with Davis third. Fourth went to Dylan Evans and Rob Bragg rounded out the top five. Fast time in qualifying was set by Warren.

Ashley Merritt led the first three laps of the Delmarva Charger/Super Truck 10-lap feature. Geoff Carey charged from eighth to lead lap four. Once out front, Carey would never be headed as he drove his Pontiac Sundance to the win, his first at Delaware International. Ashley Merritt chased Carey the remainder of the distance to finish in second and Jay Sipple came from tenth to finish in third. Kyle Tubbs finished in the fourth spot and Mattie Long, who started in 11th was first Super Truck finishing in fifth.

Big Block Modified Finish: 1. Joseph Watson; 2. H.J. Bunting; 3. Jamie Mills; 4. Brad Trice; 5. Beau Wilkins; 6. Robert Dutton; 7. Howard O’Neal; 8. Steve Downs; 9. Matt Jester; 10. Kyle Fuller; 11. Scott VanGorder; 12. Dana Walker; 13. Tim Trimble; 14. Dale Hawkins; 15. Donny Radd; 16. Shawn Ward; 17. Dan Reidy; DNS: Michael White; Matt Hawkins.

AC Delco PSC Modified Finish: 1. Joseph Tracy; 2. Jordan Watson; 3. Brandon Blades; 4. Jeff Brown; 5. Bobby Watkins; 6. Westley Smith; 7. John Curtis; 8. Billy Carr; 9. Tyler Reed; 10. Chris Hitchens; 11. Dwayne Crockett; 12. Rodney Cordrey; 13. Adam Weber; 14. Nick Nash; 15. Kevin Gardner; 16. Danny Smack; 17. Chad Clark; 18. Jeff Coffey; 19. Paul McGinley; 20. Gary Bostwick; 21. Trent Willey; 22. Scott Hitchens; 23. Herbie Hempel; 24. Shawn Weber; 25. Eric Humlhanz; 26. Ryan Walls; 27. Norman Short, Jr.; 28. Drew Simmons; 29. Brandon Watkins; DNS: Nick Alberti.

Super Late Model Finish: 1. Mark Byram; 2. Ricky Elliott; 3. Richard Jarvis, Jr.; 4. David Pettyjohn; 5. Amanda Whaley; 6. Staci Warrington; 7. Kerry King; 8. Ray Davis, Jr.; 9. Rob Schirmer; 10. Kerry King, Jr.; 11. Bob Geiger; 12. Herb Tunis; 13. Jack Mullins, Jr.; 14. Stacy Roberts; 15. David Hill; 16. Kevin Scott, Jr.; 17. Lou Johnson; 18. Dale Lingo IV; 19. Donald Lingo, Jr.; 20. Mike Parsons; DNS: Bruce Driver

Crate Model Finish; 1. Matt Hill; 2. Joe Warren; 3. Nick Davis; 4. Dylan Evans; 5. Rob Bragg; 6. Clint Chalabala; 7. Scott Tessman; 8. Derek Magee; 9. Matt Glanden; 10. Sparky White; 11. John Emory; 12. Tyler Reed; 13. Mike Wharton; 14. Robbie Walls, Jr.; 15. David Nailor; 16. Billy Thompson; 17. Robbie Emory; 18. Richard Harden; 19. Kellie Lewis; 20. Jamie Eichholz; 21. Roy Hassler; 22. John Imler; 23. Mike Wilson; 24. Reese Masiello.

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Koczon is Kozy in New Egypt Victory Lane

New Egypt, NJ (May 5, 2012) -  Ron John Koczon of New Egypt, NJ won his first feature in two years at New Egypt Speedway Saturday night winning the 30 lap main event sponsored by Downs Ford.  Koczon passed race long leader Tim Tanner Jr. with just 8 laps remaining to score the popular win.

Darren McCaughey used his pole position to lead the field for the first several laps.  On lap four Tim Tanner Jr. had closed in and moved under McCaughey for the lead. Tanner was fast and he quickly began to pull away from the rest of the field.  As the race neared halfway Tanner was in full command as he cruised a straightaway ahead of the everyone else, while McCaughey continued to hold onto second over Koczon, Tad Cox and Tommy Carberry Jr.  Tanner then soon hit heavy lapped traffic and his lead evaporated quickly, however the caution came on before a serious challenge could be mounted. The restart saw Tanner quickly pull away again, but Koczon and Cox moved by McCaughey just after halfway and quickly zeroed in on the leader.  With 10 laps remaining they had caught up to Tanner and two laps later Koczon got under him in turn one followed closely by Cox as he followed suit. One lap later Tanner's motor expired entering turn one ending his great run and bringing out the races final yellow flag.  The final seven laps saw Koczon and Cox fly away from all competition, but not from each other as Cox tried everything he could muster to catch Koczon to no avail as it was Koczon crossing the stripe first.  Cox drove a superb race finishing second, followed by McCaughey, Carberry Jr. and Neal Williams.

Point leader Bryan Kuhl of Flemington, NJ posted his first win of 2012 in the Crate-1 Sportsman 20 lapper. Kuhl led almost the entire event and cruised to the fourth victory of his career at NES. John Micek ran second holding off two time 2012 winner John Aumick.  Jordan Henn and Chuck Steuer rounded out the top five.

In the Tri-State Race Saver 305 Sprint Series, Kyle Reinhardt of Neptune City, NJ was the winner in the 20 lap A Main. Reinhardt took his time as he patiently chased Danny Massey thru heavy lapped traffic, passing him with just 3 laps remaining and going on to his second career feature win at New Egypt. Massey settled for second after leading much of the way. Opening night winner Brian Carber crossed the line third followed by Mike Haggenbottom and 13th starter Bobby DeVault.

In the HCI/Spike-N-Go Rookie Sportsman feature event, Jesse Dill of Whiting, NJ took the victory in the fifth race of the series, vaulting him into the Rookie point lead. Kimee Ling had her best finish yet so far with a strong second place effort. Lauren Emmons also had her best finish coming home third.

Next Saturday May 12th New Egypt Speedway will be celebrating Mother's Day as each Mom attending the races will get a free potted plant courtesy of Mr. Green Jeans. The Modifieds will headline the show joined by the Sportsman, the HCI/SpikenGo Rookies and the Outlaw Stocks.  The Modifieds will also make up the first of the two rained out 20 lap features from April 28th. This will be the second event on the racing card so plan to arrive on time.  Racing gets underway at 6pm, with gates opening at 4pm. For more information, call the speedway office at (609) 758-1900 or log on to www.newegyptspeedway.net.

NES RESULTS 5/5/12

MODIFIED Feature (30 Laps): 1. Ron John Koczon 2. Tad Cox 3. Darren McCaughey 4. Tommy Carberry Jr. 5. Neal Williams 6. Sam Martz 7. Ryan Godown 8. Danny Bouc 9. Billy Pauch Jr. 10. Billy Pauch 11. Willie Osmun 12. Dominick Buffalino 13. Dave Witte 14. John McClelland 15. Mike McAleer 16. Sammy Piazza 17. Rick Holsten 18. Mario Page 19. John Stangle 20. Keith Hoffman 21. Tommy Farrell III 22. Mike Iles 23. Tim Tanner Jr. 24. David Van Horn 25. Brad Freeman 26. Tom Carberry Sr. DNQ: Chris Grbac, Billy Lowden, Randy Laird, John Keller, Rich Acolia, JT Trstensky.

1st Heat: 1. Tad Cox 2. Billy Pauch Jr. 3. Willie Osmun 4. Tommy Carberry Jr. 5. Mike Iles 6. Dominick Buffalino
2nd Heat: 1. Darren McCaughey 2. Neal Williams 3. Sammy Piazza 4. John McClelland 5. Ryan Godown 6. Tom Carberry
3rd Heat: 1. Tim Tanner Jr. 2. Danny Bouc 3. Dave Witte 4. Ron John Koczon 5. Same Martz 6. Billy Pauch
B Main: 1. David Van Horn 2. Mario Page 3. Mike McAleer 4. Keith Hoffman 5. Rick Holsten 6. Brad Freeman
Pts. Prov: John Stangle
Fans Prov.: Tommy Farrell III

CRATE SPORTSMANFeature (20 Laps): 1. Bryan Kuhl 2. John Micek 3. John Aumick 4. Jordan Henn 5. Chuck Steuer 6. Jon Haegele 7. Frank Dorry 8. Eric Palmer 9. Jeff Geiges 10. Steve Hicks 11. Jarrett Rozycki 12. Jeremy Martino 13. Joe Dill 14. Doug Urbano 15. Matt McAnally 16. Matt Carman 17. Bob Rambone 18. Jordan Cox 19. Mike Everett 20. Adam Cox 21. Mike Carman 22. Ryan Simmons 23. Steve Ramsey 24. Jesse Dill 25. Brian Papiez 26. Ron Barnstead DNQ: Mark Clauss, Scott Hyland, Melissa Scarpati

1st Heat: 1. Chuck Steuer 2. John Aumick 3. Matt MacAnally 4. Jordan Cox 5. Ron Barnstead 6. Mike Everett
2nd Heat: 1. Bryan Kuhl 2. Ryan Simmons 3. Adam Cox 4. John Micek 5. Joe Dill 6. Eric Palmer
3rd Heat: 1. Jeff Geigis 2. Frank Dorry 3. Steve Hicks 4. Mike Carman 5. Jordan Henn 6. Brian Papiez
B Main: 1. Jeremy Martino 2. Jon Haegele 3. Matt Carman 4. Doug Urbano 5. Steve Ramsey 6. Jarrett Rozycki
Pts. Provisional: Bob Rambone

TSRS 305 SPRINT CAR Feature (20 Laps): 1. Kyle Reinhardt 2. Danny Massey 3. Brian Carber 4. Mike Haggenbottom 5. Bobby Devault 6. Mike Esposito 7. Scott Frack 8. Jeff Mueller 9. Stephanie Stevens 10. Stephanie Palmai 11. Joe Lord 12. Jonathan Swanson 13. David Martin 14. Jeff Taylor 15. Steve Wilson 16.
Bill Case Jr. 17. Jimmy Carpenter 18. Gabe Fox 19. Keith McIntyre Jr. 20. Billy Nye 21. Adam Carberry 22. Kyle Purks 23. Bruce Kindberg 24. Chuck Palmucci 25. Ed Newhouser 26. Rick Homan

1st Heat: 1. Ed Newhouser 2. Brian Carber 3. Stephanie Palmai 4. Bobby DeVault 5. Rich Homan
2nd Heat: 1. Kyle Purks 2. Jeff Mueller 3. Kyle Reinhardt 4. Mike Esposito 5. Billy Nye
3rd Heat: 1. Chuck Palmucci 2. Mike Haggenbottom 3. Dan Massey 4. Stephanie Stevens 5. Gabe Fox
4th Heat: 1. David Martin 2. Jonathan Swanson 3. Scott Frack 4. Joe Lord 5. Jeff Taylor
B Main 1: 1. Adam Carberry 2. Keith McIntyre Jr. 3. Steve Wilson
B Main 2: 1. Bill Case Jr. 2. Bruce Kindberg 3. Jimmy Carpenter

FASTRAK LATE MODEL RESULTS
Feature 1 (12 Laps): 1. Rob Ormsbee 2. Cody Dawson 3. P.J. Oliver 4. Skip Syester 5. Alessa Young 6. DJ Macri 7. Al Burdge 8. Daniel Hudson 9. Tony
Giglio

Feature 2 (12 Laps): 1. Rob Ormsbee 2. Cody Dawson 3. P.J. Oliver 4. Skip Syester 5. DJ Macri 6. Alessa Young 7. Tony Giglio 8. Al Burdge 9. Daniel
Hudson

ROOKIE SPORTSMAN Feature (8 Laps): 1. Jesse Dill 2. Kimee Ling 3. Lauren Emmons 4. Melissa Scarpati 5. Marty Saxton  DNS: Will Trstensky

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Alan Rudalavage victorious at Penn Can Speedway

By Ryan Lepre

Cold temperatures and high winds forced Penn Can Speedway management to cancel last Friday night’s racing program however this Friday night race teams and fans enjoyed an unseasonably warm night for the first weekend in May.  Alan Rudalavage of Newton Lake, PA captured the Modified win by holding off repeated challenges from youngster Mike Nagel Jr. of Susquehanna, PA on American Race Tire night.  Mike Schane of Lake Ariel, PA placed third while Joey Grammes of Kunkletown, PA and Brett Tonkin of Carbondale, PA rounded out the top five in the premier class at the Susquehanna County oval.  The 602 Crate Sportsman event went to Corey Ziegler who held off Paul Rooney and Butch Green.  The Street Stocks ran twin 15 lap features which saw Brenton Miller pick up an emotional win in tribute of his late father while Earl Zimmer cruised to victory in the nightcap.  George Brown was the winner of the Factory Stocks as he bested Gary Cleveland in a photo finish while Andy Brigham won again in the 4 Cylinder division.

Alan Rudalavage and Ken Titus led the full field of Modifieds down to the green flag.  Rudalavage surged into the lead at the start while two-time Penn Can Crate Sportsman champ Mike Nagel Jr. moved into second.  After the first circuit was complete the yellow flew for the slowing car of Tom Oleski.  Darwin Greene looped his ride on the restart drawing another yellow.  Rudalavage led Nagel and Titus while seventh starter Brett Tonkin slipped through the middle of Joey Colsten and Grant Hilfiger to take the fourth spot.  The racing adage of cautions breed cautions  was true on Friday evening as Mike Colsten and Joey Colsten came together in turn two causing Joey to spin out.  A five car pileup on the next restart drew another yellow, the third circuit was completed before Dan Pompey slowed abruptly with apparent fuel issues and drew another yellow.  As the laps started to click off Rudalavage led but Nagel was hounding him for the top spot while Tonkin moved into third ahead of Titus and eighth starter Mike Schane.  The mid-pack racing was tight from seventh on back as 11th starter Joey Grammes and ninth starter Kevin Bates were moving through the pack.  With a dozen laps complete Nagel got to the inside of Rudalavage however the driver of the Quinn’s Supermarkets No.145 switched his line and pulled back ahead of Nagel’s No.M7.  Grammes was up to the sixth position when the caution flew for the slowing car of Bobby Trapper Jr. on lap 16.  With just ten laps to go Rudalavage and Nagel had pulled away from Tonkin while Schane, Grammes and Bates started to close on third place.  The final caution flew on lap 23 for Bill Miller, on the restart Rudalavage gapped Nagel while Schane in his Sharkey Fuels No.M16 moved past Tonkin and into third.  Nagel chased Rudalavage back down with three to go but lacked the drive off the turns to make his way to the lead.  Rudalavage took the checkers a car length ahead of Nagel who got a career best finish in the Modified division aboard his NEP Wireless ride.  Schane placed third while a hard charging Grammes was fourth and Tonkin rounded out the top five.  Completing the top ten were Bates, track champ Kevin Hartnett, Titus, M.Colsten and Hilfiger.  Heat races for the 24 Modifieds were won by Rudalavage, J.Colsten and Titus.

Corey Ziegler took the lead at the start of the Crate Sportsman event while Jeff Powell and Corey Haub gave chase.  Haub got sideways on a lap seven restart and stacked up much of the field however all cars were able to continue.  For the second half of the feature Ziegler had his hands full with fifth starter Paul Rooney.  Rooney kept looking to the inside of Ziegler however Ziegler was up to the task.  Ziegler grabbed the win over Rooney, eighth starter Butch Green, J.Powell and Kyle Rohner.
 
Penn Notes: The racing surface was in great shape with drivers very pleased with the bite and grip the surface provided without dust throughout the night. Seventeen Penn Can drivers enrolled in the American Racer Cup for 2012 with Mike Schane winning the first tire. Billy Thornton made his first appearance of 2012 with a very unique paint scheme that changed colors when photographed at night. The racing was great in all divisions with the factory stock feature decided by less than two feet. Very few cautions in all divisions made for a very fast paced show.

Modified Feature: 1.Alan Rudalavage 2.Mike Nagel Jr. 3.Mike Schane 4.Joey Grammes 5.Brett Tonkin 6.Kevin Bates 7.Kevin Hartnett 8.Ken Titus 9.Mike Colsten 10.Grant Hilfiger 11.Billy Thornton 12.Adam MacGeorge 13.Brian Malcolm 14.Darwin Greene 15.Bobby Gunther Walsh 16.Bill Miller 17.Alan Kellogg 18.Casey Pavlick 19.Bobby Trapper 20.Dan Pompey 21.Tom Oleski 22.Steve Babicek 23.Bobby Trapper Jr. 24.Joey Colsten

602 Sportsman: Corey Ziegler, Paul Rooney, Butch Green, Jeff Powell, Kyle Rohner, Grant Hilfiger, Wes Campbell, Dusty Barton, Rich Talada, Alex Stanton, Randy Gates, Rich Powell, Wayne Ross, Corey Haab, Clark Bartholomew

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Jimmy Phelps Puts His Troyer In Victory Lane Friday Night At The Brewerton Speedway

BREWERTON, NY, May 4, 2012 (By Dave Medler) – Jimmy Phelps out of Baldwinsville, NY is a man on a mission in the 2012 season. Phelps wants to regain the Tracey Road Equipment Big Block Modified Track Championship that he won in the 2010 season.

Friday night at the Brewerton Speedway, Phelps charged from the sixteenth starting spot to take the lead from Larry Wight on lap 23, and from there put his J&B Installations, No.99j, Troyer in victory lane in the exciting 35 lap feature.

Other winners on Ferris Mowers, One Small Step For Prader-Willi Syndrome Night were, Jerry Lobdell Jr., Nationwide Insurance IMCA Modifieds, Joe Garafolo, Beaver River Distribution ESDCA Mod Lites and Zak Petrie, Anchor Bar & Grill Four Cylinder Super Stocks.

Joe August Jr. and Dan Vauter led the 28 car starting field down to the green flag, with August grabbing the lead on the opening lap of the 35 lap Tracey Road Equipment Big Block Modified Feature.

As the first lap was completed, Alan Johnson slowed on the back straight as his car saw the drive shaft break ending his night.

With 5 laps complete, August built up a few car length advantage over Larry Wight, with Ryan Bartlett, Vauter and Tim O’Brien right in the battle.

On lap 8, using the cushion, Wight was able to blast by August to be scored the new leader.

By lap 10, Wight was able to start putting distance between him and August, as Bartlett, O’Brien and Jimmy Phelps showed in the top-five.

On lap 15, Wight started reeling in back markers with August running alone in second. Phelps, Bartlett and O’Brien fought for third through fifth.

With 20 laps showing on the lap counter, Wight, Phelps and August ran nose to tail, as they not only battled for the lead, but tried getting through slower cars putting them a lap down.

With Wight running the top-side in the lead, Phelps was able to bottle-up the leader behind a car, then diving to the bottom to be scored the new leader on lap 22.

With 10 laps to go, Phelps was able to start putting cars between him and the rest of the top-five and looked to be heading to the easy win till a caution with two-laps to go.

When the green came back out, Phelps was not to be denied as he outran Matt Sheppard to the checkers. Ryan Bartlett, Joe August Jr. and Ryan Phelps finished third through fifth.

“We had that long green run and I didn’t even know who was leading,” said Jimmy Phelps from SUNY Canton Victory Lane.” Larry (Wight) looked like he was going pretty well so I figured he was the leader. Fortunately he got pinned up there on the top with a lapped car; we were able to sneak underneath him. What an excellent racecar we had tonight.”

“I got to thank all my guys for all their hard work, Doug Holmes and his guys at Finger lakes Machine and everybody at Troyer.”

This coming Friday night, May11, Colosse Cheese Store presents, McDonalds Family Fun Night and Mothers Day Salute. On the race card will be the Tracey Road Equipment Big Block Modifieds, Nationwide Insurance IMCA Modifieds, Beaver River Distribution ESDCA Mod LItes and Anchor Bar & Grill Four Cylinder Super Stocks.

Gates will open at 5:30 with the first green flag to wave at 7:30. Adult grandstand admission will be $12 with everyone 18 years old and younger admitted FREE to the grandstands. Pit admission is $27 for competitors - $30 Non-Competitors.

BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS 35 LAPS – JIMMY PHELPS, Matt Sheppard, Ryan Bartlett, Joe August Jr., Ryan Phelps, Larry Wight, Mike Bowman, Billy Decker, Chris Hile, Tim O’Brien, Chuck Bower, Roy Bresnahan, Tom Sears Jr., Robbie Bellinger, Matt Fink, Pat Ward, Tony Steiner, Willy Decker, Peter Britten, Tim Sears Jr., Rich Scagliotta, Mike Mahaney, Jim Witko Jr., Dan Vauter, Matt Hulsizer, Chad Phelps, Pat O’Brien, Alan Johnson.

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