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CRUZ PEDREGON TO PILOT LAZER CHASSIS HOUSE CAR IN ANNUAL “PRELUDE TO THE DREAM” RACE
Jonestown, Pa --NHRA drag racing star, Cruz Pedregon, is set to drive a Lazer Chassis car in the 2008 Prelude to the Dream event at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, OH. The annual invitational charity race, hosted by NASCAR superstar and Eldora Speedway owner, Tony Stewart, is scheduled for Wednesday night, June 4th. Proceeds will benefit charities including Victory Junction Camp.
Pedregon’s Lazer will carry the colors of his funny car sponsor, Advanced Auto Parts, as part of a custom designed graphics package. The car is a 2008 Lazer with Edge power and Bernheisel’s son, Brandon, will serve as Crew Chief.
According to Jim Bernheisel, founder and owner of Lazer Chassis, even though he’s a drag racer Pedregon takes this event very seriously. “We have scheduled a pre-race test session at Susquehana Speedway and we plan to compete in an actual race at Selinsgrove Speedway in late May, in order to be ready for the Prelude,” said Bernheisel. He went on to explain how Lazer Chassis and Cruz Pedregon were able to team up for this event. “Cruz heard through a mutual contact in the racing industry that we were looking for someone to drive our car in the Prelude who would put in a serious effort to compete,” commented Bernheisel. “On that basis alone it was a perfect pairing. Cruz also liked the fact that we have a reputation in the Dirt Late Model Industry for innovative ideas, high quality products and absolutely the best craftsmanship available.”
Bernheisel is proud to be participating in the event and to be paired up with a driver of Pedregon’s quality. “The charity focus of this annual event is an important part of why we wanted to be involved,” said Bernheisel. “It will be quite interesting to partner one of our Lazer cars with a racer who has the reputation and credentials Cruz brings to the table. Cruz is anxious to prove he can turn left as well as he goes straight and we are anxious to prove Lazer cars are the best,” he concluded.
Bernheisel Race Cars has served the circle track market for over 27 years based out of Eastern Pennsylvania. BRC offers complete part sales and service, chassis construction and repair (Lazer Chassis), and is a leading supplier for hundreds of the nation’s top racing product manufacturers.
For more information about Bernheisel Race Cars call 1-800-426-2570 or visit them on-line at www.lazer3.com.
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PORT ROYAL SPEEDWAY RAINED OUT FOR 2ND WEEK IN A ROW
Port Royal Speedway racing was rained out for the second week in a row last Saturday night. Rain hit the speedway shortly after 6:00 P.M. Sprint cars, late models pro stocks and enduro cars were scheduled to compete. The enduro car feature has been rescheduled for May 24.
The Ramsey's Car Wash/Cleveland Brothers Caterpillar Dealership's " Challenge at the Port" qualifier will be rescheduled for a later date. Tentative plans call for an additional challenge date to be added during the month of June. Fans have a chance to win a Fair Week racing & party pack during the challenge shows. Sprint car drivers have a chance to win a new J & J racing chassis. Jim Cameron & other sponsors will will give away a Hoosier Race Tire to the first non qualifier or drop out in the challenge night sprint car feature event.
Action resumes at the Juniata County oval Saturday May 10 when the O'Reilly Auto Parts All Star Circuit of Champions sprint cars invade the Juniata County oval for the 6Th annual running of the Bob Weikert Memorial race. Pro Stocks and Powder Puff cars are also part of the event. The night honors the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame car owner who called Port Royal Speedway his home track during much of his career. Weikert fielded cars for the best drivers in the country including Keith Kauffman, Doug Wolfgang, Kenny Weld, Paul Pitzer, Randy Wolfe, Jac Haudenschild, Bobby Davis, Jr., Jeff Swindell, Lance DeWease, Smokey Snellbaker, Lynn Paxton, and others. Weikert's cars, drivers and mechanics barn stormed the country posting hundreds of wins from Pennsylvania to California while maintaining their home base in Fairfield, PA near Gettysburg. Weikert's son, Todd, returned to local racing on a limited basis last season with Kenny Jacobs driving a Barry Jackson prepared race car.
Ticket prices for the Weikert Memorial race are as follows. Adult general admission is $ 18 dollars. Students 12-17, will be admitted for $ 12 dollars. Under 12 is free. Pit passes will cost $ 25 dollars each. Gates open at 5:00 P.M with racing at 7.
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JEFF SHEPARD JETS TO $5,000 WIN IN 5TH ANNUAL WELDON STERNER MEMORIAL
"358" sprint feature curtailed by rain on lap 2; will be made up May 31st;
ABBOTTSTOWN, PA, 5/3/08 - A bizarre twist of fate during a mid-race red flag gave Jeff Shepard the break he needed in the 5th Annual Weldon Sterner Memorial for "410" sprint cars at Lincoln Speedway Saturday night. And the Upperco, MD, sprint star took advantage, to claim his first win in three years in the Pigeon Hills.
Shepard started fifth and was running second when a flipping Jeff Busby stopped green flag action for the first time in the event. During the red, Cody Darrah, who took the lead from race-long leader T.J. Stutts on the seventh lap, was forced into the pits to change a flat right rear. The leader change also put two lapped cars back onto the lead lap, and put the Zemco Headers/Zemco Tool & Die #1 on the point for the restart.
Shepard, who ran his first sprint car race at Lincoln 21 years ago, drove away from the rest of the field to score a 3.59-second win and claim the $5,000 top prize in the 30 lap contest.
Defending champ Fred Rahmer came from 20th starting spot to pass Stutts for second on the 21st lap, but could not close on Shepard. In fact, Shepard double his lead over the final nine laps.
"I love this track!" exclaimed Shepard in victory lane, "This track is in great shape, the crowd is great, and I just enjoy racing here." Stutts settled for third, with Lance Dewease and Alan Krimes completing the top five. Sixth through tenth were Michael Carber, 16th-starting Cris Eash, 14th-starting Brian Leppo, 17th-starting Brian Montieth, and 22nd-starting Chad Layton, who was sporting the Sterner Cement top wing in honor of the memorial event.
Heats for the 410 sprints were won by Leppo, Jim Siegel and Cris Eash, with Niki Young winning the consolation. Fast time in time trials over the 27-car field was set by Cody Darrah with a 1-lap time of 13.875-seconds (97.297 MPH).
Aaron Ott set a new 10-lap track record in his heat and was leading on lap two of the "358" sprint feature when the rains came during a caution. The remainder of the feature will be made up as an addition to a regular three-division show on May 31st. Ott's 10-lap record of 2 minutes, 24.16 seconds bested the old record by more than two seconds. Other heats for the 43 "358" sprint were won by Dale Hammaker, Glenndon Forsythe, and Kevin Nouse. Twin consolations were won by Brian Eichelberger and Gerard McIntyre Jr..
Next Saturday night, May 10th at 7 PM, it will be York County Racing Club Night featuring all three regular point divisions for the second week in-a-row - 410 Sprints, the 358 Sprints and thundercars. Gates will open at 5 PM.
5TH ANNUAL WELDON STERNER MEMORIAL
410 SPRINTS:
Feature (30 Laps) - 1. 1-Jeff Shepard ($5,000); 2. 51-Fred Rahmer; 3. 39-T.J. Stutts; 4. 30C-Lance Dewease; 5. 87-Alan Krimes; 6. 22Z-Michael Carber; 7.
17E-Cris Eash; 8. 71-Brian Leppo; 9. 21-Brian Montieth; 10. 25-Chad Layton; 11. 10N-Niki Young; 12. 30-Doug Esh; 13. 89-Cody Darrah; 14. 9-Craig Keel;
15. 6W-Josh Wells; 16. 99-Davey Sammons; 17. 26-Pat Cooper; 18. 11C-Cory Haas; 19. 4-John Rudisill (DNF); 20. 59-Jim Siegel (DNF); 21. 47J-Jeff Busby
(DNF); 22. 38N-Nick Schlauch Jr. (DNF); 23. 20-Ryan Taylor (DNF); 24. 25o-Aaron Ott (DNF). No Time
Lap Leaders - TJ Stutts (1-7), Cody Darrah (8-15), Jeff Shepard (16-30)
Time Trials - 1. 89-Cody Darrah, 13.875 seconds
358 SPRINTS Feature (20-Laps) - Postponed until May 31st
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SELINSGROVE SPEEDWAY CANCELS MAY 3
SELINSGROVE, Pa. – Selinsgrove Speedway was forced to cancel the four division racing program Saturday night for the second weekend in a row due to rain.
The speedway will present the annual Ink Spot Printing Pro Stock 20 at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 10, plus 358 sprint cars, late models, and roadrunners. Track gates will open at 5 p.m.
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Williams Grove Speedway cancels Saturday May 3rd Show
Mechanicsburg, Pa. – Approaching inclement weather forced the management of Williams Grove Speedway to cancel the May 3 Saturday night racing. This is the second consecutive week that the Saturday night racing at Williams Grove has fallen victim to bad weather.
The Autograph and Camera Night scheduled for May 3rd will be held on May 31st.
Next week the 305 Sprint Cars will be added to the Saturday night action at Williams Grove Speedway. The 305 sprints will join the Sutliff Auto Group Super Sportsman, the AJ’s Truck and Trailer Center 358 Late Models and the L.B. Smith Ford Street Stocks. The racing action begins at 7 p.m.
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Blaine Heimbach uses last lap pass to win Clinton County season opener
Mackeyville, PA (May 2, 2008)– Twenty-one Shore Auto Parts Super Sprints made the call for Clinton County Raceways season opener. Chuck Roan Jr. and Adam Gordon would lead the field down to the green flag. It didn’t take long for the yellow to fly as Tom Wise had a flat before the field was able to complete lap one. On the restart a heated battle formed at the front between Roan, Gordon, Matt Heimbach, and 2007 Fall Shootout winner Neil Petock. The race stayed green until the halfway point when Jack Helget had mechanical troubles and stopped on the backstretch. On the restart Matt Heimbach took command and began to stretch out a lead as the field entered lap traffic. Petock and Roan continued to swap the runner up spot as Blaine Heimbach worked his way up from his 8th starting spot. With five laps to go Petock and Blaine Heimbach began battling for 2nd spot. Matt Heimbach looked to have the field covered but it wasn’t meant to be as he suffered a flat right rear with two laps to go. Petock inherited the lead
and got a big jump at the green and opened up a sizeable lead by time he came around for the white flag. Blaine Heimbach looked determined and drove his car hard into turn three hoping it would stick. Heimbach never lifted as he used the outside line to make a run and was able to get around Petock at the line for the feature win in his Goff Racing machine. Petock would have to settle for second with Chuck Roan Jr finishing third. Bobby Howard drove a good solid race as he came from the 12th starting spot to finish 4th. Matt Horst also turned in a steady run, as he would round out the top five.
Cliff Berry and Keith Tebbs led the field down for the 15 lap A&A Auto Parts Pro-Stock event. Berry jumped into the early lead but it wouldn’t last for long as he suffered a flat tire after only a handful of laps. Ay Schilling, Terry Shedden, and Tim Krape who started in the 7th, 8th, and 9th spots set their sites on the leaders and they freight trained to the lead. Schilling would take the lead just past half way but soon lost it to Krape, as Krape was able to complete the slide job. Krape went on to take the win with Schilling finishing 2nd, Terry Shedden 3rd, Chris Berry 4th, and Todd Williams 5th.
The Ron Enders & Sons Insurance Agency 270 Micro Sprints took to the track next as Mike Schuckers and Jason Houtz led a strong group of cars to the green. A few quick cautions for mechanical trouble slowed the early pace but the drivers soon found their groove as they began to click off laps. Mike Schuckers lead the whole way on route to the victory but didn’t have an easy drive as he had company the entire time. Scott Kishbaugh finished 2nd, with Brian Kishbaugh overcoming a lap one problem to rally to 3rd. John Roberts nailed down the 4th spot and Brandon Gustin finished out the top five.
Randy’s Auto Repair FWD 4-cylinder division finished the night off as 25 cars looked to tackle the 1/3 mile oval. Woodhull Raceway regular Brian Grant came from the 5th starting spot to take the win. Grant is now eligible for the $500 bonus if he can win at Woodhull May 4th. Any 4-cylinder driver is eligible for the bonus if they can win back-to-back nights between the two tracks this season. Grant looks to take aim at the bonus multiple times as he plans on running both tracks throughout the season. Jason Rafter came home 2nd, Jason McCauley 3rd, Heather Marr 4th, and Dave Fink 5th.
Clinton County Raceway is back in action May 9th with a regular program of Shore Auto Parts Super Sprints, A&A Auto Parts Pro-Stock, Ron Enders & Sons Insurance Agency 270 Micro Sprints, and Randy’s Auto Repair FWD 4-cylinders. Track gates open at 5pm with racing starting at 7:30.
Quick Results
Sprints- (21 entries) Blaine Heimbach, Neil Petock, Chuck Roan Jr, Bob Howard, Matt Horst, Scott Lutz, Daryl Stimeling, Adam Gordon, George Suprick, Matt Johnson, Matt Miller, Bill Johnson Jr, Jeff Weaver, Matt heimbach, Duff Aurand, Mike Walter, Tom Wise, Jeff Taylor, Jack Helget, Rich Brunegard, Ryan Kissinger.
Pro-Stock – (15 entries) Tim Krape, Ay Schilling, Terry Shedden, Chris Berry, Todd Williams, Arliss Rhinehart, John Myers, Jim Berry, Dave Riddell, Keith Tebbs, John Bouse, Rich Fye, Cliff Berry, Brandin Glenn, Kevin Burkhart.
270 Micro – (19 entries) Mike Schuckers, Scott Kishbaugh, Brian Kishbaugh, John Roberts, Brandon Gustin.
4-Cylinder – (25 Entries) Brian Grant, Jason Rafter, Jason McCauley, Heather Marr, Dave Fink.
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Williams Grove Speedway
410 sprint car points
as of 5/3
1. Fred Rahmer 1340
2. Chad Layton 1215
3. Greg Hodnett 1170
4. Brian Montieth 1100
5. Cody Darrah 1100
5. Brian Leppo 1085
7. Mark Smith 1020
8. Todd Shaffer 1015
9. Lance Dewease 950
10. Doug Esh 925
358 sprint cars
1. Pat Cannon 810
2. Aaron Ott 690
3. Cory Haas 660
3. Scott Geesey 660
3. Danny Massey 600
6. John Westbrook 570
7. Adam Wilt 555
8. Dave Calaman 520
9. Chad Trout 490
10. Chad Criswell 470
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KAUFFMAN HOLDS OFF RAHMER AT WILLIAMS GROVE
MECHANICSBURG, PA -- The old guys provided the best racing of the season Friday night at Williams Grove Speedway as Keith Kauffman held off the charge of Fred Rahmer to win the 25-lap sprint car feature. Glenndon Forsythe won the 20-lap 358 sprint feature.
John Westbrook took the early lead in the main event and set the pace for the first two laps before he hit the guardrail in turn four. Bob Bennett took over at that point with Kauffman, who started fifth, moving into the runnerup spot.
Kauffman took the lead from Bennett on lap nine, but career win number 51 at Williams Grove would not come easily.
Rahmer, who started 12th, moved into second place on lap 14 and began to close on Kauffman.
For the remainder of the race Kauffman, who will celebrate his 58th birthday in June and Rahmer, who turned 50 in March, put on a driving clinic.
Kauffman changed lanes on several occasions searching for a faster line while Rahmer tried every trick in his repertoire to make the pass.
As Pennsylvania's all-time sprint car win leaders battled for the top spot, defending Cindy Rowe Auto Glass champion Todd Shaffer made it a three car race.
Kauffman nipped Rahmer at the finish by a half car length with Shaffer a close third.
Chad Layton, who started tenth, and Alan Krimes completed the top five.
Cody Darrah charged from 14th to finish sixth ahead of Brian Montieth and T. J. Stutts. Greg Hodnett came from 20th to ninth and Mike Erdley completed the top ten.
Heats for the 30 sprint cars in competition were won by John Westbrook, A. J. Michael and Kauffman.
Brian Leppo copped the consolation race.
Forsythe started on the front row in the limited sprint feature, took the lead at the start, then held off Pat Cannon to score his first career victory at Williams Grove.
Cannon increased his lead in the Bass Pro Shops point standings with his second place finish.
Brian Westbrook, Scott Geesey and Steve Cannon completed the top five.
Matt Boland, Tim Berkheimer, Forsythe and Gerard McIntyre, Jr. won heats for the 41 limited sprints in the pit area.
The consolation races were claimed by Kevin Nouse and Cory Haas.
Williams Grove Speedway Feature Finishes May 2, 2008
Sprint Car Feature: 1. Keith Kauffman, 2. Fred Rahmer, 3. Todd Shaffer, 4. Chad Layton, 5. Alan Krimes, 6. Cody Darrah, 7. Brian Montieth, 8. T. J. Stutts, 9. Greg Hodnett, 10. Mike Erdley, 11. Doug Esh, 12. Lance Dewease, 13. Craig Keel, 14. Steve Buckwalter, 15. Brian Leppo, 16. A. J. Michael, 17. Mark Smith, 18. Niki Young, 19. Ryan Bohlke, 20. Michael Carber, 21. Judi Bates. 22. Pat Cooper, 23. Bob Bennett, 24. John Westbrook
358 Sprint Car Feature: 1. Glenndon Forsythe, 2. Pat Cannon, 3. John Westbrook, 4. Scott Geesey, 5. Steve Cannon, 6. Aaron Ott, 7. Cory Haas, 8. Chad Trout, 9. Tim Berkheimer, 10. Rich Eichelberger, 11. Danny Massey, 12. Stewart Smith, 13. Elvin Diller, III, 14. Nicole Bower, 15. Adam Wilt, 16. Derek Locke, 17. Billy Schoffstall, 18. Ricky Stonebraker, 19. Billy Johns, 20. Keith Prutzman, 21. John Barnett, 22. Kevin Nouse, 23. Gerard McIntyre, Jr., 24. Matt Boland
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McCLELLAND CLAIMS SECOND STRAIGHT IN TRAIL-WAY “358” SPRINTS
Hanover, PA (5/2/08) – Make it two in-a-row for Brad McClelland at Trail-Way Speedway.
The Westminster, MD open wheel star scored his 12th career win in the “358” sprint car feature at the McSherrystown oval Friday night, moving him into a tie with Billy Dietrich at the top of the all-time Trail-Way win chart.
McClelland started eighth and advanced to the runner-up spot by lap 13. In the meantime, two-time defending track champ Jeff Rohrbaugh started sixth and moved through the field to grab the lead from race-long leader Randy Davis, Jr. with a slider exiting turn four of lap 11.
After disposing of Davis on the 13th-lap restart, McClelland closed quickly on Rohrbaugh and raced wheel-to-wheel with the Roy Vincent Racing #7V from laps 16 through 19. McClelland nosed in front as the two crossed under the flagstand to complete lap 19, and a caution for Billy Heltzel, Jr. (who stopped on turn four) put McClelland at the point for the restart.
The B&D Truck Hoist/J&K Salvage/VMAC Racing #6 held off Rohrbaugh over the remaining laps to cross two carlengths ahead.
“I’m tired!” exclaimed McClelland in victory lane, “I asked for a track like this and I got it. This is a very racey track. I was getting loose on the top and moved down…I probably should have stayed up there.”
“This is great racing,” added McClelland, “I come here to race because it’s not ‘follow the leader’ here.”
Rohrbaugh settled for second, with 10th-starting Dale Hammaker third, 13th-starting Danny Dietrich fourth, and Joe Trone, Jr. fifth. Completing the top ten were Steve Owings (who came from the back after bringing out the caution on lap 12), DS Diversified Services hard charger Nathan Berwager (who started 18th), Mike Duncan, Darren Schott, and Heltzel.
Friday night’s show was the first in which the required Raceiver one-way radios were used, and the radios got passing marks from hard charger Berwager, who praised them upon receiving his award.
Heats for the 21 “358” sprinters were won by Tim Wagaman and Rohrbaugh.
358 SPRINTS Feature (25 Laps) – 1. 6-Brad McClelland; 2. 7-Jeff Rohrbaugh; 3. 66-Dale Hammaker; 4. 88-Danny Dietrich III; 5. 99-Joe Trone Jr.; 6. 35-Steve Owing; 7. 4U-Nathan Berwager; 8. 11D-Mike Duncan; 9. 55S-Darren Schott; 10. 28-Billy Heltzel Jr.; 11. 9-Ryan Hansen; 12. 36-Peter Bartley; 13. 45-Colt White; 14. 81T-Brandon Turner; 15. 11-Ron Kramer (DNF); 16. 98-Randy Davis Jr. (DNF); 17. 10-Zach Shive Euculano (DNF); 18. 64-Randy Whisler (DNF); 19. 1-Tim Wagaman (DNF); 20. 8D-Billy Dietrich (DNF); 21. 29T-Neal Amspacher (DNS).
Lap Leaders – Randy Davis Jr. (1-10); Jeff Rohrbaugh (11-18); Brad McClelland (19-25)
Heat 1 (10 Laps/All Qualify) – 1.1-Tim Wagaman; 2. 45-Colt White; 3. 6-Brad McClelland; 4. 99-Joe Trone Jr.; 5. 11-Ron Kramer; 6. 8D-Billy Dietrich; 7. 88-Danny Dietrich; 8. 11D-Mike Duncan; 9. 9-Ryan Hansen; 10. 36T-Peter Bartley; 11. 81-Brandon Turner. Time – 2:22.06
Heat 2 (10 Laps/All Qualify) – 1. 7V-Jeff Rohrbaugh; 2. 66-Dale Hammaker; 3. 98-Randy Davis Jr.; 4. 35-Steve Owings; 5. 64-Randy Whisler; 6. 55S-Darren Schott; 7. 28-Billy Heltzel Jr.; 8. 10-Zach Shive Euculano; 9. 4U-Nathan Berwager (DNF); 10. 29T-Neal Amspacher (DNF). Time – 2:22.06
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$36,000 FOR SPRINT CAR WINNERS IN MAY
MECHANICSBURG, PA -- The month of May will be a sprint car fan's delight at Williams Grove Speedway.
No less than six sprint car dates have been scheduled including events for the country's two leading winged sprint car series and a special event for the local drivers as well.
Sprint car winner's shares for May will total $36,000.
The month begins at the Grove on Friday evening, May 2, with a sprint car double header. The limited (358 c.i.) sprints will be on the card along with the Williams Grove sprint cars.
The first heat is scheduled to start at 8:00.
On May 9 a sprint/stock car twin bill is on tap with the All Star Circuit of Champions making its first visit of the season to sanction the night's sprint car racing.
Also on the May 9 card will be the powerful late model stock cars. This will be the final appearance of the season for the late models at Williams Grove.
Time trials will begin at 7:45 on May 9.
The All Stars will precede the World of Outlaws by just six days as the national tour will stop at the Grove on Thursday and Friday, May 15-16.
Local fans and competitors got an indication of the speed of the Outlaw cars when Elk River, Minnesota's Craig Dollansky made an unexpected stop at Williams Grove on March 21 and led every lap of the sprint car feature.
The third consecutive week of sprint car specials will feature the Pennsylvania Posse at its best when the second annual Keystone Cup series stops at Williams Grove on May 23.
Just in case the Pennsylvania fans haven't had enough sprint car racing for one month, Friday night racing will end in May the way it began - with sprint cars and limited sprints on the May 30 program.
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SPECIAL EVENTS DOT MONTH OF MAY AT SELINSGROVE SPEEDWAY
SELINSGROVE, Pa. – With the first full month of the 2008 racing season completed, Selinsgrove Speedway will present several special events during the upcoming month of May.
This Saturday, May 3, the speedway will host a four-division racing program of 358 sprint cars, late models, pro stocks, and roadrunners sponsored by Advanced Concrete Systems of Middleburg. Track gates will open at 5 p.m. and racing will begin at 7 p.m.
The Ink Spot Printing Pro Stock 20 will be held on Saturday, May 10. The annual 20-lap championship race is the division’s biggest event of the season. The 358 sprint cars, late models, and roadrunners will also be a part of the racing program.
On Saturday, May 17, the speedway will host the Paul Stine Chevrolet URC/358 Sprint Car Jack Gunn Memorial Challenge Race plus late models and pro stocks. The touring United Racing Company sprint cars will join the speedway’s weekly 358 sprint cars in a special event honoring the late Hall of Fame racetrack promoter.
The speedway will host two complete racing events on the half-mile oval over the Memorial Day holiday. On Saturday, May 24, the Sunbury Eagles Club #503 will be the title sponsor of the four division racing program of 358 sprint cars, late models, pro stocks, and roadrunners. The 410 sprint cars will return to the track on Sunday, May 25, for the Heister House Millworks Keystone Cup Series event.
Selinsgrove Speedway will close out the month of May with a regular four division racing program on Saturday, May 31. For a complete schedule, visit selinsgrovespeedway.com.
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RAIN WASHES OUT PORT ROYAL SPEEDWAY RACES
Mother nature unloaded on Port Royal Speedway Saturday night April 26. Heavy showers hit the track around 6:00 P.M. and continued through out the night. Enough moisture fell to cause the Juniata River to overflow it's bank in the mid state region. The rain out set up the following schedule change. Enduro cars which were to compete have been added to the May 3 race date. Also on the program are the sprint cars, late models and pro stocks. Gates open at 5:00 P.M. with racing at 7. Admission is $ 14 dollars, adults, $ 9,00, students and pit passes $ 20.00. Kids general admission is free to all children under 12.
Coming on May 10 is the first area appearance of Guy Webb's O'Reilly Auto Parts All Star Circuit of Champions sprint cars in the central PA region. The traveling stars are led by PA native Lance DeWease who has also raced at Port Royal this season. The night is also dedicated to late car owner Bob Weikert who lived in the Fairfield, PA area of Adams County. Weikert is a National Sprint Car Hall of Fame member who supplied cars for some of the greatest sprint car drivers in the country. Weikert's Livestock and it's race teams were among the most successful in the nation. Weikert's son, Todd, now owns the company and returned to competition last year on a limited basis with Kenny Jacobs driving a Barry Jackson sprint car. Persons seeking information may contact the speedway office at (717)-527-4414 or visit the web-site at www.portroyalspeedway.com
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SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS POSTPONE LINCOLN FEATURES
$5,000-to-Win 5th Annual Weldon Sterner Memorial next Saturday, May 3rd
ABBOTTSTOWN, PA, 4/12/08 - With blackened skies and lightning in the backdrop, Lincoln Speedway officials made a gallant effort to beat the impending storms which swept through the Central Pennsylvania area Saturday night.
But just after all qualifying was completed, which included record-breaking performances in the 410 Sprint heats, the skies opened up in a deluge of rain, hail and lightening just as the sprinters were being called to the track for there feature.
Once the weather front moved into the Pigeon Hills area it was quickly apparent that it would not leave anytime soon, forcing officials to postpone the three features to later dates.
No definitive make-up dates were immediately set. Initial tentative make-up dates discussed would have the 410 sprints makeup feature on May 10th and the Pennsylvania 305 sprints would make-up there feature when they return on August 30th. No date was yet speculated for the thundercars whom will start all 26 cars in competition.
Heats for the 23 "410" sprint cars were won by Doug Dodson, Alan Krimes and John Westbrook. Dodson set a brand new 10-lap track record with
a time of 2:13.72 seconds, eclipsing the old record of 2:14.85 set on October 20, 2007 by Cody Darrah. Krimes' heat race time also beat the old record held by Darrah.
Heat races for the 21 Pennsylvania 305 sprint cars were won by Mark Watkins and Jim Kennedy. Heats for the 26 thundercars were won by Duane Watson, Ronnie Thomas and Brad Shank.
Next Saturday night, May 3rd, Lincoln Speedway will hold the 5th Annual Weldon Sterner Memorial for the 410 Sprints. They will be joined by the Keizer Aluminum Wheels 358 Sprints and thundercars. Time trials for the $5,000-to-win Sterner Memorial begin at 7 PM. Gates will open at 5 PM.
RAIN WASHES OUT 4 DIVISION PROGRAM APRIL 26
SELINSGROVE, Pa. - Heavy rain forced the cancellation of the four division racing program at Selinsgrove Speedway Saturday, April 26. The cancellation was announced at 7:15 p.m. shortly after practice sessions were completed.
There were 31 358 sprint cars, 20 late models, 19 pro stocks, and 20 roadrunners trackside for the Advanced Concrete Systems sponsored program. The same four divisions will be in action at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 3. Track gates will open at 5 p.m.
Rainchecks from April 26 will be honored for the next two race dates.
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Rain Cancels Williams Grove Saturday April 26 Show
Mechanicsburg, Pa. – A strong thunderstorm forced the management of Williams Grove Speedway to cancel the Saturday night racing. The storm struck the half-mile oval just as the third 358 Late Model heat was completed.
There were 36 Sutliff Auto Group Super sportsman, 24 AJ’s Truck and Trailer Center 358 Late Models and 17 of the L.B. Smith Ford Street Stocks in the pits. The show is a complete washout and rain checks will be honored.
Next Saturday night Williams Grove Speedway will present the Super Sportsman, Limited Late Models, and Street Stocks, plus the Credit Connection Four Cylinder stock cars.
Also next Saturday night will be the first Camera and Autograph Night at Williams Grove Speedway. The Super Sportsman and Four Cylinders will be in the infield area, allowing the fans to meet their favorite drivers. Lobar Inc., of Dillsburg, will be giving out 100 t-shirts to the first 100 ages 16 and under fans. The t-shirts will allow the young fans to collect the autographs of their favorite drivers. John Wentzel’s Body Shop of Myerstown will hand out disposable cameras to the first 100 families that attend the autograph session.
Pit gates will open at 4 p.m. and the infield area will open to race fans at 4:30 p.m. Racing action begins at 7 p.m.
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Williams Grove Speedway
410 sprint car points (4/26)
1. Fred Rahmer 1,070
2. Greg Hodnett 980
3. Chad Layton 975
4. Brian Leppo 950
5. Mark Smith 895
6. Brian Montieth 890
7. Cody Darrah 880
8. Lance Dewease 790
9. Todd Shaffer 765
10. Doug Esh 755
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TOMMY CLASSIC TO BRIAN LEPPO
MECHANICSBURG, PA -- Brian Leppo won the rain delayed Tommy Classic for sprint cars Friday night at Williams Grove Speedway.
Leppo started alongside Pat Cannon on the front row. Cannon took the lead at the start and set the early pace with Leppo in tow.
What proved to be the winning pass came on the 17th lap of the 30-lap event. Leppo ducked to the inside exiting turn four and slid in front of Cannon.
Once in front Leppo pulled away from the field. Despite a fuel stop with two laps remaining, Leppo was never seriously challenged for the lead.
Leppo earned $6000 from a $30,000 purse for his third career victory at Williams Grove.
Cannon, who was seeking his second win in three starts in 410 sprint car competition, settled for second.
Sean Michael, in his first start of the season, finished third.
Cody Darrah challenged Michael several times in the closing stages of the race, but the impressive teenager settled for fourth at the finish.
Jeff Shepard stole fifth place from Greg Hodnett on the last lap.
Mark Smith, Don Kreitz, Jr., Craig Keel and Todd Shaffer completed the top ten.
Don Kreitz, Jr., set fast time in qualifications with a lap of 16.609.
Heats for the 32 sprint cars in competition were won by Smith, Shaffer, Fred Rahmer and Shepard.
Alan Krimes copped the consolation race.
A brief shower caused the program to be delayed for 90 minutes.
The race was named to honor the memory of the late Tommy Hinnershitz, one of sprint car racing?s all-time greats.
Williams Grove Speedway Feature Finish ? April 25, 2008
Sprint Car Feature 30 laps: 1. Brian Leppo, 2. Pat Cannon, 3. Sean Michael, 4. Cody Darrah, 5. Jeff Shepard, 6. Greg Hodnett, 7. Mark Smith, 8. Don Kreitz, Jr., 9. Craig Keel, 10. Todd Shaffer, 11. Doug Esh, 12. Ryan Bohlke, 13. Brian Montieth, 14. Steve Buckwalter, 15. Mike Erdley, 16. Alan Krimes, 17. T. J. Stutts, 18. Niki Young, 19. Chad Layton, 20. Doug Dodson, 21. Fred Rahmer, 22. Alan Cole, 23. Rick Lafferty, 24. Chris Meleason
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McCLELLAND CLAIMS INSINGER PERFORMANCE “358” SPRINT CAR SPRING CHAMPIONSHIP
Hanover, PA (4/25/08) –What a difference a week makes.
Brad McClelland, who sat in the stands to watch last week’s feature after suffering mechanical problems while leading his qualifier, motored to his first win of the year in the 30-lap Insinger Performance “358” Sprint Car Spring Championship at Trail-Way Speedway Friday night.
“It’s easy to win from the front,” said McClelland upon exiting the B&D Truck Hoist/J&K Salvage/Hoosier Tire/VMAC Racing #6 following his 11th career win at the McSherrystown oval, “What was tough was watching last week wishing I was out there.”
McClelland, who started on the outside of row one, followed polesitter Dale Hammaker into the first turn at the start, then chased the Hammaker’s Machine Shop #66 for the first seven laps until Hammaker’s steering wheel fell off and he spun into the infield to complete the seventh lap.
Hammaker reattached his steering wheel and tagged the rear, coming back through the field to finish eighth at the finish.
McClelland was unchallenged the rest of the way, despite a 28th-lap caution for Darren Schott, who spun in turn two. One lap earlier, eighth-starting Billy Dietrich passed Steve Owings for second.
“I saw the 8D on the scoreboard,” said McClelland, “Then he gave me a nudge on the backstretch and I knew it was time to sit up in the seat.”
A textbook restart gave McClelland all the room he needed to take the $1,200 top prize.
Dietrich, last week’s winner, settled for second with Owings third. Tim Wagaman III and 12th-starting Danny Dietrich completed the top five. Sixth through tenth were Mike Duncan, Brian Eichelberger, Dale Hammaker, DS Diversified Services hard charger Nathan Berwager (who started 17th), and and 13th-starting Nicole Bower.
McClelland’s win came six days after son Tim won his first career 270-cc micro-sprint feature.
“It was exciting,” said McClelland of Tim’s win, “But he’s got a long way to go yet.”
Heats for the 24 “358” sprinters were won by Owings, Dale Hammaker, and Joe Trone, Jr.
April 25, 2008
INSINGER PERFORMANCE 358 SPRINT CAR SPRING CHAMPIONSHIP
Feature (30 Laps) – 1. 6-Brad McClelland ($1,200); 2. 8D-Billy Dietrich; 3. 35-Steve Owings; 4. 1-Tim Wagaman II; 5. 88-Danny Dietrich; 6. 11D-Mike Duncan; 7. 55-Brian Eichelberger; 8. 66-Dale Hammaker; 9. 4U-Nathan Berwager; 10. 75-Nicole Bower; 11. 98-Randy Davis Jr.; 12. 99-Joe Trone Jr.; 13. 64-Randy Whisler; 14. 66H-Doug Hammaker; 15. 18-Scott Lehman; 16. 10-Zach Shive Euculano; 17. 55S-Darren Schott (DNF); 18. 38-Mike Ressler (DNF); 19. 11-Ron Kramer (DNF); 20. 81-Brandon Turner (DNF); 21. 45-Colt White (DNF); 22. 7V-Jeff Rohrbaugh (DNF); 23. 25-Aaron Ott (DNS); 24. 34-Austin Reed (DNS). No time.
Lap Leaders – Dale Hammaker (1-7); Brad McClelland (8-30).
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$30,000 TOMMY CLASSIC APRIL 25 AT WILLIAMS GROVE
MECHANICSBURG, PA -- The Tommy Classic for sprint cars is set for Friday evening, April 25, at Williams Grove Speedway.
Friday will mark the Silver Anniversary of this event, which was first run as the Early Bird Classic in 1983.
While the race has undergone several name changes over the years the underlying goal remains the same: to offer the speedway's regular competitors a sizable early season payoff.
A $30,000 purse will accomplish that goal and should ensure a field of the best sprint car racers in the East.
The night's competition will begin with qualifying at 7:30.
Heat races and a B-main will fill the field for the 30-lap Tommy Classic which will pay $6000 to win.
Past winners of this early season event include Bobby Allen, Randy Wolfe, Doug Wolfgang, Dave Blaney, Don Kreitz, Jr., Kenny Jacobs, Frankie Kerr, Lance Deweae, Kevin Gobrecht, Stevie Smith, Dave Ely, Greg Hodnett, Fred Rahmer , Doug Esh and defending champion Craig Keel.
This year's race will once again honor the memory of the late Tommy Hinnershitz, a Hall of Fame sprint car driver from Oley, Pa.
Few racers are able to achieve first name recognition in sprint car racing, but in Pennsylvania during his racing career and throughout his retirement, racers and fans alike referred to the diminutive Pennsylvania Dutchman only as Tommy.
He was a legendary performer who won 19 races at Williams Grove Speedway including the first ever run at this historic half-mile back on May 21, 1939.
His accomplishments on the national level are too numerous to mention. But they can be remembered once again on April 25 with the running of the Tommy Classic.
In addition to points, the Tommy Classic will also be the first race in this year's Diamond Series, a package of special events which offers a separate point fund.
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THREE CONSECUTIVE SATURDAY NIGHT SERIES EVENTS BEGINNING APRIL 26
MECHANICSBURG, PA -- The Saturday Night Series featuring the super sportsman cars will return to Williams Grove Speedway on April 26.
The first heat is scheduled to start at 7:00.
The sportsman division sponsored by Sutliff Cadillac, Hummer and Saturn appears to be as competitive as ever this season with some young lions already finding victory lane.
Paul Miller's win on opening night was just his second career victory at Williams Grove and Mike Enders was the class of a 38-car field when he scored his first Grove triumph on April 12.
Although he has yet to visit victory lane this season, defending series champion Frankie Herr has been very competitive with two top-five finishes.
In addition to the sportsman cars, this week's program will also include limited late models, street stocks and a 50-lap enduro.
Gene Knaub has taken the early lead in the A.J.'s limited late model point standings with second and third place finishes to his credit after just two races. It seems inevitable that Knaub will find victory lane again as he did on three occasions in 2007.
Kory Sites scored his 8th career victory in street stock competition on April 12 and will be a favorite again this week.
April 26 will mark the first of three consecutive Saturday Night Series events at Williams Grove.
In addition to the sportsman and limited late model divisions, the street stocks will be back on May 3 and May 10.
The 305 c.i. sprints will replace the 4-cylinder stocks on May 10.\
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FOUR DIVISIONS OF RACING AT SELINSGROVE ON ADVANCED CONCRETE SYSTEMS NIGHT APRIL 26
SELINSGROVE, Pa. – Advanced Concrete Systems of Middleburg will be the title sponsor of the four division racing program at Selinsgrove Speedway this Saturday, April 26. The speedway will switch to a 7 p.m. starting time for the duration of the season beginning this weekend. Track gates will open at 5 p.m.
The racing program will also be a tribute to the late Larry Yarger of Middleburg, a valued speedway supporter for many years and former principal of Advanced Concrete Systems, who passed away in September 2005.
The 358 sprint cars, late models, pro stocks and roadrunners will be featured in qualifying and feature events.
Mr. Yarger founded Superior Walls by Advanced Concrete Systems, Inc. in 1986. Advanced Concrete Systems is committed to providing homeowners with the driest and warmest living space available in the market today. For superior new home comfort, Superior Walls foundations are custom-designed and built to demanding specifications.
The 358 sprint car and late model divisions have not seen a repeat feature winner to date this season. Four 358 sprint car races have produced four different winners: Dave Calaman, Blane Heimbach, Pat Cannon, and Mike Walter. The three late model races this season have been won by Steve Campbell, Dustin Hoffman, and Jeff Rine.
Troy Miller has visited Victory Lane three times already this season in pro stock competition. Other pro stock races have been won by AJ Stroup and Chad Davis. Keith Bissinger also became a three-time winner at the track this season after winning last weekend’s Roadrunner 20. Ricky Bender is the only roadrunner winner so far this year.
For the latest news and race status, visit selinsgrovespeedway.com.
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NAME CHANGE FOR NATIONAL OPEN
MECHANICSBURG, PA -- One of the country's richest and most prestigious sprint car events will have a new name this year.
The former Williams Grove National Open is now the Morgan Hughes National Open presented by Cleveland Brothers.
Hughes had owned the speedway from 1971 until his death on April 12. For the third consecutive year the National Open will pay $50,000 to win. Only the Knoxville Nationals offers a higher payoff to win a sprint car race.
It was Hughes who approved raising the winner's share from $30,000 to $50,000 in 2006.
"He had the foresight to raise the payoff and keep this race among sprint car racing's major events," said Justin Loh, general manager of Williams Grove Speedway. "Because of that we feel Morgan Hughes should be synonymous with the National Open."
Cleveland Brothers had been the long time title sponsor of the National Open, and will graciously move to presenting sponsor so the race can be renamed to honor Morgan Hughes.
The National is a two-day event set for September 26-27. The September 27 program will be televised live on SPEED.
The Morgan Hughes National Open will be sanctioned by the World of Outlaws, which means the top names in sprint car racing will be in competition.
That will be the third stop for the Outlaws at the Grove in 2008. Cleveland Brothers will sponsor a two-day World of Outlaws event on Thursday and Friday, May 15-16.
The Outlaws will also return for the Cleveland Brothers Summer Nationals on July 18-19.
Reserved seat tickets remain for all six World of Outlaws dates and are available at the speedway office. Credit card orders are accepted at 717.697.5000.
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Clinton County Raceway throws the green flag on 2008 season
MACKEYVILLE, PA (April 18, 2008) – It’s been a long cold winter at the Pennsylvania speed plant but things are warming up in a hurry. For the last few weeks the steady sounds of diesel engines, pounding hammers, and the smell of fresh paint have become familiar as Jersey Shore businessman Vern Wasson prepares to take the reins of the 3/8-mile full time in 2008. As soon as the weather broke an army of crews have been at the track replacing bleachers, repainting fixtures, and, most importantly, resurfacing the track. A parade of excavating equipment has made lap after lap mending in new Pennsylvania clay along with grading the infield and pit area in anticipation of a breakout season.
Racing will kick off Friday, April 25 when practice for all divisions will be held to allow teams to come in and shake down their rides. Then, one week later the green flag will officially wave, as the 2008 season will get underway with a full card of racing taking place. Included on the card will be the Shore Auto Parts 410 Sprint Cars, A&A Auto Parts Pro-Stocks, Ron Enders & Sons Insurance Agency 270 Micro Sprints, along with Randy’s Auto Repair Front Wheel Drive 4-Cylinder division. The Unlimited Late Models are included on the schedule, as they will make their 2008 debut May 16th.
Some dates of emphasis on the schedule include the Tobias SpeedSTRS on June 6th and the Empire Super Sprints on July 11th. The ESS show is anticipated to be one of the biggest for the touring series, as they will battle some of the best 358 pilots PA has to offer. Also, the track will once again hold the Chuck Colegrove Memorial August 15th, with everything culminating at the running of the two day Fall Fun Fest October 11th and 12th.
Gates for practice will open at 5pm with free admission to the grandstands. For more information and updates be sure to check out the new designed website at www.clintoncountyraceway.com.
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Port Royal Speedway
410 sprint car points (4/20)
1. Todd Shaffer 505
2. Mike Wagner 440
3. Alan Cole 435
4. Mike Erdley 425
4. Todd Hestor 425
6. Cale Grubb 410
7. Rick Lafferty 390
8. Mark Smith 380
9. Greg Hodnett 375
10. Bill Brian 370
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