Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series
EASTERN STATES
MODIFIED TIME TRIALS
Orange County Fair Speedway
Middletown, N.Y., October 17
FAST AVE
TIME MPH CAR# DRIVER
1 20.839 107.971 74 Jeff Heotzler/Wallkill,NY
*$500 – WLR Contsruction/$100 Integra Shocks Pole Award
2 21.094 106.665 19f Tim Fuller/Edwards, NY
3 21.132 106.474 4 Mike Storms/Wantage,NJ®
4 21.138 106.443 j66 Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
5 21.142 106.423 24 Chris Shultz/Pawling,NY
6 21.158 106.343 19 Chuck McKee/Middletown,NY
21.158 106.343 10 Rich Eurich/Warwick,NY
8 21.173 106.267 71 David VanHorn/Phillipsburg,NJ
21.173 106.267 91 Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY
10 21.195 106.157 47 Jerry Higbie/Slate Hill,NY
11 21.199 106.137 84 Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY
12 21.272 105.773 42p Pat Ward/Genoa,NY
13 21.279 105.738 14 Rick Laubach/Quakertown,PA
14 21.289 105.688 20 Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
15 21.343 105.421 77f Mark Flach Jr./Selkirk,NY
16 21.374 105.268 9x Steve Paine/Waterloo,NY
17 21.384 105.219 2 Ronnie Johnson/Duanesburg,NY
18 21.391 105.184 93x Craig Mitchell/Wappingers Falls,NY
19 21.418 105.052 55 Mitch Gibbs/North Norwich,NY
20 21.439 104.949 73 Rick Mill/New Windsor,NY
21 21.441 104.939 21 Clinton Mills/Middletown,NY
22 21.445 104.920 25 Mike Kolka/Circleville,NY
23 21.458 104.856 3 Justin Haers/Phelps,NY
24 21.463 104.832 98h Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
25 21.481 104.744 88 Steve Dodd/Middletown,NY
26 21.520 104.554 11 Danny Creeden/Middletown,NY
27 21.526 104.525 34 Andy Bachetti/Sheffield,MA
28 21.537 104.471 7k Kirk Horton/Eldred,NY
29 21.552 104.399 99L Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY®
30 21.562 104.350 33-1/3 Tommy Meier/Waldwick,NJ
31 21.566 104.331 1h Tim Hindley/Monticello,NY
32 21.575 104.287 53 Ric Hill/Lafayette,NJ
33 21.586 104.234 77 Jimmy Johnson/Bloomingburg,NY
34 21.589 104.220 j17 Jeff Heotzler Jr./Wallkill,NY
35 21.592 104.205 fx1 Frankie Caprara/Watertown,NY
36 21.595 104.191 49 Billy Dunn/Watertown,NY
37 21.596 104.186 77x Dale Planck/Cortland,NY
38 21.610 104.118 42 Pete Bicknell/St.Catharines,ONT
39 21.622 104.061 Z Butch Tittle/Saylorsburg,PA
40 21.637 103.989 99 Ryan Phelps/Fulton,NY
41 21.655 103.902 10s Randy Sherlock/Milford,PA
42 21.678 103.792 21jr. Gary Edwards Jr./Bloomingburg,NY
43 21.691 103.730 9s Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
44 21.730 103.543 21j Jamie Yannone/Newburgh,NY
45 21.749 103.453 17d Danny O'Brien/Kingston,ONT
46 21.752 103.439 21m Bob McGannon/Garnerville,NY
47 21.804 103.192 1j Alan Johnson/Middlesex,NY
48 21.847 102.989 88h Steve Hulsizer/Bridgeport,NY
49 21.860 102.928 9 Pierre DagenaisGatineau,QUE
50 21.938 102.562 16 A.J. Romano/Johnstown,NY
51 21.988 102.329 673 Bobby Varin/Sharon Springs,NY
52 22.010 102.226 923a Allan Kellogg/Mt.Cobb,PA
53 22.016 102.198 220 John Ferrier/Middletown,NY®
54 22.070 101.948 115 Kenny Tremont/West Sand Lake,NY
55 22.117 101.732 6g Martin Gagne/Granby,QUE
56 22.128 101.681 20c Craig Hanson/Tribes Hill,NY
57 22.153 101.566 22 Rich Coons/Montgomery,NY
58 22.195 101.374 157 Billy Eggers Jr./Woodcliff Lake,NJ
59 22.266 101.051 5 Jimmy Horton/Neshanic Station,NJ
60 22.285 100.965 12t Tim Bayles/Wantage,NJ
61 22.305 100.874 88k Randy Chrysler/Tuscarora,NY
62 22.399 100.451 94 Frank Cozze/Wind Gap,PA
63 22.413 100.388 923 Colin Jackson/Peckville,PA
64 22.432 100.303 7-17 Everett Haubrich/Lafayette,NJ
65 22.482 100.080 k22 Kenny Moulton Jr./Rock Hill,NY
66 22.648 99.347 12c Bobby Hayes Jr./Nanuet,NY
67 22.669 99.254 27 Jerry Wildrick/Wantage,NJ
68 22.784 98.754 81h Jim House/Middletown,NY
69 22.933 98.112 1k Robert King/Granville,NY
70 23.049 97.618 t21 Roger Chrysler/Lewiston,NY
71 -NT- ----- 7x1 Bill Wilson/Mahwah,NJ
72 -NT- ----- 14b Dan Barnes/Honesdale,PA
73 -NT- ----- 16w Lance Willix II/Theresa,NY
74 -NT- ----- 33h Matt Hulsizer/Stony Point,NY
*Top-6 locked into front three rows; #33-1/3-Meier guaranteed 7th-place starter (Lebanon Valley), #53-Hill guaranteed 8th-place starter (Syracuse); 74 Entries.
EASTERN STATES MODIFIED QUALIFYING HEAT RACE LINE-UPS
Heat Races (10 laps, top-4 finishers transfer to feature)
#1: Eurich, Laubach, Gibbs, Dodd, J.Johnson, Tittle, O’Brien, Varin, Coons, Jackson, King.
#2: Decker, Hearn, Mill, Creeden, Heotzler Jr., R.Phelps, McGannon, Kellogg, Eggers, Haubrich, Ro.Chrysler.
#3: VanHorn, Flach, Mills, Bachetti, Caprara, Sherlock, A.Johnson, Ferrier, J.Horton, Moulton, Wilson.
#4: Higbie, Paine, Kolka, K.Horton, Dunn, Edwards, Hulsizer, Tremont, Bayles, Hayes, Hitchcock.
#5: Tomkins, R.Johnson, Haers, Wight, Planck, Sheppard, Dagenais, Gagne, Ra.Chrysler, Wildrick, Willix.
#6: Ward, Mitchell, J.Phelps, Hindley, Bicknell, Yannone, Romano, Hanson, Cozze, House.
EASTERN STATES WLR CONSTRUCTION 358-MODIFIED TIME TRIALS
Orange County Fair Speedway – Middletown, N.Y., October 17, 2008
FAST AVE
TIME MPH CAR# DRIVER
1 21.264 105.813 17 Jerry Higbie/Slate Hill,NY
*$250 – WLR Construction Pole Award
2 21.361 105.332 9g Johnny Guarino/Nanuet,NY
3 21.361 105.332 4* Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
4 21.411 105.086 2 Ronnie Johnson/Duanesburg,NY
5 21.525 104.530 84 Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY
6 21.526 104.525 91 Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY
7 21.544 104.437 98h Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
8 21.554 104.389 74 Tim Fuller/Edwards,NY
9 21.586 104.234 4b Andy Bachetti/Great Barrington,MA
10 21.685 103.758 42p Pat Ward/Genoa,NY
11 21.758 103.410 7k Kirk Horton/Eldred,NY
12 21.809 103.168 33x Craig Mitchell/Wappingers Falls,NY
13 21.812 103.154 71 David VanHorn/Phillipsburg,NJ
14 21.815 103.140 24 Chris Shultz/Pawling,NY
15 21.823 103.102 22c Mario Clair/St-Edmond,QUE
16 21.827 103.083 4 Mike Storms/Wantage,NJ
17 21.843 103.008 33-1/3 Tommy Meier/Waldwick,NJ
18 21.848 102.984 97 Michel Chicoine/Ste-Cecile de Milton,QUE
19 21.889 102.791 17d Danny O'Brien/Kingston,ONT
20 21.902 102.730 12 Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
21 21.905 102.716 66x Carey Terrance/Akwesasne,NY
22 21.912 102.683 124 Pierre DagenaisGatineau,QUE
23 21.950 102.506 55 Mitch Gibbs/North Norwich,NY
24 21.975 102.389 9 Mark Smoke/Akwesasne,NY
25 21.982 102.356 33 John Lieto/Mt.Kisco,NY
26 21.999 102.277 1x Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
27 22.012 102.217 14L Rick Laubach/Hellertown,PA
28 22.020 102.180 16x Danny Creeden/Middletown,NY
29 22.037 102.101 99L Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY
30 22.045 102.064 14s Randy Sherlock/Milford,PA
31 22.055 102.018 77 Jimmy Johnson/Bloomingburg,NY
32 22.071 101.944 94 Tim Hindley/Monticello,NY
33 22.081 101.898 115 Kenny Tremont/West Sand Lake,NY
34 22.092 101.847 42 Pete Bicknell/St.Catharines,ONT
35 22.120 101.718 21j Jamie Yannone/Newburgh,NY
36 22.144 101.608 88k Randy Chrysler/Tuscarora,NY
37 22.228 101.224 157 Billy Eggers Jr./Woodcliff Lake,NJ
38 22.261 101.074 220 John Ferrier/Middletown,NY
39 22.278 100.996 22 Rich Coons/Montgomery,NY
40 22.290 100.942 211 Chuck McKee/Middletown,NY
41 22.446 100.241 6g Martin Gagne/Granby,QUE
42 22.450 100.223 73 Rick Mill/New Windsor,NY
43 22.463 100.165 16w Lance Willix II/Theresa,NY
44 22.466 100.151 72 Tommy Flannigan/St.Catharines,ONT®
45 22.472 100.125 16 A.J. Romano/Johnstown,NY
46 22.513 99.942 23k Chris Kervatt/Wantage,NJ
47 22.516 99.929 4r Mike Ruggiero/Walden,NY
48 22.543 99.809 12t Tim Bayles/Wantage,NJ
49 22.587 99.615 3b Chad Brachmann/Sanborn,NY
50 22.594 99.584 81h Jim House/Middletown,NY
51 22.679 99.211 12c Bobby Hayes Jr./Nanuet,NY
52 22.725 99.010 53 Joey Barbagallo Jr./Branchville,NJ
53 22.761 98.853 3 Erik Holmgren/Middletown,NY
54 22.847 98.481 k22 Kenny Moulton Jr./Rock Hill,NY
55 22.875 98.361 7-17 Everett Haubrich/Lafayette,NJ
56 22.957 98.009 18 Anthony Perrego/Montgomery,NY
57 22.958 98.005 1 Jimmy Spellmon/Butler,NJ
58 23.053 97.601 t21 Roger Chrysler/Lewiston,NY
59 23.202 96.974 33h Matt Hulsizer/Stony Point,NY
60 23.286 96.625 4SL Bob Hentschel/Pine Bush,NY
61 23.442 95.982 27 Jerry Wildrick/Sussex,NJ
62 23.667 95.069 6 C.V. Elms/North Haverhill,NH
63 23.693 94.965 111 Art Liedl/Flemington,NJ
64 26.360 85.357 X Ben Rizzo/Middletown,NY
65 -NT- ----- 14b Dan Barnes/Honesdale,PA
66 -NT- ----- 21 Greg Morgan/Lake Ariel,PA
67 -NT- ----- 124j Alan Johnson/Middlesex,NY
*Top-6 locked into front three rows; 67 Entries.
EASTERN STATES 358-MODIFIED QUALIFYING HEAT RACE RESULTS
Heat Races (8 laps, top-4 finishers transferred to feature)
#1: VanHorn, Phelps, O’Brien, Lieto, J.Johnson, Willix, Brachmann, Eggers, Haubrich, Wildrick.
#2: Shultz, Fuller, Sheppard, Hindley, D.Johnson, Flannigan, Elms, Ferrier, House, Perrego (DNS).
#3: Bachetti, Clair, Laubach, Terrance, Tremont, Coons, Romano, Hayes, Liedl, Spellmon.
#4: Ward, Storms, Dagenais, Bicknell, Creeden, Rizzo, Ro.Chrysler, Barbagallo, Kervatt, McKee (DNS).
#5: Horton, Meier, Wight, Gibbs, Gagne, Yannone, Ruggiero, Hitchcock, Holmgren, Morgan (DNS).
#6: Mitchell, Smoke, Chicoine, Sherlock, Ra.Chrysler, Mill, A.Johnson, Bayles, Moulton, Hentschel (DNS).
EASTERN STATES 100 358-MODIFIED CHAMPIONSHIP STARTING LINE-UP
STR CAR# DRIVER
1 17 Jerry Higbie/Slate Hill,NY
2 9g Johnny Guarino/Nanuet,NY
3 4* Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
4 2 Ronnie Johnson/Duanesburg,NY
5 84 Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY
6 91 Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY
7 71 David VanHorn/Phillipsburg,NJ
8 24 Chris Shultz/Pawling,NY
9 4b Andy Bachetti/Great Barrington,MA
10 42p Pat Ward/Genoa,NY
11 7k Kirk Horton/Eldred,NY
12 33x Craig Mitchell/Wappingers Falls,NY
13 98h Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
14 74 Tim Fuller/Edwards,NY
15 22c Mario Clair/St-Edmond,QUE
16 4 Mike Storms/Wantage,NJ
17 33-1/3 Tommy Meier/Waldwick,NJ
18 9 Mark Smoke/Akwesasne,NY
19 17d Danny O'Brien/Kingston,ONT
20 1x Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
21 14L Rick Laubach/Hellertown,PA
22 124 Pierre DagenaisGatineau,QUE
23 99L Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY
24 97 Michel Chicoine/Ste-Cecile de Milton,QUE
25 33 John Lieto/Mt.Kisco,NY
26 94 Tim Hindley/Monticello,NY
27 66x Carey Terrance/Akwesasne,NY
28 42 Pete Bicknell/St.Catharines,ONT
29 55 Mitch Gibbs/North Norwich,NY
30 14s Randy Sherlock/Milford,PA
*Top-6 locked in from Friday time trials;
*Positions 7-30 locked in from Friday Qualifying Heats;
2008 EASTERN STATES WEEKEND EVENTS SCHEDULE
*All times/events subject to change.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18
Pit Gates & Grandstand Gates open, 8:00 am;
Big-Block Modified & 358-Modified Hot Laps, 9:00 am;
Big-Block Modified heat races, 10:00 am;
358-Modified Consolation Races;
Eastern States 100, Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Championship Series event, 1:00 pm;
Pit Gates open for Sportsman Modifieds & Pure Stocks, 4:00 pm;
Sportsman Hot Laps;
Pure Stock Hot Laps;
Middletown Motorsports presents the Sportsman Time Trials (top 6 qualify);
Sportsman heat races;
Eastern States Pure Stock Challenge Championship;
Sportsman consolation races;
Eastern States 50, Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Championship Series event.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19
Pit Gates & Grandstand Gates open, 8:00 am;
Race Against Drugs Eastern States Pit Party, 9:30-10:30 am;
Pro Stock Hot Laps, 11:00 am;
Big-Block Modified Hot Laps;
Pro Stock heat races, 12noon;
Big-Block Modified consolation races-2 (8 more qualify), 12:30 pm;
Pro Stock consolation race, 12:50 pm
Big-Block Modified consolation races-2 (8 more qualify), 1:00 pm;
Eastern States 25, Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Championship Series event, 1:30 pm;
47th Eastern States 200, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series event (44 cars to start), 2:30 pm.
-end-
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRTcar SERIES: ADVANCE NOTICES
Weedsport, NY — October 14, 2008 — By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
WHAT
The 2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series stages its season finale as part of the 47th edition of Eastern States Weekend at the Orange County Fair Speedway. A full three-day weekend of trackside activity ---including Big-Block Modified, 358-Modified, Sportsman, UMP Pro Stock and UMP Street Stock racing--- on the Middletown ‘Hard Clay’ culminates Sunday, October 19 with the Eastern States 200 boasting a first-place cash prize of $20,000 to the DIRTcar Big-Block Modified winner.
WHERE
Orange County Fair Speedway is located 1.0-mile northwest of I-84 on SR 17 to exit 120, then 0.75-mile southwest on Route 211, then 0.5-mile south on CR 96 at Fairgrounds. Detailed directions from New York City, Long Island, New England (Conn/Mass), New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Albany,NY/Vermont and Central/Western New York areas can be obtained by logging into www.ocfsmotorsports.com and selecting “Directions” from the top choices.
WHEN
47th Eastern States Weekend Schedule
*All times and events subject to change.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16
Pit Gates open, 9:00 am for Mod/358-Mod ONLY Inspection;
Grounds open for campers, 4:30 to Midnight.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17
Pit Gates & Drive-In Gates open, 8:00 am;
Grandstand Gates open, 10:00 am;
358-Modified Hot Laps, 12:00 Noon;
WLR Construction presents 358-Modified Time Trials (top 6 qualify), 1:00 pm;
Big-Block Modified Hot Laps;
WLR Construction presents the Big-Block Modified Integra Shocks Time Trials (top 6 qualify);
358-Modified heat races (24 qualify).
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18
Pit Gates & Grandstand Gates open, 8:00 am;
Big-Block Modified & 358-Modified Hot Laps, 9:00 am;
Big-Block Modified heat races, 10:00 am;
358-Modified Consolation Races;
Eastern States 100, Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Championship Series event, 1:00 pm;
Pit Gates open for Sportsman Modifieds & Pure Stocks, 4:00 pm;
Sportsman Hot Laps;
Pure Stock Hot Laps;
Middletown Motorsports presents the Sportsman Time Trials (top 6 qualify);
Sportsman heat races;
Eastern States Pure Stock Challenge Championship;
Sportsman consolation races;
Eastern States 50, Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Championship Series event.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19
Pit Gates & Grandstand Gates open, 8:00 am;
Race Against Drugs Eastern States Pit Party, 9:30-10:30 am;
Pro Stock Hot Laps, 11:00 am;
Big-Block Modified Hot Laps;
Pro Stock heat races, 12noon;
Big-Block Modified consolation races-2 (8 more qualify), 12:30 pm;
Pro Stock consolation race, 12:50 pm
Big-Block Modified consolation races-2 (8 more qualify), 1:00 pm;
Eastern States 25, Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Championship Series event, 1:30 pm;
47th Eastern States 200, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series event (44 cars to start), 2:30 pm.
TICKETS/PARKING & CAMPING
*Ticket packages available for single days and multiple days:
Fri., Oct. 17-Adult GA=$10, half-covered grandstand $10 and covered grandstand $12, Senior Citizens (60 yrs + over) and Youth (13-17 yrs) $7 and Children (12 yrs. + under) Free. A special 3-Day Pit Pass is available for $80 (member) and $100 (non-member).
Sat., Oct. 18-Adult GA=$30, half-covered grandstand $30 and covered grandstand $35, Citizens (60 yrs + over) and Youth (13-17 yrs) $25 and Children (12 yrs. + under) Free; Pits=$30 (member) and $40 (non-member).
Sun., Oct. 19-Adult GA=$35, half-covered grandstand $35 and covered grandstand $40, Citizens (60 yrs + over) and Youth (13-17 yrs) $30 and Children (12 yrs. + under) Free; Pits=$40 (member) and $50 (non-member).
Oct. 17-19 Special Eastern States Weekend ’08 Passes are Adult GA=$65, Senior Citizens (60 yrs + over) and Youth (13-17 yrs) $55. Half-covered grandstand $65 and covered grandstand $75. Parking prices for Fairgrounds=$10 (3 days) and $30 (overnight 3 days); Drive-In (3 days) $10 and Upper Drive-In camping (3 days) $50. *Purchase (2) adult packages and get a FREE 3-day parking pass.
Advance sale tickets are available at the Orange County Fair Speedway by calling the office at 845/342-2573.
ABOUT THE TRACK
The oldest continuously running track in operation on the DIRTcar Racing NorthEast circuit, throughout the regular season Orange County operates every Saturday night featuring DIRTcar Big-Block Modified, Sportsman, Pro Stock and Pure Stock classes on the regular weekly card with DIRTcar 358-Modified contests scheduled numerous times in between. The speedway hosted a special stop by the nationally acclaimed World of Outlaw Sprint Series while the 2008 campaign concludes in October with the 47th Annual Eastern States 200 for DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds. OCFS initially joined the DIRTcar fold in 1983 and that same year began holding time trials during Eastern States Weekend. Use of the AMB i.t. scoring and timing system was first introduced in the 2000 Advance Auto Parts Series show staged in August. Recently crowned Orange County points champion David VanHorn Jr. established the modern-day DIRTcar Big-Block Modified record touring the fast 5/8-miler in a time of 20.710 sec. (108.643 mph) on July 31, 2008 to shatter the previous mark (21.345 sec.) held by all-time Orange County winner Brett Hearn since 2003.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Eastern States Weekend at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Middletown, NY remains the biggest, richest and oldest consecutively run championship race for DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds in the country. During the past 46 years some of the best drivers ever to run in the Northeast have etched their name in the ‘Hard Clay’ record book and still more are waiting their turn as the 2008 edition unfolds this weekend. From its modest beginnings in 1962 when Orange County (then known as Victory Speedway) promoter Eno VanDam, race director Larry Granger and his assistant Jim O’Melia put together the first 100-lap single-day event at the fairgrounds, Eastern States has not only survived the test of time it has been the standard that many others have copied to this day. What race fans take for granted today and refer to as the ‘second season’ ---post Labor Day--- did not exist 46 years ago. Aside from the Langhorne National Open, there were no late season big events as most tracks in the Northeast had shut down by the end of September, running as long as weather permitted or as long as promoters felt they could still draw fans. And with most tracks crowning point champions there was little purpose to race any later. The introduction of the inaugural Eastern States 100 in late October paying the winner $1,000 from a $4,000 purse forever changed that outlook for racers in this part of the country and when legendary stock car driver Frankie Schneider captured that first checkered flag it was destined to become the premier short-track race of its kind for generations to come.
ORANGE COUNTY "EASTERN STATES 200" MODIFIED CHAMPIONSHIP
DATE LAPS FIRST - SECOND - THIRD - FOURTH - FIFTH
10/21/07 200 Jeff Heotzler - Brett Hearn - Rich Eurich - Rick Laubach - Kenny Tremont
10/22/06 200 Brett Hearn - Frank Cozze - Jerry Higbie - Tommy Meier - Pat Ward
10/23/05 203 Brett Hearn - Wayne Jelley - David VanHorn - Kenny Tremont - Frank Jashembowski
10/24/04 200 Brett Hearn - Billy Decker - Gary Tomkins - Alan Johnson - Doug Hoffman
10/26/03 207 Bobby Varin - Chuck McKee - Tim McCreadie - Jeff Heotzler - Vic Coffey
10/27/02 200 Brett Hearn - Tim McCreadie - Alan Johnson - Jerry Higbie - Chuck McKee
10/21/01 200 Danny Johnson - Alan Johnson - Steve Paine - Kenny Tremont - Pat Ward
10/22/00 200 Chuck McKee - Alan Johnson - Vic Coffey - Steve Paine - Tim McCreadie
10/24/99 204 Alan Johnson - Billy Decker - Danny Johnson - Brett Hearn - Andy Bachetti
10/25/98 200 Billy Decker - Doug Hoffman - Jimmy Horton - Alan Johnson - Danny Johnson
10/26/97 200 Danny Johnson - Alan Johnson - Kenny Brightbill - Tim McCreadie - Chuck McKee
10/27/96 200 Brett Hearn - Jack Johnson - Dave Camara - Dale Planck - Alan Johnson
10/22/95 200 Jimmy Horton - Brett Hearn - Bob McCreadie - Tommy Meier - Jeff Heotzler
11/5/94 200 Bob McCreadie - Jimmy Horton - Doug Hoffman - Kenny Tremont - Rich Eurich
10/24/93 200 Danny Johnson - Brett Hearn - Bob McCreadie - Doug Hoffman - Jeff Heotzler
10/25/92 200 Danny Johnson - Brett Hearn - Jeff Trombley - Mike Ricci - Alan Johnson
10/27/91 200 Jimmy Horton - Doug Hoffman - Jack Johnson - Joe Plazek - Alan Johnson
10/21/90 200 Frank Cozze - Steve Paine - Danny Johnson - Brett Hearn - Roger Horvath
10/22/89 200 Frank Cozze - Danny Johnson - Dave Lape - Brett Hearn - Kenny Tremont
10/23/88 200 Rich Eurich - Frank Cozze - Jack Johnson - Billy Decker - John Strupp
10/25/87 200 Doug Hoffman - Jack Johnson - Kevin Collins - Dave Lape - Alan Johnson
4/25/87 200 Brett Hearn - Jack Johnson - Kevin Collins - Jimmy Horton - Chuck McKee
10/27/85 200 Jack Johnson - Carl Reynolds - Charlie Rudolph - Steve Bottcher - Doug Hoffman
10/28/84 200 Dave Lape - Jack Johnson - Carl Collis - Jeff Heotzler - Bob McCreadie
10/30/83 200 C.D. Coville - Brett Hearn - Jack Johnson - Jimmy Horton - Charlie Shire
10/17/82 200 Harry Behrent - Carl Reynolds - Carl Pittenger - Bobby Malzahn - Charlie Shire
10/25/81 200 Brett Hearn - Larry Brolsma - Richie Smith,Jr. - Harry Behrent - Sammy Beavers
10/19/80 200 Kenny Brightbill - Harry Behrent - Jimmy Horton - Frank Cozze - Jeff Heotzler
10/21/79 200 Brett Hearn - Billy Osmun - Lou Lazzaro - Carl Collis - Darryl Welty
10/22/78 200 Lou Lazzaro - Kevin Collins - Brett Hearn - Buzzie Reutimann - Clayton Husted
10/23/77 200 Gary Balough - Kevin Collins - Sammy Beavers - Don Kreitz,Sr. - Jimmy Horton
11/6/76 200 Gerald Chamberlain - Buzzie Reutimann - Tommy Hager - Jimmy Horton - Don Kreitz,Sr
10/26/75 200 Wayne Reutimann - Rich Eurich - Kenny Brightbill - Gary Balough - Buzzie Reutimann
10/27/74 200 Bobby Bottcher - Kenny Brightbill - Buzzie Reutimann - Ed Delmolino - Charlie Shire
10/28/73 200 Gerald Chamberlain - Tommy Corellis - Will Cagle - Dick Tobias - Johnny Haroll
10/25/72 200 Buzzie Reutimann - Will Cagle - Bobby Malzahn - Wayne Reutimann - Bobby Bottcher
10/31/71 200 Will Cagle - Buzzie Reutimann - Bobby Gerhart - Danny Mitchell - Bobby Malzahn
10/25/70 200 Will Cagle - Bobby Bottcher - Gerald Chamberlain - Rags Carter - Buzzie Reutimann
10/26/69 200 Al Tasnady - Joe Kelly - Buzzie Reutimann - Bobby Malzahn - Whip Mulligan
10/27/68 200 Will Cagle - Bobby Gerhart - Frankie Schneider - Ralph Chittenden - Larry Voss
10/22/67 100 Frankie Schneider - Bobby Malzahn - Al Tasnady - Whip Mulligan - Jackie Evans
10/23/66 100 Will Cagle - Bobby Malzahn - Sammy Reakes - Buzzie Reutimann - Whip Mulligan
10/24/65 100 Ron Lux - Kenny Shoemaker - Rags Carter - Frankie Schneider - Ray Cook
10/25/64 100 Rags Carter - Bobby Malzahn - Al Tasnady - Frankie Schneider - Rene Charland
10/27/63 100 Frankie Schneider - Al Tasnady - Ernie Gahan - Ed Ortiz - Billy Deskovick
10/28/62 100 Frankie Schneider - Bobby Malzahn - Don Stumpf - Ernie Gahan - Kenny Shoemaker
2007 RACE REVIEW
Home track favorite Jeff Heotzler ended a story book season as he outlasted Billy Decker to capture the 46th Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Eastern States 200 Big-Block Modified Championship at Orange County Fair Speedway. Heotzler earned the 2007 Orange County points title without a single win before closing out the season with the biggest victory of his career that awarded him the $20,000 first-place prize. After starting 42nd in the 46-car field, Heotzler sped past Billy Decker when his fuel tank ran dry on lap 193 and held off three-time defending winner Brett Hearn in a race that was slowed by 18 caution periods and a trio of red flags. Hearn’s runner-up tally secured him the overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Modified Series Championship, with veteran Rich Eurich crossing the line third ahead of Pennsylvanian Rick Laubach and Capital District runner Kenny Tremont. With 20 laps left Decker held a commanding lead ahead of Heotzler and Hearn as the top-three drivers put distance on their closest challengers. Yet with less than 10 to go, the LJL Motorsports no. 91 Gypsum Wholesalers Special suddenly sputtered and Heotzler wasted no time assuming the number one position when the final yellow flag flew with just a half-dozen circuits remaining. The green/white/checkered flag finish was all that awaited Heotzler as he held on for his seventh Advance Auto Parts Series win, his last coming at Orange County in 1996. Until that Sunday, The Jeffer stood behind only Orange County ace Bobby Malzahn as the driver with the most Eastern States top-fives without a win. During the ’08 Eastern States finale, Rusty Smith helped make the highlight reel after flipping over on his side in front of Frank Cozze exiting turn three and the resulting contact put Cozze’s mount out of the ‘ball park’ in one of the most spectacular crashes of the season. No injuries were reported, however, a lengthy 1-1/2-hour delay was required to repair the catch fence, utility pole and wire cables that were damaged upon impact.
TRACK HISTORY
Orange County Fair Speedway boasts one of the greatest racing heritages in all of motorsports, including a winner’s list that is headed by modern-day superstar Brett Hearn and bolstered by many of the best drivers ever to compete on the Northeastern Modified circuit. The original Middletown tract was built for horse racing in 1857 and called “The Harry Clay Oval” after a famous horse named Harry Clay. Joe Coates from nearby Goshen, N.Y. rebuilt the track in 1924, taking clay from Finan’s Pond and when it hardened was unequaled by any other in the area; the surface became extremely hard yet soft enough not to injure the hooves of horses. Initially laid out as half-mile, the track was both widened and lengthened over the years to its present day 5/8-mile size and the present grandstand structure was built in 1925. This year marked the 168th Annual Orange County Fair.
Auto racing enthusiast George Martin was appointed as Orange County Fair Society Director in 1909 and his motion in 1913 to bring cars on the last day of the fair in place of horses was finally approved by the Fairboard six years later. An overflow crowd of 5,000 curious spectators came out to the track on August 15, 1919 to witness Jim Benedict best nine other entries to claim the inaugural 10-lap AAA-sanctioned race which paid $75.00 the winner. Annual fair races continued to prosper on the ‘Hard Clay’ and 1941 marked the first time two events were held. Following the end of WWII the name was changed to Victory Speedway and in 1946 it was announced by track promoter Russ Carpenter that ARDC Midgets would race each Wednesday night. While pictures substantiate that stock cars first circled the inner 1/5-mile track one year prior, a new era in track history began when the first official race was run off on Sept. 18, 1948 and won by Rocky Dinatale from Trenton, N.J. June 7, 1952 marked the first race under the lights in Middletown. That same year was the first for ‘flatheads’ which evolved into Sportsman stock cars, then 320-Modifieds and became the DIRTcar 358-Modifieds that compete today. Frankie Schneider won the inaugural Eastern States 100 Championship on October 28, 1962 and the Northeast’s premier short-track event was lengthened to 200 laps in 1968 under the promotion of Orange County Agricultural Society President Al Howard, who also changed the name to Orange County Fair Speedway.
Taking over the duties of Race Director at the beginning of the 1981 season was Stan Gurda, brother of majority fairgrounds owner Michael Gurda. Two years later DIRT MotorSports secured the promotion of speedway racing events under the guidance of president Glenn Donnelly. From 1983 through 2004, Orange County remained a cornerstone of DIRTcar Racing in Eastern New York, and after a one-year absence re-joined the DIRT-fold in ‘06. Under the DIRTcar regime, Hearn has brought further notoriety to the historic oval situated about an hour from New York City, capturing 13 Big-Block Modified season point titles and racking up nearly 140 feature wins in the past 25 seasons. Joining Hearn at the top of Orange County’s all-time Modified win list are legendary open-wheel pilots and Northeast Hall of Famers Frankie Schneider (58), Will Cagle (47), Buzzie Reutimann (34), Rags Carter (33) and Bobby Bottcher (26). Contending today are 2008 OCFS Big-Block points champion David VanHorn, Chuck McKee, Jerry Higbie, rookie Mike Storms and 2007 Eastern States 200 champion Jeff Heotzler, who will be driving his son Jeff Jr’s no. J17 mount for the 47th annual affair.
NEWS & NOTES
2nd Mr. DIRTcar Championship Clinched By Billy Decker In ‘08: Heading east to Middletown this weekend, Billy Decker will have a chance to match the feat he pulled off in 1998. Exactly 10 years ago the Unadilla, New York pilot claimed his first overall Mr. DIRTcar Modified Championship as well as his only Eastern States 200 title race victory. Decker recently locked up his second DIRTcar Big-Block crown at Super DIRT Week on the Syracuse Mile and now has his sights set on repeating at Orange County this coming Sunday. The ‘Franklin Flyer’ earned his second Mr. DIRTcar title by collecting the most points in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series along with earning valuable bonus points at his designated hometrack ---Brewerton Speeday--- throughout the regular season. Decker maxed out with 300 points as his best five hometrack feature race finishes were all wins at Brewerton.
2008 Win Leaders Hit The Hard Clay: With just two more weekends remaining in the 2008 DIRTcar Racing NorthEast season, 26 tracks have hosted DIRTcar Big-Block Modified races with 59 drivers taking checkered flags in 145 featured events. Division leader Billy Decker owns a circuit-high 22 triumphs this season, including a record-tying 10 in Advance Auto Parts Super Series competition aboard the potent LJL Racing Bicknell machine. Decker’s single-season best total nearly triples the output of popular Pennsylvanian Brian Swartzlander (8) and all-time DIRTcar NE Big-Block winner Alan Johnson. Keystone State rivals Kevin Bolland and Jeremiah Shingledecker plus Advance Series winner Dale Planck rank right behind with seven each. Advance Series stars Brett Hearn, Matt Sheppard and Gary Tomkins have collected six wins apiece while tour regulars Jimmy Phelps (4), Steve Paine (3) and Frankie Caprara (3) and recent Lebanon Valley 200 Champion Andy Bachetti (3) are listed ahead of two-time winners Steve Hulsizer and Willy Decker from the Central New York circuit, Lebanon Valley regulars Kenny Tremont and Ryan Larkin, Orange County chauffeurs Jeff Heotzler and Chris Shultz, popular Pennsylvania pilot Del Rougeux Jr. and Canadian Pat O’Brien. Advance Series runners Justin Haers and 15 year-old sensation Larry Wight are among 38 more drivers having reached victory lane heading into October’s Eastern States finale.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The 33rd annual DIRTcar Racing NorthEast ‘Night of Champions’ Banquet is scheduled for Saturday, November 15 at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York. The banquet will honor the 2008 series champions in the Advance Auto Parts Big-Block Modified, 358-Modified, Sportsman Modified, UMP Pro Stock and UMP Street Stock divisions. Track promoters and operators will convene on Friday, November 14 for the annual DIRTcar track meetings at the Turning Stone entertainment complex, ranked among the top-five largest tourist attractions in New York State and drawing over 4.5 million visitors annually.
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Billy Decker(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Dale Planck(G)
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway D.Planck/Danny Johnson(P)
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway B.Decker/Brett Hearn(P)
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway B.Decker/Robbie Krull(P)
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway B.Decker/Jimmy Phelps(P)
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Brett Hearn(G)
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond D.Planck/Steve Paine(P)
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway B.Decker/Jeff Strunk(P)
Thr-Jul 17 Georgetown Speedway H.J. Bunting(G)
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway B.Hearn/Chuck McKee(P)
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Jimmy Phelps(G)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Vic Coffey(P)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Justin Haers(P)
Fri-Aug 15 Brewerton Speedway B.Decker/Gary Tomkins(P)
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park Gary Tomkins(G)
Sun-Aug 17 Cornwall Motor Speedway G.Tomkins/Carey Terrance(P)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Alan Johnson(G)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway B.Decker/Frankie Caprara(P)
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway B.Decker/Roy Bresnahan(P)
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway Andy Bachetti(G)
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Rain-Cancelled
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway A.Johnson/Tim Fuller(P)
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway A.Johnson/Vince Vitale(P)
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Frank Cozze
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
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VP RACING FUELS LEGAL AT EASTERN STATES RACE;DIRT SEASON ENDER BRINGS CHANGES TO FUELING
NEWARK, DE (October 14, 2008) VP Racing Fuels products will be allowed in competition at the Eastern States Weekend scheduled October 17-19 at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Middletown, NY. During a meeting between VP’s Eastern Regional Manager, Jim Kelly, and World Racing Group CEO Brian Carter, it was determined that Dirtcar Modifieds will be permitted to use VP fuels during that weekend just as they were allowed during Super Dirt Week at Syracuse.
“When JR Heffner, Kenny Tremont, Randy Ross and Doug Olson learned that Dirt’s spec fuel program was no longer in effect for Super Dirt Week, they loaded up with VP’s C12 and Late Model Plus fuels to take advantage of their superior performance,” said Kelly. “While Late Model Plus is primarily used in the high compression Dirt Late Models driven by Steve Francis, Chub Frank, Tim McCreadie, Jeremy Miller and Mike Knight, VP C12 was the fuel of choice for racers like Brett Hearn, Joe Plazek, Tremont and many other Dirt stars prior to Dirt imposing a spec fuel regulation back in 1996.”
“Whether headed to Hagerstown or Middletown, Dirt Car Owners, Drivers and Engine Builders who aren’t familiar with VP Dirt fuels can contact VP directly at 302.368.1500,” Kelly added. “We have many options available for any team wanting to make the switch to greater power and torque than their spec fuel provided in the past.”
While Dirt Modified racers couldn't fuel with VP for some time, VP has been busy in all other forms of motorsports, fueling the World of Outlaws Late Model Champions the last two years and Ted Christopher, who is leading the NASCAR Modified Tour. VP is also the Official Fuel and spec fuel provider of the NHRA, ADRL, American LeMans, Atlantic Championship, Star Mazda Series and FIA European Pro Stock Championships, as well as the fuel of choice for factory road race and motocross championship teams throughout North America.
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Hoosier Tire Selections Confirmed For ’08 OCFS Eastern States Weekend
Weedsport, NY – October 14, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director
DIRTcar Racing teams planning to attend the 47th Annual Eastern States Weekend at Orange County Fair Speedway will need to bring along an assortment of tire compounds for the October 17-19 event.
Big-Block Modified and 358-Modified entries will be allowed to use DIRT Soft (D300), Hard (D400) or Extra (D500) throughout all warm-up sessions and qualifying events, although DIRT Hard (D400) or DIRT Xtra (D500) only will be mandatory on the rear come feature time.
The DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds will be required to use DIRT Hard (D400) on all four corners with an optional RC-6 allowed on the right rear.
UMP Pro Stock entries will have DIRT Soft (D300) or Hard (D400) tire options available for use over the weekend.
For further questions regarding the Hoosier Tire compounds available for use in 2008, please contact Cory Reed in the DIRTcar NorthEast Office (315/834-6606) or log into the DIRTcar homepage at www.dirtcar.com to find out more about the entire circuit.
47th Annual Eastern States Weekend Schedule
Thursday, October 16
9:00am - Pit Gates open for Mod/358-Mod ONLY Inspection;
4:30pm - Grounds open for campers.
Friday, October 17
8:00am - Pit Gates/Drive-In Gates open;
10:00am - Grandstand Gates open;
12:00noon - First cars on track.
Saturday, October 18
8:00am - All Gates open;
9:00am - First cars on track;
1:00pm - Start 32nd Annual Eastern States 358 Mod 100;
4:00pm - Sportsman/Pure Stock enter track;
5:15pm - Cars on track.
Sunday, October 19
9:00am - All Gates open;
9:30am - Race Against Drugs Pit Party;
11:00am - Cars on track;
2:30pm - Start 47th Annual Eastern States 200.
Advance tickets for Sunday’s race, or the entire Eastern States Weekend, plus camping and parking permits are available at the Speedway Office during regular business hours or through credit card sales (Visa and MasterCard) by calling 845-342-2573. Additional information can be found at the official Orange County Fair Speedway website, www.ocfsmotorsports.com.
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ATLANTIC COAST CHAMPIONSHIP SEES VON DOHREN SWEEP UP TWO WINS
By Michael Wisniewski
BRIDGEPORT, NJ (October 12, 2008) - At the fourth annual Atlantic Coast
Championship, Craig Von Dohren went back home to Oley, PA as the big
winner of the weekend racing at Bridgeport Speedway. Von Dohren captured
wins in the Big Block and Small Block Modified features. In the 358 Sportsman race, Eric Kormann took the checkered flag. 2008 GM Sportsman Champion, Travis Hill, won the GM Sportsman race. In the Crate Late Model feature, Mike Williams came home in first place. Pat Conaway won the Outlaw Stock feature and Jimmy Hughes seized the win in the 4-Cylinder Stock Car event.
Keith Hoffman led the first lap in the 50-Lap Big Block Modified feature from his pole start but Wade Hendrickson quickly moved up from his third starting spot to take the lead on lap two. A broken drive shaft caused Chic Cossaboone to stop in turn three on lap four to bring out the caution. When action resumed, Hoffman was able to slide by Hendrickson to regain the top spot with Richie Pratt Jr., Jimmy Chester and Craig Von Dohren in tow. Von Dohren climbed up to the third spot when the yellow lights flickered as Jamie Mills had a flat left rear tire on lap
9. Pratt was able to get around Hoffman for the lead following the restart. Right after Von Dohren passed Hoffman for second on lap 12, Gary Hager¹s machine came to a stop in turn two. Von Dohren blasted by Pratt for the lead on the ensuing resumption of action. Hoffman¹s day came to end following a lap 13 restart tangle with Billy Pauch. Richie Pratt Jr. dropped out of the race on lap 14 giving Chester and Pauch a chance to track down Von Dohren. Fifteenth place starter Jason Hamilton entered the mix as he drove up to fourth place on lap 17. Using the high side, Von Dohren began to put a little distance between in himself and Chester. As the race reached the halfway point, Von Dohren¹s lead had
narrowed and he began to enter lapped traffic on lap 27. Two laps later,
Chester was within two car lengths of the leader. The caution flag waved on lap 32 when Ron Roberts spun just in front of Von Dohren and Chester. Von Dohren maintained the lead on the restart. By lap 40, Chester was again within two car lengths of Von Dohren. Mike Franz's spin brought out the final caution on lap 47. On the final restart, Von Dohren held off Chester and took the checkered flag. After a strong performance throughout the race, Chester finished in second place. Pauch came home in third place with Hamilton taking fourth place. Fifth place went to Wade Hendrickson. Pratt Jr., Von Dohren, Hendrickson and Steve Bottcher won the Big Block Modified heat races. Mike Iles won the consolation
event. Von Dohren won the Racing Realtor Mad Cash for Dash race.
Craig Von Dohren took advantage of a front row starting spot and went to the lead at the start of 30-lap Small Block Modified feature. Jason Hamilton had just moved into the runner up spot past Marc Herman on lap 2 when Chic Cossaboone's spin in turn one drew the event's first caution. Von Dohren chose the outside lane on the restart and kept his lead on the restart. Two laps later, Rocco Infante stopped in turn two. Von Dohren again chose the outside lane and outdueled his competitors to maintain the lead on the restart. Also, Mike Iles swept by Herman to grab the third spot. Keith Hoffman was running in fourth place when Richie Pratt Jr. and Mike Gular were both able to get by him on lap 8. The top three cars of Von Dohren, Hamilton and Iles began to distance themselves from the field when Iles pulled into the infield with a motor issue on lap 18. The action came to a stop when Herman spun in turn three on lap 23. On the single file restart, Von Dohren kept his lead over Hamilton, Pratt, Gular and Hoffman. Jimmy Chester¹s ride developed a flat tire on lap 29 setting up one final restart. Von Dohren outlasted
his competitors on the final restart and took home the $3500 top prize. Running a very strong race, Hamilton took second place. Pratt Jr., Gular and Hoffman completed the top five. The Small Block Modified heat race winners were Cossaboone, Von Dohren, Gular and Iles. Jimmy Chester won the Small Block Modified consolation race.
The 358 Sportsman race was marred by an opening lap accident which eliminated nine cars from competition. Following the massive cleanup of unfortunate carnage, Frank Dorry Jr. took the lead from his pole starting spot and led the opening sixteen laps of the 30-Lap main event. Eric Kormann moved in second spot on lap nine and took the lead from Dorry on lap 17. Once in front, Kormann negotiated lapped traffic and began to build a lead over the field. At the finish, Kormann beat Sean Gunther by over three seconds to claim the victory. Jarrad Miller came
home in third place while Kevin Collins took fourth place. After losing his power steering around lap 15, the fast improving Dorry Jr. held on for fifth place. Gunther, Tom Solderich, Jarrad Miller and Ron Roberts each had a 358 Sportsman heat race win. Tom Miller was the victor in the 358 Sportsman consolation race.
Travis Hill took the lead from Brandon Perdue on lap 3 and went on to claim the checkered flag in the 25 lap main event for the GM Sportsman. Mike Barone finished in second spot after passing Perdue on lap 5. Neal Williams wound up in third spot while Tim Trimble grabbed the fourth position. Twentieth place starter Pat Hires finished in fifth. The GM Sportsman heat race winners were Barone, Perdue and Williams.
Bridgeport Speedway Results Atlantic Coast Championship
Saturday, October 11, 2008 & Sunday October 12, 2008
BIG BLOCK MODIFIED FEATURE 50 LAPS: CRAIG VON DOHREN, Jimmy Chester, Billy Pauch, Jason Hamilton, Wade HendricksonChad James, Howard O¹Neal, Doug Manmiller, Steve Durand, Mike Iles, Mike Franz, Tim Millman, Gary Hager, Sam Westcott Jr., Scott Irwin, Steve Bottcher, Mike Gular, Ron Roberts, Brett Ballard, Jamie Mills, Richie Pratt Jr., Keith Hoffman, Tom Hager, Chic Cossaboone
358 SMALL BLOCK MODIFIED FEATURE: CRAIG VON DOHREN, Jason Hamilton, Richie Pratt Jr., Mike Gular, Keith Hoffman, Chic Cossaboone, Chad James, Carmine Infante, Scott Davis Jr., Marc Herman, Jimmy Chester, Mark Kratz, Sean Gunther, Meme DeSantis, Kevin Collins, Bobby Watkins, Mike Iles, Dan Cogdill, Jesse Hill, AJ DeSantis, Billy Turner, Tom Hager, Ron Roberts, Rocco Infante, Gary Hager
358 SPORTSMAN FEATURE: ERIC KORMANN, Sean Gunther, Jarrad Miller, Kevin Collins, Frank Dorry Jr., Billy Briggs, Ron Roberts, Billy Turner, Marc Herman, Tim Trimble, Kevin Vaclavicek, Don Bogey, John Kelly, Steve Kassekert, Rob Wyant, Jim Britt, Tom Solderich, Jesse Hill, Bill Klingmeyer, Jack Swain, Mike Mammana, Scott Davis Jr., Jeff Geiges, Tom Miller
DNS: Rick Beavers
GM SPORTSMAN FEATURE 25 LAPS: TRAVIS HILL, Mike Barone, Neal Williams, Tim Trimble, Pat Hires, Mike White, Tom Moore Jr., Kyle Borror, Jerry Carter, Jason Bittner, Doug Urbano, Bob Burgess, Eric Engstrom, Eric Renninger, Scott Cranston, Forest Peters, Steve Davis, Tom Gibson, John Bilofsky, Brandon Perdue
DNS: Bob Bartleson
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Bower, Phelps Earn Cayuga County Victories But Brachmann Grabs Rite Aid 200 Starting Spot
Weedsport, NY – October 11, 2008 – Story & Photos By Chris Dolack, DIRTcar VP Public Relations
Chuck Bower and Chad Phelps won Pullen’s Twin 25 features, Pierre Dagenais earned a spot in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Rite Aid 200, but Chad Brachmann was the biggest winner on Saturday night at Cayuga County Fair Speedway.
After Dagenais rolled into victory lane at the end of the night with the highest averaging finishing position between the twin features, a spot good enough for the final starting position in Sunday’s Super DIRT Week finale at the New York State Fairgrounds, he revealed he would give up his spot to the next driver in line, Brachmann.
“We don’t have time to get the car ready for Syracuse,” Dagenais said. “It takes a special body to go there. We’re not ready for that, maybe next year.” That meant Brachmann’s team wasn’t going to get much rest on Saturday night as it headed back to the New York State Fairgrounds.
“Go back and thrash, that’s what we plan on doing,” said Brachmann, of North Tonawanda, N.Y. “We weren’t really planning on doing anything, but the car needs some serious changes to make it more competitive for the Rite Aid 200. We wanted to come here and race, but the ultimate goal is to get the spot at Syracuse. We’re going to roll the dice and see if we can make some good out of it.”
Bower was in prime position to win the Rite Aid 200 starting spot after capturing his first checkered flag of the season in the first of the Twin 25 main events. He and Dagenais went wheel-to-wheel before locking his car into the low groove and picking up the win.
“We’re a small-time crew, we’re not a big team, just independent guys,” said Bower, of Lansing, N.Y. “It’s big, a win is a win.”
Bower then had to roll the dice, literally, to determine his starting position for the second of the Pullen’s Twin 25s … and it settled on eight. With the track beginning to get slick, Bower’s team went back to work trying to make the adjustments to earn the Syracuse starting spot.
Phelps, though, had different plans. Starting on the outside pole, he quickly raced to the lead and held off Dagenais with a smooth line and no mistakes. With the laps winding down, Phelps had his hands full with lapped traffic, a slick track and Dagenais hunting him down. The white flag flew, Dagenais made a run. Phelps drove right through the middle of the groove, not giving Dagenais even a hint of space to move him out of the way. He charged off of the final corner and captured the checkered flag for the second time in the past three years of this event at Cayuga County Fair Speedway.
“I’m doing this for fun, and it’s good to finish out the year like this,” said Phelps, of Mexico, N.Y. “You just got to go with the punches and roll with it. The event setup gives you a break and a chance to revamp for the next 25-lap feature if the first one wasn’t working. The car started going away from me at the end and I figured there had to be someone there.”
Ultimately, a runner-up finish and a fourth-place run in the Pullen’s Twin 25 features made Brachmann the biggest winner of the night.
“We weren’t really set up for anything,” Brachmann said. “We brought the same car we ran at Rolling Wheels on Friday night in the small block race. We just kind of went with the flow and it worked out for us. You just had to keep the car underneath you and be easy on the throttle.”
The green flag on the Rite Aid 200 waves Sunday at 2:15 p.m. Fans can also see the Super DIRT Week action, featuring the Rite Aid 200, on SPEED from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Big Block Modifieds; Pullen’s 25 Twin 25s; Cayuga County Fair Speedway; Oct. 11, 2008
Feature #1 (25 laps)
1) 99B Chuck Bower
2) 3B Chad Brachmann
3) 124 Pierre Dagenais
4) 87 Shawn Donath
5) 29 Jeff Brownell
6) 85 Dan Vauter
7) X Chad Phelps
8) 8 Tim O’Brien
9) 09 Kyle Lewis
10) 2K Chris Hile
11) 44v Phil Vigneri
12) 77 Brandon Planck
13) 17c Pete Cosco
14) 13 Greg Monica
15) 97 Michael Chicoine
16) 45M Mike Ward
17) 28P Elden Payne
18) 93 Rich Vinson
19) 96 Todd Milton
20) 38 Tim Harris
DNS: 44 Shannon Whaley
Feature #2 (25 laps)
1) X Chad Phelps
2) 124 Pierre Dagenais
3) 8 Tim O’Brien
4) 3B Chad Brachmann
5) 87 Shawn Donath
6) 85 Dan Vauter
7) 2k Chris Hile
8) 29 Jeff Brownell
9) 99B Chuck Bower
10) 17c Pete Cosco
11) 09 Kyle Lewis
12) 77 Brandon Planck
13) 13 Greg Monica
14) 97 Michael Chicoine
15) 45M Mike Ward
16) 96 Todd Milton
17) 38 Tim Harris
18) 44v Phil Vigneri
DNS: 28P Elden Payne, 93 Rich Vinson, 44 Shannon Whaley
Qualified for Rite Aid 200: Pierre Dagenais (gave up spot to next highest finisher, Chad Brachmann)
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Ward Dominates Dig Safely New York Last-Chance Modified Qualifier Sunday
Syracuse, NY – October 12, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director
Modified veteran Pat Ward was relegated to the last chance qualifier, then left no doubt as he led flag-to-flag to capture top honors Sunday at the New York State Fairgrounds in the Dig Safely New York Shootout on the final day of competition during Super DIRT Week XXXVII. Ward out-dragged front row Gypsum teammate Roy Bresnahan from his outside pole-position start on the first trip around the Syracuse Mile and led the entire distance in the 20-lap last chance qualifier.
The win was worth $1,000 yet more valuable was the coveted starting berth Ward earned in the Rite Aid 200 headliner scheduled later that same afternoon.
“We’ve had two very sleepless nights,” divulged Ward, 51 after copping the 20-mile last chance qualifier that included 16 of the 24 cars scheduled, with Vince Gagliardo Jr. giving up his no. 66 Vince’s Automotive & Towing/Troyer ride to past Rite Aid champion Richie Tobias hoping to make the field. “We got a bad draw for time trials and then lined up in probably the toughest heat, we just didn’t have any luck most of the week. But the car is driving excellent so I’ve had a good feeling coming in.”
With only three spots up for grabs towards making the starting grid for the Rite Aid 200 later that same afternoon, runner-up Jeff Brownell Jr. and race rookie Roy Bresnahan joined Ward in advancing to the Syracuse finale boasting $1,500 just to sart. Ballooning the starting line-up to 46 cars were the addition of Saturday night’s Pullen’s Truck Center “Win And You’reIn” Big-Block/Small-Block Super Shootout victor Chad Brachmann (45th) at Cayuga County plus past champion Tobias.
SUPER DIRT WEEK XXXVII MODIFIED NON-QUALIFIERS RACE
Dig Safely New York Shootout (20 Laps)
FIN CAR# DRIVER
1 42P Pat Ward/Genoa,NY
2 29 Jeff Brownell Jr./Geneva,NY
3 02 Roy Bresnahan/Fulton,NY
4 87x Paul Gilardi/Pittsfield,MA
5 66 Richie Tobias Jr.Annville,PA
6 37X Tom Scheetz Jr./Boyertown,P
7 62R Ron Smoker/Hamburg,NY
8 21 Yan Bussiere/Drummondville,QUE
9 24 Chris Shultz/Pawling,NY
10 16 Mike Bowman/Baldwinsville,NY
11 21M Bob McGannon/Garnerville,NY
12 347 George 'Skippy' Fox/Springfield,MA
13 37 Jason Herrington/Troy,NY
14 88H Steve Hulsizer/Bridgeport,NY
15 1NY Greg Atkins/Clintonville,NY
16 96 Todd Milton/Auburn,NY
DNS 28P Eldon Payne,Jr./Hopewell,NY
DNS 87 Hector Stratton/Bennington,VT
DNS 3B Chad Brachmann/Sanborn,NY
DNS M40 Mark Forte Jr./Blue Anchor,NJ
DNS 44S Casey Swamp/Akwesasne,NY
DNS 22 Larry Lampman Jr./Port Colborne,ONT
DNS 220 John Ferrier/Middletown,NY
DNS 42 Pete Bicknell/St.Catharines,ONT
DNS 66 Vince Gagliardo Jr./Reading,PA (loaned car to Tobias)
*Top-3 advance to Rite Aid 200 starting grid.
2008 MODIFIED RITE AID 200 STARTING LINE-UP
STR CAR# DRIVER
1 19 Tim Fuller / Edwards,NY
1 19F Tim Fuller/Edwards,NY
2 9S Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
3 20 Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
4 98H Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
5 55 Mitch Gibbs/North Norwich,NY
6 43 Keith Flach/Ravena,NY
7 34 Andy Bachetti/Great Barrington,MA
8 14J Alan Johnson/Middlesex,NY
9 12A Jack Johnson/Duanesburg,NY
10 2 Ronnie Johnson/Duanesburg,NY
11 49 Billy Dunn/Watertown,NY
12 115 Kenny Tremont/West Sand Lake,NY
13 88 J.R. Heffner/Pittsfield,MA
14 56 Vince Vitale/Phoenix,NY
15 91 Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY
16 35X Jason Barney/Constantia,NY
17 3 Justin Haers/Phelps,NY
18 44 Stewart Friesen/Niagara-o-t-Lake,ONT
19 4 Duane Howard/Oley,PA
20 1 Bobby Varin/Sharon Springs,NY
21 77X Dale Planck/Cortland,NY
22 99 Ryan Phelps/Fulton,NY
23 84 Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY
24 26 Ryan Godown/Ringoes,NJ
25 57 Donnie Corellis/Averill Park,NY
26 J66 Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
27 98 Eddie Marshall/Ridgefield,CT
28 14 Rick Laubach/Hellertown,PA
29 99L Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY®
30 35 Mike Perrotte/Elizabethtown,NY
31 32C Vic Coffey/Leicester,NY
32 53 Ric Hill/Lafayette,NJ®
33 44C Frank Cozze/Wind Gap,PA
34 7 Jimmy Horton/Neshanic Station,NJ
35 41 Shawn Reimert / Oley,PA
36 1H David Hebert/St.Damase,QUE
37 48too Dave Rauscher/Waterloo,NY®
38 19H Chris Higgins/Syracuse,NY®
39 FX1 Frankie Caprara/Watertown,NY
40 83 Brian Swartzlander/Leechburg,PA®
41 7X Steve Paine/Waterloo,NY
42 42P Pat Ward/Genoa,NY
43 29 Jeff Brownell Jr./Geneva,NY
44 02 Roy Bresnahan/Fulton,NY®
45 3B Chad Brachmann/Sanborn,NY
46 66 Richie Tobias Jr.Annville,PA
*Top-6 locked in from Thursday time trials;
*Position 7 locked in from Lebanon Valley 200;
*Position 8 locked in from Rolling Wheels 200;
*Positions 9-38 locked in from Friday Advance Auto Parts Triple-20s;
*Position 40 filled in by BRP Tour Champion;
*Positions 39 & 41 filled in by Series Guaranteed Starters;
*Positions 42-44 filled from Sunday Dig Safely New York Shootout Non-Qualifiers race;
*Position 45 filled by Cayuga County event points winner.
*Position 46 filled in by Provisional Starter.
-end-
'
Frank Cozze celebrates his first Rite Aid 200 win at the Moody Mile. ©DC Photo
Cozze Captures Elusive Victory In 37th Super DIRT Week Rite Aid 200
Syracuse, NY – October 12, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Frank Cozze has been coming to the New York State Fairgrounds landmark oval for 40 years. Sunday afternoon proved to be more than a happy ending for the Keystone State Modified veteran as he captured the biggest DIRTcar Modified victory of his career in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Rite Aid 200 to close out the 37th edition of Super DIRT Week on the storied Syracuse Mile.
“I don’t even know what to say, I’m kind of choked up,” remarked an emotional Cozze, who accompanied his car-owning father on his first-ever visit to the Salt City’s most famous speedway for the annual NYS Fair Labor Day Championship in 1968. Now at the age of 53, the seasoned veteran from Wind Gap, Pennsylvania becomes the oldest driver to win DIRTcar NorthEast’s premier event for Big-Block Modifieds with the $50,000 top prize going toward an early retirement fund. “Everybody did such a great job … my brother spotting in the stands … all my sponsors … just so many people I don’t know who to thank first.”
“Ya, the old boy (dad Dick Cozze) had a car here for the first couple (DIRT Weeks) and I was almost too young to come to them so it’s gonna feel real good to get him up there with me for a picture. This win is way up there, by far the biggest I’ve ever had, what else is there,” beamed Cozze, after redeeming himself in a marquee event that has teased him for over three decades. Cozze posted a pair of top-threes in his first five title runs between 1977-1981, scored third-place finishes in 1992 and 2003, and even held the lead in 1989 until contact with Danny Johnson just seven laps from the end squelched his best-ever chance to climb to the top of the podium.
Joining Cozze on center stage this Columbus Day Weekend were second-generation chauffeur Matt Sheppard and fellow Pennsylvania pilot Duane Howard, while a late-race charge afforded Canadian standout Stewart Friesen fourth-place just ahead of pole-winner and 2004 Rite Aid winner Tim Fuller. Lebanon Valley Speedway regulars J.R. Heffner and Eddie Marshall crossed the line next while youthful drivers Billy Dunn from the north country, New York’s Capital District runner Keith Flach and Central New York DIRTcar circuit stalwart Justin Haers tallied top-10 finishes in the 200-lap affair.
Sheppard out-dragged front row partner Fuller to set the early pace, opening up a comfortable 10 car-length lead after just one time around the unforgiving Moody Mile. Cozze filed in 33rd on the 46-car starting grid and was hardly noticed the first half of the race as an early pit stop strategy kept his Waite's General Contractors no. 44 Carquest-Bert Transmission/PMC machine mired midway in the pack. Numerous yellow flags throughout the event proved more than beneficial to Cozze as he waited patiently in his march toward the front and quietly cracked the top-10 by lap 90 after a round of pit stops.
“Nobody, I mean nobody, gets the gas mileage we got all week,” declared Cozze, who would ultimately circle the Syracuse Mile the last 129 laps on one tank of gas, with a handful of his closest challengers running dry as the final laps clicked off. With his crew flanked by recently rehired Brent Tittle and Dave Hoffman, brother of ’96 Rite Aid champ Doug Hoffman, Cozze made his first pit stop for fuel and a two rear-tire change after a lap 39 caution. When Tomkins slowed on lap 70 to force out the sixth yellow flag, Cozze stopped for only a new right rear tread and what amounted to enough fuel to cover the remaining distance. “Jack Stanley and Bill Gill, my fuel guys, they had it right to a tee. They said I could probably go another 20 (laps) if I just conserve. We got enough cautions there that it really helped, and I was worried more about the tires than fuel.”
“I said before the race that if we can keep a right-rear tire on it, we can pit early … you can’t get a much better shot at this (win). Things just went our way, guys made great calls and both pit stops were right on the money. We didn’t even practice (pit stops), that’s how good these guys really are. And this is the same car I’ve been running every Saturday night, we just put a new body on and came here. This is the car I like the most, the one I sit in the best. It’s the number one car, really the only one I got right now,” said Cozze, who made his Modified debut during the Bicentennial, following a brief stint in the Novice Sportsman class from 1974-75.
Sheppard made his own trip down pit lane on the 50th circuit to give perennial Super DIRT Week favorite Brett Hearn his first lead in the Rite Aid 200 since 2003 when the Sussex, New Jersey speedster led the opening 38 laps. Another yellow flag unfurled when Shawn Reimert darted across the track in front of the leaders on lap 61 and Frenchman David Hebert moved to the point the following circuit. Haers was the next in line to inherit the number one position under caution following Tomkin’s mishap, and the Phelps, New York driver held it at the lap 100 mark to pick up the $5,000 Halfway leader bonus packsge posted by Dig Safely New York, Promotion and Pinnacle Design Group (PDG). “I lost the brakes around lap five and I didn’t want to pit with the leaders so I wouldn’t screw up anybody,” Phelps divulged afterwards. “When I got out front and was able to stay there I thought I might as well shoot for the halfway deal. Leading that lap and coming home in 10th-place is a pretty good day considering what might have been.”
Chasing Haers under head starter Dave Farney’s crossed flags at the halfway point were two-time Syracuse Sportsman Modified feature winner Vince Vitale, 2005 DIRTcar NE Sportsman rookie of the year Chris Higgins and Cozze, who had managed to lay low saving both fuel and tires while the competition thinned out in front of him. And when Vitale elected to make his final stop pitside on lap 124, Cozze was there to take control followed by another prominent Pennsylvanian Rick Laubach and four-time Rite Aid 200 winner Billy Decker, who had been carving his way through the field following a tour of pit road himself after a lap 81 caution.
Lap after lap Laubach shadowed Cozze, looking for any opening that would take him to the head of the class for the second time in three shows. He led 26 laps in the 2006 Rite Aid race. Yet that opportunity never came as Laubach ran dry on lap 189 sending Dick Biever’s no. 14 Alpha Mills Corporation-SmartAndSexy.com/TEO mount limping slowly into the pits at the same time an exploding right rear tire on Vitale’s Troyer ride incurred the 17th and final caution period.
When the green lights returned for the final lap 192 restart, all eyes focused on leader Cozze in his bid for that elusive Super DIRT Week trophy and top chaser Decker who was looking to become just the third driver too sweep both Big-Block and Small-Block features on the same Super DIRT weekend. With five laps still to go, Tomkins moved in on Decker’s bumper while Cozze brought the capacity crowd to its feet trying to tabulate in unison the leader’s fuel mileage as he stretched his narrow advantage to a half-dozen car-lengths.
The closing laps were run off in typical fairgrounds fashion with positions up front seeming to change through every turn. Decker’s LJL Racing no. 91 Gypsum Wholesalers/Bicknell mount suddenly went up in smoke on lap 197 to extend Cozze’s lead and the following circuit offered further relief as new second-place runner Tomkins only remained there one lap before he dropped off the pace with the gas gauge reading empty on the Honeoye Auto Parts no. 84 Red Parker & Son Excavating/Bicknell car. Meanwhile, third-generation driver Friesen was picking off the opposition one by one, improving from 10th-place on lap 192 to fourth at the finish line with all hell breaking loose as the curtain rolled down on Super DIRT Week XXXVII in Syracuse.
“You gotta work on gas mileage out here and M2 had it down pat today,” added Cozze, after establishing a new standard for fuel consumption on the famous fairgrounds oval. “I can’t wait to see how much (fuel) is left. The track got kinda wide out there today and I ran around the top most of the race. I don’t know what Rick was doing, just know that I was conserving. When I had to stretch it out there I had no problems as good a car as I had today,” reflected Cozze, who has been known in the past for getting good gas mileage to minimize pit stops in the extra-distance races.
“The first time I won Eastern States (1989) at Orange County I went the whole way without stopping. Glenn (Donnelly, former event promoter) kind of blew it off not thinking anybody could go 200 laps without stopping. He changed his tune the next year, but I still won with a fast car and today we probably could run a few laps more.”
Sheppard happily settled for runner-up laurels after improving from fourth to second in the closing stages as the misfortune of Decker and Tomkins opened the door for the two-time Syracuse race winner.
“I saw Billy up in smoke and Gary ran out of gas with a couple to go, and I knew he pitted after Frank so I said Frank’s gotta be the next one to go and I’ll be leading this thing,” said Sheppard, who won the Super DIRT Week Sportsman race in 2000 and followed up three years later with a checkered flag in the 358-Modified headline attraction. “But he made it, congratulations to him. I was blubbering a little bit in the corners, I know I was getting pretty low. He got phenomenal fuel mileage, my hat’s off to them guys. ($20,000) we’ll take it,” added Sheppard, after recording his best-ever finish in eight events with two 10th-place tallies coming in 2002 and ’06.
The seventh try at the State Fairgrounds for third-place finisher Howard was easily his best, with his last appearance in Syracuse made in 1999. “We really had a good race car but we were saving fuel, I wish we could’ve raced a little harder,” said the Oley, Pa. driver after steering Chad Sinon’s no. 4 BPG Racing-Alex's Lemonade/Troyer entry to his best finish since ending up 13th in 1997. “I think we really had a good shot at (win). It was a great effort not being here for a number of years. I always like coming here, maybe this will become a routine event.”
“If you keep the car fairly straight the track was pretty good. I had spotters making sure I didn’t smoke the tires. Our pit strategy worked to perfection, the yellows came out right when we needed them to so it was a good day right to the end. I’m sure we’ll be back,” Howard said.
Despite engine failure putting Decker 24th on the final scoresheet, the Unadilla, New York driver clinched his second overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Championship, his first for car owners John and Laura Wight. “I probably owe Gary (Tomkins) a new fire suit,” quipped Decker, 43, who needs one more triumph on tour to surpass Hearn as the all-time Advance Series single-season win leader as Decker has 10 that tied the mark set by Hearn in 2002. “The motor was missing since lap 123 and I was spewing something on him for quite awhile. I knew it was coming apart, just hoped it would last to the end.”
Added Tomkins, who was credited with 22nd-place after getting a brief glimpse of leader Cozze with just two to go, “It wasn’t as much what I was getting on me, it was that smell, I knew something was gonna happen to Billy eventually. I only went through a few tear-offs, but my nose is still burning a little bit from running behind him so long and waiting for something to go.”
Offering the only serious challenge to Cozze throughout his second-half surge to the front, Laubach went home with a prize package valued at over $1,000 courtesy of Budd Olsen Speed Supplies and Area Auto Racing News after being recognized as the Rite Aid 200 ‘Hard Luck’ award winner. “Our game plan got thrown out the window on lap 40 when all the leaders came in, that was what we were going to do. We changed our strategy to make it a one stop deal after that. I tried Frank a few times but just stayed close in back of him waiting, trying to lull him into a daze then maybe sneak by. I think we had a strong enough car to get by, just fell a little short on chances today.”
With Super DIRT Week now officially in the record book, all eyes turn to Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, New York for the 47th running of Eastern States Weekend. The Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series season-finale will end with the crowning of an overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified champion for the 33rd consecutive year. With his second Mr. DIRTcar title clinched Sunday at the NYS Fairgrounds, Decker will have his eye on returning to victory lane on the ‘Hard Clay’ as it was back in 1998 that he garnered his only other Mr. DIRTcar Championship and Eastern States triumph.
Overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified
Point Standings (Thru Oct. 12, 2008)
1. Billy Decker 2,383
2. Dale Planck 2,191
3. Jimmy Phelps 2,153
4. Brett Hearn 2,114
5. Gary Tomkins 2,084
6. Matt Sheppard 2,051
7. Frankie Caprara 1,816
8. Steve Paine 1,768
9. Ryan Phelps 1,695
10. Justin Haers 1,664
PREVIOUS WINNERS
No matter how successful a driver may claim to be, victory in the Salt City showdown on the storied Syracuse Mile still stands to separate the best from the rest. And a triumph in the lucrative Rite Aid 200 during Super DIRT Week remains one of the most prized jewels anywhere in motorsports racing today. With his recent win on Sunday afternoon, Cozze joins an elite list of 18 legendary drivers that have made it into victory lane in DIRTcar Racing NorthEast’s premier Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series event. In this year’s field there were 10 past champions qualifying for the headline Advance Series Rite Aid 200 for Big-Block Modifieds, led by five-time winner Brett Hearn, Alan Johnson, Billy Decker, Jack Johnson, Jimmy Horton, Danny Johnson, Tim Fuller, Kenny Tremont, Vic Coffey and late addition Richie Tobias Jr.
SYRACUSE "RITE AID 200" MODIFIED CHAMPIONSHIP
DATE LAPS FIRST SECOND THIRD
10/12/08 200 Frank Cozze Matt Sheppard Duane Howard
10/7/07 200 Vic Coffey Tim Fuller Rich Tobias Jr,
10/8/06 200 Danny Johnson Jimmy Horton Alan Johnson
11/5/05 200 Billy Decker Todd Burley Ronnie Johnson
10/10/04 200 Tim Fuller Gary Tomkins Pat Ward
10/12/03 200 Alan Johnson Kenny Tremont Frank Cozze
10/13/02 203 Vic Coffey Gary Tomkins Jimmy Horton
10/7/01 202 Billy Decker Kenny Tremont Ron Smoker
10/8/00 200 Billy Decker Steve Paine Kenny Brightbill
10/10/99 188 Kenny Tremont Kenny Brightbill Tim Fuller
10/11/98 191 Billy Decker Bud Christmann Dick Larkin
10/12/97 188 Danny Johnson Jeff Heotzler Brett Hearn
10/13/96 188 Doug Hoffman Danny Johnson Kenny Tremont
10/8/95 188 Brett Hearn Dave Blaney Steve Paine
10/9/94 188 Jimmy Horton Dave Blaney Danny Johnson
10/10/93 188 Brett Hearn Kenny Tremont Bob McCreadie
10/11/92 135 Rich Tobias,Jr. Randy Glenski Frank Cozze
10/13/91 188 Brett Hearn Steve Paine Jack Johnson
10/7/90 188 Brett Hearn Alan Johnson Jeff Trombley
10/8/89 188 Alan Johnson Dave Blaney C.D. Coville
10/9/88 188 Kenny Brightbill Jimmy Horton Alan Johnson
10/11/87 188 Jimmy Horton Charlie Rudolph Doug Hoffman
10/12/86 125 Bob McCreadie Billy Pauch Jack Johnson
10/13/85 125 Brett Hearn Jack Johnson Bob McCreadie
10/7/84 125 Jack Johnson Carl Collis Merv Treichler
10/9/83 125 Alan Johnson Merv Treichler Dave Lape
10/10/82 125 Merv Treichler Alan Johnson Brett Hearn
10/11/81 125 Merv Treichler Lou Blaney Brett Hearn
10/12/80 125 Gary Balough Buzzie Reutimann Frank Cozze
10/7/79 125 Jack Johnson Will Cagle Ken Brenn,Jr.
10/1/78 100 Gary Balough Frank Cozze Stan Ploski
4/15/78 100 Gary Balough Dick Tobias Elvin Felty
10/3/76 100 Gary Balough Bobby Gerhart Will Cagle
9/28/75 100 Dick Tobias Billy Osmun Wayne Reutimann
9/29/74 95 Billy Osmun Merv Treichler Gary Balough
9/30/73 100 Buz.Reutimann Tommy Corellis Will Cagle
10/1/72 100 Buz.Reutimann Jerry Cook Stan Ploski
Cozze Capsule: With 2008 marking Cozze’s 24th Rite Aid 200 since qualifying for his first Super DIRT Week main event in 1977, the popular Pennsylvanian still earned a good chunk of change even after failing to make the starting field in his 1976 debut on the Syracuse Mile. “I didn’t make it in my first try so the guys brought up a car for me drive that year at Waterloo Speedway,” recalled Cozze, who finished 27th in his second try at Syracuse, placed second in 1978 then ran third behind bespectacled Buzzie Reutimann as Gary Balough steered the infamous ‘Batmobile’ to victory in the 1980 fall classic. “Back then I only had $100 with me and went over to Waterloo on Saturday night and won the 76-lap race and got $1,700. Until today, that was probably the closest I got to winning at Syracuse.” The highest his father ever reached at Syracuse was seventh in the 1973 SDW event with Budd Olsen behind the wheel of the familiar Cozze #44. In the aftermath of that Labor Day event in 1968 with the late Al Tasnady buckled into the Cozze car, Olsen finished 11th in the inaugural show in ’72 to plant the seed for another generation.
Dig Safely Shootout Qualifiers & More: Central New York Modified veteran Pat Ward led flag-to-flag to capture top honors Sunday in the Dig Safely New York Shootout on the final day of SDW XXXVII competition. With only three spots up for grabs towards making the starting grid for the Rite Aid 200 later that same afternoon, runner-up Jeff Brownell Jr. and race rookie Roy Bresnahan joined Ward in advancing to the Syracuse finale boasting $1,500 just to start. “We’ve had two very sleepless nights,” divulged Ward, 51 after copping the 20-lap last chance qualifier that included 16 of the 24 cars scheduled, with Vince Gagliardo Jr. giving up his no. 66 Vince’s Automotive & Towing/Troyer ride to past Rite Aid champion Richie Tobias hoping to make the field.
“We got a bad draw for time trials and then lined up in probably the toughest heat, we just didn’t have any luck most of the week. But the car is driving excellent so I’ve had a good feeling coming in.” Ballooning the starting line-up to 46 cars were the addition of Saturday night’s Pullen’s Truck Center “Win And You’re In” Big-Block/Small-Block Super Shootout victor Chad Brachmann (45th) at Cayuga County plus past champion Tobias.
SDW Tape-Delayed On SPEED Channel: In showcasing the 37th Annual Super DIRT Week at Syracuse, SPEED Channel will offer two hours of tape-delayed coverage showcasing the headline Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Rite Aid 200 Modified Championship. The Big-Block finale run off on Sunday, October 12 will be aired by SPEED on Saturday, Oct. 25, with the two-hour program beginning at 8 p.m., EST. Second-generation Big-Block Modified star Tim McCreadie will join popular color analyst Shane Andrews in the booth to give lap-by-lap coverage while roving trackside reporters Roger Slack and Sarah Hunt will be teaming up to provide exclusive pit notes throughout the Rite Aid 200 main event.
Rite Aid Winner Appearance: Fans will get to meet ’08 Rite Aid 200 winner Frank Cozze when he makes his first post-race public appearance on Monday, October 13 at the Rite Aid Store on 5380 Taft Rd. in North Syracuse, NY. An autograph appearance and photo session is scheduled from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and the first 50 fans will receive a FREE Rite Aid Racing Hat. The Rite Aid 200 culminates Rite Aid’s season long motorsports promotion staged at numerous Rite Aid Store locations across the East Coast that have featured DIRTcar driver appearances, race cars, the Rite Aid “cut-away” Modified, free autograph cards and free tickets to Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier Races.
FINAL EVENT
The final extra-distance event on the 2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series schedule arrives next weekend with the 47th Eastern States Championship at Orange County Fair Speedway bringing the curtain down on Oct. 19. Activity begins Fri., Oct. 19 with DIRTcar Modified practice followed by Integra Shocks Time Trials. More Modified practice and Big-Block heats run Saturday while the Sunday show kicks off with Big-Block consis to set the stage for the season-ending 125-mile Modified main.
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
*All events subject to change.
NP=Non-Point event.
Day-Date Track Winner/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier (Location)
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Billy Decker(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Dale Planck(G)
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway D.Planck/Danny Johnson(P)
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway B.Decker/Brett Hearn(P)
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway B.Decker/Robbie Krull(P)
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway B.Decker/Jimmy Phelps(P)
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Brett Hearn(G)
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond D.Planck/Steve Paine(P)
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway B.Decker/Jeff Strunk(P)
Thr-Jul 17 Georgetown Speedway H.J. Bunting III(G)
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway B.Hearn/Chuck McKee(P)
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Jimmy Phelps(G)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Vic Coffey(P)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Justin Haers(P)
Fri-Aug 15 Brewerton Speedway B.Decker/Gary Tomkins(P)
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park Gary Tomkins(G)
Sun-Aug 17 Cornwall Motor Speedway G.Tomkins/Carey Terrance(P)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Alan Johnson(G)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway B.Decker/Frankie Caprara(P)
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway B.Decker/Roy Bresnahan(P)
Sat-Sep 7 Lebanon Valley Speedway Andy Bachetti(G)
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Rain-Cancelled
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway A.Johnson/Tim Fuller(P)
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway A.Johnson/Vince Vitale(P)
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Frank Cozze
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
-end-
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series
Race #25
New York State Fairgrounds
Syracuse, New York
"Super DIRT Week XXXVII"
Sunday - October 12, 2008
37th Rite Aid 200
1. Frank Cozze/Wind Gap,PA
2. Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
3. Duane Howard/Oley,PA
4. Stewart Friesen/Niagara-o-t-Lake,ONT
5. Tim Fuller/Edwards,NY
6, J.R. Heffner/Pittsfield,MA
7. Eddie Marshall/Ridgefield,CT
8. Billy Dunn/Watertown,NY
9. Keith Flach/Ravena,NY
10. Justin Haers/Phelps,NY
11. Ryan Phelps/Fulton,NY
12. Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
13. Mitch Gibbs/North Norwich,NY
14. Jimmy Horton/Neshanic Station,NJ
15. Andy Bachetti/Great Barrington,MA
16. Jeff Brownell Jr./Geneva,NY
17. Vince Vitale/Phoenix,NY
18. Rick Laubach/Hellertown,PA
19. Donnie Corellis/Averill Park,NY
20. David Hebert/St.Damase,QUE
21. Frankie Caprara/Watertown,NY
22. Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY
23. Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
24. Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY
25. Ronnie Johnson/Duanesburg,NY
26. Roy Bresnahan/Fulton,NY®
27. Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
28. Bobby Varin/Sharon Springs,NY
29. Ric Hill/Lafayette,NJ®
30. Pat Ward/Genoa,NY
31. Shawn Reimert / Oley,PA
32. Chris Higgins/Syracuse,NY®
33. Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY®
34. * Alan Johnson/Middlesex,NY
35. Dale Planck/Cortland,NY
36. Chad Brachmann/Sanborn,NY
37. Mike Perrotte/Elizabethtown,NY
38. Ryan Godown/Ringoes,NJ
39. Brian Swartzlander/Leechburg,PA®
40. Dave Rauscher/Waterloo,NY®
41. Jason Barney/Constantia,NY
42. Jack Johnson/Duanesburg,NY
43. Kenny Tremont/West Sand Lake,NY
44. Richie Tobias Jr.Annville,PA
45. Vic Coffey/Leicester,NY
46. Steve Paine/Waterloo,NY
*Alan Johnson drove #88 car not qualified by Steve Hulsizer.
EVENT SUMMARY:
LAP LEADERS: Sheppard (1-49), Hearn (50-61), Hebert (62-70), Haers (71-102), Vitale (103-123), Cozze (124-200).
TOTAL LAPS LED: 77-Cozze, 49-Sheppard, 32-Haers, 21-Vitale, 12-Hearn, 9-Hebert.
LEAD CHANGES: 5 among 6 drivers.
CAUTIONS: 17 for 84 laps.
ELAPSED TIME: 2 hrs. 39 mins. 47 secs.
AVERAGE SPEED: 75.100 mph.
MARGIN OF VICTORY: .480 sec.
FREIHOFER'S ROOKIE OF THE RACE $2,000 AWARD: Roy Bresnahan.
BERT HARD CHARGER: Frank Cozze.
A-1 RACE PRODUCTS HARD CHARGER: Frank Cozze.
DIG SAFELY NY-PROMOTION-PDG LAP 100 LEADER $5,000 AWARD: Justin Haers.
SHARON'S TOY RITE AID 200 CHAMPION $3,000 BONUS: Frank Cozze.
SHARON'S TOY RITE AID 200 5TH-PLACE $1,000 BONUS: Tim Fuller.
SHARON'S TOY RITE AID 200 TOP OCFS FINISHER $1,000 BONUS: Brett Hearn.
GATER RACING NEWS BEST APPEARING CAR & CREW: #2 - Ronnie Johnson.
BUDD OLSEN SPEED SUPPLIES HARD LUCK AWARD: Rick Laubach.
AREA AUTO RACING NEWS HARD LUCK AWARD: Rick Laubach.
NYSSCA 'TOP MEMBER' AWARD: Matt Sheppard.
AMERICAN TRADITIONS MOTORSPORTS POLE WINNER: Tim Fuller (30.160 sec/119.363 mph).
TEO PRO CAR OUTSIDE POLE WINNER: Matt Sheppard (30.461 sec/118.184 mph).
MAURI HOLBROOK MEMORIAL FAST TIME OF WEEK AWARD: Tim Fuller (30.160 sec/119.363 mph).
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS TRIPLE-20 RACE WINNERS: Jack Johnson, Matt Sheppard, Brett Hearn.
DIG SAFELY NEW YORK SHOOTOUT RACE WINNER: Pat Ward.
CARS ENTERED: 75.
RACE ROOKIES®: 6.
-end-
Young & Old Savor Syracuse Advance Auto Parts Modified Triple 20s Victories
Syracuse, NY – October 10, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director
The Advance Auto Parts DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Triple 20 qualifying heats held at the New York State Fairgrounds on Friday offered a glimpse of the new and the old --- for race fans attending the 37th edition of Super DIRT Week on the Syracuse Mile it was a chance to reminisce about what once was, what is now, and what may become in the seasons ahead.
Spanning two-generations of success at the historic Syracuse Mile, veteran Jack Johnson earned a popular victory in the 20-mile opener while rising star Matt Sheppard copped the second leg and all-time Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Champion Brett Hearn topped the field in round three. Johnson had not won a qualifier at the fairgrounds since 1997 while Hearn’s most recent heat win was his 14th in the Salt City. Sheppard’s riple 20 triumph worth $4,000 was only his second since joining the Big-Block ranks in the new millennium.
“I love this place, especially when you’re fast,” remarked Johnson, who turned 64 in September and competed in the inaugural Syracuse show in 1972 (finished 8th) then went on to capture Rite Aid crowns in 1979 and 1984. Prior to not starting last year’s 200-lapper, the Duanesburg, New York veteran only missed out on the 1983 race. “If you’re not fast it’s a tough place. Right now I feel pretty good.”
“I’ve got a heckuva team behind me, these guys worked really hard just to get the car here. Its actually Ronnie’s (Jack’s son) car from last year so its a good piece. I feel bad for Timmy (Fuller) on that restart, it was a tough break, but that’s the way it goes I guess,” added Johnson, who will start ninth in Sunday’s Rite Aid 200 with his son Ronnie filling alongside in 10th spot on the 45-car grid.
The elder Johnson started fifth in the opening heat and watched as runner-up Jimmy Phelps shredded a right rear tire to end his day and leader Fuller was docked two positions for jumping for the second time on a lap nine restart. Johnson had overtaken Kenny Tremont and Dale Planck in the early stages and found himself at the head of class after Fuller was dismissed early prior to the halfway point. From there, Jumpin’ Jack held off Tremont, Fuller, Moody Mile master Billy Decker and third-generation Canadian chauffeur Stewart Friesen to park the familiar orange Witz Roofing no. 12A Palmer's Service-Krug Builders/TEO mount in victory lane.
Ronnie Johnson out-dragged pole-sitter Sheppard down the front stretch to begin the second qualifier before Ron Smoker, Jason Herrington and Casey Swamp made contact in the first turn to force out the first yellow flag. Johnson chose the inside lane on the restart and once Sheppard beat his front row partner to the first corner only second-place was up grabs the remainder of the way.
“Wow, those restarts were something else … a little scary and a little slick getting into turn one,” said Sheppard, 26, a past winner of both the Sportsman Modified and 358-Modified mains during Super DIRT Week with only the Rite Aid 200 missing from his portfolio. The Waterloo, New Yorker starts outside the front row on Sunday to begin his latest quest at Syracuse. “I thought I had Ronnie the first time, he just snuck around me and I don’t know how. He got it sideways and I was sideways but he got it to stick. Then I was up top and was able to sneak back around him. From there on out the car was perfect,” Sheppard said.
Once ahead of the pack, Sheppard and Johnson pulled away at will, leaving Mitch Gibbs, J.R. Heffner and Jason Barney to battle for front-five positions almost a straightaway behind.
Hearn took advantage of his pole-position start to lead the distance in the third and final Advance Auto Parts Triple 20, surviving no less than four caution periods in the longest qualifier of the afternoon on the Syracuse Mile.
“That’s a pretty good day,” summed up Hearn, 50, after ending the day with his second checkered flag that resulted in a $5,000 payday for the 1978 Rite Aid 200 rookie of the race and the winningest driver in the history of the storied State Fairgrounds oval. “I’ve got great people behind me paying attention to all the details and this right here is why.”
“But I’ve been down this road before when everything is clicking until Sunday arrives. Anything can happen here and usually does. This car has been so smooth I really enjoy driving it. Right now my guys are going to go back and work their butts off and get ready for Sunday, that’s when we find out how good things really are this week,” added Hearn, after sweeping both Big-Block and Small-Block qualifying heats on the same day for the sixth time in his career. The five-time Rite Aid 200 winner will file into third on Sunday’s starting grid looking for his 101st Advance Series victory, this being the biggest as a $50,000 grand-prize goes to the 200-mile winner.
Hearn never trailed in his heat and following in his shadow across the stripe were young wheelmen Vince Vitale, Justin Haers and Bobby Varin, with each earning a coveted starting berth in the richest DIRTcar Modified event in the Northeast.
Time trials (6), Lebanon Valley 200 winner (1), Rolling Wheels 200 winner(1), qualifying races (30), BRP Tour winner and two guaranteed starters from the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series bring the total to 41 cars before the 'Dig Safely New York Shootout' last-chance consolation round on Sunday morning and Saturday night shootout at Cayuga County Fair Speedway complete the 45-car starting grid for Sunday's headline Rite Aid 200 finale scheduled for 2:15 p.m.
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SUPER DIRT WEEK XXXVII
MODIFIED TRIPLE 20s @ NYS Fairgrounds, Oct. 10
RACE RESULTS
Advance Auto Parts Heat #1
FIN CAR# DRIVER
1 12A Jack Johnson/Duanesburg,NY
2 115 Kenny Tremont/West Sand Lake,NY
3 19F Tim Fuller/Edwards,NY
4 91 Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY
5 44 Stewart Friesen/Niagara-o-t-Lake,ONT
6 77X Dale Planck/Cortland,NY
7 26 Ryan Godown/Ringoes,NJ
8 98 Eddie Marshall/Ridgefield,CT
9 35 Mike Perrotte/Elizabethtown,NY
10 44C Frank Cozze/Wind Gap,PA
11 1H David Hebert/St.Damase,QUE
12 42P Pat Ward/Genoa,NY
13 28P Eldon Payne,Jr./Hopewell,NY
14 16 Mike Bowman/Baldwinsville,NY
15 87x Paul Gilardi/Pittsfield,MA
16 347 George 'Skippy' Fox/Springfield,MA
17 M40 Mark Forte Jr./Blue Anchor,NJ
18 22 Larry Lampman Jr./Port Colborne,ONT
19 21M Bob McGannon/Garnerville,NY
20 98H Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
21 96 Todd Milton/Auburn,NY
22 42 Pete Bicknell/St.Catharines,ONT
Advance Auto Parts Heat #2
FIN CAR# DRIVER
1 9S Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
2 2 Ronnie Johnson/Duanesburg,NY
3 55 Mitch Gibbs/North Norwich,NY
4 88 J.R. Heffner/Pittsfield,MA
5 35X Jason Barney/Constantia,NY
6 4 Duane Howard/Oley,PA
7 99 Ryan Phelps/Fulton,NY
8 57 Donnie Corellis/Averill Park,NY
9 14 Rick Laubach/Hellertown,PA
10 32C Vic Coffey/Leicester,NY
11 7 Jimmy Horton/Neshanic Station,NJ
12 48too Dave Rauscher/Waterloo,NY
13 88H Steve Hulsizer/Bridgeport,NY
14 29 Jeff Brownell Jr./Geneva,NY
15 37 Jason Herrington/Troy,NY
16 24 Chris Shultz/Pawling,NY
17 3B Chad Brachmann/Sanborn,NY
18 44S Casey Swamp/Akwesasne,NY
19 1NY Greg Atkins/Clintonville,NY
20 220 John Ferrier/Middletown,NY
21 14J Alan Johnson/Middlesex,NY
22 7X Steve Paine/Waterloo,NY
23 62R Ron Smoker/Hamburg,NY
Advance Auto Parts Heat #3
FIN CAR# DRIVER
1 20 Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
2 49 Billy Dunn/Watertown,NY
3 56 Vince Vitale/Phoenix,NY
4 3 Justin Haers/Phelps,NY
5 1 Bobby Varin/Sharon Springs,NY
6 84 Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY
7 J66 Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
8 99L Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY
9 53 Ric Hill/Lafayette,NJ
10 41 Shawn Reimert / Oley,PA
11 19H Chris Higgins/Syracuse,NY
12 FX1 Frankie Caprara/Watertown,NY
13 83 Brian Swartzlander/Leechburg,PA
14 37X Tom Scheetz Jr./Boyertown,PA
15 87 Hector Stratton/Bennington,VT
16 02 Roy Bresnahan/Fulton,NY
17 66 Vince Gagliardo Jr./Reading,PA
18 43 Keith Flach/Ravena,NY
DNS 34 Andy Bachetti/Great Barrington,MA
DNS 21 Yan Bussiere/Drummondville,QUE
DNS 4S Brad Shova/North Bangor,NY
DNS 66X Carey Terrance/Hogansburg,NY
-end-
Rauscher, Lampman, Bowman & Middleton Back To Futures In Syracuse
Syracuse, NY – October 9, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director
The third day of activity at the New York State Fairgrounds during Super DIRT Week XXXVII closed out under the lights and for the second straight year ‘Futures’ events for Big-Block Modified, 358-Modified, Sportsman Modified and UMP Pro Stock classes were part of the Thursday program. Every competitor was in search of valuable track time on the storied Syracuse Mile and when the final checkered flag dropped at dusk, 75 future stars had taken advantage of this rare opportunity.
Mirroring last year’s format, the DIRTcar 358-Modifieds were the first to hit the track, with a baker’s dozen taking the initial green flag. Regular Sportsman campaigner Jeremy Wilder, fresh off his Mr. DIRTcar Series win at Fulton Speedway last Saturday, jumped out to the early lead before Canadian invader Larry Lampman Jr. took control for good on a lap 10 restart.
“The 22 got a good jump on me on the very start and they gave me that caution flag so I had to give it back to him,” said Lampman, from Port Colborne, Ontario, who cruised out to nearly a 3/4-straightaway lead over Wilder at the end of 15 laps. Autodrome Drummond racing promoter Yan Bussiere crossed the line third ahead of 2007 Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Champion Joe Williams and Small-Block Series follower Tommy Flannigan.
Towing in the last car to go through inspection on Tuesday night, Dave Rauscher was first in line to take the green flag as he led the entire 18-lap distance in the Big-Block Modified main for Futures entries. The Waterloo, New York chauffeur held nothing back in traffic, opening up a 15 car-length margin of victory to enter his name in the Super DIRT Week record book.
“We’ve looked a lot worse going backwards down that front stretch, it was a pleasure to go by and not have any trouble,” noted Rauscher, who scored a comfortable win ahead of Orange County Fair Speedway stalwart Ric Hill, 15 year-old driver Larry Wight, 49 year-old Super DIRT Week rookie Brian Swartzlander and ’08 Big-Block Modified rookie Chris Higgins.
Following the Big-Block Modified Time Trials, a healthy field of 34 Sportsman Modified drivers turned trackside for a 20-lap main event that evolved into one of the most entertaining events of the new millennium on the Moody Mile. Eventual winner Mike Bowman from St. Catharines, Ontario, Jean Boissonneault arriving from Granby, Quebec and local driver Earl Rudy from nearby Phoenix were the main characters in the nip-and-tuck affair that featured three lead changes and one final two lap dash for cash after a late race caution.
Bowman grabbed the early lead before Rudy charged past followed immediately by Boissoneault as Bowman got out of shape on lap eight. Rudy matched Bowman’s misfortune on lap 10 and dropped to third at the halfway point as Boissoneault took command. Bowman shadowed the Frenchman in traffic until forging ahead for good on lap 17. Just as Rudy regained second and was about to make another bid for the lead, he slammed into the outside retaining wall in turns three and four to force out the final yellow flag on lap 19. Bowman was up to the challenge and out-distanced Boissonneault for the thrilling victory as Anthony Rizzardo, Cody McPherson and Mike Ruggiero filed in among the front-five.
“It was pretty intense out there banging bars at over 100 mph down the straightaway, its something else,” Bowman commented afterwards. “Its my first win since May and now I can finally say I won in the states.”
As the sun started to set beyond the turn three end of the speedway, 12 Pro Stockers reached the track for the day’s Futures finale and front-runners Mike Middleton and Steve Hankle didn’t let their fans down in the 10-lap affair. Fast timer on the day Hankle started just as quick before Middleton made the first pass for the lead on lap three. Hankle snatched it back just past the midway point yet it was Middleton sticking his nose low in turn three and coming out clean with two to go to take top honors.
“Your car is always better in certain spots than others so we went back and forth there pretty good for a while,” acknowledged Middleton, after edging ahead of Hankle for a three car-length victory with second-generation driver Sheldon Martin, another Frenchman Bruno Cyr and Capital District runner Mark Shadic rounding out the top-five. “We didn’t race much this year due to finances, so we saved up all summer and it was definitely worth it today coming home first.”
Super DIRT Week XXXVII action continues on Friday afternoon with the Advance Auto Parts Big-Block Modified Triple 20s and Pullen’s Truck Center 358-Modified Twin 20s taking center stage on the NYS Fairgrounds oval followed immediately by P & M Fabrication/Motorsports Safety Systems Sportsman Time Trials. But that’s not all as the action then moves over to Rolling Wheels Raceway Park for a 358-Modified/Sportsman Mr. DIRTcar Series doubleheader while Cayuga County hosts round no. 4 of the Mr. DIRTcar Street Stock Championship Series.
*Determined feature race starting positions.
MODIFIED
FAST AVE
TIME MPH CAR# DRIVER
1 31.832 113.094 48too Dave Rauscher/Waterloo,NY-f
2 31.998 112.507 53 Ric Hill/Lafayette,NJ-f
3 32.073 112.244 99L Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY
4 32.088 112.191 83 Brian Swartzlander/Leechburg,PA-f
5 32.207 111.777 87 Hector Stratton/Bennington,VT
6 32.225 111.715 19H Chris Higgins/Syracuse,NY-f
7 32.408 111.084 37 Jason Herrington/Troy,NY-f
8 32.440 110.974 M40 Mark Forte Jr./Blue Anchor,NJ-f
9 32.511 110.732 02 Roy Bresnahan/Fulton,NY-f
10 32.643 110.284 87x Paul Gilardi/Pittsfield,MA-f
11 32.774 109.843 21 Yan Bussiere/Drummondville,QUE
12 33.017 109.035 28P Eldon Payne,Jr./Hopewell,NY-f
13 33.191 108.463 44 Casey Swamp/Akwesasne,NY-f
14 33.356 107.927 37X Tom Scheetz Jr./Boyertown,PA-f
15 33.565 107.255 51 Jim VanAnden/Stormville,NY-f
16 33.762 106.629 66 Vince Gagliardo Jr./Reading,PA-f
17 33.958 106.013 3 Kim LaVoy/Nassau,NY
18 34.371 104.739 347 George 'Skippy' Fox/Springfield,MA-f
19 34.507 104.327 1NY Greg Atkins/Clintonville,NY-f
20 -NT- ----- 19 Joe Williams/Scotia,NY-f
21 -NT- ----- 22J Jeremy Wilder/Fort Plain,NY-f
22 -NT- ----- 22L Larry Lampman Jr./Port Colborne,ONT-f
358-MODIFIED
1 31.906 112.831 22L Larry Lampman Jr./Port Colborne,ONT-f
2 32.553 110.589 22J Jeremy Wilder/Fort Plain,NY-f
3 32.677 110.169 72 Tommy Flannigan/St.Catharines,ONT
4 32.726 110.004 21 Yan Bussiere/Drummondville,QUE
5 33.160 108.565 28P Eldon Payne,Jr./Hopewell,NY-f
6 33.169 108.535 19 Joe Williams/Scotia,NY-f
7 33.487 107.504 3 Kim LaVoy/Nassau,NY
8 33.572 107.232 5R Rob Hile/Syracuse,NY-f
9 33.634 107.035 99L Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY
10 33.720 106.762 44 Casey Swamp/Akwesasne,NY-f
11 33.722 106.755 4B Dan Burl/East Nassau,NY-f
12 33.798 106.515 41B Brian Gagliardo/Bethel,PA-f
13 33.939 106.073 51 Jim VanAnden/Stormville,NY-f
14 33.974 105.963 1NY Greg Atkins/Clintonville,NY-f
15 33.987 105.923 7A Al Blanchard/Fenwick,ONT
SPORTSMAN MODIFIED
1 34.893 103.173 16 Earl Rudy/Phoenix,NY-f
2 35.014 102.816 71 Mike Bowman/St.Catharines,ONT-f
3 35.034 102.757 61X Jean Boissonneault/Granby,QUE-f
4 35.158 102.395 51 Cody McPherson/St.Catharines,ONT-f
5 35.251 102.125 88 Phil LaVare/Clifton Springs,NY-f
6 35.291 102.009 52 James Friesen/St.Catharines,ONT-f
7 35.521 101.348 4R Mike Ruggiero/Newburgh,NY
8 35.558 101.243 99$ Anthony Rizzardo/Jordan,ONT
9 35.622 101.061 17 Marcus Dinkins/Watkins Glen,NY-f
10 35.638 101.016 22Z Zach Amo/Ogdensburg,NY-f
11 35.661 100.951 6 Mat Williamson/St.Catharines,ONT-f
12 35.671 100.922 55 Matt Hulsizer/Bridgeport,NY-f
13 35.710 100.812 B40 Ryan Forte/Blue Anchor,NJ
14 35.723 100.775 33 Matt Hitchcock/Stony Point,NY-f
15 35.763 100.663 16A Aaron Jacobs/Frankfort,NY-f
16 35.772 100.637 MR18 Brad Rouse/St.Catharines,ONT-f
17 35.972 100.078 17M Mark Olmstead Jr./Elbridge,NY-f
18 36.059 99.836 01 Chris Raabe/Napanee,ONT-f
19 36.089 99.753 18H Justin Henderson/Canandaigua,NY-f
20 36.091 99.748 96 Corey Andersen/Mullica Hill,NJ-f
21 36.383 98.947 M1 David Marcuccilli/Cayuga,NY-f
22 36.582 98.409 67g Eric Giguere/Waterloo,NY
23 36.794 97.842 44V John Venuto/Elba,NY-f
24 36.837 97.728 05 Anthony Marro/Saratoga Springs,NY-f
25 36.838 97.725 81 Shawn Cassidy/Bethel,VT-f
26 37.232 96.691 19w Justin Wright/Piffard,NY
27 37.745 95.377 28W Sandy Pembleton/Lewiston,NY-f
28 37.747 95.372 17k Sammy Reakes III/Palermo,NY
29 37.832 95.158 2 Matt Smith/Canandaigua,NY-f
30 37.856 95.097 14 Scott Duell/Ballston Spa,NY
31 37.875 95.050 11m Christine Martin/Wellesley Island,NY
32 37.982 94.782 7 Gino Postrivo/Mantua,NJ-f
33 38.068 94.568 4 Daryl Hilkert/Middlesex,NY-f
34 38.360 93.848 20 Jack Gentile/Ballston Lake,NY-f
35 -NT- ----- 10B Gary Nickerson/Memphis,NY-f
36 -NT- ----- 93J Randy Davis/Voorheesville,NY-f
Big Block Modified Series Feature (18-laps): DAVE RAUSCHER, Ric Hill, Larry Wight, Brian Swartzlander, Chris Higgins, Jason Herrington, Paul Gilardi, Eldon Payne Jr., Tom Scheetz Jr., Yan Bussiere, Roy Bresnahan, Casey Swamp, Skip Fox, Hector Stratton, Vince Gagliardo Jr., Mark Forte Jr.
358 Modified Series Feature (10-laps): LARRY LAMPMAN JR., Jeremy Wilder, Yan Bussiere, Joe Williams Jr., Tommy Flannigan, Kim LaVoy, Jim VanAnden, Casey Swamp, Al Blanchard, Greg Atkins, Dan Burl, Larry Wight, Brian Gagliardo.
Sportsman Modified Series Feature (20-laps): MIKE BOWMAN, Jean Boissoneault, Anthony Rizzardo, Cody McPherson, Mike Ruggiero, Matt Hitchcock, Matt Hulsizer, Phil LaVare, Brad Rouse, Gino Pastrivo, Mat Williamson, Zach Amo, Chris Raabe, Mark Olmstead Jr., Anthony Marro, Corey Anderson, Justin Henderson, Scott Duell, Justin Wright, Dave Marcuccilli, Sandy Pembleton, Matt Smith, Eric Giguere, Jack Gentile, Shawn Cassidy, Christine Martin, Earl Rudy, John Venuto, Dean Patterson, James Friesen, Ryan Forte, Marcus Dinkins, Daryl Hilkert, Aaron Jacobs.
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Big Blocks Open Super DIRT Week XXXVII With Wednesday ‘Happy Hour’
Syracuse, NY – October 8, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director
Billy Decker's big block modified in inspection line on Wednesday at Syracuse. Photo © Jay Fish.
The New York State Fairgrounds got back on track Wednesday afternoon as the Big Block Modifieds were in town to open trackside activity and kick off Super DIRT Week for the 37th straight year. Customary technical inspections led off activities in the morning under the main grandstands and when the first green flag flew after 2:30 p.m., more than 80 cars were ready to make their mark on the Moody Mile during the two-hour hot lap session.
Just as opening day ‘Happy Hour’ festivities came to halt at 4:45 p.m., the overcast skies began to empty as light rain fell over the fairgrounds and sent teams home for another day. “We started early because all the teams were ready and it turned out to be a good move,” said Assistant Pit Steward Denis Moquin. “We wanted to get in a couple hours and that was just what we got today, nothing more.”
Posting the fastest time during the afternoon was four-time Rite Aid 200 Champion Billy Decker in the no. 91 Gypsum Wholesalers/Bicknell entry. The Unadilla, New York veteran circled the historic fairgrounds oval in a time of 31.751 sec. for an average speed of 113.382 mph. Decker was one of just four drivers to crack the 32-second barrier followed closest by 2007 Rite Aid pole winner Jimmy Phelps, defending SDW 358-Modified Champion Brett Hearn and second-generation standout Ronnie Johnson in the since revamped no. 2 Wm.Larned-Palmer's Service-Morris Auto Group/TEO ride.
“The track is still 2-3 seconds off where it normally is for time trials,” said Decker, himself a three-time pole-winner (2003-05), who currently tops the Advance Series point standings with a record-tying 10 tour wins registered this season. “It always starts out slow and gains speed as the week goes on. We were looking for any kind of vibration today and really just messing around. Syracuse is tough and we’ve been on both ends of the spectrum. Tell you right now, I really like the good weeks we have here much better,” added Decker, who remains the Big-Block track record-holder, touring the Syracuse Mile in a time of 28.348 sec. on Oct. 6, 2004 to establish the current world mark of 126.993 mph in a Modified.
In search of his second quick time at the fairgrounds, Phelps waited for the track to get run in a bit before taking the H&H Motorsports no. 98H Joe Gibbs Oil-Mohawk Northeast-New England Race Fuels/Troyer machine out for its maiden voyage. “The car was as good as it needed to be and we did what we had to do out there today,” said Phelps, who has time trialed among the six fastest the past three autumns in Syracuse. “The track still needs to get a lot more laps on it and a little more sun.”
“The biggest thing today was being able to scuff up some tires and get some heat in them. Now I can go home and sleep in my own bed, that’s one advantage of living close by. Being the Super Bowl for us makes this whole week even better with a lot of family and friends around. I’ve been coming here so long, but some guys here were probably putting in laps before I ever saw the place. We’re looking forward to the rest of the week, we’re just where we want to be at this stage,” Phelps noted.
Following the front-four on the speed chart were top Frenchman David Hebert (32.025 sec.), two-time Syracuse titlist Jack Johnson (32.026), Southern Tier invader Mitch Gibbs (32.036), Central New York standout and two-time race winner Danny Johnson (32.048), recently crowned Lebanon Valley Speedway points co-champion J.R. Heffner (32.163) and Orange County Fair Speedway favorite Chris Shultz (32.204).
2008 DIRTcar Big-Block rookie contender Chris Higgins from Syracuse was the first car to reach the track at 2:38 p.m. before the afternoon session was stopped under caution at 5:43 when Wayne Jelley suffered a broken axle in his K&F Modular Homes no. 45 Freedom Plains-Advance Auto/TEO mount. The top 29 cars were timed within a second of each other with 27 of those surpassing the 110 mph barrier.
Super DIRT Week XXXVII activity continues Thursday, Oct. 9 with Big-Block Modified and 358-Modified inspection, then Big-block and Small-Block teams will draw for their time trial order at the infield tote board in the morning. Big-Block practice is scheduled for 10am and practice for 358-Modifieds take place immediately after. The customary Advance Auto Parts 'Media Day' press conference is slated to go off at 12noon in the infield media center.
Combination practice/qualifying sessions for the Sportsman Modiifed and UMP Pro Stock Futures classes begin at 1pm with Troyer Time Trials for the 358-Modified beginning at 1:30. Futures practice and qualifying continue with the Big-Blocks and Small-Blocks at 2:15pm while American Traditions Motorsports/TEO Pro Car Modified Time Trials are scheduled to start at 2:45. Consecutive Futures finales for Big-Blocks, 358-Modifieds, Sportsman Mods and Pro Stocks start at 4 o’clock. In the evening trackside action moves over to Brewerton (NY) Speedway for a Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Series Championship event. Race time is 7:30pm.
SYRACUSE SCRAP BOOK
Jimmy Phelps hasn’t been run his car since last October’s Rite Aid 200, with Kurt Weigel in charge of maintenance. Other than displaying in car shows or participating in training seminars, the car has not been on any track since as Weigel completed general maintenance over the summer with every detail covered during the past three weeks.
“Last year’s pole wasn’t unexpected, the car was certainly capable and we definitely had a clean lap. Before that we were 3rd fastest in 2006 and 6th best in ’05 so we knew we pretty close. We’ve got the same exact deal going this year with the Troyer car and a good Bruneau engine. Just have to get out of the pits better and put ourselves in a position to win at the end. Don’t want to play catch up again (finished 7th after leading opening 54 laps). Weather was big factor last year making it two lanes for guys to make a choice. You have to keep cars on the track all week to hold rubber and make it that way…..Just the event itself is enough motivation, not really the track but the tradition that surrounds the whole week. I’ve been coming here since I was a kid and I know the Syracuse Mile is a place you’ll be on the edge of your toes all week because you’re never sure what will happen next. To win here would be something I’ve dreamt about my whole life, it puts you in a whole other class,” said Phelps, who grew up rooting for legendary drivers like ‘Jumpin’ Jack Johnson, ‘Barefoot’ Bob McCreadie and the ‘Shillington Slingshot’ Kenny Brightbill --- all past winners of the Super DIRT Week Modified main.
Billy Decker was using same car that carried him to his 4th Rite Aid 200 victory in 2005 when he led 160 of the 200 laps in one of the most dominant performances ever witnessed during SDW. “We were hoping to be lucky and have the Mr. DIRT title sewn up before Syracuse. When we come here its all about winning, its difficult to make a run of it worrying about points. The track is demanding enough even before you consider the competition. Any time you can win here, even go home in one piece, it’s never a bad idea to go home and count your blessings,” Decker figured.
Danny Johnson was back aboard the no. j66 Atlas Paving-Behrent's Performance Warehouse/TEO ride that he drove during the summer in Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series events at Merrittville (Ont.) Speedway and Cayuga County Fair Speedway, placing a season-best second at Merrittville. A two-time Rite Aid 200 Champion, Johnson is fresh off a dramatic $25,000 victory at Fulton Speedway and the last time (2006) he won Fulton’s season-ending Schneider Bros. 200, the Rochester, New York native also captured the Rite Aid title on the Syracuse Mile. “We’re excited to have Danny back with us, he’s definitely got a unique laid back style but he knows what’s going when he gets behind the wheel,” said owner Mike Petruska, who also owns the red no. 66 car that Jeff Heotzler captured the ’07 season points title in at Orange County Fair Speedway as well as last autumn’s Eastern State 200 finale on the Hard Clay. “I’m a crash and burn type of guy, all I want to do is win. And I know winning is what Danny is all about so we work together well. If things go well and Danny gets a deal together next year, I’d be happy to have a car ready as his back-up. To follow a series like this you need a top driver, there’s a lot of finances to cover so you have to have somebody that can go out and knows how to win. We’re coming to Syracuse expecting only one thing ---to win—and Danny’s our man right now.”
SALT CITY SKIDMARKS
Second in Advance Series points only to Billy Decker, just finishing a race on the Syracuse Mile has been a priority for Dale Planck. “I’ve only finished one race around here and that was the 358-Modified event in 1996 (6th). Until last year (ran out of gas with 4 to go) I’ve never even made it past lap 100. Now we’ve got the right fuel system on board but its still our regular Saturday night car just with a new body” ….. Larry Wight was sporting the same sheet metal that adorned his Gypsum Express no. 99 DIRTcar Sportsman ride on his 358-Modified this year with one nine on top of the other ….. After competing in his first DIRTcar-sanctioned 358-Modified show in September at Canandaigua Speedway, Mitch Gibbs is back in Gary Mann’s New York Truck Parts no. 55 TEO entry, this time housing a Big-Block JPM powerplant ….. Matt Sheppard is the one driver registered in the field that has a chance for the Syracuse Triple --- already winning the 358-Modified and Sportsman title races at Super DIRT Week with only the Rite Aid 200 missing from his resume. Brand new “everything” was evidenced from bumper-to-bumper with the JB Motorsports no. 9S Seneca Auto Sales Bicknell/CC Perf.-Finger Lakes ride ….. Regular DIRTcar Sportsman Modified campaigner Loren Lincoln will be serving as crew chief for Jeff Brownell, teammate to Sheppard, during the week. Past experience on the two-way at the Moody Mile goes back to his days with the Thum Racing #12T when Cup competitor and former USAC star J.J. Yeley was buckled in. “I like to be around money, since I don’t have any of my own I’m on the radio here” ….. Bobby Varin was back on the Syracuse Mile in the Gable Motorsports no. 1 TEO car, one that hasn’t been driven since Varin finished 11th in the 2006 Rite Aid 200. With owner Jody Gable regrouping his finances, Billy Pauch even called last year inquiring about the possibility of filling the vacant ride …. DIRTcar track promoters Mike Perrotte (Airborne) and Yan Bussiere (Drummond) took time on Wednesday afternoon with Perrotte clocked 28th quickest and Bussiere 45th fastest in his Small-Block entry. 2008 marks Bussiere’s first-ever visit to the Salt City speedplant with Volusia Speedway Park in Florida his only other racing done in the United States …. Joining Bussiere on the Super DIRT Week rookie list was 49 year-old Pennsylvania pilot Brian Swartzlander, a Western Pa. star touring the fairgrounds oval before only during the summer months.
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Bats In The Belfrey As Inspection Opens Super DIRT Week XXXVII In Syracuse
Ronnie Johnson's big blcok modified goes through inspection for Super Dirt Week in 2007. Photo © Bob Armbruster Jr.
Syracuse, NY – October 7, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director
The scene was reminiscent of the one that took place nearly 30 years ago on Inspection Day to open Super DIRT Week at the New York State Fairgrounds. Another black car was the center of attention on this occasion but a pair of “1s” was missing leaving the no. 2 Modified machine to make its own mark in Moody Mile folklore.
“They’re trying to go back to the Balough days,” remarked Bob Dini, Director of Technical Operations for DIRTcar Racing NorthEast, after scrutinizing the newest creation by TEO Pro Car fabricator Bobby Hearn on Tuesday afternoon. Dini’s reference was to the revolutionary no. 112 Continental Mark X/I Lincoln-bodied Big-Block that led the infiltration of ground-effect cars during the 1980 fall classic which forever changed the Syracuse landscape. “It’s a beautiful car with some good thought behind it and certainly a good design, just not done by the rule book.”
Ironically, Dini was hired by DIRTcar founder Glenn Donnelly immediately following that drubbing of the DIRTcar stars by Floridian Gary Balough in the notorious ‘Batmobile’ machine. “Glenn gave me the rule book and asked why the 112 car was legal. Back then the rules only accounted for minimums so over the winter the whole book was rewritten to include maximum measurements. I even went to the (owner) Ferraiuolo garage in New Jersey and looked at the whole car from front to back. A lot of things were changed after that and we put it in writing to be sure,” Dini added.
After today’s tech team dissected the ultra-aerodynamic Wm. Larned-Palmer's Service-Morris Auto Group entry, Hearn only smiled then came back two hours later with an updated ride that was more conforming to the 2008 Modified guidelines.
“I like to step out of the box once in awhile and the things we changed were not in the rule, we just took advantage of a gray area,” figured Hearn, who began implementing his newest ideas in June making sure the frame and body would work together. His father Gordon Hearn was instrumental in the construction stage as the car came full-circle in its completion just prior to Super DIRT Week. “I’ll be even happier now if we can make it go fast.”
“The car looks a little different so I knew there would be more attention our way. The funny part is, all the things I thought could cause a problem turned out okay. And the those things I never even worried about became big issues. We made all the changes that they told us so hopefully we can come back to be just as strong,” Hearn said.
While the alleged ‘Batmobile 2’ was grabbing all the attention, 79 other cars were checked over by the Dini-led tech team that included experienced assistants Tom Curtis, Rich Lemieux, Jim Malloy, Scott Fremouw George Johnson, Red Muir, Tom Newell and Ken Parsels. Filing away the vital paperwork throughout the seven-hour shift was Joyce Parsels, now serving as Chief Registrar for the 11th season at Super DIRT Week.
“Most cars were only off a little bit in a few areas, from bolts to bumpers and some sheet metal changes, a lot had to do with safety,” noted Curtis, who was a staple pitside throughout the summer at Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series events for the Big-Blocks. “The biggest thing was a lot of cars had used longer fuel lines, something significant around here as every team knows that mileage is the name of the game in any pit stop race.”
For the second straight year, perfect autumn weather conditions greeted race teams on arrival Tuesday afternoon for ‘early bird’ inspection which offered a sneak preview of the many cars and stars signed up for the 37th edition of Super DIRT Week at the Syracuse Mile. Inspection under the main grandstand began at 2:10 p.m. with the last car pushed back into its hauler just after 9 o’clock.
Among the first-day entrants for the headline Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Rite Aid 200 were a number of past champions, including five-time winner Brett Hearn (1985, 1990-91, 1993, 1995), current Advance Series points leader and pre-race favorite Billy Decker (1998, 2000-01, 2005) and veteran Jack Johnson (1979, 1984), father of day one headliner Ronnie Johnson. Hearn is also the defending champion of the ‘Salute to the Troops’ 150 Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Series title race and is back aboard Vinny Salerno’s Four Star Motorsports no. 4 Kruger-Kosakowski Plumbing/TEO mount looking to repeat.
“At Syracuse everything just has to be so right to win on Sunday,” commented Hearn, who remains an early race favorite despite last capturing DIRTcar NorthEast’s crown jewel in 1995. Earlier in the ’08 season the Sussex, New Jersey standout posted his 100th career victory in Advance Series competition on home soil at Orange County Fair Speedway. “In ’95 it was kinda scary how perfect that car was, I haven’t had one quite like it since.”
“Last year the track was probably the best its been in a long time. I think the dust was swept off the outside every night and that really helped widen the groove. We finally had a couple lanes to choose from and a lot of guys found they were able to pass both high and low. I’m hoping the track crew does the same type of job this year, the weather is supposed to be just as good,” Hearn added.
What has becomes standard fare in recent years, teams were afforded the opportunity to fill out registration forms themselves to help speed up the tech process. The honor system has proved successful and the familiarity among the teams passing through the inspection line has made the practice just as efficient. A new trend began yesterday with motors being sealed on the Big-Blocks and roll cages being sealed on all entries with intent of making teams unable to switch cars once qualifying begins.
Super DIRT Week XXXVII activity continues Wednesday, October 8 with more inspection for Big-Block Modified and 358-Modified cars. The first action trackside is slated that afternoon with an extended ‘Happy Hour’ practice session for Advance Auto Parts Modifieds staged from 3-5 p.m. Tomorrow evening open-wheel teams head to the north country as Can-Am Motorsports Park hosts a Mr. DIRTcar Series doubleheader for 358-Modified and Sportsman divisions. Race time is 7:00pm.
The customary Advance Auto Parts 'Media Day' press conference on Thursday, October 9 officially kicks off Super DIRT Week XXXVII with the infield media center staging the popular event beginning at 12 noon followed immediately by Futures practice & qualifying and time trials for both Big-Blocks and 358-Modifieds.
SALT CITY SHORTS
Traditionally reserved only for Big-Block Modified cars and those 358s attempting to either qualifying to gain valuable track time on the Moody Mile, the 2008 edition of Inspection Day marked the first time both Sportsman Modified and UMP Pro Stock entries were allowed to participate. While 55 Mods and 18 Small-Blocks registered, so did a half-dozen Sportsman and one Pro Stock to account for 80 vehicles on day one.
“I just couldn’t wait, I’ve been looking forward to racing on the mile for a long time,” divulged 20-year Pro Stock veteran Dean Charbonneau, 48, who boasted the lone full-fender entry to cross the tech line on Tuesday evening. Also signed up for the ‘Futures’ event, the Clifton Park, New York racer has contended in a handful of Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Series shows over the years and called Fonda Speedway his home track in ’08. “I just wanted to come early and get everything checked over, make sure everything is alright. Don’t want any problems, just can’t wait to get out there and race,” added Charbonneau, who suffered a broken fuel pump on his pick-up truck while heading west toward Syracuse in the morning hours.
A pair of 44s unexpectedly showed up on Tuesday, with third-generation Canadian chauffeur Stewart Friesen registered aboard the M.R.Burdick Enterprises/Jeff Daley and Sons Oil/TEO entry while veteran Frank Cozze’s Waite’s General Contractors/PMC car was one of the last Big-Block cars through the line. “This deal just kind of came together quick, Jeff had a car and Burdick had a Morrison motor so I told them I could drive it,” said Friesen, who finished 2nd at Syracuse last year subbing for Chad Brachmann in the 358-Modified Championship while placing 7th aboard the no. 20 Madsen Overhead Doors machine in the 2005 Big-Block title event. “The car was just put together at the same shop that the Buzz Chew Chevrolet Busch team runs out of north of Old Forge. We’re not really sure how things will turn out yet, but the sun is out and we’re here so that’s a good start.”
While Cozze was expected to arrive at the NYS Fairgrounds on Wednesday, former crew chief Brent Tittle and Dave Hoffman, brother of 1996 Rite Aid 200 winner Doug Hoffman, were waiting in the wings to get Super DIRT Week underway for the Pennsylvania team. “Everything on this car is the way it should be coming to Syracuse,” said Tittle, son of veteran Modified campaigner Butch Tittle. “Nothing is brand new but the chassis is a good and the motor is fresh. All Frank needs here is a little luck here and we’ll be alright.”
The entire DIRTcar Racing community joins in the mourning of respected car owner George Smith Sr, who passed away the evening of Saturday, October 4. Northeast Modified Hall of Famer Billy Osmun steered Smith’s familiar red Statewide #3 Modified to victory in the third-ever Syracuse Championship in 1974 --- back then known as the Schaefer 100 which was shortened to 95 laps that year due to rain. Long-time son-in-law Jimmy Horton and Kenny Brightbill, both Super DIRT Week winners, were among some of the other legendary drivers to strap into the Smith ride and enjoy considerable success up and down the Atlantic Coast.
SUPER DIRT WEEK XXXVII EVENTS SCHEDULE: Oct. 8 - Oct. 12, 2008
*All tmes and events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TIME EVENT
Wed-10/8 8am Advance Auto Parts Mod, 358-Mod , DIRTcar Futures Inspection (under main grandstand);
3-5:00pm Advance Auto Parts Modified ‘Happy Hour’
10pm Pit Area Closed.
7:30pm Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified & Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Series at Can-Am Motorsports Park.
Thr-10/9 8am Pit Gates Open;
8am-10am Inspection Area Open (under main grandstand, AAP Mod, 358 Mod, DIRTcar Futures allowed);
10am Grandstands Open, Advance Auto Parts Modified practice;
11am Syracuse 150 358-Modified Practice;
12:00noon Advance Auto Parts 'Media Day' Press Conference - Infield Conference Bldg;
1 pm DIRTcar Futures Practice/Qualifying (Sportsman, Pro Stock);
1:30pm Troyer, Inc. 358-Modified Time Trials (2-laps, Top-6 Qualify for Front-3 Rows);
2:15pm DIRTcar Futures Practice/Qualifying (358-Modified/Modified);
2:45pm American Traditions Motorsports/Teo Pro Modified Time Trials (2-laps, Top-6 Qualify for Front-3 Rows);
4:00pm DIRTcar ‘Futures’ Feature Events (Modified, 358-Modified, Sportsman, Pro Stock)
10pm Pit Area Closed.
7:30pm Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Series at Brewerton Speedway.
Fri-10/10 8am Pit Gates Open, Town Mechanical, Inc. Sportsman Inspection Open;
10am Grandstands Open, Syracuse 150 358-Modified Practice;
10:45am Advance Auto Parts Rite Aid 200 Modified practice;
11:30am Town Mechanical, Inc. Sportsman Practice;
12noon Pullen’s Truck Center 358-Modified Twin 20s (10 non-qualified cars advance from each);
1:30pm Advance Auto Parts Mod Triple 20s (10 non-qualified cars advance from each);
2:45pm P & M Fabrication and MSS Sportsman Time Trials (2-laps, Top-24 Qualify);
3:00pm Optional Early Bird Pro Stock Inspection (East End of Main Grandstand);
3:30pm Modified Pit Stop Competition;
10pm Pit Area Closed.
7pm Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified & Sportsman Series at Rolling Wheels Raceway.
7:30pm ASCS Patriot Sprints and Mr. DIRTcar Street Stock Series at Cayuga County Fair Speedway.
Sat-10/11 8am Pit Gates Open, BNC Motorsports Pro Stock Inspection Open;
9:00am Syracuse 150 358-Modified Championship Driver and Crew Chief Meeting (in pit building);
9:15am Town Mechanical, Inc. Sportsman Driver's Meeting (in pit building);
9:30am Grandstands Open, Track open for Syracuse 150 358-Modified Final Practice;
10am BNC Motorsports Pro Stock First Practice;
10:30am Town Mechanical, Inc. Sportsman Final Practice;
11:15am BNC Motorsports Pro Stock Practice Second Practice;
11:45am Dig Safely New York Sportsman Last Chance Qualifier;
12:15pm Terrell’s Potato Chips Pro Stock Time Trials (2-laps, Top-24 Qualify);
1:30pm Syracuse 150 358-Modified Championship Pre-Race ceremonies;
2pm Syracuse 358-Modified Championship (150 laps, 40 cars to start);
4pm Town Mechanical, Inc. Sportsman Championship (30 laps, 30 cars to start);
7pm ESS/URC/ASCS PSG Sprint Challenge at Rolling Wheels Raceway.
7:30pm Pullen’s Truck Center presents the SUNY Canton "Win and You're In" Big-Block/Small-Block Twin 25's plus BRP CanAm Late Model Series at Cayuga County Fair Speedway (Mod Overall Winner Earns 45th starting spot in the Rite Aid 200).
Sun-10/12 8am Pit Gates Open;
9:15am BNC Motorsports Pro Stock Driver's Meeting (in pit building);
9:30am AAP Rite Aid 200 Modified Driver and Crew Chief Meeting (in pit building);
10am Grandstands Open, Track Open for Pro Stock Final Practice;
10:20am Advance Auto Parts Series Rite Aid 200 Final practice;
10:45am Dig Safely New York Pro Stock Last Chance Qualifier;
11:15am Dig Safely New York Modified Last Chance Qualifier;
11:45am Mandatory Advance Auto Parts Modified Top-30 Autograph Signing under grandstand (Top 30 in Thursday Time Trials);
12:00pm BNC Motorsports Pro Stock Championship (25 laps, 30 cars to start);
12:45-1:45pm Rite Aid Cold Pit Tour of Pit Row;
1:30pm Rite Aid 200 Modified Championship Pre-Race ceremonies;
2:15pm Rite Aid 200 Modified Championship (200 laps, 44 cars to start)
Mon 10/13 -TBA- Rain Date for Saturday or Sunday events.
1 Day ….. Countdown To Super DIRT Week XXXVII Reaches End!
Weedsport, NY – October 7, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Culminating with the headline Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series ‘Rite Aid 200’ on Sunday, October 12, the start of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse is just 1 day away.
Commemorating the 10th straight season of Series partnership with Advance Auto Parts based in Roanoke, Virginia, 10 of the most famous cars ever to circle the Moody Mile during the Columbus Day speedfest will be highlighted ---in numerical order--- for each of the 10 days leading up to the richest Big-Block Modified event in the nation.
During the past 36 years no less than 407 drivers have qualified for the Rite Aid 200 starting grid, with only 18 able to tame the Moody Mile and capture the crown jewel of DIRTcar Modified Racing in the Northeast. More than half of the winners have gone on to repeat their victorious ride ---often in a different car--- while an elite group of just four were able to celebrate on no less than three occasions. Up to 10 of these same legendary wheelmen that have graced the fairgrounds winner’s circle are expected to compete in the 37th edition when the Salt City comes alive this October.
No better way to end the countdown than with the fourth and final Super DIRT Week triumph for Sunshine State speedster Gary Balough, one that may be the most memorable of all time as it forever changed the NYS Fairgrounds landscape. The 1980 fall classic was infiltrated by ground-effect cars then dominated by the notorious #112 Lincoln-bodied Modified built in Kenny Weld’s Indiana garage. In between, the black “Batmobile” eclipsed the former track time trials standard by more than two seconds and paced the field for a then unheard of 98 of 125 circuits even after making a mandatory pit stop on lap 72. And in the end, the DIRTcar rule book was even rewritten and today the revolutionary Continental Mark X/I sits in the Northeast Modified Hall of Fame adjacent to the Weedsport, New York headquarters for all to see and relive the magic of the Moody Mile.
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Pullen’s ‘Win & You’re In Twins’ Highlight Cayuga County Super DIRT Week Double
Weedsport, NY – October 7, 2008 – By Dan Kapuscinski, Cayuga County Fair Speedway PR Coordinator
Cayuga County Fair Speedway will once again come alive for Super DIRT Week XXXVII on Friday and Saturday October 10-11 with racing starting each night at 7:30pm. The Weedsport oval will host a complete cast of open wheel and full-fender machines across the two-day weekend.
The doubleheader will be kicked off on Friday evening with the Super DIRT Week Open Wheels at the ‘Port Championship for the ASCS Patriot Sprint Series. ASCS Patriot Region Director, Mike Emhof, is expecting between 40-50 winged warriors to come through the gate for the region championship on Friday night of DIRT Week.
Joining the Sprints on the card will be the 6th and final Championship round of the Parts Plus Big 6 Series for DIRTcar Street Stocks, the ESDCA Mod Lites, and the season long Championship for the Cayuga County BattleKarz division.
Saturday will see the Pullen’s Truck Center ‘Win & You’re In Twins’ for the DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds. The overall winner of the Twin 25 main events will earn the final guaranteed starting spot in the Rite Aid 200 Championship at the New York State Fairgrounds.
New for 2008 will be a $400 bonus provided to the guaranteed starter by SUNY Canton. All the guaranteed pilot has to do is display SUNY Canton logos on his car for the Rite Aid 200, becoming the SUNY Canton Modified for the annual fall classic.
Also on tap Saturday night will be the full-fender aces of the BRP CanAm Late Model Series. The ISKY Cams Chase at Super DIRT Week will be a $2,500 pay day for the eventual winner during race #13 of their 14 race schedule.
Tickets for the Weedsport doubleheader will be made available at the gate at two different rates. Friday night adults will be admitted for $20, seniors $18, kids 10-14 are $5 and children 9 and under are FREE. Saturday will see adult admission set at $25, seniors $20, kids 10-14 are $5 while children 9 and under are FREE.
For more information call DIRTcar NE Headquarters at 315/834-6606 or visit www.cayugacountyfairspeedway.com.
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Rolling Wheels Doubleheader Rolls on Into Super DIRT Week XXXVII; Sprint Car Challenge Highlights Weekend on Saturday
Weedsport, NY – October 7, 2008 – By Dan Kapuscinski, Rolling Wheels Raceway PR Coordinator
As a part of Super DIRT Week XXXVII, Rolling Wheels Raceway is offering a fall doubleheader unlike any other. The ‘Fast Track’ will hold two consecutive nights of racing on Friday and Saturday October 10-11 with some of the hottest open wheel action anywhere on the east coast and it all starts each night at 7pm.
Friday night will be highlighted by the Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Series, as they will compete in a 100-lap Championship event presented by SUNY Canton. The Super DIRT Week special for the 358’s will be extra special after losing their event on World Series Weekend due to a rainy two days which saw Friday night’s event cancelled.
Last season Tim Fuller ran to the checkers in the 100-lap event, and Fuller seems to be well in order heading into Super DIRT Week. LaBatt Blue RaceFest Weekend at Canandaigua Speedway saw Fuller pull down a runner-up position in both the 358-Modified event on Friday night, and the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds on Saturday evening.
Joining the 358’s at Rolling Wheels on October 10 will be the Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series. The Sportsman have been in action at the Wheels multiple times in 2008, with top series runner Greg Panunte picking up the most recent checkered flag.
The Sportsman Series runners will run a 30-lap Championship, which was won one year ago by eventual 2007 series champion, Joe Williams.
If you are a fan of sprint car racing, then you must come back to the Rolling Wheels Raceway on Saturday, October 11. The Super DIRT Week Sprint Car Challenge will be held that night with the best in the URC/ASCS/ESS/and CRSA Sprint Series going at it.
The CRSA Sprints will be competing in their own sanctioned event, while the drivers of the URC/ASCS/and ESS will do battle in a combined 25-lap winged special. Each feature event will be 25-laps in length. Last season Chuck Hebing reigned supreme in the Sprint Challenge which had to be run on Sunday night after rained plagued the Syracuse area on Saturday of DIRT Week XXXVI.
Tickets for this doubleheader will be made available at the gate, which two different rates. Friday’s show will be priced at $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $8 for kids 10-14, and children 9 and under are FREE. Saturday’s Sprint Special will admit adults for $25, seniors at $23, kids 10-14 will again be $8, while children 9 and under are FREE.
A two-day combo package for spectator seating will be made available at $40.
For more information call DIRTcar NE Headquarters at 315/834-6606, or visit www.rollingwheelsraceway.com.
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2 Days ….. Countdown To Super DIRT Week XXXVII Continues!
Weedsport, NY – October 6, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Culminating with the headline Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series ‘Rite Aid 200’ on Sunday, October 12, the start of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse is just 2 days away.
Commemorating the 10th straight season of Series partnership with Advance Auto Parts based in Roanoke, Virginia, 10 of the most famous cars ever to circle the Moody Mile during the Columbus Day speedfest will be highlighted ---in numerical order--- for each of the 10 days leading up to the richest Big-Block Modified event in the nation.
During the past 36 years no less than 407 drivers have qualified for the Rite Aid 200 starting grid, with only 18 able to tame the Moody Mile and capture the crown jewel of DIRTcar Modified Racing in the Northeast. More than half of the winners have gone on to repeat their victorious ride ---often in a different car--- while an elite group of just four were able to celebrate on no less than three occasions. Up to 10 of these same legendary wheelmen that have graced the fairgrounds winner’s circle are expected to compete in the 37th edition when the Salt City comes alive this October.
Continuing to defy the laws of Syracuse, Billy Decker circled the muddied Moody Mile over the final 112 laps on just one tank of gas to claim his third Super DIRT Week Championship in 2001, then captured the 34th Rite Aid 200 Championship in ’05 marking the first time that the same race was run on two separate dates. With his fourth victory a first from the pole, Decker’s most recent triumph at the Fairgrounds oval aboard the LJL Racing no. 91 Gypsum Wholesalers entry was another record-setting performance by the Unadilla, New York pilot as he led the initial 105 circuits then the final 55 for an all-time record 160 laps in the autumn open-wheel extravaganza that was finally checkered in November.
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Danny Does It Again! Johnson Wins 23rd Annual Schneider Brothers 200
By Dave Medler
Fulton, NY - In one of the most competitive and wild finishes of the 23 year history of the Schneider Brothers 200 Danny Johnson out of Phelps, NY wheeled the Byea Headers, Metropolitan Signs, No.121 Troyer to the $25,000 victory. Johnson who started 24th had to hold off late race restarts and challenges from Dave Camara and Brett Hearn to earn his third Schneider Brothers 200 win.
After a $25,000 roof dance in front of a cheering crowd Johnson said, "I never really expected this, to be honest with you. We came here just to try to do the best we could. I sure have to thank this team. I'm just the driver, it takes a lot more behind the scenes to make this happen."
Paul Kinney and Dave Camara brought the forty-car starting field down to the starter's green to open up the 23rd annual Schneider Brothers 200. With the opening lap complete Kinney led Camara by a bumper as they crossed the start-finish line. With multiple grooves all over the track Camara used the extreme outside to blast by Kinney and take early control of the race on the second lap.
By lap 5 Camara opened up a ten-car advantage out front while Kinney and Ronnie Johnson were having a tight battle for the runner-up spot. Jimmy Phelps and Steve Paine also ran together for top five spots.
One lap later the first caution of the race flew as Dale Planck and Gary Hager out of New Jersey made contact sending both cars around in turn four. Planck would lose a lap and Hager made a trip pit-side also going down laps.
Camara would jump back to lead on the restart and would stay there till lap 19 when Camara jumped the cushion in turn four allowing Kinney to slip by and retake the lead of the event. At this point behind the two leaders, Phelps, Paine and Ronnie Johnson ran in tight quarters trying to chase down the front runners.
Lap 25, the quarter-way of the first 100 lap segment Kinney was driving a masterful race in heavy traffic building himself a quarter of a straightaway lead over Camara. Paine, Phelps and now Tim Fuller joined the fray for the top positions.
Five laps later Camara used that same lapped traffic Kinney used to open a lead to close in on the leader as the two battled in and out of traffic. Two laps later, lap 32, Camara used the extreme inside and muscled his way by Kinney coming out of turn four to be scored the leader.
With 40 laps in the books you could have thrown a blanket over the top three of Camara, Fuller and Kinney. Ronnie Johnson and Alan Johnson were within striking distance of the top three. All throughout the pack the racing was hot and heavy with positions changing every lap.
Fuller would put constant pressure on Camara and even inched ahead on more than one occasion, but all that would change on lap 51 for the former winner. As he exited turn four and down the front straight, Fuller's right front would collapse, ending his chance for the $25,000 payday.
On the lap 53 restart Camara once again took command of the race with Ronnie Johnson taking over second from Kinney, with Alan Johnson fourth. Brett Hearn now moved into the top five and would be a threat till the finish.
When the race hit lap 61 Hearn was able to slip by Ronnie Johnson for second and took off after Camara with his Small Block hitting on all cylinders. Four laps later Hearn caught Camara, then used the top side to be scored the leader of the race.
As the laps clicked off the counter towards the 100 lap break Camara would once again be scored the leader on the 71 lap. Behind Camara, Hearn and Ronnie Johnson ran side-by-side for second, with Kinney and Alan Johnson rounding out the top five.
With 25 to go Chris Hile would bring out the yellow to tighten up the field. On the restart there would be no lapped cars between the top five. When the green came back out Camara, Hearn and Ronnie Johnson pulled away for a three-car battle at the front.
With 14 to go Hearn found some bite in the middle groove to get back by Camara for the lead. Ronnie Johnson lost some ground on the top two as Pat Ward showed in the top five in fourth with Kinney fifth.
Another quick yellow would come out 6 laps from the 100 lap break. On the restart Hearn would have lapped cars between himself and second place Camara. When the red flag flew for the 15 minute break Hearn was scored the leader. Pat Ward moved into second with Camara, Ronnie Johnson and 2007 Schnider Brothers 200 winner Billy Decker rounding out the top five. Alan Johnson, Ryan Phelps, Kinney, Paine and Jimmy Phelps would start sixth through tenth in the last 100 lap segment.
After a few laps clicked off in the second segment Hearn built up a full straightaway lead over Ward and Ronnie Johnson. Decker and Camara were having a fierce battle trying to make up ground on the leaders.
On lap 115 Kevin Bates slowed, bringing out another yellow. Bates headed pit-side erasing the lead Hearn had.
After the field was put in order the green came back out on lap 118 with Hearn having to contend with Gypsum Teammates Ward and Decker. Hearn once again was able to open some distance as Decker worked his way around Ward one lap later.
A quick caution period would put two of DIRT's best side-by-side for the restart with Hearn and Decker. Ward, Ronnie Johnson and Camara still held top five spots. Danny Johnson was now starting to make his presence known as he rim-rode his way to sixth.
When lap 135 was put in the record books Hearn still had a comfortable cushion, Ward worked back by Decker a few laps earlier. Decker, Camara and Johnson were still in contention for the win.
On lap 142 Ward, Decker and Camara went three-wide into turn three. When they came across the start-finish line Camara went from fourth to second.
Hearn once again saw his momentum slowed and his lead evaporate as Billy Dunn brought out another yellow flag period.
After hounding Hearn for a few laps Camara found the bite he needed to get under Hearn and retake the lead on lap 158 to a cheering crowd. Ward ran third but was now contending with Danny Johnson. Decker was fifth.
Decker's fate would be sealed on lap 162 as he suddenly slowed with a right rear flat sending him pit-side. Decker got the tire changed but lost a lap ending his bid for two Schneider Brothers 200 wins in a row.
When the green flew again it looked like Hearn was shot out of a cannon as he bolted away from Camara and retook the lead. That lead would be short-lived as two laps later, lap 168, Danny Johnson blasted around Hearn and grabbed the lead for the first time on the day.
With 25 laps to go showing on the lap counter Johnson, high, Hearn low, they were running about the same lap times with neither really gaining an advantage. Camara, Ward and Ryan Phelps ran in the top five.
Hearn running the bottom slowly reeled in Johnson and even showing his nose to Johnson. Seeing this Johnson abandoned the top side that got him to the front and switched to the bottom on lap 178 cutting off Hearn's momentum.
Once on the bottom of the track Johnson found speed he needed to pull out to a full straightaway lead.
Camara showed he wasn't done yet with his bid for the win as he worked his way by Hearn to grab second and set his sights on Johnson. Ward and Ryan Phelps still were scored in the top five.
The yellow Camara was looking for came out on lap 189 for Chuck Bower and Jim Davis.
When Johnson took off, Camara kept pace and when the two entered turn one Camara and Johnson made contact with Johnson holding the lead before another yellow set up a green-white-checker finish.
On the restart it appeared Camara got the jump and the lead but the starter didn't like the restart saying Camara jumped the start.
The finish was a wild one as any of the top four cars showed they could win at the finish. In the end Johnson was first under the checkers in the wild scramble. Hearn moved into the runner-up spot. Ward brought home a close third with Camara right there in fourth and Ryan Phelps fifth.
When asked if he was concerned about bouncing the car off cushion for 100 laps Johnson said, "It really didn't matter, we were coming to the front, I didn't really think about it."
One point of controversy amongst the fans was the two late race restarts between him and Camara. On one restart Johnson looked to hang back and step on the gas before the turn-four barrel. The next restart Johnson appeared to hang back and let Camara fire first. That restart wasn't allowed because the leader is supposed to fire first.
"I just wanted to hang on to the lead. Every restart I seemed to go backwards, I just didn't know what to do," said Johnson. "At the end I just peddled it as hard as I could."
Johnson said it was pretty simple how a month ago he was driving his old Troyer and Saturday he was behind the wheel of the Joe Beya-owned car. "They just called me up and asked me if I wanted to drive it. That was pretty much it." Johnson also related that earlier in the night he thought he had a car that could qualify but had no idea how good and well prepared the Troyer car was.
"It feels great to win this event. Everybody comes to this event loaded for bear. If you don't win you feel like a has-been, like maybe you can't do it anymore."
Pit Notes - Hats off to Jeremie Corcoran. With rain, cold and wind for the weekend he wouldn't let Mother Nature beat him as he had a fast multi-groove track throughout the 200 and other events on the Schneider Brothers 200 weekend.
Eighty-one single car Modified teams signed in the pit area. It took Eight-Heats and Four Consi's to fill the 40 car starting field.
One of the strangest occurrences happened after the Modified consi's, Frank Cozze out of Wind Gap, Pennsylvania loaded up his huge hauler and was headed out the gate. Cozze didn't realize he was in the starting field. One of the officials in the tower saw him leaving and got on the radio for someone to chase him down. One of the safety trucks took off out the gate and down the parking lot to stop him. About five minutes later Cozze returned, unloaded his car and joined the starting field.
Track management wants to thank all drivers, crews and fans who stuck around for the entire weekend despite the cold and rain.
(SCHNEIDER BROTHERS 200) - Danny Johnson, Brett Hearn, Pat Ward, Dave Camara, Ryan Phelps, Alan Johnson, Willy Decker, Paul Kinney, Matt Sheppard, Frankie Caprara, Billy Pauch, Roy Bresnahan, Steve Paine, Pierre Dagenais, Tom Sears Jr., A.j Romano, Elmo Reckner, Jeff Kotary, Gary Hagar, Brian Sage, Chuck Bower, Jim Davis , Ronnie Johnson, Billy Decker, Vic Coffey, Billy Dunn, Kevin Bates, Jimmy Phelps, Shawn Donath, Bob Henry Jr., Mitch Gibbs, Chris Hile, Brian Weaver, Gary Tomkins, Jim Witko Jr., Tim Fuller, Frank Cooze, Dale Planck, Billy Trexler Jr., Tim Sears.
(HEAT WINNERS) - Vic Coffey, Dave Camara, Jimmy Phelps, Brian Weaver, Paul Kinney, Steve Paine, Ronnie Johnson, Ryan Phelps.
(CONSI WINNERS) - Dale Planck, Bob Henry, Jr., Gary Tomkins, Frankie Caprara.
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3 Days ….. Countdown To Super DIRT Week XXXVII Continues!
Weedsport, NY – October 5, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Culminating with the headline Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series ‘Rite Aid 200’ on Sunday, October 12, the start of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse is just 3 days away.
Commemorating the 10th straight season of Series partnership with Advance Auto Parts based in Roanoke, Virginia, 10 of the most famous cars ever to circle the Moody Mile during the Columbus Day speedfest will be highlighted ---in numerical order--- for each of the 10 days leading up to the richest Big-Block Modified event in the nation.
During the past 36 years no less than 407 drivers have qualified for the Rite Aid 200 starting grid, with only 18 able to tame the Moody Mile and capture the crown jewel of DIRTcar Modified Racing in the Northeast. More than half of the winners
have gone on to repeat their victorious ride ---often in a different car--- while an elite group of just four were able to celebrate on no less than three occasions. Up to 10 of these same legendary wheelmen that have graced the fairgrounds winner’s circle are expected to compete in the 37th edition when the Salt City comes alive this October.
Miami native Gary Balough staged the first of three consecutive dominating performances at Super DIRT Week in 1976. Taking full advantage of a concept way ahead of its time, the high-dollar no. 73 Ferraiuolo Bros.-owned Grant King-designed machine was one of the first assembly line cars ---commonly accepted today--- and equipped with Jim Kinsler’s exotic timed fuel injection system in the 496 cubic-inch powerplant. Among the most controversial competitors off the talented line of Florida racers that sought fame and fortune in the Northeast, Balough rang in a new era of DIRTcar Modified racing at the Syracuse Mile during the Bicentennial and injectors were outlawed and a 467ci motor limit was mandated the following year.
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Laubach and Coyle Shine in NES Day #1 Action
New Egypt, NJ (October 4, 2008) - Rick Laubach of Quakertown, PA & Chris Coyle of Wilmington, DE shared the glory on Saturday night at New Egypt Speedway as each posted victories on day #1 of the season finale Rocktoberfest weekend. Laubach captured the $4000 to win 40 lap open competition 358 Modified feature on NJ Allstate Insurance night, his third win of the year and. Coyle finally put it all together as he captured his first ever win at New Egypt Speedway, in the Rislone URC Sprint Car Series 25-lap event.
In the 358 Modified feature, polesitter Keith Hoffman took command of the event early and appeared to be the best car on this evening as he opened up what appeared to be a comfortable lead. Laubach would have something to say about this, as he ran down Hoffman and then passed him for the lead on lap #12. Once in front, it then appeared as if Laubach would run away and ide, until Hoffman got a second life and closed in on Laubach over the final 10 laps. Hoffman actually pulled even on everal occasions as Jeff Strunk raced into the picture as well, but Laubach was up the challenge as he held on for the welldeserved victory. Hoffman settled for second as Strunk faded back as he broke the rear in the car with just two laps emaining, keeping him from being able to make a serious challenge. Jimmy Chester drove home in third, Ryan Watt who started 0th finished 4th and Sportsman champion Willie Osmun rounded out the top five.
Chris Coyle posted his 8th career win with URC Saturday, his first ever win at New Egypt Speedway. After a crowd pleasing ual for the lead for 10 straight laps, Coyle wrestled the lead away from Dave Ely on lap 15 to assume command and then flew to the popular victory. Trevor Lewis came home second over Ely, Kramer Williamson and last years winner of this event Ed Aiken. J.J. Grasso, who had won all four events at NES this season, and 5 of the last 6, was out of the event early as he flipped wildly in turn one on lap 4 after his front wing had broken. Grasso was uninjured in the violent wreck.
In the Crate-1 Sportsman 20 lap feature, Mike Barone made his first appearance of the year count as he cruised home to his first win. Jon Heagele finished a strong second after a late race rally. John Romano, Jr. was third behind the wheel of the arnstead racing #55, Pat Hires crossed the line in fourth while Ray Woodall, Jr. completed the top five.
Tomorrow, Sunday afternoon, October 5, FEDex presents the Big Block Modifieds as they compete in the 7th leg of the 8 race Garden State Dual Track Series. The A1 Racing Products Sportsman will also be in action, along with the SS Sprints (Super Sportsman) & the Outlaw Stocks.. Gates will open at 11:00 a.m. with the first green at 1:00 pm. For more information, call the speedway office at (609) 758-1900 or log on to www.newegyptspeedway.net.
10/4/08 RESULTS
CRATE-1 SPORTSMAN Feature (20 Laps): 1. Mike Barone 2. Jon Haegele 3. John Romano Jr. 4. Pat Hires 5. Ray Woodall Jr. 6. Gabe Fox 7. Richie Cass Sr. 8. Steve Davis 9. Archie Myers 10. Kyle Borrer 11. Jason Treat 12. Eric Engstrom 13. Jason Bittner 14. Chris Allen Sr. 15. Rich Steele 16. John Micek 17. Forrest Peters 18. Tom Gibson 19. George Idell Jr. 20. Rob Stump 21. Eddie Prentice
358 MODIFIED Feature (40 Laps); 1. Rick Laubach 2. Keith Hoffman 3. Jimmy Chester 4. Ryan Watt 5. Willie Osmun 6. Jimmy Horton 7. Rocco Infante 8. Mike Iles 9. Eric Kormann 10. Clay Butler 11. Carmine Infante 12. Jeff Strunk 13. George Quinlan 14. Bryant Brown 15. Mike Lyons 16. Gary Butler 17. Meme Desantis 18. Doug Manmiller 19. Marc Herman 20. Stan Frankenfield Jr. 21. John Stangle 22. Chic Cossaboone 23. Wade Hendrickson 24. Mike McAleer 25. Mike Howardson 26. Rick Wegner 27. Ryan Godown 28. Jason Hamilton 29. Richie Pratt Jr. 30. Troy Wink
URC SPRINT CAR Feature (25 Laps): 1. Chris Coyle 2. Trevor Lewis 3. Dave Ely 4.Kramer Williamson 5. Ed Aikin 6. Jeff VanDusen 7. Michael Carber 8. Curt Michael 9. Kyle Purks 10. Kevin Welsh 11. Robbie Stillwaggon 12. Justin Collett 13. Kevin Nagy 14. Danny Massey 15. Randy West 16. David Gravel 17. Rory Janney 18. Becca Anderson 19. Chuck Palmucci 20. Joey Biasi 21. Jason lauss 22. Davey Sammons 23. Gary Gollub 24. J.J. Grasson 25. Kevin Darling
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Orange County Concludes 2008 Season With 47th Eastern States Weekend
Middletown, NY – October 4, 2008 By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director
Eastern States Weekend at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Middletown, New York remains the biggest, richest and oldest consecutively run championship race for DIRTcar Modifieds in the country. The 2008 edition, October 17-19, marks the 47th straight year for this nationally recognized event, which includes a full weekend of motorsports excitement encompassing four major touring divisions plus a full-fender satellite feature race. Open-wheel classes also run time trials as part of their program.
Trackside activity begins at 12noon on Friday, Oct. 17 with DIRTcar Modified practice followed by WLR Construction time trials for both the Advance Auto Parts DIRTcar Big-block Modifieds and 358-Modifieds, with the top-6 locked in from each. Small-Block qualifying heats are up next with 24 more drivers advancing to Saturday's Eastern States 100 Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Series Championship. Pit gates unlock at 8 a.m. and grandstands open at 10 o’clock.
The Saturday, Oct. 18 program opens with Modified practice scheduled at 9:30am followed by Big-Block heats (24 qualify) and 358-Modified consolation races before the E-S 358-Modified 100 Championship finale for the 40 qualified Small-Block stars. Saturday evening the DIRTcar Sportsman division takes center stage with time trials (top-6 qualify), qualifying heats and consolation rounds leading up to the 50-lap Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Series Championship. The annual Pure Stock Championship fills the card with pit gates again unlocking at 8 a.m. and grandstands opening at 9 o’clock.
The 47th Eastern States 200 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series finale for DIRTcar Modifieds is the headline attraction on Sunday, Oct. 19 with 44 of the best Big-Block drivers in the country set to square off at 2:00pm. The popular frontstretch Pit Party (9:30-10:30am) kicks off the Sunday show while Big-Block consis and EMS Race Cars Pro Stock Championship set the stage for the season-ending 125-mile Modified main. Pit gates swing open at 8 a.m. and grandstand seating starts at 9 o’clock.
Ticket prices for the ’08 Orange County Fair Speedway season finale:
Fri., Oct. 17-Adult GA=$10, half-covered grandstand $10 and covered grandstand $12, Senior Citizens (60 yrs + over) and Youth (13-17 yrs) $7 and Children (12 yrs. + under) Free. A special 3-Day Pit Pass is available for $80 (member) and $100 (non-member).
Sat., Oct. 18-Adult GA=$30, half-covered grandstand $30 and covered grandstand $35, Citizens (60 yrs + over) and Youth (13-17 yrs) $25 and Children (12 yrs. + under) Free; Pits=$30 (member) and $40 (non-member).
Sun., Oct. 19-Adult GA=$35, half-covered grandstand $35 and covered grandstand $40, Citizens (60 yrs + over) and Youth (13-17 yrs) $30 and Children (12 yrs. + under) Free; Pits=$40 (member) and $50 (non-member).
Oct. 17-19 Special Eastern States Weekend ’08 Passes are Adult GA=$65, Senior Citizens (60 yrs + over) and Youth (13-17 yrs) $55. Half-covered grandstand $65 and covered grandstand $75. Parking prices for Fairgrounds=$10 (3 days) and $30 (overnight 3 days); Drive-In (3 days) $10 and Upper Drive-In camping (3 days) $50. *Purchase (2) adult packages and get a FREE 3-day parking pass.
Advance sale tickets are available at the Orange County Fair Speedway by calling the office at 845/342-2573. Visit www.ocfsmotorsports.com on the internet for further information.
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4 Days ….. Countdown To Super DIRT Week XXXVII Continues!
Weedsport, NY – October 4, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Culminating with the headline Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series ‘Rite Aid 200’ on Sunday, October 12, the start of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse is just 4 days away.
Commemorating the 10th straight season of Series partnership with Advance Auto Parts based in Roanoke, Virginia, 10 of the most famous cars ever to circle the Moody Mile during the Columbus Day speedfest will be highlighted ---in numerical order--- for each of the 10 days leading up to the richest Big-Block Modified event in the nation.
During the past 36 years no less than 407 drivers have qualified for the Rite Aid 200 starting grid, with only 18 able to tame the Moody Mile and capture the crown jewel of DIRTcar Modified Racing in the Northeast. More than half of the winners have gone on to repeat their victorious ride ---often in a different car--- while an elite group of just four were able to celebrate on no less than three occasions. Up to 10 of these same legendary wheelmen that have graced the fairgrounds winner’s circle are expected to compete in the 37th edition when the Salt City comes alive this October.
The Troyer name had been synonymous with success on pavement for years yet the purchase of a new Maynard Troyer-designed chassis by owner John Jackson put the no. 58 Jackson & Johnson Trucking ‘Mud Buss’ in the winner’s circle for the first time to open the 1980s in the biggest DIRTcar race. ‘Marvelous’ Merv Treichler not only captured the prestigious Schaefer 200 in 1981 in his seventh try, the popular Potato farmer from Sanborn, N.Y. claimed the Labor Day Championship on the same Syracuse Mile just one month earlier to resurrect his sliding career with the high-financed team and elevate Troyer to a new level of dominance in the Modified ranks. The team repeated the following year.
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New Egypt Rocktoberfest Weekend Features Racing Action for Everyone
October 2, 2009--New Egypt, NJ - Anticipation is growing by the day as the 2nd Annual Rocktoberfest Weekend at the New Egypt Speedway draws closer and closer. There will be plenty of racing for all to see this coming weekend at NES.
Allstate will be the proud sponsor of Day 1 of Rocktoberfest. Pit gates will open at 2pm while the grandstand gates will swing open at 2:30. Warm ups will take to the track roughly around 4:15 and the first green flag of the evening will wave at 5pm.
Headlining Saturday's action will be the ever-popular Rislone URC Sprints. Newly crowned series champion Curt Michael will lead over 30 plus 360 sprints into the half-mile facility. Becca Anderson, Dave Ely, Kevin Welsh, Chris Coyle, Davey Sammons, and of course JJ Grasso will all be gunning for victory. Grasso has been undefeated at NES in 2008 winning all four of the events held this year. The "Jersey Jet" and his No. 37 will be the man that everyone has their eyes on this coming weekend!
The 358-Open Competition Small Blocks will making their 2008 debut on Saturday as well. Jeff Strunk and Billy Pauch were the two winners in 2007 competition in the 358 ranks at NES. The 358s will do battle in a 40-lap $4,000 to win feature. Early entries that have been received include 2008 Big Diamond/Grandview champ Jeff Strunk, Keith Hoffman, the "Quaker Shaker" Rick Laubach, 2008 Bridgeport track champion Mike "The Mad Dog" Iles, Jimmy Chester, Ryan Godown, Chic Cossaboone, Wade Hendrickson, Jimmy Horton, Jason Hamilton, Troy Wink, Eric Korman, John Stangle, Mike Gular, and Ryan Watt. NES regulars Mike McAleer, Ricky Wegner, Stan Frankenfield, and John Keller are just a few of the NES big block chauffers planning on running with the 358s. Top Pennsy runners Meme Desantis, Doug Manmiller, and Terry Meitzler are all rumored to making the trip east to New Egypt this weekend as well.
The Super Stocks and Crate-1 divisions will round out Saturday's program. There have been numerous entries in the Crates and at least 30 cars expected to be in attendance with extra money on the line. For all the racing historians and fans who love the cars from yesteryear.The Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club will also be at New Egypt on Saturday.
FedEx will take over sponsorship of Day 2 at Rocktoberfest while the Big Block Modifieds reign supreme on Sunday afternoon. Joining the modifieds will be the Sportsman, SS Sprints (Super Sportsman), and Outlaw Stocks. Pit gates will open at 10am while the grandstands will open at 11. Warm ups take to the track at roughly 12:15 with the first heat race scheduled to start at 1pm.
Race No. 7 of the Garden State Dual Track Series will take place on Sunday. Rick Laubach currently leads the point standings between New Egypt and Bridgeport. Other drivers that will be in action on Sunday include Bridgeport champion Mike Iles, NES track champ Billy "The Kid" Pauch, Frank Cozze, Keith Hoffman, Jimmy Chester, Jimmy Horton, Jimmy Horton IV, Tim Tanner, Ron John Koczon, Bobby Drayton, Chic Cossaboone, Wade Hendrickson, Jeff Strunk, Ryan Godown, Sammy Martz, and a host of other hot shoes from the tri-state area. $5,000 will be up for grabs in the modified 40-lap affair
The Sportsman and Outlaw stocks will run for extra money on Sunday as well. Many Bridgeport regulars are expected to invade NES in these two classes. The SS Sprints or Super Sportsman as they are known in Pennsylvania will round out the show on Sunday. Sprint super star Frankie Herr is expected to be in action along with John Stehman, Bobby Hockenberry, Gregg Foster and a plenty more Pennsy hot shoes. 2008 track champ Art Liedl along John Romano, Rick Cozze, Bryan Kuhl, Tom Wyckoff, Ed Hughes and all the rest of the NES regulars will have their work cut out for them as the SS Sprints will do battle with extra cash on the line.
The "Kids in Racing" theme will be strong on Sunday afternoon as all the youngsters who steer quarter-midgets around the tri-state area will be displaying their race cars over in the turn 4 picnic area. For all parents interested in displaying their cars please contact the speedway.
For more information regarding admission prices, directions, or any other general questions regarding this weekend's activities please visit our website- www.newegyptspeedway.net or call the main office at 609-758-1900.
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Second Annual Mod Tour Swap Meet To Be Held November 1st
October 3, 2008
By: Marcie L. Barlow, Modified Tour Media Relations
The BRP/Hoosier Race Tire Modified Tour will hold their annual “High Performance” Swap Meet on the grounds of the Sharon Speedway, located at 3242 Custer-Orangeville Road, Hartford, OH, on Saturday, November 1st. The second annual event will be held rain or shine beginning at 9:00AM with admission at just $3.00 per person.
New and used racing parts, trailers, go kart parts and racing apparel are just a few of the high performance items that will be available. Spots are priced at $20.00 each and include two free admission tickets to the event. Vendors can enter the grounds between 7:00AM and 9:00AM.
In addition local church groups, youth groups and clubs can purchase “Bake Sale” tables for just $10.00 each.
Call Ray Baselj at 724-458-6465 to reserve a spot.
The Modified Tour is offering this great price at an easily accessible facility to make this event a huge success however we cannot do it without your assistance. So gather up this racing parts and collectibles and bring them to the Sharon Speedway on Saturday, November 1st as The Modified Tour presents
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PENN CAN SPEEDWAY FORCED TO RESCHEDULE AGAIN
Susquehanna, PA…The King of the Can finale has been a very tough race to get in the books. Unfortunately the weather has not cooperated again and the race will have to be rescheduled for a third time. Tonight’s racing has been rescheduled for this Sunday October 5th. Gates will open at 1:00with hot laps at 2:15. The first heat will take to the speedway at 3:00.
“The forecast for tonight looked like we might have a shot to get this race in the books,” explains Reed Miller. “Unfortunately when we arrived at the track this morning the rains were still coming down. After checking track conditions, we determined that there was no way we would be able to dry out the racing surface. Sunday’s forecast is much better so the decision was to use another rain date.”
All of the divisions originally scheduled will be racing on Sunday. The late models, super stocks, pure stocks, and 4 cylinders will all race in their King of the Can events. The CRSA Sprints and Xcel 600 modifieds will also be in competition.
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5 Days ….. Countdown To Super DIRT Week XXXVII Continues!
Weedsport, NY – October 3, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Culminating with the headline Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series ‘Rite Aid 200’ on Sunday, October 12, the start of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse is just 5 days away.
Commemorating the 10th straight season of Series partnership with Advance Auto Parts based in Roanoke, Virginia, 10 of the most famous cars ever to circle the Moody Mile during the Columbus Day speedfest will be highlighted ---in numerical order--- for each of the 10 days leading up to the richest Big-Block Modified event in the nation.
During the past 36 years no less than 407 drivers have qualified for the Rite Aid 200 starting grid, with only 18 able to tame the Moody Mile and capture the crown jewel of DIRTcar Modified Racing in the Northeast. More than half of the winners have gone on to repeat their victorious ride ---often in a different car--- while an elite group of just four were able to celebrate on no less than three occasions. Up to 10 of these same legendary wheelmen that have graced the fairgrounds winner’s circle are expected to compete in the 37th edition when the Salt City comes alive this October.
Popular Pennsylvanian Kenny Brightbill spent four weeks building a car for Delaware owner Eugene Mills, then dropped a Jack Tant motor in the no. 30 Blue Hen Racing Special before setting second fast time en route to winning the biggest race of his legendary career. In an era when customer-based manufactured cars have become the norm, victory 20 years ago in the Salt City showdown for the Sinking Spring, Pa. hotshoe was a throw-back to the early years of stock car racing on the Syracuse Mile. Ironically, Brightbill scored his only other Salt City victory in the first-ever race promoted at the New York State Fairgrounds by DIRT MotorSports founder Glenn Donnelly in 1972, then won the inaugural Super DIRT Week pole a month later.
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37th Super DIRT Week Advance Series Rite Aid 200 Entry List Filling Fast
Weedsport, NY – October 2, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director
Just a few more days remain before the world's richest DIRTcar Racing NorthEast event arrives in Central New York! Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds is scheduled for Oct. 7-12 and registration forms continue to file in to DIRTcar Racing NE headquarters from around the region.
“This year we looked to re-organize the infield pits and have teams reserve parking spots, and the final one was filled just last week,” said Cory Reed, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning. “With nearly 80 lanes already full on the back side a couple weeks in advance, its just another sign our biggest event of the year will be loaded when it comes to both quality and quantity.”
A great mix of past champions, experienced veterans looking for their own claim to fame, and a talented group of newcomers and rising stars head this year’s legendary list of Rite Aid 200 entries. Each harboring hopes of putting their name in the record book on the Syracuse Mile in 2008. The current Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified roster includes nine drivers that account for a grand total of 21 Rite Aid Championships in the past quarter-century dating back to 1983.
Led by two-time winner and defending champion Vic Coffey, open-wheel all-stars Brett Hearn (5 wins), Billy Decker (4), Alan Johnson (3), Jimmy Horton (2), Danny Johnson (2) Jack Johnson (2), Tim Fuller and Kenny Tremont help make up the nationally recognized roster. Advance Auto Parts Series speedsters Steve Paine, Jimmy Phelps, Gary Tomkins, Matt Sheppard, Dale Planck, Justin Haers, Frankie Caprara, Ryan Phelps, Billy Dunn and 15 year-old charger Larry Wight fill the slate along with Empire State veterans Ron Smoker and Mitch Gibbs.
Pat Ward, Roy Bresnahan, Ryan Phelps, Wight and Advance Series record-setter Decker will all be stationed under the Team Gypsum infield tent throughout the week creating one of the biggest spectacles even before the first green flag flies.
Orange County Fair Speedway fans will be able to cheer on their weekly favorites Chris Shultz, Bob McGannon and Ric Hill while Eddie Marshall, Wayne Jelley, Keith Flach, Hector Stratton and Andy Bachetti, who is guaranteed to start no worse than 7th, will be representing the high banks of Lebanon Valley Speedway. Holding high hopes on the Moody Mile are Fonda faithfuls Bobby Varin back in the Gable Motorsports no. 1 and second-generation pilot Ronnie Johnson.
Rick Laubach and Duane Howard pace the Pennsylvanian posse that also includes Brian Swartzlander, who at the age of 49 will be making his first attempt to qualify for the Rite Aid 200. Recently crowned Lernerville Speedway points champion Swartzlander is also registered for the Big-Block ‘Futures’ event to gain valuable track time on Thursday. New Jersey invaders ready to attack the Moody Mile are Ryan Godown and Mark Forte Jr. while Canadian standouts Pete Bicknell and Larry Lampman Jr. from Ontario and David Hebert from Quebec prepare to make their annual trip into the states for the Salt City showdown.
Asphalt racer and ’08 Airborne Speedway Champion Patrick Dupree is signed up in the Big-Block ranks along with his track promoter Mike Perrotte, a past performer in both Big-Block and Small-Block events during Super DIRT Week. Looking to improve upon his stellar 9th-place Rite Aid run from a year ago, returning to the DIRTcar ranks is winged sprinter Jason Barney. The Constantia, New York chauffeur is once again scheduled to steer ISMA car owner Jeff Holbrook’s #35 Big-Block entry in a rare appearance at the New York State Fairgrounds in October.
Super DIRT Week XXXVII activity kicks off Tuesday, October 7 with ‘early-bird’ Modified ---Futures included--- car inspection, continues with a ‘Happy Hour’ on track Wednesday before Big-Block Modified and 358-Modified racers attempt qualify under the clocks on Thursday. Race action highlights the Friday and Saturday shows while the Advance Auto Parts Big-Block Modifieds take center stage for the big 200-lap Rite Aid finale on Sunday afternoon on the way to crowning the overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Champion for 2008.
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6 Days ….. Countdown To Super DIRT Week XXXVII Continues!
Weedsport, NY – October 2, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Culminating with the headline Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series ‘Rite Aid 200’ on Sunday, October 12, the start of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse is just 6 days away.
Commemorating the 10th straight season of Series partnership with Advance Auto Parts based in Roanoke, Virginia, 10 of the most famous cars ever to circle the Moody Mile during the Columbus Day speedfest will be highlighted ---in numerical order--- for each of the 10 days leading up to the richest Big-Block Modified event in the nation.
During the past 36 years no less than 407 drivers have qualified for the Rite Aid 200 starting grid, with only 18 able to tame the Moody Mile and capture the crown jewel of DIRTcar Modified Racing in the Northeast. More than half of the winners have gone on to repeat their victorious ride ---often in a different car--- while an elite group of just four were able to celebrate on no less than three occasions. Up to 10 of these same legendary wheelmen that have graced the fairgrounds winner’s circle are expected to compete in the 37th edition when the Salt City comes alive this October.
Reading (Pa.) Fairgrounds Modified champion and USAC Sprint Car star Richard ‘Toby’ Tobias was the first Super DIRT Week winner to reach victory lane with a tube chassis car in 1975 and the trend has continued ever since. Tobias was always among the quickest around the Moody Mile and his fast time set 33 years ago in the blue no. 17 Mustang was the first of three straight pole-position prizes earned by the Lebanon, Pa. legend. On June 23, 1978 Tobias was killed in a one‑car sprint flip at the old Flemington (NJ) Fair Speedway at the age of 46 and the Syracuse fast time award has carried his name in memory from that day on.
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7 Days ….. Countdown To Super DIRT Week XXXVII Continues!
Weedsport, NY – October 1, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Culminating with the headline Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series ‘Rite Aid 200’ on Sunday, October 12, the start of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse is just 7 days away.
Commemorating the 10th straight season of Series partnership with Advance Auto Parts based in Roanoke, Virginia, 10 of the most famous cars ever to circle the Moody Mile during the Columbus Day speedfest will be highlighted ---in numerical order--- for each of the 10 days leading up to the richest Big-Block Modified event in the nation.
During the past 36 years no less than 407 drivers have qualified for the Rite Aid 200 starting grid, with only 18 able to tame the Moody Mile and capture the crown jewel of DIRTcar Modified Racing in the Northeast. More than half of the winners have gone on to repeat their victorious ride ---often in a different car--- while an elite group of just four were able to celebrate on three other occasions. Up to 10 of these same legendary wheelmen that have graced the fairgrounds winner’s circle are expected to compete in the 37th edition when the Salt City comes alive this October.
Steering the ‘Experimental IV’ Troyer Chassis to a convincing victory in the Super DIRT Week XIII Big-Block finale, Jumpin’ Jack Johnson entered the history book as the first driver to sweep all four Modified main events on the Moody Mile in a single season. Back in 1984 the ‘Syracuse Slam’ was made up of a CRC Qualifier in July, the New York State Fair Labor Day Championship in September, CLM Winner’s Classic and Schaefer 200 in October. Teaming up with Troyer’s own Billy Colton, Johnson put the potent orange Hutter-powered no. 12A machine in the winner’s circle after setting fast time and leading 87 of the 125-lap distance to score his second title race win, keeping the trophy in the Empire State for the fourth straight October.
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BRIDGEPORT¹S 4TH ANNUAL ATLANTIC COAST CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND FEATURES NON-STOP ACTION ON BOTH TRACKS
By Michael Wisniewski
BRIDGEPORT, NJ (September 28, 2008) When Bridgeport Speedway hosts the 4th annual Atlantic Coast Championship sponsored by Hoffman Brothers Speed and Performance on the weekend of October 11 and 12, race fans will be treated to racing action on both the 5/8 mile track and the inner 1/4 mile oval.
"With the recent addition of the Micro-Sprint Nationals to our Atlantic Coast Weekend schedule, this will be an event that every fan will want to see!" said Track Promoter Jessica James.
During the race weekend, Big Block Modifieds, Open Competition Small Block Modifieds, and Open Competition Sportsman will see action on both days. Qualifying events will take place on Saturday while feature events for these divisions are scheduled for Sunday. Also on Saturday, the Racing Realtor Mad Dash for Cash Series will swing back into action for the Big Block Modified heat winners with $500 awaiting the winner of a 3-Lap dash. On Sunday, a 50-lap feature is on tap for the Big Block Modifieds with a $5000 payday awarded to the winner. The 358 Small Block Modifieds will compete in a 30-Lap event with $3500 going to the winner. Open Competition Sportsman will do battle in a 30-Lap event paying $1500 to win.
GM Crate Sportsman and 4 Cylinder Stock Cars will race only on Saturday. On Sunday, the popular Crate Late Models and Outlaw Stocks will join the racing action.
During the evening of Saturday, October 11, the Micro-Sprint Nationals will be contested on the 1/4 mile speedway for the 270cc and 600cc Micro-Sprints. Each of these divisions will race in a 25-Lap feature with the $1000 going to the victor.
On Saturday October 11, Pit Gates will open at 9:00 AM, Grandstand Gates open at 11:00 AM with warm-ups at 12:00 PM. On Sunday October 12, Pit Gates will open at 10:00 AM and Grandstand Gates will open at 11:00 AM with a pre-race pit party and driver re-draw to occur at the pavilion behind the main Grandstand. Warm-ups hit the track at 12:30 PM on Sunday. For the Micro-Sprint National competitors, Pit Gates for the 1/4 mile speedway will open at 4:00 PM with warm-ups starting at 6:30 PM and time trials beginning at 7:00 PM.
General Admission to the grandstands is $15 on Saturday and $25 on Sunday. A 2-day General Admission pass may be purchased for $35. Pit Admission is $30 on Saturday and Sunday. A 2-day Pit Admission pass is available for $45. No pit license is required for the Atlantic Coast race. Entry forms and rules for the Atlantic Coast Championship will be available at www.bpspeedway.com.
Bridgeport Speedway provides a safe and secure family atmosphere, free parking, giveaways and fan participation games. Billed OThe Fastest Dirt Track in the East, Bridgeport Speedway is a banked 5/8th mile dirt oval, featuring a dirt 1/4 mile oval embedded in the center, and is located in Southern New Jersey -- just minutes from Pennsylvania and Delaware at exit 14 off of I-295.
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8 Days ….. Countdown To Super DIRT Week XXXVII Continues!
Weedsport, NY – September 30, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Culminating with the headline Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series ‘Rite Aid 200’ on Sunday, October 12, the start of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse is just 8 days away.
Commemorating the 10th straight season of Series partnership with Advance Auto Parts based in Roanoke, Virginia, 10 of the most famous cars ever to circle the Moody Mile during the Columbus Day speedfest will be highlighted ---in numerical order--- for each of the 10 days leading up to the richest Big-Block Modified event in the nation.
During the past 36 years no less than 407 drivers have qualified for the Rite Aid 200 starting grid, with only 18 able to tame the Moody Mile and capture the crown jewel of DIRTcar Modified Racing in the Northeast. More than half of the winners have gone on to repeat their victorious ride ---often in a different car--- while an elite group of just four were able to celebrate on no less than three occasions. Up to 10 of these same legendary wheelmen that have graced the fairgrounds winner’s circle are expected to compete in the 37th edition when the Salt City comes alive this October.
Renowned around the DIRTcar circuit for his pavement prowess, perennial favorite ‘Barefoot’ Bob McCreadie maxed out with his bag of aerodynamic tricks that carried the legendary no. 9 U.S. Linen Systems-Syracuse Frame Service Special into the winner’s for the only time in 1986. Avenging a late-race pit stop made the previous year in his Gremlin-bodied Kneisel creation, McCreadie locked up one of the most relieving of his 300+ DIRTcar Big-Block triumphs in the custom-built machine that has since become the exception on the Syracuse Mile rather than the rule.
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Pauch Set To Return To The Schneider Brothers 200
By Dave Medler
Fulton, NY- By Dave Medler - Billy Pauch from Frenchtown, New Jersey will be returning this week to the Fulton Speedway this Saturday October 4 trying to pick up his seventh- Schneider Brothers 200 Championship Trophy.
Pauch made history winning the first five 200s (1986-1990) then again in 1997. It's been a few years for various reasons why Pauch hasn't returned to the 3/8th mile oval to show case his high-flying talents that made him legions of fans across the Northeast eagerly hoping one day he would return to this race.
Pauch will be coming loaded for bear driving the potent Will Brown owned, Will Brown Truck Repair, K&A Excavating, Holly Hill Farms, Blue Hen Speed and Performance, No.1w, Bicknell.
"In the years Billy has been driving for me we have always talked about coming up there to run the 200. It always seemed we didn't have motors or bad luck with motors late in the year that prevented us from coming," Brown said from his Maryland base of operations. "This year everything worked out and we're coming."
Brown related the laid back owner, driver, friendship he and Pauch have. "We were just in the shop washing the car one day and I asked him if he wanted to go up to Fulton for the race? Billy thought about it for a second and said sure. And that was it, we have a funny friendship that way."
Don't look for Pauch to head north and have an easy time brining back the $25,000 to New Jersey and Maryland. Pauch will have a host of hot shoes to contend with. Track regular and four time winner of the Schneider Brothers 200 Alan Johnson in the Spra-King No.1j has to be the hottest driver on dirt right now, winning as recently as this past Saturday nights 'BPG National 200' at Rolling Wheels Raceway in Elbridge, NY. Billy Decker in the Gypsum Wholesalers, No.91 who has 10-wins this season on the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series is no stranger to the Fulton Speedway. Dale Planck in the Grow-It, No.77x is a former Track Champion and former winner of the Schneider Brothers 200. Brett Hearn in the Wentworth Construction No.20 who has come close many times but still looking for his first 200 Victory. Never count out this years Modified Track Champion Tommy Sears Jr. who always seems to be in the hunt when he hits the speedway. Many other top notch talent from the Speedway and throughout the Northeast and Canada will be looking for the $25,000 pay day.
Brown finished up when asked what he thought about Pauch chances? "We aren't towing the car up there for 8 hours not expecting to win, we want to win every race we enter."
All the action begins this Thursday night October 2 and continues right through Saturday October 4 culminating with the 23rd Annual Schneider Brothers 200. For more information look for a full schedule in these pages or call the speedway office at
315-593-6531 or visit www.fultonspeedway.com.
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Rain Washes Out Glen Ridge Program
By: Joseph Achzet - glenridgepr@cottontaildesign.com
Fultonville, NY -Late afternoon rains claimed Sunday evening's racing activities at the Glen Ridge Motorsports Park.
Join us next Sunday, October 5th, at 5pm for a full racing card of Modifieds, Budget Sportsman, Street Stocks, and Cruisers. Also joining the card is the return of the ever popular Pro Stocks to the evenings activities. Gates open at 3pm.
October 25th concludes the 2008 Glen Ridge on track season with a program of Modifieds, Budget Sportsman, Street Stocks, Cruisers plus the Central New York Mini Sprints and an Enduro. Gates open at 3 with racing starting at 5pm. The rain date for this event is the following day, October 26th.
The 2008 season concludes on Saturday, November 1st at the Holiday Inn in Johnstown, New York for the awards banquet. For more information visit the Glen Ridge web site at http://www.thenewglenridgemotorsportspark.com.
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9 Days ….. Countdown To Super DIRT Week XXXVII Continues!
Weedsport, NY – September 29, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Culminating with the headline Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series ‘Rite Aid 200’ on Sunday, October 12, the start of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse is just 10 days away.
Commemorating the 10th straight season of Series partnership with Advance Auto Parts based in Roanoke, Virginia, 10 of the most famous cars ever to circle the Moody Mile during the Columbus Day speedfest will be highlighted ---in numerical order--- for each of the 10 days leading up to the richest Big-Block Modified event in the nation.
During the past 36 years no less than ( ) drivers have qualified for the Rite Aid 200 starting grid, with only 18 able to tame the Moody Mile and capture the crown jewel of DIRTcar Modified Racing in the Northeast. More than half of the winners have gone on to repeat their victorious ride ---often in a different car--- while an elite group of just four were able to celebrate on no less than three occasions. Up to 10 of these same legendary wheelmen that have graced the fairgrounds winner’s circle are expected to compete in the 37th edition when the Salt City comes alive this October.
Flanked by car owner Ray Bramall and the late Hall of Fame crew chief Charlie DeAngelis, the no. 6 Freightliner Trucks of Newburgh ride was an instant favorite whenever it signed up for the Super DIRT Week spectacle, emerging as the only car to carry two different drivers into the winner’s circle. DeAngelis first teamed with Bramall in 1986 and Brett Hearn became the driver of the renumbered ‘6’ Modifieds in 1988 before Danny Johnson filled the cockpit beginning in 1992. Hearn copped back-to-back Syracuse Big-Block titles in 1990-91 and DeAngelis returned to the Bramall garage in September of '96, helping guide the team back to victory lane in the Salt City with Johnson buckled in the following autumn.
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10 Days ….. Countdown To Super DIRT Week XXXVII Begins!
Weedsport, NY – September 28, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Culminating with the headline Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series ‘Rite Aid 200’ on Sunday, October 12, the start of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse is just 10 days away.
Commemorating the 10th straight season of Series partnership with Advance Auto Parts based in Roanoke, Virginia, 10 of the most famous cars ever to circle the Moody Mile during the Columbus Day speedfest will be highlighted ---in numerical order--- for each of the 10 days leading up to the richest Big-Block Modified event in the nation.
During the past 36 years no less than 407 drivers have qualified for the Rite Aid 200 starting grid, with only 18 able to tame the Moody Mile and capture the crown jewel of DIRTcar Modified Racing in the Northeast. More than half of the winners have gone on to repeat their victorious ride ---often in a different car--- while an elite group of just four were able to celebrate on no less than three occasions. Up to 10 of these same legendary wheelmen that have graced the fairgrounds winner’s circle are expected to compete in the 37th edition when the Salt City comes alive this October.
What better place to start then with the first car ever to park in victory lane at the conclusion of Super DIRT Week in 1972, the #00 Dover Brake Special piloted by the bespectacled Hall of Famer Buzzie Reutimann. The only coupe ever to crack the winner’s circle on Sunday, one of the most recognizable cars on DIRTcar Racing’s biggest stage was ironically the same mount that Reutimann drove on blacktop in the All-Star Racing League. Buzzie came back with the famous double-zero Modified to repeat his Syracuse triumph the following autumn, officially ending the ‘flathead’ era at the historic Salt City oval as the beginning of Super DIRT Week successfully completed the transition.
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series
Super DIRT Week ‘Rite Aid 200’ Big-Block Modified Winners (1972-2007)
WINS DRIVER FIRST WIN LAST WIN
5 Brett Hearn #20, 10/13/85 #72, 10/8/95
4 Gary Balough #73, 10/3/76 #112, 10/12/80
4 Billy Decker #91, 10/11/98 #91, 11/5/05
3 Alan Johnson #14J, 10/9/83 #1, 10/12/03
2 Buzzie Reutimann #00, 10/1/72 #00, 9/30/73
2 Merv Treichler #58, 10/11/81 #58, 10/10/82
2 Jack Johnson #12A, 10/7/79 #12A, 10/7/84
2 Jimmy Horton #85, 10/11/87 #87, 10/9/94
2 Danny Johnson #6J, 10/12/97 #27, 10/8/06
2 Vic Coffey #32C, 10/13/02 #32C, 10/7/07
1 Billy Osmun #3, 9/29/74
1 Dick Tobias #17, 9/28/75
1 Bob McCreadie #9, 10/12/86
1 Kenny Brightbill #30, 10/9/88
1 Richie Tobias Jr. #35, 10/11/92
1 Doug Hoffman #1H, 10/13/96
1 Kenny Tremont #115, 10/10/99
1 Tim Fuller #M1, 10/10/04
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22nd Annual World Series Race Weekend
Alan Johnson Streaks To Advance Series BPG National Title At Rolling Wheels
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Race #24 – Rolling Wheels Raceway Park, September 27, 2008 ‘BPG National 200’ Big-Block Modified Event Summary
Feature
FIN STR CAR# DRIVER
1 6 1j Alan Johnson/Middlesex,NY($10,000)
2 8 9s Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
3 4 7x Steve Paine/Waterloo,NY
4 2 98h Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
5 7 84 Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY
6 10 91 Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY
7 1 77 Carey Terrance/Akwesasne,NY
8 16 fx1 Frankie Caprara/Watertown,NY
9 12 77x Dale Planck/Cortland,NY
10 14 56 Vince Vitale/Phoenix,NY
11 13 99 Ryan Phelps/Fulton,NY
12 15 6 Pat O'Brien/Kingston,ONT
13 19 49 Billy Dunn/Watertown,NY
14 20 02 Roy Bresnahan/Palermo,NY
15 18 32c Vic Coffey/Leicester,NY
16 3 3 Justin Haers/Phelps,NY
17 22 29 Jeff Brownell Jr./Waterloo,NY
18 21 19L John Lazore/Hogansburg,NY
19 11 19 Tim Fuller/Edwards, NY
20 29 99L Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY®
21 27 1 Darwin Greene/Susquehanna,PA
22 24 9 Pierre DagenaisGatineau,QUE
23 9 85 Dan Vauter/Forest City,PA
24 28 45m Mike Ward/Genoa,NY
25 5 20 Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
26 17 88 Steve Hulsizer/Bridgeport,NY
27 30 27j Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
28 25 62s Tom Sears Jr./Clay,NY
29 26 83x Tim Sears/Central Square,NY
30 23 fx1x Ryan Bartlett/Adams,NY
DID NOT QUALIFY(5)
22w-Lance Willix II/Theresa,NY
42-Ted Lamb Jr./Clay,NY
42p-Pat Ward/Genoa,NY
96-Todd Milton/Auburn,NY
518-Kyle Sheldon/Schodack,NY
EVENT SUMMARY:
LAP LEADERS: Terrance (1-49), A.Johnson (50-128).
CAUTIONS: 11 for 45 laps; 1 RED FLAG (lap 103).
HEAT WINNERS: Fuller, Paine, Sheppard.
DIG SAFELY NEW YORK LAST CHANCE RACE WINNER: Dunn.
BICKNELL RACING PRODUCTS WINNER AWARD: Alan Johnson.
CRANE CAMS WINNER AWARD: Alan Johnson.
RISLONE OIL STABILIZER & TREATMENT WINNER AWARD: Alan Johnson.
BARS LEAKS RUNNER-UP AWARD: Matt Sheppard.
CRANE CAMS RUNNER-UP AWARD: Matt Sheppard.
SYRACUSE RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER: Carey Terrance (P).
HALFWAY LEADER: Alan Johnson.
BERT/KSE RACING PRODUCTS HARD CHARGER AWARD: Larry Wight.
HOLLEY HARD LUCK AWARD: Brett Hearn.
PENSKE POWER POSITION AWARD (11th): Ryan Phelps.
INTEGRA SHOCKS FAST TIME AWARD: Alan Johnson (20.357sec/110.527mph).
TOTAL PURSE: $39,985.
CARS ENTERED: 35.
NEXT EVENT: New York State Fairgrounds "Rite Aid 200" - October 12, 2008.
Rolling Wheels World Series Weekend Opening Day Activity Falls To Rain
Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series Quadrupleheader On Tap Saturday At RWR
Weedsport, NY – September 26, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director
Day one of the 22nd Annual World Series Race Weekend at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park has been cancelled due to a persistent afternoon showers that failed to lift by post time.
The scheduled Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Championship Series event will not be made up while the Mr. DIRTcar Street Stock portion of Friday’s show has been added to Saturday’s card at Rolling Wheels.
Action in the 2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series returns to the ‘Fast Track’ for the second time this month on Saturday of World Series Race Weekend presented by Taylor Rental of Auburn. Round number 24 in the Advance Series begins with Integra Shocks Time trials at 4 p.m. leading up to the $10,000-to-win BPG National 200 for Big-Blocks.
A regularly scheduled Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman/Pro Stock doubleheader joins the Saturday card along with the recently rescheduled tour stop for UMP Street Stocks, the second installment in the five-race Mr. DIRTcar Street Stock trail.
Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman point chasers will by vying for a spot in the 30-lap Championship event while the top touring Pro Stockers will be battling around the Elbridge speedplant in the DTD Pro Stock 30.
Saturday admission is set at $25 for Adults, $23 for Seniors (65+), $8 for kids (10-14), and FREE for those children 9 and under. Pits will be unlocked at 1 p.m. and the front gates swing open at 2 o’clock with practice beginning at 3:30 for all divisions.
Log into www.rollingwheelsraceway.com phone the DIRTcar NE office (315/834-6606) or contact the track (315/689-7809) on raceday for further information. Rolling Wheels Raceway Park is located West of the village of Elbridge on NYS Route 5 just five minutes east of the city of Auburn; also 10 minutes from exit 40 of the New York State Thruway.
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Advance Auto Parts & Pullen’s Truck Center Host SDW Modified Qualifiers
Weedsport, NY – September 26, 2008 - By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director
Fast and furious open-wheel qualifying heat races highlight the Friday program during Super DIRT Week XXXVII, Oct. 7-12, at the New York State Fairgrounds.
The October 10 agenda leads off at 12noon with 100 laps of open-wheel action around the Syracuse Mile as Advance Auto Parts presents Triple 20s for DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds and Pullen’s Truck Center presents Twin 20s for DIRTcar 358-Modifieds. DIRTcar Sportsman Modified time trials follow immediately afterwards before fans and race teams move west for their choice of short-track shows staged at both Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Weedsport and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park in Elbridge.
Both Big-Block and 358-Modified Integra Shocks Time Trials on Thursday once again lock in the six fastest cars for the front three rows of their respective main event, the Rite Aid 200 on Sunday and 150-lap Small-Block Championship on Saturday.
The top-10 non-qualified cars from each of the Advance Auto Parts Modified Triple 20s and Pullen’s Truck Center 358-Modified Twin 20s will add 30 more cars to each feature race grid with provisional starters from the overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar point standings helping fill out the field. Time trial results will be used to determine the starting line-up for each 20-lapper in both divisions.
While a driver may practice with up to two different cars, multi-car Big-Block teams are eligible to use only one car for Integra Shocks Time Trials on Thursday and just one in a Triple 20 on Friday.
The current heat race format originated at Super DIRT Week in 1989 to mirror the weekly qualifying procedure normally used at short-tracks throughout the summer months. The biggest difference at Syracuse is that each heat race offers a full purse with big-block winners earning $4,000 and 358 victors pocketing $1,000.
Past Super DIRT Week Qualifying Heat Race Winners
*denotes title event champion.
2007: MOD-Pat Ward, Billy Decker, Ronnie Johnson / SB-Pete Bicknell, Willy Decker
2006: MOD-Tim Fuller, Billy Decker, Jimmy Phelps / SB-Pat Ward, Pete Bicknell
2005: MOD-*Billy Decker, Danny Johnson, Brett Hearn / SB-Brett Hearn, *Tim Fuller
2004: MOD-Billy Decker, Gary Tomkins, Matt Sheppard / SB-Brett Hearn, Andy Bachetti
2003: MOD-Vic Coffey, Brett Hearn, Danny Johnson / SB-Brett Hearn, *Matt Sheppard
2002: MOD-Brett Hearn, Chuck Bower, Steve Poirier / SB-Brett Hearn, *Billy Decker
2001: MOD-Richie Tobias, Brett Hearn, *Billy Decker / SB-Tdd Burley, Vic Coffey
2000: MOD-Brett Hearn, Steve Paine, *Billy Decker / SB-*Pete Bicknell, Steve Paine
1999: MOD-Kenny Brightbill, Brett Hearn, Billy Decker / SB-*Pete Bicknell, Brett Hearn
1998: MOD-Bobby Varin,*Billy Decker,Brett Hearn / SB-Kenny Brightbill, Bobby Hayes
1997: MOD-Joe Plazek, Jack Johnson, Brett Hearn / SB-Billy Decker, Brett Hearn
1996: MOD-Brett Hearn, Steve Paine, Brett Hearn
1995: MOD-*Brett Hearn, Bob McCreadie, Jack Johnson
1994: MOD-*Jimmy Horton, Dave Blaney, Danny Johnson
1993: MOD-Bob McCreadie, Billy Pauch, Dave Blaney
1992: MOD-Jimmy Horton, Bob McCreadie, Ricky Elliott
1991: MOD-*Brett Hearn, Joe Plazek, Billy Decker
1990: MOD-Bob McCreadie, Danny Johnson, *Brett Hearn
1989: MOD-Doug Hoffman, Jeff Heotzler, Danny Johnson
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RAIN FORCES RESCHEDULING AGAIN AT PENN CAN SPEEDWAY
Susquehanna, PA…Penn Can Speedway in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania fell victim to the weather again today when speedway officials were forced to reschedule the King of the Can Special to Friday October 3rd. This program will include all division originally scheduled to be in competition.
“We are having a difficult time getting this race in the books,” states Reed Miller. “This is the second time we have had to reschedule. Hopefully the weather will cooperate next Friday.”
“If the King races next Friday are anything like the modified and sportsman show last week, the fans are in for a treat,” explains Al Wilcox.
This night will feature a big late model event paying the winner a minimum of $1100. Also on the card will be the King of the Can events for super stocks, pure stocks, and 4 cylinder stocks. Each event will have extra money on the line and extra laps as well. Lap money is also available for these races. Joining the Penn Can stars this night will be the popular CRSA Sprints and the Xcel 600 modifieds. Heats will be lined up by luck of the draw in all divisions with the top cars in the heats redrawing for feature starting positions.
Gates will open both nights at 5:15 with racing at 7:15. The speedway is located on Route 171 in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania just a short drive from the Binghamton and Scranton areas. For more information call the speedway office at 570-585-9928 or check our web page at www.penncan.com.
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Ryan Phelps Fills Student-Teacher Role In 2008 Advance Big-Block Series
Ryan Phelps at speed. Photo © Alex Bruce
Weedsport, NY – September 25, 2008 - By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
All season long Ryan Phelps has been a student of the racing game, diligently following the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series from beginning to end with two of the top touring stars remaining his biggest mentors.
With the arrival of September, Phelps has been thrust into a new role, moving to the head of the class as he is on the teaching end with wide-eyes now turned in his direction for guidance during the school year.
“I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by good people,” remarked Phelps, 24, recognized more familiarly in the classroom on weekdays as an 11th grade history teacher at Newark (NY) High School where he also serves as the head coach of the wrestling team.
In Central New York racing circles he’s fondly referred to as the ‘Rocket’ with the second-generation driver from Fulton, New York steering the Big Red Towing no. 99 Dave Miller Auto Body/Bicknell entry on weekends. And in the Advance Series spread over seven months he’s quickly gaining prominence as one of the most talented newcomers to DIRTcar Racing NorthEast’s premier circuit for Big-Block Modifieds.
“Billy (Decker) and Jimmy (Phelps, cousin) have provided me the most insight, things young racers never get the chance to experience while getting their feet wet. They’re both veterans with so much to offer. From giving little set-up tips to discussing tire management, noting possible track changes and pointing out good lines to run at every speedway just helps hurry along the learning process. I’ve learned a lot from watching Jimmy, seen first-hand how he’s worked his way up through the ranks. He’s always been a good driver, now he’s got good equipment and has become a star like Billy.”
“During the summer I could work on the cars five days a week and things were more laid back. Now that school is in session I can only get out to the garage once a week and on weekends so the burden has shifted over to the crew. I’m lucky again to have guys like Ryan and Danny Miller, Ed Webster, Pat (Ward) and my dad (Roger) spearheading the deal when I’m not around. And if it wasn’t for John Wight and Dave Miller I wouldn’t have this chance to begin with. Everybody has put a lot of stock in me to this point to get us to where we are and hopefully its starting to pay off,” noted Phelps, coming off his first top-five finish of the ’08 Series last Saturday at Canandaigua Speedway.
Phelps will be looking for another spot in the front-five when Rolling Wheels Raceway Park hosts the BPG National 200 as part of the 22nd Annual World Series Race Weekend, September 26-27, presented by Taylor Rental of Auburn. Saturday’s ‘Grand Slam” Series showdown is the second 200-lapper of the year boasting a Big-Block winner’s share of $10,000 and valuable points toward the coveted Mr. DIRTcar crown.
“Rolling Wheels is probably among my top three favorites, I’ve had some good finishes there lately and I’m looking forward to another one when we go back,” said Phelps, who crossed the line 7th, 6th and a career-best 2nd one year ago when the World Series special was split into triple 50s. His lone top-five of the ’07 season at the ‘Fast Track’ launched the Rocket into 13th position on the final overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar points chart and set the stage for a full series slate this time around.
“Success makes you feel comfortable and we’re bringing back to Rolling Wheels the same car with the same motor. Although I’ve only run a couple 200-lappers I’m happy with our slick track set-up, especially the way we clicked at Canandaigua getting by guys like Brett (Hearn) and Steve (Paine). We might have even gotten a little higher but I got too excited finally turning in a good run with the leaders. I don’t think a top-five finish is out of the question on Saturday.”
“The biggest difference from a year ago is consistency. Last season we were spotty, ran good then bad, on and off again until figuring things out later in the year. Right now I feel we always have a competitive car, always in the hunt with a solid top-10 in the cards. We’ve got a lot of those top-10s already with another half-dozen either 11th or 12th. Maybe next year we can turn those into top-10s and the top-10s into top-5s. This year is really all about next year,” stated Phelps, who currently stands ninth in the overall Mr. DIRTcar points chase with eight top-10s posted in all 23 races run.
As preparation for the 2009 campaign took root at the beginning of this season, Phelps has already got an early jump by nearly matching his goals set from day one. Although being shut out from victory lane, even more track time than the previous year has enhanced his level of optimism for DIRTcar Racing NorthEast’s 34th successive season of operation that kicks off next February in Florida.
“We’re right on schedule with our goals and one of the biggest accomplishments is just being able to follow the tour and finish races without a single accident,” figured Phelps, who suffered through only a pair of DNFs as wheel bearing failure sidelined him at both Can-Am Motorsports Park in mid-August and at Rolling Wheels on Labor Day. He ended the regular season second in points at Fulton Speedway and fifth at Cayuga County Fair Speedway against many of the same drivers that contest in the Advance Series. “I’m just trying to understand every track a little better and keep my nose clean.”
“Running these 100-lappers makes all the difference when you get back to racing regular shows on the weekends. The 35-lappers now seem almost like sprints so you learn to bide your time better. The tour forces you to really concentrate on track conditions and see how different tracks require you to drive using different angles and entry points in and out of the turns. In a 100-lapper you usually have to run three or four different lines during the night. Following the series has given me the experience to almost see exactly how and when the track changes even before it actually happens. And helping you see the way tracks change gives you more confidence and ultimately makes you more patient as a driver,” Phelps acknowledged.
The best in the business will be in competition testing Phelps’ patience on Saturday, including four-time National 200 race winners Alan Johnson and Brett Hearn, who won the last race that was rain-shortened to 155 laps in 2006. Current Advance Series high-point man Billy Decker captured the double-century grind in 1998 with ‘08 tour travellers Danny Johnson (2000) and Gary Tomkins (2005) waiting until the new millennium to get on track.
Rolling Wheels pits are unlocked Saturday at 1 p.m. and the front gates swing open at 2 o’clock with practice beginning at 3:30 for all divisions. For Saturday’s portion of World Series Weekend, including twin Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series 30-lappers for Sportsman Modifieds and Pro Stocks, adult general admission grandstand tickets are $25 each, Senior Citizens (65 yrs + over) $23, Students (10-14 yrs) $8, and Children (9 yrs. + under) Free; all reserved seats are $2.00 extra per event.
Further material can be found at www.rollingwheelsraceway.com or by phoning the DIRTcar NE office (315/834-6606) or the track (315/689-7809) on raceday. Rolling Wheels Raceway Park is located West of the village of Elbridge on NYS Route 5 just five minutes east of the city of Auburn; also 10 minutes from exit 40 of the New York State Thruway.
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Guaranteed Starting Spot Up For Grabs During Schneider Brothers 200 Weekend
By Dave Medler
Fulton, NY - Looking to add some excitement to the Schneider Brothers 200 weekend and give money and incentive to the Modified Race Teams, Fulton Speedway will be offering 2 guaranteed starting spots and $300 cash.
Fulton Speedway is proud to announce P&M Fabrication out of Jordan, New York as the title sponsor. Doug Phelps and Lou McIntyre offer most everything for your racing needs from, Performance Race Bodies, Bumpers, Nerf Bars, Door Mounts, 1/4 Mounts, Inter Hoops, Shock Towers, Bumper Kits, Minor Chassis Repair, Tire Carts/Racks, Pit Bulls, Tool Storage Units-Custom Built and a lot more. To see all that P&M has to offer call them at 315-374-1588 or visit www.pandmfab.com or by email pandmfab@aol.com
On Thursday and Friday nights (October 2-3) of the Schneider Brothers 200 weekend there will two sessions a night of Modified Hot-Laps, one during the intermission and one at the end of the night. The fastest overall Modified timer each night will receive $300 and a guaranteed starting spot for the 23rd Annual Schneider Brothers 200.
(This will be one Guaranteed spot each night, not each Hot-Lap Session) The Modifieds will be broken up into groups with the number of groups to be determined by how many Modifieds are signed into the pit area on each night.
For more information contact the speedway office at 315-593-6531 or visit www.fultonspeedway.com.
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ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRTcar SERIES: ADVANCE NOTICES
Weedsport, NY — September 23, 2008 — By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
WHAT
Action in the 2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series returns to the ‘Fast Track’ for the second time this month as part of the 22nd Annual World Series Race Weekend, September 26-27, presented by Taylor Rental of Auburn at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park. Round number 24 in the Advance Series is set for Saturday, Sept. 27 with the BPG National 200 boasting a $10,000 first-place prize for the Big-Block winner. A Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified/Street Stock doubleheader kicks off the two-day affair on Friday with Sportsman and Pro Stock Series shows filling the Saturday card. On the line in the Big-Block portion is a guaranteed starting spot in the Rite Aid 200 Championship during Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse coming up in just two more weeks.
WHERE
Centrally located, Rolling Wheels Raceway Park sits West of the village of Elbridge on NYS Route 5 just five minutes east of the city of Auburn; also 10 minutes from exit 40 of the New York State Thruway.
WHEN
Pits are unlocked Saturday at 1 p.m. and the front gates swing open at 2 o’clock with practice beginning at 3:30 for all divisions. Integra Shocks Modified Time Trials run off at 4 p.m. followed by qualifying heat races. The $10,000-to-win Advance Auto Parts Series BPG 200 comes on the heels of Mr. DIRTcar Series $1,000-to-win 30-lappers for both Modified Sportsman and UMP Pro Stock classes. On Friday, pits open at 4 p.m., grandstand seating begins at 5 o’clock and heats start promptly at 7 p.m.
TICKETS
Tickets prices for the two-day affair are: Fri., Sept. 26-Adult GA=$20, Seniors (65 yrs + over) $18, Students (10-14 yrs) $5 and Children (9 yrs. + under) Free; Pits=$25 (member) and $30 (non-member). On Sat, Sept. 27-Adult GA=$25, Seniors $23, Students $8 and Children Free; Pits=$25 (member) and $30 (non-member). All reserved seats are $2.00 extra per event. Special World Series Weekend combo ticket packages for two-day spectator seating are available for $40 each. A fee of $10.00 per night is required for all campers. For more information, please contact the DIRTcar NorthEast Office (315/834-6606) or Rolling Wheels on raceday (315/689-7809). General Admission tickets and pit passes will be available at the gate on race day.
ABOUT THE TRACK
Rolling Wheels Raceway Park is a spacious 5/8-mile clay oval. Alan Johnson posted the single lap record in an Advance Series show when he circled the track in 20.029 seconds (112.337 mph) on September 4, 2006. Billy Decker and Dale Planck split Twin 50s at the ‘Fast Track’ back in May and Decker returned to capture the 10th Anniversary Advance Series showdown on Labor Day with the only other scheduled Big-Block Modified main falling to rain in July.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
2007 marked the first time the annual autumn affair was divided into Triple 50s ---won by Billy Decker, Brett Hearn and Gary Tomkins--- for Big-Block Modifieds, with 200-lappers the staple since 1979. Over the past three decades only the best have parked in the winner's circle at Rolling Wheels Raceway after scoring National 200 triumphs at the popular Elbridge oval, with nearly half of the 13 drivers repeating their victory lane appearance. 'Barefoot' Bob McCreadie leads all open-wheel competitors with six victories followed by Alan Johnson (4), Brett Hearn (4), Jack Johnson (3), Will Cagle (2) and Dave Lape (2). Cagle was the first driver to cop two checkered flags, capturing the inaugural event in 1979 and returning to the podium in 1981. Alan Johnson was the first to score consecutive wins and added a third between 1982-84, only to be matched by McCreadie's string of three in a row from 1990-92. Jack Johnson is the only other driver to claim two successive 200-lappers (1995-96) while the first career wins scored at Rolling Wheels were each tallied in the ‘200’ by Billy Decker, Tim McCreadie and Tim Fuller. Wins by Bob McCreadie (1992), Jack Johnson (1996) and Kenny Tremont (1998) were rain-delayed until October, each time run the weekend prior to Super DIRT Week. In the 28 years the ‘200’ has been run, Rolling Wheels' annual Big-Block Modified finale has never been cancelled due to rain, yet the win by defending champ Hearn in 2006 was the first to be shortened due to seasonal precipitation.
Rolling Wheels Raceway Park – Elbridge, New York
“National 200” DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Winners (1979-2006)
YEAR FIRST - SECOND - THIRD - FOURTH - FIFTH
2006 Brett Hearn - Billy Decker - Jimmy Phelps - Gary Tomkins - Alan Johnson
2005 Gary Tomkins - Pat Ward - Tim Fuller - Brett Hearn - Justin Haers
2004 Brett Hearn - Vic Coffey - Jimmy Phelps - Bobby Varin - Alan Johnson
2003 Tim Fuller - Tim McCreadie - Alan Johnson - Danny Johnson - Kenny Tremont
2002 Alan Johnson - Gary Tomkins - Bob McCreadie - Jack Johnson - Tim Fuller
2001 Brett Hearn - Bob McCreadie - Alan Johnson - Danny Johnson - Tim Fuller
2000 Danny Johnson - Steve Paine - Jack Johnson - Bobby Varin - Brett Hearn
1999 Tim McCreadie - A.J. Romano - Billy Decker - Danny Johnson - Doug Hoffman
1998 Kenny Tremont - Brett Hearn - Jack Johnson - Steve Paine - Jimmy Horton
1997 Bob McCreadie - Doug Hoffman - Bobby Varin - Tim McCreadie - Steve Paine
1996 Jack Johnson - Bob McCreadie - Jeff Heotzler - Danny Johnson - Brett Hearn
1995 Jack Johnson - Bob McCreadie - Danny Johnson - A.J. Romano - Billy Decker
1994 Bob McCreadie - Doug Hoffman - Jeff Trombley - Billy Decker - Alan Johnson
1993 Jack Johnson - Brett Hearn - Billy Decker - Alan Johnson - Doug Hoffman
1992 Bob McCreadie - Brett Hearn - Danny Johnson - Jack Johnson - Dave Lape
1991 Bob McCreadie - Jeff Trombley - Kevin Collins - Steve Paine - Joe Plazek
1990 Bob McCreadie - Kenny Tremont - Brett Hearn - Steve Paine - Frank Cozze
1989 Dave Lape - Kenny Brightbill - Danny Johnson - Jack Johnson - Joe Plazek
1988 Billy Decker - Danny Johnson - Brett Hearn - Alan Johnson - Doug Hoffman
1987 Bob McCreadie - Dave Lape - Kenny Tremont - Charlie Rudolph - Harvey Hainer
1986 Brett Hearn - Alan Johnson - Charlie Rudolph - Steve Paine - Jack Johnson
1985 Dave Lape - Brett Hearn - Fred Cade - Steve Paine - Kenny Tremont
1984 Alan Johnson - Bob McCreadie - Joe Plazek - Johnny Birosh - Chuck Akulis
1983 Alan Johnson - Charlie Rudolph - Dave Lape - Don McGinnis - Jack Johnson
1982 Alan Johnson - Dave Lape - Brett Hearn - Carl Reynolds - Darrell Welty
1981 Will Cagle - Jack Johnson - Darrell Welty - C.D. Coville - Danny Johnson
1980 Mike McLaughlin - Alan Johnson - Chuck Akulis - Carl Reynolds - Dave Lape
1979 Will Cagle - Mike McLaughlin - Merv Treichler - Jeff Kappesser - Gary Iulg
TRACK HISTORY
One of three founding-member speedways when DIRTcar Racing was formed in 1976, Rolling Wheels Raceway boasts a unique specials-only race format instituted throughout the season that has continued to produce a hotbed of trackside activity for both fans and drivers alike. The "Fast Track" was first mapped out by the late Bob Petrocci, yet just one year following the August 17, 1969 opener, Petrocci lost his life in a freak accident while spectating at a nearby speedway. Sons Robert Jr. and Donald Petrocci inherited promotional duties and eventually signed up the second weekly track to join DIRTcar founder Glenn Donnelly and his fledgling motorsports operation. Rolling Wheels ran regularly every Friday night with Big-Block Modifieds and Late Models until cutting back the summer schedule in 1982. In 2008 a full season of activity has included open-wheel Modified, winged Sprint Car and full-fender Stock Car racing with annual highlights including the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series and World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series.
2007 ‘150’ RACE RECAPS
The 21st edition of World Series of DIRT Track Racing Weekend at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park offered three times the excitement as Billy Decker, Brett Hearn and Gary Tomkins reached the winner’s circle after scoring convincing victories in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Budweiser Triple 50s on Saturday night. It was Decker’s fourth tour win of the 2007 campaign, a tour-high seventh for Hearn and a third of the season for Tomkins all at Rolling Wheels. Starting third on the 30-car grid aboard the LJL Racing no. 91 Gypsum Wholesalers-Stadium Int'l-Quality Hardwoods/Bicknell entry, Decker took advantage of a lap 17 caution and out-dragged Ryan Phelps on the ensuing restart to make the final lead exchange before cruising on to a decisive victory in the Paine Motorsports 50. Pole-sitter Vic Coffey crossed the line second ahead of Jimmy Phelps, Tim Fuller and Hearn to kick off the unique tripleheader for tour travelers. After Decker drew 11 to invert the top-11 finishers to start the second 50-lapper, Hearn charged from seventh and used a lapped car to pick and roll around leader Pat Ward on lap 14 en route to his Advance Auto Parts Series all-time high 98th career tour triumph despite his Madsen Motorsports no. 20 Wentworth Custom Homes-Kruger/TEO machine suffering a broken shock mount. Coffey, Jimmy Phelps, Fuller and Tomkins filled out the final front-five. With Hearn draw eight to invert the top four rows in the nightcap, fourth-place starter Tomkins waited patiently before sprinting past pole-sitter Justin Haers on a lap 24 restart and holding off Ryan Phelps to capture the Owasco Beverages 50-lap finale. Chasing Tomkins’ no. 84 Honeoye Auto Parts-Red Parker & Son Excavating/Bicknell mount across the line were Ryan Phelps, Jimmy Phelps, Fuller and Bert Hard Charger Billy Decker.
2006 ‘200’ RACE REVIEW
Rain that soaked the area overnight and was predicted to continue over Central New York finally hit again on Saturday, then again and again and again. And when Rolling Wheels Raceway officials finally threw in the towel nearly two hours after the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Paine Motorsports National 200 began, it was veteran Brett Hearn pulling into victory lane to collect the $10,000 top prize in the rain-shortened 155-lap Big-Block Modifed main. Following Hearn across the stripe in the yellow/checkered flag finish were 2006 Rolling Wheels season points champion Billy Decker, second year tour follower Jimmy Phelps, defending race winner Gary Tomkins and then overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Championship points leader Alan Johnson. Changing both rear tires and topping off his fuel can, Hearn was among the first in the 30-car starting field to make a pit stop during the initial caution period on lap 45 and after his mandatory stop down pit row just a handful of laps later he returned trackside in the top-five. One-by-one the Sussex, N.J. superstar disposed of his opposition, first Decker, then Danny Johnson before overtaking second-generation driver Ryan Phelps for the final exchange up front.
Pat Ward opened the 20th Annual World Series of DIRT Track Racing Weekend program for the Big-Blocks by stopping the clocks at 20.272 seconds for an average speed of 108.554 mph around the fast and smooth 5/8-miler clay oval to earn the $100 Integra Shocks Fast Time Award. Hearn was ninth quickest aboard the potent Madsen Motorsports no. 20 Wentworth Custom Homes-BPG Racing-Kruger-WLR/TEO entry, while brothers Danny and Alan Johnson were right on the rear bumper of Ward in the opening round qualifying session. Come feature time it was the last driver to sign in ---Dave Rauscher--- that grabbed the pole-position in the customary pre-race draw yet when the green flag finally dropped it was Rauscher’s front row partner Chuck Bower who sprinted out to assume the early lead. It took only 10 laps for Bower to reach traffic and five circuits later Danny Johnson blasted from third to first. With a quarter of the race complete Matt Sheppard dropped Bower back to fourth while Tim Fuller filled the front-five as Rauscher, Hearn, Pat Ward, Alan Johnson, Justin Haers, Decker and Jimmy Phelps rounded out the first dozen drivers in the non-stop affair. The yellow lights finally flashed for the first time when Roger Chrysler slid off the back straightaway to give both the fans and drivers a breather after 44 laps of continuous action. The initial caution period prompted Hearn, Decker and Tomkins to visit the infield pits while Coffey took control of the point when Johnson pitted on lap 49. When the scoreboard clicked 50 laps complete most of the field darted down pit lane and Rauscher led for the first time the following circuit with Ryan Phelps and Danny Johnson in his rear-view mirror. Back under green flag conditions, Hearn blasted by Decker for fourth on lap 56 and Ryan Phelps grabbed the lead from Rauscher just one more time around the fast 5/8-miler. Hearn then swept past Johnson on lap 65 before forging what resulted in the final lead change on lap 68.
DRIVER WEB SITES
Sean Beardsley - http://www.teamjir.com
Billy Decker - http://www.gypsumracing.com
Tim Fuller - http://www.gypsumracing.com
Justin Haers - http://www.justinhaers.com
Brett Hearn - http://www.bretthearn.com
Danny Johnson - http://www.teamjir.com
Pat O'Brien - http://www.gypsumracing.com
Steve Paine - http://stevepaine.painemotorsports.com
Jimmy Phelps - http://www.jimmyphelps.com
Ryan Phelps - http://www.ryanphelps.com, http://www.gypsumracing.com
Matt Sheppard - http://www.matt-sheppard.com
Larry Wight - http://www.gypsumracing.com Overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Point Standings (Thru Sept. 20, 2008)
1. Billy Decker 2197
2. Dale Planck 2026
3. Jimmy Phelps 1964
4. Brett Hearn 1948
5. Gary Tomkins 1889
6. Matt Sheppard 1751
7. Frankie Caprara 1632
8. Steve Paine 1573
9. Ryan Phelps 1487
10. Justin Haers 1472
NEWS & NOTES
Rite Aid Super Ticket Giveaway: All-time Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series winner Brett Hearn from Sussex, New Jersey will be appearing at a Rite Aid Pharmacy during the upcoming weekend. Hearn is slated to appear at the Rite Aid Store on 47 East Genesee Street in nearby Auburn, New York on Saturday, September 27 from 12noon to 2 pm. Posing beside his blue Madsen Motorsports no. 20 Wentworth Custom Homes-Kruger-WLR/TEO Modified race car, the record-setting six-time overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Champion will be available to meet with fans, sign autographs and pass out special Autograph cards. The first 90 fans at each store, beginning at noon, will receive a free ticket to the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier scheduled at Rolling Wheels Raceway later that same night.
The popular program is part of the promotion for the Rite Aid 200 race on Sunday of Super DIRT Week XXXVII, Oct. 7-12, in Syracuse, N.Y. Promotions have been scheduled throughout the season at pharmacies located across the Northeast. Each pharmacy promotion features DIRTcar driver appearances, race cars, the unique Rite Aid “cut-away” Modified, free autograph cards and free tickets to Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier races. Fans can find more information on the Rite Aid promotion by visiting Rite Aid Pharmacy online at www.riteaid.com. For race information, please visit www.superdirtcarseries.com or www.dirtcar.com.
Rite Aid Ticket Give-Away Track Schedule
*Driver appearances scheduled from 12noon-2pm for Rolling Wheels & 10am-12noon for Syracuse.
DATE TRACK (PHONE) Driver / Store Location (phone)
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway (315/689-7809) Brett Hearn / 47 East Genessee St-Auburn,NY (315-252-5661)
Mon-Oct 13 Super DIRT Week XXXVII -TBA- / 5380 W. Taft Road-N.Syracuse,NY(315/458-8555)
Mr. DIRTcar Championship Format Fine Tuned In ‘08: The overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Modified Champion in 2008 will be determined by adding actual points earned in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series along with bonus points collected at a designated hometrack throughout the racing season. Along with gaining valuable Advance Series points during the year, each driver can now earn a maximum of 300 additional points from their best five hometrack feature race finishes. Using the standard DIRTcar NE weekly points format, a driver winning five features could carry up to 300 extra points (60 per win) into the Mr. DIRTcar Championship when track points are officially tallied after Labor Day.
2008 Win Leaders Converge On RWR: With just one more month remaining in the 2008 DIRTcar Racing NorthEast season, 25 tracks have now hosted DIRTcar Big-Block Modified races with 59 drivers taking checkered flags in 143 featured events. Division leader Billy Decker, who owns a circuit-high 22 triumphs this season, has won two of the three events run at Rolling Wheels in ‘08. Including a record-tying 10 in Advance Auto Parts Super Series competition aboard the potent LJL Racing Bicknell machine, Decker’s single-season best total nearly triples the output of popular Pennsylvanian Brian Swartzlander (8) while fellow Keystone State rivals Kevin Bolland and Jeremiah Shingledecker plus Advance Series winners Dale Planck and Alan Johnson rank right behind with seven each. Advance Series stars Brett Hearn, Matt Sheppard and Gary Tomkins have collected six wins apiece while tour regulars Jimmy Phelps (4), Steve Paine (3) and Frankie Caprara (3) and recent Lebanon Valley 200 Champion Andy Bachetti (3) are listed ahead of two-time winners Steve Hulsizer and Willy Decker from the Central New York circuit, Lebanon Valley regulars Kenny Tremont and Ryan Larkin, Orange County chauffeurs Jeff Heotzler and Chris Shultz, popular Pennsylvania pilot Del Rougeux Jr. and Canadian Pat O’Brien. Advance Series runners Justin Haers and 15 year-old sensation Larry Wight are among 38 more drivers having reached victory lane once heading into the final weekend of September. Joining Decker in Rolling Wheels’ victory lane this past May, Planck registered his first career Big-Block win at the Fast Track in Advance Series competition.
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRTcar SERIES
Rolling Wheels Raceway Park: 1980-9/1/08 (79 events / 19 drivers)
Wins Driver First Win Last Win
15 Brett Hearn 9/5/83 9/22/07
9 Alan Johnson 8/13/81 9/4/06
8 Bob McCreadie 9/27/87 9/4/00
7 Billy Decker 9/25/88 9/1/08
6 Gary Tomkins 5/19/02 9/22/07
5 Jack Johnson 8/13/80 10/6/96
5 Danny Johnson 8/1/89 9/24/00
5 Tim Fuller 9/21/03 5/7/06
3 Dave Lape 7/5/82 9/24/89
3 Steve Paine 8/22/96 4/29/01
2 Doug Hoffman 8/14/90 7/16/95
2 Joe Plazek 7/17/94 9/1/97
2 Kenny Tremont 10/3/98 9/6/99
2 Tim McCreadie 9/26/99 7/4/01
1 Mike McLaughlin 9/28/80
1 Will Cagle 9/27/81
1 Gary Iulg 9/6/82
1 Jimmy Phelps 9/3/07
1 Dale Planck 5/4/08
UPCOMING EVENT
In just two more weeks, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast’s prized jewel takes center stage with the 37th Annual Rite Aid 200 Championship showcasing Super DIRT Week XXXVII, Oct. 7-12, at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. The two remaining point shows at Syracuse and Orange County Fair Speedway bring the 33rd successive season of DIRTcar Racing NE to a close in October.
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Billy Decker(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Dale Planck(G)
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway D.Planck/Danny Johnson(P)
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway B.Decker/Brett Hearn(P)
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway B.Decker/Robbie Krull(P)
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway B.Decker/Jimmy Phelps(P)
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Brett Hearn(G)
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond D.Planck/Steve Paine(P)
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway B.Decker/Jeff Strunk(P)
Thr-Jul 17 Georgetown Speedway H.J. Bunting(G)
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway B.Hearn/Chuck McKee(P)
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Jimmy Phelps(G)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Vic Coffey(P)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Justin Haers(P)
Fri-Aug 15 Brewerton Speedway B.Decker/Gary Tomkins(P)
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park Gary Tomkins(G)
Sun-Aug 17 Cornwall Motor Speedway G.Tomkins/Carey Terrance(P)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Alan Johnson(G)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway B.Decker/Frankie Caprara(P)
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway B.Decker/Roy Bresnahan(P)
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway Andy Bachetti(G)
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Rain-Cancelled
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway A.Johnson/Tim Fuller(P)
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
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JOHNSON COMPLETES SWEEP AT FONDA FOR A TOTAL OF $15,300
By: Ron Szczerba
FONDA, NY – On Saturday evening Ronnie Johnson won the first leg of the McDonald’s weekend activities as he took home $5000 as the winner of the Big Block/Small Block Challenge Modified feature event.
On Sunday afternoon he came right back to win the second leg which was worth $9500 as he beat Brett Hearn and Dave Camara to the finish line for the victory. Add to that an $800 bonus for a Fonda regular (Johnson) beating and outsider (Hearn) and that all adds up to a total of $15,300 in winnings that Johnson took back with him to Duanesburg, NY this weekend.
“This feels real good but Brett sure did make us work for it and I am whooped right now,” Johnson said in victory lane. “I knew that Brett was back there as he showed me his nose many times during the event.”
Johnson and Camara started the event on the front row with Camara the early race leader at the drop of the green flag. After starting in the 10th position Billy Decker moved up to the sixth spot by lap two with the top three of Camara, Johnson, and Matt DeLorenzo running together for position in lap traffic.
Jeff Trombley was the new third place car on lap 14 after getting by DeLorenzo while Hearn was making his way up from his 12th place starting position. On lap 17, Hearn got by Decker for the sixth position while Camara stretched out his advantage to a half straightaway by lap 20. Hearn continued his march to the front as he got by the cars of Ryan Odasz, DeLorenzo, and Trombley for the third position by lap 36.
Just as Johnson was starting to close in on Camara the first of only two yellow flags in the event came out on lap 39 for 2008 Track Champion Bobby Varin who suffered a right rear flat tire. Varin was able to pit for a tire change and restart at the rear of the field.
On the restart, Johnson got by both Camara and the lap car of Tony Pepicelli for the lead and just before the halfway point he built up a straightaway advantage over Hearn who took over the second position on the restart and Camara who was still in the hunt back in third. The final yellow of the event came out on lap 54 for Mario Clair who came to a stop in turn three.
Johnson pulled away on the restart for a few laps before Hearn was able to close back in on lap 69 as Johnson was caught behind two lap cars who were running side by side in front of him. After clearing the lap cars Johnson pulled away again until lap 74 when Hearn was able to close in and seriously challenge Johnson for the lead.
Going into turn three Johnson used the lap car of A.J. Romano as a pick as he went around the outside of Romano to stay ahead of Hearn. From that point on as the laps clicked off Hearn put a major challenge on Johnson starting when he tried to go between Odasz and Johnson for the lead. Johnson was able to hold on but the two ran side by side for many laps until the end to the delight of the crowd.
Johnson was able to hold off everything that Hearn could throw at him and got a big ovation in victory lane as Hearn heard a chorus of boos from the crowd when he pulled into victory lane as the second place finisher just ahead of Camara. Trombley, and DeLorenzo who was the last car on the lead lap in fifth.
For Johnson it was his fourth win of the season and the 12th of his career at Fonda.
“Last year we burned the tires right off of the car but this year the track was a little bit different so we weren’t worried too much about tires,” Johnson said. “Hearn showed me how to run the bottom of the track and with him around and showing me his nose I had to turn up the wick a little bit.”
“It was an awesome race with RJ,” Hearn said afterwards. “With the track like this you don’t go fast by just pressing on the gas pedal you have to finesse it a little.”
“After the first yellow my car loosened up so I was searching for a line on the track to run after that but I really never found it,” Camara said. “It was good to see RJ win it as a home track driver.”
With his second place finish Hearn unofficially won the Go Green NMX Fonda Thunder Series point title and the $4000 prize to go along with it.
The 30-lap Sportsman feature began with John McAuliffe the early leader with Jeremy Wilder in tow. Mark Mortensen started the event in the eighth position and by the time lap one was completed he has already gotten by three cars into the fifth spot. Mortensen’s march to the front continued as he got by Wilder for the second position on lap six, and by lap 10 he was challenging McAuliffe for the lead.
Going into turn three Mortensen was blocked by the lap car of D.J. Mabb allowing McAuliffe to get away and also allowing Mark Kislowski to get by Mortensen for the third spot. On lap 16 McAuliffe drove off the track on the frontstretch with mechanical problems handing the lead over to Wilder. Mortensen brought out the final caution with one lap to go as his engine expired setting up a one lap dash to the finish between Wilder and Kislowski.
Wilder got away on the start and went on to his second win of the season and the third of his career in the Sportsman division at Fonda over Kislowski, Erik Nelson, Dick Bisson, and Chris Savoie.
MODIFIED QUALIFYING – 36 total cars – 5 qualify – 3 inverted
MCDONALD’S MODIFIED FEATURE – 100-LAPS – RONNIE JOHNSON, Brett Hearn, Dave Camara, Jeff Trombley, Matt DeLorenzo, Billy Decker, Elmo Reckner, Ryan Odasz, Pat Ward, A.J. Romano, Stewart Friesen, Bobby Varin, Tony Pepicelli, Craig Hanson, Floyd Billington, Alan Barker, Todd Morey, Josh Hohenforst, Ancel Collins, Jim Davis, Darwin Greene, John Marsh Sr., Mario Clair, Dave Lape, Erik Nelson, Ted Lamb, Danny Varin, Mike Fusco, Mark Mortensen (DNS), John McAuliffe (DNS)
HEAT 1 – Jim Davis, Ryan Odasz, Ronnie Johnson, Dave Lape, Elmo Reckner
HEAT 2 – Billy Decker, Jeff Trombley, Dave Camara, Tony Pepicelli, Alan Barker
HEAT 3 – Bobby Varin, Pat Ward, Mike Fusco, Ted Lamb, Darwin Greene
HEAT 4 – Brett Hearn, A.J. Romano, Matt DeLorenzo, Craig Hanson, Mario Clair
MODIFIED CONSOLATIONS – 4 qualify
CONSI 1 – Frank Hoard Sr., Todd Morey, Mark Mortensen, John Marsh Sr.
CONSI 2 – Josh Hohenforst, Danny Varin, Stewart Friesen, Ancel Collins
SPORTSMAN QUALIFYING – 31 total cars – 6 qualify
MCDONALD’S SPORTSMAN FEATURE – 30-LAPS – JEREMY WILDER, Mark Kislowski, Erik Nelson, Dick Bisson, Chris Savoie, Kolby Schroder, Tony Farone, Mark Mortensen, Neil Erickson, JaMike Sowle, Adam Tranka, Corey Gilligan, Justin Auspelmyer, Howard Gage, Jack Miller, Ryan Stortini, Chuck Allen, Cass Bennett, Danny Varin, Rob Barile, Jason Tomkins, Don Kennedy, D.J. Mabb, C.G. Morey, John McAuliffe, Kyle Armstrong, Jason Memrick, Frank Hoard III, Sparky Lowe (DNS)
EAT 1- Mark Mortensen, Mark Kislowski, Jack Miller, Adam Tranka, Corey Gilligan, Kolby Schroder
HEAT 2 – Danny Varin, Jeremy Wilder, John McAuliffe, JaMike Sowle, Tony Farone, Chris Savoie
HEAT 3 – Neil Erickson, Erik Nelson, Dick Bisson, Cass Bennett, Tony Pepicelli, Rob Barile
-end-
JOHNSON TAKES $5000 WIN AT FONDA
By: Ron Szczerba
FONDA, NY – When Mike Fusco ran off and hid at the beginning of the Modified feature at the Fonda Speedway on Saturday evening Ronnie Johnson must have been telling himself to just keep racing hard and never give up.
Johnson ended up chasing down Mike Fusco with only three laps remaining in the 50-lap Modified feature to take the victory in the $5000 to win Big Block/Small Block Challenge event in the Wm. Larned & Son sponsored #2.
For Johnson it was his third win of the season and the 11th of his career at the Track of Champions.
“Fusco ran away in the beginning,” Johnson said. “Lap traffic was tough and I was just waiting for the bottom groove to open up because it looked like the outside was slowing up a little towards the end.”
Ryan Odasz and Jeff Trombley started the Modified feature on the front row and it didn’t take long for Fusco to make it three wide from the third starting position as they raced for the lead going into turn three on lap one. Odasz was able to wrestle the lead away from the other two challengers as lap one was completed while Trombley and Fusco swapped the second position twice on lap two before Fusco was able to clear Trombley for the spot.
Fusco was getting a great run on the low side coming out of turn two and was able to take the lead from Odasz on lap four as Trombley also got by Odasz for the second position. Johnson started the event in the seventh position and by lap six he was up to the third spot after also getting by Odasz. Once Fusco got the lead he immediately switched his groove to the inside of the speedway as he pulled away from the rest of the field.
While Fusco was in lap traffic by lap 10, Matt DeLorenzo was making his way to the front from the 10th starting slot as he was in the fifth position by lap 12. Coming out of turn four on lap 16, Trombley and the lap car of Bob Savoie made contact with each other but both were able to straighten their cars out and continue on. DeLorenzo got by Odasz for the fourth position one lap later while Fusco was running so high that he was dusting off the outside of turn two and down the backstretch.
Back a little farther in the field 2008 Track Champion Bobby Varin, Odasz, and Dave Camara were racing three wide for position on lap 23 with Camara able to take the sixth position ahead of the other two at that point. The only yellow flag of the event came out on lap 24 when Danny Varin spun in turn two taking away the big lead that Fusco had built up. On the restart Camara made it four wide in turn three to get by three lap cars and keep the leaders in sight.
As Fusco continued to lead the event by a comfortable margin on lap 32, Johnson decided that if he was going to have a shot at the win he had better try something different which he did as he moved down to the low groove on the speedway allowing him to get alongside Trombley for the second position which he took from Trombley on lap 34. As the event went on Fusco started slipping up in the turns as he got out of the groove several times allowing Johnson to close in with 10 laps to go.
Fusco made a great move around the lap cars of Mario Clair and Mitch Gibbs to get a little breathing room on lap 42 only to have Johnson close back in again with only four laps to go. Going into turn two on lap 47, Johnson made his move under Fusco for the lead and from that point on he pulled away to another win.
Fusco finished second in his first run in the Ed Monger owned #93 while DeLorenzo finished strong at the end as he got up to the third position with Pat Ward and Bobby Varin completing the top five.
“My father told me earlier in the day to watch for the bottom groove to come in as he felt that that the outside would go away in a 50-lap event,” Johnson said. “Fusco can run the outside as good as anyone but the lap cars fell my way and I was able to get him for the win.”
“I have to thank Ed Monger for putting this deal together,” Fusco said. “My tires were worn out by the time there was 10 laps to go as it came down to me running a big block vs. Ronnie in a small block and he was able to get the win. It was definitely a good run for us and I hope that it leads to something for next year.”
“Ronnie and Mike both ran a great race,” DeLorenzo said after finishing third. “My car was a little too free so we’ll tighten it up for tomorrow and hopefully finish two spots better.”
Frank Hoard III started the 20-lap Budget Sportsman feature on the pole position and took the lead at the drop of the green flag with Mike Tholin in tow. On lap three, Bill Wilder took over the second position from Tholin while Jeremy Wilder also got by Tholin for the third spot.
The Wilder’s ran side by side for the second position or many laps before Jeremy was able to get the spot at the halfway point of the event with Hoard now out to a big lead. Hoard was blocked in by lap traffic on lap 13 allowing Jeremy Wilder to close in but once Hoard cleared the lap cars he cruised to the $1000 win.
Jeremy and Bill Wilder swapped the second position many times over the final three laps with yet another Wilder, Korey getting into the mix with two laps to go. Jeremy Wilder finished second followed by Korey Wilder, Bill Wilder, and Derrick McGrew who came all the way from the back of the pack after starting 23rd.
“I was just trying to be consistent with lap traffic and waiting to make smart moves around them,” Hoard said after his battle with lap traffic during the event. “MY car wasn’t good on the outside so I just had to wait for a hole to open on the inside for me to get by them.”
During intermission the 2008 Most Popular Driver Awards were given to the drivers in the different divisions that race on a weekly basis at the Track of Champions. The awards were voted on by the fans and were presented by the Leader Herald of Gloversville, NY with Jim Ellis presenting the drivers their hardware.
In the Modified division Jack Johnson was voted as the Most Popular Driver while David Towns was the recipient of the award in the Sportsman division. Kenny Gates (Pro Stock), Danny Ballard (IMCA), and Cody Bleau (Street Stock) were the other drivers receiving the Most Popular awards.
MODIFIED QUALIFYING – 41 total cars – 5 qualify
MODIFIED FEATURE – 50-LAPS – RONNIE JOHNSON, Mike Fusco, Matt DeLorenzo, Pat Ward, Bobby Varin, Jeff Trombley, Dave Camara, Elmo Reckner, Jim Davis, Stewart Friesen, Dave Lape, Mark Kislowski, Ryan Odasz, Mario Clair, Mitch Gibbs, Todd Morey, Craig Hanson, Josh Hohenforst, Bob Savoie, Rob Langevin, Mike Ketchum, Jamie Yannone, Danny Varin, Floyd Billington, Frank Hoard Sr., Marc Johnson, Alan Barker, Howard Gage, Tony Pepicelli, A.J. Romano
HEAT 1 – Matt DeLorenzo, Mitch Gibbs, Jeff Trombley, Danny Varin, Craig Hanson
HEAT 2 – Mark Kislowski, Dave Lape, Ryan Odasz, Mario Clair, Josh Hohenforst
HEAT 3 – Tony Pepicelli, Elmo Reckner, Pat Ward, Jim Davis, Dave Camara
HEAT 4 – Ronnie Johnson, Mike Fusco, Stewart Friesen, A.J. Romano, Bobby Varin
MODIFIED CONSOLATIONS – 4 qualify
CONSI 1 – John McAuliffe, Todd Morey, Floyd Billington, Mike Ketchum
CONSI 2 – Marc Johnson, Bob Savoie, Alan Barker, Rob Langevin
BUDGET SPORTSMAN QUALIFYING – 24 total cars – 5 qualify
BUDGET SPORTSMAN FEATURE – 20-LAPS – FRANK HOARD III, Jeremy Wilder, Korey Wilder, Bill Wilder, Derrick McGrew, Mike Tholin, D.J. Brundage, Mark Sullivan Jr., Anthony Marro, Aaron Jacobs, Frank Hoard Jr., Kyle Armstrong, Jimmy Eaton, Dan Peckham, Bob Gray, Bodie Bellinger, Jay Lais, Kenny Towne, Dennis Pennock, Ralph, Denison, John Constantino, Corky Brochman, D.J. Mabb
HEAT 1 – Anthony Marro, Aaron Jacobs, Mark Sullivan Jr., Frank Hoard III, Jay Lais
HEAT 2 – Derrick McGrew, Jimmy Eaton, D.J. Brundage, Bill Wilder, Frank Hoard Jr.
HEAT 3 – Korey Wilder, Jeremy Wilder, Mike Tholin, Kyle Armstrong, Kenny Townes
-end-
Johnson Leaves Canandaigua Victory Lane Black & Blue After Advance Series Win
Canandaigua, NY – September 20, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Steering the black & blue no. 1J Spra-King Racing Special in another command performance, Alan Johnson rallied past Tim Fuller to capture his second Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series victory in three weeks and close out Labatt Blue RaceFest on Saturday at Canandaigua Speedway.
The eighth career Advance Series win for Johnson at Canandaigua pushed the all-time track Modified feature race winner’s total to 116, including a pair registered at the Ontario County Fairgrounds oval in Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified tour competition.
“I was real fortunate, them guys gave me a great ride and everything worked out,” said Johnson, 50, after scoring his second Advance Series win in just four tries aboard the potent JPM-powered Jake Spraker Used Cars & Trucks/Bicknell entry. DIRTcar Racing NorthEast’s winningest Big-Block Modified driver made a successful debut in the same ride at Cayuga County Fair Speedway back on August 31.
“It feels great because you never know when you’re going to win again and never know when your last win will actually be just that. I appreciate these guys giving me this car to run, just wish I could’ve had it to start off in April. Better late than never I guess,” smiled Johnson, after notching his 49th career Advance Series win to once again tie him for fourth all-time with current tour points leader Billy Decker.
After leading 78 laps in the headline ‘Labatt Blue 100’ on Saturday, Fuller settled for second-place, four car-lengths back, while Canandaigua regular Gary Tomkins, Decker and rising star Ryan Phelps rounded out the front-five in round number 23 of the 26-race series.
With track conditions much improved from the previous night when 11 cautions slowed the 358-Modified Series show, only two yellow flags unfurled on Saturday to entertain the Land of Legends fans for 91 laps of green flag racing. While the Small-Block 75-lapper needed an hour to complete, the mighty Big-Blocks cruised around the ultra-smooth fairgrounds’ half-miler 100 times in 38 minutes with Johnson leading the way.
Despite Fuller posting the fastest Integra Shocks Time Trial (17.660 sec./101.925 ave, mph) to claim his first award of the season, the Edwards, New York pilot re-drew fifth to begin the feature inside row three. Johnson finished second in the fourth and final qualifying heat after being clocked fourth fastest out of 33 open-wheel entries yet more importantly grabbed the pole-position start to lead-off the 50-mile main.
As expected, A.J. Slideways jumped out front at the drop of the first green flag with Fuller charging into third behind front row starter Decker after just one circuit. Johnson had already established his preference for running the low side and Fuller took advantage and blasted by as the leaders rounded turn four to complete lap seven.
While Johnson settled into second behind Fuller, Decker and Tomkins jockeyed back and forth for the show position as Brett Hearn and recently crowned Canandaigua high point man Steve Paine joined in the pursuit. Continuous green flag action brought the leaders in traffic early on with Tomkins moving into third for the first time on lap 22 and Paine cracking the top-five by lap 30.
Big-Block rookie campaigner Michael Storms slowed entering turn one to incur the first yellow flag on lap 38 and afford the field a brief breather as Fuller had lapped up to the 15th-place car of fellow north country speedster Frankie Caprara. On the ensuing restart, Johnson snuck underneath Fuller for the lead on lap 42 but Fuller never blinked and returned to the point the following lap with relative ease.
At the halfway mark, Fuller and Johnson remained the front runners with Decker back ahead of Tomkins for third while Paine and Hearn battled in front of Ryan Phelps, who was putting forth his best effort of the season aboard the Big Red Towing no. 99 Dave Miller Auto Body/Bicknell mount. Matt Sheppard, previous night’s 358-Mod winner Jimmy Phelps, Vic Coffey, Dale Planck and Caprara were the only drivers scored on the lead lap with still 50 laps to go.
Tomkins moved under Decker to regain the third spot on lap 61 and after just two more times around, Holley Hard Luck driver Caprara slowed off the track with tire problems to force caution lights on for the final time and bring the lead pack together once more. Johnson had been tracking down Fuller over the past dozen circuits, however, the slowdown thwarted his best laid plans and he was forced to regroup for the final run.
The green was back out on lap 67 and two laps later Decker stole third from Tomkins at the same time fast-moving Ryan Phelps grabbed fifth from Hearn. Johnson managed to reel in Fuller as the laps clicked off and traffic continued to be a major factor down the stretch. With Fuller drifting high in the corners, Johnson made his final move stick low between turns three and four, and with 15 laps still to go was back out front for the time being.
Possibly surprised yet not shaken, Fuller never let A.J. out of his sight and pressured him for the duration. Fuller shadowed Johnson in every corner and down both straightaways with traffic turning back his best effort time after time. A final gasp on the last lap proved the same as every other, with Fuller fading behind by four car-lengths as Johnson took the checkers for the first time at Canandaigua since 2005.
“I had a few minor issues at the end and never thought we were going to catch Fuller, I think the lapped cars slowed him down a bit,” figured Johnson, who scored his last Advance Series win at Canandaigua in September of 2002. The Middlesex, New York veteran recorded his first Modified win at the Ontario County Fairgrounds in 1975 at the age of 18. “The outside grove slowed down a lit bit so it kinda messed him up but he had an awful fast car.”
“With about 10 to go I was real fortunate the lapped cars were going high because I lost the brakes after a brake calliper broke off. So if they didn’t get out of the way I would’ve been in trouble.”
“It’s good to win because maybe I can get Jake (Spraker, owner) to go to a few more races. It’s all about making a little bit of money and paying the bills, that’s what we’ve gotta do. If we can keep the car up front I imagine we’ll make a few more shows,” added Johnson, who was also joined in victory lane by crew chief Eric Kingsley ---the other half of the Spra-King tandem--- who maintains the car throughout the week in his Phoenix, New York shop.
Frustrated by a second straight second-place finish in two nights at Canandaigua, runner-up Fuller was forced to play the bridesmaid role for yet another Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series race in wine country.
“Every place I ever been lapped traffic goes to the bottom, but tonight there was just too much (traffic) on the top,” lamented Fuller, 40, after securing his second top-five finish in just four Advance Series events run this season. The ’07 World of Outlaws Late Model Series top rookie, who finished second to Hearn in last year’s Mr. DIRTcar title chase, has logged two full-fender wins this season and was in quest of a second career Big-Block win at Canandaigua on Saturday behind the wheel of the potent JL Motorsports no. 19 Street Wise Fight Wear-G&R Auto Parts/TEO entry.
“Of course Alan’s good on the bottom. You know, good for him, he’s had a rough season, he needs a win and to jump in that car and go the way he did, he did a real good job. At the end of these races he’s always there. We had a nice car rolling through the middle and that’s where the lapped traffic was. So it kind of put the pinch on me and opened his door. Sometimes you win on lapped traffic and sometimes you lose, no big deal.”
“Its tough the first couple laps (LM to Mod) you jump in but once you get a few hot laps in its okay. It just comes right back to second nature really. This is what I started driving so it comes right back. These guys right here, they’re in this game, in their element, and we’ve been out of it awhile so we still sometimes pick wrong. But I couldn’t ask for a better car tonight, this is the best I’ve been at Canandaigua. And this is what racing’s all about. You can use all 3-4 grooves of racing and it was black slick from top to bottom, the way it should be. They did a great job to turn this track around from last night. It was in beautiful shape, I’m just glad to be able to come here and run competitively,” Fuller remarked.
Aside from DIRTcar NE win leader Decker, undoubtedly the hottest driver in Advance Series competition over the last month has been Clifton Springs, New York chauffeur Tomkins, whose third-place finish on Saturday accompanied by two wins, a pair of seconds, another third and fourth in the past seven races have been the best among tour travelers.
“I have to thank my crew, we weren’t very good tonight even though we time trialed decent and ran decent in the heat,” admitted Tomkins, 42, who finished second in points at Canandaigua to 10-time track champion Paine despite netting four feature wins during the regular season. “We just knew something was missing.”
“Mike (Payne, crew chief) went through the car after our heat and found something, finally. We made some adjustments to it, still not perfect, but it was good enough for third. Anytime you can pass Billy Decker anywhere, and I did it three times tonight, and finish behind two great drivers, probably the best Modified driver ever and Fuller’s no slouch, I gotta say that’s a pretty good night.”
“That last caution I didn’t need because we were good in traffic. I felt like I could move around a little bit better than those guys in traffic, until that last caution. Then the car wasn’t quite as good even though I was catching them again. Just had to get it to run the line I wanted but its still a great race car. Its been phenomenal since we brought it out (mid-August), so easy to drive, and our Mastin motor is a big part of it. I keep telling Mike he could probably drive it fast, too. Once again, I have to thank Doug (Dulen, owner) for putting up with us and of course putting the money behind us. Without all the people you see around we wouldn’t be standing right here,” pointed out Tomkins, who owns 43 feature wins (6th all-time) at Canandaigua with two coming in the series.
The 2008 Advance Auto Part Super DIRTcar Series returns to action next Saturday, September 27 when Rolling Wheels Raceway Park hosts the 22nd World Series Weekend highlighted by the BPG 200 for Big-Blocks.
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Race #23 – Canandaigua Speedway, September 20, 2008 ‘Labatt Blue 100’ Big-Block Modified Event Summary
Feature
FIN STR CAR# DRIVER
1 1 1j Alan Johnson/Middlesex,NY($6,000)
2 5 19 Tim Fuller/Edwards, NY
3 4 84 Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY
4 2 91 Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY
5 17 99 Ryan Phelps/Fulton,NY
6 6 20 Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
7 9 7x Steve Paine/Waterloo,NY
8 14 98h Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
9 16 32c Vic Coffey/Leicester,NY
10 11 77x Dale Planck/Cortland,NY
11 7 9s Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
12 18 3 Justin Haers/Phelps,NY
13 12 99 Charlie Donk/Macedon,NY
14 8 29 Jeff Brownell Jr./Waterloo,NY
15 22 49 Billy Dunn/Watertown,NY
16 23 99L Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY®
17 24 6 Pat O'Brien/Kingston,ONT
18 15 99b Chuck Bower/Lansing,NY
19 27 19h Chris Higgins/Syracuse,NY®
20 20 87 Shawn Donath/S. Onondaga,NY®
21 10 91h Chad Homan/Macedon,NY
22 19 fx1 Frankie Caprara/Watertown,NY
23 28 44 Shannon Whaley/Pavilion,NY
24 25 13 Tony Steiner/Jamesville,NY®
25 13 79 Mike Storms/Wantage,NJ®
26 30 28p Eldon Payne,Jr./Hopewell,NY
27 29 7g Paul Guererri/Geneva,NY®
28 3 6t Pete Taylor/Marcellus,NY
29 21 56 Vince Vitale/Phoenix,NY
30 26 27j Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
EVENT SUMMARY:
LAP LEADERS: A.Johnson (1-6), Fuller (7-41), A.Johnson (42), Fuller (43-85), A.Johnson (86-100).
CAUTIONS: 2 (laps 38-42, lap 63-66).
HEAT WINNERS: Fuller, Hearn, Homan, Sheppard.
LAST CHANCE RACE WINNER: Vitale.
SYRACUSE RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER: Tim Fuller (P).
Overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Point Standings (Thru Sept. 20, 2008)
1. Billy Decker 2197
2. Dale Planck 2026
3. Jimmy Phelps 1964
4. Brett Hearn 1948
5. Gary Tomkins 1889
6. Matt Sheppard 1751
7. Frankie Caprara 1632
8. Steve Paine 1573
9. Ryan Phelps 1487
10. Justin Haers 1472
Pot Holes: While older brother Alan Johnson sported a 2009 Bicknell chassis in victory lane, Danny Johnson was scored dead-last after completing just 10 laps aboard the retro ’92 Troyer Mud Buss ….. Steve Paine signed autographs nearby during the day as part of the Rite Aid Super DIRT Week promotion, setting an off-track record as 90 complimentary tickets for Canandaigua’s Advance Series show that same evening were handed out to fans in 12 minutes ….. A quiet 4th-place finish for Billy Decker still extended his overall Mr. DIRTcar Championship points lead by 21 markers over runner-up Dale Planck who settled for 10th-place on Saturday ….. Gary Tomkins’ brand-new red, white & blue paint scheme showed off his recent affiliation with the Rochester (NY) Americans hockey team as a prominent player adorned the rear quarter-panel of the #84 car. “Thanks to Adam Ross for putting the deal together,” Tomkins said. “The body panels showed up yesterday and we just put them on this morning. Its obviously a beautiful car and hopefully the start of good relationship with the club” ….. Canandaigua Speedway Modified mainstay Charlie Donk was proudly boasting the addition of new partner K&D Disposal, with the Palmyra, New York-based company expected to a play a larger sponsorship role next year as the Original Pizza Logs no. 99 Turner Automotive-Ron Donk Excavating/Troyer team is already outlining plans for the ’09 season.
UPCOMING EVENT
The final Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series point event of the month arrives next weekend at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park before teams make their final run toward the coveted overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Championship in October. Activity culminates on Saturday, September 27 with the $10,000-to-win BPG National 200 during the 22nd World Series of DIRT Track Racing Weekend presented by Taylor Rental of Auburn at Rolling Wheels.
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Billy Decker(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Dale Planck(G)
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway D.Planck/Danny Johnson(P)
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway B.Decker/Brett Hearn(P)
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway B.Decker/Robbie Krull(P)
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway B.Decker/Jimmy Phelps(P)
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Brett Hearn(G)
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond D.Planck/Steve Paine(P)
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway B.Decker/Jeff Strunk(P)
Thr-Jul 17 Georgetown Speedway H.J. Bunting III(G)
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway B.Hearn/Chuck McKee(P)
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Jimmy Phelps(G)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Vic Coffey(P)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Justin Haers(P)
Fri-Aug 15 Brewerton Speedway B.Decker/Gary Tomkins(P)
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park Gary Tomkins(G)
Sun-Aug 17 Cornwall Motor Speedway G.Tomkins/Carey Terrance(P)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Alan Johnson(G)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway B.Decker/Frankie Caprara(P)
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway B.Decker/Roy Bresnahan(P)
Sat-Sep 7 Lebanon Valley Speedway Andy Bachetti(G)
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Rain-Cancelled
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway A.Johnson/Tim Fuller(P)
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
DUANE HOWARD CLAIMS KING OF THE CAN AT PENN CAN SPEEDWAY
Susquehanna, PA… The annual “King of the Can” has produced some memorable battles with the best Penn Can Speedway drivers squaring off against the invading all-stars. This year’s battle was no different as Duane Howard used patience and skill to beat two of the track’s finest, passing the Rudalavage brothers on his way to victory in the Race of Champions sanctioned event. The ROC sportsman main event saw Penn Can regular Jeff Crambo take the lead from ROC regular Brad Algar to get his first “King of the Can’ win. In the DART Dirt Pure Stock Series feature Steven Deinhardt captured the win in front of a fast charging Butch Green. Don’s Automotive Mall and Gary’s U-Pull-It sponsored this great night of racing.
Alan Rudalavage and Duane Howard lead the twenty five car field to the green with Rudalavage taking the early lead. The first fifteen laps click off with Howard glued to the bumper of the fast running Rudalavage with Mike Colsten, Tom McGurrin, and Brian Weaver close behind. Caution came on lap sixteen for a car slowed on the track regrouping the strong field. On the restart the cars of Bobby Trapper, Billy Van Pelt, and Rick Laubach tangled in turn three with only Trapper unable to continue.
The middle stages of the race saw Brian Weaver, Pat Ward, Joe Grammes, and Jeff Strunk all move towards the front of the field. A competition caution for fuel came out on lap forty with Alan Rudalavage in front of Howard, Weaver, Ward, Grammes, Strunk, and Jeff Rudalavage coming from his seventeenth starting spot. With the cars stopped on the track Weaver’s night came to an end when he pulled pit side with engine problems.
When racing resumed, the man on the move was Jeff Rudalavage. Lap after lap he took to the high groove and picked cars off on his way to the front. When caution flew on lap fifty three, Jeff Rudalavage sat fourth behind his brother, Howard, and Ward. Using the outer limits of the speedway he powered his way by Howard and his brother to take the lead on lap fifty eight and looked like he would repeat as the King. Unfortunately for Jeff Rudalavage caution came on lap sixty nine allowing the pack to form behind. When the green came back, Rudalavage did all he could to protect his lead but Howard had other ideas. With three laps remaining, Howard made an inside move to take the lead of the race for the first time and went on to win his first ever Penn Can Speedway feature event.
The ROC Sportsman were the next to take the track. Thirty eight sportsman attempted to qualify for the series event with the top twenty seven taking the green for the forty lap race. Jeff Crambo and Brad Algar lead the field on the start with Algar getting the top spot. Early cautions plaqued the event and kept the cars in tight order. Algar and Crambo remained the leaders with Joey Colsten, Nick Rochinski, Bob Lineman,and Kevin Jordan all right on their bumpers. Battles were happening all over the track with Algar trying to hold off Crambo, Rochinski and Colsten, were tight along with Jordan swapping postions with Lineman. As the race entered the later stages all eyes were on the fight for the lead. Algar pushed out of the groove on lap twenty nine allowing Crambo to take the point. Algar, Colsten, and Rochinski all stayed close but couldn’t catch Crambo who got his first “King of the Can’ crown. Algar held for second followed across by Colsten, Rochinski, and Jordan.
Penn Notes: The remaining King of the Can races for the late models, super stocks, pure stocks, and four cylinders will be held next Friday September 26th. The CRSA Sprints and Xcel 600 modifieds will also be on the card. Extra laps and extra money will be on the line. Over $700 in lap money has been collected for this big night of racing.
Modified Feature: Duane Howard, Jeff Rudalavage, Al Rudalavage, Pat Ward, Joey Grammes, Jeff Strunk, Stewart Freisen, Dan Vauter, Kevin Bates, Tom McGurrin, Doug Manmiller, Rick Laubach, Craig Terrell, Dan Pompey, Kerry Kratz, Gary Hager,Dave Jenkins, Mike Colsten, Don Hart Jr, Brian Weaver, Garth Tonkin Jr, Brett Tonkin, Billy VanPelt, Bobby Trapper, Nick Petrilak, DNQ, Mike Gular, Glenn Knapp, Steve Babicek, John Stangle, Mike McCollum, Bob Hamm, Colt Harris, Darwin Greene, Scott Frack, Bob Henrry Jr, Bill Miller
Sportsman Feature: Jeff Crambo, Brad Alger, Joey Colsten, Nick Rochinski, Kevin Jordan, Bob Lineman Jr, Dwayne Robbins, Adam MacGeorge, Nick Petrilak, Ken Hammond, Jeff Leslie, Mike Loney, Justin Holland, Frank Doty, Mike Nagel Jr, Billy Moyer Jr, Brad Brightbill, Charlie Hendrickson, Matt Janczuk, Rodney Hart, Brian Puckett, Shawn Mills, Chris Piasecki, Steve Yankowski, Casey Plummer, Shaun Walker, Brian White, DNQ Rick Brown, Ben Bushaw, Jamie Batzel, Richard Post, Craig Pope, Jason Carman, Damien Reynolds, Eric Griffin
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Fonda Speedway
Quick Resutls
Saturday
MODIFIED FEATURE – 50-laps
1. Ronnie Johnson – 3rd win of 2008 – 11th career Modified win at Fonda
2. Mike Fusco
3. Matt DeLorenzo
4. Pat Ward
5. Bobby Varin
6. Jeff Trombley
7. Dave Camara
8. Elmo Reckner
9. Jim Davis
10. Stewart Friesen
Lap leaders – 1-3 Odasz, 4-46 Fusco, 47-50 Johnson
BUDGET SPORTSMAN – 20-laps
1. Frank Hoard III – 4th win of 2008 – 5th career Budget Sportsman win at Fonda
2. Jeremy Wilder
3. Korey Wilder
4. Bill Wilder
5. Derrick McGrew
6. Mike Tholin
7. D.J. Brundage
8. Mark Sullivan Jr.
9. Anthony Marro
10. Aaron Jacobs
Lap leaders – 1-20 Hoard III
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2008 Mr. DIRTcar Title Contenders Earn Points During Super DIRT Week
Weedsport, NY – September 19, 2008 - By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director
Super DIRT Week XXXVII, October 7-12, at the New York State Fairgrounds continues to be an important stop for teams contending for titles in the overall 2008 Mr. DIRTcar Championships.
With a special ‘Grand Slam’ points system in place for a second straight year, Big-Block teams signed up for the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Rite Aid 200 will have the most at stake as Sunday’s winner will receive 150 Series points while 50 points are awarded to start.
Full series points will also be distributed following the Pro Stock Championship contest on Sunday, October 12, with the traditional post-season points structure in place that gives out 100 markers to the 25-lap winner, 40 to start and 10 attempting to qualify.
100 show up points will be given to every driver that attempts to qualify for either the DIRTcar 358-Modified Championship or Town Mechanical 30 Sportsman title race, with both main events scheduled for Saturday, October 11 on the Syracuse Mile.
To follow all the DIRTcar Racing NE Series standings as the point races unfold, log into www.dirtcar.com and select ‘Driver Points’ listed on the left side of the homepage, then choose any of the five Northeast touring divisions and click on to view the current point leaders. *NOTE: Pro Stocks are listed in the UMP Sportsman category.
Mr. DIRTcar Championship trail results/reports are available on www.dirtcar.com by selecting ‘Series’ at the top then choosing Mr. DIRTcar Series (#7) and hit ‘GO’ on right (all releases are also posted in the NEWS category). More specific information about the Advance Series can be found at www.superdirtcarseries.com. Bookmark each selection for quick review at a later time.
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Halfway Then Full Throttle, Dig Safely Once Again In SDW Victory Lane
Weedsport, NY – September 18, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director
Three times is a charm for Dig Safely New York as the long-time DIRTcar Racing NorthEast supporter returns to the Syracuse Mile with a three-dimensional program, offering awards in three divisions during Super DIRT Week XXXVII, Oct. 7-12, at the New York State Fairgrounds in 2008.
Company representatives will move into victory lane for the first award presentation following the 30-lap Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Championship on Saturday, Oct. 11, then return to the winner's circle after both the "Dig Safely New York Shootout" Modified Non-Qualifiers race and 25-lap Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Championship on Sunday, Oct. 12.
Along with sponsoring the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Rite Aid 200 Big-Block Modified last-chance qualifier at SDW XXXVII, Dig Safely will also back halfway lap leader awards worth $500 to the Sportsman Modified driver that is out front on lap 15 and $300 to the UMP Pro Stock pilot that paces the full-fender field through 13 circuits.
2007 Dig Safely New York Shootout winner Eddie Marshall had a stellar run last autumn, starting 43rd in the 47-car field and charging through the pack to secure a solid eighth-place finish on Sunday afternoon. The late Tommy Wilson won the last-chance qualifier and went on to improve the most positions (48th to 5th) in 1985 before rookie Bryan Goewey moved from 46th to 5th-place in his 1988 debut.
Both Sammy Reakes IV (Spt) and Don Carlson (Pro) not only pocketed Dig Safely NY halfway bonuses a year ago, they went on to capture their respective SDW main events. Reakes led the entire Town Mechanical 30 title race while Carlson wrestled the lead away from eventual champion Pete Stefanski on lap 13 en route to his command performance on the Moody Mile.
"DIRTcar has been around for awhile now and certainly knows about racing on the dirt, but Dig Safely New York will assist you with knowing what's under that dirt," commented former Dig Safely New York Operations Manager Larry Bishop. "Avoiding hits to underground facilities can save money, prevent property damage and personal injuries just like race teams observing safety rules and building safe race cars keeps them out in front and eliminates a costly hit in the point standings."
Established in 1968, Dig Safely New York remains a not-for-profit group whose membership includes volunteers from over 1,300 underground facility owners comprised of utilities, municipalities and private operators. It serves all of New York State with the exception of New York City and Long Island.
The mission is simple --- Prevent damages to underground facilities and protect the public through education and quality communication with excavators, underground facility operators and designers in an efficient, courteous and cost effective manner while complying with governing regulations.
Free educational services relating to safe digging practices can be found by logging into www.digsafelynewyork.com or calling 1-800-962-7962 for the related information. Racing Safe and Digging Safe are two areas that Dig Safely New York is proud to be associated with. 811 Know What’s Below, Call Before You Dig.
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Alan Johnson Joins Spra-King Racing In Advance Series Run At Canandaigua
Weedsport, NY – September 18, 2008 - By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Once heralded as the driver to beat at Canandaigua Speedway, Alan Johnson returns to his Big-Block Modified racing roots when the historic Ontario County Fairgrounds oval comes to life for Labatt Blue RaceFest Weekend, September 19-20.
While Johnson rolls into Canandaigua as the all-time feature race winner in wine country, car owner Jake Spraker will be looking to make his first trip to victory lane at the ‘Land of Legends’ as a triumph in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series show is now clearly in sight for both.
“This would be a good time to get no. 114,” remarked Johnson, now 50, as he geared up for the Labatt Blue 100 Big-Block finale at his former stomping grounds nestled in the heart of New York State’s Finger Lakes Region. The five-time track champion has pulled into victory lane 113 times prior at Canandaigua since 1975, and owns an Advance Series best seven victories at the popular Routes 5 & 20 facility. “Any win is really good nowadays, seems we’ve got a few more millionaires in the sport today.”
“I think my chances are pretty good going back. This will be the best car I’ve had there in quite a while. The competition is definitely better than its ever been but I’m comfortable in the new car. We don’t have a brand new motor but its fresh and certainly good enough to get the job done,” said Johnson, who hasn’t triumphed in a Big-Block tour race at Canandaigua since 2002, when he won twice steering the Beachy Motorsports no. 1 Pillsbury/Bicknell machine en route to the Mr. DIRTcar crown.
Johnson will once again be buckled into a Bicknell ride at Canandaigua and the Spra-King Racing no. 1J Jake’s Used Cars & Trucks entry is already on the verge of registering another victory in just its fourth Advance Series appearance with ‘A.J. Slideways’ behind the wheel. Johnson made a successful debut coming out on top in the first 50-lap segment at Cayuga County Fair Speedway on August 31, then followed up with fifth-place in the nightcap and another fifth the next day at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park.
“Randy (Williamson, Bicknell Racing Products VP) talked me into purchasing an ’09 BRP chassis and I made the deal only after Eric (Kingsley, crew chief) agreed to maintain the car in his shop,” said Spraker, 53, proprietor of his own car dealership in Gloversville, New York near where he once raced a Mini-Modified in the early 1980s. Kingsley’s garage is located in Phoenix, New York just minutes from Fulton Speedway.
Eventually teaming with Johnson for 358-Modified Series competition in 2001, Spraker first fielded cars for C.D. Coville (1983), Ray Dalmata (1984, 4th-place Mr. DIRT), Mike Romano and Jeff Trombley in the Big-Block ranks, garnered a track points title out east with Pro Stocker Steve Welch in 1997 and shared the 2003 overall Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman championship crown with his driver Tim Clemons in 2003. Johnson hasn’t raced regularly at Canandaigua Speedway since 1997, garnering his last track title at the storied Ontario County Fairgrounds in ‘88.
“I’ve always liked Alan and Danny (Johnson) as drivers and this was a good way to keep Alan in the series. Back in ’03 we missed a lot of Small-Block races but still lost the Mr. DIRT title by only five points. He’s still one of the best drivers around, very good on equipment. Considering the money spent, Alan can definitely still win. I’d like to get one at Canandaigua since I’ve never won there before. I know (Billy) Decker is hot but I think we have as good a shot as anybody right now,” noted Spraker, who will also enter his JPM-powered mount in upcoming Advance Series stops at Rolling Wheels (BPG 200, Sept. 27) and Orange County Fair Speedway (Eastern States 200, Oct. 19), as well as in the Schneider Bros. 200 at Fulton Speedway on October 4.
With Johnson on the gas, its an even bet to take a checkered flag despite the Middlesex, New York veteran not scoring an Advance Series win at Canandaigua since 2002. A.J. Slideways did claim back-to-back 358-Modified Championship Series events at Canandaigua in 2005 to extend his all-time track-high total to 115 feature wins.
However, since the new millennium arrived Canandaigua Speedway has been a house of ‘Paine’ for Big-Block point chasers trying to unseat perennial champion Steve Paine. While 10-time Canandaigua Big-Block Modified titlist Paine has offered little sign of relief for his weekly opposition, competition in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series often opens the door during a 100-lapper and Johnson hopes to step right through for yet another time on Saturday night.
“The place hasn’t really changed to me,” said Johnson, who netted a pair of top-10s aboard Wallace Stacey’s no. 14J Bully’s Truck Stop/Bicknell entry at Canandaigua’s Advance Series Twin 50s run in August with current tour points leader Decker copping both 25-mile mains. Extra-distance races have been Johnson’s forte at the Ontario County speedplant with five Series trophies earned in 100-lappers another logged in a 200-lapper to close out the ’92 season.
“The cars are pretty much the same to me too and I still have just about the same set-up from year to year. Jake’s car has been good so far so I guess I’m looking forward to getting back (Canandaigua) a little more now with a better shot to win,” added Johnson, who garnered three Canandaigua point championships from 1980-84 while chalking up 47 feature wins in that same five-year span.
Joining Johnson (11th in points) in Canandaigua’s all-star field will be 10-time Advance Series race winner Decker, current points runner-up Dale Planck, third-place runner Jimmy Phelps, reigning overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Champion Brett Hearn and Gary Tomkins, who has combined with Decker to win seven of the last nine Advance Series features. Matt Sheppard, Frankie Caprara, Steve Paine, Justin Haers and Ryan Phelps rank among the top-10 in points while Billy Dunn, Danny Johnson and 15 year-old rookie Larry Wight pose outside threats as the tour winds down.
Tickets for the Labatt Blue RaceFest on Saturday are $20 for Adults, $18 for Seniors (65+), $5 for kids (10-14), and FREE for those 9 and under. A $35 two-day combo package will also be made available for spectator seating.
Pit gates are scheduled to unlock Saturday at 4 p.m. and the main grandstands open at 5 o'clock with hot laps slated for 5:30 p.m. Integra Shocks Modified Time Trials will begin at 6 p.m. with heat race qualifiers taking the first green flag immediately after.
Canandaigua Speedway www.canandaiguaspeedway.com 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. For more information call DIRTcar NE Headquarters at 315/834-6606 or the track (585/394-0961) on raceday.
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Holbrook Memorial Award Among Fastest To Go At Super DIRT Week
Weedsport, NY – September 17, 2008 - By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director
The memory of the late Maurice Holbrook will once more be honored by a $500 prize presented to the Modified driver who turns the fastest lap during Super DIRT Week XXXVII preliminaries leading up to the headline Rite Aid 200 in Syracuse. 2008 marks the 13th consecutive year this award has been posted.
Last year current Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series standout Jimmy Phelps registered a 28.365-second clocking (126.917 mph) in the round of Integra Shocks Time Trials for Big-Blocks held Thursday afternoon, October 5.
Mauri Holbrook was in charge of preparing the Moody Mile from the late 1970s until just before his death in 1995 at age 64. He prided himself on a smooth, fast racing surface and was especially proud of Syracuse's reputation as the fastest one-mile dirt track in the world.
The Holbrook Memorial award goes out to the driver who turns the fastest lap of the week at any time prior to Sunday's Big-Block Modified finale. The fast lap can occur during time trials, Triple 20s, or even practice, so long as it is timed on the official clock ---computer using the AMB Transponder System--- and certified by DIRTcar chief timer and computer scoring operator Gary Spaid. Culminating the festivities during the 37th running of Super DIRT Week, October 7-12, the $500 prize will be handed out in the awards ceremony held just prior to the start of the Rite Aid 200 on Sunday afternoon.
Past Holbrook Memorial Award winners include: 2006-Tim Fuller (practice), 2005-Gary Tomkins (practice), 2004-Billy Decker (pole), 2003-Billy Decker (2nd day time trials), 2002-Brett Hearn (pole), 2001-Tim McCreadie (pole), 2000-Billy Decker (2nd day T.T.), 1999-Brett Hearn (2nd day T.T.), 1998-Bobby Varin (pole), 1997-Joe Plazek (2nd day T.T.), 1996-Steve Paine (Friday heat).
The late Mr. Holbrook died without a spouse or children surviving him. So his Will, approved by the Otsego County Surrogates Court, established a fund to reward the fastest car and driver at Syracuse in Mauri's memory. The overseers of this prize are his cousin, Don White, attorney Andrew Fusco and Mark Kolceski, who succeeded Mauri as foreman of Syracuse's track prep crew.
The Syracuse Mile, largely due to Mauri's preparatory techniques, usually gets faster each day of Super DIRT Week. So while the front row times are rewarded on Thursday pole day, faster times set later in the week had often gone unrewarded. The Holbrook Memorial prize changes that. "It's nice that Syracuse continues to honor its departed pioneers like former winner Dick Tobias, Hall of Fame announcer Jack Burgess and my cousin Mauri," said White. "It's one of the things that makes Super DIRT Week so special every year."
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ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRTcar SERIES: ADVANCE NOTICES
Weedsport, NY — September 16, 2008 — By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
WHAT
The second stop in the 2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Speedway is part of the season-ending Labatt Blue RaceFest Weekend, September 19-20. The Labatt Blue 100 for Big-Block Modifieds headlines the ‘Land of Legends’ card on Saturday, Sept. 20 with the 50-mile main event offering $6,000-to-win and valuable points towards the overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Championship. Also on the line is a guaranteed starting spot in the Rite Aid 200 Championship during Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse coming up in less than a month.
WHERE
Canandaigua Speedway 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.
WHEN
Canandaigua’s pit gates are scheduled to unlock Saturday at 4 p.m. and the main grandstands open at 5 o'clock with hot laps slated for 5:30 p.m. Integra Shocks Modified Time Trials will begin at 6 p.m. with heat race qualifiers taking the first green flag immediately after.
TICKETS
Adult (15-64 yrs.) general admission tickets on Saturday are $20 each, Senior Citizens (65 yrs.+) $18, Students (10-14 yrs) $5 and Children (9 yrs. + under) Free. A $35 two-day (Friday & Saturday) combo package is available for spectator seating over the weekend. For more information, please contact the DIRTcar NorthEast Office (315/834-6606) or Canandaigua Speedway on raceday (585/394-0961). General Admission tickets and pit passes will be available at the gate on race day.
ABOUT THE TRACK
Canandaigua is a fast half-mile clay oval with Billy Decker establishing the single lap record in an Advance Auto Parts Series event last year when he circled the track in 17.125 seconds (105.109 mph) on August 9, 2007. Recently extending his all-time DIRTcar NorthEast record for consecutive titles to nine, Steve Paine used three feature wins over the summer to lock up his 10th track championship at the Ontario County Fairgrounds. Alan Johnson remains Canandaigua's all-time win leader with 113 Big-Block Modified feature victories scored since 1975.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Including a pair of 50-lappers run in early August that were swept by tour points leader Billy Decker, Canandaigua Speedway has now staged 40 events in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series modern-day era. Along with charter members Cayuga County Fair Speedway, Rolling Wheels Raceway Park and the New York State Fairgrounds, only six of the 45 host tracks have run more Advance Series races since the tour started in 1980. Past winners at Canandaigua include Lou Lazzaro (1980), Mike McLaughlin (1980), Jack Johnson (1981, 1987), Will Cagle (1981), Alan Johnson (1982, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2002-2), Don McGinnis (1983), Steve Paine (1985, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003), Danny Johnson (1986, 1989-2, 1991, 1995), Bob McCreadie (1990-2, 1993-2, 1994), Brett Hearn (1991, 2004, 2007), Kenny Tremont (1992), Joe Plazek (1997), Tim McCreadie (2003), Gary Tomkins (2005-06), Matt Sheppard (2006) and Decker, who logged his first win at the Routes 5 & 20 oval in 1998.
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRTcar SERIES
Canandaigua Speedway (40 Evts)
DATE FIRST - SECOND - THIRD - FOURTH – FIFTH
8/9/08 Billy Decker - Dale Planck - Vic Coffey - Matt Sheppard - Steve Paine
8/9/08 Billy Decker - Dale Planck - Steve Paine - Matt Sheppard - Justin Haers
8/9/07 Brett Hearn - Tim Fuller - Vic Coffey - Frank Cozze - Alan Johnson
9/15/06 Matt Sheppard - Brett Hearn - Alan Johnson - Pat Ward - Jimmy Phelps
8/10/06 Gary Tomkins - Alan Johnson - Tim Fuller - Billy Decker - Brett Hearn
8/11/05 Gary Tomkins - Matt Sheppard - Brett Hearn - Mitch Gibbs-Tim McCreadie
9/26/04 Brett Hearn - Kenny Tremont - Billy Decker - Steve Paine - Pat Ward
8/12/04 -RAIN-
9/25/03 Steve Paine - Gary Tomkins - Tim McCreadie - Tim Fuller - Chuck Bower
8/6/03 Tim McCreadie - Brett Hearn - Alan Johnson - Vic Coffey - Billy Decker
9/14/02 Alan Johnson - Bob McCreadie -Chuck Bower-Bobby Varin-Chuck Hebing
8/7/02 Alan Johnson - Brett Hearn - Tim Fuller - Steve Paine - Gary Tomkins
8/9/01 Steve Paine - Brett Hearn - Tim McCreadie - Tim Fuller - Charlie Donk
6/28/00 Steve Paine-Alan Johnson-Danny Johnson-Gary Tomkins-Tim McCreadie
9/1/99 Steve Paine - Billy Decker - Bob McCreadie-Tim McCreadie-Alan Johnson
8/20/98 Billy Decker - Pat Ward - Bob McCreadie - Brett Hearn - Kenny Tremont
7/31/97 Joe Plazek - Billy Decker - Jack Johnson - Bob McCreadie - Jimmy Horton
8/29/96 Alan Johnson-Doug Hoffman-Danny Johnson-Joe Plazek-Kenny Tremont
7/26/95 Danny Johnson - Joe Plazek - Bob McCreadie - Pat Ward - Tim Fuller
8/10/94 Bob McCreadie - Alan Johnson - Joe Plazek-Danny Johnson-Steve Paine
9/11/93 Bob McCreadie - Doug Hoffman - Joe Plazek-Steve Paine-Kenny Tremont
8/11/93 Bob McCreadie - Doug Hoffman - Alan Johnson - Pat Ward - Ricky Elliott
9/12/92 Alan Johnson-Jeff Heotzler-Danny Johnson-Kenny Tremont-Jack Johnson
8/11/92 Kenny Tremont - Ricky Elliott - Alan Johnson - Mitch Gibbs - Brett Hearn
9/22/91 Brett Hearn - Bob McCreadie - Kevin Collins-Alan Johnson-Doug Hoffman
8/13/91 Danny Johnson - Jack Johnson - Steve Paine-Steve Schultz-Jeff Heotzler
9/8/90 Bob McCreadie-Joe Plazek-Kenny Tremont -Robbie Green-Greg Gleisner
7/18/90 Bob McCreadie - Frank Cozze - Steve Paine - Charlie Donk - Curt VanPelt
9/9/89 Danny Johnson-Doug Hoffman-Alan Johnson-Bob McCreadie-K.Brightbill
7/31/89 Danny Johnson-Bob McCreadie-Frank Cozze-Ken Brightbill-Alan Johnson
9/10/88 Alan Johnson - Chuck Akulis - Mark Elsie - Curt VanPelt - Pat Ward
10/17/87 Jack Johnson - Bob McCreadie - Alan Johnson - Jimmy Horton-Lin Hough
9/6/86 Danny Johnson-Alan Johnson-Charlie Rudolph-Jack Johnson-K Tremont
9/7/85 Steve Paine-Bob McCreadie-Charlie Rudolph-Jack Johnson-Ken Tremont
9/8/84 Alan Johnson - Jack Johnson - Charlie Rudolph - Brett Hearn - Dave Lape
9/17/83 Don McGinnis-Bob McCreadie-Merv Treichler-Charlie Castle - Ken Tremont
9/11/82 Alan Johnson - Dave Lape - Will Cagle - Bob McCreadie - Jeff Kappesser
9/19/81 Will Cagle - Merv Treichler - Alan Johnson - Davey Moore - Danny Johnson
8/19/81 Jack Johnson - Danny Johnson - Darrell Welty - Davey Moore - Gary Iulg
9/6/80 Mike McLaughlin - Will Cagle - Jack Johnson - Chuck Akulis - Dave Lape
7/23/80 Lou Lazzaro - Davey Moore - Alan Johnson - Mike McLaughlin - Jack Johnson
TRACK HISTORY
Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region, Canandaigua Speedway stands as one of the most revered ovals on the entire DIRTcar Racing NorthEast circuit. The popular half-miler has been in existence for over a half-century, with 2008 marking the 32nd season of stock car racing under the DIRTcar banner. First opening on Memorial Day in 1953, the "Fastlands of the Finger Lakes" gained instant notoriety with current DIRT Hall of Famers Dutch Hoag and Elmer Musclow turning it into a weekend home. Western New York standouts Billy Rafter, Kenny Meahl and Ed Ortiz as well as eastern invaders Pete Corey, Billy Wimble and Lou Lazzaro soon followed in victory lane, further showcasing some of the best Sportsman Modified talent in the Northeast. Future national Modified champion Jerry Cook captured the 1964 Canandaigua Speedlands' points crown before the track temporarily closed. New management surfaced in 1972 and a second promoter in three years gave way to still more uncertainty. DIRT founder Glenn Donnelly took control of the Ontario County Fairgrounds' speedplant in 1977 and offered instant stablility. He remained there until the end of 2004 when the organization was acquired by a new group of investors, today officially recognized as DIRTcar under the parent company World Racing Group. Names like Will Cagle, Merv Treichler, Mike McLaughlin, Alan and Danny Johnson, Bob McCreadie, Steve Paine, Canadian Joe Plazek and Billy Decker soon made the headlines, once and for all establishing the facility as the "Land of Legends" for generations to come. Currently some of the nation's top short track stars ---including Advance Auto Parts Series regulars Steve Paine, Gary Tomkins, Matt Sheppard and Justin Haers--- can be found in Canandaigua every Saturday night throughout the summer months. The premier DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds are joined weekly by open-wheel Sportsman Modified and full-fender Street Stock and PureStox divisions with a number of specials mixed in between.
2008 RACE REVIEW
Billy Decker continued to ride the wave of success in the 2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series, capturing both ends of the Ferris Mowers Twin 50s on August 9 at Canandaigua Speedway to extend his lead even further after 15 of 27 scheduled point races. The Unadilla, New York veteran surpassed his own single-season Advance Series win mark by scoring a division-high seventh tour victory in the nightcap, giving him 46 on the all-time list to rank fifth. Decker’s only other Advance Series win at Canandaigua was registered in 1998 --- the same year he claimed the track title as well as his first and only overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Championship. Dale Planck was just as consistent as Decker, securing runner-up honors in each segment while Canandaigua regulars Steve Paine (5th, 3rd) and Matt Sheppard (4th, 4th) also placed among the front-five on both occasions. Vic Coffey finished third in the opener and Justin Haers filed into fifth in the 50-lap finale, with both drivers earning preferred starter status in the prestigious Rite Aid 200 Championship race on Oct. 12 of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.
With flashes of lightning illuminating the overcast sky and a storm lingering in the distance, outside pole-sitter Coffey jumped out front early in round one before Decker chased him down to take control on lap 28. Planck started 12th in the 31-car field, charged into fifth by the halfway mark and grabbed second exiting turn two in a magnificent three-wide maneuver on lap 46 that split low running Coffey and a lapped car. While starting third in the lid-lifter, Decker drew to invert the top-eight in the second twin leaving second-generation upstart Ryan Phelps to fill the first-place void on the grid. With the initial 35 laps run straight through under green, Phelps staved off numerous bids for the early lead by Alan Johnson before Coffey blasted high around both front-runners in another daring three-wide dash to take his second lead of the night on lap 11. Canandaigua points leader Paine ducked low in turn two to move to the point on lap 19, yet Decker’s LJL Racing no. 91 Gypsum Wholesalers-Stadium Int'l-Quality Hardwoods/Bicknell machine was too potent to handle and the ‘Franklin Flyer’ forged the third and final lead change with 20 laps still to go.
Overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Point Standings (Thru Sept. 7, 2008)
1. Billy Decker 2,111
2. Dale Planck 1,961
3. Jimmy Phelps 1,896
4. Brett Hearn 1,867
5. Gary Tomkins 1,796
6. Matt Sheppard 1,686
7. Frankie Caprara 1,590
8. Steve Paine 1,500
9. Justin Haers 1,414
10. Ryan Phelps 1,407
NEWS & NOTES
Rite Aid Super Ticket Giveaway: Record-setting Canandaigua champion and veteran Advance Auto Parts Series star Steve Paine from Waterloo, N.Y. will be appearing at a Rite Aid Pharmacy during the upcoming weekend. Paine is slated to appear at the Rite Aid Store on 91 Eastern Boulevard in Canandaigua on Saturday, September 20 from 12noon to 2 pm. Posing beside his yellowbird Tallmadge Tire no. 7x Swarthout Recycling-Instant Heat Wood Pellets-Ramada On The Lake/Troyer Big-Block Modified race car, the overall 2000 Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Champion will be available to meet with fans, sign autographs and pass out special Autograph cards. The first 90 fans at each store, beginning at noon, will receive a free ticket to the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier scheduled at Canandaigua Speedway later that same night.
The popular program is part of the promotion for the Rite Aid 200 race on Sunday of Super DIRT Week XXXVII, Oct. 7-12, in Syracuse, N.Y. Promotions are scheduled throughout the season at pharmacies located across the Northeast. Each pharmacy promotion will feature DIRTcar driver appearances, race cars, the unique Rite Aid “cut-away” Modified, free autograph cards and free tickets to Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier races. Fans can find more information on the Rite Aid promotion by visiting Rite Aid Pharmacy online at www.riteaid.com. For race information, please visit www.superdirtcarseries.com or www.dirtcar.com.
Rite Aid Ticket Give-Away Track Schedule
*All driver appearances scheduled from 12noon-2pm except Lebanon Valley & Syracuse, both 10am-12noon.
DATE TRACK (PHONE) Driver / Store Location (phone)
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway (585/394-0961) Steve Paine / 91 Eastern Blvd-Canandaigua,NY (585/394-2987)
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway (315/689-7809) Brett Hearn / 47 East Genessee St-Auburn,NY (315-252-5661)
Mon-Oct 13 Super DIRT Week XXXVII -TBA- / 5380 W. Taft Road-N.Syracuse,NY(315/458-8555)
Mr. DIRTcar Championship Format Fine Tuned In ‘08: The overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Modified Champion in 2008 will be determined by adding actual points earned in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series along with bonus points collected at a designated hometrack throughout the racing season. Along with gaining valuable Advance Series points during the year, each driver can now earn a maximum of 300 additional points from their best five hometrack feature race finishes. Using the standard DIRTcar NE weekly points format, a driver winning five features could carry up to 300 extra points (60 per win) into the Mr. DIRTcar Championship when track points are officially tallied after Labor Day.
Canandaigua Boasts ’08 Win Leaders: The middle of the September month has passed and 24 tracks have hosted DIRTcar Big-Block Modified races in 2008. Seven of the 58 drivers scoring victories in the 141 features run have taken checkered flags at Canandaigua Speedway including division leader Billy Decker (3 wins) who has amassed a circuit-high 22 triumphs in ‘08. Including a record-tying 10 in Advance Auto Parts Super Series competition aboard the potent LJL Racing Bicknell machine, Decker’s single-season best total nearly triples the output of popular Pennsylvanian Brian Swartzlander (8) while fellow Keystone State rivals Kevin Bolland and Jeremiah Shingledecker plus Advance Series standout Dale Planck rank right behind with seven each. Advance Series stars Brett Hearn, Matt Sheppard, Gary Tomkins and Alan Johnson own six wins apiece while tour regulars Jimmy Phelps (4), Steve Paine (3) and Frankie Caprara (3) and recent Lebanon Valley 200 Champion Andy Bachetti (3) are listed ahead of two-time winners Steve Hulsizer and Willy Decker from the Central New York circuit, Lebanon Valley regulars Kenny Tremont and Ryan Larkin, Orange County chauffeurs Jeff Heotzler and Chris Shultz, popular Pennsylvania pilot Del Rougeux Jr. and Canadian Pat O’Brien. Advance Series runners Justin Haers and 15 year-old sensation Larry Wight are among 37 more drivers having reached victory lane once heading down the stretch. Sheppard, Tomkins and Paine have also graced Canandaigua’s victory lane while Vic Coffey, Todd Burley and Haers have registered their only wins of the season at the Land of Legends.
UPCOMING EVENT
The final Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series point event of the month arrives next weekend at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park before teams make their final run toward the coveted overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Championship in October. Activity culminates on Saturday, September 27 with the $10,000-to-win BPG National 200 during the 22nd World Series of DIRT Track Racing Weekend presented by Taylor Rental of Auburn at Rolling Wheels.
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Billy Decker(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Dale Planck(G)
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway D.Planck/Danny Johnson(P)
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway B.Decker/Brett Hearn(P)
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway B.Decker/Robbie Krull(P)
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway B.Decker/Jimmy Phelps(P)
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Brett Hearn(G)
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond D.Planck/Steve Paine(P)
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway B.Decker/Jeff Strunk(P)
Thr-Jul 17 Georgetown Speedway H.J. Bunting(G)
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway B.Hearn/Chuck McKee(P)
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Jimmy Phelps(G)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Vic Coffey(P)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Justin Haers(P)
Fri-Aug 15 Brewerton Speedway B.Decker/Gary Tomkins(P)
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park Gary Tomkins(G)
Sun-Aug 17 Cornwall Motor Speedway G.Tomkins/Carey Terrance(P)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Alan Johnson(G)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway B.Decker/Frankie Caprara(P)
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway B.Decker/Roy Bresnahan(P)
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway Andy Bachetti(G)
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Rain-Cancelled
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
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North vs South Shootout at Penn Can Friday
Friday night at Penn Can is the place to be with some of the best race teams in the area coming to challenge the best Penn Can has to offer in the annual King of the Can Modified event. Track champion and last year’s King of the Can winner Jeff Rudalavage, will lead a strong group of Penn Can stars looking to claim the big prize. Included in that group will be multi-time PCS champion, Brian Weaver, previous King winner and new father, Joey Grammes, four time feature winner Alan Rudalavage, Dan Vauter, Mike Colsten, Bobby Trapper, Craig Terrell, and many more of Penn Can’s best.
A strong contingent of Race of Champion stars will be lead by Pat Ward. Ward was the Hot Summer Night Special winner in July. Joining Ward will be Stew Freisen, Billy Van Pelt, and many of the ROC top traveling teams.
The south will be strongly represented as in the past when many of the Big Diamond and Grandview teams made their way to the speedway for the Fall Showdown. This year Coalcracker winner Duane Howard has confirmed he will be in the field. Popular Mike Gular has also indicated that he will return to Penn Can. Jeff Strunk is also very strong at Penn Can and is expected to be a strong candidate for the win Friday.
Qualify heats by luck of the draw…top twelve redraw
Guaranteed Starters: (added if they do not qualify in heats or consis)
Duane Howard: Coalcracker Winner
Craig Von Doren: Freedom 76’er Winner
Bobby Varin: New Yorker Winner
Brian Weaver: Five Mile Point Champion
Top Five: Penn Can Speedway
STAR Series: Top Non qualified has buy in option
ROC Sportsman and Dart Dirt Purse Stocks will also be in competition. More information to follow.
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LaBatt Blue RaceFest Weekend Has Arrived at Canandaigua Speedway; Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Makes Return
Weedsport, NY – September 15, 2008 – By Dan Kapuscinski, Canandaigua Speedway PR Coordinator
This coming weekend the thrills and chills of the Mr. DIRTcar post season campaigns fly into Canandaigua Speedway. Each of the Mr. DIRTcar traveling tours will be making a stop at the ‘Land of Legends’ during the two day LaBatt Blue RaceFest Weekend September 19th-20th with racing starting each night at 7pm.
Friday night will be highlighted by the Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Series, as they will take part in the LaBatt Blue Light 75-lap Championship. Joining the 358-Modified stars will be the Parts Plus Big 6 Street Stock Series, as they will head to Canandaigua Speedway for the second time this year for round number four of the six race tour.
Saturday night will see the return of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds. The tour made its first stop in August with Twin 50 feature events that were swept by Billy Decker. This weekend the tour will circle the Canandaigua oval for 100-consecutive laps in the LaBatt Blue 100.
The Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series will also take to the Speedway that night in the LaBatt Ice 45, along with a 30-lap Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Championship.
Make your plans now for this once a year post season spectacular, as all of the best in DIRTcar racing will converge on the “Fastlands of the Finger Lakes”, Canandaigua Speedway.
Tickets for this great racing weekend will be priced at $20 for Adults, $18 for Seniors (65+), $5 for kids (10-14), and FREE for those 9 and under. A $35 two-day combo package will also be made available for spectator seating.
For more information be sure to call the DIRTcar NE Headquarters at 315/834-6606 or visit www.canandaiguaspeedway.com.
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FONDA SPEEDWAY CLOSES OUT THE 2008 SEASON WITH A BIG WEEKEND OF RACING WITH A TOTAL OF $14,500 ON THE LINE FOR THE MODIFIEDS
By: Ron Szczerba
FONDA, NY – This weekend at the Track of Champions Fonda Speedway will be a race to the finish line to see who can capture the 2008 Go Green NMX Fonda Thunder Series Modified Championship and a total of $14,500 that is on the line for the modified drivers in two events this Saturday and Sunday.
On Saturday, September 20 the modifieds will be in action in a BBL Companies sponsored 50-lap big block/small block challenge event paying $5000 to the winner. On Saturday there will also be a 30-lap pro stock open, an IMCA Tour event, a street stock open, budget sportsman, and the 4-cylinders. The American Legion Post 701 Color Guard will also be on hand and there will also fireworks!
Then on Sunday, September 21 the modifieds will be competing in the McDonald’s sponsored 100-lap Go Green NMX Fonda Thunder Series event paying $9500 to the winner. There will also be a 30-lap sportsman open on the racing card on Sunday. This will be the final event on the Go Green NMX Fonda Thunder Series for 2008 with a champion to be crowned at the end of the evening.
The Go Green NMX Fonda Thunder Series points going into Sunday’s show have Matt DeLorenzo in the lead with 182 points followed by Dave Camara with 180 (-2), Brett Hearn and Pat Ward are tied with 178 (-4), Bobby Varin with 174 (-8), and Ronnie Johnson with 168 (-14). Completing the top ten are Jack Johnson with 152 (-30), Ryan Odasz with 144 (-38), Dave Lape with 116 (-66), Jim Davis with 113 (-69), and Eric Nelson with 103 (-79).
On both Saturday and Sunday the pit gates will open at 11:00 a.m. with front gates opening at noon and racing at 2:00 p.m.
Be sure to come to the Track of Champions this weekend to “Feel the Thunder” one more time before the long winter ahead. Fonda Speedway is located off of exit 28 of the New York State Thruway. For more information you can call (518) 382-3115 Monday through Friday or (518) 853-4235 on race day.
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New Egypt Speedway Points thru Sat. 9/13
Modifieds
1. Billy Pauch*(7) 1124
2. Keith Hoffman*** 1077
3. Tim Tanner Jr.** 993
4. Ron John Koczon* 985
5. Rick Laubach** 955
6. Bob Drayton 941
7. Frank Cozze** 924
8. Sam Martz** 918
9. Dominick Buffalino** 914
10. Brian Godown 876
(* denotes wins)
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DELORENZO DOESN'T LET A LITTLE RAIN DAMPEN HIS EVENING AT FONDA
By: Ron Szczerba
FONDA, NY – Despite a ninety minute rain delay Matt DeLorenzo waited out the storm and visited victory lane for the seventh time this season at the Track of Champions on Saturday evening. Great work by the Fonda Speedway track crew and cooperating drivers who brought their race cars out on the track to help run in the speedway made it all possible as the entire racing program was completed.
In the end DeLorenzo survived several challenges by Jeff Trombley to take home the victory in the Modified feature as Fonda Speedway was back in action after the Fonda Fair with “open” events in all of the regular divisions along with the Budget Sportsman.
“It was getting a little crazy in front of me at times during that race,” DeLorenzo said. “Lap cars were racing four wide for position in front of me and at times it looked like I was making it five wide in the turns to get by them.”
Other winners on Reality Check/Project Action Night at Fonda were Mark Kislowski (Sportsman), Roy Fifield (Pro Stock), Jeremy Cramer (IMCA), Dave Horning Sr. (Street Stock), and Jeremiah Munson (Budget Sportsman).
The winner of the first heat race event of the evening in all of the different divisions choose an inversion position which determined the starting positions for the feature events putting Ray Zemken and Matt Depew on the front row to start the Modified feature. Zemken got the lead at the drop of the green flag with DeLorenzo second on lap two after starting third.
On lap three on the inside of turn four DeLorenzo was the new race leader with Trombley also getting by Zemken for the second position after starting sixth. The yellow was out on lap six for Ronnie Johnson who started dead last on the grid after finishing second in the New Yorker event at Utica Rome earlier in the day and not making it back to Fonda for the qualifying events. Johnson was able to drive to the pit area but retired from the event at that point.
On the restart another caution ensued when four cars wrecked in between turns three and four including Craig Hanson, John Marsh Sr., Dave Camara, and Erik Nelson. All but Hanson were able to continue at the rear of the field. On this restart, A.J. Romano got by Zemken for the third position while Dave Lape got around both Ryan Odasz and Depew for the fifth position.
On lap eight DeLorenzo turned a lap of 18.974 on the tacky race surface getting close to the track record set by 2008 Track Champion Bobby Varin of 18.459 sec. on 6/17/06. Lap after lap as the event went on Trombley was closing in on DeLorenzo with lap traffic becoming a factor with five laps to go.
On lap 26 DeLorenzo was in heavy lap traffic and made the move that won him the race when he went to the inside of two of the lap cars on the front stretch to get by while Trombley was stuck behind them on the outside of the speedway. The final caution was out with three laps to go when Josh Hohenforst, Jeremy Wilder, Depew, and Elmo Reckner were involved in a grinding wreck going into turn four. Nobody was injured but all were done for the evening at that point.
While DeLorenzo pulled away on the restart the best race on the track was for the third position as Romano, Varin, and Odasz raced three wide around lap traffic for the position. Just as Varin who won the New Yorker event at Utica Rome earlier in the day had taken the third position away from Romano he suffered a flat left rear tire on the final lap taking him out of the top five in the final results.
DeLorenzo went on to the 19th win of his career in a Modified at Fonda over Trombley who made the Lebanon Valley Speedway his home track this summer, Romano, Odasz, and Zemken.
Dave Camara was disqualified and placed last in the finishing order after his actions on the track after the wreck on lap six. After the accident Camara ran into Erik Nelson’s car several times and was black flagged for his actions.
“I’ve been battling a cold all week so I’m glad that this one is over with,” DeLorenzo said. “This is the fastest the track has been all season and I have to say great job by Ric (promoter Ric Lucia) and his crew to get it that way.”
The Sportsman feature was caution plagued and started with Luke Munroe and Mark Kislowski on the front row with Kislowski taking the lead at the drop of the green from his outside row starting position. Starting on lap two, Jeremy Wilder, Mark Mortensen, and Mike Ketchum all took turns on consecutive laps spinning on the back stretch going into turn three. Ketchum was the only driver that was unable to continue as he had a broken front end.
One more restart after Chad Edwards hit the wall hard going into turn four caused a single file restart the next time the green flag was thrown. Edwards was done for the evening but was not injured in the wreck. Kislowski maintained the lead through all of the restarts with Munroe, Pat O’Hanlon, John Scarborough, and Erik Nelson completing the top five by lap nine with the caution out again.
On this restart Nelson got by both Scarborough and O’Hanlon for the third position and things remained that way until lap 17 of the 20-lap event when Munroe started pressuring Kislowski for the lead. Over the final three laps Kislowski and Munroe were side by side for the lead with Munroe coming out of nowhere to all of a sudden put on a serious challenge for the win just as it looked as though Kislowski was going to go on to the win in easy fashion.
Kislowski and Munroe ran side by side from that point on to the checkered flag with Kislowski able to hold on for his third win of the season and the seventh of his career at Fonda followed by Munroe, Nelson, Scarborough, and Josh Hohenforst.
In victory lane Kislowski was greeted by Jim Burhmaster who this past week won the Republican primary representing the 21st Congressional District and was on hand for the racing events at Fonda on Saturday night.
“I have to thank my crew for all of their hard work this week burning the midnight oil after we crashed this car at Albany Saratoga a week ago,” he said. “I also have to thank Bruce Schell who dropped a motor in this car for me this week. The car tightened up at the end of the race and became a handful and I saw Luke there on the inside of me several times. We ran side by side and clean for many laps and that is the way that it should be.”
The 20-lap Budget Sportsman feature began and ended with Jeremiah Munson in the lead with the Sullivan Motorsports #1J. Frank Corradi was second to Munson at the start with Derrick McGrew third by lap seven after starting eighth. The top two of Munson and Corradi were a straightaway ahead of McGrew at that point with Munson holding a slight advantage over Corradi.
In lap traffic on lap nine, Corradi caught up to Munson but with Munson making moves between lap cars to get away he was going to be tough to catch. Two consecutive yellow flags slowed the field on lap 17 with Munson able to hold on to the lead both times over Corradi and McGrew who were second and third.
On the final lap Corradi and McGrew were side by side going into turns one and two but coming out of turn two they made contact with both cars out of the event before crossing the checkered flag. Munson went on to his first career win at Fonda in a Budget Sportsman car but does have a total of seven wins in the regular Sportsman division.
Frank Hoard III finished second after starting 12th Bill Wilder, Butchie Irwin, and Aaron Jacobs completed the top five.
“Lap traffic was tough tonight but I was in the right place at the right time and was able to get by,” Munson said. “I need to thank Mark Sullivan Jr. and Chris Sullivan for putting this deal together for me.”
Next weekend at Fonda a lot of money is on the line for the Modified drivers as on Saturday they have a chance to win $5,000 and Sunday they will be racing for $9,500 for a total of $14,500!
On Saturday the 50-lap Go Green Fonda Thunder Series that was rained out on July 26 will be run along with a 30-lap Pro Stock Open, an IMCA Tour event, a Street Stock Open, 4-Cylinders, and Budget Sportsman. There will also be fireworks and the American Legion Post 701 Color Guard will be on hand.
On Sunday the 100-lap Go Green Thunder Series Champion will be decided with a 100-lap Modified event and there will also be a 30-lap Sportsman Open. Pit gates for both days will open at 11:00 a.m. with front gates opening at noon and racing at 1:00 p.m.
MODIFIED FEATURE – 30-LAPS – MATT DELORENZO, Jeff Trombley, A.J. Romano, Ryan Odasz, Ray Zemken, Bobby Varin, Dave Lape, Danny Varin, Floyd Billington, Mike Ketchum, Mark Kislowski, Eric Mack, Shaun Pangman, Tony Farone, Ryan Charland, Scott Huber, Erik Nelson, Josh Hohenforst, Elmo Reckner, Matt Depew, Jeremy Wilder, Marc Johnson, John Marsh Sr., Pete Lyons, Craig Hanson, Ancel Collins, Ronnie Johnson, Harry Shaffer, Josh Pieniazek, Dave Camara (DQ)
SPORTSMAN FEATURE – 20-LAPS – MARK KISLOWSKI, Luke Munroe, Erik Nelson, John Scarborough, Josh Hohenforst, Pat O’Hanlon, Jason Memrick, Matt Depew, Jeremy Wilder, Pep Corradi, Floyd Billington, Dick Bisson, Mark Mortensen, Scott Huber, Tony Farone, D.T. Pickard, Fred Proctor, Robert Bublac, Mark Bishop, Drew Fallis, Chad Edwards, Neil Erickson, Justin Auspelmyer, Mike Ketchum
BUDGET SPORTSMAN FEATURE – 20-LAPS – JEREMIAH MUNSON, Frank Hoard III, Bill Wilder, Butchie Irwin, Aaron Jacobs, Chris Shaffer, Keith Shoemaker, Korey Wilder, Dan Peckham, Frank Corradi, Derrick McGrew, Mike Visconti, Ralph Denison, Stan Lemiesz, Kenny Towne, Bodie Bellinger, Billy Barbie, Corky Brochman, Mike Pinke, Scott Duell, Anthony Marro, Jeremy Wilder (DNS), Brevet Hayes (DNS), James Mallia (DNS)
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RAIN FORCES CANCELLATION AT PENN CAN… EVENTS RESCHEDULED
Susquehanna, PA…Penn Can Speedway in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania fell victim to the weather again Saturday when speedway officials were forced to reschedule the King of the Can Saturday Night Special to Friday September 26th. This will now set up two Friday Night events to end the 2008 season at the speedway.
“All of the weather service projections for Saturday night called for shower to arrive late in the afternoon and continue into the evening,” states Reed Miller. “With the invading late model teams, sprint car teams, and Xcel modified teams traveling long distances, we made the call early to save the teams unnecessary towing expenses.”
The King of the Can races in all divisions will now be contested the next two Friday nights with extra laps and extra money on the line for each of the nights of racing.
Next Friday September 19th the King of the Can Modified and Sportsman races will be presented along with a Dirt Pure Stock event. The modifieds and sportsman will run their races under the ROC banner. The ROC modified portion of the program will be a 75 lap feature event paying the winner $4000. The ROC sportsman will race 40 laps with the winner receiving $1000. The DART Pure Stock event will be a twenty five lap event paying $400 to win. Other bonuses will also be available in all divisions. Heats will be lined up by luck of the draw in all divisions with the top cars in the heats redrawing for feature starting positions.
The following Friday September 26th will be the rescheduled events from September 13th. This will feature a big late model event paying the winner a minimum of $1100. Also on the card will be the King of the Can events for super stocks, pure stocks, and 4 cylinder stocks. Each event will have extra money on the line and extra laps as well. Lap money is also available for these races. Joining the Penn Can stars this night will be the popular CRSA Sprints and the Xcel 600 modifieds.
Gates will open both nights at 5:15 with racing at 7:15. The speedway is located on Route 171 in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania just a short drive from the Binghamton and Scranton areas. For more information call the speedway office at 570-585-9928 or check our web page at www.penncan.com.
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MATT JESTER DOMINATES FOR THIRD WIN IN DELAWARE MODIFIEDS
By Charlie Brown, Delmar, DE – Matt Jester brought his “A” game to Saturday night’s Hertrich Pontiac/Buick/GMC Modified feature at the Delaware International Speedway. Jester was by far the dominate car in the event that was slowed only once in the 25-lap distance.
Robert Dutton led the first lap of the Big Block Modified main before Jester, who started in fifth, took the point. H.J. Bunting raced his way past Chad Clark for third on lap three and Jamie Mills followed into the top five.
Mills continued to climb through the field taking fourth from Clark and third from Bunting on lap 12. His climb ended at the halfway sign as the car slowed and pulled to the infield with mechanical problems while running in fifth behind Jester, Dutton, Clark, and Bunting..
The one and only yellow was out on lap 14 when Dana Walker came to a stop in the second turn erasing the almost six second lead that Jester had built. Back under the green Jester went right back to pulling away with Dutton and Clark nose to tail for second and third. Bunting lost out on a chance to gain on Mills in points as he began to slow when his engine went sour and Norman Short moved into fourth.
Jester opened up a comfortable margin of over three seconds and went on to his third checkered of the season in the Clearview Farms/Smith Concrete/Teo. Dutton turned in his best performance of the season in second as Clark did in third. Fourth went to Short and Ricky Johnson came on in the closing laps to finish in fifth. Heats were won by Dutton and Mills.
“I figured we were going to have another caution free race but it worked out,” smiled Jester. “We were pretty much junk in the heat race but we did a little work on in and everything came around for the feature.”
The 15-lap AC Delco Modified feature was an excellent battle. Adam Jarrell worked past Herman Powell to lead the first lap. Michael White was on a charge from seventh and dropped John Curtis to fourth on lap two. Two laps later White got by Powell for second. Tim Trimble joined the chase taking third on lap six.
Casey Lynch came to a stop bringing out the only yellow of the event. Under the yellow, the leader Jarrell headed to the pits with a flat rear tire. White was the new leader at the halfway point and was followed by Trimble, Joseph Tracy, Brad Trice and Powell. White and Powell put on a great battle for the lead with Trimble leading lap 11. White moved back on top for lap 12 but it was Trimble back out front for laps 13 and 14.
Trimble lost just a little momentum in the final turn and White ducked to the inside and edged out the win. It was White’s fourth win of the season and padded his point lead in the J&M Builders/Teo. Trimble finished in second by just .03 seconds. Tracy finished in third with Trice fourth and Powell fifth. Tracy set fast time in qualifying.
This Saturday night will be the final point event of the season and will be sponsored by R.C. Holloway Co. and will feature the URC Sprints. It will also be “Bonus Night” paying $1750 to win for the Big Block Modifieds and $1250 to win for the Super Late Models. A $50 “Gamblers Fee” will take the winning in the two divisions to $2000 and $1500 respectively. It will also be Millsboro Fan Appreciation Night with anyone with a picture I.D. that includes a Millsboro home address admitted to the spectator side free of charge. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 7 p.m.
RESULTS: 25-Lap NAPA Big Block Modified Feature: 1. MATT JESTER; 2.Robert Dutton; 3. Chad Clark; 4. Norman Short Jr; 5. Ricky Johnson; 6. Tim Millman; 7. Joseph Watson; 8. Ryan Walls; 9. Craig Ott; 10. HJ Bunting; 11. George Richardson; 12. Dana Walker; 13. Jamie Mills; 14. Jeff Brown; 15. Steve Cooper; DNS: Howard ONeal.
15-Lap AC Delco Modified Feature: 1. MICHAEL WHITE; 2. Tim Trimble; 3. Joseph Tracy; 4. Brad Trice; 5. Herman Powell; 6. Brandon Perdue; 7. Westley Smith; 8. John Curtis; 9. Bobby Watkins; 10. Randy Oswald; 11. Scott Calhoun; 12. Jason Bishop; 13. Scott Baker; 14. Grant Ireland; 15. Danny Smack; 16. John Wynn; 17. Bryan Applegate; 18. Garrie Bostwick; 19. Herbie Hempel; 20. Mark Rowe; 21. Adam Jarrell; 22. Ted Reynolds; 23. Casey Lynch.
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Pauch $5000 Richer After Sweeping NES Twin 35's
New Egypt, NJ (Sept. 13, 2008) - Billy Pauch of Frenchtown, NJ got back on track Saturday night at New Egypt Speedway as he swept both ends of the "Twin 35's" presented by Mr. Bob's Portable Toilets. It was the Pauch's first trips to victory lane since mid-July ending a nine race winless streak. Pauch picked up $2500 for each win after qualifying by winning the B Main. Pauch stellar night overshadowed a great run by last week's winner Sam Martz, who finished second to Pauch in both events after also qualifying thru the Consi. The wins give Pauch 71 career Big-Block Modified wins at NES.
"We got real lucky in the first race," exclaimed Pauch in victory lane, "In that big wreck off turn 4 (Keith) Hoffman lost a wheel and spun and cars were going every direction, I saw (Frank) Cozze spinning in front of me so I checked up and got knocked into Keith's car and somehow we ended up coming thru and I was able to keep going. I thought about going in but didn't want to give up the track position so I decided to go for the win, and fortunately my tire that was rubbing lasted the whole race."
In the opening 35 lapper, Rick Holsten showed the way thru the first 6 laps while Pauch and Martz, who started all the way back in 19th and 20th respectively, were quickly charging thru the field as several yellows slowed the pace. On lap 7 Hoffman lost a wheel while exiting turn 4 causing a melee that resulted in Frank Cozze being upside down. Hoffman, who was just two points behind Pauch in the championship chase at the start of the night was finished for the first event while Cozze returned for the restart. Pauch wasted no time as he took the lead from Holsten one lap after the restart. Martz quickly moved into second but could not keep pace with Paquch. Meanwhile, Cozze, was driving like a man possessed as he came thru the field to 4th when the final yellow appeared on lap 26. The restart found Martz mounting a serious challenge for the win, only to fall 1 car length short at the end. Cozze came back from the early wreck to finish a very impressive third, followed by "Mr. Bob" himself Bob Drayton in fourth who also qualified thru the consi and Ken Carberry was fifth.
The second feature saw Pauch start 12th and get to the front quickly as he was running second by lap #3 behind Tim Tanner, Jr. Tanner proved to be a viable foe as he lead Pauch until lap 13. Once in front Pauch pulled away at will as Martz again grabbed second from Tanner. This race would be different than the first though as Pauch was on his game and won by over a straightaway. Martz capped off his night with another fine runner up finish. Drayton also impressed everyone again as he posted his second top five finish of the evening crossing the line in third. Hoffman, who had to go to his back up car and start last, showed what kind of a fierce competitor he is by driving up to a fourth place finish and John Miloszar got his first top five of the year finishing fifth after starting in 14th.
Gary Butler of Phillipsburg, NJ picked up his 4th straight victory in a row in the A-1 Sportsman division as he passed Rich Scagliotta on the final lap for the win. Scagliotta settled for second followed by Willie Osmun in third, Lou Farina III in fourth and John Romano, Jr. fifth.
Bryan Papiez bested the largest field of the year in the 15 lap Crate-1 Sportsman feature. Papiez was the best in the 17 car field tonight as he beat team cars Rob Stump and George Idell Jr. for the top spot. In the Outlaw Stock 20 lap feature point leader Rich Mongeau won his third feature event of the year over P.J. Oliver and Rob Longo.
Next Saturday night, September 20th, C & S Equipment presents Championship Night at New Egypt Speedway. All divisions will race with double point values up for grabs in all features. Racing will feature a full card of Big-Block Modifieds, A1 Racing Sportsman, Super Stocks, Outlaw Stocks, SS Sprints and Crate-1 Sportsman. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. with the first race starting at 5:30 pm. For more information, call the speedway office at (609) 758-1900 or log on to
www.newegyptspeedway.net.
9/13/08 RESULTS
MODIFIED Feature 1 (35 Laps): 1. Billy Pauch 2. Sam Martz 3. Frank Cozze 4.Bob Drayton 5. Ken Carberry 6. Rick Holsten 7. Dominick Buffalino 8.Rich Rutski 9. Rick Wegner 10. Tim Tanner Jr. 11. Ron John Koczon 12. Mike Hendershot 13. Dave Stonebraker 14. John Miloszar 15. Ricky Yetter 16. Rick Laubach 17. Mark Forte Sr. 18. Keith Hoffman 19. John
Salvatore Jr. 20. Kenny Meisner 21. Tad Cox 22. Pat Wall 23. Tom Carberry 24. Mike McAleer 25. Brad Freeman
Feature 2 (35 Laps): 1. Billy Pauch 2. Sam Martz 3. Bob Drayton 4. Keith Hoffman 5. John Miloszar 6. Kenny Meisner 7. Mike Hendershot 8. Mike McAleer 9. Mark Forte Jr. 10. Tim Tanner Jr. 11. Dave Stonebraker 12. Rick Laubach 13. Dominick Buffalino 14. Rick Holsten 15. Ron John Koczon 16. Ricky Yetter 17. Randy Laird 18. Tad Cox 19. Mark Forte Sr. 20. Tom Carberry 21. John Salvatore Jr. 22. Frank Cozze 23. Rick Wegner 24. Rich Rutski 25. Ken Carberry
SPORTSMAN Feature (20 Laps): 1. Gary Butler 2. Rich Scagliotta 3. Willie Osmun 4. Lou Farina 5. John Romano Jr. 6. Frank Cozze Jr. 7. Mike Howardson
8. Steve Schmidt 9. John McClelland 10. Ray Woodall Jr. 11. Alan Bleacher 12. Clay Butler 13. Dave Seip 14. Rocco Infante 15. Chris Lane 16. Marc Herman 17. Ryan Forte 18. Dan Waisempacher 19. Kevin Vaclavicek 20. Jeff Geiges 21. Donnie Kline 22. Andy Visinski 23. Chris Allen Jr. 24. Randy Yaple
CRATE-1 SPORTSMAN Feature (15 Laps): 1. Bryan Papiez 2. Rob Stump 3. George Idell Jr. 4. Richie Cass Sr. 5. Archie Myers 6. Steve Davis 7. Gabe Fox 8. Lee Allen 9. Ray Woodall Sr. 10. Rich Steele 11. Eric Engstrom 12. Scott Cranstoun 13. Jon Haegele 14. Pat Hires 15. Ron Barnstead 16. Tom Raneri 17. Darrel Delnero.
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Final 2008 DIRTcar NorthEast Regional Points Champions Declared
Weedsport, NY – September 12, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director
After five straight months of wheel-to-wheel, paint-trading action at nearly 30 tracks, the chase for valuable points towards the lucrative 2008 DIRTcar Racing NorthEast Regional Championships ended over Labor Day Weekend.
Crowned champions of their respective DIRTcar Region were Billy Decker (Central), Brett Hearn (Eastern) and Brian Swartzlander (Western) in the Big-Blocks ranks, 358-Modified chauffeurs Kayle Robidoux (Northern), Jerry Higbie (Eastern) and Pete Bicknell (Western), and Chris Raabe (Northern), Todd Henderson (Central) and James Michael Friesen (Western) in Sportsman Modified competition. Hearn, Swartzlander and Bicknell were the only drivers to able to repeat their regional runs.
DIRTcar-sanctioned tracks hosting Big-Block Modifieds, 358-Modifieds and Sportsman Modifieds were divided into three regions for 2008 with the top-15 rewarded in each classification. Points were awarded for the best finishes in DIRTcar-sanctioned feature races, with events held at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park counting toward any region in all divisions.
Regional points were kept separately and had no direct bearing on any individual track points race.
Collecting a fourth points title at Brewerton Speedway and leading the entire DIRTcar NorthEast circuit with 22 feature wins, Decker easily separated himself from the pack during the summer and cruised on to the Central Region crown in convincing fashion. All-time DIRTcar Modified feature winner Hearn, a six-time Big-Block victor in ’08, was the class of the Eastern Region for a second straight year, as was Swartzlander out West as the eight-time winner successfully defended his Lernerville Speedway season championship as well.
In the Small-Block ranks, the Canadian contingent of Robidoux (Quebec) and Bicknell (Ontario) were dead-locked atop the DIRTcar 358-Modified win list with seven victories apiece, with Robidoux capturing the Autodrome Granby title and Bicknell the high-point man at Ransomville Speedway. Higbie used a pair of feature wins to claim the Orange County trophy en route to the Eastern points title.
Teenage sensation Raabe stayed in command from day one with a division-high total of 18 wins and track crowns at Brockville Ontario Speedway and Thunder Alley Speedpark to earn Northern Region accolades. Black Rock Speedway Champion Henderson racked up nine wins in the Central area while third-generation chauffeur Friesen enjoyed a memorable rookie campaign in the western wing by scoring 11 feature wins and wrapping up the Ransomville Speedway championship.
For further questions regarding the 2008 DIRTcar Racing Regional Series format, please contact DIRTcar NorthEast Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning Cory Reed in the Weedsport Office (315/834-6606) during normal business hours or log www.dirtcar.com and www.superdirtcarseries.com to find out more about the entire circuit.
2008 BIG-BLOCK MODIFIED REGIONAL POINTS: Final
CENTRAL (best 15)
Pos. Driver Points
1 Billy Decker 900
2 Alan Johnson 850
3 Matt Sheppard 844
4 Dale Planck 832
5 Jimmy Phelps 824
6 Gary Tomkins 822
7 Steve Paine 816
8 Frankie Caprara 770
9 Jim Witko Jr. 740
10 Pat O'Brien 738
11 Ryan Phelps 714
12 Justin Haers 712
13 Willy Decker 706
14 Tom Sears Jr. 694
15 Chuck Bower 688
EASTERN (best 10)
Pos. Driver Points
1 Brett Hearn 554
2 Andy Bachetti 534
3 Chuck McKee 518
4 Mark Flach Jr. 512
5 Kenny Tremont 510
5 J.R. Heffner 508
7 Jerry Higbie 492
8 David Van Horn 488
9 Jeff Heotzler 472
10 Eddie Marshall 464
11 Mike Storms 462
11 Guy Sheldon 462
13 Tommy Meier 446
14 Mike Kolka 442
15 Keith Flach 436
WESTERN (12 best)
Pos. Driver Points
1 Brian Swartzlander 704
2 Kevin Bolland 700
3 Jer. Shingledecker 686
4 Del Rougeux Jr. 626
5 Dave Murdick 602
6 Tom Winkle 578
7 Joe Crawford 571
8 Kevin Hoffman 544
9 Mark Flick 514
10 Andy Priest 500
11 JR McGinley 488
12 Tim Doran 484
13 Phil Evans Jr. 468
14 Mike Turner 466
15 Carl Murdick 456
DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Regions
*Events held at Rolling Wheels and Airborne (August 6) count toward any region.
East (best 10 finishes): Lebanon Valley, Orange County, Granby (July 11), Drummond (July 12);
Central (best 15 finishes): Brewerton, Can-Am, Canandaigua, Cayuga County, Fulton, Brockville (July 10), Cornwall (August 17);
West (best 12 finishes): Lernerville, Tri-City, Ransomville (July 3), Merrittville (August 4), BRP Modified Tour events.
2008 358-MODIFIED REGIONAL POINTS: Final
NORTHERN (15 best)
Pos. Driver Points
1 Kayle Robidoux 840
2 David Hebert 830
3 Laurent Ladouceur 816
4 Kyle Dingwall 808
5 Carey Terrance 802
5 Martin Roy 802
7 Joel Doiron 796
8 Eric Gauvreau 776
9 Mitchell Jock 772
9 John Lazore 772
11 Patrick Dupree 770
12 Pierre Dagenais 766
13 Clement Therrien 762
14 Mario Clair 758
15 Lance Willix 746
15 Jessica Zemken 746
EASTERN (7 best)
Pos. Driver Points
1 Jerry Higbie 388
2 Tim Hindley 374
3 Tommy Meier 358
4 Brett Hearn 326
4 David Van Horn 326
6 Chuck McKee 322
7 Craig Mitchell 320
8 Kirk Horton 316
8 Chris Shultz 316
10 Johnny Guarino 314
11 Jimmy Johnson 310
12 Dom Roselli 286
12 Jeremy Markle 269
14 Tom Dakake 251
15 Neal Harris 245
WESTERN (12 best)
Pos. Driver Points
1 Pete Bicknell 688
2 Chad Brachmann 668
3 Todd Burley 648
4 Scott Wood 626
5 Larry Lampman Jr. 616
6 Scott Kerwin 602
7 Jeff McGinnis 586
8 Robbie Krull 584
8 Brian Stevens 566
10 Rick Richner 562
11 Boyd MacTavish 520
11 Tommy Flannigan 520
13 Ken Cosgrove 510
14 Tim Jones 508
15 Richie Vinson 504
DIRTcar 358-Modified Regions
*Events held at Rolling Wheels and Airborne (August 6) count toward any region.
East (best 7 finishes): Orange County;
North (best 15 finishes): Airborne, Brockville, Can-Am, Cornwall, Drummond, Edelweiss, Granby, Mohawk, Lucas DIRTcar Series events (Granby-July 18, Drummond-July 19, Mohawk-July 31, Edelweiss-August 1, Brockville-August 2, Cornwall-August 3);
West (best 12 finishes): Merrittville, Ransomville, Lucas DIRTcar Series events (Merrittville-May 19, Ransomville-May 23, Humberstone-June 22, Merrittville-July 12, Ransomville-July 18, Ohsweken-August 8, Humberstone-August 17).
2008 SPORTSMAN MODIFIED REGIONAL POINTS: Final
NORTHERN (12 best)
Pos. Driver Points
1 Chris Raabe 720
2 Brandon Sweet 680
3 Matt Billings 614
4 Mike Mandigo 608
5 Tyler Rand 592
5 Randy Gaudet 592
7 Luke Whittaker 590
8 Dylan Evoy 580
8 Tom Conklin 580
10 Jeff Stevenson 577
11 Adam Turner 558
12 Cole Dingwall 556
13 Shane Pecore 546
14 Kevin Gamble 504
15 Ally Amell 502
CENTRAL (15 best)
Pos. Driver Points
1 Todd Henderson 862
2 Jeremy Pitcher 810
3 Kevin Ridley 798
4 Dan Wiesner 776
5 Tom Juhl 762
6 Daryl Hilkert 760
7 Steve Gray 754
7 Mike Ruggiero 754
9 Brady Fultz 747
10 Tim Currier 746
11 Justin Wright 718
12 John Pietrowicz 712
13 Sammy Reakes IV 706
14 Fran Hilton 692
14 A.J. Kingley 692
WESTERN (15 best)
Pos. Driver Points
1 James M. Friesen 868
2 Don Spatorico 818
3 Mike Bowman 814
4 Tyler MacPherson 794
5 Rob Pratt 786
6 Mat Williamson 768
7 Steve Schumacher 766
8 Greg Panunte 738
9 Justin Sharp 732
10 Justin Wright 730
11 Chad Chevalier 716
12 Ricky Newton 710
13 Jipp Ortiz 708
14 B.J. Willard 690
14 Brad Rouse 690
15 John Venuto 674
DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Regions
*Events held at Rolling Wheels count toward any region.
Central (best 15 finishes): Black Rock, Brewerton, Canandaigua, Cayuga County, Fulton, Orange County;
North (best 12 finishes): Brockville, Can-Am, Thunder Alley, Lucas DIRTcar Series events (Can-Am-July 5, Brighton-July 18, Thunder Alley-August 1, Brockville-August 2);
West (best 15 finishes): Genesee, Humberstone, Merrittville, Ransomville, Lucas DIRTcar Series events (Genesee-June 14, Merrittville-June 21, Humberstone-July 6, Ohsweken-August 1, Ransomville-August 8).
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Lernerville Speedway Advance Series North-South 100 Latest Victim Of Rain
Weedsport, NY – September 12, 2008 - By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Rain has continued to hamper competition across the Northeast in the 2008 Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series and this weekend started no different than the last.
Lernerville Speedway became the latest victim on Friday when General Manager Gary Risch Jr. was forced to pull the plug in the early morning hours as overcast skies unloaded over the Sarver, Pennsylvania oval with little clearing in sight.
“We’re extremely disappointed the weather wouldn’t cut us a break,” said Risch, after reluctantly cancelling the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series ‘North-South 100’ headliner on day one of Advance Auto Parts Autumn-Motive Fest Modified Madness. The event is not scheduled to be made up.
“The Advance Series stars coming to town certainly generated a lot of interest around the area from our fans and all the racers. We’re already looking into a possible date for next season as we want to grow this event for years to come,” Risch noted.
All the action now moves back to the Empire State when DIRTcar Racing NorthEast charter member tracks Canandaigua Speedway and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park host their final Big Block Modified events of the season. The ‘Labatt Blue 100’ at Canandaigua on Saturday, September 20 comes next with the month’s activity culminating in the BPG National 200 during the 22nd World Series of DIRT Track Racing Weekend presented by Taylor Rental of Auburn at Rolling Wheels on Saturday, Sept. 27.
Come October, top Advance Series point chasers begin their final run toward the coveted overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Championship with two premier events closing out the 2008 campaign. Continuing to rank among the most prestigious races in the country, the Rite Aid 200 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse concludes Super DIRT Week on Sunday, October 12 while the Eastern States 200 at Orange County Fair Speedway brings the curtain down on Sunday, Oct. 19.
For more tour information, please contact DIRTcar Racing NorthEast Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning Cory Reed at the DIRTcar NorthEast Office (315/834-6606) in Weedsport, New York or log into www.superdirtcarseries.com for additional Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series material.
Overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Big Block Modified
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Point Standings (Thru Sept. 12, 2008)
1. Billy Decker 2,111
2. Dale Planck 1,961
3. Jimmy Phelps 1,896
4. Brett Hearn 1,867
5. Gary Tomkins 1,796
6. Matt Sheppard 1,686
7. Frankie Caprara 1,590
8. Steve Paine 1,500
9. Justin Haers 1,414
10. Ryan Phelps 1,407
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Billy Decker(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Dale Planck(G)
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway D.Planck/Danny Johnson(P)
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway B.Decker/Brett Hearn(P)
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway B.Decker/Robbie Krull(P)
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway B.Decker/Jimmy Phelps(P)
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Brett Hearn(G)
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond D.Planck/Steve Paine(P)
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway B.Decker/Jeff Strunk(P)
Thr-Jul 17 Georgetown Speedway H.J. Bunting(G)
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway B.Hearn/Chuck McKee(P)
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Jimmy Phelps(G)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Vic Coffey(P)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Justin Haers(P)
Fri-Aug 15 Brewerton Speedway B.Decker/Gary Tomkins(P)
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park Gary Tomkins(G)
Sun-Aug 17 Cornwall Motor Speedway G.Tomkins/Carey Terrance(P)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Alan Johnson(G)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway B.Decker/Frankie Caprara(P)
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway B.Decker/Roy Bresnahan(P)
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway Andy Bachetti(G)
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Rain-Cancelled
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
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Champions Collide In Advance Series North-South 100 At Lernerville
Weedsport, NY – September 11, 2008 - By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
The Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series main event Friday at Lernerville Speedway is billed as the ‘North-South 100’ as top touring teams from New York are ready to clash with the leading locals on day one of Advance Auto Parts Autumn-Motive Fest Modified Madness in the Keystone State.
Although only hours separate the main flux of Empire State travelers from the weekly track favorites stationed in Western Pennsylvania and Ohio, the popular Sarver, Pa. oval will be a unique setting to showcase the best Big-Block drivers that still occupy two distinct racing regions on the DIRTcar NorthEast circuit.
Firmly in the forefront in this budding rivalry are 1998 overall champion and current Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar points leader Billy Decker and recently crowned Lernerville points king Brian Swartzlander. Although these open-wheel veterans rarely cross paths during the regular season, the September 12 stop at Lernerville offers a special opportunity to measure competition on both ends of the speedway spectrum.
“Make no mistake, these (Pennsylvania) guys still get around this place pretty good,” remarked Decker, 43, who returns to Lernerville as the defending Advance Series winner after reaching victory lane in 2006. The Unadilla, New York chauffeur ran third in ’05 while adding fourth (1998) and eighth-place (1997) finishes in the initial tour visits made a decade earlier.
“Our only advantage is probably the tons of experience we’ve got running at tracks all over the Northeast. These guys know their own track far better than us but we’re used to running longer races and know more what to expect when the track changes in a 100-lapper. The equipment is pretty much the same, its just keeping it going a little longer that separates the field right now,” noted Decker, who will be looking to establish an all-time Advance Series single-season mark with victory number 11 on the 2008 tour steering the potent LJL Racing no. 91 Gypsum Wholesalers-Stadium Int'l-Quality Hardwoods/Bicknell entry.
While Decker has placed among the top-10 in all four previous trips to Lernerville, six-time track champion Swartzlander is yet to crack the top-20 in those same Advance Series shows. Rear-end problems (2005) and a race-ending crash (’06) resulted in identical 29th-place finishes with six laps scored each time out.
“We’re definitely excited to get another chance this weekend and put a lot more laps under our belt, something always seems to bite us in this big race,” said Swartzlander, 49, who will be back aboard the familiar McCutcheon Enterprises no. 83 Precise Racing Products-B&J Motorsports/TEO machine looking for his seventh win of the season at Lernerville. “It’s always nice to run against these guys, hopefully we can give a better showing on Friday.”
“I'm looking forward to the tour drivers coming in and putting on a professional show. It's always tough to beat them but it should be a real treat for the fans to see them in action. It’s always interesting to see how the track changes in this longer race and how our drivers adjust to some of the same conditions they've hardly ever faced,” Swartzlander added.
While Decker is facing a 5-1/2-hour haul from the Gypsum shop in Central New York on Friday morning, Swartzlander can stay home for lunch and still make it to the track in plenty of time from his Leechburg residence located just 15 miles away. But once at the track, everybody will be in the same time zone and have to crank the wheel left when they reach turn one.
“Lernerville is a pretty neat track, its comparable to Brewerton and Fulton where there’s enough room and you can’t hold back the fastest car,” commented Decker, who recently garnered his fourth title at Brewerton over the summer. He’s been the hottest driver all season, posting a circuit-wide best 22 feature wins in Big-Block competition.
“I remember getting off turn two was tricky and carrying the speed down the back chute very challenging. At first you don’t think you can get the bite when it turns dark but there’s a lot of good racing all the way around. And as the race goes on the amount of motor needed becomes less and less. I know in that last win we became pretty well balanced by the end of the race,” added Decker, who time trialed 20th and fell into 11th on the starting grid before out-dueling Tim Fuller for the dramatic victory in ’06.
Along with Decker and Swartzlander, the all-star field will be filled by current points runner-up Dale Planck, third-place runner Jimmy Phelps, reigning overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Champion Brett Hearn and Gary Tomkins, who has combined with Decker to win seven of the last nine Advance Series features. Matt Sheppard, Frankie Caprara, Steve Paine, Justin Haers and Ryan Phelps rank among the top-10 in points while Alan Johnson, Billy Dunn, Danny Johnson and 15 year-old rookie Larry Wight pose outside threats as the tour winds down.
Following Swartzlander ---listed fourth all-time with 60 Big-Block Modified feature wins at Lernerville--- on the final 2008 season points chart are Kevin Bolland (5 wins), Del Rougeux Jr. (2), Tom Winkle and Jeremiah Shingledecker (2).
Lernerville Speedway www.lernerville.com is located approximately 25 miles north of Pittsburgh, just below Butler, Pa. on the map. General Admission ticket prices on Friday are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $14 for students 11-17 and as always, kids 10 & under are admitted FREE! Reserved seats may be purchased for an additional $2 per ticket. Kids 10 & under are subject to student pricing for reserved seats. Pit Passes are available for $25 for UMP/DIRTcar members and $30 for non-members. For more information contact the track at 724/353-1511.
Pit gates are scheduled to unlock at 4 p.m. on Friday and the main grandstands open at 5 o'clock with hot laps slated for 6:30 p.m. Heat race qualifiers take the first green flag at 7:30 p.m. following Integra Shocks Modified time trials.
-end-
FALL EVENTS BEGIN AT FONDA THIS SATURDAY
By: Ron Szczerba
FONDA, NY – With the Fonda Fair now over and the 2008 Track Champions already crowned, Fonda Speedway now turns to special events to close out the 2008 campaign starting this Saturday, September 13 with open events for all regular divisions with home track rules applying. The Budget Sportsman will also be in action on Reality Check/Student Night with half price general admission tickets for all students with an ID. The pit gates will open at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13 with front gates opening at 4:00 p.m. and racing at 6:00 p.m.
Looking back at the 2008 regular season in the Modified division, Matt DeLorenzo led the way with six feature wins in a total of 15 events followed by 2008 Modified Track Champion Bobby Varin and Ronnie Johnson with two wins apiece. Pat Ward, Jim Davis, Brett Hearn, Dave Camara, and Craig Hanson all had one win apiece.
There were also 15 events held in the Sportsman division with 2008 Sportsman Track Champion David Towns leading the way with five feature wins. Mark Mortensen, John Scarborough, Mark Kislowski, and Luke Munroe all had two wins apiece while John McAuliffe and Jeremy Wilder had single event wins.
Frank Hoard III dominated the Budget Sportsman class at Fonda with three feature wins with Bill Wilder the only other driver to win a feature event as he took home one feature win in a total of four events.
Be sure to come to the Track of Champions in 2008 to “Feel the Thunder”. Fonda Speedway is located off of exit 28 of the New York State Thruway. For more information you can call (518) 382-3115 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or (518) 853-4235 on race day.
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ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRTcar SERIES: ADVANCE NOTICES
Weedsport, NY — September 9, 2008 — By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
WHAT
The Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series travels to Pennsylvania for the second and final time this season when Lernerville Speedway in Sarver hosts the $6000-to-win North-South 100 as part of Advance Auto Parts Autumn-Motive Fest Modified Madness on Friday, September 12. The 100-lap Big-Block Modified main offers valuable points towards the overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Championship along with a guaranteed starting spot in the Rite Aid 200 title event during Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse coming up in just one more month.
WHERE
FROM EAST
1)PA Turnpike to Exit 48 (Allegheny Valley Exchange) through toll booth bear right….before third traffic light go right follow signs to Rt. 28 (Allegheny Expressway) north to Exit 17 (Rt. 356 Freeport) at stop sign turn right - go 4 1⁄2 miles track on right; 2) Interstate 80 West to Interstate 79 south follow to Exit 29 Route 422 go east to Route 8 south through Butler then follow signs to Rt. 356. Lernerville is 11- miles south of Butler Rt. 356 on left; 3) From Either Rt. 22 or Rt. 30 West to Rt. 66-follow Rt. 66 north to Rt. 356- past Freeport north continue Rt. 356 - track 5 miles on right.
FROM WEST
PA Turnpike to Exit 28 Cranberry, PA through toll booth following signs to Interstate 79 north – go one to Exit #78 Mars - Rt. 228 east about 20 miles carefully watching Rt. 228 east signs until you reach Rt. 356, take left onto Rt. 356 and go 2 miles to track on right; 2) Route 422 East to Butler Rt. 8 exit, go south through town then follow signs to Route 356 south. Lernerville Speedway is 11 miles south of Butler on Rt. 356 on left.
FROM NORTH
Follow Interstate 79 south to Exit 29, take Route 422 east to Route 8 south through Butler then follow signs to Rt. 356. Lernerville is 11 miles south of Butler Rt. 356 on left.
FROM SOUTH
Only 30 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh take Rt. 28 (Allegheny Valley Expressway) north to Exit 17 (Rt. 356 Freeport) at stop sign-turn right and go north on (Rt. 356) 4 1⁄2 miles track on right; 2) Follow Interstate 79 north to Cranberry Twp. Exit 78 Mars, PA- Rt. 228 follow Rt. 228 east about 20 miles carefully watching Rt. 228 East signs until Rt. 356-left onto Rt. 356-2 miles track on right.
USING BONNIEBROOK ROAD (Off of Rt. 422)
Follow Rt. 422 past all three Butler Exits at the first Traffic light turn right onto Bonniebrook- go straight thru first stop sign. At second stop sign (yellow manufacturing buildings) turn left onto Rt. 356 and track is about 4 miles south on left.
WHEN
Lernerville's pit gates are scheduled to unlock at 4 p.m. and the main grandstands open at 5 o'clock with hot laps slated for 6:30 p.m. Heat race qualifiers take the first green flag at 7:30 p.m. following Integra Shocks Modified time trials.
TICKETS
General Admission ticket prices on Friday are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $14 for students 11-17 and as always, kids 10 & under are admitted FREE! Reserved seats may be purchased for an additional $2 per ticket. Kids 10 & under are subject to student pricing for reserved seats. Pit Passes are available for $25 for UMP/DIRTcar members and $30 for non-members. For more information contact the track at 724/353-1511. General Admission tickets and pit passes will be available at the gate on race day.
*NOTE: Modified Madness is day one of the two-day Advance Auto Parts Autumn-Motive Fest. Two-day tickets are available for those planning on attending the Street Stock Pandemonium and 100-lap Enduro on Saturday. Two-day general admission prices are $28 for adults, $24 for seniors, $16 for students 11-17 and FREE for kids 10 & under. Reserved seats are available for a $2 upgrade, with all children subject to student pricing. Two-day pit passes are available for $30 for UMP/DIRTcar members and $35 for non-members.
ABOUT THE TRACK
Following the purchase of DIRT Motorsports, Inc. and DIRT NorthEast charter member tracks Cayuga County Fair Speedway and Rolling Wheels Raceway in Central New York, the internationally recognized World Racing Group regime made Lernerville Speedway its third acquisition in March of 2005. General Manager Gary Risch Jr. continues to guide the day-to-day track operations this season as the tradition-laden oval is billed as the only track in the country to headline its weekly shows with three premier divisions in short-track racing today --- Big-Block Modifieds, Sprints and Late Models. The 2006 appearance marked just the second Advance Series event held at Lernerville using the AMB i.t. scoring and timing system, with Alan Johnson establishing the modern-day Modified record touring the 4/10-miler in a time of 16.180 sec. (88.999 mph). Brian Swartzlander (6 wins) was recently crowned the 2008 season points champion at Lernerville for the 6th time in his career, with Kevin Bolland (5), Jeremiah Shingledecker (2), Del Rougeux Jr. (2) and Jim Weller also picking up feature victories.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Four Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series point races have been run at Lernerville Speedway and current overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar points leader Billy Decker captured the last century grind held in 2006 while eventual Mr. DIRTcar Champion Tim Fuller copped the ’05 finale. Rochester, New Yorker Danny Johnson earned both first-place trophies in the 90s. Prior to the 2005 event, it had been seven years since DIRTcar touring stars last visited Lernerville to confront the best big-block teams from Western Pennsylvania and Ohio. The Lernerville event marked the halfway point of the ‘05 Advance Series and Fuller did what he had done for nearly half of the first 12 races as he rolled on to his fifth tour victory of the season in convincing fashion. Johnson's tour win in 1998 came after the race was rain-shortened to 61 laps, with his first win the year before coming aboard the famed no. 6 Freightliner Special.
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRTcar SERIES
Lernerville Speedway (4 Evts)
DATE FIRST - SECOND - THIRD - FOURTH - FIFTH
6/14/06 Billy Decker - Tim Fuller - Pat Ward - Tom Sears Jr - Jimmy Phelps
8/3/05 Tim Fuller - Brett Hearn - Billy Decker - Pat Ward - Steve Paine
6/29/98 Danny Johnson - Craig VonDohren - Duane Howard - Billy Decker - Tim Fuller
6/24/97 Danny Johnson - Steve Paine - Kenny Brightbill - Jack Johnson - Bob McCreadie
TRACK HISTORY
In 1967 Don Martin and a couple of partners built the Lernerville Speedway located on PA route 356 at Sarver, between Butler & Freeport. The track opened for two races in October of '67 and then began regular weekly racing in the spring of 1968. From a rather humble beginning, Martin built Lernerville into one of the best known weekly dirt tracks in the country and along the way he was voted "Promoter of the Year" and elected to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Iowa. Earl Bauman, Dale Hafer and Bucky Fleming started work on a quarter-mile dirt track at the location of Lernerville Park, which had been a popular amusement park dating back to the 1940's. Martin never planned on owning a track, but the trio needed some help getting things going, so trucking company owner Martin went in as a partner. Original plans were to open in the spring of 1968, but an ordinance change set for early that year would have kept them from operating. To beat the ordinance, Lernerville Speedway opened for two races in the fall of '67. The first race was a 100-lapper for Modifieds that brought together the cars of the old Penn-Western Racing Association and the Sportsman cars that raced at Butler, Mercer, Blanket Hill, and Tri-City. Naturally, it has not been smooth sailing over the past the past decades and into this 40th Anniversary season. After Martin’s death three promoters ---Dave Bauman, Jim Roenigk and Albert “Ouch” Roenigk--- were designated for the 1994 season. Dave Bauman passed away in '98 and Jim Roenigk left to pursue other opportunities the following year. Garry “Arch” Hunter joined “Ouch” Roenigk to promote the 1999 and 2000 season and beginning in 2001 Roenigk was the sole promoter. In 2004 Barb Bauman Bartley & Tom Roenigk (Lernerville Motorsports) took over as Co-Directors and leased the track from the Martin family. In 2005 Lernerville Speedway was sold to the World Racing Group and under the guidance of the Risch Family, joined Western Pennsylvania neighbor Tri-City Speedway in their full sanctioning of the DIRTcar Big-Block Modified class. NorthEast Modified Hall of Famer Lou Blaney currently tops Lernerville’s all-time Big-Block win list with 69 checkered flags and is followed by Bob Wearing Sr. (62 wins), Blackie Watt (61) and current star Brian Swartzlander (60), who scored his last win on the Sarver oval July 25 in the Joe Pitkavish Memorial.
2006 RACE REVIEW
Unadilla, New York’s Billy Decker captured the 4th Annual Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series ‘Keystone Klassic 100’ at Lernerville Speedway, pulling off a late race rally to get past defending race winner and ’05 Mr. DIRT Champion Tim Fuller to score his second tour triumph of the 2006 campaign for the LJL Motorsports team. Decker had his work cut out before becoming the 84th different Big-Block Modified winner since 1967 at the Sarver, Pa. oval, time trialing 20th in the 35-car field and placing third in the fourth and final qualifying heat to make it into the customary pre-race redraw. From there he chose the 11th starting spot out of 12 pills for the 100-lap Advance Series main. Alan Johnson blasted high out of turn four to secure the early lead ahead of pole-winner Matt Sheppard and with a quarter of the race complete, ‘A.J. Slideways’ held a commanding lead over Sheppard, Dale Planck, hard-charging Decker and his Gypsum Express teammate Pat Ward. Decker continued to dust off the competition, disposing of Planck for third on lap 30 and then gliding past Sheppard for the runner-up slot eight laps later, yet he still remained a straightaway behind Johnson 40 laps in. By the midway point Decker had tracked down Johnson until a right-rear tire blew with Decker able to move under A.J. as the duo came out of turn two on lap 51. Eight laps later Fuller had put enough heat in his own tires to slingshot past Decker out of turn four and savor his first share of the lead. Under green flag conditions Fuller and Decker set a torrid pace for the next 30 laps but it was still the fourth and final caution period that set up a final dash to the checkers as the restart came with only a half-dozen laps left. It took Decker just two circuits under green to charge past high out of turn four and he easily opened up an eight car-length margin en route to victory in the century grind. Fuller settled for second followed closely by Ward with Sears scoring a career-best fourth-place finish and Troyer house car pilot Jimmy Phelps crossing the line fifth.
Oerall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Point Standings (Thru Sept. 7, 2008)
1. Billy Decker 2,111
2. Dale Planck 1,961
3. Jimmy Phelps 1,896
4. Brett Hearn 1,867
5. Gary Tomkins 1,796
6. Matt Sheppard 1,686
7. Frankie Caprara 1,590
8. Steve Paine 1,500
9. Justin Haers 1,414
10. Ryan Phelps 1,407
NEWS & NOTES
Mr. DIRTcar Championship Format Fine Tuned In ‘08: The overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Modified Champion in 2008 will be determined by adding actual points earned in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series along with bonus points collected at a designated hometrack throughout the racing season. Along with gaining valuable Advance Series points during the year, each driver can now earn a maximum of 300 additional points from their best five hometrack feature race finishes. Using the standard DIRTcar NE weekly points format, a driver winning five features could carry up to 300 extra points (60 per win) into the Mr. DIRTcar Championship when track points are officially tallied after Labor Day.
Big-Block Winners Abound Heading To Lernerville: Entering the second weekend of racing in September, 24 tracks have hosted DIRTcar Big-Block Modified races in 2008 with 58 drivers scoring victories in the 141 features run. Remaining atop the list which he has done so all season, Billy Decker continues to dominate the Northeastern circuit, posting a division-high total of 22 victories, including a record-tying 10 in Advance Auto Parts Super Series competition aboard the potent LJL Racing Bicknell machine. Decker’s single-season best total nearly triples the output of popular Pennsylvanian Brian Swartzlander (8) while fellow Keystone State rivals Kevin Bolland and Jeremiah Shingledecker plus Advance Series standout Dale Planck rank right behind with seven each. Advance Series stars Brett Hearn, Matt Sheppard, Gary Tomkins and Alan Johnson own six wins apiece while tour regulars Jimmy Phelps (4), Steve Paine (3) and Frankie Caprara (3) and recent Lebanon Valley 200 winner Andy Bachetti (3) are listed ahead of two-time winners Steve Hulsizer and Willy Decker from the Central New York circuit, Lebanon Valley regulars Kenny Tremont and Ryan Larkin, Orange County chauffeurs Jeff Heotzler and Chris Shultz, popular Pennsylvania pilot Del Rougeux Jr. and Canadian Pat O’Brien. Advance Series runners Justin Haers and 15 year-old sensation Larry Wight are among 37 more drivers having reached victory lane once heading down the stretch.
Grand Slam Showcases Series: The customary pre-race re-draw among top heat race qualifiers will continue to be in effect throughout the summer, with season-ending events at the New York State Fairgrounds and Orange County Fair Speedway the only Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series stops awarding fast timers with pole-position starts (heat points will not be awarded at these shows). Lebanon Valley Speedway and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park host the initial “200s” to make up the high-dollar Advance Series ‘Grand Slam’ in 2008.
Continuing to rank among the most prestigious races in the country, the Rite Aid 200 at the N.Y.S. Fairgrounds in Syracuse on Oct. 12, Eastern States 200 at Orange County on Oct. 19, Budweiser National 200 presented by Benjamin Moore Paints at Lebanon Valley on Sept. 7 and World Series Weekend BPG 200 at Rolling Wheels on Sept. 27 are the only 200-lap races on the annual tour. In 2008 these four signature events on the Advance Auto Parts Series formulate the prestigious ‘Grand Slam’ in DIRTcar Racing for Big-Block Modifieds.
In addition, the Lebanon Valley 200 winner (Andy Bachetti) is guaranteed the 7th starting spot in the Rite Aid 200 at Syracuse while the Rolling Wheels 200 winner automatically earns the 8th starting spot in the Rite Aid 200 fairgrounds finale. Tommy Meier was the first Orange County regular across the line in the Lebanon Valley 200 to earn the 7th starting spot in the Eastern States 200 line-up and the highest finishing OCFS regular driver (non-guaranteed) in the Rite Aid 200 clinches the 8th starting spot in the Eastern States 200.
This unique ‘Grand Slam’ features the $50,000-to-win Rite Aid 200 in the Salt City, $20,000-to-win Eastern States 200 in Middletown (NY), $10,000-to-win National 200 at the West Lebanon (NY) oval with another $10-grand on the line for the Rolling Wheels BPG National 200 winner. Syracuse and Orange County are the only Advance Auto Parts Series stops where the fast timers start on the pole and the top-six are locked into front three row starting positions while heats will be aligned in heads-up fashion. A special points system was implemented for these prominent races last season with each winner receiving 150 Series points and 50 points awarded to start.
Syracuse SDW Starters Guaranteed Through Series Success: Guaranteed starting berths in the Rite Aid 200 are once again up for grabs and in 2008 more drivers than ever before will be able to earn preferred starter status throughout the season for the richest DIRTcar Big-Block Modified event in the world. Winners of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series races and those among the top-12 in overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Modified Championship points heading into Super DIRT Week comprise the core group of drivers receiving guaranteed starting positions in the Rite Aid 200. Preferred starters are the next eligible drivers finishing behind an Advance Auto Parts Series race winner that is already locked into the Rite Aid 200 starting grid, as well as all three DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Regional point champions and every licensed Big-Block Modified track champion crowned this year.
In order to take advantage of their guaranteed starting positions in the Rite Aid 200, Advance Series race winners and top-12 Mr. DIRTcar point-getters must run time trials. Any guaranteed driver that fails to qualify through time trials or a Triple 20 will be added to the Rite Aid field in order of heat race results. Those drivers holding preferred status are afforded up front starting positions in the Dig Safely New York last-chance qualifier on Sunday, Oct. 12 if unable to qualify while running under the clocks or in heat race competition. The balance of the Rite Aid 200 line-up is filled in from the Dig Safely New York Shootout with the 45th starting spot going to the best overall finisher in Cayuga County Fair Speedway’s ‘Win & You’re In’ Twin 25s on Sat., Oct. 11.
UPCOMING EVENT
Two more Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series point events remain in the month before teams make their final run toward the coveted overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Championship in October. The ‘Labatt Blue 100’ at Canandaigua Speedway on September 20 comes next with activity culminating in the BPG National 200 headliner during the 22nd World Series of DIRT Track Racing Weekend presented by Taylor Rental of Auburn at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park on Saturday, Sept. 27.
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Billy Decker(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Dale Planck(G)
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway D.Planck/Danny Johnson(P)
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway B.Decker/Brett Hearn(P)
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway B.Decker/Robbie Krull(P)
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway B.Decker/Jimmy Phelps(P)
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Brett Hearn(G)
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond D.Planck/Steve Paine(P)
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway B.Decker/Jeff Strunk(P)
Thr-Jul 17 Georgetown Speedway H.J. Bunting(G)
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway B.Hearn/Chuck McKee(P)
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Jimmy Phelps(G)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Vic Coffey(P)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Justin Haers(P)
Fri-Aug 15 Brewerton Speedway B.Decker/Gary Tomkins(P)
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park Gary Tomkins(G)
Sun-Aug 17 Cornwall Motor Speedway G.Tomkins/Carey Terrance(P)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Alan Johnson(G)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway B.Decker/Frankie Caprara(P)
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway B.Decker/Roy Bresnahan(P)
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway Andy Bachetti(G)
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Sarver,PA
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
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North-South 100 Modified Madness Countdown: One Week!
Eric J. Westendorf, Public Relations Director
Sarver, PA (September 5, 2008) After a two year hiatus, the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series, the premier touring series of Big Block Modifieds in the country, will return to the Lernerville Speedway to kickoff the first of day of the Advance Auto Parts Autumn-Motive Fest on Friday September 12. The Super DIRTcar Series touring regulars will do battle with Lernerville Speedway/BRP Modified Tour guns in the $6000-to-win North-South 100 portion of Modified Madness.
The Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series contingent is led by Series Points Leader Billy Decker, whom recently tied Brett Hearn’s single season record of ten series wins. Decker has not only won ten races on tour this season, including two of the past three series events (August 31 at Cayuga County Fair Speedway and September 1 at Rolling Wheels Raceway), but also checkered the most recent Super DIRTcar Series race at Lernerville Speedway back in 2006.
Dale Planck currently sits second in points and has won the second most features on tour with three trips to victory lane. Jimmy Phelps holds a slight lead over Big Block Icon and 2007 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Champion Brett Hearn. Meanwhile, Gary Tomkins (recent winner at Cornwall Motor Speedway on August 17) sits fifth in series points.
The Lernerville/BRP contingent is led by a trio of recently crowned track champions; Brian Swartzlander (Lernerville Track Champion), Kevin Bolland (Tri-City Track Champion) and Dave Murdick (Sharon Track Champion). Also defending their home turf will be gas mashers Del Rougeux Jr. and Jeremiah Shingledecker. BRP Tour regulars Rex King Jr., Russell King, Kevin Hoffman, Tom Mattocks and Joe Crawford are also expected to take part in the 100-lap, $6000-to-win shootout.
In addition to the North-South 100 for the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series/BRP Modified Tour, Modified Madness will also feature Small Block Modifieds and Mod Lites.
Tickets for Modified Madness featuring the North-South 100 are on sale now, both on our website www.Lernerville.com by clicking the “Buy Tickets Now” link or by calling the Lernerville Speedway office (724) 353-1511 weekdays from 8:00AM-4:00PM.
Modified Madness General Admission ticket prices are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $14 for students 11-17. As always, kids 10 & under are admitted FREE! Reserved seats may be purchased for an additional $2 per ticket. Kids 10 & under are subject to student pricing for reserved seats. Pit Passes are available for $25 for UMP/DIRTcar members and $30 for non-members.
As mentioned above, Modified Madness is day one of the two-day Advance Auto Parts Autumn-Motive Fest. Two-day tickets are available for those planning on sticking around for the Street Stock Pandemonium and 100-lap Enduro Saturday Night. Two-day general admission prices are $28 for adults, $24 for seniors, $16 for students 11-17 and FREE for kids 10 & under. Once again, reserved seats are available for a $2 upgrade, with all children subject to student pricing. Two-day pit passes are available for $30 for UMP/DIRTcar members and $35 for non-members.
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ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRTcar SERIES: ADVANCE NOTICES
Weedsport, NY — September 3, 2008 — By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
WHAT
The lone stop in the 2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series at Lebanon Valley Speedway in West Lebanon, N.Y. is the traditional season-ending event on the high banks for Big-Block Modifieds. The 40th Annual 'Budweiser National 200' presented by Benjamin Moore Paints headlines the Race of Kings Weekend card on Saturday, September 6 with the 200-lap main event offering $10,000-to-win and valuable points towards the overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Championship. Also on the line is a guaranteed starting spot in the Rite Aid 200 title event during Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse coming up in just one more month.
WHERE
Lebanon Valley Speedway is situated 18-miles southeast of Albany on US 20 in West Lebanon, about 10 miles from the Massachusetts state line.
WHEN
The Lebanon Valley pit gates swing open at 12noon on Saturday and grandstands open at 2 p.m. Practice is slated to start at 3 p.m. and Integra Shocks Time Trials for the Big-Blocks going off the line at approximately 4 o’clock. The "Kings Weekend" begins on Friday with special events for Sprint Car, Sportsman, Limited Pro Stock, Pure Stock and 4-Cylinder classes. Pit gates are unlocked at 3 p.m., grandstand seating begins at 5 o’clock and the first qualifier goes off the line at 6 p.m.
TICKETS
The cost of an Adult General Admission ticket on Saturday is $22 and a reserved seat can be purchased for two dollars more while tower seating is available for $42. Kids 11 and under are just $5. Pit passes go for $25 (member) and $30 (non-member). For more information contact the track at 518/794-9606 or 794-9965. General Admission tickets and pit passes will be available at the gate on race day.
ABOUT THE TRACK
Lebanon Valley is listed as a 1/2-mile high-banked oval with the smooth surface one of the fastest on the entire DIRTcar NorthEast circuit. Andy Bachetti set the Big-Block Modified record (16.645 sec./91.626 mph) on Sept. 11, 2004. J.R. Heffner and Mark Flach Jr. were crowned track co-champions last weekend, with each still in search of their first BB victory of the season at The Valley. Including two feature wins in 2008, veteran Modified pilot Kenny Tremont is the all-time track leader with 111 DIRTcar Big-Block triumphs scored since 1982.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
With the 40th edition of this grand event set to take center stage, the Lebanon Valley National 200 boasts a legendary group of past champions, many of which are expected back to contend for this year's coveted title. Among the 23 winning drivers is New Jersey ace Brett Hearn, the defending champion who tops the list with six extra-distance triumphs. The ‘Jet’ is followed by former Valley regular and current Advance Series points leader Billy Decker, and open-wheel veterans Jack Johnson and Danny Johnson each with three. All-time Valley champion Kenny Tremont, high banks hero Tommy Corellis and invaders Doug Hoffman and Bobby Gerhart own two wins apiece. Gerhart was the first repeat winner, as well as back-to-back titlist in 1970-71, with Hearn (1983-84), Decker (1988-89), Jack Johnson (1993-94) and Tremont (1998-99) matching the feat in the decades to come. Inaugural winner Frankie Schneider (1965) followed up with three consecutive runner-up finishes while Decker won three of four events from 1988-1991. Decker (1989, 181 laps) and Rich Ricci, Jr. (1997, 109 laps) claimed the only rain-shortened 200-lappers while victories by Tremont (1998, 201 laps; 1999, 203 laps), Decker (2000, 202 laps) and J.R. Heffner (2006, 204 laps) surpassed the scheduled 100-mile distance. Joining Schneider and Ricci in the recordbook as one-time winners are Pete Corey, Jackie Evans, Carl VanHorn, Stan Ploski, Gerald Chamberlain, Mert Hulbert, Rene Charland, Kenny Coon, Jimmy Horton, Bob McCreadie, Alan Johnson, Andy Bachetti and 2007-08 track champion Heffner.
Lebanon Valley "National 200" Big-Block Modified Winners (1965-2007)
YEAR LAPS FIRST - SECOND - THIRD - FOURTH - FIFTH
2007 200 Brett Hearn - Eddie Marshall - Andy Bachetti - J.R. Heffner - Tim Fuller
2006 204 J.R. Heffner - Jimmy Phelps - Matt Sheppard - Alan Johnson - Billy Decker
2005 200 Brett Hearn – Andy Bachetti – Wayne Jelley – J.R. Heffner – Tim Fuller
2004 200 Andy Bachetti - Brett Hearn - Kenny Tremont - Tim McCreadie - Chad Brachmann
2003 200 Alan Johnson - Kenny Tremont - J.R. Heffner - Eddie Marshall - Jimmy Horton
2002 200 Brett Hearn - Andy Bachetti - Billy Decker - J.R. Heffner - Danny Johnson
2001 200 Danny Johnson - Billy Decker - Donnie Corellis - Vic Coffey - Matt Quinn
2000 202 Billy Decker - Alan Johnson - Tim McCreadie - Rich Ricci,Jr. - Steve Paine
1999 203 Kenny Tremont - Danny Johnson - Tim Fuller - Jimmy Horton - Jack Johnson
1998 201 Kenny Tremont - Billy Decker - Jeff Heotzler - Rich Ricci,Jr. - Pat Ward
1997 109 Rich Ricci,Jr. - Brett Hearn - Kenny Tremont - Billy Decker - Doug Hoffman
1996 200 Danny Johnson - Jack Johnson - Jeff Heotzler - Jimmy Horton - Brett Hearn
1995 200 Bob McCreadie - Billy Decker - Jimmy Horton - Jeff Heotzler - Doug Hoffman
1994 200 Jack Johnson - Brett Hearn - Billy Decker - Eddie Marshall - Jeff Heotzler
1993 200 Jack Johnson - Brett Hearn - Alan Johnson - Jeff Heotzler - Kenny Tremont
1992 200 Doug Hoffman - Bob McCreadie - Jimmy Horton - Billy Decker - Dick Larkin
1991 200 Billy Decker - Jimmy Horton - Kenny Tremont - Bob McCreadie - Jeff Trombley
1990 200 Doug Hoffman - Bob McCreadie - Brett Hearn - Matt Quinn - Eddie Marshall
1989 181 Billy Decker - Ed Haenelt - Danny Johnson - Eddie Marshall - Rich Eurich
1988 200 Billy Decker - Rich Eurich - Danny Johnson - Ed Haenelt - Jack Johnson
1987 200 Danny Johnson - Dave Lape - John Flach - Tommy Corellis - Chuck Akulis
1986 200 Tommy Corellis - Brett Hearn - Danny Johnson - Dave Lape - Dick Larkin
1985 200 Jimmy Horton - Jack Johnson - Brett Hearn - Kenny Tremont - Alan Johnson
1984 200 Brett Hearn - Tommy Corellis - Joe Plazek - Kenny Tremont - Randy Glenski
1983 200 Brett Hearn - Tommy Corellis - Alan Johnson - Dave Lape - Charlie Castle
1982 200 Jack Johnson - Merv Treichler - Kenny Tremont - Dave Lape - Jeff Kappesser
1981 200 Brett Hearn - Alan Johnson - Will Cagle - Carl Reynolds - Ed Haenelt
1980 200 Tommy Corellis - Will Cagle - Jack Johnson - Alan Johnson - Lou Lazzaro
1976-79 -----NO RACES
1975 200 Kenny Coon - Win Slavin - Tommy Corellis - Bob Rosell - Will Cagle
1974 200 Rene Charland - Sammy Beavers - Bob Rossell - Stan Wetmore - Dick Tobias
1973 200 Mert Hulbert - Jackie Wilson - Will Cagle - Harold Montayne - Chuck Ely
1972 200 Gerald Chamberlain - Bob Rossell - Bobby Botccher - Bobby Gerhart - Harold Montayne
1971 200 Bobby Gerhart - Bobby Bottcher - Ed Delmolino - Harry Peek - Harold Montayne
1970 200 Bobby Gerhart - Bobby Bottcher - Bob Rossell - Bobby Leach - Frankie Schneider
1969 200 Stan Ploski - Harold Montayne - Tommy Corellis - Lee Hendrickson - Dick Hansen
1968 200 Carl VanHorn - Frankie Schneider - Lou Lazzaro - Vince Quenneville - Don Diffendorf
1967 200 Jackie Evans - Frankie Schneider - Jerry Townley - Billy Rafter - Buzzie Reutiman
1966 200 Pete Corey - Frankie Schneider - Lou Lazzaro - Will Cagle - Don Diffendorf
1965 200 Frankie Schneider - Will Cagle - Billy Rafter - Bob Santos - Billy Blum
TRACK HISTORY
Celebrating its 'Golden Anniversary' of automobile racing in 2003, Lebanon Valley Speedway has complemented the growth and development of the DIRTcar Racing organization under the promotion of current owner Howard Commander. The half-mile track that was originally laid out in 1953 was owned and operated by the Massachusetts trio of Edward Radke, Robert Scott and Harold Beitzel. The grand opening-day show was cancelled due to a Sunday rainstorm and the following week's scheduled 50-lapper was reduced to 26 circuits when competing drivers declared the track turns too dangerous. Hully Bunn from Cropseyville. N.Y. won the inaugural 13 mile main event on June 28, 1953 in front of an estimated crowd of 2,500. Lou Spanier gained ownership in 1954 and at the end of the '55 season Lebanon Valley gained its signature high banking ---a timely project as no record of racing in 1956 can be found--- that has become a track trademark ever since. Racing resumed in 1957 under the promotion of Spanier and the Lebanon Valley Auto Racing Association. Race day moved from Sunday afternoons to Friday evenings and midway through that same season the switch was made to Saturday nights where it has remained for 50 years. Before the 1950s came to a close, future DIRT MotorSports Hall of Famer Howie Westerveldt established a single-season record that stands intact today. In 1959 the Ravena, N.Y. racing pioneer won 17 features, was runner-up three times and placed third once in 21 events! The Valley staged its first 200-lapper in the mid-1960s ---won by Frankie Schneider on Oct. 3, 1965--- and with the exception of 1976-79 the double century grind has been a season-ending highlight every autumn. The reigns of promoter were eventually passed from 'Uncle Lou' Spanier to Commander in 1970 and he remains at the helm as the new millennium presses on. Lebanon Valley joined the DIRTcar fold in 1980 and has boasted some of the top drivers on the entire circuit including past Syracuse Rite Aid 200 champions Kenny Tremont, Billy Decker and five-time Valley points king Brett Hearn. All three open-wheel veterans rank among the top-10 on DIRTcar NorthEast's all-time Big-Block Modified winner's list since the organization was formed in 1976.
2007 RACE REVIEW
A week delay for rain had little effect on Brett Hearn as he returned to the high banks of Lebanon Valley Speedway on Saturday, September 15 to capture his sixth Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series event of the season in the prestigious 39th Annual Coors National 200. Victory in the double-century grind was also Hearn’s 6th in the traditional Big-Block Modified season finale in the Capital District and earned him the $10,000 top prize. A five-time Valley points champion, Hearn turned back every challenge thrown his way by runner-up Eddie Marshall to score his 97th career Advance Auto Parts Series victory. Past National 200 champion Andy Bachetti held off just crowned Lebanon Valley Big-Block points champion J.R. Heffner after a race-long battle for the show position while overall Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified points leader at the time Tim Fuller settled for fifth. Twenty-six of the original 32 starters took the green flag with 25 laps already posted on the scoreboard. Marshall assumed the lead position as he paced the field back on September 8 before rain forced postponement of the event to one week later. Marshall’s front row partner Decker took advantage of an early caution and ducked low out of turn four to grab the top spot on the lap 32 restart and Fuller needed just a couple more laps around to move past Marshall, where he would stay for the next 80 laps. Decker and Fuller continued to stay out front at the halfway mark as Trombley and early pit stoppers Hearn and Marshall tightened up the front-five, yet when Steve Paine slowed in turns three and four to force out the third yellow flag, Decker and Fuller surrendered their spots as they stopped for gas only on lap 116. That was all that Integra Shocks Fast Time Trialer Hearn needed as the Madsen Motorsports no. 20 Wentworth Custom Homes/TEO ride inherited the lead, one the Sussex, N.J. standout would not relinquish as the second half of the race rolled on. Hearn opened up a seemingly insurmountable margin although with less than 70 laps to go Marshall began to reel in the leader. Lap after lap, Marshall went downstairs in turns one and three with his no. 98 Marshall Oil Co.-Advance Water Technologies/TEO car searching for the needed traction to carry him past the five-time Lebanon Valley Big-Block points king and perennial long-distance favorite. Hearn answered him back each time as he exited corners two and four, with Marshall finally getting caught up in traffic by lap 150 to give the ‘Jet’ some breathing room for the stretch run. The fourth caution period slowed the field for the final time on lap 181 and waiting anxiously in line for the last restart with 15 laps to go were Hearn, hungry for his 64th career Big-Block Modified win at Lebanon Valley, and Marshall, looking for his first-ever 200-lap victory on the DIRTcar circuit. But back under green, Hearn never looked back, leaving Marshall to finish all alone in second ahead of Bachetti, Heffner and Fuller. Decker, Trombley and Valley favorite Keith Flach, the Bert Hard Charger, were the last drivers to be scored on the lead lap out of 17 cars that took the final checkered flag.
Overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified
Point Standings (Thru Sept. 3, 2008)
1. Billy Decker 2,053
2. Dale Planck 1,856
3. Jimmy Phelps 1,773
4. Brett Hearn 1,756
5. Gary Tomkins 1,728
6. Matt Sheppard 1,626
7. Steve Paine 1,500
8. Frankie Caprara 1,474
9. Justin Haers 1,363
10. Ryan Phelps 1,353
NEWS & NOTES
Lebanon Valley 200 Kicks Off ’08 Series Slam: The ‘Grand Slam’ of Big-Block Modified racing on the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series officially begins this weekend as the National 200 at Lebanon Valley Speedway kicks off the traditional ‘second season’ of competition on the 2008 DIRTcar NorthEast circuit. Lebanon Valley and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park host the initial “200s” in September with nationally recognized events at the New York State Fairgrounds and Orange County Fair Speedway closing out DIRTcar Racing’s 33rd consecutive year of operation in October. Continuing to rank among the most prestigious races in the country, the Rite Aid 200 at the N.Y.S. Fairgrounds in Syracuse on Oct. 12, Eastern States 200 at Orange County on Oct. 19, Budweiser National 200 at Lebanon Valley on Sept. 6 and World Series Weekend BPG 200 at Rolling Wheels on Sept. 27 are the only 200-lap races on the annual tour. All events are connected further with guaranteed starting positions up for grabs in each while a special points system has been implemented for these prominent races with each winner receiving 150 Series points and 50 points are awarded to start.
Guaranteed Starter Status: The Lebanon Valley 200 winner is guaranteed the 7th starting spot in the Rite Aid 200 at Syracuse while the Rolling Wheels 200 winner automatically earns the 8th starting spot in the Rite Aid 200 fairgrounds finale. In addition, the first Orange County regular driver (non-guaranteed) across the line in the Lebanon Valley 200 earns the 7th starting spot in the Eastern States 200 line-up and the highest finishing OCFS regular driver (non-guaranteed) in the Rite Aid 200 clinches the 8th starting spot in the Eastern States 200. The unique ‘Grand Slam’ features the $50,000-to-win Rite Aid 200 in the Salt City, $20,000-to-win Eastern States 200 in Middletown (NY), $10,000-to-win Budweiser National 200 at the West Lebanon (NY) oval with another $10-grand on the line for the Rolling Wheels BPG 200 winner. Syracuse and Orange County are the only Advance Auto Parts Series stops where the fast timers start on the pole and the top-six are locked into front three row starting positions while heats will be aligned in heads-up fashion
Rite Aid Super Ticket Giveaway: Multi-time Lebanon Valley Speedway champion and long-time Advance Auto Parts Series touring star Kenny Tremont will be appearing at a Rite Aid Pharmacy during the upcoming weekend. Tremont is slated to appear at the Rite Aid Store on 463 Albany-Shaker Road in Loudonville, New York on Saturday, September 6 from 10am to 12noon. Posing beside his mighty Big-Block Modified race car, the 1999 Rite Aid 200 Champion will be available to meet with fans, sign autographs and pass out special Autograph cards. The first 90 fans at each store, beginning at noon, will receive a free ticket to the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier scheduled at Lebanon Valley later that same night.
The popular program is part of the promotion for the Rite Aid 200 race on Sunday of Super DIRT Week XXXVII, Oct. 7-12, in Syracuse, N.Y. Promotions are scheduled throughout the season at pharmacies located across the Northeast. Each pharmacy promotion will feature DIRTcar driver appearances, race cars, the unique Rite Aid “cut-away” Modified, free autograph cards and free tickets to Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier races. Fans can find more information on the Rite Aid promotion by visiting Rite Aid Pharmacy online at www.riteaid.com. For race information, please visit www.superdirtcarseries.com or www.dirtcar.com.
Rite Aid Ticket Give-Away Track Schedule
*All driver appearances scheduled from 12noon-2pm except Lebanon Valley & Syracuse, both 10am-12noon.
DATE TRACK (PHONE) Driver / Store Location (phone)
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway (518/794-9965) Ken Tremont/463 Alb-Shaker Rd-Loudonville,NY(518/458-1205)
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway (585/394-0961) Steve Paine / 91 Eastern Blvd-Canandaigua,NY (585/394-2987)
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway (315/689-7809) Brett Hearn / 47 East Genessee St-Auburn,NY (315-252-5661)
Mon-Oct 13 Super DIRT Week XXXVII -TBA- / 5380 W. Taft Road-N.Syracuse,NY(315/458-8555)
Mr. DIRTcar Championship Format Fine Tuned In ‘08: The overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Modified Champion in 2008 will be determined by adding actual points earned in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series along with bonus points collected at a designated hometrack throughout the racing season. Along with gaining valuable Advance Series points during the year, each driver can now earn a maximum of 300 additional points from their best five hometrack feature race finishes. Using the standard DIRTcar NE weekly points format, a driver winning five features could carry up to 300 extra points (60 per win) into the Mr. DIRTcar Championship when track points are officially tallied after Labor Day.
Big-Block Winners List Loaded Before Lebanon: Entering the first weekend of racing in September, 24 tracks have now hosted DIRTcar Big-Block Modified races in 2008 with 58 drivers scoring victories in the 140 features run. Remaining atop the list which he has done so all season, Billy Decker continues to dominate the Northeastern circuit, posting a division-high total of 22 victories, including a record-tying 10 in Advance Auto Parts Super Series competition aboard the potent LJL Racing Bicknell machine. Decker’s single-season best total nearly triples the output of popular Pennsylvanian Brian Swartzlander (8) while fellow Keystone State rivals Kevin Bolland and Jeremiah Shingledecker plus Advance Series standout Dale Planck rank right behind with seven each. Advance Series stars Brett Hearn, Matt Sheppard, Gary Tomkins and Alan Johnson own six wins apiece while tour regulars Jimmy Phelps (4), Steve Paine (3) and Frankie Caprara (3) are listed ahead of two-time winners Steve Hulsizer and Willy Decker from the Central New York circuit, Lebanon Valley regulars Kenny Tremont, Andy Bachetti and Ryan Larkin, Orange County chauffeurs Jeff Heotzler and Chris Shultz, popular Pennsylvania pilot Del Rougeux Jr. and Canadian Pat O’Brien. Advance Series runners Justin Haers and 15 year-old sensation Larry Wight are among 37 more drivers having reached victory lane once heading down the stretch.
Hoosier Remains DIRTcar Tire Of Choice: In 2008 Hoosier Tire expanded the options for DIRTcar Racing NorthEast Modified divisions with the introduction of the new Hoosier D200. Along with the Hoosier D200, the existing DIRT soft compound will be labeled D300, current DIRT hard compound will be labeled D400 and the DIRT Extra Hard compound will become D500. Below is a list indicating the required Hoosier Tire compound(s) at those tracks hosting the remaining Big-Block Modified events on the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series schedule.
Date Track Compound(s)
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway Fronts Optional, Hard/D400 or Extra on rear
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Pk D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Right side Extra, left side Hard/D400
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co. Fair Speedway Soft/D300, Hard/D400 or Extra
*Tire rules are subject to change.
Shocking Results For Series Fast Qualifiers: For a third straight year, Integra Shocks will play an active role in point fund sponsorship of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series during the upcoming race season. The fast driver during 2008 Advance Auto Parts Series qualifying will once again earn the 'Integra Shocks Fast Time Award' and the driver winning the most Integra Shocks Fast Time awards during the season will collect a bonus set of four Integra Shocks ($1,400 value) at the DIRTcar Racing NorthEast Banquet in November. The Advance Auto Parts Series has recognized fast time trialers since 1983, with 1999 marking the first year the awards program included every tour event scheduled during the year. All-time Advance Series race winner Brett Hearn is also a leader when it comes to speed, earning a series-best total of 38 Integra Shocks Fast Time awards during the past two decades.
Drivers will continue to draw for their order in the 'Integra Shocks Time Trials’ at nearly every Advance Series stop, with the fast timer once again selecting a second pill to determine how many cars (0, 2, 3 or 4) will be inverted to start each preliminary heat race. The 'Integra Shocks Fast Time Award' winner will collect $100 and five (5) bonus points and the top-three heat race finishers will earn additional bonus points as follows: 1st-5 pts, 2nd-3 pts, 3rd-1 pt. With this inversion format in place, a driver can now earn a maximum of 10 more points being the fast timer as well as a heat race winner.
Syracuse SDW Starters Guaranteed Through Series Success: Guaranteed starting berths in the Rite Aid 200 are once again up for grabs and in 2008 more drivers than ever before will be able to earn preferred starter status throughout the season for the richest DIRTcar Big-Block Modified event in the world. Winners of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series races and those among the top-12 in overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Modified Championship points heading into Super DIRT Week comprise the core group of drivers receiving guaranteed starting positions in the Rite Aid 200. Preferred starters are the next eligible drivers finishing behind an Advance Auto Parts Series race winner that is already locked into the Rite Aid 200 starting grid, as well as all three DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Regional point champions and every licensed Big-Block Modified track champion crowned this year.
In order to take advantage of their guaranteed starting positions in the Rite Aid 200, Advance Series race winners and top-12 Mr. DIRTcar point-getters must run time trials. Any guaranteed driver that fails to qualify through time trials or a Triple 20 will be added to the Rite Aid field in order of heat race results. Those drivers holding preferred status are afforded up front starting positions in the Dig Safely New York last-chance qualifier on Sunday, Oct. 12 if unable to qualify while running under the clocks or in heat race competition. The balance of the Rite Aid 200 line-up is filled in from the Dig Safely New York Shootout with the 45th starting spot going to the best overall finisher in Cayuga County Fair Speedway’s ‘Win & You’re In’ Twin 25s on Sat., Oct. 11.
UPCOMING EVENT
With track bonus points now issued as the top touring teams head to Lebanon Valley, up next week on the Advance Auto Parts Series points schedule is a return much-anticipated trip to Lernerville Speedway for the ‘Autumn-Motive Fest Mod Madness’ special at the popular Sarver, Pa. oval on Friday, September 12.
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Billy Decker(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Dale Planck(G)
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway D.Planck/Danny Johnson(P)
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway B.Decker/Brett Hearn(P)
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway B.Decker/Robbie Krull(P)
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway B.Decker/Jimmy Phelps(P)
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Brett Hearn(G)
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond D.Planck/Steve Paine(P)
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway B.Decker/Jeff Strunk(P)
Thr-Jul 17 Georgetown Speedway H.J. Bunting(G)
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway B.Hearn/Chuck McKee(P)
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Jimmy Phelps(G)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Vic Coffey(P)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Justin Haers(P)
Fri-Aug 15 Brewerton Speedway B.Decker/Gary Tomkins(P)
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park Gary Tomkins(G)
Sun-Aug 17 Cornwall Motor Speedway G.Tomkins/Carey Terrance(P)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Alan Johnson(G)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway B.Decker/Frankie Caprara(P)
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway B.Decker/Roy Bresnahan(P)
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon,NY
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Sarver,PA
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
-end-
Decker King of ‘Budweiser 110’ In Rolling Wheels Advance Series Holiday Show
Elbridge, NY – September 1, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Billy Decker continued to stay steady on course in quest of his second Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Championship as he delivered for a second straight night in Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series competition with a dominating performance in the extended ‘Budweiser 110’ presented by Honeoye Auto Parts at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park.
Decker’s first-ever victory on Labor Day at the ‘Fast Track’ tied the single-season Advance Series win mark of 10 set by reigning overall Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified points king Brett Hearn in 2002. Ironically, Monday was Hearn’s 50th birthday and Decker cut the celebration short after securing his second tour triumph of 2008 at Rolling Wheels, this one worth a cool $6 grand.
“That’s (record) nice to have, but I just hope we don’t end the season tied,” smiled Decker, after staging yet another dominating performance in a race that was lengthened to 115 laps due to a pair of late race yellow flags as fuel consumption became a factor beyond the century mark. “Any of our success has just been a product of all the work that goes into this program every day of the season.”
“There’s nothing like winning, it never gets old. I can’t thank John and Laura (Wight, owners) enough, we’re having a fun year that’s for sure,” remarked Decker, following his career-best 22nd DIRTcar Big-Block victory of the season.
Decker held off Gary Tomkins to take home his seventh career Advance Series trophy from Rolling Wheels, while Hearn settled for the show position ahead of Jimmy Phelps and Alan Johnson in round 21 of the 27-race tour championship.
Following an uncharacteristically mediocre third-place finish in his qualifying heat, Decker grabbed the number position in the traditional pre-race draw to fall in first on the 30-car starting grid. It still took the Unadilla, New York veteran eight laps to dial in the potent LJL Racing no. 91 Gypsum Wholesalers-Stadium Int'l-Quality Hardwoods/Bicknell entry as front row partner Justin Haers blasted by to lead the initial half-dozen circuits.
“We didn’t think the car was that great early but it got better in the feature,” said Decker, who nosed ahead of Haers just before Pennsylvanian Frank Cozze slowed in the second turn to force out the first of 10 caution periods at the end of lap eight. “I think we were lucky to start on the point tonight, that was definitely a big plus.”
Once out front, the ‘Franklin Flyer’ opened up a comfortable lead with Matt Sheppard the closest pursuer as a half straightaway advantage separated the duo from top-five runners Haers, Steve Paine and Phelps with 15 laps on the board. Paine grabbed third on lap 19 before Decker moved into traffic for the first time the following circuit.
Stewart Friesen’s night ended early when he slowed in turns three and four to bring out a second slowdown, and it was while the field ran under caution that Sheppard suddenly ducked pitside to replace a soft left-rear tire. Paine filled the vacant second-place slot with Hearn, Haers and Phelps coming across next in line.
A handful of yellow flags unfurled prior to the halfway point with Cozze ending his night after completing just 23 laps and Danny Johnson sticking around for just 35 aboard the no. 66 Mike Petruska mount. Sheppard had a right front tread go down and called it quits after 46 circuits, although Frankie Caprara returned to action despite a flat tire knocking him from eighth-place on the 48th trip around the fast 5/8-miler.
Through all the mishaps, Tomkins was making his presence known in the Honeoye Auto Parts no. 84 Red Parker & Son Excavating/Bicknell machine as he first cracked the front-five by lap 30 and secured the runner-up position 10 circuits later. Maybe more impressive was the run being made by Dale Planck as the Advance Series points runner-up was reeling in the top-10 after starting in the back row behind the wheel of a borrowed car from owner Jeff Brownell Sr. Electrical problems in the primary RezX Racing no. 77x Grow It Hydroseeding/TEO ride during his heat and a consolation round crash forced Planck to make the last minute change thanks to Brownell, who loaned the same ride to Paine, who also charged from 29th to finish fifth at Can-Am Motorsports Park two weeks ago.
Three-quarters of the way through the race Decker and Tomkins had pulled away from the pack leaving Paine and Tim Fuller to battle for third with Hearn and Phelps spread out further back. Vic Coffey had improved from 15th to sixth until a broken tie rod sent the no. 32c Sweeteners Plus/Troyer Special behind pit wall for good following the eighth caution of the event on lap 77.
Up front the order remained intact and when the field reached the century mark 13 cars were scored on the lead lap. But that was soon to change as the new race distance ---extended from 100 to 110 laps in lieu of Advance Auto Part’s 10th year of series support--- left at least three fuel tanks dry as the final laps clicked off. Fuller was the first to run empty on lap 107, followed by Paine just before the ensuing lap 110 restart. And once the race surpassed the original prescribed length, Willy Decker came to a stop on the front chute before the field fired for a final time on lap 114.
“Scott (Jeffery, crew chief) and I talked about the longer distance all week and we changed the carburetor just for that reason,” divulged Decker, already a proven master of fuel mileage on the Syracuse Mile, where he has registered four victories in the prestigious Rite Aid 200 at the New York State Fairgrounds. “I was still worried a little at the end when those cars started dropping out. We had a lot of laps run under yellow and we had to be pretty close to running out ourselves ---just an inch left--- at the end. But Scott and the boys really work hard and applied the right stuff. That was a good race car and good things happen.”
While Decker continued to set a torrid pace in the Advance Series standings, race runner-up and fifth-place points earner Tomkins was just as happy posting his fifth top-three finish in the last six tour races.
“Its tough starting 12th when Billy’s on the pole,” said Tomkins, who also chased Decker across the line the previous night in the series stop across town at Cayuga County Fair Speedway. “I really had to use up my car a lot to get up there but I told Mike (Payne, crew chief) you can’t be disappointed finishing second. We’re real happy, it was a heckuva run and we had a heckuva race car tonight.”
“Obviously, we were off just a little bit but there’s no complaints here. When I sit in this car now I’m confident we’re going to finish well with it. My hats off to all the guys at Bicknell, they built us a super car, and Mike Mastin, he built us a super motor. It’s Doug Dulen’s (car owner) night tonight and he’s really stepped up our program. I wouldn’t be standing here without all these people.”
“Doug is a great, great fan of this sport. Thank God that he loves racing, especially the Modifieds. He’s been a great help to my career. He’s pretty much given us everything he can afford to and has really done a heck of a job for us,” Tomkins added.
A perennial pre-race favorite whenever he suits up for an Advance Series event, Hearn had to be content with his first top-five finish since capturing his landmark 100th career tour victory at Orange County Fair Speedway on July 31.
“We set up to be good at the end, we knew it was going to be a long race,” noted Hearn, who still owns an all-time best 15 Advance Series wins at Rolling Wheels with his last coming in autumn of ’07. “But we had some overheating problems so I couldn’t really run the car as hard as I wanted to through the middle part of the race. It’s been a while since we’ve been here on the front straightaway after a race so I’m pretty happy for the whole Wentworth team.”
“Have to thank Guy Madsen (car owner) and all the guys, they did a great job and third is pretty good. Rolling Wheels is a good track for us but we’ve got to do a little work. We’ve got some new (equipment) coming out soon and hopefully that will pick things up for us. This car is the one we ran every single race with last year for the championship. I haven’t raced it that much this year but its got a lot of miles on it,” said Hearn, with his ninth front-five finish of the season offering the Sussex, New Jersey star a glimmer of hope as he continues in his bid to defend the overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Championship through 21 races on the 2008 trail.
Point chasers in the 2008 Advance Auto Part Super DIRTcar Series return to action this Saturday, September 6 when Lebanon Valley Speedway hosts the first 200-lap event of the season with the Budweiser 200 presented by Benjamin Moore Paints taking center stage in New York State’s Capital district during Race of Kings Weekend.
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Race #21 – Rolling Wheels Raceway Park, September 1, 2008 ‘Budweiser 110 presented by Honeoye Auto Parts’ Big-Block Modified Event Summary
Feature
FIN STR CAR# DRIVER
1 1 91 Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY($6,000)
2 12 84 Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY
3 10 20 Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
4 4 98h Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
5 8 1j Alan Johnson/Middlesex,NY
6 29 @77x Dale Planck/Cortland,NY
7 21 02 Roy Bresnahan/Palermo,NY
8 2 3 Justin Haers/Phelps,NY
9 16 48too Dave Rauscher/Waterloo,NY
10 9 fx1 Frankie Caprara/Watertown,NY
11 7 29 Jeff Brownell Jr./Waterloo,NY
12 22 09 Willy Decker/Vernon,NY
13 5 7x Steve Paine/Waterloo,NY
14 11 19 Tim Fuller/Edwards, NY
15 20 91h Chad Homan/Macedon,NY
16 13 42b Kevin Bates/Lake Ariel,PA
17 25 88 Steve Hulsizer/Bridgeport,NY
18 3 99 Ryan Phelps/Fulton,NY
19 15 32c Vic Coffey/Leicester,NY
20 23 56 Pat Ward/Genoa,NY
21 28 44 Shannon Whaley/Pavilion,NY
22 27 99L Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY®
23 6 9s Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
24 30 49 Billy Dunn/Watertown,NY
25 *17 j66 Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
26 18 44c Frank Cozze/Wind Gap,PA
27 14 1 Stewart Friesen/Niagara-o-t-Lake,ONT
28 24 6n Billy Pauch Jr./Frenchtown,NJ
29 26 99b Chuck Bower/Lansing,NY
30 19 93 Ryan Bartlett/Adams,NY
*Johnson started 23rd in back-up car that he qualified through consi;
@Planck drove back-up no. 29x Brownell car.
EVENT SUMMARY:
LAP LEADERS: Haers (1-7), B.Decker (8-115).
CAUTIONS: 10 for 26 laps.
HEAT WINNERS: Fuller, Hearn, R.Phelps, A.Johnson.
LAST CHANCE RACE WINNERS: Bresnahan, W.Decker.
Point Standings (Thru Sept. 1, 2008)
1. Billy Decker 1,753
2. Dale Planck 1,564
3. Jimmy Phelps 1,499
4. Brett Hearn 1,468
5. Gary Tomkins 1,432
6. Matt Sheppard 1,342
7. Steve Paine 1,208
8. Frankie Caprara 1,182
9. Justin Haers 1,105
10. Ryan Phelps 1,097
SKIDMARKS
Pauch Makes Rolling Wheels Tour Debut: Billy Pauch Jr. is the real ‘Kid’ and at the age of 21 he finally made his first Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series run at Rolling Wheels. The second-generation standout from Frenchtown, New Jersey steered the Growers Garden Center & Greenhouse no. 6n Fabrication by Tauschman/TEO entry for long-time owner Nick Noll at RWR on Monday and is expected to have a brand-new TEO Pro Car ready in time to contend at Super DIRT Week in Syracuse and Eastern States Weekend at Orange County in October. The deal recently came together after award-winning Area Auto Racing News photographer Bob Armbruster Jr. recommended Pauch since Noll had indicated he was looking to fill the vacancy. Already touring the Elbridge oval in a sprint car a few years back, the personable Pauch qualified for Rolling Wheels’ Modified main but logged only 14 laps to place 28th on the final scoresheet.
Pot Holes: A rare Advance Series stop for Integra Shocks Fast Timer Tim Fuller yet the former Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Champion adjusted well to the Labor Day conditions at Rolling Wheels. “Once you get a couple laps under you it all comes back pretty quick,” Fuller said. “I just keep forgetting some things that my crew is telling me to do” ….. Pulling into the track late was the Adam Ross Cut Stone hauler formerly owned by Randy Ross and now owned by Big-Block racer Dave Rauscher, who finished ninth in the lengthened ‘Budweiser 115’ and the last drive to complete the entire distance ….. 2002 Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Champion Randy Chrysler made a return visit to Central New York, this time driving for his 19 year-old son and car owner Randy Jr. in a renumbered no. 88k Signal Cigarettes-Randy's Smoke Shop/Bicknell mount powered by a 358 cubic-inch JanCen powerplant. The ‘Tuscarora Twister’ said the car will be saved for specials only with remaining dates on the 2008 schedule still pending at this time after failing to qualify the car at Rolling Wheels ….. In the RWR pits without a ride was Shawn Donath, victim of a time trial crash suffered the previous night in the Advance Series show at Cayuga County. Donath relayed that the frame was bent on the Red Line Synthetic Oil no. 87 Behron Auto Glass/Troyer machine, which Troyer head Billy Colton declared junk when evaluating the recent wreckage. “We finally got some of the problems ironed out and things were starting to come together until Sunday night,” Donath said. “Now we’ve got two motors (Big, Small-Block) but nothing to put them in” ….. Commonly referred to as the silly season around the circuit, ride-swapping began in full swing on Monday at The Wheels with two more drivers signing up for competition in different cars. Willy Decker was back behind the wheel of Kyle Lewis’ no. 09 Stadium International/Bicknell car, the same one he finished sixth in last year’s Victoria 200 finale at Fulton, while Pat Ward climbed into the V&V Racing no. 56 Troyer entry traditionally driven by Vince Vitale…..
UPCOMING EVENT
The lone event on the Advance Auto Part Super DIRTcar Series next week will be the $10,000-to-win Budweiser 200 at Lebanon Valley Speedway on Saturday, September 6. The first Advance Series 200-lap event of the season also marks the lead-off ‘Grand Slam’ stop, with a special points system used that rewards each winner 150 Series points while 50 points are awarded to start.
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Billy Decker(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Dale Planck(G)
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway D.Planck/Danny Johnson(P)
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway B.Decker/Brett Hearn(P)
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway B.Decker/Robbie Krull(P)
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway B.Decker/Jimmy Phelps(P)
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Brett Hearn(G)
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond D.Planck/Steve Paine(P)
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway B.Decker/Jeff Strunk(P)
Thr-Jul 17 Georgetown Speedway H.J. Bunting III(G)
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway B.Hearn/Chuck McKee(P)
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Jimmy Phelps(G)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Vic Coffey(P)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Justin Haers(P)
Fri-Aug 15 Brewerton Speedway B.Decker/Gary Tomkins(P)
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park Gary Tomkins(G)
Sun-Aug 17 Cornwall Motor Speedway G.Tomkins/Carey Terrance(P)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Alan Johnson(G)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway B.Decker/Frankie Caprara(P)
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway B.Decker/Roy Bresnahan(P)
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon,NY
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Sarver,PA
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
-end-
New Egypt Speedway Points standings
thru Sat. 8/30/08
Modifieds
1 Billy Pauch***** 1004
2 Keith Hoffman*** 1002
3 Ron John Koczon* 921
4 Tim Tanner Jr.** 917
5 Rick Laubach** 894
6 Brian Godown 876
7 Frank Cozze** 851
8 Bob Drayton 839
9 Dominick Buffalino** 838
10 Sam Martz** 806
Sportsman
DRIVER (* denotes wins) POINTS
1 Willie Osmun*** 901
2 Rocco Infante*** 853
3 John Romano Jr.*** 780
4 Mike Howardson 732
5 John McClelland* 718
6 Ray Woodall Jr. 714
7 Rich Scagliotta** 707
8 Gary Butler*** 704
9 Clay Butler* 683
10 Frank Cozze Jr. 674
Crate 1 Sportsman
DRIVER (* denotes wins) POINTS
1 Richie Cass Sr.***** 572
2 Gabe Fox* 542
3 Rob Stump* 534
4 George Idell Jr. 520
5 Darrell Delnero* 484
* denotes wins
DIRTcar NE weekend results
BLACK ROCK: Brady Fultz. Points Champ: Todd Henderson
BREWERTON: Willy Decker. Points Champ: Billy Decker
BROCKVILLE: Bill Gill. Points Champ: Danny O'Brien.
SPORTSMAN: Chris Raabe. Points Champ: Chris Raabe
CAN-AM: Pat O'Brien. Points Champ: Frankie Caprara, Larry Wight (358)
SPORTSMAN MOD: Mark Webb. Points Champ: Brandon Sweet
CANANDAIGUA: Steve Paine. Points Champ: Steve Paine
SPORTSMAN MOD: Eric Giguere. Points Champ: Kevin Ridley
CAYUGA COUNTY: Alan Johnson (54L) *Mr. DIRTcar Series., Billy Decker (54L)
Points Champ: Alan Johnson
SPORTSMAN MOD: Steve Gray. Points Champ: Jeremy Pitcher
CORNWALL: Danny O'Brien (100L) *Mr. DIRTcar Series. Points Champ: Carey Terrance
DRUMMOND: Kayle Robidoux (80L). Points Champ: David Hebert
EDELWEISS: -rain-. Points Champ: Laurent Ladouceur
FULTON: Dale Planck-35L. Points Champ: Tom Sears Jr.
SPORTSMAN MOD: John Pietrowicz. Points Champ: Jeremy Pitcher
GENESEE: Bob Richmond Jr. Points Champ: Don Spatorico
GRANBY:Clement Therrien (50L). Points Champ: Kayle Robidoux
HUMBERSTONE: James Friesen. Points Champ: Tyler McPherson
LEBANON VALLEY: Keith Flach. Points Co-Champs: J.R. Heffner & Mark Flach Jr.
LERNERVILLE: BIG-BLOCK MODIFIED *Advance Series-9/12. Points Champ: Brian Swartzlander
MERRITTVILLE: Larry Lampman (50L). Points Champ: Chad Brachmann
SPORTSMAN MOD: Brad Rouse. Points Champ: Mike Bowman
MOHAWK: John Lazore (50L). Points Champ: John Lazore
ORANGE COUNTY: Chrus Shultz. Points Champ: David VanHorn Jr.
358 MODIFIED: Tommy Meier. Points Champ: Jerry Higbie
SPORTSMAN MOD: Jake Schlagel. Points Champ: Mike Ruggiero
RANSOMVILLE: Todd Burley (50L). Points Champ: Pete Bicknell
SPORTSMAN MOD: James Friesen. Points Champ: James Friesen
THUNDER ALLEY: Chris Raabe. Points Champ: Chris Raabe
TRI-CITY: -off-. Points Champ: Kevin Bolland
-end-
Planck Wins Again as Tommy Sears Earns First Career Modified Track Title At Fulton
By Dave Medler
Fulton, NY - On a perfectly prepared Speedway Tommy Sears Jr. and Ryan Phelps came into Saturday night with one goal, earning their first ever DIRTcar Modified Track Championship. Dale Planck had one thing on his mind ,trying to earn enough home track points towards the overall Mr DIRTcar Championship. Sears brought home a top ten finish that was good enough to earn the Track Championship. Planck took the lead on Lap-28 from Shawn Donath to go on and win the green to checker 35-Lap Modified Feature, his second in a row on Championship/Fireworks Night at the Fulton Speedway.
Other winners on the night - John Pietrowicz, DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds, Dave Mannise, UMP Street Stocks, Ron Ingison, E&V Energy Novice Sportsman Modifieds and Jerry Herbert, Four Cylinder Enduro.
Track Champions that were crowned for 2008 - Tommy Sears Jr., DIRTcar Modified, Jeremy Pitcher, DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds, Dave Mannise, UMP Street Stocks, Katelyn Kane E&V Energy Novice Sportsman Modifieds and Jerry Herbert, Four Cylinder Enduro.
Tony Steiner took advantage of a front row starting spot to grab the early lead in the 35-Lap DIRTcar Modified Feature, with Kyle Lewis, Dave Reilley and Roy Bresnahan looking to lead early.
With five laps in the books Steiner opened up a few car advantage as Lewis and Timmy Sears gave chase. Reilley and Bresnahan ran side by side in the top five.
On Lap-10 Steiner still held the top spot, but Lewis and Sears cut down his lead and started to put pressure on the leader.
Just before the halfway point Shawn Donath who started sixteenth took over second and started to draw in on Steiner for the lead. Behind the top two, Lewis, Sears and Planck ran in the top five.
Two Laps later Donath who was running the bottom, drove by Steiner in his Ford powered machine to take over the lead. Planck at this point moved into third and started to work on Steiner. Jimmy Phelps ran fourth and started closing the gap on the top runners.
With ten to go Donath still led running the bottom , Planck and Phelps started to close in making it a three car battle for the win.
On Lap-28, Donath in heavy lapped traffic had to move off the bottom where he ran all race long, this allowed both Planck and Phelps to shoot by and take over the top two spots.
Over the final laps Planck was able to put lapped cars between himself and Phelps to grab the win. Phelps, Donath, Bresnahan and Ryan Phelps rounded out the top five.
After parking his Grow-It Hydro Seeding , No.77x in Victory lane Planck talked about his win. "This Teo Pro-Car is just awesome.. Tonight the track had just a little more bite in it, I was a little worried. At the end of the race this car just seems to accelerate off the corners. I didn't want any yellows, this car just seems to run better on the longer runs," summed up the winner.
"Our car owner Mullen Industrial bought us a new car this year and that made all the difference," said the 2008 Modified Champion Tommy Sears jr.."I feel we had the best car week to week as we were always seemed to be in the top five, and never had a DNF." After twenty years of racing at the Speedway it was his first ever Track Title. Sears had to thank Mullen Industrial and Commercial Roofing for sticking by him. Over the years Mullen Industrial has always had fast cars no matter where they ran or who was behind the wheel. It was also their first Track Championship.
Lee Babcock led the opening lap of the 20-Lap DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Feature. One lap later, Jordan Bennett drove around Babcock and immediately drove away opening half a straightaway lead on the field.
By Lap-5 Bennett was out front cruising leading by a full straightaway. John Pietrowicz moved into second, while Chris Hile and Babcock fought over third with Gregg Carner running fifth.
On Lap-7 the yellow flew as Babcock had heavy smoke billowing out of his No.4k erasing the big lead Bennett built up.
After the restart Pietrowicz took advantage and drove by Bennett off the bottom to take the lead at on the eighth go round.
At the halfway point Pietrowicz held a slim lead over Bennett, Hile, Billy Clark and A.J Kingsley who started last from early night heat race problems.
Over the final laps nobody had anything for the Gypsum Express, No.85 as Pietrowicz was first under the checkers. Bennett, Kingsley, Hile and Clark rounded out the top five.
"Before the caution I knew I could put the car anywhere I wanted. I just wanted to keep the tires from brazing over. I didn't know if I could catch them but we did," Said Pietrowicz how he got the win.
Jeremy Pitcher after exiting his MDV Construction No.14 spoke about his second straight DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Track Championship. "This year with everyone running crates it's been very tough. We tried to be consistent and always be near the front and finish races." Pitcher went on to thank his brother Shannon and the whole MDV Construction Team for their dedication every year.
Ron Ingison who has shown steady improvement as the season progressed behind the Wheel of Jeremy Pitchers No.14, picked up his first ever win in the E&V Energy Novice Sportsman Modified 15-Lap Main. Ingison grabbed the lead on the opening lap and was never seriously challenged. Katelyn Kane came home second. With her finish she was crowned the 2008 Track Champion. Greg Kimball, Tim Schneider Jr and Joe Kline chased Ingison to the finish.
In Victory lane and emotional and almost speechless Ingison couldn't thank enough Jeremy and Shannon Pitcher for having faith in him to allow him to drive their car.
The loudest cheers of the night came when Katelyn Kane was announced the 2008 E&V Energy Novice Sportsman Modified Champion. Two years ago this High School Student was fighting and beat childhood cancer. On Saturday night she was called Champion. "It feels so good I can't describe it," said a happy Kane. "Last season I finished fourth (points) this season I got my first win and now the Championship. It has to be the best two things you can do in racing."
Kane also said that she will be moving up in 2209. She will also try to qualify in October in the Sportsman Modified Series event during the Schneider Brothers 200 Weekend.
Next Saturday Night, September 6th at the Fulton Speedway the winged cars will be coming to town. The ASCS Patriot Sprints, CNY Mini Sprints, New York State Four Cylinder Championship, E&V Energy Novice Modifieds plus a 50-Lap Four Cylinder Enuro and Demolition Derby will all be on the card. The Sprints will first run a 25-Lap feature that was rained out earlier in the season. Then they will run a complete show. The night will be sponsored by Calaman Radiator, Smith Speed and Pro Shop, Benedict Performance Center and Genesee Stamp.com.
Gates will open at 5:00 with the first green flag to wave at 7:00. For more information call the Speedway office at 315-593-6531 or visit www.fultonspeedway.com.
DIRTcar Modifieds 35-Laps - Dale Planck, Jimmy Phelps, Shawn Donath, Roy Bresnahan, Ryan Phelps, Tom Sears Jr., Alan Johnson, Jim Witko Jr., Tim Sears,Tony Steiner, Kyle Lewis, Chad Phelps, Kevin Bates, Dan Vauter, Steve Hulsizer, Dave Reilley, Ryan Richardson, Mike Mahaney, Mike Ward, Mike Bowman, Roy Sheilds, Rob Hile, Bob Bennett, John Pfeffer, Tim Harris.
DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds 20-Laps - John Pietrowicz, Jordan Bennett, A.J Kingsley, Chris Hile, Billy Clark Jr., Jeremy Pitcher, Beth Schneider, Matt Hulsizer, Sammy Reakes IV, Tom Juhl Jr., Timmy Sears Jr., Gregg Carner, Brad Townsend, Stewart Garrison, Sean McCarthy, Mike McCarthy, Jason Parkhurst, Lee Babcock, Jim Evans, Jon Tesoriero, Mike Fowler.
Sportsman Modifieds 15-Laps) - Ron Ingison, Katelyn Kane, Greg Kimball, Tim Schneider Jr., Joe Kline, Claude Hutchings Jr., Gary Nickerson, Andrew Ferguson, Shannon Jones, Mark Noga, Mark Olmstead Jr., Scott Fowler, Doug Cook, Dan Hill.
-end-
A.J. & Decker Repeat Under Advance Series Checkers Sunday At Cayuga County
Weedsport, NY – August 31, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
For the second straight year it was open-wheel veterans Alan Johnson and Billy Decker sharing the spotlight in victory lane over Labor Day Weekend at Cayuga County Fair Speedway, with each scoring $3,000 wins this year in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified Budweiser Twin 54s presented by Taylor Rental on Sunday night.
Johnson’s first Advance Series win of ’08 in the opener earned him a guaranteed starting berth status in the prestigious Rite Aid 200 Championship race on Oct. 12 of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse while Frankie Caprara’s sixth-place run in the nightcap rewarded him with a preferred spot in DIRTcar NorthEast’s biggest event.
‘A.J. Slideways’ started fifth in the lid-lifter, methodically worked his way forward in the Spra-King Racing no. 1J Jake Spraker Used Cars & Trucks/Bicknell mount, and took advantage of the only caution on lap 38 to overtake race-long leader Frankie Caprara en route to a decisive two-second victory. Caprara settled for runner-up honors followed by Dale Planck, Gary Tomkins and Jimmy Phelps.
“I was concerned early on when the guys out front were kinda gone, I didn’t figure we’d ever catch ‘em,” admitted Johnson, following his second win of the season at Cayuga County, which was easily the biggest as it marked his sixth Advance Series win at the home DIRTcar Racing NorthEast. “The car just kept getting better as (race) went on.”
Caprara out-dragged pole-sitter Tomkins for the early lead in the 54-lap opener and the two were able to open up a comfortable margin over the rest of the 28-car starting field. With 10 laps in the books the lead pair had built up a three-quarters of a straightaway lead over Justin Haers and track point leaders Phelps and Johnson.
The leaders caught the back end of traffic on lap 14 and the 25 laps Johnson put his experience around the racy 3/8-miler to work as he was able to reel in the leaders one by one as the green lights remained on. A.J. ducked under fourth-place Phelps on lap 18, dove under Justin Haers for third a handful of laps later, then grabbed the second slot from Tomkins on lap 34.
DIRTcar Big Block rookie Tony Steiner slid high into the turn one/two wall to force out the only yellow flag on lap 38 and give Johnson his first view of Caprara. And that was all the veteran from Middlesex, New York needed as maneuvered inside of Caprara between turns one & two on lap 39 and the race for second was all that remained.
“Have to thank Jake Spraker and Eric Kingsley for putting this deal together, it’s a heck of a ride,” beamed Johnson, who even climbed atop the roof of the winning machine to posed after scoring his 48th career Advance Series victory, the first for both car owners in Big-Block tour competition. “We’ll do a few more races together. I don’t know how many of them, as many as I can get Jake to do we’ll do.”
Johnson re-drew ‘9’ to invert the first five rows of the grid yet as soon as the green flag flew to begin round two, a mid-pack tangle forced the an early slowdown. Steve Paine, Danny Johnson, Dan Vauter, Mike Mahaney, A.J. Romano and Steiner were all caught up in the turn four mishap with Mahaney and Romano ---whose mount sat wedged under Vauter’s machine--- forced to pit for the duration without a single lap complete.
Back under green flag conditions, Justin Haers out-dragged front row partner Matt Sheppard to take an early lead in the 54-lap nightcap and was able to hold off ‘Super Matt’ until the Waterloo, New York native was finally able to find make a clean pass low to complete lap 12. Ryan Bartlett grazed the turn one/two wall up high to incur a second slowdown just one lap later and erase a growing lead for Sheppard.
While Johnson waited patiently to move forward in the opening race, Decker was far more forceful as he blasted high aboard the LJL Racing no. 91 Gypsum Wholesalers-Stadium Int'l-Quality Hardwoods/Bicknell machine to move from fourth to second on the ensuing lap 13 restart, disposing of Sheppard on lap 15 with Tomkins following in pursuit just two laps later. Tomkins completed his mission to the front on the 21st circuit and for a dozen laps the top-two jockeyed for position both high and low in and out of traffic.
Decker forged the final lead change high across the line to complete lap 32 with Tomkins, Planck, Sheppard and Alan Johnson moving into their final positions with 15 laps still to go. The leaders hit heavy traffic on lap 51 yet by then it was too late for Tomkins although he still managed to creep up to a single car-length at the wire, with Planck, Sheppard and Alan Johnson rounding out the front-five at the stripe.
“This (win) certainly belonged to the crew, Scott and Donnie, they worked really hard between races,” remarked Decker, following his ninth Advance Series win of the season which put him just one victory shy of Brett Hearn’s all-time single-season best mark of 10 registered in 2002. Prior to this year, Decker captured six series checkers and a career-high 18 overall wins en route to his only Mr. DIRTcar Championship in 1998; today he owns 21 first-place trophies which triple last season’s output for the Unadilla, New York chauffeur.
“The first feature we were as far off as we’ve been this year until making some ‘wholesale’ adjustments, and I’m telling you they worked their tails off before we pulled back out on the track. I just wasn’t good enough on the bottom and Gary rolled me and I tried to go down there a few times. I had fun tonight racing with Gary, he was really going good and cut me some slack there off (turn) four. Have to tip your hat to Gary’s program, they’ve really stepped it up a notch. If you look at his last 4 or 5 series races, he’s looking like the guy to beat right now. Him and Dale have really bee trucking along. They’re keeping us on our toes, I can tell you that,” added Decker, after extending his points lead to 164 markers over three-time tour winner Planck.
Riding a two-race win streak coming into Cayuga County, Tomkins was forced to settle for a pair of top-fives on Sunday while remaining fifth in the Advance Series standings through 20 events.
“Lap traffic was tough but it was tough for both of us,” figured Tomkins, who claimed the overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Championship in 2004 and is in search of his first for car owner Doug Dulen and the Honeoye Auto Parts no. 84 Red Parker & Son Excavating/Bicknell team. “Still, when you’re sitting in victory lane between these two cars (91-Decker & 77x-Planck) that have been the class of the field this year, we’ve got a good piece.”
“We’re still learning about it, there are a lot of things that we’ve got to figure out still and this track threw us a loop tonight. We were hoping it was going to be slick from top to bottom and I think we would’ve been good. Hey, we passed Billy twice in this race so I can’t complain about that. I’m happy to get second, we gave them a heckuva run … what are you gonna do?”
“And it’s not just the car, we’ve got a different style motor in there and we’re still learning about that, too. We’re trying some different things and they seem to be working. Usually when you do stuff like this you struggle but this thing has been a rocket ever since we’ve had it out. I’ve been looking forward to Rolling Wheels (tomorrow) and had it circled for awhile. I hate twin 50s, they’re just too hard on the crew, too hard on us. I like one race, let’s get ready for it and go racing. I think we can put on a good show, hopefully the track will be in decent shape and we’ll give ‘em a real good one.”
Third-place finisher Planck has been putting on his own show as of late, scoring 10 straight top-five Advance Series finishes to stand second in the standings behind only Decker.
“We were really good in the first race, probably better in the first than second, and to come home with two thirds I can’t complain at all,” said Planck, who scored his first tour win of the season at Rolling Wheels in May and closed out the month with a big win in the Hall of Fame Classic at Cayuga County. “Billy is good this year, you can’t take that away from him. Everything falls his way, and everything is falling my way, too. For how I’ve been the last couple years compared to how I am this year, I’m real happy. I’m standing here (podium) a lot, there’s nothing better than that.”
“We just kinda threw everything together this last winter … I’m looking forward to this coming winter, to build on this foundation, get a little bit more organized and get our stuff together to make a major assault next year. I’m still not mathematically out of it for this year, we’ve got a lot of 200-lap races coming up. In the past those haven’t been the best for me but neither has Weedsport, so we’re just going to take every race one at a time and see what happens,” Planck added.
The Labor Day holiday closes out for 2008 Advance Auto Part Super DIRTcar Series point chasers with the Budweiser 110 presented by Honeoye Auto Parts at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park on Monday, September 1.
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Races #19 & #20 – Cayuga County Fair Speedway, August 31, 2008 ‘Budweiser Twin 54s presented by Taylor Rental’ Big-Block Modified Event Summary
Feature #1
FIN STR CAR# DRIVER
1 5 1j Alan Johnson/Middlesex,NY($3,000)
2 2 fx1 Frankie Caprara/Watertown,NY
3 9 77x Dale Planck/Cortland,NY
4 1 84 Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY
5 8 98h Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
6 7 91 Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY
7 10 29 Jeff Brownell Jr./Waterloo,NY
8 6 3 Justin Haers/Phelps,NY
9 15 9s Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
10 11 20 Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
11 4 49 Billy Dunn/Watertown,NY
12 3 99 Ryan Phelps/Fulton,NY
13 19 7x Steve Paine/Waterloo,NY
14 16 42b Kevin Bates/Lake Ariel,PA
15 17 99b Chuck Bower/Lansing,NY
16 13 44 Shannon Whaley/Pavilion,NY
17 12 j66 Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
18 22 6 Pat O'Brien/Kingston,ONT
19 20 85 Dan Vauter/Forest City,PA
20 23 93 Ryan Bartlett/Adams,NY
21 21 16j A.J. Romao/Johnstown,NY
22 18 5 Jason Potter/Pulaski,NY
23 28 33 Mike Mahaney/King Ferry,NY®
24 14 91h Chad Homan/Macedon,NY
25 27 13 Tony Steiner/Jamesville,NY®
26 25 16 Mike Bowman/Baldwinsville,NY
27 24 21 Derrick Podsiadlo/Penn Yan,NY
28 26 79 John Pfeffer/Hilton,NY
DNS 29 4 Ed Monroe III/Shortsville,NY
DNS 30 87 Shawn Donath/S. Onondaga,NY®
EVENT SUMMARY:
LAP LEADERS: Caprara (1-38), A.Johnson (39-54).
CAUTIONS: 1 (lap 38).
Feature #2
FIN STR CAR# DRIVER
1 4 91 Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY($3,000)
2 6 84 Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY
3 7 77x Dale Planck/Cortland,NY
4 1 9s Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
5 9 1j Alan Johnson/Middlesex,NY
6 8 fx1 Frankie Caprara/Watertown,NY
7 10 20 Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
8 12 99 Ryan Phelps/Fulton,NY
9 2 3 Justin Haers/Phelps,NY
10 5 98h Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
11 3 29 Jeff Brownell Jr./Waterloo,NY
12 18 6 Pat O'Brien/Kingston,ONT
13 26 16 Mike Bowman/Baldwinsville,NY
14 20 93 Ryan Bartlett/Adams,NY
15 14 42b Kevin Bates/Lake Ariel,PA
16 13 7x Steve Paine/Waterloo,NY
17 24 91h Chad Homan/Macedon,NY
18 16 44 Shannon Whaley/Pavilion,NY
19 19 85 Dan Vauter/Forest City,PA
20 22 5 Jason Potter/Pulaski,NY
21 25 13 Tony Steiner/Jamesville,NY®
22 11 49 Billy Dunn/Watertown,NY
23 17 j66 Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
24 27 21 Derrick Podsiadlo/Penn Yan,NY
25 15 99b Chuck Bower/Lansing,NY
26 23 33 Mike Mahaney/King Ferry,NY®
27 21 16j A.J. Romao/Johnstown,NY
DNS 28 79 John Pfeffer/Hilton,NY
DNS 29 4 Ed Monroe III/Shortsville,NY
DNS 30 87 Shawn Donath/S. Onondaga,NY®
EVENT SUMMARY:
LAP LEADERS: Haers (1-11), Sheppard (12-14), Decker (15-20), Tomkins (21-31), Decker (32-54).
CAUTIONS: 3 (lap 1, lap 13, lap 26).
Point Standings (Thru Aug. 31, 2008)
1. Billy Decker 1,652
2. Dale Planck 1,488
3. Jimmy Phelps 1,406
4. Brett Hearn 1,373
5. Gary Tomkins 1,334
6. Matt Sheppard 1,300
7. Steve Paine 1,149
8. Frankie Caprara 1,119
9. Ryan Phelps 1,046
10. Justin Haers 1,034
SKIDMARKS
’08 Series Debuts: Despite being the last scheduled Advance Series stop through August, the Budweiser ‘Twin 54s’ at ‘The Port’ still attracted three new drivers along with a new team in their ‘08 tour debut. The three drivers that made the feature race line-up in their initial attempt were second-generation standout A.J. Romano from Eastern New York, John Pfeffer from the west side of the state, and Canandaigua Speedway regular Ed Monroe III from the Finger Lakes Region. Tour mainstay Alan Johnson was no surprise in the pits yet on Sunday night he was behind the wheel of the #1J Spra-King Racing/Bicknell entry co-owned by Jake Spraker and Eric Kingsley. “We’ve been talking about getting together for about a month and since Alan needed a ride we decided to go for it,” said Kingsley, father of Sportsman Modified campaigner A.J. Kingsley. “Right now we’re planning to be at Rolling Wheels, Lernerville and Canandaigua and see how everything else falls in between. We might even put together a small-block deal if we can get enough resources for the big-season-ending events.” Romano was still outlining an autumn agenda on the DIRTcar NorthEast circuit with a return to Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, New York for Eastern States Weekend already penciled in. Pfeffer was sporting brand new sheet metal on his no 79 Troyer machine, receiving plenty of support from the Gil Tegg Race Team throughout the season and utilizing an engine supplied by H&H Motorsports for his most recent Cayuga County effort.
Return Ride For Danny: While older brother Alan Johnson was rekindling old times with Jake Spraker and Eric Kingsley, Danny Johnson was reuniting with owner Mike Petruska in the no. j66 Atlas Paving-Behrent's Performance Warehouse/TEO ride at Cayuga County. The ‘Doctor’ first ran the car in the Advance Series stop at Merrittville (Ont.) Speedway, placing second in his best tour finish of the season for DIRTcar NorthEast’s multi-time Driver of the Year. “We had a good run the first time so we’ll just have to see how things go,” said Petruska, who also owns the red no. 66 car that Jeff Heotzler captured the ’07 season points title in at Orange County Fair Speedway as well as last autumn’s Eastern State 200 finale on the Hard Clay. His son Jared Petruska normally drives the car that Johnson could only muster 17th and 23rd-place finishes in on Sunday. “There’s a chance we’ll be at Lebanon Valley, a chance we’ll be at Syracuse, and mostly likely we’ll get Danny back behind the wheel. To follow a series like this you need a top driver, there’s a lot of finances to cover so you have to somebody that can go out and knows how to win. Danny has already helped out Jared with set-ups on the car, everybody is having a lot of fun right now.”
Pot Holes: DIRTcar Big-Block rookie Shawn Donath had a short night, slamming the turn one outside cement retaining wall just after going under the clocks to begin his initial lap in Integra Shocks Time Trials. The #87 Red Line Synthetic Oil-Behron Auto Glass/Troyer was scratched for the night suffering from heavy front-end damage, thus receiving the first Holley Hard Luck Award of the night…..Vying with Alan Johnson for his second consecutive track points title at Cayuga County, Jimmy Phelps picked up the second Holley Hard Luck Award after riding out the final 20 circuits with a flat left front tire in the nightcap to ultimately relinquish the crown to A.J. Slideways. Johnson’s sixth win of 2008 was his 60th career triumph at Cayuga County and helped carry him to his seventh career Big-Block Championship at The Port….Advance Series points leader Billy Decker improved as soon as he won the Integra Shocks Time Trial award for the fourth time this season. Back in May for the Hall of Fame Classic at Cayuga County, Decker was the only car not to register a time after a transponder malfunction sent him to the back of the pack in his heat race qualifier. This time around he toured the CCFS 3/8-miler in a time of 15.652 sec., just a fraction off the track record set by Alan Johnson (15.647 sec.) in this same event run in 2006…..Cayuga County and Cornwall Motor Speedway both staged Super DIRTcar Series events on Sunday with 15 year-old Modified pilot Larry Wight lured over the border to contend in the Mr. DIRTcar 358- Modified ‘Jiffy Auto Services 100’ at Ron Morin’s tight quarter-miler in Ontario, Canada…..With most 2008 DIRTcar NorthEast track point champions crowned over the Labor Day Weekend, Decker (Brewerton), Caprara (Can-Am) and Paine (Canandaigua) were in the field of 30 that signed in for the season-finale in Weedsport….. Cayuga County was also the site of a Fanfest on Sunday as the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series touring stars and numerous drivers from all the Sportsman and Street Stock classes posed alongside their cars lined up LeMans style on the front stretch, meeting and greeting hundreds of race fans immediately following Integra Shocks Time Trials.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Following the $6,000-to-win Budweiser 110 presented by Honeoye Auto Parts for Big-Blocks on Monday at Rolling Wheels, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series action moves to New York State’s Capital district for the first 200-lap event of the season at Lebanon Valley Speedway on Saturday, September 6.
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Billy Decker(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Dale Planck(G)
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway D.Planck/Danny Johnson(P)
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway B.Decker/Brett Hearn(P)
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway B.Decker/Robbie Krull(P)
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway B.Decker/Jimmy Phelps(P)
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Brett Hearn(G)
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond D.Planck/Steve Paine(P)
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway B.Decker/Jeff Strunk(P)
Thr-Jul 17 Georgetown Speedway H.J. Bunting III(G)
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway B.Hearn/Chuck McKee(P)
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Jimmy Phelps(G)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Vic Coffey(P)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Justin Haers(P)
Fri-Aug 15 Brewerton Speedway B.Decker/Gary Tomkins(P)
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park Gary Tomkins(G)
Sun-Aug 17 Cornwall Motor Speedway G.Tomkins/Carey Terrance(P)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Alan Johnson(G)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway B.Decker/Frankie Caprara(P)
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon,NY
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Sarver,PA
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
-end-
Steve Paine Scores at Canandaigua Speedway and Wins 10th Track Championship
Weedsport, NY – August 31, 2008 – By Dan Kapuscinski, Canandaigua Speedway PR Coordinator
All Steve Paine needed to do Saturday night was finish 9th or better in the 35-lap DIRTcar Big-Block Modified feature event at Canandaigua Speedway to secure his 10th track title and 9th in a row at the ‘Land of Legends.’ Paine did just that and more, passing Matt Sheppard on lap-25 to win his 3rd feature event of 2008 on Paine Motorsports Night of Champions presented by Huff Equipment.
Paine was appreciative of the $1,500 pay-day in victory lane after losing to Gary Tomkins the week before on the final lap.
“This means a lot after last weekend,” said Paine. “I was pretty disappointed last Saturday, I made a mistake. Tonight though the car was running really good, and we knew what we had to do. I don’t think I would have got Sheppard without the restart, he was good tonight.”
Sheppard held on for second Saturday and also came home second in the overall point standings. Charlie Donk, Dave Rauscher, and Chuck Bower completed the top five finishers.
Eric Giguere (Sportsman), Mike Welch (Street Stock), and Marc Minutolo (PureStox) were the other race winners on the evening which also featured Kid’s Fun Laps around the Speedway. Kevin Ridley took the Championship in the Sportsman ranks, while Welch and Bryan Faulkner are the 2008 track champions in the Street Stock and PureStox divisions.
Eldon Payne Jr. and Paul Guererri started the 35-lap Big-Block Modified main from row number one, and it was Payne looking very good from the start out front. Driving the no. 28p, Payne built over a four second lead on the rest of the field in the early going.
Championship contenders Paine, Sheppard, and Tomkins started deep in the field and began a race of their own to the front. Sheppard and Paine led the way, as Sheppard came into the final race of the year just 21-points out of the top spot. By lap-11 Sheppard had worked into the 4th spot, two positions ahead of Paine in the no. 7x.
Lap-12 saw the first caution of the night, which also erased the four second lead for Eldon Payne. Chad Homan in the no. 91 slowed down the front straightaway to bring out the caution and bunch up the field one more time. At the restart Payne led a great running Dave Rauscher, Sheppard, Derrick Podsaidlo, and Chuck Bower.
When the field went back to green, Payne managed to hold off Sheppard for seven more laps before the no. 9s pulled low down the back chute and took the lead to complete lap-20. With that, Sheppard had successfully done what he needed to do to try and secure the Championship. Unfortunately for the Advanced Lubrication Specialties team, ‘The Hurricane’ was on the charge and into the top three by lap-16.
Paine knew he needed to finish 9th or better to win the title, but he had other things on his mind after failing to win the week before. The no. 7x moved into the runner-up position on lap-24 making the move on Eldon Payne, and then set his sights on Sheppard out front. Sheppard though held a stellar lead until Championship contender Gary Tomkins slowed to a stop in the fourth turn bringing out the night’s second caution on lap-24.
Tomkins came into the night only 25-points behind Paine in the Championship hunt, but Tomkins ran into issues after hopping the cushion in turn three all but ending his big for the title. Tomkins re-entered the event, finishing 6th on the night.
Sheppard now had a rear bumper full of Paine on the restart with Payne Jr., Rauscher, and Charlie Donk filling the top five on the restart. As the field came to green Sheppard elected to take the high side of the racetrack giving Paine the bottom.
The no. 9s got a good jump going into turn three for the start, but Paine was too tough on the bottom pulling underneath Sheppard before they got back to the finish line. Paine would be scored as the race leader on lap-25, and by the 31st circuit had a full straightaway advantage on his way to the win.
Charlie Donk and Dave Rauscher had a good battle throughout the night for the third position. Donk eventually took advantage on lap-33 pulling in behind Sheppard for a podium position.
Paine was very matter of fact after pulling down his unprecedented 9th straight Champions, and 82nd career Canandaigua Speedway win.
“Winning a Championship here means a lot as always,” said Paine. “You’re running against some of the best here every night, so you really have to be on. I have to thank all of the guys and sponsors. We’re getting geared up for the rest of the season now, we’d like to get the series win here in a couple of weeks.”
Sheppard, Donk, Rauscher, Bower, Tomkins, Justin Haers, Homan, Vinnie Vitale, and Payne Jr. finished up the top ten runners.
The 25-lap Sportsman Modified main featured Loren Lincoln and Eric Giguere in row one, and it was heat winner Giguere taking the early advantage. Giguere had already won two main events in 2008, and was looking for his third triumph of the 2008 season.
A multi-car accident slowed the field on lap-1 coming out of turn four. Several cars including Daryl Hilkert, AJ Lewis, Anthony Rizzardo, Todd Henderson, and Greg Cool all came together. Last week’s winner, Rizzardo, was the only car able to continue after the melee. All drivers were okay.
The field would come back to green before another incident occurred this time in turn one. Fourth place running Rob Bussey in the no. 76 spun around entering the corner. Bussey was able to continue, and ending up being the show of the night working back through the field.
All Kevin Ridley had to do Saturday night was start the Sportsman feature and he would be the 2008 track champion. After doing so, Ridley was on a march to the front to try and pick up his first win of 2008. By lap-6 Ridley had charged into second passed Loren Lincoln and began to run down Giguere in the lead.
Giguere had built a sizeable lead, but a caution for a Steve Gray spin and debris in turn two on lap-15 allowed Ridley to close one more time. Giguere led Ridley and Tim Currier to the restart with Bussey now back up into the top five after spinning on the second circuit.
The race would go the final 10-laps caution free, and Giguere proved that he was too tough for much of the field. Everyone turned their eyes away from the no. 67g to the no. 76 of Bussey. Bussey worked by Currier on lap-19 for third, and then got Ridley the next lap for second. He seemed to be the only car capable of closing on the leader.
Bussey tried for 5-laps to reel in Giguere but it wasn’t meant to be. Bussey’s dramatic charge to the front ended one position short of the win. Championship runner-up Dan Wiesner also had a tremendous drive coming from the rear of the field to finish 3rd ahead of Currier and Jipper Ortiz in the top five.
Track Champion Ridley blew a radiator hose with 2-laps to go and finished 15th.
“I am so glad that this season is over,” said Giguere in victory lane. “This has been the worst year ever, even though we have won three races. We have crashed a lot of stuff this season, and I have to thank all my guys for helping us to keep bringing it back every week. I’ll take the wins as always, and it is good to start up front, but I can’t wait for next year.”
Ridley wanted nothing more than to pick up a win at Canandaigua Speedway in 2008, but he’ll take the Championship.
“I don’t know what it is here, I just couldn’t get one,” said Ridley. “We’ve got two over at Cayuga County, but we just couldn’t do it here. The Championship means a lot though; we really had a great overall season. Hopefully we can keep it going Sunday night, were just three points away from the title there at Weedsport.”
The 2008 season has now drawn to a close with Steve Paine, Kevin Ridley, Mike Welch, and Bryan Faulkner as the 2008 Canandaigua Speedway Track Champions. The ‘Land of Legends’ will be quiet on Saturday, September 6th and Saturday, September 13th.
Racing will return on Friday and Saturday September 19th and 20th for the LaBatt Blue RaceFest Weekend. The Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Series will highlight Friday’s racing action with the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series returning on Saturday night with a 100-lapper.
DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds Feature (25-laps): 1) 67g- ERIC GIGUERE, 2) 76- Rob Bussey, 3) 66- Dan Wiesner, 4) 10- Tim Currier, 5) 0- Jipp Ortiz, 6) 99$- Anthony Rizzardo, 7) 2L- Loren Lincoln, 8) 25g- Nick Guererri, 9) 11- Ben Wheeler, 10) 88- Kyle LaVare, 11) 29g- Steve Gray, 12) 44- Gary Hoteling, 13) 3- Fran Hilton, 14) 74- Mike DeMallie, 15) 20x- Kevin Ridley, 16) 17- Marcus Dinkins, 17) 24a- AJ Lewis, 18) 4- Daryl Hilkert, 19) 22- Greg Cool, 20) 18h- Todd Henderson
2008 Sportsman Track Champion: Kevin Ridley
DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds Feature (35-laps): 1) 7x- STEVE PAINE, 2) 9s- Matt Sheppard, 3) 99- Charlie Donk, 4) 48T- Dave Rauscher, 5) 99b- Chuck Bower, 6) 84- Gary Tomkins, 7) 3- Justin Haers, 8) 91- Chad Homan, 9) 56- Vinnie Vitale, 10) 28p- Eldon Payne Jr, 11) 44- Shannon Whaley, 12) 7- Paul Guererri, 13) 4- Ed Monroe, 14) 21- Derrick Podsiadlo, 15) 2b- Ron Cartwright Jr., 16) 16- Billy Brown, 17) 74- Eric Fisher, 18) 50- Don Slover
2008 Big Block Modified Track Champion: Steve Paine
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Keith Flach Scores 2nd Career Win, Mark Flach Jr, and J.R. Heffner Share Coveted Title!
Saturday August 30, 2008
By: Rodney Rescott
West Lebanon, NY - The main event of the night was of course the crowning of the Big Block Modified Champ, but first, they had one last race to decide the outcome. And in true Lebanon Valley fashion, the field was as tight as the points race. With just 6 points separating J.R. Heffner from Mark Flach Jr., plus Kenny Tremont Jr and Andy Bachetti sitting 3rd and 4th just 26 points out.
At the start, a 4th driver of the Hough Motors #34 was Rob Pitcher trying to make it the 4th straight win for team owner Steve Hough, along side the #518 of Kyle Sheldon as the green silks were flying. Pitchers night didn’t go as planned though as the power plant let go on the #34, and Pitcher slowed going down the backstretch.
That handed the lead over to the #518 of Kyle Sheldon with the #43 of Keith Flach hot on his heels. But Sheldon bobbled a bit in turn 3 on lap 3, and that allowed the #43 on by, and he was gone. Well, gone until the next caution on lap 7 for the slowing #39 of Ryan Larkin with a very smoky expired motor. On the restart, Flach was in control again, with Sheldon staying just ahead of the #7 of John Ruchel and a hard charging Andy Bachetti.
Back in the filed the #115 of Tremont was struggling to make his way to the front with the #74 of Heffner in tow trying to shadow his every move. They both cracked the top 10 by lap 10. While up front, Bachetti had his hands full trying to get by Ruchel, as they both made it past the struggling Sheldon.
Flach was still up front with Ruchel and Bachetti dicing it out for 2nd. The caution slowed the field again on lap 14 with a slowing #34H of Steve Hough. At the restart, Flach was back in control, with Bachetti finally getting by Ruchel.
But it really didn’t matter who was in 2nd, as Flach completed the lat 16 laps with all 4 wheels in the groove, taking his 2nd career big block modified win. Flach also cashed in on the special $4,500 paycheck as well. Following Flach was Bachetti, Mark Flach Jr drove his #77F to a 3rd place finish, 4th was Tremont, 5th was Jelley while Heffner finished 6th.
With those finishes, it ensured only the 2nd tie in Lebanon Valley history (the first being Tremont and Dickie Larkin in 1994) as Mark Flach Jr and J.R. Heffner capture the title of 2008 Modified Points Co-Champions! A full point rundown can be found on our website mentioned below.
The Conklin Limestone, Canaan Auto Supply, and C&R Concrete $1,250 to win Sportsman feature was on deck with their 20 lap feature. Out front early in the event was the #44 of Jeff Kelly with the #250 of Alan Houghtaling in tow.
The first caution flew on lap 4 for a spinning #34 of Paul Knox. The filed bunched up with the #44 out front again, but the #250 of Houghtaling took the lead going down the backstretch. But the #250 couldn’t hold back the a 3 wide shot from the #00 of Chris “Speed Racer” Kokosa, as he dove into the top spot from 3rd on lap 6.
Trying to follow Kokosa was the #80 of Kory Sandstedt, but he could complete the pass on Houghtaling, and settled into to 3rd. The field was slowed a few more times for minor incidents, but it wasn’t going to keep Kokosa from taking the big payday of $1,250.
Following Kokosa across the line was Sandstedt, Houghtaling was relegated to 3rd, Ed Harkin was 4th, followed by Chris Tryon.
ESS Super Sprint Car Series invades the Valley of Speed as part of the Kings 200 Weekend Spectacular September 5th and 6th! The ESS Sprints will headline Friday Night’s program along with the Limited Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, 4 cylinders, along with a special Boomer’s Performance Pure Stock Classic.
Then on Saturday September 6th, the Advanced Auto Parts DirtCar Series makes it was to the Valley of Speed for the first leg of the 4 race “Grand Slam” DirtCar series that are all 200 lap events starting with Lebanon Valley’s Budweiser National 200, then Rolling Wheels Raceway. The last two legs are the October Classics at the Moody Mile in Syracuse, NY and the Eastern States 200 at Orange Country Fair Speedway.
In addition to the Bud National 200, the Benjamin Moore Paints 358 Twin Challenge will take to the high banks along with the Pro Stocks. Tickets are on sale now!
Then, the valley returns on September 13th for the conclusion of the 2008 Points for the remaining classes Sportsman, Pro Stock, Limited Pro Stock, and Pure Stocks.
But the show ain’t over yet, as the Advanced Auto Parts World of Outlaws return on September 21st to complete their event along with the Pro Stocks and Benjamin Moore Paints 358’s.
For more information, please visit our website at www.LebanonValley.com, or call the Speedway Offices to get your tickets at (518) 794-9606 or (518) 794-9965 during normal business hours.
Saturday August 30, 2008 -
Modified Results (30 Laps) - 1) Keith Flach, 2) Andy Bachetti, 3) Mark Flach Jr, 4) Kenny Tremont Jr, 5) Wayne Jelley, 6) J. R. Heffner, 7) Eddie Marshall, 8) John Ruchel, 9) Matt Quinn, 10) Lorne Browe, 11) Brian Berger, 12) Kyle Sheldon, 13) Mike King, 14) Donnie Ackner, 15) Rich Salisbury, 16) Steve Hough, 17) J. C. Flach, 18) Jeff Sukup, 19) Hector Stratton, 20) Paul Gilardi, 21) Ryan Larkin,22) Rob Pitcher, 23) Guy Sheldon
Sportsman Results (20 Laps) - 1) Chris Kokosa, 2) Kory Sandstedt, 3) Alan Houghtaling, 4) Ed Harkin, 5) Chris Tryon, 6) Jeff Watson 7) Alex Bell, 8) Danny Sanchez, 9) Kyle Hoffman, 10) Kevin Petrucci, 11) Kyle Armstrong, 12) Brian Sandstedt, 13) Chris Lynch, 14) Jeff Kelly, 15) Whitey Slavin, 16) Neil Stratton, 17) Frank Harper, 18) Wayne Keyes, 19) Kolby Schroder, 20) Kim Lavoy, 21) Kevin Winters, 22) Steve Fifield, 23) R. J. Daley, 24) Kale Groff, 25) Paul Knox, 26) Jeff Brown, 27) Dan Hotchkiss, 28) Chad Pierceng
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Glen Ridge Motorsports Park
Saturday
quick results
Modifieds Feature: Josh Hohenforst, Erik Nelson, Craig Hanson, Jamike Sowle, Josh Pienaizek, Jeff Sheely, Randy Hotaling, Bob Savioe, Jason Herrington, Mike Ricci, Dustin Delaney, Scott Huber, Harry Shaffer, Al McCoy, Tim Mayne, Jeff Brownell Jr., Vinnie Decicco, Bob Vedder, Danny Tyler, Floyd Billington, Mike Parodi, Jim Becker, Eric Mack, Rich Ricci J., Scott McCoy
Budget Sportsman Feature: Jeremy WIlder, Frank Hoard III, Jeremiah Munson, Jimmy Eaton, Korey Wilder, Angela Hoard, Butchie Irwin, Mike Visconti, Ivan Joslin, Keith Shoemaker, Fred Proctor, Mike Pinke, Bodie Bellinger, Jay Lias, Bill Wilder, Chuck Dickenson, Chris McCoy, John Constantino, Steve Douglas, Tommy Varin, Anthony Marrow, Ricky Quick, Scott Duell, Chris Shaffer, Dave Herrick (DNS)
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J.J. Grasso Continues New Egypt Dominance, Martz Marvelous in Mods
New Egypt, NJ (August 30, 2008) - Sammy Martz of Whitehouse Station, NJ & J.J. Grasso of Pedricktown both survived a 2 hour rain delay to post victories on Saturday night at New Egypt Speedway. Martz captured the 30 lap Modified feature on Pathway Car Care Night, his second of the year and his 7th of his career. Grasso once again dominated the Rislone URC Sprint Car Series 25-lap event as he posted his 4th straight win at NES, and is now one win away from being the first ever driver to sweep every URC event at NES in one season.
In the Modified feature, John Miloszar grabbed the early lead at the onset of the event only to quickly be unseated from the top spot by a very fast Rich Rutski. Rutski looked strongas he paced the field for the first 8 laps. Martz pressured Rutski for several laps before he found a groove to charge by Rutski for the lead. Once in front, Martz's main concern became lapped traffic as the race wore on, as he and Rutski ran away from the field. Rutski was able to stay close enough so Martz felt the pressure and could not make a mistake. However, Martz would prove to be too much for everyone to handle on this humid evening as he took the victory. Rutski was superb finishing second. Billy Pauch turned an almost disastrous evening into a positive. After crashing hard in his heat, Pauch finished 8th in the B Main making him the second alternate. But things started to turn around for Pauch when scheduled pole sitter Rick Holsten scratched from the event and the first alternate could not run either. Pauch started 21st and charged thru the pack to claim third and actually pad his points lead slightly over Keith Hoffman. Hoffman did finish a solid 4th while Frank Cozze rounded out the top 5.
J.J. Grasso of Pedricktown, NJ claimed his sixth win of his young career in the Rislone URC Sprint Series 25 lap feature event. Grasso is currently on a tear here at NES, as he currently has all four victories this season and is now one win away from sweeping the season series. Grasso went wire to wire and was in his own zip code during the second half of the race as he completely dominated the event winning by just over 7 seconds. Ed Aiken finished second, as he held off a hard charging Michael Carber. Carber was third followed by Dave Ely and Series point leader Curt Michael.
In the A-1 Racing Products Sportsman 25 lap feature, Gary Butler of Phillipsburg, NJ won for the third straight time. Butler started 18th and worked hard to get to the front, finally taking the lead with less than two laps to go from race long leader Randy Yaple. Yaple was an impressive second while Jeff Geiges finished third in only his 3rd start after a 2 year hiatus. Willie Osmun and Ray Woodall, Jr. rounded out the top 5.
The Crate-1 Sportsman feature found Jon Haegele in victory lane for the first time. Darrell Delnero and Gabe Fox were second and third in the 15 lap affair. The 15 lap Outlaw Stock feature saw defending champ Gary Klimeczak winning for the second time this year. A fast closing Spider Ensinger Jr. was second while last week's winner Dan Collomer was third.
Next Saturday night, September 6, Hamill Flooring will present the popular Sportsman Match Races, as well as the second annual "Kids in Racing Night." Headlining the card will be the big-block Modifieds, along with the Sportsman, Super Stocks, & SS Sprints. Gates will open at 4:00 p.m. with the first green at 6:00 pm. For more information, call the speedway office at (609) 758-1900 or log on to www.newegyptspeedway.net.
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JAMIE MILLS PADS POINT LEAD WITH DELAWARE BIG BLOCK WIN
By Charlie Brown, Delmar, DE – Jamie Mills seems to be hitting his stride as he posted his sixth win of the season Saturday night at the Delaware International Speedway in the 25-lap NAPA Big Block Modified feature. Mills started in the ninth starting spot and took the lead from Jeff Brown just before the halfway sign.
Brown started on the pole and was strong in the early laps. Howard O’Neal gave chase in second with Tim Millman running in third. Mills, driving is own No. 30, was hooked up in the high groove and was runningin the top five by lap two. On the next circuit he dropped Jordan Watson to fifth.
H.J. Bunting, who only trailed Mills by 39 points going into the night’s racing, pulled to the infield with mechanical problems on lap seven placing him 14th in the final results. Mills battled his way past both Millman and O’Neal to take second on lap nine.
Brown gave Mills a good fight for the lead as the two ran wheel to wheel for three laps before Mills took the top spot on lap 12. At the halfway sign Mills was followed by Brown, O’Neal, Jordan Watson, and Millman in the top five.
Ricky Johnson entered the top five just as the first and only yellow flew on lap 18 for Brown as he slowed to a stop at the end of the back straight. Robert Dutton was now running in fifth. O’Neal slipped high and Millman grabbed second with Johnson following into third.
Mills opened a comfortable margin to the checkered in his I.G. Burton Chevrolet/Bicknell as he collected his sixth checkered of the season. Millman finished in the second spot with Dutton coming on strong in the closing laps to finish in third. Fourth went to O’Neal and Chad Clark notched the fifth spot. Heats were won by Bunting and Mills.
“We got this motor back on Thursday night and the guys behind me came down and worked all night long,” said Mills. “We’ve got a lot of time in the car and this thing was on a rail tonight.”
The AC Delco 15-lap feature was a caution filled affair starting with a tangle between the second and third place cars of Tim Trimble and Brad Trice before the first lap could be completed. Both restarted at the rear of the field but would be heard from later in the race.
Herman Powell set the pace with Joseph Tracy running in second. By lap five Trimble was back in the top five in fifth as Michael White got by Tracy for second. Trimble took fourth from Jason Bishop on lap seven with Trice following into fifth. At the halfway sign the top five were Powell, White, Tracy, Trimble and Trice.
By five to go, Trimble was third. White took the lead from Powell on lap 12 and one lap later, Trimble followed into second. The yellow was out with one lap to go for Casey Lynch who came to a stop in turn three. On the restart a lapped car came to a stop setting up yet another try to get the final lap in the books. On the third restart, White went high in the second turn and tagged the outside wall. He then slid across the track in front of the pack collecting Scott Calhoun and the yellow was out for a third time on the last lap.
Trimble now found himself out front and he held off Powell on the final lap to take his fourth win in the Courtland Manor/Covey’s Car Care/Troyer. Powell ended a good drive in second with Trice salvaging a fine third. Fourth went to Tracy and Westley Smith rounded out the top five. Fast time in qualifying was set by Trimble.
This Saturday night will be R.C. Holloway Night and will included the URC Sprints along with the five weekly divisions. It will also be Queen Anne, Md. fan appreciation night with any fan with a picture I.D. and a Queen Anne address admitted free to the spectator side. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 7 p.m.
RESULTS: 25-Lap NAPA Big Block Modified Feature: 1. JAMIE MILLS; 2. Tim Millman; 3. Robert Dutton; 4. Howard ONeal; 5. Chad Clark; 6. Ricky Johnson; 7. Matt Jester; 8. Ryan Walls; 9. Joseph Watson; 10. Jordan Watson; 11. George Richardson; 12. Craig Ott; 13. Jeff Brown; 14. HJ Bunting; 15. Jason Daliessio; 16. Deron Rust; DNS: Dana Walker; Andy Hammond.
15-Lap AC Delco Modified Feature: 1. TIM TRIMBLE; 2. Herman Powell; 3. Brad Trice; 4. Joseph Tracy; 5. Westley Smith; 6. Jason Bishop; 7. Justin Griffith; 8. John Curtis; 9. Garrie Bostwick; 10. Bryan Applegate; 11. Herbie Hempel; 12. Dan Reidy; 13. Michael White; 14. Scott Calhoun; 15. Harvey Toomey; 16. Casey Lynch; 17. Bubba Sears; 18. Danny Smack; 19. Brandon Perdue; 20. Scott Baker; DNS: Rodney Cordrey.
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Track Champions Crowned at Can-Am
LaFargeville NY… Caprara’s Can-Am Motorsports Park presented their “Night of Champions” on Saturday, August 30, 2008. The evenings events, sponsored by Sherwin Williams, Atomic Sign Works, Autumn’s Barber Shop & Tanning, Ben Shoen’s Home Improvements and Karen & Jaspers Bar & Bistro, featured the Big Block/Small Block Modifieds, Sportsmans, Street Stocks, IMCA, Purestocks, Thunder Cars and Mod Lites.
The Big Block/Small Block Modifieds finished their final regular night of 2008 with Chris Higgins and Mark Smoke leading the field to the green flag. Chris Higgins took over the early command of the feature event while Ryan Bartlett and Larry Wight filled out the top three. Pat O’Brien slid under teammate Larry Wight to take over the third position while point’s leader Frankie Caprara was solidly moving through the field. Billy Dunn slid under Tyler Bartlett to take over position number four as the laps clicked away. Ryan Bartlett, Pat O’Brien and Billy Dunn filled out the top three nose to tail while the rest of the field battled with positions. Pat O’Brien moved under Ryan Bartlett going into turn number three and by the exit of turn four, O’Brien had taken the lead on the field. Frankie Caprara moved under Tyler Bartlett to enter the fourth place position while Pat O’Brien strengthened his lead on the field. Scott Webb moved to the inside of Frankie Caprara to take over the third position. As the checkered flag waved, Pat O’Brien would collect the win while Ryan Bartlett and Scott Webb filled out the top three. Frankie Caprara took home the track championship.
Brad Winters and Terry Gould led the Sportsman division to Matt Burdick’s green flag in their 20 lap feature event. Brad Winters jumped out to take the early command while Mark Webb and Terry Gould ran side by side for second and third. Jeff Stevenson powered to the outside of Christine Martin to take over position number three while Stevenson continued his charge to the front of the field. Stevenson then moved under Brad Winters in the middle of turns three and four to take over the second position while Mark Webb sat at the front of the field. Brandon Hagan stuffed his car to the bottom side of the speedway as he powered under Brad Winters for the fourth position. As the checkered flag dropped, Mark Webb would collect the win while Jeff Stevenson and Brandon Hagan would complete the top three. Brandon Sweet took the Sportsman track championship.
Information on the 2008 season at Caprara’s Can-Am can be found at www.canammotorsports.com or by contacting Chip Burdick at (315) 778- 3407.
Modified (30 Laps)- Pat O’Brien, Ryan Bartlett, Scott Webb, Frankie Caprara, Jason Potter, Robby Bellinger, Lance Willix, Larry Wight, Mark Smoke, Billy Eisele, Tyler Bartlett, Adam Roberts, Billy Dunn, Chris Higgins, David Orr (DNS)
Champion: Frankie Caprara and Larry Wight
Sportsman (20 Laps) – Mark Webb, Jeff Stevenson, Brandon Hagan, Christine Martin, Brad Winters, Mike Mandigo, Kevin Gamble, Jeff Rowe, Brandon Sweet, Ally Amell, Greg Gould, Bob Tefft, Dean Patterson, Verne Harris, Terry Gould, Tom Conklin
Champion: Brandon Sweet
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It's Decker's Night ... Willy Wins Race, Billy Wins Crown At Brewerton
By Dave Medler
Brewerton, NY - Coming into the final points night for 2008 Billy Decker and Alan Johnson two of DIRTcar best were poised for one final shootout to decide the Modified Track Championship. Alan Johnson who was working his way to the front suddenly ran into engine problems on Lap-8 of the 35-Lap feature ending his night. At that point Decker with a 20-point lead could of sat back and just cruised to the finish, but he did anything but that. Decker ran down race leader Willy Decker getting to his inside in three and four on the final lap coming up just short at the finish. For Willy Decker it's been was his second win of 2008.
Other winners on the night included, JJ Courcey, IMCA Modifieds, Doug Williams, ESDCA Mod Lites, Matt Wetterer, Four Cylinder Super Stocks and Bruce Unger, Four Cylinder Enduro.
When the final checkers flew Track Champions were crowned after season long battles. DIRTcar Modified, Billy Decker, IMCA Modified, Dale Caswell, ESDCA Mod Lites, Lowell Zehr and Four Cylinder Super Stocks, Claude Hutchings Jr..
Jeremy Smith and Chad Phelps ran side by side with Smith gaining a slight advantage to open the 35-Lap Modified feature. Kyle Lewis and Tommy Sears were right there making it a tight battle for the lead.
When the feature reached Lap-5 Smith and Phelps while racing for the top spot opened some distance on the rest of the pack as Tommy Sears and Kyle Lewis ran side by for third with Chuck Bower right there in fifth.
On Lap-8 while running in the top five Alan Johnson suddenly slowed with engine problems. His crew thrashed under the hood trying to find the problem, they ran out of time ending his shot at the track title.
When the green flew again Smith bolted back to the lead and immediately opened up a six car advantage as Lewis, Chad Phelps and Sears were slugging it out behind the leader.
By Lap-15 Lewis ran down Smith as they raced side by side for the top spot, Sears was with in striking distance. Jim Witko and Chuck Bower rounded out the top five.
One lap later Lewis who was rim riding rocketed around Smith to take over the top spot.
On Lap-19 Tim Sears slowed with a right rear flat erasing the lead Lewis had built up. This put Smith, Sears, Witko and Bower right on the leaders back bumper for the restart.
Two laps later Smith found the bite he needed in the middle and the bottom to race side by side with Lewis for the top spot. While the race was going on up front Witko, Sears and Willy Decker were having a battle of there own for third through fifth.
With ten to go still running the cushion Lewis built up a half a straightaway lead on the pack. Witko, Smith, Decker and Sears still ran in the top five.
On Lap-27 Willy Decker moved around Witko and took off after Lewis for the lead. One lap later Lewis jumped the cushion in turn four, this allowed Decker to move in on Lewis setting up a battle for the lead.
Decker found the bite he needed running the middle to get by Lewis and be scored the leader on Lap-32, the race wasn't over yet as Billy Decker moved into second.
On the last lap Billy Decker going into three and four was able to pull even with Willy Decker for the race to the checkers. Willy Decker found the bite he needed grabbing the narrow win at the line. Lewis, Matt Sheppard and Witko rounded out the top five.
After parking his Westmoreland Golf Club, No.1x in victory lane Willy Decker talked about his win. "I didn't know if this car had another race left in it. This car was getting better as the race went on, but I think the other Decker (Billy) was getting better as I could see him on the last lap," said Decker on the race for the win. Getting a win at this place is awesome. There are a lot of good cars back in the pits wishing they had one win." For Decker it was his second win of the season at the Speedway.
"I can't thank this whole Gypsum Wholesalers team enough for the car they give me every week," related Billy Decker on his fourth Brewerton Speedway Track Championship. We like to win races, you win races everything else will take care of it's self," said Decker about racing for the win instead of sitting back after Alan Johnson dropped out.
"Like I have said in the past Brewerton is easily the best track in the Northeast to race at. It lends it's self to great racing , it's easy on equipment, it's a lot of fun," finished up the 2008 Modified Track Champion.
The Brewerton Speedway will now be silent till Thursday October 9th during Super DIRT Week. On that night one of the best races during the week will take place at the "D-Shaped DIRT Demon" as the 358 Modified Super DIRT Series comes to town for a 75-Lap event. A long with the Modifieds the ESDCA Mod Lites will be there to bring the end of the 2008 race season. Grandstands will open at 5:30 with racing taking place at 7:30. Get there early if you can because with all the race fans in the area for the week this event packs the stands.
For more information contact the Speedway office at 315-668-6906 or visit www.brewertonspeedway.com
2008 Track Champions: Billy Decker DIRTcar Modified - Dale Caswell IMCA Modified - Lowell Zehr ESDCA Mod Lites - Claude Huchings Jr. Four Cylinder Super Stock.
(DIRTcar Modifieds 35-Laps) - Willy Decker, Billy Decker, Kyle Lewis, Matt Sheppard, Jim Witko Jr., Jeremy Smith, Chuck Bower, Shawn Donath, Jimmy Phelps, Kevin Bates, Chad Phelps, Steve Hulsizer, Pat Ward, Larry Wight, Michael Prentice, Johnny Hill, Mike Bowman, Tom Sears Jr., Tim Sears, Matt Fink, Alan Johnson.
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RAIN FRIDAY AT PENN CAN SETS UP BIG SEPTEMBER RACES
Susquehanna, PA…The forecast for the day indicted that there might be a chance at racing Friday at Penn Can Speedway. When drizzle began in the early afternoon with heavier rain following, the decision was made to call off the scheduled night of racing. This now sets up a big three night stretch of racing in September.
This Friday September 5th will be the big Championship Night for all divisions. Championship points will be on the line for the last point night of the year. In the modified division point leader Jeff Rudalavage of Olyphant, PA holds a twenty six point lead over Dan Vauter of Forest City PA. The other divisions at the speedway are just as tight with Tracy Gregory of Factoryville leading the late models, Grant Hilfiger of Henryville, on top of the sportsman. Chris Strohl of Montrose is the super stock leader while Gary Kinne leads the four cylinders. The tightest battle is in the pure stocks where Jon Carpenter has a slim lead over Butch Green, Rich Green, and Steven Deinhardt.
The next two weeks of September will feature the King of the Can races for all of the divisions competing at the speedway. Extra distance races are schedule with extra money on the line as well. The first big night will be the annual “Saturday Night Special” September 13th. This will feature the late models in a $1000 to win thirty lap event. The super stocks, pure stocks and four cylinders will be on the card as well as the CRSA Sprints, and 600 modifieds. An early starting time of 6:00 pm will be used for this night. The originally scheduled racing Sunday September 14th has been rescheduled for Friday September 19th.
The Race of Champions Modified and Sportsman Tour races have been rescheduled for Friday September 19th. Joining the ROC modifieds and sportsman will be the DART Dirt pure stocks and the World Products Tour Empire series for the IMCA modifieds. Gates will open at 5:00 with racing at 7:15. Check the Penn Can Speedway website at www.penncan.com for more details.
The speedway is located on Route 171 in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania just a short drive from the Binghamton and Scranton areas. For more information call the speedway office at 570-585-9928.
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2008 Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Title Hopes Planted In Post-Season Play
Weedsport, NY – August 29, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director
DIRTcar Racing’s 33rd consecutive year of sanctioning motorsports events in the Northeast is ready to make its stretch run beginning in September with a full slate of high-paying extra-distance Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series races in all classes.
More than 20 point races highlight the biggest month of the season on the DIRTcar NE circuit, including the first 200-lap events as part of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series, plus 358-Modified Series stops in both Canada and the United States. Sportsman and Pro Stockers contend in nearly a dozen prime time events while Canandaigua Speedway and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park kick off the five-race trail used to crown the second-ever Mr. DIRTcar Street Stock Champion.
Overall 2008 Mr. DIRTcar Champions will be determined by tabulating points earned in the Advance Auto Parts Super Series for Big-Block Modifieds and the Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series for 358-Modified, Sportsman, Pro Stock and Street Stock teams along with bonuses collected in each divisional DIRTcar Regional Racing Series. This year the track bonus formula is identical for all five touring classes.
Each driver will take the best five (5) finishes from a designated hometrack to collect bonus points which will then be added to actual Series points to determine the ‘08 titlist. Using the standard DIRTcar NE weekly points format, a driver winning five features at a given speedway could carry up to 300 extra points (60 per win) into the Mr. DIRTcar Championship when track points are officially tallied after Labor Day.
Current Championship Series leaders in the respective point chases heading into the extended Labor Day Weekend are Billy Decker (BB Mod), Todd Burley (358-Mod), Dan Wiesner (Spt) and Pete Stefanski (Pro).
To gain access to DIRTcar Racing Series headline stories throughout the 2008 season, log into www.dirtcar.com and select ‘Series’ at the top then choose Mr. DIRTcar Series (#7) and hit ‘GO’ on right (all releases are also posted in the NEWS category). An option for ‘Driver Points’ is listed on the left side of the homepage which includes all five Northeast touring divisions while more specific information about the Advance Series can be found at www.superdirtcarseries.com. Bookmark each selection for quick review at a later time.
Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series Schedule of Events: SEPTEMBER
DAY-DATE TRACK/LOCATION CLASS
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway/Elbridge,NY MOD,SPT
Fri-Sep 5 Ransomville Speedway/Ransomville,NY SPT
Fri-Sep 5 Autodrome Edelweiss/Hull,QUE PRO
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway/West Lebanon,NY MOD
Sat-Sep 6 Brockville Ontario Speedway/Brockville,ONT 358
Sat-Sep 6 Merrittville Speedway/Thorold,ONT SPT
Sat-Sep 6 Mohawk Int’l Raceway/Hogansburg,NY PRO
Sun-Sep 7 Humberstone Speedway/Pt.Colborne,ONT SPT
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway/Sarver,PA MOD
Sat-Sep 13 Autdrome Drummond/Drummondville,QUE 358
Sat-Sep 13 Genesee Speedway/Batavia,NY SPT
Fri-Sep 19 Canandaigua Speedway/Canandaigua,NY 358,STS
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway/Canandaigua,NY MOD,SPT,PRO
Fri-Sep 26 Rolling Wheels Raceway/Elbridge,NY 358,STS
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway/Elbridge,NY MOD,SPT,PRO
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Celebrates 10 Years with Budweiser 110 at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park
Weedsport, NY – August 28, 2008 – By Dan Kapuscinski, Rolling Wheels Raceway Park PR and Promotions Coordinator
This Monday, September 1st Honeoye Auto Parts presents the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series “Budweiser 110” at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park. The 110-lap event recognizes the 10th Anniversary of Advance Auto Parts as the Series title sponsor. Big Dog Country FM will also be presenting the Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series, with racing for both divisions kicking off at 6pm.
Pit windows will open at 1pm, with grandstand admission beginning at 3pm.
Tickets for this special event will be made available at the gate, and in honor of the 10th Anniversary Celebration ticket prices will be lowered to what they were back in 1998. Adult general admission is set at $17, $15 for Seniors (Age 65+), $5 for children (Ages 10-14), and those under the age of 9 are FREE.
Monday’s event will mark the second time the Super DIRTcar Series has come to ‘The Fast Track’ in 2008. The tour first came on May 4th for the 28th Annual DIRT Challenge Cup with Billy Decker and Dale Planck picking up Twin 50 victories. Brett Hearn and Jimmy Phelps were the only two drivers to score top five finishes in each event.
Last season’s Labor Day contest was also a Twin 50 bill. Baldwinsville’s Jimmy Phelps and Clifton Springs driver Gary Tomkins picked up the wins on the popular holiday racing weekend. Each will return this season looking to go back to victory lane in the recently reformatted Budweiser 110. .
The Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series will return for a 30-lapper Monday as well for the first time since Brockville Speedway on July 10th. Dan Wiesner is the current tour point leader, and has already picked up one win this season at Rolling Wheels back on May 26th.
Black Rock Speedway and Canandaigua Speedway regular Todd Henderson in the no. 18h raced to the checkered flags last season on Labor Day Weekend among a field of over 60 entries.
For more information call the DIRTcar Northeast headquarters at 315-834-6606 or log on to www.rollingwheelsracewaypark.com.
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Track Champions Decided this Saturday on Paine Motorsports Night of Champions at Canandaigua Speedway
Weedsport, NY – August 27, 2008 – By Dan Kapuscinski, Canandaigua Speedway PR and Promotions Coordinator
This Saturday, August 30th it’s Paine Motorsports Night of Champions presented by Huff Equipment at the Land of Legends. Be sure to also bring the youngsters as they will have the chance to ride around the Speedway during Kid’s Fun Laps in a Street Stock or PureStox racecar.
The DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, Sportsman Modifieds, Street Stocks, and PureStox will take the green at 7pm.
The Pit area will open at 3:30pm Saturday, with the grandstand gates swinging open at 5pm. Practice will begin at 5:45pm in order to allow time for the Kid’s Fun Laps which will be taking place around 6:30pm.
Tickets for all regular season events will be made available at the gate. Adult general admission is set at $12, $10 for Seniors (Age 65+), $5 for children (Ages 10-14), and those under the age of 9 are FREE.
Pit admission for DIRTcar Northeast members will be $20, while non-members will be admitted for $25.
Last Saturday night two of Canandaigua Speedway’s most decorated champions put on a display of skill and courage, as they raced to the line in daring fashion. Gary Tomkins managed to charge around Steve Paine on the extreme outside edge of the Speedway in the final turn to claim the 35-lap Big-Block Modified victory, his fourth of the season.
With the win Tomkins now moves to within one-point of Matt Sheppard for second in the overall Big-Block standings going into the final night of the season. However, both are trailing all-time Canandaigua Speedway points king Steve Paine by 24-points in the rundown.
Just like Tomkins, “The Canadian Blizzard” Anthony Rizzardo made a last lap pass in the DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds to pick up his first career win at Canandaigua Speedway. Rizzardo moved low on Daryl Hilkert out of the second turn on the final circuit to pick up the popular win.
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ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRTcar SERIES: ADVANCE NOTICES
Weedsport, NY — August 26, 2008 — By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
WHAT
The big Labor Day holiday kicks off with Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series action at Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Weedsport on Sunday, August 31 and continues with the traditional end of the regular season event at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park in Elbridge on Monday, September 1. Budweiser Twin 54-lap Modified mains presented by Taylor Rental at Cayuga County offer $3,000-to-win each and the Budweiser-backed 110-lapper presented by Honeoye Auto Parts at Rolling Wheels pays the winner $6,000. A guaranteed starting berth in the prestigious Rite Aid 200 Championship race on October 12 of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse is at stake in every race.
WHERE
Centrally situated, Cayuga County Fair Speedway is located at the fairgrounds on the east end of the village of Weedsport just one mile off exit 40 of the New York State Thruway. Rolling Wheels Raceway Park is located West of the village of Elbridge at NYS Route 5 just five minutes east of the city of Auburn; also 10 minutes from exit 40 of the New York State Thruway.
WHEN
At Cayuga County, warm-ups for all divisions are scheduled to begin at approximately 5:45 p.m. followed by Integra Shocks Modified Time Trials at 6:15 p.m. Qualifying heats start at 7 o’clock with pit gates unlocking at 3 p.m. and the main grandstands opening at 5 o'clock. A special ‘Fan Foto’ autograph session on the frontstretch pre-empts the first leg of the Big-Block twins. Rolling Wheels' warm-ups are scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. followed by Integra Shocks Time trials at 5:15, with support division qualifying heats starting at 6 o’clock. Pit gates will unlock at 1 p.m. and seating in the main grandstands begins at 3 o'clock.
TICKETS
Adult general admission grandstand tickets at Cayuga County are $20 each, Senior Citizens (65 yrs + over) $18, Students (10-14 yrs) $5 and Children (9 yrs. + under) Free. Continuing the special 10-Year Advance Auto Parts Series celebration, ticket prices are $17 for adults and $15 for seniors at Rolling Wheels. Reserved seating is available at both events for an additional $2. The cost of a member pit pass is $25 and $30 for a non-member. Camping on the Cayuga County Fairgrounds is allowed for a minimal fee of $10 which includes electrical hook-up. All General Admission tickets and pit passes will be available at the gate on race day. For more information about the holiday events, contact the DIRTcar NorthEast office at 315/834-6606.
ABOUT THE TRACKS
Cayuga County is a high-banked 3/8-mile clay oval. Alan Johnson established the single lap record in an Advance Auto Parts Series event when he circled the track in 15.647 seconds (86.279 mph) on September 3, 2006. Touring star Jimmy Phelps is the defending Cayuga County season points champion and the ‘B’Ville Blizzard’ is once again the current points leader with a pair of checkered flags taken in eight races held at The Port in ‘08.
Rolling Wheels is a spacious 5/8-mile clay oval. Alan Johnson posted the single lap record in an Advance Series show when he circled the track in 20.029 seconds (112.337 mph) on September 4, 2006. Billy Decker and Dale Planck split Twin 50s at the ‘Fast Track’ back in May with the only other scheduled Big-Block Modified main falling to rain in July.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Continuing to stand as Cayuga County's customary regular season-ending event, 27 of the 40 Advance Auto Parts Series stops in Weedsport have closed out the summer schedule. Bob McCreadie tops the legendary list of 11 drivers that have captured extra-distance victories at The Port, with Billy Decker and Alan Johnson the defending champions. Although 2008 marks the 35th edition since beginning in September 1972, the first 'Northeast Championship' counting towards the overall Mr. DIRTcar title was 150 laps and claimed by eventual three-time race winner Jack Johnson in 1980.
Cayuga Co. Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Labor Day/Fall Winners
DATE FIRST - SECOND - THIRD - FOURTH - FIFTH
9/2/07 Billy Decker - Jimmy Phelps - Steve Paine - Tim Fuller - Alan Johnson
9/2/07 Alan Johnson - Brett Hearn - Jimmy Phelps - Danny Johnson - Billy Decker
9/3/06 Alan Johnson - Matt Sheppard - Billy Decker - Steve Paine - Gary Tomkins
9/4/05 Pat Ward - Billy Decker - Steve Paine - Brett Hearn - Bob McCreadie
9/5/04 Tim Fuller - Billy Decker - Matt Sheppard - Gary Tomkins - Jimmy Phelps
8/31/03 Billy Decker - Brett Hearn - Alan Johnson - Gary Tomkins - Vic Coffey
9/1/02 Alan Johnson - Tim McCreadie - Billy Decker - Danny Johnson - Gary Tomkins
9/2/01 Tim McCreadie - Brett Hearn - Doug Hoffman - Billy Decker - Tim Fuller
9/3/00 Billy Decker - Bob McCreadie - Tim McCreadie - Alan Johnson - Bobby Varin
9/5/99 Bob McCreadie - Doug Hoffman - Bobby Varin - Billy Decker - Tim McCreadie
9/6/98 Danny Johnson - Gary Tomkins - Billy Decker - Bob McCreadie - Tim Fuller
8/31/97 Bob McCreadie - Jack Johnson - Pat Ward - Joe Plazek - Bryon Turner
9/1/96 Danny Johnson - Brett Hearn - Alan Johnson - Bob McCreadie - Billy Decker
9/3/95 Bob McCreadie - Danny Johnson - Doug Hoffman - Jimmy Horton - Joe Plazek
9/4/94 Bob McCreadie - Kenny Tremont - Jeff Heotzler - Joe Plazek - Alan Johnson
9/12/93 CANCELLED - Moved to RWR
9/13/92 Danny Johnson - Bob McCreadie - Billy Decker - Kenny Tremont - Doug Hoffman
9/8/91 Steve Paine - Alan Johnson - Dave Lape - Danny Johnson - Brett Hearn
9/9/90 RAIN (rescheduled for 10/13 before rain cancelled event)
9/24/89 Kenny Brightbill - Jack Johnson - Doug Hoffman - Brett Hearn - Rich Eurich
9/11/88 Jack Johnson - Kenny Brightbill - Danny Johnson - Kevin Collins - Joe Plazek
9/13/87 Bob McCreadie - Jimmy Horton - Brett Hearn - Kenny Tremont - Jack Johnson
9/7/86 Danny Johnson - Charlie Rudolph - Joe Plazek - Alan Johnson - Johnny Birosh
9/8/85 Bob McCreadie - Dave Lape - Brett Hearn - Alan Johnson - Steve Paine
9/9/84 Bob McCreadie - Chuck Akulis - Merv Treichler - Jack Johnson - Charlie Rudolph
9/18/83 Jack Johnson - Alan Johnson - Mike Colsten - Charlie Castle - Merv Treichler
9/12/82 Alan Johnson - Gary Iulg - Dave Lape - Will Cagle - Bob McCreadie
9/20/81 Merv Treichler - Chuck Akulis - Charlie Castle - Will Cagle - Darrell Welty
9/21/80 Jack Johnson - Chuck Akulis - Mike McLaughlin - Alan Johnson - Will Cagle
9/16/79 Jack Johnson - Dave Lape - Will Cagle - Mike McLaughlin - Harry Sittler
9/23/78 Will Cagle - Alan Johnson - Davey Moore - Brian Stevens - Lou Lazzaro
9/25/77 Lou Lazzaro - Alan Johnson - Jim Shampine - Will Cagle - Brian Stevens
9/19/76 Will Cagle - Lou Lazzaro - Andy Romano - Mert Hulbert - Chuck Ciprich
9/14/75 Will Cagle - Jack Johnson - Pete Cordes - Andy Romano - Mert Hulbert
9/15/74 Will Cagle - Merv Treichler - Lee Osborne - Gary Iulg - John Podolak
9/16/73 Will Cagle - Lloyd Holt - Jack Johnson - Dave Lape - Dave Kneisel
9/17/72 Will Cagle - George Ely - Frank Mears - Jack Johnson - Harry Peek
The tradition at Rolling Wheels continues with only the 'Fast Track' in operation on Monday as the 37th Annual Labor Day Championship once again headlines the holiday agenda. Bob McCreadie leads all open-wheel competitors with six Petrocci Memorial triumphs while Jimmy Phelps and Gary Tomkins are the defending champions when two 50-lappers were held last September.
Rolling Wheels Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Labor Day Winners
DATE FIRST - SECOND - THIRD - FOURTH - FIFTH
9/3/07 Jimmy Phelps - Billy Decker - Tim Fuller - Alan Johnson - Vic Coffey
9/3/07 Gary Tomkins - Tim Fuller -Jimmy Phelps - Matt Sheppard - Pat Ward
9/4/06 Alan Johnson - Tim Fuller - Gary Tomkins - Billy Decker - Justin Haers
9/5/05 Gary Tomkins - Tim Fuller - Billy Decker - Jimmy Phelps - Matt Sheppard
9/6/04 Tim Fuller - Matt Sheppard - Gary Tomkins - Tim McCreadie - Steve Paine
9/1/03 RAIN-CANCELLED
9/2/02 Alan Johnson - Brett Hearn - Bobby Varin - Chuck Bower - Steve Paine
9/3/01 Brett Hearn - Alan Johnson - Tim Fuller - Billy Decker - Chuck Bower
9/4/00 Bob McCreadie - Steve Paine - Billy Decker - Danny Johnson - A.J. Romano
9/6/99 Kenny Tremont - Steve Paine - Alan Johnson - A.J. Romano - Brett Hearn
10/4/98 Billy Decker - Steve Paine - Pat Ward - Alan Johnson - Tim Fuller
9/1/97 Joe Plazek - Danny Johnson - Brett Hearn - Bob McCreadie - Jack Johnson
9/2/96 Jeff Heotzler - Joe Plazek - Alan Johnson - Brett Hearn - Steve Paine
9/4/95 Jack Johnson - A.J. Romano - Jeff Heotzler - Pat Ward - Mike Ricci
9/5/94 Bob McCreadie - Jimmy Horton - Joe Plazek - Jeff Heotzler - Frank Cozze
9/12/93 Bob McCreadie - Kevin Collins - Shawn George - Joe Plazek - Alan Johnson
9/7/92 Brett Hearn - Doug Hoffman - Bob McCreadie - Jack Johnson - Matt Quinn
9/2/91 Brett Hearn - Bob McCreadie - Alan Johnson - Steve Paine - Mike Colsten
9/3/90 Bob McCreadie - Billy Pauch - Brett Hearn - Danny Johnson - Kenny Tremont
9/4/89 Danny Johnson - Alan Johnson - Pat Ward - Brett Hearn - Jack Johnson
9/5/88 Steve Paine - Danny Johnson - Pat Ward - Kenny Tremont - Lin Hough
9/7/87 Bob McCreadie - Chuck McKee - Jack Johnson - Lin Hough - Joe Plazek
9/1/86 Bob McCreadie - Charlie Rudolph - Danny Johnson - Brett Hearn - Chuck Akulis
9/2/85 Brett Hearn - Alan Johnson - Don McGinnis - Danny Johnson - Danny Rizzardo
9/3/84 Jack Johnson - Alan Johnson - Carl Reynolds - Jimmy Horton - Brett Hearn
9/5/83 Brett Hearn - Doug Hoffman - Alan Johnson - Jack Johnson - Dave Lape
9/6/82 Gary Iulg - Jack Johnson - Merv Treichler - Alan Johnson - Charlie Rudolph
9/7/81 Jack Johnson - Will Cagle - Harvey Hainer - Lou Lazzaro - Mike VanDusen
9/1/80 Chuck Akulis - Jack Johnson - Mike McLaughlin - Davey Moore - Dave Kneisel
9/3/79 Jack Johnson - Will Cagle - Dave Lape - Harry Sittler - Darrell Welty
9/4/78 Frank Cozze - Jack Johnson - Dave Lape - Chuck Akulis - Brian Stevens
9/5/77 Will Cagle - Lou Lazzaro - Jimmy Horton - Kenny Brightbill - Tommy Hager
9/6/76 Jack Johnson - Lou Lazzaro - Will Cagle - Danny Mitchell - Gary Iulg
9/1/75 Dave Kneisel - Mert Hulbert - Bill Matteson - Butch Jelley - Wayne Reutimann
9/2/74 Will Cagle - Jack Johnson - Carl Nagel - Tighe Scott - Kenny Brightbill
9/3/73 Will Cagle - Don Beagell - Harry Peek
9/4/72 Kenny Brightbill - Will Cagle - Jim Winks - Mert Hulbert - Bobby Malzahn
9/6/71 Will Cagle - Jack Johnson - Chuck Akulis - Jim Winks - Bobby Malzahn
TRACK HISTORY
For many years known as Weedsport Speedway, the Cayuga County Fair Speedway and surrounding fairgrounds have grown in both size and stature since the early era of stock car racing. Under the guidance of Drivers Independent Race Tracks founder Glenn Donnelly, the modernized facility has gained national recognition as the headquarters of DIRTcar Racing NorthEast and site of the Northeast Modified Hall of Fame and Classic Car Museum. One of three founding-member speedways in 1976 when DIRTcar was formed, the 2008 season marks Cayuga County’s 54th consecutive year of stock car racing with the first event staged in July of 1955. When Stanley Dudzinski first began carving out a third-mile oval in his berry patch using railroad ties to mark the frontstretch wall, he never dreamed that five decades later the same field would become synonymous with the leading short-track sanctioning body of dirt racing in the country and offer nationally televised ---and now webcast to surfers around the world--- Big-Block Modified events. This season well over 20 race dates were inked to include open-wheel Modified, winged Sprint Car, full-fender Late Model, Street Stock and BattleKarz racing, with events running from April through October.
Another one of three founding-member speedways when DIRTcar Racing was formed in 1976, Rolling Wheels boasts a unique specials-only race format instituted throughout the season that has continued to produce a hotbed of trackside activity for both fans and drivers alike. The "Fast Track" was first mapped out by the late Bob Petrocci, yet just one year following the August 17, 1969 opener, Petrocci lost his life in a freak accident while spectating at a nearby speedway. Sons Robert Jr. and Donald Petrocci inherited promotional duties and eventually signed up the second weekly track to join DIRTcar founder Glenn Donnelly and his fledgling motorsports operation. Rolling Wheels ran regularly every Friday night with Big-Block Modifieds and Late Models until cutting back the summer schedule in 1982. In 2008 a full season of activity includes open-wheel Modified, winged Sprint Car and full-fender Stock Car racing with annual highlights including the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series and World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series.
2007 RACE REVIEWS
Cayuga County: Track experience paid big dividends for Billy Decker and Alan Johnson on Sunday as the multi-time Weedsport track champions and feature winners each took their first lead two-thirds of the way through in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified Twin 53s presented by the Finger Lakes Radio Group and the Stafford Auto Group and coasted on to $3,000 victories at Cayuga County Fair Speedway. Decker started ninth in the lid-lifter and slowly worked his way forward in the LJL Motorsports no. 91 Gypsum Wholesalers-Stadium Int'l-Quality Hardwoods/Bicknell mount, overtaking 2007 Cayuga County points champion Jimmy Phelps on lap 36 and maintaining a four car-length victory margin at the stripe. Phelps secured runner-up laurels at the line followed by Steve Paine, Advance Auto Parts Series points leader Tim Fuller and Alan Johnson. Decker re-drew ‘9’ to invert the first five rows of the grid and when the green flag flew to begin round two, front row starter Hearn out-dragged pole-sitter Ryan Phelps to take an early lead in the 53-lap nightcap. By lap 15 the top-three of Hearn, Phelps and Tomkins stayed the same with Alan Johnson and Paine hovering among the fast five. Tomkins suddenly performed a 360-degree spin low between turns one and two to bring out a yellow flag on lap 16 and runner-up Phelps cut a tire to relinquish any chance for his best career finish in an Advance Auto Parts Series A-Main. Johnson jockeying side-by-side with Hearn and grabbed his first lead on lap 36 before DIRTcar NorthEast’s all-time winningest drivers swapped the point back and forth four times over the next six laps, with Johnson forging the final lead change on lap 42. Jimmy Phelps was officially crowned the 2007 Cayuga County Fair Speedway points king following his second top-three tally of the night, with Danny Johnson and Decker rounding out the final top-five.
Rolling Wheels: A memorable night for Jimmy Phelps and Gary Tomkins as they shared space in the winner’s circle at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park after splitting Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Petrocci Twin 50s presented by Ferris Mowers on Monday night. It was Phelps first tour win of the 2007 campaign and Tomkins second, with his first coming at the same Elbridge oval during the Independence Day holiday. Phelps started on the pole to pace the 33-car starting field in round one but his first Advance Auto Parts Series win of the season was never guaranteed, especially after Alan Johnson blew past on the lap 10 restart and tried his best to extend the advantage the rest of the way. Numerous caution periods thwarted the efforts of ‘A.J. Slideways,’ with a half-dozen slowing the action over the ensuing 22 laps. Phelps shadowed the leader the entire way until ducking under in the H&H Motorsports no. 98H Mohawk Northeast-New England Race Fuels/Troyer Spl. to forge the final lead change on lap 39. Billy Decker finished his race-long charge in second while tour points leader Tim Fuller salvaged third-place ahead of Johnson and Vic Coffey. After Phelps drew to invert the top-12 for round two, Tomkins started fifth and watched as pole-sitter Dale Planck and Matt Sheppard held the point for the first half of the race. Tomkins stayed steady aboard the no. 84 Honeoye Auto Parts-Red Parker & Son Excavating/Bicknell entry and reeled in Sheppard for the final lead exchange on lap 23. Fuller improved one position from race one to finish second while Phelps slipped past Sheppard on the final circuit to secure third with Pat Ward filling out the front-five.
Point Standings (thru Aug. 17, 2008)
1. Billy Decker 1,538
2. Dale Planck 1,369
3. Jimmy Phelps 1,319
4. Brett Hearn 1,296
5. Gary Tomkins 1,228
6. Matt Sheppard 1,210
7. Steve Paine 1,090
8. Frankie Caprara 1,014
9. Danny Johnson 972
10. Ryan Phelps 967
NEWS & NOTES
Advance Auto Parts Continues Commemoration: Throughout 2008, Advance Auto Parts has been celebrating its 10th season as title sponsor of the Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds. In further honoring this achievement, the annual Labor Day Big-Block Modified Championship held at Rolling Wheels Raceway on Monday has been lengthened to a 110-lap affair and plans are also in the works for several fan promotions to tie in with the 10-year anniversary. “This night is going to be all about Advance Auto Parts and the outstanding commitment they’ve afforded us throughout this long-standing relationship,” said RWR General Manager Jack Deery. “Not only have we increased the lap count to 110, we plan to introduce 10-lap leader bonuses and roll back our admission prices to what they were for this event 10 years ago. It should be an exciting night.” Pricing for the Labor Day Championship is the same as it was back in 1998 with adult admission set at $17 and seniors charged $15. “The past 10 years have been great and we look forward to continuing this great relationship,” added Advance Auto Parts Motorsports Marketing Manager Mike Paris. “All of us at Advance Auto Parts are working with the folks at Rolling Wheels and on the entire Super DIRTcar Series to not only put together 10-lap driver bonuses, but to also introduce fan bonuses as well. We all recognize that while the drivers put on the show, it’s the fans that keep us coming back. This anniversary is as much dedicated to the fans of the sport as anyone else.”
Rite Aid Super Ticket Giveaways: Advance Auto Parts Series stars Steve Paine and Vic Coffey will be appearing at Rite Aid Pharmacies over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Paine will be at the Rite Aid Store on 113 Downer Street in Baldwinsville, New York on Sunday, August 31 and Coffey will be at the Rite Aid outlet located on 153 Grant Ave in Auburn, New York on Monday, September 1, both appearing from 12noon to 2:00 pm. Posing beside their mighty Big-Block Modified race cars, each will be available to meet with fans, sign autographs and pass out special Autograph cards. The first 90 fans at each store, beginning at noon, will receive a free ticket to the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier scheduled at a track nearby that same night; Cayuga County Fair Speedway (Aug. 31) and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park (Sept. 1).
The popular program is part of the promotion for the Rite Aid 200 race on Sunday of Super DIRT Week XXXVII, Oct. 7-12, in Syracuse, N.Y. Promotions are scheduled throughout the season at pharmacies located across the Northeast. Each pharmacy promotion will feature DIRTcar driver appearances, race cars, the unique Rite Aid “cut-away” Modified, free autograph cards and free tickets to Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier races. Fans can find more information on the Rite Aid promotion by visiting Rite Aid Pharmacy online at www.riteaid.com. For race information, please visit www.superdirtcarseries.com or www.dirtcar.com.
Rite Aid Ticket Give-Away Track Schedule
*All driver appearances scheduled from 12noon-2pm except Lebanon Valley & Syracuse, both 10am-12noon.
DATE TRACK (PHONE) Driver / Store Location (phone)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co. Fair Speedway (315/834-6606) Steve Paine / 113 Downer St-Baldwinsville,NY (315/635-8821)
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway (315-689-7809) Vic Coffey / 153 Grant Ave-Auburn,NY (315/253-0379)
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway (518/794-9965) Ken Tremont/463 Alb-Shaker Rd-Loudonville,NY(518/458-1205)
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway (585/394-0961) Steve Paine / 91 Eastern Blvd-Canandaigua,NY (585/394-2987)
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway (315/689-7809) Brett Hearn / 47 East Genessee St-Auburn,NY (315-252-5661)
Mon-Oct 13 Super DIRT Week XXXVII -TBA- / 5380 W. Taft Road-N.Syracuse,NY(315/458-8555)
Mr. DIRTcar Championship Format Fine Tuned In ‘08: The overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Modified Champion in 2008 will be determined by adding actual points earned in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series along with bonus points collected at a designated hometrack throughout the racing season. Along with gaining valuable Advance Series points during the year, each driver can now earn a maximum of 300 additional points from their best five hometrack feature race finishes. Using the standard DIRTcar NE weekly points format, a driver winning five features could carry up to 300 extra points (60 per win) into the Mr. DIRTcar Championship when track points are officially tallied after Labor Day.
Big-Block Winners List Loaded: Entering the final weekend of racing in August, 23 tracks have now hosted DIRTcar Big-Block Modified races in 2008 with 57 drivers scoring victories in the 130 features run. Remaining atop the list which he has done so all season, Billy Decker continues to dominate the Northeastern circuit, posting a division-high total of 20 victories, including a personal high eight in Advance Auto Parts Super Series competition aboard the potent LJL Racing Bicknell machine. Decker’s single-season best total more than doubles the output of popular Pennsylvanian Brian Swartzlander (8) and Keystone State rival Kevin Bolland (7), while Advance Series stars Brett Hearn, Matt Sheppard, Dale Planck and Gary Tomkins along with Western Pa. hotshoe Jeremiah Shingledecker own six wins apiece. Alan Johnson has scored five victories while Advance Series standouts Jimmy Phelps (4) and Frankie Caprara (3) rank ahead of two-time winners Steve Paine, Central New York runner Steve Hulsizer, Lebanon Valley regulars Kenny Tremont, Andy Bachetti and Ryan Larkin, defending Orange County Eastern States 200 champion Jeff Heotzler and popular Pennsylvania pilot Del Rougeux Jr. Advance Series runners Justin Haers, Pat O’Brien and 15 year-old sensation Larry Wight are among 39 more drivers having reached victory lane once heading down the stretch.
Hoosier Remains DIRTcar Tire Of Choice: In 2008 Hoosier Tire expanded the options for DIRTcar Racing NorthEast Modified divisions with the introduction of the new Hoosier D200. Along with the Hoosier D200, the existing DIRT soft compound will be labeled D300, current DIRT hard compound will be labeled D400 and the DIRT Extra Hard compound will become D500. Below is a list indicating the required Hoosier Tire compound(s) at those tracks hosting the remaining Big-Block Modified events on the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series schedule.
Date Track Compound(s)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co. Speedway D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway Pk D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway Fronts Optional, Hard/D400 or Extra on rear
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Pk D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Right side Extra, left side Hard/D400
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co. Fair Speedway Soft/D300, Hard/D400 or Extra
*Tire rules are subject to change.
UPCOMING EVENT
Following the big holiday doubleheader in Central New, top tour travelers head east to the Capital District for the first 200-lap Advance Series show of the year at Lebanon Valley Speedway on Saturday, September 6. Budweiser presents the Benjamin Moore Paints National 200, which stands as the initial leg of the Advance Series ‘Grand Slam’ scheduled in 2008.
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Billy Decker(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Dale Planck(G)
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway D.Planck/Danny Johnson(P)
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway B.Decker/Brett Hearn(P)
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway B.Decker/Robbie Krull(P)
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway B.Decker/Jimmy Phelps(P)
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Brett Hearn(G)
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond D.Planck/Steve Paine(P)
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway B.Decker/Jeff Strunk(P)
Thr-Jul 17 Georgetown Speedway H.J. Bunting(G)
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway B.Hearn/Chuck McKee(P)
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Jimmy Phelps(G)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Vic Coffey(P)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Justin Haers(P)
Fri-Aug 15 Brewerton Speedway B.Decker/Gary Tomkins(P)
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park Gary Tomkins(G)
Sun-Aug 17 Cornwall Motor Speedway G.Tomkins/Carey Terrance(P)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon,NY
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Sarver,PA
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
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New ‘RACEceiver Ace’ Required For DIRTcar NE Series Pit Stop Events
Weedsport, NY – August 25, 2008 - By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
A handful of extra-distance events on the 2008 DIRTcar Racing NorthEast circuit have been given the green light for teams to use two-way radios in during the coming months.
In each Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series ‘Grand Slam’ event for Big-Block Modifieds and the 358-Modified Championship during Super DIRT Week at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, two-way radios will be allowed.
If using two-way communication, the use of a new ‘RACEceiver Ace’ will be required. The RACEceiver Ace is used in conjunction with a team’s two-way system that allows the driver to monitor the race director while also remaining in communication with his/her crew via their own two-way system.
The new RACEceiver Ace also functions as a standard RACEceiver so it can replace an exisiting RACEceiver device for weekly competition. Teams not using two-way radios may continue to use the standard RACEceiver models without penalty.
RACEceiver Ace models are available for sale at $130 each through DIRTcar during the week or at the track. The Advance Series trailer also has a supply to rent at each event site.
Lebanon Valley Speedway and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park host the initial “200s” to kick off the Advance Series ‘Grand Slam’ in September with nationally recognized events at the N.Y.S. Fairgrounds and Orange County Fair Speedway comprising the final two shows in October.
Continuing to rank among the most prestigious races in the country, the Rite Aid 200 at the Syracuse Mile on October 12, Eastern States 200 at Orange County on October 19, Coors National 200 at Lebanon Valley on September 6 and World Series Weekend BPG 200 at Rolling Wheels on September 27 are the only 200-lap races listed on the annual tour.
The ITT Corporation/Goulds Pumps "Salute To The Troops" 150-lap Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Championship highlights action on Saturday, Oct. 11 of Super DIRT Week XXXVII.
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Glen Ridge Quick Results
8/23/08
By Joseph Achzet
Modifieds Feature: Randy Hotaling, Jeff Brownell Jr., Paul Kinney, Mike Ricci, Craig Hanson, Shaun Pangman, Tim Mayne, Rich Ricci Jr., Eric Nelson, Eric Mack, Jamike Sowle, Mike Ketchum, Bob Vedder, Keith Shoemaker, Mike Parodi, Andy Bowmiewski, Jeff Sheely, Mike Bellinger, Bob Savioe, Al McCoy, Floyd Billington, John Ramsey, Scott McCoy, Josh Pieniazek
Budget SportsmanFeature: Jeremiah Munson, Jason Herrington, Derrick McGrew, Kory Wilder, Vinnie Deciccio, Joe Ketchum, Ricky Quick, Angela Hoard, Frank Greco, Jay Lias, Greg McCloskey, Robert Gray, Chris McCoy, John Constantino, Don Bellen, Otto Sitterly, Bodie Bellinger, Bill Barbic, John Scarborough, Kevin Fassett (DNS)
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PENN CAN SPEEDWAY RESCHEDULES KING OF THE CAN MODIFIED AND SPORTSMAN SPECIAL
Susquehanna, PA…The management of Penn Can Speedway has decided that running the King of the Can modified and sportsman races Sunday September 14th might just be a little too much racing for teams and fans on a very busy race weekend. After weighing the pros and cons of racing after two of the biggest races of the season held that Saturday September 13th,(New Yorker 200 and Freedom 76’er) it has been decided to reschedule the King of the Can modified, sportsman and pure stock races to the following Friday night.
“When we made the schedule back in the winter we were not aware of how the economy and fuel prices would affect race teams and fans,” explains Reed Miller. “Al (Wilcox) and I have agonized over this move and finally came to the realization that sometimes too much racing is not a good thing especially in this tight economic time.”
The Saturday night portion of the scheduled weekend will still take place featuring the King of the Can races for the late models, sportsman, super stocks, 4 cylinders, plus races for the 600 modifieds and the CRSA Sprints. A full night of racing is planned with over 120 cars expected to be in competition.
The rescheduling of the other King of the Can races will take place Friday September 19th. On the racing card that evening will be the King of the Can modified feature plus the ROC Sportsman event. The World Products Empire Series for the IMCA modifieds is also scheduled along with the Dart Series for the pure stocks.
“We have looked at all of the schedules and think this will work out best for race teams and fans alike. We are adding four guaranteed starters to the big King of the Can modified event. The winners of the Coalcracker 100 from Big Diamond, Freedom 76’er at Grandview, and the New Yorker 200 at Utica Rome, and the Five Mile Point point champion will have a spot in the race.” states Miller.
Gates will open at 5:00 with the first heat race scheduled to take the track at 7:15. For more information about racing at Penn Can Speedway call the track office at 570-585-9928 or on the web at www.penncan.com.
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Lightning Strikes at Cayuga County Fair Speedway as Young Larry Wight Grabs First Career Big-Block Feature Win
Weedsport, NY – August 24, 2008 – By Dan Kapuscinski, Cayuga County Fair Speedway PR Coordinator
Larry Wight had already won feature events in the DIRTcar Sportsman and 358-Modified ranks this season. Sunday night, the 15-year old pilot added a DIRTcar Big-Block notch to his belt outracing Justin Haers to the line on Aramark Night at the Weedsport oval. Wight passed Phil Vigneri on lap-4 and never looked back on his way to the $1,500 pay day.
The Gypsum Wholesalers no. 99L ran flawlessly on the top of the Speedway all night long.
“We had a great car tonight,” said Wight in victory lane. “We finally got it going good here tonight after having some problems all year long. It is good to get one here at Weedsport. We had caution after caution out there; I just really wanted the yellow lights to stay off.”
Justin Haers did his best to chase down Wight in the late stages, but was unable to reel in the young speedster. Ryan Phelps, Jimmy Phelps, Jeff Brownell, Alan Johnson, Mike Bowman, Jason Potter, Billy Dunn, and Shannon Whaley completed the top ten.
Kevin Ridley scored his second win of 2008 in the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified ranks Sunday night holding off Tom Juhl at the line. Jeremy Pitcher finished in the 5th position, as the point race tightens between Ridley and Pitcher heading into the final night of the season next Sunday.
Andy Fisk and James Werner were also victorious Sunday in the DIRTcar Street Stock and BattleKarz divisions. Fisk led every lap in the Street Stocks, while Werner took the BattleKarz win after just 6-laps due to a heavy rain shower that moved into the area.
The start of the 35-lap Big-Block Modified main event saw Phil Vigneri dart into the early race lead. Wight quickly settled into second and moved his no. 99L machine to the top side of the Speedway as he did to win his heat race earlier in the night.
The race’s first caution came on lap-3 as Steve Paine came to a stop in turn number one driving the no. 121. As the race leader Vigneri was able to choose the top or bottom of the Speedway for the restart, and surprisingly Vigneri chose to start to the inside of row one ahead of Wight, Justin Haers, Jeff Brownell, and Mike Ward.
When the cars came to green Wight slid to the high side and then pulled the slingshot off of turn two to grab the lead away from Vigneri. Just two laps later the race slowed once again as Mike Bowman spun his no. 16 out of turn four.
On the restart Haers made his biggest move of the night sliding around Brownell and Vigneri in one turn to move into the runner-up position. Haers then set his sights on race leader Wight and began to reel him in. As Haers closed lapped traffic began to play a role.
On lap-13 the passing flag was displayed to Ed Monroe down the front stretch. As Monroe came across the start line he moved his no. 4 to the outside and headed for the pit area. As Monroe pulled high he nearly drove right into the side of Wight who was trying to clear him on the outside.
Haers would take advantage for a short period, but somehow Wight managed to pull his car back into the racing lane and back under Haers down the back straight to regain the lead. In the blink of an eye Wight nearly crashed, then lost the lead, and regained it all at the same time
Another caution came on lap-15 which allowed the drivers and fans to catch their breath after the near calamity on the front straight. Matt Sheppard’s no. 9s came to a stop on the back straightaway causing the yellow lights to come on once again. Sheppard, a two-time winner this season, would not be able to return to action and finished 19th in the final order.
At the restart Wight led Haers, Vigneri, Brownell, and Ryan Bartlett. As the field got back underway a parking lot formed in turn two involving Mike Ward, Billy Dunn, Chad Homan, Jimmy Phelps, Mike Mahaney, Bowman, and Brownell. All of the cars were able to pull away after the lap-16 incident.
The race became a stop and go affair with several cautions, but through it all Wight always emerged as the driver to beat. Haers tried everything he could, but the 15-year old central New York driver never made a mistake.
The race’s final caution came on lap-31 as Bartlett met the outside wall in turn one, but Wight again fired away on the restart and held off a hard charging Haers to the wire.
When asked about the lap-13 issue in lapped traffic, Wight was quick to thank Haers for clean racing.
“He gave me a lot of room in that deal. I did all I could to keep the car off the wall, luckily the track was heavy enough where I could get some bite and keep the car going.”
Haers hung onto second ahead of Ryan Phelps in third. Jimmy Phelps charged hard through the field for 4th after his lap-16 issue in the no. 99J as Brownell was able to sneak passed Alan Johnson into the top five in the late going.
The Sportsman Modified feature event saw just one caution and a runaway by Kevin Ridley and Tom Juhl who each started on the front row. Ridley led the entire distance in the Advanced Lubrication Specialties no. 20x for his second win of 2008.
Juhl ran solid in second for the entire event, but was never able to force Ridley to make a mistake. The no. 17d tried to force the issue a few times down low in turn four, but raced Ridley clean to the finish.
Jeremy Pitcher started deep in the field driving the no. 14. Pitcher came into the night as the point leader ahead of Ridley, and on lap-23 was able to move passed Mike Entwistle into the 5th position.
Pitcher and Ridley go into next Sunday’s final point paying event unofficially separated by just three Championship markers.
Ridley credited his starting position most for his second win of ’08.
“It is always nice to start up front, but three bad finished will put you up there. The point race is pretty close now here at Cayuga County. I think we just need to start at Canandaigua to win the title. Hopefully we can make a run for the championship here as well.”
Next Sunday at Cayuga County Fair Speedway the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series returns to the Weedsport oval for the Budweiser Twin 54’s. The Sportsman and Street Stocks will also be on hand for their final night of points racing at 7pm.
DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds Feature (25-laps): 1) 20x- KEVIN RIDLEY, 2) 17d- Tom Juhl, 3) 1- Jim Spano, 4) 4- Daryl Hilkert, 5) 14- Jeremy Pitcher, 6) m93- Mike Entwistle, 7) 10- Tim Currier, 8) 19w- Justin Wright, 9) 1F- Steve Gray, 10) 3- Fran Hilton, 11) 12- Dan Sellen, 12) 11L- Don Lawson Jr., 13) 19- Brett Buono, 14) 11- Ben Wheeler, 15) m1- Dave Marcuccilli, 16) 2kh- Chris Hile
DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds Feature (35-laps): 1) 99L- LARRY WIGHT, 2) 3- Justin Haers, 3) 99- Ryan Phelps, 4) 99J- Jimmy Phelps, 5) 29- Jeff Brownell, 6) 14J- Alan Johnson, 7) 16m- Mike Bowman, 8) 5- Jason Potter, 9) 49- Billy Dunn, 10) 44- Shannon Whaley, 11) 37c- Eric Fisher, 12) 91- Chad Homan, 13) 33- Mike Mahaney, 14) 82s- Roy Shields, 15) 44v- Phil Vigneri, 16) 27x- Joel Batzel, 17) 93- Ryan Bartlett, 18) 45m- Mike Ward, 19) 9s- Matt Sheppard, 20) 4- Ed Monroe, 21) 121- Steve Paine, 22) 50- Don Slover
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DIRTcar NE Weekend wrap up
BLACK ROCK: -off-
BREWERTON: Billy Decker
BROCKVILLE: Danny O'Brien, Chris Raabe
CAN-AM: Frankie Caprara, Mike Mandigo
CANANDAIGUA: Gary Tomkins, Anthony Rizzardo
CAYUGA COUNTY: Larry Wight, *1st career win; 15 yrs old, Kevin Ridley
CORNWALL: Laurent Ladouceur
DRUMMOND: David Herbert
EDELWEISS: Eric Gauvreau
FULTON: Dale Planck, A.J. Kingsley
GENESEE: Don Spatorico
GRANBY: Kayle Robidoux
HUMBERSTONE: rain-
LEBANON VALLEY: Rich Salisbury, Andy Bachetti (fog-delayed from 8/16)
LERNERVILLE: Kevin Bolland
MERRITTVILLE: Brian Stevens, Brandon Easey
MOHAWK: Mario Clair-100L(8/21) *Mr. DIRTcar Series
ORANGE COUNTY: Clinton Mills, Brett Hearn, Frank Venezia
RANSOMVILLE: Jon Miller, Steve Miller
ROLLING WHEELS: *Re-Opens Sept. 3
THUNDER ALLEY: Chris Raabe
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Track Champions to be Crowned at Can-Am
La Fargeville NY… Caprara’s Can-Am Motorsports Park will finish out it’s regular points season on Saturday, August 30, 2008. Track Champions will be crowned in the Big Block/Small Block Modifieds, Sportsman, IMCA, Purestocks, Street Stocks, Thunder Cars and Mod Lites. The night’s events will be presented by Deline’s Autobody & Collision, Autumn’s Barber Shop and Tanning, Ben Shoen’s Home Improvements, Subway, and Karen & Jasper’s Bistro.
“Minus the amount of rainouts that we have had this season, overall the 2008 season has been a success,” commented Chip Burdick. “We have had so much great racing at Can-Am this season, and that was proven again last week with the three and four wide racing that our drivers have been doing. This week they will all shine as we complete our final point’s night for the season and the track champions for 2008 will be crowned. It’s an exciting night for all our drivers and their crews along with our fans.”
Heading into the final points night, Frankie Caprara holds the lead in the Modified division while Billy Decker sits 38 points behind Caprara in second while Scott Webb, Billy Dunn and Pat O’Brien fill out the top five. While Larry Wight sits on top of the 358 Modified points in 2008. He holds the lead over Mark Smoke, Lance Willix, Andy Howard and Billy Eisele. Brandon Sweet holds a slim 16 point margin over Mike Mandgo in the Sportsman division. Tom Conklin, Ally Amell, and Mark Webb will fill out the top five. In the Street Stock division, Todd Raabe sits on top of the points with eleven top five finishes. He is followed by Kenny Hamm, who holds three wins in 2008, Phil Walker, Sid Harmer Sr. and Nelson Bice.
General Admission to the event is $12 for adults, $5 for children ages 10 to 14 and 9 and under are always free. The pit gates will open at 4:30pm with general admission gates opening at 5. Racing begins promptly at 7pm. As always, Canadian money is taken at Par. Military can also receive a half price admission in the grandstands with Military ID.
More information on this coming weeks races along with information on the rest of the 2008 season at Can-Am can be found at www.canammotorsports.com or by contacting Chip Burdick at (315) 778- 3407. Caprara’s Can-Am is located on Route 411, at Exit 49 off Interstate 81. Questions on race day can be answered at (315) 658-4431.
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Keegan Captures First Win of 2008, Swartzlander and Griffin Repeat
Hartford, OH August 23, 2008 --Brian Swartzlander and Jim Rasey paced the 24 car field as the Gibson-Governor Insurance Agency Modifieds took the green. Rasey grabbed the lead as the field raced down the backstretch however a red flag for a bone-jarring barrel roll by Rob Curtis would stop the racing action. Curtis suffered a few bruises but would walk away from what remained of his Troyer Chassis under his own power.
When the field took the green for the second time it was Swartzlander taking command with Rasey in second. The event's second red flag would wave on lap five as newcomer Ed Alcorn's motor expired and flames shot from underneath of his car. The restart that followed would find Swartzlander, Rasey and Tim Doran separating themselves from the rest of the field as they battled for the top spot.
At the checkered flag it was Swartzlander picking up his second Sharon Speedway victory of the year. Rasey captured the runner-up sport for his best Sharon Speedway finish of 2008 followed by Doran, Dave Murdick and Brad Rapp.
Rex King Jr., Murdick and Rapp brought home the Modified heat race wins.
An "Invert Six" redraw would find Oil City, PA driver Rob Felmlee on the pole for the 25 lap Warren Harley-Davidson 410 Sprint Feature event. It was Felmlee's first night back at the Sharon Speedway following an injury at the Lernerville Speedway several weeks ago. Felmlee showed no "ill effects" from the injury as he charged in to the lead. Unfortunately a red flag for the flipping sprinters of Jim Nicely and Leo O'Malley would slow the field. Both Nicely and O'Malley were uninjured and their cars were towed to the pit area. Felmlee would show the way when the green would wave on the restart with Jody Keegan, Steven Lines and Bob Line following behind.
A caution on lap three would end the evening for the current divisional points leader Dan Shetler as he tangled with newcomer Karl Bowser. Keegan was able to get around Felmlee on the ensuing restart and the twosome were soon joined by Australian Steven Lines as they battled for the top spot. Felmlee's final attempt at regaining the top spot would find the Oil City, PA veteran spinning in turn two on the final lap. Just as the caution was displayed Lines would tangle with a slower car in turn three and his evening would also come to a premature end as he flipped the Jeff McCall owned sprinter.
The final restart would find Keegan leading the final circuit to bring home his first win of the 2008 racing season. Roger Campbell, Bill Jones Jr., Mike Kekich and Shawn Minor completed the top five.
Lines and Campbell picked up the Warren Harley-Davidson 410 Sprint heat race wins.
Jonathan Frederick and Jason Scoville would lead the 13 car Limited Sprint field to the green. Scoville would lead the first five laps of the event as Rob Felix, Guy Griffin and Pete Miller III battled for the second spot. Griffin definitely had the fastest car on the speedway and used his racing knowledge to get by Felix for the second spot and then Scoville to take over the top spot on lap six.
By lap ten teenager Brandon Spithaler had moved by Felix for the runner-up spot and set his sights on Griffin. The event's final caution on lap 14 would give Spithaler one final opportunity to overtake Griffin however the Greenville, PA native was able to hold on to the top spot and capture his fourth Limited Sprint main event of the season. Spithaler would finish second followed by Pete Miller III, Felix and Andy Paden.
Paden and Spithaler captured the Limited Sprint heat race events. As the division heads into the final night of points competition Griffin holds a slim three point lead over Spithaler.
Saturday, August 30th is the final "Fantastic Five" event of the 2008 racing season at the Sharon Speedway. It will also be Pepsi Night and the 2008 Points Champions in each of the speedway's five division's will be crowned.
410 Sprint Feature Finish: Jody Keegan, Roger Campbell, William Jones Jr , Mike Kekich, Shawn Minor, Bob Felmlee, Steven Lines, Russ Sansosti, Bob Lime, Butch Beasley, Leo O'Malley, Jack Helget, Jeff Taylor, Dan Shetler, Carl Bowser, James Nicely
Modified Feature Finish: Brian Swartzlander, Jim Rasey, Tim Doran, Dave Murdick, Brad Rapp, Carl Weatherby, Del Rougeux Jr., Andy Priest, Mike Kinney, Rick Ryder, Dustin Martin, Rob Kristyak, Rex King Jr., James Canon, Shawn Kozar, Carl Murdick, Russell King, Dean Pearson, Clarence Alcorn, Skip Moore, Brian Sadler, Rob Curtis, Erik Martin, Mark Felicetty
Limited Sprint Feature Finish: Guy Griffin, Brandon Spithaler, Peter Miller III, Rob Felix Jr., Andy Paden, Chad Carpenter, Jim Morris III, Calvin Clay, Jack Whitmore, Chad Mathews, Jonathan Frederick, Jason Scoville, A.J. Albrecht
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Gary Tomkins Continues Hot Streak with Last Lap Pass at Canandaigua Speedway
Weedsport, NY – August 24, 2008 – By Dan Kapuscinski, Canandaigua Speedway PR Coordinator
After Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series wins at Can-Am Motorsports Park and Cornwall Motor Speedway, Gary Tomkins came into Canandaigua Speedway Saturday night looking to keep the streak alive. Tomkins led through the middle stages of the event, only to have Steve Paine emerge as the front runner. However, after a late race restart Tomkins used the outside lane to his advantage, powering around Paine to retake the lead out of turn four on the final circuit.
Tomkins’ fourth win of 2008, and first since July 5th, was worth $1,500 on Autogenesis/Lumberyard Grille and Payne Construction Night at the Races.
“We didn’t have a first place car tonight,” said Tomkins, who now has 43 career wins at the Land of Legends. “I think Steve is kicking himself in the pit area right now. I’m not sure why he took the low line there at the end; it was his race to lose. I have to thank my guys; it is good to be on a roll like this heading into the post season.”
After leading 16-laps Paine held on for the runner-up position as Justin Haers, Matt Sheppard, and Charlie Donk finished the top five.
“The Blizzard is Back”; Anthony Rizzardo, better known at the “Canadian Blizzard”, dove underneath Daryl Hilkert out of turn two on the final lap Saturday night to pick up his first career Sportsman Modified feature win at Canandaigua Speedway. Hilkert led every lap but the final one and came home second ahead of Rob Bussey, Todd Henderson, and Tim Currier.
Chris Fisher and Marc Minutolo also picked up wins Saturday night in the Street Stock and PureStox divisions, while Barb Amadon won the second and final round of the WNYR 98.5FM Crazy Chick-n-Cars series in the Nate Peckham no. 90.
Chad Homan and Dave Rauscher started the 35-lap DIRTcar Big-Block Modified main event from the front row Saturday night with Rauscher gaining the early advantage in the Manodnock Disposal no. 48T. Rauscher led Homan for the first six circuits before Tomkins came into play.
Tomkins, in the Honeoye Auto Parts no. 84, drove by Homan for second on lap-7 and began to set his sights on the leader. Rauscher had built nearly a two second advantage at one point, but by lap-9 Tomkins was in position to battle for the lead.
Tomkins made all the right moves early, coming from the 7th position on the grid. At the same time, Paine was moving up too and looked to be the quickest car on the track. Paine dogged Tomkins through the field, and after Tomkins drove under Rauscher for the lead on lap-11, Paine followed suit. Just 2-laps later, Paine slipped underneath Tomkins in turn three, but couldn’t make the move stick.
Tomkins would enjoy the lead for 7-laps, but it was clear that the Terrell’s Potato Chips no. 7x was the car to beat. Tomkins ran the high side of the track, and Paine kept himself in the patented “Paine Lane” on the bottom of the Speedway. Before long Paine snagged the lead on lap-19 and began to pull away out front.
Paine would not deviate from the bottom of the Speedway and it seemed to be the smart move. With just 5-laps to go Paine had built a 4-second lead on Tomkins and had lapped up to 7th place running Charlie Donk. Tomkins stayed on the top side as he had all night long, and for all intent and purposes had conceded to the “Hurricane.”
That was until the race’s only caution came on the Speedway on lap-33. Paul Guererri in the Pump House Tavern no. 7g, stalled on the outside of turn four giving Tomkins and the rest of the lead lap cars a chance at the 9-time Canandaigua Speedway Track Champion.
With only 2-laps to go Paine led Tomkins, Justin Haers, Matt Sheppard, Charlie Donk, Chad Homan, and Dave Rauscher. They were the only cars on the lead lap at the restart.
Paine would keep his advantage out front into turn three, but as the two race leaders came down for the white flag it was clear that Tomkins had something left in the tank. Paine again stayed on the bottom, while Tomkins used the cushion, and out of turn two the no. 84 began to pull alongside Paine into turn three.
As the two veterans drove through three and four, Tomkins slammed the cushion perfectly and rocketed around Paine out of the last turn to score his 43rd career win at Canandaigua Speedway.
“This is the first time we have won in this car,” said Tomkins. “Things are going good right now, but like I said we shouldn’t have had this one tonight. I could only get my car to work on the cushion, and when Steve stayed low I thought I might have a chance.”
Paine, Haers, Sheppard, Donk, Homan, Rauscher, Ron Smoker, Chuck Bower, and Eric Fisher filled the top ten finishers in the 17-car field.
The 25-lap DIRTcar Sportsman Modified feature pitted Rob Bussey and Daryl Hilkert against each other on row one, with “Hollywood” Hilkert grabbing the early race lead.
Hilkert, in the Rochester Gypsum no. 4, won his first career feature at Canandaigua back on May 17th, and was looking for win number two after picking up a heat race earlier in the night. Hilkert led Bussey for the first 4-laps when the race’s second caution of the night came out for Championship contender Dan Wiesner.
The Monroe Wheelchair no. 66 headed pitside only completing 3-laps, and ending up with a 17th place finish on the night. Hilkert led Bussey, Anthony Rizzardo, Fran Hilton, and Marcus Dinkins to the stripe for the restart.
When the field went back to green Rizzardo began to make his move in the Regional Haulage no. 99. Rizzardo found his way by Bussey, pulling in behind Hilkert out front on lap-5.
Hilkert and Rizzardo seemed to be the class of the field as they began to gain some distance on third place running Bussey. Lap-9 saw another Championship contender run into problems, this time it was Steve Gray in the Fox’s Auto no. 29g. Gray pulled into the pit area very slowly, but would return to the racetrack.
Gray would end the night 5-laps down in 14th position.
Wiesner and Gray had already run into issues, it was only fitting for point leader Kevin Ridley to experience issues of his own on lap-20. Ridley picked up a flat tire and slowed in the back stretch to bring out the caution. His day would be done with a finish of 15th.
The restart with 5-laps to go saw Hilkert lead Rizzardo, Bussey, Tim Currier, and Hilton out front. Before the yellow lights came on Rizzardo was beginning his battle for the lead, and on the restart he would give it another charge on the outside of turn four.
With the green flag back out, Rizzardo charged to the outside but Hilkert could feel the pressure. “Hollywood” slid up the track to block the line and as he did so the two made contact at the start finish line, nearly sending both cars into the outside wall. Each was able to hang on however, as at the same time the no. 11 of Ben Wheeler found the outside wall in turn two.
The night’s final incident would set up the final restart of the evening, as all eyes were set on the no. 99 to see if Rizzardo would make another daring outside attempt at the lead. With 5-laps to go the top five remained the same with the exception of Eric Giguere who had now managed to work his no. 67g into 5th.
Everyone in Canandaigua knew that Rizzardo was going to try the high side again in the final 5-laps, as did race leader Hilkert. Rizzardo tried the high line on several occasions, with Hilkert sliding up high each time to block his momentum. Hilkert’s car became very wide in the final laps, and as the white flag came out into turn one, the no. 4 may have become a little too wide.
Rizzardo drove high down the front straight and into one, as Hilkert dove low and then slid high to again try and slow Rizzardo. This time though the “Canadian Blizzard” looked ahead, and as Hilkert slid high Rizzardo pulled the high-low swing out of two to take the lead.
Over the final half lap Rizzardo charged away and stormed under start Dave Farney’s checkered flags for his first career win at Canandaigua Speedway. Rizzardo was joined by family and friends in victory lane, including his mother who was on pins and needled throughout the event.
Rizzardo then climbed to the roof and proclaimed, “The Blizzard is Back Baby!”
“This is amazing,” said the Jordan, Ontario pilot. “We have been fast all year long, it came together tonight. Daryl drove me tough, we made a little contact a few times out there but that is how it goes. I have to thank my team and my sponsors, they are the best. My mom has a pretty tight grip on that trophy over there, she’ll be sad she brought it home later though because she is going to have another one to dust off.”
Hilkert held on to second after leading 24 and a half laps. Bussey, Todd Henderson, and Tim Currier completed the top five.
Next weekend is the final night of the regular season at Canandaigua Speedway with Paine Motorsports Night of Champions presented by Huff Equipment. The Big-Blocks, Sportsman, Street Stocks, and PureStox will conclude their chase for the championship, as Kid’s Fun Laps will also be on the card at 6:30pm.
DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds Feature (25-laps): 1) 99$- ANTHONY RIZZARDO, 2) 4- Daryl Hilkert, 3) 76- Rob Bussey, 4) 18h- Todd Henderson, 5) 10- Tim Currier, 6) 67g- Eric Giguere, 7) 3- Fran Hilton, 8) 24a- AJ Lewis, 9) 22- Greg Cool, 10) 17- Marcus Dinkins, 11) 2L- Loren Lincoln, 12) 88- Kyle LaVare, 13) 11- Ben Wheeler, 14) 29g- Steve Gray, 15) 20x- Kevin Ridley, 16) 74- Mike DeMallie, 17) 66- Dan Wiesner, 18) 25g- Nick Guererri
DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds Feature (35-laps): 1) 84- GARY TOMKINS, 2) 7x- Steve Paine, 3) 3- Justin Haers, 4) 9s- Matt Sheppard, 5) 99- Charlie Donk, 6) 91- Chad Homan, 7) 48T- Dave Rauscher, 8) 62r- Ron Smoker, 9) 99b- Chuck Bower, 10) 37c- Eric Fisher, 11) 44- Shannon Whaley, 12) 21- Derrick Podsiadlo, 13) 7g- Paul Guererri, 14) 4- Ed Monroe, 15) 56- Vinnie Vitale, 16) 50- Don Slover, 17) 16- Billy Brown
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NO JOKE, JESTER WINS IN DELAWARE MODIFIEDS
By Charlie Brown, Delmar, DE – Matt “the Joker” Jester took the lead just before the halfway sign and took advantage of the caution free 25-lap NAPA Big Block Modified feature to record his second win of the season at the Delaware International Speedway. Adam Jarrell led wire to wire and ended a ten year drought to post his first career victory in the 15-lap AC Delco Modified main.
H.J. Bunting and Joseph Watson collected the heat wins in the Big Block Modifieds. Rookie Chad Clark was in perfect form as he set the pace from the drop of the green in the feature.
Howard O’Neal held the second spot until lap six when Jester, who had started in fifth, moved by to take up the chase. Jester had caught Clark by lap ten but Clark was not willing to give up without a fight. On lap 11, Jester used the low groove in turn one to pull even then take the lead going down the back straight.
With Jester in front and Clark solidly in second a battle shaped up for third between O’Neal, Jordan Watson, Joseph Watson and H.J. Bunting. Jordan climbed to fourth by lap 15 with Bunting following into fifth.
The final laps would go quickly with the race staying green. Jester had a comfortable lead in the top groove with O’Neal for third and Bunting staying in tow to take fourth. Robert Dutton got by Watson with three to go to hold down fifth.
Jester, in the Clearview Farms/Teo stopped the clocks at 8:35.185 for his second win of the season. Clark made no mistakes to finish in the second spot with O’Neal third. Fourth went to Bunting and Dutton rounded out the top five.
“I was definite glad to see it go caution free,” said Jester. “We kind of hit on something for the feature. We’ve been tearing up quite a bit of stuff here lately so hopefully the money will help us out.”
This Saturday night the Little Lincoln Cars join the five weekly divisions. It will be Milton Fan Appreciation Night with any fan with a picture I.D. which includes a Milton , Del. address, admitted free on the spectator side. Gates open at 5 p.m. with hot laps at 7 p.m.
RESULTS: 1. MATT JESTER; 2.Chad Clark ; 3. Howard O'Neal; 4. HJ Bunting; 5. Robert Dutton; 6. Jordan Watson; 7.Joseph Watson; 8. Tim Millman; 9. Jamie Mills; 10. Ricky Johnson; 11. Jeff Brown; 12. Craig Ott; 13. Ryan Walls; Did Not Start: George Richardson; Norman Short Jr.
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Tremont is King of the Track, Bachetti, Salisbury and Groff Take Wins!
Saturday August 23, 2008
By: Rodney Rescott
West Lebanon, NY--But first, the Big Block Modifieds had to finish the 4th installment of the King of the Track presented by Saxton Signs and Waste Management. The remaining 24 laps was had to be run this week due to fog delay from last week.
On the front of the field was the Rich Salisbury’s #24S and the #55 of Mike King. When the green flag dropped, Salisbury was out front and in control until lap 14 when the power plant sprung a leak, sidelining Salisbury from the remainder of the event. King took control and paced the field.
But lingering back in 3rd was the #34B of Andy Bachetti, as he meandered behind King for most of the event. But as the laps started winding down, the #34B began to pick up steam. Bachetti closed on King with just 2 laps left and tried to pass for the win. King held on to see the white flag. As they exited turn 2, Bachetti once again tried to shoot the gap. King moved to the top to block the fast lane, but the #34B already committed to the bottom.
As they exited turn 4 for the checkers, Bachetti took over the top spot, and went on to take the win. King finished 2nd, followed by J.R. Heffner, Kenny Tremont Jr., and Mark Flach finished a solid 5th.
With that finish, Tremont rapped up the title of King of the Track by a mere 2 points over Heffner, and took home the $4,000 paycheck for his efforts.
With the big money paid out, the Benjamin Moore Paints 358 Super Series took to the high banks for their 24 lap event. The #8 of Ray Hoard was on the point and the #24S of Rich Salisbury in tow. But the lead was short lived as the #4 of Andy Bachetti charged around the outside of both Salisbury and Hoard on lap 4 to take the lead.
Once the #4 was out front, nobody was gonna catch him. As the checkers finally flew, Bachetti took the win, with Salisbury finishing 2nd, Matt Quinn was 3rd, followed by Ray Hoard and Kenny Tremont Jr.
Rewind 3 weeks ago, on the first lap of the 30 lap Big Block Modified main event, Steve Hough in his #34 makes contact with the #24S of Rich Salisbury sending Salisbury into the outside wall, ending his night. Fast forward to this past Saturday night, Salisbury blew up his #24S, Hough offers his big block modified to race, while he races his small block in the Coor’s Light 30 lap feature event.
At the green flag, Salisbury, who started on the front row, took control of the field ahead of the #20 of Matt Quinn and the #7 of John Ruchel. But the field was clean and green for the first half of the race with the #34S of Salisbury still out front, Quinn in tow and the #98 of Marshall up to 3rd.
The first caution flew on lap 28 with the #87x of Paul Gilardi making contact with the outside wall in turn 4. Salisbury once again was out front, but the caution flew once again as the #45 of Wayne Jelley slowed on the front stretch. Heavy contact between the #518 of Kyle Sheldon and the #7 of John Ruchel sidelined both for the remainder of the race.
The green flew again, but no one was gonna touch the #34S of Salisbury, capturing his first big block modified win of his career, and in the mean time made history as Steve Hough’s cars have won the last 3 races in a row, with 3 different drivers. (Hough, Bachetti, and Salisbury)
Following Salisbury was Quinn, Marshall was 3rd, Mark Flach Jr was 4th, and Keith Flach rounded out the top 5.
The Sportsman division took to speedway for their 20 lap feature event with the #2 of Kale Groff took control early, and never gave it up. The caution flew a few times for spinning cars, then for the #80 of Kory Sandstedt, #00 of Chris Kokosa, #25 of Frank Harper.
But that did not shake the rookie, as he saw checkers for the first time in Sportsman class, Pierce finished 2nd, Jeff Watson was 3rd, Neil Stratton 4th, and Chris Tryon completed the top 5.
The Pro Stocks were on deck for their 20 lap feature event that had a special $800 to win check from DeVries Lumber. Out front early was the #118 of Jeff Kelmel with the #315 of Jon Routhier in tow. But by lap 3, the #44 of Steve Hankle took over the top spot and never looked back. Even a few cautions late in the event that included heavy contact by the #76 of Kevin Arnold with the outside wall ended his night, and even a spinning #315 and light contact with the #24 of Robbie Speed wasn’t enough to shake Hankle form the top spot.
At the checkers, Hankle takes his first career win, and thee DeVriess Lumber $800 check, followed by a late charging Paul LaRochelle, Jay Casey, Jason Casey, and Robbie Speed completed the top 5.
Scott Kilmer captured his 6th win of 2008 in the Limited Pro Stocks. In the Pure Stocks, the winners were: PS#1 - Lloyd Hamlin, PS#2 Jeff Kreutiziger, and PS#3 was captured by Phil Wood.
Next Saturday brings the Modified Points to a close presented by Doherty Brothers Construction. This season ending event will feature a special $4,500 paycheck from Royal’s Garage and DeVries Building Supply. More big payday’s will be on tap as the Sportsman will race for a $1,250 bonus, and Pro Stocks will run for $1,050.
Then it’s the annual season apex, as the Kings 200 Weekend takes over the Valley of Speed. This 2 day event will feature the Lucas Oil ESS Sprints on Friday night accompanied by the Sportsman class, Limited’s, Pure Stocks, and 4 cylinders. Then on Saturday, it’s the Budweiser 200 and the Benjamin Moore Paints 358 Race of Kings Twin Challenge and the Pro Stocks.
For ticket information or a full schedule of events, visit our website at www.LebanonValley.com, click on “Speedway” or call the speedway offices at (518) 794-9606, (518) 794-9965.
Saturday August 23, 2008 -
Held Over 08/16 Feature (24 Laps) - 1) Andy Bachetti, 2) Mike King, 3) J. R. Heffner, 4) Kenny Tremont Jr, 5) Mark Flach Jr, 6) Brian Berger, 7) Donnie Ackner, 8) Guy Sheldon, 9) Wayne Jelley, 10) Eddie Marshall, 11) Paul Gilardi, 12) Hector Stratton, 13) John Ruchel, 14) Matt Quinn, 15) Lorne Browe, 16) Keith Flach, 17) Steve Hough, 18) Kyle Sheldon, 19) Skippy Fox, 20) Dave McFeeters, 21) J. C. Flach, 22) Jeff Trombley, 23) Dan Humes, 24) Ryan Larkin, 25) Rich Salisbury, 26) John Hewitt, 27) Mark Pullen, 28) Rob Pitcher
Modified "King of the Track" Final Standings (Race 4 of 4) - 1) Kenny Tremont Jr (206), 2) J. R. Heffner (204), 3) Guy Sheldon (196), 4) Andy Bachetti (181), 5) Mark Flach Jr (168)
Modified Results (30 Laps) - 1) Rich Salisbury, 2) Matt Quinn, 3) Eddie Marshall, 4) Mark Flach Jr, 5) Keith Flach, 6) Kenny Tremont Jr, 7) Andy Bachetti, 8) Hector Stratton, 9) J. R. Heffner, 10) Guy Sheldon, 11) Donnie Ackner, 12) Brian Berger, 13) Mike King, 14) Lorne Browe, 15) John Ruchel, 16) Wayne Jelley, 17) Steve Hough, 18) J. C. Flach, 19) Kyle Sheldon, 20) Dave Mcfeeteers, 21) Paul Gilardi, 22) Rob Pitcher 23) Ryan Larkin, 24) Dan Humes, 25) Skippy Fox, 26) Jeff Trombley
358 Modified Super Series Results (24 Laps) - 1) Andy Bachetti, 2) Rich Salisbury, 3) Matt Quinn, 4) Ray Hoard, 5) Kenny Tremont Jr, 6) Art Collins, 7) Ernie Palmer, 8) J. R. Heffner, 9) Tom Faxon, 10) Steve Hough, 11) K. C. Goewey, 12) Mark Pullen, 13) Wayne Keyes, 14) Kevin Winters, 15) John Hotchkiss, 16) Derek Schibi
Sportsman Results (20 Laps) - 1) Kale Groff, 2) Chad Pierce, 3) Jeff Watson 4) Neil Stratton, 5) Chris Tryon, 6) Kyle Hoffman, 7) Brian Sandstedt, 8) Kyle Armstrong, 9) Kim Lavoy, 10) Chris Lynch, 11) Frank Harper, 12) Whitey Slavin, 13) Brett Haas, 14) Wayne Keyes, 15) Jeff Kelly, 16) Kevin Petrucci, 17) Kevin Winers, 18) Danny Sanchez, 19) Chris Kokosa, 20) R. J. Daley, 21) Ed Harkin, 22) Alex Bell, 23) Kolby Schroder, 24) Kory Sandstedt, 25) Alan Houghtaling, 26) Paul Knox, 27) Chris Bradbury
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Frankie Caprara Takes Modified Main
LaFargeville NY… Mark Smoke and Larry Wight led the Big Block/Small Block Modifieds to Matt Burdick’s green flag. Larry Wight used the high side to his advantage to take the lead. Billy Dunn flew around Frankie Caprara and under Chris Higgins to take the third position while Ryan Bartlett sat on the back bumper of Larry Wight in the lead. Frankie Caprara moved under Chris Higgins to take the third position while Caprara continued his trek forward by getting under Dunn for third. Meanwhile, Ryan Bartlett found the bottom to his liking in turn number two to take over the lead while Frankie Caprara also took advantage under Wight to take the second position. Frankie Caprara continued to show his power as he came right to the back bumper of Ryan Bartlett as the yellow flag flew on the speedway. When racing action resumed, Frankie Caprara moved under Ryan Bartlett in the middle of turn three and four to take over the lead on the field while Billy Decker and Billy Dunn staged a battle for the third position with Decker coming out on top. Billy Decker powered around the outside of Ryan Bartlett for the second position but Bartlett came out the victor. Decker would not be slowed as he again attempted to move to the outside of Bartlett and would succeed moving into the second position. As the checkered flag waved, Frankie Caprara would pick up win number three on the season while Billy Decker and Ryan Bartlett would complete the top three.
In the DIRT Sportsman feature, Eric Mullikin and Christine Martin led the field of 20 cars to the green. Christine Martin took over the early command of the field while Eric Mullikin and Zach Amo filled out the top three. Ally Amell powered under Mike Mandigo going down the back stretch to take over the fourth position while Tom Conklin looked to enter the top five. Tom Conklin moved to the outside of Mike Mandigo to take over the third position Mike Mandigo moved under Christine Martin on a lap eight restart to take over the lead on the field while Brandon Hagan moved into third. Brandon Sweet moved under Tom Conklin coming out of turn number two to take the fourth position while Mike Mandigo continued to lead the way. Brandon Sweet moved high around Christine Martin and Brandon Hagan to take the second position. As the checkered flag dropped, Mike Mandigo would pick up the win while Brandon Sweet and Christine Martin would complete the top three.
Next week at Caprara’s Can-Am Motorsports Park will be the “Night of Champions” with the points champions being crowned in all divisions. On tap will be the DIRT Modifieds, DIRT Sportsman, DIRT Street Stocks, IMCA, Purestocks, Thunder Cars and Mod Lites. Information on the 2008 season at Caprara’s Can-Am can be found at www.canammotorsports.com or by contacting Chip Burdick at (315) 778- 3407.
Modified (30 Laps)- Frankie Caprara, Billy Decker, Ryan Bartlett, Billy Dunn, Scott Webb, Larry Wight, Mitchell Jock, Tyler Bartlett, Delbert LaGrow, Jason Potter, Mark Smoke, Adam Roberts, Chris Higgins, Cricket Mandigo, Rick McCready, Lance Willix, Pat O’Brien, Robby Bellinger
Sportsman (20 Laps) – Mike Mandigo, Brandon Sweet, Christine Martin, Brandon Hagan, Ally Amell, Tom Conklin, Kevin Gamble, Jeff Stevenson, Zach Amo, Verne Harris, Dean Patterson, Bob Tefft, Terry Gould, Jeff Rowe, Ryan Buzzell, Ken Bearup, Brad Winters, Greg Gould, Eric Mullikin, Mark Webb.
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Billy Decker Does It Again ... Inches Closer to Big Block Modified Crown
By Dave Medler
Brewerton, NY - Billy Decker moved one step closer to the 2008 DIRTcar Modified Championship Friday night at the "D-Shaped Dirt Demon". Decker got around Pat Ward for the lead on lap-22 and from there went unchallenged for his sixth win of the year in the 35-lap main. Alan Johnson came home second setting up a final week battle for the Track Title with Decker. Johnson trails by only 20-points going into the final points paying event.
Dale Caswell picked up his 12th Victory of 2008 in the IMCA Modified 20-lap Feature. Other winners were Doug Williams, 20-lap ESDCA Mod Lite and Matt Wetterer, 15-lap Four Cylinder Super Stocks.
Fresh off his win last Sunday night at Cayuga Couthy Fair Speedway, Mike Bowman out raced Tony Steiner to lead the opening lap of the 35-lap Modified Feature. Pat Ward and Johnny Hill gave chase early on.
By lap-5 Bowman opened a five car cushion over Ward and Hill as Steiner and Steve Hulsizer tried to close the gap running fourth and fifth.
A slowing Bob Henry Jr brought out the first yellow of the race on lap-6. Henry went pit side but did return.
When the green came back out the most serious incident of the night took place. Exiting turn two, Hill, Steiner and Chuck Bower got together launching Bower off the back straight into the woods. Bowers car suffered serious damage and was done for the night. Hill and Steiner went to the pits to check for damage, both rejoined to race.
With 10-laps in Bowman and Ward ran side by side with Hulsizer, Alan Johnson and Billy Decker racing towards the front. One lap later running the top Ward took over the lead from Bowman.
Hill looped his car in turn one on lap-14 bring out the caution once again. Hill went to the pits and was done for the night.
When the green came back out, Ward was able to take off and put some distance on the field. Bowman and Johnson ran side by side with Decker right on their back bumper waiting for an opening.
At the halfway point Ward led by a few car lengths as Decker rocketed by both Johnson and Bowman to take over the runner-up spot.
With 20-laps in the books Decker cut down Wards lead down to less than a car, Johnson at this point ran a distant third. Bowman and Hulsizer still ran in the top five.
On lap-22 Decker found the bite he needed as he drove by Ward to take over the top spot and looked to run away.
With ten to go Decker opened up a comfortable lead over Ward, Johnson and Hulsizer ran third and fourth with Jim Witko now breaking into the top five.
Over the remaining laps nobody had anything for Decker as he was the first under the checkers by a full straightaway. Johnson kept his title hopes alive going into the final week coming home second. Hulsizer, Witko and Johnson rounded out the top five.
"For pure numbers I think this is the best (season) we have ever had," said Decker after exiting his Gypsum Wholesalers, No.91. "Brewerton, in my opinion is easily the best track in upstate New York. It lends it's self to great racing. The fans are great. By in large it's easy on equipment and it's a fun place to race."
Next Friday August 29 will bring the end to the 2008 point season as Champions will be crowned. On the card will be the DIRTcar Modifieds, IMCA Modifieds, ESDCA Mod Lites, Four Cylinder Super Stocks, Four Cylinder Enduro and Fireworks. Gates open at 5:30 with the first green flag to wave at 7:30.
For more information contact the Speedway office at 315-668-6906 or visit www.brewertonspeedway.com.
(Modified 35-Laps) - Billy Decker, Alan Johnson, Steve Hulsizer, Jim Witko Jr., Pat Ward, Matt Sheppard, Shawn Donath, Kevin Bates, Mike Bowman, Willy Decker, Kyle Lewis, Chad Phelps, Jeremy Smith, Larry Wight, Tony Steiner, Matt Fink, Jimmy Phelps, Billy Dunn, Tom Sears Jr., Johnny Hill, Chuck Bower, Bob Henry Jr., Rick Rogala.
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Guaranteed Starting Berths Open For Advance Auto Super Series 200s
Weedsport, NY – August 23, 2008 - By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
The ‘Grand Slam’ of Big-Block Modified racing on the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series is just weeks away to officially signal the start of the traditional ‘second season’ of competition on the 2008 DIRTcar NorthEast circuit.
Lebanon Valley Speedway and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park host the initial “200s” to kick off the high-dollar Advance Series shows in September with
nationally recognized events at the New York State Fairgrounds and Orange County Fair Speedway closing out DIRTcar Racing’s 33rd consecutive season of operation in October.
Continuing to rank among the most prestigious races in the country, the Rite Aid 200 at the N.Y.S. Fairgrounds in Syracuse on Oct. 12, Eastern States 200 at Orange County on Oct. 19, Coors National 200 at Lebanon Valley on Sept. 6 and World Series Weekend BPG 200 at Rolling Wheels on Sept. 27 are the only 200-lap races on the annual tour. And all events are connected further with guaranteed starting positions up for grabs in each.
The Lebanon Valley 200 winner is guaranteed the 7th starting spot in the Rite Aid 200 at Syracuse while the Rolling Wheels 200 winner automatically earns the 8th starting spot in the Rite Aid 200 fairgrounds finale.
In addition, the first Orange County regular driver (non-guaranteed) across the line in the Lebanon Valley 200 earns the 7th starting spot in the Eastern States 200 line-up and the highest finishing OCFS regular driver (non-guaranteed) in the Rite Aid 200 clinches the 8th starting spot in the Eastern States 200.
The unique ‘Grand Slam’ features the $50,000-to-win Rite Aid 200 in the Salt City, $20,000-to-win Eastern States 200 in Middletown (NY), $10,000-to-win Coors National 200 at the West Lebanon (NY) oval with another $10-grand on the line for the Rolling Wheels BPG 200 winner. Syracuse and Orange County are the only Advance Auto Parts Series stops where the fast timers start on the pole and the top-six are locked into front three row starting positions while heats will be aligned in heads-up fashion.
A special points system has been implemented for these prominent races with each winner receiving 150 Series points and 50 points are awarded to start.
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RUDALAVAGE CLOSES IN ON TITLE WITH WIN FRIDAY AT PENN CAN SPEEDWAY
Susquehanna, PA…On a picture perfect night for racing Jeff Rudalavage moved from his fourteenth starting position to the front of the field and claimed the modified victory on the super fast Penn Can Speedway oval. Dave Zona broke out of his slump in the late models winning for the second time in 2008. In the featured CRSA sprint car main event Chuck Alessi held off a strong charge by Brian Davis to get his second career win at the speedway. In one of the most exciting races of the evening Jon Carpenter held off the challenges of some of the southern tier’s best pure stock racers in a battle featuring three and four wide racing over the twenty lap distance. The ageless Beezer Wilkie scored a very popular win in the highly competitive four cylinder division.
The three eighths mile oval was prepared just to Chris Weaver’s liking. Always fast on a smooth tacking speedway, Weaver took control of the early laps and set himself up as the man to beat. Weaver would lead the first fourteen circuits ahead of Steve Babicek and Garth Tonkin Jr. The first eight laps click off at a rapid pace before caution came for an accident on the backstretch sending Dan Vauter, Booby Trapper, Joe Krisovich, Joey Grammes, and Bernie Griffin pitside for repairs. All but Krisovich and Griffin were able to return to action.
When racing resumed, Babicek got by Weaver and took control with Jeff Rudalavage, Tonkin, Billy Thornton and Dan Pompey following. All eyes were clued on Rudalavage as he used the outside groove to go by Weaver into second on lap eighteen and then went to the low side of the track to get the lead from Babicek on lap twenty three. He went on to lead the final eight circuits and win the race. Babicek got second with Weaver third followed by Thornton, Tonkins, and Dan Vauter makng it back to sixth after the early race crash.
“I have to thank my crew for this win,” stated Rudalavage in Victory Lane. “The track was perfect tonight and after watching the early racing, my crew set the car up to work all over the track. They deserve a lot of credit.”
2007 Late Model Champion Dave Zona was the story of the late model feature. His season has been filled with ups and downs. The last few races he has been in an uncharacteristic slump. This gave him a great starting position for the twenty lap event. He jumped out to the early lead and would hold it all race long. The racing in this event would be cars coming through the field using all grooves of the racing surface. Last week’s runner-up, Allan Kellogg, would be the man to watch as he worked his way through the field into second place. With mid race cautions slowing the field it looked like Kellogg and Tracy Gregory might have something for Zona. Unfortunately Zona was fast and Kellogg ran out of laps chasing. Gregory’s night ended on a sour note as the car experience problems and limped home tenth.
Twenty nine sprint cars made their way back to the Penn Can Speedway for their third show of the season. The tacky track was just what they needed to put on a solid exciting twenty five lap feature event. Chuck Alessi used his outside front row starting position to vault to the early lead. Early cautions kept the pack together with Alessi stay out front. Brian Davis, the previous Penn Can winner, would work his way from twelveth into the runner up on lap nineteen. Davis would do all he could to catch Alessi but time ran out. Jeremy Quick, Danny Ody, and Anthony Brennan rounded out the top five.
PENN NOTES: Next week is Fan Autograph Night. Cars will be pulled out on the front stretch after qualifying for fans to meet and greet the drivers. Modifieds, late models, sportsman, super stocks, pure stocks, and four cylinders will be in competition. It is also Pump-N-Pantry Modified Championship Night where the championship will be decided. The other divsions will have their championship Night the following Friday. No driver has locked up a point championship so these last few races are extremely important. The Spalding Fountation will also be on hand.
Modified Feature: Jeff Rudalavage, Steve Babicek, Chris Weaver, Billy Thornton Garth Tonkin Jr, Dan Vauter, Dan Pompey, Mike Nagel, Darwin Greene, Mike Colsten, Joey Grammes, Al Rudalavage, Brian Weaver, Alex Tonkin, Bill Miller, Scott Frack, Dave Jenkins, Brian Corcoran, Craig Terrell, Mike Nagel Jr, Joey Colsten, Bobby Trapper, Joe Krisovich, Bernie Griffin
Late Model Feature: Dave Zona, Alan Kellogg, James Cornell, Dan Snyder, Curt Tunilo Jr, Steve Deinhardt, Chris Hunsinger, Scott Adams, Ben Whithaker, Tracy Gregory, Chad Hollenbeck, Dan Stone, Bud Phillips, Jeremy Randall
CRSA Sprint Feature: Chuck Alessi, Brian Davis, Jeremy Quick, Danny Ody, Anthony Brennan, Craig Rochelle, Matt Tanner, Mashall Gogg, John Matrafailo, Matt Demitraszek, Matt Zemcik, Mike Kiser, Billy Jaycox, Mike Stelter, Kory Gurney, Tim Damiano, Dylan Swiernik, Bruce Evans Jr, Jeff Frasier, Jeff Van Steenburg, Chad King, Pete Sindt, Warren Alexson, Tyler Rice, DNQ Billy Vaninulgen, John Leombruno, J. C. Ogle, Bob Wade.
-end-
Super DIRT Week XXXVII Bulletin: Two Changes In Store For 2008 Event
Weedsport, NY – August 22, 2008 - By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director
In 2008, Advance Auto Parts Modified teams can register and practice up to two cars for competition during Super DIRT Week, October 7-12, but only one draw and one time trial per driver will be allowed. All cars entering the grounds must pay an entry fee, including those designated for use as back-ups.
In addition, a suitable helmet for head protection will be required for use by all over-the-wall team members in both the Rite Aid 200 and the 358-Modified Championship events. Any professional crew helmet approved by DIRTcar officials will be allowed.
In order to pass tech, a car must bear an official identification number. Teams are urged to contact their chassis manufacturer to ensure that their chassis is properly identified.
Cars going through tech on Tuesday, Oct. 7 and Wednesday, Oct. 8 will have their engines sealed by DIRTcar officials. The engine a driver uses to qualify his car for the Rite Aid 200 is the engine to be used in the Rite Aid 200. Drivers forced to change engines must start at the back of the field.
No car shall be allowed to go on the race track without first being inspected and sealed. In the event a motor needs repairs in which the seal has to be broken, the crew chief must first contact an official to verify the repair and an official must be present for it to be re-sealed. Failure to do so will result in placement at the rear of the field.
After Integra Shocks Time Trials on Thursday, Oct. 9, the top-six time trialers plus the Lebanon Valley 200 (7th starter) and Rolling Wheels 200 (8th) winners will have their engine numbers recorded. They must use that engine for their respective Triple 20 heat race and the Rite Aid 200 main event.
After the triple 20 qualifying races, the next 30 qualified cars will have their engines recorded and must run that engine in the Rite Aid 200. All qualifiers through Sunday’s Dig Safely New York Shootout (non-qualifiers race) will also be required to use the engine they qualified.
-end-
DIRTcar NE Round Up
First weekend of the 2008 season that all tracks got in scheduled events!
BLACK ROCK: Todd Henderson
BREWERTON: Billy Decker-100L *Advance Series
BROCKVILLE: Danny O'Brien, Chris Raabe
CAN-AM: Gary Tomkins-100L *Advance Series, Brandon Hagan-20L
CANANDAIGUA: big blocks off,Nick Guererri-25L
CAYUGA COUNTY: Mike Bowman, Ben Wheeler
CORNWALL: Gary Tomkins-100L *Advance Series
DRUMMOND: Sebastien Gougeon
EDELWEISS: 358-MODIFIED
FULTON: big blocks off, Jason Parkhurst
GENESEE: John Venuto-20L
GRANBY: Mario Clair-100L *Lucas Series
HUMBERSTONE: Chad Brachmann-50L *Lucas Series, Greg Panunte-25L
LEBANON VALLEY: Fog-Delayed to 8/23
LERNERVILLE: Del Rougeux Jr.
MERRITTVILLE: Pete Bicknell, *Scott Wood (*Rain-Delayed from 8/9), Brandon Easey, *Robbie Rounce (*Rain-Delayed from 8/9)
MOHAWK: John Lazore
ORANGE COUNTY: Mike Kolka, Jerry Higbie, Erik Holmgren
RANSOMVILLE: Pete Bicknell, Justin Wright
ROLLING WHEELS(Spl): *Re-Opens Sept. 3
THUNDER ALLEY: *Re-Opens Aug. 22
TRI-CITY: Joe Crawford
-end-
Cornwall Checkers To Tomkins For 2nd Straight Advance Series Triumph
Cornwall, ONT – August 17, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
For the second straight night Gary Tomkins hit on all cylinders and the end result was a command performance at Cornwall Motor Speedway to give him his second victory of the season in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series show. Tomkins 16th career tour triumph was worth $6,000 in the 14th Annual Akwesasne Mohawk Casino International 100 and moved him into fifth on the Advance Series points chart through 18 events.
“It wasn’t from lack of trying before, we were trying everything we could, just weren’t getting results,” noted Tomkins, after matching his victory lane march taken the previous night on U.S. soil at Can-Am Motorsports Park. The wins were his second at both Cornwall at Can-Am, with each visit to the winner’s circle made in 2004. “This was definitely worth the wait as it certainly ends a lot of frustration.”
“Picked up this car a little while ago. We had a small-block (motor) in it and it was just sitting there. The guys at Bicknell said we want you to stick a big-block in it. We were so reluctant at the time but man, what a rocket,” gushed Tomkins, as he celebrated on the podium with crew chief Mike Payne.
Billy Decker extended his Advance Series points lead with a solid runner-up finish, followed by previous night’s second-place man Jimmy Phelps, Bert/KSE Racing Products Hard Charger and Syracuse Rite Aid 200 qualifier Carey Terrance, and his RezX Racing teammate Dale Planck. Charging from 19th in the 31-car starting field, Terrance also gained preferred starter status in the prestigious Rite Aid 200 Championship race on Oct. 12 of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.
By luck of the draw, top-two 2008 Advance Series point-getters Planck and Decker filed into the front row to start the 100-lap Modified main. With Planck leading the way, action was stopped when a rare red flag was thrown on the second lap following a multi-car mishap in turn two. Contact between tour regulars Steve Paine (started 4th) and Frankie Caprara (7th) kicked off a chain-reaction that involved Frenchman Alex Fortier, rookie Mitchell Jock and second-generation pilot Stephane LaFrance, who was sidelined for the night.
Back under green flag conditions, Planck continued to pace the field around the slickening quarter-miler, with Tomkins already advancing from eighth to fifth in the Doug Dulen-owned Honeoye Auto Parts no. 84 Red Parker & Son Excavating/Bicknell machine. ’08 Advance Series winners Brett Hearn and Matt Sheppard were sandwiched in between as the leaders reached traffic after just 10 laps were scored, and with five more laps complete, Planck had cruised out to a straightaway advantage.
Charging from 29th to 9th in the Zach Aubertine-owned black no. 11 TEO mount, Danny Johnson suffered more mechanical problems to force him pitside for the remainder on lap 24. In six more laps Planck had suddenly stretched out his advantage to a half-track with 7.0-seconds counted off between the second-place car of Decker. By lap 35, the ‘Natural’ had lapped through 11th-place runner Billy Dunn, with Tomkins quietly moving into third.
Tomkins grabbed the second slot from Decker on lap 40 and when the first yellow flag unfurled on lap 48 for the parked mount of Fortier, the seemingly insurmountable 2/3-track advantage had finally evaporated. By the midway point, Tomkins continued to hone in on Planck, with Decker, Sheppard, Phelps and Terrance picking up their pursuit.
“I was really surprised (on the lap 49 restart) because we could see how far Dale was ahead looking at the lap counter the way they do things with positions here,” noted Tomkins, who eventually reeled in Planck and forced the only lead change on lap 62 in a low side maneuver as the leads navigated through turns three and four. “And I said ‘man, this guy’s gone.’”
“Then after the green flag came back out all the lapped cars were staying with him and I kept on coming up to him. I don’t know if I could’ve got him or something happened to him under that caution, sealed tires or what, but my car seemed to be getting better as the race went on,” Tomkins remarked afterwards.
Once out front, taking advantage of Planck’s tires that had glazed over, Tomkins was set back by just one more caution period for Big-Block rookie Larry Wight, who had looped to the infield exiting turn four at the end of lap 73. When the action resumed, 11 cars remained on the lead lap, yet with an open track ahead, none were able to run down the leader as the laps began to dwindle.
While Tomkins ran uncontested at the front of the pack, positions directly behind him were up for grabs in the closing stages. Phelps wrestled fourth away from Sheppard on lap 86 and ducked under Planck for third on lap 94 before settling in behind Decker as the checkered flag waved. Meanwhile, Terrance got past Sheppard for fifth on lap 89 and slid around his partner Planck exiting turn four to complete lap 99 in fourth.
“So who knows, its hard to say if we could’ve caught Dale without that last caution,” added Tomkins, after the Clifton Springs, New York chauffeur posted his third top-three finish of the weekend. “What it is, is what it is, and we’re standing here right now next to the winning 84 car. I have to thank Mike and Tim, they’ve really been busting their butts on this thing and its finally starting to pay off.”
Success has been paying big dividends for runner-up Decker all season long, and his unmatched total of 15 top-five finishes in the initial 18 point races have put the Unadilla, New York pilot in a league of his own so far in 2008.
“We’re not totally big picturing it right now, we still want to win, just came up a little short and missed it by a little bit tonight,” admitted Decker, who has not finished outside the top-10 in tour competition yet this season aboard the potent LJL Racing no. 91 Gypsum Wholesalers-Stadium Int'l-Quality Hardwoods/Bicknell machine. “Cornwall was a little different than what we’re accustomed to and we didn’t make the right adjustments, that’s all there is to it.”
“Its just weird the way the track came in, we failed on adjustments, that’s all there is to it. This Gypsum Wholesalers car was pretty close, we finished second in a Super DIRT Series race so its not all bad. We’ll take it at this stage, its about consistency and running up front and we’re still managing to get that part done,” added Decker, who won the Advance Series race held last summer at the Cornwall oval.
Matching Tomkins, Decker and Planck with a trio of top-five finishes over the three-day weekend, Phelps was just as content with a third-place tally as it vaulted him into third-place in the Advance Series point standings past reigning overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar points king Brett Hearn, who placed 11th in the last car on the lead lap.
“Once again we came on a little too late there and had what we needed at the end,” said Phelps, who ended his 2007 campaign in fourth-place on the final points chart. “We just gotta go back and work on how we can get a little better in the beginning.”
“To come out with a top-three, we’re really happy as it was a good points night (won heat). We’re getting into a rhythm now, it’s a good time for it. We’ve been pretty good everywhere we’ve went it seems like lately, so it’s a good feeling going into this last stretch. I have to thank everybody that makes this deal happen, a driver couldn’t ask for much more with such a dedicated group behind him,” added Phelps, who scored his lone win of the season at Merrittville (Ont.) Speedway in the H&H Motorsports no. 98H Mohawk N.E.-New England Race Fuels-Joe Gibbs Racing Oil/Troyer entry to open the month of August.
Point chasers in the 2008 Advance Auto Part Super DIRTcar Series take a two-week break from tour action before returning to the hub of DIRTcar Racing NorthEast for the traditional Labor Day holiday doubleheader at Cayuga County Fair Speedway on Sunday, August 31 and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park on Monday, September 1.
Point Standings (Thru Aug. 17, 2008)
1. Billy Decker 1,538
2. Dale Planck 1,369
3. Jimmy Phelps 1,319
4. Brett Hearn 1,296
5. Gary Tomkins 1,228
6. Matt Sheppard 1,210
7. Steve Paine 1,090
8. Frankie Caprara 1,014
9. Danny Johnson 972
10. Ryan Phelps 967
SKIDMARKS
All’s Well That Ends Well At Cornwall: Full fields and a fabulous fan base continue to make Cornwall Motor Speedway one of the marquee motorsports facilities riding under the DIRTcar Racing NorthEast umbrella. For the third consecutive night, a capacity crowd greeted Advance Series racers and great support was given by the locals as 16 of the 37 cars in attendance housed small-block powerplants, which are standard fare at Cornwall ever Sunday night throughout the summer months. Carey Terrance (4th) and Kyle Dingwall (6th) represented the host track well as they put forth gallant efforts against their big-block brethren.
Pot Holes: Another race, another ride for Danny Johnson in round number 18 at Cornwall on Sunday. On this occasion, a broken jack shaft in the recent black no. 11 TEO entry owned by Zach Aubertine forced the ‘Doctor’ to jump into Lance Willix’s no. 16w Bicknell car just for Integra Shocks Time Trials. The no. 11 car was ready in time for Johnson to join the feature race grid, yet after rallying from 29th to 9th, the engine went sour to end his night in 27th after just 23 laps were run…..After a pair of dismal finishes at Brewerton (10th) and Can-Am (13th) for all-time Advance Series winner Brett Hearn, the ‘Jet’ climbed aboard his trusty Madsen Motorsports no. 20 Wentworth Custom Homes-Kruger-WLR/TEO used all last year for the Cornwall race yet the results remained the same as he could only muster 11th-place in Canada…..Recognized in the pit area during the event was DIRTcar Hall of Famer ‘Barefoot’ Bob McCreadie, on this night stationed alongside Pierre Dagenais helping to sort out his no. 124 Carriere Sabliere (Quarry Dagenais)/Bicknell machine.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Back to the states in just two more weeks, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast charter member tracks Cayuga County Fair Speedway and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park play host to a diverse doubleheader over the annual Labor Day holiday. The top touring stars arrive at the home of DIRTcar NE in Weedsport on Sunday, August 31 for Twin 54s at Cayuga County Fair Speedway before Rolling Wheels hosts a special $6,000-to-win 110-lapper for the Big-Blocks on Monday. September 1.
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series
Race #18
Cornwall Motor Speedway
August 17, 2008
14th annual Akwesasne Mohawk Casino International 100’
Big Block Modified Event Summary
Feature
FIN STR CAR# DRIVER
1 8 84 Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY($6,000)
2 2 91 Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY
3 12 98h Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
4 19 66x Carey Terrance/Akwesasne,NY
5 1 77x Dale Planck/Cortland,NY
6 5 96 Kyle Dingwall/Brockville,ONT
7 6 9s Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
8 21 99r Ryan Phelps/Fulton,NY
9 7 fx1 Frankie Caprara/Watertown,NY
10 15 3 Justin Haers/Phelps,NY
11 3 20 Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
12 16 21 Yan Bussiere/Drummondville,QUE
13 18 40 Joel Doiron/Alexandria,ONT
14 24 5h David Hebert/St. Damase,QUE
15 11 14 Mitchell Jock/Akwesasne,NY®
16 27 71 Delbert LeGrow/Massena,NY
17 30 007 Roy Tarbell/Hogansburg,NY
18 23 99L Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY®
19 20 90 Martin Roy/Napierville,QUE
20 25 55 Perry Francis/Akwesasne,NY
21 9 09 Alex Fortier/Princeville,QUE
22 26 6 Pat O'Brien/Kingston,ONT
23 17 49 Billy Dunn/Watertown,NY
24 10 22 Mario Clair/St-Edmond,QUE
25 4 7x Steve Paine/Waterloo,NY
26 28 99 Ron Valade/North Lancaster,ONT
27 29 11 Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
28 31 16 Gage Morin/St.Andrews,ONT®
29 22 95 Mark Hitchcock/Kingston,ONT
30 13 124 Pierre DagenaisGatineau,QUE
31 14 115 Stephane LaFrance/Morrisburg,ONT
DID NOT QUALIFY(6)
fx1x-Ryan Bartlett/Adams,NY
5-Jason Potter/Pulaski,NY
16w-Lance Willix II/Theresa,NY
17-Marc Therrien/Williamstown,ONT
19z-Jessica Zemken/Sprakers,NY
23-Laurent Ladouceur/Alexandria,ONT
EVENT SUMMARY:
LAP LEADERS: Planck (1-61), Tomkins (62-100).
CAUTIONS: 2 for 6 laps; 1 RED FLAG (lap 2).
HEAT WINNERS: J.Phelps, Jock, Fortier, Clair.
LAST CHANCE RACE WINNERS: R.Phelps, Hitchcock.
Added: Tarbell, Morin.
Point Standings (Thru Aug. 17, 2008)
1. Billy Decker 1,538
2. Dale Planck 1,369
3. Jimmy Phelps 1,319
4. Brett Hearn 1,296
5. Gary Tomkins 1,228
6. Matt Sheppard 1,210
7. Steve Paine 1,090
8. Frankie Caprara 1,014
9. Danny Johnson 972
10. Ryan Phelps 967
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Billy Decker(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Dale Planck(G)
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway D.Planck/Danny Johnson(P)
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway B.Decker/Brett Hearn(P)
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway B.Decker/Robbie Krull(P)
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway B.Decker/Jimmy Phelps(P)
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Brett Hearn(G)
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond D.Planck/Steve Paine(P)
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway B.Decker/Jeff Strunk(P)
Thr-Jul 17 Georgetown Speedway H.J. Bunting III(G)
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway B.Hearn/Chuck McKee(P)
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Jimmy Phelps(G)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Vic Coffey(P)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Justin Haers(P)
Fri-Aug 15 Brewerton Speedway B.Decker/Gary Tomkins(P)
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park Gary Tomkins(G)
Sun-Aug 17 Cornwall Motor Speedway B.Decker/Carey Terrance(P)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon,NY
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Sarver,PA
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
-end-
New Egypt Speedway Points Standings thru Sat. 8/16/08
Modifieds
DRIVER (* denotes wins) POINTS
1. Keith Hoffman*** 902
1. Billy Pauch***** 902
3. Tim Tanner Jr.** 829
4. Ron John Koczon* 827
5. Brian Godown 826
6. Rick Laubach* 798
7. Dominick Buffalino** 761
8. Frank Cozze* 753
9. Bob Drayton 749
10. Tad Cox* 734
Sportsman
DRIVER (* denotes wins) POINTS
1. Willie Osmun*** 774
2. Rocco Infante*** 715
3. John Romano Jr.*** 650
4. Mike Howardson 620
5. Rich Scagliotta** 575
6. John McClelland* 572
7. Ray Woodall Jr. 570
8. Frank Cozze Jr. 550
9. Clay Butler* 549
10. Gary Butler 534
-end-
JOE CRAWFORD, MAX BLAIR, ALAN DELLINGER, JASON JOHNS AND JON HUFF WIN FEATURES AT TRI-CITY SPEEDWAY; KEVIN BOLLAND, MAX BLAIR, CARL McKINNEY, JASON REAGLE AND BILL MYERS TAKE POINT TITLES
by Brian Spaid
August 17, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRANKLIN, PA ... Tri-City Speedway hosted the final night of five-division racing for the 2008 season on Sunday night under warm and cloudy conditions, and Joe Crawford (Engles Trucking DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds), Max Blair (4 Your Connection FASTRAK Late Models), Alan Dellinger (RPM Auto Sales/Sherry Shawgo Real Estate E Mods), Jason Johns (E.F. Rogers Plumbing & Heating Pro Stocks), and Jon Huff (Klapec Auto Body Thundercars) captured feature wins on Barr's Insurance/McDonald's Club Night with the Pittsburgh Circle Track Club and Twin State Auto Racing Fan Club hosting their fans and members at the Venango County half-mile oval.
In addition, track champions were crowned for 2008 as Kevin Bolland (DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds), Max Blair (FASTRAK Late Models), Carl McKinney (E Mods), Jason Reagle (Pro Stocks) and Bill Myers (Thundercars) earned titles in their respective divisions.
Joe Crawford of Polk, Pa., scored a popular and well-earned victory in the final 20-lap DIRTcar Big Block Modified feature of the season. Driving his Jolley Industrial Supply/Venango Glass/Crawford Chiropractic Bicknell No. 25, Crawford and his team suffered a blown engine on Saturday night at Mercer Raceway Park. They worked all night and into the day to make repairs, even struggling during hot laps. Crawford then led every lap of the feature event holding off the stout challenges of Kevin Bolland and Russell King to capture his first win of the season and the seventh of his career at Tri-City.
"This is great," whooped Crawford to the cheers of the crowd. "I have to thank my crew and family for all the hard work on this car last night and today. I'm glad to beat Bolland because he owes me one. I want to dedicate this win to Lou Blaney, who showed me a lot about racing when I was younger."
Bolland finished second and earned his fourth career track title beating Jeremiah Shingledecker by 23 points. Shingledecker finished sixth in a disappointing run. It was Bolland's third consecutive track title at Tri-City. His other DIRTcar Big Block Modified championships came in 2000, 2006 and 2007. With four titles, he matches Brian Swartzlander's modern era record.
"I can't say enough about my car and crew," said Bolland to the cheers and boos of the crowd as he puffed a cigar and played up his role as fan favorite to some and ruthless villain to others. "I have to thank this entire crew. To win three championships in a row is a major accomplishment. We have a lot of fans that cheer us and a lot that boo us. We like them all, and we are proud to win this title and represent Tri-City Speedway with the folks at DIRTcar Racing."
Crawford jumped into the lead at the start and first held off Russell King, who was driving for his father, Rex. Bolland quickly moved into third. Crawford almost lost the handle drifting high in turn two on the eighth circuit, then was the meat in a sandwich with Bolland inside and King outside on a restart on the ninth circuit. At each turn, Crawford was superior. Bolland admitted to protecting his position on the track in the late stages of the race when he realized that Crawford was fast. But it didn't matter because Crawford was unbeatable on this night.
At the finish, Crawford defeated Bolland and Andy Priest, who drove from 20th to third after suffering mechanical problems earlier in the night that relegated him to a last place start. Del Rougeux Jr. and King rounded out the top five. Dave Schrader and Bolland won the DIRTcar Big Block Modified heats.
Max Blair of Centerville, Pa., placed an exclamation point on his 2008 title season winning the 20-lap FASTRAK Late Model feature by a slim 0.045 seconds at the wire over friend and racing mate Bobby Powell. Driving his Bossard's Auto Parts/Donovan & Bauer Auto Group/Specialty Products Rocket No. 111, Blair raced to his sixth win of the year and his career at Tri-City also earning his first ever track title. He also matched his father, Robbie Blair, who won the 1997 Late Model title at Tri-City.
"That was a close one," said Blair. "I could hear a car on the high side, and I just stuck to the bottom because I knew that was the fastest way around. I realized it was Bobby when I saw the color of his car. Once he was there, it was a drag race to the finish. I set a goal to win the championship at Tri-City this year. Now that we've done it, anything that happens the rest of this year doesn't matter."
After the race was stopped for over 20 minutes following a opening lap crash into the third turn rail by Bobby Whitling, which damaged the fence and track safety lights requiring repairs, Blair took command on the restart. He led one lap before Alan Dellinger rocketed to the outside of Blair to take the lead on the second circuit. Blair continued to chase Dellinger, and his car's setup was perfect as he closed on Dellinger taking the lead back on the eighth circuit with an inside pass in turn two. Dellinger then dropped out with suspension problems during an ensuing caution.
Over the last half of the race, Blair continued to pace the field with Powell behind him. The rest of the top five produced a whale of a battle among several drivers. In the end, Blair edged Powell for the win. Mike Pegher Jr. finished third followed by Butch Lambert and Dave Lyon. Pegher and Dellinger won the FASTRAK Late Model heat races.
During the intermission, Lou Blaney, Ralph Quarterson, Jim Magill, Johnny Axe and Bud Miller were inducted into the Tri-City Speedway Hall of Fame.
Tri-City Speedway will be closed on Sunday August 24th in preparation for the Oil Region Labor Day Classis Weekend. With racing on Saturday and Sunday August 30th and 31st, the World of Outlaws Late Model Series will be in action both nights with 50-lap, $10,000-to-win events. The FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series will run a 30-lap, $2,000-to-win event on Sunday night with heat races on Saturday night and the B Mains and feature race on Sunday. The United E Mod Series (UEMS) will sanction the Welding Technologies E Series races on both nights, and Sunday's race will be the annual All Star 30. The William R. Karns Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Detroit Iron Pro Stock Series will complete both shows with 20-lap events each night. On Saturday night, Ray's Racing Collectibles and Engles Trucking will host the 4th Annual South Ghetto Party in the oak grove with a live band after the races. Gates open both days at 2 p.m., time trials are at 4 p.m., and racing starts at 6 p.m. Camping is free all weekend, and campers may start to enter the grounds on Thursday August 28th at 5 p.m. Adult grandstand admission each night is $30 and a two-day ticket will be available for $50.
DIRTcar BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (20 Laps): 1. JOE CRAWFORD, 2. Kevin Bolland, 3. Andy Priest, 4. Del Rougeux Jr., 5. Russell King, 6. Jeremiah Shingledecker, 7. Dave Schrader, 8. Les Myers, 9. Kevin Hoffman, 10. Tommy Kristyak, 11. Chris Schiffer, 12. Mike Turner, 13. Rick Hall, 14. Rich Whitney, 15. Carl Murdick, 16. Rick Ryder, 17. Kyle Fink, 18. Scott Schrader, 19. Randy Chronister, 20. Rex King Jr.
FASTRAK LATE MODELS (20 Laps): 1. MAX BLAIR, 2. Bobby Powell, 3. Mike Pegher Jr., 4. Butch Lambert, 5. Dave Lyon, 6. Jim Frank, 7. John Lacki, 8. Steve Hollabaugh, 9. Bobby Whitling, 10. Chad Myers, 11. Carl McKinney, 12. Kyle Zimmerman, 13. Dereck Frank, 14. Chris Haines, 15. Dave Airgood Jr., 16. Scott Jones, 17. Bob Dorman, 18. Alan Dellinger.
-end-
JAMIE MILLS REMAINS STRONG IN DELAWARE MODIFIEDS
By Charlie Brown, Delmar, DE – Since moving from his own car to the Big Block Modified of Keith Coulbourne in 2008, Jamie Mills has been solid – very solid at Delaware International Speedway. On Saturday night, Mills grabbed the lead from Tim Millman with four laps to go and extended his point lead in the division with his fifth win of the season.
Jeff Brown started on the pole and was strong in the early stages of the race. Millman ran in the second spot with Howard O’Neal in third. Hard contact between Robert Dutton and Matt Jester on lap five brought out the yellow and ended the night for both.
Jamie Mills was on the climb and up to fourth from his ninth starting spot by lap seven. Millman moved by Brown for the lead just as the yellow flew as Judd Mills flipped end over end down the front straight. Mills quickly exited the car to the relief of the crowd.
On the restart, Jamie Mills got by Brown for second. At the halfway sign the top five were Millman, Mills, Brown, H.J. Bunting and O’Neal. The high groove was the fast way around but Mills was able to get a good run off the bottom of the second turn with five to go. Mills slid up and slammed the door on Millman going into the third turn. Millman gave him a shot in the back bumper but that was as close as he would get the rest of the distance.
Mills, in the Coulbourne Farms/Bicknell, pulled away to the comfortable win. Millman finished in the second spot with Brown turning in a personal best in third. Bunting stayed in the point chase with a fourth place finish and Jordan Watson rounded out the top five. Heats were won by Jamie Mills and Bunting.
In a recent addition to the schedule the United Racing Club will join the five weekly divisions this Saturday night. It will also be Milford, Del. Fan Appreciation Night with Milford residents admitted free to the spectator side with a picture I.D. that includes a Milford, Del. address. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 7 p.m.
RESULTS 25-lap Big Block Modified Feature: 1. JAMIE MILLS; 2.Tim Millman; 3. Jeff Brown; 4. HJ Bunting; 5. Jordan Watson; 6. Howard O'Neal; 7. Chad Clark; 8. Joseph Watson; 9. Donny Radd; 10. Craig Ott; 11. Ryan Walls; 12. Glenn Reed; 13. Andy Hammond; 14. Ricky Johnson; 15. Judd Mills; 16. Matt Jester; 17. Robert Dutton; 18. George Richardson.
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Russell King Leads Big Block Return to Mercer Raceway Park
Russell King on the gas at Mercer Racewway Park. He went on to win hte BPR Modified Tour feature event. Photo © Oyler Action Photos
By: Lou Long, Modified Tour Board Member
The Prince of Bristolville, Russell King, captured his first BRP/Hoosier Modified Tour win of the season (second overall) on Hall's Safety night at Mercer Raceway Park. His triumph marked the fourth straight victory for King Brothers Racing at the Park. Patriarch Rex King, Sr., still sidelined due to surgery, won the last three Big Block Modified races at the track.
Russell King and Dave Murdick paced the field for the start of the event. At the drop of the green, Murdick led the pack into turn one, with King nipping at his heels. Tim Doran, Eric Gabany and Garrett Krummert rounded out the top five.
While Murdick and King battled for the lead, Krummert slipped by Gabany for fourth on the next circuit. Tommy Kristyak, second on the all-time Big Block win list at Mercer, bumped Gabany from the top five on the third lap.
Murdick, King, Doran, Krummert and Kristyak ran in that order until lap seven, when Mod Tour points leader, Brian Swartzlander, brought out the first yellow. Swartzlander retired from action at that point.
On the restart, King blasted past Murdick in turns one and two. Krummert overtook Doran for third, while Gary Smoker moved into the top five.
They maintained that order until lap 12, when the next caution flew for J.R. McGinley. On the restart, King jumped the cushion in turn one, but the defending Tour champion powered through the rough stuff to keep the lead over Murdick.
Another yellow for a tangle involving Krummert and Doran knocked them from the top five on the very next lap. Doran dropped out, but Krummert pitted for repairs and returned on the lead lap. Smoker was not as fortunate, though, as he lost a lap in the pits.
The final caution of flew on lap 14. King got the jump on the restart and led Murdick, Kristyak, Kevin Hoffman and Lonny Riggs into the first corner.
While King and Murdick ran one-two for the last 16 circuits, there was plenty of action behind them. Riggs moved into fourth on lap 15 and began to press Kristyak for third. He worked past the veteran on lap 21.
Meanwhile, King started to stretch his lead over Murdick as the leaders encountered lapped traffic. Riggs continued to hold third over Kristyak and Hoffman.
On the white flag lap, Hoffman overhauled Kristyak for fourth.
At the checkers, it was King, Murdick, Riggs, Hoffman and Kristyak. The next five were Tommy Mattocks, Eric Gabany, Jeremiah Shingledecker, Rex King, Jr., and race sponsor Rick Hall.
Heat race wins went to Frank Guidace, Gary Smoker, Eric Gabany and Tommy Kristyak.
Brian Swartzlander and Rexie King won the twin B Mains.
The Pit Stop Pub Dash pitted the top three points leaders in Modified Tour points against the top three drivers in track points. Gary Smoker claimed top honors for the home towners. Tour drivers Dave Murdick and Rexie King followed. Frank Guidace, Brian Swartzlander and Garrett Krummert completed the field.
It was a difficult night for three of the top five in Modified Tour points. Leader Swartzlander was an early drop-out from the feature. Kevin Bolland, who entered the race tied for second, and Joe Crawford, who was fourth at the start of the night, failed to finish their heat races and neither could start in their B Mains.
The fourth heat race had a lengthy red flag due to a crash by Dean Pearson in turn one. Pearson backed his mount into the guardrail and the car got caught in the Armco barrier. Track crews had a difficult time removing the car and then they had to repair the fence. Pearson reported that the damage to his car was severe and may require replacement of his chassis.
The next event for the BRP/Hoosier Race Tire Modified Tour ’08 will take place on Sunday, August 31, at the Eriez Speedway, Hamot, PA.
Modified Feature Finish: 1. Russell King, 2. Dave Murdick, 3. Lonny Riggs, 4. Kevin Hoffman, 5. Tommy Kristyak, 6. Tommy Mattocks,7. Eric Gabany, 8. Jeremiah Shingledecker, 9. Rex King Jr., 10. Rick Hall, 11. Del Rougeux Jr., 12. Randy Brown, 13. Steve Barr, 14. Garrett Krummert, 15. Chris Dye, 16. J.R. McGinley, 17. Steve Feder, 18. Gary Smoker, 19. Kevin Green, 20. Frank Guidace, 21. Tim Doran, 22. Mike Miller, 23. Carl Murdick, 24. Brian Swartzlander, 25. Skip Moore, 26. Ron Eperthener.
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Crazy Night Leaves King of the Track Unfinished, Tryon see Checkers
Saturday August 16, 2008
By Rodney Rescott
West Lebanon, NY: The weather once again played a key role in the full card of events at the Valley of Speed. Saxton Signs and Waste Management lined up a special card of features, along with a extra $1,000 to win Sportsman feature presented by Canaan Auto Supplies, and the 4th and final round of the King of the Track.
Just like in weeks past, before the first race could get underway, the rains came causing another 1hour delay to the start of the events. Then as the sun went down over the westerly skies, the fog soon followed. On the front row of the Saxton Sign and Waste Management 30 lap feature event was the #24S of Rich Salisbury and the # 7 of John Ruchel.
At the drop of the green flag, Salisbury charges out to the early lead as the #55K of Mike King moved his way into 2nd place. The field rounded turn 4 only to be slowed by caution as the #14 of Lorne Browe was caught up in jingle causing Browe to spin.
While under caution the #98 of Marshall and the #42 of Sheldon went pitside for flat tires. The green flew once again with Salisbury out front and King still to follow. Lap 5 the caution flew once again for a slowing #20 of Matt Quinn with a flat tire. At the same time, a bizarre incident saw the #77J of J.C. Flach make contact with another car on the backstretch, causing damage to front suspension, as the car veered across the track into the inside wall and making contact with a track wrecker. Both were done for the night.
When the green flew once again, Salisbury was still out front when the caution flew again, this time for a track choking multi-car incident that stopped the race in the tracks under a red flag. The #87 of Hector Stratton blew a water pump entering turn 1 on the 6th lap, spewing water all over the track causing everyone to scatter behind him.
Caught up in the crash was Kenny Tremont, Wayne Jelley, Steve Hough, John Hewitt, Kyle Sheldon, Keith Flach, Lorne Browe, and Ryan Larkin. This incident caused the red flag to fly for nearly ten minutes as the track was cleared, all the while the fog began to seep into the high banks, and by the time the last car was hooked, the fog settled in, and the race was called for safety reasons.
The 4th and final leg of the King of the Track will resume next Saturday night for the remaining 2 dozen laps. The field will be lined up as they were when the field was frozen after the red flag flew.
With fog threatening most of the feature events earlier in the night, the special Canaan Auto Supplies $1,000 to win 20 lap feature was on the track with the #122 of Wayne Keys and the #83 of Chad Pierce on the front row. At the drop of the green, Keys jumped out front first to take control of the field.
But before the field could get through the first turn, the #3 of Kim Lavoy, made contact with the outside wall in turn 1, caution the #3 to go pitside for repairs. On the restart, Keys took control again, this time with the #83 of Pierce in hot pursuit of Keys, with the #00 of Kokosa finding away to get to the front as well.
As the laps began winding down, the contenders began to get itchy, looking for a way around the #122. As the field completed lap 15, Pierce and Kokosa both got a run on Keys going down the backstretch, spliting the #122 both high and low. But by the time they got to turn three, they ran out of racing room, causing contact between the three, leaving the #122 and #83 in the fence along with the #9 of Ed Harkins, the #22 of Jeff Watson, and the #250 of Alan Houghtaling.
The #63 of Danny Sanchez was handed the lead as Kokosa was relegated to the rear of the field. On the restart, Sanchez took control, then gave it away as the left rear wheel and tire came off the #63 causing the car to spin and the caution to flew again.
This time, the #5 of Chris Tryon was left holding the cards. At the green, Tryon charged away, and covered the field, as the checkers flew. Tryon crossed the line first and took home the $1,000 paycheck. Kory Sandstedt settled for 2nd, followed by Frank Harper, Neil Stratton, and Kyle Hoffman to round out the top 5.
The Northeastern Vintage Dirt Modified Racing Club was also on tap for a little time travel back to the racing of old. After a strong battle, the #5 of Raymond See Sr. took the checkers in his circa mid-70’s Gremlin machine.
On tap for next Saturday is the remaining 24 laps of the Saxton Sign, Waste Management Modified feature which will complete the $4,000 King of the Track Mid-Summer Shootout. Then it’s back the beginning with County Concrete Presents the DeVries Lumber $800 to win Pro Stock Feature event along with the Benjamin Moore Paints 358 Super Series.
For more information, as well as to get tickets for the up coming Kings 200 Weekend just a few short weeks away, visit our website at www.LebanonValley.com, and click on “Speedway”. Or call the Speedway offices during normal business hours at (518) 794-9606, (518) 794-9965.
Modified Results (30 Laps) - Modified Feature was postponed at lap six due to accident and fog. Modified Feature will Continue on Saturday August 23, 2008 at Lap 6. Running Order - 1) Rich Salisbury, 2) Mike King, 3) John Ruchel, 4) Andy Bachetti, 5) Brian Berger, 6) J. R. Heffner, 7) Mark Flach Jr, 8) Kenny Tremont Jr, 9) Wayne Jelley, 10) Donnie Ackner, 11) Paul Gilardi, 12) Guy Sheldon, 13) Eddie Marshall, 14) Steve Hough, 15) John Hewitt, 16) Skippy Fox, 17) Dave Mcfeeteers, 18) Hector Stratton, 19) Matt Quinn, 20) Jeff Trombley, 21) Kyle Sheldon, 22) Keith Flach, 23) Lorne Browe, 24) Ryan Larkin, 25) Dan Humes, 26) Mark Pullen, 27) J. C. Flach
Sportsman Results (20 Laps) - 1) Chris Tryon, 2) Kory Sandstedt, 3) Frank Harper, 4) Neil Stratton, 5) Kyle Hoffman, 6) Brian Sandstedt, 7) Kyle Armstrong, 8) Wayne Keyes, 9) Kevin Winers, 10) Alex Bell, 11) Chris Lynch, 12) Brett Haas, 13) P. J. Pelc, 14) Paul Knox, 15) Jeff Kelly, 16) Chad Pierce, 17) Chris Kokosa, 18) Danny Sanchez, 19) Kale Groff, 20) Jeff Watson 21) Ed Harkin, 22) Alan Houghtaling, 23) Kolby Schroder, 24) R. J. Daley, 25) Kim Lavoy, 26) Kevin Petrucci, 27) Chris Bradbury
Northeastern Vintage Dirt Modified Racing Club Results (6 Laps) - 1) Raymond See Sr, 2) Howard Murphy, 3) Tom Athanas, 4) Tom Cole, 5) Darral Hulbert, 6) Dale Cote, 7) Mike Brown
Tomkins Breaks Through For 1st Advance Series Win In 2008 At Can-Am
LaFargeville, NY – August 16, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Just two days earlier Gary Tomkins was in desperate need of a spark to ignite his team that had suffered through a summer of misfortune and missed chances. After posting a third-place best finish the night before, Tomkins finally lit the fire on Saturday at Can-Am Motorsports Park and went on to find victory lane for the first time in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series by capturing the headline ‘F.X. Caprara Car Companies 100’ at the smooth LaFargeville, New York layout.
“Finally … it takes a few things to this and we got them all together on the same night,” said Tomkins, 42, following his 16th career Advance Series triumph and second at Can-Am since winning in 2004, the same year as his only overall Mr. DIRTcar Championship. “First off, we’ve got an awesome, awesome race car, that’s for sure.”
“The guys at Bicknell have changed some things and are trying out others, I think they work now. Obviously, my crew led by Mike Payne has had a big part. He’s been working nights not sleeping at all trying to get this thing ready. Thank God for Doug (Dulen, owner) still sticking with us. We’ve had some tough times this year, its really been a roller coaster ride, but boy this makes up for a lot. And the way this car performed tonight, it was something else,” remarked Tomkins, who improved after scoring his first top-three finish of the season 24 hours earlier at Brewerton Speedway to land a guarnteed starting spot in the prestigious Rite Aid 200 Championship race on Oct. 12 of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.
Jimmy Phelps made a late-race charge to finish second ahead of current Advance Series points leader Billy Decker, runner-up in the standings Dale Planck, and Bert/KSE Racing Products Hard Charger Steve Paine, who started last in the 31-car field aboard the borrowed JB Motor Sports/Bicknell ride of Jeff Brownell.
Local pilot Scott Parliament opened the century grind by jumping out first behind the wheel of a brand new TEO car that was debuted just one week earlier at the spacious Can-Am half-miler. Tour follower Ryan Phelps suffered a broken right front hub to force out the initial yellow flag on lap nine, and the restart was just what home track points leader Frankie Caprara was looking for as he blasted out front high to take command once the green flag came back out.
Tomkins shadowed Caprara’s move from the outside and grabbed third from Stewart Friesen as the leaders continued to shuffle positions in the early stages. Parliament dropped to third behind Tomkins and quickly faded to fourth when Decker claimed the show position 13 laps in.
Second-generation driver Adam Roberts spun high in turn one to incur a second caution period on lap 21 and that was just the ticket for Tomkins as he took advantage on the ensuing restart to forge the final lead change with Caprara and Decker still in tow.
Caprara’s night came to sudden halt just a handful of laps later as the no. 1 F.X. Caprara Car Co.-Auto Value-JK Contracting/Troyer machine stopped between turns three and four with a broken driveshaft. With caution laps counting after 25, Justin Haers cracked the front-five in time for the lap 31 restart with fast approaching Planck right on his tail.
Back under green, Planck disposed of Parliament for fourth on lap 32 and at the halfway mark it was Tomkins and Decker pulling away from Friesen, Planck and Jimmy Phelps. Six laps later Phelps ducked under Planck on the backstretch to take over fourth, then used traffic to gain the third spot past Friesen on lap 64. Planck also sped around Friesen and the front-five remained intact over the next 20 circuits.
Despite Tomkins and Decker battling up front, Phelps was able to track down the series stars while Paine suddenly became more visible among the top-10 with a quarter of the race still to go. The Waterloo warrior scurried into seventh by lap 80 and with just a dozen laps left found himself solidly among the front-five. Phelps made the final surge for the top spot, nosing ahead of Decker for second on lap 97 before Tomkins out-distanced him by six car-lengths to collect the $6,000 top prize.
“The car could work pretty much anywhere,” noted Tomkins, who remained sixth in series points through 17 of 27 races. “One thing I was afraid of was when you get the lead early sometimes the track will change, and this track does change quite a lot, and you don’t if those guys are catching you.”
“The last time I won a series race here we had radios and the guys could tell me where to move around. I didn’t have such luck tonight but this thing was good everywhere. I could just roll around the corners and this thing would take off down the straightaways … it was awesome.
“I could see Billy’s nose a couple times on restarts, he actually started next to me a couple times. All I was worried about was getting down the back stretch and beating him into turn three. If I could do that, I could keep the lead and if not, I wasn’t going to get him. We were good enough where we could roll the top and accelerate down the back chute. But still looking at Billy and Dale, the year they’ve been having, and even Jimmy has come on strong lately, they’re heavy hitters and they know what it takes to win. We’re still getting our feet wet a little bit with this car and still learning some stuff with it. Its tough but I had confidence with it the way it felt so great out there,” added Tomkins, after netting his fifth top-five finish in 17 point races. The Clifton Springs, New York racer finished second to Tim Fuller in the first of two 50-lappers held last summer at Can-Am steering the Honeoye Auto Parts no. 84 Red Parker & Son Excavating/Bicknell entry.
Joining Tomkins with his second straight top-five in as many nights, Phelps rally fell just short at the line as he sought his second Advance Series victory of the season.
“An extra five (laps) an maybe things could’ve turned out different,” said Phelps, 33, who placed the H&H Motorsports no. 98H Mohawk N.E.-New England Race Fuels-Joe Gibbs Racing Oil/Troyer third in last year’s second 50-lap at Can-Am that was won by Paine. “I needed that last yellow earlier so we could get some more green laps there at the end. It took my car about five laps or so after the yellow to get moving, and that’s what really hurt us tonight.”
“We needed to be a little better earlier, we definitely had what we needed at the end but it was just a little too late. What are you gonna do? These guys are giving me an awesome race car, just didn’t anticipate the track sticking around that long. The moisture seemed to come back a little bit, just took us too long to really get going.”
“The consistency is there, we’re knocking on the door it seems like more and more so hopefully another win is right around the corner. I have to thank all the guys at Troyer for helping out and everybody that supports this deal. And all the fans for coming out tonight, it was a fun place to race,” Phelps added.
Continuing to set an extraordinary pace in the Advance Auto Parts Super Series leader Decker scored his 14th front-five finish of the season with every event coming home among the top-10, including eight extra-distance victories.
“We were just struggling, happy to get away with a third,” low-balled Decker, who has finished among the top-five at Can-Am seven of the last races, leading off with his lone tour win at the ‘Nasty Track of the North’ in 1999. “The car was close, it was just lacking a little balance. We’ve been fishing for it and can’t really find it.”
”But a third from where we started (7th) tonight, we’re tickled to death. We’ve got great stuff, all the guys work really hard so we’re very fortunate. Sure, there’s the big picture (Mr. DIRTcar), but we still come to every race with the full intention of running to win and hopefully let the points take care of themselves,” Decker figured.
The Advance Auto Part Super DIRTcar Series continues tomorrow at Cornwall Motor Speedway on Sunday, August 17 with the 14th Akwesasne Mohawk Casino International 100 concluding the weekend north of the border.
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series
Race #17
Can-Am Motorsports Park
August 16, 2008
‘F.X. Caprara Car Companies 100’
Big Block Modified Event Summary
Feature
FIN STR CAR# DRIVER
1 5 84 Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY($6,000)
2 6 98h Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
3 7 91 Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY
4 12 77x Dale Planck/Cortland,NY
5 *29 7x Steve Paine/Waterloo,NY
6 2 1 Stewart Friesen/Niagara-o-t-Lake,ONT
7 15 9s Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
8 20 11 Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
9 8 6 Pat O'Brien/Kingston,ONT
10 31 18w Scott Webb/Brownville,NY
11 3 3 Justin Haers/Phelps,NY
12 24 88 Steve Hulsizer/Bridgeport,NY
13 10 20 Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
14 28 16 Lance Willix II/Theresa,NY
15 11 49 Billy Dunn/Watertown,NY
16 30 5 Jason Potter/Pulaski,NY
17 14 29 Jeff Brownell Jr./Waterloo,NY
18 18 8 Rob Bellinger/Dexter,NY
19 19 87 Shawn Donath/S. Onondaga,NY®
20 26 13 Tony Steiner/Jamesville,NY®
21 25 63 Adam Roberts/Watertown,NY
22 22 19h Chris Higgins/Syracuse,NY®
23 23 6t Pete Taylor/Marcellus,NY
24 1 90 Scott Parliament/LaFargeville,NY
25 9 99 Ryan Phelps/Fulton,NY
26 13 14j Alan Johnson/Middlesex,NY
27 4 fx1 Frankie Caprara/Watertown,NY
28 21 99L Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY®
29 16 93 Ryan Bartlett/Adams,NY
30 27 39 Tyler Bartlett/Adams,NY
31 17 9 Mark Smoke/Akwesasne,NY
*Paine started rear in back-up no. 29 Brownell car.
EVENT SUMMARY:
LAP LEADERS: Parliament (1-8), Caprara (9-20), Tomkins (21-100).
CAUTIONS: 8 for 20 laps.
HEAT WINNERS: J.Phelps, Dunn, Hearn.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Cornwall Motor Speedway hosts the third and final leg of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series this weekend with the mighty Mod Squad point chasers contending in the third straight 100-lapper paying $6,000-to-win on Sunday, August 17. The top touring stars arrive at the home of DIRTcar NorthEast on Aug. 31 for Twin 54s at Cayuga County Fair Speedway.
Point Standings (Thru Aug. 16, 2008)
1. Billy Decker 1,442
2. Dale Planck 1,281
3. Brett Hearn 1,235
4. Jimmy Phelps 1,224
5. Matt Sheppard 1,137
6. Gary Tomkins 1,127
7. Steve Paine 1,047
8. Frankie Caprara 946
9. Danny Johnson 932
10. Ryan Phelps 899
SKIDMARKS
Watertown Warriors: Can-Am boasted a strong local flavor led by rising Advance Series stars Frankie Caprara and Billy Dunn plus Rob Bellinger, who scored his first career DIRTcar Big-Block Modified feature win just a few backs at the same LaFargeville oval. Two-time Can-Am winner Caprara was the track points leader heading into the Saturday special while Dunn held down fourth in the standings still seeking his first win of 2008. “The track has been different every time we’ve raced this summer,” remarked Dunn, who was second quickest in time trials before winning the second qualifying heat. “Whoever has the best car is definitely going to win tonight, but the re-draw will be very important as its tough to pass out there. You just have to be patient. I don’t mind the being slick, you don’t need a big motor to get around.” Noted Caprara, “I’ve never seen the track like this before, its dry and smooth with hardly any bite in (turns) one and two. Coming into the show we had higher expectations just because we know the place better than any other. But still, all the tour guys are in town for this one and its always tough to gain an edge going up against so much experience.” With Dunn and Caprara hopeful of top-fives, Bellinger was more content gaining valuable track time running alongside the best in the Big-Block business. “We might have a decent shot at a top-10 if everything falls our way, yet anything in the first 15 would certainly be acceptable,” pointed out Bellinger, fondly known as ‘Kid Troyer’ among the racing fraternity. “This is just our second series race of the season so we’re looking to get as many laps under our belt as possible. We’re still up in the air with a set-up for the feature, just try to tighten up the car during hot laps and see what happens. We’ll try to get the tires not to spin and look to get as much forward bite as possible. It’s a different track tonight so we figure everybody will be guessing once that first green flag flies.”
Pot Holes: 2007 Super DIRT Week Rite 200 pole-winner Jimmy Phelps became the ninth driver to earn an Integra Shocks Fast Time Award this season after posting the best time for the fifth time in his career…..Danny Johnson continued to ride the carousel of cars, piloting a TEO machine borrowed from DIRTcar 358-Modified racer Lance Willix ---actually owned by Zach Aubertine--- at Can-Am on Saturday. The past two Advance Series shows the ‘Doctor’ wheeled a vintage orange no. 27J Troyer Mud Buss at Canandaigua and Brewerton, earlier driving Mike Petruska’s no. J66 TEO at Merrittville, Mark Forte’s re-numbered m40 TEO mount at Orange County, and former car owner Jeff Isabell’s no. 7J Troyer entry at Georgetown after opening the season aboard the no. 27J JIR Motorsports/Troyer copy…..Small-blockers Adam Roberts, Mark Smoke and Lance Willix Jr. were all vying for a guaranteed starting berth in the Super DIRT Week 358-Modified Championship slated for Saturday, October 11 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse with Willix (14th) getting the nod…..Rear-end trouble for the second straight Advance Series event for Steve Paine forced the ‘Hurricane’ to climb into JB Motor Sports back-up no. 29 Bicknell machine and exhibit a stunning performance in the 100-lap feature go. Paine, who with Tim Fuller split the series twin 50s held last summer at Can-Am, was doubtful at first that he would make it back in time to hit the Cornwall race on Sunday until car owner Jeff Brownell supplied him a new rear-end to install in his own no. 7x Tallmadge Tire-Swarthout Recycling-Instant Heat Wood Pellets/Troyer ride…..Brett Hearn captured his ninth heat race victory to lead the list of 22 drivers copping qualifiers in tour competition this season. However, by feature time, the ‘Jet’ was once again grounded as he settled for a disappointing 13th-place finish as the last car to remain on the lead lap.
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Billy Decker(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Dale Planck(G)
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway D.Planck/Danny Johnson(P)
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway B.Decker/Brett Hearn(P)
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway B.Decker/Robbie Krull(P)
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway B.Decker/Jimmy Phelps(P)
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Brett Hearn(G)
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond D.Planck/Steve Paine(P)
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway B.Decker/Jeff Strunk(P)
Thr-Jul 17 Georgetown Speedway H.J. Bunting III(G)
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway B.Hearn/Chuck McKee(P)
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Jimmy Phelps(G)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Vic Coffey(P)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Justin Haers(P)
Fri-Aug 15 Brewerton Speedway B.Decker/Gary Tomkins(P)
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park Gary Tomkins(G)
Sun-Aug 17 Cornwall Motor Speedway Cornwall,ONT
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon,NY
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Sarver,PA
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
-end-
Vauter, Stone, Hilfiger, and Payne Repeat at Penn Can. NASCAR’s Ray Evernham Win Speedstr Feature
Susquehanna, PA…Penn Can Speedway suffered through a week of wet weather with more storms in the forecast this past Friday night. The predicted rain never materialized and another racing program was put into the books on a special night with appearances of NASCAR car owner Ray Evernham and ARCA star Erin Crocker. Dan Vauter backed up his win of a few weeks back with a strong victory in the thirty lap modified feature. In the companion late model feature, Dan Stone used lap traffic to make a last lap pass on Alan Kellogg to pick up another late model win. In the sportsman feature, Grant Hifiger won his third race of the season with Frank Payne getting another super stock victory. After greeting the crowd and signing autographs, Ray Evernham strapped into his Tobias Speedstr and went out and won his first feature event in the newly minted Speedstrs over Erin Crocker and Nick Pecko.
Bobby Trapper used his outside pole position to charge into the lead of the thirty lap modified main event. A caution on lap two for a stalled car had Trapper in the lead with Billy Thornton, Mike Colsten, and Dan Pompey the top five cars. When racing went back to green, Trapper held the top spot for the next ten laps when the second caution came for a disabled car on the back stretch. Mike Colsten would take the top position from Trapper and lead the next four laps until Dan Vauter got position on lap fifteen and took control.
Vauter would keep his car out front with Trapper second followed by Colsten, Joey Grammes, and Steve Babicek. The man on the move was Jeff Rudalavage who pitted early in the race. Rudalavage picked off position getting to fourth with six laps remaining. Vauter stayed strong and went on to claim the win with Grammes getting by Colsten for second. Colsten settled for third with Rudalavage and Babicek rounding out the top five.
The late model feature would be a back and forth affair with Alan Kellogg and Dan Stone exchanging the lead. Kellogg gained the top position passing Chris Hunsinger on lap two. With Stone making his way through the pack, Kellogg settled into the top position until caution slowed the field and the pack set up on Kellogg’s rear bumper. Stone made the first pass for the lead on lap nine with Kellogg in the runner-up spot followed by Chad Hollenbeck, Tracy Gregory, and Dan Snyder. A few laps later, Kellogg regained momentum and charged by Stone on lap fourteen. Kellogg looked to be set up for his first win of the season until he experienced lapped traffic crossing under the white flag. He kept his car low allowing Stone the outside of the track where he made the winning pass. Kellogg finished second, Hollenbeck, Snyder, and Ben Whitaker followed.
In the sportsman twenty lap feature event Josh Ainey would use his front row starting position to take the early lead. A lap five restart saw Eric Griffin vault into the lead followed by Ainey, Grant Hilfiger, Paul Strohyl, and Justin Holland. Hilfiger move by Griffin on lap ten with Holland on the move into third. Holland got to second on lap fourteen and chased down the leader. With caution slowing the field on lap seventeen, Hilfiger was out front followed by Hollandf, Strohl, and Tim Howell. Another quick caution grouped the field for a green, white checker. Hilfiger held on and got his third win of the season. Holland, Strohl, Howell, and Mike Nagel rounded the top five.
The twenty car super stock pure stock challenge race started with Jim Sykes out front. Sykes would turn the lead over to Frank Payne on lap four. With Payne out front a few mid race cautions kept the field tight. Chris Strohl, Carl Heater, and Tom Herman would be the main challengers for Payne’s position. While the cars behind Payne swapped positions lap after lap, Payne held strong and won another super stock/pure stock feature event. Heater came home second followed by Strohl, and the first of three pure stocks, Jon Carpenter, Ken Sparks, and Steve Polhamus.
Erin Crocker jumped to the early lead in the Todias Speedstr event with Doug Rose and Ray Evernham following. Evernham made the move to the front on lap three and would fight off all challenges to win the event over teammate Crocker, last weeks winner Nick Pecko, and modified driver Dan Vauter.
Penn Notes: Rain all week played havoc with the track surface. Many hours of track work are planned to settle this condition for next Friday’s racing. The CRSA Sprints return to make their third visit of the season. This division is growing weekly. Another twenty four plus field is expected. Modifieds, late models, super stocks, pure stocks, and four cylinders will also be on the card. The sportsman have the night off.
Modified Feature: Dan Vauter (Forest City, PA), Joey Grammes, Mike Colsten, Jeff Rudalavage, Steve Babicek, Craig Terrell, Alex Tonkin, Brian Weaver, Bill Miller, Billy Thornton, Bobby Trapper Jr, Darwin Greene, Garth Tonkin Jr, Al Rudalavage, Bobby Trapper, Chad Cook, Dan Pompey, Mike Nagel, Mike Lartz, Dave Jenkins, Chris Weaver, DNS Bernie Griffin
Late Model Feature: Dan Stone (Thompson, PA), Alan Kellogg, Chad Hollenbeck, Dan Snyder, Ben Whithaker, Scott Adams, Tracy Gregory, Chris Hunsinger, Jeremy Randall, James Cornell, Bud Phillips, Dave Zona, Curt Tunilo Jr
Sportsman Feature: Grant Hilfiger (Henryville, PA), Justin Holland, Paul Strohl, Tim Howell, Mike Nagel Jr, Eric Griffin, Bob Lineman Jr, Paul Rooney, Andy Stout, Nick Petrilak, Tom Witko, Bob Janesky, Jeff Crambo, Allison Martinelli, Josh Ainey, Chance Spoonhower, Rick Brown, Dwayne Robbins, Joey Colsten, Jamie Cortazar, Casey Plummer
-end-
Decker Does It Again With 8th Advance Series Victory Friday At Brewerton
Brewerton, NY – August 15, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
For the eighth time this season Billy Decker came away with victory in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series to extend his lead even further in the point standings. However, the seven wins scored prior to his first career tour triumph at Brewerton Speedway were scored in more convincing fashion.
In the Friday night nail-biter at the ‘D-Shaped DIRT Demon,’ Decker first swapped the point early on with Alan Johnson, then diced with Dale Planck the second half of the race before regaining the lead for good when Planck suffered a flat tire with just five laps to go.
“Things are going good,” said Decker, 43, after beating Planck to the stripe for the third consecutive Advance Series race. Gary Tomkins finished third in his best showing of the season followed by top-five tour travelers Matt Sheppard and Jimmy Phelps. “But I don’t thing we really had a whole lot for the 77x, (Planck) was on fire tonight.”
“We’ve got a fair amount of experience here at Brewerton, we were just trying to be patient, be patient, and not seal a tire. (Dale) went on by me and I wanted to go up there and try that groove for a little while. I think he sealed them (tires) just a little bit because we could stay even with him then. I saw a few sparks off the right rear and he got a little tight to the wall down here (turn four), must’ve flattened his tire,” Decker figured.
With a right rear tire suddenly losing air with just a handful of laps to go, Planck gave up a lead he had worked so hard to hold and limped home under the checkered flag to settle for runner-up honors in the ninth annual ‘WHF Racing 100’ at Brewerton.
“I took what notes I had from last year and the car was just as good this year, just came up a couple laps short there,” remarked Planck, 38, who set fast time at Brewerton a year ago en route to the $6,000 payoff, this time collected by Decker after his sixth feature win of 2008 at Brewerton. “I could feel the tire going down and thought ‘man, please last about five more laps.’ I honestly thought that there was one more lap to go when the checkers were out so I looked up on the board and saw second, I’m a happy guy.”
A one week delay was well worth the wait for Brewerton faithful on a sun-drenched Friday evening in Central New York. It started out even better for former Advance Series winner at Brewerton in 1998 and reigning Mr. DIRTcar points king Brett Hearn as he got an early jump on the 34-car field, earning a second straight Integra Shocks Fast Time Award after stopping the clocks at 14.883 seconds. A close call in the pits while lining up for his heat race forced Hearn to arrive late to the starting grid and after qualifying through the consolation round never quite recovered in time to challenge the leaders.
Defending Brewerton points champion Willy Decker drew number one to earn the pole-position start come feature time, although ’08 runner-up in the track standings Alan Johnson blasted to the front to pace the 30-car grid during the initial stages. Billy Decker had moved from fourth to second by the time the first yellow flag unfurled for debris on the track with four laps scored, and just two more times around the smooth one third-miler nosed the LJL Racing no. 91 Gypsum Wholesalers-Stadium Int'l-Quality Hardwoods/Bicknell machine ahead of ‘A.J. Slideways’ to force the first lead change.
A second caution period came on lap 10 when ’06 Brewerton tour winner Jimmy Phelps suffered a flat left-rear tire, with Canadian pilot Pat O’Brien having a right front tread lose air at the same time. With Johnson stationed outside Decker on the ensuing restart, he regained the lead before once more falling to second as the ‘Franklin Flyer’ darted low across the stripe to complete lap 16.
With all eyes on the battle up front, Planck was beginning to mount a charge and with a quarter of the race in the books had rallied from 24th to 11th and was just getting started. Passing high and low and in the middle between turns three and four, Planck had the RezX Racing no. 77x Grow It Hydroseeding-Action Race Parts/TEO ride primed for perfection. He grabbed seventh on lap 30, ducked under Billy Dunn for fifth-place five laps later before overtaking Johnson for fourth on lap 40.
A quick move past Sheppard put the ‘Natural’ in third on a lap 41 restart and the next time around Planck snatched second away from Tomkins. The mission was complete for the second-generation standout from Cortland, New York as he drifted high around Decker in turn four and passed the starter’s stand out front on lap 45.
The final 60 laps were run caution-free with the track surface turning black and slippery yet staying smooth for the duration. Weaving in and out of traffic throughout the final 20 miles, Planck and Decker played cat and mouse without either taking the bait. Once opening up a lead of over 2.0-seconds, Decker sliced the margin to 6/10ths of a second as Planck put 15th-place runner Stewart Friesen down a lap with 35 laps still to go.
Aside from the top two, positions continued to change among the top-10 as the laps dwindled and traffic tightened in every corner during the waning moments. While Tomkins and Sheppard diced back and forth for third, Jimmy Phelps and cousin Ryan Phelps contended for a top-five slot while Hearn hovered among the first dozen.
Jimmy Phelps charged past Johnson into fifth on lap 57 and Tomkins secured third for good on lap 73 although up ahead leaders Planck and Decker demanded most of the attention as they were forced to use up three lanes just to escape traffic. Decker quickly closed right in on the bumper of Planck with 95 laps showing and in a daring three-wide maneuver exiting turn four, split the lapped car of Chad Phelps down low and Planck up high to forge the final lead change on lap 96. A soft right-rear tire was the culprit for Planck although he managed to hang on for a tidy second-place tally suddenly a straightaway back as the failed tire shredded completely.
“This whole deal starts right at the top, John (Wight, owner) provides us with superb equipment and basically its on our shoulders from there,” noted Decker, as he remained perfect with his 16th top-10 finish in 16 races, 13 of which were registered among the front-five. “All the guys work their tails off and do a tremendous job.”
“I’m very fortunate, I get to be the lucky one to sit behind the wheel. You got to get them while you’re hot. It’s the same stuff we ran last year that we couldn’t win with, its cycling now and seems to be our turn. Brewerton is a super tough place, we were fortunate to wheel off a few wins in the spring and hit things right. Can-Am (Saturday) is certainly not one of our better tracks, we’re just hoping for the best, maybe nail something, and we’re looking forward to Cornwall on Sunday. It’s a stress-filled weekend you can count on that, its gonna test everybody,” added Decker, as he acknowledged two more consecutive days of Advance Series activity scheduled further north.
Despite settling for runner-up accolades at Brewerton, Planck was just as content as he continued to enjoy his best season ever on the premier Big-Block Modified tour in the nation.
“We came out of the box really good tonight, second fastest in hot laps, just made the wrong tire choice so that kinda got us behind the 8-ball,” said Planck, who was the last to run under the clocks and ultimately timed 31st out of 34 Big-Block entries. Then in the heat I just got a little antsy starting in the back trying to make a re-draw position. Stuck my nose in there where it didn’t belong and pinched the front end.”
“In the feature I was trying to get through lapped traffic there and the wall probably cut the tire. We have no radios or anything to signify how close Billy was. Racing against him and these guys on the Super DIRT Series, you gotta run every lap like it’s the last one. Probably partly my fault there trying to get by lapped traffic and got into the wall a little bit. But I’m still really happy to be here in second. Can’t thank enough Carey Terrance (owner) and all the guys here tonight. Gave them a good show anyways, just came up a little short,” added Planck, who garnered the Bert/KSE Racing Products Hard Charger Award after rallying from 24th to second while taking home the Holley Hard Luck Award following his late race flat tire. All while still moving past Brett Hearn for second on the Advance Series points chart heading for round 17 at Can-Am.
Tomkins was maybe the most stable throughout the century grind, starting where he finished to place among the top-three for the first time on tour this season steering the Honeoye Auto Parts no. 84 Red Parker & Son Excavating/Bicknell machine.
“It feels so long since I’ve been here (podium), I needed directions,” joked Tomkins, who earning preferred starter status in the prestigious Rite Aid 200 Championship race on Oct. 12 of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. Best finishes for the 2004 overall Mr. DIRTcar Champion prior to Friday were fourth-place runs at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park in May and Autodrome Drummond in July. “We really needed this one bad.”
“It’s a brand new (Bicknell) car, actually put together a couple months ago but this is our third race on it and first with a big-block. I think its got some potential, a few things have changed on it like some stuff Randy (Williamson, Bicknell fabricator) and his guys wanted to try. We’re still a little bit off yet but at least I can see (Decker) after the race, usually we’re loading up the car now and not even going over the scales. So its almost like a win for us, hopefully we can get ourselves back on track a little bit and run better, the way we think we should.”
“The last few times I’ve been here the place has been different than when I used to run here. Tonight it reminded me a lot more of the way it was back in 2004-05 so we sort of went by what we did then. We’re fortunate we’re going to have a car we’re gonna run tomorrow night (Can-Am) that’s proven, its one that we’ve been running all year so we’ll save this one again for Cornwall on Sunday. Hopefully, we can get through tomorrow okay and go to Cornwall with some momentum,” Tomkins added.
The Advance Auto Part Super DIRTcar Series doesn’t wait long to return to action as teams head north to Can-Am Motorsports Park for the F.X. Caprara Car Companies 100 tomorrow before closing out the weekend at Cornwall Motor Speedway on Sunday, August 17 in the 14th Akwesasne Mohawk Casino International 100.
SKIDMARKS
While Decker and Planck once gain took top billing in the Advance Auto Parts Series show at Brewerton, now copping 11 of the initial 16 points races, those names were also recognized further back in the field with Willy Decker (no relation) and Dale’s son Steve Planck making their own tire tracks on Friday. “I’m here to make the show, just get some seat time and not try to impress anybody,” said Steve, 18, who finished 25th after qualifying for his first-ever Advance Series race. It was just his fourth Big-Block event after netting a pair at Brewerton and one at Fulton earlier this season. “This is the same (Teo) car, pretty much identical to may father’s. You grow up and can’t wait to be on the same track as your dad, now its here. My dad does give me a couple of set-ups but most of the time he’s too busy with his own stuff. But this is a real family operation and we’re all in it together.
Collecting his first-ever DIRTcar Big-Block Modified track title last year at Brewerton, Willy Decker ranks fifth in points this season with one feature win produced in 12 starts. “We started out the season fast but got rapped in he back and the car hasn’t been the same ever since,” divulged Decker, 34, who scored four wins at Brewerton last season to capture the elusive crown. He faded to ninth Friday in the 100-lapper after drawing the pole-position start. “We were wasting races trying to figure things out so we came back with a small-block a couple weeks ago and just crushed the field. With the Big-Block Series I just need to run more shows. It would be nice to find a ride, that would make things a lot easier. We’ve got a car coming next but who knows when we’ll have it ready. We’ve been struggling pretty bad lately so the sooner the better.”
Pot Holes: Half of the 34-car field on Friday was made up of Brewerton regulars led by top-three track point earners Billy Decker, Alan Johnson and Matt Sheppard. ‘Super Matt’ was the top time trailer of the bunch as he was third fastest behind only Integra Shocks Fast Timer Brett Hearn and Brewerton/Fulton mainstay Jim Witko Jr., who travels up to Central New York every weekend from his home in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania…..Decker’s eighth Advance Series win was even sweeter as the Unadilla, New York wheelman was helping celebrate his father Floyd Decker’s birthday…..Hearn’s second straight fast time improves his all-time Advance Series leading total to 40. Hearn arrived late for his heat race after getting cut off on pit road and then slowed on the first lap to draw a caution and immediately after a chorus of boos from the partisan grandstand throng…..Standing 15th in Brewerton points entering the event, Pat O’Brien posted his first heat race win of the season. “I’ve been good in heats this year, it’s the features that have been a struggle most of the time.” …..Initial run for Pat Ward aboard Brian Murphy’s no. 42 Bicknell before a broken lid-lifter sidelined the team after time trials. More Super DIRTcar Series events could be in the future for the Genoa, New York veteran…..Jimmy Phelps said before therace that being patient and saving the tires is the only way to win a 100-lapper at Brewerton. Ironically, Phelps suffered a flat tire on just the 10th circuit to require an early caution flag yet the ‘B’Ville Blizzard’ charged back through to finish fifth…..Danny Johnson back in tour competition after spinning a couple motor bearings in last Saturday’s series stop at Canandaigua steering his trusty orange no. 27J Troyer Mud Buss…… Dale sandwiched between Danny Johnson and Chad Homan on back stretch of opening lap, suffering a collapsed front end ….
UPCOMING EVENTS
The mighty Mod Squad enters stage two of a big tripleheader with Can-Am Motorsports Park hosting the second straight $6,000-to-win 100-lapper on August 16 followed by Cornwall Motor Speedway on Aug. 17. The touring stars arrive at the home of DIRTcar NorthEast on Aug. 31 for Twin 54s at Cayuga County Fair Speedway.
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series
Race #16
Brewerton Speedway
August 15, 2008
‘WHF Racing 100’
Big Block Modified Event Summary
Feature
FIN STR CAR# DRIVER
1 4 91 Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY($6,000)
2 24 77x Dale Planck/Cortland,NY
3 3 84 Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY
4 5 9s Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
5 11 98h Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
6 2 14j Alan Johnson/Middlesex,NY
7 12 99 Ryan Phelps/Fulton,NY
8 21 3 Justin Haers/Phelps,NY
9 1 1x Willy Decker/Vernon,NY
10 22 20 Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
11 6 49 Billy Dunn/Watertown,NY
12 9 42b Kevin Bates/Lake Ariel,PA
13 23 fx1 Frankie Caprara/Watertown,NY
14 16 1 Stewart Friesen/Niagara-o-t-Lake,ONT
15 14 24 Jim Witko Jr./Clarks Summit,PA
16 17 88 Steve Hulsizer/Bridgeport,NY
17 7 6 Pat O'Brien/Kingston,ONT
18 30 99L Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY®
19 8 16 Mike Bowman/Baldwinsville,NY
20 25 X Chad Phelps/Mexico,NY
21 28 09 Kyle Lewis/Pennellville,NY
22 15 99b Chuck Bower/Lansing,NY
23 26 91h Chad Homan/Macedon,NY
24 20 87 Shawn Donath/S. Onondaga,NY®
25 13 77 Steve Planck/Cortland,NY
26 29 27j Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
27 10 83 Tom Sears Jr./Clay,NY
28 19 02 Roy Bresnahan/Palermo,NY
29 27 7x Steve Paine/Waterloo,NY
30 18 160 Johnny Hill/Hastings,NY
EVENT SUMMARY:
LAP LEADERS: A.Johnson (1-5), B.Decker (6-9), A.Johnson (10-15), B.Decker (16-44), D.Planck (45-95), B.Decker (96-100).
CAUTIONS: 4 (lap 5, lap 10, lap 38, lap 41).
HEAT WINNERS: Tomkins, O'Brien, J.Phelps, A.Johnson.
LAST CHANCE RACE WINNER: Haers.
Point Standings (Thru Aug. 15, 2008)
1. Billy Decker 1,349
2. Dale Planck 1,195
3. Brett Hearn 1,174
4. Jimmy Phelps 1,119
5. Matt Sheppard 1,065
6. Gary Tomkins 1,024
7. Steve Paine 967
8. Frankie Caprara 905
9. Danny Johnson 864
10. Ryan Phelps 859
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Billy Decker(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Dale Planck(G)
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway D.Planck/Danny Johnson(P)
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway B.Decker/Brett Hearn(P)
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway B.Decker/Robbie Krull(P)
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway B.Decker/Jimmy Phelps(P)
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Brett Hearn(G)
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond D.Planck/Steve Paine(P)
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway B.Decker/Jeff Strunk(P)
Thr-Jul 17 Georgetown Speedway H.J. Bunting III(G)
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway B.Hearn/Chuck McKee(P)
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Jimmy Phelps(G)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Vic Coffey(P)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Justin Haers(P)
Fri-Aug 15 Brewerton Speedway B.Decker/Gary Tomkins(P)
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park LaFargeville,NY
Sun-Aug 17 Cornwall Motor Speedway Cornwall,ONT
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon,NY
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Sarver,PA
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
-end-
Record Rookie Crop Crams 2008 List Of DIRTcar NorthEast 1st-Year Participants
Weedsport, NY – August 14, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director
The state of DIRTcar Racing NorthEast is just fine. A quick glance at the stacked list of first-year drivers currently recognized as Motorsports Safety Systems/G-FORCE Rookie of the Year candidates offers ample justification as it confirms the biggest number ever.
"This is the most drivers ever participating in the rookie program, yet I still expect to hear from a few more as the end of the regular season gets closer," stated DIRTcar NorthEast official points keeper Gary Spaid. "We have never had any formal registration procedure in place, however we can not process rookie points unless we’ve been properly notified by interested teams."
For drivers wanting to join the list, the time is now to contact DIRTcar NE Headquarters and confirm their intention of contending for the annual Rookie of the Year award. A record number of drivers are already qualified for DIRTcar rookie status in the Big Block Modified, 358 Modified and entry-level open-wheel Sportsman Modified divisions plus the full-fender UMP Pro Stock class.
Heading the list of 2008 DIRTcar rookie contenders already indicating their intentions of pursuing the first-year award are: Big-Block – Larry Wight, Michael Storms and Anthony Steiner; 358-Modified – Tommy Flannigan and Larry Wight; Sportsman - Jason Parkhurst, Luke Whitteker and Dave Marcuccilli; Pro Stock – Bruno Cyr.
Top '07 rookie accolades were received by Mike Bowman (Big Block), Eric Landry (358 Modified), Larry Wight (Sportsman) and Pro Stocker Jocelyn Roy at the season-ending DIRTcar ‘Night of Champions’ Awards Banquet, this year scheduled for Saturday, November 15 at the plush Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York.
A rookie in the Big-Block Modified division is any driver who has not competed in at least six (6) Big Block features in a year. This includes running a 358 Modified car with the Big Block division except at tracks classified as "merged" divisional speedways. A 358 Modified rookie is classified as any driver who has not competed in either six (6) Big-Block or 358 Modified events. The same rules apply to the Sportsman and Pro Stock divisions.
2008 Rookie of the Year award candidates must also hold a valid DIRTcar License to be eligible for Rookie of the Year points and awards. Rookie Points are determined by adding Home Track Bonus Points to actual points earned at all respective Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series or Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series races. Rookie drivers can also receive points just by attempting to qualify for a championship event.
Potential rookie candidates should notify Gary Spaid aces2@frontiernet.net at 1571 Lehigh Station Road, Henrietta, NY 14467 as soon as possible to verify 2008 status.
The following are confirmed Rookies and are eligible for the overall DIRTcar NE Rookie of the Year Awards with a valid 2008 DIRTcar License.
Big Block Modified Track(s)
Kyle Fink Tri-City
Eric Fisher Canandaigua, Cayuga County
Paul Guererri Canandaigua
Rob Hile Fulton
Erik Martin Lernerville
Brian Sadler Tri-City, Lernerville
Tony Steiner Cayuga County, Fulton
Michael Storms Orange County
Larry Wight Cayuga County
358 Modified Track(s)
Joe Banks Brockville
Clayton Benedict Mohawk, Cornwall
Tommy Flannigan Merrittville, Ransomville
Mitchell Jock Mohawk, Cornwall
Todd Kendrick Merrittville
Gage Morin Edelweiss, Cornwall
Darren Peters Merrittville, Ransomville
Jason Riddell Brockville
Andrew Sittler Merrittville, Ransomville
Marc Therrien Edelweiss, Cornwall
Nicholas Vaillant Edelweiss
Larry Wight Can Am
Derek Wutzke Merrittville
Jessica Zemken Brockville
Sportsman Modified Track(s)
Matt Billings Brockville. Cayuga County, Thunder Alley
Bill Clark Jr. Fulton, Cayuga County, Thunder Alley
Joe Cook Jr. Canandaigua
Greg Cool Canandaigua
Brian Copp Brockville, Can Am
Mike DeMallie Canandaigua
Jay Doerr Merrittville
Jim Evans Fulton, Cayuga County
Dylan Evoy Brockville, Thunder Alley
Darrell Faraway Merrittville, Ransomville
Mike Fowler Fulton
Peter Gordon Canandaigua, Ransomville
Erin Joyce Brockville
Dan Kapuscinski Thunder Alley
Kyle LaVare Canandaigua
Rob Lerch Canandaigua, Black Rock
A.J. Lewis Canandaigua
Ron MacAuley Merrittville
Dave Marcuccilli Cayuga County
Rod McDonald Brockville
Zeke McKeown Brockville, Thunder Alley, Can Am
Jason Parkhurst Fulton, Thunder Alley
Brandon Planck Cayuga County
Jessica Powers Brockville
Tim Sears Jr. Fulton
Matt Smith Cayuga County, Canandaigua
Derek Spellan Brockville
Adam Tricky Brockville
Roger Varacalli Brockville
Ryan Weese Merrittville, Humberstone
Ben Wheeler Cayuga County, Canandaigua
Luke Whitteker Brockville, Thunder Alley, Can Am
-end-
NIGHT OF FEATURES CLOSES THE 2008 REGULAR SEASON AT FONDA THIS SATURDAY
By Ron Szczerba
FONDA, NY – On Saturday, August 16 at the Fonda Speedway, track champions in all divisions will be crowned as the 2008 point season comes to a close with the “Night of Features”. Fonda Speedway promoter Ric Lucia started the “Night of Features” format in his first year of promoting the speedway back in 1997.
Looking back over the years here are all of the different drivers who have won feature events on the “Night of Features” in the modified, sportsman, and pro stock divisions. Over the 11 year span the “Night of Features” consisted of two feature events for each of those divisions with a total of 22 feature events being held in each of the three classes.
In the modified division, A.J. Romano leads the way with four “Night of Features” victories including a sweep of both events back in 2002. Bobby Varin and Dave Camara are next with three wins apiece followed by Jeff Trombley, Tony Pepicelli, Mike Romano and Dave Lape each with two wins apiece; while Alton Palmer, Ronnie and Jack Johnson, and Matt DeLorenzo all have one win apiece.
In the sportsman division Michael Ballestero leads the way with four “Night of Features” victories followed by David Towns with three feature wins. John McAuliffe and Tim Clemons both have two wins apiece while Jim Senzio, Alton Palmer, Brian Gathen, Craig Boehler, Tony Farone, Kenny Martin Jr., Tim Dwyer, Justin House, Jeremiah Munson, John Scarborough and Danny Varin all have one win apiece.
In 2008 the “Night of Features” will bring the same excitement to all of the fans in attendance as drivers in all five regular divisions look towards the 2008 Track Championship. The modified, sportsman, and pro stock divisions will run two feature events while the IMCA will run a single event due to the rules in their sanctioning body.
The street stock competitors will run an “A” and a “B” feature as they have in the past few weeks of the season. All feature events will award single points with the modifieds running two 20-lap features while the sportsman and pro stock divisions will be running two 15-lap events.
The top 12 in the modified and sportsman points going into the night on August 18 will be handicapped. Positions 13th, 14th, and 15th in points will start the first feature event in the 13th, 14th, and 15th starting spots. Drivers in point positions 16th and down will be lined up in a “B” Main event which will qualify nine more cars for the first modified and sportsman feature events.
The top 10 in pro stock points will be handicapped for the first feature event while point positions 11th and down will be lined up according to points to run a “B” Main event. If the “B” Main isn’t needed drivers in point positions 11th and lower will be handicapped according to money won.
At the conclusion of each of the first modified, sportsman, and pro stock feature events the winner will draw the number of positions (1-10) that will be inverted for the second feature event. Any additional spots in the second feature will be filled by the alternates from the “B” feature events.
The top five in modified division points going into this Saturday’s “Night of Features” racing program are Bobby Varin with 612, Pat Ward with 583, Ronnie Johnson with 578, defending Modified Track Champion Matt DeLorenzo with 554, and Dave Camara with 542.
In the sportsman division defending Sportsman Track Champion David Towns is the current point leader with 594 followed by Mark Kislowski with 546, John McAuliffe with 510, John Scarborough with 492, and Luke Munroe with 490.
It will also be Banner Night at Fonda this Saturday sponsored by the Fonda Futures Kid’s Club. In the event of a rain out on Saturday the rain date for the Night of Features program will be Saturday, September 13.
So come to the Fonda Speedway this Saturday and see who will be crowned the 2008 Track Champions! Racing starts at 6:00 p.m.
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“Four the Family Night” Highlighted with BRP Can/Am Late Models at Canandaigua Speedway
Weedsport, NY – August 13, 2008 – By Dan Kapuscinski, Canandaigua Speedway PR and Promotions Coordinator
This Saturday, August 16th it’s Parts Plus “Four the Family Night” with the BRP Can/Am Late Models coming into town. Be sure to come to the races and get 4 Admissions/4 Fries/4 Cokes/and 4 Hot Dogs for just $40!
The DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds, PureStox, and the Parts Plus Big Six Street Stock Series will also be in action with racing starting at 7pm.
The Pit area will open at 4pm Saturday, with the grandstand gates swinging open at 5pm.
Tickets for all regular season events will be made available at the gate. Adult general admission is set at $12, $10 for Seniors (Age 65+), $5 for children (Ages 10-14), and those under the age of 9 are FREE.
Pit admission for DIRTcar Northeast members will be $20, while non-members will be admitted for $25.
The Parts Plus Big Six Series for Street Stocks will be running for the third time this Saturday night. Events have already been held at Cayuga County Fair Speedway and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park with Adam Depuy and Dave Mannise picking up wins.
Last Saturday night, Billy Decker walked out of the ‘Land of Legends’ as the winner of both Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Ferris Mowers Twin 50’s. Dale Planck claimed the runner-up spot in both races while Vic Coffey, Steve Paine, Matt Sheppard, and Justin Haers each added to five finishes on the night.
The Big-Block Modifieds are not in action this Saturday, but the Championship standings continue to be close. Paine is still out front, but after two consecutive top five finishes Sheppard has now moved back into the second position just 18-point behind. Gary Tomkins has fallen back to third ahead of Charlie Donk and Justin Haers.
Hard charger Steve Gray visited victory lane at Canandaigua for the fourth time this season in the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified division last Saturday. Canadian contender AJ Lewis ran to another top five finish, as he came home in the second spot. Kevin Ridley now holds a 43-point lead on Dan Wiesner in the standings as Gray, Todd Henderson, and Anthony Rizzardo fill the top five.
Andy Fisk and Marc Minutolo took victories in the DIRTcar Street Stock and PureStox divisions. Mike Welch and his no. 00 continues to lead the way in the Street Stocks, while Bryan Faulkner is trying to hold of Minutolo in the PureStox.
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Coke Zero “Kid’s Night” This Sunday at Cayuga County Fair Speedway
Weedsport, NY – August 13, 2008 – By Dan Kapuscinski, Cayuga County Fair Speedway PR and Promotions Coordinator
This Sunday, August 17th Coke Zero presents “Kid’s Night at the Races” at Cayuga County Fair Speedway. All kids coming to the races this Sunday night will be admitted for FREE!
The DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, Sportsman, Street Stocks, BattleKarz, and ESDCA Mod Lites will take the green at 7pm. The pit area will open Sunday at 4pm, while grandstand gates will swing open at 5pm.
Tickets for all regular season events will be made available at the gate. Adult general admission is set at $12, $10 for Seniors (Age 65+), $5 for children (Ages 10-14), and those under the age of 9 are FREE.
Last Sunday night Jimmy Phelps was able to outlast two rain-delays to score his second Big-Block Modified win of 2008 at the Weedsport oval. Phelps drove around Rob Bellinger for the win with just 7-laps remaining. Bellinger held on for second ahead of Alan Johnson, Steve Paine, and Billy Dunn in the top five.
With the win, Phelps increases his Championship point lead over ‘AJ Slideways’ to 12-markers. Two-time feature winner Matt Sheppard rides third ahead of Paine, and Dunn in the front five.
The DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds saw its 9th different winner in nine races this season with Earl Rudy picking up his first career win on Sunday night. Rudy led the entire distance and held off John Behron, Tim Currier, Daryl Hilkert, and Chris Hile at the line to secure the big win on Town Mechanical Night.
Top Championship contenders Jeremy Pitcher and Kevin Ridley had issues Sunday night. Ridley scored a DNF in 24th position, while Pitcher struggled to a 15th place run. However, Pitcher is now the new point leader for the first time this season by just 8-points over Ridley. Currier is third, 17-points behind Ridley, ahead of Tom Juhl and Jim Spano in the top five.
Mike Welch pulled into victory lane last Sunday in the DIRTcar Street Stock finale. Nick Rizzo leads the standings over Wayne Ellison.
Matt Tripp grabbed the win in the BattleKarz division on August 10th. The no. 47 of Nick Werner continues to lead the way in the year long point battle over Bill Werner, Les Baker, Karl Werner, and Barb Amadon.
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BIG-BLOCK MODS BACK AT MERCER SATURDAY AFTER 2 ½ YEARS IN A BRP TOUR EVENT; DOUBLE FASTRAK LATE MODEL FEATURES, FIREWORKS, AUTOGRAPHS & MORE HIGHLIGHT NIGHT
By Mike Leone
August 12, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mercer, Pa.--Mercer Raceway Park will hold a special racing event this Saturday, August 16. "The Return" will include the BRP Tour for Big-Block Modifieds, McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models in double features including the July 12 make-up, the Big Daddy's Speed Center Mod Lites, and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks with racing at 7 p.m. A spectacular fireworks display will take place after sunset presented by Walt's of Mercer Plaza.
The Big-Block Modifieds will bring their ground-pounding excitement to Mercer Raceway Park Saturday night in a BRP Tour-sanctioned event. The region's top big blocks will be on hand like point leader Brian Swartzlander, Kevin Bolland, Jeremiah Shingledecker, Joe Crawford, Dave Murdick, the return of Tommy Kristyak and many more to take on Mercer's own top small blocks like that are up to the challenge including Gary Smoker, who already has a BRP Tour win earlier this season at Tri-City Speedway. Numerous Mercer 358 small blocks are expected to compete.
The 30-lap feature will pay $1,300 to-win. Should a Mercer-legal 358 small-block win the event, he will earn an extra $500 and if not $200 for being the highest finishing one courtesy of Approved Toilet Rentals.
Ron's Lawn Service and McGoingle Ambulance have kicked in $300 for Mercer's own regular 358s. The second through fifth highest finishing drivers in Mercer's top 20 in points will earn $125, $75, $50, and $50 respectively.
19 Pitt Stop Pub and new owner Merle Black will be sponsoring a six-lap $500 dash for the top three big blocks and top three Mercer small blocks with $150 going to the winner, $100, $75, $70, $60, $50. They will also be hosting a post-race party at their Route 19 location.
The last BRP Tour event run at Mercer was on May 20, 2006 and won by Rex King, who in fact has won the last three shows scoring both wins in 2005. Other BRP Tour winners at Mercer with wins in parentheses are Lou Blaney (3), Kevin Bolland (2), Alan Dellinger, Tommy Kristyak (1), Ron Smoker (1), and Brian Swartzlander (1). The average car count has been 37.
"We're looking forward to the return of the big blocks at Mercer," stated 10th year owner Vicki Emig. "The time is right and it's great to see all the support from Jerry Schaffer, Ron Samol, Brad McGoingle, and Merle Black with all the bonuses that just give racers extra incentive."
The McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models will be running double features. First up on the night's agenda will be the 20-lap make-up feature from July 12. Then a new complete program will be run with $800 going to the winner of the night's regularly scheduled 25-lap event. Frank Guidace of Mercer is the current point leader by 22 over Brian Booher.
The Big Daddy's Speed Center Mod Lites will be going after $300 to-win. Bud Watson of Conneaut, Ohio is fresh off his first career win and vaulted into the point lead for the first time. The 15-year-old sophomore racer has a 10-point lead over defending champion Rod Jones, who flipped last week and missed two events this season.
Dillon Kineston returned to victory lane last Saturday in the M&D Paving Mini Stocks for the second time this season and extended his point lead to eight over Dan McEwen. The 14-year-old racer hails from New Castle, Pa. The Mini Stocks will also be racing for extra money on Saturday.
A special autograph session will be held from 6 to 6:30 p.m. behind the grandstands for current Big-Block Modified drivers and retired winners.
Sometime after sunset, a spectacular fireworks display will be held presented by Walt's of Mercer Plaza. This was the display that was rained out back on June 28.
"We had considered doing double features for the Late Models on this night," explained Emig. "Then when we got into the make-up situation decided to add that to this night with the one less division and instead pay a higher purse for the regular feature. The fireworks are also a nice add to this show and we invite everyone out early to meet the modified racers and see some of the old restored cars."
Pit gates open at 3:30 p.m. and grandstand gates open at 4:30. Warm ups begin at 6:15 and racing begins at 7. Adult admission is $15, students 6-15 are $7, and kids five and under are free. Pit passes are $30.
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Fonda Speedway
Big Block Modified points 8/12
1. Bobby Varin 612
2. Pat Ward 583
3. Ronnie Johnson 578
4. Matt Delorenzo 554
5. Dave Camara 542
6. Jack Johnson 538
7. Ryan Odasz 524
8. Alton Palmer 440
9. Dave Lape 417
10. Elmo Reckner 400
Sportsman Modifieds
1. David Towns 594
2. Mark Kislowski 546
3. John Mcauliffe 510
4. John Scarborough 492
5. Luke Munroe 490
6. Neil Erickson 464
7. Chad Edwards 462
8. Mark Mortensen 456
9. Jeremy Wilder 399
10. DT Pickard 378
NMX Go Freen Points
1. Matt Delorenzo 182
2. Dave Camara 180
3. Brett Hearn 178
3. Pat Ward 178
5. Bobby Varin 174
6. Ronnie Johnson 168
7. Jack Johnson 152
8. Ryan Odasz 144
9. Dave Lape 116
10. Jim Davis 113
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ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRTcar SERIES: ADVANCE NOTICES
Weedsport, NY — August 11, 2008 — By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
WHAT
For the second time this season, a tripleheader awaits the stars and cars of the Advance Auto Part Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds. Brewerton Speedway kicks off the action Friday, August 15 with the WHF Racing 100 followed by the F.X. Caprara Car Companies 100 at Can-Am Motorsports Park on Saturday, August 16 and concluding with the 14th Annual Akwesasne Mohawk Casino International 100 at Cornwall Motor Speedway on Sunday, August 17. A guaranteed starting berth in the prestigious Rite Aid 200 Championship race on Oct. 12 of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse is also up for grabs all three nights.
WHERE
Brewerton Speedway is located on Route 11 in Brewerton, NY, which is 15 miles north of Syracuse just minutes north of Exit 36 on the New York State Thruway. From the North use Exit Route 81 at the Central Square interchange Exit 32. Coming off the ramp, take a right onto Route 49, and go a half-mile into the center of the village. Go left (south) on Route 11, and the Brewerton Speedway is two miles along on the left side. From the South use Exit Route 81 at the Brewerton interchange Exit 31. Coming off the ramp, take a right on Bartell Road and go a half-mile to Route 11. Go right (north) on Route 11. Go over the bridge and Brewerton Speedway is located just two blocks along the right side. From the East take the NYS Thruway to Exit 34a and pay the toll. Then veer to the right and get on Route 481 North. Follow 481 North for approximately 5 miles, then get on Route 81 North. Exit Route 81 North on the Brewerton/Bartell Road Interchange Exit 31. On the ramp, take a right on Bartell Road and go a half-mile to Route 11. Go right (north) on Route 11. Go over the bridge and Brewerton Speedway is located just two blocks along the right side. From the West take the NYS Thruway to Exit 36 and pay the toll. Then get on Route 81 North and follow that to Exit 31 which is the Brewerton/Bartell Road Interchange. On the ramp, take a right on Bartell Road and go a half-mile to Route 11. Go right (north) on Route 11. Go over the bridge and Brewerton Speedway is located just two blocks along the right side. Can-Am Motorsports Park is located off of NYS Route 411 and can be reached from the east or west by traveling the NYS Thruway to I-81 (Exit 36). Take I-81 North or South to Rt. 411 (Exit 49), then head west four miles. Cornwall Motor Speedway is located off Highway 401, Eastbound using exit 786 to Power Dam Drive and West bound taking exit 789 to Brookdale Avenue, then following the posted signs from both directions.
WHEN
With the event delayed one week due to rain, Brewerton pit gates will unlock at 4:30 p.m. and the main grandstands open at 5 o'clock with hot laps slated for 6:15. Integra Shocks Time Trials for the Big-Block Modifieds are up next at 6:45 p.m. while heat races take the first green flag at 7:30. Pit gates at Can-Am swing open Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and seating in the main grandstands begins at 4:30. Hot laps are slated to begin at 6 o’clock followed immediately by time trials at 6:30 p.m. Originally scheduled to run July 13, Integra Shocks Time Trials at Cornwall are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. following warm-ups, with qualifying heats starting at 7 o'clock. Pit gates will unlock at 3 p.m. and the main grandstands open at 4 o'clock.
TICKETS
Adult General Admission grandstand tickets for Brewerton are $20, 10-14 yrs. $10 and 9 & under free.with pit passes running $25 for DIRTcar members and $30 for non-members. At Can-Am, admission is $20 for adults, $5 for children ages 10 to 14 years, 9 and under is always free while all military officers with proper ID are admitted at half price; for pit admission, DIRTcar License-holders are $25 each and non-members are $30. Canadian money is accepted at par. At Cornwall, general admission tickets are $30 each, $20 for seniors (65 yrs.+) and students (13-17 yrs.), with children 12 yrs. + under free. DIRTcar members can enter the pits for $33, none-members for $37. For more information, contact the Brewerton Speedway ticket office at 315/668-6906, the Can-Am race track phone is 315/778-3407, and Cornwall (613/938-3945) offices remain open throughout the week. General Admission tickets and pit passes will be available at the gate on race day.
*NOTE: Can-Am officials are offering a special one-time deal for all fans that either attended the August 10 program at Cayuga County Fair Speedway or are planning to make the Advance Series show at Brewerton on August 15. Present a ticket stub from either of those events at the Can-Am ticket window on Saturday, Aug. 16 and receive a $5.00 discount on general admission to the ‘Night of Series’ presented by Dig Safely NY, A Verdi Storage Containers, SLR Home Improvements, Soluri’s Pizza, State Farm Insurance, SUNY Canton and Gater Racing News.
ABOUT THE TRACK THE TRACK
Brewerton is a moderately banked 1/3-mile clay oval and with just three Advance Auto Parts Series events run under the clocks, Tim Fuller established the one-lap standard in 2006 with a time of 14.350 seconds (83.565 mph) on August 30. Willy Decker is the defending Brewerton season champion while Advance Series kingpin Billy Decker (5 wins) also tops the current track Big-Block points chart ahead of fellow tour travelers Alan Johnson and Matt Sheppard, each with two victories apiece. DIRT Hall of Famer Bob McCreadie is the all-time track Modified feature winner with 84 victories tallied in both Big-Block and Small-Block competition.
The Can-Am half-mile layout can be fast when the surface is tacky or require patience when it slickens up. The track has hosted 17 Advance Auto Parts Series events and Chuck Bower still holds the Series speed record established in July of 2000 when he toured the LaFargeville oval in a time of 18.883 seconds for a one-lap average speed of 95.324 mph. Vic Coffey garnered his first-ever Big-Block track points crown last season with Advance Series standout Frankie Caprara topping the current chart and looking for his third Big-Block feature win on Saturday.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Advance Super DIRTcar Series action returns to Brewerton for a third straight summer with area favorite Dale Planck looking to match last summer’s march to victory lane on the Northeast's premier Big-Block Modified traveling tour. Canadian Joe Plazek captured the first of eight Advance Auto Parts Series checkered flags in 1994 and the bespectacled 'Barefoot' Bob McCreadie scored back-to-back victories in 1995 and '96. Long-time rivals Danny Johnson ('97) and Brett Hearn ('98) posted wins before second-generation standout Tim McCreadie (2001) made his way to the winner's circle following a two-year layoff. Jimmy Phelps put an exclamation mark on a thrilling 2006 event with his first career Advance Series victory coming on home soil.
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRTcar SERIES
Brewerton Speedway (8 Evts)
DATE FIRST - SECOND - THIRD - FOURTH - FIFTH
8/3/07 Dale Planck - Alan Johnson - Pat Ward - Justin Haers - Tim Fuller
8/30/06 Jimmy Phelps - Alan Johnson - Tim Fuller - Danny Johnson - Billy Decker
8/31/05 -RAIN-
6/12/01 Tim McCreadie - Steve Paine - Billy Decker - Brett Hearn - Doug Hoffman
6/13/00 -RAIN-
7/30/98 Brett Hearn - Billy Decker - Danny Johnson - Alan Johnson - Kenny Brightbill
7/10/97 Danny Johnson - Kenny Brightbill - Bob McCeadie - Jimmy Horton - Tim Fuller
6/12/96 Bob McCreadie - Doug Hoffman - Brett Hearn - Jeff Heotzler - Jack Johnson
6/13/95 Bob McCreadie - Billy Decker - Joe Plazek - Kenny Tremont - Jeff Heotzler
6/28/94 Joe Plazek - Jack Johnson - Alan Johnson - Jeff Heotzler - Frank Cozze
The LAPCO team of promoter Andy Fusco and racer Dave Lape brought the top tour travelers to Can-Am for the first time in the late 1980s and the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series event for Big-Block Modifieds has become a major attraction in the Thousand Islands region ever since. 2007 twin 50 winner Steve Paine is the only four-time race winner while the McCreadie clan ---son Tim (2) and father Bob--- accounts for three more. The all-star list of 12 drivers finding victory lane in the previous 17 runs also includes brothers Alan & Danny Johnson and Pat & Danny O’Brien, past Mr. DIRTcar Champions Brett Hearn, Billy Decker, Gary Tomkins, Tim Fuller and Doug Hoffman, along with former Can-Am regular Pat Ward.
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRTcar SERIES
Can-Am Motorsports Park (17 Evts)
DATE FIRST - SECOND - THIRD - FOURTH – FIFTH
8/18/07 Tim Fuller - Gary Tomkins - Pat Ward - Billy Decker - Pat O'Brien
8/18/07 Steve Paine - Billy Decker - Jimmy Phelps - Danny Johnson - Billy Dunn
7/28/04 Gary Tomkins - Billy Decker - Steve Paine - Tim Fuller - Matt Sheppard
9/6/03 Tim McCreadie - Alan Johnson - Brett Hearn - Lee Gill - Billy Decker
7/24/02 Tim McCreadie - Alan Johnson - Tim Fuller - Billy Decker - Brett Hearn
7/20/00 Danny Johnson - Steve Paine - Alan Johnson - Bobby Varin - Brett Hearn
7/22/99 Billy Decker - Pat Ward - Doug Hoffman - Alan Johnson - Bob McCreadie
7/16/98 Pat Ward - Gary Tomkins - Danny Johnson - Brett Hearn - Kenny Tremont
7/17/97 Steve Paine - Jack Johnson - Danny Johnson - Tim Fuller - Alan Johnson
7/18/96 Bob McCreadie - Brett Hearn - Jimmy Horton - Danny O'Brien - Dave Camara
8/30/95 Danny O'Brien - Frank Cozze - Buzzie Reutimann - Doug Hoffman - Danny Johnson
7/20/94 Alan Johnson - Bob McCreadie - Jack Johnson - Doug Hoffman - Danny Johnson
7/21/93 Steve Paine - Bob McCreadie - Brett Hearn - Tim Fuller - Jack Johnson
7/21/92 Doug Hoffman - Danny Johnson - Frank Cozze - Brett Hearn - Kenny Tremont
7/23/91 Steve Paine - Brett Hearn - Kenny Tremont - Pat O'Brien - Jeff Trombley
7/17/90 Pat O'Brien - Brett Hearn - Jeff Trombley - Kevin Collins - Steve Roberts
7/18/89 Brett Hearn - Billy Pauch - Bob McCreadie - Kenny Brightbill - Jack Johnson
Past winners in 13 tour events held at Cornwall include Brett Hearn and defending winner Billy Decker, the only three-peaters, plus Bob McCreadie with two, along with son Tim McCreadie, Danny Johnson, Jimmy Horton and Gary Tomkins. Second-generation standout Dale Planck scored his first career Advance Auto Parts Series victory in 2006 on the same track that he captured consecutive DIRTcar 358-Mod track crowns in 2004-05. Local favorite Stephane LaFrance posted the highest finish among track regulars, securing runner-up laurels in the century grind run off in 2005.
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRTcar SERIES
Cornwall Motor Speedway (13 Evts)
DATE FIRST - SECOND - THIRD - FOURTH - FIFTH
7/22/07 Billy Decker - Brett Hearn - Steve Paine - Danny Johnson - Clement Therrien
7/9/06 Dale Planck - Alan Johnson - Pat O'Brien - Tim Fuller - Kyle Jacobs
7/10/05 Brett Hearn - Stephane LaFrance - Dale Planck - Tim Fuller - Alan Johnson
6/27/04 Gary Tomkins - Alan Johnson - Kenny Tremont - Brett Hearn - Tim McCreadie
6/29/03 Billy Decker - Vic Coffey - Gary Tomkins - Danny Johnson - Steve Poirier
7/7/02 Tim McCreadie - Alan Johnson - Billy Decker - Kenny Tremont - Gary Tomkins
7/8/01 Brett Hearn - Billy Decker - Tim McCreadie - Danny Johnson - Tim Fuller
7/9/00 -RAIN-
7/11/99 Billy Decker - Alan Johnson - Kenny Tremont - Vic Coffey - Frank Cozze
6/21/98 Bob McCreadie - Billy Decker - Tim McCreadie - Jimmy Horton - Alan Johnson
6/22/97 Danny Johnson - Bob McCreadie - Tim McCreadie - Doug Hoffman - Alan Johnson
6/23/96 Brett Hearn - Billy Decker - Doug Hoffman - Pete Bicknell - Tim Fuller
7/9/95 Jimmy Horton - Danny Johnson - Bob McCreadie - Alan Johnson - Tim Fuller
7/10/94 Bob McCreadie - Jack Johnson - Rick Wilson - Doug Hoffman - Laurent Ladouceur
TRACK HISTORY
Don and Benedetta Watros, and Rick and Tina Wolff came to the forefront in the Spring of ‘06 as the new owners of Brewerton Speedway ---as well as sister track Fulton Speedway--- with the transaction officially finalized on April 28, 2006. They are joined by speedway promoter Art Halliday among DIRTcar NorthEast’s newest managerial teams. Former owners Harvey, Joan and David Fink joined up with DIRTcar Racing in 1994 and the Big-Block Modifieds have been the headline class at Brewerton Speedway ever since. Long before the Fink family arrived on the scene, a dozen different promoters and owners with twice as many ideas turned the Central New York track into an oval of uncertainty while offering both open-wheel and full-fender stock car racing to its Friday night faithful. With an initial investment of $53,000, the speedway was built in 1948 by Alvin Richardson of Buffalo and the track measured a full quarter-mile. After the first race was halted because of poor track conditions, the speedway was paved and the popular midget class headlined the card. July 4th, 1949 was the first race at the "new" Brewerton Speedway and 4,000 people showed up to witness a midget race promoted by Don Strong and Don Georgia which was won by Steve Yanigan. With more tracks starting up and crowds down due to declining midget fields, Brewerton management brought in stock cars and Charlie Stark won the first race on May 17, 1950. Promoter Al Richardson ran Wednesdays and Saturdays under the Empire State Stock Car Association with $2,000 purses while midgets ran on Sundays under Interstate Auto Racing Club sanction. DIRT Hall of Famer Roscoe "Pappy" Hough won the first ever NASCAR Short Track race at Brewerton on Sept. 1, 1951. The speedway closed due to owner Al Richardson's heart attack on July 17, 1956 and re-opened the following May with a Friday night race program under the promotion of Ralph Mazzoli; Richardson still owned the speedway but could not operate due to his health. Donald (Pete) Gillette, Dick Brown and Bill Luke promoted under Richardson beginning in 1958 and the track was renamed Route 11 Speedway in 1960. Jim Carroll surfaced as the new promoter for the '61 race season and after a few races the track was closed and the corners were rebanked with a lowered infield; nearby Mil-Ray Raceway ---today known as Fulton Speedway and also formerly owned by Harvey Fink--- opened the same year. Clifford J. Carey promoted Brewerton in 1971 and the following season David Snyder took over the reigns and converted the 1/4-mile paved track into a 1/3-mile D-shaped dirt track. Brewerton was sanctioned by DIRTcar Racing for the first time in 1984 and Donnie Wetmore earned the points championship. Independent owners Charlie and Bob Trump purchased the speedway from Fred Mathieson in '86 and completed many improvements. In 1988 new promotional partner Jim Ferlito joined Charlie Trump and continued to make more renovations. With Fink at the helm, the DIRTcar organization was brought in once again to sanction the racing in 1994 and the result was the beginning of an impressive period of prosperity for Brewerton Speedway. Popular Bob McCreadie won eleven features on the way to the '94 Track Championship in front of large weekly crowds. Other winners in 1994 were Canadian Joe Plazek, who won the first-ever Big Block Modified (old format) and 358-Modified Series showdowns, and Pennsylvanian Frank Cozze, winner of the first Super DIRT Series Small-Block special held during Super DIRT Week, which has become a staple ever since.
Can-Am Motorsports Park was built in 1974 with construction spearheaded by area businessman Leslie Brown. It was a slow start as the track went bankrupt in it’s first year before Bob Thurston Sr., Doug Atkinson and Thomas Coughlin III re-opened the venue the following season. Thurston purchased sole interest in Can-Am during the winter of 1982-83 and joined the growing DIRTcar circuit as a small-block haven in time for the ’83 opener. On July 15, 1995 the worst disaster that could happen took place at the speedway when high winds blew down the speedway building and grandstands. The Thurston family persevered with the help of a number of friends and racing resumed in three weeks. John Wight (owner of the Gypsum Express/Gypsum Wholesalers Modifieds driven by Billy Decker and Pat Ward, and Gypsum Express Late Models driven by Decker and Tim Fuller) purchased the speedway in 2000 while August 2, 2003 marked the first night of racing under present owners Charlie and Billy Caprara. Since Can-Am joined the DIRTcar organization in 1983 there have been over 860 DIRT features run with 94 coming in the Big-Block ranks where Pat O’Brien and Lee Gill top the list with a dozen checkered flags each. The 2003 season was the start of a new era at Can-Am as Wight brought on the Big-Blocks as the primary class. In July of ‘03 NASCAR Cup Champion Tony Stewart, his crew chief Greg Zipadelli, Mike McLaughlin and Matt Yocum visited Can-Am, where Stewart and McLaughlin competed in a special "Night of Stars" race presented by Zippy's Crusade for Kids.
A relatively new track when compared to many of the other DIRTcar members, Cornwall Motor Speedway first opened on May 31, 1970 under the ownership of Ralph and Iris Hurley. Known in its infancy as Power Dam Speedway, Pat Hutt took over the deed in 1973 before his sudden passing cut short the following season leaving the track championship undeclared for the first and only time in 1974. The Hurley family regained control for a short time before the decade came to a close with another promotional team at the helm. Facing closure at that time, former Mini Stock and Street Stock driver Ron Morin came to the forefront, leasing the facility for a couple years before securing the track deed in 1982. The following year Morin gained membership within the Weedsport, N.Y.-based DIRTcar Racing organization with Small-Block Modifieds taking center stage ever since. The track commemorated its 25th Anniversary season in 1994 with a specials-only schedule that culminated with Kingston, Ontario's Danny O'Brien capturing the first-ever Big-Block Modified points title (DIRT Hall of Famer Buzzie Reutimann and Pat O'Brien shared the only other Cornwall big-block crown the following season). During the Morin era Cornwall has boasted some of the best Modified pilots on the circuit, including past Mr. DIRTcar 358 champions Pat O'Brien, Laurent Ladouceur, Doug Carlyle and inaugural titlist Tony Corcoran (1983). Cornwall has also been a breeding ground for aspiring open-wheel stars, with track regulars John Lazore, Chris Jones, Ron Valade and Randy Ritskes among those earning Miller Electric DIRTcar 358-Modified Rookie of the Year recognition. At the 16th annual DIRT MotorSports NorthEast Hall of Fame induction ceremonies on the Cayuga County Fairgrounds last year in May, Morin was honored as a co-recipient of the 2007 Leonard J. Sammons Jr. Memorial Award which recognizes outstanding contributions to auto racing.
2007 RACE REVIEWS
In 2006 Dale Planck scored his first career Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series victory at Cornwall Motor Speedway and followed it up the next night by setting his initial Integra Shocks Fast Time at Autodrome Drummond. Last summer he was fast all night long, cruising home in a command performance at Brewerton Speedway for both his inaugural Advance Auto Parts Series victory and Integra Shocks award on American soil. Planck certainly carried the momentum throughout the night as he turned the fastest lap (15.483 sec/77.504 mph) in Integra Shocks Time Trials and then found the quick way around the one-third mile D-Shaped DIRT Demon to steal the lead from ‘A.J. Slideways’ shy of the halfway mark and open up a 2.5-second margin at the checkers. Planck started fifth in the 30-car field steering the Ryan Jacobs-owned no. 77x East End Auto Parts & Construction-Jacob's Excavation/Bicknell entry and hovered among the front-five in the initial stages as yellow flag fever saddled the title race. The brothers Johnson filed into the front row following the pre-race draw with older sibling Alan pulling ahead of high-running Danny to set the early pace. A lap 42 restart was all that Planck needed as the Cortland, N.Y. second-generation pilot sped around Alan Johnson to forge the final lead change with more than half the race still to go. Pat Ward held on to place third ahead of Bert Hard Charger Justin Haers (started 26th) and Tim Fuller while Billy Decker, ‘06 race winner Jimmy Phelps, Advance Series all-time winner Brett Hearn, Danny Johnson and much persevered Matt Sheppard rounded out the top-10.
Local favorite Tim Fuller and three-time speedway tour winner Steve Paine dominated in their winning efforts in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series as they split Big-Block Modified Twin 50s held for the first time on a Saturday night at Can-Am Motorsports Park. Making his fourth appearance of the season at the LaFargeville oval located just minutes from his north country home, Fuller charged from fifth-place on the 30-car starting grid to overtake Danny Johnson on lap five and cruise on to his second Advance Auto Parts Series win of the season. Another area favorite, Billy Dunn from nearby Watertown, pulled alongside the JL Motorsports no. 19 Chiefs Tobacco & Gas-G&R Auto Parts/TEO of Fuller on lap 22 before Fuller opened up an eight car-length victory margin at the stripe. Gary Tomkins rallied to secured runner-up laurels at the line ahead of fast closing Pat Ward and Billy Decker, who pitted under caution on lap 12, with Pat O’Brien slipping past Johnson exiting the final corner to fill out the front-five. Outside pole-sitter Johnson out-dragged front row partner Frankie Caprara on the opening circuit before Fuller quickly entered the fray by lap three. Just two more times around the smooth half-miler and Fuller blasted by the ‘Doctor’ high out of turn two to make what amounted to the final lead change. Sixth-place starter Dunn was also on a rail in the early going and tracked down Fuller just shy of the halfway mark yet could not find enough power to get by when it counted most. With a pre-race draw made that ultimately inverted the top-nine drivers for the second 50-lapper, ninth-place finisher in round one Paine was awarded the pole-position start and proceeded to lead but one lap to capture his first Advance Auto Parts Series victory since September of 2003. Danny Johnson took advantage of lapped car traffic boxing in the leader on lap 15 before Paine forged the final lead change on a lap 16 restart. Decker moved into second on lap 31 but had to settle for runner-up accolades as Paine built up a half straightaway advantage under the checkers. Jimmy Phelps rallied from 20th to finish third ahead of Johnson and Dunn in his strongest showing of the season.
Overnight rain and a two-hour deluge on Sunday morning forced track promoter Ron Morin to postpone the 13th Annual Akwesasne Mohawk Casino International 100 to July 22 after originally being slated for July 8 at Cornwall Motor Speedway. The two-week delay did little to affect Billy Decker, who had emerged as one of the fastest out of the blocks all season long on the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series. Sunday night at Cornwall Decker won his fourth Integra Shocks Fast Time Award to once again open the show as a top contender. And this time he stuck around long enough to pass Brett Hearn for the lead with three laps left and go on to capture his first tour win of 2007 in the 100-lap event. Decker started seventh in the 30-car field and watched as early leaders and Cornwall regulars Alain Boisvert and Clement Therrien, then Pat O’Brien and Hearn swap the point throughout the 25-mile affair. Heartbreak hit O’Brien on lap 70 when he tangled in turn three traffic to relinquish a straightaway advantage and end any chance of scoring his second Advance Auto Parts Series victory in the previous three outings. Hearn regained the lead following the race-changing mishap yet fell a car-length short of his second straight tour win after Decker ducked under in his LJL Racing no. 91 Gypsum Wholesalers-Stadium Int'l-Quality Hardwoods/Bicknell entry to forge the final lead change on lap 98. Steve Paine held off Bert Hard Charger Danny Johnson for third while veteran Therrien from Victoriaville, Que. secured fifth-place to earn a guaranteed starting spot in the 358-Modified Championship during Super DIRT Week in October.
Point Standings (through Aug. 9, 2008)
1. Billy Decker 1,246
2. Brett Hearn 1,107
3. Dale Planck 1,100
4. Jimmy Phelps 1,034
5. Matt Sheppard 979
6. Gary Tomkins 929
7. Steve Paine 927
8. Fankie Caprara 849
9. Danny Johnson 824
10. Ryan Phelps 786
UPCOMING EVENTS
Following the big tripleheader in Canada and the U.S., traveling teams get two weeks off to prepare for the traditional Labor Day twin-bill at a pair of DIRTcar charter member tracks in Central New York. Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Weedsport stages Twin 54s at the home of DIRTcar NorthEast on Sunday, August 31 while Rolling Wheels Raceway Park in neighboring Elbridge extends the weekend to Monday, September 1 with a special 110-lap distance closing out the annual holiday affair.
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
hr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Billy Decker(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Dale Planck(G)
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway D.Planck/Danny Johnson(P)
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway B.Decker/Brett Hearn(P)
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway B.Decker/Robbie Krull(P)
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway B.Decker/Jimmy Phelps(P)
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Brett Hearn(G)
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond D.Planck/Steve Paine(P)
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway B.Decker/Jeff Strunk(P)
Thr-Jul 17 Georgetown Speedway H.J. Bunting(G)
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway B.Hearn/Chuck McKee(P)
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Jimmy Phelps(G)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Vic Coffey(P)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Justin Haers(P)
Fri-Aug 15 Brewerton Speedway Brewerton,NY
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park LaFargeville,NY
Sun-Aug 17 Cornwall Motor Speedway Cornwall,ONT
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon,NY
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Sarver,PA
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
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Jimmy Phelps Dodges Rain Drops and Wins Second Cayuga County Fair Main of Season
Weedsport, NY – August 10, 2008 – By Dan Kapuscinski, Cayuga County Fair PR Coordinator
Baldwinsville’s Jimmy Phelps waited out two separate rain delays through the evening, and stormed around Rob Bellinger on lap-28 to score his second Big-Block Modified win of 2008 on Sunday at Cayuga County Fair Speedway. Phelps’ 10th career triumph at the Weedsport oval came on Town Mechanical Night at the Races, earning his J&B Installations no. 99J team another $1,500.
“Bellinger looked pretty good on the top of the race track,” said Phelps in victory lane. “I was ok on the bottom, but he moved down and that gave me the high lane and I was able to make it work. I have to thank all of my guys, it really means a lot to win here on Town Mechanical night.”
Bellinger hung on for his best run of the season in second while Alan Johnson, Steve Paine, and Billy Dun completed the front five.
Town Mechanical night was not only fruitful for Phelps, but also for the driver of the TMI no. 16 Sportsman Modified. Earl Rudy started on the front row, ran a very consistent race, and propelled himself to his first career Sportsman feature victory Sunday night. Rudy was extremely happy in victory lane, with all of his supporters from Town Mechanical behind him.
Mike Welch and Matt Tripp were also victorious Sunday in the DIRTcar Street Stock and BattleKarz divisions.
Derrick Podsiadlo and Bellinger started the 35-lap DIRTcar Big-Block Modified main event from the first row. “Kid Troyer” took the top spot from the get-go in the no. 8 machine, darting in front of Podsiadlo into turn one.
By the 5th circuit Bellinger had laid his claim out front pulling to a large lead over Podsiadlo, Jeff Brownell Jr., Shannon Whaley, and Larry Wight in the top five. Further back in the field Ryan Phelps and Ryan Bartlett were engaged in a tight battle for the 7th position.
Seven laps later Brownell, who had won a heat race earlier in the night, found the fast lane by Podsialdo to move into second in the no. 29 machine. As Brownell turned some of the quickest laps of the race in the runner-up spot, Alan Johnson began to find his patented “low lane” in the no. 14J. Johnson slipped on past Mike Mahaney, Mike Bowman, and Ryan Phelps and quickly found himself well inside the top ten before the half-way point.
A caution on lap-15 slowed the field for the very first time and took Championship contender Matt Sheppard to pit lane. The Advanced Lubrication Specialties no. 9s ran into trouble in turn one, went to pit-lane, and then re-joined the field. On the restart Bellinger led Brownell, Podsiadlo, Whaley, and Wight in the top five.
Another caution on lap-16 for Lance Willx and Jason Potter set up a second restart, which saw Brownell take the lead from Bellinger out of turn four. Unfortunately for Brownell, it was called as a bad start. The ensuing restart saw Bellinger re-take his position at the point, while Bartlett worked by Brownell forcing the no. 29 back to third.
The night’s most serious incident came on lap-21, as Jimmy Phelps and Johnson had each moved into the top five. The no. 25 machine of Paul Habeck lost control of his machine and flipped wildly over the third turn fence. The car landed on the outer driveway in the third turn, and safety crews immediately rushed to the scene.
Habeck was uninjured, but his ride suffered considerable damage.
When the cars went back to green Bellinger continued to lead the way over Bartlett, Jimmy Phelps, Brownell, and Johnson. Even though the racing surface had seen its fair share of rain, the track still began to get slick as the night progressed, and as that happened the experienced veterans began to rise to the top.
As Jimmy Phelps and Johnson worked through the field, Steve Paine stayed in hot pursuit. After the lap-21 restart, Paine worked himself into the top five trying to keep pace with “AJ Slideways” in the no. 14J. However, neither could keep pace with Phelps as on lap-22 the no. 99J worked under Bartlett for the runner-up spot and began to give chase to race leader Bellinger.
Bellinger, who had led the entire event on the top side of the Speedway, could see Phelps inching up ever so carefully on the bottom of the racetrack. On lap-27 Phelps had nearly made it to Bellinger’s door, and as a result Bellinger tried to slip low and protect the racing lane.
As some would say, Phelps “set-up” Bellinger perfectly. When Bellinger dove low into turn one, Phelps stayed on the throttle and drove right around the no. 8 into the race lead. It was the only lap that Phelps ran the top into one and two in pursuit of Bellinger, but it worked out just as he had hoped.
From there it was all Phelps on his way to win number two of 2008 at the Cayuga County Fair Speedway. Bellinger took second ahead of Johnson, Paine, Billy Dunn, Brownell, Bartlett, Ryan Phelps, Justin Haers, and Sheppard in the top ten.
Earl Rudy and John Behron brought the 24-car Sportsman Modified field to the green flag Sunday for their 25-lap feature-go. Rudy took advantage from the start in the no. 16 leading Behron across the stripe.
Rudy and Behron led the field early as Tim Currier worked to third looking for his second win of the season ahead of Ben Wheeler and Mike Entwistle. Just 5-laps in the front five racecars had distanced themselves from the rest of the field.
The first of three cautions in the event came out on lap-7 as Kevin Ridley slowed to a stop in the back straight in the no. 20x. Ridley came into the night in a tie for the Championship lead with Jeremy Pitcher. Ridley’s issues forced him pit side and a 24th finishing position, while Pitcher struggled in 15th position.
When everyone came back to green Rudy and Behron checked away from the rest of the field. By lap-15 Rudy had worked into a quick rhythm, as he distanced himself from Behron who in turn had built an advantage on third place running Currier.
odd Town spun the no. 17t on lap-23 collecting Dave Marcuccilli, which erased the huge lead that Rudy was able to build. This allowed Behron to close back in on Rudy for the restart.
As the cars came back to green a multi-car pileup involving Stewart Garrison, AJ Kingsley, Pitcher, Fran Hilton, and Justin Wright slowed the field one more time. Just prior to the caution 4th running Ben Wheeler spun into the infield trying to avoid the no. 2m of Behron, who made contact with Rudy going into turn one for the race lead.
Behron re-gathered his car to hang onto the second spot, while Wheeler was forced to the tail side of the pack.
The final restart would be a green-white scenario with Rudy still out front ahead of Behron, Currier, Daryl Hilkert, and Chris Hile driving the Ernie Kreis owned no. 2kh.
Behron threw everything he had at the race leader, but in the end it was Rudy coming out on top claiming his first career Sportsman Modified main event win.
“This feels great,” said Rudy, as he stood in victory lane among a sea of Town Mechanical well wishers. “I knew those guys were right there, but this thing ran great tonight. I have to thank all of my sponsors, and the folks from TMI.”
Behron, Currier, Hilkert, and Hile completed the top five runners.
Next Sunday Coke Zero presents Kid’s Night at the Races. ALL kids will enter for FREE next Sunday night as the Big-Blocks, Sportsman, Street Stocks, BattleKarz, and ESDCA Mod Lites take the green at 7pm.
For more information call the DIRTcar NE Headquarters at 315/834-6606, or visit www.cayugacountyfairspeedway.com.
DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds Feature (35-laps): 1) 99J- JIMMY PHELPS, 2) 8- Rob Bellinger, 3) 14J- Alan Johnson, 4) 7x- Steve Paine, 5) 49- Billy Dunn, 6) 29- Jeff Brownell Jr., 7) 93- Ryan Bartlett, 8) 99- Ryan Phelps, 9) 3- Justin Haers, 10) 9s- Matt Sheppard, 11) 16m- Mike Bowman, 12) 33- Mike Mahaney, 13) 91- Chad Homan, 14) 21- Derrick Podsiadlo, 15) 16w- Lance Willix, 16) 18- Sean Beardsley, 17) 44- Shannon Whaley, 18) 44v- Phil Vigneri, 19) 99L- Larry Wight, 20) 5- Jason Potter, 21) 5R- Rob Hile, 22) 77- Brandon Planck, 23) 25- Paul Habeck, 24) 45m- Mike Ward, 25) 82s- Roy Shields
DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds Feature (25-laps): 1) 16- EARL RUDY, 2) 2m- John Behron, 3) 10- Tim Currier, 4) 4- Daryl Hilkert, 5) 2k- Chris Hile, 6) 1F- Steve Gray, 7) jvs1- Jim Spano, 8) m93- Mike Entwistle, 9) 19w- Justin Wright, 10) 54x- Stewart Garrison, 11) 11- Ben Wheeler, 12) 1- Spike Smith, 13) 51- Josh Hefti, 14) 3- Fran Hilton, 15) 14- Jeremy Pitcher, 16) 3k- AJ Kingsley, 17) 85- John Pietrowicz, 18) 11j- Alan Fink, 19) 17t- Todd Town, 20) m1- Dave Marcuccilli, 21) 410- Jason Spaulding, 22) 11h- Rob Humphries, 23) 17d- Tom Juhl, 24) 20x- Kevin Ridley
-end-
HEARN TAKES $6500 WIN AT FONDA
By Ron Szczerba
FONDA, NY – So far in 2008 Brett Hearn has made a couple of visits to the Fonda Speedway for the Go Green NMX Fonda Thunder Series events with finishes of fourth and sixth which are quite uncommon for Hearn who had seen so much success at Fonda in past years.
All it took to change the result was a different car with a different motor which is what took him to victory lane last evening at Fonda for his 23rd career win at the Track of Champions in the Vinny Salerno owned Delaney Construction sponsored #4 Teo car.
“We came here earlier this year with a great car (the Smith Brothers #74), the same car that we won the big race with last September here at Fonda,” Hearn said. “This past week we decided that we needed a small block to win at Fonda this year and it worked out for us as this is the same small block car that I run at Albany Saratoga.”
The win was worth $6500 to Hearn which included a $500 bonus for an outsider coming in and beating the regulars as Hearn beat Dave Camara and defending Modified Track Champion Matt DeLorenzo to the checkered flag.
Other winners at Fonda on a special Tuesday evening mid week show were Jeremy Wilder (Sportsman Open), Justin Barger (Earl Halaquist Memorial for ESS Sprint cars), and Jason Barney (360 Sprint Open).
Jim Davis started the 60-lap Modified main event from the pole position and took the lead at the drop of the green flag with Dave Camara in tow. A rash of flat tires plagued many drivers as first Bobby Varin fell victim to one on lap six with many others following suit before the race was done.
Varin came to a stop in turn four with the flat tire bringing out the first yellow flag of the event but was able to pit for a new tire and restart at the rear of the field. On the restart, Ryan Odasz was able to sneak by Camara for the second position but that was short lived as on the next lap Camara retook the spot with Hearn also getting by Odasz for the third spot after starting seventh.
Davis was next to suffer a flat tire on lap 10 as he came to a stop on the backstretch while leading the event bringing out the caution and handing the lead over to Camara. Davis like Varin was able to pit for a new tire and restart at the rear.
On the restart Hearn and Matt DeLorenzo were in the second and third positions with Hearn able to get alongside of Camara for the lead which Camara was able to hang on to at that point.
Lap after lap Camara was running the outside line on the track while Hearn made the inside groove work for him with Camara better on the straight-aways and Hearn faster in the turns. When Dustin Delaney brought out the caution on lap 25 it was a signal for Hearn to make a move.
“On that last double file restart I knew that it was time to make a move,” Hearn said. “I wasn’t abusing my car so I wasn’t worried about tire issues like the others had but I knew that it was time to go.”
Go is just what Hearn did too as on the restart he took over the lead and from that point on he stretched out his advantage lap after lap even in lap traffic. Hearn took the win by a straightaway over Camara, DeLorenzo, Ronnie Johnson, and Stewart Friesen.
“That 3D car (Matt DeLorenzo) scares people away from this place,” Hearn said. “Matt is a great driver but this win is to show the other drivers not to get scared away.”
“I have to give Brett (Hearn) a lot of credit,” Camara said. “He could have slid up in front of me many times but he was a real gentleman. I just didn’t have enough horsepower to keep up with Brett but I’ll take a second place finish between these guys (Hearn and DeLorenzo) any day.”
“I had a couple of good restarts,” DeLorenzo said. “But the longer I ran the car it started going away and I had nothing for either Dave or Brett.”
Jeremy Wilder ran the fastest lap in the three Sportsman heat race events and drew a number for a redraw to set the starting positions for the 20-lap Sportsman Open. Wilder drew a three inverting three cars and setting JaMike Sowle and Tony Farone on the front row.
At the drop of the green flag Farone took the early lead but when lap one was completed Sowle was the race leader after going from third to first in a quick move in turns three and four. At the completion of lap one the first of a total of six yellow flags in the event was out for John Scarborough who spun in turn two collecting defending Sportsman Track Champion David Towns who came in contact with the rear of Scarborough’s car.
Towns was done for the evening while Scarborough retook his fourth spot in the running order because nobody in the tower saw the incident and couldn’t determine what position Scarborough should be in when he rejoined the field after he spun. It was originally thought that Scarborough never stopped on the track after his spin and therefore he was put back into his spot on the grid.
Farone took over the lead on the restart while Scarborough took over the second position with two consecutive yellow flags coming out on laps three and four for spin outs by Don Bellen and Vinny Sanganetti. On the restart, Wilder made the move of the evening as he went in between both Scarborough and Farone in turn three to take a lead that he would never relinquish.
As Wilder continued to pull away from the rest of the field, Scarborough stayed in the second position while Dave Constantino and Mark Mortensen were racing hard but clean to better their positions in the field. Constantino and Mortensen stayed side by side for two laps before Constantino slid up high coming out of turn two allowing Mortensen to get by for the third position at the halfway point.
For the remainder of the event Mortensen tried everything to get by Scarborough for the second position as the two ran side by side at times but when the checkered flag was waved if was Wilder getting his first win of the season and the second of his career at Fonda over Scarborough, Mortensen, Constantino, and Mark Kislowski.
“I was glad that I started up front in the fourth position,” Wilder said. “On that restart I just darted through and slid out front to take the lead but that last restart (on lap 16) made me nervous as John (Scarborough) showed me the nose of his car under caution so I knew that he was back there.”
The Fifth Annual Earl Halaquist Memorial event for the Empire Super Sprints (ESS) began with Jessica Zemken in the lead from her pole position start with the caution out at the completion of lap one for Chuck Hebing who spun in turn one while running fourth. Steve Poirier was also collected and both cars were done for the evening.
On the restart, Zemken continued to lead with Justin Barger now second after starting third. On lap seven Jeff VanDusen was the new third place car while Zemken stretched out her lead over Barger to a half straightaway. Zemken was in lap traffic on lap 10 and was now being pressured by Barger for the lead.
On lap 11 Zemken and Barger made a sandwich of the lap car of Kory Gurney as Zemken went outside of Gurney while Barger ran down low around him. Barger was able to get by Zemken for the lead on lap 12 but the caution came out before the lap was completed allowing Zemken to retake her spot on the point because of the last completed lap rule.
Barger and VanDusen were running side by side at the halfway point in the event allowing Zemken to again stretch out her lead. Barger and VanDusen swapped the second position a few times before Barger took it back for good on lap 17.
Barger was now closing the gap between himself and Zemken and as lap 20 was being completed Barger was the new leader at the line. Barger kept the lead to the checkered flag to take his third career win at Fonda with Zemken second, Jason Barney third after starting 14th, Van Dusen, and Schenectady, NY driver Jami Russell fifth.
“On the short runs she (Zemken) was running good but on the longer runs her car was getting loose off of the corners and I was able to close in on her,” Barger said. “I was a little better on the long runs and she made me run the top because she was down low for most of the event.”
Jason Barney was the winner of the 360 Sprint Open for his first career feature win at Fonda over Barger, Doug Emery, Russ Bennett, and VanDusen completed the top five.
During one of the Modified heat races Andy Bachetti was involved in a wreck in turn two when he spun collecting the car of Bob Henry Jr. who made hard contact with the stopped car of Bachetti. According to Fonda Speedway management on Wednesday Bachetti was suffering from a torn muscle in his shoulder.
Also during one of the Sportsman heat race events John McAuliffe crashed hard into the inside wall on the frontstretch after contact from Shawn Gibbons as the cars came out of turn four. According to Fonda Speedway management McAuliffe suffered a slight concussion. Both drivers were home at the time this press release was written.
On Saturday, August 5 an action packed racing card is on the Fonda Speedway schedule as all divisions will be in competition starting at 6:00 p.m.
Along with a regular show in all divisions the 6th Annual Wilma Smith Memorial Dash for Cash for the IMCA division will also be run for non-tobacco using drivers and the event will be run topless meaning the drivers will take the roofs off of their IMCA cars for the event.
Also on Saturday August 9 at the Fonda Speedway the 7th Annual Jack Lockhart Memorial Dash for Cash will be held. The six lap dash will consist of drivers who are in the top 20 in Fonda Speedway Sportsman points as of 8/5/08 who have never won a Sportsman feature at the Track of Champions. Previous winners of the event are not eligible to participate. The lineup will be set by an inversion of the driver’s position in the point standings as of 8/5/08.
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