Stewart Friesen Does The Impossible, Wins Hot Summer Night From 25th Starting Spot; Tracy Gregory (Late Model) and Donnie Lawson (Crate Sportsman) Also Visit Penn Can Victory Lane
SUSQUEHANNA, PA - Stewart Friesen accomplished the impossible Tuesday night at Penn Can Speedway.
Added to the feature as a guaranteed starter from the July 14 Grandview (Pa.) Speedway event, Friesen romped from 25th starting spot to win the Don's Automotive Mall 'Hot Summer Night' 60-lap Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour event at the Susquehanna, Pa., oval. Friesen, of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., led only the final lap, passing both race-long leader Alan Rudalavage and challenger Duane Howard on the outside to earn a $5,650 payday: $4,000 as the base winner's share, $1,000 for the Gambler's Challenge, $500 as the Super Summer Series co-champion and $150 as the feature's Hard Charger.
Friesen ended in a tie with Howard, of Oley, Pa., for the two-race Plant Food Company Inc.-Reading Plastic Fabricators-G&G Used Auto Parts Super Summer Series championship. Both drivers earned $500. The Super Summer Series was a co-promotion with track management team Al Wilcox and Reed Miller along with Brett Deyo.
"There were a bunch of jingles early on," Friesen said. "We were able to keep our nose clean and pick our way through. Whatever they did to this track since the last time we were here (June 8) was phenomenal. The track had bite, a good outside groove and was smooth all night."
Penn Can regular Rudalavage of Newton Lake, Pa., who led laps 1-59 from the pole starting spot, settled for runner-up pay. Grandview Speedway points leader Howard drove Chad Sinon's No. 4 from 21st starting spot to finish third, followed by sixth-starter Bobby Varin of Sharon Springs, N.Y., in Ken Saya's No. 10 and Penn Can racer Joey Grammes of Kunkletown, Pa., who started third in a car owned by his older brother Brad.
Brian Weaver of Windsor, N.Y., drove Randy Decker's No. 9R from 22nd to place sixth, followed by Ryan Godown of Ringoes, N.J., in Norm Hansell's No. 357 (up from 23rd), Jeff Strunk of Bechtelsville, Pa., who started 24th, Kevin Hartnett of Troy Pa., (recovering from an early flat) and Pat Ward of Genoa, N.Y.
Friesen struggled to qualify the Tadd Parks-owned No. 1 Teo-Pro car in his heat race due to a spark-plug wire issue and missed by one spot in a consolation, using the guaranteed starting spot to start the 60-lap main.
The race's rough-and-tumble nature allowed 16th-starter Danny Johnson, Howard and Friesen to move forward quickly. By a lap-17 fuel stop necessitated by the number of early yellow laps, Johnson sat third, behind Rudalavage and Varin. Howard was fifth with Friesen sixth.
Johnson, of Rochester, N.Y., drove Mike Payne's No. 27J into second on lap 32, but fell off the pace with mechanical issues on the 39th circuit to draw the caution. With 20 laps remaining, Rudalavage led Varin, Howard, Grammes and Friesen. On the restart, Friesen passed Grammes, igniting a four-car battle for the top spot.
When Varin's car pushed in the fourth turn on lap 55, Howard shot into second with Friesen following into third.
A caution on lap 57 set the tone for the spectacular finish. Howard, 47, drove to the inside of Rudalavage as the leaders raced under the stripe for lap 58. Meanwhile, Friesen was building momentum in the outside lane.
With the white flag flying from starter Gary Folk Jr., Rudalavage, Howard and Friesen raced virtually three-wide down the frontstretch. Friesen's high-line momentum carried him to the lead on the backstretch and he led Rudalavage to the stripe by less than a car-length for his first-ever win at Penn Can and 20th overall victory of the season.
"With three or two laps to go, I saw Alan (Rudalavage) was kind of slipping a little bit," Friesen said. "That gave Duane (Howard) the bottom. Those guys were so occupied with each other, I knew I could pick around them on the top. We ran up there earlier in the race. The top was good, but it was the long way around.
"We were able to get up there and surprise them. I'm glad it was 60 laps, not 59."
The victory moved Friesen to the top of the RoC point chart by 15 markers over Ward.
Heat winners for the 36 cars in attendance were Bobby Trapper, Mike Colsten, Mike Decker and Rudalavage. Howard and Weaver split the consolations.
Tracy Gregory of Dalton, Pa., emerged victorious from a three-car battle to win the Puzo's Collision 25-lap Late Model Challenge, worth $1,000. Gregory inherited the lead on lap 12 when Dan Stone, who led the first 11 laps in dominant fashion, was collected in a spin in traffic. Stone restarted from the rear and charged forward while Ben Whitaker applied pressure to Gregory.
On the final lap, Whitaker pulled even with Gregory. However, his car pushed in turn four on the final lap, allowing Gregory to win over Stone, who raced back to second, Whitaker, Steve Deinhardt and Danny Snyder trailed.
Past Woodhull (N.Y.) and Black Rock (N.Y.) champion Donnie Lawson won the Dirt Track Digest 25-lap Crate (602) Sportsman main event. Lawson won by a comfortable margin over an intense second-place battle. Mike Nagel Jr., a track regular, was second, followed by New Egypt (N.J.) runner Jim Housworth, Adam MacGeorge and Jeff Crambo.
HOT SUMMER NOTEBOOKS: The Super Summer Series for 2010 has concluded at Penn Can Speedway. Keep posted to www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com for future plans. The next BD Motorsports Media event is set for Oct. 8-9 at Five Mile Point (N.Y.) Speedway with the third edition of the Short Track SuperNationals presented by Dart Machinery....Legendary Southern Tier racer and president of Don's Automotive Mall Don Beagell served as the grand marshall of the Modified event....
Friesen earned guaranteed starting positions for the Short Track SuperNationals and the Aug. 24 'Super Summer Sizzler' at New Egypt with his victory....Two sets of Dart heads were drawn from American Racer Cup membership at the driver's meeting. Craig Mitchell and Brian Truppi were the recipients....
DON'S AUTOMOTIVE MALL PENN CAN AUG. 10 HOT SUMMER NIGHT RACE SUMMARY
Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour Feature Finish, 60 laps: STEWART FRIESEN ($5,650), Alan Rudalavage, Duane Howard, Bobby Varin, Joey Grammes, Brian Weaver, Ryan Godown, Jeff Strunk, Kevin Hartnett, Pat Ward, Darwin Greene, Garth Tonkin Jr., Mike Schane, Jim Mahaney, Kirk Horton, Mike Decker, Mike Gular, Kevin Bates, Danny Johnson, Bobby Trapper, Mike Colsten, Brett Tonkin, Grant Hilfiger, Danny Creeden, Joey Colsten, Rick Laubach, Gary Tomkins.
Did Not Qualify: Kevin Hirthler, Alex Tonkin, Kevin Albert Jr., Richard Smith, Billy Van Inwegen Jr., Danny Hieber, Jeremy Markle, Danny Tyler, Dan Pompey.
Lap Leaders: Alan Rudalavage (1-59), Stewart Friesen (60)
Heat Winners: Bobby Trapper, Mike Colsten, Mike Decker, Alan Rudalavage
Consolation Winners: Duane Howard, Brian Weaver
Puzo's Collision Late Model Challenge Feature Finish, 25 laps: TRACY GREGORY ($1,000), Dan Stone, Ben Whitaker, Steve Deinhardt, Dan Snyder, Chuck Schutz, Curt Tunillo Jr., John Ritter, Jim O'Hara, Randall Paxton, Kory Fleming, Danny Tyler, Jon Rohacevich.
Crate (602) Sportsman Feature Finish, 25 laps: DONNIE LAWSON ($750), Mike Nagel Jr., Jim Housworth, Adam MacGeorge, Jeff Crambo, Kyle Rohner, Rich Green, Anthony Perrego, Alex Stanton, Ray Bliss Jr., Chris Stevens, Tommy Johnson, Bruce Evans Jr., Joey Decker III, Kyle Van Duser, Derrick McGrew.
Super Summer Series Point Standings (FINAL)
Position Car No. Driver June 8 Aug. 10 Total
1. Duane Howard 110
1. Stewart Friesen 110
3. Alan Rudalavage 95
4. Joey Grammes 90
5. Ryan Godown 88
6. Bobby Varin 80
7. Pat Ward 78
8. Danny Johnson 76
9. Jeff Strunk 68
10. Brett Tonkin 66
10. Brian Weaver 66
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HOT SUMMER NIGHTS AT PENN – CAN NEXT UP FOR RACE OF CHAMPIONS DART DIRT MOD TOUR
BY JR KENNERUP
Binghamton, NY … The second Brett Deyo Motorsports Media co - promoted event with Penn – Can promoters Reed Miller and Al Wilcox at the Penn – Can Speedway will take place on Tuesday night August 10th. The show is titled “ Hot Summer Nights “ which features a 60 lap Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour event.
The first Deyo promoted event back in early June featured a high quality 42 car field that featured only one caution flag in the feature event. That feature event almost saw the upset of the year as Brett Tonkin held off Danny Johnson and Duane Howard for the longest time before an overheating engine slowed Tonkin. Duane Howard went on to the $5,000 feature win on that night.
Once again just like in the June show Deyo has lined up a plethora of sponsorships that could enable the feature winner on this night to take home over $6,000 in cash and prizes. Once again there will be a $20 Gambler’s Fee for any driver willing to take the gamble and race for five grand to win instead of four grand.
Other sponsorship awards on this night see a $1,000 bonus to the driver who has the best finishes in the Deyo co - promoted events at the track. S & D Bodyline has put up an outer body kit for some lucky driver, Diversified Machine, Inc. has put up $250 in product certificates, and Trackside Products has put up two American Racer tires and 20 gallons of VP Racing Fuel. Five Mile Point, Accord, and Selinsgrove have put up two free pit passes each to a lucky race team on this night. The Grandview Starters Stand is sponsoring the Hard Charger Award worth $150 and Jim Young Race Photography has donated a $75, 16 by 20 inch framed photo composite of the Hard Charger. Lap 41 will pay $50 to the leader in Memory of Jane Kennerup and Lakey’s Tavern will sponsor a case of beer to the halfway leader and to the hard charger along with an ice cold one to the leader of each lap on this night.
The other story leading into this event is the tight point battle for the RoC Championship that is worth $7,000. Currently only 27 points separate the top four drivers with only three point shows remaining as Danny Johnson leads defending and three time consecutive champion Pat Ward by nine while Stewart Friesen is only nine behind Ward and Duane Howard is fourth only nine behind Friesen.
All gates will open at 5 p. m. sharp on Tuesday August 10th with hot laps beginning at 6:45 and racing starting promptly at 7:30 in the evening. In case of inclement weather the following evening August 11th has been reserved as a rain date.
For more information on the show please contact RoC at 607 – 775 – 5555, Brett Deyo at 845 – 728 – 2781 or Penn – Can at 570 – 853 – 3434, information can also be found on the World Wide Web at; www.rocdirt.com, www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com, or www.penncan.com.
TOP 15 IN RACE OF CHAMPIONS DART DIRT MODIFIED POINTS
1. Danny Johnson 267
2. Pat Ward 258
3. Stewart Friesen 249
4. Duane Howard 240
5. Bobby Varin 180
6. Billy Decker 150
7. Ryan Godown 150
8. Ronnie Johnson 148
9. Rick Laubach 140
10. Matt Sheppard 127
11. Brett Hearn 115
12. Brian Weaver 113
13. Frank Cozze 105
14. Danny Creeden 97
15. Willy Decker 95
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Stewart Friesen & Ron John Koczon Enter Penn Can Speedway's Aug. 10 Hot Summer Night With Guaranteed Starter Status; Extra Incentives In Place For RoC Modified Midweek Event
SUSQUEHANNA, PA - Drivers Stewart Friesen and Ron John Koczon have achieved guaranteed starter status for the anticipated 'Hot Summer Night' midweek event at Penn Can Speedway.
The 'Hot Summer Night' event is set for Tuesday night, Aug. 10 with the Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour running a 60-lap feature. The program, which is the second leg of the Plant Food Company Inc./Reading Plastic Fabricators/G&G Used Auto Parts Super Summer Series, is co-promoted by Brett Deyo and Penn Can's management team of Reed Miller and Al Wilcox.
The RoC-sanctioned big-block/small-block Modified event pays $4,000 to the victor. Should the race winner post the optional $20 "gambler's fee," the win will be worth $5,000. Fifth-place offers $1,000 and the 10th-place finisher will receive $500 from a healthy posted purse.
The winner of the 'Hot Summer Night' feature at Penn Can earns guaranteed starting berths for the Short Track SuperNationals presented by Dart Machinery Oct. 8-9 at Five Mile Point (N.Y.) Speedway and the 'Summer Sizzler 40' Tuesday, Aug. 24 at New Egypt (N.J.) Speedway.
Joining the RoC Modifieds on the program will be the Puzo's Collision Late Model Challenge featuring Super and Limited Late Models in a 25-lap event paying $1,000 to the winner and Crate (602) Sportsman in a 25-lap contest with a $750 top prize. Rules and race information for all divisions has been posted on the web at www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com.
Gates for the 'Hot Summer Night' event will open at 5 p.m., with hot laps at 6:45 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m. A rain date of Aug. 11 has been established for the event.
Friesen, of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., gained his guaranteed starting position at Grandview (Pa.) Speedway on July 14 when he won the 'RoC on the Hill' 60-lap event driving the Tad Parks small-block. Friesen was a strong third at the 'Clash at the Can' event held earlier this season at Penn Can. Koczon, meanwhile, earned a popular victory at his hometown track, New Egypt Speedway, July 3 in a Tri-Track big-block Modified race.
The first 'No BS. No Politics. Real Racing.' Super Summer Series event at Penn Can on June 8 was an overwhelming success. A talented field of 42 big-block/small-block Modifieds signed in with Pennsylvania star Duane Howard of Oley, Pa., taking the $5,000 top honors over New Yorker Danny Johnson, Canadian Stewart Friesen, local standout Brett Tonkin and New Jersey racer Ryan Godown.
The 60-lap event, run before a capacity crowd, was slowed by just one caution flag. That came on lap 40 for a slowing car on the speedway.
How good was the 'Clash at the Can' event? See what the experts had to say:
"It was one of the best Modified promotions of the season for sure. You don't see that mix of drivers running at the same track anymore." - dirt Modified star Stewart Friesen
"The Clash at the Can which took place at Pa.'s Penn Can Speedway Tuesday night was a showcase for excellent race driving and management." - J.R. Kennerup, Area Auto Racing News columnist
"Penn Can Speedway is all about good side-by-side racing and I believe it's better now than ever before. In reality, a 60-lap feature with 29 cars starting produced zero accidents!" - Len Sammons, Area Auto Racing News publisher and editor
"The night reminded me of the old Schaeffer Tour when the cross-section of drivers meant a special night. There were locals, cars from the DIRTcar circuit and Penn-Jersey cars along with Orange County invaders I don't get to see very often." - Bill Foley, Brewerton and Fulton Speedway announcer
"It all came together beautifully on Tuesday night. A quality field of 42 Modifieds were on hand from many top drivers from various regions. The show was efficiently run with the 60-lap feature completed by 10 p.m." - Bill Utter, Area Auto Racing News columnist
"The only way to describe last Tuesday's 'Clash at the Can' at Penn Can Speedway is simply awesome. What a great promotion and the race held up to the hype." - Steve Kellogg, Area Auto Racing News columnist and longtime race official
The top point earner from the 'Super Summer Series' will receive $1,000 cash courtesy of sponsors G&G Used Auto Parts, Reading Plastic Fabricators and Plant Food Company Inc. Currently, Duane Howard leads Danny Johnson in the fight for Super Summer Series supremacy.
Drivers returning to compete on Aug. 10 who also attended the June 8 race will be eligible for other awards, including:
*Diversified Machine Inc. (Lancaster, Pa.) has provided $250 in product certificates redeemable at any DMI/Bulldog dealer.
*Trackside Products of Endicott, N.Y., proprietor Al Wilcox has reached an agreement to give away two American Racer tires and 20 gallons of VP Racing Fuel. Drivers must run both 'Super Summer Series' events to be eligible for contingency awards.
*S&D Bodyline (Bath, Pa.) has offered a FREE outer body kit (no sale or discounts available) to include right and left doors, quarters, A-pillars and B-pillars. Drivers will be eligible for the certificates by attending both 'Super Summer Series' events at Penn Can.
*The leader of lap 41 in both the 'Hot Summer Night' will receive $50 in memory of Jane Kennerup from Martin and J.R. Kennerup.
*A Hard Charger bonus of $150 cash will be paid out to the driver advancing the most positions from start to finish in the Aug. 10 'Hot Summer Night' event from the Grandview Speedway Starter's Stand. The driver earning Hard Charger distinction will also receive a 16- by 20-inch framed photo composite, a $75 value, courtesy of Jim Young Race Photos.
*Lakey's Tavern in Susquehanna, Pa., provides a "beer per lap" to those leading the event, along with a case for the halfway leader and a Hard Luck driver.
*The feature winner of the 'Hot Summer Night' event receive two FREE passes for 2011 Modified racing to be held at Selinsgrove (Pa.) Speedway. Selinsgrove's annual 'Icebreaker' weekend has become a must-see race of the spring under the guidance of Selinsgrove promoter Charlie Paige and race director Joe Kaminski.
*Five Mile Point (N.Y.) Speedway owner/promoter Andrew Harpell has donated two FREE pit passes to his season-ending Southern Tier 100 Modified event to be run Oct. 30.
*Accord (N.Y.) Speedway owner/promoters Gary and Donna Palmer have donated two FREE pit passes to their season-ending King of the Catskills Modified event to be run Sept. 24.
To benefit race teams, pit licenses from any track or sanctioning body will be recognized at the pit gate for a $5 discount off pit area admission. To be eligible for the discount, the license must be presented at the pit pass window.
Complete event rules and specifics for the 'Super Summer Series' have been posted on the web at www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com.
Notable rules for the event are as follows:
*Tire Information:
Front tire options - American Racer SD 33 or harder
Left-rear options - American Racer SD 33, 38 or 44
Right-rear options - American Racer SD 38, 44, 48 or 50
*General Race Rules:
The standard for engine, body, chassis and safety specs are based upon '04 DIRT rules. Sail panels are permitted for this event. Sail panels will be measured from the ground to the highest point and should be no higher than 65 inches. Sail panels must mirror size and shape side-for-side.
*Weight Information:
Small-Block under 361 c.i., on gas or methanol, with maximum 750 cfm carburetor: 2,400 lbs.
Big-Block or Small-Block over 361 c.i., gasoline only: 2,500 lbs.
Small-Blocks running SB2 heads must weigh Big-Block weight!
Entry forms have been posted on the web. Drivers entering prior to Aug. 6 will receive a $5 discount.
Penn Can's three-eighths-mile layout means money, fresh rubber and horsepower don't guarantee success, making the 'Super Summer Series' events favorable to low-dollar, weekly teams.
The Aug. 10 'Hot Summer Night' moves to Aug. 11 in the event of wet weather.
The '10 'Super Summer Series' is presented by Plant Food Company Inc., Don's Automotive Mall, Gary's U-Pull-It, Reading Plastic Fabricators, G&G Used Auto Parts, Puzo's Collision, Jim Young Race Photos and Trackside Products.
For further information on the 'Super Summer Series' contact Brett Deyo by phone at 845.728.2781, via e-mail: Deyo99H@aol.com or on the web at www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com.
Past Penn Can RoC Dart Dirt Modified Tour Winners
June 8, 2010 - Duane Howard
Aug. 11, 2009 - Jeff Rudalavage
Sept. 14, 2008 - Duane Howard
July 29, 2008 - Pat Ward
Sept. 16, 2007 - Jeff Rudalavage
July 31, 2007 - Pat Ward
Sept. 15, 2006 - Joey Grammes
Aug. 1, 2006 - Brian Weaver
Sept. 17, 2005 - Brian Weaver
Aug. 17, 2005 - Alan Rudalavage
2010 RoC Dart Dirt Modified Tour Schedule of Events
March 19 - Selinsgrove (Pa.) Speedway Icebreaker III 358-Modifieds - PAT WARD
March 20 - Selinsgrove (Pa.) Speedway Icebreaker III Big-Block Modifieds - MATT SHEPPARD
May 31 - Utica-Rome (N.Y.) Speedway Victoria 200 - TIM MCCREADIE
June 8 - Penn Can (Pa.) Speedway Super Summer Series 'Clash at the Can' - DUANE HOWARD
July 7 - Five Mile Point (N.Y.) Speedway - 60th Anniversary Special - DANNY JOHNSON
July 14 - Grandview (Pa.) Speedway - RoC on the Hill - STEWART FRIESEN
Aug. 10 - Penn Can (Pa.) Speedway Super Summer Series 'Hot Summer Night' (Rain date: Aug. 11)
Sept. 24 - Accord (N.Y.) Speedway King of the Catskills
Oct. 30 - Five Mile Point (N.Y.) Speedway Southern Tier 100
-end-
BY JR KENNERUP
Bechtelsville, Pa… It all came down to a battle between some of the hottest drivers racing at dirt surfaced tracks in the Northeast on Wednesday night at the Grandview Speedway in the Thunder on the Hill Series event.
First it was Wade Hendrickson of Bridgeport and Craig Von Dohren of Big Diamond and Grandview going all out for the win until a broken rod in the engine sidelined Hendrickson. Then Von Dohren and Duane Howard of RoC, Grandview, and Big Diamond battled for the top spot for a few laps before Von Dohren started to stretch the lead.
With 18 laps to go in the 60 lap feature Stewart Friesen of RoC, Five Mile Point, and Utica – Rome worked his way past Howard for second and began to reel in Von Dohren. It appeared that Von Dohren would be going on to record another big race, big money feature win until a slowly deflating right rear tire allowed Friesen to close in and with seven laps to go the right rear tire finally gave up on the Von Dohren machine.
Friesen then inherited the lead and led the final seven laps to claim the $5,000 win. Friesen also claimed an additional $1,000 in bonus money making it a $6,000 payday for the Niagara on the Lake Ontario driver.
Howard running his big block powered Troyer settled for a disappointed second with 21st place starter and new RoC Tour point leader Danny Johnson finishing third. Ryan Godown hung around the top five all night long in the Norm Hansell owned entry to end up in fourth and 12th place starter Frank Cozze finished in fifth.
“ This was a big one to get for Tad ( car owner Parks ) and the boys as we have let a few big ones get away this year, the car was unreal tonight “ said Friesen afterwards.
Wade Hendrickson and Craig Von Dohren brought the 29 car field to green with the driver known as the “ Flying Farmer “ grabbing the lead over Von Dohren, Ryan Watt, Duane Howard, and Stewart Friesen.
Von Dohren was just about to make a sweeping outside pass of Hendrickson for the lead when the yellow appeared for Rick Laubach who had flames shooting out from the right exhaust header. Laubach pulled to the infield and was checked over by track and fire personnel and allowed to continue.
Von Dohren grabbed the lead on the restart with Howard taking third away from Watt. Watt returned the favor two laps later by taking third back from Howard, Howard in heavy lap traffic on lap 14 took third for good from Watt.
On a lap 19 restart Hendrickson shocked everyone in attendance as he grabbed the lead from Von Dohren who has been unstoppable at Grandview for the past two months. Meanwhile Friesen blasted from fifth to third on the restart and one lap later Ryan Godown moved past Watt for fifth.
Hendrickson’s great run ended on lap 22 as a broken rod in the engine slowed him to a stop in turn four to bring out the yellow. “ Once Craig showed me where to run I knew that I had enough car to pass him and hold him off “ said Wade.
On the restart Von Dohren regained the lead only to have Howard now breathing down his neck for the lead. Godown moved past Friesen for third on lap 27 only to have Friesen pass him back for the spot three laps later.
Danny Johnson who started 21st was the fastest car on the track and he moved into fifth on lap 33.
A rash of yellow fever slowed the race up to lap 40 and once the race resumed Von Dohren raced out to a nearly full straightaway lead over Howard who now had to battle with Friesen for second.
Friesen let everyone know he was going to be a force to be reckoned with over the final laps as he passed Howard for second with 18 laps to go. Friesen started to reel the leader in partly due to a slowly deflating right rear tire on the Von Dohren machine.
Johnson meanwhile continued his charge as he took fourth from Godown with eight laps to go.
Exiting turn two coming around to complete lap 53 the right rear tire on the Von Dohren machine gave up and he limped the car into the infield.
Friesen inherited the lead and led the final seven laps unchallenged for his first career Grandview feature win.
“ I knew from racing here before that the bottom is always good here as you bump your way around the tires “ said Stewart when talking about watching the weekly racers and where they raced on this night. “ I was super, super tight on the top and when I got into the turn it would just shove. Then when we got around Duane there on the top, it was unreal as the car started coming to us. “
“ Craig and I were running the same line and he had a good lead. I knew that if I had a shot at catching him I had to try something. So I slowed down a little bit, hit my marks, and we started catching him. I think we had something for him even before he pulled off. I know I smelled smoke and then all of the sudden he pulled off and we’re in the lead “ said the sixth place starter.
“ This is an absolutely huge win for us “ said the smiling race winner. “ This is a volunteer crew team; we had some really good insights from Teo – Pro car and Bilstein Shocks. Me and Matt work really good together, we don’t second guess each other and it seems like we make the right call together when we go to a track. The car was scary tight early but that last green flag run the car was perfect. “
Stewart spoke about the significance of his first career Grandview feature win. “ This is a culmination of all the time we put in here, this is big. We ran super good in the big block race here a couple of weeks ago. I knew how to run the top and bottom here and when you give me a race car that can run anywhere on the track, this is what you get. “
Second place finisher Duane Howard knew that an early day decision ended up costing him a win. “ We’re really disappointed as at the last minute we decided to bring the big block “ said Duane who started fourth. “ Looking back it was probably a mistake as the lap times were the same as they are on a Saturday night in a small block with the track being worse than it was tonight. We were bad tonight quite honestly, the car is the oldest Troyer we have in the stable and we threw some things at it and it didn’t work. “
New RoC Modified point leader Danny Johnson was satisfied with a third after starting 21st. “ We had a fast hot rod and a better starting spot would have definitely helped us. But lately we have had some good starting spots and we’re due for a bad starting spot once in a while. “
Qualifying for the 40 car field saw heat wins go to Ray Swinehart, Ryan Watt, Jeff Strunk, and Von Dohren. The twin B Mains were captured by Johnson and Rick Laubach.
The companion RoC Sportsman Tour event saw youngster Anthony Perrego vault from third to first and open up a huge lead by rim riding around the high banked oval. Bradley Brightbill who started seventh hooked up on the bottom and reeled Perrego in. Brightbill took the lead just past the halfway point and opened up a big lead while staying committed to the bottom groove.
The final five laps of the 40 lap $1,000 to win feature saw Brightbill enter heavy lap traffic. Bradley stuck to his guns by staying in the bottom groove and this slowed his progress and this allowed Perrego to close in. The final lap saw Brightbill barely hold off Perrego for the win; Mike Loney was third, Justin Holland fourth, and Jarred Miller was fifth.
Qualifying for the 34 car Sportsman field saw heat wins won by Bob Lineman, Jr., Brightbill, Ryan Beltz, and Pat Wall while Jeff Crambo won the consi.
RoC THUNDER ON THE HILL NOTES; plenty of credit for the show goes to co – promoters Bob Miller and Bruce Rogers. They could have easily postponed the show as it rained at the track until early mid afternoon. However they waited out the rain survived a shower two hours before race time and was rewarded with a highly entertaining evening of racing. Credit also goes to track crew of Kenny Rogers and Brad Missimer who provided a smooth, wide racing surface that allowed plenty of entertaining racing to take place all evening long. Jimmy Horton, Jr. blew the engine in hot laps ending his night while in the Sportsman Bob Burgess III qualified in the consi however hit the wall after the checker, the damage was severe enough that he was unable to start the feature. For the first time in over four years in the RoC Modified Tour points a driver other than Pat Ward is leading the points as Danny Johnson is now the point leader with three races to go.
RACE REPORT RACE OF CHAMPIONS DART DIRT MODIFIED TOUR THUNDER ON THE HILL / BPG RACING 60
FINISH; Stewart Friesen, Duane Howard, Danny Johnson, Ryan Godown, Frank Cozze, Keith Hoffman, Bobby Varin, Pat Ward, Rick Laubach, Kyle Weiss, Joey Grammes, John Willman, Don Norris, Jr., Ryan Watt, Billy Pauch, Jr., Mike Iles, Brian Weaver, Mike Gular, Doug Manmiller, Craig Von Dohren, Billy Pauch, Brad Missimer, Jeff Strunk, Ray Swinehart, Sean Merkel, Wade Hendrickson, Ronnie Johnson, Kevin Bates, Danny Creeden.
DNQ’S; Dave Calaman, Danny Tyler, Frank Cozze, Jr., Stan Frankenfield, Jr., Jimmy Horton, Jr., Bobby Trapper, Tommy Scheetz, Jr., John Guarino, Kirk Horton, Kevin Hirthler, and Tom Carberry.
LAP LEADERS; Hendrickson ( 1 – 4 ), Von Dohren ( 5 – 19 ) Hendrickson ( 20 – 22 ) Von Dohren ( 23 – 52 ), Friesen ( 53 – 60 ).
DART MACHINERY SMALL BLOCK BONUS $500; Friesen.
FIVE MILE POINT / GRANDVIEW BONUS $500; Friesen.
RACE OF CHAMPIONS PROVISIONALS; Weaver, Creeden
GRANDVIEW PROVISIONALS; Willman, Missimer.
FIVE MILE POINT PROVISIONAL; Bates.
NEXT RoC MODIFIED EVENT; Tuesday August 10th – Penn – Can Speedway – Hot Summer Nights – 60 laps - $5,000 to win – A Brett Deyo Motorsports Media Promotion.
SPORTSMAN FINISH; Bradley Brightbill, Anthony Perrego, Mike Loney, Justin Holland, Jarred Miller, Craig Whitmoyer, Jared Umbenhauer, Mike Mammana, Bob Lineman, Jr., Ryan Beltz, Kevin Beach, Brad Grim, Joe Funk, Chad Barney, Clay Butler, Jamie Batzel, Kevin Smith, Pat Wall, Nick Rochinski, Sammy Piazza, Brad Szulewski, Jeff Crambo, Dave Dissinger, Mike Lisowski, Jr., Nick Petrilak, Charlie Hendrickson, Jr.
SCRATCHED; Burgess.
ALTERNATE; Smith.
FIVE MILE POINT PROVISIONALS; Batzel, Hendrickson.
DNQ’S; Bob Burgess, III, Joe Masaido, Troy Gibson, Kevin Brady, Jeremy Hertzog, Brad Force, Kevin Vaclavicek, and Warren Floyd.
Points
1. Danny Johnson 267
2. Pat Ward 258
3. Stewart Friesen 249
4. Duane Howard 240
5. Bobby Varin 180
6. Billy Decker 150
7. Ryan Godown 150
8. Ronnie Johnson 148
9. Rick Laubach 140
10. Matt Sheppard 127
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BILLY "THE KID" PAUCH IS LATEST ENTRY TO CHASE ROC 'N ROLL $5,000 TO WIN AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY WEDNESDAY NIGHT
The NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series will present for the first time ever, the Race of Champions (ROC) Double-Header of Big Block Modifieds and Sportsman on Wednesday night, July 14th at the Grandview Speedway. There is a buzz about for this event and the latest entry, Billy "The Kid" Pauch will certainly add to the building excitement. Pauch owns hundreds of modified wins and he'll be glad to add another one to the list, especially with the $5,000 first place prize up for grabs in the 60 lap Big Block Modified feature. BPG Racing/Chad Sinon Motorsports recently sweetened the pot, bumping the first place prize from $4,000 to $5,000 in the ROC N ROLL event on the Hill Wednesday night. General admission for Adults is $20, children 6-11 $5 and children under 6 will be admitted for free.
Interesting fact, Billy Pauch is the winningest sprint car driver in Thunder on the Hill history with eleven wins, but in forty-one modified events, Pauch is still looking for his first modified win under the Thunder on the Hill banner. Of course, Pauch has won many races at Grandview competing in their weekly Saturday night 358 Modifieds. Joining Pauch on an expected star-filled roster is the Doctor himself, Danny Johnson, Brett Hearn, ROC Point Leader Pat Ward, Wade Hendrickson, Stewart Friesen, Bobby Varin and Gary Tomkins. Local Thunder favorites looking to protect their home turf include Craig VonDohren, Duane Howard, Jeff Strunk, Ryan Godown, Rick Laubach, Billy Pauch Jr, Jimmy Horton and Mike Gular just to name a few.
In the Sportsman ranks, Craig Whitmoyer and Justin Holland are past Thunder winners in 2010 and they'll be shooting for the $1,000 first place prize in the 40 lap feature. ROC Sportsman point leader Jeff Crambo will be in the field along with Mike Loney, Anthony Perrego, Jamie Batzel and Brad Brightbill.
The popular Inside/Out Promotion will again welcome race fans to view the warm-ups from inside turn four (sign up for this activity at the Will Call Window), FAN FEST will return, inviting race fans onto the homestretch to meet the drivers prior to the start of the 60 lap ROC N ROLL Big Block Modified feature (weather and time permitting- -sign up at the Will Call Window- -limit 150 people), the Beach Ball Bounce, The Wave, Thunder O - a form of racing bingo and Rhyme Time, offering fans a chance to write a rhyme about their favorite drivers are just some of the activities. Also meet the popular Round Table Girls as well as Ms. Thunder on the Hill, Cassi Pinder.
Gates will open on ROC N ROLL Night at 5 PM with race time set for 7:30 PM
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RoC DART DIRT MODIFIED TOUR POINTS
1. Pat Ward 218
2. Danny Johnson 217
3. Stewart Friesen 189
4. Duane Howard 185
5. Billy Deceker 150
6. Bobby Varin 138
7. Ronnie Johnson 133
8. Matt Sheppard 127
9. Brett Hearn 115
10. Rick Laubach 102
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THE DOCTOR OUTDUELS FRIESEN FOR 60TH ANNIVERSARY FIVE MILE LAURELS
BY JR KENNERUP
Kirkwood, NY… Another classic racing battle took place at Five Mile Point Speedway on Wednesday night during the 60th Anniversary Special for the Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour. Defending race winner Danny Johnson of Rochester, NY hooked up with Stewart Friesen of Niagara on the Lake, Ontario in a real barnburner of a feature.
Both drivers took their fair share of leading the race by using some hair raising slide job passes at each end of the speedway. In the end Johnson used tire management to get the lead for good on lap 49 of the 60 lap feature and went on to win the $6,000 posted first place prize money. That amount was boosted by an additional $500 as Johnson was using a small block power plant in the Mike Payne owned car to make the winning amount $6,500.
Friesen settled for second with Duane Howard holding off a fast closing Ronnie Johnson for third with defending and three time RoC consecutive champion Pat Ward ending up in fifth.
By luck of the draw Danny Johnson and Duane Howard brought the talented 28 car field to green. Johnson out dragged Howard into turn one to grab the lead over Howard and Brian Weaver. Despite some very exciting racing up front at the start of the feature all eyes were focused back on the driver who started tenth.
Stewart Friesen was that driver and he has been on a tear at Five Mile Point this year as he won seven of nine features going into the program. Friesen didn’t disappoint one bit as he immediately moved from tenth to sixth in just one lap.
After an early race yellow the race stayed green for the next 15 laps and during this time Johnson opened up his lead over Howard. Friesen meanwhile continued his charge to the front by using every available inch of the wide Five Mile Point track surface.
Friesen used his patented fake high dive low in turn four move on Howard to move into second on lap 26 and with Johnson a full straightaway ahead the question would be how long it would take Friesen to battle Johnson for the lead.
The answer to the question was five laps as Friesen reeled in Johnson with ease and then brought the standing room only crowd to their feet exiting turn four to complete lap 32. Friesen who was running the cushion passed Johnson exiting turn two but going into turns three and four Johnson perfected a slide job pass to get the lead. But when Johnson slipped over the birm Friesen ducked underneath to take the lead to complete lap 32.
Many Five Mile Point weekly attendees have seen this scenario play out seven times before this year when Friesen gets the lead, no one passes him back. But many people forget Danny Johnson is not your ordinary race car driver who settles for second when he gets passed for the lead.
Johnson who dropped back several car lengths after losing the lead now regrouped and closed back in on Friesen to do battle for the lead once again. As the leading duo battled for the lead in heavy lap traffic Friesen switched from his normal high groove to the bottom groove. Johnson took advantage of the switch in racing grooves to reel Friesen in and set up the winning pass.
Exiting turn two on lap 48 Johnson rode the cushion to grab the lead for good. Friesen moved back to the top groove and started to chase Johnson down once again for the lead. This time Johnson stayed pat in the top groove and Friesen didn’t have enough to get back by.
Johnson who was just named as one of the 60 greatest drivers in the history of Five Mile Point the week prior held off Friesen by one car length for his second consecutive win in this event. Howard who didn’t run as low as third for the entire race held off a fast closing Ronnie Johnson. Pat Ward ended up fifth after a race long battle with team mate Billy Decker.
The excited winner had this to say after the win. “ First off I have to thank Mike Payne and his team for giving me a fast hot rod here tonight. It is a real pleasure to show up at the track and the car is fast right out of the trailer. “
Danny had this to say about getting passed for the lead on lap 31. “ During the yellow before that Mike ( Payne ) told me via hand signals that I should run the bottom as that was where Stewart was running. Then when he passed me on the outside I said to myself that I wasn’t listening to him again ( with a smile and a chuckle ).
“ My car was really good up top and when Friesen decided to run the bottom I knew that I had a good shot to get back by him and when I did I wasn’t going to give the top back up “ said Danny.
Friesen meanwhile knew he made one single mistake during the entire race and that mistake cost him the win. “ I should have never decided to run the bottom as that ate my right rear tire up and that was all Danny needed to pass me back. Look at Danny’s right rear it was hardly worn and you look at my right rear and it is almost burned off. “
Howard in his first Five Mile Point appearance in quite a few years was happy with a third. “ I didn’t have enough for the first two but it fun watching them go at for the win. I had fun racing here tonight as there was plenty of room to race. “
Qualifying races for the talented 39 car field saw heat wins go to Matt Sheppard, Johnson, Ronnie Johnson, Friesen, and Howard while Alan Rudalavage and Rick Laubach claimed the consolation wins.
COUNTER POINTS; the hottest day of the racing season greeted a packed house of race fans. The excessive heat caused Jeff Strunk to miss the show as his tow rig blew two tires and overheated while in Hazelton, Pa. Billy Van Pelt was the last car to arrive due to two blown tires on his tow rig in Sayre, Pa. Matt Sheppard was a lap from winning his heat until the right rear tire blew, Sheppard held on to second for the time being. In post heat race tech Brett Hearn who inherited the lead when Sheppard blew a tire was disqualified for the wrong compound tire on the left rear. Danny Tyler impressively came from 26th to 13th in the feature with no brakes the last 40 laps of the feature. Rick Laubach and Mike Ricci were both one of the fastest cars during the feature until engine woes sent both to the pit area. All racing teams were pitted on the back stretch with many teams taking advantage of the grassy areas and large shade trees. Eric Palmer and Brad Alger both refused provisional starting spots.
RACE REPORT RACE OF CHAMPIONS DART DIRT MODIFIED TOUR RACE # 5 60TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
FINISH; Danny Johnson, Stewart Friesen, Duane Howard, Ronnie Johnson, Pat Ward, Billy Decker, Willy Decker, Bobby Varin, Matt Sheppard, Billy Van Pelt, Jim Gabriel, Jr., Brian Weaver, Danny Tyler, Mike Colsten, Danny Creeden, Frank Yankowski, Ken Titus, Brett Hearn, Kevin Bates, Nick Rochinski, Brent Wilcox, Gary Tomkins, Bobby Trapper, Rick Laubach, Alan Rudalavage, Brian Puckett, Mike Ricci, Kirk Horton.
DNQ’S; Eric Palmer, Brad Alger, John Marsh, Bryan Terwilliger, Joey Colsten, Mike Decker, Shaun Walker, Dave Hinsch, Brian Malcolm, Dave Calaman, and Glenn Knapp.
LAP LEADERS; D. Johnson ( 1 – 31 ), Friesen ( 32 – 48 ), D. Johnson ( 49 – 60 ).
DART MACHINERY SMALL BLOCK BONUS $500; D. Johnson.
NEXT RoC EVENT; Wednesday July 14th – Thunder on the Hill Series – Grandview Speedway – Bechtelsville, Pa. – 60 laps - $5,000 to win.
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SELINSGROVE RoC ICEBREAKER IV NEWS ITEMS FOR THE 2011 EDITION ON MARCH 18TH & 19TH
BY JR KENNERUP
Binghamton, NY … This week all parties that are involved with the promotion of the highly successful RoC Icebreaker Weekend at the Selinsgrove Speedway would like to announce some additions / changes to the weekend that will take place on Friday March 18th and Saturday March 19th with a rain date of Sunday March 20th, 2011.
The first news item is the addition of a Non – Qualifiers Feature on Friday March 18th for the 358 Modified racing program. This Non – Qualifiers Feature will see all cars that fail to make the 25 lap $2,200 to win feature on this night in this event. This race will see the top ten finishers dividing up the purse of $800 while the rest of the finishers will receive tow money.
“With the great support that we have received the first two years of the Friday night 358 Modified show. This is a way of saying thank you to all of the teams for supporting us by giving everyone an opportunity to race in a feature event on this night “ said Selinsgrove Speedway Race Director / JGK Motorsports Joe Kaminski, Jr. “ I remember back to March when Lance Willix won the Non – Qualifiers Feature his reaction was just like he won the regular feature. That was the kind of reaction everyone who was involved with that race was looking for and I’m sure we’ll get the same reaction from the Friday night winner too. “
The second news item is the shortening of the Saturday feature to 40 laps from 50 laps that was used the first three years, the purse ($4,000 to win) will remain the same as it was the first three years.
“With the great feature race action we’ve had the first three years in the RoC Icebreaker. I’m trying to add a little more excitement by cutting ten laps off the distance as this move will maybe play into a different strategy being used by some drivers “ said Kaminski.
The third news item will see a new award being presented on both nights that will benefit the racers who race weekly at Five Mile Point and Penn – Can Speedways. The award will be called the Marjorie J. Kennerup Memorial Award that will see the highest finishing racer who races weekly at Five Mile Point or Penn – Can receiving $100 cash each night.
“Mrs. Kennerup has been sorely missed since her passing earlier this year, but memories of her bring a smile to my face. She was a great friend to me as well as all the people that she came in contact with, she was a very special person, and I’m happy that Mr. Kennerup and her son ( JR ) came up with this idea to keep her memory alive “ said Joe.
Fourth and final news item will see the Selinsgrove Comfort Inn for the fourth year in a row being the official motel of the RoC Icebreaker Weekend. Rooms are now available by calling Comfort Inn General Manager Donna Mitchell at 570 – 374 – 8880.
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CLASH AT THE CAN NEXT UP FOR RACE OF CHAMPIONS DART DIRT MODIFIED TOUR
BY JR KENNERUP
Binghamton, NY … The season of big money races on the Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour continues on Tuesday June 8th at the Penn – Can Speedway. That is when the “ Clash at the Can “ takes place at the racy three eighths mile oval in Susquehanna, Pa.
This event is being co – promoted by Brett Deyo Motorsports Media and Penn – Can’s management team of Reed Miller and Al Wilcox. In case of inclement weather on June 8th a rain date of Wednesday June 9th has been set aside.
Deyo has been hard at work since January lining special sponsorship awards that will add money into the racers pocket on this night. Also this event is race one of the two race “ Summer Series “ that will take place at Penn – Can, where the driver with the most combined points from the two races will pocket an extra $1,000.
The RoC Modifieds will run a complete show of heats, B Main, and a 60 lap $4,000 to win feature. One of the promotions offered by Deyo for this show is for a $20 Gambler’s Fee the winning driver if they take the gamble could see the winners share increase to $5,000 on this night.
Some of the other prizes to be handed out on this night are a guaranteed starting spot worth $500 to the Friends of Mike Night at New Egypt on July 31st. Diversified Machine Inc. / Bulldog will be presenting $250 in product certificates on this night. Lap money for the leader of lap 41 worth $ 50 courtesy of the Marjorie J. Kennerup Memorial Fund. A Hard Charger Award worth $150 sponsored by the Grandview Speedway Starters Stand will be awarded on this night and the Hard Charger will also receive a beautiful 16 by 20 inch framed photo courtesy of Jim Young Racing Photos, worth $75. Two sets of free pit passes to the King of the Catskills at Accord in September, the National Quarter Mile Dirt Track Championship at Five Mile Point in October, and the Icebreaker IV at Selinsgrove in March of 2011.
An impressive list of drivers have already pre – entered for the event which include Joey Grammes, Pat Ward, Stewart Friesen, Billy Pauch, Mike Gular, Danny Johnson, Jeff Strunk, Jerry Higbie, Jr., Rick Laubach, Rich Ricci, Jr., Kevin Hirthler, Brett Hearn, and Mitch Gibbs. They will be joined by many of the drivers who are following the Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour and the strong weekly racers that call the Penn – Can Speedway home on Friday nights.
Gates will open at five in the evening on June 8th with hot laps at 6:45 p. m. and the first heat getting the green at 7:30 in the evening.
For more information on the “ Clash at the Can “ please call RoC at 607 – 775 – 5555, Brett Deyo at 845 – 728 – 2781 or Penn – Can Speedway at 570 – 853 – 3434 or log on to the World Wide Web at; www.rocdirt.com, www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com, or www.penncan.com.
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