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Inside Track: Another busy weekend for area racetracks
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BY THE REVIEW
Mother Nature’s thunder and lightning stayed clear of Wyalusing Valley Motorsports Park on Sunday, but there were plenty of “storms” brewing on the track as the racers battled fiercely, many trying to get a win as season’s end begins to draw near.
You can bet that this is one season 270 Micro driver Jordan Tittle will hate to see end. Tittle was able to win both the regularly scheduled 270 main, as well as the makeup main from July 20 ... despite feeling “under the weather” all day.
In the makeup feature, Tittle jumped out into the lead with John Zionkowski settling into second. Tim Quinter ran third, while 2006 track champion Dave Mooers and Bob Maynard began moving through the field from the last row. Mooers picked off Quinter for third on lap 6, as the gap between the front three widened. At the checkers, it was Tittle, Zionkowski, Quinter, Mooers, Maynard and Quinter taking the top five spots.
In the day’s regular main, Tittle once again jumped to the lead on lap 1 and led wire to wire in a cautionless event that saw opening-day winner Russ Thornton take second in his second start of the season. Zionkowski took third, with Mooers and Quinter filling out the top five.
In the Slingshots, point leader Corey McCarthy led from the drop of the green and quickly opened up a 10-car-length lead over Rich Howard Jr. The lead then stabilized, but Howard was never able to close the distance. Newcomer Mike Scarcella was third, ahead of Randy Leuthe. 2006 champion Paul Quear, making his first 2008 start, was unable to start after breaking in the heat. Matt Sobiech was also unable to answer the call to the grid.
Race 2 of the Junior Slingshot “Fountain of Youth Series” got off to a rocky start, as a failed attempt on the original start found a three-car pileup in turn one. As a courtesy, teams were given the opportunity to make repairs on their machines and another attempt was made to start the race. After another bad start, things finally got under way with the series’ race one winner, Jake Hendershot, leading the distance. Shelby Ogozaly ran second, but was unable to hold off a determined Matt Sobiech, who ran the race with a bent axle from the melee on the start. Ogozaly took third, with Matt Gaughan and Austin Barucky completing the top five. Molly Chambers was unable to start.
In kart racing, the action was very intense. At times, too intense. Matt Addona jumped into the lead from his third-place starting spot, with Jared Zionkowski right with him. As the two battled for the lead, they began to approach lapped traffic. Addona and a lapped car got together and spun, bringing out the first caution of the race. Two more cautions would slow the event, as Zionkowski took the win with Kara Chapman taking second, ahead of Dom Rogers, Hayden Baumunk and Addona.
Dayton Cote led the entire Novice Blue event over Cam Ayres and Alex Shaffer. Cote had a very busy weekend, as he also ran a one-race deal in an asphalt four cylinder Saturday night. He also hot lapped a Slingshot on Sunday, adding fuel to the rumor that he is looking to move to that division in 2009.
Derek Chapman led the field to the green in Junior Gold, but it was Jake Maynard taking the lead in search of his third win in the division in 2008. The top three ran as if they were chained together all race long, with Maynard leading as they took the two-to-go signal. He slipped a bit in turn two, leaving just enough room for Chapman to stick a nose inside. The two made slight contact, with Maynard spinning. Chapman led at the white, but Jay Adams, who appeared to have the fastest machine but was unable to get around the leaders, finally got an opportunity and was able to take the win, with Chapman and Maynard completing the top three.
SportsKIDS was also won by Adams, with Brianna Baumunk taking second. Collin Hadlock and Nick Funk battled hard for third, as the two filled out the top four respectively. Jake Maynard was credited with fifth after losing a wheel on lap 1. Heather Hadlock won SportsWOMAN over Karen Baumunk. Despite having only these two women in the class at this time, they have been very evenly matched and put on a great show. More competitors when this division begins to grow will surely make for some fantastic racing. Rob Funk, in his first-ever start, led the first three laps of the SportsMAN feature but had to settle for second behind point leader Matt Roberts. Al Ellis, in the Hadlock No. 17, finished third.
Kecia Wilkins ran a great race in lights, leading the first 10 laps while holding off pressure from Tyler Chapman. Chapman managed to slip by on lap 11 and go on for the win. Wilkins was second, followed by Paul Crambo, Rick Hoyt and Kayla Wilkins.
The mediums feature saw season-long rivalries boil over, as all of the drivers pulled no punches in search of the coveted checkered flag. Several cautions slowed the event, pushing it very near the 20-minute timed limit. Tyler Chapman came from third to lead lap one, as fifth-place starter Dalton Maynard, who has been stalking Chapman for a win lately, settled into second and waited for a mistake. Dylan Maynard and Brian Mroz, who have raced very closely all season as well, ran third and fourth. Mroz took over the spot on lap 7. Maynard attempted to regain the position in turn 2 on lap 11, with the drivers “wrestling” for the position for half a lap until they finally brought out the caution as they came together in turn 3. Both rejoined at the rear. On the restart, Dalton Maynard drove hard into turn one, getting into leader Chapman, who spun. Maynard was put to the rear, with Jeremy Williams inheriting the lead. After holding off the challenges of Kyle Johnson, Williams took his first win. Chapman charged from the rear for second, ahead of Johnson, Kayla Wilkins and Brian Mroz.
Mike Ely, who runs a limited kart schedule simply for fun, led the entire Heavy feature, taking the win over Matt Hoyt, Roy Schrimp, Harry “Beaver” Ely and Bob Coveney. Point leader Keith Atkinson struggled with mechanical issues in the feature, eventually dropping out of the event.
This week, the Briggs & Stratton Slingshot Tour comes to town for a National event. Also scheduled is a complete regular show including the 600cc Micros.
Come on out this Sunday to the “Nightmare of the Northern Tier” for some fast family fun! For more information, visit the track’s Web site at www.wvmpracing.com!
Redline Raceway
Friday, Aug. 8
Redline Raceway again played host to yet another great night of racing action Friday evening. The mood was somewhat somber among some as Redline remembered the lives of the late Scott Cole and Bill May.
During the qualifying heats the rains came and put a hold on the racing action for a bit. The rains cleared out and the track crew went to work running the track surface in. Several racers helped in the process and in no time the track was ready for the racing to continue. Redline would like to thank all the drivers who participated in helping run the track in.
The qualifying heats were completed and the families of Scott Cole and Bill May gathered at the start-finish line along with the “POPS” Pace Truck for a short memorial service. Several blue balloons were released with loving messages written on them. The messages were inscribed by several of Bill May’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren who also were great friends of Scott Cole. As the balloons ascended into the heavens several words were said in Scotty’s and Bill’s memory.
The four-cylinder Hobby Stocks were up first for their 20-lap feature. Tyler Deeghan, along with Andrew Doorman, led the 12 Hobby Stocks to the green. Deeghan moved out in front to lead the first circuit with Doorman in pursuit in second. Deeghan held down the top spot until lap 8 when Doorman charged to the outside of Deeghan off corner 2 to take over the lead. Midway through the feature Andrew Doorman continued to show the way with Deeghan running second and Kenny Benjamin holding third.
Benjamin ran down Deeghan on lap 14, moving to the outside of turns 3 and 4. Coming off turn 4 Benjamin came away with the second spot, placing Deeghan back to third. Joe Dunn, on the next lap, took over the third spot down the front stretch and set his sights on the second-place machine of Benjamin. Dunn ran down the Benjamin machine on lap 17 and moved into second spot.
Andrew Doorman cruised to his first feature win in 2008. Benjamin charged hard off the final corner and took second by half of a car length over Joe Dunn, who came home in third.
The “Mighty” Modifieds made their way out onto the raceway next. Bethlehem’s Rick Yetter with Monroeton’s J.T. McKernan paced the 20-car field down to the start. Yetter led the pack on the first lap but caution would slow the field early for a spin in turn 3. Two more cautions slowed the feature down by lap 2 and it looked as if the Modifieds would have a caution-riddled feature.
The green came out again as Yetter continued to lead with McKernan a close second and defending champion Brent Boyer in third. Ricky Yetter was still setting a blistering pace at the halfway point and the entire field still was running caution-free from lap number 2.
With just a handful of laps remaining and the field still running under green, J.T. McKernan took a look under Yetter for the lead. Yetter, with a very strong machine, was able to stave off the late-race advances of McKernan and take home his second feature win of the season. J.T. McKernan, with a great performance, came home in second and Brent Boyer crossed the stripe in third. Ricky Yetter became the first repeat winner in the Modified division in 2008. Yetter, in victory lane, was visibly emotional as he dedicated his win to his late grandfather, whom he lost this season. The Nationally Sanctioned I.M.C.A. Modifieds eased their way onto the track next to run their 20-lap feature event. Brad Butcher from Granville and LeRoy’s Quinn Davis paced the 15-car field to the magic cone in turn 4.
Brenie Baker shot out to the early lead with Butcher close in second. Baker, on lap 3, slipped up in turn 2, and that allowed both Butcher and Don Cole to slip by for first and second. Defending champion Mark Griffin powered past Baker down the back chute and took over the third position. Caution slowed the field for a spin on lap 5. Brad Butcher paced the field to the ensuing green flag. The third-place machine of Mark Griffin powered past Butcher and Cole coming out of turn 4 to take the lead. Josh Sawyer moved to the inside of Butcher on lap 7 down the back stretch to take over second place. The very next time around Lyle Smith moved around Butcher to take the third spot. Mark Griffin led the remaining laps and took his fifth feature win of the season. Josh Sawyer crossed in second and Lyle Smith settled for third.
The Pure Stocks came up to bat next to run their feature event. Bobby Maynard with Ben Hulslander set the pace to the green for the 20-car feature field.
Hulslander jumped out front early as Benjamin trailed in second. Bobby Maynard slowed down the back straight and was forced pit side for the second consecutive week. Benjamin following a restart powered outside of Hulslander on the back stretch for the lead. Nick Robinson followed along and moved up to second. Chad Ely, who started seventh on the grid, made a bid for the third spot on lap 6 as he charged inside of Josh Parker. Nick Robinson tried to move inside of Benjamin on lap 8. It appeared as though they may have been temporarily hooked together coming off turn 2 and that allowed the 57 of Chad Ely to slip by for the lead.
That move proved to be the one that mattered most as Chad Ely went on to take his first feature win of 2008. Jason Benjamin took second and Nick “at night” Robinson settled for third.
The Mini Stocks invaded the raceway next led by Gregg Turner and Shawn Bruce. The 12-car feature field paced to the green. The lucky 7 of Shawn Bruce showed the way on the first time around with Rich Powell following in second. Following a early caution Powell took over the top position as A.J. Potrzebowski took second away from Bruce, heading down the back straight.
Powell and Potrzebowski put on a show as they ran cleanly door to door for laps 9, 10 and 11. Powell edged ahead of Potrzebowski off turn 4. Potrzebowski was not done, however, as he charged hard again this time to the inside of Powell in corner 2 on lap 14. Potrzebowski broke free down the back chute and took over the lead.
A.J. Potrzebowski went on from there to take his fifth feature win of the season. Larry Colton finished second as he slipped past Powell on a late restart. Shawn Bruce powered past Powell on the very last lap to take home third.
The final shootout of the night would be a mechanics race in the Modified division. Eight machines made their way to the green. There were two drivers who started scratch on the field who usually are on the other end of the racing program. Brock Matthews Redline’s head flagger piloted the 9 car and head scorer and handicapper Barry (C.J.) Matthews drove the 33.
The race went green and Ed McKernan took the win in the 83two. C.J. Matthews took second in the 33 and Brock Matthews rounded out the top three.
This week will be NAPA night as Ed May from the Wysox NAPA store has come on late as a sponsor for Redline Raceway. In addition to the normal purse for the winners of each division the following has been graciously donated by the Wysox NAPA. Modifieds will see an extra $200 added to the winner’s purse. I.M.C.A. Modifieds will see an extra $100 for the lucky winner. Pure Stocks will earn an extra $75 for the win. The Mini Stock and the Hobby Stocks will see an extra $50 added to the winner’s purse.
The normal purses for all classes are listed on the Internet at www.redlineraceway.net.
Champion Speedway
Saturday, Aug. 9
In the Handicap Main race Corey Brooks of Apalachin brought home the victory, followed by Lenny McBride, Keith Hawkins, Cole Farwell, Jerry Harman and Dave Clark.
Casey Donholt of Port Crane, N.Y., won the Scratch Main, with Mikey Buman taking second, followed by Tuff McBride, Adam Mittl and Lenny McBride.
In Support A Katalin Davis of Chenango, N.Y., got the win, followed by Jeff Garlinghouse, Dee Holden, Cole Farwell, Shawn Engel and Vinnie Oliver.
In the Support B race the No. 138 cycle won, followed by Dwight Basa and Brian Bailey, and in Junior Speedway it was Roger Roberts, followed by Spencer Portararo and Dakota Crone.
Chemung Speedway
Saturday, Aug. 9
In the NASCAR Weekly Modifieds Chuck Lohmeyer and Matt Kurzejewski won the heats and Kurzejewski won the feature, followed by Al Chapman and Tony Hanbury. Chapman and Kurzejewski led all the laps.
In Super Stocks, Brad Mosher and Terry Potrzeboski won the heats and Potrzebowski, Mike Nichols and Jeff Goodwin took second and third. Scott Reagan and Potrzebowski led all the laps.
In the second feature Mike Nichols led all the laps on his way to the win, followed by Mosher and Jody Buckley.
Matt Kurzejewski and Mike Alcaro won the heats in the INEX Legends and Alcaro led every lap on his way to the win, followed by Matt Priscott and Matt Maring.
In the 4 Cylinders race it was Phil Haner and Gene Purvis winning the heats and Purvis led every lap on his way to the feature win, followed by Bob Curren and Haner.
In Modified Lite Jody Buckley won and Paul Brinckman was second, and in Juniors Zack Curren won the race, followed by Jesse Kent and Fred Peters, with Kent and Curren leading all the laps.
In the Bandolaros Ryan Polenz led every lap on his way to the win, followed by Matt Evans and A.J. Hamilton.
Thunder Mountain
Friday, Aug. 8
In the Steel Block Late Models Dwayne Tanneyhill got the win, followed by Luke Hoffner and Chuck Kennedy. Hoffner and Matt Gaston won the heats.
In Super Scocks Rusty Martz and Jim Handyside Jr. won the heats and Martz won the feature, followed by Jamie Berber and Skip Lindemuth.
In Pure Stocks it was Kyle Shannon getting the win, followed by Bruce Hartzfeld and Brian Rhed. Shannon and Hartzfeld won the heats.
In RWD 4 Cylinders Rob Ralston Jr. won followed by Bill McMillen and Brandon Weidow, while Don Henry won the heat.
Chad Greeley won the Thunderbolt Enduros, followed by Chris Myers and Randy Rickhard, and Myers, Rickhard and Jamey Lee won heats.
Black Rock Speedway, Dundee, N.Y.
Friday, Aug. 8
Chuck Hebing chased down Justin Barger in lapped traffic with 10 laps to go and passed him for an apparent $5,000 pay day, but in the end it would be Barger ending up on top.
As a result of a protest, the car driven by Chuck Hebing on the night was unable to pass technical inspection, handing the win to the No. 32.
The decision marred an otherwise thrilling night, where 28 of the best sprint cars in the area collided for the Insinger Race Fuels New York Nationals, presented by SP Wilson, Camping World and T&R Towing.
Barger, of Montrose, N.Y., won the third National Parts Peddler Heat in convincing fashion and with his win in the feature, he ended up winning every competitive event he ran at Black Rock this year after his sweep in April.
The 25-lap feature saw just one caution for Jared Fink sliding over the banking in turn 3 on lap 7. With clean track ahead of him, Justin Barger, who led from the outside pole, pulled away, only to hit lapped traffic again by lap 11. Just four laps later he was in second.
Hebing, who started in fourth, quickly jumped up to second in the opening turn and began to put pressure on Barger. After making the pass for the lead, Hebing became proficient picking off lapped cars and stretching his distance in the closing laps.
As “Cobra” pulled away, Trevor Lewis, who won the Four Laps of Fame Dash, quickly moved forward in his No. 21 and was on the rear bumper of Barger as the checkered flag fell. Little did he know that it might have ended up being a battle for the win.
Kramer Williamson won his first-ever ASCS Patriot points-paying heat race, capturing the second of three qualifiers. Williamson staved off a number of challengers throughout the night to end up in third.
Bryan Howland continued his string of top-five finishes with what will be credited as a fourth-place finish. Howland started in eighth and needed a handful of laps to complete each pass. The run will help him to continue expanding on his point lead.
Jessica Zemken, who won her heat race, rounded out the top-five in her own No. 1z. Zemken ran a 13.5-second lap around the track when the track was at its optimum after being worked in following early evening showers.
NASCAR star Tony Stewart brought out his No. 20 out to New York for his second sprint car start of the year and was impressive in his performance; the other team he ran was also with the ASCS Patriots at Sharon. Stewart made the redraw from his heat and was involved in a mad scramble with Williamson, Howland and Zemken in the closing laps.
2004 Black Rock Sprint Champion George Suprick finished in seventh, with last year’s winner, Jared Zimbardi, eighth, defending Rookie of the Year Scott Kreutter ninth and Chris Muhleisen rounding out the top-10.
Joe August Jr. had a soft roll in his No. 47 in his heat race, forcing him to utilize Jared Fink’s back-up wing in the B-Main. Other than the caution for Fink in the feature, the rest of the night was clean and green.
Ron Cartwright Jr. has had a season he would rather forget, but there is little chance that he will soon forget the win he captured in the Marbles Automotive Modified Feature.
Cartwright, of Portageville, led all 25 laps to score the $3,000 top prize in the second of three bonus-paying events, surviving a late-race incident with a lapped car and Steve Paine for the big win.
Cartwright had a healthy lead for much of the race until lap 20, when Steve Paine was able to begin battling for the lead after taking five laps to reel in the No. 2b.
Paine, who started back in 13th, was following closely behind Cartwright heading into turn 3, when a pair of lapped cars blocked the track, forcing Cartwright into the back of Trevor Sutherland and Steve Paine into the back of the leader. Cartwright would continue in to turn three but “The Hurricane” would suffer race-ending damage.
With Paine out of the event, Ron Cartwright Jr. had to worry about holding off Chris Ostrowsky once again, something he would do with ease over the final four laps.
After those two crossed the line, Ray Bliss Jr. would place in his familiar third position in bonus money races. Dave DuBois and Brian Swarthout rounded out the top five.
Five NASCAR celebrities also ran Modifieds in a 15-lap challenge. David Reutimann waited for his Michael Waltrip Racing teammate Michael McDowell to make a mistake in turn 3, opening up the door for the former modified regular to drive away to a comfortable win in Tim Sebring’s Suzuki No. 45.
Reuitmann was running lap times comparable to the top modified regulars on the night, putting more than a half-lap on Speed TV’s Bob Dillner, who fought with his comfort in the cockpit to hold off David’s dad, modified legend Buzzie Reutimann.
Even though the ASCS Patriot win would be taken away from Chuck Hebing, he did score the victory in the New York Modified Midget feature, leading the entire 20-lap distance in Danny Willmes’ No. 29w.
“Cobra” picked up his second career NYMM win, holding off Zack Morgan and Vermont resident Brian Gray.
The event was slowed before a lap was ever recorded with a pile-up in turn 1 including current NYMM point leader Ryan Jordan.
Rich Sharpsteen had contemplated not running his own “Flyin’ X” car, but after he could not fit into the other car, he jumped back in his ride to pick up the $500 top prize in the Black Rock/Genesee Signs Plus of Kanona 4-Cylinder Challenge.
Sharpsteen took the lead on lap 7 from Del Cummings and drove away from the pack, running a smooth line on the top for his second win of the year. Jon Wallenbeck was able to move up to second with Scott Woodruff third. C.J. Winslow and Joe Povoski would round out the top five.
Josh Wallenbeck was less than a lap away from his first career Home Necessities Bandits win, but when Jamie Eldridge Jr. made a run to the high side in turn 3 for the win those two both made contact, allowing Courtney McMinds to make a desparate run to the line to win by 2 feet.
McMinds was emotional in Victory Lane, as she was overwhelmed with the win. Dylan Cecee, who was battling for second, came to a stop on the top of turn 4 to bring his streak of Bandit wins to an end.
Penn Can Speedway
Friday, Aug. 8
In the BPG/Main Engies Modified Feature it was Brian Weaver, followed by Al Rudalavage and Jeff Rudalavage, while Jeff Crambo won the BPG/Main Engines Sportsman Feature, followed by Tim Howell and Jamie Cortazar.
Frank Payne won the BPG/Main Engines Super Stock, followed by Tom Herman and Chris Strohl, and in the BPG/Main Engines Pure Stock Feature it was Butch Green with the win, followed by Tom Garren and Ryan Stone.
John Hoover won the 4-Cylinder feature, followed by Gary Kinne and Chris Taylor, and J.J. Grasso won the URC Sprint feature, followed by Scott Pursell and Ed Aikin.
You can bet that this is one season 270 Micro driver Jordan Tittle will hate to see end. Tittle was able to win both the regularly scheduled 270 main, as well as the makeup main from July 20 ... despite feeling “under the weather” all day.
In the makeup feature, Tittle jumped out into the lead with John Zionkowski settling into second. Tim Quinter ran third, while 2006 track champion Dave Mooers and Bob Maynard began moving through the field from the last row. Mooers picked off Quinter for third on lap 6, as the gap between the front three widened. At the checkers, it was Tittle, Zionkowski, Quinter, Mooers, Maynard and Quinter taking the top five spots.
In the day’s regular main, Tittle once again jumped to the lead on lap 1 and led wire to wire in a cautionless event that saw opening-day winner Russ Thornton take second in his second start of the season. Zionkowski took third, with Mooers and Quinter filling out the top five.
In the Slingshots, point leader Corey McCarthy led from the drop of the green and quickly opened up a 10-car-length lead over Rich Howard Jr. The lead then stabilized, but Howard was never able to close the distance. Newcomer Mike Scarcella was third, ahead of Randy Leuthe. 2006 champion Paul Quear, making his first 2008 start, was unable to start after breaking in the heat. Matt Sobiech was also unable to answer the call to the grid.
Race 2 of the Junior Slingshot “Fountain of Youth Series” got off to a rocky start, as a failed attempt on the original start found a three-car pileup in turn one. As a courtesy, teams were given the opportunity to make repairs on their machines and another attempt was made to start the race. After another bad start, things finally got under way with the series’ race one winner, Jake Hendershot, leading the distance. Shelby Ogozaly ran second, but was unable to hold off a determined Matt Sobiech, who ran the race with a bent axle from the melee on the start. Ogozaly took third, with Matt Gaughan and Austin Barucky completing the top five. Molly Chambers was unable to start.
In kart racing, the action was very intense. At times, too intense. Matt Addona jumped into the lead from his third-place starting spot, with Jared Zionkowski right with him. As the two battled for the lead, they began to approach lapped traffic. Addona and a lapped car got together and spun, bringing out the first caution of the race. Two more cautions would slow the event, as Zionkowski took the win with Kara Chapman taking second, ahead of Dom Rogers, Hayden Baumunk and Addona.
Dayton Cote led the entire Novice Blue event over Cam Ayres and Alex Shaffer. Cote had a very busy weekend, as he also ran a one-race deal in an asphalt four cylinder Saturday night. He also hot lapped a Slingshot on Sunday, adding fuel to the rumor that he is looking to move to that division in 2009.
Derek Chapman led the field to the green in Junior Gold, but it was Jake Maynard taking the lead in search of his third win in the division in 2008. The top three ran as if they were chained together all race long, with Maynard leading as they took the two-to-go signal. He slipped a bit in turn two, leaving just enough room for Chapman to stick a nose inside. The two made slight contact, with Maynard spinning. Chapman led at the white, but Jay Adams, who appeared to have the fastest machine but was unable to get around the leaders, finally got an opportunity and was able to take the win, with Chapman and Maynard completing the top three.
SportsKIDS was also won by Adams, with Brianna Baumunk taking second. Collin Hadlock and Nick Funk battled hard for third, as the two filled out the top four respectively. Jake Maynard was credited with fifth after losing a wheel on lap 1. Heather Hadlock won SportsWOMAN over Karen Baumunk. Despite having only these two women in the class at this time, they have been very evenly matched and put on a great show. More competitors when this division begins to grow will surely make for some fantastic racing. Rob Funk, in his first-ever start, led the first three laps of the SportsMAN feature but had to settle for second behind point leader Matt Roberts. Al Ellis, in the Hadlock No. 17, finished third.
Kecia Wilkins ran a great race in lights, leading the first 10 laps while holding off pressure from Tyler Chapman. Chapman managed to slip by on lap 11 and go on for the win. Wilkins was second, followed by Paul Crambo, Rick Hoyt and Kayla Wilkins.
The mediums feature saw season-long rivalries boil over, as all of the drivers pulled no punches in search of the coveted checkered flag. Several cautions slowed the event, pushing it very near the 20-minute timed limit. Tyler Chapman came from third to lead lap one, as fifth-place starter Dalton Maynard, who has been stalking Chapman for a win lately, settled into second and waited for a mistake. Dylan Maynard and Brian Mroz, who have raced very closely all season as well, ran third and fourth. Mroz took over the spot on lap 7. Maynard attempted to regain the position in turn 2 on lap 11, with the drivers “wrestling” for the position for half a lap until they finally brought out the caution as they came together in turn 3. Both rejoined at the rear. On the restart, Dalton Maynard drove hard into turn one, getting into leader Chapman, who spun. Maynard was put to the rear, with Jeremy Williams inheriting the lead. After holding off the challenges of Kyle Johnson, Williams took his first win. Chapman charged from the rear for second, ahead of Johnson, Kayla Wilkins and Brian Mroz.
Mike Ely, who runs a limited kart schedule simply for fun, led the entire Heavy feature, taking the win over Matt Hoyt, Roy Schrimp, Harry “Beaver” Ely and Bob Coveney. Point leader Keith Atkinson struggled with mechanical issues in the feature, eventually dropping out of the event.
This week, the Briggs & Stratton Slingshot Tour comes to town for a National event. Also scheduled is a complete regular show including the 600cc Micros.
Come on out this Sunday to the “Nightmare of the Northern Tier” for some fast family fun! For more information, visit the track’s Web site at www.wvmpracing.com!
Redline Raceway
Friday, Aug. 8
Redline Raceway again played host to yet another great night of racing action Friday evening. The mood was somewhat somber among some as Redline remembered the lives of the late Scott Cole and Bill May.
During the qualifying heats the rains came and put a hold on the racing action for a bit. The rains cleared out and the track crew went to work running the track surface in. Several racers helped in the process and in no time the track was ready for the racing to continue. Redline would like to thank all the drivers who participated in helping run the track in.
The qualifying heats were completed and the families of Scott Cole and Bill May gathered at the start-finish line along with the “POPS” Pace Truck for a short memorial service. Several blue balloons were released with loving messages written on them. The messages were inscribed by several of Bill May’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren who also were great friends of Scott Cole. As the balloons ascended into the heavens several words were said in Scotty’s and Bill’s memory.
The four-cylinder Hobby Stocks were up first for their 20-lap feature. Tyler Deeghan, along with Andrew Doorman, led the 12 Hobby Stocks to the green. Deeghan moved out in front to lead the first circuit with Doorman in pursuit in second. Deeghan held down the top spot until lap 8 when Doorman charged to the outside of Deeghan off corner 2 to take over the lead. Midway through the feature Andrew Doorman continued to show the way with Deeghan running second and Kenny Benjamin holding third.
Benjamin ran down Deeghan on lap 14, moving to the outside of turns 3 and 4. Coming off turn 4 Benjamin came away with the second spot, placing Deeghan back to third. Joe Dunn, on the next lap, took over the third spot down the front stretch and set his sights on the second-place machine of Benjamin. Dunn ran down the Benjamin machine on lap 17 and moved into second spot.
Andrew Doorman cruised to his first feature win in 2008. Benjamin charged hard off the final corner and took second by half of a car length over Joe Dunn, who came home in third.
The “Mighty” Modifieds made their way out onto the raceway next. Bethlehem’s Rick Yetter with Monroeton’s J.T. McKernan paced the 20-car field down to the start. Yetter led the pack on the first lap but caution would slow the field early for a spin in turn 3. Two more cautions slowed the feature down by lap 2 and it looked as if the Modifieds would have a caution-riddled feature.
The green came out again as Yetter continued to lead with McKernan a close second and defending champion Brent Boyer in third. Ricky Yetter was still setting a blistering pace at the halfway point and the entire field still was running caution-free from lap number 2.
With just a handful of laps remaining and the field still running under green, J.T. McKernan took a look under Yetter for the lead. Yetter, with a very strong machine, was able to stave off the late-race advances of McKernan and take home his second feature win of the season. J.T. McKernan, with a great performance, came home in second and Brent Boyer crossed the stripe in third. Ricky Yetter became the first repeat winner in the Modified division in 2008. Yetter, in victory lane, was visibly emotional as he dedicated his win to his late grandfather, whom he lost this season. The Nationally Sanctioned I.M.C.A. Modifieds eased their way onto the track next to run their 20-lap feature event. Brad Butcher from Granville and LeRoy’s Quinn Davis paced the 15-car field to the magic cone in turn 4.
Brenie Baker shot out to the early lead with Butcher close in second. Baker, on lap 3, slipped up in turn 2, and that allowed both Butcher and Don Cole to slip by for first and second. Defending champion Mark Griffin powered past Baker down the back chute and took over the third position. Caution slowed the field for a spin on lap 5. Brad Butcher paced the field to the ensuing green flag. The third-place machine of Mark Griffin powered past Butcher and Cole coming out of turn 4 to take the lead. Josh Sawyer moved to the inside of Butcher on lap 7 down the back stretch to take over second place. The very next time around Lyle Smith moved around Butcher to take the third spot. Mark Griffin led the remaining laps and took his fifth feature win of the season. Josh Sawyer crossed in second and Lyle Smith settled for third.
The Pure Stocks came up to bat next to run their feature event. Bobby Maynard with Ben Hulslander set the pace to the green for the 20-car feature field.
Hulslander jumped out front early as Benjamin trailed in second. Bobby Maynard slowed down the back straight and was forced pit side for the second consecutive week. Benjamin following a restart powered outside of Hulslander on the back stretch for the lead. Nick Robinson followed along and moved up to second. Chad Ely, who started seventh on the grid, made a bid for the third spot on lap 6 as he charged inside of Josh Parker. Nick Robinson tried to move inside of Benjamin on lap 8. It appeared as though they may have been temporarily hooked together coming off turn 2 and that allowed the 57 of Chad Ely to slip by for the lead.
That move proved to be the one that mattered most as Chad Ely went on to take his first feature win of 2008. Jason Benjamin took second and Nick “at night” Robinson settled for third.
The Mini Stocks invaded the raceway next led by Gregg Turner and Shawn Bruce. The 12-car feature field paced to the green. The lucky 7 of Shawn Bruce showed the way on the first time around with Rich Powell following in second. Following a early caution Powell took over the top position as A.J. Potrzebowski took second away from Bruce, heading down the back straight.
Powell and Potrzebowski put on a show as they ran cleanly door to door for laps 9, 10 and 11. Powell edged ahead of Potrzebowski off turn 4. Potrzebowski was not done, however, as he charged hard again this time to the inside of Powell in corner 2 on lap 14. Potrzebowski broke free down the back chute and took over the lead.
A.J. Potrzebowski went on from there to take his fifth feature win of the season. Larry Colton finished second as he slipped past Powell on a late restart. Shawn Bruce powered past Powell on the very last lap to take home third.
The final shootout of the night would be a mechanics race in the Modified division. Eight machines made their way to the green. There were two drivers who started scratch on the field who usually are on the other end of the racing program. Brock Matthews Redline’s head flagger piloted the 9 car and head scorer and handicapper Barry (C.J.) Matthews drove the 33.
The race went green and Ed McKernan took the win in the 83two. C.J. Matthews took second in the 33 and Brock Matthews rounded out the top three.
This week will be NAPA night as Ed May from the Wysox NAPA store has come on late as a sponsor for Redline Raceway. In addition to the normal purse for the winners of each division the following has been graciously donated by the Wysox NAPA. Modifieds will see an extra $200 added to the winner’s purse. I.M.C.A. Modifieds will see an extra $100 for the lucky winner. Pure Stocks will earn an extra $75 for the win. The Mini Stock and the Hobby Stocks will see an extra $50 added to the winner’s purse.
The normal purses for all classes are listed on the Internet at www.redlineraceway.net.
Champion Speedway
Saturday, Aug. 9
In the Handicap Main race Corey Brooks of Apalachin brought home the victory, followed by Lenny McBride, Keith Hawkins, Cole Farwell, Jerry Harman and Dave Clark.
Casey Donholt of Port Crane, N.Y., won the Scratch Main, with Mikey Buman taking second, followed by Tuff McBride, Adam Mittl and Lenny McBride.
In Support A Katalin Davis of Chenango, N.Y., got the win, followed by Jeff Garlinghouse, Dee Holden, Cole Farwell, Shawn Engel and Vinnie Oliver.
In the Support B race the No. 138 cycle won, followed by Dwight Basa and Brian Bailey, and in Junior Speedway it was Roger Roberts, followed by Spencer Portararo and Dakota Crone.
Chemung Speedway
Saturday, Aug. 9
In the NASCAR Weekly Modifieds Chuck Lohmeyer and Matt Kurzejewski won the heats and Kurzejewski won the feature, followed by Al Chapman and Tony Hanbury. Chapman and Kurzejewski led all the laps.
In Super Stocks, Brad Mosher and Terry Potrzeboski won the heats and Potrzebowski, Mike Nichols and Jeff Goodwin took second and third. Scott Reagan and Potrzebowski led all the laps.
In the second feature Mike Nichols led all the laps on his way to the win, followed by Mosher and Jody Buckley.
Matt Kurzejewski and Mike Alcaro won the heats in the INEX Legends and Alcaro led every lap on his way to the win, followed by Matt Priscott and Matt Maring.
In the 4 Cylinders race it was Phil Haner and Gene Purvis winning the heats and Purvis led every lap on his way to the feature win, followed by Bob Curren and Haner.
In Modified Lite Jody Buckley won and Paul Brinckman was second, and in Juniors Zack Curren won the race, followed by Jesse Kent and Fred Peters, with Kent and Curren leading all the laps.
In the Bandolaros Ryan Polenz led every lap on his way to the win, followed by Matt Evans and A.J. Hamilton.
Thunder Mountain
Friday, Aug. 8
In the Steel Block Late Models Dwayne Tanneyhill got the win, followed by Luke Hoffner and Chuck Kennedy. Hoffner and Matt Gaston won the heats.
In Super Scocks Rusty Martz and Jim Handyside Jr. won the heats and Martz won the feature, followed by Jamie Berber and Skip Lindemuth.
In Pure Stocks it was Kyle Shannon getting the win, followed by Bruce Hartzfeld and Brian Rhed. Shannon and Hartzfeld won the heats.
In RWD 4 Cylinders Rob Ralston Jr. won followed by Bill McMillen and Brandon Weidow, while Don Henry won the heat.
Chad Greeley won the Thunderbolt Enduros, followed by Chris Myers and Randy Rickhard, and Myers, Rickhard and Jamey Lee won heats.
Black Rock Speedway, Dundee, N.Y.
Friday, Aug. 8
Chuck Hebing chased down Justin Barger in lapped traffic with 10 laps to go and passed him for an apparent $5,000 pay day, but in the end it would be Barger ending up on top.
As a result of a protest, the car driven by Chuck Hebing on the night was unable to pass technical inspection, handing the win to the No. 32.
The decision marred an otherwise thrilling night, where 28 of the best sprint cars in the area collided for the Insinger Race Fuels New York Nationals, presented by SP Wilson, Camping World and T&R Towing.
Barger, of Montrose, N.Y., won the third National Parts Peddler Heat in convincing fashion and with his win in the feature, he ended up winning every competitive event he ran at Black Rock this year after his sweep in April.
The 25-lap feature saw just one caution for Jared Fink sliding over the banking in turn 3 on lap 7. With clean track ahead of him, Justin Barger, who led from the outside pole, pulled away, only to hit lapped traffic again by lap 11. Just four laps later he was in second.
Hebing, who started in fourth, quickly jumped up to second in the opening turn and began to put pressure on Barger. After making the pass for the lead, Hebing became proficient picking off lapped cars and stretching his distance in the closing laps.
As “Cobra” pulled away, Trevor Lewis, who won the Four Laps of Fame Dash, quickly moved forward in his No. 21 and was on the rear bumper of Barger as the checkered flag fell. Little did he know that it might have ended up being a battle for the win.
Kramer Williamson won his first-ever ASCS Patriot points-paying heat race, capturing the second of three qualifiers. Williamson staved off a number of challengers throughout the night to end up in third.
Bryan Howland continued his string of top-five finishes with what will be credited as a fourth-place finish. Howland started in eighth and needed a handful of laps to complete each pass. The run will help him to continue expanding on his point lead.
Jessica Zemken, who won her heat race, rounded out the top-five in her own No. 1z. Zemken ran a 13.5-second lap around the track when the track was at its optimum after being worked in following early evening showers.
NASCAR star Tony Stewart brought out his No. 20 out to New York for his second sprint car start of the year and was impressive in his performance; the other team he ran was also with the ASCS Patriots at Sharon. Stewart made the redraw from his heat and was involved in a mad scramble with Williamson, Howland and Zemken in the closing laps.
2004 Black Rock Sprint Champion George Suprick finished in seventh, with last year’s winner, Jared Zimbardi, eighth, defending Rookie of the Year Scott Kreutter ninth and Chris Muhleisen rounding out the top-10.
Joe August Jr. had a soft roll in his No. 47 in his heat race, forcing him to utilize Jared Fink’s back-up wing in the B-Main. Other than the caution for Fink in the feature, the rest of the night was clean and green.
Ron Cartwright Jr. has had a season he would rather forget, but there is little chance that he will soon forget the win he captured in the Marbles Automotive Modified Feature.
Cartwright, of Portageville, led all 25 laps to score the $3,000 top prize in the second of three bonus-paying events, surviving a late-race incident with a lapped car and Steve Paine for the big win.
Cartwright had a healthy lead for much of the race until lap 20, when Steve Paine was able to begin battling for the lead after taking five laps to reel in the No. 2b.
Paine, who started back in 13th, was following closely behind Cartwright heading into turn 3, when a pair of lapped cars blocked the track, forcing Cartwright into the back of Trevor Sutherland and Steve Paine into the back of the leader. Cartwright would continue in to turn three but “The Hurricane” would suffer race-ending damage.
With Paine out of the event, Ron Cartwright Jr. had to worry about holding off Chris Ostrowsky once again, something he would do with ease over the final four laps.
After those two crossed the line, Ray Bliss Jr. would place in his familiar third position in bonus money races. Dave DuBois and Brian Swarthout rounded out the top five.
Five NASCAR celebrities also ran Modifieds in a 15-lap challenge. David Reutimann waited for his Michael Waltrip Racing teammate Michael McDowell to make a mistake in turn 3, opening up the door for the former modified regular to drive away to a comfortable win in Tim Sebring’s Suzuki No. 45.
Reuitmann was running lap times comparable to the top modified regulars on the night, putting more than a half-lap on Speed TV’s Bob Dillner, who fought with his comfort in the cockpit to hold off David’s dad, modified legend Buzzie Reutimann.
Even though the ASCS Patriot win would be taken away from Chuck Hebing, he did score the victory in the New York Modified Midget feature, leading the entire 20-lap distance in Danny Willmes’ No. 29w.
“Cobra” picked up his second career NYMM win, holding off Zack Morgan and Vermont resident Brian Gray.
The event was slowed before a lap was ever recorded with a pile-up in turn 1 including current NYMM point leader Ryan Jordan.
Rich Sharpsteen had contemplated not running his own “Flyin’ X” car, but after he could not fit into the other car, he jumped back in his ride to pick up the $500 top prize in the Black Rock/Genesee Signs Plus of Kanona 4-Cylinder Challenge.
Sharpsteen took the lead on lap 7 from Del Cummings and drove away from the pack, running a smooth line on the top for his second win of the year. Jon Wallenbeck was able to move up to second with Scott Woodruff third. C.J. Winslow and Joe Povoski would round out the top five.
Josh Wallenbeck was less than a lap away from his first career Home Necessities Bandits win, but when Jamie Eldridge Jr. made a run to the high side in turn 3 for the win those two both made contact, allowing Courtney McMinds to make a desparate run to the line to win by 2 feet.
McMinds was emotional in Victory Lane, as she was overwhelmed with the win. Dylan Cecee, who was battling for second, came to a stop on the top of turn 4 to bring his streak of Bandit wins to an end.
Penn Can Speedway
Friday, Aug. 8
In the BPG/Main Engies Modified Feature it was Brian Weaver, followed by Al Rudalavage and Jeff Rudalavage, while Jeff Crambo won the BPG/Main Engines Sportsman Feature, followed by Tim Howell and Jamie Cortazar.
Frank Payne won the BPG/Main Engines Super Stock, followed by Tom Herman and Chris Strohl, and in the BPG/Main Engines Pure Stock Feature it was Butch Green with the win, followed by Tom Garren and Ryan Stone.
John Hoover won the 4-Cylinder feature, followed by Gary Kinne and Chris Taylor, and J.J. Grasso won the URC Sprint feature, followed by Scott Pursell and Ed Aikin.
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| Hughes will draw the attention of N.Y. |
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