MERCER RACEWAY PARK PART OF "FROGGYLAND CHRISTMAS" AT SHENANGO VALLEY MALL BEGINNING SATURDAY; EXCITING GIFT PACKAGES ON SALE
By Mike Leone
November 20, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mercer, PA.-- Mercer Raceway Park will be part of Forever Broadcasting's "Froggyland Christmas" that will take place beginning this Saturday, November 21 and will continue on November 27-28, December 5, December 12, and December 19 at the Shenango Valley Mall located at the intersection of Routes 18 and 62 in Hermitage, Pa.
Exciting Christmas-themed discounted ticket packages and promotions will be available for those hard to buy racing fans just in time for the holiday season. The centerpiece of the Mercer Raceway Park vendor area will be the Utsinger Towing #23 Stock Car that will be driven in 2010 by four-time track champion, Frank Guidace. Fans are sure to enjoy this beautiful Stock Car decked out in its holiday attire.
"It's no secret that Mercer Raceway Park is very aggressive in promotional opportunities," stated 11th year owner Vicki Emig. "This is going to be a wonderful way to market our 2010 ticket packages, promote our upcoming Crashing Through the Snow event on January 2, and of course see many of our loyal fans throughout the holiday season. I would also like to thank my sister, Jody, for the fantastic job she did decorating and designing our display area."
The following are our Christmas package offers. Fans can buy "Stocking Stuffers," which are individual discounted adult and family passes for $10 and $23 respectively. The "Santa Packs" are six adult passes for $55 or 10 for $85. The "Griswold Family Pass" is six family passes for $130 or 10 for $195.
The purchaser of the "Elves Night Out VIP Packages" will receive a 10x10 VIP Suite, 10 general admission tickets, 10 food vouchers, two parking passes, and a meet and greet with their favorite driver for just $195 (a savings of $150). Fans can upgrade that package to a "Rudolph's Red Light Special" on a special race event for a total of $250.
Other offers that are available are the "Tis the Season" season pass for $285 and "The Marquee" Special Race Event Season pass that includes six general admission passes to be used for any special event for just $75.
These offers will be available through December 31, 2009. Fans can go to direct link on our website at www.mercerracewaypark.com/christmasoffers2010.htm and print off an order form or stop by the Shenango Valley Mall each of the next Saturdays leading up to Christmas along with Black Friday on November 27.
Fans will also want to sign up for the opportunity to win a beautiful Christmas gift basket at the Mercer Raceway Park display. The winner will be drawn on December 19.
The Shenango Valley Mall will also be the site of our car show for the second straight year March 18-21.
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MERCER ENDS RUMORS WITH ANNOUNCEMENT THAT 358 MODIFIEDS WILL RETURN FOR 2010; OPEN TIRE RULE IN EFFECT
By Mike Leone
November 13, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mercer, PA.-- The Modified division has always been an important aspect of Mercer Raceway Park back to the early coupe days of the 50s. Throughout the years, big blocks, six cylinders, sportsman, and most recently the 358 small blocks have thrilled the crowd with their excitement. The 2009 season was the fifth for the 358s and saw Frank Guidace capture his second straight Modified championship and third in the past four seasons in the Approved Toilet Rental-sponsored division.
While 2009 saw car counts increase in the Sprints, FASTRAK Late Models, and Mini Stocks, the 358 Modifieds was down despite over 40 cars competing throughout the season. Quality and competitiveness were still apparent in the Modifieds as seven different winners visited victory lane with still a few of the top runners not capturing a win.
To end the rumors and speculation, Mercer Raceway Park has announced the 358 Modified division will be return for 2010 albeit with an open tire rule (any 92" x 13" tire).
"When the decision was made to replace big-block and sportsman division with our current 358 Modified division many skeptics doubted our direction," stated 11th year owner Vicki Emig. "Throughout recent years the class more than met our expectations and showed our fans that small-block racing was a perfect match for The Park's unique 3/8-mile bullring. It has made stars out of drivers like Gary Smoker, Lonny Riggs, Frank Guidace, Mike Stine, Rick Hall, Brad Rapp, and Garrett Krummert."
As Emig continued, "It is no secret that the car count in 2009 was a huge disappointment for all concerned, but I'm not giving up on the small blocks. Over recent weeks I've made several phone calls to these competitors to ask them if they want to preserve Mercer Raceway Park as strong home base for 358 competitors. I believe it is the general consensus of those that have an investment in this division to come together and have a strong comeback in 2010."
Three past track champions will return to the division in 2010, which is sure to have a huge impact. Brothers Jeff and Jerry Schaffer along with local hero Steve Young will join the mix once again. Ron Cartwright, Jr., a New York small-block standout, who recently defeated big blocks at both Mercer and Black Rock Speedway, is expected to be a more frequent competitor in 2010. Young lions Jimmy Holden and Eric Gabany complete a list of over 10 heavy hitters that are sure to thrill Mercer fans once again in the upcoming season. Add in over a dozen other Mercer weekly racers and stability should return once again.
The small blocks will be featured for the majority of the Modified events during 2010, but look out when the big blocks return to the 358's sandbox! No other venue sets up a big-block/small-block war better than Mercer Raceway Park and fans can look forward to five such showdowns beginning with the season opening "Chiller Thriller" on March 27, continuing with the Bill Emig Memorial, and three other special events.
"We are extremely proud of our small blocks at Mercer Raceway Park and the thrills that have provided both at home and on the road," expressed Emig. "I believe in the car owners and drivers in this division and look forward to them once again providing second-to-none grassroots Saturday night racing at The Park."
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GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY STICKING WITH ALCOHOL AS RACER’S FUEL IN 2010
BECHTELSVILLE, PA November 15, 2009. . . . After many discussions with car owners and engine builders Grandview Speedway owner Bruce Rogers has decided that the NASCAR sanctioned racing facility will stick with alcohol as the fuel for racers in 2010.
“There was a lot of controversy created for no reason as we were only looking at the possibility of a change to gasoline in 2010,” said Rogers. “After talking with competitors and others involved in racing at our track we decided there was no reason to change from alcohol to gasoline. Every once in a while we take a look at possible changes but after talking with those involved in racing at the track we often decide not to make a change and that is what happened in this situation.”
Rogers did point out that with more research it is possible that gasoline could be considered for use in the future but definitely not this year.
At present plans are to kick off the 2010 season at Grandview Speedway with a “free to the public” practice session on Saturday, March 27th.
The NASCAR Whelen All American Series 358 Modifieds along with NASCAR Late Models will be the regular weekly attraction at Grandview Speedway when the 48th season of professional auto racing is presented in 2010.
Information on marketing opportunities (event sponsorship, track magazine and billboard advertising) is available by contacting Ernie Saxton Communications, Inc. at 215.752.7797 or by e-mail at Esaxton144@aol.com.
A full schedule of events for 2010 will be announced in the near future.
Check in for Grandview Speedway news at www.grandviewspeedway.com.
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ALCOHOL TO REMAIN AS FUEL FOR MODIFIED CLASS IN 2010 AT BIG DIAMOND RACEWAY
Forestville, PA - November 15, 2009--- After receiving much feedback from drivers and team owners and conversing with Bruce Rogers of Grandview Speedway over the last several weeks, Big Diamond Raceway will continue to use alcohol as the fuel of choice for it's modified class for the 2010 racing season.
"As a track we must keep our ear to the ground in regards to trends in the racing industry, with possible change comes a lot of feedback from racers as well as other speedways. At this juncture it was not in anyones best interest to make a change for 2010 but we will continue to gather info in regards to a change if one is to be made in the future." commented track partner Buddy Biever.
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BPG RACING ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR 2010, HOWARD AND HOFFMAN SET
BLUE BELL, PA November 15, 2009 . . . Coming off a fairly successful season in which primary driver Duane Howard was able to win the 358 Modified title at Big Diamond Raceway and finish second in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series championship battle at Grandview Speedway, car owner Chad Sinon has announced that his BPG Racing will again field cars for Howard to chase the NASCAR title at Grandview Speedway in 2010.
In addition Sinon will provide a 358 Modified for legendary dirt track racer Doug Hoffman to run in a variety of special events at Grandview Speedway, Big Diamond Raceway and other tracks throughout the area.
“Our main effort will be with Duane Howard going after the Grandview Speedway Saturday night NASCAR title that has eluded us in the past,” said Sinon, a successful Blue Bell, PA businessman. “We have not made any firm plans for Friday night racing. We just may decide to test the waters at a few venues in 2010.”
Howard finished second to eight time champion Jeff Strunk in 2009.
BPG Racing just recently announced that they will sponsor the very popular Ms. Motorsports 2010 Pageant as part of the 25th anniversary Motorsports 2010 presented by StreetBlaze 100 Race Car & Trade show being presented in January at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. The three day show is set for January 22nd through January 24th.
For the third year in a row BPG Racing will sponsor the annual BPG Racing Freedom 76 Modified Classic at Grandview Speedway set for September 18th. The event pays at least $20,000 to win.
“It is possible that we may do other things, provide other sponsorships, but at present this is it,” said Sinon. “I think that 2010 is going to be an interesting year for local short track racing and all of us involved with BPG Racing are happy to throw our support behind the sport we love.”
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IMPROVEMENTS ABOUND AT THE WOODHULL RACEWAY IN PREPERATION FOR 2010.
Woodhull, NY-- With the 2009 race season barely two months old, new track owner, Ted White has been working feverishly behind the scenes preparing for the April 2010 opening of the Woodhull Raceway. Although White will not officially take ownership until the spring of 2010, he and his transitional team have been at the track getting things in place for the upcoming 45th consecutive race season at the historic Steuben County speed plant.
Numerous lighting strikes over the past few seasons have created problems with the turn one Chilson Brothers Roofing and Siding lap counter. The track has received a new electronic circuit board to rectify the problem. New red and yellow lighting is being placed across the speedway and concrete blocks are being shipped to the track for the replacement of the current w-railing and railroad tie front straight-a-way wall.
“I have spent the past several weeks getting all my ducks lined up to attack the front straight-a-way wall, stated Ted White. Once we have all the materials and equipment at the track we will evaluate the weather situation and if we can we will replace some or most of the wall this fall. If the weather looks like it won’t cooperate then we’ll wait until spring and address things at that time. In the mean time my girl friend, Brandi and I have spent most every weekend at the track cleaning, getting rid of outdated inventory and seeing what we need for next year.”
In addition progress is being made on an all new Woodhull Raceway web site, the 2010 schedule is a continuing work in progress and the tracks marketing department is hard at work securing marketing dollars for next year. Also, season passes, reserved seating and tower rental space for 2010 is progressing along very nicely.
“The transition has gone very well and we have had a ton of support thus far. A lot of people have offered their assistance to help out in any way they can. It has been very rewarding to see so many people coming on board to keep the Woodhull Raceway tradition of providing top notch competition alive. It speaks volumes of the type of people that are involved in this business.” That once again is according to White.
For any additional information including the Woodhull Raceway Report weekly audio cast simply click on at www.woodhullraceway.com.
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LADY LUCK SMILES ON CRAIG VON DOHREN IN DELAWARE SMALL BLOCK CHAMPIONSHIP
By Charlie Brown, Delmar, DE – It is often said in racing that if you consistently put yourself in the position to win, those wins will come. That was the case on Saturday in the Delaware State Dirt Track Championship for the Small Block Modifieds. Von Dohren was running in fourth through the first half of the race and watched as one by one the drivers in front of him fell by the wayside with Von Dohren inheriting the lead with just five laps to go in the 50 lap main.
“Sometimes you just get lucky,” smiled Von Dohren after defending his win in the division of a year ago. “I saw smoke coming from Bunting and I figured it was either the rear of the engine.” Von Dohren inherited the lead from Bunting when he pulled into the infield with just five laps left to go.
Richie Pratt, Jr. started on the pole by virtue of winning the first heat. It took three attempts to get lap one in the books with Pratt setting the pace followed by Frank Cozze and H.J. Bunting in the top three. Von Dohren ran in the fourth spot and MeMe DeSantis held down fifth.
The race stayed green from lap two until lap 13. The leaders were just starting to work through lapped traffic when Norman Short, Jr. spun directly in front of Pratt just off the fourth turn. Short came to a stop in the middle of the track with Pratt taking one side and Cozze the other as the yellow came out.
The green was only back out for two laps before Jeff Strunk, who was running in the 16th spot got around. The top five remained unchanged as the yellow was out again when Mike McAleer and Jimmy Horton got together with Horton spinning and restarting at the rear.
At the halfway point it was still Pratt, Cozze, Bunting, Von Dohren and DeSantis. Then the bizarre happened as the leader, Pratt slowed coming down the front straight when a bolt broke on the oil pump pulley. Cozze mistook Pratt slowing as a caution and also slowed allowing Bunting, Von Dohren and DeSantis to get by before he could pick up the pace.
Bunting would withstand two restarts on laps 27 and 30. The race would go green for the final twenty laps but the outcome was yet to be determined.
Von Dohren stayed glued to the back bumper of Bunting. Coming to the five to go sign, Bunting pulled to the infield with smoke trailing from the back of the car. “I saw the temperature gauge start to climb”, recounted Bunting. If I had been running third I probably would have pulled in but when you are leading you try to make it to the end.” The end came five laps to early as the engine finally let go due to a faulty water pump gasket.
This reset the top five as Von Dohren was now on the point with DeSantis and Cozze second and third. John Willman had worked his way into fourth and Brad Brightbill was running fifth.
That is the way they would cross under the checkered with Von Dohren, in the Felty Farms/Teo getting back to back victories in the Fall classic and earning $4570. It was his fifth overall Fall Championship Small Block win.
Heat races for the 39 cars were won by Von Dohren, Cozze, Bunting, and Pratt, Jr. with consolations being won by Kevin Albert, Jr. and Mark Williams.
50-Lap Small Block Modified Championship: 1. CRAIG VON DOHREN; 2. Meme DeSantis; 3. Frank Cozze; 4. John Willman; 5. Brad Brightbill; 6. Wade Hendrickson; 7. Billy Pauch Jr; 8. Jimmy Chester; 9. Gary Hager; 10. Shawn Reimert; 11. Jim Horton; 12. Jesse Hill; 13. Gary Simpson; 14. Brett Ballard; 15. Mark Williams; 16. Rick Holston; 17. Kevin Albert Jr; 18. H J Bunting; 19. Ron Seltmann; 20. Mike Lyons; 21. Mike McAller; 22. Richie Pratt Jr; 23. Craig Ott; 24. Tom Miller; 25. Stewart Friesen; 26. Jeff Strunk; 27. Ray Swinehart; 28. Norman Short Jr; 29. Bob Lilick; 30. Rich Scagliotta. DNQ: Neal Williams; Marc Herman; Dan Cogdill; Chris Grbac; Herman Powell; Chris Hitchens; John Kelly; Billy Briggs.
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UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY CROWNS CHAMPIONS AT AWARDS BANQUET WHILE OFFERING A LOOK AHEAD TO THE 2010 SEASON
VERNON, NY (November 7)- For the eighth straight year, the Utica-Rome Speedway held their Annual Awards Banquet at the Turning Stone Casino this past Saturday evening. Nearly 450 patrons attended the gala to celebrate the 2009 season to see the top performers of the recently completed season receive their awards and point and tire money, which totaled just over $75,000.
After a wonderful and satisfying meal, the awards portion of the celebration began with Utica-Rome Speedway’s Director of Operations Barb Clark and longtime Gates-Cole Associates/Utica-Rome Speedway employee Connie Plows presented track owner Gene Cole and his wife, Gloria, with a special presentation. Gloria was presented with engraved vase while Gene was given a plaque with a clock, also with a special engraving. Given on behalf of the speedway employees, it was awarded for their undying dedication to Utica-Rome Speedway and the sport of auto racing.
The Pure Stocks were the first class honored with the top ten given their due for their efforts of 2009. Ron Hawker (11 wins) was crowned the 2009 champion after a dominating season, his first championship at the Vernon oval. 2008 champion Chris Carr (3 wins) finished in the runner-up position, with Frank Hyatt (3 wins), Chris Cunningham, and Bill Mason rounding out the top five. Jim Thomas, Rob Thieme, Cale Hoffman, Phil Norman (1 win), and Mike Harrison filled out the top ten.
Next up were the Pro Stocks, with Tom Denton (6 wins) being honored for his championship run, his fourth overall. Coming up short in his first full season at Utica-Rome was Rocky Warner (2 wins) while multi time champion Bret Belden (2 wins), Bill Knapp (1 win), and Jim Normoyle (2 wins) made out the top five spots. The rest of the top ten was filled by Shawn Frost (3 wins), Mark Effner (1 win), AJ Digsby (1 win), Chris Mackey, and Rob Seavy (1 win). Overall, the Pro Stock division was the most competitive division on a weekly basis.
The Sportsman were next to hit the stage with Jason Rood netting his first Sportsman championship. Taking his Turning Stone Casino and Resort mount to victory lane six times, Rood had a career year in the competitive open wheeled division. Jeff Leslie (3 wins plus 2 Dart Dirt Race of Champions series wins) was second with local veteran Steve Way (2 wins) third in the standings. Fourth was Matt Janczuk (3 wins) while Jeremy Vunk (1 win) was fifth in the final tally. Rounding out the top ten positions was Mike Button (1 win), John DeForest, AJ Filbeck, Claude Hutchings, Jr., and Craig Pope.
For the second consecutive year, Pat Ward collected the $8,000 champion’s check in the headline Modified division. Ward and his Gypsum Express team grabbed five wins on the season en route to the lucrative title. Stewart Friesen (3 wins) had to settle for second in the standings, just ahead of Bobby Varin (4 wins), Willy Decker (2 wins), and Ronnie Johnson (1 win). The second half of the top ten was made up with Todd Burley (2 wins), Paul Kinney, Jamie Christian, Danny Varin, and Brian Weaver. Overall the top ten point getters took home a combined total of just over $27,000.
After the top ten in all the weekly divisions were honored, the special award portion of the event was up. Newcomer of the Year Awards went to Ronnie Johnson (Modified), Claude Hutchings, Jr. (Sportsman), Rocky Warner (Pro Stocks), and Mike Harrison (Pure Stocks).
The Outstanding Performance Award went to Stewart Friesen (Modified), Jeff Leslie (Sportsman), Bret Belden (Pro Stocks), and Chris Carr (Pure Stocks).
Most Improved Awards were handed out to Danny Varin (Modifieds), John DeForest (Sportsman), Chris Mackey (Pro Stocks), and Robert Thieme (Pure Stocks).
The final special award of the evening was the Determination Award, given to those that worked hard all season to grab a top ten finish in the points in their respective divisions but fell just short. Ted Lamb was the recipient in the Modifieds, with Bill Trexler, Jr. (Sportsman), Ed Ostrander (Pro Stocks), and Keith Stevenson (Pure Stocks) all taking home the award in their respective divisions.
Race Director John Tiff, Jr. was the next to take the stage, and after a brief review of the 2009 season he congratulated the track champions on their efforts. Also receiving congratulations was Modified champion Pat Ward for his Dart Dirt Race of Champions Modified Series championship, Sportsman campaigner Jeff Leslie for his Dart Dirt Race of Champions Sportsman Series championship, and Bobby Varin for the being inaugural “Thunder on the Thruway” Series championship.
After the 2009 review, Tiff continued on with a look ahead to the 2010 season. He mentioned the return of the hefty Modified point fund, thanking Joe Mirabito of the Mirabito Fuel Group for his continued contributions to the fund. He also thanked Bill Cole and Gates-Cole Associates for their support. Also, he mentioned that there will be no significant rule changes for any division in 2010 which was met with applause from the Sportsman contingent in attendance. He did mention however of a Dart Machinery Spec motor that is in development that will be an option in both the Sportsman and Pro Stocks. Continuing on, he announced the 2010 season will begin on Sunday April 18th with a “Thunder on the Thruway” event for the Modifieds plus regular action for the Sportsman, Pro Stocks, and Pure Stocks. Also announced were the dates for the Victoria 200 on May 9, New Yorker 200 Weekend on September 10 and 11, and the return of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series on Thursday July 29. In closing, Tiff thanked all competitors, fans, crews, and families for making Utica-Rome Speedway so successful in 2009 and he also thanked Ray Halbritter and the Oneida Nation for the involvement and hoped for more marketing possibilities between the speedway and the Oneida Indian Nation.
Ric Lucia, promoter of the Fonda Speedway, was next to speak to the huge crowd as he discussed the expansion on the popular “Thunder on the Thruway” Series between Fonda and Utica-Rome Speedway. He also explained the benefits of the series between the two tracks that barely sit an hour apart and hoped for continued success of the series.
Director of Operations Barb Clark closed out the festivities by thanking everyone that helped make the Utica-Rome Speedway a continued success which included fans, drivers, crews, and their families. Finishing out her speech, Clark pointed out the speedway employees one by one and thanked them for sacrifice and hard work. Afterwards, the patrons hung around discussing the racing seasons of past, present, and future or dancing the night away to the music provided the Uptown Downtown DJ’s.
To stay up to date with any offseason happening at the “Action Track of the East”, please stay tuned to www.uticaromespeedway.com. Any questions can be directed to the speedway office at (315) 829-4557
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PPB Racing To Sit Out 2010 Season; "Business As Usual" For Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc.
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, PA - The Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc. dirt Modified race team will sit idle in 2010.
PPB Racing owner Bob Greene has opted to take the 2010 season off to concentrate on his business interests. The team was slated to field 358-Modifieds for Billy Pauch Jr. and Craig Von Dohren on a weekly basis at Big Diamond Raceway (Forestville, Pa.) and Grandview Speedway (Bechtelsville, Pa.) in addition to select big-block specials in the area.
Pauch Jr. and Von Dohren are now free to explore other options for 2010.
Schuylkill Haven, Pa.-based Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc. will be open for "business as usual" along with Greene's other ventures.
"I am stepping away (from racing) for a year to concentrate on my business," Greene explained. "I'd like to emphasize that Pioneer Pole Buildings will continue to operate for our customers in normal fashion."
Greene broke the news to his drivers last week.
"I made some commitments to both Craig and Billy (earlier this year)," he said. "I sat down with both of them, told them what I needed to do and they were both fine with it. I wish them both the best of luck."
Pauch Jr., of Frenchtown, N.J., completed his second full season driving for PPB Racing. He was a feature winner at both Big Diamond and Grandview, placing sixth in the 358-Modified standings at both facilities.
Boyertown, Pa.'s Von Dohren had signed on to race for PPB Racing in late September.
Previous drivers for the team included Keith Hoffman and Doug Hendricks.
Greene has been a longtime sponsor of Billy Pauch Sr.'s big-block racing efforts along with backing several support-division competitors. He has also been active in the support of other racing-related events.
Greene is leaving the door open to return to the sport.
"I've met some great people, generated plenty of exposure for Pioneer and had a lot of fun," Greene said. "It's tough to walk away, but business comes first right now."
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