SPRINT CARS FEATURED IN HOLIDAY WEEKEND SPECIAL EVENTS
SELINSGROVE, Pa. – Selinsgrove Speedway will showcase two sprint car
specials over the Fourth of July weekend. The 358 sprint cars will be featured in the Firecracker 30 this Saturday, July 4, with the 410 sprint cars taking the spotlight in the PA Speedweek finale this Sunday, July 5. Track gates will open at 5 p.m. and qualifying will begin at 7:30 p.m. both nights.
Saturday’s Eighth Annual Salem RV Center Firecracker 30 for 358 sprint cars
will pay $2,000 to win and $225 to start. The payoff for all 24 starting positions has been increased for the race. Time trials, heats, and a B-Main will be the format for qualifying for the 30-lap A-Main. Also on this Saturday's racing card will be late models, pro stocks, and roadrunners.
Past winners of the Firecracker race as a 40-lap contest include Jim Nace of Thompsontown (2002), Bob Beidleman of Walnutport (2003), Dave Calaman of
Carlisle (2004), Nate Snyder of Halifax (2005), and Blane Heimbach of Selinsgrove (2006). In 2007, the race was abbreviated to 30 laps and was won by Calaman. Scott Flammer of West Milford, N.J., is the defending winner of the race.
Race sponsor Salem RV Center, located on Route 522 and Clifford Road in
Selinsgrove, specializes in the sales and service of new and used recreational vehicles.
The speedway will swing back into action on Sunday evening with the Jan
Opperman Memorial PA Speedweek finale for 410 sprint cars sponsored by Mach
1 Chassis. Sunday night’s event will mark the first appearance of the season by the powerful 410 sprint cars at the Snyder County half-mile oval. Time trials, heats, and a B-Main will be the format for qualifying for the 30-lap A-Main that will pay $5,000 to win.
With his 54th career victory at Selinsgrove Speedway in last year’s PA Speedweek finale, Fred Rahmer of Salfordville clinched his 11th career Speedweek series title. Rahmer has also won Speedweek races at Selinsgrove
in 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2005. Other past Speedweek winners at
Selinsgrove include Len Krautheim of Penns Creek (1992); Billy Pauch of
Frenchtown, N.J. (1994, 1996); Todd Shaffer of Millerstown (2001); Greg Hodnett of York (2002, 2003, 2004); Doug Esh of Lancaster (2006); and Sean Michael of Allentown (2007).
Race sponsor Mach 1 Chassis, located on Hartzdale Drive in Camp Hill, engineers and builds race car chassis that are known for safety, strength,
durability, and performance.
Selinsgrove Raceway Park will present the Firecracker Special for go karts
at 6 p.m. Friday, July 3. Track gates will open at 4 p.m. Micro sprint cars
will NOT be in competition at the track this Friday.
There will be no racing at Selinsgrove Speedway & Raceway Park the weekend
of July 10-11 for the track’s summer break. Racing action will resume the
weekend of July 17-18.
Admission Fees:
Saturday, July 4: Adults $12; Students (12-17) $10; Kids 11 & Under FREE;
Pit Passes $20
Sunday, July 5: Adults $20; Students (12-17) $15; Kids 11 & Under FREE; Pit
Passes $25
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KASEY KAHNE AND KYLE BUSCH TO RACE CHARITY EVENT AT WILLIAMS GROVE SPEEDWAY
MOORESVILLE, NC (June 30, 2009) -- Kasey Kahne, driver of the #9 Budweiser Dodge in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and discount retailer Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, have teamed up to present the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet “Battle at the Grove” charity race on August 5 at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pa. All net proceeds from the event will be donated to charities designated by the Kasey Kahne Foundation and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet.
“We’ve hosted several benefit races at Williams Grove Speedway because of the great fan support,” said Kahne, a 10-time winner on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. “Ollie’s has also been a great supporter of these events and of short track racing in general, so teaming up on this event again to give back to the community just makes sense.”
Advance tickets are on sale through August 3, for $25 adult general admission at www.battleatthegrove.com with discounts for non-adults. Advance ticket buyers who purchase by July 21 will be entered into a drawing for an exclusive 100-person autograph signing session with Kasey Kahne and select drivers. A portion of the net ticket proceeds will be donated by the Kasey Kahne Foundation to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities in nearby Hershey, Pa. and Charlotte, N.C.
As in past events sponsored by Ollie’s Bargain Outlet in cooperation with the Kasey Kahne Foundation at Williams Grove, URC-sanctioned 360/358 Sprints will be the main feature of this year’s race. The Super Late Model class will also be a major attraction, expected to include several NASCAR drivers, including Kyle Busch and David Stremme. The 24-year-old Busch has already won 52 races within NASCAR’s top three touring series, including 15 wins in the top Sprint Cup Series. Additional drivers will be announced as the event approaches. Driver line-up is subject to change.
“It’s great to return to Williams Grove with another spectacular event to raise money for charity,” said Ollie’s President and CEO Mark Butler. “This year’s format adds something new to the schedule that I think will appeal to all racing fans in the region.”
Williams Grove Speedway is a half-mile clay oval that hosts sprint car racing events on a weekly basis for much of the year. Opened in 1939, the “Grove” is regarded as one of the most historic dirt track venues in the country and has hosted legendary racers such as A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, and Tony Stewart.
Williams Grove Speedway is located 13 miles southwest of downtown Harrisburg, Pa. at 1 Speedway Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. For more information on Williams Grove Speedway, call 717-697-5000, or visit www.williamsgrove.com.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Time : Event starts at 6:30 pm ET
Venue
Williams Grove Speedway, Mechanicsburg, PA (SW of Harrisburg) - www.williamsgrove.com
Schedule
Event and race schedule to be posted at www.battleatthegrove.com
Tickets
Advance tickets for sale only at www.battleatthegrove.com through Aug. 3
Day of event tickets and pit passes only at Williams Grove Speedway ticket gate
$25 Adult General Admission (ages 21+)
$18 Child General Admission (ages 13-20)
$8 Child General Admission (ages 6-12)
$35 Pit Passes
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THUNDER ON THE HILL CONTINUES TUESDAY NIGHT, 410 SPRINTS & 358 MODIFIED SHARE THE SPOTLIGHT
THUNDER FACTS FOR 2009
NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series
When: Tuesday night, June 30
7:30 PM Gates open at 5:30 PM
What: Thunder on the Hill Racing Series 20th Anniversary Season Continues!
PA Sprint Speed Week Series (410 Sprints) Plus 358 Modifieds
Where: Grandview Speedway Passmore Road, Route 100 Bechtelsville, PA 19505, ten mile north of Pottstown, PA
Track Facts: Free Parking, Great Food at Reasonable Prices, Family Seating Section, All seats un-reserved, Directions, lodging and camp sites listed on our websites.
Admission: $20 Adults, $5 Children 6-11, Children under 6 Free
Pit Fee: $25, license is not required
Track #: 610-754-7688
Website: www.thunderonthehillracingseries.com or www.grandviewspeedway.com
Special Happenings: Meet Ms. Thunder on the Hill Skye Michael, Try the Sprint Car Simulator, See JOE the Pizza Dude sponsored by Wink Motorsports, Meet The Round Table Girls, take part in the Lee Myles Beach Ball Bounce, view the Phoenixville Quarter Midget display. Try the Inside/Out Promotion, Fan Giveaways, Fans Rhyme Time Competition, Grandview Thunder Program Book, 20th Anniversary Thunder on the Hill Racing Series t-shirts, Fireworks on feature parade lap, Fans invited to take part in the joyous victory lane ceremonies and meet the drivers in the pit area following the races.
Tuesday, June 30 Order of Events:
5:30 Gates Open
6:45 358 Modified Warm-ups
410 Sprint Warm-ups
Phoenixville Quarter Midget on track display
7:30 PM National Anthem
CnB Mushrooms 410 Sprint Time Trials
358 Modified Heats 10 laps
410 Sprint Heats 10 laps
Modified Consi 10 laps
410 Sprint B Main 10 laps
Intermission
410 Sprint Feature 35 laps $5,000 to win
358 Modified Feature 25 laps
2009 Thunder on the Hill Series Schedule of Events
Tuesday, June 30 THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES- - -410 Sprint PA Speed Week Series Plus 358 Modifieds
Wednesday, July 15 THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES- - -TRIPLE CROWN THUNDER THRILLER - - FAN FUN NIGHT! ! 358 Modifies (full show) URC Sprints (full show) ARDC Midgets Feature Only Checkered Flag Fan Club Night
Thursday, August 13 THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES- - - TRAFFIC JAM - - WoO Late Models & Open Competition Big Block Modifieds
Saturday, October 17 THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES Halloween Party 6 PM Grandview Thunder 5-25's URC Sprints, 358 Modifieds, ARDC Wingless Midgets, Rolling Thunder Legends, Sportsman Modifieds & Garden State Vintage Stock Cars + Monster SMASH DEMO Derby!
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LINCOLN SPEEDWAY
410 SPRINT POINTS as of June 27, 2009
1. Brian Montieth 5245
2. Alan Krimes 5210
3. Fred Rahmer 4905
4. Jim Siegel 4790
5. Niki Young 4745
6. Cody Darrah 4720
7. Brian Leppo 4660
8. Doug Esh 4630
9. Cory Haas 4610
10. Cris Eash 4515
-end-
Selinsgrove Speedway
358 sprint car points
1. Nate Snyder 3420
2. Blane Heimbach 3365
3. T.J. Stutts 3050
4. Phil Walter 2940
5. Mike Walter 2830
6. Matt Heimbach 2585
7. Scott Flammer 2560
8. Colby Womer 2490
9. Jeff Furlong 2370
10. Davie Franek 2345
-end-
Port Royal Speedway
410 sprint car points
1. Todd Shaffer 1260
2. Mike Erdley 1125
3. Greg Hodnett 1090
4. Mike Wagner 1040
5. Mark Smith 930
6. Dave Ely 900
7. Rick Lafferty 870
8. T. J. Winegardner 865
9. Alan Cole 815
10. Keith Kauffman 780
-end-
SCOTTY HAUS SCORES 6TH PORT ROYAL WIN/NICOLE BOWER 1ST TIME 358 WINNER
Port Royal, PA-- Scotty Haus took another step towards winning the 2009 track championship at Port Royal Speedway. Haus scored his sixth win of the season during AB Auto Glass/Mike Cleck Paving late model action Saturday night. Haus started 12TH and grabbed the leading exiting turn four on lap seven. Once in front the Hamburg, PA driver drove away from second place finisher Gary Beward. Beward did have a chance to catch Haus when the caution flag was displayed on lap 19 for a stalled race car. Beward was no match for Haus, after the restart, and was followed to the checkered flag by Eric Zembower who found himself in a spirited battle with fourth place finisher Tim Murphy. Chris Casner led the first seven laps of the feature while en route to a fifth place finish. Scott Flickinger, Jere Wierman, Tim Wilson, Jason Miller and Bryan Sipe rounded out the top ten. Heat races for the 23 car field were won by Flickinger, Beward and Haus.
" The track was real slick", said Haus following the race. " We got lucky tonight. It's all about getting into the corner and carrying speed off the turns. It's hard to hook up 800 horsepower on a track like this. This is a new car. It's the fourth time we've run it.", Haus added while thanking his car owners, sponsors and crew. Haus indicated he may scale back his racing activities next season while explaining, " We're going to put my son in one of these (late models) at the end of the season. Then I might cut back some next year."
18 year old Nicole Bower became the second female driver to score a win in a sprint car at Port Royal Speedway. Bower joins Judi Bates as a feature winner. Bower, who recently graduated from high school, showed poise and left no doubt she has a future in motor sports. Bower's car was in immaculate condition and her crew arrived neatly attired in the winners circle where they hugged their driver. " It's all about appearance", said Bower. I started out racing quarter midgets and I've worked my way up. I want to prove myself and win some 358 races before going on to something else. I want to try a 410." Bower started on the pole and followed Jordon Frontz until lap 22 when Frontz dropped out.Bower drove away from second place finished Jason Claus who made an all out effort to catch Bower following the restart. " I don't think he liked getting beat by a girl.", joked Bower. " This is a graduation and early birthday present for me." Billy Dietrich finished third with Cliff Brian fourth. Keith Prutzman was fifth. Sixth through tenth were Mark Freeland, Brian Garland, Jason Cherry, George Streaker and Jack Thorton. Dale Hammaker and Frontz won qualifiers.
The 305 sprint car feature was won by Todd Spangler. It was Spangler's second career win at Port Royal. " This one is a little more special.", said Spangler. "The first one came in a race that was shortened by rain." Logan Wagner drove an outstanding race and finished second. Early race leader Reed Thompson settled for third place. Nathan Gramley and Cowboy Jim Kennedy completed the top five. Sixth through tenth were Joey Hershey, Ryan Lynn, Mark Watkins, Randy Kaylor and Nicole Bitner. Rodney Peters, Kennedy, and Wagner won heat races. Ron Farrar won the consie.
Bill Powell returned to the winners circle in Gray's Towing & Licensing Service Enduro competition. Powell beat Nemesis Jason Zook to the checkered flag. Terry Naugle finished third with Brian Henry fourth. Steve Harlan was fifth. Sixth through tenth were Adam Yetter, Alan Noss, Brian Sanders, Scott Hopple and Doug Warner.
The speedway hosts PA sprint car speedweek action Saturday July 4. The Aumiller & Associate Insurance sprint cars host the PA Posse in a time trial program which concludes with a 30 lap feature race. The winner will receive $ 5,000 dollars. The Miller Auto Parts pro stocks are also part of the program. Time trials start at 7:00 p.m.
LATE MODEL FEATURE: 1. Scotty Haus, 2. Gary Beward, 3. Eric Zembower, 4. Tim Murphy, 5. Chris Casner, 6. Scott Flickinger, 7. Jere Wierman, 8. Tim Wilson, 9. Jason Miller, 10. Bryan Sipe, 11. Tim Fedder, 12. Tim Burkholder, 13.Shane Garman, 14. Bud Barton, 15. Mike Romig, 16. Garrett Gray, 17. Matt Murphy, 18. Mike Mort, 19. Waylon Wagner, 20. Mitch Hack, 21. Bob Dunn, 22. Tim Gray, 23. Jeff Johnson.
Heat Race Winners, Flickinger, Beward, Haus. Lap Leaders, Casner, 1-7, Haus, 8-20.
358 SPRINT CAR FEATURE: 1. Nicole Bower, 2. Jason Clauss, 3. Billy Dietrich, 4. Cliff Brian, 5. Keith Prutzman, 6. Mark Freeland, 7. Brian Garland, 8. Jason Cherry, 9. George Streaker, Jr., 10. Jack Thorton, 11. Jordon Frontz, 12. Nate Hammaker, 13. Todd Reed, 14. Craig Laudermilch, 15. Dan Dietrich, 16. Todd Spangler, 17. Mark Coldren.
Heat race Winners, Hammaker, Frontz. Lap Leaders, Frontz, 1-22, Bower, 23-25.
305 SPRINT CAR FEATURE: 1. Todd Spangler, 2. Logan Wagner, 3. Reed Thompson, 4. Nathan Gramley, 5. Cowboy Jim Kennedy, 6. Joey Hershey, 7. Ryan Lynn, 8. Mark Watkins, 9. Randy Kaylor, 10. Nicole Bitner, 11. Jason Brandt, 12. Brent Comp, 13. Mike Wagner II, 14. Brett Hockenberry, 15. Joe Zapp, 16. Tim Kline, 17. Rodney Westhafer, 18. Ron Farrar, 19. Tyler Bear, 20. Jake Waters, 21. Rodney Peters, 22. Erin Statler, 23. Jim Marquette.DNS- Mike Alleman, Don Sotosky, Ben Naugle, Cliff Conner, Doug Distasio.
Heat Race Winners, Peters, Kennedy, Wagner. Consie, Farrar. Lap Leaders, Thompson, 1-8, Logan Wagner, 9-16, Spangler, 17-20.
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Russ Mitten, Gene Knaub, Win Williams Grove Speedway Saturday Night Features
Mechanicsburg,Pa.--In a matter of 20-laps, Russ Mitten of Newville erased a month of total frustration. His frustration came from mechanical problems that relentlessly hampered his racing in the Saturday Night Series at Williams Grove Speedway. Saturday night Mitten held off a very determined Rich Eichelberger to win his first Williams Grove Super Sportsman feature of 2009.
“I’ll tell you what, the way our year has been going here at the Grove, we’ve just had DNQ’s, DNF’s, just bad luck. Stupid stuff is happening – brand new parts in the motor failing. Nothing anyone can do about that,” said Mitten.
Over the last four shows Mitten’s best finish before this event was an 18th. The last time the Super Sportsman raced at Williams Grove, Mitten had a camshaft go bad in a new engine and did not qualify for the feature.
Gregg Foster and Russ Mitten started on the front row for the 20-lap Tool Shed of America Super Sportsman feature. As the green flag came out the Rick Barr machine was launched over the turn four fencing. Barr walked away from the wreck uninjured.
The trio of Russ Mitten, Gregg Foster and Rich Eichelberger would be the story of the race. The three veteran drivers broke away from the field and staged their own private battle. Mitten paced the field while Foster and Eichelberger were lurking just a few lengths behind.
On lap 13 the leaders encountered lapped traffic. In turn three Gregg Foster made contact with a slower car. This allowed Rich Eichelberger to move into second place.
The only caution flag of the race came out on lap 16. Following the restart Rich Eichelberger went to work, trying to wrestle the lead from Mitten. With Mitten riding the cushion, Eichelberger was using the low lane. Eichelberger was able to drive under Mitten in the turns but Mitten used his high-line momentum to pull away on the straights.
On the final lap Mitten dropped to the bottom groove, taking away Eichelberger’s line. This proved to be the winning move for Mitten. Mitten’s No. 77 finished five-lengths in front of Eichelberger. Foster, Frankie Herr and Carmen Perigo Jr. completed the top five.
“I didn’t realize the bottom was taking rubber like it was. That is why Ike was coming up on me at the end. I could see him out of the corner of my eye,” said Mitten.
Jason Fry, Stan Wanner and Foster won the heat races for the 33 Super Sportsman. Dylan Cisney claimed the consolation win.
Completing the first lap of the A.J.’s Truck and Trailer Center 358 Late Model feature was a big task. Finally, after several restarts, Wes Alleman brought the field around for the completion of lap one. Alleman, a rookie in the division, led the first three-laps before he was passed in turn two by Matt Nailor.
While Matt Nailor opened up a five-car advantage, Gene Knaub was on the move with the black No. 1. Knaub started 12th beside Bobby Beard. Knaub and Beard were having a drag race through the pack.
By the eighth-lap Knaub worked his way up to fifth. Two laps later he was third behind Matt Nailor and Craig Wagaman. On lap 13 Knaub claimed second position from Wagaman.
Knaub used multiple lines around the speedway to catch leader Nailor. A low groove pass off of turn two on lap 16 placed Gene Knaub in the number one spot. While Bobby Beard moved into second, Beard was not going to catch the streaking Knaub. Dover's Gene Knaub won his second straight by ten-lengths over Beard, Nailor, D.J. Mease and Wagaman.
‘These slick tracks I am not very good on,” said winner Gene Knaub. “Everything just worked out perfect. We’ve been working on the thing trying to get it better.”
Zach Kauffman, Mike Spangler and Knaub won the qualifying races for the 26 358 Late Models. D.J. Mease won the consolation. In the consolation race the Charlie Schaffer No. 12 flipped wildly down the front stretch. Schaffer was not injured in the spill.
The Williams Grove Speedway Saturday Night Series will return to action on July 11 for “Totally Topless Night. The Super Sportsman, minus the wings, will be racing along with the famed ARDC Midgets. The 358 Late Models will also be in action, racing under the stars, as the roof will come off the cars. Racing begins at 7pm.
Super Sportsman results: 1. Russ Mitten, 2. Rich Eichelberger, 3. Gregg Foster, 4. Frankie Herr, 5. Carmen Perigo Jr., 6. Jason Fry, 7. Mike Enders, 8. David Socks III, 9. Bobby Hockenberry, 10. Aaron Eichelberger, 11. Stan Wanner, 12. Dave Berkheimer, 13. Eric Eckert, 14. LeRoy Martin, 15. Raymond Myers, 16. Jay Fannasy, 17. Scott Grace, 18. Dylan Cisney, 19. Jeremy Ginder, 20. Evan Berardi, 21, Scott Dellinger, 22. Steve Wilbur, 23. Doug Hendricks, 24. Rick Barr, DNQ: Vance Yinger, Sean Campbell, Dan Biggs, Phil Griffith, Gary Johnston, John Stehman, Ryan Rupp, Chad Criswell, John Wolfe
358 Late Model results: 1. Gene Knaub, 2. Bobby Beard, 3. Matt Nailor, 4. D.J. Mease, 5. Criag Wagaman, 6. Roy Miller, 7. Dave Sokoloski, 8. Jared Miller, 9. Wes Alleman, 10. Derrike Zirkle, 11. Travis Mease, 12. John Ebersole, 13. Zach Kauffman, 14. Mike Goodwin, 15. Dave Shulski, 16. Bob Stough, 17. Cody Fairchok, 18. Todd Leonard, 19. Scott Lupfer, 20. Grant Adams, 21. Roy Warehime, 22. Jake Lettich, 23. Bernie Beard, 24. Mike Spangler, DNQ: Charlie Schaffer, Matt Henry
-end-
CANNON GOES 3 FOR 4 IN SELINSGROVE SPRINTS
SELINSGROVE, Pa. – Since returning to the 358 sprint car ranks on May 30, Pat Cannon of Etters has made it three wins in four events at Selinsgrove Speedway with another victory in Saturday night’s 25-lap main event.
The $1,500 win was the 13th of Cannon’s career at the track behind the wheel of the Highlands’ Tire Service No. 3. With a second-place finish behind Cannon, Nate Snyder of Halifax has reclaimed the points lead entering next weekend’s racing action.
Eric Hons of Benton held off current points leader Jeff Rine of Danville for his first win of the season in the 25-lap late model feature. The victory marked the 14th of Hons’ career at the track.
Matt Johnson of New Berlin took his first win of the season in the 15-lap pro stock feature, while Brian Johnson of Ashford won his first career race in the 12-lap roadrunner main event.
Selinsgrove Speedway will present the Firecracker 30 for 358 sprint cars plus late models, pro stocks, and roadrunners at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, sponsored by Salem RV Center. Track gates will open at 5 p.m. The speedway will also be in competition at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 5, with the Mach 1 Chassis PA Speedweek Series finale for 410 sprint cars.
Second-place starter Chuck Paige powered into the lead at the start of the sprint car feature, with fourth-place starter Matt Horst and third-place starter Nyle Berkes racing in the second and third positions, respectively.
On the ninth circuit, 12th-place starter Pat Cannon passed sixth-place starter Colby Womer for the fifth position. The caution flag unfurled on lap nine when two-time winner Scott Flammer stopped in turn two.
On the restart, Horst took the lead from Paige with an outside pass in turn three. At the halfway point, Horst was leading fifth-place starter Kevin Nouse, Paige, Cannon, and Womer.
Cannon reeled in Horst and made the winning pass using the inside lane off turn four on the 15th circuit. The second half of the race saw 10th-place starter Nate Snyder begin to show a lot of speed. With five laps remaining Snyder moved into second and set his sites on Cannon. Despite a strong effort to catch Cannon, who went on to take the checkered flag, Snyder had
to settle for second.
Seventh-place starter Matt Heimbach also turned in an impressive drive late in the race for a third-place finish, followed by Horst and Womer.
Second-place starter Bobby Croop drove into the lead at the start of the late model feature. Croop was chased by polesitter Troy Miller for the first three laps until third-place starter Dylan Yoder advanced to second.
Eric Hons, who started fifth, raced into the third position on the seventh lap and passed Yoder for second on lap 11. At the halfway point of the race, Hons made the winning pass by Croop using the inside lane on the frontstretch.
With 10 laps remaining, eighth-place starter Jeff Rine horsepowered his way into the second position and began to reel in Hons. Meanwhile, seventh-place starter Tony Adams began to catch Rine in a race for second.
At the finish, Hons was victorious over Rine, Adams, 10th-place starter Brett Schadel, and sixth-place starter Steve Campbell.
Polesitter Matt Johsnon wired the field for his win in the pro stock feature but no without a wheel-to-wheel battle with four-time winner AJ Hoffman. Johnson held off second-place starter AJ Stroup and fifth-place starter Shaun Miller for the first three laps until sixth-place starter Gerald Kratzer stormed into second.
On the sixth lap, ninth-place starter Hoffman advanced to second and closed in on Johnson. The final two laps were a see-saw battle for the lead between Johnson and Hoffman. At the checkered flag, Johnson took the win with a tire losing air pressure. Hoffman, Kratzer, point leader Jason Smith, and Stroup completed the top five.
Third-place starter Ricky Bender took the lead at the start of the roadrunner main event. Bender was trailed by fourth-place starter Brian Johnson and fifth-place starter Scott Dunham Jr. On several occasions, Johnson put in a bid for the lead to no avail.
With two laps remaining, Bender’s car lost power, allowing Johnson to take command of the field, with 12th-place starter Eric Pinkerton and 10th-place starter Keith Bissinger in pursuit. At the finish, Johnson took his first win over Pinkerton, Bissinger, Dunham, and Doug Minium.
SELINSGROVE SPEEDWAY SUMMARY – 27 June 2009
358 Sprint Cars 25-Lap A-Main: 1) 3 Pat Cannon 2) 56 Nate Snyder 3) 14 Matt Heimbach 4) 16H Matt Horst 5) 19 Colby Womer 6) 5 Phil Walter 7) 99B Nyle Berkes 8) 63 Mike Walter 9) 12 Blane Heimbach 10) 4R Davie Franek 11) 2T TJ Stutts 12) 28 Chuck Paige 13) 77 Derek Locke 14) 5G Josh Beard 15) M1 Tommy Martocci 16) 17M Mark Manieri Jr. 17) 42 Alan Spriggle 18) 9H Johnny Hagen 19) 21T Kevin Nouse 20) 66 Ryan Kissinger 21) 37 Scott Flammer 22) 71 Jessica Anderson 23) 10 Jeff Furlong DNS 24) Elvin Diller III DNS. Heat Winners: Ryan Kissinger, Chuck Paige, Pat Cannon
Late Models 25-Lap A-Main: 1) 45 Eric Hons 2) 2J Jeff Rine 3) 88 Tony Adams 4) 0 Brett Schadel 5) 12C Steve Campbell 6) 98 Bobby Croop 7) 119B Bryan Bernheisel 8) 7 Dustin Hoffman 9) 32 Dylan Yoder 10) 115 Troy Miller 11) 99 Chris
Wilkinson 12) 51 Dave Graber 13) 7M Meade Hahn 14) 90 Kyle Rhoads 15) 111
Jim Neiman DNS. Heat Winners: Tony Adams, Brett Schadel
Pro Stocks A-Main: 1) 44 Matt Johnson 2) 19 AJ Hoffman 3) 10 Gerald Kratzer 4) 28 Jason Smith 5) 26 AJ Stroup 6) 64 Cody McFadden 7) 62 Devin Frye 8) 6 Dan
Jensen 9) 38 Scott Landis 10) 91 Chad Davis 11) 28J Jeff Ceballo 12) 71 Kurt Wray 13) 115 Shawn Miller 14) 28P Kyle Parsons 15) 99 Peanut Heintzelman 16) 19H Larry Hare 17) 18 Brian Towsey. Heat Winners: Gerald Kratzer, Matt Johnson
Roadrunners 12-Lap A-Main: 1) 201 Brian Johnson 2) 37 Eric Pinkerton 3) 11B Keith Bissinger 4) 77 Scott Dunham Jr. 5) 12 Doug Minium Sr. 6) 21K Mike Kiehl 7) 00 Cory Long 8) 29B Ricky Bender 9) 76 Bob Bussey 10) 7 Butch Shaffer 11)
70 John Schreffler 12) 69 Marlin Dunham 13) 12JR Doug Minium Jr. 14) 77J
Jeff Swanger 15) 44 Jim Collier Sr. 16) 5 Dave Adams 17) 1 Kyle Miller 18)
32 Ken Schreffler 19) 31 Brandon Shultz. Heat Winners: Marlin Dunham, Keith Bissinger
Williams Grove Speedway
410 sprint car points
as of June 26
1. Todd Shaffer 2,490
2. Brian Montieth 2,340
3. Greg Hodnett 2,270
4. Fred Rahmer 2,085
5. Mark Smith 2,020
6. Doug Esh 1,900
7. Cody Darrah 1,775
8. Brian Leppo 1,760
9. Mike Erdley 1,665
10. Stevie Smith 1,650
-end-
AARON OTT SWEEPS WILLIAMS GROVE
MECHANICSBURG, PA -- Aaron Ott came of age Friday night at Williams
Grove Speedway with a pulsating victory in the 25-lap sprint car feature, then came right back to win the URC-sanctioned Rislone 360 Nationals.
Ott started fourth and took the lead from Bob Bennett on the first lap of the first feature.
Meanwhile Brian Montieth, who started 15th, was beginning his charge. Montieth was up to fourth by lap eight as Ott continued to pull away from the field.
Montieth moved into third on lap eleven, and took the runnerup spot the next time around.
While Ott continued to set the pace, Montieth continued to close. On the final lap Montieth shot to the inside entering the third turn, wiped out a four-car length lead and slid in front of Ott exiting the fourth corner.
Ott kept his composure and turned his car underneath Montieth setting up a drag race to the finish line. Ott powered by Montieth to win by inches.
It was the first career win for Ott, 17, of East Berlin, who will begin his senior year at Bermudian Spring High School later this year.
Montieth settled for second. Don Kreitz, Jr. came from tenth to finish third. Fred Rahmer who started 17th, finished fourth and Alan Krimes completed the top five.
Todd Shaffer finished sixth and continues to lead the Group point standings.
Doug Esh finished seventh with Chris Meleason, Doug Dodson and Mark Smith rounding out the top 10.
Heats for the 26 sprint cars in competition were won by Dodson, Bob Bennett and A. J. Michael.
The consolation race went to Mike Erdley.
In the 25-lap URC feature Ott started third, took the lead early and rolled to his second win in less than an hour to push his night's earnings to $7,250.
Rahmer and J. J. Grasso completed the top five.
Michael Carber, Phil Walter, Curt Michael, Davey Sammons and Nicole Bower finished in positions six through ten respectively.
Carber set fast time in URC qualifications with a lap of 17.868.
Davey Sammons, Blane Heimbach, Josh Weller and Nick Schlauch, Jr., won heats for the 38 URC cars in the pit area.
Brett Schoenly won the B-main.
Williams Grove Speedway Feature Finishes - June 26, 2009
Sprint Car Feature - 25 laps - 1. Aaron Ott, 2. Brian Montieth, 3. Don Kreitz, Jr., 4. Fred Rahmer, 5. Alan Krimes, 6. Todd Shaffer, 7. Doug Esh, 8. Chris Meleason, 9. Doug Dodson, 10. Mark Smith, 11. Cody Darrah, 12. Jim Siegel, 13. Greg Hodnett, 14. Dave Ely, 15. Mike Erdley, 16. Daryn Pittman, 17. Brian Leppo, 18. Adam Wilt, 19. Pat Cannon, 20. Bob Bennett, 21. A. J. Michael, 22. Justin Henderson, 23. Rick Lafferty, 24. Steve Buckwalter
URC 360 c.i. Sprint Car Feature - 25 laps - 1. Aaron Ott, 2. Brian Montieth, 3. Cory Haas, 4. Fred Rahmer, 5. J. J. Grasso, 6. Michael Carber, 7. Phil Walter, 8. Curt Michael, 9. Davey Sammons, 10. Nicole Bower, 11. Blane Heimbach, 12. Chris Coyle, 13. Andy Best, 14. Billy Johns, 15. Robbie Stillwaggon, 16. Nick Schlauch,Jr., 17. Kramer Williamson, 18. Kevin Darling, 19. Bryn Gohn, 20. Brett Schoenly, 21. Gerard McIntyre, 22. Art Leidl, 23. Trevor Lewis, 24.
Jason Clauss, 25. Josh Weller
-end-
Clinton County Raceway
Friday
Late model feature (25 laps): 1. Todd Baumgardner, 2. Waylon Wagner, 3. Nick Loffredo, 4. Eric Matthews, 5. Dylan Yoder, 6. Jeremy Ohl, 7. George Fultz, 8. Mitch Hack, 9. Luke Hoffner, 10. Billy Eash, 11. Harry Miller, 12. Leo Bomboy, 13. Eric Metzger, 14. Josh Kennelly, 15. Len Stroud, 16. Jake Shady, 17. T.J. Fleck.
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SHARK ATTACK AT TRAIL-WAY WITH FIRST SCHUCHART CAREER WIN
Hanover, PA (6/26/09) – A young driver who has had his troubles with lapped traffic so far this season used lapped traffic en route to his first career win at Trail-Way Speedway Friday night.
He doesn’t have his driver’s license yet, but 16-year-old Logan Schuchart took some advice from his famous grandfather to win the 25-lap “358” sprint car feature.
“Grandpa (Bobby Allen) told me to stay on the bottom because it was going to get slick during the feature,” said a jubilant Schuchart upon exiting his Speedway 94/Don Ott Racing Engines #1s in victory lane, “I’ve learned from racing through lapped traffic this year, and I saw she (Jessie Morrison) was getting behind some lapped cars, and that’s what I needed.”
Jessie Morrison, who started on the outside of the front row, followed polesitter Nick Palmerino for the first three laps before sliding under the #51N exiting turn two of lap four. She led the next 19 laps before fourth-starting Schuchart drove under her as the two closed on lap traffic in turn four of lap 24.
“This is awesome!” exclaimed Schuchart, “I thought we might get it (his first win) last week. But I’m glad we’re here now.”
Morrison completed her best-ever Trail-Way run by crossing second, inches ahead of Billy Dietrich, who came from eighth starting spot to finish third. Last week’s winner Mike Bittinger was fourth, with Dale Hammaker completing the top five. Sixth through tenth were Brad McClelland, Joe Trone, Jr., Danny Dietrich, Doug Hammaker, and Shane Smith.
Heats for the 25 “358” sprint cars on hand were won by Morrison, Jeff Rohrbaugh, and Brad McClelland. Randy Whisler won the consolation event.
Rohrbaugh’s car went up in a puff of smoke on lap nine of the feature and was taken to the pits for the night.
358 Sprint Cars Feature (25 Laps) 1.1S-Logan Schuchart; 2.18J-Jessie Morrison; 3.8-Billy Dietrich; 4.93-Mike Bittinger; 5.66-Dale Hammaker; 6.6-Brad McClelland; 7.99-Joe Trone Jr.; 8.88-Danny Dietrich; 9.66H-Doug Hammaker; 10.00-Shane Smith; 11.99M-Kyle Moody; 12.10-Zach Euculano; 13.20S-Derek Sell; 14.07-Bill Schoffstall; 15.10W-Brian Bruckner; 16.64-Randy Whisler; 17.51-Nick Palmerino; 18.11-Brian Allman; 19.36T-Peter Bartley; 20.50-James Strausbaugh; 21.9H-Johnny Hagen; 22.98-Randy Davis Jr.(DNF); 23.1-Tim Wagaman(DNF); 24.7V-Jeff Rohrbaugh(DNF). No Time.
Lap Leaders- Nick Palmerino (1-3), Jessie Morrison (4-23), Logan Schuchart (24-25).
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LINCOLN SPEEDWAY
410 sprint cars
1. Alan Krimes 4,915
2. Brian Montieth 4,895
3. Fred Rahmer 4,580
4. Niki Young 4,495
5. Jim Siegel 4,475
6. Brian Leppo 4,415
7. Cody Darrah 4,380
8. Cory Haas 4,375
9. Doug Esh 4,300
10. Cris Eash 4,240
358 Sprint cars
1. Dale Hammaker 1,900
2. Eric Tomecek 1,860
3. Gerard McIntyre Jr. 1,850
4. Billy Dietrich 1,840
5. Tim Wagaman 1,820
6. Kevin Nagy 1,795
7. Glenndon Forsythe 1,770
8. Jeff Rohrbaugh 1,675
9. Joe Trone, Jr. 1,615
10. Tim Berkheimer 1,600
-end-
SATURDAY NIGHT SERIES RETURNS JUNE 27 -- KIDS NIGHT AUGUST 1
MECHANICSBURG, PA -- The Saturday Night Series closes out the month
of June at Williams Grove Speedway on the 27th with another four division program of racing beginning at 7:00.
The super sportsman cars will once again be the featured attraction this week with 358 c.i. late models, street stocks and 4-cylinder stock cars also on the card.
This week's admission charge will be just five dollars.
Because of a rain out on June 20, the Saturday Night Series race teams will have an extra week to prepare their cars, so another large field is expected on the 27th.
A record 115 cars were signed in on June 6 with 37 sportsman racers, 37 late models, 20 street stocks and 21 4-cylinders comprising the pit log.
With five Saturday night programs completed, the sportsman division has been averaging 35 cars per race this year and the late models have been averaging 33.
With back-to-back sprint car races scheduled at Williams Grove on
Thursday and Friday nights July 2-3 as part of Pennsylvania Speedweek,
there will be no Saturday night racing on the Fourth of July.
The Saturday Night Series will return on July 11 for a special Topless Night.
Only three divisions will be in competition on July 11; the sportsman cars, the 358 c.i. late models and the ARDC midgets. Both of the open wheel divisions will be competing without wings and the late model teams will be removing their roofs for this special event.
Plans are still being finalized for Kids Night coming up on August 1.
Radio Disney - AM640 - will be at Williams Grove on August 1 with music, games and prizes.
Activities will begin for the kids when the gates open at 5:00.
Williams Grove Speedway is located ten miles south of Harrisburg off routes 15 or 74.
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GROVE SPRINT CARS PLUS 360 NATIONALS JUNE 26
MECHANICSBURG, PA -- A sprint car double header is on tap Friday evening, June 26, at Williams Grove Speedway featuring the Grove's own Sutliff Auto Group sprint car division and the URC sprint cars.
URC will sanction the Rislone 360 Nationals on Friday night with $4000 going to the winner of the main event.
The 360 Nationals were originally scheduled for June 5, but rain forced postponement of this fourth annual attraction until June 26.
With the Grove's 358 c.i. sprints also eligible to compete, a large field of cars is expected for the 360 Nationals.
Two-time and defending Williams Grove 358 sprint champ Pat Cannon has indicated that he will enter this event. Cannon won the inaugural 360 Nationals in 2008.
Also planning to compete is 8-time track champion Fred Rahmer, who has secured a ride in the Elmer Stulzfus 00 for this event
URC will be led by perennial champion Curt Michael of Ocean View, Delaware.
Other URC stars expected to enter include The Jersey Jet, J. J. Grasso, along with point leader Chris Coyle and former Grove regular Michael Carber.
Qualifying for the 360 Nationals is scheduled to begin at 7:30.
In the sprint car division Todd Shaffer continues to lead the point race, but Greg Hodnett has become a championship contender in recent weeks.
Shaffer is seeking his third title and Hodnett his first.
The sprint car teams will use Friday night's program as a final tune-up for the Speedweek series which will make two stops at Williams Grove this year on Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3.
The July 3 Mitch Memorial will pay $10,000 to win.
-end-
Williams Grove Speedway
410 sprint car points
1. Todd Shaffer 2270
2. Greg Hodnett 2120
3. Brian Montieth 2070
4. Fred Rahmer 1845
5. Mark Smith 1840
6. Doug Esh 1690
7. Stevie Smith 1650
8. Brian Leppo 1635
9. Cody Darrah 1605
10. Lance Dewease 1565
358 sprint car points
1. Cory Haas 1250
2. Scott Geesey 1190
3. Blane Heimbach 1050
4. Frankie Herr 960
5. Billy Johns 915
6. Eric Tomecek 915
7. Mark Freeland 890
8. Matt Boland 840
9. Chad Criswell 805
10. Nate Hammaker 715
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DANNY DIETRICH CLAIMS FIRST CAREER 410 SPRINT WIN IN LINCOLN GOHN MEMORIAL
Adrian Shaffer scores second win of the week in 358 sprints
ABBOTTSTOWN, PA , 6/20/09 -He was born a month after Glenn Gohn, Sr. and Daryl Gohn passed away, and he has a photo of Daryl Gohn in his personal collection.
And on Saturday night, 21- year-old Danny Dietrich held off one of the hottest drivers in sprint car racing to score his first career 410 Sprint win in the 21st Annual Daryl Gohn/Glenn Gohn Sr. Memorial at Lincoln Speedway.
Dietrich, who started sixth, took the lead on the eighth lap after he tangled with race-long leader Chris Knopp on the front stretch.
"I started the race around the top and came off four second, and I thought 'Boy, this isn't gonna happen again,' Chris has been around racing long enough not to let that happen again," said a jubilant Dietrich in victory lane, "Coming off of four, I thought I had him cleared, but the contact was my mistake...I hope he isn't mad or anything like that...but these days, racing with these guys, you can't waste any time."
Once in front, he led the rest of the way. But it got interesting with five laps to go. Red Lion's Cody Darrah closed on Dietrich's bumper with five laps to go. Though young, Dietrich made some moves only expected of a veteran in dropping from his high line to the bottom of the track to block Darrah's advances.
"I actually started getting tight on the top coming off the corners," said Dietrich, "I got my wing back a little far and I couldn't move it forward. I saw Cody got to second on the board and I though he'd be coming. I heard him one lap in the middle of one and two, and I thought as tight as I was, I'd better get to the bottom and protect the lead. I figured if I got in hard and shut it down that maybe he would wash up and lose some ground, and everything went perfect after that."
Dietrich hung on over the final laps to pocket the increased $3,600 top prize given to him by the Gohn family.
A two-car flip at the outset saw Johnny Mackison Jr. end up in the retaining fence in turn three while Fred Rahmer rolled and came to a rest under other cars involved - Josh Wells, Cory Haas, Brian Montieth and Jimmy Siegel. Mackison and Rahmer were both uninjured, but done for the night.
Crossing third behind Dietrich and Darrah was Cris Eash, with Aaron Ott fourth and hard charger Montieth coming from the back to finish fifth. Sixth through tenth were Ed Aiken, 17th-starting Alan Krimes, Adam Wilt, Justin Henderson, and Mark Smith.
With his win, Dietrich became the 10th different winner in 16 races so far this year. He also became the fourth driver to score his first career 410 sprint win at the Pigeon Hills oval in 2009.
Heats for the 32 "410" sprinters were won by Aikin, Niki Young, Ott, and Dietrich, with Josh Wells winning the consolation.
Adrian Shaffer, who spent his childhood years in the race shops of Bobby Weaver and Glenn Gohn, Sr., also came from sixth starting spot to claim his first Lincoln win of the year in the 20-lap "358" sprint car feature.
In doing so, Shaffer gave car owners Jeff Boll and Mike Miller their first Lincoln win in 30 years of trying. In fact, it was Shaffer's second win of the week, counting Sunday night's "358" sprint car win at Susquehanna Speedway Park.
Shaffer went to the top to move into second on the opening lap and drove around race leader John Barnett through turns three and four of lap three to take the lead. He dominated until a red flag came out for a crash involving points leader Gerard McIntyre and a flipping Tim Wagaman in turns three and four of lap 19.
Over the final two laps, third-place Jeff Rohrbaugh passed Barnett and closed on Shaffer, but the Lee Alwine Ornamental Iron Works #91 held off the defending track champ by .34 seconds.
Barnett settled for third, with Brad McClelland fourth and Ricky Stonebraker fifth. Sixth through tenth were Dale Hammaker, Jay Galloway, Jason Clauss, Kevin Nagy, and Billy Dietrich.
Heats for the 32 "358" sprinters were won by Matt Boland, Shaffer, McClelland, and Galloway, with Cale Griffin winning the consolation.
Next Saturday night, June 27th, Lincoln Speedway will host the Annual Pennsylvania Speedweek Opener once again with the running of the 10th Annual Kevin Gobrecht Memorial for the Lawrence Chevrolet 410 Sprinters. The thundercars will round out the evening's racing action which will get underway with time trials at 7 PM. Gates will open at 5 PM.
DARYL GOHN/GLENN GOHN SR. MEMORIAL
410 SPRINTS
Feature (25 Laps) - 1. 88-Danny Dietrich ($3,600); 2. 89-Cody Darrah; 3. 17E-Cris Eash; 4. 25O-Aaron Ott; 5. 21-Brian Montieth; 6. 7-Ed Aikin; 7. 87-Alan Krimes; 8. 15-Adam Wilt; 9. 25-Justin Henderson; 10. 7M-Mark Smith; 11. 7C-Chad Trout; 12. 19M-Brent Marks; 13. 39T-Tim Glatfelter; 14. 11C-Cory Haas; 15. 22-Greg Hodnett; 16. 59-Jimmy Siegel; 17. 98-Niki Young; 18. 6W-Josh Wells; 19. 71-Brian Leppo; 20. 43-Doug Dodson (DNF); 21. 6K-Chris Knopp (DNF); 22. 4-John Rudisill (DNF); 23. 65-Johnny Mackison Jr. (DNF); 24. 51-Fred Rahmer (DNF). No Time
Lap Leaders - Chris Knopp (1-7), Danny Dietrich (8-25)
358 SPRINTS Feature (20-Laps) - 1. 91-Adrian Shaffer; 2. 7V-Jeff Rohrbaugh; 3. 15B-John Barnett; 4. 6-Brad McClelland; 5. 5-Ricky Stonebraker; 6. 66-Dale Hammaker; 7. 27-Jay Galloway; 8. 08-Jason Clauss; 9. 45-Kevin Nagy; 10. 8-Billy Dietrich; 11. 99M-Kyle Moody; 12. 5T-Glenndon Forsythe; 13. 11T-Eric Tomecek; 14. 1S-Logan Schuchart; 15. 99-Joe Trone Jr.; 16. 66N-Nate Hammaker; 17. 75-Nicole Bower; 18. 65-Cale Griffin; 19. 16-Gerard McIntyre Jr.; 20. 97-Brie Hershey; 21. 22T-Matt Boland (DNF); 22. 1-Tim Wagaman (DNF); 23. 51N-Nick Palmerino (DNF); 24. 28-Keith Prutzman (DNF). No Time
-end-
Williams Grove Speedway Saturday Racing Rained Out
Mechanicsburg --A line of heavy afternoon rain showers forced the cancellation of the June 20 Williams Grove Speedway Saturday Night Series. The Saturday Night Series will return to action on June 27.
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PORT ROYAL SPEEDWAY WASHED OUT
For Immediate Release:
June 20, 2009
Port Royal, PA-- Heavy rain hit the Juniata County area Saturday morning June 20. Nearly one inch of rain was recorded before 10:00 A.M. with additional showers forecast through out the day. Port Royal Speedway management canceled the nights racing program around 11:00 A.M.
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SELINSGROVE RAINED OUT JUNE 20
SELINSGROVE, Pa. – Selinsgrove Speedway officials cancelled tonight’s four
division racing program due to heavy rain. The cancellation was announced
at 10:30 a.m.
The Joe Whitcomb Memorial for 358 sprint cars that was scheduled for this
evening will be rescheduled on a date to be announced.
The speedway will return to racing action at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 26,
with a program of 358 sprint cars, late models, pro stocks, and roadrunners
sponsored by PEPSI.
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DON KREITZ BACK IN VICTORY LANE AT WILLIAMS GROVE
MECHANICSBURG, PA -- Don Kreitz, Jr. ended a 46-race winless drought with a victory in the 25-lap sprint car feature Friday night at Williams Grove Speedway.
A..J. Michael started on the pole and set the early pace. Kreitz started third and moved into the runner-up spot on the first lap. Although he was able to stay within striking distance of the leader, Kreitz couldn't get close enough to attempt a pass.
After 18 consecutive green flag laps were completed, three attempts to restart the race resulted in crashes.
When the race finally resumed, Michael moved to the inside lane in turn one to block Kreitz, but the 4-time track champion anticipated the move and drove through the middle of the corner alongside the leader.
The two raced down the backstretch side-by-side, then Kreitz, working the outside through turns three and four, took the lead.
Doug Esh, who started eighth, and Brian Montieth, who started twelfth, followed Kreitz past Michael, which set up a five-lap dash to the finish involving three of the speedway's heavy hitters.
Kreitz prevailed for his 53rd career win at Williams Grove and his
first since August 17, 2007.
Esh matched his best effort of the season by finishing second.
Michael settled for fourth and Greg Hodnett, who started 14th, completed the top five.
rian Leppo, Fred Rahmer, Chad Layton, Mark Smith and point leader Todd Shaffer finished in positions six through ten respectively
Heats for the 24 sprint cars in competition were won by Kreitz, Daryn
Pittman and Adam Wilt.
In the 20-lap 358 sprint feature Cory Haas, after starting eleventh, took the lead from Tim Berkheimer on the 14th circuit and went on to score his first victory of the season and the 12th of his career at Williams Grove.
Pat Cannon, Scott Geesey, Berkheimer and John Barnett completed the
top five.
Jay Galloway, Haas and Chris Shuttlesworth claimed heats for the 30 358 sprints in the pit area.
The consolation race was won by Eric Tomecek.
Williams Grove Speedway Feature Finishes - June 19, 2009
Sprint Car Feature - 25 laps - 1. Don Kreitz, Jr., 2. Doug Esh, 3. Brian Montieth, 4. A. J. Michael, 5. Greg Hodnett, 6. Brian Leppo, 8. Chad Layton, 9. Mark Smith, 10. Todd Shaffer, 11. Mike Erdley, 12. Dave Ely, 13. Daryn Pittman, 14. Chris Meleason, 15. Alan Krimes, 16. Cody Darrah, 17. Steve Buckwalter, 18. Jay Reichart, 19. Adam Wilt, 20. Doug Dodson, 21. Jim Siegel, 22. Bob Bennett, 23. Rick Lafferty, 24. Aaron Ott (DNS)
358 Sprint Feature - 20 laps - 1. Cory Haas, 2. Pat Cannon, 3. Scott Geesey, 4. Tim Berkheimer, 5. John Barnett, 6. Eric Tomecek, 7. Todd Reed, 8. Chris Shuttlesworth, 9. Chad Criswell, 10. Frankie Herr, 11. Blane Heimbach, 12. Billy Johns, 13. Matt Boland, 14. Nate Hammaker, 15. Danny Massey, 16. Glenndon Forsythe, 17. Rich Eichelberger, 18. Danny McGuire, 19. Nicole Bower, 20. Amy Ott, 21. Ricky Stonebraker, 22. Jay Galloway, 23.
Mark Freeland, 24. Steve Fannasy
Clinton County Raceway
Friday
410 sprint car feature
1. Bobby Howard
2. Neil Petock
3. Dylan Proctor
4. George Suprick
5. Jeremy Ohl
6. Chuck Brion
7. Daryl Stimeling
8. Matt Johnson
9. Ryan Lynn
10. Mike Walter Jr
11. Mike Walter
12. Rich Brungard
13. Roger Fickett
14. Tracy Potter
15. Ryan Kissinger
16. Karl Baker
17. Nick Weikel
18. Billy Schoffstall
19. Dan Lyons
20. Rod Stroup
-end-
BITTINGER CLAIMS FIRST OF YEAR IN TRAIL-WAY 358’S
Hanover, PA (6/19/09) – Mike Bittinger took the lead from lady driver Jessie Morrison on a fifth-lap restart and drove away to his first career win in the Auto Racing Club of Hagerstown Night 25-lap “358” sprint car feature at Trail-Way Speedway Friday night.
But the end of the race came none too soon for the Pancho’s Racing Products #93.
“I started running out of fuel,” explained Bittinger after scoring his seventh career Trail-Way win, “Had we gone one more lap, I wouldn’t have won it.”
Bittinger started third and got under polesitter Zach Euculano for second on the opening lap. He then followed Morrison for the first four laps before a caution came out for a three-car spin involving Brad McClelland, Shane Smith, and Billy Dietrich in turn four. During the caution, three-time defending track champ Jeff Rohrbaugh was pushed into the pits, ending his night. McClelland also went off on the wrecker.
After taking the lead on the restart, the Pancho’s Racing Products/North York AutoMenders #93 pulled away from the field until entering lapped traffic at the mid-way point of the race.
Second-place Logan Schuchart (who started seventh) and third-place Dale Hammaker began closing on the leader until Schuchart struck the lapped car of Tim Stallings in turn four of lap 18, bringing out the caution. Hammaker then pulled onto the back bumper of Bittinger and dogged him the rest of the way.
“I saw Dale was in second, and didn’t see his nose on the restart, so I stayed on the top,” said Bittinger, “I was up in ‘no man’s land,’ but the track held up and lapped cars were in the middle, so I stayed there.”
Bittinger’s final margin of victory over Hammaker was two carlengths.
Third through fifth were DS Diversified Services hard charger Tim Wagaman (who padded his points lead by coming from 13th starting spot), Joe Trone, Jr., and Billy Dietrich (who came from the back after the fifth-lap spin). Sixth through tenth were Randy Davis, Jr., Euculano, Doug Hammaker, Keith Prutzman, and 19th-starting Randy Whisler.
Heats for the 21 “358” sprinters were won by Dietrich, Davis, and Bittinger.
358 Sprint Cars Feature (25 Laps) 1. Mike Bittinger, 2. Dale Hammaker, 3. Tim Wagaman, 4. Joe Trone Jr., 5. Billy Dietrich, 6. Randy Davis, 7. Zach Shive, 8. Doug Hammaker, 9. Keith Prutzman, 10. Randy Whisler, 11. Nick Palmerino, 12. Peter Bartley, 13. Brian Bruckner, 14. Jake Ziegler(DNF), 15. Logan Schuchart(DNF), 16. Shane Smith(DNF), 17. Tim Stallings(DNF), 18. Jessie Morrison(DNF). 19. Jeff Rohrbaugh(DNF), 20. Brad McClelland(DNF), 21. Derek Sell(DNS). No Time.
Lap Leaders- Jessie Morrison (1-4), Mike Bittinger (5-25).
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KEITH KAUFFMAN JOINS HEFFNER RACING ENTERPRISES
First Race Saturday and throughout SpeedWeek
Hellertown, PA (June 16, 2009)-- Legendary 410 sprint car driver, Keith Kauffman, "The Man from Mifflintown", will join Heffner Racing Enterprises for SpeedWeek and other select races, filling in for the team's lead driver, Sean Michael, while he recovers from knee surgery.
Kauffman's first race for the team will be at Port Royal this Saturday, June 20, when he will step into the Lelands.com-sponsored sprint car for the first time. Heffner Racing Enterprises owner Mike Heffner expressed excitement about the addition of Kauffman to his already impressive roster of drivers.
"Working with renowned drivers like Sean Michael, Curt Michael and now Keith Kauffman in our first full season as a team is an honor. You cannot get more experience or more professionalism than these guys."
Racing since 1970, Kauffman has driven Sprints, Late Models, Champ Cars and Go-Karts and calls his collective 304 career wins his greatest accomplishment. Inducted into the Sprint Car Racing Hall of Fame in 2004, Kauffman has won Pennsylvania, WesternPennsylvania and Ohio SpeedWeeks, as well as 18 different track championships, andraced for owners including Bob Weikert, Roy Morral, Al Hamilton, and Warren Johnson.
"I am looking forward to this opportunity to race and have fun with Heffner Racing Enterprises and would also like to wish Sean Michael a speedy recovery," said Kauffman.
Kauffman's racing has taken him to wins in twelve different states and Australia. He currently resides in Mifflintown with his wife, Kathy and has two children, Becky and Chase.
For more information:
Heffner Racing Enterprises website: www.HeffnerRacing.com
Keith Kauffman: www.keithkauffman.com.
-end-
Wingless Super Sportsman show coming up at Williams Grove Speedway
The first of 2 saturday night wingless super sportsman shows is coming up quick and with a new twist!
Blazer's Body Shop and Williams Grove Speedway have put together a special points fund with cash rewards for the top ten in points for this 2 race series! The first race is scheduled for Saturday July 11th.
This race will be a points handicapped show! All heat races will be lined up by normal saturday series handicapping rules! Points will awarded to both the season long points fund and the special Blazer's Body Shop / Williams Grove Speedway wingless racing series!
Also on the card on the 11th will be the A.R.D.C. Midgets ( wingless of course ), and the popular 358 late models ( topless ).
Then the second wingless show will be held on Saturday October 10th. Now this show will be an open draw for the super sportsman with points "only" being awarded to the special Blazer's Auto Body / Williams Grove Speedway wingless point fund! The top 10 in points from these 2 very special shows will recieve bonus money at the season ending awards banquet. Also on the October 10th show will be a regular ( points paying ) show for the 358 late models, street stocks, and the mighty 4 cyl. mini stocks!
On a side note we are looking for super sportsman, midgets, and 358 late model teams that would like to put their cars on display in the infield prior to the races on July 11th for the fans to get the oppertunity to see these cars up close, without wings or roofs getting in the way! And finally, if any super sportsman team is unsure if they want to race the july 11th show, I have one of the best when it comes to racing wingless midgets looking for a ride in a super sportman car on this night! It could be a night to learn valuable wingless info! If interested in any of the above please contact me at mgmotorsports@comcast.net
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McCLELLAND EDGES SCHUCHART IN TRAIL-WAY THRILLER
Hanover, PA (6/12/09) –“I looked on the scoreboard, and didn’t know whether the ‘1’ was Tim (Wagaman) or Logan (Schuchart). Then I saw the shark…”
That was how Brad McClelland summed up the race following his second win of the year in the 25-lap “358” sprint car feature at Trail-Way Speedway Friday night.
McClelland, who started fifth, took the lead from polesitter and race-long leader Nick Palmerino on the back stretch of lap four, but the only caution flag of the race came out for three-time defending track champ Jeff Rohrbaugh and Mike Bittinger, who got together right in front of them in turn three.
That forced McClelland back into second for the restart, but he promptly made the pass on the restart.
Though he led the rest of the way, sixth-starting rookie Logan Schuchart took second from Palmerino on lap nine and closed on the B&D Truck Hoist/VMAC racing #6 every time McClelland came up on a lapped car. But each time, McClelland was able to hold the Speedway 94 sprinter off.
“I thought we had an awesome car tonight,” said McClelland after his 18th career Trail-Way 358 sprint car win, “But Logan was right there…”
The battle for the lead through heavy lapped traffic had the fans on their feet over the last eight laps. The “shark” McClelland was referring to was the hood of Schuchart’s car, painted to look exactly like the hood of his famous grandfather Bobby Allen, who heads up Schuchart’s pit crew.
McClelland’s final margin of victory was two carlengths.
Crossing third through fifth were Dale Hammaker, Joe Trone, Jr., and Palmerino. Sixth through tenth were Wagaman, Danny Dietrich, DS Diversified Services hard charger Kyle Moody (who started 16th), Randy Davis, and Shane Smith.
Heats for the 21 “358” sprinters were won by Palmerino, Davis, and McClelland.
358 Sprint Cars Feature (25 Laps): 1. Brad McClelland; 2. Logan Schuchart; 3. Dale Hammaker; 4. Joe Trone Jr.; 5. Nick Palmerino; 6. Tim Wagaman; 7. Danny Dietrich; 8. Kyle Moody; 9. Randy Davis; 10. Shane Smith; 11. Jeff Rohrbaugh; 12. Zach Euculano; 13. Brian Bruckner; 14. Peter Bartley; 15. Randy Whisler; 16. Jessie Morrison; 17. George Streaker; 18. Billy Dietrich(DNF); 19. Mike Bittinger(DNF); 20. Tim Stallings(DNF); 21. Doug Hammaker(DNS). No Time.
Lap Leaders- Nick Palmerino (1-4), Brad McClelland (5-25).
-end-
TWENTY YEARS OF THUNDER CONTINUES ON TUESDAY, JUNE 30 WITH 410 SPRINTS & 358 MODIFIEDS
The popular NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series presented by Lee Myles Transmissions & Auto Care will return to the Grandview Speedway for race three of 2009 on Tuesday night, June 30. On the program will be the 410 sprints joined by the 358 Modifieds in a double header racing program.
If you've never seen the 410 sprints on the "hill", you don't know what you're missing.
In the words of World of Outlaws sprint driver Joey Saldana, "Driving a 410 sprint car at Grandview is like flying a jet fighter plane in a high school gymnasium".
If that's what it's like driving one, you can only imagine the thrill of watching twenty-four of these cars charge into turn one of the one-third mile high banked dirt oval.
Of all the race cars and various divisions of race cars that compete all season long at Grandview, there is no doubt that these cars are the fastest, turning the oval in just under twelve seconds per lap.
Race time is set for 7:30 PM with gates opening at 5:30 PM.
In the sprint car field on Tuesday night, June 30 there will be two Missouri drivers in a battle to win the 2009 Thunder on the Hill sprint series championship. Daryn Pittman of Owasso, MO won the Thunder Series opener on May 20 as Warsaw, MO driver Jesse Hockett won both twenty-five lap features at Grandview on June 2. Hockett has the point lead and two Thunder wins going into June 30, but a lot can happen when the sprint cars take to the "hill". It's certainly not a given that Pittman or Hockett are locked in as winner's on June 30. Fast Freddie Rahmer, Stevie Smith, Greg Hodnett, Mark Smith, Chad Layton, Doug Esh, Todd Shaffer, Alan Cole and Brian Montieth are all possible top contenders to pocket the $5,000 first place prize in the 35 lap main event.
The 358 modifieds are on the program as well and will complete in a series of qualifying leading up to the twenty-five lap feature event. MeMe Desantis won the modified Thunder Series opener on May 20 and leads the chase to win the Thunder Series title of 2009. Challenging Desantis will be two time defending Thunder Champion Doug Manmiller, Duane Howard, Craig VonDohren, Jeff Strunk, Ryan Godown, Rick Laubach and Mike Gular just to name a few.
Eighty-seven Thunder on the Hill Racing Series events have been presented in the twenty year history of the series.
Thunder on the Hill 410 Sprints Point Standings
(after 3 410 sprint features)
1. Jesse Hackett 80
2. Daryn Pittman 60
3. Stevie Smith 56
4. Greg Hornet 52
5. Josh Weller 52
6. Doug Ash 50
7. Brooke Tatnell 48
8. Chad Layton 46
9. Mark Smith 44
10. Brian Leppo 42
Feature wins in 2009
Jesse Hockett - - 2
Daryn Pittman - - 1
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RAIN WASHES OUT PORT ROYAL SPEEDWAY THURSDAY NIGHT
For Immediate Release:
June 11, 2009
Heavy rain washed out Thursday nights special Appalachian Mountain late model speedweek program at Port Royal Speedway.
Officials canceled the event late Thursday morning after consulting weather services.
The mid state region is under a flash flood watch from 4:00 p.m. Thursday until Friday morning. Rain continued to fall at 2:45 p.m. A strong field of cars was expected.
The limited late models were also part of the program. Officials will evaluate the schedule to determine if a suitable date can be arranged for another major late model show.
The speedway returns to action Saturday night June 13 when the Aumiller & Associate sprint cars are joined by the AB Auto Glass/Mike Cleck Paving late models and super sportsman. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. with racing at 7. General admission is $ 15.00 for adults and, $ 10.00 for students, 12-17. Children under 12 are admitted free. Pit Passes remain at $ 20.00 each.
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Al HAMILTON RETURNING HOME FOR CPS SPRINT SHOW
By Terry Whetstone
For immediate release
CLEARFIELD, PA - Central PA Speedway will roar back to life this Sunday with the O'Reilly All Star Sprints, the PASS 305 Sprints and the street stocks, but the highlight will be the return of the legendary driver and car owner Al Hamilton as he returns to Clearfield County.
Mr. Hamilton, who had a successful driving career of his own before turning to the ranks of owner, retired from racing a few years ago, but has left a legacy that will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Central PA Speedway will honor Mr. Hamilton and his achievements on Sunday before he climbs to the top of the starters stand to start the All-Star Sprint feature event.
The racing itself will see the return of the super sprints for only the second time since it's opening in the early 1970's and this year two divisions of sprints will compete along with the street stocks in a brand new format.
The O'Reilly All Star Sprint Cars will be making their highly anticipated return to the Big Bear. Last season Mark Smith had the honors of taking home the Big Bear trophy, while Paul McMahan set a new track record of 13.698.
The Street Stocks will be running a Special "SHOWDOWN" format for this one event.
"As if the Street Stock Shootout isn't exciting enough, they will be running a special "Showdown" format." Dan Bainey, Director of Operations said. "We figured that this race is another way to showcase our local racers."
The race will be run in three segments; the first segment will be 10 laps, only the top 15 will continue. The second segment will be five laps. After the second segment another five cars will be cut leaving 10 for the final "Showdown."
The third and final segment - the SHOWDOWN will be an all out five-lap sprint to the finish. The Top-5 Finishing Cars in the Showdown will make at least $400.
The PASS 305 Sprint Car Series will be making its first trip ever to The Big Track.
"I think it will be exciting; the PASS guys have made this there only National Qualifying event of their season," Mr. Bainey said. "We should see a pretty good turnout from those teams as they try to lock themselves into the Nationals. They put on a great show and with the wide racing surface here I'd expect to see quit a finish."
"I'll be right up front with the fans," said Track Owner Tim Bainey Sr. "We had a great turnout for the first event. I told fans that if they packed this place out we'd reward them with the lowest ticket price in the country to see the kind of shows we are putting on this season including this ALL STAR Sprint Car Event and the Upcoming $10,000 to Win Yankee Doodle July 3rd."
He went on to say, "We'd like to be even lower, but we came to an $18 admission price for this sprint car event. It's $7 less than what it was last year, and we have to thank our great track sponsors for putting us in a position to do this."
The pit gates will open at 3 p.m. with the general admission gates opening at 4 p.m. and hot laps beginning at 5:30 p.m.
General admission is just $18 with those 6-15- $10 and 5 and under are free with an adult. The pit admission is $30
" I've looked around - this is the best ticket price you will find to see them (All-Star Sprints) run and we have to two support races as well," Tim Bainey said.
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RAIN POSTPONES LINCOLN DIRT LATE MODEL SPEEDWEEK SHOW TO AUGUST 12TH
ABBOTTSTOWN, PA , 6/10/09 - Lincoln Speedway gave it the old college try on Wednesday night.
But persistent rain which arrived at 9:20 p.m. forced postponement of the remainder of the event until Wednesday, August 12th.
The program was to be leg five of the Inaugural Appalachian Mountain Dirt Late Model Speedweek Series.
Forty-seven super stock late models turned out for the event, and the super stocks were in a caution flag on lap four of the second of two consolation events when the rains arrived.
Lincoln's promoters waited until 10:00 p.m. before throwing in the towel. Because the show will not be completed before the end of the Speedweek series, points will not be awarded for time trials or qualifying.
But the full purse will be paid out on August 12th. The $7,000 winner's share includes $2,000 from the Grinestaff family as part of the Second Annual Chargin' Charlie Grinestaff Memorial. The Grinestaffs will also give a $500 bonus to the hard charger on August 12th.
The August 12th show will begin with conclusion of the second consolation event, at which two more qualifiers will be determined. That will set the field for the 40-lap "A" main. Rain checks will be honored on August 12th. Admission for those attending the August 12th show without a rain check will be $10.
Heats for the Late Models were won by Jeff Rine, Rick Eckert, DJ Myers, and Josh Richards, with Scotty Haus winning the first of the B-Mains. Setting a new one-lap track record in time trials over the 47-car field was Jeremy Miller with a one-lap time of 15.540-seconds (86.874 MPH), breaking the old record of 16.274 seconds set by Rick Eckert on August 13, 2005.
In fact, the top-20 qualifiers all broke the old record when time trials were complete.
This Saturday night, June 13th, the All Star Circuit of Champion 410 sprint cars will be back at Lincoln Speedway to participate in the 57th Anniversary/John Gleim Jr. Excavating Night show. The 30-lap feature will pay $5,700 to the winner. In addition, the ARDC Midget will be back after a several year absence to round out the evening's racing action. Time trials will get underway at 7 PM, with gates opening at 5 PM.
APPALACHAIN MOUNTAIN DIRT LATE MODEL SPEEDWEEK 2ND ANNUAL CHARGIN' CHARLIE GRINESTAFF MEMORIAL
Feature (40 Laps) - Postponed until August 12th
1st Heat (10 Laps/5 to qualify) - 1. 25-Jeff Rine; 2. 19-Steve Francis; 3. 24M-Jeremy Miller; 4. 17-Nick Dickson; 5. 27-Jim Yoder; 6. 76-Scotty Haus; 7. 3-Tim Wilson; 8. 2C-Steve Campbell; 9. 88J-Keith Jackson; 10. 92-Harold Dorsey Jr.; 11. 21-Cory Houck; 12. 33S-Byron Sipe. No Time
2nd Heat (10 Laps/5 to qualify) - 1. 24-Rick Eckert; 2. Coleby Frye; 3. Mike Lupfer; 4. 1W-Billy Wampler; 5. 100-Hal Browning; 6. 8-Tim Fedder; 7. 21D-Dan Stone; 8. 25A-Andy Anderson; 9. 81S-Bobby Beard; 10. 11-Robbie Blair (DNF); 11. 91-JT Spence (DNF); 12. 17L-Doug Legum (DNF). No Time
3rd Heat (10 Laps/5 to qualify) - 1. 70J-DJ Myers; 2. 43A-Jason Covert; 3. 11-Austin Hubbard; 4. 5K-Kirk Ryan; 5. 8A-Alan Sagi; 6. 12-Devin Friese; 7. 119-Bryan Bernheisel; 8. 84-Tyler Armstrong; 9. 27S-Bobby Stokes; 10. 44J-Jason Miller; 11. 77-Randy Burkholder (DNF); 12. 44-James O'Hara (DNF). No Time
4th Heat (10 Laps/5 to qualify) - 1. 25-Josh Richards; 2. 00B-Booper Bare; 3. 7H-Daryl Hills; 4. 90-Gary Stuhler; 5. 41L-Kyle Lear; 6. 8L-Scott LeBarron; 7. 14-Jack Pencil; 8. 1D-Ronnie DeHaven; 9. 73-Al Cheney; 10. 90K-Ray Kable Jr.; 11. 215-Al Shauver Jr. (DNF). No Time
1st B-Main (12 Laps/2 to qualify) - 1. 76-Scott haus; 2. 2C-Steve Campbell; 3. 3-Tim Wilson; 4. 8-Tim Fedder; 5. 21-Cory Houck; 6. 33S-Bryon Sipe; 7. 21D-Dan Stone; 8. 92-Harold Dorsey; 9. 17L-Doug Legum (DNF); 10. 81S-Bobby Beard (DNF); DNS - 25A-Andy Anderson, 88J-Keith Jackson, 11-Robbie Blair, 91-JT Spence. No Time
2nd B-Main (12 Laps/2 to qualify) - Postponed until August 12th
Time Trials - 1. 24M-Jeremy Miller, 15.540 seconds (86.873 MPH)(New 1-Lap Track Record - old record was 16.274 seconds set by Rick Eckert on 8/13/2006);
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GREG HODNETT WINS CAUTION FILLED SWARMER MEMORIAL
June 7, 2009
Port Royal, PA
" It was kind of a marathon there to get finished", said Greg Hodnett after winning the 30 lap Pete Swarmer Memorial race Saturday night at Port Royal Speedway. Nine caution flags and one red for fuel kept the field bunched up through most of the race. The situation helped Hodnett. " I was having trouble in traffic. I was needing to run a certain line. It kinda didn't matter as long as we kept up decent starts. The track was pretty fast around the top. For someone to blow around me and keep it moving, was going to be very tough. So I think track conditions, decent restarts and clean air was going to be better for me."
The longest green flag run was just eight laps. Most caution periods were for spin outs or mechanical problems. Dave Hahn hit the backstretch fence exiting turn two on lap 27. Hahn was not injured and was towed to the pit area. One lap later Brian Ehrenzeller executed a spin out in turn two and was taken to the pits.
Hodnett started tenth and moved into third position on lap two. " We're very fortunate to be standing up here. (Victory Lane) We had a great start and got into third after the second lap and, kinda set sail from there and, had some pretty clean race track."
Daryl Stimeling started on the pole and led the first two laps. Hodnett's winning pass came following a lap two restart. Hodnett took the lead while exiting turn two. Once in front he was never challenged despite the field repeatedly being under yellow. Chad Layton drove the Middleswarth no. 7 to a second place finish after starting 12TH. Mike Erdley came from eighth position to finish third. Todd Shaffer started 11TH and finished fourth. Rick Lafferty came from ninth starting spot to finish fifth. Completing the top ten were Dave Ely, Alan Cole, Stimeling, T.J. Winegardner and Michael Heckman.
Heat races for the 24 car field were won by Heckman, Stimeling and Mark Smith.
Hodnett and car owner Jim Kline added their thoughts to the success of the team, which struggled at the start of the season. " The guys have really stepped up", said Hodnett. " We're definitely trying to put ourselves in positions to win races, and race through the field and be competitive." Kline had similar feelings to Hodnett. " It was a marathon but it was well worth it." As for his race team, Kline shared these thoughts. " It's what you hope for." (success) The guys are doing a heck of a job. It was a bad ass hot rod tonight." Kline also spoke about dealing with misfortune. " Usually I just try to work a lot harder at my business, and not even think about it. It's the only way I can deal with it because sometimes it sucks. I got to thank everybody for coming out and supporting this place. There a lot of good race cars here, a lot of guys, a lot of teams working very very hard and it's tough to get here where were standing. "
Hodnett was joined in post race photographs by 84 year young Norm Forry who was a pit crew member for the late Pete Swarmer. Forry was with Swarmer when he ended his career in 1974.
Racing continues Thursday night June 11 when the late models compete in the 1st annual Appalachian Mountains Late Model Speedweek. The six race series is attracting the top race teams in the tri-state region to battle the PA stars. National traveling late model teams are also expected to invade the Juniata County oval. The event includes a 40 lap feature which pays the winner $ 5,000 dollars. Time trials begin at 7:00 p.m.
410 sprint car feature: 1. Greg Hodnett, 2. Chad Layton, 3. Mike Erdley, 4. Todd Shaffer, 5. Rick Lafferty, 6. Dave Ely, 7. Alan Cole, 8. Daryl Stimeling, 9. T.J. Winegardner, 10. Michael Heckman, 11. Craig Robinson, 12. Mark Bitner, 13. Bob Howard, 14. Jim Walters, 15. Dave Hahn, 16. John BrennFleck, 17. Brian Ehrenzeller, 18. Mike Wagner, 19. Cale Grubb, 20. Karl Baker, 21. Mark Smith, 22. Bob Bennett, 23. Joey Hershey, 24. A.J. Michael.
Heat Race Winners, Heckman, Stimeling, Smith. Lap Leaders, Stimeling, 1-2, Hodnett, 3-30.
PRO STOCK FEATURE: 1. Dave Bowsman, 2. Terry Naugle, 3. Derick Garman, 4. Tim Krape, 5. Herm Renninger, 6. Keith Garman, 7. Devin Frey, 8. John Heane, 9. John Wert, 10. Harold Ranck, Jr., 11.Josh Angle, 12. Todd Benny, 13. Arliss Reinhart, 14. Hank Rowe, 15. Jeff Rayson, 16. Tracker. DNS-Dan Berry Berry.
Heat Racce Winners, Naugle, Bowsman, Lap Leader, Bowsman, 1-15.
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Sprint Car Driver Mausteller Being Treated At Geisinger Medical Center
DANVILLE, Pa. – Sprint car driver Duane Mausteller of Bloomsburg is under the care of physicians at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville for a broken right leg and ankle, according to his father, Randy Mausteller, this afternoon. Mausteller was injured in an auto racing accident during a qualifying event Saturday night at Selinsgrove Speedway.
Mausteller was attempting to qualify for the Jack Gunn Memorial Challenge Race through the B-main when his No. 21 sprint car made contact with the outside third turn wall and rolled over several times on the fifth lap of the 12-lap event. Mausteller was transported by ambulance to Geisinger immediately following the accident.
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Chad Criswell, Gene Knaub, Ed Salisbury and Kevin Thomas Win Williams Grove Saturday Features
Mechanicsburg, Pa. -- Saturday night a season-high 115 racecars were in the pit area of Williams Grove Speedway for the fifth event of the Saturday Night Series. Chad Criswell used a late-race pass to win the Super Sportsman feature. Gene Knaub captured his first victory of the year in the 358 Late Models. Ed Salisbury won the Street Stock feature while Kevin Thomas was victorious in the Four-Cylinders.
Gregg Foster and Stan Wanner started on the front row for the 20-lap Tool Sheds Of America Super Sportsman feature. Foster raced into the lead followed by Wanner and Dave Berkheimer.
Chad Criswell, from Martinsville, West Virginia, started the feature in eighth place. By the end of the first lap Criswell was running in fourth. On the fifth lap Criswell drove by Berkheimer for third position.
While Gregg Foster stretched out his lead to fifty yards, Wanner and Criswell were engaged in a battle for second. For five-laps the two staged a close clash for the position. The 13th lap found Criswell passing Wanner.
The first caution of the event came out at the end of lap-13. Following the restart Chad Criswell challenged Gregg Foster for the lead. On lap-16 Criswell did gain the lead when he slid in front of Foster. That move was lost to a caution flag.
Following the restart Criswell saw his opportunity when Foster slid up a lane in turns one and two. Chad Criswell drove under Foster and became the new leader. Over the final three laps Criswell drove away from Foster. Criswell won his first Williams Grove Super Sportsman main eight-lengths in front of Foster, Carmen Perigo Jr., Frankie Herr and Wanner.
“Tonight there was no way I was lifting,” said the Chad Criswell. “I told Danny (car owner Danny Miller) at the end of the night it was coming home in pieces. I was coming home first. These guys have given me a great car.”
The heat wins for the 37 Super Sportsman went to Eric Eckert, Aaron Eichelberger, Jeremy Ginder and Herr. John Stehman and Jay Fannasy won the split consolation races.
Chaz Walls started on the pole for the 20-lap A.J.’s Truck and Trailer Center 358 Late Model feature. Walls had Zach Kauffman, Mike Walls, Dave Shulksi and Mike Goodwin in pursuit.
Gene Knaub, from Dover, started in eighth and was fifth by the end of lap four. Over the next three laps he worked his way into third place.
As Chaz Walls continued to hold command of the race, his brother Mike Walls was second and Knaub held third. The race settled into a three-car fight for first.
Following an eighth-lap restart the lead trio went three-wide coming off of turn four. Mike Walls passed his brother Chaz for the lead while Knaub also slipped by Chaz to gain second.
The Mike Walls lead was for two laps. Gene Knaub went to the outside in turn four to pass the leader. Despite a lap-16 caution Knaub was not challenged. He won his first of the season over Mike Walls, Charlie Schaffer (from 14th starting position), Bernie Beard, Michael Collins. This is the seventh career Williams Grove victory for Walls. He is tied with Bobby Beard for the most career Williams Grove 358 Late Model wins.
“This race track sort of suits my driving style. We’ve been struggling on the slick tracks. It has a little moisture here tonight so I shine when it comes to having moisture in the racetrack. We don’t give up that’s for sure,” said Knaub.
Dave Shulski, Knaub, Mike Walls and Derrike Zirkle won the qualifying races for the 37 AJ’s Truck and Trailer Center 358 Late Models. The two consolation wins went to Bobby Beard and Scott Ellerman.
The Williams Grove Speedway Saturday Night Series returns on June 20 with the Super Sportsman, 358 Late Models, Street Stocks and Four Cylinders. The adult price of admission will be just five dollars.
Super Sportsman results: 1. Chad Criswell, 2. Gregg Foster, 3. Carmen Perigo Jr., 4. Frankie Herr, 5. Stan Wanner, 6. Bobby Hockenberry, 7. Jeremy Ginder, 8. Rich Eichelberger, 9. Scott Dellinger, 10. Dave Berkheimer, 11. Paul Miller, 12. Jay Fannasy, 13. Dylan Cisney, 14. Rick Barr, 15. Aaron Eichelberger, 16. David Socks III, 17. Eric Eckert, 18. Mike Enders, 19. Doug Hendricks, 20. LeRoy Martin, 21. Duaine Smith, 22. Dan Biggs, 23. John Stehman, 24. Ryan Rupp, 25. Jason Fry, 26. Steve Wilbur.
358 Late Model results: 1. Gene Knaub, 2. Mike Walls, 3. Charlie Schaffer, 4. Bernie Beard, 5. Michael Collins, 6. Bobby Beard, 7. Zach Kauffman, 8. Mike Goodwin, 9. Dave Sokoloski, 10. Travis Mease, 11. Mike Spangler, 12. John Moser Jr., 13. Craig Perigo, 14. Bob Stough, 15. Randy Schaeffer, 16. John Ebersole, 17. Glenn Elliott, 18. Bob Minnich, 19. Scott Lupfer, 20. Scott Ellerman, 21. Chaz Walls, 22. Dave Shulski, 23. Derrike Zirkle, 24. Craig Wagaman
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URC’S LEWIS TAKES GUNN MEMORIAL THRILLER BY A HALF CAR-LENGTH OVER CANNON
SELINSGROVE, Pa. – In the 29th annual running of the Paul Stine Chevrolet Jack Gunn Memorial for sprint cars Saturday night at Selinsgrove Speedway, URC regular Trevor Lewis of Upper Black Eddy and Selinsgrove 358 sprint champion Pat Cannon of Etters saved the best for last in what turned out to be a classic open wheel duel for the victory that came down to the wire.
Racing out of turn four for the checkered flag, Lewis edged out Cannon by half of a car-length for the $3,500 victory in the race’s fourth edition as a challenge event between the URC 360 sprint cars and the central PA 358 sprint cars. Lewis was also the night’s fast qualifier with a lap time of 18.145 seconds.
Chad Davis of Muir won his second pro stock race of the season in the division’s 15-lap main event. The roadrunner feature was postponed until next Saturday, June 13, due to the track’s curfew.
Sprint car driver Duane Mausteller of Bloomsburg was transported to an area hospital with undisclosed injures from an accident in turn three in the B-main.
Defending Gunn Memorial champion Blane Heimbach started on the pole and drove into the lead at the start of the race following two red flag periods for multi-car crashes in turns three and two, respectively.
The first crash involved defending URC champion Curt Michael, who was able to rejoin the race for a few laps when it restarted, as well as Colby Womer and Chris Coyle. The second attempt to start the race saw this year’s two-time winner Scott Flammer flip hard and also involve Kyle Purks and Bryn Gohn.
On the second lap of the race, fourth-place starter Trevor Lewis pulled up on Heimbach and stormed into the lead racing off turn four. When Lewis crossed the line as the new leader, the race was stopped again when Matt Heimbach flipped in turn three.
Sixth-place starter Pat Cannon raced by B. Heimbach for the second position on the fourth lap and began to reel in Lewis. A caution flag for Kyle Purks on lap 13 regrouped the field for a lap 14 restart, only to have the race stopped again for a crash in turn four involving Jason Shultz and Steve Buckwalter.
In the final laps of the race, Cannon quickly gained real estate on Lewis in traffic. With five laps remaining, an exciting battle took place between Lewis and Cannon as they see-sawed for the lead in heavy traffic. When Cannon appeared to have the race in hand on the final lap, Lewis used traffic to his advantage and pulled alongside of Cannon racing out of turn four. By a fraction of a second, Lewis took the thrilling win over Cannon, Heimbach, Rory Janney, and current Selinsgrove point leader Nate Snyder.
In the pro stock feature, polesitter John Bouse powered into the early race lead, with fifth-place starter AJ Hoffman in pursuit. On the second circuit, Hoffman made a successful pass for the lead using the high line around turn two.
Bouse maintained the runner up position until lap seven, when 11th-place starter Chad Davis advanced to second and set his sites on Hoffman. On the 13th lap, Davis secured the lead at the start/finish line with an inside pass by Hoffman.
Davis went on to take his second checkered flag of the season by less than a second ahead of Hoffman, sixth-place starter Jason Smith, Bouse, and Matt Johnson.
SELINSGROVE SPEEDWAY SUMMARY – 6 June 2009
Sprint Cars (358s/360s) – 54 Entries
30-Lap A-Main: 1) 21L Trevor Lewis $3,500 2) 3 Pat Cannon 3) 12 Blane Heimbach 4) 88 Rory Janney 5) 56 Nate Snyder 6) 63 Josh Weller 7) 22 Chris Coyle 8) 88 Andy Best 9) 38 Nick Schlaugh 10) 73 Kramer Williamson 11) 2 Art Liedl 12) 63 Mike Walter 13) 92 Michael Carber 14) 4R Davie Franek 15) 89 Robbie Stillwagen 16) 16C Chuck Palmucci 17) 2K Jason Shultz 18) 17B Steve Buckwalter 19) 64K Kyle Purks 20) 5W Phil Walter 21) 5G Curt Michael 22) 14 Matt Heimbach 23) 37 Scott Flammer 24) 5 Bryn Gohn 25) 19 Colby Womer 26) 2T TJ Stutts
Time Trials: 1) Trevor Lewis 18.145 2) Colby Womer 18.257 3) JJ Grasso 18.292 4) TJ Stutts 18.315 5) 5B Bryn Gohn 18.329 6) Robbie Stillwagon 18.345 7) Michael Carber 18.358 8) Rory Janney 18.432 9) Blane Heimbach 18.441 10) Curt Michael 18.472 11) Pat Cannon 18.531 12) 2K Jason Shultz 13) 2 Art Liedl 14) 16H Matt Horst 15) 88B Andy Best 16) Kevin Nouse 18.582 17) Brett Schoenly 18.596 18) Nick Schlauch Jr. 18.621 19) 56 Nate Snyder 18.629 20) Becca Anderson 18.636 21) 63 Josh Weller 18.647 22) 37 Scott Flammer 18.691 23) 14 Matt Heimbach 18.694 24) 22 Chris Coyle 18.696 25) Kramer Williamson 18.701 26) Davie Franek 18.716 27) Steve Buckwalter 18.779 28) Randy West 18.793 29) Davey Sammons 18.795 30) Phil Walter 18.818 31) Scott Purcell 18.860 32) Derek Locke 18.886 33) Chuck Palmucci 18.891 34) Kyle Purks 18.894 35) Josh Beard 18.931 36) Duane Mausteller 18.933 37) Danny Massey 18.942 38) Nyle Berkes 18.943 39) Midge Miller 18.965 40) Jeff Furlong 19.000 41) Mark Freeland 19.002 42) Kevin Darling 19.039 43) Mike Walter 19.068 44) Kenny Meisner 19.082 45) Chuck Paige 19.127 46) Tim Hogue 19.133 47) Jessica Anderson 19.205 48) Jonathan Baker 19.217 49) Jonathan Swanson 19.441 50) Ryan Kissinger 19.719 51) Mike Kostic 19.991 52) Tim Higgins 20.268 53) Cliff Brian No Time 54) Jack Thornton No Time
Heat Winners: Pat Cannon, Scott Flammer, Matt Heimbach, Chris Coyle, Phil Walter
C-Main Winners: Michael Carber, Ryan Kissinger
B-Main Winner: TJ Stutts
Pro Stocks – 15-Lap A-Main: 1) 91 Chad Davis 2) 19 AJ Hoffman 3) 28 Jason Smith 4) 28X John Bouse 5) 44 Matt Johnson 6) 99 Peanut Heintzelman 7) 19H Larry Hare 8) 28J Jeff Ceballo 9) 38 Scott Landis 10) 115 Shaun Miller 11) 6 Dan Jensen 12) 8H Lon Savage Jr. 13) 64 Cody McFadden 14) 3 Brad Trump DNS Heat Winners: John Bouse, Jason Smith
Roadrunners – 12-Lap A-Main: Postponed until June 13; Heat Winners: Ricky Bender, Jeremy Becker
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MACKISON CLAIMS FIRST LINCOLN "410" SPRINT CAR WIN SINCE 2000;
ABBOTTSTOWN, PA , 6/6/09 - Mack is back!
Veteran racer Johnny Mackison Jr. used all his experience to fight off the relentless challenges of defending track champion Brian Montieth in the closing laps to pick up his first win since 2000 in the non-stop 25-lap "Premier Auto Works/Auto Locator Night" 410 sprint car feature at Lincoln Speedway Saturday night.
Mackison, originally scheduled to start seventh, survived two opening lap crashes, and chased down race-long leader Pat Cooper in the third turn of lap seven to slide under the Copper Lincoln/Mercury #26 for the lead. Mackison then diced his way through lapped traffic during the ensuing hectic non-stop action.
Meanwhile, 11th-starting Montieth was charging to the front in his usual high-flying style to pass 10th-starting Jim Siegel for the runner-up spot on lap 14. At the time, Mackison held a slim half-second lead.
By the 17th lap, Montieth and Siegel were back on the leader's bumper as they continued to drive through the non-stop lapped traffic.
Then with two laps to go, Montieth made his move and shot under Mackison entering the first turn and slid up in front, only to have Mackison dive back down to the bottom and retake the lead up the backstretch.
Mackison then hung on over the final lap to grab the checkered .66-seconds ahead of Montieth for his fifth career win at the Pigeon Hills oval, his first since September 2, 2000.
"It's was exciting!," exclaimed Mackison upon exiting the B&B Metal Refinishing #65 in victory lane, "I was having pretty much fun. It's been a long time!"
"We've really been struggling the past few years putting our own deal together," added Mackison, "We've been getting closer. We've had a lot of mechanical issues. We're slowly replacing all the used parts we had...I really enjoy racing here and I'm glad to be here (victory lane)." "My two boys have been racing go-karts on Friday nights," said Mackison of his one night-per-week schedule, "I'm building this program to run more, and as they get older we'll get them into this deal. They'll be
behind me coming into these cars."
Jim Siegel crossed third, followed by Danny Dietrich and Niki Young. Sixth through tenth were Josh Wells, Cody Darrah, Cory Haas, Pat Cooper, and 19th-starting Fred Rahmer.
With the win, Mackison became the ninth different winner in 14 events in 2009.
Heats for the 27 "410" sprints were won by Mackison, Aaron Ott, and Doug Dodson, with Fred Rahmer winning the consolation.
Lewisberry's Kyle Moody was in the right place at the right time to score his first career Lincoln win in the 20-lap "358" sprint car feature.
Moody started fourth and was running second when leader Matt Boland got caught up in a turn two multi-car crash involving cars at the tail-end of the lead lap on lap seven.
Moody assumed the lead for the restart and paced the field the remaining 13 laps. Sixth-starting Austin Reed and ninth-starting Eric Tomecek crossed second and third, with Billy Dietrich and 12th-starting Jeff Rohrbaugh completing the top five. Sixth through tenth were Logan Schuchart, Mike Ressler, Gerard McIntyre, Jr., Glenndon Forsythe, and Tim Wagaman.
Heats for the 35 "358" sprints were won by Mike Ressler, Matt Boland, Billy Dietrich, and Kyle Moody, with Amy Ott winning the consolation.
This Wednesday night, June 10th, Lincoln Speedway will be back in action for a special mid-week show featuring the Inaugural Appalachian Mountain Dirt Late Model Speedweek. The event will also carry the the 2nd Annual Chargin' Charlie Grinestaff Memorial banner with the late models racing after the $7,000 top prize. The street stocks will round out the evening's action with the regularly scheduled feature as well as their make-up feature from May 16th. Racing action will get underway at 7 PM, with gates opening at 5 PM.
Then next Saturday night, June 13th, Lincoln will host the 57th Anniversary Show/John Gleim Jr. Excavating Night featuring the All Star Circuit of Champions and ARDC Midgets. Time Trials for the 410 sprints will get underway at 7 PM, with gates opening at 5 PM.
410 SPRINTS Feature (25 Laps) - 1. 65-Johnny Mackison Jr. ($3,000); 2. 21-Brian Montieth; 3. 59-Jim Siegel; 4. 88-Danny Dietrich; 5. 98-Niki Young; 6. 6W-Josh Wells; 7. 89-Cody Darrah; 8. 11C-Cory Haas; 9. 26-Pat Cooper; 10. 51-Fred Rahmer; 11. 15-Adam Wilt; 12. 87-Alan Krimes; 13. 19M-Brent Marks; 14. 39T-Tim Glatfelter; 15. 6K-Chris Knopp; 16. 3B-Randy Baughman; 17.71-Brian Leppo (DNF); 18. 4-John Rudisill (DNF); 19. 23-Todd Rittenhouse Jr. (DNF); 20. 25-Aaron Ott (DNF); 21. 43-Doug Dodson (DNF); 22. 71X-Bill Stine (DNF); 23. 3W-Scott Geesey (DNF); 24. 47J-Jeff Busby (DNF). Time - 6:20.536
Lap Leaders - Pat Cooper (1-6), Johnny Mackison Jr. (7-25)
358 SPRINTS Feature (20-Laps) - 1. 99M-Kyle Moody; 2. 34-Austin Reed; 3. 11T-Eric Tomecek; 4. 8-Billy Dietrich; 5. 7V-Jeff Rohrbaugh; 6. 1S-Logan Schuchart; 7. 38-Mike Ressler; 8. 16-Gerard McIntyre Jr.; 9. 5T-Glenndon Forsythe; 10. 1-Tim Wagaman; 11. 45-Kevin Nagy; 12. 1W-Scott Geesey; 13. 66-Dale Hammaker; 14. 27-Jay Galloway; 15. 91-Adrian Shaffer; 16. 50-Tim Berkheimer; 17. 93-Mike Bittinger; 18. 99-Joe Trone Jr.; 19. 65-cale Griffin; 20. 08-Jason Clauss (DNF); 21. 22T-Matt Boland (DNF); 22. 52-Amy Ott (DNF); 23. 98-Randy Davis (DNF); 24. 28-Keith Prutzman (DNF). No Time
Lap Leaders - Mike Ressler (1-4), Matt Boland (5-7), Kyle Moody (8-20)
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FRIDAY NIGHT RAINED OUT AT WILLIAMS GROVE -- 360 NATIONALS JUNE 26
MECHANICSBURG, PA -- Friday night's racing program at Williams Grove Speedway was rained out.
The URC-sanctioned 360 Nationals along with a complete program of racing for the Williams Grove sprint cars has been rescheduled for Friday, June 26, at 7:30.
An all-day rain had saturated the speedway grounds forcing officials to reschedule Friday night's program. The decision came at approximately 2:15.
This was the second rainout of the week for Williams Grove Speedway. The USAC sprint car/ARDC midget double header scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, was also lost to the elements.
Friday 's rainout marked the sixth weather-related loss of a race date at Williams Grove this season.
Williams Grove will host the Saturday Night Series on June 6 featuring super sportsman cars, 358 late models, street stocks and 4-cylinders beginning at 7:00. Admission is just $5.00.
On Tuesday evening, June 9th, the Appalachian Mountain Dirt Late Model Speedweek series will make a stop at Williams Grove.
The winner of Tuesday's 40-lap late model feature will earn $5000.
The limited 358 late models will also be on the card.
Qualifying begins at 7:00.
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Rain takes checkers at Clinton County
With the rain that fell overnight, persistant showers this morning, and more forecasted throughout the day, Clinton County Raceway has been forced to cancel todays events(6/5). Clinton County Raceway will be back in action next week with gates opening at 5pm and racing kicking off at 7pm sharp.
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USAC SPRINTS AND ARDC MIDGETS RAINED OUT AT WILLIAMS GROVE
MECHANICSBURG, PA -- With rain falling at Williams Grove Speedway Wednesday afternoon and a forecast calling for hunderstorms throughout the evening, track officials were forced to cancel the racing program featuring the USAC sprint cars and the ARDC midgets.
The decision to cancel was made at approximately 3:15 in an effort to keep the fans and race teams from traveling to the speedway with little hope of completing the event on Wednesday night.
The USAC sprint cars cannot be rescheduled this year, but they will be on the 2010 schedule at Williams Grove Speedway.
The ARDC midgets will be part of a Saturday Night Series program on July 11.
Rain has plagued both divisions at Williams Grove. The USAC sprints were also rained out last year and the ARDC midgets were rained out on May 1, 2009.
This was the fifth weather-related cancellation at the Grove this year.
Two race dates remain at the speedway this week.
On Friday evening, June 5, the Williams Grove sprint cars will once again be the headline attraction, and the URC-sanctioned 360 Nationals will also be presented.
With $4000 awaiting the winner of the 360 Nationals, a strong field of competitors is expected.
On Saturday night, June 6, a 4-division card including super sportsman cars, 358 c.i. late models, street stocks and 4-cylinder stock cars will be featured.
Saturday night's adult admission will be just $5.00.
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LARGE CROWD CHEERS JESSE HOCKETT TO VICTORY IN USAC EASTERN SWING OPENER TUESDAY NIGHT AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY
With severe thunder storms in the area, the show did go on Tuesday night as the USAC National Sprint Tour and the ARDC Wingless Midgets took part in the second race of the 2009 NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series presented by Lee Myles Transmissions. A large crowd filled the Grandview Speedway grandstands to see Jesse Hockett of Warsaw, MO sweep both twenty-five lap USAC sprint car feature events. Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett drove the Tom Buch owned sprinter and collected $6,500 for the victory. The show was completed by 10:30 PM.
The first order of business was the CnB Mushroom time trials for the USAC sprint cars. Tracy Hines of New Castle, IN set fast over Bryan Clauson and Levi Jones. In the three heat race events for the USAC sprint cars, victories went to Dave Darland of Lincoln, IN, Billy Pauch of Frenchtown, NJ and Brad Sweet of Grass Valley, CA as Tracy Hines won the semi-feature.
At the start of the first twenty-five lap feature Jesse Hockett was the early race leader followed by Chris Windom and Chad Boat. By lap nine, Hockett was still the pace setter with Windom and Boat now in a three car battle for the lead. Levi Jones and Bryan Clauson were now reeling in the leaders to make up the top five. With five laps remaining Windom was again taking a run at Hockett but he would run short of time before the first checker flag fell. Hockett took the win over Chris
Windom, Chad Boat, Bryan Clauson and Tracy Hines.
In the second USAC sprint feature, Hockett continued as the pace setter with Windom and Boat back in the chase. The second feature would run off non-stop although the challenges for the lead were plentiful. By lap nine Chris Windom was again in the hunt for the lead along with Bryan Clauson who was racing in third. On lap twelve, the first and second place cars crossed the line in a near dead heat with Hockett taking the advantage going into turn one. Hockett stretched his lead but just for a moment as Windom was looking at another attempt to take the lead on lap sixteen. Windom then had to concentrate on Clauson who was trying to take second.
With five laps to go the top three were racing under a blanket with Tracy Hines now reeling in the top three. Hockett was rim-riding, glazing the outside boiler plate wall through turns three and four. As the field passed on lap twenty-two, Clauson edged ahead of Windom as both second and third place drivers were on the rear bumper of the leader.
For the final lap, Windom made a last ditch effort diving to the very bottom of the speedway attempting to slide across in front of the leader. Hockett was not going to give up the lead that easily and bought back to regain the lead and score his very first Thunder on the Hill career feature win. Chris Windom of Canton, IL was second followed by Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, IN, Tracy Hines and Jerry Coons Jr of Tucson, AZ.
The ARDC wingless Midgets were action packed as well. The three heat race events went off non-stop with victories going to Shane Penny, Tracy Readinger and Steve Buckwalter as Billy Pauch Jr. won the "B" Main.
In the twenty-five lap midget feature, Shane Penny was the early race leader over Tracy Readinger. PJ Gargiulo moved into second on lap six with Bruce Buckwalter Jr. then taking over the runner-up spot on lap seven.
Penny continue to set the pace with Gargiulo second, Bruce Buckwalter Jr. third and Steve Buckwalter now on a charge and racing in fourth. Steve Buckwalter likes the Grandview Speedway and quickly adapted to the fantastic track conditions. Buckwalter moved into second on lap ten and eventually took the lead on lap twelve.
Once on top, Steve Buckwalter pretty much had an easy ride, but the battle for second was fast and furious. Having a strong run late in the race, Frank Polimeda was also on a charge, moving into third on lap three. "B" Main feature winner Billy Pauch Jr was also racing in the top five. Bruce Buckwalter, Polimeda, and Pauch were in a three car race all their own. With two laps remaining, Polimeda made the move to take second. Pauch Jr. was not about to give up as he passed Bruce
Buckwalter Jr with just one lap to go.
Steve Buckwalter scored a convincing ARDC Wingless Midget win with Frank Polimeda second, Billy Pauch Jr. third, Bruce Buckwalter Jr. fourth and Ryan Watt fifth.
ARDC WINGLESS MIDGET FEATURE FINISH- -25 LAPS: #0 Stevie Buckwalter, #44 Frank Polimeda, #20 Billy Pauch Jr., #83 Bruce Buckwalter, #75 Ryan Watt, #10 PJ Gargiulo, #26 Stephanie Stevens, #05 Trevor Kobylarz, #29 Zack Martini, #34 Shane Penny, #57 Jason Rice, #99 Scott Zipp, #9 Steve Lenig, #49 Carey Becker, #78 Nick Wean, #46 Brett Arndt, #6 Dusty Heistand, #17 Don Hoffman, #00 Greg Robinson, #11 Eric Hydenrich, #91 Donny Trent, #12 Drew Heistand, #54 Curt Michael, #84 Jimmy Cammock, #2 Tracey Readinger, #16 Dave Shirk.
USAC NATIONAL SPRINT TOUR FEATURE FINISH- - -25 LAPS: 13 Jesse Hockett, #17 Chris Windom, #7 Bryan Clauson, #21 Tracy Hines, #69 Jerry Coons, #2b Dave Darland, #20 Levi Jones, #30 Chad Boat, #71 Damion Gardner, #67k Cole Whitt, #9 Brad Sweet, #67x Henry Clarke, #1z Billy Pauch, #67 Darren Hagen, #81 Robert Ballou, #5 Scotty Weir, #29 Bud Kaeding, #63 Josh Weller, #1j Kevin Swindell.
USAC NATIONAL SPRINT TOUR FEATURE FINISH- - 25 LAPS $6,000 TO WIN: #13 Jesse Hockett, #17 Chris Windom, #30 Chad Boat, #7 Bryan Clauson, #21 Tracy Hines, #69 Jerry Coons, #67k Cole Whitt, #Dave Darland, #20 Levi Jones, #71 Damion Gardner, #9 Brad Sweet, #5 Scotty Weir, #67 Darren Hagen, #67x Henry Clarke, #1z Billy Pauch, #29 Bud Kaeding, #81 Robert Ballou, #63 Josh Weller, #1j Kevin Swindell, #8 Steve Petry.
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USAC SPRINTS & ARDC WINGLESS MIDGETS INVADE GRANDVIEW TUESDAY NIGHT, JUNE 2ND
Jessica Zemken to challenge the best of USAC to include Dave Darland, Levi Jones, Cole Whitt, Chad Boat, Kevin Swindell, Tracy Hines & Jesse Hockett
Female sprint car driver Jessica Zemken from upstate New York will be in the field at the Grandview Speedway on Tuesday night, June 2nd when the USAC National Wingless Sprint Tour heads east for a four race swing through Pennsylvania. If you've never seen a USAC wingless sprint show, this is one race you just can't miss. USAC Wingless Sprints , where some bumping, wheel banging and a bounce off the wall will never get in the way of a good race. Also on the program will the popular ARDC Wingless midgets. Race time is set for 7 PM as the NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series presented by Lee Myles Transmissions present race two of 2009.
Local favorite, Billy Pauch of Frenchtown, NJ will have an eye on that $6,000 payday. Pauch is the all time leading feature winner in the nineteen year history of the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series. Billy Pauch Jr will also be in the pits, driving an ARDC wingless midget. Pauch Jr. won the ARDC midget feature at the Grandview Speedway (his first ARDC win) just a few weeks back. With that said, it is possible that Pauch Sr and Pauch Jr could be standing in victory lane at Grandview on Tuesday night.
THUNDER FACTS FOR 2009
Thunder on the Hill Racing Series presented by Lee Myles Transmissions
When: Tuesday night, June 2nd
7:00 PM Gates open at 5:00 PM
What: Thunder on the Hill Racing Series 20th Anniversary Season Continues!
USAC Wingless Sprint National Tour 50 Laps/Twin 25's format Plus ARDC Midgets
Where: Grandview Speedway Pass more Road, Route 100 Bechtelsville, PA 19505, ten mile north of Pottstown, PA
Track Facts: Free Parking, Great Food at Reasonable Prices, Family Seating Section, All seats un-reserved, Directions, lodging and camp sites listed on our websites.
Admission: $25 Adults, $5 Children 6-11, Children under 6 Free
Pit Fee: $30, license is not required
Track #: 610-754-7688
Website: www.thunderonthehillracingseries.com or www.grandviewspeedway.com
Special Happenings: Salute to Living Legend Car Owner & Promoter, Ken Brenn Sr. Meet Ms. Thunder on the Hill Skye Michael, See JOE the Pizza Dude sponsored by Wink Motorsports, The Round Table Girls. Meet Miss Motorsports Alyssa Sharman, try the Inside/Out Promotion, Fan Giveaways, Fans Rhyme Time Competition*, Grandview Thunder Program Book, 20th Anniversary Thunder on the Hill Racing Series t-shirts, Fireworks on feature parade lap, Fans invited to take part in the joyous victory lane ceremonies and meet the drivers in the pit area following the races.
Tuesday, June 2nd Order of Events:
Gates Open 5 PM
6:30 PM ARDC Warm-ups
USAC Sprint Warm-ups
USAC Wingless Sprint Time Trials
7:30 PM National Anthem
ARDC Heats- - 8 laps
USAC Wingless Sprint Heats
ARDC "B" Main
USAC Wingless Sprint B Main
ARDC Feature 20 laps
Intermission
USAC Wingless Sprint 50 Lap Feature (Twin 25's format) $6,000 to win!
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LANCE DEWEASE DOMINATES PORT ROYAL SPRINT CAR ACTION
For Immediate Release:
May 31, 2009
Port Royal, PA
Lance Dewease is a realist. DeWease entered Port Royal Speedway's winners circle for the first time this season Saturday night. Most drivers would be happy to just win. DeWease and his crew were striving for improvement. " I'm a realist. Anybody that knows me knows that I'm a realist and we weren't that good tonight. Starting spot is what won us this race. We need to be a lot better. If I'd of had to start back like where Todd (Shaffer) and those guys did, I think we would have been in trouble. We need to come back up here and work on our program. We struggled with the lapped cars. They were beating us down the straight aways. We weren't real great but we'll go home and work on it to make it better."
DeWease started on the pole and led all 25 laps of the feature. Mark Smith started seventh and finished second. Daryn Pittman drove the Jesse Keen owned no. 17 to a third place finish. Greg Hodnett was fourth with Mike Erdley fifth. Completing the top ten were Todd Shaffer, Rick Lafferty, Dave Ely, Bob Bennett and Jeff VanDusen. Heats for the 20 car field were won by Pittman and DeWease.
The race was under caution on two occasions. Daryl Stimeling and Steve Buckwalter stopped on the speedway during lap three. Both drivers were finished for the night. On lap seven Craig Robinson and Mike Wagner were involved in a turn four mishap which eliminated both cars from competition. Wagner was tapped to drive the Dave Middleswarth owned no. 7 sprint car after regular driver Keith Kauffman did not appear at the speedway.. Chad Layton piloted the car Friday night at William's Grove Speedway and finished fifth. Kauffman's status as driver of the racer was unknown at the conclusion of the event.
Waylon Wagner of Lewistown won the AB Auto Glass/Mike Cleck Paving late model feature for the second straight week. Wagner was flying at the start of the event. Literally. An 11 car pile up occurred as the field exited turn four on the initial start. Wagner lined up 11TH and was hit by another car. The impact damaged the right side sheet metal and picked the back end of Wagner's car up about two feet in the air. " I was a little worried there on the start when we got airborne. We come down real hard. I felt stuff crunching back there and everywhere else. I didn't know if I busted anything or not. I must not of.", laughed Wagner. " I saw cars going everywhere,( on the start) I tried to cut and gun the gas to the left and then back to the right. It was just back and forth like a ping pong." , Wagner added.
Wagner grabbed the lead on lap three from Chris Casner who started second. Wagner dominated the event while taking the win. One additional caution lap came during lap one when Tim Fedder and Mike Romig made contact on the backstretch. Fedder was finished for the night. Romig completed 19 laps and finished 16TH.
Scott Flickinger finished second. Tim Wilson was the other star of the race. Wilson started 16TH and drove to a third place finish. Wilson won the TB Auto Body of Shippensburg, PA hard charger of the race with his performance. Wilson, and several other cars ran three wide several times during the race. Scotty Haus finished fourth with Mitch Hack fifth. Sixth through tenth were Casner, Tyler Hershey, Matt Murphy, Bryan Sipe and Shane Garman. Heat races for the 25 car field were won by Flickinger, Hack and Casner.
John Wert won for the first time ever in Miller Auto Parts pro stock action. Josh Angle led the first lap of the feature before giving way to Wert. Time Krape went to the front on lap six before dropping out with engine problems during lap eight. Wert regained control and went on to the win. Devin Frey finished second with Herm Renninger third. Jeff Rayson was fourth with Tracker fifth. The remainder of the top ten included Derick Garman, Dan Berry, Krape, Josh Angle and Terry Naugle. Naugle, Krape, Garman and Berry all had problems and failed to complete the entire event.
Jason Zook and Bill Powell were the class of the field in Gray's Towing & Licensing Service enduro action. Zook won for the second time of the season while Powell settled for second. Powell repeatedly tried to pass Zook while running the top side of the speedway. Zook held Powell off several times during the closing laps. Brady Cuaffman led until lap 14 before Zook went to the front. Cauffman finished third. Craig Imes was fourth and Steve Harlan fifth. Sixth through tenth were Alan Noss, Kevin Imes, Adam Yetter, Ryan Renninger and Scott Hopple.
Action continues Saturday June 6 when the Aumiller & Associate Insurance sprint cars compete in the 30 lap Pete Swarmer Memorial race. The pro stocks and enduro cars are joined by the restored race cars of the William's Grove Old Timers. The Penn Central Racing Association will host their annual reunion prior to the program. Track time will be given to the restored racers.
Racing action starts at 7.
The first ever Appalachian Late Model Speedweek is just around the corner. The series visits Port Royal Thursday June 11 along with the limited late models. A who's who of tri-state late model racers and traveling national stars are expected to compete. General admission tickets are just $20.00 for this premier event.
In other speedway news, management has announced a schedule change for August 15. The super sportsman cars have been added to the program.
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CANNON RETURNS TO WINNING FORM IN 358 SPRINTS
SELINSGROVE, Pa. – Defending track champion Pat Cannon of Etters returned to Selinsgrove Speedway in winning form Saturday night with a convincing victory in the 25-lap 358 sprint car main event.
Cannon, a six-time winner at the track last year who competed in the 410 sprint car ranks the first part of this season, recently reunited with the Highlands Tire Service No. 3 team. The $1,500 win was the 11th of Cannon’s career at Selinsgrove Speedway.
Jeff Rine of Danville continued his early-season domination of the late model division with his sixth victory of the year in the 25-lap feature. Rine now has 52 career wins at the Snyder County oval.
AJ Hoffman of Richfield became the leading pro stock feature winner this season by capturing his fourth victory in the division’s 15-lap main event. Keith Bissinger of Orangeville won both of the 12-lap roadrunner main events, pushing his season win total to four.
Selinsgrove Speedway will present two complete racing programs next weekend, beginning with the rescheduled Jack Gunn Memorial Challenge Race for URC and 358 sprint cars plus pro stocks and roadrunners at 7:30 p.m Saturday, June 6. The speedway will swing back into action on Sunday, June 7, with the inaugural Appalachian Mountain Speedweek Series for late models at 7:30 p.m. Track gates both nights will open at 5 p.m.
Original fourth-place starter Colby Womer drove into the lead at the start of the sprint car feature. Womer was chased by polesitter Mark Manieri Jr. for the first two circuits until third-place starter Elvin Diller III moved into the runner up position.
TJ Stutts, who entered Saturday’s race third in the point standings, brought out the event’s first caution flag when he stopped his race car on the track with a flat tire. Stutts rejoined the race and made an impressive rebound into fifth at the end of the race.
On the fifth circuit, 12th-place starter Pat Cannon quickly advanced to second and began to reel in Womer. On a lap seven restart, Cannon made the winning pass by Womer using the inside lane entering turn three. Womer maintained the runner up position while fifth-place starter Jeff Furlong and sixth-place starter Davie Franek raced in the top five.
Current point leader and 10th-place starter Nate Snyder made a late-race charge to the front of the pack. Snyder won the duel for second on lap 21 and set his sites on Cannon. On the 24th lap, Womer’s rear axle reportedly broke racing off turn four, which caused his car to roll over on the frontstretch. Womer escaped injury.
Another wild incident occurred on the restart when fifth-place racer Phil Walter made contact with the backstretch wall and spun. On the ensuing restart Cannon held Snyder at bay and posted a 1.2 second margin of victory. Scott Flammer, Furlong, and Stutts completed the top five.
On the start of the late model feature, eighth-place starter Steve Campbell and 11th-place starter Bryan Bernheisel made contact racing off turn two. When the race resumed, second-place starter Dustin Hoffman pulled into the early lead and was chased by polesitter Troy Miller.
On the third circuit, point leader and eighth-place starter Jeff Rine gained real estate on Hoffman and made the winning pass using the inside lane in turn three. Once in front, Rine checked out from the field, while third-place starter Dylan Yoder held down the second position.
Ninth-place starter Donnie Schick began to show some speed late in the race and passed Yoder for second on the 18th lap, while seventh-place starter Tony Adams advanced to third on the 20th lap. Rine was again the class of the field and posted a 2.5 second margin of victory over Schick, Adams, Yoder, and Eric Hons.
Polesitter Gerald Kratzer took the lead at the start of the pro stock feature. Second-place starter John Bouse followed Kratzer for the first five laps until seventh-place starter AJ Hoffman stormed into second.
On the seventh lap, Hoffman made the winning pass using the low line around turns three and four. At the same time, third-place starter Chad Davis moved into second, with Kratzer maintaining the third position.
With five laps remaining, fourth-place starter Cody McFadden and eighth-place starter Jason Smith advanced to third and fourth, respectively. At the checkered flag, Hoffman was victorious by less than a second over Davis, McFadden, Smith, and Kratzer.
In the makeup roadrunner feature from May 23, polesitter Kyle Miller led the first five laps of the race. On the sixth circuit, eighth-place starter Keith Bissinger powered into the lead, while fifth-place starter Cory Long and ninth-place starter Eric Pinkerton dueled for second.
Pinkerton secured the second position on the ninth circuit and attempted to challenge Bissinger for the lead and win to no avail. Bissinger was victorious over Pinkerton, Long, Scott Dunham Jr., and Mike Kiehl.
In the regularly scheduled roadrunner feature, second-place starter Scott Dunham Jr. raced in the lead position for two laps until ninth-place starter Keith Bissinger drove his car known as “The Tank” into the lead.
Fourth-place starter Cory Long took over the second position on the fourth lap and remained in striking distance for the duration of the event. Bissinger held off any challenges and posted the win over Long, Ricky Bender, S. Dunham, and Brad Mitch.
SELINSGROVE SPEEDWAY SUMMARY – 30 May 2009
358 Sprint Cars – 26 Entries
25-Lap A-Main: 1) 3 Pat Cannon 2) 56 Nate Snyder 3) 37 Scott Flammer 4) 10 Jeff Furlong 5) 2T TJ Stutts 6) 17M Mark Manieri Jr. 7) 99B Nyle Berkes 8) 2 Chris Borich 9) 63 Mike Walter 10) 5 Phil Walter 11) 7 Joey Borich 12) 42 Alan Spriggle 13) 71 Jessica Anderson 14) 19 Colby Womer 15) 66 Ryan Kissinger 16) 4R Davie Franek 17) 12 Blane Heimbach 18) 2 Jason Shultz 19) 14 Matt Heimbach 20) 1N Brian Nornhold 21) 77 Derek Locke 22) 21 Duane Mausteller 23) 21D Elvin Diller 24) 19 Jordan Frontz
Heat Winners: Nate Snyder, Davie Franek, Phil Walter
Late Models – 19 Entries
25-Lap A-Main: 1) 2J Jeff Rine 2) 6 Donnie Schick 3) 88 Tony Adams 4) 32 Dylan Yoder 5) 45 Eric Hons 6) 115 Troy Miller 7) 99 Jeff Smith 8) 90 Kyle Rhoads 9) 23 Mike Bingaman 10) 51 Dave Graber 11) 111 Jim Neiman 12) 7M Meade Hahn 13) 9E Eric Metzger 14) 7 Dustin Hoffman 15) 7 Dustin Hoffman 16) M1 Mike Mort 17) 0 Brett Schadel 18) 2 Steve Campbell 19) 119B Bryan Bernheisel 20) 16 Matt Cochran
Heat Winners: Dylan Yoder, Dustin Hoffman
Pro Stocks – 16 Entries
15-Lap A-Main: 1) 19 AJ Hoffman 2) 91 Chad Davis 3) 64 Cody McFadden 4) 28 Jason Smith 5) 10 Gerald Kratzer 6) 38 Scott Landis 7) 115 Shaun Miller 8) 6 Dan Jensen 9) 99 Peanut Heintzelman 10) 71 Kurt Wray 11) 3 Brad Trump 12) 8H Lon Savage Jr. 13) 28X John Bouse 14) 28J Jeff Ceballo 15) 28P Kyle Parson 16) 19H Larry Hare
Heat Winners: John Bouse, Chad Davis
Roadrunners – 24 Entries
12-Lap A-Main: 1) 11B Keith Bissinger 2) 00 Cory Long 3) 29B Ricky Bender 4) 77 Scott Dunham Jr. 5) 39 Brad Mitch 6) 76 Bob Bussey 7) 21K Mike Kiehl 8) 31 Brandon Shultz 9) 12JR Doug Minium Jr. 10) 7 Butch Shaffer 11) 69 Marlin Dunham 12) 12 Doug Minium 13) 5 Dave Adams 14) 77J Jeff Swanger 15) 37 Eric Pinkerton 16) 41D Dennis Conrad 17) 307 Bo Lynch 18) 32 Ken Schreffler 19) 201 Brian Johnson 20) 1 Kyle Miller 21) 70J John Schreffler 22) 44 Jim Collier 23) 13 Jim Collier Jr. 24) 17 Matt Hornberger
Heat Winners: Keith Bissinger, Cory Long
12-Lap Makeup Feature (From 5/23): 1) 11B Keith Bissinger 2) 37 Eric Pinkerton 3) 00 Cory Long 4) 77 Scott Dunham Jr. 5) 21K Mike Kiehl 6) 69 Marlin Dunham 7) 201 Brian Johnson 8) 31 Brandon Shultz 9) 29B Ricky Bender 10) 76 Bob Bussey 11) 7 Butch Shaffer 12) 17 Matt Hornberger 13) 12JR Doug Minium Jr. 14) 12 Doug Minium 15) 70J John Schreffler 16) 13 Jim Collier Jr. 17) 1 Kyle Miller 18) 77J Jeff Swanger 19) 44 Jim Collier 20) 32 Ken Schreffler 21) 41 Dennis Conrad
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Clinton County Raceway Results 5-29-09
Mackeyville, PA – Clinton County Raceway was finally able to sneak one past Mother Nature. Heavy rains over night made the track crew earn their pay as they rolled up their sleeves and went to work. It turned out to be one of the nicest surfaces of the season as the drivers took full advantage of the smooth track. Luke Hoffner was finally able to make it to victory lane after a hard fought battle with Bobby Stokes. Stokes was able to peak under Hoffner on a few occasions but not enough to pull of the pass. The win was a huge relief for Hoffner as he has been close but shut out the last few seasons. Bryan Bernheisel put on the drive of the night, as he was involved in a lap 5 mixup that saw him restart in the rear. He methodically worked his way up for the three spot. John Myers has been very close to victory lane but hasn’t gotten there yet in 09 until now. Myers was finally able to break through. It wasn’t easy as there was a fierce bathe between Denny Fourney, Cliff Berry, and Myers, with Myers using the high side to find his way around the track.
The 600 Micros were out once again as Tyler Walton Dominated the feature event. The battle of the night was between Kevin Steele and Mike Koehler with Steele coming out ahead in the runner up spot. Mike Schuckers once again bested his rival Brian Kishbaugh as the two swapped the lead until Schuckers took it for good near halfway and never relinquished it. Lee Zook made good on his first night back in the 4-Cyl division as he took the checkers in a flag to flag race.
Late Models (18 Entries) - Luke Hoffner, Bobby Stokes, Bryan Bernheisel, Billy Esh, Matt Cochran, Dylan Yoder, Waylon Wagner, Todd Baumgardner, Eric Matthews, Harry Miller, Jeremy Ohl, Nick Loffredo, Bryon Sipe, Josh Young, Dan Boyd, Zach Loffredo, George Fultz, TJ Fleck
Pro Stocks - (17 Entries) - John Myers, Denny Fourney, Cliff Berry, Chris Berry, AY Schilling, Jim Berry, Brad Myers, John Bouse, Dave Riddell, Keith Tebbs, Terry Shedden, Doug Minium, Rich Fye, Robert Tressler, Tim Krape, Kevin VanAmburg, Artie Stevens (DNS)
600 Micro – (7 Entries) - Tyler Walton, Kevin Steele, Mike Koehler, Jerry Mack, Nick Wood, Sierra Weaver (DNS)
270 Micro (18 Entries) - Mike Schuckers, Brian Kishbaugh, Skeetz Hockenbrouch, Glen Houtz, Tyler Cochran, Greg Steward, Amanda Anderson, Jessica Anderson, Randy Myers, Doug Darby, Bill Frederick, Dick Bonuersox, Bryce Stephens, John Roberts, Josh Rourdey (DNS), Mike Murphy (DNS), Derek Johnson (DNS) Jim Welshans (DNS)
4-Cyl (24 Entries) - Lee Zook, Matt Krape, Dave Fink, Evan Palski, Sam Creveling, Cody Robbins, Kevin Wolfe, A.J. Hoffner, Dave Flook, Tom Quiggle, Colton Hoover, Chris Snyder, Josh Slegle, James Frye Jr., Jason Long, Larry Beachel, Kevin Powell, Jessica Palski, Eric Palski, Jason Laubsher, Heather Marr, Brian Shook, Zack Laubsher (DNS)
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HODNETT FROM 10TH AT WILLIAMS GROVE
MECHANICSBURG, PA -- Greg Hodnett scored an impressive victory in the 25-lap sprint car feature Friday night at Williams Grove Speedway.
Aaron Ott blasted off the front row to take the early lead while Hodnett, who started 10th, was working through traffic Dave Ely began to close on Ott at the halfway point and took the lead with an inside move off turn two on lap 17.
It was at this point that Hodnett began to show some real speed as he took third place from Rick Lafferty.
With Hodnett moving in on Ott, the 17-year old high school student had his night end in a cloud of smoke five laps from the finish, bringing out the race's first caution period.
Hodnett made short work of Ely on the restart and immediately began to open a commanding lead.
Despite another caution period on lap 24, Hodnett cruised to his 39th career win at Williams Grove and his second of the season.
He earned $3550 for his performance. Hodnett's total included lap money and a $500 bonus for winning from the tenth starting position.
Ely settled for second in his best effort of the season. Rick Lafferty came home third with Mike Erdley fourth.
Chad Layton in the Middleswarth #7 took fifth place on the last lap. Doug Esh was sixth.
Lance Dewease, Fred Rahmer and Adam Wilt completed the top ten.
Heats for the 25 sprint cars in competition were won by Don Kreitz, Jr., Lafferty and Ott.
In the 20-lap 358 sprint feature Frankie Herr and Blane Heimbach traded the lead several times in the closing laps before
Herr emerged with the victory.
Heimbach settled for second. Cory Haas and Pat Cannon rounded out the top five. Matt Boland, Mark Freeland, Heimbach and Haas claimed heats for the 34 358 sprint cars in the pit area.
Nate Hammaker won the consolation race.
Williams Grove Speedway Feature Finishes - May 29, 2009
Sprint Car Feature - 25 laps - 1. Greg Hodnett, 2. Dave Ely, 3. Rick Lafferty, 4. Mike Erdley, 5. Chad Layton, 6. Doug Esh, 7. Brian Montieth, 8. Lance Dewease, 9. Fred Rahmer, 10. Adam Wilt, 11. Daryn Pittman, 12. Brian Leppo, 13. Mark Smith, 14. Todd Shaffer, 15. Justin Henderson, 16. Jim Siegel, 17. Chris Meleason, 18. Steve Buckwalter, 19. Aaron Ott, 20. Bob Bennett, 21. Jimmy Reppert, 22. Don Kreitz, Jr., 23. A. J. Michael, 24. Alan Krimes (DNS), Cody Darrah (DNS)
358 Sprint Feature - 20 laps - 1. Frankie Herr, 2. Blane Heimbach, 3. Cory Haas, 4. Scott Geesey, 5. Pat Cannon, 6. Ricky Stonebraker, 7. Matt Boland, 8. Steve Fannasy, 9. Kyle Pruitt, 10. Mark Freeland, 11. Eric Tomecek, 12. Logan Schuchart, 13. Elvin Diller, 14. Todd Reed, 15. Billy Johns, 16. Dale Hammaker, 17. Danny Massey, 18. Kyle Moody, 19. Rich Eichelberger, 20. Austin Reed, 21. Nate Hammaker, 22. Amy Ott, 23. Jimmy Strausbaugh, 24. Jay Galloway
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USAC SPRINTS WEDNESDAY JUNE 3 -- BILLY PAUCH ENTERED IN ZEMCO CAR
MECHANICSBURG, PA -- A rich tradition will be renewed when the United States Auto Club's National Sprint Car Series returns to Williams Grove Speedway on Wednesday, June 3.
The ARDC midgets will also be on the card and qualifying is scheduled to begin at 7:00.
Once a regular stop on USAC's national tour, Williams Grove has not hosted the Indianapolis-based sanctioning body and their wingless sprint cas in nearly twelve years.
In fact the Grove, known for its weekly diet of winged sprint car racing, has not held any non-wing sprint car races since 2002.
Some of the all-time greats of the sport won USAC sprint car races at Williams Grove including the legendary A.J. Foyt along with Parnelli Jones, Pat Flaharty, Eddie Sachs, Johnny Thomson, Tommy Hinnershitz, Roger McCluskey, Don Branson, Mitch Smith, Jan Opperman and Dick Tobias.
Defending national champion Jerry Coons, Jr. of Tucson, Arizona, will lead a strong contingent of USAC regulars into Williams Grove on June 3.
Former champion and Indiana residents Tracy Hines and Levi Jones will enter cars owned by NASCAR star Tony Stewart, who is also a former USAC champion.
NASCAR's Kasey Kahne has also entered a car for his driver, Brad Sweet, of Grass Valley, California.
Other entries of note include former champion Dave Darland of Lincoln, IN, and two-time Silver Crown champion Bud Kaeding of Campbell, CA, along with Chad Boat of Phoenix, Josh Wise, Riverside, CA, Kevin Swindell, Germantown, TN, Jesse Hockett, Warsaw, MO, Cole Whitt, Alpine, CA and Damion Gardner of Concord, CA, who won the last wingless sprint car race at Williams Grove, which was run under SCRA sanction in 2002.
The last USAC race at the Grove was won by Frenchtown, NJ's Billy Pauch in 1996, and on June 3 Pauch will be reunited with the Zemco team which helped him to that USAC victory and so many more during the `90's.
In anticipation of the USAC race, two former National Open champions, Cody Darrah of Red Lion and Lancasater's Doug Esh, will remove their wings at an open practice session following Friday night's sprint car/358 racing program at Williams Grove.
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FOUR DIVISIONS MAY 30 SPONSORED AT SELINSGROVE SPEEDwAY
SELINSGROVE, Pa. – Selinsgrove Speedway will present a four division show of 358 sprint cars, late models, pro stocks, and roadrunners at 7 p.m. this Saturday, May 30. Track gates will open at 5 p.m.
After eight races, Nate Snyder of Halifax leads the A&A Auto Stores 358 sprint car standings by 20 points over Blane Heimbach of Selinsgrove. Feature winners this season include Scott Flammer of West Milford, NJ (2); Phil Walter of McClure (2); Jason Shultz of Carlisle (1); Kevin Nouse of Lewisberry (1); Joey Borich of Sunbury (1); and Heimbach (1).
In the MAPCO Machine Shop late model division, Jeff Rine of Danville holds a 310-point lead over Steve Campbell of Danville. Rine recently scored his fifth win of the season at the track, with Dustin Hoffman of McCalisterville and Jeff Smith of Blain recording single wins to date.
Jason Smith of Williamsport holds a commanding lead in the Salem RV Center pro stock standings with a 480-point margin over AJ Hoffman of Richfield. Both Smith and Hoffman are three-time winners so far this season. Brian Towsey of Port Royal and Chad Davis of Muir have each scored one win.
In the Byers Built Engines/Collier Paving & Construction roadrunners, Bob Bussey of Northumberland has a 140-point lead over Marlin Dunham of Selinsgrove. Feature winners this season include Eric Pinkerton of Tower City (1), Keith Bissinger of Orangeville (2), Ricky Bender of Jolliett (2), and Mike Kiehl of Ashland.
Selinsgrove Raceway Park will present a program of go kart and micro sprint car racing at 7 p.m. Friday, May 29. Defending champion Ken Duke of Selinsgrove, a one-time winner this year, leads the Selinsgrove Ford micro sprint car standings by 100 points over Jake Hummel of Sunbury, a two-time winner this season.
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STEVIE SCORES KEYSTONE CUP VICTORY AT WILLIAMS GROVE
MECHANICSBURG, PA -- Stevie Smith increased his lead in the Keystone Cup Series point standings with a victory in the 30-lap sprint car feature Friday night at Williams Grove Speedway.
Fred Rahmer and Smith started on the front row with Rahmer using the low line to take the early lead.
Smith and Rahmer swapped the lead back and forth through turns three and four on the first lap, but Smith took over with an outside move exiting the second corner on lap two.
Once in front Smith began to stretch his lead while the real show was provided by Doug Esh and Brian Montieth, both of whom started far back in the field.
Esh, who lined up 14th, cracked the top five on the fifth lap and was third on lap nine. He drove by Rahmer five laps later and began his pursuit of the leader.
Following a caution period with 12 laps remaining Smith began to pull away, but in the final laps Esh closed rapidly finishing just a car length behind the winner.
Smith earned $5000 for his 21st career victory at Williams Grove and first since May 11, 2007.
Esh's runnerup finish was his best of the season. Mark Smith took third from Rahmer on the last lap. Mike Erdley finished sixth after a spirited duel with Montieth. Greg Hodnett was seventh, which was where he started.
Todd Shaffer settled for eighth and retained his lead in the point standings. Jim Siegel and Cody Darrrah completed the top ten.
Alan Cole set fast time in qualifications with a lap of 16.777.
Heats for the 31 sprint cars in competition were won by Lance Dewease, Esh and Pat Cannon.
Don Kreitz, Jr. won the B-main.
Williams Grove Speedway Feature Finish - May 22, 2009
Keystone Cup Sprint Car Feature - 30 laps - 1. Stevie Smith, 2. Doug Esh, 3. Mark Smith, 4. Fred Rahmer, 5. Brian Montieth, 6. Mike Erdley, 7. Greg Hodnett, 8. Todd Shaffer, 9. Jim Siegel, 10. Cody Darrah, 11. Alan Cole, 12. Lance Dewease, 13. Alan Krimes, 14. Don Kreitz, Jr. 15. Pat Cannon, 16. Steve Buckwalter, 17. Dave Ely, 18. Justin Henderson, 19. Adam Wilt, 20. Aaron Ott, 21. Keith Kauffman, 22. Kevin Nouse, 23. Chris Meleason, 24. Rick Lafferty.
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Clinton County Raceway
Friday
410 sprint cars: George Suprick, Blane Heimbach, Jeremy Ohl, Bobby Howard, Dylan Proctor, Craig Folmar, Curt Stroup, Daryl Stimeling, Jim Kennedy, Mike Walter II, Rich Brungard, Rod Stroup, Chuck Brion, Scott Lutz, Mark Whitebread, Billy Schoffstall, Matt Johnson, Nick Weikle, Roger Fickett, Neil Petock. DNQ: Chuck Roan Jr., Bill McNeal, Jack Thornton, Bill Jones Jr.
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STEVIE SMITH GETS SOUTH OF THE BORDER KEYSTONE TRIUMPH
Hagerstown, Md. – After setting fast time for the Keystone Cup Sprint Series event, Stevie Smith and the Zemco race team were later in Hagerstown Speedway’s victory lane following his $5,000 win on night two of the special sprint series.
Williamsport’s Pete Weaver was victorious for the 15th time in his career in the Bill Bowman Special for the late model sportsman 31-lap event. Bowman was a total race fan who was passionate for the sound of a racing engine. He was involved in racing in one capacity or another: helper, driver, car owner for more than 40 years. Bowman passed away May 27, 2008.
Smith, a New Oxford, Pa native, of Broken Arrow, OK, started fourth after earlier pulling the four car invert to take the lead from Keith Kauffman but lose it to Fred Rahmer. Smith stepped up following a lap 25 restart to retake the top spot and drive on to a ten length lead over Rahmer at the checkered.
“Fred snuck up on me there, he did a good job,” Smith said. “He actually had me beat. I got a good restart there, had some open track and just went the opposite direction. If he would have went up, I would have went down. He went down, so I went up. You don’t have anything to loose in second except second place. The car was good and the track was actually three lanes. That’s all you can ask for.”
When the green waved, Kauffman powered around the top from the outside pole to lead while Smith beat pole setter Todd Shaffer into second spot. Kauffman set the pace while Smith slowly closed in and sixth starting Rahmer arrived in third on the third circuit.
Smith exited turn four to get past Kauffman on the eighth circuit and got into rear traffic two laps later while Rahmer took over second on lap 13 and then went to work making Smith get up on the wheel.
Smith escaped Rahmer’s clutches on the 18th but Rahmer was suddenly back challenging while Cody Darrah had moved into the picture.
Rahmer used turn two to snatch the lead from Smith and hold the lead on lap 25 when Aaron Ott and Doug Esh got together in turn four.
Smith had time to formulate a plan during the red flag and let Rahmer lead the 26th before charging past him and stretching out his lead to ten lengths at the finish.
“It seems like the track sits a lap or two, the moisture tries to come back up,” Smith said. “I noticed that in the B main. I think a little bit of moisture came up and allowed us to run right through the center. We kept more speed up and tried to hold him back. “
Darrah was a close third followed by Grandview winner the night before, Daryn Pittman with Shaffer ending fifth. Sixth was Brian Leppo with 18th starter Alan Krimes, Lance Dewease (16th), Kauffman and Greg Hodnett completing the top ten. Esh, Ott and Pittman won the heats for the 30 entries while Krimes was the B main winner.
Saturday’s event will be the second appearance of the Three State Flyers late models to compete in the 14th Annual Richard “ Boney” Bonebrake Tribute along with a pure stock special plus an Enduro Dash postponed from May 16 due to rain. Check the speedway website for information or any changes in the weather at: www.hagerstownspeedway.com or contact the speedway office at 301-582-0640.
Hagerstown Speedway Results
3rd Annual Keystone Cup Sprint Car Series, 30 laps, 30 entries, (Lap Leaders – Keith Kauffman 1-7, Stevie Smith 8-22, 27-30, Fred Rahmer 23-26 ) 1.Stevie Smith; 2.Fred Rahmer; 3.Cody Darrah; 4.Daryn Pittman; 5.Todd Shaffer; 6.Brian Leppo; 7.Alan Krimes; 8.Lance Dewease; 9.Keith Kauffman; 10.Greg Hodnett; 11.Mike Erdley; 12.Mark Smith; 13.Brooke Tatnell; 14.Mike Wagner; 15.Justin Henderson; 16.Chad Layton; 17.Pat Cannon; 18.Adam Lawrence; 19.Brent Marks; 20.Adam Wilt; 21.Aaron Ott; 22.Doug Esh.; 23.Cale Grubb; 24.T.J. Winegardner; DNQ – Joey Hershey, Bobby Howard, Pat Cooper, Craig Robinson, Brian Ehrenzeller, DNS Michael Heckman
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DARYN PITTMAN & MEME DESANTIS SHARE THUNDER VICTORIES WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT GRANDVIEW
BECHTELSVILLE, PA . . . . . . . The NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series sponsored by Lee Myles Transmissions opened its' 20th
Anniversary season at Grandview Speedway on Wednesday night. Beautiful weather attracted a big crowd that saw Daryn Pittman of Owasso, MO with
the 35 lap Keystone Cup Series 410 sprint feature as Temple, PA favorite MeMe DeSantis claimed the victory in the 25 lap 358 Modified
feature. A total purse in excess of $38,000 was paid to the sixty-one cars that took part in the racing program.
Opening the program was the CnB Mushroom 410 Sprint time trials and Steve Smith in the ZEMCO sprinter set fast time. In the three sprint heat race events, Cody Darrah, Josh Weller and Brian Montieth took the victories as Chad Layton won the "B" Main. Thirty-two modifieds competed in qualifying with heat race victories going to Jason Hamilton, Jeff Strunk and Duane Howard as Ryan Watt won the Consolation.
Twenty-four sprint car answered the call for the feature event. With fireworks bursting in the sky, the green flag fell with Justin Henderson setting the pace. Pole car Daryn Pittman dropped to third as Steve Smith moved into the runner-up spot. On lap five, Pittman advanced from third to the lead with a determined Steve Smith in the chase.
On lap nine, the red flag was displayed for Jesse Hockett who flipped in turn two. On the restart, Pittman remained the leader with Smith
looking for an opportunity to make a pass. Greg Hodnett was on the move and racing in third with his eyes set on a challenge with Smith.
By lap nineteen, Smith was now offering a challenge to Pittman for the lead, but with each attempt, Pittman retained the top spot. Pittman
once again developed a comfortable lead, that is until lap twenty-seven when Smith was knocking on the door and offering a challenge for the top
spot. Pittman once again powered away from Smith but with five laps remaining, it was a two car race for the lead.
For the final five laps, Pittman and Smith were in a dual for the lead. With the checker flag waiving, Daryn Pittman scored the win driving the
Pete's Bridge Street Motors, collecting the big $5,000 check. Pittman took the win over Stevie Smith, Greg Hodnett, Doug Esh and Brooke
Tatnell. Making up the top ten were Chad Layton, Mark Smith, Brian Leppo, Alan Krimes, Cody Darrah and Lance Dewease.
The twenty-five lap 358 Modified feature was a thriller with Tom Umbenhauer setting the early pace. Umbenhauer led the first three laps
with Ryan Godown taking the lead on lap four. Godown remained the leader until a lap nine restart when MeMe DeSantis wrestled the top to
become the new leader. Once on top, DeSantis was not to be denied this victory and established a solid uncontested lead the balance of the
night.
DeSantis took the victory, his first ever Thunder on the Hill win. Finishing second was Ryan Godown followed by Tom Umbenhauer, Jeff Strunk
and Craig VonDohren. Rounding out the top ten were Kevin Hirthler, Duane Howard, Billy Pauch Jr., Billy Pauch and John Kellner.
410 Sprint Feature Finish: #25 Daryn Pittman, #1 Stevie Smith, #22 Greg Hodnett, #39 Doug Esh, #21au Brooke Tatnell, #55 Chad Layton, #7m Mark Smith, #71 Brian Leppo, #87 Alan Krimes, #89 Cody Darrah, #30c Lance Dewease, #22z Justin Henderson, #51 Fred Rahmer, #21 Brian Montieth, #35 Alan Cole, #63 Josh Weller, #27m Curt Michael, #7 Keith Kauffman, #88 Todd Shaffer, #15 Mark Bitner, #2h Dave Hahn, #25o Aaron Ott, #79 Davey Sammons, #13 Jesse Hockett.
358 Modified Feature Finish: #88D MeMe DeSantis, #R1 Ryan Godown, #19u Tom Umbenhauer, #41 Jeff Strunk, #1C Craig VonDohren, #117 Kevin Hirthler, #4 Duane Howard, #8P Billy Pauch Jr., #126 Billy Pauch, #8 John Kellner, #542 Rick Laubach, #81 Terry Meitzler, #357 Doug Hoffman, #11d Richie Pratt Jr., #15 Jason Hamilton, #118 Sean Merkel, #31 Chris Esposito, #327 Brad Missimer, #14 Doug Manmiller, #53 Mike Gular, #K2 Keith Brightbill, #55 Ryan Watt, #67 Jon Kellner Jr., #74w John Willman.
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SUNSHINE & THUNDER AT GRANDVEW WEDNESDAY, MAY 20. . . . .
JESSE "THE ROCKET" HOCKETT EYES 2009 THUNDER ON THE HILL TITLE
Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett of Warsaw, MO is feeling pretty good that he could add his name to the list of previous 410 Sprint Thunder on the Hill Champions.
Hockett, the winner of twenty-one 410 sprint features and forty-two 360 sprint main events will be in action at all three 410
Thunder on the Hill sprint events of 2009.
Jesse, at age twenty-six has many accomplishments in sprint car racing but right now, he's serious about claiming the Thunder Series Championship of 2009. Hockett will be in action on Wednesday night, May 20 at the Grandview Speedway for the opening Thunder Series of 2009. The 410 Sprints and 358 Modifieds will be the showcase divisions that get underway at 7:30 PM.
Hockett plans to be in town when USAC invades the "hill" on Tuesday night, June 2 and again at the end of the month to take part in the 2009 Pennsylvania Sprint Speed Week Series event at Grandview on Tuesday, June 30.
Past Thunder Sprint Champions include Fred Rahmer and Billy Pauch, both five time title winners along with Lance Dewease a four time champion. Drivers winning one Thunder Championship for the sprints include Lucas Wolfe, Greg Hodnett, Mark Kinser, Bill Brian Jr. and Bobby Weaver.
Other likely entries joining Hockett in the Wednesday night line-up include Fred Rahmer, Lance Dewease, Greg Hodnett, Doug Esh, Alan Cole, Steve Smith, Cody Darrah, Todd Shaffer, Daryn Pittman, Chad Layton and Brian Leppo along with six time URC Champion Curt Michael, making his return in 2009 to 410 sprint car racing.
Time trials, heat race qualifying and a 35 lap feature paying $5,000 to the winner will be on the sprint portion of the program.
The 358 Modifieds will share the card with heat race qualifying leading up to a twenty-five lap main event. Duane Howard, Craig VonDohren, Doug Manmiller, Billy Pauch Sr and Jr., Ryan Godown, Doug Hoffman, Jon Kellner Jr. and Mike Gular are some of the expected entries.
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358 C. I.. SPRINTS JOIN SPORTSMAN AND LATE MODELS MAY 23
MECHANICSBURG, PA -- One of the most attractive programs in the Saturday Night Series at Williams Grove Speedway is coming up on May 23.
Only three divisions will be on this week's card and they will include the Tool Shed of America super sportsman cars and the A. J.'s Truck and Trailer late models as usual.
But on May 23 the Coliseum sponsored 358 sprint cars will make a rare Saturday night appearance at Williams Grove.
In 1989 the 358s became the primary support class for the Grove's nationally known sprint car division and over the past 20 years have provided plenty of excitement for the speedway's Friday night fans.
This season has brought more of the same from the 358s with solid car counts and competitive racing.
In three 2009 dates at Williams Grove, 358 racing has averaged 34 cars per night and has produced three different winners.
This is the only scheduled Saturday night appearance for the 358s at Williams Grove and it will be interesting to see how many teams will take advantage of this special date.
The Saturday Night Series staples, the super sportsman division and the 358 c.i. late models, can boast similar numbers to that of the 358s.
The sportsman division is also averaging 34 cars per night with two different winners in as many races.
The late models are averaging 33 cars and also have two different winners.
The first heat is scheduled to start at 7:00 on May 23.
The street stock division will return on May 30 along with the sportsman and late model divisions.
The 305 c.i. sprints will also be on the May 30 card.
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KEYSTONE CUP EVENT AT WILLIAMS GROVE MAY 22
MECHANICSBUIRG, PA -- After spending the past two weekends battling first the All Stars and then the Outlaws, the Pennsylvania Posse will take center stage this Friday night, May 22, when the race for the Keystone Cup continues at Williams Grove Speedway.
Qualifying is set to begin at 7:45.
The best sprint car drivers in the area are expected to compete in this series scheduled for six different speedways on consecutive nights.
Friday evening's program will include time trials, heat races, a B-main and a 30-lap feature which will be worth $5000 to win.
This is the third annual Keystone Cup Series for sprint cars and 8-time Williams Grove track champion Fred Rahmer won the first two Cup titles.
Mark Smith won the first Williams Grove Keystone Cup event in 2007 and Brian Leppo was the winner last year.
Current Sutliff Auto Group point leader Todd Shaffer will surely be one of the contenders for the $5000 prize on May 22. The Millerstown resident is off to a great start in 2009 as he seeks a third track championship.
Other top contenders in addition to Mark Smith, Leppo and Rahmer are expected to include Lance Dewease, who put together back-to-back victories earlier this season along with Stevie Smith in the potent Zemco sprinter.
Since qualifying is such an important part of sprint car racing today, Kevin Nouse might also be considered a contender this week. The Mechanicsburg native recorded consecutive fast times at Williams Grove earlier this season in a car owned by former track champion Jim Nace.
It will be a busy ending to the month of May at Williams Grove with Saturday Night Series events slated for May 23 and May 30.
On Friday evening, May 29, the 358 sprints will return along with the sprint cars
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KEYSTONE CUP THIS WEEK, SERIES TO OPEN WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT GRANDVIEW
York Haven, Pa.....The time for the 3rd Annual Keystone Cup has arrived. The popular series of six Sprint Car races in six days at six different Speedways will kick off on Wednesday evening.
The first event of the Keystone Cup will also serve as the opening night for the 20th season of Thunder on the Hill at the Grandview Speedway. The high banked 1/3 mile Speedway, near Bechtlesville, will offer up the standard Keystone Cup program with time trials, heat races, a B-Main and an A-Main. The only difference at Grandview is that the feature event goes for 35 laps instead of the 30 that will be the norm elsewhere.
Like all Keystone Cup events, Grandview's race offers $5000 to the winner, with $1000 at tenth and $350 to finish last. The 358 Modifieds that compete regularly at Grandview will also be part of the program. Danny Lasoski and Jeff Shepard are past Keystone Cup winners at Grandview.
On Thursday evening Hagerstown Speedway in north central Maryland will host it's first Keystone Cup event. The banked ½ mile oval has been a part of the Pennsylvania Speedweek, but this event will be it's first Keystone Cup race. Hagerstown's late Model Sportsman class will also participate.
The Keystone Cup moves to historic Williams Grove Speedway, near Mechanicsburg, on Friday evening. Sprint cars only will be the theme at the Grove. Mark Smith and Brian Leppo each have Keystone Cup wins at the Grove.
Saturday finds Keystone Cup at Lincoln Speedway, near Hanover, for the fourth night of action. Lincoln's Thundercars will also be part of the program. Lucas Wolfe and Stevie Smith have won Keystone Cup events at Lincoln.
Sunday it's off to the big half mile in Selinsgrove. The Selinsgrove show will also feature the Pro Stocks. At Selinsgrove Greg Hodnett and Leppo have been series winners.
The Keystone Cup wraps up on Memorial Day Monday evening at Port Royal. Again the Pro Stocks join the action. At the Port Stevie Smith and two time series champ Fred Rahmer have been winners during the series.
It's interesting to note that the Keystone Cup series has been well attended over it's two years. The average car count in 2007 was 36, while in 2008 it slipped by just one car to 35.
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Williams Grove Spedway
410 sprint car points (May 17)
1. Todd Shaffer 1480
2. Brian Montieth 1250
2. Stevie Smith 1250
3. Lance Dewease 1205
4. Daryn Pittman 1140
5. Greg Hodnett 1130
6. Brian Leppo 1105
7. Mark Smith 1070
8. Fred Rahmer 995
9. Cody Darrah 945
10. Chad Layton 870
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RAIN WASHES OUT ACTION AT PORT ROYAL SPEEDWAY
For Immediate Release:
May 16, 2009
Port Royal, PA
Rain hit the Port Royal Speedway Saturday night May 16. The Aumiller & Associate sprint cars, AB Auto Glass late models and super sportsman cars were scheduled to compete. Full fields of cars were present in all classes when precipitation arrived.
Action resumes Saturday May 23 with a double sprint car show. The 358 and 305 sprint cars join the late models and Zimmerman Truck Lines powder puff cars.Action gets under way at 7:00 p.m. General admission tickets will be as follows. Adults, $ 13.00, students 12-17, $ 9.00, under 12 free. Pit passes will remain $ 20.00.
The Keystone Cup for 410 sprint cars will be run Monday May 25 at the Juniata County oval. Racers and fans should note a new starting time has been announced by President Tom Little. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. with time trials scheduled to begin at 7. The pro stock portion of the program has also been changed. Drivers will now receive 50 appearance points and draw for starting positions. This change was made in order to allow more cars to participate. Camping for both holiday programs is being welcomed and encouraged. A limited number of hook ups will be available at a nominal charge. Campers not requiring hook ups will not be charged.
Persons requiring more information may contact the speedway office at (717)-527-4414 or visit the web-site at www.portroyalspeedway.com.
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RAIN POSTPONES LINCOLN SPEEDWAY MAY 16TH FEATURES
ABBOTTSTOWN, PA , 5/16/09 - After a night of trying to beat Mother nature, Lincoln Speedway officials were forced to throw in the towel after two laps were complete in the 410 Sprint feature.
With other area race tracks calling it quits early, Lincoln Speedway soldiered on, and after a few brief delays, had the Lawrence Chevrolet 410 Sprinters on the track and racing their 25-lap feature. But after a Niki Young roll-over on the third lap involving Jeff Busby, the rains came, forcing Lincoln Speedway promoters Don and Bob Leiby, along with Alan Kreitzer, to postpone the feature events for the evening.
All three features will be completed at a date to be determined.
Heats for the 25 "410" sprinters were won by Chris Knopp, John Rudisill and Chad Trout, with Brian Leppo winning the consolation. Heats for the 28 "358" late models were won by Travis Beaver, Mike Spangler and Shaun Jones, with Craig Wagaman winning the consolation. Heats for the 20 street stocks were won by Walt Lemmon and Joe Whitely.
Next Saturday night, May 23rd, the Lincoln Speedway will host the Third Annual Keystone Cup Series for the 410 Sprinters. The Thundercars will round out the evening's racing action which will get underway at 7 PM with time trials. Gates will open at 5 PM.
To get all the latest news, results, schedule changes and rule changes, visit Lincoln Speedway's website at http://www.lincolnspeedway.com
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RAIN POSTPONES JACK GUNN MEMORIAL UNTIL JUNE 6
SELINSGROVE, Pa. – Selinsgrove Speedway officials postponed tonight’s 29th Annual Paul Stine Chevrolet Jack Gunn Memorial for sprint cars until Saturday, June 6, when rain started to fall late this afternoon.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Gunn Memorial will be a challenge race between the United Racing Company sprint cars and the track’s weekly 358 sprint cars. The 35-lap tribute race honoring the memory of the late Hall-of-Fame race track promoter will pay $3,500 to win. Track gates will open at 5 p.m.
The speedway’s pro stock and roadrunner divisions will be on the June 6 program with the sprint cars. There will be no late model racing at Selinsgrove Speedway on June 6 due to the inaugural Appalachian Mountain Late Model Speedweek Series that kicks off at the Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway that evening. Selinsgrove’s late model speedweek series event is scheduled for Sunday, June 7.
Selinsgrove Speedway’s half-mile oval will be in action two times this coming Memorial Day holiday. The Sunbury Eagles Club No. 503 will sponsor a four division show of 358 sprint cars, late models, pro stocks, and roadrunners at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 23. The track will swing back into action at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 24, with the Mach 1 Chassis Keystone Cup Series event for 410 sprint cars plus the All American Outlaw series. Track gates will open at 5 p.m. both nights.
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GREG HODNETT LEADS POSSE PAST WORLD OF OUTLAWS
MECHANICSBURG, PA -- Greg Hodnett led the Pennsylvania Posse to a sweep of the World of Outlaws sanctioned sprint car feature presented by Cleveland Brothers Friday night at Williams Grove Speedway.
Stevie Smith started on the pole and took the early lead with Cody Darrah second and Ryan Bohlke third.
Hodnett, who started fifth, moved into third place on lap eleven. By lap 20 he had found a fast line around the bottom of the corners.
Hodnett drove by Darrah for the runnerup spot at that point, then two laps later took the lead from Smith.
Once in front he rolled to the $10,000 victory ending a winless drought that stretched all the way back to July 6, 2007.
It was the 38th career win at Williams Grove for Hodnett, who moved into a 4-way tie with Todd Shaffer, Steve Kinser and the late Kenny Weld for seventh-place on the speedway's all time win list.
Darrah settled for second and earned $5500. Smith faded to third, which earned him $3200.
Dave Ely turned in a strong performance to claim fourth and World of Outlaws point leader Donny Schatz completed the top five after starting 23rd.
Daryn Pittman finished sixth. Sutliff Auto Group point leader Todd Shaffer was seventh with Brian Montieth eighth.
Fred Rahmer earned the Coliseum Hard Charger award after moving from 28th to 9th, and Keith Kauffman completed the top ten.
It was the most impressive performance in recent years for the Williams Grove regulars against the Outlaws after claiming nine of the top ten positions in the A-Main.
Ryan Bohlke set fast time in qualifications with a lap of 16.814
Heats for the 45 sprint cars in competition were won by Ely, Shaffer, Nouse and Darrah.
The Crane Cam dash was won by S. Smith.
Craig Dollansky won the B-main and Don Kreitz, Jr. claimed the C.
Williams Grove Speedway will host the Keystone Cup series for sprint cars on May 22 with $5000 going to the winner.
Williams Grove Speedway Feature Finish - May 15, 2009
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Feature - 30 laps - 1. Greg Hodnett, 2. Cody Darrah, 3. Stevie Smith, 4. Dave Ely, 5. Donny Schatz, 6. Daryn Pittman, 7. Toldd Shaffer, 8. Brian Montieth, 9. Fred Rahmer, 10. Keith Kauffman, 11. Jason Meyers, 12. Sam Hafertepe, 13. Kevin Nouse, 14. Chris Meleason, 15. Doug Esh, 16. Jac Haudenschild, 17. Brian Leppo, 18. Joey Saldana, 19. Lucas Wolfe, 20. Steve Buckwalter, 21. Chad Layton, 22. Adam Wilt, 23. Lance Dewease, 24. Steve Kinser, 25. Craig Dollanky, 26. Ryan Bohlke, 27. Mike Erdley, 28, Mark Smith.
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Clinton County Raceway
Friday
410 Sprint car Feature 1. 49 Bobby Howard 2. 30 Daryl Stimeling 3. 4 Neil Petock 5. 26 Curt Stroup 6. 33 Scott Lutz 7. 5 Chuck Brion 8. 11t Tracey Potter 9.21 Rod Stroup 10. 22r Chuck roan Jr 11. 92 Dyan Proctor 12. 5 Jeremy Ohl 13. 66 Roger Fickett 14. 2m Billy McNeal 15. 87 George Suprick 16. 07 Billy Schoffstall 17. 7 Jim Kennedy 19. 70 Matt Johnson 20. G3 Jim Gearhart
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ROHRBAUGH CRUISES TO FEATURE WIN
Hanover, PA (5/15/09) – Jeff Rohrbaugh likes draw shows.
The three-time defending track champ drew the #2 pill for the start and led every lap to claim the $1,200 winner’s share of the Pancho’s Racing Products “358” sprint car feature at Trail-Way Speedway Friday night.
As fate would have it, the Pancho’s #93 of Mike Bittinger started on the pole, and Bittinger grabbed the lead during the first two attempts to start the race. Both starts, however, were called back. The first caution came out for Randy Davis, Jr., who lost his brakes and coasted to a stop exiting turn two. The second caution came out for Zach Euculano and Randy Whisler, who got together in turn one.
Rohrbaugh took the lead on the third attempt to start the race and paced the field through 17 non-stop laps before Derek Sell slowed in turn one and collected third-place Dale Hammaker and fourth-place Brad McClelland. Second-place Bittinger also caught a piece of the crash, and, although he didn’t stop on the track, he was forced to the pits with a flat tire.
Fifth-place Tim Wagaman assumed second for the restart and ran there the rest of the way.
“I felt like the valves tightened up,” said Rohrbaugh in victory lane after claiming his division-leading 20th career Trail-Way win, “I know if I bobble one time, my nephew’s going to pass me. He (Wagaman) is doing a great job and I’m very proud of him.”
Despite a masterful job in lapped traffic through the middle stages of the race, Rohrbaugh wasn’t happy with his race car.
“She’s a little lazy right now,” added the driver of the Roy Vincent Racing #7v, “We have more work to do this week.”
Crossing third behind Rohrbaugh and Wagaman was Austin Reed, with Billy Dietrich coming from 11th to finish fourth and DS Diversified Services hard charger Kyle Moody advancing from 23rd starting spot to finish fifth. Sixth through tenth were Joe Trone, Jr., Bittinger (who came from the back after the flat tire), Danny Dietrich, Mike Ressler, and Brian Bruckner.
Heat winners for the 25 “358” Sprints were won by Reed, Bittinger, and Billy Dietrich.
358 Sprint Cars Feature (25 Laps) 1.7V-Jeff Rohrbaugh; 2.1-Tim Wagaman; 3.34-Austin Reed; 4.8-Bill Dietrich; 5.99M-Kyle Moody; 6.99-Joe Trone Jr.; 7.93-Mike Bittinger; 8.88-Danny Dietrich; 9.38-Mike Ressler; 10.10W-Brian Bruckner; 11.00-Shane Smith; 12.64-Randy Whisler; 13.1S-Logan Schuchart; 14.98-Randy Davis; 15.59T-Tim Stallings; 16.51N-Nick Palmerino(DNF); 17.66H-Doug Hammaker(DNF); 18.66-Dale Hammaker(DNF); 19.6-Brad McClelland(DNF); 20.28-Keith Prutzman(DNF); 21.20S-Derk Sell(DNF); 22.75-Dusty Shatzer(DNF); 23.10-Zach Euculano(DNF); 24.17-George Streaker Jr.(DNS). No Time.
Lap Leaders- Jeff Rohrbaugh(1-25).
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