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Saturday, July 03, 2004
Redden Garners Yankee Doodle 50 Win as Ogden and Peters Pick up First Ever Central PA Speedway Victories
With a packed house and excitement in the air Jerry Redden picked up one of the biggest wins of his illustrious career and added his name to the who's who in Central PA Speedway history by winning the 32nd running of the "Yankee Doodle 50." Sharing victory lane with Redden were a pair of first time CPS winners, Jason Peters (Pepsi Chargers) and Trent Ogden (Shortway Services Inc. Pro Street Stocks.) Brent Boyer continued his recent hot streak by picking up victory number three in the Stocker Chevrolet Subaru Small Block Modifieds and Jason Bainey notched his second victory of 2004 in the Lias Tire Pure Street Stocks. With colors presented by Clearfield VFW Post # 1785, everyone was ready for a memorable evening. First onto the racing surface would be the Pepsi Chargers for their ten lap main event. Kevin Thompson and young Nathan Russell led the field to starter Alan Luzier's green flag. With the green waving Russell quickly moved out front followed by Thompson and Jason Peters. Working lap three Peters was able to move by Thompson and began to run down the leader. Just one lap later Peters was able to gain the advantage and claim the lead. Once out front Peters began to open up a sizeable lead over the rest of the field and went on to pick up his first career victory. Following Peters at the line were Thompson, Denny Weisgarber and Russell. Next to make their way trackside would be the Shortway Services Inc. Pro Street Stocks. Trent Ogden and Dayton Nixon were on the front row and at the dropping of the green, Ogden moved to the lead, Dom Sura slipped by Nixon for the second spot bringing along Doug Tibbens and Emory Reinhart. The top five positions ran nose to tail and side by side for seven circuits till Reinhart's ride pulled up lame and he was forced to the pits. On the final lap Sura was able to get a run on Ogden and pulled even with him as the duo came off of corner four and the drag race was on. Ogden was able to hold off Sura by just a fender to claim his first ever Central PA Speedway victory. The main event of the evening would be next on the blocks for the 32nd running of one of the oldest races in the country, the Yankee Doodle 50. By virtue of a good pill draw, Coalport's Shawn McGarvey and Hazen's Kevin Lindermuth started at the head of the field for the first twenty five lap segment. McGarvey jumped to the point followed by Jerry Lower and Lindermuth. McGarvey would time and time again open up a lead over the rest of the field only to have it erased by a caution. The man on the move in segment number one was the newcomer Tim Fedder who made his way to third from the eighteenth starting position. McGarvey was able to hold off the field and come to the ten minute break as your leader and the odds on favorite to pick up the prestigious victory. Segment two started just how segment one finished with McGarvey out front followed by Lower. Trying to make things happen back in the third position was Jerry Redden who was using every trick in his bag to get by Lower. While working lap forty-four, Redden got a run and was able to move by Lower into the second position. Redden then set his sights on McGarvey and appeared to be reeling him in with two laps remaining. It looked as though Redden didn't have enough time to catch the leader and hopped for a caution. With the white flag waving the unthinkable happened, entering into turn one the power plant in the Garvey machine went up in smoke. Redden moved to the high side and led the only lap he needed to and won the Yankee Doodle 50. Lower was able to move by for second then McGarvey, Luke Hoffner and Matt Gaston. Next up, the Stocker Chevrolet Subaru Small Block Modifieds would be in action. Bill Krause and Kevin Hoffman would set the front row and at the onset Hoffman moved out front and began to build quite a lead. Working lap two Brent Boyer powered by Krause for second and began to track down the leader. Boyer followed Hoffman till lap six when he made the move in three and four to snatch the point away. Once out front Boyer was just too much to handle as he went on to win his third Central PA Speedway main event of 2004. The final event of the evening was scheduled for the Lias Tire Pure Street Stocks. Jason Bainey moved out front as the green waved and Frank Little tried to keep it close as he hounded the leader. Multi feature winner Craig Bainey rode third and looked for a way around Little but the wily veteran would have none of that. Jason Bainey had just too much muscle and held off the field for his second CPS victory of 2004. In the bears den: Ninety five cars filled the pits with thirty two Budweiser Late Models eighteen Shortway Services Inc. Pro Street Stocks, twenty two Stocker Chevrolet Subaru Small Block Modifieds, seventeen Lias Tire Pure Street Stocks and six Pepsi Chargers. During the intermission speedway General Manager Ken McLaughlin and Jason Walker presented a $3000 check to the Children's Miracle Network that was raised in a four week time span, on behalf of the Central PA Speedway and Walmart Distribution Center. At the conclusion of the evening's action Kneppy's Fireworks presented an outstanding display that seemed as though it would never end as rocket after rocket was launched into the sky. Next weeks action will have the Budweiser Late Models, Stocker Chevrolet Small Block Modifieds, Shortway Services Inc. Pro Street Stocks, Lias Tire Pure Street Stocks and Pepsi Chargers on the card for a full evening of entertainment. Come on down to the BIG BEAR and feed your hunger for excitement! Summary: Budweiser Late Models "Yankee Doodle 50" 1.Jerry Redden 2.Jerry Lower 3.Shawn McGarvey 4.Luke Hoffner 5.Matt Gaston 6.Ed Connor 7.Jason Witherite 8.Chris Rhodes 9.Chuck Kennedy 10.Bernie Whiteford 11.Dean Colbert 12.Keith Witherite 13.Chad Maney 14.Bill Henney 15.Dale Yaney 16.Tim Fedder 17.Jeff Weakland 18.Kevin Lindermuth 19.Dwayne Taneyhill 20.Jim Parson 21.Bill Krause 22.Eric Moore 23.Yvette Hahn 24.John Brady 25.Tom Shaffer 26.T.J. Fleck 27.Bill Davis 28.Rick Singelton Stocker Chevrolet Subaru Small Block Modifieds 1.Brent Boyer 2.Kevin Hoffman 3.Bill Krause 4.Kevin Dickson 5.Bob Garvey 6.Brad Rapp 7.Matt Baker 8.Mark Frankhouser 9.Derek Rodkey 10.Mike Stine 11.Ron Butterworth 12.Marvin Williams 13.Fay Lumadue 14.Greg Luzier 15.Tom Holden 16.Craig Casher 17.Jimmer Luzier 18.Mike Butterworth 19.Fred Heiss 20.Connie Allen 21.Jimmy Holden 22.Chris Luzier Shortway Services Inc. Pro Street Stocks 1.Trent Ogden 2.Dom Sura 3.Doug Tibbens 4.Dayton Nixon 5.Bob Roseman 6.Ron Mitchell 7.Jason Walker 8.Todd Mathews 9.Jamie Price 10.Skip Lindermuth 11.Jamie Barber 12.Denny Fenton 13.Emory Reinhart Jr. 14.Lee Gunter Lias Tire Pure Street Stocks 1.Jason Bainey 2.Frank Little 3.Craig Bainey 4.Aaron Walker 5.Chad Bender 6.Rick Hemphill 7.Kevin Clark 8.Don Geer Jr. 9.Sam McClellan 10.Jeff Mease 11.Todd Bainey 12.Rob Bailey 13.Mike Desch 14.Alan Robison 15.Nick Brown 16.Matt Howell Budweiser Late Models "Yankee Doodle 50" 1.Jason Peters 2.Kevin Thomas 3.Denny Weisgarber 4. 5.Nathan Russell
Well...my site and e-mail are down again. Hope this isn't a sign of how my weekend is going. So if you e-mailed me, sorry if it takes me a while to get back to you
Toni...meet you by where you said before hot laps if that's ok? I should go back to bed Thursday, July 01, 2004
Carl McKinney newsletter
Pictures from Sportsmans Speedway today By the way...Sportsman's moved opening day to July 18. Also, the sportsman modifieds are now the open 358 modifieds, little guy nationals rules.
Haulmark All Star Sprint Ohio Speedweek - Sharon Speedway - Wed. 6/30/04
By Scott Hall HARTFORD, OH - Dale Blaney scored a popular home track win Wednesday night at Sharon Speedway in the Haulmark All Star sprint car 30 lap feature. Round four of the 22nd annual Ohio Speedweek returned to Sharon Speedway after a two year absence and showed Blaney winning his second Speedweek feature of the season in the Andrews Motorsports No. 72 wrenched by George Fisher. It was his eighth career Ohio Speedweek win and he credited his intimate knowledge of the track surface for the winning race setup. "We knew what tire to put on. We had a little harder tire on. I don't know how many people had that one on. When the track gets like this it seems like a harder tire goes better," he revealed from victory lane. "We caught traffic good and the car was great all night." Lee Jacobs and Kemenah took the green from the front row, with Bobby Clark and Jarod Larson in row two. Jacobs rocketed out to the early lead, followed by Kemenah and Clark. Sixth starting Blaney dove low under Clark for third on lap eight, and his chase of the leaders was on. Meanwhile, Kemenah reeled in Jacobs as the youngster got into lapped traffic. Kemenah pulled right on the back bumper of Jacobs, and on lap 11 dove low off turn two to take over the runnerup spot. Blaney followed Kemenah past Jacobs into second and rode the high groove to catch up to Kemenah. In heavy lapped traffic, Blaney drove high around Kemenah coming off turn four to lead lap 14. From that point on, Blaney stretched his advantage and was never challenged again. Kemenah held second, with Clark taking third and Jacobs was now fourth. Kelly Kinser was now on the move after starting 18th, and was fifth on lap 20. Kinser was fourth when the only caution of the event appeared on lap 22 for a Jesse Hockett flat tire. Blaney maintained his advantage following the restart, with Kemenah riding home second and Clark finishing third, despite the car tightening up on him at the end. Blaney thought his right rear was going flat at the end, but he was still able to hold on for the win. Kinser crossed fourth with Jacobs fifth. Danny Smith started ninth and finished sixth, followed by Rob Chaney, John Ivy up from 20th, 11th starting Randy Hannagan and Tim Kaeding rounded out the top ten. "The track got slick and wide and they did a rally good job prepping the racetrack," Kemenah said after finishing second. "You could pass on this track tonight, at least you could race on it." The Crown Battery heat fell to Jack Sodeman Jr., the B&B Products heat went to John Ivy, the Engler Machine and Tool heat was won by Randy Hannagan and the TP Wings heat fell to Ed Lynch Jr. Jac Haudenschild won the Outerwears Pre-filters C Main and Phil Gressman won the University of Northwestern Ohio B Main. Rob Chaney captured the Haulmark Dash and Jesse Hockett was the Huggins Cams Fast Time qualifier. Huggins Cams Time Trials: 1. Jesse Hockett, VKCC 75, 12.971; 2. Dale Blaney, Andrews 72, 12.997; 3. Mike Wagner, Wagner 55, 13.022; 4. Jeremy Campbell, Campbell 10c, 13.102; 5. Jarod Larson, Clemson 47, 13.138; 6. Bobby Clark, Clark 8, 13.144; 7. Chad Kemenah, Harble 15k, 13.200; 8. Lee Jacobs, Burmeister 16, 13.222; 9. Danny Smith, Smith 4, 13.234; 10. Rob Chaney, SC Racing 9x, 13.245; 11. Randy Hannagan, THR 1x, 13.254; 12. Scott Bonnell, Bonnell 3, 13.255; 13. Dean Jacobs, DJR 27, 13.267; 14. Phil Gressman, Robenalt 98, 13.268; 15. Brock Mayes, Mayes 11B, 13.277; 16. Tim Kaeding, Roth 83jr, 13.291; 17. Chad Hill, Shearer 44, 13.300; 18. Jon Agan, Agan 4J, 13.318; 19. Barry Ruble, Ruble 63r, 13.329; 20. Kelly Kinser, Kinser 4k, 13.334; 21. Jack Sodeman, Jr., S&S 23Jr, 13.337; 22. John Ivy, Carousel 20, 13.355; 23. Mike Kekich, Kekich 5k, 13.373; 24. Ed Lynch, Jr., Lynch 2L, 13.405; 25. Ryan Coniam, Grove 70, 13.406; 26. Tim Hunter, Hunter 2, 13.426; 27. Byron Reed, B&S 5, 13.435; 28. Jan Howard, Howard 46, 13.438; 29. Bill Rose, Rose 6, 13.439; 30. Robbie Farr, J&M 55, 13.501; 31. David Harrison, Ludwig 10, 13.516; 32. Greg Wilson, Hampshire 63, 13.579; 33. Andrew Palker, Palker 57x, 13.638; 34. Mike Lutz, Chiappelli 98, 13.656; 35. Rob Eyler, Eyler 5a, 13.673; 36. Eddie Lynch, Lynch 29, 13.713; 37. Keith Baxter, Baxter 1B, 13.765; 38. Jac Haudenschild, Miller 6m, 13.792; 39. Andy McKisson, McKisson 0, 13.947; 40. Kurt Winker, Kirian K, 13.979; 41. Paul May, May 71m, 13.989; 42. Jimmy Weller III, ZIP 23, 14.013; 43. Bob Lime, Lime 91, 14.688; 44. Aaron Middaugh, Middaugh 91, 14.775; 45. Scott Groves, Groves X1, 14.862; 46. Paul Kish, Kish 30c, 17.407; 47. Butch Beasley, Beasley 1, NT. Crown Battery Heat (8 laps): 1. Sodeman 2. D. Jacobs 3. Hill 4. Smith 5. Larson 6. Coniam 7. Hockett 8. Palker 9. Rose 10. May 11. Baxter 12. Groves. B&B Products Heat (8 laps): 1. Ivy 2. Chaney 3. Agan 4. Clark 5. Blaney 6. Gressman 7. Farr 8. Lutz 9. Haudenschild 10. Weller 11. Hunter. Engler Machine & Tool Heat (8 laps): 1. Hannagan 2. Kekich 3. Kemenah 4. Mayes 5. Wagner 6. Reed 7. McKisson 8. Eyler 9. Lime 10. Harrison 11. Ruble 12. Kish. TP Wings Heat (8 laps): 1. Lynch Jr. 2. Kaeding 3. Kinser 4. L. Jacobs 5. Howard 6. Wilson 7. Campbell 8. Winker 9. Bonnell 10. Lynch 11. Middaugh. Haulmark Dash (4 laps): 1. Chaney 2. Kemenah 3. Blaney 4. Smith. Outerwears Pre-filters C Main (10 laps): 1. Haudenschild 2. Winker 3. Baxter 4. Weller 5. McKisson 6. Lime 7. May 8. Groves 9. Kish 10. Middaugh. University of Northwestern Ohio B Main (12 laps): 1. Gressman 2. Campbell 3. Hockett 4. Coniam 5. Rose 6. Reed 7. Farr 8. Hunter 9. Harrison 10. Winker 11. Wilson 12. Baxter 13. Haudenschild 14. Ruble 15. Palker 16. Eyler 17. Eddie Lynch 18. Bonnell 19. Lutz 20. Weller. Haulmark A Main (30 laps): 1. Dale Blaney 2. Chad Kemenah 3. Bobby Clark 4. Kelly Kinser 5. Lee Jacobs 6. Danny Smith 7. Rob Chaney 8. John Ivy 9. Randy Hannagan 10. Tim Kaeding 11. Dean Jacobs 12. Mike Wagner 13. Phil Gressman 14. Jeremy Campbell 15. Jesse Hockett 16. Ed Lynch Jr. 17. Ryan Coniam 18. Jack Sodeman Jr. 19. Mike Kekich 20. Jarod Larson 21. Brock Mayes 22. Chad Hill 23. Jan Howard 24. Jon Agan. Lap Leaders: Lee Jacobs 1-10, Chad Kemenah 11-13, Dale Blaney 14-30. -www.allstarsprint.com- Tuesday, June 29, 2004
LIVE TV & WEBCAST AGAIN PART OF URC’S RETURN FOR “THE WHEELMAN” 360 SUMMER NATIONALS SATURDAY AT MERCER
By Mike Leone June 29, 2004 Mercer, PA… Mercer Raceway Park is set to host the richest 360 Sprint Car event in the history of western Pa. on Saturday, July 3. “The Wheelman” URC 360 Summer Nationals returns for the third consecutive year presented by Armstrong Zoom Cable Internet Service, which will televise and webcast the event live. The United Racing Club (URC) in its 57th season of competition is the nation’s oldest traveling sprint car club. The URC 360 Sprints will be featured in a 25-lap $2,500 to-win, $250 to-start main event. Joining the 360 Sprints will be the Campbell-Peterson Trail & Turf Big-Block Modifieds racing for $1,500 to-win, Stock Cars for $600 to-win, Maurer’s Trading Post Strictly Stocks, and another “Gladiator Series” Demolition Derby. Currently Curt Michael leads the URC Advance Auto Parts Sprint Series sponsored by BAR’s Leaks with three wins heading into Friday’s event at Black Rock Speedway. In their first 13 events, seven different drivers have found victory lane. Along with Michael’s three wins Brian Seidel and Kevin Welsh have also been victorious three times, while Sean Michael, Jon Eldreth, Kenny Adams, and Tim Hogue have single victories. Other top URC competitors include brothers Cliff and Bill Brian, Jr., Dave Ely, Kramer Williamson, Dave McGough, Scott Purcell, Jason Clauss, Ed Aikin, and many more. A tremendous field of sprint cars is expected as URC has averaged over 30 cars this year. The inaugural show in 2002 drew 47 entries and was won by Wilmington, Delaware’s Chris Coyle with a last lap pass. Last year’s event saw ESS’ Mike Woodring invade for his first career URC win over a 41-car field. URC will be awarding their members an additional 50 show-up points due to the travel time along with regular points. The Mercer 360s will also be eligible as this will be part of the Moore CDL Driving Academy “Pegasus” 360 Sprint Car point series. Currently Jason Dolick of Coshocton, Ohio leads the points by three of New York’s Chris Shuttleworth. There have been eight 360 races held in the history of Mercer Raceway Park with six different winners. The winners include Mike Woodring (2), Scott Bonnell (2), Gary Edwards, Chris Coyle, Mike Lutz, and Arnie Kent. Most of Mercer’s top 410s will have a 360 to participate in this show including Jamie Smith, Arnie Kent, Scott Bonnell, Gary Edwards, and Jeff Banyas. “We’re very excited about the return of this show,” said owner Vicki Emig. “The fans have been very impressed with the quality and competitiveness of the racing that was displayed. I know a lot of people are looking forward to this show.” Lias Tire/American Racer will have for sale the mandated MC2 spec right rear tire. Presenting sponsor, Armstrong Zoom Cable Internet Service, will again be televising and webcasting the event live! The 204,000 plus subscribers throughout western Pa. will be able to watch the event live on Armstrong’s origination station. Check your local listings and stay tuned to Mercer Raceway Park’s website for the latest. Also, it will be a first as a live video broadcast to the world will be done over the internet through www.avenueyou.com. Fans at the track that subscribe to Armstrong will be able to watch rebroadcasts of the event with those dates and times being announced at a later date. The webcast will be archived for later viewing for everyone with an internet connection. “Armstrong is a great partner with Mercer Raceway Park,” stated Emig. “They also help bring in all of the Nickelodeon characters. This is a perfect venue for them to promote their Zoom Internet that’s available throughout western Pa. We’re thrilled with the additional exposure that we’ll be getting through television and the internet, and to be the only track in the region to have a live televised race” Pits open at 3:30 p.m. The grandstands will open at 4:30 p.m. Hot laps will begin around 6:00 p.m. Time trials will commence around 6:30 p.m., which will be utilized to help determine the lineups with the top five fastest qualifiers earning $225, $125, $75, $50, and $25 respectively. Heat races will kickoff following time trials. Admission prices are $15 for adults, the Family Pass is $35, Students 6-15 are $7, and children five and under are free. Pit passes are $30. Armstrong Zoom Cable Internet is the ultimate connection to the web. With speeds up to ten times faster than standard 56K dial-up service, Armstrong Zoom is your key to unlocking the power of the internet. Armstrong Zoom provides you with a secure constant connection to the internet, online shopping, downloading files, and other web innovations become easy and convenient. Busy signals, toll charges, time limits, second phone lines, and all the other frustrations of dial-up are a thing of the past with Armstrong Zoom. For more information call 1-877-486-4666 or check out their website at www.armstrongonewire.com. Mercer Raceway Park is located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly late March through early October. The office in New Bedford, Pa. is open year-round after 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call the office at 724-964-9300 or the track on race day at 724-662-1310. Check out our website at www.mercerracewaypark.com for the latest. Central PA Speedway Gears up for Yankee Doodle 50 This Friday evening July 2nd Central PA Speedway will present the 32nd running of the “Yankee Doodle 50” sponsored by Budweiser and Errigo Distributing of Curwensville. The event was first ran in 1971 and quickly became one of the most prestigious, boasting winners such as Bob Wearing, Clate Husted and the all time record holder with nine victories, Glenn Galt. The 2004 rendition will be one for the record books in many regards and one will stand out from the rest. The format for this Yankee Doodle 50 will be one that will be a TEAM effort, there will be a 25-lap segment followed by a 10-minute intermission in which crews will be able to add fuel, make adjustments to the car and even make tire changes. At the 8-minute mark there will be a 2-minute warning given and the drivers will once again line up on the grid as they were running before the break. Once racers are aligned they will be turned loose for the final 25-lap segment of the event to crown a champion. A special incentive will be in store for each of the top four finishers as they will receive pole position starting spots in the heat/qualifying events for the September 17 & 18, North East Region Dirt Late Model Championship “KING OF THE MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE.” The same incentive will be in place wherein the top four finishers in the Shortway Services Inc. Pro Street Stock and Lias Tire Pure Street Stock main events will also receive pole position starting spots in the heat/qualifying events for the September 17 & 18 show. Also on the card will be the Stocker Chevrolet Subaru Small Block Modifieds, and Pepsi Chargers to round out this truly memorable evening. Kneppy’s Fireworks of Winburne will be on hand to present a spectacular fireworks display to top off the evening events. Free sparklers courtesy of Kneppy’s will be available for all children in attendance. Come on down to the BIG BEAR and feed your hunger for excitement!!! SHARON SPEEDWAY CELEBRATES 75 YEARS SATURDAY Racing in four divisions, Zambelli fireworks, frog races and former track champions headline event HARTFORD, Ohio (June 29, 2004) – This Saturday, Sharon Speedway will host her own 75th birthday party complete with wheel-to-wheel racing, fireworks, frog races and a tribute to former drivers and track champions. Drivers and track champions from Sharon Speedway’s 75 years of operation will be honored during pre-race festivities. Those scheduled to attend include Don Klug (sports mod driver and past champion), 73-year-old Jim Bickerstaff (late model driver and past champion), 80-year-old Walter “Bud” Brautigam (who raced in 1949), Dale Johnson (past champion who raced sprints, stock coupes and sportsman cars), Henry Jacoby (1963 Super Mod Champion) and Ted Wise (former sprint driver). Recent track champions Ed Lynch Jr., Rex King, Carl McKinney, Jarod Larson, Dan Lewis, Richard Stiffler and Mike Kekich also will be honored. Sharon’s 75th anniversary celebration also will include frog races for the kids, along with a Kids Crew meeting, an exhibit of several old race cars, a spectacular Zambelli fireworks display between features and trip giveaways by the evening’s sponsor, Anderson Coach and Travel. Following the pre-race festivities, drivers in Sharon’s four divisions will return to the 3/8-mile oval after a week off with the goal of holding their own celebrations in victory circle. Although a victory eluded Ed Lynch Jr. on June 19, he still leads the Sunburst Environmental Sprints division point standings. Kevin Schaeffer, who won the June 19 feature, is close behind, though, trailing by just 10 points. Mike Kekich sits 21 points behind Lynch in third, with Jarod Larson and Andy McKisson rounding out the top five. The top five drivers in the Gibson-Governor Insurance Modifieds division remain unchanged. Jim Weller Jr., racking up his third feature win on June 19, extended his 20-point lead on second-place Jim Rasey by 19 points. Robert Kristyak remains in the third position, but Rex King and Kevin Bolland have switched spots, with King now in fourth and Bolland in the fifth slot. Carl McKinney continues to hold the top slot in the Coy Brothers Trucking E-Mods division, now leading Bob McCann by 12 points. Shawn Shingledecker sits in the third spot with Jeff Sharp and Brandon Wearing trailing in fourth and fifth respectively. Drivers in the City Disposal Services Pure Stocks division are now trailing leader Danny Exley, who reclaimed the lead with a feature win June 19. Steve Dapolito continues to sit in the second spot, just three points shy of Exley. Ron Iorio is in third, followed by Dave Ferringer and Bill Hanna. During a break in the evening’s racing action fans will have a chance to win a Bulova watch worth $100, courtesy of Thom Duma Fine Jewelers of Warren, Ohio. A number will be drawn from the weekly program during “Duma Time” of Saturday’s intermission and the winner will receive the timepiece on the spot. Fans at Saturday’s event also will have a chance to win a trip for two to the Cabela’s 250 NASCAR Busch race and the GFS Marketplace 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Michigan International Speedway Aug. 21-22, courtesy of Greenville, Pa.’s Anderson Coach and Travel. The prize includes travel, two tickets to each race and one night’s accommodations. The evening’s sponsor also will give away two trips for two to the Aug. 3 Anderson Reunion Cruise aboard the Gateway Clipper that includes transportation, cruise, lunch and entertainment. Saturday’s races will be taped live and then aired on Youngstown’s FOX 17/62 on Friday, July 9, at 10:30 p.m. Gates open at 4 p.m., with racing at 6:30 p.m. Tickets, available at the gate, are $10 for adults (16 and older), $5 for kids (12-15) and free for children 11 and under. Coolers less than 14 inches are permitted with cans only – no glass containers permitted. Fans can call (330) 772-5481 or visit www.sharonspeedway.com for more information and directions. About Sharon Speedway Celebrating 75 years in 2004, Sharon Speedway is one of the oldest, continuously running weekly racetracks in the United States. Located 10 miles north of I-80 in Hartford, Ohio, the speedway is owned by NASCAR driver Dave Blaney, Jim Weller Sr., Ron Kirila and Bill Kirila, and operated by their families. The newly renovated facility features a 3/8-mile dirt racing surface and seating for approximately 6,500 and holds weekly racing every Saturday night from May to September. This season, the track also will feature several special events, including the World of Outlaws sprint cars; the World of Outlaws late models; the All Star Circuit of Champions as part of Ohio Speedweek; the Victory Junction Gang Camp Fundraiser with Tony Stewart, Dave Blaney, Ken Schrader and Kyle Petty; and the annual Sharon Nationals during Labor Day weekend. Monday, June 28, 2004
Tri-City pictures...don't get your hopes up, they're not great
JAROD LARSON AND JIM RASEY LEAD BUCKEYE STATE TO SPRINT AND MOD WINS AT TRI-CITY; BRENT RHEBERGEN, BOBBY WHITLING AND DON BLAKE JR. REPEAT by Brian Spaid June 27, 2004 FRANKLIN, PA .... Wonderful summer weather graced Tri-City Speedway on Sunday night as Jarod Larson (Northpointe Automotive Super Sprints), Jim Rasey (Schwab's Ford DIRT Modifieds), Brent Rhebergen (RPM Auto Sales/Shawgo Real Estate E Mods), Bobby Whitling (E.F. Rogers Plumbing & Heating Pro Stocks) and Don Blake Jr. (Victory Lane Graphics Thundercars) won the feature events and the fans enjoyed the Giant Eagle/Edward Jones Investments Fireworks Extravaganza at the Venango County half-mile oval. Jarod Larson of Rock Creek, OH, used an amazing slide job on a 13th lap restart to race under Bobby Clark in the second turn and take command of the 20-lap Super Sprint feature. Once out front, Larson cruised to his third win of the season and the sixth of his career at Tri-City. "I want to apologize to Bobby for the pass because I got into him a little," said Larson in victory lane with his Clemson Excavating/Mark Thomas Ford Eagle No. 47. "I thought I got under him enough, but we touched. The track was beautiful tonight. You could run it high and low." Despite Larson's concerns, Clark was unfazed by the move and accepted the blame for the loss. "That was just racing," said the 1997 track champion, "I messed up on that restart because I broke loose off turn four and let them get me. Jarod did a great job." Clark took command at the start of the race. While Clark raced away out front, Rod George and Larson worked their way into second and third by the fourth circuit as they dueled with 16-year-old sensation Cameron Dodson. On the seventh circuit, Larson raced outside George in turn two and set his sights on the far-running Clark, who made some amazing moves in lapped traffic. Three cautions slowed the race, but the final caution on the 13th circuit was the climax of the race. On the restart, Clark slid sideways slightly off turn four to the start-finish line. Larson dove under Clark entering turn one, and moved up the track in turn two in front of Clark. Larson tapped Clark's left front wheel, and took the lead. George moved by Clark at the same time. Once out front, Larson was peerless as he sped to a straightaway advantage by the finish. With less than two laps to go, Clark and George diced for second amidst lapped traffic, and Clark took the spot. At the finish, Larson was the winner over Clark, George, Rob Eyler and Dodson. Eyler's run to fourth was a lot of work after the local favorite suffered engine problems earlier in the evening. Larson and Clark each garnered and extra $100 and $200 respectively from the family of former Super Sprint and DIRT Modified driver Danny Perrett and Five Forks Restaurant. Perrett perished in a Clarion County car accident in April. Dodson and Dr. Bob Altmeyer won the Super Sprint heats in what proved to be a wild night for the winged machines. Butch Beasley flipped in turn one during hot laps. In the first heat race, Guy Griffin took a hard hit to the turn two wall, and a few laps later Todd Bauer tumbled in the same corner. All drivers were uninjured. After competing on a weekly basis the last few seasons at Tri-City, in 2004, family commitments kept Jim Rasey of Southington, OH, from the track. His only other appearance of the season occurred on May 30th, when he competed in the BRP Modified Tour Dick Rankin Memorial. Rasey "invaded" Tri-City on this night, however, and scored a flag-to-flag victory in the 20-lap DIRT Modified feature for his first win of the season in his Canfield Cylinder Heads Troyer No. 32. "We've played a lot of baseball with the kids this year," said Rasey after his third career win at Tri-City and his first since August 27, 2000. "We miss coming here. The track was good and the car ran well up top, so racing high was the way to go." Rasey started on the pole position beside 15-year-old rookie driver Russell King. Rasey jumped into the lead at the start, but the battles behind him continued lap after lap. By the fifth circuit, Rasey led King, Joe Crawford, Chris Schiffer and Del Rougeux Jr. Rougeux, the 2003 track champion, moved through the top five over the next three circuits, and finally worked under King in turn four on the eighth lap to take second. However, Rougeux was no match for Rasey despite the third and final caution period on the 12th circuit after Chanda Reitz clobbered the front wall. Over the last eight laps, Rasey continued his dominance to score the win. Rougeux finished second over Joe Crawford, who ran a steady third. Jeremiah Shingledecker matched a career-best fourth place finish while King earned a career-best fifth with his father, Rex King, in tow. Rasey collected an extra $100 courtesy of Coors Brewing and Glenwood Distributing for winning the fourth Coors DIRT Modified Bonus Bucks event of the season. Similar to the Super Sprint top two, Rasey and Rougeux also collected $100 and $200 respectively from the Perrett family and Five Forks Restaurant. Andy Priest, Kevin Bolland and Rex King captured the DIRT Modified heats. Newcomer Mark Chiddy won the B Main. Brent Rhebergen of Clymer, NY, continued his dominance in the E Mod division as he captured his fourth feature win of the season and the 37th of his career at Tri-City. This time, however, a late-race caution, which extended the race into a 16-lap feature, nearly cost him the win. Mike Samuelson came up short in his effort to defeat Rhebergen in a one-on-one match over the final circuit. "Wow-wee!" exclaimed Rhebergen after climbing out of Bruce and Kathy Steadman's Sharp Tool & Die Pierce No. 69. "I let the right rear tire cool off over the last caution. When Mike got under me in turn two, I knew it didn't look good. I just carried the car high off turn four and held on for the win." Former Late Model driver Aurie Weaver led at the start. He paced the field for the first three circuits before Samuelson took the lead on the fourth lap. Behind them, Rhebergen was moving through the pack. Over the course of three laps, Rhebergen moved from fifth to second by the eighth circuit. He chased down Samuelson, and dove under him off turn four to take command at the completion of the 10th circuit. With one lap to go, Bruce Powell spun out of fifth place off turn four, which caused a caution and extended the race an additional circuit. On the restart, Rhebergen maintained his lead until the final lap. Entering turn one, Samuelson made a move for the lead. Off turn two, Samuelson edged ahead of Rhebergen and appeared to be on his way to an amazing victory over the perennial E Mod king. Rhebergen would not be denied victory, however, and soared back around Samuelson off turn four to take the win. Samuelson finished second over Weaver, who scored a career-best finish. Shawn Shingledecker finished fourth over Jim Frontz. Shawn Domhoff and Kari Gasser scored the E Mod heat race wins. Bobby Whitling of Seneca, Pa., ended the two-race win streak of point leader Bruce Smith as Whitling raced to his second feature win of the season in the 15-lap main event. It was Whitling's 34th career Pro Stock win at Tri-City in his Ted Karns Specialty Construction Chevrolet No. 7W as he topped two-time track champion Gary Norman. "It's good to start up front on a slick track like tonight," said Whitling. "I heard Norman behind me a couple of times. We've been trying different things to catch Smith and it finally worked tonight." Scott Myers led the first two circuits before Whitling drove under him off turn four at the completion of the third lap. Norman quickly established himself as a contender moving into second on the fourth circuit following a restart that occurred after Dave Ferringer belted the front wall. Whitling maintained his advantage over Norman for the rest of the race to score the win. Although Norman was close a few times, Whitling would not be denied the victory. Behind Whitling and Norman, Jason Johns, Smith and Joe Lockhart engaged in a spirited battle for third. Johns retained the position at the checkered flag over Smith and Lockhart. Myers, Lockhart and Whitling won the Pro Stock heats. Don Blake Jr. of Titusville, Pa., padded his point lead as he led flag-to-flag in the 12-lap Thundercar feature. Driving his Monaco Cycle Sales/Townville Auto & Equipment Chevrolet No. 43, Blake started on the outside pole and survived three cautions and one red flag for his fifth win of the season and the sixth of his career in the Thundercars. "The team really put a good car together for here," said Blake. "We must have done something right. You could run anywhere on this track tonight." Second generation driver Chad Myers was in the thick of the battle for the win the entire race. After passing Kevin Cooper for second on the sixth lap, Myers dueled with Blake's son, Joe, for the rest of the race for the runner-up honors. In the end, Myers, who is a division rookie, finished second over Joe Blake, Robby Switzer and Cooper. On the ninth circuit, Cory Botelho survived a scary flip in turn two. Tri-City Speedway celebrates its 50th Anniversary next Sunday July 4th with a special seven-division show presented by Bossard Crawford that features the Northpointe Automotive Super Sprints, Schwab's Ford DIRT Modifieds, RPM Auto Sales/Shawgo Real Estate E Mods, E.F. Rogers Plumbing & Heating Pro Stocks, and Victory Lane Graphics Thundercars along with the Late Models and Sportsman Modifieds. Gates open at 4 p.m. and racing starts at 6 p.m. Adult grandstand admission will remain at $10 in appreciation of the fans. SUPER SPRINTS (20 Laps): 1. JAROD LARSON, 2. Bobby Clark, 3. Rod George, 4. Rob Eyler, 5. Cameron Dodson, 6. Andy McKisson, 7. Gary Rankin, 8. Jason Jacoby, 9. Dr. Bob Altmeyer, 10. Paul Kish, 11. Leonard Ripper Jr., 12. Jeff Kasbee, 13. Sheila Rankin, 14. Bud Watt. DNS: Guy Griffin, Todd Bauer, Brent Covell, Butch Beasley. DIRT MODIFIEDS (20 Laps): 1. JIM RASEY, 2. Del Rougeux Jr., 3. Joe Crawford, 4. Jeremiah Shingledecker, 5. Russell King, 6. Rex King, 7. Kevin Bolland, 8. Andy Priest, 9. Skip Moore, 10. Dave Schrader, 11. Chris Schiffer, 12. Lenny Leibold Jr., 13. Chad Reitz, 14. George Hobaugh, 15. Tom Mattocks Jr., 16. Mark Chiddy, 17. Jeremy Paup, 18. Kyle Ripper, 19. Garrett Krummert, 20. Pete Simpson, 21. Les Myers, 22. Jeff Walters, 23. Chanda Reitz, 24. Kevin Dickson. DNQ: Carl Murdick, Conny Allen, Dave Reges, Jeff Walsh. E MODS (16 Laps): 1. BRENT RHEBERGEN, 2. Mike Samuelson, 3. Aurie Weaver, 4. Shawn Shingledecker, 5. Jim Frontz, 6. Shawn Domhoff, 7. Mike Potosky, 8. Russ Dempsey, 9. Jamie Shetler, 10. Jeff Haefke, 11. John Lacki, 12. Chip Mahood, 13. Bruce Powell, 14. Ron Roncaglione, 15. Herm Myers, 16. Kari Gasser, 17. Bootie Petsko. DNS: Larry Walters. PRO STOCKS (15 Laps): 1. BOBBY WHITLING, 2. Gary Norman, 3. Jason Johns, 4. Bruce Smith, 5. Joe Lockhart, 6. Gerry Bruce, 7. Rusty Kellogg, 8. Russ Coyne, 9. Denny Crawford, 10. Scott Myers, 11. Doug Iorio II, 12. Gary Sullivan, 13. Greg Beach, 14. Sean Shook, 15. Doug Calvert, 16. J.R. Ziegler, 17. Matt Keith, 18. Arthur Edwards, 19. Matt Thomas, 20. Jim Brunson, 21. Dave Gadley, 22. John Sutley, 23. Rod Laskey, 24. Josh Sopher, 25. Dave Ferringer, 26. Doug Iorio. THUNDERCARS (12 Laps): 1. DON BLAKE JR., 2. Chad Myers, 3. Joe Blake, 4. Robby Switzer, 5. Kevin Cooper, 6. Jeff Manners, 7. Curt Bish Sr., 8. Regina Deloe, 9. John K. Miller, 10. John K. Miller II, 11. Josh Seippel, 12. Curt Bish Jr., 13. Cory Botelho, 14. Wearne Cook, 15. Bryan Shaffer, 16. Travis Norman. UPCOMING EVENTS July 4 - Bossard Crawford 50th Anniversary Special - Featuring Seven Divisions - Super Sprints, DIRT Modifieds, Late Models, E Mods, Sportsman Modifieds, Pro Stocks and Thundercars July 9-10 - USHRA Monster Jam Summer Heat Featuring Gravedigger and the Monster Trucks, Quad Wars, Quad Jump and Much More!!! July 11 - Super Sprints, DIRT Modifieds, E Mods, Pro Stocks and Thundercars (Northpointe Automotive Night) (Scout Night - All Boy and Girl Scouts in Uniform Admitted Free to Grandstands)(Coors DIRT Modified Bonus Bucks Event) July 18 - Super Sprints, DIRT Modifieds, E Mods, Pro Stocks, Thundercars and Pittsburgh Circle Track Club Senior Series (Goss Gas & Lincoln Welders Night) (Coors DIRT Modified Bonus Bucks Event) (DIRT Driving Experience)
Gamblers Raceway Park Race Results for June 26th
Bobby Stokes of Milton ended a long dry spell from victory circle as he copped the twenty-five lap Budweiser Super Late Model main at Gamblers Raceway Park on Saturday night. Other winners on Fred Diehl’s of Philipsburg and Valvoline Cup Night were Sean McAndrews of Edmond in the DBY Motorsports and West View Motors Micro Sprints, Jason Bainey of Philipsburg in the Fred Diehl’s of Philipsburg Pure Stocks, Dan Smeal of Ramey in the Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub Street Stocks, Don Lucas of Pine Glen in the Sid’s Super Subs Wild Cards and Tom Martocci of Kunkletown in the 300 cc Mini Mods. Stokes who hasn’t won at the quarter mile clay oval since July 26th of last year sat on the pole of the twenty car field. The popular driver dominated the field as he led from an opening lap caution to the twenty laps of green flag racing. On lap twenty the yellow came out to bunch up the field but Stokes was to powerful and fought off all challengers to pick up the win. With the win, Stokes also qualified for the $5004 to win “Roll of the Dice Classic” on July 25th. McAndrews took the lead from Kane’s Doug Karlene on lap five and never looked back as he picked up the checkered flag for the second time this year in the ultra quick micro field. Eleven Pure Stocks answered flagman, Randy Neeper’s call for their twelve lap feature. Clearfield’s Matt Howell lead for the first five circuits before Bainey took him on the high side coming out of turn four for the lead. Once out in front point leader Bainey cursed to his second feature win of this year. It took three restarts for the Street Stocks to get going but once it did the action was fast and furious as Smeal scorched the sixteen car field in the most competitive division at the raceway. Smeal also picked up his second feature win on the season. The ten lap Wild Card feature was exactly run as the division is named Wild! Five of the seven car field lead at one time in the non-stop action main event. Lucas coming out of turn four was sitting in third place but the two top cars tangled in turn four giving the win to Lucas. The 300 cc Mini Mod was lead from start to finish by point leader Martocci in this first visit of this traveling class to Gamblers. Next week will be “Showdown Saturday” with $1000 to win $70 to start for the Micro Sprints, $500 to win $100 to start for the Street Stocks, $200 to win $50 to start for the Pure Stocks and $125 to win $25 to start for the Wild Cards. Gates open at 4:30 racing starts at 6:30 with adult admission $9 kids 15 and under with paying adult free. Budweiser Super Late Models Bobby Stokes, Milton Yvette Hahn, Alum Bank Luke Hoffner, Turbotville Billy Eash, Johnstown Jim Parsons, Bellwood Eric Moore, Frenchville Darrell Bossard, Centerville Brady Wonderling, Wellsville, NY Jake Shady, Mill Hall Matt Lux, Franklin John Ritter, Stroudsburg Kent Wheeler, Mill Hall Harry Miller, Jersey Shore Nick Lofferdo, Avis Kip Charles, Clearfield George Fultz, Mill Hall Dale Zimmerman, Brookville Chad Mainey, Frenchville Brad Malak, Linden Matt Gaston, Rochester Mills Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub Street Stock Dan Smeal, Ramey Doug Tibbens, Curwensville Trent Ogden, Clearfield Todd Mathews, Sanborn Emory Rinehart Jr., Morrisdale Dave Potter, Smoke Run Dennis Fenton, Clearfield Rich Howe, Clearfield Pat Carfley, Curwensville Frank McVay, Boalsburg DBY Motorsports & West View Motors Micro Sprints Sean McAndrews, Edmon Doug Karlene, Kane Todd Hoover, Mt. Pleasant Mills Brayden Winters, Easton Jay Groves, Sugar Grove Jeff Bacha, Indiana Brian Kishbaugh, Nescopeck Dan Holtgraver, Pittsburgh Ryan McAndrews, Edmon Ken Hockenbroch, Paxinos Matt Bower, Sellingsgrove Jerry Mack, Sunbury Todd Reusser, Minerva, OH Dan Smeal, Philipsburg Jeff Black, Sunbury Jeff Lender, Osceola Mills Fred Diehl’s of Philipsburg Pure Stock Jason Bainey, Philipsburg Kevin Clark, Grassflat Ryan Jacoby, Fernwood Frank Little, Woodland Don Geer Jr., Clearfield Sid’s Sub Shop Wild Cards Don Lucas, Pine Glen Phil Courter, Mill Hall Jason Peters, Clearfield Darren Lucas, Pine Glen Denny Weisgarber, Curwensville 300 CC Mini Mods 1.Tom Martocci, Kunkletown 2. Doug Borger, Kunkletown 3. Brett Borger, Kunkletown Sunday, June 27, 2004
KENT FLIES TO NON-STOP SPRINT WIN; YOUNG WINS FIRST IN EXICITING MOD FEATURE; EPERTHENER DOES IT AGAIN IN SPORTSMAN; MOORE UPSETS STOCKS FOR FIRST WIN; LAST LAP SPIN GIVES BISH, SR. #8 IN STRICTLYS AT MERCER
By Mike Leone Mercer, PA…Mercer Raceway Park hosted American Patriot Night Saturday honoring all veterans with a huge Zambelli Internationale Fireworks show presented by Walt’s of Mercer Plaza & Pizza Joe’s. Scoring wins and celebrating in the McClung Auto Body victory lane were Arnie Kent-Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Steve Young-Campbell-Peterson Trail & Turf Big-Block Modifieds, Ron Eperthener, Jr.-Tire Express Sportsman Modifieds, Jarrot Moore-Stock Cars, and Curt Bish, Sr.-Maurer’s Trading Post Strictly Stocks. Arnie Kent won a breathtaking, non-stop 20-lap Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car feature timed in 5:04.54 holding off a late race rally by Rod George on the super fast track for his second win. “I was running out of wind there at the end,” revealed the New Castle, Pa. winner. “I just had to hang in there. I needed a caution. I could have run harder, but I was actually getting tired. We struggled and worked on the car all week. We changed a whole bunch of stuff after the heat race; that and the combination of the track being tacky.” Like a bullet from the outside second row, Kent rocketed past George, Jason Dolick, and Doug Stanley using the top side of the track to sneak by for the lead at the start-finish line on the first lap. George moved up to third on lap five using the bottom of the track to take the position away from Stanley. Kent caught traffic on lap six, while George pressured Dolick for second. With the help of lapped traffic, George squeaked past Dolick for second on lap 10. Up front, Kent had a great rhythm going running the outside and performing a driving clinic through lapped traffic. Once George cleared Dolick, he found himself more than a straightaway behind Kent. Each and every lap George slowly cut into Kent’s lead. At no point did it appear George would be able to challenge Kent; however, on the final lap Kent struggled through lapped traffic allowing George to quickly close the margin on Kent. Kent though was able to hold on to win by a few car lengths for his third win of the season, which includes his opening night 360 win. Kent’s tenth career Mercer win came in his Born2Run Sports Complex/Equipment Rental Options-sponsored, Don Blackshear-powered, American Racer-shod #2. Dolick of Coshocton, Ohio ran a great race to match a career best 410 finish in third and earned the $150 bonus for being the highest finishing Moore CDL Driving Academy 360 Sprint Car. Scott Bonnell was fourth before the caution was displayed for Gary Kriess, Jr. and Butch Beasley. The remaining positions reverted back to the 19th lap, which gave Mike Shearer fifth. Completing the top 10 were Rob Eyler, Jamie Smith, Stanley, Jeff Banyas, and Gary Edwards. Heat winners over the 22-car field were Dolick and Kriess. Stanley, Aaron Shaffer, and Nick Patterson also received bonus monies for being the highest finishing 360s giving Ohio drivers a sweep of the top four positions. It took him almost one year to the day, but Steve Young was able to return to victory lane in the 20-lap Campbell-Peterson Trail & Turf Big-Block Modifieds after a stout performance holding off all the top contenders for his first win since June 28, 2003. “I’m back I guess,” expressed the humble Grove City, Pa. winner. “This is great! We had really high gear in. Once I got going, I was alright. I took the spring rod and adjusted it all the way out. It makes the car bounce around more, but I didn’t want to tighten it up.” Young lost the lead on the opening lap to Frank Guidace. Andy Priest, who started eighth, quickly raced to the front and had third from Jeremy Paup on lap two. By lap five, a great three-car race for the lead ensued with Guidace trying to keep Young and Priest at bay. On lap seven, Young got a great run off the bottom through turn three to get under Guidace. The two made contact in turn four with Young coming out on top. Priest challenged Guidace and made the pass for second off turn four on lap nine. Priest now worked to the inside of Young and the two ran side-by-side on laps 10 and 11 bringing back memories of the Sportsman Modified days. On lap 12, Young was able to maintain the lead and opened up some breathing room. Guidace slowed on lap 15 and dropped back through the field before exiting the race. This moved 11th starting Tommy Kristyak to third. Kristyak quickly ran down Priest on lap 17 and was all over the point leader, while Young pulled away. With the white flag waving, Priest’s pulled into the infield with mechanical woes as Kristyak took second. Young crossed the finish line first by a straightaway over Kristyak for his sixth career big-block win and 26th of his career overall at Mercer. Young became the eighth different big-block winner of the season in the J.R. Greer-owned, Montgomery Truss & Panel/Calcium Chloride Sales/Giordano Construction-sponsored, Rombold-powered #11T Bicknell. Kristyak’s second combined with Priest’s DNF moved him back into the point lead. Dave Murdick passed Jeremy Paup on lap 19 to finish third. One week after recording his best career finish in sixth, the ever improving Paup, bumped that up with his first top five coming home in fourth. Andy Paden was fifth after starting 14th giving him his second top five of the season. Sixth through tenth were Rodney Beltz, Carl Weatherby, Les Myers, Carl Murdick, and John Buchanan. Heat winners over the 26-car field were Priest, Guidace, and Young. Beltz won the B main. It took Ron Eperthener, Jr. seven years to win his fourth career feature this year, but only four weeks to get #5. Eperthener’s win came in the 20-lap Tire Express Sportsman Modified feature. “I don’t know what to say,” expressed the Grove City, Pa. winner. “I finally figured out how to do it and I hope it keeps rolling. Things are great! It feels good to be here in front for a change. It’s a change before from being in the back.” Mike Anderson jumped out into the early lead from the pole position with Jeff Walters moving into second past Rick Ryder. Anderson held the lead until looping his mount on lap five, while battling with Walters for the lead. Eperthener, who started 10th, now found himself in third on the restart and then grabbed second away from Kevin Thompson on lap six. Walters got high off turn two on lap nine allowing Eperthener and Thompson to take over the top two spots. Eperthener then survived two late restarts and was never seriously challenged for the win in the Ron Eperthener, Sr.-owned, Eperthener Auto Wrecking-sponsored #333 Bicknell. Thompson had a solid run in second matching his best finish of the season. Point leader Jeff Schaffer came from ninth to place third and hasn’t finished out of the top five since August 23, 2003. Rick Hall and Jerry Schaffer were fourth and fifth. Topping the heat races over the 25-car field were Jerry Schaffer, Gary Smoker, and Eperthener. Jarrot Moore was the surprise winner in the 15-lap Stock Car feature for his first ever Mercer win holding off all he could handle by western Pa. great Bobby Whitling. “The car was perfect,” acknowledged the New Castle, Pa. resident. “The car seemed to stick on the outside. I felt I could run a little harder so I chose the outside.” Moore took the lead away from pole-sitter Joe Updegraff on the initial lap as Whitling came from fifth to second. Whitling challenged Moore and finally was able to lead lap seven by using the outside of the speedway. Moore though wasn’t to be denied as he got back by the defending track champion with an inside move on lap eight to retake the lead. Moore then was able to hold off Whitling in the remaining laps to become the seventh different winner of the season in his Rich & Freed’s Auto Parts/Jim Hooks Auto Repair-sponsored #8M. Moore stated his last and only dirt win came at Hickory Speedway in the early 90s and before that won two races on the asphalt. After starting 10th, Brian Booher was third getting by Rick Lanigan on lap 13. Lanigan was fourth over Andy Buckley. Scoring heat race wins were Whitling, Shaun Hooks, and Moore over the 26-car field. Just when it appeared the Bishs stranglehold on the Strictly Stock division was about to come to an end by Bryan Shaffer, the youngster’s last lap spin handed Curt Bish, Sr. his eighth win of the season and kept his family a perfect 11-for-11. Shaffer led the first seven laps from the pole position before Bish got the advantage on lap eight. Shaffer though looked strong as he retook the lead one lap later. On the last lap going down the backstretch, Shaffer looped his #77 allowing Bish to fly by for another win in the Maurer’s Trading Post “Redneck Racers Shotgun Series”. Bish of Titusville, Pa. drove the Dennis Baker Construction/A&C Buffet-sponsored #00 as he continues to lead the points. Curt Bish, Jr. and Joe Blake also got by Shaffer before Shaffer regrouped to finish fourth. Wearne Cook was fifth. Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars: 1. ARNIE KENT 2. Rod George 3. Jason Dolick 4. Scott Bonnell 5. Mike Shearer 6. Rob Eyler 7. Jamie Smith 8. Doug Stanley 9. Jeff Banyas 10. Gary Edwards 11. Andy McKisson 12. Gary Kriess, Jr. 13. Andy Priest 14. Aaron Shaffer 15. Nick Patterson 16. Chad Levingston 17. Butch Beasley 18. Jeremy Cook 19. Paul Kish 20. Eric Williams 21. Chris Shuttleworth 22. Joe McEwen-DNS. Campbell-Peterson Trail & Turf Big-Block Modifieds: 1. STEVE YOUNG 2. Tommy Kristyak 3. Dave Murdick 4. Jeremy Paup 5. Andy Paden 6. Rodney Beltz 7. Carl Weatherby 8. Les Myers 9. Carl Murdick 10. John Buchanan 11. Andy Priest 12. Frank Guidace 13. Travis Shingledecker 14. Jeff Baker 15. Rob Curtis 16. Jeremiah Shingledecker 17. Tommy Marshall III 18. Stan Riggle 19. Bob Dorman 20. Kenny Hardy 21. Rick Hall 22. Steve Barr 23. Scott Kay 24. Zack Moran-DNS DNQ: Rick Kress, Adam Kozar. Tire Express Sportsman Modifieds: 1. RON EPERTHENER, JR. 2. Kevin Thompson 3. Jeff Schaffer 4. Rick Hall 5. Jerry Schaffer 6. Gary Smoker 7. Jeff Walters 8. Dave Murdick 9. Kevin Green 10. Bill Adams 11. Fred Sasse 12. Jim Rombold, Jr. 13. Kristin Jordan 14. Mike Kelley 15. Terry Young 16. Jim Thompson 17. Branden Porter 18. Steve Toth 19. Mike Turner 20. Jay Priest 21. John Larkin 22. Mike Anderson 23. Rich Whitney 24. Rick Ryder 25. Matt Reeher-DNS. Stock Cars: 1. JARROT MOORE 2. Bobby Whitling 3. Brian Booher 4. Rick Lanigan 5. Andy Buckley 6. Andy Thompson 7. Shaun Hooks 8. Doug Iorio 9. John Reiser 10. Tim Deutsch 11. Terry Wheeler 12. Gary Norman 13. Bill Lanigan 14. Terry Kroner 15. Gary Johns 16. Chris Brown 17. Scott Malone 18. Joe Updegraff 19. Cody Smith 20. Carl Ealy 21. Ryan Moyer 22. Rick Norco 23. Clyde Roberts 24. William Smiley 25. Rick Anthony-DNS 26. Tim Zuschlag-DNS. Maurer’s Trading Post Strictly Stocks: 1. CURT BISH, SR. 2. Curt Bish, Jr. 3. Joe Blake 4. Bryan Shaffer 5. Wearne Cook 6. Dave McMurray, Jr. 7. Paul Reiser 8. Carl Ealy 9. Lauren Simmons 10. Don Blake, Jr.-DNS. Upcoming Events: 7/03 “The Wheelman” URC 360 Summer Nationals presented by Armstrong Zoom Cable Internet Service. URC 360 Sprints ($2,500), Big-Block Mods ($1,500), Stock ($600), Strictly Stocks, & a Demo Derby. 7/10 Sprints, Big-Block Mods, Sportsman Mods, Stocks, & Strictly Stocks. “Caught in the Web” presented by Ray’s Racing Collectibles. Meet & greet Marvel’s “Spider-Man”. Hermitage Cinema 8 Theatre ticket giveaways. Kids bike races. “Meet Your Heroes”/Big-Block Mods. Free general admission for Oil City, Pa. residents. 7/17 Sprints, Big-Block Mods, Sportsman Mods, Stocks, & Strictly Stocks. EMS Community Sireeeen Rally – A Regional Safety Awareness Night presented by Life Force Ambulance. Featuring “Barney Fife” impersonator Mick Kieffer, “Otis Campbell” impersonator and “Barney, Jr.” Mercer Raceway Park is located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly late March through early October. The office in New Bedford, Pa. is open year-round after 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call the office at 724-964-9300 or the track on race day at 724-662-1310. Check out our website at www.mercerracewaypark.com for the latest Don't forget about the pictures
TRI-CITY SPEEDWAY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WITH HUGE JULY 4TH SHOW
by Brian Spaid June 27, 2004 FRANKLIN, PA …. The 2004 season marks the 50th anniversary of Tri-City Speedway, which opened on July 11, 1954. In an effort to highlight this special occasion for the race fans, Tri-City Co-Promoters Mike Graham and Roger Crick decided to host a unique event that features all of the divisions that ever raced at the track and are still in existence. The idea sounded crazy at first, but the result should be a stupendous night of racing for the track, competitors and fans. Thus, on Sunday July 4th, Bossard Crawford of Titusville, Pa., presents a seven-division show that will include the Late Models and Sportsman Modifieds along with the NorthPointe Automotive Super Sprints, Schwab's Ford DIRT Modifieds, RPM Auto Sales/Shawgo Real Estate E Mods, E.F. Rogers Plumbing & Heating Pro Stocks and Victory Lane Graphics Thundercars. Other than the Thundercars, which run features only, each division will run a series of qualifying events leading to the main event. The Super Sprints, DIRT Modifieds and Late Models will compete in 20-lap features while the E Mods, Pro Stocks and Sportsman Modifieds will compete in 15-lap features. The Late Models last raced at Tri-City on September 7, 2003, when former E Mod feature winner Bill Cunningham won his first-ever Late Model main. Current DIRT Modified rookie Chad Reitz won the last Sportsman Modified race at Tri-City on September 14, 2002. Gates open for the Independence Day show at 4:00 p.m. and racing starts at 6:00 p.m. As a salute to the fans of Venango County half-mile oval, the adult grandstand admission for this show will remain at a family friendly $10.00. The show will not feature any fireworks Tri-City Speedway is owned and operated by Roger and Susie Crick and Mike and Margaret Graham. They have promoted Sunday night racing at the popular facility since they reopened it in 1996. The Super Sprints, DIRT Modifieds, E Mods, Pro Stocks and Thundercars race each week at the Venango County half-mile dirt oval. Tri-City is located seven miles north of Franklin, Pa., off State Route 417. TRI-CITY SPEEDWAY CONTINUES 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WITH MONSTER JAM SUMMER HEAT ON JULY 9-10 by Brian Spaid June 27, 2004 FRANKLIN, PA …. Tri-City Speedway officials have teamed once again with Clear Channel Entertainment and the United States Hot Rod Association (USHRA) to bring Monster Trucks back to the Venango County half-mile oval for a two-day, three-event show on July 9-10. The USHRA Monster Jam Summer Heat will feature the return of Gravedigger to Tri-City for the second season in a row. The most popular Monster Truck in the nation, Gravedigger swept into Tri-City in 2003 thrilling adults and children alike. Owned by Dennis Anderson and based out of Kill Devil Hills, N.C., Gravedigger will lead other popular Monster Trucks to the event, including Gunslinger, Rap Attack, Full Boar, and Little Miss Dangerous, which is a 1951 Willy’s Jeep painted a bright pink. The ever-popular Quad Wars will be at each show in conjunction with the Monster Trucks. Even more wild will be a Quad Jump in which a daredevil will leap his four-wheel all-terrain vehicle over the Monster Trucks. On Friday July 9, the gates will open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. On Saturday July 10, two shows will occur. A matinee event will find gates open at 11:30 a.m. for a pit party that lasts one hour, and the show starts at 2 p.m. That same night for the final show, gates will open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 2 to 12. Advance sale tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or the Tri-City Speedway box office. A link to the Ticketmaster website is available at www.tricityspeedway.com. Phone order may be placed at 814-456-7070. For more information, please contact Tri-City’s main office at (814) 473-4038. Tri-City Speedway is owned and operated by Roger and Susie Crick and Mike and Margaret Graham. They have promoted Sunday night racing at the popular facility since they reopened it in 1996. The Super Sprints, DIRT Modifieds, E Mods, Pro Stocks and Thundercars race each week at the Venango County half-mile dirt oval. Tri-City is located seven miles north of Franklin, Pa., off State Route 417 |
