Show Posts

This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.


Messages - RUSH Racing Series

Pages: 1 ... 37 38 [39] 40 41 ... 43
571
SWEENEY RUSH SPORTSMAN MODIFIEDS TO MAKE SEASON'S 5TH APPEARANCE AT SHARON SATURDAY; NEW $3,200 GM 602 ENGINE FROM SWEENEY/PACE TO BE GIVEN AWAY
By Mike Leone
 
August 21, 2014                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
(Hartford, OH)…The Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Sportsman Modifieds will return to Sharon Speedway this Saturday night (August 23) in an event that will feature a GM 602 engine giveaway from Sweeney/Pace Performance.  The event is part of the inaugural season for the GM 602 engine division on $135 Bilstein “sealed” spec shocks along with steel wheels on spec Hoosier Tires.

Saturday's race will be the fifth of the season at Sharon.  On August 9, Greg Martin became the first repeat winner joining wins by Jordan Eck and Rocky Kugel.  Series point leader, Adam Hilton of Buffalo, New York, has four victories in the region, but has yet to win at Sharon.  The last two Sharon events have attracted 11 cars each, which has been the record for the season. 

A total of 23 different drivers in 17 different cars have participated in the 12 events to date.  Last Friday at Raceway 7, Dave Conant, Jr. made his second start of the season and backed up his win on July 4 at Lernerville Speedway. 

All competing RUSH Sportsman Modified racers on Saturday will have a chance at winning the GM 602 engine valued at over $3,200.  RUSH member racers will receive a second chance at the drawing. 

On the RUSH Late Model side, Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC/Pace Performance has given away engines in the past four seasons to the following lucky racers: Paul Jablonski, Ben Black, Bobby Whitling, and Robby Marhefka.

"We can never thank Sweeney and Pace enough for their continued support of both of our programs," stated RUSH Co-Director Mike Leone.  "The Sportsman Modifieds inaugural season will feature a $10,000 plus point fund, Saturday's engine giveaway, a Manufacturers Night coming up on September 6 at Lernerville Speedway, and much more”. 

“Although we had hoped for a few more cars competing in the class by this time we feel we have been successful in introducing the competitive Sportsman Modified concept to our region this season,” explained RUSH Co-Director Vicki Emig.  “We continue to have strong support from the promoters of the speedways that have hosted events this year and they continue to express their strong feelings about the importance of this class in our region.  It has been both encouraging and exciting to continue to receive phone calls from interested and former Modified racers who are seriously considering returning to action in 2015 due to the development of this class.”

The Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modifieds will make their second appearance at Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway on Saturday, August 30.  Adam Hilton won the first event.  Following “Manufacturers Night” at Lernerville on September 6, the Mods will run a complete show on both Friday and Saturday, September 12-13 at Sharon during the “Apple Festival Nationals”.     

Sweeney RUSH  Sportsman Modifieds Weekly Series Points (only member racers receive points for their best 10 finishes): 1. Adam Hilton 1063  2. Rocky Kugel 1037  3. Jamie Duncan 816  4. Jeremy Zufall 787  5. Greg Martin 643  6. Jeremy Paup 615  7. Ken Moy, Jr. 610  8. Adam Siegel 581  9. Will Schaffer 570  10. Jerry Schaffer 298  11. Andy Paden 294  12. Mike Kiezer 100  13. Larry Kugel 97.

Pits open at 4 p.m. at Sharon with racing at 7.  Sharon Speedway is a 3/8-mile dirt track with a GPS address of 3241 Custer-Orangeville Rd. NE, Burghill, OH 44404.  For more information, check out their website at www.sharonspeedway.com or call 330-772-5481.  As for their social media outlets, you can like their page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SharonSpeedway or follow them on Twitter @SharonSpdwy.

2014 RUSH Sportsman Modified marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, VP Racing Fuels, FK Rod Ends, AERO Race Wheels, Velocita-USA, Driven Racing Oil, Precise Racing Products, Alternative Power Sources, Rocket Racing, and B.R.A.K.E.S.

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Sportsman Modified website is www.rushsportsmanmods.com.  Those on social media can like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rushsportsmanmods and follow us on Twitter @RUSHSportMods.
 
###

572
PACE “SUMMER CHASE” NEARING CONCLUSION; METHENY & PIETZ WIN 1ST CAREER SWEENEY RUSH LATE MODEL EVENTS
By Mike Leone & Jim Zufall

August 20, 2014

(Pulaski, PA)… Another great weekend for the member tracks of the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Racing Series was completed.  Of the eight member tracks, six of them had the RUSH Late Models on the card for their respective race nights in addition to the Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modified event at Raceway 7.

While the Sweeney Weekly Series Championship for the RUSH Late Models continues through the month of September, one of the Series’ other programs, the Pace Performance “Summer Chase”, is set to conclude following the Labor Day Weekend.  Fifty-six drivers qualified for the nine-week chase, which began on July 1, by either being in the top 10 of the RUSH points at a weekly-sanctioned speedway or the Sweeney Tour points.

The program looks at drivers’ average point score for all races competed in during the time period.  Eight completed events are mandatory to be eligible for the $10,000 plus point fund, which will award $3,000 to the champion and down to $500 for 10th.  Currently, Rick Singleton leads the standings with an average point score of 109.67.  The Front Royal, Virginia racer has competed in six events so far with wins at Sharon and Roaring Knob, a second place finish at Roaring Knob, and three third place finishes at Lernerville, McKean, and Roaring Knob. 

Completing the top 10 currently are Will Thomas III, Troy Shields and Nolan Dalton (tie), Darin Henderson, Alan Dellinger, Daryl Charlier, Max Blair, Ben Bowie, and Josh Holtgraver.  So far, none of the top 11 drivers in points have completed the required eight events with two weekends remaining.  Jeremy Wonderling, who is in 12th in points with a 104.13 average, is the highest point man that has completed the required minimum just ahead of a tie between Chad Ruhlman and Ward Schell.       
 
Before the weekend got underway, the McKean County Raceway held a special Thursday night race event for the second week in a row as the event was part of the 109th annual McKean County Fair featuring the Sweeney Touring Series.  When the dust had settled it was Bryce Davis taking his first Sweeney Touring Series victory of the season.  While Davis managed to lead every lap, he had to contend with perennial winners Blair and Singleton, both of whom started well outside the top ten.  There was no doubt that Davis felt the pressure applied by Blair. “When I saw him (Blair) get by me on that one restart I thought 'oh ***** here we go', but thank God the yellow came out and I was glad we got to lap 25,” said the Hornell, New York driver. "We got a bad start on that one and had it gone green and I hadn't gotten another shot at him, I don't know if I'd have won.”

McKean is off until Saturday, August 30 when the hugely popular “RUSH Manufacturer’s Night” is part of the evening with a $1,500 to-win Sweeney Tour event along with the Patriot 360 Sprints.  The next night (Sunday, August 31), the Sweeney Tour will make its maiden voyage to Ohio’s Wayne County Speedway for another $1,500 to-win event in an event highlighted by the All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars. 
 
The weekend began at Freedom Speedway where Adam Sixt added his first Freedom win of the season to his already stellar season, which included a $1,000 win the Thursday before at McKean.  Sixt has been pulling in a number of high finishing positions, and his 66 point cushion for the lead shows it. Sixt was followed on Friday by Bill Holmes, Jamie Brown, Schell and Garret Stephen. With only three race nights to go in the RUSH Late Model division, Sixt has a good chance to wrap up the title and be the first champion of the RUSH Series at Freedom.  The RUSH Late Models are back in action at Freedom Speedway this Friday along with all other regular divisions.

The Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modifieds made their second and final visit of the season to Conneaut, Ohio’s Raceway 7.  It was the 12th race of the inaugural season for the 602 crate division.  New York’s Dave Conant, Jr. made his second Series start of the season and won for the second time backing up his victory on July 4 at Lernerville Speedway.  Series point leader Adam Hilton was second over Rocky Kugel, Jeremy Paup, and Ken Moy, Jr. 
 
At Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway on Saturday night, the speedway paid tribute to former promoter Red Miley with the running of the eighth annual “Red Miley Rumble” for the Super Late Models. The RUSH Dirt Late Models were on the card as well and Josh Holtgraver charged to the front, took the lead from Ron Hall, and went on for his second win, but first since April 19.  Charlier finished in the runner up position over point leader Nico Dabecco, Justin Lamb fourth, early leader Hall.
 
This Saturday night is one of the bigger nights for the RUSH Late Models at PPMS with the running of the “Jook George Classic,” a race that pays tribute to long-time car builder Jook George.  George was one of the most respected car builders in the business in western Pennsylvania and this is the track’s way of honoring him. The RUSH Late Models will be competing for a $1,010 first place payoff in additional to other prizes.  Racing begins at 7 p.m.
 
Saturday night at Sharon Speedway, it was former track champion Will Thomas III taking the feature win- his first since a three win tear in late spring.  In a reversal of last week where Thomas tracked down Alan Dellinger only to come up 0.005 shy, Thomas held off Dellinger despite a couple late race restarts to win by 1.266.  It was another good run for Dellinger with the $135 Bilstein “sealed” spec shocks.  Bryan Salisbury was third in his first appearance of the season over Canadian Jordan Peters and Ben Black.
 
Sharon Speedway returns to action this Saturday with a RUSH doubleheader featuring both the Late Models and Sportsman Modifieds.  One lucky Sportsman Modified racer will win a brand new GM 602 engine from Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC/Pace Performance, valued at over $3,200!
 
Saturday night at Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex, 30 cars were on hand for the “Sprout Cossell Memorial” that was to feature twin 15s.  Kingwood, West Virginia’s Corey Metheny took the victory in the first feature for his first career RUSH win.  Singleton, Shields, point leader Michael Lake and Nolan Dalton were second through fifth.

The second feature was rained out and will be made up this Saturday night along with another regular program.  Lake has a rather commanding 148 point lead coming into the home stretch at Roaring Knob with only five more weeks of racing to decide the title. 
 
As always, Port Colborne, Ontario’s Humberstone Speedway finished out the weekend for the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Racing Series.  Front row starter Rob Pietz took control of the RUSH Late Model feature over pole-sitter Jeff Dayman and held on for his first career RUSH victory despite pressure from Jorden Peters, who recorded his fourth straight top three finish at the Canadian track.  Rob Ledingham was third as Dayman dropped to fourth over Luke Carleton.  Peters holds a slim lead over Paul Grigsby and Rob Ledingham heading into the final five race night so of the season.
Both Mid-Atlantic speedways of Potomac and Winchester didn’t have the RUSH Late Models scheduled due to World of Outlaw Late Model events.  Winchester will have RUSH on the card this Saturday night.  RUSH will be off again at Potomac until Sunday, August 31, which will be the track’s final race of the season for RUSH.

You can follow the latest news from both series by going to www.rushracingseries.com.  Current point leaders are Ryan Montgomery-Sweeney RUSH Late Model Touring Series, Chad Ruhlman-Sweeney RUSH Late Model Weekly Series, Michael Lake-“Futures Cup”, Rick Singleton-Pace “Summer Chase” for Late Models, and Adam Hilton leads the Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modifieds.
 
RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, ARbodies, The Brake Man, K&N Filters, Bilstein Shocks, Lincoln Electric, TurboStart, Beyea Headers, FK Rod Ends, Bobby Lake Motorsports, Driven Racing Oil, Crate Innovations Inc., Moroso Performance Products, Velocita-USA, High Gear Speed Shop, CrateInsider.com, Utsinger’s Towing, B.R.A.K.E.S., RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions.

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.
 
###

573
BRYCE DAVIS HOLDS OFF MAX BLAIR AT MCKEAN TO WIN HIS 1ST SWEENEY RUSH LATE MODEL TOUR EVENT OF 2014; SEASON HIGH 38 CARS FOR MCKEAN COUNTY FAIR EVENT
By Mike Leone
 
August 14, 2014             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
(East Smethport, PA)…The Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring Series made its first of three stops of 2014 at the McKean County Raceway on Thursday evening.  Race #10 of the year was part of the 109th annual McKean County Fair and drew a large crowd despite unseasonably cool and breezy conditions.  A rain shower just before 7 p.m. delayed the program nearly 30 minutes.  A season high 38 cars from all over Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland were on hand. 

Bryce Davis led all 25 laps of the Sweeney Tour feature for his first win of the season, but it was far from easy as he had standout Max Blair and four-time Series winner Rick Singleton, who charged from the 12th and 13th starting spots respectively, breathing down his neck for over half of the event.  Ironically, it was the second straight year Davis has topped a 38-car field on the opening Sweeney Tour event at McKean.  The win was worth $1,200 as Davis became the sixth different winner of the season.

“When I saw him (Blair) get by me on that one restart I thought ‘oh ***** here we go’, but thank God the yellow came out and I was glad we got to lap 25,” stated the 23-year-old Hornell, New York driver in victory lane after his popular win.  “We got a bad start on that one and had it gone green and I hadn’t gotten another shot at him, I don’t know if I’d have won.  I have to thank my whole family- mom, dad, brother, sister, girlfriend and daughter along with my crew and sponsors.  I enjoyed coming here tonight and it was a great turnout and great win.”     

From the pole position, Davis raced to the lead over Cody Mason, Justin Smith, Brian Knowles, and Jeremy Wonderling.  Both Wonderling and John Waters were able to pass Knowles for fourth and fifth on lap two before a caution for debris on the speedway.  Back under green, Waters continued to move forward passing Wonderling for fourth and bringing Blair with him in fifth.  Blair then began to put the heat on Waters as the two ran side-by-side before Blair made the pass on the outside on lap five.

Meanwhile up front, Davis had opened up a comfortable lead.  Wonderling and Mason raced side-by-side for runner-up on lap six with Wonderling getting the nod.  Blair was also able to make his way by for third before a caution for Chad McClellan’s spin.  When racing resumed on lap seven, Waters regained the fourth position after the pass of Mason, while Singleton worked his way into the top five directly behind.

Blair ran down Wonderling and made the pass in turn four for second on lap eight as it appeared that he may have the fastest car on the track.  Three cautions between laps 10-11 slowed action.  Singleton advanced to the fourth position past Waters on lap 11 then took over third from Wonderling on lap 12.  It now looked like Singleton, who won four of his five Sweeney Tour starts, had the car to beat as he got under Blair on lap 13 as the two battled side-by-side.  Blair though was able to maintain the runner-up position.

The top three of Davis, Blair, and Singleton clearly had the three fastest cars on the speedway as they began to pull away from the field before a final caution when Brian Knowles slowed in turn four with 17 laps scored. 

The final eight laps went caution-free.  Blair made several challenges on Davis with Singleton lurking behind, but Davis was too strong and didn’t make any mistakes to capture his second career Sweeney Tour victory in his Griswold’s E.T.R. Services/Close Racing Supply/Jody’s Hair Design-sponsored #94. Davis’ margin of victory was a mere 0.555 of a second.

Blair was making just his third Sweeney Tour start of the season and has yet to finish worse than fourth.  “We gave it everything we had to come home second, but 12th to second without getting tore up is good enough,” stated Blair of Centerville, Pa.  “We had a terrible redraw and maybe if we could have started closer to the front we’d have had a better shot.  The laps were winding down, and I was trying harder and harder and kept making more mistakes.  Bryce (Davis) was real good.  He did everything he needed to win the race.  Congratulations to him and his guys- that’s awesome.  I have to thank everyone that helps me along with Mike (Leone) and Vicki (Emig) for putting on RUSH- it’s an awesome deal and I always look forward to racing with you guys.”   

Singleton meanwhile has now finished in the top three of all six Sweeney Tour starts this season!  “I wish we had a few more laps,” acknowledged the Front Royal, Virginia veteran, who was able to maintain his Pace Performance “Summer Chase” point lead.  “I looked up and I saw the flagman gives us two to go and I was like ‘holy smokes that went quick’ but I was having fun out there.  These guys ran a good race; that kid in the 94 and it wasn’t like Max (Blair) cut him any slack.  It was a real good race and that’s what we come for.”

Wonderling and Waters battled for the fourth spot for many laps, but it was Wonderling coming out on top in just his second Sweeney Tour start of the year.  Fresh off his Humberstone win, Waters was able to record his fourth top five finish to maintain his runner-up spot in points and gain a little ground on the top spot. 

Ward Schell and last week’s McKean Sweeney Weekly Series winner, Adam Sixt, finished sixth and seventh respectively for their best Sweeney Tour finishes of the season as well.  Dennis Lunger, Jr. battled his way from 18th to finish eighth.  It was a quiet night for point leader Ryan Montgomery, who salvaged a ninth place finish from 20th to earn the $100 Precise Racing Products “Pedal Down Hard Charger” gift card.  Cody Dawson recorded his fifth top 10 finish of the season in 10th. 

In his first Sweeney Tour start of the season, Mason finished 11th and received an Accelerator-1 carb spacer kit compliments of Crate Innovations.  Paul Grigsby was the last car on the lead lap and received the Moroso custom fit plug wire set compliments of Crate Innovations.  Michael Lake was awarded the Driven Oil’s “Slick Move of the Night” for his last lap turn four pass of Zack Carley to make the feature, while Carley picked up the ARbodies nose kit for being the first non-qualifier. 

After a disappointing finish in the first last chance B main, Zack Carley bounced back to lead all eight laps of the non-qualifier event. The win was worth $125 for the Freedom, New York driver in his Ed Carley Motorsports/Campbell’s Race Engines-sponsored #8.  Third generation racer, Wyatt Scott, came home second in his first ever Sweeney Tour start.  Tour regular, W.L Stile, was third as Bill Mesler and Garrett Mott completed the top five.

Heat winners were Mason, John Waters, Brady Wonderling, and Jeremy Wonderling, while Grigsby and Dusty Waters won the two last chance B mains.  Singleton has now won all three K&N “Cold Air Induction” Dash events he’s earned his way into this season to take over the K&N Dash Championship point lead.  Singleton earned a $100 K&N certificate.  Bobby Rohrer’s runner-up was worth a $50 K&N certificate, while Ruhlman and Damian Bidwell received $25 cash each.
 
Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring Series Race #10 (25 laps, $1,200 to-win): 1.BRYCE DAVIS (94)  2. Max Blair (36)  3. Rick Singleton (Enyeart 99*)  4. Jeremy Wonderling (3J)  5. John Waters (LeBarron 11)  6. Ward Schell (Baker 74)  7. Adam Sixt (6T)  8. Dennis Lunger, Jr. (Schwartz 71L)  9. Ryan Montgomery (12)  10. Cody Dawson (36)  11. Cody Mason (Wright 42)  12. Robby Marhefka (99FM)  13. Jason Rider (Wade 76)  14. Chad McClellan (119)  15. Bobby Rohrer (11)  16. Eric Wilson (27W)  17. Damian Bidwell (17)  18. Dusty Waters (14)  19. Michael Lake (Yowler 27)  20. Brian Knowles (7)  21. Paul Grigsby (24)  22. Justin Smith (22)  23. Chad Ruhlman (Suppa 4s)  24. Brady Wonderling (10)  25. Andy Michael (Kratts 41).  Note: Chad McClellan took a Series provisional.
 
Non-Qualifier (8 laps, $125 to-win): 1. Zack Carley (8)  2. Wyatt Scott (3)  3. W.L. Stile (1W)  4. Bill Mesler (15)  5. Garrett Mott (43x)  6. Craig Dean (21)  7. Richard Hemphill, Jr. (31)  8. John Haggerty (49)-DNS  9. Jason Knowles (4)-DNS  10. Scott Waters (53)-DNS  11. Doug Ricotta (01)-DNS  12. Ralph Morgan, Jr. (Powell 100)-DNS  13. Steve Watson (83)-DNS.

Car Count: 38
Feature Lap Leaders: Bryce Davis (1-25)
Margin of Victory: 0.555
Precise Racing Products “Pedal Down Hard Charger”: Ryan Montgomery (+11)
The Brake Man “Tough Brake of the Night: Jason Knowles
Driven Oil "Slick Move of the Night": Michael Lake
Crate Innovations "Performance Plus" Accelerator-1 Carb Spacer: Cody Mason
Crate Innovations "Ignite" Moroso Custom Fit Plug Wire Set: Paul Grigsby
ARbodies “Nosed Out” Nose Kit: Zack Carley
 
Heat 1 (10 laps, Top 5 transfer): 1. Mason  2. Rider  3. Sixt 4. Bidwell  5. Marhefka  6. Carley  7. Stile  8. Lake  9. Hemphill  10. S. Waters.
 
Heat 2 (10 laps, Top 5 transfer): 1.  J. Waters  2. B. Knowles  3. Smith  4. Rohrer  5. Lunger  6. Grigsby  7. Mesler  8. McClellan  9. Mott  10. Watson-DNS.

Heat 3 (10 laps, Top 5 transfer): 1. B. Wonderling  2. Davis  3. Schell  4. Singleton  5. Michael  6. Wilson  7. J. Knowles  8. Scott  9. Morgan. 

Heat 4 (10 laps, Top 5 transfer): 1. J. Wonderling  2. Blair  3. Dawson  4. Ruhlman  5. Montgomery  6. D. Waters  7. Haggerty  8. Dean  9. Ricotta.

Last Chance B Main 1 (10 laps, Top 2 transfer): 1. Grigsby  2. Lake  3. Carley  4. Stile  5. Mesler  6. Mott  7. McClellan  8. S. Waters  9. Hemphill  10. Watson-DNS.

Last Chance B Main 2 (10 laps, Top 2 transfer): 1. D. Waters  2. Wilson  3. Scott  4. Haggerty  5. Dean  6. J. Knowles  7. Morgan  8. Ricotta-DNS.

K&N "Cold Air Induction" Dash (4 laps): 1. Rick Singleton  2. Bobby Rohrer  3. Chad Ruhlman  4. Damian Bidwell.
 
The Sweeney Tour will be in action next on Saturday and Sunday, August 30-31 for the “$50,000 End of Summer Blowout” presented by Sunoco Race Fuels at McKean County Raceway in East Smethport, Pa. and Wayne County Speedway in Orrville, Ohio.  Both events will pay $1,500 to-win.  The McKean event will feature “Manufacturers Night” with over $30,000 in prizes to be given away. 
 
RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, ARbodies, The Brake Man, K&N Filters, Bilstein Shocks, Lincoln Electric, TurboStart, Beyea Headers, FK Rod Ends, Bobby Lake Motorsports, Driven Racing Oil, Crate Innovations Inc., Moroso Performance Products, Velocita-USA, High Gear Speed Shop, CrateInsider.com, Utsinger’s Towing, B.R.A.K.E.S., RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions.

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.
 
###

574
Press Releases and Results / Sweeney RUSH Series August 10 weekend recap
« on: August 13, 2014, 09:25:41 PM »
SIXT WINS HIS 1ST SWEENEY RUSH WEEKLY SERIES EVENT IN 2014; DELLINGER WINS AGAIN ON THE $135 BILSTEIN “SEALED” SPEC SHOCKS
By Jim Zufall & Mike Leone

August 13, 2014

(Pulaski, PA)… The weatherman finally yielded an excellent weekend of racing during the past weekend, giving nearly all the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Racing Series member tracks a chance to get some racing in.

Last Thursday night at McKean County Raceway the weekend got underway early with the running of the $1,000 to-win “Bill Bigley Memorial” for the Sweeney RUSH Late Model Weekly Series.  Ward Schell and Adam Sixt made up the front row as the race got underway.  Sixt got off to a substantial lead and held that lead through a number of yellow flag periods. Through the course of the event, standouts Max Blair and Chad Ruhlman had worked their way into the top five, but Sixt held off all challengers for his first McKean win of the season. 

Schell, Damian Bidwell, Ruhlman and Blair completed the top five.  This Thursday (August 14), the Sweeney Touring Series pays a visit to McKean County Raceway for race number 10 of the 2014 season. The event is part of the 109th annual McKean County Fair. This will be the final race at MCR until August 30 for another Sweeney Tour event featuring “Manufacturers Night”.  Racing begins at 7:30.

Friday night at Delevan, New York’s Freedom Speedway, it was Chad Ruhlman of Bemus Point, New York taking his third checkered flag of the season in just four starts.  Ruhlman was followed across the strip by Ward Schell, who recorded his second runner-up finish in as many nights, Bill Holmes, Brad Mesler and Scott Waters.   Point leader Adam Sixt, who has a commanding 61 point lead in the standings finished Friday’s feature sixth following his win the night before.  Sweeney Weekly Series racing action returns to Freedom on Friday night.

Potomac Speedway was back in action on Friday night as Jeff Pilkerton took another step towards entering the "50-win club" with his third win of the season in the 20-lap feature. Pilkerton took off in the lead on lap one and never looked back to score his 49th-career win at the Mechanicsville, Maryland speed plant. "This car was on a rail tonight." Pilkerton stated. "I like it when the top is there like it was tonight and I could just about run this thing wide-open. We have one more shot to get the 50th win this season and I hope we can pull it off."

John Imler, who has been near the top of the Sweeney Weekly Series standings for much of the year, came home second to earn important points.  Ben Bowie was third after starting 11th.  “Futures Cup” racer Reese Masiello was fourth with Darin Henderson completing the top five.  Just one more race remains for RUSH at Potomac on Sunday, August 31.
 
After a night off and three consecutive Saturday night rainouts, Sharon Speedway was finally back in action for the first time on a Saturday night since July 5!  A great crowed watched the inaugural “Johnny Zdelar Memorial” on FREE Driver Appreciation Night, which attracted a whopping 130 cars!
 
In the RUSH Late Model feature race, Alan Dellinger took off in the lead from the beginning over Humberstone Speedway regular Jordon Peters. Lots of position swapping took place behind Dellinger included racing between Josh Double, Peters and Will Thomas III.

When Thomas finally took the runner up spot, he began to eat away at the substantial five-second lead by Dellinger, almost taking the lead at the end.  Thomas got alongside of the leader, but Dellinger held on for the win by a mere five-thousandths of a second! Dellinger’s victory in the non-stop 20-lap Barris Supply/Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC Weekly Series feature came on the $135 Bilstein “sealed” spec shocks for the second time this season!
 
After the win, a very happy Alan Dellinger talked about the win and the track. “There was a line off the bottom with rubber in it and I was on it and was alright, but I was trying to be easy with those lapped cars and didn’t realize he (Thomas) was there. I appreciate Bob Williams giving me the opportunity to drive this car and his boy Jeff and Bob Jones works on the car.”

The Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modifieds made their fourth appearance of the season as Greg Martin became the first repeat winner.  Martin led all 15 laps for his third overall win of the season.  Series point leader Adam Hilton was second as he just hasn’t been able to find victory lane this season at Sharon.  Rocky Kugel, Ken Moy, Jr., and Jeremy Paup completed the top five.

This week Sharon Speedway presents the second “$5 Fan Appreciation Night” as the RUSH Late Models will again be on the card.  The Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modifieds will be at Raceway 7 on Friday night for their second appearance at the Conneaut, Ohio oval before returning to Sharon on August 23 for the Sweeney/Pace GM 602 engine giveaway night.
 
Nico Dabecco of Pittsburgh started on the pole of the RUSH Late Model feature Saturday night at Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway.  Dabecco held on to the lead through lap 10 when eventual winner Russ Kolesar took the top spot on lap 11.  Kolesar races on for his second Sweeney Weekly Series win holding off the likes of heat winners Daryl Charlier and Josh Holtgraver. Dabecco faded to fourth and Colton Flinner rounded out the top five in his first start of the season.

Racing action continues this Saturday at PPMS as the track pays tribute to the former promoter, Red Miley, when they present the annual “Red Miley Rumble,” a 53-lap event for the Super Late Models. Joining the Supers will be all the regular divisions including the RUSH Late Models.  The Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modifieds will return to PPMS on August 30.
 
Saturday night at Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex it was Troy Shields of Acme, Pa. holding the checkered flag at the end of the RUSH feature.  The win was Shields’ second since June 14 as he hasn’t finished worse than seventh during that period at the Markleysbug oval.  West Virginia racer Derek Rogers and Maryland invader Darin Henderson were second and third for their best finishes.  Andrew Wylie and Nolan Dalton finishing out the top five.

This Saturday at the Knob is the “Sprout Cossell Memorial” featuring Twin 15 features paying $1,500 to-win each!  The event will allow RUSH member racers to accumulate valuable Sweeney Weekly Series, Pace Summer Chase, and Futures Cup points for each feature!   

The weekend for the Sweeney RUSH Weekly Series wrapped up north of the border as always at Port Colborne, Ontario’s Humberstone Speedway.  Rob Pietz and Jeff Dayman led the field to the green for the 20-lap feature event with Pietz taking command early. Dennis Lunger of Albion, PA, who has become somewhat of a Humberstone regular this season, took over second place on lap two making a charge for the lead. A caution on lap six gave Lunger what he needed and took the top spot on the restart.

Pietz and Jordan Peters were the race to watch as Lunger had checked out in the late stages of the race.  In the end, it was Lunger by a wide margin for his second win of the season as he chases after important Series points.  Pietz was second.  Peters saw his two-race win streak end by his good friend Lunger.  Paul Grigsby and Tim Gillespie rounded out the first five.  Action returns to Humberstone on Sunday with a regular night of racing as the season begins to wind down.  Grigsby holds a slight lead over Peters with just four race nights to go.

Winchester Speedway will have the RUSH Late Models again for back-to-back weeks on August 23 and August 30.

You can follow the latest news from both series by going to www.rushracingseries.com.  Current point leaders are Ryan Montgomery-Sweeney RUSH Late Model Touring Series, Chad Ruhlman-Sweeney RUSH Late Model Weekly Series, Michael Lake-“Futures Cup”, Rick Singleton-Pace “Summer Chase” for Late Models, and Adam Hilton leads the Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modifieds.
 
RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Precise Racing Products, ARbodies, The Brake Man, K&N Filters, Bilstein Shocks, Lincoln Electric, TurboStart, Beyea Headers, FK Rod Ends, Bobby Lake Motorsports, Driven Racing Oil, Crate Innovations Inc., Moroso Performance Products, Velocita-USA, High Gear Speed Shop, CrateInsider.com, Utsinger’s Towing, B.R.A.K.E.S., RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions.

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.
 
###


575
ALTERNATIVE POWER SOURCES BECOMES MAJOR SWEENEY RUSH SPONSOR; POSTS RICHEST MFG NIGHT PRIZE WITH $2200 YAMAHA ELECTRIC START GENERATOR TO BE GIVEN AWAY ON AUG 30 AT MCKEAN
By Mike Leone
 
August 13, 2014             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
(Pulaski, PA)…With the "$50,000 End of Summer Blowout" presented by Sunoco Race Fuels nearing on Saturday and Sunday, August 30-31 at McKean County Raceway and Wayne County Speedway for the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring Series, Directors Vicki Emig and Mike Leone are proud to welcome on Alternative Power Sources as a major Series sponsor.  Part of the weekend is "Manufacturers Night" at MCR, and Alternative Power Sources has posted the richest prize in the three-year history of the event!

With over $30,000 in prizes expected to be given away on "Manufacturers Night", Alternative Power Sources will have the top prize valued at over $2,100!  The lucky driver at McKean will win the EF40000DE/D Yamaha Electric Start Generator and wheel kit, the "all-star utility infielder" of the Yamaha generator team!  The prize winner will also have the ability to upgrade to an even bigger generator.

In addition, Alternative Power Sources is providing the RUSH Series with a Yamaha EF2000 Inverter RealTree Camo Generator for use in race night operations!  This generator is valued at $1,249.

"This is such a generous offer by Alternative Power Sources," stated Emig on Alternative Power Sources providing over $3,300 of value to the Series.  "We've known Sylvan Easler for 15 years.  He was a great supporter when I owned Mercer Raceway Park and has been a great asset to the racing community years sponsoring several race teams, most notably Sprint Car star Jamie Smith for many years and defending RUSH "Touring" Series champion Mike Pegher. Today, his two boys compete in the Stock division at Lernerville Speedway both running GM 604 engines with Aaron currently sixth in points.  It's a tremendous gesture on Sylvan's part to post this awesome prize for one of our racers to win and the Yamaha inverter will certainly make our race night operations easier." 

This year's "Manufacturers Night" will be a $1,500 to-win event held at McKean County Raceway in East Smethport, Pa. for the first time.  The inaugural event in 2012 was held at Sharon Speedway and attracted 47 racers.  Last year, the night was moved to Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway where 40 racers were on hand. 

"We like to move this event around," said Leone.  "It gives different racers in addition to our Sweeney Tour regulars the ability to win these great prizes, and it's an awesome event for the speedway to be able to host.  Added in with the first ever show at Ohio's Wayne County Speedway the following night and it's going to be a great weekend for our RUSH racers!  In addition to the $50,000 in cash and prizes, it'll also concludes the $10,000 plus Pace Performance Summer Chase program!"

More information on "Manufacturers Night" will be released in the coming weeks.  Those that would like to participate, are urged to contact the RUSH Office at 724-964-9300 or e-mail info@rushracingseries.com.

Located in Gibsonia, Pa., since 1995 Alternative Power Sources has proudly served homeowners and businesses throughout portions of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia offering a complete line of generators and the ability to provide turnkey projects. From sales and rentals to service, maintenance and installation, Alternative Power Sources is dedicated to providing reliable generator solutions.

Their brands include: Kohler, Gillette, Yamaha, Power Tech and Asco.   Their experienced sales force has over 40 years experience in the generator field providing the resources to design the generator package to meet your needs and specifications and supply the specified products.

When you choose Alternative Power Sources, you are forming a partnership with an established and respected, local industry leader.  With over 19 years in business, they have the experience, resources, and technology to meet all of your residential and industrial generator needs. Alternative Power Sources is also proud to be active in our community, donating their time and resources to local charities and community events and supporting local sports teams. Whether you are coming to Alternative Power Sources for the first time or have been a valued customer for years, they look forward to meeting your needs and exceeding your expectations today!  For more information, check out www.apsgen.com
 
RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, ARbodies, The Brake Man, K&N Filters, Bilstein Shocks, Lincoln Electric, TurboStart, Beyea Headers, FK Rod Ends, Bobby Lake Motorsports, Driven Racing Oil, Crate Innovations Inc., Moroso Performance Products, Velocita-USA, High Gear Speed Shop, CrateInsider.com, Utsinger’s Towing, B.R.A.K.E.S., RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions.

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.
 
###


576
MCKEAN COUNTY FAIR RACE EVENT ON TAP THURSDAY FOR SWEENEY RUSH LATE MODEL TOURING SERIES
By Mike Leone
 
August 12, 2014             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
(East Smethport, PA)…After a successful venture into Canada at Humberstone Speedway on July 20, the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring Series returns to the States this Thursday night (August 14) in the first of three appearances of the season at McKean County Raceway.  The event is part of the 109th annual McKean County Fair with racing beginning at 7:30 p.m. 
 
Thursday is race #10 of the 2014 Sweeney Tour and marks the halfway point of the season.  This will be the fourth straight year being part of the McKean County Fair as past winners include Josh Holtgraver (2011), Max Blair (2012), and Mike Pegher, Jr. (2013).  Will there be a fourth different winner on Thursday night!?   

After coming up just shy to Pegher after the final event in 2013, Ryan Montgomery has set his sights on winning the 2014 title and has had an extraordinary consistent season to date.  Outside of his 14th place finish after a late race spin in the season opening event at Freedom, the West Virginia teen has rallied for eight straight top six finishes including a victory on July 12 at Pittsburgh!   

Montgomery has a 64-point lead over John Waters, who just took over the runner-up spot in points following his victory at Humberstone.  The $2,000 win was Waters’ first since joining the Sweeney Tour last September.  Thursday’s event will be the closest show to his home in Whitesville, New York to date this season. 

Despite a pair of victories, it’s been an up and down season for Chad McClellan.  The Stoystown, Pa. veteran has slipped to third in points after leading the Sweeney Tour early on, as five finishes of 10th or worse has really hampered his points.  McClellan though trails Waters by only four points and will be returning to the track where he won his first career Tour event at last year. 

Like McClellan, Jason Rider had a strong start to the season as he recorded three top eight finishes in the first three races, but has hit a slump of late with a ninth place finish being his best finish since.  Rider is another driver in his first year of touring action and the western Pa. racer drives the Dave Wade-owned #76. 

Following his season best effort in fourth at Humberstone, Ohio’s Eric Wilson has moved into the top five in points.  Though it’s hours from home, “The Shark” returns to a track he’s had success at before and will look to improve on his great Humberstone run during “Shark Week”! 

Maryland’s Cody Dawson is sixth in points, while Virginia’s Rick Singleton is seventh.  Singleton has won four of the five races he’s competed in to go along with a third place finish.  Singleton leads the $3,000 to-win Pace Performance “Summer Chase” points.  It’s interesting to note that the top seven in points reside in six different states! 

McKean boasts the highest average weekly car count average for the Sweeney RUSH Series at over 24 per event, and on two occasions event had over 30 cars for a regular event!  It’s been an amazing season for Chad Ruhlman, who has won eight of the 13 shows to put him into the $5,000 to-win Sweeney Weekly Series Championship point lead.  Other McKean winners this season include Blair with a pair of wins along with Damian Bidwell, Andy Michael, and Adam Sixt.   

“It’s a privilege to again be able to compete at the McKean County Fair event,” stated RUSH Co-Director Vicki Emig.  “There’s always a great crowd and atmosphere for this show, and it’s just a two-division show.  We always enjoy our trips to McKean and this will serve as a tune-up for the Manufacturers Night coming up at McKean on August 30 where we’ll award over $30,000 in prizes!”

The K&N “Cold Air Induction” Dash will be run paying $100 K&N certificate to win, $50 K&N certificate for second with $25 cash for third and fourth place.  Currently Waters and Singleton are tied for the K&N Dash Championship point lead.  If enough cars are present, a non-qualifier event will be run.
 
Precise Racing Products will award a $100 gift card for the "Pedal Down" Hard Charger that passes the most cars in the feature.  The Brake Man “Tough Brake of the Night” will award three bottles of Xtreme6 Racing Brake Fluid valued at approximately $45 along with a certificate good for either $50 off of a purchase of $100 or more or 20% off any The Brake Man purchase.   
 
Driven Racing Oil's “Slick Move of the Night” winner will receive a bottle of Driven Racing Oil Race Wax, a can of Driven Racing Oil Speed Clean, and a certificate for $50 off a case of Driven XP Synthetic Racing Oil! 
 
Crate Innovations will present both the "Ignite" and "Performance Plus" Awards.  The 10th place finisher (provided he hasn’t won the award before) will receive a carb spacer kit that includes one billet aluminum Accelerator-1, one upper and one lower spacer gasket, and four specifically designed washers used for installation, while the driver that finishes last on the lead lap will receive the Moroso Custom Fit Plug Wire Set, which are custom tailored for use with the Chevrolet Performance 602 and 604 circle track engines.   
 
Also, ARbodies will award a nose kit valued at $250 to the first non-qualifier as part of the “Nose Out” program. 
 
McKean Feature Payoff: 1. $1,200  2. $700  3. $500  4. $370  5. $350  6. $315  7. $300  8. $270  9. $260  10. $255  11. $230  12. $215  13. $205  14. $200  15. $175  16. $170  17. $165  18-24. $160.

McKean Non-Qualifier: 1. $125  2. $100  3. $90  4. $85  5. $80  6. $75  7. $70  8. $65  9. $60  10-24. $55.  Tow $50.
 
Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC Touring Series DRIVER Points (must be Touring member to receive points): 1. Ryan Montgomery 852  2. John Waters 788  3. Chad McClellan 784  4. Jason Rider 763  5. Eric Wilson 754  6. Cody Dawson 747  7. Rick Singleton 496  8. Ralph Morgan, Jr. 426  9. W.L. Stile 398  10. Reese Masiello 373  11. Andrew Wylie 356  12. Dennis Lunger, Jr. 333  13. Russell Baird, Jr. &  John Imler 318  15.  Robby Marhefka 313  16. Josh Holtgraver 272  17. Josh Double 263  18. John Over 260  19. Jamie Wrightsman 250  20. Max Blair 194  21. Bryce Davis 179  22. Joe Martin 161  23. Michael Lake 153  24. Kyle Lukon 150  25. Will Thomas III 94  26. Jeff Dayman 92  27. Jamie Brown & Nolan Dalton 89  29. Chad Ruhlman 88  30. Matt Glanden & Adam Sixt 86  32. Bob Kish 85  33. Jacob Burdette & Jeremy Adamik 78. 
 
You do not have to be a member of RUSH to compete.  There is a $50 entry fee.  RACEceivers are required.  McKean uses the yellow Westhold transponders. 
 
McKean County Raceway is a 1/3-mile dirt track located at the McKean County Fairgrounds in East Smethport, Pa. at the intersections of Route 6 and 46.  For more information on McKean County Raceway, check out their website at www.mckeancountyraceway.com. The track number is 814-887-2600.
 
RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, ARbodies, The Brake Man, Bilstein Shocks, K&N Filters, Lincoln Electric, TurboStart, Beyea Headers, FK Rod Ends, Bobby Lake Motorsports, Driven Racing Oil, Crate Innovations Inc., Velocita-USA, High Gear Speed Shop, CrateInsider.com, Utsinger’s Towing, B.R.A.K.E.S., RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions.

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.
 
###
 


577
Press Releases and Results / Sweeney RUSH Series August 3 weekend recap
« on: August 06, 2014, 09:48:20 PM »
BRYCE DAVIS WINS 1ST OF 2014 TAKING $1000 SWEENE Y RUSH LATE MODEL WEEKLY SPECIAL AT FREEDOM; JORDEN PETERS CONTINUES TO BE HOT AT HUMBERSTONE
By Jim Zufall & Mike Leone
 
August 6, 2014             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
(Pulaski, PA)… Once again the weather played a major role in the weekend’s racing, and most of the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Weekly Series member tracks were unable to escape the rain.  In fact, only three speedways were able to beat Mother Nature- one on each day of the weekend.
 
At Freedom Speedway, the only track to get in a show on Friday, it was Bryce Davis taking his first win on the RUSH circuit for 2014.  It was a good night for the Hornell, New York driver to win as the victory at  the Delevan, New York oval was worth a cool thousand dollars.  Davis became the seventh different winner in nine races this year! 

Chad Ruhlman, who entered the night a perfect two-for-two at Freedom, settled for second and gathered important Sweeney Weekly Series points.  Jeremy Wonderling, Bill Holmes and Ward Schell were third through fifth.  Adam Sixt, who finished eighth on Friday holds the point lead in the division by a solid 53 points over Jamie Brown and a substantial lead over third place Wonderling, who has two wins on the season. Action returns to Freedom this Friday with a regular show joined by the BRP 360 Late Model Series.
 
Only one of the five weekly Saturday tracks of the RUSH Dirt Late Model Sweeney Weekly Series was able to turn laps.  Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex promoter Rick Jones isn't one to throw the towel in easily so it's no surprise the Knob was the last track standing.  In fact, Saturday night was the 18th RUSH program of the season completed!  The closest track is McKean County Raceway with 12 RUSH events completed.  After a rain delay, it was the #99* of Rick Singleton in victory lane.  The Front Royal, Virginia racer has now won in four of his seven starts this season at the Markleysburg, Pa. oval!

Troy Shields, point leader Michael Lake, Derek Rogers and Corey Metheney followed Singleton across the line. It was also NAPA Auto Parts Autograph and Picture Night, so the fans got to get close with their favorite RUSH Late Model driver as well as the stars of all the divisions at Roaring Knob.  Roaring Knob returns with a regular Saturday night program as well as a Mechanics Race.
 
It was the “All Canadian Championships” at Port Colborne, Ontario’s Humberstone Speedway on Sunday night.  The Sweeney RUSH Late Model race saw Rob Pietz and Paul Grigsby pace the field at the beginning of the 25-lap event.  Pietz took the early lead, while Rob Ledingham and Jorden Peters were on the move taking second and then third away from Grigsby. Peters and Pietz would swap the lead a time or two as the race wore on, but in the end it was Peters who took the lead for good with only three laps to go.  Peters would hold in for his second straight win and third in the last five shows at Humberstone.  Pietz. Dennis Lunger Jr., Grigsby and Ledingham rounded out the top five.  Regular racing returns to Humberstone on Sunday night with all regular divisions being joined by the “Night of Destruction” Figure Eight Race.
 
Better weather looks to be on the horizon for the upcoming weekend!  It kicks off early on Thursday as McKean County Raceway will try again for the third time for the makeup "Bill Bigley Memorial" in a $1,000 to-win RUSH event.  A complete program of Modifieds, Stock Cars, Pure Stocks and Mini Stocks will also be on the 7:30 p.m. starting time.

Redd’s Apple Ale Night is on tap for this Friday at Potomac Speedway.  A special 35-lap feature for the Super Late Models will be joined by the RUSH Late Models.  Ben Bowie goes into the weekend with a slip points lead over second place John Imler.  In fact, the top five in the RUSH Dirt Late Model division are separated by just 57 points.

Sharon Speedway looks to resume action after three straight Saturday night rain outs.  Other than the midweek Lou Blaney Memorial for the Sprint Cars and Big-Block Modifieds, the last time Sharon raced was on July 5.  Saturday is the "Johnny Zdelar Memorial” featuring the DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds for $3,000 to-win.  It'll be a RUSH doubleheader as both the Late Model and Sportsman Modified divisions will be in action!  As a bonus, there is FREE pit admission for all competing drivers!
 
Like Sharon, Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway has also suffered three straight Saturday night rain outs.  They will add to their regular night of racing this Saturday when the PA Vintage Modified Series and the Penn/Ohio Pro Stock Series Showdown join the regular “Action Event” including the RUSH Late Models.  Pittsburgh's Nico Dabecco holds a slim lead over Corey McPherson in the RUSH Late Models at PPMS.

RUSH will be off for two more weeks at Virginia's Winchester Speedway before returning on Saturday, August 23 then again on August 30.  Winchester has a new Twitter account and Facebook page.  You can follow them @Wincvaspeedway on Twitter and search for them on Facebook. 

The Sweeney RUSH Late Model Touring Series will be off again this weekend, but will return next Thursday, August 14 for the annual fair race with $1,200 on the line!
 
You can follow the latest news from both series by going to www.rushracingseries.com.  Current point leaders are Ryan Montgomery-Sweeney RUSH Late Model Touring Series, Chad Ruhlman-Sweeney RUSH Late Model Weekly Series, Michael Lake-“Futures Cup”, Nolan Dalton-Pace “Summer Chase” for Late Models, and Adam Hilton leads the Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modifieds.
 
RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Precise Racing Products, ARbodies, TBM Brakes, K&N Filters, Bilstein Shocks, Lincoln Electric, TurboStart, Beyea Headers, FK Rod Ends, Bobby Lake Motorsports, Driven Racing Oil, Crate Innovations Inc., Moroso Performance Products, Velocita-USA, High Gear Speed Shop, CrateInsider.com, Utsinger’s Towing, B.R.A.K.E.S., RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions.

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.
 
###

578
SWEENEY RUSH SPORTSMAN MODIFIEDS RETURN TO SHARON SATURDAY; ADDITIONAL DATES ADDED; GM 602 ENGINE GIVEAWAY ON AUGUST 23
By Mike Leone
 
July 31, 2014                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
(Pulaski, PA)…After a weekend off, the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Sportsman Modifieds return to the track this Saturday (August 2) for their fourth appearance at Sharon Speedway.  The event is part of the inaugural season for the GM 602 engine division on $135 Bilstein “sealed” spec shocks along with steel wheels on spec Hoosier Tires.

Sharon has yet to have a repeat winner.  Jordan Eck won the inaugural event in April then Greg Martin won his first in May as did Rocky Kugel in June.  In fact, at the last event at Sharon, a record 11 cars battled for the victory.  A total of 21 different drivers have competed this year in at least one of the 10 events in 17 different cars.

Sharon has added two more events to the original schedule with August 23 and September 12 as the Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modifieds will now be part of both days of the “Apple Festival Nationals”.  The August 23 event will feature the drawing for the $3,500 GM 602 engine that will be awarded to one lucky competing driver.  Member drivers will receive two chances with all other receiving one chance. 

With the addition of the August 23 date at Sharon, the Raceway 7 date has been moved from August 22 to August 15 so there will be an event that weekend as not to double up the following weekend.  The Mods will be back at Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway on Saturday, August 30, and the inaugural “Manufacturers Night” presented by Bilstein Shock Absorbers will be on Saturday, September 6 at Lernerville Speedway.  Be sure to check out the schedule link at www.rushsportsmanmods.com.

During this year’s inaugural season, a $10,000 plus point fund has been posted to member racers in the top 15 of the Sweeney Weekly Series points for drivers’ best 10 finishes.  Currently Adam Hilton of Buffalo, New York leads the way in the $3,000 to-win title.  Hilton also leads the Series with four victories including two at Lernerville Speedway and one each at Pittsburgh and Raceway 7.  Ironically, Hilton has yet to win at Sharon.

Hilton has a 20-point lead on Kugel, who moved over from Sweeney RUSH Late Model division.  Kugel is in his first year of racing a Northeast-style, center-sitting dirt Modified.  Rocky’s father Larry, a veteran Late Model and E-Mod standout, is planning on joining the class in 2015.  Larry had been racing his E-Mod at Sharon this season before putting everything up for sale.   

Jamie Duncan, who has moved up from the Stock Car division, is third in points and is looking for his first win.  Jeremy Zufall, who won at America’s Motorsports Park, is fourth over former Big-Block and “358” Modified racer Adam Siegel. 

“We’re excited to add the two additional dates at Sharon and looking forward to the engine   giveaway and Manufacturers Night,” stated RUSH Co-Director Vicki Emig.  “We've been really encouraged by the continued inquiries from several racers throughout the region that are planning to  participate in this class next season. The inaugural year of anything new is always it's most challenging, but we feel we have accomplished our goal of successfully introducing affordable Modified racing to our area and know that the division will continue to grow."

"The racing has been extremely competitive with six different winners in ten races," continued Emig.  "Most importantly those competing have been very satisfied with the complete RUSH package, which includes the GM 602 engine, sold by Series sponsor for $3250, or complete dress out kit from carburetor to pan at the an unbelievable $4900, the $135 Bilstein "sealed" shocks, and Hoosier spec tire that has proven it's long lasting durability allowing racers to very efficiently manage their tire cost."       

"We’re thankful America’s Motorsports Park and Eriez Speedway gave us a chance to compete, but until the class grows we feel it’s better to focus in our immediate area," said RUSH Co-Director Mike Leone.  "Both promoters will welcome the class in the future.  We’re also encouraged by several racers planning on participating in the future and know that by next season the class will grow even more.”

Pits open at 4 p.m. at Sharon with racing at 7.  Sharon Speedway is a 3/8-mile dirt track with a GPS address of 3241 Custer-Orangeville Rd. NE, Burghill, OH 44404.  For more information, check out their website at www.sharonspeedway.com or call 330-772-5481.  As for their social media outlets, you can like their page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SharonSpeedway or follow them on Twitter @SharonSpdwy.

2014 RUSH Sportsman Modified marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, VP Racing Fuels, FK Rod Ends, AERO Race Wheels, Velocita-USA, Driven Racing Oil, Precise Racing Products, Rocket Racing, and B.R.A.K.E.S.

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Sportsman Modified website is www.rushsportsmanmods.com.  Those on social media can like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rushsportsmanmods and follow us on Twitter @RUSHSportMods.
 
###

579
CHAD RUHLMAN PADS POINT LEAD IN SWEENEY RUSH LATE MODEL WEEKLY SERIES; DARIN HENDERSON MAKES IT 2-IN-A-ROW AT WINCHESTER TO TIE FOR PACE SUMMER CHASE LEAD
By Jim Zufall & Mike Leone
 
July 24, 2014             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
(Pulaski, PA)… Weather was a force again at the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Weekly Series member tracks. Friday night seemed to be the best part of the weekend, and things got started off at Freedom Speedway in Delevan New York where Chad Ruhlman took his second victory in a row. Ruhlman is a perfect two-for-two since he made his first start at Freedom once the potential $200 bonus for winning at both Freedom and McKean was created. 

Ruhlman, who now has 10 RUSH Weekly Series wins, is just five shy of a perfect score and the $5,000 title.    Ward Schell had a season best runner-up and was followed by Jeremy Wonderling, Brad Mesler, and Bill Holmes.  The $1,000 to-win RUSH special that was originally scheduled for this Friday night has been moved to next Friday, August 1 due to McKean running Friday night.

Also on Friday night, Lernerville Speedway hosted the Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modifieds for the third time this season.  Adam Hilton became the first repeat winner at the Sarver, Pa. oval winning his fourth feature on the circuit to pad his point lead in the $3,000 title chase.  Rocky Kugel, who is second in points, was runner-up over Jeremy Paup, Jamie Duncan, and Jeremy Zufall.  The RUSH Mods will be off this weekend, but will return to action on August 2 at Sharon Speedway.
 
Virginia’s Winchester Speedway was the only Saturday night track in the RUSH Series to get a night of racing in last weekend, but it was a struggle as rain delayed the program for some two hours.  The 20-lap event saw Darin Henderson pick up his second straight win Winchester!  Henderson's win kept him tied him with Max Blair with a perfect "112" average score in the $3,000 to-win Pace Performance "Summer Chase" that ends on Labor Day.

Ralph Morgan Jr. led the first half of the race when Henderson made the pass for the lead on lap 11. Henderson was never challenged to the finish where he was followed by Morgan, Transton Stoner, Ben Bowie and "Futures Cup" racer Reese Masiello. The RUSH Late Models take some time off at Winchester, but return for back-to-back events on August 23 and 30.
 
The weatherman finally cooperated for the final Sweeney RUSH Late Model event of the weekend as Humberstone Speedway hosted a Sweeney RUSH Touring Series event paying $2,000 to the winner.  Twenty-two of the 23 RUSH Late Models on hand took the green flag for the main event titled the "Canadian National Late Model Championship.” Drivers from five states and the province of Ontario enjoyed a track that had seen a very wet Saturday, which yielded a fast track.
 
New York driver John Waters has traveled extensively with the RUSH Touring Series since last September, but so far has only garnered a runner up position for his efforts, that coming at Potomac Speedway in Budd’s Creek Maryland earlier this year. Sunday night, Waters left the country for the second time this season to race and made it two-for-two at the Port Colborne, Ontario oval in his first career Sweeney Tour win.
 
When pole sitter Bryce Davis along with Dennis Lunger, Jr. and Ryan Montgomery were battling for the lead in the early part of the race, Waters considered himself a spectator; "I figured I'd sit back and watch the show when those three started to battle," said Waters. "My car and the track started to come to me.  I knew Ryan would run me clean, but he had me scared and I had to get back up on the wheel or he would have had me.  That's why I like this Series- these guys make you a better racer." 

Battles for position continued throughout the field during the entire 30-lap event right down to the wire as Waters and Montgomery raced side-by-side for the lead to the finish.  In the end it was Waters, who beat out point leader Montgomery, winner of the last tour event. "Usually I'm a bottom feeder, but the car was great in the middle and top," explained Waters, who became the fifth different Sweeney Tour winner of the season.  "My guys did a great job.  We got tore up on Friday night and they got this car put back together.”  Finishing out the top five with career best Sweeney Tour efforts were Tim Gillespie, Eric Wilson, and Jeff Dayman.   

The Sweeney Tour will be in action next on Thursday, August 14 at McKean County Raceway for the annual fair race and first of three appearances to the East Smethport, Pa. track. 

This weekend's schedule includes Sweeney Weekly Series action on Friday night at Potomac Speedway, Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex, and McKean County Raceway ($1,000 to-win); Saturday action returns to Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway and Sharon Speedway along with $5 Fan Appreciation Night at Roaring Knob; then Humberstone will close out the weekend on Sunday.  RUSH has the night off at both Freedom and Winchester Speedways.

You can follow the latest news from both series by going to www.rushracingseries.com.  Current point leaders are Ryan Montgomery-Sweeney RUSH Late Model Touring Series, Chad Ruhlman-Sweeney RUSH Late Model Weekly Series, Michael Lake-“Futures Cup”, Max Blair and Darin Henderson are tied for the Pace “Summer Chase” for Late Models, and Adam Hilton leads the Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modifieds.
 
RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Precise Racing Products, ARbodies, TBM Brakes, K&N Filters, Bilstein Shocks, Lincoln Electric, TurboStart, Beyea Headers, FK Rod Ends, Bobby Lake Motorsports, Driven Racing Oil, Crate Innovations Inc., Moroso Performance Products, Velocita-USA, High Gear Speed Shop, CrateInsider.com, Utsinger’s Towing, B.R.A.K.E.S., RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions.

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.
 
###

580
SWEENEY RUSH LATE MODEL SERIES ANNOUNCES CHANGES FOR 2015 TOURING SERIES; SEPARATE NORTHERN & SOUTHERN TOURING REGIONS CREATED AS SERIES CONTINUES STRONG FORWARD MOMENTUM 
By Mike Leone
 
July 23, 2014             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
(Pulaski, PA)…While the exact details are still in the early planning stages, Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Series Directors Vicki Emig and Mike Leone felt it was important to make an early announcement  that in 2015 there will be two separate regions for the Sweeney Touring Series.  Separate Northern and Southern Touring Regions will be created with 8-12 non-conflicting events per region.

In 2014, RUSH greatly expanded its territory with Potomac (Mechanicsville, MD) and Winchester (VA) coming on board in the Mid-Atlantic as well as Freedom (Delevan, NY) and Humberstone (Port Colborne, ON, Canada) in the Northeast as weekly-sanctioned speedways.  All four of these speedways hosted a Sweeney Tour event in 2014 as part of the 20-event slate.  Preliminary talks are already underway with additional speedways to join the Sweeney RUSH Weekly Series program in 2015.

"We've always been blessed to have great support from speedways and racers across the region," stated Emig.  "However, as with any successful business you must evolve and make slight changes to your business model to ensure continued growth.  We feel we've reached a point where we're now asking the racers to travel too far.  Drivers like Cody Dawson from southern Maryland and John Waters from New York have gone above and beyond competing in all nine of the Touring events to date.  Dawson just towed nine hours to compete Sunday at Humberstone, and Waters towed over six hours to Potomac earlier this season.  Although growth is a good thing, we need to be realistic and feel that by creating two regions a positive effect for both our speedways and racers will be created.” 

While the exact dollar amounts will not be released for some time, a minimum of $4,000 to-win championship paying down a minimum of 12 positions in each region is expected with a bonus program paying $2,000 to the overall top point man of the combined regions.  A racer who competes in all of the Sweeney RUSH Tour events throughout both regions has the possibility of capturing $10,000 for their efforts, double what the Touring Championship has paid since its inception!  Racers who choose to compete in the touring programs of both regions will still pay only one membership. The Sweeney Weekly, Pace Performance "Summer Chase", and "Futures Cup” programs will remain intact.

All events will still be run by the same RUSH Touring Series Staff and as stated earlier will not conflict amongst regions.  There’s also the possibility of one or two combined events for both regions with higher payouts.  It's also the goal to try and get these Sweeney Tour events to not conflict with Sweeney Weekly Series events in the region and doing so should be an easier task with less events per region.   

To date, 112 different drivers have competed in at least one of the nine 2014 Sweeney Tour events with 11 events still remaining.  The total number of different drivers is expected reach well over 150 by season's end, which shows racers still enjoy and look forward to participating in a Tour event, but may not be able to do so due to extended travel requirements.  Six drivers have perfect attendance to date (Ryan Montgomery, John Waters, Chad McClellan, Jason Rider, Eric Wilson, and Cody Dawson).  There have been five different winners with Rick Singleton (four wins), McClellan (two wins), Montgomery, Max Blair, and Waters all victorious.  The splitting of the region into two “Touring" quadrants is expected to greatly increase this number in 2015.     

“As we all know, current economics have really dictated what racers can and cannot do,” stated Leone.  “We feel by shortening the travel distance and the amount of races per region will give racers more incentive and make it easier for them to participate in their individual Touring Championship programs, thus boosting car counts per event.  We really think this change will create excitement throughout the individual regions.  It will also spread the Sweeney Touring Championship monies out to more racers. All of the promoters and racers that we've discussed this with have been in favor."

The 2014 Sweeney Tour will be in action next on Thursday, August 14 at McKean County Raceway for the annual fair race and first of three appearances to the East Smethport, Pa. track.  Following that event, the $50,000 End of Summer Blowout presented by Sunoco Race Fuels will feature $1,500 to-win events over Labor Day Weekend at McKean on Saturday, August 30 followed by the first ever RUSH-sanctioned event at Ohio's Wayne County Speedway.  The Saturday MCR event will also include the $30,000 Manufactures Night!

Stay tuned for more information on 2015 in the coming months.  Tracks interested in the Sweeney RUSH program are urged to contact the RUSH Office at 724-964-9300 or e-mail info@rushracingseries.com. 

RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Precise Racing Products, ARbodies, The Brake Man, K&N Filters, Bilstein Shocks, Lincoln Electric, TurboStart, Beyea Headers, FK Rod Ends, Bobby Lake Motorsports, Driven Racing Oil, Crate Innovations Inc., Moroso Performance Products, Velocita-USA, High Gear Speed Shop, CrateInsider.com, Utsinger’s Towing, B.R.A.K.E.S., RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions.

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.
 
###

581
JOHN WATERS WINS A WILD ONE FOR HIS 1ST EVER SWEENEY RUSH TOURING SERIES WIN IN $2000 “CANADIAN NATIONAL LATE MODEL CHAMPIONSHIP” AT HUMBERSTONE
By Mike Leone
 
July 20, 2014             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
(Port Colborne, ON, Canada)…The Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring Series went “north of the border” on Sunday for its first appearance at Humberstone Speedway.  Race #9 of the 2014 season was the “Canadian National Late Model Championship” and drew 23 teams from five different states plus Ontario, Canada.  Skies cleared in the afternoon after rain throughout the day and night on Saturday, which made for a fast and racey surface. 

Since joining up with the Sweeney RUSH Touring Series last September, New York’s John Waters has traveled all over the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic racing in five states with his best finish being a runner-up at southern Maryland’s Potomac Speedway.  On Sunday evening, Waters captured that elusive first career Sweeney Tour win, but had to go outside of the country to do it winning the “Canadian National Late Model Championship!  The 30-lap victory came after a late-race duel with point leader Ryan Montgomery, and was worth $2,000 plus $100 for setting Bobby Lake Motorsports fast time and an additional $25 in K&N Dash money.   

“I figured I’d sit back and watch the show when those three (Bryce Davis, Dennis Lunger, Jr., and Montgomery) started to battle,” expressed the 33-year-old Whitesville, New York racer.  “My car and the track started to come to me.  I knew Ryan would run me clean, but he had  me scared and I had to get back up on the wheel or he would have had me.  That’s why I like this Series- these guys make you a better racer.” 

Via his K&N Dash win, Bryce Davis raced to the early lead over Montgomery, Waters, Dennis Lunger, Jr., and Ed Carley.  The top six cars quickly began to distance themselves from the field as Jason Rider joined the battle.  After four non-stop laps, three cautions slowed action.  Back under green, the battle was on for third on lap eight as it was three-wide with Lunger getting the spot over Waters, and 11th starting Chad Ruhlman. 

A caution for Dusty Waters and Luke Carleton slowed the race again- this time with eight laps scored.  On the ensuing restart, Montgomery used the inside to make the pass of Davis, but Davis came back one lap later to regain the lead.  On lap 10, it was two-by-two for the top four spots, but no changes in position took place. 

On laps 12 and 13, Montgomery continued to put the heat on Davis, but was unable to make the pass as the top five pulled away.  Lunger had the outside working as he closed in on Montgomery and Davis.  Lunger drove around Montgomery to make the pass for second stick on lap 14.  Lunger closed in on Davis on lap 16.  On lap 17 it was a three-car race for the lead as Lunger slipped high in turn four allowing Montgomery to reclaim second at the line. 

With the slower car of Bill Gill ahead, it was three-wide for the lead down the backstretch into turn three on lap 20 as Montgomery came out with the lead, while Davis dropped to third.  The complexion of the race changed on lap 24 when Tim Gillespie spun not far in front of the leaders.  Montgomery was able to avoid the spinning car in the middle of turns three and four; however, Davis didn’t get slowed down in time and got into the rear of Lunger sending both cars to the pits.

This moved Waters to second, which lined him up alongside Montgomery for the restart.  Waters used the outside to lead lap 24 before a four-car accident involving the fourth place car of Ruhlman along with second place point man Chad McClellan in addition to track regulars Rob Ledingham and Gill slowed action again.

The last six laps saw Waters and Montgomery go at it.  The two raced side-by-side on several occasions, but Waters was able to stop Montgomery from his second straight Sweeney Tour win as he took the Dale LeBarron-owned, Troups Creek Heating/Fox Shocks/Insinger Performance/Sunoco Race Fuels-sponsored #11 to victory for the second time this season in two starts at Humberstone.  The victory, coupled with McClellan’s 16th place finish, propelled Waters into second in points by just four. 

“Usually I’m a bottom feeder, but the car was great in the middle and top,” explained Waters, who became the fifth different Sweeney Tour winner of the season.  “My guys did a great job.  We got tore up on Friday night and they got this car put back together.  Monday through Friday is when you win races and I get the enjoyment of running this thing so I couldn’t ask for anything more.  I love the fans and I love coming here!”   

Montgomery was second for the third time this season and now has finished in the top six in each of the past eight Sweeney Tour events!  “The last restart hurt me,” stated the 17-year-old Fairmont, West Virginia driver, who earned $1,000 for runner-up.  “I didn’t get my tires heated up and John got me.  He drove a heck of a race.  I missed my line in turn one on the last lap and he drove by me.  I have to thank everyone that helps and Sweeney for all they do for the tour.  It was an awesome race track.”

Track regular, Tim Gillespie, fought his way back from a spin to finish third in his first Tour start of the season.  Gillespie’s pass of Eric Wilson on lap 26 earned him the Driven Oil “Slick Move of the Night”.  Gillespie also received the $100 Precise Racing Products “Pedal Down Hard Charger” gift card for advancing 13 spots from his 16th starting position. 

Wilson missed his first feature at the last event at Pittsburgh, but was able to score the non-qualifier victory as a consolation prize then came to Canada on Sunday to race for the first time in his young career and turned in his best career Sweeney Tour in fourth.  His prior best finish was fourth at Lernerville Speedway on July 4.  Wilson moved up to fifth in points just nine behind Jason Rider for fourth. 

Jeff Dayman entered Sunday recording back-to-back season best fourth place finishes in Sweeney Weekly Series action at Humberstone and continued his strong runs with a solid fifth place finish.  Rob Pietz, another track regular, was sixth.  Davis and Ruhlman came back to finish seventh and eighth respectively.  Zack Carley’s ninth place earned him the Accelerator-1 carb spacer kit compliments of Crate Innovations.  Brian Knowles completed the top 10. 

Rob Ledingham was awarded the Moroso Custom Fit Plug Wire Set compliments of Crate Innovations.  The Brake Man’s “Hard Luck” was given to Cody Dawson.  Dawson drove over nine hours one way from his home in Westover, Maryland to Humberstone only to have radiator issues that forced him to miss starting the feature. 

Lunger, Paul Grigsby, and Jason Rider all received an extra $25 compliments of Bobby Lake Motorsports for winning their heat races.  Davis’ K&N “Cold Air Induction” Dash victory earned him a $100 K&N certificate, while Montgomery received a $50 K&N certificate for second.  Waters and Rider picked up an extra $25 cash for finishing third and fourth respectively in the dash.
 
Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring Series Race #9 (30 laps, $2,000 to-win): 1. JOHN WATERS (LeBarron 11)  2. Ryan Montgomery (12)  3. Tim Gillespie (15)  4. Eric Wilson (27W)  5. Jeff Dayman (44)  6. Rob Pietz (69)  7. Bryce Davis (94)  8. Chad Ruhlman (Suppa 4s)  9. Zack Carley (8)  10. Brian Knowles (7)  11. Rob Marhefka (99FM)  12. Ken Winfield (92)  13. Rob Ledingham (Cosco 17c)  14. Bill Gill (49)  15. Dusty Waters (14)  16. Chad McClellan (119)  17. Dennis Lunger, Jr. (Schwartz 71L)  18. Jorden Peters (11P)  19. Jason Rider (Wade 76)  20. Luke Carleton (97c)  21. Ed Carley (02)  22. Paul Grigsby (24)  23. Cody Dawson (36)-DNS.
 
Car Count: 23
Feature Lap Leaders: Bryce Davis (1-8, 10-19), Ryan Montgomery (9, 20-23), John Waters (24-30)
Precise Racing Products “Pedal Down Hard Charger”: Tim Gillespie (+15)
The Brake Man “Tough Brake of the Night: Cody Dawson
Driven Oil "Slick Move of the Night": Tim Gillespie
Crate Innovations "Performance Plus" Accelerator-1 Carb Spacer Kit Giveaway: Zack Carley
Crate Innovations "Ignite" Moroso Custom Fit Plug Wire Set: Rob Ledingham

Bobby Lake Motorsports “Shock the Clock” Qualifying ($100 for fast time): 1. John Waters 15.693  2. Paul Grigsby 15.735  3. Jorden Peters 15.737  4. Dennis Lunger, Jr. 15.749  5. Ryan Montgomery 15.751  6. Jason Rider 15.752  7. Dusty Waters 15.779  8. Rob Pietz 15.806  9. Bryce Davis 15.824  10. Ed Carley 15.853  11. Chad Ruhlman 15.881  12. Jeff Dayman 15.916  13. Zack Carley 15.962  14. Eric Wilson 15.963  15. Cody Dawson 15.971  16. Rob Marhefka 15.991  17. Chad McClellan 16.055  18. Brian Knowles 16.158  19. Luke Carleton 16.198  20. Tim Gillespie 163.08  21. Ken Winfield 16.587  22. Rob Ledingham 16.597  23. Bill Gill 16.793.

Bobby Lake Motorsports Heat 1 (8 laps, $25 to-win): 1. Lunger  2. Waters  3. E. Carley  4. D. Waters  5. Z. Carley  6. Marhefka  7. Ledingham  8. Carleton.
 
Bobby Lake Motorsports Heat 2 (8 laps, $25 to-win): 1. Grigsby  2. Montgomery  3. Pietz  4. Ruhlman  5. Wilson  6. Gillespie  7. McClellan  8. Gill-DNS.

Bobby Lake Motorsports Heat 3 (8 laps, $25 to-win): 1. Rider  2. Davis  3. Dayman  4. Peters  5. Dawson  6. Knowles  7. Winfield.

K&N "Cold Air Induction" Dash (4 laps): 1. Bryce Davis  2. Ryan Montgomery  3. John Waters  4. Jason Rider.
 
The Sweeney Tour will be in action next on Thursday, August 14 at McKean County Raceway for the annual fair race and first of three appearances to the East Smethport, Pa. track. 
 
RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Precise Racing Products, ARbodies, The Brake Man, K&N Filters, Bilstein Shocks, Lincoln Electric, TurboStart, Beyea Headers, FK Rod Ends, Bobby Lake Motorsports, Driven Racing Oil, Crate Innovations Inc., Moroso Performance Products, Velocita-USA, High Gear Speed Shop, CrateInsider.com, Utsinger’s Towing, B.R.A.K.E.S., RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions.

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.
 
###

582
ANDY MICHAEL’S SWEENEY RUSH MCKEAN VICTORY WAS HIS 1ST EVER IN A LATE MODEL; CHAD RUHLMAN’S 1ST FREEDOM WIN PUTS HIM INTO THE SWEENEY WEEKLY SERIES POINT LEAD
By Jim Zufall & Mike Leone

July 18, 2014

(Pulaski, PA)…The member tracks of the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model series batted .500 last weekend as weather and scheduling allowed only half of the member tracks to hold racing events last weekend.
 
That said, the weekend’s action at the weekly tracks didn’t get underway until after the RUSH Late Models took to the track as part of Expo Speedway’s two day show as part of the annual Trumbull County Fair in Cortland, Ohio that was won by Max Blair for $2,000.
 
Weekly action got underway last Friday at Freedom Speedway when Chad Ruhlman made a successful initial start of the season at the Delevan, New York oval.  Following Ruhlman to the stripe were Brad Mesler, Bill Holmes, Jamie Brown and Jeremy Wonderling.  Ruhlman now has nine RUSH-sanctioned victories in Sweeney Weekly Series action as he gets closer to the perfect 15 score.  Action for the RUSH Late Models continues at Freedom tonight (July 18) when the RUSH Late Models are part kid’s night with bike races and a bike giveaway for the kids.
 
Saturday night at Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway, 37 RUSH Late Models checked into the pit area for the first visit of the season for the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick Touring Series.  Tour race number eight of the year also included a giveaway of a GM 604 engine compliments of Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC and Pace Performance. 

After four heat races, two B-Mains, the K&N Dash, it was young Ryan Montgomery taking the $1,500-to-win, 25-lap event.  Montgomery beat a stout field by a healthy 3.2 second margin over second place Andrew Wylie. "We are always good when we come," stated the 17-year-old Fairmont, West Virginia winner, who has now won five of the last six races he’s competed in at PPMS.  "We like coming here and it's an awesome race track. I've run second so many times this year, but we're in the points lead and we're points racing so seconds are good too, but firsts are what you always want to have.” Russ Kolesar, Nico Dabecco and Chad McClellan rounded out the top five.
 
The GM 604 engine lucky winner was Windber PA’s Robby Marhefka. "We cannot thank Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC and Pace Performance enough," stated RUSH Co-Director Vicki Emig. "Their support of us over the years has enabled us to put together strong programs that benefit the racers and our speedways. This was the fourth straight year they have given away an engine and it's great to see four different drivers from all over the region win the prize!”
 
McKean County Raceway’s all-time Street Stock feature winner Andy Michael won yet another race on Saturday night, but this time it was his first ever in a Late Model as he captured the Sweeney RUSH Weekly Series event!  Twenty-one RUSH Late Models the green on Saturday night at the East Smethport, PA oval. Michael took an early lead winning the race to the first turns over Dennis Lunger, Jr.  By the second lap, Chad Ruhlman fresh off his victory at Freedom Speedway the night before was in third and pressuring Michael and Lunger. 

With just three laps to go, the caution flag flew, bunching up the field for the final few laps. In the end it was Michael picking up the win for car owner Lewy Kratts.  He was followed to the line by Dennis Lunger, Jr., who was in action with Sharon not in action.  Ward Schell, Doug Ricotta and Brady Wonderling were third through fifth.  Racing resumes this Saturday at MCR with the “Bill Bigley Memorial" for the RUSH Crate Late Models paying $1,000 to win plus a regular show.
 
Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex saw a new face in victory lane as Nolan Dalton cashed in on his first win of 2014.  The Morgantown, WV driver improved on his runner-up finish the week prior to keep a keep point average for the Pace Performance “Summer Chase”.  Following Dalton was Troy Shields, Rick Singleton, Michael Lake and Ken Herman. This Saturday is the Ernie Jones Memorial for the Super Late Models and a full card of racing divisions including the RUSH Late Models.
 
Potomac, Sharon, and Winchester Speedways were off last weekend, while Humberstone Speedway was rained out on Sunday night.  The RUSH Late Models are off again this weekend at Potomac, but will return on July 25.

Racing resumes at Sharon Speedway this Saturday when a regular “Steel Valley Thunder” race program is on tap, as is the case at Virginia’s Winchester Speedway as RUSH joins a $3,000 to-win Super Late Model event.

Ontario’s Humberstone Speedway hopes to resume racing under better weather this Sunday as the RUSH Series headlines the “Canadian National Late Model Championship” featuring the Sweeney RUSH Tour in a $2,000 to-win event along with the DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds, Street Stocks, Pro 4 Trucks, and Mini Stocks.

On the Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modified side, Greg Martin became just the second driver this season to repeat joining three-time winner Adam Hilton.  Martin won the second appearance by the RUSH Mods last Saturday at America’s Motorsports Park beating Jeremy Zufall.  The Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modifieds are in action tonight (July 18) at Lernerville Speedway for their third appearance at the Sarver oval.

You can follow the latest news from both series by going to www.rushracingseries.com.  Current point leaders are Ryan Montgomery-Sweeney RUSH Late Model Touring Series, Chad Ruhlman-Sweeney RUSH Late Model Weekly Series, Michael Lake-“Futures Cup”, Max Blair and Darin Henderson are tied for the Pace “Summer Chase” for Late Models, and Adam Hilton leads the Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modifieds.
 
RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Precise Racing Products, ARbodies, The Brake Man, K&N Filters, Bilstein Shocks, Lincoln Electric, TurboStart, Beyea Headers, FK Rod Ends, Bobby Lake Motorsports, Driven Racing Oil, Crate Innovations Inc., Moroso Performance Products, Velocita-USA, High Gear Speed Shop, CrateInsider.com, Utsinger’s Towing, B.R.A.K.E.S., RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions.

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.
 
###

583
HUMBERSTONE TO HOST “CANADIAN NATIONAL LATE MODEL CHAMPIONSHIP” SUNDAY; $2000 TO-WIN SWEENEY RUSH TOUR EVENT
By Mike Leone
 
July 16, 2014             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
(Port Colborne, ON)…Coming off a season high 37 cars last Saturday night at Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway, the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring Series will get right back at it this weekend with a much-anticipated appearance at Humberstone Speedway.  Sunday’s (July 20) event is billed as the “Canadian National Late Model Championship” and will be race #9 of the 20-event 2014 Touring Series. 

Humberstone is in its first year under the RUSH banner and has seen increased car counts and tough competition; in fact, there have been seven different winners in eight events to date!  The only repeat winner has been Ed Carley.  Other winners include Ed’s son Zack Carley, Dennis Lunger, Jr., John Waters, Chad Ruhlman, and wins the last two events by Canadians Jorden Peters and Rob Ledingham. 

Sunday’s Sweeney Tour event will pay $2,000 to-win and will be part of the Bobby Lake Motorsports “Shock the Clock & Beat the Heat” format meaning the fast qualifier will receive $100 and each heat race winner will pocket $25!  Also, the K&N “Cold Air Induction” Dash will be run to set the first four starting spots of the feature paying $100 K&N certificate to win, $50 K&N certificate for second, and $25 cash for third and fourth spot.  Rick Singleton is currently leading the K&N Dash Championship standings. 

After starting off with a disappointing 14th place finish, Ryan Montgomery has been on a roll with seven straight top six finishes including his season’s first win last Saturday at Pittsburgh.  The 17-year-old Fairmont, West Virginia racer leads the Series now with six career wins and has a 50-point lead on runner-up Chad McClellan.

It’s been an up and down season for McClellan with a pair of victories at Freedom and Lernerville along with a fifth place last Saturday at Pittsburgh, but has four other finishes of 10th or worse.  Third place point man, John Waters, already has one win at Humberstone this year and would love to capture his first ever Sweeney Tour win and close in on McClellan, who he trails by 16.

Jason Rider is only two points behind Waters in fourth, but is up only nine on Maryland’s Cody Dawson.  Ohio racer and defending “Futures Cup” Champion, Eric Wilson, is currently sixth.  Wilson missed qualifying for his first feature of the season last Saturday, but did win the non-qualifier as a consolation prize.  McClellan, Rider, Dawson, nor Wilson have ever raced at Humberstone or in Canada before.  The complete point list is posted below with the top 15 being eligible for a provisional and season ending point fund monies.

“We’re very appreciative Humberstone gave us an opportunity to not only sanction their weekly Sunday night program in 2014, but also host a Sweeney Tour event,” stated RUSH Co-Director Vicki Emig.  “Humberstone is committed to making Late Models work in Modified country and have been happy with the RUSH program.  Humberstone is a great little, racey speedway located less than 20 minutes from the border.  Several American racers compete there throughout the year and we look forward to everyone’s support Sunday.”
 
Precise Racing Products will award a $100 gift card for the "Pedal Down" Hard Charger that passes the most cars in the feature.  The Brake Man “Tough Brake of the Night” will award three bottles of Xtreme6 Racing Brake Fluid valued at approximately $45 along with a certificate good for either $50 off of a purchase of $100 or more or 20% off any The Brake Man purchase.   
 
Driven Racing Oil's “Slick Move of the Night” winner will receive a bottle of Driven Racing Oil Race Wax, a can of Driven Racing Oil Speed Clean, and a certificate for $50 off a case of Driven XP Synthetic Racing Oil! 
 
Crate Innovations will present both the "Ignite" and "Performance Plus" Awards.  The ninth place finisher will receive a carb spacer kit that includes one billet aluminum Accelerator-1, one upper and one lower spacer gasket, and four specifically designed washers used for installation, while the driver that finishes last on the lead lap will receive the Moroso Custom Fit Plug Wire Set, which are custom tailored for use with the Chevrolet Performance 602 and 604 circle track engines.   

Also, ARbodies will award a nose kit to the first non-qualifier as part of the “Nose Out” program. 
 
Humberstone Feature payoff: 1. $2,000  2. $1,000  3. $650  4. $550  5. $470  6. $435  7. $410  8. $370  9. $340  10. $310  11. $280  12. $270  13. $260  14. $250  15. $240  16. $230  17. $220  18-24. $210. 

Non-Qualifier: 1. $175  2. $150  3. $140  4. $135  5. $130  6. $125  7. $120  8. $115  9. $110  10-24. $105. Tow $100.
 
Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC Touring Series DRIVER Points (must be Touring member to receive points): 1. Ryan Montgomery 754  2. Chad McClellan 704  3. John Waters 688  4. Jason Rider 686  5. Cody Dawson 677  6. Eric Wilson 660  7. Rick Singleton 496  8. Ralph Morgan, Jr. 426  9. W.L. Stile 398  10. Reese Masiello 373  11. Andrew Wylie 356  12. Russell Baird, Jr. &  John Imler 318  14. Josh Holtgraver 272  15. Josh Double 263  16. John Over 260  17. Dennis Lunger, Jr. 254  18. Jamie Wrightsman 250  19. Robby Marhefka 228  20. Max Blair 194  21. Joe Martin 161  22. Michael Lake 153  23. Kyle Lukon 150  24. Will Thomas III 94  25. Bryce Davis 90  26. Jamie Brown & Nolan Dalton 89  28. Matt Glanden & Adam Sixt 86  30. Bob Kish 85  31. Jacob Burdette & Jeremy Adamik 78. 
 
You do not have to be a member of RUSH to compete.  There is a $100 entry fee.  RACEceivers are required.  The red AMB transponders will be used.  The payout will be done in American money.
 
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with heat races set for 7 p.m.  RUSH member racers will be admitted into the pits for $30 and all others will be $35.  As a reminder, you do need a passport to enter Canada and return to the United States unless you’re from New York and have an enhanced driver’s license.   

Humberstone is a 3/8-mile owned by Pete and Linda Cosco and is celebrating its 55th anniversary this season. Humberstone is located at 1716 Highway 3 East in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada L3K5V4.  For more information, check out their website at www.humberstonespeedway.com or call 905-834-4002.
 
RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Precise Racing Products, ARbodies, The Brake Man, Bilstein Shocks, K&N Filters, Lincoln Electric, TurboStart, Beyea Headers, FK Rod Ends, Bobby Lake Motorsports, Driven Racing Oil, Crate Innovations Inc., Velocita-USA, High Gear Speed Shop, CrateInsider.com, Utsinger’s Towing, B.R.A.K.E.S., RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions.

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.
 
###


584
ANOTHER DOMINATING PITTSBURGH RUSH LATE MODEL WIN FOR RYAN MONTGOMERY BUT 1ST OF 2014 ON SWEENEY TOUR; ROB MARHEFKA WINS SWEENEY/PACE GM 604 ENGINE; SEASON HIGH 37 CARS
By Mike Leone
 
July 12, 2014             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
(Imperial, PA)…The Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring Series made its first appearance of the 2014 season to Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway on Saturday night.  A season high 37 cars were on hand for race #8 from six different states including Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, New York, and Kentucky.  Robby Marhefka was selected as the lucky recipient of the GM 604 engine valued at over $5,500 compliments of Sweeney and Pace Performance!   

Last year Ryan Montgomery tied for a Series high five victories on his way to runner-up in points.  This season, Montgomery has been consistent entering the night with six top six finishes in the first seven races to lead the points; however, hadn't been able to find victory lane.  There's no secret Montgomery has figured out the "Monster Half-Mile".  Last year, he swept the two-day "Pittsburgher" weekend and finished second in the other two Sweeney Tour events.  This year at Pittsburgh, Montgomery won two of the three Sweeney Weekly Series events he's entered and finished runner-up in the other one.

On Saturday night it was all Montgomery as he dominated his heat race then led every lap of 25-lap feature for his first Sweeney Tour win of 2014.  Montgomery has now won five of the last six races he's competed in at Pittsburgh.  The $1,500 victory was the sixth of his career in Sweeney Tour competition breaking the four-way tie for the all-time lead with Mike Pegher, Jr., Rick Singleton, and Max Blair. 

"We are always good when we come," stated the 17-year-old Fairmont, West Virginia winner.  "We like coming here and it's awesome race track.  I've run second so many time this year, but we're in the points lead and we're points racing so seconds are good too, but firsts are what you always want to have.  I got out front and my dad said we had a decent lead, but at the end I pushed my right front off and I started to push.  I was trying to save myself.  One time I pushed in (turns) one and two and thought I was going to tag the wall.  I figured I'm leading and my night is over."   

After drawing the lowest pill for the heat race lineups, Montgomery redrew the number one pill for the feature and took off immediately in the lead with Corey McPherson, Andrew Wylie, Kyle Lukon, and Josh Holtgraver in tow.  On lap three, the battle was on for fourth as it was three-wide with eighth starting Russ Kolesar taking the position.  Kolesar looked fast as he chased down Wylie on lap six.

Montgomery caught the back of the pack on lap seven as he had a half-straightaway lead.  On lap 11, Wylie began to close in on McPherson.  One lap later, McPherson spun in turn two bringing out the first caution.  This moved Wylie to second and Kolesar to third.  When racing resumed, 14th starting Nico Dabecco was on the charge as he raced by Holtgraver for fourth.  Only one more lap was completed until a second caution was displayed when Ben Policz got into the turn one fence and nearly rolled over.

Back under green on lap 13, 11th starting Chad McClellan passed both Kyle Lukon and Holtgraver for fifth, but Holtgraver regained the spot one lap later.  By lap 15, Montgomery checked out, but the lead got erased once again when Jake Gunn got sideways in turn one and heavy contact was made when Steve Beatty and Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr. piled in.  W.L. Stile was also caught up in the accident that had the track blocked. 

When racing resumed for the final time, the last nine laps went green-to-checkered.  McClellan got another good restart, this time making his way to fourth.  As Montgomery pulled away again, the battle was on for second with Wylie trying to hold off Kolesar, McClellan, and Dabecco.  On lap 19, Dabecco regained fourth from McClellan. 

Montgomery was back in lapped traffic on lap 24, but had no problems as he took the checkered flag first by a margin of 3.2 seconds and extended his point lead over McClellan in the Jeff Montgomery-owned, T.J Contracting & Custom Homes/Montgomery Homes/Central Supply/SBC Trucking/Bobby Lake Motorsports/High Gear Speed Shop/Genesis Shocks-sponsored Warrior Chassis #12.

Wylie's runner-up finish was his career best Sweeney Tour finish and earned him $800.  "Ryan (Montgomery) was glued to the track," explained the 25-year-old Saltsburg, Pa. racer.  "I was just trying to hold my car straight and stay with him, but once he got going he was definitely the fastest car here.  We're pretty excited.  One of our sponsors is here tonight so it's pretty cool to have a good run for him.  I'm very appreciative of everyone that helps out.  I have to thank my mom and dad, who give up a lot of sacrifices so we can do this."

Kolesar was third in his first ever Tour start.  "We raced the (Pittsburgh) Vintage Grand Prix today- did some road racing then came out here," explained the Moon Township. Pa. driver.  "I can't thank Tony Castleveter enough.  He sets this car up and puts his heart and soul in it, and I get the lucky job to drive it.  Ryan (Montgomery) is hooked up so smooth.  He's doing his homework so whatever he's doing is working." 

Dabecco had a solid fourth for his best career Tour finish beating out McClellan, and it was good to see his uncle Dan Karalagas back at the track where he broke his leg two weeks prior.  Justin Lamb was sixth over Holtgraver, who was awarded the Driven Oil's "Slick Move of the Night" for racing from ninth to second in his heat race to make the feature redraw.  Daryl Charlier had a great run in eighth after starting 22nd and received the Acceelerator-1 Carb Spacer Kit compliments of Crate Innovations.  Mark Moats, Jr. received the $100 Precise Racing Products "Pedal Down" Hard Charger after racing from 24th to ninth.  Jason Rider finished 10th after starting 19th.

Eric Wilson ended the night going unchallenged to win the Non-Qualifier event.  The 2013 "Futures Cup" Champion has been running the entire Sweeney Tour this season and missed out on his first feature of 2014, but rebounded with the $150 victory in his Hovis Tire & Automotive/Falls Recycling/Lyman Ray Racing/Speed Bear Fasteners/FK Rod Ends/Precise Racing Products-sponsored #27W.

"This track is really tough," acknowledged the 17-year-old Cortland, Ohio, who became the 10th different Non-Qualifier in 10 races over the past two years.  "It's one of kind- that's for sure.  We put a different setup in for this race and I wish we'd have put it in earlier, but you live and learn I guess."

Dusty Curry started fourth and finished second after passing Russell Baird, Jr. for the runner-up spot on lap three.  Curry was 2.771 behind Wilson, who set a time of 2:57.982 in the non-stop eight-lap affair.  Baird dropped to third over Tony White and Paul Jablonski. 

Heat race winners were Montgomery, Lamb, Policz, and Wylie.  Joe Martin and Charlier won the B mains.  John Waters won his first K&N "Cold Air Induction" Dash and received a $100 K&N certificate.  Dabecco went from fourth to second and received a $50 K&N certificate.  Beatty and Laura Pastorak each received an additional $25 cash.  Tim Weinschenk of New Castle, PA was the lucky fan, who won the K&N Cold Air Induction System valued at up to $500!   

The grand prize of the night was the GM 604 engine giveaway compliments of Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC and Pace Performance.  It probably was a fitting winner as Robby Marhefka destroyed a car the week before at Lernerville Speedway, and his team led by George Fetsko put a car together to support the event on Saturday night, but failed to qualify for the feature.  The Windber, Pa. racer commented before the drawing that he had never won more than $100 in anything in his life! 

"We cannot thank Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC and Pace Performance enough," stated RUSH Co-Director Vicki Emig.  "Their support of us over the years has enabled us to put together strong programs that benefits that racers and our speedways.  This was the fourth straight year they have given away an engine and it's great to see four different drivers from all over the region win the prize!  It was great to have Sweeney's Steve Mezz display the engine on Wednesday at Expo then bring it Saturday and select the lucky winner."

The second prize drawing was the TurboStart 16-volt racing battery (valued at $252) and was won by rookie Late Model racer Jeff Haynes, who made his first Tour start.  Other contingency winners on Saturday night included W.L. Stile, who was the last car on the lead lap and won the Moroso Custom Fit Plug Wire Set compliments of Crate Innovations, along with Matt Latta, who was selected at The Brake Man's "Tough Brake of the Night".  Latta was running in a feature redraw position in his heat race when he blew a tire and did major damage to his car.       
     
Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring Series Race #8 (25 laps, $1,500 to-win): 1. RYAN MONTGOMERY (12)  2. Andrew Wylie (84)  3. Russ Kolesar (Castleveter 27c)  4. Nico Dabecco (Karalagas F1)  5. Chad McClellan (119)  6. Justin Lamb (93x)  7. Josh Holtgraver (00)  8. Daryl Charlier (88)  9. Mark Moats, Jr. (15M)  10. Jason Rider (Wade 76)  11. Corey McPherson (Bentz 60c)  12. John Waters (LeBarron 11)  13. Ralph Morgan, Jr. (Powell 100)  14. Chuck Medved (2M)  15. Laura Pastorak (Lukon 84)  16. W.L. Stile (1W)  17. Brian Goebel (12G)  18. Jeremy Adamik (7J)  19. Joe Martin (55)  20. Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr. (8s)  21. Michael Reft (9R)  22. Jake Gunn (14G)  23. Steve Beatty (B4)  24. Kyle Lukon (1)  25. Ben Policz (14B)  26. Cody Dawson (36).  (Note: Cody Dawson took a Series provisional & Brian Goebel took a Track provisional.)

Non-Qualifier (8 laps, $150 to-win): 1. Eric Wilson (27W)  2. Dusty Curry (8)  3. Russell Baird, Jr. (17)  4. Tony White (27)  5. Paul Jablonski (03J)  6. Reese Masiello (22R)  7. Jeff Haynes (27J)  8. Bobby Whitling (7W)-DNS  9. Robby Marhefka (99FM)-DNS  10. Matt Latta (Bidwell B1D)-DNS  11. Trevor Hall (10T)-DNS.
 
Car Count: 37
Feature Lap Leaders: Ryan Montgomery (1-25)
Margin of Victory: 3.2 seconds
Precise Racing Products “Pedal Down Hard Charger”: Mark Moats, Jr. (+15)
The Brake Man “Tough Brake of the Night: Matt Latta
Driven Oil "Slick Move of the Night": Josh Holtgraver
Crate Innovations "Performance Plus" Accelerator-1 Carb Spacer Kit Giveaway: Daryl Charlier
Crate Innovations "Ignite" Moroso Custom Fit Plug Wire Set: W.L. Stile
Sweeney/Pace GM 604 Engine Giveaway: Robby Marhefka
TurboStart 16-V Racing Battery Giveaway: Jeff Haynes

Heat 1 (10 laps. Top 5 transfer): 1. Montgomery  2. McClellan  3. Kolesar  4. Beatty  5. Morgan  6. Stile  7. Jablonski  8. Goebel  9. White  10. Masiello.
 
Heat 2 (10 laps. Top 5 transfer): 1. Lamb  2. Holtgraver  3. Schirnhofer  4. Waters  5. Reft  6. Martin  7. Wilson  8. Marhefka  9. Latta.

Heat 3 (10 laps. Top 5 transfer): 1. Policz  2. McPherson  3. Lukon  4. Pastorak  5. Rider  6. Whitling  7. Moats  8. Curry  9. Haynes.

Heat 4 (10 laps. Top 5 transfer): 1. Wylie  2. Medved  3. Gunn  4. Dabecco  5. Adamik  6. Charlier  7. Dawson  8. Baird  9. Hall-DNS.

Last Chance B Main 1 (8 laps. Top 2 transfer): 1. Martin  2. Stile  3. Wilson  4. Goebel  5. Jablonski  6. White  7. Marhefka  8. Masiello  9. Latta-DNS.

Last Chance B Main 2 (8 laps. Top 2 transfer): 1. Charlier  2. Moats  3. Whitling  4. Baird  5. Curry  6. Haynes  7. Dawson.  8. Hall-DNS.

K&N "Cold Air Induction" Dash (4 laps): 1. John Waters  2. Nico Dabecco  3. Steve Beatty  4. Laura Pastorak.
 
The Sweeney Tour will be in action Sunday, July 20 for the "Canadian National Late Model Championship" in a $2,000 to-win event at Humberstone Speedway in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada.

RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Precise Racing Products, ARbodies, The Brake Man, K&N Filters, Bilstein Shocks, Lincoln Electric, TurboStart, Beyea Headers, FK Rod Ends, Bobby Lake Motorsports, Driven Racing Oil, Crate Innovations Inc., Moroso Performance Products, Velocita-USA, High Gear Speed Shop, CrateInsider.com, Utsinger’s Towing, B.R.A.K.E.S., RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions.

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.
 
###

585
Press Releases and Results / Sweeney RUSH Series July 6 weekend recap
« on: July 11, 2014, 01:30:03 PM »
HENDERSON WINS CAREER 1ST AT WINCHESTER; LEDINGHAM WINS 1ST AT HUMBERSTONE IN SWEENEY RUSH LATE MODEL WEEKLY SERIES ACTION
By Jim Zufall & Mike Leone

July 11, 2014

(Pulaski, PA)…The weathermen handed a beautiful three-day weekend to the member tracks of the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Racing Series to kickoff the month of July!  It was also the first of nine weeks under the Pace Performance “Summer Chase” for the RUSH Late Models.
 
Friday’s Lernerville event was a doubleheader for both the RUSH Late Models and the growing Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modified Series. Both of the RUSH divisions were joined by the non-winged Sprinters of the BOSS Series. A season-high 30 RUSH Late Models checked into the pits representing five states and Ontario, Canada.

Rick Singleton has been on a tear lately, winning the last three Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring events.  But Friday it was Stoystown PA’s Chad McClellan taking the win at the famed Sarver, Pennsylvania oval to kickoff the Bill Emig Memorial “Wild Card Weekend”. 

"This means a lot," said an excited McClellan.  "I've been coming here for a long time.  This is a great, great facility.  I've run every division here- 410 Sprints, Big-Block Mods, Super Late Models and I've always been close to winning.  I'm finally glad I got one here."  Following McClellan to the stripe were Ryan Montgomery, Singleton, Alan Dellinger and Eric Wilson finishing out the top five.
 
In the RUSH Sportsman Modified portion of the night, it was Dave Conant, Jr. holding off fellow New York racer and Series point leader Adam Hilton in a tremendous side-by-side battle for the win. On the final lap it looked as though Hilton might become the only winner in the two events this season at Lernerville, but Conant found space and time to squeeze out the win by little more than a quarter of a second!

"That was a lot of fun racing with Adam (Hilton)," exclaimed Conant in Victory Lane.  "I've raced with him some in New York.  I thought he had me at the end, but I was able to keep my speed up out of turn four.  This place is pretty cool.  I've been following this Series and really like it and where it's headed."   Conant became the sixth different winner in eight races!  Behind the fantastic one-two finishers were Rocky Kugel, Jeremy Paup and Jamie Duncan.
 
The Bill Emig Memorial Weekend continued at Sharon Speedway on Saturday night and the weather was just as stellar as Friday’s. In the 25-lap main event for the RUSH Late Models, it was a very happy Rick Singleton raising the checkered flag in victory lane, his first ever win at the Hartford Ohio track.  In fact, not only did Singleton capture the win, he did it in dominating fashion leading wire to wire in a race that was slowed only once for a caution. Saturday’s win makes four victories in the last five events in the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring Series.

"This is a great race track," expressed the Front Royal, Virginia racer after his first victory at the speedway. "If it wasn't so far away we'd be here all of the time. Things are going real good right now. We've had a lot of luck on our side, but that can change in a hurry. This MBH Race Car has been so good and that's been the difference from last year.”

Following Singleton across the line were Ryan Montgomery, Josh Double, Will Thomas III and Russell Baird Jr.  Singleton’s victory was worth $1,500 plus an additional $500 for capturing the overall "Bill Emig Memorial Wild Card Weekend" title, and $100 for winning the "John Buzzard Memorial" K&N Dash!  In the five Tour events he's competed in, Singleton has earned $9,400- not bad for a $5,500 engine! No racing this coming Saturday, July 12th due to the Trumbull County Fair, but a full “Steel Valley Thunder” race program returns to Sharon on July 19.
 
Saturday July 5 also saw action for the RUSH Dirt Late Models at Imperial PA’s Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway.  After securing a heat race win, Michael Reft started on the pole for the feature event. But his lead would not even stick though the first lap.  Ben Policz of Waynesburg, PA took the lead immediately and led every lap, taking his second win.  Following him to the stripe were Mark Moats, Corey McPherson, who drove from deep in the field to finish third, Nico Dabecco and Justin Lamb.

Saturday, the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring Series takes center stage, paying $1500 to the winner.  The night will be capped off by a giveaway of a Sweeney/Pace GM 604 race engine valued at over $5,500!
 
On Saturday night McKean County Raceway celebrated the 4th of July weekend with the annual Corporal Jason Dunham Memorial for the RUSH Crate Late Models. Before taking the green for the 20 lap event, the RUSH Late Models took a traditional four-wide pace lap with each driver holding up an American Flag honoring USMC Corporal Jason Dunham.

When the feature came to the stripe for the drop of the green, Damian Bidwell shot to the lead with an outside pass of pole sitter Doug Ricotta to lead lap one.  By mid-race it was still Bidwell holding the lead all while some exciting action for position was going on behind him. The final five laps saw an intense battle between leader Bidwell, Max Blair and Jeremy Wonderling.

After one final caution on lap 18, the battle for the lead intensified, as the checkers fell first for Blair. Bidwell held on for second, with Wonderling, Ricotta and Paul Grigsby rounding out the top five.  In victory lane Jeremy Wonderling awarded Blair with the unique US Marine Trophy as Wonderling and the Dunham families were very close to each other.  A “Super Five” regular racing show is on tap for this Saturday.  It is also Port Allegheny Night with all residents of the nearby town receiving $1.00 off general admission.
 
Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex celebrated the holiday week by running two shows in just four days!  Wednesday, the Lucas Oil Late Model Series visited the Markleysburg PA track bringing the likes of Scott Bloomquist, Steve Francis and eventual winner Earl Pearson Jr. to the speedway.  Also on the card Wednesday were the RUSH Dirt Late Models, where Chad McClellan got his great week off to a fabulous start with the win. Following McClellan in the top five were, Michael Lake, Jacob Hawkins, Dylan Lewis and Russell Baird, Jr.

Regular action continued on Saturday night at the Knob, when Michael Lake improved on his runner up spot from Wednesday with a win in the RUSH Series race.  He was followed to the line by Nolan Dalton, Dylan Lewis, Bob Gordon and newcomer Chad Green.  This Saturday at Roaring Knob, it’s a double points night for all divisions as well as “Old Timers Night.”
 
Saturday night at Virginia’s Winchester Speedway, Darin Henderson notched his first career Winchester victory in the RUSH Late Models.  Henderson, who also became the sixth different winner in the seven races contested at Winchester this year, went wire to wire in the caution-free 20 lap event. 

"This is the biggest win of my career," a jubilant Henderson stated in victory lane. "We've had a fast car here, but just haven't had any luck winning and to finally get one here is awesome."  Trailing behind Henderson in the finishing order were Ben Bowie, Logan Robertson, Transton Stoner and Ralph Morgan Jr.  The RUSH Dirt Late Models will be off this Saturday, but returns to action at Winchester on July 19 for a special double points feature race.
 
Sunday at Humberstone Speedway, Bill Gill and Rob Pietz led the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model to the green flag for their 20-lap feature event with Pietz taking the early lead.  There were lots of action and races for position during the entire event, including a mid-race restart when Rob Ledingham took over the lead position. In the end Pietz went to the bottom through three and four trying to make it stick, but it was Ledingham holding on for his first win.  Pietz, Paul Grigsby, Jeff Dayman and Ken Winfield were second through fifth.

The RUSH Late Models return to action at Humberstone this Sunday in a tune up of sorts for the July 20th Canadian Late Model Nationals featuring the Sweeney RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring Series for $2,000 to-win!
 
Potomac Speedway had their special pre-holiday Thursday night races rained out and Freedom Speedway was off for the holiday.

You can follow the latest news from both series by going to www.rushracingseries.com.  Current point leaders are Ryan Montgomery-Sweeney RUSH Late Model Touring Series, Michael Lake-Sweeney RUSH Late Model Weekly Series & “Futures Cup”, Max Blair, Darin Henderson, and Ben Policz are all tied for the Pace “Summer Chase” for Late Models, and Adam Hilton leads the Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modifieds.

RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Precise Racing Products, ARbodies, The Brake Man, K&N Filters, Bilstein Shocks, Lincoln Electric, TurboStart, Beyea Headers, FK Rod Ends, Bobby Lake Motorsports, Driven Racing Oil, Crate Innovations Inc., Moroso Performance Products, Velocita-USA, High Gear Speed Shop, CrateInsider.com, Utsinger’s Towing, B.R.A.K.E.S., RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions.

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.
 
###


Pages: 1 ... 37 38 [39] 40 41 ... 43