31
32
Racing Discussion / Contact Information for Stubby Pangrazio
« on: 25 Nov, 2013 08:59 »
Does anyone have a phone number or e-mail for Stubby Pangrazio? It would be appreciated!
33
Racing Discussion / Don and Marilyn Toal to be Honored with EMPA Award in January 2014
« on: 20 Nov, 2013 07:25 »
Don and Marilyn Toal will receive the Junie Donleavy Spirit of Racing Award at the Annual Eastern Motorsport Press Association dinner. The 2014 EMPA Convention will be held at the Liberty Convention Center at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Valley Forge, PA from January 3-5, 2014.
Congrats to the both of them!
http://empaonline.org/
Congrats to the both of them!
http://empaonline.org/
34
Racing Discussion / 10/14/13 Buffalo News Auto Racing article
« on: 14 Oct, 2013 09:00 »
Dunn goes from lows to highs at Super DIRT Week by Larry Ott
SYRACUSE — On Saturday night, Billy Dunn was having nightmares following a fuel mileage disappointment that cost him the 358 Modified Super DIRTcar Series victory in that afternoon’s “Salute to the Troops” 150.
On Sunday night, however, Dunn surely went to bed with only sweet dreams in mind after rebounding to win the Modified Super DIRTcar Series Syracuse 200. Both races were part of NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT Week XLII at the New York State Fairgrounds.
In the Syracuse 200, Dunn, of Watertown, was chasing leader Stewart Friesen when Friesen ran out of fuel with two laps remaining. From there, Dunn completed the biggest victory of his career.
Friesen inherited the lead with nine laps remaining when leader Tim McCreadie pitted under caution due to a flat right rear tire. Once back to green, Friesen continued to lead until his fuel ran out.
After Sunday’s big victory, Dunn was asked how he felt about the disappointment of Saturday. Wearing a big smile, he said, “I just forgot about that 10 minutes ago.”
While enjoying the thrills of winning the Salute to the Troops 150 on Saturday, Brett Hearn could also feel the pain that Dunn was dealing with after that race.
Hearn took the lead for the first and only time on the final lap of the Salute to the Troops 150 when he passed race leader Dunn in the first turn as Dunn was running out of fuel. Hearn held on, while Dunn finished 24th.
A year ago here, Hearn was leading the Salute to the Troops 150 when his fuel tank ran dry with just two laps remaining, handing the victory to McCreadie.
“When that happened on the last lap today, I thought you know, I lost one like that last year and this is a complete reversal this year,” said Hearn, who has won the Salute to the Troops 150 five times in his career. “I knew that the gas mileage was going to be close because we had so many green flag laps. I ran pretty conservative most of the time and I thought that if anybody was going to make the mileage, I would.”
Also Saturday, drivers Erick Rudolph of Ransomville and Mat Williamson of St. Catharines, Ont., were having their own race within the race as they are vying for the 358 Modified Super DIRTcar Series 2013 points championship. Rudolph came to Syracuse leading the series points by 43 over Williamson.
Rudolph, who started the race in the 13th position, was able to lead several laps of the race but following his pit stop from the lead on lap 74 was only able to climb back up through the pack to an eventual 11th-place finish.
Meanwhile, Williamson started seventh but wound up finishing 13th.
Rudolph now enjoys a 51-point edge over Williamson with just one series race left, next weekend in Brockville, Ont.
While most of the lead group pitted on lap 24, Rudolph made his stop very late.
“It’s not so bad today,” said Rudolph, the 2013 New Humberstone Speedway Modified champion. “We didn’t realize that we were that bad on fuel mileage and we knew what it was, and we knew that we had to pit late or we would never had made it to the end if we had pitted on one of the first two cautions that everyone else pitted on. We still have the points lead over Mat, so points wise today was all right.”
Other Salute to the Troops 150 local finishers were: Chad Brachmann (Sanborn), 26th; Stewart Friesen (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.), 36th.
Also Saturday at Syracuse, Merrittville and New Humberstone Speedway DIRTcar Sportsman campaigner Brad Rouse of St. Catharines parlayed his 22nd starting spot to a victory in the Sportsman Championship 30 event. Rouse avoided accidents and other incidents in front of him and drove a clean race to win and in the process take over the DIRTcar Sportsman Super DIRT Series point lead.
Rouse passed Brett Wright (East Chatham) following a lap 20 restart and went the distance for his first Syracuse career checkered flag.
Rouse is married to the niece of Merrittville Speedway Race Director Bobby St. Amand Jr.
Rouse’s car sported the color scheme and No. 30 number that was campaigned several years ago by the late Bobby St. Amand Sr.
“It’s a great day,” said Rouse. “We had a fast hot rod all week. It really means a lot to have the St. Amands on board here. This one’s for papa.”
“It’s just amazing,” said St. Amand Jr. “I know dad’s looking down and smiling. I believe he’s with us here.”
Other local finishers in the Sportsman Championship 30 were: James Henry (Niagara Falls), sixth; Kevin Wills (Ransomville), 16th; Boyd MacTavish (Ransomville), 17th; Brett Martin (Burt), 19th; Cody McPherson (St. Catharines, Ont.), 26th; and Adam Hilton (Buffalo), 29th.
In other Super DIRT Week action, North Tonawanda’s Pete Stefanski endured a serious month-long illness, a race morning practice spin and strong competition to nearly win Sunday’s BACC-OFF DIRTcar Pro Stock Championship 25.
Stefanski, the outside pole sitter, took the lead from Castleton’s Rob Yetman on lap 10 but Yetman returned the favor on a lap 14 restart to take the victory with Stefanski second.
“I had an illness for the last month but I feel pretty good now,” Stefanski said. “As long as I felt good enough to come here and felt good after practice I knew I would be OK. You can’t miss Super DIRT Week.”
email: lawrence_o_14075@yahoo.com
SYRACUSE — On Saturday night, Billy Dunn was having nightmares following a fuel mileage disappointment that cost him the 358 Modified Super DIRTcar Series victory in that afternoon’s “Salute to the Troops” 150.
On Sunday night, however, Dunn surely went to bed with only sweet dreams in mind after rebounding to win the Modified Super DIRTcar Series Syracuse 200. Both races were part of NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT Week XLII at the New York State Fairgrounds.
In the Syracuse 200, Dunn, of Watertown, was chasing leader Stewart Friesen when Friesen ran out of fuel with two laps remaining. From there, Dunn completed the biggest victory of his career.
Friesen inherited the lead with nine laps remaining when leader Tim McCreadie pitted under caution due to a flat right rear tire. Once back to green, Friesen continued to lead until his fuel ran out.
After Sunday’s big victory, Dunn was asked how he felt about the disappointment of Saturday. Wearing a big smile, he said, “I just forgot about that 10 minutes ago.”
While enjoying the thrills of winning the Salute to the Troops 150 on Saturday, Brett Hearn could also feel the pain that Dunn was dealing with after that race.
Hearn took the lead for the first and only time on the final lap of the Salute to the Troops 150 when he passed race leader Dunn in the first turn as Dunn was running out of fuel. Hearn held on, while Dunn finished 24th.
A year ago here, Hearn was leading the Salute to the Troops 150 when his fuel tank ran dry with just two laps remaining, handing the victory to McCreadie.
“When that happened on the last lap today, I thought you know, I lost one like that last year and this is a complete reversal this year,” said Hearn, who has won the Salute to the Troops 150 five times in his career. “I knew that the gas mileage was going to be close because we had so many green flag laps. I ran pretty conservative most of the time and I thought that if anybody was going to make the mileage, I would.”
Also Saturday, drivers Erick Rudolph of Ransomville and Mat Williamson of St. Catharines, Ont., were having their own race within the race as they are vying for the 358 Modified Super DIRTcar Series 2013 points championship. Rudolph came to Syracuse leading the series points by 43 over Williamson.
Rudolph, who started the race in the 13th position, was able to lead several laps of the race but following his pit stop from the lead on lap 74 was only able to climb back up through the pack to an eventual 11th-place finish.
Meanwhile, Williamson started seventh but wound up finishing 13th.
Rudolph now enjoys a 51-point edge over Williamson with just one series race left, next weekend in Brockville, Ont.
While most of the lead group pitted on lap 24, Rudolph made his stop very late.
“It’s not so bad today,” said Rudolph, the 2013 New Humberstone Speedway Modified champion. “We didn’t realize that we were that bad on fuel mileage and we knew what it was, and we knew that we had to pit late or we would never had made it to the end if we had pitted on one of the first two cautions that everyone else pitted on. We still have the points lead over Mat, so points wise today was all right.”
Other Salute to the Troops 150 local finishers were: Chad Brachmann (Sanborn), 26th; Stewart Friesen (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.), 36th.
Also Saturday at Syracuse, Merrittville and New Humberstone Speedway DIRTcar Sportsman campaigner Brad Rouse of St. Catharines parlayed his 22nd starting spot to a victory in the Sportsman Championship 30 event. Rouse avoided accidents and other incidents in front of him and drove a clean race to win and in the process take over the DIRTcar Sportsman Super DIRT Series point lead.
Rouse passed Brett Wright (East Chatham) following a lap 20 restart and went the distance for his first Syracuse career checkered flag.
Rouse is married to the niece of Merrittville Speedway Race Director Bobby St. Amand Jr.
Rouse’s car sported the color scheme and No. 30 number that was campaigned several years ago by the late Bobby St. Amand Sr.
“It’s a great day,” said Rouse. “We had a fast hot rod all week. It really means a lot to have the St. Amands on board here. This one’s for papa.”
“It’s just amazing,” said St. Amand Jr. “I know dad’s looking down and smiling. I believe he’s with us here.”
Other local finishers in the Sportsman Championship 30 were: James Henry (Niagara Falls), sixth; Kevin Wills (Ransomville), 16th; Boyd MacTavish (Ransomville), 17th; Brett Martin (Burt), 19th; Cody McPherson (St. Catharines, Ont.), 26th; and Adam Hilton (Buffalo), 29th.
In other Super DIRT Week action, North Tonawanda’s Pete Stefanski endured a serious month-long illness, a race morning practice spin and strong competition to nearly win Sunday’s BACC-OFF DIRTcar Pro Stock Championship 25.
Stefanski, the outside pole sitter, took the lead from Castleton’s Rob Yetman on lap 10 but Yetman returned the favor on a lap 14 restart to take the victory with Stefanski second.
“I had an illness for the last month but I feel pretty good now,” Stefanski said. “As long as I felt good enough to come here and felt good after practice I knew I would be OK. You can’t miss Super DIRT Week.”
email: lawrence_o_14075@yahoo.com
35
Racing Discussion / 10/10/13 Buffalo News Auto Racing article
« on: 10 Oct, 2013 08:18 »
Brachmann in driver’s seat at Super DIRT Week by Larry Ott
Special to The News
Once a familiar sight at the running of the NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT Week at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse each October, Chad Brachmann has not been seen much there in the last four years.
However, thanks to the successful securing of some key sponsorship as well as the support of fellow driver-owner Randy Chrysler, fans will get a double dose of Brachmann this year at NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT Week XLII, which began Wednesday and continues through Sunday in Syracuse.
Brachmann, 38, was able to secure sponsor funding from Rolaids and Kinney Drugs, allowing him to return his DIRT.car 358 Modified entry to Syracuse for Saturday’s Salute to the Troops 150. He has also formed a partnership with Chrysler to use Chrysler’s car, motor and crew for the Syracuse 200 Super DIRT.car Big-Block Modified finale on Sunday.
Brachmann will try to time trial the best he can for both races to enhance his starting positions in each race but also has guaranteed starter status locked in for both events.
Brachmann is a guaranteed starter in the Syracuse 200 because he currently leads the points of the traveling BRP Big-Block Modified Tour. He received his guaranteed starter status for the Salute to the Troops 150 due to his win in July’s Battle of the Border DIRT.car 358 Modified event at Ransomville Speedway.
“I’m looking forward to running at Super DIRT Week in Syracuse this coming week because I’ve not been there running competitively in four years,” said Brachmann, a Sanborn resident. “I just couldn’t afford to race there as it is so expensive. But I was able to obtain some sponsors that are specific to Syracuse only and that’s how I can afford to run in the 358 Modified race this year.”
Brachmann will campaign his family-owned Brachmann Racing LLD No. 3B entry in the Salute to the Troops 150.
“Also, over the summer I was talking to Randy Chrysler about possibly teaming up with him for Syracuse in the Syracuse 200,” Brachmann said. “We finalized the partnership and arrangements for Super DIRT Week about a month ago. Thanks to Randy and his wife, Candi, I can use their No. 21K car, motor and crew for the Syracuse 200. We’re going to combine our two pit crews all week for both races. They have already been practicing their pit stops together and it looks pretty good.”
Historically, Brachmann has run very strong in the Salute to the Troops 150. He placed second twice in the race, in 2004 and 2006, and then Stewart Friesen finished in the runner-up position in 2007 while driving Brachmann’s car as Brachmann was recovering from an injury suffered earlier in that year’s Super DIRT Week competition.
In the Syracuse 200, Brachmann was running third back in the mid-2000s when he was driving for H&H Racing but with just seven laps remaining mechanical failure curtailed his racing effort.
Brachmann did win one of the marquee Super DIRT Week races in the early days of his driving career when he captured the checkered flag in the DIRT.car Sportsman 30 in 1999.
On Oct. 26, the BRP tour will run its final point race of the 2013 season at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa., where Brachmann figures to secure that tour’s 2013 season point championship.
“All I have to do is pull in the parking lot at Lernerville and the title will be mine,” Brachmann said.
Brachmann is the 2011 Ransomville Speedway DIRT.car 358 Modified champion. He placed third in the final DIRT.car 358 Modified points rundown at the Niagara County oval this year in his Mighty Taco-sponsored weekly effort there.
“We did OK at Ransomville this year but we were obviously hoping for better,” he said. “But it is what it is and we’ll go on from here.”
Constituting Brachmann’s own pit crew this season are his father, Mike Brachmann Sr., brother Corey Brachmann as well as Jason Needen, Ricky Wegner and Richard Mooradian. Brachmann also says he appreciates the support that he gets from his wife, Louise, and their daughters, Olivia (age
and Sophia (3).
The schedule of major events for NAPA Super DIRT Week XLII begins today with DIRT.car 358 Modified time trials at 1:20 p.m. followed by DIRT.car Big Block Modified time trials. The top six drivers in time trials in each session will be locked into the top six starting spots in the Salute to the Troops 150 and Syracuse 200.
Friday, DIRT.car Sportsman time trials to determine the top 12 starting spots for Saturday’s Sportsman Championship 30 will commence at 3:05 p.m. At 7:05, DIRT.car 358 Modified Twin 20 qualifying races for the Salute to the Troops 150 as well as triple DIRT.car Big Block Modified 20 lap qualifying races for the Syracuse 200 along with DIRT.car Sportsman Triple 20-lap qualifying races for the DIRT.car Sportsman Championship 30 will be held under the fairgrounds lights.
Saturday’s highlights include: DIRT.car Pro Stock time trials at noon for Sunday‘s BACC-OFF DIRT.car Pro Stock 25, the Salute to the Troops 150 at 1:30 p.m., followed by the DIRT.car Sportsman Championship 30 at 4:30.
Sunday features the DIRT.car Big Block Modified Last Chance qualifying race for the Syracuse 200 at 10:45 a.m., followed by the BACC-OFF DIRT.car Pro Stock 25 at noon and the Syracuse 200 at 2 p.m.
Elsewhere this weekend, Wyoming County International Speedway’s rain-postponed Shootout at the Bullring stock car season finale begins at 2 p.m. Saturday.
email: lawrence_o_14075@yahoo.com
Special to The News
Once a familiar sight at the running of the NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT Week at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse each October, Chad Brachmann has not been seen much there in the last four years.
However, thanks to the successful securing of some key sponsorship as well as the support of fellow driver-owner Randy Chrysler, fans will get a double dose of Brachmann this year at NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT Week XLII, which began Wednesday and continues through Sunday in Syracuse.
Brachmann, 38, was able to secure sponsor funding from Rolaids and Kinney Drugs, allowing him to return his DIRT.car 358 Modified entry to Syracuse for Saturday’s Salute to the Troops 150. He has also formed a partnership with Chrysler to use Chrysler’s car, motor and crew for the Syracuse 200 Super DIRT.car Big-Block Modified finale on Sunday.
Brachmann will try to time trial the best he can for both races to enhance his starting positions in each race but also has guaranteed starter status locked in for both events.
Brachmann is a guaranteed starter in the Syracuse 200 because he currently leads the points of the traveling BRP Big-Block Modified Tour. He received his guaranteed starter status for the Salute to the Troops 150 due to his win in July’s Battle of the Border DIRT.car 358 Modified event at Ransomville Speedway.
“I’m looking forward to running at Super DIRT Week in Syracuse this coming week because I’ve not been there running competitively in four years,” said Brachmann, a Sanborn resident. “I just couldn’t afford to race there as it is so expensive. But I was able to obtain some sponsors that are specific to Syracuse only and that’s how I can afford to run in the 358 Modified race this year.”
Brachmann will campaign his family-owned Brachmann Racing LLD No. 3B entry in the Salute to the Troops 150.
“Also, over the summer I was talking to Randy Chrysler about possibly teaming up with him for Syracuse in the Syracuse 200,” Brachmann said. “We finalized the partnership and arrangements for Super DIRT Week about a month ago. Thanks to Randy and his wife, Candi, I can use their No. 21K car, motor and crew for the Syracuse 200. We’re going to combine our two pit crews all week for both races. They have already been practicing their pit stops together and it looks pretty good.”
Historically, Brachmann has run very strong in the Salute to the Troops 150. He placed second twice in the race, in 2004 and 2006, and then Stewart Friesen finished in the runner-up position in 2007 while driving Brachmann’s car as Brachmann was recovering from an injury suffered earlier in that year’s Super DIRT Week competition.
In the Syracuse 200, Brachmann was running third back in the mid-2000s when he was driving for H&H Racing but with just seven laps remaining mechanical failure curtailed his racing effort.
Brachmann did win one of the marquee Super DIRT Week races in the early days of his driving career when he captured the checkered flag in the DIRT.car Sportsman 30 in 1999.
On Oct. 26, the BRP tour will run its final point race of the 2013 season at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa., where Brachmann figures to secure that tour’s 2013 season point championship.
“All I have to do is pull in the parking lot at Lernerville and the title will be mine,” Brachmann said.
Brachmann is the 2011 Ransomville Speedway DIRT.car 358 Modified champion. He placed third in the final DIRT.car 358 Modified points rundown at the Niagara County oval this year in his Mighty Taco-sponsored weekly effort there.
“We did OK at Ransomville this year but we were obviously hoping for better,” he said. “But it is what it is and we’ll go on from here.”
Constituting Brachmann’s own pit crew this season are his father, Mike Brachmann Sr., brother Corey Brachmann as well as Jason Needen, Ricky Wegner and Richard Mooradian. Brachmann also says he appreciates the support that he gets from his wife, Louise, and their daughters, Olivia (age
and Sophia (3).The schedule of major events for NAPA Super DIRT Week XLII begins today with DIRT.car 358 Modified time trials at 1:20 p.m. followed by DIRT.car Big Block Modified time trials. The top six drivers in time trials in each session will be locked into the top six starting spots in the Salute to the Troops 150 and Syracuse 200.
Friday, DIRT.car Sportsman time trials to determine the top 12 starting spots for Saturday’s Sportsman Championship 30 will commence at 3:05 p.m. At 7:05, DIRT.car 358 Modified Twin 20 qualifying races for the Salute to the Troops 150 as well as triple DIRT.car Big Block Modified 20 lap qualifying races for the Syracuse 200 along with DIRT.car Sportsman Triple 20-lap qualifying races for the DIRT.car Sportsman Championship 30 will be held under the fairgrounds lights.
Saturday’s highlights include: DIRT.car Pro Stock time trials at noon for Sunday‘s BACC-OFF DIRT.car Pro Stock 25, the Salute to the Troops 150 at 1:30 p.m., followed by the DIRT.car Sportsman Championship 30 at 4:30.
Sunday features the DIRT.car Big Block Modified Last Chance qualifying race for the Syracuse 200 at 10:45 a.m., followed by the BACC-OFF DIRT.car Pro Stock 25 at noon and the Syracuse 200 at 2 p.m.
Elsewhere this weekend, Wyoming County International Speedway’s rain-postponed Shootout at the Bullring stock car season finale begins at 2 p.m. Saturday.
email: lawrence_o_14075@yahoo.com
36
Racing Discussion / 9/26/13 Buffalo News Auto Racing article
« on: 26 Sep, 2013 01:08 »
WNY Auto Racing: Lorenc, 14, makes the grade at Paradise Speedway by Larry Ott
SPECIAL TO THE NEWS
Dane Lorenc, an eighth-grader at Depew Middle School, is busy these days hitting the books in the classroom and getting ready to play ice hockey and lacrosse in the months ahead.
But he also has a distinct difference between his classmates and himself. He is one of the few 14-year-olds who straps himself into a very fast 600cc Micro Sprint race car each week to compete on the dirt at the Paradise Speedway in Geneva against competitors who are often far older. He has also been able to learn how to win in his relatively brief time behind the wheel of his race car, one that obtains speeds of up to 120 mph.
“Last year was my first year in the Micro Sprints at Paradise,” Lorenc said. “I had six wins and this year I had one win. It was harder to win this year at Paradise because there was a lot more cars in the class. We usually had 20 to 25 cars in the A-Main each week this year.
“This year I was second in the points until about midseason, then I had some mechanical problems and I’m fifth in points right now. It’s been a pretty good year this year because with my win I got two weeks ago, I’ve also had a couple seconds and thirds. There is just a couple weeks to go in the season so hopefully I will move up in points.”
Lorenc began racing at age 5 when his father Brian Lorenc got him involved in motocross style motorcycle racing competition.
“I raced all across the country in motocross and I won two championships,” said Lorenc. “One was the New York State 50cc championship and the other was the Pennsylvania 50cc championship. I was 8 and 9 years old when I won those championships. When I was 10 we got out of the motocross racing and took two years off to kind of rest up and relax from racing.”
After that brief hiatus, Lorenc reappeared but this time instead of latching his hands onto the handle bars of a motorcycle he was gripping the steering wheel of a four-wheel race car in the form of an open-cockpit, open-wheel Casey’s TQ Midget Racing Series racing machine.
After a year there for a little more seat time seasoning, it was on to the Micro Sprints in the spring of 2012 at age 12.
“I’m learning about racing,” Lorenc said. “I’m mostly trying to learn to get my own driving style and to take my time more in traffic. Next season, I’m looking to leave the Micro Sprints and go up to the 360 winged Sprint Cars, probably with the Patriot Sprint Group. It will be tough but I’m looking forward to it.”
Lorenc is enjoying the guidance, inspiration and support provided by his crew chief and dad, Brian Lorenc, as well as his mother, Roni Sue Lorenc Stasaitis. Dane is also grateful for his sponsor, Totally Tools.
Historian to speak
The International Motor Racing Research Center at Watkins Glen will be hosting noted motorsports historian, car collector and retired racer Peter Sachs in a Center Conversation Series event Oct. 5 at 1 p.m.
Sachs manages the Klemantaski Collection, one of the world’s largest archives of motorsports photography. Sachs, a Harvard University graduate, drove his first actual race at Silverstone in 1960 in a Turner 950 and continued to compete in racing until 2007.
In 1963, Sachs earned the Sports Car Club of America’s F Modified national championship. He also drove in IMSA Firehawk, Grand-Am Cup and vintage series events.
Outside of racing, after a stint in the automobile business, Sachs worked for 37 years as an investment banker for Goldman Sachs before retiring.
The Oct. 5 talk is free to the public. The IMRRC is located at 610 S. Decatur St., Watkins Glen.
In other Watkins Glen news, following this season, the Grand American Road Racing Association (Grand-Am) and the American Le Mans Series will merge to form the unified TUDOR United Sports Car Championship. The USCC released its 2014 schedule this week and Watkins Glen will host the USCC in the annual Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen, next June 29. The Sahlen’s event was formerly part of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series.
“It’s an honor to welcome the new TUDOR United Sports Car Championship to the Glen,” said Watkins Glen President and Hamburg native Michael Printup. “To be one of only 12 tracks to host the series speaks volumes to Watkins Glen’s standing in the sport.”
Pit stops
• Winners of Elegant Builders Raceway Park’s US Open stock car season finale run on Sunday were: Matt Hirschman, ROC Modifieds; Andy Jankowiak, Sportsman; T.J. Cochrane, Street Stocks; Mike Ramos, Super Stocks; Peter Koschuk, Four-Cylinders; Timex Morgan, Empire State TQ Midgets; Jeremy Haudricourt, Legends.
• Orchard Park’s Patrick Emerling finished a solid fifth in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event last Saturday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H.
• WNY Starting Line: Elegant Builders Raceway Park, IHRA Drag Racing Points Finale, Friday 7 p.m. Raceway 5, Stock Car Racing, Saturday, 4 p.m.
email: lawrence_o_14075@yahoo.com
SPECIAL TO THE NEWS
Dane Lorenc, an eighth-grader at Depew Middle School, is busy these days hitting the books in the classroom and getting ready to play ice hockey and lacrosse in the months ahead.
But he also has a distinct difference between his classmates and himself. He is one of the few 14-year-olds who straps himself into a very fast 600cc Micro Sprint race car each week to compete on the dirt at the Paradise Speedway in Geneva against competitors who are often far older. He has also been able to learn how to win in his relatively brief time behind the wheel of his race car, one that obtains speeds of up to 120 mph.
“Last year was my first year in the Micro Sprints at Paradise,” Lorenc said. “I had six wins and this year I had one win. It was harder to win this year at Paradise because there was a lot more cars in the class. We usually had 20 to 25 cars in the A-Main each week this year.
“This year I was second in the points until about midseason, then I had some mechanical problems and I’m fifth in points right now. It’s been a pretty good year this year because with my win I got two weeks ago, I’ve also had a couple seconds and thirds. There is just a couple weeks to go in the season so hopefully I will move up in points.”
Lorenc began racing at age 5 when his father Brian Lorenc got him involved in motocross style motorcycle racing competition.
“I raced all across the country in motocross and I won two championships,” said Lorenc. “One was the New York State 50cc championship and the other was the Pennsylvania 50cc championship. I was 8 and 9 years old when I won those championships. When I was 10 we got out of the motocross racing and took two years off to kind of rest up and relax from racing.”
After that brief hiatus, Lorenc reappeared but this time instead of latching his hands onto the handle bars of a motorcycle he was gripping the steering wheel of a four-wheel race car in the form of an open-cockpit, open-wheel Casey’s TQ Midget Racing Series racing machine.
After a year there for a little more seat time seasoning, it was on to the Micro Sprints in the spring of 2012 at age 12.
“I’m learning about racing,” Lorenc said. “I’m mostly trying to learn to get my own driving style and to take my time more in traffic. Next season, I’m looking to leave the Micro Sprints and go up to the 360 winged Sprint Cars, probably with the Patriot Sprint Group. It will be tough but I’m looking forward to it.”
Lorenc is enjoying the guidance, inspiration and support provided by his crew chief and dad, Brian Lorenc, as well as his mother, Roni Sue Lorenc Stasaitis. Dane is also grateful for his sponsor, Totally Tools.
Historian to speak
The International Motor Racing Research Center at Watkins Glen will be hosting noted motorsports historian, car collector and retired racer Peter Sachs in a Center Conversation Series event Oct. 5 at 1 p.m.
Sachs manages the Klemantaski Collection, one of the world’s largest archives of motorsports photography. Sachs, a Harvard University graduate, drove his first actual race at Silverstone in 1960 in a Turner 950 and continued to compete in racing until 2007.
In 1963, Sachs earned the Sports Car Club of America’s F Modified national championship. He also drove in IMSA Firehawk, Grand-Am Cup and vintage series events.
Outside of racing, after a stint in the automobile business, Sachs worked for 37 years as an investment banker for Goldman Sachs before retiring.
The Oct. 5 talk is free to the public. The IMRRC is located at 610 S. Decatur St., Watkins Glen.
In other Watkins Glen news, following this season, the Grand American Road Racing Association (Grand-Am) and the American Le Mans Series will merge to form the unified TUDOR United Sports Car Championship. The USCC released its 2014 schedule this week and Watkins Glen will host the USCC in the annual Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen, next June 29. The Sahlen’s event was formerly part of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series.
“It’s an honor to welcome the new TUDOR United Sports Car Championship to the Glen,” said Watkins Glen President and Hamburg native Michael Printup. “To be one of only 12 tracks to host the series speaks volumes to Watkins Glen’s standing in the sport.”
Pit stops
• Winners of Elegant Builders Raceway Park’s US Open stock car season finale run on Sunday were: Matt Hirschman, ROC Modifieds; Andy Jankowiak, Sportsman; T.J. Cochrane, Street Stocks; Mike Ramos, Super Stocks; Peter Koschuk, Four-Cylinders; Timex Morgan, Empire State TQ Midgets; Jeremy Haudricourt, Legends.
• Orchard Park’s Patrick Emerling finished a solid fifth in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event last Saturday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H.
• WNY Starting Line: Elegant Builders Raceway Park, IHRA Drag Racing Points Finale, Friday 7 p.m. Raceway 5, Stock Car Racing, Saturday, 4 p.m.
email: lawrence_o_14075@yahoo.com
37
Racing Discussion / 9/23/13 Buffalo News Auto Racing Article
« on: 23 Sep, 2013 03:16 »
WNY Auto Racing: Wyoming’s Majchrzak has a lot to juggle by Larry Ott
Wyoming County International Speedway owner and promoter James J. Majchrzak is a man with a lot on his plate, seeking to complete his track’s current season in successful fashion while firmly looking to its future.
This week Majchrzak is finalizing plans for his biggest annual WCIS stock car event of the season, the “Shootout at The Bullring,” scheduled for Oct. 5. He also confirmed that WCIS is for sale and if he is unsuccessful in selling the facility formerly known years ago as Perry Speedway, he will switch his weekly stock car events from Friday nights to a Saturday evening program in 2014.
The Majchrzak family has been at the helm of the asphalt-surfaced WCIS the last 16 seasons. The one-third-mile track is located on Adrian Road in Perry.
“It’s true that Wyoming County is for sale,” Majchrzak said. “We had a dirt organization come out and look at it. I think that’s where the rumors started that we were going to be converting our surface from asphalt to dirt next year. But we’ve also had some people in the asphalt side come out about buying our track.
“If we sell the track between now and next year then it’s up to the new owners what they want to do. If a sale does not happen then the track will be definitely run by my family next year as it has for the last several years. If I run it next season it will remain an asphalt racing facility.
“I’m basically looking to sell the track because at this point I have other business opportunities that I want to get involved in.”
If Majchrzak does indeed run WCIS next season, the weekly green flag will fly on Saturdays.
“Since we’ve been at this track, we’ve tried Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at different times,” Majchrzak said. “It just seems that Saturday may be the best, especially for our fans in the Letchworth Park and Silver Lake areas. We draw pockets of drivers and fans from a wide area. It may be easier for people to get here on Saturdays.
“I know that there are other asphalt tracks around that currently race on Saturdays but I’m not looking to compete against any of them. I’m just trying to build up stock car racing at Wyoming County and hope that it helps the bigger picture of helping racing overall.”
This season Majchrzak says that he has had better car counts than in the recent past, but there is room for growth.
“I know that in our main class, the SST Modifieds, for a weekly program we averaged car counts in the mid-teens with a peak of 20 and a low point of 12,” Majchrzak said. “It’s not too many years ago that 12 would have been our peak. When you look at our driver roster I think the economy has had a bit of an impact, too.
“When drivers have mechanical breakage or wrecks, it takes them extra weeks to be able to get their repairs done and get back to the track. It’s hard, I think, to afford things.”
This season has also been a rain-plagued one at WCIS.
Majchrzak noted that his track suffered a rainout on the average of every other week until just past the midseason mark. Despite this, attendance has held its own, according to Majchrzak. While he does not release attendance figures, Majchrzak did speak about his 2013 attendance in general.
“At the beginning of the season, we had great crowds but then they began to taper off somewhat,” he said. “This concerned me. Later in the season, once we were able to finally start running consecutive races without rainouts, it rebounded.
Majchrzak has a busy agenda planned for the Oct. 5 shootout event. Winged Sprint Cars on asphalt have been added to the program and already 11 teams from the Sandusky, Ohio, area have committed to come to WCIS on Oct. 5. More are expected from Western and Central New York and Western Pennsylvania. Local drivers George Quintana and Tom Fletcher are organizing the WCIS Sprint Car activity.
Also part of the “Shootout at The Bullring” card will be the SST Modified 100, Super Stock 50, LAMOT Late Models, Street Stocks, Vintage Late Models and the Asphalt Challenge for 4-Cylinders,
Currently the green flag is set for 3 p.m. but Majchrzak is advising fans to check the track website as he may opt for an earlier start time as a possibility of a few other race divisions may be added to the event. The rain date is Oct. 6.
US Open runs on
Sunday’s US Open races at Elegant Builders Raceway Park were not completed at press time. The results will appear in Thursday’s column.
email: lawrence_o_14075@yahoo.com
Wyoming County International Speedway owner and promoter James J. Majchrzak is a man with a lot on his plate, seeking to complete his track’s current season in successful fashion while firmly looking to its future.
This week Majchrzak is finalizing plans for his biggest annual WCIS stock car event of the season, the “Shootout at The Bullring,” scheduled for Oct. 5. He also confirmed that WCIS is for sale and if he is unsuccessful in selling the facility formerly known years ago as Perry Speedway, he will switch his weekly stock car events from Friday nights to a Saturday evening program in 2014.
The Majchrzak family has been at the helm of the asphalt-surfaced WCIS the last 16 seasons. The one-third-mile track is located on Adrian Road in Perry.
“It’s true that Wyoming County is for sale,” Majchrzak said. “We had a dirt organization come out and look at it. I think that’s where the rumors started that we were going to be converting our surface from asphalt to dirt next year. But we’ve also had some people in the asphalt side come out about buying our track.
“If we sell the track between now and next year then it’s up to the new owners what they want to do. If a sale does not happen then the track will be definitely run by my family next year as it has for the last several years. If I run it next season it will remain an asphalt racing facility.
“I’m basically looking to sell the track because at this point I have other business opportunities that I want to get involved in.”
If Majchrzak does indeed run WCIS next season, the weekly green flag will fly on Saturdays.
“Since we’ve been at this track, we’ve tried Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at different times,” Majchrzak said. “It just seems that Saturday may be the best, especially for our fans in the Letchworth Park and Silver Lake areas. We draw pockets of drivers and fans from a wide area. It may be easier for people to get here on Saturdays.
“I know that there are other asphalt tracks around that currently race on Saturdays but I’m not looking to compete against any of them. I’m just trying to build up stock car racing at Wyoming County and hope that it helps the bigger picture of helping racing overall.”
This season Majchrzak says that he has had better car counts than in the recent past, but there is room for growth.
“I know that in our main class, the SST Modifieds, for a weekly program we averaged car counts in the mid-teens with a peak of 20 and a low point of 12,” Majchrzak said. “It’s not too many years ago that 12 would have been our peak. When you look at our driver roster I think the economy has had a bit of an impact, too.
“When drivers have mechanical breakage or wrecks, it takes them extra weeks to be able to get their repairs done and get back to the track. It’s hard, I think, to afford things.”
This season has also been a rain-plagued one at WCIS.
Majchrzak noted that his track suffered a rainout on the average of every other week until just past the midseason mark. Despite this, attendance has held its own, according to Majchrzak. While he does not release attendance figures, Majchrzak did speak about his 2013 attendance in general.
“At the beginning of the season, we had great crowds but then they began to taper off somewhat,” he said. “This concerned me. Later in the season, once we were able to finally start running consecutive races without rainouts, it rebounded.
Majchrzak has a busy agenda planned for the Oct. 5 shootout event. Winged Sprint Cars on asphalt have been added to the program and already 11 teams from the Sandusky, Ohio, area have committed to come to WCIS on Oct. 5. More are expected from Western and Central New York and Western Pennsylvania. Local drivers George Quintana and Tom Fletcher are organizing the WCIS Sprint Car activity.
Also part of the “Shootout at The Bullring” card will be the SST Modified 100, Super Stock 50, LAMOT Late Models, Street Stocks, Vintage Late Models and the Asphalt Challenge for 4-Cylinders,
Currently the green flag is set for 3 p.m. but Majchrzak is advising fans to check the track website as he may opt for an earlier start time as a possibility of a few other race divisions may be added to the event. The rain date is Oct. 6.
US Open runs on
Sunday’s US Open races at Elegant Builders Raceway Park were not completed at press time. The results will appear in Thursday’s column.
email: lawrence_o_14075@yahoo.com
38
Racing Discussion / E.B.R.P. 25th U.S. Open Results - 9/22/13
« on: 23 Sep, 2013 01:10 »
R.o.C. Modified 100 (22 starters):
1. Matt Hirschman #60
2. Erick Rudolph #51
3. Chuck Hossfeld #22
4. Andy Jankowiak #73
5. Daren Scherer #3
Sportsman 90/100 (25 starters):
1. Andy Jankowiak #57
2. Tony Hanbury #42
3. George Skora, III #65
4. Andy Lewis #65x
5. Jimmy Zacharias #71
~ It was called final with last caution at 10 laps left because of time length. T.J. Potrzebowski #14 crossed the finish line first, but he was disqualified.
Big 10 Super Stock 35 (23 starters):
1. Mike Ramos #09
2. Joe Mancuso #64
3. Dave Johnson #23
4. Sam Fullone #48
5. Lee Sharpsteen #8
NYS Super Stock 50 (13 starters):
1. Mike Ramos #09
2. Mike Scott #76
3. Jay Mudra #16
4. Bobby Lippa, Jr. #15
5. Robert Fink #78
Four Cylinder 30 (18 starters):
1. Peter Koschuk #22
2. Matt Druar #37
3. Ken Hejna #9H
4. Jayme Thompson #54
5. Chris Bugenhagen #49
Street Stock 35 (9 starters):
1. T.J. Cochrane #06
2. Terry Weldy #22
3. Keith Flanigan #26
4. Dave Vona #13
5. Gary Bartella #3
T.Q. Midget 30 (18 starters):
1. Timex Morgan #2
2. Shawn Nye #51
3. Aric McGruder #21
4. Brandon Zavarella #94
5. Kyle Hutchinson #7
Legends 15 (6 starters):
1. Jeremy Haudricourt #39
2. Jake Lutz #48
3. Scott Wylie #9
4. Brett Coon #98
5. Melissa Brockman #29
1. Matt Hirschman #60
2. Erick Rudolph #51
3. Chuck Hossfeld #22
4. Andy Jankowiak #73
5. Daren Scherer #3
Sportsman 90/100 (25 starters):
1. Andy Jankowiak #57
2. Tony Hanbury #42
3. George Skora, III #65
4. Andy Lewis #65x
5. Jimmy Zacharias #71
~ It was called final with last caution at 10 laps left because of time length. T.J. Potrzebowski #14 crossed the finish line first, but he was disqualified.
Big 10 Super Stock 35 (23 starters):
1. Mike Ramos #09
2. Joe Mancuso #64
3. Dave Johnson #23
4. Sam Fullone #48
5. Lee Sharpsteen #8
NYS Super Stock 50 (13 starters):
1. Mike Ramos #09
2. Mike Scott #76
3. Jay Mudra #16
4. Bobby Lippa, Jr. #15
5. Robert Fink #78
Four Cylinder 30 (18 starters):
1. Peter Koschuk #22
2. Matt Druar #37
3. Ken Hejna #9H
4. Jayme Thompson #54
5. Chris Bugenhagen #49
Street Stock 35 (9 starters):
1. T.J. Cochrane #06
2. Terry Weldy #22
3. Keith Flanigan #26
4. Dave Vona #13
5. Gary Bartella #3
T.Q. Midget 30 (18 starters):
1. Timex Morgan #2
2. Shawn Nye #51
3. Aric McGruder #21
4. Brandon Zavarella #94
5. Kyle Hutchinson #7
Legends 15 (6 starters):
1. Jeremy Haudricourt #39
2. Jake Lutz #48
3. Scott Wylie #9
4. Brett Coon #98
5. Melissa Brockman #29
39
Racing Discussion / 9/16/13 Buffalo News Auto Racing article
« on: 19 Sep, 2013 02:15 »
Dupont defends his points title at Little Valley Speedway by Larry Ott
Special to The News
When the 2012 Super Late Model campaign began at Little Valley Speedway, not many fans would have made Jason Dupont their preseason pick to earn the track’s season points championship.
It is just that Dupont was one of the newer drivers in the division and Little Valley has a group of very successful veteran drivers such as David Scott, Dick Barton, Boom Briggs, Bob Close, Ron and Dutch Davies. Yet Dupont put together a solid season to emerge as Little Valley’s Super Late Model points champion a year ago.
In 2013, capitalizing on a series of good finishes plus some misfortune to others, Dupont again claimed the Little Valley Super Late Model point crown, clinching on Saturday night.
Dupont entered the weekend with an eight-point advantage over Dutch Davies. When Davies’ engine blew in a qualifying race, forcing him to retire, the points crown was a done deal for Dupont. In the night’s Super Late Model 30-lap feature race, Dupont finished seventh to close it out.
“I never thought we’d do this but after winning the title last year I wanted to back it up this year,” said Dupont, who is from Cyclone, Pa. “So I was happy I was able to come through. I’m real happy, ecstatic about the last two years.”
Dupont says he has now raced Super Late Models for about six seasons.
For much of this year it appeared Ron Davies would emerge as Little Valley’s Super Late Model champion after he posted two wins and a second in the first three races. Fate intervened, however.
Prior to the last two races of this season at Little Valley, Davies was injured in a scary accident at the Lernerville Speedway (Sarver, Pa.) in August and was out for the rest of the season. Mike Knight took off from his outside pole position start and led every lap to win the Super Late Model main event Saturday at Little Valley. Knight first held off Briggs in the early going and then Dan Stone late to score the victory.
“When you start up front and race up front you don’t know where you need to be,” Knight said. “I was on every square inch of this race track tonight. I was moving all over the place trying to find speed.”
Jeremy Wonderling led from flag to flag to record a razor-close victory over John Waters in the 360 Late Model 20-lap finale, earning the Little Valley season championship in this class.
“I thought I was pretty good when I was racing out front by myself, but I got in lapped traffic and I didn’t know if anybody was right behind me,” said Wonderling, a three-time 2013 Little Valley race victor.
Heading into the Little Valley Street Stock points finale this past week, the race was shaping up to be an exciting affair as Andy Michael owned a single point edge over Adam Ashcroft. It all turned anti-climactic when Ashcroft failed to show Saturday, handing the title to Michael uncontested. For good measure, Michael won the season’s 15-lap finale.
“I had two wins this season here and this is my third Street Stock championship here so it’s good,” Michael said.
The 358 Modifieds came to Little Valley on Saturday for their lone annual appearance at the dirt oval at Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds, and Dylan Dewart topped a great field of 27 cars to win the event for the second year in a row.
Kings of Ransomville
Ransomville Speedway closed its season with its annual King of the Hill Weekend. After making a return behind the wheel this season, Scott George collected his initial win of the year in Saturday’s DIRTcar Sportsman 100.
“We’ve been struggling all year,” said George following his Ransomville triumph. “I just concentrated on hitting my marks. I didn’t think I’d ever get there.”
Brian Lonneville captured the Street Stock 100 Saturday at Ransomville. Lonneville inherited the top spot on lap 91 when the right rear tire of leader Jaren Israel went flat. “That was a tough break for Jaren,” said Lonneville. “We were there and hung on for the win.”
On Friday at Ransomville, Chris Leone clinched the Ransomville Fireball division season points title while Austin Susice did the same in the 4-Banger division.
email: lawrence_o_14075@yahoo.com
Special to The News
When the 2012 Super Late Model campaign began at Little Valley Speedway, not many fans would have made Jason Dupont their preseason pick to earn the track’s season points championship.
It is just that Dupont was one of the newer drivers in the division and Little Valley has a group of very successful veteran drivers such as David Scott, Dick Barton, Boom Briggs, Bob Close, Ron and Dutch Davies. Yet Dupont put together a solid season to emerge as Little Valley’s Super Late Model points champion a year ago.
In 2013, capitalizing on a series of good finishes plus some misfortune to others, Dupont again claimed the Little Valley Super Late Model point crown, clinching on Saturday night.
Dupont entered the weekend with an eight-point advantage over Dutch Davies. When Davies’ engine blew in a qualifying race, forcing him to retire, the points crown was a done deal for Dupont. In the night’s Super Late Model 30-lap feature race, Dupont finished seventh to close it out.
“I never thought we’d do this but after winning the title last year I wanted to back it up this year,” said Dupont, who is from Cyclone, Pa. “So I was happy I was able to come through. I’m real happy, ecstatic about the last two years.”
Dupont says he has now raced Super Late Models for about six seasons.
For much of this year it appeared Ron Davies would emerge as Little Valley’s Super Late Model champion after he posted two wins and a second in the first three races. Fate intervened, however.
Prior to the last two races of this season at Little Valley, Davies was injured in a scary accident at the Lernerville Speedway (Sarver, Pa.) in August and was out for the rest of the season. Mike Knight took off from his outside pole position start and led every lap to win the Super Late Model main event Saturday at Little Valley. Knight first held off Briggs in the early going and then Dan Stone late to score the victory.
“When you start up front and race up front you don’t know where you need to be,” Knight said. “I was on every square inch of this race track tonight. I was moving all over the place trying to find speed.”
Jeremy Wonderling led from flag to flag to record a razor-close victory over John Waters in the 360 Late Model 20-lap finale, earning the Little Valley season championship in this class.
“I thought I was pretty good when I was racing out front by myself, but I got in lapped traffic and I didn’t know if anybody was right behind me,” said Wonderling, a three-time 2013 Little Valley race victor.
Heading into the Little Valley Street Stock points finale this past week, the race was shaping up to be an exciting affair as Andy Michael owned a single point edge over Adam Ashcroft. It all turned anti-climactic when Ashcroft failed to show Saturday, handing the title to Michael uncontested. For good measure, Michael won the season’s 15-lap finale.
“I had two wins this season here and this is my third Street Stock championship here so it’s good,” Michael said.
The 358 Modifieds came to Little Valley on Saturday for their lone annual appearance at the dirt oval at Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds, and Dylan Dewart topped a great field of 27 cars to win the event for the second year in a row.
Kings of Ransomville
Ransomville Speedway closed its season with its annual King of the Hill Weekend. After making a return behind the wheel this season, Scott George collected his initial win of the year in Saturday’s DIRTcar Sportsman 100.
“We’ve been struggling all year,” said George following his Ransomville triumph. “I just concentrated on hitting my marks. I didn’t think I’d ever get there.”
Brian Lonneville captured the Street Stock 100 Saturday at Ransomville. Lonneville inherited the top spot on lap 91 when the right rear tire of leader Jaren Israel went flat. “That was a tough break for Jaren,” said Lonneville. “We were there and hung on for the win.”
On Friday at Ransomville, Chris Leone clinched the Ransomville Fireball division season points title while Austin Susice did the same in the 4-Banger division.
email: lawrence_o_14075@yahoo.com
40
Racing Discussion / 9/19/13 Buffalo News Auto Racing article
« on: 19 Sep, 2013 02:10 »
Barton’s Stateline title helps Lacki team to best season, hands down by Larry Ott
If one asks Super Late Model icon Dick Barton how many championships he has amassed at Stateline Speedway, Barton can hold up both of his hands with his fingers and thumbs fully extended.
Barton, of Ashville, captured his 10th Super Late Model season points championship at the Busti based dirt track oval this season. The popular driver known as “King Richard” earned his latest title driving for Lacki Racing and owner John Lacki of Sinclairville.
Lacki fielded two cars this season at Stateline, also providing a ride for Super Late Model standout David Scott of Garland, Pa. Barton won three races there. Scott won two and finished fifth in points.
“It was a good season at Stateline for us but we never set out to say, ‘alright, let’s win a championship this season,’ ’’ Barton said. “Ultimately we wanted to win the championship but we didn’t want to race for points. We race each and every weekend to win the race.
“When the outcome was done at the end of the season we were ahead. A lot of it had to do with our crew and the fact that we weren’t DNF-ing,” he said in reference to finishing each race.
While understandably proud of his career, during which he’s won numerous races and championships at a variety of tracks, Barton maintains a humble demeanor, often passing the credit to crew members with whom he has worked.
“I think these championships are more a tribute to the crew and team than it is to me because I’ve always said that all I do is turn left,” Barton said.
Of Barton’s three victories at Stateline this year, the first two came consecutively in June. The other came July 20. Barton was on the way to what seemed a very probable fourth victory this season at Stateline on Aug. 3, only to be passed by Scott on the final corner of the final lap.
Barton is grateful to Lacki for the dedication and hard work that he has given to the race team in support of Barton, Scott and the crew.
“John fielded two race cars and the simple fact of the matter is that a lot of guys golf, a lot of guys fish and a lot of guys do a lot of things and John Lacki races,” said Barton. “He took time off his job to help this team. This car I’m driving is not a new car but it’s something I’ve never driven before. It was a used car. John went through it and showed his devotion. He loves this sport.”
Lacki, who occasionally drives race cars is still smiling about his team’s championship season.
“It’s been the best year I’ve had so far,” Lacki said. “We fielded two cars for the season. It’s been a lot of work. Everybody has their own talent I guess. I guess we’ll all be back together next season to try to accomplish more. We won five features between the two cars at Stateline and both cars finished in the top five in points at Stateline. We’re all very happy about what we’ve done.”
Many fans wonder when Barton, now in his late 50s, will finally hang up his helmet and call it a career. One thing appears to be certain. It will not be for at least another year.
“Usually I’m hesitant to commit but my team has given me no reason to want to hang it up,” Barton said while sporting a nice smile. “These guys work as hard as anybody I’ve ever had. It’s important to note that my guys that I’ve had with me for years are still with me helping on the Lacki team. I will drive for this team next year. Absolutely. It’s all good.”
In addition to trying to achieve an 11th title at Stateline next season, Barton has another goal he can shoot for. With his three victories this season at Stateline, Barton has 78 career feature wins at Stateline, just one behind the 79 the track’s all-time feature race winner, Bobby Schnars, compiled.
If history is any indication, Barton has a very good chance of obtaining this lofty goal.
Pit stops
• Champions for 2013 at Raceway 5 in Batavia are: John Venuto, Sportsman; Dave Dubois, 360 Late Models; Ron Mogavero, Street Stocks: Val Stephens, Mini Stocks; and Carl Stephens, Bandits.
• The rain postponed the NASCAR Pro Modified Bud 100, scheduled for Sept. 7 at Holland Motorsports Complex. The race is set to be run at a date to be determined next season, according to Holland General Manager Tim Bennett.
• Champions crowned this season at New Humberstone Speedway are: Erick Rudolph, Modifieds; Gary Lindberg, DIRT.car Sportsman; Rob Ledingham, DIRT.car Late Models; James Thompson, Street Stocks; Mike Toovey, Pro 4 Trucks; Kyle Pelrine, Mini Stocks; Sam Iftody, Pure Stocks.
email: lawrence_o_14075@yahoo.com
If one asks Super Late Model icon Dick Barton how many championships he has amassed at Stateline Speedway, Barton can hold up both of his hands with his fingers and thumbs fully extended.
Barton, of Ashville, captured his 10th Super Late Model season points championship at the Busti based dirt track oval this season. The popular driver known as “King Richard” earned his latest title driving for Lacki Racing and owner John Lacki of Sinclairville.
Lacki fielded two cars this season at Stateline, also providing a ride for Super Late Model standout David Scott of Garland, Pa. Barton won three races there. Scott won two and finished fifth in points.
“It was a good season at Stateline for us but we never set out to say, ‘alright, let’s win a championship this season,’ ’’ Barton said. “Ultimately we wanted to win the championship but we didn’t want to race for points. We race each and every weekend to win the race.
“When the outcome was done at the end of the season we were ahead. A lot of it had to do with our crew and the fact that we weren’t DNF-ing,” he said in reference to finishing each race.
While understandably proud of his career, during which he’s won numerous races and championships at a variety of tracks, Barton maintains a humble demeanor, often passing the credit to crew members with whom he has worked.
“I think these championships are more a tribute to the crew and team than it is to me because I’ve always said that all I do is turn left,” Barton said.
Of Barton’s three victories at Stateline this year, the first two came consecutively in June. The other came July 20. Barton was on the way to what seemed a very probable fourth victory this season at Stateline on Aug. 3, only to be passed by Scott on the final corner of the final lap.
Barton is grateful to Lacki for the dedication and hard work that he has given to the race team in support of Barton, Scott and the crew.
“John fielded two race cars and the simple fact of the matter is that a lot of guys golf, a lot of guys fish and a lot of guys do a lot of things and John Lacki races,” said Barton. “He took time off his job to help this team. This car I’m driving is not a new car but it’s something I’ve never driven before. It was a used car. John went through it and showed his devotion. He loves this sport.”
Lacki, who occasionally drives race cars is still smiling about his team’s championship season.
“It’s been the best year I’ve had so far,” Lacki said. “We fielded two cars for the season. It’s been a lot of work. Everybody has their own talent I guess. I guess we’ll all be back together next season to try to accomplish more. We won five features between the two cars at Stateline and both cars finished in the top five in points at Stateline. We’re all very happy about what we’ve done.”
Many fans wonder when Barton, now in his late 50s, will finally hang up his helmet and call it a career. One thing appears to be certain. It will not be for at least another year.
“Usually I’m hesitant to commit but my team has given me no reason to want to hang it up,” Barton said while sporting a nice smile. “These guys work as hard as anybody I’ve ever had. It’s important to note that my guys that I’ve had with me for years are still with me helping on the Lacki team. I will drive for this team next year. Absolutely. It’s all good.”
In addition to trying to achieve an 11th title at Stateline next season, Barton has another goal he can shoot for. With his three victories this season at Stateline, Barton has 78 career feature wins at Stateline, just one behind the 79 the track’s all-time feature race winner, Bobby Schnars, compiled.
If history is any indication, Barton has a very good chance of obtaining this lofty goal.
Pit stops
• Champions for 2013 at Raceway 5 in Batavia are: John Venuto, Sportsman; Dave Dubois, 360 Late Models; Ron Mogavero, Street Stocks: Val Stephens, Mini Stocks; and Carl Stephens, Bandits.
• The rain postponed the NASCAR Pro Modified Bud 100, scheduled for Sept. 7 at Holland Motorsports Complex. The race is set to be run at a date to be determined next season, according to Holland General Manager Tim Bennett.
• Champions crowned this season at New Humberstone Speedway are: Erick Rudolph, Modifieds; Gary Lindberg, DIRT.car Sportsman; Rob Ledingham, DIRT.car Late Models; James Thompson, Street Stocks; Mike Toovey, Pro 4 Trucks; Kyle Pelrine, Mini Stocks; Sam Iftody, Pure Stocks.
email: lawrence_o_14075@yahoo.com
41
Racing Discussion / Former Raceway 5 Street Stock champion Kevin Doktor passes
« on: 16 Sep, 2013 23:48 »
He passed away yesterday after an accident at home.
I believe that he won the 1985 Genesee Street Stock title with his #25. My thoughts are with the family and friends of Kevin.
http://thedailynewsonline.com/news/article_71c1d894-1e75-11e3-b15a-001a4bcf887a.html
I believe that he won the 1985 Genesee Street Stock title with his #25. My thoughts are with the family and friends of Kevin.
http://thedailynewsonline.com/news/article_71c1d894-1e75-11e3-b15a-001a4bcf887a.html
42
Racing Discussion / 9/14/13 E.B.R.P. Results
« on: 15 Sep, 2013 01:02 »
Sportsman 50 (19 starters):
1. Jimmy Zacharias #71 - first career
victory
2. Mark Pennell #54
3. Jake Vernon #27
4. Moose Rutherford #77
5. Sherri Hogan #74
2013 E.B.R.P. champion Andy Jankowiak #57 backed into the wall when he and 2013 Holland Pro Modified champion George Skora, III #65 had contact with a handful of laps remaining while they were running first and second respectively. Zacharias inherited the lead.
Street Stock 25 (13 starters):
1. T.J. Cochrane #06
2. Matt Druar #37
3. Keith Flanigan #26
4. Joe Haley #43
5. Dennis Londos #50
Four Cylinder 25 (11 starters):
1. Jayme Thompson #54
2. Bobby Woch #23 - 2013 champion
3. Al Piasecki #9
4. Rich Bartell #29
5. Brandon Sherwood #37
T.Q. Midget 40 (17 starters):
1. Andy Jankowiak #49
2. Kyle Hutchinson #7
3. Sean Nye #51
4. Mack DeMann #4
5. Erik Musto #34
1. Jimmy Zacharias #71 - first career
victory
2. Mark Pennell #54
3. Jake Vernon #27
4. Moose Rutherford #77
5. Sherri Hogan #74
2013 E.B.R.P. champion Andy Jankowiak #57 backed into the wall when he and 2013 Holland Pro Modified champion George Skora, III #65 had contact with a handful of laps remaining while they were running first and second respectively. Zacharias inherited the lead.
Street Stock 25 (13 starters):
1. T.J. Cochrane #06
2. Matt Druar #37
3. Keith Flanigan #26
4. Joe Haley #43
5. Dennis Londos #50
Four Cylinder 25 (11 starters):
1. Jayme Thompson #54
2. Bobby Woch #23 - 2013 champion
3. Al Piasecki #9
4. Rich Bartell #29
5. Brandon Sherwood #37
T.Q. Midget 40 (17 starters):
1. Andy Jankowiak #49
2. Kyle Hutchinson #7
3. Sean Nye #51
4. Mack DeMann #4
5. Erik Musto #34
43
Racing Discussion / 9/12/13 Buffalo News Auto Racing Article
« on: 12 Sep, 2013 03:21 »
Wylie’s racing comeback after crash is nearly complete by Larry Ott
A little over a year ago, Scott Wylie appeared to be out of the race car driving game after being involved in a serious crash in a Late Model event. Thanks to his car owner, Frank Graham, and a dedicated crew and family, the Hamburg-based driver is on the verge of securing Lake Erie Speedway’s 2013 Modified points title.
If not for inclement weather last Saturday, Wylie may already have earned the title. But Lake Erie’s scheduled points finale was rained out and rescheduled for Sept. 21.
On the strength of five Lake Erie Modified feature race wins this season, Wylie holds a four-point lead over Randy Culver.
“We came to Lake Erie Saturday with a good car, a good team and everything ready to go, then the rain came and now we have to wait two weeks to see how the championship chase goes,” Wylie said.
“I’m used to being in point chases because of the years I won four Cup Lite division championships. So Saturday’s rainout is frustrating only because I was all set to try to wrap up the title that night.”
While the outcome of this year’s Lake Erie Modified points chase is still up in the air, Wylie is extremely grateful to Graham for getting his racing career back on track.
“In June of last year I had a serious accident at the Motordrome Speedway in Pennsylvania and although I wasn’t injured my Late Model car was very heavily damaged,” Wylie recalled. “I suddenly had no car and I didn’t have the money to rebuild or buy a new car. So I was just sitting idle. I didn’t exactly know where my career was going.
“During the previous offseason before the accident I had done some mechanical work on Frank’s Modified car that he was driving himself. After my accident, Frank told me to drive his car and I won in my second race with him.
“The win was also very special because it was the annual Jane Graham Memorial race honoring Frank’s late wife. So after that first win together our relationship was pretty much cemented together.”
Wylie is the son of retired seven-time Holland Motorsports Complex NASCAR Late Model champion Rick Wylie and Karen Wylie, who raced years ago to a Perry Speedway championship under her maiden name of Karen Ingleman.
“My dad is very involved with our team and basically serves as our crew chief,” said Scott Wylie, 30. “He’s got a ton of knowledge and experience and works hard to keep our team going. It sure helps to have him around.”
In recent weeks, a new Wylie has entered the local racing picture: Scott’s 23-year-old brother, Jake, is enjoying his rookie season in Lake Erie’s Street Stock class. In August, the Wylie family experienced an extra special night at Lake Erie.
“On that night it was great because I won the Modified race and my younger brother Jake also won his first career Street Stock race, all in the same night and that was fantastic,” Scott Wylie said. “It was only his fourth race and it was one of those nights to remember.”
Last winter, Scott attended the Race 101 school in Denver, N.C., where he won the mechanical award.
The Graham team is looking to trade one of its cars after this season and obtain an asphalt Modified for Wylie to drive next season on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Tour.
For now, Wylie must keep his attention on the task of the moment, which is to try to secure the Lake Erie Modified championship trophy for his mantle as well as for his sponsors, including Sornberger Automotive and Five Star Racing Bodies.
“It won’t be easy and anything can happen but when Sept. 21 comes we’ll just hope for the best and see what happens,” Wylie said. “Either way it’s been a good season.”
Little Valley battles
The Little Valley Speedway will showcase its season-concluding Super Late Model/358 Modified Doubleheader at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
Defending Little Valley Super Late Model champion Jason Dupont leads in points going into the finale over Dutch Davies, 97-89.
The BRP Can-Am 360 Late Model Series and the Street Stocks will round out Little Valley’s program Saturday. Jeremy Wonderling leads in the Little Valley 360 Late Model standings over Bruce Miller by 10 points, 114-104.
In the Street Stock points battle, Andy Michael leads Adam Ashcroft by a single marker, 114-113.
Earlier this season, Steve Dixon secured the Little Valley E-Mod season championship: the class ran its points finale Aug. 22. Should rain hit Little Valley on Saturday, the card will be run Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
email: lawrence_o_14075@yahoo.com
A little over a year ago, Scott Wylie appeared to be out of the race car driving game after being involved in a serious crash in a Late Model event. Thanks to his car owner, Frank Graham, and a dedicated crew and family, the Hamburg-based driver is on the verge of securing Lake Erie Speedway’s 2013 Modified points title.
If not for inclement weather last Saturday, Wylie may already have earned the title. But Lake Erie’s scheduled points finale was rained out and rescheduled for Sept. 21.
On the strength of five Lake Erie Modified feature race wins this season, Wylie holds a four-point lead over Randy Culver.
“We came to Lake Erie Saturday with a good car, a good team and everything ready to go, then the rain came and now we have to wait two weeks to see how the championship chase goes,” Wylie said.
“I’m used to being in point chases because of the years I won four Cup Lite division championships. So Saturday’s rainout is frustrating only because I was all set to try to wrap up the title that night.”
While the outcome of this year’s Lake Erie Modified points chase is still up in the air, Wylie is extremely grateful to Graham for getting his racing career back on track.
“In June of last year I had a serious accident at the Motordrome Speedway in Pennsylvania and although I wasn’t injured my Late Model car was very heavily damaged,” Wylie recalled. “I suddenly had no car and I didn’t have the money to rebuild or buy a new car. So I was just sitting idle. I didn’t exactly know where my career was going.
“During the previous offseason before the accident I had done some mechanical work on Frank’s Modified car that he was driving himself. After my accident, Frank told me to drive his car and I won in my second race with him.
“The win was also very special because it was the annual Jane Graham Memorial race honoring Frank’s late wife. So after that first win together our relationship was pretty much cemented together.”
Wylie is the son of retired seven-time Holland Motorsports Complex NASCAR Late Model champion Rick Wylie and Karen Wylie, who raced years ago to a Perry Speedway championship under her maiden name of Karen Ingleman.
“My dad is very involved with our team and basically serves as our crew chief,” said Scott Wylie, 30. “He’s got a ton of knowledge and experience and works hard to keep our team going. It sure helps to have him around.”
In recent weeks, a new Wylie has entered the local racing picture: Scott’s 23-year-old brother, Jake, is enjoying his rookie season in Lake Erie’s Street Stock class. In August, the Wylie family experienced an extra special night at Lake Erie.
“On that night it was great because I won the Modified race and my younger brother Jake also won his first career Street Stock race, all in the same night and that was fantastic,” Scott Wylie said. “It was only his fourth race and it was one of those nights to remember.”
Last winter, Scott attended the Race 101 school in Denver, N.C., where he won the mechanical award.
The Graham team is looking to trade one of its cars after this season and obtain an asphalt Modified for Wylie to drive next season on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Tour.
For now, Wylie must keep his attention on the task of the moment, which is to try to secure the Lake Erie Modified championship trophy for his mantle as well as for his sponsors, including Sornberger Automotive and Five Star Racing Bodies.
“It won’t be easy and anything can happen but when Sept. 21 comes we’ll just hope for the best and see what happens,” Wylie said. “Either way it’s been a good season.”
Little Valley battles
The Little Valley Speedway will showcase its season-concluding Super Late Model/358 Modified Doubleheader at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
Defending Little Valley Super Late Model champion Jason Dupont leads in points going into the finale over Dutch Davies, 97-89.
The BRP Can-Am 360 Late Model Series and the Street Stocks will round out Little Valley’s program Saturday. Jeremy Wonderling leads in the Little Valley 360 Late Model standings over Bruce Miller by 10 points, 114-104.
In the Street Stock points battle, Andy Michael leads Adam Ashcroft by a single marker, 114-113.
Earlier this season, Steve Dixon secured the Little Valley E-Mod season championship: the class ran its points finale Aug. 22. Should rain hit Little Valley on Saturday, the card will be run Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
email: lawrence_o_14075@yahoo.com
44
Racing Discussion / 9/5/13 Buffalo News Auto Racing Article
« on: 05 Sep, 2013 01:30 »
WNY Auto Racing: Russo tops teammate for Holland title by Larry Ott
When Ben Russo and Bill Lutz worked together a few years ago in the kitchen of a local restaurant, they did more than just prepare food for the dining public. They eventually whipped up the recipe for what would become the Dice Racing Team, for which both now drive.
Russo won the 50-lap season points finale last weekend at Holland Motorsports Complex and with it the track’s 2013 Hornet division title. Since those early years, Dice Racing has expanded to also include Hornet division drivers Jeff Szafraniec, Donald “Butcher” Palmer, Bobby Palmer and Samantha Lutz.
Szafraniec captured the Hornet division title a year ago and finished second to Russo this season by a mere four points in the Holland points chase.
“In early 2004, Bill Lutz and I worked at a local restaurant and got to know each other,” said Russo, 27, of Sloan. “Soon we got talking about racing and decided to form Dice Racing. We came across a race car and we bought it.
“I had gone to races at Lancaster when I was younger but never thought about actually racing at that time. Then after I met Bill, I began to think about race car driving.
“Bill started driving the car a short time after that and then I started driving in 2008. I have been in the Hornet class at Holland ever since.”
A few seasons ago, the two-man Dice Racing operation expanded to four with the addition of Bill Lutz’s daughter Samantha Lutz and her fianceé, Szafraniec. Now the Palmers, including the cars of Butch and his son Bobby, have been added to the team as well.
Prior to earning his 2013 Hornet championship, Russo had placed third in Hornet points for the last three seasons at Holland. His championship this season seemed improbable based on his results during Holland’s season opener in May.
“I crossed the line first to get the checkered flag and the win on opening night, then as I was slowing down, a wheel bearing broke and I crashed into the second turn wall,” Russo said. “Then from the accident the car went to the tech area, where I was disqualified for a tech violation.”
With the car heavily damaged from the opening day wreck the team acquired a 1990 Honda CRX two days later and had it race ready for Russo for Holland’s second night of the season. That night was washed away by rain but it gave the team more time to prepare.
“We returned the week after the rainout and finished third,” Russo said. “Then in the middle of the season I won three races in a row to get back in the points race.”
This past Saturday, Russo and Szafraniec came into the final point night tied for the title. Russo won the event by a scant three car lengths over Szafraniec to capture his first Holland championship. The victory was also his fifth trip to the Holland winner’s circle in 2013.
“Yeah, Jeff and I gave it everything we had and it was a good race,” Russo said. “We both also had good competition all year and I’m glad I won it.”
During the Holland races, Russo actually shares a pit crew with NASCAR Charger driver Eric Brown. Dale McCool and Joe Brown are key members of the team with Russo’s sponsorship provided by Larry’s Truck Repair.
According to Russo, the Dice Racing operation may purchase a new NASCAR Charger race car for next season, when Szafraniec most likely will be tabbed to handle the driving chores. Russo would also like to move up to another class but if that doesn’t happen he plans on returning to the Hornets to defend his championship.
Holland will close its 2013 stock car season on Saturday with the annual running of the Bud 100 for the NASCAR Pro Modified division. The track will complete all its on-track activity when it showcases another Crash-A-Rama event Sept. 14.
Pit stops
• Champions crowned last Saturday at Merrittville Speedway are Pete Bicknell, DIRTcar 358 Modified; Cody McPherson, DIRTcar Sportsman; Kevin Knapp, Hoosier Stocks; Josh Sliter, Mod Lites; Kyle Pelrine, Mini Stocks.
• Titlists at New Humberstone Speedway thus far in 2013 are: Gary Lindberg, DIRTcar Sportsman and Rob Ledingham, Late Models.
• Wyoming County International Speedway’s Labor Day Spectacular topped off by the SST Modified 100, was rained out last Sunday and will get the green flag at 2 p.m. this Sunday.
email: lawrence_o_14075@yahoo.com
When Ben Russo and Bill Lutz worked together a few years ago in the kitchen of a local restaurant, they did more than just prepare food for the dining public. They eventually whipped up the recipe for what would become the Dice Racing Team, for which both now drive.
Russo won the 50-lap season points finale last weekend at Holland Motorsports Complex and with it the track’s 2013 Hornet division title. Since those early years, Dice Racing has expanded to also include Hornet division drivers Jeff Szafraniec, Donald “Butcher” Palmer, Bobby Palmer and Samantha Lutz.
Szafraniec captured the Hornet division title a year ago and finished second to Russo this season by a mere four points in the Holland points chase.
“In early 2004, Bill Lutz and I worked at a local restaurant and got to know each other,” said Russo, 27, of Sloan. “Soon we got talking about racing and decided to form Dice Racing. We came across a race car and we bought it.
“I had gone to races at Lancaster when I was younger but never thought about actually racing at that time. Then after I met Bill, I began to think about race car driving.
“Bill started driving the car a short time after that and then I started driving in 2008. I have been in the Hornet class at Holland ever since.”
A few seasons ago, the two-man Dice Racing operation expanded to four with the addition of Bill Lutz’s daughter Samantha Lutz and her fianceé, Szafraniec. Now the Palmers, including the cars of Butch and his son Bobby, have been added to the team as well.
Prior to earning his 2013 Hornet championship, Russo had placed third in Hornet points for the last three seasons at Holland. His championship this season seemed improbable based on his results during Holland’s season opener in May.
“I crossed the line first to get the checkered flag and the win on opening night, then as I was slowing down, a wheel bearing broke and I crashed into the second turn wall,” Russo said. “Then from the accident the car went to the tech area, where I was disqualified for a tech violation.”
With the car heavily damaged from the opening day wreck the team acquired a 1990 Honda CRX two days later and had it race ready for Russo for Holland’s second night of the season. That night was washed away by rain but it gave the team more time to prepare.
“We returned the week after the rainout and finished third,” Russo said. “Then in the middle of the season I won three races in a row to get back in the points race.”
This past Saturday, Russo and Szafraniec came into the final point night tied for the title. Russo won the event by a scant three car lengths over Szafraniec to capture his first Holland championship. The victory was also his fifth trip to the Holland winner’s circle in 2013.
“Yeah, Jeff and I gave it everything we had and it was a good race,” Russo said. “We both also had good competition all year and I’m glad I won it.”
During the Holland races, Russo actually shares a pit crew with NASCAR Charger driver Eric Brown. Dale McCool and Joe Brown are key members of the team with Russo’s sponsorship provided by Larry’s Truck Repair.
According to Russo, the Dice Racing operation may purchase a new NASCAR Charger race car for next season, when Szafraniec most likely will be tabbed to handle the driving chores. Russo would also like to move up to another class but if that doesn’t happen he plans on returning to the Hornets to defend his championship.
Holland will close its 2013 stock car season on Saturday with the annual running of the Bud 100 for the NASCAR Pro Modified division. The track will complete all its on-track activity when it showcases another Crash-A-Rama event Sept. 14.
Pit stops
• Champions crowned last Saturday at Merrittville Speedway are Pete Bicknell, DIRTcar 358 Modified; Cody McPherson, DIRTcar Sportsman; Kevin Knapp, Hoosier Stocks; Josh Sliter, Mod Lites; Kyle Pelrine, Mini Stocks.
• Titlists at New Humberstone Speedway thus far in 2013 are: Gary Lindberg, DIRTcar Sportsman and Rob Ledingham, Late Models.
• Wyoming County International Speedway’s Labor Day Spectacular topped off by the SST Modified 100, was rained out last Sunday and will get the green flag at 2 p.m. this Sunday.
email: lawrence_o_14075@yahoo.com
45
Racing Discussion / 8/19/13 Buffalo News Auto Racing Article
« on: 19 Aug, 2013 11:27 »
Larry Ott: Ransomville’s Rudolph is making a name for himself
Only Matt Hirschman ended up standing between Erick Rudolph and a hugely perfect weekend.
After winning the $13,000-to-win 358 Modified Alex Friesen Summer Nationals 100 on the dirt at Ransomville Speedway Friday night, Rudolph just missed capturing the checkered flag in the Tommy Druar/Tony Jankowiak Modified Memorial 110 Saturday on the asphalt at Elegant Builders Raceway Park in Lancaster, falling short by one position to Hirschman.
These two events are among the most prestigious on the Western New York racing calendar each year.
Hirschman, of Northampton, Pa., took the lead from Daren Scherer on lap 83 and never looked back in besting Rudolph and Chuck Hossfeld by several car lengths. For Ransomville native Rudolph, it was still a great weekend.
“You can’t complain too much about finishing second to Matt,” Rudolph said. “The win at Ransomville was pretty big and it was a nice payday. It’s my biggest dirt win that I ever had.”
Hirschman is at the top of his game again this season, finding victory lane at many different tracks across the northeast.
“I run really good here and in terms of overall performance this track is probably my best. So, right now I’ve been winning almost anywhere. So, it’s no surprise to run well here,” said Hirschman. “I always seem to get around this place real well.”
Rudolph left no doubt that he has arrived as a top runner on the dirt in earning his third win of the season at Ransomville. He came from the 15th starting position to run down, pass and then pull away from Danny Johnson, as well as a field spiced with top traveling DIRTcar standouts to win the Friesen 100.
Rudolph, who also races at Merrittville and Humberstone among other tracks, also leads the Mr. DIRTcar Championship which has just three weeks remaining. It pits local racers across the region against one another based on their 16 best finishes in their respective division at any DIRTcar Northeast sanctioned track.
Rudolph reached Johnson’s back bumper on lap 65 and used the high groove to motor around Johnson just one circuit later to execute the winning pass Friday.
“I was worried early on but all of a sudden the car came to me,” said Rudolph. “It was hooked up on the top so I stayed with it.”
Johnson settled for second over Pete Bicknell, Brett Hearn and Stewart Friesen.
No Street Stocks at EBRP
After a week of controversy at Elegant Builders Raceway Park, the Street Stock class has been suspended for the rest of the 2013 season by track promoter Ralph Galluzzi.
Following the running of the Tom Agen Memorial Street Stock race Aug. 10, concerns by some drivers about post-race tech procedures and decisions — including the car of winner T.J. Cochrane — perceived favoritism of certain drivers by some officials, and general frustration led to an emotionally charged brawl involving some of the teams that evening.
Reportedly the Cochrane team made an engine change before the race and failed to notify tech officials per the rule book. The Cochrane team eventually proved legal but some drivers still question the procedures used.
Last Saturday a meeting was held in the tech garage before the night’s racing by Galluzzi with drivers from every class present to discuss various issues involving the overall stock car program. When the meeting did not go well, nine Street Stock drivers decided to leave the track with only two cars deciding to stay and race in the heat race, including Cochrane. None of the nine drivers who left the track were involved in the previous week’s brawl.
With only two cars present, the feature was canceled.
Veteran Street Stock driver Dennis Londos stressed that there is much more involved with these issues and that the drivers in this class wanted them addressed and felt they were not. He further stated that the public should understand this before judging any of the Street Stock drivers.
Whether one sides with management or the race teams, the losers are the fans who will not get to see the close and competitive competition that the Street Stock class produces each week. Hopefully resolutions can be realized.
Pit stops
• EBRP will showcase its 24th annual drag racing Race of Champions Ironman Classic at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Any race winners from 2011 through the present are eligible as well as past champions and ROC winners. There will be competition for the No-Box and Box classes.
email: lawrence_o_14075@yahoo.com
Only Matt Hirschman ended up standing between Erick Rudolph and a hugely perfect weekend.
After winning the $13,000-to-win 358 Modified Alex Friesen Summer Nationals 100 on the dirt at Ransomville Speedway Friday night, Rudolph just missed capturing the checkered flag in the Tommy Druar/Tony Jankowiak Modified Memorial 110 Saturday on the asphalt at Elegant Builders Raceway Park in Lancaster, falling short by one position to Hirschman.
These two events are among the most prestigious on the Western New York racing calendar each year.
Hirschman, of Northampton, Pa., took the lead from Daren Scherer on lap 83 and never looked back in besting Rudolph and Chuck Hossfeld by several car lengths. For Ransomville native Rudolph, it was still a great weekend.
“You can’t complain too much about finishing second to Matt,” Rudolph said. “The win at Ransomville was pretty big and it was a nice payday. It’s my biggest dirt win that I ever had.”
Hirschman is at the top of his game again this season, finding victory lane at many different tracks across the northeast.
“I run really good here and in terms of overall performance this track is probably my best. So, right now I’ve been winning almost anywhere. So, it’s no surprise to run well here,” said Hirschman. “I always seem to get around this place real well.”
Rudolph left no doubt that he has arrived as a top runner on the dirt in earning his third win of the season at Ransomville. He came from the 15th starting position to run down, pass and then pull away from Danny Johnson, as well as a field spiced with top traveling DIRTcar standouts to win the Friesen 100.
Rudolph, who also races at Merrittville and Humberstone among other tracks, also leads the Mr. DIRTcar Championship which has just three weeks remaining. It pits local racers across the region against one another based on their 16 best finishes in their respective division at any DIRTcar Northeast sanctioned track.
Rudolph reached Johnson’s back bumper on lap 65 and used the high groove to motor around Johnson just one circuit later to execute the winning pass Friday.
“I was worried early on but all of a sudden the car came to me,” said Rudolph. “It was hooked up on the top so I stayed with it.”
Johnson settled for second over Pete Bicknell, Brett Hearn and Stewart Friesen.
No Street Stocks at EBRP
After a week of controversy at Elegant Builders Raceway Park, the Street Stock class has been suspended for the rest of the 2013 season by track promoter Ralph Galluzzi.
Following the running of the Tom Agen Memorial Street Stock race Aug. 10, concerns by some drivers about post-race tech procedures and decisions — including the car of winner T.J. Cochrane — perceived favoritism of certain drivers by some officials, and general frustration led to an emotionally charged brawl involving some of the teams that evening.
Reportedly the Cochrane team made an engine change before the race and failed to notify tech officials per the rule book. The Cochrane team eventually proved legal but some drivers still question the procedures used.
Last Saturday a meeting was held in the tech garage before the night’s racing by Galluzzi with drivers from every class present to discuss various issues involving the overall stock car program. When the meeting did not go well, nine Street Stock drivers decided to leave the track with only two cars deciding to stay and race in the heat race, including Cochrane. None of the nine drivers who left the track were involved in the previous week’s brawl.
With only two cars present, the feature was canceled.
Veteran Street Stock driver Dennis Londos stressed that there is much more involved with these issues and that the drivers in this class wanted them addressed and felt they were not. He further stated that the public should understand this before judging any of the Street Stock drivers.
Whether one sides with management or the race teams, the losers are the fans who will not get to see the close and competitive competition that the Street Stock class produces each week. Hopefully resolutions can be realized.
Pit stops
• EBRP will showcase its 24th annual drag racing Race of Champions Ironman Classic at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Any race winners from 2011 through the present are eligible as well as past champions and ROC winners. There will be competition for the No-Box and Box classes.
email: lawrence_o_14075@yahoo.com