Archive for Grandview Speedway
Thunder on the Hill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE---THANK YOU
CONTACT: BOB MILLER 443 513 4456
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES
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Anticipation builds for the NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series 9th Annual Eastern Storm AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car event, on Tuesday, June 2 at the Grandview Speedway. The 40 lap “Jesse Hockett Classic” event features the top wingless Sprint Car drivers from all over the country, in their only east coast tour, and is a staple on the ‘must attend’ list of every race fan. The ARDC Midgets will also be on the program that starts at 7:30 PM with gates opening at 5 PM. Advance ticket holders may enter the grandstands at 4:30 PM.
Defending race winner, Chase Stockon of Elizabethtown, Indiana currently sits second in the series points standings and has finished in the top-10 in each of the series’ thirteen events, to date. The 27-year-old driver has proven he knows the quick way around the Bechtelsville, PA 1/3 mile high banked dirt oval – capturing the 2014 edition of the Jesse Hockett Classic besting a hard charging Jon Stanbrough and two rain delays. Last year, Stockon’s first victory of 2014 came at Grandview Speedway and he finds himself in the same position searching for that elusive first win of the season.
Standing in Stockon’s path is Rocklin, California’s Robert Ballou who maintains the top-spot in the Series standings with a two point lead. Ballou has four wins this season in the USAC National Sprint Car Series heading into the Eastern Storm events and is certainly one to keep an eye on.
Heading into the Eastern Storm, Kokomo, Indiana racer Dave Darland has his eyes on a different milestone. Darland has 99 USAC wins in the three National series and a victory at Grandview on Tuesday, June 2 would put him in select company with A.J. Foyt, Rich Vogler and Mel Kenyon as the only drivers to reach 100 victories. Sitting third in the series standings, Darland sole Eastern Storm victory came at the Port Royal Speedway in 2013.
Series regulars Jon Stanbrough, Kevin Thomas Jr., Tracy Hines and 2014 Eastern Storm Champion, Brady Bacon are all expected to be in attendance. Local drivers from a variety of divisions have indicated their interest including Pennsylvania Sprint Car standouts Brent Marks and Kyle Moody, and ARDC Midget racers Trevor Kobylarz and Brett Arndt.
Local driver, Joey Biasi, of Mary D, PA -- will recognize Sergeant First Class (Retired) Joe Weser as the honorary Crew Chief for the Biasi family-owned No. B1 machine as part of an initiative between Keystone Wounded Warriors and the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series. Representatives of the Keystone Wounded Warriors will be on hand, on Tuesday, June 2 raising awareness and seeking support for their program and services.
Alongside the USAC National Sprint Car Series is the popular ARDC midgets completing a full-night of wingless action.
Grandview Speedway kicked off the initial Eastern Storm swing of USAC National Sprint Car Series events in June of 2007, at its inception and has remained one of the most popular events of the week. Past winners of the USAC event at Grandview Speedway include: Levi Jones (2007, 2010), Jesse Hockett (2009), Bobby East (2011), Bryan Clauson (2012), Daron Clayton (2013) and Chase Stockon (2014).
General Admission ticket pricing for Tuesday, June 2 is $25 for Adults, Children 6-11 are $10 and Kids 5 & under are FREE! Pit Admission pricing is $35.
Advance tickets are on sale now and may be ordered by calling 443-513-4456. Please provide your name and the number of tickets requested. Tickets may be picked up and paid for on race night after 3:30 PM. Advance ticket holders may enter the grandstands at 4:30 PM, one half hour prior to the sale of General Admission tickets.
Action kicks off early at 4:30 PM with the popular Low Down & Dirty Radio Show Meet & Greet taking place right outside the main entrance.
Grandstand Gates open at 5:00 PM and Racing starts at 7:30 PM
Celebrating the 26th season of racing action NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series always includes fun for the fans with activities such as: Pre-Race Pit Tours, the Inside/Out Experience - where fans can sign-up to watch hot laps from the infield, JOE "THE PIZZA DUDE", giveaways, fireworks and appearances by the Thunder Girls.
NAPA Auto Parts continues their long run with Thunder on the Hill as the Series title sponsor joined by: Quaker Steak & Lube, Window World, GALCO Business Communications & Pioneer Pole Buildings.
NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series
Tuesday, June 2 – Jesse Hockett Classic
AMSOIL USAC National Wingless Sprint Car Series & ARDC Midgets
Grandview Speedway
GPS USERS: 43 Passamore Road, Bechtelsville, PA 19505
Located less than a mile off Route 100, 10 miles north of Pottstown, PA
Speedway Phone: 610-754-7688
Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Phone: 443-513-4456
Series Website: http://www.thunderonthehillracingseries.com
Track Website: http://www.grandviewspeedway.com
Twitter/Instagram: @TOTHRACING, #TOTHRACING
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thunderonthehill
Tuesday, June 2
Advanced Ticket Entrance: 4:30 PM
Low Down & Dirty Meet & Greet: 4:30 PM
Grandstand Gates: 5:00 PM
Racing: 7:30 PM
General Admission Ticket Pricing: Adults: $25 Children 6-11: $10 Kids 5 & Under: FREE!
Pit Admission: $35
2015 Thunder on the Hill Event Dates:
Tuesday, June 2
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES Jesse Hockett Classic 7:30 PM
USAC NATIONAL WINGLESS SPRINT TOUR & ARDC
Tuesday, June 16
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES 7:30 PM
SUPER DIRTCAR SERIES MODIFIEDS 18th Annual TRAFFIC JAM
Modifieds DOUBLE DOWN $1,000 PPB bonus to win both features
Big Block Modifieds 60 laps, 358 Modifieds 30 laps *NASCAR Point Race
Tuesday, June 30
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES 7:30 PM
Pennsylvania Sprint Speed Week Series 410 Sprints & Modifieds
Tuesday, July 28
INAUGURAL THUNDER CUP for 410 Sprints & 358 Modifieds*NASCAR Point Race
Saturday, October 17
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES Halloween Party 6 PM
5-25’s Features Only Modifieds, ARDC Midgets, Sportsman, TSRS 305 Sprints, Legends
PLUS! Blast from the Past Vintage Cars and the Monster Smash Demolition Derby
About Thunder on the Hill Racing Series
The brainchild of Grandview Speedway owner Bruce Rogers, special events promoter Bob Miller and local driving star Dave Kelly, the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series celebrates 26 years of the most anticipated events on the racing calendar year after year. In 114 events over $3.8 million dollars has been divvied up among the area’s fastest racers. What started as a single 410 Sprint Car event in 1990 has blossomed to feature a variety of racing action including: 358 Modifieds, USAC Wingless Sprints, 360 & 410 Sprint Cars, Sportsman, Late Models, Midgets, Legends cars, DIRTcar and ROC Modified events.
About Grandview Speedway
Grandview Speedway is a high-banked one-third mile clay oval, celebrating their 53rd Anniversary season in 2015. The facility offers free parking, quality food at reasonable prices (be sure to try the french fries), a program book, Grandview Speedway and Thunder on the Hill race wear and great viewing from every seat in the house. Race fans may take part in the Inside/Out promotion, where you can sign up (no charge) to watch warm-ups from inside turn four. Race fans are also invited to victory lane following the racing program and, race fans may enter the pits after the races to meet the drivers. Be ready to enjoy the spine tingling fireworks salute on the feature event parade lap.
NAPA AUTO PARTS THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES OPENS 26TH SEASON
Posted by: | Comments- Thunder on the Hill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE---THANK YOU
CONTACT: BOB MILLER 443 513 4456
MAY 24, 2015
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES
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NAPA AUTO PARTS THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES OPENS 26TH SEASON . . . . . . .
102 CARS TAKE PART IN GRANDVIEW THUNDER 5-25’S, VICTORIES FALL TO STRUNK, BROWN, GILMORE, BUCKWALTER & STOUGH SUNDAY NIGHT AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY
Sunday night at the Grandview Speedway the NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series opened their twenty-sixth season with the Grandview Thunder features only program. The five twenty-five lap feature events saw Robert Stough take the win in the twenty-five lap Legends feature as Tim Buckwalter took the win in the ARDC midget feature as Kenny Gilmore won the Sportsman feature. David Brown was the winner of the TSRS Sprint feature as Jeff Strunk made the winning pass off the final turn on the last lap to win the twenty-five lap Modified feature over Doug Manmiller. A total of one hundred and two race cars took part in the five division racing program.
The twenty-five lap Legends feature opened the racing program at the one-third mile oval with Robert Stough setting the early pace. By lap eleven, Stough had his hands full with Chad Earnst and Jason Rochelle now challenging for the lead On lap thirteen, Earnst took the lead and set the pace for two laps. Stough worked his way back to the top spot on lap twenty-one with Jason Fuhrman and Bill Diehl in the hunt. The top five ran under a blanket with Stough taking the win over Bill Diehl, Jason Fuhman, Donnie Leiby and Nate Renfro,
The ARDC Midgets were called to the track for the second feature of the night. Tommy Kunsman Jr set the pace for the first two laps with PJ Gargiulo taking the lead on lap three. Tim Buckwalter entered the picture and took the lead on lap five. Once on top, Buckwalter appeared to be on his way to victory but Nick Wean had other thoughts which included taking that win for himself. At the halfway point, Buckwalter, Wean PJ Gargiulo, Danny Stratton and Steve Drevicki made up the top five.
By lap sixteen, there was a three car battle for the lead between Buckwalter, Wean and Gargiulo. Wean continued to apply pressure in the final laps and as the field passed the line on lap twenty-one, Wean was challenging for the lead. As the laps ticked by, Wean again reeled in the leader and with the white flag waiving, he was looking to make one more challenge for the win. Coming off turn four with the checker flag waiving, race leader Tim Buckwalter and Nick Wean tangled with both cars spinning, third place runner PJ Gargiulo now made a move for the lead. Buckwalter managed to get his midget going in the right and was heading to the wire as Gargiulo was in the hunt. As the checker flag fell, Buckwatler pulled out the win with Gargiulo second, Nick Wean third and Danny Stratton third.
The Sportsman took over the speedway for their twenty-five laps feature with Mike Lisowski the front runner for the first two laps. By lap three, Jim Houseworth was the race leader with Brad Arnold quickly moving into contention. Kenny Gilmore was making a run to the front of the pack and on lap nine, he became the new race leader. Gilmore continued to set a torrid pace with Jim Houseworth now racing second with Craig Whitmoyer challenging in third. Whitmoyer moved into second on lap twenty and with just five laps remaining, he was chasing down Gilmore. Gilmore rallied home the winner over Whitmoyer, Brett Gilmore, Jim Housework and Paul Kline for the win.
The TSRS Sprints made their first appearance at a Thunder on the Hill event and young Ryan Stillwaggon led the first two laps with Tim Tanner taking the lead on lap three. David Brown was racing in second by lap five. By lap nine, Brown caught the leader and for the next three laps, they would race side-by-side for lead, but suddenly, Stillwaggon was back in the chase and challenging for the lead. On lap thirteen, Stillwaggon went to the front of the line to again take the lead. Stillwaggon had solid command of the top spot over David Brown and Tim Tanner. A late race red flag was now going to change the outcome of the race.
When green flag racing resumed, Stillwaggon was setting the pace but when exiting turn four, the leader spun displaying the yellow flag. Brown now sat on the pole with just two laps remaining. The race went green and David Brown ran to hide from the rest of the field taking the victory over Tim Tanner, Jeff Geiges, Karl Fryer and Scott Frack.
The night cap was the 25 lap Modified feature and this was also going to be a thriller. Mike Gular led the first lap with Jeff Strunk taking the lead on lap two. Once on top, it appeared that Strunk may have an easy ride. One thing all drivers learn, nothing comes easy at Grandview and this race was far from over. At the halfway mark, Strunk was cruising in the lead followed by Gular with Doug Manmiller inching in on the leader. Manmiller was on a mission and by lap nineteen, he not only caught Strunk, he offered his first challenge for the lead.
As the leaders passed the line on lap twenty, Manmiller was the new race leader with Strunk now doing the chasing. Strunk stayed close looking for a chase to regain the lead, then a yellow flag on lap twenty-four would determine the outcome of this race. The green flag fell and Manmiller took the high lane as Strunk dove to the bottom. The two leaders race side-by-side for the final lap. Exiting turn four, Strunk used the bottom and took the lead and the win off the final turn for a thrilling crowd pleasing finish. Strunk took the win over Manmiller, Jaren Umbenhauer, Danny Erb and Glenn Strunk.
LEGENDS FEATURE 25 LAPS ROBERT STOUGH, BILL DIEHL, JASON FUHRMAN, DONNIE LEIBY, NATE RENFRO, CHAD EARNST, CHRIS SPIDLE, KEITH HARING, JASON ROCHELLE, RICK HARTWIG, DEAN FICARRO, CHRIS WARD, ANDY WHALING, MASON CHANEY, CHRIS TRANSEAU, TRAVIS PERRY, JACOB FETZH, SCOTT HOUDESHELL, SCOTT DEANER SR.
ARDC FEATURE 25 LAPS TIM BUCKWALTER, PJ GARGIULO, NICK WEAN, DANNY STRATTON, STEVEN DREVICKI, BRENDEN BRIGHT, TONY DIMATTIA, BRUCE BUCKWALTER JR, TREVOR KOBYLARZ, SHAWN JACKSON, RYAN GRETH, TROY BETTS, BRIAN GILMORE, PJ PAVLICK, AUSTIN BURKE, THOMAS KUNSMAN, BRETT WANNER, JIM JACKSON, BRETT ARNDT, JIM RADNEY
SPORTSMAN FEATURE 25 LAPS KENNY GILMORE, CRAIG WHITMOYER, BRETT GILMORE, JIM HOUSWORTH, PAUL KLINE, KEN ECKERT, BRIAN HIRTHLER, RYAN LILICK, BRAD ARNOLD, DEAN BACHMAN, JASON NEIDLINGER, KYLE LILICK, BRANDON WHITMOYER, MIKE WAHL, PAUL HOUSEKNECHT, MIKE LISOWSKI, DAVE DISSINGER, CORY SECHRIST
TSRS SPRINT FEATURE 25 LAPS DAVID BROWN, TIM TANNER, JEFF GEIGES, KARL FREYER, SCOTT FRACK, JON HAEGELE, RYAN STILLWAGGON, BRAD FRANKS, ZACK BURD, TOMMY CARBERRY, EDDIE WAGNER, BRYANT DAVIS, MIKE HAGGENBOTTOM, KEITH ANDERSON, SAMANTHA LEIBERMAN, TONY SMOLENYAK, PAT U’SELIS, ADAM CARBERRY, JOE KAY
MODIFIED FEATURE 25 LAPS JEFF STRUNK, DOUG MANMILLER, JARED UMBENHAUER, DANNY ERB, GLENN STRUNK, FRANK COZZE, BILLY PAUCH JR, TIM BUCKWALTER, DON NORRIS JR, KYLE WEISS, RAY SWINEHART, KEVIN HIRTHLER, KYLE BORROR, MIKE LAISE, COLT HARRIS, BRIAN HOUSEKNECHT, BOBBY GUNTHER WALSH, MIKE GULAR, MIKE KELLNER, ERIC BIEHN, MEME DESANTIS, RON SELTMAN, RYAN GRIN, MIKE BAILEY, JOHN WILLMAN.
The Next two Thunder Events:
Tuesday, June 2 THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES- -Jesse Hockett Classic 7:30 PM
USAC NATIONAL WINGLESS SPRINT TOUR & ARDC
Tuesday, June 16 THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES 7:30 PM
SUPER DIRTCAR SERIES MODIFIEDS 18th Annual TRAFFIC JAM
ALL MODIFIEDS. . . . . ALL NIGHT
Modifieds DOUBLE DOWN $1,000 PPB bonus to win both features
Big Block Modifieds 60 laps, 358 Modifieds 30 laps *NASCAR Point Race
Tim Buckwalter is First ARDC Repeat Winner
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ARDC
Contact - Deb Smith
phone (610) 972-6176
email - dsfotog@outlook.com
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TIM BUCKWALTER IS FIRST ARDC REPEAT WINNER IN 2015
Buckwalter Overcomes Wild Finish for Second Win of the Season
Soon after Tim Buckwalter captured the 2012 American Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) Championship, he announced his plans to compete on the Pennsylavania Small Block Modified Circuit. The Grandview Speedway has become the second generation racer's Saturday night home and just maybe, all those laps logged on Grandview's third mile paid off in dividends for Buckwalter as he captured his second ARDC Midget win of the season in one of the wildest finishes in recent memory.
Tommy Kunsman and Ryan Greth led the starting field to the wave of the green flag with Kunsman jumping out in front for the first two laps. PJ Gargiulo quickly moved up to take second after starting in seventh with just one lap scored. Gargiulo took over the lead on lap three. Tim Buckwalter closed in on Gargiulo as the two drivers crossed the start/finish line side by side to complete lap five. Buckwalter moved ahead in turn one to take the lead on lap six.
Nick Wean also made his way by Gargiulo on lap six as Buckwalter led Wean and Gargiulo. Two laps later, Gargiulo had plenty of company as Danny Stratton and 2014 ARDC Champion, Steven Drevicki closed in to challenge for the third spot. Brett Wanner, the feature winner in ARDC's last event, brought the yellow out as he came to a stop on the homestretch with mechanical issues.
Buckwalter was able to pull away from the field on the subsequent restart as Stratton closed in on Gargiulo around the half way mark. Wean began to show some muscle as he moved in on Buckwalter but a slip on lap sixteen allowed Gargiulo to take over second. Wean came back one lap later to regain the spot.
With just five laps remaining, everyone got serious as Wean closed in on Buckwalter and Stratton pressured Gargiulo for position.
The leaders took the two to go sign with Wean right on Buckwalter's tail. As the leaders ran through turns one and two, they closed in on the back of the field as Brian Gilmore loomed on their radar. It was the final lap and both Buckwalter and Wean needed to decide what route to take around the slower car. Everyone held their positions as they raced down the backstretch. Gilmore opened up the bottom of the track, allowing Buckwalter to go to the inside to make his pass. Buckwalter pulled even with Gilmore but just the slightest of hesitations allowed Wean the opportunity to stake his claim. Buckwalter and Wean raced into turn four with Wean moving to the bottom of the track to make his move. Contact was made between the two leaders. Buckwalter spun counter clockwise and up the track while Wean got out of shape on the bottom by the gurardrail. Buckwalter spun the car around and continued as Gargiulo shot through the opening ahead of Wean. Buckwalter got to the checkered flag first but the margin was narrowing as Gargiulo was quick to react. Wean made it to the line to take third with Stratton finishing fourth and Drevicki rounding out the top five.
After a long battle, Brenden Bright won the race for sixth followed by Tony DiMattia, Bruce Buckwalter, Jr., Trevor Kobylarz and Shawn Jackson.
Wean set fast time during timed warm-ups. He was the only ARDC competitor to break the fifteen second mark. Wean was also the Bob Hilbert Hard Charger recipient after he advanced from his eleventh place start to finish second.
Next event on the ARDC schedule is the Eastern Storm at the Grandview Speedway on Tuesday, June 2nd.
FEATURE (25 LAPS)
1. Tim Buckwalter 2. PJ Gargiulo 3. Nick Wean 4. Danny Stratton 5. Steven Drevicki 6. Brenden Bright 7. Tony DiMattia 8. Bruce Buckwalter, Jr. 9. Trevor Kobylarz 10. Shawn Jackson 11. Ryan Greth 12. Troy Betts 13. Brian Gilmore 14. PJ Pavlick 15. Austin Burke 16. Tommy Kunsman 17. Brett Wanner 18. Jim Jackson 19. Brett Arndt 20. Jim Radney DNS - Billy Courtwright
NAME CHANGE AND OTHER NEWS FROM GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY
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Grandview Speedway
Track promoter: Bruce Rogers @ 610.754.7688
MEDIA CONTACT: Ernie Saxton@215.752.7797
Cell:267.934.7286
Email:Esaxton144@aol.com
NASCAR 358 MODIFIEDS WILL CARRY T.P.TRAILERS NAME FOR REST OF SEASON AT GRANDVIEW
CHECKERED FLAG FAN CLUB AND NEUROFIBROMATOSIS AWARENESS NIGHT SET FOR SATURDAY, MAY 16
LUPUS AWARENESS NIGHT ON MAY 23
BECHTELSVILLE, PA May 13, 2015 . . . Local business T.P.Trailers of Limerick, PA has been a huge supporter of NASCAR stock car racing at Grandview Speedway for a few years. That support has been appreciated by racers who have reaped the benefits of the bonus bucks offered by T.P. Trailers.
Effective immediately the NASCAR 358 Modified stock cars that are a Saturday night fixture at Grandview, the primary division of weekly racing, will become the T.P.Trailers NASCAR 358 Modifieds.
“It is our way of saying thank you for the outstanding support the company has given stock car racing at our track,” said track owner Bruce Rogers. “The Perkins family has been wonderful to work with and we want them to know we appreciate their support. We understand the sponsorship program has generated business for them and that is great to hear.” Saturday, May 30, will be T.P. Trailers Night at the Berks County auto racing facility.
On Saturday, May 16, 7:30 p.m. popular auto racing fan club, the Checkered Flag Fan Club, will sponsor the night of racing which will feature the T.P.Trailers NASCAR 358 Modifieds, BRC Late Models and Sportsman stock cars. There has been five different winners in the Modifieds so far this season. The night will also be used to bring awareness to Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month and remind people that May 17th is National NF Day. The NF disease attacks the nervous system of 1 in 3,000 children and causes blindness, deafness and learning disabilities. The Children’s Tumor Foundation helps raise money and raise awareness for NF to help find a cure. Quite a few of the racers, thanks to the efforts of Caroline Egrie, will be running CTF or NF stickers in an effort to turn the track blue.
Spectator gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and at the same time the popular Low Down and Dirty Meet & Greet will take place featuring Late Model racer Joe “Geezer” Fanelli, Sportsman standout Dean Bachman and TP Trailers 358 Modified talent Nate Christman along with their race cars.
Adult admission will be just $15 while youngsters 11 and under are admitted free.
On Sunday, May 17th, the Outlaw Enduros will perform in several events along with the Blast From the Past Vintage racers. Racing starts at 1 p.m. Adult admission is $10.
The second annual Turn The Track Purple will take place at Grandview on Saturday, May 23rd at 7:30 p.m. and will feature the T.P.Trailers NASCAR 358 Modifieds, BRC Late Models and Sportsman stock cars. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
17-year-old Lupus patient Haley Williams Wetzel has been battling the disease for 10 years. She has a love for local dirt track racing. Fans and racers are being asked to wear something purple as that is the Lupus awareness color. Team Haley will have a table set up to distribute info on Lupus as well as make pins available to those who would like to show their support of the dread disease. Purple candy ribbons and butterfly lollipops will be available and they will be chancing off two gift baskets. All proceeds will go to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center for Lupus research.
On the 16th the color was blue and then this night the color will be purple.
Grandview Speedway, one of the most successful weekly short tracks in the nation, is located on Passmore Road, just off Route 100, in Bechtelsville, PA, 10 miles north of Pottstown. For information telephone 610.754.7688 or check in at www.grandviewspeedway.com.
STEWART FRIESEN EARNS OVER $25,000 FOR FREEDOM 76 WIN AT GRANDVIEW
Posted by: | CommentsNEWS FROM BRUCE ROGERS’ GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY - Presenting Saturday night NASCAR stock car racing plus a variety of special events
Track owner: Bruce Rogers @ 610.754.7688: Public relations and marketing: Ernie Saxton @ 215.752.7797: Email: Esaxton144@aol.com – Cell phone: 267.934.7286
Results story created by Vicki Gehris with additions by Ernie Saxton
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PLEASE WITH OUR THANKS….
BATTLE OF BECHTELSVILLE FREEDOM 76 MODIFIED CLASSIC WON BY STEWART FRIESEN AT GRANDVIEW
Bechtelsville, PA September 21, 2014 . . . Stewart Friesen started the regular Saturday night season at Grandview Speedway in victory lane behind the wheel of the Norm Hansell No. 357 and he closed it out by winning the 44th annual Freedom 76 Modified feature driving the Jeff Bailey & Sons sponsored/Teo No. 44F for a $25,000 plus payday. In addition to the top prize money Friesen, the second Canadian to win the prestigious event – Doug Carlyle doing it in 1977, collected the lion’s share of lap money leading laps 32 through 76. Next to winning Syracuse, this was Friesen’s biggest triumph. He commented that Grandview was a “cool track and to be out front was a real privilege.”
The race, billed as the “Battle of Bechtelsville”, pitted New York racers against Penna. Racers with Friesen, who is a winner on a regular basis at New York tracks, claiming the win for the New York contingent. Close to 70 racers took part in the 44th annual running of the Classic.
The next event on the schedule at Grandview Speedway is a tripleheader show of Enduro, Vintage and Slingshot racing starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 5th.
The top 26 cars in the 32-car field drew for starting positions with the other six getting into the main event via the Schaeffer Motorsports Minuteman 20.
At the wave of the green by starter Ray Kemp, Duane Howard, starting on the outside of the front row outgunned polesitter Ryan Watt to grab the front spot.
Howard held the lead for six laps before Watt charged ahead on the seventh lap restart needed when John Willman slowed with a flat tire.
Watt ran the highest line coming close to the boilerplate on occasion, while Howard stayed low trying to wrestle the lead away.
While these two diced for the lead and approached the obstacle of lap traffic, it allowed Friesen and Danny Johnson, the guaranteed starter for winning the Forrest Rogers Memorial, sixth- and tenth-place starters to close in and make it a four way dual for the lead.
New York invader Andy Bachetti slowed along the backstretch for the 31st lap caution. It took two attempts to complete the next lap, but when it finally counted Friesen was at the front of the pack trailed by Watt, Howard, Johnson and Anthony Perrego.
Howard regained second on the 35th lap and set sail after Friesen who was distancing himself from the competition.
Nate Christman regrouped the pack when he spun between turns three and four on the 44th lap. At this time a mandatory fuel stop brought out the red. When service was completed and racing resumed, it was still Friesen, running the inside groove, first while Howard, Watt, Johnson and Craig Von Dohren completed second through fifth.
The final caution was on the 50th lap when something on Rick Laubach’s car broke and he headed into the first turn wall collecting Keith Hoffman, who was left with no place to go, in the process. Friesen held his own on the restart, but Watt emerged with a full burst of speed running the outside lane and gave him a run for the money.
Once Friesen saw Watt’s front end, he picked up his pace and moved his path to the outside lane as opposed to staying low.
Howard was back in second on the 62nd circuit and set his sights on Friesen. The battle for fifth was a heated one between Doug Manmiller, Von Dohren and 2014 Modified point champion Jeff Strunk, who started 15th, 17th and 26th respectively.
No one was able to close in on Friesen as he wheeled through the lapped traffic and no more yellows were needed after the 50th lap restart and at the drop of the checkered Friesen was in victory lane for a well-deserved win to be the 25th different winner of the event. Following Friesen across were Howard, Johnson, Manmiller and VonDohren. Sixth through tenth were Watt, Strunk, recipient of the Bobby Gunther-Walsh and sponsored Hard Charger worth $300 since Strunk started 26th and advanced 19 positions; Tim Buckwalter, Perrego, Cargo Trailer product certificate recipient, and Jared Umbenhauer.
Buckwalter, Ray Swinehart, Willman, Jared Umbenhauer, Christman and Kyle Weiss were the heat winners. The consolation races went to Mike Mahaney, Justin Grim and Don Norris Jr. allowing them to advance to the Minuteman 20 and the final shot at making the main event. Weiss won the 10-lap Cash Dash worth $1,000.
Jon Kellner Sr. won the Minuteman 20 with Brett Kressley, Kevin Hartnett, Mike Mahaney, Jordan Umbenhauer and Ron Seltmann Jr. second to sixth to qualify for the Freedom 76.
Brett Kressley received an additional $500 from the Conrad Family in memory of their father Ray Conrad. The special Hard Luck award went to him because he was the first drop out of the event and finished 32nd.
44th Annual Freedom 76 Modified Feature Finish: 1. Stewart Friesen, 2. Duane Howard, 3. Danny Johnson, 4. Doug Manmiller, 5. Craig Von Dohren, 6. Ryan Watt, 7. Jeff Strunk, 8. Tim Buckwalter, 9. Anthony Perrego, 10. Jared Umbenhauer, 11. Craig Whitmoyer, 12. Terry Meitzler, 13. Mike Mahaney, 14. Jordan Umbenhauer, 15. Kyle Weiss, 16. Nate Christman, 17. Brian Kressley, 18. Jarrad Miller, 19. John Willman, 20. Andy Ressler, 21. Brad Brightbill, 22. Rick Laubach, 23. Keith Hoffman, 24. Kevin Hartnett, 25. Eric Biehn, 26. Ray Swinehart, 27. Frank Cozze, 28. Jon Kellner, 29. Colt Harris, 30. Andy Bachetti, 31. Ron Seltmann Jr., 32. Brett Kressley. DNQ: Jerry Higbie Jr., Kevin Hirthler, Meme DeSantis, Mike Gular, Ron Haring Jr., Mike Kellner, Matt Sheppard, Justin Grim, Don Norris Jr., Brian Hirthler, Danny Erb, Tommy Scheetz III, Scott Albert, Danny Creeden, Kyle Borror, Ryan Anderson, Chris Esposito, Dale Hartz, Paul Moyer, Ryan Grim, Mike Laise, Jamie Speers, Bobby Gunther-Walsh, Mario Dinatale, Glenn Owens, Steve Swinehart, Todd Smith, Rusty Smith, Kenny Gilmore, Brian Houseknecht, Jeremy Banos.
Grandview Speedway is located on Passmore Road just off Route 100 in Bechtelsville, PA, 10 miles north of Pottstown. For information telephone 610.754.7688 or check in at www.grandviewspeedway.com. Also on Twitter97@grandviewspeedway and www.facebook.com/grandviewspeedwayinc.
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COMING EVENTS:
Sunday, October 5 – 1 p.m. – Outlaw Enduro Racing, Blast from the Past Vintage Racers and Slingshots
Saturday, October 18, 6 p.m. – Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Halloween Party featuring 358 Modifieds, ARDC Midgets, URC Sprints, Sportsman, Legends, Monster Smash Demo Derby and Blast from the Past Vintage Racers – Rain date is Sunday, October 19, 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, November 1 & 2: Fall Jamboree featuring SpeedSTRs, Slingshots, Junior Slingshots and Wingless 600s, 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 9, Annual Fall Racer’s Flea Market starts at 7 a.m.
Saturday, November 15, 52nd Anniversary Awards Banquet, Doors open 4 p.m., Dinner 6 p.m. at Gilbertsville Fire Co.
2015 TENTATIVE Opening Date: Annual Practice Day, Saturday, March 28, 2015
ERNIE SAXTON COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Public Relations, Sponsorship Consultant
Journalist - Event Announcer - Public Speaker
215.752.7797 & 267.934.7286
Esaxton144@aol.com
IT’S BRENDEN BRIGHT IN GRANDVIEW ARDC EVENT
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ARDC
Contact - Deb Smith
phone (610) 972-6176
email - dsfotog@outlook.com
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BRENDEN BRIGHT CAPTURES FIRST GRANDVIEW WIN
Bright Wins First of 2014 in Exciting Grandview ARDC Feature
Brenden Bright drove to his first win of the season with the American Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) in the twenty-five lap feature event at the Grandview Speedway in a rare Friday night racing event.
Not only was it Bright's first win of the season but his first ever win at the Grandview Speedway - the track that is the closest to Bright's Collegeville, PA home. "We've always struggled at Grandview," Bright related. "We've been good this season on the heavy tracks or early in the night but we've struggled on the hard slick tracks."
On this race night, Bright had some help. His Presidential HVAC #92 got some help from five time ARDC winner, Alex Bright and his crew chief, Eddie Heffline who made some suggestions to improve the younger Bright's performance. He had some help from his brother in the feature line-up as well. When Alex drew the pole after winning the third heat race, he volunteered to start 12th for the twenty-five lap main - the last of the redraw positions. That moved Brenden up to a third place start. "I need all the help I can get," Brenden stated as he looked over the starting grid.
Brett Wanner and Billy Pauch Jr. led the field to the green flag but Wanner fought for control as the rear wheel came off his #44 as the field headed into turn one. The inside row slid up for the complete restart, pitting Brenden Bright against Pauch Jr. on the front row. Pauch immediately took the lead as Brett Arndt slid under Brenden Bright to briefly take second.
Pauch had the Mike Heffner owned #27 on the bottom of the track as Brenden Bright and second year driver, Jim Radney battled for the runner-up spot. Radney like the high line around the track and took over second on lap four. Pauch led Radney, Brenden Bright, Tim Buckwalter and Brett Arndt with five complete.
Alex Bright had advanced to sixth but slid high and lost several positions. By lap seven, Radney was putting the pressure on Pauch for the lead. Radney ran the top with Pauch on the bottom as the two dueled for the top spot.
The field was three wide through turns one and two following a caution for Alex Bright just before half way.
Radney took a run on the outside of Pauch as the two drivers raced down the backstretch on lap thirteen with Radney becoming the race leader at the half way point. With ten laps to go, Radney led Pauch, Tim Buckwalter, Brenden Bright and Ryan Watt who was behind the wheel of the R/T Racing #20.
Moisture on the race track caused a tangle between Alex Bright and Bruce Buckwalter Jr. in turns one and two, bringing out what would be the race's final caution. While the field circled under caution, race leader, Jim Radney came to a stop on the homestretch with battery failure. Radney's bid for a first ARDC win would be postponed for another night. Pauch led the field back to the green flag for the final ten laps as the race leader.
Brenden Bright wasted no time taking his car to the outside to challenge Pauch for the lead on the back stretch. The race had a new leader as Brenden Bright led the way.
Watt challenged Tim Buckwalter and took over third with five laps to go. 2013 ARDC Champion, Trevor Kobylarz and Brett Arndt battled it out for fifth.
At the end of twenty-five laps, Brenden Bright headed for his first checkered flag of the season followed by Billy Pauch, Jr., Ryan Watt, Tim Buckwalter and Trevor Kobylarz.
This Friday night, ARDC heads west to race at the Path Valley Speedway Park - a return to the Central PA track after an absence of nearly twenty years.
RACE NOTES:
Billy Pauch Jr. made his first start of the season in Mike Heffner's #27 midget, wrenched by Sean Michael. Ryan Watt subbed for Carey Becker and drove Becker's #20 to a third place finish. When electrical issues sidelined point leader, Steven Drevicki's #19. DeGre Engineering car owner, Greg Fitzpatrick turned over his #28 to Drevicki for the night. The point leader raced his way to an eighth place finish at the end of twenty-five laps. Danny Stratton had the Steward #33 out in front of the first heat before rear end problems brought Stratton to a stop in turn four. Fast time of the night turned by Ryan Watt in the first qualifier when Watt turned the third mile track in 15.128 seconds.
Feature Finish (25 laps)
1. Brenden Bright 2. Billy Pauch Jr. 3. Ryan Watt 4. Tim Buckwalter 5. Trevor Kobylarz 6. Brett Arndt 7. Ryan Greth 8. Steven Drevicki 9. Kyle Lick 10. Tyler Brehm 11. Tony DiMattia 12. Tommy Kunsman 13. Austin Burke 14. Billy Courtwright 15. Jim Radney 16. Bruce Buckwalter, Jr. 17. Alex Bright 18. Justin Grosz 19. Brett Wanner 20. Nick Wean DNS - PJ Gargiulo
Bechtelsville, PA August 31, 2014 . . . Early day rain and the forecast of more rain to come has forced promoter Bruce Rogers to throw in the towel and cancel the doubleheader show of ARDC wingless midgets and Hilborn TSRS winged sprint cars scheduled for Grandview Speedway on Sunday night.
Only two of the scheduled four Open Wheel Spectaculars were run this season with the other two falling victim to wet weather.
The ARDC wingless midgets will return to Grandview on Friday, September 12th as part of a doubleheader show that will include the Race of Champions Sportsman stock cars. This event will kick off the big Freedom 76 Classic weekend that will include the $25,000 to win Modified race on Saturday, September 13th featuring many of the top dirt track modified racers.
Racing action returns to Grandview Speedway on Saturday, September 6th with the running of a tripleheader event sponsored by Green Lane Wm. Penn/Four Star Lettering. Included will be the final NASCAR point events of the season for the NASCAR 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman stock cars. Racing will start at 7:30 p.m.
For additional race information please telephone 610.754.7688 or check in at www.grandviewspeedway.com.
Media contact: Ernie Saxton
Esaxton144@aol.com or 267.934.7286
ERNIE SAXTON COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Public Relations, Sponsorship Consultant
Journalist - Event Announcer - Public Speaker
215.752.7797 & 267.934.7286
Esaxton144@aol.com
