Archive for TSRS
Twenty-six races will populate the 2016 Hilborn Tri-State Racesaver Series schedule this season, with the opener being held back at New Egypt Speedway on April 23rd. Several other “special event” shows are slated to highlight the schedule including a Thursday night Thunder on the Hill event at the historic Grandview Speedway, with the TSRS sprints on the bill along with the All Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprint Cars. The popular 305 Sprint Car group will visit Grandview Speedway, New Egypt Speedway and also Bridgeport Speedway this season, as well as some popular Central Pennsylvania tracks during co-sanction events with the PASS Racesaver Series.
“This should be one of our best seasons yet,” regional director Joe Grandinetti commented. “We have a pretty exciting and diverse schedule that I think it will be fitting to all of our teams. I am working with Rod Ort from PASS more this year so that we can get both of our series to work together to create better racing and more participation from both TSRS and PASS teams, so that RACESAVER will continue to grow and flourish”.
Also for 2016, New Egypt Speedway has discontinued their 305 Racesaver Sprint Car division, handing the sanction and races back to Grandinetti. The two parties separated back in 2014, ultimately affecting car counts for both groups. With Grandinetti and TSRS back to holding the reigns he is hoping to have a more consistent car count not only at New Egypt, but at all Speedways partnered with the group.
General Manager of Bridgeport Speedway Danny Serrano is looking to bring back the Poker Series Championship in 2016. He is currently looking for sponsors to help fund the unique and popular event that Eddie Wagner came victor to in 2015.
“We are planning on having a nice points fund, with IMCA contributing and also with some other deals I am working towards as well,” says Grandinetti. “We have ASI Racewear coming on board this year as a sponsor, and Hilborn will be back to support us as our primary series sponsor this year too. Thayer Performance is going to be our official parts trailer once again this season, and they always have almost everything we need to help out our teams when they find themselves in a bind at the track, so I am always appreciative to that”.
There are seven scheduled shows at New Egypt this year, twelve at Bridgeport Speedway on both Friday and Saturday nights, and the Tri-State Racesaver Series will be visiting Grandview Speedway a total of five times in 2016, with three of those shows being Thunder on the Hill Events. Also, TSRS will co-sanction with PASS for the year ending “Blue Collar Showdown” at Port Royal Speedway in early October.
Mike Haggenbottom, who was crowned the 2015 Champion for the fourth consecutive year in a row this past Saturday at the annual TSRS banquet, will try for a fifth straight championship in 2016. Eddie Wagner, Tim Tanner, Dave Brown Jr., Stefanie Palmai, John Barnett, Ryan Stillwaggon, Tommy Carberry, Rick Stief, and the first ever TSRS champion Jeff Geiges, are just a few of the popular drivers who will be chasing the 2016 Hilborn Tri-State Racesaver Series crown as well.
“I am looking to discuss and outline the basics of our great series this coming Saturday (January 23rd) during our scheduled seminar at Motorsports,” mentioned Joe. The meeting, which will be held at noon on Saturday, January 23rd in Seminar Room 1 at the Expo Center, will have Grandinetti present as well as French Grimes, and the PA Racesaver Regional Director Rod Ort on hand to answer any questions on the upcoming season. “There are a lot of new details concerning tech, handicapping procedures and safety concerns that will be gone over, so it is imperative that 2016 competitors are present”. Drivers may register for the 2016 after the meeting, or you can find registration information at the TSRS booth at the Motorsports Show this coming weekend.
For more info on whats happening with the fast growing sprint car series in the nation, go to our website www.tsrs1.us or log on to our Facebook page!
Tentative Schedule
Saturday - April 23rd - New Egypt
Saturday - April 30th - Bridgeport
Friday - May 6th - Bridgeport
Saturday - May 14th - Bridgeport
Saturday - May 21th - Bridgeport
Saturday - May 28th - New Egypt
Sunday - May 29th - Grandview *Thunder on the Hill*
Saturday - June 4th - Bridgeport
Saturday - June 11th - New Egypt
Saturday - June 18th - Bridgeport
Friday - June 24th - Bridgeport
Saturday - June 25th - Grandview
Saturday - July 9th - Bridgeport
Saturday - July 23rd - Bridgeport
Saturday - July 30th - New Egypt
Friday - August 5th - Bridgeport
Saturday - August 13th - Bridgeport
Thursday - August 18th - Grandview *Thunder on the Hill*
Saturday - August 20th - New Egypt
Saturday - August 27th - Bridgeport
Saturday - September 3rd - New Egypt
Friday - September 9th - Grandview
Friday - September 23rd - Bridgeport
Saturday - October 8th - Port Royal
Saturday - October 15th - Grandview
Friday - November 11th - Bridgeport
TSRS General Membership Meeting this Saturday.
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Tri-State Racesaver Series
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To ALL TSRS drivers, owners and those interested in joining or racing with TSRS. We will be having a meeting on Saturday, December 12th at 2pm at the Hamilton NJ library. The address is 1 Justice Samuel A. Alito, jr. Way Hamilton, NJ 08619 609-581-4060. We will be discussing rule changes, handicapping changes and some other exciting news. A tentative, hopefully final, schedule will also be available. We hope to have membership applications for 2016 ready if you would like to take care of that early. Thanks much and hope to see everyone there! Doug Suiter 302-540-4864
Click on the below link for a map.
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.2113358,-74.6978157,16z
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES RESULTS
Posted by: | CommentsOCTOBER 17, 2015
NEWS FROM: BOB MILLER 443 513 4456
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES
DUANE HOWARD WINS “MODS AT THE MADHOUSE” THRILLER, BRIGHTBILL & HAGGENBOTTOM SHARE THUNDER WINS AT GRANDVIEW
The fifteen year tradition of the NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Halloween Party returned to the Grandview Speedway with the MODS at the MADHOUSE triple header on Saturday night. When the Halloween treats were finally collected, it was Oley, PA driver Duane Howard who won the 40 lap $5,000 to win Modified feature as Brad Brightbill won the sportsman feature with Mike Haggenbottom winning the TSRS Sprint car feature event. Ninety-two cars took part in the action as a strong crowd turned out on cold and windy night.
Modified heat race events were won by Billy Pauch Jr, Duane Howard and Doug Manmiller as Craig VonDohren won the consolation.
#66 Duane Howard (WoS photo)
In the 40 lap MODS at the MADHOUSE feature event, Brett Kressley was the early race leader, taking the top spot from pole sitter Danny Creeden. Ryan Watt, Billy Pauch Jr and Kevin Hirthler followed to make-up the top five as the field crossed the line on lap five. On lap nine, the caution was displayed for Ray Swinehart. When green flag racing resumed, Ryan Watt powered into the lead followed by Kressley and Pauch. Watt remained the pace setter with Billy Pauch Jr. now in the chase and in a position to challenge for the lead.
Jeff Strunk was on the move, racing in third followed by Duane Howard and Kressley as the field passed for the halfway sign. Watt held off Pauch until lap twenty-three when Pauch made the move to take the lead. Following Pauch was Howard, Watt, Strunk and Kressley.
Howard began reeling in race leader Billy Pauch Jr. and on lap thirty, Howard was on the rear bumper of Pauch and challenging for the lead. Slower traffic was ahead of the race leaders and Pauch was lapped cars. The battle went on for the lead.
The turning point of the race took place on lap thirty-six, as Pauch and Howard were in a side-by-side run for the lead, Pauch slowed and it appeared that he broke, with his car nearly coming to a stop in turn two. The caution was displayed and shortly after, Pauch regained power. The yellow was displayed for Pauch so he was required to restart at the rear of the field.
This advanced Duane Howard to the lead followed by Ryan Watt, Jeff Strunk, Craig VonDohren (who started 19th) and Brett Kressley. At the drop of the green flag, Howard was on top with Watt trying to hunt down the leader as Jeff Strunk and Craig VonDohren were in the thick of the battle with just five laps remaining.
Howard maintained his lead to win the inaugural running the MODS at the MADHOUSE followed by Jeff Strunk, Ryan Watt, Craig VonDohren and Rick Laubach driving the Glenn Hyneman 126. Billy Pauch Jr who brought out the caution on lap thirty-six and restarted at the rear of the field, worked his way back to a solid tenth place finish. Doug Manmiller, winner of the third heat race did not start the feature due to a rule infraction with the motor. Craig VonDohren was forced to run the consolation after losing a wheel during the running of a heat trace.
Brad Brightbill (WoS photo)
A twenty-four car starting field answered the call for the twenty-five lap Sportsman feature. Joe Funk led the first lap with Brad Brightbill taking the lead on lap two. Brightbill was challenged numerous times by Jorden Henn and later Ryan Lilick was chasing the race leader. At the halfway point of the event, Brightbill remained the leader followed by Ryan Lilick, Henn, Craig Whitmoyer and Funk.
Brightbill easily handled the competition and with five laps to go, he maintained a comfortable lead. Brightbill took the win over Ryan Lilick, Craig Whitmoyer, Jorden Henn and Brett Kressley.
Mike Haggenbottom (WoS photo)
The TSRS sprint car feature was the final event of the evening and Tim Tanner was the leader at the drop of the green flag after two previous attempts to start the 25 lap feature. After the feature got started, the twenty-five lap main ran non-stop to the checker flag. Leavittown, PA driver Mike Haggenbottom caught Tanner on lap seven and one lap later, Haggenbottom was the new leader. Haggenbottom established a solid lead but deep in the pack Kevin Nagy, David Brown and Adam Carberry where heading to the front. Nagy and Brown advanced to third and fourth and began chasing down Tanner.
In the closing laps, slower cars were now playing a factor as Tanner inched closer to Haggenbottom with Nagy and Brown reeling in Tanner. Haggenbottom rallied home the winner. In victory lane, Hagenbottom was thrilled that after twenty-five years, he finally won a feature at Grandview Speedway, and he did it in convincing style. Tanner finished second followed by Kevin Nagy, Dave Brown and Adam Carberry.
MODS AT THE MADHOUSE FEATURE FINISH: Duane Howard, Jeff Strunk Ryan Watt, Craig VonDohren, Rick Laubach, Brett Kressley, Tommy Sheetz, Ryan Grim, Danny Creeden, Billy Pauch Jr., Kevin Hirthler, Chris Esposito, Mike Laise, John Willman, Kevin Beech, Brian Houseknecht, Jackie Brown Jr, Frank Cozze, Brian Hirthler, Colt Harris, Ray Swinehart, Mike Kellner, Kenny Gilmore, Ron Kline. DNQ: Tom Carberry Sr., Ron Steltman, Eric Engstrom, Jimmy Reppert, Ryan Godown, Doug Manmiller, Danny Erb, Mike Franz, Ron Haring, Jr., Mark Kratz. This event paid $5,000 to the winner, $1,000 for tenth and $500 to take the green flag.
SPORTSMAN FEATURE FINISH: Brad Brightbill, Ryan Lilick, Craig Whitmoyer, Jorden Henn, Brett Kressley, Joe Funk, Brian Hirthler, Mike Mamanna, Brett Arnold, Ryan Beltz, Jorden Cox, Dean Bachman, Brian Shupp, Brad Grim, Brett Gilmore, Pat Wall, Ken Eckert, Steve Young, Lex Shive, Tommy Tanner, Jim Houseworth, Paul Kline, John McGovern, Paul Housekencht. DNQ: Ryan Higgs, Kody Sites, Kyle Lilick, Frank Dorry Jr., Kevin Dale, Jesse Landis, Mike Koffel, Rob Reiegel, Steve Lozorak
TSRS SPRINT FEATURE FINISH: Mike Haggenbottom, Tim Tanner, Kevin Nagy, Dave Brown, Adam Carberry, Tommy Carberry, Stef Palmai, Karl Freyer, Scott Frack, Tony Smolenyak, Mike Kiser, Joe Kay, John Bennett, Samantha Leiberman, Jon Heagele, Mike Esposito, Zack Burd, David Bonner, Randy Sterling, Tim Smolenyak, Pat U’Selis, Keith Anderson, Rick Stief, Eddie Strada.
END
Special thanks to the race fans, competitors and members of the press for their support of the 2016 NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series that year. We have already begun working on our 2016 schedule of events. Thanks again for all your support.
Thunder on the Hill // Mods at the Madhouse // Modifieds + Sportsman + TSRS Sprints
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Thunder on the Hill
A frightening chill and an eerie darkness will fall across Grandview Speedway on Saturday, October 17 (Rain date: Saturday, October 24) as the NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series presents Mods at the Madhouse, a thrilling three-division show headlined by a Small-Block/Big-Block Modified event -- including full qualifying heat races - plus action from the Sportsman and TSRS Sprint Cars. Race time is set for 6 PM.
There is no entry fee but competitors are encouraged to pre-enter by October 10th by calling 443-513-4456. Pre-entered competitors will compete for a $5,000 top prize. If the winner is not pre-entered the winner's share will be $4,000.
Race fans young and old are encouraged to dress in costume to be eligible for special Halloween treats, a tradition of this event for many, many years. The Halloween Party remains a big part of this event.
General Admission ticket pricing for Saturday, October 17 is $25 for Adults, Children 6-11 are $10 and Kids 5 & under are FREE! The pit fee is $35 and a license is not required. A rain date of Saturday night, October 24 is in place.
Advance tickets are available by calling 443-513-4456
Celebrating the 26th season of racing action, the 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, the Low Down & Dirty Radio Show pre-race Meet & Greet, JOE "THE PIZZA DUDE", giveaways, fireworks, and appearances by the Thunder Girls. Jim Gallagher and GALCO Communications always take part in offering some special fun for the race fans.
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.
MARTZ, BRITT & TANNER TOP SATURDAY NIGHT BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY ACTION
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Bridgeport Speedway
MARTZ, BRITT & TANNER TOP SATURDAY NIGHT BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY ACTION
Wagner Clinches Poker Series Title
Sam Martz held off the persistent attempts of Jamie Mills in the final laps of the Spirit Auto Centers Big Block Modified Feature event to pick up his second win of the 2015 season in exciting fashion. Jim Britt was the class of the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman division, picking up his fifth win of the year while Tim Tanner won his second race of the year in the final hand of the Bethman Auto Center/Bruce’s Speed Shop/Thayer Performance Poker Series for the Hilborn TriState Race Saver sprint cars.
In what was one of the closest finishes of the season, Martz fought off the late race challenges of Jamie Mills to capture the win in the twenty-five lap Big Block Modified feature event.
Ron Roberts took control at the start and led the first sixteen laps of the feature event. Martz moved into second on the first lap and trailed Roberts by several car lengths. David Hunt raced in third, followed by Mills and Bob Sarkisian at the half way mark.
Mills was on the move, picking off positions one at a time and had just passed Hunt for third spot before the caution waved on lap seventeen. The field lined up double file for the restart and Martz used the outside line to drive by Roberts to take the lead. Mills made his way to second with an inside pass by Roberts on the backstretch.
With just five laps to go, Mills chased Martz with Hunt, Watt and Roberts trailing. Tommy Beamer was closing in Roberts to challenge for a top five position. Martz ran the middle of the track and Mills made his way around on the bottom until Watt drew a caution with three to go with a flat tire.
Martz led the field to the final restart with Mills hot on his heels. There was a three way race for fifth as Richie Pratt, Jr. was on the move and racing with Roberts and Beamer for position.
Mills changed his line on lap twenty-four and moved higher on the track, racing Martz side by side down the backstretch. Mills threw everything he had at Martz and the Izzi Trucking No. 3, changing lanes again as the leaders raced to the final lap. But Martz had it covered as he beat Mills to the finish line. by less than six one hundredths of a second. Hunt finished third with Beamer and Pratt finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.
Melissa Scarpati led the first lap of the twenty lap main event for the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman feature before David Crossman moved into the lead on lap two. Coming from his tenth place start, Jim Britt moved by Crossman to take the lead on lap four.
Current point leader, Pat Wall raced his way into second on lap seven but Britt had already driven to a sizeable lead. A caution just past half way, erased Britt’s advantage as Wall, Crossman, Gary Hieber, Jr. and Steve Desmelyk raced in the top five. Wall kept it close for a lap or two before Britt again pulled away from the field.
Britt took the win with Wall finishing second. Hieber followed in third with CJ Jones and Steve Davis rounding out thScoe top five.
Karl Freyer and Tim Tanner led the field of TSRS sprint cars to the start of their twenty lap main event with Freyer moving into the lead at the wave of the green. Freyer led Tanner by several lengths until the leaders caught up to lapped traffic on lap twelve. Tanner was able to close in on Freyer and chose to go to the outside to get by the slower traffic. That ended up being the winning move as Tanner went on to capture the win Freyer had one of his best outings of the season to finish second followed by Adam Carberry, Eddie Wagner and Joe Kay.
Wagner’s fourth place finish clinched the 2015 Poker Series Championship. Wagner has two wins at Bridgeport this season, one of which came during an exciting Poker Series event earlier this season.
SPIRIT AUTO CENTERS BIG BLOCK MODIFIED FEATURE (25 LAPS)
1. Sam Martz, 2. Jamie Mills, 3. David Hunt, 4. Tommy Beamer, 5. Richie Pratt, Jr., 6. Jordan Watson, 7. Ron Roberts, 8. Travis Hill, 9. Bob Sarkisian, 10. Jesse Hill, 11. Jack Swain, 12. Wade Hendrickson, 13. Corey Anderson, 14. Howard O’Neal, 15. Dave Shirk, 16. Scott Irwin, 17. Mike Franz, 18. Jimmy Chester, 19. Ryan Watt, 20. Bucky Kell, 21. John Milozar, Jr., 22. Rick Laubach, 23. Ryan Forte, 24. Tom Macherone
STEWART STAINLESS CRATE SPORTSMAN FEATURE (20 LAPS)
1. Jim Britt, 2. Pat Wall, 3. Gary Hieber, Jr., 4. CJ Jones, 5. Steve Davis, 6. Bob Lilick, 7. Pete Visconti, 8. Matthew Peck, 9. David Crossman, 10. Steve Desmelyk, 11. Dave Damiano, 12. Steve Kemery, 13. Brett Ballard, 14. Ernie Miles, III, 15. Scott Hulmes, 16. Justin Lilick, 17. Melissa Scarpati, 18. Chuck Potts, 19. Tom Holding, 20. David Jenkins, 21. Pete Serra, 22. Jeremy Harrington
BETHMAN AUTO CENTER/BRUCE’S SPEED SHOP/THAYER PERFORMANCE POKER SERIES FOR TSRS (20 LAPS)
1. Tim Tanner, 2. Karl Freyer, 3. Adam Carberry, 4. Eddie Wagner, 5. Joe Kay, 6. Rick Steif, 7. Joe Lord, 8. Dave Brown, 9. Keith Anderson, 10. Samantha Lieberman, 11. Mike Haggenbottom, 12. Bryant Davis, 13. Erika Wagner, 14. Scott Frack
45TH ANNUAL FREEDOM 76 CLASSIC AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY SET FOR SEPT. 12
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Grandview Speedway
Bruce Rogers – Track owner – 610.754.7688
Ernie Saxton – Public Relations – 215.752.7797 or
Cell:267.934.7286
Email:Esaxton144@aol.com
NEWS FROM GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY –Home of the Freedom 76 Modified Classic
$25,000 WAITS FOR WINNER OF THE 45TH ANNUAL FREEDOM 76 MODIFIED STOCK CAR RACING CLASSIC AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY ON SEPTEMBER 12
Friday, September 11, 305 Sprints and ROC Sportsman races added
BECHTELSVILLE, PA August 21,2015. . . The Granddaddy of dirt track Modified stock car racing classics, the Freedom 76, is set for Saturday, September 12th at Grandview Speedway. $25,000 plus other perks wait for the winner of the 45th annual classic.
Added to the weekend of racing action is a Friday, September 11th, doubleheader show featuring 305 Sprints and Race of Champions Sportsman stock cars. In addition Modified racers planning to race on Saturday will be invited to participate in practice sessions as part of the Friday night show.
Many area Modified racing standouts are expected to enter along with Grandview stars such as Craig VonDohren, Jeff Strunk, Duane Howard, Doug Manmiller, Meme DeSantis, Kevin Hirthler, Mike Gular, Tim Buckwalter, Mike Kellner and many others.
More than 70 racers were on hand to try for starting spots in the 2014 Freedom 76.
Entry forms can be found at www.grandviewspeedway.com.
The Friday night show of 305 Sprints, Sportsman stock cars and Modified practice will start at 7:30 p.m. and will have a $12 admission for adults, youngsters 6 through 11 pay $5 and under 6 are admitted free. There is no rain date for the Friday night show.
Action on Saturday will have warm-ups at about 6 p.m. with qualifying events for the Freedom 76 getting the green at 7 p.m. Also included in the night of racing will be the Schaffer Motorsports Minuteman 20, a Cash Dash featuring top performers and the Freedom 76 Classic. Adult admission is $40 while youngsters 6 thru 11 pay $10 and kids under 6 are admitted free. Advance adult tickets are available on Saturday nights for $35.
Advance tickets may also be ordered by mail. Send a check or money order, payable to Grandview Speedway, covering the cost of the tickets being ordered. Send to 87 Wilt Road, Bechtelsville, PA 19505. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope to speed delivery of the tickets. No tickets will be sent after September 4.
Lap sponsorships are available at $20 a lap and can be purchased at the pit office, track office or by contacting Ernie Saxton at 215.752.7797. Qualifying event sponsorships are priced at $250 and are available from Saxton also. First to sign on as a qualifying event sponsor is Stoudt Auto Sales in Reading, PA.
The final NASCAR point event of the season is set for Saturday, September 5th, 7:30 p.m., when the Marshall Home Comfort Night is presented featuring the NASCAR Whelen All American Series 358 Modifieds, BRC Late Models and Sportsman stock cars. Marshall Home Comfort, sponsor of the Steve Young Sportsman entry, is located in Skippack, PA and is a first time sponsor of a Grandview event.
Additional information on racing at Bechtelville, PA’s Grandview Speedway can be had at 610.754.7688 or check in at www.grandviewspeedway.com.
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MEDIA REMINDER: If you are planning to cover the September 11 and/or September 12th events and are not the holder of a Grandview Speedway Media Pass you need to send a letter requesting credentials on media letterhead to 215.752.7797 or contact me at esaxton144@aol.com. Thank you. Ernie Saxton, Public Relations for Grandview Speedway
ERNIE SAXTON COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Public Relations, Sponsorship Consultant
Journalist - Announcer - Publisher
www.saxtonsponsormarket.com
215.752.7797 & 267.934.7286
Esaxton144@aol.com
HAGGENBOTTOM WINS ONE FOR JAMES CAMPBELL JR. AT NEW EGYPT
Posted by: | CommentsNew Egypt, NJ...... Mike Haggenbottom who hails out of Levittown, PA visited victory lane at New Egypt Speedway for the second time this season, and for the tenth time in his 305 sprint car career, making him the most winningest driver in the division at the speedway. Haggenbottom led all 20 laps of the co-sanctioned TSRS/NERS 305 sprint car feature surviving the multi-cautioned event over Adam Carberry, Eddie Wagner, Dave Brown Jr. and Jeff Geiges.
Haggenbottom dedicated his win to fellow racer and friend James Campbell Jr. who passed away Friday night at Williams Grove Speedway in an on track accident while racing his self-owned 410 Sprint Car.
“We lost a very good friend last night, and I just want to dedicate this win to Jim, his brother Sean and their families during this heart-breaking time,” a very emotional Haggenbottom stated.
There were 23 sprint cars signed in to the pits Saturday night, with three heat race wins rewarded to Bryant Davis, Rick Stief and John Barnett. The top ten cars who qualified out of the heat races were subjected to a 10 car invert, placing veteran drivers Kevin Nagy and Mark Bitner on the pole for the A-Main.
When the initial green flag waved, Kevin Nagy jumped out front and took control of the lead heading into turn one. Before the first circuit was completed, the first caution would be displayed for Samantha Lieberman, who came to a stop in turns one and two.
The field would be brought back to their initial starting positions with Nagy and Bitner restarting the field until another caution was displayed for a “false start”. Both pole sitters would be put back a row for jumping the start by TSRS officials.
Mike Haggenbottom and Adam Carberry would now acquire the front row, with Haggenbottom taking command of the lead heading quickly into the first turn, ultimately never looking back. As Haggenbottom led Carberry, who was soon to be passed by a determined Mark Bitner and Kevin Nagy on lap three, another caution would bring the field back together a lap later, closing the three-quarter straightaway length lead the Belmont Garage number 24 had on his competitors.
“We’ve been having a stumbling issue with our motor this year, and restarts are something that I don’t like to see right now,” commented Haggenbottom. “I knew Mark and Adam were behind me, and I was a little worried about them coming around me on the starts, so I just tried to hit my marks right to get the job done”.
As Mike maintained his lead, clearly showing that he was going to be unbeatable even with the engine issues he was dealing with, the battle in the top five was heating up, with cars going three wide at times to make advancements for positions.
Mark Bitner, who restarted fourth after being put back two spots for the faulty start in the begin of the feature, was on a mission after claiming his first 305 Sprint Car feature win of the season last week and was the only driver to give Haggenbottom a run for his money, making an attempted pass on the number 24 after the lap four restart.
“We weren’t the best car for the first few laps but as the track blew off the car came to us. We lost some momentum after we went low to pass Mike, so we lost it there, but battling for second with Adam was pretty good until our drive shaft broke,” explained Bitner. “I think the surface here has improved a lot, but the new shape does take away from the “racing” aspect. It’s just difficult to race hard with guys when there’s one groove to race on”.
At half way to go, and both Mark Bitner and Kevin Nagy now in the pit area after mechanical issues sidelined them, the top five consisted of leader Mike Haggenbottom, Adam Carberry, Dave Brown Jr., Rick Stief, and Eddie Wagner who made his way into the top five after starting back in fifteenth. Mike Haggenbottom would once again take grasp over his lead, with everyone else settling into position behind him.
“With seven to go, my motor started breaking up, even running by myself under the green flag runs, and I’m not sure if it was because my water temperature was hot, but it just wasn’t good. The cautions came out just in time before I would hit lapped traffic, but I started getting nervous when the motor started breaking up under power, coming out of the corners,” expressed Mike. “We’ve changed everything. Motors, fuel lines, fuel pumps, mags, we even changed the spark plugs before we went out for the feature! We just can’t figure it out, but thankfully, the car handles flawlessly so that it can make up for it”.
In final five laps remaining, Tommy Carberry went to the top groove to pass Rick Stief for fifth, and then attempted to take fourth from Wagner, but he could not make it stick, so he slipped back into line to try again in the next corner. Jeff Geiges would then take fifth from Carberry on the bottom of turns three and four, while Eddie Wagner pressured Dave Brown for third. Coming for the checkered flag, Wagner would come off of turn four low, drag racing Brown to the start-finish line to come home with a “photo finish” third place run.
“The track was really racy tonight, it was probably one of the best tracks I have ever raced on here at New Egypt and I am pretty happy with the new layout,” says Wagner, who owns three career feature wins at Bridgeport Speedway, but is still searching for his first New Egypt Speedway win. “My motor was running a little too hot for my liking, so I was trying to take it easy so that I would not over work and over heat the engine, but I feel that if I were to start in the top five I definitely would have had a shot of winning tonight. There was nothing different that I could have done to make my car run any better because it was on point tonight.”
Feature Finish (20 Laps): Mike Haggenbottom, Adam Carberry, Eddie Wagner, Dave Brown Jr., Jeff Geiges, Tommy Carberry, Rick Stief, John Barnett, Joe Lord, Gabe Fox, Karl Fryer, Scott Frack, Joe Kay, Samantha Leiberman, Harris Kohen DNF: Stefanie Palmai, Chris Allen Jr., Bryant Davis, Mark Bitner, Kevin Nagy, Ryan Cox, Tim Tanner, Keith Anderson
NOTES: James Campbell Jr. was honored in numerous ways Saturday night at New Egypt Speedway by drivers, fans, the Tri-State Racesaver Series as well as the Speedway officials all throughout the night. Drivers were gifted decals in memory of Campbell to place on their cars, courtesy of Bruce Bowen of Bowen Signs, and they also tied red, white and blue streamers to their cars bringing Campbell’s colors to the speedway for one last time. A missing man formation was carried out before the start of the feature, on the wave lap fans were asked to display a three and one using their hands in place of waving to the drivers to honor Jim and his number 31 Sprinter. Jim’s very close friend Sean Kirkpatrick was honored with the duty of waving the green flag at the start of the 305 Sprint feature event. A “sea of blue” took over the pit area, as drivers and crew members wore the color to represent and remember the “nice guy” whom they lost tragically the night before.
