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IT’S BRENDEN BRIGHT IN GRANDVIEW ARDC EVENT
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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
S.BUCKWALTER AND GEIGES ARE OPEN WHEEL SPECTACULAR WINNERS 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
Race results story created by Deb Smith with additions by Ernie Saxton
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PLEASE WITH OUR THANKS….
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STEVE BUCKWALTER AND JEFF GEIGES WIN OPEN WHEEL SPECTACULAR FEATURES AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY ON SUNDAY NIGHT
BECHTELSVILLE, PA July 21, 2014. . . The results of the second Open Wheel Spectacular at Grandview Speedway have been written in the record books. While that chapter may be closed, it is not likely that the talk about this racing event will end any time soon.
Race fans saw Steve Buckwalter set a blistering pace on his way to his second consecutive win in American Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) action on the high banks of the Grandview Speedway Sunday night. The Tri-State Race Savers (TSRS) Sprint Car feature saw three different leaders during the final six laps with multiple lead changes on several laps before Jeff Geiges took command and the win.
Steve Buckwalter on his way to victory (WoS photo)
Current ARDC point leader, Steven Drevicki and Alex Bright led the field of wingless midgets to the green flag with Bright using the outside line to take the lead on lap one. Bright ran and hid from the field as he extended his lead lap after lap. Bright was already reeling in the back of the field by lap eight as Drevicki, Brenden Bright, Tim Buckwalter and Ryan Watt raced in the top five.
But disaster would strike for the young Collegeville, PA driver on lap eleven. Bright was preparing to negotiate his way through lapped traffic when contact was made between the Lightcap Electric #77 and the car driven by Eric Heydenreich. Bright took a wild ride in turn two before coming to rest on the inside of the track. Bright exited the car uninjured but his bid for his third ARDC win of the season ended before the half way mark.
Drevicki took the lead on the restart as Brenden Bright and Tim Buckwalter battled for second in front of Watt. Tim Buckwalter took over second when the pair raced through turn three. Steve Buckwalter slid into third before the half way mark. After a two lap battle with Tim Buckwalter, Steve Buckwalter moved up to second. The caution waved for Tyler Brehm who sat on the infield just off of turn four.
Drevicki now had Steve Buckwalter on his back bumper for the single file restart. Drevicki led through lap fifteen but Buckwalter took the lead for good on the next go round.
Drevicki held off Tim Buckwalter's challenges to finish second. Brenden Bright followed S. Buckwalter, Drevicki and T. Buckwalter across the finish line with Kyle Lick completing the top five at the checkered.
Jeff Geiges passes Mike Haggenbottom for the win (WoS photo)
Kyle Purks and Rick Stief paced the field of TSRS Sprint Cars to the green flag with Purks quickly exerting his muscle to take the lead.
A red flag brought the racing to a half on the first lap as Scott Frack made hard contact with the wall coming out of turn two before going over. Frack escaped injury but his race ended prematurely on this night. Adam Carberry, the feature winner in the first Sunday night Open Wheel Spectacular, exited the race as a result of wing damage incurred in the same incident. Tim Tanner, who was the TSRS point leader coming into this race, exited under the lap one stop with motor issues.
Purks went into the lead on the complete restart and caught the rear of the field on lap six. Even with lapped traffic to hinder his progress, Purks continued to pull away. With ten laps complete, Jeff Gieges ran in second and began to close the gap on Purks while two time TSRS Champion, Mike Haggenbottom raced in third.
Stef Palmai drew a caution when she ran into problems with seventeen laps complete, setting up a single file restart with just eight laps left to run.
Purks had Geiges, Haggenbottom, Tom Carberry Jr. and Ryan Stillwaggon lined up nose to tail right behind him as he led the field back to green flag racing.
And then things got interesting. Purks led lap eighteen as Geiges took a look to the inside. Haggenbottom took his car to the outside, passed Geiges for second and then took the lead from Purks to lead lap nineteen. Purks came right back to take the lead as the field exited turn two. Haggenbottom was back in front as he and Purks crossed the line on the next lap but the lead changed hands around the speedway. Haggenbottom was scored as the race leader on laps twenty-one through lap twenty-three when Jeff Geiges overtook Purks for second and then passed Haggenbottom for the lead. Haggenbottom fought back and regained the lead momentarily before Geiges took the lead and led the way to the checkered flag.
It was Geiges for the win followed by Haggenbottom, T. Carberry, Purks and Brennflect.
The third Open Wheel Spectacular of the season is set for Sunday, August 31st again featuring the TSRS Sprints and ARDC Midgets. Racing will start at 7:30 p.m.
This Saturday, July 26th, 7:30 p.m. Atlas Paving Corporation of Wayne, NJ will sponsor the night which will feature the Pepsi-Bashore Challenge One-on-One Modified Challenge races along with a full card of NASCAR 358 Modifieds, BRC Late Models and Sportsman stock cars. Spectator gates open at 5:30 p.m. and as the gates are opened the popular Low Down and Dirty Meet & Greet will be presented featuring modified standout Duane Howard along with father and son Late Model racers Lou Egrie Sr. and Jr. Again this Saturday fans will have the opportunity to win valuable tickets for the NASCAR race events being presented at Pocono Raceway on August 2nd and 3rd topped by the GoBowling 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race. Tickets are courtesy of WNPV-1440AM Radio of Lansdale and Pocono Raceway.
ARDC WINGLESS MIDGET FEATURE RESULTS (25 LAPS) 1. Steve Buckwalter 2. Steven Drevicki 3. Tim Buckwalter 4. Brenden Bright 5. Kyle Lick 6. Nick Wean 7. Trevor Kobylarz 8. Brett Arndt 9. PJ Gargiulo 10. Bruce Buckwalter, Jr. 11. Tony DiMattia 12. Tommy Kunsman Jr. 13. Austin Burke 14. Clayton Glassman 15. Brian Gilmore 16. Greg Fitzpatrick 17. Ryan Watt 18. Tyler Brehm 19. Alex Bright 20. Eric Heydenreich 21. Brett Wanner
HILBORN TRI-STATE RACE SAVER 305 WINGED SPRINT CAR FEATURE (25 LAPS) 1. Jeff Geiges 2 Mike Haggenbottom 3. Tommy Carberry Jr. 4. Kyle Purks 5. Jon Brennflect 6. Ryan Stillwaggon 7. Rick Stief 8.. Jon Haegele 9. Bryant Davis 10. Mike Esposito 11. Eddie Wager 12. Dave Brown 13. Sean Kirkpatrick 14. Stephanie Stevens 15. Dave Graber 16. Mares Stellfox 17. Scott Krauss 18. Ian Detweiler 19. Harris Kohen 20. Stef Palmai 21. Karl Freyer 22. Shane Smith 23. Tim Tanner 24. Scott Frack 25. Adam Carberry
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:
Saturday, July 26, 7:30 p.m. Atlas Paving Night featuring the Pepsi-Bashore Modified Challenge along with Sportsman and Late Models.
Tuesday, July 29, 7:30 p.m. Pioneer Pole Buildings 17th Annual Traffic Jam Race of Champions - Modifieds and 410 Sprints
Saturday, August 2, 7:30 p.m. WNPV-1440AM Radio Night featuring NASCAR Whelen 358 Modifieds, BRC Late Models, Sportsman and Blast from the Past Vintage Cars.
Saturday, August 9, 7:30 p.m. Forrest Rogers Memorial Presented by Pioneer Pole Buildings for NASCAR 358 Modifieds plus Sportsman racing. RCN-TV Coverage
Sunday, August 10, 1 p.m. Outlaw Enduro Racing and Blast from the Past Vintage Cars
All regular Saturday night racing events have a ticket price of $15 for adults with youngsters 12 and under admitted free. Active military with proper ID are admitted free.
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ERNIE SAXTON COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Public Relations, Sponsorship Consultant
Journalist - Event Announcer - Public Speaker
215.752.7797 & 267.934.7286
Esaxton144@aol.com
ARDC MIDGET ACTION RETURNS TO SUNDAY NIGHTS AT THE GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY
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Contact - Deb Smith
For Immediate Release
Phone (610) 972-6176
Email - dsfotog@aol.com
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ARDC MIDGET ACTION RETURNS TO SUNDAY NIGHTS AT THE GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY
It's been thirty years since Sunday night racing at the Grandview Speedway featured midget racing but that is all about to change this Sunday, May 4th with the Open Wheel Spectacular on the high banks of the Grandview Speedway! And what better timing than the 2014 season as the American Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) celebrates their 75th Anniversary.
In what will be the first of four doubleheader events, ARDC will team up with the Hilborn Tri-State Race Saver 305 Sprint Cars in a Sunday night program on the 1/3 mile speedway with both divisions featured in qualifying events and twenty-five lap features.
Bob Hilbert Sportswear will be offering several ARDC drivers some additional incentives this season. The Hilbert on the Hill Challenge will award the driver who accumulates the most points in the eight scheduled events at the Grandview Speedway with 100 White Express T-shirts with front and back imprinting. Hilbert will also present the 2nd through 5th place drivers in the series with $100 gift certificates. With the Grandview Speedway located in such close proximity to Hilbert's business, the pairing was just a natural combination.
After rain caused the cancellation of the second event on the ARDC 2014 schedule, ARDC teams are anxiously awaiting their next event at Grandview. Many of the ARDC teams consider the Grandview Speedway to be their home track. "Grandview is one my favorite tracks," 2013 ARDC Champion Trevor Kobylarz stated recently. "We consider Grandview to be our home track since it is the closest to home of anywhere we race. It gives us a chance to bring our sponsors to the track as well as family and friends." Kobylarz continued, "And with this being our (ARDC) 75th Anniversary, it connects us to a part of our history that was very popular. A lot of people have told me how they used to attend those Sunday night races at Grandview."
Many of the drivers share Kobylarz' sentiments and would like nothing better than to visit Victory Lane at the Grandview Speedway.
Kobylarz and regular Saturday night Grandview competitor, Tim Buckwalter were the winners of the 2013 ARDC events at Grandview and both will be in the field for the first Sunday night event in thirty years. Buckwalter moved into competition in the Small Block Modified ranks at Grandview after winning the 2012 ARDC Championship.
Kobylarz and Buckwalter will have plenty of competition from the likes of the winner of the 2014 season opener, Steven Drevicki, Bruce Buckwalter, Jr., Ryan Greth, PJ Gargiulo, Brett Arndt, Tony DiMattia, Alex Bright, Kyle Lick and Nick Wean as well as many more. Billy Pauch Jr. who has an ARDC win at Grandview in the Burke Trucking #54 will be doing double duty on Sunday nights as he races in both the sprint cars and midgets. Modified chauffeur, Ryan Watt will run a team car to Pauch as both drivers wheel entries owned by Jerry & Karen Steward.
A Meet & Greet will allow fans access to two drivers from each organization prior to the Sunday night events. Drivers will be available for pictures and autographs beginning at 5pm on race night, just outside the track's main entrance.
It's been a part of midget history and now will become apart of the present.
Pit gates open at 3:30pm, grandstands at 5:30pm and racing starts at 7:30pm. Adult admission is $15 with children 6-11 just $3. Children under 6 are free.
DREVICKI OPENS 2014 ARDC SEASON WITH A WIN
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Contact - Deb Smith
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Email - dsfotog@aol.com
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DREVICKI OPENS 2014 ARDC SEASON WITH A WIN
Reading, PA driver, Steven Drevicki put his DeGre Engineering #19 in Victory Lane at the New Egypt Speedway as the American Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) opened their 2014 racing season - the 75th Anniversary season of the organization.
It was Drevicki's first race in a brand new car - an Elite chassis that his team built over the off season. With an Essingler power plant under the hood, Drevicki was in the thick of the race for the lead from the drop of the green flag after starting outside polesitter, 2013 ARDC Rookie of the Year, Tony DiMattia.
DiMattia took the field to the start and pulled his #50 out in front as with Drevicki and 2013 ARDC Champion, Trevor Kobylarz in hot pursuit. Alex Bright made some quick moves after starting in ninth position to join the leaders after just two laps were completed. Kobylarz spun in turn two after making contact, ending his first race of the season. DiMattia regained the lead on the restart but Drevicki completed the pass for the lead on lap four as Bright followed into second. Shawn Jackson and Brenden Bright after five laps were completed.
Bright dogged Drevicki through the race's half-way point. Brenden Bright made his move on lap fifteen to take over third from Dimattia. One lap later, Alex Bright challenged for the lead, taking over the lead on lap sixteen.
As the leaders raced into lapped traffic, Drevicki stayed with Bright, looking for an opportunity. As Bright and Drevicki raced out of turn two on lap twenty-two, Bright slowed and pulled to the infield as his bid for the win came to an end. Drevicki drove into the lead. As the laps counted down, Lick made a pass by DiMattia to take third.
Drevicki drove to the win followed by Brenden Bright, Lick, DiMattia as Brett Wanner completed the top five at the finish line.
Heat races were won by Drevicki and Alex Bright.
The 2014 schedule takes ARDC to the Williams Grove Speedway this Friday night for the first of two events this season. The first of the Sunday night open cockpit shows at the Grandview Speedway is next on the calendar with the first of four of these events coming on Sunday, May 4th.
Feature Finish (25 laps) - 1. Steven Drevicki 2. Brenden Bright 3. Kyle Lick 4. Tony DiMattia 5. Brett Wanner 6. BJ Buckwalter 7. Tommy Kunsman (R) 8. Brian Gilmore 9. Ryan Watt 10. Shawn Jackson 11. Austin Burke 12. Alex Bright 13. Trevor Kobylarz 14. Carey Becker 15. Greg Fitzpatrick 16. PJ Gargiulo 17. Justin Grosz 18. Billy Pauch Jr. 19. Brett Arndt DNS - Nick Wean
ARDC NEWS
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Contact - Deb Smith
For Immediate Release
Phone (610) 972-6176
Email - dsfotog@aol.com
BRIGHT IS THE STAR IN CANDY BOWL ARDC FEATURE
Kobylarz is 2013 ARDC Champion
Brenden Bright made sure that his third season in ARDC midget competition was not a winless one as he picked up his first win of the season in the final ARDC event of 2013. The 2011 ARDC Rookie of the Year struggled with mechanical issues throughout much of the season and missed several races during the summer months. Bright rejoined the schedule just three races ago, picking up a third and a win to close out the season.
Bright took the lead on lap thirteen from rookie, Jim Radney and then drove to the checkered flag seven laps later.
A multi car incident in turn two was the cause of a complete restart and Radney and Brett Arndt led the field to the green for the second attempt at lap number one. After getting upside down, Tony DiMattia was unable to continue. Jason Rice and Steve Craig were also casualties in this incident.
Radney took the lead on lap one as Arndt and Steven Drevicki battled it out for second. Drevicki came up with the spot and then challenged Radney for the lead, becoming the race leader on the second circuit. Drevicki led through lap five as Radney kept him in his sights from second. Ryan Greth moved up to third ahead of Arndt while Bright moved into fifth on lap five.
Radney raced back by Drevicki to take the lead on lap six. The caution came out again on lap eight as Dave Shirk and Brian Gilmore came together between the first and second turns. Radney held the advantage over Drevicki as Greth ran third. Bright had now advanced to fourth with Kyle Lick rounding out the top five.
Radney took the half way sign as the race leader as Bright moved up to third behind Drevicki. Bright took over second on lap twelve and used the outside line to drive into the lead one lap later.
Bright was able to navigate his way through lapped traffic as he drove away from the competition. Bright took the checkered flag followed by Radney, Drevicki, Greth and Alex Bright.
After missing his heat race due to mechanical issues, Bruce Buckwalter, Jr. started the feature from the scratch position and drove up to seventh to earn the Hyper Hard Charger Award.
Trevor Kobylarz restarted at the rear of the field after the lap one incident in turn two but his 15th place finish was more than enough to secure his first ARDC Championship as a driver and the second consecutive Owner's Championship for R/T Racing's, Dyke and Carey Becker.
Finish (20 laps)
1. Brenden Bright 2. Jim Radney 3. Steven Drevicki 4. Ryan Greth 5. Alex Bright 6. Brett Arndt 7. Bruce Buckwalter, Jr. 8. Billy Pauch, Jr. 9. Kyle Lick 10. Curt Michael 11. Steven Bull 12. PJ Gargiulo 13. Brett Wanner 14. Billy Courtwright 15. Trevor Kobylarz 16. Brian Gilmore 17. Dave Shirk 18. Clayton Glassman 19. Greg Fitzpatrick 20. Steve Craig 21. Jason Rice 22. Tony DiMattia DNS - Mark Gilmore
ARDC RESULTS FROM THUNDER ON THE HILL
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Contact - Deb Smith
For Immediate Release
Phone (610) 972-6176
Email - dsfotog@aol.com
TIM BUCKWALTER PICKS UP ARDC WIN Thunder on the Hill
2012 ARDC Champion, Tim Buckwalter was the winner of the 25 lap feature event when the wingless midgets of ARDC joined the wingless sprint cars of USAC for the Eastern Storm event at the Grandview Speedway. It was only Buckwalter's second ARDC start of the season as he transitions into the PA 358 Small Block Modifieds, running the midget on a part time basis. This was Buckwalter's second Grandview win in a midget - his first came in October 2010 when he won the Thunder on the Hill season finale.
Shawn Jackson and Jimmy Glenn led the twenty-six car field to the green flag. A complete restart was needed when 2011 ARDC Champion, Drew Heistand and Ryan Watt came together on the backstretch. Jackson wasted no time in claiming the lead on the start. Steven Drevicki was on the move, taking over third on lap three as Alex Bright and rookie, Kyle Lick battled for position.
Point leader, Trevor Kobylarz drew the caution with five complete. Kobylarz had a left front flat from the start of the feature. Quick pit work sent Kobylarz back on the track to rejoin the rear of the field.
Drevicki moved into second ahead of Glenn and began to pressure Jackson for the lead. Drevicki took the lead on the backstretch on lap six as the battle was on for second through fifth. With ten complete, Tim Buckwalter moved into second behind Drevicki with Glenn, Alex Bright and Lick completing the top five.
Bruce Buckwalter, Jr. ran into trouble on lap thirteen with the cars of Nick Wean, Steve Craig, Steven Bull and Brett Arndt coming together in turn four. Only Craig was able to continue.
By half way, three time winner, Steve Buckwalter had moved into the top five. He had just moved ahead of Glenn for fourth when the DeGre Engineering #19 broke while leading. A disappointed Drevicki headed to the pits as Tim Buckwalter assumed the lead.
The top three spots would remain unchanged as Tim Buckwalter led and Alex Bright and Steve Buckwalter duked it out for second right down to the checkered flag. After winning the consolation, Billy Pauch Jr. drove the Fitzpatrick #28 through the field, taking fourth away from Glenn with about five laps to go.
Tim Buckwalter raced to his first win of the season with A. Bright, S. Buckwalter, Pauch and Glenn rounding out the top five. Pauch was named the Hyper Hard Charger of the race, finishing fourth after starting 19th.
PJ Gargiulo finished sixth as Watt rebounded from the lap one problem to finish 7th. Kyle Lick had the best performance of the season by a Rookie in eighth. Ryan Greth and Jason Rice completed the top ten.
Heats were won by Alex Bright, Glenn and Brenden Bright with Pauch winning the consi.
This race was the first of three for ARDC as they travel with the eastern Storm to Port Royal and Susquehanna this weekend.
Feature Finish (25 laps)
1. Tim Buckwalter 2. Alex Bright 3. Steve Buckwalter 4. Billy Pauch Jr, 5. Jimmy Glenn 6. PJ Gargiulo 7. Ryan Watt 8. Kyle Lick 9. Ryan Greth 10. Jason Rice 11. Brenden Bright 12. Tony DiMattia 13. John Barnett 14. Trevor Kobylarz 15. Scott Zipp 16. Brian Gilmore 17. Steve Craig 18. Carey Becker 19. Steven Drevicki 20. Nick Wean 21. Brett Arndt 22. Steven Bull 23. Bruce Buckwalter, Jr. 24. Shawn Jackson 25. Bill Courtwright 26. Drew Heistand
ARDC RESULTS FROM PITTSBURGH’S PA MOTOR SPEEDWAY
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Contact - Deb Smith
For Immediate Release
Phone (610) 972-6176
Email - dsfotog@aol.com
ALEX BRIGHT RACES TO SECOND WIN OF THE SEASON AT PPMS
Alex Bright of Collegeville, PA raced PJ Gargiulo for the lead in the final laps of the twenty lap ARDC feature event at Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway, picking up his second win of the season in the Lightcap Electric #77. The wingless midgets put on a show for the loyal supporters of the Pirates, Steelers and Penguins and gave the folks in the Three Rivers area something to talk about!
Polesitter, Brian Gilmore of Hackettstown, NJ led the starting field to the green flag to start the feature event. Parker Evans from Owego, NY used the outside line to grab the lead as the field crossed the starting line. Trevor Kobylarz quickly advanced from his fourth place start to challenge Evans for the lead, pulling out in front as the drivers headed down the backstretch of the wide, half mile speedway. Kobylarz had the race lead and started to put some distance between himself and the rest of the field.
For several laps, the action was all behind the leader as PJ Gargiulo drove into second on lap two after starting tenth. Brett Arndt took over third one lap later from his seventh place start. Alex and Brenden Bright ran in the top five with five laps complete.
With the half way point approaching, Alex Bright raced into third using the high outside line and made a bid for second. With Bright contesting, Gargiulo shot to the bottom of the track to take the lead. Gargiulo had pulled to a ten car length advantage when Bright took over second from Kobylarz.
While Alex Bright concentrated on Gargiulo in the lead, Arndt, Kobylarz, Brenden Bright and Nick Wean jockeyed for top five positions.
Bright went right to the top of the track during warm-ups and found his line of choice while many chose to run the shortest way around the track by running on the inside. Gargiulo moved to the top of the track and for a while, Bright ran in the tracks of the Morton, PA driver. As the laps counted down, Bright began to close on Gargiulo, moving within striking distance with just three laps to go. As the leaders came to the line with three laps remaining, Bright found an even higher line, running just inches from the wall. Gargiulo and Bright were even going across the line but Bright had the advantage as the cars exited turn two.
"I really didn't think that I had left him any room out there," Gargiulo stated. "But he found some - that's for sure!" Bright said his car was a "rocket" on the top of the track. "I moved up a little bit more and it was even better," Bright explained. "I know I was just inches from the wall but there was good bite up there!"
Bright led the final laps, taking the checkered flag for the second time this season. Gargiulo had his best outing of the 2012 season, leading laps and finishing second. Unlike his brother, Brenden Bright used the low, inside of the track and made some headway in the final laps, racing to third and the final podium finish. Kobylarz raced home in fourth with current ARDC point leader, Wean in fifth.
Bright was quick to thank his grandfather and car owner, Joe Hemler when he reached Victory Lane. "I want to thank my grandfather for all that he's done for me," Bright said. "I wouldn't be able to do this if it weren't for him!" , it was Bright's second win of the season and sixth podium finish in the last seven races.
Bright and Wean were the winners of the qualifying heats.
RACE NOTES:
Twelve races have produced seven different winners. Five drivers - Tim Buckwalter, Steve Buckwalter, Trevor Kobylarz, Brenden Bright and Alex Bright - each have two wins so far this season. Nick Wean and Steven Drevicki have one win a piece.
ARDC returns to Western PA to compete at Mercer Raceway Park for the second time this season. Steven Drevicki was the winner at Mercer just a few weeks ago.
ARDC continues to keep former car owner, George Stevens in their thoughts and prayers. The blood drive through the Miller Blood Bank has been extended through Saturday, August 11th. Cards of cheer will reach George at 3165 Belevider Road, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865.
Feature Finish (20 laps)
1-Alex Bright 2-PJ Gargiulo 3-Brenden Bright 4-Trevor Kobylarz 5-Nick Wean 6-Brett Arndt 7-Tim Buckwalter 8-Bruce Buckwalter, Jr. 9-Mark Gilmore 10-Parker Evans 11-Brian Gilmore 12-Steve Craig 13-Joe Butera 14-Bret Guzik 15-Brett Wanner 16-Steven Drevicki
