Archive for Short Track
WALL STADIUM AUTO RACING ADVANCE FOR 8-22
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Wall Stadium
DATE OF EVENT: Aug. 22, 2020
DATE OF RELEASE: Aug. 19, 2020
CONTACT: Jeff Gravatt
5 MAIN EVENTS AND DISCOUNT ADMISSION ON “CARNIVAL NIGHT” AT WALL STADIUM THIS SATURDAY (AUG. 22)
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ Auto racing fans have a big event slated for this Saturday (Aug. 22) at Wall Stadium Speedway with five stock car racing main events during “Carnival Night” festivities. A special discounted admission price of just $10 for adults and $5 for students aged 6 to 16 will be offered. Kids 5 and under and parking are always free. Spectator seating will open at 4:30 p.m., with qualifying slated for 5:30 p.m. Main event action will follow at around 7:00 p.m. This “Carnival Night” themed event will feature free games for children on the midway area and social distancing will be practiced.
On the high banked third mile paved oval five feature races will be presented with the Sportsman cars, Factory Stocks, Legend Cars, 4 Cylinder Stocks and Limited Late Models all competing in 25-lap main events on the third mile paved oval.
The Sportsman race will see top racers Jake Nelke of Manahawkin, Eric Lane of Howell, Neil Rutt III of Edison, and Lanoka Harbor's Jonathan Laureigh lead the way.
Top racers in the Factory Stock race will include three-time winner Bryan O'Shea of Neptune City, Mike Montano of Freeport, N.Y., Scott Riggleman of Manchester and defending champ Elliott Wohl of Beachwood all in racing action.
Ryan Maher of Neptune City will lead the 4 Cylinder Stocks, with Chris Silvestri of Hazlet looking for a Limited Late Model win and Legend Cars point leader Peter Bruno of Little Silver seeking a 25-lap victory.
The grandstand midway will be festive during the “Carnival Night” event as plenty of games of chance for youngsters will be offered with prizes going to the winners. Social distancing will be practiced in the midway and the grandstands.
Saturday’s schedule will see the competitor pit area open at 1:00 p.m. Regular practice will start at 3:00 p.m., while spectator seating will open at 4:30 p.m. Qualifying will then begin at 5:30 p.m. and feature race action for all divisions is slated for 7:00 p.m.
Wall Stadium Speedway is located on Route 34 in Wall Township, N.J., just one mile north of Garden State Parkway exit 98 and Interstate 195 exit 35B. More information can be obtained by visiting www.wallspeedwayracing.com. The speedway hotline number is 732-681-6400 and email address is CKMotorsports@aol.com.
THUNDER ON THE HILL NEWS
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Thunder on the Hill
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JULY 31, 2020
CONTACT: BOB MILLER 443 513 4456
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES
LEVAN MACHINE & TRUCK EQUIPMENT PRESENT 410 SPRINT & MODIFIED DOUBLEHEADER. . . . .
RYAN TAYLOR EYES FIRST THUNDER WIN WHEN TONY STEWART’S ALL-STAR CIRCUIT OF CHAMPIONS INVADE GRANDVIEW THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
BECHTELSVILLE, PA AUGUST 18, 2020 . . . . . . The 410 Sprints will make their final visit of the year at Grandview Speedway on Thursday night, August 27 when Tony Stewart’s Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions team up with the 358 Modifieds as part of the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series presented by Levan Machine & Truck Equipment.
Both divisions will compete in qualifying events leading up to the 35 lap Thunder Cup paying $5,000 to win for the 410 Sprint feature and a 30 lap 358 Modified feature paying $3,000 to win. Gates open at 5 PM with race time set for 7:30 PM.
One 410 sprint driver looking to claim his first Thunder on the Hill victory is Ryan Taylor of nearby Mertztown, PA. Taylor started his racing career in the open-wheel karts at Oreville, and he credits his Dad for teaching him the basics. He progressed his driving career advancing to the slingshots then on to the modifieds at Grandview and Bridgeport. Somewhat exhausted of the weekly repairs needed to a modified, at age 18, Ryan made a move to the 410 sprints, and in Ryan’s words, “It was the best racing decision I’ve made yet!”
“Grandview is the track I grew up at, going there as a child, it holds a special place to me.” Taylor continued, “ I’ve raced modifieds at Grandview for a season and got to know many familiar faces.”
“To me, Grandview is one of my favorite places to run a sprint car. I think the track configuration provides a very fast-paced race with lots of traffic and passing, which is great for the fans and drivers alike.” Ryan describes Grandview this way, " It’s the right length straightaways for the right width corners with the right banking to provide wide-open racing early on at high speeds, with slick fun to slide on the surface at the end of the night."
Sponsors play a big part in the on-going success of this race team, and Ryan is quick to recognize Abreu Vineyards, CP=Carrillo, and Wilwood Racin. “Winning the Thunder Cup would be a huge win for myself, there are a lot of family and friends that come to Grandview to watch us race, and it would be nice to pick up a win there in this race. There sure would be a lot of celebrating going on!”
Winning will be no easy task with Aaron Reutzel of Clute, TX, in the field. He won the last two All Star events at Grandview, he is the defending All Series Champion and currently leads the 2020 point chase. Expected entries include Cory Eliason of Valisia, CA, Paul McMahan of Nashville, TN, Zeb Wise of Angola, IN, and Josh Baughman, Odessa, TX. Some home town favorites looking to chase the $5,000 first prize include Freddie Rahmer, Danny Dietrich, Anthony Macri, Alan Krimes, Brandon Rahmer, Brock Zearfoss, and Kyle Reinhardt, to name a few.
The thrilling 358 NASCAR Modifieds are the charm of Grandview Speedway every Saturday night. They never disappoint the fans when they are on a Thunder on the Hill Racing Series event. Very few tracks present shows with two star-studded divisions. After a series of qualifying events, the Modifieds will battle in a 30 lap feature paying $3,000 to win. The talent-filled field is expected to include Craig VonDohren, Duane Howard, Jeff Strunk, Brett Kressley, Rick Laubach, Doug Manmiller, Jared Umbenhauer, Mike Gular, Colt Harris, Kevin Hirthler and Mike Lisowski.
This big night of racing is presented by Levan Machine & Truck Equipment, a full-service machine, and truck shop, as well as a custom fabrication shop located in nearby Fleetwood, PA, just outside of Reading. Check out their full line of truck and trailer equipment, including snowplows and salt spreaders. To learn about their capabilities, including CNC machining, complete driveline service, MIG, TIG, and Stick welding, check out our web site at www.levanmachine.com.
For the August 27 event, adult admission tickets are $30, Children 6 to 11 are $10, Children 5 and under will be admitted free. The pit fee is $40, and a license is not required.
Advance tickets are available by calling 443 513 4456. Please speak clearly and provide your first and last name and the number of tickets you need. Tickets may be paid for and picked up at the WILL CALL window on race night. We ask that you please bring exact change. Advance ticket holders may enter the grandstands at 4:30 PM. Advance tickets orders can be processed up to the day before the race. We apologize, but advance tickets will NOT be available on race day.
The conditions and requirements under the COVID-19 situation are ever-changing, and we will provide updates as we approach race night. To offer the safest possible conditions for our fans, competitors, officials, safety crew, and track employees, we are making the following requests.
Please bring exact change when purchasing general admission tickets or pit passes.
We also advise that you wear a face mask, although not mandatory.
When possible, especially when standing in line, practice social distancing, and be considerate of the individuals around you.
Also, as much as we want you to join us if you are not feeling well, please do not attend.
2020 Thunder on the Hill Race Dates:
Thursday, August 27 THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES 7:30 PM
Tony Stewart's All Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprints & 358 Modifieds"
Saturday, October 17 THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES 6 PM
MODS AT THE MADHOUSE Trick or Treat Triple 20's & Sportsman
Grandview Speedway Contact Information
GPS USERS: 43 Passmore 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: www.thunderonthehillracingseries.com
Track Website: www.grandviewspeedway.com
Twitter/Instagram: @TOTHRACING
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thunderonthehill
LATEST GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY NASCAR TRACK POINT STANDINGS AND OTHER NEWS
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Grandview Speedway
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NEWS FROM ROGERS FAMILY GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY, Bechtelsville, PA
Presenting Saturday night NASCAR stock car racing plus a variety of special events. Our 58th consecutive season.
Track office: General Manager: Tina Rogers@ 610.754.7688 - Public relations: Ernie Saxton: Email: Esaxton144@aol.com – Cell phone: 267.934.7286
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15 DIFFERENT WINNERS IN SIXTEEN NASCAR STOCK CAR RACES AT GRANDVIEW SO FAR THIS SEASON
CONSISTENCY KEEPS VON DOHREN AND BRIAN HIRTHLER IN FRONT OF NASCAR STANDINGS
BECHTELSVILLE, PA August 18, 2020 . . . Competition seems to be the name of the game at NASCAR sanctioned Grandview Speedway. With 16 races in the record book, eight in the T.P.Trailers Modifieds and eight in the T.P.Truck Equipment Sportsman, there have been 15 different feature winners. Only Kevin Hirthler has been able to win two features and those wins came in the Modified division.
With just four weeks of point racing remaining fans can look to see even more competitive racing. This Saturday, August 22nd, doubleheader racing action will once again feature the Modifieds and Sportsman in action. A full series of qualifying events lead up to a 30-lap main event for the Modifieds and a 25-lapper for the Sportsman, all part of the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series which encompasses NASCAR tracks across the country.
Heading into the Saturday night action Craig Von Dohren, a ten time track champion, leads the Modified point battle with 2159 points while Doug Manmiller, looking for his first championship, is close behind with 2073 points showing that consistency works as he has not visited victory lane. Defending titleholder Duane Howard, a multi time champ, is third with 1971 counters. In fourth is Jared Umbenhauer with 1918 points followed by ten time champion Jeff Strunk, having won his first feature of the season last Saturday, with 1723 points.
Brian Hirthler continues to set the pace in the T.P.Truck Equipment Sportsman with 1652 points. Hirthler actually has two feature wins to his credit but one was the opening night feature that was not a point counting race. Second in the standings is Brad Arnold at 1477 tallies. Jack Butler holds on to third with 1396 counters. Fourth with 1374 points is Mark Kemmerer followed in fifth by Kyle Lilick who has tallied 1359 points.
The Saturday night doubleheader has the green flag falling at 7:30 p.m. with spectator gates open at 5:30 p.m. Adult admission is just $15 while youngsters under 12 are admitted free. Pit passes are $35 for those with a NASCAR license and $40 for those without.
And at 5 p.m. fans will have the opportunity to meet with drivers and get an up close look at their race cars as part of “Da Rev’s Meet & Greet with Pastor Don Kerns” at the main gate area. Featured this week will be Mike Gular and his 2A Modified along with Dakota Kohler and his 59K Sportsman along with Modified racer Ryan Grim showing off his #17. That continues until 6 p.m.
The month of August closes out for Saturday night stock car racing on the 29th with a tripleheader show that features the Modifieds, Sportsman and Excel 600 Modifieds.
Spectator gates swing open at 5:30 pm on August 22nd. With the first racing event getting the green flag at 7:30 p.m. Adult admission for the tripleheader is just $15 while youngsters under 12 are admitted free. Pit admission with license is $35 and without $40.
Reminder: No NASCAR license is required for crew or fans. Drivers can purchase temporary licenses good for one event or 15 day license.
Lap sponsorships, $20 each, for the 50th annual Freedom 76, set for Saturday September 19, remain available by contacting Tommy Kramer or Tina Rogers at the track. Checks covering the laps to be sponsored, along with wording for the lap or laps, should be made payable to Grandview Speedway and mailed to 87 Wilt Road, Bechtelsville, PA 19505. For additional lap and event sponsorships please telephone Ernie Saxton at 267.934.7286.
Fans attending the Freedom 76 are advised that they can place campers on property on Thursday, September 17 and must be removed by Sunday, September 20.
And there is a new event being added to the schedule on Saturday, September 5. The event, tentatively named the “Underdog” race will feature non-winners of Modified features, not in the top 15 in points, racing for an automatic entry in that night’s feature race plus some cash. More details to be announced. Contact 2geezer2@gmail.com for info.
UNOFFICIAL POINT STANDINGS FOR NASCAR MODIFIEDS AS OF AUGUST 15, 2020
1. Craig Von Dohren, Oley, PA #1C 2159*
2. Doug Manmiller, Shoemakersville, PA #44M 2073
3. Duane Howard, Oley, PA #357 1971*
4. Jared Umbenhauer, Richland, PA #19 1918
5. Jeff Strunk, Boyertown, PA #126 1723*
6. Ryan Grim, Laury’s Station, PA #17 1632
7. Louden Reimert, Oley, PA #16 1588
8. Mike Gular, Boyertown, PA #2A 1458*
9. Brett Kressley, Orefield, PA #19K 1420*
10. Craig Whitmoyer, Hamburg, PA #99 1404
11. Briggs Danner, Allentown, PA #78 1327
12. Rick Laubach, Hellertown, PA #7L/18/14 1191
13. Kevin Hirthler, Boyertown, PA #117 1106**
14. Justin Grim, Orefield, PA #61 1070
15. Dylan Swinehart, Fleetwood, PA #81 1048*
16. Kyle Weiss, Hamburg, PA #21K 986
17. Ryan Lilick, Collegeville, PA #49 915
18. Mike Lisowski, Minersville, PA #15 888
19. Dan Waisempacher, Springtown, PA #01 878
20. Kenny Gilmore, Fleetwood, PA #7K 844
21. Ryan Watt, Boyertown, PA 14W 837
22. Ron Kline, Salford, PA #3 777
23. Brett Gilmore, Fleetwood, PA #7B 774
24. Brad Grim, Coplay, PA #23 729
25. Ray Swinehart, Perkiomenville, PA #33 687
26. John Willman, Birdsboro, PA #74W 651
27. Eric Biehn, Barto, PA #87 630
28. Bobby Gunther Walsh, Allentown, PA #65 580
29. Joe Funk, Coopersburg, PA#14R 492
30. Clay Butler, Bloomsbury, NJ #4B 488
UNOFFICIAL POINT STANDINGS FOR NASCAR SPORTSMAN AS OF AUGUST 15, 2020
1. Brian Hirthler, Green Lane, PA #4* 1652*
2. Brad Arnold, Bethel, PA #27 1477*
3. Jack Butler, Phillipsburg, NJ #5 1396*
4. Ryan Beltz, Barto, PA #221 1380
5. Mark Kemmerer, Green Lane, PA #F10 1374
6. Kyle Lilick, Collegeville, PA #104 1359*
7. Chris Esposito, Hatfield, PA #31A 1337
8. Brad Brightbill, Sinking Springs, PA #19 1250*
9. Nate Brinker, Allentown, PA #14 1226
10. Kyle Smith, Fleetwood, PA #77 1185
11. Jimmy Leiby, Milford, NJ #9L 1165
12. Jesse Leiby, Milford, NJ #9 (332) 1139
13. Dakota Kohler, Kutztown, PA #59K 962*
14. Cole Stangle, Neshanic Station, PA #20C 712
15. Mike Mammana, Nazareth, PA #31 705
16. Parker Guldin, Fleetwood, PA #11 676
17. Kenny Bock, Birdsboro, PA #6 656*
18. Decker Swinehart, Fleetwood, PA #38 640
19. John McGovern, Bechtelsville, PA #327 613
20. Lex Shive, Pennsburg, PA #5K 609
21. Brandon Edgar, Lehighton, PA #57 606
22. Jesse Landis, Gilbertsville, PA #973 564
23. Nathan Mohr, Exeter, PA #17M 506
24. Ryan Higgs, Nazareth, PA #16 474
25. B J Joly, Oley, PA#924 447
#12S Scott Kohler *
* denotes feature win (Feature wins listed are only for those that are
NASCAR point events.)
New Egypt Speedway
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New Egypt Speedway
Route 539, New Egypt, NJ
Track Phone: 609-758-1900
Website: www.newegyptspeedway.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/newegyptspeedwayofficial
Twitter: www.twitter.com/nesspeedway
Pete MacDonald email: pmacdonald11@hotmail.com
Brandon Grosso’s Motor Lasts Just Long Enough to Become Sixth Winner in Six Races at New Egypt
New Egypt, NJ - Brandon Grosso of Belle Mead, NJ became the sixth different Vahlco Wheels Modified feature winner in as many races on Ladies night at New Egypt Speedway. Grosso had a comfortable lead when his engine began to lose power in the final laps, allowing runner-up Steve Davis one final shot at him on the final turn, but his motor had one last gasp in it which was just enough to drive back under Davis and beat him to the line by half a car length. The engine then expired heading into turn one requiring a push truck to take him to victory lane.
“The car was great all night until three laps to go, when I felt it start to lose power,” a relieved Grosso related in victory lane, “Fortunately it had just enough to get me back by him (Davis).”
Steve Davis led the field at the drop of the green as third starting Grosso battled with Kory Fleming and Cale Ross battling hard for second. This became a good four car battle for the lead as Davis fell back and then drove back by two cars and retook the lead. The first yellow appeared on lap three which saw Fleming and last week’s winner Frank Cozze both requiring wrecker service. On the restart Grosso shook the other challengers and closed in on Davis for the lead. This duo then put on a crowd pleasing duel as they raced side by side for the lead for 5 laps before Grosso finally moved in front. Once in front Grosso moved out to an 8 car length lead as he and Davis drove away from the pack, which saw many good battles going on from third thru 12th. At this point young Dakota Kessler wrestled third away from a persistent Ryan Krachun and slowly began running down the two leaders. Lapped traffic began to come into play in the final 10 laps but Grosso masterfully sliced thru keeping his advantage as Krachun and 23rd starting Billy Pauch Jr. caught up to Kessler to battle for third. After a long green flag run, the caution came on with just 8 laps remaining closing the field up for a final run to the checkered. Grosso sailed out in front once more as defending champ Pauch Jr. moved to third and began applying the pressure to Davis for second. Grosso seemed to have things well in hand until his motor began going sour with three to go. Going into turn three the final time Davis caught Grosso and executed a perfect Sprint/style slide job for the lead, but Grosso kept his cool steering back under him exiting turn four and his motor responded with just enough power to beat Davis to the stripe by half a car length for his fifth career win. Pauch had a ring-side seat for this battle as he pushed the duo across the line settling for third, advancing 20 positions after replacing the entire rear during intermission. Dakota Kessler continues to turn heads with his third top five finish in six races. Ryan Krachun continued his streak of all top ten finishes this year as he rounded out the top five.
Matt Miller won his second career feature in the Ice Less Crate Modified division as he led all 20 laps. It sounds much easier than it was as he had to hold off 3-time champion Eric Palmer and red-hot Jim Housworth, who finished second and third respectively. DJ Hunt and Steve Hicks had strong runs rounding out the top five in another highly competitive feature for the large field of 35 entries.
Point leader David Burns, who had not finished outside the top four this year, finally posted his first win of 2020. Burns drove under 3 time winner Jim Housworth and Matt Ellery as they battled for the lead, and drove away to the victory. Housworth settled for second posting two top three finishes on the night as he did double duty racing both this car and his Crate car. Ellery came home third followed by Will Dupree and Joseph Brown.
The Lyons Construction/MetalFab Rookie feature saw Will Protinick win for the first time. Paul Mancini came home second with Amanda Buchel coming home third.
The Street Stock 15 lap feature saw Bill Liedtka win for the 35th time in his career. For the first his team swept the top two spots as veteran Larry Reed wheeled Liedtka’s back-up car to a second place finish. For the fourth time in four races Brian Ludwig finishes third and takes over the division point lead.
Next week, Sat. night August 22nd, the Vahlco Wheels Modifieds will compete in the first annual Ron John Koczon Classic, honoring the former 5-time winner and 2000 Sportsman champion. In breaking news, the feature will now be a 77-lap $7700 to win event paying $370 to start!! The Ice Less Crate Modifieds will underscore the card with their own 27 lap affair paying a cool $1000 to win & the 4-cylinders will run 20 laps for $500 to win. Pit Gates open at 4pm, Grandstand gates will open at 5pm, warm-ups for all divisions start at 6pm and the first race gets the green flag at 7pm. It is sure to be a special night of racing.
New Egypt Speedway Results
Ladies Night
8/15/2020
Vahlco Wheels MODIFIEDS
Feature (30 laps): 1. Brandon Grosso 2. Steve Davis 3. Billy Pauch Jr. 4. Dakota Kessler 5. Ryan Krachun 6. John McClelland 7. Mike Butler 8. Danny Bouc 9. David Van Horn 10. Danny Creeden 11. Cale Ross 12. Jim Maher 13. Jeff Quackenbush 14. Dominick Buffalino 15. JR Fulper 16. Wade Hendrickson 17. Kory Fleming 18. PJ Oliver 19. Chris Grbac 20. Blaine Bracelin 21. Frank Venezia 22. Bucky Kell 23. Davey Sammons 24. Frank Cozze
Heat Winners: Brandon Grosso, David Van Horn, Dominick Buffalino
Ice Less CRATE MODIFIEDS
Feature (20 laps): 1. Matt Miller 2. Eric Palmer 3. Jim Housworth 4. DJ Hunt 5. Steve Hicks 6. Johnny Bangs 7. Vinny Troia 8. Ryan Simmons 9. Justin Grosso 10. Sammy Martz Jr. 11. Ryan Heim 12. Anthony Tramontana Jr. 13. Jimmy Dallett 14. Glenn McIntyre 15. Paul Mancini 16. Joe Nappi 17. Cody Higbie 18. Tom Princiotta 19. Dan Fleming 20. Jeremy Martino 21. Jon Meyer 22. Kevin Borden 23. Robbie Dunn 24. Howie Finch DNS: Will Protinick
Heat Winners: Glenn McIntyre, Eric Palmer, Jim Housworth
B Main Winner: Ryan Heim
DNQ: Nick Van Wickle, Aaron Weaver, Ryan Krushinski, Matt Knaub, George Begg, Bobby Holzwarth, Jared Labagh, Jake Bedell, Zach Merola, Mason Magee.
SPORTSMAN
Feature (20 laps): 1. David Burns 2. Jim Housworth 3. Matt Ellery 4. Will Dupree 5. Joseph Brown 6. Ryan Heim 7. Howie Finch 8. Jimmy Amato 9. Marty Resnick 10. Jim Avery 11. Jason Kosch 12. Darrell Quackenbush 13. Jarrod Burdge 14. John Criscione 15. Bob Lineman Jr. DNS: Nick Trapasso
Heat Winners: Bob Lineman, Jim Housworth
STREET STOCKS
Feature (15 laps): 1. Bill Liedtka 2. Larry Reed 3. Brian Ludwig 4. Drew Brocklebank 5. Spider Ensinger Sr. 6. Chris Felber 7. Everett Taylor 8. Dom Antonelli 9. Dennis Seeley 10. Mick Search
Lyons Construction/MetalFab ROOKIES
Feature (8 laps): 1. Will Protinick 2. Paul Mancini 3. Amanda Buchel 4. Mason Magee
Powder Puff Event:
1. Sara Napora 2. Emily Fleming 3. Melissa Scarpati 4. Katie Lyons 5. Penny Horner
WALL STADIUM RESULTS AUG. 15
Posted by: | Comments- Wall Stadium
DATE OF EVENT: Aug. 15, 2020
DATE OF RELEASE: Aug. 15, 2020
CONTACT: Jeff Gravatt
BLAKE BARNEY WINS WALL MODIFIED GARDEN STATE CLASSIC
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ Just one week after scoring his career first Wall Stadium Speedway Modified stock car victory, Blake Barney of Jackson returned Saturday night and won the 60th running of the NAPA Garden State Classic. A Barney family No. 14 entry also won the first ever Garden State Classic race held on the third mile paved oval in 1959 and has won several other “Classics” during the event's long history.
Fast timer Derek Hopkinson of Toms River darted to the lead at the outset of the 125-lap event which was presented by NAPA dealers Brice's Auto Supply and Van Wickle Auto Supply. Manasquan's Kenny Van Wickle shadowed the leader early before Howell's Jimmy Blewett advanced to second approaching the 40-lap mark. Blewett then chased Hopkinson before driving to the outside lane for the lead on lap 52. A caution a few laps later saw Blewett and Jackson's Steven Reed dive into the pit area for new tires as Holmdel's Andrew Krause and Barney, who had started ninth, advanced to second and third.
Hopkinson continued to lead the way as Blewett and Reed charged back to the front on the strength of new tires. Soon Blewett and Reed took over the top two positions and a battle for the lead was on as the duo swapped the top spot a few times near the 100 lap mark. Blewett then held his ground before spinning on lap 117. He soon left the race with reported mechanical trouble.
This left Reed and Hopkinson to fight for first as Howell's Kevin Davison and Barney lurked close behind. That war for the win then boiled over with six laps to go in turn two when Reed and Hopkinson touched and Hopkinson went spinning to force a caution flag. As a result Hopkinson went to the rear of the field for causing the caution and Reed was sent to the back as officials felt he had contributed to Hopkinson's incident.
Davison and Barney then wrestled on the restart before Barney charged to the front while Davison faded. Jackson's Kyle Scisco finished an impressive second after starting 20th as Ron Frees of Lanoka Harbor raced from 21st to finish third. Farmingdale's Tommy Martino and Krause wrapped up the top five. Brick's Eddie McCarthy, who was a contender most of the way, was sixth.
“If you would have told me with 20 laps to go that we would win this race I wouldn't have believed you,” Barney said after the event. “But this team has never given up in its history and I have learned not to give up. This car is a rocket! Just like when we won last week, the car is great on the outside and I knew if we got a chance in the closing laps we could win it!”
Grabbing the lead just before the half way point, defending champion Elliott Wohl of Beachwood raced to his first win of the year in the 25-lap Factory Stock main event. Wohl's victory broke a three race win streak for Neptune City's Bryan O'Shea, who finished seventh. Mike Montano of Freeport, N.Y., Kevin Flores of Brick, John Bowers of Pt. Pleasant and early race leader Nick Kilmer of Howell wrapped up the top five.
Wall's TJ Graves crossed the finish line first in the 25-lap 4 Cylinder Stock feature, but lost the win after post-race inspection. Sal Liguori of Hazlet then took down the victory while Ryan Maher of Neptune City, Howell's Doug Ashford, Darianne McLaren of Edison and Sean Vulsanic completed the top five.
Former champion Shanon Mongeau of Howell returned to win the Limited late Model 25-lapper. Hazlet's Chris Silvestri, Jackson's Greg Gastelu, Ricky Giannino and Buddy Miller were second through fifth.
The 2020 Saturday night regular season continues this Saturday (August 22) evening with the Sportsman cars, Factory Stocks, 4 Cylinder Stocks, Legend Cars and Limited Late Models seeing action in 25-lap main events. Discounted grandstand admission and Carnival activities will be offered. The pit area will open at 1:00 p.m. Grandstands will open at 4:30 p.m., qualifying starts at 5:30 p.m. and main event action starts at 7:00 p.m.
Current plans call for Saturday night racing action to continue through early October with schedule details at www.wallspeedwayracing.com.
Wall Stadium is located on Route 34 in Wall Township, N.J., just one mile north of Garden State Parkway exit 98 and Interstate 195 exit 35B. The speedway hotline number is 732-681-6400 and email address is ckmotorsports@aol.com.
RACE RESULTS
MODIFIED FEATURE – 40 Laps – 1. BLAKE BARNEY, JACKSON, 2. Kyle Scisco, 3. Ron Frees, 4. Tommy Martino, 5. Andrew Krause, 6. Eddie McCarthy, 7. Derek Hopkinson, 8. Jonathan Mandato, 9. Shaun Carrig, 10. Jason treat, 11. Kevin Davison, 12. Steven Reed, 13. Zach Alspach, 14. Jimmy Blewett, 15. Jason Hearne, 16. Dom Fattaruso, 17. Joey Merlino, 18. Robert French, 19. Kenny Van Wickle, 20. Ricky Collins, 21. Marc Rogers, 22. Tyler Truex, 23. Glenn Slocum, Jr. 24. Ken Matlach, 25. Adam LaCicero
FACTORY STOCK FEATURE – 25 Laps – 1. ELLIOTT WOHL, BEACHWOOD, 2. Mike Montano, 3. Kevin Flores, 4. John Bowers, 5. Nick Kilmer, 6. Tim Majek, 7. Bryan O'Shea, 8. Matt Badessa, 9. Robert Stack, 10. Billy Both, 11. Neil Rutt, 12. Scott Riggleman, 13. Brian Osborn, 14. Nick Catone, 15. Brian DeSarno, 16. Tom Rajkowski, 17. Tony Bartone, 18. Nancy Riggleman, 19. Steve Mangano, 20. John Carpenter
4 CYLINDER STOCK FEATURE – 25 Laps – 1. SAL LIGUORI, HAZLET 2. Ryan Maher, 3. Doug Ashford, 4. Darianne McLaren, 5. Sean Vulsanic, 6. Cody Critelli, 7. Cole Mullen, 8. Nicole Razzano, 9. William Cross, 10. Theresa Collins, 11. Max Montijo, 12. Travis Schwartz, DQ. TJ Graves
LIMITED LATE MODEL FEATURE – 25 Laps - 1. SHANON MONGEAU, HOWELL, 2. Chris Silvestri, 3. Greg Gastelu, 4. Ricky Giannino, 5. Buddy Miller, 6. Stephen Puglisi, 7. Mike Tillett
The Battle Continues At Albany Saratoga Speedway
Posted by: | CommentsKyle Larson Makes History With Capitani Classic Win at Knoxville
Posted by: | Comments
World of Outlaws
Contact: Nick Graziano
World of Outlaws PR
ngraziano@dirtcar.com
Please click here for the original World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series article
Winner Kyle Larson (Trent Gower Photo)
ONE OF A KIND: Kyle Larson Makes History With Capitani Classic Win at Knoxville
Logan Schuchart and David Gravel make big points gains during “The One and Only” weekend
KNOXVILLE, IA – Aug. 15, 2020 – Kyle Larson was forced to leave Knoxville Raceway with a broken heart last year after failing to qualify for the Knoxville Nationals. A year later, it was healed with the Elk Grove, CA driver winning the biggest Sprint Car race of his career at the historic half-mile with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.
Larson was a missile among bullets Saturday night, leading from the green to checkers in the 30-lap Feature to claim the Brownells Capitani Classic presented by Great Southern Bank win and the big $50,000 check.
“It means a lot,” Larson said about winning the Capitani. “We wish it was the (Knoxville) Nationals but hats off to the Outlaws and Knoxville and everyone who helps present this race and award this purse.”
He and the Silva Motorsports team have been the class of the field about every time they hit the black Zook clay. Aside from a 10th-place run with the Series in May, Larson has won five out of his last six starts at the track in the #57 car, owned and worked on by Paul Silva. On Thursday, Larson won the opening night of “The One and Only” – which replaced the postponed Nationals – and was forced to settle with a second-place finish Friday night.
His performance during the two opening nights of the event helped lock him into the DIRTVision Fast Pass Dash for Saturday’s Capitani Classic. With the fortune of starting on the outside pole for the Dash, Larson darted past polesitter Aaron Reutzel on the start and ran away with the win.
It was teaser of what would come in the 30-lap Feature.
Reutzel tried to make it interesting when the green flag flew, crowding Larson on the entrance to Turn 1. However, Larson was strong no matter where he had to put his car. While ridding the inside berm, Larson was able to nose ahead of Reutzel off Turn 2 and pulled further ahead down the backstretch. He cleared Reutzel on the entrance to Turn 3 and again pulled away.
A lap later, Larson no longer had to worry about a battle from the Folkens Bros Trucking #87 as Reutzel suffered a rear end issue that took him out of the race. That lined up points leader Logan Schuchart alongside Larson for the restart.
When the green flag waved again, Larson had no intentions of allowing another challenge for the lead. He timed his throttle acceleration perfect and rocketed ahead of the field. He became untouchable, pulling away to about a four second lead. Even while having to navigate traffic.
His race almost came to an end toward the halfway point when he nearly collided with Shane Golobic while trying to lap him. The incident forced him up the inside berm and got his car out of shape. He lost little time to Schuchart, though, who had been working on keeping 2019 Knoxville Nationals winner David Gravel behind him.
Gravel’s car came to life in the closing laps, passing Schuchart for second with five laps to go. His next target, Larson, was too far gone to catch. Time wasn't on his side. Until it was given to him.
James McFadden rolled over in Turn 4 with two laps to go, bringing out the red flag and giving Gravel one attempt at dethroning Larson. It was a rematch from Friday night’s race, where Gravel held of Larson in the closing laps of the race. Knowing Gravel was behind him made Larson a little worried, too.
“I wasn’t quite sure what to do because Gravel gets around the bottom so well,” Larson said. “I had been running the top both ends really good. But I didn’t want to leave the door open on the restart. I kind of debated with myself the whole way down the front stretch of what to do.”
When they were allowed to mash their throttles again, Larson made the decision to dive to the bottom and block the head of steam Gravel had going into the turn. His decision helped win him the race, as Gravel was unable to work the bottom to his advance and get by Larson.
“If he ran the top there, I was going to send it in on him,” Gravel said. “It just didn’t happen. It was a good race. We wouldn’t have had a shot if that red didn’t come out. He was gone. Started fifth and couldn’t get going there early in the race. Had to battle Logan (Schuchart) there quite a bit. I think we had the second-best car.”
With his performance this weekend of finishing, fifth, first and second, Gravel has helped propel Jason Johnson Racing to second in the team points – now only four-points back from the leader.
Logan Schuchart had a similar feat by reclaiming the points lead the first night of “The One and Only” when reigning Series champion Brad Sweet and 10-time Series champion Donny Schatz DNF’d. He held the lead throughout the weekend and with a third-place finish during the Capitani Classic, he leaves Knoxville with an 18-point lead over Sweet.
“I just got beat by better experienced drivers and better teams tonight,” Schuchart said. “We’ve gotten better since we’ve come to Knoxville. Really hit it right last year. I just pulled my wing back a little too much at the start of the race and got tight on the cushion and started trying different things that wasn’t really working.”
Along with Larson’s impressive run, Schatz had one of his own. He lost a motor during his Drydene Qualifier race and his Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing team had to scramble to get the car out of the track, to their trailer and then replace the motor in time to be back for the C-Main.
Schatz went from 17th to the win in the 12-lap C-Main, which transferred him to the rear of the Last Chance Showdown. He then went from 18th to fourth in the LCS to earn the final spot in the Feature. By the time the checkered flag was shown, Schatz had made his way from 24th to 12th in the Feature, earning the KSE Racing Hard Charger award for the second night in a row.
Larson’s win is his seventh win of the season with the Series – 15th career win overall – and the most historic one of his Sprint Car career, so far.
We’re only a year away from heartbreak or triumph at the 2021 Knoxville Nationals.
UP NEXT
The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series returns to North Dakota for a doubleheader weekend. On Fri., Aug. 21 the Series returns to River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, ND. Get tickets by clicking here. And on Sat., Aug. 22 the Series returns to Red River Valley Speedway in West Fargo, ND. Get tickets by clicking here. https://slspromotions.ticketforce.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=191
Race Results: 8/15/20 – Knoxville Raceway – Capitani Classic
NOS Energy Drink Feature (30 Laps) – 1. 57-Kyle Larson [1][$50,000]; 2. 41-David Gravel [5][$25,000]; 3. 1S-Logan Schuchart [3][$12,500]; 4. 2-Carson Macedo [6][$8,000]; 5. 71-Spencer Bayston [8][$7,000]; 6. 49-Brad Sweet [4][$6,000]; 7. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [9][$5,750]; 8. 17A-Austin McCarl [19][$5,500]; 9. 24-Rico Abreu [7][$5,250]; 10. 83-Daryn Pittman [12][$5,000]; 11. 26-Cory Eliason [14][$4,500]; 12. 15-Donny Schatz [24][$4,250]; 13. 18-Gio Scelzi [16][$4,000]; 14. 12N-Joey Saldana [10][$3,750]; 15. 48-Danny Dietrich [22][$3,500]; 16. 21-Brian Brown [21][$3,250]; 17. O9-Matt Juhl [23][$3,000]; 18. 19-Shane Stewart [15][$3,000]; 19. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss [20][$3,000]; 20. 1A-Jacob Allen [11][$3,000]; 21. 9-James McFadden [13][$3,000]; 22. 17W-Shane Golobic [17][$3,000]; 23. 4-Terry McCarl [18][$3,000]; 24. 87-Aaron Reutzel [2][$3,000]; Lap Leaders: Kyle Larson 1-30; KSE Hard Charger Award: 15-Donny Schatz[+12]
DRYDENE Qualifier #1 (12 Laps) – Top 4 Transfer – 1. 49-Brad Sweet [2]; 2. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [4]; 3. 9-James McFadden [3]; 4. 17W-Shane Golobic [6]; 5. 48-Danny Dietrich [7]; 6. 49X-Tim Shaffer [11]; 7. 17X-Josh Baughman [8]; 8. 33M-Mason Daniel [10]; 9. 5C-Colby Copeland [9]; 10. 42-Sye Lynch [14]; 11. 27-Tucker Klaasmeyer [12]; 12. 44-Chris Martin [13]; 13. 21-Brian Brown [1]; 14. 15-Donny Schatz [5]; 15. 56-Joe Simbro [15]
DRYDENE Qualifier #2 (12 Laps) – Top 4 Transfer – 1. 24-Rico Abreu [1]; 2. 12N-Joey Saldana [4]; 3. 26-Cory Eliason [2]; 4. 4-Terry McCarl [5]; 5. 7S-Jason Sides [6]; 6. 7BC-Tyler Courtney [8]; 7. O9-Matt Juhl [3]; 8. 3-Ayrton Gennetten [10]; 9. 49J-Josh Schneiderman [9]; 10. 83J-Lynton Jeffrey [11]; 11. 56N-Davey Heskin [12]; 12. 9W-Ryan Giles [13]; 13. 3P-Sawyer Phillips [7]; 14. 6-Bill Rose [14]
DRYDENE Qualifier #3 (12 Laps) – Top 4 Transfer – 1. 2-Carson Macedo [1]; 2. 1A-Jacob Allen [2]; 3. 19-Shane Stewart [3]; 4. 17A-Austin McCarl [7]; 5. 2M-Kerry Madsen [9]; 6. 13-Paul McMahan [6]; 7. 39-Sammy Swindell [5]; 8. 44S-Trey Starks [10]; 9. 2KS-Brooke Tatnell [4]; 10. 5-Ian Madsen [8]; 11. 7TAZ-Tasker Phillips [12]; 12. 70-Cale Thomas [13]; 13. 41S-Dominic Scelzi [11]; 14. 14K-Tori Knutson [14]
DRYDENE Qualifier #4 (12 Laps) – Top 4 Transfer – 1. 71-Spencer Bayston [1]; 2. 83-Daryn Pittman [2]; 3. 18-Gio Scelzi [3]; 4. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss [4]; 5. 14-Parker Price-Miller [7]; 6. 15H-Sam Hafertepe [5]; 7. 7-Tim Kaeding [6]; 8. 11K-Kraig Kinser [9]; 9. 2C-Wayne Johnson [10]; 10. 99-Skylar Gee [11]; 11. 88-Kyle Offill [12]; 12. 39M-Anthony Macri [8]; 13. 2K-Kevin Ingle [14]; 14. 35-Zach Hampton [13]
DIRTVision Fast Pass Dash (6 Laps) – 1. 57-Kyle Larson [2]; 2. 87-Aaron Reutzel [1]; 3. 1S-Logan Schuchart [4]; 4. 49-Brad Sweet [6]; 5. 41-David Gravel [3]; 6. 2-Carson Macedo [7]; 7. 24-Rico Abreu [8]; 8. 71-Spencer Bayston [5]
C-Main (12 Laps) – Top 4 Transfer – 1. 15-Donny Schatz [17][]; 2. 83J-Lynton Jeffrey [6][]; 3. 5-Ian Madsen [7][]; 4. 7TAZ-Tasker Phillips [11][]; 5. 2KS-Brooke Tatnell [3][$450]; 6. 49J-Josh Schneiderman [2][$400]; 7. 27-Tucker Klaasmeyer [9][$350]; 8. 42-Sye Lynch [5][$300]; 9. 88-Kyle Offill [12][$300]; 10. 14K-Tori Knutson [19][$300]; 11. 56N-Davey Heskin [10][$300]; 12. 2C-Wayne Johnson [4][$300]; 13. 5C-Colby Copeland [1][$300]; 14. 3P-Sawyer Phillips [16][$300]; 15. 44-Chris Martin [13][$300]; 16. 99-Skylar Gee [8][$300]; 17. 70-Cale Thomas [14][$300]; 18. 39M-Anthony Macri [15][$300]; 19. 56-Joe Simbro [22][$300]; 20. 2K-Kevin Ingle [21][$300]; 21. 6-Bill Rose [18][$300]; 22. 35-Zach Hampton [20][$300]; 23. 9W-Ryan Giles [23][$300]; 24. 41S-Dominic Scelzi [24][$300]
Last Chance Showdown (15 Laps) – Top 4 Transfer – 1. 21-Brian Brown [1][]; 2. 48-Danny Dietrich [3][]; 3. O9-Matt Juhl [2][]; 4. 15-Donny Schatz [18][]; 5. 2M-Kerry Madsen [5][$2,400]; 6. 7BC-Tyler Courtney [8][$2,200]; 7. 7-Tim Kaeding [13][$2,000]; 8. 7S-Jason Sides [4][$1,800]; 9. 13-Paul McMahan [9][$1,600]; 10. 14-Parker Price-Miller [6][$1,400]; 11. 15H-Sam Hafertepe [10][$1,200]; 12. 11K-Kraig Kinser [17][$1,100]; 13. 3-Ayrton Gennetten [15][$1,000]; 14. 49X-Tim Shaffer [7][$900]; 15. 5-Ian Madsen [20][$800]; 16. 44S-Trey Starks [16][$700]; 17. 33M-Mason Daniel [14][$600]; 18. 7TAZ-Tasker Phillips [21][$500]; 19. 83J-Lynton Jeffrey [19][$500]; 20. 17X-Josh Baughman [11][$500]; 21. 39-Sammy Swindell [12][$500]
