Accord
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09/18/06

Accord Points Battles Over; Open-Comp Mod Racing On The Agenda
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - It's a good thing there is no racing at Accord Speedway on Sept. 8.

Everyone - racers, fans and officials - need the one-week respite to catch their respective breath after the championship battles came to a dramatic conclusion on Sept. 1.

Mike Ricci (358-Modified), Danny Creeden and Jamie Yannone (tie - Sportsman), Mike Sabia (Spec Sportsman), Clint Roehrs (Mini-Sprint), Lenny Brice (Pro Stock) and Bill Deak Jr. (Pure Stock) were crowned champions.

Bidding well for the future of racing at Accord - five of the seven champs are under 27 years of age.

With the points battles complete, Accord's 358-Modified division opens up for autumn action. Big- or small-block engines (and all things in between) will be permitted and competitors may use wet or dry-sump set-ups, gas or alcohol, DIRT-legal windows or 65-inch sail panels. Any 13- x 92-inch tires will be permitted.

Open-competition, big-block/small-block Modified racing comes to Accord beginning Sept. 15 with the second installment of the "Run What You Brung" 30-lap affair paying $1,500 to the winner. Robbie Green won last year's version of the anything-goes event. Race fans can expect to see Sprint-Car wings, side-boards, sail panels and more in this unique event.

All other divisions - Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks - will join the card, plus the return of the CRSA 305 Sprint Cars.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

Modifieds - under open-comp rules - will headline the quarter-mile oval's Sept. 22 program, plus all other classes.

The marquee event of the Big A's season is slated for Sept. 29-30, with the "King of the Catskills" two-day event presented by Rhinebeck Ford. On Friday night, the Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour will invade the quarter-mile oval in a 40-lap, $1,000-to-win combination affair.

Joining the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour will be Vintage Modifieds, CRSA Sprints and qualifying heats for the open-comp Modifieds.

The headline of Saturday's show is the 100-lap, $3,500-to-win King of the Catskills Modified main. Joining the century grind will be Bars-for-Less Mod Dash-for-Cash, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks and Slingshots.

For further information, contact the track office by phone at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

Heffner Races To 358-Mod Win; Mike Ricci New Points Leader
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - A heavy, tacky surface suited J.R. Heffner just fine.

The Averill Park, N.Y., driver dominated Friday night's Mid-Hudson Concrete 358-Modified feature at Accord Speedway, run after rain doused the speedway on Thursday night and Friday afternoon. Putting the right-rear wheel of his Park East Sales No. 74 on the outside cushion, Heffner raced to his second Big A triumph of '06.

Heffner also has two wins - one in big-block, the other in 358 - at N.Y.'s Lebanon Valley Speedway, where he competes on Saturday nights.

"We've struggled a little here this year," admitted Heffner,34, returning as a track regular for the first time since 2002 this season. "Tonight we were good."

Heffner started the 30-lap main from eighth position, with veteran Larry Badaracco taking the early lead in the slam-bang affair.

On lap seven, contact sent Rick Mill's Peter Reynolds-owned No. 73 spinning in turn four as he battled for a top-five spot. As Mill twirled in front of the field, an 11-car pileup ensued, necessitating the red flag. Among the drivers involved were Rich Ricci Jr., Mike Ricci, Andy Bachetti and Kevin Duryea - four of the top-five in the point standings.

During the ensuing caution period, Badaracco relinquished the lead with mechanical woes on the No. 17L. That put Ryan Stortini in command.

Following a lap-eight caution for Scott Ferrier's contact with the turn-three wall, Heffner lined up beside Stortini on the double-file restart. When the green flew, Heffner put his Silly's-powered Bicknell into the top spot.

Despite his involvement in the lap-seven incident and running with a flat left-front tire on his JPM-powered PMC No. 17, 20th-starter Mike Ricci took vaulted from fourth to second in one lap. He worked by Brett Graham exiting turn four on lap 14, then powered by Stortini in turn two on the 15th go-round.

Enduring two additional caution flags in the second half of the event, Heffner raced unchallenged to the win.

Ricci, 41, of Rosendale, N.Y., edged into the points lead over his brother Rich (who finished eighth) by two markers entering the Sept. 1 season finale.

After pitting on lap seven, Andy Bachetti of Sheffield, Mass., rebounded to finish third in the Downes Racing No. 40 Bicknell. Brett Graham of Accord, N.Y., was fourth using a borrowed powerplant from Robbie Fairweather's team. Stortini completed the front five.

Heat winners for the 21 358-Modifieds in attendance were John McGill, Barry Davis and Stortini.

Using both offensive and defensive strategies, Howard Jarvis of Accord, N.Y., won the 25-lap Sportsman feature over points leader Jamie Yannone.

Wheeling his No. 3J PMC mount from fifth position in the caution-plagued affair, Jarvis took command from first-year driver Steve Meilleur on lap three.

Meilleur held second through lap 18, when he attempted an inside pass of Jarvis in turn one. He initially clipped the inside wall in the first turn, then spun in turn four, ending his fine run.

Yannone took second at that point and applied heavy pressure to Jarvis in the final five laps. As a result, Jarvis moved his line from the outside cushion down to the track's low groove, picking up the $600 payday.

Yannone finished second, ahead of David Bush, who drove from 17th to place third. Jesse Marks was a steady fourth and Danny Creeden rebounded from a lap-one incident to fill out the front five.

Mike Sabia of Easton, Conn., grabbed the top spot after a wheel-banging battle with Ed Burgess on lap four and raced on to win the 15-lap Spec Sportsman feature. Burgess was second, with Garden State racer Dave Gorbatuk third. Vinnie DeCicco and Phil Recchio were fourth and fifth, respectively.

Low-budget Mini-Sprint racer Todd Lapp won the division's 20-lap feature.

And he had a good sense of humor about it.

Lapp, who took the lead from Brian Oliver on a lap-15 restart, joked in Victory Lane about beating the high-dollar engines and reported the whole car was "for sale for $8,500!"

In search of his first win, Oliver drove hard into turn three on the final lap and spun, handing second to new points leader Clint Roehrs. First-time '06 visitor Tony Montesi, Mark Rogers and John Lodini completed the front five.

Pat Zimmer remained in the Pro Stock championship fight with a wire-to-wire win in the 20-lap feature. The Saugerties, N.Y., driver started from the outside pole, took the lead at the start and pulled away. John Roese, Ray See Jr., Bill Deak Jr. and points leader Lenny Brice trailed.

Joe Judge garnered a much-needed win in the 15-lap Pure Stock event. The New Paltz, N.Y., driver took the lead on lap three from Kevin Krusewski and pulled away. Krusewski, Bill Rion, Donald J. Williams and Kyle Wright filled out the front five.

Mike Brown of High Falls, N.Y., bested a stout 15-car field in the Vintage Modified main, driving his '61 Falcon-bodied No. 76. Drew Evanyke was second.

Racing resumes on Sept. 1 with the final night of points competition sponsored by Alex's Marine. The 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks will be in action, along with a huge Labor Day Fireworks Extravaganza plus the first '06 appearance by the Four Cylinders, which will follow Catskill Mountain (N.Y.) Speedway rules. The rain date for this event is Sept. 8.

For further information, contact the track office at (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

BIG A NOTES: Car counts were 21 Modifieds, 19 Sportsman, 12 Spec Sportsman, 15 Mini-Sprints, 16 Pro Stocks, 17 Pure Stocks and 15 Vintage Modifieds....

Ryan Stortini felt his Lutes Family Racing No. 21L Teo-Pro car was the best it's been all season. Unfortunately, the car "loading up" on restarts cost him several positions (he finished fifth).

"I had no chance on those restarts," offered Stortini....

Former Accord 358-Modified driver turned Floridian Scott Kurtzner - vacationing in his native Capital District - took in the action with the Downes Racing team....

Mike Ricci's mere two-point lead with one race remaining brings back memories for his car owner, Jim Winchell, who won the track's 2000 Sportsman championship over Jimmy Johnson in similar, dramatic fashion....

Rich Ricci Jr. was on-track for a decent finish until John McGill got tagged and spun on a lap-19 restart, at which point he became entangled with Rick Mill's car in a chain-reaction crash. He raced on for eighth....

A tip of the hat to 358-Mod racer Dom Roselli, who raced quietly from the back following involvement in the lap-seven crash to finish sixth....

A broken rear-end during heat-race action kept Mike Senecal from running the Sportsman feature....

With Catskill Mountain (N.Y.) Speedway ceasing operations, some of the quarter-mile paved oval's drivers visited Accord - most notably, Jerry Curry (an IMCA-style Modified standout), who drove the Morton Pro Stock....

MID-HUDSON CONCRETE RACE SUMMARY
358-Modified Feature Finish: J.R. HEFFNER, Mike Ricci, Andy Bachetti, Brett Graham, Ryan Stortini, Dom Roselli, Kevin Duryea, Rich Ricci Jr., Mel Schrufer, Barry Davis, John McGill, Ernie Palmer Jr., Jackie Brown Jr., Tony Kawalchuk, Robbie Green, Rick Mill, Mark Pullen, Bob Cancellieri, Hank Goranson, Scott Ferrier, Larry Badaracco.

Sportsman Feature Finish: HOWARD JARVIS, Jamie Yannone, David Bush, Jesse Marks, Danny Creeden, Steve Krom, Dave Coene, Joe Giachinta, Ken Ferrier, Eric Moon, John Sundlof, Duane Koskey, Steve Meilleur, Gary LaBagh, Tom Tomasko, Charlie Winne, Danny Tyler.
Did Not Start: Mike Senecal.

Spec Sportsman Feature Finish: MIKE SABIA, Ed Burgess, Dave Gorbatuk, Vinnie DeCicco, Phil Recchio, Willy Auchmoody, Steve Eubanks, Jason Thew, Ed Drake, Tony Squicciarini.
Disqualified: Zach Graham.

Mini-Sprint Feature Finish: TODD LAPP, Clint Roehrs, Tony Montesi, Mark Rogers, John Lodini, Hank Katz, Gary Reyer, Brian Pomponio, Brian Oliver, Kevin Kondelka, Tim Lapp, Bobby Lynt, J.D. Casazza, Will Casazza, Ralph Utter Jr.

Pro Stock Feature Finish: PAT ZIMMER, John Roese, Ray See Jr., Bill Deak Sr., Lenny Brice, Don Williams, Rob Rowe, Mark Lathrop, Jerry Curry, John Hager, Elwood Hewitt, Kenny Atkins, Steve Plumstead, Adam Douglas, Larry Temple Jr., Scott Mill.

Pure Stock Feature Finish: JOE JUDGE, Kevin Krusewski, Bill Rion, Donald J. Williams, Kyle Wright, Bill Deak Jr., Scott Kilmer, James DeCicco III, Bill Judge, Paul Aragon Jr., Don Coon, John Woinoski, Ralph Ronk, Chris Kanuk, Tom Goodermote, Mike Deyo.

Vintage Modified Feature Finish: MIKE BROWN, Drew Evanyke, Mike Murphy, Jeff Richardson, Ray See Sr., Jim Bush Jr., Jim Halpin, Rob Rowe, Don Johnson Sr., Jim Donelli, Paul DeMott, Mike Kehr, Jeff Hager, Tom Athanas, Don Johnson Jr.

Ricci Drives From 10th In Caution-Free 358-Modified Main
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - All the elements were stacked against Mike Ricci.

He started deep in 10th position. 2006 feature winners Rick Mill and Andy Bachetti got out front early after starting in the first two rows. And the feature went caution-free.

None of that mattered to short-track guru Ricci, who drove to his division-leading fourth victory of the season in the Crackers Motorsports/Peak Racing Equipment 30-lap 358-Modified feature on Friday night at Accord Speedway.

Even Ricci didn't think he had a shot at the win halfway through the main.

"I knew I could catch them (Mill and Bachetti) because we were pretty fast," the Rosendale, N.Y., native said. "But catching and passing are two different things."

Starting second in Peter "Crackers" Reynolds's No. 73 Bicknell, two-time champion Mill set the early pace. The New Windsor, N.Y., driver put on a show for his sponsors in attendance by taking command at the outset.

Fourth-starting Bachetti drove the Downes Racing No. 40 into second on the opening lap. Bachetti hounded Mill for the first 13 circuits, looking low lap-after-lap.

With heavy lapped traffic directly in the path of the leader, Bachetti made a bold move on lap 14. Swinging to the outside in turn one, the Sheffield, Mass., native pulled even with Mill as the cars grazed rub-rails down the backstretch. Entering turn three, Bachetti was the new leader.

Meanwhile, Ricci joined the lead fight. The 41-year-old took third spot on lap 10. At that point, he was over a straightaway behind.

By the halfway mark, Ricci had the leaders in sight.

Ricci's hopes for a victory improved on lap 18. He shot high in turn three and ducked low, slipping by Mill for the runner-up spot in his Jim Winchell-owned, JPM-powered PMC chassis.

"Rick is usually tough to pass," Ricci said of the veteran driver.

"He actually helped me, because he held off Andy for so long, I caught both of them quick. Then I got by Rick right when I caught him."

The older of the Ricci brothers began his pursuit of Bachetti with 10 laps remaining, closing quickly on Bachetti's A&C Performance-powered Bicknell.

"I got to Andy and I felt like I was better," Ricci analyzed. "I could see he was tight through the center (of the corner), but I wasn't sure how I was going to get (by) him."

Ricci's opportunity came on lap 26. Bachetti attempted to thread-the-needle between two lapped cars and had to check up exiting turn two. Ricci pounced, sweeping by Bachetti in turn three.

"In traffic, the second-place guy always has the advantage," Ricci bottom-lined.

Ricci fended off Bachetti's final-lap charge to take the $1,500 payday. More significantly, he moved to within 12 points of younger brother Rich Ricci Jr. with the win on double-points night. Just two events remain to decide the '06 track champion.

Bachetti, 30, the current Lebanon Valley (N.Y.) Speedway big-block Mod and 358 points leader, settled for a $1,000 runner-up payday.

Mill faded to finish third, battling a car that became increasingly tight in the final laps. Rich Ricci Jr. drove from 11th to finish fourth and Averill Park, N.Y.'s J.R. Heffner was fifth.

Heat winners for the 22 358-Mods in attendance were Bachetti, Mill and Heffner.

Jamie Yannone returned to a familiar place on Friday night: Victory Lane.

The defending champion from Newburgh, N.Y., took a step toward his second consecutive title by winning the Sportsman 25-lap main over his chief contender Danny Creeden.

It was Yannone's third win of the season and first since June 2 driving his No. 21 Moshier-powered Teo-Pro car.

Yannone started sixth and took the lead on a lap-three restart from early pacesetter Justin Holland. On lap 11, Danny Creeden snatched second and briefly challenged Yannone following a 12th-lap caution.

However, Yannone gradually pulled away for the $600 payday. He has a six-point edge on Creeden with two events remaining.
Creeden, veteran Gary LaBagh, Holland and Jesse Marks rounded out the top five.

Vinnie DeCicco of Lake Katrine, N.Y., won his second Big A Spec Sportsman main of the season. DeCicco wheels a Teo-Pro car formerly driven by Mike Ricci.

DeCicco, a two-time winner in '06 at Glen Ridge (N.Y.) Motorsports Park, fended off a ferocious charge by Phil Recchio, who worked the back bumper of DeCicco's No. 55. A caution on the 14th go-round of the 15-lap main set up a quick dash to the finish.

DeCicco fended off Recchio, Zachary Graham, points leader Mike Sabia and Jeff Hager.

Mark Rogers won his first 20-lap Mini-Sprint feature in dramatic fashion.

At the controls of his No. 2R, the "Ice Cream Man" blasted off the pole to lead the first eight laps before Brian Oliver took command. One lap later, Oliver spun in turn four, putting Rogers back into the lead.

High point man Ralph Utter Jr. took second on lap 12 and looked poised to challenge Middletown, N.Y.'s Rogers. However, Utter spun on a lap-14 restart and had to resume his battle from the rear of the field.

But Rogers didn't simply cruise to the checkered.

Sophomore driver John Lodini turned up the wick in the final five circuits, making a determined run for the lead on the white-flag lap. Lodini drove his No. 6L to the inside of Rogers, drag-racing down the backstretch.

Rogers fought for the bottom groove entering turn three, while Lodini stayed hard in the throttle. Contact ensued, with Lodini's right-front tire climbing the tail-tank of the Rogers car.

The pair became momentarily hooked before Rogers broke loose and raced under the checkered flag, scoring a popular win. The Rogers family has been a staple at area speedways for many years before resurfacing in the Accord Mini-Sprint division in 2002.

"We've worked so hard," said Rogers. "I kind of crowded John (Lodini) a little getting into (turn) three there on the last lap, but, hey, these wins don't come too often."

Aside from his trophy, Rogers received an ice-cream sandwich in Victory Lane, a play on his nickname.

Lodini, Brian Pomponio, Todd Lapp and Gary Reyer completed the front five.

Lenny Brice topped the 20-lap Pro Stock feature. The proprietor of Kingston's Brice Discount Beverage took the lead on the 11th lap when Bill Deak Sr. pushed wide in turn four. Deak, a Nutmeg State racer looking for his first win at the track, hounded Brice for the remainder of the distance, finishing second. Scott Mill, Don Williams and John Roese trailed.

Accord, N.Y.'s Billy Rion drove his "Batmobile" No. 28 to a convincing win in the Pure Stock 15-lap nightcap. Rion took the lead on lap seven and outdistanced the field to win over Paul Aragon Jr., Bill Deak Jr., Joe Judge and Don Coon.

Racing resumes at the Action Track on Aug. 25 with a salute to Sgt. Eddie Ryan, who was injured while serving his country in Iraq. All active military with ID will be admitted free for a full program of 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks and Vintage Modifieds. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

For further information, contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

BIG A NOTES: Car counts were 22 358-Modifieds, 24 Sportsman, 11 Spec Sportsman, 16 Mini-Sprints, 20 Pro Stocks and 16 Pure Stocks....

Greg Chelak of Peak Racing Equipment, who made the trip to Accord from North Carolina to take in the racing at the Big A, presented complimentary safety equipment to all six feature winners....

Mike Ricci ran a new set of Shadow Racing Products "Black Magic" shocks on his No. 17. He also took set-up hints from Pete Chuckta of PMC Fabrications, who attended Friday night's show....

Rich Ricci Jr. complained of an overheating engine on his No. 55 Dirt Wheels car in the final laps. Ricci spent much of his race "boxed in," so he couldn't use his trademark outside groove to advance....

Bachetti turned some practice laps using conventional DIRT-legal windows, but quickly bolted the sail panels back on for the feature....

After uncharacteristically pulling in due to his car's ill-handling nature on Aug. 11, Robbie Green's crew chief and brother Dave Green completely overhauled the team's Teo-Pro car during the week.

Green's performance improved with a sixth-place finish....

Intermission watering provided a racy, less abrasive quarter-mile oval for the features....

CRACKERS MOTORSPORTS/PEAK RACING EQUIPMENT RACE SUMMARY
358-Modified Feature Finish: MIKE RICCI, Andy Bachetti, Rick Mill, Rich Ricci Jr., J.R. Heffner, Robbie Green, Barry Davis, Kevin Duryea, Jackie Brown Jr., Mark Pullen, Ernie Palmer Jr., Mel Schrufer, Ryan Stortini, John McGill, Dom Roselli, Scott Ferrier, Hank Goranson, Jim Halpin, Bob Cancellieri, Brett Graham.
Did Not Qualify: Larry Badaracco, Eric J. Acquaro.

Sportsman Feature Finish: JAMIE YANNONE, Danny Creeden, Gary LaBagh, Justin Holland, Jesse Marks, Dave Coene, Tom Tomasko, Howard Jarvis, Danny Tyler, Duane Koskey, Joe Giachinta, Ken Ferrier, Mike Senecal, Charlie Winne, Ken Moulton Jr., Will Galm, John Sundlof, Al Archiere, David Bush, Steve Meilleur, Steve Krom.
Did Not Qualify: Greg Hocking, Eric Moon, Don Johnson.

Spec Sportsman Feature Finish: VINNIE DECICCO, Phil Recchio, Zach Graham, Mike Sabia, Jeff Hager, Jason Thew, Willy Auchmoody, Steve Eubanks, Ed Burgess, Dave Gorbatuk, Jamie House.

Mini-Sprint Feature Finish: MARK ROGERS, John Lodini, Brian Pomponio, Todd Lapp, Gary Reyer, Ralph Utter Jr., Brian Oliver, Clint Roehrs, Kevin Kondelka, Hank Katz, Will Casazza, Kevin Horton, Bob Lynt, Mike Goodnow, J.D. Casazza, John Guarino.

Pro Stock Feature Finish: LENNY BRICE, Bill Deak Sr., Scott Mill, Don Williams, John Roese, Adam Douglas, Mark Lathrop, John Hager, Steve Plumstead, Gene Temple, Pat Zimmer, Butch Winnie, Al Christiana Jr., Eugene Morton, Al Christiana Sr., Ray See Jr., Leon Shauger, John Rood, Larry Temple Jr.
Did Not Start: Jerry Craig.

Pure Stock Feature Finish: BILL RION, Paul Aragon Jr., Bill Deak Jr., Joe Judge, Don Coon, Mike Deyo, Kyle Wright, Scott Kilmer, Bill Judge, Donald J. Williams, Matt Curry, John Woinoski, Kevin Krusewski, Ralph Ronk.
Disqualified: James DeCicco III.
Did Not Start: Bob Cutler.

Schrufer Fast Out Front At Accord; Wins Third of 2006
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - When Mel Schrufer saw the No. 84 listed on the pole for Friday night's 358-Modified feature at Accord Speedway, he got a boost of confidence.

"I knew I had done it (won from the pole) before," he said. "I figured with any luck, I could do it again."

Driving a flawless race from the front row, Bloomingburg, N.Y.'s Schrufer topped the Bob Gaydos Auto Body 30-lap feature, picking up $1,500 for his third victory of 2006.

Schrufer joins Mike Ricci as the winningest small-block Mod driver at the Ulster County bullring this season.

At the drop of the green, Schrufer outgunned second starter Mark Pullen and immediately opened a comfortable lead with his Teo-Pro car, rocketing off the extreme low groove. Lap after lap, Schrufer increased his lead steadily.

"The last couple weeks, we've been struggling because the car is too tight - it's pushing bad," said Schrufer. "I could hardly pass a car.

"The way it is now, it's a good 'up front' car, not a 'racy' car. When I have clear track in front of me, I can just drive away. Before I went out for the feature, I saw the track getting slick; that was good for me.

"I drove exactly the same way I did before (on June 30 and July 7, when he scored consecutive wins)."

The race's first 17 laps clicked off caution-free. Only as Schrufer approached a large pack of lapped traffic did the first yellow flag fly for a spin by newcomer Jim Secor in turn three.

That was a huge break for the 42-year-old Schrufer, who had clear track for the restart. Three more cautions (laps 21 and 23 - twice) put Pullen within striking distance, but Schrufer never bobbled.

Pullen, 39, of Stottville, N.Y., a likable low-budget racer, placed second in his B&G Performance No. 30 Bicknell. It was Pullen's best performance to date at the track, bringing with it a much-appreciated $1,000 second-place payday.

Scott Ferrier of Bloomingburg, N.Y., finished third in the No. 20 Troyer SLR, ahead of points Rich Ricci Jr., who drove from 11th to finish fourth in his Precision-powered No. 55 Dirt Wheels mount. Twelfth-starter Mike Ricci rounded out the top five.

Heat winners for the 22 358-Modifieds in attendance were Schrufer, Andy Bachetti and Rick Mill. Kevin Duryea topped the consolation.

Memories of a rough start to the season are beginning to evaporate for Steve Krom.

The Neversink, N.Y., driver wheeled to his third-career victory and second checkered of the season in the 25-lap Sportsman feature driving his self-owned Precision-powered Bicknell No. K3.

It was a steady performance by Krom, who started third and took the lead on lap three from John Sundlof. Jesse Marks moved into second and trailed Krom for the remainder of the distance. Krom negotiated traffic to perfection and earned a $600 payday.

Napanoch, N.Y.'s Marks, Tom Tomasko, Danny Creeden and Dave Coene trailed.

Mini-Sprint graduate Ed Burgess of Wallkill, N.Y., won his first Spec Sportsman event, leading from wire-to-wire in the 15-lapper.

Multi-time winner Phil Recchio hounded Burgess, working lower through the oval's turns, but couldn't make a pass, settling for second. Willy Auchmoody was third in the Simoncini Racing No. 4NY, with Zach Graham and Dave Gorbatuk completing the top five.

Bob Rindgen (fourth) and Doc Young (sixth) were disqualified for being too light on the scales.

Dana Carey scored his first-career Mini-Sprint win on the last week he'll be at the Big A this season.

Carey, a native of Highland Mills, N.Y., will return to Japan, where he is an elementary school teacher for the Department of Defense Dependant Schools (DODDS).

Surviving an opening-lap scrape with the backstretch wall, Carey settled in behind Gary Reyer, who led the first seven laps from the pole. A lap-seven caution set Carey up on the outside of Reyer and he took full advantage, bolting into the lead.

A yellow with five laps remaining put Clint Roehrs on Carey's back bumper, but it was no threat to the second-year driver, who wheeled his Henchcraft car to the win over Roehrs, Brian Pomponio, John Lodini and Todd Lapp.

Scott Mill of Wingdale, N.Y., picked up a dominant win in the 20-lap Pro Stock feature. Mill worked by early leader Bill Deak Sr. on lap three and opened a huge lead en route to his second '06 win.

Jerry Craig, who returned to the Big A mid-season, placed second, with Deak third. John Hager drove his conventional Malibu Street Stock/Pro Stock, a car that has been active for a decade-plus, from 11th to finish fourth. Pat Zimmer completed the top five.

Bill Deak of New Milford, Conn., continued his dominance of the Pure Stock division, taking the lead on the third circuit of the 15-lap main. Deak drove on to the win, despite a lap-14 caution that spawned a dash to the finish. Donald J. Williams was a season-high second, ahead of Paul Aragon Jr., Bill Rion and Mike Deyo.

Racing resumes on Aug. 18 with Peak Racing Equipment/Crackers Motorsports Marketing Night, featuring double points for the 358-Modifieds, plus Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

For further information, contact the speedway office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

BIG A NOTES: Car counts were 22 358-Modifieds, 24 Sportsman, 13 Spec Sportsman, 17 Mini-Sprints, 18 Pro Stocks and 13 Pure Stocks....

The Sportsman division featured some car swapping. Al Archiere took the seat of the No. 4 Teo-Pro car owned by Merlyn Bloom that had been driven by Greg Bachetti. Filling the seat of Bloom's other car - a Troyer carrying the No. 5X previously wheeled by Archiere - was John Sundlof. Veteran Lebanon Valley (N.Y.) Speedway regular Alan Houghtaling drove Duane Koskey's 'TEN' car.

The change in cars was a huge benefit to the young Sundlof, who finished a respectable 10th in the feature....

Orange County (N.Y.) Fair Speedway big-block Mod driver Jim Secor Jr. joined the ranks with a former Dennis Colwell car. Secor, of East Fishkill, N.Y., plans to run regularly at Accord....

The 358-Mod division's only controversy occurred on lap 21, when Andy Bachetti and Rick Mill tangled on the frontstretch. The contact began in turn four when Bachetti forced the Downes No. 40 under Mill, sending Mill's No. 73 into the outside wall. Mill bounced back into Bachetti, causing a secondary hit that sent Mill out to the turn-one pit gate, collecting an unsuspecting J.R. Heffner, who had been running high.

Angered by Bachetti's passing tactic, Mill looked poised to retaliate, but thought better of it.

"If it was my car, he (Bachetti) wouldn't have finished that race," Mill said. "But it's not."

Mill, of course, drives for Peter "Crackers" Reynolds....

With double points on the line on Aug. 18 for the 358-Modifieds, Mike Ricci knows it will be his best shot to unseat his little brother from championship No. 10. Mike sits 36 points behind Rich with three points-paying events left on the schedule....

The Sportsman championship battle took a turn when Tom Perrego, who entered the night leading the standings, was involved in a lap-seven incident and went pitside with a right-front flat tire. Jamie Yannone and Danny Creeden, who entered the night second and third in the point standings finished sixth and fourth, respectively.

That puts Yannone on top with 557 points over Creeden's 547....

BOB GAYDOS AUTO BODY RACE SUMMARY
358-Modified Feature Finish: MEL SCHRUFER, Mark Pullen, Scott Ferrier, Rich Ricci Jr., Mike Ricci, Ryan Stortini, Andy Bachetti, Kevin Duryea, John McGill, Hank Goranson, Dom Roselli, Barry Davis, Jackie Brown Jr., Jim Secor, J.R. Heffner, Rick Mill, Larry Badaracco, Brett Graham, Robbie Green, Ernie Palmer Jr.
Did Not Qualify: Bob Cancellieri, Eric J. Acquaro.

Sportsman Feature Finish: STEVE KROM, Jesse Marks, Tom Tomasko, Danny Creeden, Dave Coene, Jamie Yannone, Ladd Yeomans, David Bush, Gary LaBagh, John Sundlof, Alan Houghtaling, Justin Holland, Will Galm, Howard Jarvis, Mike Senecal, Charlie Winne, Tom Perrego, Steve Meilleur, Ken Ferrier, Danny Tyler.
Did Not Qualify: Al Archiere, Paul Minton, Greg Hocking, Joe Giachinta.

Spec Sportsman Feature Finish: ED BURGESS, Phil Recchio, Willy Auchmoody, Zach Graham, Dave Gorbatuk, Jason Thew, Jeff Hager, Jamie House, Vinnie DeCicco, Mike Sabia.
Disqualified: Bob Rindgen, Doc Young.
Did Not Start: Steve Eubanks.

Mini-Sprint Feature Finish: DANA CAREY, Clint Roehrs, Brian Pomponio, John Lodini, Todd Lapp, J.D. Casazza, Gary Reyer, Hank Katz, Ralph Utter Jr., Mark Rogers, Will Casazza, John Guarino, Brian Oliver, Kevin Kondelka, Mike Goodnow, Bob Lynt, Kevin Horton.

Pro Stock Feature Finish: SCOTT MILL, Jerry Craig, Bill Deak Sr., John Hager, Pat Zimmer, Don Williams, Mark Lathrop, Ray See Jr., Butch Winnie, Lenny Brice, Larry Temple Jr., George Christiana, Eugene Morton, Steve Plumstead, John Rood, John Roese.
Did Not Start: Bill Liese, Leon Shauger.

Pure Stock Feature Finish: BILL DEAK JR., Donald J. Williams, Paul Aragon Jr., Bill Rion, Mike Deyo, Don Coon, James DeCicco III, Kevin Krusewski, Kyle Wright, John Woinoski, Steven Kanuk, Ralph Ronk, Bob Gibson.

Mike Over Rich In Rene Downes Memorial Ricci Battle Royale
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Mike Ricci won Friday night's 2nd Annual Rene Downes Memorial at Accord Speedway.

But he didn't celebrate alone.

Following a lead-swapping, epic battle through lapped traffic, Mike used a slick last-lap pass of younger brother Rich Ricci Jr. to win the 50-lap 358-Modified affair, collecting $2,000 plus lap money on Pine Grove Ranch and Resort Night.

The Ricci brothers reveled together in Victory Lane after what longtime observers dubbed the best race in recent memory at the Ulster County track.

During the post-race interview, the typically-reserved Rich climbed from his car (positioned behind his Mike's in the winners' circle), ran up to his older brother and playfully put him in a headlock after the Mike put the bump-and-run on Rich. The crowd cheered wildly in approval.

"How about that one?" Mike, 41, of Rosendale, N.Y., said while celebrating his second big-event triumph of 2006 (he also won the Joe Winne Memorial 55-lapper on July 14).

"We race each other hard," Mike continued, speaking of his brother. "We take each other right to the limit. We know just how hard to push each other without wrecking."

Small-block rookie Kevin Duryea started from the pole aboard his No. 99K and held sway during the race's first half, while the brothers Ricci moved forward from row 6.

Cautions were plentiful in the first dozens laps, but the race took on a green-flag complexion by lap 12, when Rich Ricci Jr. appeared in second. Mike Ricci followed into third two circuits later.

With that, a three-car battle began between Duryea and the Riccis. When Rich tried to swing wide around Duryea's stout machine on lap 20. Mike snuck into second. That was the first of several swaps.

Mike attempted an outside pass on lap 26 as the 27-year-old Duryea became momentarily entrapped in slower traffic. However, Bob Cancellieri's No. 11 proved to be a "pick" for Rich who first took the runner-up spot back from his bro, then slithered between Duryea and the Larry Badaracco lapped car to lead at the line for lap 28, when the caution flew.

That put Rich who later said he did a "little maneuvering" into the lead over Duryea and Mike.

Pushing Jim Winchell's JPM-powered No. 17 PMC to the max, Mike took second from Duryea on lap 29. The intensity picked up dramatically following the race's final caution on lap 34.

With traffic looming, Rich drifted off the bottom on lap 42 in turn four. Mike pounced on the opportunity. After a full lap of wheel-to-wheel action, Mike crossed the line at lap 44 as the leader.

The race was far from over, however.

Double-file lapped traffic slowed the leader's pace dramatically with four laps to go, as Robbie Fairweather, Mel Schrufer and Larry Badaracco battled for position directly in the path of the battle for the top spot.

"The lapped cars here are brutal," Mike said. "On the (one-way) radio they are screaming at them but they just don't move. It's rough."

When Mike momentarily paused on the 48th lap, Rich pounced, with a three-wide charge on the backstretch, slipping beneath Mike and the lapped cars of Fairweather (first) and Schrufer (second). Rich led - barely - coming to the stripe for lap 49.

"I was already under Mel going into three," Mike recalled. "Then Rich made it three-wide and I said 'this could get ugly.'"

With the white flag flying, Mike sized up Rich for a last-ditch move. Entering turn one, he gave his younger brother a shot in the back bumper, causing Rich to break loose. Mike promptly cut to the bottom, pulling even through turns one and two.

Getting his left-side wheels in the accumulated moisture at the bottom of the track, Mike slid into Rich and they rubbed wheels at the exit of turn two. They were dead even in turn three, with Rich high and Mike low.

As the duo raced of turn four to the checkered, Mike's inside line gave him the win by a half car-length.

"We were shuffling back and forth - it was like, who was going to make the next move?" Mike said. "On the last lap, I caught up to Rich going into one and gave him a little 'tap' on entry.

"I got into the water on the inside and we rubbed a little coming off. It was whoever had the preferred line at that point and I did.

"He gave me the room going into three on the final lap. He didn't try to crowd me; he could've with the (concrete) barriers on the inside. But he moved up and tried to race me back."

Using a fresh Precision powerplant in his Dirt Wheels chassis, Rich, 40, of New Paltz, N.Y., placed second.

"The lapped cars made that one wild - they just didn't move," Rich said. "That was racing right there. The fans love that.

"I got by Mike in traffic with one-to-go. I knew what was coming. He got into my bumper going into one and I said, 'you little b-----d.' I was on the brakes and the gas on the same time.

"He got into the water (in one and two), we rubbed together and he slowed my momentum a little bit. I could've run him down (into the barrier) going into three, but I figured we'd lock wheels and both spin out.

"I figured first and second, hey, we both won. That's why I went up there (to Victory Lane). After a race like that, it was like we both won."

Wallkill, N.Y.'s Duryea continued his stellar freshman effort, placing third aboard his A&C Performance-powered Bicknell.

Veteran Dom Roselli of Middletown, N.Y., was a steady fourth driving his familiar No. 80 Teo-Pro car. Rookie Brett Graham of Accord, N.Y., scored his second top-five of the season in fifth.

Heat winners for the 21 358-Modifieds in attendance were Duryea, Rick Mill and Scott Ferrier.

On the 19th circuit of the 25-lap Sportsman feature, David Bush learned a lesson.

"I said I've got to slow down and stay on the bottom," reflected Bush. The Accord, N.Y., driver heeded his own advice and drove to his first-career win.

Bush, who took the lead on lap four from Duane Koskey, had to contend with veteran Tom Perrego for much of the contest. Perrego took second on lap 10.

Bush slid off the preferred inside groove on the aforementioned circuit, allowing Perrego to forge a bid for the lead. Bush quickly regained his composure and clicked off the final six laps mistake-free for the $600 payday.

Montgomery, N.Y.'s Perrego finished second, unofficially taking over the points lead from Jamie Yannone (who finished 12th after a rough-riding penalty) with four points-paying events remaining. Somerville, N.J.'s Tom Tomasko placed third, ahead of Dave Coene and 16-year-old Danny Tyler.

A championship-minded Mike Sabia won his third 15-lap Spec Sportsman main of the season, extending his points lead on Phil Recchio in the process. Driving his No. 7 Bicknell, Easton Conn.'s Sabia sat second by a lap-six restart.

Coming out on top of a contact-filled tussle with Zachary Graham, the 22-year-old driver led the rest of the event. Graham, of Accord, N.Y., was second. Recchio, Willy Auchmoody and Vinnie DeCicco were third through fifth, respectively.

Bob Lynt wired the field to win the Mini-Sprint 20-lapper. The "Lynt Trap" from Buchanan, N.Y., started second, survived a slew of early-race restarts and led the entire distance for his second victory of the '06 season aboard his Lynt's Welding No. 77.

Teenager Clint Roehrs was second, ahead of Will Casazza. Brian Pomponio was fourth, just a wheel behind Casazza at the stripe. John Lodini completed the front five.

Three weeks ago, Ray See Jr. traded his ATV for a Pro Stock from former Southern Tier standout turned NASCAR Busch East racer Jeremy Clark.

On Friday night, he drove the car straight to Victory Lane in his first appearance of the season. Starting 12th, the Patterson, N.Y., driver passed Bill Deak Sr. on two occasions to take the win. He first nosed ahead of Deak on lap 11, but a caution negated the move. Three laps later, See put the No. 25 to the inside, taking a lead he wouldn't relinquish.

"I never expected to end up winning," See said afterward.

Larry Temple Jr., Scott Mill, Jerry Craig and newcomer Eugene Morton filled out the front five.

Mike Deyo of New Windsor, N.Y., recorded his first win of '06 in the 15-lap Pure Stock feature. Deyo, who started third, took the lead on a lap-one restart from John Woinoski and led the remainder of the distance. Deyo had a clean sweep of the night, winning his heat race as well. Bill Rion finished second after two attempts to take the top spot. Points leader Bill Deak Jr. was third, ahead of Don Coon and Woinoski.

Ryan Smith of Kunkletown, Pa., made a last-lap pass to win the Briggs & Stratton Slingshot by Tobias Tour 15-lapper. Smith, who has proven himself in a USAC Ford Focus Midget, got a run off turn two on the final lap, pulling even with last year's National Champion Steve Intravaia down the backstretch. Both cars slid high in turns three and four, with Smith getting the win at the line. Chad King was second, ahead of Intravaia, Shannon Smith and Kyle Rohner.

Racing resumes at the Action Track on Fri., Aug 11 when Bob Gaydos Auto Body presents a full program of 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints (double points), Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks. The Capital Region Sprintcar Alliance (CRSA) 305 Sprints will also return to the quarter-mile. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

For further information, contact the track office by phone at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

BIG A NOTES: Cacti and hay-bails adorned Victory Lane as all victors sporting cowboy hats on "Western Night" at the speedway. The concession stand served up "Rodeo Ribs" and "Buckin' Bronco Baked Beans." Night sponsor reps from Pine Grove Ranch and Resort made sure fans were well equipped with complimentary cowboy hats tossed into the grandstands....

The 358-Modified event was run in memory of longtime car owner John "Rene" Downes, who for many years supported speedways in the Capital District and later Accord when the track reopened in 1992. Mr. Downes, always one to socialize in the grandstand area and organize giveaways for the kids, passed away in Jan. 2004....

Car counts were 21 358-Modifieds, 23 Sportsman, 11 Spec Sportsman, 15 Mini-Sprints, 18 Pro Stocks, 14 Pure Stocks and 10 Slingshots....

The Short Track SuperNationals All-Star Cash Dash guaranteed starting berth went to second-finishing Rich Ricci Jr. Mike had already earned a spot by winning the Joe Winne Memorial....

Andy Bachetti's 10th-place finish was the highlight of an otherwise miserable outing. Bachetti's adventures began on lap 11 when he launched over the front-end of Robbie Green's No. 69. He was collected in two separate melees on the ensuing restarts and headed pitside before returning on the lead lap....

Green, incidentally, salvaged a sixth-place finish despite significant outward damage and steering difficulties with the No. 69. The Wallkill, N.Y., veteran survived four separate incidents to charge back to the front....

Duryea collected over $300 in lap money for pacing laps 1-27....

Jeff Heotzler, commonly called "King Jeff" during his dominant Big A 320-Mod performances of the 1980s, returned to Accord to pilot Jackie Brown Jr.'s No. 6X. Brown was serving a one-week suspension for his intentional spin of Mike Ricci on July 21.

Heotzler's return was unspectacular. He was the first car out of the main, finishing 21st....

Rich Ricci Sr., 64, returned to the driver's seat. The patriarch of the Ricci family strapped into Will Galm's No. 406, a car he maintains, during hot laps. Not surprisingly, he was up to speed immediately....

PINE GROVE RANCH AND RESORT "WESTERN NIGHT" RACE SUMMARY
2nd Annual Rene Downes Memorial 358-Modified Feature Finish: MIKE RICCI, Rich Ricci Jr., Kevin Duryea, Dom Roselli, Brett Graham, Robbie Green, J.R. Heffner, Rick Mill, Scott Ferrier, Andy Bachetti, Ernie Palmer Jr., John McGill, Barry Davis, Larry Badaracco, Mel Schrufer, Ryan Stortini, Robbie Fairweather, Bob Cancellieri, Mark Pullen, Eric J. Acquaro, Jeff Heotzler.

Sportsman Feature Finish: DAVID BUSH, Tom Perrego, Tom Tomasko, Dave Coene, Danny Tyler, Ken Ferrier, Danny Creeden, Will Galm, Joe Giachinta, Steve Meilleur, Duane Koskey, Jamie Yannone, Justin Holland, Howard Jarvis, Charlie Winne, John Sundlof, Gary LaBagh, Kenny Moulton Jr., Jesse Marks, Ladd Yeomans.
Did Not Qualify: Steve Krom, Al Archiere, Mike Senecal.

Spec Sportsman Feature Finish: MIKE SABIA, Zachary Graham, Phil Recchio, Willy Auchmoody, Vinnie DeCicco, Dave Gorbatuk, Mike Van Tassel, Doc Young, Eddie Drake, Jamie House, Eddie Burgess.

Mini-Sprint Feature Finish: BOB LYNT, Clint Roehrs, J.D. Casazza, Brian Pomponio, John Lodini, Todd Lapp, Will Casazza, Gary Reyer, Mark Rogers, Hank Katz, Brian Oliver, Kevin Kondelka, Ralph Utter Jr., Dana Carey, Tim Lapp.

Pro Stock Feature Finish: RAY SEE JR., Larry Temple Jr., Scott Mill, Jerry Craig, Eugene Morton, Noel Osborne, Pat Zimmer, John Roese, Lenny Brice, Butch Winnie, Mark Lathrop, Al Christiana, Gene Temple, Bill Deak Sr., Steve Plumstead, Adam Douglas, Rob Rowe, George Christiana.

Pure Stock Feature Finish: MIKE DEYO, Bill Rion, Bill Deak Jr., Don Coon, John Woinoski, Kyle Wright, Paul Aragon Jr., Ralph Ronk, Donald J. Williams, Chris Kanuk, Kevin Krusewski, James DeCicco III, Dick Stickle.

Slingshot Feature Finish: RYAN SMITH, Chad King, Steve Intravaia, Shannon Smith, Kyle Rohner, Bill Van Inwegen, Jim Pollard, Anthony Perrego, Steve Hicks, Russ Kisselburg, Ben Whitaker.

Rain Stops Accord; Downes Memorial Up Next
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Severe weather and heavy afternoon rain forced Accord Speedway promoter Gary Palmer to pull the plug on Friday night's Van Kleek's Tire racing program.

"I hate to see everybody drive here just to go back home," said Palmer, who opted to cancel by 3 p.m. "There was no way we could've gotten it in tonight."

Racing resumes at the Action Track on Aug. 4 with the 2nd Annual Rene Downes Memorial, a 50-lap, $2,000-to-win 358-Modified event. Lap money will also be distributed; a select few laps are still available at $15 each. Contact Brett Deyo at: Deyo99H@aol.com for more information.

Last year, Rich Ricci Jr. won the inaugural Rene Downes Memorial over Jimmy Johnson, Barry Davis, Tom Hindley and Ryan Stortini.

Also on the Pine Grove Ranch and Resort card is "Western Night." Anyone wearing a cowboy hat will receive $1 off grandstand admission. There will also be a "best cowboy hat contest."

The Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Pro Stocks, Mini-Sprints and Pure Stocks will join the 358-Modified special.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

For further information, contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com. 

Pre-Race Adjustments Propel Mike Ricci To Winne Memorial Win
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - It all came down to pre-race brainstorming.

When Mike Ricci struggled during qualifying action for Friday night's 6th Annual Joe Winne Memorial at Accord Speedway, the team sat down with Pete Chuckta, the owner of PMC Chassis, and came up with a feature set-up.

The car worked to perfection.

Ricci rolled to his third consecutive Joe Winne Memorial victory, picking up a $2,000 payday for the 55-lap 358-Modified main on STS Tire Night. He also earned a guaranteed starting berth in the Fabrications by Tauschman All-Star Cash Dash at the Oct. 7 Afton (N.Y.) Speedway Short Track SuperNationals.

The Joe Winne Memorial race is run each summer in memory of Winne, a tough-as-nails small-block Modified competitor who frequented Accord for two decades before he succumbed to a heart attack at age 45 during the 2000 Eastern States Weekend at Orange County (N.Y.) Fair Speedway. Winne was the 1999 Accord 358-Modified champion.

"We weren't that good in the heat race. We actually struggled a little bit," said Ricci, of Rosendale, N.Y., following his second win of '06 at the Ulster County quarter-mile oval. "The crew guys got together with Pete (Chuckta, who was making a rare Big A visit) and came up with a set-up.

"It was definitely right on tonight. The car was just perfect."

Ricci rolled off eighth in Jim Winchell's JPM-powered PMC No. 17. But the former track champion took the patient route in the early laps, as outside polesitter Scott Ferrier took control at the start.

"The guys told me before I went out, 'It's 55 laps, take your time,'" Ricci said.

Out front, veteran Barry Davis turned up the wick in his Turco's powered No. 9D Troyer four-link, contrasting Ferrier's low line with a concentrated bid up high. Davis finally made the move on lap 10, sweeping by Ferrier.

When the race's first yellow flew on lap 22, Ricci got the opportunity he needed. At that point, he was fourth.

Following a subsequent yellow on the same circuit for a turn-one melee, Ricci moved into third and continued a heated battle with Ferrier and Tom Hindley. The 41-year-old driver made a bold turn-two, lap-23 three-wide move stick in the extreme outside groove and set sail for the lead.

"That was good racing with me, Hindley and Ferrier," said Ricci. "The track was excellent tonight; it was racy. I got by Hindley (lap 19), he got back by me (lap 20) and I got him again (lap 21). We were battling."

A lap-25 caution put Ricci next to Davis for a double-file restart. At that point, Ricci reached in the memory bank for something he'd seen earlier in the event.

"On those restarts when I was fourth (lap 22), I saw Barry get a little loose when he fired," Ricci recalled. "I knew if I could stay with him out of (turn) four, I could probably beat him down the frontstretch. The restart was a big help to me. Barry's got a lot of laps here; he's tough to get around."

Ricci executed his plan to perfection. At the exit of turn four when the green waved, he was wheel-to-wheel with Davis. By turn one, Ricci had assumed command.

But he wasn't home free.

From 12th starting position, Andy Bachetti joined the fray by the halfway mark in the Donnie and LeAura Downes-owned No. 40. The Sheffield, Mass., driver took third on lap 34 after a metal-swapping battle with Hindley (who whacked the inside concrete in turn three, ending his night).

With 15 laps remaining, Bachetti slid beneath Davis for second. At that point, he was nearly a straightaway behind Ricci, who was mired in lapped traffic.

Bachetti was beginning to creep into contention when Ricci endured a scare on the 50th lap. Exiting turn four, he and Ryan Stortini, who was fighting to stay on the lead lap, got together.

Ricci's car launched over Stortini's right-front wheel, bouncing high into the air before landing in the track's upper groove. In turn one, the cars tangled again, with Stortini spinning the Lutes No. 21L.

"I was on the top," Ricci said. "He pushed up and we just hit tire-to-tire. Then in (turn) one, he bounced off my left-rear."

The caution put Bachetti in contention with four laps left.

Despite a final yellow flag on lap 52, Bachetti couldn't seriously challenge Ricci, settling for his third straight runner-up effort in the A&C Performance-powered Bicknell.

"I probably could've pulled a little more gear for the longer race," said Bachetti, 30. "We were alright tonight, just a little bit off."

Did Bachetti think the late cautions would give him a shot at the win?

"I didn't have anything for him (Ricci)," he bottom-lined.

Davis, of Accord, N.Y., was a season-high third. Eleventh-starter J.R. Heffner of Averill Park, N.Y., was fourth, narrowly besting Ferrier to the line.

Heat wins for the 22 358-Modifieds went to Robbie Green, Bachetti and Ferrier. Ernie Palmer Jr. was the consolation victor.

Ken Ferrier registered his first-career Sportsman win in style.

Following a dominant heat-race victory, Middletown, N.Y.'s Ferrier led the 25-lap main from green-to-checkered, fending off Dave Coene for the $600 payday aboard his No. 24 Troyer.

Coene placed second, ahead of defending champion Jamie Yannone, Tom Perrego and Mike Senecal.

Phil Recchio pulled off the Spec Sportsman hat trick, winning his third straight feature in the entry-level open wheel division.

Wantage, N.J.'s Recchio executed a double-pass of Zach Graham and Willy Auchmoody in turn two on the fourth lap, then fought off defending Pure Stock champion Mike Sabia late in the 20-lap event. It was Recchio's fifth win of the season.

Sabia, of Easton, Conn., was the runner-up for the sixth time in 2006. Graham, Auchmoody and Jamie House trailed. Apparent fourth-place finisher Vinnie DeCicco was disqualified for being light on the scales.

Ralph Utter Jr. wasted no time getting to the front in the 20-lap Mini-Sprint feature.

Starting fifth, the West Milford, N.J., 250cc Micro-Sprint graduate vaulted into second on the opening lap with an aggressive inside move. On lap two, he put his No. 19J into the lead and motored away from the field for his second win of 2006.

Two-time winner Brian Pomponio was second, followed by eighth-starter John Guarino, whose first run with a new powerplant ended in third. Mark Rogers and Will Casazza rounded out the top five.

Lenny Brice picked up his second straight victory in Pro Stock action. It was the Kingston, N.Y., native's third '06 triumph. Using the inside groove, Brice ultimately worked by John Roese on the 19th circuit of the 25-lap main. Roese had led the event from the outset.

Pat Zimmer was second, taking advantage of a near-spin by Roese in turn four on the 23rd lap. Roese, Mark Lathrop and Larry Temple Jr. filled out the front five.

James DeCicco III of Kingston, N.Y., earned his second career win in the 15-lap Pure Stock feature, leading the entire distance. Points leader Bill Deak Jr., who started 12th, charged through the field, dropping to the inside on the final lap.

The New Milford, Conn., driver finished less than a car-length back in second. Jim O'Neil, Paul Aragon Jr. and Don Coon rounded out the top five.

Racing resumes at the Action Track on July 21 with a full card of 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks. The Sportsman and Spec Sportsman will compete for double points on B. Millens and Sons Night. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

For further information, contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

BIG A NOTES: One of Joe Winne's restored Modifieds joined the field for the pace laps, along with a dump-truck full of black and teal balloons, which were released prior to the start of the 358-Mod 55-lap lapper.

The Winne family went all-out, supplying pins, various tokens and white candles, which were lit throughout the grandstands during the pre-race ceremonies....

The first-ever Luau was a rousing success, with Hawaiian music blaring over the PA system, decorations throughout the facility, tropical-themed piñatas for the kids, leis, a rib barbecue and even some grass skirts in the stands....

Car counts were 22 358-Modifieds, 22 Sportsman, 11 Spec Sportsman, 18 Mini-Sprints, 19 Pro Stocks and 18 Pure Stocks....

Mike Ricci recalled Joe Winne fondly during his post-race celebration.

"Joe and I had a lot of laps together here," offered Ricci, who estimated he raced with Winne for 20 years. "We traded paint, banged wheels and fought in the pits. Then, in the winter, we would ride snowmobiles and four-wheelers together."....

Nine-time champion Rich Ricci Jr., who was making his second start in a new Dirt Wheels chassis, struggled in the 55-lapper. The New Paltz, N.Y., native got a piece of Mark Pullen's spin on lap 25. He got lapped later in the event and finished ninth....

Kevin Duryea's eventful night almost had a great ending. The Wallkill, N.Y., small-block rookie went to the rear on lap 22 he initiated contact that sent Rick Mill spinning. He was involved in the lap-25 incident, but methodically raced back to the front using the outside groove.

Duryea sat fourth in his A&C Performance-powered Bicknell when he impacted the wall and "blew off the bead-lock" on lap 52....

A wild double flip marred the first Mini-Sprint heat. Entering turn one on lap five, Brian Oliver and Peter Sindt came together, sending both cars tumbling wildly end-over-end. Neither driver was injured....

The third-place effort for Davis was his first top-five of the '06 season....

Ricci and Bachetti opted for the softer 44 compound American Racer right-rear tires for the main....

STS TIRE "LUAU NIGHT" RACE SUMMARY
6th Annual Joe Winne Memorial 358-Modified Feature Finish: MIKE RICCI, Andy Bachetti, Barry Davis, J.R. Heffner, Scott Ferrier, Rick Mill, Jackie Brown Jr., Ryan Stortini, Rich Ricci Jr., Brett Graham, Mark Pullen, Ernie Palmer Jr., Robbie Fairweather, Kevin Duryea, Mel Schrufer, Tom Hindley, John McGill, Dom Roselli., Larry Badaracco, Robbie Green.
Did Not Qualify: Hank Goranson, Eric Acquaro.

Sportsman Feature Finish: KEN FERRIER, Dave Coene, Jamie Yannone, Tom Perrego, Mike Senecal, Danny Tyler, Will Galm, Jesse Marks, Steve Krom, Gary LaBagh, Danny Creeden, Ladd Yeomans, Steve Meilleur, Joe Giachinta, David Bush, Duane Koskey, Howard Jarvis, John Sundlof, Charlie Winne, Tom Tomasko.
Did Not Qualify: Greg Bachetti, Kenny Moulton Jr.

Spec Sportsman Feature Finish: PHIL RECCHIO, Mike Sabia, Zachary Graham, Willy Auchmoody, Jamie House, Eddie Drake, Ed Burgess, Doc Young, Tony Squicciarini, Butchie Irwin.
Disqualified: Vinnie DeCicco.

Mini-Sprint Feature Finish: RALPH UTTER JR., Brian Pomponio, John Guarino, Mark Rogers, Will Casazza, Dana Carey, Clint Roehrs, Tim Lapp, Hank Katz, Todd Lapp, Gary Reyer, J.D. Casazza, John Lodini, Bob Lynt, Kevin Horton.
Did Not Start: Peter Sindt, Brian Oliver, Kevin Kondelka, Mike Goodnow.

Pro Stock Feature Finish: LENNY BRICE, Pat Zimmer, John Roese, Mark Lathrop, Larry Temple Jr., Jerry Craig, Gene Temple, Butch Winnie, Gene Palmer, James Devitt, John Rood, Dave Colwell, Bill Deak Sr., Scott Mill, Al Christiana, Adam Douglas, Steve Plumstead, George Christiana, Jim Sykes.

Pure Stock Feature Finish: JAMES DECICCO III, Bill Deak Jr., Jim O'Neil, Paul Aragon Jr., Don Coon, Kevin Krusewski, Mike Deyo, Joe DiStefano, Mike DuBois, Kyle Wright, Donald J. Williams, Joe Judge, John Woinoski, Steven Kanuk, Ralph Ronk, Bill Rion, Bill Judge.

This Fri., July 14, at Accord Speedway....
Winne Memorial Set For Friday at Accord

The 6th Annual Joe Winne Memorial, a 55-lap 358-Modified feature paying $2,000 to the winner. This event commemorates the life of Joe Winne, a former Accord 320- and 358-Modified standout and the 1999 358-Mod track champion, who succumbed to a heart attack during the 2000 Eastern States Weekend at Orange County (N.Y.) Fair Speedway.

Last year, Mike Ricci narrowly edged out Mark Flach Jr. in a thrilling battle to take the Joe Winne Memorial victory, his second straight following a win in the race's 2004 running. Previous Joe Winne Memorial winners include Robbie Green (2001 and 2002) and Tony Kawalchuk (2003).

Aside from the 358-Modified special, the first-ever Luau will be held at the track, complete with island music, decorations, tiki lights, non-alcoholic pina-coladas and more. A full show of Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks will fill out the card, presented by STS Tire.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m. For further information, contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

Schrufer Posts Second Accord Speedway Victory
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - It took nine years for Mel Schrufer to score his first career victory.

He got his second in exactly seven days.

Running a flawless race, Bloomingburg, N.Y.'s Schrufer won Friday night's KB's Racing Photos 30-lap 358-Modified feature at Accord Speedway. The 42-year-old scored his second straight victory, becoming the first repeat winner in the Ulster County track's headline division this season.

Nine main events comprised the program at the Big A in the first-ever "Night of Features," an attempt to catch up from the early-season rain.

"This is just unbelievable. It took three days to sink in the first time," said Schrufer, who started the main - heldover from June 9 - on the pole (handicapping reverted to the time the race was scheduled to run). "Who would've believed this?"

Again this week, Schrufer's Precision-powered No. 84 Teo-Pro car was fast out front.

Schrufer was quick to build an early advantage, while Jason Tompkins and Mark Pullen battled for second. On lap eight, Pullen slipped inside Tompkins to take the runner-up spot. The race's first caution flew one circuit later.

With Schrufer in command, the low-budget Pullen ran a valiant race, fending off a throng of top contenders.

"The 30 (Pullen) was doing me a big favor, holding onto second," said Schrufer. "I knew the 'headhunters' were coming."

Twelfth-starter Mike Ricci moved into third on the 10th lap driving Jim Winchell's No. 17 PMC car, with 16th-starter Tom Hindley in tow.

Rallying from 17th starting spot, Andy Bachetti cracked the top five on lap 18 in the Donnie and LeAura Downes-owned No. 40.

Out front, Schrufer's car pushed heavily on laps 19 and 20 in turn two, allowing Pullen to close the gap significantly.

"I had to slow down," Schrufer said. "I was just driving it in too hard. I could feel it (the track) getting slicker and slicker. When the track gets like that, slower, here, is faster."

One lap before the race's final caution flew for Rick Mill's slowing car on lap 22, Bachetti moved by Hindley for fourth.

Hugging the inside line to perfection, Bachetti made a key move on lap 23 in turn one.

Pullen drifted one groove off the bottom, directly into the path of Mike Ricci, who had been trying an outside pass. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Bachetti jetted to the inside in the A&C Performance-powered Bicknell, moving from fourth to second in one pass.

Bachetti closed significantly on Schrufer in the final seven laps, but couldn't pose a serious threat before the checkered flag flew.

For Schrufer, it was an honor to best Bachetti for the second consecutive week.

"Andy is a true professional," Schrufer said. "It's an honor to beat someone like him. He races two or three nights per week. It's tough to come here on Fridays and race with someone like that."

Bachetti, 30, of Sheffield, Mass., was a satisfied runner-up, picking up his second straight $1,000 payday.

"I did a lot of passing under green tonight," Bachetti said.

"Starting on the pole, Mel gets away. He's tough to catch. We had a good car tonight. It was excellent on the bottom. A couple more laps, I would've had a shot at it."

Bachetti acknowledged the lap-23 pass of Pullen and Mike Ricci as a key to his run.

"I had to do something," he said. "I moved them a little bit."

Rosendale, N.Y.'s Ricci placed third, ahead of Tom Hindley and Pullen, whose fifth-place finish was his best of 2006.

Hindley won the B-Main earlier in the night.

Jesse Marks earned a much-deserved win in the 25-lap Sportsman main.

One of the speedway's more consistent competitors, Marks has endured a season full of bad luck. This night would be no different. The 24-year-old Napanoch, N.Y., driver's No. J17 Bicknell sustained significant right-side damage in an incident during the June 30 heldover event.

When the regularly-scheduled feature was being called to the line, his car still sat pitside, sans wheels and tires.

Just making the cut for the main, Marks drove from sixth starting spot to duel with Mike Senecal for the lead.

He drove to the inside of Senecal on lap 11 and after two laps of contact-free racing, Marks nosed into the lead.

Marks collected $600 for his first win since Sept. 13, 2002.

Will Galm finished a solid second. Danny Creeden, Mike Senecal and Jamie Yannone rounded out the top five.

Howard Jarvis was the B-Main winner.

Danny Creeden's best-ever season continued in the heldover 25-lap Sportsman main from June 30. The Middletown, N.Y., driver picked up his second Big A triumph of the '06 season.

Creeden whipped around David Bush when the race restarted on lap seven. While he led the rest of the distance in his Precision-powered No. 16X Teo-Pro car, Creeden, 23, endured a fierce challenge from Jamie Yannone.

Yannone, who spun on the ninth lap, re-emerged as a contender when he took second on a lap-18 restart. Running his trademark outside groove, Yannone pulled even with Creeden through turns three and four with three laps remaining. At the line for lap 23, the leaders were dead even.

Entering turn one, Creeden drifted up the track, forcing Yannone to roll out of the throttle. Yannone attempted to move Creeden from the bottom entering turn three, but ended up spinning his own No. 21.

"I just felt a little 'thud,'" Creeden said of the contact. "When the caution came out (for Yannone), I said 'I don't need a restart,' but I came out of two and saw it was Jamie who spun."

David Bush matched his best-ever finish in second, with returning veteran Gary LaBagh placing third. Danny Tyler (with a left-front flat tire) and Will Galm rounded out the top five.

Phil Recchio of Wantage, N.J., swept the pair of Spec Sportsman features.

In the June 9 heldover event, Recchio made an inside pass on Butchie Irwin with four laps complete. Mike Sabia was second, with Irwin, Doc Young (in the former Jeff Richardson car) and Vinnie DeCicco in tow.

It was a similar story in the June 30 heldover. Patiently waiting behind the Matt Shuart/Ed Burgess battle for the lead, Recchio pounced when clear track became available.

Burgess took the lead on lap eight from Shuart. Two laps later, Recchio had passed them both, putting his No. 715 Teo-Pro car out front for good. Burgess, Butchie Irwin and Shuart trailed.

Former champion Peter Sindt of Stone Ridge, N.Y., won his first feature of 2006 in the heldover Mini-Sprint main from June 30. The race was restarted on lap seven.

Sindt stalked Bobby Lynt, who restarted on the front row, for much of the race before making an inside move on lap 17. The lead pair battled wheel-to-wheel for one full lap around the quarter-mile oval before Sindt surged ahead with two circuits remaining and raced on to the win.

Brian Pomponio was third, ahead of Ralph Utter Jr. and Clint Roehrs.

Brian Pomponio of Livingston, N.J., won the heldover Mini-Sprint feature from June 9. His second career victory came slightly easier than the first.

Starting out front, Pomponio led the entire distance in the TPM Motorsports No. 20. Despite a lap-one flip when his No. 39 hopped the right-rear tire of Hank Katz's No. 5, tagged the wall and landed on its side, a determined Peter Sindt finished second. He took the spot when Mark Rogers and Ralph Utter Jr. tangled on lap 12.

Dana Carey, Bob Lynt and Rogers rounded out the top five.

Lenny Brice of Saugerties, N.Y., scored a dominant victory in the June 30 Pro Stock main. Driving his Hewitt Race Fab-built No. 31, Brice took the lead on lap two and opened a healthy advantage on the field. Rob Rowe raced from 13th starting position to second by lap 14. However, he couldn't run down Brice, who recorded his second '06 victory.

Dave Colwell was third, with Pat Zimmer and Larry Temple Jr. filling out the front five.

Accord, N.Y.'s Billy Rion won his first Pure Stock main of the 2006 season in the heldover event from June 9. Driving his black No. 28, Rion passed Joe Judge on a lap-six restart and fended off the advances of three-time winner Bill Deak Jr., who placed second. Jim O'Neil, Judge and Bob Gibson rounded out the top five.

Racing resumes at the Action Track on July 14 with the 55-lap, $2,000-to-win Joe Winne Memorial for the 358-Mods, plus Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks and the first-ever Luau. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

For further information, contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

BIG A NOTES: A standing-room-only crowd filled the grandstands to watch the busy program, with the final checkered flying prior to 11 p.m....
Schrufer represented Accord at Penn-Can (Pa.) Speedway last Monday (July 3), running the three-eighths-mile track's "Firecracker 40" Modified special. He was a guaranteed starter for that event courtesy of his June 30 Big A win....
Robbie Green slowed during a lap-22 caution period when his car's battery went dead. He needed a push to re-fire the green and white No. 69 Teo-Pro car....
Rick Mill bounced off the backstretch wall after tangling with Scott Ferrier. The contact broke the car's tie-rod, which caused Mill to draw the lap-22 caution....
Sportsman winner Marks offered a big thank-you to Tom Hindley for his help in the pit area between races. Hindley helped to repair the car's right-side rubrail so Marks could compete in the night's second feature....
Hindley, incidentally, turned around the performance of his No. 17H Teo-Pro car, finishing fourth.
"I haven't run good since I almost beat Mill (finishing second on May 5)," said Hindley, 39, of Fair Oaks, N.Y. "I almost was going to bring my old car out tonight. I got tired of this crate."
Hindley felt he would've had a shot at the win if not for "using the car up" in a battle with Mike Ricci....
Creeden was coming off a runner-up finish at Penn-Can on Monday....
Gary LaBagh reports having fun in his return to the sport after a 20-year absence. While the sport and the track have changed significantly since the Middletown, N.Y., driver retired in the mid-1980s, his team hasn't. LaBagh's car still carries the trademark "38 Special" number on the doors and he has much of the same crew help he did when he last raced....

KB'S RACING PHOTOS "NIGHT OF FEATURES" RACE SUMMARY
358-Modified Heldover Feature Finish From June 9: MEL SCHRUFER, Andy Bachetti, Mike Ricci, Tom Hindley, Mark Pullen, Rich Ricci Jr., J.R. Heffner, Brett Graham, Dom Roselli, Ryan Stortini, Scott Ferrier, Jackie Brown Jr., Kevin Duryea, Barry Davis, Ernie Palmer Jr., John McGill, Larry Hendershot, Robbie Green, Rick Mill, Jason Tompkins, Hank Goranson.
Did Not Qualify: Bob Cancellieri, Eric Acquaro, Larry Badaracco.

Sportsman Feature Finish: JESSE MARKS, Will Galm, Danny Creeden, Mike Senecal, Jamie Yannone, Tom Tomasko, Joe Giachinta, Gary LaBagh, Dave Coene, Danny Tyler, Tom Perrego, Howard Jarvis, Charlie Winne, John Sundlof, Steve Meilleur, Steve Krom, Greg Bachetti, Ken Ferrier, David Bush, Ladd Yeomans.
Did Not Qualify: Paul Minton, Greg Hocking, Kenny Moulton Jr., Duane Koskey, Al Archiere.

Sportsman Heldover Feature Finish From June 30: DANNY CREEDEN, David Bush, Gary LaBagh, Danny Tyler, Will Galm, Tom Perrego, Al Archiere, Dave Coene, Steve Krom, Joe Giachinta, Howard Jarvis, Jesse Marks, Charlie Winnie, Jamie Yannone, Ladd Yeomans, John Sundlof, Tom Tomasko, Greg Bachetti, Mike Senecal, Ken Ferrier.
Did Not Qualify: Paul Minton, Greg Hocking, Steve Meilleur.

Spec Sportsman Heldover Feature Finish From June 30: PHIL RECCHIO, Mike Sabia, Ed Burgess, Butchie Irwin, Matt Shuart, Zach Graham, Doc Young, Erik Holmgren, Vinnie DeCicco, Jamie House, Willy Auchmoody, Eddie Drake.
Did Not Start: Tony Squicciarini.

Spec Sportsman Heldover Feature Finish From June 9: PHIL RECCHIO, Mike Sabia, Butchie Irwin, Doc Young, Vinnie DeCicco, Matt Shuart, Jamie House, Erik Holmgren, Willy Auchmoody, Eddie Drake, Ed Burgess, Zach Graham.
Did Not Start: Dave Gorbatuk, Tony Squicciarini, Jeff Richardson, Mike Van Tassel.

Mini-Sprint Heldover Feature Finish From June 30: PETER SINDT, Bob Lynt, Brian Pomponio, Ralph Utter Jr., Clint Roehrs, Mark Rogers, Skip Travis, Cody Flach, Kevin Kondelka, J.D. Casazza, Will Casazza, Hank Katz, Gary Reyer, Dana Carey, Mike Goodnow.
Did Not Restart: Philippa Melrose, John Guarino, Scott Goodrich, John Lodini, Tim Lapp, Bubba Broderick, Brian Oliver.

Mini-Sprint Heldover Feature Finish From June 9: BRIAN POMPONIO, Peter Sindt, Dana Carey, Bob Lynt, Mark Rogers, Cody Flach, Ralph Utter Jr., Hank Katz, Kevin Kondelka, J.D. Casazza, Gary Reyer, Mike Goodnow, Clint Roehrs, Will Casazza, Skip Travis.
Did Not Start: Scott Goodrich, John Lodini, Brian Oliver.

Pro Stock Heldover Feature Finish From June 30: LENNY BRICE, Rob Rowe, Dave Colwell, Pat Zimmer, Larry Temple Jr., Mark Lathrop, Bill Deak Sr., Al Christiana Jr., George Christiana, John Roese, Bill Knapp, Gene Temple, Butch Winnie, Steve Plumstead, John Rood, Jason Shuart, Adam Douglas, James Devitt.
Did Not Start: Jeff Hager, Jason Casey, Jim Sykes.

Pure Stock Heldover Feature Finish From June 9: BILL RION, Bill Deak Jr., Jim O'Neil, Joe Judge, Bob Gibson, Joe DiStefano, John Woinoski, Luke Horning, Don Coon, Duke McSpirit, Sam Surnear, James DeCicco III, Kyle Wright, Donald J. Williams, Robert Cutler, Bill Judge, Chris Kanuk, Ralph Ronk Jr., Paul Aragon Jr., Kevin Krusewski, Mike Deyo, Buck Barrett, Mike DuBois, Ray Curry.

This week's events at Accord Speedway....
KB's Racing Photos presents "A Night of Features" on Fri., July 7....

On the agenda:
*Heldover 358-Modified feature from June 9
*Remaining 18 laps of Sportsman feature from June 30
*New Sportsman feature (top 15 in points handicapped by money points, starting positions 16-20 determined by a consolation)
*Spec Sportsman feature from June 30
*Heldover Spec Sportsman feature from June 9
*Remaining 13 laps of Mini-Sprint Feature from June 30
*Heldover Mini-Sprint feature from June 9
*Pro Stock feature from June 30
*Heldover Pure Stock feature from June 9
Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m. Contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website at: www.accordspeedway.com for further information.

Good Karma Puts Schrufer Into Accord Victory Lane
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Chalk it up to good karma.

Two weeks after losing the lead - and a potential victory - in a controversial restart incident, Bloomingburg, N.Y.'s Mel Schrufer cashed in on Friday night at Accord Speedway.

The nine-year racing veteran earned $1,500 for his first-ever victory in the K&W Car Wash 358-Modified 30-lap feature before a standing-room-only crowd at the Ulster County quarter-mile.

Heavy rains during the week resurfaced during the racing program - literally. Water bubbled up from the ground in several spots around the oval after sundown. Management moved the 358-Modifieds to the first feature of the evening as a result.

"I've been through a lot of turmoil," Schrufer, 42, the owner of Academy Transmissions in Middletown, N.Y., said.

"It was all worth it."

Schrufer, who began his career in a big-block Modified at Orange County (N.Y.) Fair Speedway, switched to N.Y.'s Lebanon Valley before opting to call Accord home late in the 2005 campaign.

For him, the decision was purely financial.

"I was dropping $1,000 every week just to go racing," he said. "It was just too much. This is close (45 minutes from home) and it's a lot of fun."

Starting second driving his Precision-powered No. 84 Teo-Pro car, Schrufer snatched the lead from Ernie Palmer Jr. on the second lap, diving low out of turn two.

"When I went into turn one on the first lap of the feature, I knew I had a winning car," Schrufer reported. "I had to go (early in the feature)."

With Schrufer out front, fourth-starter Andy Bachetti began to roll on the outside groove. Driving the Downes Racing No. 40 Bicknell with a fresh A&C Performance engine, Bachetti overtook Palmer for second on the eighth lap after several side-by-side circuits.

When the event's first caution flew on lap 14, Bachetti seemed poised to challenge Schrufer.

He couldn't.

Nailing the double-file restart - and surviving another quick caution on lap 15 - Schrufer actually increased his lead.

"I think I've got it now," said Schrufer. "Slower is faster here. I was driving in (to the corners) way too hard."

Schrufer slowed down in the final five circuits to avoid heavy lapped traffic. Bachetti closed slightly, attempting to power around the extreme outside groove.

"I did back it down a little when I saw the lapped traffic," Schrufer said. "All I had to do was slip once and he (Bachetti) would've had me. Andy is a racer."

Bachetti, 30, of Sheffield, Mass., a winner at Accord, Lebanon Valley and Utica-Rome (N.Y.) in 2006, settled for second.

"I just couldn't get hooked up," Bachetti said. "This is our first time out with a new motor and we were off a little bit on the gearing. It's an awesome motor - we're just not familiar with it yet.

"It was good for Mel, bad for me."

Advancing to third from 12th starting position, Mike Ricci was the event's biggest mover. The Rosendale, N.Y., native took fifth on lap 17, fourth three laps later and advanced to third on the 22nd go-round.

The 41-year-old driver worked the high groove masterfully with his JPM-powered No. 17 PMC ride.

"We set up to run the top and middle," Ricci said. "The car was excellent. Those guys were slipping and sliding.

"I needed a caution with about five-to-go. I think I could've got them (Schrufer and Bachetti)."

Palmer, of Leeds, N.Y., finished fourth and Wallkill, N.Y.'s Kevin Duryea rounded out the top five.

Heat winners for the 23 358-Modifieds in attendance were Bachetti, Brett Graham and Mark Pullen. John McGill topped the consolation.

Larry Temple Jr. of Ulster Park, N.Y., won the 20-lap Pro Stock heldover feature from June 9 in a wild, three-wide finish. Temple lost the lead to Pat Zimmer on the 11th circuit, but regained the top spot with two laps remaining.

Exiting turn four on the final lap, Temple's No. 17T broke loose. Temple, Zimmer and Christiana raced under the checkered in a mad scramble, with Temple picking up the win. Zimmer was second, ahead of Christiana (who slid through the infield), Pennsy's Jim Sykes and Dave Colwell.

Bill Deak Jr. of New Milford, Conn., won his third Pure Stock feature of the season. Deak took over the lead from Joe Judge on the 12th lap and raced on to victory. Judge, Bill Rion, Mike Deyo and John Woinoski rounded out the top five.

The Mini-Sprint and Sportsman features were both cut short on lap seven due to the increasingly wet track conditions and time constraints. Ralph Utter Jr. (Mini-Sprint) and David Bush (Sportsman) are the respective race leaders.

The Spec Sportsman and regularly-scheduled Pro Stock features were also postponed.

Due to the excessive amount of weather-related make-up features to be run, the July 7 program has been designated the KB's Racing Photos "Night of Features" and will include the following: 358-Modified Heldover from June 9; Remainder of June 30 Sportsman feature; Complete New Sportsman feature (Top 15 in points entering the night lined up by money points, consolation to set spots 16-20); June 30 Spec Sportsman feature; Remainder of June 30 Mini-Sprint feature; Heldover Mini-Sprint feature from June 9; June 30 Pro Stock feature; and the Heldover Pure Stock feature from June 9.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m. For further information, contact the track office at (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

BIG A NOTES: A gigantic fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. thrilled the large crowd in attendance, while a chicken barbecue kick-started the night.
With the grandstands packed to capacity-plus, spectator parking became an issue. Two overflow lots were put into use....
Car counts were 23 358-Modifieds, 23 Sportsman, 13 Spec Sportsman, 24 Mini-Sprints, 21 Pro Stocks and 21 Pure Stocks for a total of 125....
Jackie Brown Jr. debuted a fresh Head's Up Machine small-block engine in his No. 6X Teo-Pro car, finishing sixth. Brown had been using a borrowed powerplant from the Tyler racing team....
Joining the Mini-Sprint ranks was Dana Carey, who traveled over 7,000 miles from Japan to compete at the Big A. Carey is an elementary school teacher for the Department of Defense Dependant Schools (DODDS) in Japan and will compete at Accord during his summer break.
New Zealanders Rachel and Philippa Melrose were also on hand, adding to the winged division's international influence....
Veteran Larry Badaracco of Danbury, Conn., made his first 358-Modified start of '06....
With a fifth-place finish, Kevin Duryea closed to within two points of 358-Mod leader Rich Ricci Jr., who placed ninth on his 40th birthday. Duryea, a former Sportsman champion, continues to impress as a small-block rookie....

K&W CAR WASH RACE SUMMARY
358-Modified Feature Finish: MEL SCHRUFER, Andy Bachetti, Mike Ricci, Ernie Palmer Jr., Kevin Duryea, Jackie Brown Jr., Robbie Green, Brett Graham, Rich Ricci Jr., Rick Mill, Tom Hindley, Larry Hendershot, Ryan Stortini, J.R. Heffner, Dom Roselli, Robbie Fairweather, Scott Ferrier, Hank Goranson, Mark Pullen, John McGill.
Did Not Qualify: Barry Davis, Bob Cancellieri, Larry Badaracco.

Pro Stock Heldover Feature Finish From June 9: LARRY TEMPLE JR., Pat Zimmer, George Christiana, Jim Sykes, Dave Colwell, Bill Deak Sr., Mark Lathrop, Butch Winnie, Gene Temple, John Roese, Jason Shuart, James Devitt, Jeff Hager, John Rood, Lenny Brice, Steve Plumstead, Adam Douglas.
Did Not Start: Scott Mill.

Pure Stock Feature Finish: BILL DEAK JR., Joe Judge, Bill Rion, Mike Deyo, John Woinoski, Buck Barrett, Robert Cutler, Jim O'Neil, Don Coon, Mike DuBois, James DeCicco III, Don Pomarico, Ray Curry, Bill Judge, Paul Aragon Jr., Donald J. Williams, Joe DiStefano, Bob Gibson, Kyle Wright, Ed Howey, Ralph Ronk.

Fireworks/Chicken Barbecue at Accord Friday...
This Fri., June 30, at Accord Speedway...

K&W Car Wash presents a FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA in the sky! On the track: 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks, plus a heldover Pro Stock feature from June 9. A chicken barbecue will add to the Independence Day weekend program!

Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with racing at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

Rain Stops Accord; Rene Downes Memorial Rescheduled For Aug. 4
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - The only laps turned at Accord Speedway on Friday night were clocked at roughly 20 miles per hour.

As the Pro Stocks hit the quarter-mile clay oval to work in the surface for hot laps, steady rain moved over the speedway, forcing promoter Gary Palmer to pull the plug on the Cedar Ridge R.V. program, which was slated to include the 2nd Annual Rene Downes Memorial 50-lap, $2,000-to-win 358-Modified main, plus Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks and the Briggs & Stratton Slingshot Tour.

The Rene Downes Memorial (in memory of the longtime car owner who passed away in Jan. 2004) has been rescheduled for Aug. 4.

"The weather has been killing us this season," Palmer said at 7 p.m., adding a thank you to the teams that hauled to the track.
"It never rained a drop here all day until now."

The lap money that was collected for the Downes Memorial has been retained and will be distributed when the event is run. While the majority of laps are sold, a select few remain at $15 each. Contact Brett Deyo via e-mail at: Deyo99H@aol.com for further information.

While the date has changed for the Rene Downes Memorial, a guaranteed starting berth in the Fabrications by Tauschman All-Star Cash Dash at the Oct. 6-7 Afton (N.Y.) Speedway Short Track SuperNationals will be granted to the winner.

Stock-car racing resumes at the Big A on June 30 with a huge fireworks extravaganza plus 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks presented by K&W Car Wash. The June 9 Pro Stock heldover feature will be the first event on the card. A July 7 rain date has been established for the fireworks. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

Contact the speedway office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com for further information.

BIG A NOTES: Despite the dark skies, car counts remained solid, with a stream of fresh faces checking into the pit area.

Notable newcomers included Joey Barbagallo Jr. with his No. 53 358-Modified and New Zealand natives Philippa and Rachel Melrose in the Mini-Sprint ranks (contributing to a season-high 21 cars).

With his No. 13 Spec Sportsman out of commission (rear-end failure), Conn.'s Al Archiere was set to drive the Merlyn Bloom No. 5X in the Sportsman division. Jason Casey, of Lebanon Valley (N.Y.) Speedway notoriety, was on hand with his No. 324 Pro Stock....

Jeff Richardson will not defend his Spec Sportsman championship. The veteran competitor from Goshen, N.Y., sold his No. 50 Bicknell to Pro Stock racer Doc Young during the week....

Set to debut in the Sportsman division was Ted Meilleur of Wassaic, N.Y., a crewman for Andy Bachetti's team....

The Downes No. 40 was at the ready for Andy Bachetti after blowing an engine during hot laps the previous Friday. The team's back-up engine was installed between the Bicknell mount's frame rails....

The Flach family was well represented in the Slingshot ranks with brothers Josh and Cody set to compete in identical white No. 24 cars. Incidentally, a date for the Slingshot Tour makeup has not been set....

After serious incidents on June 16, Dave Coene (Sportsman) and Ryan Stortini (358) returned to the track with cars sporting fresh front clips....

Rick Mill unveiled a fresh Bicknell car from the Crackers Motorsports stable. The chassis replaces the original Bicknell car destroyed in a violent April 28 flip. Mill had been running his self-owned No. 77 Teo-Pro car in the meantime....

Rich Ricci Jr. leads the 358-Modified point standings in search of his 10th title by 10 markers over former Sportsman champion and small-block rookie Kevin Duryea. J.R. Heffner, Jackie Brown Jr. and Dom Roselli complete the front five. Other point leaders include: Jamie Yannone (Sportsman), Mike Sabia (Spec Sportsman), Ralph Utter Jr. (Mini-Sprint), Lenny Brice (Pro Stock), Bill Deak Jr. (Pure Stock) and Josh Flach (Slingshot)....

Wristbands and rain checks will be honored on June 30....

Friday night's rain forced the fourth complete washout of 2006 and marks the sixth event foiled by rain just three months into the season....

Short Track SuperNationals Qualifier At Accord Fri., June 23

AFTON, NY - The fifth of 12 All-Star Cash Dash Qualifiers is slated for this Fri., June 23 at N.Y.'s quarter-mile Accord Speedway.

The 2nd Annual Rene Downes Memorial at Gary Palmer's Ulster County track, a 50-lap 358-Mod event paying $2,000-to-win, will offer a spot in the Cash Dash.

The Fabrications by Tauschman All-Star Cash Dash, run during the Saturday portion of the Fri.-Sat. Oct. 6-7 First Annual Short Track SuperNationals at Afton Speedway, will feature 12 eligible drivers, who will earn their way into the 10-lap, $1,000-to-win go-for-broke Modified event via a series of qualifying races held throughout the summer at six different tracks.

Alan Rudalavage won the first All-Star Cash Dash Qualifier at Penn-Can (Pa.) Speedway on Fri., April 28. Mitch Gibbs garnered the second event on Sat., May 6 at Five Mile Point Speedway in Kirkwood, N.Y.

On Sun., June 4 at Utica-Rome (N.Y.) Speedway, Todd Burley of Spencerport, N.Y., racked up the victory and a spot in the Dash.

An added date - on Tues., June 13 at Five Mile Point - gave Brian Weaver the chance he needed to get into the All-Star Dash.

Momentum continues to build for the First Annual Short Track SuperNationals, a Brett Deyo/Pat Jordan promotion.

The Fri., Oct. 6 portion of the Short Track SuperNationals will include high-paying events for the 125cc, 270cc and 600cc Micro-Sprints plus Mini-Sprints in a preliminary $500-to-win feature.

On Sat., Oct. 7, the 50-lap big-block/small-block Modified main will headline a program that includes the Fabrications by Tauschman All-Star Cash Dash, a Mini-Sprint event paying $1,500-to-win, plus Pure Stocks and Four Cylinder Pups.

For further information on the Short Track SuperNationals, visit the comprehensive website: www.shorttracksupernationals.com, or contact promoter Brett Deyo by phone at: (845) 565-4850 or (845) 728-2781. He can be reached via e-mail at: Deyo99H@aol.com.

Lap and event sponsorships are available now, along with Advance Sale grandstand tickets. Entry forms and purses for all classes have been posted. Visit the website for details.

Fabrications by Tauschman All-Star Cash Dash Qualifiers

Fri., April 28 - Penn-Can Speedway/Susquehanna, Pa. - WINNER: Alan Rudalavage
Sat., May 6 - Five Mile Point Speedway/Kirkwood, N.Y. - WINNER: Mitch Gibbs
Sun., June 4 - Utica-Rome Speedway/Vernon,
N.Y. - WINNER: Todd Burley
Tues., June 13 - Five Mile Point Speedway/Kirkwood, N.Y. - WINNER: Brian Weaver
Fri., June 23 - Accord Speedway/Accord, N.Y.
Sat., July 1 - Thunder Mountain Speedway/Center Lisle, N.Y.
Mon., July 3 - Penn-Can Speedway/Susquehanna, Pa.
Fri., July 7 - Afton Speedway/Afton, N.Y.
Fri., July 14 - Accord Speedway/Accord, N.Y.
Sun., July 16 - Utica-Rome Speedway/Vernon, N.Y.
Sat., Aug. 5 - Five Mile Point Speedway/Kirkwood, N.Y.
Fri., Sept. 8 - Afton Speedway/Afton, N.Y.

SHORT TRACK SUPERNATIONALS AT A GLANCE:
Fri., Oct. 6 - 1200cc Mini Sprints (25-laps, $500-to-win); 600cc Micro-Sprints (25-laps, $600-to-win); 270cc Micro-Sprints (25-laps, $1,000-to-win); 125cc Micro-Sprints (20-laps, $300-to-win). Gates open at 4 p.m., hot laps at 6:15 p.m., racing at 7 p.m. All grandstand admission: $7/Pit admission: $25.
Sat., Oct. 7 - Modifieds (50-laps, $3,500-to-win); Fabrications by Tauschman All-Star Cash Dash (10-laps, $1,000-to-win); 1200cc Mini-Sprints (30-laps, $1,500-to-win); Pure Stocks (25-laps, $500-to-win); and Four Cylinder Pups (20-laps). Gates open at 11 a.m., hot laps at 3 p.m., racing at 4 p.m. Adult admission: $18; Senior/Student grandstand admission: $16/Pit admission: $30.
Weekend grandstand pass: $22 (Adults); $20 (Seniors and Students)/Weekend pit pass: $50
Kids 9 and under admitted FREE!

Heffner Sticks To Plan, Wins First of '06 At Accord
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - J.R. Heffner made a plan and stuck to it Friday night at Accord Speedway.

Capitalizing on an up-front start, Heffner bolted on a soft right-rear tire and blistered the field in the G.T. Morgan 30-lap 358-Modified feature. The Averill Park, N.Y., driver earned $1,500 for his first victory of the season at the Ulster County quarter-mile oval.

"We ran a soft (American Racer 33 compound) to be able to get a good bite right away," Heffner said, commending his team for their efforts.

"Starting up front, we wanted to get out front quickly."

Heffner took second on the opening lap and pulled up to challenge polesitter Mel Schrufer, who led the early circuits. When the caution flew on lap five, Heffner took full advantage of a double-file restart with his Silly's-powered Bicknell.

Feeling that Heffner jumped the start, Schrufer slowed dramatically when the race went green. Track officials didn't agree with Schrufer's analysis and he was sent to the infield, while Heffner inherited the lead over Dom Roselli.

"That was controversial you could say," Heffner reflected. "Basically, it was all about position. I had him in a position he didn't want to be in.

"Restarts are so critical."

Heffner, 34, initially opened up a half-straightaway edge on Roselli, but that advantage decreased as green flag laps clicked off. At the halfway point, Roselli was poised to challenge Heffner in lapped traffic.

But a caution on lap 16 provided Heffner with a needed respite.

"The caution helped me for two reasons," Heffner said. "The traffic would've been tough and it let me cool the tire.

"Running this tire, I could only go so hard."

Heffner low-lined for the remainder of the distance in his Park East Sales No. 74, picking off slower traffic in the final five circuits for the victory in his full-time return to Accord competition in 2006. He is a Saturday-night regular at Lebanon Valley (N.Y.) Speedway.

Roselli, 45, of Middletown, N.Y., finished second aboard his Precision-powered No. 80, a Teo-Pro car reconfigured with Roselli's own ideas. Roselli used a harder 48 compound right-rear tire.

"I'll definitely take that," Roselli noted following his best Accord finish since May 6, 2005. "We needed a little shot in the arm.

"People were telling me that I was catching him (Heffner). I didn't feel that. I was concentrating on hitting my marks and racing. When you see the 55 (Rich Ricci Jr.) behind you, it usually means you're next on the chopping block."

The pivotal moment in Roselli's night may not have taken place in the feature. After absorbing a hit from Jason Tompkins and spinning on the first lap of his heat race, Roselli battled back for fourth - a re-handicap position that placed him fourth in the feature lineup.

Rich Ricci Jr. of New Paltz, N.Y., took third position on the fifth lap and stayed there for the remainder of the distance, extending his lead in search of championship number 10.

"Early on, I thought I was golden," Ricci said. "The car was so good early; I was going to the front.

"After the first six laps, the car just left me. It stopped working."

Jackie Brown Jr. of Hurley, N.Y., fended off the relentless challenges of Robbie Green to finish fourth. Green was fifth.

Heat winners for the 25 358-Modifieds in attendance were Heffner, Brown and Mike Ricci. Barry Davis won the consolation.

A phone call to Bicknell's Randy Williamson paid dividends for Steve Krom, who won the Sportsman division's time-shortened 18-lap feature.

Driving his No. K3 Bicknell, Neversink, N.Y.'s Krom led the entire distance from the pole en route to his second career victory.

"I was in the garage last night until 11:30 making the changes Randy suggested," Krom, 41, said. "The first four weeks this season, I just didn't feel like the car was balanced.

"When I came out tonight, the difference was automatic."

Sixteen-year-old Danny Tyler finished second, his best-career Sportsman finish. Tom Perrego, Jamie Yannone and Ladd Yeomans rounded out the top five.

Will Galm picked up his first Big A victory since 1995 in the heldover 25-lap Sportsman feature from June 9.

Driving a No. 406 Precision-powered Dirt Wheels car prepared by Rich Ricci Sr., Highland, N.Y.'s Galm took the lead on lap four when race leader Danny Tyler pitted with a flat right-rear tire.

Galm didn't simply cruise to the $600 payday unchallenged, however.

Defending champion Jamie Yannone took second on lap 17 and applied heavy pressure, looking high and low. Yannone pulled even with Galm on the frontstretch with the white flag flying, but Galm protected the bottom entering turn one.

"When you beat Jamie, you're beating the best at Accord," Galm said.

Danny Creeden, Ladd Yeomans and Steve Krom trailed.

Mike Sabia of Easton, Conn., notched his first open-wheel victory in the Spec Sportsman 20-lap feature.

Sabia, the '05 Pure Stock champion, took the lead from Butchie Irwin on the sixth lap and pulled away driving his Bicknell No. 7. Opening Night winner Irwin was second, ahead of Vinnie DeCicco, Ed Burgess and Phil Recchio.

Brian Pomponio's first career Mini-Sprint victory couldn't have been more dramatic.

The Livingston, N.J., driver edged John Guarino in a photo finish to visit Victory Lane for the first time following the 20-lap main for the 1200cc winged warriors.

Pomponio led the entire distance, but Guarino made it interesting. Following a spin and near flip on the lap two, the 16-year-old carved through traffic with reckless abandon. Guarino took second on lap 16 and ran down Pomponio, who slowed dramatically behind the lapped car of Will Casazza.

Sweeping to the outside, Guarino pulled even with Pomponio as the lead pair crossed under the white flag. However, a caution for Brian Oliver's No. 10 gave Pomponio sole possession of the top spot for the one-lap dash to the finish.

Building momentum through turns one and two, Guarino made his move entering turn three. He set his No. 211 high, shooting low at the exit of turn four. Pomponio narrowly won the drag race back to the stripe aboard his TPM Motorsports No. 20.

Scott Goodrich, Skip Travis and Ralph Utter Jr. finished third through fifth, respectively.

Scott Mill won the 20-lap Pro Stock feature the hard way. Working the outside groove methodically, the Wingdale, N.Y., driver moved forward from 11th starting position. He took the lead from Larry Temple Jr. on the 17th lap and survived a brush with the backstretch wall with two laps remaining for his second checkered of the year.

Temple, Lenny Brice, Adam Douglas and Pat Zimmer filled out the front five.

Bill Deak Jr. of New Milford, Conn., drove from 10th starting position to score his second victory of '06 in the heldover Pure Stock 15-lapper from June 2. Deak took the top spot from Paul Aragon Jr. on lap nine.

Aragon, Mike Deyo, Kevin Krusewski and John Woinoski rounded out the top five.

Joe DiStefano of Germantown, N.Y., wired the field in the 15-lap Pure Stock feature event. It was DiStefano's first win of the season. Bill Deak Jr. and Bill Rion were both credited with second place after Rion's penalty for jumping a late-race restart was reversed. Don Coon and Kyle Wright trailed.

Racing resumes on Fri., June 23 with the 2nd Annual Rene Downes Memorial, a 50-lap $2,000-to-win 358-Modified event, plus Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks and the Briggs & Stratton Slingshot Tour. Cedar Ridge RV will sponsor the night's events.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m. Visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com or contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 for further information.

BIG A NOTES: With weather cooperating for the first time since May 5, car counts grew to 25 358-Modifieds, 26 Sportsman, 13 Spec Sportsman, 16 Mini-Sprints, 19 Pro Stocks and 21 Pure Stocks for a total of 120....
After blowing an engine in hot laps, Andy Bachetti piloted the Downes Racing Spec Sportsman car in the 358-Modified main to collect points. He was 12th....
Dave Coene, who led the Sportsman points entering the night, sustained heavy damage in a heldover event crash (his No. 12C will need a new front clip), but the Chestnut Ridge, N.Y., driver picked up the ride in Greg Morgan's No. 21 for the second feature, finishing a respectable eighth....
Roselli's car was hit hard in the left-rear wheel on the first lap of the feature in a wild three-wide scramble with Ryan Stortini and Scott Ferrier. Roselli's No. 80 bounced skyward while Stortini shot into the turn-two wall head-on.
"It ended up having no damage," Roselli said....
Jamie Yannone resurrected the Teo-Pro car he virtually destroyed following an Opening Night win, bringing it to the track as a back-up....
"Feel the Heat" fire-breathing cars thrilled the crowd with a display at intermission....
Heffner wanted to thank his wife, Samantha, and recognize his three kids: Lauryn Muriel, Ryan Michael and Ava Marie (the youngest at four months old) following the win....

G.T. MORGAN RACE SUMMARY
358-Modified Feature Finish: J.R. HEFFNER, Dom Roselli, Rich Ricci Jr., Jackie Brown Jr., Robbie Green, Kevin Duryea, Rick Mill, John McGill, Brett Graham, Tom Hindley, Hank Goranson, Andy Bachetti, Bob Cancellieri, Larry Hendershot, Ernie Palmer Jr., Mark Pullen, Mike Ricci, Scott Ferrier, Barry Davis, Ryan Stortini, Mel Schrufer.
Did Not Qualify: Jason Tompkins, Robbie Fairweather, Eric Acquaro, Greg Morgan.

Sportsman Feature Finish: STEVE KROM, Danny Tyler, Tom Perrego, Jamie Yannone, Ladd Yeomans, Danny Creeden, Kenny Moulton Jr., Dave Coene, Howard Jarvis, Gary LaBagh, Will Galm, Mike Senecal, Jesse Marks, Tom Tomasko, Charlie Winne, Paul Minton, John Sundlof, Ken Ferrier, Greg Hocking, Joe Giachinta.
Did Not Qualify: Greg Bachetti, Eric Moon, Ted DeGroat, Lee Maulik, David Bush, Derrick McGrew.

Heldover Sportsman Feature Finish From June 9: WILL GALM, Jamie Yannone, Danny Creeden, Ladd Yeomans, Steve Krom, Mike Senecal, Howard Jarvis, Tom Perrego, Danny Tyler, Tom Tomasko, Ken Ferrier, Joe Giachinta, Ted DeGroat, Greg Hocking, Charlie Winne, Greg Bachetti, Paul Minton, Derrick McGrew, John Sundlof, Jesse Marks, Gary LaBagh, David Bush, Dave Coene, Eric Moon.

Spec Sportsman Feature Finish: MIKE SABIA, Butchie Irwin, Vinnie DeCicco, Ed Burgess, Phil Recchio, Willy Auchmoody, Tony Squicciarini, Matt Shuart, Mike Van Tassel, Al Archiere, Zach Graham, Eric Holmgren, Jeff Richardson.

Mini-Sprint Feature Finish: BRIAN POMPONIO, John Guarino, Scott Goodrich, Skip Travis, Ralph Utter Jr., Mark Rogers, Peter Sindt, Kevin Kondelka, J.D. Casazza, Bobby Lynt, Gary Reyer, Mike Goodnow, Will Casazza, Brian Oliver, Clint Roehrs, Hank Katz.

Pro Stock Feature Finish: SCOTT MILL, Larry Temple Jr., Lenny Brice, Adam Douglas, Pat Zimmer, George Christiana, Butch Winnie, Mark Lathrop, Jeff Hager, Al Christiana Jr., Bill Deak Sr., Jim Sykes, Steve Plumstead, Dave Colwell, John Roese, James Devitt.
Did Not Start: Matt Shuart, John Rood.

Pure Stock Feature Finish: JOE DISTEFANO, Bill Deak Jr./Bill Rion (tie), Don Coon, Kyle Wright, Joe Judge, Jim O'Neil, Fred Davis, Chris Kanuk, Ralph Ronk, Kevin Krusewski, Bob Gibson, Paul Aragon Jr., Buck Barrett, Don Pomarico, Mike DuBois, James DeCicco III, Mike Deyo, John Woinoski, Donald J. Williams, Bill Judge.

Heldover Pure Stock Feature Finish From June 2: BILL DEAK JR., Paul Aragon Jr., Mike Deyo, Kevin Krusewski, John Woinoski, Jim O'Neil, Joe Judge, Kyle Wright, Mike DuBois, Bill Rion, Don Coon, Joe DiStefano, Ralph Ronk, Donald J. Williams, Bill Judge, Bob Gibson.
Did Not Start: Ed Howey.

ACCORD QUICK RESULTS 6/16/06
G.T. MORGAN RACE SUMMARY

358-Modified Feature Finish: J.R. HEFFNER, Dom Roselli, Rich Ricci Jr., Jackie Brown Jr., Robbie Green, Kevin Duryea, Rick Mill, John McGill, Brett Graham, Tom Hindley, Hank Goranson, Andy Bachetti, Bob Cancellieri, Larry Hendershot, Ernie Palmer Jr., Mark Pullen, Mike Ricci, Scott Ferrier, Barry Davis, Ryan Stortini, Mel Schrufer.
Did Not Qualify: Jason Tompkins, Robbie Fairweather, Eric Acquaro, Greg Morgan.

Sportsman Feature Finish: STEVE KROM, Danny Tyler, Tom Perrego, Jamie Yannone, Ladd Yeomans, Danny Creeden, Kenny Moulton Jr., Dave Coene, Howard Jarvis, Gary LaBagh, Will Galm, Mike Senecal, Jesse Marks, Tom Tomasko, Charlie Winne, Paul Minton, John Sundlof, Ken Ferrier, Greg Hocking, Joe Giachinta.
Did Not Qualify: Greg Bachetti, Eric Moon, Ted DeGroat, Lee Maulik, David Bush, Derrick McGrew.

Heldover Sportsman Feature Finish From June 9: WILL GALM, Jamie Yannone, Danny Creeden, Ladd Yeomans, Steve Krom, Mike Senecal, Howard Jarvis, Tom Perrego, Danny Tyler, Tom Tomasko, Ken Ferrier, Joe Giachinta, Ted DeGroat, Greg Hocking, Charlie Winne, Greg Bachetti, Paul Minton, Derrick McGrew, John Sundlof, Jesse Marks, Gary LaBagh, David Bush, Dave Coene, Eric Moon.

Spec Sportsman Feature Finish: MIKE SABIA, Butchie Irwin, Vinnie DeCicco, Ed Burgess, Phil Recchio, Willy Auchmoody, Tony Squicciarini, Matt Shuart, Mike Van Tassel, Al Archiere, Zach Graham, Eric Holmgren, Jeff Richardson.

Mini-Sprint Feature Finish: BRIAN POMPONIO, John Guarino, Scott Goodrich, Skip Travis, Ralph Utter Jr., Mark Rogers, Peter Sindt, Kevin Kondelka, J.D. Casazza, Bobby Lynt, Gary Reyer, Mike Goodnow, Will Casazza, Brian Oliver, Clint Roehrs, Hank Katz.

Pro Stock Feature Finish: SCOTT MILL, Larry Temple Jr., Lenny Brice, Adam Douglas, Pat Zimmer, George Christiana, Butch Winnie, Mark Lathrop, Jeff Hager, Al Christiana Jr., Bill Deak Sr., Jim Sykes, Steve Plumstead, Dave Colwell, John Roese, James Devitt.
Did Not Start: Matt Shuart, John Rood.

Pure Stock Feature Finish: JOE DISTEFANO, Bill Deak Jr./Bill Rion (tie), Don Coon, Kyle Wright, Joe Judge, Jim O’Neil, Fred Davis, Chris Kanuk, Ralph Ronk, Kevin Krusewski, Bob Gibson, Paul Aragon Jr., Buck Barrett, Don Pomarico, Mike DuBois, James DeCicco III, Mike Deyo, John Woinoski, Donald J. Williams, Bill Judge.

Heldover Pure Stock Feature Finish From June 2: BILL DEAK JR., Paul Aragon Jr., Mike Deyo, Kevin Krusewski, John Woinoski, Jim O’Neil, Joe Judge, Kyle Wright, Mike DuBois, Bill Rion, Don Coon, Joe DiStefano, Ralph Ronk, Donald J. Williams, Bill Judge, Bob Gibson.
Did Not Start: Ed Howey.

Mike Ricci Meets Another Type of Concrete: Victory Lane
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Mike Ricci met with another type of concrete Friday night at Accord Speedway: the slab that marks the track's Victory Lane.

Rosendale, N.Y.'s Ricci, who has struggled since the concrete barriers have been installed on the inside of the quarter-mile oval's turns, topped the 358-Modified heldover feature from June 2 in dominant fashion.

Rain stopped the Minnewaska Motors program prior to the Sportsman heat events, setting up a series of double features through the months of June and July.

"I took a lot of heat for getting into the jersey barriers four weeks in a row," Ricci said following his first win of the '06 season. "I had to come up with something.

"25 years of racing here and I've had to change everything since they put the barriers in. It's hard to explain: I just can't 'arc' the car anymore."

Ricci started the 30-lap main sixth aboard Jim Winchell's JPM-powered No. 17 PMC chassis. The 41-year-old moved forward as outside polesitter Robbie Green put his No. 69 into the early lead.

A lap-two restart played into Ricci's hands. He drove from fourth to second by the time the field exited turn two, completing a double-pass of Ryan Stortini and John McGill.

"That worked out," Ricci said. "They got 'jingled up' and I went through 'em."

Struggling to keep the handle on his familiar green and white Teo-Pro car, Green slipped off the preferred bottom groove exiting turn four on the fifth lap and Ricci didn't miss the opportunity.

The two cars gently grazed rubrails as Ricci drove to the inside and took the lead.

"Robbie is a racer," Ricci said of the pass. "He gave me the room."

Despite a caution on lap 17, Ricci walked away from the field to score the victory by a full straightaway.

"We've been fast all year," Ricci added, recalling April 28, when he tangled with the lapped car of Bob Cancellieri while leading. "We just needed some luck."

Green, of Wallkill, N.Y., finished second. It was his best finish of the '06 season.

"The car was just too loose," Green said. "I ran a soft (33 compound). I used that up and I was done.

"It's still the best race I've had all year, so I'm happy."

Plattekill, N.Y.'s John McGill, 44, hounded Green for the runner-up spot before settling for third in Joe Giachinta's No. 62 Precision-powered Teo-Pro car. It was McGill's first top-five finish of the season.

"I was catching Robbie," McGill said. "I had a 44 (compound tire) on. Robbie had a 33. That last caution (on lap 17) killed me.

"It's a lot more fun racing when the car turns. We freed it up a lot."

Tenth-starter Rich Ricci Jr. of New Paltz, N.Y., was fourth and Kevin Duryea rounded out the top five.

*****

358-Modified heat winners before the rain included J.R. Heffner, Rich Ricci Jr. and Mark Pullen. 22 358-Modifieds signed in for competition.
Vinnie DeCicco and Mike Sabia split the Spec Sportsman heat races. Clint Roehrs and Brian Pomponio were Mini-Sprint winners. Pat Zimmer and Larry Temple Jr. topped the Pro Stock qualifiers, while Bill Rion and Bob Gibson won the Pure Stock heats.
Rain moved in at 8:20 p.m., just as the Sportsman cars were on the grid for the first of three heat events. The precipitation never relented, forcing promoter Gary Palmer to pull the plug.
Make-up features will be rescheduled in the following manner:
June 16 - Pure Stock feature from June 2 and Sportsman heldover
June 30 - Pro Stock heldover
July 7 - 358-Modified and Mini-Sprint heldovers
July 14 - Spec Sportsman heldover
July 21 - Pure Stock heldover
Racing resumes at the Action Track on Fri., June 16 with a full program of 358-Modifieds with sail panels, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks, plus "Feel the Heat" fire-breathing cars presented by GT Morgan. The June 2 Pure Stock feature and the June 9 Sportsman heldover will join the program. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.
For more information, contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

BIG A NOTES: Car counts stood at 22 358-Mods, 24 Sportsman, 14 Spec Sportsman, 16 Mini-Sprints, 18 Pro Stocks, 21 Pure Stocks and four Slingshots....
Andy Bachetti, who entered the night as the 358-Modified point leader, headed pitside on the 17th lap of the heldover main with driveshaft/front universal joint issues....
Robbie Green missed the call for first 358-Mod heat when the battery shorted out on his No. 69....
The JPM-built engine that Mike Ricci is utilizing in the Jim Winchell No. 17 is the same powerplant that dominated Accord and Moc-A-Tek (Pa.) in the early 2000s....
The evening marked the return of Gary LaBagh after an absence of two decades. Known as the "Bounty Hunter" during his first foray at Accord, LaBagh is remembered for stopping Jeff Heotzler's 320-Modified win streak during the 1985 season at the Big A.
LaBagh was at the controls of a Sportsman carrying his trademark number 38....
Veteran Hank Goranson rejoined the 358-Modified division....

MINNEWASKA MOTORS RACE SUMMARY
358-Modified Heldover Feature From June 2: MIKE RICCI, Robbie Green, John McGill, Rich Ricci Jr., Kevin Duryea, Scott Ferrier, Tom Hindley, Rick Mill, Ryan Stortini, Dom Roselli, Jackie Brown Jr., J.R. Heffner, Mark Pullen, Brett Graham, Mel Schrufer, Jason Tompkins, Bob Cancellieri, Andy Bachetti, Ernie Palmer Jr.

Rain Halts Accord Prior To 358-Mod Main; Yannone Tops Sportsman Feature
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Consider three straight cancellations, a 90-percent chance of precipitation and looming showers within miles of the track beginning mid-afternoon and Friday night's shortened Campers Barn program at Accord Speedway could be considered a moral victory.

Six of the evening's eight features were complete when rain moved over the Ulster County track at 10:15 p.m., just as the 358-Modified headliner was set to roll onto the speedway.

The rain never let up, forcing promoter Gary Palmer to scrap the remainder of the program. The heldover 358-Modified feature will join the Fri., June 9 card, while the Pure Stock competitors will make up their double-points feature on Fri., June 16.

Earlier in the night, Andy Bachetti, Jackie Brown Jr. and Scott Ferrier notched victories in the three 358-Modified qualifiers. Pure Stock heat winners were Bob Gibson and Joe DiStefano.

Jamie Yannone returned to championship form in a caution-marred 25-lap Sportsman feature.

The Newburgh, N.Y., native, who won the division's 2005 title, scored his second victory of the '06 season with sheer determination.

Yannone started 10th aboard his Moshier-powered No. 21 Teo-Pro car and safely negotiated the mayhem that marred the early laps. By lap six, Yannone sat third behind Derrick McGrew and Jesse Marks.

The 26-year-old ultimately pounced following a lap-13 restart.

McGrew protected the inside line entering turn three with Marks on his back bumper. Yannone saw a clear outside groove and whipped around the top two by the exit of turn four.

"You can't do anything following them but run them over," said Yannone, who makes use of the outside line on a regular basis. "They were fighting for the bottom - both of them. Jesse followed him right into the turn.

"I went to the top thinking I'd get one of them. I couldn't believe I got them both."

Yannone raced on to win over McGrew, who six days earlier picked up his first-career win at Fonda (N.Y.) Speedway, his Saturday-night home. Marks, Will Galm and Tom Perrego rounded out the top five. Perrego was driving Keith Van Oyan's No. 57A after hurting the engine of his No. 33 during last Sunday's Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour event at Utica-Rome (N.Y.) Speedway.

Teenager Zachary Graham of Accord, N.Y., won his first race in memorable fashion. He beat fellow rookie Mike Sabia to the line by a bumper in the 15-lap Spec Sportsman feature.

A lap-14 caution put two-time winner Phil Recchio and Sabia in position to challenge Graham, who led from the outset. Sabia snuck by Recchio in turns one and two, then drove to the inside of Graham as the lead pair rounded turns three and four.

Never so much as touching rubrails, the two young drivers drag-raced to the stripe, with Graham's outside momentum giving him the nod.

In Victory Lane, he received congratulations from his father Kerry, a former track official and racer and older brother Brett, who competes in the 358-Modified division.

Easton, Conn.'s Sabia placed second, but admitted that he didn't realize it was the final lap until it was too late - when he saw the checkered flying. Recchio, Erik Holmgren and Ed Burgess filled out the front five.

Former Mini-Sprint champion Jeremy Quick registered his first full-sized Sprint Car victory in the 15-lap Capital Region Sprintcar Association 305 Sprint feature. The Kerhonkson, N.Y., native took the lead on lap three, working under Chuck Alessi. Quick pulled away from Warren Alexson, Jim House, inaugural CRSA race winner Steve Lapine and Marshall Gogg for the win.

Bob Lynt shook off his early-season mechanical woes, dominating the 20-lap Mini-Sprint feature.

The Buchanan, N.Y., diver, who failed to start two of the three features run this year, led the entire distance. New Jersey's Ralph Utter Jr. charged from 10th position to challenge Lynt for the top spot, but Utter spun from contention on lap nine when the lead cars touched wheels entering turn three.

Lynt went on to win over Skip Travis, who posted his fourth consecutive top-five finish with a runner-up effort. Twelfth-starter Peter Sindt made a late-race rally for third, ahead of May 5 winner Clint Roehrs and Brian Pomponio.

Schoharie, N.Y.'s John Roese represented the Ford contingent well, winning the 20-lap Pro Stock main aboard his Blue Oval-powered No. 28. Roese, who started sixth, took the lead on a lap-five restart when early pacesetter Dave Colwell left the bottom groove open. Following Colwell's collision with a lapped car on lap 11, Roese fought off the advances of Pat Zimmer and Scott Mill for his first '06 triumph.

Zimmer finished second despite breaking loose in turn two on the final lap. Lenny Brice raced from 13th to finish third, ahead of Larry Temple Jr. and Mill, who jumped on the binders to avoid the sideways Zimmer and dropped to fifth.

Jimmy Halpin of Wappingers Falls, N.Y., took the lead on lap three and raced to victory in the 15-lap Northeastern Vintage Dirt Modified Racing Club main aboard his Frankie Schneider replica No. 2 Pinto. Mike Brown, Rob Casti, Don Johnson and Don Johnson Sr. trailed.

Racing resumes on Fri., June 9 with Minnewaska Motors Night, featuring the heldover feature for the 358-Modifieds, plus a full program of 358-Mods, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks and Slingshots. The Atlantic Coast Old Timers will be on hand with a still display.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m. For more information, contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

BIG A NOTES: Car counts were 19 358-Modifieds, 21 Sportsman, 13 Spec Sportsman, eight CRSA 305 Sprint Cars, 15 Mini-Sprints, 16 Pro Stocks, 18 Pure Stocks and seven Vintage Modifieds on the threatening night....

Upon examination of Jamie Yannone's No. 21 in the pit area, significant front-end damage was evident from an opening-lap, turn one incident.

Yannone said the car's front end was pushed back approximately two inches due to the front axle, tie-rod and radius rods being bent.

"My wheel got caught in that accident and the car wanted to stall," Yannone said. "So I mashed it and got through."....

Fourth-place Sportsman finisher Will Galm was another of the walking wounded. The same incident pulled the brake line of his car's left-front caliper....

Andy Bachetti's pass en route to winning the first 358-Modified heat was breathtaking. As John McGill and Mike Ricci slid up the track exiting turn two, Bachetti whipped by both on the bottom with a three-wide maneuver....

Mike Ricci's disdain for the inside concrete walls continues. He flattened a left-front tire after he clipped the turn-two barrier in heat-race action....

Newcomer Ernie Palmer Jr. of Leeds, N.Y., looked solid in 358-Mod heat race two, racing from last to finish third. Palmer is driving a No. 42 Bicknell car owned by Bonnie and Brian Bennett....

CAMPERS BARN RACE SUMMARY
Sportsman Feature Finish: JAMIE YANNONE, Derrick McGrew, Jesse Marks, Will Galm, Tom Perrego, Dave Coene, David Bush, Danny Tyler, Danny Creeden, Mike Senecal, Steve Krom, Greg Bachetti, Duane Koskey, Joe Giachinta, Ladd Yeomans, Howard Jarvis, Kenny Moulton Jr., Charlie Winne, John Sundlof, Ken Ferrier.
Did Not Start: Eric Moon.

Spec Sportsman Feature Finish: ZACHARY GRAHAM, Mike Sabia, Phil Recchio, Erik Holmgren, Ed Burgess, Jeff Richardson, Willy Auchmoody, Butchie Irwin, Vinnie DeCicco, Tony Squicciarini, Matt Shuart, Jamie House, Al Archiere.

CRSA 305 Sprint Feature Finish: JEREMY QUICK, Warren Alexson, Jim House, Steve Lapine, Marshall Gogg, Jeff Van Steenburg, Chuck Alessi, Bill Jaycox.

Mini-Sprint Feature Finish: BOB LYNT, Skip Travis, Peter Sindt, Clint Roehrs, Brian Pomponio, Ralph Utter Jr., Mark Rogers, Brian Oliver, Kevin Kondelka, J.D. Casazza, Hank Katz, Gary Reyer, Greg Post, Mike Goodnow, Scott Goodrich.

Pro Stock Feature Finish: JOHN ROESE, Pat Zimmer, Lenny Brice, Larry Temple Jr., Scott Mill, Butch Winnie, James Devitt, Gene Temple, Dave Colwell, Bill Deak Sr., Jim Sykes, John Rood, Tim Southard, George Christiana, Jeff Hager.
Did Not Start: Steve Plumstead.

Northeastern Vintage Dirt Modified Racing Club Feature Finish: JIMMY HALPIN, Mike Brown, Rob Casti, Don Johnson, Don Johnson Sr., Ray See Sr.
Did Not Start: Scott Matthews.

358-Modified Starting Lineup (TO BE RUN JUNE 9): John McGill, Robbie Green, Ryan Stortini, Jackie Brown Jr., Scott Ferrier, Mike Ricci, J.R. Heffner, Tom Hindley, Kevin Duryea, Rich Ricci Jr., Andy Bachetti, Ernie Palmer Jr., Mel Schrufer, Rick Mill, Bob Cancellieri, Dom Roselli, Jason Tompkins, Mark Pullen, Brett Graham.

Pure Stock Starting Lineup (TO BE RUN JUNE 16): Ed Howey, Paul Aragon Jr., John Woinoski, Kyle Wright, Mike Deyo, Bob Gibson, Bill Rion, Mike DuBois, Joe DiStefano, Bill Deak Jr., Ralph Ronk, Kevin Krusewski, Bill Judge, Jim O'Neil, Robert Cutler, Don Coon, Joe Judge, Donald J. Williams.

This Fri., June 2, at Accord Speedway...

Campers Barn presents 358-Modifieds with sail panels, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, CRSA 305 Sprints and Vintage Modifieds. The Pure Stocks will battle for DOUBLE POINTS! Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

For further information, contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

Mother Nature Rains On HigFab Night At Accord
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Mother Nature played a trick on race fans and competitors Friday night at Accord Speedway.

As the Sportsman cars were set to roll onto the quarter-mile oval for hot laps to kick off the seven-division HigFab program, afternoon clear skies turned to steady rain, forcing promoter Gary Palmer to pull the plug on the event. It marked the third consecutive rainout at the Big A.

"We thought we would be okay," said Palmer, who watched the radar closely throughout the afternoon. "But there was one storm in Ulster County and it hit here. There was no way we could have gotten the track dry after that rain."

Wristbands and rain checks will be honored on Fri., June 2.

Newcomers in the pit area included: Paul Minton and Lee Maulik (Sportsman); Greg Hoffman, Henry Tanner and Fred Hoffman (Mini-Sprint); Steve Plumstead and '05 "King of the Catskills" Rob Rowe (Pro Stock); and Bill Judge, Tony Polemeni and Donald Williams (Pure Stock).

Racing resumes on Fri., June 2 with Campers Barn Night featuring 358-Modifieds with sail panels, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks in a double-points event, CRSA 305 Sprints and Vintage Modifieds. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

Wed., June 7 marks the first "Midweek Madness" event of the '06 season. Slingshots, Quads, Flat-Track Bikes, Go-Karts and Lawnmowers will compete on the "Inner Oval." Grandstand admission is $3 for the Wednesday events, which will run through Aug. 30.

A number of special Friday-night events are planned for June, led by an Atlantic Coast Old Timers Display (June 9); "Feel the Heat" Fire-Breathing Cars (June 16); the Second Annual Rene Downes Memorial 50-lap 358-Modified event plus the Briggs and Stratton Slingshot Tour (June 23); and a Fireworks Extravaganza (June 30).

For further information, contact the speedway office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

This Fri., May 26, at Accord Speedway...

HigFab presents a full program of 358-Modifieds featuring sail panels, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks and Slingshots. Enjoy a Memorial Day Weekend Chicken Barbecue!

Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

Contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com for further information.

Rain Scores Second Straight Knockout At Accord
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Despite waiting until mid-afternoon to make a decision, persistent rain forced Accord Speedway promoter Gary Palmer to pull the plug on Friday night's Powers NAPA Auto eight-division program at the Ulster County track. It marked the second consecutive rainout at the Big A.

"We waited as long as we did because there was supposed to be a clearing," a disgusted Palmer said shortly after 2 p.m. "But the rain has been steady for the past two hours."

Racing resumes at the Action Track on Fri., May 26 with HigFab Night, featuring a full slate of 358-Modifieds with sail panels, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks and the second '06 appearance by the Slingshots. A special Memorial Day Weekend Chicken Barbecue will be held on the speedway grounds.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing promptly at 7 p.m.

"Midweek Madness" cranks up on Wed., June 7 and runs through Wed., Aug. 30 on the "Inner Oval" featuring Slingshots, Quads, Flat-Track Bikes, Go-Karts and Lawnmowers. Spectator admission is $3. Gates open at 5 p.m. with racing at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights.

For further information, contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

This Fri., May 19, at Accord Speedway...

Powers NAPA Auto presents an eight-division spectacular, featuring 358-Modifieds with sail panels, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, CRSA 305 Sprints and Vintage Dirt Modifieds.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

For further information, contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

Special Events Coming To Accord Speedway; Wednesday "Midweek Madness" Begins June 7
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - As spring winds into summer, the action at Accord Speedway intensifies with special events and the addition of Wednesday-night "Midweek Madness" to the weekly schedule.

Friday-night racing rolls on following a strong kickoff to the '06 season. The success of the speedway's unprecedented "Cinco de Mayo Celebration" on Fri., May 5 has sparked the addition of theme-type novelty events.

On Fri., May 26, aside from a full-plate of on-track action, a Memorial Day Chicken Barbecue will be held on the speedway grounds.

Dust off the tiki lights for Fri., July 14, when the Big A will play host to a its first-ever Luau, accompanying the Joe Winne Memorial 55-lap, $2,000-to-win 358-Modified event (a Short Track SuperNationals All-Star Cash Dash Qualifier). A tropical Hawaiian theme will rule the night.

Pine Grove Dude Ranch will present "Western Night" on Fri., Aug. 4, complete with cowboy hats, boots, spurs and classic country-western music.

Other upcoming specials include: "Feel the Heat" fire-breathing cars on Fri., June 16; the Second Annual Rene Downes Memorial 358-Modified 50-lap feature paying $2,000 to the winner (a Short Track SuperNationals All-Star Cash Dash Qualifier) on Fri., June 23; Fireworks Extravaganza and July Fourth Chicken Barbecue on Fri., June 30; and Camera and Autograph Night on Fri., July 28.

"Midweek Madness" cranks up on Wed., June 7 and runs through Wed., Aug. 30 on the "Inner Oval" featuring Slingshots, Quads, Flat-Track Bikes, Go-Karts and Lawnmowers. Spectator admission is $3. Gates open at 5 p.m. with racing at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday shows.

"We've had a ton of interest in the Wednesday shows," said Accord promoter Gary Palmer. "I expect an even larger turnout than we had last season."

Accord's Friday programs include 358-Modifieds with sail panels, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks, plus special appearances by the CRSA 305 Sprints, Slingshots and Vintage Dirt Modifieds. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

For further info, visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com or contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478.

Rain Shuts Down Accord Speedway's Fri., May 12 Program
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Heavy overnight rains and more precipitation predicted for the afternoon and evening forced Accord Speedway promoter Gary Palmer to cancel Friday's Provident Bank program, slated for all six regular divisions plus the second appearance of the season by the Slingshots.

After three consecutive weeks of racing to open the '06 season, Palmer made the call to pull the plug by 8 a.m. on Friday.

"It rained all night, and we're already pumping (water off the track)," he said. "There is supposed to be a brief 'lull' in the afternoon, but by 7 p.m., it's back to a 70-percent chance of rain.

"With the price of gas, there's no sense making the racers tow here to get wet."

Racing resumes at the Action Track on Fri., May 19 with Powers NAPA Auto Night, featuring the 358-Modifieds with sail panels, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, CRSA Sprints and Vintage Modifieds.

Current point leaders are: Andy Bachetti (358-Modified); Ladd Yeomans (Sportsman); Butchie Irwin (Spec Sportsman); Ralph Utter Jr. (Mini-Sprint); Lenny Brice (Pro Stock); Kevin Krusewski (Pure Stock); and Josh Flach (Slingshots).

In 21 feature events contested this season amongst nine different divisions, there have been 20 different winners. The only driver to repeat, Phil Recchio, did so by scoring consecutive Spec Sportsman triumphs on Fri., April 28 and Fri., May 5.

For further information on Accord Speedway, contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

NOTE: The Briggs & Stratton Slingshot Tour event that was postponed due to a scheduling conflict on Fri., May 5 has been rescheduled for Fri., June 23.

This Fri., May 12, at Accord Speedway...

Provident Bank presents a seven-division card of 358-Modifieds with sail panels, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks and the second '06 appearance by the Slingshots. Don't miss a week of the action!

Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

For further information, contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

Rick Mill's Back-Up Gets It Done At Accord; Wins One Week After Flipping
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - One week after destroying his primary Peter Reynolds-owned No. 73 Bicknell in a bone-jarring flip down the frontstretch, Rick Mill returned with a vengeance on Friday night in a back-up car.

Pulling his former championship-winning Teo-Pro chassis out of the mothballs, the New Windsor, N.Y., driver won the Apple Greens Golf Course 30-lap 358-Modified feature at Accord Speedway during the Ulster County track's "Cinco de Mayo Celebration."

For Mill, the combination of a familiar ride and pole starting position worked to his advantage. The two-time track champion took care of the rest en route to a $1,500 payday.

"I know this car," said Mill of the black No. 77, a trusty '99 Teo he drove to consecutive Sportsman championships at Orange County (N.Y.) Fair Speedway in 2004 and 2005.

"It was fast tonight, but I thought we had the other one (the Bicknell) going good too, until it went flying through the air."

With the Crackers Motorsports/Peak Racing Equipment car deemed wrecked beyond repair, Mill and Co. took the CV Machine small-block engine and placed it in the back-up ride. Then, they hastily put sail panels on the car, which had been stored at Mill's mother's house in Wingdale, N.Y.

"We didn't put too much time into it," Mill bottom-lined. "This car has the exact same set-up I ran at Eastern States Weekend (last October). We were busy all night with the motor. The plugs were fouled out and we had carburetor trouble, left over from flipping last week."

The race itself was one to remember for Mill, who outgunned Robbie Green to take the lead on the start. The 44-year-old utilized a higher line entering the turns each lap, opening the bottom line for Green, who stuck the nose of his No. 69 in down low repeatedly.

However, the crafty Mill ran Green out of real estate on each attempt.

"I was entering middle/high so I would get off the corners better," Mill said. "That left the bottom open. He (Green) was 'rooting' in there.

"I chopped him a few times. But you don't get to start up front that often."

With the first 22 laps of the main clicking off caution-free on the quarter-mile, the leaders encountered lapped traffic early and often. That's when Mill got aggressive.

On lap 16, Mill became momentarily entangled in a pack of slower cars entering turn one, allowing Green to power by on the top. Not to be deterred, Mill drove deep into turn three and pulled off a monster truck-style jump over Green's front-end to reclaim the lead.

"I was surprised he (Green) stayed up high when he passed me," Mill said. "That gave me the room to get in there."

Learning from the first snafu, Mill laid the bumper to lapped traffic, opening up the bottom groove during his later attempts.

Meanwhile, Tom Hindley came to life, slipping by Mike Ricci for third on lap 17 and taking second from Green on lap 19. Ricci pursued Hindley closely, attempting to wrestle the runner-up position back on the 20th lap in turn two.

Hindley wouldn't allow it, slamming the door shut, and Ricci's car shot skyward, climbing the inside concrete and the side of Hindley's No. 17H.

Hindley had chipped away at Mill's lead when the yellow lights flickered on with 22 laps complete. During the caution period, the Fair Oaks, N.Y., driver pulled alongside the leader. Wrong move.

"I saw two 17s (Hindley and Ricci) on the lap counter," Mill said. "When he (Hindley) pulled alongside me and showed me it was him, I knew I had to change my line. I had been protecting the bottom, but I moved up to the middle, so he couldn't get a run."

The caution, in fact, foiled Hindley's chance for the win. He had chosen the harder 48 compound right-rear tire (Mill went with a 44). The yellow period let the tire cool, forcing him to settle for a $1,000 runner-up finish, two car-lengths off Mill's bumper.

"That yellow killed me," Hindley, who actually dropped back from his sixth starting position in the first five laps, said. "If it didn't come out, I had it made. All I had to do was run around the outside of him.

"It (the right-rear) wasn't even warm when I came in. I didn't have enough time to get going again. It took me a while at the beginning of the race to go forward. I was going backwards for a while."

Still, the 39-year-old was pleased with runner-up cash after a rough start to the season.

"It was a good night. I gained a lot of points."

Ricci, of Rosendale, N.Y., was third in Jim Winchell's No. 17 PMC despite a flattened left-front tire from the lap-20 contact with Hindley.

"It's hard with the jersey barriers, because you get pinched," Ricci analyzed. "The car is great; we've had a winning car for three weeks now, but we can't catch a break.

"We'll get the bugs out now, I guess."

Rich Ricci Jr. made a late surge to finish fourth after starting 12th and Green faded to fifth after battling a car that got "very tight" in the waning laps.

Heat winners for the 20 358-Modifieds in attendance were Green, Hindley and Mill.

For years, Mike Senecal relished the nights as a winning crew member for Barry Davis.

On Friday, he celebrated as a driver for the first time.

Senecal, 24, of Accord, N.Y., scored his breakthrough victory in the 25-lap Sportsman headliner. It came in his third season of weekly competition at the Big A.

Driving his Turco's Machine-powered PMC No. 26S, "Super Mike" started from the pole and drove a flawless race, fending off Will Galm in the event's early stages.

Fresh off a victory the previous Sunday at Glen Ridge (N.Y.) Motorsports Park, Derrick McGrew took second on lap 14. His run for the win ended two laps later when he spun in turn one after sticking the nose of his No. 26M to the inside of Senecal.

Senecal's final opponent came in the form of 10th-starter Dave Coene, who took second on lap 18 and pulled up to challenge, but couldn't make a bid for the lead.

"I worked on Barry's (Davis) car forever and I couldn't wait for him to win so we could celebrate," Senecal, who earned $600, said. "Now to celebrate as a driver is awesome."

Coene, Will Galm, 22nd-starter Howard Jarvis and veteran Tom Perrego rounded out the top five.

Phil Recchio became the season's first repeat winner, racking up his second consecutive victory in the Spec Sportsman division. The Wantage, N.J., veteran throttled by Mike Sabia on the seventh lap of the 15-lap main to score the win. Sabia, an impressive Zachary Graham, Jeff Richardson and Al Archiere trailed.

On the night sponsored by his father's business - Apple Greens Golf Course - Clint Roehrs put on a show for his friends and family in attendance, winning the caution-free 20-lap Mini Sprint feature.

Rolling off the grid seventh, Roehrs took the lead from Will Casazza just two circuits into the main. Then, he took off.

Squirting through lapped traffic running high and low, the Highland, N.Y., teenager opened up a straightaway lead. His pace was slowed, however, in the final laps by an engine that began to emit signs of smoke.

While he held off former champion Peter Sindt for the victory, his No. 48 left a visible trail of fluid on the speedway during the cool-down lap.

Sindt was a season-high second, ahead of eighth-starter Ralph Utter Jr., Skip Travis and Bubba Broderick.

After losing potential victories in each of the year's first two events, Pat Zimmer of Saugerties, N.Y., got the job done in week three, topping the 20-lap Pro Stock main. Zimmer outdistanced John Roese, Lenny Brice, Larry Temple Jr. and Dave Colwell.

Seymour, Conn.'s Kevin Krusewski picked up his second career victory in the 15-lap Pure Stock feature. Krusewski drove from fifth starting position to take the lead from a strong-running Kyle Wright on the eighth lap. Jim O'Neil challenged Krusewski in the waning laps, but settled for second, ahead of Wright, Bill Rion and Daryl DeBetta, who started 12th in the Scott Ackerley car.

Mike Brown of High Falls, N.Y., won the 15-lap Season Opener for the Northeastern Vintage Dirt Modified Racing Club. Drew Evanyke, Rob Casti, Ray See Sr. and Don Johnson rounded out the top five.

Racing resumes at the Action Track on Fri., May 12 with a full program of 358-Modifieds with sail panels, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks and Slingshots presented by Provident Bank.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

For further information, contact the speedway office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

BIG A NOTES: With festive music blaring over the speakers, Nachos and non-alcoholic margaritas flying out of the concession stands and sombreros dotting the bleachers, Accord's "Cinco de Mayo Celebration" was a rousing success.
Kudos to the track's "Top Row Crew," a group of dedicated race fans, who arrived early and decorated their seats for the night, complete with a cactus piñata....
Car counts remained stable at 20 358-Modifieds, 22 Sportsman, 11 Spec Sportsman, 20 Mini-Sprints, 11 Pro Stocks, 21 Pure Stocks and eight Vintage Modifieds....
Mill's car owner, Peter Reynolds, has acquired another Bicknell chassis from Mike Sparta and Jared Petruska. The new car should be in the Accord pit area by the end of May. In the meantime, Mill will run the back-up mount....
Reynolds wished to thank his crew for "burning the midnight oil" to get the No. 77 ready for Friday's action....
A newcomer to the 358-Mod ranks was Ernie Palmer Jr., driving a No. 42 Bicknell owned by Newburgh, N.Y.'s Brian and Bonnie Bennett....
The drive of the night in Sportsman action went to Howard Jarvis, who throttled from 22nd starting position to place fourth in his first appearance of the '06 season.
Jarvis's night was unpleasant leading up to the main. First, the car smoked heavily in hot laps due to power steering fluid pouring out the overflow.
Then, on the line for his heat race, a hot wire shorted out on the No. 3J, putting a hole in the oil pressure line. His crew scrambled to make repairs and he started the main last with no laps on the car....

APPLE GREENS GOLF COURSE "CINCO DE MAYO" RACE SUMMARY
358-Modified Feature Finish: RICK MILL, Tom Hindley, Mike Ricci, Rich Ricci Jr., Robbie Green, Jackie Brown Jr., Kevin Duryea, Dom Roselli, Scott Ferrier, Andy Bachetti, J.R. Heffner, John McGill, Ryan Stortini, Mel Schrufer, Mark Pullen, Brett Graham, Jason Tompkins, Ernie Palmer Jr., Larry Hendershot, Robbie Fairweather.

Sportsman Feature Finish: MIKE SENECAL, Dave Coene, Will Galm, Howard Jarvis, Tom Perrego, Ladd Yeomans, David Bush, Kenny Moulton Jr., Joe Giachinta, Charlie Winne, Ken Ferrier, Derrick McGrew, Tom Tomasko, John Sundlof, Duane Koskey, Michael Storms, Steve Krom, Jamie Yannone, Jesse Marks, Danny Creeden, Danny Tyler, Greg Bachetti.

Spec Sportsman Feature Finish: PHIL RECCHIO, Mike Sabia, Zachary Graham, Jeff Richardson, Al Archiere, Butchie Irwin, Ed Burgess, Vinnie DeCicco, Matt Shuart, Jamie House, Tony Squicciarini.

Mini-Sprint Feature Finish: CLINT ROEHRS, Peter Sindt, Ralph Utter Jr., Skip Travis, Bubba Broderick, John Guarino, Will Casazza, John Lodini, Hank Katz, Mark Rogers, Scott Goodrich, Brian Oliver, Mike Goodnow, J.D. Casazza, Greg Post, Rich Bright, Kevin Kondelka.
Did Not Start: Brian Pomponio, Gary Reyer, Bob Lynt.

Pro Stock Feature Finish: PAT ZIMMER, John Roese, Lenny Brice, Larry Temple Jr., Dave Colwell, Bill Deak Sr., Butch Winnie, George Christiana, John Rood, Adam Douglas, James Devitt.

Pure Stock Feature Finish: KEVIN KRUSEWSKI, Jim O'Neil, Kyle Wright, Bill Rion, Daryl DeBetta, Mike DuBois, Joe DiStefano, Bob Gibson, Charlie Houghtaling, James DeCicco III, Don Coon, John Woinoski, Buck Barrett, Bill Deak Jr., Joe Judge, Mike Deyo, Steven Kanuk.
Did Not Start: Bob Cutler, Fred Davis Jr., Ralph Ronk, Paul Aragon Jr.

Northeastern Vintage Dirt Modified Racing Club Feature Finish: MIKE BROWN, Drew Evanyke, Rob Casti, Ray See Sr., Don Johnson, Pat Murphy, Bob Sherwood, Mike Murphy.

This Fri., May 5, at Accord Speedway...

MUCHO ACCION! Join us for a "fantastico" Cinco de Mayo celebracion! Sombreros, maracas, cacti, non-alcoholic margaritas and more. Seven divisions of on-track excitement: 358-Modifieds with sail panels, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks and Vintage Modifieds presented by Apple Greens Golf Course. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

Contact the speedway office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com for more info.

Andy Bachetti Welcome Recipient of a Gift At Accord, Wins 358-Modified Main
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Andy Bachetti was the welcome recipient of a gift last Friday night at Accord Speedway.

The benefactor of a mid-race tangle involving leaders Mike Ricci and Robbie Green, Sheffield, Mass.'s Bachetti inherited the lead and marched on to victory in the 30-lap Kwik Mart 358-Modified feature. Bachetti earned $1,500 for the victory.

"We got a gift tonight," Bachetti bottom-lined. "But we'll take it."

The event got off to a rough start, with three incidents slowing the action before the completion of lap one.

On the third attempt to get underway, front-row starters Larry Hendershot and Barry Davis made contact at the exit of turn four.

Davis's No. 9D slammed the boilerplate and came to an abrupt stop, half-sideways, in front of the field.

The first car to hit Davis's disabled vehicle was Rick Mill's No. 73. Mill's Peter Reynolds-owned car flipped violently on the frontstretch, executing two complete barrel-rolls before landing back on its wheels. Tom Hindley and Robbie Fairweather piled in hard, necessitating a 17-minute red flag. No one was injured in the incident.

When racing resumed, Robbie Green motored into the lead with Brett Graham and Mike Ricci in tow.

Ricci took second from Graham on lap eight, while Bachetti began his ascent from 13th starting position in the Downes Racing No. 40.

By the 11th go-round, Bachetti sat third.

"The first few laps, it was just a matter of staying out of trouble," Bachetti said. "Then we got rolling."

At the halfway point, the lead battle tightened up as Green's No. 69 began to slide off the bottom in the turns. On lap 16, Ricci worked inside Green and took the top spot.

However, Ricci's time out front was short-lived.

On lap 19, the slower car of Bob Cancellieri suddenly darted low on the frontstretch, nearly forcing Ricci into the inside barrier. Ricci, 41, made an abrupt right to avoid the concrete entering turn one and spun Cancellieri, collecting Green.

Ricci headed pitside with a right-front flat, while Bachetti took command in the A&C Performance-powered Bicknell.

"Really, we had a second- or third-place car," Bachetti said. "It's a shame that happened to Mike and Robbie, but it could've been me.

"It fell our way tonight."

Bachetti outdistanced 358-Modified rookies Kevin Duryea and Brett Graham to score the win after posting a runner-up effort in the 44th Season Opener.

Duryea, 26, of Wallkill, N.Y., was a career-best second, completing a one-two sweep by A&C Performance engines. Duryea started 11th. The former Sportsman champion is enthused by his small-block success.

"I don't think anyone expected us to run like we are," Duryea said, recollecting a fifth-place finish on Opening Night. "It (the Ricci/Green incident) was lucky for us, but bad for them.

"It was encouraging to me that Bachetti wasn't 'walking us' too bad at the end. Actually, he seemed to back up to us a little bit, but the lapped traffic was tough to get around.

"It came down to if he (Bachetti) bobbled."

The 18-year-old Graham, of Accord, N.Y., placed impressively in third. It marked just his fourth 358-Modified start in his No. 76 Precision-powered Teo-Pro car.

"It's an honor," Graham said of racing with the division's experienced drivers. "I've been watching these guys since I was five years old.

"It was driver and car tonight," he continued. "We're still working on it, but I slowed down a little.

"I just had to be more confident."

Jackie Brown Jr. of Hurley, N.Y., raced from 16th to nose out Larry Hendershot at the line for fourth. Hendershot placed fifth.

Green, Davis and Mike Ricci won the heat races for the 21 358-Mods in attendance.

Danny Creeden tapped a valuable resource during the week when "Papa Rich" Ricci Sr. stopped by Precision Engine Service, where Creeden is a fulltime employee.

"'Papa Rich' came in, didn't say 'hi' or anything, but he gave me some advice," Creeden said. "I've got to thank him."

Taking the set-up guru's words to heart, Middletown, N.Y.'s Creeden roared to a dramatic win in the 20-lap Sportsman main.

Starting ninth, the 23-year-old marched forward. Creeden took third on lap nine, then the second-generation driver went to work on Tom Tomasko and Tom Perrego, who were battling for the lead.

Perrego slipped wide on lap 18, allowing Creeden to sneak by in turns one and two. Wheeling his No. 16X hard into turn three, he muscled past Tomasko with the white flag in the air, racing to the $600 victory.

Tomasko, who led laps 3-18, was second, with Perrego, Jesse Marks and Ladd Yeomans in tow.

Phil Recchio's off-season decision to run the Spec Sportsman division paid off in week two of the '06 season. The Wantage, N.J., native, formerly a 358-Modified regular, bested Mike Sabia, Al Archiere, Ed Burgess and Butchie Irwin for the win.

Steve Lapine of Mahopac, N.Y., made history as the first-ever Capital Region Sprintcar Association 305 Sprint winner in the division's 15-lap feature. A former Accord Mini-Sprint regular, Lapine took the lead on lap two and motored on to the win over Warren Alexson, Chuck Alessi, Jim House and Josh Flach.

Ralph Utter Jr. didn't simply win the 20-lap Mini-Sprint feature. He earned it.

West Milford, N.J.'s Utter throttled from 10th to take the lead when Bobby Lynt dropped off the pace on lap five. But his most formidable challenge came late in the race from John Guarino, who started 11th.

Guarino drove under Utter exiting turn two on lap 17. One lap later, Utter returned the favor, pulling the same move on Guarino. This time, he held on for good, scoring the win.

Guarino placed second, ahead of a returning Bubba Broderick, Skip Travis and Clint Roehrs.

Scott Mill got some redemption in the 20-lap Pro Stock feature. After leading much of the Season Opener, the Wingdale, N.Y., driver spun with three circuits remaining.

This time, Mill made a final-lap pass of Pat Zimmer to record the win. Zimmer, who led from the outset, slid wide on the final lap with a deflating right-rear tire. Mill ducked low and went on to the triumph over John Roese, Lenny Brice, Zimmer and James Devitt.

Josh Flach of Coxsackie, N.Y., won the 10-lap Slingshot headliner. Flach wrestled the top spot away on two different occasions in the main. After racing from fourth to the lead on the opening lap, Flach dropped to second when he was pinched low on a lap-one restart.

The 20-year-old calmly trailed John Sowle, regaining the top spot on lap three exiting turn four. Last year's "King of the Catskills" victor marched on to win over Sowle, Mike Carpenter, Keith Still and Dave Gapczynski.

Bob Gibson of Hyde Park, N.Y., won the 15-lap Pure Stock feature. Gibson, a late-season addition last year, is running a full schedule at the Big A in '06. Gibson spent the first six circuits racing side-by-side with Scott Ackerley before taking the lead for good.

Ackerley crossed the line second, but failed post-race tech (light on the scales), moving Mike Deyo into the runner-up spot. Joe Judge, Mike DuBois and Kevin Krusewski trailed.

Racing resumes at the Action Track on Fri., May 5 with the "Cinco de Mayo Celebration" featuring 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks and the Northeastern Vintage Dirt Modified Racing Club presented by Apple Greens Golf Course. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

For further information, contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

BIG A NOTES: The car count of 131 included 21 358-Modifieds, 24 Sportsman, 13 Spec Sportsman, 19 Mini-Sprints, 22 Pure Stocks, eight CRSA Sprints and eight Slingshots....
Mike Ricci said Cancellieri gave no indication he would move into his path on the frontstretch.
"The previous lap he ran around the outside of the track," Ricci said. "I went into (turn) three up high, but he moved up. Then I got under him on the frontstretch and he moved down.
"I had to steer into him so I didn't hit the barrier."....
Ricci was running a back-up engine after his primary piece suffered terminal problems on Opening Night. The team found water in the oil and made a powerplant change during the week....
Longtime big-block Modified driver Scott Goodrich was all smiles when discussing his move to the Mini-Sprint division. Goodrich likes the economics of the division, along with the competition.
Goodrich is using a stock 1000cc Suzuki engine in the No. 30....
Former Accord 270cc Micro-Sprint winner Michael Storms of Wantage, N.J., made his Sportsman debut at the track, finishing 11th in his No. 79. Storms, 18, was the '05 Orange County (N.Y.) Fair Speedway Sportsman Rookie of the Year....
Jamie Yannone's first run in a back-up car produced a stirring last-to-first effort in heat action, but a lap-six spin in the feature relegated the Newburgh, N.Y., driver to 14th in the final rundown....
The night's most versatile driver was Capital District racer Josh Flach, who piloted both a Slingshot and a CRSA 305 Sprint Car in back-to-back feature events.
Flach looked comfortable in both rides, winning the Slingshot main handily and placing fifth with the Sprint Car....
Once again, the 358-Modified feature was in the books by 10 p.m., with the entire eight-division program done well before the 11:30 p.m. curfew....
Good run for Danny Tyler in the Sportsman main, throttling from 18th to finish sixth....
The Downes Racing team now has feature wins in two divisions in 2006: 358-Modified with Bachetti and Spec Sportsman with Butchie Irwin....

KWIK MART RACE SUMMARY
358-Modified Feature Finish: ANDY BACHETTI, Kevin Duryea, Brett Graham, Jackie Brown Jr., Larry Hendershot, J.R. Heffner, Ryan Stortini, Mike Ricci, Rich Ricci Jr., Scott Ferrier, John McGill, Dom Roselli, Robbie Green, Mark Pullen, Mel Schrufer, Bob Cancellieri, Jason Tompkins, Barry Davis, Robbie Fairweather, Rick Mill, Tom Hindley.

Sportsman Feature Finish: DANNY CREEDEN, Tom Tomasko, Tom Perrego, Jesse Marks, Ladd Yeomans, Danny Tyler, Mike Senecal, Ken Ferrier, Will Galm, Dave Coene, Michael Storms, David Bush, Duane Koskey, Jamie Yannone, Joe Giachinta, John Sundlof, Derrick McGrew, Eric Moon, Kenny Moulton, Steve Krom.
Did Not Qualify: Drew Ricco, Ted DeGroat, Charlie Winne, Greg Bachetti.

Spec Sportsman Feature Finish: PHIL RECCHIO, Mike Sabia, Al Archiere, Ed Burgess, Butchie Irwin, Mike Van Tassel, Jeff Hager, Vinnie DeCicco, Jeff Richardson, D.J. Brooks, Jamie House, Willy Auchmoody, Zachary Graham.

CRSA 305 Sprint Car Feature Finish: STEVE LAPINE, Warren Alexson, Chuck Alessi, Jim House, Josh Flach, Jeremy Quick.
Did Not Start: Jeff Van Steenburg, Marshall Gogg.

Mini-Sprint Feature Finish: RALPH UTTER JR., John Guarino, Bubba Broderick, Skip Travis, Clint Roehrs, Will Casazza, Hank Katz, John Lodini, Scott Goodrich, Gary Reyer, Mark Rogers, Greg Post, Kevin Kondelka, Peter Sindt, Brian Oliver, J.D. Casazza, Bob Lynt, Mark Goodnow.
Did Not Start: Brian Pomponio.

Pro Stock Feature Finish: SCOTT MILL, John Roese, Lenny Brice, Pat Zimmer, James Devitt, Jim Sykes, George Christiana, Larry Temple Jr., John Hager, Joe McKenna, John Rood, Gene Temple, Adam Douglas, Mark Lathrop, Bill Deak Sr., Pat Colwell.

Slingshot Feature Finish: JOSH FLACH, John Sowle, Mike Carpenter, Keith Still, Dave Gapczynski, Jim Pollard, Rick LaMont, Russ Kisselburg.

Pure Stock Feature Finish: BOB GIBSON, Mike Deyo, Joe Judge, Mike DuBois, Kevin Krusewski, Bill Deak Jr., Bill Rion, Joe DiStefano, Paul Aragon Jr., Jim O'Neil, Chris Kanuk, John Woinoski, Buck Barrett, Ralph Ronk, James DeCicco III, Bobby Cutler, Fred Davis, Kyle Wright, Ed Howey.
Disqualified: Scott Ackerley.
Did Not Qualify: Don Coon, Jessica Flach.

CRSA Sprints, Slingshots Come To Accord Fri., April 28
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Race fans at Accord Speedway will be treated to a pair of special events this Fri., April 28.

The Capital Region Sprintcar Association will hold its inaugural event at the Ulster County track. The group was formed by Brian Grisel and Tad Uzzle during the off-season. CRSA is designed to provide an affordable Sprint Car option for local racers, featuring full-size winged sprinters with economical 305 cubic inch engines.

Several of the CRSA competitors took the opportunity to shake down their equipment during the Sat., April 8 practice session, turning quick times. Among those already gaining track time were: Slingshot graduate Josh Flach, former 358-Modified racer Jim House, Tad Uzzle and Chuck Alessi.

CRSA will host events at Accord, Afton (N.Y.), Five Mile Point (N.Y.), Fonda (N.Y.), Glen Ridge (N.Y.) and Utica-Rome (N.Y.) this season.

The popular Slingshots by Tobias will be making their first of 10 Friday-night appearances on the quarter-mile.

In addition, two Saturday shows in October, including a National on Oct. 14, are planned for the Slingshots on the stock-car track. The scaled-down dirt Modifieds will also compete on the "Inner Oval" during the 13 Wednesday "Midweek Madness" events.

A large turnout is expected this Friday, in preparation for the Fri., May 5 Matthew R. Lentz Memorial Race, a Briggs & Stratton Slingshot Tour event with nearly $800 in lap money to be distributed. MRL Motorsports was instrumental in getting the extra cash.

A full show of 358-Modifieds with sail panels, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks presented by Kwik Mart will join the touring divisions. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

For further info, contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

Rich Ricci Jr.'s Pole Starting Position Paves Way For Accord Opening Night Win
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - The crucial moment for Rich Ricci Jr. occurred well before the start of Friday night's racing program at Accord Speedway.

Ricci walked up to the pit sign-in booth, reached into the draw bucket and picked number one.

That paved the way for the nine-time champion's win in the 44th Season Opener presented by Trailer King at the Ulster County bullring.

With a head's-up start in place, Ricci won the night's first heat, started the 30-lap 358-Modified main from the pole and marched on to victory, fending off a determined drive from Andy Bachetti for a $1,500 payday.

For Ricci, it was his second win in as many starts this season. He topped the Southern Tier Open at Five Mile Point (N.Y.) Speedway on Sun., April 9.

"That was the way to start," noted Ricci, in search of an unprecedented 10th title. "On a 'new' track like this, you want to start up front. It takes time to get the outside groove worked in where you can really make moves.

"It's early yet - you'll have ups and downs - but it's nice to be leading the points already."

Piloting his Precision-powered Dirt Wheels No. 55, Ricci wasted little time opening up a sizable lead. By the sixth lap, the second-generation driver encountered lapped traffic. But picking off the slower machines wasn't without difficulty for Ricci.

He spent four laps trailing a side-by-side battle between the slower cars of Jason Tompkins and Robbie Fairweather, ultimately making a bold three-wide move on the frontstretch with 10 laps complete to overtake both cars.

The 39-year-old's second close call came only moments later when his car launched skyward in turn three after catching the right-rear corner of Brett Graham's No. 76.

"The lapped traffic wasn't easy," Ricci said. "You'd try to get under them, and they'd get a good bite off the top.

"I got together with Graham there and I said, 'Here we go.'"

While Ricci negotiated the backmarkers, Andy Bachetti was on the move from 11th starting position in the Downes Racing No. 40. He took third on lap 20 and initiated a challenge of Scott Ferrier for second when the race's first caution flew on lap 24.

Bachetti pounced immediately on the restart, completing an inside pass of Ferrier after one full lap of side-by-side action. Bachetti sat second when the caution lights flickered on with 26 laps complete.

During the caution period, Bachetti pulled alongside Ricci. The intimidation attempt didn't un-nerve the leader.

"I saw Andy pull alongside of me," Ricci said, adding that he watched Bachetti's advance on the turn-two scoreboard.

"I gave him the thumb's-up and said, 'Okay, let's race.' I told myself, 'Rich, don't give up the bottom.' He was gonna have to go to the top."

Bachetti stalked Ricci, trying high and low to make a bid for the lead. Exiting the fourth turn with the white flag in the air, Bachetti clipped the inside concrete, flattening the left-front tire on the A&C Performance-powered Bicknell.

Still, the Sheffield, Mass., native was pleased with his performance in the lid-lifter.

"Coming off the bottom, this thing was good," said Bachetti, complimenting his all-new powerplant. "Over the winter, they (A&C) did a lot. This is a new piece; it's got some smoke.

Bachetti knew getting around Ricci would be a tall order.

"Rich is good here," Bachetti said. "We tried some things tonight and got lucky. I could get in (to the turns) good and it stuck. Still, you've gotta be real fast to drive around someone like him up high.

"I tried to get a run on him and shoved the nose (up high). Then I clipped the inside wall off (turn) four."

J.R. Heffner of Averill Park, N.Y., found the high line to his liking late in the main, squeaking out a third-place finish with a pass of Ferrier on the final lap in his SCE Competition Engines-powered No. 74 Bicknell. Heffner started 12th.

"It took forever to get the car going," said Heffner, who didn't crack the top-five until lap 27. "Early on, the bottom was as good as the top. Once it (the outside groove) 'blew off,' the advantage was up high.

"I would've liked to have been in that position a lot earlier, but we'll take it."

Heffner, 34, is making a full-time return to Accord in '06.

Ferrier, of Bloomingburg, N.Y., placed a steady fourth in his '03 Troyer SLR No. 20 and 358-Modified rookie Kevin Duryea of Wallkill, N.Y., was fifth.

Heat winners for the 20 358-Modifieds in attendance were Rich Ricci Jr., Ferrier and Duryea.

Jamie Yannone had a precious few seconds to celebrate his second straight Opening Night Sportsman victory before disaster struck - after the checkered.

The Newburgh, N.Y., 26-year-old had just out-dragged Derrick McGrew by a nose to complete the 25-lap distance while Ken Ferrier spun across the backstretch. Ferrier had been running in the second half of the field.

Carrying significant speed off turn two, Yannone pitched his car sideways and made hard contact with Ferrier's stopped machine. Ladd Yeomans piled in shortly thereafter.

The defending Sportsman champion said he didn't realize the checkered had flown.

"I thought the race was still going," Yannone said. "I never saw the (checkered) flag. McGrew was still under me out of two, so I was still on it. I didn't know Ferrier was there until I hit him.

"Believe me, I would've slowed down if I knew the race was over."

Driving the same Moshier-powered No. 21 Teo-Pro car that carried him to seven victories in '05, Yannone started from the pole after winning the night's first heat. He fought off two significant challenges during the main.

Yeomans nearly stole the lead away on laps 14-16 with a series of inside attempts, and Derrick McGrew made an aggressive bid on the final lap.

McGrew, who crossed the stripe second, was penalized two positions for rough riding by race director Rich Roosa, who didn't approve of the Ballston Spa, N.Y., driver's pass of Yeomans on lap 23.

The made the final order of finish Yannone, Yeomans, Dave Coene, McGrew and Jesse Marks.

It took just 15-laps to make his decision.

Butchie Irwin likes open-wheel racing.

The longtime Pro Stock racer from Climax, N.Y., was victorious in the Spec Sportsman feature in the Downes Racing No. 40. His only previous open-wheel starts have come in a Vintage Modified owned by John Flach, and a one-off appearance in last November's "Run What You Brung."

Irwin's break came on lap five when leaders Jeff Richardson and Mike Sabia tangled. He took the lead and raced on to the win over Jeff Hager, Erik Holmgren and Al Archieri.

Richardson, who had rebounded for fourth, was disqualified for being light on the scales.

Starting dead last wasn't a problem for young gun John Guarino in the 20-lap Mini-Sprint feature. Not in the least.

The 16-year-old authored a driving clinic, zipping through traffic with ease aboard his bright yellow No. 211. The Nanuet, N.Y., native took third on lap 10, bolted into second one lap later and squeezed between Skip Travis's No. 28 and the turn-four boilerplate wall to take command on lap 12 with a daring maneuver.

Following the race's final caution on lap 13, Guarino pulled away, besting West Milford, N.J.'s Ralph Utter Jr., who executed a complete 360-degree spin on the opening lap after starting third.

Clint Roehrs was third, ahead of Travis, who led laps 1-11, and Peter Sindt. Incidentally, Sindt stalled to bring out the lap-13 caution but rallied for a top-five finish.

Misfortune for Scott Mill translated into victory for Ulster Park, N.Y.'s Lenny Brice in the Pro Stock division's 20-lapper.

Mill led the event's first 17 circuits before getting together with the lapped car of Joe McKenna in turn one, spinning his No. 1 nose-first into the inside concrete. Brice squeaked by on the outside to gain a lead he wouldn't relinquish en route to his first Accord victory since June 18, 2004.

Bill Deak Sr. was the runner-up, ahead of 14th-starter Larry Temple Jr., George Christiana and newcomer Mark Lathrop.

Bill Deak Jr. of New Milford, Conn., utilized a lap-six restart to motor by early leader Joe DiStefano and marched on to victory in the 15-lap Pure Stock headliner. Deak started seventh. DiStefano placed second, ahead of Jim O'Neil, Bill Rion and Mike DuBois.

Racing resumes at the Action Track on Fri., April 28, with full program featuring 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks, plus the inaugural event for the Capital Region Sprintcar Association 305 Sprints. Kwik Mart will present the evening's activities.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

For further information, contact the speedway office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

BIG A NOTES: Car counts for the 44th Season Opener were solid at 20 358-Modifieds, 23 Sportsman, 13 Spec Sportsman, 17 Mini-Sprints, 14 Pro Stocks and 19 Pure Stocks for a total of 106....
The largest Opening Night crowd in recent memory packed the stands. An efficient program saw the 358-Modified feature completed by 9:46 p.m. and the entire program in the books shortly thereafter....
Attendees were greeted by even more facility improvements: the outside boilerplate wall was freshly painted; crushed stone was put down in the grandstand area; the pit area excavation was finished; and the infield was groomed and neatened....
Robbie Green retired on lap 20 with a broken right-rear axle in the feature....
A snapped brake line forced Mike Ricci to retire from the event on lap 24 with Jim Winchell's No. 17....
Small-block rookie Kevin Duryea, 26, turned heads with a victory in the night's third heat. Duryea, a former two-time regular season Sportsman champ and one-time Fall Series titlist, ironically expressed concerns of failing to qualify earlier in the night....
While Yannone hadn't fully examined the damage to his car, he said the back-up Teo-Pro may be put into use next week....
Dave Flach, who re-opened the track in 1992 and was the speedway's promoter through the 2000 season, made his first appearance since Gary Palmer's first season (2001).
Flach towed the No. 77J Pure Stock driven by his grandniece, Jessica Flach, to the track....
Two veteran racers made their return to the Sportsman division after a year off: Jeff Hulseapple drove Bob Hentschel's No. 4SL and Tom Perrego piloted his self-owned No. 33....
While he has notched the past three track championships at the Big A, Rich Ricci Jr. hasn't won a Palmer-era Opening Night. Palmer took over the track in '01....

44th SEASON OPENER PRESENTED BY TRAILER KING RACE SUMMARY
358-Modified Feature Finish: RICH RICCI JR., Andy Bachetti, J.R. Heffner, Scott Ferrier, Kevin Duryea, Dom Roselli, Tom Hindley, John McGill, Mark Pullen, Ryan Stortini, Jackie Brown Jr., Rick Mill, Jason Tompkins, Robbie Fairweather, Mike Ricci, Brett Graham, Robbie Green, Mel Schrufer, Barry Davis, Larry Hendershot.

Sportsman Feature Finish: JAMIE YANNONE, Ladd Yeomans, Dave Coene, Derrick McGrew, Jesse Marks, Danny Creeden, Jeff Hulseapple, John Sundlof, Tom Tomasko, Danny Tyler, Kenny Moulton Jr., Ted DeGroat, David Bush, Charlie Winne, Steve Krom, Kenny Ferrier, Will Galm, Duane Koskey, Joe Giachinta, Tom Perrego.
Did Not Qualify: Greg Bachetti, Eric Moon, Mike Senecal.

Spec Sportsman Feature Finish: BUTCHIE IRWIN, Ed Burgess, Jeff Hager, Erik Holmgren, Al Archieri, Mike Van Tassel, Zachary Graham, Vinnie DeCicco, Mike Sabia, Matt Shuart, Jamie House, Phil Recchio.
Disqualified: Jeff Richardson.

Mini-Sprint Feature Finish: JOHN GUARINO, Ralph Utter Jr., Clint Roehrs, Skip Travis, Peter Sindt, Scott Goodrich, Hank Katz, John Lodini, Brian Oliver, J.D. Casazza, Greg Post, Kevin Kondelka, Mike Goodnow, Will Casazza, Jeremy Quick.
Did Not Start: Brian Pomponio, Bob Lynt.

Pro Stock Feature Finish: LENNY BRICE, Bill Deak Sr., Larry Temple Jr., George Christiana, Mark Lathrop, Gene Temple, Joe McKenna, John Roese, Butch Winnie, James Devitt, John Rood, Pat Zimmer, Scott Mill, Dave Colwell.

Pure Stock Feature Finish: BILL DEAK JR., Joe DiStefano, Jim O'Neil, Bill Rion, Mike DuBois, Kevin Krusewski, John Woinoski, Joe Judge, Paul Aragon Jr., Kyle Wright, Fred Davis, Don Coon, Jessica Flach, Ed Howey, Steven Kanuk, Mike Deyo, Scott Ackerley, Bob Gibson.
Did Not Start: Robert Cutler.

This Fri., April 21, at Accord Speedway...

The 44th Season Opener presented by Trailer King, featuring point season lid-lifters for the 358-Modifieds with sail panels, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks.

See the area's top names including Rich Ricci Jr., Mike Ricci, Andy Bachetti, Dom Roselli, J.R. Heffner, Robbie Green, Rick Mill, Kevin Duryea, Tom Hindley, Jackie Brown Jr., Ryan Stortini and more in flat-out, rev-limiter free racing! See the 358-Modifieds sport outlaw-style sail panels! Check out the facility improvements!

Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

For more info, contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

Jam-Packed Pit Area Readies For 2006 Accord Speedway Season
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Real estate was at a premium in the Accord Speedway pit area last Saturday afternoon as over 90 competitors took part in a practice session at the Ulster County track.

Three prior test and tune dates had fallen to rain, meaning it was the only opportunity for racers to gain lap time on the resurfaced and reconfigured quarter-mile oval prior to the season's official start. Over 110 loads of clay were applied to the track in recent weeks. Steeper banking has also been carved into the turns.

The 44th Season Opener, presented by Trailer King, will go green on Fri., April 21 with point battles commencing for the 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

Former track champion Mike Ricci of Rosendale, N.Y., led a strong contingent of assembled 358-Modifieds with his Jim Winchell-owned, Enders-powered PMC No. 17. Ricci will make his full-time return to the Big A in 2006.

Four-time Moc-A-Tek (Pa.) champion Dom Roselli of Middletown, N.Y., piloted his trademark blue No. 80. This year, Roselli is driving a chassis of his own design at Accord.

Less than 24 hours after placing a freshened Precision Engine between the frame rails of his No. 69 Teo-Pro car, Robbie Green of Wallkill, N.Y., was quickly up to speed, signaling the start of his 27th season.

Two-time Sportsman champion Kevin Duryea got anticipated seat time in his ride for '06, a new No. 99K Bicknell chassis with A&C Performance power. 2006 will mark the Wallkill, N.Y., native's first full season in the small-block Mod ranks.

Other 358-Modifieds on hand included Jackie Brown Jr. in a former Vinnie Salerno (Four Star) Teo-Pro car; Scott Ferrier aboard a 2003 Troyer SLR chassis; Tom Hindley; Ryan Stortini in the Lutes Bros. No 21L; John McGill; Rick Mill; Jason Tompkins; Larry Hendershot; Mel Schrufer; Brett Graham; and Tony Kawalchuk.

The Sportsman contingent included third-generation driver Danny Tyler; Steve Krom with new colors and added sponsorship; John Sundlof III; Joe Giachinta; Chuck Davis; Eric Moon; rookie Greg Bachetti; Mike Senecal in a PMC chassis; Will Galm; Kenny Ferrier; and newcomer Charlie Winne, graduating from the Pure Stock ranks.

The off-season prediction of increased participation in the Spec Sportsman division was on target. A respectable turnout of the GM Crate Engine-powered cars signed in for practice in preparation for the division's second season.

Joining returning drivers Al Archieri, D.J. Brooks and Mike Van Tassel were Pro Stock standout Butchie Irwin in the Downes Racing No. 40; last year's Pure Stock champion Mike Sabia; former 358-Modified racer Phil Recchio; Vinnie DeCicco, up from the Wednesday Quad ranks; Ed Burgess of Mini-Sprint origin; raw rookie Jamie House; Zachary Graham; Jeff Hager and Tony Squicciarini, who will split the driving duties of the No. 36R; and Matt Shuart.

An impressive two-car fleet fielded by Peekskill, N.Y.'s Skip Travis led the Mini-Sprint division. Travis enters his sophomore season in the winged, 1200cc division.

Scott Goodrich, for many years a big-block standout at Orange County (N.Y.) Fair Speedway, will take part on Mini-Sprint action this year, driving his No. 30. Brian Pomponio; Brian Oliver; Brint Hockenberry; James Tomlinson; Hank Katz; John Guarino; John Zych; John Lodini; Chet Hinkle; Will Casazza; J.D. Casazza; last year's Most Popular Driver Clint Roehrs; and John "Pup" Wullum also took part in practice.

Pro Stock participants included a returning Gene Temple (after two full seasons away from the sport); Larry Temple Jr. in a former Elwood Hewitt car; George Christiana; John Hager; Lenny Brice; Jay Shuart; and Bill Deak Sr., among others.

Pure Stock racers shaking down their equipment were Mike Deyo; Bill Deak Jr.; Bill Rion; Kyle Wright; Robert Cutler; Ed Haley; Joe/Bill Judge; Kevin Krusewski; Paul Aragon Jr.; Chris/Steven Kanuk; and John Woinoski.

Racers from the Capital District Sprintcar Association (CRSA), took the opportunity to shake down their 305 Sprints. Slingshot graduate Josh Flach, former 358-Modified racer Jim House, Chuck Alessi and Tad Uzzle took laps during the afternoon. The CRSA will hold its inaugural event at Accord on Fri., April 28.

A number of Slingshot and Vintage Modified competitors also participated in the practice session.

For further information on Accord Speedway, contact the track office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

PRACTICE NOTES: Despite no actual racing action on the day, a large turnout filled the track's grandstands to half-capacity by mid-afternoon....
Thorough safety inspections on all cars contributed to a delayed start of practice....
Daytime sun and wind caused the track to dry out, but the new clay held up well to the first on-track activity of the season....
Drainage has been installed in turns three and four to combat the issue of standing water on the inside of the track. Now, the excess water flows directly into the infield retention pond. An expanded pit area also greeted racers....
All but one of the 358-Modifieds sported sail panels, permitted for the first time on a weekly basis in 2006. The single driver running the conventional windows, Jason Tompkins, said he would bolt on sail panels for the lid-lifter....
Tompkins's car, incidentally, is a homebuilt chassis designed by his father "Socks"....
Will Galm's Sportsman, prepared in the New Paltz, N.Y., Ricci Racing shop, will carry the No. 406 this season in honor of "Papa Rich" Ricci Sr.'s 50-year involvement in the sport....
Greg Bachetti, the 21-year-old brother of dirt Modified star Andy, turned his first-ever laps in a Teo-Pro car owned by Merlyn Bloom of Danbury, Conn.
Bloom purchased the car, which still carries the Bachetti No. 4, from Greg's father, Scott. During the exchange, Bloom secured a deal to put the younger Bachetti sibling in the car (Chris Grispin had previously driven for Bloom).
"He's never driven before," Scott Bachetti said. "But Greg knows the cars. That's to his advantage."
Despite brake problems in his first session and continuous steering issues caused by cockpit reconfiguration, Bachetti performed well....
Another note on Bachetti: the car had to be taken to the Teo-Pro car shop over the winter to expand the bars in the driver's compartment in order to accommodate Bachetti's hulking frame....
Mike Sabia said he enjoyed his first endeavor in the open-wheel Spec Sportsman after graduating from the Pure Stock ranks....
The Sundlof team has a new PMC car on order, which they hope to debut in the next month. The Danbury, Conn., driver will start the season in the '97 Troyer mount he piloted last year....

Accord Practice Postponed Until Sat., April 15
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Another week, another rainy Friday.

Dark clouds and impending rain forced Accord Speedway promoter Gary Palmer to postpone the scheduled Friday-night (April 14) practice session at the quarter-mile oval until Sat., April 15.

Gates will open at 11 a.m. Practice will begin promptly at noon.

"The forecast for Saturday looks great," Palmer said. "At least we'll have one opportunity to get cars on the track before next week's Opener."

For further information, contact the speedway office at: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

This Fri., April 14, at Accord Speedway…

The first on-track action of the season at the Big A (take two), with an open practice session on the resurfaced and reconfigured quarter-mile oval. Check out the facility improvements, see the 358-Modifieds sporting sail panels and get a head’s-up on the new rides and paint schemes for the 2006 season. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Practice will begin at 6:15 p.m. The rain date is Sat., April 15. Grandstand admission is free.

Contact the track office at (845) 626-3478 or visit the official website: www.accordspeedway.com for more information.

Accord Speedway Pulls Plug On Sat., April 8 Practice
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Citing a "steady rain all day" on Friday, Accord Speedway promoter Gary Palmer has canceled the practice session scheduled for Sat., April 8 at the Ulster County track.

"It's been raining here since this morning," Palmer said at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. "The track and the pit area are both too wet to have cars here tomorrow."

The original Fri., April 7 practice was postponed due to the weather as well.

Racers will have their next shot to log some pre-season laps on Fri., April 14. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with cars hitting the track at 6:15 p.m. A Sat., April 15 rain date is in place.

The 44th Season Opener, presented by Trailer King, is scheduled for Fri., April 21 featuring 358-Modifieds with sail panels, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

For further information on Accord Speedway, contact the track office at (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

Accord Practice Postponed Until Sat., April 8
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - A combination of over 100 loads of fresh clay, midweek rain and an ominous forecast forced Accord Speedway promoter Gary Palmer to postpone the Fri., April 7 practice until Sat., April 8 - the scheduled rain date.

Racers are encouraged to call the speedway office on Saturday morning or check the website: www.accordspeedway.com before heading out.

"If we get a lot of rain on Friday, I will probably just wait until next week," said Palmer. "I don't want to risk tearing up the new clay if it is too wet.

"Friday's forecast is calling for an 80-percent chance of rain, so we figured there was no sense in waiting until the last minute to cancel."

Gates will open at noon on Saturday with the first on-track activity shortly thereafter.

Another practice session will take place on Fri., April 14. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with cars hitting the speedway at 6:15 p.m. The 44th Season Opener, presented by Trailer King, is set for Fri., April 21.

This Fri., April 7, at Accord Speedway….

The first on-track action of the season at the Big A, with an open practice session on the resurfaced and reconfigured quarter-mile oval. Check out the facility improvements, see the 358-Modifieds sporting sail panels and get a head’s-up on the new rides and paint schemes for the 2006 season. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Practice will begin at 6:15 p.m. The rain date is Sat., April 8. Grandstand admission is free.

Contact the track office at (845) 626-3478 or visit the official website: www.accordspeedway.com for more information.

New Surface, New Layout To Greet Accord Speedway Racers
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - New season. New surface. New layout.

On a 60-degree Thursday afternoon (March 30), sixth-year Accord Speedway promoter Gary Palmer was hard at work applying over 100 loads of "rock-free clay" to his quarter-mile oval. In addition, he initiated a complete overhaul of the track's layout: significantly banked turns will greet racers this season.

"You wouldn't believe the quality of this clay," noted an enthusiastic Palmer, who had the clay - pulled from a vein in nearby Kerhonkson, N.Y., - tested prior to hauling it to the speedway. The results thrilled him.

"You don't find clay like this every day," he continued. "It's got no rocks and the water retention is incredible. It's exactly what we've been looking for since we took this track."

Last season, Palmer installed a concrete wall on the inside of turns one and two. His plan was to keep competitors from using the infield as a racing groove and in turn force cars to run higher. An identical concrete wall will be placed on the inside of turns three and four before the first green flag flies on the '06 lid-lifter.

Palmer's desire to better the quality of racing should take a giant leap forward with a fresh surface and additional banking in the track's turns.

"This will make the outside groove a lot faster than it had been in the past," said Palmer, who is tapering the banking, with less on the inside groove and a steady increase out to the boiler plate wall.

"Now, all the divisions will be able to go up high and get a good run. It should make for great racing."

The idea of high banks at Accord is music to the ears of 358-Modified veteran Dom Roselli. After all, the Middletown, N.Y., driver was the dominant force at Lakeville-Pocono (Pa.) Speedway (Moc-A-Tek) when the banks were in place at the Lakeville, Pa., track.

The now-defunct Pennsylvania quarter-mile oval was banked for three seasons (1997-1999). Roselli won three straight point championships and countless features under that configuration.

"Banking promotes passing. There's no question in my mind," Roselli, who will pilot a chassis of his own design this season, said bluntly. "I'm thrilled to hear Gary is putting some banking in. I think it's the best thing he can do."

Of course, Rich Ricci Jr., Andy Bachetti and J.R. Heffner - all longtime mainstays at Lebanon Valley (N.Y.) Speedway - have plenty of laps on Howie Commander's high-banked half-mile oval. They'll be ready to contend as well.

"I think the racing will be the best it's ever been this year," Palmer predicted, echoing Roselli's notion that banking will facilitate passing. "I know I can't wait to see it myself."

Plenty of heavy equipment is on site at the track, ensuring smooth conditions for the upcoming test and tune sessions.

The first of two practice sessions at the Big A is scheduled for Fri., April 7 with a rain date of Sat., April 8. The second test and tune is set for Fri., April 14 with a Sat., April 15 rain date. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with practice beginning at 6:15 p.m.

On Fri., April 21, Trailer King will present the 44th Season Opener featuring 358-Modifieds with sail panels, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Pro Stocks, Mini-Sprints and Pure Stocks. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact the track office at (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

Accord Speedway Announces 2006 Division Sponsors; Schedule Complete
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Sold out!
That's the status of Accord Speedway's night and division sponsorships for the 2006 racing season.
In addition to signing sponsors for each of the Ulster County track's stock-car race nights, promoter Gary Palmer announced last week that he's firmed up backers for all of the regular divisions: the 358-Modifieds featuring sail panels, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks and Slingshots.
"I had a successful off-season finding sponsors," said Palmer, who is back at the speedway office after venturing to Tulsa, Okla., for the Chili Bowl and Florida for the DIRT winter action.
"We're excited to get the season going."
Rhinebeck Ford of Rhinebeck, N.Y., "The Truck Stop," is back on board in '06 for the headline 358-Modified division. The small-block Modifieds will run sail panels for the first time on a weekly basis this season.
Campers Barn of Kingston, N.Y., will present the Sportsman division with Heart Chevrolet of Kingston, N.Y., sponsoring the second-year Spec Sportsman division. The GM Crate Engines mandatory in the Spec Sportsman class are readily available through Heart Chevrolet.
Bryant's Towing of Kingston, N.Y, will lend their support to the Pro Stock division in '06. The class is expected to grow with the recent announcement that nearby Orange County (N.Y.) Fair Speedway would align with the rules of DIRT MotorSports, Inc.
Kingston Nissan of Kingston, N.Y., jumps on board to sponsor the winged Mini-Sprint division. It will mark Kingston Nissan's first season in a marketing partnership with the speedway.
Let's Ride Motorsports of New Paltz, N.Y., another newcomer, will back the Pure Stock division and The Bergin Equipment Corp of Middletown, N.Y., signs on to sponsor the Slingshot division, featured on 10 occasions in '06 on the quarter-mile, in addition to regular status during the "Midweek Madness" Wednesday shows.
"Midweek Madness" featuring Bikes, Quads, Go-Karts, Slingshots and Lawnmowers gets underway on Wed., June 7 and runs through Wed., Aug. 30.
Changes to the schedule made public earlier this off-season include the Joe Winne Memorial 55-lap, $2,000-to-win 358-Modified event being bumped up to Fri., July 14.
A special Cinco de Mayo celebration complete with sombreros, maracas and more has been added to Fri., May 5 show, complimenting "mucho accion" on the quarter-mile. The first of two Briggs & Stratton Slingshot Tour events is scheduled for that date. The second is Fri., Aug. 4 (the Mini-Sprint double points show has been moved to Fri., Aug. 11).
The season-ending "King of the Catskills Weekend" event on Fri.-Sat., Sept. 29-30 will be 100-laps for the open competition Modifieds, paying $3,000-to-win.
Qualifying heats for the Modifieds, plus the Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour, CRSA 305 Sprints and Northeastern Vintage Dirt Modifieds will comprise the Fri., Sept. 29 program, day one of the "King of the Catskills Weekend."

On Saturday, the Modifieds will run consolations and the 100-lap feature. A Bars-for-Less Modified Dash-for-Cash, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, Mini-Sprints and Slingshots will join the Mods. A rain date for the weekend is Fri.-Sat. Oct. 7-8.
Three race dates have been set for October, including Slingshot Nationals and 270cc/600cc Micro-Sprints on Sat., Oct. 14; "Wreckage in the Catskills" on Sat., Oct. 21 featuring Four- and Eight-Cylinder Enduros and Demo Derbies, in addition to a $500-to-win Pure Stock event; and on Sat., Oct. 28 the season will conclude with SuperNationals for Quads, Bikes, Slingshots, Go-Karts and Lawnmowers.
The 6th Annual Racers' Swap Meet is scheduled for Sun., Oct. 29.
Practice sessions are planned for Fri., April 7 and Fri., April 14 (rain dates April 8 and 15) with the 44th Season Opener presented by Trailer King scheduled for Fri., April 21.
A full schedule is available on the Accord website: www.accordspeedway.com. Schedules and other information will be available at the 15th Annual Middletown Motorsports Show March 17-19 at the Orange County Fairgrounds Arena in Middletown, N.Y.
For more information, contact the speedway office at (845) 626-3478.

BIG A NOTES: Businesses still looking to get involved in Accord sponsorship may do so through the track's billboard program. Contact the speedway office for more information....
Lap sponsorships for the Rene Downes Memorial and Joe Winne Memorial 358-Modified races will be available beginning at the Middletown Motorsports Show at $15 per lap. Contact Brett Deyo via e-mail at Deyo99H@aol.com or in person for more information....

Accord Speedway Awards Banquet Has Become Rich Ricci Jr.'s Private Party
By BRETT DEYO

KERHONKSON, NY - The annual Accord Speedway Awards Banquet has become Rich Ricci Jr.'s private party.
For an unprecedented ninth time, Ricci was recognized as the Ulster County quarter-mile oval's 358-Modified champion.
The New Paltz, N.Y., native led the list of honorees last Saturday night at the Hudson Valley Resort, with over 500 racers, pit crew members, fans, media representatives and local dignitaries in attendance.
Following cocktails and dinner, sixth-year promoter Gary Palmer delivered opening remarks before turning over the stage to track announcers Scott Harvey and Brett Deyo for the awards presentation.
Ricci collected $3,000 from a healthy $25,000 point fund for his second straight Big A crown.
Along with all other stock car champions, he received a large trophy, embroidered jacket from American Race Tires and a commemorative poster-sized photo from KB's Racing Photos.
"We had the whole package this year," Ricci said of his family-owned Dirt Wheels No. 55. "You have to be on top of your game now. It's not like Accord used to be, when there were only five cars that could win. Now, the whole field is tough."
The turning point in Ricci's season came in late June when sponsors Dave Roehrs and Will Galm stepped up their support with a fresh Precision-built small-block engine.
The first time out with the new powerplant, Ricci drove to a $2,900 victory in the 50-lap Rene Downes Memorial Mid-Season Championship on June 24.
"That's the first brand-new motor we've ever had," said Ricci, whose father "Papa" Rich Sr. is known for his ingenuity and ability to excel on a streamlined budget.
"It made a big difference for us. The other motor was 'flat' after a couple weeks. It got hot a few times and didn't have it anymore."
Ricci led the 358-Modified division with six feature victories, scored 11 top-five finishes in 15 point events and suffered only one DNF: a rear-end gear failure on June 3.
His advantage at season's end was 118 points.
The 39-year-old clinched the title one week prior to the season finale in impressive fashion: with a 20th-to-first victory in the Aug. 27 30-lap feature.
Ricci scored two victories from dead last in '05. He rebounded from a consolation crash and a 21st starting position to steal the victory on July 29 from Larry Hendershot two laps from the finish.
Outside of Accord, Ricci won the Southern Tier Open at N.Y.'s Five Mile Point Speedway on April 17 and dominated Afton (N.Y.) Speedway's "Fall Fling" on Oct. 28.
Ricci said he would return to run for his 10th championship in '06 aboard a new Dirt Wheels chassis.
Hurley, N.Y.'s Jackie Brown Jr. placed second in the standings. It was a career season for Brown, who was a master of consistency in his Head's Up Machine-powered Teo-Pro No. 6X, collecting six top-five finishes.
Andy Bachetti of Sheffield, Mass., was third in the Donnie and LeAura Downes-owned No. 40. Bachetti won twice in '05, including a valiant charge through traffic after an early-race spin on Sept. 2, the point season finale.
Tom Hindley of Fair Oaks, N.Y., a four-time winner (one non-points) and Ryan Stortini of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., rounded out the top five.
Finishing sixth through 15th were Jimmy Johnson, John Ferrier, Barry Davis, Rich Salisbury, Dom Roselli, Rick Mill, Mark Flach Jr., Bill Papula, Jeremy Markle and Mark Pullen.
Jamie Yannone will never discount the value of a single point.
That's because the Newburgh, N.Y. driver's first-ever championship came by one marker in the Sportsman division.
Yannone's '05 season was unquestionably his most productive ever. It was also his first as an Accord regular.
Yannone, 26, won five events during the point season with his silver No. 21 Moshier-powered Teo-Pro car. He extended his success into the autumn, topping the Sept. 30 Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour 40-lapper and the Oct. 29 "King of the Catskills" 50.
A topsy-turvy final point night nearly cost Yannone the crown. He spun on lap five of the feature, piled into an incident on an ensuing restart and pulled to the infield with a flat right-front tire on lap nine. Despite the obstacles, Yannone got back on track and finished ninth, one lap down.
It took officials several minutes following the final checkered to check the score sheets and declare Yannone the champ.
Somerville, N.J.'s Tom Tomasko was the runner-up, besting first-year Accord regular Whitey Slavin, Jesse Marks and Garden State hotshoe Jeff Geiges.
Howard Jarvis, Nicole Tracy, Mike Ketcham, Steve Krom, Dave Coene, Danny Creeden, Ken Ferrier, Ladd Yeomans, John Lieto and David Bush filled out the top 15.
Jeff Richardson of Goshen, N.Y., etched his name in the record books as the first Spec Sportsman track champion.
The Spec Sportsman division debuted in 2005 under the pretense of developing an economical open-wheel division. The class follows Sportsman rules with the exception of a mandatory, affordable GM Crate Engine.
For Richardson, a quarter-century veteran of 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Street Stocks, IMCA-Modifieds, Mini-Sprints and Vintage Modifieds, it was a perfect fit.
He won seven features and outdistanced Mike Van Tassel by 36 points at season's end. Fifteen-year-old Robbie Fairweather, D.J. Brooks and Al Archieri were third through fifth, respectively.
Brett Graham, Alan Houghtaling, Doug Tyler Jr., Mike Senecal and Brian Houghtaling rounded out the top 10.
Mt. Kisco, N.Y.'s John Lieto outraced the competition en route to the Mini-Sprint championship.
Lieto, who spent much of the year pulling double-duty between the Ken Latour-prepared No. 36 Mini-Sprint and the Simoncini No. 4NY Sportsman, pulled a one-two punch on the rest of the Mini-Sprint field. Lieto was fast and lethally consistent.
He won five point season events, plus the Oct. 29 "Mini King of the Catskills" and held a 38-point edge on 15-year-old John Guarino at final count.
Guarino, who made history at Cayuga County (N.Y.) Speedway on June 19 as the youngest driver in history to win a feature on the Weedsport high banks, was a two-time Accord winner during the '05 campaign.
Clint Roehrs, Skip Travis and Ralph Utter Jr. finished third, fourth and fifth, respectively.
Mark Rogers, Kevin Kondelka, John Lodini, Gary Reyer, Kevin Horton, Peter Sindt, Marshall Gogg, Darrell Quackenbush, Jeremy Quick and Hank Katz were the remainder of the top 15.
Jumping from the Pure Stock ranks into the Pro Stock division for the 2005 season, most seasoned observers assumed Danny Tyler would need some time to adjust.
He did: one week.
Cottekill, N.Y.'s Tyler, who celebrated his 16th birthday last November, shocked the division by winning his first feature on April 29, the second race of the season.
He kept that momentum rolling throughout the season, winning a second time on July 22 and outdueling Mike Manetta by 22 markers on the final night of points (which included double features).
Manetta, Scott Mill, George Christiana, Bill Deak Sr., Jerry Craig, Terry O'Brien, Ray See Jr., Katie Nugent, John Roese, Jared Hayes, Steve Plumstead, James Devitt and Rob Rowe trailed.
Entering the 2005 season, Easton, Conn.'s Mike Sabia hadn't won a feature since Sept. 1999 at the now defunct Riverside Park (Mass.) Speedway.
At year's end, his mantle boasted 10 trophies (two non-points) en route to the championship.
Despite sustaining a flat tire on Sept. 2, Sabia took the championship by 34 points over Jim O'Neil. Bill Deak Jr., Joe DiStefano and Kevin Krusewski filled out the front five.
Mike Deyo, Bill Rion, Kyle Wright, Paul Aragon Jr., John Woinoski, Joe Judge, Sharon Byrne, Bill Judge, James DeCicco III and Todd Houghtaling finished sixth through 15th, respectively.

A number of special awards were presented during the evening, including:
Lifetime Achievement Award - Barry and Linda Davis, in recognition of 30 successful years in dirt Modified racing;
2nd Annual Rene Downes Memorial Car Owner of the Year Award - Mark Pullen, a longtime low-budget 358-Modified racer who acts as driver, car owner, sponsor and crew;
3rd Annual Women in Racing Award - Tammy Osterhout, girlfriend of 358-Modified veteran Rick Mill and a steadfast supporter of racing at Accord and Orange County (N.Y.) Fair Speedway;
Fans' Choice Most Popular Driver - Clint Roehrs, No. 48 Mini-Sprint;
Championship Crew Chiefs - Rich Ricci Sr. (358-Modified); Alex Salomatoff (Sportsman); Mike Stiglianese (Spec Sportsman); Ken Latour (Mini-Sprint); Doug Tyler Jr. (Pro Stock); and Mike Sabia Sr. (Pure Stock);
Rookies of the Year - Rich Salisbury (358-Modified); Whitey Slavin (Sportsman); Robbie Fairweather (Spec Sportsman); Ralph Utter Jr. (Mini-Sprint); Danny Tyler (Pro Stock); and Paul Aragon Jr. (Pure Stock);
Sportsmanship Awards - Dom Roselli (358-Modified); Tom Tomasko (Sportsman); Mike Van Tassel (Spec Sportsman); Kevin Kondelka (Mini-Sprint); Doug Tyler Sr. (Pro Stock); and Kyle Wright (Pure Stock);
Hard Luck Awards - Mark Flach Jr. (358-Modified); Dave Coene (Sportsman); Al Archieri (Spec Sportsman); Mark Rogers (Mini-Sprint); and Jim O'Neil (Pure Stock);
Most Improved Drivers - Jackie Brown Jr. (358-Modified); Nicole Tracy (Sportsman); Kevin Horton (Mini-Sprint); Scott Mill (Pro Stock); and Kevin Krusewski (Pure Stock);
Best Appearing Cars - Jackie Brown Jr. (358-Modified); Jesse Marks (Sportsman); Jeff Richardson (Sportsman); Skip Travis (Mini-Sprint); Bill Deak Sr. (Pro Stock); and Bill Deak Jr. (Pure Stock);
Special Appreciation Awards - Accord Volunteer Fire Department; Ellenville Rescue Squad; Dave's Towing; Gene Andryshak; Doug North; Campers Barn; and Rhinebeck Ford; and
Scott Harvey (embroidered pullover) and Brett Deyo (engraved clock) were also acknowledged by Gary Palmer.
Top performers from the speedway's "Midweek Madness" Wednesday programs on the "Inner Oval" were recognized during the evening.

Honorees were:
Kid Kart - Paul Jones (1st) and Brendan McGill (2nd);
Junior I - Dominic Roselli (1st); Ronnie Smykla (2nd); and Kayla Smykla (3rd);
Junior II - Eugene Morton (1st) and Anthony Perrego (2nd);
Micro - Eugene Morton (1st);
Junior Stock - Ryan Hastie (1st) and Ryan Edwards (2nd);
Lites - Joey Bruning (1st) and Laurette Morton (2nd);
Mediums and Heavies - Randy McCullough (1st); Greg Hastie (2nd); and Joseph Mattina (3rd);
Senior Stock - Ron Smykla (1st);
Stock Mini 0-50 Quad - Matthew Beesmer (1st);
Stock Mini 51-90 Quad - Allison Ricci (3rd);
66-90 Quad: Anthony Perrego (1st) and Rich Ricci III (2nd);
Open Beginner Quad - Shawn Barschow (1st);
0-50 Motorcycle - Matthew Beesmer (1st) and Andrew Huffman (2nd);
450 Am - Roland Green (1st); and
Lawnmower - Anthony Murano (1st).
Music by DJ Richie and some late-night karaoke provided a festive conclusion to the evening.
The on-track action begins at Accord Speedway on April 7 and 14 with practice (rain dates April 8 and 15), with the 44th Season Opener presented by Trailer King set for Fri., April 21 with the point battles getting underway for the 358-Modifieds featuring sail panels, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks.
Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and racing promptly at 7 p.m.
For more information, contact the speedway office at (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.
Accord Speedway will be represented at the 15th Annual Middletown Motorsports Show at the Orange County Fairgrounds Arena in Middletown, N.Y., March 17-19.

BIG A BANQUET NOTES: The magnitude of family in auto racing, particularly at Accord, was evident during the awards presentation.
For example, the Ricci and Tyler families had three generations represented. Rich Ricci Sr. earned the Championship Crew Chief Award for the 358-Modifieds, Rich Ricci Jr. was the 358-Modified champion and Allison and Rich III each visited the stage for their Wednesday efforts in the Stock Mini 51-90 and 66-90 Quad divisions, respectively.
For the Tylers, it was Doug Tyler Sr. earning the Pro Stock division Sportsmanship Award (his business is a backer of several cars at the speedway), Doug Tyler Jr. winning the Pro Stock Championship Crew Chief Award and Danny Tyler picking up Pro Stock championship laurels and Rookie of the Year honors.
The Rosellis, Deaks, Perregos and McGills were other two-generation representatives....
Jim Murdoch of Big Jim's Videos produced compilations for each division and champion. He also pieced together a well-received introduction that included video-clip glimpses into past from 1984 and 1992. A slide show for the Wednesday competitors played during that portion of the program....
Gary Palmer's opening comments included a welcome to sponsor and town representatives. He also rehashed his off-season trip to Tulsa, Okla., for the Chili Bowl....

Last Call For Accord Speedway Banquet Tickets -Tues., Feb. 28
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - The last call for Accord Speedway Awards Banquet tickets is quickly approaching.
No tickets will be sold after Tues., Feb. 28.
The Banquet is slated for Sat., March 4 at the Hudson Valley Resort in Kerhonkson, N.Y. The Hudson Valley Resort is hosting the Big A Banquet for the second consecutive season.
The top-15 drivers representing each of the six divisions from the Ulster County quarter-mile oval's Friday-night programs will be honored, in addition to the Wednesday "Midweek Madness" racers from the Go-Kart, Bike, Quad and Slingshot ranks on the "Inner Oval." A number of special awards will also be presented.
Only Accord Speedway members will be entitled to awards.
Tickets are now $55 per adult and $25 per child. Contact the speedway office at (845) 626-3478 or print off the form from the website: www.accordspeedway.com to purchase tickets.
The Hudson Valley Resort is located off Route 44-55 in Kerhonkson, N.Y. For directions or to reserve a room, visit the website: www.hudsonvalleyresort.com, call (845) 626-8888 or toll-free 888-9HUDSON. Mention the Accord Speedway Banquet when reserving a room for a discounted rate.

Accord Speedway To Host Slingshot National, Two Tour Dates
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Think last year's Slingshot special was good?
Wait until 2006, when Accord Speedway plays host to the popular Briggs & Stratton Slingshot Tour - a respected traveling series that pits the division's best against each other - on two occasions, along with a National event, bringing together the best the country has to offer.
The Briggs & Stratton Slingshot Tour will visit the speedway twice in '06: Fri., May 5 and Fri., Aug. 4. The date of the National event is Sat., Oct. 14.
In total, the Slinghsots will have 10 appearances on the quarter-mile and 13 Wednesday shows on the one-fifth-mile oval.
"I think the Slingshots are a great class," promoter Gary Palmer said. "Last year, the drivers liked racing here and a got a lot of positive feedback from fans, too."
Palmer introduced a "King of the Catskills" Slingshot event last October on the quarter-mile oval after enjoying the appearances by the division during the summer "Midweek Madness" events contested on the smaller "Inner Oval" located in the stock-car track's infield.
Palmer's initial foray into large-scale Slingshot racing at the Big A was a resounding success. Thirty teams made the haul to compete in the 40-lap, $750-to-win event on Oct. 29, with Capital District young gun Josh Flach scoring the triumph despite an early-race spin.
The brainchild of Rich "Toby" Tobias Jr., the Slingshot is a 58-inch wheel-based, spec racer featuring a methanol burning, Briggs & Stratton V-Twin power-plant, capable of speeds over 70 MPH. Additionally, the Slingshot features a 4-coil suspension and is available in the buyer's choice of colors. These purpose built racecars are designed for one-eighth mile to one-third mile and dirt pavement speedways. The Slingshot is designed to be affordable, competitive, fun, and safety- minded. Start-up cost for a fully-assembled Slingshot is slightly over $7,000.
For more information on the Slingshot class, visit www.slingshotbytobias.com or call (717) 866-7450 or (717) 866-7452.
Accord Speedway can be contacted by phone at (845) 626-3478 or on the web: www.accordspeedway.com. A full 2006 schedule should be released in the coming weeks.

Accord Speedway Mini-Sprint/Pure Stock Rules Bulletin
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Management of Accord Speedway has announced the following rules modifications for the 2006 season.
Mini-Sprint: Competitors are no longer limited to American Racer tires on the right-rear corner. American Racer is still a viable option, but will not be mandatory.
Pure Stock: Vortec cylinder heads are not permitted. No center-bolt valve covers. THIS RULE WILL BE ENFORCED.
Inquiries should be directed to the speedway office at (845) 626-3478. The official website is www.accordspeedway.com.
Accord Speedway will open with a pair of practice sessions on April 7 and 14 (rain dates April 8 and 15) before the 44th Season Opener presented by Trailer King will kick off the championship battles for the 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks on April 21.
Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m. for all Friday events.

*The Joe Winne Memorial is Aug. 25, not Aug. 23 as listed in the previous release.

Accord Speedway Sets Busy 2006 Schedule; Excitement Builds For 44th Season Opener
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Even the promoter is excited about Accord Speedway's upcoming season.
An eager Gary Palmer announced a rough draft of the quarter-mile oval's 2006 racing schedule, a full four months before the roar of race engines rumbles through the hills of Ulster County.
Palmer's sixth season as Accord's promoter features a full slate of racing action, cemented by Friday-night programs of 358-Modifieds featuring sail panels, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks.
The Capital Region Sprintcar Association (CRSA) 305 Sprints will make eight appearances (April 28; May 19; June 2; June 16; July 14; Aug. 11; Sept. 15; and Sept. 29).
The Slingshots, scaled-down dirt Modifieds, will visit on 11 occasions in conjunction with stock-car events (April 28; May 12; May 26; June 9; June 23; July 7; July 21; Aug. 4; Aug. 18; Sept. 1; and Sept. 30). Slingshots will also be a regular part of the track's Wednesday programs.
Fans of auto racing's glory days will relish seven Northeastern Vintage Dirt Modified Racing Club shows (May 5; May 19; June 2; June 16; July 28; Aug. 25; and Sept. 29). The NVDMRC actually races cars from the '50s, '60s and '70s.
Gates will open at 4:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m. for all Friday events.
Two practices will allow competitors to test and tune on April 7 and 14 (rain dates on April 8 and 15) before the 44th Season Opener, presented by Trailer King, signals the start of the championship battles on April 21.
A host of special events will spice-up the weekly stock-car action.
Boy and Girl Scouts in uniform, accompanied by a paying adult, will be admitted free on June 9 with the second try at "Scout Night."
The "Action Track" will host "Feel the Heat" custom fire-breathing cars in their first-ever appearance on June 16.
For the second consecutive season, the 358-Modifieds will take part in the Rene Downes Memorial, honoring the life of the popular Ravena, N.Y., car owner who passed away in Jan. 2004.
Downes fielded cars at Accord since the track reopened in 1992 and his legacy lives on through the efforts of his son Donnie and daughter-in-law LeAura, who field the No. 40 358-Modified for Andy Bachetti.
The race, 50 laps in length paying $2,000 to the winner, is scheduled for June 23. Cedar Ridge RV will serve as the evening's sponsor and a number of other lap sponsorships and bonuses will be handed out.
June 30 will bring the anticipated fireworks extravaganza presented by K&W Car Wash. A rain date for the fireworks is set for Fri., July 7.
On July 28, race fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet the stars of Accord Speedway with the Camera and Autograph Night festivities on the homestretch.
A fitting tribute to a fallen champion, the sixth running of the Joe Winne Memorial is scheduled for Aug. 25. The 55-lap 358-Modified event, sponsored by Mid-Hudson Concrete, will offer a $2,000 top prize.
Winne was the 1999 358-Modified champion and a fierce competitor at the Big A for over two decades. At 45 years of age, he succumbed to a heart attack during the 2000 Eastern States Weekend at Orange County (N.Y.) Fair Speedway.
Double-point events are scheduled as follows: 358-Modified (Aug. 18); Sportsman and Spec Sportsman (July 21); Pro Stock (July 7); Mini-Sprint (Aug. 4); and Pure Stock (June 2).
The point season will wrap up on Fri., Sept. 1 when Alex's Marine presents a full program on the track plus the season's second fireworks extravaganza to celebrate Labor Day weekend. A rain date for the point season finale and fireworks is Fri., Sept. 8.
A pair of open competition Modified events, plus all other divisions in a non-points, draw for heat-race starting position format, will follow on Sept. 15 and 22.
The biggest event of the season, and first year-end weekend at Accord since 1993, is planned for Fri. and Sat. Sept 29 and 30 with the "King of the Catskills."
Fri., Sept. 29 will include a 40-lap Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour combined event, CRSA 305 Sprint Cars, Northeastern Vintage Dirt Modifieds, qualifying heats for the open competition Modifieds and Four- and Eight-Cylinder Demolition Derbies.
On Sat., Sept. 30, the 50-lap, $3,000-to-win Modified feature will headline a card of Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, Mini-Sprints and Slingshots. The rain date is Oct. 7 and 8.
Regular admission prices for 2006 are $12 (Adults); $10 (Seniors); $8 (Students); and $1 (Kids). A Family Four Pack is available for $34.
Season pit passes, memberships and reserved pit spots are all on sale through the speedway office.
The Wednesday-night "Midweek Madness" programs of Flat-track Bikes, Quads, Slingshots (Juniors and Seniors), Go-Karts and Lawnmowers will return for the second consecutive season to the "Inner Oval," a one-fifth-mile track located in the infield of the stock-car track. The "Midweek Madness" racing will begin June 14 and will run through Aug. 30.
For further information on Accord Speedway, contact the office at (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

WINTER WANDERINGS: A healthy 358-Modified contingent led by the brothers Ricci (Rich Jr. and Mike), Andy Bachetti, Jackie Brown Jr., Tom Hindley, Robbie Green, Ryan Stortini (in the Lutes Bros. No. 21L), Rick Mill, Barry Davis, Dom Roselli and others will be boosted by the weekly return of Lebanon Valley (N.Y.) Speedway big-block Modified regular J.R. Heffner.
Last a regular in 2002, Heffner invaded on two occasions last year and picked up a win on Sept. 30. The Averill Park, N.Y., native is ready to contend at Accord weekly in '06....
Contrary to circulating rumors, Bachetti will be back aboard the Downes Racing No. 40 Bicknell....
New to the 358-Modified ranks are Spec Sportsman graduates Robbie Fairweather and Brett Graham....
Accord Speedway sponsored lap eight of last weekend's 20th Annual O'Reilly Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Okla. Promoters Gary and Donna Palmer attended the event....
2005 Pro Stock champion Danny Tyler, 16, will move into the Sportsman division. He notched a third in last year's 50-lap Sportsman finale, during the Oct. 29 "King of the Catskills" program....
Sportsman champion Jamie Yannone plans to defend his title in '05 after contemplating a move into the 358-Modified ranks. Yannone will face formidable foes in the form of Derrick McGrew, Jesse Marks, Danny Creeden, Tom Tomasko, Mike Ketcham and many more....
Middletown, N.Y., Mini-Sprint racer "The Ice Cream Man" Mark Rogers is set for '06 with a new, more powerful engine for his No. 2R....

Accord's 358-Modified Division To Remain Just That; Banquet Info Announced
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - What's so wrong with the status quo?
Nothing, if you ask Accord Speedway's Gary Palmer. Entering his sixth season as the quarter-mile oval's promoter, Palmer has announced that he will not change the headline 358-Modified division's engine rules for the 2006 season.
"I had spoken with some of our drivers about the possibility of relaxing the engine rules (to allow for big-blocks and other combinations) in the future," Palmer said. "Somehow the rumor got out that I was opening up the rules.
"Everyone can rest assured that Accord will be a 358-Modified track only in 2006."
The 358-Modified division will follow 2004 DIRT rules. Cars must run on gasoline only.
"I know many of our 358 teams already have their engines out getting work done," Palmer explained. "I've been getting a lot of calls, so I figured I would set the record straight."
In the current topsy-turvy dirt Modified world of adding/dropping sanctions, mandating rev boxes, spec heads, etc., Accord has offered its racers the biggest cost-saver: no changes at all in the engine compartment.
Accord's weekly purse, earmarked by a $1,500 winner's share, remains a leader in the Northeast for small-block Modifieds.
"We haven't changed anything major with the engines since I've had the track," said Palmer, entering his third independent season at the Ulster County facility. The track was DIRT sanctioned from 2001-2003, before ties with the organization were severed in Jan. 2004.
The only alteration in the rules for '06 in the 358-Modified division comes in the outward appearance of the cars.
A pair of even sail panels will be permitted with a maximum height from the ground of 65 inches. The sail panels can extend no further forward than the driver or further back than the end of the quarter-panel.
A single spoiler across the back of the roof will also be allowed. The spoiler must run across the entire width of the roof and should extend no higher than five inches from the roof-line.
No other body alterations will be permitted.
American Racer will be back as the official track tire in 2006. The compounds/sizes utilized in '05 will go unchanged for the upcoming season.
Joining the 358-Modifieds on the weekly Friday-night card will be Sportsman, Spec Sportsman (utilizing GM Crate Engines), Pro Stocks, Mini-Sprints and Pure Stocks. The Northeastern Vintage Dirt Modified Racing Club, Slingshots, Capital Region Sprint Car Association and Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour will be among the special events for the upcoming season.
Palmer added that competitors in support classes should not expect any major changes. Any minor alterations/clarifications will be announced in the coming weeks.
Practice sessions are slated for April 7 and 14 (rain dates are penciled in for April 8 and 15), with the 44th Season Opener set for Fri., April 21.
*****
The 2005 Accord Speedway Awards Banquet is planned for Sat., March 4, 2006 at the Hudson Valley Resort in Kerhonkson, N.Y.
Tickets are currently available at $45 per adult and $20 per child through Feb. 11, 2006. After Feb. 11, 2006 (through Feb. 28) ticket prices will increase to $55 per adult and $25 per child. No tickets will be available after Feb. 28, 2006.
Dinner choices are Prime Rib, Baked Chicken, Fish and a Kid's Meal (10 and under).
The seating arrangement is in tables of 10. To reserve a table, the full amount in a single payment for the entire group - complete with names of all guests - should be submitted to the Accord office on one form.
To obtain a form, visit www.accordspeedway.com. A mailing including Banquet information has already gone out to speedway members.
The top 15 finishers from the point standings in the six Friday-night stock-car divisions will be honored, along with the top point-getters from the Wednesday night "Midweek Madness" programs of Go-Karts, Quads, Bikes and Slingshots. A host of special awards will be presented, while music and dancing will round out the evening.
Only Accord Speedway members will be eligible for awards and point fund money.
Check out www.hudsonvalleyresort.com for directions to the Hudson Valley Resort and details on room specials. Special rates will be available for Banquet attendees.
For further information, contact the Accord Speedway office at (845) 626-3478.

Accord Speedway's Holiday Gift Selection Perfect For Your Race Enthusiast
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Don't know what to buy for the race enthusiast on your shopping list this holiday season?

The gift of Friday-night stock car racing at Accord Speedway may be the perfect "stocking stuffer."

The Ulster County quarter-mile oval will roar into action with a pair practice sessions on April 7 and 14 (rain dates April 8 and 15) before the gates swing open officially with the 44th Season Opener on Fri., April 21.

Sail panel-touting 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Mini-Sprints, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks, plus a rotating schedule of the Northeastern Vintage Dirt Modified Racing Club, Slingshots and Capital Region 305 Sprint Cars will entertain Accord attendees in 2006.

The Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour will also return to the "Action Track."

Regular Friday-night action will continue through Labor Day, with a final two-day program in the autumn slated to wrap up the '06 season.

For the fan that "never misses a week," a Season Pass for adult spectators is $180. It covers grandstand admission for all stock-car events. The Season Pass for seniors is $160.

Accord management offers a Multi-Day Pass that is valid for 10 racing programs. The adult Multi-Day pass costs $100. For seniors, it is $80.

For drivers, pitside observers, car owners and crew members, a Season Pit Pass is an ideal gift. Pit admittance will be covered for the entire stock-car season. The cost is $500.

These passes not only acts as ideal gifts, they result in a significant reduction in cost over paying at the front or back gate each week individually.

Accord Speedway jackets and gift certificates are also available by request.

For further information, or to purchase a membership or reserved parking spot, contact the Accord Speedway office at (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

Accord Speedway Sets 2006 Plans: 358-Mods To Run Sail Panels
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - As a former racer, Gary Palmer appreciates the amount of off-season work required for on-track success.
That's why he 's giving competitors at his speedway an early start.
The Accord Speedway promoter recently set his plans for the 2006 season at the historic quarter-mile oval. It will mark Palmer's sixth season at the helm of the Ulster County facility.
"We want to give our drivers an early start," Palmer said while attending the Nov. 18 Northeastern Vintage Dirt Modified Club Awards Banquet.
"They can get started now on their cars without worrying about having changes announced later."
The only significant alteration in the rules for 2006 comes in the headline 358-Modified division. 358 competitors will be permitted to run sail panels on a weekly basis.
They will be strictly regulated, however.
Cars may be equipped with two even sail panels no higher than 65 inches from the ground (single sail panel set-ups not permitted). The panels may not extend further forward than the driver or further back than the end of the quarter-panel. A spoiler at the back of the roof will be permitted with a maximum height of five inches.
All other traditional DIRT body rules will remain in effect. No airfoils, fins, spoilers, etc., will be permitted. Competitors have the option of using the DIRT-style windows.
Accord joins Penn-Can (Pa.), Thunder Mountain (N.Y.) and Afton (N.Y.) as weekly tracks running the sail panels.
The Sportsman and Spec Sportsman will stick to traditional body rules.
"We wanted something to make our Modifieds identifiable to new or casual fans," Palmer explained.
"The 358s, Sportsman and Spec Sportsman all look alike to people sitting in the stands. When one of the 358 cars pulls out now, they will know."
Palmer added that several drivers approached him speaking highly of the sail panels following this year's autumn Open Competition events. He also said the panels are simply "bolt-on" additions; no significant body changes will have to be made for an Accord team looking to venture elsewhere.
Engine rules will remain the same for 358-Modified and Sportsman teams.
Despite rumors to the contrary, both the Spec Sportsman and Pro Stock divisions will be back on the weekly card in 2006.
Like many tracks in the Northeast, Accord's Pro Stock count was in the 10-15 range in 2005. But Palmer is confident the number will be higher in the coming season thanks to an influx of new teams.
The Spec Sportsman division started out slow but gradually grew throughout the season. He expects the class, which follows Sportsman rules with the exception of an affordable GM Crate Engine, to gain more support in the future.
Teams looking to acquire a GM Crate Engine should call the speedway office or visit any GM dealership.
Mini-Sprints and Pure Stocks will complete the Friday night card.
The Capital Region 305 Sprint Cars will make a handful of appearances in 2006, while the popular Tobias Slingshots will alternate with other special events as a bi-weekly Friday division on the quarter-mile.
The Northeastern Vintage Dirt Modified Racing Club will also make frequent stops at the Big A.
Palmer confirmed that the "Midweek Madness" programs, featuring Bikes, Quads, Go-Karts, Slingshots and Lawnmowers, would be back on Wednesday evenings on the one-sixth-mile "Inner Oval."
The next event on the Accord Speedway agenda is the Awards Banquet on Sat., March 4 at the Hudson Valley Resort in Kerhonkson, N.Y.
Top point-getters and special award winners from both the Friday and Wednesday programs will be honored.
2006 practice sessions are slated for April 7 and 14 (Fridays), with rain dates of April 8 and 15. The Trailer King Season Opener will be Fri., April 21.
For off-season information on Accord Speedway, contact the speedway office: (845) 626-3478 or visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

BIG A NOTES: The 2006 season will wrap up on Labor Day weekend, with only one major two-day event to follow....
Every race night has been sponsored for '06 already, though alternative marketing partnerships are available by contacting the speedway office. "This is the best year for sponsorship I've ever had," said Palmer, who already submitted a rough draft of the 2006 schedule to the printer....
American Racer will remain the track tire for all divisions in 2006....
Peter "Crackers" Reynolds, owner of Rick Mill's No. 73 358-Mod and president of Crackers Motorsports Marketing, is in favor of sail panels for a different reason: more space for potential sponsors on the cars....

Accord Management Cancels Nov. 19 "Outlaw" Race
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Citing a need to begin winterizing the facility, Accord Speedway promoter Gary Palmer announced on Thurs., Nov. 10 that he would cancel the Nov. 19 "Outlaw Track Is Back" program at the Ulster County bullring.
The event, postponed after a rainout on Oct. 22, was scheduled to include Bikes, Quads, and Slingshots on the quarter-mile oval, plus Go-Karts, Lawnmowers and junior classes on the "Inner Oval" one-sixth-mile.
"With the weather turning cold already, it's in our best interest to get started on winterizing the facility and making some improvements," said Palmer, adding that a concrete wall will be erected on the inside of turns three and four (similar to that already in place in turns one and two).
"We plan to have events for the Bikes, Quads, Slingshots and Karts next season after a lot of success on Wednesday nights this year."
The Fifth Annual Racers' Swap Meet/Flea Market slated for Sun., Nov. 13 at 8 a.m. will go on as scheduled, with breakfast and lunch being served.
The speedway's stock-car action wrapped up on Sat., Nov. 5 when Robbie Green took the final checkered of '05 in the "Run What You Brung."
2005 track champions include: Rich Ricci Jr. (358-Modified); Jamie Yannone (Sportsman); Jeff Richardson (Spec Sportsman); Danny Tyler (Pro Stock); John Lieto (Mini-Sprint); and Mike Sabia (Pure Stock).
Plans are already underway for the 2006 season, Palmer's sixth at the helm of the "Action Track."
Visit the website: www.accordspeedway.com or contact the speedway office at (845) 626-3478 for off-season information.

Green's First Of '05 Comes In Accord Finale, Wins "Run What You Brung"
By BRETT DEYO

ACCORD, NY - Robbie Green started to climb from his car in Victory Lane, paused for a moment and hopped onto the door, where he raised his arms triumphantly.
For the first time in 2005, Green had a reason to celebrate.
Avoiding his first winless season since 1991, the Wallkill, N.Y., veteran topped Saturday afternoon's Bryant's Towing "Run What You Brung" at Accord Speedway, driving his green and white No. 69 with a roof wing and exotic left-side sheet metal to a $1,500 payday.
"This feels so good right now," said Green, flashing an ear-to-ear grin. "I needed that bad. It's a big shot in the arm going into the winter."
Green started the season running weekly at The New Afton (N.Y.) Speedway, but returned to Accord on July 8. His best finish entering the Nov. 5 show had been third (Aug. 26 and Sept. 23).
"Lady Luck has been horrendous this year," he bottom-lined. "Look at last week (in the "King of the Catskills" 50-lapper). I had a second-place car, was trying to be patient and got wrecked.
"You never know in this business."
A post-qualifying redraw placed Green on the pole for the 30-lap main, and he quickly darted to the lead aboard his Teo-Pro car, equipped with a Precision small-block on alcohol.
"Drawing the pole helped," said Green, adding that Danny Creeden's girlfriend Erika pulled the number one spot for him. "But this thing was so good today, it was actually fun to drive. Sometimes you have to work 'em when you're out front."
Cautions early on kept the field bunched and played into the hands of ninth-starter Mike Ricci, driving Jim Winchell's No. 17 with a large sideboard.
Ricci darted under Marc Johnson and Jamie Yannone on a lap-two restart to claim third, and took second from John McGill one circuit later.
Even Ricci had nothing for the dominant Green.
Five cautions in the race's remaining 27 laps, including a final yellow on lap 25 provided ample opportunities for Ricci to challenge Green. But the 43-year-old maintained a straightaway advantage to collect a popular victory.
"I could get a rhythm going (under the green)," said Green. "I kind of liked seeing the yellows because it gave me clear track."
Ricci, 40, of Rosendale, N.Y., finished second in the JPM-powered Teo-Pro car, but said he lacked the handling to seriously bid for the win.
"We needed more downforce," Ricci said. "We never did this (with the sideboard) before. It was an experiment.
"This motor's got unbelievable torque, but he was good."
Ricci acknowledged the lap-two restart as the key to his runner-up payday.
"I saw that one coming," Ricci remarked of the Johnson/Yannone get-together that allowed him to advance three positions. "They all jammed up and I shot right by them."
Jeff Heotzler of Wallkill, N.Y., finished third in Bob Cancellieri's small-block No. 11 Bicknell after wrestling the position from John McGill on lap 23. The car was outfitted with a plexi-glass sideboard.
Nine-time champion Rich Ricci Jr. of New Paltz, N.Y., running his Dirt Wheels No. 55 with no body and a roof wing, rallied to fourth after starting 10th.
Sportsman hotshoe Jamie Yannone of Newburgh, N.Y., rounded out the top five in his No. 21 Teo-Pro car. Yannone ran standard bodywork, steel wheels and a small-block engine borrowed from his cousin's drag car.
Marc Johnson, Danny Creeden and Mike Ricci were heat victors for the 22 cars in attendance. Brett Graham won the consolation.
Jeremy Quick will have at least one fond memory of his 2005 Mini-Sprint season.
Stone Ridge, N.Y.'s Quick, the 2003 track champion, snared his breakthrough triumph of the season in the 20-lap main for the winged warriors.
Quick, who started third, took advantage of a lap-one restart to take command and raced home unchallenged with his Leisure Time No. 29J. Bob Lynt of Buchanan, N.Y., placed second, ahead of James Tomlinson, Tony Montesi and Clint Roehrs.
Rob Rowe scored his second consecutive Pro Stock victory in convincing fashion. The Walden, N.Y., native led all 20 laps after starting from the pole. It was his third win in limited '05 Accord appearances.
Tommy Vigh, 15-year-old Danny Tyler, Pure Stock champion Mike Sabia and Pat Zimmer trailed.
From 17th starting position, Mike Sabia of Easton, Conn., claimed his 10th victory of the season in Pure Stock competition. Sabia snatched the lead from Joe DiStefano on the 10th circuit of the 15-lap main and survived a pair of restarts in the final two circuits.
Polesitter DiStefano placed second, ahead of Bob Gibson, Jay Smalley and Kyle Wright.
The Eight Cylinder Demo Derby went to Jason Smith of Catskill, N.Y. Harry Davis and Tommy Byrne were scored second and third, respectively.
Walter Coutant of Modena, N.Y., won the Four Cylinder Demo Derby. Jeffrey DeGroat placed second.
Saturday's action concluded stock-car action on the quarter-mile. However, two more events loom on the 2005 calendar.
A Swap Meet is scheduled for Sun., Nov 13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entry is $5. A small trailer and one entry is $20. A large trailer and two entries is $35. Breakfast and lunch will be served.
Then, on Sat., Nov. 19, the Ulster County track will host "The Outlaw Track is Back," with Bikes, Quads and Slingshots on the quarter-mile, plus Go-Karts, Lawnmowers and Junior Divisions on the "Inner Oval." Gates open at noon, with racing at 2 p.m. Spectator admission is $5.
For more information, contact the speedway office at (845) 626-3478 or contact the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

BIG A NOTES: Warm temperatures greeted fans for a quick program, completed in full by 6 p.m. 22 cars entered the "Run What You Brung" (19 open-wheel cars, three Pure Stocks). 13 Mini-Sprints, nine Pro Stocks and 18 Pure Stocks signed in for competition....
How much did Saturday's victory mean to the Green team? "This is like winning Syracuse," said Dave Green, Robbie's younger brother and crew chief....
Rich Ricci Jr. was a late arrival and missed hot laps. The reason: he was helping his father pack for Sunday's Swap Meet at Lebanon Valley (N.Y.) Speedway....
Jackie Brown Jr.'s car sported Formula 1-type side pods, a roof wing and smaller wings on the nose and rear. His day ended on lap two when he impacted the Jersey barrier on the inside of the frontstretch....
Fans were thrilled to see Heotzler, the king of Accord small-block competition in the 1980s, back in action....
Pro Stock star Butchie Irwin debuted a PMC chassis powered by a GM Crate Engine for the Downes Racing team. Teenager Jennifer Downes, daughter of Donnie and LeAura, will drive the car in 2006....
Mike Sabia was the day's busiest driver: he ran Pro Stock, Pure Stock and both the Four and Eight Cylinder Demo Derbies....

BRYANT'S TOWING RACE SUMMARY
"Run What You Brung" Feature Finish: ROBBIE GREEN, Mike Ricci, Jeff Heotzler, Rich Ricci Jr., Jamie Yannone, John McGill, Scott Ferrier, Ryan Stortini, Jason Hamilton, Chris Weaver, Brett Graham, Stan Lemiesz, Mike Van Tassel, Butchie Irwin, Marc Johnson, Ted DeGroat, Joe Narok, Danny Creeden, Phil Recchio, Jackie Brown Jr.
Did Not Qualify: Kyle Wright, Clarence Palmer.

Mini-Sprint Feature Finish: JEREMY QUICK, Bob Lynt, James Tomlinson, Tony Montesi, Clint Roehrs, Peter Sindt, Darrell Quackenbush, Wayne Stearns, Jimmy Johnston, Gary Reyer, Will Einemann, Hank Katz, Todd Lapp.

Pro Stock Feature Finish: ROB ROWE, Tommy Vigh, Danny Tyler, Mike Sabia, Pat Zimmer, Paul Hubbard, Robert Johnson, Jim Hewitt.
Did Not Start: Jim Sykes.

Pure Stock Feature Finish: MIKE SABIA, Joe DiStefano, Bob Gibson, Jay Smalley, Kyle Wight, Chris Kanuk, Jim O'Neil, Bobby Cutler, Paul Aragon Jr., Tom Byrne, James DeCicco III, John Woinoski, Pat Somers, Bill Rion, Ed Howey, Ralph Ronk, Jason Tompkins, Joe Narok.

Eight Cylinder Demo Top Three: JASON SMITH, Harry Davis, Tom Byrne.

Four Cylinder Demo Top Two: WALTER COUTANT, Jeffrey DeGroat.

Copyright © 1998-2006 by South Jersey Dirt Racing/ToddJ All Rights Reserved.  Born on date April 21, 1998