Mahoning Valley
Race Results
www.mahoningspeedway.com

09/18/06

UPCOMING: 9/23 Regular Show + 4c Super Mods & NOTARC

Mahoning Valley Speedway Revises Schedule for Remainder of Season

(Lehighton, PA 9-10-06) Mother Nature has not been kind to Mahoning Valley Speedway in 2006 as the paved ¼-mile Lehighton oval has suffered through nine rain-outs.

This past Saturday night, September 9, was the first time since August 5 that race cars where on track. It’s just been one of those years you could say.

With that in mind promoters Doug and Gena Hoffman have announced a schedule revision for the remainder of the season.

There will be no activity September 16 as that will be the Sunoco Race of Champions weekend, however, starting September 23 and running through October 22, there will be racing.

On September 23 it will be all regular track classes which include Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks. Also that evening will be the 4C Super Mods and the National Old Timers Auto Racing Club.

Coming up on September 30 will be the season final for the RoC Tour as both the North and Central division drivers will contest in a 100-lap feature that will decide the overall 2006 RoC Touring champion. All regular track classes will also be in be in action.

On October 7 it will be a regular show for all track divisions.

The rained out C & D Landscaping 100 for Street Stocks from September 2 will now be held on October 14 along with all regular track classes.

The final point’s race of the season for all divisions will he held on Saturday, October 21 with the highlight being a 100-lap feature for the Modifieds.

Then the following afternoon, Sunday October 22, the curtain will come down with a special show featuring the National Slingshot Tour and 600cc Modifieds.

If for any reason one of the aforementioned dates is rained out, then October 28 will be utilized as a rain date.

For additional information contact the track office at 610-398-4923. On race day you can call the track directly at 570-386-4900. Also log-on to www.mahoningspeedway.com.

UPCOMING: 9/23 Regular Show + 4c Super Mods & NOTARC
START TIME: 6:00 PM

Amanda Sesely Evades All On Comers For Mahoning Valley Speedway Mod Win
Mike Sweeney Edges Rick Wallace in 75-lap Late Model Run

(Lehighton, PA 9-9-06) Amanda Sesely dodged a slew of bullets thrown at her and after all was said and done the popular lady racer from Matawan, NJ had her first win of 2006 on Stewart Sanitation Night at Mahoning Valley Speedway.

This season Sesely had been toiling for some good fortune. It had nothing to do with neither her talent nor equipment rather it was hard luck that made for some frustrating nights throughout the year.

Not so on this night as Sesely led every lap while holding off one challenger after another in posting her career second Modified win and 14th overall at the Lehighton paved ¼-mile.

“I’m so excited. Everyone started teasing me that I was going to have a winless season and that teasing started this week so I came here really determined,” said Sesely. “I can’t thank my crew enough and Dale and Cindy Troxel for hiring me to come and drive their car and I am so thankful to them for that.”

In Saturday night’s 35-lap feature Sesely started on the pole and all race long had to withstand numerous attempts by others making bids to pass her.

Most of those tries by her counterparts occurred on restarts as a rash of yellows made her journey all the harder with no less than eight yellows waving between laps eight and twelve alone.

At the outset she had Kevin Graver, Jr., riding her rear bumper as he was the first to try and use the caution to his advantage with attempts to outrun her when the race resumed.

However, with the determination which she noted, Sesely was focused on keeping the number one spot. After Graver came Scott Lesher who also took several shots on the various restarts to overhaul the leader. Despite his every effort, Sesely again maintained her stance.

By lap-12 John Bennett was lined alongside Lesher and he too began to heavily pressure Sesely. It also became much more intense as finally a run of continuous green flag racing unfolded. Bennett took over second spot and was burdening Sesely. Lesher was still in the thick of the battle as the top trio raced under a blanket.

The race was coming down to the final tour with all three going for the win when the last caution flag waved for Jarred Nace who spun just ahead of the leaders.

For the resumption of the green-white-checkered Sesely was not about to let anything stand between her and victory as she did a skillful job of fending off all and everything that tried to take this one away from her.

“They (Bennett/Lesher) were gentlemen tonight and I’m really thankful. My crew works so hard. When you leave the race track and you feel like you disappointed your crew after all the hard work they do there’s no worse feeling. So to be able to win one for them and all their hard work paid off,” said Sesely

“I’m having a great time racing here at Mahoning Valley. A close family friend of ours passed away yesterday, Kenny Freebie and this is dedicated to him and this couldn’t come at a more special time.”

Bennett’s runner-up spot was reflective on the steady season he’s been having and also keeps him in the thick of the points hunt with five races to go.

“We didn’t quite have enough to get around her on the outside. She was a little to fast for us and she just had enough room of the low side so we kind of got stuck,” said Bennett. “The cautions did help us some in picking off cars on the restarts. Hopefully we’ll have a couple more good runs here and see how it all pans out,” said Bennett.

For Mike Sweeney of Nesquehoning, his night began with one thing in mind, to win the 75-lap Late Model feature that was being hosted by his car sponsor Stewart Sanitation.

Starting eighth, Sweeney passed early leader Pat Hargan on lap 20 and then steadily began to pull away from the rest of the pack.

From laps 17 to lap 57 the laps where being reeled off in a hurry as the race went incident free. However, after second place running Nate Correll let go a trial of liquid there was no choice but to throw a yellow erasing the huge lead held by Sweeney.

When the field was bunched for the restart Rick Wallace was now in pursuit and was relentless in his quest to try and pass Sweeney. Within the closing laps Sweeney was barely holding on as the pair crossed the finished line a half car length of each other.

“We wanted to bring this one home for the best sponsor, Stewart Sanitation. They sponsor the night’s race and he’s been a great backer to us, this one’s for them,” said and elated Sweeney.

“My car started to get tight in lapped traffic near the end. I just tried to play it patient, keep the tires cool and bring it home and that’s what we did. Rick (Wallace) is a great competitor and he’ll always run you clean.”

Slatington’s Todd Ahner earned every bit of his second Street Stock win of the year and 20th of his career as he had to hold off a slew of competition all race long. Ahner held on for a narrow margin of victory over Joe Mooney and point leader Mark Deysher

In Pro4 Late Model action Todd Baer of Germansville held off Kevin Graver, Sr., and Kevin Rex, Jr., in a close finish.

Justin Steigerwalt from Palmerton used lapped traffic near the end of the race to pass Randy Ahner, Sr., en-route to claiming his fifth Factory Stock win of the season and solidify his division point lead in the process.

Dave Freundt of Lehighton led his teammates Jon Smith and Dan Freundt across the finish line in the 4-Cylinder Stock main.

Modifieds (35): 1.Amanda Sesely 2.John Bennett 3.Scott Lesher 4.Rusty Smith 5.Jason Arthofer 6.Don Wagner 7.CJ Jones 8.Rod Snyder, Jr. 9.Bup Dreher 10.Kevin Graver, Jr. 11.Brian DeFebo 12.Rick Kirkendall 13.Tom Flanagan 14.Paul Skodacek 15.Dave Correll 16.Jarred Nace17.Chip Wanamaker 18.Glen Correll 19.Kieth Mellars 20.Rick Reichenbach 21.Stacey Brown DNS:

Late Models (75): 1.Mike Sweeney 2.Rick Wallace 3.Joe Kehrli 4.Pat Hargan 5.Francis Gross III 6.Geno Steigerwalt 7.Mike Radocha, Jr. 8.Bill Hanura 9.Todd Geist 10.Scott Shoff 11.Heath Metzger 12.Nate Correll 13.Dave Imler 14.Don Holland, Jr. 15.Lorin Arthofer II 16.Paul Koehler, Jr. 17.Tony Volpe 18.Barry Christman, Sr. 19.Troy Bollinger

Street Stocks (25): 1.Todd Ahner 2.Joe Mooney 3.Mark Deysher 4.Justin Mooney 5.Lonnie Behler 6.Jon Moser 7.Shawn Sitarchyk 8.Mike Quinn 9.Steven Steigerwalt 10.Dennis Buss 11.Randy Ahner, Jr. 12.Dave Laubach 13.Jamie Smith 14.Alan Schlenker 15.Eric Kippycash 16.Mathias Hoffman 17.Paul Moyer 18.Kristie Morone Arthofer 19.Jay Llewellyn 20.Mike Shaw DNS: JR Roth

SS Survivor Series Round-6 (10): 1.Sitarchyk 2.Todd Ahner 3.Justin Mooney 4.Deysher 5.Laubach 6.Quinn DNS: Llewellyn

Pro4 Late Models (20): 1.Todd Baer 2.Kevin Graver, Jr. 3.Kevin Rex, Jr. 4.TJ Gursky 5.Bobby Jones 6.Chris Kuronya 7.Jeff Delong 8.Frankie Althouse 9.Corey Hill 10.Josh Scherer 11.Bill Rooney 12.Dennis Silfies 13.Jason Bair 14.Kevin Hoffman 15.Jeremy Miller 16.TJ Kemmerer 17.Ward Crozier, Jr. 18.Dustin Bair 19.Barry Christman, Jr.

Factory Stocks (20): 1.Stephen Steigerwalt 2.randy Ahner, Jr. 3.Brian Hughes 4.Jason Frey 5.Keith Knappenberger 6.Bryan Ahner 7.Duane Eidem 8.James Pritchard, Jr. 9.Doug Knauss 10.Ross Gursky 11.Shayne Geist 12.Jeff Drofich 13.Mark Tischler 14.Tom Fratesci 15.Joey Constandi

4-Cylinders (20): 1.Dave Freundt 2.Jon Smith 3.Dan Freundt 4.Jeff Bartron 5.Dave McCloud 6.Scooter Graver 7.Louis Szoke 8.Mike Garris, Jr. 9.Jason Zatsko 10.Adam Kratzer 11.Casy Creyer 12.Dan Biegley 13.Brian Kunkle 14.Jake Kibler 15.Charles Biegley

UPCOMING: 9/2 C & D Landscaping Night 100-Lap Street Stocks + All Divisions
START TIME: 7:00 PM

Rain Forces Another Cancellation at Mahoning Valley Speedway

(Lehighton, PA 8-26-06) 2006 is certainly becoming an enduring year to say the least at Mahoning Valley Speedway. Enduring in the fact that the weather has been a main factor and not for the good either.

Saturday afternoon rain showers as well as thunder storms predicted for later in the evening left Mahoning’s husband and wife promotional dual of Doug and Gene Hoffman no other choice but to pull the plug.

It has been a grueling year indeed as this was the second time in as many weeks and eighth overall in which the track stayed idle due to inclement conditions.

The Fabulous 40’s, 40-lap feature races for all six regular classes was on the speed bill.

Next Saturday night, September 2 at 7:00 pm it will be C & D Landscaping Night with the highlight being a 100-lap main for the Street Stocks. Modified, Late Models, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cyinder Stocks will also be in action.

The following Saturday night, September 9 it will be Stewart Sanitation Night with the focal point being a 75-lap run for the Late Models. All other track divisions will also be in action.

September 9 will also see the start time return to 6:00 pm.

More upcoming news regarding the remaining schedule will be released shortly.

For additional information contact the track office at 610-398-4923. On race day you can call the track directly at 570-386-4900. Also log-on to www.mahoningspeedway.com

UPCOMING: 8/26 Fabulous 40’s – 40 Laps All Divisions
9/2 C & D Landscaping Night 100-Lap Street Stocks + All Divisions
START TIME: 7:00 PM

Rain Forces Another Cancellation at Mahoning Valley Speedway
RoC Race Reset for September 30

(Lehighton, PA 8-19-06) The pits where filling, the anticipation was mounting and then came the rains which put a halt to racing action Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway. It marked the seventh time this season that the track fell victim to inclement weather.

Headlining the night was the Race of Champions (RoC) Pavement Series as well as all other regular track classes.

The RoC 75-lapper was to be the fourth race of the Central Region and is also part of an eight race stretch of both Central and North RoC shows that began August 5 at Oswego Speedway and concludes September 24 at Lancaster Motorsports Park where the 2006 RoC Touring champion is to be crowned.

However, with Saturday night’s rain out, the RoC Tour finale has now been rescheduled for Saturday night, September 30 at Mahoning Valley with a 100-lap feature race.

The September 30 show will be a combined event of both North and Central Region Tour drivers all converging on Mahoning Valley where the overall RoC Pavement Series Champion will be officially crowned.

That also means that the winner of the granddaddy of all short track races, the 56th running of the prestigious Modified Race of Champions, will in all probability be racing at Mahoning Valley.

The Modified Race of Champions is a 200 lap main held at Oswego Speedway on Saturday, September 16.

Racing at the paved Lehighton ¼-mile now turns to Saturday night, August 26 with the Fabulous 40’s. 40-lap features for all six regular track classes which includes Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks.

There will be increased purses in each division and rain checks, which where administered in the pits, will accepted on this night.

Pit admission is set at $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Grandstand admission is $14.

Coming up in two weeks, Saturday, September 2, will be the C & D Landscaping 100 for Street Stocks along with all regular classes

This will be the final time that the 7:00 pm start time will be in effect. Afterwards, it will be back to the 6:00 pm start time on Saturday night, September 9.

There will be more upcoming news regarding the remaining schedule that will be released shortly.

For additional information contact the track office at 610-398-4923. On race day you can call the track directly at 570-386-4900. Also log-on to www.mahoningspeedway.com.

For information about the RoC log-on to www.raceofchampions.net 

UPCOMING: 8/19, Race of Champions (Pavement) Tour
START TIME: 7:00 PM

Race of Champions Asphalt Series Showdown Set for August 19 at Mahoning Valley Speedway

(Lehighton, PA 8-10-06) Mahoning Valley Speedway will be a hotbed of Modified action come Saturday night, August 19 as the Race of Champions (RoC) Pavement Series will be on hand for a 75-lap feature.

When it comes to RoC races at Mahoning Valley, there’s no question as to the outstanding level of competition that converges on the ultra-fast paved Lehighton ¼-mile.

The 75-lap main will be the fourth race of the 2006 RoC Central Region and is also part of an eight race stretch of both Central and North RoC events that began August 5 at Oswego Speedway and concludes on September 24 at Lancaster Motorsports Park.

That spread of shows includes the granddaddy of all short track races, the 56th running of the prestigious Modified Race of Champions, a 200 lap face-off at Oswego Speedway on Saturday, September 16.

The Mahoning Valley race will begin at 7:00 pm with heats for the RoC Modifieds plus all regular tracks classes which includes the Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks.

Pit gates open at 1:00. Paid practice is from 2:00 to 5:00. Regular practice runs from 5:30 to 6:30 with the first heat at 7:00. Grandstand gates open at 5:00.

In the first RoC Mahoning event held in June, Kory Rabenold was the successful victor and is also the most recent winner of extra distance features at the track when he copped the Hoffman Bros. Speed and Performance 100 on July 29. He took the win over Earl Paules.

Paules, a top gun at both Mahoning Valley as well the RoC, will be gunning for his first Tour win at his home track. He is the leading candidate to win the North Region, currently second in North Region RoC points behind Matt Hirschman but closing fast.

Of course Rabenold, Paules and the other name drivers who compete on the RoC Tour will have to face off against a slew of Mahoning regulars that includes the likes of current point leader Don Wagner, leading feature winner John Bennett, multi-time track champion Rod Snyder, Jr., Kevin Graver, Jr., and Scott Lesher to name but a few on the talent laden roster.

The fans know, the drivers know, when it comes to RoC racing at Mahoning Valley Speedway the action is second to none.

A customary large field of Modified teams is expected to be part of the August 19 program plus add the always exciting support classes and there’s no question to the great night of stock car racing that will take place.

Mahoning Valley Speedway is located on Route 443 just west of Lehighton. For additional information contact the track office at 610-398-4923. On race day you can call the track directly at 570-386-4900. Also log-on to www.mahoningspeedway.com.

For information about the RoC log-on to www.raceofchampions.net.

UPCOMING: 8/12, No Racing – Bike Nite
8/19, Race of Champions (Pavement) Tour
START TIME: 7:00 PM

Bike Nite at Mahoning Valley Speedway August 12

(Lehighton, PA 8-3-06) Racing will take a break at Mahoning Valley Speedway on Saturday night, August 12 but that doesn’t mean there won’t be the sound of engines roaring.

In place of the mighty stock cars that commonly bring the paved ¼-mile to life every Saturday night, this time the horsepower will come from a huge contingent of two-wheelers as Mahoning Valley Speedway will play host to the 2nd Annual Party on the Pavement with Bike Night taking place.

Being deemed the best bike event in Eastern Pennsylvania, Bike Night will include bikers, bikers and more bikers who will be converging on the speedway for this unique event.

Starting at 2:00 pm and going until midnight, Bike Night will feature day-long live music with such noted bands as Full Metal Racket, The Scott Marshall Band, The Cherry Bombs, No Heroes and The Norm.

There will also be a live broadcast with Tori Thomas of WZZO 95.1 FM.

Admission is only $15.00 which includes a pig roast and refreshments.

Plenty of bike related contests are planned including a Wet T-Shirt, My Husbands Home, Slow Ride, Loud Pipe, Burn-Out wall and much more.

Advanced tickets are available by calling 484-634-0086. Vendors are also welcome and can contact that same number for information.

The racing returns at 7:00 pm, Saturday night, August 19 with the return of the Race of Champions Pavement Series Tour, featuring a 75-lap main for the Modifieds.

Also included will be the Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylindet Stocks.

Mahoning Valley Speedway is located on Route 443 just west of Lehighton. For additional information contact the track office at 610-398-4923. On race day you can call the track directly at 570-386-4900. Also log-on to www.mahoningspeedway.com.

UPCOMING: 8/12, No Racing – Bike Nite
8/19, Race of Champions (Pavement) Tour
START TIME: 7:00 PM

Late Race Pass Gives John Bennett Third Mahoning Mod Win

(Lehighton, PA 8-5-06) For quite a while during Saturday night’s 35-lap Modified contest at Mahoning Valley Speedway it looked as though Bup Dreher was ready to cash in on his first win in over four years.

Leading from the pole Dreher was holding his own despite a bevy of action from behind that included fellow Lehighton driver John Bennett who was confronting him persistently.

For Bennett that determination paid off as with four laps to go he took his always potent #08 to the preferred high line and zipped his way past Dreher for the lead and ultimately the win.

“Bup and I where right there and I seen that all them guys like Donny (Wagner) and Rod (Snyder) where back there and I’m just glad this turned out the way it did,” said Bennett, now a three-time ’06 winner.

From the outset Dreher jumped to the lead with shared front row starter Amanda Sesely in tow. While Dreher held the point, Sesely and Bennett connected in a fierce dual for second. Also in on the action was Snyder, Scott Lesher and point leader Wagner who all added to the intense excitement level.

The battle for second was indeed a tough one as Sesely and Bennett were in a torrid confrontation while at the same time Snyder was glued to their rear bumpers.

As Dreher led, the race for runner-up raged on. Bennett eased by Sesely on lap five but it wasn’t by much as they kept going in a close side-by-side formation. It took Bennett up to lap-15 to finally shake free of Sesely. He then was able to focus his attention on Dreher.

There was still a fury of hard racing going on as Snyder now zeroed in on Sesely while Lesher and Wagner battled on with their own dogfight.

On lap-20 Sesely’s fine run came to a spinning halt when the tail end of her Dale Troxel owned 48 got out from under her which aided Snyder in gaining third spot.

A trio of past track champions led by Dreher headed the pack but never was it easy as Bennett and Snyder remained hot on his heels while at the same time going wheel-to-wheel.

With time slipping away Bennett took the one course of action that for years has served him well, utilizing the high groove of the track to try and make a pass. Wisely that was the right choice as he successfully motored his way by Dreher with only four laps remaining.

“Bup’s always a hard runner. I knew I’d have only one try at him near the end so I gave it one heck of a shot. I looked to the low side a couple of times and I knew I couldn’t do it and one time we even made contact so I didn’t want to keep at that. The top side here is always preferable,” said Bennett who now had 35 overall career wins, second only to Lonnie Behler on the all-time win list.

Dreher, in the meantime, held on for second which was well received considering a late start to the season and a string of struggles for the talent laden veteran.

“This past couple weeks the car wasn’t to my liking but my guys kept plugging away and they got me a descent car. I got a little tight there towards the end and I knew I had my hands full when I saw John Bennett and Rod Snyder,” said Dreher.

“It was good race and I had fun and hope they did too. I think we put on a good show,”

Completing the top five were Snyder, Wagner and Lesher.

For Joe Kehrli (Palmerton) it was wrecker to checker. In last week’s Late Model race Kehrli was involved in a hard lap-1 crash but bounced back for a popular second win of the year.

Kehrli started third an immediately lined in behind early leader Rick Wallace.

At first it looked as though Wallace would be the car to beat as he held a solid lead. However, after a lap-18 restart, Kehrli burst his way past Wallace for the top spot and once in front was never headed.

He maintained his stance to the finish followed in close pursuit by Wallace and point leader Paul Koehler, Jr.

“This is an incredible feeling. We were still working on this car until 4:30 this morning getting the thing back together,” said Kehrli. “Rick was strong and I didn’t know if I was going to have enough to get him on the outside. But he kind of pushed up a little bit and my car just got a great bite and that’s what it was.”

In Street Stock action Mike Quinn (Ashfield) inherited the front spot thanks in part to the misfortunes of the lead cars just ahead of him.

Early leader Kristy Morone was taken out by Todd Ahner with six laps in and both were relegated to the rear of the field. Afterwards there was no question who had the best car as Quinn cruised to his third win of the year over defending champion Lonnie Behler

Kevin Graver, Sr. (Lehighton) had a little luck come his way in winning his first Pro4 Late Model feature since 2000.

With the white flag out leader Todd Bear hooked his bumper with a back-marker car and forced the yellow flag to come out. In second place at the time was Graver who then held off Kevin Rex, Jr. for the long overdue win.

Despite leading every lap, Duane Eidem (Lehighton) raced to a hard fought victory in the Factory Stock main as all race long he had to fend off a host of competitors en route to securing his second win of ’06.

Rookie Louis Szoke (Walnutport) notched his second 4-Cylinder Stock win of the year by fending off Dave Freundt in a close finish.

Mike Renn (Medford, NY) held off Woot Lawrence for his series leading fourth win of the year in the 4C Super Mods while the Slingshot feature was won by Steve Hicks (Doylestown).

Modifieds (35): 1.John Bennett 2.Bup Dreher 3.Rod Snyder, Jr. 4.Don Wagner 5.Scott Lesher 6.Rodney Gruber 7.Jason Arthofer 8.Jarred Nace 9.Amanda Sesely 10.CJ Jones 11.Paul Skodacek 12.Kevin Graver, Jr. 13.Glen Correll 14.Stacey Brown 15.Dave Correll 16.Bobby Jones 17.Rick Kirkendall 18.Chris May 19.Rich Kuiken, Jr. DNS: Clint Bruch

Late Models (30): 1.Joe Kehrli 2.Rick Wallace 3.Paul Koehler, Jr. 4.Mike Sweeney 5.Lotin Arthofer II 6.Geno Steigerwalt 7.Scott Shoff 8.Mark Althouse 9.Francis Gross III 10.Nate Correll 11.Greg Steigerwalt 12.Dave Imler 13.Pat Hargan 14.Bill Hanura 15.Dan Sabella DNS: Keith Metzger

Street Stocks (25): 1.Mike Quinn 2.Lonnie Behler 3.Justin Mooney 4.Dennis Buss 5.alan Schlenker 6.Stepehen Steigerwalt 7.Jamie Smith 8.Mark Deysher 9.Randy Ahner, Jr. 10.Jay Llewellyn 11.Joe Mooney 12.Shawn Sitarchyk 13.Todd Ahner 14.Kristy Morone Arthofer 15.Dave Laubach 16.Chris Odenwelder17.Larry Kibler 18.Stephanie Imler

Pro4 Late Models (20): 1.Kevin Graver, Sr. 2.Kevin Rex, Jr. 3.Jeremy Miller 4.Chris Kuronya 5.Jon Moser 6.Bob Kibler 7.Frankie Althouse 8.Jeff Delong 9.JR Moser 10.Jason Bair 11.Todd Baer 12.Dustin Bair 13.Dennis Silfies 14.Bill Rooney 15.Steve Tomsic 16.TJ Kemmerer 17.Barry Christman, Jr.

Factory Stocks (20): 1.Duane Eidem 2.Jeff Drofich 3.Doug Knauss 4.Bryan Ahner 5.Jason Frey 6.Justin Steigerwalt 7.Keith Knappenberger 8.Brian Hughes 9.James Pritchard, Jr. 10.Mike Hartzell 11.Matt Lesher 12.Randy Ahner, Sr.

4-Cylinders (20): 1.Louis Szoke 2.Dave Freundt 3.Scooter Graver 4.Jon Smith 5.Jeff Bartron 6.Mike Garris, Jr. 7.Dan Freundt 8.Brian Kunkle 9.Adam Kratzer 10.Dan Biegley 11.Jake Kibler 12.Charles Biegley DNS: Casey Creyer

Slingshots (15): 1.Steve Hicks 2.Kyle Ebersole 3.Steve Intravaia 4.Ben Whitaker 5.Matt Deacaman 6.Marc Daniels 7.Tiffany Wambold 8.Jim Pollard 8.Cody Roth

4C Super Mods (15): 1.Mike Renn 2.Woot Lawrence 3.Randy Zuidema 4.Wes Gilbert 5.Bartarnd

UPCOMING: 8/5, All Regular Classes + Slingshots, 4C Super Mods & NOTARC
START TIME: 7:00 PM

Rabenold Holds Off Paules for $3000 Modified Showdown at Mahoning Valley

(Lehighton, PA 7-29-06) After two straight rain-outs, an enthusiastic race hungry crowd came out to Mahoning Valley Speedway to watch the Hoffman Bros. Speed and Performance Modified 100 and they weren’t disappointed either as Kory Rabenold and Earl Paules put on a dazzling display of side-by-side racing. And it took all 100-laps for the 16-year Rabenold to edge veteran Paules for the $3000 first place prize.

It’s become a trend to finish near the front for the Slatington up-start ace whenever extra distance races are held at Mahoning Valley Speedway. It started with the final race of 2005 when Rabenold led all 100 laps, then on Opening Night of this year he finished second in another century mark run to Brain DeFebo. Last month he scored a huge win in the 75-lap Race of Champions (RoC) Tour event. Now add another 100-lapper to an already impressive resume and it’s clear to see why he is fast becoming a rising star of Modified racing.

Both Rabenold and Paules well earned their finishing spots as they each came from deep in the pack. Rabenold from 16th while further back came Paules, whose journey began from 19th on the grid.

After Bobby Jones led the brunt of laps, 44, Rabenold drove into the lead with an inside pass off turn two with 24-laps to go and was followed by Paulus. Thereafter the pair put on an exhilarating display of two-abreast racing with Rabenold holding a very slim verdict.

“It was great racing tonight. I started 16th and got up to the front with some good side-by-side racing with a couple of guys. There at the end I knew I had Earl (Paules) alongside me and he’s a great RoC contender and he’s been running good every time he comes here to Mahoning. I’m glad I had at least somebody like that I knew would run me clean,” commented Rabenold.

There was indeed plenty of race-long two-wide racing that involved Rabenold as he was continually running in heavy traffic while fighting his way frontward. He contended with a number of drivers including a spirited battle with point leader Don Wagner before in his attempt to enter into the top five. All the while Paules loomed in his path and shadowed him in the drive to the front.

The action really heated up after a lap-58 caution for a spinning Wagner. On that restart Rabenold was lined up third and made quick work of Kevin Graver, Jr., who had led the race from the pole and stayed out front until lap-31 when Jones overhauled him for the top spot.

Graver had then remained second.

Once in the runner-up spot, Rabenold hounded Jones relentlessly, however, with his repeated tries came the defensive efforts of Jones. By lap-68 Paules had joined the fray and it became an outstanding three-car battle for the lead.

One lap after taking third Paules snookered by Rabenold into second. Rabenold bounced right back and went wheel-to-wheel with the fast flying #8.

With Rabenold on the low line and Paules riding high, they then set sail on Jones who was still logging laps out front. Trying to hold on as best he can, Jones finally gave way to the demanding pair with 24-laps to go.

The intensity level rose to new heights as Rabenold and Paules dueled with absolutely no margin for error. Still running the outside groove, Paules tried countless times to get a run on the 63 car but was unable to build the needed momentum to complete the job.

It wasn’t until the two laps to go that Rabenold actually got a slight bit of breathing room when Paules tried yet again to make a pass but slipped up just a hair and allowed to Rabenold to take a half-car length victory.

“The car did start getting a little tight there towards the end probably because I was trying to run it really hard keeping Earl behind me,” said Rabenold.

“It was great racing and he did not give up and that’s what you have to do in this game, you can’t give up. He just kept pressuring and pressuring me. I knew I had the car but his seemed like it worked really well too. I really like running these long races here.”

It was the third win the last four starts for Rabenold. Paules in the meantime feel short on his bid for three straight wins.

“He (Rabenold) ran a good race. We were by him once then the 10 car (Graver) moved up the track and he then got by us. It was just luck tonight, that’s all. I feel we had the better car but the luck went his way and he won the race tonight,” said Paules.

Jones settled for third while Rod Snyder Jr., and John Markovic had steady runs in completing the top five. Glen Correll, Zane Zeiner, Scott Lesher, Graver and Pete Brittain rounded out the top ten. Wagner was 11th, the final car to complete all 100 circuits.

In the Late Model main Nesquehoning ’s Mike Sweeney got a long awaited season first win. Many had figured him to be a title contender, however, after a hard crash on Opening Night that left him with a broken leg and badly damaged race car, Sweeny was forced to sit out most of the first half of the year.

He’s been back as of late and on this night after taking the lead from Francis Gross on lap two, Sweeney stayed the course the remaining distance in scoring his sixth career Late Model win over the divisions’ top-two runners, Lorin Arthofer and Paul Koehler.

There was a very scary moment at the outset of the race when Todd Stehle, Joe Kehrli and Tony Volpe made hard contact with each other and the third turn wall. Although all three cars where severely damaged, everyone walked away unscathed.

The Street Stock feature, in typical Mahoning style, was action packed from start to finish with Stephen Steigerwalt of Lehighton, emerging with his first win of ’06.

Por4 Late Model point leader Jeremy Miller of Walnutport, made a mid-race pass on Todd Baer and then cruised to his class leading third win.

It’s been a breakthrough year for James Pritcard, Jr., as the 18-year old from Roxbury, NJ picked up his second Factory Stock win of 2006.

Jeff Bartron of Coopersburg, padded his 4-Cylinder Stock point lead thanks to his third feature victory.

Modifieds (100): 1.Kory Rabenold 2.Earl Paules 3.Bobby Jones 4.Rod Snyder, Jr. 5.John Markovic 6.Glen Correll 7.Zane Zeiner 8.Scott Lesher 9.Kevin Graver, Jr. 10.Pete Brittain 11.Don Wagner 12.Rodney Gruber 13.Jarred Nace 14.John Bennett 15.Rick Kirkendall 16.Wes Swartout 17.Chip Wanamaker 18.Eric Kocher 19.Andy Szapacs 20.Dave Wallace 21.Brian DeFebo 22.Bup Dreher 23.Amanda Sesely 24.Lou Strohl DNQ: Donny Hartzell, Jason Arthofer, Tyler Haydt, Dave Correll, Matt Clemens, Clint Bruch, Geary Rinehimer, Kevin Brown, Stacy Brown, Scott Ritter

Late Models (26): 1.Mike Sweeney 2.Lorin Arthofer II 3.Paul Koehler, Jr. 4.Pat Hargan 5.Scott Shoff 6.Bill Hanura 7.Greg Steigerwalt 8.Geno Steigerwalt 9.Dave Imler 10.Keith Metzger 11.Francis Gross III 12.Rick Wallace 13.Tom Flanagan 14.Todd Stehle 15.Tony Volpe 16.Joe Kehrli

Street Stocks (25): 1.Stephen Steigerwalt 2.Mark Deysher 3.Shawn Sitarchyk 4.Alan Schlenker 5.Jay Llewellyn 6.Jamie Smith 7.Justin Mooney 8.Kristy Morone Arthofer 9.JR Roth 10.Lonnie Behler 11.Todd Ahner 12.Mathias Hoffman 13.Joe Mooney 14.Mike Quinn 15.Dave Laubach 16.Bob Applegate 17.Randy Ahner, Jr. 18.Paul Moyer 19.Dennis Buss 20.Mike Garris, Sr. 21.Steve Mooney

Pro4 Late Models (20): 1.Jeremy Miller 2.Todd Baer 3.Chris Kuronya 4.Barry Christman, Jr. 5.Kevin Graver, Sr. 6.Kevin Rex, Jr. 7.Frankis Althouse 8.Troy Bollinger 9.Bob Kibler 10.Dennis Silfies 11.TJ Kemmerer 12.Jason Yoo 13.Jon Moser 14.Steve Tomsic 15.Bill Rooney

Factory Stocks (20): 1.James Pritchard, Jr. 2.Brian Hughes 3.Jason Frey 4.Jeff Drofich 5.Doug Knauss 6.Randy Ahner, Sr. 7.Bryan Ahner 8.Keith Knappenberger 9.Duane Eidem 10.Justin Steigerwalt 11.Ross Gursky 12.Mike Hartzell 13.Mike Moyer, Jr. 14.Matt Lesher 15.Jason Kuhn

4-Cylinders (17): 1.Jeff Bartron 2.Dave Freundt 3.Jon Smith 4.Casey Creyer 5.Brian Kunkle 6.Adam Kratzer 7.Steve Longacre 8.Dan Freundt 9.Louis Szoke 10.Scooter Graver 11.Brandon Meckes 12.Jake Kibler 13.Mike Garris, Jr. 14.Dan Biegley 15.Charles Biegley 16.Kevin Behler

UPCOMING: 8/5, All Regular Classes + Slingshots, 4C Super Mods & NOTARC
START TIME: 7:00 PM

National Slingshot Event Coming to Mahoning Valley Speedway August 5

(Lehighton, PA 7-28-06) When the Slingshot cars first rolled onto area speedways in 1999, Mahoning Valley Speedway was one of the first tracks to host the cars. As a matter of fact Mahoning served as the very first asphalt track to run the Tobias built machines.
Lee Schantzenbach won that historic race on April 10, 1999 and went on to score three more victories at the Lehighton ¼-mile.
The last time the Slingshots visited the track was in September of 2001 when Jeff Hartman took the win.
The Slingshot car is the brainchild of second generation driving great Rich “Toby” Tobias, Jr., of Lebanon, PA. His father was the legendary Dick “Toby” Tobias.
Now as part of a national tour, the Slingshot cars are heading back to Mahoning Valley on Saturday night, August 5 where they will join the regular program of stock cars beginning at 7:00 pm.
The 2006 Briggs and Stratton Power Products/Slingshot by Tobias National Tour is scheduled for 60 races, running at 25 different venues throughout the Country. The Championship Trail will determine the 2006 Slingshot by Tobias National Champion and five Regional Champions (Southern, Northwestern, Northeastern, GulfCoast, and West Coast).
The Mahoning Valley race will be part of the Southern Region.
Briggs and Stratton Power Products will again act as the Tour's Title Sponsor. The Slingshot by Tobias Division continues to be the largest Motorsports user of the Briggs and Stratton Vanguard V-Twin engine.
Supporting the Tour through associate corporate sponsorship will be Weikel Racewear, Afco Racing Products, Lucas Oil Products, Dyno Cams, Leaf Racewear, and www.OpenWheelRacers.com.
That same night the race card will include the track’s regular classes which are the Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks. Also racing will be the 4C Super Modifieds and the National Old Timers Auto Racing Club.
The Briggs and Stratton Power Products/Slingshot by Tobias National Tour will return to Mahoning Valley Speedway on October 22 and will be a National event with drivers from all regions expected to partake as the points from that race will factor into determining an overall National Slingshot Champion.
For more information please contact the speedway office at 610-398-4923. On race day you can call the track directly at 570-386-4900. Also log-on to www.mahoningspeedway.com.
You can also check out www.slingshotsbytobias.com 

UPCOMING: 7/22, Regular Show, All Classes
START TIME: 7:00 PM

Mahoning Valley Speedway Falls Victim to Rain
Hoffman Bros. Speed & Performance Modified 100 Rescheduled for July 22

(Lehighton, PA 7-15-06) It was with much regret that Mahoning Valley Speedway had to cancel the races for Saturday night, July 15 due to rain.

It came down to a last minute decision plus the fact that a hard rain hit the track just prior to 3:00 pm.

With the unpredictable forecast of more wet stuff for later in the evening plus the fact that the schedule of events was to be highlighted by a 100-lap Modified race, track management wisely felt that their loyal fans as well as those traveling in for the special show, would be shortchanged.

The Hoffman Bros. Speed & Performance 100 for Modifieds was tops on the speed-bill. The winner was to earn $3000. All other track classes where to be in action also.

There is no word as of yet to whether this event will be rescheduled.

Next week, Saturday, July 22, it will be a regular program of Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and the 4-Cylinder Stocks plus round #6 of the Street Stock Survivor Series.

Coming up in two weeks, Saturday, July 29 it will be all regular divisions plus Banner Night.

For more information please contact the speedway office at 610-398-4923. On race day you can call the track directly at 570-386-4900. Also log-on to www.mahoningspeedway.com

UPCOMING: 7/15, Pocono Raceway Night/Hoffman Bros. Speed 100 Lap Mods $3000 to Win
START TIME: 7:00 PM

Earl Paules Comes Back For More of Winning; Gets Second Straight Mahoning Mod Victory
Paul Koehler Makes it Three Straight in Late Models

(Lehighton, PA 7-08-06) After his last race two weeks ago at Mahoning Valley Speedway Earl Paules won and noted that when not off running on the Race of Champions Asphalt Tour he would be back at the Lehighton ¼-mile.

So with a night off from the Tour he headed over to his home-track and proceeded to Victory Circle on Insinger Race Fuel Night.

Coming from ninth on the grid, Paules made a slick inside move on early leader Jarred Nace with eight laps in and once out front went uncontested in notching his second straight win in as many starts.

Paules, from Palmerton, is a driver who does his best work from the high-line so when the race winning pass came after ducking down low on Nace it came as a little of a surprise.

“The track was great tonight and I love to run the outside here. I was waiting for the 12 car (Scott Lesher) to work back a little bit so I can get to the outside but then all of a sudden there it was, an quick opening underneath them and boom I took it,” noted Paules.

At the drop of the green pole sitter Nace jumped out front with Tom Flanagan second. By lap three Amanda Sesely and Scott Lesher motored by Flanagan. Lesher then passed Sesely for second and was zeroing in on Nace. Meanwhile Paules had worked his way to fourth and by lap six was behind Lesher.

Paules was focused on Lesher with the top groove as his line of attack. Instead he saw a golden opportunity emerge when Lesher shot to the top side in his bid to race by Nace and that in turn opened the door for him to make a fast shift down below. The decision proved right as he not only zipped past Lasher but Nace as well.

John Markovic then emerged as a contender, running a strong second. Point leader Don Wagner and Rod Snyder, Jr., teamed up and eventually unseated him at the completion of 18-circuits.

While Paules was cruising out-front Wagner and Snyder dueled for second with Snyder grabbing the spot at lap-21. Bobby Jones, who started 14th, worked his way through the pack and into third but between he and Snyder there would be no further advancing as Paules was too strong for them and the rest of the field.

“We got that 100-lapper next week and that’s going to be very exciting and anything can happen in that race so this gives us the momentum heading into that,” added Paules who was referring to the upcoming $3000 to 100-lap Modified feature on July 15.

Wagner maintained fourth at the finish while Lesher completed the top five.

The Late Model race turned into a battled of the fittest as lead changing and position swapping near the front went about nearly all 30-laps with Northampton’s Paul Koehler, Jr., coming out of the hot contest with his sixth win of the season.

After Dave Imler led the opening tour Rick Wallace then headed the pack while being tailed by point leader Koehler. Added to that strong mix was Lorin Arthofer II.

Wallace had his hands full trying to keep his lead as Koehler and Arthofer ran side-by-side behind him.

A caution on lap 13 is when the lead swapping began in earnest. On that restart Koehler took over the front but Wallace retuned the favor on the very next lap.

Another restart occurred on lap-21 and this time it was Arthofer who pulled into the front spot. Koehler had his sights aimed on regaining the lead and his break came via a caution with six to go. Lined-up alongside Arthofer, he throttled down and blasted his way back to the front and this time for good as he then eased his way to this third straight win and also solidified his mark at the top of the standings.

Dennis Buss of Nazareth was back in Victory Lane for the first time in two years with the Street Stocks. It was another wild rush to get to the front as numerous drivers held the point, but, after Buss passed his teammate and point leader Mark Deysher on lap 18, he was able to stay the course and edged Randy Ahner, Jr. for the verdict.

Northampton’s Barry Christman, Jr., avoided a rash of mishaps and held on to win his second Pro4 Late Model win of 2006.

In Factory Stocks, Keith Knappenberger of Jim Thorpe, inherited the lead after the lead dual of Ross Gursky and Duane Eidem collided with seven laps to go. Once out front Knappenberger held on for his career first feature win.

In the 4-Cylinder Stocks it was Dave Freundt from Lehighton holding off new point leader Jeff Bartron for his second win of the season

Mike Renn, Medford, NY, topped the field in the 4C Super Mods.

Modifieds (35): 1.Earl Paules 2.Rod Snyder, Jr. 3.Bobby Jones 4.Don Wagner 5.Scott Lesher 6.John Markovic 7.Jarred Nace 8.Mike Sweeney 9.Kevin Graver, Jr. 10.Paul Skodacek 11.Bily Swartz 12.Dean Ficarro 13.Don Bauder 14.Jason Arthofer 15.Bup Dreher 16.Amanda Sesely 17.Rodnet Gruber 18.Tom Flanagan 19.John Bennett 20.Roger Heffelfinger, Jr. DNQ: Clint Bruch, Dave Correll, Matt Hirschman, George Wambold

Late Models (30): 1.Paul Koehler, Jr. 2.Jim Wismer, Jr. 3.Todd Stehle 4.Lorin Arthofer II 5.Geno Steigerwalt 6.Mike VanFossen 7.Mike Sweeney 8.Scott Shoff 9.Bill Hunara 10.Tom Flanagan 11.Dave Imler 12.Rick Wallace 13.Francis Gross 14.Joe Kehrli 15.Pat Hargan 16.Chris Parkinson

Street Stocks (25): 1.Dennis Buss 2.Randy Ahner, Jr. 3.Dave Laubach 4.Mark Deysher 5.Mike Quinn 6.Joe Mooney 7.Stepehn Steigerwalt 8.Shawn Sitarchyk 9.Brian Labar 10.Jamie Smith 11.Alan Schlenker 12.Lonnie Behler 13.jay Llewellyn 14.Justin Mooney 15.Kristy Morone Arthofer 16.Larry Kibler 17.Paul Moyer 18.Todd Ahner DNS: Jon Kenny

SS Survivor Series Round-5 (10): 1.Justin Mooney 2.Deysher 3.Todd Ahner 4.Quinn 5.Behler 6.Sitarchyck 7.Laubach 8.Llewellyn

Pro4 Late Models (17): 1.Barry Christman, Jr. 2.Frankie Althouse 3.Kevin Graver, Jr. 4.Bob Kibler 5.Jeff Delong 6.TJ Kemmerer 7.Chris Kuronya 8.Troy Bollinger 9.Kevin Rex, Jr. 10.Dennis Silfies 11.Steve Tomsic 12.TJ Gursky 13.Jeremy Miller 14.Todd Baer

Factory Stocks (20): 1.Keith Knappenberger 2.Justin Steigerwalt 3.Doug Knauss4.Brian Hughes 5.randy Ahner, Sr. 6.Jeff Drofich 7.Mike Hartzell 8.Ross Gursky 9.Devin Gibson 10.James Pritchard, Jr. 11.Duane Eidem 12.Jason Frey

4-Cylinders (20): 1.Dave Freundt 2.Jeff Bartron 3.Scooter Graver 4.Jon smith 5.Louis Szoke 6.Brandon Meckes 7.Dave McCloud 8.Mike Garris, Jr. 9.Brian Kunkle 10.Adam Kratzer 11.Dan Biegley 12.Casey Creyer

4C Super Mods (20): 1.Mike Renn 2.Woot Lawrence 3.Fred Bertrand 4.Wes Gilbert 5.John Udes 6.Randy Zuidema

UPCOMING: 7/8, All regular classes + 4c Super Mods & NOTARC
7/15, Pocono Raceway Night/Hoffman Bros. Speed 100 Lap Mods $3000 to Win
NEW START TIME: 7:00 PM

100-Laps/$3000 to Win For Mods + Free Pocono Raceway Tickets Highlight July 15 Race Night at Mahoning Valley Speedway

(Lehighton, PA 7-06-06) Saturday, July 15 will be another blockbuster night at Mahoning

Valley Speedway as the Modified cars will be going at in another 100-lap speed contest with the winner pocketing $3000.

Hoffman Bros. Speed and Performance of New Tripoli, PA., which has been serving the racing community since 1985, are sponsoring the Modified feature.

Just taking the green flag for the century-long race will earn a driver $200.

It will also be Pocono Raceway Night. Working in conjunction with Pocono Raceway and the following week’s NASCAR/ARCA races on July 21-23, the first 500 adult guests through the main grandstand turnstile will receive a free general admission Saturday event ticket to Pocono.

The Saturday, July 22 activity at Pocono includes NASCAR Nextel Cup Practice at 9:30 am and final practice at 11:05 am.

Then at 1:00 pm, it will be the start of the Pennsylvania 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series race. An 80-lap, 200-mile run around the 2.5-mile Pocono tri-oval.

After watching all the action on the “Big Track,” there will be ample time, thanks to the new 7:00 pm starting time, to then head back down to Lehigton and the “Little Track” to compliment a great day of stock car racing.

Anyone who presents their Pocono ticket stub that night, Saturday July 22, at Mahoning will receive a special grandstand discount.

Long distance Modified races are always a big hit at Mahoning Valley Speedway and thus far the two held is continued proof of that.

On Opening Night Brian DeFebo scored a rousing victory over Kory Rabenold and then went on the notch the next two weekly races as well.

Last month at the 75-lap Race of Champions Tour event, which is always a crowd pleaser, a season high 36 Mods were pit side while young Rabenold went on to score the popular win over Matt Wentz.

That same evening all regular Mahoning divisions will be in action which includes the Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks.

Pit gates open at 1:00. Paid practice is from 2:00 to 5:00. Regular practice takes place from 5:30 to 6:30 with the first heat at 7:00. Grandstand gates open at 5:00.

For more information please contact the speedway office at 610-398-4923. On race day you can call the track directly at 570-386-4900. Also log-on to www.mahoningspeedway.com.

For information on Pocono Raceway you can call them at 1-800-RACEWAY or www.poconoraceway.com. 

Hoffman Bros. Speed and Performance, is located at 5661 Route 100, New Tripoli, Pa., and they can be reached at 610-760-6274 or 610-760-2946 as well as www.hoffmanspeed.com.

UPCOMING: 7/8, All regular classes + 4c Super Mods & NOTARC
NEW START TIME: 7:00 PM

Tough Conditions Can’t Stop John Bennett in Getting Second Mahoning Mod Win of ‘06

(Lehighton, PA 7-01-06) It’s hard to imagine that less than 24-hours prior to the start of Saturday night’s action at Mahoning Valley Speedway nearly three-quarters of the track was submerged in water, that due to the heavy rains that pounded Northeast Pennsylvania.

However, thanks to the non-stop efforts of promoters Doug and Gena Hoffman and their diligent track crew and volunteers, the racing went off as scheduled.

Although there was no lower inside grove due to remnants of the water, it in turn gave a much different perspective to the racing as drivers had to adjust to a higher lane that made things tricky and challenging yet all the more exciting.

In the headliner Modified event John Bennett (Lehighton) notched his second win of the year by edging Kevin Graver, Jr.

Jarred Nace jumped out to the early lead while third starting Bennett wasted little time in honing in behind him.

While many had speculated that there would be no high groove to run, Bennett proved that theory wrong in a hurry as he motored to the top side of Nace after two circuits and then kept his forward thrust working as he made the pass for the lead at the completion of lap four.

Soon after that he was joined by Graver as well as point leader Don Wagner.

In the past few weeks Bennett had been among the strongest cars and this week was no different. Skillfully he raced a line that reminded him of his days with the former D/A Modified class when driving up near the wall was the norm.

Despite the adverse situation that all drivers faced, Bennett was able to drive several different lines and he did so with such poise.

Although Graver and Wagner remained within striking range, Bennett was the man in charge as they could do was follow in his tire tracks.

Two cautions within the final five laps afforded Graver the opportunity to try and make a run on Bennett but it was to no avail as he stayed the course smooth and steady.

For the driver who sits second on Mahoning’s all-time win list, this victory upped his career overall total to 34.

“I really owe a lot to the crew and how that had to set the car up tonight because of the track conditions,” said Bennett. “It really wasn’t all that bad although I don’t think we’ve run up that high since before the track was resurfaced a few years ago.”

For Graver he remained optimistic and satisfied after another bridesmaid finish.

“John (Bennett) was very tough tonight so we’re ok with second spot. The car has been running great and it’s just a matter of time before we get ourselves a win.”

Taking fourth was Scott Lesher while popular Amanda Sesely earned her first top five of the year with a solid fifth.

Whenever Paul Kohler, Jr., (Northampton) gets the lead of a Late Model race the results are usually the same, victory. That was the case once again as the current point leader netted his class leading fifth win of the year.

Although he did win for the 25th time in his speedway career, it took a few twists ahead of him as well as fending off fast closing Joe Kehrli en route to securing the victory.

Pat Hargan had grabbed the early lead and was hotly pursued by Mike Radocha, Jr. However, Radocha was handed the lead when Hargan slide out of line while working lap three.

On the restart Radocha was placed as the new leader and on his rear bumper road Mike Sweeney. Under close racing conditions, Sweeney attempted to sneak under him but did not drop low enough and in the process made contact with Radocha that sent him spinning. For his part Sweeney was transferred to the rear.

When the action resumed Koehler was now in command but had to contend with hard charging Kehrli the rest of the way.

Kehrli tried every way he could to make a pass on Koehler but it was not to be as the class point leader recorded win number five of 2006. Lorin Arthofer II, Scott Shoff and Sweeny rounded out the top five.

Mark Deysher (Bath) passed Justin Mooney with 13-laps in and then easily sped to his second Street Stock verdict of the year. The win also vaulted him back into the division point lead.

The exciting Street Stock Survivor Series ‘Round-4’ was claimed by Dave Laubach ((Bangor).

Pro4 Late Model point leader Jeremy Miller (Walnutport) inherited the lead after the top two cars of Bob Kibler and Todd Baer collided on a lap seven restart. Afterwards Miller remained smooth and steady in taking his second win of the year.

The Factory Stock main was a great duel between winner Randy Ahner, Sr., (Jim Thorpe) and point leader Justin Steigerwalt.

In the 4-Cylinder Stock main it was an intense side-by-side race between Mike Garris, Jr., (Orefield) and Jeff Bartron. For nearly half the race it stayed that way with the outcome going in favor of Garris, which was his second of the year. He also unseated Bartron as the point leaded.

Modifieds (35): 1. John Bennett 2.Kevin Graver, Jr. 3.Don Wagner 4.Scott Lesher 5.Amanda Sesely 6.Brian DeFebo 7.Bup Dreher 8.Rod Snyder, Jr. 9.Jarred Nace 10.Keith Mellars 11.Paul Skodacek 12.Cris May 13.Tom Flanagan 14.Don Bauder 15.Dave Correll DNS: Angela Cope

Late Models (30): 1.Paul Koehler, Jr. 2.Joe Kehrli 3.Lorin Arthofer II 4.Scot Shoff 5.Mike Sweeney 6.Franic Gross III 7.Pat Hargan 8.Mike Radocha, Jr. 9.Tony Volpe 10.Geno Steigerwalt 11.Rick Wallace 12.Todd Stehle DNS: Dave Imler, Tom Flanagan

Street Stocks (25): 1.Mark Deysher 2.Jay Llewellyn 3.Alan Schlenker 4.Shawn Sitarchyk 5.Stepehn Steigerwalt 6.Randy Ahner, Jr. 7.Joe Mooney 8.Todd Ahner 9.Lonnie Behler 10.Dave Laubach 11.Mathias Hoffman 12.Jamie Smith 13.Dennis Buss 14.Kristy Morone Arthofer 15.Jusstin Mooney 16.Mike Quinn 17.Chris Odenwelder

SS Survivor Series Round-4 (10): 1.Laubach 2.Todd Ahner 3.Quinn 4.Llewellyn 5.Sitarchyk 6.Behler 7.Justin Mooney 8.Joe Mooney

Pro4 Late Models (20): 1.Jeremy Miller 2.Frankie Althouse 3.Kevin Graver, sr. 4.Barry Christman, Jr. 5.Dennis Silfies 6.TJ Gursky 7.Chris Kuronya 8.Jeff Delong 9.Steve Tomsic 10.TJ Kemmerer 11.Todd Baer 12.Bob Kibler 13.Troy Bollinger

Factory Stocks (20): 1.Randy Ahner, sr. 2.Justin Steigerwalt 3.Doug Knauss 4.Briuan Hughes 5.Duane Eidem 6.Ross Gursky 7.Bryan Ahner 8.Jason Kuhn 9.Jason Frey 10.James Pritchard, Jr. 11.Jeff Drofich 12.Ketih Knappenberger 13.Mike Hartzell

4-Cylinders (20): 1.Mike Garris, Jr. 2.Jeff Bartron 3.Scooter Graver 4.Louis Szoke 5.Jon Smith 6.Dave Freundt 7.Brian Kunkle 8.Brandon Meckes 9.Adam Kratzer 10.Dan Biegley 11.Charles Biegley 12.Jason Zastko 13.Casey Creyer

UPCOMING: 7-1 Blue Monkey Sports Restaurant Holiday Special – Fireworks & Pro4 Bang Bonanza
7-8 All regular classes + 4c Super Mods & NOTARC
NEW START TIME: 7:00 PM

Mahoning Valley Speedway Set to “Salute to the USA”
NASCAR Star Derrike Cope to Make Guest Appearance

(Lehighton, PA 6-27-06) This coming Saturday night, July 1, as part of the 4th of July Holiday, Mahoning Valley Speedway will present a, “Salute to the USA” sponsored by the Blue Monkey Sports Bar and Restaurant which is located on Howertown Road in North Catasauqua.

The night will begin at 6:45 pm with all cars from each division, Modified, Late Model, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Model, Factory Stock and 4-Cylinder Stock, assembling around the track, driver and crew members included.

There will then be the opening invocation followed by the playing of “God Bless America” and finally the “National Anthem.”

A special guest appearance will be made by NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Derrike Cope who will be on hand throughout the evening greeting fans as well as doing an autograph session.

Cope, of Spanaway, Washington, is driving in this year’s Nextel Cup Series for the Wilkes-Barre, based McGlynn Racing in the #74 Sundance Vacations / Royal Administration Dodge.

McGlynn Racing began as a single car, father and son operation in 1990. Ray McGlynn is the owner with his son, former area asphalt racing star Ryan McGlynn, as his associate. Ryan made a name for himself competing at a number of area tracks including Mahoning Valley Speedway, before turning his attention to NASCAR.

Veteran Cope, a former Daytona 500 Champion, with over 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series starts to his credit, was hired to take the team to the next level.

Cope has qualified for seven events this year, although he raced in only six as Michael Waltrip bought the ride for the Coca-Cola 600. He has earned $375,000 thus far. Cope has also run a handful of Busch Grand National races.

On the speed bill will be regular feature events for the Modifieds 35-laps, Late Models 30-laps, Street Stocks 25-laps and the Pro4’s Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinders running 20-lap contests.

In addition the top-10 in points with the Pro4 Late Models will challenge each other in the Big Bang Bonanza. It will be based around one-on-one competition with a special award going the overall Big Bang winner.

The evening will close out with a grand Fireworks display.

Pit gates open at 1:00. Paid practice is from 2:00 to 5:00. Regular practice will now take place from 5:30 to 6:30 with the first heat at 7:00. Grandstand gates open at 5:00.

For more information please contact the speedway office at 610-398-4923. On race day you can call the track directly at 570-386-4900. Also log-on to www.mahoningspeedway.com.

Additionally you can also check http://www.mcglynnracing.com/ and http://www.derrikecope.com/dc/.

UPCOMING: 7-1 Blue Monkey Sports Restaurant Holiday Special – Fireworks & Mod Big
Bang Bonanza NEW START TIME: 7:00 PM

Earl Paules Ends 14-Year Mahoning Dry Spell

(Lehighton, PA 6-24-06) When you consider Earl Paules, Jr.’s, great talent and the rock solid equipment he has to perform his job with, 14-years between wins is way to long for someone of this caliber. Yet for whatever the reason, a Mahoning victory was something that seemed to always slip by him in the course of that time. It had been since July 18, 1992 as a matter of fact when Paules last parked in Victory Lane.

But, fresh off his big win in a Race of Champions Tour event at Wyoming County Speedway a week earlier, Paules returned to his home stomping grounds of Mahoning Valley Speedway and kept his winning ways alive by scoring a long overdue verdict in Saturday night’s Modified action at the Lehigton paved ¼-mile.

Despite an uncharacteristic light car count, the field was still very stout as Paules contended with divisional top gun Don Wagner in pursuit of his sixth career Mahoning feature.

Over the past handful of races at Mahoning, Paules, now a star with the RoC, had been among the top finishers, most times coming very close to winning. In three of his last five starts alone he had solid third place tallies but could not quite put together the complete effort of taking a checkered flag.

On this night, however, all the pieces fell into place. Paules started seventh and passed early leader Jarred Nace at the start of lap ten.

From there out he steadily pulled away from the pack but some late race cautions helped point leader Don Wagner get up close to him and as they dueled to the finish. Paules wasn’t about to let this one get away, however, and was able to hold on for a close triumph.

“I’ve been telling my crew that I’m going to win one here yet this year. I didn’t care if it was a RoC race or just a regular Saturday night show, we were going to win,” said Paules. “Two weeks ago here we had a RoC race get away from us. I had a good car and really wanted to win that race. It just didn’t work out our way but tonight it did.”

After Paules had taken the lead a strong running John Bennett had then moved to second but was not quite matching up to Paules’ finely tuned mount. A lap-28 restart is when Wagner drove his way to second and then made several tries at Paules but to no avail.

“I knew he (Wagner) was there but I also knew he would run me clean,” said Paules.

Wagner equaled his best effort to date and also padded his point lead.

“Earl’s a great guy and I’ve known him for a long time and I love racing with him and congratulations to him. We’re still point racing I guess but I also want to win some races too,” said Wagner who discovered that he was only running on seven cylinders at the finish.

Paules, although not a weekly Mahoning racer due to his commitment with the RoC Tour, noted that when not on the road there is no place he’d rather be than here.

“I’m going to stick to racing here at Mahoning Valley and when we’re off from the tour then I’m here,” noted Paules. “It was a bit disappointing that there weren’t more cars here, probably because of all the rain predicted around the area, but they’ll be back and so will we.”

The Late Model feature became a classic race as the top two in points, Paul Koehler, Jr., (Northampton) and Lorin Arthofer II, entered the night tied and then faced off with each other during the 30-lap main.

With the advantage of starting from the outside of the front row Koehler darted into the lead but no sooner was he out front then Arthofer was chasing him.

Over the first half of the race Arthofer was giving it his all and made several near attempts at getting past Koehler.

A caution with 10-laps to go bunched the field and afterwards Koehler found a burst of power and pulled away to his fourth win of 2006 as well as retaking the top spot in the standings.

“After that horrible finish from last week this feels great,” said Koehler. “It was just unfortunate that we cut a tire and then lost three laps in the pits and wound up 14th so this win vindicates all that.”

Koehler admitted that he felt Arthofer had the better car especially while the pair dueled so closely during the first half.

“Actually I was surprised he (Arthofer) didn’t pass me the whole race because we were tight. But every caution our tires would cool down and then we needed a good four or five laps to get going good again.

“Everybody told me after the race that he then got real bad tight and slowed up. I feel I also know a few tricks to free the car up a little bit.”

Thus far in every feature he’s won, Koehler has led every lap.

Shawn Sitarchyk (Lehighton) made a bold move under Mark Deysher with three laps remaining en route to his first Street Stock win of the season.

In round-3 of the Survivor Series it was Lonnie Behler (Palmerton) who notched the win and a $50 bonus from Mooney Trucking. Last place Randy Ahner was eliminated but as a consolation received 5-gallons of fuel. Sitarchyk set fast time as will be given a free pit pass for this week’s races.

A vote was taken to see which driver would be removed from the bunch and Alan Schlenker got the unlucky nod. He too got 5-gallons of race fuel.

Although it took Chris Kuronya (Bethlehem) nearly three years to get back to the Winner’s Circle which he did the previous week, the wait was not near as long as he won for the second straight race and also became the first to repeat in the Pro4 Late Model class.

James Pritchard, Jr., has been a rising star in the Factory Stocks and you could tell it was just a matter of time before he would win a race.

That time came Saturday night as the Roxbury, NJ resident led from flag to flag in garnering the popular career first verdict.

Rookie Louis Szoke (Walnutport) did a superb job of holding back division top-gun Jeff Bartron for his career first 4-Cylinder Stock win.

For the second time in as many weeks Woot Lawrence (Southampton, NJ) raced to victory in the 4c Super Mods

Modifieds (35): 1.Earl Paules, Jr. 2.Don Wagner 3.John Bennett 4.Scott Lesher 5.Kevin Graver, Jr. 6.Amanda Sesely 7.Tom Flanagan 8.Bup Dresher 9.Rod Snyder, Jr. 10.Jarred Nace

Late Models (30): 1.Paul Koehler, Jr. Lorin Arthofer II 3.Joe Kehrli 4.Mike Sweeney 5.Rick Wallace 6.Pat Hargan 7.Francis Gross III 8.Mike Radocha, Jr. 9.Scott Shoff 10.Mike VanFossen 11.Bill Hanura 12.Chris Parkinson 13.Dave Imler

Street Stocks (25): 1.Shawn Sitarchyk 2.Todd Ahner 3.Mark Deysher 4.Alan Schlenker 5.Joe Mooney 6.Lonnie Behler 7.Dennis Buss 8.Jamie Smith 9.Chip Wanamaker 10.Stehpen Steigerwalt 11.Steve Hoffman 12.Dave Laubach 13.Randy Ahner, Jr. 14.Justin Mooney 15.Kristy Morone Arthofer 16.Jay Llewellyn 17.Chad Zydyk 18.Mike Quinn 19.Paul Moyer 20.Dan Marsh

SS Survivor Series Round -3 (10): 1.Behler 2.A.Schlenker 3.Sitarchyk 4.Laubach 5.Justin Mooney 6.Joe Mooney 7.T. Ahner 8.Llewellyn 9.R. Ahner, Jr.10.Quinn

Pro4 Late Models (20): 1.Chris Kuronya 2.Jeremy Miller 3.TJ Gursky 4.Todd Baer 5.Randy Schlenker 6.Kevin Graver, Sr. 7.Kevin Rex, Jr. 8.Frankie Althouse 9.Troy Bollinger 10.TJ Kemmerer 11.Bob Kibler 12.Barry Christman, Jr.

Factory Stocks (20): 1. James Pritcard, Jr. 2.Jeff Drofich 3.Jason Kuhn 4.Justin Steigerwalt 5.Brian Hughes 6.Byran Ahner 7.Jason Frey 8.Duane Eidem 9.Randy Ahner, Sr. 10.Doug Knauss 11.Ross Gursky 12.Mike Hartzell 13.Ketih Knappenberger

4-Cylinders (20): 1.Louis Szoke 2.Jeff Bartron 3.Scooter Graver 4. Mike Garris, Jr. 5.Jon Smith 6.Dave Freundt 7.Jason Zatsko 8.Brian Kunkle 9.Adam Kratzer 10.Casey Creyer 11.Greg Peters 12.Dan Biegley 13.Charles Biegley 14.Brandon Meckes

4c Super Mods (15): 1.Woot Lawrence 2.Mike Renn 3.Wes Gilbert 4.Fred Bertrand n5.Randy Zuidema 6.Greg Thomas

UPCOMING: 6-24 All regular Track Classes + 4c Super Mods
7-1 Blue Monkey Sports Restaurant Holiday Special – Fireworks & Mod Big Bang Bonanza

Mahoning Valley Speedway Begins New Starting Time Beginning July 1

(Lehighton, PA 6-22-06) The fans, drivers and teams of Mahoning Valley Speedway are some of the most loyal in the business and track management recognizes that and is very appreciative as well.

However, knowing that there is more to everyone’s lifestyle then just the great racing that takes place at the Lehighton ¼-mile, it is for that reason that the starting time will now be moved one hour later, with a 7:00 pm post time.

Starting July 1 and continuing through September 2, the first heat race will be set to roll off at 7:00 pm. Up until this announcement racing began at 6:00. After September 2 race time will return to the 6:00 pm hour.

By starting an hour later there gives a bit more time to all for other non-racing things, such as family gathers and such that sometimes are neglected due to the racing taking precedence on Saturday. Management feels this new time will, in a way, be an accommodation while still maintaining the great constancy of action packed racing that is the trademark of Mahoning Valley Speedway.

It will also be a bit cooler by that hour as well, considering the bearing down heat from throughout the day.

Running efficient programs remains paramount at Mahoning and officials feel despite the new time change being a later start, the racing will still be concluded in a reasonable frame.

Pit gates will now open at 1:00. Paid practice is from 2:00 to 5:00. Regular practice will now take place from 5:30 to 6:30 with the first heat at 7:00.

Grandstand gates open at 5:00.

For more information please contact the speedway office at 610-398-4923. On race day you can call the track directly at 570-386-4900. Also log-on to www.mahoningspeedway.com 

UPCOMING: 6-24 All regular Track Classes
7-1 Blue Monkey Sports Restaurant Holiday Special – Fireworks & Mod Big Bang Bonanza

Rod Snyder, Jr., Back in Old Form after Solid Mahoning Mod Win

(Lehighton, PA 6-17-06) After Saturday night’s stirring performance turned in by Rod
Snyder, Jr., (Lehighton) as well as the past few weeks it looks as though the Snyder of old, which
carried him to a string of track titles, is back.
Starting sixth, Snyder was able to take the lead away from Kevin Graver, Jr., with ten
laps remaining in the 35-lap contest and then sped off to his 19th career class win.
“It always feels good winning and we just knew it was a matter of time. We feel we have
things clicking now and everybody has been doing a super job” said Snyder.
At the outset Keith Mellars and Jarred Nace shared the front row with Nace jumping out
to the first lap lead. For Nace his time out front would last only one tour as Graver, Jr., then
charged into the top spot while Snyder then settled in behind him.
Under close racing quarters Graver was keeping a steady pace while at the same time
fending off the continual advances by Snyder.
Graver has had quite a turn for the better this year as well, sitting nicely in the top three in
points and on the verge of landing a victory.
Snyder, however, who can drive this track as well as anyone, had his own thoughts of winning. His means of furthering himself ahead of Graver came in the way he knows best, by cruising on the high groove.
Biding his time while motoring along at a slightly higher line than Graver, Snyder waited for ten laps to go before striking at the lead and when he did he made it look so easy in the process.
After slipping by Graver it became no contest from there out as the past champ drove steadily on this his first win of the year.
“He (Graver) picked up a push and I knew it was just a matter of time before I could get around him,” added Snyder.
Graver’s second place marked his best effort to date.
“We’re not too bad and we have to get the car just a little better,” said Graver. “Rod (Snyder) was definitely better then us tonight. We got a little tight the longer the race went on but second place for me right now feels great.”
Scott Lesher notched third while John Bennett and defending champion Roger Heffelfinger completed the top five.
In Late Model action it was Lorin Arthofer II (Bath) who won for the second time this year and in doing so gained some valuable ground in the championship chase as point leader Paul Koehler, Jr., faltered to a 14th place finish.
Arthofer started seventh and passed early leader Todd Stehle after a lap 10 restart. From there on he had to hold off Joe Kehrli to the end while Stehle settled for third.
“It feels really good and it was tough too. When you have a great driver like Todd Stehle out front leading its never easy trying to pass some one of his caliber,” said Arthofer.
“After that I felt the pressure from Joe (Kehrli). He’s been running really well too. It’s just great to be able to run up front with all these Late Model guys. Paul (Koehler) knows it and I know it that it’s still a long season to go and it’s going to be a good battle.”
Dave Laubach (Bangor) led from start to finish in the 25-lap Street Stock main but what a battle he had to endure all race long.
For the most part it was hot rookie Josh Scherer, however, with one lap to go he cut a tire and handed over the runner-up spot to point leader Mike Quinn who fell just a half car length behind Laubach at the finish while just as close was Randy Ahner, Jr., in third.
In round two of the Street Stock Survivor Series it was jay Llewellyn (Lehighton) taking the verdict while Stephen Steigerwalt was eliminated from continuing on to next week.
In Pro4 Late Model action Chris Kuronya (Bethlehem) was able to hold off a hard-charging Kevin Rex, Jr., by a fender and in doing so made his way back to the Winner’s Circle for the first time in nearly two seasons.
After some racy two and three wide action, Brian Hughes was able to sneak past early leader Doug Knauss with four laps to go and went on to notch his first Factory Stock main of the season.
Jon Smith (Ashfield) started on the inside of row two and hustled his way into the lead after two laps. From there he did a great job of holding back Jeff Bartron for his second win in as many weeks in the 4-Cylinder Stock feature.
Woot Lawrence (Southampton, NJ) had an easy go in winning the 4c Super Modified race.

Modifieds (35): 1. Rod Snyder, Jr. 2.Kevin Graver, Jr. 3.Scott Lesher 4.John Bennett 5.Roger Heffelfinger, Jr. 6.Don Wagner 7.Bobby Jones 8.Tom Flanagan 9.Jarred Nace 10.Keith Mellars 11.Dave Correll 12.Amanda Sesely 13.Paul Skodacek 14.Rick Kirkendall 15.Glen Correll

Late Models (30): 1.Lorin Arthofer II 2.Joe Kehrli 3.Todd Stehle 4.Tony Volpe 5.Ricj Wallace 6.Geno Steigerwalt 7.Mike Sweeney 8.Mike Radocha, Jr. 9.Chris Kemmerer 10.Pat Hargan 11.Francis Gross 12.Mark Althouse 13.Dave Imler 14.Paul Koehler, Jr. 15.Scott Shoff 16.Troy Bollinger

Street Stocks (25): 1.Dave Laubach 2.Mike Quinn 3.Randy Ahner, Jr. 4.Todd Ahner 5.Shawn Sitarchyk 6.Alan Schlenker 7.Lonnie Behler 8.Joe Mooney 9.Stepehn Steigerwalt 10.Jamie Smith 11.Dennis Buss 12.Jay Llewellyn 13.Steve Hoffman 14.Mark Deysher 15.Rodney Gruber 16.Justin Mooney 17.Kristy Morone Arthofer 18.Chrius Smith 19.Josh Scherer.20.Dan Marsh DNQ: Chad Zydyk

Pro4 Late Models (20): ): 1.Chris Kuronya 2.Kevin Rex, Jr. 3.TJ Gursky 4.Todd Baer 5.Jeremy Miller 6.Kevin Graver, Sr. 7.Franke Althouse 8.Jeff Delong 9.Bob Kibler 10.Randy Schlenker 11.TJ Kemmerer 12.Barry Christman, Jr.

Factory Stocks (20): 1.Brian Hughes 2.Doug Knauss 3.Chub Steigerwalt 4.Randy Ahner, Sr., 5.Jeff Drofich 6.Jason Frey 7.Keith Knappenberger 8.Duane Eidem 9.Ross Gursky 10.James Pritchard, Jr. 11.Brian Ahner 12.Mike Hartzell

4-Cylinders (20): 1.Jon Smith 2.Jeff Bartron 3.Dave Freundt 4.Louis Szoke 5.Mike Garris, Jr. 6.Scooter Graver 7.Jason Zastko 8.Kevin Behler 9.Adam Kratzer 10.Casey Creyer 11.Dan Biegley 12.Brandon Meckes 13.Dave McCloud 14.Steve Longacre

4c Super Mods (15): 1.Woot Lawrence 2.Fred Bertrand 3.Mike Renn 4.Wes Gilbert 5.Randy Zuidema 6.Greg Thomas 7.Chuck Gilbert 8.Johnny Udes

UPCOMING: 6-17-06Make-A-Wish Foundation Night/Fan Appreciation Night

Rick Wallace Gets Back To His Winning Ways Saturday Night at Mahoning Valley Speedway

(Lehighton, PA 6-10-06) For Rick Wallace, (Lehighton) there was never any doubt about the talent he has nor the equipment, rather 2006 had been a more about him battling behind the eight ball for most of the season.

But not so this night as the perennial veteran charged into the lead on lap five and from that point on held a solid line as he fended off current point leader Paul Koehler, Jr., en route to finally cracking the Winner’s Circle for the first time this year.

For Wallace it marked a milestone victory as he notched his 30th career Mahoning feature verdict.

Two-time and defending Street Stock champ Lonnie Behler (Palmerton) broke through for his first win of the season also.

Starting ninth, Behler worked his way inside of early leader Dennis Buss with a dozen laps in. Afterwards he held off a hard charging Jay Llewellyn in gaining his 38th overall track win.

In new promotional twist with the Street Stocks the ‘Survivor Series’ took place and in the ten lap jaunt Josh Scherer (Northampton) took the win.

For the second time in as many races a first time winner emerged in the Pro4 Late Models as Barry Christman, Jr., (Northampton) held off a very determined TJ Gursky and Kevin Rex, Jr., for the impressive win.

Justin Steigerwalt (Palmerton) made a slick inside move on James Pritchard with four laps go and went on to win his fourth Factory Stock main of ‘06.

Jon Smith (Ashfield) bested a strong group of front runners in scoring his first race win of the year in the 4-Cylinder Stocks.

Late Models (30): 1.Rick Wallace 2.paul Koehler, Jr. 3.Tony Volpe 4.Joe Kehrli 5.Franic Gross III 6.Mike Sweeney 7.Tony Zastko 8.Mike Radocha, Jr. 9.Pat Hargan 10.Lorin Arthofer 11.Mike VanFossen 12.Dave Imler 13.Troy Bollinger 14.Geno Steigerwalt 15.Todd Stehle

Street Stocks (25): 1.Lonnie Behler 2.Jay Llewellyn 3.Shawn Sitarchyk 4.Dennis Buss 5.Alan Schlenker 6.Joe Mooney 7.Mike Quinn 8.Todd Ahner 9.Mark Deysher 10.Justin Mooney 11.Josh Scherer 12.Randy Ahner, Jr. 13.Stepehen Steigerwalt 14.Jamie Smith 15.Dave Laubach 16.Steve Hoffman 17.Krity Marone Arthofer 18.Dan Marsh 19.Rodney Gruber DNS: Paul Moyer

Pro4 Late Models (20): 1.Barry Christman, Jr., 2.TJ Gursky 3.Kevin Rex, Jr. 4.Randy Schlenker 5.Jeremey Miller 6.Kevin Graver, Sr. 7.Chris Kuronya 8.Frankie Althouse 9.Jeff Delong 10.Bill Rooney 11.Todd Baer 12.TJ Kemmerer 13.Bob Kibler DNS: Dennis Silfies

Factory Stocks (20): 1.Justin Steigerwalt 2.Brian Hughes 3.Jeff Drofich 4.Duane Eidem 5.James Pritchard, Jr. 6.Keith Knappenberger 7.Dog Knauss 8.randy Ahner, Sr. 9.Jason Frey 10.Ross Gursky 11.Mike Hartzell

4-Cylinders (20): 1.Jon Smith 2.Jason Zatsko 3.Louis Szoke 4.Dave Freundt 5.Mike Garris, Jr. 6.Brandon Meckes 7.Brandon Meckes 8.Scooter Graver 9.Dave McCloud 10.Kevin Behler 11.Steve Longacre 12.Casey Creyer 13.Charles Biegley 14.Dan Biegley 15.Jeff Bartron 16.Adam Kratzer 17.John Rentschler

RACE OF CHAMPIONS ASPHALT MODIFIED TOUR SET FOR MAHONING VALLEY SPEEDWAY INVASION THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 10TH

BINGHAMTON, NY…The Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Tour is set to make its first of two appearances at the Mahoning Valley Speedway this Saturday, June 10th. Grandstand gates will open at 4 p.m. with racing set for 6 p.m.

The 75 lap event should once again prove to be a challenge for the Race of Champions invaders. The lightning fast quarter mile oval is one of the toughest challenges for drivers that don’t compete weekly. In the past the weekly competitors have been tough to beat in the Race of Champions events.

Heading into the R.o.C Modified Tour 75 this Saturday Lee Sherwood is leading the central region point standings. Sherwood was a standout driver at the Tioga Motorsports Park over the years by winning numerous track championships and feature events. He started off the 2006 campaign strong by recording his first ever Oswego Speedway victory back on May 7th. Sherwood has struggled at Mahoning Valley in his limited prior starts.

Eric Beers currently sits second in the central region standings and is always a factor at MVS. A multi-time feature winner, Beers should be another driver to keep an eye on this Saturday. Other tour regulars Earl Paules, Rusty Smith and Pete Brittain have all had strong runs in the past and are hoping to do so again. Defending tour champion Matt Hirschman and regional champion Zane Zeiner will be ready to do battle as well. Both Hirschman and Zeiner struggled in the R.o.C opener but rebounded nicely with top five finishes at Oswego Speedway on May 27th.

John Markovic, another past MVS standout is also looking to shake off a rocky start to the ’06 R.o.C tour. His local knowledge has served him well in the past as he has garnered a R.o.C victory at the quarter mile.

A youth movement has begun to become quite evident on the R.o.C Modified Tour. In the central region two drivers will be gunning for “rookie of the year” honors. Kensington, Connecticut rookie Ryan Preece had a solid run at Oswego Speedway on May 27th. In only his second start the young driver finished an impressive twelveth at the wire. Kory Rabenold had bad luck in the R.o.C opener but is hoping to turn some heads in the Saturday’s central region event.

For additional information on the Race of Champions Modified Tour event this Saturday at Mahoning Valley Speedway please call the MVS offices directly at 610-398-4923 or on race day at 570-386-4900. You can also log on to www.mahoningspeedway.com for more. To contact the Race of Champions offices please phone (607) 775-5555 or log on to www.raceofchampions.net.

UPCOMING: 6-10-06 Sunoco Race of Champions Modified Tour 75-Lapper
6-17-06Make-A-Wish Foundation Night/Fan Appreciation Night

Race of Champions Asphalt Tour Headlines Saturday Night Card at Mahoning Valley Speedway

(Lehighton, PA 6-4-06) Without question whenever the Race of Champions (RoC) Asphalt Modified Tour rolls into Mahoning Valley Speedway the racing action rises to a whole new level and that will certainly be the case this coming Saturday night, June 10 at 6:00 pm.

It will be 75-lap main event featuring a star-studded field as the Mahoning regulars vs. the hot-handed drivers of the RoC.

The RoC races at Mahoning Valley have evolved into some of the most highly competitive and anticipative shows on the Tour.

It is becoming tougher and tougher each time the RoC regulars check in to do battle against the Mahoning steadies and rarely does the prize money leave home.

Last year was a perfect example as Don Wagner, who is the current point leader and Tyler Haydt each took RoC Mahoning wins.

Looking back at the Mahoning RoC Tour the results are much the same with the likes of Eric Beers, now a key figure on the NASCAR Whelan Modified Tour and past Mahoning champion as well as also winner of the prestigious Modified Race of Champions 200. John Markovic, he too a past track champ and one of the all-time winning drivers, and Scott Lesher, most recent weekly winner are all previous RoC Tour victors at their “home track.”.

Of course there will be plenty of RoC invaders ready to change all that including Earl Paules, himself a top-notch runner at Mahoning when not competing on the Tour, will be a key threat.

Another of the Pennsylvania hot-shoes to keep an eye on will be Kory Rabenold and Zane Zeiner who are now regulars on the RoC Tour but have also been to Mahoning’s Victory Lane.

New Jersey’s Pete Brittain is also likely to be considered a possible race winner. Having won handily in previous Mahoning visits, Brittain can easily be one of the odds on favorites.

There will also be a strong influx of supporting drivers from throughout New York and New Jersey.

Also in action that night will be Mahoning’s regular divisions of Late Models, Street Stocks, Pr04 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks.

Grandstand gates open at 4:00 pm with the first heat race scheduled to roll out at 6:00 pm. For more information please contact the speedway office at 610-398-4923. On race day you can call the track directly at 570-386-4900. Also log-on to www.mahoningspeedway.com.

UPCOMING: 6-10-06 Sunoco Race of Champions Modified Tour 75-Lapper

Mahoning Valley Speedway Rains Out
Race of Champions Asphalt Tour Headlines Next Saturday Night Racing Card

(Lehighton, PA 6-3-06) Mahoning Valley Speedway may have gotten in six events thus far but almost even with that number is the rain cancellations that now stand at four.

No thanks to a day-and-a-half of steady rainfall throughout the Lehighton area, Saturday’s racing card was declared a washout after excessive water began lying near the racing surface.

The evening of action was to be Make-A-Wish Foundation/Fan Appreciation Night sponsored by R.S. Snyder Enterprises of Kempton.

It has been rescheduled for June 17 with the addition of the 4C Super Modifieds that will join with the regular track classes of Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks.

After five weeks of point racing Don Wagner, thanks to consecutive top-10 finishes in each event, holds the lead in the Modified standings over three-time winner Brian DeFebo.

In the Late Models it’s been a close battle with former champ Paul Koehler, Jr., holding and edge over Lorin Arthofer II.

Mike Quinn has kept the top ranking in the Street Stocks since week one while Jeremy Miller has done the same in the Pro4 Late Models after winning on week two.

Thanks to three wins and six straight top five finishes, Chub Steigerwalt remains in control of the Factory Stocks while in the 4-Cylinder Stocks its Jeff Bartron, whose second place average feature finish is the best out of all divisions.

With that the focus now turns to the next big 2006 event as the first of two Sunoco Race of Champions (RoC) Asphalt Modified Tour 75-lap feature races is set for Saturday night, June 10 beginning at 6:00 pm.

The RoC races at Mahoning Valley have evolved into some of the most highly competitive and anticipative shows on the Tour.

It is becoming tougher and tougher each time the RoC regulars check in to do battle against the Mahoning steadies and rarely does the prize money leave home.

Last year was a perfect example as Don Wagner and Tyler Haydt each took RoC Mahoning wins.

Looking back the results are much the same with the likes of Eric Beers, John Markovic and Scott Lesher all earning at least one win at their home track.

Of course there will be plenty of RoC stars ready to change all that. Earl Paules, himself a top-notch runner at Mahoning when not competing on the Tour, will be a key threat. Another of the Pennsylvania hot-shoes to keep an eye on will be Kory Rabenold and Zane Zeiner who are now regulars on the RoC Tour but have also been to Mahoning’s Victory Lane.

There will be a strong influx of supporting drivers from throughout New York and New Jersey all vying for a piece of the action.

Also on the card that night will be Mahoning’s regular divisions of Late Models, Street Stocks, Pr04 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks.

Grandstand gates open at 4:00 pm with the first heat race scheduled to roll out at 6:00 pm. For more information please contact the speedway office at 610-398-4923. On race day you can call the track directly at 570-386-4900. Also log-on to www.mahoningspeedway.com.

UPCOMING: 6-3-06 Make-A-Wish Foundation Night/Fan Appreciation Night
6-10-06 Sunoco Race of Champions Modified Tour 75-Lapper

Scott Lesher Holds off Rod Snyder in Close Mahoning Modified Finish
Dorney Park Reunion Night a Huge Success

(Lehighton, PA 5-27-06) Scott Lesher (Palmerton) may have had the benefit of starting from the pole but having former track champ Rod Snyder alongside did not make things easy.

Indeed that was just the case as throughout the 35-lap contest Lesher was persistently hounded by Snyder with repeated attempts of trying to get past him.

Lesher, however, was up to the task and knowing all well of whom he was facing off against, he did a superb job of keeping Snyder at bay and going on to win his first feature of the year.

“This feels great to get the win but what I want to do is dedicate this win to all of our troops who have fallen in past wars and the troops who are fighting in the current wars for our freedom. Without those guys we wouldn’t be here,” said Lesher who now has 10 career Modified wins.

It was Dorney Park Racing Reunion Night and on hand was a host of past drivers from the infamous 1/5-mile paved oval who came out to rekindle fond memories of a great chapter in eastern PA asphalt racing.

As a special treat two past Dorney Park and Mahoning Modified champions, George Wambold and Freddy Hamm, had their restored race cars on display and thrilled the fans by pacing the starting field for the Modified and Late Model features.

When the mod race got underway Lesher jumped out front with third place starting Snyder tucking into second.

It was flat out great racing from there on as the front pair waged a scorching battle. Lesher labored hard at keeping his spot secure as Snyder did most of his advances from his patented outside line.

But no matter how many times Snyder came bearing down, Lesher was able to hold him including when it came down to the wire as the victory was by a mere half car length.

“I knew off the start when I looked at the line-up with Rod (Snyder) behind me that it was going to be tough race,” said Lesher. “He was working me over but he ran me clean and I did the same with him and I came out on top.

“I think this was great to see all these Dorney Park guys here tonight and it was great to see George Wambold and Freddy Hamm out in front of us tonight. They where my favorite drivers back in the day when I was sitting in the stands.”

Snyder’s second was his best effort to date and even though he did not win, he still came away very pleased non-the-less.

“I think if we had a few more laps I would have got him,” said Snyder. “We’re getting close and I can tell it’s going to be real soon. Scott (Lesher) came and wished me good luck before the start of the race and that don’t happen often. He’s a clean driver.”

Taking third place was Tom Flanagan who notched his best race of the year and continues to shine as one of the more improved drivers. Glen Correll was a solid fourth while Kory Rabenold completed the top five.

Mahoning’s chief Doug Hoffman took part in the action as well although he did not fare as good as he would have wanted, dropping out after only eight laps.

“It was awesome and I knew these guys where going to be tough. Something happened with the motor and I lost a bunch of power and I didn’t want to hurt anything so I pulled off the track,” said Hoffman. “I realize that in order to beat these guys you have to be on your game. You just don’t come into Mahoning Valley Speedway and take these guys’ money. They’re good at this.”

In Late Model action Joe Kehrli (Palmerton) took the lead at the start, lost it to Tony Zatsko for one lap then regained it after a lap-4 restart. Afterwards he was confronted in a spirited battle with Zastko as well as point leader Paul Koehler, Jr.

However, once the race reached mid-way, Kehrli was in a zone all his own as he steadily pulled away to a commanding lead and eventually the win.

There was a wild scuffle for second spot at the finish as Zastko got nudged from behind and in the process sent a tightly bunched group of cars scattering.

When all was said and done Francis Gross II emerged as runner-up with Pat Hargan, Lorin Arthofer II and Mike Radocha, Jr completing the top five.

In Street Stocks Todd Ahner (Slatington) slid underneath Randy Ahner, Jr., and Mark Deysher after an intense three-wide battle for the lead. Ahner zipped from third to first with nine laps to go and held on for his first win of the year.

The night of May 27, 2006 will forever remain fresh in the mind of 16-year old Frankie Althouse (Lehighton) as the second generation driver broke through for his career first win in the 20-lap Pro-4 Late Model main.

From the pole Althouse had to first deal with Chris Kuronya and then over the waning laps he maintained a steady hand over reigning division champ Randy Schlenker en-route to the memorable victory.

Justin Steigerwalt (Palmerton) held off Randy Ahner, Sr., for his division leading third Factory Stock win in six starts thus far.

The 4-Cylinder Stock feature came down to a matter of inches as Dave Freundt (Lehighton) just nipped point leader Jeff Bartron for his initial win of the ’06 season.

Modifieds (35): 1.Scott Lesher 2.Rod Snyder, Jr. 3.Tom Flanagan 4.Glen Correll 5.Kory Rabenold 6.Don Wagner 7.Kevin Graver, Jr. 8.Lou Strohl 9.Andy Walko 10.Brian DeFebo 11.Amanda Sesely 12.Billy Swartz 13.Keith Mellars 14.Jarred Nace 15.John Bennett 16.Todd Ahner 17.Roger Heffelfinger, Jr. 18.Doug Hoffman 19.Anthony Sesely 20.Gary Wentz

Late Models (30): 1.Joe Kehrli 2.Francis Gross III 3.Pat Hargan 4.Lorin Arthofer II 5.Mike Radocha, Jr. 6.Paul Koehler, Jr. 7.Mark Althouse 8.Rick Wallace 9.Tony Zastko 10.Todd Geist 11.Troy Bollinger 12.Todd Stehle DNS: Mike VanFossen, Dan Sabella

Street Stocks (25): 1.Todd Ahner 2.Mark Deysher 3.Randy Ahner, Jr. 4.Joe Mooney 5.Alan Schlenker 6.Josh Scherer 7.Jay Llewellyn 8.Stepehen Steigerwalt 9.Shawn Sitarchyk 10.Mike Quinn 11.Lonnie Behler 12.Jamie Smith 13.Kristy Morone Arthofer 14.Chip Wanamaker 15.Justin Mooney 16.Jon Moser 17.Dennis Buss 18.Dan Marsh 19.Steve Hoffman 20.Rodney Gruber DNQ: Rich Purcell

Pro4 Late Models (20): 1.Frankie Althouse 2.Jeremy Miller 3.Kevin Graver, Sr. 4.TJ Gursky 5.Barry Christman, Jr. 6.Don Holland, Jr. 7.Todd Baer 8.Kevin Rex, Jr. 9.Jeff Delong 10.Randy Schlenker 11.Dennis Silfies 12.Chris Kuronya 13.TJ Kemmerer

Factory Stocks (20): 1.Justin Steigerwalt 2.Randy Ahner, Sr. 3.Keith Knappenberger 4.Brian Hughes 5.Doug Knauss 6.Jason Frey 7.Ross Gursky 8. Mike Hartzell 9.Jeff Drofich 10.Jason Kuhn 11.Duane Eidem 12.James Pritchard, Jr. 13.Shayne Geist

4-Cylinders (20): 1.Dave Freundt 2.Jeff Bartron 3.Jason Zastko 4.Mike Garris, Jr. 5.Louis Szoke 6.Brandon Meckes 7.Scooter Graver 8.Kevin Behler 9.Adam Kratzer 10.Steve Longacre 11.Charles Biegley 12.Dan Biegley 13.Dave McCloud 14.Jon Smith 15.Casey Creyer 16.Dan Freundt

UPCOMING: 5-27-06 Dorney Park Racing Reunion Night
6-3-06 Make-A-Wish Foundation Night/Fan Appreciation Night

Dorney Park Reunion Night Set --- Doug Hoffman to Run Asphalt Modified

(Lehighton, PA 5-21-06) There has been much anticipation leading up to the first every Dorney Park Racing Reunion Night this coming Saturday, May 27 at Mahoning Valley Speedway.

Not only will there be a great time spent with many of the former stars of the popular 1/5-mile oval, but Mahoning chief Doug Hoffman has announced that he will be competing in a Modified car as well.

There has been one slight change in that the format. There will now be a single 35-lap Modified race as opposed to the previously announced twin-25’s.

It will be regular admission price, $12.00 for the grandstands as well rather then the advertised $14.00.

Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks will also share the racing bill.

A huge amount of feedback from many of the drivers who once called Dorney Park their home track and all are looking forward to meeting up and reliving a storied time in eastern Pennsylvania racing history.

Plans are in place to have some restored Dorney Park cars on display.

All retired racers who competed at Dorney will be admitted for free, along with a guest. There will be a special barbecue from 5:00 – 6:00 pm alongside the scoring tower.

Program Dynamics, Inc, the official publisher of the Mahoning Report weekly program book, has made a commemorative keepsake edition especially for this night.

In other related news Doug Hoffman, himself a product of Dorney Park, has secured a ride in the 35-lap feature.

Hoffman will be racing the #14 Modified of Dave Correll and is excited to not only meet many of what he calls his racing hero’s he came to know when he began his great driving career during the mid-1970’s at Dorney Park Speedway, but also having the opportunity to mix it up in the main event that same night in a Modified car.

Hoffman is no stranger when it comes to asphalt Modifieds, having driven them with success after Flemington Fair Speedway went to blacktop and also racing in a number of NASCAR Modified Tour shows as well.

Although he may sound bias, Hoffman is quick to note that some of the best racing he has ever seen takes place at Mahoning Valley and he looks forward to getting a chance to drive against a classy field of Modified talents.

Grandstand gates open at 4:00 pm with the first heat race scheduled to roll out at 6:00 pm. For more information please contact the speedway office at 610-398-4923. On race day you can call the track directly at 570-386-4900. Also log-on to www.mahoningspeedway.com.

UPCOMING: 5-27-06 Dorney Park Racing Reunion Night
6-3-06 Make-A-Wish Foundation Night/Fan Appreciation Night

MAHONING VALLEY RACE RESULTS 5/20

(Lehighton, PA 5-20-06) To say that John Bennett (Lehighton) didn’t earn his first Modified win of the year would be a huge understatement as had to first work hard at getting past Amanda Sesely for the lead then had hot-handed Don Wagner making repeated challenges and finally deal with a handful amid the likes of Glen Correll and Earl Paules before notching the victory in the Green Team-35 lap feature sponsored by H & K Group of Skippack.

It was also Checkered Flag Fan Club Night.

Bennett started third behind pole sitter Sesely and with the drop of the green he quickly slipped in behind her.

Sesely, who is the only woman to have won a Modified feature at Mahoning Valley, looked strong in fending off her male counterparts, however, after a lap-8 restart Bennett was able to power his way past her for the lead.

While still running near the front, Sesely’s chances at a solid finish abruptly ended when she was pinched from behind by Rod Snyder, Jr. The runners from behind then went scattering as a number of cars got collected up in the incident.

When the field was reassembled Bennett now had Don Wagner on his tail with Paules third.

In close formation the top trio reeled off a dozen green flag laps with Wagner making numerous attempts on Bennett but to no avail as the leader firmly held his line and was not about to relinquish his spot.

On the 23rd tour Wagner found himself behind the eight ball when he suddenly got caught up in a tangle which included Tom Flanagan, Tony Eckhart and Sesely. Due to that misfortune he was relegated to the rear of the pack as Paules now assumed the runner-up spot.

Bennett remained soundly in first place while Correll now joined in the battle with the leaders. He and Paules ran side-by-side while pressuring intensely on the back bumper of Bennett.

With five laps to go Correll slipped past Paules and then set his sights on Bennett, dueling right down to the wire.

“There were some real hard chargers there towards the end,” commented Bennett. “Amanda (Sesely) was a little tight there in the beginning and I couldn’t get around her as she was running up high. I got her on that restart and overall it was a clean race I’d say.

“The car got a little loose the longer we ran but we had enough left. It’s always good to run with these guys.”

Correll’s second place tally erased what has been a dismal start thus far with runs of 20th and 15th.

“The car was working good and the longer we ran the better it came along. We just came up a little short at the end. I think a couple more laps and it might have been a different story,” said Correll.

Paules was third while Tom Flanagan and Don Wagner completed the top five. Wagner’s placing also vaulted him into the division point lead.

After chasing Paul Koehler, Jr., to the checkers over the first three races, Lorin Arthofer II (Bath) broke through for his first Late Model won of the season.

Starting 7th, Arthofer hustled past early leader Mike Van Fossen on lap 6 and then had to fend off an unyielding Koehler over the remaining distance as the two remained the class of the field once again.

“It feels really good. So far we’ve been fast thus far and its looks like its coming down to a battle between Paul (Koehler) and I,” said Arthofer. “I just can’t say enough abut my brother Jason and Darin. They’ve figured this car out and it’s been an honor to drive it for them.”

Just as close was Tony Zastko and Todd Stehle as the front four finished under a blanket while Mark Althouse rounded out the top five.

The Street Stock feature was a memorable night for the Mooney family as Justin Mooney (Lehighton) scored his career first win while his brother, Joe, almost made it a one-two finish but had to settle for third after Alan Schlenker squeezed by him in the waning laps.

Justin took the lead from the get-go while his brother hooked-up in second. Under very tight and close conditions, the brothers showed the way and where so close to making it an unforgettable finish.

Schlenker had his car working on the outside, however, and was able to get by Joe but in the end had nothing for Justin.

Reigning Pro4 Late Model champ Randy Schlenker (Whitehall) was in full control of the field as he handily notched his first win of the year by a sizeable distance over teammate Kevin Rex, Jr.

Randy Ahner, Jr., (Jim Thorpe) made a last lap inside pass on James Pritchard, Jr., just a few feet from the finish for his second Factory Stock win of the season.

Jeff Bartron (Coopersburg) passed Brandon Meckes on lap 9 and then cruised to his second 4-Cylinder Stock win of the year. The victory also gave him sole position of the point lead which he had shared with Mike Garris, Jr. prior to the start of the night.

Betty Christman (Lehighton) won the special Women on Wheels race.

Modifieds (35): 1.John Bennett 2.Glen Correll 3.Earl Paules 4.Tom Flanagan 5.Don Wagner 6.Tony Eckhart 7.Eric Kocher 8.Phil Slater 9.Jarred Nace 10.Amanda Sesely 11.Billy Swartz 12.Matt Hirschman 13.Joey Biasi 14.Dave Correll 15.Kevin Graver, Jr. 16.Scott Lesher 17.Rod Snyder, Jr. 18.Keith Mellars

Late Models (30): 1.Lorin Arthofer II 2.Paul Koehler, Jr. 3.Tony Zastko 4.Todd Stehle 5.Mark Althouse 6.Tony Volpe 7.Francis Gross III 8.Mike Radocha, Jr. 9.Troy Bollinger 10.Rick Wallace 11.Dave Wallace 12.Mike Van Fossen 13.Todd Geist 14.Joe Kehrli 15.Pat Hargan

Street Stocks (25): 1.Justin Mooney 2.Alan Schlenker 3.Joe Mooney 4.Mark Deysher 5.Mike Quinn 6.Todd Ahner 7.Lonnie Behler 8.Dave Laubach 9.Randy Ahner, Jr. 10.Jay Llewellyn 11.Jamie Smith 12.Shawn Sitarchyk 13.Stepehen Steigerwalt 14.Jon Moser 15.Dennis Buss 16.Kristy Morone Arthofer 17.Chris Smith 18.Chip Wanamaker 19.Steve Hoffman 20.Josh Scherer

Pro4 Late Models (20): 1.Randy Schlenker 2.Kevin Rex, Jr. 3.Jeremy Miller 4.Todd Baer 5.Kevin Graver, Sr. 6.TJ Gursky 7.Barry Christman, Jr. 8.Don Holland, Jr. 9.Frankie Althouse 10.Jeff Delong 11.Chris Kuronya 12.TJ Kemmerer

Factory Stocks (20): 1.Randy Ahner, Sr. 2.James Pritchard Jr. 3.Justin Steigerwalt 4.Jeff Drofich 5.Ross Gursky 6.Duane Eidem 7.Keith Knappenberger 8.Jason Frey 9.Shayne Geist 10.Mike Hartzell 11.Brian Hughes 12.Doug Knauss

4-Cylinders (20): 1.Jeff Bartron 2.Jason Zatsko 3.Mike Garris, Jr. 4.Louis Szoke 5.Brandon Meckes 6.Scooter Graver 7.Jon Smith 8.Casey Creyer 9.Adam Kratzer 10.Kevin Behler 11.Dave McCloud 12.Dan Biegley 13.Charles Biegley 14.Jake Kibler 15.Dave Freundt

Ladies Race (10): Betty Christman 2.Nancy Hughes 3.Gewn Correll 4.Courttney Van Fossen 5.Danielle Bauer

UPCOMING: 5-20-06 Boy Scout Night + Checkered Flag Fan Club Night
5-27-06 Dorney Park Racing Reunion Night, Modified Twin 25’s

Mahoning Valley Rainout 5/13

(Lehighton, PA 5-13-06) Although much of eastern Pennsylvania has been in the midst of a dry spell, the much needed rainfall came at a cost as the wet stuff swept through the Lehighton area around mid-afternoon on Saturday, which ended any chances of racing at Mahoning Valley Speedway later that night.

The rainout put a damper on the schedule of events which was to feature Women on Wheels, where as the ladies where to get a chance at some competitive laps around the ¼-mile oval. The race night was to be sponsored by CruiseOne of Allentown.

Racing will resume next Saturday night, May 20 with Boy Scout Night. All scouts donned in their uniforms will be admitted for free provided they are accompanied by an adult.

All regular classes, Modified, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks will be in action.

The following week, May 27 which is Memorial Day weekend, the Dorney Park Racing Reunion Night will take place.

All retired drivers from the infamous 1/5-mile Allentown Speedway are invited to the track along with a guest to enjoy an evening of picnicking and reminiscing of a special era of racing that still lives on today at Mahoning Valley Speedway.

On the speed-bill will be Twin 25-lap features for the Modifieds as well as all other track classes.

All Saturday night race action begins at 6:00 pm with heat races. Grandstands open at 4:00 pm for those who wish to catch practice laps.

For more information please contact the speedway office at 610-398-4923. On race day you can call the track directly at 570-386-4900. Also log-on to www.mahoningspeedway.com.

UPCOMING: 5-13-06, 6:00 pm. CruiseOne Mothers Day Mania All Regular Divisions + Women on Wheels
5-20-06 Boy Scout Night + Checkered Flag Fan Club Night

Dorney Park Racing Reunion Night Set For May 27 at Mahoning Valley Speedway

(Lehighton, PA 5-9-06) Dorney Park Speedway, the defunct 1/5-mile paved oval in Allentown, was once home to a unique and special blend of racers and race fans.

When you went to the “Park” you attended there knowing there would be an atmosphere of such high excitement each week.

It was a track that helped launch the careers of such notable stars of today such as multiple NASCAR Whelan Modified champion Tony Hirschman and fellow Whelan Modified Tour standout Eric Beers. There’s Mahoning Valley and Mountain Speedway champion Roger Heffelfinger, Jr. John Andretti, current NASCAR Busch Series driver and former Indy Car racer was a former Dorney Park Modified Rookie of the Year.

Of course there is dirt Modified standout Doug Hoffman. He too started out at Dorney Park behind the wheel of a Late Model.

These are an elite few of a long list of accomplished race car drivers who are now motoring around area race tracks after it all began at Dorney Park Speedway.

While those names and others are still active in the sport today, there was a great many drivers who are no longer involved as wheelmen but thanks to Mahoning Valley Speedway they will all have a chance to come together and reminisce about a great by-gone era in local racing history.

Saturday night, May 27 will be Dorney Park Racing Reunion Night at Mahoning Valley Speedway. All retired drivers who competed there will be admitted for free, along with a guest. There will be a picnic area set up and a special autograph session is also being planned.

On the race card that evening will be Twin-25’s for the Modifieds, which is a pair of 25-lap features. Mahoning’s other classes of Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks will also be in action.

It’s now been 20-seasons since Dorney Park last ran. However, after closing its doors forever, the racing then moved to Mahoning Valley Speedway which has been an extension of the great racing that once was and still is.

What also adds to the Dorney Park Reunion Night is on the grounds of Mahoning Valley Speedway is the National Old Timers Auto Racing Club and Museum which houses an extensive array of memorabilia of past racing history including many of the retirees from Dorney Park who will be coming out for the get-together.

It indeed is going to be a special night.

For more information please contact the speedway office at 610-398-4923. On race day you can call the track directly at 570-386-4900.

UPCOMING: 5-13-06, 6:00 pm. CruiseOne Mothers Day Mania All Regular Divisions + Women on Wheels

Win Streaks Continues for DeFebo and Koehler at Mahoning Valley Speedway

(Lehighton, PA 5-6-06) A pair of hot streaks continued on Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway as Brian DeFebo (Berwick) and Paul Koehler, Jr., (Northampton) both won their third straight features in Modified and Late Model action respectively.

Front row starting spots for both drivers played a key for each of them winning but despite that luxury it was very close at the finish.

In the Modified 35-lap showdown Don Wagner jumped out front early while DeFebo settled in behind him. Also in tow where Scott Lesher and John Bennett.

After nine laps a caution was out for a spinning Tom Flanagan. For the restart DeFebo simply blasted past Wagner for the lead as did Bennett who now took up the chase in second.

Nose-to-tail the top two continued to pace ahead of the field and gradually had the muscle to pull to a comfortable distance on the pack.

While cruising and watching the laps click by, DeFebo and Bennett seemed headed to a one-two finish, however, with just fives laps to go a yellow flag waved and changed the circumstances.

On the restart DeFebo remained in charge but was now in a struggle to hold onto his lead as Bennett and Wagner got hooked up on his tail.

Side-by-side the pair ran behind the leader and as the trio came by to receive the white flag it was still anyone’s race. DeFebo, though, was able to hold his line and drove to his third straight win of 2006.

“The car got real tight on the last restart. I could’ve gone faster but if that would have allowed somebody to go that much faster behind me so I tried to slow done a bit in the turns and wait to get the shots from behind and get back on the gas,” said DeFebo.

“I still can’t believe it. I didn’t think we could win one (feature) and now we’ve done it three times. I’m glad we’re here.”

In the meantime Wagner had slipped past Bennett by mere inches at the finish while Rod Snyder, Jr., who had been coming on strong and Lesher rounded out the top five.

Wagner’s finish aided him in staying second in points behind DeFebo and as he remarked it was a good run despite coming up short.

“We’re still struggling with a car a little but we’re happy with the finishes having but we like to win races too. Brian’s tough. I’ve known him for a long time and it’s good to see him running so well here. We’re going to beat him one of these days.”

For Koehler this year has turned into shades of 2004 when he started out that season by winning three straight races and cruising to the championship.

Although it’s too early to decide on a title, he is on-track as far as winning goes but was clearly the hardest fought so far. All race long it became a battle between himself and eventual runner-up Jim Wismer, Jr. as well as third place finisher Lorin Arthofer II.

From the outset it was a three-car battle. Two abreast action was prevalent between Wismer and Arthofer as they traded places in the early stages while pinned onto the rear bumper of Koehler.

Over the second half of the 30-lap contest it was a close 1-2-3 as the trio not only had each other to contend with but slower traffic as well. Still Koehler was not to be denied even though Wismer made numerous advances right up until the final turn.

There was plenty of lead swapping happening in the Street Stock main but once Mike Quinn (Ashfield) slide inside of Alan Schlenker with eight laps remaining he then held on for his second win in three races thus far.

Although he led every lap, Todd Baer (Germansville) had to hold off a very determined his Chris Kuronya as well as point leader Jeremy Miller to score his first 2006 Pro4 Late Model win.

In the twin-15 lap Factory Stock features it was Justin Steigerwalt (Palmerton) leading every lap in the first main and in the process setting a new division record for career wins at 14.

In the second main there was a lot of close-paced action up front as Duane Eidem (Lehighton) held off Brain Hughes for the win.

Jason Zastko (Palmerton) took the lead on lap two and never looked back as the up-and-comer sped away to his career first feature win in the 4-Cylinder Stocks.

Modifieds (35): 1.Brian DeFebo 2.Don Wagner 3.John Bennett 4.Rod Snyder, Jr. 5.Scott Lesher 6.Kevin Graver, Jr. 7.Amanda Sesely 8.Jarred Nace 9.Keith Mellars 10.Eric Kocher 11.David Correll 12.Joey Biasi 13.Billy Swartz 14.Tom Flanagan 15.Lou Strohl

Late Models (30): 1.Paul Koehler, Jr. 2.Jim Wismer, Jr. 3.Lorin Arthofer II 4.Todd Stehle 5.Tony Zastko 6.Franics Gross III 7.Troy Bollinger 8.Mike Radocha, Jr. 9.Rick Wallace 10.Pat Hargan 11.Mike VanFossen 12.Joe Kehrli 13.Todd Geist

Street Stocks (25): 1.Mike Quinn 2.Alan Schlenker 3.Lonnie Behler 4.Mark Deysher 5.Shawn Sitarchyk 6.Todd Ahner 7.Rodney Gruber 8.Bill Hanura 9.Randy Ahner, Jr. 10.Joe Mooney 11.Jay Llewellyn 12.Stepheen Steigerwalt 13.Dave Laubach 14.Josh Scherer 15.Jamie Smith 16.Justin Mooney 17.Chip Wanamaker 18.Dennis Buss 19.Chris Smith

Pro4 Late Models (20): 1.Todd Baer 2.Chris Kuronya 3.Jeremy Miller 4.Kevin Graver, Sr. 5.Kevin Rex, Jr. 6.TJ Gursky 7.Barry Christman, Jr. 8.Bill Rooney 9.TJ Kemmerer 10.Frankie Althouse 11.Dennis Silfies 12.Randy Schlenker 13.Bob Solderich 14.Jeff Delong

Factory Stocks (1st15): 1.Justin Steigerwalt 2.Randy Ahner, Sr. 3.Jeff Drofich 4.Jason Kuhn 5.Brian Hughes 6.Keith Knappenberger 7.Duane Eidem 8.Doug Knauss 9.Ross Gursky 10.Jason Frey 11.James Pritchard, Jr. 12.Mike Hartzel 13.Devin Gibson 14.Shayne Geist
(2nd 15) 1. Eidem 2.Hughes 3.Knuass 4.Kuhn 5.Stiegerwalt 6.Knappenberger 7.Frey 8.R. Gursky 9.Hartzell 10.Pritcard, Jr. 11.Drofich 12.Ahner, Sr. DNS: Gibson, S. Geist

4-Cylinders (20): 1.Jason Zastko 2.Scooter Graver 3.Jeff Bartron 4.Mike Garris, Jr. 5.Dave Freundt 6.Louis Szoke 7.Brandon Meckes 8.Casey Creyer 9.Brian Kunkle 10.Dave Sokol, Jr. 11.Kevin Behler 12.Jon Smith 13.Dave McCloud 14.Jake Kibler 15.Charles Biegley 16.Dan Biegley 17.Adam Kratzer 18.Dave Sokol, Sr.

UPCOMING: 5-6-06, 6:00 pm. Factory Stock Twin-15’s + All Regular Divisions
5-7-06, 2:00 pm, Demolition Derby

Brian DeFebo Makes it Two in Row at Mahoning Valley Speedway

Brian DeFebo couldn’t ask for a better way to start the year off as the star talent from Berwick notched his second straight Modified win Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway.

And just as he did on Opening Night, DeFebo utilized the use of the high groove to race to the front from his seventh starting spot. The difference being his winning pass of Eric Kocher came with a slick inside maneuver after a restart with eight laps remaining.

“I don’t know what it is. I’ve been sick the last two days and this car hadn’t been out of the trailer since the last race here. Most cars like attention but this one likes to be cooped up like the Ugly Duckling,” said DeFebo.

At the previous event DeFebo took the so-called Ugly Duckling out of moth balls, pieced it together with spare parts and won an amazing 100-lapper in the process. After that win he noted that he wasn’t going to touch it and apparently the effortless maintenance paid off.

“We just came here tonight not quite knowing what to expect. We’ve been working on our new car for Oswego (5/7 RoC). I was kidding with my guys saying, ‘Let’s go to Mahoning and try and make it two in a row.”

For the outset of the 35-lap trek it was former track champions Kocher and Rod Snyder, Jr., on the front row with Kocher dashing ahead as John Bennett settled into second. Snyder slipped to third with Zane Zeiner and DeFebo in line.

The top trio kept things under close wraps as Kocher was doing all he could to fend off Bennett and Snyder. Meanwhile Zeiner and DeFebo remained locked in their own spirited battle.

DeFebo hustled past Zeiner after four laps but needed twice that amount before he disposed of Snyder for third spot. At the same time Bennett continued on his hot pursuit of Kocher.

While Bennett road in a close second, DeFebo hooked up on his topside and the pair where giving Kocher all he could deal with while holding onto the lead.

With ten laps left Bennett relinquished second to DeFebo. Two laps later he and Zeiner made contact which brought both their fine runs to an abrupt end.

An ensuing caution lined DeFebo alongside Kocher and on the restart he caught a break when the leader drifted slightly, allowing him a shot on the bottom line which he quickly seized.

After gaining the lead for the second time in as many races the current point leader then sped away to another crowd pleasing victory.

“The outside (groove) was real tough tonight and the car was good on the inside for a change. I always like running with Eric (Kocher). He’s a clean driver. He gives me room I give him room. This is just so new to me. Who would have ever thought I could win two races in a row at Mahoning Valley Speedway,” said DeFebo.

It was the first time in over two seasons that one driver was able to make it back-to-back wins in the Modified class.

Kocher, although coming up short, was very pleased as this was his first start of the young season.

“I’m tickled pink. I got to give a lot of thanks to my crew. It’s just awesome to come out here the first week and run the way we did. It’s just so much better than any other year we started,” said Kocher. “I just couldn’t hold the bottom any longer and Brian knew right where to go. My hats off to him.”

Like being on rails could best describe the way 2006 has got rolling for past champion Paul Kohler, Jr., (Northampton) as he motored to his second straight Late Model win of the season.

In two events thus far Koehler’s been able to lead every lap and has been making it look graceful in the process.

Lorin Arthofer II was on the rear tail of Koehler and in an attempt to make a last lap pass he lost slight control which allowed Rick Wallace to barely sneak by for second. Todd Stehle came from 16th to fourth while Francis Gross III completed the top five.

Mark Deysher (Bath) may have led every lap in the Street Stock main but by no means was it an easy run as he had Opening Night winner Mike Quinn hounding him the entire time. For Deysher it marked his 15th career verdict with the class.

In Pro4 Late Model action Jeremy Miller (Walnutport) handily checked out from the rest of the pack and took a rousing win in the 20-lap main.

Justin Steigerwalt (Palmerton) raced to his division record tying 13th career Factory Stock win. From the pole Steigerwalt had little trouble in staying out front all race long.

Defending 4-Cylinder Stock champ Mike Garris, Jr., (Orefield) held off Dave Freundt and last place starter and Opening Night winner Jeff Bartron in an exciting race to close out the evening of action.

RESULTS:
Modifieds (35): 1.Brian DeFebo 2.Eric Kocher 3.Earl Paules 4.Don Wagner 5.Wes Swartout 6.Kevin Graver, Jr. 7.John Markovic 8.Brian Romig 9.Rod Snyder, Jr. 10.Jarred Nace 11.TomFlanagan 12.Dave Correll 13.Rusty Smith 14.Amanda Sesely 15.Scott Lesher 16.John Bennett 17.Zane Zeiner 18.Roger Heffelfinger, Jr. 19.Lou Strohl 20.Glen Correll DNQ: Chaz Surman, Matt Clemens, Keith Mellars

Late Models (30): 1. Paul Kohler, Jr. 2.Rick Wallace 3.Lorin Arthofer II 4.Todd Stehle 5.Franicis Gross III 6.Pat Hargan 7.Tony Zastko 8.Joe Kehrli 9.Troy Bollinger 10.Todd Geist 11.Mike Radocha, Jr. 12.Dan Sabella 13.Scott Meckes 14.Joey McMurtrie 15.Mike Van Fossen 16.Scott Shoff DNS: Dave Imler

Street Stocks (25): 1.Mark Deysher 2.Mike Quinn 3.Sawn Sitarchyk 4.Jay Llewellyn 5.Bill Hanura 6.Todd Ahner, Jr. 8.Stepehn Steigerwalt 9.Rodney Gruber 10.Dave Laubach 11.Justin Mooney 12.Lonnie Behler 13.Alan Schlenker 14.Chip Wanamaker 15.Jamie Smith 16.Josh Scherer 17. Dennis Buss 18.Todd Geist 19.Joe Mooney

Pro4 Late Models (20):1.Jeremy Miller 2.Bill Rooney 3.Kevin Graver, Jr. 4.Chris Kuronya 5.TJ Gursky 6.Todd Baer 7.Randy Schlenker 8.Bob Solderich 9.Frankie Althouse 10.Jon Moser 11.Kevin Rex, Jr. 12.TJ Kemmerer 13.Barry Christman, Jr. 14.Jeff Delong

Factory Stocks (20): 1.Justin Steigerwalt 2.Randy Ahner, Sr., 3.Jason Kuhn 4.Keith Knappenberger 5.Jeff Drofich 6.Brian Hughes 7.Duane Eidem 8.Doug Knauss 9.Ross Gursky 10.Jason Frey 11.James Pritcard, Jr. 12.Mike Hartzell 13.Shyane Geist

4-Cylinders (20): 1.Mike Garris, Jr. 2.Dave Freundt 3.Jeff Bartron 4.Jason Zastko 4.Jon Smith 5.Brian Kunkle 6.Brandon Meckes 7.Louis Szoke 9.Dave Sokol, Jr. 10.Kevin Behler 11.Adam Kratzer 12.Charles Biegley 13.Dave Sokol, Sr. 14.Dan Biegley 15.Casey Creyer 16.Scooter Graver 17.Jake Kibler

UPCOMING: 4-29-06, 6:00 pm, Little League Night, All Regular Divisions
5-6-06, 6:00 pm. Factory Stock Twin-15’s + All Regular Divisions

Mahoning Valley Speedway Rains Out

(Lehighton, PA 4-22-06) After an inspiring Opening Night of racing at Mahoning Valley Speedway, week number two will have to wait a bit as rain predicated throughout the day has forced the cancellation of C & D Landscaping Night at the paved Lehighton quarter-mile.

The schedule had called for all regular track divisions which include Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks.

Also set to compete were the 4c Super Modifieds and the National Old Timers Auto Racing Club.

The focus now turns to next Saturday night, April 29. It will be Little League Night. All players of Little League baseball who come to the track in their uniform will be admitted for free so long they are accompanied by an adult. All regular track classes are in action.

Coming up on May 6 there will be Twin-15’s for the Factory Stocks along with all regular divisions.

The following day, Sunday afternoon, May 6, the track will present a Demolition Derby.

Continuing through the month of May the planned events are as such.

Cruise One Mothers Day Mania on May 13. Along with all regular classes there will be Women on Wheels racing featuring lady races.

Boy Scout Night will be held on May 20 and like Little League Night all Scouts attending in their uniforms will be admitted for free while accompanied by an adult.

Then on May 27, Memorial Day weekend, the Dorney Park Speedway Racing Reunion Night will be held. All former stars of the famous 1/5-mile speedway are being invited to partake in a night of reminiscing and picnicking.

The feature attraction for the evening will be Twin-25 lap features for the Modifieds.

For more information please check the official Mahoning Valley Speedway website at www.mahoningspeedway.com. You can also call the speedway office at 610-398-4923. The race day number is 570-386-4900.

UPCOMING: 4-22-06, 6:00 pm, C & D Landscaping Night, All Classes + 4c Super Mods & National Old Timers Auto Racing Club

DeFebo Chills Out With 3G’s in Mahoning Modified Frost Free 100

(Lehighton, PA 4-15-06) Calling it perhaps the best win of his career, Brian DeFebo of Berwick raced to a $3000 first place run in the Modified Frost Free 100 to open up the 2006 season Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway.

Several factors made this win unique. First, DeFebo wasn’t even thinking of attending the Mahoning Opener until late into the week and even then his crew had to thrash to put the car together in order to be race ready by Saturday night. The car hadn’t even been primed or painted either as bits and pieces of various sheet metal were draped around it.

Then starting 16th in a field of 20, DeFebo executed a magnificent charge to the front of the pack. He entered into the top five within 35-laps and then bidding his time, was able to move in behind then leader Rusty Smith by lap 60.

Ten laps later Smith spun from contention which then handed the lead over to DeFebo.

Over the last 30-tours it was an amazing race of grit and guts as he had to fend off upstart Kory Rabenold and Zane Zeiner in securing his second career Mahoning modified win.

“If it wasn’t for my crew we wouldn’t have even been here tonight. We started working on this car on Thursday and we just threw all the scrap pieces we had on it. We had spare parts we put on it just to get us here. It was more of a joke but who would have thought that we’d go from 16th to first,” said DeFebo.

As it turned out the joke was on everyone else as he and his mount preformed flawlessly.

“I never thought I’d see myself bring a car to the track that looked like this, that’s horrible. But we’re not going to change it now, this is staying like that.”

The 100-lap grind began with Don Wagner and Glen Correll on row one and with the waving of the initial green, Wagner jumped out front early followed quickly by Rusty Smith. Just prior the first caution that waved with eight complete Smith had overtaken Wagner for the lead.

Once out ahead Smith then led a multitude of circuits until his demise with 30 to go. During that time entry into the top five running order saw a flurry of activity.

Correll was very strong in the early going. Likewise with ’05 Rookie of the Year John Bennett. Also showing strength was defending champ Roger Heffelfinger. All three took repeated stabs at Smith with the brunt coming from Correll. However, the Vestal, N.Y. native continued to hold his ground.

Rabenold needed 30-laps before he made his presence felt as he motored along the outside lane to gain his way into the front five. Unfortunately his car slowed just prior to halfway and he was forced to pit. He would soon return, though, within the closing laps.

DeFebo in the meantime had followed Rabenold on the outside and just past mid-race advanced to third behind Correll. At the same time Zeiner had began mounting his rush frontward as he zipped his way into fourth spot.

By lap-60 DeFebo was now zeroed in on the rear bumper of Smith. He continued to pressure him until Smith’s untimely demise on lap 70 occurred. Coming off turn two the back end of leader’s car lost traction which took him into a spin.

When the field was assembled for the restart it was DeFebo in command with Eric Beers, who had started in last place, now second. Zeiner, Heffelfinger and Rabenold were all in tow.

The remaining laps became an all-out dogfight among the front runners. DeFebo maintained his stance at the helm while Beers, Zeiner and Rabenold settled into a fierce battle for second. All three were swapping spots while keeping at a torrid pace.

Rabenold and Zeiner hustled around Beers with 15-laps remaining and then set their sites on the leader. Running side-by-side and directly in the path of DeFebo, the trio waged an outstanding battle in the quest for victory.

Even down to the final lap when Rabenold attempted a last ditch outside pass but DeFebo did a fine job in protecting his line and drove to the well-earned conquest.

“You just try to stay on the outside and be persistent there and try to keep your tires under you. I know a lot of guys were stopping for tires. It just came down to being in the right place at the right time and it paid off for us,” said DeFebo. “This is probably the biggest win we’ve ever had.”

Rabenold’s season ending 100-lap win of last year was well-justified with his stunning drive.

“Early in the race I got together with someone and it knocked the toe-in a little bit. We came in and the crew checked the front end. I told them I was a little tight so we took some wedge out. After we came back out the car was still a little tight but I had a good line on the outside,” said Rabenold.

“I had a couple close calls with Zane (Zeiner) and I want to thank him for running me clean and congratulations to Brian (DeFebo) on the win. Second place is not a bad way to start the season.”

Zeiner raced to a solid third while Beers held on for fourth with Kevin Graver, Jr., rounding out the top five.

Despite an accident prone race in the 30-lap Late Model main, Paul Kohler, Jr., (Northampton) steered clear of a host of incidents happening behind him and had little trouble in taking his first win of the year.

Koehler had the advantage of starting from the pole although it was apparent that despite his preferred starting spot he indeed was the car to beat.

“It (pole) definitely was the difference because had I been in the middle of the pack I most likely would have been caught up in one of those skirmishes,” said Koehler who now has 21 career Late Model wins.

“We just did our homework all winter long. We have the best chassis man in the world which is my dad and it just showed tonight.”

Of the rash of accidents the most serious occurred on lap-22 when Mike Sweeney slammed head-on into the front straight wall after tangling with Todd Geist. The impact severely damaged his car but thankfully he was able to walk away unscathed. Official black-flagged Geist afterwards.

Mike Quinn (Ashfield) was the only top-10 point finisher in the Street Stocks from last season that did not get a feature win. Quinn wasn’t about to let that happen again as he passed Alan Schlenker on a lap-16 restart and then held on for the Opening Night verdict.

Kevin Rex, Jr., (Lehighton) slipped under Barry Christman, Jr., just a few feet from the finish line and pulled off an exciting victory in the Pro4 Late Model main.

In Factory Stock action pole sitter Randy Ahner, Sr., (JimThorpe) gave up the lead midway through the race but with five laps to go he battled back to the front and stayed there to the finish.

In the 4-Cylinder event Jeff Bartron (Coopersburg) was quickest on Pole Day and remained that way during the feature as he cruised to the win over reigning class champ Mike Garris, Jr.

RESULTS:
Modifieds (100): 1.Brian DeFebo 2.Kory Rabenold 3.Zane Zeiner 4.Eric Beers 5.Kevin Graver, Jr. 6.Pete Brittain 7.Don Wagner 8.Rusty Smith 9.Tom Flanagan 10.Dave Correll 11.Brian Romig 12.Roger Heffelfinger, Jr. 13.John Markovic 14.Wes Swartout 15.Glen Correll 16.Earl Paules 17.Rod Snyder, Jr. 18.John Bennett 19.Lou Strohl 20.Amanda Sesely DNQ: Jarred Nace, Chaz Surman, Tony Hanbury

Late Models (30): 1.Paul Kohler, Jr. 2.Lorin Arthofer II 3.Francis Gross III 4.Tony Volpe 5.Mike Radocha, Jr. 6.Tony Zatsko 7.Pat Hargan 8.Rick Wallace 9.Mike Sweeney 10.Troy Bollinger 11.Todd Stehle 12.Joe Kehrli 13. Dave Imler 14.Mike Van Fossen DQ: Todd Geist

Street Stocks (25): 1.Mike Quinn 2.Shawn Sitarchyk 3.Bill Hanura 4.Todd Ahner 5.Mark Deysher 6.Lonnie Behler 7.Stephen Steigerwalt 8.Joe Mooney 9.Rodney Gruber 10.Chip Wanamaker 11.Randy Ahner, Jr. 12.Jay Llewellyn 13.Dave Laubach 14.Jamie Smith 15.Alan Schlenker 16.Justin Mooney 17.Josh Scherer 18.Todd Geist 19.Tom Flanagan

Pro4 Late Models (20):1.Kevin Rex, Jr. 2.Barry Christman, Jr. 3.Jeremy Miller 4.Kevin Graver, Sr. 5.Bill Rooney 6.Frankie Althouse 7.Jon Moser 8.Chris Kuronya 9.Todd Baer 10.Randy Schlenker 11.Bob Solderich 12.Jeff Delong 13.TJ Kemmerer 14.TJ Gursky

Factory Stocks (20): 1.Randy Ahner, Sr. 2.Justin Steigerwalt 3.Brian Hughes 4.Keith Knappenberger 5.Doug Knauss 6.Jeff Drofich 7.Duane Eidem 8.Ross Gursky 9.James Pritcard10.Jason Frey 11.Shayne Geist

4-Cylinders (20): 1.Jeff Bartron 2.Mike Garris, Jr. 3.Dave Freundt 4.Jason Zatsko 5.Jon Smith 6.Scooter Graver 7.Brian Kunkle 8.Casey Creyer 9.Brandon Meckes 10.Louis Szoke 11.Kevin Behler 12.Steve Longacre 13.Adam Kratzer 14.Devin Gibson 15.Charles Biegley 16.Dan Biegley 17.Dave McCloud

Mahoning Valley Speedway quick results. Full release to follow soon.
Dino Oberto
4-15-06

Modifieds (100): 1.Brian DeFebo 2.Kory Rabenold 3.Zane Zeiner 4.Eric Beers 5.Kevin Graver, Jr. 6.Pete Brittain 7.Don Wagner 8.Rusty Smith 9.Tom Flanagan 10.Dave Correll 11.Brian Romig 12.Roger Heffelfinger, Jr. 13.John Markovic 14.Wes Swartout 15.Glen Correll 16.Earl Paules 17.Rod Snyder, Jr. 18.John Bennett 19.Lou Strohl 20.Amanda Sesely DNQ: Jarred Nace, Chaz Surman, Tony Hanbury

Late Models (30): 1.Paul Kohler, Jr. 2.Lorin Arthofer II 3.Francis Gross III 4.Tony Volpe 5.Mike Radocha, Jr. 6.Tony Zatsko 7.Pat Hargan 8.Rick Wallace 9.Mike Sweeney 10.Troy Bollinger 11.Todd Stehle 12.Joe Kehrli 13. Dave Imler 14.Mike Van Fossen DQ: Todd Geist

Street Stocks (25): 1.Mike Quinn 2.Shawn Sitarchyk 3.Bill Hanura 4.Todd Ahner 5.Mark Deysher 6.Lonnie Behler 7.Stephen Steigerwalt 8.Joe Mooney 9.Rodney Gruber 10.Chip Wanamaker 11.Randy Ahner, Jr. 12.Jay Llewellyn 13.Dave Laubach 14.Jamie Smith 15.Alan Schlenker 16.Justin Mooney 17.Josh Scherer 18.Todd Geist 19.Tom Flanagan

Pro4 Late Models (20):1.Kevin Rex, Jr. 2.Barry Christman, Jr. 3.Jeremy Miller 4.Kevin Graver, Sr. 5.Bill Rooney 6.Frankie Althouse 7.Jon Moser 8.Chris Kuronya 9.Todd Baer 10.Randy Schlenker 11.Bob Solderich 12.Jeff Delong 13.TJ Kemmerer 14.TJ Gursky

Factory Stocks (20): 1.Randy Ahner, Sr. 2.Justin Steigerwalt 3.Brian Hughes 4.Keith Knappenberger 5.Doug Knauss 6.Jeff Drofich 7.Duane Eidem 8.Ross Gursky 9.James Pritcard10.Jason Frey 11.Shayne Geist

4-Cylinders (20): 1.Jeff Bartron 2.Mike Garris, Jr. 3.Dave Freundt 4.Jason Zatsko 5.Jon Smith 6.Scooter Graver 7.Brian Kunkle 8.Casey Creyer 9.Brandon Meckes 10.Louis Szoke 11.Kevin Behler 12.Steve Longacre 13.Adam Kratzer 14.Devin Gibson 15.Charles Biegley 16.Dan Biegley 17.Dave McCloud

UPCOMING: 4-15-06, 6:00 pm, Opener, All Classes, Modified Frost Free 100, $3000 to Win

4-22-06, 6:00 pm, C & D Landscaping Night All Classes + 4c Super Mods & NOTARC
Rain Forces Postponement of Mahoning Valley Opening Night

(Lehighton, PA 4-8-06) The anticipation of the 2006 season opener at Mahoning Valley Speedway will have to wait at least one more week as rain and cold weather predicted throughout the day led the speedway management team no other choice but to cancel the racing events for Saturday, April 8.

This coming Saturday night, April 15, at 6:00 pm, Mahoning Valley Speedway presents their Opening Night with the highlight of the evening being the Modified Frost Free 100. 100 laps and a $3,000 first place payoff.

All other track divisions will also be in action including the Late Models which will run in a 30-lap feature, a 25-lapper for the Street Stocks and 20-lap mains for the Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks.

Pit gates open at 11:00 am and main grandstands at 4:00 pm with the first heat scheduled to take place at 6:00 pm. Adult grandstand admission is $18.00.

Pole Day, held two weeks ago, established the front row feature starters of the respective classes on Opening Night.

For the Frost Free 100 the march to the green flag will be led by Don Wagner and Glen Correll. In the Late Models it will be past champions with Paul Kohler, Jr., and Todd Stehle.

Heading the Street Stocks will be 2005 points runner-up Alan Schlenker with Mike Quinn alongside. The Pro4 Late Models will see Barry Christman, Jr., and TJ Gursky while the Factory Stocks will have Randy Ahner, Jr. and Brian Hughes. In 4-Cylinder stocks it will be Jeff Bartron and Jon Smith.

Coming up on April 22 it will be C & D Landscaping Night. All regular track classes will be in action and included on the card will be the 4c Super Modifieds and the National Old Timers Auto Racing Club.

Little League Night will be held the following week, April 29. All Little League players who attend the races donning their team uniforms will be admitted for free. They must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information please check the official Mahoning Valley Speedway website at www.mahoningspeedway.com or call the speedway office at 610-398-4923.

UPCOMING: 4-8-06, 6:00 pm, Opening Day All Classes, Modified Frost Free 100, $3000 to Win

Frost Free 100 Highlights Mahoning Valley Opening Night

(Lehighton, PA 4-2-06) This coming Saturday night, April 8, Mahoning Valley Speedway is set to begin the first of 25-point races which comprises the 2006 season at the Lehighton based ¼-mile paved oval.

The focal point of the evening will be the Frost Free 100 for the Modifieds. 100 laps and a cool $3,000 first place payoff.

All other track divisions will also be in action including the Late Models which will run in a 30-lap feature, a 25-lapper for the Street Stocks and 20-lap mains for the Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks.

Pit gates and main grandstands open at 4:00 with the first heat scheduled to take place at 6:00. Adult grandstand admission is $18.00.

This past Saturday, April 1, Pole Day was run which established the front row starters of the respective classes for Opening Night.

For the Frost Free 100 the march to the green flag will be led by Don Wagner and Glen Correll. The Late Model front row features a pair of past champions with Paul Kohler, Jr., and Todd Stehle.

Heading the line-up for the Street Stocks will be 2005 points runner-up Alan Schlenker with Mike Quinn alongside. The Pro4 Late Models will see Barry Christman, Jr., and TJ Gursky, who was last year’s Factory Stock champ, lead the brigade to starter Dick Brown’s race commencing green.

In the Factory Stocks it will be Randy Ahner, Jr. and Brian Hughes while the 4-Cylinder stocks have Jeff Bartron and Jon Smith in charge.

For more information please check the official Mahoning Valley Speedway website at www.mahoningspeedway.com. You can also call the speedway office at 610-398-4923.

UPCOMING: 4-8-06, 6:00 pm, Opening Day All Classes, Modified Frost Free 100, $3000 to Win

Winner’s Classic Earns Lou Strohl 30th Career Victory; Pole Runs Set Opening Night Front Rows

(Lehighton, PA 4-1-06) Mahoning Valley Speedway got the 2006 racing season underway Saturday afternoon with their well-attended Pole Day. A touch of excitement was then added with the first ever Winner’s Classic which was a $1,000 winner-take-all, 25-lap shootout open to all 2005 Modified feature winners.

In that race, Palmerton’s Lou Strohl used the luck of the draw to gain his 30th career win. Starting from the pole, Strohl easily led every lap and in taking the victory becomes the first driver in track history to reach the 30-win plateau in any one division.

Seventeen drivers where eligible to compete in the Winner’s Classic, however, only eight made the call and in a show of camaraderie during the pre-race drivers meeting, it was unanimously agreed to let 2005 champion Roger Heffelfinger, Jr., into the event. Heffelfinger won the title without the luxury of a feature win.

Even though Strohl had the top spot, it really was no contest as he clearly was the car to beat. Over the first half of the caution free event there was some challenging coming from Don Wagner, however, he fell back a bit near the midway point which gave way for Pete Brittain and Glen Correll to move up.

That pair dueled with each other but could never get close enough to mount a challenge with Strohl who with no trouble cruised to the unprecedented win.

“This is great. It helps to start on the pole but the car was awesome,” said Strohl who now has the record for most consecutive winning seasons at 13.

“We did a lot of changes after time trials because the car wasn’t right so it worked out good. This is just so special to be able to win 30 races. This is a great way to prepare for next week.”

In referring to ‘next week,’ Strohl was relating to the Modified Frost Free 100 on Opening Night, April 8. That race will be a 100-lap, $3,000 to win main for the Modifieds. All other track classes will be in action as well.

Time Trails set the front rows for all respective divisions and when the Modifieds head for the green flag in the Frost Free 100, it will be Wagner (Dover, NJ) leading the pack thanks to his quick time of 10.078. Joining him on the front row will be Correll who recorded a 10.099.

In Late Models a pair of former division champs will share the lead spots. Paul Kohler, Jr., (Northampton) clocked a 10.700, just enough to edge Todd Stehle who had a 10.730.

Last year’s Street Stock point’s runner-up Alan Schlenker (Lehighton) took top honors with an 11.966, the only driver who was able to dip under the 12-second mark. Mike Quinn will be on the outside of row one thanks to his 12.019.

Barry Christman, Jr., (Lehighton) who raced only four times last year in the Pro4 Late Models, was a bit of a surprise in taking the pole with an 11.699 while 2005 Factory Stock champ TJ Gursky had an impressive debut with the class by timing second fast with an 11.715.

Randy Ahner, Sr., (Lehighton) hopes to win his career first Factory Stock feature and he now has an edge as he captured the pole with a 12.427. Brian Hughes will start second at 12.449.

The 4-Cylinder main will be led to the green by the always fast Jeff Bartron (Coopersburg) who stopped the clock at 12.307. ’05 point runner-up Jon Smith was very close at 12.455.

The April 8 Opening Night will see grandstand and pit gates open at 4:00 pm. The first heat will take place at 6:00.

For more information please check the official Mahoning Valley Speedway website at www.mahoningspeedway.com. You can also call the speedway office at 610-398-4923.

RESULTS:
Modified Winner’s Classic (25): 1. Lou Strohl 2.Pete Brittain 3.Glen Correll 4.Don Wagner 5.Scott Lesher 6.Kory Rabenold 7.John Bennett 8.Roger Heffelfinger, Jr. 9.Rod Snyder, Jr.

Time Trials:

Modifieds: 1.Don Wagner 10.078 2.Glen Correll 10.099 3.Dave Correll 10.220 3.Roger Heffelfinger, Jr. 10.258 4.John Bennett 10.270 5.Lou Strohl 10.276 6.Kory Rabenold 10.294 7.Rod Snyder, Jr. 10.378 8.Pete Brittain 10.393 9.John Markovic 10.409 11.Wes Swartout 10.418 12.Rusty Smith 10.444 13.Scott Lesher 10.537 14.Gary Wentz 10.589 15.Tom Flanagan 10.619 16.Earl Paulus 10.822 17.Amanda Sesely 10.901 Matt Clemens, Bill Chandler, NT

Late Models : 1.Paul Kohler, Jr. 10.700 2.Todd Stehle 10.730 3.Rick Wallace 10.755 4.Jpoe Kehrli 10.784 5.Tony Volpe 10.902 6.Tony Zastko 10.922 7.Mike Radocha, Jr. 10.983 8.Mike Sweeney 10.997 9.Lorin Arthofer II 11.100 10.Todd Geist 11.108 12.Troy Bollinger 11.181 12.Francis Gross III 11.195

Street Stocks : 1.Alan Schlenker 11.966 2.Mike Quinn 12.019 3.Shawn Sitarchyk 12.037 4.Jay Llewellyn 12.077 5.Dave Laubauch 12.089 6.Bill Hunara 12.115 7.Todd Ahner 12.137 8.Lonnie Behler 12.191 9.Josh Scherer 12.201 10.Stephen Steigerwalt 12.238 11.Mark Dysher 12.273 12.Joe Mooney 12.293 13.Randy Ahner, Jr. 12.300 14.Todd Geist 12.313 15.Chip Wanamaker 12.353 16.Jamie Smith 12.458 17.Justin Mooney 12.517 Dennis Buss NT

Pro4 Late Models :1.Barry Christman, Jr. 11.699 2.TJ Gursky 11.715 3.Randy Schlenker 11.757 4.Jeremy Miller 11.784 5.Kevin Rex, Jr. 11.793 6.Kevin Graver, Sr. 11.799 7.Todd Baer 11.803 8.Chris Kuronya 11.821 9.Bill Rooney 11.853 10.Jeff Delong 11.879 11.Franke Althouse 11.895 12.Dennis Silfies 12.611 13.TJ Kemmerer NT

Factory Stocks : 1.Randy Ahner, Sr. 12.427 2.Brian Hughes 12.449 3.Justin Steigerwalt 12.463 4.Doug Knauss 12.617 5.Duane Eidem 12.747 6.Jason Frey 121.808 7.Keith Knappenberger 12.833 8.Ross Gursky 12.873 9.Shayne Geist 13.460

4-Cylinders : 1.Jeff Bartron 12.307 2.Jon Smith 12.455 3.Jason Zastko 12.744 4.Louis Szoke 12.752 5.Mike Garris, Jr. 12.883 6.Caset Creyer 13.147 7.Brandon Meckes 13.296 8.Steve Longacre 13.540 9.Dave Freundt 13.789 10.Adam Kratzer 13.801 11.Scooter Graver 13.898 12.Devin Gibson 14.022 13.Charles Biegley 14.143 14.Kevin Behler 14.402 Jake Kibler NT

UPCOMING: 4-1-06, 3:30 pm, Pole Day + 2005 Winners Classic
4-8-06, 6:00 pm, Opening Day All Classes, Modified Frost Free 100-$3000 to Win

Mahoning Valley Speedway Pole Day/Mod Winner’s Classic Set for April 1

(Lehighton, PA 3-26-06) Mahoning Valley Speedway was successful in getting in all three scheduled practice days including this past Saturday, March 25. The focus now turns to the real deal as the 2006 season is about to get under way.
This coming Saturday, April 1, will be Pole Day and the 2005 Winners Classic. Pit gates will open at 10:00 am with on track activities slated for noon. From 12:00 until 3:00 pm there will be open practice for all classes. Then at 3:30 time trial will commence.
Grandstand admission is bargain priced at $5.00 for adults, $1.00 for kids 6-11 and under 6 are free.
The trials will be used to lock in the two fastest cars in their respective divisions which include the Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks.
The next four quick timers will also be rewarded come Opening Night, April 8, as they will be given the top spots in their respective heat races for the ’06 lid lifter.
After time trials have been run a new and unique event will then take place. The 2005 Modified Winners Classic, a 25-lap, $1,000 winner take all feature race exclusively for last year’s winners of Modified feature races.
The Winners Classic can be looked upon as a somewhat ‘extended’ or ‘exclusive’ practice session for the elite drivers who were lucky enough to grace Mahoning’s Victory Lane in 2005, only in this case there is an added bonus in the form of a cool $1,000.
And what an impressive group it is that will be vying for the cash and bragging rights as a record 17 different drivers won Modified main events last year.
Included in the star-studded line-up are Rick Kirkendall and Lou Strohl who each had three wins apiece, two-time winner Glen Correll, and single event victors John Bennett, Scott Lesher, Brian Labar, Eric Kocher, Brian DeFebo, CJ Jones, Rod Snyder, Jr., Don Wagner, Bobby Jones, Pete Britain, Tyler Haydt, Zane Zeiner, Eric Beers, and Kory Rabenold.
Time trials are always a distinctive event in itself as drivers are given the chance to test the limits of speed at this demanding ¼-mile momentum bowl and now this exciting new event is a perfect way to accentuate the start of the new season.
It’s worthwhile admission for the fans and a final opportunity for drivers to prepare for Opening Night.
The Winners Classic is also important to those drivers in the sense that they can use the added track time to dial their mounts in for the following week’s Frost Free 100.
The highlight Opening Night feature race will be a 100-lap trek for the headline Modifieds with a very rewarding $3000 first place prize pay-off.
All other track classes will be in action as well on Opening Night which marks the first of 25-point paying 2006 races.
For more information please check the official Mahoning Valley Speedway website at www.mahoningspeedway.com. You can also call the speedway office at 610-398-4923.

UPCOMING: Open Practice, March 18, 25

Mahoning Valley Speedway Practice Continues; Pole Day/Mod Winner’s Classic Set for April 1

(Lehighton, PA 3-11-06) Mahoning Valley Speedway held the first of three scheduled open practice days during a sun-slashed Saturday afternoon.
March 18 and 25 are the remaining free to the public dates which lead up to the first official day of racing with Pole Day and the 2005 Modified Winner’s Classic on April 1 starting at 3:30.
Taking advantage of the day where a handful of teams from all regular track divisions which included Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks. Also on hand where a Legends cars and 600cc Modifieds.
All teams are encouraged to take part in the remaining dates. Practice runs from noon until 4:00 pm.
If three days of practice isn’t enough, prior to the start of time trials on Pole Day, there will be a three hour practice session from noon until 3:00.
Pole Day will be conducted thereafter for all track classes which will go through two timed laps. The fastest pair in each class will be awarded front row starting spots for the following week’s Opening Night feature races.
After the top two are locked in the next four fastest timers will get front row starting spots in their respective class heats for the April 8, 2006 lid-lifter.
After the speed runs are concluded the 2005 Modified Winner’s Classic will be held, a special $1000 take-all 25-lap feature open to all Modified race winners from last season which saw a record setting 17 different winners.
Cost of admission for Pole Day and 2005 Modified Winner’s Classic will be $5.00 for adults and $1.00 for kids 6-1. Under 6 are free.
Opening Night will feature the Modified Frost-Free 100, with $3000 going to the winner of the 100-lap season opener for the headline Modifieds. This will mark the highest ever paid first place prize money to a season opener Modified winner in track history.
All other regular classes will be in action as this will mark the first of 25 point races at the Lehighton paved ¼-mile.
Gates open at 4:00 p.m. on Opening Night with heats starting at 6:00 p.m.
For more information please check the official Mahoning Valley Speedway website at www.mahoningspeedway.com. You can also call the speedway office at 610-398-4923.

UPCOMING: Open Practice, March 11, 18, 25

Mahoning Valley Speedway Practice Begins This Saturday

(Lehighton, PA 3-04-06) The time is at hand to begin preparing for the soon to be Opening Day 2006 at Mahoning Valley Speedway and that preparation comes in the form of practice days.
The paved ¼-mile Lehighton oval will conduct open practice over the next three Saturday afternoons. March 11, 18 and 25 from noon until 4:00 p.m. the track will be available to all race teams for test and tuning of their mounts.
As always this is a great opportunity for drivers to get geared up for the 2006 season which this year is going to be one of the most aggressive action slates every put together.
Saturday, April 1 will be Pole Day. Starting at noon and running up until 3:00 pm there will be more open practice. Immediately following that session will be time trials for all regular track classes which include Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks.
All cars will run two timed laps with the fastest pair getting guaranteed front row births on Opening Night.
After the top two are locked in the next four fastest timers will get front row starting spots in their respective class heats on Opening Night, April 8, one week later.
As an added bonus on Pole Day there will be a special $1000 take-all 25-lap Modified Winners Classic. The race will be open to all 2005 race winners and with last year being a record setting season of 17 different winners it should be a great way to get the action rolling.
Cost of admission for Pole Day will be $5.00 for adults and $1.00 for kids 6-11. Under 6 are free.
Pole Day should turn out to be very significant for the Modifieds racers as the Opening Night will feature the Modified Frost-Free 100, with a hefty $3000 going to the winner. This will mark the highest ever paid first place prize money to a season opener Modified winner in track history.
All other regular classes will be in action as well.
Gates open at 4:00 p.m. on Opening Day with heats starting at 6:00 p.m.
For more information please check the official Mahoning Valley Speedway website at www.mahoningspeedway.com. You can also call the speedway office at 610-398-4923.

Big Modified Shows are Highlight of Aggressive Mahoning Valley Speedway 2006 Schedule

(Lehighton, PA 2-17-06) The 2006 schedule of events for Mahoning Valley Speedway is now set and judging by the line-up of shows slated for the paved ¼-mile Lehighton oval it unquestionably stands to be one of the best ever seasons for both fans and drivers.
Beginning on April 1 and continuing until the end of October, each Saturday night will be filled with plenty of excitement and fast paced action which is common place at Mahoning Valley.
After three practice days, which take place on March 11, 18 & 25, the real racing begins on Saturday, April 1 at 3:30 with Pole Day and the special 2005 Modified Winner’s Classic.
A week later the first of 25-point races goes green for all regular classes which include Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks.
Opening Night will be quite a kick-off as the Modifieds will be headlined in the Frost Free 100, a 100-lap main event with a hefty $3,000 going to the winner.
The Frost Free 100 is the first of several big races slated for the mod racers. There will be pair of 75-lap Sunoco Race of Champions Tour dates which are set for June 10 and August 19.
On July 18 there will be another 100-lapper as Hoffman Brothers Speed and Performance present Modified Madness.
Then on October 14, not only will it be the finale for all divisional point races, but one of the most unprecedented events ever held at Mahoning Valley will take place featuring a 200-lap Modified main attraction.
Never has there been such an event of this magnitude and although complete plans are still being worked out, there is no doubt the energy and anticipation that will be leading up to this historical extravaganza will make this a must-see on everyone’s 2006 race calendar.
Speaking of anticipated events the second appearance of dirt-styled Modifieds returns on September 30. Last year’s inaugural race was a smash hit, so much so that the ’06 edition will see and increase in laps from 50 to 125 and will be now known as the Leon Conklin 125 for Dirt Cars.
Of course it’s not all about the Modifieds when it comes to racing at Mahoning Valley as the speedway’s other classes will also be in the limelight with a number of special events.
The Late Models have a 75-lap feature on September 23.
Dedicated track sponsor C & D Landscaping is back in support of the Street Stocks with the September 2 C & D Landscaping Night that centers around a 100-lap run for the streeters.
Twin-15 lap feature races on select nights are also on tap for the Pro4’s, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinders.
Everyone is well aware that Mahoning Valley Speedway is, in a way, a continuation of the infamous Dorney Park Speedway and on the evening of May 27, it will be a night of remembrance with the Dorney Park Racing Reunion Night. Many of the former greats that competed at the popular 1/5-mile Allentown track are being invited to Mahoning on that night to reflect on a cherished by-gone era. Twin-25’s for the Modifieds are the highlight of the race night.
Mothers Day Mania, sponsored by Cruise One, is on May 13 and features Women on Wheels.
The Forth of July will be celebrated with Fireworks as part of the Stewart Sanitation Holiday Special Night on July 1.
Mahoning Valley Speedway is the official home of the National Old Timers Auto Racing Club museum and the heralded group will get various track nights throughout the year. Also returning to action will be the 4c Super Mods which have been invited back to race.
Although Saturday nights make up the brunt of the season calendar, a few Sunday’s will be used to host Demo Derby’s with the first being May 7.
There is also a single day event being staged for Slingshots, which will have a National event on Sunday, October 22 along with the 600cc Modifieds and Open Competition Legends Cars.
While this is just an inkling of what is gearing up to be a fulfilling year, it clearly stands there will be something distinctive on an every week basis.
For more information please check the official Mahoning Valley Speedway website at www.mahoningspeedway.com. You can also call the speedway office at 610-398-4923.

$3000 Up For Grabs in Mahoning Valley Modified Opener
By Dino Oberto

(Lehighton, PA 1-24-06) The finishing touches of the 2006 schedule of events at Mahoning Valley Speedway are just about complete with a few details remaining before the full agenda is released shortly.
The big news thus far will be the Modified Frost-Free 100 with $3000 going to the April 8 Opening Night feature winner.
The racing season at the Lehighton paved ¼-mile will get underway starting in March with three open practice days and then the official racing will go green beginning April 1 and run through October.
“We have been working hard to put together what we feel is a very good schedule for our fans and drivers,” said promoter Doug Hoffman. “There’s going to be some very exciting things happening this year at the track. We’ve already increased the pay-offs for the Modifieds and Late Models. We have some new sponsors coming in also. We want to make sure out guests will have an enjoyable time and we’re sure the 2006 schedule will provide plenty of that.”
Practice days for all divisions will take place on March 11, 18 & 25 from noon until 4:00 p.m. All practice days will be free grandstand admission.
Opening Night is slated for April 8 with a 6:00 p.m. starting time. However, the week prior it will be Pole Day which will determine the front row starters for the season lid-lifter.
Saturday, April 1 is Pole Day. From noon until 3:00 p.m. there will be open practice and then time trials will take place at 3:30 for all regular track classes which include the Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks.
All cars will run two timed laps with the fasted pair getting guaranteed front row births on Opening Night.
After the top two are locked in the next four fastest timers will get front row starting spots in their respective class heats on Opening Night.
As an added bonus on Pole Day there will be a special $1000 take-all 25-lap Modified Winners Classic. The race will be open to all 2005 race winners and with last year being a record setting season of 17 different winners it should be a great way to get the action rolling.
Cost of admission for Pole Day will be $5.00 for adults and $1.00 for kids 6-11. Under 6 are free.
Pole Day should turn out to be very significant for the Modifieds contingent as the Opening Night will feature the Modified Frost-Free 100, with a hefty $3000 going to the winner. This will mark the highest ever paid first place prize money to a season opener Modified winner in track history.
“We think this is a great way to start things off,” said Hoffman. “There’s some good incentive to run on Pole Day for our Modified teams and the Frost-Free 100 is something we’ve been planning since the season ended last year.
“We’re very proud of the Modified racers at Mahoning well as all our divisions and we want to start things off with a bang and this should certainly do the trick.”
The complete 2006 schedule of events will be forthcoming in short order.
A reminder that Winter Jam will be held on Friday evening, February 17 at the Blue Monkey Sports Bar located on Howertown Road in North Catasauqua for “Winter Jam 2006.”
The Blue Monkey is the latest track sponsor of Mahoning Valley Speedway.
Winter Jam begins at 5:00 p.m. and runs until 9:00. It’s a great chance to mingle with familiar faces and meet new ones in preparation for the start of the 2006 racing season. Throughout the evening officials of the track will be on hand to discuss the upcoming year. Schedules will be handed out as well as division rules for all classes of cars that will be racing on a weekly basis.
Drivers and crews are encouraged to take this opportunity to purchase their new pit licenses and pit spots.
Pit licenses obtained prior to April 1 are $80. From thereafter the price is $100. Pit spots are $100 and teams do have the first right to buy their old spot but after the Winter Jam those spots will go up for sale.
For more information please check the official Mahoning Valley Speedway website at www.mahoningspeedway.com. You can also call the speedway office at 610-398-4923.

New Mahoning Valley Speedway Sponsor to Host Winter Jam
By Dino Oberto

(Lehighton, PA 1-19-06) Mahoning Valley Speedway is inviting all fans, drivers and teams to come out on Friday evening, February 17 at the Blue Monkey Sports Bar located on Howertown Road in North Catasauqua for “Winter Jam 2006.”
The Blue Monkey is the latest track sponsor of the paved Lehighton ¼-mile.
Winter Jam begins at 5:00 p.m. and runs until 9:00. It’s a great chance to mingle with familiar faces and meet new ones in preparation for the start of the 2006 racing season. Of course there will be great food as well as the Blue Monkey offers a very appetizing menu.
Throughout the evening officials of Mahoning Valley Speedway will be on hand to discuss the upcoming year. 2006 season schedules will be handed out and there will also be available division rules for all classes of cars that will be racing on a weekly basis.
Drivers and crews are encouraged to take this opportunity to purchase their new pit licenses and pit spots.
Pit licenses obtained prior to April 1 are $80. From thereafter the price is $100. Pit spots are $100 and teams do have the first right to buy their old spot but after the Winter Jam those spots will go up for sale.
For more information please check the official Mahoning Valley Speedway website at www.mahoningspeedway.com.  You can also call the speedway office at 610-398-4923.
For information on the Blue Monkey please visit there website at www.bluemonkeysports.com or call them at 610-266-1550.

Mahoning Valley Speedway Champions Officially Crowned at Awards Banquet
By Dino Oberto

(Jim Thorpe, PA 12-10-05) With Memorial in Jim Thorpe as the setting, the 2005 racing season at Mahoning Valley Speedway was officially capped off as divisional champions, drivers, teams, sponsors, fans and track officials gathered in celebration at the annual Awards Banquet.
Mahoning chief Doug Hoffman began the affair by thanking everyone for their support in making 2005 a successful season and noted that much better things are in the works next year and beyond for the continuation of keeping the track a leader in short track racing not only among the region by nation-wide.
Heading up the list of champions was seasoned veteran Roger Heffelfinger, Jr., who took top honors in the headline Modified division. Racing full time at the Lehighton paved ¼-mile for the first time since 1987, it was his initial title here and third of his stellar career.
2005 will undoubtedly go down as one of the most competitive in track history. It was one of the closest point battles ever as six drivers all had a shot of winning the championship going into the final event. Along with that there was a record 18 different winners in this years Modified division. Amazingly Heffelfinger was not among that group, he did, however, lead the way with 11 top fives, the only driver to notch double digits in that category which turned out to be the key in his winning this year’s crown.
Heffelfinger joins his famous racing dad, Roger, Sr., as father and son Mahoning champs as the elder won the championship back in 1972.
In another hotly contested point showdown, Mike Radocha, Jr., emerged as Late Model champion, edging out Mike Sweeney and outgoing titlist Paul Kohler, Jr.
It was Radocha’s first time at taking number one in points. His title run included five feature wins and a division leading 15-top fives and 20-top tens
Popular Lonnie Behler repeated as Street Stock champ. After taking the point lead with his Opening Night win, Behler never looked back and remained number one in the standings throughout season. Mahoning’s overall leading feature winner, Behler had four first places which pushed his career win total to 37.
In the Pro-4 Late Model class it was Randy Schlenker just barely holding off Todd Baer. Both drivers faced off with an intense year-long battle as nearly each week they were swapping the top spot. Schlenker’s 18-top fives, which was two better than Baer, became the factor. This marked the second career Mahoning title for Schlenker who also has a pair of Street Stock crowns
TJ Gursky was the class of the Factory Stocks as the talented driver picked up five wins, finished every race in the top ten and lead the points starting with day one. It was the third time that Gursky was honored as the top point-man with the class, with previous titles coming in ’02 and ’03.
The 4-Cylinder division was new for 2005 and becoming the first ever champion was second generation star Mike Garris, Jr. Garris, who last year was the Small Car Enduro champ. He had a class-leading six event wins which was also complimented by his run of 18-top fives in 20 starts.
Brian Kunkle was honored as the Small Car Enduro titlist.
A number of special awards were handed out including Rookie of the Year which went to John Bennett, Joe Kehrli, Randy Ahner, Jr., Nolan Fry, Scott Hauser and Josh Scherer in the Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro-4’s, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinders respectively.
Best Appearing Car honorees were Kory Rabenold, Modifieds, Mike Sweeney, Late Models, Alan Schlenker, Street Stocks, Todd Baer, Pro-4’s, Chub Steigerwalt, Factory Stocks and Josh Scherer in 4-Cylinders.
Rick Kirkendall was recognized with the Most Laps Led Award. He led a total of 110 feature circuits this season. He also took acclaim as the Most Improved Driver and Fast Time Awards with the Modifieds.
Other Most Improved awards went to Sweeny (Late Model), Shawn Sitarchyk (Street Stocks), Frankie Althouse (Pro-4) and Duane Eidem (Factory Stock).
Sitarchyk, Hauser, Corey Hill (Pro-4) and Ross Gursky (4-Cylinder) claimed Fast Time trophies. All of the aforementioned set new track speed records.
The Hard Charger award was received by mod champ Heffelfinger, Lorin Arthofer II in Late Models, Street Stock champion Behler, Pro-4 runner-up Baer, top point getter in Factory Stocks Gursky and likewise Garris in the 4-Cylinders.
“Hollywood” Todd Geist received the Hard Luck Award.
On hand from the Checkered Flag Fan Club were Jason Geisinger and Kelly Kunkle who presented infield flagman Arland Moyer, Sr., with the CFFC Fan Appreciation Award.
Chip Wanamaker of C & D Landscaping and driver of the #44c Street Stock, was the recipient of the Sportsmanship Award. Also Brodheadsville Chevrolet was given a plague in appreciation for their season-long support in providing Mahoning Valley with the official Pace Car.
All ladies associated with the division champions were presented with special gifts.
Track champions received embroidered jackets from Hoosier Racing Tires and the speedway. The top ten in points among all classes each collected trophies and point fund money while those who finished in positions 11-15 were given plagues.

Copyright © 1998-2006 by South Jersey Dirt Racing/ToddJ All Rights Reserved.  Born on date April 21, 1998