SJDR - Mountain Speedway Race Results

Mountain Speedway
Race Results
www.mountainspeedway.com

www.neetstour.net

09/18/06

Upcoming regular events:
Sunday, September 17th : Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Thrillers and 4 Cyl. Thrillers

Surman and Defebo Shine in Mountain Modified Wins

St. Johns, PA- A rained out modified feature event from last month, along with the 77-lap Mark Corbisero memorial street stock race, plus the regular Sunday show for all regular divisions helped give the fans at Mountain Speedway plenty of action for their money. When darkness fell and it was all said and done, Chaz Surman found victory lane for the first time in a modified and Brian Defebo claimed his third modified victory of the season. Norman Barnes grabbed the checkers after post race inspection in the street stock memorial event. Joe Hoffman won his second straight late model main event, Bill Price, Jr. crossed the strip first in the thrillers and Harry Sager won another four-cylinder thriller show.
The first of two modified features hit the speedway in the afternoon. The first was a make up race, which was rained out back on August 19th. Chaz Surman (Center Valley, PA) took the top spot from pole sitter, Chip Wanamaker after two laps were complete. However, it wasn’t an easy affair for the modified rookie at the speedway, as he held off the current division point leader, Eddie Brunnhoelzl for the win. Andy Walko, Tommy Flanagan and Chris Whitenight completed the top five in the 30-lap event. “This is well overdue”, exclaimed Surman after exiting his car in victory lane.
The Second Balliet’s Country Corners 30-lapper for the modifieds was a war of attrition. Brian Defebo started on the pole and held off Donny Hartzell alp after lap. Due to time constrains, along with ten cautions during the event, the race was called by track officials after 26-laps. Defebo (Berwick, PA) was leading at that point and awarded the win, which makes him the first driver in the division to win three features this season. Hartzell finished second with Tim Santee, Tommy Flanagan and Andy Walko rounding out the top five. “It’s great to be the first to win three (races) this season. That’s what we set out to do week in and week out (win)”, said Defebo in victory lane. “We’re not running for points, but we’re in the top five here and also in the top ten at Mahoning” he said.
Sitting third in the late model points standing, Joe Hoffman was looking for a break as he headed into the 25-lap feature. From the ninth starting spot, Hoffman worked into fourth behind Tommy Flanagan, Mike Coll and Joe Barbush. Hoffman picked up third when Coll retired from the event twelve laps in. While racing for the lead after the restart, Barbush got into Flanagan and both drivers had to restart from the rear of the field. Hoffman (Drums, PA) assumed command and drove off to his fifth feature win of the season over Joe Brown, Mike Radocha, Tommy Flanagan and Dave Luff.
The “Cook’s Touch” Mark Corbisero 77-lap Memorial street stock event hit the stage with Rich Dimarco, John Moser and Todd Ahner leading laps. First Dimarco slipped back after starting on the pole. Next, Ahner encountered problems on his machine after stealing the lead from Jon Moser. In the meantime, Moser was pursued by Stormin’ Norman Barnes for the top spot and finished by crossing the stripe first. Later, during post race inspection, Moser was disqualified, which awarded Barnes with the $777 to win prize, as well as sponsored lap money. Ron Frees finished second and Frank Reakes, Jim Yamelski and John Stonier completed the top five.
Bill Price, Jr. (Luzerne, PA) Started from the pole in the 20-lap thriller feature and held off Kevin Makarewicz in the nail biting victory. Ricky Ross, Jr. finished third, with Howie Bott and Josh Oswald completing the top five.
From his fifth starting spot in the 20-lap four-cylinder thriller feature, Harry Sager (Hanover, PA) grabbed his eight win of the season over current division point leader, Joe Sherman. Bill Halstead, Nikki Wachs and Travis Fisher completed the top five.
The next Mountain Speedway event is Sunday, September 17th. On the card for the day are the modifieds, late models, street stocks, thrillers and four cylinder thrillers. All the action begins with heat racing action at 2 PM. For all up to date information at Mountain Speedway, please visit www.mountainspeedway.com.

Modifieds (30-lap make-up from 8/19) 1. CHAZ SURMAN 2. Eddie Brunnhoelzl 3. Andy Walko 4. Tommy Flanagan 5. Chris Whitenight 6. Tim Santee 7. Keith Bachman 8. Chip Wanamaker 9. Matt Higgins 10. Donny Hartzell 11. Tommy Wannick 12. Brian Defebo 13. Wayne Szerencsits 14. Dave Cranmer 15. Marissa Niederauer 16. Lou Strohl DNS: Lenny Fischer, Ryan Russo, Wes Swartout, Geary Rinehimer

Modifieds (26-laps) 1. BRIAN DEFEBO 2. Donny Hartzell 3. Tim Santee 4. Tommy Flanagan 5. Andy Walko 6. Chaz Surman 7. Rusty Smith 8. Brian MacQueen 9. Barry Callavini 10/ Tommy Wannick 11. Larry Altholtz 12. Justin Bonsignore 13. Eddie Brunnhoelzl 14. Mike Bohn 15. Keith Bachman 16. Matt Higgins 17. Marissa Niederauer 18. Chris Whitenight 19. Wayne Szerencsits 20. Andy Szapacs 21. Roger Heffelfinger 22. Chip Wanamaker 23. Lou Strohl

Late Model (25-laps) 1. JOE HOFFMAN 2. Joe Brown 3. Mike Radocha 4. Tommy Flanagan 5. Dave Luff 6. Joe Barbush 7. Frank Katona 8. Beau Drobot 9. Frank Hughes 10. Mike Coll 11. Paul Monkoski 12. Larry Fisher

Mark Corbisero 77-lap Street Stock Memorial 1. NORMAN BARNES 2. Ron Frees 3. Frank Reakes 4. Jim Yamelski 5. John Stonier 6. Rick Koph 7. Gary VanOrden 8. Eric Danyluk 9. Todd Ahner 10. Jimmy White, Jr. 11. Glenn Heckman 12. Jon Hess 13. Rich Dimarco 14. Scott Meckes 15. Tony Turrano 16. Paul Frantz 17. Brian Sones 18. Elliot Wohl 19 Mike Odwazny 20. Josh Oswald 21. Ron Babula 22. Scott Strohl DQ: Jon Moser DNS: Rob Hyer, Brad Barbush, Brad Kline

Thriller (20-laps) 1. BILL PRICE, JR. 2. Kevin Makarewicz 3. Ricky Ross, Jr. 4. Howie Bott 5. Josh Oswald 6. Jeff Searfoss 7. Richard Petey 8. Randy Ahner, Jr. 9. Duane Eidem 10. Steve Shultz 11. Marissa Nelmes 12. Jeff Owler 13. Mike Moyer, Jr. 14. Rick Williams 15. Shawn Burd 16. Steve Taylor DNS: Tom Casagrande

4 Cyl. Thriller (20-laps) 1. HARRY SAGER 2. Joe Sherman 3. Bill Halstead 4. Nikki Wachs 5. Travis Fisher 6. Joe Heintzelman 7. Bob Wink 8. Coltin Judge 9. Bobby Coco 10. George Antolick DNS: Kyle Heckman

Jentile, Fisher and Cozza Grab Monday’s NEETS Enduro Honors

St. Johns, Pa- Joe Jentile came into Monday’s ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Cars Series event with a record eleven wins since the inception of the series. That changed to twelve when Jentile went on to take the checkers in the 100-lap contest for the Cascioli Roofing 6/8-cylinder division. Late model sensation, Larry Fisher, cruised to the win in the 100-lap Steel Seal 4 cylinder division, and John Cozza beat Rob McCormick by a bumper in the NEETS Custom Classic TRUX 50-lap event.
From the pole position, Ray Rothfuss led thirty-nine well-prepared Cascioli Roofing six and eight cylinder enduro machines to the green flag for the 100-lap contest. Rothfuss immediately plunged out front, but with only seven laps into the event, Richard Petey took control. Tim Pauch, who headed into the event as the series points leader followed in third.
With thirteen laps in the books, Pauch made the pass for the top spot on Petey, but Petey grabbed the lead back four circuits later. At this point, Shawn Gallucci grabbed third with Rothfuss and Joe Kmetz completing the top five.
Problems struck Pauch with forty laps into the event when he lost a wheel from his machine. Although he headed to the pits, his day came to an early end. Only one lap later, Joe Jentile, who started nearly last, caught and passed Petey for the lead. The two drivers swapped the top spot a few times before Petey settled into second.
With only two drivers finishing on the lead lap in the red flag free event, Jentile (Bedminster, PA) cruised to his twelfth NEETS win over Petey, Steve Haegele, Gallucci and Bob Wink.
A total of fifty-seven Steel Seal four cylinders took to the speedway for 100-laps of enduro action. “Fluffy” White started on the pole and set the early pace until the red flag flew with three laps in when Kayla Kovach spun off of turn two. Once her car came to a stop, Scott Rhodes, who had nowhere to go, drilled her from behind. After exiting her vehicle, Kovach was taken to a nearby hospital by the Butler Township Ambulance for evaluation.
The race restarted with Fisher taking command. Steve Wilson tucked into second, with Harry Sager running third. Shortly after a lap eighteen red flag, Wilson caught and passed Fisher for the top spot on lap twenty-thee. Then Sager took control of the event only three circuits later. At times Sager held a strong lead over Fisher, Wilson, Shawn Wanat and Robin Vollmoeller, but little by little Fisher began reeling the leader back in. Trouble struck Wilson on lap forty-four when he made hard contact with the retaining wall in turns three and four.
Fisher caught and passed Sager with fifty-nine laps in the books. Second place, Sager, began to drop positions and took his vehicle to the pits shortly after. At this point in the event, division point’s leader, Joe Grocholski, battled with Bob Hagar for second. After overtaking Hager, Grocholski set his sights on Fisher.
Fisher (Fern Glen, PA) stayed out of trouble over the closing laps and went on to win his second NEETS enduro event of the season over Grocholski, Matt Guida, Bob Haeger and Robin Vollmoeller. All five drivers finished on the lead lap.
With Randy Parsons at the point, a total of twenty-one Custom Classic NEETS TRUX hit the speedway for a fifty-lap truck enduro. Before a single lap was complete, Rob McCormick took command and began top pull away from the field.
With only four laps in the books, John Cozza grabbed the lead. Meanwhile, Harry Sager began to put the pressure on McCormick for second. By mid race, all three trucks began to distance themselves from Terry Stiles and James Batalano.
With only a handful of laps remaining, Cozza caught McCormick and began to apply pressure. The two were side-by-side as they approached a lapped truck in turn four on the final lap. McCormick and the lapped truck of Katona got together as Cozza tried to squeeze by. When it was all said and done, Cozza (Medford, NY) was awarded the win over McCormick.
The NEETS charity of choice for the event was the Jerry Lewis Foundation. One Dollar from each general admission will be donated to the cause.
The next ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series event is the “Fem-DURO”, which is a non-points, female/male tag team enduro. The date’s set for Saturday, September 30th. On the card for the day are the Cascioli Roofing 6/8 cylinders, along with the Steel Seal four cylinders and also two special “Over 50/50” enduro for drivers who are at least 50 years old will be run. All the action will begin at 2 PM. Grandstand admission pricing is $7 for ages seven and older. Children six and younger are admitted for free. The NEETS charity of choice will be announced at a later date. For all information regarding the NEETS series, please visit their website at www.neetstour.net.

Cascioli Roofing 6/8 Cylinders 100-laps)
1 Joe Jentile
2 Richard Petey
3 Steve Haegele
4 Shawn Gallucci
5 Bob Wink
6 Mark Spencer
7 Jeff Walls
8 Ray Rothfuss
9 Kory Stevens
10 Jim White
11 TJ Kapish
12 Steve Tito
13 Phil Lamonaco
14 Bob Kulik
15 Joe Kmetz
16 Robert Wohlgemuth
17 Joe Helberg
18 Mike Skelly
19 Donny Oliver
20 Terry Nansteel
21 Mark Paine
22 TJ Stevens
23 Nick Shaw
24 Mike Parisi
25 Ron Pierson
26 Robin Schweire
27 Jack Levix
28 Charles McKeown
29 Frank Gallucci
30 Cory Student
31 John Mondelli
32 Tim Pauch
33 Chris Arner
34 John Butz Jr
35 Randy Parsons
36 Aaron Miller
37 Jimmy White
38 Frank Petroski Jr
39 Jon Carl

Steel Seal 4 Cylinders (100-laps)
1 Larry Fisher
2 Joe Grocholski
3 Matt Guida
4 Bob Haeger
5 Robin Vollmoeller
6 Mark Hammer
7 Bobby Coco
8 Duane Garrison
9 Joe Sherman
10 Denise Siegel
11 Dave Bentley Jr
12 Bob Darde
13 Brad Vollmoeller
14 Maurice Ott
15 Nikki Wachs
16 Art Kullik
17 Chris Conrad
18 Rob Longo
19 Mike Dunn
20 Ryan Nelson
21 Kenny Wallace
22 Brandon Brown
23 David Bartuski
24 Sig Albarran
25 Bryan Creyer
26 Cory Student
27 Ted Luff
28 Steve Petry
29 Fluffy White
30 Ken Cornell
31 Gwen Sakowski
32 Jack McElrath
33 Jen White
34 Harry Sager
35 Mark Neberdosky
36 Steven Sapp
37 Gary Walls
38 Mike Ventura
39 Ryan Rispoli
40 John Saccomandi
41 Tony Rispin
42 Greg Kopin
43 Larry Spencer
44 Brandon Guyer
45 Bob Belcher
46 Shawn Wanat
47 Steve Wilson
48 Will Yeski
49 Gabe Horvath
50 Chris Seigel
51 Bill Price Jr
52 Eddy Kudrako
53 Joey White
54 Jimmy White
55 Arthur Allen
56 Kayla Kovach
57 Scott Rhodes

Custom Classic TRUX Top 10 Finishers (50-laps)
1 John Cozza
2 Rob McCormick
3 Harry Sager
4 Bobby Pease
5 James Batalano
6 Terry Stiles
7 Frank Katona
8 Shawn Wanat
9 Richard Petey
10 Anthony Vecchio

Chris Whitenight Earning Respect as a Modified Rookie in Area Asphalt Racing

Back in 2003, Chris Whitenight took to the pavement at Mountain Speedway near Drums with a dream to pick up a feature win and follow in the footsteps of his dad, Dave Whitenight, owner of Whitenight Auto Body in Berwick. The young Whitenight first turned hot laps in 2003 and never turned back.
Starting at 13 years of age, Whitenight competed at Evansville Raceway, a local motocross track. “I got hurt in my second season and my dad pretty much told me, that’s it for this. If you wanna race, then it’s either a stock car or nothing, so I started doing this, he said. “I liked the motocross more at first, but over time, the oval track racing grew on me and now I think it’s definitely better for me”.
Only a high school freshman at the time, Whitenight took to the pro stock division at Mountain Speedway, which was at the same track his father, recorded his first and last feature win back in June of 2001. The elder Whitenight said that at the time the division was a good starting point for any racer who wanted to eventually move up in the racing ranks. Although the rookie didn’t win a feature, he finished the season 10th in the point standings and realized that there was more to racing than just driving itself. “There’s a lot of work that goes into these cars way beyond just at the track”, noted Whitenight.
For Whitenight, the following season was a little different when it came to racing. The team only ran a handful of shows in the same division, and finished off the year in the top 20 in the points. Later the same season it was announced that the track would terminate the division after the season, so Dave and Chris decided to put a late model together for the following year.
The year 2005 was an up and down season for the young talented rookie in the late model ranks. Again, without a win, Whitenight started to give up hopes of victory, but did finish off the season with a career-best finish in the points with a 9th place effort, in which he missed a number of outings along the way.
The tables have turned for Whitenight this season, as he jumped from his full-bodied late model to a ’06 full-blown open wheel Raceworks modified equipped with a Denny Fisher power plant from Mooresville, NC. The track modifieds are very similar to the current NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour vehicles. Whitenight said he was nervous, yet excited about his new endeavor. “We had problems the first week out and I missed the show”. “It wasn’t disappointing because we knew that it was a problem on the car and when we got home we noticed that it had a broken shock. Regardless, I was nervous with the competition with the modified here”, He noted, as he talked about the chance to run in the fan favorite division.
After missing opening day, Whitenight also failed to qualify the following week. While most teams would drop their heads, Whitenight set focus on trying to pull out success for the year. With help from his father, along with help former local open wheel aces, Chuck Schartzer and Mike Adams, Whitenight jumped on the right path: success. Whitenight qualified for his first modified feature during the third race of the season and after finishing an impressive fourth, he topped that feat the following week with a second place effort.
The strong finishes were no fluke on June 10th, when Whitenight became the first rookie to score a modified victory in a number of years. The day after graduation with honors from Berwick Area High School, Whitenight had finally found victory lane, nevertheless, in the areas most competitive division. “We couldn’t believe it. Our goal at the beginning of the season was just to be competitive. That’s changed a bit. Now we want to win more races”, he said. While still feeling the effects from the first victory, Whitenight followed up the same feat later in the season with another feature win, which moved him 7th in the point standings out of the forty-three drivers on the modified roster. At that point he had six top ten finishes in only nine starts.
“The biggest transition from full-bodied stock cars to the open wheel modified was the feeling of the car. They’re kind of touchy, compared to the late model or pro stock. Not necessarily the easiest thing to drive, because you always have to be on your toes. But, I like it better because you can see easier and see the wheels and what’s in front of you”, he said. He continued by saying, “I feel as though I’m starting to earn respect from my competitors since that first win”.
However, his original goal at the start of the season was quite simple: to qualify for features, take care of the equipment and have decent outings. That has since changed. “I just want to go out and do my best. It would be great to win a few more this year”, he said about his fantastic rookie season. When asked about competing against local hot shoe and also the three-time defending Mountain Speedway modified champion, Brian DeFebo from Berwick, Whitenight stated, “Brian’s great around this place. Honestly, I was a little nervous around him at first, just because of how good and fast he is here”. He said that his main goal for the season is still to run competitively and finish races.
Currently employed by his father’s auto body repair shop, Chris works roughly 50 hours per week on average, but has started college this month at the University of North Carolina, where he’ll major in mechanical engineering. He still plans to fly home on the weekend to compete in the modified division. “It’ll be tough and we’ll see how it all works out”, said Dave Whitenight.
Although racing doesn’t seem like his number one priority, Whitenight hasn’t counted out racing on the RoC (Race of Champions) in the future. “I think there’s a possibility we’ll try a few RoC shows next year and also race at Mountain”, he said about his future plans.
Whitenight wanted to give special mention to all of the folks who have helped him in one way or another over the course of the season. “I have to especially thank Chuck (Schartzer), Mike and Mitch Adams, along with Ross Bacher for everything they’ve done for us this year”.
Gene Ostrowski can be reached by email at gjtost@verizon.net.

Upcoming regular events:
Sunday, August 27th- “BIG DOG 100”- Rained out!! Will be rescheduled in part during “King of the Mountain” weekend in October.
Saturday, September 2nd with modifieds, street stocks, thrillers and 4 cyl. thrillers PLUS 4C super modifieds

Mountain Speedway Beats Mother Nature with Successful Saturday Night

St. Johns, Pa- After practically every feature was rained out last weekend at Mountain Speedway, this Saturday’s show moved along at a steady pace without any steady showers. Norman Barnes visited victory lane in the street stock make up feature from last weekend and Mike Rodriguez, Jr. claimed the checkers in the late model make up event. Regular night winners were Joe Hoffman in the late models, Paul Frantz in street stock, Steve Shultz in thriller and Harry Sager in the four cylinder thrillers.
The first of two make up features from the previous week were first on the card. The street stock feature began with four laps in the books, and with Jimmy White, Jr. in command over Ron Babula.
When the green flag waved, it was Babula, who took command over white. However, the caution flew on lap seven when Chip Wanamaker spun in turn three. Brad Barbush lined up alongside Babula for the restart and the two dueled side by side for the top spot. Barbush took command and led lap seven, as Paul Frantz moved to second.
Frantz tried to get inside of Barbush for the lead, and in doing so, the two touch and got hooked together for a second or two, which allowed Babula to retake the lead.
At the halfway point, it was still Babula in front over Norman Barnes, Scott Meckes, Brad Barbush and Paul Frantz, but a few more cautions slowed the event.
Barnes (Barryville, Ny), who is coming off a feature win from his last outing, got by Babula and took command with only three laps remaining. Babula came across the strip second, with Scott Meckes, Brad Barbush and Paul Frantz completing the top five. It was his second win of the season.
Next up was the 25-lap late model feature, which was rained out completely on August 19th. Tommy Flanagan started on the pole and led the first two circuits until Beau Drobot mad the pass for the lead stick. However, the caution flew on lap five when Mike Coll got into Flanagan as the two battled for position in turn three. Flanagan spun, then Joe Hoffman suffered a flat tire, which ended his hopes for victory.
When the race restarted, it was still Drobot in front, this time over Larry Fisher. Fisher made a bid for the lead and ran underneath Drobot in turn three. Drobot spun and both drivers were sent to the rear.
However, things got even more complex for Fisher. While stopped by the flag stand under yellow, Fisher was rear ended by Flanagan, who apparently didn’t see that Fisher was stopped. Both cars suffered major damage and retired from the night of racing.
The exchange moved Mike Rodriguez, Jr. to the top spot for the restart. The young driver continued out front for the closing laps to pick up his third victory of the season over Mike Coll, Mike Radocha, Beau Drobot and Joe Barbush.
From the pole position, Joe Brown led the late model field to the drop of the green flag for the 25-lap event. From the outside front row starting spot, Joe Hoffman shot into the lead before a single lap was in the books.
Hoffman continued to lead the race at halfway, which was caution free until that point. Joe Barbush trailed in second, with Brown third, Beau Drobot fourth and Mike Radocha rounded out the top five.
The second of two caution flags flew when Joey McMurtrie got into Mike Coll as the two battled in turns three and four. Coll was able to correct the car, but McMurtrie spun. Billy Pruitt was also collected.
Hoffman (Drums, Pa) distanced himself from Barbush after the restart and drove off with his fourth victory of the season. When asked about how he dominated the event, Hoffman replied by saying “It could have been two (wins) in a night, but we got a flat in the make up feature and couldn’t get back out in time”.
Mike Rodriguez, Jr. and Joe Hoffman were heat race winners.
Chip Wanamaker grabbed the race lead from pole sitter, Brian Sones at the start of the 20-lap street stock feature. Jimmy White attempted to drive under Sones for second on the following lap. As the two entered turn one, White made contact with Sones and he spun. Todd and Brad Barbush were also collected.
Richie Dimarco got into some liquid on the restart and spun as the field approached the green for the restart. Many drivers took evasive action, but Jennifer Kutz, Gary VanOrden and Norman Barnes all got a piece of the accident.
Frantz powered into second by mid race with White sliding back to fourth. Babula and point leader, Scott Meckes rounded out the top five. With eleven laps in the books, Frantz powered by Wanamaker, and into the lead.
On lap seventeen the action slowed the final time when Babula experienced mechanical difficulty after a stellar run.
With a great restart, Frantz (Scheidys, Pa) was able to fend off Wanamaker for his fourth victory of the season. White, Meckes and John Stonier completed the top five.
Scott Meckes, Chip Wanamaker and Paul Frantz won heat races.
Steve Shultz grabbed the top spot from pole sitter, Jeff Owler after one lap was completed in the 20-lap thriller feature event. Owler slid back a few positions, as Josh Oswald, Dave Cascioli and Rick Ross all looked to pick up position.
The caution flew with three laps in the books when Marissa Nelmes and Dave Cascioli got together in turn two. Unlike Nelmes, Cascioli was unable to continue.
Shultz continued to hold off Ross for the lead, and at halfway, the two led over Oswald, Bill Price, Jr. and Kevin Makarewicz.
Although Ross closed in, he was unable to complete the pass as the two raced toward the checkered flag. It was Schultz’s (Drums, Pa) first career thriller victory in his second season of competition. Ross came across the strip second, while Oswald, Price and Makarewicz rounded out the top five.
Ricky Ross, Jr. and Steve Shultz were heat race winners.
Travis Fisher set a blistering pace after starting on the pole in the 20-lap four-cylinder thriller feature. With only five laps in the books, Joe Sherman moved into the second spot after starting sixth.
The caution flew with six laps in, when Jamie Damon and Bob Wink got together. Damon spun in the incident and collected Jimmy White, Jr.
Sherman caught Fisher and began to apply pressure from the outside lane. The two swapped the top position over the next few circuits, which allowed Harry Sager to join the mix. As the three battled off of turn two with only three laps remaining, Fisher spun, which brought out the caution and eliminated his hopes for victory.
With a couple of laps remaining, Sherman continued to hold off Sager. However, in the fourth turn, on the final lap, Sager tried the crossover maneuver and made it stick, as he merely picked up the victory over Sherman, Bill Halstead, Wink and Damon. It was the seventh win of the season for the Hanover, Pa native.
Bill Halstead and Travis Fisher were heat race winners.
The next Mountain Speedway event is Saturday, September 2nd. It will be the final Saturday night event of the season, as the regular racing will switch back to Sunday afternoons to close out the racing season. On the card for the day are the modifieds, street stocks, thrillers and four cylinder thrillers, along with the 4C super modifieds. All the action begins with heat racing action at 6 PM. For all up to date information at Mountain Speedway, please visit www.mountainspeedway.com.

Street Stock rain out from 8/19 (20-laps) 1. NORMAN BARNES 2. Ron Babula 3. Scott Meckes 4. Brad Barbush 5. Paul Frantz 6.John Stonier 7.Jim White Jr. 8.Gary Van Orden 9. Eric Danyluk 10. Todd Barbush 11. Todd Ahner 12. Glenn Heckman 13. Brian Sones 14. Rich DiMarco 15. Dave Cascioli 16. Chip Wanamaker 17. Jennifer Kutz 18. Ken Wanamaker Sr.
Hard Charger: Norman Barnes, 9 positions

Late Model rain out from 8/19 (25-laps) 1. MIKE RODRIGUEZ, JR 2. Mike Coll 3. Mike Radocha 4. Beau Drobot 5. Joe Barbush 6. Joe Brown 7. Bill Pruitt 8. Frank Katona 9. Tom Flanagan 10. Larry Fisher 11. Joe Hoffman DNS: Rick Smith Rodger Maynor Barry Gommer
Hard Charger: Joe Brown, 8 positions

Late Model (25-laps) 1. JOE HOFFMAN 2. Joe Barbush 3. Beau Drobot 4. Mike Radocha, Jr 5. Mike Rodriguez, Jr. 6. Mike Coll 7. Paul Monkoski 8. Joe Brown 9. Billy Pruitt 10. Frank Katona 11. Joey McMurtrie DNS: Tommy Flanagan, Larry Fisher
Hard Charger: Mike Rodriguez, Jr, 4 positions

Street Stock (20-laps) 1. PAUL FRANTZ 2. Chip Wanamaker 3. Jimmy White, Jr 4. Scott Meckes 5. John Stonier 6. Todd Ahner 7. Norm Barnes 8. Brian Sones 9. Tommy Flanagan 10. Todd Barbush 11. Rich Dimarco 12. Jennifer Kutz 13. Ron Babula 14. Gary VanOrden 15. Glen Heckman 16. Brad Barbush 17.Eric Danyluk 18. John Moser
Hard Charger: Scott Meckes, 10 positions

Thriller (20-laps) 1. STEVE SHULTZ 2. Ricky Ross, Jr 3. Josh Oswald 4. Bill Price 5. Kevin Makarewicz 6. Paul Frantz 7. Howie Bott 8. Mike Moyer, Jr 9. Jeff Owler 10. Pat Verwys 11. Marissa Nelmes 12. Dave Cascioli
Hard Charger: Ricky Ross, Jr. and Kevin Makarewicz, 7 positions

4 Cyl. Thriller (20-laps) 1. HARRY SAGER 2. Joe Sherman 3. Bill Halstead 4. Bob Wink 5. Jamie Damon 6. Kyle Heckman 7. Joe Grocholski 8. Coltin Judge 9. Nikki Wachs 10. Travis Fisher 11. Jimmy White, Jr 12. Bobby Coco 13. Arthur Allen 14. Richard Krauss 15. Anthony Aber
Hard Charger: Harry Sager, 8 positions

Upcoming regular events:
Saturday, August 26th with late models, street stocks, thrillers and 4 cyl. thrillers
Sunday, August 27th “Big Dog 100” lap modified showdown, along with the thrillers and super pro trucks

Rick Ross, Jr. Grabbed Mountain Thriller Win, then Mother Nature Stole the Show

St. Johns, PA- Although rain showers passed through the area earlier on Saturday, Mountain Speedway drivers and workers were set to await the storm and set out to dry the soggy 1/3rd mile oval. What seemed successful turned sour, but not until after Rick Ross, Jr. notched his third thriller victory of the season.
The first feature on the card was the thrillers for a 20-lap contest. Jeff Owler took control of the event after starting on the pole, but Pat Verwys used the outside groove to grab the top spot before a single lap was scored. With Verwys still in command, division point leader, Bill Price, Jr. made contact with the turn three wall, which brought out the caution. With quick pit crew work, Price was able to rejoin the rear of the field.
Ricky Ross, Jr. lined up on the outside pole for the restart and blasted into the lead when the green flag flew. Shortly after, Verwys was forced up high and brushed the wall, which allowed a few drivers to take positions from the Mopar driver.
The next caution flew on lap six when Chuck Deon and Josh Oswald tangled in turn one. Oswald, who trails Price in the championship quest, headed pit side. Another lap six yellow waved when Mike Moyer, Mark Paine and Duane Idem collected in turns one and two. All three drivers retired from the event with damage.
Wheeling around Owler for second, Dave Cascioli set his sights on Ross. As the two swapped the lead on several occasions, Howie Bott moved into third, with Kevin Makarewicz and Steve Shultz rounded out the top five.
Ross (Mountaintop, PA) managed to hold off Cascioli for his third win of his rookie season.
Rick Ross, Jr. and Kevin Makarewicz were heat race winners
The street stocks took to the speedway for 20-laps of door-to-door action, with Southampton, New York’s Jimmy White, Jr. on the pole. White lurched out front from the onset with Ron Babula settling into second. After a strong run in the heat race, Richie Dimarco was third and Gary VanOrden and Paul Frantz completed the top five.
Frantz and Brad Barbush disposed of VanOrden for fourth and fifth and mounted a charge on Dimarco. While coming out of turn four, Frantz and Dimarco touched. Although he tried to gather it back up, the end result was Dimarco spinning on the front stretch, which brought out the yellow.
Drizzle began falling, then heavier rains followed, which forced the management at the speedway to call the remaining races. White led Babula, Frantz, Barbush and Chip Wanamaker with four laps complete.
An official announcement will be forthcoming, as to when the remaining laps will be run for the street stocks. Make up features will also be announced for the late models and modifieds. Autograph/Camera night for all divisions is rescheduled for Sunday, September 10th.
Heat race winners were Jimmy White, Jr. and Paul Frantz.
An official announcement will be forthcoming, as to when the remaining laps will be run for the street stocks. Make-up features will also be announced for the modifieds and late models. Autograph/Camera day has been rescheduled for all divisions for Sunday, September 10th.
Chip Wanamaker, Marisa Niederauer and Chaz Surman won heat races in the Balliet’s Country Corners modifieds and Beau Drobot and Joe Barbush, Jr. took heat race honors for the late models. The late model and modified features were rained out completely and will be rescheduled.
The next Mountain Speedway event is Saturday, August 26th. On the card for the day are the late models, street stocks, thrillers and four cylinder thrillers. All the action begins with heat racing action at 6 PM. The special modified blowout of the season, the “Big Dog 100”, is set for the following day (Sunday, August 27th). With $3000 to win on the line, many drivers will be at the speedway with hopes of taking the win. Also on the schedule are the thrillers and super pro trucks. For all up to date information at Mountain Speedway, please visit www.mountainspeedway.com.

Thriller (20-laps) 1. RICKY ROSS, JR 2. Dave Cascioli 3. Howie Bott 4. Kevin Makarewicz 5. Steve Shultz 6. Bill Price, Jr. 7. Pat Verwys 8. Richard Petey 9. Jeff Owler 10. Josh Oswald 11. Marissa Nelmes 12. Duane Idem 13. Mark Paine 14. Donny Oliver DQ: Chuck Deon, Mike Moyer, Jr.

Street Stock top 5 (after 4 laps run) Make-up date will be announced shortly
1. Jimmy White, Jr. 2. Ron Babula 3. Paul Frantz 4. Brad Barbush 5. Chip Wanamaker

Mods and Late Models rained out and will be rescheduled.

Upcoming regular events:
Saturday, August 26th with late models, street stocks, thrillers and 4 cyl. thrillers
Sunday, August 27th “Big Dog 100” lap modified showdown, along with the thrillers and super pro trucks

Hot Summer Nights Help Prepare Modified Drivers for Mountain's 'Big Dog 100'

St. Johns, PA- Open wheel modified drivers across the east coast are getting hyped up over the second annual $3000 to win 'Big Dog 100' modified summer spectacular, which is sponsored in part by D&B Towing, National Auto Exchange, Balliet’s Country Corners and SVS of Hazleton. The 100-lap spectacular (100 green flag laps) is set for Sunday, August 27th at Mountain Speedway.

Along with the guaranteed check to the race winner, second place will receive $1500, with the third place finisher receiving $1250. The rest of the purse is nothing to sneeze at. Even though it is a points show (each driver registered will receive 100 points), the track isn't charging a registration fee, which has helped many drivers with making the decision to tour the 1/3rd mile St. Johns oval.

In the first annual event, popular modified ace, Eric Beers scored the victory and the hard earned cash. However, the second annual show should be even more exciting and another history-making event.

All cars will qualify through heat and consi races, not time trials.

Also on the card for the evening are the exciting thrillers with a 30-lap, 100-point feature event, along with a special feature (30-lap minimum) for the full size super pro trucks (ARTS trucks and Riverhead pro trucks are legal).

Come on out and enjoy this wheel-to-wheel, door-to-door modified contest of the summer. Don't forget to bring the kids out for a chance to win one of two free giveaways, which are courtesy of Mountain Speedway drivers, sponsors and staff. With all this ground pounding modified action just around the corner, there’s only one thing to say: "BEWARE OF THE DOGS"!

Track officials will let the dogs out for their first heat race at 5 PM.

For contact information, rules, regulations and full field purse, please visit www.mountainspeedway.com.

EVENT INFO
Gates open at 12 noon
Practice from 2-4pm (Happy Hour style)
2 -20 min sessions Mods only
Driver meeting 4:15pm
Racing starts/first heat 5pm

ADMISSIONS
No registration fees for any division
Pits- $35
Grandstand- $18 adult, $15 seniors/child, under 7 free
RULES
Mountain track tires

Normal R.o.C rules apply.
All MS Safety rules apply
MS Procedural/General rules apply

Upcoming regular events:
Saturday, August 19nd with modifieds, late models, street stocks and thrillers
AUTOGRAPH/CAMERA night for the modifieds, late models and thrillers
Upcoming “Big Dog” events:
Sunday, August 27nd “Big Dog 100” lap modified showdown, along with the Tri-State Locating keystone legends and Super Pro Trucks

For First Time, Santee Scores Two Wins in Single Season at Mountain

St. Johns, PA- A total of twenty-one full-blown modifieds took to the pavement Saturday at Mountain Speedway for wheel-to-wheel feature racing. When the checkers flew, it was Palmerton’s Tim Santee in victory lane for the second time this season. Joe Hoffman took the checkers in the late model division and Norman Barnes notched his first street stock victory of the year. Harry Sager notched his sixth four-cylinder thriller main of the season.
The 20-lap Balliet’s Country Corners modified feature began with Chip Wanamaker and Tommy Flanagan sharing the front row. Before a single lap was scored, Flanagan lurched out front and into command. However, the caution flew with one lap in the books when Scott Ritter got into the turn one wall.
After several quick caution flags, Flanagan and Chaz Surman held the top two spots for the lap six restart. The two touched as they came up to speed toward the green flag. Flanagan cut a right front tire, which sent his car into Surman’s. Practically the entire field piled up behind them. Some of the drivers with the most damage were Eddie Brunnhoelzl, Brian Defebo and Donny Hartzell. Somehow, Santee and Lenny Fischer slipped through totally unscaved and inherited the top two positions.
Once the race restarted, Fischer applied pressure to Santee, but couldn’t make the pass on the leader. After heavy-duty pit work, Brunnhoelzl and Defebo began working their way back toward the front. However, Defebo’s day came to an abrupt end when something obviously went wrong on his machine and he tangled with the front stretch wall on lap twelve.
Due to the time limit for the feature event, the drivers were told over the radio that the checkered flag would be thrown if the caution flag was thrown again. It did fly with twenty laps complete out of the scheduled thirty. Santee picked up the win over Fischer, Brunnhoelzl, Flanagan and Russo.
“This is the first time I’ve won two features in the same season”, said Santee in victory lane. “It’s really special because I’m retiring after this season. It’s my last one”, he noted. “I just want to thank Pro Log and my guys for all their hard work on this car. It’s old, a ’92, but it’s been running like an ‘06”.
Chip Wanamaker, Chris Whitenight and Marissa Niederauer won heat races.
Joe Brown paced the late model field to the drop of the green flag for the start of the 25-lap feature, but with six laps in the books, contact between the second place runner (Tommy Flanagan) and Brown sent the two spinning in turn two. Both drivers had to restart from the rear of the field, and Joe Hoffman assumed the point.
Another caution flew two laps later when Mike Rodriguez, Jr. and Joe Barbush, Jr. were battling for the second spot. The two made contact on the front stretch and both drivers were forced to the rear for the next restart. A number of yellows followed during the course of the race but by mid race, Eric Lutz found himself behind the leader on the restart. Coll had worked his way back in the top five.
Hoffman (Drums, PA) became to distance himself from Lutz over the remaining laps and cruised to his third victory of the season over Eric Lutz, Mike Coll, Mike Radocha, Jr. and Joe Barbush, Jr.
Tommy Flanagan and Beau Drobot won heat races.
Brian Sones led the street stock field to the drop of the green flag for the start of the 20-lap feature event. However, a complete restart was necessary when Sones spun off of turn four and collected Eric Danyluk, Kristi Morone-Arthofer, John Stonier, Rich Dimarco, Mark Deysher and Justin Mooney. Outside pole sitter, Paul Frantz inherited the top spot.
With two laps in, Norman Barnes took to the high side of Frantz and made the lap two pass for the lead stick off of turn four. Brad Barbush took the third spot, with Scott Meckes in fourth.
The first of two cautions flew on lap nine. First, John Stonier and Eric Danyluk collected on the front stretch. Next, Chip Wanamaker spun off turn two and collected Rich Dimarco. Only five laps later, the yellow waved again for Mark Deysher and Ron Babula, when they got together while battling for sixth.
After his home catching fire last week when an outside transformer blew, Stormin’ Norman Barnes (Barryville, NY) grabbed his first street stock feature win of the season in the event over Frantz, Meckes, Brad Barbush and Todd Ahner.
John Stonier and Paul Frantz won heat races.
The 20-lap four-cylinder thriller feature began with Coltin Judge on the pole. With a three-wide pass for the lead, Bob Wink took control of the event before a single lap was scored. Jamie Damon grabbed the top spot from Wink on lap two, but the Maddawg bit back on the following circuit and regained the top position back. Eventually, Damon began to slide backward.
After starting seventh, Harry Sager followed in second, with Travis Fisher in third. Meanwhile, Joe Sherman and Bill Halstead dueled side-by-side for fourth. With a three car battle for the top spot, it appeared that either of the drivers would have a legitimate shot for victory.
As in the past and with only five laps remaining, Sager drove around the outside of Wink for the lead. Although Fisher applied pressure to take second, he had to tuck back in the third slot. In the end it was Sager with his sixth (5 points races) feature win of the season. Wink held on for second, while Fisher, Halstead and Sherman completed the top five.
Harry Sager and Joe Sherman won heat races.
Mike Renn (Medford, NY) notched his fifth win of the season over Woot Lawrence in the 20-lap 4C super modified main.
The next Mountain Speedway event is Saturday, August 19th. On the card for the day are the modifieds, street stocks, late models and thrillers. It is also camera/autograph night for the modifieds, late models and thrillers. All the action begins with heat races at 6 PM. For all up-to-date info at Mountain Speedway, along with the upcoming “Big Dog 100” modified showdown, please login to www.mountainspeedway.com.

Modified (20-laps) 1. Tim Santee 2. Lenny Fischer 3. Eddie Brunnhoelzl III 4. Tommy Flanagan 5. Ryan Russo 6. Andy Walko 7. Chris Ammon 8. Jason Arthofer 9. Lou Strohl 10. Chip Wanamaker 11. Chris Whitenight 12. Dean Gulick 13. Larry Altholtz 14. Chaz Surman 15. Ernie Dengler 16. Wes Swartout 17. Brian Defebo 18. Donny Hartzell 19.Marisa Niederauer 20. Matt Higgins 21. Scott Ritter
Hard Charger: Chris Ammon, 11 positions
Fast Lap: Andy Walko, 13.825

Late Model (25-laps) 1. Joe Hoffman 2. Eric Lutz 3. Mike Coll 4. Mike Radocha, Jr 5. Joe Barbush 6. Geno Steigerwalt 7. Rick Smith 8. Frank Katona 9. Dan Cascioli 10. Tommy Flanagan 11. Joe Brown 12. Mike Rodriguez, Jr. 13. Tony Hilliard 14. Beau Drobot
Hard Charger: Eric Lutz, 8 positions
Fast Lap: Mike Radocha, Jr, 14.125

Street Stock (20-laps) 1. Norm Barnes 2. Paul Frantz 3. Scott Meckes 4. Brad Barbush 5. Todd Ahner 6. John Stonier 7. Justin Mooney 8. Bob Applegate 9. Jimmy White, Jr 10. Kristy Morone-Arthofer 11. Eric Danyluk 12. Mark Deysher 13. Ron Babula 14. Brian Sones 15. Chip Wanamaker 16. Todd Barbush 17. Rich Dimarco
Hard Charger: Todd Ahner, 11 positions
Fast Lap: Paul Frantz, 13.584

4 Cyl. Thriller (20-laps) 1. Harry Sager 2. Bob Wink 3. Travis Fisher 4. Bill Halstead 5. Joe Sherman 6. George Antolick 7. Jamie Damon 8. Luke Colleran 9. Duane Garrison 10. Coltin Judge 11. Nikki Wachs 12. Bobby Coco 13. Larry Fisher
Hard Charger: Harry Sager, 6 positions

Upcoming regular events:
Saturday, August 12nd with modifieds, late models, street stocks, 4 cyl. thrillers, PLUS 4C modifieds
Upcoming “Big Dog” events:
Sunday, August 27nd “Big Dog 100” lap modified showdown, along with the Tri-State Locating keystone legends and Super Pro Trucks

Frantz Beats Danyluk by an Axle in Mountain’s 6th Annual “Big Dog” Street Stock Shootout
By: Gene Ostrowski

St. Johns, PA- Thirty–four of the area’s most talented street stock drivers took to the 1/3rd mile asphalt oval Sunday at Mountain Speedway for the running of the 6th annual “Big Dog” 100-lap Street Stock Shootout, which was sponsored in part by the Junction Bar and Grill, along with C&D Landscaping. After taking the lead from Brad Kline on lap fifty-six, Paul Frantz notched what he calls his biggest career win, plus the $1000 top prize. “High Groove” Harry Sager grabbed the win over Travis Fisher in the 30-lap four cylinder thriller feature.
After time trials, the top twenty drivers were locked into the starting spots for the start of the popular 100-lap event. Although time trails are typically red flag free, the red flew when Jennifer Kutz lost a wheel on her second qualifying lap. When the wheel became lodged under Kutz’s machine, the vehicle shot into the air and rolled onto its roof in turn three. Miraculously, Kutz was uninjured, and with plenty of helping hands in the pit area, along with a first lap that was 15th fastest quickest, she was able to start the show. Frank Reakes turned the fastest time of 15.868, which won the pole for the prestigious event.
A 20-lap consolation was next, which included all of the drivers who missed out through time trials. Fourteen cars took the green in the 20-lap event. Chip Wanamaker grabbed the checkers over Joe Mooney, while drivers battled for the remaining of the top eight qualifying spots.
Reakes and Bill Vanderveen held the top two spots of the Big Dog event until the caution flew when Vanderveen made slight contact with Reakes exiting turn two. Both drivers had to restart from the tail end of the field. The incident moved the third place runner, Brad Kline, to the point. With Paul Frantz in a close second, Kline held off pass attempts from the former two-time factory stock champion.
The caution waved on lap sixteen when Eric Gerchak spun in turn one. During the same caution, third place runner, Scott Meckes hit the pits with a flat tire. By lap thirty, Kline and Frantz began to put distance on Jim Yamelski, Ron Babula and Earl Paules. With Kline out front, a competition yellow flew at lap fifty for the midway race break. Frantz remained in the second spot.
Only six laps after the race restarted, Kline slipped up entering turn three, which allowed Frantz to pounce on the opportunity. Not letting up an inch, Kline tucked in line and began applying pressure to the new leader. Todd Ahner joined the mix from the third spot.
With eighty laps in, Eric Danyluk began to make a rough day profitable, as he powered his way into fourth and Barry Callavini completed the top five. However, mechanical woes struck Ahner nine circuits later and he pulled to the infield, which moved Bill Vanderveen into the fifth spot.
Despite pressure from Kline, Frantz was determined to finish his first-ever street stock shootout at the speedway, which he crossed the stripe first over Kline, Danyluk, Vanderveen and Callavini. Although it appeared easy, Frantz had a rough going from the get go, as he broke an axle earlier in the day during warm-ups. Fellow competitor and eventual runner-up in the event, Eric Danyluk, gave an axle to Frantz so he could attempt the show.
“I have to thank Eric (Danyluk) and his team for the axle and all their help in the pits earlier today”, noted Frantz (Scheidys, PA) in victory lane. “By far this is the biggest win of my career and all of my family and friends came out to see it. It’s been a while since they’ve been here, but my mom and dad are here for this one, which makes it really special,” he said.
After an eventful day, Danyluk finished in the second spot after the second and fourth place drivers failed post race tech inspection. “It was a good run and if we didn’t have so many problems during the first fifty (laps), I know that we would have had something for Frantz at the end”, he noted.
Barry Callavini finished third, with Joe Mooney and Rich Dimarco rounding out the top five.
A special 30-lap four-cylinder feature event was also on the card with the street stocks. Harry Sager turned the fastest time in time trials over Travis Fisher, which is exactly where the two finished at the end of the caution-free outing. Despite many attempts to find a way around the second place driver, Joe Grocholski finished third. Jamie Damon and Walter Haas completed the top five.
The next Mountain Speedway event is Saturday, August 12th. On the card for the day are the modifieds, street stocks, late models, four cylinder thrillers, plus the 4 cylinder modifieds. All the action begins with heat races at 6 PM. For all up-to-date info at Mountain Speedway, along with the upcoming “Big Dog 100” modified showdown, please login to www.mountainspeedway.com.

6th Annual “Big Dog” 100-lap Street Stock Shootout official results
Sponsored in part by: Junction Bar and Grill and C&D Landscaping
Street Stock (100-Laps) 1. Paul Frantz 2. Eric Danyluk 3. Barry Callavini 4. Joe Mooney 5. Rich Dimarco 6. Mark Deysher 7. Josh Oswald 8. Jim Yamelski 9. Tommy Flanagan 10. Eric Gerchak 11. Alan Schlenker 12. Dave Cascioli 13. Ron Bubala 14. Todd Ahner 15. Robert Fink 16.Scott Meckes 17. Chip Wanamaker 18. Earl Paules 19. Robert Geibel 20. Frank Reakes 21.Bill Balliet 22. Jennifer Kutz 23. John Turnure 24. John Kopf 25. Jimmy White, Jr 26. JR Roth DQ: Brad Kline, Bill Vanderveen DNQ: Charlie Kline, Chad Zydyk, Shawn Sitarchyk, Brian Sones, Mark Martini, John Labadia
Hard Charger: Eric Danyluk, 21 positions
Fast Lap: Scott Meckes, 16.087

4 Cyl. Thriller (30-laps) 1. Harry Sager 2. Travis Fisher 3. Joe Grocholski 4. Jamie Damon 5. Walter Haas 6. Bobby Coco 7. Nikki Wachs 8. Arthur Allen 9. Jim Sykes
Hard Charger: Bobby Coco, 2 positions
Fast Lap: Harry Sager, 18.300

Upcoming events:
Saturday, August 12nd with modifieds, late models, street stocks, 4 cyl. thrillers, PLUS 4C modifieds

Whitenight Notches Modified Career Win #2 at Mountain Speedway
Written by: Gene Ostrowski

St. Johns, PA- After two weeks off from racing, Mountain Speedway was back in action Saturday night. The time off allowed many drivers to prepare for a great night of side by side racing. Rookie, Chris Whitenight notched the modified victory. Jim Lamoreaux grabbed the win in the late model. Bobby Coco won his first ever four-cylinder thriller event and Josh Oswald visited victory lane for the second time this season in the thrillers.
The Balliet’s Country Corners modifieds took to the track for the start of the 30-lap feature with Chris Whitenight on the pole. Whitenight lurched out front over Lou Strohl and Marisa Niederauer, but Wayne Szerencsits came in a hurry to mount a charge for the third spot. Szerencsits took third from Niederauer and swapped second with Strohl on a few occasions before settling into the spot. With ten laps in the books, Dean Gulick joined the top five.
The caution flew with eleven laps in when Eddie Brunnhoelzl cut a tire and nailed the turn four wall. After pit work he rejoined the race a few laps down.
Despite pressure from Szerencsits, Whitenight (Berwick, PA) drove off to his second career victory in his modified rookie season over Szerencsits, Strohl, Niederauer and Ryan Russo. “This feels good. I knew he (Szerencsits) was there, but we held him off”, said Whitenight in victory lane. “I owe it all to my dad, crew and family”. Former modified pilot, Chuck Schartzer was in the victory lane celebration and dedicated the win to the team’s diehard fan and supporter, Mrs. Humphrey, who recently passed away.
Chris Whitenight, Brian Defebo and Eddie Brunnhoelzl won heat races.
Jim Lamoreaux started on the pole in the 25-lap late model feature event and got a great jump over Mike Radocha, Jr. to take command of the event. The first yellow flew with only two laps in the books when Joe Barretta got out of shape exiting turn four. Barretta made heavy contact with the front stretch retaining fence, but appeared to be all right after the hit. Joe Hoffman, Jim Brown, Joe Barbush and Joe Brown were also collected.
Mike Rodriguez, Jr. powered into second on the restart with Larry Fisher in tow. With ten laps recorded, Mike Coll and Barry Gommer rounded out the top five.
Twenty-two laps in, Coll got into Gommer as the two fought for fourth out of turn two. Gommer’s car went around and the two drivers had to restart from the rear of the field, which moved Jerry Brighthaupt and Radocha up to the top five.
Lamoreaux (Sweet Valley, PA) might have started up front, but his quest toward the checkers was not easy, as he held off two recent winners (Mike Rodriguez, Jr. and Larry Fisher) to pick up his first victory of the season.
Jim Lamoreaux and Joe Hoffman won heat races.
From the pole position, Pat Verwys led the first two circuits of the 20-lap thriller main. After starting third, Josh Oswald made a daring three-wide pass on Verwys and Marissa Nelmes work in turn one and took command.
Meanwhile, Howie Bott and Ricky Ross, Jr. began to work on Nelmes for the third spot. The top eight cars were literally stacked up, as they fought for position and turned laps around the speedway.
By halfway, Mike Moyer, Jr. moved into second and Kevin Makarewicz had worked into the top five. Meanwhile, a great battle was shaping up from sixth on back between Bill Price, Dave Cascioli and Pat Verwys. Two and sometimes three wide racing has become the norm for the thrillers and these drivers set out to show that.
Oswald’s (Schnecksville, PA) held off Moyer’s attempts over the remaining laps and grabbed his second career victory. Moyer finished in the runner up position with Bott, Ross and Makarewicz completing the top five.
Tom Casagrande and Josh Oswald won heat races.
In his fourth career start, Bobby Coco led the nineteen car, four-cylinder thriller feature to the drop of the green flag, but before a single lap was scored, Kevin Price found the turn one wall in a hard way. With the car airborne during impact, Price was uninjured and able to drive the car off the speedway, but retired from the event.
By the fifth circuit, Joe Grocholski worked his way into second after starting eighth. Kyle Heckman held third, while Norm Barnes and Jamie Damon rounded out the top five.
The battle raged on from sixth back between Travis Fisher, Bob Wink and Bill Halstead. Fisher spun in turn three on lap six and Wink had no way around. The end result was a damaged machine for Wink, as he headed pit side. The next restart was unsuccessful, as Damon spun in turns one and two, which also collected Fisher and Heckman.
At the halfway point Harry Sager moved to third, but he and Grocholski got shuffled back while Duane Garrison and Halstead advanced.
Like a veteran, Coco held off Garrison enroot to his first career win. Halstead, Damon and Jimmy White, Jr. rounded out the top five.
Joe Sherman, Travis Fisher and Joe Grocholski won heat races.
The next Mountain Speedway event is Saturday, August 12th. On the card for the day are the modifieds, street stocks, late models, four cylinder thrillers, plus the 4 cylinder modifieds. All the action begins with heat races at 6 PM. For all up-to-date info at Mountain Speedway, please login to www.mountainspeedway.com.

Modified (30-laps) 1. Chris Whitenight 2. Wayne Szerencsits 3. Lou Strohl 4. Marisa Niederauer 5. Ryan Russo 6. Donny Hartzell 7. Brian Defebo 8. Andy Walko 9. Dave Cranmer 10. Tommy Flanagan 11. Tim Santee 12. Brian MacQueen 13. Dean Gulick 14. Eddie Brunnhoelzl 15. Ernie Dengler 16. Chaz Surman 17. Chip Wanamaker 18. Matt Higgins
Fast Lap: Chris Whitenight, 13.982
Hard Charger(s): Donny Hartzell and Brian Defebo, 7 positions

Late Model (25-laps) 1. Jim Lamoreaux 2. Mike Rodriguez, Jr. 3. Larry Fisher 4. Jerry Brighthaupt 5. Mike Radocha, Jr 6. Joe Barbush 7. Joe Hoffman 8. Barry Gommer 9. Mike Coll 10. Joe Oliver 11. Tommy Flanagan 12. Joe Brown 13. Joe Barretta 14. Jim Brown
Fast Lap: Chris Whitenight, 13.982
Hard Charger(s): Jerry Brighthaupt and Joe Barbush, Jr, 6 positions

Thriller (20-laps) 1. Josh Oswald 2. Mike Moyer, Jr 3. Howie Bott 4. Ricky Ross, Jr 5. Kevin Makarewicz 6. Bill Price 7. Dave Cascioli 8. Pat Verwys 9. Jeff Searfoss 10. Jeff Owler 11. Steve Shultz 12. Joe Kmetz 13. Marissa Nelmes 14. Bob Wink 15. Mark Paine 16. Tom Casagrande
Fast Lap: Dave Cascioli, 17.368
Hard Charger: Mike Moyer, Jr, 6 positions

4 Cyl. Thriller (20-laps) 1. Bobby Coco 2. Duane Garrison 3. Bill Halstead 4. Jamie Damon 5. Jimmy White, Jr 6. Joe Grocholski 7. Coltin Judge 8. George Antolick 9. Harry Sager 10. Nikki Wachs 11. Kyle Heckman 12. Norm Barnes 13. Luke Colleran 14. Bob Wink 15. Joe Sherman 16. Justin Hughes 17.Travis Fisher 18. Kevin Price 19. Harry O'Neill
Fast Lap: Joe Grocholski, 18.538
Hard Charger: Jimmy White, Jr, 14 positions

Day of Firsts for Jentile and Grocholski in NEETS “Cartoon-Duro” Wins
By: Gene Ostrowski

St. Johns, PA- Over one hundred well prepared cartoon themed enduro machines headed to Mountain Speedway Sunday for the fifth race of the season in the ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series. Without a single red flag in either of the 100-lap events, Joe “Millionaire” Jentile and Joe Grocholski grabbed the spotlight.
With fifty-two Steel Seal four cylinders in the field, Bob Belcher led the pack to the drop of the green. Duane Garrison immediately pounced from his third starting spot and began to drive off from the field. In the meantime, Jimmy White, Jr. and Matt Guida began to battle side-by-side for second.
By lap fifty, Joe Grocholski moved into second, but was more than a half lap behind Garrison. White, Guida and Luke Colleran tailed Grocholski
It was only nine circuits later when Garrison put the third place car a lap down and it appeared that the race was in the bag for the three time NEETS winner. However, things changed dramatically with only six laps remaining. Garrison blew a tire in turns three and four and slapped the outside wall. Although he was able to continued after quick pit work, his hopes of victory were dashed.
Also extending his lead in the division standings, Grocholski (Freeland, PA) came all the way after starting 50th and cruised to victory with a lap advantage over White. Guida, Mike Ventura and Bob Darde completed the top five in the first-ever red flag free NEETS four cylinder event.
From the pole position, enduro veteran Richard Petey took command of the forty-seven cars that entered the Cascioli Roofing 6/8-cylinder division. Only two laps passed and so was Petey, when Mark Spencer powered around him and into the number one spot. With a three way battle up front; Joe Jentile took command of the race three circuits later.
Jentile began working lapped traffic at a smooth and steady pace, but Petey didn’t lay back. At times, Petey and Spencer looked to close in on the leader when he was in lapped traffic. However, getting through the same traffic for the second and third place drivers wasn’t an easy task.
By the halfway mark, Jentile opened up a straightaway lead over Petey. Spencer continued in third, while Tim Pauch held fourth after starting 45th. Shawn Gallucci held the fifth spot.
After racing side-by-side for at least ten laps, Jentile put the third place car and also the current division point leader (Pauch) a lap down with sixty-six laps on the counter. Only Petey remained on the same lap as Jentile.
Over the remaining circuits, Jentile (Bedminster, PA) cruised to the checkers with his eleventh career NEETS win, and also the record in the NEETS series. Petey came across the strip to finish second. Pauch, Spencer and Rob Pyle rounded out the top five in the second red flag free race of the afternoon.
The NEETS charity of choice for the event was Checkered Dreams, a charity developed to give seriously ill children a fun filled day at area race tracks. One Dollar from each general admission will be donated to the cause.
The next ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series event is the “Labor Day Junkathon”, which is set for Monday, September 4th. On the card for the day are the Cascioli Roofing 6/8 cylinders, along with the Steel Seal four cylinders and NEETS Custom Classic TRUX. All the action will begin at 2 PM. Grandstand admission pricing is $7 for ages seven and older. Children six and younger are admitted for free. The NEETS charity of choice will be announced at a later date. For all information regarding the NEETS series, please visit their website at www.neetstour.net.

Cascioli Roofing 6/8 Cyl. (100-laps)
Pos No. Name
1 41 Joe Jentile
2 43 Richard Petey
3 5 Tim Pauch
4 124 Mark Spencer
5 93 Robert Pyle
6 29 Jim White
7 31x Jeff Walls
8 302 Joe Helberg
9 14 Phil Lamonaco
10 410 Steve Tito
11 33 TJ Kapish
12 78 Aaron Miller
13 20K Kory Stevens
14 1X Cory Student
15 72 Mark Paine
16 68 Rob Wickersheim
17 10T Terry Nansteel
18 14G Rick Goeckel
19 7J Mike Chambers
20 266 Bob Kulik
21 28C Chris Prychka
22 23G Shawn Gallucci
23 26B John Bittoni
24 02X Jack Levix
25 23Z Frank Gallucci
26 33X Frank D'Entermount
27 8 Mike Smith
28 58 Randy Parsons Jr
29 26 Joe Kmetz
30 50 Tom Szoke
31 17R Ray Rothfuss
32 18 Pat Verwys
33 86 Daryl DeBetta
34 55D Chuck Deon
35 12 Mike Skelly
36 519 Ron Pierson
37 44 Mike Parisi
38 1 Jimmy White
39 17 Josh Oswald
40 5R11 TJ Stevens
41 47 Dave Moore
42 55 Donny Oliver
43 555 Bob Niedermaier
44 2AM Mark Gallagher
45 11 Keith Bissinger
46 522 Terry Johnson
47 99 Robin Shewire

Steel Seal 4 Cyl. (100-laps)
Pos No. Name
1 30 Joe Grocholski
2 19 Jimmy White
3 82 Matt Guida
4 27V Mike Ventura
5 78Jr Bob Darde
6 19B Bobby Coco
7 3 Brad Vollmoeller
8 2000 Sig Albarran
9 38 Bob Haegle
10 19X Duane Garrison
11 27 Laura White
12 M0 Maurice Ott
13 87 Scott Rhodes
14 77M Jack McElrath
15 31 Gary S. Walls
16 17 Art Kulik
17 969 Greg Kopin
18 89 Arthur Allen
19 15 Steven Sapp
20 29 Joe Sherman
21 63 Nikki Wachs
22 9 Brandon Brown
23 19D Fluffy White
24 6 John Saccomandi
25 44 Tommy Barber
26 52 Bob Belcher
27 1126 Eric Lehr
28 70T Terry Johnson
29 777 Mike Racho
30 31B David Bartuski
31 56K Kayla Kovach
32 61 Harry Sager
33 131 Ryan Nelson
34 75 Gwen Sakowski
35 01X Mark Forman
36 33 Sam Cajevic
37 70D Denise Siegle
38 J5 Jon Hull
39 26 John Bittoni
40 62 Luke Colleran
41 33D Charlie Nansteel
42 81 Scott Ball
43 30A Larry Fisher
44 131X William Palladino
45 24 Larry Spencer
46 X3 Ollie Stewart
47 5T Tim Pauch
48 R12 Todd Pinto
49 73 David Bentley
50 119 Bret Weidow
51 118 Mark Neberdosky
52 70C Chris Seigel

Big Weekend Ahead For Mountain Speedway
Drivers are "Saddling up" for Mountain's 6th annual Street Stock Shootout

By: Gene Ostrowski
St. Johns, PA- After a soaking weekend followed with an off night of regular racing, Mountain Speedway will pick up steam and head into the August 5th weekend at full bore.
The regular show on Saturday, August 5th will feature modifieds, late models, thrillers, four cylinder thrillers and the Keystone Legends. All the action begins with heat races at 6 pm.
The following day (Sunday, August 6th) will debut the popular and competitive street stock and four cylinder thrillers for the 6th annual “Street Stock Shootout”. Street stock rookies and veterans from the eastern seaboard will compete for the $1,000 to win prize.
After a barnburner last season, Brad Kline took the win last after post race inspection. The field will be set through time trials, which has a scheduled start time of 2 pm.
Trophies for the top five are courtesy of Junction Bar & Grill in Pittston and the owner, Billy Bartley.
The four cylinder thrillers will also be on hand wilt the running of a 50-lap feature. The winner will take $400, pending car count and sponsorship.
Sunday’s events will not count as regular races, which means that the drivers will not be awarded points.
Laps are also available for sponsorship for the 6th annual Street Stock Shootout. For further information, rules and regulations, please visit http://www.mountainspeedway.com and click on the forum link.

Upcoming events:
Saturday, July 22nd with modifieds, street stocks, thrillers, 4 cyl. thrillers, PLUS 4C modifieds

Brunnhoelzl Holds off Defebo and Cashes in with Mountain Thriller
Written by: Gene Ostrowski

St. Johns, PA- Twenty-six full blown modifieds set out to qualify for Saturday night’s 35-lap double points, $2000 to win modified feature at Mountain Speedway. When the checkered flag flew, it was Eddie Brunnhoelzl grabbing the win. Joe Hoffman notched his third late model victory of the season; while Dave Cascioli powered to the thriller feature win. Joe Sherman didn’t lead a lap in the four-cylinder thriller feature, but still visited victory lane for the second time this season.
Qualifying for the 35-lap double points Balliet’s Country Corners modified feature was enough to make any driver cringe, especially with twenty-six mods on hand for twenty qualifying spots. With the additional cars came an additional bonus, as SVS (Specialized Vehicle Services) added an additional $500 to the purse for the modified feature winner since there were at least 22 cars registered.
Matt Higgins led the field to the drop of the green flag after starting on the pole. The caution quickly flew when Chris Whitenight had trouble getting up to speed. On the restart, Tim Santee took advantage of his second starting spot and lurched into the lead.
By lap eight, Eddie Brunnhoelzl and Ryan Russo raced into contention as they reeled in Santee. The top three ran nose-to-tail for a number of circuits with Higgins and Chaz Surman in toe.
The caution flew on lap fourteen when Marissa Niederauer made contact with Surman as the two were battling out of turn four. Niederauer was done for the day.
At this point in the event, three-time modified champion, Brian Defebo, had wheeled his way into the fourth spot. Although he only gained one position in the next ten laps, Defebo disposed of Santee for second with about five laps remaining.
While reeling in Brunnhoelzl, Defebo set a torrid pace and closed the gap between the two quickly. Applying pressure from both high and low sides on the track, Defebo tried everything he could to overtake Brunnhoelzl. The two were side-by-side as they came off turn four toward the checkered flag, but Brunnhoelzl had the advantage and collected his second career win over Defebo, Santee, Russo and Tony Hanbury.
“This is great”, noted Brunnhoelzl (Levittown, NY) in victory lane. “I hate to admit it, but I love following that guy (Defebo) around this place, just to see his line and what I can learn. He’s the master here and I’m glad we won”.
Tim Santee, Dean Gulick and Chris Whitenight won heat races. Tony Hanbury won the consi.
Danny Cascioli started from the pole in the 25-lap late model feature, but was quickly passed by Jim Lamoreaux at the start. Lamoreaux set the pace until the caution flew when Jim Brown spun in turn two.
Mike Coll moved into third for the restart behind Cascioli. When the race restarted, Coll made a move underneath for the second spot, but got loose. As he chased his car up the track, he made contact with the second place runner and the cars piled in behind them. Mike Radocha, Dean Kline, Joe Brown and Jim Brown were all involved.
When the race restarted, Coll lurched out in front of Lamoreaux, who appeared to have a tire going down. But only two laps later, Joe Hoffman caught Coll and the two waged a great side-by-side battle until Hoffman cleared Coll.
Over the remaining laps, Hoffman (Drums, PA) began to distance himself from the field and drove off to his third victory of the season over Coll, Mike Rodriguez, Jr, Beau Drobot and Mike Radocha.
Mike Coll and Danny Cascioli won heat races.
Double points were also on the line for the thrillers, as Jeff Owler led the field to the drop of the green flag for the start of their 25-lap feature. After leading the first circuit, Owler was overtaken by Donny Oliver and began sliding backward.
Pat Verwys moved to second and began gunning for Oliver. Verwys attempted an outside maneuver off of turn four, but he and the leader touched, which spun Verwys from contention. This moved Josh Oswald to the point for the restart.
Oswald might have led the field to the stripe for the restart, but Dave Cascioli quickly overtook him. Not far behind, Bill Price moved into the second spot, with Steve Shultz and Kevin Makarewicz rounding out the top five.
Although heavy lapped traffic came into play, Cascioli managed to hold off numerous attempts from Price over the remaining laps. Oswald finished third, while Ricky Ross Jr. charged into fourth after earlier troubles. Makarewicz rounded out the top five.
Ricky Ross, Jr. and Dave Cascioli won heat races.
With Bobby Coco on the pole, seventeen four-cylinder thrillers hit the stage for the start of the 20-lap feature. Coco led the first two circuits, but Harry Sager moved from his eighth starting spot and into the lead.
Things began shuffling around up front, and by the time four laps clicked off, Duane Garrison was second behind Sager, followed by Jamie Damon, Coco and Joe Sherman.
With seven laps in the books, Coltin Judge cut down a tire and pounded the retaining wall between turns one and two. The red flag was displayed for a moment, but Judge continued on and into the pit area for repair.
By lap fourteen, Travis Fisher worked his way to second and began reeling in Sager. Joe Sherman climbed to the third spot.
Fisher worked the outside of Sager, and off turn two on the final lap, Sager ran high, which forced Fisher into the outside retaining wall. In doing so, Sager was given a two-position penalty, which awarded Joe Sherman (Drums, PA) the win, without ever leading a lap. Garrison, Sager, Damon and Bill Halstead rounded out the top five.
Heat races winners were Travis Fisher and Joe Sherman.
The next Mountain Speedway event is Saturday, July 22nd. On the card for the day are the modifieds, street stocks, thrillers, four cylinder thrillers, plus the 4 cylinder modifieds. All the action begins with heat races at 6 PM. For all up-to-date info at Mountain Speedway, please login to www.mountainspeedway.com.

Modified (35-laps) 1. Eddie Brunnhoelzl III 2. Brian Defebo 3. Tim Santee 4. Ryan Russo 5. Tony Hanbury 6. Zane Zeiner 7. John Markovic 8. Lenny Fischer 9. Rusty Smith 10. Andy Walko 11. Dean Gulick 12. Kory Rabenold 13. Matt Higgins 14. Lou Strohl 15. Ernie Dengler 16. Chaz Surman 17.Marisa Niederauer 18. Wayne Szerencsits 19. Billy Pruitt 20. Chris Whitenight DNS: Chip Wanamaker, Rodney Gruber, Tommy Flannigan, Geary Rinehimer, Matt Clemens, Dave Cranmer
Hard Charger: Tony Hanbury, 11 positions
Fast Lap: Brian Defebo, 13.897

Late Model (25-laps) 1. Joe Hoffman 2. Mike Coll 3. Mike Rodriguez, Jr. 4. Beau Drobot 5. Mike Radocha, Jr 6. Jim Lamoreaux 7. Larry Fisher 8. Joe Barbush 9. Dan Cascioli 10. Jim Brown 11. Frank Katona 12. Dean Kline, II 13. Joe Brown DNS: Tommy Flannigan
Hard Charger: Beau Drobot, 8 positions
Fast Lap: Joe Hoffman, 14.866

Thriller (25-laps) 1. Dave Cascioli 2. Bill Price 3. Josh Oswald 4. Ricky Ross, Jr 5. Kevin Makarewicz 6. Steve Shultz 7. Joe Kmetz 8. Howie Bott 9. Chuck Deon 10. Tom Cassagrande 11. Marissa Nelmes 12. Donny Oliver 13. Ryan Klingel 14. Mark Paine 15. Jeff Owler 16. Pat Verwys
Hard Charger: Dave Cascioli, Bill Price, Jr. & Joe Kmetz, 8 positions
Fast Lap: Ricky Ross, Jr. 17.424

4 Cyl. Thriller (20-laps) 1. Joe Sherman 2. Duane Garrison 3. Harry Sager 4. Jamie Damon 5. Bill Halstead 6. Bob Wink 7. Bobby Coco 8. Jim Sykes 9. Gary Fisher 10. Travis Fisher 11. Justin Hughes 12. Coltin Judge 13. Joe Grocholski 14. Kyle Heckman 15. Jimmy White, Jr DNS: George Antolick DQ: Kevin Price
Hard Charger: Joe Sherman, 8 positions
Fast Lap: Travis Fisher, 18.309

Upcoming events:
Saturday, July 15th modifieds (double points), late models, thrillers (double points) and 4 cyl. thrillers

Defebo First to Score Two Modified Wins This Season at Mountain Speedway
Father and Son Grab the Gold for the Fisher Family
Written by: Gene Ostrowski

St. Johns, PA- On Saturday, Berwick’s Brian Defebo, became the first driver this season to win two feature events this season at Mountain Speedway. Defebo led every single lap of the 50-lap event to win the $2000 prize. Joe Barbush, Jr. grabbed the win in the first of two late model features. After time away from racing his late model, Larry Fisher grabbed the win in the second. Fisher’s son, Travis, was victorious in the double points four-cylinder thriller feature and Scott Meckes drove to victory in the double points street stock event.

From the pole position, Brian Defebo led the Balliet’s Country Corners modified field to the drop of the green in the 50-lap modified feature, which was sponsored by SVS of Hazleton, Balliet-Toole Inc. and Finish Line Racing Products of Mountaintop, PA. After one lap was completed, the caution waved for the stalled machine of Wayne Szerencsits.

When green flag racing resumed, Defebo continued out front with Tim Santee in second. After a few laps, Ryan Russo overtook Santee and set sail for Defebo. Two quick cautions flew for the spinning car of Dave Cranmer. Flawless on the restarts, Defebo continued to power out front.

By lap thirteen, Zane Zeiner worked his way around Eddie Brunnhoelzl for third and Rusty Smith moved into the top five. A few laps later, Brunnhoelzl retook the third spot from Zeiner.

The race was slowed for the final time when Chris Whitenight and Marissa Niederauer made contact while battling for the ninth spot. Dean Gulick and Geary Rinehimer spun to avoid Niederauer.

With a few car length advantage over Russo, Defebo grabbed the win in dominating fashion. Russo settled for second and Zeiner, Smith and Brunnhoelzl completed the top five.

In victory lane Defebo commented on being the first modified driver this season to get a second feature win. “This is great! We did it earlier this season at Mahoning and now we’re the first one to do it here. I owe it all to my mom (Sophie Welch) for giving me the very best equipment, and also to everyone on my crew. They really bust their butts working on the cars”, he said.

Brian Defebo and Tim Santee won heat races.

After winning the second 50/50 drawing last week, a lucky fan received a ride around the 1/3rd mile speedway in the track’s 2-seater late model at intermission. The 2-seater late model drawing will continue throughout the rest of the season on a weekly basis.

Two separate 20-lap features were on tap for the late model division. The first of the two began with Joe Oliver on the pole. Oliver led the field to the drop of the green flag, but Joe Barbush grabbed the top spot as the two headed into turn one. Jim Lamoreaux tried to take second from Oliver, but made contact with the second place runner as they entered turn three. After the quick caution, both drivers restarted from the rear of the field.

Joey McMurtrie worked his way into second and set his sights on Barbush. Meanwhile, Joe Hoffman, Larry Fisher and Mike Coll, the current division point leader dueled side by side for the top five spots.

When it was all said and done, Barbush (Drums, PA) grabbed the win over McMurtrie. It was also Barbush’s second victory of the season. Hoffman, Fisher and Coll rounded out the top five.

Joe Barbush and Larry Fisher won heat races.

The second 20-lapper for the late models began with Mike Radocha, Jr. on the pole. After leading one lap, Radocha was overtaken by Mike Rodriguez, Jr. Larry Fisher followed into the second spot.

The first of four cautions flew when Joey McMurtrie and Bob Ankner collected in turn three. Both drivers retired from the event. When the green flag waved for the restart, Fisher got a great jump over Rodriguez and took command. At this point, Joe Barbush had worked his way into the third spot.

A lap fifteen caution ended Barbush’s night when his sway bar came disconnected and punctured a front tire. Two laps later, Joe Hoffman also retired from action.

Over the remaining laps, Fisher (Fern Glen, PA) began to distance himself from the second place car. He took the checkers, enroot to his second win of the season over Rodriguez, Mike Coll, Mike Radocha, Jr. and Joe Barretta.

The “Twin 20” late model features were sponsored in part by Banko’s, Balliet’s Country Corners and Barbush Automotive.

The start of the 25-lap street stock feature began with Glenn Heckman pacing the field from the pole position, but the race slowed with only one lap in the books when Norm Barnes attempted to take third from Rich Dimarco in turn three. Contact forced Dimarco around and Jimmy White, Eric Danyluk and Ron Babula were collected. White’s car was torn up and he was not able to continue. Danyluk ducked into the pits, along with Babula for service from their crews.

The caution waved two laps after the restart. This time Jennifer Kutz, Gary VanOrden, Danyluk and Babula were involved in the turn one incident. Babula retired from the event, while the other drivers headed pit side for repairs.

When the race restarted, Scott Meckes pulled along side Heckman for the lead. Two laps later he cleared the leader and took over the top spot. At this point, Chip Wanamaker was in third.

Trying to take second from Heckman, Wanamaker made contact with the machine and sent Heckman spinning in turn two. Both drivers had to restart from the tail end of the field. This moved Norm Barnes into the second spot ahead of Brad Barbush, Todd Geist and Barry Callavini.

Meckes (Lehighton, PA) was flawless on the restart and never looked back as he took his third win of the season. Meckes is also the division point leader and the special mid season street stock event paid double points.

Todd Geist and Glenn Heckman were heat race winners.

Kyle Heckman led the four-cylinder thriller feature to the drop of the green flag in the 25-lap feature. After one lap was completed, Bill Halstead took command of the event after starting third.

Travis Fisher grabbed third from Jamie Damon, then set sail for Halstead. Once he disposed of Heckman for second, Fisher caught and passed Halstead five laps in.

The battle on the track with ten laps in was from second on back. Joe Sherman moved into second, with Harry Sager, Halstead and Heckman rounding out the top five.

With two laps remaining, Sherman tried several moves on Fisher. The two were side-by-side across the stripe when the white flag waved, but the leaders caught the lapped car of Coltin Judge as they exited turn two. Fisher went low and Sherman up high. Fisher squeezed through and solely regained the top spot as he drove off to the checkers. Sherman finished second and Sager, Garrison and Wink rounded out the top five.

Fisher (Fern Glen) was more than “thrilled” with taking the checkers in the 25-lap double points four cylinder thriller feature, especially since his father, Larry Fisher won earlier in the evening.

Travis Fisher and Duane Garrison won heat races.

The next Mountain Speedway event is Saturday, July 15th. The modifieds and thrillers will compete for double points. Also on the card for the evening are the four cylinder thrillers and late models. All the action begins with heat races at 6 PM. For a complete schedule on Mountain Speedway happenings, along with driver profiles, points and current news, please visit the track website at www.mountainspeedway.com.

Results
Modified (50-laps) 1. Brian Defebo 2. Ryan Russo 3. Zane Zeiner 4. Rusty Smith 5. Eddie Brunnhoelzl III 6. Chaz Surman 7. Tim Santee 8. Andy Walko 9. Marisa Niederauer 10. Geary Rinehimer 11. Dean Gulick 12. Chris Whitenight 13. Ernie Dengler 14. Dave Cranmer 15. Lou Strohl 16. Wayne Szerencsits
Fast Lap: Brian Defebo, 13.966
Hard Charger: Zane Zeiner, 5 positions

Late Model (First 20-lapper) 1. Joe Barbush 2. Joey McMurtrie 3. Joe Hoffman 4. Larry Fisher 5. Mike Coll 6. Mike Rodriguez, Jr. 7. Mike Radocha, Jr 8. Bob Ankner 9. Joe Barretta 10. Jim Lamoreaux 11. Joe Brown 12. Beau Drobot 13. Dan Cascioli 14. Joe Oliver 15. Mike Radocha, Sr 16. Frank Katona
Fast Lap: Larry Fisher, 14.985
Hard Charger: Joe Barretta, 5 positions

Late Model (Second 20-lapper) 1. Larry Fisher 2. Mike Rodriguez, Jr. 3. Mike Coll 4. Mike Radocha, Jr 5. Joe Barretta 6. Jim Lamoreaux 7. Joe Brown 8. Joe Oliver 9. Mike Radocha, Sr 10. Joe Barbush 11. Joe Hoffman 12. Beau Drobot 13. Dan Cascioli 14. Joey McMurtrie 15. Bob Ankner DNS: Frank Katona
Fast Lap: Larry Fisher, 15.026
Hard Chargers: Joe Oliver & Mike Radocha, Sr, 6 positions

Street Stock (25-laps) 1. Scott Meckes 2. Norm Barnes 3. Brad Barbush 4. Todd Geist 5. Barry Callavini 6. Eric Danyluk 7. Glenn Heckman 8. Rich Dimarco 9. Chip Wanamaker 10. John Labadia 11. Brian Sones 12. Jennifer Kutz 13. Paul Frantz 14. Gary VanOrden 15. Ron Babula 16. Jimmy White, Jr
Fast Lap: Brad Barbush, 16.061
Hard Chargers: Brad Barbush, Todd Geist and John Labadia, 6 positions

4 Cylinder Thrillers (25-laps) 1. Travis Fisher 2. Joe Sherman 3. Harry Sager 4. Duane Garrison 5. Bob Wink 6. Bill Halstead 7. Kyle Heckman 8. Coltin Judge 9. Jamie Damon 10. Chris Meeker 11. Kevin Price 12. Bill Rice 13. Bobby Coco
Hard Chargers: Joe Sherman and Harry Sager, 5 positions

Anything With Wheels Fuels Kapish’s Desire to Compete

St. Johns, PA- As a youngster Jeansville, PA’s Tom Kapish, Jr. (TJ) grew up around Dodge trucks and when he grew older began racing in mud drags and “Tuff Truck” racing. Tuff Truck racing is basically an obstacle course with jumps and other obstacles, similar to a motocross/enduro track, along with short drags that contain jumps. They are typically run on the monster truck courses. Although he enjoyed the competition, TJ left the series after five years. “I felt that the rules starting getting into a money game and the whole aspect of what Tuff Truck racing was originated from became completely changed around and too over competitive, so I decided to get out of it”, he noted.

He has been four wheeling since he was sixteen years of age and became involved with Paragon Adventure Park in Hazleton, PA since their inception. Paragon Adventure Park is an ATV and off-road vehicle riding ground that consists of 150,000 acres. TJ has worked as a guide, and in doing so he has guiding off-road vehicles through the park and through their toughest courses.

Moving to a different type of competition, Kapish hand built a rock crawling buggy in ‘01 and began to compete on the rock crawling circuit, where he continued in competitions until last year. “As I experienced before, rock crawling became a big money sport and required at least a dozen or more of good sponsors to even survive, so I have put that aside for now, and use my buggy for trail riding. Since hanging up my rock crawling shoes I got picked up as a spotter by another team will be doing that this year”, he said. TJ continued “One day a friend of mine talked me into trying the NEETS enduros at Mountain Speedway for something to do during the off season, so I figured why not”? Since then Kapish hasn’t won any enduros, but has learned a whole new aspect of competition, and something that he has seemed to pick up very naturally.

For his first two-circle track races TJ competed in the NEETS Holiday Sock Car Series at Mountain Speedway in St. Johns, PA. Amazingly, it was the first car that he has ever driven, as he has always owned Dodge trucks! The first of two four cylinders he purchased to run was a Chevy Cavalier, which cost a mere $100. After it’s short-lived journey, he then purchased a Dodge Shadow for $50, which TJ ran in the January “Beaters with Heaters” event in 2005. Unfortunately he wrecked it, but admitted that had a ball doing in doing so. His next choice of vehicle moved him up to the 6/8 cylinder enduro division. The car of choice was a Chrysler New Yorker with a $100 price tag on it from a local farmer. He has been racing it and tweaking his driving skills since then. As many enduro cars are decorated, Kapish’s ride seems to really take notice to the fans, as “Oscar the Grouch” rides along on the roof of the car. When asked about Oscar, TJ responded by saying “I initially wanted to put something on the car so I can be spotted on the track, so I came up with the big Garbage can. My girlfriend took it one step further with the idea of putting Oscar the Grouch in the can, so my Mother found me the 3 � foot stuffed Oscar. I painted the car green and it’s been on the car since the very beginning. We have found that it is a favorite car among the kids at the track and since I have signed autographs and had kid get in my car for pictures. Needless to say I’ll be keeping the Oscar theme.”

Only 85 point out of finishing in the tenth spot in the ’05 NEETS point standings, with a best finish of 8th, Kapish has minute goals for the remainder of this season. “My goal for this season is to make the top ten in points for the year. I think it’s an achievable goal, but I didn’t take off to a good start. In the first race I got taken out in a wreck early, which bent up my lower control arm. I would love to win a race this year but also think there are some well-tuned cars out there with veteran drivers that won’t let that happen. No matter what, I just go out to have a good time, try to run hard, but still think it’s all for fun”, he noted.

As a 30-year old competitive guy would have it, TJ has lured many of his friends into the sport of racing in circles. He continued by saying “I have currently been getting more and more people involved in the enduros and we have four 4-cylinder drivers, and also six 8-cylinder drivers in our group”.

When asked about the NEETS series in general, TJ went on by saying “As for the series goes, I think Billy (Bartley) is doing a great thing with the parties and practice, he does a lot. As far as the rules are concerned, I have actually seen it change since last season. I am all for the safety rules, but also think with certain cage rules and tire stagger, I could possibly see it getting out of hand and not be a budget/fun racing series. I can only see the tire stagger rule making fast cars faster, and the cage rule compensating for the high speeds. In my opinion, as long as Billy keeps the series from getting out of hand and keeps it as it is, it will be fun and enjoyable for many years to come”.

Although enduro racing is what helped fuel the fire to TJ’s short track racing habit, he plans to tour the 1/3rd mile at Mountain Speedway in one of the regular Saturday night divisions, the thrillers. Thriller cars are similar to the full size enduros, but with added safety measures, track tires and more flexibility with car set up. If everything pans out, Kapish is planning on running a thriller race or two this season, once he gets his car within the division guidelines.

As many racers’ families are involved in the sport, TJ’s is no different. His parents Tom and Mary Ann have been to the track and have watched every race that he has run so far. He’s also looking forward to the September 30th NEETS “Fem-Duro”, which is basically a female/male tag-team event. “My Girlfriend for 4 years has been my passenger in the enduros from the start. This year I am definitely pressuring her to run the Fem-Duro”, he said.

Excited, Kapish closed by saying “I have a blast racing and we have all been planning to race other tracks this year, and also to get involved with the thriller division at Mountain. I don’t necessarily have a proudest moment in the sport, but seem to get a little better every race, and I’m proud of that”.

Pauch, Wanat, Grocholski and Sager Share Glory in NEETS “Firecracker Smacker” Wins

St. Johns, PA- The ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series fourth points race of the ’06 season, tagged the “Firecracker Smacker” took place Sunday at Mountain Speedway. Despite computer problems, which were apparently caused by a passing lightening storm, all of the scheduled enduros were completed. The fans witnessed Tim Pauch pick up his second 6/8 cylinder win of the season, along with Shaun Wanat’s first victory in the trux division. Both Joe Grocholski and Harry Sager grabbed the wins in the split four cylinder enduro races.
First on the card was the Cascioli Roofing 6/8-cylinder division for a 100-lap enduro. Robin Schewire led the 50-car field to the green from the pole, but “Dr. Destruction” Howie Bott grabbed the top spot before one lap was completed. Richard Petey and Daryl DeBetta followed for second and third.
With four laps in the books, Petey overtook the lead and DeBetta came to second. Only seven laps later, DeBetta overtook Petey for the lead, but contact with a lapped machine slowed the leader, which allowed Petey to close back in and regain the position.
At the halfway point Petey continued to lead over Bott, Terry Nansteel. Tim Pauch and Tom Moses, but TJ Kapish and Bob Wink began to make a bid for the top five.
The red flag flew on lap sixty-two when DeBetta slammed head on into the pit entrance guide rail. Although his car appeared to be totaled, DeBetta climbed from the machine under his own power. Under the same red, Bott headed pit side with problems on his machine and was not able to continue.
With ten laps remaining, Petey continued out front, but Pauch closed in quickly. On the following lap, out of turn two, Bob Kulik spun right in front of the leaders. Pauch took the low line and Petey drove up high. Petey got caught up in the incident for a split second and Pauch came out in command.
Pauch remained smooth and flawless over the remaining laps and picked up his second win of the season over Petey, Kapish & Smith (tied for third), Mark Paine and Wink.
Next the NEETS Custom Classic TRUX took to the speedway for a 50-lap enduro. Richard Petey started from the pole, but before one lap was completed, Frank Katona found himself in command. Katona stayed out in front ahead of James Badalato and Shaun Wanat.
Roughly six laps in, Wanat overtook Badalato and set his sights on Katona. On lap thirteen, Wanat raced by Katona and into the top spot. Badalato followed for second and Rob “the kid” McCormick, Bobby “Peaseman” Pease and John Cozza began to close in on second.
Cozza moved into second near lap thirty-five, but didn’t have enough laps to reel in the leader. After running a red flag free race, Wanat grabbed his first TRUX victory over Cozza, Pease, Badalato and McCormick.
Thunderstorms rolled in after the race and NEETS promoter, Billy Bartley decided to wait on the weather. Bartley had a quick meeting with the Steel Seal four cylinder drivers and the outcome was two 50-car field’s, split into two 25-car fields, in which each ran 50-lap enduros.
The first of the two 50-lappers showcased Bob Wohlegemuth and Bob Darde leading laps early on, but when it was all said and done, Joe Grocholski grabbed the lead with eighteen laps in the books and cruised off to victory over Darde, Tim Pauch, Mike Racho and Brad Vollmoeller.
During the second 50-lapper the fans in the stands witnessed Harry Sager grab the top spot from pole sitter Bob Haeger on the start. “High groove” Harry Sager never looked back and dominated the event over Shaun Wanat, Duane Garrison, John Bittoni and Richie Haegele.
The NEETS charity of choice for the event was the Woman’s Resource Center. One Dollar from each general admission will be donated to the cause.
The next ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series event is the “Cartoon-Duro”, which is set for Sunday, July 30th. On the card for the day are the Cascioli Roofing 6/8 cylinders, along with the Steel Seal four cylinders. All drivers are urged to decorate their vehicles in cartoon themes for the running of the 100-lap “Sponge Bob 100” and the “Plankton 100” events. All the action will begin at 2 PM. Grandstand admission pricing is $7 for ages seven and older. Children six and younger are admitted for free. The NEETS charity of choice is the Checkered Dreams charity. For all information regarding the NEETS series, please visit their website at www.neetstour.net.

Cascioli Roofing 6/8 Cylinder (100-laps)
5 Tim Pauch
43 Richard Petey
33 TJ Kapish & 8 Mike Smith (tie)
72 Mark Paine
417 Bob Wink

Custom Classic TRUX (50-laps)
02 Shaun Wanat
5 John Cozza
20 Bobby “Peaseman”Pease
28 James Badalato
17X Rob “the kid” McCormick

Steel Seal Four Cylinders (1st 50-lapper)
30 Joe Grocholski
78jr Bob Darde
5T Tim Pauch
777 Mike Racho
3 Brad Vollmoeller

Steel Seal Four Cylinders (2nd 50-lapper)
61 “high groove” Harry Sager
42x Shaun Wanat
666 Duane Garrison
26 John Bittoni
41J Richie Haegele

Upcoming events:
Saturday, July 8th modifieds 50-lap $2k to win feature event, late models, street stocks, 4 cyl. thrillers

Rodriguez, Geist, Moyer and Wink Sparkle in Mountain Wins

St. Johns, PA-Plenty of fans packed in the stands Saturday for door-to-door racing and Mountain Speedway’s annual fireworks display. When it was all said and done, second-generation driver, Mike Rodriguez, Jr. took the win in the late models. Todd Geist led flag to flag to claim the street stock checkers. Mike Moyer, Jr. was awarded his first thriller victory and Bob Wink notch his first four-cylinder thriller feature win.

Beau Drobot led the late model field to the drop of the green flag for the 30-lap feature, but before a single lap was scored, young Mike Rodriguez, Jr. grabbed the top spot as the two raced out of turn two. Joe Hoffman slipped past Drobot for second on the following circuit.

With ten laps in the books, Rodriguez had a sizable lead over Hoffman, but lapped traffic allowed Hoffman to close the gap. Drobot still pursued the top two, but they have already distanced themselves from the rest of the field. Joe Brown was running fourth just before the halfway point, but he got out of shape out of turn four, which allowed Jim Brown and Mike Coll to take advantage and enter the top five.

For the second straight week, the late model feature was run caution free. Rodriguez stayed out front over the remaining laps and cruised to his second win of the season over Hoffman, Drobot, Jim Brown and Mike Coll.

“This car was awesome tonight”, noted the Drums, PA native in victory lane. “I owe it all to my dad (Mike Rodriguez, Sr.). We knew it would be good, but it was fast and handled great”.

Mike Rodriguez, Jr. and Beau Drobot won heat races.

Todd “Hollywood” Geist and Rich Dimarco shared the front row for the 20-lap street stock feature. With a great jump on the start, Geist powered away from the field. Meanwhile, Chip Wanamaker grabbed second from Dimarco and Gary VanOrden followed for third.

Geist was still out front at the halfway point, but he had to contend with Wanamaker, who was applying the pressure from all sides. At this point, the current division point leader, Scott Meckes, was running third with Eric Danyluk and Paul Frantz rounding out the top five.

The caution flew on lap nine when problems struck Jimmy White, Jr. on the front stretch. White’s damaged machine also collected Norm Barnes. Barnes was able to rejoin the field, but White was not.

Wanamaker attempted to pass Geist (Walnutport, PA) for the lead on many occasions, but also had to worry about leaving the door open for Meckes. As the trio came out of turn four, Geist was first to see the checkers, followed by Wanamaker, Meckes, Danyluk and Brad Barbush. It was Geist’s second win of the season.

Todd Geist, Brad Barbush and Chip Wanamaker claimed the checkers in the heat races.

Marissa Nelmes and Donny Oliver shared the front two spots for the start of the 20-lap thriller feature. Nelmes held the point, but only two laps clicked off before Mike Skelly grabbed the top spot on the restart after a quick caution involving Pat Verwys.

Three laps later, Bill Price drove under Skelly and into the lead. Skelly, however was not about to give in easily and the two raged a fender-rubbing contest over the next few circuits. The close racing allowed Mike Moyer, Jr. and Josh Oswald to join in the mix for the top spot.

The fans were on their feet as Skelly and Price came out of turn four for the white flag, as it was evident that neither driver wanted to settle for second. In the end, Skelly was first to the checkers, but was given a two-position penalty for rough riding. In only his fourth career start, Mike Moyer, Jr. (Freeland, PA) crossed the stripe in the second spot and was awarded his first feature win.

Mike Moyer, Jr. and Ricky Ross, Jr. won heat races.

Kyle Heckman paced the four-cylinder thriller field to the drop of the green flag for the 20-lap feature. After a great start, Jim Sykes grabbed the top spot, but before a single lap was scored, Heckman fought back to the lead.

The first and only caution flew on lap three when, with a little help, Gary Fisher went around on the front stretch. This bunched the field back up and the race restarted with “Maddawg” Bob Wink in the second spot. Wink got a great start and overtook Heckman for the lead.

Wink continued out front at the mid race point over Heckman, Kevin Price, Joe Sherman and Bill Hallstead. However, only one lap later, Sherman overtook Price for third, and then got around Heckman for second.

Wink held off a fierce charge from Sherman and went on to collect his very first four-cylinder thriller victory over Sherman, Duane Garrison, Heckman and Joe Grocholski.

As the rest of the top ten crossed the stripe, Gary Fisher made contact with Fluffy White. Fluffy finished in the tenth spot, but her car went up and over on it’s roof. Although a little shaken up, White exited the car under her own power and plans to compete (with the same car) in Sunday’s NEETS event.

The next Mountain Speedway events should be very competitive with the double-points, mid-season championships taking place for the four cylinder thrillers, street stocks and late models. Along with all of the mid season hype, the Balliet’s Country Corners modifieds will be running a 50-lap $2k to win feature event, where 22- cars will take the green flag. Second place will pay $1K and the minimum for taking the green flag in the feature is $200. All the action will begin with heat races starting at 6 PM. For all information regarding past, present and future happenings at Mountain Speedway, please visit their website at www.mountainspeedway.com.

Late Model (30-laps) 1. Mike Rodriguez, Jr, Jr. 2. Joe Hoffman 3. Beau Drobot 4. Jim Brown 5. Mike Coll 6. Joe Brown 7. Jim Lamoreaux 8. Jarrod Hayes 9. Joe Barbush 10. Joe Oliver 11. Jerry Brighthaupt 12. Frank Katona
Hard Charger, Joe Hoffman, Mike Coll and Joe Oliver, 2 positions
Fast Lap: Mike Rodriguez, Jr, 14.783

Street Stock (20-laps) 1. Todd Geist 2. Chip Wanamaker 3. Scott Meckes 4. Eric Danyluk 5. Brad Barbush 6. Paul Frantz 7. Gary VanOrden 8. Rich Dimarco 9. Norm Barnes 10. John Stonier 11. Todd Barbush 12. Glen Heckman 13. Brian Sones 14. Jennifer Kutz 15. Henry Ruth 16. Jimmy White, Jr 17.Barry Callavini 18. Robert Fink
Hard Charger, Norm Barnes, 9 positions
Fast Lap: Brad Barbush, 16.024

Thriller (20-laps) 1. Mike Moyer, Jr 2. Bill Price, Jr 3. Mike Skelly, Jr 4. Pat Verwys 5. Josh Oswald 6. Steve Shultz 7. Marissa Nelmes 8. Jeff Owler 9. Donny Oliver 10. Mark Paine 11. Joe Jentile 12. Phil Lomonaco 13. Bob Kulik 14. Ricky Ross, Jr.
Hard Charger, Bill Price, 7 positions
Fast Lap: Bill Price, Jr, 17.352

4 Cyl. Thriller (20-laps) 1. Bob Wink 2. Joe Sherman 3. Duane Garrison 4. Kyle Heckman 5. Joe Grocholski 6. Kevin Price 7. Travis Fisher 8. Larry Fisher 9. Jamie Damon 10. Fluffy White 11. William Halstead 12. Bill Verwys Sr. 13. Art Kulik 14. Bobby Coco 15. Jim Sykes DQ: Gary Fisher
Hard Charger, Joe Grocholski, 10 positions
Fast Lap: Duane Garrison, 18.763

NEETS “Firecracker Smacker” Coming up Next!

St. Johns, PA- The ABC Car Crushing, NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series is back at it, Sunday, July 2nd at Mountain Speedway with their fourth points race of the season; the "Firecracker Smacker", which will feature a 100-lap enduro for the Cascioli roofing 6/8 cylinders, a 100-lapper for the Steel Seal four cylinders and a 50-lap contest for the Custom Classic Trux.

With one win so far this season, current Cascioli Roofing 6/8-cylinder point leader, Tim Pauch, has a 10-point advantage over Joe 'Millionaire' Jentile. Jeff Walls is only twelve points back and “Dr. Destruction” Howie Bott is fourth, only twenty points out of the top spot in the standings.

Without a win so far this season, Joe Grocholski is atop the Steel Seal four cylinder Standings with a four-point advantage over Joe Sherman. Mike Mujsce is third, fourteen points back and Tim Pauch sits fourth, only 18 tallies out of first.

Bobby “Peaseman” Pease has a two-point advantage over John Cozza in the Custom Classic Trux. Rob McCormick sits third, only six points back and Ed Colon is fourth, twenty-six markers out of the lead.

The NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series donates $1 from every general admission to a charity of choice from each event. For this Memorial Day race, NEETS will donate $1 from each admission to the Woman’s Resource Center.

All the racing action begins Sunday, July 2nd at 1:30 PM. Don't forget, the NEETS series runs, rain or shine! General admission is $7 for ages 7 and up. Kids 6 and under are admitted free. Pit gates open at 9:00 AM, and registrations open at 10:00 AM.

For rules, roster and more information on the Northeast Enduro Tour Series, please visit www.neetstour.net.

Upcoming events:
Saturday, July 1st late models, street stocks, thrillers, 4 cyl. thrillers, Super Pro Trucks PLUS gigantic fireworks display
Saturday, July 8th modifieds 50-lap $2k to win feature event, late models, street stocks, 4 cyl. thrillers

Kory Rabenold Conquers Mountain Speedway with First Mod Win

St. Johns, PA- Plenty of well-prepared racecars took to the 1/3rd miler at Mountain Speedway Saturday for door-to-door asphalt racing. When it was all said and done, Kory Rabenold came out on top with his first career Mountain modified win. Mike Coll gained another late model victory, while Ricky Ross won the thriller feature. Duane Garrison notched his first ever four cylinder thriller win and Craig Rochelle stayed out of trouble enroot to the legends victory.

Andy Walko set the pace for the 30-lap Balliet’s Country Corners modified feature after starting from the pole position. While battling for fourth with only two laps in the books, Wayne Szerencsits locked up the brakes and slid up into Tim Santee when he entered turn three too hard. Due to the damage, Santee was finished for the evening.

Walko got a good jump over Matt Higgins on the restart, but Chaz Surman raced by and into second. Surman pressured Walko and after the two bumped wheels, Surman took the top spot on lap six.

Only one lap later, Kory Rabenold, after starting ninth, worked his way into second and set his sights on Surman. With eleven laps complete, Rabenold made the pass for the lead stick. At the halfway point Rabenold continued out front over Surman, Ryan Russo, Brian Defebo and Brunnhoelzl.

The final yellow flag waved when Matt Higgins lost an engine in turn one. Rabenold was flawless on the restart and drove off to victory. Behind Rabenold, things were intense off of turn four for the rest of the top five. Defebo got into Surman while attempting to take second. Brunnhoelzl avoided the two and crossed the stripe second. Surman, Szerencsits and Defebo rounded out the top five.

“It feels great to win my first one here at Mountain tonight”, noted the 17-year old modified throttle jockey from Slatington, PA. “We go way back in racing, and tonight Surman gave me room. He ran me hard and clean” said Rabenold. “I just want to thank everyone on the crew, they always do an awesome job.

Andy Walko and Kory Rabenold were heat winners.

The late models hit the speedway for the start of the 25-lap feature. Division point’s leader, Mike Coll brought the field to the drop of the green. Coll immediately took off from Beau Drobot and Joe Barbush, while Billy Pruitt and Joe Hoffman raced into the top five.

Barbush got by Drobot for second and brought Hoffman by into third. By mid race, Pruitt worked his way around Drobot for fourth.

The last few laps were intense, with the top three cars running nose to tail. Barbush tried everything he had to work underneath Coll, with Hoffman trying the same maneuver on Barbush, but on the outside.

As the leaders came off of turn four toward the checkered flag, Barbush attempted a last chance pass but could not seal the deal. Coll (Selden, NY) grabbed the victory in the caution-free event, which was his third of the season, over Barbush, Hoffman, Drobot and Pruitt.

Mike Coll also won the heat race earlier in the evening.

Marissa Nelmes brought the thriller filed to the green flag from the pole position in the 20-lap feature. Before a single lap was completed, Richard Petey worked the outside groove and took over the lead. Dave Cascioli took second and followed Petey.

Six laps later Cascioli made the pass for the top spot on Petey stick. At this points, Ricky Ross, Jr. moved to third while Mike Skelly, Bill Price and Josh Oswald fought it out for the top five.

With thirteen laps in the books, Ross grabbed second from Petey and chased after Cascioli. Only four laps later, Cascioli encountered problems on his machine and headed pitside. The exchange handed the lead over to Ross. The next restart got interesting, as Oswald and Price tried to make it three-wide around Petey for second. As the three entered the first turn, they all made contact but resumed racing. The contact tore off the front nose on Petey’s machine, which he drug until it came off the car two laps later. The caution was thrown and Petey headed pitside, along with Oswald.

Ross (Mountaintop, PA) held off a fierce challenge from Price over the closing laps. He took the checkered flag for the second time this season over Price, Kevin Makarewicz, Skelly and Steve Shultz.

Dave Cascioli and Richard Petey were heat race winners.

Seventeen four-cylinder thrillers made up the field for the 20-lap feature, where Kyle Heckman started on the pole. With only one lap scored, Bob Wink took command over Duane Garrison. However, Garrison wasted no time working toward the front, as he overtook Wink for the top spot on the following lap.

By lap six, Joe Sherman worked his way around Wink and into second. Last season’s champion, Joe Grocholski worked his way into fourth and Luke Colleran fifth.

With heavy battles between the top seven or so, Garrison continued to hold off attempts made by Sherman. Trying high and low lines around the speedway, Sherman seemed determined to take the win.

With only a few laps remaining, Kevin Price took fourth from Grocholski, but out front it was all Garrison (Nescopeck, PA), taking the win over Sherman, Wink, Price and Colleran.

Duane Garrison and Joe Sherman were heat race winners.

Despite a hard charging Tim Tompson, Craig Rochelle held off brother Paul to the stripe in claiming the 20-lap Tri State Locating Keystone Legend feature.

The next Mountain Speedway events should be very entertaining to say the least. First, on Saturday, July 1st, the racing card will feature the late models, street stocks, thrillers, 4 cyl. thrillers and super pro trucks, plus a gigantic fireworks display. Then, on Saturday, July 8th the Balliet’s Country Corners modifieds will be running a 50-lap $2k to win feature event, where 22- cars will take the green flag. Second place will pay $1K and the minimum for taking the green flag in the feature is $200. Also on the card for the day are the late models, street stocks and 4 cyl. thrillers. For all information regarding past, present and future happenings at Mountain Speedway, please visit their website at www.mountainspeedway.com.

Modified (30-laps) 1. Kory Rabenold 2. Eddie Brunnhoelzl III 3. Chaz Surman 4. Wayne Szerencsits 5. Brian Defebo 6. Ryan Russo 7. Andy Walko 8. Lou Strohl 9. Dean Gulick 10. Brian MacQueen 11. Marisa Niederauer 12. Matt Higgins 13. Tim Santee DNS: Chris Whitenight
Hard Chargers: Kory Rabenold and Eddie Brunnhoelzl, 8 positions
Fast Lap: Brian Defebo, 13.849

Late Model (25-laps) 1. Mike Coll 2. Joe Barbush 3. Joe Hoffman 4. Beau Drobot 5. Billy Pruitt 6. Joe Brown 7. Frank Katona 8. Joe Oliver
Hard Charger: Joe Hoffman, 4 positions
Fast Lap: Joe Hoffman, 14.941

Thrillers (20-laps) 1. Ricky Ross, Jr 2. Bill Price 3. Kevin Makarewicz 4. Mike Skelly, Jr 5. Steve Shultz 6. Pat Verwys 7. Marissa Nelmes 8. Mike Moyer, Jr 9. Joe Kmetz 10. Richard Petey 11. Jeff Owler 12. Josh Oswald 13. Dave Cascioli 14. Mark Paine 15. Tom Cassagrande
Hard Charger: Kevin Makarewicz, 10 positions
Fast Lap: Dave Cascioli, 17.285

4 Cyl. Thriller (20-laps) 1. Duane Garrison 2. Joe Sherman 3. Bob Wink 4. Kevin Price 5. Luke Colleran 6. Joe Grocholski 7. William Halstead 8. Travis Fisher 9. Jimmy White, Jr 10. Coltin Judge 11. Jamie Damon 12. Justin Hughes 13. Larry Fisher 14. Kyle Heckman 15. Jim Sykes DNS: Chris Mercer, Gary Fisher
Hard Charger: Travis Fisher, 8 positions
Fast Lap: Joe Sherman, 18.787

Tri State Locatin Keystone Legends (20-laps) 1. Craig Rochelle 2. Paul Rochelle 3. Jim Baker 4. Tim Tompson 5. Mark Schaffer 6. Justin Mulea 7. Roy Danner 8. Paul DeGracia 9. Wayne Young 10. Sam Ryan 11. George Abt 12. Chuck Phillips 13. Troy Stelle 14. Jim Lowery 15. Mike Brannan 16. Ryan Steckel

Upcoming events:
Saturday, June 24th, modifieds, late models, thrillers, 4 cyl. thrillers, PLUS Tri-State Locating Keystone Legends

Zane Zeiner Takes Martinelli Motorsports to Victory at Mountain Speedway

St. Johns, PA- Sunny skies and warm temperatures set the stage for CAD Visers fan night Saturday at Mountain Speedway. Fans witnessed classic side-by-side racing all night long and saw Zane Zeiner claim the win in the modified feature. Paul Frantz took the street stock main, while Danny Cascioli grabbed the checkers in the Ed Makarewicz memorial thriller feature. Again, Harry Sager visited victory lane in the four cylinder thrillers.

After winning the heat race earlier in the evening, Zane Zeiner started from the pole in the Balliet’s Country Corners 30-lap modified feature. With a great jump on the start, Zeiner powered out front, ahead of Matt Higgins, Tim Santee and Chaz Serman.

The yellow flag waved when Alan Decker spun in turn three. Trying to avoid the spin, Donny Hartzell nailed the outside retaining wall, therefore ending his night. Serman had moved to second before the restart, but when the green flew this time, Ryan Russo ducked underneath Serman for second and chased after Zeiner.

Zeiner checked out from Russo, Eddie Brunnhoelzl, Chris Whitenight and Serman by the half waypoint, but the caution flew on lap twenty-six when Russo spun in turn four while running second.

Again, Zeiner had a fantastic start and distanced himself from second. He led green to checker for the victory, and is also the eighth different modified winner out of the eight events held for the division this season.

“It feels great to get this win for Joe and Pam Martinelli”, noted Zeiner in victory lane. “We figured we’d bring this car out tonight and shake it down before the RoC show tomorrow. I teamed up with Martinelli Motorsports this season, and it feels great to get them in victory lane”.

Zane Zeiner and Matt Higgins won heat races.

The thrillers hit the stage for the “Duct Tape 50” Ed Makarewicz 50-lap thriller memorial event, which was held in memory of the late Ed Makarewicz, Sr. A dear friend to many at the speedway, Ed was the “Duct Tape” that helped keep the Mac Brother Racing team from Hazelton, PA focused on success.

Marissa Nelmes started from the pole but lost the top spot on the start when Joe Kmetz took command before a single lap was scored. With only eight circuits complete, Ricky Ross took control of the event over Kmetz. Stuck in the outside lane, Kmetz was over taken by Josh Oswald, Danny Cascioli and Chip Wanamaker with ten laps in the books.

The second of three short cautions flew when Pat Verwys was spun in turn three. With a great restart, Cascioli grabbed the top spot and set sail. Ross dropped back to second, while Bill Price worked the outside of Oswald for third. After racing side-by-side for a number of laps, Price took third.

The final caution flew with twenty-seven laps in the books when Jeff Searfoss got into Howie Bott as the two were racing for fifth out of turn four. Bott spun, but picked up the tail end of the field.

Out front, Cascioli cruised to the win in dominating fashion over Ross, Price, Oswald and Searfoss. Cascioli also picked up the hard charger trophy, along with plenty of sponsored money laps from the event. Steve Shultz grabbed the trophy for the lead lap car with the slowest, but fast lap. All the drivers in the top five received plaques, which were courtesy of Billy Bartley.

Danny Cascioli, Richard Petey and Mike Moyer won heat races. Kevin Makarewicz won the consi.

Rich Dimarco jumped out to the early lead in the 20-lap street stock feature from the pole position. With only five laps in the books, the caution flew when Jimmy White was spun from the second position. When green flag racing resumed, Dimarco continued out front.

On the sixth circuit, Paul Frantz overtook Dimarco and distanced himself from the rest of the field. The battle however, was from second on back, between Dimarco, Norman Barnes and Barry Callavini. Scott Meckes, the current division point leader also joined the mix.

While racing for third with fifteen laps in the books, Meckes took a look underneath Dimarco as the two entered the turn. Due to contact, both drivers spun and had to join the rear of the field.

Over the remaining circuits Frantz (Scheidys, PA) seemed untouchable, as he cruised to his second street stock victory of the season over Barnes, Callavini, Brad Kline and Ron Babula.

Heat winners were Rich Dimarco, Chip Wanamaker and Eric Danyluk.

Scott Adams led the four cylinder thrillers to the stripe for the start of the 20-lap feature. Travis Fisher overtook Adams for the lead with only one lap in the books. Meanwhile, two and three wide racing from second on back took place.

With eight laps down and Fisher in command, Joe Sherman moved to second, ahead of “high side” Harry Sager, Coltin Judge and Adams.

Working the outside lane, Sager made a bid for the lead and grabbed it eleven laps in. Sherman followed into second, with Fisher dropping to third.

Sager (Hanover Twp, PA) went on to claim his forth win of the season in the division. Sherman, Fisher, Judge and Duane Garrison completed the top five.

Joe Sherman and Harry Sager won hest races.

The next Mountain Speedway racing event is Saturday, June 24th. On the card for the evening are the modifieds, late models, thrillers, four cylinder thrillers and the Tri-State Locating keystone legends. The street stocks have the night off. All the action begins with heat racing at 6 PM. For point standings, along with all current and up-to-date information at Mountain Speedway, please visit the track website at www.mountainspeedway.com.

Modified (30-laps) 1. Zane Zeiner 2. Chaz Serman 3. Eddie Brunnhoelzl III 4. Tim Santee 5. Brian Defebo 6. Wayne Szerencsits 7. Chris Whitenight 8. Marisa Niederauer 9. Brian MacQueen 10. Ryan Russo 11. Matt Higgins 12. Dean Gulick 13. Alan Decker 14. Lou Strohl 15. Ernie Dengler 16. Andy Walko 17.Donny Hartzell
Hard Charger: Brian Defebo, 10 positions
Fast Lap: Zane Zeiner (13.698)

Street Stock (20-laps) 1. Paul Frantz 2. Norm Barnes 3. Barry Callavini 4. Brad Kline 5. Ron Bubala 6. John Stonier 7. Jennifer Kutz 8. Eric Danyluk 9. Glen Heckman 10. Jimmy White, Jr 11. Rich Dimarco 12. Gary VanOrden 13. Brian Sones 14. Todd Geist 15. Frank Katona 16. Scott Meckes 17.Charlie Kline 18. Chip Wanamaker
Hard Charger: Norm Barnes and Jennifer Kutz, 10 positions
Fast Lap: Paul Frantz (16.094)

Thriller (50-laps Ed Makarewicz memorial) 1. Danny Cascioli 2. Ricky Ross, Jr 3. Bill Price 4. Josh Oswald 5. Jeff Searfoss 6. Richard Petey 7. Mike Moyer, Jr 8. Pat Verwys 9. Joe Kmetz 10. Steve Shultz 11. Howie Bott 12. Marissa Nelmes 13. Caesar Cunaccia 14. Kevin Makarewicz 15. Mark Paine 16. Mike Odwazny 17.Jeff Owler 18. Erik Noble 19. Chuck Deon 20. Chip Wanamaker 21. Mike O'Bryne 22.Mike Skelly, Jr 23. Donny Oliver
Hard Charger: Danny Cascioli, 13 positions
Fast Lap: Danny Cascioli (17.383)

4 Cyl. Thriller (20-laps) 1. Harry Sager 2. Joe Sherman 3. Travis Fisher 4. Coltin Judge 5. Duane Garrison 6. Jamie Damon 7. Jim Sykes 8. Luke Colleran 9. William Halstead 10. Bob Wink 11. Scott Adams 12. Chris Meeker 13. Kevin Price 14. Kyle Heckman 15. Chris Mercer
Hard Charger: Harry Sager, Joe Sherman and Luke Colleran, 7 positions
Fast Lap: Joe Sherman (18.776)

Upcoming events:
Saturday, June 17th,CAD Visers fan night featuring: Ed Makarewicz, Sr. Memorial thriller 50-lap feature, modifieds, street stock, thrillers and 4 cyl. thrillers
Sunday, June 18th (Father’s Day): Shaun-fest benefit for thriller driver, Shaun Burd In concert” YMI, Nemesis, Monsters of Rock, Farmer’s Daughter and Emily’s Toybox

Rookie, Chris Whitenight “Graduates” with First Mountain Modified Win

St. Johns, PA- After area high school graduations Friday night, Saturday night racing resumed at Mountain Speedway, where modified rookie, Chris Whitenight took the win after graduating with honors the day prior from Berwick Area High School. Barry Gommer notched his first late model victory of the season, as did Eric Danyluk in the street stocks. Bill Price, Jr. grabbed his third thriller victory of the year. Matt Barndt and Matt Evans claimed NY Mini Cup victories.

Ernie Dengler led the Balliet’s Country Corners modified field to the drop of the green flag for the 30-lap feature. Without a single lap scored, Dengler was spun from contention in turn four. Trouble struck Tim Santee two laps later when his car came to a stop in turn four from an apparent tie rod problem.

When the race resumed it was Chris Whitenight in command. Lou Strohl, Ryan Russo, Ryan Preece, Eddie Brunnhoelzl and Marisa Niederauer all battled for the top five spots. At the half waypoint, Whitenight continued over Strohl, but the action began to heat up for the number one spot.

With Strohl in second, Russo looked high and low for an opportunity around Mahoning Speedway’s most winningest modified driver. Meanwhile, Strohl followed Whitenight closely, waiting for a mistake that never happened.

Whitenight (Berwick, PA), a rookie driver in the modified ranks went on to claim the checkers in only his fourth modified start. Strohl crossed the line second, ahead of Russo, Preece and Brunnhoelzl. With his fifth place finish, Brunnhoelzl is now tied for the points lead.

“This is great”, noted Whitenight in victory lane. “This feels so good and these cars are a ton of fun to drive. I can’t thank my dad enough (Dave Whitenight) for the opportunity, and Mike Adams and Chuck Schartzer for all their help with the car this season”.

Marissa Niederauer and Eddie Brunnhoelzl won heat races.

Beau Drobot led the first three laps of the 25-lap late model feature after starting first on the grid. However, Mike Rodriguez Jr took command on lap four, when trouble struck the leaders. Drobot got out of shape in turn four and collected Rodriguez.

The race restarted and Mike Coll assumed command until the caution slowed the event another two times on the same lap. After the restart, Coll jumped in front with Joe Barbush and Jim Brown in tow. However, trouble struck the Barbush machine when he and Brown collected in turn four. Both drivers were unable to continue. That moved Joey McMurtrie up to second.

McMurtrie tried Coll high and low for the top spot, but Rodriguez had worked his way to third and applied the pressure for second. After nearly completing the pass, as if something went astray, sparks flew from Rodriguez’s machine and he got into McMurtrie. This allowed Barry Gommer to move into second.

Two laps after the restart, Gommer powered by Coll for first. Gommer (Shickshinny, PA) went on to take the win over Coll, Joe Brown, Joe Barretta and Dave Macmomder. It was Gommer’s first late model victory at the speedway since ’04.

Joe Barbush and Barry Gommer grabbed heat race wins

Gary VanOrden and Rich Dimarco paced the street stock field to the green for an action packed 20-lap feature. VanOrden lurched out front, but Dimarco powered to the outside. The two made contact in turn four as they raced side-by-side. The end result was a badly damaged Dimarco machine. Many cars in the field took evasive action to miss the incident, but Scott Meckes, Norm Barnes, Paul Frantz and Ron Babula all got a piece of the action. Dimarco’s day was done.

Jimmy White, Jr. was in command over John Stonier and Scott Meckes when the race restarted. Meckes looked underneath Stonier and White in turn three. They touched and Stonier went around. Todd Geist was also collected.

Jennifer Kutz took control of the event with three laps in the books. On the restart, Eric Danyluk charged around Kutz. Over the next few laps, Wanamaker moved into second with Jim Yamelski in third. Yamelski however headed pit side when Wanamaker got out of shape on lap fourteen and collected him.

Over the remaining laps it was Danyluk out front. Brad Barbush nipped Wanamaker for second. Barnes and Kutz completed the top five.

Eric Danyluk, Todd Barbush and Glenn Heckman were heat race winners.

Marissa Nelmes grabbed the lead from pole sitter, Joe Kmetz after the first lap in the 20-lap thriller feature. Two laps later, Mike Skelly took the top spot away from Nelmes.

The first of four cautions flew when Ricky Ross spun in turn four. When green flag racing resumed Nelmes got out of shape in turn two and with a little help, spun around. Two laps after the restart, Kevin Makarewicz motored around Skelly and into the lead.

Makarewicz held a sizeable lead over Bill Price, Jr, Skelly, Pat Verwys and Josh Oswald at the midway point, but that all ended when Kmetz brought out the yellow for a turn two spin. When the race restarted, Makarewicz jumped up high on the single file start. Price dove down low and took command with Skelly following the same move and into second.

The three battled back and forth over the remaining laps, but in the end, it was Price (Luzerne, PA), claiming his third victory of the season over Skelly, Makarewicz, Oswald and Steve Shultz.

Kevin Makarewicz and Richard Petey won heat races.

The next Mountain Speedway Saturday event is CAD Visers fan night on June 17th. The first 100 paying fans through the grandstand gate will receive a Pennsylvania lottery ticket courtesy of the Lititz, PA civil/CAD consulting firm. On the card for the day are the modifieds, street stocks, 4 cyl. thrillers and the full size thrillers with a special 50-lap memorial race in memory of Ed “Duct Tape” Makarewicz. With trophies for the top five, lap money, plus other special additions, this will be the thriller event of the season. All the action begins with heat racing at 6:30 PM.

On Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18th will be the Shaun-fest benefit concert for thriller driver, Shaun Burd, who was recently sidelined due to serious burns from a work related incident. Along with performances by YMI, Nemesis, Monsters of Rock, Farmer’s Daughter and Emily’s Toybox, Shaun-fest will also include a Chinese auction, dunk tank (dunk your favorite driver), a 50/50 drawing, door prizes and many more things. Shaun-fest is scheduled to begin at 12:30 PM, and will be held rain or shine.

For more information, rules and point standings on Mountain Speedway, please visit the track website at www.mountainspeedway.com.

Modified (30-laps) 1. Chris Whitenight 2. Lou Strohl 3. Ryan Russo 4. Ryan Preece 5. Eddie Brunnhoelzl III 6. Wayne Szerencsits 7. Chaz Serman 8. Marisa Niederauer 9. Dave Cranmer 10. Andy Walko 11. Larry Altholtz 12. Bill Clark 13. Ernie Dengler 14. Tim Santee 15. Donny Hartzell 16. Matt Higgins
Hard Charger: Chaz Serman, 8 positions
Fast Lap: Lou Strohl (13.907)

Late Model (25-laps) 1. Barry Gommer 2. Mike Coll 3. Joe Brown 4. Joe Barretta 5. Dave Macomder 6. Joey McMurtrie 7. Mike Rodriguez, Jr. 8. Frank Katona 9. Jim Brown 10. Beau Drobot DQ: Joe Barbush
Hard Charger: Joe Barretta, 7 positions
Fast Lap: Barry Gommer (14.931)

Street Stock (20-laps) 1. Eric Danyluk 2. Brad Barbush 3. Chip Wanamaker 4. Norm Barnes 5. Jennifer Kutz 6. Scott Meckes 7. Todd Geist 8. Jimmy White, Jr 9. John Stonier 10. Gary VanOrden 11. Paul Frantz 12. Ron Babula 13. Brian Sones 14. Glen Heckman 15. Jim Yamelski 16. Robert Fink 17.Rich Dimarco 18. Todd Barbush
Hard Charger: Chip Wanamaker, 15 positions
Fast Lap: Brad Barbush (15.790)

Thriller (20-laps) 1. Bill Price 2. Mike Skelly, Jr 3. Kevin Makarewicz 4. Josh Oswald 5. Steve Shultz 6. Howie Bott 7. Ricky Ross, Jr 8. Richard Petey 9. Pat Verwys 10. Donny Oliver 11. Mike O'Byrne 12. Chuck Deon 13. Mike Moyer, Jr 14. Caesar Cunaccia 15. Joe Kmetz 16. Marissa Nelmes 17.Dave Cascioli
Hard Charger: Bill Price, Jr, 9 positions
Fast Lap: Ricky Ross, Jr. (17.373)

NY Mini Cups (Sr. 15-laps) 1. Matt Barndt 2. Tim Buckwalter 3. Stephen Hershey 4. Fred Card 5. Sarah Heim 6. Craig Arco
NY Mini Cups (Jr. 15-laps) 1. Matt Evans 2. Wes Wagner 3. Tyler Hughes 4. Bobby Stick

Upcoming events: Saturday, June 10th; Regular show featuring modifieds, late models, street stocks and thrillers

Brunnhoelzl Notches First Career Modified Victory at Mountain Speedway

St. Johns, PA- Many area tracks succumbed to Mother Nature Saturday, but passing showers never touched the asphalt on the third-miler. Instead, Eddie Brunnhoelzl was showered with applause in victory lane after he grabbed his first career-modified victory at the facility.

The 30-lap Balliet’s Country Corners modified feature began with Ernie Dengler pacing the field to the drop of the green flag. After leading one lap, Dengler was out muscled by Eddie Brunnhoelzl for the top spot.

Brunnhoelzl remained out front with Andy Walko and Chris Whitenight hot on his tail. Chaz Serman joined the mix and swapped positions with Whitenight after a few laps. With twelve laps in the books, Brian Defebo got underneath Walko for second as they entered turn one. Defebo appeared to have the car to beat, as he quickly reeled in Brunnhoelzl.

With a bold turn one maneuver, Defebo grabbed the top spot in lap twenty. The pass however, was called back because the caution waved under the same lap when Don Wagner had problems near the pit exit. It was under the same caution that Defebo gave up his second position on the track and went pit side. He did not return to action.

With twenty-six laps completed it was still Brunnhoelzl out front, but now over Rusty Smith. The two waged a door-to-door battle until the second and final yellow flew when Whitenight got into Kory Rabenold in turn one.

Despite heavy pressure from Smith, Brunnhoelzl held on for the hard fought win, enroot to his first career modified victory at the speedway. Smith finished second, while Walko, Wayne Szerencsits and Serman rounded out the top five. “This feels awesome”, noted the young Long Island, NY hot shoe (Brunnhoelzl). “We didn’t have the best car out there, but once twenty-six laps were in, there was no way I was going to let anyone by me”.

Tim Santee and Eddie Brunnhoelzl won heat races.

Beau Drobot paced the late model field to the drop of the green flag in the 25-lap feature, but Mike Rodriguez, Jr. made an inside bid for the lead as the two entered turn three. As the two raced side-by-side they touched. The end result was a red fag condition after Rodriguez nailed the turn four wall. Rodriguez seemed shook up, but was uninjured. Joe Hoffman was also collected in the incident.

Mike Coll assumed the top spot for the restart. Although out front, Coll had to contend with Drobot and Joe Barbush, as the two were determined to catch and dispose of Coll. While the two were racing out of turn two, Drobot checked up and Barbush got into the back end of him, which sent him around. Both drivers restarted from the tail end of the field, which moved Hoffman up to second.

Hoffman made his attempt for the lead when he drove underneath Coll as they raced down the backstretch. The two touched and Hoffman went spinning, which brought out the lap thirteen yellow. Hoffman was done for the day.

Coll (Long Island, NY) remained out front over the closing laps and cruised to his second feature win of the season over Joe Brown, Drobot, Barbush and Joe Oliver.

Beau Drobot won the heat race.

The 20-lap street stock feature took the stage and Glenn Heckman paced the field from the pole. Heckman held off Barry Callavini, Brad Barbush and Eric Danyluk during the opening laps, but Barbush took command with five laps in the books.

Barbush remained in command by mid-race, but the battle for second grew between Norm Barnes, Jim Yamelski, Paul Frantz and Scott Meckes. When they weren’t two and three wide, the top four or five cars were literally nose-to-tail. Meckes eventually worked his way around Barnes and Frantz, and then went after Yamelski in hot pursuit of second. Again, side-by-side, they dueled for the spot.

With the two fighting for second, Barbush (Drums, PA) went on to pick up his first street stock feature win in nearly two years. Yamelski edged out Meckes for second. Frantz and Barnes rounded out the top five.

After winning the heat race earlier in the evening, Jamie Damon started the 20-lap four-cylinder thriller feature from the pole. He paced the field to the green with Travis Fisher to his outside. Damon shot out front when the green flew, and Fisher glued himself to Damon’s rear bumper.

After starting third, Duane Garrison got underneath Fisher for second. He brought Harry Sager and Joe Sherman with him. By mid-race, it was still Damon out front, but Garrison and Sager fought relentlessly for second. At this point in the race, Bill Halstead joined the top five.

A quick caution for debris flew with thirteen laps in. When green flag racing resumed, Damon continued out front. Although pressured from all of the cars in the top five, Damon (Fern Glen, PA) held his line over the remaining laps and scored his first career victory.

Woot Lawrence grabbed the heat win in the 4C super modifieds, which gave him the pole position for the 20-lap feature. In dominating fashion, Lawrence took the win over Mike Renn and Greg Thomas.

Modified (30-laps) 1. Eddie Brunnhoelzl III 2. Rusty Smith 3. Andy Walko 4. Wayne Szerencsits 5. Chaz Serman 6. Tim Santee 7. Brian Defebo 8. Kory Rabenold 9. Lou Strohl 10. Ernie Dengler 11. Chris Whitenight 12. Don Wagner 13. Marisa Niederauer 14. Rodney Gruber 15. Brian MacQueen DNS: Zane Zeiner
Fast Lap: Rusty Smith, 14.095
Hard Charger(s): Rusty Smith & Wayne Szerencsits, 8 positions

Late Model (25-laps) 1. Mike Coll 2. Joe Brown 3. Beau Drobot 4. Joe Barbush 5. Joe Oliver 6. Joe Hoffman 7. Frank Katona 8. Mike Rodriguez, Jr.
Fast Lap: Joe Hoffman, 15.144
Hard Charger: Joe Brown, 4 positions

Street Stock (20-laps) 1. Brad Barbush 2. Jim Yamelski 3. Scott Meckes 4. Paul Frantz 5. Norm Barnes 6. Randy Ahner, Jr 7. Brad Kline 8. Barry Callavini 9. Eric Danyluk 10. Jennifer Kutz 11. Todd Ahner 12. Glenn Heckman 13. Gary VanOrden 14. Rich Dimarco 15. Todd Barbush 16. Chip Wanamaker DNS: Todd Geist
Fast Lap: Brad Barbush, 16.066
Hard Charger(s): Scott Meckes, 6 positions

Four Cylinder Thriller (20-laps) 1. Jamie Damon 2. Duane Garrison 3. Joe Sherman 4. Harry Sager 5. William Halstead 6. Coltin Judge 7. Travis Fisher 8. Scott Adams 9. Kyle Heckman 10. Bob Wink
Fast Lap: Joe Sherman, 18.505
Hard Charger(s): Joe Sherman & Coltin Judge, 2 positions

4C super modifieds (20-laps) 1. Woot Lawrence 2. Mike Renn 3. Greg Thomas 4. Randy Zuidema 5. Fred Bertrand 6. Chuck Gilbert 7. Wes Gilbert

Fitzgerald, Pease and Stewart Take ‘NEETS ‘Racin Rich Johnson Memorial Wins

St Johns, PA- High temperatures and sunny skies set the stage for the running of the ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series ‘Racin Rich Johnson Memorial Monday at Mountain Speedway. Johnson’s long time friend and former teammate, Ray Fitzgerald, took the hard fought win over Tim Pauch in the Cascioli Roofing 6/8 cylinder division, while Ollie Stewart grabbed the Steel Seal 4 cylinder win over Joe Sherman. Bobby “Peaseman” Pease took the 49-lap Custom Classic TRUX victory over Rob McCormick and dedicated the win to Johnson’s family.

First on the card was the 6/8 cylinder division. Cindy Johnson was in attendance with Rich Johnson’s former Riverhead enduro car, which she paced the field with from the pole position in memory of her late husband. The fans all showed the #1 signal, in memory of ‘Racin Rich Johnson as Cindy came down the front stretch before pulling off the speedway.

“Slippery” Tom Slee led a field of sixty-four Cascioli Roofing 6/8 cylinder to the drop of the green flag, but was immediately overtaken by Richard Petey. Terry Nansteel worked through the traffic up front and passed Petey for the top spot with five laps in the books. However, Petey regained command after a red flag was thrown for April Makarewicz and Phil Lomanco when they collected on the front stretch.

Only a few laps after green flag racing resumed, Ray Fitzgerald caught and passed Petey. The two fought side-by-side for a number of laps, which allowed Ray Rothfuss and Dave Cascioli to close in. Rothfuss took command of the event on lap twenty-seven, but hit the pits with problems only nine circuits later.

Petey and Fitzgerald swapped the lead on six separate occasions over the remaining laps, but problems for Petey forced him to the infield for a couple of circuits. Over the laps remaining, it was Fitzgerald out front, but a hard charging Tim Pauch closed in fast. When the white flag flew, the two were nose to tail. Pauch attempted a low side pass out of turn four to the checkers, but was beaten by a tenth of a second, as Fitzgerald picked up his fourth NEETS win in his last four starts. Bobby Pease, Howie Bott and Dave Cascioli rounded out the top five.

The NEETS Custom Classic TRUX was up next with their 49-lap event. Jim Rotalano started on the pole and led the first fifteen circuits, but it didn’t take Harry Sager long to reel in the leader and take the top spot. In the meantime, Bobby Pease and Rob McCormick dueled side-by-side for second.

Pease disposed of McCormick and set his sights on Sager. With twenty-four laps in, Pease took control of the race and never looked back as he took the win over McCormick, John Cozza, Sager and Frank Katona. “It was a great day for me here today”, noted Pease. “My buddy Rich (Johnson) is here with all of us in spirit. This is for his family, in honor of him”.

The Steel Seal four cylinders were last to run, with a 99-lap enduro. Kenny Ferrer led the eighty-two-car field to the drop of the green, but Bob Haeger immediately shot out front. Without even a lap completed, the red flag flew when Gwen Sakowski and Bobby Coco collected off of turn four. Scott Ball then slid into the mix and his car rolled onto its side. Ball was uninjured, but not able to continue.

Jim Sykes grabbed the lead when racing resumed. At one point, Sykes had almost a half lap advantage on Ollie Stewart, who was running second, but that all changed when Sykes machine began overheating with thirty-five laps in the books. With Stewart in command, Joe Grocholski and Robin Vollmoeller battled their way into second and third respectively. Joe Sherman and Mike Mujsce also entered the top five.

Vollmoeller and Grocholski got around Stewart on lap sixty-two when a car stalled in turn three. When racing resumed Vollmoeller flattened a tire and headed pit side. Grocholski still led over Stewart, but with only four laps remaining, the leader encountered heavy lapped traffic. While working the traffic, Grocholski cut a tire and lost the lead. Stewart led the remaining circuits enroot to his first NEETS win. In victory lane, he commented that he used to race at Freeport Speedway and also at Riverhead Raceway with Robin Vollmoeller.

NEETS driver, Joe Cooper, sponsored lap 29 in the two car races. Joe gave $100 to the driver who led that lap in each division, along with $75 to the second and third place runners. Ray Rothfuss took the top cash in the 6/8 cylinders. Later, Ollie Stewart grabbed the top bonus in the 4 cyl. class. The same bonus was applied for the TRUX at lap 25. Bobby Pease won the top cash prize in that division.

The next NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series event is the “Firecracker Smacker” on July 2nd. For more info on the NEETS enduros, please visit www.neetstour.net.

ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series
Racin Rich Johnson Memorial Races
Cascioli Roofing 6/8 Cyl. (99-laps)
Pos Name
1 Ray Fitzgerald
2 Tim Pauch
3 Bobby Pease
4 Howie Bott
5 David Cascioli
6 Joe Kmetz
7 Richard Petey
8 Jeff Walls
9 Terry Nansteel
10 Bob Wink
11 Joe Helberg
12 Robert Benz
13 Glenn Osburn
14 James White
15 Joe Jentile
16 Kory Stevens
17 Bob Kulik
18 TJ Kapish
19 Ryan Klingel
20 Mike Baglin
21 Jason Carpenter
22 Tom Szoke
23 Jon Carl
24 Frank Gallucci
25 Nick Shaw
26 Cory Student
27 Harry O'Neil
28 Keith Bissinger
29 Joe Cooper
30 Rob Wickersheim
31 Alex Fletcher
32 April Makarewicz
33 Phil Lamonaco
34 Don Veasy
35 Mark Wolf
36 Steve Rossics
37 Randy Parsons Jr
38 Mike Parisi
39 Daryl Debetta
40 Dave Moore
41 Sal Russo
42 Carl Altemose
43 Ray Rothfuss
44 Charlie Nansteel
45 Tom Moses
46 Steve Tito
47 Frank Destromte
48 Josh Oswald
49 Robin Schewire
50 Mark Paine
51 Wayne Lowe
52 John Fowler Jr
53 Dan Cascioli
54 Mark Spencer
55 James White Jr
56 James Presley
57 Chris Arner
58 Terry Johnson
59 Aaron Miller
60 Tom Slee
61 Charles Bossert
62 Jim Batalano
DQ Robert Pyle
DQ Mike Skelly Jr

Steel Seal 4 Cyl. (99-laps)
Pos Name
1 Ollie Stewart
2 Joe Sherman
3 Bob Haeger
4 Matt Guida
5 Joe Grocholski
6 Duane Garrison
7 Scott Rhodes
8 Tim Pauch
9 Sam Schlosberg
10 Mike Ventura
11 Dave Bentley Jr
12 Harry Sager
13 Robin Vollmoeller Sr
14 John Saccomandi
15 Keith Boehm
16 Chris Seigel
17 Steven Sapp
18 Bob Darde
19 Brad Vollmeller
20 Denise Seagle
21 Art Kulik
22 Mike Wilcox
23 Maurice Ott
24 Auburn Lyons
25 Sig Albarron
26 Mike Mujsce Sr
27 Robert Watson
28 Brandon Guyer
29 Kenny Ferrer
30 Laura White
31 William Albright
32 Brett Beitler
33 Steve Todorow
34 Brian Moses
35 Jack McElrath
36 Bob Belcher
37 Steve Petry
38 Eric Lehr
39 Gwen Sakowski
40 Mike Dunn
41 John McCleary
42 Ken Harper
43 Skeet Allen
44 Larry Fisher
45 Mike Mujsce Jr
46 Steve Haegele
47 Dan Caciolo
48 Greg Kopin
49 Larry Spencer
50 Dale Garrison
51 Mark Neberdosky
52 Wendy Molinaio
53 Stiart Weidow
54 Jim Sykes
55 Brandon Brown
56 Mark Forman
57 Terry Nansteel
58 Amanda Spotts
59 Mike "Willy Wynn" Odwazny
60 TJ Stevens
61 Steven Kane
62 Carl Majer
63 Cory Student
64 Mike Racho
65 Nikki Wachs
66 Luke Colleran
67 Fluffy White
68 Todd Pinto
69 Keith Deleman
70 Bob Wohlgemuth
71 Jimmy White Jr
72 Josh Moser
73 Ken Cornell
74 Greg Zeman
75 Sam Cajevic
76 Gary Walls
77 Jen White
78 Bobby Coco
79 Scott Ball
80 Robin Vollmoeller Jr
81 John Galloto
82 Sam Ryan

Custom Classic TRUX (49-laps)
Pos Name
1 Bobby Pease
2 Rob McCormick
3 John Cozza
4 Harry Sager
5 Rich Onorato
6 Frank Katona
7 Ray Voss
8 Edward Colon
9 Brian Qwilliam
10 Anthony Daleo
11 Gil Smith
12 Mike Pollack
13 Jake Sharrow
14 Jim Rotalano
15 Erin Bartley
16 Anthony Vecchio
17 Terry Stiles
18 Alex Fletcher

Upcoming events: Monday, May 29th: ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series ‘Racin Rich Johnson Memorial, featuring 4 cyl, 6/8 cyl. and TRUX enduros
Saturday, June 3rd: regular show featuring modifieds, late models, street stocks, 4 cyl. thrillers plus 4C super modifieds (thrillers are off)

Barbush, Meckes, Price, Sherman and Tomson Shine in Mountain Victory Lane

St. Johns, PA- Mountain Speedway fans enjoyed the warm weather and side-by-side racing during Reading Phillies Night Saturday at Mountain Speedway. When it was all said and done, Joe Barbush was awarded his first late model feature win of the season, while Scott Meckes notched his second street stock victory of the year. Bill Price grabbed the thriller feature, Joe Sherman notched his first career four-cylinder thriller win and Tim Tompson grabbed the win in the Tri-State Locating Keystone Legends.

Beau Drobot and Joe Barbush shared the front row for the 25-lap late model feature. When the green waved it was Barbush and Drobot wheeling it out, side-by-side. The two made contact and Barbush spun to the infield. However, Drobot wasn’t as lucky and slammed the backstretch retaining wall. Billy Pruitt was also collected in the incident.

Mike Coll assumed command on the restart with Joe Hoffman in tow. Hoffman worked both the high and low groove with hopes of overtaking the leader. While exiting turn two, Hoffman drove underneath Coll and it appeared he would be in charge of the event. Unfortunately, Hoffman and the leader made slight contact, which turned Hoffman around. He restarted from the rear of the field.

Mike Rodriguez moved into second and set his sights on Coll. On the seventeenth circuit, Rodriguez appeared to attempt the outside maneuver on Coll out of turn four, but then drove down and underneath the leader. The two touched and Rodriguez came out on top.

Over the final laps, Rodriguez held off charges by Barbush and appeared to pick up his second straight late model victory of the season. However, after crossing the scales in post race tech, Rodriguez was disqualified and Barbush (Drums, PA) was declared the winner. It is his first late model victory since ’04. Joe Brown, Joe Hoffman, Frank Katona and Joe Barretta rounded out the rest of the top five.

Beau Drobot and Joe Barbush were heat winners.

The 20-lap street stock feature began with Norman Barnes leading the first nine circuits after starting at the point. The caution flew with only nine laps in the books when Jim Yamelski got into John Stonier as they two entered turn three. When racing resumed it was still Barnes out in front of Scott Meckes, Eric Danyluk, Paul Frantz and Glen Heckman.

With ten laps in the books, Frantz attempted the pass on Danyluk for third. The two tangled for a bit, but Rich Dimarco happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and went around. He rejoined the tail end of the field.

On the restart, Meckes (Leighton, PA) after staring eighth jumped in front of Barnes and drove off to victory. Meckes is also the current point leader in the division. Rounding out the top five were Barnes, Paul Frantz, Eric Danyluk and Brad Barbush.

Scott Meckes and Brad Barbush also took heat wins.

The exciting thrillers took to the asphalt with Marissa Nelmes leading the herd for the 20-lap show. It took one lap for Steve Schultz to take advantage off of turn four and move into the top slot. With two laps in the books, Dave Cascioli had a solo spin in turn one. Only two laps later, Joe Kmetz got turned around and collected Mike Skelly.

Shultz assumed command on the restart, but Bill Price and Ricky Ross were coming in a hurry. Ross attempted to overtake second from Price on lap eight, but spun out in the process. He restarted from the rear of the field.

After racing three wide on a number of occasions, Bill Price (Luzerne, PA) overtook Schulz after the halfway point going into three. Three more cautions slowed the event after that, but in the end, it was Price, who drove to his second win of the season over Shultz, Kevin Makarewicz, Josh Oswald and Howie Bott.

Bill Price and Rick Ross were heat race winners.

Scott Adams and Kevin Price shared the front row for the start of the 20-lap four-cylinder thriller feature. Price appeared to have a fast car, but his day ended early when he collided with the turn three fence. Another quick caution flew when Travis Fisher spun in turn one with only one lap completed.

With Adams in command, Jamie Damon took charge with three circuits in the books. At the halfway point is was still Damon out front over Harry Sager and Joe Sherman. The yellow waved again on the following circuit when Adams and Kyle Heckman collected on the front stretch.

Damon looked strong in the closing laps, but had to contend with Harry Sager and Joe Sherman. While entering turn three on the final lap, Sager attempted the last chance pass for the win. In doing so, contact was made and Sherman rocketed to the outside for the win over Damon, Sager, Duane Garrison and Jen White. It was Sherman’s first career victory.

Joe Sherman and Kevin Price won heat races.

Craig Rochelle led the Tri-State Locating Keystone Legend field to the drop of the green in the 20-lap feature. With eleven laps in the books, Tim Tomson took control of the event and never looked back, claiming the win. Previous to the start of the feature, Tomson was only two points out of the lead in the series. Following the win, he is the unofficial point leader.

Jason and Craig Rochelle won heat races.

The next regular Mountain Speedway show will be on Saturday, June 3rd. On the card for the evening are the modifieds, late models, street stocks, and 4 cyl. thrillers, plus 4C super modifieds. The thrillers are off for the weekend. For the latest Mountain Speedway happenings, please visit www.mountainspeedway.com.

Late Model (25-laps) 1. Joe Barbush 2. Joe Brown 3. Joe Hoffman 4. Frank Katona 5. Joe Barretta 6. Mike Coll 7. Jim Brown 8. Steve Taylor 9. Beau Drobot 10. Billy Pruitt DQ: Mike Rodriguez, Jr
Hard Charger: Joe Brown, 8 positions
Fast Lap: Joe Hoffman, 14.914

Street Stock (20-laps) 1. Scott Meckes 2. Norm Barnes 3. Paul Frantz 4. Eric Danyluk 5. Brad Barbush 6. Jim Yamelski 7. Frank Reakes 8. Todd Barbush 9. John Stonier 10. Rich Dimarco 11. Gary VanOrden 12. Barry Callavini 13. Glen Heckman 14. Jennifer Kutz 15. Brian Sones DNS: Jimmy White, Jr
Hard Charger: Scott Meckes, 7 positions
Fast Lap: Scott Meckes, 15.835

Thriller (20-laps) 1. Bill Price 2. Steve Shultz 3. Kevin Makarewicz 4. Josh Oswald 5. Howie Bott 6. Pat Verwys 7. Dave Cascioli 8. Mike Skelly, Jr 9. Joe Kmetz 10. Jeff Owler 11. Marissa Nelmes 12. Donny Oliver 13. Richard Petey 14. Ricky Ross, Jr 15. Mark Paine 16. Mike O'Bryne
Hard Charger: Bill Price & Howie Bott, 7 positions
Fast Lap: Steve Shultz, 17.105

4 Cyl. Thriller (20-laps) 1. Joe Sherman 2. Jamie Damon 3. Harry Sager 4. Duane Garrison 5. Jen White 6. Luke Colleran 7. William Halstead 8. Joe Grocholski 9. Scott Adams 10. Bob Wink 11. Chris Meeker 12. Travis Fisher 13. Josh Moser 14. Kyle Heckman 15. Coltin Judge 16. Kevin Price
Hard Charger: Harry Sager & Jen White, 7 positions
Fast Lap: Harry Sager, 18.612

“Shaunfest” Benefit Set to Rock Mountain Speedway on Father’s Day!

St. Johns, PA- Mark your calendars! Coming June 18th (Father's Day) is “Shaunfest” at Mountain Speedway, which is brought to you by many folks from Mountain Speedway who have put forth an effort to help Shaun “The Wallbanger” Burd and his family after a serious work related injury. With only a $10 cover charge for ages 6 and older (under 5 admitted for free) at the gate and plenty of local talent on hand, ‘Shaunfest’ will definitely be the outdoor concert to attend. “Shaunfest” will be rain or shine.

Since his accident, Shaun has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home. After sustaining third degree burns on almost one quarter of his body, Shaun has a long road of physical therapy and recovery ahead. Luckily, Burd has been released earlier than expected and can spend time with his girlfriend, Kareen, who is nine months pregnant with their first child.

The musical groups scheduled to perform live at “Shaunfest” are:

Nemesis
Farmer's Daughter
YMI
Emily's Toybox
Monsters of Rock
Note: Other bands may be added. Bands are scheduled from 12:30 PM through 7:00 PM.

Along with the variety of music, there will also be a Chinese auction with many new items that have been donated. There will be a dunk tank, so race fans and concertgoers can dunk their favorite drivers and track officials. Games, door prizes and a 50/50 drawing are also planned for the event. If they wish, people who are planning to attend can also bring small baby shower type items, or gift cards.

Food and small coolers are also welcome. Concessions will also be available at the track's popular concession area. Those who plan to attend are asked to bring their own lawn chairs, as the stage will be set up in victory lane on the track. Spectators may also sit in the front stretch grandstands.

All profits from “Shaunfest” will benefit Shaun Burd and his family.

For directions and more information on the latest happenings at Mountain Speedway, please visit www.mountainspeedway.com.

Upcoming events: Saturday, May 27th, regular show (Reading Phillies Night) featuring late models, street stocks, thrillers, 4 cyl. thrillers, plus keystone legends
ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series ‘Racin Rich Johnson Memorial, featuring 4 cyl, 6/8 cyl. and TRUX enduros

Santee and Smith are Back in Victory Lane at Mountain

St. Johns, Pa- The action was furious and the pace was fast Saturday night at Mountain Speedway. Tim Santee visited victory lane for the first time in three years during the 30-lap make-up modified feature from last week and Rusty Smith visited victory lane in the second 30-lap modified feature. Paul Frantz took his first street stock win of the season, as did Mike Rodriguez, Jr. in the late models. Gary Slusser won the TRUX Exhibition event.

The field was set after last week’s modified feature rainout. Palmerton’s Tim Santee started on the pole for the 30-lap Balliet’s Country Corners modified showdown. Santee held the point over Andy Walko after the start, but Lou Strohl was all over the rear end of Walko’s #21.

The first of two Ernie Dengler spins was with two laps on the board. Santee continued out front when racing resumed. At the halfway point his lead was over Strohl, Walko, Eddie Brunnhoelzl and Kory Rabenold.

The event slowed one more time with twenty-eight laps in the books when Walko spun in turn three. With a two-lap shootout at stake, Santee continued out front in the ProLog #X6 and took his first feature win in over three years over Strohl, Rabenold, Brian Defebo and Ryan Russo.

“This is a great one after such a dry spell”. “The track was slick out there. I really have to give credit to these guys who help me out with the car” said Santee.

Eddie Brunnhoelzl and Alan Decker won heat races last week for the make-up feature.

Andy Walko started from the pole in another exciting 30-lapper for the modifieds. He shot out front on the initial start over Chris Whitenight, Marissa Niederauer and Lou Strohl. A few circuits later, Niederauer disposed of Whitenight and set her sights on the leader.

The caution waved with six laps in the books when Zane Zeiner had mechanical problems with his machine. After heading pit side, Zeiner did not return to the speedway.

With Walko still in command at halfway, Eddie Brunnhoelzl and Lou Strohl put the pressure to the leader. At that point in the race, Niederauer held fourth and Rusty Smith worked his way into the top five.

Lap after lap, Brunnhoelzl looked high and low for a line around Walko, but the caution flew again with twenty-three laps in the books when Strohl was spun from his third spot. It was after the next restart when things got interesting.

The green waved and Brunnhoelzl took a look outside of Walko. As the two dueled side-by-side into turn three there was slight contact. Walko spun out of contention, and Brunnhoelzl was sent to the rear for his part in the racing incident. Being in the right place at the right time, Smith inherited the lead while running third.

Smith continued out front over the remaining laps, enroot to his first victory of the season over Whitenight, Tony Hanbury, John Markovic and Kory Rabenold. In victory lane Oxford, NY racer noted that the speedway was a great facility, but he wished there were more fans present to help cheer on the drivers. “Man, this is a great win. I was just plain lucky today. Sometimes ya win them that way”, noted Smith.

Eddie Brunnhoelzl, Chris Whitenight and Lou Strohl won heat races.

Mike Rodriguez, Jr. started from the pole position in the 25-lap late model feature. The second-generation driver from Drums, Pa took the green flag and shot into command over Joe Barbush, Joe Hoffman and Billy Pruitt. However, the first of three caution flags flew when Steve Taylor’s ride caught fire in turn four. The small fire was contained under the hood.

Again, Rodriguez was flawless on the restart and continued to hold off Hoffman and Pruitt. Pruitt overtook Hoffman for second for a moment, but rubbin’ and racin’ forced Pruitt to relinquish his second spot when he was black flagged for sheet metal rubbing his right front tire.

A pair of Joe Barretta spins brought out a pair of lap nineteen yellows, but like previous restarts, Rodriguez shot out front over Hoffman.

Rodriguez, from Drums, Pa, continued on to his first victory of the season over Hoffman, Barry Gommer, Beau Drobot and Joe Barretta. Rodriguez also won the heat race earlier in the evening.

Jimmy ‘the kid’ White brought the street stock field to the drop of the green for their 20-lap feature, but by the time one lap clicked off Brad Kline was out front after starting on the outside of the front row.

With four laps in the books, Frank Reakes made contact with Norman Barnes when racing down the backstretch. Barnes spun to the infield and Reakes spun in turn three. Gary VanOrden and Glenn Heckman were also collected. Reakes continued on, but VanOrden was finished for the evening.

Again, Kline shot out front on the restart, but Frantz jumped to the outside. The two waged a terrific side-by-side battle for a number of laps until Frantz finally took command with six laps in the books.

Frantz from Scheidys, Pa continued out front over the closing laps and captured his first street stock victory of the season over Scott Meckes, Brad Kline, Eric Danyluk and Robert Fink. Frantz dedicated his win in the 20-lap feature to his friend and former teammate, Shaun Burd, who recently suffered severe burns in a work related accident.

Scott Meckes, Jimmy White, Jr. and Glenn Heckman won street stock heat races.

The NEETS ‘TRUX’ were on hand for a special 20-lap exhibition feature. The race was not run as an enduro; instead it was run as a weekly division class with caution flags, etc.

In dominating fashion, West Nanticoke’s Gary Slusser won the exhibition 20-lap TRUX feature over Ken Gregor, Gil Smith, Jeff Gregor and Erin Bartley. Slusser was also the heat winner.

Mountain Speedway co-promoter, Billy Bartley hopes the success of the NEETS Custom Classic ‘TRUX’ will draw interest to the 4/6 cylinder mid-size pickups. He hopes to have them run every couple of weeks or so in 2007.

The next Mountain Speedway event is ‘Reading Phillies Night’ at Mountain Speedway. The first 50 people who enter the grandstand gates on Saturday, May 27th will receive a free ticket to any home Reading Phillies baseball game ($6 value). All the action begins with heat racing at 6 PM. On the card are the late models, street stocks, thrillers, 4 cyl. thrillers and the keystone legends. For all information regarding Mountain Speedway, please visit www.mountainspeedway.com.

Mountain Speedway will return to action on Monday, May 29th with the ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series, featuring the ‘Racin Rich Johnson memorial races. On the card for the day are the Cascioli Roofing 6/8 cylinders and the Steel Seal 4 cylinders with 99-lap enduros, along with the Custom Classic TRUX, who are scheduled for a 49-lap enduro. All the action begins at 2 PM. For more information on NEETS, please visit www.neetstour.net.

Modified R.O. from 5-13 (30-laps) 1. Tim Santee 2. Lou Strohl 3. Kory Rabenold 4. Brian Defebo 5. Ryan Russo 6. Chris Whitenight 7. Matt Clemmens 8. Andy Walko 9. Eddie Brunnhoelzl III 10. Chaz Sherman 11. Matt Higgins 12. Ernie Dengler DNS: Alan Decker, Rodney Gruber
Hard Charger: Matt Clemmens, 7 positions
Fast Lap: Tim Santee (13.761)

Modified (30-laps) 1. Rusty Smith 2. Chris Whitenight 3. Tony Hanbury 4. John Markovic 5. Kory Rabenold 6. Brian Defebo 7. Chaz Sherman 8. Tim Santee 9. Lou Strohl 10. Marisa Niederauer 11. Wayne Szerencsits 12. Matt Clemmens 13. Ryan Russo 14. Eddie Brunnhoelzl III 15. Andy Walko 16. Matt Higgins 17.Ernie Dengler 18. Zane Zeiner
Hard Charger: Tony Hanbury, 11 positions
Fast Lap: Eddie Brunnhoelzl (13.902)

Street Stock (20-laps) 1. Paul Frantz 2. Scott Meckes 3. Brad Kline 4. Eric Danyluk 5. Robert Fink 6. Glenn Heckman 7. Rodney Gruber 8. Jim Yamelski 9. Barry Callavini 10. Brad Barbush 11. Frank Reakes 12. Jennifer Kutz 13. Norm Barnes 14. John Stonier 15. Dan Marsh 16. Brian Sones 17.Bob Hunsicker 18. Rich Dimarco 19. Gary VanOrden 20. Jimmy White, Jr
Hard Chargers: Scott Meckes & Barry Callavini, 10 positions
Fast Lap: Paul Frantz (15.954)

Late Model (25-laps) 1. Mike Rodriguez, Jr. 2. Joe Hoffman 3. Barry Gommer 4. Beau Drobot 5. Joe Barretta 6. Frank Katona 7. Billy Pruitt 8. Joe Barbush 9. Steve Taylor
Hard Charger: Beau Drobot, 5 positions
Fast Lap: Barry Gommer (14.775)

TRUX Exhibition (20-laps) 1. Gary Slusser 2. Ken Gregor 3. Gil Smith 4. Jeff Gregor 5. Erin Bartley 6. Rob McCormick

Upcoming events: Saturday, May 20th, regular show featuring modifieds (regular feature, plus 5/13 make up feature), late models and street stocks, plus special “TRUX” exhibition show (4/6 Cyl. mid-size pick ups).

Geist, Oswald, Sager and Renn Grab Mountain Speedway Victories

St. Johns, Pa- Despite passing showers throughout the day, most of the scheduled divisions went off Saturday without a glitch at Mountain Speedway. After a late start due to rain, Todd Geist found victory lane in the street stocks, Harry Sager in the four cylinder thrillers, Josh Oswald notched his first career thriller victory and Mike Renn took the checkers in the 4C supermidifieds..

The 20-lap street stock feature began with Barry Callavini at the point, but within a lap Todd Geist grabbed the lead from the outside pole. Geist remained in front six laps in, but had Eric Danyluk on his rear bumper, along with Chip Wanamaker, Rodney Gruber and Bob Hunsicker. Two laps later, trouble struck Gruber and he slowed on the backstretch.

Geist remained out front on the restart and soon had Wanamaker on his bumper. In the meantime, Paul Frantz joined the top five, along with Glen Heckman, but with six laps remaining Heckman and Hunsicker tangled in turn two while battling for fifth. When the field was reset, it was Jim Yamelski in fourth and Scott Meckes in fifth. The two entered the top five after starting twelfth and thirteenth respectively.

Seven cautions slowed the event, which kept the pack together continuously. Over the remaining laps it continued to be Geist out front. Wanamaker tried both the high and low line around the track, but could not get around his teammate. Frantz held off Yamelski for third and Meckes rounded out the top five.

Todd Geist, Eric Danyluk and Chip Wanamaker won heats.

Marissa Nelmes and Jeff Owler shared the front row for the start of the 20-lap thriller feature. However, Nelmes had rear end trouble on her machine after the drop of the green. As she slowed, showers of sparks cascaded from behind the car. Steve Schultz, who was directly behind Nelmes has nowhere to go and piled into her. Before the race was restarted, problems struck Owler and he pulled to the infield.

When the green flew it was Joe Kmetz out front, but Dave Cascioli took the top spot before the two reached the start-finish line. Cascioli remained in front until his machine starting overheating and dropping liquid. He was black flagged with eleven laps in the race.

Josh Oswald, who had already moved into second, inherited the top spot and had a sizeable lead over Bill Price and Mike Skelly, who was in second and third. However, the caution flew when Kevin Makarewicz went around in turn two with eighteen laps in the books.

Price was glued to Oswald’s rear bumper for the two-lap shootout, but Skelly and Price began racing hard for second. It appeared that any of the top three could be in victory lane when they took the white flag, but in the end it was a “thrilled” Oswald from Schnecksville, Pa, taking the checkered enroot to his first career victory over Price Skelly, Ross and Petey.

Mike Skelly and Ricky Ross, Jr. won heat races.

Kevin Price led the first three circuits in the 20-lap four cylinder thriller feature, but was overtaken when Joe Sherman made an outside pass for the lead.

The caution flew shortly after when Bob Wink and Kyle Heckman collected in turn one. After the contact, Heckman shot up the track and into the outside retaining wall in turns one and two. Jen White and Scott Adams were also collected in the incident.

Sherman continued out front, but now over Harry Sager, who had started tenth. Sager pressured Sherman for a number of circuits and when seven laps click off, it was Sager, taking the point. Sager began to drive away from the rest of the field, but lapped traffic began to come into play, as Travis Fisher closed in on the leader.

Sager took the white flag and Fisher appeared to have an assured second place effort. However, Fisher was involved in a tangle when working lapped traffic on the backstretch. The racers behind them avoided the action and the feature finished with Hanover Township’s Sager, taking the win over Sherman, Wink, Bill Hallstead and Duane Garrison. It is his third win in four starts this season.

Harry Sager and Kevin Price won heat races.

After winning the heat race, Mike Renn held off Woot Lawrence and Wes Gilbert to the checkers in the 4C Supermodified feature, which was called due to developing showers.

The originally scheduled 30-lap Balliet’s Country Corners modified feature was rained out and will be run on Saturday, May 20th, along with the regular modified feature. Also on the card are the late models, street stocks and the mid-sized 4/6 cyl. “TRUX”, which will be on hand for a special exhibition show. The grandstands open at 5 PM. All the action begins wil heat racing at 6 PM. For all up to date info on Mountain Speedway, please visit www.mountainspeedway.com.

Street Stock (20-laps) 1. Todd Geist 2. Chip Wanamaker 3. Paul Frantz 4. Jim Yamelski 5. Scott Meckes 6. Mark Deysher 7. Norm Barnes 8. Brad Barbush 9. 10. Robert Fink 11. Jimmy White, Jr 12. Bob Hunsicker 13. Barry Callavini 14. Rich Dimarco 15. Gary VanOrden 16. Eric Danyluk 17.Brian Sones 18. Glen Heckman 19. Rodney Gruber DNS: Todd Ahner
Hard Charger: Robert Fink, 10 positions
Fast Lap: Paul Frantz (15.905)

Thriller (20-laps) 1. Josh Oswald 2. Bill Price 3. Mike Skelly, Jr 4. Ricky Ross, Jr 5. Richard Petey 6. Steve Shultz 7. Howie Bott 8. Kevin Makarewicz 9. Joe Kmetz 10. Dave Cascioli 11. Pat Verwys 12. Marissa Nelmes 13. Jeff Owler
Hard Charger: Richard Petey, 8 positions
Fast Lap: Ricky Ross, Jr. (17.260)

4 Cyl. Thriller (20-laps) 1. Harry Sager 2. Joe Sherman 3. Bob Wink 4. William Hallstead 5. Duane Garrison 6. Chris Meeker 7. Kevin Price 8. Travis Fisher 9. Jen White 10. Scott Adams 11. Gary Fisher 12. Kyle Heckman 13. Josh Moser 14. Jamie Damon
Hard Charger: Harry Sager, 9 positions
Fast Lap: Harry Sager (18.403)

4C Supermodifieds 1. Mike Renn 2. Woot Lawrence 3. Wes Gilbert 4. John Udes 5. Randy Zuidema 6. Fred Bertrand 7. Greg Thomas

Upcoming events: Saturday, May 13th, regular show featuring modifieds, street stocks, thrillers and 4 cyl. Thrillers. Special show by the 4C super modifieds.

Defebo Sets New Record in Area Asphalt Modified Sweep

St. Johns, PA- Three time Mountain Speedway modified champion, Brian Defebo, not only took his third feature win at Mahoning Valley Speedway Saturday night, but also nailed down the win Sunday at Mountain Speedway in the 30-lap feature. The win marks the first time ever, in which a modified driver has completed the feat. With the win, the Berwick, PA native joins Amanda Sesley, who did it in 1999 with the D/A modified, Todd Ahner with the street stock last season, as did Larry Fisher in a late model.

New Jersey’s Steven Reed led the earlier portion of the 30-lap Balliet’s Country Corners modified feature after starting from the outside pole position and maintained a consistent lead over Marissa Niederauer, Andy Walko, Mike Bohn and Lou Strohl with a few laps in the books.

Trouble struck Tim Santee with seven laps completed and the caution was thrown for heavy rear end smoke on the #X6 Prolog automobile. Santee headed pit side, but Reed continued out front when racing resumed.

The yellow waved once again when Strohl made contact with Niederauer as the two raced into turn one. Both cars rejoined the tail end of the field for the restart.

When the halfway point in the race rolled around, it continued to be Reed out front over Bohn, Ryan Russo and Brian Defebo. That changed with twenty-two laps in the books when Bohn got into Reed’s machine while attempting to make the pass for the lead in turn two. Russo inherited the top spot.

With only a handful of laps remaining, Defebo came from second on the restart and made the pass for the lead off of turn two. He cruised on to victory over Russo, Eddie Brunnhoelzl, Chris Whitenight and Bobby Jones.

When asked in victory lane, Defebo thanked his sponsors and crew on his Sophie’s Tiki Lounge #53 and also noted that he wasn’t even planning to run at either track this weekend because his RoC (Race of Champions Tour) car wasn’t complete. With that, the local modified driver set a new record, as he took two wins in two days.

Brian Defebo and Steven Reed took heat wins.

Joe Hoffman led the late model field to the drop of the green flag in the 25-lap late model feature. With a terrific start, Hoffman lurched out front over Joe Barbush, Jim Brown, Larry Fisher and Mike Coll.

As laps wound down, Barbush appeared to catch Hoffman, and the two battled for the gold. However, the first of two caution flags flew when Fisher, who was fighting a loose machine, skated up and onto the turn three retaining wall with eighteen laps in the books.

Another good restart by Hoffman allowed the Drums, PA driver to stay out front of Barbush. Meanwhile, last week’s winner, Mike Coll and Jim Brown were fighting for the third and fourth slot.

The last caution flew with three to go when Barbush slowed for an instant to correct his loose car. Brown, who was behind Barbush, hit the brakes and Coll tagged him.

There wasn’t anyway around Hoffman, as he cruised to his first feature win of the season over Barbush, Coll, Jim Lamoreaux and Beau Drobot.

Joe Hoffman won the heat race.

Twenty-one street stocks were on hand to qualify for the twenty cars, 20-lap feature, where Kristi-Morone- Arthofer started from the pole.

On the initial start, Eric Danyluk took command, but a lap three yellow flag slowed the field when Scott Meckes made contact with Brad Kline while the two were battling for second. Immediately after the restart, Meckes snapped out in front.

Another yellow flag flew when Rodney Gruber spun in turn two, which also collected Todd Geist. Both drivers were able to continue. Following the restart, Paul Frantz was one of the drivers in the top five when racing resumed, but Chip Wanamaker and Frantz collected in turn one when the two were battling for third. Both drivers were sent to the rear of the field.

The seventh caution flew when a number of cars piled into turn one. Todd Geist, Norman Barnes, Arthofer, Todd Ahner and Jennifer Kutz were all involved. Geist was unable to continue.

When green flag racing resumed, it continued to be Lehighton’s Scott Meckes over Jim Yamelski, who charged up to second after starting fifteenth. Able to hold off Yamelski, Meckes picked up his first feature win of the season. Danyluk finished third, followed by Bill Vanderveen and Rodney Gruber.

Scott Meckes, Todd Ahner and Eric Danyluk took heat wins.

The thriller division took the stage with their 20-lap feature. Marissa Nelmes led the first circuit after she started from the pole, but Ricky Ross, Jr. took command with only one lap in the books.

Howie Bott, Steve Schultz, Richard Petey and Joe Heintzelman worked their way around Nelmes, but in the meantime, Ross had secured a commanding lead over the rest of the pack. That was, until the caution flew when Dave Cascioli spun in turn three with seven laps in the books.

With a great restart, Ross shot back in front, but now had to contend with Josh Oswald, Petey and Bill Price, Jr. After a few laps Ross extended his lead like before, while Price and Oswald battled side-by-side for a number of laps. Finally letting things settle, Oswald tucked back into position behind Price.

The last of only two cautions flew when Tom Casagrande got into Heintzelman in turn three. Both drivers restarted from the rear.

Over the remaining laps, Ross set a blistering pace and went on to his very first career victory over Petey, Price, Oswald and Schultz.

Josh Oswald and Ricky Ross, Jr. were heat winners

The 20-lap four-cylinder thriller feature took to the track with Jamie Damon on the point. While working the first lap, Joe Sherman took his machine to the front with Travis Fisher and Duane Garrison in toe.

Point leader, Harry Sager began to mount a charge to the front after starting fifth. Fist Sager sped past Garrison, and then Fisher, while Bob Wink and Scott Adams duked it out for sixth.

With two and three wide battles around the speedway, Sager finally worked his way into second and around Sherman with four laps in the books. Sherman tucked back in line behind the new leader and tried to fend off Fisher.

Fisher shot past Sherman and set his sights on Sager. For moment, appearing he had the better handing machine, Fisher looked on the high side, then the low side, but at the end it was Hanover Township’s Harry Sager nailing his second feature of the season over Fisher, Sherman, Garrison and Damon.

Harry Sager was also the heat winner.

The New York mini cups took to the speedway for a 20-lap feature. Tim Buckwater grabbed the top spot from Stephen Hershey off the get go and cruised to the win over Matt Barndt, Craig Arco, Sarah Heim and Fred Ballard. Bobby Stick was the highest finishing junior driver.

Racing returns to Saturday nights next week at Mountain Speedway (May 13th). The grandstand gates open at 4 PM, with heat racing starting at 6 PM. On the card are the modified, street stocks, thrillers and four cylinder thrillers. The late models have the night off.

Modified (30-laps) 1. Brian Defebo 2. Ryan Russo 3. Eddie Brunnhoelzl III 4. Chris Whitenight 5. Bobby Jones 6. Andy Walko 7. Steven Reed 8. Lou Strohl 9. Mike Bohn 10. Marisa Niederauer 11. Tim Santee

Hard Charger: Brian Defebo, 8 positions
Fast Lap: Brian Defebo, 13.716
Late Model (25-laps) 1. Joe Hoffman 2. Joe Barbush 3. Mike Coll 4. Jim Lamoreaux 5. Beau Drobot 6. Jim Brown 7. Frank Katona 8. Larry Fisher 9. Mike Rodriguez, Jr.
Hard Chargers: Jim Lamoreaux & Beau Drobot, 3 positions
Fast Lap: Joe Hoffman, 14.834

Street Stock (20-laps) 1. Scott Meckes 2. Jim Yamelski 3. Eric Danyluk 4. Bill Vanderveen 5. Rodney Gruber 6. Mark Deysher 7. Rich Dimarco 8. Gary VanOrden 9. Glenn Heckman 10. Todd Ahner 11. John Stonier 12. Jennifer Kutz 13. Jimmy White, Jr 14. Norm Barnes 15. Kristy Morone-Arthofer 16. Barry Callavini 17.Paul Frantz 18. Todd Geist 19. Brad Kline 20. Chip Wanamaker DNQ: Kevin Truszkowski
Hard Charger: Jim Yamelski, 13 positions
Fast Lap: Scott Meckes, 15.843

Thrillers (20-laps) 1. Ricky Ross, Jr 2. Richard Petey 3. Bill Price 4. Josh Oswald 5. Steve Shultz 6. Mike Skelly, Jr 7. Howie Bott 8. Dave Cascioli 9. Duane Eidem 10. Kevin Makarewicz 11. Marissa Nelmes 12. Jeff Owler 13. Donny Oliver 14. Joe Heintzelman 15. Tom Cassagrande 16. Joe Kmetz 17.Mark Paine
Hard Chargers: Bill Price, Jr. & Kevin Makarewicz, 6 positions
Fast Lap: Ricky Ross, Jr, 17.160

4 Cyl. Thrillers (20-laps) 1. Harry Sager 2. Travis Fisher 3. Joe Sherman 4. Duane Garrison 5. Jamie Damon 6. William Hallstead 7. Bob Wink 8. Kyle Heckman 9. Scott Adams 10. Chris Meeker 11. Kevin Price
Hard Charger: Happy Sager, 4 positions
Fast Lap: Harry Sager, 18.419

NY Mini Cups (20-laps) 1. Tim Buckwater 2. Matt Barndt 3. Craig Arco 4. Sarah Heim 5. Fred Ballard 6. Jim Vail 7. Fred Card 8. Bobby Stick (junior) 9. Wes Wagner (junior) 10. Stephen Hershey 11. Tom Stick

Upcoming events: Sunday, May 7th, regular show featuring modifieds, late models, street stocks, thrillers and 4 cyl. Thrillers

Hanbury Victorious over Zeiner in Mountain Modified Thriller

St. Johns, PA- Tony Hanbury picked up his first Balliet’s Country Corners Modified victory Sunday at Mountain Speedway. Along with the $1500 to win came an additional $500 bonus, which is put out by SVS of Hazleton, PA if the amount of cars registered meet or exceed twenty-two. There were twenty-four registered modifieds.

The 30-lap feature began with Steven Reed at the point. Reed jumped out front early, but Tony Hanbury overtook Reed after one lap. Not long after, Zane Zeiner joined the mix, along with Earl Paules and Pete Brittain.

The caution flew on the fourth lap when a slew of cars collected in turn three. The melee collected Mike Bohn, Pete Brittian, Steven Nederostek, Andy Walko, Wes Swartout, Lou Strohl, Matt Clemmens, Ryan Russo, Brian DeFebo, Tommy Farrell and Kory Rabenold. Almost all cars involved hit the pits for repairs, but Swartout, Strohl, Farrell and Walko were done for the day.

When the action resumed it was a close, tight & fierce battle amongst the top four, as Zeiner had climbed to second with Markovic in third. Paules overtook Markovic for position and Zeiner applied heavy pressure to Hanbury almost continuously.

The caution flew with three laps remaining when Rusty Smith spun in turn two. Ironically, it was immediately after Zeiner had completed the pass on Hanbury, but the pass was made past the stripe. Reverting back to the previously complete lap before the caution, Hanbury was put back in front and held off Zeiner for the $2k victory. “Man, this is great, the car worked great and I gotta say that it’s great racing against guys like Zane (Zeiner), he’ll run ya clean” exclaimed Hanbury in victory lane.

Steven Reed, Earl Paules and Tony Hanbury won the heat races and Mike Bohn was the consi winner.
Hard Chargers: Mike Bohn and Stephen Nederostek, 11 positions
Fast Lap: Zane Zeiner (13.980)

Beau Drobot paced the Late Model feature to the green flag in the 25-lap feature, but the caution flew after two circuits clicked off when Danny Cascioli spun in turn three. With nowhere to go, Mike Rodriguez, Jr. plowed into Cascioli’s #42X.

With a great restart, Joe Barbush quickly jumped to the top slot with Mike Coll, Jim Lamoreaux, Larry Fisher and Bob Ankner hot on his tail. Coll applied all kinds of pressure to Barbush and finally made his pass on lap twelve. Barbush, however, was reluctant to let Coll drive away from the field and stayed glued to the Long Islander’s rear bumper.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez began making up ground with his battered machine. With twenty laps in the books he and Fisher waged a terrific battle in the top five. As the two rolled through turn three they touched and both spun from contention.

Coll stayed out front over the remaining laps and continued to hold off charges by Barbush and went on to score his first career Late Model Victory.

Larry Fisher and Joe Barbush won the heat races.
Hard Charger: Jim Brown, 6 positions
Fast Lap: Larry Fisher (14.940)

After a rough opening day, Scott Meckes wanted to pick up the win in the 20-lap Street Stock feature. Meckes paced the field after starting on the pole. When the green waved, Meckes took control of the race, but only one lap later the caution flag flew when Norm Barnes got into the #10 of Paul Frantz in turn three. When green flag racing resumed, it was still Meckes in command.

With six laps in the books, Chip Wanamaker worked his way into second and around Meckes. Meanwhile, Jim Yamelski had moved into fourth. Not many laps had passed and Meckes began losing positions. First Yamelski, then Glenn Heckman slipped by the Meckes machine.

The final caution of the evening came out on the eleventh circuit when Jennifer Kutz and John Stonier collected in turn three.

Green flag racing resumed and Wanamaker held off pass attempts from Yamelski. Wanamaker was the first car to cross the stripe, but not collect the top prize, as he was disqualified for failing post race inspection. Yamelski also picked up the SVS (of Hazleton) $100 Street Stock bonus because there were at least 22 street stocks registered for the day.

Glenn Heckman, Scott Meckes and Robert Fink each won heat races. Eric Danyluk was the consi winner.
Hard Charger: Jim Yamelski, 11 positions
Fast Lap: Jim Yamelski (16.082)

The twenty-lap Thriller feature began with Howie Bott leading the field to the drop of the green flag. Before one lap was complete, the field was already four wide and Mike Skelly went around in turn one.

The restart appeared to be much better as Bott jumped out front over Ricky Ross, Jr. Only two laps passed by and Ross got the nose underneath Bott as the two headed into turn one. After some contact, Ross grabbed the top spot.

The worst of six cautions came out when Steve Schultz and Derek Kline got out of shape. Paul Frantz tried to avoid him, along with Joe Heintzelman, Pat Verwys and Glenn Heckman, but were all collected in the lap nine crash. Only Heintzelman and Frantz were able to continue.

On the restart Josh Oswald tried to hold off Bill Price and Dave Cascioli, but the two got by after a number of laps. Meanwhile, Ross checked out from the rest of the field and appeared to pick up his first career Thriller victory. That was not the case, as Ross failed post race inspection. Instead, Dave Cascioli picked up his first thriller feature of the season over Price, Oswald, Steve Hoffman and Richard Petey.

Dave Cascioli and Bill Price won heat races.
Hard Charger: Paul Frantz, 13 positions
Fast Lap: Dave Cascioli (17.449)

Kyle Heckman led the Four Cylinder Thriller field to the drop of the green in the wild 20-lap feature. Travis Fisher took the lead from Kyle Heckman on lap two after starting on the outside pole.

Meanwhile, things really began to heat up from second back between Chris Meeker, Bob Wink, Harry Sager and Duane Garrison. Everywhere on the track there were machines swapping paint and trading positions.

A lone yellow was thrown for Kevin Price when he looped his machine in turn three. When green flag racing resumed, it was still Fisher in command over Sager, who won the opener a few weeks ago.

Positions changed left and right over the final laps, but not the first spot, as Fisher held off Sager for his first win of the season. Sager, Garrison, Wink and Joe Grocholski rounded out the top five.

Harry Sager and Travis Fisher won heat races.
Hard Charger: Chris Meeker, 7 positions
Fast Lap: Duane Garrison (18.715)

While running third with a few laps remaining in the 20-lap Tri State Locating Keystone Legend feature, JD Trenary made a gutsy turn four pass for the lead stick while the white flag was waving. He went on to victory over Tim Tomson.

Don Adams cruised to victory in the caution free TQ Midget 20-lap feature.

The next Mountain Speedway event is Sunday, May 7th. Running that day will be the modified, late models, street stocks, thrillers and the 4 cylinder thrillers. All the action will begin with heat racing at 2:00 PM. Big wheel racing is also on the card for the children. Admission is $12 for adults, seniors & handicap persons is $9, kids 7-12 are $9 and children 6 years and under are admitted for free. For all happenings at Mountain Speedway, please visit www.mountainspeedway.com.

Modified (30-laps) 1. Tony Hanbury 2. Zane Zeiner 3. Earl Paules 4. John Markovic 5. Mike Bohn 6. Darren Sherer 7. Brian Defebo 8. Ryan Russo 9. Stephen Nederostek 10. Steven Reed 11. Rusty Smith 12. Matt Clemmens 13. Kory Rabenold 14. Eddie Brunnhoelzl III 15. Pete Brittain 16. Matt Higgins 17.John Swartout 18. Lou Strohl 19. Tommy Farrell 20. Andy Walko DNQ: Marissa Niederauer, Rodney Gruber, Tim Santee, Alan Decker

Late Model (25-laps) 1. Mike Coll 2. Joe Barbush 3. Jim Lamoreaux 4. Jim Brown 5. Larry Fisher 6. Joseph Cerabino 7. Frank Katona 8. Bob Ankner 9. Beau Drobot 10. Mike Rodriguez, Jr. 11. Dan Cascioli

Street Stock (20-laps) 1. Jim Yamelski 2. Bill Vanderveen 3. Glen Heckman 4. Norm Barnes 5. Todd Ahner 6. Rodney Gruber 7. Paul Frantz 8. Scott Meckes 9. Todd Geist 10. Rich Dimarco 11. Gary VanOrden 12. Kevin Truszkowski 13. Eric Danyluk 14. 15. John Stonier 16. Robert Fink 17.Barry Callavini 18. Kristy Morone-Arthofer 19. Brad Kline DQ: Chip Wanamaker DNS: Jimmy White, Jr, Brian Sones

Thriller (20-laps) 1. Dave Cascioli 2. Bill Price 3. Josh Oswald 4. Steve Hoffman 5. Richard Petey 6. Paul Frantz 7. Howie Bott 8. Mike Skelly, Jr 9. Joe Heintzelman 10. Duane Eidem 11. Jeff Owler 12. Joe Kmetz 13. Pat Verwys 14. Glenn Heckman 15. Derek Kline 16. Steve Shultz 17.Marissa Nelmes 18. Mike O'Bryne DQ Ricky Ross, Jr

4 Cyl. Thrillers (20-laps) 1. Travis Fisher 2. Harry Sager 3. Duane Garrison 4. Bob Wink 5. Joe Grocholski 6. Chris Meeker 7. Mike Herman 8. Kyle Heckman 9. Joe Sherman 10. William Hallstead 11. Jamie Damon 12. Coltin Judge 13. Fluffy White 14. Kevin Price 15. Scott Adams 16. TJ Rentschler 17.Josh Moser

TQ Midgets (20-laps) 1. Don Adams 2. Robbie Johnston 3. Ryan Tidman 4. Blu Metz 5. Mike Tidaback 6. Bob Watkins 7. Kerry Schanz 8. Ginny Quinones 9. John Sanders 10. Angela Caruso 11. Chris DeRitis 12. Lee DiStefano 13. Matthew Janisch 14. Howard Boss 15. Heath Hehny

Tri State Locating Keysone Legends (20-laps) 1. JD Trenary 2. Tim Tomson 3. Jason Rochelle 4. Addison Rogers 5. Darren Scherer 6. Ryan Steckel 7. Ron Dunstan 8. Lamar Shaffer 9. Stephen Nederostek 10. Jim Baker 11. Bryan Gardella 12. Paul Rochelle 13. Todd McCollum 14. Bill Carver 15. Craig Rochelle 16. Roy Danner 17.Mark Shaffer 18. Ricky Harring 19. Justin Mulea 20. Paul Degracia 21. Bob Moyer 22.Laura McGonnell 23. Ron Poley 24. Gerry Eldridge

Upcoming NEETS event: Monday, May 29th, ‘Racin Rich Johnson Memorial co-sponsored by Constant Performance and Joe Cooper, featuring 99-lap enduros for 4 cyl and 6/8 cylinder, along with a 49-lapper for the “TRUX”

Veteran Drivers Take First NEETS Wins in Gale Baglio Memorial

St. Johns, PA- Tim Pauch and Larry Fisher, two Veteran drivers who definitely know their way around many tracks across the eastern seaboard claimed their first career ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series wins Saturday afternoon at Mountain Speedway in the Gale Baglio Memorial, which was sponsored by Jim’s Busy Bee Pest Control, Richard Petey and Joe Cooper.

First on the card were the Steel Seal four cylinders, where Scott Ball started on the pole. At the drop of the green, Joe Sherman shot out front, but within a few laps Harry Sager took the point. By the thirteenth circuit Joe Heintzelman worked his way to the front after starting 31st.

The worst of five red flags was thrown on lap thirty-six when Gary Walls slammed into the rear end of the stalled Chris Siegel machine. Both drivers were uninjured. Heintzelman continued out front over late model veteran, Larry Fisher and the third place car of Peter Rabaglia at the halfway mark, but eighteen laps later Heintzelman hit the pits with mechanical problems.

Coming all the way from the 62nd starting spot, Fisher (Fern Glen, PA) led the remaining laps and claimed the checkers over Jimmy White, Jr, Mike Mujsce, Jr, Joe Sherman and Bob Haeger for his very first NEETS enduro victory.

After a short intermission and transponder switch in the automobiles, the Cascioli Roofing 6/8 cyl. division took to the track. From the pole position, Steve Tito jumped out front, but Howie Bott took command two circuits later.

Shawn Gallucci mounted a strong challenge on Bott and finally took command on lap thirteen. The two swapped the top spot three times before Bott made some distance on the second place car. Meanwhile, Dave Cascioli and Mark Spencer joined the top five and set sail on the leaders. Bott continued to lead at mid race with Pauch in second and Spencer third. Others entering the top ten were Joe Jentile, Tom Moses, Richard Petey and Bob Wink.

Pauch held second and the battle from third on back was intense. Pauch retook command with seventy-nine laps in the books. With eleven to go, Bott hit the pits with a flat tire. Pauch looked like he was in position for the win, but the red flag flew when Moses and Spencer were involved in a front stretch tangle with lapped cars. Spencer’s race ended early, but Moses continued with his battered machine.

From that point on, Pauch cruised to his first career NEETS win over Shawn Gallucci, Joe Jentile, Richard Petey and Bob Wink. Even though his brother Billy (Pauch) is a popular dirt driver, Tim has been competing in enduros for years. In victory lane Pauch noted that the car he won with was one that he used to race at the defunct Flemington Speedway in New Jersey.

One hundred and thirty-two racecars in both divisions combined took to the track in remembrance of Gale Baglio who passed away in February. Gale was the wife of NEETS driver, Richard Petey. Petey, along with racer, Joe Cooper each sponsored the 43rd and 50th lap in each division, in which they paid out $100 to the driver who was in first for the two laps. The second and third place cars each received $75. The same three drivers were 1st through 3rd in the Steel Seal four cyl. division. Joe Heintzelman took the bonus for leading, with Larry Fisher second and Pete Rabaglia third. Howie Bott led both of the sponsored laps in the Cascioli Roofing 6/8 cyl. division. Tim Pauch was in the second spot for both laps. Dave Cascioli won the cash for running third on lap 43 and Mark Spencer took the cash for running third on lap 50. Bill Price, Jr. sponsored $20 in each division to each driver who was leading on lap 48.

The NEETS charity of choice was the local ‘no kill’ animal shelter. One dollar from each general admission will be donated to the cause.

The next ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series event is set for Monday, May 29th. The Memorial Day event will pay tribute to NEETS racer, ‘Racin Rich Johnson, who passed away on April 1st. The event is co-sponsored by Constant Performance. Along with the tribute, Joe Cooper has also put up a lap money bonus as he did for the April 28th event. On the card for the day are the Cascioli 6/8 cylinders, the Steel Seal four cylinders and the Custom Classic ‘TRUX’. The NEETS charity of choice for the event goes toard disabled veterans. One dollar fom each general admission will be donated to the charity. For more information, please visit www.neetstour.net

ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series
Jim's Busy Bee Pest Control
Results: Gale Baglio Memorial
Cascioli Roofing 6/8 Cyl.
1 Tim Pauch
2 Shawn Gallucci
3 Joe Jentile
4 Richard Petey
5 Bob Wink
6 Phil Lamonaco
7 Jeff Walls
8 Robert Benz
9 Tom Moses
10 Jim White
11 TJ Kapish
12 Kory Stevens
13 Howie Bott
14 David Cascioli
15 Joe Kmetz
16 Steve Tito
17 Mike Shelly
18 Dan Cascioli
19 Mark Spencer
20 Gary Pine
21 Jamie Presley
22 Donny Oliver
23 Nick Shaw
24 Joe Helberg
25 Pat Verwys
26 April Makarewicz
27 Chad Bezubek
28 Cory Student
29 Frank Gallucci
30 Paul Mercante
31 Michael Baglio
32 Alex Fletcher
33 Rob Wickersheim
34 Terry Nansteel
35 Randy Parsons Jr
36 Charlie Nansteel
37 Robin Schewire
38 Matthew Mattern
39 WD Ferguson
40 Mark Paine
41 Mike Mujsce Sr
42 Kerry Boehm
43 Eric Wink
44 John McCleary
45 Jamie Curtis
46 Aaron Miller
47 Jeffrey Starr
48 Tom Kale
49 Don Veasy
50 Lenny Heller
51 Matt Cascioli
52 Tom Slee
53 Mike Pollach
54 Shawn Colon
55 Steve Sowa
DQ Tom Slee, Jimmy White

Steel Seal 4 Cylinders
1 Larry Fisher
2 Jimmy White
3 Mike Mujsce Jr
4 Joe Sherman
5 Bob Haeger
6 Mark Forman
7 Dave Bentley
8 Denise Siegel
9 Luke Colleran
10 Keith Boehm
11 Eric Lehr
12 Tim Pauch
13 Joe Grocholski
14 Brad Vollmeller
15 Jack McElrath
16 Fluffy White
17 Duane Garrison
18 Larry Spencer
19 Steve Petry
20 Brian Moses
21 Scott Ball
22 Gwen Sakowski
23 Bob Belcher
24 Dale Garrison
25 Mariah Lawrence
26 Ollie Stewart
27 Joshua Moser
28 Jon Lindas
29 Pete Rabaglia
30 Fred Nolan
31 Sig Albarron
32 Steven Sapp
33 John Galloto
34 Harry Sager
35 Kayla Kovach
36 Kenny Ferrer
37 Ryan Nelson
38 Mike Colon
39 Ryan Rispoli
40 Kevin Brown
41 Harry O'Neill
42 Art Kulik
43 Scott Rhodes
44 Joe Heintzelman
45 Mark Neberdoski
46 Nick Adams
47 Terry Nansteel
48 John Saccomandi
49 Austin Matrishin
50 Bob Darde
51 TJ Stevens
52 Maurice Ott
53 Cory Student
54 Rob Longo
55 Gabe Horvath
56 Mike Ventura
57 Ken Cornell
58 Gary Fisher
59 Steve Katona
60 Charles Dibble
61 Brandon Brown
62 Chris Siegel
63 Todd Pinto
64 Ron Pierson
65 David Bartuski
66 Eric Nobel
67 Jake Sharrow
68 Arthur Allen
69 Gary Walls
70 Mike Mujsce Sr
71 Sam Ryan
72 Nikki Wachs
73 Kyle Curtis
74 Jeff Hollock
75 Carl Majer

Upcoming Events
Saturday, April 29th: ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series, with two 100-lap enduro races
Sunday, April 30th show includes: Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Thriller & 4 Cyl. Thrillers, along with the Tri-State Locating Keystone Legends

Mountain’s Card Nixed by Rain

St. Johns, Pa- Due to wet weather all weekend, Mountain Speedway has been forced to cancel Sunday’s (April 23rd) racing. Originally, all five regular divisions were scheduled, along with the super fast TQ midgets.

The next regular event at the speedway is Sunday, April 30th and will feature all five regular divisions (modifieds, late models, street stocks, thrillers and 4 cyl. Thrillers), plus the popular Tri-State Locating Keystone Legends. Also on the card are big wheel races for the young ones. All the door-to-door action will begin with heat racing at 2 PM. Adult admission is $12, Seniors & Handicap Persons is $9, children ages 7-12 are $9, and kids 6-years and under are admitted for free.

The ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series is back at Mountain Speedway on Saturday, April 29th for the running of their “Spring Spectacular”, in which the Steel Seal 4 cyl. division and the Cascioli Roofing 6/8-cylinder division will compete in 100 lap races each. The day’s events are dedicated to remember Gale Baglio, the wife of longtime enduro racer, Richard Petey. Admission is only $7 for ages 7 and up. Kids 6 and under are admitted for free.

For more information regarding Mountain Speedway, or the NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series, please visit www.mountainspeedway.com or www.neetstour.net.

Upcoming events: Sunday, April 23rd, regular show featuring modifieds, late models, street stocks, thrillers and 4 cyl. Thrillers, along with TQ midgets

Brittain, Fisher, Kline, Price and Sager Grab Opening Gold at Mountain Speedway

St. Johns, PA- After several days of rain showers, opening day went on as scheduled at Mountain Speedway. Fans witnessed twenty-four asphalt modifieds on hand, along with twelve late models, twelve street stocks, seventeen thrillers and eleven four cylinder thrillers. All the racecars took to the pavement Sunday with hopes in getting an early season feature win. Typically, opening day consisted of time trials. However, that has changed for this season, as each division ran heat races to qualify for the features.

After taking heat wins, Earl Paules, Don Wagner and Pete Brittian took up the first three positions for the start of the 30-lap Balliet’s Country Corners modified feature. Paules held command over the first two circuits, but the caution flew when Ernie Dengler, Amanda Sesley and Matt Clemmens collected in turn one. On the restart Paules spun and had to rejoin the tail end of the field, which put ‘pistol’ Pete Brittain in command.

After several one-car incidents, it wasn’t until mid race when the field began to stretch out and the faster machines motored toward the front. By lap thirteen, Zane Zeiner took second from Wes Swartout. Kory Rabenold used the same move around Swartout, and Brian Defebo moved into the top five. Meanwhile, Wagner held sixth, while Eddie Brunnhoelzl and Andy Walko slid back into the top ten after earlier problems.

With only a few laps remaining, the race up front tightened up between Brittain, Zeiner and Rabenold, as the three were nose-to-tail for many laps. Zeiner followed Brittain’s line religiously, but was unable to top the Jersey native, as he rode to the checkers for the opening day mod win and $2000 prize. Zeiner held Rabenold off for second, Swartout and Defebo rounded out the top five.

In victory lane, Brittain noted, “It’s great to be back here racing at Mountain Speedway and winning again. Also, thank you to Joe (Martinelli) for putting up an extra $500 toward the purse”. He continued by thanking his crew and sponsor, First Choice Builders.

Mike Sweeney and Larry Fisher shared the front row for the start of the 25-lap late model opener. Fisher immediately jumped out front when the green dropped, bringing Joe Hoffman and Mike Coll in toe, as Sweeney settled into fourth.

Eight caution-free laps passed until Rick Smith spun in turn three, which brought out the yellow. Smith rejoined the tail end of the field.

While in second right before half way, trouble struck Hoffman in turn two. Hoffman looked strong early on, but he would have his work cut out to try and come back through the field with sixteen to go.

The last caution flew on lap nineteen when Smith and Hoffman collected in turn three. At that point, Fisher continued to lead over a hard racing Coll, Jim Lamoreaux and Joe Barbush. Fisher continued out front after the restart, but felt the pressure that Coll applied lap after lap. As the two dueled it out up front Lamoreaux, Barbush and Smith fought it out for third.

Fisher went on to take the hard fought win over Coll, Lamoreaux, Barbush and Smith. “Man, now that’s class”, noted Fisher in victory lane. “He (Coll) could have taken me out, but gave me room. That’s hard racing and he earned my respect for the future,” said Fisher.

Brad Kline and Todd Geist started up front for the 20-lap street stock feature. Kline immediately lurched out front, but Geist tucked in right behind. Rodney Gruber joined the mix in third and Erick Danyluk and Paul Frantz rounded out the top five.

With five laps in the books, Scott Meckes was showing strength and moving through the pack. However, his day ended early when smoke began fluming from underneath the hood of his ride.

The first of four yellows flew when Jimmy White and Chip Wanamaker tangled in turn two. Both drivers were able to continue. The caution waved again, but this time for Danyluk when he cut down a right rear on lap eleven. After quick pit work he too rejoined the field.

“Hollywood” Geist applied serious pressure to Kline over the mid-race laps, but by the end of the feature, Kline had built up a cushion over Geist. Paul Frantz battled with Billy Vanderveen to finish third and fourth respectively. Gruber rounded out the top five.

Bill Price, Derek Kline and Ricky Ross shared the top three slots for the start of the 20-lap thriller feature. Price darted to command when the green fell, but Kline stuck on the outside of Price to wager a terrific battle in the early going.

By lap ten Ross had been passed by Shaun Burd and dropped back to fourth. However, he ended up getting loose entering turn one and spun. The spin collected the sixth place machine of Howie Bott. Bott was not able to continue.

Burd worked his way around Kline and into second. With sights set on a distant Price, Burd closed in and the two fought side-by-side for a number of laps. In the end, it was Price, who took the win over Burd by less than a half of second.

During his victory lane interview Price noted, “Man, this is great to come out and race like that against Shaun Burd”.

After winning the heat race earlier in the afternoon, Harry Sager started on the pole for the 20-lap four-cylinder thriller feature. However, before one lap was complete, the caution flew when William Hallstead spun in turn three.

Green flag racing resumed and all twenty laps were run caution-free. Chris Meeker jumped into second behind Sager and Bob Wink held third. By the sixth circuit, Wink took second and Travis Fisher moved into fourth after starting sixth, with Jamie Damon right behind.

At one point, Sager had a sizable lead, but Wink closed in lap after lap. In doing so he eventually caught Sager and the two dueled it out for the second half of the show. Door handle to door handle, the two fought back and forth, without even exchanging paint. In the meantime, Meeker and Fisher sat in third and fourth, just waiting for the top two to tangle.

Over the final lap, Wink had one more shot at Sager, but a lapped car came into play and diminished his hopes of victory. Sager went on to claim his very first victory in the division over Wink, Meeker, Fisher and Damon.

Because of the Easter holiday, next Sunday is an off-week for the speedway. All the action will resume on Sunday, April 23rd at 2 PM with all five regular divisions, along with the TQ midgets. For all information, results and point standings at Mountain Speedway, please visit their website at www.mountainspeedway.com

Modified (30-laps) 1. PETE BRITTAIN 2. Zane Zeiner 3. Kory Rabenold 4. John Swartout 5. Brian Defebo 6. Don Wagner 7. Tim Santee 8. Eddie Brunnhoelzl III 9. Andy Walko 10. Lou Strohl 11. John Markovic 12. Marisa Niederauer 13. Earl Paules 14. Alan Decker 15. Amanda Sesley 16. Ryan Russo 17.Ernie Dengler 18. Matt Clemmens 19. Tony Hanbury 20. Bobby Jones DNQ: Steven Reed, Ryan Preece, Rodney Gruber, Chaz Serman
Hard Charger: Zane Zeiner, 9 positions
Fast Lap: Wes Swartout (14.056)
Heat winners: Earl Paules, Don Wagner & Pete Brittain
Consi winner: Tony Hanbury

Late Model (25-laps) 1. LARRY FISHER 2. Mike Coll 3. Jim Lamoreaux 4. Joe Barbush 5. Rick Smith 6. Mike Sweeney 7. Frank Katona 8. Beau Drobot 9. Joe Hoffman 10. Dave Imler DNS: Paul Monkoski, Brian Sheard
Hard Charger: Joe Barbush, 6 positions
Fast Lap: Joe Hoffman (14.752)
Heat winners: Mike Sweeney & Larry Fisher

Street Stock (20-laps) 1. BRAD KLINE 2. 3. Paul Frantz 4. Bill Vanderveen 5. Rodney Gruber 6. Glen Heckman 7. Chip Wanamaker 8. Robert Fink 9. Eric Danyluk 10. Kristy Morone-Arthofer 11. Jimmy White, Jr 12. Scott Meckes
Hard Charger: Bill Vanderveen, 6 positions
Fast Lap: Scott Meckes (15.893)
Heat Winners: Brad Kline & Todd Geist

Thriller (20-laps) 1. BILL PRICE, JR 2. Shaun Burd 3. Mike Skelly, Jr 4. Steve Hoffman 5. Derek Kline 6. Richard Petey 7. Josh Oswald 8. Dave Cascioli 9. Joe Heintzelman 10. Steve Shultz 11. Marissa Nelmes 12. Kyle Somers 13. Jeff Owler 14. Ricky Ross, Jr 15. Howie Bott 16. Donny Oliver 17.TJ Rentschler
Hard Chargers: Dave Cascioli & Joe Heintzelman, 6 positions
Fast Lap: Bill Price, Jr. (17.311)
Heat Winners: Bill Price, Jr., Derek Kline & Ricky Ross, Jr.

4 Cyl. Thriller (20-laps) 1. HARRY SAGER 2. Bob Wink 3. Chris Meeker 4. Travis Fisher 5. Jamie Damon 6. Luke Colleran 7. Jen White 8. William Hallstead 9. Kyle Heckman 10. Coltin Judge 11. Josh Moser
Hard Chargers: Travis Fisher and Jamie Damon, 2 positions
Fast Lap: Travis Fisher (18.846)
Heat winner: Harry Sager

Upcoming shows: Saturday, April 1st: NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series
Opening Day (regular season): Sunday, April 9th, regular show featuring modifieds, late models, street stocks, thrillers and 4 cyl. thrillers

Pre Season Hype is Let Loose Over Upcoming Season at Mountain Speedway

St. Johns, Pa- The hype is finally let loose over the fantastic season the folks at Mountain Speedway have in store for the ever so near season. Drivers and fans alike will see the results from many hours of off-season planning, sponsorships and promotions at the facility. It is the 7th season under the promotion of Hazleton Pa’s Joe Callavini.
Sponsorships are always a concern for many speedways, especially since the turn of the millennium. However, Callavini was proud to announce his new business, SVS (Specialized Vehicle Services) from Hazleton, Pa as the facility’s major contributor for the season. “SVS is willing to add additional cash to the existing purse if the car count in any division is 22 or more cars”, noted Callavini. He continued by saying “They agreed to add $500 for the mods, $200 to the late models, $100 to street stocks, $75 for the thrillers and $50 for the 4 cylinder thrillers”. The first place prize for a regular show is nothing to sneeze at, even without the added bonus by SVS: Mod: $1500, Late Model: $800, Street stock: $500, Thriller: $200 and 4 Cylinder Thriller: $150
Announcements were also released for the modified division. Balliet’s Country Corners, who sponsored the division last season, will return for the full ’06 campaign. Balliet’s, which is a Sunoco station/mini mart/deli/ice cream parlor located near the track will offer gift certificates to each heat winner and runner up in the division.
Long Island based modified owner, Joe Martinelli from Martinelli Racing is adding an additional $500 to the opening day’s winner’s check, which brings the first place paycheck to $2000 for the April 9th 30-lap feature.
“In a drivers perspective, the last modified announcement is probably the most rewarding”, said Callavini. “Jerry Woody, owner of Golden Karat Jewelers in Clarks Summit, Pa is making a ‘one of a kind’ hand crafted championship ring for the ’06 modified champion. The ring will be constructed from gold and should be something that’s out of this world. I’m sure it will also be worth a lot of money, but it’s probably doubtful that the champ will want to part with this”. The champion will receive the ring at the annual awards banquet in November.
Mountain Speedway co promoter, Billy Bartley promised a terrific year for Mountain Speedway drivers. Bartley mentioned that they have many more surprises in store as the season gets underway. Each regular division will also have a week off every few weeks with rotating weeks, which will not only to give them a break for their personal lives, but also a break in their pocketbooks. The idea should also help limit the nightly program of racing to a tolerable time schedule for the fans.
Three practice days are scheduled this season. Practice is open to any series/division that is on the ’06 Mountain and NEETS schedules. The practices are scheduled for Saturday, March 25th, Sunday, April 2nd and Saturday, April 8th. Pit gates open at 10 AM and the grandstands open at noon. Pit admission is $15 and the grandstands are free. Practice times are from 12:30-4:00 PM.
The regular season will kick off starting on Sunday, April 9th with a regular show. There will not be a qualifying week for opening day as done in the past. Instead, all drivers will qualify for the features via heat racing. After four weeks of Sunday racing, the schedule switches to Saturdays starting May 7th. On Sunday, August 27th the track will switch back to Sunday racing to close out the season.
Extra shows have been added to the speedway’s card for the season, such as the 4C Super Modifieds, Tri-State Locating Keystone Legends, TQ midgets, LIMCA’s (Long Island Mini Cups), and Super Pro Trucks. The Super Pro Trucks are comprised of a variety of truck divisions across the northeast, such as the ARTS trucks. The rules will fit other truck classes and are said to be competitive. Three or four events will be scheduled for them this season. Billy Bartley’s NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series will also use the facility for the series’ enduro races as done last season, plus the unveiling of the new NEETS “TRUX” 6 race mini series will host an event of their own at the speedway during regular a racing program to show the fans what it’s all about. Billy is also planning on scheduling 2 or 3 events for his brand new “Monster Car” series called the Xtreme Super Enduro Series (X-SES). They are full-blown, no motor rules; super fast Enduro cars with strict safety rules. The famous ‘King of the Mountain’ show in October will be the final points race, but a special non-points Late Model show is on the drawing board following the final points race of the year.
Besides the King of the Mountain and the regular weekly racing, other special shows are on the card for the season, which include the 50-lap thriller Ed Makarewicz memorial, the 77-lap Mark Corbisero street stock memorial, the 100-lap street stock shootout, 50-lap four cylinder thriller shootout, the 100-lap “Big Dog” modified shoot out, fireworks, autograph and camera nights and much more.
The ‘Jim’s Busy Bee’ Big Wheel Series will again return to the speedway with two divisions for the youngsters who want to compete on their big wheels. The two divisions are for any child from ages 3-5 and 6-8. Trophies for the top three in each division will be awarded to the finishers, along with candy and other prizes. Points will also be awarded through out the season and the top 5 in the standings will receive trophies at the end of the season. Big wheel races will be held on Sundays only, immediately after warm-ups, starting on opening day.
Weekly give aways have become the norm for the speedway since early last season. Drivers, teams and staff will continue with the weekly kid’s bike night. Last season, two bicycles were given away each week to a lucky boy and girl in the grandstands. This season will be very similar to last, as Frank and Vicki Curtis from Flanders Automotive on Long Island, along with their Thriller driver; Donny Oliver purchase bicycles for the opening day give away. Gift cards from a variety of stores, will be alternated with the bikes on a weekly basis, giving each child at the speedway the opportunity to not only see racing on the 1/3rd mile, but the chance to bring home an exceptional prize. Along with the give-a-ways, the ‘Mountain Speedway Lottery’ will return, where fans have the chance to win a pair of speedway passes, which are valid for any regular show during the season.
The drivers will continue to be recognized for their efforts through ‘Mountain Madness’, an on-line column presented by Valley Service Equipment Repair from Califon, NJ and written by the track announcer. The weekly column recognizes a driver who is ‘on the fast track’ to success in each division. The recognized drivers are awarded a trophy the following week for their efforts.
Grandstand admission for regular shows is $12 for adults. Handicapped and senior admission is $9. Children between 7 and 12 are $9, while kids 6 and under are admitted for free. Sunday racing begins at 2:00 PM and Saturday shows start at 6:00 PM.
For more information on Mountain Speedway, including the complete schedule, rules and updates, please visit www.mountainspeedway.com. For all information on any of the NEETS series visit www.neetstour.net.

Upcoming events: ‘April Fools’ NEETS enduro races, Saturday, April 1st

NEETS Fans are ‘Buzzing’ over Upcoming April Fools Spring Races

St. Johns, Pa- The ABC Car Crushing Holiday Stock Car Series (HSCS) April 1st event presented by Jim’s Busy Bee Pest Control is looking spectacular for both drivers and fans who will be in attendance for the April Fools Day NEETS event at Mountain Speedway, which is located in St. Johns, PA. This will be the second points race for the NEETS HSCS regular four cyl. and 6/8 cyl. Divisions, and the very first points event for the new NEETS ‘TRUX’. The TRUX will run a 50-lap enduro and the other two division events will each consist of 100-lap races.
After taking wins at the NEETS season opener in January, the current point leaders are Joe “Millionaire” Jentile (‘04 and ‘05 NEETS champion) in the Cascioli Roofing 6/8 cyl division and Mike Mujsce, Jr in the Steel Seal 4cyl division. They will both attempt to maintain their lead through this next door to door, action packed event. Other NEETS regulars will surely try to take away the win, because in this series almost anyone can do well or win because of the "stock" rules.
Also on the card is a 50-lap enduro for the NEETS TRUX, which recently became the "Custom Classic TRUX" after signing a series sponsor, Custom Classic Trucks from Califon, NJ. The TRUX will have a six race series, along with the HSCS on chosen dates. It will have a point fund and trophies at the NEETS banquet with the champion being honored, along with the top ten in points, just like the other series.
The event sponsor is Jim’s Busy Bee Pest Control from Southampton, NY, which is owned and operated by Jim White, Sr. Jim has many give-a-ways planned for the fans, which include candy bags for the kids, a Barbie (for girl) and a large radio controlled car ( for boy )for two special children, if they should be the winners of an announced contest, plus tee shirts, sweatshirts and even more toy cars. “This is one of those times when my family and I can come out of the pits, get away from the race cars and show the fans that we love them”, noted White. “This track (Mountain Speedway) and the NEETS series have been wonderful, which is why we travel so far to get here and sponsor this event”.
Bartley is also hosting a FREE after race party for all the drivers and crews at the Crossroads Inn in Mountaintop, which will feature munchie foods and adult refreshments. Entertainment will be provided, including dance music and a karaoke session by the series DJ’s, DJ Neetz and Bill-E from 7:30 to 11pm.
Both Cascioli Roofing and Steel Seal recently signed with NEETS as the main division sponsors. They will join the series sponsor, ABC Car Crushing and NEETS TRUX sponsor, Custom Classic Trucks, for the entire season. All sponsor information can be found on the NEETS website (below).
Like last season, drivers from the two main series will receive credits toward a vacation package, or $1,000 in cash by a ticket pick at the annual banquet in December. Robin Vollmoeller (4 cyl.) and Alex Fletcher (6/8 cyl) were the lucky winners last season and chose the ‘on the spot’ cash option. Drivers must run at least 80% of the scheduled events in the series for contest eligibility. The NEETS HSCS will have many more added attractions and special money events for the series drivers this season, which will be announced as they’re added
As in the past, it is important to remember that all of these events are run "Rain, Snow or Shine" and never cancelled. All the information about the NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series can be found on the official website www.neetstour.net, or you can contact Billy by phone at 570-881-9591 after 6 PM. His email is billyb@neetstour.net.
The races offer entertainment for the fans, along with participation events as an added special bonus. All of the Holiday Stock Car Series events are only $7 admission, which Billy donates $1 of that to a local charity. The charity this event will benefit is the Disabled American Veterans. Pit gates open at 9 AM and car/truck registration opens at 10 AM. The grandstands open at 12 noon. The first race will start at 1 PM.

Blast from the Past….Remember Rookie Sensation- Kirk Buchanan?
By: Gene Ostrowski

Dorrance, PA- Late in the ‘89 season at Evergreen Raceway (Mountain Speedway) a rookie who never ran before, 22-year-old Kirk Buchanan from Dorrance, PA won the feature in his first ever attempt at auto racing in the thriller division. He jumped from racing dirt bikes (hare scrambles & enduros) into a stock car for the first time. The free ride he was offered didn’t last long, but helped juice Buchanan’s appetite for the sport.
Buchanan enjoyed racing the car so much in ’89 that his dad, Doug, the team’s ‘glue’, along with the crew decided to build a car for the ‘90 season. Everything was in the works, but the race team needed a name. Ryan, Kirk's younger brother looked up to his elder brother as some sort of hero. This prompted the decision for the team's name, which were in fact Ryan's initials. RSB Racing (Ryan Scott Buchanan) was born.
Buchanan kicked off the 1990 season in his #11 Chevy Malibu. Even though he missed one week of racing, he still managed to pick up two feature wins and finish second in the overall point standings. He loved the thriller division, but the 23 year old was ready to move up in the ranks. Late in the season, Kirk purchased Steve Clark's #17 Buick Regal street stock with hopes to run the full ‘91 street stock schedule.
For Buchanan, the ’91 season was unforgettable. After reskinning the street stock with a fresh Monte Carlo body, RSB Racing started out the season with hopes of a top ten finishes in points and possibly a feature win. When Buchanan’s #11 was victorious on opening day, many eyebrows were raised. He went on to win an amazing three times in the first four weeks of competition, which was proof to the entire street stock field that he was a definite threat in the championship chase. Misfortune plagued the RSB Racing team throughout the second half of the season and there was only one more win that came the team’s way. Kirk still finished an astonishing second in points and win rookie of the year honors.
Over the winter of ‘91, Buchanan and his team crew totally rebuilt the RSB Racing Monte Carlo with expectations to challenge for the ‘92 championship. Although the team hit bumps along the way, they managed to collect three feature wins that season. A record number of top five finishes that season helped guide Buchanan to his first street stock championship.
After finally winning the championship, the team set focus on building a brand new late model for the ‘94 season at Flemington Speedway. Moving up in divisions and into a class where "money talks" was a challenge for the whole team and took its toll on them from time to time. Buchanan had a mediocre rookie season, finishing in the top 20 in points. The highlight of the season came late in the year with a second place feature finish.
In ‘95 RSB Racing made their return to Flemington hoping there wasn’t a sophomore jinx. The plan for the year was to build a car for Clearfield Speedway (Central, PA Speedway) and also use it to run on occasion with their regular Flemington chassis. After three really bad weeks of racing, both cars were destroyed, which put a damper on the season's plans to say the least. Buchanan recalled that in some ways his ’96 campaign was a comeback year. Again, as a Flemington regular, Buchanan was a consistent top five and top ten-feature finisher. He also ran races at Clearfield with promising results. The team ended that season with their first top ten late model points finish ever.
In October of ‘96, Buchanan and long-time girlfriend, Dale tied the knot. The team decided to step back a little in ‘97 and just run a handful of special shows. Three tracks RSB Racing tried to conquer were Flemington, Clearfield and Evergreen Raceway. Both highlighting, yet disappointing run that season for Buchanan was his 5th place finish in the open competition show at Evergreen. While leading with two laps remaining he spun and surrendered the lead. At the end of that season, Buchanan sold his car and equipment, calling it a "break".
Kirk and Dale Buchanan currently reside in Nanticoke, PA. Kirk is still only 38 years old. The Buchanan’s have a three-year-old son, Kyle Matthew. While admitting that he misses stock car racing and that he would never trade those memories for anything, he’ll always have those special memories of racing. On the same note, he also looks forward to creating future memories with family.

NEETS: ONCE A THOUGHT TURNS TO THREE STRONG SERIES IN 2006

Scranton, PA- When PA' s Mountain Speedway Co-Promoter, Billy Bartley attended an enduro race at another track four years ago, he loved the action and especially loved the people participating even more when he went into the pits to meet and talk with them. “The cars were, to say it bluntly, ‘junk’, compared to what I was used to seeing every week at my track, but there was something special about these people”, noted Bartley. “I found that most of the drivers and crew loved racing like no other”. From a spectator point, this type racing seemed more fun to watch for him and even more fun for the drivers. There wasn’t any arguing afterwards, nor shouting at the flagger, or complaining of a line up, they were all happy. Afterwards they all sat around in a group talking about the race. Even the guys that finished last or destroyed their cars joined in! Most of the "race cars" were either painted up in off the wall colors with funny sayings or adorned with some type of decorations.
Bartley remembered that day and there were about 28 to 30 cars in the event, which in his mind seemed like a lot of cars at one time. Drivers told him stories about when Flemington hosted 100 cars per event before it closed in 2000. Some of the said that this type racing is dying because promoters do not want the ‘junk’ at their tracks. But when they do put on a show, they are treated like the lowest scum of the earth.
When ’02 came to a close, Bartley decided to empty the bank and take a chance that no other would attempt. He created an enduro racing series called NEETS (North East Enduro Tour Series). His plan: to hold enduro-racing events at a number of tracks throughout the northeast for points, recognition, and a large pro rated cash purse. He and his entourage would ‘tour’, much like the NASCAR Whelen Modified Series. His plans also included a point fund, banquet and many other awards. Bartley wanted to start with a big car division (6 & 8 cyl), with a 4 cyl. division, which would compete at select venues. He believed that enduro racers should get the same opportunities as other racers, along with the respect that they deserve. When the majority of the racing press caught wind of Bartley’s idea, they were convinced that the series would not even last the entire ’03 season. Bartley ignored the flak and dedicated plenty of hours and long nights promoting his newly formed series. Some of his developments included a NEETS Series website and on-line forum for anyone interested. “The forum and site were the best things to start off this series’ said Bartley. “I wanted anyone who ever wanted the race and could not afford to, to take a look at NEETS, and they did”. By the end of ’02, there were already fifty NEETS members.
Over the course of the season obstacles and learning curves were conquered. A few races were cancelled or rescheduled for a variety of reasons. Most tracks respected the NEETS tour, while others shunned the series and its drivers. Bartley never lifted, spiraling ideas all season long to help keep the show dates they had scheduled. One of these changes was the decision to race rain or shine. “I sat down one night and thought, these cars all have street tires. If cars can drive on the street in the rain, why not race in it?” This decision proved successful when the tour took to the asphalt at Tioga Speedway in NY. The race was so successful, fans stayed for the whole event, even through downpours. Ironically, every division for the day was cancelled, except for the NEETS enduro. Throughout the rest of ’03 a few additions were added to the shows. The ‘Best Appearing Car’ award was presented to the driver with the sleekest looking mount. B.V. Sprinklers presented a ‘Rough Ride of the Day’ award to the driver with the worst luck of the day. ‘NEETS News’ made its debut at mid-season, which is an online newsletter much like your regular track program. The newsletter recaps the latest event.
Ray Fitzgerald was crowned the inaugural NEETS champion after the final race of the season with his 9th place finish.
During the off-season months, Bartley decided to add a few ‘true enduro’, non-point shows to the schedule. The idea was to gain the interest of drivers who wanted to race without spending more cash than needed. The car for these races must be off the street, stock & legal. Bartley had a January race in the works, along with an event in July, October and November. He would call these races ‘Holiday Fun Races’ for the time being. Each race was planned to have some something for everyone, including various contests for the kids, and entertainment for all. Depending on car counts, most of these ‘fun’ races were $1000 to win, and the final race in November (Mutha of all Enduros) was $5000 to win if 100 6/8 cyl. cars started the event.
Over the first two seasons, the NEETS members and their families ‘cliqued’, much like you would see in the NASCAR racing family. NEETS would welcome any new drivers with open arms, offering information about set-ups, etc., just to help make them competitive. A prime example of the ‘NEETS family’ was the event that took place during the last season race of ’04. NEETS held a ‘Checkered Dreams’ event. Checkered Dreams is a charity, which works with various tracks and drivers to help give children with serious illnesses and their families a ‘dream day’ at the track. The day was a true joy for not only the children, but the drivers and officials as well!
Bartley announced changes for the ’05 season. “What type of changes could possibly change the future of NEETS”, everyone asked. His reply was straightforward. The tour would become the NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series (NEETS HSCS). Besides recognition, and more race coverage, the improved series would bring a lot more to the table. It was announced that all of the races on the 2005 schedule would be held at Mountain Speedway, mainly because of the computerized scoring system. The amount of cars at each race was expected to be high, and the transponder system assures fair results.
The ‘new’ type of racing for NEETS in ’05 proved more successful and Bartley now draws 100’s of cars from states all over the northeast and beyond to each of his events. These people are dedicated to the sport, partially because of what he has done for enduro racing over the last four years.
So, what’s on the card for NEETS in ’06? Well, the three series are the main Holiday Stock Car Series (HSCS), which are completely stock vehicles with two divisions, 4cyl and 6/8 cylinders. The Truck Racing Under Xtreme (TRUX) series that are completely stock small to mid size pickup trucks with up to 6 cylinders. Lastly is the Xtreme Super Enduro Series (XSES), which is the complete opposite of the HSCS. There are no motor rules and very liberal car rules but very strict safety rules. The XSES will be a traveling series while the others will be based at Mountain Speedway.
The NEETS HSCS allows new drivers to put a car together for little money, while having some fun trying it out. This way, if the driver decides racing is not for them, the time and money invested is minimal, therefore the financial loss is much less than if they jumped right into a Friday or Saturday night division. In today’s youth, there is wide variety of past times to choose from. NEETS wants to give them the opportunity to try the sport of enduro racing. Especially the 4 cyl. division, which is mainly the type of cars you currently see on the road today. When Bartley was asked about how new drivers feel about the series, he just smiled and said “I have received many e-mails and letters thanking us for giving them the opportunity to live their life-long dream as to drive a race car. Most have been dedicated long time fans in the stands that never tried to join in because of the costs.”
Bartley continued, “One of my biggest reasons for starting the series was to get new blood into the weekly regular racing. I have seen the ages of the drivers increase, meanwhile car counts are dwindling all over the northeast and no young guns are coming into racing because of the cost. This inexpensive way of ‘testing’ the sport of racing would give them the opportunity to see if it is for them or not. The facts is we have gained a few dozen drivers to our weekly program at Mountain, along with other tracks directly because of the series”.
As for the future of NEETS: Future goals are to expand into different regions of the US for a ‘National series’. Bartley has been in communication with future NEETS sub-promoters from the North, South and West of the area.
For further info on NEETS enduro racing, please visit: www.neetstour.net.

Picture 581- NEETS “Big Car” top ten in the points from ‘05

Picture 983- One of NEETS driver meetings

Picture 3382- Getting the 6/8 cylinders aligned for another wild event!

Three Years later & You Can’t Forget the #71 of Don Kepping
By: Gene Ostrowski

Many times we look back to our childhood and remember great heroes and moments, people we idolized. It's no different than me looking back to 1978. That is the year my eyes had a bright orange reflection. A same reflection has caught my eye 27 years later, not of the machine, but the man behind the wheel.

Don Kepping grew up in Drums, PA and attended Evergreen Raceway (Mountain Speedway) frequently in his youth. He grew up at the track and dreamed of racing a stock car there. Don started off racing dirt bikes in hare scrambles and endures. He ran them for several years and that competitive spirit persevered throughout his life. At the age of 34, Don built his first car that he would end up racing at his childhood track. He was a mild mannered, easygoing guy who very simply just wanted to race. He drove several types of cars over the years on asphalt and dirt, but all the cars had one thing in common, the familiar orange and white paint scheme carrying the #71. Some folks called him the Beaver Valley Bandit, but most just called him a friend. Don had a fan following unlike any other competitor, and the majority of them were the young kids. “Many times he would let the kids play in and on the car… that competitive spirit persevered throughout his life; he simply loved to see the kids with that much excitement,” said Janet Kepping, Don’s wife of almost 22 years.

Throughout Don's racing career he did win races. Did he dominate them? No, but he left a lasting impression on both fans and competitors as a cautious and clean racer, which earned him respect as a driver. Not only was he respected by his fans and competitors, but his sponsors also valued his reverence for honest racing.

In 1978 Don began racing and won “Rookie of the Year” in the late model division. He would rack up many wins over the decades and had a fan following that was unreal. In the late 80's Don decided to kick it up a notch and purchased a small block modified. Racing mainly at Evergreen, Don would soon find out that the competition was sever and sometimes painful. Through the thick and thin, Don held his head high and went on to win in a modified, also carrying the crown as “Most Popular Driver” many years running.

In late 1981, Don was involved in a severe crash at Evergreen Speedway. Don's back would end up broken in the wreck, which would slow down Don's racing. In the meantime the track was shut down. Don recovered, and was set on the dirt at Big Diamond. Although not super-competitive there, Don became more familiar with the ‘feel’ of the dusty stuff. When Evergreen re-opened, Don was back on track, running his #71 Beaver Valley Racing modified. After his triumphant return to racing, Don would be just as competitive as before.

In 1994 Don ran his last races at Evergreen. Beaver Valley Racing slowly disengaged because of some financial and ownership issues, but Don continued to attend races as a fan. “Don’s heart wasn’t just into racing, he would still make plenty of time for his family and friends” said Mrs. Kepping.

In November of 2001, Don's health began failing, he was diagnosed with cancer in the spring of 2002. He would still make it out to the local short tracks to watch and talk to the fans and his racing buddies. On the cold day of January 9th, 2003, Don lost his battle with cancer. That day Beaver Valley not only lost a good man with a big heart, but also lost a well respected, winning racecar driver.

‘Mountain Fan Nights’ on Tap for 2006

St. Johns, Pa- Mountain Speedway, in conjunction with the Reading Phillies, CAD Visers, Inc. and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons are proud to announce Mountain ‘fan nights’ for the upcoming season at the 1/3rd miler in St. Johns, PA.
The fan nights will showcase different give a ways to a set number of fans that are the first to come through the grandstand gate on the chosen date. For example, the Reading Phillies hosted promotion will offer the first 50 people that enter the gates on ‘Reading Phillies Night’ a ticket to any regular season home game for this season. Likewise, promotions are also set for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons, along with CAD Visers, a civil engineering enhancement-consulting firm from the Lancaster area.
Along with rewarding the fans, these promotions will help businesses gain more exposure through the growth of auto racing at Mountain Speedway. Other area businesses are interested in the idea and hopefully more will lurch at the opportunity. If any business is interested in participating in a Mountain fan night they may contact the track PR director at gjtost@verizon.net.
Exact dates will be officially announced before the regular season kicks off on April 9th. For the ’06 schedule, rules and purse, please visit www.mountainspeedway.com.

Jim's Busy Bee Big Wheel Sunday Series sets '06 schedule

St. Johns, PA- "Jim's Busy Bee Pest Control" presents the Big Wheel Sunday Series at Mountain Speedway for '06 with two divisions for the youngsters who want to compete on their big wheels. The two divisions are for any child from ages 3-5 and 6-8. Trophies for the top three in each division will be awarded to the finishers, along with candy and other prizes. Points will also be awarded through out the season and the top 5 in the standings will receive trophies at the end of the season. Big wheel races will be held on Sundays only, immediately after warm-ups, starting on Sunday, April 9th.
Sign-ups for participating children will be at the photo/program stand (in between pit area and grandstand area). All children must sign in when they arrive at the track and all children must be signed in to race. It will be announced over the PA system when children should meet at the photo stand for the big wheel races. Immediately following the big wheel racing events, the young racers will be escorted from the track to the stand, where an adult should escort them back to their grandstand seats.
Any child within the age group is invited to participate in the racing. There is no cost!
For all points shows, all big wheels must be stock and 'out of the box'.

Age Groups
3-5 year olds
6-8 year olds

Points System
1st: 4 pts
2nd: 3 pts
3rd: 2 pts
4th through last: 1 pt

7 Race Schedule (points awarded)
April
Sunday, April 9th
Sunday, April 23rd
Sunday, April 30th

May
Sunday, May 7th

September
Sunday, September 9th
Sunday, September 17th
Sunday, September 24th

October
Sunday, October 8th
Award Presentations at Photo/Program stand prior to "King of the Mountain" events

The Mountain Speedway Busy Bee I G Wheel Sunday Series: "Today's little racers are tomorrow's future drivers".

Autograph session’s added interest to the Checkered Dreams charity display

Ft. Washington, PA- Fans flocked to the Fort Washington Expo Center Friday anticipating the 21st annual Motorsports show presented by VP Racing Fuels. Many of the thousands of attendees stopped by the Checkered Dreams charity display and admired the donations of many racing related items that were donated by NASCAR teams.
At one point through out the day, upcoming 16-year-old late model pilot, Jackie Ziegler, signed autographs for the fans. Central PA small block modified champion, Shawn Reimert signed as well, later in the evening.
By the days end there were many silent auction items that all ready had bids. The item with the largest bid was a race used quarter panel from the #1 Mopar sponsored Dodge truck driven by Ted Musgrave. Musgrave won the ’05 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series title. At the end of the day, the bid on the piece was $300. The second most popular item was a Rusty Wallace crew shirt that was at $125 by the day’s end.
Sue Ziegler (Checkered Dreams president) commented on the location of the charity’s booth at Motorsports ’06. “We’ve had plenty of interest, the booth is awesome and in a great location” noted Ziegler.
NASCAR Busch Series star, David Green was on hand at the show and signed autographs at the stage. Following the session, Ziegler asked Green if he would be kind enough to sign a piece of sheet metal at the booth. Then he not only signed the one piece, but also went on and signed the remaining David Green items.
Day two was even more special than the first. Since the inception of the annual show, Saturday has had the most attendance. Again, Checkered Dreams had even more drivers on hand to meet the fans and sign autographs. Drivers such as Billy Pauch (dirt modified star), Eric Beers (Whelen modified tour), Don Wagner (NASCAR Busch North Series), Shawn Reimert, Ricky Gonzalez (ARCA and Craftsman Truck Series driver), Tyler Haydt (Whelen modified RoY), Jackie Ziegler, Marissa Nelmes (Mountain thriller driver) and Josh Oswald (Mountain thriller driver). Ms. Mountain Speedway (April Makarewicz) and Ms. NEETS (Cindy Bott) were also at the booth, meeting fans and signing autographs.
Much like the first day, by the end of Saturday a slew of items had serious bids. Along with the Musgrave quarter bid from Friday, a Billy Pauch racing suit was all ready up to $200 and others were above the 100-dollar mark. Of course, the driver stand-ups, race used sheet metal and hero cards were a big attraction to the silent auction goers, including a limited Sam Bass print of the late Dale Earnhardt. The ‘Quick Silver” print is signed by both Bass and Earnhardt. One other popular item was a #15 NAPA fireman’s helmet, which was signed by Michael Waltrip. Only two were ever produced and Waltrip has the other!
Sunday was not only the final day of the show, but also the day where the winners from the auction were announced. Again, Ziegler and Reimert signed autographs and late model racer, Pat Hargan, joined them.
When the auction ended, the $300 bid on the Musgrave sheet metal from Friday stood. Another popular item was a signed helmet visor from Kevin Harvick, which brought in $255. Local big block dirt modified star, Billy Pauch donated a uniform, which ended at $200. The winners of the Sam Bass Print "Quick Silver" were returning auction regulars Carmen and Steve McPhillips, and the winner of the second raffle item the Michael Waltrip Fireman’s helmet was the charities president herself, Sue Ziegler. The driver that will receive next year’s fireman’s helmet will be the fans choice, so please watch www.Jackie88racing.com to place your vote.
Checkered Dreams would like to thank (in no particular order) all of the drivers and track personnel that signed autographs for the fans. The time contributed toward the charity and our sport is greatly appreciated.
Checkered Dreams wouldn’t have been part of the auction if it weren’t for Lenny Sammons, Joe Pratt and the entire AARN staff for their overwhelming amount of support, in particular Betty, for her kindness and Jason Arthofer of Speedboys in Windgap, PA for suggesting that we should approach Lenny Sammons about the show.
Also, special thanks go out to all of the teams, both of the local and of the NASCAR levels, who were so generous with their donations, along with the other venders who generously helped with getting a jump-start on next year. Last, but not least: For all the show goers, who placed bids on items or even stopped by: Thank you!!
The next fundraising event for Checkered Dreams is a bus trip to Dover International Raceway in June. Please watch out for the upcoming event at www.jackie88racing.com.

Mountain switch brings back “Saturday night fever”

St. Johns, PA- Disco may be a thing of the past, but Saturday night fever will join Mountain Speedway this season, as the majority of the track’s shows will take place Saturday evening. The announcement was made official at the speedway’s banquet ceremony in November. Although Friday nights were successful last season, many teams, along with track management had trouble getting to the track on time for the shows. “There were a number of occasions last season where teams called the track and said they were stuck in traffic” noted Billy Bartley (Mountain Speedway co-promoter). “Another thing is the township ordinance about running past a certain time. We don’t want to cut it close and Friday night racing was doing just that”.
The regular season will kick off starting on Sunday, April 9th with a regular show. There will not be a qualifying week for opening day as done in the past. Instead, all drivers will qualify for the features via heat racing. After four weeks of Sunday racing, the schedule switches to Saturdays starting May 7th. Toward the end of the season the track will switch back to Sunday racing to close out the season. The switch will take place on Sunday, August 27th. Three practice days are scheduled this season. They are set for Saturday, March 25th, Sunday, April 2nd and Saturday, April 8th.
Along with the regular divisions at the speedway (modifieds, late models, street stocks, thrillers and 4 cylinder thrillers) there are added attraction shows such as the 4C modifieds, Tri-State Locating Keystone Legends, TQ midgets, NEETS ‘TRUX’ and Super Pro Trucks. The Super Pro Trucks are comprised of a variety of truck divisions across the northeast with rules for all to be competitive and will have three or four events this season. The NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series will also use the facility for the series’ enduro races as done last season, plus the unveiling of the new NEETS “X-SES” Monster touring series will have three events of their own at the speedway.
The purse structure is the same as last season with $1500 to win for the modified, $800 for the late models, $500 for street stock, $200 for thrillers and $150 for the four cylinder thrillers. The purse from second to last is stellar, as compared to what you might see at some other facilities.
The Big Wheel Sunday Series will again return to the speedway with two divisions for the youngsters who want to compete on their big wheels. The two divisions are for any child from ages 3-5 and 6-8. Trophies for the top three in each division will be awarded to the finishers, along with candy and other prizes. Points will also be awarded through out the season and the top 5 in the standings will receive trophies at the end of the season. Big wheel races will be held on Sundays only, immediately after warm-ups, starting on Sunday, April 9th.
Along with the action packed weekly racing, the “big shows” scheduled for the season are the 50-lap thriller Ed Makarewicz memorial, the 77-lap Mark Corbisero street stock memorial, the 100-lap street stock shootout, 50-lap four cylinder thriller shootout, the 100-lap “Big Dog” modified extravaganza, fireworks, autograph and camera nights and much more.
Along with weekly give-a-ways, drivers, track officials and staff will continue with the weekly kid’s bike night. Last season, two bicycles were given away each week to a lucky boy and girl in the grandstands. This season will be similar, but gift cards from a variety of stores, along with bicycles will be alternated on a weekly basis, giving each child at the speedway the opportunity to not only see “edge of your seat” racing, but the chance to bring home an exceptional prize. Along with the give-a-ways, the ‘Mountain Speedway Lottery’ will return, where fans have the chance to win a pair of speedway passes, which are valid for any regular show during the season.
The drivers will continue to be recognized for their efforts through ‘Mountain Madness’, an on-line column written by Gene Ostrowski, the speedway’s announcer. The weekly column recognizes a driver who is ‘on the fast track’ to success in each division. The recognized drivers are awarded a trophy the following week for their efforts.
Grandstand admission is $12 for adults. Handicapped and senior admission is $9. Children between 7 and 12 are $9, while kids 6 and under are admitted for free. Sunday racing begins at 2:00 PM and Saturday shows start at 6:00 PM.
For more information on Mountain Speedway, including the complete schedule, rules, updates and purse, please visit www.mountainspeedway.com.

Joe ‘Millionaire’ Jentile and Mike Mujsce Jr. defrosted after NEETS ‘Beaters with Heaters’ wins

The ’06 ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series officially kicked off for the season, Saturday at Mountain Speedway with the running of the third annual ‘Beaters with Heaters’, which is annually sponsored by Drews Enterprises. Combined 144 cars took the green flag for the start of the NEETS season, but in the end it was Joe ‘Millionaire’ Jentile and Mike Mujsce, Jr. grabbing the gold.
From the pole position, Joe Grocholski led the seventy-eight four-cylinder enduro field to the drop of the green flag for 100 laps of action. Only two laps passed by and Jimmy White found himself facing the wrong direction entering turn three. White was in an unsafe situation and the red flag was thrown. When the green waved Woot Lawrence got by Grocholski, along with the father-son duo of Mike Mujsce Jr. and Sr. for third and fourth. The two waged a terrific battle for position. By lap twenty Harry Sager (’05 division champ) moved into the top five.
The next red flew when Dale Shoemaker creamed the outside retaining wall coming out of turn four. Shoemaker was uninjured, but his car was another story. Only two laps later the red flew again for a heavily damaged Gwen Sakowski machine in turn three.
Lawrence held the point and looked like he had the car to beat, but Sager closed in. Unfortunately for Sager, lapped traffic came in play on lap forty and Sager headed pit side to repair damage to his machine.
With seventy-three laps in the books Mujsce, Jr. took control of the event and dropped Lawrence to second. Meanwhile, Grocholski, Robin Vollmoeller and Denise Siegel began their move toward the top five.
With five laps to go Mujsce Seniors’ car went up in flames from underneath. After a stellar run, he retired from the race. However, his son, Mujsce, Jr. held a strong lead over Lawrence and cruised to the win. Grocholski, Joel Lipperini and Siegel rounded out the top five. It was Mujsce’s first win in the series and NEETS career best finishes for Lipperini and Siegel.
Santa Claus appeared at the speedway during the short intermission and gave wrapped toys to all the little boys and girls in the grandstands. The NEETS drivers, family and officials donated the toys. Santa also gave away tee shirts to adults in the stands.
‘Dr. Destruction’ Howie Bott started from the pole in the 6/8 cylinder 100-lap enduro, but by the time lap one clicked off it was Richard Petey in command. Petey held the point until lap six, when he was spun in turn three. Bott assumed the lead. Twelve laps later, ‘Racin Rich Johnson came from his thirty-fifth starting spot and took command of the event. Last seasons’ champion (Joe Jentile) entered the top five after starting in the fourteenth spot.
The red flag flew on lap seventeen when April Makarewicz and Bob Wohlgemuth collected in turn one. Wohlgemuth’s day came to an early end.
Jentile wasted no time getting to the front and taking the lead, which he did after twenty-three laps clicked by. Johnson dropped to second, but later experienced problems and headed to the pits. Tom Moses seemed to be the car on the move and cracked into the top ten and set sights for Jentile. Moses moved into second on lap thirty-eight.
The last of three reds flew forty-four circuits into the race when Eric Wink and another car tangled in turn two. When racing resumed Moses cut Jentile’s lead in half and looked to be on a mission. Moses started last, but made it to the front in a hurry. That was until Moses tagged a car that was stuck against the turn four wall. The damage suffered was enough to drop him in the run-down.
Shawn Gallucci took over second, but was a lap down to Jentile. Jentile cruised to another NEETS win over Gallucci, Keith Bissinger, Gary Walls and Mark Spencer.
Both 100-lap events, including intermission and victory lane interviews were completed in two hours.
NEETS promoter, Billy Bartley noted that the series is currently looking for division sponsors. Anyone interested is urged to contact Bartley at billyb@neetstour.net.
The next ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series event is the ‘Jim’s Busy Bee Pest Control’ April Fools Spring Spectacular on Saturday, April 1st. The races scheduled for the day are the ‘Buzz 100-lappper’ (6/8 cyl) and the ‘Stinger 100-lap event (4 cyl). The new NEETS ‘TRUX’ are also on the card for the day with a special 50-lap truck enduro. Admission is only $7 for ages seven and older. Kids six and under are admitted for free. The NEETS charity of choice for the day is the ‘NO KILL’ Animal Care Association. $1 from each general admission will be donated to the cause.
For more info on the NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series, rules, drivers and standings, please visit www.neetstour.net.
NOTE: Top 10 are official finishes. Penalties (laps) will be given to drivers for pitting under red flag conditions. 11th-last are unofficial at the time of press release

(sponsor wanted 4 cyl)
Finish No Driver/Hometown
1 07 Mike Mujsce Jr, Riverhead, Ny
2 34 Woot Lawrence, Southampton, NY
3 30 Joe Grocholski, Freeland, PA
4 81x Joel Lipperini
5 70d Denise Seigel, Berwick, PA
6 2x Robin Vollmoeller, Riverhead, NY
7 308 Ken Harper
8 01 Terry Nansteel, Bangor, PA
9 30a Larry Fisher, Fern Glen, PA
10 5T Tim Pauch
11 70 Dale Garrison, Berwick, PA
12 SIX Jim Sykes
13 m0 Maurice Ott
14 7 Sam Ryan
15 70c Chris Seigel, Berwick, PA
16 19x Jennifer White, Southampton, NY
17 29 Joe Sherman
18 62 Luke Colleran, Mountaintop, PA
19 1934 Mrs "Fluffy" White, Southampton, NY
20 13 Mike Mujsce Sr.
21 78jr Bob Darde
22 26 John Bittoni Jr
23 131 Ryan Nelson
24 5r11 TJ Stevens,East Stroudsburg, PA
25 461 Rich DiMarco
26 79X Amanda Spotts
27 007 Mike Kobeski, Pottstown, PA
28 27v Mike Ventura
29 17 Art Kulik, Bensalem, PA
30 63 Nikki Wachs, Hanover Twp, PA
31 309 Mike King
32 61s Harry Sager, Hanover Twp, PA
33 33 Dave Horning, Pottstown, PA
34 01X Mark Forman
35 3 Brad Vollmoeller, Riverhead, NY
36 472 Steve Elliston, Southampton, NY
37 56 Brian Moses
38 777 Mike Racho, Hazelton, PA
39 31 Gary S. Walls, Orlando, FL
40 02 Shawn Wanat
41 82 Matt Guida, Riverhead, NY
42 111 Kenny Ferrer
43 20x Ken Cornell
44 39x Jamie White, Southampton, NY
45 1 Frank Katona, Junedale, PA
46 8p Steve Petry
47 1s Steven Sapp, New Castle, DE
48 00d Daniel Hargan
49 24 Larry Spencer, Nanticoke, PA
50 5jp Joe Oliver
51 82C John Costello
52 73 Dave Bentley, West Chester, PA
53 28 Michele Mowery, Berwick, PA
54 6 John Saccomandi, North Wales, PA
55 71 Leroy Radcliff
56 9 Brandon Brown, Berwick, PA
57 31B Dave Bartuski Jr, Nanticoke, PA
58 16 Rich Haegele
59 15 John Mondelli
60 51m Michael Dunn
61 R12 Todd Pinto
62 81 Marc Cefalo
63 77m Jack McElrath, Berwick, PA
64 38 Bob Haeger
65 83 Devin Gibson
66 2 Robin Vollmoeller Jr, Riverhead, NY
67 57 Gwen Sakowski, Dorrance, PA
68 23 Dennis Keenan
69 56k Kyla Kovak, Lost Creek PA
70 77 Dale Shoemaker
71 89 Art Allen
72 59 Joe King
73 0 Kyle Curtis, Hampton Bays, NY
74 x3 Ollie Stewart, Dorrance, PA
75 29x John Moser
76 519 Ron Pierson, Whitney Point NY
77 19 Jimmy White, Southampton, NY
78 89X Mike Colon

(sponsor wanted 6/8 cyl)
Finish Car Driver/Hometown
1 41 Joe Jentile, Bedminster, PA
2 23g Shawn Gallucci, Hazleton, PA
3 11 Keith Bissinger
4 31x Jeff Walls, Ridley, PA
5 124 Mark Spencer, Nanticoke, PA
6 75 Howie Bott, Budd Lake, NJ
7 93 Rob Pyle
8 54 Dave Cascioli
9 29 Jim White, Hampton Bays, NY
10 14 Phil Lomonaco, Perkasie, PA
11 5 Tim Pauch
12 28 Gregg Clerico
13 438 Paul Mercante
14 8 Mike Smith
15 26 John Bittoni Sr
16 23z Frank Gallucci, Hazleton, PA
17 99 Robin Shewire
18 20k Kory Stevens, Levittown, PA
19 97 Tom Moses
20 55 Donny Oliver, Riverhead, NY
21 410 Steve Tito, Drums, PA
22 32 Alex Fletcher
23 10 Tom Slee, Smithtown, NY
24 20 Bobby Pease, Medford, NY
25 b52 Jimmy Honaker
26 13x Nick Shaw, Chatham, NJ
27 97 Joe Kmetz
28 101 Tracy Rocap
29 68 Bob Wickersheim
30 h8 Ben Gregor
31 72 Mark Paine
32 39 Phil Levering
33 266 Bob Kulik, Croydon, PA
34 14x Brian Brown, Riverhead, NY
35 18x Kerry Boehm
36 58 Randy Parsons Jr, Bangor, PA
37 mc17 Matt Chambers, Wilmington, DE
38 24 Gary Bauer
39 78 Aaron Miller, Stroudsburg, PA
40 15 Glenn Osborne, Howell, NJ
41 12x Bob Wink, Palm, PA
42 42 Jamie Curtis, Flanders, NY
43 77 April Makarewicz, Hazleton, PA
44 50 Tom Zoke
45 1 Rich Johnson, Mastic, NY
46 69 Mark Wolf
47 302 Joe Helberg
48 33 TJ Kapish, Jeansville, PA
49 33d Charlie Nansteel
50 43 Richard Petey, Hackettstown, NJ
51 18C Matthew Mattern
52 01 Jimmy White, Southampton, NY
53 42x Danny Cascioli
54 41dd Dave Tito, Drums, PA
55 3 Richard Deck
56 1x Cory Student
57 42C Matt Cascioli
58 29X John Gallotto
59 18 Pat Verwys, Westchester, PA
60 17R Ray Rothfuss
61 168 Bob Wohlgemuth
62 47 Dave Moore
63 02X Jack Levix
64 46 Pete Russell
65 107 Ralph DeWald Jr
66 17 Josh Oswald, Schnecksville, PA

NEETS revving engines for “Beaters with Heaters III” ’06 opener

St Johns, Pa- The ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series is at it once again with their Mid-Winter super successful two division enduro event appropriately called the "Beaters with Heaters III" sponsored by Eric Drews of Drews Enterprises, NJ. It will again be held at Mountain Speedway in St. Johns, Pa. on Saturday, January 7th.
Need that winter racing fix? Well, NEETS promoter Billy Bartley would like to invite everybody to come to the show and enjoy the thrills, spills and hard racing whether you’re a fan or future driver trying your hand at participating in the race. Most of the racecars will be decorated in a holiday/ Christmas theme. There will be free hot chocolate for everyone, plus Santa plans to attend the event and visit with the fans in the grandstands, giving away toys for the children in the process. This will take place during intermission.
"We have almost 200 cars pre-registered now and haven’t even advertising yet" says Billy. "Plus we may have to split a race in half if we feel it could get dangerous in either division". "Everybody is just out there having fun”. "With only a $7 grandstand admission price tag, along with what you get for free, plus all the excitement of racing, it's the best bang you can get for your buck anywhere", noted Bartley.
The series will be holding 10 events in the 2006 season all on or around Holidays. The drivers will accumulate points for where they finish and a points fund equal to a Modified will be paid out at the NEETS December Awards Banquet to the top 10 drivers in each division. Just as done last season, any driver who has entered a set number out of the scheduled events will be eligible to win a very nice Holiday vacation package no matter where they are in the points. One will be given to a lucky driver in each division at the awards banquet.
So get out the old seat warmer and take the trip to Mountain Speedway on January 7th, and get ready to have the most fun you will ever have at a racetrack in January. Admission is only $7! As always, Billy will be throwing a free party to all race participants. The party location will be announced in a short time.
All Drews Enterprises "Beaters with Heaters III" race info, series schedule, rules and additional info is on the www.neetstour.net website. You can also email billyb@neetstour.net with any questions. Also ask him what the benefits of sponsoring one of these events will provide your business.

NEETS HOLIDAY STOCK CAR SERIES CROWNS 2005 CHAMPIONS WHILE MAKING RACING HISTORY

Hazleton, PA - 2005 ABC Car Crushing NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series champions, Joe "Millionaire" Jentile and Harry "Lift" Sager were officially crowned Saturday at Lobitz's Hall in Hazleton, PA during the 3rd annual NEETS banquet ceremony. This was the first 'solo' banquet for the popular series and a first ever in racing history for an Enduro class. Past NEETS Awards banquets were gracefully shared with the Mountain Speedway regular divisional banquets. The last event being the NEETS Awards banquet was just the way to end a fantastic season. The cold air, the ice and snow that fell a mere 48 hours prior didn't stop the 144 dedicated enduro family members. The room was decorated with Yellow, Silver, White and Black balloons (series colors) and decorations that only added to the excitement. The cocktail hour, which lasted approximately an hour and a half, brought us to series promoter Billy Bartley giving the opening speech of the evening almost bringing a tear to some.
After dinner, Billy brought the ceremonies under way starting with plaques for the 'Top 10 Club'. The awards were presented to every driver who has finished at least one race this season in the top ten, which is a feat in itself with 70, 80 or 90 cars in each event. They were sponsored by Valley Service Equipment Repair and Bartley Racing Enterprises. A $250 Cash prize was awarded to the drivers that had the most top ten finishes. Joe Jentile won the 6/8 cyl division with 7 top tens. The 4cyl division was tied with Bobby Pease and Harry Sager both having 6 top tens. Awards were also presented to all of the NEETS officials for their hard work and dedication throughout the entire season.
Next, all of the drivers who finished in the top 10 of the point standings received trophies and cash awards. Joe Jentile and Harry Sager were also surprised to receive leather embroidered champion jackets to go along with their gigantic trophies and large cash prizes. Following the trophy presentation, two drivers names were pulled in a drawing. Both drivers won a Las Vegas vacation package, but Robin Vollmoeller and Alex Fletcher chose the option of $1,000 cash, which was presented, to them on the spot. All drivers with the minimum amount of registered races in the 2005 season were eligible to win. One of the most prestigious awards (The Uncle Petey Award) was presented to Howie and Cindy Bott for their dedication to the NEETS Series since it's inception, four years ago. The Uncle Petey award is given annually to the individual, or individuals who have helped the drivers and series without hesitation throughout the season.
Mountain Speedway/NEETS photographer, Joe Cutri was presented with the 2005 Promoters award. This is an award chosen by the series leader to a non-driver/non-official that has helped make our series successful in one form or another.
NEETS Promoter Billy Bartley was also awarded with a plaque of appreciation from his drivers from this past season.
The plaques, trophies and prizes were out of this world. The love and appreciation Billy provided everyone with was phenomenal. It wasn't BS, it was straight from the heart. It doesn't get any better than this and the series shows just what good promotion can do. I am out of words to express just how wonderful he is. Even with a few stories to add to his words of the evening, Billy still stayed within the time so no one was cut short on any open bar time or dancing with music and entertainment provided by the series own...Dj NEETZ. You can be sure there will be bigger and better things in the future of this great series.
The start of the '06 NEETS season is right around the corner, starting off Saturday, January 7th with the third annual Drews Enterprises 'Beaters with Heaters'. Along with the mid-winter enduro action, Santa will be on hand, giving away toys to the boys and girls in the stands. The race will be held rain, snow or sun and is one of the most popular events in the series schedule.

Cottman Transmission 6/8 cyl top ten
1. JOE JENTILE 2. Tim Pauch 3. Glen Osborn 4. Tom Slee 5. Howie Bott, Tom Moses 6. Phil Lomonaco 7. Jeff Walls 8. Mark Spencer 9. Joe Kmetz 10. Ray Fitzgerald, Richard Petey, Jim White, Joe Intermaggio, Bob Kulik

Valley Service 4 cyl top ten
1. HARRY SAGER 2. Robin Vollmoeller 3. Bobby Pease 4. Joe Grocholski, Luke Colleran 5. Woot Laurence 6. Mark Hammer 7. Denise Siegel, Rob Pyle 8. Pat Verwys 9. Bob Haegar 10. Shawn Wanat

Other award winners were:
Long Island Jam Most Popular Driver awards: 6/8 Cyl. 1. Tom Slee 2. Richard Petey 4 Cyl. 1. Bobby Pease 2. Robin Vollmoeller Roughest Ride of the Season: Jimmy White and Marissa Nelmes
Appreciation awards: ABC Car Crushing, Valley Service Equipment Repair and Cottman Transmission (NEETS sponsors)

Ms. Mountain Speedway set to compete for Ms. Motorsports 2006

Drums, PA- 26 year-old Ms. Mountain Speedway, April Makaerwicz will be among the slew of contestants competing for the Ms. Motorsports crown at the VP Racing Fuels Motorsports Show at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center in January of next year.

April's passion for being involved with racing started at a very young age when she used to assist her dad at Pocono Raceway. It gave her the opportunity to be close to the NASCAR drivers and the sport of competitive auto racing.

Hailing from Drums, PA, April is married to Kevin Makarewicz and involved with the Mac Brothers Racing team that competes at Mountain Speedway. Running for Ms. Mountain '05 only seemed right since she was already at the track on a weekly basis. On pole day that season, April was voted and crowned Ms. Mountain.

Regardless of what events take place at the motorsports show, April also plans to return to Mountain Speedway next season. "We're at the track every week and there's a great group of people there. Even if I don't come close to being Ms. Motorsports, I can always say that I gave it a shot" noted Makarewicz. "I'm nervous about it, but also very excited and looking forward to it".

The mid-winter motorsports spectacular is slated for January 13th through the 15th at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center. This is the 21st annual edition of the show, presented by VP Racing Fuels.