Friday, January 31, 2014
ERNIE SAXTON RESIGNS PUBLIC RELATIONS POSITION WITH GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY AFTER 47 YEARS (Bruce Thomas photo)
LANGHORNE,
PA January 30, 2014 . . . “I was trying for 50 years at Grandview but we (my
wife and I) have decided it is time to retire after 47 years of handling the
public relations, advertising, program book publishing and sponsorship efforts,”
said Ernie Saxton. “I had given up the announcing at the end of the 2013 season
after 45 years and thought that I could continue as part of the Grandview team.
However after giving it a great deal of thought I found that we just could not
put forth the best efforts without being there that is what the Rogers family
(operators of the speedway) deserves. We have discussed the pros and cons of
continuing on, but in the end we feel it is best to resign as a member of the
Grandview staff.”
Over the years the NASCAR sanctioned track, located in Bechtelsville, PA
has become one of the most successful short tracks in the nation and just
recently announced a very busy schedule of events, offering a lot of variety,
for the 2014 season.
“Having just celebrated another birthday, I am realizing that there are a
lot of things I would like to do on my bucket list and being at Grandview on a
regular basis would make that difficult,” Saxton commented. “It has been a great
47 years. The Rogers family have been wonderful to work with and they have been
more like family than employers. I wish them nothing but the best and we do plan
to visit during the season.”
Saxton will continue to operate his public relations, marketing and
sponsorship consulting firm, Ernie Saxton Communications, in Langhorne, PA. In
addition he and his wife will continue to publish their popular sponsorship
marketing newsletter, Motorsports Sponsorship Marketing News, which has helped
so many with their sponsorship efforts and keeps subscribers informed on what is
going on in sponsorship marketing.
Details on the newsletter and the services provided can be found at
www.saxtonsponsormarket.com.
In addition Ernie will continue to pen motorsports columns for seven
different publications including daily newspapers, trade publications and
monthly magazines.
Ernie Saxton Communications, Inc. will continue to work with Len Sammons
Productions with their indoor racing events and annual Motorsports
show.
Saxton also works with race teams and promoters to assist them in their
efforts to secure sponsorship with proposals, contact letters, media releases,
and more.
The veteran marketer can be reached at 215.52.7797 or on his cell phone
at 267.934.7286.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
BIG DIAMOND SPEEDWAY PURSE INCENTIVES ANNOUNCED
Only a few weeks away is the annual Big Diamond Speedway car show at the Fairlane Village Mall in Pottsville. The show runs Sunday March 2nd thru Saturday, March 8th. Forms will be posted on the website soon, or email Tim Long at pengwin1@ptd.net to have the entry and insurance forms emailed directly to you.
Opening day is set for Sunday, March 30th, featuring the Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic DIRT 358 Modifieds going 30 laps for $3,000 to win and $300 to take the green. Also on the card will be the U.S.S. Achey Sportsman going 20 laps for $1,000 to win and the Savage 61 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram Roadrunners going 20 laps for $300 to win.
The following week will be the 2nd annual Money in the Mountains big block/small block challenge for the Modifieds going 40 laps for $7,500 to win and $500 to take the green. Also on the card will be the seasons first appearance of the Jeremy Slifko Fabrication Services Late Models, along with the Savage 61 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram Roadrunners, both going 20 laps in their feature events. Rain date for this event is Sunday, April 6th.
Two contingency awards have been announced for the Money in the Mountains race that will benefit two race teams that fail to qualify for the main event. The 2nd annual "Fans of Big Diamond/Dog Pound" Hard Luck Award is going to pay a minimum of $240 to a team chosen by track management as the hard luck driver of the evening. Meme Desantis, last years winner of this award, took home over $700. Donations are still being collected, so no one quite knows what this years final amount will be. New this year will be the "Long" Haul Award. The driver who tows the furthest and fails to qualify for the main event will take home a minimum of $125. Donations are still being collected for this award too, so the final amount is yet to be determined. Just two more reasons for teams to attend the 2nd annual Money in the Mountains event.
It's all shaping up to be a season to remember for fans and competitors alike at Big Diamond Speedway.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
HANGING FROM A ROPE...
under a helicopter.10 men and 1 woman.
The rope was not strong enough to carry them all
so they decided that one had to let go ,
otherwise they were all going to fall.
They weren't able to choose that person,
until the woman gave a very touching speech.
She said that she would voluntarily let go of the rope,
because, as a woman,
she was used to giving up everything
for her husband and kids or for men in general,
and was used to always making sacrifices
with little in return.
As soon as she finished her speech,
All the men started clapping . . ..
Monday, January 27, 2014
Langenstein Doubles Down and Sweeps Winter Heat RC Rd. 2 & 3
1/27/14 Langenstein Doubles Down and Sweeps Winter Heat RC Rd. 2 & 3
472
miles from Daytona Beach Florida where the famed Daytona Rolex 24 Hour
race was going on and arguably one of the biggest road racing weekends
of the year in the North American continent, Austin Langenstein would
sweep the Winter Heat Road Course races at the Charlotte Motor Speedway
and pick up two Feature wins in one day! Austin would set the Pole lap
at a time 48.272 seconds and after the fan invert Austin would start 3rd
in the Rd. 2 Feature race. Austin
would get the lead in the 4th turn of the 13 turn road course and set
sail from there. Austin would go on and lead every lap and also set the
fastest race lap of the event and park the #7 Cray Legend in Victory
Lane for the 1st time in 2014 in just the 2nd race of the year! With
Austin qualifying on the Pole, Leading every lap, setting the fastest
lap of the race and Winning the feature Austin would pick up the coveted
"Grand Slam". In race #2 of the day Rd.3 of the Winter Heat RC series
Austin would start on the outside pole. Austin would battle the #29 car
for the first lap and Austin would make his move in turn 3 on lap 2 and
take the top spot, but two turns later the #29 would miss his braking
point and hit Austin in the RR spinning both drivers out. Austin would
do a 360 and keep going but would lose 3 spots in the process dropping
the #7 car back to 4th. Austin would go to work and pick up the 3rd spot
just 2 turns later and set his sights on the
leaders. Austin would run them down pass the #69 for 2nd and then the
#21 for the lead just 1 lap later. Austin would lead the final 5 laps
and pick up the win and for the 2nd time on the day Austin would park
the #7 in Victory lane! In Victory Lane Austin said- " I'm speechless
this is fantastic. I have had Road Course victories in the past in the
Bandolero but this is my 1st and 2nd Road Course victories in a Legend
Car. I need to thank my sponsors and supporters Cray
Motorsports, Progenex, The SpiderTech Tape , Reebok, FK Rod Ends, Swift
Springs, RX Jump Ropes, Fit Mark Bags, Sparco, Sheex Performance
Sheets, Flex Watches, Oxygen 4 Energy,The Brake Man, Coolture Cooling
vests, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions,
R&B Transport Refinishing, Motorsports Tech, M80 Roller, LifeProof,
Happy Socks, ZIRH Men's Skincare, Rehband, Screamer USA, LSTN
headphones, Quest Bar, Cowpatty Nation and Piranha Ultra Sonic Cleaning
along with my family and friends. With Austin's wins this weekend Austin
has become one of only a few drivers in history to win on Dirt,
Pavement, Oval and Road Course within a year. For daily updates please
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at @alangenstein7 and check my
website at austinlangenstein.net
Sunday, January 26, 2014
ATLANTIC CITY RESULTS
TQ
Midget Feature (40 Laps): 1. Anthony Sesely, 2. Mike Lichty, 3. Lou Cicconi Jr.,
4. Andrew Nye, 5. Mike Iles, 6. Andy Jankowiak, 7. Jimmy Blewett, 8. Zane
Zeiner, 9. Matt Janisch, 10. Pat Bealer, 11. Rob Neely, 12. Randy Cabral, 13.
Glen Reen, 14. Rob Vivona, 15. Erick Rudolph, 16. Brett Michalski, 17. Shawn
Nye, 18. Chad Jones, 19. Mack DeMan, 20. Jonathan Reid, 21. Rowan Pennink, 22.
Matt Roselli, 23. Earl Paules, 24. Donny Lia, 25. Joey Payne, 26. Ted
Christopher.
Champ
Kart Feature (25 Laps): 1. Anthony Colandro, 2. Jonathan Cash, 3. DJ Shaw, 4.
Mike Perry, 5. Glen Meisenhelder, 6. Joseph Pacovich, 7. Damon Schuster, 8.
Brian Sullivan, 9. Ryan Swartz, 10. Richard Davidowitz, 11. James Hayden, 12.
Todd Crenshaw, 13. Chris Daley, 14. Avery Stoehr, 15. Ron Midford, 16. Alex
Colasanto, 17. Max Handley, 18. Douglas Stearly, 19. Dave Farrington Jr., 20.
Daniel ‘DJ’ Doyle, 21. Todd Root, 22. Danny Bouc, 23. Justin Gumley, 24. Justin
Bonsignore.
Slingshot
Feature (25 Laps): 1. Simon Egan, 2. Joe Kata, 3. Tyler Johnston, 4. Tom Arntz,
5. Matt Stangle, 6. Tiffany Wambold, 7. Jerry Schott Jr., 8. Brett Bieber, 9.
John Gilroy, 10. Danny Spellmon, 11. Ben Whitaker, 12. Jimmy Spellmon, 13. Frank
Yankowski, 14. Jesse Hartman, 15. Nick Shaw, 16. Carl Bittenbender, 17. Kurt
Bettler, 18. Kyle Lick, 19. Eddie Strada, 20. Matt Carman, 21. Lydia Rueckheim,
22. Gary Hieber, 23. Demetrious Drellos, 24. Matt
Massone.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Friday, January 24, 2014
Thursday, January 23, 2014
BIG DIAMOND SPEEDWAY ANNOUNCES 2014 DIVISIONAL SPONSORS
With the start of the 2014 racing season right around the corner, Big Diamond Speedway is happy to announce the following divisional sponsors that have come on board to help support the sport we love.
DIRT 358 Modifieds- Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic
Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic, your distributor for Hoosier Racing Tires in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, and Delaware since 1976. Proud to carry on the business started by founder Urie “Bud” Watson, they give the racers the support they need. At the track, or at the store, that’s where they will be to help you. Just give them a call or send an email. They have tire specialist for every type of racing. Check out their website at www.hoosiermidatlantic.com
Sportsman- U.S.S. Achey Iron and Metal Processors
U.S.S. Achey Iron and Metal Processors is a buyer of ferrous and non-ferrous metals that has provided recycling services for Schuylkill and surrounding counties for over 40 years. A third generation family business whose top priority is customer service, U.S.S Achey invests in the most modern scrap metal processing equipment, including a car shredding plant, stationary shear and non-ferrous bailer. Using modern metal processing methods and equipment, they are able to pass the savings onto customers through highly competitive pricing. Get details at www.ussachey.com
Roadrunners- Savage 61 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram
Why should drivers in the Reading, Pottsville, Allentown, Lebanon and Philadelphia areas choose Savage 61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram? There are many reasons, but perhaps the most important is the incredible service they offer. From taking time to ensure customers have the best car buying experience when choosing a new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or RAM model, to making sure each client obtains the car loan and Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM lease that he/she is most comfortable with, their commitment to you is unsurpassed. See all the exciting services they offer at www.savage61.com
Late Models- Jeremy Slifko Fabrication Services
Founded in April of 2013, they do all types of steel, aluminum, and stainless steel fabrication, plasma table work, bucket repair, truck change-overs, wiring, hydraulics, and so much more. There is nothing they can't or won't do as long as it is cost effective to their customer. Located in Pottsville, PA, they can be reached at 570-527-1304 to discus any project you might have.
Please be sure to support these fine sponsors of racing at Big Diamond Speedway.
Don't forget to order your Big Diamond Speedway banquet tickets now before it's too late. The banquet is Saturday, February 8th at the Pottsville Zone in Pottsville, PA beginning at 5 PM. Order forms are available on the website at www.bigdspeedway.com
Also right around the corner is the annual Big Diamond Speedway car show at the Fairlane Village Mall in Pottsville. The show runs Sunday March 2nd thru Saturday, March 8th. Forms will be posted on the website soon, or email Tim Long at pengwin1@ptd.net to have the entry and insurance forms emailed directly to you.
Remember to mark the dates, test and tune for any car with a roll cage on Sunday, March 23rd. The following week on Sunday, March 30th, it's opening day featuring the Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic DIRT 358 Modifieds going 30 laps for $3,000 to win and $300 to take the green.. Also on the card will be the U.S.S. Achey Sportsman going 20 laps for $1,000 to win and the Savage 61 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram Roadrunners going 20 laps for $300 to win.
The following week will be the 2nd annual Money in the Mountains big block/small block challenge for the Modifieds going 40 laps for $7,500 to win and $500 to take the green. Also on the card will be the seasons first appearance of the Jeremy Slifko Fabrication Services Late Models, along with the Savage 61 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram Roadrunners, both going 20 laps in their feature events. Rain date for this event is Sunday, April 6th.
These are the first of many special events scheduled for the 2014 season. The entire 2014 Big Diamond Speedway schedule can be viewed at www.bigdspeedway.com
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
BIG DIAMOND SPEEDWAY NEWS
MINERSVILLE, PA - January 20th, 2014
Take one quick look at the 2014 Big Diamond Speedway schedule, and much like the race of the same name, you will see that there really is "Money in the Mountains".
Second year track owners Jake and Jasmine Smulley have put together what is sure to be the most aggressive and rewarding schedule in the 40 plus years of the historic speedway. Highlights of the season include the following races:
Sunday 3-30-14 - SEASON OPENER! Just like every other season, opening day means extra money is on the line. The 358 Modifieds go 30 laps for $3,000 to win and $300 to take the green. The Sportsman cars go 20 Laps for $1,000 to win and the Roadrunners go 20 Laps for $300 to win.
Friday 4-4-14 - 2nd Annual MONEY IN THE MOUNTAINS! A huge success last season, the 40 lap Big Block/Small Block challenge race returns to the schedule paying $7,500 to win and $500 to take the green. The Late Models and Roadrunners are also on the card. This race carries a rain date of Sunday 4-6-14.
Friday 6-13-14 - 2nd Annual ANDY FAYASH MEMORIAL for Sportsman! This race, run in memory of one of the most popular competitors in the history of the Speedway, goes 30 laps for the Sportsman cars paying $3000 to win and $157 to take the green. DIRTcar 358 Modifieds and the XCEL 600 Modifieds are also on tap, but this night is truly for the Sportsman racers to shine.
Tuesday 6-24-14 - THE DIAMOND SHINES 40 WORLD OF OUTLAWS LATE MODEL SERIES! The first appearance of the World of Outlaw Late Models since June 24th, 2009 pays $8,000 to win and $600 to take the green. Roadrunners are also a part of this awesome evening of racing.
Friday 7-4-14 - 34TH GEORGIE STEVENSON MEMORIAL! Always a "must attend" event, the 34th running of this race run in memory of young Georgie Stevenson sees the 358 Modifieds going 34 laps for $3400 to win and $340 to take the green. Sportsman, Roadrunners, and XCEL 600 Modifieds also are part of the evenings festivities. This race carries a rain date of Friday, July 11th.
Tuesday 7-15-14 - BIG BLOCK BRAWL! The DIRTcar Big Blocks Modifieds make their return for the first time since 2009! The race will be 75 laps for $6,000 to win. Roadrunners and FIREWORKS round out the evening!
Friday 8-15-14 - 2nd Annual PRELUDE TO THE COALCRACKER! Run for the first time ever last season, this event sees the 358 Modifieds go 30 laps for an insane $4,000 to win and $400 to take the green. Late Models and Roadrunners join the Modifieds. This event has a rain date of Friday, August 22nd.
Friday 8-29-14 - The LATE MODEL COALCRACKER 40 paying $1,600 to win and $150 to take green (If over 26 cars) along with the SPORTSMAN COALCRACKER 40 paying $1,600 to win and $150 to take green (If over 26 cars). The Roadrunners also see action on this night, when our other divisions take center stage. Sure to be a great night of racing.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Austin Langenstein Finishes 3rd in the Winter Heat.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
CHILI BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
A Feature (55 Laps): 1. 63-Bryan Clauson[3]; 2. 39-Kevin Swindell[14]; 3. 97-Christopher Bell[2]; 4. 77-Alex Bright[12]; 5. 17R-Dave Darland[10]; 6. 47X-Tim McCreadie[8]; 7. 21-Daryn Pittman[17]; 8. 8J-Jonathan Beason[4]; 9. 3-Chris Windom[9]; 10. 15X-Chad Boat[18]; 11. 67K-Rico Abreu[13]; 12. 24-Tracy Hines[22]; 13. 5D-Zach Daum[5]; 14. 1-Sammy Swindell[6]; 15. 05-Brad Loyet[20]; 16. (DNF) 7M-Kevin Ramey[24]; 17. (DNF) 17K-Alex Schutte[19]; 18. (DNF) 5-Jerry Coons Jr[21]; 19. (DNF) 7C-Caleb Armstrong[1]; 20. (DNF) 63NZ-Michael Pickens[11]; 21. (DNF) 56L-Danny Stratton[16]; 22. (DNF) 71K-Kyle Larson[15]; 23. (DNF) 47-Damion Gardner[7]; 24. (DNF) 16-Thomas Meseraull[23]
Lap Leader(s): Caleb Armstrong (1-5), Clauson (6-55)
Saturday, January 18, 2014
A CARING HUSBAND
He: “ Dear, what can I help you with”?
She: “You can take this bag of potatoes,
peel half of them and put them in this pot for me.”
So what’s the problem?? I don’t get it…
Can we ever please a woman? EVER????
CHILI BOWL FRIDAY RESULTS
A Feature (25 Laps): 1. 63-Bryan Clauson[2]; 2. 47X-Tim McCreadie[1]; 3. 17R-Dave Darland[4]; 4. 21-Daryn Pittman[5]; 5. 56R-Ryan Bernal[3]; 6. 17K-Alex Schutte[9]; 7. 15X-Chad Boat[20]; 8. 57M-Matt Mitchell[10]; 9. 51S-Mike Spencer[17]; 10. 56J-Darren Hagen[16]; 11. 39R-Dillon Welch[14]; 12. 91T-Tyler Thomas[13]; 13. 21K-Cory Kruseman[12]; 14. 7B-Austin Brown[15]; 15. 88-Terry Babb[18]; 16. 73N-Nic Faas[11]; 17. 67-Tanner Thorson[7]; 18. 68-Ronnie Gardner[8]; 19. 5N-Jeffrey Newell[23]; 20. (DNF) 85S-Shane Hollingsworth[19]; 21. (DNF) 2ST-Jon Stanbrough[6]; 22. (DNF) 84B-Bobby Michnowicz[24]; 23. (DNF) 21AJ-A.J. Hopkins[21]; 24. (DNF) 1K-Trevor Kobylarz[22]
Lap Leader(s): Tim McCreadie (1-9), Bryan Clauson (10-25)
Friday, January 17, 2014
CHILI BOWL THURSDAY RESULTS
A Feature (25 Laps): 1. 97-Christopher Bell[1]; 2. 47-Damion Gardner[2]; 3. 63NZ-Michael Pickens[4]; 4. 39-Kevin Swindell[17]; 5. 25B-Steve Buckwalter[7]; 6. 56L-Danny Stratton[9]; 7. 11A-Andrew Felker[8]; 8. 24-Tracy Hines[6]; 9. 15D-Andrew Deal[5]; 10. 7M-Kevin Ramey[19]; 11. 93-Dustin Morgan[11]; 12. 8L-Harli White[10]; 13. 11-Chase Stockon[14]; 14. 17S-Dominic Scelzi[13]; 15. 57B-Chad Boespflug[12]; 16. 19S-Richard VanderWeerd[20]; 17. 35S-Matt Sherrell[18]; 18. 62-Taylor Simas[22]; 19. 81-Heath Duinkerken[23]; 20. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr[21]; 21. 37-Brady Short[24]; 22. 3T-Tim Barber[16]; 23. 5E-James Edens[3]; 24. 7L-Layne Himebaugh[15]
Lap Leader(s): Christopher Bell (1-25)
Thursday, January 16, 2014
CHILI BOWL "A" MAIN RESULTS
A-Feature: 25 Laps, top 3 lock into Saturday's Championship Feature.
A Feature (25 Laps): 1. 8J-Jonathan Beason[1]; 2. 5D-Zach Daum[3]; 3. 77-Alex Bright[2]; 4. 05T-Gary Taylor[7]; 5. 71K-Kyle Larson[16]; 6. 71C-Shane Cottle[5]; 7. 16-Thomas Meseraull[20]; 8. 51J-R.J. Johnson[15]; 9. 7JM-Joey Moughan[10]; 10. 99-Brady Bacon[18]; 11. 4J-Tim Crawley[9]; 12. 44-Don Droud Jr[11]; 13. 39C-Joey Saldana[6]; 14. 2ND-Jeb Sessums[22]; 15. 50-Daniel Adler[13]; 16. 55F-Taylor Ferns[19]; 17. 38-Billy Wease[23]; 18. 7A-Dalton Armstrong[12]; 19. 17E-Blake Edwards[24]; 20. 19-Steven Drevicki[21]; 21. 1W-Paul White[17]; 22. 4AU-Mathew Smith[14]; 23. (DNF) 98-P.J. Jones[8]; 24. (DNF) 11W-Tyler Courtney[4]
Lap Leaders: Jonathan Beason (1-25)
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS RESULTS
A-Feature: 25 Laps - Top 3 lock into Saturday's Championship Feature.
A Feature (25 Laps): 1. 7C-Caleb Armstrong[2]; 2. 1-Sammy Swindell[13]; 3. 3-Chris Windom[4]; 4. 67K-Rico Abreu[17]; 5. 05-Brad Loyet[5]; 6. 26-Shane Golobic[15]; 7. 10-Brad Kuhn[14]; 8. 5-Jerry Coons Jr[18]; 9. 39T-Payton Pierce[21]; 10. 31B-Travis Berryhill[7]; 11. 15W-Brandon Waelti[12]; 12. 66-Shane Cockrum[9]; 13. 8K-Frank Flud[16]; 14. 9P-Parker Price-Miller[6]; 15. 15-Tim Siner[23]; 16. 73X-Trey Marcham[10]; 17. 8V-Jace VanderWeerd[22]; 18. 1ST-J.J. Yeley[11]; 19. 5C-Colten Cottle[24]; 20. 91S-Jeff Stasa[20]; 21. (DNF) 55-Nick Knepper[8]; 22. (DNF) 11CA-Chris Andrews[1]; 23. (DNF) 8-Alex Sewell[3]; 24. (DNF) 45X-Johnny Herrera[19]
Lap Leaders: Chris Andrews (1-11), Caleb Armstrong (12-25)
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Monday, January 13, 2014
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Friday, January 10, 2014
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
COVENTRY MALL RACE CAR SHOW RETURNS!
BIG DIAMOND SPEEDWAY 2013 SEASON AWARDS BANQUET DETAILS RELEASED
The Pottsville Zone in Pottsville, PA will once again be the site of the Big Diamond Speedway 2013 season ending awards banquet. The banquet will be held on Saturday, February 8th, 2014 beginning at 5 PM. Tickets will be $35.00 per person and will include food and beer, along with dancing the night away to a DJ once the awards portion of the evening is complete.
Point money and trophies will be awarded to the top 10 in Modified points, along with the top 5 in points for both Sportsman and Roadrunners. Just a reminder, the driver or car owner must be present in order to collect the money and awards. Other special awards; listed below, will also be handed out to other drivers for those accomplishments. It's guaranteed to be a great evening, and one of the last chances to relive last years races before the 2014 season begins with practice day on Sunday, March 23rd.
Banquet forms can be printed from the new track website, www.bigdspeedway.com
2014 Big Diamond Speedway Award winners:
Top 10 in Modified Points
1) Craig Von Dohren
2) Meme Desantis
3) Doug Manmiller
4) Jeff Strunk
5) Frank Cozze
6) Kevin Albert Jr.
7) Dale Hartz
8) Ricky Yetter
9) Kevin Smith
10) Ray Swinehart
Top 5 in Sportsman Points
1) Jared Umbenhauer
2) Kevin Beach
3) Doug Hendricks
4) Ray Woodall Jr.
5) Wayne Witmer
Top 5 in Roadrunner Points
1) Marc Berzowski
2) Jeremy Becker
3) Chris Holland
4) Terry Kramer Jr.
5) Jim Kost
Rookie of the Year Awards
Modifieds - Kevin Smith
Sportsman - Robin Schultz
Roadrunner - Devin Trexler
Sportsmanship Awards
Modifieds - Dan Hineline
Sportsman - Ray Woodall Jr.
Roadrunner - Jesse Krasnitsky
Most Improved Driver Awards
Modifieds - Dale Hartz
Sportsman - Wayne Witmer
Roadrunner - Terry Kramer Jr.
Hard Luck Awards
Modifieds - Andy Burkhart
Sportsman - Mike Glass
Roadrunner - Shon Elk
Perfect Attendance Awards
Modifieds - Craig Von Dohren, Meme Desantis, Doug Manmiller, Frank Cozze, Kevin Albert Jr., Dale Hartz, Kevin Smith
Sportsman - Jared Umbenhauer, Kevin Beach, Doug Hendricks, Ray Woodall Jr., Wayne Witmer
Roadrunners - Jeremy Becker, Chris Holland, Terry Kramer Jr., Jim Kost, Shon Elk, Devin Trexler, Kyle Killian, Kris Ney, Tim Spesak
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Monday, January 6, 2014
DUANE HOWARD IN THE PETRUSKA 66? (Brent Smith photo)
KUTZTOWN'S ACTION TRACK BANQUET NOTES
At The Banquet: Brightbill, Jay Hartman, Buccafusca, & Perchak Crowned Action Track USA Champions
Kutztown,
PA - The first track champions of the renovated facility known as the
JeffreyHogueRealtor.com Action Track USA, located on the Kutztown
Fairgrounds, were officially crowned last Saturday night during an
awards banquet held inside Building 24 at The Works in Wyomissing, Pa.
Kenny Brightbill (Sunoco USAC SpeedSTR), Jay Hartman (Pioneer Pole
Building Wingless 600cc Micro-Sprints), Danny Buccafusca (NAPA Auto
Parts All Star Slingshots), and Ross Perchak (270cc Micro-Sprints) were
honored as the first point champions under the Action Track USA banner
and co-promoters Rich Tobias and Doug Rose.
Brightbill, the dirt Modified legend who admitted during the awards
festivities that he's been racing for the past 46 years, made his first
season behind the wheel of a SpeedSTR a most memorable one. The former
Shillington Slingshot, now living in Reinholds, thrilled the fans week
in and week out with his patented charges to the front of the field
while utilizing the high side of the clay oval.
Though he was only able to record one feature win, Brightbill registered
an incredibly consistent string of top-five finishes (11 in the 13
races that made up the season at the Action Track USA) to notch the
title by just 30 points over Billy Pauch Jr.
"I've been racing for 46 years, and these cars (SpeedSTR's) are just
like driving those early Modifieds at the Reading Fairgrounds," said
Brightbill as he explained how he adapted to the spec class so quickly.
"You've got to finesse 'em; really work the throttle to get 'em around. I
guess they kind of suit my style of driving."
The veteran wheel-twister also revealed, without any hesitation, that he
will return to defend his title when the 2014 campaign begins at the
JeffreyHogueRealtor.com Action Track USA.
"Oh yeah, we'll be back to try it again. I really like racing on
Wednesday nights; I get my racing fix and I can still do other things on
the weekend."
A
few second generation racers finished behind Brightbill in the
standings. Pauch Jr., Freddie Rahmer Jr., and Brandon Rahmer occupied
positions two, three, and four, while World of Outlaws Late Model
standout Rick Eckert, who led all drivers with four feature triumphs in
2013, wound up fifth in points.
Flagtown, NJ driver Jay Hartman captured the Pioneer Pole Buildings
Wingless 600cc point title on the strength of two victories and eight
top-five efforts. He charged to the head of the point parade in the
final five events, leap-frogging over Kyle Lick and Brian Carber with
finishes of first, third, fifth and a pair of runner-up placings.
Long known as the set-up man on his brother Jeff's championship winning
team, the 2013 point crown at Kutztown holds a very special meaning for
Jay. "It was great being part of Jeff's titles, but to win this one as a
driver - it's my first Micro-Sprint championship - well, it really
means a lot. And to win it against the caliber of competition that was
at Kutztown every week...it's just an incredible feeling."
Kyle Lick recorded the most wins (three) in the division and finished
runner-up in the standings, just 28 points behind Hartman. Jeff Hartman,
who won the previous three consecutive 600cc titles at the Kutztown
Fairgrounds, finished third in the 2013 chase. Brian Carber and James
Morris completed the top five in points.
Fourteen-year-old Danny Buccafusca, from Montague, NJ, drove the S&S
Speedways No. 55 to the NAPA Auto Parts All Star Slingshot
Championship. The Rockaway Rocket picked up one feature victory during
the season and registered nine top-fives in 12 starts.
It was a come from behind title winning effort for Buccafusca, who
trailed defending track champ Brett Bieber and Larry Raifsnider with
just a couple of races left to run. He finished as the runner-up in the
second-to-last event of the season while Bieber and Raifsnider struggled
and wound up deep in the field. Buccafusca jumped over them to grab the
point lead, then secured his title with a fourth place finish in the
season finale`.
During Saturday's banquet, Buccafusca - who also won a second point
crown at the Hamlin Speedway - tried to put the two championships in
perspective. "The two tracks are kind of polar opposites, but both are
excellent dirt tracks and have terrific fan bases," he noted. "They are
very different, but have one thing in common...they are both run very
well and draw big crowds. It's an honor to win the championship at both
speedways," said Buccafusca, who is moving to the 600cc Micro-Sprint
division for 2014.
Bieber, who secured a third straight National Slingshot title, finished
second in the standings at the Action Track USA. Raifsnider, the opening
night feature winner, ended up third with Travis Bieber and Cody Kline
rounding out the top five in Slingshot points.
There's a reason why he's called "Ross the Boss", as Hazleton's Ross
Perchak earned the fifth track championship of his career at the
Kutztown Fairgrounds in 270cc Micro-Sprint competition.
Perchak, in his familiar Perchak Trucking/ RTS Chassis No. 4P, grabbed a
pair of checkered flags during the campaign and never finished outside
the top five. Three runner-up efforts, combined with four, third-place
finishes were enough to clinch another title for the veteran of the
270cc division, as he beat four-time feature winner and 2012 Kutztown
Champion Jarid Kunkle by 21 points.
"Oh yeah, every championship is special," said Perchak, "because they're
so hard to win and you never know if this might be the last one you'll
win. The competition doesn't get any easier, so each championship is
very enjoyable."
Bobby Butler wound up third in the 270cc standings, with Tommy Kunsman Jr. and Steve Walters finishing fourth and fifth.
A
very special Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to George
Goerner, who owns the wingless 600cc Micro-Sprint driven by Billy Ney.
Goerner has been involved in local and regional racing for the past 57
years as a mechanic, car owner, and - on one occasion - as a driver.
He's wrenched and owned Sprint Cars, Midgets, Super Sportsman,
Mini-Sprints, and 600cc Micros, and he's done it on a limited budget.
Goerner is currently battling some serious health issues, but he was able to attend the banquet and receive his award.
Co-promoter Rich Tobias presented an award of appreciation to Brad
Reinert, who was instrumental in securing many of the marketing partners
for the first season of racing at the Action Track USA. It was also
through the efforts of Reinert that Jeffrey Hogue purchased the naming
rights to the speedway, and Tobias wanted every one of the more than 200
banquet attendees to realize the importance of Reinert's contributions
to the success of the race track.
The 2014 schedule is expected to be released at this week's Pioneer Pole
Buildings Motorsports 2014 Show in Oaks, Pa. A May 14 opener is
penciled in as the first event, with the Sunoco USAC Championship
SpeedSTR's once again headlining the Wednesday night menu. They will be
joined by the Pioneer Pole Building Wingless 600cc Micro-Sprints and the
NAPA Auto Parts All Star Slingshots on a weekly basis. The 270cc
Micro-Sprints will race - wingless - on three occasions and the Junior
Slingshots will visit the Action Track USA on six dates.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Friday, January 3, 2014
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
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