Mahoning Valley
Race Results
www.mahoningspeedway.com

06/27/07

UPCOMING: 6/30 Regular Show + 4C Super Mods 7:00 pm start time
7/4 Modified 100 + Street Stock 100 + Fireworks 6:00 pm start time

100-lappers for Mods & Street Stocks + Fireworks Highlight Special July 4 Race Night at Mahoning Valley Speedway

(LEHIGHTON, PA. 6-26-07) Thus far the J Co Autobody Super-7 Series has proven to be an unqualified success. After three races there have been as many different winners, strong fields of cars and as expected plenty of close competition.

Round number 4 is now set to take place on Wednesday night, July 4 beginning at 6:00 pm with the Firecracker Modified 100 paying $3000 to win.

Also on the schedule will be the Star Spangled Street Stock 100 which will award the winner $1000.

Taking into consideration that no other regional asphalt tracks are running that evening, it appears that Mahoning Valley Speedway will be the place to race.

The evening will then be capped with a huge Fireworks display in celebration of the 4th of July.

As mentioned it’s been three great Super-7 Series races which are sponsored by J Co Autobody of Bridgewater, NJ.

Rusty Smith of Oxford, NY won the Frost Free 100 on April 14 and remains the series point leader over Earl Paules.

Paules, of Kunkletown, scored win number two in the Spring Fling Modified 100 on May 5. That victory also elevated him to the top of Mahoning’s weekly standings for the Modifieds.

In the most recent Super-7 event, which was the R.S. Snyder 75 Race of Champions Dart Asphalt Modified Tour, former track champion Eric Beers of Northampton picked up the win ahead of Paules.

Now it’s on to race 4 and just as the three previous shows, fans can expect to see the same quality field of stars and cars vying for $3000 top prize.

All J Co Super-7 Series race winners will earn $3000 with $200 to take the green.

A separate point tally is also being kept as the top seven will each take with them an additional $1000 at the end of the year.

The current top-10 in points are Smith, Paules, Kevin Graver, Jr., John Markovic, Scott Lesher, Don Wagner, Glen Correll, Zane Zeiner, Beers and Mike Quinn.

All Super-7 events will utilize time trials to determine the starting grids. The 12 quickest timers will be locked into the main. Thereafter heats will be run with those line-ups determined by the original draw from time trials.

What really heightens the night will be the 100-lap trek for the Mahoning Street Stocks. This class always guarantees a solid show which is the trademark of this thrilling full fender class.

The $1000 winners share does hurt either.

Everyone will want to stick around afterwards as the speedway will close out the night with their annual 4th of July Fireworks show.

Mahoning Valley Speedway is located on Route 443 just east of Lehighton. For additional information contact the track office at 610-398-4923. On race day please phone 570-386-4900. You can also check out the official speedway web site at www.mahoningspeedway.com or via email at glhoffman@rcn.com.

UPCOMING: 6/30 Regular Show + FS & 4CYL Make-up from 5/12 + 4C Super Mods 7:00 pm start time
7/4 Modified & Street Stock 100s + Fireworks 6:00 pm start time

Joe Jentile Wins Again in NEETS Big Car Action; Brian Kunkle Claims Small Car Main; TRUX Thriller to Terry Stiles

(LEHIGHTON, PA. 6-24-07) The ‘Firecracker Smacker’ took place Sunday afternoon at Mahoning Valley Speedway and for the second time in as many events it was Joe Jentile scoring top honors.

Running in the top five over the first half of the 100-lapper, Jentile needed nearly 60-laps before moving out front. Once that occurred, though, he was smooth and steady as he meticulously weaved through traffic and made it look like a textbook run en route to yet another win in NEETS 6/8 Cylinder competition.

Howie Bott raced out to the early lead and was a contender throughout the race. He had given up the lead to Richard Petey who relinquished the top spot to Phil Lamonaco.

Lamonaco, who is a teammate to Jentile, fell from the helm when his counterpart slipped underneath him as the field was completing the 56th tour.

Bott and Lamonaco then battled each other the rest of the way for runner-up honors with Bott earning that position at the checkered flag.

Petey and Tim Pauch rounded out the top-5, both of them two laps down.

For the second time in as many NEETS races a pair of Kunkle’s were also in the Winners Circle with a 1-2 finish in somewhat of a carbon copy of the last race only this time Brian Kunkle beat his dad, Neil Kunkle, which was a reversal of the finish from last month.

Don Rogers notched another solid finish as he took third with Ryan Nelson and Dennis Sizemore completing the front five.

The TRUX race may have been light on racers both there was no shortage of action. Terry Stiles earned a thrilling win as he had a race long battle with Frank Katona and Petey, who was pulling double duty.

Stiles lead virtually the entire race while Katona and Petey repeatedly swapped the runner-up spot, all the while tailgating with the leader. Stiles just barely held on for the exciting win.

NEETS returns to Mahoning Valley Speedway for the ‘Beaters in July’ on Sunday afternoon July 29.

6/8 CYLINDER (100): 1.Joe Jentile 2.Howie Bott 3.Phil Lomonaco 4.Richard Petey 5.Tim Pauch 6.Kory Stevens 7.TJ Stevens 8.Randy Parsons Jr. 9.Cory Student 10.Mark Spencer 11.Mike Counterman 12.Paul Mercante 13.Bob Kulik 14.Lonnie Behler

4 CYLINDER (100):1.Brian Kunkel 2.Neil Kunkel 3.Don Rogers 4.Ryan Nelson 5.Dennis Sizemore 6.Scooter Graver 7.Mike Ventura 8.Bob Darde 9.Dave Bentley 10.Jared Ahner 11.Kevin Behler 12.John Saccamondi 13.Jon Smith 14.Dwayne Garrison 15.Art Kulik 16.Lou Honeywell 17.Ken Harper 18.Larry Spencer

TRUX (50):1.Terry Stiles 2.Frank Katona 3.Richard Petey 4.Josh Oswald 5.Jeff Gregor 6.Erin Bartley

UPCOMING: 6/30 Regular Show + FS & 4CYL Make-up from 5/12 + 4C Super Mods 7:00 pm start time
7/4 Modified & Street Stock 100s + Fireworks 6:00 pm start time

No Regrets for Scott Lesher. New Dad Wins Mahoning Mod Feature and Takes Over Point Lead

(LEHIGHTON, PA. 6-23-07) Scott Lesher of Palmerton had his mind on everything but racing Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway and for good reason. The previous day his wife Lisa had given birth to their second child, Ashton Joseph, so it was understandable why he would have rather been elsewhere.

By the end of the night, however, Lesher was glad he came out to race as the veteran ace drove to his second win of the season and in doing so unseated Earl Paules for the divisional point lead.

“When I got here tonight my mind wasn’t on racing. I told the guys the worse thing I want to do is have a bad finish and regret coming here but it definitely made it worth it,” said Lesher.

“This feels like a million bucks. I heard about being on cloud 9 but I feel like I just rode cloud 12 to Victory Lane.”

Starting third, Lesher pulled off an incredible pass for the lead after a three-wide battle with early leader John Bennett and Rod Snyder, Jr. Afterwards he then had to hold off Bobby Jones and Chip Santee who dueled side-by-side a few feet behind him en route to winning.

Pole sitter Bennett wasted no time in grabbing the early lead while Lesher followed in his tracks. Mike Quinn was third.

Clearly the man on the move was Snyder. “Mr. Outside” was rim riding his way to the front and by lap five had the crowd on the edge of their seats as he turned the fight for the lead into a three car clash.

Bennett suddenly found himself sandwiched between Lesher and Snyder as the trio ran alongside each other over the next few laps.

As lap seven was going into the books, Lesher, who was on the inside lane, was able to squeeze his way into the lead. Snyder, on the other hand, was a bit high on the track and got caught in the marbles. He then went into a spin and was slammed by oncoming traffic. What looked like a shot at victory turned into a disappointing last place finish instead.

With the action back underway Lesher was the new leader but he was far from home free. Mike Quinn took up the chase in second and was all over the rear bumper of the 12-car. Also joining the fray was Santee.

Once again it was back to two wide action as Quinn and Santee began to double up on Lesher. Not far off was Jones as well as Don Wagner.

After a lap 25 restart Quinn suddenly fell off the pace. That’s when Jones saw his chance to blast from fourth to second. Santee was right alongside and that pair remained neck-and-neck while bearing heavily down on Lesher.

It was that way right to the finish too, as Lesher turned in great effort in holding off the pair and garnering his second win of ’07.

“It was definitely a close race. There at the beginning with (John) Bennett I was just following him and it seemed like when Rod (Snyder) got up to him he moved up a little bit and the bottom looked like it was wide open and I just took advantage of it,” said Lesher.

“You don’t know who’s behind you. The only time you know anything is what you hear on the radio and I knew Chip (Santee) was right there and he and I have a thing where we want to finish first and second. It didn’t happen tonight but Bobby (Jones) is a good friend of all of ours and for us to finish 1-2-3 is great.”

Wagner and Roger Heffelfinger, Jr., completed the top five.

In Late Model action Geno Steigerwalt of Jim Thorpe, parlayed his pole starting spot into a feature win, a feat he had not been able to do since two years ago.

Rick Wallace kept Steigerwalt on his toes as he ran a close second.

It was not s good night for point leader Todd Stehle as for the first time this year he suffered a DNF, ending a string of eight straight top five finishes.

Defending Street Stock champ Mark Deysher from Bath, used a lap 15 restart to move into the lead and once there was never headed, marking his first win of the season.

Chris Kuronya, Bethlehem, held off hard charging Kevin Rex, Jr., for his second Pro4 Late Model win of the year.

Lehighton’s Justin Serfass took the lead from Jeff Drofich after a lap 11 restart and never looked back, scoring his class leading fourth Factory Stock win of the season.

In the nightcap 4-Cylinder event, 15-year old Kristian Kalch of Tannersville scored an impressive career first win. The former ¼-midget champion was unstoppable and unchallenged in leading every lap.

MODIFIEDS (35): 1.Scott Lesher 2.Bobby Jones 3.Chip Santee 4.Don Wagner 5.Roger Heffelfinger 6.Lou Strohl 7.Earl Paules 8.Brian DeFebo 9.Lorin Arthofer II 10.Rich Kuilken, Jr. 11.Mike Quinn 12.Dave Wallace 13.John Bennett 14.Paul Skodacek 15.Stacey Brown 16.CJ Jones 17.Todd Baer 18.Glen Correll 19.Rodney Gruber 20.Rod Snyder, Jr. DNQ: JR Roth

LATE MODELS (20): 1.Geno Steigerwalt 2.Rick Wallace 3.Barry Christman, Sr. 4.Todd Geist 5.Ginny Quinones 6.Todd Stehle 7.Mike Shaw 8.Mike VanFossen

STREET STOCKS (25): 1.Mark Deysher 2.Justin Mooney 3.Matt Vansykle 4.Todd Ahner 5.Shawn Sitarchyk 6.Stehpen Steigerwalt 7.Chip Wanamaker 8.Kristy Morone Arthofer 9.Bill Hunara 10.Jay Llewellyn 11.Jon Moser 12.Jamie Smith 13.Alan Schlenker 14.Lonnie Behler 15.Randy Ahner, Jr. 16.Joe Mooney 17.Kris Brazes

PRO4 LATE MODELS (20) 1.Chris Kuronya 2.Kevin Rex, Jr. 3.Frankie Althouse 4.Barry Christman, Jr. 5.Jeremey Miller 6.Mike Stringer 7.Brian Ahner 8.Matt Derkosh 9.TJ Kemmerer 10.Ricky Ahner, Jr. 11.Dennis Silfies 12.Drew Rice 13.Dustin Bair 14.Ben Quinones 15.Nolan Fry

FACTORY STOCKS (20): 1.Jeff Serfass 2.Duane Eidem 3.Doug Knauss 4.Jason Frey 5.Justin Steigerwalt 6.Randy Ahner, Sr. 7.Jeff Delong 8.Devin Gibson 9.Jerry Karp 10.Jeff Drofich

4-CYL. STOCKS (20): 1.Kristian Kalch 2.Dave Freundt 3.Scooter Graver 4.Charles Biegley 5.Jon smith 6.Adam Kratzer 7.Ryan Christman 8.Casey Creyer 9.Michael Stofflet 10.Jeff Biegley 11.Brian Kunkle 12.Richie Kunkle 13.Dan Freundt DNS: Bryan Creyer

UPCOMING: 6/23 Fan Appreciation All Reg. Classes + Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club
6/30 Regular Show + 4C Super Mods
Race time is 7:00 pm

June 16 Races at Mahoning Valley Speedway Rained Out

(LEHIGHTON, PA. 6-16-07) Mahoning Valley Speedway events for Saturday night, June 16, have been cancelled.

At just about 5:00 pm a heavy rain storm passed over the Lehighton area. That coupled with the National Weather Service reports calling for thunder and rain during the evening hours, track management felt it was in everyone’s best interest to cancel the races.

With that the focus now turns to June 23 for Fan Appreciation Night.

This annual event has always been a favorite of the great supporting fans of Mahoning Valley Speedway as they will be welcomed onto the front stretch of the track during intermission and be greeted by all of the competitors and their race cars for a special camera and autograph session.

In action will be the Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks as well as the Garden State Vintage stock Car Club.

Racing gets underway beginning at 7:00 pm.

The following Sunday afternoon, June 24, the NEETS Enduro Firecracker Smacker event takes place with their three classes of cars, 6/8-Cylinders and 4-Cylinders which will both contest in 100-lap runs and the TRUX which will race for 50-laps.

Coming up in two weeks on Saturday night, June 30, it’s a regular show for all track classes along with the 4C Super Mods.

Round number four of the Super-7 Series will be on Wednesday night, July 4. The Modified 100 will be the top attraction with the Street Stocks also on the card.

That race will have a 6:00 pm start time.

For additional information contact the track office at 610-398-4923. You can also check out the official speedway web site at www.mahoningspeedway.com or via email at glhoffman@rcn.com.

BEERS DOMINATES MAHONING VALLEY TO CLAIM FIRST 2007 RoC DART ASPHALT MODIFIED TOUR WIN
BY JR KENNERUP

Lehighton, Pa… For the second consecutive Race of Champions ( RoC ) Dart Asphalt Modified Tour race at the Mahoning Valley Speedway. Eric Beers of Northampton, Pa. showed everyone at the tight quarter mile oval the quick way around. Last October in the final 2006 RoC race of the year Beers dominated on a very sticky racing surface to claim the win.

On Saturday night Beers driving the Horwith Freightliner sponsored Modified started sixth and used a third groove pass of Dave Wallace to take the lead on a lap 13 double file restart. Once in front Beers easily outdistanced the talented field to win his first feature of 2007 in the Northeast, Beers won one race in Florida in February.

Defending RoC Overall Champion and current Mahoning Valley point leader Earl Paules settled for second after starting 11th. Paules had several chances to see if he had anything for Beers with a couple of late race restarts. But Earl had nothing for the fast Beers car on this night.

Former dirt track Modified racer Kevin Graver, Jr. ended up third in a stellar effort after starting 15th. Pete Brittain also turned in a stellar driving performance by finishing fourth after pitting for a tire problem on lap two. Rusty Smith ended up fifth, the hard charger of the race after starting 23rd and making one pit stop on lap 18.

“Finally I won one “ said the $2,851 winner. “ It’s been a while since February in Florida. “

“We came here and ran one of those 100 lappers they have here earlier this year “ recalled Eric. “ I came here with a completely different setup to try something. We finished second to Earl and I said I’m never doing that again. I put the car back to where it should be for here and it showed. The car stayed good and the track surface was awesome tonight. “

Eric moved into the top five from his sixth place starting spot on lap three. Then into fourth on the next lap and into third on the following lap and finally into second on lap eight. On the lap 13 restart Eric made a third groove high side turn three pass of leader Dave Wallace for the lead that he would never give up.

Eric spoke about that high side pass for the lead. “ Dave was running a high line and the thing just stuck and I went right around him. I had the left side tires in the groove but the right side tires were up where there was no rubber and it still stuck. I was pretty surprised that it stuck that good in that gray area of the track. “

“They ran a whole round of practice with the cones out there to work in the outside grooves. I think it definitely helped the top of the race track; it was really good as there were definitely two grooves out there tonight. You could do whatever you wanted to do on the race track tonight as you could race on the bottom, on the top. The crew gave me a great racecar that I could do anything with tonight “ commented Eric.

Once in front Beers just started to dominate the event as he opened up huge leads only to lose them each time the yellow came out. After the restart Eric would once again open up a huge lead. Eric said this about his car. “ We had a really good racecar and I didn’t want to kill the thing once we were out in front. Every time after a restart it took two laps for the right front to get hot and once that happened we got back to turning good laps. The car was so good in the middle of the race ( consistent 9.9 laps ) I was slowing down and my crew kept telling me I was pulling away. I would slow down and ease off the throttle more and they say I’m still pulling away. How much slower do I have to go ? When you ease off throttle here and take it easy and don’t upset the chassis here the thing just stuck to the race track. The slower you go here the faster you’re going to end up going here, it doesn’t make any sense but in theory it works once you learn it. “

Eric spoke about his late race competition for the win from Earl Paules. “ Earl is racing here weekly now and he is really getting quick here. I’m just glad that we held him off and won the thing. “

“The end of the race your tires are a little wore out, you don’t know if Earl was saving anything “ said Eric when talking about the last three restarts with Paules on the outside of him. “ So you really have to be careful and not screw up on a restart because when you’re leading it’s your race to lose. So you got to do all of the restarts right, the one restart ( lap 62 1st restart ) I might have went a little bit early. But the officials wanted me to go at the cone so they threw the caution and we did it again. I just didn’t want to do anything stupid and lose it on a restart. We had restarts that we were dead even with Earl at the cone. Earl I’m sure wasn’t happy with second but we were happy with a win tonight. “

The happy go lucky winner won his 21st career Modified feature at Mahoning Valley on this night. Eric spoke about this accomplishment. “ I love this place, I started racing Modifieds here. We only raced three full seasons here with a Modified and we been coming back for four to five a shows a year here since. To have 21 wins basically running only four full seasons here is pretty good. Maybe when I’m 50 or 60 and I’m still racing I’ll come back here in my final season and race at this place if it is still around. “

“ The car just got too tight “ summed Earl Paules after finishing second. “ We got wrecked a couple of weeks ago and we just never got the camber right for the right front of the car. We still don’t have it right as it stills rolls over on the right front, we’ll get that fixed for next week. “

Earl who started 11th in the field of 26 moved into fifth by lap 11. Two laps later Earl moved into fourth and then a terrific eight lap battle between him, Dave Wallace, and Zane Zeiner took place with Earl finally grabbing third on lap 21. Earl moved into second on a lap 37 restart but really didn’t have anything for the high flying Eric Beers.

Once in second it seemed that earl had nothing for Beers as Eric opened up an unheard of 15 car length lead at Mahoning Valley. Then near the completion of the race it appeared that Paules held something in reserve as he challenged Beers for a couple of laps after each restart. “ On that one restart ( lap 57 ) my crew said we were pulling away from the third place car so I knew that I could try it on the outside and it wouldn’t cost me a position “ said Earl. “ I tucked behind Eric and he was really bad and I thought to myself wow I wish I had a yellow. Then the yellow came out and I said now I’m going to try him and we were up alongside him ( lap 62 1st restart ) and the yellow came back out. Then he got a good jump the next time ( lap 62 2nd restart ) and I could never get going again. “

“ I’m happy with second as we had a second place car tonight and that is where we finished “ stated Earl. “ The track had a really good outside tonight and if I knew we had been good on the bottom and still a little bit tight I knew that we were going to be bad up on the top. That is how it works here normally and I just couldn’t get along side Eric. “

Paules did have his late race shots at Beers on double file restarts that took place on lap 57 and twice on lap 62. “ I had him beat on that one restart ( 1st one on lap 62 ) but the yellow came back out. Congratulations to Eric, he did a great job and he knows his way around this place too. “

Earl continued on by saying. “ We’re pretty happy with second, probably took over the point lead in the Super Seven Series and we’re doing pretty good in the Central Region with a fifth and a second. We’ll see what happens in the end. “

“ Starting 15th and getting third was just awesome “ said the smiling third place finisher Kevin Graver, Jr. “ We got a lot of breaks, we were fourth and Scott Lesher got a flat tire who was third. But those are the breaks you need sometime; we missed the setup a little bit tonight. We were close on the setup but we needed to be a little bit closer on the setup and I think we would have had something for those guys. “

Graver methodically picked his way up through the field finally moving into fifth on lap 21. Kevin took over fourth on lap 37 and moved into third when the flat tire of Lesher happened on lap 58. Kevin raced solidly for the remaining laps in third with no one really applying any pressure on him for third. “ On the long runs I think I was just as good as Eric and Earl were. The difference was that they pulled me in the beginning of the race and I had to use my car up a little more than they did to get to the front “ summarized Kevin.

Qualifying in this event which is a part of the Super Seven Modified Series at Mahoning Valley saw time trials run with the top 12 times going directly into the feature. Pete Brittain driving the former Chuck Winslow owned car set quick time of the 26 cars in attendance with a lap of 9. 848. The two qualifying heat races were captured by Rod Synder, Jr. and Chip Santee.

MAHONING NOTES; Once again time trials at were interesting looking at just how close and quick everyone is at the track. The top 11 all broke into the nine second barrier with the overall breakdown showing quick time at 9. 848, 12th at 10. 010, 26th at 10. 620. The top four times ( Brittain, Paules, Zane Zeiner, and Matt Hirschman ) all received the five bonus points. Matt Hirschman was driving the J & J Motorsports entry that he will be running on a limited basis this year. Matt who started second had trouble keeping the car running during the pace laps for the feature ending up blowing the motor seven laps into the race. Bob Dillner who works for SPEED was in attendance and donated $51 in the name of SPEED51.com to the leader of lap 51 in the feature. David Gilliland who drives the M & M entry in Nextel Cup competition was in attendance watching one of his crewmen Brent Wentz race in the Modified portion of the show. Scott Lesher was slated to go first in time trials had a left rear flat and took one lap at the end. That lap was good enough to get him in the top 12 and he ended up seventh on the night. All drivers did a great job racing on a very sticky and quick racing surface with only Daren Scherer ( broken steering column ) having to be towed off the racing surface during the entire Modified portion of the show. RoC Dart Asphalt Modified Tour returns to Mahoning on August 18th for the final Central Region point race.

RACE REPORT RACE OF CHAMPIONS DART ASPHALT MODIFIED TOUR CENTRAL REGION RACE # 2 MAHONING VALLEY SPEEDWAY
FINISH; Eric Beers, Earl Paules, Kevin Graver, Jr., Pete Brittain, Rusty Smith, John Markovic, Scott Lesher, Don Wagner, Zane Zeiner, Glen Correll, Rod Synder, Jr., Lee Sherwood, Troy Bollinger, Phil Slater, Mike Quinn, Todd Baer, Dave Wallace, Brent Wentz, Bobby Jones, Kevin Brown, Chip Santee, Brian DeFebo, Daren Scherer, Matt Hirschman, John Bennett, Matt Clemens.

LAP LEADERS; Hirschman ( 1 – 2 ), Wallace ( 3 – 13 ), Beers ( 14 – 75 ).
DART MACHINERY SET OF HEADS AWARD $1, 100 VALUE; Hirschman
GATER RACING NEWS DRIVER BONUS DRAW $500 ; Brown
HOOSIER RACING TIRE HARD CHARGER AWARD; Smith 23rd to 5th
HOOSIER RACING TIRE HARD LUCK AWARD; Hirschman 2nd to 24th
NEXT RoC DART ASPHALT MODIFIED TOUR EVENT; Sunday June 17th – North Region Race # 2 – Wyoming County International Raceway – Perry, NY 2:30 pm

UPCOMING: 6/16 Regular Show + Rained Out Factory Stock from 5/12
Race time is 7:00 pm

Todd Stehle, Justin Mooney, Ricky Ahner, Jr., Randy Ahner, Sr. & Scooter Graver Take Mahoning Checkers

(LEHIGHTON, PA. 6-9-07) While the Race of Champions headlined the night of action Saturday evening at Mahoning Valley Speedway, the regular classes added thier own special flare to the great night of racing too.

Lehighton’s Todd Stehle continued his incredible season in the Late Model division as the 20-year veteran picked up win number four on the year, holding off once again Lorin Arthofer II on R.S. Snyder Enterprises Night at Mahoning Valley Speedway.

Stehle inherited the lead after a lap-11 caution took out leader Mike VanFossen. It was then smooth sailing from there on.

Justin Mooney, Lehighton, has been very quick in recent weeks and it showed once again this past Saturday night as the recent graduate from Lehighton High School notched his first Street Stock victory of 2007, holding off last week’s winner Chip Wanamaker.

Ricky Ahner, Jr. of Lehighton raced to his career first verdict in the Pro4 Late Models.

Ahner motored out front right from the start and then did a solid job of holding off Chris Kuronya and later Barry Christman, Jr. for the memorable win.

Jim Thorpe’s Randy Ahner, Sr., took the Factory Stock lead on lap two and then remained perfect the rest of the way for his first win of the season.

In 4-Cylinder Stock action it was yet another Lehighton racing resident, Scooter Graver who cracked the Winner’s Circle for the first time. Graver hustled away the lead from Dan Freundt on lap five and then held off a hard charging Jon smith en route to victory.

LATE MODELS (20): 1.Todd Stehle 2.Lorin Arthofer II 3.Todd Geist 4.Ginny Quinones 5.Rick Wallace 6.Geno Steigerwalt 7.Mike VanFossen 8.Barry Christman, Sr.

STREET STOCKS (25): 1.Justin Mooney 2.Chip Wanamaker 3.Bill Hunara 4.Todd Ahner 5.Stephen Steigerwalt 6.Lonnier Behler 7.Jon Moser 8.Kristy Morone Arthofer 9.Alan Schlenker 10.Joe Mooney 11.Randy Ahner, Jr. 12.Mark Deysher 13.Jamie Smith 14.Kris Brazes 15.Shawn Sitarchyk 16.Jay Llewellyn

PRO4 LATE MODELS (20) 1.Ricky Ahner, Jr. 2.Barry Christman, Jr. 3.Kevin Rex, Jr. 4.Dutin Bair 5.Jewremy Miller 6.Brian Ahner 7.Dennis Silfies 8.Mike Stringer 9.Nolan Fry 10.Bill Rooney 11.Drew Rice 12.Matt Derkosh 13.Chris Kuronya 14.Frankie Althouse 15.TJ Kemmerer

FACTORY STOCKS (20): 1.Randy Ahner, Sr. 2.Justin Steigerwalt 3.Doug Knauss 4.Justin Serfass 5.Steve Hoffman 6.Jason Frey 7.Jeff Drofich 8.Jerry Karp 9.Duanme Eidem 10.Devin Gibson DNS: Jeff Delong

4-CYLINDER STOCKS (20): 1.Scooter Graver 2.Jon Smith 3.Dan Freundt 4.Dave Freundt 5.Casey Creyer 6.Chales Biegley 7.Kevin Behler 8.Michael Stofflet 9.Ryan Christman 10.Kristian Kalch 11.Bryan Creyer 12.Jeff Biegley 13.Richie Kunkle 14.Dan Biegley

UPCOMING: 6/9 RoC Mods 75 Laps + All Regular Track Classes
Race time is 7:00 pm

Correll Ekes Out Win over Santee and Lesher

(LEHIGHTON, PA 6-2-07)What an incredible night of racing at Mahoning Valley Speedway as three of the six division feature events outcomes came down to within inches of the finish.

Glen Correll (Whitehall) nipped Chip Santee and Scott Lesher in a wild three car rush to the Modified checkered while in the Pro4 Late Models and Factory Stocks, Kevin Rex, Jr., (Lehighton) and Justin Serfass (Lehighton) respectively took the lead and wins with virtually no time left.

In the Modified main John Bennett had the pole and then the lead as the race commenced. Looking to turn around some hard luck that has plagued him over the past few weeks, Bennett showed plenty of muscle out front while ahead of Bup Dreher, Bobby Jones, Correll and Lesher.

It was a fast paced affair too as the first 25 laps of the 35 lap contest were reeled off without incident. Under the extended green flag session there was not much change in the top five until the race reached the midway juncture.

At that point the action level began to soar. Dreher began slipping backwards while Correll broke from the single file run and went into a fierce two-wide battle with Jones. Both drivers swapped second place with Jones finally let loose from the dogfight with 20 laps complete.

Jones was then able to pull in behind Bennett and was biding his time. With 10 laps to go, however, the second and final yellow waved when simultaneously both front runners lost control of their cars while heading into turn four despite no contact.

Correll then inherited the top spot with Lesher and Santee in tow and over the reaming laps he had his hands full with the runner-up battlers.

On the final lap Santee was going for broke as he roared past Lesher and then pulled almost even with Correll. The duo then hauled full throttle to Dick Brown’s waving checkers with

Correll taking the breathtaking win by a foot over Santee while equally as close was Lesher. Kevin Graver, Jr., and Rod Snyder, Jr., rounded out the top five.

“The car got really tight the last few laps and I was surprised we were able to hold it. This is great. This win comes on the same weekend of my first ever win which was in 2000,” said Correll.

“I think I was actually a little stronger at the beginning but I figured I better wait a while and see how things would pan out. John (Bennett) and Bobby (Jones) were really strong and as quickly as I thought I could get around them is when everything just went sour for those guys.

“Despite being tight the car still handled well and the Morgantini motor pulled us through. The Hirschman’s Troyer has been very steady. We’re getting better every week and hopefully this will be the start of good things yet to come.”

Santee has been one of the fastest cars weekly and got his best run to date. Ill-timed circumstances have been the only thing that has kept him from winning and tonight was no different. His night almost ended before it began as during warm-ups he encountered rear end problems. A quick trip back to his nearby Palmerton shop for a replacement was then made and the result was a near victory.

“The car wasn’t quite right tonight and I was trying to do the best I can and just ride it out in the beginning,” said Santee. “I don’t know how many times I’ve gotten up to second this year and the lead car just seems to run out of running space. I don’t know what to do anymore.”

In the Late Models it was a carbon copy finish of the previous week as Lorin Arthofer II (Bath) led all 20-laps and edged out Todd Stehle (Lehighton) for his second win in a row. The race was the make-up from May 12.

In the regular night’s feature the tides changed as point leader Stehle continued his season long dominance by taking his fourth win of the year in beating Arthofer.

Barry Christman was looking down the path of victory in the Pro4 race as he led from lap six. Nearing the end of the event, however, his mount began to tighten up while on the charge was Mahoning’s hottest driver, Rex, Jr.

Rex caught Christman with two laps to go and it then became a made dash to the finish. Racing off turn four in side-by-side formation, Rex, running the high groove, had enough momentum to thrust ahead by mere inches and earn his fifth win in seven starts.

Likewise with the Factory Stocks. Jason Frey went into the lead on lap four and was on the heels of a career first triumph. However, Serfass came on like gangbusters with three laps to go and in the same scenario as the Pro4 race, the verdict was determined in the blink of an eye.

In Street Stock action it was Chip Wanamaker (Walnutport) notching his second win of the year. Wanamaker moved out front on lap six and then had to fend off reigning champ Mark Deysher and hard charging Justin Mooney en-route to victory.

Dave Freundt (Lehighton) cruised to his third 4-Cylinder win of the season and in doing so moved to the top of the all-time winners list.

Betty Christman (Northampton) won the Ladies Races that was postponed from May 12.

MODIFIEDS (35): 1. Glen Correll 2.Chip Santee 3.Scott Lesher 4.Kevin Graver, Jr. 5.Rod Snyder, Jr. 6.Earl Paules 7.Todd Baer 8.John Bennett 9.Eric Kocher 10.Bobby Jones 11.Stacey Brown 12.Mike Quinn 13.Bup Dreher 14.Troy Bollinger 15.Steve Mooney

LATE MODELS Make-up from 5/12 (20): 1.Lorin Arthofer II 2.Todd Stehle 3.Todd Geist 4.Geno Steigerwalt 5.Pat Hargan 6.Ginny Quinones 7.Rick Wallace 8.Mike VanFossen DNS: Mike Sweeney, Joe Kehrli, John Loftus, Gary Lerch

LATE MODELS Reg. Feat. (20): 1.Stehle 2.Arthofer II 3.VanFossen 4.Wallace 5.Steigerwalt 6.Quinones 7.Geist 8.Pat Hargan

STREET STOCKS (25): 1.Chip Wanamaker 2.Mark Deysher 3.Justin Mooney 5.Bill Hunara 5.Shawn Sitarchyk 6.Kristy Morone Arthofer 7.Lonnie Behler 8.Alan Schlenker 9.Todd Ahner 10.stepehn Steigerwalt 11.jon Moser 12.Jamie smith 13.Kris Blazes 14.Randy Ahner, Jr. 15.Jay Llewellyn 16.Joe Mooney

PRO4 LATE MODELS (20) 1.Kevin Rex, Jr. 2.Barry Christman, Jr. 3.Jeremy Miller 4.Frankie Althouse 5.Chris Kuronya 6.Brian Ahner 7.Matt Derkosh 8.Ricky Ahner, Jr. 9.Bill Rooney 10.Mike Stringer 11.Drew Rice 12.Dennis Silfies 13.TJ Kemmerer 14.Nolan Fry 15.Dustin Bair

FACTORY STOCKS (20): 1.Justin Serfass 2.Jason Frey 3.Doug Knauss 4.Justin Steigerwalt 5.Steve Hoffman 6.Duane Eidem 7.Jeff Delong 8.Randy Ahner, Sr. 9.Jeff Drofich 10.Devin Gibson 11.Jerry Karp 12.Josh Oswald

4-CYLINDER STOCKS (20): 1.Dave Freundt 2.jon smith 3.Scooter Graver 4.Kristian Kalch 5.Ryan Christman 6.Adam Kratzer 7.Kevin Behler 8.Michael Stofflet 9.Dan Freundt 10.Jeff Biegley 11.Dan Biegley

UPCOMING: 6/9 RoC Mods + All Regular Track Classes Race time is 7:00 pm

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

(LEHIGHTON, PA 6-3-07) Without question whenever the Race of Champions (RoC) Pavement Series rolls into Mahoning Valley Speedway the racing action rises to a whole new level and that will certainly be the case this coming Saturday night, June 9 at 7:00 pm.

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

This will be race #3 of the JCO Auto Body Super-7 Series. The night of racing is being sponsored by R.S. Snyder Enterprises of Kempton.

RoC races at Mahoning Valley have evolved into some of the most highly competitive and anticipative shows the Tour has to offer.

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

Last year was a perfect example as young Kory Rabenold, won this event. The Mahoning Modified standout then went on to capture the 2006 RoC Rookie of the Year honors.

Later in the year the home track advantage paid off again as former track champion now NASCAR Whelen Mod Tour regular Eric Beers captured another of his many Mahoning triumphs.

Of course there will be plenty of RoC invaders ready to change all that. Keeping in mind too that there is a lucrative payout of the Super-7 Series just adds to the intensity and magnitude of this race.

Included in the field will be Rusty Smith who comes into the June 9 race as the Super-7 point leader. Smith won the season opening Super-7 race. Mahoning title contender and last year’s RoC Tour champion Earl Paules won Super-7 race number 2. He is currently the lead man in points in the regular Modified standings and a favorite in Saturday’s meet.

The Super-7 Series has a season long purse that is currently in excess of $100,000 in prize money. Each of the seven race winners will earn no less then $3000 with $200 to take the green.

A separate point tally is kept as the top seven point earners will each take with them an additional $1000 at the end of the year.

Bonus points will be awarded to any driver who races in any Mahoning Valley regular show which they can then apply to their Super-7 Series points.

All Super-7 events will utilize time trials to determine the starting grids. The 12 quickest timers will be locked into the main. Thereafter heats will be run with those line-ups determined by the original draw from time trials.

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

Grandstand gates open at 5:00 pm with Modified time trials heat races scheduled to roll out at 7:00 pm.

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

UPCOMING: 6/2 All regular track classes + Make-up Late Model feat. from 5/12 + Ladies Race + National Old Timers
Race time is 7:00 pm

Joe Gentile, Neil Kunkle & John Cozza Are NEETS Enduro Wins at Mahoning Valley Speedway

(LEHIGHTON, PA 5-28-07) Race number two of the Holiday Stock Car Series for the NEETS group was held Monday afternoon at Mahoning Valley Speedway and in typical NEETS fashion the three division program was run off in swift time while providing plenty of non-stop action.

Up first were the 6/8-cylinder cars who competed in a 100-lapper and in one of the most dominating performances ever witnessed at Mahoning, Joe Gentile blew away the competition by lapping the entire field and easily cruised to his first win of the season.

Gentile is the all-time winner with NEETS as this victory marked his 13th first place tally.

Before taking the lead prior to lap 25, Jentile was in some very heavy company that included the likes of Richard Petey and Tim Pauch. However after storming into the top spot there was no looking back as he was simply in a class of his own.

Phil Lomonaco, teammate to Jentile, held off season opener winner Bob Pease for the runner-up spot while Pauch and Howie Bott rounded out the front five.

In the Small Car race it was Mahoning Valley regular Neil Kunkle who scored his career first win.

The very exciting 100-lap event was filled with great action from start to finish as cars were spread all around the tricky ¼-mile oval.

Kunkle, though, did a superb job of maneuvering in and out of traffic although he did have a few close calls. One of those was with his brother, Brian, who had spun while running in the top three and just missed being hit by his race leading sibling.

Although Neil Kunkle led the majority of laps, the battle within the top five was very hot. Mahoning steadies Kevin Behler, Jon Smith and Brian Kunkle along with Don Rogers all raced under close proximity.

Late in the race Bill Price came on strong and garnered second place but afterwards was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct. Brian Kunkle Rogers, Dave Bentley and John Saccamandi completed the top five.

The 50-lap TRUX feature saw John Cozza repeat his Opening Day win. After a solid tussle with Richard Petey and Jeff Gregor in the early going, Cozza, once in the lead, was unstoppable.

In the eight races held for the fledgling class that began in 2006, Cozza has won half of those.

The next NEETS event will be the Firecracker Smacker on Sunday afternoon, June 24 at Mahoning Valley Speedway. For additional information log on to www.neetstour.net. 

6/8 CYLINDER (100): 1.Joe Jentile 2.Phil Lomonaco 3.Bobbie Pease 4.Tim Pauch 5.Howie Bott 6.Richard Petey 7.Randy Parsons Jr. 8.TJ Stevens 9.Mike Counterman 10.Kevin Troch 11.Kory Syevens 12.Mark Spencer 13.Bob Kulik

4 CYLINDER (100):1.Neil Kunkel 2.Brian Kunkel 3.Don Rogers 4.Dave Bentley 5.John Saccamandi 6.Ryan Nelson 7.Dennis Sizemore 8.Gary Pine 9.Sam Ryan 10.Steve Wilson 11.Mike Ventura 12.Jared Ahner 13.Jon Smith 14.Lou Honeywell 15.Kevin Behler 16.Pappy Herman 17.Adam Kratzer 18.Ken Harper DQ: Bill Price

TRUX (50):1.John Cozza 2.Richard Petey 3.Jeff Gregor 4.Tim Badalatto 5.Kevin Nowak 6.John Oswald 7.Erin Bartley

UPCOMING: 5/26 Dorney Park Reunion, All Classes + Mod & Pro4 Make-ups from May 12
5/28 NEETS Enduro Racing Memorial Day Madness Race time is 6:00 pm

Rain Forces Mahoning Valley Speedway to Cancel Saturday Night Races for May 19

(LEHIGHTON, PA 5-19-07) Rain hit the Lehighton and the surrounding area just around 3:30, which was about the time for the gates to open for a night of stock car racing at Mahoning Valley Speedway.

Unfortunately that did not happen as the wet weather dampened any chances of a race program.

The action now focuses on Memorial Day weekend when two days of activity will take place.

First on Saturday night, May 26 featuring the 2nd Annual Dorney Park Racing Reunion Night. All retired drivers who competed there will be admitted for free, along with a guest. There will be a picnic area set up and a special autograph session is also being planned.

The race card will be action filled with a pair of 35-lap Modified and 20-lap Pro4 Late Model features. Two of those mains are make-ups from the rainout on May 12.

There will also be regular feature events for the Late Models, Street Stocks, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks.

Gates open at 4:00 pm with racing beginning at 6:00.

Then on Monday, May 28 at 2:00 pm it will be enduro racing with the NEETS organization.

Billed as the “Memorial Day Madness,” this will be the second race of the NEETS Holiday Stock Car Series and will feature a pair of 100-lap feature for both the 6/8-Cylinder and 4-Cylinder cars plus a 50-lap run for the TRUX division.

Mahoning Valley Speedway is located on PA Route 443 east of Lehighton. For additional information contact the track office at 610-398-4923. You can also check out the official speedway web site at www.mahoningspeedway.com.

All rules, schedule and registration info can be obtained on the series website at www.neetstour.net or by email at billyb@neetstour.net.

UPCOMING: 5/19 Regular show + Pro4 LM Make-up & Ladies Race from 5/12 Rainout
5/26 Dorney Park Reunion, All Classes Race time is 6:00 pm

2nd Annual Dorney Park Racing Reunion Night Set For May 26 at Mahoning Valley Speedway

(LEHIGHTON, PA 5-17-07) Dorney Park Speedway, the defunct 1/5-mile paved oval in Allentown, was once home to a unique and special blend of racers and race fans.

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

While there was a throng of local heroes who competed, Dorney Park also served as a springboard for the careers of such notable stars of today like multiple NASCAR Whelan Modified champion Tony Hirschman and fellow Tour standout Eric Beers. Mahoning Valley and Mountain Speedway champion Roger Heffelfinger, Jr.

There is John Andretti who will be racing in this year’s Indy 500. He is a former Dorney Park Modified Rookie of the Year which was in 1981.

Also on the list is dirt Modified standout Doug Hoffman. He too started at Dorney Park behind the wheel of a Late Model. Today he and his wife Gena promote Mahoning Valley. Hoffman also races every Saturday night at Bridgeport Speedway for car-owner Sal DeBruno in the South Jersey Overhead Doors #0.

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

Saturday night, May 26 will be the 2nd Annual Dorney Park Racing Reunion Night at Mahoning Valley Speedway. All retired drivers who competed there will be admitted for free, along with a guest. There will be a picnic area set up and a special autograph session is also being planned.

It seems on fitting that Mahoning should host this event too. At one time Dorney and Mahoning were sister tracks. Mahoning ran Fridays and Dorney Park was Saturday night.

That was before Mahoning had been idle prior to the early 1980’s. Interestingly, though, is the fact that after Dorney Park closed in 1986, the following year Mahoning re-opened and without missing a beat the racing moved from Allentown to Lehighton. And it’s the same side-by-side action as well as the same dedicated fans too.

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

On the race card that evening will be the Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks. Grandstands open at 4:00 pm with heats set to roll out at 6:00.

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

It indeed is going to be a special night.

Mahoning Valley Speedway is located on PA Route 443 east of Lehighton. For additional information contact the track office at 610-398-4923. You can also check out the official speedway web site at www.mahoningspeedway.com.

UPCOMING: 5/19 Regular show + Pro4 LM Make-up from 5/12 + Ladies Race

Bill Hunara Is The Only Winner Saturday Night At Mahoning Valley Speedway

(LEHIGHTON, PA. 5-12-07) In a very exciting and close race, Bill Hunara passed Jamie Smith with four laps to go and went on to his first Street Stock win of the season.
Unfortunately that was the only feature racing that got in. As the Pro4 late Models where on their parade lap the third rain fall of the evening swept across the area and track officials had no choice but to call it a night.
Joe Mooney raced from the pole into the early lead and while he was out front there was some outstanding two and three wide action unfolding.
Smith squeezed past Mooney for the lead on lap six and then did everything possible to stay there for what would have been his first win with a Street Stock.
Once again the action was fierce with incredible side-by-side racing that is the trademark of Mahoning Valley.
With five laps to go Smith was clinging to his lead but Hunara was running him hard from the top groove and made his race winning pass the next time around.
Smith held on for second with point leader Shawn Sitarchyk, Alan Schlenker and Kristy Morone Arthofer completing the top five.
Next week, May 19, the Pro4’s will run in twin features. Also on the card will be the Mods, Late Models, Street Stocks, Factory Stocks, 4-Cylinder Stocks and the Mother’s Day Ladies Race.
All other remaining feature make-ups will be run over the following weeks.

STREET STOCKS (25): 1.Bill Hunara 2.Jamie Smith 3.Shawn Sitarchyk 4.Alan Schlenker 5.Kristy Morone Arthofer 6.Todd Ahner 7.Mark Deysher 8.Joe Mooney 9.Jay Llewellyn 10.Justin Mooney 11.Lonnie Behler 12.Chip Wanamaker 13.Stephen Steigerwalt 14.Randy Ahner, Jr. 15.John Kenny 16.Kris Blazes 17.Jon Moser

UPCOMING: Regular show + Mother’s Day Mania Women on Wheels

With a Little Luck Earl Paules Wins Spring Fling 100

(LEHIGHTON, PA. 5-5-07) Earl Paules was both lucky and good Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway as the Palmerton star raced to the second round win of the JCO Auto Body Super-7 Series Spring Fling 100.

Paules was the fifth of five different race leaders, moving out front over Eric Beers on lap 53 and then cruising to the checkered flag.

However, his drive to front had a few bumps followed by a lucky break. Paules had been involved in an incident with last week’s winner Scott Lesher on lap 35 and then bidding his time after restarting from the rear, he just missed a major incident ahead of him when the lead pack of cars collided with 51 laps complete.

Beers, who was running sixth and Paules eighth, both steered clear of the melee and came out 1-2 for the restart. Paules then needed one lap under green to overtake Beers and race to the $3000 prize victory.

“We weren’t the best tonight and we didn’t time trial well. I just couldn’t figure out the track tonight. I made a major change before the feature and then I undid it and did it back again and then I went even more yet and it was the right call,” said Paules.

As with all Super-7 races, time trails locked in the top 12 and then redraw was held. Zane Zeiner and point leader Rusty Smith grabbed the front row spots with Zeiner taking the opening lap lead.

One lap later Smith, who was round one Super-7 winner, zipped past Zeiner. Don Wagner was then side-by-side racing for second and took the spot with 10 laps in. He then hounded Smith with all kinds of pressure as the front two ran with only inches to spare.

Zeiner and Lee Sherwood were right in the path of the lead dual as the first four. Meanwhile all other positions throughout the top-10 were changing in rapid fashion.

Zeiner was forced to pit on lap 22 after he was scooped up in a front straight skirmish and one lap later Sherwood’s chances at a good run were dashed after he spun while holding down fourth.

When racing resumed the action at the front was furious as Smith was back to fending off a very determined Wagner. Kevin Graver, Jr., and Chip Santee also had a great dogfight going for third spot.

In some very intense two-wide action, Smith was just barley holding off Wagner until lap 37. It was then that the reigning class champ powered his way on the outside past Smith and into the lead.

Graver utilized the same route and followed Wagner. Santee then eased his was to second while Kory Rabenold made his presence known at the same time, battling with Graver for third.

The race action for the lead was really heating up as the halfway mark was approaching with Wagner and Santee leaning heavily on each other.

Just past midway Santee had just enough momentum to carry him slightly ahead of Wagner. He never got to complete the pass though. Coming off turn two Wagner made slight contact with the rear of Santee’s mount and both cars went spinning.

With so many others running in close pursuit a significant number of front runners were trapped and all collided.

Somehow missing the whole scene were Beers and Paules who then inherited the front two spots.

Beers was only good for one lap out-front as Paules was much stronger. The rest of the way Paules would go unchallenged and notched his second win in three weeks.

“I wanted to win one of these Super-7 Series races real bad .We got one and we’ll be back next Saturday night for some more,” he said. “Our Raceworks chassis had been performing very well for us. This car really works for us here at Mahoning Valley.”

The win also vaulted Paules into the Mod division point lead.

Beers held off Zeiner for second while Mike Quinn had his best ever showing in a modified with a solid fourth place tally. Lesher completed the top five.

Santee, Smith, Rabenold and Graver were the final cars to complete all 100 laps while John Markovic rounded out the top ten minus one lap.

Lehighton’s Todd Stehle has been the class of the Late Model division as the current point leader picked up his third win in four starts.

Stehle, who started fifth, took the lead away from Mike Radocha, Jr., after a lap four restart and then held off Rick Wallace the remaining distance.

In Street Stock action Chip Wanamaker of Walnutport finally copped a feature win. Always a strong and consistent runner, Wanamaker had either unforeseen trouble or just tough luck that separated him from victory.

This was not the case as he was the dominate car, passing Randy Ahner, Jr., on lap two and then pulling away from the pack en-route to winning.

Jeff Drofich of Lehighton was also a first time winner in Factory Stocks. Starting third Drofich blasted into the lead on the opening tour and never looked back as he held off point leader Justin Steigerwalt for his career first triumph.

The 20-lap Pro4 Late Model feature came down to a dual between a pair of 19-year old teammates as Kevin Rex, Jr., passed Ricky Ahner, Jr., with five laps to go. For Rex, who hails from Lehighton, it marked his third win in four weeks of racing.

Jon Smith from Ashfield was able to lead every lap of the 4-Cylinder Stock main but it wasn’t easy as he had Scooter Graver and Dave Freundt hot on his heels the entire time.

MODIFIEDS (100): 1.Earl Paules 2.Eric Beers 3.Zane Zeiner 4.Mike Quinn 5.Scott Lesher 6.Chip Santee 7.Rusty Smith 8.Kory Rabenold 9.Kevin Graver, Jr. 10.John Markovic 11.Keith Mellars 12.Troy Bollinger 13.Tom Flanagan 14.Don Wagner 15.Glen Correll 16.Dave Wallace 17.Lou Strohl 18.Lee Sherwood 19.Bup Dreher 20.Rod Snyder, Jr. 21.Brian DeFebo 22.Todd Baer 23.Bobby Jones 24.John Bennett 25.Rick Kirkendall 26.Rodney Gruber DNQ: CJ Jones, Dave Correll, Tim Santee

LATE MODELS (25): 1. Todd Stehle 2.Rick Wallace 3.Tony Zatsko 4.Mike Sweeney 5.Mike VanFossen 6.Mike Radocha, Jr. 7.John Loftus 8.Joe Kehrli 9.Lorin Arthofer 10.Todd Geist 11.Geno Steigerwalt 12.Ginny Quinones 13.Pat Hargan

STREET STOCKS (25): 1.Chip Wanamaker 2.Alan Schlenker 3.Jay Llewellyn 4.Bill Hunara 5.Todd Ahner 6.mark Deysher 7.Kristy Morone Arthofer 8.Matt Lesher 9.Shawn Sitarchyk 10.Lonnie Behler 11.Stepehn Steigerwalt 12.Jamie Smith 13.Jon Moser 14.Randy Ahner, Jr. 15.Kris Blazes 16.John Kenny 17.Rich Pursell 18.Joe Mooney

PRO4 LATE MODELS (20): 1.Kevin Rex, Jr. Ricky Ahner, Jr. 3.Barry Christman, Jr. 4.Frankie Althouse 5.Chris Kuronya 6.Jeremy miller 7.Bill Rooney 8.Drew Rice 9.Matt Derkosh 10.Dustin Bair 11.Mike Stringer 12.Dennie Silfies 13.TJ Kemmerer DNS: John Powell

FACTORY STOCKS (20): 1.Jeff Drofich 2.Justin Steigerwalt 3.Justin Serfass 4.Jeff Delong 5.Duane Eidem 6.Keith Knappenberger 7.Jason Frey 8.Steve Hoffman 9.Doug Knauss 10.Randy Ahner, Jr. 11.Brian Hughes 12.Devin Gibson DNS: Jerry Karp, Matt Keller

4-CYLINDER STOCKS (20): 1.Jon Smith 2.Scooter Graver 3.Dave Freundt 4.Dan Freundt 5.Chales Biegley 6.Kevin Behler 7.Kristian Kalch 8.Jeff Biegley 9.Brian Kunkle 10.Tim Laybourn 11.Dan Biegley 12.Michael Stofflet 13.Adam Kratzer 14.Casy Creyer 15.Bryan Creyer

UPCOMING: 5-5 Spring Fling Modified 100 – Race #2 of Super-7 Series + All regular track classes

Spring Fling Mod 100…Race #2 of Super-7 Series Set for May 5

(LEHIGHTON, PA. 4-30-07) The Spring Fling Modified 100 is set for Saturday night, May 5, at Mahoning Valley Speedway and will be race number two of the 2007 Super-7 Series.

Opening Night marked the initial event of the Super-7 Series and if that is an indication of how this series is going to pan out then there leaves little doubt to it being a hit right off the bat.

New York’s Rusty Smith scored his career first Mahoning Valley Speedway win in that race which also netted the ace modified star $3000. Heading into the second event he not only holds down the point lead for the Super-7 Series but is also atop the standings in the regular Modified division points as well.

Going into the second of seven high-paying extra distance races, Smith knows it won’t come easy in trying to duplicate his victory from April 14. There will be a strong contingent of drivers who will be vying for the $3000-to-win payday as was evident from round one.

Some of those heavy hitters include defending track champion Don Wagner as well as previous champs, Chip Santee, Rodger Heffelfinger, Jr., Rod Snyder, Jr., Troy Bollinger, Kevin Graver, Jr., John Markovic and Eric Beers.

Not to mention the many other hot shoes that will be on hand with the likes of Zane Zeiner, Earl Paules, Bobby Jones, Lee Sherwood, Brian DeFebo, John Bennett, Lou Strohl and many more, you can see why there is so much interest and excitement centered around the whole intent of the Super-7 Series.

Modified teams running the entire seven race series are all in on the well-paid purse that is currently set at $100,000 in prize money. Each of the seven race winners will earn no less then $3000 with $200 to take the green.

A separate point tally is being kept as the top seven place getters will each take with them an additional $1000 at the end of the series. Bonus points will be awarded to any driver who races in any Mahoning Valley regular show which they can then apply to their Super-7 Series point tally. Two (2) points will be the bonus that a driver can earn.

All Super-7 events will utilize time trials to determine the starting grids. The 12 quickest timers will be locked into the main. Last month saw Zeiner set fast time.

Thereafter heats will be run with those line-ups determined by the original draw from time trials.

Pit gates will open at 11:30 a.m. The track will have a paid practice session from noon until 3:30.

Regular practice will be conducted at 4:00 which is the same time the main grandstands open to the public. Time trials for the Modifieds followed by heats for all other classes begin at 6:00.
Also in action will be Mahoning’s Late Model, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Model, Factory Stock and 4-Cylinder Stock classes.

Mahoning Valley Speedway is located on PA Route 443 east of Lehighton. For additional information contact the track office at 610-398-4923. You can also check out the official speedway web site at www.mahoningspeedway.com or via email at glhoffman@rcn.com.

UPCOMING: 5-5 Spring Fling Modified 100 – Race #2 of Super-7 Series + All regular track classes

Bobbie Pease, Bob Haeger & John Cozza Grab NEETS Wins Sunday at Mahoning Valley Speedway

(LEHIGHTON, PA. 4-29-07) NEETS, the Northeast Enduro Touring Series, opened up their 2007 season Sunday afternoon at Doug and Gena Hoffman’s Mahoning Valley Speedway with a three division enduro program.

The NEETS schedule is referred to as the Holiday Stock Car Series (HSCS) and conducts all of their races on a variety of holiday weekends throughout the year.

Sunday’s race was the 1st Annual Constant Performance “Remember Our #1” which is in

memory of former NEETS racer Rich Johnson who passed away on this same day two years ago while driving in a sanctioned enduro is the featured event.

The day consisted of 6/8-cylinders and 4-cylinders of which both competed over a distance of 99-laps. The TRUX division raced for 49-circuits.

In the 6/8 division Bobbie Pease was in a race-long battle for the lead with the likes of Shawn Gallucci and Richard Petey.

Over the first half of the event Pease and Gallucci continually swapped the top spit until Gallucci suffered mechanical woes on lap 38.

Petey then assumed the chase with Pease and they too began to flip-flop the lead with each other.

Despite heavy traffic that encircled the entire paved quarter mile oval, Pease and Petey did a great job of weaving their way through while at the same time exchanging the prime spot.

At lap 69 Pease took control for good and was able to cruise home to his career frost NEETS victory.

Petey settled for second with Phil Lomonaco, Tim Pauch and James Presley rounding out the top five.

In the 4-Cylinder class the race was dominated by Mahoning Valley regular Jon Smith. Piloting a car owned and regularly driven on Saturday nights by Brian Kunkle, Smith took the lead from the drop of the green and went on to lap the entire field.

However, his excellent showing was nullified when the car failed to pass post race inspection. He was ruled illegal due to a suspension part.

Bob Haeger, who had moved into second spot on lap 63, was rewarded the verdict and also became a first time NEETS winner.

The TRUX, now in its second year of existence, saw John Cozza pick up the season opening victory over Ben Gregor.

RESULTS:
6/8 Cylinder (99): 1.Bobbie Pease 2.Richard Petey 3.Phil Lomonaco 4.Tim Pauch 5.James Presley 6.Randy Parsons, Jr. 7.Steve Tito 8.Ray Grennan 9.Howie Bott 10.Mike Counterman 11.Charlie Prisondorf 12.TJ Stevens 13.Jim White 14.Bob Kulik 15.Kory Syevens 16.Jack Levix 17.Drew Atchison 18.Ron Pierson 19.Kevon Troch 20.Paul Mercante 21.Shawn Gallucci 22.Joe Gentile

4 Cylinder (99): 1.Bob Haeger 2.Neil Kunkle 3.Brian Kunkle 4.Dave Bentley 5.Ken Harper 6.Ryan Nelson 7.John Saccomandi 8.Don Rogers 9.Susan Ryan 10.Dennis Sizemore 11.Art Kulik 12.Cory Student 13.Adam Kratzer DQ: Jon Smith DNS: Jerry Ellingsworth

TRUX (49): 1.John Cozza 2.Ben Gregor 3.Richard Petey 4.Jim Badalatto 5.Rob McCormick 6.Rich Onoato 7.Jerry Ellingsworth 8.Jeff Gregor

UPCOMING: 5-5 Spring Fling Modified 100 – Race #2 of Super-7 Series + All regular track classes

Scott Lesher Holds Off Don Wagner to Keep Yearly Winning Streak Alive

(LEHIGHTON, PA. 4-28-07) Scott Lesher of Palmerton outgunned Glen Correll on a lap one restart and then held off a very determined Don Wagner to earn his first win of the year. In doing so kept alive a streak of winning at least one feature every year for the past ten seasons in Saturday night’s Modified action at Mahoning Valley Speedway.

Lesher lined up along Correll for the start of the 35-lap main and at the drop of the green it was Correll who jumped to the early lead.

Just one lap into the race the yellow waved and when the action went back green Lesher got a terrific jump on Correll and darted out front. Afterwards the pair settled into a tight nose-to-tail battle while defending track champ Wagner drove close by in third.

Also having a good tussle were point leader Rusty Smith and Rod Snyder, Jr. After two great weeks of racing including a huge Opening Night 100-lap win for Smith, his night did not fair well as he was part of the next two cautions.

The first on lap-13 when he got together with Lou Strohl and three tours later which would eliminate him from the event. In that one Smith was trying to avoid a very loose Andy Szapacs and although he did steer clear of him, he wound up breaking loose and slamming the back straight wall. He would be credited with a 20th place but was still able to barely retain his point lead.

Meanwhile Lesher was holding steady at the lead while Wagner used the lap-16 restart to sneak by Correll for second and from there on was glued to the rear of Lesher, giving him a fits.

Correll drove in third while Bup Dreher now ran fourth. Also coming on strong was 17th place starter and previous week winner Earl Paules who had entered into the top five just prior to ten laps remaining.

In the waning laps Wagner stayed persistent in trying to find a way to overtake Lesher but it was to no avail as the decade long streak continued on for the veteran Mahoning stalwart.

There was real excitement unfolding behind the top two as the checked was waving. Correll was ruining third on the final circuit but Paules was charging like gangbusters. With the finish in sight Correll suddenly went into spin and crossed the finish line backwards, eventually taking seventh.

Paules slipped past and journeyed home to third while Roger Heffelfinger and Chip Santee rounded out the top five.

“The crew gives me a heck of a car to drive and it’s my job to get in it and do the rest,” said Lesher who began his winning streak in 1998. “My guys told me how close Donny (Wagner) was and after watching the consi and seeing that 8 car (Paules) come from the back, it’s nice to see him sitting back there too.”

The race was also the lead-in to the upcoming Spring Fling 100, which is race number two of the Super-7 Series and Lesher felt this was a great up lifter heading into this coming Saturday night’s big $3000 to win event.

“This is a good confidence booster going into the 100-lapper. There’s always a lot of pressure getting that first win and that’s out to the way now,” he noted.

The win, his 11th in a Modified, also boosted him within two markers of point leader Smith.

For Wagner it was his second top five in the first three races and he was content to settle for runner-up honors.

“Scott (Lesher) was running good tonight and he’s a great racer and knows how to get around this track and I would be happy to finish second to him every week,” said Wagner.

In Late Model action Mike Sweeney of Nesquehoning took advance of early leader Lorin Arthofer II’s misfortune after he had a tire go down while leading with nine laps to go.

After Arthofer dropped from contention Sweeney seized the opportunity and cruised home to his first win of 2007. Mike VanFossen never raced lower then third and earned a long overdue top five with his runner-up performance.

Street Stock point leader Shawn Sitarchyk of Lehighton remained perfect on the year as he notched his third straight win and remains one of he hottest drivers thus far in ’07.

In the Pro4 Late Models it was Bethlehem’s Chris Kuronya snapping the two race win streak of Kevin Rex, Jr., who made every effort to get three wins in a row.

Kuronya, however, was not ready to relinquish his top spot and held steady after getting the lead from Barry Christman, Jr., on lap six, withstanding the hard charging Rex.

Defending Factory Stock champ Justin Steigerwalt of Palmerton picked up his second straight win as did Lehighton’s Dave Freundt, who did the same in the 4-Cylinder Stocks.

MODIFIEDS (35): 1.Scott Lesher 2.Don Wagner 3.Earl Paules 4.Roger Heffelfinger 5.Chip Santee 6.John Bennett 7.Glen Correll 8.Todd Baer 9.Bobby Jones 10.Rod Snyder, Jr. 11.Rick Kirkendall 12.Bup Dreher 13.Troy Bollinger 14.Brain DeFebo 15.Mike Quinn 16.Lou Strohl 17.Tom Flanagan 18.Keith Mellars 19.Andy Szapacs 20.Rusty Smith 21.Rodney Gruber 22.Kevin Graver, Jr. 23.Stacey Brown DNQ: Dave Wallace, Paul Skodacek, Dave Correll

LATE MODELS (30): 1.Mike Sweeney 2.Mike VanFossen 3.Todd Stehle 4.Joe Kehrli 5.Mike Radocha, Jr. 6.Pat Hargan 7.Todd Geist 8.John Loftus 9.Lorin Arthofer II 10.Don Holland 11.Rick Wallace

STREET STOCKS (25): 1.Shawn Sitarchyk 2.Mark Deysher 3.Chip Wanamaker 4.Bill Hunara 5.Jay Llewellyn 6.Joe Mooney 7.Kristy Morone Arthofer 8.Lonnie Behler 9.Randy Ahner, Jr. 10.jon Kenny 11.Todd Ahner 12.Justin Mooney 13.Jamie Smith 14.Alan Schlenker 15.Dave Schrout

PRO4 Late MODELS (20): 1.Chris Kuronya 2.Kevin Rex, Jr., 3.barry Christman, Jr. 4.Jeremy Miller 5.Ricky Ahner, Jr. 6.Frankie Althouse 7.Bill Rooney 8.Mike Stringer 9.Josh Scherer 10.TJ Kemmerer 11.Drew Rice 12.Dustin Bair 13.Matt Derkosh 14.Dennis Silfies 15.Jon Moser

FACTORY STOCKS (20): 1.Justin Steigerwalt 2.Steve Hoffman 3.Justin Serfass 4.Jeff Drofich 5.Doug Knauss 6.Randy Ahner, Sr. 7.Brian Hughes 8.Jason Frey 9.Keith Knappenberger 10.Jeff Delong 11.Duane Eidem 12.Devin Gibson DNS: Mike Buss

4-CYLINDER STOCKS (20):1.Dave Freundt 2.Dan Freundt 3.Kevin Behler 4.Adam Kratzer 5.Casey Creyer 6.Brian Kunkle 7.Bryan Creyer 8.Charles Biegley 9.Scooter Graver 10.Jeff Biegley 11.Dan Biegley 12.Kristian Kalch 13.Michael Stoffet 14.Jon Smith 15.Jake Kibler

Earl Paules Charges to Mahoning Victory
By Gene Ostrowski (Filled in for Dino Oberto)

(LEHIGHTON, PA. 4-21-07) After several weeks of inconsistent weather, Mother Nature shined at the Mahoning Valley Speedway Saturday, as did modified ace Earl Paules.

Bobby Jones started on the pole in the 35-lap modified feature and held the point when the green flag flew. Kevin Graver, Jr. tucked into second with Tony Hanbury third. Five laps into the event, Hanbury slipped by Graver for second. After staring sixth, Don Wagner grabbed fourth and last weekends winner, Rusty Smith, ran fifth.

Ten laps later Jones continued to hold off his competition, but this time it was Graver mounting the charge on the leader. Appearing to be on a mission was Smith, who had jumped into third after overtaking Hanbury.

The caution flew on lap sixteen when Bennett and Wagner collected in turn four. Wagner’s great run went to the wayside, as he headed pit side with a flat tire. Patiently, Earl Paules prepared for the restart from the ninth position.

When green flag racing resumed, Jones continued to fend off Graver. Little did they know- Paules began to use what he had been saving. First he disposed of Graver, then was glued to the bumper of Jones on lap twenty-four. It only took two more circuits for Paules to grab the lead.

Only a few laps later, Smith took second from Jones. Paules held on to seal the deal over Smith, Jones, Bennett and Graver.

Paules spoke of his late race charge in victory lane by saying, “There was a really good outside groove here tonight. There were a lot of good guys up there, then all of sudden I jumped up there and we were good too”. He continued, “It’s a lot of fun racing with those guys up front, like Rusty Smith. It was a good race”.

Smith was happy with the second place effort, yet felt that he had left a little too much on the table. “This track’s tough. When you get momentum and you’re going around sometimes you don’t realize how fast you’re going, but then you don’t realize how slow you’re going, which was the case when I saw Earl flying by”, recalled Smith.

His last win was in ’05 and Jones finished third after leading twenty-five laps. He said that his car got tighter and tighter after each caution. “The last caution hurt me, I was just holding on then. After our finish last week, we’ll take it and move on to next week”, said Jones.

Coming off his first feature win since 1999, Todd Stehle wired the 30-lap late model feature for his second straight victory over Todd Geist, Lorin Arthofer, Joe Kehrli and Mike Sweeney.

Things were no different in the 25-lap street stock main. Shawn Sitarchyk dominated the event after starting from the pole. It’s his second win in as many starts this season. Kristy Morone, Lonnie Behler, Bill Hunara and Todd Ahner completed the top five.

Justin “Chub” Steigerwalt led the 20-lap factory stock feature flag to flag. Keith Knappenberger, Randy Ahner, Duane Eidem and Doug Knauss rounded out the top five.

In dominating fashion, Kevin Rex, Jr. notched his second straight verdict in the 20-lap pro-4 feature over Josh Scherer, Jeremy Miller, Chris Kuronya and Ricky Ahner, Jr.

John Udes took the 4C super modified feature event over Mike Renn.

For the complete season schedule, point standings and results, please visit www.mahoningspeedway.com.

Modified (35)
EARL PAULES 2. Rusty Smith 3. Bobby Jones 4. John Bennett 5. Kevin Graver, Jr. 6. Scott Lesher 7. Eric Beers 8. Paul Skodacek 9. Brian Defebo 10. Bup Dreher 11. Tommy Flanagan 12. Tony Hanbury 13. Rick Kirkendall 14. Troy Bollinger 15. Mike Quinn 16. Lou Strohl 17. Don Wagner 18. Todd Baer 19. Rod Snyder, Jr. 20. Chip Santee 21. Rodney Gruber DNQ: Dave Correll, Stacy Brown, Glenn Correll, Roger Heffelfinger, Phil Slater

Late Model (30)
TODD STEHLE 2. Todd Geist 3. Lorin Arthofer 4. Joe Kehrli 5. Mike Sweeney 6. Rick Wallace 7. Tony Zastko 8. Mike Radocha, Jr. 9. Pat Hargan 10. Gary Lerch, Jr. 11. John Loftus 12. Mike VanFossen

Street Stock (25)
SHAWN SITARCHYK 2. Kristy Morone 3. Lonnie Behler 4. Bill Hunara 5. Todd Ahner 6. Mark Dysher 7. Chip Wanamaker 8. Justin Mooney 9. Randy Ahner, Jr. 10. Jay Llewellyn 11. Blaine Kerchner 12. Alan Schlenker 13. Jamie Smith 14. Joe Mooney 15. Rich Pursell

Factory Stock (20)
CHUB STEIGERWALT 2. Keith Knappenberger 3. Randy Ahner 4. Duane Eidem 5. Doug Knauss 6. Jeff Delong 7. Jason Frey 8. Justin Searfass 9. Brian Hughes 10. Devin Gibson 11. Jeff Drofich

Pro 4 (20)
KEVIN REX, JR. 2. Josh Sherer 3. Jeremy Miller 4. Chris Kuronya 5. Ricky Ahner, Jr. 6. Dennis Silfies 7. Barry Christman, Jr. 8. Bill Rooney 9. Jon Moser 10. Frankie Althouse 11. Jon Smith 12. TJ Kemmerer 13. Mike Stringer 14. Dustin Bair 15. Scooter Graver 16. Matt Derkosh 17. Kevin Behler 18. Drew Rice 19. John Powell

UPCOMING: 4-21, Regular Show + 4c Super Mods 4-28, Regular Show
4-29 NEETS Enduro Constant Performance “Rich Johnson Memorial”

Rusty Smith Finally Gets a Mahoning Valley Speedway Win

(LEHIGHTON, PA. 4-14-07) For the past two seasons Rusty Smith has been making the nearly two-and-one-half hour tow from his Oxford, NY home to Mahoning Valley Speedway and each time had always been a threat to win.

Last season in particular when he collected the most laps led throughout the year in just a handful of starts but was never able to quite pull off a victory, mostly due to luck.

Well for a change some good luck went his way as Smith earned his career first Mahoning win in the season opening Modified Frost Free 100, the initial race in the newly formed Super-7 Series.

Smith is always a fan pleaser when he takes to the paved quarter mile with his uncanny ability to hustle quickly to the front from deep within the pack. That was the case again as he began from 20th for the onset yet by lap 30 was already up to fourth. Nine laps later he was trailing early leader Bup Dreher and for a while seemed content to settle for second as Dreher was holding firm at the lead.

However, something drastic went awry on Dreher’s mount with 64-laps complete and Smith was able to seize the moment. From there on out he held back the challenges of John Markovic and defending track champ Don Wagner for the $3000 verdict.

“It really feels good to get a win here. I obviously run good here every time and have been in a position to win a number of these bigger races and tonight things finally went a little our way,” said Smith.

“I don’t think there was any question that we were faster then him (Dreher). After starting behind I felt that I could reel him in but I was trying to let things play out a little with about 20 or 30 (laps) to go then I thought maybe I’d go at it but unfortunately he had his problem and I’ve let a few go like that too.”

Dreher got the honor of starting from the pole after the top dozen fastest timers redrew. Although Dreher looked best over the first half, he wasn’t without some very strong opposition.

Zane Zeiner, who was quickest in time trials, former champ Chip Santee and CJ Jones all had very good runs. Jones was the first to go against Dreher and even stole the lead away after a lap 11 restart, only to have Dreher returned the favor the on the next tour.

Then it was Zeiner and Santee, two potent runners who seemed eager to race by the leader. Santee was just bidding his time and near ready to make his move on Dreher when disaster stuck on lap 38. It was then that he got pinched from behind and went into a spin. In the process a gaggle of cars got caught up in the melee including Zeiner.

Afterwards is when Smith took up the chase. Dreher continued to be strong and but Smith had a shot at mounting a challenge, the person in charge encountered some type of internal problem and fell out of the lead. Smith then took possession and held on through the remainder of the event.

Markovic and Wagner kept him honest but there was no denying Smith from accomplishing a Mahoning win.

“The car was great all night. We had made a little change before time trials and we tried to go for the track record but that turned around and bit us and got us a little behind,” said Smith who timed 13th fast.

“Other then that the car has worked the same the way it has the last two years here. It worked great. We’re excited about coming here and running the Super-7 Series. When you’re competitive enough and you think you got a chance to walk away with the money then obviously it’s worth it.”

In Late Model action former division champion Todd Stehle (Lehighton) capitalized on the misfortunes of those in front of him to win his first class feature sine 1999.

Rick Wallace, Joe Kehrli, Lorin Arthofer II and Mike Radocha, Jr., all had the lead at one point but where involved in a rash of incidents that ousted them from the top spot.

Stehle was lucky enough to avoid any of the misfortunes of those how were ahead of him and garnered his first win since 2001 when he won a Modified feature.

Shawn Sitarchyk (Lehighton) showed that he will once again be a force in the Street Stocks as last season’s runner-up in points held off Todd Ahner and champion Mark Deysher for the win in the 25-lap contest.

For the second year in a row Kevin Rex, Jr., (Lehighton) took the Opening Night win in the Pro4 Late Model division. Rex started from the pole and cruised out front the entire distance and held off a hard charging Chris Kuronya in capturing the victory.

Justin Serfass (Lehighton) had not been in a race car for over three years but despite that he never missed a beat as he scored an upset win in the Factory Stocks, fending off class champion Justin Steigerwalt for the surprising verdict.

The always strong running Dave Freundt (Lehighton) is back to his front running ways as picked up his eighth career 4-Cylinder Stock win ahead of Scooter Graver and teammate Jon Smith.

Modifieds (100): 1.Rusty Smith 2.John Markovic 3.Don Wagner 4.Glenn Correll 5.Brian DeFebo 6.Pete Brittain 7.Todd Baer 8.Kevin Graver, Jr. 9.John Bennett 10.Bup Dreher 11.Rod Snyder, Jr. 12.Lou Strohl 13.Scott Lesher 14.Zane Zeiner 15.Matt Wentz 16.Chip Santee 17.Eral Paules 18.Roger Heffelfinger 19.Bobby Jones 20.Phil Slater 21.Troy Bollinger 22.Lee Sherwood 23.CJ Jones 24.Paul Skodacek DNQ: Tim Santee, Keith Mellars, Kory Rabenold, Mike Quinn, Rodney Gruber, Kevin Brown, Stacey Brown

Late Models (30): 1.Todd Stehle 2.Lorin Arthofer II 3.Todd Geist 4.Tony Zatsko 5.Mike VanFossen 6.Mike Radocha, Jr. 7.Joe Kehrli 8.John Loftus 9.Mike Sweeney 10.Rick Wallace 11.Pat Hargan 12.Dan Cascioli

Street Stocks (25): 1.Shawn Sitarchyk 2.Todd Ahner 3.Mark Deysher 4.Bill Hanura 5.Jay Llewellyn 6.Randy Ahner. Jr. 7.Justin Mooney 8.Alan Schlenker 9.Stephen Steigerwalt 10.Jamie Smith 11.Justin Arthofer 12.Kristy Morone Arthofer 13.Lonnie Behler 14.Chip Wanamaker 15.Jon Kenny 16.Joe Mooney

Pro4 Late Models (20): 1.Kevin Rex, Jr. 2.Chris Kuronya 3.Jeremy Miller 4.Barry Christman, Jr. 5.Jon Moser 6.Frankie Althouse 7.Mike Stringer 8.Nolan Fry 9.Ricky Ahner, Jr. 10.Dennis Silfies 11.TJ Kemmerer 12.Bill Rooney 13.Drew Rice 14.Matt Derkosh

Factory Stocks (20): 1.Justin Serfoss 2.Justin Steigerwalt 3.Brian Hughes 4.Keith Knappenberger 5.Doug Knauss 6.Randy Ahner, Sr. 7.Jeff Drofich 8.Devin Gibson 9.Jerry Karp 10.Duane Eidem 11.Jason Frey 12.Steve Hoffman

4-Cylinders (20): 1.Dave Freundt 2.Scooter Graver 3.Jon Smith 4.Dave McCloud 5.Jake Kibler 6.Dale Freundt 7.Charles Biegley 8.Kristian Kalch 9.Adam Kratzer 10.Brian Kunkle 11.Bryan Creyer 12.Jeff Biegley 13.Dan Biegley 14.Tim Laybourn 15.Casey Creyer 16.Michael Stofflet

UPCOMING: 4-21, Regular Show + 4c Super Mods 4-28, Regular Show
4-29 NEETS Constant Performance “Rich Johnson Memorial”

Mahoning Valley Speedway is New Home Track for NEETS Enduro Series

(LEHIGHTON, PA. 4-12-07) Every Saturday night from April through October Mahoning Valley Speedway is home to some fantastic stock car racing.

Now the excitement will extend to Sunday’s and Monday’s too as the popular North East Enduro Touring Series (NEETS) has come onboard at the paved Lehighton ¼-mile with a select number of enduro car races that will be run exclusively at Mahoning Valley.

Mahoning promoters Doug and Gena Hoffman have firmed an eight race schedule with NEETS promoter Billy Bartley who will bring his much lauded trio division of enduro cars that includes the 4-cylinder, 6/8-cylinder and the new TRUX classes to their facility.

NEETS had been based for the past four years at Mountain Speedway but at the end of 2006 had a mutual parting from there.

The NEETS schedule is referred to as the Holiday Stock Car Series (HSCS) and conducts all of their races on a variety of holiday weekends throughout the year.

The first NEETS race will be on April 29 with the 2nd Annual Constant Performance “Remember Our #1” which is in memory of former NEETS racer Rich Johnson who passed away on that same day two years ago while competing at Mountain.

Other enduro dates include Monday, May 28 – Memorial Day Madness. Sunday, June 24 – Firecracker Smacker. Sunday, July 29 – Beaters in July. Monday, September 3 – Labor Day Junkathon. Sunday, September 30 – Fem-Duro. Saturday, October 27 – Frankenduro. Saturday/Sunday, November 10-11 – The Mutha.

All rules, schedule and registration info can be obtained on the series website at www.neetstour.net or by email at billyb@neetstour.net.

NEETS is sponsored by Franklin Mechanical Services for the 6/8 cylinder division, Unique Golf Shop for the 4-cylinder division and Custom Classic Trucks for the TRUX division.

UPCOMING: 4-14, Opening Night, Mods $3000 to Win + All Regular Track Classes
4-21, Regular Show + 4c Super Mods

Mahoning Valley Speedway Opener Postponed To April 14

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 4-4-07) Due to the pending weather forecast of extreme cold and windy conditions, Mahoning Valley Speedway officials have made the wise decision to postpone this Saturday night’s April 7 season opener.

Temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid twenties come race time and with that it was in the best interest for all parties to sit this one out by one week.

Additionally with the excitement building up to the first race in the Super-7 Series as well as all other tracks classes that will be racing in the first point paying events of the season, it was more the reason to put off all activity.

Racing will now get underway on Saturday night, April 14 starting at 6:00 p.m. with the main event being the $3000-to-win Frost Free Modified 100. The 100-lapper will be the initial race in the newly formed Super 7 Series.

Mahoning’s regular track classes, which include the Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks, will be in action as they too will run in respective features.

Modified teams running the entire seven race series will be vying for a piece of the well-paid purse that is currently set at $100,000 in prize money. Each of the seven race winners will earn no less then $3000 with $200 to take the green.

A separate point tally will be kept as the top seven place getters will each take with them an additional $1000. Bonus points will be awarded to any driver who races in any Mahoning Valley regular show which they can then apply to their Super-7 Series point tally. Two (2) points will be the bonus that a driver can earn.

All Super-7 events will utilize time trials to determine the starting grids. The 12 quickest timers will be locked into the main. Thereafter heats will be run with those line-ups determined by the original draw from time trials.

Pit gates will open at 11:30 a.m. The track will have a paid practice session from noon until 3:30.

Regular practice will be conducted at 4:00 which is the same time the main grandstands open to the public. Time trials for the Modifieds followed by heats for all other classes begin at 6:00. Early registration for the Super-7 Series and pit licenses will also be extended one more week.
Of interest is NEETS, the enduro car organization which was based at Mountain Speedway for several years, will now be running on select Sunday dates at Mahoning Valley in 2007, the first being on April 29.

For additional information contact the track office at 610-398-4923. You can also check out the official speedway web site at www.mahoningspeedway.com or via email at glhoffman@rcn.com.

UPCOMING: 4-14, Regular Show; 4-21, Regular Show + 4c Super Mods

Mahoning Valley Speedway Opens Saturday Night With $3000 To Win Frost Free Mod 100

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 4-1-07) The 2007 racing season at Mahoning Valley Speedway will officially get underway this coming Saturday night, April 7 starting at 6:00 p.m. with the main event being the $3000-to-win Frost Free Modified 100.

The 100-lapper will be the first race in the newly formed Super 7 Series.

Mahoning’s regular track classes which include the Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks will be in action as they too will run in respective features.

This past Saturday was a good indication that Opening Night will be well received by all race teams that plan to compete at the Lehighton paved ¼-mile as a solid turnout of cars was on hand in preparation for the April 1 season lid-lifter.

There of course is much anticipation leading up to the Frost Free 100 with this being race number one of the Super 7 Series.

Modified teams running the entire seven races will be vying for a piece of the lucrative purse which exceeds $100,000 in prize money. Each of the seven race winners will earn no less then $3000 with $200 to take the green.

A separate point tally will be kept as the top seven point getters will each take with them an additional $1000. Bonus points will be awarded to any driver who races in any Mahoning Valley regular show which they can then apply to their Super-7 Series point tally. Two (2) points will be the bonus that a driver can earn.

All Super-7 events will utilize time trials to determine the starting grids. The 12 quickest timers will be locked into the main. Thereafter heats will be run with those line-ups determined by the original draw from time trials.

Pit gates open this coming Saturday at 11:30 a.m. The track will be open for a paid practice session from noon until 3:30.

Regular practice will be held at 4:00 which is the same time the main grandstands open to the public. Time trials for the Modifieds followed by heats for all other classes begin at 6:00.

There will be an Easter egg hunt immediately following pre-race warm-ups. The event will be held on the infield and is open to all youngsters age 5-11. Kids should bring along an Easter Basket.

For additional information contact the track office at 610-398-4923. You can also check out the official speedway web site at www.mahoningspeedway.com.

Mahoning Valley Speedway Test & Tune Days Set; Entries Growing for Super-7 Series

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 3-6-07) The first of three pre-season test and tune days at Mahoning Valley Speedway are set to take place beginning on Saturday, March 17 and continuing the following two Saturday’s, March 24 & 31.

All test and tune days will be held throughout the afternoon between noon and 4:00 pm and will be free to the public in the main grandstand area.

As is always the case, those three dates will be key for any driver looking to shake down his or her mount in preparation for the April 7, Opening Day.

Opening Day, which has a 6:00 pm starting time, is also going to be the first race in the newly formed Super-7 Series for the Modifieds with the top feature of the day being the Frost Free Modified 100.

Last year in this same event it was Brian DeFebo making an exciting charge up through the field and then holding off Kory Rabenold for the win.

All regular track classes will also be in action including the Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks.

Although the news of the Super-7 Series was just released less than a month ago, it has been generating plenty of interest as evidenced by the number of pre-entries already received.

Thus far seven former Modified track champions are registered including defending champ Don Wagner. Other past kingpins include Rod Snyder, Jr., who won five straight crowns from 1995 thru 1999. Chip Santee, the 2002 titlist who is returning to the driver’s seat after a near two-year hiatus. ’03, ’04 & ’05 champs respectively which are Troy Bollinger, Kevin Graver, Jr., and Roger Heffelfinger, Jr.

Eric Beers, a champion from 1992 and third on the all-time Modified winners list, is signed and ready. Beers, who is now enjoying success on the NASCAR Whelan and Race of Champions Pavement Tours, was the most recent 100-lap Mahoning winner when he closed out the ’06 season with a flag-to-flag win in the RoC 100.

John Bennett, last year’s winningest driver with four verdicts, has also entered the lucrative series as has Dave Wallace, Glen Correll, Stacey Brown and Rookie of the Year candidate Todd Baer, who is making the move up from the Pro4 Late Models.

As the first race approaches more names continue to be added to the list.

The Super-7 Series will entail a purse that is currently in excess of $100,000 in prize money. Each winner of a Super-7 Series race earns no less then $3000 with $200 to take the green.

A separate point tally will be kept as the top seven will each receive an additional $1000.

Bonus points will be awarded to any driver who races in any Mahoning Valley regular show which they can then apply to their Super-7 Series point tally. Two (2) points will be the bonus that a driver can earn.

All Super-7 events will utilize time trials to determine the starting grids. The 12 quickest timers will be locked into the main. Thereafter heats will be run with those line-ups determined by the original draw from time trials.

The other Super 7 dates are May 5, the Spring Fling 100. June 9, the R.S. Snyder 75-lap Race of Champions (RoC). Wednesday, July 4, the Fan Appreciation Firecracker Modified 100. July 28, the Hot Summer Night Modified 100. August 18, 75-lap RoC and the Season Finale Modified 100 on October 6.

Please note that the test and tune dates are open to all and any classes of cars that wish to grab some needed track time.

For additional information contact the track office at 610-398-4923. You can also check out the official speedway web site at www.mahoningspeedway.com.

Modified Super-7 Series Headline Mahoning Valley Speedway 2007 Schedule
By Dino Oberto

(LEHIGHTON, PA 2-8-07) Over the past few months there have been a number of rumors circulated about Mahoning Valley Speedway on whether or not the popular paved ¼-mile would see action this year.

The property which the track sits on was said to be bought and sold. Everything from shopping centers to housing developments where going up. Rumors indeed.

The 2007 season schedule is released and better then ever since being run under the direction of the husband and wife team of Doug and Gena Hoffman, now in their third year as promoters of the Lehighton raceway located on route 443.

Starting in April and running up to October, the Hoffman’s have put together a very motivated line-up of events headlined by the “Super-7 Series,” which will be seven special occasion races for the Modifieds.

At Mahoning Valley Speedway it’s all about the basics of stock car racing. Side-by-side action, great competition and some of the most loyal fans the sport has to offer. With the Super-7 Series along with great support classes it’s a sure bet for another extraordinary year of pure racing excitement.

The Super-7 Series will entail a purse that is currently in excess of $100,000 in prize money. Each of the seven race winners will earn no less then $3000 with $200 to take the green.

A separate point tally will be kept as the top seven point getters will each take with them an additional $1000.

Bonus points will be awarded to any driver who races in any Mahoning Valley regular show which they can then apply to their Super-7 Series point tally. Two (2) points will be the bonus that a driver can earn.

All Super-7 events will utilize time trials to determine the starting grids. The 12 quickest timers will be locked into the main. Thereafter heats will be run with those line-ups determined by the original draw from time trials.

The first Super-7 Series race will be held on Opening Day, April 7 which will be the Frost Free 100.

The other Super 7 dates are May 5, the Spring Fling 100. June 9, the R.S. Snyder 75-lap Race of Champions (RoC). Wednesday, July 4, the Fan Appreciation Firecracker Modified 100. July 28, the Hot Summer Night Modified 100. August 18, 75-lap RoC and the Season Finale Modified 100 on October 6.

All of Mahoning’s regular classes, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4 Late Models, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks will have a full year ahead.

The speedway has also booked the 4c Super Modifieds on four occasions, April 21, June 30, August 11 and September 1.

Last year the Dorney Park Race Reunion Night was a huge success and will return again this year on the night of May 26.

The third annual running of the C & D Landscaping 100 for Street Stocks will take place on Labor Day weekend, the first Saturday night in September.

September 15 will also be a special night as the Northeast Late Model Association (NELMA) has signed on for their very first try at Mahoning Valley.

The will be three pre-season practice days during March on the 17th, 24th and 31st.

Mahoning Valley Speedway’s Winter Jam is set for Friday night, February 16 from 5 to 9 at the Blue Monkey Sports Restaurant in North Catasauqua. License, pit spots and early registration for the Modified Super 7 Series will be on sale.

Modified Super 7 pre-registration is $150 for all five 100 lap races. Entering per race is $50.

Drivers and team members can also purchase their 2007 track licenses at the Winter Jam. Please note that teams will have the first right to purchase their old spot. After the Winter Jam they go for sale, first come served. Schedules, rules and regulations will be available.

For additional information contact the track office at 610-398-4923. You can also check out the official speedway web site at www.mahoningspeedway.com.

Mahoning Valley Speedway Champions Crowned at Annual Banquet

(Jim Thorpe, PA 12-9-06) For the twentieth consecutive season since re-opening in 1987, Mahoning Valley Speedway paid tribute to its champions and others as the speed-plant hosted one of its biggest gatherings yet during the annual Awards Banquet held at Memorial Hall in Jim Thorpe.

It was 20 seasons ago when the husband and wife team of Ward and Dottie Crozier brought life back to the paved Lehigton ¼-mile. Nearly two decades later and it’s still a husband and wife run facility as Doug and Gena Hoffman, now in their second year as promoters, have carried on a tradition of presenting top class short track racing.

There were 400 guests in attendance that came out to enjoy an evening of fine food, fellowship and celebration of the 2006 race season.

Track champions took the main spotlight which was headed by lead division top shoe Don Wagner who, after 20 years of racing, scored his career first driving title, earning the honor in the Modified class.

Despite no feature wins, Wagner instead had to rely on consistent runs as well as a great crew that kept him in tune each week in his title quest.

For Paul Koehler, Jr., it was just the opposite as his ’06 Late Model crown marked the second such accomplishment at Mahoning Valley and his fourth career overall. Koehler had a banner year, winning a track-high seven features en route to the championship. He is now just two wins away from surpassing Todd Geist as the winningest driver in Late Models at Mahoning Valley.

Mark Deysher, who drove for car owner Dennis Buss, notched his second career Street Stock title. In what is always one of the most evenly matched classes at the track, it was another close point battle as Deysher had to hold off runner-up Shawn Sitarchyk right down to the final race. Deysher’s previous first place tally came in 2001.

Deysher also was the titlist of the 2006 Street Stock Survivor Series, winning the popular vote cast by the banquet attendees, edging Sitarchyk in that fight as well.

Veteran Kevin Graver, Sr., has been a mainstay at Mahoning Valley Speedway for over 30-years and in that time has had the luxury of fielding championship cars that included titles for his son, Kevin Graver, Jr. as well as others.

This year it was finally his turn to take center stage. As the top pointer getter in the Pro4 Late Models, Graver can now add his name next to the championship drivers that he’s been responsible for over the years.

In the Factory Stock class there was no denying that Justin “Chub” Steigerwalt, was the man to beat. Steigerwalt captured his first driving crown with an impressive season long performance that saw him take five main events as well as 14 top fives and 18 top tens. His five feature wins bolstered to the top of the all-time win list with the Factory Stocks which now stands at 17.

Although the final point tally was very close in the 4-Cylinder Stocks, somehow you knew that Jeff Bartron would be tough to beat. Bartron kept second place man Dave Freundt in his mirror in the final weeks leading up to the title.

Despite both having an equal amount of feature wins (5), Bartron came out ahead in top fives, falling short just one time among the front five and in every race he was a top 10 finisher.

Receiving the prestigious Checkered Flag Fan Service Apperception Award were Marylyn and Roger Snyder. Not only are they track sponsors through their R.S. Snyder Excavation of New Tripoli, but they are also at the speedway each week hustling about in a variety of capacities and continually seeing fit that all is running at top level.

Fast Time Awards went to a trio of drivers who during the course of the year were able to better the divisional time mark in their respective classes. Tom Shupp did so in the Modifieds as did Bill Hanura in the Street Stocks and Freundt in the 4-Cylinders.

The Most Improved Driver awardees were Jarred Nace, Francis Gross III, Joe Mooney, Graver, Sr. James Pritchard, Jr., and Scooter Graver in the Mods, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro4’s, Factory Stocks and 4-cylinders respectively.

John Bennett, Mods, Rick Wallace, Late Models, Sitarchyk, Street Stocks, Frankie Althouse, Pro 4, Doug Knauss, Factory Stocks and Scooter Graver, 4-Cylinders, received the Best Appearing Car trophies.

The Rookie of the Year recipients included Modified, Paul Skodacek, Late Model, Dave Imler, Street Stocks, Justin Mooney, Pro4, Barry Christman, Jr., Factory Stock, Jason Frey and 4-Cylinder, Louis Szoke

For leading the most laps out of any driver, Koehler, Jr., was lauded. He paced the front of the pack a total of 163 laps.

Brian Unangst, host of TV-13’s Victory Lane, was on hand to present Sportsmanship Awards to Nace, Wallace, Jamie Smith (Street Stocks), Chris Kuronya (Pro4), Duane Eidem (Factory Stock) and Scooter Graver.

Lauri Hoyle, who maintains the official speedway website, was honored for her dedicated service.

Doug Hoffman addressed the crowd with words of thanks to all and gave an insight of news for the 2007 season which includes a special race series of extra distance events for the Modifieds.

Additional news will be forthcoming on what to expect for the upcoming year which is tentatively set to begin in April.

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