By Jay Pees

Conneaut, OH, (May 21, 2013): Regular racing for all divisions will be run this coming Friday night at Raceway 7 as the 2013 season is in full swing and shaping up to be an exciting points battle in all classes.

Only seven points separate the top two drivers in the Evergreen Lake Park Campground FASTRAK Late Models as week 2 winner Chad Wright leads Dave Airgood, who celebrated his marriage on live TV last Friday. Airgood won his heat last week and was third in the feature as Wright won both his heat and the feature. The 2009 class champion and opening night feature winner Dennis Lunger, fell to third in the standings after a very disappointing 20^th place feature finish resulting from early race problems last week. Lunger currently trails Airgood by ten markers.

 2013 Champion Joel Watson currently holds a commanding 33-point edge over his nearest rival, Mike Potosky in the Bonnell Collision Center E-Mod championship chase. Watson, who won both his heat and the feature last week, saw the second through fourth place contender wreck at the white flag last week, eliminating some top contenders for the crown from having top finishes in week two. 2009 Champion Percy McDonald is currently third in the standings, 7 points out of the runner-up spot. Opening night winner John Boardman did not compete last week so fell all the way to tenth in the standings.

Jace Ferringer, winless in feature competition so far at Raceway 7, leads the McDonald’s Meats Economod division by nine points over Russ Kaplan, who got his first heat win of the season last week. Kaplan, in turn, also has a nine point edge over third running Brian Hathaway, the opening night winner.

Former Champion Ed Bolyard enjoys an 18-point lead over Bob Laskey for the chase to the Western Reserve Animal Clinic Street Stock season championship. Bolyard won the $500 to win special last week along with his heat race and appears to have regained his championship form. Opening night winner Paul Schreckengost is currently third, a mere three points out of second.

After winning the feature opening night, the reigning Specialty Products Mini Stock champion Bud Sergeff slammed the first turn guardrail in the feature; ending his night early enough to result in a 13^th place finish and dropping him from the front spot to third. With his first-ever win at Raceway 7, Jason Easler vaulted to the points lead over Dylan Goodman, with top five finishes both weeks. Easler holds a seven-point cushion over second. Sergeff is only five points out of second.

Weather permitting, gates open every Friday at 5:30 PM with pill draw cut off at 7 PM and racing at 7:30 PM. VIP suites are available for rental for $250 a night which includes eight general admissions passes. Admission is set for $10 for adults for regular events, kids 7-14 are $5. Children 6 and under are free.  Pit passes are $25. For more information please visit www.raceway7.com or call the track on race day after 12 noon at 440-594-2222

MAY 

24   Regular divisions

31   Regular divisions, Patriot Sprint Tour, FIRST TIME EVER AT RACEWAY 7!

JUNE

7    Regular divisions, Kids Ubniform Night, FIREWORKS!

14   Regular divisions $1500 to Win SUPER LATE MODELS!

21   Regular divisions, $1200 to win Northeast Touring Series

28   Regular divisions, $800 to Win Econo-Mod race, AUTOGRAPH NIGHT!

JULY

5    Regular divisions, Regular divisions, $300 to Win Mini Stocks, FIREWORKS!

12   Regular divisions, $800 to Win E-Mods

19   Regular divisions, $1500 ti Win Super Late Models, FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT!

26   Regular divisions, $1200 to Win Northeast Touring Series

AUGUST

2    Regular divisions, Twin State Auto Club Night

9    Regular divisions, Chris Clinger Memorial Race for E-Mods

16   Regular divisions, $1500 to Win Super Late Models

23   Regular divisions, $1200 to Win Northeast Touring Series, FIREWORKS!

30   Regular divisions, END OF POINTS

SEPTEMBER

NO RACING SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME

OSWEGO, NY (May 21, 2013) – While Davey Hamilton is the current Novelis Supermodified championship leader at Oswego Speedway, for all intent and purposes Mexico, NY driver Michael Barnes is the man on top of the mountain with Memorial Day Weekend right around the corner.

Since joining Strong Racing full-time in 2012, Barnes has worked his way back into contender status at Oswego, especially during 75-lap events.

Dating back to June 30 of last season Barnes has three top five finishes in 75-lap races at the Speedway, including a runner-up finish during the Novelis Supermodified ‘Kick-Off’ just two weeks ago.  That total would have likely been four, were it not for overheating issues in 2012’s Mr. Novelis Supermodified in which Barnes joined Joe Gosek and Kody Graham in a heated battle for the $10,000 top prize.

“75-lappers always seem to suit our car pretty good,” said Barnes.  “We always have a pretty good feeling of where our car is going to be at the end of 75-laps.  It is just really tough out here; there is so much good equipment up and down this pit.”

In his first full-time season behind the wheel of the Plum Krazy No. 99, Barnes ended 2012 with four Top 5 finishes and six Top 10 runs and visited victory lane on two different occasions driving to a 9^th place finish in the overall driver’s standings.

Unlike last season, Barnes managed to finish the opening event of the Novelis Supermodified season two weeks ago, catapulting him to the best start of his Oswego Supermodified career. 

Barnes says he will need every advantage he can get to stay at the front of the field with the tough competition at the Speedway in 2013.

“Every position you get this year is going to be earned,” said Barnes.  “Top threes and top fives are very respectable now, as opposed to what they were five or ten years ago.  If you get a top five now it is earned.  Everybody wants wins, but it is going to be very tough to say you want to go out there and win two, three, or four races.  In order to do that you are going to have to be in the right place at the right time and be on your game every single week to be able to run good up here and run up front.”

While Barnes is officially listed second in the current Novelis Supermodified “Road to the Championship” standings, Davey Hamilton will not be back to the Speedway until Budweiser International Classic Weekend, moving Barnes to the point with Independence, OH driver Tim Jedrzejek currently the runner-up.

Jedrzejek, who will run a semi-regular schedule in the Mike Murphy owned No. 60, drove to a heat race win on May 11 and ended the night with a fine fourth place finish on the rear bumper of the driver who rides fourth in the standings, Dave Danzer.

With Hamilton and Jedrzejek etched as part-time Speedway competitors, the Danzer Racing No. 52 is currently the closest weekly competitor to Barnes in the race for the title, only six points behind.  In two full-time seasons at the Speedway, Danzer has two career wins but has yet to finish in the top ten in the driver’s standings.  With a strong third place finish on May 11, Danzer appears to be off to a fast start in search of his best career championship run.

Finishing the current top five in the Novelis Supermodified “Road to the Championship” is two-time Oswego Speedway track champion, Joe Gosek.  Gosek timed second fastest in opening night time trials at the Speedway, earning seven valuable championship points.  However, Gosek never really seemed to find the handle in the 75-lap main event, running to a rather uneventful seventh place finish.

Shaun Gosselin, Michael Muldoon, Pat Lavery, Dave Gruel, and Tim Devendorf currently round out the top ten drivers in the Novelis Supermodified standings, with defending Speedway champion Otto Sitterly on the outside looking in.

After slicing his way through the field on May 11, Sitterly and Gruel made contact battling for the runner-up spot on lap 66 of the main event two weeks ago, dropping Sitterly out of the feature with a 12^th place finish.

Sitterly will be back in the field this Saturday as he looks to avenge his run from two weeks ago and defend his Jim Shampine Memorial title at the Speedway as he continues his drive toward a potential sixth Speedway track title.

Oswego Speedway’s Memorial Day Weekend ‘Triple-Header’ presented by Helena Chemical Company will take the green flag at 5pm on Saturday featuring the Jim Shampine Memorial Novelis Supermodified 75, the Richie Evans Memorial RoC Modified 75, and the Tony White Memorial Pathfinder Bank SBS 35. 

Pit gates will open at noon on Saturday, with grandstands opening and hot laps beginning at 2pm.

For more information on Oswego Speedway visit online at www.oswegospeedway.com or LIKE on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OswegoSpeedway or FOLLOW on Twitter @OswegoSpeedway.  Those interested in Speedway video programming online can subscribe to the Speedway’s YouTube Channel, ‘OswegoSpeedwayOnline’.

To purchase tickets for the 2013 racing season call the Speedway box office at (315) 342-0646.

Plus Street Stocks and Four Cylinders

All 2013 Area Graduating High School Classes Are Admitted for FREE#

#(School I.D. Required)

*First 100 People Through the Grandstands Will Receive a Card For FREE Stewart's Ice Cream*

Pits Open: 2:00 PM - Grandstands Open: 5:00 PM - Practice Starts: 4:00 PM - Racing: 6:00 PM

Grandstand Admission: $12

WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ After steady showers forced the cancellation of the opening event for the popular “Sunday Small Car Series” at Wall Stadium on May 19, racers are ready to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend this Sunday (May 26) with action starting at noon. The series will then continue on most Sunday afternoons through the fall.

            Among the vehicles involved in the “Sunday Series” will be go-karts, Micro Stocks and Junior Legend Cars. More information is available on the Wall Stadium Speedway website at wallspeedwayracing.com or by calling the speedway office at 732-681-6400.

Wall Stadium presents professional motorsports events on most Saturdays and Sundays from mid-April through November. The speedway is located on Route 34 in Wall Township, N.J., just one mile north of Garden State Parkway exit 98 and Interstate 195 exit 35B. The speedway email address is CKMotorsports@aol.com.

- THE END -

SATURDAY (MAY 25) AT WALL STADIUM

WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ The cars and stars of Wall Stadium’s highly competitive Factory Stock division will enjoy top billing this Saturday night (May 25) as they compete in Twin 25-lap championship events. Modifieds, Legend Cars, 4 Cylinder racers and the touring TQ Midgets will also be a part of “Proud To Be American Night.” Grandstand seating opens at 5:00 p.m. and qualifying starts at 6:00 p.m. Main events are slated for 7:00 p.m.

            Wall Stadium’s Factory Stock division features an impressive roster of competitors ranging from tested veterans to young up and coming racing stars. Defending champion Scott Riggleman of Manchester, recent winners Ronnie Mullen and Joe Mongeau, both of Brick, John Bowers of Pt. Pleasant, lady driver Tiffany Olejnik of Wall and Andrew Krause of Holmdel are just a few of the drivers expected to see action.

            Interest is also high as the powerful Modified stock cars will return after two Saturday’s off due to rain. Early season winners Steven Reed of Freehold and Oakland’s Chris Hamilton will lead the way and brothers Christian and Adam LaCicero, both of Lavallette, multi-time champion Chas Okerson of Freehold, veteran Ken Woolley, Jr. of Howell, Eric Mauriello of Brick and lady driver Shawna Ingraham of Brick will be among those looking for their first win of the season.

            In addition to the Factory Stock twin races and the 40-lapper for the returning Modifieds, the Legend Cars, 4 Cylinder racers and the open cockpit TQ Midgets will all see action in 25-lap main events. The Sportsman cars and the Limited late Models will have the night off.

To help honor those lost while defending our country, special pre-race ceremonies will take place early in the evening. The patriotic theme will continue throughout the night.

Saturday’s schedule will see the competitor pit area open at noon with a paid test session set for 1:00 until 3:30 p.m. The regular afternoon practice session will then begin at 3:30 p.m. and run until 5:00 p.m., while spectator seating will open at 5:00 p.m.

On track competition will then begin at 6:00 p.m. with qualifying events to be followed by feature race action for all divisions at 7:00 p.m.

Action will then continue on Sunday (May 26) as Wall Stadium presents the “Sunday Small-Car Series” starting at noon.

Wall Stadium presents professional motorsports events on most Saturdays and Sundays during the summer months. The speedway is located on Route 34 in Wall Township, N.J., just one mile north of Garden State Parkway exit 98 and Interstate 195 exit 35B. The speedway hotline number is 732-681-6400, while CKMotorsports@aol.com is the track’s email address. More information is also available at www.wallspeedwayracing.com.

OSWEGO, NY (May 20, 2013) – Since 1954, Oswego Speedway has carried the tradition of staging auto racing events on Memorial Day Weekend, and that tradition will continue this Saturday, May 25.

The Speedway will play host to the Memorial Day Weekend ‘Triple-Header’ this weekend featuring the Jim Shampine Memorial Novelis Supermodified 75, the Richie Evans Memorial Race of Champions Modified 75, and the Tony White Memorial Pathfinder Bank SBS 35.

Through the history of Memorial Day Weekend racing at the Speedway no driver has won more events than Jim Shampine, with a total of nine.  All of Shampine’s wins came in the decade of the 1970’s, three times scoring more than one main event win on the same evening.

In 1970 the Speedway ran twin feature events during the weekend with Shampine picking up both wins. 

In 1973 and 1974 the Speedway increased the main event draw to triple features with Shampine winning the final two events in ’73, and sweeping all three features in 1974.

After Shampine’s untimely passing in 1982, the annual Memorial Day Weekend Supermodified event would come to be known as the Jim Shampine Memorial in 1991.

Bentley Warren would win the inaugural Shampine Memorial that season, with Doug Didero going on to capture the victory in 1992.  Didero would go on to two more Shampine Memorial wins in 1996 and 1997, making him the first three time winner of the prestigious race.

Just last season, defending Speedway champion Otto Sitterly bested Joey Payne in the late stages of the Shampine Memorial to collect his third career win in the event adding to his victories in 2006 and 2010 (ran in July that season).  With three wins, Sitterly joins Didero and Greg Furlong as having captured the most career Jim Shampine Memorial victories to date. 

Ed Bellinger Jr., Mike Ordway, and Randy Ritskes have each captured two wins.

WHAT:

Helena Chemical Company Memorial Day Weekend ‘Triple-Header’ featuring the Jim Shampine Memorial Novelis Supermodified 75, the Richie Evans Memorial Race of Champions Modified 75, and the Tony White Memorial Pathfinder Bank SBS 35.

WHEN:

Saturday May 25, at Oswego Speedway in Oswego, NY.  Pit gates will open at noon, grandstands at 2pm, hot laps at 2pm, racing at 5pm.

WHERE:

Oswego Speedway is located at 300 East Albany St. in Oswego, NY

TICKETS:

Padded reserved seats $30, general admission $25, Pit Passes $35, VIP $90.  Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling (315) 342-0646.  Kids 16 and under are free with paid adult.

ON THE INTERNET:

Oswego Speedway – www.oswegospeedway.com

Twitter - @OswegoSpeedway

Facebook – facebook.com/OswegoSpeedway

YouTube – OswegoSpeedwayOnline

Live Updates can be seen on Twitter, Facebook, as well as the Oswego Speedway website

·         TSI Harley-Davidson 125 Presented By G-Oil Up Next

·         Santos Looks To Stay On A Roll

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 20, 2013) – Following a pair of day races and a rainout, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will race under the lights for the first time in 2013 when it returns to Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway for the TSI Harley-Davidson 125 presented by G-Oil on Friday, May 24.

Winner of three of the last four Whelen Modified Tour races dating back to last season, Bobby Santos is well-positioned to keep the run of good fortune going in the second of four races on the schedule at the historic half mile.

While the number of different legitimate contenders to win on Friday at Stafford reaches double digits, Santos’ success – not only due to his recent run, but historically at the track as well – has him as one of the favorites to capture yet another checkered flag.

Not only did the Franklin, Mass., native sweep Spring Sizzler weekend at Stafford at the end of April – fastest in practice, pole winner and trip to Victory Lane – he’s experienced as much success at the track as any driver in recent seasons. Nine of Santos’ last 12 Stafford starts have resulted in podium finishes, including five wins.

Santos has also been particularly good in the TSI Harley-Davidson 125, the shortest of the Whelen Modified Tour’s four annual events at Stafford. He won in 2010, finished third in 2011 and led the first 117 laps from the pole a year ago before having to settle for second to Doug Coby.

The main competition for Santos figures to be provided by the defending race winner Coby, who won each of the tour’s first three races at Stafford a year ago. He’ll enter Friday’s event following a sixth-place finish in the Spring Sizzler.

RACE:  TSI Harley-Davidson 125 pres. by G-Oil

PLACE: Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway

DATE: Friday, May 24

TIME: 9:15 p.m. ET

TRACK LAYOUT: .5-mile, banked asphalt oval

2012 WINNER: Doug Coby

2012 POLESITTER: Bobby Santos

EVENT SCHEDULE: Practice 2:30-3:30 p.m., Qualifying 6 p.m., Driver Autograph Session 7:30 p.m.

NASCAR CONTACT: Jason Cunningham, 704-201-6658, jcunningham@nascar.com, Twitter: @NASCAR_NE

FAST FACTS:

The Race:  The 23rd Annual TSI Harley-Davidson 125 presented by G-Oil will be the third race on the 2013 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour schedule and the second of four events this season at Stafford Motor Speedway.

The Procedure:  The maximum starting field is 31 cars, including provisionals. The first 26 cars will have secured starting positions based on two-lap qualifying. The remaining five spots will be awarded through the provisional process. The race is scheduled for 125 laps (62.5 miles) and the race tire change rule is two tires, any position.

The Track:  A half-mile, slightly-banked oval, Stafford originated as a horse racing track in the 1870s. After seven decades as a horse track, the dirt oval started holding automobile races following World War II. Stafford became a NASCAR track in 1959 and was paved for the first time in 1967.

Race Winners:  There have been 31 different race winners at Stafford all-time, led by Mike Stefanik’s 20 victories. Doug Coby is the defending winner of the TSI Harley-Davidson 125, the second of his three victories at the track in 2012. Bobby Santos won this season’s first race at Stafford.

Pole Winners:  There have been 40 different pole winners at Stafford, led by Stefanik’s 17. Ryan Preece holds the tour’s track qualifying record at 17.924 seconds (100.424 mph). Bobby Santos set fast time for this event a year ago, as well as the first trip to Stafford this year.

STAFFORD RACE NOTES:

Trio of Drivers Have a Stranglehold on Stafford:  Since the beginning of the 2010 season, Bobby Santos (5), Ted Christopher (3) and Doug Coby (3) have combined to win 11 of the last 13 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour races contested at Stafford Motor Speedway. The only two drivers outside of that trio for a checkered flag were Ron Silk and Todd Szegedy. Conversely, in 2008-09 prior to the current run, six different drivers were victorious across eight events.

Pennink on the Verge of a W?:  One of the favorites to end the current run of Santos and company at Stafford might just be Rowan Pennink, who’s had a hot start to the 2013 season. Pennink finished second in the season-opener at Thompson International Speedway and followed that with a fifth-place effort last time out in the Stafford Spring Sizzler. Then, just last Friday, he nabbed the checkered flag in NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified action at Stafford. Pennink has one career Whelen Modified Tour win that came at Riverhead Raceway in 2010, a drought of 37 starts.

Santos Shoots Up Stafford Wins List:  Santos’ success at Stafford has come so quickly that he’s gone from winless at the track prior to 2010 to tied for fifth on the Whelen Modified Tour’s all-time wins list at the track in a matter of just 11 races. Among active drivers he only trails Mike Stefanik (20) and Christopher (12) for total wins at the track. With five victories in 17 total starts, Santos’ Stafford win percentage (29%) even ranks better than Stefanik (22%).

HOME TRACKS: Preece, Foster Tied For Lead at Stafford

The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing season is just now starting to ramp up in New England and things are already proving to be as competitive as expected in the headlining SK Modified division at Stafford Motor Speedway. Ryan Preece, the 2011 track champ, is tied atop the points standings after three races with Sean Foster at 118. Preece won the first two events of the year while Rowan Pennink captured his first Stafford SK Mod win last Friday. Pennink is tied for third in the standings – eight points behind Preece and Foster – with defending track titlist Ted Christopher.

LAST TIME OUT: Monadnock

The third race of the 2013 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season was to be the Town Fair Tire Whitcomb 200 at Monadnock Speedway on May 11 in rural Winchester, N.H. The race was postponed due to rain, however, and is now scheduled to be contested on July 27.

NEXT TIME OUT: Waterford

Following a popular and successful return in 2012 following a five-year absence, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will once again visit Waterford (Conn.) Speedbowl for the Mr. Rooter 161 on June 22. Doug Coby was victorious at Waterford last year en route to his Whelen Modified Tour title while Donny Lia and Ed Flemke Jr. are the active career wins leaders at the shoreline oval with two apiece.

OSWEGO, NY (May 20, 2013) – Oswego Kartway returned to racing on Friday, May 17 with a total of 81 karts signing in for competition.

Young Matthew Barbour would be the star of the night as he picked up two feature event wins on the evening.  Barbour first ran to victory in a stacked Sr. Blue Clone main over opening night winner Joshua Ostrander and Tyler Trump.  Just two events later in the Gold Plate division, Barbour would again pull into victory lane behind the wheel of the No. 115 beating out Ryan Shanahan and Kelsey Wright.

Other main event winners on the evening included Carl Emmons III (Jr. Silver Clone), Seth Perrin (Jr. Blue Clone), Dan Kapuscinski (Stock Heavy), DJ Shuman (Clone Heavy), Ryan Coleman (Animal), Kaylynn Simmons (Clone Light), Corey Norton (Open), Jake Sivers (Stock Light), and Dick Dann (Clone Super Heavy).

The Kartway’s next event will be Friday, May 24 with a Memorial Day Weekend special featuring extra laps in all feature events as a part of the third point race of the season.

Pit gates will open at 4:30pm with hot laps beginning at 6:30pm.  The night’s first green flag will be scheduled for 7:30pm.

For more information on Oswego Kartway visit online at www.oswegokartway.com, LIKE on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OswegoKartway, or FOLLOW on Twitter @OswegoKartway.

To speak with a Kartway representative call Oswego Speedway at (315) 342-0646.

Riverhead, NY May 18TH

By Bob Finan

Howie  Brode of East Islip snapped a nearly three year winless spell when he swept the Twin 30 NASCAR Modified feature events at Riverhead Raceway Saturday night.  Threatening skies forced the features to be moved up in the track's running order because of  unexpected rain showers all around the facility. For Brode it was his 12th career win at Riverhead and his first since he won on July 17th, 2010 when he was triumphant in the Baldwin, Evans & Jarzombek 77 Memorial.

Ryan Preece of Berlin, Ct. set fast time in qualifying with a lap of 11.777 but the popular young star could only muster a 6th starting spot in the redraw while Shawn Solomito and Howie Brode, who raced for the 2012 track title drew the front row.  When the green light winked on Brode was able to get the measure of Solomito going into turn one and the rivals would run that way over the first five laps before an early race caution forced a restart. On that restart Tom Rogers Jr. came along and passed Silk for second on lap 9. Over the final 21 circuits of the first 30-lap segment Rogers threw all he could at Brode in trying to work his way by as the duo thrilled the hearty fans with their high speed game of cat and mouse with Brode holding on.

When the second 30-lap segment went green Rogers tried to make an early race bid on the outside of Brode for the race lead which opened  the door for Ryan Preece to slide under Tom for second on lap 33.  Preece pulled up to the back bumper of Howie once to second, while Shawn Solomito raced his way by Tom Rogers for third soon after Ryan moved by for second. Over the final second half of the race the top three would remain the same as Brode was able to gain just a little bit of breathing room over Preece while Solomito was working on him for second.

When the second 30-lap segment came to an end it would be Howie Brode wheeling the On Time Trucking Chevy to victory, ending the dry spell for him and his Peter Clark Motorsports owned team. "That was some good racing and I sure am glad to be back here" Howie boasted from victory lane. "Just some good hard and clean racing with Ryan, Shawn, Ronnie and that kid Rogers who wins all the races here."  Brode's early race game plan while Rogers pestered him for the lead was just  "try to stay low and slow, as they say, and it worked".

Ryan Preece would earn runner-up money in the East-West Marine Chevy of Bill & Barbara Park, while defending champion Shawn Solomito of Islip, now racing on behalf of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, drove his EM Power Chevy to a third place tally. Ron Silk of Norwalk, Ct  and Tom Rogers Jr. of Patchogue completed the top five.

Roger Oxee of Peconic celebrated his 61st birthday with his 62nd career Late Model victory when he topped that 25-lap feature event which was also bumped-up in the racing order due to the weather. Shawn Patrick raced to the early lead from the pole with both Chris LaSpisa and Roger Oxee in hot pursuit. On lap 7 exiting the fourth turn the race for the lead got too close as Patrick spun off turn 4 after contact which put Oxee out front and LaSpisa  to second. The yellow waved for Patrick and on the ensuing restart Scott Kulesa was able to move under LaSpisa for second to now run second behind Oxee with many wondering how these two heated rivals would race for the lead. That fierce battle never did materialize as Roger Oxee was able to keep Kulesa a car length or two behind him as the race wore on and he would drive to yet another win in the IGA of Southold Pontiac but admitted afterwards it was not the way he wanted to win. "I know I'd be upset if that happened to me, I'm really sorry for Shawn" Oxee manned-up. Scott Kulesa of Georgetown, Ma was second at the line in the Eastport Feeds entry while Chris LaSpisa of Shirley was third in the Sprinklers Galore Irrigation Chevy.

The annual Cromarty Cup 20 for the Figure Eight division drew a 12-car field for the event and when all was said and done Arne Pedersen of Mastic Beach would hoist the Cromarty Cup while celebrating his 10th career win. After sophomore driver George Sues paced the race for the first lap Ken Hyde Jr., defending race winner of the Cromarty Cup quickly hustled out front on lap 2 with Johnny Vullo to second. Vullo making his first start in a couple of years over took Hyde for the lead on lap 7, just one lap before the yellow waved from a Michael Rommeney spin near the "X". When the race resumed Hyde made a bid to reclaim the lead but Vullo hung on. Lap 14 became the downfall of Vullo who clipped three cones that are placed to keep drivers from cutting the corners and the call came over the NASCAR radio frequency that the second place car of Arne Pedersen was the new race leader. Steering the BNR Home Improvements Dodge Arne Pedersen was able to stay out front over the final five laps for the win. Ken Hyde Jr. of Medford brought the Kings Park Contracting Chevy home second with opening night winner Tom Ferrara of Patchogue third in the K. Clement Landscaping racer.

Eric Zeh of Selden topped the 20-lap Charger main event to earn his second career feature event win. John Baker and "Radiant" Ray Minieri ran one-two over the first three laps of the race before Eric Zeh was able to get by Minieri for second. Zeh quickly set his sights on race leader Baker, who also was seeking his second career victory. Racing into the first corner on lap 8 Zeh forced his way under Baker who tried to throw the block and contact was made with Zeh coming away with the lead, bringing Chris Turbush to second with him. With more than half the race remaining many figured it was a matter of time before Turbush, the author of 34 career wins would catch and pass Zeh but wait just a minute, nobody told Eric. Over those final 11 laps Eric Zeh in the Randy's Performance Chevy would not only drive to victory but keep eventual runner-up Chris Turbush of Riverhead in his Carpet Express Chevy comfortably behind him in the process. Chad Churilla of Hauppauge turned some heads with his solid third place finish in his Angela's House Chevy as he was right on Turbush's rear spoiler at the conclusion of the event.

Talk about ending a winless spell that is just what popular Blunderbust driver "Turbo" Tom Sullivan of Massapequa did as he won their 20-lap main event for his first win since August of 2005. At the throw of the green flag Tom Sullivan wasted little time putting his Custom Exteriors Lincoln Continental out front with Bob Muller giving chase over the first 4 circuits. Scott Maliszewski passed Muller on lap 5 for second and as would be the case in the Charger race, many figured it was a matter of time before Scott would go by for the lead. Not so fast race fans! Tom Sullivan did a masterful job of thwarting challenges made by Maliszewski, who late in the race was being challenged for second by defending champion Tom Pickerell. At the checkers it would indeed by Tom Sullivan victorious for the third time in his career as the veteran driver noted afterwards, "we've had some engine woes but I think that's all behind us now". Scott Maliszewski of Deer Park held on for second in the Thomas J. Stock Attorney At Law Chevy while Tom Pickerell of Huntington was third in the Premier Utility Service Chevy.

Opening night had found Lou Maestri with a heavily damaged Super Pro Truck sitting atop his open trailer but those bad fortunes turned good Saturday as Lou won the 20-lap SPT feature event for his 25th career win. Anthony Vecchio paced the race for the first lap before Lou Maestri passed him on the second lap with Frank Dumicich Jr. moving to second on lap three and he was joined by his sister Erin who raced her way to third. Maetsri's drive to victory was made just a tad easier by the battle among the siblings that raged behind him as Erin was trying to find a way past her brother Frank. That battle saw Erin get into Frank more than once and that indeed was sweet music to the ears of Lou Maestri in his Beach Hut of Long Island Chevy as he drove off to victory lane. Frank Dumicich Jr. of E. Quogue was runner-up in the Arenz Heating & AC Chevy, while sister Erin Dumicich-Solomito of E. Quogue was third in the Sea Level Construction Dodge.

Defending Legend Race Car champion Kyle Ellwood of Riverhead scored the 20-lap Legend main event win in dominating fashion. Outfitted in one of his father John's old driving uniforms after his was damaged in a fire at the Waterford Speedbowl in April, Ellwood quickly jumped to the race lead from the pole. Vinny Delaney quickly moved to second, but all Vinny could do was watch as Kyle pulled away into a bevy of lapped traffic. The race was slowed before it got going when Justin Strumpf got into the wall in turn one before a lap was recorded. When the race did go green after that incident, it would run its 20-lap distance without another yellow flag.  This aided eventual winner Kyle Ellwood in his Riverhead Building Supply machine more than it did Vinny Delaney of Holtsville, who was runner-up in the John's Fuel Oil racer. Brendon Bock of Franklin Square was third in his A&S Bagels racer. He, like Delaney, would have loved to have seen a mid race caution or two to see if he had anything for Ellwood.

NASCAR Modifieds: 1. Howie Brode 2. Ryan Preece 3. Shawn Solomito 4. Ron Silk 5. Tom Rogers Jr. 6. John Beatty 7. Dave Sapienza 8. Jason Agugliaro 9. Timmy Solomito 10. Eric Goodale 11. Brad Van Houten 12. Ed Brunnhoelzl III 13. David Roys 14. Vinny Biondolillo 15. Glenn Logan 16. Kevin Orlando 17. Jerry Solomito Jr. 18. Rich Pallai Jr. 19. Dave Brigati 20. Chris McGuire DNS- Marisa Niederauer

Late Models: 1. Roger Oxee 2. Scott Kulesa 3. Chris LaSpisa 4. Ken Alfano 5. Jeremy McDermott 6. Shawn Patrick 7. Arne Pedersen 8. Mike Bologna 9. Kevin Metzger 10. Kevin Orlando

Cromarty Cup Figure Eights:  1. Arne Pedersen 2. Ken Hyde Jr. 3. Tom Ferrara 4. Mike Mujsce 5. George Seus 6. Johnny Vullo 7. Gary Fritz Jr. 8. Michael Rommeney 9. Roger Maynor 10. Scott Pedersen 11. Brian Hansen 12. Frank Scimeca Jr.

Chargers: 1. Eric Zeh 2. Chris Turbush 3. Chad Churilla 4. Ray Minieri 5. CJ Lehmann 6. Roger Turbush 7. Tom Anderson 8. Richard Wilson 9. Jayson White 10. John Baker

Blunderbusts: 1. Tom Sullivan 2. Scott Maliszewski 3. Tom Pickerell 4. Paul Parisi 5. Bill Wegmann Sr. 6. Tommy Walkowiak 7. Jack Handley Jr. 8. Tim Mulqueen 9. Brian Brown 10. Bill Wegmann Jr. 11. Justin Wahl 12. Brandon Hubbard 13. Bob Muller 14. Ed Mistretta 15. Tom Puccia 16. Joe Seeger 17. Jimmy White Jr.

Super Pro Trucks: 1. Lou Maestri 2. Frank Dumicich Jr. 3. Erin Dumicich-Solomito 4. Roger Turbush 5. Mike Albasini 6. Brian McElearney 7. Frank Dumicich Sr. 8. Rob Bader 9. Rich Campo 10. Kevin Scharfenberg 11. Anthony Vecchio 12. Mark Stewart 13. Dave Koenig

Legend Race Cars: 1. Kyle Ellwood 2. Vinny Delaney 3. Brendon Bock 4. Christian Conklin 5. Jeffery Goodale 6. Kevin Nowak 7. Shawn Wanat 8. Johhnie Gloor 9. Dylan Slepian 10. Greg Harris 11. Brad Van Houten 12. Eric Hersey 13. Richie Davidowitz 14. Anthony Marsh 15. Vincent Colletti 16. Alex Urbina 17. Chris Rogers 18. Artie Pedersen III 19. Joe Sedotto 20. George Baker 21. Jim Byrne 22. Tommy Walkowiak 23. Michael Rommeney 24. Steve Hersey 25. Frank Scimeca Jr. 26. Steve Smith 27. Timmy Solomito 28. Justin Strumpf

BETHEL, NY – The third week of racing for the 2013 season on the quarter-mile asphalt oval at Bethel Motor Speedway produced some exciting races, with two drivers picking up their first wins of the year and eight others making repeat visits. With plenty of door-to-door racing, fans were treated to a full night of entertainment.

In the Sportsman class, Rich Coons picked up his second win of the young season, in spite of the fact that his closest rival – defending division champion Jerry Curry – was able to edge him out for the heat race win earlier in the day. By virtue of his heat race win, Curry started the race on the pole, and he shot out to the early lead. Coons, hungry for a championship after outside circumstances hurt his chances in each of the previous two seasons, launched his challenge at the drop of the green. By lap four, Coons had assumed the top spot, with both Curry and sophomore driver Bob Morris in tow.  The race was fast-paced and without any cautions, and Coons powered his way to the win. Curry had to be content with second, while Morris crossed the line third.

Alliance Shippers Legends driver Mike Alcaro proved his prowess on the track when he captured the championship back in 2009 and so far in 2013 he has proven that he can still find his way to Victory Lane at Bethel, capturing his second win of the year this past Saturday. Alcaro took off from the pole, and led every lap of the event as 2010 Legends champion Todd McCollum and Richie Coy gave chase.  Further back in the field, 2012 Legends Young Lion/Semi Pro champion Matt Evans and Raven Schrantz battled for the fourth position, swapping it several times before Schrantz took it back for good with six laps to go. At the front, Alcaro was unstoppable as he claimed the win. McCollum was second, and Coy finished third.

Alliance Shippers Legends Semi Pro competitor Austin Berry continued to turn heads at Bethel this past weekend, taking home his second win in two trips to the speedway. Stephen Kopcik started on the pole in his first-ever trip to the speedway. Berry started on the outside of the front row. Kopcik nosed out front at the drop of the green, but it was short-lived, as he was overpowered by Berry just four laps in. On the following lap, Robert Silver also worked his way past Kopcik, and Silver took over the second spot. As the laps wound down, Brandon Traino applied enough pressure to get by Kopcik for third, but Kopcik was able to wrestle the spot back before the checkered flag waved. Berry was first to cross the line, followed by Silver and Kopcik.

Fans saw another repeat winner in Rudy Roth IV, as the young driver scored his second win of 2013 in the Quality Bus Service Bandolero class. Roth started on the outside pole, with sophomore driver Kaci Stackhouse on the inside. Roth put his car in the lead at the drop of the green, with Alex McCollum following to take second. Neil Rutt III came to third. The race was caution-free, and Roth was first to cross the line. McCollum, one of the youngest drivers in the field, was second. Rutt finished third.

In the Quality Bus Service Beginner Bandolero division, Eugene Storm Drew took down his fourth win in five attempts. Drew started on the outside of the front row, alongside pole sitter Gillian Kirkpatrick. When the green flag waved, Kirkpatrick took the lead. The two ran in close quarters, and Drew edged in to the lead on lap three. Kirkpatrick made every attempt to reclaim the spot and was able to get alongside Drew, but he maintained his position and drove to the win. Kirkpatrick was second.

After breaking a nearly five-year hiatus from Victory Lane in the division’s last race, Beryle Herman made his second consecutive visit this past Saturday, as he led every lap of the Sam’s Towing Pro Stock event to collect the win. Herman took off from the pole and shot ahead of outside pole sitter Kenny Atkins on the start. Jerry Tunney glued himself to Herman’s bumper and followed past to take over second, setting the stage for the battle up front that was between Tunney and Atkins for second as Herman began to distance himself from his competition. Atkins took the spot back from Tunney on lap seven, and Tunney then kept fans on the edges of their seats as he tried to work past Atkins on the outside. When the checkered flag flew, Herman won by a comfortable margin, and Atkins held on to second. Tunney had to be content with third.

George Deckelman also grabbed his second checkered flag of the year in the Shakelton’s Auto & Truck Centers Street Stock division. Deckelman beat pole sitter Steven Steffens to the point at the drop of the green. Five laps into the event, Charlie Deckelman took over second, but the race was far from over. In the closing laps of the event, 2011 Rookie of the Year Amber VanOrden turned up the heat, taking second from C. Deckelman. With just two laps to go VanOrden made a last-ditch attempt to snatch the lead, but ran out of time and had to be content with second. C. Deckelman was third.

Defending BMS Modified division champion John Cote scored his second win of the year and 93rd of his career this past Saturday, leading every lap except for the first. Wilton Nickerson, who started the event on the outside pole, was scored as the leader on the initial lap, but Cote took over the top spot on lap two. The two battled it out at the front of the field, with the leaders beginning to encounter lapped traffic just past the halfway point of the event. When the checkered flag flew, Cote was in Victory Lane. Nickerson was second, and Steve Galgano crossed the line third. The BMS Modified class is off on Saturday, May 25, and will return to action on Saturday, June 1.

The 4 Cylinder Advanced race saw another defending champion – Walt Henry – make his second trip of the year to Victory Lane. Henry took off from the pole, and the fast-paced, caution-free event made for some exciting racing as Kyle Welsch gave chase, coming from the third starting spot to second on the initial lap. Just past the halfway point, lapped traffic began to play a part, as the leaders negotiated their way around the cars. With just two laps to go, 2011 division champion Ivan Guerra – in his first 2013 appearance in competition - made the pass for second, but even she was unable to steal Henry’s thunder as he drove on to the win. Guerra was second, and Welsch held on for third.

Robert Beach made his first visit to Victory Lane of the year in the 4 Cylinder Novice race. Beach took the lead at the drop of the green and never looked back. Behind him, Heather Fennell came to second, while Tanner Fennell ran in the third spot for the majority of the event. Lapped traffic came into play well before the halfway point of the event, forcing the leaders to contend with the slower cars for much of the race. With five laps remaining, Tisha Curry grabbed third from T. Fennell, but she was unable to advance past that position. Beach was first to cross the line, with H. Fennell second and Curry third.

The Twin Cam 4 Cylinder class made its debut this past Saturday as well, with Mike Skelly Jr. taking the first checkered flag for the division. Skelly Jr. used his experience in other divisions at the speedway to his advantage, winning both the heat race and the feature. Skelly led every lap of the event, with Johnny Bankich holding second until Matt Curry slipped past him for the spot with five laps to go. Skelly collected the win, with Curry second and Bankich third. The next event for the Twin Cam 4 Cylinder division is Saturday, June 8.

This coming Saturday, May 25th, Bethel Motor Speedway will host the 4C Supermodifieds in addition to a slate that includes the Sportsman, Legends, Bandolero, Pro Stock, Street Stock, and 4 Cylinder Advanced and Novice classes. Gates open at 2:30, with hot laps taking to the track at 5 pm. The wheel-to-wheel racing excitement Bethel is known for goes green at 6:30 pm. Grandstand admission is just $6. 

Just one week later, on Saturday, June 1st, fans will be treated to a schedule of action that includes the Sportsman, Legends, Pro Stock, Street Stock, BMS Modified, and 4 Cylinder Advanced and Novice classes. The gates will open at the track once again on Sunday, June 2nd, for the Muscle Car and Motorcycle Madness car show, which is open to vehicles of all types. Vendor spaces are also available. Information and n entry form are available on the speedway web site at www.bethelmotorspeedway.com. More information can also be obtained by calling (845) 319-7908.

SPORTSMAN FEATURE FINISH (20 LAPS): 1. Rich Coons, 2. Jerry Curry, 3. Bob Morris, 4. Mike McKerrell, 5. Eric Moon, 6. Chuck Potts, 7. Kimberlee Morgan, 8. John Cook.

LEGENDS PRO/MASTERS FEATURE FINISH (20 laps): 1. Mike Alcaro (P), 2. Todd McCollum (P), 3. Richie Coy (P), 4. Raven Schrantz (P), 5. Matt Evans (P), 6. Jim Sylvester (M), 7. Carl Blandina (M), 8. Jim Hoffman (M), 9. Bobby Rafferty (P), 10. Bill Johnston (M), 11. Wayne Kirkpatrick (M), 12. Jeffrey Lefcourt (M), 13. Steve Woytysiak (M), 14. Fred Graf (M).

LEGENDS YOUNG LION/SEMI PRO FEATURE FINISH (20 laps): 1. Austin Berry (SP), 2. Robert Silver Jr. (YL), 3. Stephen Kopcik (YL), 4. Kyle Dealaman (SP), 5. Brandon Traino (YL), 6. Joseph Graf (YL), 7. Dylan Hoffman (YL), 8. Joe DeGracia (SP), 9. Eugene Drew (SP), 10. Anthony Riforgiato (YL), 11. Matthew Gaughan (YL), 12. Courtney Lefcourt (SP), 13. Wayne Hajek (SP), 14. Collin Hoeffner (YL).

BANDOLERO FEATURE FINISH (15 laps): 1. Rudy Roth IV (O), 2. Alex McCollum (, 3. Neil Rutt III (O), 4. Christian Eckes (O), 5. David French (O), 6. Max Evans (, 7. Mikey Policastro (O), 8. Kaci Stackhouse (O), 9. Christina Policastro (O), 10. Matt Addona (.

BEGINNER BANDOLERO FEATURE FINISH (15 laps): 1. Eugene Storm Drew (O), 2. Gillian Kirkpatrick (O).

PRO STOCK FEATURE FINISH (20 laps): 1. Beryle Herman, 2. Kenny Atkins, 3. Jerry Tunney, 4. Mark Sylvester, 5. Jim Helt, 6. Steve Vasey, 7. Wayne Kmieczak. DNS - Rick Smith.

STREET STOCK FEATURE FINISH (20 laps): 1. George Deckelman, 2. Amber VanOrden, 3. Charlie Deckelman, 4. Kyle Welsch, 5. Ryan Brockner, 6. Steve Steffens, 7. Brent Shaddock.

BMS MODIFIED FEATURE FINISH (20 laps): 1. John Cote, 2. Wilton Nickerson, 3. Steve Galgano, 4. Gary VanOrden Jr., 5. Josh Wilbur, 6. Joe McCarthy, 7. Bill Lucchesi.

4 CYLINDER ADVANCED FEATURE FINISH (20 laps): 1. Walt Henry, 2. Ivan Guerra, 3. Kyle Welsch, 4. Patty Falkena, 5. Dan Curry, 6. Dustin Cosgrove, 7. Eddy Lindstadt, 8. Ray Fennell, 9. David Beach, 10. Scott Quick, 11. Skip LaPolt, 12. Michael Wiener, 13. Shawn Barschow, 14. Shawn Maloney, 15. Troy Morris, 16. Ray Fennell IV, 17. Joe Smith.

4 CYLINDER NOVICE FEATURE FINISH (20 laps): 1. Robert Beach, 2. Heather Fennell, 3. Tisha Curry, 4. Tanner Fennell, 5. George VanAken, 6. Tasha Curry, 7. Mike Bryant, 8. Dan Killius, 9. Matt McKerrell, 10. Ryan Lamantia, 11. Justin Denman, 12. Devon Grimm, 13. Daniel VanAken, 14. Devin Quick, 15. Charles Hummel Jr., 16. Felicia Reichenbaugh, 17. Cheyanne Bryant, 18. Dwayne Henry.

TWIN CAM 4 CYLINDER FEATURE FINISH (15 laps): 1. Mike Skelly Jr., 2. Matt Curry, 3. Johnny Bankich.