D Oberto's KeepingTrack

All things considered that was not bad at all as George had not raced at the Lehighton quarter mile oval in nearly seven years and it been 15 years since being a weekly regular.

“I was very happy with what we accomplished. Obviously I would have liked to have done better than third in points but to go back there after the time we had off, 14-15 years, and to be able to get back into the seat and get a couple of wins and run up front, that was gratifying,” said 30-year old George who hails from Kunkletown.

As a teenager, George took Mahoning Valley by storm, scoring 14 feature wins and back-to-back D/A Modified titles (1996-97). By the start of the 2000s he was running on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and with victories at Nazareth and Beech Ridge he was one of the rising stars.

After 2006 George had taken a hiatus from racing but never shied far away. He met and married Ashley Paules, who is the daughter of Earl Paules.

With a car owned by Paules, George had run a handful of races at tracks such as Mountain and Wall Stadium. Prior to the start of the 2012 season a deal was struck to buy one of Paules’ cars and he set his sights on a return to Mahoning Valley. At first he never really gave much thought to being a title contender but after the first few starts he began to rethink his outlook.

“When I saw that we had a championship car just a few weeks into the season then I obviously put my goals towards getting that championship,” recalled George.

“Going in I had no idea what to expect. That car was never at Mahoning Valley so I didn’t know how much time it would take to get it right and how much time for me to get re-accustomed to the track. That was kind of how I went into it but then very quickly into the season things started to click and that was when I felt we had a good shot at running for the points (title).”

By week five George was in Victory Lane. At mid-season he climbed as high as second in points behind Paules and added another win by the end of September. The consistency between Paules and Wagner was a bit more than his, however, as he had to settle for third.

George is now anxiously waiting for the April 13 season opener, which will be a 50-lap $2000-to-win feature and from there another run at number one in points.

“It’s hard for me to suit up, put the helmet on and not go to the front. You have to the start the season with the mindset of points. You have to be willing to take a fifth (place finish) instead of crashing out of a race going for fourth or third or the win. I’m going to take fifth and come back next week and get another fifth,” he explained.

“If you look at Earl (Paules) last year he had something like 19 top-five’s out of 27 (starts) which is really amazing and that’s where the championship comes from.

“I will admit that it is hard for me because that’s not the kind of race car driver that I am but I will tell you that is how the season will start out for me and I am going to look at the big picture and I am going to be willing to accept a top ten and move on to the next week rather than possibly damaging the car and my points,” he continued.

“I’m pretty sure there was only one guy that thought that way last year and he ended up winning the points championship.”

Aside from waiting for the motor to be freshened from Bob Bruneau Engine Research in Connecticut, his Raceworks No. 3 car is ready to roll.

“I know it is going to be as tough if not tougher this season. Eric Beers will be back for a good part of the year, Matt Hirschman and Zane Zeiner will be making their usual periodic stops aside from the weekly regulars,” said George.

“And, that’s the thing about Mahoning, you’ll have up to 27 cars for the first few weeks and to me that’s what makes it so interesting to go there and I like knowing that I am racing against a full field of very good cars. Mahoning Valley is the place to be for that.

“I feel that Floyd (Santee, promoter) genuinely cares and you can see that he wants to do what’s right to get more cars there and to keep people coming back. If someone has something to say he is willing to listen and make changes if need be. He did an excellent job and so did Chip and Tim (Santee) and all the unforeseen people that run the track. You have to be racers to do this and that’s what they are. It’s so cool to race in front of a crowd and they are taking the track in the right direction.”

Finally, a NELMA win for Fisher
By Dino Oberto …. “Keeping Track”
  (St. JOHNS, PA) When it comes to the father and son duo of Fern Glen’s Larry and Travis Fisher racing Late Model stock cars at Mountain Speedway, it doesn’t get much better, having combined to win countless races there, except for one, the annual Late Model Challenge presented by the North East Late Model Association (NELMA).

   Now in its eighth year of running at the 1/3-mile paved St. Johns oval, the NELMA event always attracts the region’s top talent of asphalt Late Model hot shoes and over the years there have been all notables claiming a win.

   Yet for the Fisher’s, who have rewritten the track record books, this has remained the one race that has eluded them, that is until this last Saturday afternoon when Travis aced his way to the 75-lap, $1500 victory.

   “This was the first time we won this one. This has been one we’ve definitely been after. I’ve watched my dad struggle in this race, leading with one (lap) to go and I’ve even been there too. It always seems like we never had any luck near the end of the race,” said Fisher.

   “I was just keeping my fingers crossed that nothing would fall off or break towards the end.”

   The Fisher team is always well prepared when they hit the track and in last week’s feature it showed as they unquestionably came loaded for bear.

   During time trials Fisher had the top lap, 14.028-seconds, which was almost a full second better than then everyone else. Lining up from the pole for the feature, he put this one away from the get-go,  immediately distancing himself from the pack.

   “Brad (Smales, crew chief) was on the radio and he let me know once we got about five car lengths on them guys. From there we just tried to run easy and save stuff,” said Fisher.

   While Fisher was cruising out front, there was some very tight action unfolding behind him. Early on former track champ Mike Sweeney was locking horns with Riverhead Raceway’s R. J. Oxee, the all multi-time Late Model champion from the Long Island, NY bullring.

   Sweeney’s day abruptly ended on lap 19 when he was involved in an altercation that was of no doing of his. He was given a nudge from behind and took a gingerly spin. All seemed well until the oncoming No. 18 of Mike Scorzelli made hard contact with Sweeney’s tail end and heavily damaged his mount.

   On the restart Fisher once again vaulted ahead of the field, leaving everyone else to battle for second place and beyond.

   Oxee was holding down the runner-up spot but had to contend with fellow Long Islander Kevin Metzger as they put on a spirited clash. Also keeping it close with them where local favorite Geno Steigerwalt of Jim Thorpe and newly crowned Mountain Speedway Rookie of the Year Stone Phillips from Berwick. 

   As that quartet ran under a blanket, Fisher was continuing to pull further away and by lap 50 was nearly a half track ahead.

   The caution was out on the 57th circuit when Oxee spun in turn four. It was under the yellow that Fisher opted to dive into the pits and change his right rear tire.

   “I saw R.J Oxee spinout and I knew it was because of his tires. At that point I kind of figured we needed to pit and beat them guys back to the front because I didn’t know just how much they had of if they were holding back or not,” said Fisher.

   When the race resumed Phillips was the new leader with Steigerwalt second. Fisher came back out in third.

   After one lap under green Fisher breezed by Steigerwalt and the next time around he did the same to Phillips.

   “I was just focusing forward. I needed to get back to the front and it just so happened that once we did I was able to pull away,” said Fisher.

   It was then easy sailing the rest of the way as he was untouchable on his way to elusive victory.

   “We had a real good car and it feels great to win this one for the first time. It was a pleasure to drive this car. It never got out of shape and it stayed underneath me the entire race,” said Fisher.

   “This is cool to finally win this big one. It was one of the only races my dad or I’ve never won here. We’ve both won the King of the Mountain and a bunch of regular features.”

   Oxee, Kevin Metzger, Phillips and Steigerwalt completed the top five.

   “The car was good most of the race but it went away towards the end. Finishing second to (Travis) Fisher, I’ll take it. This is his home track and I come here once a year if I’m lucky. We had nothing for him, he was in another zip code out there and they really have their act together,” said Oxee.

   In the 50-lap Street Stock main newly crowned track champion Chip Wanamaker of Palmerton earned the win after a hard fought battle with runner-up Jeremy McDermott of Riverhead, NY and area standout Steve Shultz from Drums.

   The Legends car 30-lap feature was won by Long Island’s Kyle Ellwood.



Oct 17 2012
Champions abound for Mahoning Valley Speedway Octoberfast 2012
by Dino Oberto
   (LEHIGHTON, PA 10-16-12) Mahoning Valley Speedway’s upcoming signature event is appropriately named, “Octoberfast 2012, Fright Night in the Valley.”
  Three huge features that include 130 laps for the Modifieds, 75 laps for the Late Models and 100 laps with the Street Stocks all sharing in a nearly $50,000 purse, which is the richest one day paying  show in track history.
  And as the Saturday, October 27 race date nears it is starting to take on the feel of a night of champions as close to 30 different track/touring series drivers will be in attendance.
  Mahoning Valley leads the way with newly crowned Modified and Late Model kingpin Earl Paules, Jr., along with repeating Street Stock champ TJ Gursky.
  Paules has his sights set on winning the $5000 Modified top prize and then going after the $1500 being offered to the Late Model winner. Meanwhile Gursky will be focused on the $1800-to-win for the Street Stock 100.
  Other past Mahoning divisional title winners that will be in action include the likes of Don Wagner, Nevin George, John Bennett, Bobby Jones, Kevin Rex, Jr., John Markovic, Tyler Haydt, Chip Santee, Tom Flanagan and Troy Bollinger.
  Mike Sweeney, Paul Koehler, Jr., Rick Wallace, Austin Kochenash, Randy Ahner, Jr., Lonnie Behler, Mike Garris, Sr.
  Coming in to face off against the home team is champion winning drivers such Tony and Matt Hirschman, Zane Zeiner, Ryan Preece, Brian DeFebo, Dave Brigati, Jimmy Zacharias, Jim Wismer, Jr., Travis Fisher and Chip Wanamaker.
  And, those are just drivers with title winning credentials. The list of entries continues to grow assuring fans a star-studded field in all three classes.
  It clearly makes the Octoberfast 2012 at Mahoning Valley Speedway a must see. The paved quarter mile oval offers unquestionably some of the best side-by-side racing in short track, and the October 27 season curtain call will be day-long memory making event through that style of intense competition.
  The Octoberfast 2012 will be held on Saturday, October 27 starting at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 28 at 2:00 p.m. will be the rain date.
  General grandstand admission is $25. Kids 10 years old and younger are free. Pit gates will open at 10:00 a.m. and grandstands at 12:30. During intermission all kids will be allowed into the pits to Trick-or-Treat.
  The Modified entry fee is $50. Street Stock and Late Model entry fee is $25. Pits will be $40.
  Additional news can be found on the track’s website at www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com  or follow all the happenings on Mahoning’s FACEBOOK page.
  Mahoning Valley Speedway is located on PA route 443, two miles west of Lehighton. Race days call 570-386-4900 for latest info on events, starting times and weather.

COMING EVENTS:
Oct. 27@3:00 p.m. 130 laps, $5k to win Modifieds, 75 laps, $1500 to win Late Models, 100 laps, $1800 to win Street Stocks


Oct 15 2012
Mahoning Valley Speedway sets ground rules for Octoberfast 2012 event
by Dino Oberto
(LEHIGHTON, PA 10-14-12) As the “Octoberfast 2012, Fright Night in the Valley,” is quickly approaching, officials at Mahoning Valley Speedway are looking to make the rules simplified as possible in order to best accommodate the expected high entries heading to the Lehighton paved quarter mile oval for the Saturday, October 27 extravaganza.

All cars must comply with safety standards. All race teams must run Mahoning Valley Speedway track tires. Regular home track/touring series rules will be allowed. Ride heights for each class are waved for this race only. No radios or mirrors allowed. All cars must have scanners.

Also, Modified teams will be allotted five tires and they must pit before lap 80 if they wish to make a tire change.

With the richest purse in track history up for grabs, the Octoberfast 2012, Fright Night in the Valley is a must see event.

The Modifieds will race a 130 lap feature, the longest distance ever contested for the headline division.

The winner will earn $5000 with the runner-up collecting $3000. Taking the green will be worth $300.

Plus there will be a $1000 to win B-main if 35 or more cars are pit side. It’s $100 to take the green for that race which basically guarantees every Modified driver a chance to earn money. 

The Late Model feature will circle the track for 75 laps and pay $1500 to win. The Street Stockers will be racing in a 100-lapper and award $1800 for first place.  Both those events pay $200 to start.

The Octoberfast 2012 will be run on Saturday, October 27 starting at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 28 at 2:00 p.m. will be the rain date.

General grandstand admission is $25. Kids 10 years old and younger are free. Pit gates will open at 10:00 a.m. and grandstands at 12:30.

During intermission all kids will be allowed into the pits to Trick-or-Treat.

The Modified entry fee is $50. Street Stock and Late Model entry fee is $25. Pits will be $40.

Additional news can be found on the track’s website at www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com  or follow all the happenings on Mahoning’s FACEBOOK page.

Mahoning Valley Speedway is located on PA route 443, two miles west of Lehighton. Race days call 570-386-4900 for latest info on events, starting times and weather.

COMING EVENTS:
Oct. 27@3:00 p.m. 130 laps, $5k to win Modifieds, 75 laps, $1500 to win Late Models, 100 laps, $1800 to win Street Stocks



Oct 13 2012
Anticipation begins to mount with return of IndyCars to Pocono Raceway
By Dino Oberto … “Keeping Track”
  When the first shovel of dirt was taken on the complete repave project at Pocono Raceway back in September of last year, it wasn’t soon after talk of the Indy Cars returning to the track began to swirl.
  Prior to the repave that question had always surfaced in talks with the late raceway founder Dr. Joe Mattioli and the same inquiry was presented to current track President Brandon Igdalsky, Mattioli’s grandson.
 On October 1, it became official when the announcement that the IndyCar Series would be making a long awaited return to the Tricky Triangle in 2013. Most insiders had been expecting and it. Fans were anticipating it. 
  “In 1971 my grandfather and grandmother brought Indy Car racing here with the help of the Hulman family and all the great folks out in Indianapolis. Today it is with great pleasure and tremendous honor that we officially welcome back the IZOD IndyCar Series to Pocono Raceway and the Tricky Triangle,” said Igdalsky during the press conference held at the track.
  “As we always say at Pocono, we have the best fans in all of motorsports without a doubt and this is because of them. They made it perfectly loud and clear that they wanted IndyCar back here. They let myself know, they let Randy (Bernard, IndyCar CEO) know and definitely the drivers know that they wanted this to be back here and we’re truly honored to help them out and give the fans what they want.”
  The Pocono IndyCar 400 will be held on July 7, 2013. The race will be run for the next three years. Tickets have already been selling at a steady pace.
  Pocono Raceway may best be known for two annual 500 mile NASCAR races but its originally built purpose was for Indy Cars. Each of the track’s turns is designed after three different IndyCar tracks: Turn 1 was modeled after defunct Trenton Speedway, turn 2 is like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and turn 3 is like the Milwaukee Mile.
  “This is something that as a driver I enjoy this particular track because of its unique layout, it resembles nothing else,” said Mario Andretti, the 1986 Pocono Indy 500 winner and a resident of nearby Nazareth.
  “Each corner is totally different so the challenges are there. As a driver I always looked forward to challenges. Here you get thrown three different situations. The setup of the car is a compromise.
  “I think the reason you have three different radius corners is because they may have had three different contractors build this thing. I remember seeing the original plans and the final layout was nothing like the original plans. But it turned out to be as good as could expect.”
  The 2.5-mile triangular racetrack hosted 200-lap battles between from 1971 and 1989 under first USAC and then CART sanction. Mark Donohue won the inaugural event from the pole. Danny Sullivan won the final race by four-tenths of a second over Penske Racing teammate Rick Mears and averaged 170.720 mph.  Emerson Fittipaldi set a track qualifying record of 211.715 mph (42.51 seconds) in the finale.
  The addition of the Pocono INDYCAR 400, combined with 500-mile events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Auto Club Speedway, creates a version of the IndyCar Triple Crown. From 1971-80, the three tracks involved were Indy, Pocono and Ontario (Calif.). When Ontario closed in 1980, it was replaced by Michigan and the Triple Crown lasted until 1989. A driver who wins at all three ovals in 2013 will be awarded a $1 million bonus.
  Team owner/driver Ed Carpenter was on hand during the press conference. He won the season finale, a 500 miler at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA. 
  “I’m very excited being here and getting to know the Mattioli family. I think it will be an event that is going to grow again and it’s great to see another historical event come back like this,” said Carpenter, who is the stepson of Indy Racing League founder Tony George.
  “Milwaukee made a resurgence last year and with Pocono, these are the kind of races we need on the IndyCar schedule.
  “I think it will be a great race. If you watched Indianpolis this past May it was the most exciting 500 that I’ve ever taken part in and you heard a lot of that from people who watched the race as well,” he continued.
  “I feel you will get that same level of racing excitement here at Pocono. There are a lot of similarities with the long straights and you’ll see a lot of passing. It’s going to be fun to be a driver in this one.”
  The last time IndyCar ran at Pocono, Carpenter was eight years old and had just started racing quarter midgets. For him, along with all others, this will be a new experience.
  “I’d be lying if I said I watched those races back then but I know the history here and the history of the Triple Crown. I watched a lot of NASCAR races here and played this track in video games so I’m really excited that it’s on the schedule.
  “With this new (aero) package we have there is a large draft that we produce. We punch a pretty big hole in the air and that creates a big tow behind you and creates a lot of passing so it’s good for the fans.
  “I would expect to see the (track) record broken for sure. I would think we will be above 215 (mph) if not faster.”
  For many longtime fans of Pocono, there was the never-say-never attitude about IndyCars coming back to Long Pond. Come July of next year, 24 years of waiting and hoping will finally come to a joyous end.
  “I think it will be awesome,” said Andretti. “For years I’ve said that we’ve got to get back to Pocono. We never gave up hope and this is like coming full circle and here we are. This race was always very important to us because it was the Indy of the East.”



Oct 11 2012
NASCAR Modified star Ryan Preece At Mahoning Valley Speedway for Octoberfast 2012
    by Dino Oberto
LEHIGHTON, PA  As the hype continues to grow for the “Octoberfast 2012, Fright Night in the Valley” at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway, so too does the entry list and the latest driver to file is current NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (NWMT) standout Ryan Preece of Berlin, Conn.
  And the 22-year old may very well be heading to Mahoning Valley on October 27 as the 2012 NWMT champion as he sits second in points, just 17 behind Doug Colby going into the season finale this coming Sunday at the CARQUEST Fall Final at Stafford Motor Speedway.
  Mahoning Valley holds a special place in Preece’s career. The quarter mile paved oval is the track where he got his first start in a Modified stock car which came during the 2005 season. In 2004 Preece won a TQ Midget race here.
  “I’m pretty excited to tell the truth. I haven’t been there in a long time. I’m definitely excited, especially since Mahoning is the first place that I got into a Modified,” said Preece.
  “Every track is unique and I remember Mahoning being just that. It’s kind of like running Daytona every single lap, you are always double file.”
  Preece has been offered to drive Shawn Sitarchyk’s No. 08 car. A Mahoning veteran, Sitarchyk just completed his first season in the Modifieds and earned one feature win while finishing in the top ten in points.
  “I’m fortunate enough to be driving a car that someone runs there all the time so I don’t have to worry so much about my set up,” said Preece.  
  He will be a teammate to three-time Modified track champion John Bennett, Mahoning’s all-time career wins leader with 59 victories including 28 with the Modifieds.
  “I’m excited to get back there and to drive for that team. I have to thank Shawn (Sitarchyk) for letting me race his car. I know he’s had some good results this year and we’ll see how the race goes. The biggest thing is you just have to have patience.”
  Short track pavement drivers from near and far are expecting to converge on the Lehighton bullring for the rich paying show. It is $5000-to-win the 130 lap Modified feature, $1500-to-win the 75-lap Late Model main and $1800-to-win in the Street Stock 100 lapper.
  “There are a lot of people that have been hearing about that race up here. I would hope that a lot of RoC teams will show up and I know there will be a lot of guys from all around the Northeast that come out for this race. It’s a big one for Mahoning Valley and a big race for Modified racing in general for sure,” said Preece.
  The Octoberfast 2012 will be run on Saturday, October 27 starting at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 27, will be the rain date.
  Additional news can be found on the track’s website at www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com  or follow all the happenings on Mahoning’s FACEBOOK page.
  Mahoning Valley Speedway is located on PA route 443, two miles west of Lehighton. Race days call 570-386-4900 for latest info on events, starting times and weather.
  COMING EVENTS: NASCAR Modified star Ryan Preece returning to Mahoning Valley Speedway for Octoberfast 2012
 Oct. 27@3:00 p.m. 130 laps, $5k to win Modifieds, 75 laps, $1500 to win Late Models, 100 laps, $1800 to win Street Stocks


Oct 10 2012
NASCAR Modified star Ryan Preece At Mahoning Valley Speedway for Octoberfast 2012
by Dino Oberto
LEHIGHTON, PA  As the hype continues to grow for the “Octoberfast 2012, Fright Night in the Valley” at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway, so too does the entry list and the latest driver to file is current NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (NWMT) standout Ryan Preece of Berlin, Conn.

And the 22-year old may very well be heading to Mahoning Valley on October 27 as the 2012 NWMT champion as he sits second in points, just 17 behind Doug Colby going into the season finale this coming Sunday at the CARQUEST Fall Final at Stafford Motor Speedway.

Mahoning Valley holds a special place in Preece’s career. The quarter mile paved oval is the track where he got his first start in a Modified stock car which came during the 2005 season. In 2004 Preece won a TQ Midget race here.

“I’m pretty excited to tell the truth. I haven’t been there in a long time. I’m definitely excited, especially since Mahoning is the first place that I got into a Modified,” said Preece.

“Every track is unique and I remember Mahoning being just that. It’s kind of like running Daytona every single lap, you are always double file.”

Preece has been offered to drive Shawn Sitarchyk’s No. 08 car. A Mahoning veteran, Sitarchyk just completed his first season in the Modifieds and earned one feature win while finishing in the top ten in points.

“I’m fortunate enough to be driving a car that someone runs there all the time so I don’t have to worry so much about my set up,” said Preece. 

He will be a teammate to three-time Modified track champion John Bennett, Mahoning’s all-time career wins leader with 59 victories including 28 with the Modifieds.

“I’m excited to get back there and to drive for that team. I have to thank Shawn (Sitarchyk) for letting me race his car. I know he’s had some good results this year and we’ll see how the race goes. The biggest thing is you just have to have patience.”

Short track pavement drivers from near and far are expecting to converge on the Lehighton bullring for the rich paying show. It is $5000-to-win the 130 lap Modified feature, $1500-to-win the 75-lap Late Model main and $1800-to-win in the Street Stock 100 lapper.

“There are a lot of people that have been hearing about that race up here. I would hope that a lot of RoC teams will show up and I know there will be a lot of guys from all around the Northeast that come out for this race. It’s a big one for Mahoning Valley and a big race for Modified racing in general for sure,” said Preece.

The Octoberfast 2012 will be run on Saturday, October 27 starting at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 27, will be the rain date.

Additional news can be found on the track’s website at www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com  or follow all the happenings on Mahoning’s FACEBOOK page.

Mahoning Valley Speedway is located on PA route 443, two miles west of Lehighton. Race days call 570-386-4900 for latest info on events, starting times and weather.

COMING EVENTS: NASCAR Modified star Ryan Preece returning to Mahoning Valley Speedway for Octoberfast 2012
 Oct. 27@3:00 p.m. 130 laps, $5k to win Modifieds, 75 laps, $1500 to win Late Models, 100 laps, $1800 to win Street Stocks



Oct 8 2012
 Beers and Hirschman start and finish 1st & 2nd in Mahoning Valley 100
 Earl Paules is track champion
  By Dino Oberto

 (LEHIGHTON, PA 10-06-12) Eric Beers and Matt Hirschman, neighbors from Mud Lane in Northampton, don’t race regularly at Mahoning Valley Speedway but make no mistake that when they do you’ll usually see them vying for the win, especially when it comes to a 100 lap feature.

 After they drew the front row, Beers was then able to lead every lap and held off Hirschman for the $3000 victory. It was the sixth time that Beers has won a Mahoning race of that distance, equaling the mark with Hirschman for most at the paved quarter mile oval.

 And, while that race unfolded, third place finisher Earl Paules clinched the division championship which complimented his Late Model crown from two weeks earlier.

 Zane Zeiner was fourth and in the process picked up an additional $2000 from the $6000 purse as the overall winner of the Mahoning Modified Madness Series. Rookie Scott Meckes completed the top five.

 26 Modifieds time trialed which locked the top 12 into the starting grid. Don Wagner turned the fastest lap at 9.798-seconds, a mere .001-second over Beers.

 Beers, driving the Horwith Trucking No. 45, got a quick jump on Hirschman when the race commenced. Paules also snookered Hirschman and grabbed second spot. Throughout the first half of the contest the front duo waged a solid battle with many of the laps run in near two-wide formation. Numerous attempts by Paules to move into the lead where thwarted by Beers.

 “Earl (Paules) is the master here. Had he started pole and me second I would most likely not have won this race,” admitted Beers.

 Hirschman never was a factor during the first half and had fallen back to seventh at one point. It wasn’t until the final 32 laps that he reemerged as a contender. After a restart on lap 65, he displaced strong running Meckes for third and then aimed his attention on Paules. It would take him the better part of the next 20 laps to do so. Once he did his motivation was now Beers.

 At that point there was only six laps left and he did all he could to race into the lead, however, with Beers’ car sticking perfectly to the inside, the former track champ was able to hold his line and score the big win, his first of any kind this season.

 “With the dampness the track didn’t have a whole lot of grip tonight and without having a mirror or a radio which we have on the (NASCAR) Tour all the time, you don’t know how close anyone is to you so you’re always going as hard as you can,” said Beers who now has 28 career Modified wins at Mahoning Valley.

 “I knew he (Hirschman) was right on me and he and everyone else ran a clean race. This is home to me and I’m glad to be here.”

 Beers, Hirschman and several other “outsiders” used the race as a tune-up for the upcoming October 27 $5000-to-win season finale, 130 lap event.

 “This gives us a lot of confidence coming into that race,” offered Beers. “We have a little bit of work to do to get the car better for that one. It’s going to be huge here that day and you can expect a lot of hot shoes from around the Northeast.”

 DJ Wagner and Brian DeFebo were b-main winners.

 Althouse of Lehighton led flag-to-flag in the Late Model main. He zipped past pole sitter Geno Steigerwalt at the start and then remained flawless the rest for the way in a race that went caution free. It was the second win of the season for Althouse.

 Paul Effrig, a rookie, got his second runner-up in the last three races. Third went o Paul Koehler, Jr. George Ramos and Althouse copped heat wins.

 The Street Stock feature was much anticipated as the top six in points all had a shot at winning the class title.

 “The Real Deal” Kyle Strohl of Lehighton, at just 13-years old, won the race, his fourth of the year, concluding his rookie season as the top feature winner in the division. Strohl led every lap and likewise in each of his three previous wins. Jillian Long made a valiant effort on pass Strohl and was a very close second.

 In the championship chase TJ Gursky’s fourth place finish was the factor in retaining the crown for a second straight season. He edged out Josh Mooney, who was one spot back in the running order by just two points.

 Street Stock heat winners were Zach Graver, Gursky and Jonathan Tracy. Jason Kuhn annexed the consolation.

  Easton’s Ricky Yetter drove to his second Dirt Mod win that was closely contested with Aleia Geisler. And, with his conservatively run sixth place tally, Kris Graver repeated at division titlist.

  Jake Kibler of Lansford had a slim chance at winning the 4-Cylinder Stock title and he did what was most necessary to support his effort by winning the race which was his third of the season.

  But, it was Jeremy Miller who emerged as the champ, taking his first track championship after 15 years of racing.

  Dan Freundt of Lehighton was the front-wheel drive bonus winner and has been named the champion. Miller and Freundt won the prelims.

            Modified Feature Finish, 35 Laps: 1. Eric Beers, 2. Matt Hirschman, 3. Earl Paules, 4. Zane Zeiner, 5. Scott Meckes, 6. John Markovic, 7. Nevin George, 8. Ed Brunnhoelzl, 9. Bobby Jones, 10. Brian DeFebo, 11. Tony Hirschman, 12. Don Wagner, 13. Roger Coss, 14. Chip Santee, 15. Shawn Sitarchyk, 16. Lou Strohl, 17. Matt Wentz, 18. Troy Bollinger, 19. Joe Mooney, 20. Kevin Rex, Jr., 21. Tyler Haydt, 22. Tom Flanagan, 23. DJ Wagner, 24. John Bennett   Did not qualify: Vinnie Biondolillo, Matt Higgins,

 Late Model Feature Finish, 25 Laps: 1. Frankie Althouse, 2. Paul Effrig, 3. Paul Koehler, Jr., 4. Mike Sweeney, 5. Austin Kochenash, 6. Earl Paules, 7. Rick Wallace, 8. Geno Steigerwalt, 9. George Ramos, 10. Chris Kemmerer, 11. Mark Simon   Did not start: Kenny Hein

 Street Stock Feature Finish, 25 Laps: 1. Kyle Strohl, 2. Jillian Long, 3. Lonnie Behler, 4. TJ Gusrky, 5. Josh Mooney, 6. Joe Mooney, 7. Stacey Brown, 8. Gene Bowers, 9. Joe Stamm, 10. Jonathan Tracey, 11. Joe Steigerwalt, 12. Jason Frey, 13. Randy Ahner, Jr., 14. Joe Roberts, 15. Chip Wanamaker, 16. Mike Garris, Sr., 17. Todd Ahner, 18. Jason Kuhn, 19. Zach Graver, 20. Dale Santee, 21. Jason Beers

Did not qualify: Cody Roth, Tim Stein, Guy Ackerman, Mike Nichols, Brian Labar

 Dirt Modified Feature Finish, 20 Laps: 1. Ricky Yetter, 2. Aleia Geisler, 3. Mike Stofflet, 4. Mark Levy, 5. Dave Thomas, 6. Kris Graver, 7. Joe Stangle, 8. Bill Stiller, Jr., 9. Chuck Potts, 10. Jon Parker, 11. Frank Parastino

 4-Cylinder Stock Feature Finish, 20 Laps: 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Nick Baer, 3. Bobby Kibler, Jr., 4. Dan Freundt, 5. Robert Miller, 6. Jeremy Miller, 7. Kyle Strohl, 8. Tyler Stangle  Did not start: Doug Knauss, Arland Moyer, Jr., Ward Crozier, Sr., Tony Scheirer

COMING EVENTS:
 Oct. 27@3:00 p.m. 130 laps, $5k to win Modifieds, 75 laps, $1500 to win Late Models, 100 laps, $1800 to win Street Stocks

Career first win for Mario Oberto in Mahoning Valley Micro Stock run
                         Championship goes to Bob Wagner

By Dino Oberto
 (LEHIGHTON, PA 10-06-12) The Micro Stock Racing Series held their final point race of the season at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway and in a thrilling wire-to-wire run, Hazleton’s Mario Oberto claimed his career first victory.

Coming into the night the point standings were tied between Bob Wagner and Roger Snyder. Wagner, who hails from Rockaway, NJ, finished fifth which was enough to secure the title as Snyder was two spots back at the checkers.

In the 20-lap race Oberto started from the pole and wasted little time in taking to the early lead. Hot on his trail was Wagner.

Drafting is the technique best used by the Micro Stocks when racing at Mahoning and Wagner was doing just that, using Oberto’s rear bumper to carry him around the big quarter mile in what he hoped would be the best route needed to get the championship.

Not only where the front two running in that formation but likewise with most of the pack including Snyder and Wayne Krenn who were in hot pursuit of the leaders.

Tight pack racing is also the norm at this track for these cars and on lap 14 Krenn, while running third, suddenly got nudged and went into a spin on the back straight. Snyder had nowhere to go and was innocently collected in the incident.

On the restart Oberto was still at the helm but Alex Greenzweig got underneath Wagner and took second.

Greenzweig then gave Oberto all he could handle the rest of the way with no daylight between them. Not about to let victory slip away, Oberto kept his car planted firmly on the bottom lane of the track and drove on to the memorable triumph.

He made it a prefect night by also winning his heat race. Bill Darling, who was third, also annexed victory in preliminary action.

 Micro Stock Feature Finish, 20 Laps: 1. Mario Oberto, 2. Alex Greenzweig, 3. Bill Darling, 4. Wayne Krenn, 5. Bob Wagner, 6. Don Wagner, 7. Roger Snyder, 8. John Rakos, 9. Mike Duffy, 10. Tyler Wagner, 11. Robert McGuire, 12. Sean Dengler, 13. Walt Mueller, 14. JP Curry   Did not start: Taylor Santee

COMING EVENTS:
 Oct. 27@3:00 p.m. 130 laps, $5k to win Modifieds, 75 laps, $1500 to win Late Models, 100 laps, $1800 to win Street Stocks

Northampton’s Matt Hirschman has become a master of the always exciting 100-lap races at the paved quarter mile oval, winning six of the last 12 and he’ll be looking to boost his record number of century run wins this Saturday evening, October 6 when the speedway hosts a $3000-to-win feature.

One Hirschman in the field is hard enough to handle but word has come that his legendary father, five-time NASCAR Whelen Modified champion Tony Hirschman, has filed an entry.

This will mark the first time since 1976 that the elder statesman will be racing at Mahoning Valley. Tony Hirschman earned eight wins at the track, all in Late Models.

Tony Hirschman stands as one of the most prolific Modified stock car drivers ever, amassing a remarkable driving record. Aside from his five NASCAR titles he has also won the coveted Modified Race of Champions (RoC) four times. Son Matt won this year’s classic.

Named one of Modified racing’s top-50 all-time greats, Tony has won at race tracks from Maine to Florida, but never in a Modified at close-to-home Mahoning Valley. He’ll be looking to change that come Saturday.

The Hirschman’s will be joined by another Northampton racer, current NASCAR Whelen Tour star Eric Beers, who is a past Mahoning track champion and second to Matt Hirschman in 100-lap wins with five. Beers is also a past RoC winner.

Earl Paules of Palmerton needs to take the green flag in the race and in doing so will become the 2012 track champ. Paules is also no stranger when it comes to 100-lappers as “The Hurricane” has notched four of them.

Other previous Mahoning 100-lap winners that will be in the show include Bobby Jones, who has two wins and is the defending race winner. Also outgoing champ Tyler Haydt along with Chip Santee, Don Wagner, John Bennett, Lou Strohl and Mike Quinn.

There will be yet another of the RoC winners in action too as Zane Zeiner from Bath is still seeking his first Mahoning 100 lap victory.

Zeiner and Wagner each have a shot at winning $5000 this Saturday provided they win the race. The extra cash comes from the Mahoning Modified Madness Series which concludes with the 100-lapper. There is only one point that separates the pair.

Asphalt Modified drivers from near and far are expecting to converge on the Lehighton oval, with most looking to use this race as the tune-up for the season ending the Octoberfast 2012 “Fright Night in the Valley” show on October 27. It is $5000-to-win, 130 Modified feature, $1500-to-win 75-lap Late Model feature and an $1800-to-win Street Stock 100 lapper.

Saturday will be the final point races of the year for the track’s regular classes which include, Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods and 4-Cylinder Stocks. The Micro Stock Racing Series will be racing in their season finale also.

Pit Gates open at 2:00 p.m. Grandstand 4:00 p.m. Practice 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Qualifying starts at 6:00 p.m. General adult admission is $20. $2.00 off admission price for students, seniors 65 + and active Military. Children 10 and under are free. Early practice will take place from 12:30 – 3:30.

Additional news can be found on the track’s website at www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com  or follow all the happenings on Mahoning’s FACEBOOK page.

Mahoning Valley Speedway is located on PA route 443, two miles west of Lehighton. Race days call 570-386-4900 for latest info on events, starting times and weather.

COMING EVENTS:
Oct. 6@6:00 p.m. 100 laps, $3k to win for Modifieds + all regular track classes + Micro Stocks
Oct. 27@3:00 p.m. 130 laps, $5k to win Modifieds, 75 laps, $1500 to win Late Models, 100 laps, $1800 to win Street Stocks



Oct 2 2012
Pocono/INDYCAR make it official; Series to return in 2013

By Dino Oberto … “Keeping Track”
 (LONG POND 10-01-12) INDYCAR and Pocono Raceway made an official announcement on Monday at the track of the return of the series to the Tricky Triangle after a 24-year absence.

            The Pocono INDYACAR 400 will take place on July 7, 2013.

  When the track got a complete repave earlier this season talk immediately arose about INDYCAR coming back to Pocono which ran its first race here in July 1971 and had last run in August, 1989.   “It’s all very exciting and we don’t have to keep it a secret anymore. The fans have made so much noise about it since we put the first shovel in the ground last year and it was bound to happen eventually,” said Pocono CEO Brandon Igdalsky.

 “It’s huge to have them (INDYCAR) back. In this area it’s not just NASCAR fans or INDYACAR fans, it’s an abundance of all kinds of race fans. You give then a good show on a major league level and they’re going to come out to see it and we’re bringing that to them.”
 In March of this year Igdalsky met with INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard           during the season opening race at St. Petersburg which then got the wheels in motion.

 “We realized that the fans really wanted this and my hat is off to Brandon and his team for putting this together so quickly. We started talking in March and now here we are making the announcement,” said Bernard.

 “Our drivers love to showcase their skills and I think the fact that this oval is so unique it will give them a chance to really do that.

 “What we saw at Indy and Fontana and Texas this year, there was some fantastic oval racing this year. The aerodynamic package we currently have on this car has allowed us to take the down force off it and make a real tough car to drive and that will only compliment how we set the car up here.”

 The race had been planned to go a distance of 500 miles which was all the previous events had been but television constraints with ABC, which will air the race, felt the 400 mile amount would be more conducive to the broadcast.

 No official support races during the weekend were revealed but there was mention that the Indy Lights would most likely accompany the event which will be a three day affair.
 It was also announced that with the return of the INDYCAR Series to Pocono so too will be the Triple Crown which will consist of the Indy 500 and Fontana 500. Any driver who can will all three races will win a one million dollar bonus.
 “I think it will be phenomenal especially with the million dollars on the line and there are some other things that we are working on that will really help to increase the excitement for that weekend,” said Igdalsky.

 World driving great Mario Andretti was also on hand. He won here in 1986 and has had a long and close relationship with Pocono’s Mattioli family.

 “I think it will be awesome. One thing we have seen this season with these cars and the aero package they have, at every single venue every race was very competitive and a track like this is going to be perfect for these cars,” said Andretti.

 “For years I’ve said that we’ve got to get back to Pocono. We never gave up hope and this is like coming full circle and here we are. This race was always very important to us because it was the Indy of the East.”

 Emerson Fittipaldi holds the track record at 211.715 mph. With the new surface Andretti sees speeds hitting as much as 220 mph.

 Although NASCAR has been the main draw for many years now, the track was originally built for INDYCAR and has played host to some of the most renowned drivers. 

 “When you look at who has won this race like Rick Mears, AJ Foyt, Mario (Andretti), Danny Sullivan and Al Unser and with the Triple Crown and all the history here, it was a no brainer to do this,”said Bernard.

Final point races this Saturday at Mahoning Valley; 100-laps, 3K to win for Modifieds 
 by Dino Oberto
(LEHIGHTON, PA 10-01-12) This coming Saturday night, October 6, Mahoning Valley Speedway will stage their final point race of the season. All five regular tracks classes plus the Micro Stock Racing Series will be in action at the Lehighton paved quarter mile oval.

Race time is set for 6:00 p.m.

The Modifieds will be running a 100-lap, $3000-to-win main while all other classes will contest in regular feature.

While the Late Model title has been won by Palmerton’s Earl Paules, all four reaming divisions have yet to be decided.

Paules will be attempting to become the first driver to win multiple Mahoning championships in the same season as he is in position to claim the top spot in the Modifieds. Only Don Wagner has a chance to knock him off the top rung but with a safe enough lead heading into Saturday’s event Paules needs to just make certain he qualifies for the race. The rest will be up to him.

Zane Zeiner and Wagner have a shot at winning $5000 this Saturday provided they win the race. They will be looking to pocket an additional $2000 from the Mahoning Modified Madness Series which concludes with the 100-lapper. There is only one point that separates the pair.

The Street Stocks have the best battle going with the top six in points all in contention. Seasoned veteran Todd Ahner is seeking his very first track title of any kind. He holds a six point lead over Josh Mooney while TJ Gursky is just ten points from the lead. Joe Steigerwalt, Jason Kuhn and Jason Frey are in the ring as well.

For Kris Graver, all he needs to do is start the feature to assure him a second Dirt Modified title.

In the 4-Cylinder Stocks Jeremy Miller will attempt to earn his first championship and at the same time look to become the all-time division winner if he can secure a victory.

Bob Wagner and Roger Snyder are tied for the Micro Stock lead and their showdown should be a real barnburner.

  With most area pavement tracks down for the season, Mahoning is expecting a great turnout in all classes.

It was recently learned that multi-time NASCAR Whelan Modified Tour champ Tony Hirschman will be racing at this coming Saturday night. Likewise his son, Matt Hirschman, who has become the master of the Mahoning special shows. NASCAR star and former track champ Eric Beers is also set to race as well as Wall Stadium champion Anthony Sesely.

  Many drivers are also looking to use this week’s event as a tune-up for the Octoberfast 2012 “Fright Night in the Valley” show on October 27. It is $5000-to-win, 130 Modified feature, $1500-to-win 75-lap Late Model feature and an $1800-to-win Street Stock 100 lapper.

Pit Gates open at 2:00 p.m. Grandstand 4:00 p.m. Practice 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Qualifying starts at 6:00 p.m. General adult admission is $20. $2.00 off admission price for students, seniors 65 + and active Military. Children 10 and under are free.

Additional news can be found on the track’s website at www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com  or follow all the happenings on Mahoning’s FACEBOOK page.

Mahoning Valley Speedway is located on PA route 443, two miles west of Lehighton. Race days call 570-386-4900 for latest info on events, starting times and weather.

COMING EVENTS:
 Oct. 6@6:00 p.m. 100 laps, $3k to win for Modifieds + all regular track classes + Micro Stocks
 Oct. 27@3:00 p.m. 130 laps, $5k to win Modifieds, 75 laps, $1500 to win Late Models, 100 laps, $1800 to win Street Stocks

Oct 1 2012
Matt Roselli sets new Mahoning track record en route to TQ win; Ryan Tidman repeats as club champ

By DINO OBERTO
   (LEHIGHTON, PA, 9-29-12) Matt Roselli of Brodheadsville became the fastest driver to ever turn a lap at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway when during the 25 lap American Three Quarter Midget Racing Association (ATQMRA) feature event he scorched around the paved quarter mile oval in an eye blinking time of 8.825-seconds at 101.983 mph. The record lap occurred early on in the contest.

“I love this place. We came here to set the track record and we conquered,” said Roselli, who drives for his car owner and dad, Mike Roselli, Sr.

“Tonight was the best the car had felt all year long. I owe it all to my brother (Mike, Jr.), my dad, and PJ MacDonald who helps with the motors, Gary Mondschein of Dimension Design who does our component parts and Danny Drinan with his great setups.”

And, while Roselli was enjoying the laurels of victory, Ryan Tidman too was relishing in the spotlight as he earned his second straight ATQMRA championship.

For the start of the main AJ Fuge and Roselli had the front row and with the drop of starter Roger Snyder’s race commencing green, Roselli blasted into the lead and was quickly followed by fourth place starting Tidman.

Tidman went right to it with Roselli as they dueled side-by-side over the early laps.

On lap three the race was briefly halted when Chad Jones made contact with another car and he slide on his side in turn one. Jones was unscathed.

When the action resumed Roselli again got a jump only this time he was not letting Tidman or anyone else get in his path. The No. 98 began pulling away from there on, eventually winning by a very comfortable 2.415-secon margin of victory over Tidman.

“Anytime you start next to (Ryan) Tidman you have to worry about it. If you can beat him you know you’re beating one of the best,” said Roselli.

Frank Fischer finished a strong third with Buddy Sload and Rob Vivona rounding out the front five. Sload and Tidman annexed heat wins.

Roselli was off and running right at the start of the night when during his heat he was cruising with under nine second laps. However, he dropped out of his qualifier when a problem arose in the rear end with the quick change gears. A changeover of the parts between the heat and feature corrected the issue and the ensuing result paid off.

“Congratulations to Matt (Roselli). He’s awesome here and it’s usually between him and me when we come here,” said Tidman.

“I can’t thank enough my whole crew and also to everyone in the stands who come out to support us. It’s a great honor to get a another championship. To be associated with (car owners) Lenny and Donna Boyd, I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else. They give me the best equipment.”

The 56th season of the ATQMRA now heads to Wall Stadium Speedway in New Jersey for their final two events. Saturday, October 20 and Saturday, November 24 for Turkey Derby. 

 TQ Midget Feature Finish, 20 Laps:
 1. Matt Roselli, 2. Ryan Tidman, 3. Frank Fischer, 4. Buddy Sload, 5. Rob Vivona, 6. Austin Fehr, 7. AJ Fuge, 8. Steve Craig, 9. Matt Janisch, 10. Mike Tidaback, 11. Chad Jones Did not start: Eddie Strada

COMING EVENTS:
Sat. Oct., 20@ Wall Stadium Speedway
Sat. Nov. 24@ Wall Stadium Speedway

(LEHIGHTON, PA 9-29-12) A week ago at Mahoning Valley Speedway, Lafayette, NJ’s With mom and dad in attendance,Roger Coss led for the better portion of the Modified feature before yielding the lead to eventual winner Nevin George. He then settled for a runner-up finish.

 Coss noted that although he didn’t win, it was okay because his parents, Roger and Susan Coss, Sr., were not on hand to witness the feat. With both present for this week’s action he did them proud by going on to claim his first Mahoning win.

 To get the victory Coss had to deal with a pair of track veterans. He ran a number of side-by-side laps with pole sitter Chip Santee before working around him on lap 18. After taking the lead, Earl Paules worked into second and was hot on Coss’ tail.

  Paules did take the lead for one tour after a restart on lap 22 but the determined Coss answered right back on the 23rd trip around the quarter mile. It was then a nip-and-tuck battle the remainder of the way with Coss holding on for the popular verdict.

“That was probably the hardest I’ve ever driven. Earl (Paules) is so clean and he could have chopped me or rode me up the track but he’s a class act driver. I’ve been trying to get one all year and I’m glad my parents made it out tonight, this one was for them,” said the 23-year Coss.
“I just held my ground and tried to do the best I could. He got me on the one restart and I picked

him off on the next lap. I held the bottom much better this week than last.

Paules drove a very good race while tracking Coss to the finish. He came into the night tops in the standings and with one point race to go he put himself in a solid position to earn the championship over Don Wagner.
“I give a lot of credit to Roger (Coss). He ran a great race and ran me clean the whole time. He deserved the win. Our goal right now is to win this title and tonight we may not have gotten the victory but we came out with enough points to help our cause for the bigger picture,” said Paules, who needs to just take the green in order to clinch.

Kevin Rex, Jr., Scott Meckes and Wagner completed the top five. Rex, John Markovic and Paules won heats. George was the consi winner.

“I feel this is one of the most competitive tracks in the region. What other track runs a consi

almost every night and you’re always racing in traffic,” added Coss.

When Paules won the Late Model feature a week earlier, any chance of Mike Sweeney continuing to challenge for the class title fell by the wayside. The only thing he could do now was to simply let it all on the line and go for a win. Done.

Sweeney, who hails from Nesquehoning, took the lead at the outset. He was then enveloped in a torrid battle with Paules, Paul Koehler, Jr., and Austin Kochenash as all four ran two-wide over the first half of the 25-lap race.

Paules even squeaked into the lead for a lap but while still running door-to-door Sweeney returned to the front immediately thereafter. Kochenash became the prime opponent over the final ten circuits but Sweeney stayed steady and focused on his way to collecting win number four.

 Late Model heats went to Paules and George Ramos.  

It took Joe Roberts of Danielsville just five minutes and eight seconds to win his career first feature race, which occurred in the caution free Street Stock main.

And although Roberts led every lap, there was endless pressure the entire distance, specifically from Jonathan Tracey who equaled his best effort to date with second place. Jason Frey was third, Todd Ahner next and Josh Mooney completing the top five.

Roberts also earned a heat win as did Tracey and Mooney. Gene bowers took the consi.

Going into next Saturday’s finale, Ahner has taken over the point lead by six over Mooney with three others also within striking distance.

Kris Graver of Lehighton made a  huge statement towards a second Dirt Mod title by winning for an eighth time.

Graver had to work his tail off before taking the lead from Ricky Yetter who raced him mean yet clean. With four laps to Yetter gave in after burning up his right rear tire which sent him to the sidelines. From there on it was smooth sailing for Graver who also set a new division speed mark at 10.300-seconds. Mark Levy edged Mike Stofflet for second.

Nick Baer of New Tripoli led all the way in the 4-Cylinder Stocks and picked up his third win of the season. The rookie was flawless with each lap turned as he held off Doug Knauss and Jake Kibler.

For the eleventh time this season Dan Freundt of Lehighton was the highest front wheel drive finisher and gained the $50 bonus.

 Tyler Stangle and Bobby Kibler, Jr., scored heat wins.

 Modified Feature Finish, 35 Laps: 1. Roger Coss, 2. Earl Paules, 3. Kevin Rex, Jr., 4. Scott Meckes, 5. Don Wagner, 6. John Markovic, 7. Chip Santee, 8. John Bennett, 9. Bobby Jones, 10. Lou Strohl, 11. Shawn Sitarchyk, 12. Nevin George 13. Rick Reichenbach, 14. Joe Mooney, 15. Ed Brunnhoelzl, 16. Matt Wentz, 17. Terry Markovic, 18. Matt Higgins, 19. DJ Wagner, 20. Tom Flanagan

Did not qualify: Keith Mullineaux

 Late Model Feature Finish, 25 Laps: 1. Mike Sweeney, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Earl Paules, 4. Paul Koehler, Jr., 5. Paul Effrig, 6. Rick Wallace, 7. Frankie Althouse, 8. George Ramos, 9. Ken Hein, 10. Geno Steigerwalt, 11. Mark Simon, 12. Jennifer Kutz

 Street Stock Feature Finish, 25 Laps: 1. Joe Roberts, 2. Jonathan Tracey, 3. Jason Frey, 4. Todd Ahner, 5. Josh Mooney, 6. Joe Steigerwalt, 7. Randy Ahner, Jr., 8. Joe Mooney, 9. Steve Hoffman,

10. Gene Bowers, 11. Chip Wanamaker, 12. Jason Kuhn, 13. Mike Garris, Sr., 14. TJ Gursky, 15. Kyle Strohl, 16. Brian Labar, 17. Lonnie Behler, 18. Joe Stamm, 19. Jillian Long, 20. Jason Beers

Did not qualify: Cody Roth, Tiffany Wambold, Tim Stein, Guy Ackerman, Jeff Delong, Stacey Brown, Zach Graver

 Dirt Modified Feature Finish, 20 Laps: 1. Kris Graver, 2. Mark Levy, 3. Mike Stofflet, 4. Joe Stangle, 5. Chuck Potts, 6. Bill Stiller, Jr., 7. Ricky Yetter, 8. Aleia Geisler

 4-Cylinder Stock Feature Finish, 20 Laps: 1. Nick Baer, 2. Doug Knauss, 3. Jake Kibler, 4. Jeremy Miller, 5. Tyler Stangle, 6. Dan Freundt, 7. Kyle Strohl, 8. Ward Crozier, Sr., 9. Tony Scheirer, 10. Bobby Kibler, Jr., 11. Taya Wentz

COMING EVENTS:
 Oct. 6@6:00 p.m. 100 laps, $3k to win for Modifieds + all regular track classes + Micro Stocks
 Oct. 27@3:00 p.m. 130 laps, $5k to win Modifieds, 75 laps, $1500 to win Late Models, 100 laps, $1800 to win Street Stock



Sept 28 2012
Big weekend on tap for Modifieds at Mahoning/Mountain Speedways

By Dino Oberto …. “Keeping Track”
 The regional racing season is fast winding down and at eastern Pennsylvania’s two paved short ovals, Mountain Speedway in St. Johns and Mahoning Valley Speedway in Lehighton, the final point races will be taking place the weekend of October 6-7.

 While both tracks will have their respective support classes in action, it’s the Modifieds that will be turning in the most laps and vying for the most cash. Within a 24-hour period one Modified driver can earn over $8000 provided he/she can win each night.

 Only a very small handful of racers have won at each track over the same weekend and when it comes to the Modifieds, the number narrows to just two. Multi-time Mountain champ Brian DeFebo and Bobby Jones are that pair. Jones’ feat happened earlier this year.

 Mahoning Valley starts off the Modified money train on Saturday evening with a 100-lap, $3000-to-win feature. Jones is the defending winner of the race.

 Sunday at Mountain the 13th Annual King of the Mountain (KOTM), the track’s marquee event will be the highlight. Promoter Joe Callavini will once again pay $5000 to the winner of the 150-lap feature. Northampton’s Matt Hirschman is the reigning KOTM.

 Looking beyond the money and prestige, there is also the matter of respective track championships on the line.

 Earl Paules just won the Mahoning Late Model title and is now aiming at track history. He leads the Modified standings and looks to become the first driver to win duel titles in the same season. Don Wagner is hot on his heels heading into Saturday’s showdown.

 Over at Mountain, New York’s Nick Pecko is holding off Todd Baer and Dave Brigati in the quest for the top spot in the final point tally.

 Zane Zeiner, considered one of the best when it comes to the big money races, stands to have a career weekend. If he can sweep, which is very possible for him, it could add up to a $10,000 payoff.

 That’s because Saturday night in Lehighton, Mahoning will be concluding the Modified Madness Series. There is a $6000 purse to be divided amongst the top overall point finishers in the special series of selected races that took place over the course of the season. The champ earns $2000 and Zeiner holds a one point edge over Wagner.

 Across the two-day affair race fans will have a fill of Modified talent as an impressive list of hot shoes, both local and regional, will be converging. Furthermore, the regular respective track classes add a perfect finishing touch to all the Modified hype.

 Mountain has the Sport Modifieds, Factory Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks running events on Saturday. The afternoon will be capped off with a $2,000 to win, 100-lap Sport Modified main.

 Plus all divisions throughout the weekend will be awarded double points to decide the divisional championships. The top ten in points for all Mountain racers after the September 30 program will be added to the feature as a provisional, provided they do not qualify through heat races, time trials or consi events.

 The drivers must attempt to qualify in both, heat (time trials for Modifieds) and consi in order to be eligible for a provisional spot.

 Down at Mahoning the Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, 4-Cylinder Stocks and Micro Stocks will be on track.

 Mountain Speedway concludes the year with the NELMA Late Model Challenge on October 20, once again featuring 75 laps of racing. Street Stocks and Legends are also on the ticket.

 Mahoning’s season closes out with the “Octoberfast 2012, Fright Night in the Valley” on October 27. There will be a 130 lap Modified race paying $5000 to win. The day’s schedule will also see a $1500-to-win, 75 lap Late Model feature and a 100 lap Street Stock main that pays $1800 to the winner

Mahoning title contenders ready for Saturday night action 
 by Dino Oberto
(LEHIGHTON, PA 9-27-12) There are just two regular season point races to run at Mahoning Valley Speedway and while Earl Paules locked up the Late Model crown last week after his ninth win of the season, heading into the Saturday, September 27 race meet, eighteen other drivers are still vying for the remaining four class championships.

Paules is attempting to make track history by winning two titles in the same season. He heads the Modified rankings over Don Wagner and Nevin George.

In the Street Stocks there is TJ Gursky who is hoping to repeat as champion but with the top seven all within reach, which includes Todd Ahner, Josh Mooney, Joe Steigerwalt, Jason Kuhn, Gene Bowers and Jason Frey, it appears evident that the outcome will most certainly come down to the final lap of the final race.

Kris Graver is en route to winning the Dirt Modified crown for a second straight year. To do so he must hold back contenders Randy Thomas and Mike Stofflet who also have their sights set on the number one spot.

The 4-Cylinder Stocks show seasoned veteran Jeremy Miller maintaining a 42-point gap over Jake Kibler. Also, the next three in the standings, Dan Freundt, Nick Baer and Kyle Strohl are legitimate challengers.

The racing action gets underway starting at 6:00. Grandstands open at 4:00.

Joining the lineup will be the ATQMRA TQ Midgets which are the fastest timed race cars to turn a lap on the paved quarter mile at just over 100 mph.  

On October 6 the final point night takes place featuring a 100-lap, $3000-to-win main for the Modifieds. Also to be decided will be the Mahoning Modified Madness Series.

Mahoning’s season closes out with the “Octoberfast 2012, Fright Night in the Valley” on October 27. Highlighting the day will be a 130 lap Modified race paying $5000 to win. Also on the schedule that day will be a $1500-to-win, 75 lap Late Model feature and a 100 lap Street Stock main that pays $1800 to the winner.

Additional news can be found on the track’s website at www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com  or follow all the happenings on Mahoning’s FACEBOOK page.

Mahoning Valley Speedway is located on PA route 443, two miles west of Lehighton. Race days call 570-386-4900 for latest info on events, starting times and weather.

COMING EVENTS:
Sept. 29@6:00 p.m. All regular track classes + ATQMRA
Oct. 6@6:00 p.m. 100 laps, $3k to win for Modifieds + all regular track classes + Micro Stocks
Oct. 27@3:00 p.m. 130 laps, $5k to win Modifieds, 75 laps, $1500 to win Late Models, 100 laps, $1800 to win Street Stocks


Sept 24 2012
Nevin George scores second Mahoning Mod win; Earl Paules clinches Late Model title

By Dino Oberto
 (LEHIGHTON, PA 9-22-12) When Nevin George came back to the Modified ranks this season at Mahoning Valley Speedway his intent was to challenge for the track title while picking up a few wins. While the hopes for a championship linger, he did manage to score a second victory Saturday night.

In the Late Models Earl Paules of Palmerton raced to his ninth feature win of the season and in doing do sewed up his first ever Mahoning championship. Paules also leads in the Modified points.

Starting fifth, George, who hails from Kunkletown, passed underneath Roger Coss on lap 21 and then cruised home the winner.

“It was a big hurdle to get that second win. I didn’t think it was going to be that tough but I’m very glad we got it,” said George.

“I always set my standards high and I always have my whole racing career and believe it or not that is the downfall of some of the things I do. Going into this year I did aim at getting a few wins which we have now accomplished. I really would have liked to have been battling for the points lead too.”

For the outset of the 35-lapper Coss moved to P-1 after original pole starting DJ Wagner elected to start from the rear. At the drop of the green the affable Coss took the lead and for the first time was out front in a feature race at Mahoning.

After several rough weeks of luckless racing, Coss was finally able to show his flair by securely holding the lead. In second was Scott Meckes with his teammate George third.

On lap six the race’s only caution waved a minor skirmish in turn two. Afterwards Coss set out on blistering pace. George passed Meckes on the restart and was staying as close to Coss as possible. With such a long stretch of green flag laps, George was able to use that to his advantage as he bided his time wisely and eventually caught and passed Coss, dipping inside of him in turn three on the 21st circuit.

As the race remained green George was able to then distance himself and drove to an uncontested victory.

“This was like getting the monkey off our back tonight. The car has been fast, probably one of the fastest every week, we just had some bad races the last couple times out. Some of it was mechanics on the car where we missed the setup a little bit. Other times we had been up front but unfortunately just ran into some bad luck and misfortune. Tonight we did get a pretty good starting spot and worked ourselves up through,” said George who won by a 1.330 margin of victory.

“Roger (Coss) is a very good, clean driver. He was running a good race. Fortunately we just had a little bit better car than him and were able to get by. He’s a real strong competitor.”

Coss got a Mahoning best second and clearly showed what many have felt for some time that he is more than capable of racing with the lead pack and a win is on the not too distant horizon.

“The car felt good but then it got a little too loose towards the end. I was trying to hold the bottom as much as I could but Nevin was better and the best car won tonight,” said Coss.

“It’s been a rough couple of weeks here but we kept putting it (car) back together and coming back. What I like is you can race and side-by-side here.”

Meckes, Tom Flanagan and John Bennett completed the top five. George, Coss and Chip Santee were heat winners.

In the Late Models, Paules only had Mike Sweeny to worry about in attaining the class crown. He came into the night with a healthy standings lead and after taking the front spot from Paul Effrig at mid-race and adding to the fact that Sweeney could do no better than sixth, the win bolstered his points enough that despite two regular weeks remaining, the title is now his.

Effrig held on to finish a season best second with Rick Wallace third. Wallace and Paul Koehler, Jr., won heats.

On any given night Gene Bowers is plenty qualified to win a Street Stock race but the 2012 season has been a hard luck road for the talented Lehighton driver. On Saturday night, however, he put all that frustration behind him, winning the 25-lap contest with a late race pass on Joe Stamm.

Stamm had led from the start and despite being heavily pressured, looked ready to take his career first victory. Right behind him was Bowers and Jonathan Tracey who had been waging a torrid battle. When the five to go signal was given Bowers then shook free from Tracey and the next lap leaped past Stamm and onto the verdict.

Josh Mooney, who had been shadowing the front trio, used the high lane to motor up to second in the final laps. Stamm finished a career best third.

Street Stock heat wins went to Jillian Long, Stamm and BJ Wambold. TJ Gursky notched the consi.

Mike Stofflet of Mertztown took his fourth win of the season in the Dirt Mods. Stofflet got the lead from Bill Sitler on lap two and then began to gradually put a safe gap on the rest of the field.

A lap 19 caution, the only one of the race, cut that lead and on the restart second running Randy Thomas vaulted ahead and led to the checkers. However, officials placed Thomas two spots back in the rundown for jumping the restart and Stofflet was declared the winner.

Jeremy Miller of Northampton moved ever so close to his first 4-Cylinder Stock title by winning for a seventh time. The race was a special extra distance affair of 35 laps that also paid additional money to win.

By way of a redraw after time trials, Jake Kibler started on the pole and when the race commenced, he and Barry Christman, Jr., put of a great dogfight for the lead. Kibler repeatedly withstood the advances of Christman.

With four laps to go the battle hit its peak when Christman made slight contact with Kibler. Both cars got loose and they had to back down in order to avert a complete spinout. As they did quick thinking Miller, who had been running fourth, drove to the high side of the track and was able to blast his way into the lead.

By earning the win he now controls his own destiny for the class title plus the victory moved him into a tie for most wins with the division at 31.

The INEX Legends and 4c Super Mods were also in action. Coming in from Akron, OH, 17 year old Tyler Tanner took the win with the Legends while Wes Gilbert from Southampton, NY won in the 4c race and in the process became the 2012 champion.

The Ladies Race sponsored by Himmer Graphics was won by Amanda Green.

 Modified Feature Finish, 35 Laps: 1. Nevin George, 2. Roger Coss, 3. Scott Meckes, 4. Tom Flanagan, 5. John Bennett, 6. Earl Paules, 7. Don Wagner, 8. Bobby Jones, 9. Shawn Sitarchyk, 10. Brain Romig, 11. Ed Brunnhoelzl, 12. Lou Strohl, 13. DJ Wagner, 14. Terry Markovic, 15. Kevin Rex, Jr., 16. Matt Wentz, 17. John Markovic, 18. Chip Santee, 19. Joe Mooney

 Late Model Feature Finish, 25 Laps: 1. Earl Paules, 2. Paul Effrig, 3. Rick Wallace, 4. Kenny Hein, 5. Frankie Althouse, 6. Mike Sweeney, 7. Paul Koehler, Jr., 8. George Ramos II, 9. Mark Simon, 10. Pat Hargan, 11. Geno Steigerwalt

 Street Stock Feature Finish, 25 Laps: 1. Gene Bowers, 2. Josh Mooney, 3. Joe Stamm, 4. Joe Mooney, 5. Joe Steigerwalt, 6. Jillian Long, 7. TJ Gursky, 8. Todd Ahner, 9. Jason Kuhn, 10. Lonnie Behler, 11. Scott Lesher, 12. Kyle Strohl, 13. Zach Graver, 14. Mike Garris, Sr., 15. Guy Ackerman, 16. Jonathan Tracey, 17. Cody Roth, 18. Jason Beers, 20. BJ Wambold   Did not qualify: Joe Roberts, Brian Labar, Stacey Brown, Tim Stein, Tiffany Wambold

Dirt Modified Feature Finish, 20 Laps: 1. Mike Stofflet, 2. Kris Graver, 3. Randy Thomas, 4. Joe Stangle, 5. Aleia Geisler, 6. Mark Levy, 7. Dave Thomas, 8. Frank Parastino, 9. Bill Sittler, Jr., 10. Ricky Yetter

 4-Cylinder Stock Feature Finish, 35 Laps: 1. Jeremy Miller, 2. Jake Kibler, 3. Kyle Strohl, 4. Barry Christman, Jr., 5. Doug Knauss, 6. Nick Baer, 7. Dan Freundt, 8. Scott Adams, 9. Cody Roth, 10. Jeff Biegley, 11. Arland Moyer, Jr., 12. Paul Hartwig, Jr., 13. Ward Crozier, Sr., 14. Bobby Kibler, Jr., 15. Taya Wentz, 16. Robert Miller, 17. Tyler Stangle, 18. Tony Scheirer, 19. Justin Martison

 INEX Legends Feature Finish, 15 Laps: 1. Tyler Turner, 2. Raven Schrantz, 3. Dylan Hoffman, 4. Jim Hoffman, 5. Barry Schrantz Did not start: Carl Jones

 4c Super Modified Feature Finish,  15 Laps: 1. Wes Gilbert, 2. Steve Renn, 3. Mike Renn, 4. Bob Renn, 5. Anthony Merlino, 6. Ron Merlino, Sr.

COMING EVENTS:
Sept. 22@6:00 p.m. 4-Cyl Stocks 35-laps, $475-to-win + all regular track classes + INEX Legends + 4c Super Mods
Sept. 29@6:00 p.m. All regular track classes + ATQMRA
Oct. 6@6:00 p.m. 100 laps, $3k to win for Modifieds + all regular track classes + Micro Stocks
Oct. 27@3:00 p.m. 130 laps, $5k to win Modifieds, 75 laps, $1500 to win Late Models, 100 laps, $1800 to win Street Stocks
Increase purse and feature for 4-Cylinder Stocks at Mahoning Valley this Saturday

Wagner, who started third, passed point leader Earl Paules on lap 34 and then had all he could handle from Tom Flanagan. Late into the race Wagner had to withstand John Bennett on his way to securing the win.

“Harold (Lloyd) was a great guy and he always had a smile for me and everyone. We really appreciate everything that guys like him did for this sport and it’s because of individuals like him that Modified racing is what it is today,” said Wagner, who earned over $3200 in prize money.

Meg Wheels of Belmar, NJ sponsored the heat races and the top three finishers from the prelims had a redraw which saw Terry Markovic and Flanagan pick the front row for the feature.

Once the race began Flanagan was made haste as he took the lead. He was immediately tagged on by John Markovic. Brian DeFebo and Wagner were also in close tow.

By lap eight Wagner eclipsed Markovic for second and two laps later DeFebo latched on and took third. That front trio then ran very tight until lap 21 when a caution waved for a host of cars that came together in turn four.

On the restart Wagner propelled ahead of Flanagan. Paules, who had moved up to third prior to the caution, also got by and was closely pursuing the lead car. The race was now a fan pleasing duel between the top two title contenders.

Another slowdown occurred on lap 31 when Lou Strohl spun. When the action got back underway Paules thrust ahead of Wagner. Not to be undone Wagner got to return the favor two laps later when he too used a restart to reassume the top spot and Flanagan likewise put Paules back behind him.

It was now the Wagner and Flanagan show as this pair would fight tooth and nail. There were a few cautions that offered Flanagan the opportunity to get past but on each ensuing restart his effort was thwarted.

“I know he (Flanagan) was there and we had some good restarts. He tried to snooker me and I tried it with him. It was really good racing with Tommy tonight,” said Wagner.

As the latter two continued their sizzling battle and the laps were winding down, Bennett had now come into the picture. What was impressive about his rise to the front was the fact he started 24th and last and had meticulously worked through the field, proving yet again that passing is the norm and not the exception at Mahoning Valley.

Over the final five laps Wagner was still fending off Flanagan while at the same time Bennett was running to the inside of the runner-up car. Two laps from the finish Bennett squeaked past and then kept charging towards Wagner. On the final tour he made an all-out stab for the win but Wagner had enough power to keep him at bay by half a car length. The win equaled his personal best of six wins in a single year.

“Tonight there was a good top groove and good bottom groove and that’s what racing at Mahoning is all about,” noted Wagner.

Steady running Mike Carroll, Jr., and Paules completed the top five. DeFebo, Wagner and Rick Reichenbach claimed heat wins while Nevin George and Shawn Sitarchyk annexed the split consi’s.

In the Late Model feature, George Ramos II of Coplay was the benefactor of Zane Zeiner’s disqualification. The win marked a much overdue career first for Ramos.

Ramos ran out front early on in the 25-lapper. By mid-race 10th starting Zeiner was now on his rear bumper. After a few side-by-side circuits, Zeiner used the outside lane to eke into the lead. Not so quick to give up, Ramos came right back on the ensuing lap and retook to the helm.

While still running in close two-wide formation, Zeiner was back out front by lap 15 and remained there to the finish. However, during post-race inspection his No. 76 came up to low as per ride height specifications and was DQ’d, handing the win over to Ramos.

“I can’t begin to tell you the emotions I was feeling when they told me I was the winner. I just wish my dad was here to enjoy this but I’m sure he’s looking down at us right now,” said Ramos, who dedicated the win to his father, George “Pineapple” Ramos, Jr., who passed recently and was a longtime supporter and former area racer from the Dorney Park era and also Mahoning Valley.

Ramos made a sweep of the night by winning his heat. Rick Wallace, who advanced to feature runner-up, also won a heat.

In what could be considered one of the hardest fought features of the season, Jason Beers of Northampton edged Joe Mooney and Jason Kuhn for his second Street Stock win.

Despite starting from the pole, Beers was in an ongoing tussle from the moment the green flag dropped. Lap after lap Mooney was pulling alongside Beers in an attempt for the lead with Kuhn right in line and ready to strike. Beers, however, continued to defend his ground boldly and remained solid to the end as the top three crossed the checkers under a blanket.

Kuhn, TJ Gursky and Joe Mooney won Street Stock heats with the consi going to Josh Mooney.

In the Dirt Mods Bill Sittler led the first lap then yielded the lead to Aleia Geisler. After a very exciting three wide battle between Geisler, Kris Graver and Mike Stofflet, it was Lehighton’s Graver who came out on top and sped away to his seventh win this season.

Jeremy Miller of Northampton was unstoppable en route to his seventh 4-Cylinder Stock win of the season. Miller took the lead on lap one and went unchallenged the rest of the way. The win played nicely into his championship efforts as he bolstered his lead in the standings with three races remaining.

Kyle Strohl annexed the Front Wheel Drive bonus. Heat winners were Barry Christman, Jr., and Jake Kibler.

Modified Feature Finish, 76 Laps: 1. Don Wagner, 2. John Bennett, 3. Tom Flanagan, 4. Mike Carroll, Jr., 5. Earl Paules, 6. John Markovic, 7. Scott Meckes, 8. Nevin George, 9. Rick Reichenbach, 10. Kevin Rex, Jr., 11. Brain DeFebo, 12. Shawn Sitarchyk, 13. Lou Strohl, 14. Tyler Haydt, 15. Mike Quinn, 16. Chip Santee, 17. Bobby Jones, 18. Zane Zeiner, 19. Anthony Sesely, 20. James Pritchard, Jr., 21.Roger Coss, 22. Matt Wentz, 23.Amanda Sesely, 24. Terry Markovic

Did not qualify: DJ Wagner, Jarred Nace, Brian Romig, Todd Baer, Shaun Carrig, Joe Mooney

Late Model Feature Finish, 25 Laps: 1. George Ramos, 2. Rick Wallace, 3. Frankie Althouse, 4. Ken Hein, 5. Paul Koehler, Jr., 6. Mike Sweeney, 7. Earl Paules, 8. Dave Wallace, 9. Mark Simon, 10. Paul Effrig, 11. Geno Steigerwalt   Did not Start: Glenn Slocum DQ: Zane Zeiner

Street Stock Feature Finish, 25 Laps: 1. Jason Beers, 2. Joe Mooney, 3. Jason Kuhn, 4. Joe Steigerwalt, 5. Todd Ahner, 6. TJ Gursky, 7. Jason Frey, 8. Gene Bowers, 9. Zach Graver, 10. Jonathan Tracey, 11. Joe Roberts, 12. Stacey Brown, 13. Josh Mooney, 14. Jillian Long, 15. Mike Garris, Sr., 16. Randy Ahner, Jr., 17. BJ Wambold, 18. Lonnie Behler, 19. Guy Ackerman, 20. Cody Roth

Did not qualify: Tiffany Wambold, Kyle Strohl, Tim Stein, Joe Stamm, Mike Radocha, Jr.

Dirt Modified Feature Finish, 20 Laps: 1. Kris Graver, 2. Mike Stofflet, 3. Aleia Geisler, 4. Randy Thomas, 5. Dave Thomas, 6. Ricky Yetter, 7. Joe Stangle, 8. Bill Sittler, Jr.

4-Cylinder Stock Feature Finish, 20 Laps: 1. Jeremy Miller, 2. Nick Baer, 3. Bobby Kibler, Jr., 4. Kyle Strohl, 5. Jake Kibler, 6. Doug Knauss,7. Dan Freundt, 8. Stone Wentz, 9. Barry Christman, Jr., 10. Justin Martison, 11. Tyler Stangle

COMING EVENTS:
Sept. 22@6:00 p.m. All regular track classes + INEX Legends + 4c Super Mods
Sept. 29@6:00 p.m. All regular track classes + ATQMRA
Oct. 6@6:00 p.m. 100 laps, $3k to win for Mods + all regular track classes + Micro Stocks

Sept 12 2012
Late Model win puts Larry Fisher into Mountain Speedway record books

By Dino Oberto …. “Keeping Track”
   (St. JOHNS, PA.) When Mountain Speedway, then known as Evergreen Raceway, re-opened for business in April 1988, a young Larry Fisher from Fern Glen was on hand for the first race in the Street Stock class.

By year’s end the fledgling 24-year old rookie had won twice, finished in the top-10 in points and set the ground work for becoming one of the Northeast Pa.’s great race car drivers.

Twenty-four years after making his debut, Fisher is still going strong. After amassing countless victories in every type of car he has driven, a trio of championships, a slew of awards and a son, Travis Fisher, who successfully followed in his footsteps, Larry Fisher added yet another milestone to his illustrious career when he became the all-time wins leader in the Late Model division at the 1/3-mile St. Johns paved oval.

Sunday, September 9, was the 27th time that Fisher crossed under the checkered flag first with the class, surpassing another area legend, Richie Jensen of Hobbie, who had previously set the mark in the late 1980’s.

Heading into this season Fisher needed three wins to pass Jensen and after coming very close over the first few weeks, things went awry due to unexpected engine issues and he was forced to the sidelines during midseason.

On August 18 he was back in action and in no time flat made up for lost time, reeling off three straight wins in both heat and feature races and in the process etched his name into the record books.

“I’m just glad to get it over with. We had trouble with the motor in the middle of the year and I was hoping to run for it (record) then but it (motor) was still in the shop being worked on,” said Fisher.

“When we got it back I said this is it, we’re going to put our noses to the grindstone and we’re going to get it done. The car has been pretty fast the past few weeks we’ve been here.”

During the 30 lap feature Fisher was at his finest. He started on the pole and immediately made it a race for second. The first 20 laps went caution free and by that time he was a solid two car lengthens ahead of Mike Sweeney and Kyle Harvell.

Despite a few more restarts from then on, Fisher was still no match as he cruised to the win and ultimately the record.

“It feels good to get the record but make no mistake, Richie Jensen to me is like Richie Evans. He’s an icon in my books. To surpass him and get the record is a really big deal for us,” said Fisher.

His car is the same one that his son Travis had driven the past few seasons and won a championship with at Shangri-La II Speedway in Owego, NY.

“I had to make a few changes to the car from when Travis drove because our styles are not quite the same in terms of set-ups,” noted Fisher.

In 24 years of racing Fisher has won three track championships, all in Late Models. Two coming at Mountain Speedway and the other at Mahoning Valley Speedway. He has over 50 career wins combined between Street Stocks, Pro Stocks, Late Models, Modifieds and Enduros.

The Late Model is where he has enjoyed the maximum of his winnings. He started for car-owner Gary Fisher (no relation) of Freeland. During their tenure they became a reckoning force. Two championships came while they were paired with each other.

Aside from being an accomplished driver, Fisher is also a car builder through his Fisher Chassis and Custom Fabrication and has turned out various winning mounts for a number of area drivers.

 “When I look back I really have to thank Gary (Fisher). If it hadn’t been for him giving me my first ride in a Late Model this day would never have come,” said Fisher.

“I also have to thank my family for being by my side all these years and all the people who have helped me. There are a lot of good memories.

“I think I can now look at retiring from driving. Nothing official mind you but the time is coming. I’d still like to run the Modified a few times yet but as far as Late Models I think I’ve accomplished what I intended to do. I am very blessed to be able to do what I enjoy doing and it’s been a great ride so far.”

Sat night Sept 15 Mahoning Valley Spdwy Harold Lloyd Memorial Modified 76
by Dino Oberto
(LEHIGHTON, PA 9-11-12) This coming Saturday night, September 15, Mahoning Valley Speedway will present the Harold Lloyd Memorial Modified 76. The race is being run in honor of the late championship car owner who passed away last year.

Lloyd, who along with his wife Theresa, fielded the signature red, white and blue No. 76 piloted by Rod Snyder, Jr., to consecutive Mahoning Valley Modified titles from 1995-99. The feature distance is a reflection of the car number.

The race will pay $2500 to win and thanks to the efforts of Snyder and Company, over $2000 in additional lap money has also been collected and will be distributed amongst the field.  Also, heat race money will be paid to the top three finishers in the form of $50 for first, $30 for second and $20 for third.

John Megill of Megill Wheels of Wall, NJ, is sponsoring the heats in memory of his brother, Harry Megill.

The starting grid will be by invert from the heats. The top three from each heat will redraw.

There is a solid field of Modified racers expected to be on hand for this event. Add to the fact the points battle for 2012  track crown is running very close between Earl Paules, Don Wagner and Nevin George and you have the makings of yet another great Mahoning classic about to unfold.

Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods and 4-Cylinder Stocks are also in action.

Grandstand gates open at 4:00 pm with racing set to begin at 6:00. General adult admission is $20, $2.00 off for students, seniors 65+ and active military.

On September 22 the INEX Legends and 4c Super Mods make their final appearance of the season as they join in with the track’s regular classes.

Additional news can be found on the track’s website at www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com  You can also follow all the happenings on Mahoning’s FACEBOOK page.

Mahoning Valley Speedway is located on PA route 443, two miles west of Lehighton. Race day call 570-386-4900 for latest info on events, starting times and weather.

COMING EVENTS:
Sept. 15@6:00 p.m. Harold Lloyd Memorial 76 lap Modifieds, $2500 to win + all regular track classes
Sept. 22@6:00 p.m. All regular track classes + INEX Legends + 4c Super Mods
Sept. 29@6:00 p.m. All regular track classes + ATQMRA
$2500-to-win + Lap $$$in Harold Lloyd Memorial at Mahoning Valley Speedway


Sept 8 2012
Rain and thunderstorms put a halt to Mahoning Valley Speedway races
by Dino Oberto
(LEHIGHTON, PA 9-08-12) With the National Weather Service calling for a severe thunder storm watch for later today, officials at Mahoning Valley Speedway made the call to cancel the scheduled racing activities for the evening. A full slate of stock car events was to take place along with the touring Micro Stocks.

The highlight of the night was a special 35-lap feature race for the 4-Cylinder Stock division. That race, which pays $400 to win, has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 22, which also includes a Ladies Race sponsored by Himmer Graphics of Lake Ariel. The gals will compete with the same class of cars.

Coming up next Saturday night, September 15, will be the Harold Lloyd Memorial 76 for the Modifieds. The race winner will earn $2500 plus there is bonus money via lap sponsors. Regular handicapping by way of heat races will determine the 22-car starting grid for this race which will be contested over a distance of 76 laps.

Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods and 4-Cylinder Stocks are also on the card.

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

The upcoming Saturday general adult admission is $20. $2.00 off for students, seniors 65+ and active military.

On September 22 the INEX Legends and 4c Super Mods make their final appearance of the season as they join in with the track’s regular classes.

Additional news can be found on the track’s website at www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com  You can also follow all the happenings on Mahoning’s FACEBOOK page.

Mahoning Valley Speedway is located on PA route 443, two miles west of Lehighton. Race day call 570-386-4900 for latest info on events, starting times and weather.

COMING EVENTS:
Sept. 15@6:00 p.m. Harold Lloyd Memorial 76 lap Modifieds, $2500 to win + all regular track classes
Sept. 22@6:00 p.m. All regular track classes + INEX Legends + 4c Super Mods
Sept. 29@6:00 p.m. All regular track classes + ATQMRA

By Dino Oberto
(LEHIGHTON, PA 9-05-12) The 4-Cylinder Stock division at Mahoning Valley Speedway is the entry level class that has been for years the steppingstone for many drivers who have advanced in their careers at the paved Lehighton quarter mile oval.

They have always remained an essential part of the continued success of the track and this coming Saturday night, September 8, it will be their time to shine with a special 35-lap feature paying $400 to win. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. with racing slated to begin at 6:00.

Time trials will be used to lock in the top 12 and a redraw will also take place for the starting grid.

With only five regular season point races left to run, the 4-Cylinder point’s battle for 2012 has shaped up to be one of the closest in years. Jake Kibler won the most recent event in a non-stop race over current standings leader Jeremy Miller. Kibler is second in points while, Dave Freundt, Nick Baer and Kyle Strohl are all within sticking distance.

Keeping in tune with the 4-Cylinder Stocks special night, Himmer Graphics of Lake Ariel, will be sponsoring a Ladies Race at the conclusion of the evening. The lucky winner of the race will be awarded $100 courtesy of Himmer Graphics.

Also on the card will be regular heat and feature races for the Modifieds, Late Models Street Stocks and Dirt Mods plus the Micro Stocks will be making their final appearance of the season.

Earlier that same day Mahoning Valley Speedway will be hosting a free-to-the-public 4 X 4 Jamboree which will take place in the main parking lot from noon-3:00. All trucks are welcome to participate. A BBQ will take place during the jamboree.

Coming up on Saturday, September 15 will the Harold Lloyd Memorial Modified 76 paying $2500 to win plus lap money.

Saturday’s general adult admission is $12. $2.00 off for students, seniors 65+ and active military.

Additional news can be found on the track’s website at www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com  You can also follow all the happenings on Mahoning’s FACEBOOK page.

Mahoning Valley Speedway is located on PA route 443, two miles west of Lehighton. Race day call 570-386-4900 for latest info on events, starting times and weather.

COMING EVENTS:
Sept. 8@6:00pm All regular track classes + Micro Stocks.  35-laps for 4-Cylinder Stocks $400 to win
Sept. 15@6:00 p.m. Harold Lloyd Memorial 76 lap Modifieds, $2500 to win + all regular track classes
Sept. 22@6:00 p.m. All regular track classes + INEX Legends + 4c Super Mods

Earl Paules avoids big wreck to get third Mahoning Valley Mod; Street Stock 100 to Jason Frey