Past Press Releases & Results for July, 2001
July 28, 2001

First career win for 16-year-old Brian Woodhall in Sprint make-up feature; Hawley and Doran again in regular Sprint and Modified action
July 21, 2001
Eyler and Doran celebrate Mercer’s first 50 years with biggest career wins in Sprints and Modifieds
July 14, 2001

Kent and Riggs score Mercer Sprint and Modified wins; career first for Mike Aley in the Stocks
July 7, 2001

Tim Doran makes it two in a row in Mercer Modifieds before rain washes out the rest of the night
 
 

 

Tim Doran makes it two in a row in Mercer Modifieds before rain washes out the rest of the night

By Mike Leone

July 7, 2001

Mercer (PA)...Mercer Raceway Park fought with Mother Nature on Saturday night for the fourth straight week. Off an on showers throughout the evening did not stop Tim Doran from being victorious in the Bolland Machine Big-Block Modifieds. Thunderstorms then came and washed out the remainder of the program.

It was the rescheduled Summer Fun Kickoff as 200 tickets were given away to Sandcastle and Idlewild parks. Kennywood’s Garfield made an appearance. It was McElwain Family of Dealerships "Meet Your Hero Night" for the Big-Block Modifieds as the they signed autographs before the event. McElwains gave out a four-pack of tickets to the new PNC Park in Pittsburgh for an upcoming Pirate game. It was also McElwains Corporate Night.

After going more than a year without a win, Tim Doran made it two in a row by capturing the Bolland Machine Big-Block Modified feature event. The win gave the New Castle, Pa. driver 13 career Mercer wins.

Bob Dorman led the first two laps before Joe Crawford blasted around the outside to take the lead on lap three at the start-finish line. Crawford would bring out the first caution when he made contact with two lapped cars and hit the wall. This gave the lead back to Dorman with fifth place starter, Steve Young, in second.

Rodney Beltz got around Young for second on lap six then one lap later drove around Dorman for the lead. The second caution was displayed for Rob Curtis, who hit the wall with nine laps completed. When racing resumed on lap 10, Young exited the race in second, while Doran passed Dorman for runner-up.

Doran, who started seventh, made the winning move on the backstretch of lap 11 taking over the lead from Beltz. Point leader Dean Pearson, who started 10th, passed Dorman for third on lap 12. A caution for Frank Guidace with 13 laps completed, one for Dorman with 19 laps completed, and then the rains came with 19 laps completed made it an official win for Doran in his Richard Smith Construction/Mitchelltree Bros. Logging & Lumber-sponsored #12.

Beltz held off Pearson for second. Lou Blaney and eleventh starter, Jeff Schaffer, were fourth and fifth. Sixth through tenth were Carl Murdick, Lonny Riggs, Don McKnight, rookie Nick Ritchey, and J.R. McGinley. Heat winners over the 26-car field were Riggs, Schaffer, and Doran.

The remaining three features will be made up in the coming weeks. Check out www.mercerracewaypark.com for the latest or call the office during the week at 724-964-9300. Heats for the 22-car field of Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars went to Rob Eyler and Jason Jacoby. Andy Priest and Steve Young won the heats for the 24 New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modifieds. In the 36-car Butterfield’s Pub Stock Car heats it was Bobby Whitling, Jim Miller, Dave Ferringer, and Gary Miller, Jr. winning the events. Rick Norco and Jeff Kravec won the two B mains.

 

Bolland Machine Big-Block Modifieds: 1. TIM DORAN 2. Rodney Beltz 3. Dean Pearson 4. Lou Blaney 5. Jeff Schaffer 6. Carl Murdick 7. Lonny Riggs 8. Don McKnight 9. Nick Ritchey 10. J.R. McGinley 11. Rich Ferguson 12. Mark Sevin 13. Howard Duff 14. John Boyer, Jr. 15. Guy Griffin 16. Frank Guidace 17. Les Myers 18. Rick Kress 19. Steve Young 20. Rob Curtis 21. Dustin Blank 22. Dana Gearhart 23. Joe Crawford 24. Bob Dorman 25. Randy Ferguson-DNS 26. Chetter Johnson-DNS.

 

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars:

Heat #1: Rob Eyler, Arnie Kent, Tom Quarterson, Troy Preston, Andy Priest, Mike Kekich, Jimmy Hawley, Gary Kriess, Jr., Dave Wagner, Goob Schuller, Rick Byerly.

Heat #2: Jason Jacoby, Gary Edwards, Doug Stanley, Brian Woodhall, Nathan Hines, Dick Byerly, John Toth III, Ricky Ferkel, Gregg McCandless, Jeff Banyas, Butch Beasley.

 

New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modifieds:

Heat #1: Andy Priest, Les Myers, Gary Smoker, Jerry Schaffer, John Buchanan, Bill Adams, Dave Cogswell, Chanda Reitz, Bill Baptiste, John Jones, Curt Matthews.

Heat #2: Steve Young, Andy Paden, Randy Rodemoyer, Gary Bollinger, Allen Ferry, D.J. Schrader, Buck Buchanan, Al Priester, Rick Hall, Greg Unrue, Morgan Sasse, Brad Watson.

 

Butterfield’s Pub Stock Cars:

Heat #1: Bobby Whitling, Ron Iorio, Bill Hanna, Shaun Hooks, Rick Norco, Greg Beach, Bob Hays, Steve Anderson, Mike Work.

Heat #2: Jim Miller, Matt Lux, Dan Fedorchak, Terry Kroner, Rick Anthony, Phil Kaufman, Corey Ruffo, Pat Wilcox, Mark Bee.

Heat #3: Dave Ferringer, Brian Miller, Andy Buckley, Mike Aley, Jeff Kravec, Ray Bailey, Jr., Tim Deutsch, Don Greenlee, Duane Grinnell.

Heat #4: Gary Miller, Jr., Gary Robinson, Willie Aley, Lonnie O’Brien, Lynn Hostetler, Ed Hays, Tim Zuschlag, Robert Caszatt, Jr., Adam Aley.

 

B main #1: Norco, Beach, Work, Ruffo, Wilcox, B. Hays, Anderson, Anthony, Kaufman, Bee.

B main #2: Kravec, Zuschlag, Bailey, Grinnell, A. Aley, Caszatt, Greenlee, Hostetler, E. Hays, Deutsch.

 
 
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First career win for 16-year-old Brian Woodhall in Sprint make-up feature; Hawley and Doran again in regular Sprint and Modified action

By Mike Leone

July 28, 2001

Mercer (PA)...Mercer Raceway Park completed action on Saturday night for the 14th time this season. Celebrating in the Moore’s Auto Body victory lane were Brian Woodhall and Jimmy Hawley-Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Tim Doran-Bolland Machine Big-Block Modifieds, Steve Young-New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modifieds, and Bobby Whitling-Butterfield’s Pub Stock Cars.

In one of the biggest upsets in western Pennsylvania Sprint Car history, 16-year-old rookie driver, Brian Woodhall, won his first career feature by passing Andy Priest in the 20-lap Luxaire Heating & Cooling-sponsored July 7 make-up event. "The car was fast and hooked up. It was perfect," said the Upper Burrell, Pa. driver. "On the first restart, I noticed the 21-car (Priest) was getting loose coming off the corner and I just figured I’d try it low and the worst that could happen was to lose a couple spots, but it worked."

Rob Eyler passed Priest and Nathan Hines to take second on the opening lap. Eyler chased down Woodhall and passed the youngster for the lead on lap seven. Priest had passed Hines for third on lap three, then took second away from Woodhall on lap 11. Eyler meanwhile, appeared to be in cruise control on his way to another win until lap 12 when he slid off the track in turn four with front end and steering problems bringing out the caution.

Two more laps were completed with Priest at the helm when Goob Schuller and Dave Wagner tangled in turn three bringing out the second and final caution. On the restart, Woodhall went to the inside off Priest in turns one and two and made the pass stick for the lead. Woodhall opened it up to win by a straightaway over Priest in his and Michele Angelini-owned, Premier Enterprises-sponsored #8B. Gary Edwards came from sixth to record third- his best Mercer finish since July 8 of last season. Arnie Kent passed Troy Preston on lap 19 for fourth and dropped Preston to fifth at the checkers. Sixth through tenth were Gary Kriess, Jr., Tom Quarterson, Jason Jacoby, Jimmy Hawley, and Hines.

In the regular 20-lap Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car event, Jimmy Hawley won his third of the year. "We definitely had it going better than the first feature," said the relieved West Middlesex, Pa. racer. "We’ve really been struggling. This is a brand new car. We’re not quite fast yet, but we’re getting there."

On the opening lap, Tommy Burns, Jr. got sideways in turn one and collected Woodhall, Jason Jacoby, and Gregg McCandless with all three getting upside down. All three drivers were okay, but done for the night. When action resumed, Kent set the early pace with Priest and Hawley in tow. Hawley drove around Priest off turn two for second on lap five. Kent had a half-straightaway lead when Hawley reached second. With lapped traffic coming into play on lap seven, Hawley began to chip away at Kent’s lead.

Hawley made the winning move on lap nine driving around Kent in turns one and two. Point leader Quarterson, who started seventh, was on the move. He passed Priest for third on lap eight driving to the inside, then used the extreme top of the speedway in turns three and four to get around Kent for second on lap 11. By this time, Hawley had a straightaway lead on Quarterson and was able to maintain the lead through lapped traffic in the remaining non-stop laps for the win. Hawley’s 24th career Mercer win came aboard the Dr. John and Debi Crawford-owned, Mihalcak Motorsports-sponsored #cIII.

"I knew Tommy (Quarterson) was back there," stated Hawley in victory lane. "The dividend really pays off with Todd Palmer (crew chief). He stripped the whole car down in the pits after the first feature. We set up for momentum to try to get up on top and keep it as straight as possible."

Kent and Priest finished third and fourth respectively as the only two drivers to record top fives in both features. Burns was fifth. Kriess was sixth for the second time of the night. Mike Kekich was seventh. Edwards raced from twentieth to finish eighth over Mark Murphy’s first top ten of the year in ninth. Hines was 10th for the second time of the night. Heat winners were Kriess and Preston over the 23-car field.

Tim Doran has been hotter than month of July. The New Castle, Pa. driver won for the fourth time in the past five weeks in the 20-lap Bolland Machine Big-Block Modified feature. "The car was perfect again tonight," said the happy winner. "Everybody’s tough out there and can win a race. I’m just happy to be back here again. Everybody in the family keeps this thing going."

Rob Curtis took the lead from Bob Dorman on the opening lap and took charge. Jeff Schaffer was on the move from the seventh starting spot. Schaffer passed Rick Hall for fourth on lap three, J.R. McGinley for third on lap five, and two laps later took over runner-up from Dorman. Schaffer slowly cut into Curtis’ lead and caught him on lap 12.

Doran, who was handicapped to the 10th starting spot, entered the picture on lap 13 passing Dean Pearson for fourth. A spin by McGinley with 13 laps completed was just what Doran needed. On the restart, he got by both Les Myers and Schaffer to take over second. Doran then denied Curtis of a first big-block win when he drove around Curtis off turn four on lap 16 for the lead. Doran went on for his 14th career Mercer win in his Richard Smith Construction/Mitchelltree Bros. Logging & Lumber-sponsored #12.

Curtis recorded his best career big-block finish in second. Schaffer was a strong third over Myers and Dorman. Sixth through tenth were Lou Blaney, Steve Young, Rodney Beltz, Dean Pearson, and McGinley. Heat victors were Beltz and Myers over the 21-car field.

Steve Young won his fourth 20-lap New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modified feature. Andy Paden led the first four circuits before Gary Smoker took charge. Young and Andy Priest, who started 11th and 12th respectively, ascended to second and third on lap six by both passing Paden. On lap seven, Young made the winning move driving around Smoker. It took Priest until lap 13 to get by Smoker for runner-up. However, Young was able to hold off Priest in the J.R. Greer-owned, Montgomery Truss & Panel-sponsored #11t for his 12th career Mercer sportsman win. Third through fifth were Smoker, Bill Adams, and Rick Hall. Taking heat victories over the 26-car field were Paden, Priest, and Young.

Bobby Whitling came from 10th to win the exciting 15-lap Butterfield’s Pub Stock Car feature and became just the second repeat winner of the season. Jarrot Moore, Rick Norco, and Rick Anthony were the early leaders before Gary Norman took over the top spot on lap six from Anthony. Andy Buckley and Whitling also got Anthony for second and third on lap six. Following the restart with six laps completed, Whitling got under both Buckley and Norman in turns one and two for the lead. Whitling went on unchallenged the rest of the way for his second win in his Tom Karns Specialty Construction-sponsored #7w. Shaun Hooks had another fine run to take second after passing Buckley on lap eight and Norman for second on lap 10. Buckley got by Norman for third on lap 11 dropping Norman to fourth at the finish. Bill Hanna came from thirteenth to finish fifth. Heat winners over the 39-car field were Anthony, Whitling, Willie Aley, and Mike Aley. Winning the two B mains were Dave Ferringer and Rod Laskey.

 

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars (July 7 make-up): 1. BRIAN WOODHALL 2. Andy Priest 3. Gary Edwards 4. Arnie Kent 5. Troy Preston 6. Gary Kriess, Jr. 7. Tom Quarterson 8. Jason Jacoby 9. Jimmy Hawley 10. Nathan Hines 11. Mike Kekich 12. Ricky Ferkel 13. Gregg McCandless 14. Goob Schuller 15. Dave Wagner 16. Rob Eyler 17. Butch Beasley 18. John Toth III 19. Doug Stanley-DNS 20. Dick Byerly-DNS 21. Rick Byerly-DNS 22. Jeff Banyas-DNS.

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars: 1. JIMMY HAWLEY 2. Tom Quarterson 3. Arnie Kent 4. Andy Priest 5. Tommy Burns, Jr. 6. Gary Kriess, Jr. 7. Mike Kekich 8. Gary Edwards 9. Mark Murphy 10. Nathan Hines 11. John Toth III 12. Jim Chappel 13. Bob Whitacre 14. Randy Kriegisch 15. Ricky Ferkel 16. Butch Beasley 17. Dave Wagner 18. Troy Preston 19. Brian Woodhall 20. Gregg McCandless 21. Jason Jacoby 22. Goob Schuller-DNS 23. Rob Eyler-DNS.

Bolland Machine Big-Block Modifieds: 1. TIM DORAN 2. Rob Curtis 3. Jeff Schaffer 4. Les Myers 5. Bob Dorman 6. Lou Blaney 7. Steve Young 8. Rodney Beltz 9. Dean Pearson 10. J.R. McGinley 11. Carl Murdick 12. Rick Hall 13. Don McKnight 14. Randy Ferguson 15. Lonny Riggs 16. Guy Griffin 17. John Boyer, Jr. 18. Dana Gearhart 19. Tom Armstrong 20. Nick Ritchey 21. Rick Kress-DNS.

New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modifieds: 1. STEVE YOUNG 2. Andy Priest 3. Gary Smoker 4. Bill Adams 5. Rick Hall 6. Chanda Reitz 7. D.J. Schrader 8. Curt Matthews 9. Gary Bollinger 10. Randy Rodemoyer 11. Bill Baptiste 12. Fred Sasse 13. Dave Cogswell 14. John Confer 15. Jerry Schaffer 16. Jay Priest 17. John Jones 18. Al Priester 19. Morgan Sasse 20. Andy Paden 21. John Buchanan 22. Rick Ryder 23. Les Myers 24. Zack Moran 25. Allen Ferry-DSQ 26. Ben Hamilton-DNS.

Butterfield’s Pub Stock Cars: 1. BOBBY WHITLING 2. Shaun Hooks 3. Andy Buckley 4. Gary Norman 5. Bill Hanna 6. Greg Beach 7. Rick Anthony 8. Dave Ferringer 9. Jeff Kravec 10. Jim Brunson 11. Mike Aley 12. Dan Fedorchak 13. Corey Ruffo 14. Terry Kroner 15. Bob Hays 16. Rick Norco 17. Erick Cwynar 18. Lonnie O’Brien 19. Rod Laskey 20. Jarrot Moore 21. Willie Aley 22. Gary Robinson 23. Darrell Moody 24. Leigh Wheeler DNQ-Phil Kaufman, Butch Skiles, Ray Bailey, Jr., Duane Grinnell, Mark Covert, Bill Kirschner, Robert Caszatt, Jr., William George, Sr., Tim Zuschlag, Jim Davis, Dean Sherbondy, Brian Miller, J.R. Brown, Tony Bruno, Tim Deutsch.

 

 

 


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Kent and Riggs score Mercer Sprint and Modified wins; career first for Mike Aley in the Stocks

By Mike Leone

July 14, 2001

Mercer (PA)...Finally sunny skies greeted fans and competitors alike at Mercer Raceway Park on Saturday night for the first time in over a month. Scoring wins and celebrating in the Moore’s Auto Body victory lane were Arnie Kent-Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Lonny Riggs-Bolland Machine Big-Block Modifieds, Andy Priest-New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modifieds, and Andy Buckley and Mike Aley-Butterfield’s Pub Stock Cars.

Pizza Joe’s presented "A Night of Hope" as nearly $2,000 was donated for the American Cancer Society throughout the night. Pizza Joe’s also gave away 700 prizes to the fans. The "In the Race with Jesus" Bible School held its closing ceremonies during intermission after a week-long bible school at the track. Each child that participated received a family pass that allowed their entire family to come to the races Saturday night for free.

Arnie Kent drove a masterful race through traffic to record his second 20-lap Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car win of the year. "It was running pretty good," said the New Castle, Pa. winner. "We had some real diversity today. We had motor problems and we worked on it all day. We straightened some parts at the track. I can’t believe it stayed together."

Mike Shearer led the first lap before Kent, who started fifth, took over the lead on the second circuit with Nathan Hines following. Shearer and Jimmy Hawley brought out the caution with two laps in. When racing resumed, Troy Preston, who started 10th, passed Gregg McCandless for third on the restart. The man on a mission was Rob Eyler. The 18th starter cracked the top five on lap four moving by Dave Wagner. One lap later he disposed of McCandless for fourth. Meanwhile, Preston continued his march to the front taking runner-up from Hines on lap six. Eyler closed in and drove under Hines to take away third on lap seven.

With the last 18 laps going non-stop it was Kent making the right moves through lapped traffic to keep a steady distance ahead of Preston and Eyler for his fourth career Mercer win in the Dr. Martello Dentistry/McElwain Chevrolet-sponsored #18.

Preston edged the hard charging Eyler by a car-length at the checkers for second. Point leader, Tom Quarterson, raced from eleventh to finish fourth. McCandless, a rookie Sprint Car driver, drove a nice race for a best finish of fifth. Completing the top 10 were Jason Jacoby, Wagner, teenager Hines, Mike Kekich, and Gary McCollum. Heat winners were Hawley and Kent over the 22-car field.

Lonny Riggs became the top winner in the Bolland Machine Big-Block Modified division by recording his third 20-lap win. "The crew deserves this one," stated the Volant, Pa. winner. "Last night we looked terrible at Lernerville (Speedway). We took the car home and worked on it all night and got it a lot better. I never had a win here before in the big blocks- now I’ve got three!"

Steve Young, Rick Hall, and Rodney Beltz were the top three for the first three laps. But on the lap three restart, Frank Guidace and Rodney Beltz got together and collected Jeff Schaffer, Tim Doran, and Carl Murdick. Young and Hall both exited with flat tires.

When racing resumed, Don McKnight was left standing with the lead ahead of Lou Blaney and Dean Pearson. Blaney and Pearson swapped second and third on laps four and five with Blaney staying ahead. McKnight and Blaney made contact battling for the lead on lap seven as McKnight held on to the lead. Riggs, who started 11th, entered the picture on lap 10 when he passed Pearson for third. Mark Sevin’s spin with 10 laps completed brought out the final caution.

On the restart, Riggs passed Blaney then edged ahead of McKnight with a nice move off turn four to take the lead on the 11th circuit. Blaney finally got by McKnight for runner-up on lap 13, but could not get Riggs in the Merle Black-owned, Winners Circle Automotive Machine/Suhrie Industrial Supply Tool Rental-sponsored #58. Beltz drove back up through the field to finish third after passing McKnight for the spot on the last lap. McKnight dropped to fourth and Les Myers completed the top five. Rounding out the top 10 were Rob Curtis, J.R. McGinley, Pearson, Guy Griffin, and rookie big-block Nick Ritchey. Picking up heat wins over the 21-car field were Doran and Guidace.

Andy Priest of New Castle, Pa. won his fourth 20-lap New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modified feature to become the track’s top winner in 2001. Buck Buchanan drove the race of his life to lead the first 15 laps of the feature. Priest, who started 11th, passed Curt Matthews and Les Myers to take over second on lap 15. Priest made the winning move the following lap nosing ahead of Buchanan. Buchanan lost second and third to Myers and Gary Smoker before he spun out on the 19th lap and brought out the caution. Priest led the final lap for his 22nd career sportsman win in the Ted Hull-owned, MPR Lumber/Griffin-Bossard Chevrolet-sponsored #41. Second through fifth all with season-best finishes were Myers, Matthews, Al Priester, and Jerry Schaffer. Heat victors over the 23-car field were Steve Young and Priest.

Andy Buckley of Stoneboro, Pa. became the first driver of the season to repeat in the Butterfield’s Pub Stock Cars by winning the 20-lap June 23 make-up feature. Gary Robinson passed Willie Aley on lap two for the lead. Buckley came from eighth to take over second from Aley on lap 13. The two friends, Robinson and Buckley, battled hard over the last seven laps. Buckley nosed ahead to lead lap 16 and was able to edge Robinson at the finish for the $400 win. Point leader Buckley’s fourth career win could not have come at a better time in his Hapeman Electronics/Artic Cat-sponsored #965 as his wife gave birth to their first baby about three hours earlier. Ron Iorio made a late charge to place third ahead of Dave Ferringer and Shaun Hooks.

In the regular 15-lap Butterfield’s Pub Stock Car feature, Mike Aley became the 10th different winner in 11 races in a career first win. The Fredonia, Pa. driver started the event in third and took the lead from Rick Anthony on lap two. Bob Sloss, who started sixth, worked his way to the front and passed Anthony for runner-up on lap three with Bill Hanna following. Sloss and Hanna would swap second and third until Sloss got back by for good on lap 10. But Aley was able to hold off Sloss and Hanna for the win in his H.R. Fenton/Pizza Joe’s-sponsored #99. Ferringer and Hooks were fourth and fifth for second time of the night. Winning the heats over the 40-car field were Hanna, Mike Aley, Ferringer, and Sloss. Mike Work and Jim Miller won the two B mains.

 

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars: 1. ARNIE KENT 2. Troy Preston 3. Rob Eyler 4. Tom Quarterson 5. Gregg McCandless 6. Jason Jacoby 7. Dave Wagner 8. Nathan Hines 9. Mike Kekich 10. Gary McCollum 11. Gary Edwards 12. Gale Ruth, Jr. 13. Chris Matthews 14. Daryl Stimeling 15. Goob Schuller 16. Joe Laugherty, Jr. 17. Randy Kriegisch 18. Brian Woodhall 19. Mike Shearer 20. Jimmy Hawley 21. Mark Murphy 22. Jack Sodeman, Jr.

Bolland Machine Big-Block Modifieds: 1. LONNY RIGGS 2. Lou Blaney 3. Rodney Beltz 4. Don McKnight 5. Les Myers 6. Rob Curtis 7. J.R. McGinley 8. Dean Pearson 9. Guy Griffin 10. Nick Ritchey 11. John Boyer, Jr. 12. Mark Sevin 13. Steve Young 14. Howard Duff 15. Rick Hall 16. Frank Guidace 17. Jeff Schaffer 18. Carl Murdick 19. Tim Doran 20. Dana Gearhart 21. Tom Armstrong-DNS.

New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modifieds: 1. ANDY PRIEST 2. Les Myers 3. Curt Matthews 4. Al Priester 5. Jerry Schaffer 6. Gary Smoker 7. Rick Hall 8. Gary Bollinger 9. Greg Unrue 10. Chanda Reitz 11. Bill Baptiste 12. Buck Buchanan 13. Dave Cogswell 14. Steve Young 15. John Buchanan 16. Rick Ryder 17. John Jones 18. Jay Priest 19. Bill Adams 20. Andy Paden 21. Brad Watson-DSQ 22. Morgan Sasse-DSQ 23. Randy Rodemoyer-DNS.

Butterfield’s Pub Stock Cars 6/23 make-up: 1. ANDY BUCKLEY 2. Gary Robinson 3. Ron Iorio 4. Dave Ferringer 5. Mike Aley 6. Mike Aley 7. Bobby Whitling 8. Bob Sloss 9. Dan Fedorchak 10. Jeff Kravec 11. Tim Zuschlag 12. Lonnie O’Brien 13. Rick Anthony 14. Brian Miller 15. Terry Kroner 16. Bob Hays 17. Bill Hanna 18. Keith Nagy 19. Willie Aley 20. Gary Miller, Jr. 21. Rick Norco 22. Phil Kaufman 23. William George, Sr. 24. Jim Miller 25. Gary Norman 26. Andy Thompson-DNS. DNQ-Mark Felicetty, Ray Bailey, Jr., Duane Grinnell, Adam Aley, Bob Garris, Ed Hays, Erick Cwynar, Robert Caszatt, Jr., Don Greenlee, Jarrot Moore, Tom Miller, Greg Beach.

Butterfield’s Pub Stock Cars: 1. MIKE ALEY 2. Bob Sloss 3. Bill Hanna 4. Dave Ferringer 5. Shaun Hooks 6. Jim Miller 7. Jim Brunson 8. Darrell Moody 9. Rick Anthony 10. Bobby Whitling 11. Jeff Kravec 12. Greg Beach 13. Andy Buckley 14. Kevin Thompson 15. Phil Kaufman 16. Willie Aley 17. Butch Skiles 18. Dan Fedorchak 19. Mike Work 20. Brian Miller 21. Duane Grinnell 22. Lonnie O’Brien 23. Steve Anderson 24. Gary Robinson DNQ-Ray Bailey, Jr., Corey Ruffo, Terry Kroner, Gary Miller, Jr., William George, Sr., Tim Zuschlag, Bob Hays, Ron Iorio, Don Greenlee, Ben Blake, Bill Kirschner, Dean Sherbondy, Skip Reseigh, Adam Aley, Rick Norco, Keith Nagy.

 
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Eyler and Doran celebrate Mercer’s first 50 years with biggest career wins in Sprints and Modifieds

By Mike Leone

July 21, 2001

Mercer (PA)...Mercer Raceway Park celebrated the first 50 years of existence on Saturday night with the running of "The Gold Cup" 50th Anniversary Event presented by National Cash Advance. Picking up wins were Rob Eyler-Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Tim Doran-Bolland Machine Big-Block Modifieds, Andy Priest-New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modifieds, and Andy Buckley-Butterfield’s Pub Stock Cars.

The largest crowd of the season witnessed over 100 retired drivers return to enjoy the festivities as guests of Mercer Raceway Park. Those drivers were remembered throughout the night and signed autographs at intermission. Among those in attendance was the great Steve Ungar along with son and former sprint car driver Rick. Emil Smolnik and Johnny Holfelder, who competed in the 50s, were on the grounds. The first ever female competitor, Ruby Perry, was there along with her husband and former racer Sam. Ralph Quarterson, the all-time Mercer winner and father of current sprint point leader Tom, was also present as well as many others. Some of the finest racing machines that ever turned a lap at Mercer were on display and took some hot laps at intermission. Former sprint car greats, Dick Bailey and Putsy Kekich, hot lapped Goob Schuller’s and Mike Kekich’s spirnt car respectively. A tent was set up with memorabilia and racing videos played. Jim Bickel presented flagman, Mike Hanshaw, with the track’s original green and checkered flags for use during the features.

Rob Eyler was handed his biggest career payday in the 30-lap $2,000 to-win Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car feature after leaders Jimmy Hawley and Arnie Kent tangled with two laps to go. "I had a third place car tonight, but the way it turned out we won," said the Franklin, Pa. racer. "I’m happy, but I hate to win that way. I’ve lost a few that way too."

The race started with Jack Sodeman, Jr. getting upside down in turn two. He was okay, but done for the night. When racing got underway, Kent shot into the lead, while Jamie Smith, Hawley, and Eyler all got by John Toth III. Heavy lapped traffic came into play on lap seven as Smith and Hawley closed in on Kent.

Smith and Hawley battled for second, while Eyler was trying to hold off Tommy Burns, Jr. Hawley got around Smith for second on lap 10. Eyler and Burns traded fourth place with Eyler getting by for good on lap 011. Hawley ran down Kent and was on the two-time winner on lap 13. Eventual winner, Eyler, moved up to the third spot after taking the position away from Smith at the start-finish line on lap 17. Goob Schuller slowed action with two separate spins with 20 and 22 laps completed.

When racing resumed, Hawley put heavy pressure on Kent and made the move for the lead in traffic in turn one on lap 28. However, just as the two were coming down to complete that circuit, Gary Edwards and Troy Preston tangled. Hawley then spun and collected Kent, who went on his side. Hawley and Edwards were done for the night, but Preston and Kent would continue after changing a tire.

When green replaced yellow for the last three laps, Eyler was able to hold off Smith in his Bahama Breeze Tanning/Griffin Excavating-sponsored #5 for his second win. "It’s been good the last few weeks," said Eyler from victory lane. "The fuel stop helped us a lot. If I had that car earlier we would have been real good. The last three laps was the best the car ran."

Smith’s second was his best finish since August 12 of last year. Burns was third after starting eighth. Kenny Hardy came from 15th to finish a Mercer best fourth in a sprint. Preston was fifth. Sixth through tenth were Mark Spence, Kent, Toth, Mike Kekich, and Jason Jacoby. Winning the heats were Smith, Kent, and Preston over the 23-car field.

Tim Doran swept all the top cash posted as he left the speedway with a career best payday of $3,500. Doran started the night off winning the 30-lap $2,000 to-win Bolland Machine Big-Block Modified feature and became the second driver to win the ERACERS "Cash Chaser" bonus money at $500. "The car worked perfect," said the jubilant New Castle, Pa. winner. This is the biggest win ever and it means a lot to win tonight with all the drivers I used to watch here."

Point leader Dean Pearson led the opening lap before Les Myers took over on lap two passing Pearson off turn four. Doran, who started 12th, used the same move to take second away from Pearson on lap three. Jeff Schaffer dropped Pearson back another spot when he raced into third on lap six. By lap 10 it was a three-car race. Five laps later, Lonny Riggs and Pearson joined the battle to make it a five-car race.

It was lap 20 when Doran made the winning move driving by Myers off turn four on the outside. Riggs passed Schaffer for third then got under Myers off turn four on lap 23 for second. Riggs however didn’t have anything for Doran, who pulled away for his third win of the year all coming in the last four events. "We rolled last week and I want to thank my brothers, who got the car back together," said the driver of the Richard Smith Construction/Mitchelltree Bros. Logging & Lumber-sponsored #12. "I want to dedicate this win to my brother Pat, who I lost last year."

Schaffer got by Myers on lap 28 to finish third. Myers dropped to fourth over Lou Blaney, who came from 20th. Completing the top 10 were Scott Gurdak, Dave Murdick, Don McKnight, Carl Weatherby, and Pearson. Winning the heats over the 33-car field were Schaffer, Rick Hall, and Myers. McKnight won the B main.

Doran then completed the night by winning the $1,000 winner-take-all 10-lap Australian Pursuit race. Doran charged through the pack and on lap nine made the winning move again on Myers. Schaffer, Gurdak, Myers, Riggs, Blaney, Pearson, McKnight, Josh Skarzenski, and Dick Rankin completed the finishing order. Pearson put the race together thanks to C.J. Rombold Racing Engines, Schrader Well Drilling, Blaney Lumber, Courson Racing Engines, Bailey Racing Products, Ray’s Racing Specialties, Moore’s Auto Body, 8J Racing, Rankin & Son Excavating, and Race Team #12.

Andy Priest of New Castle, Pa. picked up his second straight win in the 25-lap New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modified feature. Priest started from sixth and moved into second on lap six, but hit the wall on lap 10 and had to work his way back to the front. Meanwhile, Gary Smoker led the first 10 laps before John Buchanan edged ahead on lap 11. Priest came back to the front passing both Al Priester and Smoker for second on lap 17. Racing off turn two on the 24th lap, Priest made the winning move on Buchanan and led the final two laps for the $500 win. His fifth win of the year and 24th of his career in the sportsman division came in the Ted Hull-owned, Bossard-Crawford Chevrolet/MPR Lumber-sponsored #41. Buchanan held on for second. Steve Young came from 12th to finish third after passing Priester for the spot on lap 23. Priester dropped to fourth over Bill Adams. Smoker, D.J. Schrader, and Young won the heats over the 27-car field. Leroy Johnson, Jr. won the B main.

Andy Buckley continued to be the Butterfield’s Pub Stock Car division’s only multiple winner. The Stoneboro, Pa. point leader won his third feature in the 20-lap $500 to-win event. Buckley and Gary Norman, who started sixth and seventh respectively, raced to the front together. On lap four, they passed Gary Robinson for second and third. Following the restart with four laps completed, they both passed Bill Hanna for the top two spots. The last 15 laps saw the two put on a great race going side-by-side on laps 7-10 and laps 16 and 17. At the checkers, Buckley had just enough to deny Norman a first win in his Hapeman Electronics/Artic Cat-sponsored #965. Shaun Hooks raced from twentieth to place third. Greg Beach, who started ninth, was a Mercer best fourth over 15th starter, Bobby Whitling. Heat victors over the 40-car field were Hanna, Mike Aley, Beach, and Norman. The two B mains went to Dave Ferringer and Ron Iorio.

 

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars (30 laps): 1. ROB EYLER ($2,000) 2. Jamie Smith 3. Tommy Burns, Jr. 4. Kenny Hardy 5. Troy Preston 6. Mark Spence 7. Arnie Kent 8. John Toth III 9. Mike Kekich 10. Jason Jacoby 11. Dave Wagner 12. Gary McCollum 13. Goob Schuller 14. Brian Woodhall 15. Gregg McCandless 16. Jimmy Hawley 17. Gary Edwards 18. Nathan Hines 19. Mark Murphy 20. Buddy Cochran 21. Butch Beasley 22. Jack Sodeman, Jr. 23. Tom Quarterson-DNS.

Bolland Machine Big-Block Modifieds (30 laps): 1. TIM DORAN ($2,500) 2. Lonny Riggs 3. Jeff Schaffer 4. Les Myers 5. Lou Blaney 6. Scott Gurdak 7. Dave Murdick 8. Don McKnight 9. Carl Weatherby 10. Dean Pearson 11. Rick Hall 12. Rich Ferguson 13. Josh Skarzenski 14. Guy Griffin 15. Brian Swartzlander 16. J.R. McGinley 17. Adam Siegel 18. Rodney Beltz 19. Steve Young 20. Bob Dorman 21. Rob Curtis 22. Nick Ritchey 23. George Hobaugh 24. Skip Moore DNQ-Randy Ferguson, John Boyer, Jr., Jimmy Faas, Rick Kress, Carl Murdick, Dana Gearhart, Howard Duff, Dave Reges, Jeremiah Shingledecker.

New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modifieds (25 laps): 1. ANDY PRIEST ($500) 2. John Buchanan 3. Steve Young 4. Al Priester 5. Bill Adams 6. Gary Smoker 7. Rick Hall 8. Chanda Reitz 9. Les Myers 10. Gary Bollinger 11. Rick Ryder 12. Greg Unrue 13. Fred Sasse 14. Randy Rodemoyer 15. Bill Baptiste 16. Morgan Sasse 17.Andy Paden 18. Brad Watson 19. Allen Ferry 20. Ben Hamilton 21. Leroy Johnson, Jr. 22. D.J. Schrader 23. Curt Matthews 24. Jerry Schaffer DNQ-John Jones, Dave Cogswell, Buck Buchanan.

Butterfield’s Pub Stock Cars (20 laps): 1. ANDY BUCKLEY ($500) 2. Gary Norman 3. Shaun Hooks 4. Greg Beach 5. Bobby Whitling 6. Gary Robinson 7. Brian Miller 8. Doug Iorio 9. Terry Kroner 10. Jarrot Moore 11.Willie Aley 12. Rick Anthony 13. Dan Fedorchak 14. Dave Ferringer 15. Lynn Hostetler 16. Bill Hanna 17. Jeff Kravec 18. Ron Iorio 19. Phil Kaufman 20. Tim Zuschlag 21. Rick Norco 22. Russ Kapalin 23. Mike Aley 24. Darrell Moody-DSQ DNQ-Mike Work, Tim Deutsch, Corey Ruffo, Ray Bailey, Jr., Bob Hays, Butch Skiles, Erick Cwynar, Robert Caszatt, Jr., Dean Sherbondy, Lonnie O’Brien, Don Greenlee, Duane Grinnell, Andy Boland, Gary Miller, Jr., Brian Counselman, Adam Aley.

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