Past Press Releases & Results for June, 2000
- June 24, 2000
- Chaneys last lap pass worth $2,000 in wingless Sprints; Freeland wins ARDC Midgets at Mercer
- June 17, 2000
- Smith wins first of 2000 in Sprints; Blaney wins #6 in Mercer Modifieds
- June 10, 2000
- Blaneys 5th Mercer Modified win is worth $1,500
- June 7, 2000
- Keegan wins Western PA All Star Speedweek opener
- June 3, 2000
- Jacoby upsets Mercer Sprints for first career win; Doran win first in Modifieds
Jacoby upsets Mercer Sprints for first career win; Doran win first in Modifieds
by Mike Leone
June 3, 2000
Mercer (PA)...Mercer Raceway Park completed its sixth program of the 2000 racing season on Saturday night. Carry the checkered flag to the Autobody Products Inc. victory lane were Jason Jacoby-Axa Advisors 410 Sprint Cars, Tim Doran-Bolland Machine Big-Block Modifieds, Lou Gentile-Miller Lite Six-Cylinder Modifieds, Andy Priest-New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modifieds, and Matt Lux-Butterfields Pub Stock Cars.
Jason Jacoby of Franklin, Pa. won a thrilling battle with Rob Eyler to win his first career 410 Sprint Car Feature almost one year to the day, June 5, 1999, after getting passed on the last lap by Bob Felmlee. "Its been a long time coming," said the second-generation racer. "We were racing hard. I didnt know what was going to happen. It looked like Rob got in a little hot and I got back under him and thats the same thing that happened to me in (turns) three and four when he got under me."
Jacoby was handicapped to the pole positions and immediately raced into the lead at the start of the 20-lap Axa Advisors race. Eyler, who started fifth, made a nice move to take third on the first lap to get by Jamie Smith and Brad Ellenberger racing off turn two. Eyler caught the runner-up car of Doug Kekich. The two would battle hard for second place running side-by-side. Finally on lap 10, Eyler got under Kekich in turn three for the spot.
By the time Eyler, got around Kekich, Jacoby had built up a half-straightaway advantage. Ellenberger also got around Kekich for third on lap 12 as the two made contact at the start-finish line. The contact was enough to slow down Kekich enough that allowed Smith to take fourth.
As the laps ticked off, Jacoby maintained his advantage, but trouble was lurking ahead as he was about to catch the back-markers. With less than five laps to go, Jacoby got hung up behind Gary Kriess, Jr. and Randy Johnson, who were battling for position. As the white flag was waving, Eyler made the pass coming off turn four in lap traffic giving the second-year sprint driver the lap 19 lead. But in turn two on the final lap, Eyler got in the turn a little too hard allowing Jacoby to get back by. Eyler tried one more move in turn four going to the inside, but got a little sideways giving Jacoby a clear path to the checkers in a race that went non-stop in 5:08.99. It was actually the first top 10 of the season for Jacoby in his North Street Auto Supply-sponsored #4J.
Eyler held on for a career best Mercer finish in second. Ellenberger raced home for a season-best third ahead of Smith and Kevin Andrusky. Sixth through tenth were Kekich, Jarod Larson, Brian Ellenberger, Jarod Larson, Arnie Kent, and Ralph Spithaler, Jr., who was subbing for an injured Troy Preston. Winning the heats were Larson and Eyler.
Tim Doran erased a his early season bad luck at Mercer by capturing his first 20-lap Bolland Machine Big-Block Modified Feature win of the season. "We really got the car running good tonight. The McCreary tires made all of the difference. It really hooked this car up," said the New Castle, Pa. driver. "We hadnt finished here yet this season. I screwed up a couple times, but Im glad to win one here again."
Doran jumped into the lead at the start from the pole position. Rodney Beltz passed Rob Kristyak for second, as Dean Pearson did the same from his fifth starting spot on the first lap. Tommy Kristyak, who started 11th, raced into the top five on lap four passing J.R. McGinley. On lap eight, Lonny Riggs and Kristyak both got around Pearson for third and fourth. Lou Blaney, who started 12th, dropped Pearson back another spot when he got by on lap nine for fifth.
Following the restart for Don McKnighta spin with nine laps completed, Kristyak and Blaney moved up two more spot when they got around Riggs and Beltz. After another restart for Rich Fergusons spin with 14 laps completed, Blaney made the move for second passing Kristyak.
Doran ran a solid race holding off Blaney and Kristyak for another restart to take his seventh career Mercer win in his Richard Smith Construction-sponsored #12. Blaney, the current point leader, has finished in the top two spots all six races this season. Behind Doran, Blaney, and Kristyak were Riggs and Beltz. Rounding out the top 10 were Carl Murdick, Dave Murdick, Kevin Bolland, Rob Curtis, and Carl Weatherby. Scoring heat wins over the 27-car field were Weatherby, Dave Murdick, and Doran.
Lou Gentile of Youngstown, Ohio made it three-in-a-row and four out of five the 15-lap Miller Lite Six-Cylinder Modified Feature. Jim Bickel looked strong early on passing Rick Kress for second on the first lap and taking the lead on lap three from Harold Michaels. Frank Guidace followed Bickel by passing Kress, then Michaels for second on lap four. Meanwhile, Gentile, who started ninth, tracked down the top two, first passing Guidace on lap six for runner-up. Bickel held the top spot until lap 12 when Gentile got around him in turn three. Gentile went on for his 11th win in the last 15 races in the Emig #1 as the money was donated to the Case Elementary School Autistic class in Sharon, Pa. The race went non-stop in 4:30.65. Bickel recorded his first top five of the season in second and was trailed by Guidace, Randy Ferguson, and Bill Adams. Adams and Guidace won the heats over the season-high 13-car field.
Andy Priest of New Castle, Pa. recorded his second 20-lap New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modified Feature win of the season. Priest started sixth and moved into the top three on lap two taking the position away from Bob Young. Scott Kay continued to lead, while Priest made it to runner-up on lap four when rookie Doug Updyke slipped high. Priests winning move came on the sixth circuit when he drove by Kay on the backstretch for the lead. Priest went on for his 14th career Mercer Sportsman Modified win in the Ted Hull-owned MPR Lumber/Griffin-sponsored #41. Chanda Reitz, who started eighth, passed Rick Hall for third on lap 16, then made a nice pass to take second from Kay on lap 17 at the start-finish line. Kay held off point leader Rick Hall for third. Rookie J.R. Greer recorded his best career finish as he completed the top five. Heat winners over the season-high 31-car field were Andy Paden, Priest, and Kay. Ron Eperthener, Jr. won the B main.
Stock Car standout Matt Lux added Mercer Raceway Park to his list of wins as the Reno, Pa. driver chalked up his first win at the 3/8-mile speedplant. Lux drove a superb race coming from the seventh starting spot to take the win. On lap six, Lux cracked the top three when he got by John Reiser. On lap eight, Gary Robinson slipped high allowing Lux to get by for second. Then on lap 10, Lux got under Leigh Wheeler, who had lead since lap four, for the lead, while Robinson followed in second. Lux had to hold off Robinson, who was all over the Dulaneys Garage-sponsored #21, for the win. Brian Booher came from 11th to finish third after passing teammate Wheeler on lap 13. Wheeler dropped to fourth over Gary Miller, Jr. Heat victors over the season-high 35-car field were Booher, Robinson, and Lux. Ed Hays won the B main.
Axa Advisors 410 Sprint Car Feature Finish: 1. JASON JACOBY 2. Rob Eyler 3. Brad Ellenberger 4. Jamie Smith 5. Kevin Andrusky 6. Doug Kekich 7. Jarod Larson 8. Brian Ellenberger 9. Arnie Kent 10. Ralph Spithaler, Jr. 11. Tom Quarterson 12. Gary Edwards 13. Terry Young 14. Gary Kriess, Jr. 15. Randy Johnson 16. Gary McCollum 17. Scott Bonnell 18. Glenn Noland 19. Dave Wagner-DNS.
Bolland Machine Big-Block Modified Feature Finish: 1. TIM DORAN 2. Lou Blaney 3. Tommy Kristyak 4. Lonny Riggs 5. Rodney Beltz 6. Carl Murdick 7. Dave Murdick 8. Kevin Bolland 9. Rob Curtis 10. Carl Weatherby 11. Don McKnight 12. Bob Dorman 13. Jim Rombold, Jr. 14. Rick Hall 15. Steve Barr 16. Adam Siegel 17. J.R. McGinley 18. Dean Pearson 19. Rob Kristyak 20. Dick Rankin 21. Greg Davis 22. Rich Ferguson 23. Dave Harbaugh 24. Jeff Hoffman 25. Jerry Bickel-DNS 26. George Davis-DNS 27. Lee Miller-DNS.
Miller Lite Six-Cylinder Modified Feature Finish: 1. LOU GENTILE 2. Jim Bickel 3. Frank Guidace 4. Randy Ferguson 5. Bill Adams 6. Conny Allen 7. Jim Reagle 8. Harold Michaels 9. Jerry Schaffer 10. Rick Kress 11. Joe Kane 12. Kenny Hardy-DNS 13. Dustin Kress-DNS.
New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modifieds: 1. ANDY PRIEST 2. Chanda Reitz 3. Scott Kay 4. Rick Hall 5. J.R. Greer 6. Dean Pearson 7. John Buchanan 8. Bob Young 9. Jason Longwell 10. Rod Artman 11. Doug Updyke 12. David Myers 13. Leroy Johnson, Jr. 14. Ron Sasse 15. Darrell Combs 16. Ron Eperthener, Jr. 17. Zack Moran 18. Barry Bulfone 19. Tom Mattocks 20. Gary Bollinger 21. Rick Ryder 22. Randy Rodemoyer 23. Andy Paden 24. Kevin Latshaw-DNS DNQ-Dave Scharder, Jim Thompson, Mike Mathieson, Mike Kelley, Gary Smoker, Kevin Thompson, Allen Ferry.
Butterfields Pub Stock Car Feature Finish: 1. MATT LUX 2. Gary Robinson 3. Brian Booher 4. Leigh Wheeler 5. Gary Miller, Jr. 6. Jim Brunson 7. John Reiser 8. Dave Ferringer 9. Brian Miller 10. Albert Hays 11. Tim Zuschlag 12. Dan Fedorchak 13. Jesse Umstead 14. J.R. Ziegler 15. Ray Bailey, Jr. 16. Rick Anthony 17. Ed Hays 18. Skip Reseigh 19. Bob Kitchen 20. Willie Aley 21. Mike Aley 22. Bob Bean 23. Bill Schall, Jr. 24. Jeff Kravec-DSQ 25. Dan Lewis-DNS DNQ-Adam Aley, Kevin Bailey, Vince Felicetty, Bill Banick, Jr., Mike Turner, Bill Greenlea, Jim Riffenberrick, Frank Burdette, Terry Kroner, Andy Buckley
Keegan wins Western PA All Star Speedweek opener
By Mike Leone
June 7, 2000
Mercer, PA&The 8th Annual Western Pa. Speedweek kicked off at Mercer Raceway Park on Wednesday night. Mark Keegan won the All Star Sprint portion and Gary Miller, Jr. was victorious in the Butterfields Pub Stock Car Feature.
Mark Keegan of Fremont, Ohio benefited from Ed Lynch, Jrs misfortune to capture his first-ever Western Pa. Speedweek win. The 30-lap event was worth $5,000. "We missed the setup in the heat race and we went out for B and it gave us another chance at the race track and it sure helped this car," said Keegan. "When we went back to the pits (after the B) we didnt have to touch it, just dump in fuel and race."
Ed Lynch, Jr. started on the ButlerBuilt Hot Seat pole with Keegan alongside. Lynch quickly took command with Keegan falling into second. Brian Ellenberger passed Chad Kemenah for third at the line on lap one lap.
Lynch opened up a comfortable lead as he raced through traffic on lap five. However, on lap eight disaster struck as Lynch got into Joe McEwen. The two got tangled up forcing the red. Both drivers were okay.
This gave the lead to Keegan with Ellenberger now in second and Kemenah back to third. Fred Rahmer, who was making his first-ever Mercer start, was on the move from the 10th starting spot. Rahmer cleared Duncan for fifth on lap eight. The top five cars of Keegan, Ellenberger, Kemenah, Hull, and Rahmer stayed nose-to-tail until five laps to go.
On lap 25, Rahmer moved into fourth taking the spot from Hull. Duncan followed Rahmer dropping Hull back another spot. Ellenberger tried every move possible to get around Keegan. Two more cautions with 26 laps completed gave him another chance.
The last four laps went green-to-checker with Keegan in the Chuck Steinbrick-owned sprint scoring his first Mercer win since April 11, 1998. "I really like this place. I just wish it was closer to home." The #92 was powered by a Kistler, Maxim chassis on American Racer tired.
Ellenberger settled for a career-best All Star finish in second. "I was tired out, the track was heavy and it wore me out. I thought I might have something for Mark at the end and I tried the high side of the track, but ran out of tear-offs the last couple laps and I was having trouble seeing," said the Butler, Pa. resident.
Kemenah was third over Rahmer and Duncan. Hull was sixth. Mercers own Mike Lutz came from 21st to finish seventh winning the Team Simpson Racing Lucky Seven award. Byron Reed was eighth. Locals Craig Rankin and Rob Eyler completed the top ten.
The heats went to Scott Bonnell, Lutz, Joe McEwen, and Kenny Jacobs over the 32-car field. Keegan won the Georgia Marketing & Promotions B main. Ellenberger captured the Commercial Truck & Trailer Dash. Hull set a new track record in his first-ever appearance to the track with a lap of 13.550 erasing Jacobs mark of 13.745 from September 28, 1997.
Gary Miller, Jr. won his first 20-lap Butterfields Pub Stock Car Feature win of the season. "Weve been fast all year, but just couldnt catch a break. Weve had nothing but bad luck," said the New Castle, Pa. driver. "This is really nice. Very, very nice."
Jim Brunson took the lead on the first lap from newcomer James Hooks. Miller got around Hooks for second on lap two. Millers winning move came on the third circuit when he drove around Brunson. Brunsons night came to an end with a flat tire under caution with 13 laps completed. This moved fifth starter, Dave Ferringer into second, and 21st starter, Gary Robinson to third. The last seven laps went non-stop with Ferringer and Robinson all over Miller. But at the checkers, Miller had his first Mercer win since September 11, 1994. The $500 win came aboard the K&K Dynamics/K&R Construction/Folkerson Construction-sponsored #1. Ferringer continued his strong Mercer season with a second over Robinson. Brian Miller and Brian Booher were fourth and fifth. Heat winners over the 25-car field were Miller, Ferringer, and Booher.
All Star Sprint Car A main Feature Finish: 1. MARK KEEGAN 2. Brian Ellenberger 3. Chad Kemenah 4. Fred Rahmer 5. Rodney Duncan 6. Jerrod Hull 7. Mike Lutz 8. Byron Reed 9. Craig Rankin 10. Rob Eyler 11. Frankie Kerr 12. Todd Gracey 13. Kenny Jacobs 14. Jamie Smith 15. Daryl Stimeling 16. Joe McEwen 17. Ryan Flynn 18. Robert Huisken 19. Skip Jackson 20. Greg Wilson 21. Scott Bonnell 22. Shawn Keen 23. Jimmy Hawley 24. Ed Lynch, Jr. DNQ-Terry Young, Pat Cooper, Brent Matus, Gary Rankin, Barry Ruble, Andy McKisson, Doug Kekich, Arnie Kent.
Butterfields Pub Stock Car Feature Finish: 1. GARY MILLER, JR. 2. Dave Ferringer 3. Gary Robinson 4. Brian Miller 5. Brian Booher 6. James Hooks 7. Leigh Wheeler 8. Gary Johns 9. Andy Buckley 10. Mike Aley 11. Dan Fedorchak 12. Bill Banick, Jr. 13. Tim Zuschlag 14. Terry Kroner 15. Shaun Hooks 16. Jim Brunson 17. Jim Riffenberrick 18. Bill Schall, Jr. 19. Rick Anthony 20. Ed Hays 21. Jim Miller 22. Matt Lux 23. Adam Reseigh 24. Albert Hays-DNS 25. Jesse Umstead-DNS.
Blaneys 5th Mercer Modified win is worth $1,500
by Mike Leone
June 10, 2000
Mercer (PA)...The eighth event of the 2000 season was put in the record books on Saturday night at Mercer Raceway Park. Carrying the checkered flag to the Autobody Products Inc. victory lane were Lou Blaney-Bolland Machine Big-Block Modifieds, Lou Gentile-Miller Lite Six-Cylinder Modifieds, Gary Smoker-New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modifieds, and Brian Miller-Butterfields Pub Stock Cars.
Lou Blaney continued his incredible 2000 season by winning the 25-lap "Legacy" event for the Bolland Machine Big-Block Modifieds. "We work hard," said the veteran Hartford, Ohio driver. "Ive got a good crew. We put a lot of effort in it and it pays off."
Tommy Kristyak took the early advantage, while Blaney fell to second as a pill draw determined the first 12 starting spots. Rodney Beltz got around Blaney for second on lap two. Beltz though could only hold Blaney back until lap seven when Blaney got back around in lapped traffic.
Following a restart for Howard Duffs spin, Lonny Riggs and Tim Doran both went around Beltz for third and fourth. Then later that lap, Doran cleared Riggs for third. Two more cautions, one for Mike Sutton and the other for Dick Rankin, bunched the field back up again.
On lap 13, Blaney made the winning move going to the top side to get around Kristyak coming off turn four. At this point, it appeared 11th starting Doran had the fastest car. Doran finally disposed of Kristyak for second on lap 20 with a nice inside move coming off turn four. Doran ran down Blaney in the closing laps, but ran out of time as he had to settle for second. Blaney was able to win his fifth Mercer win of the season and 10th overall in the Troy-Alan Chevrolet/Carpenters Towing/Colonial Metal Products-sponsored #10. "I couldnt see nobody or here anybody," said Blaney in victory lane. "I had my line so it worked out. I wasnt going to move. It worked good on top."
Kristyak held on to third to keep his string of seven-for-seven in top fives intact. Beltz was fourth. Rookie big-block driver, Don McKnight, raced from 20th to finish fifth. His best finish of the year prior had been 11th. Sixth through tenth were Dean Pearson, J.R. McGinley, Rob Kristyak, Rick Hall, and Rob Curtis. Winning the heats over the 23-car field were Rob Kristyak, Blaney, and Kevin Bolland.
Like Lou Blaney, Lou Gentile also captured his fifth win taking the 15-lap Miller Lite Six-Cylinder Modified Feature. The start of the race saw Jim Reagle come from third to take the lead from Mark McEwen on the opening lap. Reagle held the spot until fourth starter, Kenny Hardy, edged ahead to lead lap three. Randy Ferguson and Gentile dropped Reagle back two more spots on lap five.
Hardy then slowed on lap six giving the lead to 10th starting Ferguson with Gentile second and Reagle third. Frank Guidace, who started ninth, was on the move getting around Hardy and then passed Reagle for third on lap seven. The top three pulled away until a caution for Reagles spin with 10 laps completed. On the restart, Gentile had more horses on the outside and drove by Ferguson for the lead. The Youngstown, Ohio driver would lead the final five laps for the his 12th win in the last 16 features in the Emig Racing #1. Ferguson, Guidace, and Conny Allen were second through fourth for the third time this year. Bill Adams was fifth. Winning the heats over the season-high 15-car field were Hardy and Harold Michaels.
Gary Smoker of Mercer, Pa. put an end to tough 2000 season by winning his first 20-lap New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modified Feature. John Buchanan took the lead at the start with Dave Scharder and fifth starting Smoker filling in behind on lap one. On the lap four restart for David Myers, Smoker got by both Scharder and Buchanan. One lap later, Scharder made the move past Buchanan for runner-up. Three more cautions gave Schrader enough chances, but Smoker had enough to hold on for his first win since August 28, 1999 in the Kristyak Service Plaza-sponsored #401. It was his leading 17th win of his career at Mercer. Scharder was second followed by Dean Pearson, Jason Longwells best finish of the season, and Rick Ryder. Heat victors over the 23-car field were Smoker, Chanda Reitz, and Buchanan.
Brian Miller of New Wilmington, Pa. was the benefactor of Jim Riffenberrick being disqualified for being too light at the scales to win his first of the season in the Butterfields Pub Stock Cars. Andy Buckley led the first four laps from the pole position until dropping from the event under caution giving the lead to Kevin Thompson. Thompson and eighth starting Riffenberrick battled side-by-side from laps six through eight.
Leigh Wheeler, who was running third, spun, and brought out the caution with nine laps completed. On the restart, Riffenberrick powered by on the outside coming off turn two for the lead. Then on lap 13, both Miller and John Reiser passed a slowing Thompson for second and third. Gary Miller, Jr. took third away from Reiser on lap 14. Riffenberrick appeared headed for an easy first win, but came up 48 pounds lights at the scales giving point leader, Brian Miller, the win in the Terry Hoover-owned, Fitzgerald Painting/NAPA of New Wilmington-sponsored #99M. Wednesdays winner, Gary Miller, Jr., was credited with second. Reiser, Willie Aley, and Rick Anthony all recorded their first top fives of the season. Scoring heat event wins over the 29-car field were Aley, Brian Booher, and Brian Miller. Jim Brunson won the B main.
Bolland Machine Big-Block Modified Feature Finish: 1. LOU BLANEY 2. Tim Doran 3. Tommy Kristyak 4. Rodney Beltz 5. Don McKnight 6. Dean Pearson 7. J.R. McGinley 8. Rob Kristyak 9. Rick Hall 10. Rob Curtis 11. Bob Dorman 12. Jerry Bickel 13. Steve Barr 14. Lonny Riggs 15. Howard Duff 16. Carl Weatherby 17. Dick Rankin 18. Scott Ripper 19. Mike Sutton 20. Lee Miller 21. Jim Rombold, Jr. 22. Kevin Bolland 23. Carl Murdick-DNS.
Miller Lite Six-Cylinder Modified Feature Finish: 1. LOU GENTILE 2. Randy Ferguson 3. Frank Guidace 4. Conny Allen 5. Bill Adams 6. Jim Bickel 7. Mark Welsh 8. Mark McEwen 9. Joe Kane 10. Jim Reagle 11. Kenny Hardy 12. Harold Michaels 13. Dustin Kress 14. Rick Kress 15. Jerry Schaffer-DNS.
New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modified Feature Finish: 1. GARY SMOKER 2. Dave Scharder 3. Dean Pearson 4. Jason Longwell 5. Rick Ryder 6. Andy Paden 7. Gary Bollinger 8. Doug Updyke 9. Mike Mathieson 10. Buck Buchanan 11. Allen Ferry 12. J.R. Greer 13. Bill Thompson 14. Jeff Schaffer 15. Chanda Reitz 16. Kevin Thompson 17. John Buchanan 18. Darrell Combs 19. Barry Bulfone 20. Skinny Hall 21. David Myers 22. Leroy Johnson, Jr.-DNS 23. Randy Rodemoyer-DNS.
Butterfields Pub Stock Car Feature Finish: 1. BRIAN MILLER 2. Gary Miller, Jr. 3. John Reiser 4. Willie Aley 5. Rick Anthony 6. Jim Brunson 7. Gary Johns 8. Terry Kroner 9. Ed Hays 10. Brian Booher 11. Todd Titus 12. Mike Aley 13. Dave Ferringer 14. Leigh Wheeler 15. Ray Bailey, Jr. 16. Tim Zuschlag 17. Kevin Thompson 18. Adam Reseigh 19. Jim Davis 20. Rick Norco 21. Andy Buckley 22. Jeff Kravec 23. Albert Hays 24. Jim Riffenberrick-DSQ DNQ-Adam Aley, Dan Fedorchak, Vince Felicetty, Bill Banick, Jr., Gary Robinson.
Smith wins first of 2000 in Sprints; Blaney wins #6 in Mercer Modifieds
By Mike Leone
June 17, 2000
Mercer (PA)...Saturday night racing action was completed at Mercer Raceway Park for the ninth time of 2000. Holding the checkered flag in the Autobody Products, Inc. victory lane were Jamie Smith-Axa Advisors 410 Sprint Cars, Lou Blaney-Bolland Machine Big-Block Modifieds, Kenny Hardy-Miller Lite Six-Cylinder Modifieds, John Buchanan-New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modifieds, and Matt Lux-Butterfields Pub Stock Cars.
Jamie Smith put an end to a winless 2000 by scoring his first win of the year in the 20-lap Axa Advisors 410 Sprint Car Feature. "Its been a bit rough up to this point. Were glad to get one here," said the Sewickley, Pa. driver. "The car was good. I could run anywhere I wanted on the track."
The race got off to a rough start when newcomer, Ed Etzel, got into the turn two wall and got upside down. Etzel was okay, but done for the night. On the second restart, Smith got a good run off the bottom from his third starting spot making it three-wide with front row starters Scott Bonnell and Doug Kekich coming down for the wave of the green flag. Smith was able to sneak by going into turn one for the lead. Bonnell and Kekich fell to second and third. Gary Edwards got by Tommy Burns, Jr. for fourth on the opening lap.
The top five cars ran nose-to-tail until traffic became a factor on lap six. Bonnell got a little too high coming off turn four on lap seven allowing Kekich to get by at the line for second. Kekich started to close on the leader, but Smith made better moves through traffic at the half-way mark. Brian Ellenberger was on the move from his eighth starting spot. On lap seven, he passed Burns to move into the top five.
On lap 13, Smiths mount began to smoke as he was running without brakes. Rob Eyler and Randy Johnson tangled bringing out the yellow with 15 laps completed. On the restart, Ellenberger made quite a move to get by Edwards and Bonnell for third. Burns did likewise taking fourth. On the next lap, Ellenberger raced by Kekich for second. Kevin Andrusky slammed the wall backwards bringing a halt to action with 17 laps in the books. He was later transported for x-rays.
When racing resumed, Burns and Edwards got around Kekich for third and fourth. Eyler and Johnson tangled again and also collected Todd Bauer as 19 laps were completed. A broken front wing on Ellenbergers mount allowed Smith to pull away for the win in his GBG/Butterfields Pub-sponsored #5 and also took over the point lead. "Unless youve run without brakes before, it gets a little touchy in lapped traffic," said the winner. "I was glad the yellows kept everything separated. We were pretty lucky."
Ellenberger followed his second with the All Stars on June 7 with another runner-up Mercer finish. Burns recorded his best finish of the year in third ahead of Gary Edwards. Ralph Spithaler, Jr., who was again subbing for the injured Troy Preston, was fifth after getting by Kekich on the last lap. Sixth through tenth were Kekich, Arnie Kent, Bauer, Eyler, and Bonnell. Winning the heats over the 22-car field were Spithaler, Ellenberger, and Bonnell.
Lou Blaney put on an amazing drive coming from 11th to make a last lap pass to win the 20-lap Bolland Machine Big-Block Modified Feature. "Its fun coming from back there," said the Hartford, Ohio winner. "I still love racing. I love the people in it and I love Mercer."
Twenty-four cars took the green with Carl Weatherby taking the early lead. J.R. McGinley and Steve Young raced into second and third on the first lap. McGinley then dropped out on lap two moving Young to second and seventh starting Lonny Riggs to third.
The only caution of the event was displayed for a spin by Greg Davis. The next 17 laps went non-stop and quite a race followed. Riggs drove around Young for second on lap four, while eighth starter, Tim Doran, did the same on lap six for third. Riggs took control of the race on lap eight passing Weatherby coming off turn two in the inside.
Young dropped from the event moving Tommy Kristyak and Blaney into the hunt at the half-way point. Blaney charged by Kristyak for fourth on lap 13. With five laps to go a five-car race ensued for the win with Riggs leading the way over Weatherby, Doran, Blaney, and Kristyak. On lap 15, Blaney disposed of Doran for third and one lap later moved around Weatherby for second. Doran and Kristyak followed in third and fourth taking the position away from Weatherby on the 18th lap.
The race was now on for the win as Blaney ran down Riggs. On the last lap, Blaney used the lapped car of Rick Hall to make the winning move coming off turn two on the outside bringing the fans to their feet. Blaney went on for his sixth Mercer win of the year and tied Tommy Kristyak at 26 wins for the most since Mercer reopened in 1994. "I was working pretty good on the top and bottom, but I got around real good on the top," said the 60-year-old driver of the Troy-Alan Chevrolet/Carpenters Towing/Colonial Metal Products-sponsored #10.
Riggs second was his best finish of the year at Mercer. Doran, Kristyak, and Weatherby were third through fifth. Ron Smoker of Hamburg, New York made his first-ever Mercer start coming from 12th to finish sixth. Completing the top 10 were Rodney Beltz, Dean Pearson, Rob Kristyak, and Bill Dorman. Weatherby, Riggs, and McGinley won heats over the 24-car field.
Kenny Hardy of Wampum, Pa. won his second 15-lap Miller Lite Six-Cylinder Modified Feature of the year. Hardy started fifth and raced by Rick Kress, Jim Reagle, Mark McEwen, and Dustin Kress on lap one for the lead. Only one caution would slow Hardys momentum as he took the checkers first in the Hardy Trucking #85B. Hardy is the only driver to beat Lou Gentile in the past 11 Six-Cylinder Features and has done the feat three times. Harold Michaels charged from sixth to second on the first lap and stayed there for a season-best finish. Gentile, who started 11th, passed Frank Guidace for third on lap six. Guidace dropped to fourth over Randy Ferguson. Winning the heats were Gentile and Ferguson.
John Buchanan of Mercer, Pa. became the sixth different winner in seven races this year in the 20-lap New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modified Feature. Buchanan, a graduate of the New Castle School of Trades, took the lead from Randy Rodemoyer on the first lap, and survived a caution-plagued event for his third career win in the Mercer Bowl/McCools Signs and Graphics-sponsored #93. Gary Smoker raced from 22nd to pass Rodemoyer on the lap eight restart for second. Smoker was all over the smoking Buchanan the last few laps, but had to settle for second. Female driver, Chanda Reitz, came from 12th to finish third to take over the point lead. Andy Paden was fourth over Rodemoyer. Heat victors over the 24-car field were Andy Priest, Buchanan, and Jason Longwell.
Matt Lux of Reno, Pa. was victorious for the second time in the 15-lap Butterfields Pub Stock Car Feature. Jeff Kravec led the first two laps, before Jim Riffenberrick took over. Lux came from eighth to pass Kravec for second on lap four. Lux then made the winning move on lap nine when Riffenberrick got sideways coming off turn four. Lux had to hold off the veteran Riffenberrick for the win in the Dulaneys Garage-sponsored #21. John Reiser, who started 19th, passed Rick Norco on the final lap to finish third for the second straight week. Norco dropped to fourth for his best career Mercer finish. Kevin Thompson was a season-best fifth. Willie Aley, Gary Robinson, and Lux were heat winners over the 31-car field. Reiser won the B main.
Axa Advisors 410 Sprint Car Feature Finish: 1. JAMIE SMITH 2. Brian Ellenberger 3. Tommy Burns, Jr. 4. Gary Edwards 5. Ralph Spithaler, Jr. 6. Doug Kekich 7. Arnie Kent 8. Todd Bauer 9. Rob Eyler 10. Scott Bonnell 11. Mike Kekich 12. Randy Johnson 13. Randy Kriegisch 14. Kevin Andrusky 15. Jim Chappel 16. Terry Young 17. Buddy Cochran 18. Nathan Hines 19. Ed Etzel 20. Gary McCollum-DNS 21. Jason Jacoby-DNS 22. Dave Wagner-DNS.
Bolland Machine Big-Block Modified Feature Finish: 1. LOU BLANEY 2. Lonny Riggs 3. Tim Doran 4. Tommy Kristyak 5. Carl Weatherby 6. Ron Smoker 7. Rodney Beltz 8. Dean Pearson 9. Rob Kristyak 10. Bill Dorman 11. Don McKnight 12. Mike Sutton 13. Carl Murdick 14. Rick Hall 15. Jerry Bickel 16. Steve Barr 17. Lee Miller 18. Greg Davis 19. George Davis 20. Rob Curtis 21. Dick Rankin 22. Steve Young 23. Scott Ripper 24. J.R. McGinley
Miller Lite Six-Cylinder Modified Feature Finish: 1. KENNY HARDY 2. Harold Michaels 3. Lou Gentile 4. Frank Guidace 5. Randy Ferguson 6. Conny Allen 7. Bill Adams 8. Jim Bickel 9. Mark McEwen 10. Jim Reagle 11. DustinKress 12. Troy Willoughby 13. Rick Kress-DNS.
New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modified Feature Finish: 1. JOHN BUCHANAN 2. Gary Smoker 3. Chanda Reitz 4. Andy Paden 5. Randy Rodemoyer 6. Doug Updyke 7. Gary Bollinger 8. Rick Ryder 9. Fred Sasse 10. Buck Buchanan 11. Leroy Johnson, Jr. 12. Mike Mathieson 13. Rick Hall 14. Jeff Miller 15. Scott Kay 16. Allen Ferry 17. Rod Artman 18. Jim Thompson 19. Dean Pearson 20. J.R. Greer 21. Jason Longwell 22. Andy
Butterfields Pub Stock Car Feature Finish: 1. MATT LUX 2. Jim Riffenberrick 3. John Reiser 4. Rick Norco 5. Kevin Thompson 6. Andy Buckley 7. Ed Hays 8. Bill Banick, Jr. 9. Kevin Bailey 10. Gary Robinson 11. Brian Miller 12. Leigh Wheeler 13. Jeff Kravec 14. Willie Aley 15. Andy Thompson 16. Vince Felicetty 17. Dave Ferringer 18. Gary Miller, Jr. 19. Brian Booher 20. Albert Hays 21. Rick Anthony 22. Rusty Moore 23. Tony Bruno 24. Mike Aley DNQ-Adam Aley, Don Greenlee, Ray Bailey, Jr., William George, Sr., Bill Fox, Brian Carothers, Jim Brunson.
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Return to Results Page - Chaneys last lap pass worth $2,000 in wingless Sprints; Freeland wins ARDC Midgets at Mercer
By Mike Leone
June 24, 2000
Mercer (PA)...The 10th racing program of the 2000 season was completed Saturday on "Remember When Night". Winning feature events and posing with 1999 Ms. Motorsports, Jen Olsen, in the Autobody Products Inc. victory lane were Rob Chaney-Axa Advisors wingless 410 Sprint Cars, Mark Freeland-Carquest wingless ARDC Midgets, Matt Lux-Butterfields Pub Stock Cars, and Bill Wheeling-Zoresco P.C.T.C. Senior Series. Phil Kaufman won the second demo derby of the season.
Rob Chaney passed Jamie Smith on the final turn of the last lap with a bonsai move to win the 30-lap Axa Advisors wingless 410 Sprint Car Feature. "My brakes were fading at the end," said the Wooster, Ohio resident. "Jamie (Smith) had been running the top and moved down to probably guard his spot. I just ran in their too hard and got into him."
Chaney drew pill #1 and started from the pole position. Smith meanwhile started from fifth and passed Doug Kekich, Wayne McPeek, and Gary McCollum all on the first lap for second. By lap two, Rob Eyler, who was making his first wingless start, had advanced three spots up to fifth.
Smith took the lead on lap three driving around Chaney coming off turn two, while 11th starter, Gary Edwards, cracked the top five passing Eyler. After the completion of lap four, trouble started, first as Rochester, New York driver, Mike Lauterborn, spun bringing out the caution. On the restart, McPeek of Parkersburg, West Virginia, climbed the wheel of McCollum and went into a series of flips in turns one and two. He was okay, but done for the night. When racing resumed, Goob Schuller lost a wheel. Mel Straley and Lauterborn had no where to go sending Lauterborn flipping. He was also okay, but done for the night. These series of incidents moved Edwards up to fourth and Eyler back to fifth.
After racing resumed, Edwards continued his trek through the field getting by McCollum for third on the sixth circuit. Tenth starter, Arnie Kent, began working up through the pack getting around Eyler, then followed Kent by McCollum for fourth on lap eight. A caution for Doug Kekichs spin bunched up the field with 11 laps completed. When green replaced yellow, Edwards continued his strong run with a surprise pass of wingless guru, Chaney, at the start-finish line on lap 12 for second.
Racing slowed for the final time with 14 laps completed when Ralph Engel, Jr. and Chris Matthews tangled in turn four with Matthews getting upside down. Both drivers were okay, but done for the evening. The last 16 laps went non-stop. Kent moved up to third when he passed Chaney on lap 18. Chaney dropped back to fifth temporarily as he and Cassella raced side-by-side for fourth. Chaney was able to maintain fourth, then got back by Kent for third on lap 21. Edwards, Chaney, Kent, and Cassella continued to battle as Smith began to pull away.
After getting back by Kent, Chaneys tires seemed to kick in. He drove hard into turn one to get back around Edwards on lap 23 for second. Chaney was more than a straightaway behind Smith with five laps to go, but started to cut into the lead every lap. With the white flag waving Smith was in striking distance. Chaney followed Smith around the top of turns one and two. He closed the gap going down the backstretch and drove in as hard as possible low in turn three. Chaney got into Smith in turn four and came out ahead for his first career Mercer win worth $2,000 in the Bob Chaney/Tom Burkey-owned #42. It was his first Mercer start since April 10, 1999. Smith recovered for second earning $1,200. Weirton, West Virginias Cassella passed Edwards for third on lap 27 winning $1,000 in the Dan Covell #81. Kent was fourth over Edwards. Completing the top 10 were McCollum, Mike Kekich, Kevin Andrusky, Scott Bonnell, and Scott Priester. Winning the heats over the 23-car field were Edwards, Kent, and Mike Kekich.
Mark Freeland of Ickysburg, Pa. won his first race of the season in the first-ever appearance by the Carquest wingless ARDC Midgets. "This place is awesome," said a happy Freeland. "I hope the wingless midgets come back here all the time. I love this."
Donnie Trent took the lead from Mike Persig at the wave of the green flag of the 25-lap race. Persig came to a rest giving second to Mark Wakefoose and third to Brian Kobylarz on lap three. Freeland, who started ninth, made his presence known on lap four when he got around the defending champion, Kobylarz, for third.
A great three-car race developed for the lead. Freeland next disposed of Wakefoose for runner-up on lap seven, while eighth starter, Walt Stearly, followed dropping Wakefoose back another spot on lap nine. Freeland was all over Trent on lap 10. The two then ran side-by-side on laps 11 and 12. Freeland made the move for the lead on lap 12 going to the inside coming off turn four. Trent slipped high also allowing Stearly to get by for second.
Stearly ran down Freeland and put a slider on the eventual winner in traffic in turn four of lap 16. Freeland didnt give up going to the inside of Stearly on lap 18, but Stearly was able to hold the lead as the two ran side-by-side until the caution waved for a spin by Fred Schell with 19 laps completed. When racing resumed, Freeland made the winning pass on lap 20 and never looked back for the win in the Roger McCann-owned #4 "Its tough without the wing; youve got to be on the ball at all times," said the winner. "If you dont have the wing it doesnt plant the car down. Youve got to have a little finesse and be able to run the pedal. Having the track tacky was really fun driving."
Stearly was second. Ed Stimely, Jr. came from 10th to place third over Kobylarz and A.J. Ernesto. Sixth through tenth were Craig Rochell, Randy Maustellar, Bill Ertell, Fred Schell, and Mark Wakefoose. Heat winners over the 20-car field were Kevin Bastian and Tony Beaber.
Matt Lux of Franklin, Pa. won his second straight 15-lap Butterfields Pub Stock Car Feature and third of the season. Polesitter, Willie Aley, led lap one, then got into the wall on lap two giving the lead to Rusty Moore. Brian Booher made a three-wide move to take second on lap two from Jim Brunson. Lux, who started seventh, passed Brunson for third on lap four, then got by Booher for second the next lap using the outside. Moore got high on lap seven allowing Lux to take over, but Moore edged back ahead to lead lap eight. Lux made the winning move going to the inside racing off turn four on lap 11. Brian Miller, who started 10th, entered the mix on lap nine, when he passed Booher for third. Moore dropped from the event on lap 12 handing second to Miller. Miller challenged Lux over the remainder of the race, but Lux held on by one car-length for the $400 win in the Dulaneys Garage-sponsored #21. Point leader, Miller, was second for the fourth time this season. Booher was third over Gary Robinson and Gary Miller, Jr. Heat victors over the 29-car field were Moore, Miller, and Dave Ferringer. Jim Riffenberrick won the B main.
Bill Wheeling of Franklin, Pa. won the 15-lap Zoresco Pittsburgh Circle Track Club Senior Series Feature. Wheeling started fourth and ascended to the lead on lap one passing Terry Wheeler, Tom Knight, Sr., and John Shetler. The 65-year-old driver was never headed for the win. Last years winner, Wheeler, passed Knight for second on lap two and held off seventh starter, Don Gamble, for second. Knight was fourth over Shetler. Wheeling also won the heat.
Axa Advisors Wingless 410 Sprint Car Feature Finish: 1. ROB CHANEY 2. Jamie Smith 3. Mark Cassella 4. Arnie Kent 5. Gary Edwards 6. Gary McCollum 7. Mike Kekich 8. Kevin Andrusky 9. Scott Bonnell 10. Scott Priester 11. Rob Eyler 12. Jason Jacoby 13. Charlie Cornelius 14. Buddy Cochran 15. Bruce Powell 16. Maria Mayerchak 17. Ralph Engel, Jr. 18. Chris Matthews 19. Doug Kekich 20. Wayne McPeek 21. Goob Schuller 22. Mel Straley 23. Mike Lauterborn.
Carquest Wingless ARDC Midget Feature Finish: 1. MARK FREELAND 2. Walt Stearly 3. Ed Stimely, Jr. 4. Brian Kobylarz 5. A.J. Ernesto 6. Craig Rochell 7. Randy Maustellar 8. Bill Ertell 9. Fred Schell 10. Mark Wakefoose 11. Ed Kennedy 12. Donnie Trent 13. Mike Persig 14. Dave Suchy 15. Brian Suchy 16. Tony Beaber 17. Buddy Baker 18. Ray Bull 19. Duane Maustellar 20. Kevin Bastian-DNS.
Butterfields Pub Stock Car Feature Finish: 1. MATT LUX 2. Brian Miller 3. Brian Booher 4. Gary Robinson 5. Gary Miller, Jr. 6. Jim Davis 7. Andy Buckley 8. Rick Norco 9. Rick Anthony 10. Dave Ferringer 11. Kevin Thompson 12. Jeff Kravec 13. Albert Hays 14. Dan Fedorchak 15. Bill Kirschner 16. Tim Zuschlag 17. Ed Hays 18. Rusty Moore 19. Jim Riffenberrick 20. Mike Aley 21. Adam Aley 22. Jim Brunson 23. Willie Aley 24. J.R. Ziegler DNQ-William George, Sr., Don Greenlee, Ray Bailey, Jr., Ray Gregory, Jesse Umstead.
Zoresco P.C.T.C. Senior Series Feature Finish: 1. BILL WHEELING 2. Terry Wheeler 3. Don Gamble 4. Tom Knight, Sr. 5. John Shetler 6. Bob McWilliams 7. Duane Mohney 8. Don Luffy 9. Ed Lombardo-DNS.
