Gary Morton owned #70. RG Design Photo

HOLLY, Mich. — Canadian, Gary Morton, was the last man to ever win a Super Modified race at Winchester Speedway. In fact, he won the last two events there. He won the 1989 and 1990 fall events at the speedway. Supers haven’t raced at Winchester Speedway in nearly twenty-two years. So technically, Morton has a winning streak that currently stands at twenty-three years.

Morton will be at the track this Sunday for the first time since 1990 when Must See Racing will debut its new Super Modified series. Morton wont be behind the wheel, but he will be supporting the event as a car owner with Brampton, Ontario, Canada’s Dave McKnight behind the wheel of his familiar #70.

Morton recently recalled that chilly early November 1990 Sunday afternoon when Supers last ran Winchester Speedway. ” The last time we were there we got booed by the fans ” Morton recalls. ” It wasn’t a pretty day. We tore up a lot of cars and they red flagged it. The fans got impatient. They ran some other stuff so we could get some cars repaired and finish the race. I ended up winning it “. Perhaps Sundays event will go a lot smoother than that long ago 1990 event.

Morton’s vast experience at the legendary Indiana speedway should help his driver out tremendously. The duo will be battling several other teams for a hefty payday.The winners share for Sunday’s event will be one of the biggest paydays of the year for the division. $6,000 will be on the line with another $1000 being paid for fast time thanks to BIOBASED.US as part of their ‘ Winners Circle Bonus ‘ sponsorship.

The event will have several significant headlines. This will be the first time in twenty-two years Supers have raced at Winchester. In addition, the new MSRSMS will be hosting its inaugural event. This will be the first time in the history of the speedway that Supers have raced with wings.

The entry early entry list was announced last week. Several name drivers including: AJ Russell, Tanner Swanson, Kody Swanson, Jack Smith, Kevin Shirey, Sondi Eden, Cord Ehrhart, Brandon Fisher, Jeff Gibson, Jon Henes, Gene Lee Gibson, Paul White, Larry Lehnert, Jim Paller, Matt Palmer, and Rich Reid headline the early entries.

The ‘ Xtreme Speed Challenge ‘ is shaping up to be arguably one of the biggest open wheel events of 2012. The Sprint Car entry list is already highlighted by Tampa, Florida’s Dave Steele who will be returning to competitive competition in the Midwest for the first time in two seasons. Other entries include, Tanner Swanson and Brian Olson, who picked up Must See Racing victories in events last month to kick off the 2012 season. Two-time defending MSRXSS champion Troy DeCaire is also entered. Others early entries include: Dave Baumgartner, Jason Blonde, Jeff Bloom, Collin Cabre, Jerry Caryer, Jason Cox, Todd Fayard, Kyle Flint, Brian Gerster, Kyle Hamilton, Jo Jo Helberg, Mike Larrison, Hank Lower, Jimmy McCune, Aaron Pierce, Kody Swanson, Jacob Wilson, and Billy Wease.

Multi-time United States Auto Club (USAC) champion and Indy 500 starter, Tom Bigelow, will serve as honorary Grand Marshal for this event. A meet and greet with fans is planned. Bigelow currently resides in Winchester and enjoyed great success at the speedway as a driver during his racing career.

There will be an open practice one day before the event May 19 from 2 – 6 P.M. to give teams additional track time. The Full Throttle Modifieds and Vore’s Welding FWD Compacts will also be part of this racing extravaganza.

Tickets for the ‘ Xtreme Speed Challenge ‘ are now on sale. Fans are encouraged to get tickets early to avoid long lines at the ticket window the day of the event. Call (248) 535-5575 to purchase tickets or log onto www.mustseeracing.com for additional details.

Dave Shullick Jr -DB3 Imaging Photo

Dave Shullick Jr. made a sweeping pass on then leader Charlie Schultz with just two laps to go to grab the 30 lap Midwest Supermodified Association (MSA) presented by Town Money Saver 2012 opening season feature race at Sandusky (OH) Speedway Saturday night. For Shullick Jr. this was his career 20th MSA victory and it came on a night when he was celebrating his Father Dave Shullick Sr.’s birthday. Getting to the front was a task in itself, but getting past a very fast and determined Schultz, Shullick Jr. had his work cut out for him.
MSA veteran drivers Jack Smith and Jon Henes would bring the field of 16 fire breathing, alcohol burning, winged monster to the start of the 30 lap contest. Smith would go on point as the first marker was completed as several cars battled side by side for position. The first of five cautions would fly at lap two. After a quick realigning of the field it was back to full speed as Smith continued to set the pace. Another handful of laps into the event Henes and Mike Lichty would make contact ending both cars night and sending them pit side. However, that yellow gave Schultz the track position he was looking for. Steadily moving through the field Schultz was now in position to mount a challenge. Once the green flew again Schultz wasted little time as he pushed to the front and started setting a blistering pace. Through 15 more laps and two cautions Schultz still maintained a sizable lead as the two team Stout cars where coming through the field trying to get to the leader. With but a handful of laps to go the yellow would be displayed and the field would be bunched up for a final run to the checkers. When racing resumed Shullick Jr. was there, breathing down the leader’s pipes with his teammate and 2011 MSA Champion Trent Stephens in tow. Being fast qualifier, but have some heat race mishaps Stephens had started dead last on the field and now found himself in the thick of the battle as laps clicked off. Shullick Jr. would get a run then fall off as Schultz soldiered on. But, finally Shullick Jr. got the boost he needed and pulled up beside Schultz with just two laps to go. Shullick Jr. muscled by to get the point and one lap later, on the last lap, Stephens zipped past Schultz to get the runner up position. Once Shullick was in front it was all over as he set sail for the final two markers unchallenged and in control. Following the Stout cars and Schultz across the line was Bobby Dawson fourth as Kyle Edwards rounded out the top five.

“I have a really great team of dedicated helpers,” said team Owner Steve Stout. “As of this past Thursday at 5 pm we just got our engine back. At 1030 Thursday night they turned the lights on here and we got our first practice and hot laps in. I need to thank our engine builder Paul Kistler for getting the parts and getting this engine together in a hurry. Some of my guys took vacation days from their jobs to help get this car prepared. I am just so grateful,” finished the happy car owner.
“The car was actually pretty good all day,” started the winning driver Shullick Jr. “We were a little tight most of the day, and a little early. I just had to keep fighting back and fighting back. I had to get them would I could get them, some on restarts. I got to Charlie and got to the bottom and could have stuck it in there but I chose not to, I was afraid we would both wreck. Luckily I got another run a couple laps later and was confident it would stick in there. I had a tough season last year, and to come back strong this year feels really good right now. I am not worried about the points right now; I always felt if you could win points would come. I just want to keep having fun and stay consistent, that’s what’s important, I think we will be ok this year. I want to thank my Dad, it’s his birthday today,” finished the winning driver.
Runner up Stephens was satisfied with his finish. “We had a fast car and we knew it. After the heat race it was kind of discouraging because we were going to have to start in the back. I started thinking back to last year at an ISMA show where I started 19th and finished fourth. So, I just starting thinking I could do it. We think we have a problem with the car’s rear suspension. It would be really good, then tight, then real loose so I had to keep changing my line. So luckily I was still able to get to the front and get a one, two finish for the team. Tonight turned around, that’s what good teams do, they take bad stuff and make good out of it. Hopefully we can keep getting good finishes like this,” finished the 2011 Champion driver.
“We came pretty close tonight,” started Schultz. “We did a lot of changes over the winter, trying to get the thing were it would turn really good. We were getting closer as the day went on. But, on the restarts and short runs the car was really good, but the long run the car just got locked down really hard and it just got so tight. You know it’s tight when you can hear the front tire squeal when you are coming off the corner. Its big time auto racing, we’ll come back and just keep having fun. It’s an excellent start to the season getting a podium finish; I only had two all year last year. It’s a tossup who’s going to win week in and week out,” finished 2010 MSA Champion Schultz.
17 cars where pit side for the opening race for the 2012 MSA Campaign. Stephens set fast time with a lap of 14.473 followed by his teammate Shullick Jr. who had a lap time of 14.518. Heats where secured by the two Reed Salvage teammates of Bobby Dawson and Mike Lichty.

Todd Ridgeway MSA Media May 5, 2012

Tanner Swanson -Madera Speedway Photo

Madera, CA – Never count a Swanson out at the Madera Speedway.

After trailing for the first 38 laps, Kingsburg’s Tanner Swanson took the lead from Kyle Vanderpool and prevailed in the 50-lap 410/360 Super Modifieds  main to win the Vukovich Classic on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Madera Speedway.

After a leak from Jim Birges’ car caused him to retreat to the infield, Vanderpool bolted out to a huge lead on the Lap 7 restart.

While Vanderpool seemed to have a decent lead, Swanson kept chugging away and eventually got side-by-side with him on Lap 38 before pulling out in  front two laps later. From there, Swanson wouldn’t be stopped as he led for the final 10 laps and claimed a spot in the winner’s circle – a place that his  racing family members have been in before.

Swanson is the younger brother of Kody Swanson, who’s won many races in Madera, and the son of former Madera Speedway track champion Mike  Swanson. Swanson also raced right afterwards in the USAC/BCRA main, finishing second while Chad Nichols won the 30-lap main.

Other winners on the night included Tony Hunt (USAC Sprints), Ed Amador (NCMA Sprints) and Jeff Williams (Southwest Tour Trucks). Three track qualifying records also fell in the event as Scott Pierovich (USAC Sprints), Eric Humphries (NCMA Sprints) and Williams each set the mark in  their respective classes.

After having a dark week, the Madera Speedway’s lights will be back on Saturday, May 19, 2012 for Holiday Inn Express Night featuring Race No. 3 of the  $1,000 to win Coors Light Open Late Model Series 100 laps (twin 50′s), Sports Mods, Hobby Stock, MST, Toyota Sedans, and 4-Bangers. Results

Main 410/360 Super Modifieds – 50 Laps

1. Tanner Swanson 2. Kyle Vanderpool 3. Roger Galleano 4. Carl Johnson 5. Jim Birges

Otto Sitterly -Mike Johnson Photo

OSWEGO, NY (May 6) – Otto Sitterly proved yet again that he is the man to beat in the Novelis Supermodified division at Oswego Speedway on Saturday May 5, by claiming his 21^stcareer victory and 4^th overall opening night (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012) win at the Steel Palace.  The Canajoharie native, and defending Budweiser International Classic 200 champion, started from the 12^th position and sliced his way through the field to the lead on the 46^th circuit, propelling himself to Chris Nelson Insurance Victory Lane as a part of the 62^nd Annual Opening Night presented by Gater Racing News and the Palladium-Times.

Sitterly’s Nicotra Racing teammate, Davey Hamilton of Boise, ID, would finish in the runner-up spot putting the No. 7 and No. 6 cars at the top of the podium, beginning 2012 where they ended 2011.  Canadian Mike Lichty drove the Nicotra No. 6 machine to a second place finish in the 2011 International Classic behind Sitterly.

Brian Sobus, with a brilliant run, Dave Gruel, and Jeff Abold would complete the Top 5 order ahead of Ray Graham, Shaun Gosselin, Tim Snyder, Randy Ritskes, and Pat Lavery.

“Dave had a left front tire going flat,” said Sitterly, in Chris Nelson Insurance Victory Lane.  “I’m sure that dampened the performance of his car.  I got him once and then that yellow came out, and the second time I wasn’t going to mess around because I figured if the caution came out again he could hold me off for a couple laps with only two tires, so I sort of made a bonsai pass there but it was open.  He couldn’t make the car turn out of turn 2 so I did my best to beat him into turn three.”

Sobus and Gruel would bring the 25 car Novelis Supermodified field to the Cam’s New York Pizzeria green flag, with Gruel gaining the early advantage in the No. 50.  As Gruel sped to the front, it was Indianapolis 500 veterans Hamilton and Joe Gosek making quick work of the first three rows to move into second and third respectively by lap 3.

The races first caution flag waved on lap 7 as Michael Muldoon slowed in turn three.  During the caution period third place running Gosek, the defending Speedway champion, would head pit side with the No. 00.  After looking under the hood of the Burke’s Home Center machine, Gosek would return to the Speedway for a couple circuits, but would ultimately call it a night with a 23^rd place finish although he did turn the races fastest lap with a time of 16.866 seconds at 133.404mph.

After the restart Hamilton immediately began working Gruel for the race lead.  As the two leaders began to distance themselves from the pack, a great race was also being wagered for 3^rdbetween Ritskes, Mike Barnes, Joey Payne, and Dave Danzer.  The four cars would run two-by-two at times as Barnes and Payne became comfortable in their new full-time rides for 2012.

Deeper in the field Sitterly was already beginning to make his presence known, as he moved around the outside of Sobus for the 7^th position on lap 13.

Just three laps later however, the complexion of the race would change entirely, as in a pit of irony the present and former drivers of the Strong Racing No. 99 would come together.

On lap 16, Barnes lost the handle going into turn one and washed up the race track leaving Payne’s Muldoon Racing No. 20 nowhere to go.  The two cars made contact resulting in each being hooked off the Speedway.  Barnes would be credited with 20^thposition, while Payne would end the night 21^st.

The restart order would be Gruel leading Hamilton, Ritskes, Danzer, Sitterly, Sobus, Abold, Pat Lavery, Jerry Curran, and Tim Snyder.

Curran’s night would end however just one lap after the restart as his No. 24 would power slide into the third turn foam removing the tail section of the Nuclear Banana.

As the 50-lap feature go again gained momentum, Gruel began to truly show his might as he gained a comfortable margin on Hamilton out in front.

As the cross flags for halfway waved in the air the Top 10 pilon read Gruel, Hamilton, Ritskes, Danzer, Sitterly, Lavery, Sobus, Abold, Snyder, and Gosselin.

With just under 20 laps to go the Speedway crowd began to see the full deck of cards in the hands of Sitterly, who had ridden outside the Top 5 for the majority of the event.  On lap 31 Sitterly turned up the wick, pulling a slide job underneath Danzer in turn one for position number four.  The two cars would make contact as a result of the low side move, shoving Danzer way out of the groove, slipping him back to the 6^th spot on the track.

Sitterly would then make quick work of Ritskes, in the Darratt Farms No. 88, to move to 3^rd behind teammate Hamilton and leader Gruel.

Just after Sitterly made the move on Ritskes for 3^rd, Danzer would slow to a stop in turn two ending his evening.  The defending Cleaning for a Reason Oswego Speedway Novelis Supermodified Rookie of the Year was none too happy with Sitterly’s low side move and showed his displeasure under caution.

“I waited and waited on Danzer,”said Sitterly.  “He slipped up out of turn four and I got a late run on him down here in one and I tried to stay off him for all it was worth and I hit that drain and we just barely touched.  He sort of threw his arms up at me, but the cars are so even you can’t wait.  If you wait you are going to finish 10^th.”

When the field came back to green the Top 5 would now show Gruel, Hamilton, Sitterly, Ritskes, and Lavery.

With 10 laps to go Sitterly surprised teammate Hamilton with another low side move into turn one to snag the runner-up spot.  Within seconds, the Sitterly No. 7 would draw right onto the back bumper of Gruel for the top spot.

After working Gruel for just three circuits, Sitterly found the low lane again, this time in turn three to take the lead on lap 44, but at the same time the caution would wave for debris in turn two.  As a result, Gruel would return to the point.

The lap 44 restart would prove to be another pivotal point in the event.

As the green flag waved it was clear Sitterly was the fastest car on the Speedway. Just one lap after the race got back underway, Sitterly would slip under Gruel for the lead into turn three as he had done before the caution.  Another lap later a tangle would occur in turn one involving Shawn Muldoon, Bobby Haynes, Graham, and Stephen Gioia.

After the incident the red flag would be displayed for re-fueling.

Under the red flag Lavery’s No. 22 was informed he would have to move to the tail side of the lead lap for jumping the lap 44 restart, shuffling the top of the running order.

With just a handful of laps remaining Sitterly would now officially be displayed as the race leader ahead of Hamilton, Gruel and Ritskes.  Sobus would now move into the Top 5 trailed by Abold, Snyder, Gosselin, and Tim Devendorf.

As the green flag hit the air Sitterly steamed ahead in the race lead, leaving a comfortable margin between himself and Hamilton.  However, with the Super Moon looming large over turn three the race’s final caution would wave on lap 48 for the No. 44 machine of Haynes.

Once again under caution a driver was informed he was going to be penalized for jumping a restart, and this time it was 4^th running Ritskes in No. 88.  Ritskes would too have to fall to the tail side of the lead lap in the restart order.

With a two lap dash for cash on the line for the win Sitterly led Hamilton, Gruel, Sobus, Abold, Snyder, Graham, Gosselin, Lavery, and Devendorf.

With the green flag flying it was evident that Gruel was clearly having issues with his left front tire, which opened the door for Sobus on the high side of the Speedway on the race’s final circuit.  Sobus would mount a tremendous charge on the outside of the Speedway, breezing passed Gruel for the 3^rdposition as the two drivers hit the line.

Meanwhile out front it was all Sitterly as he led teammate Hamilton across the line for his 21^st career Novelis Supermodified victory.

“You know these cars are great and Otto does such a good job of putting these things together,” said Hamilton, on the front straight after his runner-up finish. “Finishing one and two is great and it gives us a great head start on what I want to do when I come back.  Week in and week out you see these cars out front and they are there for a reason that’s for sure.”

After arriving to the Speedway late and getting limited practice, Brian Sobus wowed the crowd with a tremendous podium finish, his best career result in the Novelis Supermodified division.  Saturday night’s late hot laps were the only laps Sobus had in his new ride, the former Kody Graham No. 21, now No. 60.

“You wouldn’t believe from where this car was this morning, that we even came to the racetrack today,” said Sobus.  “We got to Hawksby’s shop at 10:30am and he changed everything on this car you could imagine.  We missed half the warm ups and got here and the car was awesome right out of the box turning 16.9’s, faster than I have ever gone.  I’m not even comfortable in the car yet, we still have a lot to do.”

JJ Andrews Storms the Starter’s Stand, Taking Second Career SBS Main Event

When joining Team Tapout for the 2012 season, JJ Andrews had one goal in mind. That was to win his second career Oswego Speedway Pathfinder Bank SBS main event, and first since June 30, 2001. Andrews may now have to readjust his goals, as he led 29 of the 30 circuits on Saturday May 5, grabbing the Gater Racing News and Palladium Times checkered flag on Opening Night at Oswego Speedway.

Andrews worked his way past second year driver Nate Sitterly on lap 2 of the event and never looked back en route to the victory.  Jack Patrick, Mark Castiglia, Andrew Schartner, and Kreig Heroth would complete the Top 5.

“This car was so good tonight, I can’t stand it,” exclaimed Andrews in Chris Nelson Insurance Victory Lane.  “I can’t put this into words.  In 1995 I started driving here and I have put my heart and soul into it, and I started to bail out of it recently running out of money, motivation, and energy.  Jason Simmons bought this car from me and put me in it and bailed me out, he’s like the little brother I never had.  It’s a huge deal for a guy my age to win one of these races, after all the years I have been trying to do it again, it’s great.”

Before the SBS main event took the green flag, defending Speedway champion Mike Bond would run into trouble.  Bond, who was scheduled to start in the 11^thposition, had a rear suspension piece break resulting in him losing 13 laps in the pit area.  The driver of the No. 26 would eventually enter the race, finishing 18^th.

Sitterly and Castiglia brought the Pathfinder Bank SBS field to green as the No. 27 Teddneck Racing car blasted to the point.  Before the field could complete their first circuit Bryan Haynes and rookie Josh Kerr tangled in turn one.  Kerr would pull away, while the No. 87 of Haynes was hooked off the Speedway.

On the restart Sitterly would again race into the lead as Andrews followed through in the runner-up position underneath Castiglia.  Just one lap later Andrews would again move low, pulling past Sitterly to take the point on lap 2.

As Andrews pulled away from the field, Charlotte, NC resident Schartner began moving to the high side in the No. 18 picking his way through the pack.

A great early run for Sitterly would come to a close on lap 9 as the No. 27 pulled pit side off the back straight.

With 10 laps showing on the beautiful Speedway scoreboard, Andrews managed to create a 10 car length lead.  Patrick, Castiglia, David LaTulip, Schartner, Jason Simmons, Rob Pullen, AJ Bernys, Heroth, and Cameron Rowe would all be in tow.

The lead for Andrews would be erased on lap 12 as Will Hadcock brought out the caution in turn three.  The yellow lights would allow the Patrick No. 9 back on the rear deck of the Andrews No. 93, but again as yellow turned green Andrews was able to draw out a sizeable lead.

By lap 14 the Schartner No. 18 was mounting a real challenge for the top three positions.  Schartner worked his way past LaTulip for 4^thand immediately drew in on Castiglia for the podium spot.

As Schartner worked Castiglia high and low, Rowe and Simmons would come together in turn three.  Brad Haynes and Dalton Doyle would also be involved in the caution.  Rowe and Haynes were done for the day, while Simmons and Doyle rejoined the pack.

As the race restarted with 13 laps to go, Andrews would never again be seriously challenged as he streaked across the line for this 2^nd career SBS triumph.  Patrick, Castiglia, Schartner, Heroth, Pullen, Mike Bruce, Bernys, Tim Barbeau, and John Ketcham would complete the Top 10 positions.

Next on the schedule is a Memorial Day Weekend triple header on Saturday, May 26 featuring the Jim Shampine Memorial 75 for Novelis Supermodifieds, the Tony White Memorial 35 for the Pathfinder Bank SBS Series, and the Richie Evans Memorial 75 for the Race of Champions Modifieds.

Grandstand gates will open at 1pm, with racing getting underway at 4pm.  General admission tickets will be set at $25, with reserved seating priced at $30.

Kids 16 & under are admitted free, with paid adult, to all Speedway events excluding Race of Champions Weekend and Budweiser International Classic Weekend.

Oswego Speedway events run May through September on most Saturday nights, culminating with the Fall Championship 75 on September 15^th.

For more information on Oswego Speedway be sure to visit www.oswegospeedway.com.  You can also LIKE the (Official) Oswego Speedway page at facebook.com/OswegoSpeedway, or FOLLOW on Twitter @OswegoSpeedway.  To purchase tickets or order merchandise please call the Speedway box office at (315) 342-0646.

QUICK RESULTS

Saturday, May 5, 2012

OSWEGO SPEEDWAY

Oswego, NY

Gater Racing News/The Palladium-Times Opening Night

Upcoming Shows:

Sat, May 26^th (4pm) Jimmy Shampine Memorial Supermodified 75, Tony White Memorial SBS 35, Richie Evans Memorial Modified 75

NOVELIS SUPERMODIFIEDS

Feature (50laps) – 1. 7 – Otto Sitterly, 2. 6 – Davey Hamilton, 3. 60 – Brian Sobus, 4. 50 – Dave Gruel, 5. 05 – Jeff Abold, 6. 90 – Ray Graham, 7. 26 – Shaun Gosselin, 8. 0 – Tim Snyder, 9. 88 – Randy Ritskes, 10. 22 – Pat Lavery, 11. 5 – Tim Devendorf, 12. 1 –Shawn Muldoon, 13. 44 – Bobby Haynes Jr., 14. 33 – Rod Sauder, 15. 9 – Stephen Gioia III, 16. 52 – Dave Danzer, 17. 02 – Brandon Bellinger, 18. 56 – Hal LaTulip, 19. 24 – Jerry Curran, 20. 99 – Mike Barnes, 21. 20 – Joey Payne, 22. 12 –Jessica Zemken, 23. 00 – Joe Gosek, 24. 25 – Bob Bond, 25. 50 – Michael Muldoon

Lap Leaders – Dave Gruel (1-45), Otto Sitterly (46-50)

1^st Heat (12 laps/6 qualify) – 1. 24 – Jerry Curran, 2. 20 – Joey Payne, 3. 88 – Randy Ritskes, 4. 05 – Jeff Abold, 5. 0 – Tim Snyder, 6. 02 – Brandon Bellinger, 7. 33 – Rod Sauder, 8. 9 – Stephen Gioia III, 9. 23 – Jason Spaulding, 10. 90 – Ray Graham

2^nd Heat (12 laps/6 qualify) – 1. 50 – Dave Gruel, 2. 6 – Davey Hamilton, 3. 99 – Mike Barnes, 4. 52 – Dave Danzer, 5. 26 – Shaun Gosselin, 6. 44 – Bobby Haynes Jr., 7. 1 –Shawn Muldoon, 8. 66 – Lou LeVea, 9. 01 – Dan Connors Jr., 10. 12 – Jessica Zemken

3^rd Heat (12 laps/6 qualify) – 1. 00 – Joe Gosek, 2. 22 – Pat Lavery, 3. 7 – Otto Sitterly, 4. 60 – Brian Sobus, 5. 25 – Bob Bond, 6. 50 – Michael Muldoon, 7. 5 – Tim Devendorf, 8. 21 – Kody Graham, 9. 56 – Hal LaTulip

Consi (10 laps/6 qualify) – 1. 1 – Shawn Muldoon, 2. 9 – Stephen Gioia III, 3. 5 – Tim Devendorf, 4. 90 – Ray Graham, 5. 33 – Rod Sauder, 6. 56 – Hal LaTulip, 7. 12 – Jessica Zemken, 8. 66 – Lou LeVea, 9. 23 – Jason Spaulding

PATHFINDER BANK SBS

Feature (30laps) –1. 93 – JJ Andrews, 2. 9 – Jack Patrick, 3. 69 – Mark Castiglia, 4. 18 – Andrew Schartner, 5. 04 – Kreig Heroth, 6. 2 – Rob Pullen, 7. 22 – Mike Bruce, 8. 24 –AJ Bernys, 9. 79 – Tim Barbeau, 10. 11 – John Ketcham, 11. 47 – Jon Tesoriero, 12. 8 – Josh Kerr, 13. 01 – Dalton Doyle, 14. 98 – Jason Simmons, 15. 17 –David LaTulip, 16. 77 – Cameron Rowe, 17. 88 – Brad Haynes, 18. 26 – Mike Bond, 19. 27 – Nate Sitterly, 20. 99 – Dennis Rupert, 21. 34 – Will Hadcock, 22. 87 –Bryan Haynes

Lap Leaders –Nate Sitterly (1), JJ Andrews (2-30)

1^st Heat (10 laps) – 1. 69 – Mark Castiglia, 2. 04 – Kreig Heroth, 3. 17 – David LaTulip, 4. 98 – Jason Simmons, 5. 24 – AJ Bernys, 6. 01 – Dalton Doyle, 7. 47 – Jon Tesoriero, 8. 8 – Josh Kerr

2^nd Heat (10 laps) – 1. 9 – Jack Patrick, 2. 18 – Andrew Schartner, 3. 2 – Rob Pullen, 4. 27– Nate Sitterly, 5. 22 – Mike Bruce, 6. 88 – Brad Haynes, 7. 99 – Dennis Rupert

3^rd Heat (10 laps) – 1. 93 – JJ Andrews, 2. 79 – Tim Barbeau, 3. 26 – Mike Bond, 4. 34 –Will Hadcock, 5. 87 – Bryan Haynes, 6. 11 – John Ketcham, 7. 77 – Cameron Rowe

OSWEGO, NY (March 28) – There is little doubt that the Novelis Supermodified class, and Oswego Speedway, has a certain mystique about them.  Ever since the formative years there have been teams that have driven hours upon hours, hauling passed other speedways, on their way to racing Supermodifieds at Oswego Speedway.

In the early days drivers like Art Bennett, Sammy Sessions, and ‘Jungle Jim’ Gresley towed 12 hours to run the Big O.  Years after, Norm Mackareth, Todd Gibson, Mike Ordway, Doug Didero, and Skip Matczak made Oswego their home tracks.

That tradition continues today, as Fairlawn, NJ driver Joey Payne has made the 5-hour trip for the past half-decade to run an Oswego Supermodified.

“It’s funny, Wall Stadium is right up the road, but Oswego Speedway is my home away from home,” the ‘Jersey Jet’ said, looking forward to the May 5th opener.  “I have a lot of great friends, and fans up there, and they have all welcomed me with open arms.”

This year will see Payne switch rides, having switched seats from the Strong Racing No. 99, to the Muldoon Racing stable.

“Pat and Terry are great people,” Payne reiterated.  “We did very well together, and I wish them luck with Michael, he’s a really talented driver, and they’ll get some wins for sure. The two-car team just didn’t work out for me.  Things didn’t work out as well as I had hoped for.  I decided to step back and look at things. ”

Payne now teams up with someone he has driven for in the past, former Track Champion, Budweiser International Classic Champion, and Oswego Speedway Hall of Famer, Mike Muldoon.

“Mike sure has a fleet of cars,” Payne laughed.  “It actually kind of started last year, when Michael was looking for a little help.  I like helping guys out, and he was looking for some help with the car.  Mike wanted to get some information, and asked me to help.”

“Michael was a rookie, and didn’t really know what he was supposed to feel with the car,” Payne continued. “The super is a big adjustment to what he was used to, and he was working hard at trying to learn these cars.  It was fun helping, and Michael is a great kid.  He was like a sponge.  It’s just like anything else, info, help, anything is always better when it comes from someone else.  I would tell him to follow me when we went out for warm ups, I would show him the line to run, and things like that.  Michael did really well last year, and had a good year.  He was getting quicker and quicker, and running a good line.”

Muldoon cars are no strangers to the front of the pack, and that fact isn’t lost on the ‘Jersey Jet’. Muldoon cars have won multiple Track Championships, multiple Classics, and over two dozen feature events.

“Mike builds a great car,” Payne said. “I think we can win some races together, that’s for sure.   As of now, it looks like we’ll be part time, but I want to run Oswego full time.  Oswego is my home away from home, and there are some races I really want to win this year.  I really, really want the Classic, and I would really like to win the Mr. Supermodified race.  Those two are really high up on my list.”

The car Payne will drive is a new one out of the Muldoon shop in Baldwinsville, NY.  This past weekend Joey made the 5-hour haul to Central New York, and there wasn’t even a race.

“I went to Mike’s shop last weekend, and we did a few things,” he said.  “My LaJoie seat doesn’t fit in the car, so we put a different one in.  I cut my LaJoie seat down and am going to put it in my midget.  I’m looking forward to getting started this year.”

It may not be at Oswego, but his season has already started with the indoor midget races in Atlantic City and Providence.  The outdoor part of 2012 starts this weekend at Waterford, with the NEMA season starter.

“It will be a busy season, between NEMA, Oswego and my son racing,” Payne said looking at his calendar.  “Anthony has three cars, and is a good driver.  He needs time, and seat time, but I really enjoy the time spent at the track with him as well.”

It may be a busy 2012 season, but the ‘Jersey Jet’ Joey Payne, makes time for it all.  He’ll wheel the NEMA midget, the Muldoon super, and have his son’s cars race ready each week.  He is one of the all-time hot shoes at Oswego Speedway, currently solidly residing in the top 100 in all time Oswego points. With three feature wins, two runner-up’s in track championship chases, and 29 all-time top fives, he is one of the fan favorites at the Steel Palace.

“We’ll be there for the opener, and hopefully if things work out, a whole lot more.”

Joey Payne is one of those drivers that loves Oswego Speedway, its fans, and everything involved with it.  Driving 5 hours each way every weekend for the past handful of years proves that fact.  The combination of Joey Payne and Mike Muldoon is surely one to watch in 2012.

The 2012 racing season at Oswego Speedway begins May 5th. Events run May through September on most Saturday nights, culminating with the Fall Championship 75 on September 15th.

The annual Speedway open practice is scheduled for April 28th.

Advertising opportunities with the Speedway are still readily available. If you or your business would be interested in marketing with the Speedway please e-mail dbond@oswegospeedway.com.

For more information on Oswego Speedway be sure to visit www.oswegospeedway.com. You can also LIKE the (Official) Oswego Speedway page at facebook.com/OswegoSpeedway, or FOLLOW on Twitter @OswegoSpeedway. To purchase tickets or order merchandise please call the Speedway box office at (315) 342-0646.

About Oswego Speedway: Oswego Speedway, a sports entertainment company, is a 5/8 mile semi-banked pavement racing oval located off the shores of Lake Ontario in scenic Oswego, NY. Oswego Speedway has been a continuously run weekly racing venue since August, 1951. The premier open-wheel pavement short track cars in the world, Supermodifieds, run weekly at Oswego Speedway making Oswego the only weekly Supermodified racing venue in the world. The Small Block Supermodifieds accompany the full blown Supers on a weekly Saturday night schedule which runs from May through September. Oswego Speedway is mentioned in racing circles as the “Indy of the East,” as no fewer than a dozen past and present competitors have competed at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway including Mario Andretti, arguably the greatest driver of all time, two-time Indy 500 champion Gordon Johncock, along with former International Classic Champions Bentley Warren, Joe Gosek, and Davey Hamilton.

Oswego Speedway is honored to recognize several sponsors and corporate partners that help to bring the racing action to you each Saturday night (listed alphabetically): All Seasons Inn, Alliance Bank, Best Western/Quality Inn, Blue Bowl Sanitation, Bonded Motor Sales, Bosco & Geers, Bracy’s Transmission Services, Bridge Street Jewelers, Burke’s Home Centers, Burritt Motors, Butler Disposal, Canales Restaurant, Century 21 Galloway Realty, City Electric, CNY CPR, Coca-Cola, Compass Federal Credit Union, Constellation Energy, Corr-Pak, CPS Electric, C’s Beverage Center, Davis Bros. Meats, Days Inn/Travelodge, Dufore’s Jewelers, Dunkin Donuts, Eagle Beverage, Ellsworth Heating and Cooling, Entergy Northeast, Gater Racing News, G&I Homes, H. Lee White Marine Museum, Hofmann’s, Gioia Signs, Hoosier Racing Tire, Hudson Dairy, Jerome Fire Equipment, Johnston’s Propane, K&G Lodge, Lighthouse Lanes, Longley Dodge, Marollo Racing Engines, May’s Country Store, McCaffrey Chiropractic, Mickey’s Magical Vacation, Munski’s Auto and Marine, Novelis, Ontario Orchards, Oswego County Federal Credit Union, Oswego Health, Oswego Inn, OTB/Western Region, The Palladium-Times, Par-K Enterprises, Pathfinder Bank, Performance Harley Davidson, Pizza Villa, The Post-Standard, Precision Balancing, Press Box, Price Chopper, Pullen’s Plumbing, RE Davis and Son, RJ Caruso Tax & Accounting, Rudy’s Lakeside, S&S Tractor, Scriba Electric, Scriba Meats, Shapiro Motor Sales, Speedway Press, Steve Abt Auto, Stop DWI – Oswego County, Sunset RV Park, Supercuts, Thunder Road Bar and Grill, Universal Metal Works, Vashaw’s Collision Service, Yogi Bear’s Jelly Stone Park

–

Dan Kapuscinski   Public Relations Specialist   Oswego Speedway   300 East Albany St.   Oswego, NY 13126   Office: 315-342-0646   Cell: 315-708-7544   www.oswegospeedway.com   Follow on Twitter: @OswegoSpeedway   LIKE on Facebook: (Official) Oswego Speedway

“Our first meeting  with the super modified drivers and owners, held on Saturday March, 3 in Cleveland, was a great success. Must See President Jim Hanks gave a  45 minute presentation to the 90 plus attendees covering racing, the business of racing, the Must See Racing value to the race teams and an exact description of what, who and how the new series will operate and conduct racing events” said Randy Burch. “We also had a question and answer session that was followed by a press conference that included MSR television color commentator and Hall of Famer Tom Bigelow, American Racer representative Wayne Bishop, MSRXSS car owner Jim McCune, and super modified drivers Gene Lee Gibson and Jim Shirey.” continued Burch.

Jim Hanks, president and founder of Must See Racing commented, “To say I was pleased with the turn out, enthusiasm, welcome and positive response from the race teams would be an understatement. I had the opportunity to discuss our approach concerning safety, level competitive playing field and major cost reduction for the race teams, including the very positive aspects of using the American Racer tire. The meeting was objective, factual and the teams had some well thought out and important questions that we addressed and answered. Overall it was a terrific meeting.” said Hanks. “Having Don Wilshe of BioBasedUS. , car owner Jim McCune,Tom Bigelow plus Gene Lee Gibson and Jim Shirey share their experience racing at Winchester Speedway was very beneficial to everyone at the meeting” said Hanks.

Over twenty race teams, including drivers Gene Lee Gibson, Kody Swanson, Rich Reid, Tanner Swanson, Aaron Pierce, Jim Shirey,  Jason Blonde, and Indy car star Davey Hamilton have officially joined the new Must See Racing Super Modified Series.

The series first event will bring the supers back to Winchester Speedway after a twenty two year hiatus joining the MUST SEE RACING XTREME SPRINTS, FULL THROTTLE MODIFIEDS and front wheel drive division in the BIOBASED.US sponsored XTREME SPEED CHALLENGE Sunday May 20th.

The MUST SEE RACING SUPER MODIFIED SERIES information, schedule, drivers, teams and television programming information will be on the mustseeracing.com website in mid March.

“This is an outstanding group of drivers and race teams that will be both competitive and entertaining for the fans at the Must See Racing tracks. The addition of the exotic and fast winged super modifieds is a perfect fit and addition to our Xtreme Sprint Series, which has without question proved, at Bristol Motor Speedway, to be the “World’s Fastest Short Track Cars.” said Hanks.

“The MUST SEE RACING SUPERMODIFIED SERIES was formed to bring added value and entertainment to the fans at the tracks and on our television programming, plus provide an alternative racing option for the race teams with a level competitive playing field while significantly reducing their operational costs with our proven AMERICAN RACE TIRE program. This is a win win deal for racing, our series, the race teams, the sponsors and most importantly the fans.” continued Hanks.

The new series will be managed by long time super modified driver Randy Burch along with his wife Rhonda. The couple has extensive experience operating a race series delivering wheel to wheel, high speed competition on the race track for the race fans entertainment and enjoyment. The Burch’s have assembled a complete staff of experienced and dedicated officials.

“Rhonda and I are very excited to become a part of the MUST SEE RACING management family and look forward to operating a first class series. We are completely prepared and will put forward every effort necessary to extend the MSR success and valued reputation as an outstanding racing organization. This gives the race teams a great alternative racing option and a tremendous opportunity to be on the Must See Racing television programming to showcase this type of racing and their sponsors,” said series manager Randy Burch.

The series first event will bring the supers back to Winchester Speedway after a twenty two year hiatus joining the MUST SEE RACING XTREME SPRINTS, FULL THROTTLE MODIFIEDS and front wheel drive divisions in the BIOBASED.US sponsored XTREME SPEED CHALLENGE Sunday May 20th.

The MUST SEE RACING SUPER MODIFIED SERIES information, schedule, drivers, teams and television programming information will be on the www.mustseeracing.com website in mid March.

Vanderpool, a 23-year-old 360 supermodified veteran in his first season racing a 410-powered super, started eighth in the 12-car main, directly behind Evans. An opening lap accident involving Chris Sheil and Joe Priselac halted the heavily anticipated race as quickly as it began. Officials cleared Sheil’s and Priselac’s racecars off the track under a red-flag condition. Priselac’s No. 51 was badly damaged.

Once the race resumed, Johnny Pickard jumped into the lead while Evans and Vanderpool began picking cars off and moving toward the front of the field.

A second red flag waved on lap 19 for Ricky Otts, an ageless Texas supermodified veteran wheeling the freshly repaired Harry Stone No. 40. A suspension part apparently failed on the Stone-owned mount, sending Otts hard into the third turn wall. Otts was OK but the car badly damaged, a sad sight for the ERA community after Stone recently repaired the car from last year’s devastating accident in the 2010 season closer.

A major shakeup at the front of the field occurred during the race’s second stoppage, when officials notified Pickard that he’d be negated two positions for jumping the initial restart. The race-long leader would restart his red No. 02 in the third position.

Pickard’s misfortune handed the lead to Evans, and the cagey veteran took control of the race with Vanderpool hot on his heels. The pair raced hard throughout the last 10 laps, giving Denver-area fans a thrill in what was one of the best supermodified races at the track in recent memory.

Vanderpool worked on Evans, pulling underneath the Castor Racing No. 3 several times but not able to complete the pass. The final lap saw Evans lead Vanderpool into turn three, when Vanderpool gave the multi-time ERA champ’s rear bumper a nudge, sending H.J. slightly up the track. Vanderpool pulled low, made the pass and went on to the big victory in his first visit to the CNS three-eighths-mile oval.

Vanderpool pulled into victory lane while Evans pulled along side the California driver’s No. 31, offering some comments to the young racer before heading pitside. Vanderpool offered his thoughts in a phone interview Monday afternoon.

“What an awesome experience,” he said, still clearly filled with jubilation. “An awesome facility with a great crowd. I think Colorado National is my new favorite track. I worked on (Evans) for the last 10 laps and showed him a wheel a few times and he kept moving lower. I had made some adjustments, moved some weight around and made a shock adjustment, and our car was working great. I just barely touched him in the last turn and we were able to get the win.”

Evans, who came into the night already having clinched the ERA championship, spoke about the race.

“The win meant more to him (Vanderpool) than it did to me. He moved me in three and four, the last corner. No big deal. We had an incredible car this year; it was hooked up great by the Castors. A nearly flawless year and I’m very happy, but I’m tired, too.” Evans said.

Vanderpool, a second-generation supermodified racer, said he “fell in love with Colorado” and has every intention of coming back next season.

“We were going to run Shasta (Raceway Park, Calif.), but with the car counts so low in California we didn’t want to go race against only three or four cars. We’ve been watching the ERA for a long time, and Don and Chuck Penix gave me the opportunity to race at CNS. I have to thank them so much for the opportunity, and our sponsors NH3 Plus Industrial Refrigeration, Tioga-Sequoia Brewery in Fresno, Caps Bright Hot Coating, Shaffer Oil, Sponsornet.com and SpeedMeetsArt.com. Also, a big thanks to the ERA guys and Scotty Backman from CNS for helping us get out to Colorado and all they did for us. We’re hoping to run more next year,” Vanderpool added.

Richie Castor passed Pickard on the final lap to take third. Pickard, who led 18 laps of the affair, had to settle for fourth. Joe Gallegos capped off a solid season with a fifth-place run.

Next up for the Englwood Racing Association is the series’ annual Awards Banquet, slated for Saturday, November 26 at the Elks Club in Arvada, Colorado.

Oct. 15 ERA finish: KYLE VANDERPOOL, Harold Evans, Rich Castor Jr., Johnny Pickard, Joe Gallegos, Ian Tolen, Mike Anderson, Matt Griffin, Ricky Otts, Joe Priselac, Chris Sheil, Stevie Gallegos (DNS).

———————-

For more information on the Englewood Racing Association, visit http://erasupermodifieds.tripod.com/. The ERA is now on Twitter – Follow @erasupermods today!

Press written by New Concept Race Media. For more information, visit www.newconceptracemedia.com.

Photos by Joe Starr

Photo By Jim Feeney

Thompson, CT – It wasn’t a tremendous surprise to anyone when Chris Perley pulled the Vic Miller 11 into victory lane on Sunday at Thompson Speedway. After all he’d been there eight times before. His first World Series ISMA 50 win came on Oct. 15, 2000 and he’s only been out of the winner’s circle at that Connecticut oval three times since. He only took seven laps to move into the frontrunner spot from his 11th place starting position. His complete domination of the supermodified portion of the famous Thompson World Series is undeniable, as the record books show, but Perley himself can’t quite explain why.

He shook his head in victory lane and admitted, “I don’t think the domination here has a lot to do with me. Every time we unload here I just can’t believe it. I just sit in the car and drive it. The car seems to love it here. I don’t know what to say really. We don’t break down. The crew gives me an awesome car.  Thompson has been just great to come to every year. I kind of wish we came here more often but I wouldn’t want to take anything away from what we have right now. I don’t want to wear it out. It’s just incredible. Happy to see the weather came out great this weekend and all the fans who all came out to see us. I’m happy my family made it too. It’s just that I have a great car, great sponsors, great motors for a great track and it’s a great day.  Congratulations to my car owner Vic Miller on his seventh ISMA car owner title. It was great to race for him when I could this year and it’s been great every year. You just can’t beat all of this.”

Having an exciting run to finish second was Raymond, NH’s Jeff Locke who got to lead one lap before the 11 stormed by. Locke had some strong challenges, especially toward the end of the 50-lapper from Timmy Jedrzejek, but he held onto the runner-up spot. He said after the race, “This was awesome. I have to thank Richard (Witkum). The car was really good. I didn’t have a whole lot for Chris. I could stay with him but that was about it. Congratulations to him and the whole team. They obviously have this place figured out. I’m really happy to come home second. I have to thank my father and my family for sticking with me. This is a great finish to a pretty crummy year for us. I’m very happy.”

Also very happy was third place finisher who finished up a pretty good year with his new car owner Dan Soule.  “This was a real good run for us. The whole team did a great job today. We adjust yesterday and I hadn’t been to this place in ten or twelve years. So we’re pleased with what we have as a crew. We started off the race a little slow and I think I dropped back maybe to tenth or so. Then the car started to come to me and we weren’t so concerned about being fast at the start of the race but we knew we had to be fast at the end. I thought Jeff and I had a pretty good battle for a while there for second. I just couldn’t hold it with him. I’d get there on those last couple restarts and he’d just pull back around me on the next lap and then I couldn’t do anything after that. Congratulations to Chris and Jeff for first and second and we’ll go happily home to Ohio with third.”

Canadian Craig Rayvals had the pole for the ISMA 50 and took advantage of the spot to take the early lead but on lap 7 the 37 of Locke took over and only one lap later Perley absconded with the point and the eventual win.  Locke would have to contend with a strong runner Jon Gambuti in his 14, a former Cicconi-owned machine. Behind Jon were the likes of Rob Summers, Rayvals, Mike Lichty, Johnny Benson, Jedrzejek and Russ Wood.

Dave Sanborn, in the Lane 9, flew the first yellow on lap 15 with several pit stops made in the ensuing slowdown by Ben Seitz, Brandon Bellinger and then Johnny Benson Jr. Benson had unintentionally tagged his own teammate Lichty, cutting a tire.

The restart attempt brought out another yellow when Bob Bond grazed the front straight cement wall and was hooked out of the event. Ray Graham Jr. also parked the 90 and Louie Cicconi, driving the deRitis 66, another of the Aston, PA driver’s previous machines, also called it a day.

Finally back underway, it was Perley pulling away from Locke and Summers putting Gambuti back a spot into fourth. The 11, which was on rails was ticking off some 16.6 second laps, but Chris wasn’t pulling totally away from Locke, but not really threatened either.

At the midway mark, it was Perley, Locke, Summers, Jedrzejek, Lichty, Jon McKennedy, Gambuti and Witkum, working his way up from 23rd starting spot.

Just prior to lap 30, Benson pulled the 74 pit side and a lap later, Summers followed suit out of third. Overheating caused the demise of the 35.

The long, quick green run found Perley well in command with Locke, Timmy J, Lichty and McKennedy, the top five. Witkum and Wood were next in line trailed by Oswego regular Brian Sobus, Mark Sammut, Gambuti and Joey Scanlon.

Yellow flew on lap 35 when the 28 of Bob Dawson puffed an ominous cloud which turned out to be just water. On lap 40 Dan Bowes caused another slowdown and one lap later it was Moe Lilje’s turn to drop the flag.

These last couple of restarts bunched the field and although Perley pulled away cleanly, some torrid racing ensued between Locke and Jedrzejek and Lichty and Witkum, which continued to race end. At the checkered Perley had done it again, picking up his fifth in a row with Locke, Jedrzejek, Lichty and Witkum the top five.

Lichty, in his first ride at Thompson in the car he’d taken to a King of Wings win at Oswego, said of his fourth place.  “For what we had all day yesterday after bringing a new car that I’ve never driven here which is definitely a fast place, we were out to lunch. I was better in the heat race yesterday but the wing kept coming over center and I just adjusted way too far on the wing. I wasn’t letting it come down enough and that’s what killed us today. Our straightway speed was definitely not there. But, the car was decent. We started out a little loose but I think if the wing came down we would have gained more positions. I just have to thank dad, Craig Reed, Dickie, the whole crew and my beautiful car owner Raven Reed Racing.  It’s the last race and it was a bummer because now we have to wait five months now to go racing.”

Witkum was more than pleased with his fifth, which unofficially earned him an extra $100 donated by Bio-Based.us as the Hard Charger. “It wasn’t a bad race for me at all. After not running the heat race and starting 23rd, fifth feels like a win. The guys did a great job. I have to thank Howie, my Uncle Bob, Pete, Wally, Tony everybody just kept the think in one piece and I had to do my job. So, that’s all I could get out of it. We traded a little paint with Lichty battling for fourth but that’s okay. He was a little bit better than I was. He was a little loose off and I was tight off.”

Russ Wood, Mark Sammut, Joey Scanlon, Jon Gambuti and Dan Bowes rounded out the top ten.

Vic Miller, whose 11 car was credited with 7 wins in 2011 thanks to Perley and Lou Cicconi, has clinched the ISMA Car Owner of the year title, his seventh. He said briefly amidst the chaos of pits at tech, “That was a great run Chris had here today. I finished up a good year. I wish he could have run all the races this year, but we had a bunch of different guys that really helped out like Louie Cicconi, Vern Romanoski and Otto Sitterly, so it was a great year. We’re really happy. It couldn’t have been better. And, it’s great to get a 7th car owner title.”

In his hauler, Russ Wood also acknowledged what should be his 8th ISMA Driver Championship and giving his car owner Jeff Holbrook a runner-up spot in the Car Owner division.  “We finished sixth today and we did what we had to do. Everybody did a good job and we’re just happy to get the driver’s points deal. Congratulations to Chris and Vic. They had a really super year. That’s about it. It’s over and done with and now we relax. It’s a little odd to be the driver champion and have someone else be the owner champion but it’s a team sport and even though it’s a driver’s championship, this team is 100 percent behind it. So it is what it is. Even though we made the sacrifice to go to all the races, we did well and this is the end result. We’ll take it.”

Summary ISMA Event #14. Thompson Sunoco World Series

Heat 1: Chris Perley, Johnny Benson, Timmy Jedrzejek, Craig Rayvals, Jamie Timmons, Ray Graham, Jr., Dave Duggan, Brian Sobus, Joey Scanlon (dnf).

Heat 2: Jeff Locke, Jon Gambuti, Russ Wood, Mike Lichty, Mark Sammut, Dave Sanborn Moe Lilje, Bob Bond, Kody Graham

Heat 3: Ben Seitz, Rob Summers, Jon McKennedy, Bob Dawson, Lou Cicconi, Brandon Bellinger, Justin Belfiore, Eddie Witkum and Dan Bowes (last 2 dns).

ISMA 50: 1. Chris Perley (11), 2. Jeff Locke (37), 3. Timmy Jedrzejek (32), 4. Mike Lichty (84), 5. Eddie Witkum Jr. (97), 6. Russ Wood (29), 7. Mark Sammut (78), 8. Joey Scanlon (88), 9. Jon Gambuti (14), 10. Dan Bowes (18), 11. Craig Rayvals (04), 12. Kody Graham (21), 13. Jamie Timmons (27), 14. Brian Sobus (79x), 15. Brandon Bellinger (02), 16. Dave Duggan (51), 17. Moe Lilje (08), 18. Jon McKennedy (79), 19. Bobby Dawson (28), 20. Rob Summers (35), 21. Johnny Benson Jr. (74), 22. Ray Graham Jr. (90), 23. Bobby Bond (25), 24. Ben Seitz (17), 25. Dave Sanborn (9), 26. Lou Cicconi (66)

Johnny Benson, Jr. wins the ISMA Supermodified “Racing Against Cancer 100″ @ Seekonk Speedway [MA] 10.02.11 (RG Design Photo: Robert Gill)

by Carol Haynes

Seekonk, MA – Last year Johnny Benson Jr. of NASCAR truck fame, came to Seekonk Speedway for the first time to compete in the ISMA 100. He left Seekonk with his career-first ISMA victory after an exciting battle with Chris Perley to the end of the 1^st annual Racing Against Cancer 100. Benson duplicated his feat Sunday at the Cement Palace with a few different adversaries, but an equally awesome run. Benson was able to present the $2500 ISMA check once again to the Racing Against Cancer effort and he also participated in the Cancer Team Walk on Saturday for one fulfilling weekend.

The former NASCAR Camping World truck champ started 7^thin the field of 26 potent supermodifieds and had to work by Eddie Witkum Jr, swap the top spot with 7-time ISMA champ Russ Wood and then spend over half the race fending off the torrid advances of Louie Cicconi in his newly-purchased Vic Miller machine, a car which Cicconi had taken to two wins in 2011 while subbing for Chris Perley. Benson was finally able to clear some heavy traffic with less than five to go, leaving second place finisher Russ Wood a couple car lengths behind at the checkers.

Benson mentioned the traffic factor in victory lane, “I would have liked to see some open traffic in those last laps. I’ve got to thank Brad and Mike Lichty, Reggie, Duane and all the guys that work on the 74. The thing was pretty good tonight. I began to think toward the end there that I might have used it up more than I wanted to, but it just felt good. I remember from last year that you could run the car pretty hard here so that’s what we did.

“But those last 15 laps were pretty spectacular. The car was getting loose and sliding around pretty good. But I’m sure the other guys were doing the same thing. I don’t know if it was Russ or Louie who got beside me there but that woke me up. You have to be patient in traffic. You have to keep tires on the car. Sometimes you come up on guys and you kind of surprise them. You kind of click through when you do. When somebody puts the pressure on, then you have to go. I probably took a few chances out there, but outside that we did pretty good.

“Again I have to thank Brad, Patco Transportation and the whole Lichty family for giving me this opportunity and to Gary Sagar for having me come up here two years in a row. The hospitality has been great. The walk they had for Breast Cancer was a pretty cool success.  It’s been a good time this week. We appreciate everybody who has helped the cause. On behalf of ISMA, I get to present the check for $2500 for Racing Against Cancer. There are a lot of great people who help make this happen. It was great to be a huge part even though I only walked 25 laps!”

Russ Wood, who actually led the race briefly, and then had to get by Louie Cicconi late in the race for second, commented,  “It was a pretty fun race there. Johnny won here last year and I think he’s got this place down pat. We were good and then we were bad. I was having fun in traffic. I had a ball. Thanks to Gary from Kraze Korlacki Speed Equipment for putting this on and to everybody who has given to Racing Against Cancer this year. Every little bit helps.”

Rob Summers, in the thick of things all race long, came across in third after Cicconi got some help for a late race bobble. Said Summers, “I was running pretty good but toward the end of the race I got in a bad lane and got shuffled back. Then we were able to get back toward the front again. Russ was good but none of us were as good as Johnny. He owns this place. I can’t thank enough Jeff Holbrook, Russ Wood, JWJ Enterprises, Brian Allegresso and all these guys who gave me a great car tonight.”

The ISMA 100, which had been delayed a day due to bad weather forecasts, got underway just after 5 pm on Sunday with Dave Sanborn and Mike Ordway Jr. leading the strong 26-car field down to green. Sanborn took the early lead but his teammate Eddie Witkum Jr. came up and stole his thunder on lap 5.

Witkum survived a couple cautions for spins in those early laps but soon had Benson bearing down on his 97, until Russ Wood stepped in to give Benson a battle.

First Wood got Benson, then Benson got Wood, and then Wood got both Benson and Witkum to lead lap 28. But, that was the only lap Wood led. Shortly thereafter, both Witkum and Benson maneuvered through a pack of cars to put Wood back in third and Eddie back in the lead. Coming on strong in the meantime was Louie Cicconi, trailed by Justin Belfiore and Rob Summers

On lap 31, Benson put the Lichty 74 into the lead thanks to some more traffic and the race was on. A quick yellow for Brandon Bellinger one lap later bunched up the field, but Benson was able to pull slightly ahead on the restart.

By lap 35, Johnny was back chomping at the tail of the field at the quick third mile oval.  Wood followed Benson through, diving high and low with Cicconi doing likewise. Witkum held fourth now ahead of Summers and Belfiore, trailed by Mike Lichty, Chris Perley and Jon McKennedy.

On lap 44, Cicconi, in one hairy, breath-taking move in traffic, got by Wood for second.

Just prior to the half way mark, things tightened up as yellow fell for Oswego Classic champ Otto Sitterly who had bounced off the track.  Several cars pitted during the time including Mike Lichty. Things got underway, only to slow up again when Jeff Locke repeated Sitterly’s spin.

A lot of water and dirt had been kicked up on the speedway and the race was red flagged for cleanup and a quick refueling due to the number of caution laps already run.

The race went green again on lap 55 and Benson was off like a shot, knowing Cicconi and Wood were right there now trailed by Summers and Perley. Minutes later Benson approached a tangle of cars, which put Cicconi right on his tail again.

Cicconi throwing every trick from a long playbook, took the advantage on lap 71 but Benson played the trump card and was back in front on lap 72. Johnny was able to put a couple car roadblock on Cicconi but Lou jumped it and was back on Benson’s tail at the 20 to go mark, not leaving out Wood, Summers, McKennedy and Perley by any means.

With 8 laps to go the excitement escalated if that was possible as Benson hit another traffic wall, allowing Cicconi to catch right up again. With five to go, Benson had cleared a path through and one lap later Wood get by Cicconi in the cat and mouse chase leaving Summers, Cicconi, McKennedy and Perley not far behind.

With three laps to go, Cicconi suddenly appeared to slide up the track losing a couple valuable spots to Summers and McKennedy. After finishing sixth, Cicconi said on those last laps, “I was running with Benson. I thought I was going to get a shot in lap traffic. Actually, I did get by him but I didn’t take his line away and I should have. He runs me so clean. Then we were going through that heavy lap traffic and Jonathan McKennedy made a right turn into me, hit me and almost spun me out. I was able to hold on though.”

Benson came through the last two laps unscathed with Wood and Summers chasing for the top three spots. McKennedy and Perley finished up the top five.

McKennedy commented later, “We had a good car. I want to thank Paul and Helen Dunigan for letting me run the car again. At the beginning of the race, the car was a little bit tight – it might have been all the fuel. Chris and I had a pretty good race back and forth there. It was fun racing with him. … good clean racing. We were able to catch up to Russell and Robbie but at that point the race was over. Congratulations to Johnny on his second win in a row here.”

Perley, who watched as his second Vic Miller ride for years, left the stable for the Cicconi garage, said of his run, it was round and round for 100 laps. Let’s see here. At Star we finished second and we were wondering what was wrong with the car. It was good but it was a good second place car. We came here and the car was good all day but it wasn’t quite what we’re used to I guess you could say. We worked on it and I think we did the best we could. I was really happy with a fifth after starting fourteenth, but now we think we know what it is. So, we’re going to go home and cut it up. But I’m happy. The car ran the whole 100 laps. It was a tough race and it was fun racing with everybody. Everybody raced clean. Traffic was tough which made it fun. Fifth is good. We’ll take it.”

Lou Cicconi, Bob Bond, Mark Sammut, Dan Bowes and Jon Gambuti rounded out the top ten.

Notes…ISMA’s $2500 donation to Racing Against Cancer came from a share of their purse for the night’s feature… Rick Wentworth, driver/owner of car 10 gave all of his earnings for the night to Racing Against Cancer…Russ Wood gave his second place trophy to a young man, Austin Hayes, who was a young cancer survivor fan…ISMA’s season finale comes at Thompson Speedway on Oct 14-16…

Summary ISMA Event #13

Racing Against Cancer 100

Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011

Heat 1 – Justin Belfiore, Mike Lichty, Dave Sanborn, Jamie Timmons, Jon McKennedy, Otto Sitterly, Joey Scanlon, Bob Magner, Rick Wentworth

Heat 2: Russ Wood, Johnny Benson, Lou Cicconi, Eddie Witkum, Chris Perley, Dan Bowes, Ben Seitz, Brandon Bellinger, Dave Duggan

Heat 3: Jeff Abold, Mike Ordway Sr., Rob Summers, Jon Gambuti, Mark Sammut, Jeff Locke, Bob Bond, Dave Danzer, Bob Dawson

RAC 100: 1. Johnny Benson Jr. (74), 2. Russ Wood (29), 3. Rob Summers (35), 4. Jon McKennedy (79) 5. Chris Perley (11), 6. Lou Cicconi (75), 7. Bob Bond (25), 8. Mark Sammut (78), 9. Dan Bowes (18), 10. Jon Gambuti (14), 11. Jeff Locke (37), 12. Eddie Witkum Jr. (97) 13. Mike Lichty (84), 14. Joey Scanlon (88), 15. Dave Sanborn (9), 16. Bobby Dawson (28), 17. Bobby Magner (40), 18. Brandon Bellinger (02), 19. Rick Wentworth (10), 20. Jeff Abold (04), 21. Ben Seitz (17), 22. Jamie Timmons (27), 23. Justin Belfiore (98), 24. Otto Sitterly (7) 25. Mike Ordway Sr. (61), 26. Dave Danzer (52)