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BUSINESS PHONE NO. IS (716) 566-9599 WITH BUSINESS HOURS OF 9 A.M. UNTIL 5 P.M. WEEKDAYS ONLY!
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> ALL of the following items are available
by calling (716) 566-9599 or visiting Dunn Tire Raceway Park/Lancaster's photo booth at the stock car events:
Vintage Turn 5 Photos of Gordie Reinig (4x6) from the 1966-1974 Lancaster era along with Fred Smith (4x6) pictures mostly from Shangri-La (Tioga) are $3 each.
The "Lancaster Heroes" book is available for $21.75.
The Lancaster 1970-1971 two-videotape or DVD set costs $38.
The "Daredevils of the Frontier" book is available for $40.
The final Wall Township Speedway (NJ) show DVD from 11/24/07 is $20; Andy Jankowiak's Turkey Derby victory with his #73 closes out the Saturday action of five features.
The Northeast DIRT Home Movies '70s DVD is $15.
> NYRaceZone.com color bumper stickers including the
"In Memory of Dick Ransom" line are $2 each
SPOTLIGHT SHOT
REGIONAL
Joe Evans #91 captured his second consecutive Wyoming SST Modified victory on July 4, 2008.
Photographer: Howard Boundy
NASCAR WMT/REGIONAL
The best of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour teams joined the top local
Modified teams at Spencer Speedway in Williamson, New York last Saturday
evening, July 12, for a 100-lap Tour race. Thirty-one Modifieds were in the
pits. Two 25-lap qualifying heat races would determine the starting order
for the feature and the heats would be lined up according to practice times.
Erick Rudolph of Ransomville was among the fastest cars in practice and
lined up the #45 Original Pizza Logs/PrimeTyme Motorsports/Brigham Concrete
Modified on the pole in the second heat race.
[Full Story: added 7/15]
MPL MOTORSPORTS TEAM PARTICIPATES IN SPENCER NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR EVENT
SPENCER/NASCAR WMT
Hopes were high going into this past weekend’s NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Race at Spencer Speedway in Williamson, New York. Mike Leaty, driver of the #25 U.S. Army and Rochester Steel Treating Works Modified, is a two-time Spencer Speedway Modified Champion and the team planned on using their knowledge of the track, teamwork, and a fast car to get to the front of the 31 car field. However, with many of the Whelen teams making their first ever appearance at the facility, there were plenty of on-track incidents that unfortunately influenced the outcome of the race for the Leaty team.
[Full Story: added 7/15]
MATT HIRSCHMAN BREAKS THROUGH FOR FIRST CAREER NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR VICTORY
Mike Leaty #25 Modified at Spencer photo courtesy of Ron Rigby
SPENCER/NASCAR WMT
Northampton, PA's Matt Hirschman reached Victory Lane for the first time in his NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour career Saturday night at Spencer Speedway when he led 79 laps and won the Mason Farms 100. Hirschman, who won the second of two 25-lap heat races earlier in the evening, led four times throughout the 100-lap main and was the car to beat all night. After Mike Stefanik had moved through the field and took the lead on lap 89, the veteran was caught up in an accident coming out of Turn 3 and Hirschman took back a lead that he would never relinquish.
Matt Hirschman #59 photo courtesy of Ron Rigby
[Full Story: added 7/13]
DARYL LEWIS JR. DRIVES TO SPENCER WEEKLY MODIFIED VICTORY ON SPECIAL SATURDAY SHOW
SPENCER
The Whelen Modified Tour made its first stop at Spencer Speedway in 14 years, and it was a great night for the Lewis Racing Family. Daryl Lewis Jr. and Andy Lewis raced from their front row starting position on a very unusual Saturday night show at Spencer Speedway.
Daryl Lewis, Jr. #10 photo courtesy of Howard Boundy
[Full Story: added 7/13]
RAIN INTERRUPTS KAYAK POOLS LATE MODEL 100; JON PRICE AND JOE EVANS SPLIT HOLLAND PRO MODIFIED TWINS
HOLLAND
For the fifth time this season, weather played the determining role in
a scheduled racing program at the Holland Motorsports Complex. The
skies opened during a caution flag period with 24 laps complete in the
NorthEast Late Model Racing Series Kayak Pools 100 on Saturday evening,
forcing postponement of the balance of the race. The remaining 76 laps
has been tentatively scheduled to be run on Saturday, August 30th, as a
prelude to the Late Model Budweiser 100, setting up a major day of
racing for area Late Models.
Jon Price #13 photo courtesy of Howard Boundy
T.J. POTRZEBOWSKI TAKES SST MODIFIED FEATURE IN SEASON DEBUT AT W.C.I.S.
WYOMING
The SST Modified feature went to T.J. Porzebowski in his first appearance of the season with his #51. Other winners at the Friday, July 11 show included Brian Gordon #17 in Super Stock, Gert McDonald #33 in the Four Cylinder WASP along with Kris Hamann #8 in the Mini Cup feature with Johnny Scott taking the Junior class.
[Full Story: added 7/12]
DUNN TIRE RACEWAY PARK'S DRAG RESULTS
DUNN TIRE
Dunn Tire Raceway Park held its drag racing show on Friday, July 11 with five winners emerging in victory lane. Winners were Eric Maccharoli in Top, Joe Skok in Mod, Mike Nowak taking Quick 16 for the second straight week, Pete Marston in Sleds & Bikes with Rick Thurnherr taking the laurels in the Street division.
The Junior Dragster event winner on Tuesday, July 8 was Brandon Chittenden.
The next Shredd and Ragan Cruise Night with grudge matches will be held on Wednesday, July 16. Gates open at 4 p.m.
ERICK RUDOLPH SWEEPS AT DUNN TIRE RACEWAY PARK ON SATURDAY - SPENCER SPEEDWAY NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR RACE IS NEXT
NASCAR WMT/REGIONAL
It was Autograph Night at Dunn Tire Raceway Park last Saturday and driver
Erick Rudolph of Ransomville left his signature on the night's racing. He
continued his 2008 dominance in the #45 Original Pizza Logs/PrimeTyme
Motorsports/Brigham Concrete SST Sportsman with his fifth victory in as many
races at DTRP, despite the largest SST car count of the season. The talented
teenager made it a daily double by posting his first Modified win of the
year in the night's 50-lap feature.
"We've been very strong in the SST," admitted Rudolph. "The car is really
hooked up. This week we tried something different with the Modified and it
made a big difference in our performance. We have some momentum behind us
headed into the Tour race at Spencer this weekend."
[Full Story: added 7/7]
JOE EVANS RETAINS SST MODIFIED VICTORY LANE FOR SECOND STRAIGHT WEEK
WYOMING
The SST Modified feature was grabbed by Joe Evans #91 for the second consecutive week. Other winners at the Friday, July 4 show included Tony Pangrazio #41 in Super Stock, Bill Verwys, Jr. #8 in the Four Cylinder WASP and Bill Kisselstein #37 in the Midstate Vintage Stock Car feature.
[Full Story: added 7/7]
MIKE EWANITSKO TAKES ART BARRY'S #21 TO 1994 SPENCER NASCAR MODIFIED TOUR 100 VICTORY
SPENCER/WMT
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to the Spencer Speedway after a fourteen year absence with the Mason Farms 100 on Saturday, July 12. Mike Ewanitsko was the victor in the last event driving Art Barry's maroon Spearpoint Auto #21 machine. Mike held off the 1994 NASCAR Modified Tour champion Wayne Anderson in the Lenny Boehler "Ole Blue" #3 for the September victory at the track which was named Apple Valley Speedway at that time.
Mike Ewanitsko #21 photo from 1994 courtesy of Ron Rigby
[Full 1994 Results: added 7/6]
ERICK RUDOLPH GRABS MODIFIED WIN AND VISITS SST SPORTSMAN VICTORY LANE FOR FIFTH STRAIGHT TIME
DUNN TIRE
Erick Rudolph doubled his pleasure on Saturday, July 5 as he captured his first career Modified victory along with remaining undefeated in the SST Sportsman class with his #45 rides at the Lancaster facility. It was the first time a driver has won in both classes on the same night since Bobby Holmes recorded the feat in 2005. Ron Nurmi #2 scored his second Late Model victory of the season. The Street Stock feature saw Cory Gallagher take his #24 to the winner's circle for the first time this season. The Four Cylinder event went to the #125 of Derek Wagner for his first career win at the track.
Erick Rudolph #45 Modified photo courtesy of Howard Boundy
[Full Story: added 7/6]
KEVIN TIMMERMAN AND
TONY HANBURY SPLIT WEEKLY MODIFIED VICTORIES
SPENCER
Four different feature winners made it to victory lane at Spencer Speedway last Friday on Monroe Extinguisher-Fireman Appreciation night. In the rain delayed NASCAR Weekly Modified feature, from June 13, Kevin Timmerman took the checkers. It was Timmerman’s first NASCAR Weekly Modified feature win of the season following two straight runner-up finishes in the last two weeks. In the regularly scheduled 35-lapper for the NASCAR Weekly Modifieds it was Tony Hanbury taking the win, his third NASCAR Weekly Modified feature win of the year.
Kevin Timmerman #17 photo courtesy of Ron Rigby
[Full Story: added 7/5]
DUNN TIRE RACEWAY PARK'S DRAG RESULTS
DUNN TIRE
Dunn Tire Raceway Park held its 50th Anniversary Show for drag racing on Friday, July 4 with six winners emerging in victory lane. Winners were Stacey Lawler with her first ever win in Top, Jim Manz in Mod for his first win of the season, Mike Nowak in Quick 16, Dave Lawrence taking his first win this year in Sleds & Bikes, Mike Buhan taking the laurels in the Street division with Duane Lafleur taking the Super Rod victory.
The Junior Dragster event winner on Tuesday, July 1 was Gina Maduri.
The next Shredd and Ragan Cruise Night with grudge matches will be held on Wednesday, July 9. Gates open at 4 p.m.
SPECIAL “RICHIE EVANS REMEMBERED” NIGHT AT UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY ON WEDNESDAY JULY 23 PAYING $6,161.61 FOR RACE OF CHAMPIONS DIRT MODIFIEDS
REGIONAL
The legendary Richie Evans from Rome, NY is the greatest NASCAR Modified driver of all-time who tragically lost his life in a 1985 crash at Martinsville (VA) Speedway. Evans began his racing career in 1962 at Utica-Rome Speedway in a drag car, moving to the Modifieds in 1965 winning the final event of the season.
On Wednesday July 23, Utica-Rome Speedway will remember Evans as its greatest and most popular driver ever as it hosts the Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Series in a special “Richie Evans Memorial” 61-lap feature event paying $6,161.61 to win.
Richie Evans #61 photo at Oswego in 1985 courtesy of Don Kranz
[Full Story: added 7/4]
NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR TO VISIT SPENCER ON SATURDAY, JULY 12
SPENCER/WMT
For many New York-based race fans, they have been out of touch with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, which started officially in 1985. This series based in New England would only visit upstate New York once or twice a summer. The Modifieds are NASCAR’s oldest division and dating back to a 1948 sanctioning. The driver with the most points from Tour races won the NASCAR National Modified title.
Mike Ewanitsko #21 photo from 1994 courtesy of Ron Rigby
[Full Story: added 7/3]
GEORGE DECKER MEMORIAL 100 SET
FOR SATURDAY, JULY 19 AT HOLLAND - LAP SPONSORSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE
HOLLAND/SST SERIES
The George Decker Memorial 100, the most prestigious event of the
season for the NASCAR Sunoco SST Pro Modifieds at the Holland NASCAR
Motorsports Complex, and one of the highlight races of the year for the
SST Sportsman Modifieds in Western and Central NY, will lead the
program of events at Holland on Saturday, July 19th.
The event, now in its ninth year, is run in memory of the late George
Decker, a prominent businessman from Springville, NY, who was a long
time supporter of motorsports and racing at Holland. His wife Phyllis
and son Barry have taken the lead in putting this program together on
an annual basis. This season’s race is co-sponsored by Hamburg
Overhead Door and Team Fabrication.
[Full Story: added 7/3]
ERICK RUDOLPH GEARS UP FOR A RETURN TO THE WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR
NASCAR WMT/REGIONAL
A major objective in 2008 for the DeLange Racing team and their talented
teenage driver, Erick Rudolph of Ransomville, was to test themselves against
the NASCAR Modified Tour teams. They began the season chasing that goal,
with a trip to Caraway Speedway in North Carolina followed by a visit to
Thompson Speedway in Connecticut. They followed that up with two trips to
famed Stafford Motor Speedway in Connecticut, and scored their first
Modified top-ten finish on May 23rd. After that race, they headed back home
as the racing season was ready to open in Western New York.
[Full Story: added 7/2]
DUNN TIRE RACEWAY PARK'S 50TH
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION RESCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 9
DUNN TIRE/R.O.C.
Dunn Tire Raceway Park was forced to cancel their planned 50th Anniversary Celebration on June 28 due to severe storms and heavy rains that moved into the area during the morning and afternoon.
The entire event has been rescheduled for Saturday, August 9 and will include the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Tour 100 main event, the Lorigo Insurance SST Sportsman in a 50 lap event, the Able Agency Street Stocks racing in the 50 lap Linda Tasca Memorial Race and the Super Stocks taking to the track for a 25 lap main event.
Matt Hirschman #60 won the R.o.C. Modified Tour 75 last July
[Full Story: added 6/30]
TONY HANBURY CROSSES FINISH LINE IN FIRST TWICE, BUT WINS ONLY ONCE; RYAN BEEMAN SCORES FIRST EVER WIN
SPENCER
It was quite a feat that Tony Hanbury performed last Friday at Spencer Speedway on Charlie’s Paving Night. He flew across the finish line in first place in both Twin 25-lappers for the NASCAR Tour-Type Modifieds. However in the first 25-lapper contact with then leader, Terry Cheetham in the second turn, on the final lap, resulted in Cheetham being turned around and Hanbury being docked two positions for the contact. This moved Mike Leaty from second up to first, taking the victory in the first Twin 25.
Ryan Beeman #16 photo courtesy of Ron Rigby
[Full Story: added 6/29]
DUNN TIRE RACEWAY PARK'S DRAG RESULTS
DUNN TIRE
Dunn Tire Raceway Park held its drag racing event on Friday, June 27 with five winners emerging in victory lane. Winners were Jan Winkowski in Top, Mike Hickey in Mod, Sam Christian in Quick 16, Alan Fletcher in Sleds & Bikes with Rick Thurnherr taking the laurels in the Street division.
The Junior Dragster event winner on Tuesday, June 24 was Brandon Iamele.
The next Shredd and Ragan Cruise Night with grudge matches will be held on Wednesday, July 2. Gates open at 4 p.m.
TEAM OAKES CONTINUES WIN STREAK WITH HALEY RACKING UP MORE RANSOMVILLE VICTORIES
REGIONAL
Lockport, NY's Haley Oakes won for the fourth time in five weeks at Ransomville Speedway on Thursday, June 26 in the Original Pizza Logs, Jegs.com sponsored Go Kart in the Junior II class. Haley lead all 15 laps despite hard challenges from Brad Duhow who finished a close second. Austin Oakes came home with a very strong fourth place finish.
[Full Story: added 6/27]
DUNN TIRE MODIFIED WIN #110 FOR SEGE FIDANZA AS ERICK RUDOLPH REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH SST SPORTSMAN WIN
DUNN TIRE
The driver who has visited victory lane more than any other driver in track history returned to it on Saturday, June 21. Sege Fidanza #77 won his first Modified feature since 2006, and it was his 110th victory in the class along with being his 122nd career win since 1971 at the Lancaster facility. Former champion Todd Hoddick #49 snatched his first Late Model victory of the season. Erick Rudolph kept his perfect record intact as he recorded his fourth straight SST Sportsman victory with his #45. John Julicher, Jr. #9 took his second Street Stock feature of the season. The Four Cylinder class saw the return of the Druar name to victory lane for the first time in 19 years as second-generation driver Matt Druar #37 drove to his first career victory. Tommy Druar, Matt's father, was the 1987 and 1988 Modified champion with his #37 who lost his life in a 1989 Lancaster accident. 36 eager competitors also took part in the cardboard box racecar events as part of Kids Day.
[Full Story: added 6/22]
DON STEVENS DOUBLES IN THE STREET STOCKS, ERICK RUDOLPH TOPS NASCAR WEEKLY MODIFIED 75 LAPPER
SPENCER
A full night of NASCAR racing greeted the racing fans last Friday at Spencer Speedway on Kings Auto Service & Sales Night. Topping off the night was the running of the first extra distance feature for the NASCAR Weekly Modifieds. Outsider Erick Rudolph came in from Ransomville, NY and showed the way to the checkers after 75 laps.
“My grandfather called the shots tonight,” referring to his famous grandparent and racer, Jim Rudolph. When asked if he planned on coming back to Spencer this year, Erick stated, “We plan on being here for the Whelen Modified Tour race (July 12) and possibly another extra distance Modified race.“
Erick Rudolph #45 photo courtesy of Ron Rigby
[Full Story: added 6/21]
FORMER CHAMPION BILLY RAY PRUITT SCORES WITH SST MODIFIED VICTORY AT WCIS
WYOMING
The SST Modified feature was taken by 2005 champion Billy Ray Pruitt in his wife's potent #8 ride. Justin Logsdon #07 registered his first career victory in the Super Stock feature with Mike Chenaille #20 taking the Street Stock portion. Otis Bradshaw #00 was a repeat winner in the WASP Four Cylinder feature along with Kris Hamann #8 in the Mini Cup Lites. Robby Becker #95 was the Mini Cup Lites winner in the Junior division.
[Full Story: added 6/23]
DARIN SPALTI, ALAN FISHER, MARK HOCH AND JUSTIN MAPES HEAD WINNERS TO REACH VICTORY LANE
HOLLAND
Weather was a big factor at the Holland NASCAR Motorsports Complex on Saturday evening, as afternoon rain and threatening skies made completing the scheduled program a challenge. However, most of the slated card was in the record books, as the seventh of nine main events was on the track when a storm blew in, knocking power out of the back chute lights and shortly thereafter, dropping significant rainfall onto the track, forcing an early curtailment to the program.
[Full Story: added 6/23]
DUNN TIRE RACEWAY PARK'S DRAG RESULTS
DUNN TIRE
Dunn Tire Raceway Park held its drag racing event on Friday, June 20 with five winners emerging in victory lane. Winners were Rick Petruzzi in Top, Dale Eckert in Mod, Michael Kalin in Quick 16, Pete Marston in Sleds & Bikes with Keith Banas taking the laurels in the Street division.
The Junior Dragster event winner on Tuesday, June 17 was .
The next Shredd and Ragan Cruise Night with grudge matches will be held on Wednesday, June 25. Gates open at 4 p.m.
RAIN STOPS R.O.C. AT WYOMING COUNTY, 50TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW AT DUNN TIRE NEXT UP ON JUNE 28TH
R.O.C.
Early afternoon thunderstorms that rolled through the Perry, NY area on Saturday afternoon left enough moisture behind which made the task of running the races on Saturday impossible.
Officials of the Wyoming County International Speedway waited as long as they could to make a decision due to the quality field of Race of Champions Dart Asphalt Modifieds that had already assembled. Unfortunately the decision to cancel the show was made a couple of hours ahead of the scheduled starting time due to saturated grounds from the rain.
Tommy Farrell, III's #11 Modified photo: Captain History
[Full Story: added 6/16]
DUNN TIRE RACEWAY PARK'S DRAG RESULTS
DUNN TIRE
Dunn Tire Raceway Park held its postponed Friday drag racing event on Sunday, June 15 with six winners emerging in victory lane on Father's Day. Winners were Doug Linden in Top, John Atanasio in Mod, Billy Leber in Quick 16, Jason Sobczynski in Sleds & Bikes, Rick Thurnherr taking the laurels in the Street division with Dick Collins as the Green Light victor.
The Junior Dragster event winner on Tuesday, June 10 was Nick Beers.
The next Shredd and Ragan Cruise Night with grudge matches will be held on Wednesday, June 18. Gates open at 4 p.m.
KEITH BUTLER BEATS OUT MOTHER NATURE IN ONLY FEATURE RACE RUN
SPENCER
Track officials were able to get all of the qualifying races and the Super Six 15-lap feature in the record books before dangerous lightning and heavy rains forced them to cancel the remainder of the night’s program.
“We decided to clear the grandstands before anyone was injured as we were looking at the radar and the incoming storm,” commented track promoter John White. It was certainly the correct move. Fans filed out of the grandstands and to their cars before the heavy rains hit the speedway.
[Full Story: added 6/14]
RACE OF CHAMPIONS DART ASPHALT MODIFIED TOUR MAKING THEIR ANNUAL FATHER'S DAY WEEKEND STOP AT WYOMING COUNTY THIS SATURDAY NIGHT
R.O.C.
The track with the nickname of asphalt bull ring racing at its finest takes center stage this Saturday night as the Race of Champions Dart Asphalt Modified Tour invades the beautiful Wyoming County International Speedway in Perry, NY.
Normally this 75 lap feature has taken place on Father’s Day for the past several years. This year the show will take place under the lights on Saturday night and it will be an entirely whole new ball game racing here at night. Last year Wyoming County hosted two races with Rusty Smith winning on Father’s Day and Erick Rudolph winning one month later.
Erick Rudolph #45 photo courtesy of DeLange Racing
[Full Story: added 6/13]
ERICK RUDOLPH KEEPS DUNN TIRE SST SPORTSMAN WIN STREAK ALIVE WITH MATT ALIX TAKING LATE MODEL MAIN
DUNN TIRE
Erick Rudolph kept his perfect record intact as he recorded his third straight SST Sportsman victory with his #45 over twenty other competitors in Dunn Tire Raceway Park action on Saturday, June 7. Matt Alix #72 registered his first Late Model victory of the season. The second consecutive Street Stock victory lane visit was snapped up by Jim Stein #21. Mike Blair welcomed his first ever T.Q. Midget victory after a solid performance with his blue #8 ride. Tim Haniszewski, Sr. #02 won his second feature of the season in the Four Cylinder class.
[Full Story: updated 6/9]
BOBBY HOLMES CAPTURES FIRST WYOMING SST MODIFIED FEATURE
WYOMING
Lockport, NY's Bobby Holmes emerged victorious in the SST Modified feature with his #8x. Brian Gordon #17 repeated in the Super Stock feature. There was a new face in victory lane as the #0 of Bro Bradshaw won his first ever WASP feature. Kris Hamann won in the Mini Cup Lites with his #8 in the Senior division as Daniel Majchrzak #14 took the Junior division.
[6/6 SST Modified Story including 6/14 R.o.C. Preview: added 6/10]
TONY HANBURY REPEATS IN WEEKLY MODIFIED FEATURE AS DAVE SHULLICK JR. WINS MSA SPECIAL
[Full Story: added 6/9]
SPENCER
Tony Hanbury, from Owego, NY, repeated his feat from last week, winning the 35-lap NASCAR Weekly Modified feature run. This time he used a different car, owned by John Reus and Josh Wilson, prepared by Fred Taylor.
“We finally got the right rear tire setup right on this car,” related Hanbury. “It made a real big difference in the handling.”
In Street Stock action, Phil Alhart Jr., became the fourth different driver in four races to claim a feature win.
Tony Hanbury #40 photo courtesy of Ron Rigby
[Full Story: added 6/7]
WILL THOMAS BAGS LATE MODEL VICTORY AS SCOTT BAYLE WINS SECOND STRAIGHT IN DODGE SPORTMOD
LAKE ERIE
Advance Auto Parts Night/USG/Driver Sponsor Appreciation Night at the Races saw a huge crowd with nearly 5,000 fans in attendance. Fans enjoyed an on-track autograph session with all of the drivers and great event entertainment.
[Full Story: added 6/9]
DUNN TIRE RACEWAY PARK'S DRAG RESULTS
DUNN TIRE
Dunn Tire Raceway Park held its Friday, June 6 drag racing event with five winners emerging in victory lane. Winners were Bill Fritzke in Top, Pete Angolo in Mod, Dave Lawler in Quick 16, Chris Moppert in Sleds & Bikes with Keith Banas taking the laurels in the Street division.
There wasn't a Junior Dragster event winner on Tuesday, June 3.
The next Shredd and Ragan Cruise Night with grudge matches will be held on Wednesday, June 11. Former DTRP champions Bobby Holmes #8 SST Sportsman and Jeff Merritt #49 Super Stock will have their cars displayed.
JAY MUDRA AND JIM STEIN RETURN TO DUNN TIRE VICTORY LANE BEFORE RAIN ARRIVES
DUNN TIRE
Dunn Tire Raceway Park scheduled a Sunday, June 1 raindate for its previous day's cancelled show. Jay Mudra #16 registered the Super Stock win while Jim Stein #21 captured the Street Stock feature. Both drivers took their first wins since the 2006 season. The Modified 50, Late Model 50 and SST Sportsman 35 features fell to rain with 54 drivers waiting for competition in those three divisions.
Jay Mudra #16 photo courtesy of Howard Boundy
[Full Story: added 6/2]
TONY HANBURY WINS IN WEEKLY MODIFIEDS AT SPENCER
SPENCER
Tony Hanbury, from Owego, NY, had not won at Spencer Speedway in the NASCAR Weekly Modified division since June, 2006. Last Friday on USG Sheetrock Night, he dominated the starting field to pick up his second ever Weekly Modified feature win at the speedway.
“It was pretty crazy at the start of that race,” stated Hanbury. “It was amazing we got through that fourth turn during that wreck (referring to a lap nine accident). These guys did a great job of it.”
Tony Hanbury #42 photo courtesy of Ron Rigby
[Full Story: added 5/31]
DUNN TIRE RACEWAY PARK'S DRAG RESULTS
DUNN TIRE
Dunn Tire Raceway Park held its Friday, May 30 drag racing event with five winners emerging in victory lane. Winners were Peter Maduri in Top, Carey Hodge in Mod, Billy Leber in Quick 16, Alan Fletcher in Sleds & Bikes with Amy Glomb taking the laurels in the Street division. The Junior Dragster event winner on Tuesday, May 27 was Tyler Halleen. The next Shredd and Ragan Cruise Night with grudge matches will be held on Wednesday, June 4.
OSWEGO SPEEDWAY PRESENTS NIGHT OF OBSTACLES FOR MPL MOTORSPORTS TEAM
R.O.C./REGIONAL
The #25 MPL Motorsports Team headed to the famed Oswego Speedway this past weekend for one of the premier events of the racing season – the Race of Champions “Richie Evans 100”. It was just two short years ago that Leaty was the winner of this prestigious Modified race. The memorial event, run in memory of legendary Modified competitor Richie Evans, brought together a stout field of thirty-five Modified competitors from throughout the Northeast. Only twenty-six teams were slated to start the feature and Mike Leaty and the U.S. Army/Rochester Steel Treating Works Team overcame adversity to make the main event.
[Full Story: added 5/30]
TEAM OAKES TAKES GO KART CHECKERED TWICE IN ONE WEEK
Mike Leaty #25 Modified at Spencer photo courtesy of Ron Rigby
REGIONAL
Lockport, NY's Haley Oakes took first at Ransomville Speedway on Thursday night, May 22, and at Waterloo Speedway on Saturday night, May 24, in the Junior II class. Haley led the entire sixteen laps after taking the lead during the first lap at Waterloo. Haley's brother Austin was running in second at Waterloo, but a late spin caused him to finish in third. At Ransomville Haley took the lead on lap seven and held it for the remainder of the race with Austin finishing fourth.
[Full Story: added 5/28]
“PIT PARTY” ON TAP THIS FRIDAY ON USG SHEET ROCK NIGHT AT SPENCER SPEEDWAY
SPENCER
This Friday, May 30, will be USG Sheet Rock night at Spencer Speedway. On tap will be a complete program of NASCAR Weekly Modifieds, Street Stocks and Super Sixes races. A new addition for the night will be a “Pit Party” to take place on the frontstretch just before the start of the Weekly Modified feature.
“We want our fans to meet the drivers and have a good time seeing up close the Weekly Modified cars,” commented promoter John White.
Tommy Carino, Jr. #7 photo courtesy of Ron Rigby
[Full Story: added 5/28]
BOBBY HOLMES CAPTURES CASEY'S T.Q. MIDGET SERIES RALPH WISSING MEMORIAL EVENT AT HOLLAND
CASEY'S T.Q. MIDGETS/HOLLAND
The Casey's T.Q. Midget Series returned to the Holland NASCAR Motorsports Complex on Saturday, May 24 with a strong sixteen-car field with fourteen of them taking the green. Bobby Holmes started sixth in his Original Pizza Logs T.Q. Midget and worked his way through the field with patience.
[Full Story: added 5/27]
ERICK RUDOLPH NOTCHES SST SPORTSMAN VICTORY AS RON NURMI TAKES LATE MODEL MAIN IN DUNN TIRE ACTION
DUNN TIRE
5/24: The second show of the season saw Erick Rudolph pull his #45 into victory lane for the second consecutive SST Sportsman event after 50 laps. Ron Nurmi registered career win #42 in the Late Model feature with his Chevrolet Monte Carlo #2; he's now tied for 7th place in all-time feature victories at the Lancaster track. The Street Stock main was captured convincingly by John Julicher, Jr. #9. The evening was started off with Jesse Baker #79 coming across the finish line first in the Four Cylinder feature.
[Full Story: updated 5/27]
RUTHERFORD TOPS THE SPENCER WEEKLY NASCAR MODIFIED MAIN ON VP FUEL NIGHT
SPENCER
"It has taken us a couple of weeks to get going,” stated Kirk Rutherford, from Barker, NY, in victory lane. Well everything worked out well as he claimed the 35-lap Weekly NASCAR Modified victory at Spencer Speedway last Friday on VP Fuels night.
Rutherford took the lead on lap 20 from Terry Cheetham. Cheetham held on to record a second place finish.
In Street Stock action Tommy Carino, Jr., from Elbridge, took his first feature win in his young career piloting his new crate powered Chevrolet. “The crate motor is the way to go; it’s great!” stated an elated Carino Jr. in victory lane.
The Super Six division saw Kris Hillegeer, from Williamson, repeat his performance from last week, and he claimed his second straight Super Six feature win.
Kirk Rutherford #11 photo courtesy of Ron Rigby
[Full Story: added 5/26]
HOPKINS, FISHER, HOLMES, MALLABER LEAD HOLLAND OPENING NIGHT WIN LIST
HOLLAND
Multi-time Holland champ Neil Hopkins of West Falls, NY put his experience on the high banks of the Holland NASCAR Motorsports Complex to use on Saturday evening, as he notched the 40-lap NASCAR Sunoco SST Pro Modified victory at the Western New York oval. Alan Fisher of West Valley, NY took the historic first ever win in the LAMOT Late Model main, while the versatile Bobby Holmes of Lockport, NY scored the victory in the Ralph Wissing Memorial for the Casey’s TQ Midget Series.
In other action on McKinley Mall opening night, Jim Mallaber of Gowanda, NY took the win in a thrilling Carquest Charger main, Brandon Hirsch of Orchard Park, NY copped the Native Pride Pro Four go, and Jason Eck captured the honors in the Alliance Auto Recycling Figure 8 Car event.
Neil Hopkins #4 photo courtesy of Howard Boundy
[Full Story: added 5/26]
HOLLAND MEMORIAL DAY SPECIAL WINS TO VERNON, MARZEC, KIRCHBERGER; O’VELL IS THE “FASTER PASTOR”
HOLLAND
The INEX Legends, Thiel Motorsports 4-cylinder Hornets and the ladies-only Queen Bees had their 2008 season openers on Memorial Day Monday at the Holland NASCAR Motorsports Complex, and at the end of the night at the Western New York oval, Jake Vernon of Hamburg, NY, Eric Marzec of West Seneca, NY, and Ashley Kirchberger of Buffalo, NY were all celebrating victories.
[Full Story: added 5/26]
MIKE HENNESSY TAKES LATE MODEL MAIN IN LAKE ERIE OPENER
LAKE ERIE
Lake Erie Speedway opened the 2008 season with more than 3,500 fans in attendance who witnessed immediate excitement and thrills highlighted by a car count of 109.
Mike Hennessy #27 photo from 2007 courtesy of Howard Boundy
[Full Story: added 5/26]
WYOMING FRIDAY NIGHT OPENER FINDS PATTI PRUITT AND MIKE BLISS SHARING SST MODIFIED VICTORY LANE
WYOMING
5/23: Wyoming County International Speedway held its first Friday night show of the season on FOAR SCORE Club Night with seven feature winners. Mike Bliss #72 started off the evening by taking the postponed 5/11 SST Modified opener over Ron Williams #1. Patti Pruitt #8 swept the double SST Modified features later that night over Toad Bradshaw #00 in the first feature and Ron Williams #1 in the second feature. Jeff Merritt brought his #49 Super Stock out for the first time this season and was declared the winner in a wild last-lap finish for the class. The Street Stocks ran with the Super Stock class and Jeff Guidotti #20x was the first across the line. Otis Bradshaw #00 took his 4 Cylinder WASP to a win. The season opener for the Mini Cups had Kris Hamann pulling his #8 into victory lane.
[Results: added 5/24]
DUNN TIRE RACEWAY PARK'S DRAG RESULTS
DUNN TIRE
Dunn Tire Raceway Park held its Friday, May 23 drag racing event with five winners emerging in victory lane. Winners were Wayne Cleveland in Top, Carey Hodge in Mod, Dave Lawler in Quick 16, Bill DiFranco in Sleds & Bikes with Bill Parsons taking the laurels in the Street division. Wednesday, May 21 saw the Junior Dragster event being cancelled because of rain on the first Shredd and Ragan Cruise Night with grudge matches. The next Junior Dragster event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27.
ERICK RUDOLPH RETURNS TO STAFFORD
NASCAR WMT/REGIONAL
This Friday Erick Rudolph and the DeLange Racing team of Lockport, New York
will be returning to the Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs,
Connecticut for another NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event. The TSI
Harley-Davidson 150 is the third race on the 2008 WMT schedule and second
straight at Stafford. The Tour has been dormant since the Tech-Net Spring
Sizzler at Stafford on April 27. The Ransomville, New York teenager has shown steady progress on the NASCAR
Modified Tour.
[Full Story: added 5/23]
VP FUELS REGULAR SHOW ON TAP THIS FRIDAY AT SPENCER SPEEDWAY
SPENCER
VP Fuels will be hosting this Friday’s, May 23, NASCAR Three Star program at Spencer Speedway. Heading up the bill will be the Weekly Modifieds, formally known as the SST Modifieds. Joining them will be a complete program of NASCAR Street Stocks and Super Sixes in action.
With Buck Catalano returning to the Weekly Modified ranks, some might wonder just how many feature wins Catalano has at the flat half-mile asphalt oval.
[Full Story: added 5/22]
CUBA LAKE RACEWAY REUNION 6TH ANNUAL '50S AND '60S STOCK CAR RACING LUNCHEON SLATED FOR JULY 30, 2008
Buck Catalano #14 photo courtesy of Ron Rigby
REGIONAL
This is your invitation to attend the 6th Annual Cuba Lake Raceway Luncheon for all those who remember or have a love of stock car racing from those wonderful years of the '50s and '60s. Drivers, car owners, mechanics, track personnel and track owner/builders from tracks of WNY, Ontario and NWPA during that time will be attending. This year a special invitation is being made to drivers, mechanics, car owners and track personnel who ran in the '40s, '50s and '60s from the greater Jamestown area, Penny Royal track at Leon, NY and VFW Raceway at East Towanda, PA to attend along with others who look forward to attending again this year or for the first time. Last year drivers and others that were involved with the racing came from 7 states and Ontario to attend the luncheon. By receiving this invitation you and your family and friends are invited to attend this year's event.
[Full Story: added 5/21]
MPL MOTORSPORTS KICKS OFF 2008 SEASON
Art Clark #7 Late Model with starter Whitey Gorsuch in 1962
SPENCER/REGIONAL
The #25 MPL Motorsports Team kicked off the 2008 racing season with a 50 lap Modified feature event at Spencer Speedway on Friday, May 16th. Fifteen “Mighty Modifieds” were on hand for the race, as the #25 raced against former Spencer Speedway, Dunn Tire Raceway Park (Lancaster) and RoC Modified Champions. Mike Leaty, defending Spencer Modified Champion, had a fast car throughout the night but battled cold, damp track conditions with the rest of the field.
[Full Story: added 5/20]
RACE OF CHAMPIONS DART ASPHALT MODIFIED TOUR SEASON OPENER THIS SATURDAY AT THE OSWEGO SPEEDWAY
Mike Leaty #25 Modified at Spencer photo courtesy of Ron Rigby
REGIONAL
After an off season full of questions and uncertainty of what tracks would be racing and what the schedule would look like, the Race of Champions Dart Asphalt Modified Tour will officially kick the season off this Saturday, May 24th at the famed Oswego Speedway.
[Full Story: added 5/20]
CUP LITES ROOKIE BOBBY HOLMES WINS MOSPORT EVENT IN FIRST EVER SERIES START
REGIONAL
The Cup Lites Racing Series opened their season on Sunday, May 18 at the winding road course at Bowmanville, Ontario's Mosport International Raceway in Canada. Lockport's Bobby Holmes made the most of his first ever start in the series by capturing the victory in his Pizza Logs #22 ride.
Bobby Holmes (center) victory lane photo with second place Jason Keen on the left and third place Taylor Holdaway on the right courtesy of Holmes Family Racing
OLDEST LIVING NASCAR DRIVER LLOYD MOORE PASSES
REGIONAL
Frewsburg (close to Jamestown), NY's Lloyd Moore passed away on Sunday, May 18 around 3:30pm at age 95; he was born on June 8, 1912. He held the distinction as being the oldest living NASCAR Sprint Cup (Grand National) driver. He was the teammate to the 1950 NASCAR Grand National champion Bill Rexford of Conowango Valley, NY, and Lloyd finished fourth in the final points for 1950. Lloyd scored his only NASCAR Grand National win in the 1950 event at Winchester, Indiana. He also won an ARCA 1954 Dayton, OH event.
He was inducted into the FOAR SCORE Club Hall of Fame in 2007. He wasn't able to attend the annual FOAR SCORE Club Banquet so President Roger McCabe and Vice President Paul Faleski paid him a visit at his house and presented his award to him last year. Paul stated that Lloyd was a great guy to talk to and that he really enjoyed his visit with him last year.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia, of sixty-one years along with six daughters plus many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rest in peace Lloyd.
Lloyd Moore in 1950: photographer unknown
CALLING HOURS:
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 from 4-8pm
Peterson Funeral Home
12 N. Pearl St.
Frewsburg, NY 14738
(716) 569-5405
FUNERAL SERVICES:
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 11am
Wheeler Hill United Methodist Church
Wheeler Hill Rd.
Frewsburg, NY 14738
(716) 569-2272
Letters of condolence may be sent to:
Mrs. Virginia Moore and Family
152 Frew Run Rd.
Frewsburg, NY 14738
[Lloyd Moore Story from Legends of NASCAR site: added 5/19]
DUNN TIRE RACEWAY PARK ADDS STOCK CAR SHOW ON AUGUST 9TH
DUNN TIRE
Dunn Tire Raceway Park has added an additional Stock Car show to their 2008 schedule. Saturday, August 9th will now feature a 50 lap McGard Modified feature, the Lorigo Insurance SST Sportsman, Able Agency Street Stocks and Thiel Motorsports 4 Cylinders for an action packed show.
[Full Story: added 5/19]
HOLLAND PRACTICE DAY CUT SHORT BY RAIN; HOLIDAY DOUBLE HEADER TO OPEN 2008 SEASON
HOLLAND
The scheduled practice day at the Holland NASCAR Motorsports Complex
was curtailed by on-again/off-again showers moving through the Western
New York area on Saturday afternoon. A few cars took slow laps around
the oval in the hopes of drying off the track, but there was never an
opportunity for full speed practice laps, and the practice session was cut short at
2:30 pm.
The iffy weather conditions resulted in a light turn-out of competitors
hoping to test and tune their racers before the Memorial Day weekend
season opener. There is an additional practice session scheduled for
Thursday evening, May 22; pit gates will open at 5:00 pm with on track
practice taking place until dusk.
[Full Story: added 5/19]
WYOMING CANCELS SUNDAY, MAY 18 SHOW; FRIDAY OPENER SET FOR MAY 23
WYOMING
Friday, May 23 is FOAR SCORE Club Night: THREE SST Modified features, Super Stock, Street Stock (Dunn Tire Raceway Park rules), 4 Cylinder WASP and Mini Cup classes are in competition with the Smash and Crash Double Figure 8 also scheduled.
Travel Notification: For the next several weeks, road work will have Suckerbrook Rd. closed to all through traffic from Rt. 20A. Fans are requested to use alternate roads prior or after the Suckerbrook route. We apologize for the inconvenience.
BullRing racing is every Friday night at 7:30pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
* Special Saturday night event on June 14 (Father's Day weekend) is the Race of Champions Modified Tour.
Fireworks from Premier Pyrotechnics - Friday, July 4th
BUCK CATALANO WINS OPENING SST MAIN, BILL HEBING NOTCHES NASCAR MODIFIED 50-LAP SPECIAL
SPENCER
Buck Catalano had not been in SST Modified victory lane since 1999 when Spencer officials called the division the Grand American Modifieds. Last Friday he returned and picked up his 48th career SST Modified feature at Spencer Speedway. The SST 35-lapper saw Catalano lead every lap on his way to victory.
“I knew he (Kirk Rutherford) was all over me,” commented Catalano from victory lane. “He raced me clean and I was leaving the lane at the top open, but he never went up there.” In the NASCAR Modified Special Whelen All-American 50, it was Bill Hebing taking the win, his 17th win at Spencer in a NASCAR Modified.
Street Stock action saw Willie Strusz, a college student from Detroit, MI, easily take his second Spencer career win in the Street Stock 20-lapper. The Super Six main went to the 2006 division champion Kris Hillegeer.
Buck Catalano #14 SST Modified photo courtesy of Ron Rigby
[Full Story: added 5/17]
DUNN TIRE RACEWAY PARK'S DRAG RESULTS
DUNN TIRE
Dunn Tire Raceway Park held its Friday, May 16 drag racing event with five winners emerging in victory lane. Winners were Shawn Beatty in Top, Pete D'Agnolo in Mod, Harold Warkentin in Quick 16, Pete Marston in Sleds & Bikes with Ted Skarupinski taking the laurels in the Street division. Tuesday, May 13 saw the Junior Dragster winner being Gina Maduri.
FORMER SPENCER STREET STOCK CHAMPION BOBBY LIPPA JR. SETS 2008 SCHEDULE
REGIONAL
I hope everyone survived the long cold winter. The weather is looking great, and we are all looking forward to a great summer. This year we are taking some time off from the every week racing schedule to do some catching up on things we haven’t been able to do. I have posted our tentative 2008 schedule on the web site.
Bobby Lippa, Jr. Spencer 5/11/07 victory lane photo courtesy of Ron Rigby
[Full Story: added 5/14]
WYOMING SEASON OPENER BEGINS WITH BRIAN GLEASON, BOBBY HOLMES AND MARGARET MCDONALD AS WINNERS
WYOMING
Wyoming County International Speedway had its 49th season kick off on Sunday, May 11 with three feature winners at their Mother's Day show. Brian Gleason wheeled his #64 to the SST Super Stock win over Tony Pangrazio #41. The T.Q. Midget feature was captured by Bobby Holmes #0 over Dave Wollaber #1. The WASP main saw Margaret McDonald #33 come away with the checkers over Dave Bradshaw #01. The SST Modified feature fell to rain. Twin SST Modified features are scheduled for next Sunday's show.
Brian Gleason photo: Captain History
DUNN TIRE RACEWAY PARK'S DRAG RESULTS
DUNN TIRE
Dunn Tire Raceway Park held its Friday, May 9 drag racing event with six winners emerging in victory lane. Winners were Rich Halleen in Top, Joe Karosik in Mod, George Pease in Quick 16, Alan Fletcher in Sleds & Bikes with Keith Banas taking the laurels in the Street division. The Super Rod winner was Eric Macchiaroli.
WHEELS ARE READY TO ROLL AT SPENCER FOR THE 54TH SEASON
SPENCER
The annual “Test & Tune” session took to the track last Friday at Spencer Speedway. On hand were the four main divisions: NASCAR Modifieds (6), SST Modifieds (12), Street Stocks (6) and Super Sixes (5), making for a total of 29 cars that turned out for practice.
“I hope all of the teams were able to obtain the information they needed from their sessions,” stated promoter John White. “We are all looking towards the season opener this Friday, (May 16).”
[Full Story: added 5/12]
BILLY PUTNEY OPENS DUNN TIRE RACEWAY PARK 50TH SEASON WITH FIRST MODIFIED VICTORY IN FIVE YEARS
DUNN TIRE
Former Modified champion Billy Putney made a triumphant return to the Lancaster speedplant's victory lane with his #88 after an absence of five years at Saturday's 50th season opener in the Modified 50. Erick Rudolph captured the SST Sportsman feature with his #45, former champion Jim Bryant took his #49 to the Street Stock main event, defending champion Dave Wollaber drove his #1 to the T.Q. Midget victory with 1985 Backwards champion Tim Haniszewski #02 copping the Four Cylinder feature.
Billy Putney photo courtesy of Howard Boundy
[Full Story: added 5/11]
BULLRING RACING BEGINS THIS SUNDAY: MAY 11, 2008
WYOMING
Wyoming County International Speedway welcomes fans and competitors back to the bullring for the 49th annual opening day. In celebration of Mother's Day, ALL mothers will receive free general admission and a chance to win some great prizes.
It's Meet the Drivers Day (racecars parked on the frontstretch with everyone invited to visit the stars and their cars) along with the T.Q. Midget class appearing with a time trial show. The SST Modified, Super Stock, Street Stock and WASP classes are also in competition.
[Full Story: added 5/8]
DUNN TIRE RACEWAY PARK'S SUNDAY DRAG RESULTS
DUNN TIRE
Dunn Tire Raceway Park held its rained out drag racing event from Friday, May 2 on Sunday, May 4. Winners were Wayne Cleveland in Top, Mike Hickey in Mod, Andy Gregoire in Quick 16 for the second straight event, Jason Sobczynski in Sleds & Bikes with Wayne Czaplicki taking the laurels in the Street division.
SPENCER SPEEDWAY MALL SHOW IS A HUGE SUCCESS
SPENCER
The New York based “Cars and Stars” of NASCAR were on hand this past weekend for their first annual show at “The Mall at Greece Ridge”. “We were just so fortunate to have Dan (Hall) set this show up for us this year,” stated promoter John White. “It’s just great to see all of our cars looking so good.”
[Full Story: added 4/27]
ERICK RUDOLPH PREPARES FOR STAFFORD DEBUT
NASCAR WMT/REGIONAL
Erick Rudolph and the DeLange Racing team recently made their NASCAR Whelen
Modified Tour debut at Thompson International Speedway in the 2008
Icebreaker. The Lockport, New York team is heading east again this weekend
for another first-time visit to one of the renowned Modified events. They
are entered in the 37th Annual Tech-Net Spring Sizzler presented by CARQUEST
scheduled for April 25, 26, & 27 at famed Stafford Motor Speedway in
Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Billed as "The Greatest Race in the History
of Spring", the Sizzler kicks off the 2008 season at Stafford. Highlighting
the program is a 200-lap event for the NASCAR Modifieds.
[Full Story: added 4/22]
DUNN TIRE RACEWAY PARK COMPLETE STOCK CAR SCHEDULE
DUNN TIRE
Dunn Tire Raceway Park in Lancaster, NY has released its 2008 stock car schedule. The track is celebrating its 50th season, and thirteen shows are planned throughout the year. The Modifieds are scheduled for nine appearances during the season including two R.o.C. Modified Tour events. The finale is the 20th Annual U.S. Open from September 26-28 with seven classes in competition.
[Full Schedule: updated 5/23]
MIKE LEATY ANNOUNCES NEW SPONSOR AND 2008 SCHEDULE
SPENCER/REGIONAL
Mike Leaty and his #25 MPL Motorsports have a new primary
sponsor on board for their 2008 campaign – the US Army. “It is
going to be an honor to represent the US Army and all of the men and women
in uniform protecting our nation this season. I am happy that they
have chosen to support MPL Motorsports in 2008 and I can’t wait to begin
what I hope is a long-term relationship,” said Leaty.
[Full Story: added 4/10]
TEAM OAKES RACING IS LOOKING FOR MORE SUCCESS IN 2008
Photographer: MPL Motorsports
REGIONAL
Lockport, NY's Team Oakes Racing is preparing for the upcoming 2008 Go Kart racing season. Along with the help of my two drivers Haley Oakes, age 12, and Austin Oakes, age 10, we have started to overhaul the karts and are preparing our racing schedule. This year we are looking to do more traveling across New York, Pennsylvania and some national races in West Virginia plus a WKA (World Karting Association) divisional series.
[Full Story: updated 4/9 & 12]
BOBBY HOLMES AWAITS THE 2008 RACING SEASON TO START
REGIONAL
Lockport, NY native Bobby Holmes and his Holmes Family Racing Team have announced their tentative schedule which includes appearances in a number of different rides during the 2008 season. One of the cars will be a new adventure as he has never driven one in racing conditions.
His focus for this season will be aimed at his new ride in the Cup Lites Racing Series.
[Full Story: updated 3/22]
ANGELS VISIT WITH THE SST RACING SERIES
REGIONAL
Race cars and beautiful women have long gone hand in hand, generating an atmosphere designed to attract attention. The SST (Super Short Track) Racing Series proudly announces the SST Angels: tastefully creating a promotional program around the beauty of motorsports.
2006 & 2007 SST Modified Series champion T.J. Potrzebowski poses with an Angel and his #51 machine.
Photographer: MM Sports Photos
[Full Story: added 3/4]
DELANGE RACING ANNOUNCES 2008 SCHEDULE
REGIONAL
Team owner Dave DeLange of Lockport, New York has unveiled the 2008
schedule of races for DeLange Racing. The aggressive program will include
22 dates and 31 races. The team, led by accomplished teenage driver
Erick Rudolph of Ransomville, will travel to ten different tracks across
five states and compete in three major Modified series along the east
coast as well as eight weekly racing events in Western New York.
The former Lancaster Raceway Park, now under new management and renamed
Dunn Tire Raceway Park, will remain the home base for DeLange Racing.
[Full Story: added 3/1]
LONGTIME MODIFIED DRIVER DICK CLARK PASSES
REGIONAL
Veteran Modified driver Dick "Pickles" Clark passed away on Thursday, February 28 at the age of 73. Dick competed in the Modified class with his familiar #16 rides for over twenty years before hanging up his helmet in 1986 when health problems appeared. The Munnsville resident was in competition at tracks including Shangri-La/Tioga, Spencer, Fulton, Utica-Rome, Oswego, Pocono, Langhorne, Martinsville, Lancaster and many others including trips to dirt and asphalt ovals with the All Star Racing League (finished 6th in '68 points) of the late '60s and early '70s. Victories were registered at Shangri-La, Fulton and Utica-Rome during his career with his final victory coming on July 22, 1978 at Shangri-La Speedway in his Vega after holding off the previous week's winner Dave Machuga #40.
Services:
Calling hours will be held
on Sunday, 3/2 from 2-6pm at the Campbell-Dean Funeral Home, 260 Main St. (Route 46), Oneida, NY 13421. There will be a brief prayer service at the funeral home on Monday, 3/3 at 10:15am. It's a short trip up Route 46 to St. Therese's Church in Munnsville for the Funeral Mass at 11:00am.
Dick is pictured above with his #16 Barracuda Modified at Fulton in 1972.
Photographer: Fred Smith
[Full Story: added 2/]
DOROTHY HUNTER PASSES
REGIONAL
Dorothy Hunter of Hamburg (a longtime Lancaster resident) passed away on Sunday morning, February 24 at age 72. She was the former wife of racing photographer, FOAR SCORE Club President and Gater Racing Photo News columnist Bob Hunter (he passed away in 2003), mother of Barbara (husband John) Hayne and former Lancaster Street (Super) Stock champions Paul (wife Karen) #11z and Rick Young #22z, the grandmother of Mini Cup Lites #2 champion and Lancaster Late Model #52 driver Phil Hayne along with the sister of Helen, Frederick (wife Carmela) and Norman Kersch. Paul was a past Mini Cup Lites champion with his #11 too. She was a past FOAR SCORE Club Recording Secretary until a few years ago along with writing race results for Gater. "D" was almost always seen with a smile on her face and possessing a warm, outgoing manner. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this time (her son Rick's birthday is on Wednesday, 2/27).
Services: Calling hours are 7-9pm on Tuesday, 2/26 in addition to 2-4 and 7-9pm on Wednesday, 2/27 at the Demmerley Funeral Home with the funeral at noon on Thursday, 2/28 at Saints Peter & Paul Church.
Donald M. Demmerley Funeral Home, Inc.
21 Pierce Ave.
Hamburg, NY 14075-6298
Saints Peter & Paul Church
66 East Main St.
Hamburg, NY 14075-5059
Dorothy is pictured above with her son Paul Young at the January, 2006 FOAR SCORE Club Banquet.
[Full Story: added 2/]
FORMER SPENCER SPEEDWAY CHAMPION BOB MERZ PASSES
REGIONAL
Spencer's 1959 and 1961 Sports-man (Late Model) champion Bob Merz of Webster (a Roch-ester suburb) passed away on Tuesday, February 19 at age 77. Bob had raced his familiar #33 rides along with the Turner Brothers #18 Modified in his career. He was the very first winner of the Oswego Labor Day Modified event (became the Budweiser 200) in 1969 with the #18 Corvair. His Spencer career included 11 Modified victories plus 19 Sportsman (Late Model) victories over the 1960 and 1961 seasons. Bob also won 10 Fulton and 2 Shangri-La (Tioga) Modified features in his career which ended in the early '70s. He led the final Langhorne National Open (Race of Champions) event in 1971 and finished as the last lead lap car with a third place finish after starting thirty-fifth with his #33 coach. Survivors include his wife Joanne, sons Bobby, Jr. and Jim, daughter Lori along with his brothers Dale and Gerald; both Dale and Bobby, Jr. are past race drivers. Bob also operated Merz Auto Service in Webster, the family business started by his father Elmer, that was sold late last year.
Services:
Sunday, 2/24 - Calling hours are from 1-5pm and 7-9pm: Scott Funeral Home, 12 South Ave., Webster 14580
Monday, 2/25 - Mass of Christian Burial at 11am: Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Road, Webster 14580 (no burial after)
Bob Merz with his #33 coupe Modified circa 1967.
Photographer: Fred Smith
[Full Story: added 2/]
ROCHESTER STEEL TREATING WORKS TO CONTINUE SPONSORSHIP OF MIKE LEATY
REGIONAL
Rochester Steel Treating Works (RSTW) and 2007 Spencer Speedway Modified Champion Mike Leaty’s MPL Motorsports will continue their championship partnership in the 2008 racing season.
“We are extremely happy to have Rochester Steel Treating Works back on board as a member of our family of sponsors. We have partnered with RSTW since 2002 and our relationship has grown throughout the years. The entire #25 Modified Team is looking forward to working with the great people at RSTW during this upcoming season”, stated Mike Leaty, driver and team owner of the #25 MPL Motorsports Team.
[Full Story: added 2/19]
KEEPING TRACK OF THE LOCAL DRIVERS AT NEW SMYRNA
REGIONAL
Area drivers have again made their appearances at New Smyrna Speedway for Speedweeks action starting on Friday, February 8. Competing in several different divisions are the drivers who have decided to start their 2008 season in the warmer climate of Florida with the close competition that the track offers. The drivers had Sunday night off with the classes we're following. The Tuesday, 2/12 events were rained out.
The 23rd Annual Richie Evans Memorial Modified 100 on Friday, February 15 was snatched by Eric Beers after the Drivers Reunion was held earlier in the afternoon.
[Full Story: updated 2/27]
WILL THOMAS AND RICH MICHAEL, JR. NAMED AS DRIVERS OF THE YEAR AT FRIENDS OF AUTO RACING AWARDS BANQUET
[2/15 Drivers Reunion Story: updated 2/15]
REGIONAL
The Friends of Auto Racing (F.O.A.R. S.C.O.R.E.) Fan Club held their annual awards banquet on Saturday, January 26, 2008 at the Classics V Banquet Hall in Amherst, NY. A crowd of approximately 275 gathered for the affair which annually recognizes champions of speedways and traveling circuits in Western New York and Ontario's Niagara Region and presents specialty awards to deserving drivers and key racing supporters. The highlights of the evening included the induction of five members into the Friends of Auto Racing Hall of Fame and the presentation of Driver of the Year Awards to Rich Michael, Jr. of Ischua, NY (dirt racing) and Will Thomas of Sharpsville, PA (asphalt racing).
2008 FOAR SCORE Hall of Fame inductees from left: Ron Williams, Ron Martin (Miserantino), Pete Bicknell, Rick Wylie with Dean Layfield's nephew John Layfield accepting the award for his late uncle.
Photographer: Captain History
[Full Story: added 1/27, updated 1/28]
LOOKING BACK TO THE FINAL LANGHORNE NATIONAL OPEN (RACE OF CHAMPIONS) EVENT IN 1971
[Photo Gallery by M.M Sports Photos: added 1/28]
REGIONAL
The Race of Champions tradition continues today at Oswego Speedway. It began life at the legendary Langhorne Speedway in 1951 as the National Open event with CT's Hully Bunn registering the victory. Roger Treichler gave his #74 coach a great ride to land the final victory at that now-defunct Pennsylvania speedplant.
[Full Story: added 1/14]
SPENCER AND LANCASTER TO ADOPT ROC ENGINE PACKAGES WITH SOME VARIATIONS
REGIONAL
After much discussion, an agreement has been reached between Andy Harpell and his Race of Champions circuit and officials at Spencer and Lancaster Speedways concerning the new RoC engine packages. “We will be making the RoC steel headed engine legal at both Spencer and Lancaster in the Modified divisions,” stated Spencer promoter John White.
[Full Story: added 12/29]
DELANGE RACING LOOKS AHEAD TO 2008
REGIONAL
With the checkered flag ready to wave on 2007, it is time to reflect
back on
a very successful season for the DeLange Racing team. There were a
number of
memorable accomplishments on the racetrack. There was also the
remarkable
growth in the career of Erick Rudolph. The Ransomville, New York
teenager
made his debut in a Modified and drove the Original Pizza Logs #45
to
several top finishes, including a victory in a Race of Champions Tour
event
at Wyoming County International Speedway in only his sixth career
Modified
race. It was a season to remember for one of the rising young stars in
motorsports.
[Full Story: added 12/26]
LANCASTER CHAMPION PETE SNYDER PASSES
LANCASTER
Former 1970 Lancaster Late Model champion and Modified driver Pete Snyder passed away on Friday, December 7 at the age of 63 near his home in NC after a lengthy battle with cancer. His driving career lasted until the late '70s and included appearances in Merv Treichler's Modifieds. Pete's title year was highlighted with five victories including three straight wins early in the season. All of his Lancaster career victories were captured in 1970 with his Late Model #56.
He's survived by wife Donna J. (nee Monaghan); children Daniel (April) and Timothy (Tara); siblings Clyde (Susan), Mary (Richard) Sharpe and Kathleen (Edward) Kneeppel along with being survived by nieces and nephews. He was the son of the late Leo and late Marie (nee Feurerstein) Snyder.
MEMORIAL SERVICES: Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at the Urban Brothers Funeral Home, Inc., 6685 Transit Rd., East Amherst, NY 14501 on Wednesday, December 12 at 10 AM. A memorial service at his church in NC will be held at 11 AM on Friday, December 14 at Lake Norman Christian Ministries, 2940 Charlotte Highway (HWY 21), Mooresville, NC 28117. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Leukemia Society.
Pete Snyder with his 1970 championship car #56 courtesy of Gordie Reinig/Turn 5 Photo
Cards can be sent to the family at the following address:
Donna Snyder
132 Tree Top Lane
Troutman, NC 28166
INFORMATION AND PHOTO HELP NEEDED FOR STOCK CAR RACING BOOK COVERING THE WNY AND NW PENNSYLVANIA 1950S ERA
REGIONAL
Florida resident Ford Easton, the man who has spearheaded the Cuba Lake Raceway Reunions in recent years, is in the process of writing a stock car racing book documenting racing during the 1950s in Western NY and Northwest Pennsylvania.
[Full Story]
Photographer: John Grady