May 18, 2013

(Hartford, OH)…Sharon Speedway was able to complete their fifth straight night of racing and sixth of the season on a beautiful, sunny Saturday evening. Trumbull Business College presented the “Steel Valley Thunder” program on a night that saw six new feature winners, of which three were their first ever wins at the speedway! The age of the winners ranged from 12 to 59!

Celebrating in the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply victory lane were Dave Murdick-Governor Insurance DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, Will Thomas III-Barris Supply RUSH Late Models, Bob Diver-Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds, Bob Sloss-Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars, Jacob Eucker-HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods, and Travis Creech-Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks. Christie Unrue and Alan were the bike giveaway winners courtesy of King Bros. and Sharon Speedway.

Fresh off his second career track championship, the 2013 season hasn’t gone as planned for Dave Murdick with a series of mechanical failures and some issues while battling for the lead. Saturday night, Murdick turned it around with a wire-to-wire dominating victory in the 20-lap Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds.

“We’ve been struggling everywhere,” acknowledged the 50-year-old Butler, Pa. native. “The car hasn’t been perfect. We changed a ton of stuff today. I guess it worked out, but we could be better. I thought the motor was going away. I have to thank Steve’s Auto Body, Donnie Graham, Dale Stevenson- he’s my chassis guys, and Jim Hyman, who helps me out at the garage. Without those guys I surely couldn’t do it.”

The race got off to an ugly start when pole-sitter Erik Martin appeared to lose power with everyone getting stacked up behind him as Carl Murdick and Tom Glenn received heavy damage in the melee. The second start proved costly for Jimmy Weller III, who would have to be towed off. The third try was a charm as Murdick blasted into the lead with Bob Warren, Jim Weller, Jr., and Skip Moore in tow.

Last week’s winner and sixth starter, Weller, Jr., looked strong again as he passed Warren for second on lap two. On lap three, both Rex King, Jr. and Sr. passed Skip Moore for fourth and fifth respectively. King, Jr. made contact with Warren on lap six sending Warren spinning with both cars going to the rear.

The last 15 laps settled down and went caution-free. Ricky Richner started 13th and was on the move. The New York racer drove around Skip Moore for fourth on lap seven. Murdick pulled away at the halfway point, while the battle was on for second. Weller had his hands full with King and the fast closing Richner by lap 11. Finally on lap 17, King was able to power around Weller in turns one and two for second.

By now, Murdick had more than a straightaway lead and went to win by 3.204 seconds for his seventh career win in his Steve’s Auto Body-sponsored, Dunk’s Competition Engines-powered #61. King was second to maintain his point lead by two over Weller. In a photo finish for third, the transponders had Weller edging out Richner by 0.007 of a second! Richner has now finished fourth, fifth or sixth in all five shows to date this season! Moore was fifth holding off King, Jr., who came back to grab sixth. Seventh through 10th were Rob Kristyak, Warren, rookie Rick Regalski, Jr., and Eric Gabany. Heat winners were Weller, Jr. and King, Jr.

Like Murdick, defending champion Will Thomas III hadn’t gotten off to the start he’d have like this season. While it looked like early on Thomas was going to be shutout of victory lane again, a caution proved critical and changed the complexion of the event. Thomas would pass Eric Wilson for the lead then hold off hard-charging Mike Pegher, Jr. for the victory in the 20-lap Barris Supply RUSH Late Model feature.

“I was trying not to look at the scoreboard,” said the 37-year-old Sharpsville, Pa. resident. “Mike (Pegher) was here and he’s a good runner. I don’t know how close he got, but my lead shrunk as the race went on.  We’ve had a real good car here, but for whatever reason we haven’t been able to win. I have to thank Sharon Speedway for having us, Barris Supply, my wife, and everybody that helps us.”

Seventeen and sixteen year-old “Futures Cup” racers Jorden Peters and Eric Wilson led the feature field to green with Wilson taking the advantage. Mike Pegher, Jr., who started sixth, passed both Rocky Kugel and Bill Cunningham for fourth on lap two. Pegher then closed on the second and third place cars of Peters and Thomas. Pegher pulled alongside of Thomas on laps five and six, but couldn’t make the pass stick, while two-time winner Dennis Lunger, Jr. moved into the top five on lap five getting by Cunningham.

Finally on lap seven, Pegher worked his way by Thomas for third with an inside move in turns three and four. At this point it didn’t appear Thomas would be in contention for the victory as he appeared to be a fourth or fifth place car, but a caution for a spin by Jamie Wrightsman with seven laps scored quite possibly totally changed the outcome of the event.

Back under green flag conditions, Thomas got a great restart off the top powering past both Pegher and Peters into second. Thomas caught Wilson and the duo ran side-by-side on lap 11 with both racers hungry for their season’s first win. Thomas made his winning pass on lap 13 as the two made contact. Pegher had gotten by Peters for third then was able to also get past Wilson for runner-up on lap 13 as well.

Pegher hounded Thomas, but Thomas had just enough to hold on by 0.517 of a second for his fifth career win at the track moving him into a tie for second on the division’s all-time win list. Thomas became the fourth different winner in five races this season in his Colonial Metal Products/Barris Supply/All Star Motorstate/Sweet Mfg. Quarter Master/King Sanitary-sponsored #9.

Last week’s winner and 2011 champion, Josh Double, started ninth and worked his way by Wilson on lap 17 to finish third. Lunger was credited with fourth and 10th starting Matt Latta fifth. Completing the top 10 were Peters, Cunningham, Kugel, Shaun Hooks, and Ben Black. Heat victors were Latta and Double.

The Modifieds continue to put on some of the best racing night in and night out. Saturday night was no different and it was new face in victory lane as Bob Diver pulled off the upset for his just second career win at the track. Diver had his hands full holding off a bevy of competitors in the 15-lap Summit Racing Equipment event to become the fifth different winner in six races!

“This is a brand new car we got last year and just the second night out with it,” explained the 43-year-old Canfield, Ohio racer. “The first night we didn’t know what the car would like so we did a bunch of changes to it, and tonight we found it. I have to thank Brad from Race 1, mom and dad, all of my fans, my daughter who is with me every night, and Close Racing for putting me in a good car. We’ll be doing double duty soon as we have a Late Model too.”

Diver got the jump on point leader Alan Dellinger for the early lead. Dellinger put the pressure on Diver on lap two, but on the following lap slipped high in turn high in turn two allowing fourth starting Jonathan Taylor to get by for second. While the battle was on for second and on back, Diver opened up some breathing room on lap five.

After 11 non-stop laps, the caution was displayed for Shawn Shingledecker, who lost power. When racing resumed, Joe Gabrielson was able to nose by Dellinger at the line for third. Taylor was working hard on Diver. Taylor was able to get alongside the leader on lap 13, but Diver had the momentum to continue to lead. Diver got back out in front and held on to win by 0.792 of a second in his Diver Steel City/Sweeney Chevrolet/Race 1-sponsored #23.

A torrid battle took place for second as it was three-wide down the backstretch for the position. Contact was made entering turn three with Gabrielson unable to race to the finish. Dellinger came out on top to claim second with Taylor third. Eighth starting Clayton Kennedy was fourth over Carl McKinney. Jeff Johnson, Joel Watson, Mike Kinney, Gary Sullivan, and Bruce Powell were sixth through 10th. Heat winners were Evan Taylor and Shingledecker.

After not racing for a couple seasons, Bob Sloss decided to get back behind the wheel this weekend. On Friday night, Sloss finished runner-up at Raceway 7 and then on Saturday did one better. After arriving late and missing pill draw for his heat race, Sloss came up to fourth at the finish and made the eight inversion putting him on the pole of the 15-lap Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Car feature. Sloss would go to win his first ever at the speedway to become the fourth different winner in five races this season!

“I impressed myself- I’m giddy,” exclaimed the 59-year-old Franklin, Pa. driver. “I broke my arm and haven’t run a race since 2011. I had Rod Laskey in the car and he did a great job for me. We took last weekend off. Last night I decided to go to Raceway 7 and we finished second in my first night out and second night out I win! I have to praise the Lord for giving me the opportunity to do this and enjoy my life. I’m retired now and this is just great. I have to thank my sponsors and all of my friends who have helped me through the years. This doesn’t happen overnight- it takes a lot of years.”

Sloss took off in the lead from the outside pole past Ron Yarab, Jr. Sloss led the first five laps before slipping high on lap six allowing Jamie Duncan to take over with Brian Carothers following in second. Duncan led the next four laps, but sheet metal rubbing on his tire gave him a flat tire under a caution for debris with nine laps completed.

When racing resumed, Sloss overtook Carothers for the lead. Fifth starting Mike Clark entered the picture for the final six laps. Clark was all over Carothers racing side-by-side for second on laps 12, 13, and 14. Clark made the pass of Carothers on the inside of turn two on lap 14 and went after Sloss. Sloss though was barely able to hold off Clark’s big last lap challenge to win by a mere 0.165 of a second in his Joy Mining/Les Frickshun Supply/RK Virgile Scrap Metals/Pennewell Sandblasting/Stan Hepler Roofing-sponsored #44s.

Clark’s runner-up allowed him to maintain his point lead in search of his first championship. Carothers was third over Jamie Scharba and 10th starting Tim Burns. Heat winners were Charlie Jasinski and Carothers.

After leading laps in four of the first five HTMA/Precise Racing Products features this season, Jacob Eucker put in 15 good laps to capture a popular Econo Mod victory to become the youngest winner at 12 years of age in the 84-year history of Sharon Speedway! After dominating competition last season at 11 years of age at Deerfield Raceway, the great grandson of the great Dale Johnson was making just his sixth career Sharon start Saturday!

“I was nervous on the last couple laps with last lap jitters,” revealed the nearby Fowler, Ohio driver. “I tried to stay on the bottom as it rubbered up and the top was all slippery. I’d like to thank all of the other drivers for stopping and congratulating me, and all of my sponsors.”

Two-time winner Jeremy Double looked like a sure bet to win his third after starting from the pole and taking the lead over Ty Rhoades and Eucker. Eucker moved into second on lap two after a spin by Rhoades. Following a caution with eight laps scored, Eucker used the outside to pass Double on the restart. By lap 10, Eucker and Double pulled away. The duo ran side-by-side on laps 12 and 13 with Eucker still holding on before three cautions slowed actions on laps 13 and 14.

In the one-lap shootout to the finish, Eucker edged out Double by 0.414 of a second in the Matt Eucker-owned, Ohio Commerce Center/Dr. John Eucker/Damon Race Engines/Altitude Adjustment/Danski Dyno & Performance/Close Racing Supply-sponsored #64 to become the 20th different winner in the division’s short history. Ninth starting Larry Root turned in his best run of the season in third over point leader and two-time winner Ryan Fraley, and rookie Alan Atkinson. Jace Ferringer and Eucker picked up heat race wins.

Like Eucker, after coming close on several occasions Travis Creech was able to pick up his first win in the Mini Stocks. The 12-lap Deforest Used Parts victory was the first career win for the rookie racer. “I didn’t know how big of a lead I had- I was just running the shit out of it,” exclaimed the 25-year-old Niles, Ohio driver. “This is awesome! I have to thank everyone from May’s, Dow and Darrell Coleman, Dave Bass, my girlfriend for helping me buy this car, Tim, Jim- there’s just so many people that I can’t thank everybody.”

Creech started third, but passed both Tim McAninch and Jim Haefke, Jr. on the opening lap for the lead. A caution for Evan Kornbau at the halfway point was the only thing that slowed Creech’s run to the victory in his May’s Towing/Elite Coleman Sales-sponsored #75T. Creech became the 19th different winner in the history of the division.

Bill Fuchs, who was in sixth after one lap, moved to fourth on lap two, passed Ray Gregory and McAninch for runner-up on lap two, but didn’t have anything for Creech. Point leader and heat winner Scott Gilliland was third over Gregory and Haefke.

Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds (20 laps): 1. DAVE MURDICK (61) 2. Rex King (65) 3. Jim Weller, Jr. (31) 4. Ricky Richner (26) 5. Skip Moore (17M) 6. Rex King, Jr. (165) 7. Rob Kristyak (00) 8. Bob Warren (96B) 9. Rick Regalski, Jr. (13) 10. Eric Gabany (3E) 11. Erik Martin (29E) 12. Jimmy Weller III (23) 13. Tom Glenn (83T) 14. Carl Murdick (6) 15. Dean Pearson (8J)-DNS.

Barris Supply RUSH Late Models (20 laps): 1. WILL THOMAS III (9) 2. Mike Pegher, Jr. (Geisler 1c) 3. Josh Double (38) 4. Dennis Lunger, Jr. (Schwartz 71L) 5. Matt Latta (21) 6. Jorden Peters (11P) 7. Bill Cunningham (59) 8. Rocky Kugel (21KRT) 9. Shaun Hooks (65) 10. Ben Black (27B) 11. Jamie Wrightsman (21J) 12. Eric Wilson (27W)-DSQ (unsportsmanlike conduct).

Summit Racing Equipment (E) Modifieds (15 laps): 1. BOB DIVER (23) 2. Alan Dellinger (White 53) 3. Jonathan Taylor (5) 4. Clayton Kennedy (9) 5. Carl McKinney (Hendrickson 6M) 6. Jeff Johnson (27) 7. Joel Watson (92) 8. Mike Kinney (3) 9. Gary Sullivan (47s) 10. Bruce Powell (35) 11. Wayne Tessean (10) 12. Larry Kugel (Petsko 00) 13. Jeff Hassay (10) 14. Trevor Herr (32) 15. Joe Gabrielson (58) 16. Shawn Shingledecker (54s) 17. Steve Haefke (41) 18. Evan Taylor (7).

Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars (15 laps): 1. BOB SLOSS (44s) 2. Mike Clark (7) 3. Brian Carothers (02c) 4. Jamie Scharba (00s) 5. Tim Burns (66) 6. Brent Coleman (01) 7. Dan McEwen (95) 8. Paul Davis (3) 9. Charlie Jasinski (5J) 10. Ron Yarab, Jr. (Burns 70B) 11. Bob Pollock (70x) 12. Jason Stanke (44) 13. Jamie Duncan (67J) 14. Bryan Wagner (56) 15. Mark Hopkins (69H).

HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods (15 laps): 1. JACOB EUCKER (64) 2. Jeremy Double (83) 3. Larry Root (22x) 4. Ryan Fraley (12) 5. Alan Atkinson (30Too) 6. Jace Ferringer (02) 7. Brian Foley, Jr. (16JSR) 8. Brian Lacey (51) 9. Gina Thompson (Webber 25) 10. George Vestal IV (4) 11. Cole Ruffo (12R) 12. Kevin Robinson (24R) 13. Brian Hathaway (93) 14. Bob Williams (8) 15. Ty Rhoades (12R) 16. Derek Dellinger (19) 17. Steve Burns, Jr. (70B)-DNS 18. Brad Westover (13)-DNS 19. Bruce Redman (27)-DNS.

Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. TRAVIS CREECH (75T) 2. Bill Fuchs (10) 3. Scott Gilliland (27) 4. Ray Gregory (82R) 5. Jim Haefke, Jr. (421) 6. Tim McAninch (43) 7. Jim Edison (01) 8. Evan Kornbau (62) 9. Ken Koby II (22)-DNS 10. Brian Shay (3J)-DNS.

Sharon Speedway will host the two-day Bill Emig Memorial this Saturday and Sunday, May 25-26 featuring two complete shows for the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring Series paying $1,500 to-win each plus the $1,500 “Wild Card Weekend” point fund. The Modifieds, Econo Mods and Mini Stocks will be on the card Saturday with DIRTcar Big-Block Mods for $1,500 to-win, Open Stock Cars for $750 to-win and Mini Stocks for $200 to-win on Sunday.

Sharon Speedway is owned by the Blaney, Weller, and Kirila Families and is a 3/8-mile dirt track located on Custer-Orangeville Road in Hartford, Ohio near the intersection of Routes 7 & 305. For more information, check out the website at www.sharonspeedway.com or call 330-772-5481. Become a fan of Sharon Speedway on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sharonspeedway and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sharonspdwy.

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May 11, 2013

(Hartford, OH)…While just about every race track in the region cancelled due to the inclement weather on Saturday, Sharon forged on with the “Steel Valley Thunder” program on Speed Energy Drink Night. Heavy rains Friday night and overcast, cool conditions led to a fast track and the show was completed just before the rains came again.

Celebrating in the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply victory lane were Brian Swartzlander-Governor Insurance DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, Josh Double-Barris Supply RUSH Late Models, Joel Watson-Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds, Paul Davis-Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars, Ryan Fraley-HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods, and Scott Gilliland-Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks. Hunter Zilhauer and Emily Clemens were the two winners of the bike giveaways courtesy of King Bros. and Sharon Speedway.

Making just his second appearance of the season, Brian Swartzlander led all 25 laps of the Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modified feature to become the fourth different winner in as many events this season! Swartzlander drove a great race through lapped traffic in the closing stages of the event to hold off Rex King, Jr. for the headlining win.

“I’m a little tired,” acknowledged the 53-year-old Leechburg, Pa. great. “We were planning on running here tonight. I saw all of the other tracks cancelling this morning and I’m glad we made the trip! He’s (King, Jr.) doing a really good job and getting better and better. We were fortunate to start up front. I don’t know if we could have come from the back. It was sure nice seeing open track, but lapped cars made it a little tough at the end.”

King, Jr. and Swartzlander led the field to green with Swartzlander riding the cushion into the lead. Fourth and sixth starting Ricky Richner and Dave Murdick, used the cushion as well to move into third and fourth respectively after one lap. The event’s only caution occurred when Dave Reges did a 360-spin in turn four on the first lap. While Reges kept going, Kevin Green, Erik Martin, and Steve Feder got tangled up and all received heavy damage.

Back under green conditions, Swartzlander continued to set the pace over King, Jr. After starting third and falling to fifth on the opening lap, Dave Murdick was able to get around Jimmy Weller III for fourth on lap three. Weller III, who was making his season debut, then had his hands full trying to hold off Rex King in a torrid battle for the fifth spot. Swartzlander caught lapped traffic on lap 13 and his lead began to shrink as both King, Jr. and Richner closed in.

Not far behind the lead trio was Murdick, who began to get closer to the leaders on lap 14. With Richner boxed in by lapped cars, Murdick went to the cushion and drove around Richner in turns one and two for third on lap 16. It was now a four-car race for third on lap 18 with Murdick trying to catch the lead duo, while having his hands full with Richner, Weller III, and King in hot pursuit.

Back up front, Swartzlander made all of the right moves as King, Jr. shadowed him for the duration, but couldn’t find a way by coming up 0.887 of a second shy. Swartzlander’s 12th career Sharon win came in his McCutcheon Enterprises, Inc.-sponsored #83. Murdick was third. Weller III and point leader King were able to drive around Richner on the final lap in traffic to secure the fourth and fifth spots respectively.

It was a tough break for New Yorker Richner, who ran a close third for 15 laps, only to finish sixth. Richner though has been able to finish in the top six all four starts this season as he sits fourth in points. Seventh through 10th were Skip Moore, Jeremiah Shingledecker, Eric Gabany, and Bob Warren. Heat winners were Murdick, Swartzlander, and King, Jr. over the season-high 21-car field.

2011 track champion, Josh Double, returned to form leading all 20 laps of the Barris Supply RUSH Late Model feature for his first win of the season. Double had a bevy of competitors hot on his heels, but was able to get the job done as he joined his younger brother Jeremy as 2013 feature winners at Sharon.

“I sure didn’t want to see those caution,” expressed the 20-year-old Bristolville, Ohio racer. “I knew whoever got out front, it was going to be hard for someone to pass them back. Restarts were definitely not what we wanted to see. I saw (Dennis) Lunger coming up on the scoreboard, but it’s hard when you start back when the track is this fast. I have to thank all of my friends, family- mom and dad, girlfriend, and everyone that sponsors the car.”

Double took off in the lead as Eric Wilson was able to pass Shaun Hooks for second on lap one. Hooks, who was making his Late Model debut, had his car pushing in the early laps as Will Thomas III made the pass for third on lap two and then Bill Cunningham and Dennis Lunger, Jr. did the same for fourth and fifth respectively on lap three.

By lap four, the top three of Double, Wilson, and Thomas distanced themselves from the field. On lap seven, Wilson and Thomas caught Double making it a three-car race for the lead. Thomas pulled alongside Wilson on lap 10 and as those two battled for second, Double opened up some ground. Matt Latta went up in smoke with 14 laps scored necessitating the first caution of the race.

After falling back to fifth at one point, Cunningham used the outside on the restart to power past Thomas and Wilson racing off turn two. While Wilson and Thomas nearly got together, two-time winner Dennis Lunger, Jr. was able to make the pass of Thomas for fourth. Rocky Kugel brought out the second and final caution of the event with 17 laps scored.

After making a winning pass with two laps to go last week, Lunger was on the charge again getting by Wilson for third on the restart. Double would hold off the hard charging Cunningham and Lunger to win by a mere 0.646 of a second. The victory was Double’s fourth of his career matching his brother’s win total in the Econo Mods, and came in his Cortland Auto Repair/Wedge Motorsports/King Bros. Ready Mix/Thomas Heating & AC/Glunt Industries-sponsored #38.

In his third start of the season, Cunningham recorded his third top six finish. Lunger’s third place finish maintained his point lead and gave him valuable points toward the $5,000 to-win Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC Weekly Series Championship! Wilson continues to have a strong third season finishing fourth as he contends for the “Futures Cup” championship. Thomas was fifth. Rounding out the top 10 were Hooks, Canadian Jorden Peters, Ben Black, Rich Howell, and Kugel. Heat winners were Wilson and Hooks.

After missing the first two nights of competition, last year’s co-champion, Joel Watson, is quickly making up for lost ground. Watson flew from the sixth starting spot to win the Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds for the second consecutive week and has moved into sixth place in the standings.

“This car was tough to hang onto,” said the Conneaut, Ohio standout, who turns 34 on Wednesday. “The track was really patchy with traction. If you slid into the traction, the car would turn anyway it wanted to, and you could just barely hold onto the wheel. I couldn’t drive it hard enough to keep up with the traction in the track.”

Jack Young, who was the co-champion last year with Watson, raced to the early lead in search of his first win with opening night winner, Jeff Johnson, in tow. Watson wasted little time moving forward as passed veteran Larry Kugel for fourth on lap two. Johnson began pressuring Young for the lead before the first caution was displayed with six laps completed for a spin by Gary Sullivan.

When green replaced yellow, Watson’s preferred outside line allowed him to power past Joe Gabrielson for third. It was a three-car race for the lead on lap nine with Young trying to fend off Johnson and Watson. Johnson ducked under Young for the lead in turn four on lap 10 just as Young’s #67 went up in smoke bringing out the second caution.

Watson would make his winning move on the restart as he got great forward bite off the bottom of turn two to drive by Johnson for the lead. Seventh starting newcomer Evan Taylor was quietly moving forward. Taylor passed another newcomer in Greg Johnson for third on lap 11. A pair of cautions slowed action with 13 laps scored setting up a two-lap shootout to the finish.

Taylor was able to pass Jeff Johnson for runner-up on the restart. Watson though was too much as he went to win by just 0.947 of a second over Taylor in his Northwest Restoration/Zimmer’s Service Center/Racecar Fabrication/Hoosier Tire-sponsored #92. Like Swartzlander, Watson’s victory was the 12th of his career at Sharon.

Jeff Johnson dropped to third over Greg Johnson and Shawn Shingledecker. Kugel, Clayton Kennedy, Mike Kinney, Andy Buckley, and Sullivan completed the top 10. After four top five finishes to start the season, Alan Dellinger dropped from the event and was scored in 18th, but still was able to maintain his point lead. Kinney and Taylor picked up heat race victories over the 20-car field.

When Paul Davis starts up front he’s pretty tough to beat. Davis though would have his hands full for the duration of the 15-lap Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Car feature as he had to fend off defending track champion Tim Burns for his season’s second victory.

“I like these types of tracks too,” said the 52-year-old Fowler, Ohio veteran, who normally excels on dry, slick tracks. “I learned how to run this type of track back in my younger days at Raceway 7. I like the cushion and the slick tracks. I was really surprised to see him (Burns) there and figured I better step it up a little bit!”

After a caution on the opening lap, Davis led Burns, Charlie Jasinski, last week’s winner Bryan Wagner and point leader Mike Clark. Burns began to turn up the wick on lap four as he was all over the leader. The race would be slowed for the second and final time when Jason Stanke, Ron Yarab, Jr., and Jesse Brock tangled with five laps scored.

The last 10 laps went green-to-checkered. Clark passed Wagner for fourth on lap seven. Burns again put the heat on Davis on lap eight as he looked under the leader, but couldn’t make the pass stick. Clark grabbed another spot when he moved to third on lap 11 as he drove around Jasinski in turns one and two.

Burns would try everything and got a great run off turn four on the final lap, but came up just 0.253 of a second shy of Davis. For Davis, it was his ninth career win in his Advance Auto Parts/Hover Racing/Don Williams Excavating/GSM Enterprises-sponsored #3. Clark’s third was important as he was able to maintain his point lead by just two over Burns and three over Davis. Jasinski and Wagner were fourth and fifth. Heat winners were Jamie Scharba and Burns.

The 2013 season has been a major improvement for Ryan Fraley. So much so that he already has the first two wins of his career in the first five weeks of competition and is just two points out of the lead! Saturday’s win came in the 15-lap HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mod feature.

“Brandon Blackshear has really helped me out to get this car running,” revealed the 24-year-old Wheatland, Pa. racer. “Don (Blackshear) sat down with us this week and told us different things we needed to look at and it’s been helping out. I have to thank my family, the Blackshears, Joel from Close Racing Supply, and everyone else that gives me a hand on this race car.”

Fraley survived five cautions and a lengthy delay of nearly 25 minutes when the cars of Dennis Dellinger, Jr. and Alan Atkinson got tangled up and hooked together on the opening lap. Fraley started from the pole and held off outside pole-sitter and point leader Steve Burns, Jr. for the duration to win by just 0.313 of a second in his Sunset Lanes/Eagle Soft Tees/Tri-State Trailer Sales/Blackshear Racing Engines-sponsored #12. Third through fifth were Derek Dellinger, Jeremy Double, and Junior Mechling. Heat winners over the 20-car field were Fraley and Burns.

Scott Gilliland has clearly shown he’s the driver to beat this season in the Mini Stocks. While Bill Fuchs dominated 2011 to win the points and Jim Haefke, Jr. did the same last season, Gilliland has come out the gates swinging as he became the track’s leading feature winner with his third win in five weeks! Gilliland’s latest win came in the 12-lap Deforest Used Parts feature just before the rains came.

“We were luck again,” stated the 46-year-old Warren, Ohio racer in a wet victory lane. “We probably have only been the fastest car in one of our three wins, but you have to finish and run all 12 laps. I have to thank my mother. She’s one of the greatest mothers that put up with me and I survived childhood. Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms!”

Fuchs raced to the early lead from the outside pole with rookie Travis Creech, Gilliland, and Ray Gregory in pursuit. Fuch’s night came to an end early when he lost a wheel with five laps scored. This moved Creech into the lead on the restart. Creech’s lead didn’t last long as Gilliland and Gregory raced by for the top two spots. The last seven laps went green-to-checkered as Gilliland would win by a straightaway in the night’s only feature that wasn’t decided by less than one second.

Gilliland’s seventh career win came in his Lawn Wizard/NRC Management/VP&R/Inventive Sign & Design-sponsored #27 and moved him into sole possession of fourth place on the division’s all-time win list. Gilliland has opened up a big 36-point lead over Gregory, who finished second. Creech cut down a tire on lap eight, which allowed Haefke to take the third position. Jim Clay, Jr. was also able to get by Creech to finish fourth, while Creech limped home in fifth. Creech and Gilliland were the heat race winners.

Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds (20 laps): 1. BRIAN SWARTZLANDER (83) 2. Rex King, Jr. (165) 3. Dave Murdick (61) 4. Jimmy Weller III (23) 5. Rex King (65) 6. Ricky Richner (26) 7. Skip Moore (17M) 8. Jeremiah Shingledecker (37MD) 9. Eric Gabany (3E) 10. Bob Warren (96B) 11. Carl Murdick (6) 12. Tom Glenn (83T) 13. Rick Regalski, Jr. (13) 14. Rob Kristyak (00) 15. Jim Weller, Jr. (31) 16. Dave Reges (27R) 17. Steve Feder (45) 18. Erik Martin (29E) 19. Kevin Green (74) 20. Kevin Hoffman (17H)-DNS 21. Ronnie Kahler (7R)-DNS.

Barris Supply RUSH Late Models (20 laps): 1. JOSH DOUBLE (38) 2. Bill Cunningham (59) 3. Dennis Lunger, Jr. (Schwartz 71L) 4. Eric Wilson (27W) 5. Will Thomas III (9) 6. Shaun Hooks (65) 7. Jorden Peters (11P) 8. Ben Black (27B) 9.Rich Howell (Cunningham 04) 10. Rock Kugel (21KRT) 11. Jamie Wrightsman (21J) 12. Brian Booher (Hoover 00H) 13. Matt Latta (21) 14. Bobby Pifer III (6P).

Summit Racing Equipment (E) Modifieds (15 laps): 1. JOEL WATSON (92) 2. Even Taylor (7) 3. Jeff Johnson (27) 4. Greg Johnson (05) 5. Shawn Shingledecker (54s) 6. Larry Kugel (Petsko 00) 7. Clayton Kennedy (9) 8. Mike Kinney (3) 9. Andy Buckley (965) 10. Gary Sullivan (47s) 11. Jim Plance (4J) 12. Jim Dellinger (1) 13. Jim Turley (117) 14. Jonathan Taylor (5) 15. Joe Gabrielson (58) 16. Jeff Hassay (10) 17. Jack Young (Hamilton 67) 18. Alan Dellinger (White 53) 19. Bob Williamson (93) 20. Trevor Herr (32).

Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars (15 laps): 1. PAUL DAVIS (3) 2. Tim Burns (66) 3. Mike Clark (7) 4. Charlie Jasinski (5J) 5. Bryan Wagner (56) 6. Jamie Duncan (67J) 7. Brent Coleman (01) 8. Mark Hopkins (69H) 9. Jason Stanke (44) 10. Ron Yarab, Jr. (Burns 70B) 11. Jesse Brock (22B) 12. Jamie Scharba (00s) 13. Dan McEwen (95)-DNS 14. Brian Carothers (02c)-DNS.

HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods (15 laps): 1. RYAN FRALEY (12) 2. Steve Burns, Jr. (70B) 3. Derek Dellinger (19) 4. Jeremy Double (83) 5. Junior Mechling (89) 6. Casey Bowers (20) 7. Jacob Eucker (64) 8. Dennis Dellinger, Jr. (17) 9. Keith Felicetty (98) 10. Alan Atkinson (30Too) 11. Brian Foley, Jr. (16JSR) 12. Larry Root (22x) 13. Joshua Ferry (33) 14. Kevin Robinson (24R) 15. Tyler Rhoades (12R) 16. Gina Thompson (Webber 25) 17. Bob Williams (8) 18. Brian Hathaway (93) 19. Bruce Redman (27) 20. Mike Hillman (29)-DNS.

Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. SCOTT GILLILAND (27) 2. Ray Gregory (82R) 3. Jim Haefke, Jr. (421) 4. Jim Clay, Jr. (84) 5. Travis Creech (75T) 6. Brian Shay (3J) 7. Bill Fuchs (10) 8. Ken Koby II (22) 9. Steve Walker II (4M) 10. Jim Edison (Coleman 01) 11. Evan Kornbau (62)-DNS.

Sharon Speedway will be back in action this Saturday, May 18 with another “Steel Valley Thunder” program featuring the weekly six divisions. Pits open at 4 p.m. with grandstands at 5 and racing at 7. Grandstand admission is $13 for those 14 and up. Children 13 and under are always free. Pit passes are $25. Parking is always free.

Sharon Speedway is owned by the Blaney, Weller, and Kirila Families and is a 3/8-mile dirt track located on Custer-Orangeville Road in Hartford, Ohio near the intersection of Routes 7 & 305. For more information, check out the website at www.sharonspeedway.com or call 330-772-5481. Become a fan of Sharon Speedway on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sharonspeedway and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sharonspdwy.

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May 4, 2013

(Hartford, OH)…For the second straight week, Sharon Speedway was blessed with a beautiful sunny, 70-degree spring day. Celebrating in the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply victory lane on Saturday night were Jim Weller, Jr.-Governor Insurance DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, Dennis Lunger, Jr.-Barris Supply RUSH Late Models, Joel Watson-Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds, Bryan Wagner-Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars, Jeremy Double-HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods, and Ken Koby II-Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks. Sam Kavala of Titusville, Pa. and Paige Skelton of Niles, Ohio were the two winners of the bike giveaways courtesy of King Bros. and Sharon Speedway.

Despite two track championships, sitting fourth on the division’s all-time win list and being a front-runner week in and week out, Jim Weller, Jr. hadn’t won a feature at Sharon Speedway since the 2010 season. Fresh off a near win and runner-up finish the night before at Lernerville Speedway, Weller passed Dave Murdick and held off Jeremiah Shingledecker for the 20-lap Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modified victory.

“We had to switch cars, switch motors,” explained the Hubbard, Ohio veteran about his absence from victory lane. “We bought a new Troyer car this year. Billy Colton was here tonight and he has been wonderful and has really helped us out a lot. I gave last night away. I have to thank all of my crew.”

Murdick took off in the lead hoping to get his 2013 season going with Skip Moore, Weller, and Shingledecker in tow. Following a caution for opening night winner Rex King, Jr., Weller made the pass of Moore for second before the event’s second and final caution slowed action for a spin by Jeff Monoskey with two laps scored.

When racing resumed, Weller and Murdick made contact in turn two with Weller taking command as Shingledecker, Moore, Ricky Richner, and Eric Gabany were all able to get by Murdick before he gathered his #61 up. Weller and Shingledecker began to distance themselves from the field while the battle was on for third with Moore trying to fend off Richner, Gabany, and Murdick.

Gabany passed Richner for fourth on lap eight using the outside. Gabany then went to work on Moore. The two racers ran side-by-side from laps 9-11 with Moore holding on; meanwhile, Murdick worked his way by Richner on lap 12 for fifth and joined Gabany trying to get by Moore. Finally on lap 14, Gabany had enough momentum off the bottom in turn four to pass Moore for third.

By now Gabany had more than a straightaway deficit to make-up behind the leaders. Weller continued to keep a few car-length lead on Shingledecker as they caught traffic on lap 16. Weller did a great job through lapped traffic as Shingledecker was unable to mount a serious challenge for the lead. Weller’s victory in the Zip Motorsports-owned, Liberty Steel Products #31 was the 24th of his career at Sharon and gave him the point lead.

Shingledecker was 1.015 seconds behind in runner-up. Gabany had a great run in his “358” small-block to take third over Murdick. Richner was fifth for his third top six finish in as many starts. The Niagara Falls, New York racer had quite the experience coming down and just made it in time to draw a pill as turkey came through their windshield. Sixth through 10th were Moore, Rex King, Rob Kristyak, Bob Warren, and rookie Rick Regalski, Jr. Heat victors over the 18-car field were Shingledecker and Weller.

After winning his first ever Sharon race in the 2012 season finale, Dennis Lunger, Jr. kept the momentum right through the offseason as he won for the second time in three races this season in the RUSH Late Models. Lunger, who also won the night before at Raceway 7, got past race-long leader Will Thomas III in the closing laps in the 20-lap Barris Supply feature as he extended his point lead as well.

“I thought it’s all or nothing- checkers or wreckers,” exclaimed the 45-year-old Albion, Pa. driver. “I figure I work on it all week so what’s the difference! I timed the last one (restart) better than the previous one. I did jump the one restart and he (flagman) was right for calling it back then Will jumped the next one. The last one was a nice, clean start. This is a totally different car than what we’ve been running here. We won with it last night and I figured I’d try it tonight.”

Thomas, the defending track champ champion, bolted into the lead with Lunger following. Fifth starting 2011 champion, Josh Double, passed Matt Latta on the opening lap for fourth then took over third the following lap from Eric Wilson. Double looked strong as he ran down Lunger on lap five and was all over him in a good battle for second.

Double was unable to make the pass before the event’s first caution when Canadian newcomer Jorden Peters spun with 12 laps scored. On the restart, Wilson got back by Double for third. Lunger, Wilson, and Double really went at it for second over the next several laps with Double regaining the third spot on lap 16. Thomas appeared headed for his first win of the season, but a spin by Jamie Wrightsman with 18 laps scored slowed action.

Things certainly got interesting from here on out. On the ensuing restart, Lunger was called for a jump. The second try was then called back as Thomas fired too early. Finally the third go-around was a clean restart, which Lunger timed perfectly. Lunger was strong down the frontstretch and had the advantage going into turn one. Lunger came out ahead coming off turn two and then was able to nose ahead entering turn three and kept the lead to the finish. Lunger’s victory came in the Schwartz Construction-owned, Schwartz Trucking/Choices Restaurant/English Tire/State Farm Insurance Chris Brecht-sponsored #71L and gave him important points toward the $5,000 to-win Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC Weekly Series Championship.

Thomas was just 0.631 seconds behind in runner-up. Wilson edged out Double for third as he maintained runner-up in points as he also contends for the “Futures Cup” title. Latta was fifth. Completing the top 10 were Bill Cunningham, Bobby Whitling, Butch Lambert, Clay Ruffo, and Brian Booher. Latta and Wilson were heat winners.

Joel Watson came from seventh to become the season’s fourth different winner in as many races picking up the Modified victory in another great 15-lap Summit Racing Equipment feature. “We built a brand new car from scratch,” explained the 33-year-old Conneaut, Ohio standout. “This car is 100% homemade. It’s taken me a few weeks to work the bugs out and figure out what’s good and what’s bad with it. I think we have it working good now and I like it! I could tell how the car was pulling other cars it was going to the front with no problem. I can’t thank my wife, crew and sponsors enough.”

Opening night victor, Joe Gabrielson, raced to the early lead with Shawn Shingledecker and Mike Kinney in pursuit. Watson was up to fourth after one lap then joined a great battle for second. Shingledecker, Kinney, and Watson ran three-wide on laps three and four as Watson moved ahead of Kinney for third on lap three.

Following a restart on lap four for a three-car tangle, Watson took over second from Shingledecker. Watson went after Gabrielson and didn’t waste any time driving under and past the leader racing off turn four on lap five. Kinney and last week’s winner, Alan Dellinger, passed Shingledecker for third and fourth on laps five and six respectively. Kinney and Dellinger continued to move forward overtaking Gabrielson for second and third respectively with five laps to go.

Watson though was too strong as he powered on to his 12th career by a 1.243 second advantage in his Northwest Restoration/Zimmer’s Service Center/Racecar Fabrication/Hoosier Tire-sponsored #92. Watson’s good friend Kinney was second over point leader Dellinger, Jonathan Taylor, and 17th starting Clayton Kennedy. Rounding out the top 10 were Gabrielson, Bob Diver, Wayne Tessean, Larry Kugel, and Andy Buckley. Dellinger and Gabrielson topped the heat races over the 19-car field.

Bryan Wagner led wire-to-wire to become the third different Stock Car winner in as many 15-lap Gibson Insurance Agency feature events this season. The victory was the second of Wagner’s career at Sharon, but first since winning the 2010 “Apple Festival Nationals” in an “open” competition event.

“This feels good,” stated the 25-year-old New Castle, Pa. racer. “There was a lot of work and time in this car. Everything on this car is brand-spanking new. I want to thank Greg Cizmar for putting this car together for us. I’ll tell you what- it’s quick! I really like it here- it seems to fit my driving style. Hopefully you’ll see us more here. You could put at least six cars over a blanket and see who would come out the winner here. I also have to thank my wife and my parents.”

Wagner was never seriously challenged throughout the affair, but did have four cautions that set-up double file restarts. Wagner though was golden on every one as Charlie Jasinski could only follow the Whitling Family Foods/Michael Dorr Lawn Service/Schwartzmiller Ground Maintenance/Wilson Lumber/Cizmar Racing-sponsored #56.

The last 10 laps went green-to-checkered as Jasinski came home in a season best runner-up 2.708 seconds behind Wagner. Fifth starting opening night winner, Mike Clark, passed Tim Burns on lap five to finish third and maintain the point lead by one over Wagner. Last week’s winner, Paul Davis, was fourth after starting 14th. Jamie Duncan was fifth. Duncan and Clark won the heat races over the season-high 15-car field.

For the fourth straight event, 12-year-old Jacob Eucker has led feature laps, but once again just couldn’t close the deal in the HTMA/Precise Racing Products. This time Jeremy Double passed Eucker with two to go to capture his second Econo Mod win of the season.

“I went through this with Brandon (Blackshear) last year trying to get our first win,” explained the 17-year-old Bristolville, Ohio driver. “I noticed the topside going away. Every time I went up there the frontend started sliding off. I found that brown down low and I could get a good drive off. He (Eucker) kept pushing up the track. I think if he would have found that he would have been hard to pass. I have to thank all of my family and sponsors.”

Ryan Fraley overtook Brian Hathaway for the early lead. Eucker drove under and past Hathaway in turn four for second on lap two. Eucker caught Fraley and made the pass for the lead entering turn three with an inside move on lap three. Double started fifth and got by Fraley for second on lap four. The top three of Eucker, Double and Fraley distanced themselves from the field before three cautions slowed action with five laps scored.

When racing resumed, Double pressured Eucker. The two ran side-by-side just about every lap until a caution for a spin by Gina Thompson with 11 laps recorded. Back under green flag conditions, Eucker continued to narrowly lead every lap. It wasn’t until turn four on lap 13 that Double finally eeked his way by on the inside. Double held on for his fourth career win by 1.302 seconds in his Cortland Auto Repair/Wedge Motorsports/Thomas Heating & Cooling/King Bros./Russ King Racing-sponsored #83.

After leading all four of his first career races at Sharon, Eucker now has two runner-ups, broke in the lead, and spun while leading, but nonetheless is fourth in points. Last week’s winner, Steve Burns, Jr., was third over Fraley and rookie Tyler Rhoades. Burns and Eucker captured the heat races over the 17-car field.

It was a heartbreaker for one racer and a lucky break for another. Ray Gregory appeared headed for his first career Sharon Speedway victory in the Mini Stocks, but he missed a shift on a late race restart, which allowed Ken Koby II to celebrate his first career win in the 12-lap Deforest Used Parts feature.

“Thank you God I finally made it,” expressed the 47-year-old Austintown, Ohio driver. “Three years I’ve been trying for this! I have to thank my wife, and mom who is battling cancer- this win is for her. I want to thank Dave Willoughby for a hell of a track and all of my sponsors. This has been a hell of a night- I’m fired up!

Gregory passed Jim Edison on the start and pulled away to a big lead before the first caution when Travis Creech slowed with four laps scored. When racing resumed, fifth and sixth starting Bill Fuchs and Koby swapped runner-up back and forth. Three more cautions slowed action between laps six and seven. Fuchs began smoking mid-race and started slowing down. Jim Haefke, Jr. was able to get by for third on lap 10 before Fuchs when up in a big plume of smoke, which necessitated the event’s final caution with 10 laps recorded.

On the ensuing restart, Gregory missed a shift and was slow allowing Koby, Haefke, and Tim McAninch by. Koby would go on to become the 18th different winner since the division’s inception in his Presidential Lawncare/93.3 The Wolf/Harley Davidson Biketown/Quaker Steak & Lube/Island Tropic Tanning-sponsored #22. Haefke held on to second over McAninch, Gregory, and point leader Scott Gilliland. Heat races were won by Gilliland and Creech.

Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds (20 laps): 1. JIM WELLER, JR. (31) 2. Jeremiah Shingledecker (37MD) 3. Eric Gabany (3E) 4. Dave Murdick (61) 5. Ricky Richner (26) 6. Skip Moore (17M) 7. Rex King (65) 8. Rob Kristyak (00) 9. Bob Warren (96B) 10. Rick Regalski, Jr. (13) 11. Carl Murdick (6) 12. Dave Reges (27R) 13. Kevin Green (74) 14. Tom Glenn (83T) 15. Erik Martin (29E) 16. Ronnie Kahler (7R) 17. Jeff Monoskey (22) 18. Rex King, Jr. (165).

Barris Supply RUSH Late Models (20 laps): 1. DENNIS LUNGER, JR. (Schwartz 71L) 2. Will Thomas III (9) 3. Eric Wilson (27W) 4. Josh Double (38) 5. Matt Latta (21) 6. Bill Cunningham (59) 7. Bobby Whitling (7W) 8. Butch Lambert (27) 9. Clay Ruffo (14R) 10. Brian Booher (Hoover 00H) 11. Jamie Wrightsman (21J) 12. Jorden Peters (11P) 13. Rusty Cade (47).

Summit Racing Equipment (E) Modifieds (15 laps): 1. JOEL WATSON (92) 2. Mike Kinney (3) 3. Alan Dellinger (White 53) 4. Jonathan Taylor (5) 5. Clayton Kennedy (9) 6. Joe Gabrielson (58) 7. Bob Diver (23) 8. Wayne Tessean (10) 9. Larry Kugel (Petsko 00) 10. Andy Buckley (965) 11. Jim Dellinger (Turley 1) 12. Trevor Herr (32) 13. Bob Williamson (93) 14. Gary Sullivan (47s) 15. Jeff Hassay (10) 16. Shawn Shingledecker (54s) 17. Bruce Powell (35) 18. Jim Turley (117) 19. Steve Haefke (41).

Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars (15 laps): 1. BRYAN WAGNER (56) 2. Charlie Jasinski (5J) 3. Mike Clark (7) 4. Paul Davis (3) 5. Jamie Duncan (67J) 6. Tim Burns (66) 7. Jesse Brock (22B) 8. Brian Carothers (02c) 9. Jamie Scharba (00s) 10. Dan McEwen (95) 11. Ron Yarab, Jr. (Burns 70B) 12. Jason Stanke (44) 13. Michael Lesky (5L) 14. Mark Hopkins (69H) 15. Troy DeZarn (22D)-DSQ.

HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods (15 laps): 1. JEREMY DOUBLE (83) 2. Jacob Eucker (64) 3. Steve Burns, Jr. (70B) 4. Ryan Fraley (12) 5. Tyler Rhoades (12R) 6. Alan Atkinson (30Too) 7. Larry Root (22x) 8. Bob Williams (8) 9. Gina Thompson (Webber 25) 10. Junior Mechling (89) 11. Dennis Dellinger, Jr. (17) 12. Keith Felicetty (98) 13. Bob Williamson (93) 14. Derek Dellinger (19) 15. Casey Bowers (20) 16. George Vestal IV (4)-DNS 17. Craig Scherrbaum (07c)-DNS.

Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. KEN KOBY II (22) 2. Jim Haefke, Jr. (421) 3. Tim McAninch (43) 4. Ray Gregory (82R) 5. Scott Gilliland (27) 6. Bill Fuchs (10) 7. Jim Clay, Jr. (84J) 8. Travis Creech (75T) 9. Jim Edison (01) 10. Larry Ingram (14) 11. Geof Pinch (36) 12. Steve Walker II (4M)-DNS.

Sharon Speedway will be back in action this Saturday, May 11 with another “Steel Valley Thunder” program featuring the weekly six divisions. Pits open at 4 p.m. with grandstands at 5 and racing at 7. Grandstand admission is $13 for those 14 and up. Children 13 and under are always free. Pit passes are $25. Parking is always free.

Sharon Speedway is owned by the Blaney, Weller, and Kirila Families and is a 3/8-mile dirt track located on Custer-Orangeville Road in Hartford, Ohio near the intersection of Routes 7 & 305. For more information, check out the website at www.sharonspeedway.com or call 330-772-5481. Become a fan of Sharon Speedway on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sharonspeedway and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sharonspdwy.

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April 27, 2013

(Hartford, OH)…After rough weather to begin the 84th anniversary racing season, Sharon Speedway was finally blessed with the nicest Saturday of 2013 with a sunny 70-degree day. A season high 105 cars filled the pit area.

Celebrating in the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply victory lane were Rex King-Governor Insurance DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, Mike Pegher, Jr.-Barris Supply RUSH Late Models, Alan Dellinger-Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds, Paul Davis-Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars, Steve Burns, Jr.-HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods, and Scott Gilliland-Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks. Will Frantz of Vienna, Ohio and Gwen Reed of Brookfield, Ohio were the two winners of the bike giveaways courtesy of King Bros. and Sharon Speedway.

The King Family made it two-for-two in the DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds. On opening night, Rex King, Jr. led all 20 laps for the win. After a rainout and a special event, the big blocks were back for week two and this time it was the elder Rex King leading wire-to-wire in the 20-lap Governor Insurance feature adding to his all-time active-leading division win total.

“I didn’t want to listen to that this week,” joked the Bristolville, Ohio veteran about getting beat by his son the first week. “We touched right here then when I came around I saw him (Dave Murdick) up there so I don’t know what he broke or what happened. I hope it’s nothing too serious. I like racing with Davey. He and I have been doing it for the same time.”

King and Murdick, who own five of the last six division championships, brought the field to green. The two made contact on the frontstretch with Murdick getting sideways and eventually finding the turn one wall ending his night. Two more cautions slowed action with one laps completed before things settled down. King raced to the lead over Jim Weller, Jr. and Skip Moore, while seventh starting Jeremiah Shingledecker raced into fourth past King, Jr. on the restart.

Shingledecker continued his progression to the front taking third from Moore one lap later with an inside move in turn four. King, Jr. followed in fourth on lap seven then got a break when the caution was displayed for a spin by Bob Warren with eight laps scored. Shingledecker didn’t have a good restart as both King, Jr. and Moore grabbed third and fourth respectively on lap nine.

Back up front, the last 12 laps would go green-to-checkered and King went unchallenged for his 43rd career win in the KMB Inc., GS Engine Power/Midway Garage Door/University Hospital-sponsored #65. Weller was 3.096 seconds back in second. King, Jr. was a close third to keep within three points of his father in the point chase. Moore and Shingledecker rounded out the top five. NY racer Ricky Richner came back to finish sixth after a pit stop for a flat tire. Rob Kristyak, Kevin Green, Erik Martin, and Jeff Monoskey rounded out the top 10. Heat winners were King and Murdick.

It was a history making day for Mike Pegher, Jr. in the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Series. After winning the $1,000 Weekly Series special earlier in the day at Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway for his first victory of 2013, Pegher towed north to Sharon and made it a clean sweep of the day adding another $700 in the non-stop Barris Supply feature.

“I may never do that again,” expressed the 27-year-old Wexford, Pa. standout. “I didn’t know if we were even going to make it up. We got here just in time to make the pill draw and was lucky enough to get a good number. I never thought this would happen, but it’s pretty cool! I have to give credit to my crew guy Mike. We set the car up on Wednesday for both Pittsburgh and Sharon that way we knew exactly what to do. As soon as the feature was over at Pittsburgh we changed everything over. I have to thank all of my sponsors and the fans for coming out.”

Last year, Stock Car standout Bobby Whitling won his first career Late Model feature at the track. On Saturday night, Whitling was making his season debut and raced out to the early lead over another newcomer in Billy Henry, Jr. Opening night winner, Dennis Lunger, Jr., was on the move from his sixth starting spot. Lunger raced into the top five after one lap then passed Joe Martin for fourth on lap two.

Pegher worked his way by Henry for second on lap three, but by now Whitling had a straightaway lead built up. The laps ticked off as not much changed up front. Lunger gained another spot when drove around Henry in turn two for third on lap 10. At the halfway point, Pegher cut Whitling lead in half down to a half-straightaway margin.

With each lap, Pegher chewed into Whitling’s lead then made quite a move on lap 13. While Whitling ducked low to lap Late Model rookie Jamie Wrightsman, Pegher eyed the opportunity as he split the duo making it three-wide on the backstretch. Slight contact was made between the trio, but Pegher came out on top.

Once in front, Pegher got faster and faster as he pulled away to win by 3.847 seconds. Pegher’s non-stop time was 5:44.951 minutes in the Lynn Geisler-owned, #1 Cochran/Alternative Power Sources/Pegher Painting/Triple-S Auto Outlet/Zero Wraps-sponsored #1c. The win was Pegher’s all-time division-leading seventh of his career at Sharon.

Whitling turned in a solid runner-up over Lunger, who increased his point lead to eight. Martin passed defending track champion Will Thomas III on lap 14 to finish fourth. Thomas was fifth. Sixth through 10th were “Futures Cup” standout Eric Wilson, Josh Double, Matt Latta, Lauren Longbrake, and Rusty Cade. Heat winners were 15-year-old Longbrake in her first start of the season and Pegher.

In the race of the night, eighth starting Alan Dellinger came out on top of a three-wide battle in the closing laps with Jack Young and Clayton Kennedy for the 15-lap Summit Racing Equipment Modified win. The exciting victory was the first of the year for Dellinger, but extended his all-time division-leading mark to 87! Dellinger also took over the point lead.

“That’s good racing right there,” expressed the 49-year-old great. “I couldn’t run on the bottom. I just tried to get up there to keep the momentum up and hoped they’d stay down there, but they kept coming off the bottom to the top. You had to really drive it in there so they could see you, but once Jack seen me I didn’t figure he’d just drive to the fence. I have to thank Mr. White and his boy Jimmy for doing all the work on the car and giving me a chance to drive their stuff once again. I’m having a good time, and I’ll bet they’re happy tonight!”

Young, the defending co-champion, took off in the lead passing pole-sitter Gary Sullivan. After a pair of cautions with two laps scored, the next 10 would go caution-free. Kennedy, who started sixth, powered by Sullivan for second with Dellinger trailing on lap four as he advanced more than halfway to the front already. Kennedy ran down Young on lap five. Kennedy then got under Young off turn four on seven, but Young continued to lead.

Over the next six laps, Kennedy and Young ran side-by-side with Kennedy on the bottom and Young on the top. Young was able to narrowly lead every lap until finally on lap 12 Kennedy got enough momentum off the bottom of turn four to make the pass stick. The lead would be short-lived though as a spin by Bill Yohe, which collected Sullivan, slowed action with 12 laps scored.

On the ensuing restart, Young regained the lead. Dellinger continued to lurk in third as he had the best seat in the house for the battle for the lead. While Kennedy pulled alongside Young on lap 14, Dellinger decided to make his move as he made it three-wide for the lead. Dellinger came out on top in the lead and then held on in the final lap mad scramble winning by just 0.258 seconds over Young and just 0.478 seconds ahead of Kennedy! Dellinger’s 161st career Sharon win came in Jim White’s #53.

Shawn Shingledecker was fourth over 14th starting Mike Kinney. Rounding out the top 10 were Joel Watson, Joe Gabrielson, Wayne Tessean, John Boardman, and Mike Potosky. Andy Buckley, Jeff Johnson, and Watson won the heat races over the 22-car field.

Paul Davis emerged victorious in a four-car battle for the win in the Stock Cars. Davis’ first win of the year came in the 15-lap Gibson Insurance Agency feature. “You have to run where the fastest part of the track is,” stated the 53 year-old Fowler, Ohio veteran. “I ran the groove where the rubber was at. I knew unless I screwed up, I could pull him (Rod Laskey) on the outside. I didn’t want to get caught on the bottom. This is my kind of track and the way the race car likes it- nice dry, hard track. I have a good setup for this type of track.”

Davis raced into the lead past pole-sitter Jamie Scharba at the start. Last year’s runner-up point man, Rod Laskey, and defending champion, Tim Burns, both passed Scharba for second and third respectively on lap two. Opening night winner, Mike Clark, spun to bring out the event’s first caution with four laps scored then two laps later Jesse Brock spun for the event’s final stoppage.

The last nine laps went green-to-checkered. Davis would have his hands full with Laskey, while Burns and seventh starting Bryan Wagner really went at it for third. Davis had just enough to hold on by 0.441 seconds for his eighth career win in his Hover Racing/Don Williams Excavating/GSM Enterprises-sponsored #3. Burns and Wagner swapped third and fourth back and forth, but it was Burns getting the nod. Brian Carothers was fifth. Burns has taken over the point lead as just four points separates the top six cars! Laskey and Davis won the heats.

Steve Burns, Jr. survived a 15-lap caution-plagued HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mod feature for his first win of the year and also took over the early point lead. Burns was one of the few cars that either wasn’t in an accident or didn’t pit.

“There’s a lot of competition and good cars this year,” acknowledged the 22-year-old Masury, Ohio driver. “A lot of the guys from last year got a lot faster. The 64-car (Jacob Eucker) is definitely fast and is the one to beat. I have to thank my sponsors and everyone in my family that helps out on the car.”

Brian Hathaway led the opening lap before spinning in the lead on lap two handing the lead to Burns. Burns led laps two and three before a caution slowed action. On the restart, seventh starting Jacob Eucker made the pass for the lead. The 12-year-old has now led feature laps all three weeks, but he’d spin in the lead on lap five giving the lead back to Burns.

Burns would survive three more cautions for his third career win in the division and fifth overall at the speedway in the Steve Burns, Sr.-owned, Penn-Ohio Electric/Warehouse Sales-sponsored #70B. After starting 17th, Jace Ferringer missed all of the accidents and then passed Hathaway on the final lap for the apparent runner-up finish, but was disqualified in post-race tech for a carburetor infraction. Hathaway was credited with second over last week’s winner Ryan Fraley, Derek Dellinger, and rookie Tyler Rhoades. Heat winners over the season high 20-car field were Hathaway, Dennis Dellinger, Jr., and Burns.

Scott Gilliland was the benefactor of misfortunes by teammates Jerry Batcher and Pete Blazczak to win his second straight 12-lap Deforest Used Parts Mini Stock feature and greatly extended his point lead.

“Last week I started on the outside pole and kind of cruised a little bit,” said the 40-year-old Warren, Ohio racer. “There was no cruising tonight. That was a battle- a lot of good cars here tonight. We are lucky to come out on top. I got crossed up with the 82-car (Ray Gregory) and Bill (Fuchs) hit me pretty hard actually. I feel bad for him, but we were able to go unscathed and continue on. I have to thank Sharon Speedway- it’s a great place to race. I love racing here and wouldn’t race anywhere else!”

The teammates of Batcher and Blazczak led the field to green. Blazczak led the opening lap before Batcher made the pass for the lead on lap two. Batcher led until slowing on lap six handing the lead back to Blazczak. Gilliland started sixth and was up to third after one lap then inherited second when Batcher exited the track. Blazczak was doing everything he could to hold off Gilliland, but would spin all by himself on lap 11 ending his shot at his fourth career win.

Gilliland inherited the lead and held off defending champion, Jim Haefke, Jr., for his sixth career win in his Lawn Wizard/NRC Management/VP&R/Inventive Sign & Design-sponsored #27. Gilliland is now tied for fourth on the division’s all-time win list. Blazczak came back to finish third over newcomer Cale Sousa and Brian Shay. Gilliland and Batcher won the heat races for the season high 14-car field.

Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds (20 laps): 1. REX KING (65) 2. Jim Weller, Jr. (31) 3. Rex King, Jr. (165) 4. Skip Moore (17M) 5. Jeremiah Shingledecker (37MD) 6. Ricky Richner (26) 7. Rob Kristyak (00) 8. Kevin Green (74) 9. Erik Martin (29E) 10. Jeff Monoskey (22) 11. Dave Reges (27R) 12. Rick Regalski, Jr. (13) 13. Tom Glenn (83T) 14. Bob Warren (96B) 15. Greg Unrue (5) 16. Dave Murdick (61) 17. Carl Murdick (6) 18. Ronnie Kahler (7R)-DNS.

Barris Supply RUSH Late Models (20 laps): 1. MIKE PEGHER, JR. (Geisler 1c) 2. Bobby Whitling (7W) 3. Dennis Lunger, Jr. (Schwartz 71L) 4. Joe Martin (55) 5. Will Thomas III (9) 6. Eric Wilson (27W) 7. Josh Double (38) 8. Matt Latta (21) 9. Lauren Longbrake (27) 10. Rusty Cade (47) 11. Rocky Kugel (21) 12. Joe Buccola, Jr. (5B) 13. Clay Ruffo (14R) 14. W.L. Stile (1W) 15. Jamie Wrightsman (21J) 16. Billy Henry, Jr. (McGee 21*) 17. Brian Booher (Hoover 00H).

Summit Racing Equipment (E) Modifieds (15 laps): 1. ALAN DELLINGER (White 53) 2. Jack Young (Hamilton 67) 3. Clayton Kennedy (9) 4. Shawn Shingledecker (54s) 5. Mike Kinney (3) 6. Joel Watson (92) 7. Joe Gabrielson (58) 8. Wayne Tessean (10) 9. John Boardman (79.2) 10. Mike Potosky (m20) 11. Russ Dunn (Clinger 222) 12. Jim Turley (117) 13. Jeff Hassay (10) 14. Gary Sullivan (47s) 15. Jim Dellinger (Turley 1) 16. Bill Yohe (13) 17. Trevor Herr (32) 18. Jeff Johnson (27) 19. Bob Williamson (93) 20. Steve Haefke (41) 21. Andy Buckley (965) 22. Amanda Stiffler (14)-DNS.

Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars (15 laps): 1. PAUL DAVIS (3) 2. Rod Laskey (Sloss 44s) 3. Tim Burns (66) 4. Bryan Wagner (56) 5. Brian Carothers (02c) 6. Charlie Jasinski (5J) 7. Jamie Scharba (00s) 8. Jamie Duncan (67J) 9. Mike Clark (7) 10. Dan McEwen (95) 11. Jason Stanke (44) 12. Jesse Brock (22B) 13. Jeff Buccella (Davis 915) 14. Ron Yarab, Jr. (Burns 70B)-DNS.

HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods (15 laps): 1. Steve Burns, Jr. (70B) 2. Brian Hathaway (93) 3. Ryan Fraley (12) 4. Derek Dellinger (19) 5. Alan Atkinson (30Too) 6. Tyler Rhoades (12R) 7. Gina Thompson (Webber 25) 8. Junior Mechling (89) 9. Jeremy Double (83) 10. Casey Bowers (20) 11. Ron Westover (13) 12. Jacob Eucker (64) 13. Keith Felicetty (98) 14. Dennis Dellinger, Jr. (17) 15. Brian Lacey (51) 16. Larry Root (22x) 17. Bob Williams (8) 18. George Vestal IV (4) 19. Jace Ferringer (02)-DSQ (carburetor) 20. Mike Smith (81)-DNS.

Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. SCOTT GILLILAND (27) 2. Jim Haefke, Jr. (421) 3. Pete Blazczak (77) 4. Cale Sousa (10) 5. Brian Shay (3J) 6. Steve Walker II (4M) 7. Ray Gregory (82R) 8. James Edison (01) 9. Jerry Batcher (7) 10. Bill Fuchs (10) 11. Travis Creech (75T) 12. Jim Clay, Jr. (84J) 13. Ken Koby II (11)-DNS 14. Dylan Thomas (55D)-DNS.

Sharon Speedway will be back in action this Saturday, May 4 with another “Steel Valley Thunder” program featuring the weekly six divisions. Pits open at 4 p.m. with grandstands at 5 and racing at 7. Grandstand admission is $13 for those 14 and up. Children 13 and under are always free. Pit passes are $25. Parking is always free.

Sharon Speedway is owned by the Blaney, Weller, and Kirila Families and is a 3/8-mile dirt track located on Custer-Orangeville Road in Hartford, Ohio near the intersection of Routes 7 & 305. For more information, check out the website at www.sharonspeedway.com or call 330-772-5481. Become a fan of Sharon Speedway on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sharonspeedway and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sharonspdwy.

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April 20, 2013

(Hartford, OH)…After losing six of the first seven scheduled events including three snowmobile races, two tries at an enduro/open practice, and one race event, Sharon Speedway made the decision on Saturday to go on with the racing program despite snow showers and sleet throughout the first half of the day and daytime temperatures barely getting into the low 40s. Celebrating in the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply victory lane were Davey Johnson-NDRL’s ULMS Super Late Models, Randy Hall-NDRL’S UEMS Modifieds, Ryan Fraley-Econo Mods, and Scott Gilliland-Mini Stocks.

After shattering a near seven-year-old track record by four tenths of a second in qualifying with a lap of 14.994, Davey Johnson took the lead on lap four and never looked back as he held off a late rally from 2011 NDRL’s ULMS Champion Mike Knight to capture his sixth series win in his storied career. The $3,000 victory came in the 25-lap Super Late Model feature, the first of four at the speedway in 2013, and was the 27th of Johnson’s career at Sharon as he now trails all-time Super Late Model winner, Jim Bickerstaff, by 15 wins.

“This thing is good,” expressed the Greensburg, Pa. veteran. “I got this car off of Darrell Lanigan three weeks ago. I didn’t have time to get one together so he sold me one. It didn’t work out well last week, the car was good, but I knew coming to a familiar place here at Sharon it would be good. This feels like the same track, same dirt from the old half-mile days. Hats off to Darrell, and I have to thank my dad and brother, Roush-Yates Engines, Hoosier Tire, and Imperial Towing.”

Jim Rasey and Max Blair, who was piloting a Boom Briggs backup car, led the field to the green flag with Rasey taking the early lead. Rasey pulled Blair, Johnson, and Knight around the 3/8-mile oval until Johnson blasted by Blair to move into second on lap three. Johnson wasted no time as just one lap later he made his move to the bottom of the leader and made the pass for the lead.

Johnson, who was clearly the class of the field all evening, stretched his lead until a lap eight caution slowed the pace. When racing resumed, Johnson again pulled away from the field as Blair made his way past Rasey to take over the second spot. Rasey then continued to slip as Knight worked his way into the third position moving the pole-sitter back to fourth.

As the leader caught lapped traffic around the lap 18 mark, Knight and Blair battled for the second spot with Knight using the high side to complete the pass. Knight then set his sights on the ultra-fast Johnson and began to reel him in. With most of the field using the bottom groove of the track and Knight being one of the very few to venture to the high side, the gap to the leader closed quickly and as Knight was about to make his bid for the lead when on lap 25, Rasey spun in turn four to bring out the caution.

The ensuing Delaware double-file restart put Johnson by himself at the front when the green flag fell. Knight stayed with Johnson for the final five laps but was unable to mount a serious charge as Johnson took the checkered flag first in his #1J followed by Knight in second with Russell King a quiet third. Blair was fourth while Dave Hess Jr., rounded out the top five. Multi-time NDRL’s ULMS Champion Boom Briggs finished sixth followed by Keith Barbara, Garrett Krummert, Michael Davis, and Jared Miley in 10th. Heat winners were King, Knight, and Johnson over the 23-car field.

Randy Hall led all 25 laps in claiming the $1,000 NDRL’s UEMS Modified feature win. It was just the second career win at the speedway for the northern standout. “It helps starting up front,” acknowledged the Olean, New York resident. “I think the last two times we were here we didn’t even make a lap and got tore up. I got in a rhythm out there, and I’ll tell you what these new Hoosier Tires just seem like they keep getting stronger and stronger. This is our third time out this year. We’ve been fast, but just haven’t gotten a break. I have to thank Vic Vena; he owns the car, along with all of our sponsors and my crew.”

Hall grabbed the early lead from the pole position with Alan Dellinger right on his tail. After a pair of cautions on laps three and four, Hall continued to show the way, while the action behind him was torrid. Dellinger, Jack Young, Joe Gabrielson, John Boardman, Jeff Johnson, Brent Rhebergen were putting on quite a show.

The event was slowed for the third time as Steve Dixon and Paul Davis spun with 11 laps scored. Following the restart, it was four-wide off of turn two with Gabrielson clear to the outside of Dellinger, Boardman and Young. After a fourth and final caution on lap 13 as Jonathan Taylor stopped in turn three and four with a flat tire, Hall led the rest of the distance in the BMS/Killbuck Outlet/Hoosier Tire/Close Racing Supply/Close Lumber-sponsored #10.

The action behind Hall was non-stop. Rhebergen went wide on the restart and fell back, while Boardman also slid to the high side on lap 17 to lose positions. Young and Gabrielson got around Dellinger and were hooked up in a duel for second. As Hall took the checkered, all eyes were on the second place battle with Gabrielson getting the advantage with a last lap, turn four pass on the inside to claim runner-up over Young.

Opening night feature winner Jeff Johnson moved up from his 11th starting spot to finish fourth over Dellinger. Completing the top 10 were John Woodard Jr., Michael McGee, Boardman, Andy Buckley, and Jordan Eck. Heat winners were Dellinger, Steve Dixon, and Boardman over the 25-car field.

Ryan Fraley became the newest youngster to garner his first career win in the Econo Mods after race-long leader Jacob Eucker exited the event in the closing laps. Fraley’s 15-lap HTMA/Precise Racing Products victory was worth $350 as he became the 19th different driver to win a feature in the division, which is beginning its fourth year.

“I saw a little flame come out of his header (Eucker) then he pulled off and luckily we were able to stay out front,” described the Wheatland, Pa. racer, who is beginning his second full year of competition. “We sold last year’s car and started with a new one this year. I have to thank Paul Phillips for getting me started in racing, and Brandon and Don for building the motor.”

For the second straight race, 12-year-old Eucker took lead at the start from his pole starting position. A caution on lap one took out contender and opening night winner, Jeremy Double, with a tangle on turn three. Eucker continued to lead and pulled away through cautions on lap 8 and 13 for Dennis Dellinger, Jr.

Meanwhile, Fraley had worked his way up to second from his seventh starting slot. During this final caution, Eucker, who appeared headed for his first career Sharon victory lane, suffered a mechanical failure and headed to the pits yielding the lead to Fraley. Fraley led the rest of the distance in his #12 to win over Steve Burns, Jr., Brian Hathaway, Derek Dellinger, and Keith Felicetty. Heats were won by Double and Eucker.

Scott Gilliland ended the cold night taking home his season’s first victory in the 12-lap $200 to-win Deforest Used Parts Mini Stock feature. “Jim (Haefke) was right behind me and I kept looking to see where Bill (Fuchs) was,” revealed the Warren, Ohio victor. “They’re tough competitors, but we got one tonight! I have to thank my lovely wife, who was too cold to come tonight, my dad, and William, who works on the card.”

Gilliland jumped to the early lead over defending track champion Jim Haefke, Jr. The race’s first and only caution was displayed on lap two when rookie Brian Shay lost a wheel coming off turn four. That was the only thing that slowed Gilliland as he led the rest of the way for his fifth career win moving him into fifth place on the division’s all-time win list. Gilliand’s win came in his Lawn Wizard/NRC Management-sponsored #27. Haefke and Travis Creech hooked up in a second place battle with Haefke getting the nod. Opening night winner and 2011 champion, Bill Fuchs, was fourth over Ken Koby II. Haefke won the lone heat race.

NDRL’s ULMS Super Late Models (30 laps, $3,000 to-win): 1. DAVEY JOHNSON (1J) 2. Mike Knight (9K) 3. Russell King (56) 4. Max Blair (Briggs 99) 5. Dave Hess, Jr. (44) 6. Boom Briggs (99B) 7. Keith Barbara (17) 8. Garrett Krummert (29) 9. Michael Davis (7M) 10. Jared Miley (H1) 11. Dusty Moore (75) 12. Matt Urban (1U) 13. Dan Swartzlander (3) 14. Chris Hackett (33) 15. Brent Rhebergen (07R) 16. Greg Oakes (22) 17. Jim Rasey (32) 18. Doug Eck (03) 19. Andrew Gordon (18G) 20. Corey Conley (14) 21. Doug Glessner (17G) 22. Ken Schaltenbrand (29) 23. Robbie Blair (W11)-DNS.

NDRL’S UEMS Modifieds (25 laps, $1,000 to-win): 1. RANDY HALL (Vena 10) 2. Joe Gabrielson (58) 3. Jack Young (Hamilton 67) 4. Jeff Johnson (27) 5. Alan Dellinger (White 53) 6. John Woodward, Jr. (18) 7. Mike McGee (11M) 8. John Boardman (79.2) 9. Andy Buckley (965) 10. Jordan Eck (04) 11. Mike Potosky (M20) 12. Steve Dixon (Engles 68) 13. Vic Vena (01) 14. Ken Zimmer (62) 15. Shawn Shingledecker (54s) 16. Brent Rhebergen (Rater RD1) 17. Carl McKinney (Hendrickson 6M) 18. Bruce Takach (65) 19. Rusty Wheeler (6) 20. Trevor Herr (32) 21. Paul Davis (3D) 22. Jonathan Taylor (5) 23. Bruce Powell (35) 24. Larry Kugel (Petsko 00) 25. Steve Rex (27R).

HTMA Precise Racing Products Econo Mods (15 laps, $350 to-win): 1. RYAN FRALEY (12) 2. Steve Burns, Jr. (70B) 3. Brian Hathaway (93) 4. Derek Dellinger (19) 5. Keith Felicetty (98) 6. Junior Mechling (89) 7. Larry Root (22x) 8. Rusty Wheeler (Woodworth 07) 9. Jacob Eucker (64) 10. Dennis Dellinger, Jr. (17) 11. Mike Smith (81) 12. Tyler Rhoades (12R) 13. Jeremy Double (83).

Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks (12 laps, $200 to-win): 1. SCOTT GILLILAND (27) 2. Jim Haefke, Jr. (421) 3. Travis Creech (75T) 4. Bill Fuchs (10) 5. Ken Koby II (22) 6. Jim Clay, Jr. (84J) 7. Dylan Thomas (55D) 8. Ray Gregory (82R) 9. Brian Shay (3J).

Coming up on Saturday, April 27 will be the return of “Steel Valley Thunder” featuring the Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, Barris Supply RUSH Late Models, Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds, Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars, HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods and the Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks. Race time is at 7 p.m.

Sharon Speedway is owned by the Blaney, Weller, and Kirila Families and is a 3/8-mile dirt track located on Custer-Orangeville Road in Hartford, Ohio near the intersection of Routes 7 & 305. For more information, check out the website at www.sharonspeedway.com or call 330-772-5481. Become a fan of Sharon Speedway on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sharonspeedway and follow us on Twitter at @SharonSpdwy.

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April 12, 2013           

(Hartford, OH)…Sharon Speedway was forced to cancel racing action scheduled for Saturday night (April 13) due to wet grounds and inclement weather that forced cancellations all throughout the Buckeye State on both Friday & Saturday.  The cancellation marked the sixth in seven events scheduled thus far including three tries at snowmobile races and two for the enduro/open practice. 

“The grounds are just saturated,” stated general manager Dave Willoughby.  “The rain this week was too just much to overcome without any sunshine this afternoon, and tomorrow’s weather just isn’t going to help dry things out on top of a chance of rain throughout the day and night.  Hopefully things will improve next Saturday.”

Next Saturday (April 20) will be the first special event of the season as the NDRL’s United Late Model Series (ULMS) comes to town for their first of four appearances by the Super’s for $3,000 to-win.  The NDRL’s United E-Mod Series (UEMS) will race for $1,000 to-win and will be joined by the HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods for $350 to-win and the Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks for $200 to-win. Racing will begin at 7 p.m.

Sharon Speedway is owned by the Blaney, Weller, and Kirila Families and is a 3/8-mile dirt track located on Custer-Orangeville Road in Hartford, Ohio near the intersection of Routes 7 & 305. For more information, check out the website at www.sharonspeedway.com or call 330-772-5481. Become a fan of Sharon Speedway on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sharonspeedway and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sharonspdwy.

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April 6, 2013

(Hartford, OH)…After five cancellations for the early season snowmobile and enduro/open practice events, Sharon Speedway was able to complete the regular season opener on a chilly, overcast Saturday evening.

Celebrating in the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply victory lane were Rex King, Jr.-Governor Insurance DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, Dennis Lunger, Jr.-Barris Supply RUSH Late Models, Jeff Johnson-Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds, Mike Clark-Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars, Jeremy Double-HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods, and Bill Fuchs.-Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks. Three of the six winners reside from Bristolville, Ohio!

An invert four in the Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds made it an all King front row, but it was the youngster Rex, Jr. getting the advantage on the start and “Cooter” went on to hold off his father for the 20-lap duration.

“The track went away a little up top, but we were good enough to stay up there,” explained the 22-year-old Bristolville, Ohio driver. “I’m real fortunate to have everyone behind me and all of the sponsors on the car . That was pretty cool! I like this a lot better when dad’s chasing me.”

Behind the Kings, Jim Weller, Jr. advanced past Dave Murdick, who was driving his father’s car after mechanical issues in his own ride during warm-ups, for the third position. Two laps later, Brian Swartzlander grabbed fourth from Murdick. It certainly wasn’t the night the defending champion had in mind as Murdick exited the event one lap later.

The event’s only caution was displayed with eight laps scored when Greg Unrue, Jr. slowed. When racing resumed, “Cooter” got away from his father, while Swartzlander slipped high out of the racing groove allowing Tom Mattocks and Ricky Richner to advance to fourth and fifth. Lap 10 saw Richner drive under and past Mattocks down the backstretch for fourth.

Rex, Sr. closed on “Cooter” on lap 13, while the battled heated up for third as Richner ran down Weller. The two veteran racers really went at it for the third position as Richner got under Weller several times, but couldn’t make the pass.

On lap 17, “Cooter” began to open up some ground and wasn’t challenged by his father in the closing laps to win by 1.031 seconds. “Cooter’s” $1,100 victory was the fourth of his career and came in the KMB, Inc.-owned, Jim Brown Seed Sales/Bristol Disposal/Cedar Steel/Professional Heating & Cooling/Reese Services/King Sanitary Service-sponsored #165.

Weller edged out the NY “358” small-block of Richner for the show position. Swartzlander regained fifth from Mattocks on lap 13. Mattocks dropped to sixth over Rob Kristyak, Eric Gabany, Tom Glenn, and Erik Martin. Heat victors were Murdick and Weller.

After only running periodically at the track in 2012, Dennis Lunger, Jr. ended the season in victory lane on September 29 for his first career Sharon win. Fast forward about six months and Lunger repeated his feat claiming the 20-lap Barris Supply RUSH Late Model victory. It was a good way to start the season for Lunger, who over the offseason decided to go after the track title.

“This car has been really good to me here,” stated the 45-year-old Albion, Pa. resident. “We ran this car at the end of year and won with it coming from 11th. We really like it down here. I said let’s take it back and run it again and it was fast. I don’t know what happened to Butch (Lambert) on the start. He got tangled up, I ran into the back of him, and finished him off. I hate that because Butch and I are real good friends.”

Eric Wilson, who won a feature event in each of his first two seasons of racing, quickly bolted to the lead with Michael Lake, sixth starting Lunger and Bill Cunningham in tow. A caution for Lon Emerick slowed action with six laps scored. On the ensuing restart, Lunger passed Lake for second. On lap eight, Cunningham dropped Lake back to fourth.

With eight laps scored, the race was slowed for the final time when Lake spun after contact between him and Rocky Kugel, while battling for fourth. Back under green, Wilson was able to keep the lead over Lunger on the restart. Lunger would make his winning move in turn four on lap 10 when he put a clean slider on the recently turned 16-year-old.

Once in front, Lunger pulled away and took the checkered flag by a 2.663-second margin in the Schwartz Construction-owned, Schwartz Trucking/Choices Restaurant/English Tire/State Farm Insurance Chris Brecht-sponsored #71L. Lunger’s victory came in the first ever RUSH-sanctioned event as he takes the early lead in the $5,000 to-win Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC Weekly Series Championship!

Wilson held on for second over Cunningham, Kugel, and 11th starting Ben Black. Completing the top 10 were Jamie Brown, Butch Lambert after coming the tail, Matt Latta, Nico Dabecco, and Lake. Lambert won the first heat race, while Lake, a “Futures Cup” racer in his first ever Sharon appearance, won the second heat.

After a tough 2012 season, Jeff Johnson was clearly the class of the Modified field on opening night 2013. Johnson started 10th and had the lead just past the halfway point and soared to the 15-lap Summit Racing Equipment feature win.

“We’re going to turn it around this year- it’s going to be a good year,” expressed the 36-year-old Mineral Ridge, Ohio racer. “We had some issues after the heat race with parts falling off the car, but we got it back together. We went a little softer on our tire compound tonight because I knew had to start 10th. That really worked in our favor with all of the cautions. I bonsai’ed it down in there (turn one for the lead) hoping it would stick and it did.”

Eighty-six-time winner, Alan Dellinger, looked to add to his division’s all-time leading total quickly flying into the lead from the pole position over Joe Gabrielson and Shawn Shingledecker. Clayton Kennedy started fifth, was up to fourth after one lap then took over third from Shingledecker on lap three following a restart for debris. Kennedy then overtook runner-up from Gabrielson on lap six.

Gabrielson continued to back-pedal losing third, fourth, and fifth to Shingledecker, Johnson, and Mike Kinney over the next couple laps. Johnson’s forward progression continued as he passed Shingledecker for third on lap eight. Kennedy’s fine run ended when he went up in smoke following a restart with nine laps completed, which ensued a four-car pileup in turn one.

Johnson inherited second then took over the lead once the race resumed on lap 10 when Dellinger got sideways in turn one. One more caution was all that slowed Johnson to his 16th career win in his Klaben Ford Lincoln/Warren Harley Davidson/Body Shop of Niles/Tom’s Sewer & Drain/ Close Racing Supply-sponsored #27 moving him into a tie with Scott Stiffler for second place on the all-time win list.

After running sixth on lap nine, when everything shook out on lap 10, John Boardman found himself in second and he’d hold on for the runner-up spot for his best career finish at the track. Shingledecker was third over Dellinger and Jeff Hassay. Sixth through 10th were Kinney, Gabrielson, Jim Dellinger, Jim Turley, and Kennedy. Heats were won by Boardman and Kinney.

After racing for 15 years in various divisions, Mike Clark scored his first career win at the track on June 11, 2011. Clark went on to win one more race that season and added two more victories in 2012. Saturday night Clark continued his success with his fifth career Stock Car victory over the past year and a half in the 15-lap Gibson Insurance Agency feature.

“I figured the outside was the best spot and that was where I wanted to go into that turn because I wanted the high side down here,” described the 47-year-old Bristolville, Ohio racer on choosing the outside lane on the restart. “I did everything I could. I have to thank all of my sponsors, the Sons of Italy, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Jamie Duncan took off in the early lead with Brian Carothers moving into second. Carothers grabbed the lead on lap three. Clark was on the move taking third from Jeff Buccella on lap two then under and past Duncan for second on the backstretch one lap later. Lapped traffic allowed Clark to close on Carothers on lap seven.

A caution for newcomer Jeff Broniszewski with eight laps completed slowed the event for the first time. When green replaced yellow, Clark overtook Carothers for the lead and one more caution was all that slowed him to the victory in his NAPA Auto Parts Champion Heights/Martuccio Eye Care-sponsored #7. Carothers was 2.192 seconds back in second place. Jamie Scharba, Bryan Wagner, and defending champion Tim Burns were third through fifth. Heat victors were Burns and Scharba.

With the Blackshear Brothers moving up into higher divisions, the Econo Mod division is wide up this year. On Saturday night it was two drivers with a combined age of 29 battling for the 15-lap HTMA/Precise Racing Products feature win! In the end, it was 17-year-old Jeremy Double out-dueling 12-year-old Jacob Eucker for his third career win.

“Jake’s really good,” said the Bristolville, Ohio teen. “He made some little mistakes here and there, but he’s going to be hard to deal with. I was in the garage every day after school and work. I have to thank my uncle Skip for getting us here tonight. My dad wasn’t here and the last time he wasn’t we broke.”

The caution-plagued event saw Eucker race to the lead from the pole position. Steve Burns, Jr. passed Keith Felicetty for second on the opening lap while Double followed one lap later in third. Under caution for a Larry Root spin with two laps scored, Burns exited the event with mechanical woes moving Double to second for the restart.

Double went after Eucker and the two battled side-by-side on laps three and four. Double put a slider on the leader in turn four on lap four for the winning move. After three more cautions between laps four and six, the last nine laps went green-to-checkered with Double pulling away to win by 4.19 seconds in his Cortland Auto Repair/Wedge Motorsports/Thomas Heating & Cooling/King Bros./Russ King Racing-sponsored #83.

Eucker, who dominated action at Deerfield Raceway and captured the championship last year at 11 years of age, was impressive in his first Sharon start to claim second. Ryan Fraley came from 12th to place third over Felicetty and Dennis Dellinger, Jr. Heat winners were Double and Casey Bowers. Bowers, who swept the Apple Festival Nationals last September in his first two Sharon starts and captured Walt Wimer’s prestigious Western PA Rookie-of-the-Year, dropped from the feature on lap two.

After a dominating 2011 season to win the Mini Stock Championship, Bill Fuchs had to share victories and lost the championship in 2012 to Jim Haefke, Jr. With Haefke failing to start the feature Saturday night, Fuchs had little competition as he picked up the opening night 2013 honors in the 12-lap Deforest Used Parts feature event.

“Hats off to my pit crew,” stated the 37-year-old Greenville, Pa. racer. “A big thanks to the Kreider Family. We lost Roger after the Lernerville race last year. It’s a tough loss. It’s tough to go in the garage every Thursday and get the car aligned without him being there. His son does it now. Without them, this car would never go like it does. You can have the biggest motor you want, but if it doesn’t turn it’s not going anywhere. I have to thank Dave Willoughby, Sharon Speedway, and all the fans for coming out. The track was in great shape tonight and you guys always put on a good show.”

Scott Gilliland passed Ray Gregory for the lead on the first lap, while Fuchs trailed in second. Pete Blazczak dropped Gregory back to fourth on lap two. Fuchs was all over Gilliland, while Blazczak closed in making it a three-car race for the lead on lap four. Fuchs’ winning move came in tour four on the fourth circuit driving under and past Gilliland.

Fuchs went on uncontested for his all-time division leading milestone 20th career victory in his RTW Industrial Contracting/Hittles Auto Supply/Chatfield Well Drilling/Kreider Tire-sponsored #10. Gilliland edged out Blazczak for second after a torrid battle over the last nine laps. Gregory edged out newcomer Tyler Fulton for fourth. Fulton and Blazczak won the heat races.

Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds (20 laps): 1. REX KING, JR. (165) 2. Rex King (65) 3. Jim Weller, Jr. (31) 4. Ricky Richner (26) 5. Brian Swartzlander (83) 6. Tom Mattocks (69) 7. Rob Kristyak (00) 8. Eric Gabany (3E) 9. Tom Glenn (83T) 10. Erik Martin (29E) 11. Bob Warren (96B) 12. Kevin Green (74) 13. Greg Unrue, Jr. (5) 14. Chris Haines (35H) 15. Dave Murdick (61) 16. Eric Beggs (Edmondson 29*)-DNS 17. Ronnie Kahler (7R)-DNS 18. Skip Moore (17M)-DNS 19. Carl Murdick (6)-DNS.

Barris Supply RUSH Late Models (20 laps): 1. DENNIS LUNGER, JR. (Schwartz 71L) 2. Eric Wilson (27W) 3. Bill Cunningham (59) 4. Rocky Kugel (21KRT) 5. Ben Black (27B) 6. Jamie Brown (135) 7. Butch Lambert (27) 8. Matt Latta (21) 9. Nico Dabecco (Karalagas F1) 10. Michael Lake (27) 11. Joe Buccola, Jr. (5B) 12. Chuck Medved (2M) 13. Lon Emerick (3) 14. Jamie Wrightsman (21J) 15. Greg Beach (33x) 16. Clay Ruffo (14R).

Summit Racing Equipment (E) Modifieds (15 laps): 1. JEFF JOHNSON (27) 2. John Boardman (79.2) 3. Shawn Shingledecker (54s) 4. Alan Dellinger (White 53) 5. Jeff Hassay (10) 6. Mike Kinney (3) 7. Joe Gabrielson (58) 8. Jim Dellinger (Turley 1) 9. Jim Turley (117) 10. Clayton Kennedy (9) 11. Amanda Stiffler (14) 12. Gary Sullivan (47) 13. Scott Stiffler (14) 14. Russ Dunn (Clinger 0) 15. Trevor Herr (32) 16. Jake Eller (56)-DNS.

Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars (15 laps): 1. MIKE CLARK (7) 2. Brian Carothers (02c) 3. Jamie Scharba (00s) 4. Bryan Wagner (56) 5. Tim Burns (66) 6. Jeff Broniszewski (08) 7. Jamie Duncan (67J) 8. Tony Bruno (97) 9. Jeff Buccella (Davis 915) 10. Paul Davis (3) 11. Ron Yarab, Jr. (Burns 70B)-DNS.

HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods (15 laps): 1. JEREMY DOUBLE (83) 2. Jacob Eucker (64) 3. Ryan Fraley (12) 4. Keith Felicetty (98) 5. Dennis Dellinger, Jr. (17) 6. Mike Smith (81) 7. Ty Rhoades (12R) 8. Jeff Webber (25) 9. Steve Burns, Jr. (70B) 10. Jace Ferringer (02) 11. Casey Bowers (20) 12. Larry Root (22X) 13. Derek Dellinger (19)-DNS.

Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. BILL FUCHS (10) 2. Scott Gilliland (27) 3. Pete Blazczak (77) 4. Ray Gregory (82R) 5. Tyler Fulton (09) 6. Jim Clay (84J) 7. Tim McAninch (43) 8. Geof Pinch (36) 9. Jo Doyle (Gregory 82J) 10. Travis Creech (75T) 11. Jim Haefke, Jr. (421)-DNS 12. Todd Hanlon (7H)-DNS.

Sharon Speedway will be back in action this Saturday, April 14 with another “Steel Valley Thunder” program featuring the weekly six divisions. Pits open at 4 p.m. with grandstands at 5 and racing at 7. Grandstand admission is $13 for those 14 and up. Children 13 and under are always free. Pit passes are $25. Parking is always free.

Sharon Speedway is owned by the Blaney, Weller, and Kirila Families and is a 3/8-mile dirt track located on Custer-Orangeville Road in Hartford, Ohio near the intersection of Routes 7 & 305. For more information, check out the website at www.sharonspeedway.com or call 330-772-5481. Become a fan of Sharon Speedway on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sharonspeedway and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sharonspdwy.

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March 27, 2013

(Hartford, OH)…For the second consecutive week, Sharon Speedway has been forced to cancel Saturday’s (March 30) scheduled open practice and “Springduro 150” Enduro. The relentless unseasonably cold, wet weather hasn’t enabled track crews to be able to get on the 3/8-mile surface to date in addition to the parking areas being unusable left track officials with no choice but to cancel. With opening night up next Saturday (April 6), the “Springduro” 150 will not be rescheduled. Those that pre-entered will be refunded. A possible fall or early winter Enduro may be scheduled.

“Nothing has changed since last Wednesday when we had to postpone the event, in fact with the additional rounds of wet snow and cold conditions things are worse,” explained General Manager Dave Willoughby. “Even though again Saturday’s weather would be conducive to holding the event, there’s no way the track or parking areas would be ready. Hopefully we get some dry and warmer weather so the grounds can dry out and we can kickoff our season next Saturday.”

Speaking of next Saturday, it’ll be the kickoff of another season of “Steel Valley Thunder”. The Saturday, April 6 opener will feature the Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, Barris Supply RUSH Late Models, Summit Equipment Modifieds, Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars, HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods, and the Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks. Points will begin. Pits open at 4 p.m. with grandstands at 5 and racing at 7.

Sharon Speedway is owned by the Blaney, Weller, and Kirila Families and is a 3/8-mile dirt track located on Custer-Orangeville Road in Hartford, Ohio near the intersection of Routes 7 & 305. For more information, check out the website at www.sharonspeedway.com or call 330-772-5481. Become a fan of Sharon Speedway on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sharonspeedway and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sharonspdwy.

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(Hartford, OH)…Sharon Speedway has been forced to postpone Saturday’s (March 23) scheduled open practice and “Springduro 150” Enduro until next Saturday, March 30. An unseasonably cold and wet March hasn’t enabled track crews to be able to get on the 3/8-mile surface to date in addition to the parking areas being unusable left track officials with no choice but to postpone. March 30 will utilize the same event times with the open practice from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. followed by the Enduro at 2:30 p.m.

“Between the continual rain, snow and cold conditions this month, it just hasn’t allowed us to get the track ready,” explained General Manager Dave Willoughby. “This week’s weather was really the nail in the coffin and with more snow on the way there’s just no way to get the track and grounds ready even though Saturday’s weather doesn’t look too bad. We obviously need to provide safe conditions for both the racers and fans. Hopefully we’ll get some dry, warmer weather next week.”

Thirty-four cars to date have pre-entered for the “Springduro 150” Enduro that will pay $1,000 to-win. Past winners include Andy Sweetland in 2010 and Tim Gillette in 2011 and 2012. Both racers are entered. William Hurrelbrink and Aaron Hill will lead the field to green for the 150-lap affair. Entries are still being accepted. The entry form can be found on the website under driver info then registration at SharonSpeedway.com.

Racers of any and all divisions are welcome to participate in the open practice. In 2011, the first year a practice was held with the Enduro, 40 cars turned out despite frigid temps around 30 degrees. Last year’s temperature was some 30 degrees warmer and brought out 66 cars for practice on the Sunday make-up date!

Grandstand admission for Saturday is $7, while pit passes are $20.

The “Steel Valley Thunder” regular season gets underway on Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m. featuring the Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, Barris Supply RUSH Late Models, Summit Equipment Modifieds, Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars, HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods, and the Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks.

Sharon Speedway is owned by the Blaney, Weller, and Kirila Families and is a 3/8-mile dirt track located on Custer-Orangeville Road in Hartford, Ohio near the intersection of Routes 7 & 305. For more information, check out the website at www.sharonspeedway.com or call 330-772-5481. Become a fan of Sharon Speedway on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sharonspeedway and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sharonspdwy.

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January 24, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Hartford, OH)…Sharon Speedway has been forced to cancel Saturday’s (January 26) “Circle Track Showdown” Snowmobile Races due to the lack of snow. The event will not be rescheduled. Those that pre-entered for the event will receive a refund.

Despite snow in the forecast every day this week and areas to the north getting hammered with lake effect snow, Sharon Speedway was spared receiving only dustings throughout the week While the inaugural event in 2011 was a homerun, last year it took three tries to barely get one event in thanks to two big snowstorms in the days leading up to the event. Another relatively mild and snow-free winter will keep this year’s event from happening altogether.

“We held out as long as we could hoping for the snow that they kept predicting,” explained Sharon GM Dave Willoughby. “People have been calling and e-mailing in regards to the status on a daily basis and many travel from hours away to compete. Even though they are calling for a few inches of snow tomorrow, it just wouldn’t be enough. You can see the dirt on the speedway now. With the extending forecasting calling for above freezing temperatures for the next two weeks with highs in the 40s and near 50 for several days, and our banquet scheduled for February 2, we aren’t going to try again in February. We’ll give it a couple shots again next year.”

The 84th anniversary season at Sharon Speedway will now get underway on Saturday, March 23 with an open practice from 10 AM to 2 PM followed by the $1,000 to-win “Springduro 150” Enduro at 2:30 PM. The “Steel Valley Thunder” regular season gets underway on Saturday, April 6 featuring the Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, Barris Supply RUSH Late Models, Summit Equipment Modifieds, Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars, HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods, and the Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks.

Sharon Speedway is owned by the Blaney, Weller, and Kirila Families and is a 3/8-mile dirt track located on Custer-Orangeville Road in Hartford, Ohio near the intersection of Routes 7 & 305. For more information, check out the website at www.sharonspeedway.com or call 330-772-5481. Become a fan of Sharon Speedway on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sharonspeedway and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sharonspdwy.

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