June 15, 2013

(Hartford, OH)…After a beautiful start, clouds increased by Saturday evening and showers rolled in from the west, but only sprinkles fell at Sharon Speedway allowing for the 11^th straight racing program to be completed.  Varis Vein Institute with locations in Howland and Brookfield, Ohio was the night’s presenting sponsor.  It was also Pittsburgh Circle Track Club Night.  Sharon celebrated Father’s Day as all fathers were admitted for just $7.  102 race cars filled the pit area.

Celebrating in the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply victory lane were Rex King.-Governor Insurance DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, Dennis Lunger, Jr.-Barris Supply RUSH Late Models, Mike Kinney-Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds, Rod Laskey-Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars, Jacob Eucker-HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods, and Travis Creech-Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks.  A pair of bikes were given away to two lucky children thanks to King Bros. and Sharon Speedway.

In what looked like nearly a carbon copy of one week ago, Rex King held off a hard charging Jeremiah Shingledecker for the second straight week to capture his third DIRTcar Big-Block Modified win of the season in the 20-lap Governor Insurance Agency feature.  “I had Johnny and Ken on the backstretch having a fit telling me to go low,” explained the veteran Bristolville, Ohio standout.  “I figured I better go low and it worked out.  I have to thank all of my sponsors, everyone at Sharon Speedway, and the fans- they’re great.”

It was a mad scramble on the opening lap with everyone trying to make an early move for track position.  Tom Glenn took command at the start with fifth starting Ricky Richner finding his way past several competitors for second.  King, who started sixth and was still sixth after lap one, made a hard charge to pass Eric Gabany, Shingledecker, and Bob Warren for third on lap two.

Lap three saw Richner power into the lead with King following as they dropped Glenn back to third.  One lap later, Shingledecker made the pass for third.  King wasted little time charging by Richner on lap four for the lead.  Shingledecker then went at it with Richner.  The duo raced side-by-side for three laps until Shingledecker slid under and past the New Yorker in turn two on lap seven

King had opened up a half-straightaway lead by the time Shingledecker got to second.  A pair of cautions slowed action with eight and nine laps completed.  In between, Rex King, Jr. and Jim Weller, Jr. were able to advance to fourth and fifth respectively past Gabany.

The last 11 laps went green-to-checkered.  After King got away on the start, Shingledecker reeled the leader in on lap 13 and was right on King’s bumper on lap 15.  Like one week ago, Shingledecker tried every move possible, but he had to settle for second.  King’s margin of victory was 1.616 seconds for his 45^th career win in the KMB Inc.-owned, GS Engine Power/Midway Garage Door/University Hospital-sponsored #65.

Shingledecker has now finished second or third in each of his last three starts.  Richner’s third was his best of the season.  King, Jr. and Weller traded fourth and fifth back and forth several times with King, Jr. winning out.  Sixth through 10^th were Gabany, Dave Murdick, Glenn, Jimmy Weller III and Rob Kristyak.  Murdick and Weller, Jr. won the heat races.

After ending 2012 in victory lane and starting 2013 off with a bang winning two of the first three features, Dennis Lunger, Jr. hit somewhat of a slump, but Lunger was back at it Saturday night and returned to glory for his third 20-lap Barris Supply RUSH Late Model win.

“This is the other car that I won with early in the year and we haven’t raced it since,” revealed the 45-year-old Albion, Pa. driver.  “We blew the other one up last week as I’m sure most people saw.  We thought we’d give this one a shot and this one is good!  I think I’m going to stay with this one for awhile.  I was hoping for a couple wins here this year, but this is three now so I’m hoping for six and pass Will (Thomas).  He’s a good buddy of mine and I just saw he took over second on the all-time win list here.  My goal is to pass him so us two old guys can sit down there and joke about it.”

After a strong sophomore season, Matt Latta has really struggled to date this season.  Following a sixth place effort Friday night in the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC Touring Series event at McKean County Raceway, Latta bolted to the early lead.  Latta set the pace for the first five circuits before a caution for a spin by Brian Booher after contact from Clay Ruffo.

Lunger started third and passed Josh Double on lap one for second.  The caution was just what Lunger needed as on the ensuing restart, Lunger took command.  Lunger would survive two more cautions as he took the checkered flag first by 1.902 seconds in the Schwartz Construction-owned, Schwartz Trucking/Choices Restaurant/English Tire/State Farm Insurance Chris Brecht-sponsored #71L.  Lunger now has a commanding 49-point lead over defending champion Will Thomas III.

Latta’s second was clearly his best finish of the season as his prior best was a pair of fifth place finishes.  The third position saw four different racers in Double, Rocky Kugel, Eric Wilson, and Thomas at one point lay claim to the spot, but in the end it was “Futures Cup” teenager Wilson getting the nod over Thomas, Double, and Kugel.  Seventh through 10^th were Jamie Wrightsman, Ruffo, Mike Anderson, and Booher.  Heats were captured by Lunger and Thomas.

Mike Kinney has never been a big winner in the Modified division throughout the circuit, but Kinney could certainly be considered one of the most consistent racers that’s always near the front when the checkered flag waves.  Kinney would like to change that and become more of a winner on a consistent basis and he’s well on his way.  Kinney won last Saturday for his first win of the season, finished fourth in Wednesday’s UEMS event, and did it again on Saturday night winning the 15-lap Summit Racing Equipment feature.

“I want to thank Dave (Willoughby) and the crew here at Sharon,” expressed the 39-year-old Ashtabula, Ohio racer.  “This is one the greatest tracks I’ve raced on.  It’s always smooth.  Thank God we always beat the weather so that’s great.  My crew and I worked real hard the last couple days to make sure we got here and everything was right.  They make this all happen and I can’t thank those guys enough.”

Jeff Hassay used his pole position start to take the early lead over newcomer Jackson Humanic.  A five-car accident on lap two took out the third place car of Dwayne Clay.  When racing resumed, seventh starting Jeff Johnson and sixth starting Kinney both disposed of Humanic for second and third respectively.  Kinney drove under and past Johnson in turn four on lap four for second.

A caution for a spin by Bob Diver bunched up the field with three laps scored.  On the ensuing restart, Kinney powered around Hassay in turns one and two for the lead.  It was a lead that Kinney would never relinquish as the final 12 laps went non-stop.  Kinney’s Racecar Fabricating/TJ Racing Transmission/Close Racing Supply/Arp’s Automotive/Flinbiu Graphics/Hoosier Tire-sponsored #3 won by 2.910 seconds over Johnson for his fourth career win.

Johnson, who finished second, trails by Kinney by 16 in the standings.  Hassay’s third improved on his prior best finish of fifth back on opening night.  Joe Gabrielson, who started eighth, passed Humanic on lap five to finish fourth.  Rocky Kugel had a great run in fifth after starting 14^th in just his second start in Randy Beck’s #357.  Sixth through 10^th were Humanic, Alan Dellinger, Mike Monreal, Ed Wilson, and Trevor Herr.  Heat winners were Gabrielson and Johnson.

After competing for the Stock Car Championship last year for Bob Sloss, Rod Laskey has only made four starts this season- one for Sloss and three in his own car.  Laskey though has made them count as he won his second of the season on Saturday night in the 15-lap Gibson Insurance to go along with a runner-up and a fourth place finish.

“The car wasn’t right in the heat race,” acknowledged the 37-year-old Oil City, Pa. driver.  “It kept laying down in the middle of the turn.  We tried to adjust the floats after the heat race.  It’s better, but it’s still not right.  It has a lot more in it.  This is a 358 motor on pump gas.  It has 10:1 compression.  I’m trying to get away from the high dollar fuel.  I love this place and this is the surface I love.  I have to thank my mom and dad.  It’s Father’s Day Weekend and this one is for dad.”

After two multi-car melees without a lap being scored, action settled down and 12 laps were run caution-free.  Laskey moved to the front row after Jamie Scharba and Ron Yarab, Jr. were in involved in the second tangle.  Laskey took charge immediately and only the caution with two laps to go slowed his dominating performance over Brian Carothers.

Laskey still pulled away in the two-lap shootout to win by 1.490 seconds Randy’s Auto Sales/Anderson Physical Therapy/The Works/Les Frickshun #1R.  Carothers struggled after the caution as defending champion Tim Burns, 10^th starting Bob McCann, and point leader Mike Clark all got by to finish second through fourth respectively.  Carothers faded to fifth.  Clark and Burns copped the heat races over the regular season high of 18 cars.

Twelve-year-old Jacob Eucker out-dueled teenager Jeremy Double to win a caution-filled 15-lap Econo Mod feature.  The two youngsters went at it as they have several times this year with Eucker getting by on a late restart to capture his third HTMA/Precise Racing Products feature!  “I know Jeremy likes the bottom and I just tried to hold him off described,” the Hartford, Ohio winner.  “The cautions really didn’t bother me.  I’d like to thank all of my sponsors.

Eucker charged ahead of Kevin Robinson on the start for the early lead.  Eucker held the top spot for the first five laps before sixth starting Double went under and past Eucker in turn four for the lead on the sixth circuit.  Numerous cautions slowed action between laps seven through 13.  Double continued to keep Eucker at bay until lap 12 when Eucker retook the lead.

The two went at it over the final laps, but Eucker had just enough to hold on over Double by just 0.134 of a second in the Matt Eucker-owned, Tom’s Sewer & Drain/Ohio Commerce Center/Dr. John Eucker/Damon Race Engines/Altitude Adjustment/Danski Dyno & Performance/Close Racing Supply-sponsored #64.  Jace Ferringer was a season best third.  Jodi Woodworth, Sr. came from 11^th to place third for his best finish as well.  Rookie Ty Rhoades continues to be consistent finishing fifth for his fifth straight top five!  Heat winners were Burns, point leader Ryan Fraley, and Rhoades.

Rookie Travis Creech came out on top of a wild Mini Stock feature for his third win of the year in the 12-lap Deforest Used Parts main.  “I didn’t know what was going on behind me,” expressed the 25-yeard-old Niles, Ohio resident.  “The car stated missing after lap three.  I figured the 77-car was going to get me because I was done, but then it cleared up and started running again.  I just tried to hold down the outside.  Once it gets on the outside it’s hard to beat.”

Creech started fifth and was up to third after one lap.  Creech passed Steve Walker II for runner-up on lap two then went after leader Dylan Goodman.  The newcomer Goodman led the first four laps until Creech made the winning pass on a restart on lap five.  Creech went unchallenged in his May’s Towing/Elite Coleman Sales-sponsored #75T to the win.

Tim McAninch inherited second on lap seven when Scott Gilliland got into Goodman.  McAninch held down the second spot to the finish for his best finish.  Point leader Gilliland came from the tail to finish third over newcomer Dale Fraschetti and 12^th starting Jim Haefke, Jr.  Bill Fuchs got upside down, but he was okay. Heat wins were collected by Gilliland and McAninch over the season-high 17-car field.

Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds (20 laps): 1. REX KING (65)  2. Jeremiah Shingledecker (37MD)  3. Ricky Richner (26)  4. Rex King, Jr. (165)  5. Jim Weller, Jr. (31)  6. Eric Gabany (3E)  7. Dave Murdick (61)  8. Tom Glenn (83T)  9. Jimmy Weller III (23)  10. Rob Kristyak (00)  11. Carl Murdick (6)  12. Don Brown (71B)  13. Rusty Johns (03)  14. Bob Warren (96B)  15. Dave Reges (27R)  16. Rick Ryder (Snider 189)  17. Brian Bailes (11B)-DNS.

Barris Supply RUSH Late Models (20 laps): 1. DENNIS LUNGER, JR. (Schwartz 71L)  2. Matt Latta (21)  3. Eric Wilson (27W)  4. Will Thomas III (9)  5. Josh Double (38)  6. Rocky Kugel (21KRT)  7. Jamie Wrightsman (21J)  8. Clay Ruffo (14R)  9. Mike Anderson (72)  10. Brian Booher (Hoover 00H)  11. Ben Black (27B).

Summit Racing Equipment (E) Modifieds (15 laps): 1. MIKE KINNEY (3)  2. Jeff Johnson (27)  3. Jeff Hassay (10)  4. Joe Gabrielson (58)  5. Rocky Kugel (Beck 357)  6. Jackson Humanic (17)  7. Alan Dellinger (White 53)  8. Mike Monreal (71M)  9. Ed Wilson (33)  10. Trevor Herr (32)  11. Bob Williamson (93)  12. Wayne Brugmann (79)  13. Bob Diver (23)  14. Brock Moskey (3M)  15. Dwayne Clay.

Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars (15 laps): 1. ROD LASKEY (1R)  2. Tim Burns (66)  3. Bob McCann (Fornataro USA1)  4. Mike Clark (7)  5. Brian Carothers (02c)  6. Paul Davis (3)  7. Jeff Buccella (Davis 915)  8. Jamie Scharba (00s)  9. Charlie Jasinski (5J)  10. Bob Sloss (44s)  11. Jason Stanke (44)  12. Brent Coleman (01)  13. Ron Yarab, Jr. (Burns 70B)  14. Bruce Redman (27)  15. Tony Bruno (97)  16. Jamie Duncan (67J)  17. Bob Pollock (70X)  18. Jesse Brock (22B).

HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods (15 laps): 1. JACOB EUCKER (64)  2. Jeremy Double (83)  3. Jace Ferringer (02)  4. Jodi Woodworth, Sr. (6)  5. Ty Rhoades (12R)  6. Tony Hyde (12)  7. Ryan Fraley (12)  8. Casey Bowers (20)  9. Kevin Robinson (24R)  10. Alan Atkinson (30Too)  11. Larry Root (22x)  12. Junior Mechling (89)  13. Jason Stanke (44)  14. Steve Samuelson (80JR)  15. Adam Babcock (67)  16. Keith Felicetty (98)  17. George Vestal IV (4)  18. Jodi Woodworth, Jr. (07)  19. Steve Burns, Jr. (70B)  20. Gina Thompson (Webber 25)  21. Mike Hillman (29)  22. Derek Dellinger (19)  23. Kevin Sergeff (17s)  24. Brian Hathaway (93)-DNS.

Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. TRAVIS CREECH (75T)  2. Tim McAninch (43)  3. Scott Gilliland (27)  4. Dale Fraschetti (23)  5. Jim Haefke, Jr. (421)  6. Ray Gregory (82R)  7. Jim Clay, Jr. (84J)  8. Jake Monreal (32M)  9. Patrick Drennan (24)  10. Logan Keney (17L)  11. Dylan Goodman (77)  12. Steve Walker II (4M)  13. Christi Brugmann (19)  14. Bill Fuchs (10)  15. Brian Shay (3J)  16. Jeff Little (42)  17. Cale Sousa (10).

It’ll be a busy stretch for Sharon Speedway as on Wednesday there will be an open practice from 4:30 p.m. to dark.  Next Saturday, June 22 is another “Steel Valley Thunder” program featuring the DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, RUSH Late Models, Modifieds, Stock Cars, Econo Mods, and Mini Stocks.  Race time is 7 p.m.  Then coming up on Tuesday, June 25 is Ohio Sprint Speedweek for the All Stars with $5,000 on the line along with the Econo Mods and 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.

###

June 13, 2013

(Hartford, OH)…Week after week, Sharon Speedway seemingly takes on Mother Nature and continues to win out completing the racing events.  After a dreary Saturday last weekend and somehow completing Wednesday’s Pay It Forward “Summer Bash” against the forecast odds, Sharon will look to complete the 11th straight racing event of the season this Saturday night (June 15)!

Good weather for once is predicted for Saturday’s “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.  Racing begins at 7 p.m.

Saturday is a Father’s Day Celebration as all dads will receive general admission for just $7, which is a savings of $6!  It’s also Pittsburgh Circle Track Club Night as all card carrying members will receive free grandstand admission and $13 off pit admission!  Once again Saturday night, one lucky boy and girl under the age of 14 will win a bicycle or scooter thanks to King Bros. and Sharon Speedway.  This promotion will continue throughout the 2013 season.

Jim Weller, Jr. is having his best season in quite some time in the Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds.  Outside of a 15th place finish on May 11, the veteran Hubbard, Ohio racer hasn’t finished worse than the third position in seven other starts!  Besides his two wins, Weller broke the track record on four consecutive laps in his heat race last Saturday!

Weller has raced out to an 18-point lead over Rex King, Jr. and 27 over the elder King.  Both Kings also have a pair of victories.  One-time winner, Dave Murdick, is fourth in points over Ricky Richner as the consistent New Yorker continues to search for his first ever Sharon win.

Action has really heated up in the Barris Supply RUSH Late Models.  After a slow start, defending champion Will Thomas III has come alive with a pair of victories, but it’s still Dennis Lunger, Jr., who won two of the season’s first three races, leading the points.  Quite a rivalry is brewing between the teenager Eric Wilson, who won on June 1, and Lunger and Thomas.  Matt Latta, who has had a disappointing third season, is fourth in points.  RUSH racers continue to add important Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC Weekly Series points to their tally and also qualify for the Pace Performance “Summer Chase”, which starts in July.

Mike Kinney and Dave Hess, Jr. recently became the newest Modified winners of 2013.  Kinney held off Steve Dixon to win Saturday night’s feature, while Hess drove to the $2,000 UEMS-sanctioned victory on Wednesday night.  Hess became the eighth different winner in 10 races in the ultra-competitive Summit Racing Equipment-sponsored division.  There have been 60 different Modifieds that have competed this season!

Kinney sits atop the standings by 13 over Alan Dellinger and Joe Gabrielson in his quest for his first championship.  After a strong start, Dellinger has cooled off in recent weeks, while Gabrielson has been very consistent and recorded his first win on June 1 since the passing of his father Bill.

Without a doubt, Mike Clark is having quite a season.  Like Weller, Clark has only one finish outside the top three this year!  The Bristolville, Ohio driver is full speed ahead in search of his first championship.  After going winless for some 15 years, Clark has won two feature events each of the past three seasons.  Clark sits 18 points ahead of last year’s champion Tim Burns.  Paul Davis, Bryan Wagner, and Jamie Scharba are third through fifth in the standings.

Jeremy Double, Ryan Fraley, and Jacob Eucker are clearly the class of the Econo Mod field.  The trio has account for nine of the 10 feature event victories this season with only Steve Burns, Jr. being able to crack into victory lane.  Double’s fourth win on Wednesday night was a big one as it pulled him to within 12 of Fraley’s point lead.  It also gave him the most wins in the division this season and second most at the Speedway!  While 12-year-old Eucker holds down the third spot, Burns is of course fourth, while impressive rookie Ty Rhoades rounds out the top five.

Jim Haefke, Jr. regained his winning form of 2012 capturing his season’s first win in the Mini Stocks last Saturday.  Haefke though still has a lot of work to do as he sits fourth in the Deforest Used Parts standings 70 points behind the Speedway’s top winner, Scott Gilliland. Gilliland’s five victories have helped him post a 36-point lead over 2011 champion Bill Fuchs, while rookie Travis Creech keeps himself in the thick of things just five more points back.

Pits open at 4 p.m. Saturday with grandstands at 5 and heat races slated for 7.  Grandstand admission for those 14 and over is $13, while children under 14 are always free.  Pit passes are $25.  Parking and camping is always free.

Don’t forget that coming up on Tuesday, June 25 will be the first of four Sprint Car shows in 2013 at Sharon!  The first event will be an All Star Circuit of Champions-sanctioned event as part of Ohio Speedweek with the winner pocketing $5,000.  The Econo Mods ($350 to-win) and Mini Stocks ($200 to-win) will be part of the program in points-paying events.  Gates open at 4 p.m. for both of these programs.

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.

###

June 12, 2013

(Hartford, OH)…Despite thunderstorms in the forecast all day on Wednesday, only a few sprinkles fell in the late afternoon and early evening at Sharon Speedway and the entire Pay It Forward Foundation “Summer Bash” was run off in less than two hours. It was the 10th straight program to be completed this year at Sharon! Celebrating in the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply victory lane were Mike Knight-NDRL’s ULMS Super Late Models, Dave Hess, Jr.-NDRL’S UEMS Modifieds, and Jeremy Double-Econo Mods. NASCAR racers Ken Schrader and third generation driver Ryan Blaney were scheduled to compete. Schrader finished eighth in the Modified feature, while Blaney’s ride was a no show and unfortunately a ride couldn’t be secured at the last minute.

Mike Knight finally nailed down his first career Sharon Speedway win. Knight led all 25 laps of the NDRL’s ULMS Super Late Model feature without a challenge for the $3,000 prize. It was also his first ULMS victory of 2013.

“We didn’t think this was going to happen,” acknowledged the Ripley, New York driver. “You’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t in your perspective. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t, but I’m glad you decided to run! We have some of the best drivers and competition and fans in the country right here in this area. We’re on a good streak right now and doing well. I’ve been good here before, but I’m glad to get a win. I have one of the best crews out there. I’ve had some really good guys that have been with me for 10+ years.”

After a false start and a flat tire for Russell King, Knight surged into the lead over Adam Gordon and Dave Hess, Jr. The race was slowed again when Matt Urban spun with one lap scored. When racing resumed, Knight quickly distanced himself from the field and had a comfortable lead by lap four, while the battle was on for second as Gordon was trying to hold off Hess and King.

Knight continued to stretch his lead as the margin grew to a straightaway by lap seven. King and Hess battled side-by-side on laps 9 and 10. King nosed ahead of Hess for third racing off the bottom of turn two on lap 10. Two laps later, Hess slowed and exited the event, which moved Urban to fourth.

Knight was gaining about four tenths of second every lap on Gordon as he opened up a near half-lap lead at the halfway point of the event. King closed in on Gordon on lap 14 and the battle picked for second. After a good battle for several laps, King made the pass for second on lap 18. Gordon’s fine run ended when he blew a tire and slapped the backstretch fence with 21 laps scored.

The last four-lap dash to the finish went green-to-checkered as Knight faced no challenges taking the checkered flag first by a margin of 2.023 seconds in his Jay’s Auto Wrecking/Craiger Race Engines/Malone Tool & Mold/Keystone Alliance Insurance/Jim’s Automotive Parts-sponsored #9K. Knight became the 106th different driver to win a Super Late Model race at Sharon in the 406 races run all-time.

King was second over Urban, Jim Rasey, and Gordon, who returned to the track for the finish. Hess was credited with sixth. Engines issues forced John Garvin, Jr. to scratch from the feature. King set fast time in qualifying with a lap of 15.659 to earn the $50 from Zimmer’s Service Center. Knight also won the lone heat race. A disappointing seven cars showed for the second of four scheduled ULMS events in 2013.

As has been the case seemingly night in and night out, the Modifieds continue to put on the best racing of the night. Wednesday night was no different as Dave Hess, Jr. captured the 25-lap UEMS feature for his first win of the season at Sharon. Hess became the eighth different winner in 10 races this season!

“We’re still trying to figure this car out and Mike (Knight) gave us a whopping in that Late Model race so I had to come back and get some dignity back,” joked the Waterford, Pa. standout. “That was a great battle with (Jeff) Johnson up front and all of those guys. The track was fast with Mother Nature, but at least it held up long enough to get it in. We kept working in the shop and looking at the radar thinking it was going to be a washout. Then we figured at the last minute we better get going because it was looking alright and I made it work out. I have to thank my crew, the fans for coming out, and the track prep guys for getting it ready”

Two-time 2013 Sharon winner, Jeff Johnson, took charge of the event as the green flag was displayed. Steve Dixon, Mike Kinney, Vic Vena, and Ken Schrader filled out the top five after the completion of lap one. Dixon slipped high in turn four on lap two allowing Kinney to sneak by for second. Hess, who started fifth and slipped back to sixth after one lap, passed Schrader and Vena on lap two for fourth then got under and past Dixon in turn two on lap three for third.

A spin by Bruce Powell slowed action with three laps recorded. On the ensuing restart, Hess got a got bite off the bottom to pass Kinney in turn two for second. Hess quickly caught Johnson and went to work on the leader. The duo ran side-by-side on lap five, but Johnson slipped high in turn four allowing Hess to nose ahead to lead the lap. Johnson didn’t give up as his momentum around the topside of the speedway carried him back into the lead on lap six.

Dixon and Kinney battled for the win on Saturday night with Kinney scoring his first of 2013. They resumed their battle on Wednesday night, but this time for the third spot. Dixon passed Kinney for the position on lap five. Meanwhile back up front, Hess regained the lead for good on lap nine as his pass stuck on the bottom of turn three. Kinney retook third from Dixon on lap 13. Kirk Bradley, who made his first start, spun with 18 laps completed.

Back under green flag conditions, Dixon got under Kinney to take third on lap 19. Johnson’s solid run ended in a puff of smoke bringing out the third and final caution with 21 laps recorded. This moved Dixon to second followed by Kinney, and Watson. In the last four laps, Hess was able to hold on in his Hess’ Garage/Beacon Lubricants-sponsored #44 to win by just 1.063 of a second for his third career Sharon win.

Dixon was second for the second time in five days! Ninth starting Watson passed good friend Kinney on the final lap to claim third. Kinney dropped to fourth. Jonathan Taylor, who arrived late and missed time trials, charged from 17th to a fine fifth place effort. Completing the top 10 were 16th starting Mike Potosky, Vena, Schrader, Andy Buckley, and Randy Hall. Johnson set fast time in qualifying by just 0.002 of a second over Hess to earn the $50 from Zimmer’s Service Center! Johnson, Dixon, and Vena won the heats over the 24-car field.

After a disappointing finish on Saturday, Jeremy Double bounced back to win his division leading fourth of the season in the Econo Mods. The 15-lap HTMA/Precise Racing Products victory was worth $350. “We were a little low on power, but there was brown down low and it slicked off up top,” explained the 17-year-old Bristolville, Ohio racer. “It pushed every time I went up there. I overreacted in the crash Saturday and luckily it wasn’t as bad as I thought when it happened. It was good to go and it handles just as good as before! I have to thank my dad and Uncle Skip for fixing the nose and getting everything welded back up.”

Double started third, but when pole-sitter Larry Root moved up a groove on the start, it left a hole wide open and Double seized the opportunity. Double got a great bite off the bottom and had the lead at the flag stand. It was a lead he’d never relinquish. Two cautions were all that slowed his run to his sixth career victory in his Cortland Auto Repair/Wedge Motorsports/Thomas Heating & Cooling/King Bros./Russ King Racing-sponsored #83. The final caution with nine laps completed erased a straightaway advantage.

Twelve-year-old Jacob Eucker started fifth and was up to third after one lap. Eucker took over second on lap two when Root slipped high. Eucker, who has two wins this season, was no match for Double as he came up 2.518 seconds shy. Point leader Ryan Fraley worked his way from 15th to finish third. Ty Rhoades continues his strong runs as the rookie placed fourth after starting eighth. Steve Burns, Jr. also made progress through the field recording a fifth after starting 12th. Brian Hathaway and Eucker collected heat race wins.

Julian Bennett and Taylin Gentry were the winners of the kids bike giveaways courtesy of King Bros. and Sharon Speedway.

NDRL’s ULMS Super Late Models (25 laps, $3,000 to-win): 1. MIKE KNIGHT (9) 2. Russell King (56) 3. Matt Urban (1U) 4. Jim Rasey (32) 5. Adam Gordon (18G) 6. Dave Hess, Jr. (44) 7. John Garvin, Jr. (J4)-DNS.

NDRL’S UEMS Modifieds (25 laps, $2,000 to-win): 1. DAVE HESS, JR. (44) 2. Steve Dixon (Engles 68) 3. Joel Watson (92) 4. Mike Kinney (3) 5. Jonathan Taylor (5) 6. Mike Potosky (M20) 7. Vic Vena (01) 8. Ken Schrader (9) 9. Andy Buckley (965) 10. Randy Hall (Vena 10) 11. Howard Fraley (217) 12. Ken Zimmer (62) 13. Richard Michael, Jr. (17x) 14. Jeff Johnson (27) 15. Shawn Shingledecker (54s) 16. Kirk Bradley (5B) 17. Carl McKinney (Hendrickson 6M) 18. Jack Young (Hamilton 67) 19. Brian Douglas (214) 20. Larry Kugel (Petsko 00) 21. Bruce Powell (35) 22. Joe Gabrielson (58)-DNS 23. Dustin Fraley (127)-DNS 24. Gary Sullivan (47s)-DNS.

HTMA Precise Racing Products Econo Mods (15 laps, $350 to-win): 1. JEREMY DOUBLE (83) 2. Jacob Eucker (64) 3. Ryan Fraley (12) 4. Ty Rhoades (12R) 5. Steve Burns, Jr. (70B) 6. Brian Hathaway (93) 7. Jason Stanke (44) 8. Larry Root (22x) 9. Alan Atkinson (30Too) 10. Junior Mechling (89) 11. Keith Felicetty (98) 12. Gina Thompson (Webber 25) 13. Jace Ferringer (02) 14. Mike Hillman (29) 15. Adam Babcock (67)-DNS.

Coming up on Saturday, June 15 is “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. It’s a Father’s Day Celebration with just $7 grandstand admission for all dads! It’s also Pittsburgh Circle Track Club Night with free grandstand admission for all card-carrying members. 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.

###

June 11, 2013

(Hartford, OH)…Sharon Speedway is set to host another special race event and its first of three midweek shows of 2013 this Wednesday night (June 12).  The inaugural “Summer Bash” Pay it Forward Foundation will feature the NDRL’s United Late Model Series (ULMS) and the United E-Mod Series (UEMS).  The Econo Mods will also be on the racing card.  Though not on the original published 2013 schedule, Hamilton-Young Motorsports has coordinated this special event part of the 84th anniversary season that will include NASCAR racers Ken Schrader and Ryan Blaney competing in Modifieds.

The appearance by both ULMS and UEMS will be their second of four occasions of the season.  Back on April 20, “The Juice” Davey Johnson shattered the track record in route to the $3,000 ULMS payday.  Johnson’s victory was the 27th of his career, which is second all-time to the great Jim Bickerstaff.  Johnson is likely to be in the field on June 12 as he looks to add to that total.  Keith Barbara ended the 2012 season at Sharon winning the season’s only Super Late Model show and first ever ULMS event at the speedway.

Other ULMS winners to date this season include Rob Blair (April 6 at Mercer), Ron Davies (April 27 at McKean), Robbie Blair (May 25 at Stateline), and Tim McCreadie (May 31 at McKean).  Local Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio is the current Series point leader.  King, who has six career Big-Block Modified wins at Sharon, has never won in the Super Late Models at the Speedway.  Once again, $3,000 will be posted to the event’s winner.  ULMS will return on Saturday, July 20 and Saturday, October 5 for two more $3,000 to-win shows!

The Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds have provided the best racing night in and night out this season to date with seven different winners in nine races.  A regular season high of 25 cars was on hand this past Saturday with Mike Kinney edging out Steve Dixon.  The action heats up even more when UEMS comes to town.  In 2012, Jack Young tied for the championship with Joel Watson.  Young and his car owner Ken Hamilton were instrumental in making the June 12 event happen, which also includes $2,000 to-win for the Modifieds!

Joining the already stout Modified field that is expected to draw racers from all over with no other events taking place are NASCAR racers Ken Schrader and up and coming star Ryan Blaney.  The youngest of the racing Blaneys is quickly making a name for himself in NASCAR; however, has yet to win a race at the speedway his father is part-owner of.  In fact, Ryan has only one career start at Sharon coming in a Limited Sprint Car several years ago.  Ryan is a former PASS Super Late Model Champion and has had success in recent seasons in the NASCAR’s K&N Pro Series East, Camping World Truck Series, and the Nationwide Series.

Sharon will have two more Modified special events after June 12.  They are July 20 with ULMS and then $2,000 will be up for grabs again on September 14 all under the UEMS banner!

Zimmer’s Service Center in West Springfield, PA has posted $50 to the fast qualifier of both ULMS & UEMS!

The speedway’s regular HTMA/Precise Racing Econo Mods will round out the program on June 12 racing for $350 to-win in a full point event.  Ryan Fraley, who won his third of the season on Saturday night over a record 25-car field, is the current point leader.

The Pay It Forward Foundation was formed with the desire to carry out the mission defined by the principle of generosity witnessed in the movie Pay It Forward.  P.I.F.F. is a completely volunteer group in the spirit of love and faith that raises money to help hard-working people who have fallen on tough times regardless of their beliefs, color, sex, age or orientation. The only thing they ask is that the recipients, in the same spirit of love and faith, pay it forward with three random acts of kindness.  For more information, check out their website at www.piffcleveland.org.

“This will be a great event to be able to host at Sharon Speedway,” stated Sharon GM Dave Willoughby.  “It gives us another opportunity to feature the Super Late Models, which isn’t always easy to do with so many Saturday Super Late Model shows.  Racers and fans both are always asking us to do more events  and we’re glad to be able to host four shows this season.  I have to thank Hamilton-Young Motorsports for making this night happen.”

Gates open at 4 p.m. with racing at 7.  Adult grandstand admission is just $15.  Students 13 and under are always free as is parking.  Pit passes are $35.

Sharon features 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 on a weekly basis as part of the “Steel Valley Thunder” programs 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.

###

June 8, 2013

(Hartford, OH)…Sharon Speedway was able to complete the ninth straight race event on Saturday night.  Another cool and overcast day following rainy weather led to fast track conditions.  A season high 108 race cars filled the pit area on Lincoln Electric Night.

Celebrating in the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply victory lane were Rex King.-Governor Insurance DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, Will Thomas III-Barris Supply RUSH Late Models, Mike Kinney-Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds, Mike Clark-Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars, Ryan Fraley-HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods, and Jim Haefke, Jr.-Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks.

Rex King matched his son “Cooter” and point leader Jim Weller, Jr. with his second victory for tops in the DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds.  The elder King led all 20 laps of the Governor Insurance Agency feature holding off a valiant charge by Jeremiah Shingledecker.

“Finally,” stated the veteran standout from Bristolville, Ohio.  “I haven’t liked my race car the last few weeks.  It looked like you had to enter high and drive down and diamond across the bottom.  That’s where it worked.  You have (Jeremiah) Shingledecker, (Jim) Weller, (Dave) Murdick, Cooter- there’s a lot of good guys here so it’s no walk in the park by any means.  I have a lot of great sponsors I have to thank them and the fans at Sharon Speedway.”

King out-motored the “358” small-block of Eric Gabany to blast into the lead.  Gabany, Shingledecker, Jimmy Weller III and Dave Murdick filled the remainder of the top five after the conclusion of lap one.  Sixth starting Weller, Jr. went around both Murdick and his son for fourth on lap three with Murdick following in fifth.  Shingledecker caught Gabany on lap three making it a three-car race for the lead.  Three laps later, Weller, Jr. caught the front-pack as it was now a four-car battle for the lead!

Shingledecker finally made the move for second on lap eight driving under and past Gabany in turns one and two.  Shingledecker then closed in on King at the halfway point as he was running faster laps than the leader.  In the end, a caution probably wasn’t what Shingledecker wanted as the pace was slowed with 11 laps completed due to a spin by Bob Warren.

Back and under green, the last nine laps would go green-to-checkered.  Shingledecker tried every move possible, but King ran the preferred line and would hold on by just 0.830 of a second in the KMB Inc.-owned, GS Engine Power/Midway Garage Door/University Hospital-sponsored #65.  It was King’s first win since the second night of racing back on April 27, but 44^th of his career at the Speedway!

Shingledecker’s runner-up matched his season best effort.  Weller’s third allowed him to continue to maintain a fairly comfortable point lead of 18 over King.  Murdick was fourth over Gabany, who turned in his second straight fifth place finish.  Sixth through 10^th were Weller III, Chris Haines, King, Jr., Ricky Richner, and Tom Glenn.  Weller, Jr. and Shingledecker won the heat races.  In Weller’s heat race, he broke the track record for the first four consecutive laps and established a new track record of 15.443!  Weller totally shattered the previous record of 15.859 set by Kevin Bolland last season!

After somewhat of a slow start, defending champion Will Thomas III has become the driver to beat in the RUSH Late Models in recent weeks.  Thomas now has two victories and a runner-up in the last three regular events, and despite missing opening night has soared to runner-up in points!  Thomas’ victory came in the 20-lap Barris Supply feature.

“It was a real neat race track,” said the 37-year-old Sharpsville, Pa. racer.  “A lot of times when you get to weather this time of the year it’s different like it was last year being hot.  I usually like it when it’s slick as it takes more of a driver, but it was cool tonight.  Dennis (Lunger) is a good racer.  He’s an old guy like me.  We’ve been around awhile.  We race well together and he’s a hard racer.  I like coming to Sharon.  There are a lot of fans here.  It’s good to see people support their local race tracks.”

Dennis Lunger, Jr., who shot out of the gates winning two of the season’s first three features in addition to the last race of 2012, raced to the early lead over Brian Booher.  Thomas started fifth and passed teenagers Jorden Peters and Clay Ruffo on the first lap for third.  Seventh starting Josh Double was able to advance three positions after the first lap for fourth.

Thomas caught Booher and the two ran side-by-side on laps two and three.  Thomas made the pass stick coming off the bottom of turn four on lap three for second.  Thomas quickly closed on Lunger on lap four and one lap later was right on the #71L.  In fact, coming down for lap five they were side-by-side off turn four.  Thomas was on the bottom and Lunger up one groove on the top.  The two put on a nice race running side-by-side for the next two laps.  Finally on lap seven, Thomas got enough grip off the bottom to make the pass stick.

While Thomas and Lunger distanced themselves from the field, Double caught Booher in the battle for third.  As the laps ticked off caution-free, Lunger began to close in on Thomas as he was running faster laps; however, that was short lived as his car went up in smoke and briefly caught fire necessitating the red with 15 laps scored.

When racing resumed, Double passed Booher for runner-up.  Double though wouldn’t have anything for Thomas, who raced on to win by 1.738 seconds in his Colonial Metal Products/Barris Supply/All Star Motorstate/Sweet Mfg. Quarter Master/King Sanitary-sponsored #9.  The victory was Thomas’ sixth of his career and moves him into second on the division’s all-time win list.

Booher’s third place was easily his best performance since a runner-up in last year’s season finale.  In fact, Booher’s best finish of the season was ninth last week.  Ruffo edged out 10^th starting Eric Wilson and Butch Lambert in a good battle for the fourth position.  Until last week’s season best fifth, Ruffo’s prior season best was a ninth and now bettered that with a fourth place finish.  Ben Black, Rocky Kugel, Bobby Pifer III and Matt Latta completed the top 10.  Jamie Wrightsman won his first career Late Model heat, while Ruffo captured the other.

As part of Lincoln Electric Night and being a Major Contingency Sponsor of the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Series, a Lincoln Electric Power Mig 140C Machine and Utility Cart valued at $750 was given away.  By the luck of the draw, Canadian Jorden Peters was the lucky recipient.

In a great race, Mike Kinney withstood the heavy challenges by Steve Dixon to win his first of the season in the 15-lap Summit Racing Equipment Modified feature.  Kinney became the season’s seventh different winner in nine races!  It was also a big night for Kinney, who overtook Alan Dellinger for the point lead!

“I’m very tired,” revealed the soon to be 39-year-old Ashtabula, Ohio resident.  “There were a lot of cautions and a lot of pressure there.  My RACEceiver went out halfway and I couldn’t hear anyone talking so I was hoping I wasn’t messing up.  I seen Steve (Dixon) down there and I was just waiting for him to push up, but I knew he’d hold his line.  He’s a great driver.  I have a lot of respect for him- that was fun and an awesome race!  I have to thank all of my crew.  They help me so much and I just can’t thank them enough.”

Kinney took off in the lead, while good friend Joel Watson passed Dixon, Scott Stiffler, and Jeff Hassay all on the opening lap for second.  Stiffler regained third when he passed Hassay on lap two.  Watson’s run would come to an end on lap three when he uncharacteristically spun on his own in turn two and collected three other racers.

Dixon had a great restart when racing resumed as he passed both Hassay and Stiffler for runner-up.  Seventh starting Jeff Johnson was on the move as he raced by Stiffler for third on lap five.  Though several cautions slowed action, the battle for the lead was intense.  Dixon was alongside Kinney on just about every lap, but just couldn’t quite make the pass.

Dixon got a great run off turn four on the final lap, but came up just 0.156 of a second shy as Kinney’s Racecar Fabricating/TJ Racing Transmission/Close Racing Supply/Arp’s Automotive/Flinbiu Graphics/Hoosier Tire-sponsored #3 held on for his third career win.  Dixon was making just his second start of the season and first since the April 20 UEMS event.

Johnson and Stiffler traded the third spot several times with Johnson getting the nod.  Shawn Shingledecker was fifth after starting 10^th.  Rounding out the top 10 were newcomer D.J. Cline, Andy Buckley, Howard Fraley, Brock Moskey, and Hassay.  Heat victories went to Watson, Dixon, and Stiffler.  The 25-car field matched a season high from the UEMS event.

It’s hard to believe that two years ago Mike Clark had never won a feature after 15 years of racing.  Clark got that first career win on June 11, 2011.  Since then Clark has added five victories in the Stock Car division and Saturday night’s latest victory kept him atop the Gibson Insurance Agency standings as he seeks his first career track championship.

“I loved the race track- that’s my kind of track,” acknowledged the 47-year-old Bristolville, Ohio racer.  “It was good to start up front and it was hammer down.  I wasn’t worried about the restart being able to start on the outside.  I’d like to thank the Lord, the class sponsor, my son, dad, Pat Adams for helping me, all the fans, and of course Sharon Speedway for having us.”

After two false starts by pole-sitter Brian Carothers, Bob McCann was moved to the pole position for try #3.  Clark used the outside to power into the lead.  McCann, Carothers, Brent Coleman, and Dan McEwen were second through fifth after the first lap.  McEwen lost the handle in turns one and two on lap and collected Jamie Scharba.

The next seven laps ran off caution-free as the only change up front was seventh starting Bryan Wagner passing Coleman for fourth on lap six.  Third place Carothers and Jamie Duncan slowed simultaneously bringing out the event’s final caution with eight laps scored.   Wagner and eighth starting Tim Burns found themselves up to third and fourth for the restart.  When green replaced yellow, Burns passed Wagner for the third spot.

Up front, McCann was no challenge for Clark, who won by two seconds flat in his Sons of Italy/King’s Sanitary Service/NAPA Auto Parts Champion Heights/Martuccio Eye Care-sponsored #7.  Burns edged out Wagner in a good battle for the third position.  Coleman was a season best fifth.  Heat winners were Carothers and Clark over the 16-car field, which was the highest for a regular show this season.

Ryan Fraley came out on top of a record 25-car field in the Econo Mods for his third win of the season tying Jeremy Double for tops in the HTMA/Precise Racing Products-sponsored division.  The victory coupled with troubles for Double and Jacob Eucker propelled him into the point lead.    “I thought I was running out of gas as it started sputtering there, but it held out,” expressed the 24-year-old Wheatland, Pa. racer.  “We only put in enough and I think we went a little low.  I have to thank all of my sponsors. We’re going to go after the title!”

Fraley started third and passed Butch Lambert on lap one for second.  After trailing the fellow #12 of rookie Ty Rhoades for less than a lap, Fraley made the winning move racing off of turn four on lap two.  Fifth starting Brian Hathaway took over third from Steve Burns, Jr. on lap four.  After several cautions kept the field close including the final one for a spin by Casey Bowers with 13 laps scored, Hathaway was able to get by Rhoades on the restart for second.

Hathaway would run out of time to mount any challenge as Fraley took the win by 1.565 seconds in his Sunset Lanes/Eagle Soft Tees/Tri-State Trailer Sales/Blackshear Racing Engines-sponsored #12.  Hathaway’s runner-up matched his season best finish since April 27.  Rhoades has been impressive all season and especially in recent weeks as he now has a pair of thirds and a fourth in his last three races.  Lambert debuted the Mike Hendrickson-owned #19 and was fourth over Jace Ferringer.  Topping the heat races were Burns, Hathaway, and Bowers.  The prior car count record was 23, which was set both nights at last year’s “Apple Festival Nationals” held in September.

After dominating Mini Stock action for much of 2012 winning the first eight features of his career in the season’s first 15 races, Jim Haefke, Jr. hit a major slump.  Haefke could only muster a fourth in the season’s final five races, but held on to win the championship.  Though he had three runner-up finishes early in the season, Haefke had struggled to find speed, but that all ended Saturday night as he led all 12 laps of the Deforest Used Parts feature holding off hard charging Travis Creech.

“After coming from track champion last year this has been a hell of a year so far,” acknowledged the 31-year-old Austintown, Ohio driver.  “We’ve got a lot of good drivers and cars out there.  It’s good to be here again.  I came today with a different offset and setup.  Starting up front just gave me the advantage.  It was a good track tonight.  I have to thank my wife, my dad, my crew, and all of my sponsors.  If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be here.”

Haefke passed newcomer Greg Schmied on the start and took off opening up a big lead while the fast cars were starting mid-pack.  Creech and Bill Fuchs passed Jim Clay, Jr. for third and fourth respectively on lap two.  The battle was hot and heavy for second on lap four as Tim McAninch was trying to fend off Creech and Fuchs.  Creech made the pass for driving around McAninch off turn four on lap four.

Haefke had a half-straightaway lead by the time Creech got to second.  As the laps were ticking off caution-free, Creech began to close in on lap eight just before the race’s only caution was displayed when point leader and the Speedway’s top winner Scott Gilliland got into the fence.  Back under green, Fuchs made the pass of McAninch for third.  Creech pulled even with Haefke on lap 11 and they race side-by-side.  Creech threw everything at Haefke and even though it appeared he had the fastest car, Haefke was able to hold on for the victory.

Haefke’s ninth career win came in his Diver Steel City Auto Crushing/AAMCO Transmission/Killer Racing Decals-sponsored #421 and moved him into a tie with Gilliland for third spot on the division’s all-time win list.  Fuchs and McAninch were third and fourth respectively.  Pat Drennan came from 11^th to finish fifth.  Gilliland and Ray Gregory won the heat races.

Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds (20 laps): 1. REX KING (65)  2. Jeremiah Shingledecker (37MD)  3. Jim Weller, Jr. (31)  4. Dave Murdick (61)  5. Eric Gabany (3E)  6. Jimmy Weller III (23)  7. Chris Haines (35H)  8. Rex King, Jr. (165)  9. Ricky Richner (26)  10. Tom Glenn (83T)  11. Rob Kristyak (00)  12. Kevin Green (74)  13. Bob Warren (96B)  14. Don Brown (71B).

Barris Supply RUSH Late Models (20 laps): 1. WILL THOMAS III (9)  2. Josh Double (38)  3. Brian Booher (Hoover 00H)  4. Clay Ruffo (14R)  5. Eric Wilson (27W)  6. Butch Lambert (27)  7. Ben Black (27B)  8. Rocky Kugel (21KRT)  9. Bobby Pifer III (6P)  10. Matt Latta (21)  11. Dennis Lunger, Jr. (Schwartz 71L)  12. Jorden Peters (11P)  13. Lon Emerick (3)  14. Jamie Wrightsman (21J).

Summit Racing Equipment (E) Modifieds (15 laps): 1. Mike Kinney (3)  2. Steve Dixon (Engles 68)  3. Jeff Johnson (27)  4. Scott Stiffler (14)  5. Shawn Shingledecker (54s)  6. D.J. Cline (4)  7. Andy Buckley (965)  8. Howard Fraley (217)  9. Brock Moskey (3M)  10. Jeff Hassay (10)  11. Joe Gabrielson (58)  12. Eric Singhaus (45)  13. Trevor Herr (32)  14. Amanda Stiffler (14)  15. Alan Dellinger (White 53)  16. Larry Kugel (Petsko 00)  17. Bob Williamson (93)  18. Wayne Brugmann (79)  19. Chuck Recker, Jr. (17R)  20. Hilton Eppley (51o)  21. Joel Watson (92)  22. Brian Douglas (214)  23. Mike Monreal (71M)  24. Gary Sullivan (47s)  25. Steve Haefke (41)-DNS.

Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars (15 laps): 1. MIKE CLARK (7)  2. Bob McCann (Fornataro USA1)  3. Tim Burns (66)  4. Bryan Wagner (56)  5. Brent Coleman (01)  6. Charlie Jasinski (5J)  7. Ron Yarab, Jr. (Burns 70B)  8. Jesse Brock (22B)  9. Bob Pollock (70X)  10. Paul Davis (3)  11. Jeff Buccella (Davis 915)  12. Brian Carothers (02c)  13. Jamie Duncan (67J)  14. Dan McEwen (95)  15. Jamie Scharba (00s)  16. Mike Lesky (5L).

HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods (15 laps): 1. RYAN FRALEY (12)  2. Brian Hathaway (93)  3. Ty Rhoades (12R)  4. Butch Lambert (Hendrickson 19)  5. Jace Ferringer (02)  6. Steve Burns, Jr. (70B)  7. Bob Williams (8)  8. Alan Atkinson (30Too)  9. Mike Hillman (29)  10. Junior Mechling (89)  11. Brian Foley, Jr. (16JSR)  12. Larry Root (22x)  13. Casey Bowers (20)  14. Keith Felicetty (98)  15. Jeremy Double (83)  16. Kevin Sergeff (17)  17. Jason Stanke (44)  18. George Vestal IV (4)  19. Josh Ferry (33)  20. Jacob Eucker (64)  21. Jodi Woodworth, Jr. (07)  22. Jodi Woodworth, Sr. (6)  23. Kevin Robinson (24R)  24. Brad Westover (13)  25. Gina Thompson (Webber 25).

Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. JIM HAEFKE, JR. (421)  2. Travis Creech (75T)  3. Bill Fuchs (10)  4. Tim McAninch (43)  5. Pat Drennan (24)  6. Jim Clay, Jr. (84J)  7. Christi Brugmann (19)  8. Scott Gilliland (27)  9. Greg Schmied (97)  10. Steve Walker II (4M)  11. Ray Gregory (82R)  12. Brian Shay (3J)  13. Geof Pinch (36)  14. Jacob Monreal (32M)-DNS.

Coming up this Wednesday, June 12 is the Pay It Forward Foundation “Summer Bash” featuring NDRL’s ULMS Super Late Models ($3,000 to-win), UEMS Mods ($2,000 to-win), and the HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods ($350 to-win).  Racing begins at 7 p.m.

Then next Saturday, June 15 is another “Steel Valley Thunder” program featuring the DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, RUSH Late Models, Modifieds, Stock Cars, Econo Mods, and Mini Stocks.  Race time is 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.

###

June 5, 2013

(Hartford, OH)…Sharon Speedway continues to battle Mother Nature seemingly week in and week out as it seems when it hasn’t been threatening, the races have been run under chilly and windy conditions; nonetheless, Sharon will look to complete the ninth straight racing event this Saturday night, June 8!

Saturday’s “Steel Valley Thunder” program will again feature 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.  Racing begins at 7 p.m.

Saturday is Lincoln Electric Night as they will give away a Power Mig 140C machine & utility cart (valued at $750) to one lucky RUSH Late Model driver!  All competing RUSH drivers will be eligible for the prize.  Decals are required.

Saturday is also the first Kids Bike Race Night.  Kids 3-12 will be eligible to compete on the frontstretch during intermission. Helmets are required. Once again Saturday night, one lucky boy and girl under the age of 14 will win a bicycle or scooter thanks to King Bros. and Sharon Speedway.  This promotion will continue throughout the 2013 season.  Saturday’s home-cooked meal special is mashed potatoes with hamburger gravy and vegetable.

After Rex King, Jr. became the first DIRTcar Big-Block Modified repeat winner of the season on May 26, Jim Weller, Jr. found the same success last Saturday night.  Weller had went nearly three years without a win now finds himself with two well before the midpoint of the season and also leads the Governor Insurance Agency points by 15 over King, Jr  Weller credits much of his turnaround to a new Troyer car.

It appears it will come down to a five-man race for the big-block title as the elder Rex King, Dave Murdick, and New York racer Ricky Richner are in pursuit.  Richner, who is in his first season of racing at Sharon, looks to continue his streak of all finishes in the top six spots.  In fact, all of Richner’s seven feature starts have resulted in finishes of either fourth, fifth or sixth!

RUSH Late Model drivers will not only be able battling for prize money and Sharon points, but of course Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC Weekly Series points and the one lucky racer will take home the Lincoln Electric Welder thanks in part to being a Major Contingency Sponsor of the Series.

After a hot start, Dennis Lunger, Jr. has cooled off slightly in the Barris Supply-sponsored division, but has remained consistent as he’s yet to finish outside of fourth place in any of the weekly events at Sharon.  That’s good enough for a 56-point advantage.  It’s a tight battle for runner-up with 2011 champion and last year’s runner-up Matt Latta tied for the position.  Just one point behind that is 2012 champion Will Thomas III and trailing him by only seven is last week’s winner Eric Wilson.  Wilson is second in RUSH’s “Futures Cup” standings.

Joe Gabrielson’s emotional first win of the season following the passing of his father Bill has propelled him into second place in the Summit Racing Equipment Modified points.  Gabrielson trails the division’s all-time winner, Alan Dellinger, by 17 markers.  Third and fourth place point men, Mike Kinney and Shawn Shingledecker, have been fast, but haven’t been able to find victory lane to date.  Could there be a seventh different winner this Saturday night!?  This will be the final tune-up before Wednesday’s $2,000 to-win UEMS event.

After an open rules event on Sunday, May 26 and a non-point event last Saturday due to a special at Pittsburgh, the Stock Cars will be back to basics this Saturday night.  Though the car counts in the Gibson Insurance Agency-sponsored division aren’t what they used to be in years past, the competitiveness is still present.  Six different drivers have found victory lane!

Mike Clark, who is looking for his first ever track championship, leads the Stock points by 11 over defending champion Tim Burns, who remains winless in 2013.  Paul Davis, the division’s only repeat winner, is just 14 points out of the lead. One-time winner, Bryan Wagner, and Jamie Scharba, who is also in search of a win, round out the top five.

It’s looking more and more like the Econo Mods is coming down to a race between youngsters Jeremy Double, Ryan Fraley, and Jacob Eucker.  Just six points separate these three boys, who have won seven of the eight races to date!  Double leads the way in wins (three) and points (309).  Fraley and 12-year-old Eucker have both won a pair of features and trail Double by one and six points respectively.  One-time winner, Steve Burns, Jr., and impressive rookie Ty Rhoades complete the top five.

Quite a competition has ensued in the Mini Stocks between Scott Gilliland, Bill Fuchs, and Travis Creech.  Gilliland leads the way at the speedway with five wins and leads 2011 champion Bill Fuchs by 43 markers.  The man on the move is the rookie Creech, who has seemingly become the fastest car over the past several events.  Ray Gregory, who just can’t nail down his first career win, is fourth in points ahead of defending champion, Jim Haefke, Jr., who has had a disappointing season to date.

Pits open at 4 p.m. Saturday with grandstands at 5 and heat races slated for 7. Grandstand admission for those 14 and over is $13, while children under 14 are always free.  Pit passes are $25.  Parking and camping is always free.

Lincoln Electric is a leading global manufacturer of welding products, arc welding equipment, welding consumables, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment and robotic welding systems.  Lincoln Electric’s tradition of innovative solutions, technological leadership and commitment to customers, employees, and shareholders stems from the vision of its founder, John C. Lincoln and his brother, James F. Lincoln.  In 1895 John C. Lincoln started the company with a capital investment of $200 and his own design of electric motors.

Today, Lincoln Electric has more than 40 manufacturing locations, including operations and joint ventures in 20 countries and a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices covering more than 160 countries, Lincoln Electric has a global work force of more than 10,000.

Lincoln Electric is a major supporter of auto racing including various series and racers in NASCAR, Indy Car, Sprint Cars, monster trucks, off road racing, NHRA drag racing, and much, much more.  Lincoln Electric is headquartered at 22801 St. Clair Ave. Cleveland, OH 44117.  For more information, check out their website at www.lincolnelectric.com or call 216-481-8100.

Don’t forget about a pair of special midweek events coming up this month.  On Wednesday the 12th, the Pay It Forward Foundation will present the “Summer Bash” featuring NDRL’s United Late Model Series (ULMS) and their United E-Mod Series (UEMS) paying $3,000 and $2,000 to-win respectively.  The Econo Mods will also be in action for $350 to-win.  NASCAR racers Ryan Blaney and Ken Schrader will be competing in Modifieds.

Sprint Car fans will want to mark Tuesday, June 25 down for the first of four Sprint Car shows in 2013 at Sharon.  The first event will be an All Star Circuit of Champions-sanctioned event as part of Ohio Speedweek with the winner pocketing $5,000.  The Econo Mods and Mini Stocks will be part of the program.  Gates open at 4 p.m. for both of these programs.

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.

###

(Hartford, OH)…Summer is drawing near and one of the new events on the slate for 2013 at Sharon Speedway is quickly approaching.  The inaugural “Summer Bash” Pay it Forward Foundation event will be held on Wednesday, June 12 featuring the NDRL’s United Late Model Series (ULMS) and the United E-Mod Series (UEMS).  The Econo Mods will also be on the racing card.  Though not on the original published 2013 schedule, Hamilton-Young Motorsports has coordinated this special event part of the 84^th anniversary season that will include NASCAR racers Ken Schrader and Ryan Blaney competing in Modifieds.

Sharon has stepped up in 2013 showcasing ULMS and UEMS on four occasions.  Back on April 20, “The Juice” Davey Johnson shattered the track record in route to the $3,000 payday.  Johnson’s victory was the 27^th of his career, which is second all-time to the great Jim Bickerstaff.  Johnson is likely to be in the field on June 12 as he looks to add to that total.  Keith Barbara ended the 2012 season at Sharon winning the season’s only Super Late Model show and first ever ULMS event at the speedway.

Other ULMS winners to date this season include Rob Blair (April 6 at Mercer) and Ron Davies (April 27 at McKean).  Dave Hess, Jr. is the current Series point leader.  Once again $3,000 will be posted for the event.  ULMS will return on Saturday, July 20 and Saturday, October 5 for two more $3,000 to-win shows!

The Modifieds have provided the best racing night in and night out this season to date with four winners in as many races.  The action heats up even more when UEMS comes to town.  In 2012, Jack Young tied for the championship with Joel Watson.  Young and his car owner Ken Hamilton were instrumental in making the June 12 event happen, which also includes $2,000 to-win for the Modifieds!

Joining the already stout Modified field that is expected to draw racers from all over with no other events taking place are NASCAR racers Ken Schrader and up and coming star Ryan Blaney.  The youngest of the racing Blaneys is quickly making a name for himself in NASCAR; however, has yet to win a race at the speedway his father is part-owner of.  Ryan will replace his father Dave, who is unable to compete in the event.

Sharon will have two more Modified special events after June 12.  They are July 20 with ULMS and then $2,000 will be up for grabs again on September 14 all under the UEMS banner!

The speedway’s regular HTMA/Precise Racing Econo Mods will round out the program on June 12 racing for $350 to-win in a full point event.

The Pay It Forward Foundation was formed with the desire to carry out the mission defined by the principle of generosity witnessed in the movie Pay It Forward.  P.I.F.F. is a completely volunteer group in the spirit of love and faith that raises money to help hard-working people who have fallen on tough times regardless of their beliefs, color, sex, age or orientation. The only thing they ask is that the recipients, in the same spirit of love and faith, pay it forward with three random acts of kindness.  For more information, check out their website at www.piffcleveland.org.

“This will be a great event to be able to host at Sharon Speedway,” stated Sharon GM Dave Willoughby.  “It gives us another opportunity to feature the Super Late Models, which isn’t always easy to do with so many Saturday Super Late Model shows.  Racers and fans both are always asking us to do more events  and we’re glad to be able to host four shows this season.  I have to thank Hamilton-Young Motorsports for making this night happen.”

Gates open at 4 p.m. with racing at 7.  Adult grandstand admission is just $15.  Students 13 and under are always free as is parking.

Sharon features 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 on a weekly basis as part of the “Steel Valley Thunder” programs 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.

###

June 1, 2013

(Hartford, OH)…Despite thunderstorms being in the forecast all week for Saturday, sunshine was present for much of the day and the storms held off until well after the completion of the eighth straight racing event at Sharon Speedway.  It was a good night to be #27 as the first three feature winners of the night carried the number!  And all six winners resides in Trumbull County, Ohio!

Celebrating in the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply victory lane were Jim Weller, Jr.-Governor Insurance DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, Eric Wilson-Barris Supply RUSH Late Models, Joe Gabrielson-Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds, Bruce Redman-Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars, Jacob Eucker-HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods, and Scott Gilliland-Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks.  Malory Harper of Hubbard, OH and Jeremy Weaver of Sandy Lake, PA were the bike giveaway winners courtesy of King Bros. and Sharon Speedway.

There’s little doubt Jim Weller, Jr. isn’t questioning his move to Troyer Chassis this year.  On May 4, Weller won his first feature at Sharon since 2010.  After letting one slip by last Sunday night, Weller still entered the night as the point leader and he’ll stay that way after leading all 20 laps of the Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modified feature for his second win of the season!

“Starting position means a lot that’s for sure,” stated the Hubbard, Ohio veteran.  “The track is excellent.  It’s not because (Dave) Willoughby is standing there, but there’s no track that’s as good as Sharon Speedway.  I was a little loose getting in the corner and that’s why the top worked better.  I have to thank John Corbin of course, my son John, the guys from Troyer, and Carlon Hine and his guys.”

A heads-up start put Weller on the pole and he quickly took the advantage over Eric Gabany’s “358” small-block.  Dave Murdick and Rex King were able to get by Gabany on the opening lap for second and third respectively.  Sunday’s winner, Rex King, Jr., started back in seventh and he was on the move as he cracked the top five on the opening lap then passed Gabany for fourth on lap two.

King slipped high in turn two on lap five allowing his son “Cooter” to slip past for third.  By lap seven, Weller opened up a straightaway lead on Murdick, while King, Jr. closed in.  Unlike last week when he saw the win slip away, Weller maintained his advantage throughout and took the checkered flag first by 3.799 seconds in the Zip Motorsports-owned, Liberty Steel Products #31.  The victory was his milestone 25th of his long career at Sharon.

The battle for second ensued as King, Jr. got alongside Murdick on several occasions, but couldn’t make the pass stick.  Murdick came home second by just two tenths of a second.  King, Jr. was third to maintain runner-up in points beating his father, who came home fourth.  Gabany held on to fifth.  New Yorker Ricky Richner continued his perfect streak of all finishes this season between fourth and sixth position with a sixth place effort after getting caught up in an opening lap accident.  Seventh through 10th were Bob Warren, rookie Rick Regalski, Jr. from 13th, Kevin Green, and Carl Murdick.  Heat winners were Weller and Gabany.

Two weeks ago Eric Wilson was overcome by defending champion Will Thomas III.  On Saturday night, Wilson was able to hold off Thomas for his first win of the season in the Barris Supply RUSH Late Models.  The 16-year-old Wilson has now won one a feature in each of his first three seasons of Late Model racing at Sharon!  Wilson became the sixth different winner of the season in eight races.  The non-stop event was timed in 5:47.445.

“We had the car for it,” stated the Cortland, Ohio teen when asked about the non-stop event.  “I looked up and saw Tyler Barris jumping up and down like a monkey and I assumed that Will (Thomas) was close so I went down to the bottom and threw a block.  I’ll do whatever it takes to win.  It was fast-paced.  I’m a young guy and can keep up with it.  Some of those old geezers are back there breathing hard.  I have to thank my dad, my grandpa, Mike Ingram with the motor.”

Clay Ruffo raced to the early lead, while Wilson took second from Shaun Hooks on the initial lap.  Dennis Lunger, Jr. started fifth and was able to pass Lauren Longbrake and Hooks for third on lap one.  Wilson would make what would turn out to be the winning move on lap two when he ducked under and past Ruffo in turn two on lap two.

Thomas, who started sixth and was racing with an injured wrist after a nasty accident last Saturday, entered the top five on lap two when he passed Longbrake.  Lap three saw Lunger and Ruffo race side-by-side for second and Thomas and Hooks right behind in a side-by-side battle for fourth.  Thomas made the pass on lap three and Lunger on lap four.

The battle then heated up for second as Thomas caught Lunger on lap six.  After a two-lap battle, Thomas drove under and by Lunger in turn four for runner-up.  Wilson had a half-straightaway lead, but by the halfway point of the 20-lap affair, Thomas closed in.  On lap 16 he was right on the “Futures Cup” contender and on lap 18 and pulled alongside.  Wilson though kept the door shut to impede Thomas’ strong runs on the bottom of the speedway as he held on to win by 0.429 of a second in his Brother’s Pizza of Cortland/Champion Vehicle Wraps/Speed Bear Fasteners/FK Rod Ends-sponsored #27W.

Point leader Lunger was third as he’s yet to finish outside the top four in a regular event this season.  Josh Double came from ninth to place fourth over Ruffo, who recorded his best finish of the season.  Sixth through 10th were Longbrake, Matt Latta, Jamie Wrightsman, Brian Booher, and Hooks.  Ruffo and Thomas were heat race winners.

Joe Gabrielson scored an emotional victory as he won his first Modified feature since his father and mentor Bill Gabrielson passed away over the offseason.  Gabrielson led all 15 laps holding off a stout field of competitors in the Summit Racing Equipment feature, and celebrated with a “Polish Victory Lap”.  Gabrielson became the sixth different winner of the season in the competitive division.

“The first thing I’ve always done is thank my mom and dad,” acknowledged the 25-year-old Bristolville, Ohio racer.  “They got me started in this and it was a dream come true to start with and I’m very happy we’re still able to do it.  I really didn’t know what we were going to do when he passed away, but I just knew he’d be so pissed if this race car was sitting on jack stands and there was racing going on!  That’s what everyone said and Smitty and Fred stuck with me.  That’s who was with him in all of his racing and that’s who is with me now.”

Gabrielson used the outside to power around Kinney on the cushion for the lead.  Evan Taylor and Alan Dellinger swapped third and fourth back and forth.  Sixth starting Jeff Johnson then entered the battle for third as he passed Dellinger for fourth on lap three.  Up front, Gabrielson pulled away on lap four from Kinney.  A caution for Steve Haefke and Wayne Tessean bunched up the field with eight laps scored.

On the ensuing restart, Johnson was able to overtake Taylor for third.  Three more laps were run before the final caution of the event slowed action and it was a big one that collected Clayton Kennedy, Shawn Shingledecker, Tessean, Jonathan Taylor, and Jeff Hassay.  After a lengthy clean-up, the last four laps went caution-free and Gabrielson went unchallenged until Kinney closed on the final lap, but came up 0.427 of second shy.

Gabrielson’s victory was the fifth of his career and came in his Awesome Signs & Shirts/Integra Racing Shocks/Reese Services/X-10 Pavement Sealing/Wedge Motorsports/Willy’s Carb & Dyno Shop-sponsored #58.  Johnson was third over Dellinger and Mike Potosky, who recorded his best finish of the season in just his third start.  Completing the top 10 were Haefke, Gary Sullivan, newcomer Ed Wilson, Larry Kugel, and Hassay.  Heat races were won by Kinney and Gabrielson.

While several regulars were off competing in a big race at Pittsburgh, Saturday’s Stock Car event was a non-point affair and left things wide open.  Bruce Redman made his season debut a successful one as he captured his first win since April 9, 2011.  And like Thomas and Gabrielson, became the season’s sixth different winner of the division.

“It’s been too long,” said the 44-year-old Cortland, Ohio driver.  “This one was ready to go and I didn’t have time to keep them both going (Econo Mod).  I had no idea it would run this good the first time out.  I have to thank my mom and dad, girlfriend Debbie, daughters Ashley and Allison, and everyone that helps out on this car.”

Lap one was an exciting one as it was three-wide for the lead between Shaun Hooks, Jason Stanke, and Bruce Redman.  Stanke came out on top to lead over Hooks and Redman.  Lap two saw Stanke get sideways and it was a side-by-side battle between Hooks and Redman with Redman getting the nod for the lead over Hooks.  Mike Clark started back in eighth and was halfway to the front after one lap then got by the sideways Stanke for third on lap two.

Clark then ran down Hooks on lap six in the battle for second, while Redman pulled away.  Redman’s big lead though shrank in a hurry as he caught lapped traffic on lap 12.  Hooks was right on Redman on lap 13, but spun in turn three ending his bid for the victory in the Greg Fornataro-owned #USA1 and necessitated the event’s only caution.

Redman held off Clark over the final three laps by a margin of 0.555 of a second for his 10th career win his Hovis Tire/GNC Well Service/Debbie’s Pet Salon & Pet Parlor-sponsored #27.  Charlie Jasinski, Rod Laskey, and ninth starting Brian Carothers were third through fifth.  Heat winners were Hooks and Stanke.

Two weeks ago, Jacob Eucker shocked the racing community as he became the youngest winner in the 84-year history of Sharon Speedway at age 12.  On Saturday night, Eucker proved it was no fluke as he passed last year’s Western PA Rookie-of-the-Year, Casey Bowers, and held off division standout Jeremy Double for his second win in the 15-lap HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mod feature.  Eucker’s win came on his great grandfather and former standout racer Dale Johnson’s 90th birthday!

“He’s pretty fast and he’s a good clean racer,” stated the Hartford, Ohio winner about runner-up Double.  “I’d like to wish my great grandfather a happy 90th birthday.  I have to thank my new sponsor Tom’s Sewer & Drain and all of my other sponsors.  I could have never imagined this.”

Bowers, who swept last year’s “Apple Festival Nationals”, jumped into the lead from the pole as Eucker passed Larry Root for runner-up.  Eucker was all over Bowers on lap two with Bowers holding on until the event’s first caution was displayed.  On the ensuing restart, Eucker used the outside to drive by Bowers in turns one and two on the outside for the lead with fifth starting Ryan Fraley following in second.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Double started back in 12th and was on the move.  Double passed Root for third on lap five before a pair of cautions on laps six and seven.  Back under green flag conditions, Double got by Fraley for second on lap nine.  Two laps later, Double was pressuring the pre-teen for the lead and that continued until the final caution of the race with 12 laps scored.

The last three laps featured a side-by-side battle for the lead between the two minors.  The duo put on clean battle for the win right down to the checkered flag that had the fans on the edge of their seats.  At the finish, Eucker held on by just 0.123 of a second!  Eucker’s popular win came in the Matt Eucker-owned, Tom’s Sewer & Drain/Ohio Commerce Center/Dr. John Eucker/Damon Race Engines/Altitude Adjustment/Danski Dyno & Performance/Close Racing Supply-sponsored #64.

Double leads the points by just one over Fraley, who finished third, and Eucker has closed to within six in third spot!  Ty Rhoades finished fourth with Root dropping to fifth.  Heat races were claimed by Rhoades and Fraley over the 19-car field.

Scott Gilliland became the third #27 to win on the night as his dominance of the Mini Stocks continued.  Gilliland won for a track leading fifth time of the season in the 12-lap Deforest Used Parts feature.  “The 75 and 82 were going at it,” said the 45-year-old Warren, Ohio.  “I just kind of picked my spot and went around it.  I heard Travis (Creech) behind me a couple times.  He’s running really strong so I didn’t know if I was going to hold him off or not.  That’s #5!  We’ve never raced for points before.  We started out so well and we’re leading the points so I’ll show up every week until we’re not.  We’re going to win the championship this year!”

Ray Gregory jumped to the early lead in search of his first career win.  Rookie Travis Creech, who had been hot winning two of the last three features, moved to second on lap four past Gilliland and Tim McAninch.  Creech ran side-by-side with Gregory on laps five and six.  Contact was made between the leaders on lap six, which allowed Gilliland to fly by into the lead.

With the last nine laps going caution-free, Gilliland went on for his second straight win and ninth of his career in his Lawn Wizard/NRC Management/VP&R/Inventive Sign & Design-sponsored #27.  Gilliland has now moved into sole possession of third place on the division’s all-time win list after more than doubling his career win total this season.  Creech held off fifth starting Bill Fuchs for runner-up as Haefke and McAninch completed the first five.  Fuchs won the lone heat race.

Governor Insurance Agency DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds (20 laps): 1. JIM WELLER, JR. (31)  2. Dave Murdick (61)  3. Rex King, Jr. (165)  4. Rex King (65)  5. Eric Gabany (3E)  6. Ricky Richner (26)  7. Bob Warren (96B)  8. Rick Regalski, Jr.  9. Kevin Green (74)  10. Carl Murdick (6)  11. Tom Glenn (83T)  12. Chris Haines (35H)  13. Rob Kristyak.

Barris Supply RUSH Late Models (20 laps): 1. ERIC WILSON (27W)  2. Will Thomas III (9)  3. Dennis Lunger, Jr. (Schwartz 71L)  4. Josh Double (38)  5. Clay Ruffo (14R)  6. Lauren Longbrake (27)  7. Matt Latta (21)  8. Jamie Wrightsman (21J)  9. Brian Booher (00H)  10. Shaun Hooks (65)  11. Lon Emerick (3)-DNS.

Summit Racing Equipment (E) Modifieds (15 laps): 1. JOE GABRIELSON (58)  2. Mike Kinney (3)  3. Jeff Johnson (27)  4. Alan Dellinger (White 53)  5. Mike Potosky (M20)  6. Steve Haefke (41)  7. Gary Sullivan (47s)  8. Ed Wilson (33)  9. Rocky Kugel (Petsko 00)  10. Jeff Hassay (10)  11. Chuck Recker, Jr. (17R)  12. Dustin Fraley (127)  13. Evan Taylor (7)  14. Shawn Shingledecker (54s)  15. Jonathan Taylor (5)  16. Wayne Tessean (10)  17. Brian Douglas (214)  18. Clayton Kennedy (9)-DSQ (unsportsmanlike conduct).

Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars (15 laps): 1. BRUCE REDMAN (27)  2. Mike Clark (7)  3. Charlie Jasinski (5J)  4. Rod Laskey (1R)  5. Brian Carothers (02c)  6. Dan McEwen (95)  7. Shaun Hooks (Fornataro USA1)  8. Jamie Scharba (00s)  9. Ron Yarab, Jr. (Burns 70B)  10. Jason Stanke (44)  11. Jesse Brock (22B)  12. Tony Bruno (97).

HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods (15 laps): 1. JACOB EUCKER (64)  2. Jeremy Double (83)  3. Ryan Fraley (12)  4. Ty Rhoades (12R)  5. Larry Root (22x)  6. Alan Atkinson (30Too)  7. Steve Burns, Jr. (Redman 27)  8. Casey Bowers (20)  9. Brian Hathaway (93)  10. Josh Ferry (33)  11. Mike Hillman (29)  12. George Vestal IV (4)  13. Keith Felicetty (98)  14. Brian Foley, Jr. (16JSR)  15. Junior Mechling (89)  16. Gina Thompson (Webber 25)  17. Kevin Robinson (24R)  18. Bob Williamson (8)  19. Jeff Mundell (11).

Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. SCOTT GILLILAND (27)  2. Travis Creech (75T)  3. Bill Fuchs (10)  4. Jim Haefke, Jr. (421)  5. Tim McAninch (43)  6. Pat Drennan (24)  7. Geof Pinch (36)  8. Jeff Little (42)  9. Ray Gregory (82R)  10. Ken Koby II (11).

Sharon Speedway will be back in action next Saturday, June 9 with another “Steel Valley Thunder” program featuring the above six divisions.  Race time is 7 p.m.  Coming up on Wednesday, June 12 is the Pay It Forward Foundation “Summer Bash” featuring NDRL’s ULMS Super Late Models ($3,000 to-win), UEMS Mods ($2,000 to-win), and the HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods ($350 to-win).

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.

###

May 29, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Hartford, OH)…After the two-day Bill Emig Memorial held over Memorial Day Weekend last weekend, Sharon Speedway will return with its “Steel Valley Thunder” program this Saturday night (June 1) 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.  Racing begins at 7 p.m.

Saturday’s promotion is Twin-State Auto Racing Club Night.  All card-carrying club members will receive free grandstand admission or $13 off pit admission!  Once again Saturday night, one lucky boy and girl under the age of 14 will win a bicycle or scooter thanks to King Bros. and Sharon Speedway.  This promotion will continue throughout the 2013 season.  The home-cooked kitchen special is stuffed shells.

The competition level and average car count in the DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds is at its highest level in several seasons.  The result has been five different winners in six racers.  Opening night winner Rex King, Jr. became the first repeat winner of the season in last Sunday’s special $1,500 to-win feature.

With the season now at the 1/3rd mark, veteran Jim Weller, Jr. has just an eight-point lead on King, Jr., while the elder King is 14 points back.  New Yorker Ricky Richner is in his first season of racing at Sharon and has been very consistent with six finishes between fourth and sixth place, which has resulted in him sitting in the fourth spot in points.

After a pair of Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC Touring events for the Barris Supply RUSH Late Models, Weekly Series competition returns Saturday.  While the weekend’s events drew 37 different competing teams, several local teams were missing and are expected back in action beginning this week.  While show-up points only were awarded last weekend, Dennis Lunger, Jr. currently has a comfortable 48-point lead on last year’s runner-up Matt Latta, who is in search of his season’s first win.  2011 and 2012 champions Josh Double and Will Thomas III are ranked third and fourth in points with one win a piece.

Like King, Jr., opening night winner Jeff Johnson returned to victory lane in the Modifieds.  Despite missing an event, Johnson is sixth in points, just 32 markers back of the division’s all-time winner Alan Dellinger.  Shawn Shingledecker, who is looking for his first win of the season, is second in points.  Three teams are currently tied for third spot in points including Mike Kinney, Joe Gabrielson, and Clayton Kennedy!  The Summit Racing Equipment sponsored division has consistently put on some of the best racing week in and week out.

Last weekend the Stock Cars participated in their first open rules format of the season and it was Rod Laskey topping a season high 22-car field for the $750 payday.  No points will be on the line again Saturday due to a major event held at Pittsburgh, but the Stock Cars will still have the opportunity to race, and it could be a wide open affair!  Thus far, Paul Davis has scored two victories with Mike Clark, Bryan Wagner, and Bob Sloss winning the other regular events.

Jeremy Double has already more than “doubled” his career win total as last Saturday’s increased payoff special win was already his third checkered flag of the season in the Econo Mods!  Despite being the division’s winningest driver and second highest at the track, the Bristolville, Ohio teen has just a two-point lead on the vastly improved two-time winner Ryan Fraley.  Twelve-year-old Jacob Eucker, Steve Burns, Jr., and rookie Ty Rhoades are third through fifth in the HTMA/Precise Racing Products points.

Scott Gilliland continues to show the way in the Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks, but rookie Travis Creech has stepped up his program in recent weeks and 2011 champion Bill Fuchs is right in the game.  Gilliland leads the Speedway with four wins and has a 40-point lead over Fuchs.  Two-time winner, Creech, is just six more points back, while the improved Ray Gregory is fourth and 2012 champion Jim Haefke, Jr. is currently fifth.  After a dominating 2012, Haefke has really struggled with his new car as he’s still in search of his first win.

Pits open at 4 p.m. Saturday with grandstands at 5 and heat races slated for 7. Grandstand admission for those 14 and over is $13, while children under 14 are always free. Pit passes are $25. Parking and camping is always free.

Don’t forget about a pair of special midweek events coming up in June.  On Wednesday the 12th, the Pay It Forward Foundation will present the “Summer Bash” featuring NDRL’s United Late Model Series (ULMS) and their United E-Mod Series (UEMS) paying $3,000 and $2,000 to-win respectively.  The Econo Mods will also be in action.

Sprint Car fans will want to mark Tuesday, June 25 down for the first of four Sprint Car shows in 2013 at Sharon.  The first event will be an All Star Circuit of Champions-sanctioned event as part of Ohio Speedweek with the winner pocketing $5,000.  The Econo Mods and Mini Stocks will be part of the program.  Gates open at 4 p.m. for both of these programs.

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.

###