YOUNG AUSTIN BEERS HAS A GREAT DAY AT EVERGREEN RACEWAY ON JUNE 30 -Win and 2nd
Awesome day at Evergreen Raceway today. Started 2nd in the make up feature and the car was a little tight and couldn’t complete the pass on the leader and ended up 2nd. Won my heat and redrew the pole for the regular feature. Car was tight but was in a great battle for the win and won it! Can’t thank all my sponsors and crew for all that they do!
BEERS BOYS HAVE A GOOD NIGHT AT ROC LANCASTER RACE - Austin gets 13th Eric gets 5th
June 27, 2019 . . A near capacity crowd welcomed the 60th consecutive season of stock car racing at Lancaster Speedway @ New York International Raceway Park on Thursday night as Andy Jankowiak of Tonawanda, N.Y. won the 5th annual Ol’ Boy Cup 60 Bill Colton Memorial race for the Race of Champions Modified Series.The event was the first stock car race held under the New York International Raceway Park (NYIRP) ownership group, which purchased the facility in late April. NYIRP has partnered with the management and staff of the Race of Champions to put on a six-race schedule of stock car races in 2019.
A total of 25 RoC Modifieds were on hand for the first of three visits by the series this season at Lancaster. Timmy Catalano and Daryl Lewis, Jr. were scheduled to lead the field to the opening green flag. Things did not go as planned for Lewis, however, as he pulled out of line just as the field came out of turn four to take the green. He stopped on the track to put the start of the race on hold.This moved Scott Wylie to the front row for the second attempt to start the race. Wylie capitalized on this as he grabbed the lead from Catalano when the race got under way. Eric Beers eventually settled into second followed by Patrick Emerling, Catalano and Chuck Hossfeld.Emerling, a former Ol’ Boy Cup winner, wasted little time as he moved from his seventh starting position to take over second from Beers on lap 6. The race continued just past the halfway point without another caution as Wylie and Emerling pulled out to a slight advantage over the field.Jankowiak started 10th after winning his heat race. He passed Hossfeld for third on lap 14, but was over a second behind the leaders at this point. Jankowiak made up the ground, and was challenging Emerling for second right before the caution came out on lap 31 for a spin by Jake Rought.The race took a dramatic turn following a restart on lap 34. Wylie and Emerling were racing for the lead in turn two when the pair made contact. Wylie suffered a damaged left front wheel, and lost control of the car. A few cars were caught up in the chaos the ensued. Daryl Lewis, Jr. hit a Thermal Foam block protecting an infield light pole, but was able to drive away. Jack Ely suffered the worst damaged, which ended his night. Wylie’s night was also done after leading the first 34 laps.Emerling lost momentum when he made contact with Wylie and slipped back to second place. Jankowiak was scored as the leader when the race restarted followed by Emerling, Catalano, Hossfeld and Beers.Catalano got past Emerling for second on the restart. This allowed Jankowiak to pull away as the pair battled for position. He looked to be on cruise control to an easy victory when a pair of yellow flags on lap 48 bunched the field up one more time.
Emerling regained second on the restart, and then went after Jankowiak to try and take the lead. He hounded Jankowiak throughout the final 10 laps, looking to make an inside move. While Emerling looked to have the stronger car, Jankowiak did a masterful job of not relinquishing the inside line. Jankowiak held on to capture the Ol’ Boy Cup V for his fourth career RoC Modified win at Lancaster. He has won four of the last ten RoC races at Lancaster dating back to the start of the 2017 season.While he has done a lot of traveling to other tracks up and down the East Coast this season, Jankowiak was happy to be back in victory lane at the track he grew up at.“It is fun going in the truck to Riverhead, Bowman Gray and Seekonk, but this is home, and I’m glad so many fans came out to support this race tonight at Lancaster,” said Jankowiak.Emerling had to settle for second followed by Hossfeld, Catalano and Beers. The RoC Modifieds return to Lancaster on August 17 for the 30th annual Tommy Druar/Tony Jankowiak Memorial 110.
RESULTS
RACE OF CHAMPIONS MODIFIED SERIES
Fast Qualifier: Mike Leaty – 17.232
Heat Winners: Eric Beers, Andy Jankowiak, Tommy Catalano
Ol’ Boy Cup V Finish: ANDY JANKOWIAK, Patrick Emerling, Chuck Hossfeld, Tommy Catalano, Eric Beers, Amy Catalano, Daren Scherer, Daryl Lewis, Jr., Owen Bednasz, John Barber, Chris Ridsdale, Dan Majchrzak, Austin Beers, Mike Leaty, Jake Rought, Bobby Weber, Timmy Catalano, Alan Bookmiller, Chris Finocchario, Scott Wylie, Jack Ely, Karl Hehr, Kevin Miller, George Skora III, Danny Knoll, Jr.
Hirschman shows cards late for first win of the year at Evergreen on June 14
Austin's thoughts: Ended up 12th at evergreen last night for my first tour mod race there. Started second and got an early lead and was very comfortable with the car. Fell to second on a restart. Then on the next restart the car got very tight and I had to hold on till the end. Still very thankful for all my crew and for this opportunity.
After two foiled attempts the American Property Solutions Modifieds finally had an opportunity to hit the 1/3 asphalt oval in Drums Pennsylvania. Chris Ridsdale and Austin Beers would draw the top two starting spots for the 75-lap main event. Beers a modified rookie jumped out to the early lead and led the first nine circuits before the first yellow slowed the field. Beers and Ridsdale would find themselves side by side for the ensuing restart. On lap 14 with an outside power move, Brian Defebo would find some racing room and dart into P2. During the next 27 laps of green flag racing we would see several battles throughout the field for track position. At the halfway point, Defebo would be our race leader over Beers, John Markovic, Earl Paules and Austin Kochenash. Buddy Miller & Paul Frantz would bring out the caution on lap 41 regrouping the field. Pits open and a fury of pit stops ensue: Paules, Hirschman, Mandato and Pritchard would head pit side for new right rear rubber. As we go back green, Kochenash quickly worked his way into second stalking down Defebo in the Defebo Graphics #53. Lap 55 and we find Kochenash leading the field. Lap 60 brings out a brief caution as Hirschman would just crack the top 5 with less than ten laps remaining. The next two laps would steal the show, as Kochenash, Pritchard, Paules and Hirschman would duke it banging wheels for the lead. Hirschman would prevail and find the top spot on lap 68. On lap 73 we would see the yellow flying again setting up a double file green, white, checkered with Hirschman cruising to victory over Kochenash and Mandato.
Modifieds (75 Laps). 1. Hirschman. 2. Kochenash. 3. Mandato. 4. Don Wagner. 5. Roger Coss. 6. Earl Paules. 7. James Pritchard. 8. Brian Sones. 9. Todd Baer. 10. Brian Defebo. 11. John Markovic. 12. Austin Beers. 13. Buddy Miller. 14. Chris Ridsdale. 15. Wayne Szerencsits. 16. Bobby Jones. 17. Randel Richard. 18. Paul Frantz.
Kyle Strohl holds off Lou Strohl in thrilling Mahoning Valley Speedway Modified action on June 8; Mike Sweeney takes Late Model laurels after leader Matt Wentz is crashed out
Kyle Strohl raced to a thrilling win over Lou Strohl for his second Modified win of the season Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway. Both drivers displayed amazing car control while going double-wide over most of the later stages of the 35-lap contest. At the outset L. Strohl jumped out to a descent lead over Nick Baer but coming through swiftly was K. Strohl who by lap 10 was running second. There was still a sizable gap between first and second at that point but K. Strohl continued to chip away with each passing lap and when the 18th circuit went into the books the lead changed hands with an inside pass in turn four. On a restart with 10 laps remaining L. Strohl powered back to the lead but the ensuing tour K. Strohl regained the spot. From there to the finish it remained exceedingly close. “He (Lou Strohl) was on his set-up tonight and we were getting a little loose as he night went on and he really contested me for the victory but I wasn’t giving an inch,” said K. Strohl. “The track was really good tonight. That last restart helped him and I was nervous but luckily we got back on top. I want to say thanks to Lou for a running me clean and giving me a great race.” Interestingly for L. Strohl he almost thought about packing up and not racing after coming out to early practice and being completed unsatisfied with the results of that session. However, car owner Matt Higgins swayed him to stick around and with minimal adjustments when the night got underway, he won his heat and then drove to the near feature win. “We were honestly debating about loading up and going home that’s how bad the car was,” admitted L. Strohl. “But after we put on a different set of tires for the heat everything clicked and the car was just amazingly fast from that point. We tried and it wasn’t for the lack of effort on my part.” Not to be undone by the close action between the front pair, there was just as much of a tight battle for third between Austin Kochenash and Josh Scherer who raced to the wire for the spot. Brian DeFebo came from 13th to fifth at the end.
Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1. Kyle Strohl, 2. Lou Strohl, 3. Austin Kochenash, 4. Josh Scherer, 5. Brian DeFebo, 6. Bobby Jones, 7. Gene Bowers, 8. Earl Paules, 9. John Markovic, 10. Terry Markovic, 11. Nick Baer, 12. Anthony Sesely, 13. Ron Haring Jr., 14. Jacob Kerstetter, 15. Kevin Rex Jr., 16. BJ Wambold, 17. Wes Gilbert, 18. Lorin Arthofer II, 19. Austin Beers DNS: Heath Metzger
Dramatic Move Leads Emerling to RoC Victory at Spencer Speedway on May 31 - Eric finishes 2nd
It was a great night for the Beers Delange Team - Eric made the right changes to get up to second but was better on the short run and Patrick was better on the long run. Austin was running 15ht when an electrical issue shut off the motor and was unable to finish.
Patrick Emerling of Orchard Park, N.Y., made a dramatic move in traffic to get past Andy Jankowiak of Buffalo, N.Y., to take the lead and go on and win the Tribute to Don Pratt ‘62’ at Spencer Speedway presented by Wilbert’s U Pull-It in Williamson, N.Y., which began the tracks 65th consecutive season of competition. The win was the 15th of Emerling’s Race of Champions career and his third Series victory at Spencer. He’s just 1 win away from tying his crew chief, Jan Leaty, for 4th on the all-time win list.
“We had a good night tonight,” stated Emerling in victory lane. “Things went our way. We raced Andy (Jankowiak) really hard and I knew Eric (Beers) and Mike (Leaty) my teammate were coming behind me. It’s great to pay tribute to another great Modified competitor in Don Pratt and thank you to Curt Tooley for working extra hard to raise additional lap money.” Jankowiak ended up in the turn four wall on a restart, before Eric Beers of Northampton, Pa., gave Emerling a challenge to the finish. Beers finished second with Mike Leaty of Williamson, N.Y., recovering from an early race spin to finish third. Daren Scherer of Binghamton, N.Y., finished fourth and Daryl Lewis, Jr., of Ontario, N.Y., rounded out the top-five. Chuck Hossfeld of Ransomville, N.Y., posted the Speed51.com “Top of the Board” overall fast time in group time trials with a lap of 18.893 seconds with an average speed of 95.273 mph.
Leaty; Tommy Catalano of Ontario, N.Y., and Hossfeld won the qualifying races.
Chemung Speedrome’s season opener was everything a track would hope for – a nice turnout of race teams and fans, competitive racing, and beautiful weather to boot on May 18
The 75-lap RoC Modified season opener drew a field of 26 cars. Qualifying wins went to Mike Leaty, Tyler Rypkema, Zane Zeiner and Chuck Hossfeld. The top 3 in each heat drew for the top 12 starting spots during intermission and the field was set for the feature. Tyler Rypkema drew the pole and led the way, chased early on by Mike Leaty and Chuck Hossfeld. The race itself was slowed by 14 cautions, most of which were for spins in turns three and four. Andy Jankowiak, who broke into the top five about 20 laps into the race, gradually worked his way to the front of the pack and took the lead from Rypkema on lap 46. While just two drivers led, running among the top five proved to be risky behavior Saturday afternoon. Mike Leaty, Matt Hirschman and Zane Zeiner all learned that the hard way, and restarted at the back after being involved in cautions Andy Jankowiak took the lead from Rypkema on lap 46 and never looked back. He held on and picked up the win over Zack Curren, Bryan Sherwood, Zeiner and Hirschman. “I didn’t have the fastest car, but I avoided the trouble,” Jankowiak said following the win. “I didn’t pass anyone ‘til I got to third,” he said regarding the many wrecks he avoided. Staying out of trouble was key for Curren and Sherwood as well. Both mentioned how that contributed to their podium finishes.
Results:
RoC Modifieds (75 Laps): ANDY JANKOWIAK, Zack Curren, Bryan Sherwood, Zane Zeiner, Matt Hirschman, TJ Potrzebowski, Tyler Rypkema, Chris Finocchairo, Daren Scherer, George Skora III, Scott Wylie, Daryl Lewis, Jr., Mike Leaty, Donny Hartzell, Jake Rought, Austin Beers, Owen Bednasz, Eric Beers, Chuck Hossfeld, Kevin Miller, Kyle Ebersole, Brian DeFebo, Austin Kochenash, Chris Ridsdale, Karl Hehr, Ken Canestrari (DNS)
Heats: Leaty, Rypkema, Zeiner, Hossfeld
Kyle Strohl holds off Bobby Jones for Mahoning Modified top honors as Austin get 10th on May 11 at Mahoning Valley Speedway
Over the first few weeks of the 2019 season Kyle Strohl had a presence among the leaders but knew he was just a tad off in hammering the right set-up to where he wanted to be. Continuing to tweak his Paul’s Towing No. 44, the 19-year old from Palmerton finally nailed it right and the effort paid off in the form of his first Modified win of the year. “It felt pretty good out there tonight and the car was working perfectly. We had been struggling for the first few weeks but we hit on the right adjustments tonight and it finally paid off,” said Strohl. With only two cautions that slowed the action, both on lap 23, Strohl, who started sixth, had to race flat out to the front and he would battle a pair of venerable veterans in doing so, first taking on Terry Markovic and then contending down to the wire against point leader Bobby Jones. Markovic jumped to the opening lap lead and then set sail. Within four laps Strohl had advanced to third and was in close formation with Kevin Rex Jr. As Markovic showed notable speed at the helm, Rex and Strohl began a two-wide duel. Directly behind them was Jones. It would take Strohl 10 laps to annex second spot. He then continued his frontward charge and went immediately after Markovic. After a few looks from the outside, Strohl got a shot to go underneath the leader by the completion of lap 17. “Terry is a classy guy and we had to work hard to pass him but it was clean and after that away we went. The track was really good tonight and there was a lot of grip on both the outside and inside grooves.” said Strohl. By lap 20 Jones had motored up to second and was able to quickly pull alongside Strohl. On lap 23 a pair of cautions paused the action and on the second restart Jones fired past Strohl for the lead, however, the favored was returned the next time by. Try as he may from there to finish Jones looked for every opportunity to get by but Strohl had this one in hand and would record his 12th Modified win and 36th overall. Earlier this season he had scored a Sportsman Modified victory. “Bobby (Jones) was tough and that’s what you come to expect from him. He’s been the guy who’s been up front each week but tonight we hit on the right set-up and got the job done,” proclaimed Strohl. “It’s been real tight, clean hard racing and it seems everyone has figured it out all around with the Modifieds this year.” Rex stayed steady in garnering third while Earl Paules and Gene Bowers rounded out the top five.
Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1. Kyle Strohl, 2. Bobby Jones, 3. Kevin Rex Jr., 4. Earl Paules, 5. Gene Bowers, 6. Josh Scherer, 7. Brian DeFebo, 8. Lou Strohl, 9. Don Wagner, 10. Austin Beers, 11. Nick Baer, 12. John Markovic, 13. Terry Markovic, 14. Gary Wentz, 15. Jacob Kerstetter
Bobby Jones has week two figured out at Mahoning Valley…wins for third straight year in a thriller - Austin is 10th on April 20
(LEHIGHTON, PA. 4-20-19) It seems that week two at Mahoning Valley Speedway has become a favorite for Bobby Jones as for the third straight season the classy veteran picked up a win in the Modified feature. The 35-lap main turned out to be a great showdown as well between him and Earl Paules as they battled down to the wire. “For three years in a row we were terrible on opening night and I could never understand why. After this year’s opener we went back and did a lot of tweaking,” said Jones who won for the 23rd time at Mahoning in a Modified and recorded his 40th career overall victory. Jones, who started second to pole sitter Ron Haring Jr., would place his No. 1J into the lead with a quick diving move off turn two on lap six. Two laps later after a restart Paules advanced to second and from there on it was a cat and mouse game between the two journeymen. Paules tried numerous attempts to get by but as Jones would admit afterwards he was being very protective, especially on the inside lane where he choose to remain for most of the race.
“I slowed down to protect the bottom – I didn’t want to give that up because here once someone gets position on you on the bottom they got you,” said Jones. For Jones, it wasn’t just about keeping his lane but restarts were a factor as well. Paules, who clocked faster times throughout the event, showed several times that if he could just get the run needed after restarting that the outcome would certainly have been in his favor. “I told him (Paules) when he came alongside me on the restarts I had to be up on the wheel because he’s no slouch. He’s been at this game a long time and knows the tricks and the things to try and help yourself and I knew I had to be at my best in that situation against him,” bottom lined Jones. Over the final laps the excitement was rousing, most notably on the last circuit. With the front pair locked tight they came upon a slower car in turns 3 and 4. Jones had to react quickly as to not get trapped as Paules had a clear line from the topside to make a pass. As fate would have it for Jones he wisely stepped out enough to safeguard his spot but just barely as he held off Paules by a mere half car length. “I actually thought we were okay and we were just going to relax and stay there and I kind of relaxed too much and shouldn’t have,” explained Jones. “At the last minute I was going to go out on the lapped car because Earl was coming. As soon as I started to step out I seen him and didn’t go out as high as I should to give him room. There was a lot of respect and it was fun and good racing for both of us.” Josh Scherer and Anthony Sesely had great dogfight themselves and would finish third and fourth respectively. For Sesely, who is back racing at Mahoning for the first time in years, the placing elevated him into the point lead. Gene Bowers had a respectable run in rounding out the top five.
Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1. Bobby Jones, 2. Earl Paules, 3. Josh Scherer, 4. Anthony Sesely, 5. Gene Bowers, 6. Kyle Strohl, 7. Todd Baer, 8. Brian DeFebo, 9. Austin Beers, 10. Kevin Rex Jr., 11. John Markovic, 12. Terry Markovic, 13. Jacob Kerstetter, 14. Ron Haring Jr., 15. Heath Metzger DNS: Scott Adams
Austin was running a steady race until a mid race crash in front of him puts him out for the Night at Mahoning - APRIL 6
(LEHIGHTON 4-6-19) Matt Hirschman opened up Mahoning Valley Speedway’s 2019 Opening Night the same as he left for the season finale Octoberfast 2018 by parking his No. 60 in Victory Lane. The talented driver who travels and wins throughout the Eastern Seaboard, came to the track that sits closest to his Northampton home, making the 30-minute trek a profitable $3000 one after he secured victory in the 100-lap contest. Hirschman would come from 8th on the 19-car grid, taking the lead from Earl Paules while engaged in heavy lapped traffic. He then had number of close restart battles with eventual runner-up Austin Kochenash but by the later stages it was clear the race was his to lose. Hirschman crossed the finish line several car lengths ahead of Kochenash for his 17th win at Mahoning, 13 of them coming in 100+ lap events. Kyle Strohl showed good strength late in settling for third while Todd Baer ran consistently steady in securing fourth. Anthony Sesely in his return to Mahoning after a number of years away rounded out the top 5. “It was a great night. The last several Opening Nights here I watched from the grandstands and this was a lot more fun for sure although a lot harder work,” said Hirschman, who was fresh off a win a week early at Richmond International Raceway and third consecutive. “I enjoy the traveling thing but it is nice to race close to home. We had a lot of supporters who came out tonight from many different states and we’re having a great start to the season but there’s a long way to go. I look forward to be back here later this year for a few more shows.” Determined by luck of the draw and leading the field to the green was two-time and defending track champion Brian DeFebo with Kochenash flanked to his outside. DeFefo would jump out front early on while Kochenash, Paules and Hirschman began a tight battle right behind. By lap 10 Paules was getting a good run on the top side and began reeling in DeFebo. Three laps later the leader had a glitch coming off turn four which allowed Paules to seize the lead. One lap later Hirschman was second and for the next 22 laps it was close action with that pair. With no cautions during that stretch lapped traffic became a factor and for the strong running Paules it would ultimately be his downfall after what appeared to be a very promising night. As lap 36 was recorded the leaders came upon a group of cars running two abreast. Paules was holding a line to the outside but just before clearing there was contact made after the car of Nick Baer shot across his path due to a bump that he received. Paules wound up spinning while miraculously Hirschman stayed low enough to just barely avoid the situation. “My eyes where definitely looking out the right side and it was just one of those things were we caught some lapped cars that were racing ahead of us and they were telling them on the scanner to try and get signal file but it didn’t happen and unfortunately for Earl (Paules) he kind of washed up some and got clipped. I just missed him and I’m glad we did otherwise we would have been wrecked too,” explained Hirschman. When the field was reset Kochenash was now second and through a series of restarts he made some valiant attempts to sneak underneath Hirschman for the lead, successfully doing so on one of those tries only to be thwarted on the ensuing lap. “I knew on the restarts I felt pressure from behind and we got a little crossed up a couple times but once we got going the car was great but you can never let your guard down here at Mahoning,” said Hirschman. It would be perceptible over the final 25 tours that Hirschman had a lock as he was hitting his stride with each passing lap. For Kochenash he showed that 2019 has the makings of a rewarding season as he ran the entire race from no lower than third. “We just ran the tires off near the end and the clutch began slipping early on so that hurt quite a bit and it just didn’t play out today. Second (place) is not bad and well get some money and go on to the next one,” said Kochenash.
Modified Feature Finish (100-laps): 1.Matt Hirschman, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Kyle Strohl, 4. Todd Bear, 5. Anthony Sesely, 6. Gene Bowers, 7. Brian DeFebo, 8. Josh Scherer, 9. Don Wagner, 10. John Markovic, 11. Bobby Jones, 12. Joey Jarowicz, 13. Earl Paules, 14. Heath Metzger, 15. Nick Bear, 16. Austin Beers, 17. Scott Adams, 18. Jacob Kerstetter, 19. Ron Haring Jr.
Awesome day at Evergreen Raceway today. Started 2nd in the make up feature and the car was a little tight and couldn’t complete the pass on the leader and ended up 2nd. Won my heat and redrew the pole for the regular feature. Car was tight but was in a great battle for the win and won it! Can’t thank all my sponsors and crew for all that they do!
BEERS BOYS HAVE A GOOD NIGHT AT ROC LANCASTER RACE - Austin gets 13th Eric gets 5th
June 27, 2019 . . A near capacity crowd welcomed the 60th consecutive season of stock car racing at Lancaster Speedway @ New York International Raceway Park on Thursday night as Andy Jankowiak of Tonawanda, N.Y. won the 5th annual Ol’ Boy Cup 60 Bill Colton Memorial race for the Race of Champions Modified Series.The event was the first stock car race held under the New York International Raceway Park (NYIRP) ownership group, which purchased the facility in late April. NYIRP has partnered with the management and staff of the Race of Champions to put on a six-race schedule of stock car races in 2019.
A total of 25 RoC Modifieds were on hand for the first of three visits by the series this season at Lancaster. Timmy Catalano and Daryl Lewis, Jr. were scheduled to lead the field to the opening green flag. Things did not go as planned for Lewis, however, as he pulled out of line just as the field came out of turn four to take the green. He stopped on the track to put the start of the race on hold.This moved Scott Wylie to the front row for the second attempt to start the race. Wylie capitalized on this as he grabbed the lead from Catalano when the race got under way. Eric Beers eventually settled into second followed by Patrick Emerling, Catalano and Chuck Hossfeld.Emerling, a former Ol’ Boy Cup winner, wasted little time as he moved from his seventh starting position to take over second from Beers on lap 6. The race continued just past the halfway point without another caution as Wylie and Emerling pulled out to a slight advantage over the field.Jankowiak started 10th after winning his heat race. He passed Hossfeld for third on lap 14, but was over a second behind the leaders at this point. Jankowiak made up the ground, and was challenging Emerling for second right before the caution came out on lap 31 for a spin by Jake Rought.The race took a dramatic turn following a restart on lap 34. Wylie and Emerling were racing for the lead in turn two when the pair made contact. Wylie suffered a damaged left front wheel, and lost control of the car. A few cars were caught up in the chaos the ensued. Daryl Lewis, Jr. hit a Thermal Foam block protecting an infield light pole, but was able to drive away. Jack Ely suffered the worst damaged, which ended his night. Wylie’s night was also done after leading the first 34 laps.Emerling lost momentum when he made contact with Wylie and slipped back to second place. Jankowiak was scored as the leader when the race restarted followed by Emerling, Catalano, Hossfeld and Beers.Catalano got past Emerling for second on the restart. This allowed Jankowiak to pull away as the pair battled for position. He looked to be on cruise control to an easy victory when a pair of yellow flags on lap 48 bunched the field up one more time.
Emerling regained second on the restart, and then went after Jankowiak to try and take the lead. He hounded Jankowiak throughout the final 10 laps, looking to make an inside move. While Emerling looked to have the stronger car, Jankowiak did a masterful job of not relinquishing the inside line. Jankowiak held on to capture the Ol’ Boy Cup V for his fourth career RoC Modified win at Lancaster. He has won four of the last ten RoC races at Lancaster dating back to the start of the 2017 season.While he has done a lot of traveling to other tracks up and down the East Coast this season, Jankowiak was happy to be back in victory lane at the track he grew up at.“It is fun going in the truck to Riverhead, Bowman Gray and Seekonk, but this is home, and I’m glad so many fans came out to support this race tonight at Lancaster,” said Jankowiak.Emerling had to settle for second followed by Hossfeld, Catalano and Beers. The RoC Modifieds return to Lancaster on August 17 for the 30th annual Tommy Druar/Tony Jankowiak Memorial 110.
RESULTS
RACE OF CHAMPIONS MODIFIED SERIES
Fast Qualifier: Mike Leaty – 17.232
Heat Winners: Eric Beers, Andy Jankowiak, Tommy Catalano
Ol’ Boy Cup V Finish: ANDY JANKOWIAK, Patrick Emerling, Chuck Hossfeld, Tommy Catalano, Eric Beers, Amy Catalano, Daren Scherer, Daryl Lewis, Jr., Owen Bednasz, John Barber, Chris Ridsdale, Dan Majchrzak, Austin Beers, Mike Leaty, Jake Rought, Bobby Weber, Timmy Catalano, Alan Bookmiller, Chris Finocchario, Scott Wylie, Jack Ely, Karl Hehr, Kevin Miller, George Skora III, Danny Knoll, Jr.
Hirschman shows cards late for first win of the year at Evergreen on June 14
Austin's thoughts: Ended up 12th at evergreen last night for my first tour mod race there. Started second and got an early lead and was very comfortable with the car. Fell to second on a restart. Then on the next restart the car got very tight and I had to hold on till the end. Still very thankful for all my crew and for this opportunity.
After two foiled attempts the American Property Solutions Modifieds finally had an opportunity to hit the 1/3 asphalt oval in Drums Pennsylvania. Chris Ridsdale and Austin Beers would draw the top two starting spots for the 75-lap main event. Beers a modified rookie jumped out to the early lead and led the first nine circuits before the first yellow slowed the field. Beers and Ridsdale would find themselves side by side for the ensuing restart. On lap 14 with an outside power move, Brian Defebo would find some racing room and dart into P2. During the next 27 laps of green flag racing we would see several battles throughout the field for track position. At the halfway point, Defebo would be our race leader over Beers, John Markovic, Earl Paules and Austin Kochenash. Buddy Miller & Paul Frantz would bring out the caution on lap 41 regrouping the field. Pits open and a fury of pit stops ensue: Paules, Hirschman, Mandato and Pritchard would head pit side for new right rear rubber. As we go back green, Kochenash quickly worked his way into second stalking down Defebo in the Defebo Graphics #53. Lap 55 and we find Kochenash leading the field. Lap 60 brings out a brief caution as Hirschman would just crack the top 5 with less than ten laps remaining. The next two laps would steal the show, as Kochenash, Pritchard, Paules and Hirschman would duke it banging wheels for the lead. Hirschman would prevail and find the top spot on lap 68. On lap 73 we would see the yellow flying again setting up a double file green, white, checkered with Hirschman cruising to victory over Kochenash and Mandato.
Modifieds (75 Laps). 1. Hirschman. 2. Kochenash. 3. Mandato. 4. Don Wagner. 5. Roger Coss. 6. Earl Paules. 7. James Pritchard. 8. Brian Sones. 9. Todd Baer. 10. Brian Defebo. 11. John Markovic. 12. Austin Beers. 13. Buddy Miller. 14. Chris Ridsdale. 15. Wayne Szerencsits. 16. Bobby Jones. 17. Randel Richard. 18. Paul Frantz.
Kyle Strohl holds off Lou Strohl in thrilling Mahoning Valley Speedway Modified action on June 8; Mike Sweeney takes Late Model laurels after leader Matt Wentz is crashed out
Kyle Strohl raced to a thrilling win over Lou Strohl for his second Modified win of the season Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway. Both drivers displayed amazing car control while going double-wide over most of the later stages of the 35-lap contest. At the outset L. Strohl jumped out to a descent lead over Nick Baer but coming through swiftly was K. Strohl who by lap 10 was running second. There was still a sizable gap between first and second at that point but K. Strohl continued to chip away with each passing lap and when the 18th circuit went into the books the lead changed hands with an inside pass in turn four. On a restart with 10 laps remaining L. Strohl powered back to the lead but the ensuing tour K. Strohl regained the spot. From there to the finish it remained exceedingly close. “He (Lou Strohl) was on his set-up tonight and we were getting a little loose as he night went on and he really contested me for the victory but I wasn’t giving an inch,” said K. Strohl. “The track was really good tonight. That last restart helped him and I was nervous but luckily we got back on top. I want to say thanks to Lou for a running me clean and giving me a great race.” Interestingly for L. Strohl he almost thought about packing up and not racing after coming out to early practice and being completed unsatisfied with the results of that session. However, car owner Matt Higgins swayed him to stick around and with minimal adjustments when the night got underway, he won his heat and then drove to the near feature win. “We were honestly debating about loading up and going home that’s how bad the car was,” admitted L. Strohl. “But after we put on a different set of tires for the heat everything clicked and the car was just amazingly fast from that point. We tried and it wasn’t for the lack of effort on my part.” Not to be undone by the close action between the front pair, there was just as much of a tight battle for third between Austin Kochenash and Josh Scherer who raced to the wire for the spot. Brian DeFebo came from 13th to fifth at the end.
Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1. Kyle Strohl, 2. Lou Strohl, 3. Austin Kochenash, 4. Josh Scherer, 5. Brian DeFebo, 6. Bobby Jones, 7. Gene Bowers, 8. Earl Paules, 9. John Markovic, 10. Terry Markovic, 11. Nick Baer, 12. Anthony Sesely, 13. Ron Haring Jr., 14. Jacob Kerstetter, 15. Kevin Rex Jr., 16. BJ Wambold, 17. Wes Gilbert, 18. Lorin Arthofer II, 19. Austin Beers DNS: Heath Metzger
Dramatic Move Leads Emerling to RoC Victory at Spencer Speedway on May 31 - Eric finishes 2nd
It was a great night for the Beers Delange Team - Eric made the right changes to get up to second but was better on the short run and Patrick was better on the long run. Austin was running 15ht when an electrical issue shut off the motor and was unable to finish.
Patrick Emerling of Orchard Park, N.Y., made a dramatic move in traffic to get past Andy Jankowiak of Buffalo, N.Y., to take the lead and go on and win the Tribute to Don Pratt ‘62’ at Spencer Speedway presented by Wilbert’s U Pull-It in Williamson, N.Y., which began the tracks 65th consecutive season of competition. The win was the 15th of Emerling’s Race of Champions career and his third Series victory at Spencer. He’s just 1 win away from tying his crew chief, Jan Leaty, for 4th on the all-time win list.
“We had a good night tonight,” stated Emerling in victory lane. “Things went our way. We raced Andy (Jankowiak) really hard and I knew Eric (Beers) and Mike (Leaty) my teammate were coming behind me. It’s great to pay tribute to another great Modified competitor in Don Pratt and thank you to Curt Tooley for working extra hard to raise additional lap money.” Jankowiak ended up in the turn four wall on a restart, before Eric Beers of Northampton, Pa., gave Emerling a challenge to the finish. Beers finished second with Mike Leaty of Williamson, N.Y., recovering from an early race spin to finish third. Daren Scherer of Binghamton, N.Y., finished fourth and Daryl Lewis, Jr., of Ontario, N.Y., rounded out the top-five. Chuck Hossfeld of Ransomville, N.Y., posted the Speed51.com “Top of the Board” overall fast time in group time trials with a lap of 18.893 seconds with an average speed of 95.273 mph.
Leaty; Tommy Catalano of Ontario, N.Y., and Hossfeld won the qualifying races.
Chemung Speedrome’s season opener was everything a track would hope for – a nice turnout of race teams and fans, competitive racing, and beautiful weather to boot on May 18
The 75-lap RoC Modified season opener drew a field of 26 cars. Qualifying wins went to Mike Leaty, Tyler Rypkema, Zane Zeiner and Chuck Hossfeld. The top 3 in each heat drew for the top 12 starting spots during intermission and the field was set for the feature. Tyler Rypkema drew the pole and led the way, chased early on by Mike Leaty and Chuck Hossfeld. The race itself was slowed by 14 cautions, most of which were for spins in turns three and four. Andy Jankowiak, who broke into the top five about 20 laps into the race, gradually worked his way to the front of the pack and took the lead from Rypkema on lap 46. While just two drivers led, running among the top five proved to be risky behavior Saturday afternoon. Mike Leaty, Matt Hirschman and Zane Zeiner all learned that the hard way, and restarted at the back after being involved in cautions Andy Jankowiak took the lead from Rypkema on lap 46 and never looked back. He held on and picked up the win over Zack Curren, Bryan Sherwood, Zeiner and Hirschman. “I didn’t have the fastest car, but I avoided the trouble,” Jankowiak said following the win. “I didn’t pass anyone ‘til I got to third,” he said regarding the many wrecks he avoided. Staying out of trouble was key for Curren and Sherwood as well. Both mentioned how that contributed to their podium finishes.
Results:
RoC Modifieds (75 Laps): ANDY JANKOWIAK, Zack Curren, Bryan Sherwood, Zane Zeiner, Matt Hirschman, TJ Potrzebowski, Tyler Rypkema, Chris Finocchairo, Daren Scherer, George Skora III, Scott Wylie, Daryl Lewis, Jr., Mike Leaty, Donny Hartzell, Jake Rought, Austin Beers, Owen Bednasz, Eric Beers, Chuck Hossfeld, Kevin Miller, Kyle Ebersole, Brian DeFebo, Austin Kochenash, Chris Ridsdale, Karl Hehr, Ken Canestrari (DNS)
Heats: Leaty, Rypkema, Zeiner, Hossfeld
Kyle Strohl holds off Bobby Jones for Mahoning Modified top honors as Austin get 10th on May 11 at Mahoning Valley Speedway
Over the first few weeks of the 2019 season Kyle Strohl had a presence among the leaders but knew he was just a tad off in hammering the right set-up to where he wanted to be. Continuing to tweak his Paul’s Towing No. 44, the 19-year old from Palmerton finally nailed it right and the effort paid off in the form of his first Modified win of the year. “It felt pretty good out there tonight and the car was working perfectly. We had been struggling for the first few weeks but we hit on the right adjustments tonight and it finally paid off,” said Strohl. With only two cautions that slowed the action, both on lap 23, Strohl, who started sixth, had to race flat out to the front and he would battle a pair of venerable veterans in doing so, first taking on Terry Markovic and then contending down to the wire against point leader Bobby Jones. Markovic jumped to the opening lap lead and then set sail. Within four laps Strohl had advanced to third and was in close formation with Kevin Rex Jr. As Markovic showed notable speed at the helm, Rex and Strohl began a two-wide duel. Directly behind them was Jones. It would take Strohl 10 laps to annex second spot. He then continued his frontward charge and went immediately after Markovic. After a few looks from the outside, Strohl got a shot to go underneath the leader by the completion of lap 17. “Terry is a classy guy and we had to work hard to pass him but it was clean and after that away we went. The track was really good tonight and there was a lot of grip on both the outside and inside grooves.” said Strohl. By lap 20 Jones had motored up to second and was able to quickly pull alongside Strohl. On lap 23 a pair of cautions paused the action and on the second restart Jones fired past Strohl for the lead, however, the favored was returned the next time by. Try as he may from there to finish Jones looked for every opportunity to get by but Strohl had this one in hand and would record his 12th Modified win and 36th overall. Earlier this season he had scored a Sportsman Modified victory. “Bobby (Jones) was tough and that’s what you come to expect from him. He’s been the guy who’s been up front each week but tonight we hit on the right set-up and got the job done,” proclaimed Strohl. “It’s been real tight, clean hard racing and it seems everyone has figured it out all around with the Modifieds this year.” Rex stayed steady in garnering third while Earl Paules and Gene Bowers rounded out the top five.
Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1. Kyle Strohl, 2. Bobby Jones, 3. Kevin Rex Jr., 4. Earl Paules, 5. Gene Bowers, 6. Josh Scherer, 7. Brian DeFebo, 8. Lou Strohl, 9. Don Wagner, 10. Austin Beers, 11. Nick Baer, 12. John Markovic, 13. Terry Markovic, 14. Gary Wentz, 15. Jacob Kerstetter
Bobby Jones has week two figured out at Mahoning Valley…wins for third straight year in a thriller - Austin is 10th on April 20
(LEHIGHTON, PA. 4-20-19) It seems that week two at Mahoning Valley Speedway has become a favorite for Bobby Jones as for the third straight season the classy veteran picked up a win in the Modified feature. The 35-lap main turned out to be a great showdown as well between him and Earl Paules as they battled down to the wire. “For three years in a row we were terrible on opening night and I could never understand why. After this year’s opener we went back and did a lot of tweaking,” said Jones who won for the 23rd time at Mahoning in a Modified and recorded his 40th career overall victory. Jones, who started second to pole sitter Ron Haring Jr., would place his No. 1J into the lead with a quick diving move off turn two on lap six. Two laps later after a restart Paules advanced to second and from there on it was a cat and mouse game between the two journeymen. Paules tried numerous attempts to get by but as Jones would admit afterwards he was being very protective, especially on the inside lane where he choose to remain for most of the race.
“I slowed down to protect the bottom – I didn’t want to give that up because here once someone gets position on you on the bottom they got you,” said Jones. For Jones, it wasn’t just about keeping his lane but restarts were a factor as well. Paules, who clocked faster times throughout the event, showed several times that if he could just get the run needed after restarting that the outcome would certainly have been in his favor. “I told him (Paules) when he came alongside me on the restarts I had to be up on the wheel because he’s no slouch. He’s been at this game a long time and knows the tricks and the things to try and help yourself and I knew I had to be at my best in that situation against him,” bottom lined Jones. Over the final laps the excitement was rousing, most notably on the last circuit. With the front pair locked tight they came upon a slower car in turns 3 and 4. Jones had to react quickly as to not get trapped as Paules had a clear line from the topside to make a pass. As fate would have it for Jones he wisely stepped out enough to safeguard his spot but just barely as he held off Paules by a mere half car length. “I actually thought we were okay and we were just going to relax and stay there and I kind of relaxed too much and shouldn’t have,” explained Jones. “At the last minute I was going to go out on the lapped car because Earl was coming. As soon as I started to step out I seen him and didn’t go out as high as I should to give him room. There was a lot of respect and it was fun and good racing for both of us.” Josh Scherer and Anthony Sesely had great dogfight themselves and would finish third and fourth respectively. For Sesely, who is back racing at Mahoning for the first time in years, the placing elevated him into the point lead. Gene Bowers had a respectable run in rounding out the top five.
Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1. Bobby Jones, 2. Earl Paules, 3. Josh Scherer, 4. Anthony Sesely, 5. Gene Bowers, 6. Kyle Strohl, 7. Todd Baer, 8. Brian DeFebo, 9. Austin Beers, 10. Kevin Rex Jr., 11. John Markovic, 12. Terry Markovic, 13. Jacob Kerstetter, 14. Ron Haring Jr., 15. Heath Metzger DNS: Scott Adams
Austin was running a steady race until a mid race crash in front of him puts him out for the Night at Mahoning - APRIL 6
(LEHIGHTON 4-6-19) Matt Hirschman opened up Mahoning Valley Speedway’s 2019 Opening Night the same as he left for the season finale Octoberfast 2018 by parking his No. 60 in Victory Lane. The talented driver who travels and wins throughout the Eastern Seaboard, came to the track that sits closest to his Northampton home, making the 30-minute trek a profitable $3000 one after he secured victory in the 100-lap contest. Hirschman would come from 8th on the 19-car grid, taking the lead from Earl Paules while engaged in heavy lapped traffic. He then had number of close restart battles with eventual runner-up Austin Kochenash but by the later stages it was clear the race was his to lose. Hirschman crossed the finish line several car lengths ahead of Kochenash for his 17th win at Mahoning, 13 of them coming in 100+ lap events. Kyle Strohl showed good strength late in settling for third while Todd Baer ran consistently steady in securing fourth. Anthony Sesely in his return to Mahoning after a number of years away rounded out the top 5. “It was a great night. The last several Opening Nights here I watched from the grandstands and this was a lot more fun for sure although a lot harder work,” said Hirschman, who was fresh off a win a week early at Richmond International Raceway and third consecutive. “I enjoy the traveling thing but it is nice to race close to home. We had a lot of supporters who came out tonight from many different states and we’re having a great start to the season but there’s a long way to go. I look forward to be back here later this year for a few more shows.” Determined by luck of the draw and leading the field to the green was two-time and defending track champion Brian DeFebo with Kochenash flanked to his outside. DeFefo would jump out front early on while Kochenash, Paules and Hirschman began a tight battle right behind. By lap 10 Paules was getting a good run on the top side and began reeling in DeFebo. Three laps later the leader had a glitch coming off turn four which allowed Paules to seize the lead. One lap later Hirschman was second and for the next 22 laps it was close action with that pair. With no cautions during that stretch lapped traffic became a factor and for the strong running Paules it would ultimately be his downfall after what appeared to be a very promising night. As lap 36 was recorded the leaders came upon a group of cars running two abreast. Paules was holding a line to the outside but just before clearing there was contact made after the car of Nick Baer shot across his path due to a bump that he received. Paules wound up spinning while miraculously Hirschman stayed low enough to just barely avoid the situation. “My eyes where definitely looking out the right side and it was just one of those things were we caught some lapped cars that were racing ahead of us and they were telling them on the scanner to try and get signal file but it didn’t happen and unfortunately for Earl (Paules) he kind of washed up some and got clipped. I just missed him and I’m glad we did otherwise we would have been wrecked too,” explained Hirschman. When the field was reset Kochenash was now second and through a series of restarts he made some valiant attempts to sneak underneath Hirschman for the lead, successfully doing so on one of those tries only to be thwarted on the ensuing lap. “I knew on the restarts I felt pressure from behind and we got a little crossed up a couple times but once we got going the car was great but you can never let your guard down here at Mahoning,” said Hirschman. It would be perceptible over the final 25 tours that Hirschman had a lock as he was hitting his stride with each passing lap. For Kochenash he showed that 2019 has the makings of a rewarding season as he ran the entire race from no lower than third. “We just ran the tires off near the end and the clutch began slipping early on so that hurt quite a bit and it just didn’t play out today. Second (place) is not bad and well get some money and go on to the next one,” said Kochenash.
Modified Feature Finish (100-laps): 1.Matt Hirschman, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Kyle Strohl, 4. Todd Bear, 5. Anthony Sesely, 6. Gene Bowers, 7. Brian DeFebo, 8. Josh Scherer, 9. Don Wagner, 10. John Markovic, 11. Bobby Jones, 12. Joey Jarowicz, 13. Earl Paules, 14. Heath Metzger, 15. Nick Bear, 16. Austin Beers, 17. Scott Adams, 18. Jacob Kerstetter, 19. Ron Haring Jr.