Don Wagner, Bobby Jones, Todd Baer and John Markovic take Bill Teel Memorial wins; Wagner is overall champion

(LEHIGHTON, PA. 9-16-17) T\
The Pro 4 feature went to Kevin Stein. Stein raced into the lead on lap four and then held back the persistence of Jake Kibler. Briggs Danner had an impressive showing, driving the Kohler No. 29 to a respectable third.

Paul Effrig is making his first season with the Hobby Stock quite the enjoyable one as he led all 25 laps and recorded his third win thus far.
​
 Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Kevin Stein, 2. Jake Kibler, 3. Briggs Danner, 4. John Bennett, 5. Ken Redder, 6. Josh Kuronya, 7. Tucker Muffley, 8. Randy Schaffer, 9. Kailyn Beers

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Paul Effrig, 2. Devin Schmidt, 3. Travis Solomon, 4. Avery Arthofer, 5. Al Arthofer, 6. Austin Beers, 7. Trisha Connolly, 8. Carl Altemose, 9. Rich Mutarelli, 10. Michael Wambold, 11. Ryan Berger, 12. Kevin Behler, 13. Justin Merkel, 14. Samantha Osborn, 15. Peyton Arthofer, 16. Nicholas Kerstetter, 17. Matt Fisher

ERIC BEERS AND DELANGE RACING TO MAKE RETURN TO LANCASTER NATIONAL SPEEDWAY
AS A PART OF THE 29TH ANNUAL US OPEN WEEKEND

- 125-Lap Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series Event to Set Stage for 67th Annual Race of Champions 250 -

Lancaster, N.Y. – (September 13, 2017) – Eric Beers of Northampton, Pa., and Jack Ely of Wall, N.J., will return to Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series fueled by Sunoco action when the Series heats up at the 29th Annual US Open at Lancaster (N.Y.) Speedway. It will be the return to Lancaster for the Dave and Laura DeLange owned DeLange Racing team.  The DeLange’s, who are based in Lockport, N.Y., have a long time relationship owning cars for the veteran Beers, most recent Race of Champions Series victory was the 2016 opener at his home track, Mahoning Valley Speedway in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. Beers is also the 2005 US Open Champion.  “Lancaster is Dave and Laura (DeLange’s) home track and we are excited about returning there,” offered Beers, who captured his landmark 100th feature victory earlier this season. “We’ve been looking at the schedule and trying to work some different things in and this worked. It should be a great weekend of racing as always at Lancaster we are really looking forward to Sunday.”
 
Ely, one of the divisions young and rising stars, just recently captured his second career Modified feature victory at Mahoning after stepping up following his success in the dirt Sportsman division at Mahoning. Ely made his Race of Champions debut last season at Mahoning, where he ran twice.
The 29th Annual US Open is a three day racing event at Lancaster National Speedway that begins with practice on Friday, September 22 for all divisions. The Race of Champions Sunoco Sportsman Modifieds and Race of Champions Super Stocks highlight the program on Saturday and on Sunday, it’s the 29th Annual US Open 125 for the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series along with the Race of Champions Late Model Series performing on the card.
 
Where: Lancaster National Speedway, Lancaster, N.Y.
When: Friday, September 22, Saturday September 23 and Sunday, September 24, 2017
Directions: The track is located at 57 Gunnville Road in Lancaster, N.Y., just North of Route 33 and minutes from the New York State Thruway.
What: The 29th Annual US Open Weekend featuring the 29th Annual US Open 125 for the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series fueled by Sunoco
More Information: http://speedway.lancasternationalspeedway.com/  (Track Phone: 716.759.6818) / www.rocmodifiedseries.com ​


DeLange Racing #45 Modified Team to take time off to get ready for end of year shows

The DeLange Racing Modified Team with driver Eric Beers have made a strategic decision to take time off from weekly competition to get ready for end of year shows.  "It was a difficult decision to make, as we love running at Mahoning Valley Speedway, but the time was right to step back and get the team and cars ready for the big end of year events." explained team owner Dave DeLange.

The team's first big event will come September 24 at a track and race where both DeLange Racing and Eric have had success, Lancaster Speedway's US Open.  This event is also a Race of Champions Tour Race.

"The hardest part of this decision is that we will miss the Bill Teel Memorial Race, this Saturday night at Mahoning Speedway. Many people put a lot of time and effort to make this a very special race.   Billy was a competitor I grew up racing against mostly at Mahoning and Flemington, and we ended up forming a special relationship and I always had so much admiration for him both on and off the track.  I will be at the track to support the race in anyway I can, but just will not be in a race car.”  said Eric Beers.  “If all goes well, we will be back at Mahoning for the Twin 50’s on September 30.”

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Young guns Gene Bowers and Jack Ely made a strong statement with rousing Modified wins at Mahoning Valley Speedway

(9-9-17) Mahoning Valley is well known for its core of veteran Modified stars but a pair of young guns showed that the future is also in good hands as Gene Bowers and Jack Ely scored impressive wins on Saturday evening.

Bowers made a crowd thrilling pass over Bobby Jones with one lap to go to win the make-up feature from August 19 which netted him his first win with a Modified.  In the regular feature Ely was settled in behind Brian Labar and seemed content to ride home second but as the laps clicked off he had the power to drive to the lead and go on to win for the first time this season.  In the make-up race Lou Strohl and Ron Haring Jr., brought the field to the green with Strohl jumping into the early lead. Fifth starting Bowers made haste as he picked his way to second in just six laps.  The race was fast-paced as only one caution would slow the action and that didn’t occur until lap 30. That in turn made for some very high stakes action as the front runners ran tightly grouped.  Jones and Bowers at most times where two-wide while hanging closely with Strohl. On lap 17 Jones used the outside line to work by Strohl for the lead. Bowers was then chomping at the bit as he pressured Jones but had to also contend with Strohl. Lap after lap Jones was fending off the pair as they each made relentless attempts at his lead.  A break in the action finally came with five lap to go but unfortunately it would involve Strohl who spun under the tight conditions.  Despite the single file restart, Bowers wasted no time in going the outside of Jones. Momentum was on his side as he used the clear lane to be scored the lead as the white flag was waved. Over the final circuit it was side-by-side with Bowers nipping Jones for his memorable victory.  “It feels awesome. To win in a Modified is something I always dreamed about as far as racing goes and to finally get it and in such a dramatic fashion was amazing,” said Bowers. “Honestly I had this feeling the past week that something good was going to come soon but to pull this off with this group of guys who have been racing Modifieds almost as long as I’ve been alive, that says a lot for this team.”
 In the regular scheduled show Troy Bollinger slipped by Terry Markovic on lap two and controlled the lead while holding back Nick Baer. Labar was showing great strength as well and began dueling with Baer for second.   A skirmish on lap 15 put a halt to the action. The incident involved Markovic, Haring and Eric Beers who saw his night end there.    At the resumption Labar was able to overtake Bollinger for the lead. Ely in the meantime had worked up to third and was sizing up his chance to take second spot which he succeeded to do in by lap 21. Labar was now in Ely’s his sights although the leader looked significant to stay the course. With the help of no cautions the rest of the way, Ely used that to his advantage.  “When we got into second I was able to chase down Brain (Labar) and he was running well. But our car was working so good and I started to get solid runs going into the corners and I felt I had a shot at this so I was up on the wheel,” said Ely. “He raced me clean for the lead and I can’t thank him enough.  “I think it was a great show tonight for the fans and it looks like the youth is taking over here at Mahoning Valley.”

Jake Kibler scored big in the special 40-lap/$400 to win Pro 4 feature. Kibler zipped into the lead after eight laps and would then leave everyone to battle for second and beyond as the veteran roared to his fourth win of the season and 30th career victory.

Todd Geist is a wily veteran who has deep roots among the local asphalt racing community. He has not raced much in the past few years instead opting to help out his sons, Shayne and Cody Geist build on their budding careers.  His boys, however, wanted to show their appreciation and built dad a Hobby Stock. In turn the elder Geist rewarded their efforts with a well-run race and his first win in eight years.

Make-up 8/19 Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps) 1. Gene Bowers, 2. Bobby Jones, 3. Brian DeFebo, 4. Kyle Strohl, 5. Eric Beers, 6. Zane Zeiner, 7. Jack Ely, 8. Kris Graver, 9. John Markovic, 10. Don Wagner, 11. Roger Heffelfinger, 12. Joey Jarowicz, 13. Terry Markovic, 14. Ron Haring Jr., 15. Lou Strohl, 16. Nick Baer, 17. Josh Oswald, 18. Troy Bollinger, 19, Brian Labar, 20. Robert Wagner DNS: James Pritchard Jr.
Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Ely, 2. Kyle Strohl, 3. Zeiner, 4. Labar, 5. Jones, 6. DeFebo, 7. Jarowicz, 8. John Markovic, 9. Kris Graver, 10. Nick Baer, 11. Haydt, 12. Lou Strohl, 13. Bowers, 14. Todd Baer, 15. Wagner, 16. Bollinger, 17. Terry Markovic, 18. Haring Jr., 19. Beers, 20. Heffelfinger Jr. DNQ: Josh Oswald, Kevin Graver Jr., Scott Miller, Jacob Kerstetter
 
Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Frankie Althouse, 2. Mike Sweeney, 3. Lorin Arthofer, 4. Jeremy Miller, 5. Dylan Osborn, 6. Kenny Hein, 7. George Ramos, 8. Geno Steigerwalt, 9. Mike Snyder, 10. Austin Santee 

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps):  1. Corey Edelman, 2. Alan Schlenker, 3. Rick Reichenbach, 4. Steven Steigerwalt, 5. Mark Deysher, 6. Cody Geist, 7. Todd Ahner, 8. Stacey Brown, 9. Jon Moser, 10. Josh Scherer, 11. BJ Wambold, 12. Jared Ahner, 13. Jill Long, 14. Jamie Smith, 15. Shayne Geist, 16. Ken Erney III, 17. Dennis Buss, 18. Devin Schmidt, 19. Steven Hoffman
Dirt Mod Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Mike Stofflet, 2. Jeff Parker, 3. Billy Lowden Jr., 4. Corey Edelman, 5. Brian Fuclli DNS: Denise Devine

Pro 4 Feature Finish (40 Laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2.Kevin Stein, 3. John Bennett, 4. Bobby Kibler Jr., 5. Jason Finken, 6. Kailyn Beers, 7. Cody Kohler, 8. Josh Scherer, 9. Ken Reeder, 10. Josh Kuronya, 11. Tucker Muffley, 12. Randy Schaffer

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Todd Geist, 2. Devin Schmidt, 3. Rich Mutarelli, 4. Austin Beers, 5. Trisha Connolly 6. Al Arthofer 7. Michael Wambold, 8. Travis Solomon, 9. Justin Merkel, 10. Samantha Osborn, 11. Avery Arthofer, 12. Ryan Berger, 13. Beau Drobot, 14. Nicholas Kerstetter, 15. Taylor Schmidt, 16. Paul Effrig, 17. Lyndsay Buss, 18. Kevin Behler, 19. Peyton Arthofer

Eric Beers scores 100th career win; Lorin Arthofer II picks up Late Model 50 laurels
 
(August 26, 2017) Eric Beers scored a milestone victory on Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway as the “Master of Faster” recorded his 100th overall career win.

Starting ninth on the grid, Beers was running second to Kevin Graver Jr., by lap 15. The next time around the DeLange Racing No. 45 was in charge of the pack and proceeded to cruise to the Winner’s Circle and memorable win.  “It’s unbelievable to get 100 wins in anything. I have to thank my father and mother for getting us started in this and teaching us the right way to do things in racing. They always told me don’t drive through people drive around them,” said Beers.  “And my brother-in-law Bob “Heavy” Scherer who stopped driving so I can take over the wheel. I made him proud by winning a lot of races,” he continued.  “My wife Cherrie has been here for all 100 of them. We started dating when I got my first win and she’s still here. And I could never thank Dave and Laura DeLange enough for letting me drive their racecar. It’s a great honor to run for them.”  En route the win Beers had a great battle with Joey Jarowicz before getting to second spot. After taking the lead Jarowicz followed into second with Gene Bowers third. Then over the final 10 laps Kyle Strohl was all over Jarowicz in what turned into a thrilling duel to the finish. At the checkers Strohl just eked his way to runner-up. Bowers and point leader Kris Graver completed the top five.  “They are great up and comer racers. Kyle (Strohl) has been here now for a couple of years running up front and Joey (Jarowicz) has really stepped his game up this season. But as long as I don’t get to old they can still watch the back of my car,” said Beers.  Beers won for the first time on September 13, 1986 at Dorney Park Speedway in a Late Model. In between he registered victories at Nazareth ½-mile dirt track, Adirondack, Seekonk, Thompson, Lancaster, Chemung, Tioga, New Smyrna, Flemington, Oswego and Evergreen. He has wins on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and was the 2004 winner of the Sunoco Race of Champions. Beers is also a two-time Evergreen Raceway track champion and three-time titlist at Mahoning Valley. Of his 100 wins 55 have come at Mahoning where he is tops among the Modified division.  “Mahoning will always be my home. We left here in 1993 and started traveling and didn’t come back to run weekly until 2013. We took 20 years off but I can tell you that this is the best place for Modified racing that you will ever see,” said Beers.

In the Hobby Stock main Michael Wambold raced to his first win of the season, holding off fast closing Austin Beers for the nod.
 
Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Eric Beers, 2. Kyle Strohl, 3. Joey Jarowicz, 4. Gene Bowers, 5. Kris Graver, 6. Kevin Graver Jr., 7. Brian Labar, 8. Lou Strohl, 9. Brian DeFebo, 10. Jack Ely, 11. Bobby Jones, 12. Zane Zeiner, 13. Tyler Haydt, 14. Ron Haring Jr., 15. Nick Baer, 16. Don Wagner, 17. James Pritchard, 18. Jacob Kerstetter, 19. John Markovic, 20. Troy Bollinger DNQ: Terry Markovic
 
Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Kevin Stein, 2. Jake Kibler, 3. Ken Reeder, 3. Josh Kuronya, 5. Cody Kohler, 6. Jeremy Guerra, 7. Johnny Bennett, 8. Kailyn Beers, 9. Randy Schaffer
 
Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Mike Wambold, 2. Austin Beers, 3. Taylor Schmidt, 4. Rich Mutarelli, 5. Al Arthofer, 6. Shawn Kistler, 7. Devin Schmidt, 8. Ryan Berger, 9. Trish Connolly, 10. Nicolas Kerstetter, 11. Justin Merkel, 12. Todd Geist, 13. Lyndsay Buss, 14. Travis Solomon, 15. Colton Breiner, 16. Paul Effrig, 17. Samantha Osborn, 18. Avery Arthofer, 19. Beau Drobot, 20. Hunter Iatalese


Kris Graver scores 4th Mahoning Modified win…Mike Sweeney’s 7th Late Model victory was close call

(LEHIGHTON, PA. 8-5-17) A week ago Kris Graver took the lead from Kyle Strohl with five laps to go only to see his shot at winning slip away when Brian DeFebo passed him with two circuits remaining.  Fast-forward to this past Saturday night and the same scene was being played out only this time Graver was not letting neither Strohl nor fast closing DeFebo spoil his night as he raced to a division best fourth Modified win of the season.  “Last week I didn’t have the car to win and Brian (DeFebo) has been really fast this year,” said Graver. “Tonight when I got near the front I could see that Kyle was pretty much checking out and was absolutely the car to beat. I was also lucky to restart double file on a late caution and I stayed right with him when we went back green. He was getting tight and that played in my favor.”  When the race got underway Kevin Graver Jr., took advantage of his pole starting spot to jump out front for the early lead. Lou Strohl and Bobby Jones had him well covered, however, and never allowed much breathing room.
While that threesome battled for the lead, K. Strohl was lurking in their shadow. He would first take care of business with Jones on lap 10 and then relegated L. Strohl back to third two laps later. Keeping that forward thrust of momentum going, K. Strohl zipped his way around Ke. Graver at the completion of lap 16.  At that point there was little question as to his maintaining the lead as he was strong enough to pull away from the pack.  After midway a handful of cautions kept the action tight and although he was still the persuasive car, K. Strohl had to handle the restarts in order to keep the race in his hands. Jones was one driver who sought to make the best of each of those re-goes as several times he saw the opportunity but each time K. Strohl turned him away.  Although he was running in the top five by lap 22, Kr. Graver was not a factor until a caution with six laps to go put an end to the fine run of Jones who was pinched by a Joey Jarowicz and went spinning.  It would be on that restart that Kr. Graver, now second, was able to make his race winning move. For K. Strohl all he could do was watch from behind as well as hold off DeFebo who came alongside him at the checkers.  “I thought to not try and push the issue after that restart. He (Kr. Graver) clearly had the better car,” said Strohl. “We we’re really good and running strong but then the last six laps of the race we just got extremely tight and that’s been a problem for us the last few weeks.”  Jack Ely had his fourth straight top five in garnering fourth while Don Wagner raced from 19th to fifth.  “You can tell there was a full moon because it was a little crazy out there tonight and it was all about having patience definitely and luck on your side to try and make it through everything,” noted Kr. Graver.  “This year we just continue to work hard week in and week out. We wanted to sell the car at the beginning of the year and no one offered to buy it.”

Devin Schmidt raced to his second Hobby Stock win of the season by holding off Ryan Berger in the process. Schmidt passed Berger four laps from the end en route to his first win since Opening Night.
 
Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Kris Graver, 2. Kyle Strohl, 3. Brian DeFebo, 4. Jack Ely, 5. Don Wagner, 6. Gene Bowers, 7. Brian Labar, 8. James Pritchard Jr., 9. Joey Jarowicz, 10. Ron Haring Jr., 11. Lou Strohl, 12. Brian Romig Sr., 13. Nick Baer, 14. Terry Markovic, 15. Roger Heffelfinger Jr., 16. Bobby Jones, 17. DJ Wagner, 118. Troy Bollinger, 9. Kevin Graver Jr., 20. Eric Beers DNQ: Paul Frantz, Mike Piechota
 
Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Devin Schmidt, 2. Ryan Berger, 3. Michael Wambold, 4. Brayden Spencer, 5. Austin Beers, 6. Justin Merkel, 7. Shawn Kistler, 8. Tiffany Wambold, 9. Travis Solomon, 10. Paul Effrig, 11. Taylor Schmidt, 12. Avery Arthofer, 13. Trisha Connolly, 14. Nicholas Kerstetter, 15. Colton Perry, 16. Al Arthofer, 17. Mark Schwalm, 18. Colton Breiner, 19. Beau Drobot DNS: Rich Mutarelli DNQ: Arland Moyer J

Brian DeFebo comes from 15th to win second straight Mahoning Valley Modified main

(July 29, 2017)  Brian DeFebo put on an exciting drive in coming from 15th to first and in doing so won for a second straight week and third time this season at Mahoning Valley Speedway.  DeFebo pulled off a thrilling outside pass on Kris Graver with two laps to go in taking the popular verdict which comes as important factor in his quest for a possible championship. He is currently in a tight battle at the top of the standings with Graver and Eric Beers and has made no bones about the importance of the numbers game being played out between the three titans.  “We’re definitely having fun right now and we take every race as it comes. The best way to overcome our point deficit that we’re at is be the leader at all times. So with that we’re not going to worry about what everyone else is doing. We’ll keep going out and try to win heat races and win features and the points will play out,” said DeFebo.  DeFebo had his work cut out for him for much of the 35 lap run. Starting so deep in the pack he had to bide his time but with the first 18 laps going nonstop it was a challenge in passing cars.   “When the races here run nonstop like it was going you just have to stay in line and play the chess game as best you can. You think you make the right move and then you don’t. In the beginning it was tough because everyone was stacked up. I had a faster car then I was able to run because everyone was side-to-side,” he said.  Lou Strohl and Kyle Strohl where setting the early pace. On lap seven K. Strohl squeezed to the inside for the lead. Jack Ely and Nick Baer were close at hand while John Markovic hovered in fifth.
The fast and close paced action got a breather on lap 18 for a minor incident. When racing resumed K. Strohl and L. Strohl where going two-wide for the lead. Likewise Ely and Baer were doing much of the same while Graver appeared behind that group.  Graver, who has been making excellent use of the top lane, wasn’t hesitating to yet again take that route towards the front and in short order made the race for the lead a rowdy three car battle. There was no room for error as all three run tightly huddled.  Then with eight laps to go DeFebo was there as well. He, however, had to deal with Ely and there was a touchy moment when they contacted with one another and DeFebo made a huge save to avoid the wall.  “The 54 (Ely) just ran me out a little bit and I almost got the car sideways and I thought I have to save it or else the season is done,” said DeFebo.  In the meantime there was still the intense action for the lead and with four laps to go L. Strohl tried to go underneath K. Strohl while Graver remained high. Clearly something had to give and unfortunately for K. Strohl he got spun. Officials relegated the L. Strohl to the rear for his part in initiating the episode.  For the restart Graver was in charge with DeFebo second. One would think that it would be a simple few laps that Graver had to turn but DeFebo had his mindset on victory and shot to the outside for the race winning pass.   “I’m not content to finish second and it goes back to points don’t matter but they do matter so I had no choice but to go to the outside,” said DeFebo.  “Morgantini Racing Engines turned this motor around and made it a really strong Mahoning Valley engine and I can’t thank the guys there enough and of course Gary Slusser and Jim Yamelski who work countless hours all week in the shop.”  Ely had a solid third with Beers and Baer rounding out the top five.
          
Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Brian DeFebo, 2. Kris Graver, 3. Jack Ely, 4. Eric Beers, 5. Nick Baer, 6. John Markovic, 7. Roger Heffelfinger, 8. Gene Bowers, 9. Troy Bollinger, 10. Brian Romig, 11. Brian Labar, 12. Kyle Strohl, 13. Joey Jarowicz, 14. Lou Strohl, 15. Terry Markovic, 16. Paul Frantz, 17. Wes gilbert, 18. Kevin Graver, 19. Ron Haring Jr.
 
Hobby Stock Feature Finish (40 Laps): 1. Paul Effrig, 2. Austin Beers, 3. Shawn Kistler, 4. Rich Mutarelli, 5. Tiffany Wambold, 6. Cody Geist, 7. Al Arthofer, 8. Beau Drobot, 9. Trisha Connolly, 10. Travis Solomon, 11. Taylor Schmidt, 12. Justin Merkel, 13. Colton Perry, 14. Brayden Spencer, 15. Ryan Berger, 16. Steven McDonough, 17. Michael Wambold, 18. Colton Breiner, 19. Avery Arthofer, 20. Devin Schmidt,  DNS: Todd Geist


THE RACE TO 100: Beers, DeFebo near milestone wins

Northeastern Pennsylvania racing fans are very lucky in a sense.

Tracks with different surfaces are dotted throughout the region, with generations enjoying watch some of the best drivers compete on those tracks over the years.  Drivers have become legendary with multitudes of wins and championships. In terms of dirt tracks, it is not uncommon to see a handful of Class A stars with win totals that have exceeded 100. Hazleton’s Ross Perchak leads this area with 180 trips to Victory Lane.  But when it comes to asphalt racing, Tony and Matt Hirschman are the only drivers from this immediate locale to accomplish the feat. Tony was the first with his early wins coming at Dorney Park, Mahoning Valley and Evergreen before he amassed most of his victories on the NASCAR tour. Matt has 26 wins at Evergreen to date and many more on the road, including 35 on the Race of Champions Tour. Soon, the Hirschmans may be getting some company as two very popular racers are zeroing in on the century mark.
Northampton’s Eric Beers and Brian DeFebo of Berwick have been at the top of their respective games in short-track asphalt racing over the past three decades. Go to either Evergreen Raceway or Mahoning Valley Speedway and their names are immediate picks for a win. In the past two weeks they earned victories.When DeFebo won at Mahoning Valley a week ago, it elevated his all-time career win total to 92. The previous week when Beers took the checkers, it pushed his number of asphalt victories to 98.
“It’s not something you really think about when you’re racing. When you’re young and coming up and all you want is to get that first win and then a couple more,” Beers said. “It’s hard to put into perspective and it’s a lofty goal. This is something that makes you know that you really have an accomplished career.” Looking back, their paths have crossed many times, especially between Evergreen and Mahoning Valley, where many of those wins came against each other. “This is really amazing to know how close you are to such an unthinkable number. For me, it’s been an awesome ride so far and we’re not ready to stop any time soon,” DeFebo said. DeFebo rules many of the top categories at Evergreen, where he is the all-time wins leader including the most in a modified with 56. He also has 10 late model triumphs and 18 thriller victories, the class he first won in during the 1993 season. With wins comes championships and DeFebo has a track-leading six title trophies. The “King of the ’Green’’ year-ending extra distance race has seen his name in first place on four occasions.  With 84 wins at the one-third-mile oval, no one comes close to DeFebo. Joe Hoffman is a distant second with 49. And, at Mahoning Valley where he is racing a full season for the first time in 11 years and won twice thus far, his win total is six. Of those victory lane visits, he owns a 100-lap main triumph, a distance which only the elite have been lucky to enjoy. DeFebo also was Mahoning’s first Poker Series champion. Another win has come at the former Tioga Speedway in New York.  “I have been really blessed and lucky to have raced for the same car owner my whole career, that being my mom (Sophie Welsh),’’ DeFebo said. “We have won a lot together as a team and when you surround yourself with the right people then good things will come your way.”  Beers had a bit of a jump on DeFebo as he got his career rolling in 1986 at Dorney Park Speedway, where his first win came that rookie year in a late model. Two years later he was racing a modified at Mahoning Valley. Although it took him until 1991 to garner his first win there, he has stacked up impressive numbers nonetheless.  Like his counterpart, Beers is the leading modified winner at 54 and counting. And when it comes to the big shows, they don’t get much better then him as he has won 100-lappers 11 times, each paying him a minimum of $3,000. It is a mark he shares with Matt Hirschman. Beers earned modified titles at Mahoning in 1992, 2013 and 2016. Beers, of course, is no stranger to Evergreen, where he crossed the finish line in first place 22 times and has a pair of championships in 1994 and 2001.  While both drivers have done their fair share of racing away from their home tracks, Beers can claim a tad more success as he has won on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and scored the crown jewel of asphalt modified racing with a victory at the prestigious Sunoco  Race of Champions held at New York’s Oswego Speedway in 2004.  Beers also enjoyed winning trips to Florida during February Speed Weeks at New Smyrna Speedway’s World Series of Asphalt Racing “Nothing comes easy,’’ Beers said. “When I started at Mahoning and then went to Evergreen, we won a lot of races, but my goal was to move on and race against the best. I did that locally and then on the touring series and I think, by going out on the road, it helped to make me the driver I am today.”  In a way, DeFebo and Beers are the Richard Petty and David Pearson of their time. Winning is the reason they race, but they have the highest regard for one another — a trait that has been a key factor to their stellar careers.   “I have so much respect for Brian (DeFebo). He has always been a class act to run with no matter where it was at and it’s always been good to run with him over the years,” Beers said. DeFebo echoed the same lines.  “Eric (Beers) is the guy to beat whenever he’s at the track. But rest assured you, he will always race you clean and respectful. He didn’t get to all those wins by not racing smart. It’s an honor to know that he and I are close to the 100-win mark.”


Brian DeFebo nets his second Mahoning Modified win: 14-year old Broc Brown best in Late Models 
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(July 15, 2017) Brian DeFebo found out that you never say never. As it turned out he found good fortune with a car that he had no plans to bring back to Mahoning Valley Speedway after its last appearance ended in the wall during a 2016 meet.  However, the previous week’s feature his regular mount had an engine problem and he was forced to bring out the car he reserves for touring events. The car proved worthy as DeFebo drove to his second win of the season, defeating fellow title hopefuls Eric Beers and Kris Graver in the 35-lap contest.  “My guys busted on me because I said this car would never see Mahoning Valley again because the last time it was here it ended up in the wall and needed a clip so I ate my words tonight and that’s okay,” said DeFebo, who also won on Opening Night.  “You take the good with the bad. It’s ironic because last week at this time we were down because we were good in the points. We suffered a setback after our bad finish but we bounced back this week. Racing here can be an emotional roller coaster. We won, it’s good and we just have to race every race as its own from here on out and let the points fall where they may.”  When the race began Ron Haring Jr., and Lou Strohl shared the front row. The pair would then head the pack. DeFebo, who started fourth, was right behind them while battling with Jack Ely. The front pack then got an added participant when Graver joined the fray by lap eight.  All this was taking place under a tight blanket with Haring keeping everyone in check. Ely and Strohl where side-by-side in the battle for second while Graver was just ahead of DeFebo.  The pace was moving along steadily with spots among the top five going back and forth, expect for leader Haring. That changed on lap 15 as DeFebo finally found a lane that he could execute from and squared up behind Haring. Three laps later he would be running the high groove to the lead.  The same lap Haring suddenly got loose on the back straight. As he tried to correct he bumped into the side of oncoming Beers. Others had to quickly back down and unfortunately for Kevin Graver Jr., he slid against the wall and prompted a caution.  “I was kind of biding my time and waiting for a lane to open up and then I saw (Kris) Graver go to the outside and it was at that point I knew I had to run defense and offense at the same time. Once a lane opened which was the outside I was able to go,” explained DeFebo.  When the action resumed DeFebo would have K. Graver and Beers chasing him the rest of the way. Graver was looking to use the same outside line that DeFebo utilized to the lead but each time he was turned away. In the final laps Beers was doing the same but neither he nor Graver could get the job done as DeFebo held on for the verdict.    “To win two races so far is a testament to my great crew. Gary Slusser lives at my shop and he makes these cars very good. I can’t thank him enough as well as Jim Yamelski and his daughter Genevieve. I’m having fun and it’s all thanks to the people I have around me,” said DeFebo.

Avery Arthofer picked up her second Hobby Stock win of the season. After taking the lead from Nick Kerstetter on lap seven Arthofer then romped the rest of the way with a very solid outing. 

Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Brian DeFebo, 2. Eric Beers, 3. Chris Graver, 4. Kyle Strohl, 5. Jack Ely, 6.John Markovic, 7. Lou Strohl, 8. Ron Haring Jr., 9. Gene Bowers, 10. Nick Bear, 11. Joey Jarowicz, 12. Kevin Graver, 13. Bobby Jones

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Avery Arthofer, 2.Trisha Connolly, 3. Devin Schmidt, 4. Tiffany Wambold, 5. Paul Effrig, 6. Austin Beers, 7. Rich Mutarelli, 8.Michael Wambold, 9. Nicolas Kerstetter, 10. Ryan Berger, 11. Justin Merkel, 12. Todd Geist, 13. Travis Solomon, 14. Al Arthofer, 15. Brayden Spence, 16. Taylor Schmidt, 17. Tyler Nemeth, 18. Joey Visnosky, 19. Colton Perry DNS: Hunter Iatalese
 
They tried but the young guns where no match for Eric Beers: Mike Sweeney notch 50th career Late Model win
 
(July 8, 2017) Eric Beers outdueled a pair of young guns to take the lead and then held off top contender Kris Graver for his second Modified win of the year. Front row starter Ely and Strohl remained in that order when the 35-lap event got going while eighth starting Beers joined them after a lap two restart. Then began an intensely contested battle. Ely led the pack while Strohl and Beers went two-wide while also going after the leader. On lap 23 Strohl was running on the bottom and saw a chance to get past Ely. As he dived underneath there was slight contact that caused Ely to slide a bit to the right and Strohl as well had to gather himself from spinning. Beers would capitalize from that as he was high enough to throttle past them and take over the lead. Not surprising point leader Graver was coming on by this point and got around Strohl and Ely with eight laps to go. Beers, however was in good shape to the finish and would notch his 54th career Mahoning win.  “That was some good racing out there tonight,” said Beers. “The three of us where under a blanket for at least 20 laps. I was trying to get on the outside of Jack (Ely) and Kyle (Strohl) at the same time was shooting to the inside of him and they made some contact and I was able to then get a good run to finally take the lead.” The always improving Joey Jarowicz found a burst of speed over the final laps and took home a career best third. Ely and Strohl held on to complete the top five. The racing program was almost cut short when a passing rain shower during warm-ups put a question mark on the rest of the evening. After a pole by the drivers it was decided to make a go of it although the track was a bit tricky to drive.  “It was pretty slick. The low groove had a little bit of grip and there was not a whole lot on the top but the bottom line is we’re racing on a Saturday night,” said Beers.
“I want to say a happy birthday to our promoter Floyd Santee. Hats off to him for sticking with the show and getting it all in tonight. Everyone stuck together and there may not have been a whole lot of gripe due to all the rain in the past two days but man did we put on a good show.”  

The Hobby Stock feature was quite the barnburner as Tiffany Wambold made a bold inside pass on Colton Perry in the final corner of the final lap for her second win of the year. After nine races Wambold becomes the first driver to repeat in the class.
 
Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Eric Beers, 2.Kristopher Graver, 3. Joey Jarowicz, 4. Jack Ely, 5. Kyle Strohl, 6. Nick Baer, 7. John Markovic, 8. Don Wagner, 9. Terry Markovic, 10. Kevin Graver, 11. Ron Haring Jr., 12. Lou Strohl, 13. Roger Heffelfinger, 14. Bobby Jones, 15. Brain DeFebo
 
Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Tiffany Wambold, 2. Michael Wambold, 3. Rich Mutarelli, 4. Austin Beers, 5. Travis Solomon, 6. Colton Perry, 7. Shawn Kistler, 8. Devin Schmidt, 9. Brayden Spencer, 10. Trisha Connolly, 11. Paul Effrig, 12. Ryan Berger, 13. Justin Merkel, 14. Jeff Biegley, 15. Joey Visnosky, 16. Al Arthofer, 17. Todd Geist, 18. Avery Arthofer, 19. Nicholas Kerstetter, 20. Cody Geist DNQ: Colton Breiner


Kris Graver scores Modified and TQ wins; Frankie Althouse is best in Late Models

June 24, 2017) Kris Graver has been riding a wave of good fortune of late and he reached the crest with yet another stirring performance. Fresh off his second Modified win of the season, the 24-year old star claimed two more wins on Saturday night which included his third Mod victory and for the first time in his career took the checkers in the accompanying ATQMRA feature.  “It’s always a great feeling to be able to win two (features) in one night plus this makes it two in a row with the Modified,” an exuberant Graver said.“Eric Beers was in this same position last year, winning a lot of races but as you know your luck can change in an instant. We’ll continue to take it race by race. Eric (Beers), Brian DeFebo and so many others can be in the shoes we are right now so we have to keep working hard and make the car better.”  Graver’s Modified win began from the 10th starting spot. At the outset Jack Ely would be in command of the going but a strong running Nick Baer was making matters tough.  Thanks to a restart on lap six, Baer was able to blast past Ely while Graver had managed to work to third by then. It soon became a two-wide battle for the lead and with a clear outside lane to do his bidding from, Graver moved to the front as the 17th circuit got underway.  Baer, who has been noticeably improved in this his sophomore season, remained in line with Graver and made several attempts to regain the helm.  “He (Baer) ran a really great race, very clean and I thank him for that and that goes for everyone else,” said Graver. “I just was able to hit the lines again and get to the front. I like to go to the top because it seems more guys have been using the bottom lane so that’s what has been working for us.”  While Graver was able to pull ahead during the closing laps, Bear was facing fierce opposition from DeFebo, who came into the night as the point leader. He was alongside Baer with seven laps to go but they suddenly touched wheels. That forced DeFebo to back off and cost him the spot.  Baer went on to equal his career best finish in second while Bobby Jones, Beers and DeFebo completed the top five.

InThe Pro 4 feature was quite the barnburner as Jake Kibler nipped Kevin Stein at the line for the verdict.  The pair were engaged in a scorching side-by-side battle as they swapped the lead back and forth. On the final lap Stein had the slightest edge but Kibler never backed down. Coming off the final turn on the final lap Kibler hustled inside of Stein, making contact that upset the leader’s car. It was just enough for Kibler to eke by for the checkers.

Kevin Behler raced to his career first feature win which came after hard fought run in the 25-lap Hobby Stock show.  Behler worked by Travis Solomon on lap 12 and then labored untiringly against Rich Mutarelli and Devon Schmidt en route to securing the win.

Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Chris Graver, 2. Nick Bear, 3. Bobby Jones, 4. Eric Beers, 5. Brian DeFebo, 6. Jack Ely, 7. Kyle Strohl, 8. Don Wagner, 9. Brian Romig, 10. Ron Haring Jr., 11. Brian Romig Jr., 12. Lou Strohl

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Kevin Stein, 3. John Bennett, 4. Ken Reeder, 5. Tanner Laybourn, 6. Jason Finken, 7. Tucker Muffley, 8. Jeremy Guerra, 9. Kailyn Beers

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Kevin Behler 2. Rich Mutarelli, 3. Devon Schmidt, 4. Brayden Spencer, 5. Austin Beers, 6. Michael Wambold, 7. Tiffany Wambold, 8. Travis Solomon, 9. Todd Geist, 10. Colton Perry, 11. Al Arthofer, 12. Jeff Biegley, 13. Ryan Berger, 14. Cody Geist, 15. Avery Arthofer, 16. Trisha Connolly, 17. Paul Effrig, 18. Justin Merkel, 19. Joey Visnosky, 20. Seth VanFossen, 21. Alton Snyder Jr., 22. Lyndsay Buss DNQ: Nicholas Kerstetter, Colton Breiner, Taylor Schmidt


​June 18, 2017:  
Eric and his Mahoning Valley Speedway teammate Jack Ely along with the Legend Frank Cozze, and local racing stars Briggs Danner and Mike Bednar under the direction of team captains: Lou Ortelli and Ashley Ortelli finished 2nd as part of the Reliable Auto Body Team in the inaugural Steel Stacks Grand Prix at Arts Quest.  The team lost to a team anchored by Marco Andretti.  The Reliable Auto Body Team is already making pans for the 2018 race.


Mahoning Valley Speedway to be well represented at the 1st Annual Steel Stacks Grand Prix this Sunday

Mahoning Valley Speedway Modified Champion Eric Beers and Up and coming modified young Gun Jack Ely will be part of the Reliable Auto Body Team this Sunday, June 18 in the inaugural Steel Stacks Grand Prix at Arts Quest, next to the Sands Casino, Bethlehem.  Eric and Jack will join forces with the Legend Frank Cozze, along with local racing stars Briggs Danner and Mike Bednar under the direction of team captains: Lou Ortelli and Ashley Ortelli.

It’s a high-speed, winner-takes-all race through the streets of SteelStacks as up to 30 teams compete in the first SteelStacks Grand Prix 12 noon-4 p.m.  Go-karts featuring teams fielded by area businesses race through SteelStacks on a course designed especially for the race by Lehigh Valley Grand Prix. The half-mile track winds through PNC Plaza before cars zip down First Street, reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour on the straightaway. Racing aficionados can watch all the action track-side, including ‘grandstands’ set up just for the event.

As the checkered flag drops at the SteelStacks Grand Prix on June 18, it’s time for the public to get in on all the go-kart racing action as ArtsQuest and Lehigh Valley Grand Prix offer a public racing session.  Members of the public are invited to jump behind the wheel of a high-speed go-kart and test their driving skills as they reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Cost for the public racing session includes safety briefing, helmet and eight minutes of track time; proceeds will go to support ArtsQuest and its free programming for the community.  Racers will be assigned a race time (between 4 and 5:30pm) based on the order in which they register. ArtsQuest will contact racers 48 hours prior to confirm times.  Other attractions during the day include:  Media race featuring local media celebrities, Car show presented by Chevy 21, Food vendors and food trucks and a Mario Kart gaming tourney at the ArtsQuest Center.  
For more info about the event visit www.steelstacks.org or follow SteelStacks on Facebook.  For more info on Reliable Auto Body visit www.reliableautobody.com.

See you at Mahoning Valley Speedway, Leighton PA every Saturday night. For a complete schedule and more info about the action track go to www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com.

Strong running Kris Graver notches second Mahoning Modified win of ‘17

(June 10, 2017) In winning for a second time this season, Kris Graver enjoyed one of those finer nights of his career. Graver started ninth and within five laps was running third. Two laps later he checked into second and by lap 12 worked by then leader Kyle Strohl. Once at the front he as was able to outrun his competition by a significant margin, making it a race for second. His only worry came when a caution waved just prior to the final lap that put top guns John Markovic, Bobby Jones, and Eric Beers behind him but when the action resumed there was no problem in taking this 12th win in a Modified and 45th overall at Mahoning Valley.  “The car felt really good and we’re still working in it to get better. I want to thank everyone for running me clean and the crew for giving me an awesome car tonight,” said Graver.  Joey Jarowicz jumped to the lead at the outset but on the second go-around Strohl was in command with Markovic in tow.  On lap three the action came to a grinding halt when several cars got together on the front straight. Strohl was still in charge after things got cleared and ready to resume. Markovic was in a tight battle with Graver who unseated him for the spot in a few laps and then went after Strohl.
Taking the outside lane as his line of attack, Graver was alongside Strohl by lap nine and removed him from the lead three laps later.  “The longer he (Strohl) ran the tighter I could see he was getting. I was a little tight too and wasn’t sure what to do at first but as we went on I knew it was time to go. I kept working at from the outside and it paid off. Kyle ran me very clean,” said Graver  This also led to a long stretch of green flag laps which allowed Graver to flex his muscle. As he did the trio of Markovic, Jones and Beers waged a torrid dogfight.  Graver was on cruise control, however, until the late race caution put those aforementioned on his tail.  “You always have to worry when you got those guys behind you but like I said the car was so good tonight. You just have to keep that out of your head and focus on hitting your marks and do what you have to in order to get the job done,” said Graver.  “I think some of was due to the American Racer tires. This was the second week we’re running the same set and they’ve (American Racer) really given us a good product.  Markovic got second while Beers just nipped Jones at the line for third.  Since 2008 Graver has racked up 45 overall wins, placing him sixth all-time at Mahoning.  “It’s very overwhelming to think that I’ve reached that many wins. I grew up here and have watched so many greats over that time. It’s never easy at this place and it’s an honor to know we’ve accomplished that against so many others,” noted Graver.
 
Jason Finken may be a true blue rookie but watching his performances throughout the season would have one differ. Finken has been fast and strong from day one and on Saturday night he capped it all off with his career first win in the 20-lap Pro 4 main.   Finken went by Kailyn Beers and on lap eight and was perfect the rest of the way.

Paul Effrig has enjoyed a fair amount of success over the years in the higher classes but for 2017 he looked to have a more laid back season and thus joined the Hobby Stock division. He soon found out that the entry level class is anything but as the opposition is extremely tough.  But Effrig is a seasoned veteran who adapted to the change in short order and can now add a Hobby Stock victory to his resume. He grabbed the lead over Colton Perry on lap 10 and then held back a bevy of on-comers in scoring his first win since a Late Model victory in 2014.
 
Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Kris Graver, 2. John Markovic, 3. Eric Beers, 4. Bobby Jones, 5. Brian DeFebo, 6. Kyle Strohl, 7. Lou Strohl, 8. Don Wagner, 9. James Pritchard, 10. Terry Markovic, 11. Ron Haring Jr., 12. DJ Wagner, 13. Nick Baer, 14. Joey Jarowicz, 15. Brian Romig Sr., 16. Jack Ely, 17. Brian Romig Jr.
 
Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Jason Finken, 2. Kevin Stein, 3. Jeremy Guerra, 4. Johnny Bennett, 5. Tucker Muffley, 6. Kailyn Beers, 7. Tanner Laybourn, 8. Ken Reeder DNQ: Jake Kibler
 
Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Paul Effrig, 2. Kevin Behler, 3. Jeff Biegley, 4. Rich Mutarelli, 5. Avery Arthofer, 6. Trisha Connolly, 7. Tiffany Wambold, 8. Ryan Berger, 9. Colton Perry, 10. Lyndsay Buss, 11. Austin Beers, 12. Cody Geist, 13. Devin Schmidt, 14. Al Arthofer, 15. Michael Wambold, 16. Travis Solomon, 17. Jay Visnosky, 18. Nicholas Kerstetter, 19. Alton Snyder Jr., 20. Seth VanFossen, 21. Jesse Strohl DNQ: Colton Breiner, Todd Geist, Brayden Spencer


First career win for Ron Haring Jr., comes in front of biggest crowd of season at Mahoning Valley Speedway 

 (JUNE 3, 2017) In making the transition from dirt to asphalt racing, Ron Haring Jr., has come a long way in a short period of time. The 28-year old from Alburtis earned his career first feature win on Saturday evening at Mahoning Valley Speedway which was witnessed by a packed grandstand on Brown-Daub KIA Fan Appreciation Night.  For the past eight years Haring spent his weekends running Modifieds at Grandview and Big Diamond Speedway’s and with very limited results. He felt that a change was in order and during this past off season he acquired a pavement Modified and prepared himself for the tight confines of Mahoning Valley.  Despite never having run on asphalt, Haring steadily adapted, keeping himself clear of trouble and learning with each lap. Now in just his sixth start he became an instant hero with his fine outing. And, taking into consideration that he held off the all-time leader in eastern Pennsylvania short track pavement wins, Brian DeFebo, there was good reason to see why he was beaming afterwards from his defining achievement.  “It’s all the guys who help me out like my dad, Shayne and Todd Geist, Doug Bell and so many people who have supported me and it all came full circle tonight,” said Haring. “When I was running on dirt I had limited help and to run here it doesn’t take as much compared to that racing.”  Haring started on the outside front row and by lap three zipped by Josh Scherer for the lead. A lap later Terry Markovic moved to second. The race was reeling off rapidly as green flag action was the setting for this one. With Haring showing the way he controlled the pace very well while also turning back the ongoing challenges of Markovic. Scherer was holding steady in third with Kris Graver and Bobby Jones making up the top five  As the race began to come into the final laps, slower traffic was in play. On lap 33 Haring and Markovic were able to get by but as for the rest of the pack it was harrowing situation that unfolded.  Everyone from third place back were in a tight pack which included the back marker car. Coming into turn four, Scherer, who was on the bottom lane, touched wheels with the car to his right and suddenly vaulted overtop and came to a grinding halt head on in the front straight wall. His car was badly damaged but thankfully he walked away unscathed. Several others were also eliminated in the incident including last week’s winner Kyle Strohl, Joey Jarowicz and Graver, who was the only one able to return after pitting. Austin Kochenash was blacked flag also for his involvement.  After the cleanup it was a single file restart with Haring, Markovic, DeFebo, Jones and Eric Beers in line. With no laps to spare DeFebo was wasting little time as he stormed past Markovic and on the final tour went to the outside of the leader but was unable to make the pass, giving the unforgettable victory to Haring.  “I just tried to hit my marks and once I got to the lapped car I wanted to get around him as quick as I could and I was going to try and use him as a cushion but then the caution came out,” said Haring. “It got very tough at the end when (Brian) DeFebo got up alongside of me.  “During that caution I just kept drilling in my head to stay focused. I knew it was going to be a single file restart which played in my favor. I didn’t want to spin the tires on the restart too and not blow it. It was a good setup for tonight and actually the car was fast right from the beginning of the year.” Although he had to settle for second, DeFebo was able to regain the point lead. Markovic had great night in garnering third while Jones and Beers completed the top five.

Cody Kohler has got a good knack for winning in the Pro 4s of late as he outraced Kevin Stein for his third win in four starts.  Kohler advanced to the lead after an opening lap scuffle reset the field. He then held back Stein over the 20-lap distance in gaining the verdict.

For Ryan Berger, the third time was the charm when it came to leading in the Hobby Stocks. For the third straight week Berger was able to lead the feature but in the previous two he dropped out and had to settle for disappointing finishes due to mechanical gremlins.  This time around all systems where working in sync and Berger easily outclassed the rest of the stout field to become the sixth winner in as many races.

Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Ron Haring Jr., 2. Brian DeFebo, 3. Terry Markovic, 4. Bobby Jones, 5. Eric Beers, 6. Nick  Bear, 7. Lou Strohl, 8. Brian Romig, 9. Gene Bowers, 10. Jack Ely, 11. John Markovic, 12. Kristopher Graver, 13. Brian Romig Jr., 14. Josh Scherer, 15. Joey Jarowicz, 16. Kyle Strohl, 17. Austin Kochenash
 
Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Kevin Stein, 3. Ken Reeder, 4. Jason Finken, 5. Jeremy Guerra, 6. Tanner Laybourn, 7. Kailyn Beers, 8. Johnny Bennett DNS: Jake Kibler
 
Hobby Stock Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Ryan Berger, 2. Michael Wambold, 3. Austin Beers, 4. Paul Effrig, 5. Cody Geist, 6. Devin Schmidt, 7. Tiffany Wambold, 8. Alton Snyder Jr., 9. Avery Arthofer, 10. Rich Mutarelli, 11. Kevin Behler, 12. Justin Merkel, 13.Jeff Biegley, 14. Travis Solomon, 15. Al Arthofer, 16. Nicolas Kerstetter, 17. Brayden Spencer, 18. Trisha Connolly, 19. Thomas Hunsicker Jr., 20. Todd Geist DNQ: Lyndsay Buss, Colton Perry, Travis Nothstein, Jay Visnosky, Seth VanFossen


“Real Deal” Kyle Strohl bags Mahoning Valley Speedway Modified laurels

(MAY 27, 2017) There’s a reason why Palmerton’s Kyle Strohl is referred to as the “Real Deal.” In five years’ time he continues to build on a career that doesn’t cease to amaze as his accomplishments are adding up more and more.  In Saturday night’s 35-lap Modified feature Strohl had a fan thrilling battle with Nick Baer and Jack Ely en route to scoring his first win of the season.  For the 17-year old high school senior it pushed his career win total in stock cars to 30, a number that drivers three times his age and with decades of racing have not come close to.   “It’s unbelievable. Who can say that at 17-years old they won 30 features and at a track as tough as Mahoning Valley Speedway. It’s a huge achievement and I can’t thank my crew and especially my dad enough for all the long hard hours and work,” said Strohl.  Baer would jump to the early lead and right away had Ely and Strohl hooked up with him. The trio of young talent soon went into a dazzling battle as they went lap after lap under a tight blanket. Baer was holding his line perfectly in order to keep Ely and Strohl, who battled side-by-side in his path.  That’s just who the race was going until the first and only caution waved on lap 23 when Ron Haring Jr., began slowing on the back straight and was hit by the oncoming car of Joey Jarowicz.  When the restart took place Strohl was alongside Baer. Feeling confident that this would be his best chance at seizing the lead, he outgunned Baer for the top spot and over the final 12 laps would keep him behind him in securing the victory.  “If feels real good to get this win tonight. We had been fast since the season began but we just couldn’t quite dial the car in the way we wanted to and tonight we had the set-up right,” said Strohl.  “He (Baer) was protecting his line just right and I maybe could have forced it in there but I could have also wrecked us all. I wanted to win but not that way. It brought back old times in the Pro 4s with Nick and I. I always have enjoyed racing with him. He’s a good clean driver.”  Austin Kochenash was strong all race long and on that same lap 23 restart he went around Ely and came home third. Kris Graver rounded out the top five and in the process has moved to the top of the point standings.  

Kevin Stein will always remember May 27, 2017 and not just because it happens to be his birthday but he can add his career first win in the Pro 4 feature.  Stein went by Kailyn Beers on lap two and to do everything possible to hold off Cody Kohler on the final lap. When the pair crossed under the checkers Stein got the verdict by a scant .043-second margin of victory.

When Avery Arthofer took the win in the Hobby Stock main, it not only was her first win of the year but it had huge significance in motor sports as well.  This was the third consecutive race that a female driver won, something that never before has occurred at this track and for all intent and purposes at any weekly short track.  Arthofer inherited the lead when early leader Ryan Berger dropped out on lap eight. She then raced firmly the rest of the way and won over Tiffany Wambold, who started the female win streak.

Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Kyle Strohl, 2. Nick Bear, 3. Austin Kochenash, 4. Jack Ely, 5. Kristopher Graver, 6. Bobby Jones, 7. Brian DeFebo, 8. Eric Beers, 9. Lou Strohl, 10. Terry Markovic, 11. Josh Scherer, 12. Brian Romig Jr., 13. Ron Haring Jr., 14. Joey Jarowicz

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1.Kevin Stein, 2. Cody Kohler, 3. John Bennett, 4. Jake Kibler, 5. Ken Reeder, 6. Tucker Muffley, 7. Kailyn Beers, 8. Jeremy Guerra, 9. Jason Finken

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Avery Arthofer, 2. Tiffany Wambold, 3. Rich Mutarelli, 4. Brayden Spencer, 5. Austin Beers, 6. Devin Schmidt, 7. Lyndsay Buss, 8. Travis Solomon, 9. Cody Geist, 10. Jeff Biegley, 11. Trisha Connolly, 12. Al Arthofer, 13. Seth VanFossen, 14. Nicholas Kerstetter, 15. Michael Wambold, 16. Alton Snyder Jr., 17. Ryan Berger, 18. Colton Perry, 19. Justin Merkel, 20. Kevin Behler, 21. Paul Effrig DNQ: Jay Visnosky


Kris Graver overcomes recent woes in notching Mahoning Modified win; Frankie Althouse’s Late Model wins puts and end Mike Sweeney’s streak

(5-20-17) In the first three races of 2017 at Mahoning Valley Speedway, Lehighton’s Kris Graver could have and maybe even should have won a feature. His No. 01 has been consistently fast but unfortunately luck, not the good kind, got the best of him and to say it has been frustrating is an understatement. On Saturday evening Graver was again fast only this time he was not to be denied his chance to shine. Making an outside pass on Jack Ely with four laps to go, Graver notched his first win of the young season and 44th overall. “Patience was definitely the key tonight. The car was great and my hats off to my grandfather (Kevin Graver Sr.,) my uncle (Kevin Graver Jr.,) and Jimmy Wismer for helping with the set-up,” said Graver  When the race commenced Joey Jarowicz set out as the early leader and for the second time in as many races the 16-year old was impressively showing himself worthy of handling a Modified as he firmly controlled the field over the first 22 laps.  Ely was running second by 12 and stayed close to the leader but was not able to make a serious enough stab at passing. Hovering behind the front pair were Graver and Bobby Jones. The race was motoring along smoothly for Jarowicz until lap 22 when a caution waved due to a scary crash involving Rick Kirkendall who hit hard into the third turn wall. Although his mount was severally damaged, Kirkendall walked away from the scene under his own power. When the race resumed Ely wasted no time in dashing past Jarowicz while Jones leaped to second. Ely and Jones then began a spirited battle as they fought closely for the front spot. Jones was looking very much like he could get by Ely but his efforts when for naught after a lap 28 caution thwarted his effort. On the ensuing start Jones lost second to Graver who would then go topside and began moving in on Ely. As they prepared to complete the 30th lap Graver had his nose out front and would then stay there the rest of the way for the liberating victory.  “Jack (Ely) did a great job and he ran me very clean. He didn’t run me to the wall like it seemed I’ve been having to deal with of late,” said Graver.  “Bobby (Jones) was also strong as usual and Joey (Jarowicz) has really been impressive. For someone who has limited laps here he’s been doing a hell of job and he’s bound to get a win very soon.”;  Austin Kochenash, point leader Brian DeFebo and Eric Beers completed the top five.
For Graver, the win was gratifying in more ways than one. His 2017 plans originally were to see him run on dirt but circumstances changed all that prior to the start of this year. “I’m just shocked to be standing in Victory Lane again. I went from selling the car last year to no one buying it, then buying a SpeedSTR and ended up selling that due to no sponsors. I wound up back with the Modified and this win really makes all that frustration go away. Hopefully we can get a few more of these” said Graver.

Jake Kibler notched his first Pro 4 win of the year and was quick to dedicate the victory to the late Ward Crozier Sr., who for years prepared his engine.

Trisha Connolly is the newest winner in the Hobby Stocks and it comes in just her third time in a feature race. Connolly inherited the lead from Mike Berger who bowed out under a lap three caution. Shecthen did a great job during several restarts and in the end held off fast closing Michael Wambold for the unforgettable win.

Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Kris Graver, 2. Jack Ely, 3. Austin Kochenash, 4. Brian DeFebo, 5. Eric Beers, 6. Bobby Jones, 7. Lou Strohl, 8. Terry Markovic, 9. Nick Baer, 10. Joey Jarowicz, 11. Don Wagner, 12. John Markovic, 13. Brian Romig Jr., 14. Ron Haring Jr., 15. Kyle Strohl, 16. Rick Kirkendall, 17. Josh Scherer

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Kevin Stein, 3. Jason Finken, 4. John Bennett, 5. Jeremy Guerra, 6. Ken Reeder, 7. Kailyn Beers, 8. Tim Laybourn, 9. Tucker Muffley, 10. Tyler Stangle

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Trisha Connolly, 2. Michael Wambold, 3. Rich Mutarelli, 4. Jeff Biegley, 5. Devin Schmidt, 6. Al Arthofer, 7. Austin Beers, 8. Tiffany Wambold , 9. Travis Solomon, 10. Brayden Spencer, 11. Cody Geist, 12. Nicolas Kerstetter, 13. Justin Merkel, 14. Colton Perry,  15. Shawn Kistler, 16. Kevin Behler, 17. Avery Arthofer, 18. Ryan Berger, 19. Paul Effrig, 20. Lyndsay Buss DNS: Alton Snyder Jr., DNQ: Jay Visnosky, Jesse Strohl



APRIL 29, 2017
​Eric Beers masters his way to 75-lap Mahoning Modified win; Mike Sweeney stays undefeated in Late Models

After somewhat of a slow start to the 2017 season, defending Mahoning Valley Speedway Modified track champion Eric Beers got back to his winning ways and it couldn’t have come at a better time as the “Master of Faster” showed his trademark grace and style in notching the first place tally in the extra distance 75-lap event that.  With the change to American Racer as the track tire, Beers had issues in finding a good set-up at first. The previous week he did come on late and recoded a solid runner-up to Bobby Jones. After watching his performance from last evening it is safe to say the team has go things figured out as it was classic Beers motoring his way to his 53rd career Mahoning win. Beers needed nearly 50 laps to secure the lead as he had a thrilling duel with upstart Joey Jarowicz. But, once he landed the number one spot he was able to maintain a safe distance over those battling for second and would go on to a car length margin of victory over Brian DeFebo. Austin Kochenash, Kyle Strohl and Kris Graver completed the top five.  “We struggled through pre-season practice and on Opening Night. We came back last week with a vengeance and got a little bit better and tonight we showed them what we had,” said Beers, who pocketed $2500 for the victory. At the outset outside pole sitter Jarowicz took the lead and was followed by Jack Ely and Don Wagner. Jarowicz was by far the show stopper as the sophomore driver was putting in his best run to date and never let Ely get close enough to make a serious challenge.  Beers was hanging back in fifth spot until a restart on lap 15. At that point he stepped past Lou Strohl, Wagner and Ely within a six lap run and was now focused on the leader.  However, Jarowicz proved himself well against the veteran. Over the next 25 laps it was an awe-inspiring battle between the pair with Beers doing everything possible to get by. Yet each time he was turned away as Jarowicz would not allow him access. 
It wasn’t until lap 46 that Beers finally slipped ahead for the lead. Unfortunately that would also be the end to Jarowicz’s great run as he suddenly lost control and had his back end get out from under him in turn one and brought out a caution.  “Joey (Jarowicz) ran a heck of a race and he was tough. He was running such a good line and I tried him on the top and I tried him on the bottom and I just couldn’t do it. The kid did a great job,” said Beers. When the race resumed Beers showed the way and while he would be in control the rest of the distance, second place was a different story as Kochenash, DeFebo, Graver and Kyle Strohl where in a tight pack.  Ten laps from the finish a caution was out and it was a final chance for those aforementioned to make a run at Beers. Kochenash tried as he may but Beers once again had the upper hand. DeFebo was hooked up on the outside lane and ran down Kochenash for second. He was able to get in behind Beers but time was not on his side and he settled for second. DeFebo and Beers are now sharing the point lead after three races.  “The car really didn’t change from the beginning of the race to the end. American Racer has given us a decent product and I think we still have a little bit more work to make them a little better but overall we had a good car tonight,” said Beers.

“Refuse to loose” has become all the buzz around the Mike Sweeney pits. Sweeney has stayed perfect thus far in 2017 and dating back to the final two races of last season, the defending Late Model champion has reeled off five wins in a row.  This time it took a bit of time and the help of a caution to aid Sweeney in moving to the lead and eventual win.  For the first 17 laps Lorin Arthofer II was making it his race, cruising nicely ahead with a sizeable lead. Jeremy Miller was second and fending off Sweeney. Ufortunately for Arthofer his spread was wiped away when a caution bunched the field. When the race was restarted Sweeney was alongside, but not for long. Within one lap he was zipping by and heading on to familiar territory, Victory Lane.  “Luck was a big factor in tonight’s win and that caution was a big help. These guys have been running me hard as could be and we need to keep doing our homework during the week because they’re getting fast,” said Sweeney.  “I don’t know how long we can ride this streak but we’ll keep it going as long as we can.”;  Arthofer settled for second with Miller third.

Although Jamie Smith was able to lead every lap of the Street Stock feature, it was by no means an easy task as the entire 30-lap distance he was under close pursuit by one after another, but despite the onslaught he stayed  the course. He may also be glad that the race didn’t last much longer too as Jon Moser was powering in a hurry in the closing laps and was pulling alongside Smith as they dashed under the checkers.

Mike Stofflet picked up his second Dirt Mod win and he did it in much the same way as his first by easily overpowering his counterparts. Stofflet went to the lead on lap two and from there on he was in cruise control.

For the second time in three Pro 4 races Cody Kohler made the trip from North Carolina and stopped off in Victory Lane.  Kohler made a breathtaking three-wide advance into the lead over Jake Kibler and Johnny Bennett with five laps to go. He then held off Ken Reeder en route to making it two for two in 2017.

In the Hobby Stocks Tiffany Wambold had a very fast car as she thrust her way to the front of the pack with five laps remaining and scored her first win of the year.

Modified Feature Finish (75 Laps): 1. Eric Beers, 2. Brian DeFebo, 3. Austin Kochenash, 4. Kyle Strohl, 5. Kris Graver, 6. Jack Ely, 7. Nick Baer, 8. John Markovic, 9. Rick Kirkendall, 10. Bobby Jones, 11. Lou Strohl, 12. Josh Scherer, 13. James Prichard, 14. Joey Jarowicz, 15. Terry Markovic, 16. Don Wagner, 17. Ron Haring Jr.

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Ken Reeder, 3. Johnny Bennett, 4. Jake Kibler, 5. Jason Finken, 6. Kevin Stein, 7.Kailyn Beers, 8. Jeremy Guerra, 9. Tucker Muffley, 10. Ryan Graver 

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Tiffany Wambold, 2. Jeff Biegley, 3. Avery Arthofer, 4. Rich Mutarelli, 5. Austin Beers, 6. Travis Solomon, 7. Nicholas Kerstetter, 8. Colton Perry, 9. Devin Schmidt, 10. Lyndsay Buss, 11. Brayden Spencer, 12. Carl Altemose, 13. Michael Wambold, 14. Kevin Behler, 15. Shawn Kistler, 16. Taylor Schmidt, 17. Paul Effrig, 18. Aton Snyder Jr., 19. Ryan Berger, 20. Justin Merkel, 21. Cody Geist DNS: Trisha Connolly DNQ: Jesse Strohl, Thomas Hunsicker Jr., Al Arthofer, Trisha Connolly, Travis Nothstein, Jay Visnosky



April 22, 2017
Resilient Bobby Jones holds off Eric Beers in close Mahoning Modified action; Mike Sweeney races to record 4th straight Late Model win

 It takes a veteran driver to make the best of a bad situation and in the case of Bobby Jones that’s just what he did after winning Saturday night’s 35-lap Modified feature at Mahoning Valley Speedway.
Jones was at wits end in trying to get his car to work right. A week ago on Opening Night he led a few laps after starting pole but the car soon faded. Leading up to that time he and the team continued to struggle during pre-season practice getting the handle as well as adapting to the new American Racer tires.  Jones’ frustration was so bad that he was ready to throw in the towel and not even race this week. His determination, however, drove him to make one more try and the result was a much needed confidence booster in the form of victory. Admittedly he wasn’t the fastest car on track as defending champion Eric Beers was coming on like gangbusters but his experience and more importantly his never-give-up-attitude enabled him to overcome those woes.  “After what I felt was an embarrassing showing I had last week I went home and just parked the car, it was just that bad,” said Jones after notching his 35th career win.  “I really had no intention of racing today and as a matter of fact we didn’t leave the shop until five o’clock. Earlier in the week I got sick and had to go to the hospital and even missed work. But it bothered me that we were so bad on Opening Night and I had to know if we fixed it and here we are (Victory Lane).”;  A noticeably improved Joey Jarowicz led the field to the green and would led the opening circuit. Third starting Jones jumped right into second spot and after a lap one restart slipped into the lead.  The race then went into a nonstop rhythm and Jones was showing how his last ditch efforts with adjustments were paying off as he had a respectable lead going.  Meanwhile Lou Strohl held second and was tailing a few car lengths back. By midrace Beers had suddenly come to life. He entered into the top five by lap 18 and was waging a terrific battle with Austin Kochenash and Don Wagner.  Once he shook free he then reeled in Strohl and took that spot eight laps from the finish. At that point Jones had built a safe lead and it seemed as though he would have no worries heading into the final laps. Beers, though, was not done with his charge and was quickly chipping away as the laps clicked on. With four to go he had caught Jones and was making valid attempts from every angle to get by. Despite his heroic efforts, Jones shielded his ground and held on for a close decision.  “We were really good in the beginning but then we lost stagger as the race went on. In the end it wasn’t so easy to drive. I think had it been another few laps we would have been in trouble,” said Jones.Kyle Strohl, Lou Strohl and Kochenash completed the top five.   Jones was not the only one who was relieved from the pressure of frustration. Beers too was overcoming a number of issues and his showing proved that.  “We made a lot of changes and we definitely got better tonight and we’re going in the right direction. I feel that with a few more adjustments and as the track comes in a little bit more we’ll be putting on some more exciting shows on like you saw tonight,” said Beers.  “Bobby is a great racer and a great guy and I had fun racing with him. I could have done a few other maneuvers and maybe cut underneath him but there wasn’t a whole lot of grip out there tonight. It was like putting an egg under the throttle and just being easy.”;  It was also a tough week for the Jones’ car owner Ivan Morgan. His mom Audrey passed away on Thursday.“This one is for her and for them. Hopefully it will make them heal a little bit during this time,” offered Jones.
Mike Sweeney’s stock continues to rise as the reigning Late Model champion not only won for a second straight week, but dating back to the final two races of 2016, he set a class record for consecutive wins at four in a row.  Sweeney also proved that the American Racer tire is a solid performer as he began the event from seventh spot and then weaved by car after car until reaching then leader Jeremy Miller in just eight laps.  Biding his time, he then set-up his race winning pass with an inside move on lap 14 and from there on cruised to the record setting win. Miller remained second with Frankie Althouse third.
In Street Stock action Zach Graver went from last to first in a week’s time as the 2015 champion parlayed his front row starting spot into victory.  Graver took the lead on lap two and was cruising steadily along until a mid-race caution wiped out a then huge lead. When the race resumed Josh Mooney was making a serious stab at him but within five green flag laps Graver was back to building on his lead and would go on to take his first win of 2017.
Johnny Bennett notched his career first win, taking the score in the Pro 4s. Bennett, who was within a scant few inches of doing the same on Opening Night, took the lead away from Jason Finken just past halfway and then held off Jake Kibler en route to the memory making night.
In the Hobby Stocks it was Austin Beers laying claim to a stirring victory after he and runner-up Michael Wambold battled for the glory. Beers, who went from eighth to first in five laps, did a fine job of holding off Wambold and well-earning his second career win.
Brett Bieber was uncontested in winning the All-Star Slingshot feature.

Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Bobby Jones, 2. Eric Beers, 3. Kyle Strohl, 4. Lou Strohl, 5. Austin Kochenash, 6. Don Wagner, 7. Rick Kirkendall, 8. Brian DeFebo, 9. Kris Graver, 10. Joey Jarowicz, 11. Ron Haring Jr., 12. Drew Reinhold, 13. Nick Baer, 14. Tommy Rought DNS: Jack Ely

Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Mike Sweeney, 2. Jeremy Miller, 3. Lorin Arthofer II, 4. Frankie Althouse, 5. Broc Brown, 6. Kenny Hein, 7. Jacob Kerstetter, 8. George Ramos, 9. Jacob Nemeth, 10. Robbie Kutz, 11. Paul Skodacek, 12. Dylan Osborn, 13. Chris Anderson

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Zach Graver, 2. Josh Mooney, 3. BJ Wambold, 4. Joe Mooney, 5. Corey Edelman, 6. Alan Schlenker, 7. Eric Kocher, 8. Jillian Long, 9. Jared Ahner, 10. Rick Reichenbach, 11. Mark Deysher, 12. Stacey Brown, 13. Todd Ahner, 14. Jon Moser, 15. Jamie Smith, 16. Shayne Geist, 17. Josh Scherer, 18. Dan Freundt, 19. Joe Stangle, 20 Jeremy Scheckler DNQ: Josh Huber, Steve Hoffman

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Johnny Bennett, 2. Jake Kibler, 3. Ken Reeder, 4. Kevin Stein, 5. Briggs Danner, 6. Jason Finken, 7. Kailyn Beers, 8. Tucker Muffley, 9. Jeremy Guerra, 10. Tyler Stangle

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (17 Laps): 1. Austin Beers, 2. Michael Wambold, 3. Cody Geist, 4. Devin Schmidt, 5. Paul Effrig, 6. Frank Hughes, 7. Brayden Spencer, 8. Trisha Connolly, 9. Rich Mutarelli, 10. Travis Solomon, 11. Al Arthofer, 12. Kevin Behler, 13. Justin Merkel, 14. Jeff Biegley, 15. Jesse Strohl, 16. Taylor Schmidt, 17. Shawn Kistler, 18. Tiffany Wambold, 19. Avery Arthofer, 20. Colton Perry, 21. Nicholas Kerstetter, 22. George Wambold DNQ: Lyndsay Buss, Kristy Arthofer, Nate Henry, Alton Snyder Jr., Ryan Berger, Mike Snyder

All-Star Slingshot Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Brett Bieber, 2. Joe Toth, 3. Dakota Kohler


Saturday, April 15:
Opening Day: all regular track classes + ATQMRA

Brian DeFebo ends Mahoning Valley Speedway drought with Opening Night victory; Mike Sweeney, Jon Moser, Mike Stofflet, Cody Kohler and Devon Schmidt take class wins
 
(LEHIGHTON, PA. 4-15-17) When it comes to naming the elite of eastern Pennsylvania asphalt racers, Berwick’s Brian DeFebo stands tall among the many. His accomplishments have earned him the number one ranking in career wins and on Saturday evening at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway he added to his legacy by scoring the Opening Night laurels with a hard fought victory against a stout field of Modified equals.
The thing is, despite win after win and numerous championships, when it comes to Mahoning Valley DeFebo has been snake bitten, having not won here since 2006. Not for lack of trying and certainly there was times when a victory looked evident but unfortunately he always seemed to be on the wrong side of luck.   Years of frustration at the paved ¼-mile oval where now wiped away as the venerable driver of the Sophie Welsh owned No. 53 drove to his second Opening Night win which was 11 years to the day. “It just finally feels good to get this saga over with here. After all the aggravation and the hard work we can breathe a sigh of relief,” said DeFebo, who now has 91 career feature wins. This was his sixth at Mahoning Valley.  “This is a tough place to win at and it makes it exciting when you do. I still get goosebumps.”; DeFebo started on the outside of row one and would chase closely alongside leader Bobby Jones. With the outside lane as his line of attack, he was then able to slip past the leader on lap seven.  His work was far from over, however, as a host of others gave him all he could handle as from there on he was in full defensive mode. Lou Strohl looked very quick and was locking horns with DeFebo and next came Austin Kochenash and Kyle Strohl who likewise showed plenty of speed. By the waning laps Kris Graver was showing his hand.  At any given time the later trio was swapping second spot while also making valid attempts at the lead. But each time DeFebo was able to fend them off by shouldering a line good enough to keep anyone from overtaking him.  “We were good in the heat race. We have a really fast, good set-up for during the day and we only have to tweak a bit for at night,” explained DeFebo.  At the finish it was Kochenash just nipping Graver for runner-up while John Markovic got dialed in late and was fourth over Strohl.   This also marked a new era for the track as the American Racer tires were used in full competition for the first time.  “It’s a rolling science project for right now and everyone has it,” said DeFebo. “It is nice to say we are the first to win a Modified race at Mahoning on American Racer’s. This is a good tire and I feel it will hold up to many laps here. In the long haul it will be better for everyone.”;

In the past several years Late Model standout Mike Sweeney has been garnering win after win, well over 20 just during the three most recent seasons. But despite that run of success which included winning the 2016 Late Model title, the one thing missing from his bucket list was an Opening Night victory.   Sweeney can now chalk that one off as he notched the verdict with a two car length score over top rival Frankie Althouse.
 Both drivers began the race from the front row with Althouse taking control at first. But by lap three Sweeney was easing his Ford ahead of the pack and from there on set sail for the checkers.    Although Althouse kept him honest, Sweeney maneuvered nicely past traffic without giving up any distance. It was his 39th time winning at Mahoning.

Jon Moser closed out 2016 number one in points with the Street Stocks and that’s just how he started 2017. Confidently showing why he earned the title, Moser came into the night at the top of his game as he led every lap. He would have Jared Ahner give him a great run but there was no denying his flawlessness en route to victory. Mike Stofflet had no trouble in cruising to victory in the Dirt Moods as he took the lead from the get-go and never looked back from there to the finish.

Former Pro 4 champion Cody Kohler made his 8-hour ride up from North Carolina where he attends college well worth the trip as the rising star took first place honors in a squeaker over Johnny Bennett.

The Hobby Stock class made Opening Night a rousing one as a record 29 cars signed in, the most ever for a single race day. Plenty of cars indeed but of them all Devon Schmidt was the fastest as he withstood a torrid battle with Avery Arthofer to claim the win.
 
Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Brian DeFebo, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Kris Graver, 4. John Markovic, 5. Kyle Strohl, 6. Eric Beers, 7. Nick Baer, 8. Don Wagner, 9. Rick Kirkendall, 10. Lou Strohl, 11. Blake Barney, 12. Ron Haring Jr., 13. Joey Jarowicz, 14. Bobby Jones, 15. Terry Markovic, 16. Drew Reinhold
 
Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Johnny Bennett, 3. Ken Reeder, 4. Jake Kibler, 5. Tyler Stangle, 6. Kevin Stein, 7. Ryan Graver, 8. Kailyn Beers, 9. Josh Kuronya, 10. Jeremy Guerra DNS: Jason Finken
 
Hobby Stock Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Deon Schmidt, 2. Aver Arthofer, 3. Rich Mutarelli, 4. Michael Wambold, 5. Paul Effrig, 6. Travis Solomon, 7. Tiffany Wambold, 8. Brayden Spencer, 9. Shane Kistler, 10. Kevin Behler, 11. Jeff Biegley, 12. Taylor Schmidt, 13. Cody Geist, 14. Justin Merkel, 15. Austin Beers, 16. Nicholas Kerstetter, 17. Ryan Berger, 18. Lyndsay Buss, 19. Frank Hughes, 20. George Wambold DNQ: Alton Snyder Jr., Trisha Connolly, Scott Kotran, Jesse Strohl, Brandon Auman, Thomas Hunsicker Jr., Al Arthofer, Colton Perry, Jim Neiman, Tyler Lucas

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