Brian DeFebo reaches 99th career win with another Mahoning Modified win; Mike Sweeney cracks win column for the first time this season; Sage Karam impressive in Dirt Mod and Street Stock debut - AUSTIN FINISHES 3rd
(JULY 14, 2018) Brian DeFebo wrapped up a great weekend, winning his second Modified feature in two days. Fresh off a Friday night verdict at Evergreen Raceway, DeFebo was able to continue on his winning ways Saturday evening at Mahoning Valley Speedway. The seventh starting DeFebo would make quick work of Joey Jarowicz in taking the lead on lap 15. From there on he remained smooth as he held off Bobby Jones for his third win of the season and registered his 99th overall career win.“We’re at 99 (wins) now and it’s exciting. I love racing here at Mahoning Valley. For years it was a struggle but these past two years it’s been nothing but fun,” said DeFebo, who continues to maintain the class point lead and seeks a second straight championship.“I can’t thank (crew chief) Gary Slusser enough. He’s the brains behind this deal. He spends countless hours and from that we have good race cars.” At the onset Ron Haring Jr., jumped into the lead but had unceasing pressure coming from Jarowicz. Haring also had to contend with Jones who was giving him much of the same opposition on his outside.For Haring it was full defensive mode as several times Jarowicz was able to stick his nose inside the leader while at the same time doing whatever necessary to fend off Jones. Unfortunately it all came to a head on lap 13 when the No. 85 got tripped up just past the start finish line and went spinning from the lead.On the restart Jarowicz was shown as the new leader over Jones and DeFebo. Just one lap after the race restarted, DeFebo made his race winning move by going to the low side in whizzing to the front. Jarowicz and Jones continued a great dogfight to the end with Jones getting the runner-up spot. John Markovic and Gene Bowers rounded out the top five.“There wasn’t much racing on the outside tonight so we had to adapt and take down low,” said DeFebo. “Once you get into the lead you then have to go into a defensive style of driving. We have good group of drivers down here and they all race you hard and clean.
In the Winner’s Circle for the Sportsman Modified feature it became a very emotionally charged scene as 15-yeat old Avery Arthofer had just notched her first win with the class and was greeted by her entire family with hugs and tears of joy. A previous winner in Hobby Stocks, Arthofer is in her first season with the Sport Mods and in the race was able to fend off track kingpin Earl Paules for the memorable victory and caring on a family legacy of winning at Mahoning Valley.
Sportsman Modified Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Avery Arthofer, 2. Earl Paules, 3. Austin Beers, 4. Blair Culhane, 5. Richard Lapolt, 6. Jacob Balliet, 7. Kassidy Arthofer, 8. BJ Wambold
Austin Beers Finishes 19, 17, 13, 16 in Bill Teel Memorial
Kyle Strohl, James Pritchard Jr., Tyler Haydt and Joey Jarowicz are Teel Memorial winners…John Markovic is overall champion
(JUNE 30, 2018) It came as no surprise that a season high 24 Modifieds came out to be part of the 2nd Annual Bill Teel Memorial Modified 4-16s. Teel, a past 3-time champion and car owner champion, made an indelible impression with so many people. It was evident by the wonderful turnout both in the pits and grandstands.
The event is unique with four 16-lap features – that being the signature car number run by Teel throughout his career. The quick stints made for some thrilling action and outcomes which is exactly how the night panned out. After all was said and done Kyle Strohl, James Pritchard Jr., Tyler Haydt and Joey Jarowicz took respective checkered flags while John Markovic was declared the overall winner by virtue of his average finishing place across the four mains.
In race number one Roger Coss drew the pole and was steadily maintaining the lead while Strohl stayed close behind. As the field crossed the line to complete lap 12 Strohl felt it was time to make a move and he did so by slipping underneath Coss in turn three. He would then take it home from there and collect his second straight win. “It was key to be aggressive in a short run like this. I just made sure of my tire wear and made my move at the right time. Roger Coss was very tough and he’s such a clean driver to run with,” said Strohl. “To win one of these races means so much to my family and I. Bill (Teel) was a great guy and a great racer.” A redraw of 18 for the next race would see Roger Heffelfinger Jr., and Todd Baer on the front row. Heffelfinger wasted no time in jumping out front while Pritchard and Lou Strohl were hard-hitting on him. Pritchard kept Heffelfinger on his toes over the first half until L. Strohl solidified second spot with six laps to go. He then began laying on all kinds of pressure to Heffelfinger. Looking repeatedly to the inside, Strohl tried to squeeze under Heffelfinger in turn two with two laps remaining. What transpired was contact and a spin that ended either drivers from a possible win. For the restart Pritchard was at the point with Don Wagner on his tail. Not wavering, Pritchard would hold on for just his second Modified win and first since October 2012. It was rough and we really had to work for this,” said Pritchard. “Roger Heffelfinger is one tough competitor and I was fighting him on the outside and then Lou (Strohl) got underneath me and I fell back to third. I felt the way they were racing something was going to happen and it was a case of being in the right place at the right time.” Once again the redraw number was 18 and with that Haydt and K. Strohl would bring the field to the green. This race quickly had a good time feel to it as Teel was a longtime friend, mentor, and business partner plus championship car owner of Haydt. |
Haydt’s ride for the night had come together just days earlier as he was called upon by car owner Robert Wagner to driver the Future Motorsports No. 29. It was only the second time in the past six years that Haydt was racing, making a comeback start in this event last year. Haydt would take the lead and engage in a hard fought battle fending off L. Strohl throughout the distance. “This is awesome. I never, ever wanted to win a race in all the years that we ran than one of these features tonight. Billy meant so much to me and I’m stoked,” an emotional Haydt said. “It was no cakewalk either. Lou Strohl was so tough but he ran me clean. We had struggles to get the car right but it all worked out,” he continued. I’m so happy to give Robert Wagner his first ever win too. I want to thank him for giving me the opportunity to drive his car and putting it in Victory Lane where it belongs.”
In the final 16 Jarowicz shared the front row with Pritchard. The 17-year old made good on the pole start and darted quickly to the front. This young talent has had numerous flashes of glory in his short time in Modifieds and he certainly came of age on route to winning the night’s finale. Behind Jarowicz were Modified kingpins Markovic, Brian DeFebo and Earl Paules. Yet he handled them flawlessly with a solid line of racing. As the checkers waved the Glenn Slocum owned No. 02 had a well-earned career first victory. There have been a couple times that we were close to winning but for whatever reason it just wasn’t to be. It was awesome to get that first win tonight and against guys like John (Markovic), Brian (DeFebo) and Earl (Paules),” said Jarowicz. “With the short distance there’s no holding back. Drawing the pole I knew I just had to run my race and I’d be fine. I didn’t know Bill Teel but heard so much good things about him and this was an honor to get my first win at his memorial.”
1st Modified Feature Finish (16 Laps): 1. Kyle Strohl, 2. Roger Coss, 3. John Markovic, 4. Bobby Jones, 5. Austin Kochenash, 6. Tyler Haydt, 7. Ron Haring Jr., 8. Nick Baer, 9. Brian DeFebo, 10. Rick Kirkendall, 11. Earl Paules, 12. Don Wagner, 13. Joey Jarowicz, 14. Lou Strohl, 15. Zane Zeiner, 16. James Pritchard Jr., 17. Todd Baer, 18. Roger Heffelfinger Jr., 19 Austin Beers, 20. Terry Markovic
2nd Modified Feature Finish (16 Laps): 1. Pritchard Jr., 2. Wagner, 3. Paules, 4. Todd Baer, 5. DeFebo, 6. Kirkendall, 7. John Markovic, 8. Cross, 9. Haring Jr., 10. Kochenash, 11. Nick Baer, 12. Jones, 13. Zeiner, 14. Terry Markovic, 15. Lou Strohl, 16. Kyle Strohl, 17. Beers, 18. Haydt, 19. Heffelfinger Jr., 20. Jarowicz
3rd Modified Feature Finish (16 Laps): 1. Haydt, 2. Lou Strohl, 3. Kyle Strohl, 4. Jones, 5. DeFebo, 6. Zeiner, 7. Paules, 8. Nick Baer, 9. John Markovic, 10. Pritchard Jr., 11. Jarowicz, 12. Terry Markovic, 13. Beers, 14. Cross, 15. Todd Baer, 16. Haring Jr., 17. Kochenash, 18. Kirkendall, 19. Wagner, 20. Heffelfinger Jr.
4th Modified Feature Finish (16 Laps): 1. Jarowicz, 2. John Markovic, 3. DeFebo, 4. Paules, 5. Pritchard Jr., 6. Kyle Strohl, 7. Baer, 8. Haydt, 9. Lou Strohl, 10. Jones, 11. Cross, 12. Zeiner, 13. Wagner, 14. Kochenash, 15. Haring Jr., 16. Beers, 17. Gene Bowers, 18. Todd Baer, 19. Terry Markovic, 20. Heffelfinger Jr
Eric finishes 10th after Tire goes funny during Race - Eric felt he had one of the best cars this night - disappointed with the result.
The stars and cars from the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series made their way to the Lancaster National Speedway for the second time this season on Thursday night. After 60 laps of Modified action in the Ol’ Boy Cup 60, it would be .019 seconds deciding the victory in favor of Chuck Hossfeld.
Hossfeld set quick time in qualifying to start the night, picking up the Speed51.com Top of the Board Award. He would also go on to win his heat race, along with Mike Leaty and Cam Barber taking victories in their heat races. After the heat races, the top four drivers from each heat went on to the redraw. Daryl Lewis Jr drew the number-one pill to start alongside Hossfeld who pulled number two.When the green flag flew, Lewis took off with the early lead with Hossfeld in his tire tracks. Lewis held off Hossfeld and Eric Beers early, leading the race’s first 20 circuits.On lap 20, Tommy Catalano slowed on the speedway, bringing out the race’s first caution. On the ensuing restart, Hossfeld found his way around the No. 10 of Lewis and set off with the lead. As the laps clicked off, Mike Leaty found himself getting closer to the black No. 22 of Hossfeld, reaching the second position on lap 34 from his 10th-place starting position.When the yellow flag came out for a spinning Scott Wiley, Leaty was given his opportunity. On lap 37, Leaty finally reached the rear bumper of Hossfeld and give him a tap through turns 3 and 4. From there, the race was on. Leaty dogged Hossfeld lap after lap, giving him an occasional tap in the rear bumper. Twice Leaty tried too hard and lost plenty of ground but ran Hossfeld back down in a matter of laps.When the white flag went in the air, Leaty threw everything he had at Hossfeld into turn one, driving it in deep to get next to Hossfeld on the outside. Leaty again drove in deep in three and four, pulling alongside of Hossfeld for a drag race to the checkered flag. As they crossed the line, Hossfeld claimed the thriling victory over Leaty by an incredible .019 seconds.“My spotter Henry did a great job. I knew where he was strong, so what I tried to do was, I tried to make him go around me, I wasn’t giving him the bottom if I could. If he got me, it would’ve been good for him, but I wasn’t going to make it easy on him,” Hossfeld told Speed51.com. “It was a great race, good for the fans. We won by just the smallest margin. What blows my mind is I had to let off a little early going across the start-finish line because of a couple lapped cars and if he would have gotten me there I would have been sick to my stomach. But here’s the truth, it doesn’t matter because we won.”The win was the first for Hossfeld this year, ending a Race of Champions winless drought going back into the 2016 season.
“Racing is a rollercoaster and I had mentioned that I thought we would be tough again,” he stated. “You get that sense when things are going to be good. We were down for a little bit and we struggled with the car but we’re inching back. It’s not perfect yet, it wasn’t like it was perfect, but good enough to win.” Although Mike Leaty came up just a couple of feet short of the victory to beat Hossfeld on his home turf, he was still pleased with his result.“It would’ve been really nice to even start in the top half of the redraw. If we could’ve started around sixth, seventh, somewhere in that neighborhood, had a few more laps to work over Chuck with a little bit better tires we would have been even stronger and probably could have gotten around him,” Leaty claimed. “It’s hard to get around Chuck Hossfeld at Lancaster. But to give him that kind of run and just come up a nose short is a really good run for our team.” The Race of Champions Modified Tour will head north of the border for their next event at Jukasa Motor Speedway in Hagersville, OT Canada on July 14. Race fans will once again be able to watch that race live on Speed51.com’s Summer Thunder TV
Ol’ Boy Cup 60 Unofficial Finish
Lancaster National Speedway (NY) – June 28, 2018
1) Chuck Hossfeld
2) Mike Leaty
3) Daryl Lewis Jr.
4) Patrick Emerling
5) Daren Scherer
6) Andy Jankowiak
7) George Skora III
8) Karl Hehr
9) Amy Catalano
10) Eric Beers
11) Scott Wylie
12) Zack Knowlden
13) Timmy Catalano
14) Kreig Heroth
15) Tyler Rypkema
16) Alan Book Miller
17) Jack Ely
18) Danny Knoll Jr.
19) Kevin Miller
20) Tommy Catalano
21) John Barber
22) Camden Barber
23) Chris Ridsdale
Austin Beers Finishes 3rd
(JUNE 15 2018)
For the first time in 20 years a Wambold has won a Modified race. BJ Wambold held off Earl Paules to the checkers in the Sportsman Mod event. Wambold started from the pole and was able to fend off Paules as well as Devin Schmidt for the popular win. His grandfather, “The Legend” George Wambold, last won a Modified feature in 1997.
Sportsman Modified Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. BJ Wambold, 2. Earl Paules, 3. Austin Beers, 4. Devin Schmidt, 5. Blair Culhane, 6. Avery Arthofer, 7. Joe King Jr., 8. Kassidy Altemose
Austin Beers Finishes 2nd after starting 5th
(JUNE 2, 2018) Mahoning Valley Speedway presented by Lehighton Ford hosted its annual Fan Appreciation Night to a great crowd and equally great racing as all seven classes provided excellent showmanship.
Thus far during the 2018 the top five in points has been occupied by seasoned veterans led by Brian DeFebo, then Bobby Jones, John Markovic, Earl Paules and Lou Strohl. There is a lot of wins and championships among that iconic group but next in the point’s line is 18-year old Kyle Strohl who has stayed close in their shadows and on Saturday night he showed the old masters why he is one to be reckoned with.Strohl would lead from the outset and then began to author a dominating drive as he was pulling away steadily into the waning stages of the 35-lapper. However, a caution with two to go would allow Austin Kochenash to pull in behind him for the final few tours but Strohl wasn’t about to be denied and rolled to his first win of the year and eighth time in a Modified. “We’ve been struggling the past few weeks to get the right set-up. At intermission today we hit on something and we just put all our effort into it and it all paid off,” said Strohl, who has 31 career overall feature wins, numbers that are worthy of his aforementioned mentors. Thanks to a string of nonstop laps, Strohl used that span to show his hand and was pulling away from the pack on each circuit. “I was unaware of that fact. We were just holding out line and hitting our marks. I just wanted to hold my line and hope for the best,” said Strohl. Behind him the action remained tight at Lou Strohl, Jones and Joey Jarowicz fought tooth and nail. By mid-race Kochenash was also getting in on the battle. With just two laps to go and Strohl looking home free the caution waved for DJ Wagner who backed hard into the wall off turn two and with that went away the huge lead. For the restart Jones was on Strohl’s tail with Kochenash sitting third. On the white flag lap Kochenash slipped by Jones and was then glued to Strohl’s rear bumper but his concentration remained on to the finish and he took the checkered flag by a scant margin. “My heart was beating on the restart because I knew Bobby (Jones) was behind me and you always have to be on your game with him and Austin (Kochenash) too. There’s a lot of great competitors here and they all have their act together. We were behind the eight ball but I think now we’re finally starting to get it right,” said Strohl.
Sportsman Modified Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Earl Paules, 2. Austin Beers, 3. Joe King Jr., 4. Avery Arthofer, 5. Richard Lapolt, 6. Kassidy Altemose, 7. BJ Wambold
Eric finished 7th in return to the Race of Champions tour - Tire wear holds him back
Lancaster National Speedway was finally able to wave the green flag on its 60th season of racing on Saturday with the lid lifter for the X-Press Signs Stock Car Series. Patrick Emerling of Orchard Park, N.Y. kicked off the 2018 campaign with a win in the Queen City Clash 75 for the Race of Champions Modified Series.
Daren Scherer and Tyler Rypkema led the field of 22 RoC Modifieds to opening green flag. Scherer grabbed the early lead, but the caution flag was displayed quickly when Andy Jankowiak cut down a tire on the opening lap. Scherer settled into the lead with Tommy Catalano coming from the third starting position to provide an early challenge. Catalano hounded Scherer as he forced the leader to run hard during the early stages. The pair pulled away from the field until the caution flag flew again on lap 17 for a spin by rookie Zack Knowlden. The race restarted with Scherer and Catalano followed by Chuck Hossfeld, Rypkema and Emerling. Hossfeld quickly dispatched of Catalano to move into third. Emerling started the race in ninth, but was already in to the top five by this point. He passed Catalano for third on lap 33 and then set his sights on Hossfeld. Six laps later Emerling moved past Hossfeld for the runner-up position just before the caution flag came out for a spin by Karl Hehr. Scherer and Emerling were now perched on the front row for the restart with just 36 laps to go. It took Emerling just two laps before Scherer slowed momentarily off of turn two to give up the lead. Scherer thought there was a problem with his engine, but the muffler had just fallen off. Hossfeld passed Scherer for second two laps later. The final caution period of the night happened on lap 50 when Tommy Catalano spun in turn two. The race restarted with Emerling leading Hossfeld, Scherer, Daryl Lewis, Jr. and Eric Beers. Scherer was able to regain second from Hossfeld and Lewis also took over third from him on lap 58. The pair then tried to reel in Emerling. Scherer appeared to be catching Emerling in the turn three end of the race track, but Emerling was a little bit better through turn two. Scherer tried hard to close the gap to Emerling, but Emerling increased his margin with five laps to go. Patrick Emerling held on to score his first RoC Modified win at Lancaster since sweeping all four Modified races in 2016. Scherer settled for second for his best RoC finish in a couple season. Lewis, Jr. finished third after having a very fast race car all day. George Skora III got caught in an early incident and then battled through a flat tire to finish fourth. Hossfeld rounded out the top five.
RESULTS
RACE OF CHAMPIONS MODIFIED SERIES
Heat Winners: Mike Leaty, Daryl Lewis, Jr., Chuck Hossfeld
Fast Qualifier: Chuck Hossfeld – 17.204 seconds
Queen City Clash 75 Finish: PATRICK EMERLING, Daren Scherer, Daryl Lewis, Jr., George Skora III, Chuck Hossfeld, Andy Jankowiak, Eric Beers, Danny Knoll, Jr., Scott Wylie, Mike Leaty, Austin Kochenash, Tommy Catalano, Bill Hebing, Kevin Miller, Karl Hehr, Tyler Rypkema, Jack Ely, Amy Catalano, Zack Knowlden, Kreig Heroth, Alan Bookmiller DNS: John Barber
Bobby Jones makes it two in a row after wild outcome in Ward Crozier Sr., Memorial
(MAY 5, 2018) Mahoning Valley Speedway had an evening of racing that the late promoter Ward Crozier Sr., would have been proud of. On a night that paid homage to his legacy, the pits had nearly 100 race cars, the grandstands where buzzing with enthusiastic fans and the racing was action filled across all seven divisions.
It fit perfectly into the style of Crozier and his concept of how racing should be held at his beloved Mahoning Valley Speedway, the paved ¼-mile oval that he brought back to life in 1987. 31 years later and the same formula changed very little. As part of the tribute all features where run as 26-lappers which was reflective of Crozier’s racing days and his signature car number. Bobby Jones of Palmerton got his start in racing thanks to the kind outreaching of Crozier nearly 30 years ago. Fittingly Jones was humbled when he scored a wild Modified victory, his second in a row. Jones’ first ride in a race car was aided when Crozier offered up a driver’s suit. “I said I had to win this tonight because of him (Crozier) I’m still doing this today,” offered Jones. And, the outcome was just as much a surprise to Jones as was everyone in attendance. DJ Wagner was leading and looking unstoppable en route to a career first Modified win. However, with six laps to go light droplets of rain moved in and prompted the caution. The field remained on the track in order to keep the surface in tack. While touring under the yellow, Wagner abruptly exited the track and yielded the lead over to John Markovic.
The driver’s where then asked to relay to officials if the pavement was good to go back green as the rain halted and the answer was all thumbs up. When the race resumed Markovic had Lou Strohl on his tail while Jones was third.
If the surprise of Wagner exiting wasn’t enough of a blow, no sooner did the first lap get underway the race took another wild turn. In corners three and four Markovic suddenly drifted high and made slight side contact with Strohl who was hustling for the lead. The lane opened up wide enough that Jones dove to the bottom and a thrilling three-wide pass for the lead ensued. “It was a bit weird how everything just fell in place. Johnny (Markovic) went up and got into the 88 (Strohl) and the door opened up and I wasn’t even ready for it,” explained Jones. For the remaining few laps point leader Brian DeFebo leaped into second and hounded Jones to the checkers. “When they asked us to give a thumbs up or down I had mine up, I felt we really never lost the track. I didn’t realize he (Wagner) got off at first. No one ever told us to get off and to just keep rolling,” recalled Jones about the wet condition situation. “I didn’t realize he did it at first. Honestly I think he would have won the race. The track was fine after we restarted.” Earl Paules, Todd Baer and Markovic completed the top five. Jones has been on a roll winning his fourth feature in the last six races dating to the prior season.
“Four of the last six races going back to last season. I’ll take that. Right now we got it going on and I’ll ride it out as long as we can,” Jones said after picking up his 39th career win.
Broc Brown blasted by Jacob Kerstetter on lap seven and then cruised dominantly to his first Late Model win of the season in a caution free race that was over in just under five minutes.
Seeing the name Beers as the winner of a Modified race is nothing new as Eric Beers has won time and again. Saturday night the Beers Modified was again gracing Victory Lane only this time it was Eric’s son Austin who was collecting the accolades. The 15-year old Beers drove to his career first Sportsman Modified win and did so over longtime rival of his dad, Earl Paules. The two would run toe-to-toe for the lead until Beers solidified the top spot for good with 10 laps to go and drove flawlessly to the decisive verdict.
Defending Dirt Mod champ Mike Stofflet made it known from the get-go that he was going to be the man to beat. Taking the lead from the outset Stofflet was on a mission as he stayed well ahead of the pack over the distance and notched a solid victory, his first of the year.
The Street Stock main was the 600th such feature and Corey Edelman was able to hold off a very determined Jon Moser in claiming the thrilling win.
Edelman took control of the race on lap 13 but was in heavy company the rest of the way, having to withstand Mark Deysher and eventually Moser. The finish was a squeaker as he nipped Moser by a mere .038-second margin of victory.
Cody Kohler showed plenty of swiftness on his way to a second straight Pro 4 triumph. After going around Bobby Kibler Sr., on lap eight for the lead Kohler was not about to let up and held back Barry Christman Jr., and Jake Kibler for the resounding win.
The Hobby Stock feature was cut short due to an over expected amount of cautions and track cleanup but that didn’t seem deter Al Arthofer who won for the first time. It would be hard pressed to think otherwise that it was not to be his night as Arthofer was very strong in leading every lap.
Sportsman Modified Feature Finish (26 Laps): 1. Austin Beers, 2. Earl Paules, 3. Kassidy Altemose, 4. Blair Culhane, 5. Devin Schmidt, 6. Avery Arthofer, 7. BJ Wambold
Bobby Jones holds off Don Wagner for top Modified honors; Paul Koehler Jr., is best in Late Models; Earl Paules notches first win with new Sportsman class
(4-21-18) Bobby Jones could be forming a pattern it seems. Last year when Brian DeFebo won Opening Night Jones came out victorious on week two. Fast forward one year later and the same scenario played out as Jones took the week two laurels yet again.
For the outset of the 35-lap main Don Wagner and Joey Jarowicz shared the front row. Once underway Wagner sprung to the lead with third place starter Jones in tow. Jones was wasting little time in looking to pass Wagner and by lap four he was in motion to do so until a caution negated his effort. On the restart Jones would make good on his foiled attempt as he vaulted by for the lead. Two laps later the second and only other caution waved which afterwards led to a quick paced run. Jones would set that tone as he ran a consistent line while keeping Wagner in check. At the checkers the personable veteran took his APS Powder Coating/Franzosa Trucking No. 1J across the line for his 38 career feature win. Wagner followed with a solid second which made up for a lackluster Opening Night run. Gene Bowers had steady and solid race as he was third by lap seven and stayed right in line with the front pair. DeFebo and Earl Paules rounded out the top five.
Paul Koehler Jr., needed just one week to get back into the swing of winning, something he quite accustomed to. The Kingpin of asphalt Late Model racing won his first race in just his second week back after sitting out all of last season. Koehler had things going his way from early on as he notched his heat. Then when the feature began he would lead the field to the green and continue on at the top spot for the rest of the nonstop 25-lap distance, collecting his 72nd career Late Model victory. And, although the lead was all his, Koehler was in some heavy company the whole while as Opening Night winner Frankie Althouse, Broc Brown and Mike Sweeney were stayed closely his tire tracks. None, however, could progress enough to make a pass as Koehler registered his 53rd Late Model win at Mahoning.
The much awaited debut of the Sportsman Modified finally took to the track with a respectable half-dozen cars on hand made up of a great crop of young talents. However, it would be a grand veteran who would etch his name into the record books as the very first class winner with Earl Paules taking the verdict. Avery Arthofer went into the early lead and was impressive in her Modified debut. A caution on lap eight saw Paules lined up next to her for the restart and it would be then where he seized the lead and go on to the eventual victory. 2017 Hobby Stock champion Austin Beers, who made his Modified debut the previous week with the headline division, was a firm runner-up while Arthofer held on for third.
When Jared Ahner unveiled his brand new Camaro Street Stock during pre-season testing, it turned many heads for its sleek and sharp look. On Saturday night Ahner showed everyone that it not just looker but a very fast racecar as well. Taking the lead away from Eric Kocher on lap six, Ahner was able to fend off a very strong running Mark Deysher the rest of the way and secure his first win of 2018.
Cody Kohler had to withstand a rash of cautions not to mention the hard pressing Jake Kibler in gaining the Pro 4 win. Kohler inherited the led after Josh Kuronya spun from contention on lap two. Afterwards it was yellow fever but none of that nor the persistent Kibler could stop Kohler from his focus on winning.
In the 20-lap Hobby Stock feature it was Devin Schmidt taking the win. Schmidt needed the first five laps before taking the lead from Kevin Behler and once in front there was no stopping him. Schmidt cruised with no trouble to the checkers while a distance back Michael Wambold nipped Travis Solomon for runner-up.
Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Bobby Jones, 2. Don Wagner, 3. Gene Bowers, 4. Brian DeFebo, 5. Earl Paules, 6. John Markovic, 7. Lou Strohl, 8. Kyle Strohl, 9. Nick Baer, 10. Jarred Ahner, 11. Joey Jarowicz, 12. DJ Wagner, 13. Kristy Arthofer, 14. Jack Ely, 15. Ron Haring Jr., 16. Terry Markovic
Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Paul Koehler Jr., 2. Frankie Althouse, 3. Broc Brown, 4. Mike Sweeney, 5. Jeremy Miller, 6. Kenny Hein, 7. Jacob Kerstetter
Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Jared Ahner, 2. Mark Deysher, 2. Jill Long, 4. Cody Geist, 5. Jon Moser, 6. Stacey Brown, 7. Shayne Geist, 8. Bobby Kibler Jr., 9. Todd Ahner, 10. Jamie Smith, 11. Ken Reeder, 12. Corey Edelman, 13. Ken Erney III, 14. Jeremy Scheckler, 15. Eric Kocher, DNS: BJ Wambold
Sportsman Modified Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Earl Paules, 2. Austin Beers, 3. Avery Arthofer, 4. Blair Culhane, 5. Devon Schmidt, 6. Kassidy Altemose
Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Jake Kibler, 3. Bill Rooney, 4. Bobby Kibler Jr., 5. Josh Kuronya, 6. Brian Muth, 7. Tucker Muffley, 8. Jeremy Guerra, 9. Randy Schaffer, 10. Matt Clark, 11. Tyler Stangle
Hobby Stock Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Devin Schmidt, 2. Michael Wambold, 3. Travis Solomon, 4. Tiffany Wambold, 5. Kevin Behler, 6. Trisha Connolly, 7. Al Arthofer, 8. Justin Merkel, 9. Peyton Arthofer, 10. Ryan Berger, 11. Shawn Kistler, 12. Lyndsay Buss, 13. Hunter Iatalese, 14. Cody Boehm, 15. Kassidy Altemose, 16. Tad Snyder, 17. Adrian Dorwart, 18. Jacob Boehm, 19. Beau Drobot, 20. Taylor Schmidt
For Brian DeFebo, Opening Night win was déjà vu; Frankie Althouse, Cody Geist, Mark Levy, Jake Kibler and Shawn Kistler among class winners
(APRIL 14, 2018) A new era of racing was ushered in at Mahoning Valley Speedway on Saturday. Now under the leadership of Jack and Rebecca Carlino, a great Opening Night crowd poured into the track to kick-off the 2018 season.
Defending Modified champion Brian DeFebo got his year off to a great start as well, scoring the Opening Night laurels for a second straight time. And, just as he did a year ago the win came over Austin Kochenash. DeFebo would use a last lap restart to slip below Kyle Strohl and then held back Kochenash, who also advanced on the same restart, to register his 67th career Modified win and 96th overall. “It’s exciting to start this way and a great way to come back and defend our championship,” said DeFebo who is back behind the wheel of the Welsh Motorsports No. 53. With a heads-up start from heat finishes to begin the 35-lap main, Joey Jarowicz and Strohl would bring the field to the race commencing green. From there Jarowicz went right to the lead and was turning solid laps in the process. Strohl was settled in second and every few laps would make a bid at the lead. Each time, though, Jarowicz was able to guard his spot, looking very poised for his overdue first win. With 16 laps in Strohl again went for the lead and this time was able to pull to the inside of Jarowicz. Afterwards a thrilling two-wide battle ensued. Then on the 19th tour the pair came into turn three and Jarowicz got slightly loose. He and Strohl then made incidental contact. Before Jarowicz had a chance to recover his car got completely out of line and skidded into the front straight wall and suffered race ending damage. “That was just circumstances. Joey (Jarowicz) just got the car a little sideways. Kyle had nothing to do with that from where I was sitting,” offered DeFebo, who was riding behind the two when the incident unfolded. Afterwards it was Strohl over DeFebo and with the laps winding it was appearing to finish that way. Unfortunately for Strohl a last lap caution waved for debris and with one last shot DeFebo powered under Strohl and took Kochenash with him. “There was no outside line tonight. Once we had that last restart I had Austin (Kochenash) assisting me. I was then on the 44 (Strohl) and he left me just enough room,” explained DeFebo on his race winning move. “Kyle did a great job but you have to do what you have to do in order to pass here. It’s not at a point stance right now. We’re all here tonight win and everyone wants to win the first one.”
In Late Model action Frankie Althouse made a breathtaking three-wide pass for the lead on lap four and remained in control the rest of the distance in notching the top spot. Two-time and defending class champ Mike Sweeney took control at the outset but it would be short lived as Broc Brown used a lap one restart to overtake him. With Althouse in third, he then drove low two laps later to go underneath Brown while Sweeney was forced to the high outside lane. While much of the huge crowd may have gasped by what could have been a chaotic consequence, the trio of talented wheelmen held their own and settling into the lead was Althouse. From there on it was smooth sailing for Althouse who picked up career win number 24. Brown was quick but had to settle for second while Sweeney came home third.
Being in the right place at the right time aided Cody Geist in winning the Street Stock feature. Corey Edelman was within reach of taking the Street Stock checkers until a late race nudge from Josh Mooney dashed his hopes. When the field was reset Geist, who was riding third, was in charge and over the final few laps had no problem fending back 2017 division titlist Stacey Brown. Opening Night wins are always special but when it came to the Dirt Mod event perhaps no one could have more elated then Mark Levy.
The high-spirited Levy moved into the lead during a lap one caution period after then leader Ricky Yetter had to pit for a flat. When the race resumed Levy showed no signs of relinquishing the point as he motored around the 1/4-mile with perfect accuracy and won over Billy Lasko. It was only the second win for Levy whose last win came exactly five years and a day since then.
Jake Kibler raced to the Pro 4 victory but it was with a heavy heart as the day prior his mother, Pat Hosier, passed away. Kibler started from the pole and early on had a good fight going with Cody Kohler. After Kohler spun while trying for the lead on lap 8, Kibler then let second place play out to everyone else as he steadily held his position the rest of the way. Bill Rooney claimed the runner-up spot.
Shawn Kistler certainly had plenty to celebrate on this night as he finally broke through for his career first feature win, taking top honors in the Hobby Stocks. Kistler passed Lindsay Buss on lap two and from there never looked back en route to the unforgettable verdict.
Alex Greenzweig was best in class with the visiting Micro Stocks.
Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Brian DeFefo, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Earl Paules, 4. Kyle Strohl, 5. Lou Strohl, 6. Gene Bowers, 7. Nick Baer, 8. John Markovic, 9. DJ Wagner, 10. Ron Haring Jr., 11. Austin Beers, 12. Bobby Jones, 13. Joey Jarowicz, 14. BJ Wambold, 15. Don Wagner, 16. Kassidy Altemose
Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Frankie Althouse, 2. Broc Brown, 3. Mike Sweeney, 4. Lorin Arthofer II, 5. Jeremy Miller, 6. Jerric Johnson, 7. Paul Koehler Jr., 8. Kenny Hein, 9. Jacob Kerstetter
Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Cody Geist, 2. Stacey Brown, 3. Bobby Kibler Jr., 4. Jillian Long, 5. Shayne Geist, 6. Todd Ahner, 7. Jamie Smith, 8. Mark Deysher, 9. DJ Wambold, 10. Ken Erney III, 11. Jared Ahner, 12. Ken Reeder, 13. Corey Edelman, 14. Josh Mooney, 15. Joe Steigerwalt, 16. Jeremy Scheckler, 17. Jason Kuhn, 18. Eric Kocher
Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Mark Levy, 2. Billy Lasko, 3. Jeff Parker, 4. Billy Lowden Jr., 5. Bill Sitler Jr., 6. Corey Edelman, 7. Colton Perry, 8. Ray Deemer, 9. Vince Fegley Jr., 10. Ricky Yetter, 11. Mike Stofflet
Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Bill Rooney, 3. Randy Schaffer, 4. Cody Kohler, 5. Tucker Muffley, 6. Jeremy Guerra, 7. Bryan Muth, 8. Matt Clark, 9. Tyler Stangle DNS: Jason Finken, Bobby Kibler Sr., Johnny Bennett, Josh Kuronya
Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Shawn Kistler, 2. Lyndsay Buss, 3. Hunter Iatalese, 4. Jacob Boehm, 5. Justin Merkel, 6. Tiffany Wambold, 7. Peyton Arthofer, 8. Cody Boehm, 9. Avery Arthofer, 10. Trisha Connolly, 11. Ryan Berger, 12. Devin Schmidt, 13. Lauren Gimbi, 14. Kassidy Altemose, 15. Beau Drobot, 16. Michael Wambold, 17. Travis Solomon, 18. Colton Breiner, 19. Taylor Schmidt, 20. Al Arthofer DNS: Paul Effrig DNQ: Kevin Behler
(JULY 14, 2018) Brian DeFebo wrapped up a great weekend, winning his second Modified feature in two days. Fresh off a Friday night verdict at Evergreen Raceway, DeFebo was able to continue on his winning ways Saturday evening at Mahoning Valley Speedway. The seventh starting DeFebo would make quick work of Joey Jarowicz in taking the lead on lap 15. From there on he remained smooth as he held off Bobby Jones for his third win of the season and registered his 99th overall career win.“We’re at 99 (wins) now and it’s exciting. I love racing here at Mahoning Valley. For years it was a struggle but these past two years it’s been nothing but fun,” said DeFebo, who continues to maintain the class point lead and seeks a second straight championship.“I can’t thank (crew chief) Gary Slusser enough. He’s the brains behind this deal. He spends countless hours and from that we have good race cars.” At the onset Ron Haring Jr., jumped into the lead but had unceasing pressure coming from Jarowicz. Haring also had to contend with Jones who was giving him much of the same opposition on his outside.For Haring it was full defensive mode as several times Jarowicz was able to stick his nose inside the leader while at the same time doing whatever necessary to fend off Jones. Unfortunately it all came to a head on lap 13 when the No. 85 got tripped up just past the start finish line and went spinning from the lead.On the restart Jarowicz was shown as the new leader over Jones and DeFebo. Just one lap after the race restarted, DeFebo made his race winning move by going to the low side in whizzing to the front. Jarowicz and Jones continued a great dogfight to the end with Jones getting the runner-up spot. John Markovic and Gene Bowers rounded out the top five.“There wasn’t much racing on the outside tonight so we had to adapt and take down low,” said DeFebo. “Once you get into the lead you then have to go into a defensive style of driving. We have good group of drivers down here and they all race you hard and clean.
In the Winner’s Circle for the Sportsman Modified feature it became a very emotionally charged scene as 15-yeat old Avery Arthofer had just notched her first win with the class and was greeted by her entire family with hugs and tears of joy. A previous winner in Hobby Stocks, Arthofer is in her first season with the Sport Mods and in the race was able to fend off track kingpin Earl Paules for the memorable victory and caring on a family legacy of winning at Mahoning Valley.
Sportsman Modified Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Avery Arthofer, 2. Earl Paules, 3. Austin Beers, 4. Blair Culhane, 5. Richard Lapolt, 6. Jacob Balliet, 7. Kassidy Arthofer, 8. BJ Wambold
Austin Beers Finishes 19, 17, 13, 16 in Bill Teel Memorial
Kyle Strohl, James Pritchard Jr., Tyler Haydt and Joey Jarowicz are Teel Memorial winners…John Markovic is overall champion
(JUNE 30, 2018) It came as no surprise that a season high 24 Modifieds came out to be part of the 2nd Annual Bill Teel Memorial Modified 4-16s. Teel, a past 3-time champion and car owner champion, made an indelible impression with so many people. It was evident by the wonderful turnout both in the pits and grandstands.
The event is unique with four 16-lap features – that being the signature car number run by Teel throughout his career. The quick stints made for some thrilling action and outcomes which is exactly how the night panned out. After all was said and done Kyle Strohl, James Pritchard Jr., Tyler Haydt and Joey Jarowicz took respective checkered flags while John Markovic was declared the overall winner by virtue of his average finishing place across the four mains.
In race number one Roger Coss drew the pole and was steadily maintaining the lead while Strohl stayed close behind. As the field crossed the line to complete lap 12 Strohl felt it was time to make a move and he did so by slipping underneath Coss in turn three. He would then take it home from there and collect his second straight win. “It was key to be aggressive in a short run like this. I just made sure of my tire wear and made my move at the right time. Roger Coss was very tough and he’s such a clean driver to run with,” said Strohl. “To win one of these races means so much to my family and I. Bill (Teel) was a great guy and a great racer.” A redraw of 18 for the next race would see Roger Heffelfinger Jr., and Todd Baer on the front row. Heffelfinger wasted no time in jumping out front while Pritchard and Lou Strohl were hard-hitting on him. Pritchard kept Heffelfinger on his toes over the first half until L. Strohl solidified second spot with six laps to go. He then began laying on all kinds of pressure to Heffelfinger. Looking repeatedly to the inside, Strohl tried to squeeze under Heffelfinger in turn two with two laps remaining. What transpired was contact and a spin that ended either drivers from a possible win. For the restart Pritchard was at the point with Don Wagner on his tail. Not wavering, Pritchard would hold on for just his second Modified win and first since October 2012. It was rough and we really had to work for this,” said Pritchard. “Roger Heffelfinger is one tough competitor and I was fighting him on the outside and then Lou (Strohl) got underneath me and I fell back to third. I felt the way they were racing something was going to happen and it was a case of being in the right place at the right time.” Once again the redraw number was 18 and with that Haydt and K. Strohl would bring the field to the green. This race quickly had a good time feel to it as Teel was a longtime friend, mentor, and business partner plus championship car owner of Haydt. |
Haydt’s ride for the night had come together just days earlier as he was called upon by car owner Robert Wagner to driver the Future Motorsports No. 29. It was only the second time in the past six years that Haydt was racing, making a comeback start in this event last year. Haydt would take the lead and engage in a hard fought battle fending off L. Strohl throughout the distance. “This is awesome. I never, ever wanted to win a race in all the years that we ran than one of these features tonight. Billy meant so much to me and I’m stoked,” an emotional Haydt said. “It was no cakewalk either. Lou Strohl was so tough but he ran me clean. We had struggles to get the car right but it all worked out,” he continued. I’m so happy to give Robert Wagner his first ever win too. I want to thank him for giving me the opportunity to drive his car and putting it in Victory Lane where it belongs.”
In the final 16 Jarowicz shared the front row with Pritchard. The 17-year old made good on the pole start and darted quickly to the front. This young talent has had numerous flashes of glory in his short time in Modifieds and he certainly came of age on route to winning the night’s finale. Behind Jarowicz were Modified kingpins Markovic, Brian DeFebo and Earl Paules. Yet he handled them flawlessly with a solid line of racing. As the checkers waved the Glenn Slocum owned No. 02 had a well-earned career first victory. There have been a couple times that we were close to winning but for whatever reason it just wasn’t to be. It was awesome to get that first win tonight and against guys like John (Markovic), Brian (DeFebo) and Earl (Paules),” said Jarowicz. “With the short distance there’s no holding back. Drawing the pole I knew I just had to run my race and I’d be fine. I didn’t know Bill Teel but heard so much good things about him and this was an honor to get my first win at his memorial.”
1st Modified Feature Finish (16 Laps): 1. Kyle Strohl, 2. Roger Coss, 3. John Markovic, 4. Bobby Jones, 5. Austin Kochenash, 6. Tyler Haydt, 7. Ron Haring Jr., 8. Nick Baer, 9. Brian DeFebo, 10. Rick Kirkendall, 11. Earl Paules, 12. Don Wagner, 13. Joey Jarowicz, 14. Lou Strohl, 15. Zane Zeiner, 16. James Pritchard Jr., 17. Todd Baer, 18. Roger Heffelfinger Jr., 19 Austin Beers, 20. Terry Markovic
2nd Modified Feature Finish (16 Laps): 1. Pritchard Jr., 2. Wagner, 3. Paules, 4. Todd Baer, 5. DeFebo, 6. Kirkendall, 7. John Markovic, 8. Cross, 9. Haring Jr., 10. Kochenash, 11. Nick Baer, 12. Jones, 13. Zeiner, 14. Terry Markovic, 15. Lou Strohl, 16. Kyle Strohl, 17. Beers, 18. Haydt, 19. Heffelfinger Jr., 20. Jarowicz
3rd Modified Feature Finish (16 Laps): 1. Haydt, 2. Lou Strohl, 3. Kyle Strohl, 4. Jones, 5. DeFebo, 6. Zeiner, 7. Paules, 8. Nick Baer, 9. John Markovic, 10. Pritchard Jr., 11. Jarowicz, 12. Terry Markovic, 13. Beers, 14. Cross, 15. Todd Baer, 16. Haring Jr., 17. Kochenash, 18. Kirkendall, 19. Wagner, 20. Heffelfinger Jr.
4th Modified Feature Finish (16 Laps): 1. Jarowicz, 2. John Markovic, 3. DeFebo, 4. Paules, 5. Pritchard Jr., 6. Kyle Strohl, 7. Baer, 8. Haydt, 9. Lou Strohl, 10. Jones, 11. Cross, 12. Zeiner, 13. Wagner, 14. Kochenash, 15. Haring Jr., 16. Beers, 17. Gene Bowers, 18. Todd Baer, 19. Terry Markovic, 20. Heffelfinger Jr
Eric finishes 10th after Tire goes funny during Race - Eric felt he had one of the best cars this night - disappointed with the result.
The stars and cars from the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series made their way to the Lancaster National Speedway for the second time this season on Thursday night. After 60 laps of Modified action in the Ol’ Boy Cup 60, it would be .019 seconds deciding the victory in favor of Chuck Hossfeld.
Hossfeld set quick time in qualifying to start the night, picking up the Speed51.com Top of the Board Award. He would also go on to win his heat race, along with Mike Leaty and Cam Barber taking victories in their heat races. After the heat races, the top four drivers from each heat went on to the redraw. Daryl Lewis Jr drew the number-one pill to start alongside Hossfeld who pulled number two.When the green flag flew, Lewis took off with the early lead with Hossfeld in his tire tracks. Lewis held off Hossfeld and Eric Beers early, leading the race’s first 20 circuits.On lap 20, Tommy Catalano slowed on the speedway, bringing out the race’s first caution. On the ensuing restart, Hossfeld found his way around the No. 10 of Lewis and set off with the lead. As the laps clicked off, Mike Leaty found himself getting closer to the black No. 22 of Hossfeld, reaching the second position on lap 34 from his 10th-place starting position.When the yellow flag came out for a spinning Scott Wiley, Leaty was given his opportunity. On lap 37, Leaty finally reached the rear bumper of Hossfeld and give him a tap through turns 3 and 4. From there, the race was on. Leaty dogged Hossfeld lap after lap, giving him an occasional tap in the rear bumper. Twice Leaty tried too hard and lost plenty of ground but ran Hossfeld back down in a matter of laps.When the white flag went in the air, Leaty threw everything he had at Hossfeld into turn one, driving it in deep to get next to Hossfeld on the outside. Leaty again drove in deep in three and four, pulling alongside of Hossfeld for a drag race to the checkered flag. As they crossed the line, Hossfeld claimed the thriling victory over Leaty by an incredible .019 seconds.“My spotter Henry did a great job. I knew where he was strong, so what I tried to do was, I tried to make him go around me, I wasn’t giving him the bottom if I could. If he got me, it would’ve been good for him, but I wasn’t going to make it easy on him,” Hossfeld told Speed51.com. “It was a great race, good for the fans. We won by just the smallest margin. What blows my mind is I had to let off a little early going across the start-finish line because of a couple lapped cars and if he would have gotten me there I would have been sick to my stomach. But here’s the truth, it doesn’t matter because we won.”The win was the first for Hossfeld this year, ending a Race of Champions winless drought going back into the 2016 season.
“Racing is a rollercoaster and I had mentioned that I thought we would be tough again,” he stated. “You get that sense when things are going to be good. We were down for a little bit and we struggled with the car but we’re inching back. It’s not perfect yet, it wasn’t like it was perfect, but good enough to win.” Although Mike Leaty came up just a couple of feet short of the victory to beat Hossfeld on his home turf, he was still pleased with his result.“It would’ve been really nice to even start in the top half of the redraw. If we could’ve started around sixth, seventh, somewhere in that neighborhood, had a few more laps to work over Chuck with a little bit better tires we would have been even stronger and probably could have gotten around him,” Leaty claimed. “It’s hard to get around Chuck Hossfeld at Lancaster. But to give him that kind of run and just come up a nose short is a really good run for our team.” The Race of Champions Modified Tour will head north of the border for their next event at Jukasa Motor Speedway in Hagersville, OT Canada on July 14. Race fans will once again be able to watch that race live on Speed51.com’s Summer Thunder TV
Ol’ Boy Cup 60 Unofficial Finish
Lancaster National Speedway (NY) – June 28, 2018
1) Chuck Hossfeld
2) Mike Leaty
3) Daryl Lewis Jr.
4) Patrick Emerling
5) Daren Scherer
6) Andy Jankowiak
7) George Skora III
8) Karl Hehr
9) Amy Catalano
10) Eric Beers
11) Scott Wylie
12) Zack Knowlden
13) Timmy Catalano
14) Kreig Heroth
15) Tyler Rypkema
16) Alan Book Miller
17) Jack Ely
18) Danny Knoll Jr.
19) Kevin Miller
20) Tommy Catalano
21) John Barber
22) Camden Barber
23) Chris Ridsdale
Austin Beers Finishes 3rd
(JUNE 15 2018)
For the first time in 20 years a Wambold has won a Modified race. BJ Wambold held off Earl Paules to the checkers in the Sportsman Mod event. Wambold started from the pole and was able to fend off Paules as well as Devin Schmidt for the popular win. His grandfather, “The Legend” George Wambold, last won a Modified feature in 1997.
Sportsman Modified Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. BJ Wambold, 2. Earl Paules, 3. Austin Beers, 4. Devin Schmidt, 5. Blair Culhane, 6. Avery Arthofer, 7. Joe King Jr., 8. Kassidy Altemose
Austin Beers Finishes 2nd after starting 5th
(JUNE 2, 2018) Mahoning Valley Speedway presented by Lehighton Ford hosted its annual Fan Appreciation Night to a great crowd and equally great racing as all seven classes provided excellent showmanship.
Thus far during the 2018 the top five in points has been occupied by seasoned veterans led by Brian DeFebo, then Bobby Jones, John Markovic, Earl Paules and Lou Strohl. There is a lot of wins and championships among that iconic group but next in the point’s line is 18-year old Kyle Strohl who has stayed close in their shadows and on Saturday night he showed the old masters why he is one to be reckoned with.Strohl would lead from the outset and then began to author a dominating drive as he was pulling away steadily into the waning stages of the 35-lapper. However, a caution with two to go would allow Austin Kochenash to pull in behind him for the final few tours but Strohl wasn’t about to be denied and rolled to his first win of the year and eighth time in a Modified. “We’ve been struggling the past few weeks to get the right set-up. At intermission today we hit on something and we just put all our effort into it and it all paid off,” said Strohl, who has 31 career overall feature wins, numbers that are worthy of his aforementioned mentors. Thanks to a string of nonstop laps, Strohl used that span to show his hand and was pulling away from the pack on each circuit. “I was unaware of that fact. We were just holding out line and hitting our marks. I just wanted to hold my line and hope for the best,” said Strohl. Behind him the action remained tight at Lou Strohl, Jones and Joey Jarowicz fought tooth and nail. By mid-race Kochenash was also getting in on the battle. With just two laps to go and Strohl looking home free the caution waved for DJ Wagner who backed hard into the wall off turn two and with that went away the huge lead. For the restart Jones was on Strohl’s tail with Kochenash sitting third. On the white flag lap Kochenash slipped by Jones and was then glued to Strohl’s rear bumper but his concentration remained on to the finish and he took the checkered flag by a scant margin. “My heart was beating on the restart because I knew Bobby (Jones) was behind me and you always have to be on your game with him and Austin (Kochenash) too. There’s a lot of great competitors here and they all have their act together. We were behind the eight ball but I think now we’re finally starting to get it right,” said Strohl.
Sportsman Modified Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Earl Paules, 2. Austin Beers, 3. Joe King Jr., 4. Avery Arthofer, 5. Richard Lapolt, 6. Kassidy Altemose, 7. BJ Wambold
Eric finished 7th in return to the Race of Champions tour - Tire wear holds him back
Lancaster National Speedway was finally able to wave the green flag on its 60th season of racing on Saturday with the lid lifter for the X-Press Signs Stock Car Series. Patrick Emerling of Orchard Park, N.Y. kicked off the 2018 campaign with a win in the Queen City Clash 75 for the Race of Champions Modified Series.
Daren Scherer and Tyler Rypkema led the field of 22 RoC Modifieds to opening green flag. Scherer grabbed the early lead, but the caution flag was displayed quickly when Andy Jankowiak cut down a tire on the opening lap. Scherer settled into the lead with Tommy Catalano coming from the third starting position to provide an early challenge. Catalano hounded Scherer as he forced the leader to run hard during the early stages. The pair pulled away from the field until the caution flag flew again on lap 17 for a spin by rookie Zack Knowlden. The race restarted with Scherer and Catalano followed by Chuck Hossfeld, Rypkema and Emerling. Hossfeld quickly dispatched of Catalano to move into third. Emerling started the race in ninth, but was already in to the top five by this point. He passed Catalano for third on lap 33 and then set his sights on Hossfeld. Six laps later Emerling moved past Hossfeld for the runner-up position just before the caution flag came out for a spin by Karl Hehr. Scherer and Emerling were now perched on the front row for the restart with just 36 laps to go. It took Emerling just two laps before Scherer slowed momentarily off of turn two to give up the lead. Scherer thought there was a problem with his engine, but the muffler had just fallen off. Hossfeld passed Scherer for second two laps later. The final caution period of the night happened on lap 50 when Tommy Catalano spun in turn two. The race restarted with Emerling leading Hossfeld, Scherer, Daryl Lewis, Jr. and Eric Beers. Scherer was able to regain second from Hossfeld and Lewis also took over third from him on lap 58. The pair then tried to reel in Emerling. Scherer appeared to be catching Emerling in the turn three end of the race track, but Emerling was a little bit better through turn two. Scherer tried hard to close the gap to Emerling, but Emerling increased his margin with five laps to go. Patrick Emerling held on to score his first RoC Modified win at Lancaster since sweeping all four Modified races in 2016. Scherer settled for second for his best RoC finish in a couple season. Lewis, Jr. finished third after having a very fast race car all day. George Skora III got caught in an early incident and then battled through a flat tire to finish fourth. Hossfeld rounded out the top five.
RESULTS
RACE OF CHAMPIONS MODIFIED SERIES
Heat Winners: Mike Leaty, Daryl Lewis, Jr., Chuck Hossfeld
Fast Qualifier: Chuck Hossfeld – 17.204 seconds
Queen City Clash 75 Finish: PATRICK EMERLING, Daren Scherer, Daryl Lewis, Jr., George Skora III, Chuck Hossfeld, Andy Jankowiak, Eric Beers, Danny Knoll, Jr., Scott Wylie, Mike Leaty, Austin Kochenash, Tommy Catalano, Bill Hebing, Kevin Miller, Karl Hehr, Tyler Rypkema, Jack Ely, Amy Catalano, Zack Knowlden, Kreig Heroth, Alan Bookmiller DNS: John Barber
Bobby Jones makes it two in a row after wild outcome in Ward Crozier Sr., Memorial
(MAY 5, 2018) Mahoning Valley Speedway had an evening of racing that the late promoter Ward Crozier Sr., would have been proud of. On a night that paid homage to his legacy, the pits had nearly 100 race cars, the grandstands where buzzing with enthusiastic fans and the racing was action filled across all seven divisions.
It fit perfectly into the style of Crozier and his concept of how racing should be held at his beloved Mahoning Valley Speedway, the paved ¼-mile oval that he brought back to life in 1987. 31 years later and the same formula changed very little. As part of the tribute all features where run as 26-lappers which was reflective of Crozier’s racing days and his signature car number. Bobby Jones of Palmerton got his start in racing thanks to the kind outreaching of Crozier nearly 30 years ago. Fittingly Jones was humbled when he scored a wild Modified victory, his second in a row. Jones’ first ride in a race car was aided when Crozier offered up a driver’s suit. “I said I had to win this tonight because of him (Crozier) I’m still doing this today,” offered Jones. And, the outcome was just as much a surprise to Jones as was everyone in attendance. DJ Wagner was leading and looking unstoppable en route to a career first Modified win. However, with six laps to go light droplets of rain moved in and prompted the caution. The field remained on the track in order to keep the surface in tack. While touring under the yellow, Wagner abruptly exited the track and yielded the lead over to John Markovic.
The driver’s where then asked to relay to officials if the pavement was good to go back green as the rain halted and the answer was all thumbs up. When the race resumed Markovic had Lou Strohl on his tail while Jones was third.
If the surprise of Wagner exiting wasn’t enough of a blow, no sooner did the first lap get underway the race took another wild turn. In corners three and four Markovic suddenly drifted high and made slight side contact with Strohl who was hustling for the lead. The lane opened up wide enough that Jones dove to the bottom and a thrilling three-wide pass for the lead ensued. “It was a bit weird how everything just fell in place. Johnny (Markovic) went up and got into the 88 (Strohl) and the door opened up and I wasn’t even ready for it,” explained Jones. For the remaining few laps point leader Brian DeFebo leaped into second and hounded Jones to the checkers. “When they asked us to give a thumbs up or down I had mine up, I felt we really never lost the track. I didn’t realize he (Wagner) got off at first. No one ever told us to get off and to just keep rolling,” recalled Jones about the wet condition situation. “I didn’t realize he did it at first. Honestly I think he would have won the race. The track was fine after we restarted.” Earl Paules, Todd Baer and Markovic completed the top five. Jones has been on a roll winning his fourth feature in the last six races dating to the prior season.
“Four of the last six races going back to last season. I’ll take that. Right now we got it going on and I’ll ride it out as long as we can,” Jones said after picking up his 39th career win.
Broc Brown blasted by Jacob Kerstetter on lap seven and then cruised dominantly to his first Late Model win of the season in a caution free race that was over in just under five minutes.
Seeing the name Beers as the winner of a Modified race is nothing new as Eric Beers has won time and again. Saturday night the Beers Modified was again gracing Victory Lane only this time it was Eric’s son Austin who was collecting the accolades. The 15-year old Beers drove to his career first Sportsman Modified win and did so over longtime rival of his dad, Earl Paules. The two would run toe-to-toe for the lead until Beers solidified the top spot for good with 10 laps to go and drove flawlessly to the decisive verdict.
Defending Dirt Mod champ Mike Stofflet made it known from the get-go that he was going to be the man to beat. Taking the lead from the outset Stofflet was on a mission as he stayed well ahead of the pack over the distance and notched a solid victory, his first of the year.
The Street Stock main was the 600th such feature and Corey Edelman was able to hold off a very determined Jon Moser in claiming the thrilling win.
Edelman took control of the race on lap 13 but was in heavy company the rest of the way, having to withstand Mark Deysher and eventually Moser. The finish was a squeaker as he nipped Moser by a mere .038-second margin of victory.
Cody Kohler showed plenty of swiftness on his way to a second straight Pro 4 triumph. After going around Bobby Kibler Sr., on lap eight for the lead Kohler was not about to let up and held back Barry Christman Jr., and Jake Kibler for the resounding win.
The Hobby Stock feature was cut short due to an over expected amount of cautions and track cleanup but that didn’t seem deter Al Arthofer who won for the first time. It would be hard pressed to think otherwise that it was not to be his night as Arthofer was very strong in leading every lap.
Sportsman Modified Feature Finish (26 Laps): 1. Austin Beers, 2. Earl Paules, 3. Kassidy Altemose, 4. Blair Culhane, 5. Devin Schmidt, 6. Avery Arthofer, 7. BJ Wambold
Bobby Jones holds off Don Wagner for top Modified honors; Paul Koehler Jr., is best in Late Models; Earl Paules notches first win with new Sportsman class
(4-21-18) Bobby Jones could be forming a pattern it seems. Last year when Brian DeFebo won Opening Night Jones came out victorious on week two. Fast forward one year later and the same scenario played out as Jones took the week two laurels yet again.
For the outset of the 35-lap main Don Wagner and Joey Jarowicz shared the front row. Once underway Wagner sprung to the lead with third place starter Jones in tow. Jones was wasting little time in looking to pass Wagner and by lap four he was in motion to do so until a caution negated his effort. On the restart Jones would make good on his foiled attempt as he vaulted by for the lead. Two laps later the second and only other caution waved which afterwards led to a quick paced run. Jones would set that tone as he ran a consistent line while keeping Wagner in check. At the checkers the personable veteran took his APS Powder Coating/Franzosa Trucking No. 1J across the line for his 38 career feature win. Wagner followed with a solid second which made up for a lackluster Opening Night run. Gene Bowers had steady and solid race as he was third by lap seven and stayed right in line with the front pair. DeFebo and Earl Paules rounded out the top five.
Paul Koehler Jr., needed just one week to get back into the swing of winning, something he quite accustomed to. The Kingpin of asphalt Late Model racing won his first race in just his second week back after sitting out all of last season. Koehler had things going his way from early on as he notched his heat. Then when the feature began he would lead the field to the green and continue on at the top spot for the rest of the nonstop 25-lap distance, collecting his 72nd career Late Model victory. And, although the lead was all his, Koehler was in some heavy company the whole while as Opening Night winner Frankie Althouse, Broc Brown and Mike Sweeney were stayed closely his tire tracks. None, however, could progress enough to make a pass as Koehler registered his 53rd Late Model win at Mahoning.
The much awaited debut of the Sportsman Modified finally took to the track with a respectable half-dozen cars on hand made up of a great crop of young talents. However, it would be a grand veteran who would etch his name into the record books as the very first class winner with Earl Paules taking the verdict. Avery Arthofer went into the early lead and was impressive in her Modified debut. A caution on lap eight saw Paules lined up next to her for the restart and it would be then where he seized the lead and go on to the eventual victory. 2017 Hobby Stock champion Austin Beers, who made his Modified debut the previous week with the headline division, was a firm runner-up while Arthofer held on for third.
When Jared Ahner unveiled his brand new Camaro Street Stock during pre-season testing, it turned many heads for its sleek and sharp look. On Saturday night Ahner showed everyone that it not just looker but a very fast racecar as well. Taking the lead away from Eric Kocher on lap six, Ahner was able to fend off a very strong running Mark Deysher the rest of the way and secure his first win of 2018.
Cody Kohler had to withstand a rash of cautions not to mention the hard pressing Jake Kibler in gaining the Pro 4 win. Kohler inherited the led after Josh Kuronya spun from contention on lap two. Afterwards it was yellow fever but none of that nor the persistent Kibler could stop Kohler from his focus on winning.
In the 20-lap Hobby Stock feature it was Devin Schmidt taking the win. Schmidt needed the first five laps before taking the lead from Kevin Behler and once in front there was no stopping him. Schmidt cruised with no trouble to the checkers while a distance back Michael Wambold nipped Travis Solomon for runner-up.
Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Bobby Jones, 2. Don Wagner, 3. Gene Bowers, 4. Brian DeFebo, 5. Earl Paules, 6. John Markovic, 7. Lou Strohl, 8. Kyle Strohl, 9. Nick Baer, 10. Jarred Ahner, 11. Joey Jarowicz, 12. DJ Wagner, 13. Kristy Arthofer, 14. Jack Ely, 15. Ron Haring Jr., 16. Terry Markovic
Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Paul Koehler Jr., 2. Frankie Althouse, 3. Broc Brown, 4. Mike Sweeney, 5. Jeremy Miller, 6. Kenny Hein, 7. Jacob Kerstetter
Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Jared Ahner, 2. Mark Deysher, 2. Jill Long, 4. Cody Geist, 5. Jon Moser, 6. Stacey Brown, 7. Shayne Geist, 8. Bobby Kibler Jr., 9. Todd Ahner, 10. Jamie Smith, 11. Ken Reeder, 12. Corey Edelman, 13. Ken Erney III, 14. Jeremy Scheckler, 15. Eric Kocher, DNS: BJ Wambold
Sportsman Modified Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Earl Paules, 2. Austin Beers, 3. Avery Arthofer, 4. Blair Culhane, 5. Devon Schmidt, 6. Kassidy Altemose
Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Jake Kibler, 3. Bill Rooney, 4. Bobby Kibler Jr., 5. Josh Kuronya, 6. Brian Muth, 7. Tucker Muffley, 8. Jeremy Guerra, 9. Randy Schaffer, 10. Matt Clark, 11. Tyler Stangle
Hobby Stock Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Devin Schmidt, 2. Michael Wambold, 3. Travis Solomon, 4. Tiffany Wambold, 5. Kevin Behler, 6. Trisha Connolly, 7. Al Arthofer, 8. Justin Merkel, 9. Peyton Arthofer, 10. Ryan Berger, 11. Shawn Kistler, 12. Lyndsay Buss, 13. Hunter Iatalese, 14. Cody Boehm, 15. Kassidy Altemose, 16. Tad Snyder, 17. Adrian Dorwart, 18. Jacob Boehm, 19. Beau Drobot, 20. Taylor Schmidt
For Brian DeFebo, Opening Night win was déjà vu; Frankie Althouse, Cody Geist, Mark Levy, Jake Kibler and Shawn Kistler among class winners
(APRIL 14, 2018) A new era of racing was ushered in at Mahoning Valley Speedway on Saturday. Now under the leadership of Jack and Rebecca Carlino, a great Opening Night crowd poured into the track to kick-off the 2018 season.
Defending Modified champion Brian DeFebo got his year off to a great start as well, scoring the Opening Night laurels for a second straight time. And, just as he did a year ago the win came over Austin Kochenash. DeFebo would use a last lap restart to slip below Kyle Strohl and then held back Kochenash, who also advanced on the same restart, to register his 67th career Modified win and 96th overall. “It’s exciting to start this way and a great way to come back and defend our championship,” said DeFebo who is back behind the wheel of the Welsh Motorsports No. 53. With a heads-up start from heat finishes to begin the 35-lap main, Joey Jarowicz and Strohl would bring the field to the race commencing green. From there Jarowicz went right to the lead and was turning solid laps in the process. Strohl was settled in second and every few laps would make a bid at the lead. Each time, though, Jarowicz was able to guard his spot, looking very poised for his overdue first win. With 16 laps in Strohl again went for the lead and this time was able to pull to the inside of Jarowicz. Afterwards a thrilling two-wide battle ensued. Then on the 19th tour the pair came into turn three and Jarowicz got slightly loose. He and Strohl then made incidental contact. Before Jarowicz had a chance to recover his car got completely out of line and skidded into the front straight wall and suffered race ending damage. “That was just circumstances. Joey (Jarowicz) just got the car a little sideways. Kyle had nothing to do with that from where I was sitting,” offered DeFebo, who was riding behind the two when the incident unfolded. Afterwards it was Strohl over DeFebo and with the laps winding it was appearing to finish that way. Unfortunately for Strohl a last lap caution waved for debris and with one last shot DeFebo powered under Strohl and took Kochenash with him. “There was no outside line tonight. Once we had that last restart I had Austin (Kochenash) assisting me. I was then on the 44 (Strohl) and he left me just enough room,” explained DeFebo on his race winning move. “Kyle did a great job but you have to do what you have to do in order to pass here. It’s not at a point stance right now. We’re all here tonight win and everyone wants to win the first one.”
In Late Model action Frankie Althouse made a breathtaking three-wide pass for the lead on lap four and remained in control the rest of the distance in notching the top spot. Two-time and defending class champ Mike Sweeney took control at the outset but it would be short lived as Broc Brown used a lap one restart to overtake him. With Althouse in third, he then drove low two laps later to go underneath Brown while Sweeney was forced to the high outside lane. While much of the huge crowd may have gasped by what could have been a chaotic consequence, the trio of talented wheelmen held their own and settling into the lead was Althouse. From there on it was smooth sailing for Althouse who picked up career win number 24. Brown was quick but had to settle for second while Sweeney came home third.
Being in the right place at the right time aided Cody Geist in winning the Street Stock feature. Corey Edelman was within reach of taking the Street Stock checkers until a late race nudge from Josh Mooney dashed his hopes. When the field was reset Geist, who was riding third, was in charge and over the final few laps had no problem fending back 2017 division titlist Stacey Brown. Opening Night wins are always special but when it came to the Dirt Mod event perhaps no one could have more elated then Mark Levy.
The high-spirited Levy moved into the lead during a lap one caution period after then leader Ricky Yetter had to pit for a flat. When the race resumed Levy showed no signs of relinquishing the point as he motored around the 1/4-mile with perfect accuracy and won over Billy Lasko. It was only the second win for Levy whose last win came exactly five years and a day since then.
Jake Kibler raced to the Pro 4 victory but it was with a heavy heart as the day prior his mother, Pat Hosier, passed away. Kibler started from the pole and early on had a good fight going with Cody Kohler. After Kohler spun while trying for the lead on lap 8, Kibler then let second place play out to everyone else as he steadily held his position the rest of the way. Bill Rooney claimed the runner-up spot.
Shawn Kistler certainly had plenty to celebrate on this night as he finally broke through for his career first feature win, taking top honors in the Hobby Stocks. Kistler passed Lindsay Buss on lap two and from there never looked back en route to the unforgettable verdict.
Alex Greenzweig was best in class with the visiting Micro Stocks.
Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Brian DeFefo, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Earl Paules, 4. Kyle Strohl, 5. Lou Strohl, 6. Gene Bowers, 7. Nick Baer, 8. John Markovic, 9. DJ Wagner, 10. Ron Haring Jr., 11. Austin Beers, 12. Bobby Jones, 13. Joey Jarowicz, 14. BJ Wambold, 15. Don Wagner, 16. Kassidy Altemose
Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Frankie Althouse, 2. Broc Brown, 3. Mike Sweeney, 4. Lorin Arthofer II, 5. Jeremy Miller, 6. Jerric Johnson, 7. Paul Koehler Jr., 8. Kenny Hein, 9. Jacob Kerstetter
Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Cody Geist, 2. Stacey Brown, 3. Bobby Kibler Jr., 4. Jillian Long, 5. Shayne Geist, 6. Todd Ahner, 7. Jamie Smith, 8. Mark Deysher, 9. DJ Wambold, 10. Ken Erney III, 11. Jared Ahner, 12. Ken Reeder, 13. Corey Edelman, 14. Josh Mooney, 15. Joe Steigerwalt, 16. Jeremy Scheckler, 17. Jason Kuhn, 18. Eric Kocher
Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Mark Levy, 2. Billy Lasko, 3. Jeff Parker, 4. Billy Lowden Jr., 5. Bill Sitler Jr., 6. Corey Edelman, 7. Colton Perry, 8. Ray Deemer, 9. Vince Fegley Jr., 10. Ricky Yetter, 11. Mike Stofflet
Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Bill Rooney, 3. Randy Schaffer, 4. Cody Kohler, 5. Tucker Muffley, 6. Jeremy Guerra, 7. Bryan Muth, 8. Matt Clark, 9. Tyler Stangle DNS: Jason Finken, Bobby Kibler Sr., Johnny Bennett, Josh Kuronya
Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Shawn Kistler, 2. Lyndsay Buss, 3. Hunter Iatalese, 4. Jacob Boehm, 5. Justin Merkel, 6. Tiffany Wambold, 7. Peyton Arthofer, 8. Cody Boehm, 9. Avery Arthofer, 10. Trisha Connolly, 11. Ryan Berger, 12. Devin Schmidt, 13. Lauren Gimbi, 14. Kassidy Altemose, 15. Beau Drobot, 16. Michael Wambold, 17. Travis Solomon, 18. Colton Breiner, 19. Taylor Schmidt, 20. Al Arthofer DNS: Paul Effrig DNQ: Kevin Behler