2020
Austin crashes out early and Eric comes up just a little short as Matt Hirschman wins George Wambold Tribute on July 11 at Mahoning Valley Speedway
(JULY 11) Northampton’s Matt Hirschman turned in solid performance in picking up his first win of the season at Mahoning Valley Speedway, netting top honors in the George Wambold Tribute 81-lap main. The event was race number #2 of the 2020 Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series (MVSHoFS) and was an acknowledgment to the legendary Wambold, a multi-time track champion and many time winner. “This was very special to win a race in honor of George Wambold who was definitely one of the big names in eastern Pennsylvania racing,” said Hirschman from Victory Lane. “He was one of those tough guys that wheeled cars without power steering and head rests and any of that stuff and I can always appreciate those drivers. They were way tougher than today’s drivers and it’s nice that we’re honoring these guys with this Series.” Second starting Kochenash had grabbed the lead from the drop of the green over Nick Baer. Within 10 laps point leader Bobby Jones and seventh starter Hirschman where running in tow. By lap 18 Hirschman had took control of second. Kochenash, however, stayed attentive to his lead and kept Hirschman busy in trying both high and low lanes to make a pass over the next 24 laps. Just prior to a caution coming out on lap 43, Hirschman finally nipped him for the top spot and not long afterwards was facing off against Eric Beers. Beers and Hirschman where in contention to win in the first MVSHoFS event from the previous month but a tangle between them negated the thinkable outcome. On a lap 45 restart Beers had showed the power and out-dueled Hirschman for the lead but one lap later it would go back to the Harry’s U-Pull-It No. 60. From there on Hirschman wasn’t taking any chances as he stayed a few car lengths out ahead of the pack en route to his 19th career win at Mahoning Valley. “The thing here at Mahoning is you have to run as hard as you can because you never know what’s going on behind you but overall it was a good race,” explained Hirschman. “I was able to test the outside a little with the 72 (Kochenash) and then eventually with a couple moves on the bottom so it was good racing between us and then with Eric (Beers) on the restarts,” he continued. “You can’t really save anything here. Starting seventh we were able to make progress right away. You have to keep moving and you can’t always just settle in here, that’s the kind of track it is and why the racing is really good here.” After Hirschman took the lead for keeps Kochenash and Beers waged a great battle with the Wentz Auto Body No. 72 securing the spot in the final laps. Don Wagner bounced back and forth during the race before securing a hard-earned fourth and likewise with Kyle Strohl who edged Blake Barney in rounding out the top five.
Modified Feature Finish (81-laps): 1. Matt Hirschman, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Eric Beers, 4. Don Wagner, 5. Kyle Strohl, 6. Blake Barney, 7. Eddie McCarthy, 8. Roger Cross, 9. Gene Bowers, 10. Chuck Hossfeld, 11. Sean Verwys, 12. Jacob Kerstetter, 13. Lou Strohl, 14. Mike Stofflet, 15. Bobby Jones, 16. BJ Wambold, 17. Todd Bear, 18. Nick Bear, 19. Brian DeFebo, 20. Heath Metzger, 21. Josh Scherer, 22. Earl Paules, 23. Rod Snyder Jr., 24. Austin Beers, DNQ: Jack Ely, Ricky Collins, Terry Markovic, Jason Arthofer, John Markovic
Matt Hirschman completes weekend sweep with victory at Evergreen Raceway on June 28 while Austin was the show early in the race and leading until a late race restart to finish 3rd
(6-28-20) Matt Hirschman had a long and hectic weekend but it paid dividends as he made bookends of the state of Pennsylvania, winning Saturday night at Lake Erie Speedway in Erie for the season opener on the Sunoco Race of Champions Tour and afterwards drove across the Keystone State to Evergreen Raceway in St. Johns where he pulled off another victory in less than 12 hours. Hirschman thrusted by Austin Beers on the second try of a lap 61 restart and then held off fast charging Zane Zeiner for his 34th career Modified win at Evergreen. “It’s just good to be back racing and this wasn’t easy to do with the distance between here and Erie and I really need to thank my guys. Some did both, some did yesterday and some today but it was a total team effort and I appreciate all the hours and miles on the road they put in,” said Hirschman after scoring his second 75-lap verdict of the weekend. All total Hirschman and Company put in 12 hours and 772 miles of driving back and forth between his Northampton home, Erie and St. Johns. They left Erie Speedway a little past midnight, went back to the shop, adjusted the car and then headed off to Evergreen. This was the first Modified race of the season at Evergreen and when the 20-car starting field came to the race commencing green it was pole sitter Chuck Hossfeld in Tom Wanick’s No. 1W shooting out front over Jack Ely, Austin Beers and Earl Paules. As Hossfeld led and had Ely two car lengths back, Beers and New Jersey invader Jimmy Blewett where waging a torrid side-by-side dual, a fight that eventually went to Beers by lap 10. Beers then began the same fight with his teammate Ely within the next two laps, finally advancing to second with 15 circuits complete. While Hossfeld still showed the way Beers was making headway and just as he did with Blewett and Ely, he quickly caught the leader and made it yet another exciting double wide battle. His efforts were compensated with 16 laps complete as he executed a clean outside pass on Hossfeld. Once in front Beers began to slowly distance himself from the pack but the move would in due course be his demise. As the race went non-stop from laps 21 to 61 it took a toll on his tires. “I told my dad (crew chief Eric Beers) before the race that I wanted to get out front early because I felt my car was better out there. So when I led those laps I was also trying to save as much as I could but by be then the right front (tire) was going away,” said Beers, who like Hirschman, also did the nearly 800 mile trek between Lake Erie and Evergreen Speedways. “The right front was going away from racing hard on the top and that’s what eventually backed us up.” When the action halted for a spin by Ron Silk, Beers now had Hirschman flanked alongside him for the restart. The first try at going back to green was negated as officials called out Hirschman for jumping the start. The second try, however, was textbook for the standout star as he used the outside lane to make his race winning move, completing the pass off Turn 2. As the laps began to tick down Zeiner, driving in just his second race for car owner Billy Ray Pruitt, had powered his way up to second but from there could not mount a challenge on Hirschman, even with a last chance restart two laps from the finish. “Matt (Hirschman) can fire off on the restarts a little bit better than us but I’m not sure if he was playing with us there when we went on the long green stretch. It seemed like towards the end I could keep digging but passing him was going to be a different story,” expressed Zeiner. “We had our car set-up for a long run and it was good but we’re still missing a little bit to beat that 60 car.” Beers held on for third. Blewett made his first Evergreen start a hard earned fourth while Ely was very solid all race long and took a respectable fifth. During the 40-lap green flag stint Hirschman had been picking his way towards the front. He had already been in the top five by lap 19. With 42 laps complete has was zeroed in on runner-up Ely and the next time by would go low in Turn 2 in gaining the runner-up spot. Afterwards he was using each passing lap to reel in Beers. “I was only inching in on him (Beers) on that long run. So the restart helped me for sure but there was still laps to go,” explained Hirschman. “It was fun that way to have green flag racing like that and a good long run and to make passes without having to worry about the next restart. It was good clean racing with Austin and Zane and with Jimmy Blewett and Jack Ely before that.”
Modified Feature Finish (75-laps): 1. Matt Hirschman, 2. Zane Zeiner, 3. Austin Beers, 4. Jimmy Blewett, 5. Jack Ely, 6. Earl Paules, 7. Roger Coss, 8. Ton Silk, 9. Chris Turbush, 10. Johnathan Mandato, 11. Ricky Ross, Jr., 12. Anthony Sesely, 13. Chuck Hossfeld, 14. Brandon Oltra, 15. Dom Fattaruso, 16. Bobby Jones, 17. Joey Merlino, 18. Brian DeFebo, 19. Austin Kochenash, 20. Lou Strohl DNQ: Brian Sones, Blake Barney, Jim Gavek, Ricky Collins
MATT HIRSCHMAN CONTINUES HIS DOMINANCE OF LAKE ERIE SPEEDWAY ON JUNE 27 WITH “BASH BY THE LAKE” WIN WHILE AUSTIN HAS A GREAT DEBUT IN THE DELANGE 45 MODIFIED
(JUNE 27). Matt Hirschman of Northampton, Pennsylvania, continued his dominance at Lake Erie Speedway this past Saturday night as he scored the opening night Series victory in the “Bash by the Lake” 75 for the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series. Hirschman has won the last six races at the North East, Pa., speed plant, dating back to the surprise victory by Will Thomas of Sharpsville, Pa., in 2016. It was Hirschman’s 48th career Race of Champions series victory. “It was a big night for us,” stated Hirschman. “Things have obviously been different this year and we are happy to come out and do our things. I love Lake Erie, it has been a great race track for me. I’m very thankful the show worked out. The weather didn’t look so good this week. We had a great car, a good draw and things just went our way. I hope the next race comes sooner rather than later, but whenever it is, we will be ready.” Hirschman topped Andy Jankowiak of Tonawanda, N.Y., finished second after a late race charge at Hirschman. Patrick Emerling of Orchard Park, N.Y., the defending series champion finished third. Mike Leaty of Williamson, N.Y., finished fourth with Timmy Catalano of Ontario, N.Y., rounding out the top-five.
1 3 Matt Hirschman Northampton, PA 60
2 11 Andy Jankowiak Tonawanda, NY 12X
3 5 Patrick Emerling Orchard Park, NY 07
4 7 Mike Leaty Williamson, NY 25
5 2 Timmy Catalano Ontario, NY 45C
6 15 Danny Knoll Jr Amherst, NY 17K
7 10 Kyle Ebersole Mooresville, NC 5
8 6 Bryan Sherwood APALACHIN, NY 95
9 4 Austin Beers Northampton, PA 45B
10 12 Jeremy Haudricourt Bliss, NY 39
11 9 Jack Ely Wall Township, NJ 54E
12 8 Daren Scherer Binghamton, NY 3
13 14 Amy Catalano Ontario, NY 56
14 19 Chris Risdale Rochester, NY 1
15 16 Bill Mislin Buffalo, NY 99
16 20 Scott Wylie Blasdell , NY 14
17 13 Owen Bednasz Lakeview, NY 4
18 18 Daryl Lewis Jr. Ontario, NY 10
19 1 Tommy Catalano Ontario, NY 54C
20 17 Kirk Totten Lockport, NY 11
21 21 Kyle Hutchinson East Aurora, NY 57X
22 22 Chris Finocchario Macedon, NY 8
From No Time To “Showtime”…Jimmy Blewett wins in first start at Mahoning Valley Speedway on June 13 - Eric gets spun out while leading - Austin's rack goes just 10 laps into the race
(JUNE 13) “Showtime” Jimmy Blewett made his first ever visit to Mahoning Valley worthwhile, scoring a rousing a $2950 victory in the John “Peepers” Yerger Tribute before a full house of fans. Blewett was both good and lucking en-route to the verdict. Despite that fact that he never turned a lap on the tough ¼-mile bullring, he raced strong inside the top five from the drop of the green. Then while running third he caught a huge break when front runners Eric Beers and Matt Hirschman tangled and sent to the rear of the field. From there on Blewett withstood the advances of track regular Josh Scherer on his way to scoring the popular win. The raced ended nine laps shy of the advertised 77 lap distance due to an ongoing rash of cautions. Blake Barney did a great job in garnering a career best Mahoning finish of third. Austin Kochenash drove to a solid fourth while upstate New York invader Chuck Hossfeld battled his way to fifth. By luck of the draw Beers and Todd Baer shared front row honor. This was the first time since August of 2017 that Beers was back in action here and he wasted little time in showing his prowess for getting around the tight confines of Mahoning Valley. Eighth place starter Hirschman thrust forward in a hurry and was on Beers’ tail giving him quite a bit of pressure. Time and again he tried to grab the lead but each time his efforts where thwarted as Beers maintained a good line of defensiveness to hold back Hirschman’s advances. Hirschman also had numerous occasions to utilize restarts to overtake Beers as an abundance of cautions plagued the race. All that while defending track champion Bobby Jones was hovering closely in third with Blewett fourth. Interruptions would abound as the race wore on and take its toll on many including Jones who on lap 37 went spinning off turn four. With that Blewett was now third but ahead of him the Beers/Hirschman battle was still waging and all he could do was ride and watch. Then on lap 60 the race broke wide open when the front pair got together in turn three. Hirschman was looking to seize an opening on Beers but as they drove into the corner the door got closed and there was contact. Beers went sliding and made a great save of hitting the inside wall off turn four. For his part Hirschman was directed to the rear with Beers for the restart. For Blewett it was the right place at the right time as he inherited the lead with Scherer now second. Unfortunately yellow fever would persist on and in the sake of longevity and a warning to drivers, the race was called with eight laps to go. “This is like the complete opposite of what happens at my home track. I don’t think Matt (Hirschman) meant to take Eric (Beers) out. It was just hard racing there at the end and I’d rather be lucky,” said Blewett. “My guys gave me a great car and I can’t thank Eric Beers enough for all the help he gave me going into this race. My crew chief Rob Ornsbee, my engine builder Tom Martino but most of all my car owner Scott Brannick. Between him and my grandfather the last four years they’ve really been there when I needed things.” Known for his winning ways, Blewett notwithstanding entered the race optimistic never having turned a lap here. He practiced well, ran second in his heat then stayed steady in the race before coming into the lead. He then held off Scherer perfectly who kept the pressure on him to the checkers. “The first thing coming here was to just make the show. There are really good regulars here and I did a lot of watching of videos and in-car cameras. I knew it was going to be stiff competition just to qualify,” said Blewett. “I felt that if I can come out to this with a top five it will be great. I don’t go anywhere where that I don’t show up and don’t think I can win. This feels good and I look forward to coming back.”
Modified Feature Finish (77-laps): 1. Jimmy Blewett, 2. Josh Scherer, 3. Blake Barney, 4. Austin Kochenash, 5. Chuck Hossfeld, 6. Eric Beers, 7. John Markovic, 8. Rod Snyder Jr., 9. Tyler Truex, 10. Bobby Jones, 11. Matt Hirschman, 12. Todd Baer, 13. Eddie McCarthy, 14. Patrick Emerling, 15. Kyle Strohl, 16. Earl Paules, 17. Nick Baer, 18. Brian DeFebo, 19. Don Wagner, 20. Ron Silk, 21. Terry Markovic, 22. Jason Arthofer, 23. Austin Beers, 24. Jack Ely DNQ: Roger Coss, Lou Strohl, Heath Metzger, Gene Bowers, Sen Verwys, Jacob Kerstetter, Jim Gaver, Mike Stofflet, BJ Wambold
AUSTIN BEERS NIPS DAD ERIC FOR QUICK TIME AND GUARANTEED PICK IN OPENING DAY FEATURE REDRAW
(JUNE 7) Eric Beers made his official return to Mahoning Valley Speedway a meaningful one by out-timing everyone for the guaranteed redraw pick in advance of the June 13 Opening Day John “Peepers” Yerger Memorial 77-lap Tribute, which is race number one of the Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series. Everyone that is with the exception of one driver, his 17-year old son Austin, who stole the thunder of his celebrated father, who is Mahoning’s all-time Modified wins leader, by going 10.088-seconds to the elder Beers’ 10.134-seconds. The timed dashes where part of the track’s Test and Tune days which actually began back on March 14 but was halted afterwards due the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed this past weekend. Brandon Christman, a rookie and Jesse Bollinger, also took top honors in the Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks respectively and will head into Opening Night worry free as they too are automatically locked in the redraw for feature starting spots. The Modified quick time was sponsored by MYRACENEWS.com which posted a $100 bonus to the fastest driver. The classes where divided in groups for two sessions and 5-lap runs per session. When E. Beers drove onto the blacktop in session one it marked his first official time in action at Mahoning since August 2017 and he immediately darted to the top of the speed charts. However, no sooner did the next and final group take to the clock then A. Beers blasted ahead of dad and all the rest. His 10.088-second lap was the fastest such for a Modified since 2016.
“It really felt good out there today and that despite we were on used tires. Really I need to thank my dad because he did a lot of the set-up on the car and when you can out run him here at Mahoning Valley that says a lot,” said A. Beers.
“This is huge knowing how many good drivers where here today and will be here next week too and so much pressure is off us now. The fans are going to be in for a great show with a lot of Modifieds and I can’t wait to come back Saturday and go for the win in the Peepers Tribute.”
Todd Baer, 10.222, Tyler Haydt 10.231 and Austin Kochenash 10.238 rounded out the top five. The Yerger Tribute will pay $2250 to win and $500 for 10th. Christman came into the weekend with the fastest time from March 14 and it held up over the past weekend, giving the third generation rookie driver an impressive outing for his upcoming feature debut.aLikewise Bollinger showed his hand three months ago and when Test and Tune began and he then added and insurance lap with his 12.130 circuit.
Austin crashes out early and Eric comes up just a little short as Matt Hirschman wins George Wambold Tribute on July 11 at Mahoning Valley Speedway
(JULY 11) Northampton’s Matt Hirschman turned in solid performance in picking up his first win of the season at Mahoning Valley Speedway, netting top honors in the George Wambold Tribute 81-lap main. The event was race number #2 of the 2020 Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series (MVSHoFS) and was an acknowledgment to the legendary Wambold, a multi-time track champion and many time winner. “This was very special to win a race in honor of George Wambold who was definitely one of the big names in eastern Pennsylvania racing,” said Hirschman from Victory Lane. “He was one of those tough guys that wheeled cars without power steering and head rests and any of that stuff and I can always appreciate those drivers. They were way tougher than today’s drivers and it’s nice that we’re honoring these guys with this Series.” Second starting Kochenash had grabbed the lead from the drop of the green over Nick Baer. Within 10 laps point leader Bobby Jones and seventh starter Hirschman where running in tow. By lap 18 Hirschman had took control of second. Kochenash, however, stayed attentive to his lead and kept Hirschman busy in trying both high and low lanes to make a pass over the next 24 laps. Just prior to a caution coming out on lap 43, Hirschman finally nipped him for the top spot and not long afterwards was facing off against Eric Beers. Beers and Hirschman where in contention to win in the first MVSHoFS event from the previous month but a tangle between them negated the thinkable outcome. On a lap 45 restart Beers had showed the power and out-dueled Hirschman for the lead but one lap later it would go back to the Harry’s U-Pull-It No. 60. From there on Hirschman wasn’t taking any chances as he stayed a few car lengths out ahead of the pack en route to his 19th career win at Mahoning Valley. “The thing here at Mahoning is you have to run as hard as you can because you never know what’s going on behind you but overall it was a good race,” explained Hirschman. “I was able to test the outside a little with the 72 (Kochenash) and then eventually with a couple moves on the bottom so it was good racing between us and then with Eric (Beers) on the restarts,” he continued. “You can’t really save anything here. Starting seventh we were able to make progress right away. You have to keep moving and you can’t always just settle in here, that’s the kind of track it is and why the racing is really good here.” After Hirschman took the lead for keeps Kochenash and Beers waged a great battle with the Wentz Auto Body No. 72 securing the spot in the final laps. Don Wagner bounced back and forth during the race before securing a hard-earned fourth and likewise with Kyle Strohl who edged Blake Barney in rounding out the top five.
Modified Feature Finish (81-laps): 1. Matt Hirschman, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Eric Beers, 4. Don Wagner, 5. Kyle Strohl, 6. Blake Barney, 7. Eddie McCarthy, 8. Roger Cross, 9. Gene Bowers, 10. Chuck Hossfeld, 11. Sean Verwys, 12. Jacob Kerstetter, 13. Lou Strohl, 14. Mike Stofflet, 15. Bobby Jones, 16. BJ Wambold, 17. Todd Bear, 18. Nick Bear, 19. Brian DeFebo, 20. Heath Metzger, 21. Josh Scherer, 22. Earl Paules, 23. Rod Snyder Jr., 24. Austin Beers, DNQ: Jack Ely, Ricky Collins, Terry Markovic, Jason Arthofer, John Markovic
Matt Hirschman completes weekend sweep with victory at Evergreen Raceway on June 28 while Austin was the show early in the race and leading until a late race restart to finish 3rd
(6-28-20) Matt Hirschman had a long and hectic weekend but it paid dividends as he made bookends of the state of Pennsylvania, winning Saturday night at Lake Erie Speedway in Erie for the season opener on the Sunoco Race of Champions Tour and afterwards drove across the Keystone State to Evergreen Raceway in St. Johns where he pulled off another victory in less than 12 hours. Hirschman thrusted by Austin Beers on the second try of a lap 61 restart and then held off fast charging Zane Zeiner for his 34th career Modified win at Evergreen. “It’s just good to be back racing and this wasn’t easy to do with the distance between here and Erie and I really need to thank my guys. Some did both, some did yesterday and some today but it was a total team effort and I appreciate all the hours and miles on the road they put in,” said Hirschman after scoring his second 75-lap verdict of the weekend. All total Hirschman and Company put in 12 hours and 772 miles of driving back and forth between his Northampton home, Erie and St. Johns. They left Erie Speedway a little past midnight, went back to the shop, adjusted the car and then headed off to Evergreen. This was the first Modified race of the season at Evergreen and when the 20-car starting field came to the race commencing green it was pole sitter Chuck Hossfeld in Tom Wanick’s No. 1W shooting out front over Jack Ely, Austin Beers and Earl Paules. As Hossfeld led and had Ely two car lengths back, Beers and New Jersey invader Jimmy Blewett where waging a torrid side-by-side dual, a fight that eventually went to Beers by lap 10. Beers then began the same fight with his teammate Ely within the next two laps, finally advancing to second with 15 circuits complete. While Hossfeld still showed the way Beers was making headway and just as he did with Blewett and Ely, he quickly caught the leader and made it yet another exciting double wide battle. His efforts were compensated with 16 laps complete as he executed a clean outside pass on Hossfeld. Once in front Beers began to slowly distance himself from the pack but the move would in due course be his demise. As the race went non-stop from laps 21 to 61 it took a toll on his tires. “I told my dad (crew chief Eric Beers) before the race that I wanted to get out front early because I felt my car was better out there. So when I led those laps I was also trying to save as much as I could but by be then the right front (tire) was going away,” said Beers, who like Hirschman, also did the nearly 800 mile trek between Lake Erie and Evergreen Speedways. “The right front was going away from racing hard on the top and that’s what eventually backed us up.” When the action halted for a spin by Ron Silk, Beers now had Hirschman flanked alongside him for the restart. The first try at going back to green was negated as officials called out Hirschman for jumping the start. The second try, however, was textbook for the standout star as he used the outside lane to make his race winning move, completing the pass off Turn 2. As the laps began to tick down Zeiner, driving in just his second race for car owner Billy Ray Pruitt, had powered his way up to second but from there could not mount a challenge on Hirschman, even with a last chance restart two laps from the finish. “Matt (Hirschman) can fire off on the restarts a little bit better than us but I’m not sure if he was playing with us there when we went on the long green stretch. It seemed like towards the end I could keep digging but passing him was going to be a different story,” expressed Zeiner. “We had our car set-up for a long run and it was good but we’re still missing a little bit to beat that 60 car.” Beers held on for third. Blewett made his first Evergreen start a hard earned fourth while Ely was very solid all race long and took a respectable fifth. During the 40-lap green flag stint Hirschman had been picking his way towards the front. He had already been in the top five by lap 19. With 42 laps complete has was zeroed in on runner-up Ely and the next time by would go low in Turn 2 in gaining the runner-up spot. Afterwards he was using each passing lap to reel in Beers. “I was only inching in on him (Beers) on that long run. So the restart helped me for sure but there was still laps to go,” explained Hirschman. “It was fun that way to have green flag racing like that and a good long run and to make passes without having to worry about the next restart. It was good clean racing with Austin and Zane and with Jimmy Blewett and Jack Ely before that.”
Modified Feature Finish (75-laps): 1. Matt Hirschman, 2. Zane Zeiner, 3. Austin Beers, 4. Jimmy Blewett, 5. Jack Ely, 6. Earl Paules, 7. Roger Coss, 8. Ton Silk, 9. Chris Turbush, 10. Johnathan Mandato, 11. Ricky Ross, Jr., 12. Anthony Sesely, 13. Chuck Hossfeld, 14. Brandon Oltra, 15. Dom Fattaruso, 16. Bobby Jones, 17. Joey Merlino, 18. Brian DeFebo, 19. Austin Kochenash, 20. Lou Strohl DNQ: Brian Sones, Blake Barney, Jim Gavek, Ricky Collins
MATT HIRSCHMAN CONTINUES HIS DOMINANCE OF LAKE ERIE SPEEDWAY ON JUNE 27 WITH “BASH BY THE LAKE” WIN WHILE AUSTIN HAS A GREAT DEBUT IN THE DELANGE 45 MODIFIED
(JUNE 27). Matt Hirschman of Northampton, Pennsylvania, continued his dominance at Lake Erie Speedway this past Saturday night as he scored the opening night Series victory in the “Bash by the Lake” 75 for the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series. Hirschman has won the last six races at the North East, Pa., speed plant, dating back to the surprise victory by Will Thomas of Sharpsville, Pa., in 2016. It was Hirschman’s 48th career Race of Champions series victory. “It was a big night for us,” stated Hirschman. “Things have obviously been different this year and we are happy to come out and do our things. I love Lake Erie, it has been a great race track for me. I’m very thankful the show worked out. The weather didn’t look so good this week. We had a great car, a good draw and things just went our way. I hope the next race comes sooner rather than later, but whenever it is, we will be ready.” Hirschman topped Andy Jankowiak of Tonawanda, N.Y., finished second after a late race charge at Hirschman. Patrick Emerling of Orchard Park, N.Y., the defending series champion finished third. Mike Leaty of Williamson, N.Y., finished fourth with Timmy Catalano of Ontario, N.Y., rounding out the top-five.
1 3 Matt Hirschman Northampton, PA 60
2 11 Andy Jankowiak Tonawanda, NY 12X
3 5 Patrick Emerling Orchard Park, NY 07
4 7 Mike Leaty Williamson, NY 25
5 2 Timmy Catalano Ontario, NY 45C
6 15 Danny Knoll Jr Amherst, NY 17K
7 10 Kyle Ebersole Mooresville, NC 5
8 6 Bryan Sherwood APALACHIN, NY 95
9 4 Austin Beers Northampton, PA 45B
10 12 Jeremy Haudricourt Bliss, NY 39
11 9 Jack Ely Wall Township, NJ 54E
12 8 Daren Scherer Binghamton, NY 3
13 14 Amy Catalano Ontario, NY 56
14 19 Chris Risdale Rochester, NY 1
15 16 Bill Mislin Buffalo, NY 99
16 20 Scott Wylie Blasdell , NY 14
17 13 Owen Bednasz Lakeview, NY 4
18 18 Daryl Lewis Jr. Ontario, NY 10
19 1 Tommy Catalano Ontario, NY 54C
20 17 Kirk Totten Lockport, NY 11
21 21 Kyle Hutchinson East Aurora, NY 57X
22 22 Chris Finocchario Macedon, NY 8
From No Time To “Showtime”…Jimmy Blewett wins in first start at Mahoning Valley Speedway on June 13 - Eric gets spun out while leading - Austin's rack goes just 10 laps into the race
(JUNE 13) “Showtime” Jimmy Blewett made his first ever visit to Mahoning Valley worthwhile, scoring a rousing a $2950 victory in the John “Peepers” Yerger Tribute before a full house of fans. Blewett was both good and lucking en-route to the verdict. Despite that fact that he never turned a lap on the tough ¼-mile bullring, he raced strong inside the top five from the drop of the green. Then while running third he caught a huge break when front runners Eric Beers and Matt Hirschman tangled and sent to the rear of the field. From there on Blewett withstood the advances of track regular Josh Scherer on his way to scoring the popular win. The raced ended nine laps shy of the advertised 77 lap distance due to an ongoing rash of cautions. Blake Barney did a great job in garnering a career best Mahoning finish of third. Austin Kochenash drove to a solid fourth while upstate New York invader Chuck Hossfeld battled his way to fifth. By luck of the draw Beers and Todd Baer shared front row honor. This was the first time since August of 2017 that Beers was back in action here and he wasted little time in showing his prowess for getting around the tight confines of Mahoning Valley. Eighth place starter Hirschman thrust forward in a hurry and was on Beers’ tail giving him quite a bit of pressure. Time and again he tried to grab the lead but each time his efforts where thwarted as Beers maintained a good line of defensiveness to hold back Hirschman’s advances. Hirschman also had numerous occasions to utilize restarts to overtake Beers as an abundance of cautions plagued the race. All that while defending track champion Bobby Jones was hovering closely in third with Blewett fourth. Interruptions would abound as the race wore on and take its toll on many including Jones who on lap 37 went spinning off turn four. With that Blewett was now third but ahead of him the Beers/Hirschman battle was still waging and all he could do was ride and watch. Then on lap 60 the race broke wide open when the front pair got together in turn three. Hirschman was looking to seize an opening on Beers but as they drove into the corner the door got closed and there was contact. Beers went sliding and made a great save of hitting the inside wall off turn four. For his part Hirschman was directed to the rear with Beers for the restart. For Blewett it was the right place at the right time as he inherited the lead with Scherer now second. Unfortunately yellow fever would persist on and in the sake of longevity and a warning to drivers, the race was called with eight laps to go. “This is like the complete opposite of what happens at my home track. I don’t think Matt (Hirschman) meant to take Eric (Beers) out. It was just hard racing there at the end and I’d rather be lucky,” said Blewett. “My guys gave me a great car and I can’t thank Eric Beers enough for all the help he gave me going into this race. My crew chief Rob Ornsbee, my engine builder Tom Martino but most of all my car owner Scott Brannick. Between him and my grandfather the last four years they’ve really been there when I needed things.” Known for his winning ways, Blewett notwithstanding entered the race optimistic never having turned a lap here. He practiced well, ran second in his heat then stayed steady in the race before coming into the lead. He then held off Scherer perfectly who kept the pressure on him to the checkers. “The first thing coming here was to just make the show. There are really good regulars here and I did a lot of watching of videos and in-car cameras. I knew it was going to be stiff competition just to qualify,” said Blewett. “I felt that if I can come out to this with a top five it will be great. I don’t go anywhere where that I don’t show up and don’t think I can win. This feels good and I look forward to coming back.”
Modified Feature Finish (77-laps): 1. Jimmy Blewett, 2. Josh Scherer, 3. Blake Barney, 4. Austin Kochenash, 5. Chuck Hossfeld, 6. Eric Beers, 7. John Markovic, 8. Rod Snyder Jr., 9. Tyler Truex, 10. Bobby Jones, 11. Matt Hirschman, 12. Todd Baer, 13. Eddie McCarthy, 14. Patrick Emerling, 15. Kyle Strohl, 16. Earl Paules, 17. Nick Baer, 18. Brian DeFebo, 19. Don Wagner, 20. Ron Silk, 21. Terry Markovic, 22. Jason Arthofer, 23. Austin Beers, 24. Jack Ely DNQ: Roger Coss, Lou Strohl, Heath Metzger, Gene Bowers, Sen Verwys, Jacob Kerstetter, Jim Gaver, Mike Stofflet, BJ Wambold
AUSTIN BEERS NIPS DAD ERIC FOR QUICK TIME AND GUARANTEED PICK IN OPENING DAY FEATURE REDRAW
(JUNE 7) Eric Beers made his official return to Mahoning Valley Speedway a meaningful one by out-timing everyone for the guaranteed redraw pick in advance of the June 13 Opening Day John “Peepers” Yerger Memorial 77-lap Tribute, which is race number one of the Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series. Everyone that is with the exception of one driver, his 17-year old son Austin, who stole the thunder of his celebrated father, who is Mahoning’s all-time Modified wins leader, by going 10.088-seconds to the elder Beers’ 10.134-seconds. The timed dashes where part of the track’s Test and Tune days which actually began back on March 14 but was halted afterwards due the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed this past weekend. Brandon Christman, a rookie and Jesse Bollinger, also took top honors in the Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks respectively and will head into Opening Night worry free as they too are automatically locked in the redraw for feature starting spots. The Modified quick time was sponsored by MYRACENEWS.com which posted a $100 bonus to the fastest driver. The classes where divided in groups for two sessions and 5-lap runs per session. When E. Beers drove onto the blacktop in session one it marked his first official time in action at Mahoning since August 2017 and he immediately darted to the top of the speed charts. However, no sooner did the next and final group take to the clock then A. Beers blasted ahead of dad and all the rest. His 10.088-second lap was the fastest such for a Modified since 2016.
“It really felt good out there today and that despite we were on used tires. Really I need to thank my dad because he did a lot of the set-up on the car and when you can out run him here at Mahoning Valley that says a lot,” said A. Beers.
“This is huge knowing how many good drivers where here today and will be here next week too and so much pressure is off us now. The fans are going to be in for a great show with a lot of Modifieds and I can’t wait to come back Saturday and go for the win in the Peepers Tribute.”
Todd Baer, 10.222, Tyler Haydt 10.231 and Austin Kochenash 10.238 rounded out the top five. The Yerger Tribute will pay $2250 to win and $500 for 10th. Christman came into the weekend with the fastest time from March 14 and it held up over the past weekend, giving the third generation rookie driver an impressive outing for his upcoming feature debut.aLikewise Bollinger showed his hand three months ago and when Test and Tune began and he then added and insurance lap with his 12.130 circuit.