6/27/2009 STAMBERG GETS CORNETT TRIBUTE, BARRETT SCORES HOOSIER DADDY, ANDERSON IS LM WINNER

6/19/2009 NININGER MEMORIAL IS COVERT’S THIRD THREE STATE FLYER TRIUMPH

6/13/2009 YODER RETURNS TO HAGERSTOWN VICTORY LANE

6/6/2009 IT’S ALL COVERT IN APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN SPEEDWEEK OPENER

5/30/2009 HAGERSTOWN’S CONOCOCHEAGUE IS SEASON FOURTH FOR FRANCIS

5/23/2009 COVERT HAGERSTOWN'S FIRST REPEAT WINNER, SCORES BONEBRAKE TRIBUTE 

5/21/2009 STEVIE SMITH GETS SOUTH OF THE BORDER KEYSTONE TRIUMPH

5/2/2009 ANDERSON BECOMES THE SEVENTH DIFFERENT WINNER ON ARCH NIGHT

4/25/2009 HAGERSTOWN'S SCHETROMPH CLASSIS GOES TO FULLER FOR FIRST EVER LUCAS OIL
TRIUMPH

4/18/2009 PLESSINGER IS FIFTH DIFFERENT WINNER AT HAGERSTOWN

4/15/2009  SUNOCO RACE FUELS ROAD TO WHEATLAND FOR THE LUCAS OIL LATE MODEL DIRT SERIES HEADS EAST TO BEDFORD AND HAGERSTOWN ON APRIL 24 AND 25.

4/11/2009  COVERT DOMINATES SHOOTOUT I THREE STATE FLYERS TRIUMPH

4/3/2009  DURBORAW OPENS WITH LATE MODEL TRIUMPH, FRIES & STAMBERG ALSO TAKE WINS

3/28/2009  FOR THE SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR THE WEATHER TAKES THE CHECKERED FLAG ON THE ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRT CARS NORTH/SOUTH 100 AT HAGERSTOWN SPEEDWAY

3/14/2009  HAGERSTOWN WEEK TWO TO DEESE JR. AND "SUPER" MATT SHEPPARD

3/7/2009   PRATT AND "Kid" RICHARDS SCORE HAGERSTOWN OPENERS

2/20/2009   FOR THE SECOND WEEK IN A ROW THE WEATHER TAKES THE CHECKERED FLAG AT HAGERSTOWN SPEEDWAY

2/20/2009  HAGERSTOWN'S RACE-A-RAMA KICKS OFF THE SEASON

2/19/2009  FOR THE SEVENTH STRAIGHT SEASON HAGERSTOWN SPEEDWAY LOSES THEIR SEASON OPENER TO WEATHER

2/5/2009  HAGERSTOWN SPEEDWAY PHOTOGRAPHER JASON WALLS RELEASES THE FIRST ADDITION OF THE 2009 HAGERSTOWN SPEEDWAY CALENDAR

JUNE 6 2009
IT’S ALL COVERT IN APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN SPEEDWEEK OPENER

Jason Covert’s third season at Hagerstown Speedway came in dominating fashion Saturday night in the Appalachian Mountain Dirt Late Model Speedweek Series opener after taking the lead on lap four and then wondering where everyone was for the next 36 laps. Covert, of York Haven, PA took the $5,000 triumph by 3.28 seconds over D.J. Myers.

Hans Stamberg advanced from the 11th position to lead on lap nine and later score his third season win in the Ernie D’s pure stock event by three lengths over Dave Stuffer Jr.

With the top two from each heat race drawing for the feature start, Covert pulled the number four and by the third lap was in a huddle with front row drivers, Al Shawver Jr. and J.T. Spence to slip past both on the same lap and assume command. Setting the pace, he was 4.9 seconds ahead when Myers took over second on lap 11. His dominance in the Barry Klinedinst Rocket showed all the way to the checkered.

“I left everyone down last week with the (World of) Outlaws, I didn’t give the crew the right input” Covert said. “I think I gave them the right input tonight. We built another spare car for this series. Some of the guys have been in the shop 14 straight days and we worked on this one to get it ready tool. My hat’s off to them. When the car is like that, all I have to do is drive it. Those guys do all the work.”

Shawver Jr. stormed from the outside pole to grab the lead from Spence exiting the second turn, but Covert powered into the mix and quickly made his moves past both and within two laps was 1.6 seconds ahead of Spence and by lap eight, had stretched the interval to 3.8. Covert continued on his mission all alone out front as Myers took over the runner up spot on lap 11 who was joined by Jeremy Miller.

Covert then saw some other cars as got to the rear of the field by lap 14 and started through. In three laps, he had three cars between himself and Myers and still enjoyed a four second advantage when the only caution in the race came out on lap 21 when Spence coasted to a stop. .  

Myers quickly disposed of the one lapped car that remained on the track but Covert was starting to edge away. Nick Dickson was still holding to fourth while 13th starter, Tommy Armel got past fast timer Jamie Lathroum following the restart and began trying to unseat Dickson.

Covert’s distance to Myers continued to grow with each circuit as he again caught the rear of the field on lap 37 and stuck five rear cars between himself and Myers in the final laps.  

“In the heat race, Jamie (Lathroum) just left me,” Covert said. “I was like “Wow.” He’s been so good lately and I thought we had our work cut out for us, but then I drew four and that’s like negative four for me so that was great. I usually drive from the back row. The car was good and the tires were good. I can’t thank American Racer enough for what they do for us.’  

Myers paved the way for Miller as they occupied the next positions.

“Covert was good,” Myers said after starting fifth. “I think we had harder tires on than him because he went awful good on that restart.  Once he got distance on me, it was too hard for me to make up.  I was glad the top three cars were on American Racers.”

“Starting spot made a lot tonight,” said seventh starter, Miller. “I think we got beat on tires tonight. We were coming and they were fading, but we’re putting the pieces of the jigsaw together. At least we got to run all 40 laps tonight.  That was a big plus.”

Austin Hubbard came from 12th and got past Armel with two to go and claimed the fourth position while Armel completed the top five. Lathroum ended sixth after starting eighth with Ronnie DeHaven Jr. from 11th, Frankie Plessinger, from 17th, Dickson, and Mike Lupfer, from 16th completing the top ten.

Sixty five entries vied for starting spots as Lathroum, DeHaven Jr., Shawver Jr., Myers, Dickson and Gary Stuhler won the qualifying heats while the consolations were won by Dan Stone, Greg Fetters and Tim Wilson.

Following a caution on the opening lap for the pure stocks, Drew Fitzsimmons and Dave Stouffer battled side by side for the top spot with Kevin Koontz watching the moves closely behind until Stouffer got it barely on the fourth lap as Fitzsimmons came back by a half length ahead on the seventh. Stamberg found a hole and quickly got past traffic after starting 11th and got under Stouffer to lead the ninth lap. Following a red flag on lap 13 when Bill Ecton crashed on the backstretch, Stamberg held the winning hand on Stouffer by three lengths at the finish while previous week’s winner, Kenny Dillon took third with two to go. Wayne Hawbaker and Dave Mikolajski completed the top five. Heats were won by Dillon, Steve Lowery and Stamberg.

“I was stuck in traffic behind Wayne. There really wasn’t anywhere to go so I tried diving it in down below and it worked,” Stamberg said, “‘I was a little worried that it was going to slide up, but it didn’t. Luckily it worked out.”

After several weeks of special events, the upcoming program will be a regular point show for the late models, late model sportsman and pure stocks plus the fourth Enduro Dash.

Hagerstown Speedway Results

Appalachian Mountain Dirt Late Model Speedweek Series Race #1, 40 laps, 65 entries, (Lap Leaders – Al Shawver Jr. 1-3, Jason Covert 4-40) 1.Jason Covert; 2.D.J. Myers; 3.Jeremy Miller; 4.Austin Hubbard; 5.Tommy Armel; 6.Jamie Lathroum; 7.Ronnie DeHaven Jr.; 8.Frankie Plessinger; 9.Nick Dickson; 10.Mike Lupfer; 11.Gary Stuhler; 12.Jeff Rine; 13.Jim Yoder; 14.Devin Friese; 15.Dan Stone; 16.Robby Blair; 17.Darryl Hills; 18.Scott Cross; 19.Tim Wilson; 20.Andy Anderson; 21.Bo Feathers; 22.Al Shawver Jr..; 23.J. T. Spence; 24.Greg Fetters; 25.Jere Wierman; 26.Steve Campbell; 27.Tyler Hershey,  DNQ – Roy Deese Jr., Jason Dupont, Dale Hollidge, Nathan Durboraw, Brett Schadel, Scott Haus, Les Hare ,Rusty Sites, Bryan Sipe, Dylan Yoder, Tony Adams, Waylon Wagner, Matt Quade, Erick Hans, Tim Burkholder, Jeff Smith, Bryan Bernheisel, Marvin Winters, Ray , Kable Jr., Tim Fedder, Brian Booze, Steve Gibney, Colby Frye, Troy Erickson, Jason Miller, Brian White, Tyler Armstrong, Al Chaney, Keith Jackson, DNS – Scott LeBarron, Alan Sagi, Billy Wampler, Jack Pencil, Bob Dunn, Kirk, Ryan Jr., Lindsay Barton, Rick Stouffer.  

Ernie’s Auto Enterprises Pure Stocks, 15 laps,  23 entries (Lap Leaders – Drew Fitzsimmons, 1-3, 7, Dave Stouffer Jr. 4-6, 8, Hans Stamberg 9-15) 1.Hans Stamberg; 2.Dave Stouffer Jr.; 3.Kenny Dillon; 4.Wayne Hawbaker; 5.Dave Mikolajski; 6.Darrin Younker; 7.Charlie Pensinger; 8.Mike Warrenfeltz; 9.Billy Ecton Jr.; 10.Frank Dibella; 11.Kenny Day; 12.Danny Beavers; 13.Steve Lowery; 14.Kevin Koontz; 15.Juntin Snodderly; 16.Drew Fitzsimmons; 17.Bill Ecton; 18.Zack, Reid; 19.Tony Stoneberger; 20.Bobby Franklin; DNS – Kevin Keefer, Lin Sutphin, Sherman Lynn

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MAY 30 2009
HAGERSTOWN’S CONOCOCHEAGUE IS SEASON FOURTH FOR FRANCIS

Steve Francis dominated Hagerstown Speedway’s 28th Annual Conococheague World of Outlaws late model event on Saturday night to score his fourth WoO triumph of the season. Leading all 50 laps, the Ashland KY veteran scored the win by 3.815 seconds over Darrell Lanigan. He previously won the event in 1996 and it also was his first Hagerstown win since the 1998 Schetrompf Memorial.  

Ashley Barrett of Shippensburg, PA finally shed the misfortunes that have plagued him including a demolished car just a week ago as he scored his first win of the season in the Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic late model sportsman feature.

With the exception of setting quick time, the night belonged to Francis in the Dale Beitler Reliable Painting Rocket. He won his heat, then pulled the number one for the feature and set the cruise control. He led the entire event, remaining two plus seconds ahead but continuing to stretch it even more when the final 23 circuits remained under green. The victory came just two nights after losing at Delaware due to a flat tire with six laps remaining.   

“We spent a lot of time the past few days fine tuning and messing with everything we could,” Francis said. “Me and Shane Clanton were rolling around looking at cars tonight, looking at things, thinking about things and talking about things. I came across some ideas, tried some of them and that’s what this car has been missing a couple times when it get slick like this, but tonight it seemed like it was on an absolute rail.”

Francis and Dan Stone ushered the 25 car field to the green flag as Francis took the advantage off the second turn to assume control as Clanton took over second on lap four. Eighth starting Rick Eckert followed into third a lap later while Francis was two seconds out front all alone. He got to the rear of the field by lap 13 and continued his torrid pace until J.T. Spence came to a stop on lap 18.

Following the restart, Francis again pulled out to run all alone while Lanigan grabbed second and Eckert got past Clanton to reoccupy third but the field regrouped again on lap 27 when D.J. Myers, who earlier was running seventh, came to a stop for the final caution. Within four laps, Francis was out front and pulling away by two seconds and by ten laps, was just over three seconds ahead. He caught rear traffic by lap 41, but had no problems negotiating the slower cars as he drove on with nothing stopping him this time with his lead distanced to 3.815 over Lanigan and Eckert. Clanton and Austin Hubbard were next, ending in the same positions they started. Tenth starting Keith Jackson ended sixth over Jason Covert, up from 16th while Tim Fuller (13th), Brady Smith, (17th) and Andy Anderson (15) completed the top ten. Frankie Plessinger ended 11th after starting 25th with a track provisional.  

Francis, Eckert, Lanigan and Hubbard were heat winners for the 41 entries while Smith and Chub Frank were the B-Main winners. Tim Fuller set quick time of 19.082 seconds.

Barrett stormed from the outside pole to beat Steve Kent to the front of the late model sportsman feature and he too had no problem pulling away from the field, having a 2.6 second lead by a lap 11 yellow and a 1.5 second advantage at a lap 16 yellow. On that restart, Wayne Walls Jr. got past Kent for second while previous week’s winner, Pete Weaver passed Kent for third with two to go, but Barrett pressed on to claim the win. Kent held to fourth over Glenn Elliott. Heat wins went to Andy Fries, Barrett and Scott Palmer.

“We were far from perfect but it was good enough from the pole,” Barrett said. “I actually was in Wyoming all week and my crew busted their tails this week after we completely totaled that car.  We got this car from Jack Pencil and built it from the ground up. We have to thank him and his crew. This is the first time out and it drives nice, but I think we can get it a little bit better.”

Hagerstown Speedway Results

28th Annual Conococheague, World of Outlaw Late Models, 50 laps, 41 entries, (Lap Leader –Steve Francis 1-50) 1.Steve Francis; 2.Darrell Lanigan; 3.Rick Eckert; 4.Shane Clanton; 5.Austin Hubbard; 6.Keith Jackson; 7.Jason Covert; 8.Tim Fuller; 9.Brady Smith; 10.Andy Anderson; 11.Frankie Plessinger; 12.Chub Frank; 13.Dan Stone; 14.Clint Smith; 15.Vic Coffey; 16.Darryl Hills; 17.Josh Richards; 18.Russell King; 19.Jordan Bland; 20.Alan Sagi; 21.D.J. Myers; 22.Jeremy Miller.; 23.J.T. Spence; 24.Roy Deese Jr; 25.Kirk Ryan Jr.: DNQ – Matt Lux, Jim Yoder, Scott LeBarron, Mike Lupfer, Brian Booze, Jordan  Bland, Jamie Lathroum, Dustin Hapka, Rusty Sites, Bryan Wright, Al Cheny, Devin Friese, Tyler Reddick, Marvin Winters; DNS: Troy Erickson, Marvin Winters, Brent Robinson, Steve Gibney

Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic Late Model Sportsman, 20 laps, 21 entries (Lap Leader – Ashley Barrett 1-20): 1.Ashley Barrett; 2.Wayne Walls Jr.; 3.Pete Weaver; 4.Steve Kent; 5.Glenn Elliott; 6.Kyle Lear; 7.Michael Collins; 8.James Myers; 9.Jerry Bard; 10.Steve Axtell (St. Thomas Towing/Checkered Flag Lube Hard Charger); 11.Richard Walls; 12.Robby Beall; 13.Scott Palmer; 14.Nick Pappas; 15.Justin Hart; 16.Bruce Kane; 17.Andy Fries; 18.Cody Lear; 19.Mike Walls; 20.Terry Flaherty; DNS Courtney Shreiner  

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May 23 2009
COVERT HAGERSTOWN'S FIRST REPEAT WINNER, SCORES BONEBRAKE TRIBUTE 

 Hagerstown Speedway was spared a second consecutive rain out Saturday night as rain was within five miles of the track but Jason Covert wasn’t denied his second Three State Flyer late model triumph in the 14th Annual Richard” Boney” Bonebrake Tribute. Covert of York Haven Pa. became the first repeat winner in the eight races held so far by winning by 1.97 seconds over Jeremy Miller.

Hanover’s Kenny Dillon beat Mike Warrenfeltz by three feet in the Ernie D’s pure stock feature for his career 20th win while Frederick’s Mark Vegh made it two straight in the Enduro Dash after starting 29st.   

Covert qualified from ninth in his heat and came from seventh to third in the dash, quickly grabbed second in the 35 lap event and got past Billy Wampler to lead lap seven. The win and his first ever of the Bonebrake event was worth $3,000.

“When I was a kid, I came and rooted for Denny Bonebrake and the Bonebrake Alignment car,” Covert said. “It’s a special meaning to me. That guy is one of the greatest late model drivers that ever sat in one. I still think he can do it as good as anybody. Those ones are the ones that started this division and got it built. I’m just lucky enough to drive in it.”

Although he was quick early on, he still wasn’t satisfied with the car following the advance he made in the dash from the last row.

Covert said, “We ran the dash and tried something, but I knew it wouldn’t be good enough to get by those guys in the beginning of the feature, so I came in and asked them to change something and we got done just as they were lining up. It worked.. it got me to the lip first and that’s where you had to be.”

Following his dash win, Billy Wampler sped from the pole to lead the Tribute event as Covert quickly took second before outside pole setter Jeremy Miller got it. Covert stayed on Wampler’s bumper during the opening laps while D.J. Myers was challenging Miller for third and tenth starter Tommy Armel had advanced five spots by lap five.

After Covert got under Wampler off turn four to take over on lap seven, Wampler turned second to Miller when he got high in turn four and lost seven spots three laps later. Covert had a two second lead two laps later and also on lap18 when the final caution came out.

Following the restart, Covert continued rounding the top and stretched his lead to two seconds while Miller kept the same pace. Armel cleared Myers for third but continued to trail by nearly four seconds as Covert took the checkered by 1.97 over Miller with Armel another 4.3 seconds back.

“It is Memorial Day weekend and the reason we get to do this is the guys that have gave their lives for us,” Covert said. “The military, thank them and everything they gave up, up to their lives so our country can be free and we can race every week.”  

Myers and Jim Yoder who battled throughout the race with Nick Dickson completed the top five. Andy Anderson followed Dickson to the finish while Darryl Hills, Gary Stuhler, from 19th, and Mike Lupfer from 17th completed the top ten.    

Heats for the 42 entries went to Myers, Wampler Anderson and Miller while Greg Fetters and Austin Hubbard won the B-mains.

Dillon started from the pole as Bobby Franklin grabbed second after starting fourth. By lap nine, Mike Warrenfeltz had moved into third place and finally got under Franklin on the 14th lap and set sights on Dillon, who almost gave away his lead. Dillon over shot the runway in the final turn, slipping high as Warrenfeltz was pedal down. As the two drag raced to the finish, Dillon held the advantage by about three feet with Franklin closely behind. Danny Beavers and two time winner Darrin Younker from 12th was next.

“I’m sure if I’d started any further back I wouldn’t have won tonight,” Dillon said.”Not only is it a tough class, everybody is fast. I’ve just had a lot of bad luck the beginning of the year.  Hopefully that’s the end of it.”

Jim Smith led the Enduro event after starting fifth with Larry Hurley Jr. taking second on lap seven. Smith got into a tangle with rear cars on the back stretch of lap 12 as Vegh had moved to second and he and Krazy Kenny Thomas began to close on Hurley, Vegh got past in lapped traffic on lap 28 while Thomas took the runner up spot on the final circuit.

Hagerstown Speedway Results

Three State Flyers Late Models, 14th Annual Richard “Boney” Bonebrake Tribute, 35 laps, 42 entries, (Lap Leaders – Billy Wampler 1-7- Jason Covert 8-35 ) 1.Jason Covert; 2.Jeremy Miller; 3.Tommy Armel; 4.D.J. Myers; 5.Jim Yoder; 6.Nick Dickson; 7.Andy Anderson; 8.Darryl Hills; 9.Gary Stuhler; 10.Mike Lupfer; 11.Austin Hubbard (Winchester Auto Dealers Exchange Hard Charger); 12.Marvin Winters; 13.Roy Deese Jr.; 14.Billy Wampler; 15.Tom Decker Sr.; 16.Steve Axtell Jr.; 17.David Williams; 18.J.T. Spence; 19.Dan Stone; 20.Rany Burkholder; 21.Les Hare; 22.Greg Fetters; 23.Denny Bonebrake; 24.Nathan Durboraw; 25.Keith Jackson; 26.Alan Sagi, DNQ –Scott Lebarron, Doug Legum, Frankie Plessinger, Ronne DeHaven Jr., Kris Eaton, Brian Booze, Charlie Hageage, Ricky Elliott, Larry Baker II, Chad McClellan, Jim Stine, Jamie Lathroum, Matt Hardy, Doug Stine, Brian Wright, DNS – Tom Decker

Ernie D’s Pure Stocks, 15 laps,  25 entries (Lap Leaders – Kenny Dillon 1-15) 1.Kenny Dillon; 2.Mike Warrenfeltz; 3.Bobby Franklin; 4.Danny Beavers; 5.Darrin Younker; 6.Hans Stamberg; 7.Steve Lowery; 8.Wayne Hawbaker; 9.Billy Ecton; 10.Dave Mikolajski; 11.Drew Fitzsimmons; 12.Charlie Pensinger; 13.Bily Ecton Jr; 14.Zach Reid; 15.Kevin Keefer; 16.Bill Reitober; 17.Dustin Proctor; 18.Kevin Koontz; 19.Kevin Dayhoff;  20.Dave Stouffer Jr.; 21.Juntin Snodderly; 22.Frank Dibella; 23.Kenny Day; DNS –  Lin Sutphin, Sherman Lynn

Enduro Dash, 30 laps, 29 entries (Lap Leaders – Jim Smith 1-11, Larry Hurley Jr. 12-27, Mark Vegh 28-30) 1.Mark Vegh; 2.Krazy Kenny Thomas; 3.Larry Hurley Jr.; 4.Danny Holmes; 5.Chris Ebersole; 6.William Crook; 7.Kenny Thomas; 8.Gary Cekovich; 9.Jim Speelman; 10.Robin Koogler; 11.Gary Proctor; 12.James Mills; 13.Bryan Green; 14.Joe Rodgers; 15.Larry McGowan; 16.Rodney Miner; 17.Bill Hargett; 18.J.T. Conrad; 19.Steve Dillon; 20.John Poole; 21.Edwin Harold Jr.; 22.Nathaniel Younker; 23.J.C. Butts; 24.Jim Smith; 25.Bary Breeden; 26.Eric Myers; 27.Dave Shatto; DNS – James Clark, Charles Stambaugh

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May 21 2009
STEVIE SMITH GETS SOUTH OF THE BORDER KEYSTONE TRIUMPH

 After setting fast time for the Keystone Cup Sprint Series event, Stevie Smith and the Zemco race team were later in Hagerstown Speedway’s victory lane following his $5,000 win on night two of the special sprint series.  

Williamsport’s Pete Weaver was victorious for the 15th time in his career in the Bill Bowman Special for the late model sportsman 31-lap event. Bowman was a total race fan who was passionate for the sound of a racing engine. He was involved in racing in one capacity or another: helper, driver, car owner for more than 40 years. Bowman passed away May 27, 2008.

Smith, a New Oxford, Pa native, of Broken Arrow, OK, started fourth after earlier pulling the four car invert to take the lead from Keith Kauffman but lose it to Fred Rahmer. Smith stepped up following a lap 25 restart to retake the top spot and drive on to a ten length lead over Rahmer at the checkered.

“Fred snuck up on me there, he did a good job,” Smith said. “He actually had me beat. I got a good restart there, had some open track and just went the opposite direction. If he would have went up, I would have went down. He went down, so I went up. You don’t have anything to loose in second except second place. The car was good and the track was actually three lanes. That’s all you can ask for.”

When the green waved, Kauffman powered around the top from the outside pole to lead while Smith beat pole setter Todd Shaffer into second spot.  Kauffman set the pace while Smith slowly closed in and sixth starting Rahmer arrived in third on the third circuit.

Smith exited turn four to get past Kauffman on the eighth circuit and got into rear traffic two laps later while Rahmer took over second on lap 13 and then went to work making Smith get up on the wheel.

Smith escaped Rahmer’s clutches on the 18th but Rahmer was suddenly back challenging while Cody Darrah had moved into the picture.

Rahmer used turn two to snatch the lead from Smith and hold the lead on lap 25 when Aaron Ott and Doug Esh got together in turn four.

Smith had time to formulate a plan during the red flag and let Rahmer lead the 26th before charging past him and stretching out his lead to ten lengths at the finish.

“It seems like the track sits a lap or two, the moisture tries to come back up,” Smith said. “I noticed that in the B main. I think a little bit of moisture came up and allowed us to run right through the center. We kept more speed up and tried to hold him back. “

Darrah was a close third followed by Grandview winner the night before, Daryn Pittman with Shaffer ending fifth. Sixth was Brian Leppo with 18th starter Alan Krimes, Lance Dewease (16th), Kauffman and Greg Hodnett completing the top ten. Esh, Ott and Pittman won the heats for the 30 entries while Krimes was the B main winner.

Robby Beall led the Bowman event from the pole over Glenn Elliott, both looking for their first Hagerstown win while seventh starter James Myers moved past Bruce Kane for third on lap nine. Weaver, who started third, wasn’t a player until lap 12 after dropping several positions early on.  He found a line around the top and used it to take second on lap 15 and the lead the next. By a lap 22 yellow, he was nearly four seconds ahead and following the restart, again pulled away with Kyle Lear taking second from Beall on the 26th lap. Weaver enjoyed a 3.7 second lead at that time and stretched it to 4.5 in the remaining laps for the $1,000 win.

“There in the beginning, I wasn’t sure if we were going to the back or coming forward,” Weaver said. “This is one race I wanted to win. Bill worked with my father and we were friends all through my whole racing career. It was really cool to win this for him. We weren’t worried about the money, we wanted the trophy.”

Lear ended second after starting tenth with Charlie Schaffer coming from 11th to get past Beall for third with four to go. Beall held to fourth with Andy Fries coming from 12th to end fifth. Weaver, Wayne Walls Jr and Fries won the heats for the 32 entries with Craig Wagaman winning the B main and also earning the Checkered Flag Lube Center/ St. Thomas Towing hard charger award.

3rd Annual Keystone Cup Sprint Car Series, 30 laps, 30 entries, (Lap Leaders – Keith Kauffman 1-7, Stevie Smith 8-22, 27-30, Fred Rahmer 23-26 ) 1.Stevie Smith; 2.Fred Rahmer; 3.Cody Darrah; 4.Daryn Pittman; 5.Todd Shaffer; 6.Brian Leppo; 7.Alan Krimes; 8.Lance Dewease; 9.Keith Kauffman; 10.Greg Hodnett; 11.Mike Erdley; 12.Mark Smith; 13.Brooke Tatnell; 14.Mike Wagner; 15.Justin Henderson; 16.Chad Layton; 17.Pat Cannon; 18.Adam Lawrence; 19.Brent Marks; 20.Adam Wilt; 21.Aaron Ott; 22.Doug Esh.; 23.Cale Grubb; 24.T.J. Winegardner; DNQ – Joey Hershey, Bobby Howard, Pat Cooper, Craig Robinson, Brian Ehrenzeller, DNS Michael Heckman

Bill Bowman Special Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic Late Model Sportsman, 31 laps, 32 entries (Lap Leaders – Robby Beall 1-15, Pete Weaver 16-31) 1.Pete Weaver; 2.Kyle Lear; 3.Charlie Schaffer; 4.Robby Beall; 5.Andy Fries; 6.James Myers; 7.Scott Palmer; 8.Craig Wagaman (Checkered Flag Lube/St Thomas Towing Hard Charger); 9.Terry Flaherty; 10.Shawn Jones; 11.Mike Walls(99); 12.Fred Harden; 13.Chaz Walls; 14.Mike Walls(1W); 15.Jerry Bard; 16.Bruce Kane; 17.Wayne Walls; 18.Richard Walls; 19.Michael Collins; 20.Glenn Elliott; 21.Courtney Shreiner; 22.Dylan Yoder; 23.Nick Pappas; 24.Greg Robinson; DNQ – Cody Lear, Ralph Morgan, Barry Miller, Ryan Walls, Steve Kent, Ashley Barrett, DNS - Matt Howsare, Justin Hart

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MAY 2 2009
ANDERSON BECOMES THE SEVENTH DIFFERENT WINNER ON ARCH NIGHT

 It was just a matter of when for Andy Anderson and that when came Saturday night. Anderson, of Martinsburg, WV, piloted his late model past Marvin Winters following a fifth lap restart and later won the 25-lap feature on ARCH (Auto Racing Club of Hagerstown) night at Hagerstown Speedway. He became the seventh different winner so far with the 3.256 second triumph over Mike Lupfer.  

Other winners included defending Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic champion, Andy Fries, of Mercersburg, Pa, who came from 18th to lead the final two laps and score his second of the season by 2.158 seconds over Derek Byler. Berkley Springs, WV’s Darrin Younker also won his season second by leading the last 100 feet to win by a half length over Bobby Franklin, while Frederick, Md’s Mark Vegh won by a length over Kenny Thomas in the season third Enduro Dash.

Anderson lined up third in the field and grabbed second from Lupfer on the second lap and set sights on Winters but a fifth lap yellow when Roland Mann and Rick Hulson got together on the front stretch brought out a red flag. Anderson charged to the outside and led by a half length the next lap, and continued on to score his career 17th late model triumph.

“It makes a difference starting up front,” Anderson said. “He got away from me there in the beginning and I had to get up on the wheel. I figured there was going to be a restart. I couldn’t run with him once we got going. Once we got out front there I could run his line. I don’t let up.”

Once Anderson took over, he scurried ahead of Winters by 2.3 seconds as Lupfer was battling for second at the same time Roy Deese was giving his new car a workout and coming from the tenth spot.

Anderson entered the rear of the field on lap 15 while Lupfer took second when Winters got trapped behind a rear marker. Anderson’s two second lead went away during a 17th lap yellow and he had stretched it to 1.2 by a 19th lap yellow.

For the final six circuits, he easily opened his lead each lap over Lupfer while Deese took over third place and 11th starter, Frankie Plessinger moved into the fourth spot with three to go, Winters held to fifth at the finish. Keith Jackson, from 13th, finished sixth as J.T. Spence, Jim Yoder, Steve Axtell Jr and Nathan Durboraw completed the top ten. Durboraw, Lupfer and Anderson won the heats.

Byler led the late model sportsman event from the outside pole over Nick Pappas while Pete Weaver charged from eighth to third by lap three with Kyle Lear following from 11th.

The middle of the race was littered with several cautions as Weaver took over on lap 11 with Lear following into second two laps later.

A 15th lap caution was for Weaver who spun after contact from Lear with both put to the rear and Byler at the front for the restart. Fries had came from 18th and had cleared Byler on the 18th circuit when some lights suddenly went out in turns three and four negated the pass with the red flag.  

Following the restart, Byler’s car didn’t seem to come up to speed as Fries blew by and walked away to a 1.91 second lead ahead of Byler with Pappas alongside at the checkered.

“After the heat race, I came in… it was time for old school stuff,” Fries said. “I was just waiting on tires…I had hard tires on and it took awhile to get some heat to get them going. Tonight, someone was on my side.”

Previous week’s winner, Terry Flaherty, ended fourth with 19th starting James Myers ending fifth. Jerry Bard, Scott Palmer (20th), Bruce Kane, Cody Lear, (21st) and Michael Collins (17th) were next. Pappas, Weaver and Byler won the heats while Myers won the consy.

Bobby Franklin led the Ernie D’s pure stocks with Dave Stouffer Jr. challenging and a multiple car pack behind him. Franklin was looking for his career first win and holding a steady line while Steve Lowery and Darrin Younker moved into third and fourth with a single 11th lap yellow restructuring the race. Younker cleared Lowery and Stouffer and on the final lap, went to the high side in three and four to speed down the final stretch and swipe the lead from Franklin with two time winner Hans Stamberg coming from19th to claim third. Stouffer and Lowery completed the top five. Randy Kline, Franklin and Stouffer won the heats with Stamberg winning the consolation.  

Vegh charged from 12th in the Enduro lineup to pass Matt Smith on lap five. Smith was overtaken by Derek Riley as the front five ran lap after lap a length apart with 17th starter Kenny Thomas into third by lap seven. Thomas took second from Riley with two to go, but couldn’t overtake Vegh for the top spot.

Following a weekend off for the Hagerstown City Firefighters Bonanza Extravaganza, racing resumes on Saturday, May 16 with Auto Locator /Student Night featuring a regular show of late models, late model sportsman and pure stocks plus the fourth Enduro Dash.

Hagerstown Speedway Results

Late Models, 25 laps, 24 entries, (Lap Leaders – Marvin Winters 1-5, Andy Anderson 6-25) 1.Andy Anderson; 2.Mike Lupfer; 3.Roy Deese Jr.; 4.Frankike Plessinger; 5.Marvin Winters; 6.Keith Jackson; 7.J.T. Spence; 8.Jim Yoder; 9.Steve Axtell Jr.; 10.Nathan Durboraw; 11.Kirk Ryan; 12.Ronnie DeHaven Jr.; 13.Matt Hardy; 14.Paul Crowl; 15.Rusty Sites; 16.Steve Gibney; 17.Larry Baker II; 18.Terry Lescalleet; 19.Lindsay Barton; 20.Doug Stine; 21.Rick Hulson; 22.Roland Mann; 23.Devin Friese; 24.Matt Quade

Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic Late Model Sportsman, 20 laps, 25 entries (Lap Leaders – Derek Byler 1-9, 16-18, Pete Weaver 10-15, Andy Fries 19-20): 1.Andy Fries (Checkered Flag Lube/St. Thomas Towing Hard Charger); 2.Derek Byler; 3.Nick Pappas; 4.Terry Flaherty; 5.James Myers; 6.Jerry Bard; 7.Scott Palmer; 8.Bruce Kane; 9.Cody Lear; 10.Michael Collins; 11.Randy Wible; 12.Brian Lessley; 13.Pete Weaver; 14.Kyle Lear; 15.Mike Walls; 16.Ed Pope III; 17.Glenn Elliott; 18.Justin Hart; 19.Steve Kent; 20.Robby Beall; 21.Wayne Walls Jr.; 22.Ashley Barrett; 23.DSQ- Richard Walls, Ryan Walls;  DNS –Courtney Shreiner

Ernie D’s Pure Stocks, 15 laps, 26 entries (Lap Leaders – Bobby Franklin 1-14, Darrin Younker 15) 1.Darin Younker; 2.Bobby Franklin; 3.Hans Stamberg; 4.Dave Stouffer; 5.Steve Lowery; 6.Mike Warrenfeltz; 7.Wayne Hawbaker; 8.Danny Beavers; 9.Billy Ecton Jr.; 10.Charlie Pensinger; 11.Bill Reitober; 12.Kevin Koontz; 13.Kevin Keefer; 14.Roy Anderson; 15.Dave Mikolajski; 16.Dustin Proctor; 17.Frank Dibella; 18.Justin Snodderly; 19.Zach Reid; 20.Drew Fitzsimmons; 21.Tony Stoneberger; 22.Randy Kline; 23.Tony Catlett; 24.Kevin Dayhoff; DNQ – Kenny Dillon, DNS - Dean Holmes  

Enduro Dash, 30 laps, 22 entries (Lap Leaders Matt Smith 1-5, Mark Vegh 6-30); 1.Mark Vegh; 2.Kenny Thomas; 3.Derek Riley; 4.Matt Smith; 5.Danny Holmes; 6.Krazy Kenny Thomas; 7.Chris Ebersole; 8.Robin Koogler; 9.Jim Speelman; 10.J.C. Butts; 11.Steve Dillon; 12.Gary Proctor; 13.Nathaniel Younker; 14.Bryan Green; 15.John Poole; 16.John Conrad; 17.Randy Davis; 18.Larry McGowan; 19.William Crook; 20.Hot Rod Rodney Minor; 21.Rob Keller, DNS – Dave Shatto

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APRIL 25 2009
HAGERSTOWN'S SCHETROMPH CLASSIS GOES TO FULLER FOR FIRST EVER LUCAS OIL
TRIUMPH

"Unbelievable, unfortunate for Billy, but what a show," Tim Fuller said Saturday night following Hagerstown Speedway's 28th Annual Stanley Schetromph Classic Lucas Oil Late Model event where he discovered it takes being both good along with some luck to go along with it to reap the rewards.

Fuller, of Watertown, NY, started fourth in the 50-lap event and after taking the runner up spot from Rick Eckert following a lap ten restart, found himself at the helm when Billy Moyer suddenly slowed with a broken driveshaft on lap 30. Fuller led the rest of the way to pick up the $10,000 win by .97 seconds over Friday's Lucas winner at Bedford Speedway, Jimmy Mars.

"Moyer was the car to beat," Fuller said. "We didn't have anything for him. I've been in that situation before."

If fact, Fuller was running seventh the previous night at Bedford when he dropped a driveline with only two laps to go.

The win was his first ever Lucas Oil victory as he became the eighth different winner in ten Lucas races this season. Fuller's last victory at Hagerstown was aboard a big block modified when he won the Advanced Auto Parts DIRT modified event in March 2007.

Following qualifications, Eckert and Moyer occupied the front row as Moyer rounded the top of the first turns and swept off turn two ahead of Eckert while Fuller quickly grabbed third over Mars.

Moyer led by a second when the caution flag waved on lap ten. Eckert lined up on the outside for the Delaware double file restart but Fuller quickly dived low to grab the runner up spot. Moyer continued to lead and stretched his lead to 1.5 seconds by a lap 19 yellow. Following the restart, Moyer still toured the track with ease and was 2.28 seconds ahead just before he exited the fourth turn and began slowing as Fuller took over.

Mars made the best of the restart as he seized the second spot from Eckert while Steve Francis and high riding Scott Bloomquist, on the way from 14th, were next.

Fuller continued to hold his own over Mars while Bloomquist cleared Francis on lap 35 and set sights on Eckert. Following a 41st lap yellow for Ken Dickson, who also broke a driveline, Bloomquist struck. He cleared Eckert and then began to rattle Mars with his high line around the top. Bloomquist suddenly tried to duck inside on the backstretch of lap 46, a move that didn't work, as it allowed Mars to escape by several lengths.

While Mars had been distracted, Fuller continued his focus on reaching the checkered and the interval remained the same between the two for the last two laps.

"The car was really good," Fuller said "We've been struggling all year long and that's why we came down to the show to support the Lucas Series and try to figure something out. Thank God Chub Frank is all right. (eluding to a B-main incident involving Frank and Jeremy Miller) He's been a big help in my career, Rocket Chassis, Mark Richards and all those guys. It's been a struggle that started at East Bay. As of right now, it's going a lot better."

Bloomquist settled for third while Eckert and Brian Birkhofer completed the top five. Francis was sixth over 13th starter, Josh Richards, Steve Casebolt, Ray Cook and 18th starter, Earl Pearson Jr.

Birkhofer was the 18th car on the track for PRC Time Trials for the 53 entries and toured the half mile in 18.918 seconds. Heat race winners were
Eckert, Moyer, Mars and Fuller. The B-mains went to Dan Stone and Pearson Jr. Hagerstown point leader, Frankie Plessinger and Jeep Van Wormer were provisional starters.

Frank was leading the 1st B main when his steering appeared to break on the 5th lap, sending him hard into the inside rail nearing turn three and up the track directly in front of Miller. Franks car was completely destroyed while Miller's received extensive damage.

In the Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic late model sportsman event, Hagerstown's Terry Flaherty finally broke the jinx that has kept him waiting for his second career victory since August 2006. Flaherty held off the one lap challenge of previous weeks winner Kyle Lear by a half length.

"I know Kyle likes to run the high side, so I tried to take that from him at the end," Flaherty said.

Richard Walls and nephew, Ryan Walls battled for the top spot the first four laps before Flaherty took over second after starting fourth. Flaherty challenged until getting under R. Walls on lap nine.

Lear, who started 12th advanced to Walls and took the spot on lap 12 to set sights on Flaherty, who was 2.2 seconds ahead. Flaherty caught the rear of the field while Lear quickly reeled him in as Andy Fries also joined the twosome. Lear was within two lengths when the first caution came out on lap 18 with one lap before another yellow waved to set up the one lap shootout. Lear gave it his best as Flaherty shut the door on the final stretch while Fries ended a close third. Robert "Pete" Weaver, from 14th and R. Walls completed the front five. Heat winners were Ashley Barrett, R. Walls and Flaherty while Randy Wible won the consolation for the 28 entries.

The next event on the schedule this Saturday, May 2nd is ARCH (Auto Racing Club of Hagerstown) night featuring a regular show of late models, late model sportsman and pure stocks plus the third 30-lap Enduro Dash of the season.

Hagerstown Speedway Results

28th Annual Stanley Schetrompf Classic, Lucas Oil Late Models, 50 Laps, 53 Entries, (Lap Leaders - Billy Moyer 1-29, Tim Fuller 33-50 ): 1.Tim Fuller; 2.Jimmy Mars; 3.Scott Bloomquist; 4.Rick Eckert; 5.Brian Birkhofer; 6.SteveFrancis; 7.Josh Richards; 8.Steve Casebolt; 9.Ray Cook; 10.Earl Pearson Jr.; 11.Scott James; 12.Frankie Plessinger; 13.Shane Clanton; 14.D.J.Myers; 15.Don O'Neal; 16.Jimmy Owens; 17.Eric Jacobson; 18.Donnie Moran; 19.Ricky Elliott; 20.Jeep VanWormer; 21.Nick Dickson; 22.Billy Moyer; 23.Dan Stone; 24.Jamie Lathroum; 25.Dale McDowell; DNS - Josh McGuire DNQ - Jim Yoder, Andy Anderson, David Breazale, Alan Sagi, John Blankenship, Mike Lupfer, J.T. Spence, Bart Hartman, David Williams, Nathan Durboraw, John Mason, Freddy Smith, Brad Heat, Matt Quade, Al Shawver Jr., Chub Frank, Ronnie DeHaven Jr., Jeremy Miller, Matt Lux, Terry Lescalleet, Marvin Winters, Dan Schlieper, Scott LeBarron, Michael Walker, DNS - Jason Covert, Gary Stuhler, Tommy Weder

Hawk Brake First Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Rick Eckert, Brian Birkhofer, Scott James, Josh Richards, Jeremy Miller, Matt Lux, Dan Stone, DJ Myers, Freddy Smith, Andy Anderson, Mike Lupfer, Tommy Weder, Matt Quade, DNS-Al Shawver Jr.

Hawk Brake Second Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Billy Moyer, Ray Cook, Steve Casebolt, Scott Bloomquist, Chub Frank, Bart Hartman, Jeep VanWormer, Donnie Moran, Jim Yoder, Michael Walker, Alan Sagi, Dan Schlieper, Nathan Durboraw

AFCO Racing Products Third Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Jimmy Mars, Steve Francis, Jamie Lathroum, Ricky Elliot, Frank Plessinger, Earl Pearson Jr., David Breazeale, Don O'Neal, John Mason, J.T. Spence, Marvin Winters, Brad Neat, Ronnie DeHaven Jr.

Tiger Rear Ends Fourth Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Tim Fuller, Jimmy Owens, Eric Jacobsen, Shane Clanton, Dale McDowell, Josh McGuire, Nick Dickson, John Blankenship, David Williams, Scott LeBarron, Terry Lescalleet, Al Shawver Jr., Jason Covert, Gary Stuhler

Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main (12 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Dan Stone, Donnie Moran, DJ Myers, Jim Yoder, Andy Anderson, Alan Sagi, Mike Lupfer, Bart Hartman, Nathan Durboraw, Freddy Smith, Matt Quade, Chub Frank, Jeremy Miller, Matt Lux, Jeep VanWormer, Dan Schlieper, Michael Walker, DNS-Tommy Weder

Wiles Drive Shafts Second B-Main (12 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Earl Pearson Jr., Dale McDowell, Nick Dickson, Don O'Neal, David Breazeale, John Blankenship, J.T. Spence, David Williams, John Mason, Brad Neat, Al Shawver Jr., Ronne DeHaven Jr., Frank Plessinger, Terry Lescalleet, Marvin Winters, Scott LeBarron, Josh McGuire

Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic Late Model Sportsman Special, 20 laps, 28 entries (Lap Leaders - Richard Walls 1-9, Terry Flaherty 10-20): 1.Terry Flaherty; 2.Kyle Lear (Checkered Flag Lube/ St. Thomas Towing Hard Charger); 3.Andy Fries; 4.Robert "Pete" Weaver; 5.Richard Walls; 6.Ryan Walls; 7.Brian Lessley; 8.Michael Collins; 9.Ashley Barrett; 10.Jerry Bard; 11.James Myers 12.Wayne Walls Jr.; 13.Scott Palmer; 14.Glenn Elliott; 15.Robby Beall; 16.Randy Wible; 17.Kyle Wiser; 18.Bruce Kane; 19.Mike Walls; 20.David Leiby; 21.Cody Lear; 22.Matt Howsare; 23.Courtney Shreiner; 24.Justin Hart; DNQ - Matt Cosner, Gary Hendershot, DNS - Nick Pappas, Derek Buler

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April 18 2009
PLESSINGER IS FIFTH DIFFERENT WINNER AT HAGERSTOWN

With a second, third and fourth in the first four races at Hagerstown Speedway, Frankie Plessinger, Big Cove Tannery, Pa, needed a first. That came Saturday night on Duron Paint night as he captured the late model triumph after getting the lead on lap ten and winning over defending champion, Roy Deese Jr. by 1.53 seconds.

"This is for a special fan up there that really wanted to come to the races, this is for him," Plessinger said.  

Plessinger brightened the evening for Thaddeous, a terminally ill youngster who had some of his last wishes fulfilled as he wanted so much to attend the races. Before the program began, Plessinger gave him an autographed T-shirt and as Thaddeous watched all evening with the shirt on, Plessinger was able to further reward him by posting the victory.

Kyle Lear, Severn, Md. seized the lead of the Hoosier Tire -Mid Atlantic late model sportsman event off the final turn when his brother Cody, drifted high while Hans Stamberg of Hedgesville, WV scored his second of  three Ernie D's pure stock features by leading the final six circuits and edging Mike Warrenfeltz by a length. Winning the Enduro Dash just two weeks ago, Krazy Kenny Thomas of Keedyville, Md. was two seconds back but declared the winner of the second Dash event when Derek Riley's engine failed post race inspection.

With a six car invert, Marvin Winters took the late model lead as third starting Plessinger quickly grabbed second while Deese, from fifth, took third from Jimmy Spence on the fourth circuit. Plessinger was neck and neck with Winters when the caution was displayed on lap seven.

Following the restart, he rekindled his challenge and came away with the lead on lap nine and started edging away while Deese began working on Winters before taking the runner up spot on lap 13. Gary Stuhler then got past Winters a lap later just before the second yellow.

While Plessinger was bottom feeding, Stuhler began working on Deese and got by on lap 20 but Deese powered from the fourth turn and contact was made sending Stuhler around on the front stretch.

Plessinger continued to gain track space with each of the final circuits until taking the checkered 1.53 seconds ahead of Deese.

"Once I got a rhythm going, I felt really good, "Plessinger said. "The car was really awesome. A couple weeks ago, it was really good on the bottom and caution came at the end. I was afraid when those cautions kept coming, I thought 'Oh, no, not again.'"

Ninth starter, Jim Yoder ended third ahead of Andy Anderson and Winters. Spence was sixth over Mike Lupfer, Tyler Armstrong, Stuhler and Doug Stine. Armstrong, Deese and Spence won the heats.

With a four car invert, Ashley Barrett led the sportsman, but it was short lived as Cody Lear has the spot on lap two while brother, Kyle took second the third circuit and then Wayne Walls Jr. joined them by lap seven. K. Lear was gaining and had just taken the lead on lap ten before the caution was displayed.

Following the restart, Robert "Pete" Weaver got past Walls and began challenging Cody Lear and his dismay came following a 14th lap restart after Kyle Lear was called for "brake checking" and dropped two spots. As Weaver restarted second and began a challenge on Cody Lear, he suddenly looped his car exiting the fourth turn, putting the Lear brothers in the top spots again. Cody Lear appeared able to carry the momentum to the end but washing high in turn four the final two laps did him in. Kyle Lear and Walls both got by on the final turn to take the top spots as Cody Lear recovered to finish third ahead of Bruce Kane and 13th starting Jerry Bard.

"He started slowing down. I guess he got nervous about winning," K. Lear said." It's always good to win, but to beat your brother, it's something up on him all week."

Glenn Elliott, Ryan Walls, Cody Lear and Ashley Barrett won the heats while Terry Flaherty won the consolation for the 33 entries.

Wayne Hawbaker led the pure stocks while Kenny Dillon took the second spot after starting third but he coasted to a stop on lap five for the only yellow. Eighth starter, Steve Lowery took over the second spot while Stamberg was quickly to the front from the tenth spot and began looking for a way to the top. He made a sweeping high groove pass of both Lowery and Hawbaker to come away with the lead on lap nine. With the front five still nearly bumper to bumper, Stamberg drove on while Warrenfeltz moved into second on the 11th lap, but settled for second.

"I love the high groove and it's been good to me," Stamberg said. "I didn't think there was going to be too much there tonight but I wasn't going to win down low so I went up there and it worked like it always does."

Hawbaker ended third with Lowery and previous week's winner, Darrin Younker completing the top five. Warrenfeltz, Dave Stouffer Jr. and Hawbaker won the heats.  

Derek Riley passed Chris Ebersole on lap seven in the Enduro Dash and stayed comfortably ahead for the balance of the race while behind him, former winner, Krazy Kenny Thomas got past Kenny Thomas and then was involved in a third turn incident with Matt Smith to take over second on lap 24. Riley's engine failed inspection as Thomas was awarded the win while second finisher Larry Hurley Jr. also forfeited his finish for an engine infraction which advanced Ebersole, William Crook and Mark Vegh.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Series arrives Saturday for the 28th Annual Stanley Schetromph Classic with 50 laps of competition. The late model sportsman will also be on the program.

Hagerstown Speedway Results

Late Models, 25 laps, 19 entries, (Lap Leaders - Marvin Winters 1-9, Frankie Plessinger 10-25) 1.Frankie Plessinger; 2.Roy Deese Jr.; 3.Jim Yoder; 4.Andy Anderson; 5.Marvin Winters; 6.J.T. Spence; 7.Mike Lupfer; 8.Tyler Armstrong; 9.Gary Stuhler; 10.Doug Stine; 11.Lindsay Barton; 12.Jim Stine; 13.Steve Gibney; 14.Steve Axtell; 15.Nathan Durboraw; 16.Kirk Ryan; 17.Rusty Sites; 18.Rick Hulson; DNS - Larry Baker III  

Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic Late Model Sportsman, 20 Laps, 33 entries (Lap Leaders - Ashley Barrett 1, Cody Lear 2-10, Kyle Lear 11-14, 20,  C.Lear 15-19) 1.Kyle Lear; 2.Wayne Walls Jr.; 3.Cody Lear; 4.Bruce Kane; 5.Jerry Bard.; 6.James Myers; 7.Andy Fries; 8.Ashley Barrett;  9.Cory Houck; 10.Richard Walls; 11.Brian Lessley; 12.Scott Palmer; 13.Derek Byler (Checkered Flag Lube Center Hard Charger); 14.Matt Howsare; 15.Steve Kent; 16.Mike Walls; 17.Robert "Pete" Weaver; 18.Nick Pappas; 19.Terry Flaherty; 20.Ryan Walls; 21.Dylan Yoder; 22.Glenn Elliott; 23.Michael Collins; 24.Randy Schaeffer; DNS -  Robby Beall, DNQ - Justin Hart, Courtney Shreiner, Chuck Cox, Gary Hendershot, Roy Hawbaker, Matt Casner, Randy Wible, DNS - Rick Stouffer

Ernie D's Pure Stocks, 15 laps, 23 entries (Lap Leaders - Wayne Hawbaker 1-8, Hans Stamberg 9-15) 1.Hans Stamberg; 2.Mike Warrenfeltz; 3.Wayne Hawbaker; 4.Steve Lowery; 5.Darrin Younker; 6.Dustin Proctor; 7.Justin Snoderly; 8.Zack Reid; 9.Kevin Keefer; 10.Danny Beavers; 11.Bobby Franklin; 12.Randy Kline; 13.Charlie Pensinger; 14.Dave Mikolajsk;15.Dave Stouffer Jr; 16.Kevin Koontz; 17.Kevin Dayhoff; 18.Billy Ecton Jr.; 19.Bobby Taylor; 20.Frank Dibella; 21.Kenny Dillon; 22.Dean Holmes; DNS - Jim Snyder

Enduro Dash, 30 Laps, (Lap Leaders - Chris Ebersole- 1-6, Derek Riley, 7-30) 1.Krazy Kenny Thomas; 2.Kenny Thomas; 3.Chris Ebersole; 4.William Crook; 5.Mark Vegh; 6.Gary Cekovich; 7.Jim Speelman; 8.Joe Rogers; 9.J.C. Butts; 10.Dave Shatto; 11.Rob Keller; 12.Nathaniel Younker; 13.Jason Harper; 14.Jamie Mills; 15.Gary Proctor; 16.Rodney Miner; 17.Bryan Green; 18.Matt Smith; 19.John Poole; 20..John Conrad; 21.Gary Breeden; 22.Larry McBowan; 23.James Clark; 24.Robin Koogler; 25.Brandon Churchey; DSQ - Derek Riley, Larry Hurley Jr.

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April 15 2009
SUNOCO RACE FUELS ROAD TO WHEATLAND FOR THE LUCAS OIL LATE MODEL DIRT SERIES HEADS EAST TO BEDFORD AND HAGERSTOWN ON APRIL 24 AND 25.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will have two weekends off before hitting the road again as the Sunoco Race Fuels Road to Wheatland heads east on Friday Night, April 24th with a visit to Bedford Speedway in Bedford, PA and a Saturday night, April 25th show at Hagerstown Speedway in Hagerstown, MD.  Both events will pay the winner $10,000.

With six different winners in the first eight ’09 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events the 4-time and defending series champion Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL leads the series points standings by just 25 points over Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN.  Pearson and Owens are followed by Josh McGuire of Grayson, KY, Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, GA and Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN.

The rest of the top ten in points heading to Bedford and Hagerstown are Billy Moyer of Batesville, AR, Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN, Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC, Jeep VanWormer of Pinconning, MI and Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN.

VanWormer in his first full season of traveling with the LOLMDS leads the Quarter Master Rookie of the Year points followed by John Blankenship of Williamson, WV, David Breazeale of Four Corners, MS and Michael Walker of Franklin, TN.

It will be the second ever appearance at Bedford Speedway for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series as the “Bedford Valley Petroleum 50” event will feature a complete show for the LOLMDS at the J.R. Keifer, Jim Maybury and Dr. David Horne promoted Bedford County Fairgrounds facility.  Last year Ashland, KY’s Steve Francis took home the win in the series’ first visit to the race track that began racing in 1936.  The rain date for Bedford’s Friday Night LOLMDS event just in case it is needed will be Sunday, April 26th.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series visit to Hagerstown on Saturday Night, April 25th will be for the 28th Annual “Stanley Schetrompf Classic” as the race honors the man who built Hagerstown Speedway.  The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will be visiting the “Capitol of Dirt Track Racing” for the fourth time as Chub Frank of Bear Lake, PA, Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN and Bart Hartman of Zanesville, OH have entered the Lucas Oil victory lane in the three previous appearances for the series at the historic half-mile track.

The feature payoff for both tracks will be the same:  $10,000, 5000, 3000, 2500, 2000, 1500, 1400, 1300, 1200, 1100, 1000, 950, 900, 875, 850, 825, 800, 775, 750, 725, 700, 700, 700, 700

The tire rule will be the same for both tracks:  American RacerSD44 or any compound harder- SD44 must punch a minimum of 40, Hoosier 1300 or any compound harder-1300 must punch a minimum of 40

For more information on both racing facilities you can go to www.bedfordspeedway.com and www.hagerstownspeedway.com.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events at Bedford and Hagerstown will be previewed on the next Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour which will air on Tuesday Night, April 21st at 8 PM Eastern/7 PM Central on www.DirtCast.com.

For the latest breaking news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can go to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings

1. Earl Pearson Jr. (Jacksonville, FL) – 630
2. Jimmy Owens (Newport, TN) – 605
3. Josh McGuire (Grayson, KY) – 585
4. Dale McDowell (Chickamauga, GA) – 580
5. Scott Bloomquist (Mooresburg, TN) – 575
6. Billy Moyer (Batesville, AR) – 570
7. Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN) – 550
8. Ray Cook (Brasstown, NC) – 530
9. Jeep VanWormer (Pinconning, MI) – 525
10. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN) – 520

Quarter Master Rookie of the Year Points Standings

1. Jeep VanWormer (Pinconning, MI) – 525
2. John  Blankenship (Williamson, WV) – 420
3. David Breazeale (Four Corners, MS) – 360
4. Michael Walker (Franklin, TN) - 330

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April 11 2009
COVERT DOMINATES SHOOTOUT I THREE STATE FLYERS TRIUMPH

Jason Covert was definitely up on the wheel Saturday night and making the Shootout I Three State Flyers late model event at Hagerstown Speedway his to lose after passing World of Outlaws veteran, Rick Eckert following a lap 11 restart.  

"I got to beat that guy (Rick Eckert)," Covert, of York Haven Pa, said. "It's amazing to race with him. He's one of my hero's and he's done a lot for me. I'd rather him or I win, but I'd just as soon I win, he'd say the same thing. "

Eckert gave the three time and defending MACS champ just a tiny bit of opportunity and that was all it took. Good bye Rick and all, I'm leaving. Covert later pocketed the $3,000 triumph aboard the Barry Klinedinst owned Rocket late model

Covert arrived at the rear of the field by lap 19 and was three seconds ahead. He never missed a beat heading through the rear cars and had three between himself and Eckert by lap 23 and continued to lap up to the 14th place car of Ricky Elliott. He remained on full throttle to the checkered and still had a 3.2 second separation on Eckert.

"We just happened to have things go our way tonight," Covert said. "We might come back here and not make the Lucas race. We didn't make it last year.  I screw up a lot but Barry gives me a heck of an opportunity to do this. It's great to be here. This is the place to win."

Following an overnight rain providing natural moisture to the speedway, the front cleared out and gave the late models and pure stocks a super fast track. Times in warm-ups and heat races were in the 18 seconds and close to the track record for the first of three Three State Flyer Shootout events to be held at Hagerstown.  

Following the late model heats, the top two drew for the dash with Eckert and Covert taking the top two spots. The duo showed ownership during the early laps with Gary Stuhler and Mike Lupfer trailing. Following a lap four restart, Eckert got a good run but Covert was hard on the pedal and closing at a half second a lap before previous weeks winner, Nathan Durboraw came to a stop on lap nine. A subsequent restart occurred the following lap but on 11, Covert was prepared. He stuck his nose under Eckert on the backstretch and didn't look back with the green displayed the rest of the way.

Covert said, "On restarts everyone was running the bottom and getting the top dirty. I wanted to get to the top and get out there earlier to make my speed get going. I couldn't get off the corners. He could drive up off the corners, he had so much traction compared to what I had but on that restart, he moved out just enough to let me get by. These (American Racer) tires fire on restarts."

Behind him, Stuhler trailed by more than five seconds and had Jeremy Miller and Andy Anderson challenging. Miller took the third spot for only lap 30 but Stuhler regained it the next circuit as Anderson took the fourth position on lap 33 as Miller settled for fifth.

Sixth went to Nick Dickson, inaugural winner at the Rock the previous week while J.T. Spence was the Winchester Auto Dealers Exchange hard charger, coming all the way from 17th to seventh. Lupfer ended eighth followed by David Williams and Roy Deese Jr. who started from 18th.      

Heats for the 39 entries went to Stuhler (new 10 lap track record 3:02.057), Lupfer, Eckert and Williams while Frankie Plessinger and Alan Sagi were the B main winners.

Darrin Younker of Berkley Springs, WV had things hold together for him to win his second time out in the double point Ernie's Auto Enterprises pure stock special.

"The transmission is about to fall out of it," Younker said. "I was holding it in gear in the turns. I actually had to put it in a gear a couple times. We held on, it was a long one.  This is a good way to start off the year."  

A three car invert put him on the outside pole as he beat Dean Holmes off the line as Mike Warrenfeltz grabbed third. Warrenfeltz passed Holmes following a lap seven restart while Steve Lowery also got on lap nine. Warrenfeltz trailed by nearly three lengths at the checkered with Lowery, Holmes and previous week's winner Hans Stamberg charging from the rear following getting involved when Tony Stoneberger's transmission detonated on the front stretch on lap seven.  Heats went to Stoneberger Younker and Holmes

The upcoming event will be the Duron Paint sponsored night featuring a regular show of late models, late model sportsman and pure stocks plus the second Enduro Dash.

Hagerstown Speedway Results

Shootout I , Three State Flyers Late Models, 35 laps, 39 entries, (Lap Leaders - Rick Eckert 1-11, Jason Covert 12 - 35): 1.Jason Covert; 2.Rick Eckert; 3.Gary Stuhler; 4.Andy Anderson; 5.Jeremy Miller; 6.Nick Dickson; 7.J.T.Spence (Winchester Auto Dealers Exchange Hard Charger); 8.Mike Lupfer; 9.David Williams;10.Roy Deese Jr.; 11.Dan Stone; 12.Austin Hubbard; 13.Tyler Armstrong; 14.Ricky Elliott; 15.Frankie Plessinger; 16.Greg Satterlee;17.Jared Hawkins; 18.Scott LeBarron; 19.Chuck Clise; 20.Dale Hollidge; 21.Devin Friese; 22.D.J.Myers.; 23.Alan Sagi; 24.Chris Harr; 25.Nathan Durboraw; 26.Jamie Lathroum; DNQ -Randy Burkholder, Bo Feathers, Paul Crowl, Rick Hulson, Rusty Sites, Marvin Winters, Doug Stine, Tom Decker, Steve Gibney, Larry Baker II, Jim Yoder, DNS - Darryl Hills, Ronnie DeHaven Jr.  

 

Ernie's Auto Enterprises Pure Stocks, 15 laps, 25 entries (Lap Leaders - Darrin Younker 1-15): 1.Darrin Younker; 2.Mike Warrenfeltz; 3.Steve Lowery; 4.Dean Holmes; 5.Hans Stamberg; 6.Billy Ecton Jr.; 7.Justin Snoderly; 8.Charlie Pensinger; 9.Dustin Proctor; 10.Danny Beavers; 11.Kevin Koontz; 12.Kevin Keefer; 13.Zack Reid; 14.Dave Mikolajski; 15.Bill Ecton; 16.Bobby Franklin; 17.Kenny Dillon; 18.Tim Monn; 19.Wayne Hawbaker; 20.Tony Stoneberger; 21.Jim Snyder; 22.Drew Fitzsimmons; 23.Frank Dibella; 24.Dave Stouffer; 25.Tony Catlett  

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April 4, 2009
DURBORAW OPENS WITH LATE MODEL TRIUMPH, FRIES & STAMBERG ALSO TAKE WINS

On the first regular point show of the season, Nathan Durboraw, Andy Fries and Hans Stamberg emerged as winners. Where will these drivers be when the championships are decided on September 5th?

Eight time Hagerstown Speedway late model champion and 2008 runner up, Durboraw of Hagerstown, was victorious for his 72nd career win. When Andy Anderson's night ended with mechanical issues, Durboraw was there to lead the rest of the way, but not without defending champion Roy Deese Jr. and Frankie Plessinger giving him a real workout.

"I've been sick and was out of gas," Durboraw said "I could stay with Andy for a couple laps but I was running out of steam. I was having problems breathing with my sinus problem but when I saw him (Frankie Plessinger) and then that yellow came out, I got a little air and I got up on the wheel."

In a three car inverted start, Deese and Anderson brought the late model field to green as Anderson sped off the second turn to lead as third starting Durboraw quickly grabbed second. By a fifth lap caution, Anderson was 3.5 seconds ahead and still pulling away. Following the restart, Anderson stretched his lead better than a half second each lap and was into the rear of the field and 3.4 seconds ahead when he rolled to a stop atop turn four of lap 12.    

Plessinger had cleared Jim Yoder the lap before and with Durboraw leading, Plessinger began pestering Deese for the runner up spot. Plessinger owned the backstretch while Deese claimed the front stretch lap after lap until Plessinger got the spot on lap 19 and had cleared Durboraw just as the yellow was displayed.    

Durboraw restarted on the point as Deese regained the runner up spot after another lap but Plessinger again was under for the position when the yellow again waved on lap 23. Durboraw won by .41 seconds over Deese and Plessinger while Yoder and 14th starting Kirk Ryan finished top five. J.T. Spence was sixth after starting 11th followed by David Williams, Steve Axtell Jr., Roland Mann and Billy Wampler. Heats for the 23 entries went to Durboraw, Anderson and Deese Jr.

Three time defending Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic late model sportsman champion Andy Fries of Mercersburg, Pa snuck under Scott Palmer exiting turn four to lead the final eight circuits and grab that victory. With six wins last season and second in the Ernie's Auto enterprises pure stock points, Hans Stamberg Hedgesville, WV grabbed the lead on the second circuit and led the remaining distance. In the 30-lap Enduro Dash, Krazy Kenny Thomas of Keedysville, Md, a two time 2008 winner, came from the 23rd position to take the lead on lap 23 and won by a car length over Matt Smith.  

Palmer led the sportsman from the outside pole with a four car inversion and looking for his first win since September 2006. Fries cleared pole-setter Jerry Bard on lap six and made his move into the third and fourth turns of lap 12 to seize the lead. Following a restart with five to go, Fries pulled away while Palmer was being challenged by both Kyle and Cody Lear but he regained the second spot with one to go as Fries won by 1.88 seconds.

"It takes me a couple laps to get going,' Fries said. " I wasn't sure if the car was going to go or not. When Palmer and Bard both slid up, I said,' there goes my outside,' but  I made time hugging this thing down close to the bottom."

K. Lear was third followed by 12th starting C. Lear and Wayne Walls Jr. Bard, Derek Byler, from 15th, Michael Collins, Ashley Barrett and Mike Walls completed the top ten.

Heats went to Glenn Elliott, Fries, Palmer and Bard while Rick Stouffer won the consolation for the 32 entries.

With six cars inverted, Stamberg started fourth and passed outside pole-sitter Davey Stouffer following a second lap restart. While Stamberg led, the battle waged for the next positions he won by .53 second over Stouffer, who held on to the finish over Dean Holmes, Mike Warrenfeltz and Kevin Keefer.  Heats for the 28 entries went to Warrenfeltz, Darrin Younker, Stamberg and Holmes.

Kenny Thomas came from 13th to take the Enduro lead from William Crook on lap 10 and when traffic got thick he lost the point to 16th starting Matt Smith. Krazy Kenny Thomas was right there from 23rd and snuck through to grab the lead with seven to go.

The Three State Flyer late models 35-lap open tire rule and $3,000 to win, $300 to start, is next up along with a pure stock special.

Hagerstown Speedway Results

Late Models, 25 laps, 23 entries, (Lap Leaders - Andy Anderson, 1-12, Nathan Durboraw 13-25 ) 1.Nathan Durboraw; 2.Roy Deese Jr.; 3.Frankie Plessinger; 4.Jim Yoder; 5.Kirk Ryan; 6.J.T. Spence; 7.David Williams; 8.Steve Axtell Jr.; 9.Rolland Mann; 10.Billy Wampler; 11.Paul Crowl; 12.Rick Hulson; 13.Steve Gibney; 14.Larry Baker II; 15.Lindsay Barton; 16.Dennis Fenton; 17.Mike Lupfer; 18.Doug Stine; 19.Tyler Hershey; 20.Andy  Anderson; 21.Marvin Winters; 22.Ray Kable Jr.; DQ - Tyler Armstrong (Did not cross the scales at end of feature)

Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic Late Model Sportsman, 20 Laps, 32 entries (Lap Leaders - Scott Palmer 1-12, Andy Fries 13-20) 1.Andy Fries; 2.Scott Palmer; 3.Kyle Lear; 4.Cody Lear; 5.Wayne Walls Jr.; 6.Jerry Bard; 7.Derek Byler; 8.Michael Collins;  9.Ashley Barrett; 10.Mike Walls; 11.Terry Flaherty (Checkered Flag Lube Center Hard Charger); 12.Paul Cursey; 13.Glenn Elliott; 14.Matt Cosner; 15.Robby Beall; 16.Rick Stouffer; 17.Gary Hendershot; 18.Justin Hart; 19.Nick Pappas; 20.Matt Houser; 21.Brian Lessley; 22.Steve Long; 23.Ryan Walls; 24.Pete Weaver; DNQ -  Roy Hornbaker, Elwood Sord, Matt Henry, Richard Walls, Chuck Cox,  Randy Schaefer, DNS - Randy Wible, DQ - Dave Leidy (Light at scales after feature)

Ernie's Auto Enterprises Pure Stocks, 15 laps, 28 entries (Lap Leaders - Dave Stouffer 1-2, Hans Stamberg 3-15) 1.Hans Stamberg; 2.Dave Stouffer; 3.Dean Holmes; 4.Mike Warrenfeltz; 5.Kevin Keefer; 6.Darrin Younker; 7.Danny Beavers; 8.Jim Snyder; 9.Tony Stoneberger; 10.Kenny Dillon; 11.Bill Ecton; 12.Charlie Pensinger; 13.Drew Fitzsimmons; 14.Dave Mikolajski; 15.Dustin Procter; 16.Billy Ecton Jr.; 17.Kevin Koontz; 18.Frank Dibella; 19.Dale Knight Sr.; 20.Wayne Hawbaker; 21.Steve Lowery; 22.Justin Snodderly; 23.Zach Reid.; 24.Tony Catlett; DNS- Kevin Dayhoff; DNQ - Tim Monn, DNS -Bobby Franklin, Mike Sanders

Enduro Dash, 30 Laps, (Lap Leaders- William Crook 1-9, Kenny Thomas 10-21, Matt Smith 22, Krazy Kenny Thomas 23-30) 1.Krazy Kenny Thomas; 2. Matt Smith; 3.Kenny Thomas; 4.Larry Hurley Jr; 5.Robin Koogler; 6.William Crook; 7.Gary Proctor; 8.Chris Ebersole; 9.Dany Holmes; 10.Richard Tracey; 11.J.C. Butts; 12.Dave Shatto; 13.Jim Speelman; 14.Derek Riley; 15.John Poole; 16.Rob Keller; 17.Bryan Green; 18.Rodney Miner; 19.Jamie Mills; 20..Joe Rodgers; 21.Gary Cekovich; 22.Mark Vegh; 23.Brandon Churchey; 24.James Clark; 25.Nathaniel Younker; DNS Gary Breeden Jr.

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March 28 2009
FOR THE SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR THE WEATHER TAKES THE CHECKERED FLAG ON THE ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRT CARS NORTH/SOUTH 100 AT HAGERSTOWN SPEEDWAY

For the second year in a row the Advance Auto Parts North/South 100 Super Dirt Car event at Hagerstown Speedway has been canceled.  With over night rains and the forecast for a near 100% chance of precipitation Saturday afternoon and evening forced Hagerstown Speedway and the Super Dirt Car officials to cancel the March 28th event.

“It’s a shame the weather would not cooperate with us again this year”, said Promoter Frank Plessinger.  “We were working hard to prepare the track for this event”.  “We had to make a decision early because of the distance teams and fans would have traveled to get here”. 

Hagerstown Speedway will return to action Saturday April 4th with the first point’s race of the season for the Super Late Models, Late Model Sportsman, and Pure Stocks, along with a 30 lap Enduro Dash.  Pits will open at 4 p.m., Grandstands at 5 p.m., with hot laps at 7 p.m.  Pit admission is $20, Grandstands $10, children under 12 are free.

For more information check out the speedway web site at www.hagerstownspeedway.com or call the speedway office at 301-582-0640.

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March 14 2009
HAGERSTOWN WEEK TWO TO DEESE JR. AND "SUPER" MATT SHEPPARD

With rain approaching from the south and a cold day turning into a decent one, Roy Deese Jr. showed what he was made of by capturing his first season late model win on Saturday's second race program at Hagerstown Speedway while "Super" Matt Sheppard also had things under his control from the second lap and scored the triumph in the small block modified feature that also rewarded him with a guaranteed starting spot in the Octoberfest.

Vaulting into second on lap five, six time and defending champion, Deese Jr., of Laurel Md., who missed the previous week due to illness, watched until Jared Miley slipped slightly. That allowed Deese to quickly charge past and later post the win by 1.79 seconds over Miley.

"We got a chance to go race early and spread them out," Deese said. "My car was loose early, the track came to it. I don't know if he missed the rubber or his tires got hot and had trouble keeping it down or what. He made a couple slips and I was there for one of them. "

Sheppard of Waterloo, NY watched Brett Hearn speed by on the first lap but then saw Hearn suddenly slow at the flag stand and get out of everybody's way and retire without a caution. Sheppard took command of the final 29 laps to later take the victory over Shawn Merkel by 2.06 seconds.

"I thought I was pretty good and he drove past us like we were parked there and then he broke," Sheppard said. "We almost ran into the back of him when he lost power on the front stretch. After that, I wanted to stay smooth and keep in the groove. I had a little trouble with a lapped car there and was a little scared, but we made it through and got the checkered flag."  

With a six car inverted start for late models, Dylan Yoder pulled ahead over Miley as Miley then went to the outside past Yoder to lead the third lap and Deese ducked under Yoder to take third on lap five.  

Deese remained within two to three lengths of Miley while Yoder was holding off Frankie Plessinger more than two seconds back. When Miley momentarily got out of shape in turn two on the 19th lap, Deese was within striking distance and seized control. He pulled out and arrived at the rear of the field by the 23rd lap and was a second ahead of Miley when the caution was displayed on the next lap.

Following the restart, Deese was in the clear and making up track with each lap until speeding from the final turn 1.79 seconds ahead.  

"It feels good to be in victory lane," Deese said. "I never expected it on my opening day, but I'll enjoy this all the way home."

Yoder and Plessinger remained in the next spots as Alan Sagi was the fifth place finisher. Jim Bernheisel, Jamie Lathroum, D. J. Myers from 12th, J. T. Spence, from 15th and Jim Yoder completed the top ten. Sagi, Dan Stone, who blew an engine on the final lap and Deese were heat winners while Andy Anderson was the consolation winner.  

After Sheppard and Ron Cartwright brought the modified field to green in the nine car inversion, Hearn quickly went to the outside and drove past Sheppard on the backstretch. Coming from the fourth turn, Hearn got to the outside and hoping the field saw his slowing car as Sheppard took evasive action and missed him to drive on as the remaining field did likewise until Hearn dropped exited into the infield on the backstretch.

Meanwhile Sheppard had pulled more than four seconds ahead of Merkel and it was another five back to Cartwright when the first caution came out on lap ten.

Sheppard then had company as Merkel and eighth starting Jimmy Horton stayed within striking distance. Sheppard almost got into to the rear of a slowing Troy Wink on lap 19 as Merkel and Horton made it three wide but the caution then waved when two cars tangled on the front stretch.

Following a 22nd lap yellow for debris, Sheppard was in front and pulling away from Merkel and stretched his lead to the checkered. Horton held to third while his teammate, Doug Manmiller came from 14th for fourth and fifth went to Ray Swinehart.

"We were fortunate to win a couple here a few years back," Sheppard said. "We come down here the first time this year, the first time I've ever been in this car and go out and win the first night. It feels really good."

Doug Hoffman ended sixth after starting 17th with Darwin Green, Rusty Smith, from 21st, Jordon Umbenhauer, 15th, and Craig Von Dohren returning from a tenth lap spin to claim tenth. Godown, Horton and Von Dohren won the heats and Bobby Drayton the consolation.  

There is no racing this Saturday the 21st, but the speedway will be open to all classes of race cars for a test and tune session which will start at 1:00 p.m..

Hagerstown Speedway Results

Late Models, 30 laps , 27 Entries, (Lap Leaders - Dylan Yoder 1-2, Jared Miley 3-19, Roy Deese Jr. 20-30) 1.Roy Deese Jr.; 2.Jared Miley; 3.Dylan Yoder; 4.Frankie Plessinger; 5.Alan Sagi; 6.Jim Bernheisel; 7.Jamie Lathroum; 8.D.J. Myers; 9.J. T. Spence; 10.Jim Yoder; 11.Gary Stuhler; 12.Andy Anderson; 13.Scott Haus; 14.Mike Lupfer; 15.Matt Parks; 16.Matt Lux; 17.Pete Weaver; 18.Tim Fetter; 19.Scott LeBarron; 20.Denton Boyer; 21.Roland Mann; 22.Kirk Ryan; 23.Lindsay Barton; 24.Paul Crowl ; DNS - Dan Stone; DNQ - Mike Walls, DNS - Mike Hardy

Small Block Modifieds, 30 laps - 30 Entries (Lap Leaders - Brett Hearn 1, Matt Sheppard 2-30) 1.Matt Sheppard; 2.Shawn Merkel; 3.Jimmy Horton; 4.Doug Manmiller; 5.Ray Swinehart; 6.Doug Hoffman; 7.Darwin Greene; 8.Rusty Smith; 9.Jordan Umbenhauer; 10.Craig VonDorhen; 11.Bobby Drayton; 12.Rick Scagliotta; 13.Mark Frankhouser; 14.Kevin Hirthler; 15.Dave Dubois; 16.Dan Vauter; 17.Jared Umbenhauer; 18.Tom Miller; 19.Ron Cartwright; 20.Troy Wing; 21.John Stangle; 22.Brian Godown; 23.Richie Pratt Jr.; 24.Brett Hearn;  DNQ - Bryan Brown, Tom Solderzch, Jason Rivers, DNS - Tony Steiner, Shawn Fitzpatrick; Billy Pauch Jr.

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March 7, 2009
PRATT AND "Kid" RICHARDS SCORE HAGERSTOWN OPENERS

No snow, no rain, no cold. After losing the first two weeks to weather, Hagerstown Speedway's Saturday afternoon opener was comparable to a July evening as Richie Pratt Jr. and Josh "Kid Rocket" Richards scored the $2,000 triumphs and also earned guaranteed starting positions in the Octoberfest 350.

Winning the third heat, Pratt, of Sewell, NJ, pulled a three car invert to place him on the pole for the 30-lap big block modified feature. Pratt's obstacles were rear traffic, but he patiently waited out the final laps to score by two lengths over Bret Hearn.

"I knew I had a decent lead because the crew was showing me so I decided in the last three-four laps not to pass any more lapped cars," Pratt said. "I can't believe it. I got second in last year's Octoberfest to Bret, and I thought about a hundred times what I could do better. I tried to apply what I learned on the car and we beat him."

Richards also was all luck for the day and after winning the fourth heat, he pulled a number four to put himself on the pole. He stretched his lead to more than four seconds several times over Frankie Plessinger and ran away following a 24th lap restart to win by 5.941 seconds.

"It was pretty special to win here in the daytime, I think this was only the second time I've raced here in daytime," Richards, of Shinnston, WV said.  "We lucked out today with the pill draw and started up front in the heat race and in the feature. You can pretty much ride in the feature. Whoever started up front was most likely going to win."

Pratt took the lead over Jimmy Phelps on the start with cautions interrupting the first and second circuits. Hearn pressured Phelps and got under him on the backstretch of the fourth lap for the runner up spot, but Pratt was stretching his lead and caught rear cars on the tenth lap with more than two seconds to the good.

Three laps later, Pratt was mired behind three cars as Hearn began to close. Well, behind him, Ryan Godown took third from Phelps.

Pratt cleared the final car on the 17th circuit and again easily pulled away as Hearn worked the traffic. Pratt again found himself looking at a five car obstacle to impede his progress on the 22nd lap. Passing three of them, he held his position while Hearn still worked his way past each and finally disposed of the last on the last lap to close to within two lengths to no avail. It was over. Pratt had scored his first ever Hagerstown victory.  Godown held to third over Phelps and Mike Colsten. Dan Vaukter, Jimmy Horton, from 13th, Matt Jester, Mike Nichol, 14th, and Sean Mirkel completed the top ten. Hearn, Phelps, and Pratt Jr. won the heats for the 28 entries.


On the initial late model start, the third turn ended as a parking lot as several went for the same track space. This ended with Tim Fedder, Ronnie DeHaven Jr, Dale Hollidge and Jamie Lathroum in the pits while the rest were able to restart.  

Richards took off on the restart leaving Frankie Plessinger and Jim Yoder behind as Gary Stuhler took the third spot on the fifth lap. Following an eighth lap restart, Richards again stretched his distance to nearly a straightaway over Plessinger and Stuhler by a 15th lap yellow and behind them, D. J. Myers had advanced past Alan Sagi and Yoder to take over the fourth position.

Richards was again nearly four seconds ahead for a 23rd circuit yellow followed by another on the restart.

In the final six laps, Richards was flawless and opened track over Plessinger and the others with each lap, to win by 5.94 seconds. Stuhler, Myers and Yoder completed the top five. Sagi was sixth over Jared Miley who was late for lineups and started from the rear, Andy Anderson from 15th, Donnie Lingo, 18th, and Dylan Yoder. Stuhler, J.Yoder, Plessinger and Richards won the heats for the 33 entries.  

The Small Block modifieds appear next for a shot at their Octoberfest qualifier along with the late models returning. Both divisions will compete in 30-lap features. Pit gates open at 10 a.m., grandstands at 11:a.m.with hot laps beginning at 1 p.m.

Hagerstown Speedway Results

Big Block Modifieds, 30 laps - 28 Entries (Lap Leaders - Richie Pratt 1-30) 1.Richie Pratt Jr.; 2.Brett Hearn; 3.Ryan Godown; 4.Jimmy Phelps; 5.Mike Colsten; 6.Dan Vauter; 7.Jimmy Horton; 8.Matt Jester; 9.Mike Nichol; 10.Sean Merkel; 11.Del Rougevx; 12.Jeff Strunk; 13.Jamie Mills; 14.Joe Grammes; 15.Rich Scagliotta; 16.Ray Swinehart; 17.Bobby Dayton; 18.Jeremiah Shingledecker; 19.J.J. Courcy; 20.Bryant Brown; 21.Kevin Hirthler; 22.Mike Storms; 23.Rich Lauback; 24.Terry Knoblock;  DNQ Darwin Greene, Troy Wink, Ray Bliss, Randy Chronister

Late Models, 30 laps , 33 Entries, (Lap Leaders - Josh Richards 1-30 )
1.Josh Richards; 2.Frankie Plessinger; 3.Gary Stuhler; 4.D. J. Myers;; 5.Jim Yoder; 6.Alan Sagi; 7.Jared Miley; 8.Andy Anderson; 9.Donald Lingo; 10.Dylan Yoder; 11.Mike Lupfer; 12.Paul Crowl; 13.Marvin Winters; 14.Scott LeBarron; 15.Roland Mann; 16.Matt Parks; 17.Greg Satterlee; 18.Mike Walls; 19.Harold Dorsey; 20.Dan Stone; 21.Tim Fetter; 22.Jamie Lathroum; 23.Dale Hollidge; 24.Ronnie DeHaven Jr.; DNQ - Denton Boyer, Steve Gibney, Kerry King, Eric Hons, Kris Eaton, Bud Phillips, Lindsay Barton, Gary Hendershot, DNS -Tyler Hershey

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February 27 2009
FOR THE SECOND WEEK IN A ROW THE WEATHER TAKES  THE CHECKERED FLAG AT HAGERSTOWN SPEEDWAY

Once again the weather is the winner at Hagerstown Speedway.    Saturday’s show was to feature the Big Block Modifieds and Late Models.

Rain on Friday and Saturday’s forecast for temperatures struggling to get out of the 30’s and a mix of rain and snow by afternoon forced Hagerstown Speedway to cancel.

The Speedway will try again next Saturday, March 7th with the Octoberfest qualifier for  Modifieds and Late Models.  Pit gates will open at 10:00 a.m. with the grandstands opening at 11:00 a.m. hot laps begin at 1:00 p.m. with race time at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Should Saturday's weather be a factor, Sunday will be used as a possible make up date. Times would remain the same.

For additional information, contact the speedway office at (301) 582-0640.  Check the speedways website for any weather related information

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February 20 2009
HAGERSTOWN'S RACE-A-RAMA KICKS OFF THE SEASON

Hagerstown Speedway's 62nd season got underway Wednesday with the 24th Annual Race-A-Rama car show at Hagerstown's Valley Mall but any chance of getting the first scheduled race consisting of late models and 410 sprints in the record books today went by the wayside on Thursday when the program was cancelled due the continued winter forecast and poor track conditions.

In Friday night's awards presentation, earning the Best of Show award in this year's show was the #26 late model sportsman entry of Jerry Bard of Shippensburg.

The late model awards went to the #8 of Alan Sagi, Hagerstown; #46 of Marvin Winters, McConnellsburg, Pa. and the #12 of Devin Friese from Chambersburg, Pa.  

Late model sportsman winners were Terry Flaherty, #11, Hagerstown, Pete Weaver, #16, of Williamsport, Md and the #95, Roy Hornbaker from St. Thomas, Pa.

The three pure stock trophies went to Shippensburg's Charlie Pensinger, #10, Hagerstown's Randy Kline, #9 and Robert Franklin's #16.  

Judged best appearing of the various other entries on hand was the #22 Monte Carlo enduro racer of Kenny Thomas from Greencastle, Pa.

As another reminder, next Saturday, February 28th, Hagerstown will again attempt to open the speedway with a 30-lap double feature Octoberfest Qualifier program for late models and the big block modifieds.

ALL shows are scheduled Saturday with Sunday used as a possible back up date for any weather related issues. This policy remains in effect for the next three programs where modifieds are part of the program.

Warm-ups begin at 1 p.m. with race time approximately 1:30 p.m. Gates open at 11 a.m., pit gates at 10 a.m.

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February 19 2009
FOR THE SEVENTH STRAIGHT SEASON HAGERSTOWN SPEEDWAY LOSES THEIR SEASON OPENER TO WEATHER

For the seventh season in a row Hagerstown Speedway has lost this weekend’s season opener to weather.  Saturday’s show was to feature the 410 Sprints and Late Models.

With temperatures forecast not to get out of the 30’s Saturday and Sunday, promoter Frank Plessinger canceled the weekend festivities.  “It would be too cold for both fans and competitors”, said Plessinger.  “Track preparation would be very difficult with the sub freezing temperatures we have been having at night.”

Hagerstown Speedway will try again next Saturday, February 28th with the Octoberfest qualifier for Big Block Modifieds and Late Models.  Pit gates will open at 10:00 a.m. with the grandstands opening at 11:00 a.m. Hot laps begin at 1:00 p.m. with race time at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Should Saturday's weather be a factor, Sunday will be used as a make up date. Times would remain the same.

For additional information, contact the speedway office at (301) 582-0640.  Check the speedways website for any weather related information

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February 5 2009
HAGERSTOWN SPEEDWAY PHOTOGRAPHER JASON WALLS RELEASES THE FIRST ADDITION OF THE 2009 HAGERSTOWN SPEEDWAY CALENDAR

It is with great pride that I would like to announce my first attempt at producing a quality local dirt late model calendar.  This first edition features the top 12 drivers in points from the 2008 Hagerstown Speedway Super Late Model division.  The calendar is highlighted by action photos of each of the featured drivers along with their final points standing for the year.  Another outstanding feature of the calendar is a fully integrated 2009 Hagerstown Speedway schedule. No longer will you have to wonder what's happening at the speedway, the race dates are built right into the design of your calendar grid.  The best part of this calendar is that it will be available for just $15.00 thanks to the help of some great supporters of local racing.  To have your calendar delivered to your door visit http://dirtcalendar.com, e-mail info@wrtwebdesigns.com, or call 717-377-4907.

Thanks to these sponsors for helping us to keep the price of the calendar as low as possible:

DH Signs - http://hipsticker.com

BBR Performance - http://www.boozebrothersracing.com

21st Century Fireplace - http://21stcenturyfireplace.com

Sign Design - http://signdesignbfunk.com

Cosgrove Racing Inc./Penske, Afco Shocks - http://seancosgrove.com

HTMA - http://hoosiermidatlantic.com

St. Thomas Towing - http://stthomastowing.com

WRT Speedwerx Professional Motorsports Photography - http://wrtspeedwerx.com

WRT Web Designs / WRT Photos
http://wrtwebdesigns.com / http://wrtphotos.com