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7/16/2011
PLESSINGER SCORES FIRST LATE MODEL WIN IN A YEAR

 Defending late model champion Frankie Plessinger of Big Cove Tannery, Pa. captured his first triumph in just over a year Saturday evening during Family Night at Hagerstown Speedway. His win came by two seconds over Tyler Hershey.

Nearby Williamsport’s Justin Weaver posted his season second and Andy Fries, Mercersburg, Pa, the July 2nd postponed feature and first since May, 2009, in the Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic late model sportsman. In the Ernie D’s pure stocks, Wayne Hawbaker of Greencastle, Pa. won the scheduled feature, his first since August 2008 while Tony Catlett of Hedgesville, WV. was victorious for the first ever time in the July 2nd postponed event.   

Plessinger started sixth in the non-stop late model feature, moved to second on lap seven and then chased down race long leader Bo Feathers to take the lead from him on lap 17. He is the eighth different winner this season.

“We finally got our motor back last night and the guys went completely over the car today,” Plessinger said. “We’ve had bad luck all year, just stupid stuff happening. I knew Bo started on the pole and when I got into second and started catching him, the car felt better. We finally got one.”

Feathers and Brent Smith started from the front row following qualifying as Plessinger was from sixth into third by the second lap and then took the runner up spot from Smith on the seventh circuit when Feathers was all but four seconds ahead.

Plessinger began reeling him in while Hershey moved to third to join him and Marvin Winters was into fourth by the tenth circuit. Plessinger had the distance cut in half by the eleventh lap and gained ground with each lap until he was on Feathers bumper on the 15th circuit and sped ahead off the fourth turn on the next circuit.

With the green flag still displayed, Plessinger began edging away from Hershey until taking the checkered two seconds ahead with Winters taking the third with two laps to go. Feathers and Kyle Lear completed the top five. Jerry Bard, Duane Harbaugh, Jim Bernheisel, Roy Deese Jr. and Smith rounded out the top ten. Heats went to Alan Sagi, Feathers and Plessinger.

In the scheduled late model sportsman event, Weaver began from the pole with Glenn Elliott alongside as Weaver charged ahead as Elliott slid high in the second turn but rebounded to grab second and chase Weaver the entire distance as Cody Lear took third from Terry Flaherty on the 13th lap. Prior to an 11th lap restart, Elliott pestered Weaver but could not get fully alongside and following the restart, Weaver continued to hold the advantage to the checkered and won by 1.06 seconds.  Lear ended third over Terry Flaherty and Pete Weaver. J. Weaver, Lear and Elliott won the heats.

In the postponed feature, Justin Weaver took the initial lead from the outside pole over Richard Walls and Fries while Bo Feathers advanced from 11th into third by the fourth circuit. Fries passed Weaver and led the eighth and ninth laps but Feathers sped past both Weaver and Fries following a ninth lap restart. Feathers continued to lead and drove under the checkered first but his spoiler height failed post race inspection with Fries, the 2006 through 2008 champion, awarded the win. Wayne Walls Jr. ended in the runner up spot after advancing from ninth to third by the halfway mark. Pete Weaver came from 14th to finish fourth over 11th starting Cody Lear. J.Weaver, Fries and Elliott were the heat winners.

In the scheduled pure stock feature, Hawbaker took the lead over Frank Dibella while Dave Stouffer came from ninth to second by the seventh lap in the non-stop feature. Hawbaker got to the rear of the field with two to go and made up a small distance on Stouffer to capture the win over him by 1.16 seconds. Drew Fitzsimmons, Kevin Koontz and Kenny Dillon were next. Fitzsimmons, Eddie McClellan and Tony Catlett were the heat winners.

Catlett began from the pole in the postponed 15-lap feature and led over Bill Ecton Sr. until Hawbaker got free of a six battle for second and was just over two seconds behind Catlett at halfway. The caution came out with two to go but Catlett held his line and beat Hawbaker by a length for his first ever win. Fitzsimmons, Ecton Jr. and Danny Beavers were next. Catlett, Koontz and Charlie Pensinger won the heats.      

Stock car racing is on hold next weekend as the Monster trucks arrive for a Friday to Sunday event, the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam brought to you by your local Ford dealer.

Racing resumes the following Saturday, July 30th, with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series on hand for the 30th Annual Conococheague 50-lap event plus a pure stock special.

Hagerstown Speedway Results

Late Models, 25 laps, 22 entries, (Lap Leaders – Bo Feathers 1-16, Frankie Plessinger 17-25) 1.Frankie Plessinger, 2.Tyler Hershey, 3.Marvin Winters, 4.Bo Feathers, 5.Kyle Lear, 6.Jerry Bard, 7.Duane Harbaugh, 8.Jim Bernheisel, 9.Roy Deese Jr., 10.Brent Smith, 11.Nick Dickson, 12.Steve Axtell Jr., 13.Rusty Sites, 14.Ashley Barrett, 15.Tim Murphy, 16.Matt Murphy, 17.Gary Stuhler, 18.Alan Sagi (in C.Hageage’s car), 19.Mike Walls, 20.Lindsay Barton, 21.Al Shawver Jr., DNS - Charlie Hageage

Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic Late Model Sportsman, (Postponed from July 2) 20 Laps, 23 entries (Lap Leaders – Justin Weaver 1-7, Andy Fries 8-9, Bo Feathers 10-20) 1.Andy Fries, 2.Wayne Walls Jr., 3.Pete Weaver (St. Thomas Towing/Checkered Flag Lube Hard Charger), 4.Cody Lear, 5.Justin Weaver, 6.Mike Walls, 7.Richard Walls, 8.Terry Flaherty, 9.Donnie Farlling, 10.Glenn Elliott, 11.Scott Palmer, 12.Chaz Walls, 13.Paul Cursey, 14.Courtney Shreiner, 15.Kyle Wiser, 16.Tyler Emory, 17.Elwood Sord, 18.Chad Myers, DSQ-Bo Feathers (Spoiler Height) DNS – Rodney Walls, Ronnie Dennis, Mike Walls, Ralph Morgan Jr.

Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic Late Model Sportsman, 20 Laps, 19 entries (Lap Leader Justin Weaver - 1-20) 1.Justin Weaver, 2.Glenn Elliott, 3.Cody Lear, 4.Terry Flaherty, 5.Pete Weaver, 6.Scott Palmer, 7.Donnie Farlling, 8.Andy Fries, 9.Wayne Walls Jr. (St. Thomas Towing/Checkered Flag Lube Hard Charger), 10.Courney Shreiner, 11.Mike Walls, 12.Trever Feathers, 13.Richard Walls, 14.Paul Cursey, 15.Tyler Horst, 16.Kyle Wiser, 17.Elwood Sord, 18.Roy Hornbaker, 19.John McLanigan, 20.Chaz Walls, 21.Tyler Emory, DNS – Chad Myers, Rodney Walls

Ernie D’s Pure Stocks, (Postponed from July 2) - 15 laps, 19 entries (Lap Leaders – Tony Catlett 1-15) 1.Tony Catlett, 2.Wayne Hawbaker, 3.Drew Fitzsimmons, 4.Bill Ecton Jr., 5.Danny Beavers (Turner Bowling Centers Hard Charger) 6.Frank Dibella, 7.Kevin Koontz, 8.Mike Kratovil, 9.Kenny Dillon, 10.Charlie Pensinger, 11.Eddie McClellan, 12.Bill Ecton Sr. 13.Steve Lowery, 14.Charlie Shearer, 15.Keith Koontz, 16.Carl Biddle, DNS – Dave Gross, Kenny Day, Dave Stouffer Jr.

Ernie D’s Pure Stocks, 15 laps, 21 entries (Lap Leaders – Wayne Hawbaker 1-15) 1.Wayne Hawbaker, 2.Dave Stouffer Jr. (Turner Bowling Centers Hard Charger), 3.Drew Fitzsimmons, 4.Kevin Koontz, 5.Kenny Dillon, 6.Eddie McClellan, 7.Danny Beavers, 8.Frank Dibella, 9.Bill Ecton Jr., 10.Mike Kratovil, 11.James Jones, 12.William Crook, 13.Keith Koontz, 14.Bill Ecton Sr., 15.Tony Catlett, 16.Charlie Shearer – DNS-Charlie Pensinger, Kenny Day, Steve Lowery, Dave Gross, Carl Biddle

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7/2/2011
COVERT ADDS NAME TO ROBERTS MEMORIAL WINNERS 

Total dominance was the best way to describe Jason Covert’s victory of the 46th Annual Johnny Roberts Memorial at Hagerstown Speedway on Saturday. Starting 12th in the Barry Klinedinst Rocket, Covert of York Haven, PA, took the lead from Jerry Bard on the 15th circuit and was 11 seconds ahead when the yellow was displayed with two laps to go. He then pulled away to score his first ever Roberts triumph, his third win of the season and second consecutive by 2.69 seconds over Bard. He remains the only repeat winner this season in the nine late model events.

“All the credit goes to the team,” Covert said. “I’m pretty sure from 12th to there with the handicapping system and we didn’t have any points and the guys that run here every week are tough. The team gives me a tremendous car and things went our way tonight. Things went our way last week too. It’s gratifying to come back and win on Hoosiers. We appreciate them for helping us out.”

Rain began at the track following warm-ups with late models headed to the staging area for their first heat race. With the high humidity combined with the heavy showers, it made for a long evening as it was 10:00 p.m. when late models got on the track again for their warm-ups and 10:15 when all heat races began for the evening.

Knowing it would be late and with more rain showing to arrive later, drivers met and agreed to change the format from 50 to 35 laps. Due to the late hour with the fireworks and Roberts feature, the pure stock and late model sportsman features were postponed until Family Night, July 16th.

Bard and Brent Smith started on the front row but fourth starter Duane Harbaugh quickly grabbed the runner up spot with third starting Marvin Winters taking third from Smith on the third circuit.

Bard pulled out to a nearly three second lead over Harbaugh before a lap 11 caution with Covert already advancing  to fourth.

Covert shot past Smith for third the next lap and then pulled alongside Harbaugh to pass him on the backstretch of the 13th. Covert was side by side with Bard on the next round and then went under him to snatch the lead.

By a lap 19 caution, Covert had built a more than three second lead and following the restart, did the same as he easily pulled way with each circuit. With ten to go, he was out front cruising 5.63 seconds ahead and continued until he was more than half a lap ahead and into rear traffic when the caution waved for a stopped car.

In two laps, Covert was ready for victory lane, having won by 2.69 seconds over Bard.

“I’ve been coming here since I was eight or nine,” Covert said. “This Johnny Roberts Memorial means a lot. Just to have my name with a lot of those guys like Gary and them, that’s pretty cool. It’s been a great night and I’m just tickled. The car was just flawless.”

Jim Bernheisel got past Harbaugh for third on the 31st while Roy Deese Jr. dropped Harbaugh to fifth the next circuit. Sixth went to Winters with Steve Axell Jr., Nick Dickson, Kyle Lear and defending event winner Frankie Plessinger completing the top ten.   

Bard, Lear and Winters won the late model heats. Justin Weaver, Andy Fries and Glenn Elliott were victorious in the late model sportsman heats while Tony Catlett and Kevin Koontz were the pure stock winners.

Stock car racing is on hold next weekend as the two wheelers arrive for the 30th Annual Hub City Classic for the AMA and Grand National motorcycles. 

Racing resumes the following Saturday, July 16th, with Family Night and a five feature program to include the regular three division show of late models, late model sportsman and pure stocks in addition to the postponed late model sportsman and pure stock features from tonight’s program.  

Hagerstown Speedway Results

46th Annual Johnny Roberts Memorial: Late Models, 35 laps, 25 entries, (Lap Leaders – Jerry Bard 1-14, Jason Covert 15-35) 1.Jason Covert, 2.Jerry Bard, 3.Jim Bernheisel, 4.Roy Deese Jr., 5.Duane Harbaugh, 6.Marvin Winters, 7.Steve Axtell Jr., 8.Nick Dickson, 9.Kyle Lear, 10.Frankie Plessinger, 11.Wesley Bonebrake, 12.Alan Sagi, 13.Bryan Bernheisel, 14.Tyler Hershey, 15.Brent Smith, 16.Lindsay Barton, 17.Brian Booze, 18.Gary Stuhler, 19.Bo Feathers, 20. Rusty Sites, DNS- Ashley Barrett, Jamie Lathroum, Larry Baker II, Tim Murphy, Keith Jackson

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6/29/2011
HODNETT CLAIMS HAGERSTOWN’S SPRINT SPEEDWEEK SHOW

Greg Hodnett surveyed the situation for numerous laps before passing Jason Johnson on lap 19 of Hagerstown Speedway’s non-stop Pennsylvania Sprint Car Speedweek event, later speeding 4.72 seconds ahead of Johnson for the $5,000 triumph. Hodnett, of Thomasville, Pa, the 2009 and 2010 Speedweek champion, became the fourth different winner in the week long series as he earned his third overall win of the season and first at Hagerstown since the 2006 Octoberfest.   

“In the open road he (Jason) was as good or better than we were,” Hodnett said. “I was just trying different lines, knowing eventually we’d get to traffic and try to know where I could and couldn’t go. Obviously you have a great advantage in second place before you get there because when you’re in the lead, you want to stay out front and keep running.”

Hodnett was third quick in times and pulled the number two for the 30-lap feature to line up alongside Johnson. Johnson quickly pulled to the front as Hodnett scrambled to grab the runner up spot over previous night winner, Tyler Walker, Alan Krimes, Fred Rahmer and Danny Dietrich, the top six qualifiers who pulled for the starting lineup. Krimes was past Walker by lap three with Dietrich getting past Rahmer the next lap.

Hodnett continued to size up the situation while Krimes followed and Walker trailed by nearly a straight stretch. Johnson caught the rear of the field on the ninth lap as two laps later, Hodnett was on his bumper and again on the 14th lap.

On the 18th, Johnson and Hodnett were again maneuvering traffic and Hodnett saw an opening and opportunity to exit the fourth turn with the lead.

In five laps, Hodnett had stretched his lead to more than two seconds and continued to go through more traffic. With three laps to go, three rear cars separated him from Johnson.

“We were really tight in the qualifying race but we just had to work on it, massage it a little bit,” Hodnett said. “The guys did a really nice job of getting this thing rolling around. I haven’t won here in a few years, so it feels really good to come here and get one done.”

Just like other facilities, the track changed but for the better even with sunny and windy conditions.

“The track got wide. It was a little unforgiving in qualifying but going out early helped us tremendously,” Hodnett said. “The track widened out to where it was excellent racing. We could go outside somebody off the right rear, run up top, run on the bottom and it made for a very exciting race, at least from where I was anyway.”

Dietrich passed Krimes with one to go to end third while Walker finished fifth. Rahmer held to sixth while Donnie Kreitz Jr., Adam Wilt, Lance Dewease and Daryn Pittman, from 15th, completed the top ten. 

Heats went to Brad McClelland, Justin Henderson, Mark Smith and Pittman while Dewease was the consy winner. Johnson set the fast time of 16.665 seconds.

There were also 33 vintage restored racers from the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing on hand for a display and track time.

Next up is the July 4th holiday weekend special this Saturday, the 46th Annual Johnny Roberts Memorial, a 50-lap Late Model feature event plus the Late Model Sportsman, Pure Stocks & Fireworks display. Warm-ups are at 7:00 p.m. Sunday July 3rd is a rain date.

Hagerstown Speedway Results

21st Annual Pennsylvania Sprint Car Speedweek, Race #4  -- 30 laps, 32 entries, (Lap Leaders –Jason Johnson 1-18, Greg Hodnett 19-30): 1.Greg Hodnett, 2.Jason Johnson, 3.Danny Dietrich, 4.Alan Krimes, 5.Tyler Walker, 6.Fred Rahmer, 7.Donnie Kreitz Jr., 8.Adam Wilt, 9.Lance Dewease, 10.Daryn Pittman, 11.Aaron Ott, 12.Justin Henderson, 13.Mike Wagner, 14.Brent Marks, 15.Mark Smith, 16.Stevie Smith, 17.Chad Layton, 18.Sam Hafertepe, Jr., 19.Frank Cozze, 20.Brad McClelland, 21.Jim Seigel, 22.Brian Montieth, 23.Chad Criswell, 24.Brian Leppo, DNQ – Phil Walter, Dan Shetler, Nichole Bower, Troy Fraker, Mark Zimmerman, Scott Lutz, Jay Reichard, Tim Glatfelter

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6/24/2011
COVERT FIRST TSF REPEAT WINNER WITH NININGER MEMORIAL TRIUMPH 

 Jason Covert became the first repeat winner at Hagerstown Speedway on Friday after posting the triumph of the 4th Annual Red Nininger Memorial, the third race of the Hagerstown/Winchester Shootout. Covert of York Haven, Pa. also became the first repeat winner in the Three State Flyers Dirt Late Model Series, having won Hagerstown’s Bonebrake Tribute a month ago. He increased his lead in the TSF "Nininger’s Tire and Auto Center Challenge in Memory of Red Nininger" over J. T. Spence who finished 2.06 seconds behind Covert.

Steve Lowery of Chambersburg, Pa. beat Eddie McClellan and Wayne Hawbaker to the finish in the Ernie D’s pure stocks by less than a length after a three wide exit from the fourth turn.

Alan Sagi occupied the pole after winning the eight lap dash with D. J. Myers alongside. Sagi, driving with a broken right wrist following an incident the previous week, pulled into the lead while third starting Covert quickly took control of the runner up position.

Sagi continued to hold a second plus advantage over Covert as fifth starting Spence passed Myers on the fourth lap and Jim Bernheisel repeatedly challenged Myers until the caution waved on lap 14 when Jamie Lathroum slowed.

Covert went to the outside on the restart as Sagi led the next lap, but in turn three, Covert made contact with Sagi’s right front as Sagi fought to gather it back in while Spence motored by into the runner up spot.

Covert sped away and was 2.75 seconds ahead and into rear traffic while Sagi was a near equal distance back in third. Covert continued through traffic until arriving at the checkered 2.06 seconds over with three lapped cars back to Sagi.

“I’ll just tell you, I wanted it more than those guys tonight,” Covert said. “Barry and the guys worked their guts out to get this car ready. At 9 last night, it didn’t have a body and no motor. All the credit goes to them.”

“Racing Alan is always a pleasure but I got to the outside of him and I needed to get in front of him to get the air off his nose. There was one lane below me but we did get together. It was definitely my fault but we do have roll cages, seat belts and helmets in these things. We’re not trying to crash, but are out there racing on the edge every night.  A bad night here is better than a good day at work so I like being here. ”

Jeremy Miller passed Bernheisel for fourth on the final circuit. Kyle Lear, who came from 18th, received the Round Hill Hard Charger award after finishing sixth with Myers ending seventh. Bo Feathers was eighth with Marvin Winters and Nick Dickson completing the top ten.

Heat winners for the 42 entries were Covert, Myers, Spence and Sagi with Steve Axtell Jr. and Jerry Bard taking the two B mains and Sagi winning the dash. Glenn Nininger randomly pulled the number two from the hat and awarded Spence with an additional $100. Kyle Lear was the Round Hill Service Hard Charger  

Wayne Hawbaker led the pure stocks over Frank Dibella while Kenny Dillon took over second. By the halfway mark, it was a four car battle as Eddie McClellan, Dillon and Lowery were mixing it up with Dillon leading two laps before Hawbaker retook the point. Lowery was challenging and led lap 13 while it still was anyone’s race. At the white flag, it was three wide with McClellan appearing to have the upper hand heading around the final turns but suddenly Lowery sped past him and Hawbaker to take the win in the final stretch. McClellan was alongside a half car length back with Hawbaker, Dillon and Drew Fitzsimmons next. Heat winners were Dillon and Hawbaker.

“The guys are really driving good…a lot of good close racing,” Lowery said. “We had a couple of lucky breaks especially on that last lap. I enjoy racing with these guys…they’re hard racers and we’re having fun.”

This Wednesday, June 29, the 410 sprints arrive south of the border for the 21st Annual Pennsylvania Sprint Car Speedweek plus the EMMR (Eastern Museum of Motor Racing vintage racing exhibition). Warm-ups begin at 7:30 p.m.

That program will be followed with the Independence Day weekend event next Saturday, the 46th Annual Johnny Roberts Memorial, a 50-lap Late Model feature event plus the Late Model Sportsman, Pure Stocks & Fireworks display. Warm-ups are at 7:00 p.m. Sunday July 3rd is a rain date.

Hagerstown Speedway Results

Three State Flyer Late Models– 4th Annual Red Nininger Memorial - 35 laps, 42 entries, (Lap Leaders –Alan Sagi 1-15, Jason Covert 16-35 ): 1.Jason Covert, 2.J. T. Spence, 3.Alan Sagi, 4.Jeremy Miller, 5.Jim Bernheisel, 6.Kyle Lear (Round Hill Auto Service Hard Charger), 7.D. J. Myers, 8.Bo Feathers, 9.MarvinWinters, 10.Nick Dickson, 11.Gary Stuhler, 12.Duane Harbaugh, 13.Scott LeBarron, 14.Jack Pencil, 15.Jerry Bard, 16.Wes Bonebrake, 17.Denny Bonebrake, 18.C.S. Fitzgerald, 19.Pete Weaver, 20.Devin Friese, 21.Jamie Lathroum, 22.Dylan Yoder, 23.Steve Axtell Jr., 24.Brent Smith, DNQ – Frankie Plessinger, Jim Yoder, Keith Jackson, Tyler Hershey, Roy Deese Jr., Matt Murphy, Ronnie DeHaven Jr., Jason Miller, Tim Murphy, Trevor Feathers, Tim Wilson, Wayne Johnson, Waylon Wagner, Ashley Barrett, Mike Walls, Jonathan  DeHaven, Bob Dunn, Mike Lupfer

Ernie D’s Pure Stocks, 15 laps, 17 entries (Lap Leaders – Wayne Hawbaker 1-8, 11-12, 14, Kenny Dillon 9-10, Steve Lowery, 13,15): 1.Steve Lowery (Turner Bowling Centers Hard Charger), 2.Eddie McClellan, 3.Wayne Hawbaker, 4.Kenny Dillon, 5.Drew Fitzsimmons, 6.Kevin Koontz, 7.Keith Koontz, 8.Billy Ecton Jr., 9.Dave Gross, 10.Mike Kratovil, 11.Kenny Day, 12.Frank Dibella, 13.Charlie Shearer, 14.Dave Stouffer Jr., 15.Tony Catlett, DNS – Charlie Pensinger, Bill Ecton Sr.

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6/18/2011
THE BROTHERS LEAR WERE HARD TO BEAT AT HAGERSTOWN

The Lear’s have it. Brothers Kyle and Cody Lear were both successful Saturday night at Hagerstown Speedway as Kyle of Severna Park, MD, who has nine late model sportsman wins to his credit, scored his first ever late model triumph after moving to the division this season. For younger brother Cody, of Severn, MD, his Hoosier Daddy 25 triumph in the Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic late model sportsman was his career second after winning his first ever in the division on June 30, 2007.    

Hagerstown’s Dave Stouffer took the lead after three circuits to score his season second in the Ernie D’s pure stocks while Krazy Kenny Thomas of Keedysville, MD won his second straight in the hobby stock cruisers.

On the third attempt, the late models got underway with Marvin Winters sweeping off the second turn to pull ahead of Ashley Barrett, Lear and Frankie Plessinger. Winters pulled out to a 1.5 second advantage but Lear was into the runner up spot by the second circuit and quickly began running him down. Lear closed to Winters’ bumper on the eighth lap and surged ahead the next circuit with Bo Feathers coming to a stop on lap 11 to regroup the field.

Lear took off on the restart with Winters chasing as Frankie Plessinger took third from Barrett on the 13th lap and Jim Bernheisel passed him for fourth the next lap. Lear maintained a more than one second advantage until catching rear traffic on lap 19 and then began to stretch the distance on Winters until heading off the final turn two lapped cars and 2.555 seconds ahead of Winters with Plessinger next.

“The biggest thing is getting the bugs worked out of a new car that you’re not used to driving, getting it fined tuned,” Lear said. “We went to some of the speedweek shows and worked on the car a lot. We had some driver errors but we’re getting better at that each week. The lack of performance on the car has been a lack of talent of the driver.”

Bernheisel and Barrett were next followed by Alan Sagi, Roy Deese Jr., Duane Harbaugh, Brian Booze and Tyler Hershey, who came from the rear after being involved in the second restart attempt. Heat winners were Barrett, Bernheisel and Lear.

“This is one of the hardest race tracks we’re ever going to go to in the country,” Lear said. “Paul (Crowl), all my guys…it isn’t Paul, it isn’t me…a lot of people put a lot of time on this race car every night during the week. It’s not a hobby…it’s basically a part time job.”

In the Hoosier Daddy 25, Winters had the lead from the pole over Mike Walls as fourth starting Cody Lear charged past both Walls and Winters to lead the fourth circuit. Lear began pulling away from Winters while outside pole sitter Steve Long grabbed the runner up spot on lap seven and was 2.34 seconds behind Lear. Lear had stretched his lead to 2.9 seconds when the caution flag waved on lap nine.

Lear then held a comfortable lead on Long while Winters trailed by nearly three seconds until cautions on the 17th and 20th laps again regrouped the field.

Following the final restart, Lear ran his own race while Winters went around Long and held the runner up spot until the final lap when Long retook the position and finished 1.841 seconds behind Lear at the checkered. Winters, Wayne Walls Jr. and Scott Palmer completed the top five with Pete Weaver coming from 20th to earn the St. Thomas Towing/Checkered Flag Lube hard charger award in sixth. Donnie Farlling was next with Mike Walls, Terry Flaherty and Justin Weaver following. Heats went to Winters, Long and J. Weaver with Tanner Kerr taking the consy. 

“The car was awesome,” Lear said. “It’s been fast all year. We’re just having bad luck but we finally put it all together.”

Tony Catlett pulled to the front of the pure stock feature while Stouffer found holes in traffic and charged from eighth to second by completion of the first lap. He chased Catlett until getting past on the fourth lap and pulled away from the five car battle for second. Billy Ecton Jr. had the spot with Catlett taking it back on the tenth lap until Kevin Koontz entered the mix with two to go and took it to end 1.14 seconds back. Drew Fitzsimmons ended third with Wayne Hawbaker and Eddie McClellan next. McClellan and Catlett won the heats.

The hobby stock cruisers were included on the program after their third rain out the previous week as Gary Proctor led the opening lap until Kenny Thomas went by. Mark Vegh moved into the second spot on the third lap and Krazy Kenny Thomas to third on lap seven. Vegh took the lead on the ninth lap while Thomas and K.K. Thomas made it a tight three car battle during the final laps. Thomas retook the spot on lap 12 with slight contact made heading into turn three on the final lap as K.K. Thomas charged by on the inside when Thomas went high and bobbled exiting turn four to end two lengths back. Proctor was third with Matt Smith and Vegh returning to finish fifth.

Next Saturday, June 24, the Three State Flyers Late Models will take to the track in the 4th Annual Red Nininger Memorial, a TSF Shootout open event with Winchester. Having won the last TSF event at Hagerstown, the Bonebrake Tribute, Jason Covert returns to the track 22 points ahead of J.T. Spence in the "Nininger’s Tire and Auto Center Challenge in Memory of Red Nininger". The Ernie D’s Pure Stocks will also be in competition. Warm ups begin at 7:00 p.m.

Hagerstown Speedway Results

Late Models, 25 laps, 23 entries, (Lap Leaders – Marvin Winters 1-8, Kyle Lear 9-25) 1.Kyle Lear, 2.Marvin Winters, 3.Frankie Plessinger, 4.Jim Bernheisel, 5.Ashle Barrett, 6.Alan Sagi, 7.Roy Deese Jr., 8.Duane Harbaugh, 9.Brian Booze, 10.Tyler Hershey, 11.Jerry Bard, 12.Steve Axtell, Jr., 13.Wesley Bonebrake, 14.Scott LeBarron, 15.Matt Murphy, 16.Brent Smith, 17.Jason Miller, 18.Larry Baker III, 19.Tim Murphy, 20.Chuck Lewis, 21.Bo Feathers, 22.Lindsay Barton, 23.Denny Bonebrake

Hoosier Daddy: Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic Late Model Sportsman, 25 Laps, 27 entries (Lap Leaders – Marvin Winters 1-3, Cody Lear 4-25) 1.Cody Lear, 2.Steve Long, 3.Marvin Winters, 4.Wayne Walls Jr., 5.Scott Palmer, 6.Pete Weaver (St. Thomas Towing/ Checkered Flag Lube Hard Charger),7.Donnie Farlling, 8.Mike Walls, 9.Terry Flaherty, 10.Justin Weaver, 11.Courtney Shreiner, 12.Robby Beall, 13.Chad Myers, 14.Chaz Walls, 15.Tyler Horst, 16.Rodney Walls, 17.Ronnie Dennis, 18.Bruce Kane, 19.Paul Cursey, 20.Tanner Kerr, 21.Andy Fries, 22.Glenn Elliott, 23.Trever Feathers, 24.Kyle Wiser, DNS – John Baker, Richard Walls 

Ernie D’s Pure Stocks, 15 laps, 18 entries (Lap Leaders – Tony Catlett 1-3, Dave Stouffer Jr. 4-15) 1.Dave Stouffer Jr. (Turner Bowling Centers Hard Charger), 2.Kevn Koontz, 3.Drew Fitzsimmons, 4.Wayne Hawbaker, 5.Eddie McClellan, 6.Tony Catlett, 7.Kenny Dillon, 8.Frank Dibella, 9.Keith Koontz, 10.Dave Gross, 11.Steve Lowery, 12.Mike Kratovil, 13.Kenny Day, 14.Billy Ecton Jr., 15.Charlie Pensinger, 16.Charlie Shearer, 17.Bill Ecton Sr., DNS – Dave Boring

Hobby Stock Cruisers, 15 Laps, 16 entries (Lap Leaders – Gary Proctor 1-2, Kenny Thomas 3-8, 12, 14, Mark Vegh 9-11, 13, Krazy Kenny Thomas 15) 1.Krazy Kenny Thomas, 2.Kenny Thomas, 3.Gary Proctor, 4.Matt Smith, 5.Mark Vegh, 6.Joe Rodgers, 7.Dave Shatto, 8.William Crook, 9.Rodney Minor, 10.Charlie Stambaugh, 11.Nick Dibella, 12.Tom Caravello, 13.Danny Holmes, 14.Nathan Younker, DNS – Lane Hessong, Andy Mowen

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6/4/2011
MARS’ LAST LAP PASS OPENS APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN SPEEDWEEK AT HAGERSTOWN
By Bob Vores

After 48 entries checked in for the 3rd Annual Appalachian Mountain Dirt Late Model Speedweek opener at Hagerstown Speedway, Jimmy Mars’ first visit in several years netted him the $5,000 opening nights 40-lap victory. It was the first ever at Hagerstown for the Menomonie, Wisconsin veteran and resulted from a three wide pass of Austin Hubbard and Steve Shaver in turn two of the final lap to edge Hubbard to the line by .605 seconds and Shaver only another .259 seconds back.

“We’ve done well in heat races here before, got second and other top fives but to get a win at a track like this with all the history behind it is pretty cool,” Mars said. “We got our “hands slapped” in the heat race for jumping and got put back, but we came back and won.”

It also was a first time win for Eddie McClellan of Winchester, VA who stretched his lead in the last half of the Ernie D’s pure stock feature to win by 2.542 seconds over Kenny Day. 

Shaver turned the quickest lap in time trials of 19.743 seconds and then pulled a number three for the heat race inversion with the top two from the four heats redrawing for starting position. Rick Eckert pulled the number one while Shaver started alongside on the front row.

On the start, Gary Stuhler and Kyle Lear had mechanical issues and pitted while only Stuhler returned to action and on the second try, Eckert pulled out front. Shaver pulled alongside several times in the first eight laps until getting past before Dylan Yoder and Jim Bernheisel were involved in a turn four caution the next lap.

Shaver led on the restart with Eckert and ninth starter Hubbard now past Vic Coffey into third and went to the 14th circuit before Duane Harbaugh shredded a tire.

Shaver continued to lead while Hubbard got past Eckert three laps later as did Coffey and 11th starting Mars by the halfway mark. 

The final yellow was displayed for Jeremy Miller on lap 23 when he pulled pitside.

In the final 15-lap stretch, Shaver held off a few challenges from Hubbard while Mars joined them as they edged away from Coffey while Jamie Lathroum got stronger and advanced to pass Dan Stone on the 34th circuit and Coffey the next.

With two laps remaining, the front three were bumper to bumper as Hubbard looked inside Shaver while Mars came to the line in second for the white flag. Suddenly Shaver was stuck in the middle of turn two as Hubbard ducked inside and Mars was squeezed against the fence for a three wide exit. Mars won the race off the turn and headed towards the final turns and the checkered ahead of Hubbard and Shaver.   

“I thought I was good on the outside the whole time,” Mars said. “The marbles get blown away on the last restart.”

Lathroum held to a strong fourth with Coffey ending fifth. Sixth went to Stone with 17th starter J. T. Spence seventh, Tim McCreadie, Roy Deese Jr, from 24th, and 21st starting Jason Covert completing the top ten. Heats went to Stuhler, McCreadie, Miller and Coffey with B mains to Covert and Frankie Plessinger. 

“I didn’t even think about anyone else,” Hubbard said. “I was so concentrated on looking at Shaver and figuring out what I needed to do and all of a sudden, Mars turned right on me on the last lap and that’s never good. Honestly I thought the track was awesome tonight.  When you get the track done like this and everybody can move around and run what lane you want and carry speed, that’s what makes good races.”

“Jimmy had a little different tire on than me, Austin had the same,” Shaver said. “I think his tire got better on the upper groove the last few laps. I tried to move down a little bit and I think it actually hurt me. Third place here is pretty good. I don’t normally run that good here at Hagerstown so we’re tickled to death. Leading like that, I would like to have hung on for the win.”

In the pure stock feature, Kenny Day pulled to the front from the pole while fourth starting McClellan took over on the second circuit. Following back to back cautions on laps five and six, he began to pull away from the field until reaching the checkered by 2.542 seconds ahead of Day who also had his best ever finish. Third went to Steve Lowery who came from the rear following the lap six caution with Danny Beavers and Frank Dibella next.  McClellan and Dave Stouffer Jr. won the heats. 

“It was nice to get out front and get the win tonight,” McClellan said. “I really have to thank Mike Warrenfeltz. The car wouldn’t run during warm-ups and he changed the distributor for me. I guess the rest is history now.”

Hagerstown returns this Saturday evening with a regular three division show of Late Models, Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic late model sportsman and Ernie D’s pure stocks plus the Hobby Stock Cruisers are included on the program.  Warm ups begin at 7:00 p.m.

Hagerstown Speedway Results

3rd Annual Appalachian Dirt Late Model Speedweek, 40 laps, 48 entries, (Lap Leaders – Rick Eckert 1-8, Steve Shaver 9-39, Jimmy Mars 40) 1.Jimmy Mars; 2.Austin Hubbard; 3.Steve Shaver; 4.Jamie Lathroum; 5.Vic Coffey; 6.Dan Stone; 7.J. T. Spence; 8.Tim McCreadie; 9.Roy Deese Jr.; 10.Jason Covert; 11.Keith Jackson; 12.Jim Bernheisel; 13.D. J. Myers; 14.Alan Sagi; 15.Franke Plessinger; 16.Darryl Hills; 17.Rick Eckert; 18.Jerry Bard; 19.Nick Dickson; 20.Jeremy Miller; 21.Gary Stuhler; 22.Duane Harbaugh; 23.Ashley Barrett; 24.Dylan Yoder; 25.Kyle Lear, DNQ – Colby Frye, Kenny Pettyjohn, Bob Dunn, Greg Satterlee, John Garvin, Tim Wilson, Al Shawver Jr., Scott LeBarron, Matt Murphy, Ricky Elliott, Al Chaney, Brent Smith, Mike Lupfer, Derek Byler, Tim Murphy, Terry Naugle, Bryon Sipe, Keith Jackson, Mike Mort, Jonathan DeHaven, Ronnie DeHaven Jr., DNS – Lindsay Barton, Marvin Winters, Brian Booze     

Ernie D’s Pure Stocks, 15 laps, 16 entries (Lap Leaders – Kenny Day 1, Eddie McClellan 2-15) 1.Eddie McClellan; 2.Tony Catlett; 3.Steve Lowery (Turner Bowling Centers Hard Charger); 4.Danny Beavers; 5.Frank Dibella; 6.Dave Stouffer Jr.; 7.Drew Fitzsimmons; 8.Billy Ecton Jr.; 9.Kenny Dillon; 10.Kevn Koontz; 11.Billy Ecton Sr.; 12.Charlie Pensinger; 13.Bruce Leibowitz; 14.Darrin Younker; 15.Charlie Shearer, DNS – Kenny Day 

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5/28/2011
COVERT ENJOYS WINNING HAGERSTOWN’S THREE STATE FLYER BONEBRAKE TRIBUTE
By Bob Vores 

Jason Covert became Hagerstown Speedway’s fifth different winner in as many events Saturday night when he scored a triumph in the Three State Flyers Late Model Series 16th Annual Richard “Boney” Bonebrake Tribute. The event was the Hagerstown/Winchester Shootout. Restarting with five laps to go in the 35-lap Tribute, Covert, of York Haven, Pa, sped away to score the win by 1.25 seconds over Austin Hubbard. He also recorded victory in the 2009 Bonebrake event. 

“When I was a kid, I came here and rooted for Denny Bonebrake,’ Covert said. “Anyone with that name is cool. It’s really an honor to win tonight.”

Justin Weaver of nearby Williamsport recorded his second career win by dominating the Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic late model sportsman by a 7.09 second victory over Chad Myers. Chambersburg, PA’s Steve Lowery grabbed the Ernie D’s pure stock lead on the third lap and later scored his third of five events so far this season.

Following the dash for the Flyers late models, Gary Stuhler and Covert started from the front row as Stuhler pulled out to lead with the opening lap cautioned for a fourth turn incident involving Frankie Plessinger, Jamie Lathroum, Roy Deese Jr. and Rick Eckert with Deese and Eckert able to restart on the rear. 

Covert was ready to toss his first challenge at Stuhler, went to the high side and was ahead by the fourth lap. Austin Hubbard took Stuhler’s spot by the seventh circuit while J.T. Spence and ninth starting Gerry Bard were chasing.

By the tenth lap, Covert and Hubbard had stretched their lead over Stuhler and were more than four seconds ahead by the 15th round. Covert began through the rear of the field on the 21st lap while Spence had passed Stuhler and was five seconds back. Covert caught some heavy traffic but quickly maneuvered past them but wasn’t able to shake Hubbard.

Following a caution on lap 31which regrouped the field. Covert opened more distance on Hubbard in the final laps than he enjoyed the entire race.

“What an honor to race with Gary and with Josh, Austin, Rick,” Covert said. “They’re the best in the business. This is great. This is Memorial Day weekend and we have to thank anyone that fought for our freedom.  We worry about racing and others worry about not having freedom. Now that my daughter is in the Air Force and overseas, I told her I was going to try and win. This takes on a whole new meaning for Memorial Day. I want to thank any of the veterans that did that for us so I get to enjoy a little bit of the freedoms that most of the world doesn’t have.” 

Spence held to third with Josh Richards, from 14th and Stuhler completing the top five. Bard was sixth followed by Dylan Yoder (11th), provisional starter Rick Eckert, the Round Hill Service Hard Charger from 25th, Greg Saterlee (24th) and Alan Sagi (18th). Heats went to Kenny Pettyjohn, Covert, Brian Booze and D. J. Myers while Kyle Lear and Ronnie DeHaven Jr. won the B mains.    

Seventeen year old Weaver and Chad Myers lined up on the front row with Weaver speeding off and by the fifth lap, was 2.5 seconds ahead and getting better. By a lap 11 caution, he enjoyed a 5.4 second lead over Myers and Mike Walls. Following the restart, it was the same all over again as he began stretching his distance each lap until taking the checkered with more than seven seconds advantage over Myers with Walls, Terry Flaherty and Rodney Walls competing the top five. Weaver, Walls and Myers won the heats.

“The car was really good,” Weaver said. “I can’t thank A & C Racing Engines enough.  I owe it all to them.

After Bill Ecton Jr. led the first two laps of the pure stock feature, Lowery was quickly to second from the sixth starting spot to seize the number one position on the third lap. Ninth starter Darrin Younker pulled into the runner up position the next circuit.

Lowery and Younker were joined by Drew Fitzsimmons in a three car battle at the front with Younker pulling alongside several times and Fitzsimmons trying to squeeze through the middle. A caution set up a green-white-checkered as Lowery prevailed by only .28 second over Younker with Fitzsimmons still trying for second until the end. Ecton and Kevin Koontz followed. Lowery and Wayne Hawbaker won the heats.

“I knew those guys were there but I didn’t want to overrun it and give them an opportunity, “Lowery said. “Darrin was definitely was trying hard.” 

The Appalachian Mountain Dirt Late Model Speedweek Series kicks into action at Hagerstown next Saturday with the 3rd Annual 40-lap open late model event with $5,000 awaiting the winner. The Ernie D’s pure stocks are also included on the program.  Warm ups begin at 7:00 p.m.

The latest news, results, photos, schedule or rule changes can be on the speedway’s website:  www.hagerstownspeedway.com.  Also check the website for any changes in weather conditions that may delay or cancel the program or contact the speedway office at 301-582-0640.

Hagerstown Speedway Results

Three State Flyer Late Models– Richard “Boney” Bonebrake Tribute - 35 laps, 37 entries, (Lap Leaders – Gary Stuhler 1-3, Jason Covert 4-35): 1.Jason Covert; 2.Austin Hubbard; 3.J.T. Spence; 4.Josh Richards; 5.Gary Stuhler; 6.Jerry Bard; 7.Dylan Yoder; 8.Rick Eckert (Round Hill Service Hard Charger); 9.Greg Satterlee; 10.Alan Sagi; 11.Ronnie DeHaven; 12.Matt Parks; 13.C. S. Fitzgerald; 14.Jim Bernheisel; 15.Brian Booze; 16.Devin Friese; 17.Kyle Lear; 18.Roy Deese Jr.; 19.Ashley Barrett; 20.D. J. Myers; 21.Nick Dickson; 22.Jeremy Miller; 23.Kenny Pettyjohn; 24.Frankie Plessinger; 25.Jamie Lathroum; 26.Scott LeBarron; DNQ-Brent Smith, Dan Stone, Matt Murphy, Mike Lupfer, Chuck Lewis, Jason Miller, DNS-Tyler Hershey, Keith Jackson, Duane Harbaugh, Mason Zeigler, Marvin Winters. 

Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic Late Model Sportsman, 20 Laps, 22 entries (Lap Leaders – Justin Weaver 1-20) 1.Justin Weaver; 2.Chad Myers; 3.Mike Walls; 4.Terry Flaherty; 5.Rodney Walls; 6.Steve Long; 7.Wayne Walls Jr.; 8.Steve Axtell Jr.; 9.Pete Weaver; 10.Paul Cursey; 11.Cody Lear (Checkered Flag Lube, St. Thomas Towing Hard Charger); 12.Glenn Elliott; 13.Tanner Kerr; 14.Tyler Horst; 15.Chad Walls; 16.Courtney Shreiner; 17.John Baker; 18.Kyle Wiser; 19.Donnie Farlling; 20.Elwood Sord; 21.Al Triplett, DNS – Marvin Winters 

Ernie D’s Pure Stocks, 15 laps, 20 entries (Lap Leaders – Bill Ecton Jr. 1-2, Steve Lowery 3-8, Darrin Younker 9, Lowery 10-15): 1.Steve Lowery; 2.Darrin Younker (Turner Bowling Centers Hard Charger); 3.Drew Fitzsimmons; 4.Bill Ecton Jr., 5.Kevin Koontz; 6.Danny Beavers; 7.Kenny Dillon; 8.Charlie Pensinger; 9.Dave Boring; 10.Mike Kratochvil; 11.Kenny Day; 12.Billy Ecton Sr., 13.Tony Catlett; 14.Dave Stouffer Jr.; 15.Randy Kline; 16.Charlie Shearer; 17.Frank Dibella; 18.Jimmy Moser; 19.Eddie McClellan; DNS – Wayne Hawbaker  

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5/21/2011
NO LATE MODEL SECOND FOR BARD THIS TIME, WEAVER WINS BOWMAN CLASSIC
by Bob Vores  

Leading the late models previously, Jerry Bard just hasn’t sealed the deal and second wasn’t an option Saturday night at Hagerstown Speedway. A former four cylinder champion and late model sportsman racer, Bard, of Shippensburg, PA added his name to the late model winners for the very first time by grabbing the checkered over seven time champion Roy Deese Jr., by .72 second.

“I’ll tell you what, this is unbelievable, “Bard said. “My guys work hard, my wife, I just don’t know what to say. Last year, a couple lapped cars got me in trouble and held me up. Roy got by me. I wasn’t letting up for nothing tonight.”

Patiently running second, defending late model sportsman champion Pete Weaver of nearby Williamsport got past Chaz Walls and led the final ten laps to win the 3rd Annual Bill Bowman Classic.

“Bill worked with my father. I was very honored to win the first annual and really wanted to win the second, but we didn’t quite make it,” Weaver said. “Any time I can win one in Bill’s name, he was a good racer, and he was all about racing. It was really cool to win this one this year for him.” 

Dave Stouffer Jr. took over on the second lap to score his fourth career win in the Ernie D’s pure stocks. Jim Harshman of Boonsboro, Md outlasted the four cylinders to win the 1st Annual Blue-Gray Towing and Recovery 4 Cylinder Demo Derby.  

Bard lined up on the pole position and won the battle off the second turn over Ashley Barrett with sixth starter, defending champion Frankie Plessinger passing Brent Smith into third on lap two.

Plessinger slowed on the fifth lap to bring out the caution as Bard continued to lead while tenth starter Deese took third from Smith on lap six. Barrett then had radiator fan problems and retired to the pits as Deese moved into second for the restart.

Deese threw his best punch at Bard on lap 12 as Kyle Lear took third the same circuit and Keith Jackson followed into fourth. 

Bard still continued to hold a slight edge on Deese after another restart on lap 16 and then on lap 21 when Jackson drifted to a stop. Plessinger leaked water on the track the subsequent lap to set up a three lap dash but Bard was up to the task while Deese also was being challenged by Lear. After his car erupted into a fireball in his heat, Gary Stuhler came from 17th to finish fourth over Ken Dickson. Smith ended sixth with Alan Sagi, Brian Booze, Duane Harbaugh, from 23rd, and Wes Bonebake completed the top ten. Smith, Barrett and Jackson were the heat winners.

From the pole, Chaz Walls pulled ahead in the Bowman event with third starter Cody Lear grabbing second over Paul Cursey with Cursey taking second on the fourth circuit while sixth starter Weaver moved him back a spot then next round.

Walls was out front 1.25 seconds when a caution came on lap eight and he continued to hold a one plus second advantage as Bruce Kane and Steve Axtell Jr. moved into the third and fourth positions.

On the 20th lap, Walls slipped slightly in the second turn as Weaver was already there to take advantage. Weaver then set sail after two restarts to beat Walls to the line by .75 second as Kane came up light at the scales to advance Axtell, Cursey and Trevor Feathers who restarted on the rear during a lap two caution. Lear, Donnie Farlling and Andy Fries won the heats.

“Chaz was having the same problem I was down in three and four, the car was tight right in the middle,” Weaver said. “Every time I thought I could capitalize on his mistake, we made a mistake and Doug had me slow down. That was the key to getting past him. I was calm and collective enough when he made the next mistake and without that, we might not have won.” 

Wayne Hawbaker sped off the outside pole to take the pure stock lead over Stouffer who pulled to the front on the next lap with Bill Ecton Jr. taking the runner up spot on lap three.

From a sixth lap restart, Ecton continued to keep the pressure on Stouffer to the end who collected his career fourth triumph by only .25 second at the finish. Hawbaker, Steve Lowery and Charlie Pensinger were next. Kenny Dillon and Ecton were the heat winners. 

On Saturday’s Memorial Day weekend program, Hagerstown will present the 16th Annual Richard “Boney” Bonebrake Tribute which is a Three State Flyers Shootout 35-lap open event for the late models. The Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic late model sportsman and Ernie D’s pure stocks are also included on the program.  Warm ups begin at 7:00 p.m.

The latest news, results, photos, schedule or rule changes can be on the speedway’s website:  www.hagerstownspeedway.com.  Also check the website for any changes in weather conditions that may delay or cancel the program or contact the speedway office at 301-582-0640.

Hagerstown Speedway Results

Late Models, 25 laps, 24 entries, (Lap Leaders – Jerry Bard 1-25) 1.Jerry Bard, 2.Roy Deese Jr., 3.Kyle Lear, 4.Gary Stuhler, 5.Nick Dickson, 6.Brent Smith, 7.Alan Sagi, 8.Brian Booze, 9.Duane Harbaugh, 10.Wesley Bonebrake, 11.Rick Hulson, 12.Frankie Plessinger, 13.Keith Jackson, 14.Tyler Hershey, 15.Larry Baker II, 16.Lindsay Barton, 17.Jim Bernheisel, 18.Matt Murphy, 19.Ashley Barrett, 20.Chuck Lewis, 21.Mike Steck, 22.Charlie Hageage, 23.Marvin Winters, DNS – Al Cheney

Bill Bowman Classic Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic Late Model Sportsman, 31 Laps, 24 entries (Lap Leaders – Chaz Walls 1-20, Pete Weaver 21-31): 1.Pete Weaver, 2.Chaz Walls, 3.Steve Axtell Jr. (St. Thomas Towing/Checkered Flag Lube Hard Charger), 4.Paul Cursey, 5.Treavor Feathers, 6.Terry Flaherty, 7.Wayne Walls Jr., 8.Rodney Walls, 9.Donnie Farlling, 10.Robby Beall, 11.Cody Lear, 12.John Baker, 13.Fred Harden, 14.Todd Bowersox, 15.Chad Myers, 16.Mike Walls, 17.Tyler Horst, 18.Courtney Shreiner, 19.Elwood Sord, 20.Andy Fries, DSQ- Bruce Kane (Light), DNS - Marvin Winters, Justin Weaver, Scott Palmer 

Ernie D’s Pure Stocks, 15 laps, 17 entries (Lap Leaders – Wayne Hawbaker -1, Dave Stouffer Jr. 2-15):1.Dave Stouffer Jr., 2.Bill Ecton Jr., 3.Wayne Hawbaker, 4.Charlie Pensinger, 5.Drew Fitzsimmons, 6.Frank Dibella, 7.Dave Boring (Turner Bowling Centers Hard Charger) 8.Kenny Day, 9.Steve Lowery, 10.Kevin Koontz, 11.Mike Kratovil, 12.Kenny Dillon, 13.Eddie McClellan, DNS – Jimmie Moser, Tony Catlett, Charlie Shearer, Darrin Younker

1st Annual Blue-Gray Towing and Recovery 4 Cylinder Demo Derby – 1.Jim Harshman, 2.John Smith, 3.Travis Kling, 4.Mike Reid, 5.Zach Reid 

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April 30, 2011
SPENCE TAKES THE CASH IN HAGERSTOWN’S STEEL BLOCK BANDIT GREG KERR MEMORIAL
By Bob Vores

HAGERSTOWN, MD. -- It wasn’t easy but JT Spence made it look that way Saturday night at Hagerstown Speedway when he dominated the Steel Block Bandit Greg Kerr Memorial event aboard the Doug Timmons owned late model sportsman. Spence, of Winchester, VA set second quick time for the evening, won his heat and then pocketed $200 after winning the dash for the top six heat winners. He then led all the way from the pole in the 30-lap Memorial event to win by 2.47 seconds over Kyle Lear and made it a total payday of $4,300.

“Doug and them build one hell of a piece. They have the knowledge and equipment, I just had the privilege of driving it,” Spence said. “We wanted to win this race. Doug quarter midget raced with Greg and I knew Tanner and them pretty good so we wanted to see if we could win. I’ve know Tanner for a couple years now. He’s helped on my car. You couldn’t find a nicer family. Greg used to come to the shop and shoot the breeze about racing. This means a lot to win this one.”

Krazy Kenny Thomas of Keedysville, MD was victorious in the hobby stock cruiser division after taking control of the feature with five laps remaining and winning by a length over Kenny Thomas.  

Spence surged forward on the start to beat defending series champion Walker Arthur off the second turn while Lear pulled ahead of Rick Singleton and Andy Fries to take third on the third circuit.

After a fourth lap yellow, Rick Hulson, who earlier set fast time, slowed with mechanical problems to retire on the seventh circuit as three cars got together in turn one trying to avoid his slowing racer but were able to continue for the restart.

A 12th lap caution for a spin in turn four had Spence still continue to pull ahead of Arthur by more than a second until the 17th circuit, when fourth quick timer Andy Fries retired with mechanical problems.

Spence was even stronger following the final restart and pulled away more than two seconds by the 22nd circuit and approached the rear of the field. Lear kept the pressure on Arthur and took the runner up spot on the white flag lap as Spence was into the rear cars and then stretched the distance on the final lap to 2.47 seconds and a lapped car back to Lear and Arthur.

“When you start on the pole and lead all the way, you have everything to lose,” Spence said. “I lost my brakes there with about five laps to go and that one lapped car about put me in the infield. I was going into three and four with my foot to the floor on the brake and on the gas at the same time trying to get it to turn.”

Tyler Armstrong came from ninth to get past 12th starting Bo Feathers for fourth with five circuits to go while Feathers ended fifth. D.J.Troutman was sixth with Rick Singleton, Al Shawver Jr. from 14th, Kenny Moreland and 18th starter Mike Walls completing the top ten. 

At 52 entries, the field was the largest ever assembled for a Steel Block Bandit event as Rick Hulson’s 19.090 second trip around the half mile was quick time of the evening.  Heat wins went to Walker Arthur, Spence, Lear, Andy Fries, Rick Singleton and Booper Bare. Sean Merkel and Matt Parks scored the B Mains

Gary Proctor led the first circuit for the hobby stock cruisers while Mark Vegh sped past on the second lap and Thomas passed Proctor and then began looking at the options to get past Vegh. Thomas got past but Vegh came back to pull ahead and made contact with Thomas off the second turn just as a caution came out. Vegh’s tire went flat under yellow as Thomas took over for the restart while Kenny Thomas was on his bumper for the restart and along with Proctor, gave it their best over the final laps. Krazy Kenny Thomas prevailed by a length at the checkered as Danny Holmes and Larry Hurley followed Proctor to complete the top five.   

There will be no racing this Saturday, May 7 but the Hagerstown Firefighter’s Bonanza Extravaganza will take place at the speedway. Racing action returns on Saturday, May 14th with a regular three division show of late models, late model sportsman and pure stocks plus will also include the hobby stock cruisers.

Hagerstown Speedway Results

Steel Block Bandit Late Model Racing Series, Greg Kerr Memorial: 52 Entries, (Lap Leader -- JT Spence 1-30); 1.JT Spence; 2.Kyle Lear; 3.Walker Arthur; 4.Tyler Armstrong; 5.Bo Feathers; 6.D.J. Troutman; 7.Rick Singleton; 8.A. Shawver Jr.; 9.Kenny Moreland; 10.Mike Walls; 11.Cody Lear; 12.Steve Long; 13.Scott Palmer; 14.Kyle Merkel; 15.Donnie Farllng; 16.Matt Parks; 17.Bruce Kane; 18.Corey Weaver; 19.Paul Cursey; 20.Andy Fries; 21.Pete Weaver; 22.Joe Leavell; 23.Rick Hulson; 24.Sean Merkel, 25.Booper Bare (DNS) , DNQ – Duane Harbaugh, Matt Cosner, Cam Zeigler, Tim Fedder, Travis Beaver, Wes Bonebrake, Davis Lipscombe, Billy Beachler,  Courtney Shreiner, Rance Garlock, Ryan Christoff, Kelly Putz, Kristian Looney, Tyler Horst, Bryan Bernheisel, Justin Weaver, John Groome, Ben Bowie, Steve Bailor, Chaz Walls, Derick Quade, Tanner Kerr, Matt Howsare, Marvin Winters, DNS – Don Woodruff, Trevor Feathers, DSQ – Grant Adams  

Hobby Stock Cruisers -- 18 Entries (Lap Leaders -- Gary Proctor, 1, Mark Vegh, 2-9, Krazy Kenny Thomas, 10-15)—1.Krazy Kenny Thomas; 2.Kenny Thomas; 3.Gary Proctor; 4.Danny Holmes; 5.Larry Hurley; 6.Nathaniel Younker; 7.Matt Smith, 8.David Shatto; 9.William Crook; 10.Nick Dibella; 11.Mark Vegh; 12.Andy Mowen; 13.Lane Hessong; 14. Joe Rodgers; 15. Tom Coravello
16. Rodney Miner. DSQ – Charles Stambaugh, Terry Barnes

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April 23, 2011
Richards Opens Three State Flyers Series With Saturday Hagerstown Victory
Steve Lowery Claims Season Second Pure Stock Triumph
By Doug Watson 

Total domination. That’s the best way to describe Shinnston West Va.’s Josh Richard’s season opening “Three State Flyers Series” win Saturday at the Hagerstown speedway. In scoring his first feature win of the season at Hagerstown, the defending and two-time World of Outlaw’s series late model champion, became the third different winner in the three-week old season at the venerable Maryland Half-mile.

After scoring a win in the dash, Richards earned the pole for the start of the 35-lap Stanley Schetrompf classic. As the pack took the green flag Richards, wheeling his Ernie Davis owned Rocket no.25, out-dragged fellow front-row line mate Kyle Lear as they raced into turn one. From that point on, it would be a race for second as Richards would go on to lead every lap of the event earning the $3000 pay day that went along with it.

However, as Richards lead, The race for second was quite intense. Eventual runner-up Kyle Lear held the spot the entire distance but had to withstand the constant pressure from Austin Hubbard and Jamie Lathroum that kept the crowd on their feet. As Richards took the checkered flag, Lear would come home second for his best-ever late model finish at Hagerstown with Hubbard settling for third. Tenth-starting Jason Covert would place fourth and Dylan Yoder would claim the Round Hill Auto Service hard charger award as he came from 13th on the grid to round out the top-five.

“I really enjoy racing here at Hagerstown, it’s always a lot of fun.” Race winner Josh Richards stated in victory lane. “This is one of the best tracks I’ve raced on all year so far, there wasn’t a bump on it. I just hope it was a good show for the fans.” A well-prepared race car made Richards job that much easier. “ I can’t thank Ernie and Connie Davis and all the people who help with this car.” Richards said. “This Roush/Yates engine in this car is so strong, but the track was a little slick tonight, so I had to be really careful with the throttle.” Late race lapped traffic was the only scare Richards faced the entire event. “You just never know how big of a lead have so you have to be really careful in lapped traffic, but the cautions came when we needed them, and everything turned out good.”

Heats for the 30 Nininger’s Tire and Auto Center Challenge late models went to Richards, Jamie Lathroum and Kyle Lear with Jerry Bard claiming the consolation.

The Ernie D’s pure stocks were also part of the program and when it was all said and done, current point leader Steve Lowery became the first repeat winner of the season in the divisions 15-lap event. Bill Ecton and Billy Ecton Jr. brought the field to the initial green flag of the race. Bill Ecton would lead one lap before sixth starting Eddie McClellan took the top spot on lap-two. McClellan, who would go on to lead the remaining laps of the contest, would have to repel the advances of tenth-starting Steve Lowery to post the win. However, McClellan failed a post-race inspection, handing the win over to Lowery. Drew Fitzsimmons came home second, Bill Ecton held on for third, Charlie Pensinger was fourth and Wayne Hawbaker completed the top-five. Coming from tenth to first, Lowery also claimed the Turner Bowling Centers hard charger award.

 

Three State Flyer Late Models- 30 entries (Lap Leaders, Josh Richards 1-35)

1. Josh Richards 2. Kyle Lear 3. Austin Hubbard 4. Jason Covert 5. Dylan Yoder 6. JT Spence 7. Jamie Lathroum 8. Nick Dickson 9. Roy Deese Jr. 10. Jared Hawkins 11. Bart Hartman 12. Marvin Winters 13. Brent Smith 14. Alan Sagi 15. Frankie Plessinger 16. Gary Stuhler 17. Ashley Barrett 18. Keith Jackson 19. Scott LeBarron 20. Derek Byler 21. Jerry Bard 22. Devin Friese 23. Matt Parks 24. Duane Harbaugh DNQ- Bob Gordon, CS Fitzgerald, Matt Murphy, Tim Murphy.

Pure Stocks- 13 entries (Lap leaders, Bill Ecton 1, Eddie McClellan 2-15)

1. Steve Lowery 2. Drew Fitzsimmons 3. Bill Ecton 4. Charlie Pensinger 5. Wayne Hawbaker 6. Kenny Dillon 7. Dave Stouffer Jr. 8. Billy Ecton Jr. 9. Mike Kratovil 10. Charles Shearer 11. Darrin Younker (DNS) 12. Tony Catlett (DNS) 13. Eddie McClellan (DQ)

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April 9, 2011
NEW TEAM AND ALL, STUHLER’S WINS HIS FIRST TIME OUT 

Hagerstown, Md. – Following two wins last season including the season ending Octoberfest, Gary Stuhler came right back for the first time in 2011 in a brand new Rocket chassis late model and with a brand new team to claim victory on Saturday evening at Hagerstown. In a six car inverted field, the Greencastle Pa. veteran led all the way from the pole to post his career 129th victory by 1.75 seconds over Nick Dickson in a final four lap run to the checkered.    

Running only one race previously at Hagerstown late last season, Kenny Moreland of Waldorf, Md. made it look easy as he also led all the way from the pole with a six car invert for his career first Hoosier Tire-Mid Atlantic late model sportsman win at the facility, holding off Steve Axtell Jr. by a mere .44 seconds. Kenny Dillon, Hanover, Pa. also got the number one spot for the Ernie D’s pure stock feature to later record his career 23rd win by only three feet.

Stuhler took the green over Keith Jackson while third starter Dickson took the runner up spot away on lap four. Stuhler continued to maintain a second advantage lap on Dickson lap after lap as fifth starter Roy Deese Jr. moved past Jackson on the tenth circuit and closed in as did Jim Bernheisel who took over the fourth spot on lap 13.

Stuhler was into the rear of the field on lap 17 as the first of two cautions then came out on lap 19 when seventh runner Duane Harbaugh had problems and retired. Two circuits later seventh runner Brent Smith became involved with a lapped car to send both off on the hook.   

Stuhler easily stretched out his lead in the final circuits with Deese holding to third over Bernheisel while Greg Satterlee came from 13th to finish fifth. Jackson was followed by Alan Sagi, Kyle Lear, Frankie Plessinger and Tyler Hershey to complete the top ten. Heats went to Bernheisel, Deese Jr. and Marvin Winters.

“Everybody put a whole team effort in this deal,” Stuhler said. “All these guys have worked their tails off and there have been a lot of long nights. They’ve been up every night this week pretty late, Saturday’s and Sunday’s. It was just a good night. We got a good starting spot and everything worked out for us.”

Moreland quickly put his car into the first turn before Scott Palmer and began stretching his lead lap after lap while eighth starter Axtell Jr. was putting on a driving exhibition around the top of the turns and heading towards the front. He passed Palmer on lap 12 prior to the first caution being displayed as Moreland lost a 5.4 second lead. 

Moreland took off under green while Andy Fries moved to third but the next caution on lap 17 was for him after coasting to a stop. Again, Moreland was off and running but Axtell didn’t make the final circuits easy as they came from the final turn bumper to bumper.

“Every caution that came was one too many,” Moreland said. “I was looking at the scoreboard and I was on the wheel, keeping it straight the best I could. I have two wins at home (Potomac) and now wanted to go out and get some wins someplace else. Hagerstown is definitely the place to be.  A lot of good guys have won here, it means a lot.”

Third went to the previous week’s winner, Pete Weaver, who was the Checkered Flag Lube/St. Thomas Towing hard charger after coming from 12th. He was followed by Trevor Feathers and Glenn Elliott. Wayne Walls Jr., Donnie Farlling, Palmer, Tom Wagner and Mike Walls were next.  Heats went to Feathers, Weaver and Walls Jr.

Dillon surged to the front but third starting Dave Stouffer Jr. was on his bumper and pestering him from the first lap while previous week’s winner Steve Lowery was up from the 12th spot by the third lap. Dillon held onto his racer several times following contact on the backstretch but went on to claim the win by three feet over Stouffer and Lowery. Charlie Pensinger and Wayne Hawbaker were next.

“I hate starting on the pole as everyone expects you to win but it’s just great to be here this early in the year,” Dillon said. “This is my favorite type of track to race on. When it’s tacky, I’m good.”

Hagerstown Speedway returns next Saturday, April 16th, with a regular three division show plus will also include the hobby stock cruisers for their second appearance. Warm ups begin at 7:00 p.m.

The latest news, results, photos, schedule or rule changes can be on the speedway’s website:  www.hagerstownspeedway.com.  Also check the website for any changes in weather conditions that may delay or cancel the program or contact the speedway office at 301-582-0640.

 

Hagerstown Speedway Results

Late Models, 25 laps, 22 entries, (Lap Leaders – Gary Stuhler 1-25) 1.Gary Stuhler; 2.Nick Dickson; 3.Roy Deese Jr.; 4.Jim Bernheisel; 5.Greg Satterlee; 6.Keith Jackson; 7.Alan Sagi; 8.Kyle Lear; 9.Frankie Plessinger; 10.Tyler Hershey; 11.James Myers; 12.Tim Murphy; 13.Tom Decker; 14.Lindsay Barton; 15.Marvin Winters; 16.Brent Smith; 17.Matt Murphy; 18.Ashley Barrett; 19.Duane Harbaugh; 20.Rick Hulson; DNS – Jerry Bard, Larry Baker

Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic Late Model Sportsman, 20 Laps, 23 entries (Lap Leaders – Kenny Moreland 1-20) 1.Kenny Moreland; 2.Steve Axtell Jr.; 3.Pete Weaver (Checkered Flag Lube/St. Thomas Towing Hard Charger); 4.Trevor Feathers; 5.Glenn Elliott; 6.Wayne Walls Jr.; 7.Donnie Farlling; 8.Scott Palmer; 9.Tom Wagner; 10.Mike Walls; 11.Justin Weaver; 12.Chaz Walls; 13.Courtney Shreiner; 14.Rodney Walls; 15.Paul Cursey; 16.Chad Myers; 17.Andy Fries; 18.Cody Lear; 19.Matt Howsare; 20.John Baker; 21.Terry Flaherty; 22.Elwood Sord, DNS – Richard Walls

Ernie D’s Pure Stocks, 15 laps,  13 entries (Lap Leaders – Kenny Dillon 1-15) 1.Kenny Dillon; 2.Dave Stouffer Jr.; 3.Steve Lowery; 4.Drew Fitzsimmons; 5.Charlie Pensinger; 6.Wayne Hawbaker; 7.Lin Sutphin Jr.; 8.Bill Ecton; 9.Darrin Younker; 10.Eddie McClellan; 11.Billy Ecton Jr.; 12.Charles Shearer,  DNS - Kevin Koontz

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April , 2 2011
MILLER STEALS A LATE LEAD FROM RICHARDS TO SCORE HAGERSTOWN SPEEDWAY’S OPENER

 Hagerstown, Md. – For the first time since August 2009, it was Miller Time during Saturday evening’s brisk opening event at Hagerstown Speedway. Jeremy Miller of Littlestown, Pa. chased defending season opening race winner and World of Outlaw Late Model champion for 24 circuits before using lapped traffic to charge around him and head to the checkered with 1.69 seconds and two lapped cars to spare. It was Miller’s career 28th triumph which tied him for ninth on the all time late model win record. 

“If you’re the leader and it’s happened to me before, you have all the wrong places to go,” Miller said. “You have everything to lose and the guy in second has everything to gain and that’s what happened here. Josh is definitely one of the best.  Even when I was out there running second, I wanted to beat him, but if I’d finished second to him, that would have been an awesome run for us.”

Defending Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic late model champion Pete Weaver of nearby Williamsport was victorious while Chambersburg, Pa.’s Steve Lowery collected his career second win in the Ernie D’s pure stocks. Kenny Thomas of Greencatle, Pa. was the inaugural winner of the new hobby stock cruiser division. 

Weaver raced 13 laps with 2006 to 2009 champion Andy Fries on his bumper, alongside or in front of him for one lap to exit turn four with Fries still alongside as Weaver picked up his career 18th win by less than six feet to move him to fourth on the all time winners list. Lowery moved into contention before the halfway mark and seized the lead on the tenth circuit to continue on for a three foot victory over Eddie McClellan. A five time enduro winner, Thomas got past Brandon Churchey with three circuits to go and won by less than a length.

Following the season opening cancellation the previous weekend, Miller, Weaver, Lowery and Churchey are now atop the Miller Light Race for the Championship Point Fund standings.

With a heads up start, Richards sped into the first turn but Miller stayed with him as they immediately pulled away from Alan Sagi and began closing on the rear cars by the seventh circuit. Richards had passed one car before the yellow was displayed and on the restart, Miller didn’t let him escape as they again opened nearly three seconds over Sagi, Jerry Bard and Tyler Hershey.

Following a lap 15 yellow, Miller still remained on Richards’ rear bumper as they closed on the rear of the field on the 23rd circuit and Richards got past the first with several looming ahead. When Richards remained low into the third turn, Miller seized the opportunity to head around the outside and take the spot to speed to the checkered.

“I want to dedicate this to mom,” Miller said. “She’s had some rough times over the winter but looks great now. We’re hoping for the best for her and also my wife Julie. We found out a couple months ago she’s expecting.”

“This is a brand new car out of the box. I put more effort into this car than probably when I built my street stocks. It was a lot of hard work. There isn’t a piece on this thing that I didn’t have a hand in.”

Richards took the runner up position with Sagi, Bard and Roy Deese Jr, finishing fifth after getting past Hershey with three to go. Hershey, Duane Harbaugh, Jamie Lathroum, Denny Bonebrake and Nick Dickson completed the top ten. Heat winners were Richards, Miller, Hershey and Sagi.

Weaver was quick on the throttle at the start to beat Paul Cursey into the first turns but then Fries moved into second on lap five and following a lap seven restart, Fries was not allowing Weaver any room for error. The two gave third runner Terry Flaherty a show as Fries kept up his assault until taking the lead on lap 13, only to have Weaver wheel his racer back past and hold on until the finish.

“I want to thank Andy for racing me clean,” Weaver said. “I knew he was there. I kinda snoozed there and he got up beside me so I had to get back up on the wheel. We’re glad to pull this one off.” 

Flaherty ended third with Scott Palmer and Weaver’s son Justin, finishing fifth. Cody Lear came from 17th to sixth to collect the Checkered Flag Lube/St. Thomas Towing hard charger award. Heat winners were Cursey and Weaver.

Stouffer Jr. pulled ahead of Darrin Younker on the start while fifth starting Lowery took the runner up position on the fourth lap and began challenging Stouffer. Lowery finally cleared Stouffer on lap ten and then had to fend off the charge of Eddie McClellan for the final four circuits to score the win by three feet. Stouffer was third with Kenny Dillon and Drew Fitzsimmons next. Heats went to Stouffer and Younker.

The inaugural hobby stock cruiser feature saw Brandon Churchey pull out front in the non-stop event while pole setter Thomas had to run him down. Making the pass to lead the ninth lap, he continued on for the win while Mark Vegh and Krazy Kenny Thomas ended in the next positions when Churchey was disqualified following post race inspection.

Next Saturday, April 9th, Hagerstown Speedway will to action return with a regular three division show excluding the hobby stock cruisers. Warm ups begin at 7:00 p.m.

Hagerstown Speedway Results

Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic Late Model Sportsman, 20 Laps, 17 entries (Lap Leaders – Pete Weaver 1-12, 14-20, Andy Fries 13) 1.Pete Weaver; 2.Andy Fries; 3.Terry Flaherty; 4.Scott Palmer; 5.Justin Weaver; 6.Cody Lear (Checkered Flag Lube/ St. Thomas Towing Hard Charger); 7.Rodney Walls; 8.John Baker; 9.Paul Cursey; 10.Courtney Shreiner; 11.Richard Walls; 12.Donnie Farlling; 13.Chad Myers; 14.Tyler Emory; 15.Chaz Walls; 16.Mike Walls, DNS – Stevie Long

Ernie D’s Pure Stocks, 15 laps, 14 entries (Lap Leaders – Dave Stouffer Jr. 1-8, Steve Lowery 9-15 ) 1.Steve Lowery; 2.Eddie McClellan; 3.Dave Stouffer Jr;, 4.Kenny Dillon; 5.Drew Fitzsimmons; 6.Charlie Pensinger; 7.Randy Kline (Turner Bowling Center Hard Charger); 8.Darrin Younker; 9.Bill Ecton; 10.Wayne Hawbaker; 11. Bill Ecton Jr., 12.Charles Shearer, 13.Brian Swigert, DNS-Danny Beavers

Hobby Stock Cruisers, 15 Laps, 16 entries (Lap Leaders – Brandon Churchey 1-11, Kenny Thomas 12-15) 1.Kenny Thomas, 2.Mark Vegh; 3.Krazy Kenny Thomas; 4.Larry Hurley; 5.Gary Proctor; 6.Danny Holmes; 7.William Crook; 8.Matt Smith; 9.Dave Shatto; 10.Andy Mowen; 11.Kelby Sipes; 12.Thomas Caravello, DNS – Rodney Miner, DSQ-Brandon Churchey, Nathaniel Younker, Lane Hessong  

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