Maryland Clay Dirt Doug Watson

May 11, 2008

Maryland Clay Dirt

By Doug Watson

“Craig Wagaman Joins Williams Grove Win List”

In a career that spans well over two-decades, Gettysburg Pa.’s Craig Wagaman has seen his share of success on the bull-rings of south-central Pennsylvania.

A win total well over one-hundred, between the Semi-lates & thundercars and several track titles, Wagaman’s resume speaks for itself. Wagaman was able to add to his already impressive win total, but this time it came at a track he’s never won at and in a class he’s never won in either.

Williams Grove (PA) speedway was the place and for Craig Wagaman it was his first-ever 358 late model feature win. “The car was awesome.” Wagaman stated by phone on Sunday. “We’ve been getting better every week and last night was just our night.” Naturally Wagaman was quick to praise his car owners. “Without Deb Coshun and all the Lawrence’s we wouldn’t be able to do this.” Wagaman bottom-lined. “They’ve given me top-notch equipment to drive and to get a win for them, especially at The Grove, is just amazing.”

During his thundercar days Wagaman was a frequent visitor to victory lane, but the 358 late model class has been a little more difficult. “We’ve had decent finishes this season.” Wagaman explained. “I knew we had a better car than what the results were showing, so now Maybe we’re on track and our second win won’t be to far away.” The top-three finishers in Saturday night’s 358 late model feature found three former thundercar heavy-hitters battling for the win as, Bobby Beard and Nat Tuckey trailed Wagaman at the finish.

Potomac (Friday night) Notebook-'

* Even with heavy rain and severe weather on Thursday, Potomac track-prep aces Pete Cameron and Ronnie Hollidge had Potomac ready for action on Friday night with nearly a perfect surface…
* Roy Deese Jr., In his family-owned Rocket No.05, suffered another miserable night at Potomac. Starting fourth in the feature, Deese’s hopes were high. However a broken left-rear wheel on lap-six while running third, dashed Deese’s hopes of a win this night as he retired from the event, taking twenty-second in the final rundown…
* Defending, and two-time, MACS series late model champion Jason Covert, In his Klinedinst owned Rocket No.43A, made a rare Potomac start. Taking second in his heat earned Covert the sixth starting spot for the feature. Covert was able to stay out of trouble on the tight confines of Potomac speedway and complete all thirty-five laps, but could only produce a seventh place feature finish…
* Seaford Delaware’s Ricky Elliott, In his Charles Jarvis Rocket No.45, made his first Potomac start of the season. Elliott just could not get going as he started eighth in the feature and struggled his way to a ninth place feature finish…
* Former track champion Scott Cross had a great night in his brother Mike’s Rocket No.07. Starting back in the thirteenth starting spot Cross entered the top-five (fifth) by lap twenty-five, which is where he stayed, to secure one of his better Potomac runs in quite some time…
* Former Delaware International speedway track champion David Pettyjohn made his first Potomac start of the season. After starting sixteenth, Pettyjohn climbed to tenth by lap-twenty six. Unfortunately Pettyjohn’s Swartz chassied racer lost a cylinder not long after ending his night with an eighteenth place finish…
* Roland Mann had a good night as well. Driving his Pete Cameron owned Rocket No.55, Mann started tenth in the feature and drove a steady race to take sixth at the checkered…
* Luckless DJ Myers was once again fast in his Gunters Honey Warrior, but could not complete the distance. Myers got to as high as third in the feature before he and Jamie Lathroum tangled on lap twenty-four. Even though the damage seemed minimal on his car, Myers pitted and would not return , earning himself twentieth at the finish… News or notes to djm5507@aol.com

Maryland Clay Dirt

By Doug Watson

“Where are all the Cars?”

Potomac (MD) Speedway promoter Rick Jones can only wonder why his car counts have been so low thus far in 2008. The 358 late model division has certainly fallen on hard times. For the second week in a row only eleven cars signed in to race.

Tracks to the north like Williams Grove (PA), Susquehanna (PA), and Hagerstown (MD) all feature a 358 late model class, run on the same night (Saturday), and all get fields of cars of 25-plus. Now, you have Potomac, One of the few Friday night venue’s in the area and still can do no better than eleven cars for a regular show.

Don’t get me wrong the teams that race at Potomac are very loyal and race hard every week, but in my opinion deserve the chance to compete against some larger fields. Potomac’s pay-off, from what I understand, is pretty good but the rules have gotten a little out of hand and maybe that’s the reason for the decline in car count. Whatever the reason’s are hopefully sooner than later the car counts will rise and both the racer and the paying fan will be better off for it.
Potomac (Friday Night) Notebook

* Tommy Wagner Jr. endured a frustrating night. Wagner ran second to eventual feature winner Paul Cursey until the seventeenth lap when mechanical problems beset his Scott Thompson owned Rocket. Wagner would end up eleventh in the final rundown…
* Defending Potomac 358 late model champion Derrick Quade made his season debut on Friday night. Quade missed the first three events due to the lack of a powerplant for his Dirtek no.74. Starting eighth in the feature Quade drove a solid race to take third at the checkered.
* Barry Lear Jr. scored his second top-five run of the season on Friday night as well, taking fourth in the twenty-five lap event. Lear is at the controls of the family owned Lear Family Racing Warrior no.51...
* Chuck Bowie kept his streak intact as he scored his third consecutive runner-up finish of the season, in just three races to date. Bowie left the event the divisional point leader…
* Veteran street stock racer PJ Hatcher has had his hands full with his no.77 machine so far this season. Hatcher led the first eleven laps of the feature before fading late and settling for a seventh place feature finish. Hatcher has only scored one top-five so far this season, a fourth, in the divisions second event of 08’…
* Once again dismal car counts graced the Potomac pit area. Twenty street stocks, 11 358-late models, 7 crate late models, 7 four cylinders and 13 hobby stocks took part in the program. News or notes to djm5507@aol.com

April 20, 2008

Maryland Clay Dirt

By Doug Watson

“Future at Thunder Valley Looking Brighter”

Despite all the rumors of Joe Padula’s demise as the promoter at Thunder Valley (PA) Raceway, racing will take place at the Central City Pa. oval in 2008.

“We’ve got just about everything we need.” Padula stated as we had a chance to catch up by phone last Sunday afternoon. “We still need some run-in cars and tow trucks, but we’re getting closer everyday.” As far as TVR’s schedule is concerned , the May 3 lid lifter will be a reality. “We won’t have enough equipment available to prepare the track for the April 26 practice session, but the season opener should go-off as expected.” Padula explained.

“I haven’t been this excited in a long while.” Padula bottom lined. “We’ve been able to come such a long way in a short period of time, and I want to say thanks to all the people who have called and offered help, and to those who have given us help, I just can’t say enough.”

Thunder Valley Raceway’s season opener slated for Saturday night May 3, will feature a four-division program of late models, semi-lates, pure stocks and four-cylinders with racing @ 7:30.
Hagerstown (Friday Night) Notebook

* Two-time late model feature winner and current point leader Roy Deese Jr., did not have a memorable outing. Scheduled to start eleventh in the second heat race, that only qualified five cars, Deese had his work cut out for himself. An early race backstretch skirmish, with several cars getting involved including Deese, left his Rocket no.05 with heavy right-side damage, but he was able to continue. When the race finally got underway, Deese had worked himself back to the top-five when he and Mike Lupfer tangled in turn three, with Deese spinning to a stop. Deese was shown to the rear for the incident, but quickly showed his displeasure with Lupfer. Pulling alongside the Lupfer no.06 on the front stretch under caution earned Deese the black-flag for the event. “I don’t think I got the benefit of the doubt on that one.” Deese commented. “I was clearly ahead of him (Mike Lupfer) going into three, and he got into me causing me to spin.” Deese deemed the black-flag inappropriate. “I pulled alongside him (Lupfer) to show him I wasn’t happy, I think he took me out, and I guess the track saw it a different way.” Deese’s misfortune would continue as he was unable to transfer through his consolation, earning himself his first DNQ of the season…
* Mike Atherton drove a tremendous race in taking a solid fourth in the 40-lap event. Atherton also won his heat race as well…
* Winchester Va.’s Bo Feathers made his Hagerstown debut on Friday night. Feather’s easily qualified through his heat earning himself the twelfth starting spot for the feature. However, Feathers was never a factor in the feature, quietly finishing eighteenth…
* Defending MACS series champion, Jason Covert made his first Hagerstown start a good one, as he drove his Klinedinst no.43A from eleventh to fifth at the checkered…
*Tommy Armel had a very good night as well. Off-season rumors had him a weekly campaigner at Hagerstown in 2008, but this would be his first start of the season. Armel drove well all night coming home second to race winner Gary Stuhler.
* Jim Bernheisel had a solid run as well. In his first 08’ Hagerstown appearance, Flyin Jimmy started all the way back in eighteenth and drove a steady race to collect seventh at the finish.
* Pure stock driver Darrin Younker rebounded from his disappointment last week, that saw him break while leading, to score a fine fourth place effort in the fifteen-lap pure stock feature.
* Two-time pure stock feature winner Hans Stamberg broke his streak of top-five feature finishes. An early race tangle sent him to the rear, but Stamberg rallied to take sixth at the checkered.
* Fresh off his big win at Winchester (VA) the week prior, Defending Hagerstown late model champ JT Spence was ready. However, Spence endured a frustrating night that saw him win one of the two consolation races that gave him the twenty-second starting spot for the feature. While coming through the field Spence collected the third turn wall early in the event, wounding his Rocket no.91, and ending his night with a disappointing twenty-third place finish. News or notes to djm5507@aol.com

May 4, 2009

Maryland Clay Dirt

By Doug Watson

“Fun for all at Latimore Valley”

Last Sunday afternoon I made my first-ever visit to the Latimore Valley fairgrounds and the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing (EMMR). Also on tap was the 8th annual Gary Wolford fish fry and Silver Spring (PA) speedway reunion.
Actually what prompted my family and me to travel there on Sunday was a phone call I received from Pennsylvania promoting legend Alan Kreitzer earlier in the week. He asked me if I would like to be a co-pilot to late model driving legend Denny Bonebrake and Hagerstown speedway announcing great Frank Sagi in a special three-lap match race where the drivers are blind-folded! Naturally I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. Fred Rahmer, AARN’s Jerry Reigle and Williams Grove Speedway’s Justin Loh were team number two, Candy Eckert (Rick’s sister) and Kitty Darrah were team number three and Freddy Adam (Reading Speedway modified legend) and Earl Derr were team number four.

That was probably one of the neatest experiences I’ve ever had in all my thirty-six years of motorsports. When the green flag came out, I wasn’t sure what to expect, and none of the other drivers did either to I suppose. Anyhow, we got stuck in the mud in the first turn and after we got out of that jam we completed the three laps, not even guessing where we finished, and put on a whale of a show for the large crowd that was on hand.

When the feature was over, all four teams pulled there cars on to the front-stretch and did a nose-to-nose burn-out until the rear tires blew out on all the cars! Once again the crowd cheered wildly as if we were in victory lane at the Williams Grove national open. So there I was, like a kid in a toy store, standing in a so-called victory lane with some of the greatest driving talent of our area, or in the country for that matter. This is something I’ll truly remember forever.

After that was said and done, it was off to the museum and none other than sprint car hall of famer Lynn Paxton was the driver of the shuttle bus that took you over to the museum. Once again I was on cloud nine. The museum is a sight to behold, especially if you’re a diehard open-wheel fan. Naturally I wish it had some more late model/stock car memorabilia, but nevertheless the museum has so much to look at and all the people who have been involved in getting the museum to where it is today, hats off to you and keep up the good work.

Now that the museum tour was over it was back to the fairgrounds to watch some of the vintage, and not-so-vintage cars race around the fairgrounds oval. As we all piled into the shuttle bus Mr. Paxton took a so-called “Short-cut” back to the fairgrounds that saw us fly down a steep grass covered hill than a sharp right hand turn through a large and deep mud hole, and the whole time Paxton was saying, “I cut this grass all the time, and since when has a little mud ever hurt anyone.!” My wife (Jennifer) and our two daughters (Meghan & Madelyn) laughed wildly as this was without a doubt for them, the highlight of the day.

Back at the fairgrounds we watched several restored cars zip around the nifty shaped oval for several laps. Restored midgets, full-sized sprinters and much to my pleasure even a few stock cars put on quite a nice show. I was thoroughly impressed with the whole afternoon. Not only were we blessed with perfect weather, but the entire day was flat-out fun all day long. I really liked the fact that I was able to take the family along and I think they really enjoyed it, especially the bus ride! I feel so fortunate sometimes because I have met so many people and made so many good friends through racing and a day like this is what it’s all about. If you ever get a chance to go to the EMMR, especially when the fairgrounds are open, take the family and enjoy a great day. News or notes to djm5507@aol.com

Maryland Clay Dirt

By Doug Watson

“Bruce Kane, A Williams Grove Winner”

What a night it was indeed for Glen Burnie Maryland’s Bruce Kane last Saturday night at the Williams Grove (PA) Speedway. Kane pretty much shocked the Williams Grove 358 late model faithful as he scored his first-ever feature win at the fabled 5/8th’s mile oval.

Kane, who ran second for much of the twenty-lap 358 late model feature, figured he had a second place car this night. Race long leader Jake Lettich retired from the event on the sixteenth lap. “Jake had the fastest car out there.” Kane remarked. “He hit some oil or water up there in turn three and he hit the wall. Fortunately for us we were at the right place at the right time.”

Tricky track conditions and a fast closing Bobby Beard at the end of the event had Kane wondering. “We definitely went with the wrong tire.” Kane Bottom lined. “It was really slick going in and coming off the corners, but I knew if we stayed on the bottom we’d be ok.” After it was all said and done Kane was in victory lane. So what was it like to win at Williams grove Speedway?

“I’ve been coming here ever since I was a kid and I always wanted to win here, and now I have and it’s a great feeling.” Kane started his 358 late model career back in 2005 and in 2006 he was able to win his first-ever feature at Potomac (MD) speedway. Since that point Kane has enjoyed moderate success, but feels the best is yet to come. “We have good equipment (MaStersbilt/Jules/Hoosier).” Kane stated. ’We had the car really good towards the end of the season last year and I feel when we get it back to that point, we’ll be even better.” Kane’s weekend started off well as he drove to a fifth place feature finish at Potomac on Friday night…

Potomac (Friday Night) Notebook
*Street stock winner Kurt Zimmerman surprised even himself when he collected his first-ever Potomac feature win. “ I think this is only the twelfth or thirteenth time I’ve ever been in a stock car.” Zimmerman stated from Potomac’s victory lane. “I came from a drag racing background, but this stock car stuff sure is a whole lot more fun!”

* Two-time (04 & 05) Potomac street stock track champion Wayne Suite made his season’s debut on Friday. Suite started eleventh in the main and drove home to a solid fifth at the checkered. Last season saw Suite score seven feature wins and the 2007 hobby stock track title…

* 358 late model pilot Tommy Wagner Jr. was the only driver of the twin-feature program to finish in the top-five in both events. Driving Scott Thompson’s Rocket no.4, Wagner scored a second and a fourth…

* Kyle Nelson became the first multiple feature winner of the young Potomac season as he’s scored wins in the street stocks and on Friday he scored his first Hobby stock win of the season. His hobby stock score was his career 22nd at Potomac…

* Ageless Larry Fuchs, who’s been racing at Potomac since 1975, keeps on winning as he scored a strictly stock feature win on Friday Night…

* Jimmy Gardner, a two-time Potomac street stock winner last season, made his first start of the season on Friday. However it wasn’t very memorable as a first lap crash in the feature ended his night…

* Rookie 358 late model racer Franny Stone had a solid evening. Stone came home third in the first feature and then ended his night with an eighth place ride in feature number two…

* A Solid field of twenty street stocks signed into the pit area on Friday. This is as strong as the street stock ranks have been, this early in the season, since the early 2000’s…

* Former hobby stock champion Chuck Bowie continues to impress in the street stock ranks. In two features run to date, Bowie has two second place feature finishes…

* Since opening day, hobby stock drivers Scotty Nelson and Jason Murphy have not finished outside the top-three. Coincidentally, both drivers have won features this season as well…
News or notes to djm5507@aol.com

April 7, 2008

Maryland Clay Dirt
By Doug Watson

“It’s all Worthwhile for Dale Hollidge”

The two-and-a half hour tow one way from Mechanicsville Maryland to the Hagerstown (MD) Speedway every Saturday is all worth while for third year pure stock racer Dale Hollidge. Mid-way through the 2007 season Dale Hollidge and his family run race team decided if they were going to showcase their talents, Hagerstown speedway was the place to do it.

The move paid dividends quickly as the young charger found his way to victory lane at Hagerstown late last season after only a handful of starts. So naturally the decision was made to race at “The Capitol” full-time in 2008 and chase the pure stock division crown.Last Saturday night the first point event of the season was spun-off at Hagerstown and Dale Hollidge scored a thrilling pure stock feature win over opening day victor, Hans Stamberg. “It always helps to start up front.” Hollidge stated in reference to his outside front-row starting spot for the feature. “Hans drove a clean race. I knew he was back there but I knew if I held my line we’d be ok.” With thirty cars in attendance for the event, just qualifying for the event would be a chore. “You’ve got to be right to win up here.” Hollidge bottom lined. “There’s so many good cars up here and when you can win here, you’ve really done something.” Even though Hollidge led all but one lap of the main, he wasn’t completely satisfied with his car. “ The car was just a tick off.” Hollidge revealed. “We got a little tight towards the end of the race, so that’s something we’ll have to work on for next week.”

Hagerstown Notebook

* The large Hagerstown crowd was treated to an overflowing pit area as thirty-eight late models, twenty-five late model sportsman and thirty pure stocks took part in the program under beautiful weather conditions.
* Gary Stuhler made his second Hagerstown start of the season and it was back behind the wheel of his trusty Glen Ninninger owned Rocket. Stuhler recorded a heat race win and collected a solid second place feature finish…
* Brent Smith made his first start of the season on Saturday. Driving Rick Mastrinos Rocket no.50E, Smith did not have a memorable night. A win in the consi gave Smith the twenty-first starting spot for the feature. However, Smith was caught-up in a wild lap ten crash that saw him flip his car on the backstretch. Smith was uninjured in the mishap but the same could not be said for the machine…
* late model driver Scott LeBarron had a solid night. Qualifying easily through his heat, earned LeBarron the eighth starting spot for the feature. LeBarron drove a very smart race to come home fifth at the checkered…
* Opening day LMS feature winner and defending track champion Andy Friese had an interesting evening. A heat race win earned Friese the sixth starting spot for the feature. On lap one of the feature the steering broke on his Rocket no.82 and he was forced to pit. His crew quickly made repairs before he lost a lap. Rejoining the field at the rear Friese quickly re-entered the top-ten before he spun on his own just after half-way. Friese would tag on the rear once again and soldier on to a final ninth place finish. Whew!…
* Last weekend’s late model feature winner Jim Yoder backed up his winning run with a fourth place effort after starting twelfth. His son Dylan was second in the LMS feature…
* Seven-time LMS track champion Wayne Walls Jr. had a miserable night. At the controls of the family owned Rocket no.01Walls struggled in his heat and could only produce a seventeenth place feature finish after starting twentieth…
* Pure stock driver Billy Ecton Jr. became the first driver of the season to get on his head. Ecton flipped his car in the first pure stock heat ending his night…
* Marvin Winters, a twenty-one time Hagerstown winner in the late models , continued his early season misery as he backed up his twenty-second place finish the previous week with a twenty-sixth place finish in this event…
* Two-time Hagerstown pure stock champion Deane Holmes produced a solid sixth place feature effort after starting nineteenth…
* Late model pilot Billy Wampler had a good night in his Rocket no.1W. Wampler won his heat and then raced in the top-five for most of the twenty-five lap feature before settling for sixth at the finish… News or notes to djm5507@aol.com.

April 7, 2008

“No “Thunder” at Thunder Valley this Season?”

By Doug Watson

Thunder Valley (PA) Raceway, one of the premiere racetracks in Western Pennsylvania, has seen it’s share of success since its doors were first opened in June of 1997. However, with its scheduled May opener right around the corner, Thunder Valley may not be racing this season.

Former Bedford (PA) speedway promoter and Hagerstown Maryland Native Joe Padula took the controls of the ailing facility at the start of the 2006 season. Since then, Padula and his staff have brought life back to the Central City Pa. half-mile.
Willie Will, or “Mr. Will” as he was often referred to, constructed the facility in an old coal mine high atop the Laurel Highlands of Western Pennsylvania. At the conclusion of the 2004 season the Will family decided not to re-open the facility for the 2005 season. Enter Joe Padula.

Padula and his promotional team were hired by Mr. Will to take the reigns of the facility and bring it back to life. In his two seasons at Thunder Valley, Padula has not only brought it back to life, but has turned it into one of the most successful tracks in the region. Solid car counts, good crowds and quick efficient shows have become the norm rather than the exception at Thunder Valley every Saturday night.

So, with all the improvements Padula and company have brought to Thunder Valley, why is the tracks future in jeopardy?
“It was a huge blow, not only for Thunder Valley but racing in the region, when Mr. Will passed away this winter.” Padula stated. Willie Will had been fighting some pretty serious health issues for the past couple of years before his untimely passing in March of 2008.

“We’re less than a month (May 3) away from our scheduled opener, and things don’t look to good for us.” Padula replied. “Deanna (The late Mr. Wills wife) and I have had limited conversations during the off-season and for whatever reasons she has, it seems like she doesn’t want us there.” “We finally spoke on March 27 and she told me that we would not be allowed to utilize much of the equipment (Water trucks, graders, run-in cars etc..) necessary to operate the facility and I for one, do not understand her thinking.”
With all the success Padula has brought to Thunder Valley what could possibly have prompted Mrs. Will to do this? I for one saw Padula’s show’s first hand as I filled in as his announcer for a show in June of 2007 and things, in my opinion, were very good at Thunder Valley.

“Even though we have a ten year lease to the speedway (Through 2016) I’m really offended at the fact that she thinks that were not good enough to carry on the rich traditions of Thunder Valley Raceway.” “We took and turned things around when we were at Bedford and were very successful there for twelve years.” Padula bottom lined. “The staff that I have here at Thunder valley is the same group of people that we had over at Bedford, and we’re more than capable of doing what it takes to keep Thunder Valley alive and well.”

Despite all the rumors of the track not re-opening this season Padula has other ideas about the situation. “Since all this started my phone has been ringing off the hook with offers of people wanting to help. The bottom line is the racers in the area still want to race at Thunder Valley and the offers of manpower and equipment, from many unlikely sources, have only made us more determined than ever to see that Thunder Valley will open it’s gates foe the 2008 season.” “Thunder Valley is a great racetrack.” Padula stated. “ It has the potential to be the Pennsylvania Motor Speedway of the area and we don’t want to see Thunder Valley just die and fall by the wayside.”

“We’re going to try and do whatever it takes to open the gates this season , but without the proper equipment and personnel, we’ll try and make it last as long as we possibly can.”

Maryland Clay Dirt
March 30, 2008

By Doug Watson

“Fast Start for David Williams”

Avenue Maryland’s David Williams, Fresh off his opening day late model feature win at Potomac (MD) speedway the previous Friday night, made his season debut at Hagerstown (MD) speedway on Saturday. Williams left little doubt that he’ll be a threat every time he unloads his Rocket no.25w at the famed Washington county oval.

A commanding win in one of the four late models heats on Saturday, earned Williams the fifth starting spot for the feature. Williams then waged a torrid battle with JT Spence, Roy Deese Jr., and Alan Sagi over the twenty-five lap distance, before settling for a solid third place finish in the feature.

“We’ll be here (Hagerstown) for every show we can.” Williams stated in the pit area prior to the feature. “We’ve always enjoyed coming up here and I think we have the equipment this season to be a front running car every week.”

Williams owns two career late model feature wins at Hagerstown and has also been to victory lane at Potomac (MD), where he’s won sixty-six features in three different classes, Winchester (VA) and the Virginia Motor Speedway.

Hagerstown Notebook-

* Solid car counts of thirty-three late models, twenty-two late model sportsman and twenty-five pure stocks lined the pit area under frigid, but clear, weather conditions. This event served as a “test and tune” as no points were awarded. Point racing starts next Saturday night…

* Pure stock feature winner Hans Stamberg established a new track record, as he ran off and hid from his pole starting spot to lead the entire fifteen laps distance in a time of six minutes and fourteen seconds…

* Roy Deese Jr. ran his streak to three-consecutive top-five finishes at Hagerstown. Deese went on to win his heat race and then nail down a solid fourth in the feature…

*Bo Feathers, second place point man and four-time feature winner at Hagerstown in 2007, has yet to be seen this season at Hagerstown. Instead Feathers was racing at Winchester (VA) speedway last Saturday, where he finished second to race winner Jonathon DeHaven…

* Gary Stuhler made his first Hagerstown start of the season Saturday night. Wheeling a back-up JT Spence Rocket, re-lettered no.90 for the weekend, Stuhler drove the machine to a second place feature finish at Williams Grove Pa. on Friday night. However, Stuhler’s luck did not hold out at Hagerstown. A heat race skirmish forced Stuhler to pit, relegating him into the consolation, which he won. Stuhler started twenty-first in the main and got as high as eighth, where he finished, before the checkered came out…

* Donald Lingo Jr., The defending Delaware International Speedway late model champion, made his third trip of the young season to Hagerstown. Unfortunately, Lingo’s family-owned Rocket no.55L suffered terminal mechanical problems before the car made even one lap on the speedway…

* Late Model Sportsman championship contenders Jerry Bard (15th) and Pete Weaver (18th) were early drop-out’s from the divisions twenty-lap event…

* Deane Holmes a former two-time Pure Stock champion at Hagerstown had a solid second place feature run. Off season rumors stated that Holmes would be at Winchester (VA) in 2008...

* Youthful Dale Hollidge proved what a formidable threat he’ll be this season in the Pure Stock ranks at Hagerstown. A one-time feature winner last season Hollidge plans to run the entire Hagerstown schedule this season. Hollidge started his campaign off on a good note as he drove from seventh to collect a fourth place finish in the divisions non-stop fifteen lap contest…

* I’ve said this quite often already, but hat’s off to the Hagerstown track prep crew. Once again they had the racetrack smooth and multiple grooved allowing three-wide racing in all classes…

News or notes to djm5507@aol.com

March 22, 2008

Maryland Clay Dirt

By Doug Watson

“Potomac Season-Opener Notebook”

Potomac (MD) Speedway kicked-off it’s 36th season of racing in fine fashion last Friday night. Twenty-four late models, nineteen street stocks, thirteen four-cylinders and nine hobby stocks lined the Potomac pit area.

The large opening day crowd embraced clear but cold weather conditions, however, the efficient Potomac staff kept the show moving as the final checkered flag of the night fell just before 11pm. here’s some notes from the show,

* Late model feature winner David Williams victory was actually his second Potomac feature win in a row as he scored the win in the Vern Harris memorial, the final Potomac late model event of 2007...
* Roy Deese Jr., a three-time Potomac late model champion, endured a frustrating night. A win in the second late model heat put Deese on the pole for the forty-lap main. However, a broken rear end was discovered prior to the feature on Deese’s Rocket and hid did not start the feature…
* Jeremy Miller made his northeast season debut on Friday night. Wheeling his trusty Charles Buckler owned Rocket shod in American Racer Rubber, Miller’s outing was less than satisfying. After a win in the second late model qualifier Miller was slated to go from the fourth staring spot for the feature. Miller would only last for eight laps of the feature before a broken rear ended his night while running in the top-five. Miller would end up nineteenth in the final rundown…
* Delaware was well represented at Potomac. David Hill, Kerry King, Donald Lingo Jr. and Richard Jarvis Jr. all were on hand for the event. Out of the foursome David Hill produced the best feature finish taking seventh in the main…
* Youthful Matt Quade made his first-ever Potomac late model start on Friday. Up from the go-kart ranks, Quade’s run was quite remarkable as he started twenty-first on the field, completed the entire forty-lap distance, before settling for a very respectable eleventh place feature finish…
* Defending Potomac late model champion Bo Feathers shared the same fate as Jeremy Miller and Roy Deese Jr. as a broken four-link bar ended his night on lap eleven, while racing in the top-five…
* DJ Myers made a rare Potomac start. Driving his Greg Gunter owned Warrior, Myers dropped from the event on lap eleven with mechanical woes while running fourth…
* Potomac veteran and former late model champion Deane Guy had a solid run in the opener. Scheduled to start nineteenth, Guy kept his nose clean the entire event, and came home with a solid sixth place effort…
* Daryl Hills, who suffered a miserable season at Potomac in 2007, kept his streak intact. He was caught up in the lap eight incident with Jeremy Miller resulting in heavy front-end damage to his Rocket forcing him to drop from the event. Hills would be paid for twenty-first…
* Keith Jackson, Driving Mike “Pickle” Cross’s Rocket, had the drive of the night. Jackson was involved in the lap eight Miller/Hills caution and was forced to re-start from the rear. Jackson re-entered the top-five by lap thirty-six and then slid by Andy Anderson on the white flag lap to secure runner-up honors in the forty-lap grind…
News or notes to djm5507@aol.com

March 16, 2008

Maryland Clay Dirt

By Doug Watson

“Chris Knopp Makes Modified Statement”

Last Saturday afternoon Hagerstown (MD) speedway was able to spin-off it’s second show, and last daytime event, of the young 2008 season. The early season schedule has been decimated by rain and cold temperatures as two of the first four events were lost to weather. Solid car counts of thirty modifieds and thirty-four late models graced the Hagerstown pit area under beautiful weather conditions. Heavy rain on Friday night delayed the start of the program for almost two-hours as track-prep crews hurried to prepare the rain soaked surface. Once the track was ready for action, the entire program was spun-off in less than three hours. One driver in particular was very happy with the outcome of his day, Jarrettsville Md.’s Chris Knopp.

Knopp got his start in racing in the super sportsman division at the now defunct Silver Spring (PA) speedway during the mid-90’s. From there he jumped into the ultra-competitive 410 sprint car wars of central Pennsylvania. However, At the end of the 2007 season Knopp decided he needed to get away from sprint car racing and try something different. “The cost of the 410’s was getting outrageous.” Knopp bottom lined. “To be a competitive car week in and week out you have to race two nights a week and we just didn’t have the budget to do that.” Towards the end of the 2007 season Knopp and company made the decision to race big block modifieds for 2008. “I still enjoy racing open-wheeled cars and the modified suits my driving style really well, so that’s the direction we decided to go in.” Knopp will call Bridgeport (NJ) speedway home for the 2008 campaign. “Bridgeport is a really nice facility and it’s not to far from home, were really excited to see what we can do up there.” During his career in the 410 ranks, Knopp was able to win some races, but will the same success carry over to the modified? “I sure hope so.” Knopp replied. “We have some really good equipment this season and I think we have a pretty good shot at being a front-running car.” Knopp made his Hagerstown modified debut on Saturday and showed what a formidable threat he’ll be this season. In his first-ever race in a modified at Hagerstown, Knopp easily won his ten-lap heat race, then lurked in the top-five the entire thirty-lap feature before settling for a fine fourth-place effort. Not too bad for a rookie!!

Hagerstown Notebook

* Five-time Hagerstown speedway late model champion Roy Deese Jr. had another solid afternoon taking second in the thirty-lap late model headliner after starting thirteenth. “We’ve had a lot of help from Russell Baker racing engines during the off-season and I think we’re finally where we need to be.” Deese replied. The finish for Deese would be his second consecutive runner-up finish of the two week old season…
* After missing the feature in the opening day program due to mechanical problems, Alan Sagi had a good day. Sagi hung around the top-five most of the event before settling for sixth at the checkered…
* Youthful Steven Axtell Jr. had a solid day. After crashing his Jerry Foster owned Dirtek in the opener two-weeks ago, Axtell and company repaired the machine for this weeks show. Axtell responded nicely with a win in one of the four late model qualifiers, but was a feature drop-out ending up twenty-third at the finish…
* Late model sportsman driver Richard Walls had a day he’d like to forget. Jumping to the late model division this day proved to be costly for the veteran chauffeur. A hard third-turn crash in his heat race destroyed his machine, earning himself a DNQ for the afternoon…
* Defending Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway late model track champion Jared Miley scored his second top-ten of the season as he duplicated his opening day performance scoring eighth at the finish…
* Two-time Potomac (MD) speedway late model champion Daryl Hills had a strong day as well. Hills was victorious in the third late model heat and hung around the top-five for most of the event before settling for seventh at the finish…
* Defending Williams Grove (PA) speedway 358 late model champion Tyler Hershey did not have a memorable trip to Hagerstown. After scoring a twelfth in the opening day show two-weeks ago Hershey encountered mechanical problems in his heat, forcing him to pit. Hershey was unable to make repairs to his machine prior to the consolation, ending up a DNQ for the feature… News or notes to djm5507@aol.com.

March 2, 2008

Maryland Clay Dirt

By Doug Watson

“Notes from the Hagerstown Opener”

Although delayed a week by rain, Hagerstown (MD) speedway was able to get their opener in last Sunday afternoon March 2. Decent car counts of twenty-six late models and twenty-four big block modifieds lined the Hagerstown pit area under clear but crisp weather conditions.

Hats off to Mark Plessinger and his entire track-prep crew as they had the Hagerstown surface in excellent condition which provided a multiple grooved race track with plenty of passing. Once again the efficient Hagerstown staff moved the show right along with hot-laps starting a little after one pm, and the final checkered flag of the day falling a few minutes before four pm. Here’s some notes from the show,

Big Block Modifieds

* The drive of the day in the modified feature went to Joey Grammes. Staging late for the feature, Grammes forfeited his twelfth starting spot for the feature, ultimately rolling off twenty-fourth for the main. Grammes entered the top-five by lap twenty, eventually finishing the feature in fourth…
* Jeremiah Shingledecker, like Joey Grammes, had a solid effort as well. Scheduled to start eighteenth in the main, Shigledecker passed cars all day, winding up fifth at the checkered…
* NJ’s Billy Pauch was on hand driving Will Brown’s Troyer no.1w. Pauch won a feature in Florida with this car but just couldn’t get up to speed this day and quietly finished sixth…
* Ray Bliss had a good day going as well. Bliss finished second in his heat to Brett Hearn after leading several laps. Bliss started the feature in sixth and ran in the top-five most of the event before dropping from contention on the nineteenth lap with mechanical woes ending his day with a twentieth place feature finish…

Late Models

* Hagerstown Md.’s Alan Sagi did not have a memorable day. Still fresh off his Octoberfest win here in October, Sagi was ready for the daytime surface, unfortunately his car wasn’t. While racing hard in his heat race, something in the driveline broke in his GRT no.8a sidelining the machine for the rest of the afternoon…
* Feature winner Rick Eckert quickly quieted the off-season skeptics that questioned his move to a GRT chassis and Chevrolet power, as he collected career win number 19 at Hagerstown…
* Five-time Hagerstown late model champion Roy Deese Jr. had a strong afternoon. Momentum from his big win in Delaware last November carried over to this event, resulting in a strong second place showing in his Rocket no.05...
* Thompson Pa.’s Dan Stone shocked the racing world when he won a WoO late model race last season at Tri-City (PA) speedway . What was even more shocking was his defection from a Bernheisel chassis to a Rocket for 2008. Stone had a solid run in the opener taking fourth at the finish…
* Dover Pa.’s Scott LeBarron had a solid day as well in his GRT no 8L. LeBarron started fourteenth in the main a raced his way to a very respectable ninth place finish…
* Several “Hagerstown regulars” were noticeably absent from the event. Jeremy Miller, Bo Feathers, Ronnie DeHaven Jr. and last season’s opening day winner, Gary Stuhler, chose to pass up the opener…
* Southern Maryland was well represented with Jamie Lathroum, Roland Mann and Daryl Hills all on hand for the event. Out of the trio, Lathroum produced the best feature finish with an eleventh…
* Steve Axtell Jr., a two-time late model sportsman feature winner at Hagerstown last season, was at the controls of Jerry Foster’s potent Dirtek no. 5 for the day’s activities. Solidly qualifying the car in his heat Axtell was scheduled to go from the seventeenth starting spot for the feature. Axtell would only last for four laps of the feature when he made heavy contact with the outside retaining wall. The heavily damaged machine had to be brought back to the pit area by two tow trucks…
News or notes to djm5507@aol.com

Maryland Clay Dirt

February 23, 2008

By Doug Watson

“The Broderick Family Just Loves to Race”

South Central Pennsylvania has had a number of high profile car owners throughout the years. Names such as Al Hamilton, Bob Stewart and Bob Weikert became household names in this region, especially in the ever-tough 410-sprint car division.

Even though the stock car classes are often overlooked at the tracks that feature 410’s on a weekly basis, one car owner found these classes to his liking and has been a strong supporter since, Lancaster Pa.’s Donnie Broderick.

Broderick’s Superior Homes Banner has found its place on many a race car throughout this region over the years. Late model drivers like Jeff Leiphart, Les Hare, Jake Lettich and former United Racing Club sprint car champion Bill Brian Jr. have at one time carried the Superior Homes colors on their race cars.

What sets Broderick apart from the average car owner is that he to races himself. Broderick and his father Ray both compete in the extreme stock car division at Susquehanna (Pa) Speedway park. “This is the most fun I’ve had in a long time.” Broderick stated. “To be able to race with my father every week is really neat and we were both able to win a bunch of races last season.” The Broderick’s were able to put together quite a season in 2007. “Dad was able to win twice and I won three races including the Pumpkin 200 as Susquehanna.” Broderick replied. “In the Pumpkin 200 we were able to collect the bounty on Mike Goodwin (07’ extreme champion) and I was sorry to see the season end!”

Besides his commitment to Susquehanna’s extreme stock division Broderick fields a 358 late model for Dover Pa.’s Gene Knaub. “You won’t find one better than him.” Broderick said in reference to Knaub. “Gene can drive just about anything and with the season he had last season I really feel that he has the equipment and ability to produce a fourteen-feature win season.” Last season Knaub scored seven 358 late model wins at three different race tracks. “The car that Gene will be driving this season is a Rocket that we got off Mike Spangler and I also have a Swartz car that is ready to go as well.” There is one driver that Broderick feels that will give his driver a run for his money throughout 2008. “Bobby Beard is going to be really tough in that Seymour no.81.” Broderick bottom lined. “The 358 late model division is so tough theses days but guy’s like Bobby and Gene are good clean drivers with plenty of experience and they’ll be the ones to beat this season.”

Fielding a three-car effort can put a strain on the wallet and Donnie Broderick will tell you just how difficult it can be.” Any type of racing you get into it’s quite expensive.” Even the Susquehanna extreme stock class can be rather costly. “There’s a lot more that goes into these cars than what people think.” Broderick offered. “That’s why we’re staying where we’re at. Even though all racing is expensive we can afford the extreme class and be quite competitive with it as well.” The 358 late model side of the Superior homes team allows a little larger budget. “Gene maintains the car and he also does all the engine work too.” Broderick offered. “I foot the bills for everything that goes into this car including the tires, but it’s real nice having not only a driver like Gene, but his maintenance and fabrication skills are second to none.”

So what does the 2008 season hold for Donnie Broderick and the Superior Homes race team? “Well as far as dad and I are concerned we’ll be back at Susquehanna full-time with the extreme stock division. I have two cars and dad has the same one from last season and we’re going for the extreme stock championship this season.” A couple new face will join the already potent Superior homes line-up this season. “Extreme racers Adam Smith and Sam Rial will be joining us this season as well as street stock racer Jimmy Slaseman.” Broderick added. “Gene will race primarily between Williams Grove (PA) and Lincoln (PA) on Saturday nights and hit shows at Path Valley (PA) and Trail-Way (PA) on Friday nights, pretty much the same schedule he raced last season.”

Needless to say Donnie Broderick has a full plate this season, but loves the challenges that face his team this season. “Racing is fun again.” Broderick explained. “We got out of racing for a while because we weren’t having any fun. Being able to race with my father every week and having a guy like Gene Knaub in our 358 car, It just doesn’t get any better than this.” News or notes to djm5507@aol.com

February 17, 2008

Maryland Clay Dirt

By Doug Watson

“Northeast Openers Approaching Quickly”

It’s hard to believe, but in just a few short day’s, The northeast dirt track season will begin for 2008. Hagerstown (MD) and Lincoln (PA) speedway’s both have openers scheduled for this Saturday February 23, While the Williams Grove (PA) speedway lid-lifter is set to go the following day on February 24. Hopefully mother nature will cooperate and allow the scheduled events to be contested, but rain is predicted for Saturday. Here’s some things to look for this weekend,

Hagerstown- Late models and big-block modifieds will be on the card Saturday with the big-block modifieds racing in a Syracuse qualifier. Last season’s opener, although delayed a week by rain, saw two very familiar faces in victory lane, Sussex NJ’s Brett Hearn and Greencastle Pa.’s Gary Stuhler. Both drivers are all-time Hagerstown win leaders in their respective division. If Hearn decides to enter the show he’ll have to be considered a favorite to win based on all the success he’s a enjoyed at Hagerstown over the years. I look for some of the “up-state boy’s” to make the trek south for the opener as well. Drivers like Pat Ward, Billy Decker and maybe even Tim Fuller are all probable entrants for the show, and with Hagerstown feature wins to their credit, both Fuller and Decker could possibly visit victory lane. Hagerstown late model fields are always strong and opening day is usually no exception. Gary Stuhler will be back in a Rocket this season and always runs well on the daytime surfaces. Alan Sagi, defending Hagerstown champion JT Spence and Jeremy Miller will most likely be in the opening day field and all three have enough daytime surface experience to pull off a win. I’m going to go out on a limb and say Pat Ward (BB Mod) and Jason Covert (LM) will snare opening day feature wins.

Lincoln- With my Saturday responsibilities now changed (I’ll b e announcing at Hagerstown this season) this will be the first Lincoln opener I’ll miss in at least fifteen years. Last season’s event was a survival of the fittest as extremely rough track conditions, due in part of pesky showers that lingered in the Hanover Pa. area most of the morning, gave the drivers quite a challenge. All the 410 sprint loyalist’s have to be happy as Lincoln’s opener is a 410 sprint car “only” program. The thundercars join the 410’s the third week of the season for a $500 to win event. Fayetteville Pa.’s Lance Dewease won last season’s opener in dramatic fashion. Provided the weather holds up, track-prep wizard Fred Putney will have a multiple grooved racetrack even for a daytime show. I’m sure the usual suspects will be in the opening day field like, Fred Rahmer, Doug Esh, Brian Montieth and Greg Hodnett with the likelihood of a few interlopers as well like Keith Kauffman, Mark Smith and Todd Shaffer coming in for the show. Lincoln’s openers never disappoint and the opening day win will once again fall to Lance Dewease.

Williams Grove- In my opinion there is no place in the world to watch sprint car racing like Williams Grove speedway. In all the years I’ve been going there I’ve yet to see a bad race and I think 2008 will be even better. Last seasons opener produced an unlikely feature winner, former Port Royal (PA) 410 sprint car champion, Mike Erdley. The Grove does have the tendency to get one-lane for daytime shows, so lets hope all the rain we’ve had this winter will help with the surface. Provided there’s not a lot of carnage at Lincoln the day before, Williams Grove will more than likely produce a strong car count. Keith Kauffman (4), Fred Rahmer (3), Greg Hodnett (2) and Lance Dewease (2) have all had their respective share of opening day success and should be part of the opening day festivities. As per any daytime race, at any track, starting position means everything and the feature winner usually come from the first two rows. Opening day Williams Grove feature winner, Lucas Wolfe. News or notes to djm5507@aol.com

February 10, 2008

Maryland Clay Dirt
By Doug Watson

“Bard and Jones Join Forces for 358 LM Effort”

Over the past several season’s the 358 late model division has really hit it’s stride as these machines have become weekly attractions at several racetracks throughout the Northern Maryland/Central Pennsylvania region. Quality car counts, close racing and a strong fan following can only mean good things to come for this division as the years progress.

Two driver’s who are anxiously awaiting the start of the 2008 campaign are Shippensburg Pa.’s Jerry Bard and Shermansdale Pa.’s Shaun Jones. The duo has decided to team-up this season with an all-out assault that consists of one goal, The Hagerstown (MD) Speedway late model sportsman championship.

“This year I will be fielding a two-car team.” Bard Commented. “I will be running my own Rocket no.26 while Shaun (Jones) will be in an identical Rocket no. 26J.”

What a tremendous season Shaun Jones enjoyed in 2007. Although he was unable to win a feature event , he did however, earn his first-ever track championship as he was crowned the Lincoln (PA) Speedway 358 late model champion. Jones secured the title on the final point night at Lincoln defeating Bobby Beard by a slim 10-point margin. Just to show how close the Lincoln 358 LM point battle was, Fourth place point man Tyler Hershey finished within 25 points of champion Shaun Jones.

Jerry Bard produced a decent season as well. Even though he fell 20-points shy of the Lincoln track title (third place) he was able to win two features during the season. Bard took an early season late model sportsman feature win at Hagerstown and then later in the season he collected a 358 late model win at Big Diamond (PA) speedway in the divisions only appearance of the season. “Last season I just couldn’t get the car set up at all until the end of the season.” Bard explained. “We are starting the year with the same set-up we used at the end of last year. That same set-up got us from 17th to 3rd in the 50-lapper at Susquehanna (PA) speedway park in October and then the following night I won the Diamond Nationals at Big Diamond (PA). I hope to start 2008 the way 2007 ended.”

“We’re very happy to have Shaun and his sponsors on board this season.” Bard commented. “Shaun will have some of the best equipment running with us, because were in it to win.” Even though Bard and company will compete weekly at Hagerstown, the team plans to make some other stops during the season. “We’ll be attending races at Path Valley (PA), Bedford (PA) and Trail-Way (PA) speedway’s for some Friday shows and if Big Diamond has a Sunday show, we’ll be there.” News or notes to djm5507@aol.com

February 3, 2008

Maryland Clay Dirt
By Doug Watson

“Modifieds are a big part of Hagerstown Schedule”

Over the past several seasons the modified division, both big and small block powered machines, have graced the early season calendar at Maryland’s Hagerstown speedway. Warmer than usual February temperatures in Maryland allow modified race teams from all over the northeast to get in some early season seat time as the tracks and fans in the up-state region of “modified country” get a chance to de-thaw after a long winter.

The modified faithful has to be quite pleased, along as mother nature cooperates, as both the big block (4) and the small block (1) modifieds occupy the first five dates on the Hagerstown schedule. Two events will serve as Octoberfest qualifiers, one a Syracuse qualifier for the big block’s and the early season modified finale will be the 100-lap Advance Auto Parts Super Dirt Series event. Last seasons SDS event drew a very nice field of thirty-six cars and when it was said and done It was Edwards New York pilot, Tim Fuller taking the win and a guaranteed starting spot for the Eckerd 200 at Syracuse. Fuller would go on the road later in the season with the World of Outlaw late model series where he would capture his first series win and also collect rookie of the year honors.
Out of the four-shows Hagerstown was able to get in for the modifieds last season, four different drivers scored their first-ever Hagerstown feature wins. The first event of the season found all-time Hagerstown modified win leader, Brett Hearn scoring his 23rd career win at the fabled Washington county oval. Like Fuller in the SDS event, Hearn would be a guaranteed starter in the Eckerd 200 at Syracuse. The second event of 2007 found a surprise winner, Quakertown Pa.’s Rick Laubach in victory lane. Laubach, a Bridgeport (NJ) Speedway regular, scored the win in the Octoberfest small block qualifier.

The final event of the 2007 season for the modifieds was the Octoberfest 350. Under beautiful weather conditions, Wade Hendrickson (Big Blocks) and Kevin Hirthler (Small Blocks) each took 100-lap feature wins, career first’s for both drivers at Hagerstown. The Octoberfest weekend once again produced a full pit area as sixty-four small blocks and forty-six big blocks took part in Saturday’s qualifying.

As I stated above Sussex NJ’s Brett Hearn has virtually owned Hagerstown victory lane scoring twenty-three feature win s to date. Only two other drivers have been able to produce double-digit feature wins in the history of modified racing at Hagerstown. Allentown Pa.’s Doug Hoffman, a former Syracuse 200 winner and current promoter of Mahoning Valley (PA) speedway sits second to Hearn with twelve victories, while Watertown New York legend, and former Syracuse titlist, Bob McCreadie holds down the third spot with ten Hagerstown modified triumphs.

Other noteworthy drivers that have been able to crack the Hagerstown win column over the years include, Alan and Danny Johnson (Both former Syracuse champions), Modified legend Billy Pauch, All-time Reading (PA) speedway modified winner (147) Kenny Brightbill and Pennsylvania standout’s Craig Von Dohren and Jeff Strunk.

This and that-

* I had a chance to catch up with Virginia Motor Speedway’s Brian Tidball at last weekends York County car show. “We’ve already put down near eighty loads of new clay and are expecting to put down at least one hundred more.” Tidball stated. “As long as the weather holds out we’ll be able to get all this work done before any bad weather decides to set in.” With all the work going on at VMS what do Tidball & company expect for 2008? “We have a lot of big shows coming up this season.” Tidball explained. “We have the World of Outlaw Late Model series and the World of Outlaw sprint cars inked for one date each plus two events for the MACS series and for the second time we’ll have the Advance Auto Parts Super Dirt Series modifieds on hand plus our regular Saturday night divisions. Needless to say, we have quite a busy season planned and I can’t wait to get going!”…
* Rumor has it that Winchester Va.’s Tommy Armel has sold all of his Barry Wright equipment and will be in a MasterSbilt chassis for 2008. Tentative plans have the Virginia driver racing weekly at Hagerstown…
* Defending Hagerstown speedway late model champion JT Spence is busy preparing his cars for the 2008 season. “We have one car that’s completely done and that’s just been lettered and we’re hanging a body on the second car right now.” Spence stated at his Winchester Va. race shop as we caught up by phone last Saturday afternoon. “We plan on being at the Hagerstown opener and we’ll try to hit as many big paying races during the season that we can.” As far as a Hagerstown late model title defense, Spence is focused on other activities this season . “We aren’t running for points.” Spence bottom lined. “It was great to win the title last year but we don’t want to be locked into one track. There were a lot of tracks that had shows we would have rather been at last season, so that’s the route were going to take this season.” Look for Spence to be a featured story in an upcoming issue of Dirt Late Model Magazine. News or notes to djm5507@aol.com.

January 28, 2008

Maryland Clay Dirt

By Doug Watson

“Sam Gallagher’s New Ride”

This past weekend was the annual “Dirt-Trackin” show at the York fairgrounds in York, Pennsylvania. Once again the show was a huge hit as eager race fans were treated to three good days of weather and a plethora of beautiful race cars. What I always liked about the York Show, the name it’s often referred to, is not only the cars on display but all the vendors and giveaway’s at the show. You can find just about anything racing related from collectibles to race car parts, and to me the highlight of the show is Bricker’s famous French fries.

I spent all day Saturday at the show at my new place of employment, the Hagerstown Speedway booth. However, I did get a chance to walk around the show and notice some of the beautiful equipment on display. One car that certainly caught my attention was the No.25 thundercar that will be driven this season by Hanover Pa.’s Sam Gallagher.

Gallagher, the 2004 Trail-Way (PA) thundercar track champion, had been at the controls of Joe Seymour’s potent no. 81s thundercar the past two seasons. When Seymour and company decided to go 358 late model racing in 08’ with Bobby Beard, Gallagher was left without a ride for the upcoming season.

For 2008 Gallagher will be the new chauffeur of the Byers Tire No.25 at Lincoln (PA) Speedway on Saturday nights. This is the same car that carried Dover Pa.’s Gene Knaub to eight Lincoln thundercar wins in 2006 and is the same car that York Pa.’s Smoke Christine drove to seven top-five finishes at Lincoln in 2007. Christine has vacated the Byers Tire machine, as he will be racing with the 358 late models this season at Susquehanna (PA) Speedway Park. If this car performs as well as it looks Sam Gallagher looks like he could have quite a big season ahead of him. Sponsorship on the Byers No.25 comes from Bolen Tree Service, Smokey Hollow Performance, Lawrence’s Body Shop and Feltch’s Small Engine Repair.

Biglerville Pa.’s Nat Tuckey will also be joining the 358 late model ranks for 2008. Tuckey has acquired a former Alan Sagi MastersBilt but plans to where he’ll race the machine are uncertain. Former sprint car pilot Jimmy Walker purchased Tuckey’s potent no.22 towards the end of the season and plans have him racing at Lincoln on Saturday nights. This is the same car that carried Tuckey to eleven thundercar feature wins at Lincoln this past season. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Bobby Beard, a three-time Lincoln thundercar champion, sat behind the wheel of Walker’s J1 sometime during the season. News or notes to djm5507@aol.com

January 21, 2008

Maryland Clay Dirt

By Doug Watson

“Pensinger Prepares for New Challenge”

Entering his eighth year behind the wheel of a stock car, Shippensburg Pa.’s Charlie Pensinger will be making a change for the 2008 season.

Pensinger, a long time campaigner in the extreme stock division at Susquehanna (PA) Speedway Park, will become a weekly competitor in the pure stock division at the Hagerstown (MD) Speedway. “We’re looking forward to a new challenge.” Pensinger stated as we had a chance to catch up at last Saturday night’s ARCH banquet in Hagerstown. “We’ve been in the extreme division since 2000 and we’ve had a lot of success. We were able to win six features and the track championship at Susquehanna in 04’ plus we’ve been able to win at least one race per season since we started , so needless to say my whole team and I are ready for 2008.”
Even though the extreme stock and a pure stock classes’ are similar in appearance, there are several things that make these cars completely different. “The biggest learning curve I feel we’ll face will be the use of racing tires on the pure stock.” Pensinger remarked. “All the years we ran the extreme car we used street tires, so right off the bat I feel we’re at a little disadvantage as far as knowledge go’s, but I feel we’re up to the challenge.”

Although Pensinger will be a full blown rookie next season, he did have the opportunity to prepare for the 08’ season as he competed in the final two pure stock events of the season at Hagerstown, with one of them the highly touted Shamrock Inn Small Car Nationals. “Yeah that was quite a humbling experience.” Pensinger bottom lined. “We bolted some racing tires on the extreme car and went racing.” This refer’s back to how the cars appear the same but are quite different. “We didn’t do anything to the exhaust or with the motor, so needless to say we didn’t qualify for either show!”

Pensinger has set some pretty simplistic goals for his team and himself. “So far we’re 0 for 2 in pure stock competition.” Pensinger chuckled. “It’s been really hard for us being one of the cars to beat each week in the extreme ranks to being a pure stock car that can’t make the feature. Our goal right now is to qualify for as many shows as we can and to get as much seat time as we can.”

Along with his racing commitment, Pensinger is also the current president of the Auto Racing Club of Hagerstown. So needless to say, Mr. Pensinger will be quite busy in 2008. “My whole team is really excited about making the switch.” Pensinger explained. “I’ve always enjoyed racing at Hagerstown, so I can hardly wait.” “As far as ARCH go’s It’s a great club to be associated with and I couldn’t be more proud to be the club president for the second consecutive year and all the responsibility that comes with it.”
Sponsorship is nothing Pensingers team lacks, but he would like to improve on for the up-coming season. “We’ve been fortunate over the years to have some really good sponsors on the car, but for 2008 I would like to try and attract some more sponsorship from the Hagerstown-metro area. I feel by us racing there on a weekly basis, hopefully, we can attract some more sponsorship for our team and maybe we can help promote some local business’ in the area as well.” News or note to djm5507@aol.com.

January 14, 2008

Maryland Clay Dirt

By Doug Watson

“ARCH Banquet going strong for 43rd consecutive year”

Coming this Saturday night January 19 the Auto Racing Club of Hagerstown will host its 43rd annual awards banquet at the Elks lodge in Hagerstown Maryland. The ARCH club, which has been in existence since 1964, is one of the premiere racing clubs in the mid-Atlantic region. Many special awards are handed out during the evening with the main focus honoring sportsmanship drivers from tracks in the area. Drivers from sprint car, late model, late model sportsman, street stock and other various classes are all recognized for their performances, on and off the track, during the course of the season. Besides the full buffet, there’s a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, full refreshments and dancing that round out the evening for $25.00 per person. Tickets can be obtained through Dave Loss at DELCO Signs (717) 632-2443. The one thing that I really enjoy about the club, is not on the $8.00 a year membership fee, but the fan nights they host at various speedway’s during the season. All club members receive a discount during an ARCH event and all feature winners that particular evening receive a beautiful ARCH checkered flag that they can keep. ARCH is an outstanding organization to be a part of and hopefully 2008 will be even bigger and better.

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As I’ve often said race car graphics nowadays are almost as important as the machines performance. Now that 2008 is right around the corner drivers and teams alike are getting their cars ready for the upcoming season. Kurt Smith of KRS graphics just put the finishing touches on 2007 Williams Grove (PA) speedway 358 late model champion Tyler Hershey’s 2008 machine. Hershey’s Rocket no.74 is a real eye-catcher with sponsorship coming from Hershey Racing engines, JWP environmental and Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic. Dave Loss of DELCO Signs has been quite busy as well with his new wrap machine as well. Some of the cars that have rolled out of his McSherrystown Pa. shop since late December include Pennsylvania 358 late model drivers Craig Wagamans no.30, Gene Knaubs no.1, and super late model drivers Tim Murphy’s no.39 and Larry Baers GRT no.0. Even with the wrap deal going quite well, Loss still has time for the paint brush as Justin Mongs thundercar no.77 features the hand-lettered style that has put DELCO Signs on the graphics map for many years. News or notes to djm5507@aol.com.

January 7, 2008

Maryland Clay Dirt
By Doug Watson

“Maryland Tracks Prepare for Busy Season”

With the holiday season now behind us for another year, Promoters and race teams alike are gearing up for what looks to be a very busy racing season in the state of Maryland. With only three operational facilities left in the state, geographically, it’s relatively easy to cover. Here’s a look at the up-coming season for Maryland stock car racing.

Hagerstown Speedway- The fabled Washington county half-mile enters it’s 61st season of operation with it’s scheduled opener set for February 23 featuring the super late models and the big-block modifieds. Along the way Hagerstown management has once again put together quite a nice schedule for 2008. For the modified fan’s the first five events of the season include both big and small block action, with two shows being Octoberfest qualifiers, one event a Syracuse qualifier and the Advanced Auto Parts Super DIRT Series machines will be on hand with the late models on March 22. The late model calendar is once again filled to capacity with traditional Hagerstown annual events plus visits by the World of Outlaw’s, The Independent Racing Series (IRS) and the Lucas Oil Series. Hagerstown’s two support classes, late model sportsman and the Pure stocks will have a busy season as well. Several special events for both classes are on the schedule with the biggest of all, the second annual Shamrock Inn Small Car Nationals, which is now a two day event, will be held September 19&20. For all the sprint car fans the mighty 410 sprints will be on hand for one show, the Pennsylvania Speedweek event on July 2, while the 358 sprint cars make their first Hagerstown appearance in quite some time as they’ll join the IRS late models on September 13. The USAC wingless sprint cars will also be on the schedule as part of a doubleheader with the late models on June 7. As you can see “The Capitol of Dirt Track Racing”, Hagerstown Speedway, has something for everyone. Visit the Speedway at www.hagerstownspeedway.com.

Potomac Speedway- One of the premiere Friday night tracks in the region, Potomac Speedway is preparing to kick-off its 36th consecutive season of stock car racing in southern Maryland. Even though Potomac’s schedule has not been released yet, Their opener typically falls between the second and third week of March. Although Potomac has a relatively short, special event only format, for the super late models, Promoter Rick Jones has had some pretty good success with his shows. Car counts hovered in the mid to high twenties for most of his events with his highest count being the season ending Vern Harris Memorial in October which drew a solid field of thirty-four cars. Potomac has a solid schedule consisting mainly of 40-lap $2000 to win events. The most lucrative race on the calendar is the once mentioned Vern Harris Memorial. The prestigious event pays $5000 to win and $500 to start. In the past Jones has had the MACS series and The World of outlaw’s invade Potomac with much success. A return visit by one or both of these series would be a big plus to racing in the region, especially if it were in conjunction with either a Hagerstown or Virginia Motor Speedway event the following day. Even though the late models are quite healthy at Potomac, the same cannot be said of it’s three support divisions, The limited late models, street stocks and hobby stocks. All three classes were plagued with poor car counts just about all season, but made up for the lack of cars with great racing and first-time track champions in each class. Some gray-area’s in the rules for these classes is what I feel is the major drop-off in car count’s. Unless this problem is rectified sooner than later, the same problem will beset all three classes in 2008. On a positive note, the addition of the IMCA style modifieds on a bi-weekly basis is a really good move by Rick Jones. These cars are quite popular at nearby VMS and usually have a full-field plus for each event. With the proper purse and exposure these cars could have the same impact at Potomac. www.potomacspeedway.com

The Rock, Allegany County Speedway- Formerly known as the Cumberland Speedway, The Rock, as it’s referred to now, has seen it’s share of good and bad times. The “Other” Rick Jones promoted facility seems to do very well when hosting a touring series, but the regular shows need some work. The season ending Big Kahuna has become one of the premiere events in the area and has really helped to keep the Rock on the late model map. As far as its regular shows are concerned car counts in the low teen’s and single digits cannot be a sign of good things to come. The Rock’s three support classes, limited late models, street stocks and Hobby stocks are in the same situation as well, good racing, but poor car counts. Rumor has it that Rick Jones is going to switch The Rock to Friday nights and headline the limited late models and possibly only run the super late models four or five times next season. This might sound like a crazy idea but if you look at all the Saturday night tracks that run limited or 358 style late models (Hagerstown, Williams Grove (PA), Susquehanna (PA), there’s a lot of cars that have nowhere to race on Friday nights. Jones would have to go head to head with Bedford (PA) speedway as they are the only other track to operate on Friday nights in the area. Bedford is a well established Friday night racetrack and Rick Jones would certainly have his hands full turning the Rock into a Friday night show. Who Knows, maybe it will work. Everyone thought Susquehanna’s Todd Fisher was crazy switching from Friday’s to Saturday’s last season with his 358 late model shows, but with the right attitude and pocket book, anything is possible. News or notes to djm5507@aol.com