Longtime Oswego fan Mancel Davis (1933-2010) passed away on Sunday, May 2, not long after he and his wife, Betty, traveled to Oswego to purchase their 2010 season tickets.  Shortly after purchasing the tickets, while still in the states, Davis became ill and was flown home to Ontario before passing away.

Former Oswego track manager Dick O’Brien says Davis saw every International Classic from 1960 to 2009 and that Mancel and his wife rarely missed a weekly Oswego race.  The couple also spent their honeymoon at the lakeside oval some years back.

Davis’s obituary read that “he enjoyed traveling to Oswego, New York, and many other places to watch car racing.”

Mancel’s many friends who sat around him near Oswego’s start/finish line will surely miss their fellow supermodified devotee when the new season kicks off this Saturday.

***Press written by Keith Shampine. Contact Keith at 315-657-2207 or e-mail [email protected].

The Annual Vukovich Memorial Classic at Madera Speedway featured Supermodifieds, 360 Supermodifieds, and BCRA Midgets on Saturday evening. Jim Birges managed to win the Supermodified Feature with some mid-race adjustments, Kyle Vanderpool captured his second 360 win of the young season and Chad Nichols won all the marbles in the Midget main event.

The evening started with time trials for all classes. The mighty Midgets were up first with Chad Nichols (17) posting fast time at 14.096 seconds on the 1/3 mile banking. Nick Foster (1) was second at 14.454 and David Prickett (15) was third at 14.680.

The 360 Supers were next to challenge the clocks and Kenny Kinchen (5) was fastest at 13.204 seconds. Next up, were Dan Vanderpool (17) at 13.695 and Kyle Vanderpool (1) at 13.829.

A.J. Russell (7) was the fastest injected Supermodified at 12.473 seconds, followed by Jim Birges (32) at 12.641 seconds and Rookie Kody Swanson (72) at 12.925 seconds.

The next orders of business were the trophy dashes. The Bay Cities Racing Association Midgets lined up with Scott Nail on the pole pursued David Prickett, Nick Foster, Jr., and Chad Nichols. Prickett and Nichols sailed around Nail on the outside of turns one and two at the start and then Nichols dove inside Pricket in turn three to lead the first lap with Foster and Nail rounding out the field. Nichols then pulled away to a convincing margin to win over Prickett, Foster, and Nail.

Larry Hinz paced the 360 Super Dash followed by K. Vanderpool, D. Vanderpool, and Kinchen. At the green flag, the outside line again proved faster as Kyle Vanderpool led the first lap over Kinchen, Hinz, and Dan Vanderpool. Lap two saw Kinchen wrest the lead from the younger Vanderpool, while his father grabbed third from Hinz. Then, on the fourth and final lap, the elder Vanderpool grabbed second while Kinchen was motoring off into the distance. Final order was Kinchen, D. Vanderpool, K. Vanderpool, and Hinz.

The injected Supers lined up with Regier and Swanson on Row 1 and Birges and Russell in row two. Swanson took to the high side to pass Regier while Birges stuck his nose in the middle and went three wide in turn three to take second on the first lap. Regier held third and Russell was fourth. Birges and Swanson went side by side for two more laps with Kody holding the edge at the line while Russell bagged third on lap three. Lap four order had Kody Swanson winning his first ever Supermodified race followed by Birges, Russell, and Regier.

Each open wheel class ran a single eight-lap heat. The Midgets lined up with Nail and Prickett in the first row, Foster and Nichols in row two, and Silverman rounding out the field. At the drop of the green, Foster forced his way inside Nail while Prickett and Nichols made it three wide on the high side. Lap one showed Foster leading over Prickett and Nichols. Nichols took second in turn two on lap two and then Prickett drove in hard on the inside of turn three and both the 17 and 15 spun from the ensuing contact to force a yellow flag. Prickett and Nichols were put to the rear on the restart with Foster, Nail, and Silverman in front of them. Nichols moved from fifth to third on lap two putting Silverman and Prickett behind him. Nichols took second on lap three and Prickett  garnered third on lap four. Nichols then went after Foster but was unable to affect a pass. Finishing order was Foster over Nichols, Prickett, Nail and Silverman.

The 360 Heat starting order was Kinchen, D. Vanderpool, K. Vanderpool, Hinz, Jackson, and Johnson. Once again the outside line proved fast as Vanderpool led over Kinchen, Vanderpool, Hinz, and Jackson. Jackson then snookered Hinz for fourth on lap four and that was the extent of the passing. Dan Vanderpool won over Kinchen, Kyle Vanderpool, Jackson, and Hinz.

Greenway had broken a driveline yoke in time trials and Swanson had cracked the side plate on the quick change during the dash, so both failed to report for the injected heat. The remaining three cars lined up with Russell on the pole flanked by Birges. Regier had row two all to himself. As in the previous cases, Birges took the lead on the high side but Russell stayed beside him for six of the eight laps. Birges finally cleared the seven car coming down for the white flag and then opened up his lead at the checkers. Russell was second and Regier was third.

The BCRA Midgets ran a thirty-lap feature with the Nail and Prickett on row one followed by Foster, Nichols, and Silverman. At the start there was much wheel banging in turn one and Pricket came out leading over Foster, Silverman, Nail, and Nichols. Nichols moved past Nail on lap three and then passed Silverman on lap five. He then passed Foster on lap nine and took the lead from Prickett on lap ten.

At one-third distance, Nichols led over Prickett, Foster, Silverman and Nail. Nichols proceeded to extend his lead at will. Foster snookered Prickett on lap eighteen and the order after twenty was Nichols, Foster, Prickett, Silverman, and Nail.

Lap twenty-one saw Nail move to fourth and Prickett retook second a lap later. Nichols lapped Silverman on lap twenty-three and did the same to Nail on lap twenty-five. And that was the show. At the lap thirty checkered flag, Nichols won over Prickett, Foster, Nail, and Silverman.

Madera Speedway combines the 360 Supers with the injected cars for the fifty-lap feature. Both Greenway and Swanson made the call after completing repairs in the pits. The starting order had Jackson on the pole with Hinz outside the first row. They were chased by both Vanderpools in row two, Regier and Kinchen in row three, Swanson and Birges in row four, Russell and Greenway in row five, and Carl Johnson in the back. There was a mad scramble at the start with Hinz having problems in turn one and Jackson led over K. Vanderpool, Swanson, Regier, and Birges. Lap two saw both Birges and Russell pass Regier. On lap three Swanson, Birges, Russell and Kinchen all got around Vanderpool. Swanson then passed Jackson on lap four to take the lead while Birges Russell and Kinchen all got around the eighteen a lap later. At five laps in, Swanson led over Birges, Russell, Kinchen, and Jackson.

Birges got under Swanson coming off turn four on lap six to take the lead. On lap eight, the leaders lapped Greenway who then headed to the pits. Regier also displaced Jackson from the top five. At ten laps, the order was Birges, Swanson, Russell, Kinchen (top 360) and Regier.

Birges and Swanson had a great battle going at the front with Russell lurking just behind waiting for a mistake. Hinz was lapped on the twelfth circuit and Johnson got the same treatment two laps later. Birges put Jackson down a lap on the seventeenth go around. Dan Vanderpool was a victim of the leaders on lap 19. At Twenty laps, Birges still led over Swanson, Russell, Kinchen, and Regier.

The leaders caught Kyle Vanderpool on the next lap and Birges dropped from first to third with the car going dead loose. The black flag was waved at Jackson on the leaders twenty-second lap and Jackson headed to the pits a lap later trailing unknown vapors and suffering from a bad vibration. Regier was suffering handling problems as well and was lapped by Swanson and Russell on lap twenty-nine. Johnson went a second circuit in arrears on the thirtieth round. Lap thirty’s order showed Swanson leading over Russell and Birges, with Kinchen the only 360 on the lead lap.

The yellow and then red flag flew on lap thirty-two when Johnson broke and spun in his own oil in turn one, Regier got into the oil and also spun. With a large cleanup due, the race was stopped. Birges, Swanson, and Regier all took advantage of the red to make much needed adjustments. The restart order had Swanson leading with Russell, Birges, and Kinchen sill on the lead lap and with Kyle and Dan Vanderpool and Regier a lap down. Russell’s car evidently started to overheat at this point while Birges’s pink creation came alive with the adjustments and a chance to cool the tires. Birges took second on lap thirty-three and began reeling in Swanson. On lap thirty-seven, Birges completed an inside pass off turn four and took control of the race. At lap forty, Birges led over Swanson, Russell, and Kinchen, all on the lead lap. Regier, Kyle and Dan Vanderpool were all one lap down.

Birges and Swanson put Dan Vanderpool a second lap down on lap forty-two while still slugging it out on the track. Kyle Vanderpool fell victim to the leaders for another lap on the forty-seventh circuit. Then the yellow flew for the second time on lap forty-eight when Kinchen coasted to a stop in turn four with the all the wheel studs on the rear axle sheared. With Kinchen leaving on the hook, only Birges, Swanson, Russell, Regier, K. Vanderpool, and D. Vanderpool were left for the three lap shootout. The cooling of the tires seemed to work to Birges’s advantage as he was able to pull out a bit of lead over Swanson for the end of the race. At the checkers, Birges was the winner overall and in the injected class with Swanson taking second in his inaugural Supemodifed run with Russell third and Regier fourth, one lap down. Kyle Vanderpool was the top finishing 360 two laps down in fifth overall, with Dan Vanderpool sixth and the last running car. Kinchen was deemed third in the 360 division by virtue of being only three laps down.

After the fiasco of the first Supermodified event at Madera in April when only two cars were left running after twenty-eight laps, this was a splendid show with great competition and some great driving. With the return of the S&S team at the next Super Saturday event in June and the possibility of additional teams from Idaho and Nevada as well as two or three additional 360’s scheduled to start running, the entertainment and competition level should increase even more. From the South Bank of the San Joaquin, I am now the Racing Widow’s Widower. Figure that one out folks.

Madera Speedway Vukovich Memoria, 5/48/10

BCRA Midgets
Qualifications: 1. 17 Chad Nichols, 14.096; 2. 1 Nick Foster, Jr., 14.454; 3. 15 David Prickett, 14.680; 4. 16 Scott Nail, 14.978; 5. 12 Dillon Silverman, 15.631
Dash: 1. Nichols; 2. Prickett; 3. Foster; 4. Nail..
Heat: 1. Foster; 2. Nichols; 3. Peickett; 4. Nail; 5. Silverman.
Feature: 1. Nichols; 2. Prickett; 3. Foster; 4. Nail; 5. Silverman.

360 Supermodifieds
Qualifications: 1.5 Kenny Kinchen, 13.204; 2. 17 Dan Vanderpool, 13.301; 3. 1 Kyle Vanderpool, 13.829; 4. 4 Larry Hinz, 14.174; 5. Lance Jaxkson, 14.644; 6. 07 Carl Johnson, N/T; 7. 29 Willie Northamer, N/T.
Dash: 1. Kinchen; 2. D. Vanderpool; 3. K. Vandrpool; 4. Hinz.
Heat: 1. D. Vanderpool; 2. Kinchen; 3. K. Vanderpool; 4. Jackson; 5. Hinz; 6. Johnson.

Injected Supermodifieds
Qualifications: 1.7 A.J. Russell, 12.473; 2 32 Jim Birges, 12.641; 3 72 Kody Swanson, 12.925; 4. 89 Troy Regier, 13.221; 5. 8 George Greenway, 13.301.
Dash: 1. Swanson; 2. Birges; 3. Russell; 4. Regier
Heat: 1. Birges; 2. Russell; 3. Regier
Combined Feature: 1. Birges; 2. Swanson; 3. Russell; 4. Regier; 5. K. Vanderpool*; 6. D. Vanderpool*; 7. Kinchen*; 8.Johnson*; 9. Jackson*; 10. Hinz;*; 11. Greenway; 12. Northamer*, DNS. * Denotes 360 Supermodified.

On a day that looked like it may never see a green flag May Motorsports driver Charlie Shultz took command in the early stages and bested the field to win the 2010 season opening Midwest Supermodified Association (MSA) 30 lap feature race at Sandusky Speedway (OH) last Saturday night. Coming from his ninth starting position in his bright red trademark No. 7, Shultz sailed to the front in dominating fashion setting a torrid pace to get his first checkered flag of the new season.

Top 3: Tim Jedrzejek, Charlie Schultz (winner) and Trent Stephens Photo - Todd Ridgeway

Defending MSA Champion Timmy Jedrzejek finished second followed by the Steve Stout teammates of Trent Stephens third and “Liquid” Lou Cicconi fourth as the May Motorsports No. 77 with Tim Ice aboard rounded out the top five.

“When they first threw the green the car felt pretty good,” said the race winner. “After we got that little bit of a run there under green I thought ‘this car feels pretty loose.’ We had the red flag and the car set there long enough that the stagger closed up to where I wanted it. Then on the restart I was able to get on the outside in the clean air and the car was just really, really good,” finished Shultz.

After a three hour track drying process between the heat races and the feature race veteran racers Jon Henes and Jack Smith brought the field to the green flag and start of the MSA season. Smith would lead the first handful of laps which included just two caution periods, one of which went red for the upturned car of Rich Reid. No injuries nor seriously damaged equipment was reported and racing resumed, going to the checkers non-stop from that point.

By lap five Shultz was out moving, while in front, Timmy J was also setting sail for the leaders. Once Shultz got to Timmy J they ran side-by-side for two laps until Shultz cleared the Champion, setting sail for leader Smith. The horsepower showed as Shultz went to the point and wore out the rest of the field with blinding speed on a track he is very familiar with. Smith faded to sixth, followed by Randy Burch, Jon Henes, Bobby Dawson, and Rich Reid rounding out the top ten.

Schultz (7) and Jedrzejek (8) do battle Photo - Todd Ridgeway

“Opening night, we had some problems in the heat race,” said Timmy J. “We’ll take home second place and tip our hats over to No. 7 team, they where awful strong tonight. We’ll go back to the shop, see what we got, and bring out a better machine than last time,” finished the series Champion.

14 supermodifieds were in the pit are on opening night as Cicconi set fast time of 14.873 around the northern Ohio oval. Heat winners included Brandon Fisher and Shultz.

(Chemung, NY) This week’s gamble was with the weather, and it was another win for WilliamsAutoGroup.com presents Chemung Speedrome. Tony Hanbury (NASCAR Sunoco Modifieds), Jeff Goodwin (Street Stocks), Mike Alcaro (INEX Legends), Gene Purvis (4 Cylinders) and Zack Keeney (FWD) all visited the Horseheads Pick-A-Part Victory Lane, all but one got there for the second week in a row. Race teams and fans are reminded that racing this weekend and next will be on Saturdays, with a 1:30 PM start on the 15th and a 6:30 PM start on May 22nd.

When “Lady Luck” is with you, it’s as though all the stars are lined up right. For Owego, NY’s Tony Hanbury, all of the other stars in the headline NASCAR Sunoco Modified feature were lined up right – right behind him when he drew the pole for the 50-lap feature. Al Chapman, driving the Dan Kurzejewski-owned #21 started beside Hanbury on the front row but Hanbury led the way and never surrendered the lead. JR Kent, the defending track champion, started 7th and had to work his way to the front. He passed Chapman and took over 2nd but could go no further on this night. Chapman finished 3rd, ahead of Rusty Smith and Zach Truesdail. Hanbury and Kent won the 2 heat races.

Heat winner Mike Nichols drew the pole for the 25-lap Street Stock feature but Terry Potrzebowski, who started 3rd, led the first 3 laps. Jeff Goodwin passed Potrzebowski for the lead on lap 4, however it went back to “Mr 72” a lap later. While they battled for the lead, Goodwin was ready to strike, and did. Nichols, meanwhile, was also right there and got around Goodwin on the 10th lap. It appeared the race would go his way until his car broke and the lead went back to Goodwin. He scored the win, this time ahead of Potrzebowski, Dylan Terry, Hank Buchanan and Chris Silvers. It was a sweep for Goodwin, who also won his heat race.

When Mike Alcaro, the INEX Legend hot shoe from Fredon, NJ travels to Chemung he more than likely adds a trophy to the car hauler for the return trip. Justin Petcosky hoped to change that and the pair put on one heck of a race. Petcosky lost the lead he’d held since the opening lap when Alcaro got around him on lap 12. While others were battling for position, the race for the lead kept the crowd’s attention. With 2 to go Petcosky regained the lead, but Alcaro won the drag race off turn 4 and scored his 2nd win in a row. Petcosky had to settle for 2nd, with Richie Vanderpool, Art Priscott and Brandon Michael all finishing in the top 5. Michael and Vanderpool won their qualifying races.

Multi-time 4 Cylinder champ, Gene Purvis, is now 2-for-2. He drew starting spot #2 but finished #1 for the second week in a row. Phil Haner tried to get around him but Purvis held on and led all 15 laps. Haner was 2nd at the stripe, followed by Joe Lane, Ryan Purvis and Milton Price. Heat race wins went to Tony Gullo and Jeremy Potrzebowski. Marcus Wood won the FWD 4 Cylinder heat but Zack Kenney won their 10-lap feature and is undefeated.

Think Saturdays for the next two weeks. This weekend it’s a May 15th Saturday Afternoon Shootout featuring the NASCAR Sunoco Modifieds, Street Stocks, INEX Legends and 4 Cylinders. Pits open at 10 AM, with practice and grandstand gates opening at noon. The first heat hits the track at 1:30 PM. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and kids ages 5-16, and always free for kids under age 5. Fans are reminded to bring their ticket stubs from May 7th for a $2 discount.

Anyone wanting more information can call track manager, Jody Buckley, at 607-738-1125 or check the track’s website, http://chemungspeedrome.net/index.htmt. Chemung Speedrome and the NASCAR Whelen All American Series – Short Track Racing At Its Best!

Results:

NASCAR Sunoco Modifieds (50 Laps) TONY HANBURY, JR Kent, Al Chapman, Rusty Smith, Zach Truesdail, Lee Sharpsteen, Bobby Osgood, TJ Potrzebowski, Charlie Sharpsteen, Larry Jaynes, Zack Curren, Matt Clemmons, Jimmy Zacharias, John Wilber, Justin Petcosky

Street Stocks (25 Laps) JEFF GOODWIN, Terry Potrzebowski, Dylan Terry, Hank Buchanan, Chris Silvers, Ken Evans, Mike Nichols, Brittany Jack, Brandon Ameigh, John Lane

INEX Legends (25 Laps) MIKE ALCARO, Justin Petcosky, Richie Vanderpool, Art Priscott, Brandon Michael, Matt Priscott, Andrew Stotler, Ben Moore, Cody Frantz, Matt Evans, Ravin Schrantz, Corey Mosher, AJ Griffin, Andrew Bickford, Barry Schrantz, John Bacon

4 Cylinders (15 Laps) GENE PURVIS, Phil Haner, Joe Lane, Ryan Purvis, Milton Price, Jeremy Potrzebowski, Frank Morich, Brett Gleason, Tony Gullo, Doug Colton (DNS)

FWD 4 Cylinders (10 Laps) ZACK KENNEY, Kurtis Benjamin, Marcus Wood, David Cooke

It’s hard to believe but on July 10th, 2010, it will mark the fifth annual Oswego Speedway Old Timers Reunion Picnic.  Just as the four events that have preceded it, another great turnout is expected!!!  Getting the old racing gang together every year has become a highlight for so many fans and the organizers appreciate your support.

Everyone keeps saying “don’t change a thing” and with that in mind the format will remain the same.  A large tent, along with tables and chairs will be located behind the back grandstands.  It will serve as a gathering place for our group.  No head table, no long speeches, just a picnic style event with great food and plenty of time to socialize.

Garafalo’s of Oswego will again cater our reunion with unlimited food and drink.  No alcoholic beverages will be served, but you are welcome to bring your cooler with your favorite drinks.   You will enjoy an array of photos, scrapbooks, racing programs, newspapers, model race cars and more which will trigger many great memories of the good ole days at Oswego and other supermodified tracks.

Another large selection of beautifully restored race cars from that era will be on display.  Everyone one of them bring back an array of great memories.  One in particular that should draw special interest is the Jimmy Shampine 8-ball which competed at Oswego Speedway from 1966 to 1969.  The car has not be in public for almost four decades but last October Dave Hollinger purchased the car at an auction in Oswego.  He then contacted Steve Miller to help with the restoration and things are coming together very well.  They would like to unveil the 8-ball at this year’s Old Timers Reunion.  We are delighted with their kindness.

We kick off the fun at 10am on Saturday morning, lasting until 4pm when action on the speedway becomes busy.  Later in this newsletter there is information about discount motel rates for the weekend.  Those with motor homes are welcome to park within an easy walk from the main tent.  Those needing handicap parking will be allowed to park very close to the tent.

Again this year we expect upwards of 50-60 former drivers and owners to grace the event.  Former track officials (some still active) along with press and racing family members will be there.  Also attending are some of the most loyal and dedicated racing fans ever known!!!  The fans were a huge part of Oswego’s success back in the good ole days!!!

The speedway has two big events scheduled for Old Timer weekend. A complete, regular show will be presented on Friday evening with the winged supermodifieds in action.  Things will get a bit more serious on Saturday night with the “King of Wings” 50 lap Championship.  A dynamite supermodified double header!!!  A large field of entries is expected with the weekly Oswego stars taking on the wing specialist of MSA and ISMA.  The action is sure to be lightning quick.

Adult Grandstand General Admission at the ticket booth for Friday is $20.   Saturday’s Adult Grandstand General Admission is $30.   The speedway is offering a two-day Adult Grandstand General Admission for $40.

CHECK OUT THE RACE & REUNION TICKET COMBINATION SPECIALS OFFERED BY OUR OLD TIMER GROUP:

** A Reunion Ticket (includes all food & drink) along with a 2 day Adult Grandstand General Admission Ticket for $47    (A savings of ten dollars)

** A Reunion Ticket (includes all food & drink) along with a Saturday night Adult Grandstand General Admission Ticket for $42.  (A savings of five dollars)

** A Reunion Ticket (includes food & drink) alone is $17.

Those wishing to view the action from the infield will also have a discount available.  Just present your Old Timer Reunion Stub at the Ticket Box Office and depending on how many nights you attend will qualify for a $10 to $15 savings!!!   Just show them your Old Timer Reunion stub.

Requests for all ticket orders may be sent to:
Old Timers Reunion
213 Duer St
Oswego, NY 13126

Please make checks payable in U.S. funds to Old Timers Reunion.  Tickets will be held for pickup until Friday or Saturday of Reunion weekend unless otherwise directed.

For more information call 315-342-5149

Needing a motel room for Old Timer Weekend? Check out the specials offered by the Days Inn (Route 104 East – just blocks from the speedway) and Travelodge (Route 104 West near the college).

Days Inn – Single Room $75 (Discounted from $99), Double $85 (Discounted from $109)

Travelodge – Single Room $65 (Discounted from $79), Double $75 (Discounted from $89)

When making reservation tell agent you are attending the Old Timer Reunion.  You will need to show your Reunion ticket to get discount when checking out.  Rates apply for Friday July 9th and Saturday July 10th . Call now!!

Days Inn (315) 343-3136          Travelodge (315) 343-4900

The Oswego County Quarter Midget Club (OCQMC) held its second points race of the season on Sunday. Richie Elston, Amy Holland, Addison Bowman, Zach Sobotka, Bailey Groves, Eymarah Bowman and Gabby Fortino all visited victory lane. The club will hold its third points race this weekend, on Mother’s Day. Gates open at 8:45am. The track is located at the corner of Silk and Howard roads in the Town of Volney. Parking and admission are always free.

Richie Elston, Amy Holland, Addison Bowman, Zach Sobotka, Bailey Groves, Eymarah Bowman and Gabby Fortino (Missing from photo: Gabby Fortino)

Results: May 2, 2010

Jr. Novice:
1.  Eymarah Bowman
2.  Payton Gorman
3.  Breannah Demo

Sr. Novice:
1.  Rich Elston

Jr. Honda:
1.  Addison Bowman
2.  Ethan Serow
3.  Darrick Fortino
4.  Zach Anderson

Sr. Honda:
1.  Zach Sobotka
2.  Ryan Dolbear
3.  Amy Holland
4.  Tyler Coant
5.  Dante Rogers

Heavy Honda:
1.  Bailey Groves
2.  Brett Draper
3.  Allison Boyzuck

Lite 160:
1.  Amy Holland
2.  Zach Sobotka
3.  Camden Proud
4.  Tyler Corcoran

Heavy 160:
1.  Bailey Groves
2.  Brett Draper
3.  Allison Boyzuck

Half:
1.  Gabby Fortino

Pennsylvania’s “Liquid” Lou Cicconi piloted the Rick Wentworth-owned No. 10 supermodified into victory lane Sunday, capturing the checkered flag in a 50-lap International Super Modified Association (ISMA) event at the newly paved Albany-Saratoga Speedway.

Chris Perley (3rd), Lou Cicconi (1st) & Mike Ordway (3rd) at Albany-Saratoga - Jim Feeney Photo

The event – full of firsts – was both ISMA’s season opener and maiden visit to the Malta, N.Y. track. Despite the fact that snowflakes had been flying across the Empire State earlier in the week, sunny skies and 80-degree temperatures allowed the former dirt track to fly something a little more seasonal – its first checkered flag of the year.

Having started ninth, Cicconi took the lead away from sophomore driver Dave Duggan with an inside move heading into turn three following a mid-race restart. ISMA Champions Chris Perley and Mike Ordway chased the race leader to the finish. Cicconi, who earned 15th-place in points and visited victory lane once in 2009, was never seriously challenged after taking the lead, despite loosing half of his braking power.

Listen to – (Lou Cicconi)

Duggan and Bob Magner led the 21-car field to the green to start ISMA’s 36th season, but before the duo could make it onto the backstretch, a mid-pack scuffle sent Ordway and Russ Wood around in turn No. 1. Both cars were able to pushed away.

On the restart, Duggan grabbed the early lead. Magner, Eddie Witkum, Jr., Jeff Locke and 2009 ISMA points runner-up Mark Sammut filled out the top five.

All was well until Joey Scanlon got out of shape in the Bruce Budnick-owned No. 88 on lap No. 5. With four trips in the books, Duggan led Magner, Witkum, Locke and Sammut. Mike Lichty, Cicconi, Ben Seitz, Otto Sitterly and Brandon Bellinger completed the top 10.

Perley busted into the top 10 on the restart, while Cicconi and Lichty fought for sixth behind Sammut. Duggan had begun to creep away when the first of numerous “cone” cautions slowed the action.

Orange cones had been placed around the inside of the speedway to be used as reference points and as a make-shift inner border line between the pavement and infield dirt. However, throughout the afternoon the cones ended up getting kicked out onto the track as drivers searched for room down low. The mounting cautions eventually led to their removal after Dave Shullick, Jr. had one slip up underneath his Clyde Booth-owned No. 61 machine on lap No. 11.

On that ensuing restart, Cicconi conquered Sammut on the outside for fourth place. He then drove under Locke’s No. 37 supermodified heading into the third turn for third. Three laps later, Cicconi worked his way under Witkum for the runner-up spot in turn No. 1.

Duggan had been enjoying a lead of a dozen lengths when Sitterly pulled up and out of the groove after losing a torque arm on his No. 7. Sitterly’s night was over. The field was stopped on the front stretch for refueling after it had met it’s caution lap limit.

With 21 laps behind him, Duggan now had Cicconi on his rear bumper. Witkum, Locke and Sammut filled out the top five. Lichty, Perley, Seitz, Ordway and Wood completed the top 10. Bellinger, Paul White, Danny Lane and Jeff Holbrook rounded out the supers remaining on the track.

Cicconi wasted no time in attacking the race leader, taking the top spot away on the restart with an inside move heading into turn No. 3. Behind him, Perley slipped under Lichty and Locke to take away third.

With 15 to go, Duggan had fallen prey to the Vic Miller-owned Perley and Ordway rides. Up front, Cicconi had begun to weave his way through light lapped traffic. Perley was able to close the gap some, but Cicconi continued to hold strong.

With five to go, Cicconi had cleared what would’ve likely been his last lapped car before the completion of the race. However, Lane’s No. 97 broke loose in the first turn, bringing out the race’s final caution.

Lou Cicconi poses in victory lane at Albany-Saratoga - Jim Feeney Photo

A lapped car sitting between Cicconi and Perley on the restart allowed the race leader a few extra lengths for insurance. Cicconi was solid in the final few laps, earning his way into ISMA’s history books as the first supermodified feature winner at Albany-Saratoga Speedway.

Perley crossed the line in second.

Listen to – (Chris Perley)

Having overcome an early race spin, Ordway finished in third.

Listen to – (Mike Ordway)

Mirroring Ordway’s accomplishment, though one place shy, Wood rebounded to finish fourth.

Listen to – (Russ Wood)

Lichty rounded out the top five while early race leader Duggan, finished in sixth.

Listen to -  (Dave Duggan)

Trekking in from Las Vegas, N.V., Bellinger had the longest commute. He was rewarded with a solid eighth-place finish.

Listen to – (Brandon Bellinger)

Don’t expect to see Jeff Holbrook behind the wheel of any of  his ISMA supers again until the leaves begin to change. He says he’ll be competing weekly at the Oswego Speedway in 2010. On Sunday, Holbrook landed his No. 35 in 10th place.

Listen to – (Jeff Holbrook)

ISMA’s next stop is the Waterford Speedbowl in Connecticut on May 29.

Albany-Saratoga 50: 1. Lou Cicconi (10), 2. Chris Perley (11), 3. Mike Ordway (1), 4. Russ Wood (29), 5. Mike Lichty (84), 6. Dave Duggan (51), 7. Jeff Locke (37), 8. Brandon Bellinger (02), 9. Paul White (16), 10. Jeff Holbrook (35), 11. Danny Lane (97), 12. Ben Seitz (17), 13. Mark Sammut (78), 14. Bobby Haynes, Jr. (44), 15. Eddie Witkum, Jr. (9), 16. Dave Shullick, Jr. (61), 17. Otto Sitterly (7), 18. Bob Magner (41), 19. Joey Scanlon (88), 20. Michael Barnes (70), 21. Vern Romanoski (5)

DNS – Justin Belfiore (98) motor & Bob Bond (25) accident in practice

Heat Race #1: 1. Duggan (51), 2. Witkum (9), 3. Ordway (1), 4. Sitterly (7), 5. Romanoski (5), 6. Seitz (17), 7. Holbrook (35)

Heat Race #2: 1. Barnes (70), 2. Scanlon (88), 3. White (16), 4. Locke (37), 5. Wood (29), 6. Haynes (44), 7. Belfiore (98)
*98 dropped out with motor woes while leading
*44 lost wheel and spun into infield
*70 took lead away at the end

Heat Race #3: 1. Magner (41), 2. Lichty (84), 3. Cicconi (10), 4. Sammut (78), 5. Bellinger (02), 6. Perley (11), 7. Shullick (61), 8. Lane (97)

Lou Higby and Ike Stone would lead the Super Stocks to the green in their 20 lap feature. Ike would jump out to the early lead. Rick Marshall and John Van Tassel would battle side by side for the third position. Mike Ramos would go three wide and jump into the third position.

Jason Dinzler and Dennis Petrus would quickly move through the pack and climb into the top five. Meanwhile Mike Ramos would go high around Lou Higby in hopes to take the lead but they would hit a slick patch on the speedway and both cars would spin. Dennis Petrus would go high around Ike Stone and take the lead while Dave Pope would move under Dave Fetterly for seventh. Keith Doxtater would move around Jason Dinzler for third but it wouldn’t be enough for Dennis Petrus as he would go on to take the win.

David Carlisle and Matt Larrivee would comprise of the front row in the Men’s Truck feature. Carlisle would take the early lead. Greg Roes would pull to the outside of Matt Larrivee for the third position. David Carlisle would lose power coming down the front stretch which would make Randy Mooney the new leader of the pack. Greg Roes would fight on the bottom of Matt Larrivee for the second position. The top three cars would run nose to tail while Greg Roes would find an opening and slip under Randy Mooney for the lead but loses control and spins. Matt Larrivee would go on to take the checkers.

Nick Trapp and Chuck Monica would lead the thunder cars for their 15 lap feature. Chuck Monica would use the high side to power around Nick Trapp to take the initial lead while Nick Trapp and Mike Blair would take third. Jeff Trapp moved under Mike Blair to take the third position while Zak Petrie would move to the outside of Jeff Trapp for the third position. Petrie would then slip under Mike Blair for the second position. Zak Petrie would move to the outside of Chuck Monica to attempt to take the lead but it wouldn’t be enough as Chuck Monica would take the win.

Nate Plantz and Tim Dunn would lead the field to the green in the Sports Compaq division. Nate Plantz would take the early lead while Tim Dunn would slip into the second position. Nate Plantz would move to the outside of the speedway and lose some grip which would give Tim Dunn the opportunity to take the lead. Tim Dunn would continue at the front of the field and would take the win.

Brittany Schroy and Jenn Burnash would lead the Ladies Truck to the green flag in their feature. Jenn Burnash would power around the outside of Brittany Schroy to take the lead. Burnash would be able to control the field for the remain of their feature and would take the win.

Murray Walts would take the checkers in the 10 lap open wheel division. Billy Matteson would take the win in the 8 lap Thunder Stock feature.

Thunder Alley will continue racing action on Saturday, May 8, 2010. In racing action will be all regular divisions plus the enduro. Complete information on the tracks 2010 schedule can be found on the tracks website, www.thunderalleyspeedpark.com. Information on rules, sponsorship or scheduling can be directed to the tracks General Manager Greg Smith at (315) 629-4356.

Quick Results

Men’s Truck (15 Laps) – Matt Larrivee, Jessie McConnell, Greg Roes, Randy Mooney, Chris Randall, David Carlisle

Thunder Car (15 Laps) – Chuck Monica, Zak Petrie, Mike Blair, Jeff Trapp, Nick Trapp, Matt Marcinko, Bill Brock, Dan Way, Craig McGhee, Don Woodworth

Sports Compact (12 Laps) – Tim Dunn, Nate Plantz, Scott Schafer, Nick Stokes

Open Wheel (10 Laps) – Murray Walts, Mark Chrzanowski

Super Stocks (20 Laps)- Dennis Petrus, Ike Stone, Keith Doxtater, Rick Marshall, Dave Pope, Jason Dinzler, Randy Widrick, Mike Ramos, Pete Wilsie, John Van Tassel, Lou Higby, Rich Contryman, Ben Van Tassel (DNS)

Thunder Stocks (10 Laps) – Billy Matteson

Women’s Truck (12 Laps) – Jenn Burnash, Brittany Schroy, Nichole Rombough, Heather Hardy (DNS), Tiassa Hardy (DNS)

(Chemung, NY) New track manager, Jody Buckley, should head to the nearest gaming table. he bet big, promoting a Pack-the-Track with a $4 admission as the season opener at WilliamsAutoGroup.com presents Chemung Speedrome. Add to that the high-dollar annual Bob Hanbury Memorial for the Sunoco Modifieds, and you have a winning hand. Buckley’s huge gamble paid off in a big way, with great weather and a record-breaking crowd. Buckley’s opening remarks to the thousands in attendance included thanks to the many in the racing community who believed in his efforts and helped make opening night something fans and race teams will talk about for years. The other reason they’ll talk is how the headline race ended.

Luck of the draw put Charlie Sharpsteen and Justin Petcosky on the front row for the start of the 42-lap feature. Both spun before the first lap was complete, moving Jimmy Zacharias and Rusty Smith from row 2 to row 1 for the 2nd attempt. Zacharias led the way and held the lead following a caution when Andy Lewis spun. While working lap 14 Zach Curren spun and that put Bobby Osgood alongside Zacharias for the restart. Osgood capitalized on a great restart and took the lead. On the 20th lap Daren Scherer, Zach Truesdail and Smith got together while battling for position. Smith was done for the night, and Zacharias pitted with a flat left rear.

With 3 of the top 5 either out or restarting in the rear, Tony Hanbury pulled up beside Osgood on the front row. That was all Hanbury needed, and he took the lead with a nice pass. Sharpsteen, meanwhile, was engaged in a spirited battle for 3rd with John Wilber. They got together and Sharpsteen had race-ending contact with the front stretch wall, putting the race under its 7th caution period. Two more cautions slowed the remainder of this one, but nothing was going to slow down Hanbury. He held on for the crowd-pleasing win and took home the most cherished trophy now in his collection. Hanbury’s father passed away unexpectedly 6 months ago, and this was his first race without his best friend by his side.

Following a burnout with checkered flag in hand, Hanbury drove to the Horseheads Pick-a-Part Victory Lane and joined a family that had suffered a tremendous loss. As he climbed from the car and heard the fan reaction, he knew he had done something very special. “I had no fortune in the heat race and didn’t know what was gonna happen,” he told the crowd. “I want to thank Bobby Osgood for clean restarts and the respect he showed tonight. I owe him one.” Osgood finished 2nd, with Truesdail, Zacharias and Wilber all in the top 5. Zacharias, Osgood and Sharpsteen won the 3 heat races.

Hanbury had organized a lap sponsorship program that resulted in over $7,000 being shared among drivers in the top 10. Mike Nichols, who won the Street Stock feature, drew the winning positions for the 42 laps in front of the crowd prior to the big race. Several small businesses in Owego, NY had donated money that was split between the race winner and the 50/50.

Multi-time Street Stock champion, Mike Nichols, races for wins. Friday night he raced for, and got, a sweep. Winner of heat race #1, he drew the 5th starting spot but wasted no time chasing down the leaders. Hank Buchanan led the first 3 laps before losing that spot the Chris Daugherty. A pair of early cautions bunched up the field and brought Nichols up to 3rd spot for the lap 7 restart. A lap leader it was the 72 of Nichols who led the way. Daugherty’s strong run ended with 12 laps in the book. He slowly headed to the pits and handed over 2nd to Buchanan.

With 10 laps to go Nichols had a commanding lead, leaving behind a 3-way battle for 2nd involving Buchanan, Terry Potrzebowski and defending track champ Jeff Goodwin. On lap 17 Goodwin took over 3rd while Potrzebowski tried to reel in Nichols. He closed the gap some, but not nearly what was needed and Nichols cruised to the finish line first. Heat winner Potrzebowski finished 2nd, ahead of Goodwin, Buchanan and Dylan Terry. Post-race tech resulted in a DQ for Buchanan, a 4th place finish for Terry, and a top-5 for Brittany Jack.

Mike Alcaro is a force to be reckoned with, and on opening night he was on top of his INEX Legends game once again. Richie Vanderpool drew the pole he led the way for the first 8 laps. Andrew Bickford’s spin on lap 9 brought the field together for the restart and Alcaro had moved up from 15th to 6th at that point. Justin Petcosky, running 2nd, was applying heavy pressure to Vanderpool. While working lap 16 Petcosky and Matt Priscott got together in turn 4. At that point Alcaro, running 2nd, pulled up alongside Vanderpool for the restart. He took the lead on the backstretch but Vanderpool had the advantage as the lap was scored. The final restart came following a spin by Michael Campbell, and the drama up front continued. This time Alcaro got the better of Vanderpool, took the lead, and held it over the remaining 6 laps. Last year Alcaro won 5 of the 6 races he ran at Chemung. This time his win was over Vanderpool, Daren Scherer, Brandon Michael and Priscott. Vanderpool and Michael won the 2 heats.

Gene Purvis, multi-time 4 Cylinder champ, took the lead from Phil Haner early on, but a tough battle for 3rd turned dramatic. Defending champ Jeremy Potrzebowski and Gullo made contact in their battle and both ended up with flat tires. As they headed pit side, Milton Price spun and brought out the only caution. Over the last half of the race Haner and Purvis pulled away and took their fight right to the checkered flag. This one went to Purvis with Haner, Joe Lane, Frank Morich and Ryan Purvis all posting top-5 finishes.

The FWD 4 Cylinders ran a 10-lap feature. Dayton Cote drew the pole and led the first lap. Zack Keeney found his way around Cote and, once in front, pulled away to a comfortable lead and what became an equally comfortable margin of victory. Cote finished 2nd, ahead of Marcus Wood, Kurtis Benjamin and David Cook.

Racing resumes this Friday at 7:30 PM. Pit gates open at 5, with grandstand gates and practice starting at 6 PM. First heat race hits the track at 7:30 PM sharp. Grandstand admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and kids ages 6-15, and always free for kids 5 and under. Fans who bring their grandstand ticket stub from April 30th will get $2 off admission this Friday. Anyone wanting more information can call Buckley at 607-738-1125 or check the track’s website, www.chemungspeedrome.net. Chemung Speedrome and the NASCAR Whelen All American Series – Short Track Racing At Its Best!

Results:
NASCAR Sunoco Modifieds Bob Hanbury Memorial (42 Laps) TONY HANBURY, Bobby Osgood, Zach Truesdail, Jimmy Zacharias, John Wilber, John Markovic, Zane Zeiner, Zack Curren, Andy Lewis, Larry Jaynes, Daryl Lewis, Jr., TJ Potrzebowski, Charlie Sharpsteen, Patrick Emerling, Daren Scherer, Rusty Smith, JR Kent, Lee Sharpsteen, Justin Petcosky, Dan Scott

Street Stocks (25 Laps) MIKE NICHOLS, Terry Potrzebowski, Jeff Goodwin, Dylan Terry, Brittany Jack, Brandon Ameigh, Terry Ostrander, Chris Daugherty, Jim House, John Lane, Ken Evans (DNS), Hank Buchanan (DQ)

INEX Legends (25 Laps) MIKE ALCARO, Richie Vanderpool, Daren Scherer, Brandon Michael, Matt Priscott, Art Priscott, Andrew Stotler, Cody Frantz, Matt Evans, Beth Scherer, Michael Campbell, AJ Griffin, Ravin Schrantz, Andrew Bickford, John Bacon, Barry Schrantz, Justin Petcosky

4 Cylinder (15 Laps) GENE PURVIS, Phil Haner, Joe Lane, Frank Morich, Ryan Purvis, Milton Price, Jeremy Potrzebowski, Tony Gullo

4 Cylinder FWD (10 Laps) ZACK KEENEY, Dayton Cote, Marcus Wood, Kurtis Benjamin, David Cook

On a hot day of hot competition, Shangri-La II Motor Speedway opened its second year of operation under the ASA Member Track banner Saturday afternoon with Brian Defebo scoring a dramatic victory in the 50-lap Modified feature and Tony Hanbury taking down his second major Sportsman Modified victory in 24 hours. Rick “Cricket” Clonch celebrated his return to full-time racing by sweeping the Street Stock field, while Scott Nurmi was credited with the ASA Late Model honors after apparent winner Tommy Cloce was disqualified at post-race inspection for violating the track gear ratio rule.

Defebo started fifth in the Modified field whch saw 2009 track champion John Markovic take the lead from the pole. A slower car in the outside lane allowed third starting Dean Rypkema and Defebo to move into the top three. Several early cautions slowed the action, eliminating rookies John Ramsey and Scott Conover.

The restart from Conover’s accident at lap 14 proved to be the last slowdown of the contest. Defebo rushed past Rypkema at the green flag and began to hound leader Markovic, mostly using the outside groove. Just when it seemed all his rim riding was a bluff to set up an inside pass, Defebo mounted his final attack at the five-to-go sign. On lap 47 he thrust to the high side of Markovic in turn 2, rode side-by-side down the back straight, and cleared Markovic with an outside power move as they swung off turn 4. In the remaining four laps Defebo stretched his , lead to nearly a full second,

Markovic barely held off a charging Rick Zacharias for second, while Daren Scherer and Rusty Smith were a distant fourth and fifth. Jimmy Zacharias, Jim Storace, Andy Walko, Larry Fisher, and Rypkema completed the top ten. Defebo, Storace, and Smith were heat race winners.

Part of the “Concrete Duals” portion of the program saw the Sportsman Modifieds contest twin 20-lap features, with the overall winner decided by combining the finishes of the two segments. Jimmy Zacharias and Tony Hanbury swapped the lead in the opener, with Zacharias emerging on top and Dan Kurzejewski third. In the nightcap Hanbury was overpowering and Zacharias was never able to challenge, winding up fourth behind Tom Shiner and Markovic. In the final rundown, Hanbury’s Dean Rypkema-owned mount as victorious over J. Zacharias, Markovic, Shiner, and Kurzejewski. J. Zacharias and R. Zacharias won the heats.

The previous evening, Hanbury had won a race named in memory of his late father, Bob Hanbury, at Chemung Speedrome. Saturday’s triumph marked his first victory at the track nearest his Owego home, giving him a satisfying as well as profitable weekend.

No calculation was necessary to figure out that Clonch had won the overall Street Stock honors in their twin 15’s. The Cricket, who won the entry-level division title at the original Shangri-La Speedway in 1995 and later raced on the Busch North circuit, went to the front in both segments and took the combined honors over Tom Cundy and Jim Potrzebowski. Cundy and Clonch took their heat races.

A crash entering turn 3 on lap 1 ended the day for contender Travis Fisher in the ASA Late Model race, giving defending ASA Weekly Racing national champion Tommy Cloce a clear run to lead every lap, despite determined pressure from Nurmi in the closing laps. Cloce’s perfect day ended in the tech building as he was found to be running a 5.11 rear end gear, outside the 5.00 limit set in the Shangri-La II rulebook. Nurmi, last year’s recipient of the hard luck award, was elevated to the win over Ben Reynolds, Jerry Dineen, Joe Brown, and Dan Bellinger. Reynolds and Cloce topped their heats.

Next Saturday Shangri-La II Motor Speedway presents its “Mothers’ Day Delight” for Modifieds, ASA Late Models, Sportsman Modifieds, and Street Stocks.

RESULTS:

Modified Feature:
1. Brian Defebo, 2. John Markovic, 3. Rick Zacharias, 4. Daren Scherer, 5. Rusty Smith, 6. Jimmy Zacharias, 7. Jim Storace, 8. Andy Walko, 9. Larry Fisher, 10. Dean Rypkema, 11. Bryon Chew, 12. Ken Canestrari, 13. Chris Zacharias, 14. Scott Conover, 15. Danielle Buchek, 16. TJ Zacharias, 17. Dave Silvernail, 18. John Ramsey, 19. Matt Clemens, 20. Doug Reaume

ASA Late Model Feature:
1. Scott Nurmi, 2. Ben Reynolds, 3. Jerry Dineen, 4. Joe Brown, 5. Dan Bellinger, 6. Tim Barone, 7. Jim Lamoreaux, 8. Joe Beretta, 9. Travis Fisher, DQ Tommy Cloce

Sportsman Modified Feature:
1. Tony Hanbury, 2. Jimmy Zacharias, 3. John Markovic, 4. Tom Shiner, 5. Dan Kurzejewski, 6. Brian Sherwood, 7. Dave Jackson, 8. Vern Johnson, 9. David Sedlak, 10. Justin Shiner, 11. Rick Zacharias, 12. Russ Brown, 13. TJ Zacharias, 14. Glenn Lippolis

Street Stock Feature:
1. Cricket Clonch, 2. Tom Cundy, 3. Jim Potrzebowski, 4. Gil Sharpsteen, 5. Billy Coyle, 6. Lee Sharpsteen, 7. Mikayla Rypkema, 8. Chad McDonald, 9. Scott Reagan, 10. Bill Davey