|
Mike Leone
MERCER, Penn. (April 19) - After two cancellations in the first three weeks, Mercer Raceway Park returned to action on Saturday night and was able to complete the first weekly five-division "Saturday Night Live" program despite showers scattered throughout the area and some light rain during the last three features. Celebrating in the Hoosier Tire victory lane were Brian Ellenberger-Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Frank Guidace-FASTRAK Late Models, Gary Smoker-Tire Express Modifieds, Mikey Hall-Big Daddy's Speed Center Mod Lites, and Chris Myers-M&D Paving Mini Stocks. It was the first of five $10 Family Nights presented by new marketing partner Auto Service Express along with promotional partner Armstrong.
In his FASTRAK Late Model debut, Modified racer Frank Guidace made history by becoming the first driver in the 57-year history of Mercer to win in five different classes of cars with his victory in the 20-lap McElwain Motors-sponsored feature. Guidace also has victories in the big-block, six-cylinder, sportsman, and 358 modified divisions and broke the tie with Yip Robinson, Alan Dellinger, and Lonny Riggs, who were also victorious in four different classes of cars.
"That's an honor because I love this place and I've come here since I was kid," stated the Mercer, Pa. driver after being told of his accomplishment. "I will tell you what this Lazer Chassis was on a rail up there. These cars are really a lot of fun. They are a world of a difference (from the Modifieds) as the brakes are different and they roll over different. I didn't think I could hold these guys off. I didn't know where everyone was at as I'm not used to the car numbers. I knew who the double zero was so I was watching Brian (Booher) and knew he was coming up there."
Guidace took the lead at the start from Stock Car standout Steve D'Apolito. Kevin Meadows started fourth and took second on lap three when D'Apolito slipped off the backstretch. Meadows ran down Guidace and was all over the leader on lap six as he ran low and Guidace high, while defending three-time Stock Car champion Brian Booher started 12th and passed D'Apolito for third. At the halfway point, Guidace began to pull away, while Booher challenged Meadows for second. Booher ran low, while Meadows chose the highline. The duo battled hard for second in traffic allowing Ben Blake to close and make it a three-car race for second, but up front Guidace went on for victory in his #1G.
Meadows edged Booher and Black for second, but was disqualified in post-race tech for a carburetor spacer infraction. Booher was credited for second over an impressive run by Mod Lite graduate Ben Black. Scott Myers was fourth with Bob Kish fifth. Sixth through tenth were Steve Hollabaugh, 2007 Mini Stock Champion Mike Anderson (Jr.), Bobby Powell, Bob Vogt, Jr., and Chad Myers. Heat winners were Scott Myers and Powell.
McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models (20 laps): 1. FRANK GUIDACE 2. Brian Booher 3. Ben Black 4. Scott Myers 5. Bob Kish 6. Steve Hollabaugh 7. Mike Anderson (Jr.) 8. Bobby Powell 9. Bob Vogt, Jr. 10. Chad Myers 11. Dave Airgood, Jr. 12. Calvin Clay 13. Steve D'Apolito 14. Rusty Moore 15. Scott Jones 16. Kevin Meadows-DSQ.
Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars (20 laps): 1. BRIAN ELLENBERGER (20E) 2. Rod George (4) 3. Arnie Kent (18) 4. Mike Lutz (8-Chappel) 5. Chris Shuttleworth (11) 6. Danny Holtgraver (D4) 7. Rob Eyler (5a) 8. Jimmy Hawley (49-Rudzik) 9. Bob Howard (49) 10. Scott Bonnell (3B) 11. Jeff Taylor (17T) 12. Paul Kapuchuck (10) 13. Brian Steinman (24s) 14. Joe Butera (3J-Matus) 15. Bob Felmlee (6) 16. Jack Helget (71c-Taylor) 17. Russ Sansosti (23-Scott) 18. Chad Wilds (41) 19. Brent Matus (33) 20. Walt Tutak, Jr. (141).
Tire Express 358 Modifieds (20 laps): 1. GARY SMOKER 2. Frank Guidace 3. Eric Gabany 4. Lonny Riggs 5. Brad Rapp 6. Dillon McElrath 7. Randy Brown 8. Jr. Baker 9. Fred Sasse 10. Matt Howsare 11. Kevin Green 12. Skinny Hall 13. Matt Reeher 14. Garrett Krummert-DSQ (light) 15. Mark Frankhouser-DSQ (light) 16. Jimmy Holden-DNS.
Big Daddy's Speed Center Mod Lites (15 laps): 1. MIKEY HAY 2. Todd Canter 3. Dave Jones 4. Rod Jones 5. Bud Watson 6. George Englert 7. Kotie Kirkbride 8. Lynn Knepper 9. Bryan Martin 10. Alan Knepper 11. Mike Evans 12. Mylan Markovich 13. Bill Stivason 14. Bob Latchaw 15. Chad Yeager 16. Jim Golden 17. Mark Marcucci 18. Levi Spinneweber 19. Terry Young 20. J.J. Metheney 21. Kenny Meadows-DNS.
M&D Paving Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. CHRIS MYERS 2. Mike McConnell 3. Scott Gilliland 4. Dan McEwen 5. Wally Stearns, Jr. 6. Dillon Kineston 7. Stephen Laslo 8. Justin Reinard 9. Curtis Brown 10. Dan Nagy 11. Pete Blazczak 12. Tyler Powell 13. Bill Fuchs 14. Ed Haylett 15. John Shannon 16. Sam Kloos 17. Kyle Crawford 18. Mike Mathieson 19. Rudolph Troples.
Upcoming Events:
4/26 "Saturday Night Live!" Sprints, Modifieds, FASTRAK Late Models, Mod Lites, & Mini Stocks.
5/03 "Saturday Night Live!" Sprints, Modifieds, FASTRAK Late Models, Mod Lites, & Mini Stocks. Free admission for all Beaver County residents presented by Image Factory Signs & Graphics
5/10 "Saturday Night Live!" Sprints, Modifieds, FASTRAK Late Models, Mod Lites, & Mini Stocks plus Kids Bike Races. $10 Family Night presented by Auto Service Express & Armstrong. Twin-State & PCTC Night
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 6:30 and racing at 7.
|
