SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010

Middleswarth Racing & Chad Layton win the Dream Race Extreme Honoring the Late Jim Nace.

To say that Harrisburg's Chad Layton was living the "Dream" this weekend was an understatement. Using a late race pass on a restart with 10 laps to go, the Middleswarth Racing chauffeur pulled away and scored a big win for the home track team and the $15,000 payday that went along with it. The win was Chad's 5th 2010 overall feature win and his 3rd at Port Royal Speedway.

"I really do not know what to say" said Layton relaxing at home Sunday evening. "I'm not quite sure it sunk in yet, I'm the lucky one who gets to drive this race car. That race was won by my team, Moon made the right adjustments under the red. I knew once we got going I couldn't wait around, Brian (Montieth) is way to good of a racer and I needed to get around him right away or we were probably going to run second. He had pretty much checked out and we needed a caution. Since it was a Red that gave Moon & Jim the chance to make the car a little better. I would put my crew up against any team in the country without hesitation. I'm a small part of this, headlines will read Chad Layton won the race but they should read; Middleswarth Racing won the big Dream Race Extreme. Of course none of this is possible without Dave & Bret (Middleswarth), they give us whatever we need and I'm just honored they chose me to drive this car" added the Port Royal Speedway point leader.

"We have some great companies behind the scenes that do not get a lot of credit. J&J builds an awesome race car, and our Don Ott power has be fast and reliable all year. I need to give a special mention to Genie Butler down at ButlerBuilt. They put me in one of their seats this year and I wouldn't go anywhere else. The few times we have crashed this year, that seat has kept me where I need to be. You can't cut corners with safety and I really appreciate companies like BulterBuilt and Simpson for what they do to keep me safe" said Chad.

"Thanks needs to go to Port Royal and the Dream Race Extreme organizers for putting on a race like this. Any time a local track tries to offer a purse like this for racers I feel we need to step up and support the racing in this area" said Chad. "It's so cool, because I grew up watching Jim Nace wheel that Camel Express #26 and when he passed away last year local racing lost one of it's true heroes. It is an unbelievable honor to win the first race in memory of him" added Layton.

Chad would like to thank the sponsors that help provide this deal for him to race such a storied Central PA sprint car: Middleswarth Potato Chips, Bud Godek Auto Body, ButlerBuilt Seats, J&J Chassis, Don Ott Racing Engines, Simpson Race Products, K.R.S. Graphics, Trades Auto Sales, WRT Web Designs & Wholesale Auto.

Keep current on all your Chad Layton, Middleswarth Racing news at http://www.chadlayton.com where you will find the team’s schedule, photos, results and the latest merchandise.



SATUR
DAY, JULY 24, 2010

SUMMER NATIONALS FINALE TO GREG HODNETT -- With World of Outlaws regulars dominating the first half of the 30-lap Summer Nationals finale Saturday night at Williams Grove Speedway, it looked as if the Pennsylvania Posse’s winning streak might be over, but Greg Hodnett’s commitment to the inside line resulted in a $20,000 victory for the track’s Lawrence Chevrolet point leader.
Sammy Swindell beat Paul McMahan into the first turn and set the early pace while Hodnett, who started third, faded steadily from the top five.
While the outside line appeared to be the fastest way around the big half mile, Hodnett continued to work the inside, waiting for the race track to come to him. He was back in the top five by lap 14 as Swindell continued to set the pace.
On the 16th tour McMahan drove by Swindell with an inside move through the second corner,
Outlaw point leader Joey Saldana immediately began to challenge Swindell for second place.
Meanwhile Hodnett had passed Craig Dollansky for fourth and was closing quickly.
With Swindell and Saldana racing for position in turn two, Hodnett used his inside line to drive by both of them on lap 19.
McMahan’s considerable lead began to shrink with each lap. On the 26th circuit Hodnett passed McMahan exiting turn two and pulled away to his second win of the season and 44th of his career at Williams Grove.
Hodnett’s victory marked the eighth time in succession that a track regular has won a World of Outlaws feature at this historic speedway.
McMahan settled for second and a $12,000 pay day. Jason Sides was third with Swindell fourth. Chad Layton came from 13th to finish fifth. Lance Dewease charged from 24th to sixth. Saldana, Tyler Walker, Steve Kinser and Sam Hafertepe completed the top ten.
Fast time in qualifications was set by Sides with a lap of 17.095.
Heats for the 46 sprint cars were won by Brian Leppo, Kerry Madsen, Craig Dollansky and Walker.
Steve Buckwalter won the B-main and Brent Marks the C.
The Crane Cams Dash went to McMahan.

Williams Grove Speedway Feature Finish - July 24, 2010
World of Outlaws Sprint Car feature - 1. Greg Hodnett, 2. Paul McMahan, 3. Jason Sides, 4. Sammy Swindell, 5. Chad Layton, 6. Lance Dewease, 7. Joey Saldana, 8. Tyler Walker, 9. Steve Kinser, 10. Sam Hafertepe, 11. Stevie Smith, 12. Craig Dollansky, 13. Donny Schatz, 14. Doug Esh, 15. Steve Buckwalter, 16. Jason Meyers, 17. Daryn Pittman, 18. Alan Krimes, 19. Mark Smith, 20. Mike Erdley, 21. Danny Lasoski, 22. Fred Rahmer, 23. Kerry Madsen, 24.. Brian Leppo, 25. Lucas Wolfe, 26. Kraig Kinser, 27. Brian Montieth, 28. Jim Siegel. DNQ: Brent Marks, Justin Henderson, Adam Wilt, Jonathan Allard, Danny Dietrich, Chad Kemenah, Toni Lutar, Kyle Pruitt, Aaron Ott, Don Kreitz, Jr., Ben Gregg, Derek Sell, Brian Ellenberger, Cory Haas, Keith Kauffman, Bryn Gohn, Mark Bitner, Troy Fraker



SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2010

Put Doug Esh and Brian Montieth together racing for the lead. Add in Jimmy Siegel and Danny Dietrich and what do you get? The best race of the year!

Those four sprint stars had fans on their feet for the last five laps of a 25-lap feature that by all accounts was the best Central Pennsylvania sprint car race of 2010.

Esh, piloting the Pancho Racing Products #93 that he first climbed into during Pennsylvania Speedweek, started sixth , faded in the early going, then charged back the front for his first 410 sprint car win of the year.

Dietrich got by Montieth on a last-lap restart to cross second a mere .398 seconds behind Esh, who scored his 23rd career Lincoln win, moving his alongside Stevie Smith for 11th on the all-time Lincoln win list.

"Dietrich has been really tough lately,...he’s got my old mechanic (Dennis Kohler), and I know how he can get a car screwed down," said Esh after climbing down from his famous wing dance in victory lane, "Jimmy (Siegel) got out ahead there at the beginning, but I felt like I was running him down. He had his wing the whole way back 10 laps in, and I hadn’t even started mine yet, so I figured he was in trouble. Dietrich and him made a move down there in turns three and four, and I was able to get up beside them...I think I puckered up a little bit going down into one. But that’s the way you have to race if you want to race up front."

Esh was running seventh when the red flag came out for Cory Haas (who was uninjured) on lap three. He got around Bobby Howard and Randy Baughman to move into fifth on the restart, passed Dietrich for fourth on lap six, and caught polesitter Bill Stine on lap seven for third.

A near-spin by race leader Doug Dodson on lap nine allowed Jim Siegel to grab the lead exiting turn four of lap nine. Esh took the runner-up spot from Dodson just before a caution flew on lap 12 for a stopped Bob Howard on the backstretch.

Esh than chased Siegel for the next seven laps before Dietrich took second away from Esh on lap 19. Esh returned the favor on lap 21 as the #21 of 11t-starting Brian Montieth was entering the fray.
All of a sudden, it was a four-car battle for the lead.

Montieth flexed his muscles and got around Deitrich into second on lap 23, and was all over Esh when the final caution of the race came out for Siegel, who spun but kept going in turn two.

Esh took no prisoners on the restart, with Dietrich getting by Montieth off the final turn for second.
"Watch Brian Montieth, he’s just a bad-assed racer and he don’t care," quipped Esh, "His owner doesn’t care if he tears it up, as long as he puts on a good show."

"I’ve talked with a lot of the other good drivers," said Esh on his up and downs over the past year. "Times like I’ve had over the last year and a half, being spotty and not always real consistent...it shows you what you are made of and shows how big your shoulders are. It just feels good to be back on top!"

Coming on to finish fourth was 12th-starting Alan Krimes, with Mark Smith completing the top five. Sixth through tenth were Aaron Ott, Dodson, 22nd-starting Brent Marks, 14th-starting Adam Wilt, and 23rd-starting Brad McClelland.



SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2010

It was a tough Saturday night at Port Royal Speedway. Fact is, a variety of problems led to a long night with frustration for racers, fans and officials. Through it all, Greg Hodnett went about his business and came away with win no. four of the season. Hodnett left no doubt he meant business when the green flag dropped. After lining up tenth, Hodnett went to the top of the speedway passing several cars coming off turn four. By the time the field came by to complete lap one, Hodnett was already in third place. Hodnett's job became tougher after that.

Craig Robinson is improving weekly. Robinson lined up second and took the lead on the start. Hodnett moved by second place driver Curt Stroup on lap four. After a lap four caution period for Mike Erdley, who stopped just past the flag stand, action continued. Hodnett chased Robinson through lapped traffic. The Jim & Sandy Kline owned race car continued to get plenty of bite and Hodnett's winning move came through turns three and four during lap ten. Robinson continued to run second until Rick Lafferty passed him during lap 14. Justin Henderson's set up came in allowing Henderson to pass Robinson for third place on lap 15. The field was bunched on Hodnett's rear nerf bar two more times before action was completed. Visiting driver Dave Delisle spun his racer off turn two during lap 19. Delisle's night was over as his car was taken to the pit area. Hodnett opened a comfortable lead and was on the way to the winners circle. Henderson claimed the runner up spot, following the restart and a solid second place finish seemed certain. Not so. Henderson flipped wildly in turn four just before Hodnett was set to cross the finish line. Flagman Pat Snyder had not thrown the checkered flag and a one lap dash became necessary. Henderson's car was heavily damaged. He was not injured in the mishap. Lafferty suffered a flat right front tire and was towed from the speedway. Lafferty's team changed the tire allowing his return to competition. Robinson was back in second place for the restart. Hodnett drove away to the Aumiller & Associate Insurance sponsored win with Robinson second. Ryan Taylor was third with Mike Wagner fourth. Chad Layton finished fifth. Sixth through tenth were Steve Buckwalter, Cliff Brian, Dave Hahn, Mark Coldren and Lafferty. Heats for the 20 car field were won by Stroup and Robinson.

Hodnett discussed track conditions and his race team after action was finished. " The car was pretty good and I had a great starting spot.", said Hodnett. " The track was real tricky. To be honest with you, it was tough. The guys on my crew did a nice job. I want to thank my owners for giving me this opportunity and I'm just fortunate to be up here." Hodnett continued talking about the start of the feature. " I got a really good start off of four. And then I went above the cushion down in turns one and two, kinda like the old Keith Kauffman, Todd Shaffer days. I figured I'd take a page out of their handbook and try it once. It worked out for us."



FRI
DAY, JULY 16, 2010

Brian Montieth tuned up for the World of Outlaws- sanctioned Summer Nationals with a convincing victory in the 30-lap sprint car feature Friday night at Williams Grove Speedway.
A shower, which struck the track at 5:00, coupled with extremely high humidity left the racing surface very sticky with just one racing groove until the feature began.
At that point the surface became tailor made for the man known as The Edge.
Chad Layton set the early pace until lap six when he made contact with a lapped car and found himself against the inside guard rail.
Gerard McIntyre took over on the restart, but it was Montieth who had caught the attention of the crowd as he charged from the 17th starting position to fifth with eight laps complete.
Greg Hodnett chased McIntyre until lap 14 when he used an inside move to take the lead in heavy traffic.
Montieth passed McIntyre one lap later and began his pursuit of the leader. He shot to the inside entering turn one on lap 24, then drove by Hodnett and two lapped cars to emerge with the lead.
Despite a red flag with four laps remaining, Hodnett was not able to challenge Montieth, who rolled to his fifth career victory and first of the season at Williams Grove. He earned $4000 for his performance.
Hodnett finished 1.89 seconds off the pace with Lance Dewease, who started eighth, coming home third. Danny Dietrich and Brian Leppo completed the top five.
Fred Rahmer was sixth and Alan Krimes was seventh. Layton advanced from the rear to finish eighth ahead of Don Kreitz and Rick Lafferty.
Hodnett set fast time in qualifications with a lap of 17.225.
Heats for the 25 sprint cars went to Lafferty, Montieth and Mark Smith.



SATURDAY, JULY 10, 2010

Chad Layton powered the Middleswarth Racing, Don Ott powered J&J sprint car to the team’s second win at the Juniata County Speedway. Chad’s second Port Royal win in the last month resembled his last, which saw Layton power around race leader Joey Hershey on the last lap to pick up the win. The first place points that went along with the win helped Chad add to his point lead. The win was the Middleswarth team’s 4th 2010 win overall.

“That one was a lot harder than it might have looked from the stands” said Layton from the team’s shop Tuesday night. “I need to credit the new track crew a little with that win. It was the smoothest surface that Port Royal has had in a long while. I lost my brakes early in the feature and really had to keep my momentum up. I doubt I could have done that with the way the surface has been the last couple of weeks. I know they are working hard to get Port Royal back to the way it used to be and I think they are heading in the right direction. That #44 is tough to catch and Joey (Hershey) is a great competitor he will get a ton of wins in his career. Without Dave & Brett Middleswarth none of this would be possible, I can’t thank them and the crew enough” added Layton

“It was very cool to win on kid’s night. My wife and my sons are my biggest fans and support me a hundred percent win or lose and I love every victory lane photo we have had taken over the years. It was awesome to get my picture taken with all of those kids. Whether they are a Chad Layton fan or not, they are the future of this sport” said Chad.

The Middleswarth team will use this week as a final tune-up prior to Williams Grove Summer National. Which will see the World of Outlaws invade the area for a two day show July 23rd & 24th. The Middleswarth team found victory lane this Spring the last time the outlaws are in town.

Chad would like to thank the sponsors that help provide this deal for him to race such a storied Central PA sprint car: Middleswarth Potato Chips, Bud Godek Auto Body, J&J Chassis, Don Ott Racing Engines, Simpson Race Products, K.R.S. Graphics, Trades Auto Sales, WRT Web Designs & Wholesale Auto.

Keep current on all your Chad Layton, Middleswarth Racing news at http://www.chadlayton.com where you will find the team’s schedule, photos, results and the latest merchandise.


FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2010
Mark Smith scored an impressive victory in the 25-lap sprint car feature Friday night at Williams Grove Speedway and Pat Cannon won the 20-lap 358 main.

Smith lined up eleventh on the initial start, made a tremendous move on the inside through turns one and two and was challenging for the lead on the backstretch when a red flag fell for a crash involving Brent Marks and Ryan Bohlke.
It took Smith a little longer to get to the front when the race restarted, but he was in the top five by lap three.
Rookie Chris Shuttlesworth set the early pace as Smith continued to go forward. Smith took the runnerup spot from Doug Dodson on lap fifteen, then drove by Shuttlesworth with an inside move through turns three and four the next time around.
With Smith setting the pace all eyes were on Fred Rahmer, who started 16th and moved into third place on lap 17. Rahmer took second from Donnie Kreitz on lap 23 and gained new life when a yellow flag for Brian Leppo wiped out Smith’s substantial lead.
On the restart Rahmer made a bid on the inside entering the first corner, but Smith held him off and rolled to his first win of the season by a margin of 1.53 seconds.
Smith earned $4200 for his tenth career victory at Williams Grove.
Rahmer finished second with Kreitz third. Chad Layton came from the 12th starting position to claim fourth. Greg Hodnett, who started 13th, nipped Doug Dodson for fifth at the finish line.
Aaron Ott, Alan Krimes, Lance Dewease and Adam Wilt finished in positions seven through ten respectively.
Rahmer’s finish allowed him to draw within ten points of Hodnett in the Lawrence Chevrolet point standings.
Mark Coldren, Chris Meleason and A. J. Michael won heats for the 28 sprint cars in competition.
The consolation race was won by Alan Krimes.

Williams Grove Speedway Feature Finishes - May 21, 2010

Sprint Car Feature - 25 laps - 1. Mark Smith, 2. Fred Rahmer, 3. Don Kreitz, Jr., 4. Chad Layton, 5. Greg Hodnett, 6. Doug Dodson, 7. Aaron Ott, 8. Alan Krimes, 9. Lance Dewease, 10. Adam Wilt, 11. Brian Montieth, 12. Justin Henderson, 13. A. J. Michael, 14. Chris Meleason, 15. Brian Leppo, 16. Doug Esh, 17. Steve Buckwalter, 18. Chris Shuttlesworth, 19. Tyler Walker, 20. Rick Lafferty, 21. Mark Coldren, 22. Ryan Bohlke, 23. Brent Marks, DQ: Danny Dietrich. DNQ: Daryn Pittman, Jim Siegel, Buzz Wilson, Troy Fraker


MONDAY, MAY 17, 2010

Don Ott Racing Engines powered five different cars to vicotry lane last weekend. Chad Layton picked up the win at Williams Grove Thursday night against the Outlaws. Fred Rahmer (from the 24th starting position) won on night #2 at the Williams Grove. Saturday night Tyler Walker picked up the win at Port Royal and Cory Haas picked up the win at Lincoln. The final win of the weekend was picked up by Mark Dobmeier at Koxville Raceway. Don Ott engines also picked up two, First and Second Place finishes at Port Royal and Lincoln Speedways with Greg Hodentt finishing second at Port and Brian Montieth picking up the second place finish at Lincoln.

SATURDAY, MAY 15, 2010
Cory Haas said it seemed like an eternity while racing out front in Saturday night’s 25-lap 410 Sprint car feature at Lincoln Speedway.

The Dallastown racer grabbed the lead on the fourth lap and had to withstand numerous caution periods and a hard-charging Brian Montieth before capturing his second career Lincoln sprint car win and his first of the 2010 racing season.

“I certainly didn’t want any more restarts,” said the driver of the Michael Barshinger-owned Embee & Son, Inc., York P.B. Truss Inc., Michael Barshinger Builder-Developer, Don Ott Racing Engines No. 11C sprinter. “I got the wing back pretty far and it started to push and the laps weren’t clicking off fast enough. It seemed like forever out there tonight.”

Two early cautions slowed the field as Todd Rittenhouse set the early pace.

A four-car melee in turn four slowed action on lap one when Aaron Ott spun in turn one and collected Randy Baughman, Doug Dodson and Brad McClelland. Haas, who started seventh in the field, grabbed the lead from Rittenhouse with a move in turn two on the fourth circuit as another caution flew for a crash in turn three involving Danny Dietrich, Dodson, Baughman and Bryn Gohn.

While Haas was setting the pace, all eyes were on two-time defending track champion Brian Montieth who was blasting his way through the field after starting way back in the 21st spot.

Montieth entered the top five on lap nine and continued his march towards the front, taking third on lap 10 just as Tim Glatfelter brought out a caution on lap 11. Montieth applied pressure to Haas, who maintained a fast pace around the top of the speedway.

The final 10 laps went non-stop as Haas was able to hold Montieth off for the $3,000 payday. Montieth pulled along side Haas on lap 20 but was unable to make the pass and settled for second.

“We had a good start and the top was so good, I just didn’t want to get down off it,” said Haas. We got out front pretty quick and I thought to myself maybe we got out too quick. I saw the 21 on the board and I wasn’t sure if Kyle Pruitt started going good or if the other 21 (Montieth) was coming. You know how he gets around this place and I thought I better get at it. I made a few mistakes but I had to get myself to slow down a little bit and we were okay.”

Doug Esh finished in the third spot with Alan Krimes fourth and consolation winner Jim Siegel fifth.
Completing the top 10 finishers were 23rd starting Brian Leppo, Brad McClelland, 24th starter Adam Wilt, Kyle Pruitt and Gerard McIntyre, Jr.

Brent Marks had a fourth place finish wrapped up until Krimes made contact with him in turn four coming for the checkered flag. Fred Rahmer, running sixth, hit Marks and they were credited with 12th and 13th finishing spots.

Heats for the 26 “410” Sprints were won by Cory Haas, Josh Wells and Kyle Pruitt. Jim Siegel won the consolation.


SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2010

What looked like a three-car race for the win between Aaron Ott, Kerry Madsen, and Brian Montieth quickly turned into a Fred Rahmer victory in the 30-lap O’Reilly All-Star Series feature event at Lincoln Speedway Saturday night.

Australia’s Madsen looked to have the lead when he drove under outside front row starter and race-long leader Ott exiting turn two of lap 17, but a caution for a stopped Doug Esh on the backstretch negated the pass and put Ott back in the lead.

Nine laps later, Madsen spun in turn four, collecting fourth-place Brian Montieth, who had yielded to Rahmer five laps earlier. That put Rahmer on Ott’s back bumper for the restart, and Rahmer made his patented third-turn slider to claim the top spot exiting turn four of lap 25.

"I saw we were coming up on those lapped cars and I was just trying to go to the bottom and see if I was going to be able to do anything," said Rahmer about the late-race Madsen spin, "Kerry’s car was operating good because he was able to run at high speed getting through three and four through the middle. Then I started going there and got the wing back a little bit further and it locked down pretty good."

From there, Rahmer pulled away to a 1.07-second win, his 166th in the Pigeon Hills. By winning his second in-a-row at Lincoln, the Salfordville racer became the first repeat winner of 2010 in the Pigeon Hills.

"We got lucky there at the end," continued Rahmer, "We were a third place car. I’ll tell you what...that Aaron Ott is doing a helluva job. It’s an awful tough thing to do to try and go in and do a flyer on one of your best friend’s sons. I’m just glad to win. I want to thank Chad and Jen Clemens and all the sponsors on this car. It just feels good to win."

Ott settled for second, with fifth-starting Stevie Smith crossing third, polesitter Alan Krimes fourth, and Mark Smith fifth. Completing the top ten were 16th-starting and top-finishing All-Star Tim Shaffer, Cory Haas, 14th-starting Brad McClelland, Dale Blaney, and 19th-starting Danny Dietrich.

Heats for the sprinters were won by McClelland, All-Star rookie Cap Henry, Shaffer, and Esh, with Doug Dodson winning the B-Main. Fred Rahmer won the Dash.

Fast time in time trials over the 39-car was set by Krimes with a one-lap time of 13.538-seconds (99.719 MPH).


SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2010

The were no easy wins during Aumiller & Associate Insurance sprint car and AB Auto Glass/Gray's Towing & Licensing Service late model action Saturday night at Port Royal Speedway. When action was through, Greg Hodnett and Waylon Wagner won feature events. Hodnett scored his second victory of the season at the Juniata County oval. For Wagner, it was his first win after early year struggles. Both were grateful they got the job done.

Hodnett grabbed the lead following a lap 22 restart and dove under race leader Ryan Taylor of Allentown entering turn one. Taylor started on the pole and led until Hodnett's winning pass. Todd Shaffer came from ninth starting spot to third place as Hodnett grabbed the lead. Shaffer passed Taylor and finished second. Taylor settled for third with Justin Henderson fourth. Mike Erdley was fifth. Completing the top ten were Rick Lafferty, Tyler Walker, Dave Ely, Mike Wagner and Cliff Brian. Heat races for the 31 car field were won by Chad Layton, Taylor and Shaffer. Cliff Brian won the consie.

Hodnett had several chances to catch Taylor. The race was under yellow on lap five when Canadian April Wilson stopped on the backstretch. While attempting to restart, Mark Coldren spun in turn two. Coldren refired his racer and returned to competition. As the green flag waved, Hodnett tried a "slider" move on Taylor entering turn one. Taylor drove back by Hodnett continuing to lead. At lap 12 Jimmy Seger hit the inside wall just off turn four. When action resumed, Hodnett again tried a slider move entering turn one and the pair swapped the lead. Taylor continued to lead as the pair encountered traffic on lap 16. Shaffer joined the chase and the trio raced through the lapped cars wide open. It appeared Hodnett and Shaffer would catch Taylor but the caution light came on for Mark Coldren who needed a wrecker to remove his battered racer from turn two. At this time Taylor's engine began to sound sick and Hodnett was able to make his winning move during the restart.

Hodnett felt fortunate to get the win. " The 20 car (Taylor) had a motor going south. That's why on that last restart I figured we'd just get kinda close and wait for him to fall off there and go by. I don't know if he lost a cylinder or burnt a plug or something like that, but he was definitely ill there towards the end. He was too good around the top and the top was actually fast. It was where you needed to be but I figured on restarts and in traffic, maybe I could squeeze it in there. With out his motor going south, he would of won this race."

Car owner Jim Kline added his thoughts on his teams success and third place finisher Taylor. " My hats off to Ryan. It's him and his dad and some other guys that help on that thing. He had a real good hot rod tonight. I really thought when that yellow came out with three laps to go, that he had a win. Greg did a great job on that restart and got up on his bumper and got by him. I was surprised to be honest with you. I thought we would get him in lapped traffic until the yellow came out. "
The ARDC Midgets, made a return to Williams Grove Speedway Friday evening, after a several years absence and it was Steve Buckwalter picking up his second win of the season.


FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010

On a beautiful Spring evening, the Wingless ARDC Midgets and the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions thrilled a near packed house to some tremendous Open Wheel Racing.

At the start of the ARDC Midget feature, “Slick” Nick Wean of Phillipsburg, NJ jumped from his third starting position into the early lead over Oley, PA’s Tracy Readinger and Mohnton, PA speedster, Dave Shirk.

Wean continued to lead until a third lap red flag stopped the action to clean up a fuel spill in the third turn. On the restart Wean again pulled away but was followed this time by a 10th place starting Steve Buckwalter. Buckwalter who had just crawled out of his 410 Sprint Car was able to duck underneath Readinger in turn two and followed Wean down the backstretch.

Buckwalter, who admitted later in Victory Lane, “Yeah I’m pretty wore out.” Then blasted, by Wean, low on the frontstretch, on lap four.

Buckwalter’s sizable lead was wiped out when the red again came out, this time for a wild flip down the backstretch by Brad Sweet, who was racing Joe Darrah’s midget. Sweet, who also competed in Kasey Kahne’s 410 sprint was unhurt in the incident.

After the restart, Buckwalter was again able to pull out into a comfortable lead and was unaware of the torrid battle behind him between, Shirk, Ryan Smith, Frank Polimeda and a fast closing Eric Heydenreich

Buckwalter took the checkered flag with a big lead over Wean and Heydenreich. “Yeah I’m tellin’ you my car works so well, my crew chief has it hooked up every time we hit the track.” “the chassis we use, we pretty much built it ourselves and that’s pretty cool , we’re getting It dialed in.” said Buckwalter.

Finishing in fourth place was Readinger followed by Mike Miller who started 13th and was racing for the first time in two years. Rounding out the top ten were, Dave Shirk, Ryan Smith, Bruce Buckwalter Jr. Stephanie Stevens and Brett Arndt.

Heats for the 32 midgets in attendance were won by Ryan Smith, Steve Buckwalter and Bruce Buckwalter Jr. with Frank Polimeda winning the consolation.


SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2010

Ten-time track champ Fred Rahmer came from sixth starting spot to claim his first Lincoln win of the year in the 25-lap "410" sprint car feature Saturday night.

For most of the race, it looked like Randy Baughman would claim his first feature win. Baughman started on the pole and led the first 19 laps. But on lap 20, sixth-starting Rahmer dove under Baughman for the race lead in turns three and four. The only caution flag of the event, however, came out for previous race winner Danny Dietrich, who came to a stop on the front stretch. That put Baughman back into the lead for the restart.

But Lincoln’s all-time winner make quick work of the Clay’s Service Center #3B on the restart, driving under Baughman for the top spot in turns one and two. From there, Fast Freddie drove away from the rest of the field, with Baughman holding on for second and third-starting Doug Dodson crossing third. Brent Marks and Doug Esh completed the top five.

"I was a little tight early, but we’ve been changing the car trying to get better," said Rahmer in victory lane, "But the tires are so hard to try to get traction at all...you just gotta do what you gotta do."

"Randy and Doug checked out early," continued Rahmer, "Me and Alan Krimes were back there runnin’ and I’m like ‘We’re wasting our energy,’ and all of a sudden the car just come to me."

Sixth through tenth were Aaron Ott, invader Tim Shaffer, Alan Krimes, Brad McClelland, and Daryn Pittman.

Heats for the 28 "410" Sprinters were won by Rahmer, Kyle Moody, and Marks, with Johnny Mackison Jr. winning the consolation.


FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010

Persistence paid off for Chad Layton with a $6000 victory in the Tommy Classic for sprint cars Friday night at Williams Grove Speedway.

Adam Wilt started on the pole for the 30-lap main event and set the early pace before Layton, who started second, took the lead at the start/finish line on lap five.

Stevie Smith started fourth and entered the picture on lap six when he took third place from Tim Shaffer. On the next circuit Shaffer went by Smith and Wilt to take the runnerup spot.

Smith was glued to the outside guard rail while the other frontrunners used the inside lane. On lap nine Smith drove by Shaffer and began to pressure the leader. He moved by Layton on lap eleven and appeared to be headed for his second win of the season at Williams Grove. But Layton wasn’t ready to concede.

Smith opened a comfortable lead through the middle stages of the race by continuing to use the outside lane. By lap 23, however, Layton was closing fast.

Layton drove by Smith on the inside exiting turn four on lap 25, but the race was a long way from being over.

Layton, Smith and Shaffer ran under a blanket with the runnerup spot changing hands several times before Smith finally emerged with it on lap 29.

Layton went on to win by a car length. It was his sixth career victory at Williams Grove and his first since 2008.

Smith settled for second ahead of Tim Shaffer and Fred Rahmer, who started 17th. Doug Esh completed the top five. Brian Montieth, Alan Krimes, Brad Sweet, Tyler Walker and Greg Hodnett finished in positions six through ten respectively. Hodnett, who started 24th, maintained his lead in the Lawrence Chevrolet point standings. Brian Leppo set fast time in qualifications with a lap of 17.940.

Heats for the 38 cars in competition were won by Tim Shaffer, Walker, Lance Dewease and Rahmer. Alan Krimes won the B-main.

The race was named to honor the memory of Hall of Fame sprint car driver Tommy Hinnershitz.


SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2010

Asper’s Danny Dietrich and his new Sandoe’s Fruit Market No.48 team has had four weeks of growing pains.

Saturday night at Lincoln Speedway, the new team came into its own by leading all 25 laps from the pole en route to his first win of 2010 in the 25-lap 410 Sprint feature.

Without so much as a top ten finish in four previous starts, Dietrich broken through big to become the fifth different winner in as many events at the Pigeon Hills oval.

But it was not easy.

Dietrich had rookie 410 sprint driver Brad McClelland on his tail for four restarts, and each time it took everything he could muster to keep McClelland behind.

"I was cautious on the restarts, because Brad (McClellan) ain’t no (dirt racing) rookie...and I know what happens if you screw up going into turn one," said Dietrich on the four restarts with McClelland on his tail, "It was pretty good racing on each of those restarts, and I knew he was there and I couldn’t screw up."

"The car was good and you basically had to put it up on the wall," continued Dietrich, "I had Brad next to me on the start, and he’s a rookie in the 410's, but he’s learned pretty quick."

"He depended on me all winter to get this deal together," said Dietrich about his new car owner Gary Kauffman, "We been having some rough luck and some stupid decisions on my part, but it finally feels good and it seems like we got the bugs worked out the past few races. Tonight we feel fast enough to continue this."

Though Dietrich and McClelland ran first and second the entire way, early race cautions took out several contenders. After an opening lap spin by sixth-starting Josh Wells in turn two, polesitter Tim Glatfelter got sideways in turns three and four on the second attempt to start the race, stacking up several cars in behind, including second-starting Kevin nagy, fourth-starting Kyle Moody, Adam Wilt, and Brian Leppo. Glatfelter never stopped, but went to the pits with a flat rear tire.

Two-time defending track champ Brian Montieth then spun in turns one and two of lap two, and the restart led to a five-car crash in turns three and four, again involving Leppo and Wells. During that caution, Adam Wilt and Doug Esh both exited to the pits.

The other two cautions were for a stopped Chad Layton on the front stretch while running in the top ten and a Fred Rahmer spin while battling for sixth with Daryn Pittman on lap 19.

In the end, 12th-starting Aaron Ott crossed third, with 20th-starting Lance Dewease fourth and 18th-starting Mark Smith fifth. Completing the top ten were Pittman, 17th-starting Johnny Mackison, Jr., Brent marks, Gerard McIntyre, Jr., and Wilt.

"I’ve got thank all the fans for coming out, because that’s why I’m here doing this," said rookie car owner Gary Kauffman, "We’ve got a good team put together and we want to win races...I’m determined to put a car out here that can be competitive. I want to good here at Lincoln Speedway. We’ve started out slow, but all we can do is try to get better as the season goes along. I’m just thankful my business gives me the opportunity to put this car out here for the fans."

"We work seven days a week, eight months throughout the season...that’s why I’m here," said the owner of nearby Sandoe’s Fruit market in Biglerville. "We work hard and that’s what it’s all about...life is short and you’ve got to enjoy it and do what you can."

Heats for the 30 "410" Sprinters were won by Glatfelter, Dietrich, and Moody, with Cory Haas winning the consolation.


SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2010

If we can get our program going a little bit better...there is no doubt there will be many more wins to come"

Those are bold words coming from teenage racer Aaron Ott after picking up his first career Lincoln Speedway 410 Sprint win Saturday night,

Ott, who originally started sixth, powered past outside front row starter and race-long leader Pat Cooper on a fifth lap caution restart, and then held off two-time defending track champion Brian Montieth in a final one-lap shootout for his inaugural Pigeon Hills win.

Leading up to the final lap, Ott had a charging Doug Esh, Fred Rahmer, and Montieth on his tail as he was trying to navigate through lapped traffic. But Esh and Rahmer got together on the final lap, ending the night for both drivers and setting up the dramatic finish with a lone lapped car between himself and Montieth.

"That was the longest set of yellow flag laps, and I don’t know if I would have had it or not if I had to split Wells and Pruitt (lapped cars)," said a happy Ott while reflecting on the final laps, "That yellow couldn’t have been any longer...when your looking and it’s not the No.21 that supposed to be there, it’s the No.21 you don’t want to be there (Montieth)."

The race started with an eight-car melee in turns three and four when Kevin Nagy spun, collecting

Brad McClelland, Danny Dietrich, Kyle Pruitt (the other number 21 in the field), Josh Wells, Tim Glatfelter, Brian Leppo, and Adam Wilt.

Wilt was able to make a tire change and return to the track. The new tire apparently made a difference, with Wilt coming from the back on the first-lap restart to third at the end. But it was Montieth who was on Ott’s mind in victory lane.

"He’s just one hell of a driver," said Ott about Montieth, who finished second, "He amazes me every time he hits the track...he’s a great driver and a great racer, and that put a lot of pressure on me. That’s why I did what I did to get to the front, maintaining the lead, and passing some lapped cars."

Alan Krimes started 12th and crossed fourth, with Gerard McIntyre, Jr. starting third and finishing fifth.

Completing the top ten were Cooper, Cory Haas, Johnny Mackison, Jr., Brent Marks, and Jim Siegel.

"We’ve been struggling at the Grove, but we’ve been fast here, said Ott, "We just couldn’t catch a break....I’m just so glad to be sitting behind a great race car and have a great family an crew to support me. They earned this because this car was spot on!"

"My dad, he’s the crew chief and I’ll never learn to be what it was back in the day when he was working on cars," Ott lamented, "But I can see his plaques for Crew Chief of the Year...not only is he a great engine builder, he’s one heck of a set-u p guy, and Mark and Nick, they support me at the race track every single week."

Heats for the 25 "410" Sprinters were won by Krimes, John Rudisill, and Rahmer.

Just like Ott in the 410s, Eric Tomecek scored his first career Lincoln win in the 20-lap "358" sprint car feature. Tomecek started on the pole, but chased opening night winner Jeff Rohrbaugh for the first 15 laps before Rohrbaugh dropped off the pace and into the infield on a 16th-lap restart. That ended a long 24 hours for Rohrbaugh, who returned to the Don Beard engine shop in West Virginia after losing a cylinder in his motor at Trail-Way Friday night and was still working on the car during Saturday’s hotlaps.

Tomecek found himself the leader and held off Billy Johns over the final five laps for the win. Ironically, Johns finished second to Tomecek when the Tomecek won his first race early in the season at Williams Grove last year.

Completing the top five were Tim Wagaman, Dale Hammaker, and Glenndon Forsythe. Rounding out the top ten were Brook Weibley, Steve Owings, Billy Dietrich, Tim Berkheimer, and Keith Prutzman.

Heats for the 31 "358" Sprints were won by Todd Rittenhouse Jr., Berkheimer, and Wagaman, with Jay Galloway winning the consolation.


SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2010

Two-time track champ Montieth grabbed the lead from polesitter Stevie Smith exiting turn two on lap four, and never looked back en route to the $4,000 special Spring Championship win at Lincoln Speedway Saturday night.

"We waited until the late model consi before we tore the car apart and put it back together," said Montieth on the team’s late change to his car before the 25-lap feature, "I guess we made the right choice."

"These guys that work on the car and the sponsors give me a car to try and ‘man up’ and do my job."

Man up he did.

After appearing to take the lead from his outside frontrow starting position over Smith, a tangle between 11th-starting Cory Haas and 16th-starting Mark Smith on the backstretch of the opening lap quickly brought out the caution. Several other cars got into the careening cars, one of them the night’s spotlight driver Kasey Kahne.

Kahne suffered some top wing damage and a flat right rear. He was able to make repairs and returned to finish 19th.

On the ensuing complete restart, Stevie Smith, who had won at Williams Grove the night before, got the jump on Montieth and lead the first three laps.

Then Montieth made another good decision.

Montieth dove to the inside of Smith exiting turn four to complete lap three and drove under Smith going into turn one for the lead.

"I guess I’ve grown up a lot from my days running around the top", Montieth said later.

Montieth quickly opened up lead of 1.76-seconds over Smith before the caution waived on lap six for a spinning Doug Esh in turn four.

Once again, Montieth pulled away on the ensuing restart, and weathered two later cautions with the same results - pulling away each time to eventually take the checkered 2.74-seconds ahead of Alan Krimes for his 17th career win at the Pigeon Hills oval.

"Over the Winter, we talked about going over to a different chassis...and this and that...and we made a business decision," said Montieth on his team’s switch to the "XXX" Chassis, "It’s paid off...this car has been comfortable for me from day one. We’ve struggled her a little bit, we’re good at the Grove. We made a couple choices tonight that we’re going to write down I guess."


SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2010

Jason Johnson got a much-needed win by wiring the field in Saturday night’s 25-lap American Sprint Car Series Gulf South Region main event to top the Inaugural Lone Star Shootout at Houston Raceway Park.

The Ragin’ Cajun’s 23rd career ASCS Gulf South triumph and 73rd overall ASCS victory was the first for the newly-formed Jason Johnson Racing team in just its second night of competition after debuting in the recent Lucas Oil ASCS National opener.

While Johnson paced the field all the way aboard the Don Ott-powered Haynes/Pope Transportation No. 41 Maxim, he withstood mid-race pressure from Travis Rilat and then a late charge from Gary Wright to secure the $3,000 triumph.

“The first win, this is huge,” an ecstatic Johnson relayed from victory lane.

While Rilat led the feature field to the green flag, it was Johnson gunning into the lead at the outset from the front row outside.

Reeling in the tail of the field in just a handful of laps, a pair of cautions in the opening ten circuits gave Johnson clear track just as traffic was about to factor into the proceedings on a pair of occasions.

But after California’s Kyle Hirst coasted to a stop on the ninth lap, Rilat had an opportunity when Johnson began working through traffic at the midway point.

Rilat closed to Johnson’s tailtank on the 15th round, only to have Johnson make a timely move around a lapped car to slip away by several car lengths. Very soon after, Rilat coasted to a stop on the frontstretch with terminal engine woes, setting up a seven-lap dash to the checkered flag with “The Texan” now in the role of chaser.

A pair of lapped cars between the leader and Wright was just the cushion Johnson needed though. Reaching traffic once again with two rounds to go, Wright rapidly closed the gap on Johnson. But when Johnson made a nimble move through a pair of cars entering turn one on the final circuit, the race was all but over.

Johnson flashed under the checkered flag to take the win and become the third different winner in as many 2010 ASCS Gulf South feature events, with Wright settling for runner-up honors.


SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2010

Rick Lafferty didn't win a race at Port Royal Speedway during 2009. Lafferty made sure that won't be the case in 2010 by claiming the 25 lap Aumiller &Associate Insurance sprint car feature Saturday night at the Juniata County oval. Lafferty's victory was popular with fans who braved cold temperatures and winds during opening night action.

The Pennington, NJ driver started second and followed pole setter Curt Michael during the first five circuits of the main event. The pair were set to enter slower traffic when the race was placed under caution for Michael Heckman who stopped on the back stretch. Michael and Lafferty were followed by Todd Shaffer, Justin Henderson and Mike Wagner as the caution flag was displayed.

Four laps were complete. The race was back under yellow during lap five when Greg Hodnett suffered mechanical problems and stopped in turn two. Hodnett's night was done and his car was taken to the pit area. Lafferty wasted no time taking the lead during the restart by diving under Michael as the pair entered turn one and pulled away from the field.

The leaders entered heavy lapped traffic allowing Todd Shaffer to gain advantage and move past Michael for second place on lap eight. As the half way sign was displayed to the field, Shaffer closed in on Lafferty as the pair raced through traffic. With Shaffer in striking distance, it appeared the pair would battle for the lead. Shaffer's night ended during lap 17 when contact was made between himself and Craig Robinson in turn three. Shaffer was attempting to pass Robinson, who was lapped, when the mishap occurred.

Shaffer hit the outside guardrail and flipped. Neither driver was injured in the mishap. Mike Wagner moved into the second spot on the restart only to be forced from action during lap 19. Joey Hershey stopped at the same time bringing out the caution. The final yellow flag was displayed during lap 22 when Lance DeWease suffered a flat left rear tire. DeWease went to the pit area electing not to return to the track. Lafferty controlled the remainder of the race to score his first win since 2008. Daryn Pittman finished second with Chad Layton third. Cliff Brian and Michael completed the top five. Rounding out the top ten were Justin Henderson, Mark Coldren, Dave Hahn, Derek Sell, and Brian Ehrenzeller. Heat races for the 22 car field were won by Layton and Shaffer.

Lafferty thanked his sponsors while discussing being win less during 2009. " Last year we struggled here all year. We got some new cars over the winter and been pretty happy with them. Our finishes at the (Williams) Grove haven't been the best but we've been moving forward every night and that's good at the grove." Lafferty continued talking about the race and the numerous caution periods. " It was probably good. It's early in the season and some times your arms get a little tired. I would have made it to the end just on adrenaline. I can hold my breath for about eight laps.", Lafferty chuckled. When asked about the new mandated national Goodyear sprint car tires, Lafferty said, " I really like them. They are a little steep. (cost) Maybe if it wasn't for this tire change, I wouldn't be here. (winners circle) The times here were about a second and a half faster than anytime here last season. My hats off to everybody who did this job. ( track resurfacing) I was the first guy to complain but I'll tell you right now that it's a lot better."


FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010


World of Outlaws regular Lucas Wolfe returned to his roots to score an impressive victory in the 25-lap sprint car feature Friday night at Williams Grove Speedway. Wolfe started third in a strong 24-car field and moved into the runnerup spot on lap five as Daryn Pittman set the early pace.

Wolfe began to apply serious pressure to Pittman on lap eight, then made his move with an inside charge through turns three and four on lap nine. Pittman refused to concede, however, and regained the lead in backstretch traffic two tours later.
Wolfe was back in front on the next lap and Brian Montieth, who started sixth, followed him past Pittman.

On lap fifteen current Lawrence Chevrolet point leader, Fred Rahmer, entered the picture when he took the runnerup spot from Montieth. Wolfe, Rahmer and Montieth ran under a blanket for a few laps before Wolfe began to get away. Montieth took second place back following a spirited battle with Rahmer on lap 21.

A caution with three tours remaining wiped out Wolfe’s lead and gave Montieth one more shot, but Wolfe would not be denied and went on to score his 9th career victory at Williams Grove by a .51 margin over Montieth. Rahmer settled for third with Pittman fourth and Greg Hodnett, who started tenth, completing the top five. Curt Michael, Alan Krimes, Lance Dewease, Steve Buckwalter and Chad Layton finished in positions six through ten respectively.

Heats for the 33 sprint cars went to Buckwalter, Justin Henderson, Wolfe and Rahmer. Adam Wilt won the consolation race


MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2010

Don Ott Racing engines power Fred Rahmer and Jeremy Cross to wins over the weekend. Fred Rahmer picked up a win at Williams Grove Speedway and Jeremy Cross picked up the win at Parramatta City Raceway.
 

 

 
 

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