(LEHIGHTON, PA
4-12-14) When Eric Beers climbed from his race car after winning the
Opening Night 100-lap feature at Mahoning Valley Speedway, the
defending track champion explained how out of shape he felt from the
grind of the century run. His performance, however, showed
otherwise.
Without missing a
beat from his record setting season of a year ago, Beers took the
lead from Austin Kochenash on lap 36 then set sail in claiming his
10th win in a Mahoning extra distance event. The victory
was worth a cool $4000, the largest amount ever awarded for a
100-lapper.
"I am really spent
after that one," said Beers while in Victory Lane. "I realize now
how out of shape I am but wow what a way to start off the season. My
hat’s off to Floyd Santee (promoter) who did an awesome job putting
this night together. We have a full house of fans and a super field
of cars."
After a straight-up
start from the heat finishes Beers started sixth and needed just
three laps to make his way into the top five.
Pole sitter Rick
Kirkendall jumped into the early lead with Matt Hirschman and
Kochenash running a close second and third respectively. Next in
line came Roger Coss. Through the beginning laps Kirkendall was
holding off repeated attempts by Hirschman and Kochenash. But, a
game changer took place while under a lap 14 caution. Scott Meckes
brought out the yellow when he dumped liquid in turn three. During
the extended cleanup Hirschman had to pit for a right front flat. A
few moments later Kirkendall when off after overheating. That
allowed Kochenash to advance to first place with Beers second. When
the race resumed Kochenash was firm and looking to repeat his
Opening Night win from a year ago. Beers, though, had other thoughts
as by lap 20 he went to the high side and began a torrid
side-by-side battle for the lead.
Kochenash was
holding his line and made Beers work hard on every lap they raced
together. Beers even backed off a time or two in order to refocus
his route of attack but it was soon evident that if he was going to
complete the pass it had to come from the outside lane. He again
took to the high road and this time used a surge of momentum to leap
by and take the lead as 36 laps went into the books. "Austin (Kochenash)
is always tough to pass especially at this place. We ran clean and
I’m sure the fans got a thrill from how close we were. It was just
good hard racing which is what you get here. This is why we don’t
run the (NASCAR) Whelen Modified Tour anymore, we love being back
here at Mahoning," said Beers, who won for the 37th time
at Mahoning.
Once in the lead
there would be no stopping him. That included a late caution with
eight laps to go. Kochenash knew that would be perhaps his last
chance at Beers on the restart but it was to no avail as the champ
showed no signs off backing off and went on to score the win.
"Second was good tonight especially when you look at all the cars
here and the competition," said Kochenash. "We just didn’t have the
car to run with Eric (Beers). He drove a great race. That last
restart was a chance to get him but I had used up a lot on the
previous restart." Third spot went to Nevin George who came on
strong near the end and dueled with Hirschman until the final laps
to secure the position. Coss completed the top five.
The 50-lap Late
Model race became a champion’s duel as two-time and defending champ
Earl Paules and three-time champion Paul Koehler, Jr., faced off.
Back and forth they ran over the early going but once past the
midway juncture Paules proved the better of the two and went on to
win the $1200 first place prize offering and his 22nd Late
Model win. Frankie Althouse, Mike Sweeney and Geno Steigerwalt all
ran within reach of the top two and gave notice to what looks to be
a highly competitive field this season.
The Street Stocks
had 28 cars signed in which made for some intense action in
attempting to gain a spot on the starting grid for the 50 lap
feature. When all was said in done it was Mahoning’s all-time wins
leader, Todd Ahner who bested everyone as he started from the pole
and then led every lap en route to his 29th win. In
typical Mahoning Street Stock style there was side-by-side action
throughout the race. Justin Mooney was right on Ahner’s bumper when
they crossed the finish line while TJ Gursky and Jillian Long
provided plenty of dueling action in garnering third and fourth at
the conclusion.
The 40-lap Dirt Mod
event went to Kris Graver who was driving a car prepared by class
regular Ricky Yetter. The 2013 Modified division Rookie of the Year
jumped into the Yetter mount and showed why he is a past Dirt Mod
champion. Running very smooth and fast laps, he zipped underneath
his uncle, Kevin Graver, Jr., on lap 17 and never looked back as he
cruised to a solid three car length margin of victory. Yetter
settled for third with Mike Stofflet and reigning champ Jeff Parker
rounding out the top five.
Jake Kibler scored
his second straight Opening Night win in the Pro 4’s while Jeff
Biegley was awarded the Hobby Stock verdict after Cody Geist’s car
was disqualified due to a height infraction.
