NO PIT STOP STRATEGY NETS BRIAN DEFEBO MAHONING VALLEY SPEEDWAY FALL BRAWL MODIFIED 125 VICTORY NOV 6

(11-6-21) Mahoning Valley Speedway’s Fall Brawl had dramatic ups and downs all race long but known more edge-of-your seat then the race’s final restart with six laps to go between Brian DeFebo and Jack Ely.
Ely had just eked past DeFebo for the lead but the lap was called back when Kyle Strohl and Cody Kohler got together on the back straight. On the double-wide restart and with DeFebo inside of Ely the pair ran side-by-side. As they came off Turn 4 DeFebo moved up a lane and made contact with Ely who then brushed the front stretch wall and quickly fell back a number of spots
DeFebo, who was the only driver of the 22 starters that did not make a pit stop, was able to hold off fast-closing Don Wagner by less than half of a car length and go on to collect over $3800 from purse and lap money.
“Hey with five laps to go anything’s on. I didn’t stop for tires so I knew we had no option at that point so it was game on,” said DeFebo who won for the second time this season and 109th of his career.
“I knew I had no right rear (tire) left but there was a lot of money on the line and we came here with our mind set to win the final race. The car was too good and I didn’t want to make a pit stop.”
DeFebo, who started 12th after a redraw, had bided his time and while one car after another made pit stops, he elected to remain on track. Matter of fact it took him 82 laps before he cracked the top five and following a few subsequent cautions he found himself running third to Earl Paules on lap 89. Four laps later he had worked around Paules for the top spot.
With 25 laps remaining Don Wagner took second after Paules slid off the pace. At this point Ely, who had made a pit stop back on lap 85, was coming on like gangbusters. He dueled with Wagner over a 10 lap stint and finally got to second with a dozen circuits to go.
With his sights honed in on the race leader Ely, who had led a race high 78 laps after starting from the pole, pulled behind DeFebo and was waiting for just the right moment to make his bid and regain the front spot. On lap 119 that chance was there as he edged by for the lead.
However, Ely and DeFebo where the only two cars to cross the line as the caution waved for the back straight incident and the lap was called back. Battling hard and on very used tires DeFebo refused to let Ely get the better of him and with racing room in question there was the contact that squashed his shot at the win.
“You’re in a bubble when you are in the car and you don’t always know your surroundings so you’re dealt the hand that you have and you do the best you can,” said DeFebo.
“I have to thank the boss, my mom (Sophie Welsh) who if it wasn’t for her none of this would be possible. Gary Slusser and Gennie Yamelski and my boys back home with my wife Brandi.”
Wagner had been hovering in the top-five with 40 laps to go and stayed within reach of the leaders that whole time. He then made a last ditch effort to get underneath DeFebo but fell short by a mere .097-second margin.
“We had a really good car and got some good positions after some of the restarts. We saved it as much as we could for the end but unfortunately ran out of time,” explained Wagner.
“From my view what a race it was up front and I’m so glad I had a back row seat for that. It was a great night.”
Behind Wagner was 2021 Mahoning champ Bobby Jones. Jones was a threat over most of the race and had led laps 79 through 88.
Fourth place finisher and first time Mahoning starter Mark Bakaj of Lebanon, Connecticut was the surprise of the night as he turned in a steady run and landed a respectable fourth. He also won the lion’s share of the Bonus Buck Redraw worth an extra $1500 making his debut here worth close to $3000.
Rounding out the top five was Lou Strohl who despite having to make several pit stops hustled late in the going in bringing home the solid finish.
Zane Zeiner, Nevin George, Broc Brown, Paules and Nick Baer rounded out the top-10. Zeiner, Beers and Ely copped heat wins.
While parked in Victory Lane there was an exchange of unsportsmanlike un-pleasantries with the winner that led to the disqualification of No. 9 and No. 19 cars of Ely and Austin Beers.
In the 40-lap Sportsman Modified feature Earl Paules won for the first time this season but it was hard fought in getting there.
Randy Ahner Jr., had led from the pole and was in control over the likes of Paules, Don Wagner and 2021 class champ Jaden Brown with that foursome running the brunt of the race under a blanket.
With just six laps to go Ahner seemed ready to collect his first Sportsman win after coming oh-so-close throughout the season. However, while coming off Turn 2 on lap 34 he suddenly faltered and then spun as Paules and the others were right on his tail.
When the field was reset Paules was at the helm and then chased the rest of the way by Wagner with Brown third. For the cagey veteran it extended his track leading number of feature wins to 65.
2021 Street Stock champion TJ Gursky capped off his great year with a fourth win on the season. Gursky inherited the lead when Brandon Christman spun on lap 31 of 50. He then held off teammate Randy Ahner Jr., en route to the $1300 top prize.
From his pole starting position Christman set the early pace with Jillian Snyder, Mark Martini, Gursky and Jon Moser close behind. Within a dozen laps Gursky was pressuring his other Ripkey Racing teammate Martini for second spot and succeeded in snagging the spot just before lap 20.
He then honed in on the rear bumper of leader Christman. Coming into play as well was a very strong performing Cody Geist.
The proximity of the front pair was very tight and halfway into the 32nd circuit Christman came off the corner with his back end getting loose and regrettably spun from the lead.
Gursky then assumed the position and had no trouble in hitting all the right marks the rest of the way. Ahner and Geist had a spirited battle as they finished second and third respectively. Moser and Tommy Flanagan rounded out the top five.
When it comes to the big races with the Hobby Stocks it seems Corey Edelman has got the knack as for the second year in a row he scored a season ending extra distance event victory and not to mention his other big wins that includes several Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series races.
The race was very exciting too as Edelman did battle with Shayne Geist with both talents putting on a lead swapping duel over the first half of the 40-lapper.
By midway though, Edelman was solid and began to slowly distance himself from Geist and despite a very loose handling car cruised home to a class leading fourth win of the year and record extending 22nd with the Hobby Stocks.
With two laps to go Geist’s noteworthy effort faded when he spun. Taking the runner-up spot was 2021 champion Trisha Connolly followed by Rich Mutarelli, Travis Solomon and Jared Green.
Rookie Hobby Stock champion Greyson Ahner closed a memorable first season of stock car racing with an unwavering run as he led 18 of 20 laps and scored his unparalleled ninth win of the year.
Adam Steigerwalt was able to keep a close pace with the winner and settled for second. First time starter Justin Carneavale, Jared Green and Maggie Yeakel, completed the top five. Yeakel was the Futures winner.

Modified feature finish (125-laps): 1. Brian DeFebo, 2. Don Wagner, 3. Bobby Jones, 4. Mark Bakaj, 5. Lou Strohl, 6. Zane Zeiner, 7. Nevin George, 8. Brock Brown, 9. Earl Paules, 10. Nick Baer, 11. Kyle Strohl, 12. Terry Markovic, 13. Chuck Hossfeld, 14. Cody Kohler, 15. Rich Cooper, 16. Geary Rinehimer, 17. Rod Snyder Jr, 18. John Markovic, 19. Carl Altemose, 20. Ghost Rider DQ: Austin Beers, Jack Ely

Sportsman Modified feature finish (40-laps): 1. Earl Paules, 2. Don Wagner, 3. Jaden Brown, 4. Randy Ahner Jr., 5. Johnny Bennett, 6. Mia Guy, 7. Paul French Jr., 8. Neil Rutt III

Street Stock feature finish (50-laps): 1. TJ Gursky, 2. Randy Ahner Jr., 3. Cody Geist., 4. Jon Moser., 5.
Tommy Flanagan, 6. Mark Martini, 7. Stacy Brown, 8. Jill Snyder, 9. Thomas Flanagan, 10. Jamie Smith,
11. Todd Ahner, 12 Randy Green, 13. Brandon Christman, 14. Jeremy Guerra, 15. Logan Boyer DQ:
Rich Moser Hard Charger: Stacy Brown

Hobby Stock feature finish (40-laps): 1. Corey Edelman, 2. Trisha Connolly, 3. Rich Mutarelli, 4. Travis Solomon, 5. Jared Green, 6. Shayne Geist, 7. James Tout, 8. Tony Hilliard, 9. Ralph Borger Jr., 10. Nicholas Kerstetter, 11.Gunnar Yost, 12. Mallory Kutz, 13. Chowder, 14. Jacob Boehm, 15. Neil Rutt III, 16. Nick Schaffer, 17. Austin Ahner DNS: Shawn Kistler

​Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock feature (20-laps): 1. Greyson Ahner, 2. Adam Steigerwalt, 3. Justin Carneavale, 4. Jared Green, 5. Maggie Yeakel, 6. Brody George, 7. Dave Kerr, 8. Makayla Kohler, 9. Zoey Moyer, 10. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 11. Hallie Muffley, 12. Reid Levengood

Mahoning Valley Speedway Fall Brawl Modified winner to get guaranteed starting spot for Wall Stadium Speedway’s Turkey Derby 48


(Lehighton 11-2-21) When Mahoning Valley Speedway presents the Fall Brawl this coming Saturday, November 6, it will be a gathering of local and regional asphalt stars that will be on hand to tackle the unique circular ¼-mile oval for an afternoon and evening of intense competition.

This will not, however, be the last time many of the same drivers – most notably the Modifieds – will be parking their cars for the soon-to-be offseason,

After Mahoning wraps things up the final northeast asphalt event of the year will be the annual Turkey Derby at Wall Stadium Speedway in Wall, NJ and thanks to a collaborative effort between the two tracks, the winner of Saturday’s Modified 125 will be awarded a guaranteed starting spot for the 48th edition of the Thanksgiving weekend classic at the 1/3-mile high-banked shore oval taking place November 20, 26 & 27.

Mahoning’s Modified 125 will be a $3000-to-win main along with the E. Schneider & Sons Bonus Bucks Draw that adds an additional $2600 to be divvied to the second through fifth place finishing spots. 10th spot will pay $1000 while it’s $400 to take the green as well as lap money.

Now another handout is being offered as the winner will be getting an assured spot in one of the most prestigious and traditional races and at storied Wall Stadium Speedway.

This year’s Turkey Derby 48 will be paying an amazing $10,000-to-win for the 150-lap contest and $600 to start plus bonuses. The race is on Saturday, November 27 and has seen a who’s who of past winners in Modified racing and continually draws the best in the business each year.

This coming Saturday, November 6, will see pit gates opening at 9:00 am and breakfast will be available to the early birds. Driver sign-ins will be from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm. Early paid practice will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm which is followed by regular warm-ups. A mandatory drivers meeting will take place at 2:15 pm. 3:00 pm will be the start of heats and consi’s. All heat starting spots will be by draw when signing in.

Along with the Modifieds the Fall Brawl will see the Sportsman Modifieds in a 40-lap/$1500-to-win feature, the Street Stocks challenging in a 50-lap/$1300-to-win main, the Hobby Stocks battling for a $500 first place prize over a 40-lap distance and the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks racing in a 20-lap affair with the track posting $100 per entry that will make up their purse.

Mahoning Valley Speedway is located just a few miles west of Lehighton. Please log onto: http://www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com or Facebook at Mahoning Valley Speedway for more detailed Fall Brawl info.

Wall Stadium Speedway is at 1803 Highway 34 South in Wall Township, NJ. The speedway office line is 732-681-6400 or visit their website at https://www.wallspeedwayracing.com/


Mahoning Valley Speedway Fall Brawl schedule updated

Mahoning Valley Speedway track management has made an adjustment to the Fall Brawl schedule.

Friday evening’s practice will not be taking place. However for any teams that had planned to partake that night there will now be an extended early paid practice on Saturday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Also Saturday’s the start time has been pushed back by one hour with heat racing getting underway at 3:00 pm. 

Early arriving teams can still park trailers in the pits on Friday evening if they wish to do so.

Saturday, November 6, will see pit gates opening at 9:00 am and breakfast will be available. Driver sign-ins will be from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm. A mandatory drivers meeting will take place at 2:15 pm. 3:00 pm will be the start of heats and consi’s. All heat starting spots will be by draw when signing in.

The Fall Brawl is headlined by a 125 lap/$3000-to-win feature for the Modifieds. The race will pay $1000 for 10th and $400 to take the green. Also on the card are the Sportsman Modifieds racing for $1500-to-win in a 40 lap main, Street Stocks challenging in a 50-lap/$1300-to-win feature, the Hobby Stocks battling for a $500 first place prize over a 40-lap distance and the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks racing in a 20-lap affair with the track posting $100 per entry that will make up their purse.

For up to the minute updates please log onto: http://www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com or Facebook at Mahoning Valley Speedway.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5
Haulers May stage in pits


SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Fall Brawl
Modifieds 125 laps/$3000-to-win,
Sports Modi40 laps/$1500 to-win
Street Stocks 50 laps/$1300-to-win
Hobby Stocks 40 laps/$500-to-win
 + Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks​

9:00 am – Pit gates open:
Concession Stand will be selling breakfast for crews
11:00 am – 1:00 pm early paid practice
1:05 pm–– Start of regular hot laps
1:00pm - Grandstands Open
2:15 pm –Drivers meeting
3:00 pm … Start of Heats



MAHONING VALLEY SPEEDWAY STREET STOCK FIRST PLACE IN FALL BRAWL NOW PAYING $1300 THANKS TO C & B LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING
 
(10-25-21) Street Stock racers coming out to run in Mahoning Valley Speedway’s season finale Fall Brawl just got another good reason as to be part of the spectacular October 30 event.

Thanks to C&B Lawn Care & Landscaping of Kunkletown who kindly are adding $100 to the winner’s share of the 50-lap feature, first place will now pay $1300-to-win.

Located at HTY Rd in Kunkletown, C & B Lawn Care & Landscaping if a full-service lawn and garden company that provides complete amenities in landscaping, stone and hardscaping, spring and fall cleanup, excavating, planting and removal as well as snow and ice removal.
C & B is also part of the Ripkey Racing Team that includes 2021 class champion TJ Gursky along with teammates Mark Martini and Randy Ahner Jr.

C & B is also part of the Fall Brawl Street Stock heat race sponsors which will be awarding $100 to each preliminary winner.
The now $1300-to-win Street Stock feature is one of five divisions that will make up the Fall Brawl. Modifieds racers are running a 125-lap/$3000-to-win event that also pays $1000 for tenth and $400 to start. The Sportsman Modifieds will be racing for $1500-to-win in a 40-lap contest while the Hobby Stocks are preparing to battle in a 40-lap/$500-to-win main. Plus the Rookie/Futures will be racing in a 20-lap affair with $100 per car put up by the track which will then make up the purse.

Plenty of additional perks are in place including the Bonus Bucks Draw that rewards the 2-5 place feature finishers in the Modifieds, Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks with bonus money. Lap sponsorship is also obtainable to anyone who desires to purchase a lap of their choice.

There will be an open practice for all classes on Friday evening, October 29 from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. On Saturday, October 30 pit gates will open at 9:00 pm and breakfast will be available for early arriving crews. Racing action will get underway starting at 2:00 pm

For complete details of the weekend schedule please visit http://www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com/fall-brawl-2021.html
In the event of inclement weather the Fall Brawl schedule of events will move to the following weekend, November 5 and 6 with the same times in place.
 

E. SCHNEIDER & SONS SCRAP METAL TO SPONSOR MODIFIED BONUS BACK DRAW FOR MAHONING VALLEY SPEEDWAY FALL BRAWL
 
Mahoning Valley Speedway’s Fall Brawl has all the makings of another in a long list of classic races at the paved ¼-mile Lehighton oval.
The Saturday, October 30 season ending event slated to get underway at 2:00 pm, will be a highly contested program amongst all classes that will line the pit area. With race day just a week away interest is at fever pitch amongst competitors and fans alike.

Part of that enthusiastic appeal comes from the unique “Bonus Bucks Draw” which is a never-before-awarded incentive within the sport. 
For the Modified 125-lap feature – which pays the winner $3000 – E. Schneider & Sons Scrap Metal Inc., Recycling of Allentown is adding $2600 that will be allotted for finishers in positions 2-5. The money will be placed into envelopes with $1500, $750, $250 and $100 for positions second through fifth respectively.

Then those drivers – starting with the second place finisher – will pick an envelope and receive the amount shown inside. So if by chance the runner-up of the feature is lucky enough to pick the envelope with the $1500 listed then in fact he/she could claim as much as the feature winner did.

A huge supporter and synonymous with short track racing throughout the region, E. Schneider & Sons Inc., Scrap Metal Recycling has stepped in to be the prime sponsor for the Modified portion of the Bonus Bucks Draw.
Currently headed by John Schneider, the company was founded by Edward Schneider in 1902. Through the years from generation to generation, E. Schneider & Sons, Inc. mainly concentrated on the industrial and demolition ends of the scrap business and succeeded in cleaning up their accumulations of scrap materials. With the coming of a third generation and new ideas, the business expanded services to include commercial and retail areas. 

They are uniquely equipped to handle all specialized scrap recycling needs and taking pride in the precise attention to detail enables them to meet the needs of a large and diverse clientele with an efficient container service.

"We are very grateful to John (Schneider) and his Company for their amazing support with our Fall Brawl and the Bonus Bucks Draw,” said speedway owner Jack Carlino.
“His efforts enable us to make what is gearing to be a great show into an even higher level of excitement for our Modified drivers. This is a promotion that has never been done before and we’re so thrilled to have John’s name proudly behind it.”  
           
The Modifieds will be racing for 125-laps with $3000-to-win/$1000 for 10th and $400 to take the green. Drivers will draw for heat starting spots and a redraw for the feature.

The Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks will be part of the Bonus Bucks Draw as well. Hills Wildlife Taxidermy of Lehighton putting up $500 for the runner-up. T & M Flooring of Palmerton adding $200 to third while Hillside Concrete & General Contracting of Palmerton will give $100 and $50 respectively to fourth and fifth in the Street Stocks.

Bath Supply Company, Inc., of Bath will provide $200 to the Hobby Stock runner-up. 2021 champion Trisha Connolly is doing $100 to third while Addi Strohl is taking care of fourth with $75 and two-time class champion Corey Edelman placing in $25 to fifth.

Also in action will be the Sportsman Modifieds and Future/Rookie Hobby Stocks. The speedway will also be hosting a Halloween Kids Candy Scramble at intermission. 

For additional information on E. Schneider & Sons Scrap Metal Recycling please visit http://www.eschneiderscrap.com/
 

Mahoning Valley Speedway #FallBrawl Street Stock heat winners to be awarded $150 on October 30th

The excitement of Mahoning Valley Speedway’s season ending Fall Brawl continues to mount as race teams are gearing up for the big showdown at the paved ¼-mile Lehighton, Pennsylvania oval and rightfully so as the track has put together enticing payouts for those classes that will see action on Saturday, October 30.
Along with the handsome finishing payday spots there will be a number of incentives with the most recent coming in for the Street Stocks.
Thanks to C&B Lawncare and Landscaping of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania HeatWave Stoves also of Kunkletown, Ripkey Racing and Stacey Brown each Street Stock heat race winner will pick up $150. Clearly not a bad way to start off your day.
$100 is coming from C&B Lawn Care and Landscaping, a full-service lawn-care company that maintains a straightforward and unique design /build philosophy towards their clients.
Another $100 is courtesy of Heat Wave Stoves LLC is an official dealer of Regency, D.S. Machinery and Keystoker pellet, wood and coal stoves plus they handle all propane needs.
Both are also prime sponsors on the Ripkey Racing who likewise is putting in $100. Ripkey Racing this year captured the 2021 division championship with TJ Gursky. Also on the potent three car team are Mark Martini and Randy Ahner Jr., who this past season accounted for a combined 13 heat wins including a division leading eight by Gursky and five feature victories.
Additionally coming on board is multi-talented veteran and 2017 Street Stock champion Stacey Brown who is sweetening the deal with an extra $50 to each prelim winner making 10-lap runs worth $150.
For those who qualify for the Street Stock portion of the Fall Brawl they will be battling in a $50-lap/$1200-to-win feature.
Set for Saturday, October 30 and starting at 2:00 pm the Fall Brawl is headlined by a 125 lap/$3000-to-win feature for the Modifieds. The race will also pay $1000 for 10th and $400 to take the green.
Also on the card are the Sportsman Modifieds running in a 40-lap/$1500 to win feature, the Hobby Stocks battling for a $500 first place prize in a 40-lap distance and the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks racing in a 20-lap contest.
There is a Bonus Bucks Draw for Modifieds, Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks finishers of positions 2-5. Lap prize money is also be collected and awarded for each division.
With this being #Halloween weekend the speedway will play host to a Kids Candy Scramble at intermission.
Did you know you can contribute to the excitement and prestige of the event by becoming a Lap Sponsor. For $20 a lap you sponsor that lap and you will have you message for that lap announced by Dino Oberto several times and listed on the Website: Contact Contact Ashley at 732-668-9099 to secure your lap and support the drivers.
For complete info on the Fall Brawl visit: http://www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com or Facebook at Mahoning Valley Speedway.
​
MYRACENEWS.COM TO AWARD $50 TO SPORTSMAN MODIFIED HEAT WINNERS AT MAHONING VALLEY SPEEDWAY FALL BRAWL
 
(10-20-21) The perks keep coming in for Mahoning Valley Speedway’s October 30 Fall Brawl.
Adding to the list of growing enticements will be a $50 bonus to each Sportsman Modified heat race winner courtesy of myracenews.com.
Headed by noted racing photographer and Eastern Motorsport Press Association member Mike Jaworecki, myracenews.com is a comprehensive Northeast based motor racing website that provides extensive coverage to a broad spectrum of local, regional and national racing.

Jaworecki is known for his giving back to the racing community and is excited to be able to provide the Sportsman Modified drivers with this added bonus of $50 to each heat race winner.  
Sportsman Modifieds will be vying in a 40-lap/$1500-to-win feature. This will mark the largest payout as well as race distance for the class, now in its fourth year of existence.

And, as race day nears so too does the interest from not only the weekly Mahoning Sportsman Modified steadies but likewise from a number of invaders who are making plans to compete in the 40-lap event.

Set for Saturday, October 30 and starting at 2:00 pm the Fall Brawl is headlined by a 125 lap/$3000-to-win feature for the Modifieds. The race will also pay $1000 for 10th and $400 to take the green.

Also on the card are Street Stocks contesting in a 50-lap/$1200-to-win main, the Hobby Stocks battling for a $500 first place prize over a 40-lap distance and the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks racing in a 20-lap affair.

Stimulus add-ons are continuing to mound for the Fall Brawl. There is a Bonus Bucks Draw for Modified, Street Stock and Hobby Stock finishers of positions 2-5. Lap prize money is being collected and awarded for all divisions. Each Street Stock heat winner will collect $150 thanks to C&B Lawn Care & Landscaping of Kunkletown, Heat Wave Stoves LLC also of Kunkletown, Ripkey Racing and Stacey Brown. And for the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks the track will put up $100 per each car entered and will formulate the purse from the total number.

The speedway will play host to a Halloween Kids Candy Scramble at intermission.
For complete info on the Fall Brawl visit: http://www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com or Facebook at Mahoning Valley Speedway.  
 




Fall Brawl to close out Mahoning Valley Speedway season October 30…Modifieds to race 125-laps/$3000-to-win, $1000 for 10th and $400 to start. Sportsman Modifieds, Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks also running for extra laps and bucks


Mahoning Valley Speedway will close out the 2021 season with the “Fall Brawl” on Saturday, October 30 starting at 2:00 pm and headlined by a 125 lap/$3000-to-win feature for the Modifieds. The race will also pay $1000 for 10th and $400 to take the green.  The afternoon line-up will include the Sportsman Modifieds running in a 40-lap/$1500 to win feature, Street Stocks going at it in a $1200-to-win 50 lap main and the Hobby Stocks racing for a $500 first place prize in a 40-lap distance.  “We really wanted to go out with a bang and this line-up of divisions should prove to be very appealing to both fans the drivers,” said Mahoning promoter Keith Hoffman.

“We’ve had this race marked down since the schedule was released and really didn’t say a whole lot about it until now but not for lack of anything. We just wanted to wrap up our regular season and the Hall of Fame Series so we can now go all out with the Fall Brawl,” he continued. “We’ve put together some very good purses for all classes and there’s going to be even more enticing news we’ll be announcing shortly.”  At present there is additional backing that is being put together for this exciting day of racing with some unique disbursements that will be publicized in the coming days.

Mahoning Valley Speedway is coming off its finale in the Hall of Fames Series which was the 91-lap Paul Bauscher Tribute and won by Matt Hirschman with Austin Kochenash close behind. Both those drivers are committed to running the Fall Brawl as well as a host of other top asphalt Modified talents from the track’s weekly stars as well regional invaders. The Sportsman Modifieds will be racing for their biggest purse and feature to date. Jaden Brown recently captured the 2021 title and will be leading the brigade of entrants. All home track rules will be good for this 40-lap main.   Mahoning Valley Speedway’s Street Stock class is a loaded talent pool but there is no doubt that many outsiders will be coming in for a chance at the $1200 top prize in the 50-lap run.  With 40 laps and $500 to win the Hobby Stocks are guaranteed to deliver a thrilling feature, something they haven’t lacked in doing all season long.  Additionally the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks will be in on the action with a special purse structure put together by Mahoning owner Jack Carlino who will put up $100 per each entered car in the class. So if there are 10 cars for example then the purse will be $1000 or more depending on the car count.

“We’re excited about the Fall Brawl with the divisions on tap and with the number of laps to be run it should make for a great day of racing for fans. And we’ll be putting out even more news for drivers that we know will be worth their while to attend this show,” added Hoffman.



Sportsman Modifieds to be showcased at Mahoning Valley Speedway Fall Brawl, Oct 30…40-laps/$1500-to-win

(Lehighton, Pa. 10-7-21) As part of Mahoning Valley Speedway’s season ending Fall Brawl on Saturday afternoon, October 30, the Sportsman Modifieds will be racing in a 40-lap/$1500-to-win feature. This will mark the largest payout as well as race distance for the class, now in its fourth year of existence. “We wanted to make sure the Sportsman Modifieds are part of this special race day. This is a great class of cars and we’re excited to put them on the Fall Brawl,” noted track owner Jack Carlino. “We’ve worked hard to make the rules compatible with all other tracks and with the purse that is place we feel this is a golden opportunity for others to come down to Mahoning Valley and see for themselves just who good the action is with the division.” Through the generous efforts of Bruce N. George Paving & Excavating of Kunkletown, Rustic Roots Salon of Lehighton, Future Homes Custom Builders of Lehighton, Blue Mountain Woodworking from Bath and RR Frey Services LLC of Lehighton all collaborated together along with Carlino in making the appealing purse.  “It was amazing to see what they all did for the class and this race. It also goes to show the commitment they have for not only the Sportsman Modifieds but Mahoning Valley Speedway and we a truly grateful,” said Carlino.   The Sportsman Modifieds first raced in 2018 with Austin Beers winning the championship. The following season it was Kyle Strohl then veteran Earl Paules and this year saw 15-year old Jaden Brown take top honors.  Over that time the division has seen a mix of young up and comers as well as veteran drivers compete. This past year rules where more aligned to conform to other tracks that run the cars throughout the region and in turn it made for good close racing.  Brown, who had stepped up from the Hobby Stocks, won three features and also set the track record at 10.383-seconds, proving that the cars ultra-competitiveness. In eight races this past season there were five different winners.  And, throughout most of the season the point battle remained tight. Others such as Paulie Hartwig III, Avery and Peyton Arthofer, Mia Guy, Randy Ahner Jr., and Jared Ahner where all among the weekly top runners.  “We’re excited for sure. We struggled to get enough races in this whole year so to have the Sportsman Modifieds on as part of the Fall Brawl and the opportunity to race for a good purse should hopefully attract some others to come in,” said 2021 championship car owner Nevin George.  “I know these are not a full Modified but it’s the exact same car as when I raced full time. This is a really good class and I feel they need to be on the schedule more than what we’ve seen. To me they are much more affordable and that’s not just an opinion that’s a fact,” he continued.  “With the rules written the way they are I feel Mahoning can attract several different 602 cars from other tracks for this race. Wall Stadium fits in the rules package, Stafford first in the rule package, Waterford first in the rule package and yes there may be a little travel involved but the money is there for this event.”

Teams who are interested in running the Sportsman Modifieds portion of the Fall Brawl can find rules on the track’s website under http://www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com/uploads/1/1/8/6/11865016/2021_sportsman_modified_rules_mahoning_valley_speedway_2021_v3.pdf

“The fans will be in for just as good of a show with the Sport Mods as they are with the full Modifieds and all the classes,” added George. 


“Bonus Bucks Draw” will supplement Mahoning Valley Speedway Fall Brawl on October 20

(Lehighton, Pa. 10-6-21) Mahoning Valley Speedway’s October 30 Fall Brawl will be rewarding drivers with handsome payouts for what will be the season finale at the paved ¼-mile Carbon County oval.  Winners, especially will be enjoying the spoils of victory but being the second, third, fourth or even fifth place finisher in selected features won’t be so bad either. Thanks largely to a number of great supporters of the speedway the “Bonus Bucks Draw” will award additional cash payouts to second through fifth place in the Modified, Street Stock and Hobby Stock features.  Here’s how it will go down.

While respective winners are reveling in their well-earned victories, those who also finished among the top five will pull behind the victor. Afterwards each driver second through fifth will draw an envelope and inside will be a cash amount that they will collect aside from their regular place amount.

​For instance with the Modifieds, E. Snyder & Sons Scrap Metal Recycling of Allentown is adding $2600 that will be allocated into the envelopes with $1500, $750, $250 and $100 in each. So if by chance the runner-up of the 125-lap feature is lucky enough to pick the envelope with the $1500 listed then in actuality he/she could claim as much as the feature winner did.

With the Street Stocks Hills Wildlife Taxidermy of Lehighton has put up $500 for the runner-up. T & M Flooring of Palmerton is adding $200 to third while Hillside Concrete & General Contracting of Palmerton will give $100 and $50 respectively to fourth and fifth.

Bath Supply Company, Inc., of Bath will provide $200 to the Hobby Stock runner-up. 2021 champion Trisha Connolly is doing $100 to third while Addi Strohl is taking care of fourth with $75 and two-time class champion Corey Edelman placing in $25 to fifth.

The Bonus Bucks Draw is unique segment of the diverse and inviting spurs that await drivers competing in the Fall Brawl. 
Set for Saturday, October 30 and starting at 2:00 pm the Fall Brawl is headlined by a 125 lap/$3000-to-win feature for the Modifieds. The race will also pay $1000 for 10th and $400 to take the green.
Also on the card are the Sportsman Modifieds running in a 40-lap/$1500 to win feature, Street Stocks going at it in a $1200-to-win 50 lap main, the Hobby Stocks battling for a $500 first place prize in a 40-lap distance and the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks.
With this being Halloween weekend the speedway will play host to a Kids Candy Scramble at intermission.

​
Matt Hirschman wins Paul Bauscher Tribute ON OCTOBER 2 and Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series title


The Paul Bauscher Tribute marked the finale of the 2021 John Blewett Inc., Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series (MVSHoFS) and for the fourth time in five Series races Matt Hirschman was first to cross the line. Hirschman started sixth in the 91-lap contest – that number reflective during Bauscher’s career – and passed John Markovic for the lead 28 laps into the race. He then held off Austin Kochenash the rest of the way to collect his sixth Mahoning win in seven 2021 starts and also claim his second straight MVSHoFS title. “This has been a great season for us here at Mahoning and we still have one more to go (October 30) and for the Hall of Fame Series we were nearly perfect and one of them just wasn’t meant to be but all in all we are thankful for a great season here and to win this Series for a second year in a row,” said Hirschman, who picked up his 28th Mahoning victory. “There was a lot of good support here tonight from all the Bauscher fans and it was great to have Paul here too. It was pretty cool that he got to pace the field with his Modified. It’s important that we continue to honor guys like him for all they did back in the day.” A random draw amongst the top 12 from the heats would see Markovic and Rod Snyder Jr., start from the front row. At the drop of Frank Mertz Sr.’s race commencing green Markovic charged to the lead with Snyder, Lou Strohl, Hirschman and Zane Zeiner in tow. The race then went into a long nonstop stretch as the first 46 laps ran caution free and during the first 25 laps Markovic and Snyder remained very close. Snyder even took away the lead on lap 24 but Markovic wasted no time in getting right back the next time around. At that point Hirschman made quick work of Strohl for third and in the next circuit he bested Snyder and in yet one more lap was able to drive underneath Markovic for the top spot.  With 36 laps complete Kochenash was now running third and giving Markovic all he could handle. Within in a few tours of that he took care of business and motored into second with his sights now set on Hirschman. Hirschman, though, would use the ensuing stints between the few restarts to show who had the upper hand between them. “I think maybe about mid-race the car wasn’t totally to my liking but it seemed to come back in late and I was happy with it obviously,” noted Hirschman. 
Kochenash had a very strong car but was just a bit off in trying to keep with the leader. He had a few occurrences on restarts to overtake but Hirschman was able to launch ahead each time. In 10 MVSHoFS races in the past two years Hirschman has now won eight times. “The restarts were the only chance we had to try and cross him (Hirschman) over but other than that he was in a class of his own,” offered Kochenash. “I saved my tires in the beginning but obviously we just need to get a little bit better to catch Matt. We’ll go home and try to make some adjustments and come back at the end of this month and shoot for the win.” Zeiner was part of a torrid battle that finished under a blanket as he nipped Strohl for third and Nick Baer in fifth.

Not surprising the Street Stock feature was close from start to finish as Randy Ahner Jr., had to withstand Jillian Snyder as well as his teammate and newly crowned champion TJ Gursky en route to his second win of the year. Ahner took the lead at the outset but would never pull far enough forward to shake off Snyder as she stayed glued to his rear bumper. Tucker Muffley, a winner the night before, and Gursky had themselves a great duel going on as well while shadowing behind the front pair. By mid-race it became a three car race for the lead with Ahner faultlessly holding his line while Snyder and Gursky fought for second. The trio would continue that way to the checkers with Ahner not only picking up the feature win but also locking up the Street Stock MVSHoFS title.

In the Hobby Stocks Jacob Boehm led from start to finish for his third win of the year. And, while he showed he was on his own there was no shortage of hot action going on for second spot. Justin Merkel and Shayne Geist clashed for the position across a good portion of the race until late in the going. Geist encountered some type of issue that saw him drop off the pace and allowed 2021 class champ Trisha Connolly to move into third and she wouldn’t stay there for long. With a half dozen laps to go she whooshed into second but could not progress any further as Boehm was too tough on this night. Merkel’s third place tally would earn him the Hobby Stock MVSHoFS championship.       

Dave Kerr inherited the lead in the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks feature with three laps to go when race long leader Adam Steigerwalt’s car lost power briefly and he then held off Greyson Ahner for his second win of the year.  
While Kerr would claim the overall win Brody George’s third place finish gave him his 10th victory with the Futures.
 

Modified feature finish (91-laps): 1. Matt Hirschman, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Zane Zeiner, 4. Lou Strohl, 5. Nick Baer, 6. Earl Paules, 7. Cody Kohler, 8. Nevin George, 9. John Markovic, 10. Jaden Brown, 11. Rod Snyder Jr., 12. Don Wagner, 13. Bobby Jones, 14. Carl Altemose, 15. Jesse Strohl, 16. Jacob Kerstetter, 17. Terry Markovic, 18. BJ Wambold

Street Stock feature finish (30-laps): 1.  Randy Ahner Jr, 2. Jill Snyder, 3. TJ Gursky, 4. Jon Moser, 5. Kevin Graver Jr, 6. Tucker Muffley, 7. Randy Green, 8. Mark Martini, 9. Rick Reichenbach, 10. Rich Moser, 11. Brandon Christman, 12. Mark Deysher, 13. Jaimie Smith, 14. Todd Ahner, 15. Logan Boyer, 16. Thomas Flanagan, 17. Tommy Flanagan, 18. Matt VanSyckle

Hobby Stock feature finish (25-laps): 1. Jacob Boehm, 2. Trisha Connolly, 3. Justin Merkel, 4. Ryan Berger, 5. John Petro, 6. Corey Edelman, 7. Shayne Geist, 8. Nick Schafer, 9. BJ Wambold, 10. Kip George, 11. Tad Snyder, 12. James Tout, 13. Ralph Borger Jr., 14. Nickolas Kerstetter, 15. Mallory Kutz, 16. Cody Boehm, 17 Travis Solomon

Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock feature (15-laps): 1. Dave Kerr, 2. Greyson Ahner, 3. Brody George, 4. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 5. Makayla Kohler, 6. Maggie Yeakel, 7. Adam Steigerwalt, 8. Zoey Moyer, 9. Michael Klotz, 10. Hailee Muffley, 11. Reid Levengood, 12. Zoe Kuchera




On October 1 Tucker Muffley wins Mahoning Valley Speedway Street Stock thriller; Travis Solomon picks up Hobby Stock victory; Timed dashes earn quick timers pole heat spots for Saturday Paul Bauscher Tribute


Mahoning Valley Speedway kicked off the Hall of Fame Classic Weekend on Friday evening with the Unfortunate 25s for Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks along with timed dashes for Saturday’s Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series Paul Bauscher Tribute with the Modifieds, Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks.  The Unfortunate 25s were open to any non-2021 feature winner no matter the class or track a driver raced at.

The Street Stock race was exhilarating from start to finish as a first time winner emerged with Tucker Muffley taking a spine-tingling victory that came down to the last lap – the last few feet matter of fact. The majority of the race was run in intense side-by-side action as no less than eight lead changes took place. Paul Morgan Jr., and Matt VanSyckle got the action going with a lead-swapping duel over the first 10 laps.  VanSyckle then took control of the front spot by lap 11 while Morgan was second and knotted in a tight battle with Jamie Smith and Muffley. On a lap 17 restart Muffley, who had taken third the previous lap, leaped up to second and set his sights on VanSyckle and with five tours to go the lead would change hands yet again.  Muffley may have been heading the pack but it was far from over despite the few laps remaining. Not only was VanSyckle leaning on him but so too was fast charging Mark Martini.  On a restart with two laps to go it was white-knuckle racing with Muffley protecting the inside lane while VanSyckle and Martini went two-wide. Then as the trio exited Turn 4 on the final lap VanSyckle made an all or nothing run at Muffley. Contact was made and Muffley got sideways but was crossing the finish line at that moment. Martini settled for third while Smith and Jacob Christman completed the top five.  

Travis Solomon parlayed his pole starting spot into a feature win in the Hobby Stock portion of the Unfortunate 25s. Holding tightly to the bottom lane Solomon was able to fend off the blitz of John Petro who likewise had to withstand the relentless offensive of Ryan Berger.
Nevertheless Solomon detained them for his first win of the season and in doing so was able to continue a streak of winning at least one feature in each of the past five years. Kip George and Dave Imler Jr., rounded out the front five which were career bests for both drivers.

In the timed dashes which took the fastest cars from three separate group sessions and awarded each the pole starting spot for Saturday’s heats it was Nick Baer, Jaden Brown and Earl Paules in the Modifieds. Randy Ahner Jr., Jon Moser and Eric Kocher where the fastest among the Street Stockers while 2021 champ Trisha Connolly along with Ryan Berger and John Petro were quickest in the Hobby Stocks.

Street Stock feature finish (25-laps): 1. Tucker Muffley, 2. Matt VanSyckle, 3. Mark Martini, 4. Jamie Smith, 5. Jacob Christman, 6. Randy Green, 7. Bobby Kibler Sr., 8. Tommy Flanagan, 9. Matt Kocher, 10. Logan Boyer, 11. Jason Gould, 12. Paul Morgan, Jr.

Hobby Stock feature finish (25-laps): 1. Travis Solomon, 2. John Petro, 3. Ryan Berger, 4. Kip George, 5. Dave Imler Jr., 6. Mallory Kutz, 7. Ralph Borger Jr., 8. Ed Steglick, 9. Nick Schaeffer, 10. Michael Wambold, 11. Shayne Geist, 12. James Tout, 13. Nicholas Kerstetter



Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series Paul Bauscher Tribute weekend set for October 1-2  

Mahoning Valley Speedway is ready for the final installment of the 2021 John Blewett Inc., Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall Series (MVSHoFS) on Friday and Saturday, October 1-2 with a tribute to “The Flying Farmer” Paul Bauscher.
 On Saturday Mahoning will pay homage to the renowned Hall of Famer, one of the all-time greats of eastern Pennsylvania short track asphalt racing and multi-time Mahoning and Dorney Park Speedway’s title and feature winner.
 Bauscher was the 1972-73 Mahoning Late Model champion and earned three consecutive Late Model titles at Dorney from 1972 through 1974. He also was a top Modified shoe and of his numerous victories with that division was that on May 5, 1987 which was the re-opening of Mahoning Valley after it sat dormant the past 10 seasons.
 Always identified with his signature red No. 91 in both Late Models and Modifieds, all total Bauscher won over 60 times in his storied career that spanned into the 1990s and included victories on dirt at Big Diamond Speedway and long shuttered Anthracite Speedway. He is still ranked among the top-10 on the all-time list of eastern Pennsylvania asphalt feature winners.
 As part of Saturday’s activities Bauscher will have his fully restored Modified on hand which he’ll drive as the National Anthem and Pace Car for the evening.  
       The Hall of Fame Classic weekend will get underway on Friday evening at 7:30 pm with Timed Dashes for the Modifieds, Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks. The top three from each respective class will be awarded a pole starting spot for their heat races on Saturday.
       Also taking place that night will be the Unfortunate 25s with the Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks. Those races are open to any non-2021 feature winners no matter what track or class they ran in during the season. 
 Saturday’s line up will consist of Modifieds in a 91-lap/$2750-to-win feature and $500 for 10th. Also on the agenda will be Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks and the Farewell 15 for the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks.
 The MVSHoFS championships will also be decided. Matt Hirschman leads over Zane Zeiner, Earl Paules and Brian DeFebo in the Modifieds. Hirschman is seeking his second straight MVSHoFS title.
 In the Street Stocks there is a very tight battle underway with Mark Deysher holding just a two point edge over Randy Ahner Jr., while regular season champ TJ Gursky, defending MVSHoFS titlist Jon Moser and Mark Martini are all within striking distance. 
 Justin Merkel is looking to capture the top spot with the Hobby Stocks and will have to hold off Corey Edelman in the process. 
 Friday night gates will open at 4:00 with racing getting underway at 7:30. Grandstand general admission is $10. Pit entrance is $25.
        Saturday begins with pit gates opening at 10:00 am. Paid practice runs from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm followed by regular warmups at 2:30 pm. Pit admission is $35 members – $45 non-members. 
       The MVSHoFS point fund entry fee is $25 Modifieds, $20 Street Stocks and $15 Hobby Stocks. Drivers must have raced in all five shows in order to be eligible for the point payout. The breakdown is as follows for the top three per class: $1500, $1000 and $500 in the Modifieds. $1000, $600 and $400 for the Street Stocks and $500, $300 and $200 for the Hobby Stocks. 
        Saturday grandstands open at 2:00 pm. Adult admission is $20, $2 discount for active military, students and seniors 65+. Must have valid ID. Children 10 & under are free.
     
​Mahoning Valley Speedway will close out the year with the Fall Brawl on Saturday afternoon, October 30 at 2:00 pm featuring a 100-lap/$3000-to-win Modified main and $400 to take the green plus a 50-lap/$1200-to-win Street Stock feature and a Hobby Stock 40-lap/$500-to-win race. Additional info on this show will be forthcoming.


Michael Klotz wins wild one at Mahoning Valley Speedway Junk Car race on September 18
(Lehighton, Pa. 9-18-21) Junk Car racing made its annual visit to Mahoning Valley Speedway and in typical fashion of the gut-n-go class and its drivers the action was wild and wooly from start to finish.  And emerging victorious as a first time winner was Michael Klotz who amazingly in the final few laps withstood a bombardment of obstacles stemming from a very slick track to lapped traffic and one pesky driver that was persistent in an attempt to unseat the subsequent victor who at one point was turned sideways but recovered and never wavered from the lead.  It was a drive that is worthy of bench racing for years to come as Klotz exhibited seasoned veteran like reflexes in a gripping race that at any moment could have muddled. Ironically a year ago in this same event Klotz crashed to a halt at the start/finish line as the checkered flag waved and this year he again parked at the finish line, only this time as the winner. Travis Solomon did a fine job of also avoiding much of the chaos and took a solid second while Marco Drago was third which was a career best effort.   Run under the direction of Old School Promotions, a strong field of 42 cars took part in the Saturday afternoon program. To make things challenging for drivers the heats were split in direction from counter clockwise to clockwise by virtue of a coin toss before each prelim. The 30-lap feature was raced going in the opposite route. Additionally large Euclid tires where placed around the perimeter of the track and water was then spewed onto corner two/three.    
Three 15-laps heats were won by Kevin Behler, James Tout and Travis Solomon. Conner Drakely scored the 10-lap consi.


Bobby Jones is Mahoning Valley Speedway Modified race winner Sept 11 and champion; Nick Ross takes sixth Late Model win and championship

(September 11, 2021) Bobby Jones scored a big Modified double Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway, winning the 35-lap feature and nailing down the 2021 class championship in the process. Jones came into the evening having to beat out Kyle Strohl and Brian DeFebo in order to secure his second Modified title (2019) and fittingly it would be that trio that would contest for the win throughout most of the race. Second starting DeFebo took charge early on over Nick Baer and Strohl with Jones holding down fourth. By lap eight the title seekers were then running 1-2-3 with DeFebo in a nose-to-tail battle ahead of Strohl and Jones. Strohl began applying some intense pressure on the leader and on lap 13 he looked to the inside as they raced into Turn-1 and in doing so nipped DeFebo who then lost his footing and made a great save. Strohl also backed off and reacting quickly was Jones who shot to the outside and finished off the lap as the new leader.From then on Jones would have to keep the insistent Strohl at bay including a hard fought effort over the final few tours en route to his fifth victory of the season. “It was an all-around good day. We came here to win a race and ultimately the championship. It’s always a hell of a race when you run with them guys (Strohl, DeFebo) who are the top of the field,” said Jones.
For Strohl he was racing with a heavy heart as week prior his grandfather, former Late Model racer Paul Strohl, passed away. He was clearly on a mission to get this one for “Pops” but would have to settle for second best in both the feature and championship.  “I told him (Strohl) before we started that I wasn’t going to give it to him because I wouldn’t want that done to me. I really prayed for him a lot today so this is for his grandfather, we’re going to miss him dearly,” offered Jones.  “I also want to dedicate this to two other amazing drivers who just passed, Peepers Yerger and Freddy Hamm. All those guys were my heroes and that’s why I race. I watched them compete and this is for them. Our team works very hard to do what we do so to dedicate this to them all, they’re the reason I race today.” Zane Zeiner, who was in the Matt Higgins No. 88, slipped into third with nine laps to go. Rod Snyder Jr., and Baer completed the top five. 

In the Late Models Nick Ross capped off a great first year at Mahoning Valley as he not only won for sixth time but earned himself the division championship as well. Ross went to the outside of Rich Cooper on lap three and from there on it was smooth sailing, much as he did throughout the season. Outgoing champ Geno Steigerwalt did have a few chances to go at it with Ross following restarts but within a few laps there was no question of the superiority of the title winning No. 99 as the car to beat.

Jaden Brown concluded his first year of Sportsman Modified action by winning for a class-leading third time and number one in final points. Brown started third and by lap four had honed in on leader Randy Ahner Jr. Taking his fight to the outside, Brown was able to go two-wide with Ahner for several laps before fortifying the lead on lap seven.  Even though he dropped back to second Ahner was able to stay tight behind Brown until a lap from the finish when he got spun from contention. Avery Arthofer would assume the runner-up spot and for the final circuit she came oh-so-close to unseating Brown but unfortunately time was not on her side. 

In the Street Stocks there were several drivers vying for the crown but it would become evident once the feature got underway that the quest for the championship would come down to a pair of perennial titleholders in TJ Gursky and Jon Moser.  The action would get underway with Thomas Flanagan and Jamie Smith swapping the lead over the first seven tours. Afterwards Moser would move out front and knowing that his best chance at the winning a fifth title would be to win and hope for a poor finish by Gursky. Moser was able to check off the victory, his first of the season, which was a nonstop run over Brandon Christman, however, Gursky had clawed his way to third at the checkers which was enough to gain his fourth Street Stock title and seventh overall.

In the Hobby Stocks there was high expectations for no less than seven drivers with the most focus on the top three of Trisha Connolly and Taylor Schmidt who began the night tied and Cody Boehm just three points behind. For the race Corey Edelman proved himself to be no match as he would jump to the front by lap six and not look back en route his third victory of the year. Meanwhile the title fight was very intense as Connolly and Boehm locked horns in a tight duel while Schmidt shadowed close behind. On lap 15 Boehm’s hopes were dashed when he lost a right front wheel. With that elimination Connolly still had to contend with Schmidt and over the waning laps she would maintain herself just one spot ahead. The drama would come down to the final lap as a restart set-up a thrilling final dash and when the checkers waved Connolly had powered her way to second and the championship while Schmidt took fourth behind Justin Merkel.

In the Pro 4s the night began with Cody Kohler already clinching his second straight and third career title. For the 20-lap race Jake Kibler needed only one lap to take control and then cruised to a solid fourth win over teammate Randy Schaffer.

Reid Levengood was the overall winner of the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks, his career first victory. Same went for runner-up Maggie Yeakel who was the victor with the Futures.

The titles in were claimed by Brody George and Greyson Ahner in the Futures and Rookies respectively.

Modified feature finish (35-laps): 1. Bobby Jones, 2. Kyle Strohl, 3. Zane Zeiner, 4. Rod Snyder, 5. Nick Bear, 6. Brian DeFebo, 7. Cody Kohler, 8. Lou Strohl, 9. BJ Wambold, 10. John Bennett, 11. Al Arthofer, 12. Earl Paules DNS: Terry Markovic

Late Model feature finish (25-laps): 1. Nick Ross, 2. Geno Steigerwalt, 3. Seth Van Fossen, 4. Jacob Kerstetter, 5. Todd Cooper, 6. Brooks Smith, 7. Rich Cooper

Sportsman Modified feature finish (25-laps): 1. Jaden Brown, 2. Avery Arthofer, 3. Bobby Jones, 4. Earl Paules, 5. Paul Hartwig III, 6. Peyton Arthofer, 7. Mia Guy, 8. Randy Ahner Jr

Street Stock feature finish (30-laps): 1. Jon Moser, 2. Brandon Christman, 3. TJ Gursky, 4. Todd Ahner, 5. Mark Deysher, 6. Matt VanSyckle, 7. Jillian Snyder, 8. Randy Ahner Jr, 9. Tucker Muffley, 10. Rick Reichenbach, 11. Mark Martini, 12. Lonnie Behler Jr, 13. Jamie Smith, 14. Rich Moser, 15. Tommy Flanagan, 16. Jeremy Scheckler, 17. Randy Green, 18. Dennis Buss, 19. Thomas Flanagan, 20. Tobie Behler

Pro 4 feature finish (20-laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Randy Schaffer, 3. Josh Kuronya, 4. Kadie Pursell, 5. Tyler Stangle, 6. Cody Kohler, 7. Cody Boehm, 8. Terry Peters, 9. Colton Breiner

Hobby Stock feature finish (25-laps): 1. Corey Edelman, 2. Trisha Connolly, 3. Justin Merkel, 4. Taylor Schmidt, 5. BJ Wambold, 6. Tad Snyder, 7. Devin Schmidt, 8. James Tout, 9. John Petro, 10. Dave Imler, 11. Mallory Kutz, 12. Travis Solomon, 13. Larry Spencer, 14. Steve McDonough, 15. Cody Boehm, 16. Nicholas Kerstetter, 17. Ralph Boger Jr, 18. Kip George, 19. Jacob Boehm, 20. Nick Schaffer

Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock feature finish (12-laps): 1. Reid Levengood, 2. Maggie Yeakel, 3. Adam Steigerwalt, 4. Deegan Underwood, 5. Dave Kerr, 6. Brody George, 7. Gabi Steigerwalt, 8. Makayla Kohler, 9. Josh Dise, 10. Greyson Ahner, 11. Lexus Kutz, 12. Zoey Moyer, 13. Arland Moyer, 14. Zoe Kuchera

Mahoning Valley Speedway gets back into action this coming Saturday, September 4

After sitting idle the past two weeks, Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway is ready to roll back into action with a full slate of stock racing this coming Saturday evening, September 4 at 6:00 pm.
On the speed bill will be Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro 4s, Hobby Stocks, Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks and the touring Micro Stock Racing Series.
It will also be Backpack Giveaway Night plus there will be a Rollover Contest taking place on the front straight during intermission.
The “Where Are They Now” segment featuring driving legends Randy Bailey, Lynn and Dennis Stauffer and Don “Chowder” Bauder will take place during the evening as well.
Adult admission is $14. There is a $2 discount for active military, students and seniors 65+. Must have valid ID. Children 10 & under are free. Grandstands open at 4:00 pm and racing begins at 6:00 pm.
Pit entrance fees are $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Early paid practice will be held from noon – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 11 is First Responders Night and the final point races of the regular season for all divisions. Race time is 5:00 pm

Bobby Jones races to third Mahoning Modified win over Kyle Strohl on August 14

(AUGSUT 14) Bobby Jones, for the second week in a row and third time in the past four weeks, scored the Modified victory at Mahoning Valley Speedway and in each of those runs had Kyle Strohl chasing him to the line. In this latest version it would be a unique circumstance that allotted Jones the chance to park in Victory Lane for 54th time in his career.  With 16 laps to go Brian DeFebo went from third to first, passing Strohl and then leader John Markovic. Markovic yielded second place to Strohl two laps later and Jones went by him the next time by.  It became a very tight contest with the trio of DeFebo, Strohl and Jones not only racing for the win but all coming into the night in a close match-up in the standings and with only three regular season events to go.  DeFebo was maintaining a good line in fending off his counterparts. Jones had moved to second, just barely on lap 29, while both he and Strohl continued their pursuit of the leader. However, with just four laps to go the race would take a dramatic twist.  On the front straight Jesse Strohl and Cody Kohler made contact and brought out the caution. While the field slowed up DeFebo’s left front tire suddenly gave out and he had to pull into the pits. The front spot then went to Jones who was able to narrowly hold back Strohl for the checkers.  “I saw something happen with Brian (DeFebo) and then saw that Kyle (Strohl) was trying to go under him so I just went to the outside, it was starting to open up,” explained Jones upon taking second place. “Then when that caution came out he was sparking and I thought, no way.”  Strohl, a two-time winner this season, has continually been running strong but regrettably had to yet again settle for the runner-up spot.  “He’s (Strohl) always good and he’s hungry right now. We’re finishing in front of him it seems every time too and I know that’s not fun for him but right now it just happens to be our lucky time and we’re going to roll with it as long as we can,” said Jones, who padded his point lead with the victory.  “I actually said I won’t worry about that (points) until a few weeks to go but here we are so we’ll now start to focus on the big picture the next few races.”  Markovic equaled his best finish to date with third while Lou Strohl and Nick Baer rounded out the top five. 

In Sportsman Modified action Avery Arthofer was a class act in picking up her second win of the season.  Arthofer started on the outside of the front row and would take the lead from Randy Ahner Jr., after just one lap. Afterwards it was as if she had cruise control on her mount as she steadily pulled from the field lap after lap and quite energetically too. Her laps times where quickest of all drivers and the victory came in a convincing manner over Mia Guy. Guy’s second place would be a career best with the Sport Mod and proved her time is close at hand for win number one. 

Jillian Snyder’s Street Stock win over Todd Ahner can easily be considered the best race of the night as she did not make the winning pass until few inches from the finish in the caution-free 30-lap affair. Ahner was the leader from the outset and had to deal with Lonnie Behler Jr., who was glued to his rear bumper for most of the distance. However, ninth starting Snyder, who has been extremely fast over the last month, was blazing her way up through the pack and with seven laps to go took hold of second spot. By that point it looked as though Ahner had control of the race but clearly Snyder was far from done with her frontward charge. As the laps got closer to the finish so too did Snyder on Ahner and on the last three tours they were now side-by-side. The final lap saw the pair dead even and they stayed that way until approaching the checkers which at that moment Snyder eked ahead for the electrifying victory, her second of the year.

In the Pro 4’s it was a fierce battle between two very competitive rivals as Jake Kibler and Cody Kohler went nose-to-tail all 20 laps. Kibler was having to be very defensive throughout the journey as he was under constant pressure but he held his ground and despite a last lap restart was able to maintain his stance and register his second win of 2021 and 46th overall.

For Taylor Schmidt the long overdue wait is finally over as he connected with his career first Mahoning win in the 25-lap Hobby Stock main.  In a race resembled “Talladega pack style racing” as the entire feature was run with a good portion of the top-10 under a tight blanket.  In the early going Devin Schmidt and BJ Wambold battled closely for the lead and at the same time Nick Schaeffer was playing a part of the action too and would use the outside lane and power his way to the front on lap 19. T. Schmidt was able to follow Schaeffer and then with four laps remaining went past him for the lead and onto the unforgettable victory.

Makayla Kohler made a heads-up move on the final lap and in doing so was able to win her fourth Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock feature win of the season. 
On the white flag lap there was a restart and when leader Deegen Underwood went into Turn 3 runner-up Adam Steigerwalt tried to go underneath him and when he did both cars got out of shape. In the process Kohler took the high line and whizzed by with the next stop Victory Lane. Steigerwalt regrouped and took second which earned him his third Rookie win. 

Modified feature finish (35-laps): 1. Bobby Jones, 2. Kyle Strohl, 3. John Markovic, 4. Lou Strohl, 5. Nick Baer, 6. Rod Snyder Jr., 7. Cody Kohler, 8. Terry Markovic, 9. Brian DeFebo, 10. Jacob Kerstetter, 11. Johnny Bennett, 12. Al Arthofer, 13. Jesse Strohl, 14. Tommy Flanagan DNS: Matt Higgins

Sportsman Modified feature finish (25-laps): 1. Avery Arthofer, 2. Mia Guy, 3. Randy Ahner Jr., 4. Jaden Brown, 5. Johnny Bennett, 6. Rick Smith, 7. Paulie Hartwig III, 8. Jared Ahner, 9. Peyton Arthofer

Street Stock feature finish (30-laps): 1. Jillian Snyder, 2. Todd Ahner, 3. Mark Martini, 4. Lonnie Behler Jr., 5. TJ Gursky, 6. Randy Ahner Jr., 7. Jon Moser, 8. Tucker Muffley, 9. Mark Deysher, 10. Jamie Smith, 11. Brandon Christman, 12. Tobie Behler, 13. Jeremy Scheckler, 14. Rich Moser, 15. Dennis Buss, 16. Thomas Flanagan

Pro 4 feature finish (20-laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Cody Kohler, 3. Randy Schaffer, 4. Kadie Pursell, 5. Terry Peters, 6. Josh Kuronya

Hobby Stock feature finish (25-laps): 1. Taylor Schmidt, 2. Nick Schaeffer, 3. Jacob Boehm, 4. Cody Boehm, 5. BJ Wambold, 6. Devin Schmidt, 7. Trisha Connolly, 8. Justin Merkel, 9. Cody Geist, 10. Ralph Borger Jr., 11. Nicholas Kerstetter, 12. Larry Spencer, 13. Corey Edelman, 14. Travis Solomon, 15. Mallory Kutz, 16. James Tout, 17. Tad Snyder

Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock feature finish (12-laps): 1. Makayla Kohler, 2. Adam Steigerwalt, 3. Maggie Yeakel, 4. Josh Dise, 5. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 6. Brody George, 7. Lexus Kutz, 8. Deegen Underwood, 9. Dave Kerr, 10. Greyson Ahner, 11. Zoe Kuchera, 12. Zoey Moyer DNS: Reid Levengood, Jared Green



Six division show + Biker Appreciation Night Saturday, August 14 at Mahoning Valley Speedway

 (Lehighton 8-11-21) Mahoning Valley Speedway will be action this Saturday evening, August 14, starting at 7:00 pm, with a complement of stock car racing which will include Modifieds, Sportsman Modifieds, Street Stocks, Pro 4s, Hobby Stocks and Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks.
It is also Biker Appreciation Night. All motorcyclists will be admitted for free and will be invited to take parade laps around the speedway during intermission.
 As is the case with this stage of the regular season division point battles are heating up as the final weeks of racing are underway and virtually each class has a great battle among the current top point getters.
 Bobby Jones won his third feature last Saturday night but he is being closely perused by Kyle Strohl and Brian DeFebo.
Jaden Brown may be the point leader in the Sportsman Modifieds but lurking within reach is Paulie Hartwig III, Jared Ahner, Randy Ahner Jr., and Peyton Arthofer who can easily snag the top spot over remaining weeks.
In the Street Stocks there is TJ Gursky and Jon Moser who together account for seven championships just in that class alone. But, not to be overlooked is Mark Martini, Jillian Snyder and Mark Deysher who are hovering right behind the front pair.
 Cody Kohler may be the Pro 4 point leader but be assured he can rest on his laurels with the likes of Josh Kuronya and Kadie Pursell who are keeping him on his toes.
Then there is the Hobby Stocks which for all intent and purposes is shaping up to be another down-to-the-wire fight to the finish. Cody Boehm is just five points in first place over Trisha Connolly, however, Taylor and Devin Schmidt plus Travis Solomon are right in tune and not to mention the second half of the top-10 who are within 100 points.
The Biker Appreciation Night is open to all motorcyclists. There will be a designated parking area and each rider must check in upon arrival. At intermission all riders will are welcome to take laps around the track.
Donations of dog or cat food will be greatly appreciated. Eric German from Pipes 4 Paws will on hand to accept the contributions and see that they get to the local animal shelters.
Patrons will also have the opportunity to purchase an official 2021 Pipes 4 Paws Charity Motorcycle Ride to Help Abused Animals pre-ride T-shirt and/or support wristband. A 50/50 drawing will help Bikers Against Cop Killers PA "Mountain" Chapter.
Adult admission is $14. There is a $2 discount for active military, students and seniors 65+. Must have valid ID. Children 10 & under are free. Grandstands open at 5:00 pm and racing begins at 7:00 pm.
Pit entrance fees are $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Early paid practice will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.




Bobby Jones cruises to third Mahoning Modified win on August 7

(August 7) In 30 years of racing Bobby Jones has amassed 53 overall career wins and rightfully ranks among the best of the rank and file of eastern Pennsylvania asphalt stars. But, of all those victories Jones may have very well authored one of his most dominant drives to Victory Lane yet. After taking the lead nine laps into the 35-lap contest he then pulled firmly ahead and easily cruised to his third win of the season. “It was a good night. I knew we were very good and I just drove my own lane and gave everything I had to stay at a good speed and not overdrive the car,” said Jones. “We did a lot of extra work today to be really good for tonight and it paid off.”  En route to this win a few factors played into his hands, mainly on lap three as the only caution of the race occurred when Carl Altemose spun while running second and collected several cars. Jones, though, just missed getting gathered up in the melee. “I saw that starting to happen and it was quick but I was in the right lane and just missed everything,” he explained. He would then restart in second and had to bide his time against a very notable effort by leader Cody Kohler. Jones would eventually make the race winning move on the outside of Kohler as they completed lap eight and thanks to the nonstop action from then on he continued to stretch his lead on each passing lap until hitting the finish line.  “Cody (Kohler) gave me a good run and he and all these young kids have a good background so it’s good to see them making it here in the Modifieds,” offered Jones. Jones was indeed the class of the field but not be overshadowed by his dominating run was Kyle Strohl. Strohl was caught up in the lap three incident but able to continue on and did so in a hurry. When Kohler dropped to second Strohl was zeroing in on him and subsequently the pair engaged in some thrilling two-wide racing for a number of laps. Strohl finally got past Kohler on lap 20 but by that juncture Jones had long been checking out. Over the closing laps he was doing his best to cut into the lead but there just wasn’t enough time or perhaps a needed caution to help his efforts. “A caution may or may not have helped us. Our car was getting tighter as the race went on although it would have been nice to see if that would have changed things up a bit,” noted Strohl.  “He (Jones) definitely had the upper hand and all I could do is keep hitting my marks every lap and hope that he would possibly mess up but you don’t really get that from a guy like Bobby.”  Kohler, in his rookie season as a Modified wheelman, scored a career best third while Nick Baer and Rod Snyder Jr., rounded out the top five.

In the Late Models it was once again Nick Ross taking the checkers. Ross went into the lead on the opening circuit and would remain solid the rest of the way, turning in another rousing performance in what has become a breakout year. This was his fifth win at Mahoning and eighth of the year as he is currently undefeated at Evergreen Raceway and point leader at both tracks.
Seth VanFossen would come home in second for a career best effort while Long Island invader Brandon Turbush was third.

In the Street Stocks young Tobie Behler proved himself a very worthy opponent as he held off and beat a number of top notch seasoned veterans and in doing so took a well-earned first win with the class.  Although Behler would lead every lap he was constantly being confronted by such notables as his brother, Lonnie Behler Jr., Todd Ahner, Jillian Snyder, TJ Gursky and Jon Moser. Yet despite the persistent onslaught by them all Behler held his ground – in this case the bottom lane – and drove to a gratifying victory over Moser with Snyder closely there in third.

For the second week in a row Corey Edelman parked his Hobby Stock in Victory lane, although unlike the previous week when he only led the final few feet, this time would be completely uncontested from start to finish. No sooner did the race get underway Edelman blasted out front and was setting a torrid pace. In doing so and thanks in part to no cautions, he was able to pull away to a commanding distance and make it a race for second. Edelman’s win was his class leading 20th and 28th overall.  Travis Solomon made a late pass on Devin Schmidt to take third.

Hallie Muffley hasn’t been able to race much this season but for good reason as she was finishing up her studies at DeSales University. However, when she does get behind the wheel she has been fast and showed it again by scoring her third win of the year in the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks.

Greyson Ahner was second and earned the Rookie Hobby Stock laurels for eighth time this season.

The touring East Coast TQ Midgets where on hand and it was Stephen Nederostek getting the victory over Tyler Wagner. For Nederostek it was a return to his roots at Mahoning and wining here for the first time in 22 years.

Modified feature finish (35-laps): 1. Bobby Jones, 2. Kyle Strohl, 3. Cody Kohler, 4. Nick Baer, 5. Rod Snyder Jr., 6. Terry Markovic, 7. John Markovic, 8. Johnny Bennett, 9. Carl Altemose, 10. Mia Guy, 11. Brian DeFebo, 12. Lou Strohl

Late Model feature finish (20-laps): 1. Nick Ross, 2. Seth VanFossen, 3. Brandon Turbush, 4. James Yons, 5. Brooks Smith

Street Stock feature finish (30-laps): 1. Tobie Behler, 2. Jon Moser, 3. Jillian Snyder, 4. TJ Gursky, 5. Mark Deysher, 6. Todd Ahner, 7. Tucker Muffley, 8. Matt VanSyckle, 9. Lonnie Behler, 10. Jamie Smith, 11. Mark Martini, 12. Brandon Christman, 13. Eric Kocher, 14. Dennis Buss, 15. Thomas Flanagan DQ: Rich Moser, Randy Ahner Jr.

Hobby Stock feature finish (25-laps): 1. Corey Edelman, 2. Travis Solomon, 3. Devin Schmidt, 4. Tad Snyder, 5. Taylor Schmidt, 6. Trisha Connolly, 7. Cody Boehm, 8. Jacob Boehm, 9. BJ Wambold, 10. James Tout, 11. Justin Merkel, 12. Nick Schaeffer, 13. Jake Oswald, 14. Nicholas Kerstetter, 15. Terry Peters, 16. Mallory Kutz, 17. Ralph Boger Jr, 18. Dave Imler, 19. Cody Geist

Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock feature finish (12-laps): 1. Hallie Muffley, 2. Greyson Ahner, 3. Brody George, 4. Adam Steigerwalt, 5. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 6. Bryce Dodig, 7. Deegen Underwood, 8. Maggie Yeakel, 9. Makayla Kohler, 10. Lexus Kutz, 11. Arland Moyer Jr., 12. Zoe Kuchera, 13. Reid Levengood DNS: Zoey Moyer

ECTQ feature finish (20-laps): 1. Steven Nederostek, 2. Tyler Wagner, 3. Bob Wagner, 4. Ozzie Carlino, 5. Adam Huff, 6. Vinny Testmaro, 7 Bill DiMatteo


Matt Hirschman tops the field at Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series Lorin Arthofer Sr. Tribute on August 1

(Lehighton 7-31-21) Matt Hirschman proved yet again his role as one of the premier Northeast pavement Modified stars as he collected his 14th win of the year, this latest one taking place Saturday evening in the fourth installment of the 2021 John Blewett Inc., Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series Lorin Arthofer Sr. Tribute 71 lapper.   Hirschman redrew ninth in the 24 car field. Inside of 11 laps he was in the top five and within eight tours of that was running down the front pair of Cody Kohler and Nick Baer. It only took him another four circuits, a restart on lap 24, in gaining the top spot from Baer and afterwards made it a race for second as he sailed on to his fifth Mahoning win in six starts and 27th at the ¼-mile oval. “It was a really good race for us starting from ninth and then to advance and go with all good clean passes all the way to the lead and just hold everyone off from there. It’s was a good night and it’s been a good year for us here at Mahoning,” said Hirschman.  “It’s so nice to honor some of these guys with the Hall of Fame Series while there still with us and they’re able to enjoy it and see the recognition they deserve. Those guys were some real wheelmen back in the day.”  Veteran Don Wagner and rookie Kohler shared the front row and at the waving of the race commencing green by honorary starter Lorin Arthofer Sr., Wagner would get the jump and take the early lead but by the second go-around Kohler unseated him.  Kohler, who was leading a Modified feature for the first time, then set out on a steady pace while holding off both Wagner and Baer as they raced side-by-side directly behind him. Making haste as well was Austin Kochenash who joined in the lead trio by lap nine and two laps later Hirschman added his No. 60 to the fight.  By lap 18 Baer was finally able to pull ahead of Wagner and once he did continued on towards Kohler’s outside. Hirschman likewise advanced to third, partly from a restarts and lane choice with the fact of this being a cone race. As the leaders then completed lap 21 Baer had his nose out front but unfortunately it would be short lived as Hirschman utilized a restart to move to the front two laps later.  Afterwards he would have to contend with numerous challengers such as Kochenash, Brian DeFebo and eventual runner-up Zane Zeiner, the majority of those encounters taking place on restarts but each time he was quick to go and would leave no doubt of his unquestionable prowess.  “Restarts is how I got spun out on the last one (June 26) here so I wanted to make sure I got as best start as I could. I felt I got good ones the last time here but I guess there was a little to much room for a nose to get in there so this time I tried to close that off and just try and get away,” explained Hirschman. “You never know here with no radios and no mirrors. You can always sense if you have pressure or not and feel if their tight on you. So we just needed to execute a few laps and then I felt like we were safe.” While Hirschman had control of the lead DeFebo and Zeiner would lock horns in a great battle for second spot as they traded the position back and forth all the way to the finish.  “It was a strong run and I may have used my stuff up a little too much but it was hard racing with Brian (DeFebo). Randall Richard’s gives us a great car and I a big thanks to the Arthofer family for all they did to out this race on,” said Zeiner.  
Baer had a solid run all race long and took fourth while Earl Paules came on strong late into the race a garnered a respectable fifth.   

In the Street Stock main Cody Geist was finally able to shake off the gremlins and pick up his first win of the season. Since getting behind the wheel of his brother-owned Shayne’s No. 4, Geist has shown his trademark swiftness but the end results where eluding him. This time, however, with advantage of starting from the pole Geist was not about to let Lady Luck or anyone else for that matter spoil his night.  When the action got underway he wasted no time in darting to the lead. Afterwards it would become a fast paced affair as the race went nonstop through the first 21 laps. All the while Geist was holding his line while close behind the opposition was very tough on him.  Teammates Mark Martini, Randy Ahner Jr., and TJ Gursky all had him in their sites but each lap by there would be no wavering from Geist.  
In the closing laps Jillian Snyder was coming on in a hurry and with three laps to go not only was she up to second but began a charge towards Geist. On the final lap she tried to squeeze to the inside of Geist but time ran out as they reached the finish line. Geist held on for a slim and thrilling victory, his first since 2018. Gursky, Todd Ahner and Jon Moser rounded out the top five.

The Hobby Stock feature came down to a race of inches as Corey Edelman eked out a narrow verdict over Justin Merkel. Merkel had been out front for the first 24 laps while ninth starting Edelman had to meticulously pick his way frontward as the race was going rapidly thanks to no cautions taking place. 
That was until three laps to go when the only yellow of the event waved. On that restart Merkel was still ahead with James Tout and Edelman in line. When the action resumed Edelman made an outside power move over Tout and then closed in on Merkel. Then on the final lap slower traffic came into play and as the top two reached that car they split with Merkel went low and Edelman staying on the top.  At the checkers it would be very tight and a closer review deemed Edelman the winner, which was his class leading 19th.

In the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks Body George and Greyson Ahner put on a crowd please duel that also came down to the wire. Ahner had been leading but with the laps running out and making use of a restart with there laps to go George was able to put the pressure on. The talented upstarts then went into the final lap trading paint in an exciting double-wide race to the finish. As they wheeled off turn four George was inside of Ahner and would cross the line by bumper for his ninth Futures win of the season.  Ahner’s runner-up, although tough to absorb, wasn’t a complete loss as he gained his seventh victory for the Rookie class.   

Modified feature finish (71-laps) 1. Matt Hirschman, 2. Zane Zeiner, 2. Brian DeFebo, 4. Nick Baer, 5. Earl Paules, 6. Terry Markovic, 7. Carl Altemose, 7. Sean Verwys, 9. Kyle Strohl, 10. Tommy Flanagan, 11. Cody Kohler, 12. Wes Gilbert, 13. John Markovic, 14. Lou Strohl, 15. Don Wagner, 16. Rod Snyder Jr, 17. Avery Arthofer, 18. Austin Kochenash, 19. Nevin George, 20. Lorin Arthofer, 21. Peyton Arthofer, 22. Stephanie Moyer, 23. Bobby Jones, 24. Rich Cooper

Street Stock feature finish (30-laps) 1.Cody Geist, 2. Jill Snyder, 3. TJ Gursky, 4. Todd Ahner, 5. Jon Moser, 6. Mark Martini, 7. Mark Deysher, 8. Randy Ahner Jr., 9. Matt VanSyckle, 10. Rick Reichenbach, 11. Tucker Muffley, 12. Brandon Christman, 13. Jeremy Scheckler, 14. Jamie Smith, 15. Lonnie Behler Jr., 16. Toby Behler, 17. Thomas Flanagan, 18. Dennis Buss

Hobby Stock feature finish (25-laps) 1. Corey Edelman, 2. Justin Merkel, 3. James Tout, 4. Ryan Berger, 5. Jake Oswald, 5. BJ Wambold, 7. Trisha Connolly, 8. Travis Solomon, 9. Tad Snyder, 10. Nick Schaeffer, 11. Jacob Boehm, 12. Nicholas Kerstetter, 13. Shayne Geist, 14. Mallory Kutz, 15. Ralph Boger, 16. Terry Peters, 17. Cody Boehm

Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock feature finish (12-laps) 1. Brody George, 2. Greyson Ahner, 3. Reid Levengood, 4. Jared Green, 5. Maggie Yeakel, 6. Adam Steigerwalt, 7. Gabi Steigerwalt, 8. Hallie Muffley, 9. Deegan Underwood, 10. Zoey Moyer, 11. Makayla Kohler, 12. Dave Kerr, 13. Ryan Kresge, 14. Lexus Kutz, 15. Zoe Kuchera



Jaden Brown cruises to second straight Sportsman Mod win at Mahoning Valley Speedway on July 24

(July 24) In a short period of time Jaden Brown has become a reckoning force in the Sportsman Modified division at Mahoning Valley Speedway. With just five starts under his belt the 15-year talent picked up his second straight win on Saturday night, this one coming in a very strong performance as he circled the 1/4-mile paved oval virtually uncontested once the lead was his and then cruised to an uncontested victory.

“It was really good and the car was great. I could put it anywhere I had to and it stuck no matter which lane we ran,” said Brown. Outside pole sitter Mia Guy would get the jump on Al Arthofer at the outset and by lap two third starting Brown was in pursuit of her. A lap three caution allowed Brown to restart next to Guy and then the action got back underway he had plenty of momentum running the top side to take the lead on the ensuing tour. “We had done some adjustments during the week and tonight was one of the few times that I felt that I can take my car to the outside and it stuck so I could run the high line and do what I had to from up there,” admitted Brown.  Once Brown was in front it wasn’t long before it became a race for second as each passing lap his lead continued to open.  “I felt pretty confident that I was gone and I wasn’t sure if anyone was near me or not so I was just riding,” explained Brown, While Brown was having his way the racing behind him was good. After yielding the lead Guy stayed second and was having her best run to date. Repeatedly she had to fend off Randy Ahner Jr., and was doing so very well until an unfortunate miscue caused her to spin from contention eight laps from the finish.  From there Ahner Jr., held onto second spot while the top two point battlers, Jared Ahner and Paulie Hartwig III engaged closely to the end. First time starter Johnny Bennett rounded out the top five.

The Street Stock feature saw TJ Gursky score his second win of the season but en route to his 32nd career victory it was as hard fought as could be. Tucker Muffley had the pole and went into the early lead and soon after Gursky and Jillian Snyder zeroed in on him and thus began a torrid three-cat battle.  Under a tight blanket the trio dazzled the crowd with their close action. Muffley, in quest of a first ever win, was conducting the intense pace from the lead but at all times Gursky was on his outside with Snyder glued to his rear bumper.  On lap 20 the leaders would get a breather when the caution was out for multi-car spinning incident. On that restart Muffley and Gursky lined up side-by-side. With a good head of steam going his way Gursky used the outside lane to overtake Muffley for the lead on the following circuit.   Not about to give up the fight, however, Muffley would keep the pressure on Gursky to the finish and likewise with Snyder as the threesome crossed the finish line all within a few tenths of a second between each other.  Rick Reichenbach and Mark Deysher also had a close battle and stayed within reach of the leader in completing the top five.

The Pro 4 class race was one for the history books as it marked the 700th feature since beginning in 1988 and as to be expected all drivers were geared to make the special event their own. And, the race did not disappoint.              Cody Kohler would come on top which would be his 35th career win but getting to the checkers was hard fought. Randy Schaffer, Tyler Stangle and Josh Kuronya all had stints at the lead. However, with just three laps to go Kohler got the better of Kuronya, taking the lead and going on to take the popular verdict. 

Jacob Boehm raced to his second Hobby Stock victory of the season in what was a fatiguing 25-lap feature among the lead pack. John Petro pulled out to the early lead and was being chased by Boehm. Corey Edelman and Devin Schmidt came into the picture as the laps ticked off and in between the hot action was a rash of cautions, all making for a wild affair.  Throughout it all though Petro and Boehm ran side-by-side. During the course of the thrilling duel Boehm frequently kept looking to the inside of Petro and at the mid-way point would be scored the new leader but his run to the checkers was far from over.  Edelman and then Schmidt stepped in to challenge. With five laps to go Schmidt was making a run at Boehm but in the process there was contact and Schmidt encountered a right front flat that ended his hopes. The remaining distance Boehm would hold off his brother, Cody Boehm for the hard-fought win.    

The Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock event had extra monetary bonuses on the line courtesy of the Kutz Racing Team and scoring a rousing overall win was Greyson Ahner thrillingly picked his way through the field in short order, leading with just three laps in and then going on to solid sixth Rookie win of the season.

Futures point leader Brody George followed in second and earned himself an unprecedented eighth victory.              


Sportsman Modified feature finish (25-laps): 1. Jaden Brown, 2. Randy Ahner Jr., 3. Jared Ahner, 4. Paulie Hartwig III, 5. Johnny Bennett, 6. Al Arthofer, 7. Rick Smith, 8. Mia Guy, 9. Avert Arthofer, 10.  Troy Bollinger, 12. Peyton Arthofer

Street Stock feature finish (30-laps): 1. TJ Gursky, 2. Tucker Muffley, 3. Jillian Snyder, 4. Rick Reichenbach, 5. Mark Deysher, 6. Tobie Behler, 7. Matt VanSyckle, 8. Thomas Flanagan, 9. Mark Martini, 10. Jamie Smith, 11. Lonnie Behler Jr., 12. Jon Moser, 13. Todd Ahner, 14. Randy Ahner Jr., 15. Brandon Christman, 16. Rich Moser, 17. Dennis Buss, 18. Jeremy Scheckler DNS: Jacob Christman

Hobby Stock feature finish (25-laps): 1. Jacob Boehm, 2. Cody Boehm, 3. Trisha Connolly, 4. Nick Schaeffer, 5. John Petro, 6. Taylor Schmidt, 7. Shayne Geist, 8. Justin Merkel, 9. Travis Solomon, 10. James Tout, 11. Dave Imler Jr., 12. Nicholas Kerstetter, 13. Devin Schmidt, 14. Kip George, 15. Tony Hilliard, 16. Ralph Borer Jr., 17. Corey Edelman, 18. Mallory Kutz, 19. Tad Snyder, 20. BJ Wambold, 21. Tucker Muffley

Pro 4 feature finish (20-laps) 1. Cody Kohler. 2. Mark Schaffer, 3. Kadie Pursell, 4. Terry Peters, 5. Josh Kuronya, 6. Tyler Stangle, 7. Nick Baer, 8. Keith Villiano, 9. Jake Kibler, 10. Mark Fister

Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock feature finish (15-laps): 1. Greyson Ahner, 2. Brody George, 3. Hallie Muffley, 4. Deegen Underwood, 5. Reid Levengood, 6. Dace Kerr, 7. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 8. Makayla Kohler, 9. Arland Moyer Jr., 10. Maggie Yeakel, 11. Adam Steigerwalt, 12. Lexus Kutz, 13. Zoey Moyer, 14. Zoe Kuchera

Modified division will be off this Saturday,July 17th at Mahoning Valley Speedway due to tire availability issue

(7-13-21) Race officials at Mahoning Valley Speedway have made a difficult decision to remove the Modifieds from this coming Saturday night’s July 17 race program due to the availability, or lack thereof, of Hoosier tires.
With the nationwide shortage currently hitting most all race tracks, Mahoning Valley Speedway unfortunately is now feeling those effects as expected supply shipments have been minimal at best.
This is purely a business measure being taking by the track with regards to the next big Modified event slated for July 31 which is Race #4 of the John Blewett Inc., Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fames Series Lorin Arthofer Sr., Tribute.
With the class scheduled off on July 24 it was felt the best choice would be to hold off racing with the Modifieds for this week and be better prepared for the July 31 race instead.
In action this week will be Sportsman Modifieds, Street Stocks, Pro 4s, Hobby Stocks and Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks. Race time is 7:00 pm.
The Pro 4 main will mark the 700th feature since the inception of the class in April 1988.

Bobby Jones held off a very determined Kyle Strohl and equally fast Brian DeFebo en route to his second Modified win of the season at Mahoning Valley Speedway which also capped off a gratifying weekend of racing as he won the night before at Evergreen Raceway.

(July 10)  “I came in here tonight a little more aggressive to get this win. We had a dominant win the night before and that car was awesome and this car tonight was a little off but it was good,” said Jones after collecting his 52nd career win. “Near the end I just had to protect. I had Kyle (Strohl) and Brian (DeFebo) behind me and their two of the best guys here and I wouldn’t come off that bottom, I wanted to make sure they passed me on the outside and we got it done.”  When the 35-lap contest got underway pole sitter Carl Altemose jumped into the early lead while Cody Kohler, Nick Baer and fifth starting Jones all ran tightly behind him. With the first 19 laps going nonstop, Altemose set out on a blistering pace with a solid handle on the lead while the aforesaid trio remained under a blanket.  The fast-paced affair was slowed when Mia Guy had a spin in Turn 3 and just prior to that Baer and Jones got by Kohler and had been hot on Altemose’s tail. There would be another caution two laps later due to Kohler turning around in the second corner and it would be on that restart when a change at the front would take place.  Altemose and Baer restarted side-by-side with Jones third. As they made their way off the final turn to complete lap 22 the low lane opened up as Altemose was fending off Strohl. That in turn allowed Jones to slip to the bottom and grab the lead. In the process, however, Altemose’s fine run came to an end as he was bumped by the oncoming cars and spun from contention.   “He (Altemose) was running good and when I darted under him everyone was checking up and it opened the bottom and I just mashed the gas and didn’t even think twice about it,” said Jones. From there on it was an intense fight as Strohl tried numerous times to get by but each time Jones held off his relentless charge. At the same time DeFebo lurked closely in their tire tracks. “There at the end I just stayed glued to the bottom and I wasn’t going to open it up for anyone to get under me,” noted Jones.  “This is the second time I’ve swept a weekend and it’s been a long time since I’ve done that and it’s something to be proud of and that was my goal to tonight. I was coming here to win this race.” 

The Street Stocks contested in a 50-lap/$1000-to-win race with the Mike Krempasky Tribute that honored the late championship car owner and for former division kingpin Lonnie Behler Sr., it was well worth the effort to return for the first time in over two years as he raced out-front the entire distance and scored the popular win.  But, despite leading every lap this was by no means an easy run for Behler as he would have Jon Moser and Mark Deysher on him the whole way through. And for the fans it was an opportunity to watch three outstanding drivers with the Street Stocks as they represented a combined 64 wins and eight championships.  Lap after lap Behler would show the way while Moser and Deysher applied nonstop pressure on him. Behler, though, put his years of experience to work as he perfectly turned each circuit with accuracy, running the perfect line in keeping his equals at bay.
His win was the first since August 2013 and actually moved him into a tie for second all-time with Deysher at 23 victories.

In the Late Model feature Nick Ross pulled off a thrilling late race pass on Lorin Arthofer II and went on to score his third straight win of the season.   Arthofer had led from the drop of the green but all the while had Ross hot on his trail. Lap after lap they dueled with Arthofer fending off the constant insistence. Then with two laps remaining Ross went to the outside and with a burst of speed thrust his way past Arthofer and onwards to a third consecutive win.

Justin Merkel took the lead from Lyndsay Buss on a lap four restart of the Hobby Stock main and from then on powered away to a rousing third win of the season.  Merkel was far and away in control over the rest of the pack as he distanced himself out ahead and had only lapped traffic to deal with on his way to an nearly four second margin of victory over runner-up Trisha Connolly.

Josh Kuronya picked up his third Pro 4 win of the season, leading every lap in the process. And the race can easily be considered one of the best of the season as field ran smooth, clean and caution free.

In the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks talented Brody George raced to his unprecedented seventh win of the season and in doing do continues to pad his point lead with the Futures class. Third place finisher Adam Steigerwalt had another solid outing and was credited with the Rookie victory.

Modified feature finish (35-laps): 1. Bobby Jones, 2. Kyle Strohl, 3. Brian DeFebo, 4. Austin Beers, 5. Jayden Brown, 6. Earl Paules, 7. John Markovic, 8. Nick Baer, 9. Cody Kohler, 10. Terry Markovic, 11. Kassidy Altemose, 12. Mia Guy, 13. Carl Altemose

Late Model feature finish (25-laps): 1. Nick Ross, 2. Lorin Arthofer II, 3. James Yons, 4. Mike Stein

Street Stock feature finish (50-laps): 1. Lonnie Behler Sr., 2. Jon Moser, 3. Mark Deysher, 4. Cody Geist, 5. Jillian Snyder, 6. Mark Martini, 7. Randy Ahner Jr., 8. TJ Gursky, 9. Todd Ahner, 10. Tucker Muffley, 11. Rick Reichenbach, 12. Jamie Smith, 13. Rich Moser, 14. Cody Boehm, 15. Johnny Bennett, 16. Thomas Flanagan, 17. Jacob Christman, 18. Jeremy Scheckler, 19. Matt VanSyckle, 20. Tobie Behler, 21. Brandon Christman

Hobby Stock feature finish (25-laps): 1. Justin Merkel, 2. Trisha Connolly, 3. Cody Boehm, 4. Taylor Schmidt, 5. BJ Wambold, 6. Travis Solomon, 7. James Tout, 8. Nick Schaeffer, 9. Tad Snyder, 10. Corey Edelman, 11. Lyndsay Buss, 12. John Petro, 13. Mallory Kutz, 14. Ralph Borger Jr., 15. Herman Nuff, 16. Jacob Boehm 17. Devin Schmidt

Pro 4 feature finish (20-laps) 1. Josh Kuronya, 2. Randy Schaffer, 3. Tyler Stangle, 4. Kadie Pursell, 5. Terry Peters, 6. Cody Kohler, 7. Ken Reeder, 8. Jake Kibler DNS: Mark Fister

Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock feature finish (12-laps): 1. Brody George, 2. Hallie Muffley, 3. Adam Steigerwalt, 4. Makayla Kohler, 5. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 6. Greyson Ahner, 7. Dave Kerr, 8. Maggie Yeakel, 9. Ryan Kresge, 10. Lexus Kutz, 11. Zoey Moyer, 12. Reid Levengood, 13. Zoe Kuchera, 14 Deegen Underwood


Austin Beers shakes off runner-up blues with win in Roger Heffelfinger Sr. Tribute on June 26

(June 26, 2021) There is a saying in racing, ‘Second place is the first loser’ and no one would know that better than Austin Beers who was a runner-up five times this season and most of those coming in close thrillers.  However, for the second generation talent from Northampton he was finally able to shake the runner-up finish with his victory on the 66-lap Roger Heffelfinger Sr., Tribute, which was race #3 in the Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series. And, as it had been for him during his spell of seconds it was a close battle to the wire with this time with Austin Kochenash en route.  “This means so much to me to win this tribute race for Roger (Heffelfinger). He ran for my grandfather (Dale Beers) back in the day so it’s an honor to win this and with Austin (Kochenash) coming in second and him being his grandson and all. It was a clean race and it was awesome,” expressed an elated Beers.  Beers started second and ran behind early leader Matt Hirschman and at the same time had to deal with strong running Zane Zeiner. With Hirschman leading it was looking as though he would be in position to chalk up another win but that notion went away when he was pinched from behind by Zeiner on a lap 35 restart. Both drivers then pitted which elevated Kochenash to the lead over Bobby Jones, Nevin George and Nick Baer. The lap prior to that Beers had checked into the pits also with his crew swapping around tires on his DeLange Racing No. 45. As the action was back underway there was a passionate feeling of excitement as Kochenash looked poised to see victory on a night honoring his legendary grandfather who was watching attentively from the sidelines. Beers though began a charge and began picking his way to the front, eventually closing in behind Kochenash by lap 51. He then began to apply pressure on him and after several side-by-side laps was able to slip underneath Kochenash with seven laps to go. “We changed a tire and put the right front to the right rear and this thing just came alive,” said Beers.  “He (Kochenash) gave me good room and ran me very clean but I knew I had to get it done because I was tired of finishing second. I very thankful too for Dave and Laura DeLange giving me the opportunity to give their car and my dad and the whole crew for the hard work they put in.”  For Kochenash, although a tough pill to swallow, it was a very respectable, solid run and his second straight runner-up finish. Jones was steady over the last half of the race in garnering third with George and John Markovic rounding out the top five.

Nick Ross made it three wins in five starts on the season with the Late Models.  Ross was quick to pull in behind early leader Lorin Arthofer II and soon after stepped to the outside of him and the pair began a torrid two-wide battle.  Arthofer was doing all he could to keep a foothold but Ross was able to ease gradually ahead and by lap 11 took check of the race. From there on he was in full control and cruised to the verdict. Arthofer remained second with James Yons coming home third.

In Street Stock action Mark Deysher was able to parley his pole starting spot into his first win of the year. All season the three-time class champ has been stout and continually in the mix for a conquest. When the green waved for the start of the 30-lap event he quickly took charge but it was tough going as he was pacing in front of host of others. Mark Martini, Jon Moser and Brand Christman where all in line. Christman, matter of fact, was the one car Deysher would have to contend with the most as he worked his way to second with 10 laps to go and then stayed glued to the leader’s rear bumper. Coming into the final circuits the pair would remain nose-to-tail when they reached the checkers. For Deysher it was his 23rd career win and first since April 2019.  

The Hobby Stock feature went to Justin Merkel for his second win of 2021. And, what has become the norm on a weekly basis with this division the action was close and intense from start to finish. Merkel was the pole sitter and grabbed the lead at the get-go but was quickly bordered by BJ Wambold who at times tried to pull past him from the outside. Cody Boehm was also making serious stabs at those two and in his usual quick fashion point leader Devin Schmidt was asserting his prowess.  A caution with five laps remaining would set up a thrilling run to the checkers. Merkel did pull ahead enough to earn a car length victory but second would be a photo finish that went to Schmidt over Wambold. Boehm was under the same blanket and took fourth while Trisha Connolly rounded out the top five.

For Kadie Pursell the long overdue wait is over as she captured her career first feature win in the 20-lap Pro 4 main.As it turned out Pursell was in the right place at the right time when front runners Josh Kuronya and Jake Kibler banged fenders and spun, bringing out the caution with seven laps to go.  For the restart Pursell was the new leader and from there on held off Kibler and Cody Kohler while hitting her marks perfectly en route to the unforgettable win.

Since the start of the season Dave Kerr has continued to show marked improvement and that steady going progress saw him collect his first ever win, notching the Rookie class feature. In the same race Brody George gained his sixth Futures victory of the season.

Modified feature finish (66-laps): 1. Austin Beers, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Bobby Jones, 4. Nevin George, 5. John Markovic, 6. Earl Paules, 7. Matt Hirschman, 8. Terry Markovic, 9. Brian DeFebo, 10. Kyle Strohl, 11. Carl Altemose, 12. Zane Zeiner, 13. Lou Strohl, 14. Nick Baer, 15. Jesse Strohl, 16. Johnny Bennett, 17. Tommy Flanagan, 18. Cody Kohler

Late Model feature finish (25-laps): 1. Nick Ross, 2. Lorin Arthofer II, 3. James Yons, 4. Geno Steigerwalt, 5. Seth VanFossen, 6. Brooks Smith

Street Stock feature finish (30-laps): 1. Mark Deysher, 2. Brandon Christman, 3. Mark Martini, 4. TJ Gursky, 5. Jon Moser, 6. Stacey Brown, 7. Cody Geist, 8. Rick Reichenbach, 9. Cody Boehm, 10. Jacob Christman, 11. Randy Ahner Jr., 12. Fran Del Nero Jr., 13. Jamie Smith, 14. Evan Rygielski, 15. Rich Moser, 16. Jillian Snyder, 17. Todd Ahner, 18. Tobie Behler, 19. Thomas Flanagan, 20. Logan Boyer, 21. Lonnie Behler Jr.

Hobby Stock feature finish (25-laps): 1. Justin Merkel, 2. Devin Schmidt, 3. BJ Wambold, 4. Cody Boehm, 5. Trisha Connolly, 6. James Tout, 7. Taylor Schmidt, 8. Jake Oswald, 9. Tad Snyder, 10. Corey Edelman, 11. Lyndsay Buss, 12. Mallory Kutz, 13. Nicholas Kerstetter, 14. Ralph Borger Jr., 15. Don Roger, 16. Shayne Geist, 17. Herman Nuff, 18. Dave Imler Jr., 19. Travis Solomon, 20. Nick Schaeffer, DNS: Ryan Berger 

Pro 4 feature finish (20-laps) 1. Kadie Pursell, 2. Jake Kibler, 3. Cody Kohler, 4. Josh Kuronya, 5. Mark Fister DNS: Terry Peters, Randy Schaffer

Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock feature finish (12-laps): 1. Dave Kerr, 2. Adam Steigerwalt, 3. Greyson Ahner, 4. Brody George, 5. Makayla Kohler, 6. Gabi Steigerwalt, 7. Josh Dise, 8. Reid Levengood, 9. Maggie Yeakel, 10. Brad Walsh, 11. Lexus Kutz, 12. Zoey Moyer, 13. Zoe Kuchera ​





Mahoning Valley Speedway Competitor Bulletin. Due to multiple factors there has been a manufacturing schedule change at Hoosier Racing Tire that will cause the the following adjustments to be enforced
For this week's races (June 26th) we are putting limits on tire sales. Modifieds will be able to purchase two rights and one left. Modifieds that already purchased tires last week will not be allowed to purchase additional tires this week. After this week, hobby stocks and street stock tires will not be available until mid-july. Stay tuned for additional updates as we get more info from Hoosier. Thank you for your understanding and patience as short track racing deals with this unique situation.
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Rain puts an end to Mahoning Valley Speedway program… Scheduled event will move to Saturday, June 26

No sooner was the front gates about to swing open when rain swept across the area and put an abrupt end to the night of racing at Mahoning Valley Speedway on June 19th

Unfortunate too as fans were in for a great night as the pit area had filled nicely with cars in anticipation of the John Blewett Inc., Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fames Series (MVSHoFS) Roger Heffelfinger Sr. Tribute.
Originally on the schedule was the following Sunday afternoon as a rain date, however, after careful consideration it was decided that the event will move to this coming Saturday, June 26 at 6:00 pm.
The night will include the Modifieds in a 66-lap/$2500-to-win feature along with the Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks all part of the MVSHoFS plus the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks and on the card will be the Late Models which were already slated to run that date.
Track management would like to remind all those who paid admittance to please hold onto your wrist bands which will be honored for this upcoming Saturday’s show.
Furthermore, all drivers who already picked for starting spots will keep those positions while any additional entries will be provided that same opportunity upon sign-in.
Early paid practice will take place from noon to 3:00 pm. Regular warm-up will get under way at 4:00 pm. Driver sign-ins will be from 2:30 pm – 3:45 pm.
Grandstands will open at 4:00 pm. Adult admission is $20, $2 discount for active military, students and seniors 65+, must have valid ID. Children 10 & under are free. Pit entrance fees are $35 for members and $45 for non-members.

Mahoning Valley Speedway picks up the action at the paved ¼-mile oval with race #3 of the 2021 John Blewett Inc., Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fames Series and the Roger Heffelfinger Sr., Tribute, Saturday, June 19. Race time is 6:00 pm.

Heffelfinger has been a long-standing iconic figure among the many greats of eastern Pennsylvania short track asphalt racing. The Dorney Park Speedway/Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame inductee is the 1972 Modified track champion at Mahoning where raced between 1970 and 1976.  At Dorney Park where he began his career as a teenager in the late 1960s, Heffelfinger was very successful at the defunct 1/5-mile track, winning 18 times between 1971 and 1983 and is ranked sixth all time among Modified winners there.

He also hit the dirt circuits as well running at such venues as Nazareth, Orange County, Flemington, Grandview and others, most times with the same car he competed with on the blacktop. His son, Roger Jr., followed in his footsteps and with equal success garnering wins and championships at Dorney, Mahoning Valley and Evergreen Raceway. And likewise his grandson, Austin Kochenash, carries on the family legacy as one of the premier asphalt Modified drivers of this era. Kochenash is also a Mahoning champion, winning the Late Model title in 2011.        

Heffelfinger remains a key figure at Mahoning, logging in countless hours during the week as part of the grounds crew and also on race day as a member of the safety and track crew. His passion for Mahoning Valley Speedway and the sport of motor racing is a lasting testament to one of the all-time greats from this region.

On the slate will be Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks and Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks. The Modifieds will be racing a 66-lap feature, with that distance reflecting the car number most associated with Heffelfinger.  
Matt Hirschman, who won the first two MVSHoFS events, leads the Series standings in the Modifieds while Randy Ahner Jr., and Justin Merkel are at the top of the rankings in the Street Stock and Hobby Stocks respectively.

Early paid practice will take place from noon to 3:00 pm. Regular warm-up will get under way at 4:00 pm. Driver sign-ins will be from 2:30 pm – 3:45 pm
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Grandstands will open at 4:00 pm. Adult admission is $20, $2 discount for active military, students and seniors 65+, must have valid ID. Children 10 & under are free. Pit entrance fees are $35 for members and $45 for non-members.

A rain date of Sunday, June 20 at 2:00 pm is in place if needed.

Nick Ross tops Late Models; Jaden Brown over Paulie Hartwig III in thrilling Sportsman Modified main at Mahoning Valley Speedway June 12 on Pack the Track Night

(June 12, 2021) It was Pack the Track Night at Mahoning Valley Speedway and unfortunately for Late Model driver Nick Ross he was unable to join in the Fanfest activities during intermission due to the fact of making repairs and adjustments to his car after his heat. He did, however, make up for it by getting to personally thank all of the fans, doing so from Victory Lane after his rousing second win of the season. “After our heat race we had to work on the car and I’m sorry we didn’t get to see all the fans during the meet and greet and I felt really bad about that but at least I can use this opportunity to personally say thank you to everyone for coming out tonight,” said Ross. Taking the lead at the drop of the initial green second starting Ross was able to jump to the lead over pole sitter James Yons. The next time around Lorin Arthofer II was on his tail and looking for every opportunity to get past. For Arthofer that chance came on lap seven when he slipped under Ross in Turn 3 and completed the lap as the new leader.  Looking to make it a second win in a row and three victories in four starts, Arthofer kept himself a car length ahead of Ross. But never dropping any further back and with the lead pair coming up on lapped traffic Ross was able to close in and by lap 15 was running beside Arthofer. Racing on the top lane he was then able to use a blast of momentum to power his way back out front and gradually pulled away to a two-plus second margin of victory.  “I think he (Arthofer) just started to get a little free in (turns) 1 & 2 and I knew I had to get a run there and it was just enough to get him. I really appreciate running against him and he actually helped me getting things set-up for down here,” said Ross. Geno Steigerwalt, Yons and Roger Maynor rounded out the top five.

Mahoning Valley’s Sportsman Modified division continues to grow and prosper and it showed on this night with its best field to date and pair of rising stars battling closing for the win. 15-year old Jaden Brown and 10-year old Paulie Hartwig III put on a captivating race and despite very limited seat time with a combine seven class starts between them they raced like seasoned veterans.  Hartwig led the way early on but by lap seven Brown zeroed in on him and thus began the thrilling duel. Brown was making repeated attempts from both high and low sides but each time Hartwig shut him off. Not giving up, Brown began to work the inside line and with five laps to go he bumped and squeezed underneath and in the process Hartwig got loose but and did an incredible save and rebound. Brown, who did back off when the occurrence began to allow Hartwig space and then held on for the exhilarating win.

Sophomore Street Stock driver Thomas Flanagan has had several very close opportunities in a short period of time to claim a win and tonight there was no doubt or uncertainties as he picked up his career first victory and over a pair of experienced veterans. Flanagan took the lead from Logan Boyer two laps into the 30 lap contest and was soon fending off kingpin Jon Moser. By the second half of the race point leader Mark Martini joined in the fight but Flanagan remained focused in notwithstanding the heavy opposition. Matter of fact he would let that pair combat it out amongst themselves while he held steady and smooth en route to this unforgettable first win. Meanwhile Martini took second from Moser.

In the Hobby Stocks BJ Wambold proved again that given the chance to start at the front of the pack he’s no match for the rest of the field.  Wambold replicated an earlier win, starting from pole and then leading the full distance even though Taylor Schmidt and Trisha Connolly kept in close with him.              

Cody Kohler continued on his winning ways with the Pro 4s as he collected his class leading fourth win of the season. Kohler used a lap 11 restart to get by Tyler Stangle and then held off Kadie Pursell for career win number 35.

Greyson Ahner made a daring inside pass on Makayla Kohler which would prove to be the race winning move in the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks. And it was also his fifth such time winning this season under the Rookie line-up. Runner-up Hallie Muffley would be credited with her second straight Futures verdict.

The Micro Stocks joined the card and in nothing short of a dominating performance it was Alex Greenzweig leading the way from start to finish by ample distance over Roger Snyder.     

Late Model feature finish (25-laps): 1. Nick Ross, 2. Lorin Arthofer, 3. Geno Steigerwalt, 4. James Yons, 5. Roger Maynor, 6. Seth VanFossen, 7. Randy Green, 8. Brooks Smith, 9. Mike Stein, 10. Rich Cooper

Sportsman Modified feature finish (25-laps): 1. Jaden Brown, 2. Paul Hartwig111, 3. Jared Ahner, 4. Jesse Strohl, 5. Payton Arthofer, 6. Avery Arthofer, 7. Kassidy Altemose, 8. Mia Guy, 9. Al Arthofer, 10. Paul French, 11. BJ Wambold, 12. Randy Ahner, 13. Troy Bollinger, 14. Bobby Jones DNS Kevin Kromer

Street Stock feature finish (30-laps): 1. Thomas Flanagan, 2. Mark Martini, 3. Jon Moser, 4. Mark Deysher, 5. Brandon Christman, 6. Randy Ahner Jr, 7. Rick Reichenbach, 8. Jacob Christman, 9. John Bennett, 10. Jamie Smith, 11. Lonnie Behler Jr., 12. Shayne Geist, 13.Tucker Muffley, 14. Todd Ahner, 15. Logan Boyer, 16. Jill Snyder, 17. Rich Moser, 18. Tobie Behler, 19 TJ Gursky

Pro 4 feature finish (14-laps): 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Kadie Pursell, 3. Tyler Stagle, 4. Lyndsay Buss, 5. Austin Webster 6. Josh Kuronya DNS: Terry Peters

Hobby Stock Feature finish (25-laps): 1. BJ Wambold, 2. Taylor Schmidt, 3. Trisha Connolly, 4. Cody Boehm, 5. Devin Schmidt, 6. Nick Schaffer, 7. Travis Solomon, 8. Corey Edelman, 9. Tad Snyder, 10. Dave Imler, 11. Justin Markel, 12. James Tout, 13. Nicholas Kerstetter, 14. Mallory Kutz, 15. Ralph Borger Jr., 16. John Petro, 17. Cody Geist, 18. Jacob Boehm, 19. Kevin Behler, 20. Jake Oswald, 21. Lyndsay Buss, DNQ: Ed Herman

Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock feature finish (12-laps): 1. Greyson Ahner, 2. Hailee Muffley, 3. Makayla Kohler, 4. Maggie Yeakel, 5. Gabi Steigerwalt, 6. Brody George, 7. Deegen Underwood, 8. Josh Dise, 9. Dave Kerr, 10. Jared Green, 11. Logan Sturgeon, 12. Lexus Kutz, 13. Adam Steigerwalt, 14. Reid Levengood

Micro Stock feature finish (20-laps) 1: Alex Greenzweig, 2. Roger Snyder, 3. Al Vanhart, 4. Chad Weaver, 5. Jarred Rehrig, 6. Anthony Wood, 7. John Koch, 8, Eddie Geiger Jr., 9. Adam Hess, 10. San Del Luff, 11. Phil Sabatine, 12. Matt Ackerman, 13. Mike Bowers, 14. DJ Fredricks

Kyle Strohl picks up second Mahoning Valley Speedway Modified win: Jared Ahner and Peyton Arthofer continue family winning legacy with Sportsman Modified victories on June 5

(June 5, 2021) In a matter of a lap’s time Kyle Strohl was able to come out on top of an intense three-wide battle between himself, Austin Beers and John Markovic that put him in place to collect his second Modified win of the season Saturday evening at Mahoning Valley Speedway. It was on lap 17 of the 35-lapper that the race winning outcome took place.  The scene began two laps prior when a restart saw Markovic at the point with Beers second and Strohl third. When the race had resumed Markovic was on the inside of Beers and left enough of an opening for Strohl to take the inside lane. As the trio were about to conclude lap 16 Markovic squeezed Beers that caused him to smack the wall. At the same moment Strohl had a clear lane to drive into the lead.              From then on he was smooth and strong allowing him to score a one car length win over runner-up Austin Kochenash. “These last couple of weeks we had been struggling and this week we really hit on the button and I felt we were going to be in good contention,” said Strohl, now an 18 time Modified winner.             “Honestly to me after we got the lead the car felt like a rocket ship and especially with so many good cars here and with the racing in the Modifieds here is top notch.”  At the outset Terry Markovic was the early leader but on lap three Carl Altemose powered his way to the front and started to set a solid pace while the Markovic brothers stayed in his tire tracks. On lap 15 J. Markovic was able to slip inside of Altemose for the lead. However on the same circuit and under very tight conditions Altemose was collected up in a multi-car incident, putting an abrupt end to his impressive night as well as several others.  It was that restart that led to the dramatic outcome. Kochenash, who was making his first Mahoning start of the season, was part of the lap 15 melee and had to pit. Afterwards he drove his way up to second only to run out of time as he was honing in on Strohl. J. Markovic held on for third with Bobby Jones and new point leader Brian DeFebo rounding out the top five.

The Sportsman Modifieds were running a pair of events, the first being the conclusion from May 8 when the race was stopped due to safety concerns and the latter as the regular scheduled feature and the emerging winners each having deep Mahoning roots.  For the make-up race Jared Ahner was the leader when the race resumed with nine laps complete. After having to duel with point leader Paulie Hartwig III following several restarts, Ahner late into the race was able to pull ahead just enough to keep Hartwig at bay and notch his first win with the class. Ahner is the grandson of Russell “Bups” Ahner who was a popular winner during the track’s dirt days and again when the facility was paved. He runs the trademark No. 18 which is symbolic of his late grandfather.  The regular 25-lap feature ended with another track name all too familiar with winning at Mahoning as Peyton Arthofer scored a very emotional first class victory.  Interestingly it was her accident on May 8 that stopped the race when she slammed and busted through the front straight wall promoting the night’s remaining card to be postponed.  For this race she was seated on the pole and once the initial green waved there would be no looking back. At first a determined Troy Bollinger was challenging until Arthofer’s sister, Avery Arthofer roared into second spot.  From there a feel of a never before seen sister vs. sister one-two finish was beginning to take shape. But, A. Arthofer and Bollinger during this time had been battling closely. Unfortunately the elder Arthofer spun with seven laps to go, giving up second to Bollinger. Yet for P. Arthofer by taking the win it meant coming full circle from the devastation of a car crushing wreck to the joy of victory in a matter of one race. And, like Ahner, her grandfather is legendary star Lorin Arthofer Sr.

When it comes to Street Stocks at Mahoning Valley Speedway the name Moser is commonly heard as first to the checkers.  That was again the case however not perennial champion Jon but rather his brother Rich. And for the elder of the pair it marked the end of a nearly 20-year dry spell.  Taking advantage of his pole starting spot R. Moser immediately took control, although he was contained under tight conditions with strong running rookies Jared Green and Jacob Christman.  Nonetheless R. Moser came fully prepared to make this a long overdue good run. Setting the pace over each passing lap he refused to waver as no one could make a serious bid at him other than on a few restarts.  Holding on perfectly until the end R. Moser parked in Victory Lane for the first time since a Factory Stock win in April 2002. Green in the meantime raced like a seasoned veteran, holding off none other than J. Moser for his career best effort to date.

For Hobby Stock driver Tad Snyder he won’t soon forget the night of June 5, 2021 as he finally landed his first feature win. For the past few years Snyder has had flashes of respectable runs but trying to secure that elusive first win that was another story. However, on this night there was the feel it would all come to fruition after he scored a heat victory and the feel from there indicated that this could just be the night.  And indeed it was. Snyder took the lead after two laps in and then persisted from there on, holding off his teammate Travis Solomon en route to the memorable night.         

In the Pro 4s Josh Kuronya somehow eluded all types of mayhem to win for the second time this season.  Kuronya was leading by lap three and it would prove to be the safest spot on the track too as behind him was a wild affair unfolding with all kinds of slamming and banging. Kuronya would stay focused on the job at hand and ably fend off Kadie Pursell for the win.

Hallie Muffley raced her way into the lead on lap three in the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks, doing so on a restart over early pace setter Gabrielle Steigerwalt and once in front she put the shifted into cruise control and sailed on to her first with of the season, coming in just her third start.
In the meantime Steigerwalt was able to hold solid in second and in doing so claimed the Rookie class win, which was her career first.

Modified feature finish (35-laps): 1. Kyle Strohl, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. John Markovic, 4. Bobby Jones, 5. Brian DeFebo, 6. Roger Cross, 7. Cody Kohler, 8. Jacob Kerstetter, 9. Austin Beers, 10. Carl Altemose, 11. Nick Bear, 12. Rod Snyder Jr., 13. Terry Markovic, 14. Tommy Flanagan, 15. Paul Hartwig

Sportsman Modified 5/8 feature finish (25-laps): 1. Jared Ahner 2. Paul Hartwig III 3. Troy Bollinger 4. Randy Ahner Jr 5. Avery Arthofer 6. Kassidy Altemose 7. Jayden Brown 8. Peyton Arthofer 9. Al Arthofer 10. Mia Guy 11. Stacey Brown

Sportsman Modified regular feature finish (25-laps): 1. Payton Arthofer 2. Troy Bollinger 3. Randy Ahner Jr 4. Jayden Brown, 5. Jesse Strohl, 6. Avery Arthofer, 7. Kassidy Altemose, 8. Mia Guy, 9. Al Arthofer, 10. Paul Hartwig lll, 11 Jared Ahner DNS: Stacey Brown

Street Stock feature finish (30-laps): 1. Rich Moser, 2. Randy Green, 3. Jon Moser, 4. Mark Deysher, 5. Mark Martini, 6. Todd Ahner, 7. Brandon Christman, 8. Lonnie Behler, 9. Tucker Muffley, 10. Randy Ahner, 11. Jacob Christman, 12. Jamie Smith, 13. Jill Snyder, 14. Logan Boyer, 15. TJ Gursky, 16.Tobie Behler, 17. Tommy Flanagan

Pro 4 feature finish (14-laps): 1. Josh Kuronya, 2. Kadie Purcell, 3. Cody Kohler, 4. Tyler Stangle, DQ: Jake Kibler, Bobby Kibler Jr., Bob Kibler Sr.  DNS: Terry Peters

Hobby Stock Feature finish (25-laps): 1. Tad Snyder, 2. Travis Solomon, 3. Nick Schaffer, 4. Justin Merkel, 5. Trisha Connolly, 6. Devin Schmidt, 7. BJ Wambold, 8. Cody Boehm, 9. Cody Geist, 10. Taylor Schmidt, 11. James Tout, 12. Kevin Behler, 13. Corey Edelman, 14. Kip George, 15. John Petro, 16. Dave Imler, 17. Nicholas Kerstetter, 18. Mallory Kutz, 19. Ralph Borger Jr., 20. Lyndsay Buss, 21. Ed Herman 

Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock feature finish (12-laps): 1. Hallie Muffley, 2. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 3. Deegan Underwood, 4. Reid Levengood, 5. Lexus Kutz, 6. Zoe Kuchera, 7. Greyson Ahner, 8. Adam Steigerwalt, 9. Mikayla Koehler, 10. Dave Kerr, 11. Maggie Yeakel, 12. Brody George

Mahoning Valley Speedway calls off Saturday, May 29 races

Due to a wet forecast on Saturday, May 29, officials of Mahoning Valley Speedway have made the decision to call off the night’s stock car program.    Even though there is a possibility of clearing later for that evening the chance of additional showers still looms according to various weather reports. With this being Memorial Day weekend track officials felt it would be best to put the word out now so everyone can make plans more accordingly in order to enjoy the holiday.  After eight consecutive weeks of racing this marks the first rainout of the season. Racing will resume next Saturday, June 5 at 5:00 pm with Modifieds, Sportsman Modifieds which includes the remainder of the May 8 feature along with a regular feature, Pro 4s, Hobby Stocks and Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks. Coming up on June 12 will be Pack the Track Night featuring seven divisions, Late Models, Sportsman Modifieds, Street Stocks, Pro 4s, Hobby Stocks, Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks and Micro Stocks for just $8.

The following Saturday, June 16 at 6:00 pm will be race #3 of the John Blewett Inc., Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series Roger Heffelfinger Sr. Tribute.


Brian DeFebo gets his winning touch back; Lorin Arthofer scores close Late Model win over Brandon Turbush at Mahoning Speedway May 22

(May 22, 2021) It’s hard to imagine that when Brian DeFebo won Saturday night’s 35-lap Modified feature at Mahoning Valley Speedway it ended a dry spell for eastern Pennsylvania’s all-time wins leader in asphalt short track racing, dating back to September of 2019, and considering that prior to that he had been on a roll, scoring 13 victories in a three year span and earning back-to-back championships (2017-18). And, that was just at Mahoning as he’s been adding wins at Evergreen Raceway too.  However, 2020 turned out to be a one-off year for the 42-year Berwick driver as he went winless for the first time during a single season in recent memory. DeFebo, though, put it all together with a solid performance. After passing Nick Baer on lap 16 he remained perfect the rest of the way and drove to his 18th Mahoning win and 106th overall. “You just don’t realize how hard it is to win a race here until you go on a drought. After having some good winning years and then last year we were just off so this is exciting and I’m so happy to get this first one out of the way,” said DeFebo. “I have thousands of laps at other tracks and this is the toughest one we race at.” At the outset Terry Markovic led the way over Jesse Strohl, Cody Kohler, Nick Baer and DeFebo. Strohl utilized a lap three restart to take the lead but was in some tight company as Baer came along with him and was running closely to his outside. Baer was then able to assume the front spot thanks to a restart six laps in and following him into second was DeFebo while Bobby Jones had dashed his way to third. While Baer was continuing at the front DeFebo and Jones connected in two-wide duel. In the process Jones was able to slip by but only briefly before DeFebo retook the spot and now set his attention towards Baer. Waiting for just the right opportunity, DeFebo’s moment of certainty came with an inside pass on lap 15. Afterwards there was no looking back as he piloted to his first win of the season.  “You have such a good group of guys down here that always race you hard and you earn ever spot you get. I want to thank my mom (Sophie Welsh) who make this fun and makes racing fun,” said DeFebo.  As DeFebo was on his way to victory there was an amazing battle taking place for second spot between John Markovic and Austin Beers. Both had moved past Baer by lap 20 and from then on began a hard fought battle. Beers was relentlessly do all he could to work underneath Markovic and finally did so at the finish line by a mere few inches for his fifth runner-up of the year.

In the Late Model feature Lorin Arthofer II picked up his second win of the season that was well warranted. Arthofer took the lead away from Seth VanFossen nine laps into the 25-lap contest but was having to remain in a defense mode the rest of the way as a number of opponents kept at him.     The most notable being Brandon Turbush who was making a rare Mahoning appearance and who late into the race had his car zeroed in on the tail of Arthofer. With one lap to go Turbush was beginning to move by for the lead when suddenly a multi-car tangle took place and the lap was called back, much to the benefit of Arthofer. It was a single file restart and Arthofer was able to hold his line and that of Turbush for the win.

Classy veteran racer Todd Ahner picked up his first Street Stock win of the season doing so in a flag-to-flag lead spot fashion.  Ahner started on the pole and wasted no time in taking charge over Jamie Smith. With 10 laps to go Johnny Bennett was behind Ahner and despite the close pressure being applied the king of Street Stock wins held his ground and collected career win number 39.

Devin Schmidt is beginning to take a real liking to twin Hobby Stock features as for the second week in a row he won the later and that coming after finishing third in the first main both weeks and the fact that he affirmatively claimed that would indeed be the outcome. The night began with the postponed May 8 feature which saw Justin Merkel grab the lead from Mallory Kutz on lap six. He had to then hold off the intense encounters of Cody Boehm and Schmidt en route to his first win of the season.  For the regular main fifth starting Schmidt needed only three laps to slip by early leader Lyndsay Buss. He would not waver from there on taking the victory over Boehm and Taylor Schmidt.

In Pro 4 action Cody Kohler passed Randy Schaffer just past the midway juncture of the 20-lap run and went on to notch his second straight and third win of 2021.

Greyson Ahner went into the lead after just one lap and stayed there to the finish for his fourth Rookie Hobby Stock win over runner-up Dave Kerr. Makayla Kohler’s third place tally earned her a second victory with the Futures division.   

Modified feature finish (35-laps): 1. Brian DeFebo, 2. Austin Beers, 3. John Markovic, 4. Bobby Jones, 5. Nick Bear, 6. Cody Kohler, 7. Terry Markovic, 8. Eric Kocher, 9. Avery Arthofer, 10. Wes Gilbert, 11. Mia Guy, 12. Rich Cooper, 13. Lou Strohl, 14. Jesse Strohl, 15. Jayden Brown, 16. Jacob Kerstetter, 17. Kyle Strohl, 18. Carl Altemose

Late Model feature finish (25-laps): 1. Lorin Arthofer, 2. Brandon Turbush, 3. Geno Steigerwalt, 4. Rick Giannino, 5. Nick Ross, 6. Mike Stein, 7. Rich Cooper, 8. James Yons, 9 Brian Romig Jr. 10. Brooks Smith, 11. Seth VanFossen

Street Stock feature finish (30-laps): 1. Todd Ahner, 2. Johnny Bennett, 3. Brandon Christman, 4 Mark Martini, 5. TJ Gursky, 6. Jon Moser, 7. Randy Ahner JR., 8. Lonnie Behler, 9. Mark Deysher, 10. Rick Reichenbach, 11. Jill Snyder, 12. Thomas Flanagan, 13. Rich Moser, 14. Jamie Smith, 15. Jacob Christman, 16. Tobie Behler, 17. Tucker Muffley, 18. Josh Oswald

Pro 4 feature finish (20-laps): 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Randy Schaffer, 3. Jake Kibler, 4. Kadie Pursell, 5. Bob Kibler Sr., 6. Bobby Kibler Jr., 7. Tyler Stangle, 8. Josh Kuronya, 9. Terry Peter 

Make-up Hobby Stock feature finish from May 8 (25-laps) 1. Justin Merkel, 2. Cody Boehm, 3. Devin Schmidt 4. Trisha Connolly, 5. James Tout, 6. Tony Hilliard, 7. Jake Oswald, 8. Lyndsay Buss, 9. Travis Solomon, 10. Taylor Schmidt, 11. Mallory Kutz, 12. Dave Imler, 13. Ralph Borger Jr., 14. Corey Edelman, 15, Nick Schaeffer, 16. Jacob Boehm, 17. Nicholas Kerstetter, 18. Tad Snyder, 19. BJ Wambold DNS: Slade Darragh

Regular Hobby Stock Feature finish (25-laps): 1. Devin Schmidt, 2. Cody Boehm, 3. Taylor Schmidt, 4. Geist, 5. Edelman, 6. Solomon, 7. Jacob Boehm, 8. Tout, 9. Snyder, 10. Wambold, 11. Oswald, 12. Connolly, 13. Buss, 14. Schaffer, 15. Herman, 16. Imler Jr., 17. Borger, 18. Hilliard, 19. Merkel, 20. John Petro, 21. Brenden Hiers DNQ: Kutz, Kerstetter

Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock feature finish (12-laps): 1. Greyson Ahner, 2. Dave Kerr, 3. Makayla Kohler, 4. Adam Steigerwalt, 5. Brody George, 6. Reid Levengood, 7. Deegan Underwood, 8. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 9. Hallie Muffley, 10. Maggie Yeakel, 11. Tyler Aleckna, 12. Lexus Kutz, 13. Zoe Kuchera

Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, twin Hobby Stocks, Pro 4s and Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks this Saturday, May 22 at Mahoning Valley Speedway


Matt Hirschman remains undefeated at Mahoning Valley Speedway with win in Ward Crozier Sr. Tribute on May 15th

(May 15, 2021) If ever there was a driver on a roll at Mahoning Valley Speedway its Matt Hirschman who, in his fourth consecutive start at the ¼-mile paved oval, raced to victory and dating back to last season has now reeled off eight straight wins.  In race #2 of the John Blewett Inc., Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series Ward Crozier Sr., Tribute, the Northampton driver came from 12th on the grid and made the winning pass over Earl Paules with six laps to go, parking his Harry's U Pull It Allentown No. 60 into Victory Lane for his 26th career win here. The start of the 50-lap event saw Paules – who drew the pole position – jump to the early lead and then steadily remain there. Behind him though was some intense action as Jack Ely was second, Blake Barney third and by lap 10 Austin Beers and Hirschman entered the top five which from that point saw the aforementioned battle under a tight blanket, especially considering a long green flag stint from lap nine until six tours remaining which kept the crowd quite captivated by their close proximity. By lap 24 Hirschman had maneuvered into second and began laying down heavy pressure on leader Paules. Barney was still third with teammates Beers and Ely next in line. With the laps winding down Hirschman was trying every avenue to get by Paules and not making matters an easier at the same time had Beers alongside. Then Terry Markovic spun in front of the front-runners to bring out the caution with a half dozen laps remaining. On the ensuing green Hirschman used his outside restart flank on Paules to edge his way to the front and from there he would go on to another win – his 10th in 16 2021 starts.  “This was far from a predictable finish even though we won again. The laps tick off quick here when you get green flag runs like we had and this was not an easy race. The lap counter wasn’t working so I really didn’t know how close we were to the end until that caution came out and they said there was only six (laps) to go,” said Hirschman.  “I think actually if you were to divide up the odds of who was going to win this race I feel you could have went evenly between any of us in the front pack. It wasn’t decided at all until that restart helped me to get the lead.”  Paules was impressive and fought hard to maintain the front spot before setting for his best effort of the season. Barney was never lower then fourth all race long and registered a fine third. Zane Zeiner and Brian DeFebo came on strong in the final laps to round out the top five.

If the Modified feature wasn’t thrilling enough, the Street Stock main couldn’t have been more electrifying as Lonnie Behler Jr., and Randy Ahner Jr., engaged in a two-by-two, lap-after-lap battle that began no sooner than the action got underway. ach time the pair clicked off a lap they either exchanged the lead by mere inches or came across the line dead even. The final lap was no different as they took the white flag with no margin for error while still putting on an amazing race bordering each other. Entering the final corner Behler somehow found the power to eek slightly ahead and go on to record his career first win. Jon Moser closed in on the pair late and notched third with Bob Kibler Sr., and Mark Martini completing the top five.

The Hobby Stocks raced in twin-26 lap features and during redraw Devin Schmidt boldly vowed to sweep both and he almost did too. In the first race Bj Wambold, who was able to lead the distance and earn his first win of the season, and Justin Merkel thwarted Schmidt’s effort as he was third.  However, in the nightcap he redeemed himself by chasing down Corey Edelman with time running out and made his race winning pass with just two laps to go.  Schmidt may have come up short on going for the double but his efforts did earned him the overall winner between the dual features.

Ward Crozier introduced the Pro 4 division in 1988 so it was only fitting that the class was part of his tribute night. Two time and defending champion Cody Kohler saw fit to pick up his 32nd class win that carried extra incentives as he parlayed his front row starting spot into his second victory of the season.  Kohler went to the lead at the outset and never waned as he left everyone else decide the spots behind him. Randy Schaffer, who continues to come closer to his elusive first win, was runner-up with Jake Kibler third.          

A new winner emerged in the Rookie/Futures Hobby Stocks as Adam Steigerwalt grabbed the lead immediately and never looked back en route to the memorable verdict. Jared Green had a best finish of second while Brody George’s third place tally earned him his sixth Futures victory.

Modified feature finish (50-laps) 1. Matt Hirschman, 2. Earl Paules, 3. Blake Barney, 4. Zane Zeiner, 5. Brian DeFebo, 6. Nevin George, 7. Don Wagner, 8. Austin Beers, 9. Kyle Strohl, 10. Jacob Kerstetter, 11. Jack Ely, 12. Terry Markovic, 13. Cody Koehler, 14.Nick Bear, 15. Lou Strohl, 16. Rod Snyder Jr. 17. Al Arthofer, 18. Bobby Jones, 19.John Markovic, 20. Sean Verwys, 21. Bobby Butler

Street Stock feature finish (30-laps) 1. Lonnie Behler Jr., 2. Randy Ahner Jr., 3. Jon Moser, 4. Bob Kibler, Sr., 5. Mark Martini, 6. Jill Snyder, 7. Rick Kirkendall, 8. TJ Gursky, 9. Jacob Christman, 10. Mark Deysher, 11. Shayne Geist, 12. Tucker Muffley, 13. Todd Ahner, 14. John Bennet, 15. Brandon Christman, 16. Rich Moser, 17. Jamie Smith, 18. Logan Boyer, 19. Tobie Behler, 20. Thomas Flanagan

Pro 4 feature finish (20-laps) 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Randy Schaffer, 3. Jake Kibler, 4. Bobby Kibler, 5. Kadie Pursell, 6. Tyler Stangle, 7 Terry Peters, 8. Josh Kuronya, 9. Robert Derfler

1st Hobby Stock feature finish (26-laps) 1. BJ Wambold, 2. Justin Merkel, 3. Devin Schmidt, 4. Rich Mutarelli, 5. Jake Oswald, 6. Randy Ahner Jr., 7. Corey Edelman, 8. Cody Geist, 9. James Tout, 10. Dave Imler, 11. Bob Wink, 12. Nick Schaeffer, 13. Ken Reeder, 14. Taylor Schmidt, 15. Travis Solomon, 16. Cody Boehm, 17. Trisha Connolly, 18. Jacob Boehm, 19. Lyndsay Bus, 20. Tad Snyder DNQ; Mallory Kutz, Ed Herman, Ralph Borger Jr., Ryan Berger

2nd Hobby Stock feature finish (26-laps) 1. Devin Schmidt, 2. Corey Edelman, 3. Randy Ahner, 4. Cody Geist, 5. Travis Solomon, 6. Nick Schaffer, 7. Trisha Connolly, 8. Tad Snyder, 9. Jake Oswald, 10. BJ Wambold, 11. James Trout, 12. Justin Merkel, 13. Dave Imler, 14. Cody Boehm, 15. Ken Reeder, 16. Mallory Kutz, 17. Taylor Schmidt, 18. Rich Mutarelli, 19. Jacob Boehm, 20. Lyndsay Buss DNS: Bob Wink 

Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock feature finish (12-laps) 1. Adam Steigerwalt, 2. Jared Green, 3. Brody George, 4. David Kerr, 5. Maggie Yeakel, 6. Makayla Kohler, 7. Reid Levengood, 8. Deegen Underwood, 9. Josh Dise, 10. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 11. Lexus Kutz, 12. Zoe Kuchera, 13. Tyler Aleckna

Nick Ross garners first Mahoning Valley Speedway Late Model win; Hard crash during Sportsman Modified feature forces postponement of remainder of show on May 8


(May 8, 2021) Nick Ross has proven to be a quick study in getting around Mahoning Valley Speedway. In just his third ever start he found his way to Victory Lane as he cruised to a stirring first Late Model win at the paved ¼-mile oval.  Ross only made one start late last season and immediately made an impression with a fine third place tally. He showed up again for the division’s season opener on April 17 and was a contender once more. His third here time would be the charm for the Mountain Top racer of the R-N-R Restorations No. 99. Ross went by Rich Cooper for the lead with five laps in and then stayed smooth and steady the remainder of the way for his initial Mahoning Valley Speedway victory.  The start of the feature was slightly delayed due to a passing shower but once the action got underway it was Cooper wasting no time from his pole starting spot and jumping into the lead. He was tracked closely by Brian Romig Jr., and Ross.  By the completion of the third tour Ross had slipped by Romig and was now hounding Cooper in a torrid double-wide battle. Coming off the fourth corner to begin the fifth circuit Ross, who was utilizing the outside lane, had stepped to the front of the pack.  Afterwards he was dealing with Lorin Arthofer II and then James Yons, however, as the laps ticked on Ross was continuing to extend his advantage and took the checkers by three-and-a-half seconds. “I really did not expect this at all. We unloaded and made a bunch of changes and it really woke the car up. I can’t thank all my crew enough and Port City Race Cars,” said Ross.  “The track was really greasy after the rain delay and you had to hold on. If you gave it any extra throttle you were going around but once we got going the surface was fine. I’m super pumped to win a race here at Mahoning Valley.”

The Sportsman Modified feature was stopped at just nine laps due to a hard crash that busted up the front straight wall. With safety concerns the main priority it was decided to halt the action at that point rather than risk additional ramifications.  The race got off to a thrilling start between Peyton Arthofer and Troy Bollinger. They quickly went into a two-wide race while switching off the front spot early on. By lap five Arthofer took control but barely as Bollinger, as well as Jared Ahner, kept hot on her heels. Bollinger continued to run to the outside of Arthofer and as the twosome where about to complete lap eight trouble soon unfolded resulting in a very hard collision.  The incident began when they touched coming off the final corner. Arthofer then got loose and her back end snapped out front under her. At this point they had just crossed the start/finish line with Arthofer now aiming for and then slamming into the wall. The grinding hit impacted so hard that two portions of the concrete retaining wall busted down. In the process Bollinger also got clipped and he came to a screeching halt at the first turn barrier.  Both drivers were shaken while their cars substantial race ending damage. As of press time Arthofer was still at a local hospital, alert but being monitored with testing. Bollinger was sore but otherwise okay.

Because the wall could not be repaired in a safe manner it was decided to postpone the remainder of the races and reschedule them for a later date including the final 16 laps of the Sportsman race as well as the Hobby Stock and ATQMRA mains.

In Street Stock action TJ Gursky took the lead from Tobie Behler on a lap-14 restart and went on to victory becoming the first repeat winner with the class this season.  Prior to Gursky driving to the front there was a good battle between Jason Gould and Behler as they swapped the lead back and forth over the early laps. Behler then landed the front position by the fifth tour and was keeping a nice line in protecting his lead.  However, over a series of cautions Gursky had methodically advanced up to second by lap 13 yet the rookie still showed he wasn’t ready to give up. When they realigned for the lap 14 restart the veteran put his years of experience to use as he powered past Behler. In the final circuits Gursky had to fend off strong running Jillian Snyder and Mark Deysher en route to the verdict.

Brody George was able to elude a tangle between front runners Adam Steigerwalt and Greyson Ahner with three laps to go and went on to score his fifth Futures Hobby Stock win in six starts. Hallie Muffley, making her first start of the season, was a close second.  Also repeating as a winner with Rookie Hobby Stocks for a third in the first six races was Deegen Underwood.

Late Model Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Nick Ross, 2. James Yons, 3. Lorin Arthofer II, 4. Brian Romig Jr., 5. Rich Cooper, Brooks Smith DNS: Seth VanFossen

Street Stock Feature Finish (30-laps): 1. TJ Gursky, 2. Jillian Snyder, 3. Mark Deysher, 4. Tobie Behler, 5. Mark Martini, 6. Lonnie Behler, Jr., 7. Todd Ahner, 8. Johnny Bennett, 9. Jon Moser, 10. Randy Ahner Jr., 11. Cody Geist, 12. Rich Moser, 13. Jacob Christman, 14. Randy Green, 15. Logan Boyer, 16. Jason Gould, 17. Tucker Muffley, 18. Brandon Christman, 19. Thomas Flanagan DNS: Jamie Smith

Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock Feature Finish (12-laps): 1. Brody George, 2. Hallie Muffley, 3. Deegen Underwood, 4. Jared Green, 5. David Kerr, 6. Greyson Ahner, 7. Adam Steigerwalt, 8. Zoe Kuchera, 9. Lexus Kutz, 10. Maggie Yeakel, 11. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 12. Reid Levengood




Kyle Strohl holds off hard chargers Austin Beers and Bobby Jones in hot Mahoning Modified Action on May 1; Avery Arthofer tops Sportsman Modified field

(May 1, 2021) Over the first month of the season Kyle Strohl had respectable runs but from a team perspective they were not all that pleased with the car and kept chasing the set-up. They made headway the previous week with a very competitive third place run during the Race of Champions 75-lap feature and on Saturday evening all fell into place as Strohl led flag to flag in caution free race and earned a hard-fought verdict over Austin Beers and Bobby Jones.    “This is a really big confidence booster for us. Our car was loose coming into the night and we made some adjustments and with a little luck we were able to hold them guys off,” said Strohl after notching his 17th career Modified victory.  Strohl’s first Modified win of the season was a barnburner event as he had to fend off the likes of Beers and Jones over the waning laps. The trio dazzled the crowd with their amazing high speed proximity of each other and as they blazed toward the checkers finished under a blanket with Strohl able to hold off his opponents by the narrowest of margins.    “I knew the top runners where coming and I had protect the bottom and the high side at the same time but we got it done and it’s great to pull off a win,” emphasized Strohl.  Early on Nick Baer was giving Strohl a good battle and continued to do so through the first 20 laps. But after Baer’s car began to tighten Jones and Beers slipped by and began their assault on Strohl. Strohl certainly had his hands full with Jones and Beers who tracked him ever so tightly. When they arrived to the white flag Jones and Beers where side-by-side and bearing down heavily on Strohl but he remained protective and confident in securing the win.  “I can hear those guys all the while and I knew I just had to keep my guard up. I’m very proud of my guys and very proud of how we’ve improved each week and I can’t wait to get back here for the Ward Crozier Tribute in two weeks,” noted Strohl.  For the fourth time in five races this season Beers has had to settle for second spot. Bear took fourth with Brian DeFebo rounding out the top five.  “It was definitely an exciting race between Kyle, Bobby and I running three wide, splitting lapped cars and running through the field was a lot of fun. Kyle ran a perfect line and I feel I needed just a few more laps,” said Beers.

The Sportsman Modified feature was a race that also came down to the wire and coming out on top of the thrilling event was Avery Arthofer.  Arthofer worked very hard for this one as she had to fend off a flurry of others and was locked in a tight battle with a number of opponents the entire time.   She engaged in some very close two-wide action with Randy Ahner Jr., and then after shaking free of that tussle her sights were set on leader Troy Bollinger.Once again she would interlock in a two-by-two fight which Bollinger and she would swap back and forth. Her determined effort paid off when she took control for good with five laps to go but had to stave off a late race charge by first time starter Jayden Brown who came on like gangbusters as well as Ahner Jr., All three finished the race barely ahead of each other with Arthofer collecting her second career Sportsman Modified win and 10th overall.

The 30-lap Street Stock feature was conducted in a cone race format and sophomore driver Brandon Christman parleyed his outside row one restart position on lap six into a win.  Under a caution on that circuit Christman chose to take the outside lane for the ensuing restart which put him second to leader Jamie Smith. When the action resumed Christman darted past Smith for the lead and there would be no looking back from then on as he soundly drove ahead of the pack the rest of the way. Randy Ahner. Jr., also utilized the cone restart to his advantage which assisted him to a runner-up finish. Thomas Flanagan ran a note-worthy race, staying near the front the whole time and eventually ending with a fulfilling third place tally.   

In the Hobby Stock feature Jacob Boehm scored his first victory of the season, turning in a stellar run in the process. Boehm used a lap four restart to go past then leader Dave Imler Jr., and soon showed that it would be a race for second as he was able to keep a nearly two-car length distance from those behind him. For the most part that would be BJ Wambold who for the third straight week improved from fourth to third and now second. Nick Schaffer had his best effort to date, taking third at the finish.  

When Jake Kibler rolled under starter Frank Mertz’s checker flag in the Pro 4 feature it not only was his first win of 2021 but an unparalleled 40th with the division.  When the green flag dropped to commence the 20-lap affair Kibler quickly took control and would never look back en route to his record extending win. And while he was cruising out front there was a remained a hot battle for second that went to Randy Schaffer over Cody Kohler.

Deegen Underwood raced to not only his second Rookie Hobby Stock win but an overall victory as well in the event that pairs his class and the Futures together.  Underwood jumped into the lead from his outside front row starting spot and stayed well ahead of the pack for the distance. At the checkers he outdid a strong running Reid Levengood, also a Rookie class driver. Brody George in the meantime took top honors in the Futures division for a fourth time in five starts.

Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1. Kyle Strohl, 2. Austin Beers, 3. Bobby Jones, 4. Nick Baer, 5. Brian DeFebo, 6. Jesse Strohl, 7. Don Wagner, 8. John Markovic, 9. Carl Altemose, 10. Devin Schmidt, 11. Cody Kohler

Sportsman Modified Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Avery Arthofer, 2. Jayden Brown, 3. Randy Ahner Jr., 4 Paul Hartwig III, 5. Mia Guy, 6. Jared Ahner, 7. Bobby Butler, 8. Troy Bollinger, 9. Paul French Jr., 10. Payton Arthofer, 11. Frankie Althouse, 12. DJ Wagner

Street Stock Feature Finish (30-laps): 1. Brandon Christman, 2. Randy Ahner Jr., 3. Thomas Flanagan, 4. Jamie Smith, 5. Mark Deysher, 6. Tucker Muffley, 7. TJ Gursky, 8. Jon Moser, 9. Mark Martini, 10. Jill Snyder, 11. Rick Reichenbach, 12. Shayne Geist, 13. Todd Ahner, 14. Jason Gould, 15. Jacob Christman, 16. Logan Boyer, 17. Rich Moser, 18. Tobie Behler, 19. Cody Geist, 20. Lonnie Behler Jr., 21. Jeremy Scheckler

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20-laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Randy Schaffer, 3. Cody Kohler, 4. Kadie Purcell, 5. Robert Derfler, 6. Travis Solomon, 7. Josh Kuronya, 8. Tyler Stangle

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Jacob Boehm, 2. BJ Wambold, 3. Nick Schaffer, 4. Corey Edelman, 5. Trisha Connolly, 6. Taylor Schmidt, 7. Cody Boehm, 8. James Tout, 9. Dave Imler, 10. Al Arthofer, 11. Slade Darragh, 12. Kevin Behler, 13. Lyndsay Buss, 14. Ralph Borger JR. 15. Travis Solomon, 16. Tad Snyder, 17. Mallory Kutz, 18. Nickolas Kerstetter, 19. Justin Merkel, 20. Devin Schmidt, DNS: Ed Herman

Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock Feature Finish (12-laps): 1. Deegan Underwood, 2. Reid Levengood, 3. Adam Steigerwalt, 4. Jared Green, 5. Brody George, 6. Gary Lerch, 7. Josh Dise, 8. Tyler Aleckna, 9. Zoe Kuchera, 10. Lexus Kutz, 11. Maggie Yeakel, 12. Greyson Ahner, 13. Makayla Kohler, DNS: Dave Kerr



Matt Hirschman takes RoC 75-lap opener and seventh straight Mahoning win on April 24; Austin Beers is runner-up in as many times 

(April 24, 2021) For the seventh time in as many starts at Mahoning Valley Speedway Matt Hirschman has driven to victory, this time doing so for the season opening Race of Champions (RoC) Asphalt Modified Series 75-lapper. And, in each of those wins the runner-up has been Austin Beers. At one point the race had an extended stretch of green flag laps which put Hirschman as the pace setter but never by far. Bobby Jones was very tough on him and late into the event a strong Kyle Strohl was giving him a run before Beers took up the chase to the checkers.  “That was a workout and sometimes it’s harder to do it from out front than it is when you’re coming from behind,” admitted Hirschman, who collected his 25th Mahoning win.  “We took advantage of a good starting spot and the outside lane opened up. We got to the lead but as I said this was a harder drive then some of the ones when we come from the back.”  An equal mix of RoC and Mahoning regulars made for a well-defined field. A redraw of the top 13 from the three heats run saw Snyder Jr., and Daryl Lewis Jr., on the front row and within one lap after the initial green Snyder led the way but on the subsequent tour the outside lane opened up in the path of Hirschman and he quickly vaulted to the lead.  Jones, who won here the previous week, followed right behind and planted himself on Hirschman’s rear bumper while Snyder held steady in third. There was a few minor incidents on laps six, 13 and 19 that slowed the action but from that point it was stint of nonstop laps over next 36 circuits. All the while the front trio of Hirschman, Jones and Snyder stayed nose-to-tail.  At lap 55 Lewis came to a halt which in turn prompted a caution. On that restart Hirschman and Jones where still one-two but into third came Strohl who had done a remarkable job of working up from 13th and then took second just prior what was the final caution with 14 laps remaining. At the same time Beers had also joined the front fray.  As the race resumed Beers made a quick move to get around Strohl and from then on kept his sights set on Hirschman. Regrettably for him it was another runner-up.  “I know it’s getting old for him (Beers) but I have to remember that when the roles are reversed not to get too frustrated because he was on the other end,” said Hirschman after “I actually preferred it if we kept going green because on the restarts the cars are tougher to handle and I was already starting to struggle on that last run.”  For Beers and his runner-up to Hirschman hasn’t just been at Mahoning Valley but elsewhere as well.  “We got pushed back pretty early and fell to about 17th but it we made a good recovery. When we got to second I saw that he (Hirschman) was loose and I stayed with him not thinking that I had a chance but I did and it kind of shocked me and I feel we could have gotten him but unfortunately we ran out of time,” explained Beers.  “Matt is probably the best Modified driver right now and it’s good to know that we’re right with him and not just here but at different tracks too.”  Zane Zeiner worked from as far back as 17th to take fourth while Don Wagner rounded out the top five.

In the Street Stock feature Jillian Snyder took the lead spot from Tucker Muffley halfway through the 30 lapper and once at the helm would never waver, going on to her first win since August 2017.  The race was very captivating as the talented field put on a high speed spectacle of double-wide action for a good number of laps.  Jamie Smith was controlling the way early on with Randy Green next to him while Muffley and Snyder held on directly behind. Muffley was able to slip to second on lap nine and the next time around he and Green worked around Smith.  After a lap 14 restart it became a battle between Muffley and Snyder and in just one lap she was able to work underneath and assume the lead. Jon Moser charged up to second and continued to keep it close but there was no denying the determination to get back to winning for Snyder who drove to car length margin of victory.

Trisha Connolly won the Hobby Stock feature which once again was a highly competitive affair and thus far has become the norm.  Connolly took the lead away from early leader Jaden Brown on lap six and soon thereafter was waging a fierce battle with Taylor Schmidt. At most times they raced side-by-side and taking his fight to the low lane Schmidt cast his way ahead with five laps to go.  However, Connolly refused to fall back and with just two laps remaining did a bump and run that gave her back the position which she held onto for a scant victory, her first of the season.

In the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks it was another winning effort by Brody George and Greyson Ahner who took respective victories. The race actually came down to a last lap shootout as George used a restart with one to go to overtake Ahner. They then went bumper to bumper with George winning in the Futures class for a third time in four starts while Ahner was credited with the Rookies verdict for a record third straight time.

Modified Feature Finish (75-laps): 1. Matt Hirschman, 2. Austin Beers, 3. Kyle Strohl, 4. Zane Zeiner, 5. Don Wagner, 6. Brian DeFebo, 7. Bobby Jones, 8. Daren Scherer, 9. Nick Baer, 10. Daryl Lewis Jr., 11. Kirk Totten, 12. Rod Snyder Jr., 13. Terry Markovic, 14. Chris Risdale, 15. Sean Verwys, 16. Carl Altemose, 17. Cody Kohler, 18. Jim Gavek, 19. Danny Knoll Jr.

Street Stock Feature Finish (30-laps): 1. Jillian Snyder, 2. Jon Moser, 3. Jonny Bennett, 4. Mark Martini, 5. Mark Deysher, 6. Tucker Muffley, 7. Jacob Christman, 8. Todd Ahner, 9. Cody Geist, 10. TJ Gursky, 11. Randy Ahner Jr., 12. Rick Reichenbach, 13. Brandon Christman, 14. Thomas Flanagan, 15. Randy Green, 16. Tobie Behler, 17. Jamie Smith, 18. Eric Kocher, 19. Logan Boyer, 20. Jason Gould DNQ: Jeremy Scheckler, Rich Moser

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Trisha Connolly, 2. Taylor Schmidt, 3. BJ Wambold, 4. Corey Edelman, 5. Justin Merkel, 6. Devin Schmidt, 7. Jacob Boehm, 8. Cody Boehm, 9. Travis Solomon, 10. Al Arthofer, 11. Dave Imler Jr., 12. Nick Schaffer, 13. Lyndsay Buss, 14. Jaden Brown, 15. Tad Snyder, 16. James Tout, 17. Slade Darragh, 18. Ed Herman, 19. Mallory Kutz, 20. Ralph Borger Jr., 21. Nicholas Kerstetter

Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock Feature Finish (12-laps) 1. Brody George, 2. Greyson Ahner, 3. Reid Levengood, 4. Makayla Kohler, 5. Dave Kerr, 6. Deegan Underwood, 7. Tyler Alcona, 8. Zoe Kuchera, 9. Lexus Kutz, 10. Adam Steigerwalt, 11. Gary Lerch, 12. Maggie Yeakel


​
This coming Saturday afternoon, April 24 starting at 2:00 pm, Mahoning Valley Speedway is proud to play host to the Race of Champions (RoC) Modified Series which will be the season opening event for the popular touring series. The feature race will be 75-lap lapper.

(April 21) This coming Saturday afternoon, April 24 starting at 2:00 pm, Mahoning Valley Speedway is proud to play host to the Race of Champions (RoC) Modified Series which will be the season opening event for the popular touring series. The feature race will be 75-lap lapper.

It’s become commonplace that whenever the RoC comes to the Lehighton ¼-mile facility it’s always a toss-up of who is best between the tour steadies running with the always tough-to-beat home track regulars. Toss in a mix of independent drivers as well and Saturday’s action will most certainly have all the makings of a great afternoon of asphalt racing.

Bobby Jones, who was the most recent winner on April 17 and is the current Modified point leader, will lead the brigade of track regulars. Patrick Emerling is the defending RoC champion and whenever he makes the trip to Mahoning Valley he proves to be a contender. While there will be a very good assembly from both sides, most know that Matt Hirschman will be an odds on favorite, having won his last six straight starts at Mahoning which included the 2020 RoC season finale.           

Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks and Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks will also be in action.

Pit gates will open at 9:00 a.m. Pit entrance fees are $35 for members and $45 for non-members. Grandstands will open at noon. Adult admission is $20, $2 discount for active military, students and seniors 65+. Must have valid ID. Children 10 & under are free.

            
This will be the final 2:00 pm start time. Starting May 1 races will get underway beginning at 5:00 pm. On the slate will be Modifieds, Sportsman Modifieds, Street Stocks, in a cone race, Hobby Stocks, Pro 4s and Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks.

The 71st annual Race of Champions weekend will take place in 2021 at Lake Erie Speedway in North East, Pennsylvania and is the second longest consecutive auto-racing event in North America, second only to the Indianapolis 500.



Bobby Jones picks up first Mahoning Valley Speedway Modified win of season; Lorin Arthofer II tops in Late Models on April 17

(April 17, 2021) For the past four years Bobby Jones had a unique streak going which was winning the Modified feature on the second week of the season. That, however, ended last week with his third place finish although it wasn’t for lack of trying. So with one streak over a new one began as Jones picked up his first victory of 2021 coming on week three. And what a tough battle it was for Jones. After taking the lead from Brian DeFebo with nine laps to go he then had to fend off Nevin George before parking his Franzosa Trucking/APS Powder Coating No. 1J in Victory Lane.  “Sure we would have liked to have won last week but this hopefully will start a new trend of winning for us early in the season,” said Jones after picking up his 30th Modified feature at Mahoning Valley.  “We’ve been working on something new here and it’s definitely getting better and I don’t think it was exactly right today but it’s definitely in the right direction. It was hard fought that’s for sure.”  The race began with Kyle Strohl and Jesse Strohl (no relation) sharing the front row. At the end of the opening circuit K. Strohl showed the way while J. Strohl and Earl Paules ran side-by-side for second. Paules would acquire the runner-up spot by lap four and then applied plenty of pressure on leader K. Strohl.  The tension by Paules paid off when he used a lap 14 restart to take over the lead but it would be short lived as DeFebo slipped underneath him on a start over two laps later. Not long afterwards Paules tried to move under DeFebo but got crossed up, spun and collected several others in the wake.  When the field was reset DeFebo and Jones where one and two with George and Austin Beers battling for third. The lead pair would soon engage in a torrid fight and on lap 25 Jones put his front wheels inside of DeFebo coming off Turn 4. When they entered the first corner DeFebo suddenly checked up and Jones snatched the front spot with George following in close pursuit.  The rest of the way Jones would hold on despite a noble effort from George. DeFebo and Beers where next in line with Don Wagner rounding out the top five.  “It was all good hard racing and you look back at the list of guys in this race and all of them have achieved something here. In this Modified field you cannot sit still from the time the green waves and right up to the checkers,” noted Jones.

The Late Model division got on track for the first time this season and there was no denying the drive by winner Lorin Arthofer II who jumped into the lead from the get-go and was never in a position to let it go.  Starting on the outside pole, Arthofer overtook Rich Cooper and immediately set sail from the pack. Early on Nick Ross kept him in sight until getting turned six laps in.  
2020 champion Geno Steigerwalt was then second to Arthofer but he too could not match up and likewise with James Yons who took over as runner-up on lap 10 but as for making a stab at the leader it wasn’t to be.  Arthofer, who was making his first Late Model start since 2018, proved best and raced to his 42nd overall career win. Interesting to note the last time the car saw action was at the end of last season and Arthofer’s daughter, Avery, won the feature. 

The Street Stock main was a thrilling contest that was decided at the finish line between winner Johnny Bennett and rookie Tobie Behler.  For 29 of the 30 laps Behler continued to hold off Bennett but when the white flag waved it began a bump and bang run between the two. Bennett squeezed inside of Behler in an attempt to get the lead which he did. However, Behler despite getting slightly loose regained his composure and returned the favor to Bennett. They were now two-by-two as they exited Turn 4 and at the line Bennett, who was on the outside, eked out the victory.  

Devin Schmidt’s Hobby Stock win was close to the same electrifying outcome as he too needed every bit of the 25-laps to ensure his first triumph of the year.  Schmidt was locking horns with Cody Boehm and point leader Al Arthofer, who had won the first two races and pressing hard to make it three in a row.  On a restart with two laps to go Schmidt stayed ahead while Boehm and Arthofer went double file. As the trio reached the checkers Schmidt held on while Boehm nipped Arthofer for second spot.

Defending Pro 4 champion Cody Kohler made his first class start of the season a good one as he took charge of the race from Randy Schaffer with four laps to go and headed off to victory.  

Prior to the Pro 4 feature the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock race took place and Kohler’s sister, Makayla was celebrating victory with the Futures and it marked the first time that a brother and sister won features on the same day.

Also winning was Greyson Ahner who for the second time in as many weeks took the checker flag and overall win with the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks.
 
Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1. Bobby Jones, 2. Nevin George, 3. Brian DeFebo, 4. Austin Beers, 5. Don Wagner, 6. Rod Snyder Jr., 7.Cody Kohler, 8. Kyle Strohl, 9. Nick Baer, 10. Bobby Butler, 11. Carl Altemose, 12. Jesse Strohl, 13. Mia Guy, 14. Earl Paules, 15. John Markovic, 16. Jack Ely, 17. Terry Markovic

Late Model Feature Finish (25-laps) 1. Lorin Arthofer, 2. James Yons, 3. Geno Steigerwalt, 4. Nick Ross, 5. Brian Romig Jr., 6. Mark Hudson, 7. Brooks Smith, 8. Rich Cooper, 9. Brian Romig Sr., 10. Seth VanFossen

Street Stock Feature Finish (30-laps): 1.John Bennett, 2. Tobie Behler, 3. Todd Ahner, 4. Jon Moser, 5. Cody Geist, 6. Mark Martini, 7. Randy Ahner, 8. TJ Gursky, 9. Randy Green, 10. Ruck Reichenbach, 11. Thomas Flanagan, 12. Jacob Christman, 13. Mark Deysher, 14. Rich Moser, 15. Jill Snyder, 16. Jamie Smith, 17. Brandon Christman, 18. Tucker Muffley, 19. Earl Paules, 20. Bobby Kibler Jr.  DNQ: Jason Gould, Frank Del Nero Jr.

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20-laps) 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Jake Kibler, 3. Randy Schaffer, 4. Robert Derfler, 5. Josh Kuronya, 6. Kadie Pursell, 7. Terry Peters, 8. Jeremy Guerra

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Devin Schmidt, 2. Cody Boehm, 3. Al Arthofer, 4. BJ Wambold, 5. Justin Merkel, 6. Travis Solomon, 7. Trisha Connolly, 8. Nick Schaffer, 9. Corey Edelman, 10. Kevin Behler, 11. Slade Darragh, 12. Tony Hilliard, 13. Taylor Schmidt, 14. Jacob Boehm, 15. Micah Adams, 16. Mackenzie Adams, 17. Lyndsay Buss, 18. Herman Neff, 19. Dave Imler Jr., 20. James Tout DNQ: Ralph Borger Jr., Nicholas Kerstetter, Ed Herman, Jacob Oswald

Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock Feature Finish (12-laps) 1. Greyson Ahner, 2. Makayla Kohler, 3. Dave Kerr, 4. Gary Lerch, 5. Savannah Romig, 6. Zoe Kuchera, 7. Adam Steigerwalt, 8. Maggie Yeakel, 9. Deegan Underwood, 10. Reid Levengood, 11. Brody George



​Late Models join race card this Saturday at Mahoning Valley Speedway

(Lehighton 4-12-21) Mahoning Valley Speedway rolls into week three of the 2021 season this coming Saturday afternoon at 2:00 pm with a six division program of stock car racing which includes Modifieds, the first appearance of the season for the Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro 4s, Hobby Stocks and Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks.

The Late Model division remains a staple among the great classes at the paved ¼-mile oval, second only to the Modifieds in the number of total features held, dating back to the days of dirt.  When Pete Lovell won the first Late Model feature on pavement on July 24, 1970 there has since been 710 features run and 127 different winners on the blacktop. And, with an unprecedented 56 class wins Mike Sweeney, a two-time champion, remains the all-time wins leader.  Geno Steigerwalt won the 2021 championship, his first ever.  

The day’s action will consist of heats, last chance qualifiers and features.  Pit gates will open at 9:00 a.m. Pit entrance fees are $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Grandstands will open at noon. Adult admission is $14, $2 discount for active military, students and seniors 65+. Must have valid ID. Children 10 & under are free.  A paid-practice is slated from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm. Regular warm-ups will begin at noon Sign-ins are from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

On Saturday afternoon, April 24 at 2:00 pm the Race of Champions Modified Series competitors are gearing up to head to Mahoning Valley Speedway for the Series opener. Also in action will be Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks and Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks.

Matt Hirschman returns for a second week and repeats as Mahoning Valley Speedway winner on April 10

(April 10, 2021) Matt Hirschman took advantage of a rare weekend off from his usual traveling the region to more high profile events, instead returning to his home base of Mahoning Valley Speedway and in doing so was able to claim a second straight win in the process.  Hirschman, who was fresh off of a thrilling Opening Day photo finish victory over Austin Beers in the Bill Teel Tribute, once again bested his fellow Northampton opponent only this time he would be the one in control rather than the week prior when he had to chase down leader. Hirschman drew the pole for the 35-lap contest and would stay out-front the entire distance for his seventh win in 11 starts this season. “We really only had the option of racing closer to home. It’s been a busy early season and the plan was to not race at all this weekend and prep for the upcoming races but we made a last minute decision and I’m glad we did,” said Hirschman, who picked up his 24th career win at Mahoning Valley and sixth in as many starts.  “I think the longer the race went on we needed to improve a little on the handling. On a shorter run like today we were okay but I think if the race continued I feel we were going to struggle a little.”  At the outset Hirschman jumped to the early lead over Nick Baer and Earl Paules. Paules then took second spot on lap six and was able to stay very close to the leader. Bobby Jones, who had raced up to third on lap seven, was also running strong and remaining nearby the front pair.  The race was slowed for the first time on lap 13 when Kyle Strohl spun in Turn 3. Under that caution Paules was pulled to the side by officials to check for leaking and it was confirmed positive which then sent him pit-side.  On the restart Jones took aim at Hirschman but the No. 60 again had the upper hand. By lap 21 Beers propelled into second spot and it was yet again a familiar scene playing out between the two Mud Lane racers – running one-two while battling for the win.  Unlike the last week though when Beers led until the finish line and was overtaken by Hirschman, there would be no denying the Harry’s U-Pull-It No. 60 as he drove to a car length margin of victory.  “We’re not use to racing here in daytime conditions and last week during the opener I don’t think was a true reading on the track and out next show for us planned is the (April 24) RoC here in two weeks and it’s again a day show,” said Hirschman.  “I prefer the night shows and I think we have it dialed in but that’s why we’re here today to see if we can get a little bit better because I feel we need to for the 75-lap RoC race.”  Jones took third with Brian DeFebo and Baer rounding out the top five.

The Sportsman Modifieds ran their first race of the season with a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talent and to put that into a better prospective 53-year old journeyman Don Wagner, who was making his first start with the class, held off 10-year old Paulie Hartwig III and 17-year old Kassidy Altemose in gaining his 40th overall career win.  Another analogy to consider is Wagner’s first win came in 1989, 32 years ago, which is more than the combined age of Hartwig and Altemose.  Wagner had the pole for the outset of the 25-lap affair and took charge immediately. Behind him was a bevy a close action with Jared Ahner, Hartwig and Peyton Arthofer all making Wagner stay sharp. Then with three laps to go the pressure was turned up on Wagner which began when Ahner and Arthofer tangled and brought out the caution. On the restart Hartwig was second with Altemose third.  Over the remaining laps Wagner kept his car on the bottom in defense while the younger pair went into a torrid side-by-side battle. As the checkers waved for veteran it took time to determine second spot which went to Hartwig by a mere .001-second margin.  “The young guys are our future and I’m so happy we got some young talent and that’s also why we built this car to support this division and I think it’s going to continue to get better and better and grow into an awesome division,” said Wagner. “Those young kids kept me busy for sure and it was really nice to park it in Victory Lane today. Myself and the team still try hard to put a lot of effort into all this and we’ll run this car and the Modified throughout the season.”

TJ Gursky took the lead in the Street Stock feature at the drop of the race commencing green and from there on never looked back.  The strong running Gursky was picture perfect with each passing lap and while he was commanding the field Brandon Christman was holding onto second, however, on lap 13 Gursky’s teammate Mark Martini made the pass to run behind the leader and one lap latter came Opening Day winner Randy Ahner Jr., who is the third team member with the front two who all race for owners Rip and Vicki Ripkey.  When Gursky crossed the finish line it would mark his first victory since 2015 and the first time a three-car team took the top three spots in a feature at Mahoning Valley.

The Hobby Stock feature was a barnburner affair from start to finish and even though Al Arthofer won for the second week in a row it took him nearly all of the 25 laps to do so.  The race was filled with two and at times three-wide action beginning with Taylor Schmidt and Jacob Boehm for the better part of the race.  Then over the final eight laps Arthofer, who had just nipped Travis Solomon for third, made it a three car battle for the lead – three-wide as a matter of fact.  Arthofer ran the outside lane and with three laps to go powered into the lead which he would hold to the end. Schmidt held on for second over Boehm.

In the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks Greyson Ahner, a Rookie, led flag to flag for his first ever stock car win,
Closing in at a rapid pace was Brody George who notched the win in the Futures, his second straight.

Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1. Matt Hirschman, 2. Austin Beers, 3. Bobby Jones, 4. Brian DeFebo, 5. Nick Baer, 6. Cody Kohler, 7. Terry Markovic, 8. Jesse Strohl, 9. Kyle Strohl, 10. Earl Paules

Sportsman Modified Feature Finish (25-laps) 1. Don Wagner, 2. Paul Hartwig III, 3. Kassidy Altemose, 4. Randy Ahner Jr., 5. Carl Altemose, 6. Avery Arthofer, 7. Kevin Kromer, 8. Mia Guy, 9. Troy Bollinger, 10. Payton Arthofer, 11. Jarred Ahner, 12. Danielle Paules

Street Stock Feature Finish (30-laps): 1. TJ Gursky, 2. Mark Martini, 3. Randy Ahner Jr., 4. Earl Paules, 5. Brandon Christman, 6. Jill Snyder, 7. Thomas Flanagan, 8. Mark Deysher, 9. Jon Moser, 10. Tucker Muffley, 11. Jacob Christman, 12. Jeremy Scheckler, 13. Todd Ahner, 14. Randy Green, 15. Cody Geist, 16. Jaime Smith, 17. Toby Behler, 18. Logan Boyer, 19. John Bennett

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Al Arthofer, 2. Taylor Schmidt, 3. Jacob Boehm, 4. Travis Solomon, 5. Devin Schmidt, 6. Nick Schaeffer, 7. Corey Edelman, 8. Cody Boehm, 9. Trisha Connolly, 10. Justin Merkel, 11. James Tout, 12. Lyndsay Buss, 13. Dave Imler Jr., 14. Jaden Brown, 15. Ed Herman, 16. Jake Oswald, 17. Ralph Borger Jr., 18. Mallory Kutz, 19. Kevin Behler, 20. Nicholas Kerstetter DNQ: Herman Neff, Kip George, Slade Darragh

Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock Feature Finish (12-laps): 1. Greyson Ahner, 2. Brody George, 3. Adam Steigerwalt, 4. Deegan Underwood, 5. Makayla Kohler, 6. Maggie Yeakel, 7. Josh Dise, 8. Gary Lerch, 9. Lexus Kutz, 10. Reid Levengood, 11. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 12. Arland Moyer Jr. DNS: Zoe Kuchera

Sportsman Modifieds set for 2021 debut this Saturday, April 10 at Mahoning Valley Speedway
(Lehighton 4-7-21) Mahoning Valley Speedway is coming off a great season opener – race number one of the John Blewett Inc., Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fames Series Bill Teel Tribute – which featured some outstanding racing including the long-to-be-talked-about Modified photo finish between Matt Hirschman and Austin Beers.
With that thrilling day in the rear view mirror now begins the full slate of regular season point races beginning this Saturday afternoon, April 10 with a five division card of stock car action at the ¼-mile paved bullring.
Race time is 2:00 p.m.
On the program will be Modifieds, Sportsman Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks and Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks. 
There is much anticipation, too, with the Sportsman Modifieds racing for the first time in 2021. The fledgling class, now entering its fourth year of existence, had a respectable showing of cars last season, however, no thanks to the on goings of the Coronavirus that cut the calendar of events substantially, the division was only able to get on track four times.
And, even though Earl Paules won three of the four features held, there was indeed a fair amount of close racing nonetheless.
 Over the offseason meetings with owners and drivers where held and some rules where adjusted to conform with similar Sportsman classes throughout the region which in turn has led to track tech officials fielding numerous calls from teams planning to compete.
Matter of fact during the recent Test and Tune teams from as far away as Buffalo, NY came down to practice as well as a host of others both locally and regionally.
Pit gates will open at 9:00 a.m. Pit entrance fees are $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Grandstands will open at noon. Adult admission is $14, $2 discount for active military, students and seniors 65+. Must have valid ID. Children 10 & under are free.
A paid-practice is slated from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm. Regular warm-ups will begin at noon Sign-ins are from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.



Hirschman over Beers in photo finish at Mahoning Valley Speedway season opener April 3

(April 3, 2021) You couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the season at Mahoning Valley Speedway with an incredible Modified finish that was decided by a whisker by two drivers who came from deep in the pack as 13th starting Matt Hirschman nipped Austin Beers, who drove to the lead from 16th on the grid, for the win in the opening round of the John Blewett Inc., Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series Bill Teel Tribute, equally exiting action in the support classes, a sun splashed afternoon and a five division program that was in the books in just a bit over four hours. 

And, for Hirschman, he may have chocked another victory at the paved quarter mile oval – his fifth in a row and 23rd overall – but it was by far one of the most hard-earned yet.  After a revenge draw, Hirschman used every bit of talent he had to execute his drive to victory as he was placed to the back after getting caught up in a lap seven dust up, then methodically picked his way back with savvy driving and the help of a sprinkling of cautions. Within the final half dozen laps he was able to move past Zane Zeiner and Jack Ely leaving only Beers to contend with which immediately began a fierce side-by-side duel.Beers would actually catch a break with three laps to go when a caution flew and the ensuing restart would go single file, however, Hirschman went right back at it and as the white flag waved it was a hard charging battle to the end. The pair where dead even as they rolled out of turn four and when they crossed the finish line it was determined that Hirschman was barely ahead to claim the verdict.  “That was a hell of finish and I’ve been a part of some amazing last lap finishes this year and we keep coming out on top and it’s an awesome way to win a race but it also stinks to lose a race that way too,” expressed Hirschman. “The fans were certainly treated to a great finish whether they were cheering for us or Austin (Beers), they got a great race and at the end of the day that’s what you come to see,” he continued.  “We actually got handicapped twice between the redraw and then getting spun near the start but you never give up and that’s always been my motto, never give up until the checkered flag falls.”  The thrilling finish between Hirschman and Beers was only part of the story. At the outset Nevin George overtook pole sitter Ely for the early lead but then gave way to Zeiner after a lap-12 restart. Bobby Jones was then glued to Zeiner’s rear bumper with George just as close.  Zeiner and Jones continued on one-two until Ely found a burst to get by Jones with 39 laps in and the next time around did the same to Zeiner. Following Ely was his teammate Beers who wasted little time in taking the DeLange Racing No. 45 to the front as the field recorded 43 laps. It was evident to both Beers and Ely that Hirschman was on their heels and they worked there best to keep him at bay. But after Hirschman passed Ely the stage was set to the thrilling run to the checkers. 
“The laps where ticking off and once it got past 50 I was thinking ‘Man 14 laps and we’re in sixth spot and we have to do something quick.’ Then things started to open up and we made some good passes,” explained Hirschman.  
“People may not like that we’re winning and our success but there isn’t one guy at this race track that can be mad about me today and the way I raced them and it was a good entertaining finish and you’re going to leave here talking about this finish for a long time.” For the second time in as many races Beers finished second to Hirschman at Mahoning. They closed out 2020 in the same order and a number of times prior to this race as well.  “It was very tough to swallow this one but I’m sure it was a great show for the fans, what a race. It was an honor to race in the memory of Bill Teel,” said Beers. 
“Our right rear (tire) went around lap 45 so that didn’t help but honestly to finish second to Matt (Hirschman), it’s hard to swallow because it’s happened now several times but I think we’re going to get him soon.”  Taking third was Tyler Haydt, who’s Future Homes Custom Builders stepped with additional first place money. Ely hung in for fourth while Brian DeFebo rounded out the top five,

In the Street Stock main it was Randy Ahner Jr., scoring a solid win over Mark Deysher for his 23rd career class victory. Ahner took the lead with eight laps to go after passing impressive rookie Jacob Christman.  Christman, who was in his very first stock car race, picked the pole and when the green flag dropped exhibited no indication of this being his solo outing as he was holding back one of the premier veterans in Todd Ahner and doing so with self-confidence and just plan good driving.  On a lap 20 restart Christman was still leading while R. Ahner overhauled T. Ahner for second. The upstart was still maintaining his lead nonetheless, running a good line that enabled him to hold off the charge of R. Ahner.  However, a power steering hose let go and made it problematic for him to uphold his spot, as R. Ahner would step to the outside of Christman and complete the race winning pass as 22 laps went into the books. Deysher, TJ Gursky, Johnny Bennett, Shayne Geist and Johnny Bennett run in a close pack but not close enough to challenge R. Ahner who scored his 39th overall career win.  Unfortunately for Christman, his noteworthy debut ended three laps short as the culprit steering hose would be his demise.

Reigning and two-time Hobby Stock champion Al Arthofer came out firing on all cylinders as he cruised to the Opening Day victory.  Arthofer, who started seventh, zipped by early leader Ryan Berger on lap 14 of 25. From there on the throttled down and continued to distance himself from the pack, ultimately taking a nearly two second margin of victory over Berger.  While Arthofer was pulling away Trisha Connolly and Justin Merkel ran under a blanket with Berger and would cross the finish line in the order. Cody Boehm held off his brother Jacob Boehm to compete the top five.

In the Pro 4 main Josh Kuronya started out the season the same way he ended it, with a victory. Kuronya closed out 2020 with his career first win leading every lap in the process. In a carbon copy he again led the distance and did so while fending off perennial division kingpin Jake Kibler. 

Also on the card was the Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock that ran a combined feature. Out front when the checkers waved was Brody George who led from lap two. Runner-up and credited with the Rookie victory was Deegan Underwood who notably drove a great first ever race.     

Modified Feature Finish (64-laps): 1. Matt Hirschman, 2. Austin Beers, 3. Tyler Haydt, 4. Jack Ely, 5. Brian DeFebo, 6. Zane Zeiner, 7. Nick Bear, 8. Earl Paules, 9. Don Wagner, 10. Austin Kochenash, 11. Kyle Strohl, 12. Blake Barney, 13. Cody Kohler, 14. Sean Verwys, 15. Lou Strohl, 16. Rod Snyder Jr., 17. Brian Romig, 18. John Markovic, 19. Nevin George, 20. Terry Markovic, 21. Bobby Jones, 22. Jacob Kerstetter DNQ: Jesse Strohl

Street Stock Feature Finish (30-laps): 1. Randy Ahner Jr., 2. Mark Deysher, 3. TJ Gursky, 4. Shayne Geist, 5. John Bennett, 6. Earl Paules, 7. Jon Moser, 8. Bob Kibler, 9. Cody Geist, 10. Jill Snyder, 11. Jeremy, 12. Tobie Behler, 13. Randy Green, 14. Tucker Muffley, 15. Logan Boyer, 16. Brandon Christman, 17. Mark Martini, 18. Jamie Smith, 19. Todd Ahner, 20. Jacob Christman, 21. Thomas Flanagan

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Al Arthofer, 2. Ryan Berger, 3. Trisha Connolly, 4. Justin Merkel, 5. Cody Boehm, 6. Jacob Boehm, 7. Taylor Schmidt, 8. Devin Schmidt, 9. Travis Solomon, 10. Corey Edelman, 11. Lyndsay Buss, 12. Nick Schaffer, 13. Jaden Brown, 14. Slade Darragh, 15. Mallory Kutz, 16. Ed Herman, 17. Savannah Romig, 18. James Tout, 19. Nicholas Kerstetter, 20. Corey Gulich DNQ: Rich Mutarelli, Dave Imler, Jake Oswald, Tony Hilliard, Kerry Boehm, Ralph Borger Jr., Kip George

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20-laps): 1. Josh Kuronya, 2. Jake Kibler, 3. Randy Schaffer, 4. Kadie Purcell, 5. Terry Peters, 6. Robert Derfler, 7. Tyler Stangle, 8. Jeremy Guerra

Futures/Rookie Hobby Stock Feature Finish (12-laps): 1. Brody George, 2. Deegan Underwood, 3. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 4. Reid Levengood, 5. Makayla Kohler, 6. Dave Kerr, 7. Arlene Moyer, 8. Maggie Yeakel, 9. Gary Lerch, 10. Adam Steigerwalt, 11. Jared Green, 12.Savannah Romig, 13. Lexus Kutz, 14. Tyler Alechia, 15. Zoe Kuchera, 16. Greyson Ahner, 17. Josh Dise. 18. Wyatt Taschler

Mahoning Valley Speedway season opener John Blewett, Inc., Hall of Fame Series Bill Teel Tribute this coming Saturday at 2:00 pm

(3-28-21) With the third and final day of Mahoning Valley Speedway’s Test and Tune/Opening Day Fast Time held Saturday afternoon, April 27, all focus now turns to the much anticipated start of the 2021 season at the popular paved ¼-mile Lehighton oval with race number one of the John Blewett Inc., Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fames Series (MVSHoFS) Bill Teel Tribute.  Race time is 2:00 p.m.

Thanks in part to Future Homes Custom Builders of Lehighton the feature winner of the 64-lap Modified portion of the MVSHoFS will collect a cool $3500 plus through the big-heartedness of the Teel/George families an additional $1160 has been affixed into the purse with an emphasis on the second half of the finishing order. Tenth place will pay $500 while it will be $300 to take the green.

“We’re really excited to kick off the 2021 season and the Hall of Fames Series by paying tribute to the late, great champion Bill Teel and with the amazing support from Tyler Haydt and Future Homes, the family and friends of Bill (Teel) and also having John Blewett Inc., onboard for the whole Series, it’s all making for what should be a fantastic day of racing,” said Mahoning Valley promoter Keith Hoffman.  “After our final Test and Tune/Opening Day Fast Time session I can assure you that all indications are in favor of a great turnout of cars for all classes. Last year’s Hall of Fames Series was nothing short of thrilling and we’re stoked get back to racing with the Bill Teel Tribute.”

The Street Socks and Hobby Stocks will also be racing as part of the MVSHoFS plus the card will include the Pro 4s and Future/Rookie Hobby Stocks.  Cutting Edge Designs of Lehighton will be paying a $50 bonus to the winner of the Hobby Stock feature and will also reward $50 to the driver of the same race who is running 14th on the 14th lap.  Ahner’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning of Palmerton has kicked in $100 to the Futures and Rookie Hobby Stock victors plus a $50 bonus if a Rookie driver is the overall winner. And a $50 Hard Luck payout will be presented as well.

This past Saturday saw four-time track champion Rod Snyder Jr., set the fast time for the Modifieds at 10.024-seconds while two-time Street Stock champ Randy Ahner Jr., was quickest with that class with an 11.796-second lap and Mallory Kutz locked down the top time with the Hobby Stocks with a time 12.048-seconds – her time was set on March 13 and held over all three practice days. That trio has been awarded a guaranteed pick in the feature redraw of their respective divisions for the season lid-lifter and are also receiving $50 each courtesy of Hoffman Discount Parts, Aqua-Duck Water Transport and “The Voice” Dino Oberto.

Pit gates on Opening Day will open at 9:00 a.m. Pit entrance fees are $35 for members and $45 for non-members. Grandstands will open at noon. Adult admission is $20, $2 discount for active military, students and seniors 65+. Must have valid ID. Children 10 & under are free.

There will be a visit by the Easter Bunny who will be handing out treats to all the youngsters on hand. A paid-practice is slated from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm. Regular warm-ups will begin at noon Sign-ins are from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.  All MVSHoFS features will pick for heat starting spots and do a redraw for the features. The Modifieds will hold a revenge draw for their starting grid line-up.


Bobby Kibler Sr., and Cody Boehm are quickest in second round of Mahoning Valley Speedway Fast Time runs March 20

(3-20-21) The second of three preseason Test and Tune/Opening Day Fast Time runs were held at Mahoning Valley Speedway with competitors on hand to take advantage of a picture perfect Saturday afternoon and all with the focus on preparation for the start of the 2021 season which begins April 3.  The purpose of the shake-down runs was twofold. For the Modifieds, Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks it was a chance for one driver from each of those classes to lock themselves into a guaranteed pill pick for the Opening Day race number one of the Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fames Series (MVSHoFS) Bill Teel Tribute while they and the other divisions on hand got a feel for the hard work that went into their cars over the off-season.  Clicking off the fastest times after two scheduled rounds where Bobby Kibler Sr., in the Street Stocks at 11.825-seconds and Cody Boehm in the Hobby Stocks with a top lap of 12.205-seconds.
 Kibler’s time was also the quickest after two weekends held thus far as he bested Brandon Christman, who had been at the top of the charts from the previous week’s timed runs. Boehm, although quickest on the day, was not swift enough to unseat Mallory Kutz who laid down the division’s top time at 12.048 the week prior.  There were several Modifieds in house but those individuals deferred on time until the final Test and Tune/Opening Day Fast Time day on March 27 as they were still tweaking their mounts.  With next Saturday’s final practice run coming in advance of the season opener it is expected to be a very busy afternoon. Pits will open at 10:00 am with on track activities beginning at noon. The 2021 lid-lifter is slated for 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 3. On the card will be Modifieds, Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks – which will all be part of the MVSHoFS – plus Pro 4s and Futures/Rookie Hobby Stocks.  Also taking place at the season’s first event will be the disbursement of point fund monies from 2020.


Sean Verwys looking to build on solid rookie Modified year…will run Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series and Race of Champions Tour in 2021

(Mahoning Speedway - Feb 2021) The shortened 2020 race season at Mahoning Valley Speedway was not much different than other tracks that had to deal with the delayed start all due to the coronavirus pandemic. By not getting on track until mid-June drivers had to fight twice as hard working for a win knowing that half a season was already lost.  That same aspect applied for rookie drivers too who looked-for the needed seat time in order to hone their skillset and in the Modified ranks at the paved ¼-mile oval there was a young contender who despite the limited racing turned quite a few heads by the time the season completed.

Sean Verwys of East Stroudsburg, a 17-year old who was a true-blue Modified rookie in 2020, earned satisfactory grades thanks to some clean driving and consistent finishes. For a Modified apprentice Verwys scored a respectable sixth in points that included a pair of top five’s and five top ten’s in only nine starts. “As a team we looked at 2020 as a huge stepping point. My uncles raced Modifieds for quite a few years and could never put up the numbers like we did last year and not because of talent but rather what they had to work with,” said Verwys, a second generation driver.  “The biggest thing was to get as much seat time as possible and gain that experience trying to do better and keep improving, that’s our entire goal.”Like most others he began in karting and did the ladder climb which included Bandolero and Legends before getting seated in the Modified.  “Legends cars really taught me so much on how to drive. The Modified has given me a lot more consistency in tire management,” said Verwys.

Although there is plenty of support from his family and others, the team mainly consists of just him and his dad Bill, who is also a driver. They work out a one-car garage putting in countless hours in order to race.  “I can’t thank him enough for everything he does for me. He’s my engineer, crew chief, my ride to the track, my tire changer, he’s everything,” said Verwys.

For Verwys last year was a realization come to fruition running a Modified at Mahoning Valley Speedway. It meant competing against a huge host of star power drivers whom he admired for a long time. “The drivers I literally watched since I was a kid sitting in the stands – Bobby Jones, Brian DeFebo, Earl Paules, Matt Hirschman, Eric and Austin Beers, Don Wagner and the list goes on with the amount of talent there is at Mahoning,” he explained.

“It’s said how it’s one of the toughest tracks in the country for how hard it is to pass and to just the pure stout competition for this area. It was really awesome for me to not only race against those guys but also gain their respect,” he continued.  “I know at the beginning of the year they may have been cautious to drive alongside me but by the end of the season I felt confident enough that anyone can go side-by-side with us and we all held our own.”  Amazingly it didn’t take long to show his ability as he raced to his first top-5 in just his second start. He drove the rest of the year always smooth and clean before capping off the final point race with a second top five.  “Getting those two top-5s during the year was awesome because not only to you see the drivers who are in front of you and are ‘name’ drivers but you also have those behind you that are just as good with all the years of experience and here I was in the middle of all them in just my first year of Modifieds,” disclosed Verwys.  With the 2021 season just around the corner Verwys will be looking to build on his rookie momentum in more ways than one. After recently applying for and receiving early graduate status at East Stroudsburg High School, he has begun studies in High Performance and Regular Automotive at the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) in Lima, OH.  “I want to learn as much as possible to better our own racing program but also build connections within the sport whether it be working in a race shop or even better yet getting an opportunity to drive,” he noted. With studies taking precedence, his race plans will be fine-tuned to work around that. UNOH is basically a year-round school. He will be back at Mahoning Valley, limited albeit, and he is looking towards action on the Race of Champions (RoC) Modified Series.

At Mahoning he will run the entire Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series. He wants to contend for RoC Rookie of the Year also. “Right now we’re leaning on doing the full RoC Tour and go for Rookie of the Year there and that means hitting Mahoning for the first race and all of the (Mahoning) Hall of Fame Series races. We’ve been looking at taking in a race or two at Evergreen (Raceway). We’ll have some time off of school in August but the biggest thing is where’s the budget at and how will the car be.” With his eye-catching 2020 Verwys feels confident that a first of many wins is close at hand.  “The top 10’s will lead to top 5’s and eventually a win and that first win is going to mean close to everything,” he admits.  “I’ve been watching Modifieds since I was old enough to remember and these are the cars that are steppingstones to get into the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour or maybe getting my name even further out there.

“That win – when it comes – is going to hopefully project my name out there and have people see that even though we don’t have the big bucks we’re still a solid team that is able to contend. I feel we’re a good driver and a good team able to race against the big names and talented drivers.”  Verwys will be back on track when Mahoning Valley Speedway kicks off the 2021 season on Saturday, April 3 at 2:00 pm which is the opening event of the Hall of Fame Series featuring the Bill Teel Tribute. He’ll then be right back at Mahoning on April 24 when the RoC begins their season with a 75-lapper slated for 2:00 pm.  “We wanted to show that we were there to contend.”


John Blewett, Inc., Is named title sponsor of the 2021 Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series

(March 9, 2021). When Jimmy Showtime Blewett made his first, and so far only appearance, at Lehighton, Pennsylvania's Mahoning Valley Speedway in last season’s opening round of the Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fames Series (MVSHoFS), not so surprisingly the driver best known as “Showtime” came away with the popular win in the John ‘Peepers’ Yerger Tribute.

Driving Scott Brannick’s North American Sprinkler Construction No. 51, Blewett was in the right place at the right time in gaining the victory. After front runners Eric Beers and Matt Hirschman tangled late in the race the lead was then handed over to third running Blewett who was able to hold off hard charging Joshua Scherer and Blake Barney.

In many different ways Blewett came away very impressed with his time spent at the ¼-mile bullring including the MVSHoFS itself and has thus stepped in to become the title sponsor of the Series through his family run John Blewett, Inc. Auto & Scrap Metal Recycling of Howell, NJ.

“I feel that there’s a lot of history there and after finally getting on track last year and seeing what they did that first night – that was the first race in the post-pandemic and we had a chance to all go racing again after not really having the opportunity to do anything before that and when Mahoning opened up with that initial Hall of Fame race it was one heck of show,” explained Blewett.

“For me not ever being there before and seeing the support that the local fans as well as all those who traveled from outside the area was phenomenal and it was great to see so many familiar faces and many more new ones,” he continued.

“I’d never been where guys like Tony Hirschman and Eric Beers grew up racing and a lot of other drivers too who came out of that region and are remarkable so to go there and be able to race and take in such a positive atmosphere and with the history, it meant something to us.”

Blewett also has a solid relationship with Mahoning promoter Keith Hoffman and his late brother Doug Hoffman that also led to him offering his support to the MVSHoFS. “Doug and Keith (Hoffman) being a good friends of mine I figured it would be something that we would like to be a part,” reflected Blewett.

“Keith called me and asked about us helping out the Hall of Fames Series, which I think is an awesome series, and if we would be willing to do something and I felt this was fitting for us.”

John Blewett Inc., Auto & Scrap Metal Recycling is a family owned and operated company that was established in 1953. They buy and pay cash for old metal. They are also fully equipped to handle all demolition and excavation jobs. For more info on all their services visit: https://www.johnblewett.com

The MVSHoFS was launched last year and became an instant success. It consisted of a five race series run amongst the Modifieds, Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks. The Modified features were all extra distance/high dollar shows and centered on a select group of Hall of Fame drivers and their signature car numbers.

“It’s cool that we can pay tribute to drivers who are not racing anymore or may have passed away but there’s great memories with all of them,” said Hoffman.

“The whole Hall of Fame Series is something we could all be proud of and I’m really excited for what the 2021 edition will bring. We’re going to be building on what we did and with the honorees we have lined up for this year it looks like another great Hall of Fame Series is in store and we can’t be happier to welcome John Blewett, Inc., Auto & Scrap Metal Recycling as the official Series sponsor. Jimmy (Blewett) is a great guy and a great racer and we’re thankful for his support.”

Before Blewett making his Mahoning debut he conferred with track kingpin Eric Beers, a multi-time champion and the all-time leader in Modified wins.

“It’s a racy track and one of those tracks that was always on my bucket list and Eric Beers was a lot of help to me going there. I had some ideas of what I wanted but I wasn’t 100% sure so I called him and he told me do this, this and this and we’ll be just fine. He guided me to where I needed to be competitive,” acknowledged Blewett.

“It was good and perhaps one of the best experiences I’ve had in racing. People may say it’s just Mahoning but no, to be able to go out there and win that race and have help from someone you looked up to your whole life was something I’ll always remember.”

The first of the five events begins with the season opening Bill Teel Tribute on April 3. Next will be the Ward Crozier Sr., Tribute on May 15 followed by the Roger Heffelfinger Sr., Tribute slated for June 19. On July 31 the Lorin Arthofer Tribute is in line and the conclusion will be the Hall of Fame Classic Weekend on October 1-2 and highlighted by the Paul Bauscher Tribute.

Mahoning Valley Speedway will begin on track action with three consecutive weekends of Test and Tune days tentatively set for March 13, 20 & 27 from noon to 4:00 pm. Opening Day will begin at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 3 with a rained date if needed for April 17.

As for Blewett he did verify that he will not be making the season opener but has not ruled out a return to Mahoning at any time this season.

“I’m hoping that this year we can get back out here and have some fun and see everybody. My car owner Scott Brannick is also hoping to get back there. It really will come down to how my schedule is. It could come down to a weekend when we say hey let’s go to Mahoning instead of here or there. We want to show our support,” said Blewett.

Mahoning Valley Speedway 2021 schedule unveiled 
(LEHIGHTON, PA. 1-31-21) Mahoning Valley Speedway has put the finishing touches on the 2021 race schedule and is excited to release what is geared toward another worthwhile season for fans and race teams of the paved ¼-mile oval located just west of Lehighton.
One of the central highpoints is the Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series (MVSHoFS). The MVSHoFS is the brainchild of Mahoning promoter Keith Hoffman and after a very successful debut last year that gained rave reviews, the 2021 group of honorees for the special five race series will include Bill Teel, Ward Crozier Sr., Roger Heffelfinger Sr., Lorin Arthofer Sr., and Paul Bauscher.  “I think we have really put together a well-rounded schedule that has something for everyone,” said Hoffman, now starting his second season at the helm.  “Obviously after the huge success of the Hall of Fame Series we were thrilled in naming the honorees for 2021 and as you can see it’s quite a class of distinctive individuals who played a major role in the history of Mahoning Valley.”  The season will actually get underway with race number one of the MVSHoFS on Saturday, April 3 with the Bill Teel Tribute. The subsequent Series’ events are May 15, June 19, July 31 and October 2 honoring Crozier, Heffelfinger, Arthofer and Bauscher respectively. 
The Race of Champions (RoC) Tour will be back too, opening up their 2021 season at Mahoning Valley on April 24 with a 75-lap feature.
Street Stock racers, for years a strong supportive class, will see the return of the Mike Krempasky Tribute. The 50-lap event, taking place on July 10, will award the winner $1000.  “It was nice to work out an early season date with the RoC which we feel will be favorable to everyone. I

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