Modified and Street Stocks highlight busy night of racing on September 23 for Greg and Rich Long Hall of Fame Tribute at Mahoning Valley Speedway
 
 Fans of Mahoning Valley Speedway will be in for plenty of great action when the paved ¼-mile oval swings back into action on Saturday evening, September 23 with the presentation of the Greg and Rich Long Hall of Fame Tribute Night.  Race time is 5:00 pm.The Modifieds will be running in a 97-lap/$2970-to-win feature while the Street Stocks will compete in a 40-lap cone race paying $970 to win.Both race purses have additional cash going out to the finishing order plus there will be lap money bonuses added as well.
Modified and Street Stock drivers will pick for heat starting spots and a redraw of the top three in each will then determine the respective feature line-ups. Also for those two events there will be 100 ‘show-up’ points towards the regular season championship points.
Greg and Rich Long, each inductees into the Dorney Park Speedway/Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame, have been staples at both facilities for decades. As a driver Greg has ensued a winning Late Model career beginning at Dorney and then Mahoning behind the wheel of his signature No. 97. Of his numerous trips to Victory Lane, his best would be considered on May 9, 1987 at Mahoning. That was the day of the revived track’s opener and in front of a capacity crowd he would become the very first feature winner.  All the while as Greg was driving, his brother Rich was alongside as the crew chief and not just for him. Rich was always ready to lend his knowledge to everyone and anyone who sought out his expert assistance in car set-ups. And when it comes to Mahoning Valley Speedway he has stepped in many times to assist in any way possible to provide help from behind the scenes. The Long legacy and the No. 97 lives on as Greg’s daughter, Jillian Snyder, is among the stars of the Street Stock division. Heading into the upcoming Long Tribute night she is sits atop the division standings. And making sure her car remains at the forefront are her dad and uncle. The Long brothers have a deep passion for Mahoning Valley Speedway and remain dedicated supporters of the track and all local racing. During intermission they along with their family will be saluted in Victory Lane. The Greg and Rich Long Tribute will be a very full night of racing. Aside from the special Modified and Street Stocks mains, there will be the make-up July 15 Street Stock and Pro 4 features run. Plus Race #5 of the Evergreen Raceway/Mahoning Valley Speedway Dual Track Series for the 4-Cylinder Stock/Hobby Stocks will take place. Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Futures will also be competing plus the visiting Micro Stocks join in and the popular JuiceBox Division takes to the track during intermission.
Pit gates open at 11:00 am. Early paid practice ($25 per car) will take place from noon to 2:00 pm. Warm-ups begin at 3:00 pm and racing starts at 5:00 pm. Adult grandstand admission is $18. Pits are $45. Driver sign-ins are from 2:00 to 3:15.


Saturday, September 23
Schedule of Events
SUbject to change    

11:00 am – Pit gates open $45 pp
Noon to 2:00 pm – Early paid practice ($25 per car)
2:00 pm to 3:15 pm – Driver sign-ins NOTE: Any driver who misses sign-ins will start at rear of heat race   
Transponder fee – $6 if you have your own; $12 for track rental. Must have valid driver’s license
DTS registration fee – $20

3:00 pm – Grandstands open $18 admission (kids 10 and under are free) 
3:00 pm warm-ups – Dirt Mods, Street Stocks, Pros 4s, Futures, Micro Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Modifieds
4:20 pm – Mandatory drivers meeting in staging area…ALL drivers must attend drivers meeting or they will start in rear. NOTE: Only registered competing drivers allowed to attend. If 16 or under parent or guardian my also attend.

4:50 pm – Call first make-up feature to staging area
4:55 pm – National Anthem
5:00 pm – Make-up Street Stock feature from 8/12 - 30 laps
– Make-up Pro 4 feature from 8/12 - 20 laps
Heats
Dirt Mods – 8 laps
Futures – 6 laps
Micro Stocks – 8 laps
Hobby Stocks – 8 laps
Street Stocks – 10 laps
Pro 4s – 8 laps
Modifieds – 12 laps
NOTE: All cars must make valid qualifying attempt in order to race in features* 
*- subject to track assessment

INTERMISSION: Greg and Rich Long intro on front straight followed by JuiceBox Division        
Modified, Street Stock, Hobby Stock feature redraw at pit shack            
FEATURES  
Dirt Mods – 20 laps
Futures – 15 laps
Micro Stocks – 20 laps
Hobby Stocks DTS Race #5 – 40 laps
Street Stocks – 40 laps
Pro 4s – 20 laps
Modifieds – 97 laps
NOTE: Top 2 from heats and top 5 from features must go to scales afterwards​

Bobby Jones wins in Modifieds and 602 Crate Mods; Nick Baer races to first with Modifieds during action-filled Fan Appreciation Day at Mahoning Valley Speedway on August 26

By DINO OBERTO
(Lehighton, PA 8-26-23) Mahoning Valley Speedway’s annual Fan Appreciation Day presented by the Pizza Joint of Allentown saw the track filled with plenty of fans, over 100 race cars, 10 features and as an added bonus a special afternoon concert by High Voltage, the nation’s top AC/DC tribute band, which made for a great and enjoyable time for all. And yes, while everyone indeed was enjoying the day-long festivities, Bobby Jones may have left as the most ecstatic among the large gathering as for the first time in his well-documented career he won a pair of features on the same night, coming in the Modifieds and 602 Crate Modifieds.  Nick Baer will also be one to remember this night as he won for the first time in a Tour Type Modified, victorious in the nightcap rain-postponed Paul Koehler Sr., Hall of Fame Tribute. Additionally veteran Lou Strohl capitalized on the misfortunes of Kyle Strohl and Baer in the first Modified feature with a solid runner-up and leapfrogged past both and into the division standings lead with only three races for the class remaining, two of them being show-up points and the last a regular points event.  

In the regular 35-lap race for the Modifieds, Jones ran the high line and took the lead from Jacob Kerstetter on six. A half dozen laps later he was engaged in a torrid battle with L. Strohl who repeatedly ran to his outside. At the same time Jaden Brown was keeping close pace with the leaders up until Brian DeFebo thrusted by him on lap 24 and immediately zeroed in on the front pair, making the race lead quite intense for Jones who was doing all he could to keep either from getting by. For DeFebo, any chance at three wins in a row ended with five laps to go when he spun out of line while under tight conditions. That just left Jones to deal with L. Strohl for the remaining laps which he did with nary any room to spare. Johnny Bennett had a career best Modified finish with third while Brown and DeFebo rounded out the top five.

Jones later jumped into his 602 Crate Modified and just as he had to deal with in the Modified feature he again was immersed in a dogfight battle, this time with Brody George as they traded the lead several times before Jones secured the spot for good with five laps to go.It was his second win with the Crate car this season and overall career win number 60.

In the make-up Paul Koehler Sr., race, Baer had to go to his back-up car after he crashed out of the first feature and it proved very race worthy.  Starting from the pole Baer took quick control although he would have L. Strohl following extremely close. And for that matter Strohl, just as he did in the first feature with Jones, tried every unceasingly way to make a pass but Baer was not giving in. Well into the concluding laps Baer was showing that he was ready for his first stake at collecting a victory with the Modified and he did unequivocally as Strohl backed off due to his car freeing up on him, although it was his second runner-up of the night. K. Strohl took third with Brown and Bennett completing the top five. Baer’s win accentuates nicely along with victories in Sportsman Modifieds, 602 Crate Modifieds and Pro 4s.

Mark Hudson raced to his third straight and fourth win with the Late Models. Brian Romig Jr., was second for the sixth time in seven starts.

Jamie Smith raced perfectly out front for all 30 laps of the Street Stock feature and won for the first time since 2019. He was followed closely by point leader Jillian Snyder who remains the only driver in class with double digits in top five finishes.

Jeff Parker survived a near hit into the wall after some close racing for the lead with Xavier Sprague and then went on to record his fifth victory of the season with the Dirt Modifieds.

Corey Edelman is really hitting his stride with the Harry’s U-Pull-It-Hobby Stocks as he notched his second straight win and third of the year. In the last six races Edelman has either been first or second. It was also his record-extending 33rd division win. Point leader Cody Boehm was second, which was his class leading 14th top five in 15 starts to date, including four runner-ups. Travis Solomon drove to a third.

In the Pro 4s Bobby Kibler Sr., got underneath Cody Kohler with three laps to go and to the checkers for the first time in four years. Colton Breiner was second while Aiden Boucher had a career best third.

In the Futures it was Al Gildner racing to a hard-fought third win of the season, having to fend off the top two in class of Adam Steigerwalt and Michael Klotz.

The visiting Micro Stocks made where part of the card, running in the Doug Hoffman Memorial and taking a dominating win was Alex Greenzweig far ahead of Chad Weaver and Roger Snyder.

Modified feature finish (35 laps): 1. Bobby Jones, 2. Lou Strohl, 3. Johnny Bennett, 4. Jaden Brown, 5. Brian DeFebo, 6. Rod Snyder Jr., 7. Zach Lenardo, 8. BJ Wambold, 9. Brian Romig Sr., 10. Don Wagner, 11. Jacob Kerstetter, 12. Frank Parastino, 13. Jesse Strohl, 14. Thomas Flanagan, 15. Terry Markovic, 16. Kyle Strohl, 17. Nick Baer, 18. Cody Boehm

Make-up 7/15 Modified feature finish (50): 1. Baer, 2. L. Strohl, 3. K. Strohl, 4. Brown, 5. Bennett, 6. Jones, 7. Wagner, 8. Snyder Jr., 9. Markovic, 10. Kerstetter, 11. Romig Sr., 12. DeFebo, 13. Flanagan, 14. Boehm DNS: Matt Hirschman

602 Crate Modified feature finish (25 laps): 1. Bobby Jones, 2. Brody George, 3. Nick Bare, 4. Zach Lenardo, 5. Nick Schaeffer, 6. Deegen Underwood, 7. Branden Sullivan, 8. Avery Arthofer, 9. Peyton Arthofer, 10. Makayla Kohler

Late Model feature finish (25 laps): 1. Mark Hudson, 2. Brian Romig Jr., 3. Seth VanFossen, 4. Geno Steigerwalt, 5. Brooks Smith

Street Stock feature finish (30 laps): 1. Jamie Smith, 2. Jillian Snyder, 3. Austin Santee, 4. Rick Reichenbach, 5. Josh Mooney, 6. TJ Gursky, 7. Jacob Boehm, 8. Eric Kocher, 9. Mark Deysher, 10. Todd Ahner, 11. Randy Green 12. Kevin Kromer. 13. Josh Kuronya, 14. Tucker Muffley, 15. Tommy Flanagan 16. Bobby Kibler Jr., 17. Marissa Louden DN: Logan Boyer

Dirt Mod feature finish (20 laps): 1. Jeff Parker, 2. James Counterman Jr., 3. Michael Toth, 4. Xavier Sprague DNS: Izzy Lowden

Pro 4 feature finish (20 laps): 1.8. Bobby Kibler Jr., 2. Colton Breiner, 3. Aiden Boucher, 4. Kadie Pursell, 5. Cody Kohler, 6. James Yons, 7. Richie Pursell, 8. Bobbo Kibler Jr., 9. Terry Peters

Hobby Stock feature finish (25 laps): 1. Corey Edelman, 2. Cody Boehm, 3. Travis Solomon, 4. Maggie Yeakel, 5. Michael Wambold, 6. Jake Kibler, 7. Nate Correll, 8. Mallory Kutz, 9. Adam Heckman, 10. Lyndsay Buss, 11. Jared Frye, 12. Jacob Boehm, 13. Don Bauder, 14. Dave Kerr, 15. James Tout, 16. Nicholas Kerstetter

Futures feature finish (15 laps): 1. Al Gildner, 2. Adam Steigerwalt, 3. Michael Klotz, 4. Chaz Takacs, 5. Lexus, 6. Sarabeth Mesko. 7. Savannah Romig, 8. Shawn Fenstermacher, 9. Zoe Kuchera, 10. Connor Shotwell, 11. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 12. Eddie Geiger Jr. DNS: Barry Fulton

Micro Stock feature finish (20 laps): 1. Alex Greenzweig, 2. Chad Weaver, 3. Roger Snyder, 4. Ian McGuire, 5. Eddie Geiger Jr., 6. Scott Miller, 7. Caden Miller, 8. Logan Crout, 9 Lydia Snyder

Mahoning Valley Speedway readies for a big day of ‘Racing-N-Rockin’ with annual Fan Appreciation Night on August 26

It’s one of the most anticipated events on the yearly calendar at Mahoning Valley Speedway as this coming Saturday, August  26 the track will be hosting Fan Appreciation Night presented by the Pizza Joint of Allentown. At just $8 general admission fans will be in for an afternoon and evening of great racing and great music.From 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm a meet and greet with all drivers and their cars takes place on track and the while that is taking place there will be an electrifying performance by High Voltage on stage in the infield. High Voltage is the nation’s premier AC/DC Tribute band.
The Baltimore based High Voltage is made up of five veteran musicians putting it all on the line every time they take the stage enabling their audiences to enjoy as authentic an AC/DC live performance as possible.For the past 10 years High Voltage has been delivering pure energy, excitement and concert experience that true AC/DC fans around the world have grown to expect. During the meet and greet fans will have the chance to get up close and personal will all the stars and cars of the paved quarter mile oval. Autographs, giveaways and goodies aplenty will be the setting.Afterwards racing gets underway with Modifieds, 602 Crate Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s, Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks, Futures and Micro Stocks.The Modifieds will also be running the make-up Paul Koehler Sr. Hall of Fame Tribute 75 lapper from July 15. And, the Juice Box Division runs too.In another words at $8 admission its more bang for buck than you can imagine. Kids 10 years and under are free.There’s even more perks for those who want to kick up their racing thrill a notch. Fans 16 and older can watch the races up close and personal from an infield viewing platform. It’s $10 with the purchase of a grandstand ticket.Pits will be opening at 10:00 am and warmups for all classes start at 1:00 pm. Grandstands also at open at 1:00. ​

Nick Baer 602 Carte Mod victor leads list of close winners at Mahoning Valley Speedway on August 19

By DINO OBETO

Mahoning Valley Speedway may have been light on cars but that didn’t diminish fans from a great night of racing as all classes put on some very thrilling action.  The night was also an evening of reflection towards one of most eminent drivers to ever come out of the region. Earlier in the week the news of George Wambold’s untimely passing came as a shock to all as the Hall of Famer was an icon among the annals of eastern Pennsylvania asphalt short track racers. But in true Wambold fashion the team that he had begun seven decades ago all came out to race in his honor, giving fans even more reason to enjoy the night of racing, knowing that George was with everyone in spirit.  

Nick Baer’s win in the 602 Crate Modifieds highlighted the evening of thrills.Bear was engaged in a nonstop, race-long battle for the lead. He and Bobby Jones went right to it when the action got underway as they locked horns and began their two-by-two clash. As each lap clicked off Baer was riding the low lane while having to keep Jones from making a pass on him.That he did but all the while Jones kept pressuring him uncompromisingly. And if that wasn’t enough for Baer he was then having to deal with Zach Lenardo who would join the fight in the waning laps. Lenardo closed in the front two only a pair of laps to go by diving underneath Jones for second and then tried to get Baer on the final tour but to no avail.
Baer held on for the hard-fought win, his second at Mahoning and second in as many starts with the 602 Crate Modified as he also claimed a victory the previous Sunday at Evergreen Raceway.Lenardo took second which was his seventh top five in a row. Jones was third, Brody George fourth and Brenden Sullivan fifth.

For Mark Hudson, winning for the second straight time and third on the season was indeed gratifying but also very sentimental victory too.  Hudson, who went on the beat Brian Romig Jr., and Josh Oswald, but every effort into the night in making sure he would win in order to dedicate it to his close friend and longtime crew member Frank Frazier who is battling cancer.  

How exciting was the Street Stock feature? Jillian Snyder will be the first to tell you it was breathtaking and exhausting all at the same time.  In a caution free 30 lap run, Snyder nipped Geary Rinehimer Jr., by inches for her second win of the year.Rinehimer took the lead at the outset from pole sitter Dennis Buss and then began showing all kinds of strength in keeping a good distance from the pack. For Snyder it wasn’t as easy as she had to battle with Todd Ahner for a number of laps before settling into second spot.But it appeared that Rinehimer was safe enough ahead and on his way to a reaching the finish line first. Snyder, though, wasn’t ready to concede. Lap by lap she continued cutting into his lead and with five laps to go had everyone watching closely as she was now zeroing in at a rapid pace.On the white flag lap Snyder then went to the outside of Rinehimer and it was a drag race to the checkers. In Turn 4 they were dead even and as they came to the checkers it was Snyder eking out the win. Rick Reichenbach took third.

The close racing also carried over to the Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks – which also turned out to be caution free – as Corey Edelman held off James Tout to pick up his second win of the 2023 season.Edelman worked his way to the front after in a rigorous battle that included Tout, BJ Wambold and Jake Kibler.Early on Tout and Wambold went back and forth for the lead while Edelman and Kibler shadowed them tightly. On lap nine Wambold’s car jumped out of gear forcing him to give up second to Edelman. Three laps latter Edelman was then taking control of the race from Tout.

Although he would stay there to the finish it wasn’t without Tout keeping him in check the rest of the way. After winning the Dirt Modified feature Ricky Yetter has hung up his helmet and gloves, literally. In Victory Lane Yetter set down both at the start/finish lined and proclaimed that it was his last race as a driver and would turn over the driving chores to his protégé Xavier Sprague.  Yetter’s retirement came very close to being held off. As he was taking the checkers his right rear tire popped and had it been any sooner the outcome could have been drastically altered to runner-up Jeff Parker.

The Futures ran a pair of features, one from the previous week’s rain postponement and a regular main. And just like the other races of the night they too reeled off stirring shows, each coming down to the wire.

In the make-up feature Michael Klotz was enshrouded in a torrid fight as he had to race hard in beating Adam Heckman, Rodney Breiner and Chaz Takacs en route to his fourth win.

It was much the same in the nightcap for Takacs who, after coming closes all season, finally sealed the deal and notched his career first win by just narrowly beating Klotz.

602 Crate Modified feature finish (25 laps): 1. Nick Baer, 2. Zach Lenardo, 3. Bobby Joes, 4. Brody George, 5. Branden Sullivan, 6. Deegen Underwood, 7. Makayla Kohler

Late Model feature finish (25 laps): 1. Mark Hudson, 2. Brian Romig Jr., 3. Josh Oswald

Street Stock feature finish (30 laps): 1. Jillian Snyder, 2. Geary Rinehimer Jr., 3. Rick Reichenbach, 4. Todd Ahner, 5. Jacob Boehm, 6. Jamie Smith, 7. Josh Kuronya, 8. Dennis Buss

Dirt Mod feature finish (20 laps): 1. Ricky Yetter, 2. Jeff Parker, 3. James Counterman Jr., 4. Michael Toth

Hobby Stock feature finish (25 laps): 1. Corey Edelman, 2. James Tout, 3. Jake Kibler, 4. Cody Boehm, 5. BJ Wambold, 6. Dave Kerr, 7. Michael Wambold, 8. Jared Frye, 9. Travis Solomon, 10. Lyndsay Buss, 11. Nicholas Kerstetter, 12. Don Bauder, 13. Maggie Yeakel

Make-up Futures feature finish from 8/12 (15 laps): 1. Michael Klotz, 2. Adam Heckman, 3. Rodney Breiner, 4. Chaz Takacs, 5. Adam Steigerwalt, 6. Sarabeth Mesko, 7. Zoe Kuchera, 8. Al Gildner 

Regular Futures feature finish (15 laps): 1. Takacs, 2. Klotz, 3. Mesko, 4. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 5. Adam Steigerwalt, 6. Breiner, 7. Gildner, 8. Kuchera, 9. Heckman


Local racing community mourns the passing of asphalt racing champion George Wambold 

(Lehighton, PA 8-16-23) Legendary is defined as well-known and famous. At Mahoning Valley Speedway the definition of legendary is George Wambold. On Monday, August 14, the news of “The Legend” passing away sent waves of grief throughout the local racing community, particularly to those of the eastern Pennsylvania asphalt circuit were Wambold carved out his niche as one of the most revered racers to ever come out of the region of tracks that included Dorney Park Speedway, Mahoning Valley Speedway and Evergreen Raceway.Wambold died from injuries sustained from an accident while working at his home in Nazareth. He was 84.In a career that spans six decades, winning had become a way of life for Wambold. He owns the all-time wins record at defunct Dorney Park Speedway with 37, amassing that tally with at least one win in 20 consecutive seasons dating back to 1966.Wambold also scored three track championships at the Park, coming in 1973, ’84 & ’86.
When the 1/5th mile Dorney Park track ceased operations after the 1986 season, Mahoning Valley swung back into action after sitting dormant since 1977 and Wambold was instrumental in coming to the aid of Ward and Dottie Crozier in resurrecting the paved ¼-mile oval.It was fitting too, since Wambold had a strong connection to the track, dating back to his teen years of the late 1950s when he would attend events there, at the time a dirt track. Like Dorney Park, Mahoning was just as defining to his career.When Mahoning took on a blacktop surface in 1970, Wambold quickly became one to the top stars, winning 11 times between 1970 & ’74. In 1971 he would garner his first of two Modified track titles.From 1977 to 1986 the track sat dormant but when it did become active again starting in 1987 Wambold quickly became a force to be reckoned with. He won four times that year and would win his second track crown in the process.Over the following years the winning continued and when he finally hung up his helmet after the 1998 season, he scored 27 wins. Between Dorney and Mahoning his total is 67 first place features, fourth on the all-time eastern Pennsylvania Modified winners list, with only Matt Hirschman (86), Brian DeFebo (82) and Eric Beers (77) having more victories in that category.Despite not racing himself in the past 20 years, the Wambold name remained at the forefront at Mahoning with his sons Brian and Michael, grandkids Tiffany and BJ and Brian’s stepson, Justin Merkel, carrying on the family legacy. All have won races and Brian and Michael are also Mahoning champions.In 2011 Wambold was inducted into the inaugural class of the Dorney Park Speedway/Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame.Wambold was always a great racer and supporter of all local racing and played a key part laying the foundation for this region’s asphalt racing we have today.​


Brian DeFebo out-duels Nick Baer in rain shortened Rickie Dorshimer Hall of Fame Tribute…race called after 46 laps due to rain on August 12

By DINO OBERTO
(Lehighton, PA 8-12-23) The Hall of Fame Tribute races at Mahoning Valley Speedway are always something special as they pay homage to past racing greats who are all members of the Dorney Park Speedway/Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame  Saturday evening was yet another of those distinct programs, this one being held for the late Rickie Dorshimer who was the 1993 Mahoning Modified champion.It was a race slated to go 75 laps but circumstances caused the event to be shortened after 46 tours. Despite that it was a still a highly competitive battle for the lead and when the race was checkered due to rain, it was Brian DeFebo earning the win over Nick Bear.“These tribute races that they put on here are always great and it makes you think that maybe 20 years or so from now they’ll maybe be a tribute race in my name,” said DeFebo, who has built upon a Hall of Fame career.“All of the great racers that have come out of this track and Dorney Park, it’s just an honor to be able to win one in their name and it’s also great how Mahoning does such a great job in continuing to honor all of them.”It wasn’t just rain that played into the reducing of laps but an oil down early into the race too. On lap eight DeFebo had spun on the back straight and it would be due to fluid that was put down all around the track. While under the caution track crews realized that the state of affairs was not conducive to suitable enough racing conditions for the Modifieds as speedy-dry was spread all around and in several lanes.It was then decided to take the cars off track so crews could better work to clean up the mess. After further evaluation the thought turned to bring out the Hobby Stocks for their feature. The idea was they could be more advantageous to help with getting the surface back in decent enough shape to compete on.For the most part it worked too as when the Modifieds returned it soon became a furiously intense lead battle that unfolded between DeFebo and Baer. Don Wagner had led up until the pause but as the race resumed Baer make quick work of him and assumed the front spot. DeFebo was shown in eighth at the restart but in short order was making headway towards the front.  Baer was strong while leading but turning the quickest laps was DeFebo and he used those to pass cars and reel in the leader by lap 19. The next eight times around where done in a crowd pleasing side-by-side fashion. And they weren’t done yet. If that wasn’t of a thrill the pair then went into a lead swapping duel for another half dozen go-arounds. It took DeFebo every bit to finally secure the lead on lap 32. After solidifying the point for good he then began to breakaway from Baer. Then came the rains which would not only put an end to the race but the night as well. “I really do feel that was the right call at the time. You figure I ended up getting spun out because of the fluid that was down all the way around. At first I thought something was wrong with the car but then I kept seeing more and more oil going down on the track and it was just horrible out there,” described DeFebo.“It was nice to have the Hobby Stocks then go out there and help get the track back in shape with their feature. I had to pass cars and used the outside to do that. We had a feeling about the rain coming and I didn’t want to take a chance with bidding our time.”The encounter between DeFebo and Baer was a classic battle for sure. The side-by-side then followed by the back and forth for the lead was as white-knuckle as it gets.  “Nick (Baer) is a good, clean racer. He’s young and he’s patient and I felt comfortable being on his outside. I didn’t have to push it knowing we had a long race. He did an awesome job of giving me enough room and we were able to nose ahead at the right time,” noted DeFebo.“The car was on cruise control from that point. This is a brand new car and we were so disgusted when we got wrecked at Evergreen. Gary (Slusser, crew chief) got this thing back as good as it was for just the second time out and even after all these years of driving it still takes you a little bit to get used to when you have a new piece so coming here tonight got me comfortable for when we go to Chemung next week for the RoC show.”Baer would settle for second, with Kyle Strohl, Lou Strohl and Roger Coss rounding out the top five.For DeFebo it was his second win of the season and 112th of his career.“It makes it fun to try and win a tribute race and there’s always extra money being offered which is always nice too,” he said. He also added that having the race end short was out of everyone’s control.“You can’t blame the track. They tried everything to get this race in, they knew we had a weather problem and bumped it up in the running order and did an awesome job. No matter if it’s a 100 lap race or 25 lapper you always want to run all the laps because the fans are the ones who suffer. For us I was in the right place at the right time.”

In the make-up Hobby Stock feature from July 15 James Tout led the first 20 laps but then Jake Kibler powered to the front with five circuits to go he and held off Corey Edelman for his 50th overall win and first with the class. Dave Kerr took the lead on lap four in the regular feature and then held off a number of challengers before his final opponent, Corey Edelman, hounded him persistently to the checkers. For Kerr, who won by a scant .010-second margin, it was his first Hobby Stock win.

Frank Del Nero Jr., captured the debut appearance of the Open Challenge Racing Series with a dominating run, leading all laps and winning for the first time in 23 years at Mahoning.

The remaining features will be made-up in the upcoming weeks.

Modified feature finish (46 laps): 1. Bran DeFebo, 2. Nick Baer, 3. Kyle Strohl, 4. Lou Strohl, 5. Roger Coss, 6. Bobby Jones, 7. James Pritchard Jr., 8. Don Wagner, 9. Jaden Brown, 10. Johnny Bennett, 11. Rod Snyder Jr., 12. Brian Romig Sr., 13. Terry Markovic, 14. Jacob Kerstetter, 15. Nick Schaeffer, 16. Frank Parastino, 17. John Markovic

Make-up 7/15 Hobby Stock feature finish (25 laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Corey Edelman, 3. Cody Boehm, 4. James Tout, 5. Travis Solomon, 6. Jared Frye, 7. Lyndsay Buss, 8. Maggie Yeakel, 9. Dave Kerr, 10. Don Bauder, 11. Nicholas Kerstetter, 12. BJ Wambold, 13. Jacob Boehm, 14. Tony Hilliard, 15. Parker Ahner DNS: Shayne Geist

Regular Hobby Stock feature finish (25 laps): 1. Kerr, 2. Edelman, 3. Boehm. 4. M. Wambold, 5. Kerstetter, 6. Yeakel, 7. Kibler, 8. Romig Jr., 9. Buss, 10. Solomon, 11. Bauder, 12. Tout, 13. Frye, 14. Hilliard, 15. B. Wambold DNQ: Ahner

ORCS feature finish (20 laps): 1. Frank Del Nero Jr., 2. Steve Deinhart, 3. Brooks Smith​


Rickie Dorshimer Hall of Fame Tribute 75-lap Modified feature to headline Mahoning Valley action on Saturday, August 12…Winner to earn $2600

(Lehighton, PA 8-7-23) The Mighty Modifieds will be back in action this coming Saturday, August 12, at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway with the presentation of the Rickie Dorshimer Hall of Fame Tribute. The race pays honor to the late great 1993 Mahoning Modified champion with a 75-lap feature. It is $2250 to win but through the efforts of the Dorshimer family they have stepped in and are adding an additional $350 to the winner’s share making first place worth a cool $2600. 35 was the most used car number by Rickie during his career which moved the family to add the amount around that numeral. A Modified standout, Dorshimer was an iconic fixture for decades between Dorney Park Speedway, Mahoning Valley Speedway and Evergreen Raceway. He also did stints on dirt at Nazareth Speedway.   He began racing in the mid-1960s at Nazareth. His career first win, a Sportsman Modified feature, took place there on June 13, 1976. He also was a winner at New York’s Orange County Fair Speedway.
But once Rickie began running the pavement he really began to shine. At Dorney Park he would see the checkers for the first time on September 1, 1979. Rickie would go on the collect eight wins at the Park, interestingly right to the day on September 1, 1984. When Dorney shut down in 1986 and Mahoning was revived the following season, Dorshimer joined the legion of others who moved to the paved quarter mile. And amazingly it would again be on September 1 that he would win, scoring his first Mahoning victory in 1990. Fun fact of his 20 career wins four came on Labor Day weekend. 1993 would be his most memorable season, winning a division high five times and beating Chip Santee by 55 points to garner his first and only championship. Rickie drove Roger Heckman’s No. 35 to the title that year.  Throughout his career Rickie was constantly revered by his peers as a clean and respectable competitor. From the grandstands cheers aplenty would be the norm whenever he hit the track as he always had a huge fan following. June 21, 1997 would be his final win although he continued to compete into the early 2000s. He passed away on January 15, 2003. In 2016 Rickie was inducted into the Dorney Park Speedway/Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame.  Joining the Modifieds will be the Street Stocks, Pro 4s, Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks including the make-up feature from July 15 and Futures.Plus there will be a first time appearance by the Open Challenge Racing Series (ORCS). The ORCS are cars that race on both dirt and asphalt with very limited rules. The group runs on a number of dirt and paved tracks between New York and Pennsylvania and this will be their first foray at Mahoning Valley. August 12 is also Back to School Night. The goal is to not have a single junior fan leave empty handed. Pit gates open at 11:30 am. Early paid practice ($25 per car) will take place from noon to 3:00 pm. Warm-ups begin at 4:00 pm and racing gets the green flag at 6:00 pm. Adult grandstand admission is $18. Pits are $45. ​

Zach Lenardo’s strong run gave him a rousing win in 602 Crate Modifieds at Mahoning Valley Speedway on August 5

By DINO OBERTO
(Lehighton, PA 8-5-23) Two months ago when Edison NJ’s Zach Lenardo won his career first 602 Crate Modified feature at Mahoning Valley Speedway he was the benefactor of then leader Nick Baer misfortune of being bumped out of the front spot with six laps to go and inheriting the lead. He went on to claim the victory from there. Fast forward 90 days and Lenardo was again behind Bear only this time he proved himself not by luck but talent. Lenardo started third and was quickly tucked in behind Bear at the outset while never letting the leader get any type of distance on him.Matter of fact Lenardo was able to pull even with Baer by the seventh tour and two laps later take over the lead but the next time by it went right back to the No. 41. Not about to give in Lenardo returned the favor on Baer on the ensuing circuit and was then able to pull away after solidifying the lead. He was on cruise control the rest of the way, going unchallenged on his way to a solid second win.
“It was fantastic to get this win and I was just so focused. We worked on the car all week to get ready for tonight. We knew it would be tough with the competition we have in this class but all the hard work and hours paid off,” said the 16-year old Lenardo.Although this is only his second time in Victory Lane with a stock car, winning is nothing new for Lenardo who comes out of Quarter Midgets with a boatload of victories. The close action between him and Baer carried him back to those days.
“That really brought me back to how we raced in Quarter Midgets battling like that back and forth almost every lap. You have to have respect and we do but there’s a limit too,” he noted.“In the heat race we put an older tire (left rear) on and it really didn’t work out and then for the feature we changed it and it really settled down for us and it stuck great to the track,” he continued.“This 602 class is so tough and there’s a lot of good drivers and when you have that you need to keep on your game. This was great too to win again here at Mahoning Valley, it’s where I started my stock car career and this is my home track.”Baer was able to hold on for second tough in the closing laps a trio of cars came upon him with Bobby Jones racing side-by-side with Brody George and tucked in closely with them was Greyson Ahner.

Mark Hudson swept the night with the Late Models from his heat and onto the feature, leading every lap of the night in the process.It was the second time winning this year for Hudson who bested Brian Romig Jr. Both drivers are now tied for the lead in the point standings.

Austin Santee picked his first Street Stock win in 12 years in the make-up July 15 feature. Santee was able to lead up until one lap to go when Cody Geist made a bold move for the top spot inside of Turn 3 and took the checkers first.However, his pass was made to far inside the designated race area parameters and he was relegated back to second spot, giving Santee the victory, his first since September 17, 2011.

In the regular feature Randy Ahner Jr., was just way too good over the rest of the pack en route to his first win of the season. Ahner Jr., unseated Todd Ahner for the lead after 10 laps complete and then dusted the field with no one in his sight by the time he reached the checkers over Eric Kocher. There has now been 11 different winners in 12 races thus far with the Street Stocks.

Race #3 of the Evergreen Raceway/Mahoning Valley Speedway Dual Track Series for the 4 Cylinder Stocks/Hobby Stocks took place and in a performance that proves why he is a title contender, Mahoning point leader Cody Boehm won the 40-lap affair over Corey Edelman. Boehm snagged the lead from early pace setter Scott Adams and then pulled way out ahead to a four-plus second lead before seeing that wiped away due to a caution. On the restart Edelman was alongside and try as me may on that and two more re-go’s, Boehm would not relinquish his spot. Edelman settled for second with Jake Kibler third.

What a birthday present Joe Steigerwalt got from his two kids as Gabrielle Steigerwalt led every lap of the Futures main and won for the third time. Meanwhile her younger brother and point leader Adam passed Caz Takacs at the line making it a one-two finish for the siblings.

Josh Patterson passed Tyler Wagner midway through the ECTQM main and won for the first time with the TQ Midget club at Mahoning. Likewise with Jay Smith who also won for the first time with Modified Micro Stocks.

602 Crate Modified feature finish (25 laps): 1. Zach Lenardo, 2. Nick Baer, 3. Bobby Jones, 4. Brody George, 5. Greyson Ahner, 6. Avery Arthofer, 7. Branden Sullivan, 8. Nick Schaeffer, 9. Deegen Underwood, 10. Makayla Kohler, 11. Paul French Jr. 

Late Model feature finish (25 laps): 1. Mark Hudson, 2. Brian Romig Jr., 3. Seth VanFossen, 4. Brooks Smith

Make-up Street Stock feature finish from 7/15 (30 laps): 1. Austin Santee, 2. Cody Geist, 3. TJ Gursky, 4. Randy Ahner Jr., 5. Eric Kocher, 6. Jillian Snyder, 7. Mark Deysher, 8. Jacob Boehm, 9. Jamie Smith, 10. Todd Ahner, 11. Randy Green, 12. Geary Rinehimer Jr., 13. Josh Kuronya, 14. Denis Buss

Regular Street Stock feature finish (30 laps): 1. R. Ahner Jr., 2. Kocher, 3. T. Ahner. 4. Deysher, 5. Geist, 6. Bennett, 7. Gursky, 8. Snyder, 9. Boehm, 10. Santee, 11. Green, 12. Smith, 13. Rinehimer Jr., 14. Kuronya

DTS Hobby Stock feature finish (40 laps): 1. Cody Boehm, 2. Corey Edelman, 3. Jake Kibler, 4. Parker Ahner, 5. Michael Wambold, 6. Travis Solomon, 7. Scott Adams, 8. Micah Adams, 9. Maggie Yeakel, 10. BJ Wambold, 11. Jared Frye, 12. Lyndsay Buss, 13. Don Bauder, 14. James Tout, 15. Jacob Boehm, 16. Nick Schaffer, 17. Mallory Kutz, 18. Shayne Geist, 19. Dave Imler Jr.

Futures feature finish (15 laps): 1. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 2. Adam Steigerwalt, 3. Chaz Takacs, 4. Sarabeth Mesko, 5. Michael Klotz, 6. Adam Heckman, 7. Al Gildner, 8. Rodney Breiner, 9. Zoe Kuchera

ECTQM feature finish (20 laps): 1. Josh Paterson, 2. Tyler Wagner, 3. Don Zirinski, 4. Jeff Kot, 5. Lexi Przplynski, 6. Richie Coy, 7. Ozzy Carlino, 8. Dave Williams, 9. Graham Hughes, 10. Mark Czervinski, 11. Ken Hirt 

Modified Micro Stock feature finish (12 laps): 1. Jay Smith, 2. Tom Ervin, 3. Tyler Wagner, 4. Richie Przybylinski, 5. Mike Haskins, 6. Jim Van Dine

Jaden Brown grabs first 602 Crate Modified win at Mahoning Valley Speedway on July 22

By DINO OBERTO
Lehighton, PA 7-22-23) It’s never surprising that Jaden Brown is fighting at the front of the pack and vying for a win. The only thing is the talent laden wheel twister has been short on more than one occasion this season in his attempts to score a victory.  But that is all behind him now as he thundered to a rousing win in 602 Crate Modified feature Saturday evening at Mahoning Valley Speedway. 
Brown used a lap one restart to advance into the lead over Greyson Ahner and from there on was in complete control, leaving everyone else to battle for second on back. “The car was a little tight and it was pushing but I gotta say this win was a long time coming. We’ve had some pretty bad luck at times and a few times we were close to winning and tonight is really gratifying,” said Brown. Brown, like everyone else in class are racing for the first time with the 602 Crate Modifieds and he along with the rest are still getting the feel for the cars at Mahoning.  “Everyone out here is still learning with these cars. When I was racing the Sportsman Modified and won the title that was a little different than the 602s and I myself was still learning,” he said.  “Now with the Crate cars you can see that it’s a lot more competitive racing and not just show up and win. You have to really wheel these cars.”  Brown is spot on in terming the action as close and competitive as each race to date has been close and down-to-the-wire. Matter of fact his two car length margin of victory was one of the widest of the season, proving just how tight the competition is.  And proof of that came as Bobby Jones, who battled for second, was under a blanket at the checkers with Zach Lenardo, Greyson Ahner and Brody George. Twice during the night the track record was eclipsed first by Ahner in his heat with a lap of 10.507-seconds and then in the feature by George who set the new standard at 10.437-second.

Nick Ross got back to his winning ways with the Late Models, picking up his second victory of the season and first since the season opener. The race began with Mark Hudson and Ross going toe-to-toe and staying that way over the first dozen laps. Ross, by way of the outside lane, would finally take charge for good afterwards and stayed the course to the finish for his 33rd overall career win.  Second place came down to the wire as Brian Romig Jr., and Micah Adams raced each other hard and clean for position with Romig able to snag the spot on the final lap.

This season the Street Stock division has been ultra-competitive with no repeat winners across the first nine features. Eric Kocher, though changed all that as he cruised to his second win of the year, leading all 30 laps and becomes the first driver to repeat in class. Point leader Jillian Snyder shadowed Kocher for most of the race and took second spot which helped her to pad her standings lead. Cody Geist was a strong third with Geary Rinehimer Jr., and Rick Reichenbach rounding out the top five.

In the Pro 4’s the amazing streak of Cody Kohler came to halt as Colton Breiner was able to win for the very first time and in doing so ended an remarkable eight in a row victories run by Kohler. Breiner would take the lead from the outset, only giving it up once to Bobby Kibler Sr., with six laps to go.
However, with his focus centered on that elusive first win, Breiner, who was in a side-by-side duel with Kibler, regained the lead with two laps to go and held on for a very hard fought and deserving career first feature victory.

In the Dirt Mods Jeff Parker made haste on the start from his third starting spot and quickly dashed into the lead on lap one. There would be no turning back from there on as he was fast and furious en route to his fourth straight win over Rick Yetter.

Defending Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stock champion Corey Edelman hasn’t raced much this season and the few times he has it has been a struggle to say the least.  The always able and strong Edelman showed why he is one of the best in the business when it comes to Hobby Stocks as he scored his first verdict of 2023. But it was tough all the way as he was locking horns with Michael Wambold and then point leader Cody Boehm who was glued behind him to the checkers. For Edelman it was his 40th career win, 31 of those coming with the Hobby Stocks which his second to none.

In the make-up Futures race Al Gildner led all laps en route to notching his second score of the season. Adam Steigerwalt was a close second with Rodney Breiner third.

In the regular feature Steigerwalt took the lead from Michael Klotz on lap eight. One lap later the race was called after Arland Moyer Jr., had a hard hit with the wall and was taken to the local hospital for observation.  With no ambulance on site the race was called and Steigerwalt declared the winner over Russ Breiner.


602 Crate Modified feature finish (25 laps): 1. Jaden Brown, 2. Bobby Jones, 3. Zach Lenardo, 4. Greyson Ahner, 5. Brody George, 6. Mackenzie Adams, 7. Nick Baer, 8. Makayla Kohler, 9.Paul French Sr

Late Model Feature finish (25 laps): 1. Nick Ross, 2. Brian Romig Jr., 3. Micah Adams, 4. Mark Hudson, 5. Brooks Smith

Street Stock feature finish (30 laps): 1. Eric Kocher, 2. Jillian Snyder, 3. Cody Geist, 4. Geary Rinehimer Jr., 5. Rick Reichenbach, 6. Jamie Smith, 7. Randy Green, 8. Frankie Althouse, 9. Jacob Boehm, 10. Rich Moser, 11. Todd Ahner, 12. Josh Kuronya, 13. 13. Dennis Buss

Dirt Modified feature finish (20 laps): 1. Jeff Parker, 2. Ricky Yetter, 3. Scott Hyland, 4. James Counterman Jr.

Pro 4 feature finish (20 laps): 1. Colton Breiner, 2. Bobby Kibler Sr., 3. Cody Kohler, 5. Ken Reeder, 6. Kadie Pursell, 6. Richie Pursell

Hobby Stock feature finish (25 laps): 1. Corey Edelman, 2.Cody Boehm, 3.Michael Wambold, 4. Shayne Geist, 5. Parker Ahner, 6. BJ Wambold, 7. Jake Kibler, 8. Nick Kerstetter, 9. Maggie Yeakel, 10.Lyndsay Buss  11. Jared Frye, 12. Travis Solomon, 13. James Tout, 14. Don Bauder.

Make-up Futures feature finish from 7/15 (15 laps): 1. Al Gildner, 2. Adam Steigerwalt, 3. Rodney Breiner, 4. Michael Klotz, 5. Russ Breiner, 6. Sarabeth Mesko, 7. Adam Heckman, 8. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 9. Chaz Takacs, 10. Arland Moyer Jr.

Regular Futures feature finish (9 laps): 1. A. Steigerwalt, 2. Russ Breiner, 3. Mesko, 4. G. Steigerwalt, 5. Takacs, 6. Rodney Breiner, 7. Gildner, 8. Klotz, 9. Moyer Jr., 10. Heckman, 11. Zoe Kuchera, 12. Anthony Hirschman III

Mahoning Valley Speedway 602 Modifieds have a shot at $1500-to-win on July 22

(Lehighton, PA 7-19-23) The 602 Crate Modified feature winner will have a shot at a $1500 payday this Saturday evening, July 22 at Mahoning Valley Speedway. Race time is 6:00 pm. Thanks to the efforts of Baer Welding of New Tripoli and owner Nick Baer – driver of the No. 41 602 Crate Modified – additional money is being offered making first place worth $1500 providing 15 or more cars are on hand for the 25-lap feature. The 602 Crate Modifieds will headline the night of action at the paved ¼-mile paved oval. Brody George comes into the night as the class point leader on the strength of five straight top-10s including back-to-back runner ups in the past two races.Also in the night’s line-up will be Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s, Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks and the Futures. In the Late Models there is a very tight point battle waging with two-time and defending champion Nick Ross holding a one point advantage over Brian Romig Jr., who is fresh off his career first win. And a few markers behind them is Mark Hudson.Jillian Snyder comes into the night as the Street Stock division point leader where she has been since week four. Snyder is also the most recent winner, picking up a big 50-lap victory in the Mike
Krempasky Street Stock Memorial. To date there have been nine different winners in as many races. With a class leading eight top-5s and nine top-10s Cody Boehm comes into the night as the Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks standings leader although the competition remains tight as only points runner-up Travis Solomon is the only driver to double up in the win column this season. With five straight wins this year coupled with the final three of 2022, Cody Kohler is looking to best an all-time track record of consecutive wins this Saturday not only with the Pro 4s but overall as well. He is presently tied with Rich Mutarelli for most feature wins in a row at eight. The Pro 4s were not originally on the card for this week but have been added as a courtesy to them after losing a few dates earlier in the season. The Futures are going to be doing double duty this week as not only will there be the regular scheduled event but the make-up feature from July 15 will also be run. Michael Klotz leads the points over Adam Steigerwalt by just 15. The Dirt Mods will be back in action this week too. Jeff Parker has reeled off the last three wins plus a second place and with that comes into the night atop the standings. Saturday night is also Kids Night-3 with lots of special activities for the younger set.In other related news the July 15 Street Stock make-up feature will be run on July 29. The Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks will run their make-up feature from last week on August 12. The 75-lap Paul Koehler Sr., Modified Tribute will be made-up at a future date and time that will be best suited for all. Pit gates open at 11:30 am. Early paid practice will take place from noon am to 4:00 pm. Warm-ups begin at 4:00 pm and racing gets the green flag at 6:00 pm. Adult grandstand admission is $15. Pits are $40. 

Mahoning Valley Speedway loses feature to rains on July 15

(Lehighton, PA 7-15-23) Mahoning Valley Speedway made a valid attempt to present the Paul Koehler Sr., Modified Hall of Fame Tribute and was rolling along nicely until just after intermission when a rain and lightning storm swept over the area and put an abrupt end to the rest of the evening. All heats had been completed.  The only main event able to get in was the Pro 4 feature and in what has become commonplace Cody Kohler picked up his fifth straight win of the season and extended his division win streak to eight in a row dating back to last season.  And not only did he extend the wins in a row streak but also pushed his all-time class record to 47.  Back in action after a hiatus was past division champion Bobby Kibler Sr., who tailed Kohler to the checkers with Colton Breiner next in line.
All remaining features will be added into the upcoming dates as appropriately as possible.

Paul Koehler Sr., Modified Hall of Fame Tribute headlines Saturday action at Mahoning Valley Speedway…75 lap feature paying $2250-to-win

(Lehighton, PA 7-12-23) Mahoning Valley Speedway presents The Paul Koehler Sr., Modified Hall of Fame Tribute this coming Saturday, July 15. Race time is 6:00 pm. Modifieds will headline the night of pavement stock car action with a 75-lap/$2250-win feature. Also on the race card will be the Street Stocks, Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks, Pro 4s, Futures plus Junk Car races at the conclusion of the night. The kids JuiceBox Division will be on track during intermission. Paul Koehler Sr., was a star racer for the better parts of three decades. He raced in the era of the Modified coupes on both asphalt and dirt and later with the now contemporary Modifieds and in Late Models. His presence was felt each time he rolled onto the track most notably at Dorney Park Speedway and Mahoning Valley Speedway. He won for the first time at Dorney in 1975 and his last victory there occurring there in 1985. Koehler also competed at Evergreen Raceway where he scored a wins and on numerous occasions ran the ½-mile Nazareth Speedway. Paul raced well into the 1990s in both Modifieds and Late Models. His son, Paul Jr., is one of the all-time greats in eastern Pennsylvania asphalt short track racing, winning 72 Late Model features between Mahoning Valley and Evergreen and six championships. Modifieds racers will draw for heat and feature starting spots. Joining the action-filled night will be the Street Stocks which bring to the table a very close point battle as Jillian Snyder – who is the most recent winner – maintains her standings lead above former multi-time champion Jon Moser and seasoned veteran Todd Ahner. Plus through nine events there has yet to be a repeat winner. Cody Boehm is looking to pad his Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks point lead. Boehm has been the mark of consistency with a class leading eight top-5s in nine starts including a win. In the Pro 4s it’s been a season to remember thus far for Cody Kohler who has reeled off a record seven wins in a row dating back to last year and building on his all-time wins within the division at 46 and counting. In the Futures Michael Klotz may be the point leader and top winner but keeping close tabs are Adam Steigerwalt and Adam Heckman. Steigerwalt is only 15 points behind Klotz. Junk Cars close out the night with a feature only event. Junk Cars are a gut-and-go car and cross between an Enduro and Hobby Stock. It takes finesse to wheel one at Mahoning, which is more than twice the size of tracks they normally compete on which in most cases are dirt surface. Plus it will be Checkered Flag Fan Club Night and Bike Appreciation Night. There is free admission to all riders and the track will hold a 50/50 raffle with the proceeds being donated to Bikers Against Cop Killers (B.A.C.K.). The popular JuiceBox Division will be hitting the track as part of the intermission entertainment.

Paulie Hartwig III edges Brody George in 602 Crate Duel Track Series action at Mahoning Valley Speedway; Brian Romig Jr., collects career first win in Late Models: Jillian Snyder comes up big in Mike Krempasky Street Stock Memorial 50
By DINO Oberto

(Lehighton, PA 7-8-23) Race #3 of the Evergreen Raceway/Mahoning Valley Speedway Duel Track Series (DTS) for the 602 Crate Modifieds presented by Bruce George Paving & Excavating Inc., took place at Mahoning on Saturday evening and saw a pair of young and talented rising stars battle for the checkers. Taking the victory was Paulie Hartwig III over Brody George. Hartwig, by luck of a redraw, had the pole and would have George lined up behind him in third for the start of the 40-lap contest. As the action commenced so too did the tight battle between them as they raced in close formation lap after lap with Hartwig leading the way and George constantly nipping at his heels and at other times pulling alongside him in an attempt to get by. Each challenge though the 12-year old Hartwig held his line and was able to keep 14-year old George at bay. Aside from his futile attempts during the green flag runs, George also had opportunities on restarts to move ahead but with no more than one lap back underway Hartwig was able to gain his momentum and continue with his lead. It would play out to two very equally matched cars racing hard for the win and in the end it was Hartwig utilizing better track position in gaining the victory over George, who was the previous DTS front-runner at Evergreen. Bobby Jones, Jaden Brown and Neil Rutt III rounded out the top five. 

For the second time in as many races with the Late Models a first time winner emerged, this time Brian Romig Jr., claiming the unforgettable conquest. Romig took to the lead at the get-go and would soon have previous week winner Mark Hudson and point leader Nick Ross pressuring down on him. As Hudson and Ross raced back and forth for second they also tried looking every way possible to advance by Romig but he was having none of that. Doing a great job of holding his line against them he stayed the course with his focus on one thing, winning. A third generation driver, Romig was euphoric when exiting his car and rightfully so as he drove to a deserving and well-earned verdict. Ross settled for second with Hudson third.

The Street Stocks came out in full force in support of the annual Mike Krempasky Memorial, a race held in honor of the late championship car owner. With additional monies and perks at stake a season high 27 cars were on hand for the 50-lap feature. Despite the fact that there was a field filled with potential winners, none could match the strong performance of Jillian Snyder who raced out front the entire distance. At times Snyder was able to pull ahead to several car lengths over the pack as her No. 97 was clearly the car with the upper hand. This was also a “cone race” which gave drivers the opportunity to choose where they restarted after cautions and although several worthy opponents lined up next to her each time, there would be no denying her authority once the action resumed. The last driver to try and make a run at her would be Randy Ahner Jr., who did stay on her rear bumper over the closing laps but could only follow her to the finish and remain in second spot. Eric Kocher, Johnny Bennett and TJ Gursky rounded out the top five. Snyder is the ninth different winner in as many races this season.

For Lyndsay Buss her career first win was long overdue and on this night she finally bagged the elusive victory in the Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks. Buss darted into the lead at the drop of the green and then withstood an onslaught of strikes to be unseated from Jake Kibler and Travis Solomon. Buss had been in the same close fights in the past only to see her chances slip from her fingers but there was nothing doing this time. Driven by sheer determination she never wavered and held on for a hugely crowd pleasing outcome.

In the Futures Russ Briener was also a first winner. He was leading after the first lap and continued to do so the rest of the way, just nipping Adam Heckman at the checkers.

Jeff Kot took the win with the East Coast TQ Midgets. It was Kot’s third time winning with a TQ at Mahoning but first doing so wingless.

Tyler Wagner was on his way to winning the Modified Outlaw Micro Stock feature when on the final lap he tangled with a lapped car and popped his chain. Tom Ervin, who had led early on, was second at the time and dashed by the slowing Wagner and then onto the victory.
            
602 Crate Modified feature finish (40 laps): 1. Paulie Hartwig III, 2. Brody George, 3. Bobby Jones, 4. Jaden Brown, 5. Zach Lenardo, 6. Neil Rutt III, 7. Brian Rygielski, 8. Jayden Harman, 9. Deegen Underwood, 10. Troy Bollinger, 11. Greyson Ahner, 12. Nick Baer, 13. Rick Smith, 14. Evan Rygielski, 15. Mike Pollack, 16. Braden Sullivan, 17. Makayla Kohler

Late Model feature finish (25 laps): 1. Brian Romig Jr., 2. Nick Ross, 3. Mark Hudson, 4. Seth VanFossen, 5. Mike VanFossen, 6. Brian Sones, 7. Dave Imler Sr.

Street Stock feature finish (50 laps): 1. Jillian Snyder, 2. Randy Ahner Jr., 3. Eric Kocher, 4. Johnny bennett, 5. TJ Gursky, 6. Jamie Smith, 7. Rick Reichenbach, 8. Jacob Christman, 10. Cody Geist, 11. Jon Moser, 12. Logan Boyer, 13. Geary Rinehimer Jr., 14. Jacob Boehm, 15. Todd Ahner, 16. Mark Martini, 17. Rich Moser Jr., 18. Kyle Strohl, 19. Thomas Flanagan, 20. Tommy Flanagan DNQ: Adam Santee, Tucker Muffley, Bobby Kibler Jr., Lorin Arthofer II, Jeremy Scheckler, Josh Kuronya, Franke Althouse

Hobby Stock feature finish (25 laps): 1. Lyndsay Buss, 2. Travis Solomon, 3. Jake Kibler, 4. Shayne Geist, 5. Cody Boehm, 6. Corey Edelman, 7. Jared Frye, 8. Maggie Yeakel, 9. Nicholas Kerstetter, 10.  Larry Spencer III, 11. Parker Ahner, 12. Don Bauder, 13. Dave Kerr, 14. Mallory Kutz, 15. BJ Wambold, 16. Michael Wambold, 17. David Imler Jr., 18. James Tout

Futures feature finish (15 laps): 1. Russ Briener, 2. Adam Heckman, 3. Sarabeth Mesko. 4. Adam Steigerwalt, 5. Chaz Takacs, 6. Rodney Breiner, 7. Arland Moyer Jr., 8. Al Gildner, 9. Michael Klotz, 10. Gabrielle Steigerwalt

ECTQM feature finish (20 laps): 1. Jeff Kot, 2. Josh Paterson, 3. Tyler Wagner, 4. Don Zirinski, 5. Richie Coy, 6. Lexi Prysblinski, 7. Ozzy Carlino, 8. Brandon Kressler, 9. David Williams

Micro stock feature finish (12 laps):.1. Tom Ervin, 2. Kyle Bostick, 3. Brian Russell, 4. Jim VanDine, 5. Tyler Wagner, 6. Mike Haskins, 7. Scott Fox DNS: John Paulsen, Al Puntesecca

Mahoning Valley Speedway will be back racing after mid-season break on July 8…Race #3 of EGR/MVS 602 Mod DTS + Mike Krempasky Street Stock Memorial highlight the action packed lineup

(Lehighton, PA 6-25-23) Mahoning Valley Speedway will be silent this upcoming Saturday, July 1 as the date is a scheduled off night so fans, teams and staff can take in the 4th of July holiday.Action will return one week later on Saturday, July 8 with a full slate of action at the paved ¼-mile oval headlined by not one but two big feature race.Race #3 of the Evergreen Raceway/Mahoning Valley Speedway Dual Track Series (DTS) for the 602 Crate Modifieds and the Annual Mike Krempasky Street Stock Memorial will share the spotlight.The first two DTS for the 602 Crate Modifieds has been well attended and likewise very competitive.In the opening race sponsored by Rustic Roots Salon of Lehighton on April 22 run at Mahoning, Broc Brown held off Nick Baer and Paulie Hartwig III to capture the win. Evergreen Raceway played host to Race #2 of the DTS sponsored by Blue Mountain Woodworking of Bath and the 40 lap feature was chock-full of twists and turns with drama-filled excitement throughout the contest.At the end it was a day long to be remembered for the George family of as Brody George held off his brother, Jaden Brown, in a close finish.Now it’s back to Mahoning Valley for another 40-lap contest, this one sponsored by Bruce George Paving and Excavating Inc., of Kunkletown.Respective track points and series points for the 602 DTS will be kept and aside from regular payouts there will be a point fund in place paying $1500, $1000 and $500 to the top three. Plus each race will designate five “Lucky Draw” awards of $200.Each feature will awards $1000 to win, $500 for second, $400 to third, $300 for fourth and fifth on back receiving $200.Heading into the upcoming race Evan Rygielski is the current point leader by five over Nick Baer with Neil Rutt III sitting third.In the event a DTS race is rained out the make-up will take place at the next regularly scheduled date for the class at that track.The Mike Krempasky Street Stock Memorial has become a yearly staple since it was first staged in 2012. The race is held in honor of the late Mike Krempasky who passed away unexpectedly on March 9. 2012. Mike was a popular Late Model racer at Dorney Park Speedway in Allentown and was always identified by his signature No. 19 cars.After Dorney closed in 1986 his attention turned to Mahoning Valley Speedway. At first it was as a fan but he later became a prominent car owner of the No.19 Street Stock which competed under the MKS Racing banner with TJ Gursky as his driver.
While most all in the Street Stock class opted to race with a Camaro, the MKS Team choose a Monte Carlo, one of the very few with the division. Each week the car rolled out looking picture perfect and Gursky would back up those good looks by being among the weekly front runners. The crowning moment for the team came in 2011 when they won that year’s Street Stock title.The race will be 50 laps in distance and award the winner $1000. Through the amazing efforts of Kyle Krempasky, additional monies and contingencies are also planned throughout the field. The feature will be run as a ‘Cone Race’ and all entrants will be awarded 100 show-up points towards the regular season championship. Street Stocks will draw for heat starting spots and redraw for the main.
Late Models, Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks, Futures and the East Coast TQ Midgets are also on the program.Racing starts at 6:00 pm. Adult grandstand admission is $18.The rained-out Paul Koehler Sr., Hall of Fame Tribute 75-lap Modified feature from June 24 will take place on Saturday, July 15. Included in the evening’s race events will be the Street Stocks, Pro 4s, Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks, Futures and Junk Car Races.Plus it will be Checkered Flag Fan Club Night and Bike Appreciation Night. Bikers are invited to parade around the track during intermission. There is free admission to all riders and the track will hold a 50/50 raffle with the proceeds being donated to Bikers Against Cop Killers (B.A.C.K.).

Veteran Bobby Jones holds off the youth for first 602 Crate Modified win at Mahoning Valley Speedway on June 17; Mark Hudson’s 5-hour ride finally pays off with first win in Late Models
By DINO OBERTO

(Lehighton, PA 6-17-23) The youth was prevalent during the 602 Crate Modified feature on Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway but when it was all said and done the young lions got schooled by one of the masters as Bobby Jones took home the checkers for his first win of 2023. Jones jumped out front at the drop of the green and then had point leader Nick Baer heavy on his tail end. They raced closely until lap 11 when Baer, who was in the midst of a tight pack, spun and was forced to the rear. From then on it would be Brody George, Greyson Ahner and Zach Lenardo all under a blanket and giving Jones everything he could handle. “I tried to pinch it off on the bottom once I got the lead and then I had a flame under the dash and I started worrying about that not knowing if I was going to quit or what and I was super tight to boot so I just stayed to the bottom as much as I could and that only shoved the nose really bad so it was even worse that way,” said Jones. “Then I couldn’t get back out to run that outer line and I felt I’d have been much faster that way. It wasn’t pretty but we got it done.”  Get it done he did. Jones kept his car planted on the bottom lane while George tried continuously to take him from the outside.“I knew he (George) was there and he’s hungry now that he knows how to win after last week at Evergreen. I figured he was giving everything he had and it was taking every bit I had without really running (in) to him and he kept staying there and fighting it,” noted Jones.  “I had a ball leading and winning but I guarantee you Brody had more fun tonight running me on that outside because that’s always fun when you get up there and you know you have that car to beat and you dig and you keep going for it and that’s what’s fun.”At the same time Ahner and Lenardo went two-by-two while right in the pathway of Jones which only peaked the excitement level. “This is such a really good class and I can’t believe we don’t have more cars and I just don’t get where they are or why they don’t want to run,” explained Jones, who won for the 58th time in his career. “I guarantee you that most of the guys in this field tonight have used tires on and we’re all still racing hard and battling for the lead and winning,” he continued. “The last run we had before this I ran three races on the same set of tires and how can you beat that. I just can’t believe more people don’t want to do this.” 

Mark Hudson has been coming to Mahoning Valley Speedway that past few years, making an exhausting haul from Norton, MA which is a five-and-a-half hour ride one way. And more times than not the rides back home where tough, especially last year when he finished runner-up to champion Nick Ross, four times matter of fact. However, the day before his trek to Pennsylvania Hudson made a stop at the cemetery for a visit to his dad and pay his respects during this Father’s Day weekend. The close moment meant something too as the personable Hudson went out and dusted the field for his first ever Mahoning win.  “My father did this for us today. He passed away three years ago and I went to see him Friday and this one is for him,” an emotional Hudson said from Victory Lane. “He would have loved this place. He never got to come down with us but we always showed him videos of the races and he really enjoyed them.” Hudson would lead every lap and early on had to fend off Brian Sones but once he got cleared he was able to hold down a solid lead, although his thoughts quickly turned to Ross. “I knew what it was like last year and I was looking for him (Ross). I didn’t see him and I knew at some point he’d be there,” said Hudson.  “I can’t thank enough my wife and mother for being here and especially RB Performance and owner Mark Brackett from Maine. No way could I have done this without them.”  As Hudson was cruising to the memorable win. Brain Romig Jr., and Ross battled right back and forth for second. Romig did a great job of holding on for the spot. 

In the Street Stocks Cody Geist showed his resilience by winning his first feature of the season. It was only two weeks ago when his No. 40 lost a transmission while leading with four laps to go. At that point a frustrated Geist was ready to throw in throw the towel on his season. Coming to his rescue though was his brother, Shayne, who offered him the seat in his car and he rewarded him with a big win.  Geist and Kyle Strohl traded the lead a few times through the first 14 laps. Afterwards Geist took charge and was never headed as he claimed the win over Todd Ahner and Rick Reichenbach. 

In the Harry’s-U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks Maggie Yeakel had an all-out thrilling late race duel with point leader Cody Boehm. The pair raced side-by-side in the final few laps but Yeakel, who held the inside line, was no to be denied of her first division win as she eked out the verdict by the slimmest of margins.

Arland Moyer Jr., picked up his career first win, taking the checkers in a close one with the Futures. Moyer took the lead from the outset and was then in a race long battle at first with Adam Heckman and then down to the wire against Rodney Breiner and Adam Steigerwalt.

602 Crate Modified feature finish (25 laps): 1. Bobby Jones, 2. Brody George, 3. Greyson Ahner, 4. Zach Lenardo, 5. Nick Baer, 6. Deegen Underwood, 7. Jaden Brown

Late Model feature finish (25 laps): 1. Mark Hudson, 2. Brian Romig Jr., 3. Nick Ross, 4. Brian Sones, 5. Geno Steigerwalt, 6. Rick Giannino, 7. Seth VanFossen, 8. Frank Del Nero Jr., 9. Brooks Smith

Street Stock feature finish (30 laps): 1. Cody Geist, 2. Todd Ahner, 3. Rick Reichenbach, 4. Jacob Boehm, 5. Jon Moser, 6. Jamie Smith, 7. Geary Rinehimer Jr., 8. Jillian Snyder, 9. Kyle Strohl, 10. Austin Santee, 11. Rich Moser, 12. Jeremy Scheckler, 13. Josh Kuronya DNS: Eric Kocher

Hobby Stock feature finish (25 laps): 1. Maggie Yeakel, 2. Cody Boehm, 3. Jared Frye, 4. Shayne Geist, 5. BJ Wambold, 6. Travis Solomon, 7. Jacob Boehm. 8. James Tout, 9. Nicholas Kerstetter, 10. Jake Kibler, 11. Lyndsay Buss, 12. Dave Kerr, 13. Michael Wambold, 14. Parker Ahner, 15. Don Baud
 
Futures feature finish (15 laps): 1. Arland Moyer Jr., 2. Adam Steigerwalt, 3. Rodney Breiner, 4. Russ Breiner, 5. Adam Heckman, 6. Michael Klotz, 7. Chaz Takacs, 8. Al Gildner, 9. Gabrielle Steigerwalt

Brian DeFebo gives car owner Tom Wanick III his first Mahoning alley Speedway Modified win on June 10

By DINO OBERTO
(Lehighton, PA 6-10-23) Winning is nothing new to Brain DeFebo, after all he’s done it 110 times in his career but winning in a car other than his own is something that he’s never experienced – that is until Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway.  DeFebo got a call from car owner Tom Wanick III to drive his No. 1W knowing that his signature No. 53 was out of commission due to an engine issue. After a solid fourth place run with the same car in the May 21 Tom Wanick Jr., Memorial, Wanick III reached out to DeFebo to drive it again in the night’s regular 35 lap feature and he would reward the popular owner with his first win in nearly 21 years. “When Tom Wanick calls and says I want you to drive the car you know you’re hopping into the best and you say yes,” said DeFebo.
DeFebo started third and on the opening lap pulled off a thrilling three-wide pass for the lead over pole sitter Jacob Kerstetter and Bobby Jones.Jones was quick to move into second and from then on it was a battle of titans as the pair engaged in a virtual nonstop fight to the finish. Time and again Jones was trying every way possible to pass for the lead but keeping his guard up on each lap DeFebo withstood the onslaught.There would be only one caution too which only added to the intenseness of the perennial champions match-up. With nine laps to go the action was halted when Frank Parastino spun off the front straight. This gave Jones an opportunity to line up alongside DeFebo but as the race resumed so too did the one-two clash. “It could have went the other way and I just had to get back in my rhythm and do what we had been doing up to then,” DeFebo noted.DeFebo showed the way and right down to the wire as they stayed glued nose-to-tail. The restart actually helped Nick Baer pull in close with the front pair but at the checkers it would be DeFebo collecting his first win of 2023.“He (Jones) was putting it to me there and I knew I couldn’t get off the bottom and if I did it would open up that lane and he and the rest would freight train me,” DeFebo deduced.Baer had a solid third. Lou Strohl was in the hunt and raced in the top five from the get-go and scored fourth while point leader Kyle Strohl rounded out the top five.For Wanick is marked his first win since September 14, 2002 at Evergreen Raceway with Chris Ammon behind the wheel. At the time it was his father, Tom Jr., who was the team owner.“It was excellent. I always looked up to (car owner) Butch Balas and he always told me if you ever get the chance to put Brian in your car and I listened to him this year. I was supposed to go to Seekonk for the (NASCAR Modified) Tour race but I had to work so instead I decided to come down to Mahoning and I called Brian to race the car,” explained Wanick.“I put him in my dad’s race and he did a hell of job and tonight with him and Gary (Slusser crew chief) they did fantastic. We’ve been trying so hard to get a win here at Mahoning and I couldn’t be happier, I love coming here.”DeFebo added that it was indeed good to have his team along which included Gary Slusser, his mom Sophie Welsh and Genevive Yamelski whom did not attend the Wanick Memorial race.“When we were here for the 150 it was a good car and we just didn’t have enough time to get it 100% right. Today we were more comfortable with it and I also had my crew chief Gary Slusser, my mom and Gennie with me,” DeFebo affirmed.
“Anytime you can drive a race car its fun and we have a lot more to go, we’re far from done.”

In the Street Stocks Geary Rinehimer Jr., got to experience victory for the first time in 19 years. And it would be in just his seventh start with the class.
Rinehimer raced previously at Mahoning with a Modified but cut back to a Street Stock citing cost. As it turned out he was enjoying himself much more with less work and pressure that goes along with the Mod.Rinehimer started second but was quick to grab the lead over Logan Boyer and from there on it was no looking back as he cruised out front the entire distance. At the end he was able to stay a car length ahead of fast closing Todd Ahner and point leader Jillian Snyder.It was Rinehimer’s first time winning since a 2004 win with a Factory Stock at the defunct Shangri-La Speedway.

A week ago Cody Boehm moved into the point lead with the Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks. On Saturday night he added to his current tally with his first win of the season. Boehm snagged the top spot from Jared Frye on a lap four restart and remained in place to the checkers which helped pad his points.           Frye, who has been strong and steady each week, had his best finish to date taking second and likewise with defending champion Corey Edelman who notched third. 

Cody Kohler was once again the Pro 4 winner only this time he can say it was well-earned.Kohler, although he would lead every lap, was pressured lap after lap by Colton Briener who was on his tail the entire time.

In the Futures Adam Steigerwalt finally shook off the bridesmaid moniker. After finishing three times in the first six races as runner-up, Steigerwalt was not to be denied this time out as he led from the start and held it the rest of the way for his first win of the season. Adam Heckman picked up a career high second over point leader Michael Klotz who was third.

In the Junk Car feature Jake Oswald took the win over Kyle Troch and Brian Kunkle.

 
Modified feature finish (35 laps): 1. Brian DeFebo, 2. Bobby Jones, 3. Nick Baer, 4. Lou Strohl, 5. Kyle Strohl, 6. Johnny Bennett, 7. Nevin George, 8. Terry Markovic, 9. Jacob Kerstetter, 10. BJ Wambold, 11. Frank Parastino, 12. Rich Cooper, 13. Makayla Kohler

Street Stock feature finish (30 laps): 1. Geary Rinehimer Jr., 2. Todd Ahner, 3. Jillian Snyder. 4. Frankie Althouse, 5. Jon Moser, 6. Jamie Smith, 7. Logan Boyer, 8. Eric Kocher, 9. Cody Geist, 10. Kyle Strohl, 11. Austin Santee, 12. Jacob Boehm, 13. Josh Kuronya, 14. Randy Green

Pro 4 feature finish (20 laps): 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Colton Breiner, 3. Terry Peters, 4. Kadie Pursell, 5. Richie Pursell, 6. Ken Reeder

Hobby Stock feature finish (25 laps): 1. Cody Boehm, 2. Jared Frye, 3. Corey Edelman, 4. Parker Ahner, 5. Jacob Boehm, 6. Michael Wambold, 7. Dave Kerr, 8. Maggie Yeakel, 9. Jake Kibler, 10. Nicholas Kerstetter, 11. Don Bauder, 12. Lyndsay Buss, 13. Travis Solomon, 14. Shayne Geist, 15. James Tout DQ: Tony Hilliard

Futures feature finish (15 laps): 1. Adam Steigerwalt. 2. Adam Heckman, 3. Michael Klotz, 4. Arland Moyer Jr., 5. Rodney Breiner, 6. Al Gildner, 7. Sarabeth Mesko, 8. John Belcher, 9. Russ Breiner

Junk Car feature finish (40 laps):  1. Jake Oswald, 2. Kyle Troch, 3. Brian Kunkle, 4. Peyton Arthofer, 5. Adam Kratzer, 6. Devin Schmidt, 7. Matt Frantz, 8. Zachary Miller, 9. Garth Miller, 10. Carl Schaller, 11. Jason Costenbader, 12. Travis Frantz, 13. Kevin Behler, 14. Eric Whitmore, 15. Jake Schaller, 16. Floyd Lundy, 17. Jaden Brown, 18. AJ Light, 19. Cley Chilson, 20. Grant Heywood


Restart propels Kyle Strohl to Mahoning Valley Speedway Modified win over Nick Baer on June 10

By DINO OBERTO

(Lehighton, PA 6-3-23) Nick Baer has won races in the Sportsman Modifieds and 602 Crate Modifieds and on Saturday evening was teetering on the verge of his first Modified victory at Mahoning Valley Speedway. All was going well too until the only caution waved with 12 laps remaining and wiped out what was a commanding lead to that point. When the field was reset Kyle Strohl was lined up alongside and three laps later eased his way to the front where he would stay the rest of the way for his first win of the season. Baer would have to settle for second, his best finish with a Modified.“Nick (Baer) had a really good car tonight and he had just enough space ahead of me where I wasn’t going to catch him and that caution really helped me,” said Strohl, the defending Mahoning Modified champion.Baer was the pole sitter and no sooner did the action commence he was showing his hand by distancing himself from the pack. And while he was outstepping everyone there was torrid action going on behind him with a tight group that included Lou Strohl, Don Wagner, K. Strohl and Bobby Jones all racing closely for second spot, notably the Strohl’s who battled side-by-side.By lap 13 K. Strohl secured the position although Baer by then had built a sizeable lead. However, K. Strohl was turning quicker lap times and slowly chipping away at the leader although it was evident Baer was solid enough ahead to carry himself to the finish.Fate then stepped in for K. Strohl when Jaden Brown looped coming off Turn 4 on lap 23 to prompt the only caution of the contest. Now flanked to the outside of Baer, K. Strohl would run a few two-wide circuits on the outside lane and as the crossed the stripe with nine laps to go the lead changed hands and there was no looking back from there.“The car was the best it’s ever been for us in a long time and I can’t thank my dad and crew enough for the hard work and long hours they all put in on this,” said K. Strohl, who picked up his 19th Modified win and 44th overall.“This is actually a different car then last year with the motor and we switched from Chevy to Ford Everyone kept telling us we have to go back to Chevy but I proved today that the Ford can do as good if not better.”Jones, Wagner and Brown completed the top five.

It was a case of being in the right place at the right time for Street Stock winner Eric Kocher. Cody Geist had the race well in hand, that was until four laps to go when his transmission let go and he suddenly spun. Close behind was Geary Rinehimer Jr., who clipped Geist and he suffered a flat tire.Running third at the time was Kocher who was then elevated to the lead and would stay there to the checkers just ahead of Jon Moser and Jacob Boehm.For Kocher it was a very humbling victory too. Not only was it his first time out this season but he modestly dedicated the win to his wife, Jeanette, who had been dealing with breast cancer. It was an emotionally charged Victory Lane afterwards as one the first to greet Kocher was Jeanette as they shared in a very special moment.   

Jeff Parker cruised out front for all 20 laps of the Dirt Mod feature and recorded his third straight win. And while Parker was en route to his 16th career victory and a padding of his point lead, James Counterman Jr., made a thrilling last lap pass of Ricky Yetter for the runner-up spot.

In the make-up Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stock feature from April 22 Jacob Boehm shot out to the lead at the drop of the green and was unchallenged the rest of the way, motoring to an assertive victory.For runner-up Shayne Geist it was anything but as he had a race-long battle with Michael Wambold for his best effort to date.

In the regular feature BJ Wambold can boast that he led every lap but it was far and away a barnburner from start to finish.Wambold had his hands full right to the end, dealing with Cody Boehm and Jared Frye on virtually every lap. When he crossed the finish line he had Boehm glued to his rear bumper but raced brilliantly in holding his stance and winning for the first time this season.

For the third time in six starts Michael Klotz took top honors with the Futures. Klotz made his race winning pass on Chaz Takacs with five laps in and then held off Adam Steigerwalt the rest of the way.  

Tyler Wagner notched his second straight East Coast TQ Midget win at Mahoning. Jumping into the lead at the outset from his fourth starting spot, Wagner then dusted the field on his way to victory.

Modified feature finish (35 laps): 1. Kyle Strohl, 2. Nick Baer, 3. Bobby Jones, 4. Don Wagner, 5. Jaden Brown, 6. Lou Strohl, 7. John Markovic, 8. Terry Markovic, 9. Johnny Bennett, 10. Greyson Ahner, 11. Jacob Kerstetter 12. Wayne Kerstetter DNS: Frank Parastino

Street Stock feature finish (30 laps): 1. Eric Kocher, 2. Jon Moser, 3. Jacob Boehm, 4. Kyle Strohl, 6. Todd Ahner, 7. Jillian Snyder, 8. Logan Boyer, 9. Josh Kuronya, 10. Randy Green, 11. Austin Santee, 12. Geary Rinehimer Jr., 13. Cody Geist, 14. Jeremy Scheckler

Dirt Mod feature finish (20 laps): 1. Jeff Parker, 2. James Counterman Jr., 3. Rick Yetter, 4. Scott Hyland

Make-up Hobby Stock feature finish from 4/22 (25 laps): 1. Jacob Boehm, 2. Shayne Geist, 3. Michael Wambold, 4. Jared Frye, 5. Travis Solomon, 6. Parker Ahner, 7. Cody Boehm, 8. Trisha Connolly, 9. BJ Wambold, 10. Jake Kibler, 11. Dave Kerr, 12. Maggie Yeakel, 13. Don Bauder, 14. James Tout, 15. Mallory Kutz, 16. Nick Schaeffer DNS: Scott Adams, Brian Romig Jr.

Regular Hobby Stock feature finish (25 laps): 1. BJ Wambold, 2. C. Boehm, 3. Frye, 4. Kerr, 5. Geist, 6. Edelman, 7. Bauder, 8. M. Wambold, 9. Yeakel, 10. Kerry Boehm, 11. Kerstetter, 12. Kutz, 13. Buss, 14. Solomon, 15. Connolly, 16. Tout, 17. Behler, 18. Kibler, 19. Ahner 

Futures feature finish (15 laps): 1. Michael Klotz, 2. Adam Steigerwalt, 3. Adam Heckman, 4. Russ Breiner, 5. Lexus Kutz, 6. Sarabeth Mesko, 7. Chaz Takacs, 8. Arland Moyer Jr., 9. Gabrielle Steigerwalt

ECTQM feature finish (20 laps): 1. Tyler Wagner, 2. Josh Paterson, 3. Lexi Przybylinski, 4. Richie Coy, 5. Don Zirinski, 6. Brandon Kressler, 7. Ozzy Carlino

Full slate of racing action set for Saturday, June 4 ay Mahoning Valley Speedway…Modifieds, Street Stocks, Twin Hobby Stocks, Dirt Mods, Futures and East Coast TQ Midgets

(Lehighton, PA 5-29-23) After a weekend off to enjoy the Memorial Day holiday, Mahoning Valley Speedway will be back in action this coming Saturday evening, June 3, at 6:00 pm with a full slate of racing taking place at the paved ¼-mile oval. The Modifieds will hit the track for a 35-lap contest. Interestingly this will be the first regular main event for the headline class following two big programs that took place, the April 8 Race of Champions 75 and the Tom Wanick Jr., Memorial 150 run on May 21.  There will also be twin features for the Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks. The first will be the make-up from April 22 which was halted due to rain. The second will be the regularly scheduled feature. Additionally there will be the Street Stocks, Dirt Modifieds and Futures. And joining the stock cars will be the East Coast TQ Midgets.  Race time is 6:00 pm. Pits open at 11:30 with early paid practice ($25 per car) running from noon to 3:00 pm. Warm-ups start at 4:00 pm. Grandstands also open at 4:00.  Pit admission is $40 per person and adult grandstand admission is $15, $2 off for seniors 65+. Children 10 and under are free.  Sunday afternoon at Mahoning will be the Green Flag Driving Experience where casual fans can strap into a TQ Midget car and take laps around the speedway. The Green Flag Driving Experience gives individuals an opportunity to feel what it’s like to drive around Mahoning and get a better understanding for what their favorite drivers go through on a regular race night. In two weeks, Saturday June 10 it will be another “Where Are They Now?” segment featuring driving greats from the past for a special meet and greet with fans. On the race card will be Modifieds, Street Stocks, Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks, Pro 4s and Futures plus Junk Car races at the end of the evening.    
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Matt Hirschman scores second straight Tom Wanick Jr., Memorial 150 worth $7000 on May 21 at Mahoning Valley Speedway

By DINO OBERTO

(Lehighton, PA 5-21-23) The second Annual Modified Spring Zing “Tom Wanick Jr. Memorial 150” held Sunday afternoon at Mahoning Valley Speedway brought together a solid field of cars with an impressively solid field of competitors to boot, all of whom could have been able to take home the $7000 to prize. But despite the level of talent, none could match up to the one driver who has made winning the high stakes affairs his calling card as Matt Hirschman of Northampton turned it into a race for second after he won for the second time in the event. Hirschman took the lead for good on lap 105 and from there made it his to lose by keeping all of his opponents at bay. Even though there would be several cautions that kept the field close over the final 40 laps, there was no denying the superiority of Hirschman who was perfect on each restart and then stayed just enough ahead of the rest to secure the win. Even on a pair of restarts with two laps remaining and Anthony Sesely lined up next to him, it was still Hirschman in control. Matter of fact Sesely wound up battling with Zane Zeiner on the final lap and gave up the runner-up spot at the line. “It was a stout performance. We were here in April for the RoC opener and we were no good and that doesn’t really happen often especially close to home and I feel we’ve had as many hits as we’ve had misses this year,” said Hirschman. “We got wins but we also got, at least by my standards, some poor performances so it’s good to get a big win and close to home.”At the outset Bobby Jones grabbed the early lead and kept it until lap 11 when Don Wagner took over. Wagner’s stay out front would be short lived as Andrew Krause, who was making his first start at Mahoning since 2014, made an impressive charge to the front and soon after had fellow Garden State racers Blake Barney and Jimmy Blewett in tow while Hirschman and Austin Kochenash ran fourth and fifth respectively. Blewett and Hirschman had taken over second and third after 25 laps while keeping a close check on Krause. As Krause remained fixed on the race lead Blewett and Hirschman raced hard against each other for the runner-up slot and on lap 37 it would go to the No. 60. Once in second Hirschman began to put all of his home track experience to work on Krause but the No. 24NJ stayed the course nicely. Then on a lap 47 restart Hirschman worked the top line to get around Krause and assume the lead for the first time. Now in third was Kochenash and he would then begin applying pressure over the next 20 tours and his persistency finally paid off, moving into the tire tracks of Hirschman. By this point Zeiner was catching the eye of e veryone as the 17th place starter was vying for third, which he got on lap 66 and three laps later used a lap 71 restart to motor to second. Right after that, however, Zeiner would begin a rollercoaster ride of bouncing in and out of the pits and would not become a factor again until late in the going.With 88 laps complete a caution waved when Cody Kohler and Nick Baer got together. Under the yellow several cars used that time to make pit stops including Hirschman, Krause and Blewett who all gave up there top five spots. After cycling through pit stops Kochenash and Blake Barney, who stayed out, ran one-two with Earl Paules, Stephen Kopcik and Brian DeFebo in the top five. When the action resumed Barney was all over Kochenash and eventually would take over the lead, but it was not to be as officials called him out for passing to far below the inside line and made him give the spot back. As he did there was a jumble that suddenly occurred and several cars near the front went scattering. There was now 50 laps to go and after sorting things out Kochenash was back in front over Hirschman. And in a span on the next five laps Hirschman simply bided his time while using the outside lane and took back the lead for good. And as he never wavered from then on second place remained hotly contested. Krause and Kochenash would go side-by-side for several laps. Then it was Barney going after Krause after Kochenash made his intended pit stop. And once again a heated battle ensued for second and not only was it between Barney and Krause but Blewett, Sesely and Zeiner were part of the action as well. As the laps were winding down Sesely showed the best strength and powered his way to second followed by Zeiner. Although there would be several cautions that pulled the field together, it was no problem for Hirschman as he had the upper hand on Sesely each time. When the white flag waved Hirschman had a car length lead that he held to the checkers. “This is great to get a big win close to home and they won’t have a bigger race then this. I appreciate having Harry’s-U-Pull-It, a local sponsor that supports us and we have this obligation to fulfill with them being close to home and all of our sponsors and my team who gives a great effort just like they always do,” said Hirschman. “We were on our game today and as I said it was a really good performance. I do totally disagree with the new rule with the line they put down and that got me early in the race and it also caused a wreck on the back stretch,” he continued. “I don’t like to complain because we need these race tracks and I like to support them but I do disagree with that rule. It kind of forced my hand in pitting when we did because late in the race that’s when you make moves and make passes off the corner and you have to finish them in the corner without driving into the guy next to you. I’d rather run the apron then drive over someone and put my right front in their window. Today it all worked out.” Sesely meanwhile went toe-to-toe with Zeiner and was passed at the line for the position. For Zeiner, he passed the most cars throughout the day but at the end never had the shot he would have liked to challenge Hirschman. “It seems like I’m Mr. Second this year because every race I’ve been in thus far that was the result but a win is coming and we just have to keep digging and everything will work out,” said Zeiner. “We put tires on and kind of made a mistake and came in and readjusted the car and was able to bring it back to second.” Third place finisher Sesely had many feeling with the late race restarts that he was the person with the best chance to unseat Hirschman but it was to no avail and not only that but then came the last lap duel with Zeiner. “Let’s be honest it’s tough to beat him (Hirschman). It was the first time out with this car and it was an excellent run for us and for the Wanick family and to finish on the podium were I don’t race here fulltime anymore, I’m happy with that,” said Sesely, who drives for owner Tom Wanick III. “Zane (Zeiner) was just a little better than me at the end and the best car finished first.”

In the Street Stocks it was Jacob Boehm picking up his career first class win in a hard fought tussle the whole way. Boehm took the lead from Cody Geist on lap two and then battled the rest of the way with point leader Jillian Snyder. But although Snyder was very tenacious, Boehm was not ready to give in and held on to claim the victory and $1000 for his efforts.

Parker Ahner proved to be in the right place at the right time en route to becoming a first time winner with the Harry’s-U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks. Cody Boehm was the leader and first to cross the finish line but race officials placed him back two spots for the infraction of driving below the designated race line.Ahner had just taken over second two laps from the end from Ryan Berger and was awarded the verdict. Michael Klotz passed Adam Heckman with four laps to go and drive on to his second Futures victory of the season.

Modified feature finish (150 laps): 1. Matt Hirschman, 2. Zane Zeiner, 3. Anthony Sesely, 4. Brian DeFebo, 5. Earl Paules, 6. Don Wagner, 7. Stephen Kopcik, 8. Nick Baer, 9. Blake Barney, 10. Paulie Hartwig III, 11. Jacob Kerstetter, 12. Cody Kohler, 13. Andrew Krause, 14. Rod Snyder Jr., 15. Johnny Bennett, 16. Bobby Jones, 17. Kyle Strohl, 18. Terry Markovic, 19. Chris Risdale, 20. Lou Strohl, 21. Nevin George, 22. Jaden Brown DNQ: Carsten DiGiantomasso, Tommy Rought, Vinny Morone DQ: Austin Kochenash, Jimmy Blewett

Street Stock feature finish (30 laps): 1. Jacob Boehm, 2. Jillian Snyder, 3. Geary Rinehimer Jr., 4. TJ Gursky, 5. Brandon Christman, 6. Jon Moser, 7. Kyle Strohl, 8. Randy Ahner Jr., 9. Frankie Althouse, 10. Randy Green, 11. Neil Rutt III, 12. Tucker Muffley, 13. Josh Kuronya, 14. Logan Boyer, 15. Todd Ahner, 16. Cody Geist, 17. Bobby Kibler Jr.

Hobby Stock feature finish (25 laps): 1. Parker Ahner, 2. Cody Boehm, 3. Ryan Berger, 4. Jake Kibler, 5. Corey Edelman, 6. Shayne Geist, 7. Michael Wambold, 8. Travis Solomon, 9. Jared Frye, 10. Don Bauder, 11. James Tout, 12. Maggie Yeakel, 13. Lyndsay Buss, 14. Trisha Connolly, 15. BJ Wambold

Futures feature finish (15 laps): 1. Michael Klotz, 2. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 3. Adam Heckman. 5. Rodney Breiner, 6. Keith Bilder, 7. Chaz Takacs, 8. Al Gildner, 9. Adam Steigerwalt, 110. Mayson Moyer DNS: Arland Moyer Jr.


Drivers set to reap plenty of cash and awards at Tom Wanick Jr., Memorial 150 at Mahoning Valley Speedway…Green money now $1600 to start on May 21

The race pays $7000-to-win the 150 lap feature, $4500 for second and $2100 for fifth. And it just got even sweeter as an unprecedented $1600 will now be paid to start the prestigious event. Thanks to Jimmy Blewett and John Blewett Inc., Auto and Scrap Metal Recycling of Howell, NJ along with Wanick Construction of Zion Grove, additional monies have been raised to help enhance the already remarkable purse payout leaving little doubt of the number of local and regional Modified teams that will be looking to come out of the Lehighton paved 1/4-mile oval with their fair shake of what’s up for grabs. And, aside from the well-off disbursement there will be much more incentives to be awarded in the form of cash and product gift certificates. All heat winners will receive $200 courtesy of Aqua Duck Water Transport of New Tripoli. There will be $1500 to the driver who wins the B-main provided 35 or more cars are signed in on race day. That driver can, if he/she desires, forfeit the cash and mover to the A-main. A $500 bonus will be paid to the halfway leader thanks to Hirschman Speed of Northampton.  The Highest finishing LFR and Troyer cars will each be awarded $500 from those respective chassis builder. TFR Distribution will be presenting a $500 gift card. There will be a $250 cash prize to the fastest lap of the feature coming from D & B Towing of Humboldt. A cool $1000 bonus will go the highest finishing factory sealed 602 Crate GM car. Tow money will be handed out to all non-qualifiers. They must take the green in both heat and consi to be eligible for the payout. With much thanks and effort to Tom Wanick Jr., who is working with track owner Jack Carlino and Operations Manager Todd Baer, the goal is to make this a very rewarding race for all drivers.  Aside from the nearly $50,000 purse and additional enticements being awarded, Wanick is continuing to add more windfalls and vows to do so right up until the green flag drops. The race is open to all Monaco Modifieds Tri-Track Series, Smart Tour, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Races of Champions Series and Modified Racing Series as well as the very supportive local stars. 24 cars will start the feature with 22 via heats and consi and two provisional spots. It will be a six tire maximum using Mahoning Valley Speedway’s track tire. There will be no radios or mirrors allowed. The fastest driver from the heats will draw the invert pill ranging from six to 12.Also on the card will be the Street Stocks in a $1000-to-win feature and the Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks running in a $400-to-win main and the JuiceBox Division.

            The day before, Saturday, May 20 will be an open practice for all Modified teams and then feature races that evening for the 602 Crate Modifieds, Street Stocks racing for $1000-to-win, the Harry-U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks in a $400 run, Pro 4s, Futures and the TQ Midgets of the ATQMRA

Sunday’s race starts at 2:00 pm.


Nick Bear edges out Bobby Jones for 602 Crate Modified win at Mahoning Valley Speedway on May 13

By DINO OBERTO

(Lehighton, PA 5-13-23) Nick Baer picked up his first win of the young season with the 602 Crate Modifieds Saturday evening at Mahoning Valley Speedway and although the record will show that he led every lap in doing so, it was by all means one very thrilling feature. Over the entire 25-lap nonstop distance Baer battled under a blanket with Bobby Jones and Jaden Brown during the race that took just 5:49 to complete.Baer would start from the pole with Jones alongside. As the action began Bear pulled ahead to the lead and within short order Jones showed himself on the outside. At the same time Brown was working right behind the leader and that was scene setting the rest of the way.Lap after lap it was white knuckle among them as neither of the three would give an inch and they stayed that way, with Bear and Jones virtually side-by-side with Brown looking for any way by.But it would be Baer who had just enough to keep them both at bay and race to his 24th overall career win.“We came close last week until I had an unfortunate circumstance but tonight we got the job done,” said Baer. He was referring to a week ago when he was leading but was pinched by Jones and lost his chance at a possible win.“It’s always tough in this class because we’re all so close and equal so you have to make every lap count in your favor. If Bobby (Jones) was going to pass me he was going to have to do it from the outside because we weren’t giving up the bottom and luckily for us it was all good,” added Baer.“I can’ thank my crew and all my sponsors enough and we want to dedicate this win to Paul French who had a tough family issue earlier today and we’re all thinking about him.”  Previous week winner and point leader Zach Lenardo and Greyson Ahner rounded out the top five.

The Late Models raced for the first time this season and for the second straight year it was two-time and defending champion Nick Ross who started out as the first winner. Ross would start from the pole and wasted little time in bolting out front. He then build a wide margin from the rest of the pack leaving everyone in his wake. Although Ross was in his own zone, second spot was a totally different story as Frank Del Nero Jr., Mark Hudson and Brian Romig Jr., traded off second, third and fourth during the caution free 25 lap run. Del Nero gave way to Romig on lap nine and a lap later Hudson was third. While Ross was still checking out it remained hot and heavy for second spot. Romig and Hudson kept going out at and most times side-by-side while Del Nero hung right behind them. When Ross took the checkers he was almost five seconds ahead of everyone and scored his 24th career class win. Romig would hold off Hudson for a career best division finish. With three laps to go Brian Sones, who was his making his first start with a Late Model, got by Del Nero for a respectable fourth.

When it comes to Street Stocks Todd Ahner is considered among the most distinguished drivers with the class. After all he is not only the all-time career wins leader but a very classy guy to boot. Although accustomed to winning, that’s something that he had not been able to do for nearly two years but brought that dry spell to and end by leading every lap of the 30-lap contest and show his prowess in the process as he held off a bevy of opponents. Five different drivers ran second to Ahner but none could muster the power to get by the veteran wheel-twister. When he crossed the finish line it would mark his 40th career victory and first since May 2021. At the line for the runner-up spot was point leader Jillian Snyder over last week’s winner Jon Moser with TJ Gursky and Geary Rinehimer Jr., very close behind.         

In the first race of the Evergreen Raceway/Mahoning Valley Speedway Dual Track Series for the 4-Cylinder Stocks/Hobby Stocks, Travis Solomon was both lucky and good.  Solomon was the second place car for 28 of the 40 laps to Jacob Boehm. On lap 29 he would be unseated by Nick Schaffer but still kept a close proximity with the front pair. Then his raced turned lucky when Schaeffer got a nudge to his left side as he was trying to grab the lead from Boehm and went sailing into the wall off turn four. Schaeffer was done and Boehm was sent to the rear for his part and the new leader was Solomon where he would stay to the finish, holding off Cody Boehm for the win. Impressive running Parker Ahner was second with Scott Adams and Michael Wambold completing the top five.

The Dirt Modifieds may have been light on cars but winner Jeff Parker and Ricky Yetter did not let that change how the racing was as the pair put on a whale of battle for the top spot. Yetter had been the leader from the outset and cruising while Parker had to work hard to get around James Counterman Jr. Once he did though, Parker charged at Yetter and the pair began a thrilling duel. With five laps to go Parker finally got around Yetter and went on to score his second straight win. Counterman took a career bets second with Yetter falling to third.

 Al Gildner is still relatively new to racing but you wouldn’t have known that by how he collected his career first win with the Futures. In just his sixth ever start Gildner ran like a seasoned veteran as he out-dueled Michael Klotz in what was a close and stirring finish.

602 Crate Modified Feature Finish (25 laps): 1. Nick Baer, 2. Bobby Jones, 3. Jaden Brown, 4. Zach Lenardo, 5. Greyson Ahner, 6. Brody George, 7. Deegen Underwood, 8. Makayla Kohler

Late Model Feature Finish (25 laps): 1. Nick Ross, 2. Brian Romig Jr., 3. Mark Hudson, 4. Brian Sones, 5. Frank Del Nero Jr., 6. Seth VanFossen, 7. Brooks Smith, 8. Dave Imler Sr.

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 laps): 1. Toss Ahner, 2. Jillian Snyder, 3. Jon Moser, 4. TJ Gursky, 5. Geary Rinehimer Jr., 6. Rick Reichenbach, 7. Logan Boyer, 8. Johnny Bennett, 9. Jamie Smith, 10. Jacob Boehm, 11. Jeremy Scheckler, 12. Frankie Althouse 13. Josh Kuronya, 14. Cody Geist

Dirt Modified Finish (20 laps): 1. Jeff Parker, 2. James Counterman Jr., 3. Ricky Yetter, 4. Scott Hyland

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (40 laps): 1. Travis Solomon, 2. Cody Boehm, 3. Parker Ahner, 4. Scott Adams, 5. Michael Wambold, 6. Dave Kerr, 7. BJ Wambold, 8. Don Bauder, 9. Maggie Yeakel, 10. James Tout, 11. Ed Herman, 12. Micah Adams, 13. Josh Oswald, 14. Jacob Boehm, 15. Nick Schaeffer, 16. Shayne Geist, 17. Jared Frye, 18. Ryan Berger, 19. Jake Kibler, 20. David Imler Jr. DNQ: Mallory Kutz, Nicholas Kerstetter, Brian Romig Jr., Corey Edelman

Futures Feature Finish (15 laps): 1. Al Gildner, 2. Michael Klotz, 3. Russ Breiner, 4. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 5. Rodney Breiner, 6. Sarabeth Mesko, 7. Chaz Takacs, 8. Keith Bilder, 9 Savannah Romig, 10. Lexus Kutz, 11. Adam Steigerwalt

Zach Lenardo grabs career first feature win with 602 Crate Modified victory at Mahoning Valley Speedway on May 6
By DINO OBERTO
(Lehighton, PA 5-6-23) Zach Lenardo was in the right place at the right time when the talented upstart raced to his career first 602 Crate Modified win Saturday evening at Mahoning Valley Speedway.Nick Bear was leading the race while Bobby Jones was close behind. However, as they were making their way around to complete lap 19, Jones made contact that sent Baer into a spin. Afterwards both drivers had to restart from the rear. Lenardo, who had been in a close battle with Greyson Ahner, was now the leader and would make then make perfect laps to the finish en route to his unforgettable night. He made a sweep of the evening’s races by also winning his heat and is now the new point leader too.A graduate of Quarter Midgets, this was only the eighth start for Lenardo in a Modified and prior to this his best finish had been a third coming last year during his rookie season.Ahner can also boast a good night even though he finished second. On April 22 during the Evergreen Raceway/Mahoning Valley Speedway Dual Track Series race he had a hard hit into the wall that caused significant damage. After long hours to repair the car Ahner showed it was worth the effort as he raced in the top five from the outset and held on for a fine runner-up tally.Brody George, James Blewett and Baer rounded out the top five.

Over the first two Street Stock events of the season Jon Moser was in contention each time only to have misfortune strike late in the going.Nothing doing this time around as the four-time class champion took advantage of his pole staring spot and held off Jillian Snyder the entire 30 lap distance for a what was a well gratifying win and the 40th overall of his career.

With a record four Pro 4 titles including the past three in a row Cody Kohler has long been established as leader in the class. He can how add even more high mark stats to what has been nothing short of a very impressive career with the division When Kohler picked up the win on Saturday it not only was his third straight, keeping him undefeated on the season, but more notably it was a class record 45th victory. And he can also add yet another record as dating back to last season he has collected six consecutive victories in a row.Terry Peters followed Kohler across the finish line for second with Kadie Pursell third. After winning the Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stock championship in 2017, Michael Wambold had not raced much at all due to medical issues.With a clean bill health now Wambold has returned to fold and showed he hasn’t lost his step. Despite his car being down slightly with a cylinder, Wambold showed it mattered not as he kept his No. 81 at the front for the whole race and held off hard chargers Jacob Boehm and Travis Solomon en route to his return to Victory Lane. In the Futures main Gabrielle Steigerwalt won for the second straight time and just as before she annexed the win over her brother Adam Steigerwalt. The night concluded with a Junk Car race and collecting the win was Kevin Behler.

602 Crate Modified Feature Finish (25 laps): 1. Zach Lenardo, 2. Greyson Ahner, 3. Brody George, 4. James Blewett, 5. Nick Baer, 6. Ryan Fisher, 7. Bobby Jones, 8. Carsten DiGiantomasso, 9. Deegen Underwood, 10. Makayla Kohler

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 laps): 1. Jon Moser, 2. Jillian Snyder, 3. Logan Boyer, 4. Todd Ahner, 5. Rick Reichenbach, 6. Jamie Smith, 8. TJ Gursky, 9. Thomas Flanagan, 10. Jacob Boehm, 11. Josh Kuronya, 12. Kyle Strohl, 13. Cody Geist DQ: Tommy Flanagan, Randy Green

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 laps): 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Terry Peters, 3. Kadie Pursell, 4. James Yons, 5. Richie Pursell, 6. Ken Reeder DNS: Colton Breiner

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25 laps): 1. Michael Wambold, Jr., 2. Jacob Boehm, 3. Travis Solomon, 4. Cody Boehm, 5. Jared Frye, 6. Don Bauder, 7. Trisha Connolly, 8. Maggie Yeakel, 9. BJ Wambold, 10. Dave Kerr, 11. Jake Kibler, 12. Shayne Geist, 13. Ed Herman, 14. Nick Schaeffer, 15. Mike Horn, 16. Mallory Kutz, 17. Parker Ahner, 18. Jacob Oswald DNS: Corey Edelman

Futures Feature Finish (15 laps): 1. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 2. Adam Steigerwalt, 3. Adam Heckman, 4. Rodney Green, 5. Michael Klotz, 6. Chaz Takacs, 7. Al Gildner, 8. Sarabeth Mesko, 9. Russ Breiner, 10. Arland Moyer Jr., 11. Lexus Kutz, 12. Ryan Kresge DNS: Barry Fulton

Mahoning Valley Speedway took a gamble on Saturday, April 22 by bumping up its program by three hours in an effort to beat the predicted rain and it paid off too as they got 5 of the 6 events in the books before showers swept across the area.

And it would be a day of records set also. Broc Brown would become the first winner of the Evergreen Raceway/Mahoning Valley Speedway Dual Track Series (DTS) and set a new speed mark with the class at 10.517-seconds. Thomas Flanagan beat his father, Tommy Flanagan, and in doing so became the first father/son dual to finish one-two in that division and when Cody Kohler won the Pro 4 feature it tied the record for all-time class wins with 44.

Headlining the afternoon features was the DTS for the 602 Crate Modifieds sponsored by Rustic Roots with an impressive field of 23 cars checked in to race.By luck of the draw Brown, who hails from Shickshinny, had the pole with Nick Baer to his outside. When the race commenced there would be no denying that the Brown’s No. 14 was going to be the car to beat as he wasted little time in taking quick charge of the race over Baer, Jayden Harman, Paulie Hartwig III and Troy Bollinger.A steady pace began to unfold with Brown pulling away from the rest of the pack. He was able to extend his lead by a few car lengths over Baer who was holding off Harman and then Hartwig.With a dozen laps in Brown began to deal with lapped traffic and despite that he meticulously worked by them with very little issues.“It was like we hit a wall and some cars weren’t moving over enough but there wasn’t a whole lot you could do,” said Brown.The first caution came on lap 19 when Bollinger spun in turn two. After all was sorted out and the action resumed Brown was able to out-gun Baer and remain in control.For Baer he would have a few more tries on restarts – taking place on laps 27 and 28 – and although he worked his tail off to get by for the lead, Brown needed only one lap under green to get back into showing the way and doing so by a few car lengths yet again.“We just had a better car I would say,” noted Brown.As the laps wound down it was clear that Brown was not to be denied as he cruised to his first win at Mahoning Valley since 2018 in a Late Model.“It was pretty good out there despite the fact that it (car) pushes a little bit but we’ll get it figured out for next time,” said Brown, who is a three-time Street Stock champion at Evergreen Raceway.“We were definitely hooked up today and I want to thank my team and Gary Slusser who set the car up, he’s the man. It was great to come here and win the first race of the Series and we plan to run them all.”Baer would hold off Hartwig to take second while Evan Rygielski was fourth and Jayden Harman, in his first Modified start, completed the top five.
The Street Stock feature got underway with Jillian Snyder holding off Johnny Bennett over the opening laps. The pair would stay nose-to-tail while Cody Geist and Geary Rinehimer Jr., fought for third.By lap 10 the action was getting hot and heavy when Bennett began looking to the outside of Snyder. At the same time Thomas Flanagan was now in the picture going at with Geist.At the halfway mark the race would then take a turn as front runners Snyder and Bennett went side-by-side while Flanagan was able to dip to the inside of both of them. Coming down the front straight Bennett got into Snyder that led to most everyone scattering to get by. When the dust had settled Snyder had to pit for body damage, Bennett had to restart form the rear and Thomas Flanagan was the new leader over his father Tommy.When the race restarted the two Flanagan’s would swap the lead before Thomas took control for good on a lap 17. At this point weather was moving in quickly and under a lap 22 caution rain hit hard ending the race and the day with Thomas Flanagan scoring his second Mahoning win.

Cody Kohler not only won for the second straight time with the Pro 4s but also pulled even with Jake Kibler on the all-time winners list at 44 victories each.

Jeff Parker sailed to his first Dirt Modified win and 15th career victory since October 6, 2017. It was also the 200th feature race for the division.

Gabrielle Steigerwalt took the lead at the outset of the Futures feature and would go on to lead every lap in picking up her first win of the season. She would beat out her brother, Adam Steigerwalt for the verdict.

The Hobby Stock feature will be made up at a later date.

602 Crate Modified Feature Finish (25 laps): 1. Broc Brown, 2. Nick Baer, 3. Paulie Hartwig III, 4. Evan Rygielski, 5. Jayden Harman, 6. Jaden Rogers, 7. Neal Rutt III, 8. Brody George, 9. Brian Osborn, 10. Mike Pollack, 11. Jaden Brown, 12. Brian Rygielski, 13. DJ Doyle, 14. Zac k Lenardo, 5. Jarret DiGiantomasso, 16. Deegen Underwood, 17. Makayla Kohler, 18. Bobby Jones, 19. Paul French Jr., DNS: Quinn Trimmer DNQ: Mackenzie Adams, Greyson Ahner DQ: Troy Bollinger

​Street Stock Feature Finish (30 laps): 1. Thomas Flanagan, 2. Tommy Flanagan, 3. Brandon Christman, 4. Jillian Snyder, 5. Johnny Bennett, 6. Cody Geist, 7. Geary Rinehimer Jr., 8. Jamie Smith, 9. Josh Kuronya, 10. Jacob Boehm, 11. Kyle Strohl, 12. Logan Boyer, 13. Jon Moser, 14. Randy Green, 15. Todd Ahner
​
Dirt Modified Feature Finish (20 laps): 1. Jeff Parker, 2. Xavier Sprague, 3. James Counterman Jr.

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 laps): 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Colton Briener, 3. Kadie Pursell, 4. Richie Pursell, 5. James Yons

Futures Feature Finish (15 laps): 1. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 2. Adam Steigerwalt, 3. Rodney Breiner, 4. Michael Klotz, 5. Russ Briener, 6. Adam Heckman, 7. Chaz Takacs, 8. Savannah Romig, 9. Al Gildner, 10. Lexis Kutz



Evergreen Raceway/Mahoning Valley Speedway 602 Crate Modified Dual Track Series begins this Saturday, April 22 at Mahoning

Try as they may Mahoning Valley Speedway could not hold off Mother Nature in their attempt to beat the on and off again rain that ultimately forced the cancellation of Saturday night’s race card.Moving forward the focus shifts to Saturday, April 22 at 5:00 pm, and the first race of the Evergreen Raceway/Mahoning Valley Speedway 602 Crate Modified Dual Track Series begins at the ¼-mile Mahoning Valley Speedway.For the DTS regular track points and series points will be kept. There will be a point fund in place paying $1500, $1000 and $500 to the top three. Plus each race will designate five “Lucky Draw” awards of $200.There is also a $500 bonus to the first 602 Crate Modified across the line with 10-inch wheels on all four corners courtesy of Primary Service Group of Maplewood, NJ. Following dates for the 602 Crate Modified DTS are June 11/Evergreen, July 8/Mahoning Valley, August 13/Evergreen, September 17/Evergreen and October 7/Mahoning Valley.The 602 Crate Modified Dual Track Series was put together when Mahoning Valley Speedway Operations Manager Todd Baer collaborated with team owner/drivers Nevin George and Jimmy Blewett and then worked in partnership with Evergreen Raceway promoter/owner Jason Makarewicz. The results was a six race series between the two facilities. The 602 Crate Modified DTS is being made possible by sponsors Bruce George Paving and Excavating of Kunkletown, Aqua Duck Water Transport of New Tripoli, Rustic Roots Salon of Lehighton, Blue Mountain Woodworking of Bath, Future Homes also from Lehighton and O & S Maintenance of Moscow. In the event a DTS race is rained out the make-up will take place at the next regularly scheduled date for that track. Also on the card for this Saturday will be the Street Stocks, Dirt Modifieds, Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks, Pro 4s and Futures. It is also Checkered Flag Fan Club Night. Pit gates open at 10:30 am. Early paid practice will take place from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Warm-ups begin at 3:00 pm and racing gets the green flag at 5:00 pm. Adult grandstand admission is $15, kids 10 and under are free. Pits are $40. The following Saturday, April 29 with be the first event for the Hobby Stock/4-Cylinder Stocks of the Evergreen Raceway/Mahoning Valley Speedway Dual Track Series.

602 Crate Modifieds and Late Models headline Mahoning Valley Speedway April 15 + return of Slingshots   

After a rousing Opening Night, Mahoning Valley Speedway looks to keep the action rolling into its second week this coming Saturday, April 15, with a six division program. Race time is 5:00 pm. Topping the night’s line-up will be the 602 Crate Modifieds and Late Models as both classes will be making their first runs of the season. They will be joined by the Street Stocks, Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks, Futures and the Slingshots. The 602 Crate Modifieds are now a regular class at Mahoning. The division made its debut at the 2022 season finale Fall Brawl with a great turnout and a big win for then 11-year old Paulie Hartwig III from Galloway, NJ. Andrew Lewis, Jr., from Ontario, NY, set the track record at 10.537-seconds.  Expect a respectable car count in the house too especially with the following Saturday, April 22, being the first race of the six race Dual Track Series for 602 Crate Modifieds taking place between Mahoning Valley and Evergreen Raceway. The Late Models have long been a standard at Mahoning Valley dating its roots back to 1970. Nick Ross of White Haven, will be looking to not only defend his title but make it three in a row. In order to do so he’ll have to go up against the likes of Mark Hudson from Norton, MA, who last year gave Ross all he could handle. And there is past champ Geno Steigerwalt, Mike and Seth VanFossen and a solid core group of others that make up a class of high level competition.  The Slingshots are back as well, returning to Mahoning for the first time since 2019. Mahoning plays a significant role with the Slingshots as it was the very first track the cars tested in early 1999. Later that same year Lee Schantzenbach won the first feature. Six-time and defending All Star Slingshot champion Brett Bieber of Oley, looks to be on hand and as a side note when he won here in April of 2015 it was not only his first time winning on asphalt but it his 100th career win with the division.     Pit gates open at 10:30 am. Early paid practice will take place from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Warm-ups begin at 3:00 pm and racing gets the green flag at 5:00 pm. Adult grandstand admission is $15. Pits are $40.

Jack Ely bags $4000 Race of Champions Series 75-lapper at Mahoning Valley Speedway season opener, April 8

By DINO OBERTO

Jack Ely of Wall, NJ made an inside pass on Zane Zeiner for the lead during a lap 57 restart and once there was able to remain in control en route to the Opening Night win at Mahoning Valley Speedway in the 75-lap Spring Meltdown for the Race of Champions (RoC) Modified Series. It was Ely’s first win on the RoC and first at Mahoning since September of 2017. “It’s absolutely amazing and we’ve been running on this Tour for five years now and to pick up my first win at this race track is something special to me. This is where I cut my teeth and where I started my full size stock car career and to have the Race of Champions come here and be able to park it in Victory Lane it’s nothing short of amazing,” relayed a very happy Ely after his $4000 win.“This is our first time here with this car so coming into the day I knew we were going to be close but I didn’t think it was going to be that good for the feature and overall I’m so happy for this entire team and I can’t thank them enough and I also want to thank Joe Skotnicki and the entire Race of Champions family for coming back to this race track and putting on a great Series for us to race in.”When the action began Zeiner jumped out front over Daren Scherer, Roger Coss, Austin Kochenash and Lou Strohl. Strohl, who has a record four Opening Night wins at Mahoning, soon began a charge to the front as by lap 10 he worked into second and in that offensive drive brought Ely with him.It was then a torrid three car battle that ensued as Zeiner had plenty to deal with against the latter two. Strohl then flexed his muscle even more when he powered his way to the outside of Zeiner on lap 20 and three laps later took over as the leader. And while that was taking place Austin Kochenash came into the hunt grabbing third spot from Ely.With the race moving along at a steady pace Strohl continued to lead although Zeiner and Kochenash stayed very close and likewise with Ely and Scherer hovering.There then came a thrilling moment on lap 43 when Strohl got slightly loose on the back straight and saw Zeiner and Ely go three wide for the lead. The heart stopping moment played out with Zeiner getting back the lead and Ely falling into second.From there Ely was persistently putting the pressure on Zeiner. Time and again as the laps clicked of Ely tried to get by and the successful opportunity finally presented itself on the lap 57 restart.“Lou (Strohl) got real loose and that opened the door for that three wide move. And then I knew we were better than Zane and I just didn’t have quite enough drive to make the move work but on that restart he just slipped up enough in turn two that I was able to get my nose in there and I wasn’t giving it up after that,” said Ely.When Ely got the lead he clearly showed that his car was performing at its peak as he was able to pull away from Zeiner and the rest of the pack, crossing the finish line by a solid two car lengths. Zeiner would hold onto second as in the waning laps Kochenash was making numerous attempts to take the spot from him.“We just struggled a bit after the restarts and I don’t know if the right front (tire) went away on us and got super tight and it’s a shame because we worked real hard to get this car out here and we haven’t raced it since 2017 but we’ll take it. It was a nice hard fought second place and congrats to Jack (Ely) on his win, he deserves it and was a better car then us tonight,” said Zeiner.
Kochenash was indeed dialed in over the second half of the race as he was in constant sight of the leaders and his third place tally was well-earned. Likewise with Strohl who was a strong runner all race long and settled for fourth. Rounding out the top five was Blake Barney.Earl Paules, Scherer, Matt Hirschman, Austin Beers and Brian DeFebo completed the top five in the 26 car field. Timmy Catalano, Hirschman, Ely and Beers annexed heat wins.

In a very exciting conclusion to the Street Stock feature Randy Green went from fourth to first in the last corner of the last lap and scored his career first victory.All race long saw Cody Geist leading over Johnny Bennett and Green. But in the final few laps a hard charging Jon Moser was making headway and after taking third spot on the white flag lap he then used the outside lane to motor past Green and Bennett.However, when he reached Geist in turn three he got pinched and went into a spin. As the field began to take evasive action Green would stay low of the mayhem and edged out Bennett for the memorable win. Jacob Boehm, Logan Boyer and Jillian Snyder completed the top five.Officials relegated Geist to the tail end of the lead lap cars for his part in the incident.

In the Dirt Modifieds Xavier Sprague was making just his second start on asphalt but you would have been hard-pressed to tell otherwise as the 14-year old – who in less than 24 hours had been racing on dirt at Big Diamond Speedway – drove a flawless race leading from start to finish and cruised to a solid victory.            Former class champion Jeff Parker tried but just couldn’t find the power needed to overtake Sprague and settled for second spot. It was not surprising that the Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stock feature was yet another barnburner.

The record will show that Travis Solomon led every lap but it would be under constant pressure through the 25 lap distant as he faced an onslaught of combatants. The Boehm brothers, Jacob and Cody where insistently making passing attempts on him and late in the going it would be Scott Adams who would do the same. But Solomon would never waver as he held his ground and hold on for his second straight Opening Night win and eighth of his career.

In the Pro 4s it was four-time and defending champion Cody Kohler collecting yet another win. Kohler raced into the lead at the start and never was headed as he cruised to his 43rd class win. Terry Peters took second with Colton Breiner third.

The Futures main went to Michael Klotz who seamlessly drove ahead of the pack from start to finish. First-timer Rodney Breiner had an impressive debut as he took second while Adam Steigerwalt notched third. 

Modified Feature Finish (75 laps): 1. Jack Ely, 2. Zane Zeiner, 3. Austin Kochenash, 4. Lou Strohl, 5. Blake Barney, 6. Earl Paules, 7. Daren Scherer, 8. Matt Hirschman, 9. Austin Beers, 10. Brian DeFebo, 11. Jacob Kerstetter, 12. Paulie Hartwig III, 13. Rod Snyder Jr., 14. Roger Coss, 15. TJ Potrzebowski, 16. Tyler Catalano, 17. Andrew Lewis Jr., 18. Timmy Catalano, 19. Don Wagner, 20. Frank Parastino, 21. James Pritchard Jr., 22. Danny Knoll Jr., 23. Andy Jankowiak, 24. Kyle Strohl, 25. Sean Verwys, 26. Nick Baer

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 laps): 1. Randy Green, 2. Johnny Bennett, 3. Jacob Boehm, 4. Logan Boyer, 5. Jillian Snyder, 6. Geary Rinehimer Jr., 7. Brandon Christman, 8. Jamie Smith, 9. Todd Ahner, 10. Tommy Flanagan, 11. Shayne Geist, 12. Shawn Hoffman, 13. Jon Moser 14. Cody Geist, 15. Josh Kuronya, 16. Jeremy Scheckler, 17. Bobby Kibler Jr., 18. Thomas Flanagan, 19. Randy Mathews

Dirt Modifieds Feature Finish (25 laps): 1. Xavier Sprague, 2. Jeff Parker, 3. James Counterman Jr., 4. Heath Metzger, 5. Scott Hyland, 6. Paulie Hartwig III

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 laps): 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Terry Peters, 3. Colton Breiner, 4. Ken Reeder, 5. Richie Pursell, 6. James Yons DNS: Kadie Pursell

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25 laps): 1. Travis Solomon, 2. Scott Adams, 3. Cody Boehm, 4. Jacob Boehm, 5. Ryan Berger, 6. Michael Wambold, 7. Shawn Kistler, 8. Parker Ahner, 9. Jared Frye, 10. Sam Ryan, 11. Don Bauder, 12. Maggie Yeakel, 13. James Tout, 14. Ed Herman, 15. Trisha Connolly, 16. Jake Kibler, 17. Mallory Kutz, 18. Tony Hilliard, 19. Nick Schaffer, 20. Lyndsay Buss DNQ:

Futures Feature Finish (15 laps): 1. Michael Klotz, 2. Rodney Breiner, 3. Adam Steigerwalt, 4. Chaz Takacs, 5. Gabrielle Steigerwalt, 6. Keith Bilder, 7. Adam Heckman, 8. Russ Breiner, 9. Al Gildner, 10. Sarabeth Mesko, 11. Lexus Kutz


Mahoning Valley Speedway 2023 season gets underway April 8…RoC Modifieds headline Opening Night 

Mahoning Valley Speedway, the paved ¼-mile oval in Lehighton, will kick-off their 2023 Opening Night on Saturday, April 8 starting at 3:00 pm. This will mark the 37th consecutive year since the track re-opened in 1987 and the 44th dating back to 1970 when asphalt was first laid down on what was originally a dirt surface. For the real record keepers it’s the 52nd time the gates will swing open for the presentation of professional stock car racing.
And it promises to be a dandy too as not only will it be the lid-lifter for Mahoning but likewise for the Race of Champions Modified Series which will be contesting in a 75-lap main event. With this being the first point race of the season for the RoC as well as the stars of Mahoning Valley, indications point to a great field of Modifieds coming in from around the tri-state area of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.Plus it also serves as a tune-up to the granddaddy of all Modified stock car races with the 72nd Annual Lucas Oil Race of Champions 250 taking place on Saturday, April 22, at Lake Erie Speedway in North East, Pennsylvania. That event is a holdover from last year after weather postponed it until the new April 22 date.Joining the night’s card will be the Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s, Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks, Futures and the JuiceBox Division. The JuiceBox Division will be held during intermission.
Racing is scheduled to begin at 3:00 pm with heats. Prior to that will be a session of warm-ups that will start at 1:00 pm. Pit gates will open at 8:30 am in order for those drivers who have yet to have their cars inspected do so. No cars will be allowed on track until they have passed the required safety inspection. Driver sign-ins will be held from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm. Pit admission is $50. Grandstand gates will open at 1:00 pm. Admission is $25, kids 10 and under are free. The following Saturday, April 15 at 5:00 pm, the 602 Crate Modifieds and Late Models make their initial starts of the season along with the Street Stocks, Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks and Futures plus the Slingshots and East Coast TQ Midgets are on the slate.

Mahoning Valley Speedway Opening Day Modified Winners 1970-2022

2023    ????

2022    Rod Snyder Jr.
2021    Matt Hirschman                                                                                                          
2020    Jimmy Blewett                        
2019    Matt Hirschman         
2018    Brian DeFebo 
2017    Brian DeFebo 
2016    Eric Beers                   
2015    Don Wagner   
2014    Eric Beers       
2013    Austin Kochenash      
2012    Zane Zeiner    
2011    Earl Paules  
2010    Matt Hirschman
2009    Eric Beers   
2008    Lou Strohl       
2007    Rusty Smith    
2006    Brian DeFebo
2005    Rick Kirkendall          
2004    Zane Zeiner    
2003    Bobby Jones   
2002    Bup Dreher     
2001    Lou Strohl                   
2000    Steve Whitt     
1999    Bill Teel                      
1998    Jason Arthofer
1997    Lou Strohl                                           
1996    Rod Snyder Jr.
1995    Lou Strohl                   
1994    Jason Arthofer
1993    Rickie Dorshimer        
1992    Chip Santee    
1991    Dick Ruth                               
1990    Freddy Hamm
1989    Bob Landis
1988    George Wambold
1987    Paul Bauscher
1976    Don Lawson
1975    Dave Smith
1974    Preston Henry
1973    Jack Heffelfinger
1972    Jack Jones
1971    Pepe Fernandez
1970    Bob McCullough

Race of Champions Tour opens Mahoning Valley Speedway season on April 8
(Lehighton 3-2-23) The 2023 season at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway starts in just a month’s time, on Saturday, April 8, and will be highlighted by the Race of Champions (RoC) Modified Series in a 75-lap main event feature. Race time is 3:00 pm. As with Mahoning Valley this will also be the season opening race for the RoC as well. It will also be a great tune-up for the Tour regulars in advance of the 72nd Annual Lucas Oil Race of Champions 250 set to take place April 22 at Lake Erie Speedway in North East, Pa. This race was postponed from September of last year due to weather issues and rescheduled for the 22nd of April. This means with the Mahoning date up first fans can a good glimpse of who will win the most coveted prize in all of asphalt Modified racing as the RoC regulars square off against the Mahoning Valley standouts. The Lucas Oil Race of Champions 250 is the second longest consecutive auto-racing event in North America, second only to the Indianapolis 500.  And, if past RoC/Mahoning races are any indication it will have all the makings of highly competitive show.   Mike Leaty of Williamson, NY is the defending RoC Tour champion. Andy Jankowiak of Tonawanda, NY was the winner of the 71st Race of Champions 250. Northampton’s Matt Hirschman of Northampton – who owns 33 career wins at Mahoning – has won a record eight RoC 250s including six in a row from 2015 to 2020. Kyle Strohl of Palmerton is the reigning Mahoning Modified champion. In 2016, then only 16 years old, Strohl became the youngest winner of a RoC event when he scored a very impressive and decisive victory at Mahoning in the 150-lap season finale. Joining in on the night’s action will be the Street Stocks, Dirt Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Pro 4s and Futures plus the JuiceBox Division for the kids. The Dirt Modifieds are back as regular class at Mahoning for the first time since 2019.  

Mahoning Valley Speedway Hobby Stocks to see increase in winner’s share
(Lehighton, Pa. 3-14-23) When Corey Edelman won the very first Hobby Stock feature at Mahoning Valley Speedway on April 13, 2013, it was only a four car field and little did anyone know from that humble beginning 10 years ago the class would blossom undeniably into one of the most supported divisions at the paved ¼-mile oval. Over that past decade car counts would swell at times to 30-lus cars per week and likewise the competition level has risen in each year since.
Now with the start of the 2023 season just a few weeks away track owners Jack and Rebecca Carlino are happy to announce that beginning with race number one on Saturday, April 8, the feature winner of a 25-lap Hobby Stock main event will see a $50 increase, making it $300 to score a victory. “There’s no question the Hobby Stocks have been a strong and supportive class with us at Mahoning Valley Speedway and we’ve talked about it for some time about rewarding them with a better payout to win a feature and it’s time we stepped up and did so,” said Jack Carlino. “We’re very happy to be able to make it a little sweeter to win a Hobby Stock feature and let me say we truly appreciate all of our racers in all of our classes and we’re continually looking at ways to better them when it comes to the payout window.” In 195 features run to date there have been 44 different winners, led by Edelman who has a record 30 class wins. He is also the defending and three time champion. The Hobby Stocks had grown so much over time that in 2020 a Rookie Hobby Stock class was put in place and is now referred to as the Futures division. Mahoning Valley Speedway’s Opening Night 2023 is slated for Saturday, April 8 at 3:00 pm headlined by the Race of Champions Series Modifieds plus Street Socks, Dirt Modifieds, Pro 4s, Hobby Stocks, Futures and the JuiceBox Division.


Mahoning Valley Speedway Test and Tune set for Saturday, March 18
(3-13-23) Mahoning Valley Speedway will host the first of four Test and Tune days this coming Saturday, March 18 from noon to 4:00 pm, weather permitting.
Test and Tune is open to any race car provided they have a roll cage and safety belts. Saturday, March 25 and Saturday and Sunday, April 1 & 2 are the other Test and Tune dates. For all Test and Tune days pit gates open at 11:00 am. Pits are $10 per person and $25 per car. Grandstands are free.It is also highly encouraged that racers use this time to bring their cars to the track for tech inspections in order to ease up on time doing so during Opening Night, April 8.
In other news with the loss of Spring Clean-up days to weather, the management team will take the time this Saturday to begin repla

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