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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.

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 replacing seating with brand new planks. Anyone that would like to lend a hand in the work detail of putting in the new planks are more than welcome to join in. Please bring along a cordless drill, pry bar or any other type tooling that would suffice for such a job.

Rules now in place as excitement continues to build for Evergreen Raceway/Mahoning Valley Speedway 602 Crate Modified Dual Track Series
(LEHIGHTON, PA. 3-12-23) Since the announcement of the 602 Cate Modified Dual Track Series (DTS) between Evergreen Raceway in Butler Township and Mahoning Valley Speedway in Lehighton there has been plenty of momentum gaining with competitors eagerly awaiting the chance to get the action underway. Six races, three at each track, will make up the DTS. The first race takes place at Mahoning Valley on Saturday, April 22 and is sponsored by Rustic Roots Salon of Lehighton. Race number two will be Sunday, June 11 at Evergreen and sponsored by Blue Mountain Woodworking of Bath.On Saturday, July 8 it’s back to Mahoning Valley with Bruce George Paving & Excavating of Kunkletown as sponsor. The DTS returns to Evergreen on Sunday, August 13 sponsored by Future Homes Custom Builders of Kunkletown. The Series stays at Evergreen for the fifth instalment on Sunday, September 17 and will be sponsored by O & S Maintenance of Moscow.
The finale will be held at Mahoning Valley on October 7 and presented by Aqua Duck Water Transport of New Tripoli. Each feature will pay $1000 to win, $500 for second, $400 to third, $300 for fourth and fifth on back receiving $200. Plus each race will designate five “Lucky Draw” awards worth an additional $1000. Following each feature a random draw of five pills will be picked. Each of the numbered pills will represent a finishing position and those spots will be awards an additional $200 courtesy of that night’s sponsor. Conforming track points will be kept for the Series with a point fund in place. The point fund will go to the top three in Series standings with $1500, $1000 and $500 respectively. Drivers must participate in all six races and make a qualifying attempt in order to be eligible for the point fund. In the event of a tie then highest average finishes per driver will determine that outcome.
Funding for the DTS point fund is being provided by Blue Mountain Machine in Lehighton and John Blewett Inc., Scrap Auto & Scrap Metal Recycling from Howell, NJ.Mahoning Valley will award 100 ‘show-up’ points to go along with the weekly class standings as. Evergreen will award regular points towards their season championship standings as well. Each of the six races will carry a $50 registration fee per car. A pill draw will determine that race’s heat starting spots. The number of heats will be determined by car counts per event. The top five from each heat will transfer to the feature with the top three doing a redraw for main event line-ups. Up to 22 cars will start each feature, however, the 21st and 22nd starters will forfeit green money. Coni’s will only be run if 23 of more cars are present. At Mahoning Valley teams may utilize both a 10-inch or 12-inch wheel. There will be a $500 bonus given at all Mahoning DTS shows for the highest finishing car on a 10-inch wheel (all four corners) courtesy of Primary Service Group of Monmouth County, NJ. At Evergreen three races all cars are only allowed 10-inche wheels. The use of mirrors and radios are permitted. Hoosier 10-inch tires only at all DTS events and tire compounds must not be altered from manufactures’ specifications. The approved Hoosier tires will include F-45, 1060 and 1057. Any combination of tires will be permitted at either track for the DTS only. All other rules including overall weights and left side percentages must comply with 602 Crate Modified rules per Evergreen or Mahoning depending on the event race is being held. It is highly advised that teams familiarize themselves with both tracks 602 division rules. Post tech items to include but not limited to engines, clutches, transmissions, rear ends, shocks and claimed car weight. In the event a race is rained out the make-up will take place at the next regularly scheduled date for that track. The upsurge of appeal behind the 602 Crate Modifieds has led the two eastern Pennsylvania paved short tracks to pull their efforts together in a cohesive effort that will be beneficial to drivers, fans and tracks alike. The DTS came to fruition when Mahoning Valley Speedway Operations Manager Todd Baer collaborated with team owner/drivers Nevin George and Jimmy Blewett about the opportunities that would come from such a venture. Then after working out rules and details with Evergreen promoter/owner Jason Makarewicz, the DTS has become a reality. In 2023 the class will be part of the respective tracks regular division line-up and with rules that are closely related it is encouraging for drivers to race at either facility without the worry of making changes to their cars. Aside from the immediate area competition also comes in from New Jersey, New England and New York 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. Evergreen Raceway swings into action March 26 at 1:00 pm with a ‘Gut N’ Go’ 4/6-Cylinder Enduro as the main attraction plus there will be Spectator Drags and the JuiceBox Division for the younger set. The regular season begins on Sunday, May 7 with Tour Type Modifieds heading the day’s line-up along with Late Models, Street Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks.

Mahoning Valley Speedway Late Models and Street Stocks to share in Five Star Race Car Bodies contingency program
(LEHIGHTON, PA. 3-7-23) Five Star Racecar Bodies of Twin Lakes, WI, have returned for the 2023 season at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway as part of the company’s Five Star Race Car Bodies 2023 Contingency Award Sponsor Program. Late Model and Street Stock drivers will be the beneficiaries of the season-long program that will award one (1) $750 product certificate and one (1) $250 product certificate respectively to each. This year’s lucky winners will be picked by a random draw at the conclusion of the season. In 2022 the Five Star Race Car Bodies Contingency Award Sponsor Program winners where Nick Ross, Late Models and Tommy Flanagan, Street Stocks. This program has been developed for the continued growth of stock car racing by rewarding individual racers who have helped promote the importance of both stock appearing, template-style Late Models and other oval track race cars.
To be eligible drivers must compete in stock appearing, template-style body of any brand and must the also participate in no less than 75% of the scheduled race events. An official Five Star Decal must be placed on each car located at the highest decal location on the front fenders, ahead of the wheel opening on both sides of the car at all events. Decals will be made available starting at all Test and Tune days on March 18 & 25 and April 1 & 2. Drivers can also get a Five Star Decal on the classes respective openers. For the Street Stocks it will by Saturday, April 8 and the Late Models on Saturday, April 15.
Five Star Racecar Bodies leads the industry in manufacturing with over 100 employees and close to 185,000 square feet of floor space dedicated to the design, manufacture, and distribution of body panels, windows and accessories.
The Late Models and Street Stocks of Mahoning Valley have long been a staple at the popular ¼-mile paved oval with a very dedicated core group of drivers. The action they provide is and always has been close and thrilling. Fans of full-bodied stock car racing need look no further then what is presented by these two exciting divisions. The start of the 2023 season begins on Saturday, April 8 which will be highlighted by the Race of Champions Modifieds Series along with the Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Dirt Modifieds, Pro 4s and Futures plus the kids JuiceBox Division.

RoC Dash Series Inks Weekend Dates At Mahoning Valley Speedway And Evergreen Raceway
(Lehighton 2-24-23) The 2023 schedules for Mahoning Valley Speedway in Lehighton and Evergreen Raceway in Butler Township has been released and on their respective calendar events are a collaboration of Series races between the two paved eastern Pennsylvania tracks which includes the 602 Crate Modifieds and the Hobby Stock/4-Cylinder Stocks.
Those two divisions are set to compete in three races each at both facilities and since being announced there has been much anticipation and excitement building for fans and drivers who are looking forward to those special shows.Now another two-track effort can be added as the RoC FOAR Score Four Cylinder Dash Series will be making a weekend trip to Mahoning and Evergreen on Saturday and Sunday, May 6 & 7.There is no question that the Hobby/4-Cylinder Stocks at both tracks remains one of the strongest classes in terms of car counts and competition. And, now with the RoC FOAR Score Four Cylinder Dash Series coming in it brings an added level of prominence as the very talented locals will square off against a stout group of tour drivers on back-to-back days.
The Dash Series continues to be one of the most populated divisions on the RoC schedule. The RoC permits drivers to run their “home track” rules which allows them to race the same car they would have weekly. Under that logic with more cars comes more and stronger competition. On the RoC Tour the Dash Series draws as many as 40 entries and taking into consideration the solid car counts that Mahoning and Evergreen pull, the May 6/7 weekend can easily see those numbers and even better.A Mahoning Valley the racing will get underway starting at 5:00 pm and include the 602 Crate Modifieds, Street Stocks, Pro 4s, Futures and Junk Car Races plus the JuiceBox Division. Evergreen will have a 2:00 pm start which will also be their Opening Day. Tour Type Modifieds, 602 Crate Modifieds, Street Stocks and Novice are on the docket plus the East Coast TQ Midgets and the JuiceBox division. Nick Robinson of Waverly, NY is the defending Roc Dash Series champion. At Mahoning Valley Corey Edelman of Northampton collected his third Hobby Stock crown in 2022 and at Evergreen it was Makenzie Adams taking the championship honors.

Mahoning Valley Speedway to Open 2023 Season April 8 with RoC Modifieds; Crate 602 Modified Dual Track Series to be run with Evergreen Raceway
When the 2023 season gets underway at the paved ¼-mile Mahoning Valley Speedway in Lehighton, a popular and very familiar touring group will be on hand as the Race of Champions (RoC) Modified Series will kick-off things on Saturday, April 8. Race time is slated for 3:00 pm.   The RoC Tour is nothing new to Mahoning Valley having run numerous events over the years and giving fans the opportunity to see some of the top drivers on the Tour take on the weekly and always though regulars in what makes for a thrilling and action packed show. And 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.  While this will be the first RoC Tour event of 2023, 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 date.   With the exciting news of the RoC Tour coming to Mahoning for the season opener, in the works is a second date to be announced for later this year.   And speaking of the RoC the FOAR Score Four Cylinder Dash Series – part of the Race of Champions “Family of Series” – is a class very similar the Mahoning’s Hobby Stocks and has been inked onto the ’23 schedule. This will be their first venture into eastern Pennsylvania and like the Modifieds, they too will be facing off against some high quality talent that make up the home track steadies in what has become one of the hardiest divisions to race in.  The management team of Mahoning Valley is putting in place the final dates in preparation of releasing the schedule during the Pioneer Pole Building Motorsports Trade and Race Car Show taking place at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks on January 20 & 21.  Race fans can rest assured that a very action packed calendar of events will be run each week and that includes a continuing effort to work in unison on a number of cross-promoting endeavors between Mahoning Valley Speedway and neighboring Evergreen Raceway in Butler Township and the “Dual Track Series” (DTS).  Recently both facilities revealed a Hobby Stock/4-Cylinder DTS and now they have added the Crate 602 Modifieds with a six race series, three features at each track.  With an uptick in popularity of the Crate 602 Modified division it was felt that a series between both tracks would be a great opportunity for drivers to showcase their abilities even further. The class has become a steppingstone for rising talent and at the same time giving them the chance to compete against some savvy veteran drivers. The Crate 602 Modifieds have run the past two seasons at Evergreen. Rick Smith was this year’s champion there. At Mahoning Valley the class had a rousing debut during the annual Fall Brawl in a race won by 11-year old Paulie Hartwig III. Both classes will be part of the respective tracks regular divisions and with rules that are conducive at each.   Respective track points and series points 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.
The Crate 602 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.  Another class making a return to Mahoning is the Xcel Modifieds, the scaled-down version of a Dirt Modified and powered by 600cc sealed engine. The touring group last raced here in 2015. Coming back as well is a division which has deep roots at Mahoning. The Slingshots by Tobias, which had its official debut back in 1999, will revisit the speedway for the first time in four years. Furthermore will be the staple touring groups of the American Three Quarter Midget Racing Association, East Coast TQ Midgets and Micro Stocks plus JuiceBox Races and Junk Cars will see added dates this year. There will be big news forthcoming on the second annual Modified Spring Zing Tom Wanick Jr., Memorial 150 for the Modifieds with another hefty payout to boot.  All of Mahoning’s regular classes will all be in action regularly throughout the season including Modifieds, Late Models, Crate 602 Modifieds, Street Stocks, Dirt Modifieds, Pro 4s, Hobby Stocks and Futures. In advance of the first race the speedway will be hosting Test and Tune days March 18 & 25 and again April 1 & 2.