DeFebo scores Modified victory August 17 after close battle; Sweeney tops Althouse and Miller in Late Models

Brian DeFebo picked up his second win of the season Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway in which battled under a shroud of intense pressure for most of the event, dueling alongside the likes of Lou Strohl and Nick Baer. It wouldn’t be until the closing laps that he was able to breathe enough to take the win, his 17th at Mahoning and 104th overall.  For the outset Strohl jumped to the early lead while Baer and DeFebo made haste in tagging behind him and thus began a thrilling clash. Strohl grasped to a narrow lead as Baer and DeFebo went side-by-side.    And if that trio wasn’t giving the crowd enough action there was Earl Paules and Kyle Strohl who were shadowing closely behind.  At the front the L. Strohl kept to the low line while fending off the hard-nosed offensive of Baer and DeFebo. Then in an instant his chance at winning was dashed when he spun going into turn one just as they completed lap 24.  When the field was reset DeFebo, who had nipped Baer for second the lap prior, was the leader and coming into play was point leader Bobby Jones who lined up alongside for the restart.  Once the race recommenced Jones stuck with DeFebo for a few laps but having a clear line ahead of him the front-runner found the bite that he needed to pull ahead for the victory over Jones. Paules outdid Baer for third with K. Strohl rounding out the top five.

In the Late Model main it was another dogfight between the division’s top guns, Frankie Althouse, Mike Sweeney and Jeremy Miller. And this round would go to Sweeney. Miller took to the early lead and by the second lap Sweeney and Althouse were on him. By lap 10 Miller had a narrow advantage while the latter pair battled two-wide. From the outside Sweeney then surged to the front and would bring Althouse with him with 12 laps complete.  From there on it was nose-to-tail and a few times Althouse gave Sweeney a shooter yet neither driver would falter out of line. One last ditch effort to make a bid by Althouse fell short as Sweeney crossed the finish line nearly sideways for his second straight and sixth win of the season.

Lorin Arthofer II put his years of experience to the test and after all was said and done he passed with flying colors, checking in for his division best fourth Sportsman Modified win of the season and 40th at the speedway.  Arthofer started out as the leader but on the second lap but was pinched by Kyle Strohl causing both to spin. Dave Chapman, in his first start with the class, was then the lead car with hot pursuit coming from BJ Wambold.  However, everyone was watching the drive of Arthofer who soon caught them and after executing a breathtaking three-wide fight for the lead, reemerged at the top spot. From then on he was spot on and took his fourth win in six starts. Strohl rebounded as well and was second.

In the Street Stock feature Eric Kocher zigged and zagged through traffic until catching then leader Jamie Smith with nine laps to go.  After a torrid side-by-side run Kocher took control of the race on lap 23 and the sped off to his third win of the season. Smith held on for a season best second.  Point leader Jon Moser had a rare DNF as he crashed out on lap 13. That in turn tightened the standings between him, Mark Martini and Schlenker with five races to go.

With the regular season point races winding down, for Bobby Kibler Sr., winning the Pro 4 feature put him one step closer to his first ever track championship.  With Kibler taking the lead from Jeremy Guerra on lap nine of 20 and then going on to his fifth win, it padded his top ranking over Jake Kibler who unfortunately was towed off track after a lap one mishap.

The Hobby Stocks where slated to go at it in a 40 lap main but with a rash of cautions and consuming more time then expected to run, the race was called after 22 circuits.  Some may have been disappointed but not so for winner Austin Ahner as he took the $400 first place prize which would be his career first coming in just his 10th start.  Ahner led the first eight laps until Peyton Arthofer assumed control and it was clear that she was far and away the dominant car. However, on lap 17 the caution waved and Arthofer came upon a back-marker, crashing hard and inappropriately ending her night.  Ahner went back to the lead and withstood the numerous restarts and some stiff opposition in notching the unforgettable victory. Ahner is the fifth first-time winner this season with the Hobby’s.

Modified Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Brian DeFebo, 2. Bobby Jones, 3. Earl Paules, 4. Nick Baer, 5. Kyle Strohl, 6. John Markovic, 7. Eric Kocher, 8. Terry Markovic, 9. BJ Wambold, 10. Lou Strohl, 11. Corey Edelman, 12. Heath Metzger, 13. Jake Kibler, 14. Wes Gilbert

Late Model Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Mike Sweeney, 2. Frankie Althouse, 3. Jeremy Miller, 4. Avery Arthofer, 5. Samantha Osborn, 6. Kenny Hein, 7. Dylan Osborn

Sportsman Modified Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Lorin Arthofer II, 2. Kyle Strohl, 3. Dave Chapman, 4. Kassidy Altemose, 5. Danielle Paules, 6. BJ Wambold, 7. Joe Edinger

Street Stock Feature Finish (30-laps): 1. Eric Kocher, 2. Jamie Smith, 3. Todd Ahner, 4. Randy Schlenker, 5. Randy Ahner Jr., 6. Jillian Long, 7. Jared Ahner, 8. Mark Martini, 9. Aaron Kromer, 10. Shayne Geist, 11. Josh Mooney, 12. Brennen Coulter, 13. Jeremy Miller, 14. Dennis Buss, 15. Jon Moser, 16. Tucker Muffley, 17. Ronald Herman, 18. Mark Deysher

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (22-laps): 1. Austin Ahner, 2. Travis Solomon, 3. Jacob Boehm, 4. Cody Boehm, 5. Devin Schmidt, 6. Jesse Bollinger, 7. Todd Geist, 8. Eddie Jones, 9. Phil Sabatine, 10. Tad Snyder, 11. Josh Oswald, 12. John Petro, 13. Trisha Connolly, 14. Terry Peters, 15. Rich Mutarelli, 16. Kassidy Althouse, 17. Cody Kohler, 18. Al Arthofer, 19. Peyton Arthofer, 20. Shawn Kistler DNQ: Ralph Boger Jr., Mallory Kutz, Mackenzie Adams

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20-laps): 1. Bobby Kibler Sr., 2. Jeremy Guerra, 3. Cody Kohler, 4. Tucker Muffley, 5. Randy Schaffer, 6. Matt Clark, 7. Josh Kuronya, 8. Kadie Pursell, 9. Jake Kibler, 10. Bobby Kibler Jr., 11. Tyler Stangle



Kyle Strohl (2), Earl Paules and Bobby Jones take Mahoning Valley Speedway 2019 Bill Teel Memorial wins on August 10…Austin Kochenash is overall Teel Memorial champion

The 3rd Annual Bill Teel Memorial Modified 4-16s produced the expected high level of excitement as four features at 16-laps in distance meant the action was fast and furious each time out.  21-year old Kyle Strohl began the night out like gangbusters as he won the first two mains while Earl Paules and Bobby Jones would capture the next two. Austin Kochenash, the steadiest performer of the night, took the overall prize as champion thanks to his three seconds and a third.  With a random draw to start the first feature Nick Baer and Kyle Strohl where the lucky ones that would bring the field to the green, however, before a single lap could be scored several cars piled into each other just past the start line.  After the cleanup Baer took the lead but by lap four Strohl motored to the front and brought Kochenash with him. The rest of the way it was tooth and nail with the win being narrowly in favor of Strohl.  For the redraw, picked by Strohl, five would be inverted giving Kevin Rex Jr., and Bear the front row. Once again a botched start jumbled things, this time it would be Baer coming up short when he slid into the turn four wall. When back underway Lou Strohl, who advanced to second after resetting the field, jumped out front. Not long after K. Strohl and Kochenash joined him and made it a gripping three-way battle for the lead. With no room for error, the trio blistered around each lap in tight quarters, a number of times in three-wide formation.  With three laps to go K. Strohl dipped to the inside of L. Strohl for the lead. Kochenash then went side-by-side with L. Strohl until nipping him for second on lap 15. Still plugging hard he then tried his best to make a run at K. Strohl but unfortunately time was not on his side as the checkers fell. Since the Teel Memorial began no driver to that point had won back-to-back races. It marked the 40th overall win for Strohl.  For the third feature Paules beat out Josh Scherer for the opening lap lead and from there journeyed out for the 16-lap jaunt, getting his second win in the last three weeks and more so entering into a tie with John Bennett as Mahoning Valley Speedway’s all-time wins leader at 60. For the final race Jones and Brian DeFebo set the stage from row one with Jones rapidly taking the lead. In short order Tyler Haydt powered to second. There was a multi car incident on lap three and on that restart it helped move Kochenash up to second. When the action resumed and despite a relentless hard charging effort to snag the lead, Jones was able to stay the course and claim his division leading fourth victory of the season. Jones was racing for car owner Paul French and for the first time in his career he won without his trademark No. 1 as his number. His 43rd career win came using the No. 12.  With impressive finishes of three seconds and a third, Kochenash was the champion and earned the lion’s share of purse and contingency awards. It was his seventh runner-up in 12 starts at Mahoning and 10th top-5 of the year here.  “We came here to win some races tonight but fell short unfortunately. Winning the overall title is the next best thing. Bill Teel was a great guy both on the track and off and to win this in his name is very special. I want to thank all my sponsors, the race track and Dene Smith for all he did to put this race together,” offered Kochenash.  “Between here, Evergreen (Raceway) and all the other races this is something like are tenth second place finish. But when you run up front every event eventually the wins will come.” It was clear that Kochenash needed just a few more laps in order to make up that one spot to win. His car was very good no matter what lane he drove but with a mere 16 laps the timing just didn’t work in his favor.  “This car is usually better in long runs so with just 16 laps everyone had to work hard to gain positions. We had good luck with the draws and overall it was a good night for the team.”

In the 30-lap Street Stock feature Randy Ahner Jr., would grab the lead at the outset and then continue there the rest for the way en route to his second victory of the season. Ahner was able to hold off Cody Geist over the first half of the event and then had strong running Josh Mooney tail him to the checkers. Geist took a respectable third.

Jake Kibler added another victory to his all-time Pro 4 list with a dominating run. Kibler had a commanding lead for most of the race and only had the field close to him when a few late race cautions appeared. He beat out Randy Schaffer and point leader Bobby Kibler Sr., for his 36th class victory.

In the Hobby Stocks it would appear that no one may have been putting in an effort to win this year like Trisha Connolly.  Granted everyone comes to win but each week Connolly is the first car to arrive at the track for early practice and then during the feature has regularly been part of the front pack. In the end, however, luck never swayed her way that is until this night when she finally flourished with a solid run.  Taking the lead on a lap-18 restart over Kassidy Altemose, Connolly then held off Devein Schmidt for her first win of the year and becomes the 11th different winner of the season.


1st Modified Feature Finish (16-laps): 1. Kyle Strohl, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Lou Strohl. 4. Nick Bear, 5. Kevin Rex, 6. Brian DeFebo, 7. Don Wagner, 8. Anthony Sesely, 9. BJ Wambold, 10. Heath Metzger, 11. Josh Scherer, 12. Tyler Haydt, 13. Todd Bear, 14. Earl Paules, 15. Bobby Jones, 16. Kevin Graver Jr.

2nd Modified Feature Finish (16-laps): 1. K. Strohl, 2. Kochenash, 3. L. Strohl, 4. Wagner, 5. DeFebo, 6. Sesely, 7. Rex, 8. Graver, 9. Haydt, 10. Paules, 11. Scherer, 12. Wambold, 13. Metzger, 14. Jones, 15. N. Bear DNS: T. Bear

3rd Modified Feature Finish (16-laps): 1. Paules, 2. Scherer, 3. Kochenash, 4. Haydt, 5. DeFebo, 6. Jones, 7. K. Strohl, 8. Graver, 9. L. Strohl, 10. Wagner, 11. N. Bear, 12. Sesely, 13. Rex, 14. Metzger DNS: T. Bear, Wambold

4th Modified Feature Finish (16-laps): 1. Jones, 2. Kochenash, 3. Haydt, 4. L. Strohl, 5. Wagner, 6. Sesely, 7. DeFebo, 8. K. Strohl, 9.Paules, 10. N. Bear, 11. Rex, 12. Metzger, 13. Scherer, 14. Graver DNS: Wambold, T. Bear

Street Stock Feature Finish (30-laps): 1. Randy Ahner JR., 2. Josh Mooney, 3. Cody Geist, 4. Mark Martini, 5. Josh Ahner, 6. Eric Kocher, 7. Jamie Smith, 8. Todd Ahner, 9. Jon Moser, 10. Beau Drobot, 11. Rick Reichenbach, 12. Randy Schlenker, 13. Shayne Geist, 14. Mark Deysher, 15. Jill Long, 16. Tucker Muffley, 17. Brennen Coulter, 18. Jeremy Schlenker, 19. Dennis Buss

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Trisha Connolly, 2. Devin Schmidt, 3. Kassidy Altemose, 4. Al Arthofer, 5. Travis Solomon, 6. Peyton Arthofer, 7. Jacob Boehm, 8. Shawn Kistler, 9. Austin Ahner, 10. Todd Geist, 11. John Petro, 12. Jesse Bollinger, 13. Philip Sabatine, 14. Tad Snyder, 15. Rich Mutarelli, 16. Ralph Borger, 17. Terry Peters, 18. Mallory Kutz, 19. Josh Oswald DQ: Cody Kohler

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20-laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Randy Schaffer, 3. Bobby Kibler Sr., 4. Josh Kuronya, 5. Bobby Kibler Jr., 6. Cody Kohler, 7. Matt Clark, 8. Jeremey Guerra, 9. Tucker Muffley, 10. Kadie Purcell


Bill Teel Memorial Modified 4-16's highlight Saturday racing card at Mahoning Valley Speedway

This coming Saturday evening, August 3, Mahoning Valley Speedway proudly stages the 3rd Annual Bill Teel Memorial Modified 4-16s.  In just two years’ time the Bill Teel Memorial Modified 4-16s has become a popular event for Modified racers of the paved Lehighton ¼-mile oval. 16-lap features paying $816 each along with contingencies plus an overall champion crowned and a huge trophy, Modified drivers have made certain that this event is circled on their yearly calendar. The format will again consist of four 16 lap features. Drivers will draw for heat starting spots to qualify for the first feature. The next three races will be an invert for starting positions to be determined and provided all drivers are on the lead lap at the respective finishes. In-between features cars will be pitted in the staging area.  This will be a non-point race, however there will be “50 show-up” points towards the regular season standings.  Teel passed away in 2012. He won Modified titles in 1988, 1990 and 2000. He was also the 2011 Modified car owner champion with Tyler Haydt. During his driving career, that began at Dorney Park Speedway and also included stints at Flemington Fair Speedway, Evergreen Raceway and selected touring events, Teel was one of the most respected drivers both on and off the track. He won a fair share of features and more so made a lasting impression with everyone who met and knew him from his outgoing demeanor. The 16 is significant in the fact it was Teel’s signature car number and ironically when he won his last feature on July 8, 2000, it would be his 16th. Thus far in two outings to date the race has been well received. The unique 16-lap feature format piques racers and fans alike. And, with such a short distance to get things done contemplating the right moves is never easy. Drivers need to act quickly in order to get positions and none more so than that of the lead. In 2017 Don Wagner, Bobby Jones, Todd Baer and John Markovic scored the respective victories. Wagner also earned the champion title for his best overall finish across the four features. Last year saw Kyle Strohl, James Pritchard Jr., Tyler Haydt and Joey Jarowicz take the wins while Markovic was named the champion.  

Also on the card that evening will be Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks. Race time is 6:00 pm.

40-year veteran John Markovic still as good as ever after dazzling Modified verdict at Mahoning Valley Speedway on July 27th; Mike Sweeney grabs 5th Late Model victory

John Markovic has been racing for 40 years, amassing a distinguished career over that span of countless wins, numerous championships and respect amongst his peers.  Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway in front of packed grandstand for Fan Appreciation Night, his years of experience shined with a brilliant drive over hard charging Austin Kochenash and Kevin Rex Jr.  Markovic nabbed the lead from Nick Baer on lap 12. For the balance of the race he was lodged in a torrid battle with Kochenash, who made frequent attempts to gain the lead. Under intense conditions both thrilled the enthusiastic crowd in a spectacular double-wide formation. Late into the going Rex joined in the fight as he and Kochenash traded back and forth for second spot all while looking for the opportunity to advance past Markovic.  After a grueling battle among the trio, Markovic finally powered far enough ahead over the waning laps to secure his second win of the season and 38thoverall at Mahoning Valley.  In the meanwhile Kochenash and Rex remained locked neck and neck to the finish with Kochenash earning the spot by a bumper. Austin Beers and Baer completed the top five.

Mike Sweeney scored his fifth Late Model victory of the season and in the process remains closely behind Frankie Althouse in the season-long battle for the class championship. Jeremy Miller got the jump at the outset over Avery Arthofer with Sweeney third. Following a restart on lap three Sweeney had advanced to second and one lap later slipped by Miller for the lead. However, Miller returned the favor the ensuing time around and over the next dozen laps the pair would run a tight 1-2. Another restart with six laps to go would prove beneficial to Sweeney as he used the outside line and zip by Miller for the lead and eventually the win, his 51st at Mahoning in a Late Model.
Eric Kocher picked up his second Street Stock win of the season in a fan pleasing feature that showcased the great talent of the division.  In a dazzling exhibition of near nonstop action and with Cody Geist showing the way, the class had the crowd on edge with their rousing side-by-side engagement.  Although the field was closely bunched, Geist seemed poised to grab the checkers as he was the only driver not having to deal with opposition. That all went by the wayside with five laps to go when the only caution waved.  At the time Kocher had just passed Jillian Long for second spot and on the restart was able to keep pace with Geist. Taking pathway from the high line, Kocher had the power to strike at Geist and score his second win of the year. Geist, who has struggled for most of the year, held on for a season best finish of second while Long was third.
For Lorin Arthofer II, winning the Sportsman Modified feature was a huge redemption for the venerable veteran. The week prior he was leading the race but with two laps to go was taken out and ended up with heavy front end damage.  But perseverance paid off. Working all week long to repair the car, Arthofer came to track not quite knowing what to expect from the repairs. All was answered soon after the event began as he led from the outset and would not waver the rest of the way, taking his class leading third win over Kyle Strohl.
Winning is nothing new for Cody Kohler, matter of fact in the previous week’s action he picked up his 24th career Pro 4 victory.  However, Kohler has been doing double duty of late, also racing in the Hobby Stocks, running a car fielded by the Arthofer team and when all was said and done he can now add that class to his winning resume.  Kohler took the lead on lap five and was then immersed in scorching battle the rest of the way over Al Arthofer and Devin Schmidt as the trio ran under a blanket all the way to the checkers.
Jeremy Guerra can finally breathe a sigh of relief after finally notching his career first win, coming in the 20-lap Pro 4 feature. Guerra has had his moments when victory looked certain only to have Lady Luck spoil the outcome.  On this night all the stars aligned as he led flag to flag, hit his marks perfectly and raced to the unforgettable victory. Point leader Bobby Kibler Sr., gave chase but had to settle with second place.
 Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1.John Markovic, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Kevin Rex, 4. Austin Beers, 5. Nick Baer, 6. Kyle Strohl, 7. Lou Strohl, 8. Bobby Jones, 9. Beau Drobot, 10. Heath Metzger, 11. Jacob Kerstetter, 12. Terry Markovic, 13. Brett Wentz, 14. BJ Wambold, 15. Corey Edelman, 16. Ron Haring Jr., 17. Brian DeFebo, 18. Earl Paules, 19. Todd Bear, 20. Gene Bowers, DNS: Eric Kocher               
Late Model Feature Finish (25-laps): 1.Mike Sweeney, 2. Jeremy Miller, 3. Samantha Osborne, 4. Geno Steigerwalt, 5. Frankie Althouse, 6. Avery Arthofer, 7. Brandon Turbush, 8. Todd Cooper, 9. Wayne Kerstetter, 10. Rich Cooper,  11. Barry Kutz, 12. Kenny Hein, 13. Matt Wentz
 Street Stock Feature Finish (30-laps): 1. Eric Kocher, 2. Cody Geist, 3. Jillian Long, 4. Randy Schlenker, 5. Jared Ahner, 6. Shayne Geist, 7. Jon Moser, 8. Todd Ahner, 9. Mark Martini, 10. Johnny Bennett, 11. Jamie Smith, 12. Rick Reichenbach, 13. Mark Deysher, 14. Tucker Muffley, 15. Josh Mooney, 16. Bobby Kibler Jr., 17. Randy Ahner Jr., 18. Dennis Buss, 19. Brennen Coulter, 20. Stacey Brown DNQ: Ronald Herman, Jeremy Scheckler

Sportsman Modified Feature Finish (25-laps) 1. Lorin Arthofer, 2. Kyle Strohl, 3. Kassidy Altemose, 4. Danielle Paules, 5. Joe Edinger

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Al Arthofer, 3.Devin Schmidt, 4. Jacob Boehm, 5.Shawn Kistler, 6. Travis Solomon, 7. Cody Boehm, 8. Jesse Bollinger, 9. Tad Snyder, 10. Tyler Nemeth, 11.John Petro, 12. Ralph Borger Jr., 13. Austin Ahner, 14. Trisha Connolly, 15. Peyton Arthofer, 16. Mallory Kutz, 17. Paul Effrig, 18. Terry Peters, 19. Kassidy Altemose, 20. Peter Maier DNS: Ken Reeder DNQ: Lyndsay Buss

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20-laps): 1. Jeremy Guerra, 2. Bobby Kibler Sr., 3. Cody Kohler, 4. Jake Kibler, 5. Tucker Muffley, 6. Randy Schaffer, 7. Kadie Pursell, 8. Matt Clark, 9. Josh Kuronya, 10. Tyler Stangle



Earl Paules use Sportsman car to beat Mahoning Speedway Modified field on July 20th

Earl Paules ended a three year dry spell from winning in a Modified and it came in a most alternative way, driving a car set-up for Sportsman Modified competition.  The story unfolded from the night prior when Paules wrecked his primary car at Evergreen Raceway. The damage was significant enough that car was unrepairable in time to compete at Mahoning. The team then made the decision to run the Sportsman car, which was to be driven this same night in that class by Danielle Paules.
“It was a decision to make to ether support the Sportsman class but on the same token we didn’t want to lose anything with the Modified as well. I believed this was the way to go and I felt I could do it,” explained Paules.  After bolting on the larger tires and tweaking the car to get the most of it against the more powerful counterparts, Paules relied on a means of gradual restarts, although after being warned of the pace, and then under race conditions did a great job of keeping first John Markovic and then Brain DeFebo from surpassing for the lead and win.  “The restarts where everything, that’s all I was really worried about. I knew once we got going in front I had control and it was good. I really had control rolling the bottom and that’s what you need to do here,” said Paules, who won for the first time with the class since September 2016.  “This car has a little motor with just 350 horsepower but it’s a good car for the Sportsman division.” The race began with Nick Baer coming from third to first with Ron haring Jr., on his heels. On lap four Baer was nipped by Haring and which caused him to spin from the lead. Paules, third at the time, was now the race leader over Markovic. 
When the action resumed Markovic was making every effort possible to motor by but quite protectively Paules was keeping his line in his effort to remain the leader. A rash of cautions between laps 15 and 25 made things interesting when it came to the restarts. Due to having the underpowered car, Paules was bringing the field to the green on a slower than usual pace which in turn allowed him to get the bite he needed to keep Markovic at bay and later DeFebo. “I was saying to myself of all nights to have all these restarts, when I have the little motor in the car. I was actually hoping they would have gone single file,” said Paules.  “After last night (Evergreen) we were down in the dumps a little so we came in here tonight just relaxed and felt our chances of winning weren’t good at all. We came in and just drove the wheels off of it.”
Interestingly despite the lack of power, Paules set the fast lap of the race at 10.445-seconds.  DeFebo had to settle for second after laboring hard to work by Paules. Markovic, Kyle Strohl and Josh Scherer rounded out the top five.

In the Late Model race it was another classic duel between Frankie Althouse and Mike Sweeney with Althouse getting a second win in a row and sixth of the season.  Prior to the aforementioned pair racing hard to the finish, Avery Arthofer was showing the way, holding off relentless dares from not only Althouse and Sweeney but Jeremy Miller as well.Althouse had taken the lead from her on lap 13 but she was staying right with him while having to fend off Sweeney. However, her great run abruptly ended when she spun 10 laps from the end.  From then on it was Althouse having to deal with Sweeney, who stayed glued to his rear bumper.

In the Street Stocks Mark Martini cracked the Winner’s Circle for the first time this season and first time in three years. Martini began the race 11th but was making haste in his drive towards the front. Cody Geist, in a new and untested car, had the early lead and holding it nicely over Jared Ahner and Randy Schlenker.Just after mid-race Geist’s car began to tighten and Schlenker, who after a spirited battle for Ahner, grabbed the lead. Martini was strong and present at this time too, slipping into second spot.He turned up the pressure on Schlenker and seven laps from the end he put his car out front and stayed smooth to the checkers. Point leader Jon Moser was a solid third. 

Cody Kohler had a great lead swapping duel with Jeremy Guerra from laps 14 to 19 but afterwards there was no denying the dominance he displayed as he went on the score in impressive win in the special 40-lap Pro 4 feature.Bobby Kibler Sr., and Jake Kibler had a torrid duel between themselves running behind Kohler but never close enough to mount a challenge. It was Kohler’s fourth win of the year and 24th of his career.

From lap two of the Sportsman Modified feature, the race was in the hands of Lorin Arthofer II as he was withstanding Kyle Strohl’s advancements and likewise Joe King Jr., who was riding closely with them.  However, just as they were approaching the white flag Strohl got into the back of Arthofer and sent him spinning. As he was turning and trying to save his car, King came into his path and both collided resulting in race ending damage for both.  Wambold would be placed as the leader for the restart but on the final lap Strohl powered past and would win for the second time this season.

Rich Mutarelli was the Hobby Stock winner, his first victory in two years.Despite the heat and humidity that plagued the night, Mutarelli was appreciative to management for not cancelling like so many other tracks did and personally thanked them when he rolled into the gates. His gratitude was rewarded for his attendance by showing great speed all night long, winning his heat and then leading 24 of 25 laps in the feature.  Mutarelli, who won for the 14th time and can become the all-time class winner before the season ends, held off Jacob Boehm for the win.

Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1. Earl Paules, 2. Brain DeFebo, 3. Joh Markovic, 4. Kyle Strohl, 5. Josh Scherer, 6. Bobby Jones, 7. Eric Kocher, 8. BJ Wambold, 9. Corey Edelman, 10. Lou Strohl, 11. Jacob Kerstetter, 12. Ron Haring Jr., 13. Nick Baer, 14. Terry Markovic

Late Model Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Frankie Althouse, 2. Mike Sweeney, 3. Jeremy Miller, 4. Samantha Osborn, 5. Avery Arthofer, 6. Rich Cooper, 7. Todd Cooper, 8. Dylan Osborn

Street Stock Feature Finish (30-laps): 1. Mark Martini, 2. Randy Schlenker, 3. Jon Moser, 4. Cody Geist, 5. Shayne Geist, 6. Jared Ahner, 7. Josh Mooney, 8. Eric Kocher, 9. Jillian Long, 10. Todd Ahner, 11. Mark Deysher, 12. Jamie Smith, 13. Brennen Coulter, 14. Mike Erney, 15. Dennis Buss, 16. Jeremy Scheckler, 17. Randy Ahner Jr.

Sportsman Modified Feature Finish (25-laps) 1. Kyle Strohl, 2. BJ Wambold, 3. Kassidy Altemose, 4. Joe Edinger, 5. Lorin Arthofer II, 6. Joe King Jr.

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Rich Mutarelli, 2. Jacob Boehm, 3. Shawn Kistler, 4. Joh Petro, 5. Payton Arthofer, 6. Al Arthofer, 7. Cody Kohler, 8. Trisha Connolly, 9. Travis Solomon, 10. Devin Schmidt, 11. Ken Reeder, 12. Austin Ahner, 13. Kassidy Altemose, 14. Jesse Bollinger, 15. Ralph Boger Jr., 16. Mallory Kutz, 17. Todd Geist, 18. Taylor Schmidt

Pro 4 Feature Finish (40-laps): 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Bobby Kibler Sr., 3. Jake Kibler, 4. Randy Schaffer, 5. Tucker Muffley, 6. Tyler Stangle, 7. Matt Clark, 8. Kadie Pursell, 9. Joey Stangle, 10. Jeremy Guerra



Bobby Jones withstands the intense challenge from Kyle Strohl for 75-lap Mahoning Modified win

Three previous times this season Bobby Jones and Kyle Strohl had one-two finishes, all very close too with Jones winning twice and Strohl the other. However, none could match Saturday night’s 75-lap feature as they not only fashioned another 1-2 run which went in favor of Jones, but it was a thrilling white-knuckle duel that went done to the wire.  After Strohl had taken the lead from Earl Paules on lap 26, it wasn’t long after that Jones stepped into second spot and thus began a torrid battle of side-by-side racing. Each taken turns at the lead in the process and for Jones, he had an exhausting time when out front as Strohl attacked him relentlessly from both inside and outside lanes.  There was even a point when it became a three car battle for the lead when John Markovic made it a triple-wide attempt for the spot. He would later concede to the front pair and over the final dozen laps it was extremely hard fought with Jones doing everything possible to hold off Strohl.  “I’m really tired and I felt I didn’t have a car that could win tonight, maybe second or third place at best. But I never wanted to give up and I really wanted to win this race,” offered Jones who was slightly overcome from heat exhaustion. “I gave everything I had and this kid – he’s is something.” Jones won $2500 in picking up his class leading third win of the season and remain firm in the points lead with the start of the second half underway.  On a few restarts Jones proved slightly better and that allowed him the advantage in embracing his lead at those times.  “I was good on some of the starts. I could heat that right front (tire) up and get the car a little tighter and stay out on front of him (Strohl). But I only had about three laps to stay there and cover him and I had to decide what line I wanted to run in order to defend because he was much faster,” explained Jones.  “Luckily for me I stayed the higher lane and it didn’t get us loose and it helped me keep enough momentum that he couldn’t fully make the pass and that’s what I needed to get this win.” Strohl indeed gave it his all having to settle for close second. His car was working perfectly and it showed with his ability to change lanes at will and push Jones to the limit.  “Tonight we really hit it on the set-up. I just needed one little slip up from him (Jones) and this was mine,” bottomed lined Strohl.  But he held his line prefect and congrats to Bobby. I like aggressive racing but I wasn’t going to wreck him for the win. He gives a lot of respect and despite to hard racing we both have clean race cars.”  Markovic placed a solid third. Eric Kocher had a respectable outing taking fourth with Paules rounding out the top five.

Frankie Althouse continued his amazing streak of either first or second place finishes in garnering his firth Late Model victory in 11 2019 starts.  Early in the day Althouse could be seen watching his top rival, Mike Sweeney, taking in early practice and getting a feel for what lie ahead for him, after all in the last six races alone he was second and of those four times it was behind Sweeney’s No. D11.  Not looking for another runner-up score, this night saw Althouse take the lead at the outset and then what has become a somewhat common scene, there was Sweeney on his tail. This time, though, there would be no denying him as he kept up his front running pace and confidently held back any and all advances from Sweeney in racing to his 31st career Late Model win. In the process he holds onto a slim lead in points.

Jon Moser raced to a third Street Stock win of the season and in doing so would deny a very strong running Jillian Long of her first. Long roared past Austin Santee on lap two and then proceeded to keep firm in her first time leading a feature this season. When Moser finally came upon her with 10 laps to go, she never gave way and the two competed closely and cleanly. However, a restart with six laps go would be the decisive moment for Moser as he used that moment to surpass Long for the lead and hold he back to the checkers. For Long it would mark her best finish to date.

Bobby Jones, Frankie Althouse and Jon Moser all won their respective features and all as class point leaders, so for Bobby Kibler Sr., it was much of the same during the Pro 4 main.

Kibler led from the outset and notwithstanding some late race pressure from Jake Kibler, held on to notch his fourth win and add slightly to a slim lead in the standings in his quest for a career firct championship.

In just her second season of Hobby Stock racing, Peyton Arthofer has developed into a highly competitive driver. She proved that statement soundly with a flag to flag run in front of the 20 car pack, at times with a significant distance over the rest.  Had it not been for a late caution that bunched the field her class leading third win of the year would have been considerably ahead of second place Jacob Boehm and third place Devin Schmidt, who were a car length behind at the conclusion.

Modified Feature Finish (75-laps): 1. Bobby Jones, 2. Kyle Strohl, 3. John Markovic, 4. Eric Kocher, 5. Earl Paules, 6. Lou Strohl, 7. Gene Bowers, 8. Kevin Rex Jr., 9. Ron Haring Jr., 10. Josh Scherer, 11. Brian DeFebo, 12. Todd Bear, 13. Heath Metzger, 14. Don Wagner, 15. Nick Baer, 16. Austin Kochenash, 17. Matt Hirschman, 18. Anthony Sesely, 19. Corey Edelman, 20. Jacob Kerstetter, 21. Terry Markovic DNQ: Beau Drobot, BJ Wambold

Late Model Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Frankie Althouse, 2. Mike Sweeney, 3. Jeremy Miller, 4. Samantha Osborn, 5. Brandon Turbush, 6. Dylan Osborn, 7. Rick Smith, 8. Kenny Hein, 9. Avery Arthofer

Street Stock Feature Finish (30-laps): 1. Jon Moser, 2. Jillian Long, 3. Jamie Smith, 4. Randy Ahner Jr., 6. Josh Mooney, 7. Johnny Bennett, 8. Eric Kocher, 9. Mark Martini, 10. Mark Deysher, 11. Aaron Kromer. 12. Tucker Muffley, 13. Shayne Geist, 14. Dennis Buss, 15. Brennen Coulter, 16. Jeremy Scheckler, 17. Ruch, 18. Todd Ahner, 19. Austin Santee, 20. Bobby Kibler Jr. DNQ: Randy Schlenker, Cody Geist DQ: Steven Steigerwalt

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Peyton Arthofer, 2. Jacob Boehm, 3. Devin Schmidt, 4. Travis Solomon, 5. Al Arthofer, 6. Shawn Kistler, 7. Trisha Connolly, 8. John Petro, 9. Cody Boehm. 10. Cody Kohler, 11. Tyler Nemeth, 12. Kevin Behler, 13. Ken Reeder, 14. Peter Maier, 15. Kassidy Altemose, 16. Austin Ahner, 17. Eddie Jones, 18. Josh Oswald, 19. Tad Snyder, 20. Taylor Schmidt DNQ: Rich Mutarelli, Mallory Kutz, Terry Peters

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20-laps): 1. Bobby Kibler Sr., 2. Jake Kibler, 3. Tucker Muffley, 4. Cody Kohler, 5. Tyler Stangle. 6. Jeremy Guerra, 7. Kadie Pursell, 8. Matt Clark, 9. Randy Schaffer DNS: Bobby Kibler Jr.​


Brian DeFebo holds off Bobby Jones for first win of 2019 on June 22; Mike Sweeney nips Frankie Althouse again in Late Models and earns 50th class victory at Mahoning Valley Speedway

As the season is reaching the mid-way juncture, it has become commonplace to see Brian DeFebo to have already won at least once if not several times, which has been his calling card to the past two Modified championships at Mahoning Valley Speedway. DeFebo is a 10-time winner in the prior two seasons here.  But a for a number of issues, those winning ways had been sidetracked, his best showing being no better than third, that is until Saturday night when he cracked the win column for the first time in 2019 which was a down-to-the-wire finish over Bobby Jones. “It’s been a while it seems,” said DeFebo after taking his 102nd career win and 72nd with a Modified. “We’ve been struggling here since the final two races from last year when we wrecked the car. We’ve been trying something new every week to try and get back on our hot streak and tonight it worked. I’ve always been confident and I know once we start winning one race we’ll begin to click off more and that’s fun.”  DeFebo, who started fifth, showed early on that his car was worthy, jumping right into second behind leader Ron Haring Jr., in just two laps. Four circuits later he was in front and pulling away. As DeFebo was holding his own, Haring maintained second over John Markovic. By lap 16 point leader Jones had powered to runner-up, gaining the spot after a restart on that tour. That in turn set up what would become a hard fought duel the rest of the way between he and DeFebo. Trying inside and outside Jones made every attempt possible to get past. There was even one moment where he almost lost control due to speedy dry that had been spread from a previous incident. But after Jones regained his footing he then put heavy pressure on DeFebo and would try one last time when the final lap was underway, looking to the bottom in turns three and four but DeFebo throttled down and was able to eke out the victory.  "I knew he (Jones) was there and it’s always tough when you’re in the lead and you have to go to defense because you don’t know what line to be in and you wind up backing yourself up. I saw him on the outside and then heard him on the inside but we stood our ground,” said DeFebo. “Bobby (Jones) is a great guy to race with. We seem to think alike and that’s why we get along both on and off the track. Where both here to win races.”
Josh Scherer turned in another solid performance with third while Lorin Arthofer II had a notable fourth place tally. Markovic rounded out the top five.

For the third consecutive week Mike Sweeney won the Late Model feature and for the third time it was under tense conditions with Frankie Althouse. Sweeney wrangled the lead from one very impressive Avery Arthofer who had led from the outset. The rookie was in front for the first time and showed remarkable skill in leading a group of accomplished veterans in Sweeney, Althouse and Jeremy Miller. Sweeney, though, began to apply pressure and made his winning pass by squeezing to the low side of Arthofer with just eight laps to go. Althouse was soon to follow and over the waning circuits there was plenty of nip and tuck between the pair. Sweeney would hold tough – again, in what was hard-nose racing between he and Althouse.  “I’m going to have to invest in some new rear bumpers,” said Sweeney as he received a wave of cheers and jeers in Victory Lane. “Listen to this place, this is what Mahoning Valley is all about, the all-out excitement.”  This was Sweeney’s 50th career Late Model win at Mahoning and he’s quickly approaching the all-time mark held by Paul Koehler Jr. Sweeney made note to the great run by Arthofer who settled for fifth, her second such in as many races. “She (Arthofer) ran a great race and has been doing very well. She just gave up the bottom there a little which was enough that I was able to sneak it in for the lead,” offered Sweeney. Althouse’s second place, his ninth top-2 in in 10 starts, keeps him ahead in the standings just slightly over Sweeney.

Randy Ahner Jr., erased a three year dry spell, winning his first Street Stock feature at Mahoning for the first time since 2016. Ahner kept a close chase on Jamie Smith for a number of laps, just biding his time and patiently waiting for the right moment to strike. With eight laps to go he got that opportunity when he moved inside of Smith and was able to deliver the race winning pass. He then went on to his 20th career class victory over a fast approaching Todd Ahner and Shayne Geist.

For the second time in as many weeks and third on the season, Cody Kohler was the winner of the 20-lap affair. Kohler passed Bobby Kibler Sr., on lap seven and was seamless the rest of the way in garnering his 23rd career win. Jake Kibler took second.

The Hobby Stock feature was one that will be talked about for some time as Kassidy Altemose not only won for the first time but it was in a crowd rousing battle between her and Travis Solomon.  In the final few laps each driver swapped lead not only at the start/finish line but several times around the track.  Rubbing and banging their way and at times looking as though a wreck was about to happen, they focused themselves on the checkers with Altemose nipping Solomon by inches for the thrilling outcome.

The Dirt Mod feature, under a cloud of controversy, was won by Mike Stofflet over Ricky Yetter.  However, after further review of issues that developed throughout the night, Yetter was disqualified for unsportsmanlike actions by his team.  Also, the class is being suspended and will not run until further notice.

Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1. Brian DeFebo, 2. Bobby Jones, 3. Josh Scherer, 4. Lorin Arthofer II, 5. John Markovic, 6. Lou Strohl, 7. Terry Markovic, 8. Nick Baer, 9. Kyle Strohl 10. Eric Kocher, 11. Ron haring Jr., 12. BJ Wambold, 13. Heath Metzger, 14. Don Wagner, 15. Ear Paules 16. Gene Bowers, 17. Jacob Kerstetter

Late Model Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Mike Sweeney, 2. Frankie Althouse, 3. Samantha Osborn, 4. Geno Steigerwalt, 5. Avery Arthofer, 6. Rick Smith, 7. Jeremy Miller, 8. Kenny Hien

Street Stock Feature Finish (30-laps): 1. Randy Ahner Jr., 2. Todd Ahner, 3. Shayne Geist, 4. Jon Moser, 5. Randy Schlenker, 6. Jamie Smith, 7. Mark Martini, 8. Mark Deysher, 9. Cody Geist, 10. Eric Kocher, 11. Jared Ahner, 12. Steven Steigerwalt, 13. Rick Reichenbach, 14. Josh Mooney, 15. Tucker Muffley, 16. Dennis Buss, 17. Brennen Coulter, 18. Bobby Kibler Jr., 19. Austin Santee

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25-laps) 1. Mike Stofflet, 2. Louie Horvath, 3. Devin Schmidt, 4. Corey Edelman, 5. Colton Perry, 6. Frank Parastino DQ. Ricky Yetter

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Kassidy Altemose, 2. Travis Solomon, 3. Rich Mutarelli, 4. John Petro, 5. Ken Reeder, 6. Shawn Kistler, 7. Cody Kohler, 8. Al Arthofer, 9. Cody Boehm, 10. Tad Snyder, 11. Peyton Arthofer, 12. Jacob Boehm. 13. Peter Maier, 14. Eddie Jones, 15. Shane Troutman, 16. Ralph Boger Jr., 17. Todd Geist, 18. Daryl Rex DQ: Devin Schmidt, Trisha Connolly DNQ: Mallory Kutz, Austin Ahner

Pro 4 Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Jake Kibler, 3. Tyler Stangle, 4. Bobby Kibler Sr., 5. Tucker Muffley, 6. Jeremy Guerra, 7. Randy Schaffer, 8. Matt Clark, 9. Kadie Pursell, 10. Gary Schloch

This coming Saturday evening, June 22 starting at 6:00 pm Mahoning Valley Speedway presents a six division program of asphalt stock car racing which will include the headline Modified class along with Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks.

Also added to the night’s card will be the touring American Three Quarter Midget Racing Association (ATQMRA) TQ Midgets. All classes are scheduled to run a complete program of heats and features. Heading into this weekend’s action Bobby Jones holds the lead in the Modified points over Kyle Strohl and last week’s winner Josh Scherer with Earl Paules and defending champ Brian DeFebo lucking intently behind. With his second win in a row and third on the season Mike Sweeney has narrowed the gap on Frankie Althouse by 13 points while Jeremy Miller, Matt Wentz and Samantha Osborn are keeping close pace. The Street Stock standing s are showing Jon Moser by a slim margin over Randy Schlenker while Todd Ahner and Mark Martini are within striking distance to move to the top of the rankings.The Dirt Mod points reveal Cory Edelman the leader by a mere three markers over Ricky Yetter.  Bobby Kibler Sr., has been holding steady as the front-runner of the Pro 4s but keeping in step is Jake Kibler. Both drivers are credited with a combined seven wins in nine races thus far. When Devin Schmidt added win number two this past Saturday it padded his point lead ever so slightly over Shawn Kistler. Al Arthofer, Peyton Arthofer and Cody Boehm round out the top five and are close enough to unseat Schmidt at any time.  If watching stock cars soar around the tight confines of Mahoning Valley Speedway aren’t thrilling enough, having the TQ Midgets on hand bring the speed level to all new heights. Zipping in and out of traffic and making laps at nearly 100 mph on the ¼-mile is spine-tingling.The combination of stock cars and TQ’s adds up to a great night of racing.Front gates open at 4:00 pm. Adult grandstand admission is $14, $2 off for students, seniors 65+ and active military. Children under 10 are free. Pits will open at 11:30 am. Early paid practice ($25 per car) will be from 12:30 to 3:30. Regular warm-ups begin at 4:15. Pit admission $25 members, $35 non-members. Driver sign-ins will be from 3:00 to 4:15.

Coming up on June 29 is a special 75-lap/$2500-to-win Modified cone race feature.​


Josh Scherer nips Lou Strohl for Mahoning Valley Speedway Modified top honors after Terry Markovic was oh-so-close on June 15

For 32 of the 35 laps in the Modified feature at Mahoning Valley Speedway, respected veteran Terry Markovic was holding his own, albeit under immense pressure from Lou Strohl and Josh Scherer who tried lap after lap to unseat him.  Markovic was not letting up as he was looking to win for the first time in 20 years and there was a good feeling that was about to happen too as he stayed on the defensive with the laps winding down, never allowing Strohl or Scherer to get the better of him. There was a sense of this being something special for a driver who has been part of many great nights and whose talent is still as good as ever. It gearing up for a thrilling end. Regrettably, as the checkers where within reach, things took a turn for the worse for Markovic with just three laps to go. After crossing the start/finish line to complete lap 32 he was just ahead of Scherer and Strohl who ran side-by-side. Then approaching turn one the No. 92 broke loose and spun, bringing to a heartbreaking halt a great effort that so many in attendance were pulling for.  Scherer had just been ahead of Strohl and was the new leader when the race restarted and over the remaining laps he narrowly held off Strohl for his second win of the season. For Strohl, who has been very fast of late, it was his second close runner-up and both coming by less than half-a-second.  Brian DeFebo was a solid third with Kyle Strohl and point leader Bobby Jones rounding out the top five. Markovic was scored a disheartened ninth after putting in such a crowd pleasing run.  The race was red flagged on lap 16 for a very ferocious three car accident involving Tyler Haydt, Earl Paules and John Markovic. It unfolded in turn four when Haydt and Paules made contact. That sent Paules sideways into the wall at top speed. Under tight conditions J. Markovic had nowhere to go and was drawn into the chaos. His car got airborne after hitting Paules and then slammed to a pounding stop. Thankfully no one was hurt. Paules’ and Markovic’s cars however sustained extreme damage. 

For the second time in as many weeks Mike Sweeney raced to victory with the Late Models and once again it was under strong pressure from Frankie Althouse   Sweeney took the lead only after a very stout effort came to a spinning end by Kenny Hien on lap 15. Afterwards Sweeney, who had been second, and Althouse began a torrid fight. Included in the thick of things was Jeremy Miller who stayed tucked in behind the front pair. Despite constant attempts by Althouse, Sweeney never quivered and held his ground to score his third win of the year. Miller held on for third which made for a rousing top three that completed the event under a blanket.  The noticeably improving Samantha Osborn, who was fourth, notched her sixth straight top five and attaining a career best fifth with a Late Model was top rookie Avery Arthofer.

Lorin Arthofer II scored his second straight Sportsman Modified win in what was another close run against Kyle Strohl. Arthofer took the lead on lap two from Joe King Jr., and from then on it was he and Strohl going 1-2 in close formation. Earl Paules stepped into Kassidy Altemose’s No. 8K and gave the front pair a run towards the end. For Arthofer it was his 38th overall win at Mahoning.

Johnny Bennett drove the “Woolly Bulley” to his second Street Stock win of the season in a feature that was a barnburner throughout that the 30-lap run.  Bennett was among a bevy of drivers that where in a close-fitting pack with most of the race being contested between he, Shayne Geist who led most of the way, and Randy Ahner Jr.It wasn’t until four laps to go that Bennett took the lead but even then he had to fight hard to the finish as Geist remained hot on his tail while Mark Martini powered his way to third.

Cody Kohler took the lead on the opening lap of the Pro 4 main and refused to let up from there as he would lead every lap in a tight battle waged with runner-up Bobby Kibler Sr., and third place finisher Jake Kibler.

Devin Schmidt worked determinedly to overtake Kassidy Altemose for the lead in the Hobby Stock feature and once he did he cruised to his second win of the season and in the process added to his point lead.Altemose did a great job, leading laps and taking a strong runner-up which was a career high in the class.

Round 4 for the 2019 Mahoning Valley Speedway/Evergreen Raceway Small Car Enduro Series took place and it was very rewarding for Harry O’Neill who took the lead fifth and final time on lap 126. He then powered away to the win, his first in the Series’.  Steve Brooks was second and the only other car to finish on the lead lap which ended at 163 total laps. Point leader Don Rogers was third. The race saw the lead change hands 11 times.

Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1. Josh Scherer, 2. Lou Strohl, 3. Brian DeFebo, 4. Kyle Strohl, 5. Bobby Jones, 6. Austin Kochenash, 7. Nick Baer, 8. Terry Markovic, 9. Jacob Kerstetter, 10. Ron Haring Jr., 11. Earl Paules, 12. Tyler Haydt, 13. John Markovic

Late Model Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Mike Sweeney, 2. Frankie Althouse, 3. Jeremy Miller, 4. Samantha Osborn, 5. Avery Arthofer, 6. Matt Wentz, 7. Geno Steigerwalt, 8. Kenny Hein DNS: Jacob Kerstetter 

Street Stock Feature Finish (30-laps): 1. Johnny Bennett, 2. Shayne Geist, 3. Mark Martini, 4. Todd Ahner, 5. Jon Moser, 6. Randy Ahner Jr., 7. Randy Schlenker, 8. Rick Reichenbach, 9. Tucker Muffley, 10. Brennen Coulter, 11. Mark Deysher, 12. Bobby Kibler Jr., 13. Jamie Smith. 14. Dennis Buss, 15. Jillian Long, 16. Eric Kocher, 17. Austin Santee, 18. Beau Drobot, 19. Jared Ahner, 20. Cody Geist DNQ: Anthony Tombasco
Sportsman Modified Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Lorin Arthofer II, 2. Kyle Strohl, 3. Earl Paules, 4. Joe King Jr., 5. BJ Wambold, 6. Danielle Paules, 7. Joe Edinger

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Devin Schmidt, 2. Kassidy Altemose, 3. Travis Solomon, 4. Tad Snyder, 5. Shawn Kistler, 6. Rich Mutarelli, 7. Al Arthofer, 8. Daryl Rex, 9. Peyton Arthofer, 10. Cody Boehm, 11. John Petro, 12. Peter Maier, 13. Ralph Boger Jr., 14. Mallory Kutz, 15. Eddie Jones, 16. Ken Reeder, 17.Jacob Boehm, 18. Trisha Connolly, 19. Terry Peters, 20. Mackenzie Adams DNQ: Scott Adams

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20-laps): 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Bobby Kibler Sr., 3. Jake Kibler, 4. Randy Schaffer, 5. Tyler Stangle, 6. Tucker Muffley, 7. Jeremy Guerra, 8. Kadie Pursell, 9. Matt Clark

Small Car Enduro Feature Finish (163-laps): 1. Harry O’Neill, 2. Steve Brooks, 3. Don Rogers, 4. Tony Rispin, 5. Jake Oswald, 6. Kassidy Altemose, 7. Clem Underwood, 8. Richard Petty, 9. Paul Mercante, 10. Dave Imler Jr., DNS: Randy Parsons


Kyle Strohl holds off Lou Strohl in thrilling Mahoning Valley Speedway Modified action on June 8; Mike Sweeney takes Late Model laurels after leader Matt Wentz is crashed out

Kyle Strohl raced to a thrilling win over Lou Strohl for his second Modified win of the season Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway. Both drivers displayed amazing car control while going double-wide over most of the later stages of the 35-lap contest. At the outset L. Strohl jumped out to a descent lead over Nick Baer but coming through swiftly was K. Strohl who by lap 10 was running second. There was still a sizable gap between first and second at that point but K. Strohl continued to chip away with each passing lap and when the 18th circuit went into the books the lead changed hands with an inside pass in turn four. On a restart with 10 laps remaining L. Strohl powered back to the lead but the ensuing tour K. Strohl regained the spot. From there to the finish it remained exceedingly close.  “He (Lou Strohl) was on his set-up tonight and we were getting a little loose as he night went on and he really contested me for the victory but I wasn’t giving an inch,” said K. Strohl.  “The track was really good tonight. That last restart helped him and I was nervous but luckily we got back on top. I want to say thanks to Lou for a running me clean and giving me a great race.”  Interestingly for L. Strohl he almost thought about packing up and not racing after coming out to early practice and being completed unsatisfied with the results of that session. However, car owner Matt Higgins swayed him to stick around and with minimal adjustments when the night got underway, he won his heat and then drove to the near feature win. “We were honestly debating about loading up and going home that’s how bad the car was,” admitted L. Strohl. “But after we put on a different set of tires for the heat everything clicked and the car was just amazingly fast from that point. We tried and it wasn’t for the lack of effort on my part.”  Not to be undone by the close action between the front pair, there was just as much of a tight battle for third between Austin Kochenash and Josh Scherer who raced to the wire for the spot. Brian DeFebo came from 13th to fifth at the end.

Mike Sweeney picked up his second Late Model victory of the year but it came at the cost of Matt Wentz.  Wentz was holding a slim lead ahead of Sweeney and Frankie Althouse. However, with five laps to go the trio came upon the slower car of Mike Seneca and when the leader reached him in turn two there was contact that suddenly sent Wentz hard into the wall.  Sweeney and Althouse narrowly escaped being the melee and for the restart they went toe-to-toe. Althouse would make Sweeney earn every bit of this one too as on the final go-around he gave him a shooter in turn three. Sweeney nearly broke loose but amazingly held tight on the wheel, coming out of turn four nearly sideways. His heads up diving netted the verdict and his 60th career feature win.

It may be a while before Bobby Kibler Jr., gives up his wide smile that he had after climbing from car and for good reason. The second generation driver had just won his career first Street Stock feature in a hard fought affair.
Kibler had been struggling since the season began but slowly he and the team worked out the bugs and on this memorable night everything came to fruition. He started second to early leader Tucker Muffley and by lap five of 30 he was out front.  After taking the lead his night was far from over as a host of top guns began to pressure him. Randy Schlenker most notably who picked his way to second eight laps from the end and was making it very tough on the young star. But despite the offensive from Schlenker and others, Kibler held his ground and relished winning for the first time with the class.

In the make-up Street Stock feature from May 4 Shayne Geist raced to a thrilling first win of the season in a nonstop affair. Each lap Geist had to fend off Johnny Bennett and Jared Ahner. Keeping a tight inside line as his avenue of defense Geist was able to cling to his lead and hold on for a close win. Ahner was second with Bennett a narrow third. 

Ricky Yetter and Mike Stofflet seem to be the regulars who week after week take the headlines in the Dirt Mod. Of late, though, there is reason for concern from another as Cory Edelman has emerged a worthy opponent.  Edelman showed his talents against the aforementioned duo yet again with an action-packed race long battle that saw him lead all the way but in tight quarters throughout. By picking up his second win Edelman also stepped to the top of the point standings.

Jake Kibler’s previous win with the Pro 4’s set the new bar for the class as he became the all-time victories leader at 34.Kibler now added to the total with a season leading fourth win in eight starts, scoring the verdict over point leader Bobby Kibler Sr. And, not only was it another class win but a person mark as well as he has reached 40 overall wins.

Al Arthofer received the best medicine possible by winning the Hobby Stock feature. In the prior race he finished last after taking a very hard hit against the wall and a badly damaging his racecar.  Arthofer came back strong with an inspiring performance. Taking the lead on lap seven he was never headed the rest of the way, pulling away to a 3-plus second margin of victory over Cody Boehm. Arthofer becomes the seventh different winner in eight race to date.

Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1. Kyle Strohl, 2. Lou Strohl, 3. Austin Kochenash, 4. Josh Scherer, 5. Brian DeFebo, 6. Bobby Jones, 7. Gene Bowers, 8. Earl Paules, 9. John Markovic, 10. Terry Markovic, 11. Nick Baer, 12. Anthony Sesely, 13. Ron Haring Jr., 14. Jacob Kerstetter, 15. Kevin Rex Jr., 16. BJ Wambold, 17. Wes Gilbert, 18. Lorin Arthofer II, 19. Austin Beers DNS: Heath Metzger

Late Model Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Mike Sweeney, 2. Frankie Althouse, 3. Jeremy Miller, 4. Kenny Hein, 5. Samantha Osborn, 6. Avery Arthofer, 7. Geno Steigerwalt, 8. Rick Smith, 9. Matt Wentz, 10. Dylan Osborn, 11. Mike Seneca

Make-up Street Stock feature finish from (26-laps) 1. Shayne Geist, 2. Jared Ahner, 3. Johnny Bennett, 4. Corey Edelman, 5. Bill Hunara, 6. Mark Martini, 7. Stacey Brown, 8. Randy Schlenker, 9. Todd Ahner, 10. Josh Mooney, 11. Eric Kocher, 12. Jillian Long, 13. Jon Moser, 14. Beau Drobot, 15. Randy Ahner Jr., 16. Mark Deysher, 17. Jamie Smith, 18. Rick Reichenbach, 19. Cody Geist DNS: Brennen Coulter DNQ: Bobby Kibler Jr., Ken Erney II,

Regular Street Stock feature finish (30-laps): 1. Kibler Jr., 2. Schlenker, 3. Kocher, 4. Jared Ahner, 5. Deysher, 6. Drobot, 7. Muffley, 8. Hunara, 9. Long, 10. Todd Ahner, 11. Randy Ahner Jr., 12. Reichenbach, 13. Martini, 14. Moser, 15. Smith, 16. Edelman, 17. Mooney, 18. Bennett, 19. Erney, 20. Cody Geist, 21. Brown DNQ: Shayne Geist DNQ: Coulter, Austin Santee, Ronald Herman, Jeremy Scheckler

Dirt Modified feature finish (25-laps): 1. Corey Edelman, 2. Mike Stofflet, 3. Ricky Yetter, 4. Colton Perry, 5. Bill Sittler Jr., 6. Frank Parastino, 7. Louie Horvath, 8. Larry Beers

Hobby Stock feature finish (25-laps): 1. Al Arthofer, 2. Cody Boehm, 3. Rich Mutarelli, 4. Trisha Connolly, 5 Devin Schmidt, 6. Taylor Schmidt, 7. Shawn Kistler, 8. Tad Snyder, 9. Peter Maier, 10. Tyler Nemeth, 11. Austin Ahner, 12. Kassidy Altemose, 13. John Petro, 14. Daryl Rex, 15. Peyton Arthofer, 16. Eddie Jones, 17. Ralph Boger Jr., 18. Mallory Kutz DNS: Travis Solomon, Jacob Boehm, Phil Sabatine DNS: Mackenzie Adams DNQ: Colton Breiner, Terry Peters

Pro 4 feature finish (20-laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Bobby Kibler Sr., 3. Tucker Muffley, 4. Cody Kohler, 5. Jeremy Guerra, 6. Matt Clark, 7. Kadie Pursell, 8. Randy Schaffer, 9. Tyler Stangle


MAHONING VALLEY SPEEDWAY NEWS UPDATE:

Losing last Saturday night’s races to rain was a tough pill to swallow for everyone at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway as it was the annual Fan Appreciation Night. At just $8 general admission for a seven division program it has become one of the key shows each season.  Plus is was being held during the NASCAR weekend at Pocono Raceway which most times brings in some surprise guests to the paved ¼-mile oval.

Not wanting to short their loyal fans and race teams, track management has rescheduled Fan Appreciation night for Saturday, July 27. All seven regular track classes will be on the card and front gate admission will be $8.
Looking ahead to this week, June 8 at 6:00 pm there will be full account of heats and features for Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks. Plus the rain-postponed Street Stock main from May 4 will be run.
Front gates open at 4:00 pm. Adult grandstand admission is $14, $2 off for students, seniors 65+ and active military. Children under 10 are free. Pits will open at 11:30 am. Early paid practice ($25 per car) will be from 12:30 to 3:30. Regular warm-ups begin at 4:15. Pit admission $25 members, $35 non-members. Driver sign-ins will be from 3:00 to 4:15.

The Sunday, June 16 race date that was to feature the All-Star Slingshots and round 4 of the 2019 Mahoning Valley Speedway/Evergreen Raceway Small Car Enduro Series will not be held.  The Small Car Enduro Series Race #4 will instead be run on Saturday, June 15 as part of that night’s regular program of Modifieds, Late Models, Sportsman Modifieds, Street Stocks Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks.
Because of the Enduro being added to this night the start time will take place at 5:30 pm.
Adult grandstand admission for June 15 is $16. $2 off for students, seniors 65+ and active military. Children under 10 are free.  We are currently in the process of adding the All-Star Slingshots at a later date.


With the help of Zane Zeiner, John Markovic gets back winning form at Mahoning Valley Speedway on May 25

(May 25, 2019) Through the first six races of 2019 John Markovic has barely made a mark in the results column, mustering a pair of 10th place runs as his best effort to date, very uncommon-like to say the least for a driver of his caliber. Admittedly he was the first to express how his signature No. 95M “Purple Bandit” was not performing to its expected expectations. After trying just about everything to make the car work yet to no avail, the seasoned veteran turned to the one person he felt could pull him from the doldrums, noted set-up specialists and top flight driver Zane Zeiner and after working his magic, Markovic put all the hardship behind him as he stormed to his first win of the season Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway.             Markovic held off one very determined Austin Kochenash for the popular victory, which remarkably comes one year from his last on Memorial Day weekend. “I’ve been coming here the whole second half of my life and I’ve never had such an awful car as I did this year and we threw everything at it but in just one day Zane Zeiner came in, drove the car in early practice, diagnosed it, repaired it and fixed it and gave me a winning race car,” deadpanned Markovic. “It was on rails, it was fast and I owe it all to Zane, it’s that simple.” The 35-lap affair saw Ron Haring Jr., pace the field for the first half dozen laps but noticeably quick was Markovic who by lap five had passed Earl Paules for second and one lap later zipped by Haring for the lead.  “It was still early at that point and I didn’t know how the car was going to react later on in the run. We were still working on the car when the feature before ours was being called out, the rear end was out of it but everything worked out,” expressed Markovic When he did make the lead pass it was soon clear that Markovic’s car was back to top status, confidently solid as he controlled of the race. Meanwhile Haring was holding his own in second over Paules until six laps from the end when a caution waved for a three car scuffle. On that restart Paules took second and Kochenash blasted into third. Two laps later he would gain second and wasn’t settling there as he immediately went after the leader. Markovic was taking a higher line, leaving the bottom open for Kochenash and indeed that was his course of action. “I was slowing my pace down and protecting the bottom. I knew he (Kochenash) wasn’t going to get me on top. He runs this track totally different then I do. My way of running is like a big oval and Austin has found a way to turn down to the left and drive a straightaway and beat a lot of the competitors and I wasn’t going to give him that opportunity,” explained Markovic. With just enough on the bottom line Kochenash moved alongside Markovic and began a thrilling final laps towards the finish and his effort looked like it was about to pay off too as he had a good bite coming to the white flag. However, that same lap Brian DeFebo smacked the turn four wall and brought out the caution, setting up a green-white-checker restart. Try as he may Kochenash could not get by as Markovic took the win by a narrow margin.  “It was good hard racing and he raced me clean. He got underneath me there at the end but the caution came out and we held on,” added Markovic.  Paules, point leader Bobby Jones and Zeiner, driving a second Markovic car, rounded out the top five.  “It feels great and words can’t explain it how much this means to get Johnny (Markovic) a win. He’s been around a long time and a he’s great friend and is so respected by everyone,” noted Zeiner. “We worked on this car all day, made a big change for the feature and brought it to life. I was behind him and watching that car dig.”

In Late Model action Jeremey Miller took advantage of his pole starting spot and raced to his first win of the season.Miller may have started at the point but by no means was it an easy go. The entire time he was turning the hottest driver going, Frankie Althouse, who was throwing everything at Miller in an effort to get by.  Add in the fact that the race was caution free and Miller had his work cut out for him but it was all good at the end as he hit his marks with preciseness and perfection en route to his 42nd overall career win. Mike Sweeney and the Osborn twins, Dylan and Samantha, rounded out the top five.

When it comes to extra distance Street Stocks features at Mahoning Valley one should never count out Jon Moser and that certainly was again the case as he choked up another one. Going 75 laps with $1000 to win, Moser used a lap 43 restart to maneuver around then leader Bill Hunara. The rest of the way he had a handful to deal with as Todd Ahner kept him closely in his sights as well as Randy Schlenker.   Moser, though, has never been one to give up the lead once it’s in his hands and it was no different this time. By taking the checkers he is the first to repeat in the class this season and add to his point lead in the process.

Ricky Yetter had quite the feisty battle with Mike Stofflet as they went tooth and nail in the 25-lap Dirt Mod main. Despite the blitzing, Yetter kept his motivation on the big prize and raced to win number two of 2019.

In winning his third Pro 4 feature if the year Jake Kibler went into the record books becoming the division’s all-time career wins leader with 34.   Kibler took the top spot from Jeremy Guerra on lap seven and then resisted the ongoing pressure from Cody Kohler to take the win by less than half a car length.

Talk about drive and determination is unquestionably the best description of Jacob Boehm in his career first Hobby Stock feature. Boehm had to duel several laps with Devin Schmidt for second while charging at leader Trisha Connolly. After 10 laps he took care of Schmidt and then kept the momentum going, using the inside to advance past Connolly at the halfway mark.         From then on it was smooth sailing for the elusive victory, one of what should be plenty more to follow. 

Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1. John Markovic, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Earl Paules, 4. Bobby Jones, 5. Zane Zeiner, 6. Josh Scherer, 7. Kyle Strohl, 8. Kevin Rex Jr., 9. Eric Kocher, 10. Gary Wentz, 11. Heath Metzger, 12. BJ Wambold, 13. Ron Haring Jr., 14. Brian DeFebo, 15. Gene Bowers, 16. Terry Markovic, 17. Jacob Kerstetter, 18. Nick Baer, 19. Lorin Arthofer II, 20. Lou Strohl DNQ: Devin Schmidt

Late Model Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Jeremy Miller, 2. Franke Althouse, 3. Mike Sweeney, 4. Dylan Osborn, 5. Samantha Osborn, 6. Avery Arthofer, 7. Kenny Hein, 8. Brandon Turbush, 9. Matt Wentz

Street Stock Feature Finish (75-laps): 1. Jon Moser, 2. Todd Ahner, 3. Randy Schlenker, 4. Randy Ahner Jr., 5. Stacey Brown, 6. Jared Ahner, 7. Mark Deysher, 8. Mark Martini, 9. Jillian Long, 10. Eric Kocher, 11. Bobby Kibler Jr., 12. Jamie Smith, 13. Ken Erney III, 14. Johnny Bennett, 15. Beau Drobot, 16. Tucker Muffley, 17. Austin Santee, 18. Bill Hunara, 19. Corey Edelman, 20. Cody Geist DNQ: Brennen Coulter, George Ramos III, Shayne Geist

Dirt Modified Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Ricky Yetter, 2. Mike Stofflet, 3. Corey Edelman, 4. Colton Perry, 5. Larry Beers

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (20-laps): 1. Jacob Boehm, Devin Schmidt, 3. Trisha Connolly, 4. Peyton Arthofer, 5. Cody Boehm, 6. Travis Solomon, 7. Taylor Schmidt, 8. Shawn Kistler, 9. Peter Maier, 10. Kassidy Altemose, 11. Rich Mutarelli, 12. Daryl Rex, 13. John Petro, 14. Terry Peters, 15. Mallory Kutz, 16. Tad Snyder, 17. Phil Sabatine, 18. Al Arthofer, 19. Austin Ahner

 Pro 4 Feature Finish (20-laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Cody Geist, 3. Bobby Kibler Sr., 4. Tyler Stangle, 5. Jeremy Guerra, 6. Randy Schaffer, 7. Tucker Muffley, 8. Steven McDonough, 9. Matt Clark, 10. Kadie Pursell


Decision to stay home pays off for Bobby Jones; Frankie Althouse and Mike Sweeney spilt Late Model mains at Mahoning Valley Speedway on May 18
 
Bobby Jones’ decision to bypass the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at New Jersey’s Wall Stadium, which was to be his first attempt on that series, paid off in a big way for the Palmerton ace as he roared to his second Modified win of the season at Mahoning Valley Speedway and in the process padded his top spot in the championship standings.  By virtual of a mid-race scuffle that shook up the lead pair of Ron Haring Jr., and Gene Bowers, Jones would inherit the lead and then steadily drove ahead of runner-up Kyle Strohl on his way to career win number 41.  “We were supposed to be at Wall today running the (NASCAR) Tour race and that was special for me and the only thing that was going to keep me from being here tonight. Honestly that is where we wanted to race and not that I didn’t want to be here at Mahoning but luckily for us it paid off and we’re grateful for that. I’ll get my shot at a Tour race yet,” said Jones.  Haring set the quick pace once underway with Bowers and Kevin Rex Jr., chasing closely. Then on lap 12 the decisive moment of the race unfolded when coming off turn two Haring, who was on the outside line, stood looking to hit his mark for the next corner and as he was turning down Bowers made slight contact that caused the leader to spin and send several others scattering into turn three.  When the scene was cleared and the field reset Jones, third at the time, was placed first over Rex and Strohl. Jones then raced to textbook style the rest of the way with a flawless effort. 
“I was watching those guys ahead of me and just tried to stay square behind them and it was unfortunate that that got together,” said Jones. “This car has been so strong for us this year and we’ve hit on one of the best set-ups that I’ve had under me in some time.” Strohl, who the prior week had beat Jones to the checkers, took second after a close battle with Rex who got third for the second week in a row. An impressive run was turned in by Nick Baer. He ran strong all race long and was fourth while Josh Scherer completed the top five.

The Late Models ran a pair of features, the first a make-up from the previous week and then the regular scheduled show and splitting the wins where the top two in class as point leader Frankie Althouse raced to his third consecutive win in the first feature and in the nightcap Mike Sweeney produced his first win of 2019.

In race number one Althouse used a lap eight restart to drive past Kenny Hein for the lead and once there made it a race for second having no problem in keeping everyone in his rear.

The run for second saw yet another fine performance turned in by young Samantha Osborn who held off veterans Matt Wentz, Jeremy Miller and Sweeney. 
In the later feature Sweeney thrust from third to first on the opening lap for his first time at leading this season. Being upfront was one thing but staying there turned out to be another as for most of the race he was being heavily pressured by Althouse who stayed bonded with him be it to his side or on his rear bumper. But Sweeney would prevail and win 16 years to the day from his career first victory. For Sweeney it marked his 57th Late Model verdict.

Johnny Bennett continues to follow in the footsteps of his legendary dad, John Bennett. It started in the Pro 4s when he, like his dad became a winner. Now as rookie in the Street Stocks, that same path is continuing as the second generation driver drove the popular “Woolley Bully” to his career first class win.  An outside pass over Cody Geist on lap 13 of 30 put Bennett at the front and afterwards withstood a very determined Jared Ahner for the score.

A multiple winner in Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks, Corey Edelman can now add a Dirt Mod triumph to his list of conquests. Driving Lynn Peters’ No. 611, Edelman had the lead from the get-go but worked his tail off in securing the victory as he fought hard in the waning laps with division kingpin Mike Stofflet. Stofflet made numerous attempts to pass but Edelman stayed strong and protected his spot with each passing lap. At the checkers it was a crowd pleasing oh-so-close exhausting win, the 24th overall for Edelman.

By winning his first Pro 4 race of the season, Cody Kohler was able to snap the hold by Bobby Kibler Sr., and Jake Kibler who had been taking the headlines up to now.  B. Kibler was leading with five laps to go when J. Kibler tried to squeeze inside of him which did not pan out for either driver as they both went spinning. Sitting third at the time was Kohler and when the race resumed he was perfect to the checkers. Tucker Muffley notched a career best second while B. Kibler rebounded to third and retained his point lead.

John Petro had a night he won’t soon forget. Racing for only the fourth time ever, he became a first time winner with the Hobby Stocks. Piloting a car that a few months ago was his daily driver, Petro decided he wanted to go racing and built the car for competition. After mediocre runs the first three times out, Petro started on the pole on this night and would do a veteran-like job of fending off Devin Schmidt and Peyton Arthofer en route to the memory making win.

Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1. Bobby Jones, 2. Kyle Strohl, 3. Kevin Rex Jr., 4. Nick Baer, 5. Josh Scherer, 6. Ron Haring Jr., 7. John Markovic, 8. Gene Bowers, 9. Devin Schmidt, 10. Lorin Arthofer II, 11. Jacob Kerstetter, 12. Lou Strohl, 13. Terry Markovic, 14. Earl Paules, 15. Heath Metzger

Make-up Late Model Feature Finish from 5/11 (25-laps): 1. Frankie Althouse, 2. Samantha Osborn, 3. Matt Wentz, 4. Jeremy Miller, 5. Mike Sweeney, 6. Brian Romig Jr., 7. Kenny Hein, 8. Avery Arthofer, 9. Jacob Kerstetter 10. Dylan Osborn DNS: Broc Brown

Regular Late Model Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Sweeney, 2. Althouse, 3. S. Osborn, 4. Wentz, 5. Miller, 6. Hein, 7. Romig Jr., 8. Steigerwalt, 9. Kerstetter, 10. A. Arthofer, 11. D. Osborn

Street Stock Feature Finish (30-laps): 1. Johnny Bennett, 2. Jared Ahner, 3. Cody Geist, 4. Jillian Long, 5. 5. Randy Schlenker, 6. Randy Ahner Jr., 7. Jon Moser, 8. Shayne Geist, 9. Mark Deysher, 10. Beau Drobot, 11. Josh Mooney, 12. Todd Ahner, 13. Eric Kocher, 14. Mark Deysher, 15. Stacey Brown, 16. Tucker Muffley, 17. Corey Edelman, 18. Aaron Kromer, 19. Ken Erney III, 20. Brennen Coulter, 21. Bill Hunara, 22. Jamie Smith DNQ: Bobby Kibler Jr. Austin Santee, Jeremy Scheckler

Dirt Modified Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Corey Edelman, 2. Mike Stofflet, 3. Ricky Yetter, 4. Colton Perry

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (20-laps): 1. John Petro, 2. Devin Schmidt, 3. Peyton Arthofer, 4. Rich Mutarelli, 5. Travis Solomon, 6. Shawn Kistler, 7. Al Arthofer, 8. Jacob Boehm, 9. Cody Boehm, 10. Kassidy Altemose, 11. Trisha Connolly, 12. Taylor Schmidt, 13. Lyndsay Buss, 14. Tyler Nemeth, 15. Austin Ahner, 16. Phil Sabatine, 17. Tad Snyder, 18. Peter Maier, 19. Hunter Iatalese, 20. Daryl Rex, 21. Colton Breiner DNQ: Mallory Kutz, Tyler Nemeth


Twin Late Model features on tap this Saturday, May 18 at Mahoning Valley Speedway

Thus far Mahoning Valley Speedway has run off five thrilling events in the first six weeks of the 2019 season and the popular paved Lehighton ¼-mile oval is all set for another action packed night of short track stock car racing this coming Saturday evening, May 18 with a six division program of Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks. Race time is 6:00 pm.  Getting things rolling will be the postponed Late Model feature from May 4 and then a complete series of heats and features will follow.At intermission Kids Big Wheel races sponsored by Hobby Stock driver Phil Sabatine and Street Stocker Brennen Coulter will be held.
Front gates open at 4:00 pm. Adult grandstand admission is $14, $2 off for students, seniors 65+ and active military. Children under 10 are free. Pits will open at 11:30 am. Early paid practice ($25 per car) will be from 12:30 to 3:30. Regular warm-ups begin at 4:15. Pit admission $25 members, $35 non-members. Driver sign-ins will be from 3:00 to 4:15.The rain-postponed Street Stock feature from the May 4 Ward Crozier Sr. memorial that was to be run on this night has been rescheduled for a later date. The reason is due to unanticipated situation with the track’s tire supplier. In order to be fair to those teams management feels this was the proper thing to do at this time.  The Street Stocks will be in the spotlight the following Saturday, May 25 with a 75-lap/$1000-to-win main event.The annual Fan Appreciation Night is then next on the calendar, all set for Saturday, June 1 at 5:00 pm. The admission is just $8 for a night of all seven divisions.


Please take the time to sign up for instant text messages on any cancelations due to weather at Rainedout.com. Just follow the link on our website and remember it’s free.  

Kyle Strohl holds off Bobby Jones for Mahoning Modified top honors on May 11 at Mahoning Valley Speedway 
Over the first few weeks of the 2019 season Kyle Strohl had a presence among the leaders but knew he was just a tad off in hammering the right set-up to where he wanted to be. Continuing to tweak his Paul’s Towing No. 44, the 19-year old from Palmerton finally nailed it right and the effort paid off in the form of his first Modified win of the year.  “It felt pretty good out there tonight and the car was working perfectly. We had been struggling for the first few weeks but we hit on the right adjustments tonight and it finally paid off,” said Strohl.  With only two cautions that slowed the action, both on lap 23, Strohl, who started sixth, had to race flat out to the front and he would battle a pair of venerable veterans in doing so, first taking on Terry Markovic and then contending down to the wire against point leader Bobby Jones.  Markovic jumped to the opening lap lead and then set sail. Within four laps Strohl had advanced to third and was in close formation with Kevin Rex Jr.  As Markovic showed notable speed at the helm, Rex and Strohl began a two-wide duel. Directly behind them was Jones. It would take Strohl 10 laps to annex second spot. He then continued his frontward charge and went immediately after Markovic. After a few looks from the outside, Strohl got a shot to go underneath the leader by the completion of lap 17. “Terry is a classy guy and we had to work hard to pass him but it was clean and after that away we went. The track was really good tonight and there was a lot of grip on both the outside and inside grooves.” said Strohl.  By lap 20 Jones had motored up to second and was able to quickly pull alongside Strohl. On lap 23 a pair of cautions paused the action and on the second restart Jones fired past Strohl for the lead, however, the favored was returned the next time by.  Try as he may from there to finish Jones looked for every opportunity to get by but Strohl had this one in hand and would record his 12th Modified win and 36th overall. Earlier this season he had scored a Sportsman Modified victory.  “Bobby (Jones) was tough and that’s what you come to expect from him. He’s been the guy who’s been up front each week but tonight we hit on the right set-up and got the job done,” proclaimed Strohl.  “It’s been real tight, clean hard racing and it seems everyone has figured it out all around with the Modifieds this year.”  Rex stayed steady in garnering third while Earl Paules and Gene Bowers rounded out the top five.

Jon Moser claimed his first Street Stock win of the year, taking the lead from rookie Brennen Coulter on a restart with two laps to go.  Prior to that caution Coulter, who was making just this third stock car start, was showing the way in an exciting nonstop affair. While he maintained the front spot there was a bevy of two-by-two action going on throughout the pack.  As the laps wound down several drivers began making haste including the likes of Jillian Long and Mark Deysher who fought closely for second while each looked to make the pass on Coulter. It was an intense fight and just short of getting the white flag they connected and spun together, also collecting Randy Schlenker.  After clearing the scene the field was reset with Moser lined up behind Coulter. When the race resumed the experienced Moser was able to shoot around Coulter for the lead and win. Unfortunately the impressive run by the rookie was refuted after post-race inspection found a violation and he was disqualified giving Josh Mooney, who drove from 14th, the runner-up spot.

The Sportsman Modifieds had their second outing of the season and although the race was called just after halfway due to rain, history was made in the process.  After taking the lead from the outset, Lorin Arthofer II then fended off Kyle Strohl who was tucked in behind him. Arthofer, who started the night with a heat win, was able to keep up that same pace during the feature with a foothold on Strohl until the rain put a stoppage to the event. Despite a yeoman’s effort to dry the track, the rain persisted and the race was called official.  The outcome for Arthofer put him a category all his own as he becomes the first driver at Mahoning Valley to win in six different classes. Lorin wasn’t the only Arthofer enjoying victory as his daughter Peyton took top honors in the special 40-lap Hobby Stock feature.

Despite a solid full field, Peyton Arthofer was incontestably the car to beat. Taking the lead on 17 from early leader Tyler Nemeth, she then made it a race for second pulling away to a decent enough lead that kept her on top the rest of the way and on to a three car length margin of victory over Shawn Kistler. It was her second win in the past three weeks.

In the Pro 4s Jake Kibler snapped the three race win streak of Bobby Kibler Sr. for his second win of 2019. J. Kibler was able to lead all 20 laps and when he crossed the finish line his triumph put him into a tie for most wins in class with Kevin Graver Jr., at 33.

The Late Model race never got on track due to rain and will be made up at a later date.

Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1. Kyle Strohl, 2. Bobby Jones, 3. Kevin Rex Jr., 4. Earl Paules, 5. Gene Bowers, 6. Josh Scherer, 7. Brian DeFebo, 8. Lou Strohl, 9. Don Wagner, 10. Austin Beers, 11. Nick Baer, 12. John Markovic, 13. Terry Markovic, 14. Gary Wentz, 15. Jacob Kerstetter

Street Stock Feature Finish (30-laps): 1. Jon Moser, 2. Josh Mooney, 3. Randy Ahner Jr., 4. Todd Ahner, 5. Ken Erney III, 6. Corey Edelman, 7. Jared Ahner, 8. Shayne Geist, 9. Eric Kocher, 10. Johnny Bennett, 11. Mark Martini, 12. Rick Reichenbach, 13. Jamie Smith, 14. Stacey Brown, 15. Randy Schlenker, 16. Mark Deysher, 17. Jillian Long, 18. Bobby Kibler Jr., 19. Bill Hunara, 20. Cody Geist DQ: Brennen Coulter DNQ: Beau Drobot, Anthony Tabasco, Austin Santee, BJ Wambold

Sportsman Modified Feature Finish (13-laps): 1. Lorin Arthofer II, 2. Kyle Strohl, 3. Jonathan Laureigh, 4. Joe King Jr., 5. BJ Wambold, 6. Kassidy Altemose, 7. Danielle Paules

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (40-laps): 1. Payton Arthofer, 2. Shawn Kistler, 3. Jacob Boehm, 4. Cody Boehm, 5. Rich Mutarelli, 6. Trisha Connolly, 7. Travis Solomon, 8. Cody Kohler, 9. Tyler Nemeth, 10. Kassidy Altemose, 11. Justin Merkel, 12. Al Arthofer, 13. Phil Sabatine, 14. Devin Schmidt, 15. Lyndsay Buss, 16. Daryl Rex, 17. Tad Snyder, 18. Peter Maier, 19. Colton Breiner, 20. Austin Ahner DNQ: Mackenzie Adams, Mallory Kutz, John Petro, Ralph Boger Jr.

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20-laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Bobby Kibler Sr., 3. Tucker Muffley, 4. Jeremy Guerra, 5. Tyler Stangle. 6. Randy Schaffer, 7. Cody Kohler DNS: Colton Breiner

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Hobby Stock 40-lap/$400-to-win cone race, Ladies Powder Puff, Pocono Raceway ticket giveaways this Saturday

When Mahoning Valley Speedway began the Hobby Stock class in 2013 a total of three cars ran the very first race. However, since that time the class has grown in leaps and bounds and 20-plus car fields are more times than not the norm. Three of the four races held so far have had consolations needed to fill the starting grid.  This coming Saturday night, May 11 the Hobby Stocks will get the spotlight with a special 40-lap/$400-to-win feature race, which will also be a “Cone Race.”

It is also Pocono Raceway Night. Track representatives from the “Tricky Triangle” will be on hand to assist with fans who are planning to take in the events this season at the 2.5-mile triangular oval in nearby Long Pond. There will be ticket giveaways and on display will be the Official Pocono Raceway Pace Car. The NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards Series will be at Pocono the weekend of May 31/June 2.

The Sportsman Modifieds return this weekend too for their second appearance of the 2019 season. In the first race held on April 20, Kyle Strohl held off a very determined Roger Coss for the win.  Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks and Pro 4s are also in action.
Some of the Hobby Stock cars, combined with Pro 4s, will also be seeing double the action as a Ladies Powder Puff will be held at the conclusion of the evening. The Powder Puff is open to all ladies (no former racers are allowed).  At intermission a Kids Power Wheels Enduro sponsored by Kutz Racing will take place on the home stretch.

            Race time is 6:00 pm. Front gates open at 4:00 pm. Adult grandstand admission is $14, $2 off for students, seniors 65+ and active military. Children under 10 are free. Pits will open at 11:30 am. Early paid practice ($25 per car) will be from 12:30 to 3:30. Regular warm-ups begin at 4:15. Pit admission $25 members, $35 non-members. Driver sign-ins will be from 3:00 to 4:15.

​The rain-postponed Street Stock feature from May 4 will be made up on Saturday, May 18.
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Josh Scherer wins Modified thriller: Frankie Althouse remains the hot ticket in Late Models with third win on May 4

For all those who came out in support of the second Annual Ward Crozier Sr., Memorial at Mahoning Valley Speedway, they saw a swiftly run program that was against odds due to impending weather and presented with some outstanding features. All of the mains where contested over a 26-lap distance, the signature number used by the Crozier.
Josh Scherer, now in his second full season in a Modified, led the way of the night’s winners with a gripping win over Austin Kochenash and Kyle Strohl. Scherer wowed the crowd with a thrilling 3-wide pass for the lead on lap four when he slipped under John Markovic and Strohl. He then kept his car glued to the bottom in defense of Kochenash and Strohl who gave him a torrid fight to the end. “I honestly thought we would have won sooner because since the start of the season our car was always up there. I saw the opening from Johnny Markovic and I dove in and I just held my own and kept it down low because I knew somebody was going to be lurking on the inside. If someone wanted to pass me they were going to have to race around me,” said Scherer on his hard fought second career Modified win. “It’s unbelievable that we’re here from week to week because we don’t have help and the sponsors.” A former Pro 4 champion, Scherer noted that he turned to his days with that class in the way he was able to safeguard his line while fending off his chasers. “Driving the Pro 4, Bryan Ahner helped me a ton and always said to keep it down low. I had lost too many races having people drive underneath me and I knew I had to protect the bottom. Knowing that with those cars I had to put that defense into the play with the Modified tonight.” While Scherer upheld the lead Strohl and Kochenash impressively wheeled around in two-wide formation and each took turns attempting to make a pass to the front. Over the final laps Kochenash had the outside line and made a superb effort to overtake but the determined Scherer would stay solid. In close tow Brian DeFebo and Gene Bowers rounded out the top five. “It was great racing with those guys. Kyle (Strohl) and Austin (Kochenash) really drove me clean. It was exciting out there for sure,” said Scherer. 
Frankie Althouse remained hot as he sped away to his second straight Late Model win and third in four starts. Althouse was able to secure the victory after a restart with six laps to go, blasting by Samantha Osborn for the lead. Althouse had this night circled on his calendar as he wanted the Crozier trophy added to his array of hardware. “It was good, our car was good and the track was real good. Tonight we were able to do something we have never done before, win two straight races at Mahoning. I also won the Ward Crozier Memorial which is very special to us. Ward was a great guy and a long-time friend,” said Althouse.  For Osborn, the 15-year old in her sophomore season, clearly had the race going her way. She took the lead from the outset and thanks no interruptions she was able to hold a steady line while holding the veterans at bay. Behind her was Broc Brown and Althouse who raced side-by-side. As they kept busy with one another Osborn showed the way confidently.  On lap 19 Mike Seneca spun on the front straight to bring out the only caution of the race. On the restart Althouse was lined up alongside Osborn and with his years of experience darted to the lead. “She (Osborn) did a good job. We were content with running second and staying there. Honestly I told her in tech I didn’t want to beat her but you have to win whenever you can,” stated Althouse. “She ran the right groove and a decent pace. She did everything she needed to do right.” 
Mike Stofflet absolutely dominated the Dirt Mod feature. Taking the lead from teammate Colton Perry at the drop of the green he then went on a terror as he not only distanced himself from the pack but was in line to start lapping cars by the time the checkers fell. Netting his first 2019 win, Stofflet also scored an unprecedented 40th time in a Dirt Mod.
When Jake Kibler and Cody Kohler tangled halfway through the Pro 4 main it elevated Bobby Kibler Sr., into the lead where he would stay the remainder of the way and in the process enjoy a third consecutive win, holding off Randy Schaffer and Tyler Stangle.
Devin Schmidt was tops in the Hobby Stocks. Schmidt used a lap three restart to take away the top spot from Daryl Rex. Once in front he was unchallenged, pulling way ahead of the field en route to his first win of the year. Rex took a career best second with Shawn Kistler holding on for third.
By the time the Street Stock feature was about to roll out rain began to fall and officials had to call off the feature which will be rescheduled at a later date.
In waiting was the Small Car Enduro, which was round two of the Mahoning Valley Speedway/Evergreen Raceway Small Car Enduro Series. Despite a driving rain the entire time, Don Rogers showed great driving ability to take his first Mahoning win. Steven Brooks, Carl Altemose, Jake Oswald and Randy Parson competed the top five.    

Modified Feature Finish (26-laps): 1. Josh Scherer, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Kyle Strohl, 4. Brian DeFebo, 5. Gene Bowers, 6. Bobby Jones, 7. Kevin Rex, 8. Lou Strohl, 9. John Markovic, 10. Terry Markovic, 11 Ron Haring Jr., 12. Earl Paules, 13. Heath Metzger, 14. Jacob Kerstetter, 15. Lori Arthofer, 16, BJ Wambold

Late Model Feature Finish (26-laps): 1. Frankie Althouse, 2. Samantha Osborn, 3. Matt Wentz, 4. Mike Sweeney, 5. Jeremy Miller, 6. Broc Brown, 7. Kenny Hein, 8. Brian Romig Jr., 9. Dylan Osborn, 10. Seth VanFossen, 11. Avery Arthofer, 12.Mike Senica

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (26-laps): 1. Mike Stofflet, 2. Ricky Yetter, 3. Corey Edelman, 4. Jeff Parker, 5. Louie Horvath, 6. Colton Perry, 7. Bill Sittler

Pro 4 Feature Finish (17-laps): 1. Bobby Kibler Sr., 2. Randy Schaffer, 3. Tyler Stangle, 4. Jake Kibler, 5. Cody Kohler, 6. Matt Clark, 7. Colton Breiner, 8. Tucker Muffley, 9. Jeremy Guerra, 10. Steven McDonough

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (26-laps): 1. Devin Schmidt, 2. Daryl Rex, 3. Shawn Kistler, 4. Jacob Boehm, 5. Travis Solomon, 6. Tony Hilliard, 7. Tyler Nemeth, 8. Al Arthofer, 9. Cody Boehm, 10. Rich Mutarelli, 11. Taylor Schmidt, 12. Peyton Arthofer, 13. Terry Peters, 14. Trisha Connolly, 15. Tad Snyder, 16. Peter Maier, 17. Makenzie Adams, 18. Kassidy Altemose, 19. Philip Sabatine, 20. Ralph Borger Jr. DNS: John Petro DNQ: Mallory Kutz, Austin Ahner 
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Small Car Enduro Feature Finish (139-laps): 1. Don Rogers, 2. Steven Brooks, 3. Carl Altemose, 4. Jake Oswald, 5. Randy Parsons, 6. Kevin Kruczek, 7. Clem Underwood, 8. Kassidy Altemose, 9. Ray Kochin, 10. Larry Spencer, 11. Steven Kane, 12. Tony Rispin, 13. Raymond Kennedy, 14. Paul Mercante, 15. Richard Petey, 16. Tony Hilliard, 17. CJ Jensen, 18. Dan Cascioli, 19. Chris Rider, 20. Devin Gibson, 21. Harry O’Neill, 22. Randy Ahner Jr., 23. Devin Schmidt, 24. Cheyenne Andrews, 25. Doug Dehaven


Ward Crozier Sr. Memorial May 4. Small Car Enduro added.start time is 5:30 pm

Mahoning Valley Speedway in cooperation with Dottie Farkas, is proud to present the second annual Ward Crozier Sr., Memorial this upcoming Saturday, May 4. Race time is 5:30 pm. The night will be held in honor of the late track promoter who, along with his wife Dot Crozier, was responsible for revival the ¼-mile paved Lehighton oval in 1987. Under Crozier’s guidance the track prospered and continues today as a hotbed of weekly stock car action.  On the card will be 26-lap features for the Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks. The 26 in recognition of the signature car number Crozier used during his driving career. Each feature winner will receive a commemorative trophy plus there has been extra incentives collected that will be disburse across all classes. Just added to the night will be a Small Car Enduro that will run at the end of the regular features. The Enduro is round number two of the 2019 Mahoning Valley Speedway/Evergreen Raceway Small Car Enduro Series.  Fans should take note the start time is being pushed up one half hour to 5:30 pm in order to accommodate the schedule line-up.


Don Wagner misses the mayhem en route to Modified victory; Frankie Althouse holds off Mike Sweeney in Late Model action

(LEHIGHTON, PA. 4-27-19) In Saturday night’s 35-lap Modified feature at Mahoning Valley Speedway, Brian DeFebo, Gene Bowers and Austin Kochenash gave the fans plenty to cheer and sneer about with some highly intense action amongst them. Bobby Jones then appeared ready to take a second straight win but in the end Don Wagner’s game of patience would prove best. Wagner grabbed the lead back from Jones with four laps to go and would notch his first in two seasons. “There was some attrition up front and that helped to get us up there but with perseverance and staying out of trouble we got the job done. I think it was a great show for the fans,” said Wagner, who now has 21 Modified wins at Mahoning. “There was a lot of beating and banging ahead of us and I just tried to keep my wheels straight and not get involved in any of that stuff and that’s how we ended up in Victory Lane. I like to size up my competition and keep an eye on them.” From the outset DeFebo and Bowers were locked in tightly for the race lead while Josh Scherer and Kochenash kept within reach. Then with 14 laps compete Kochenash was on the move and able to work by Bowers and DeFebo. DeFebo felt he was roughed up some in the process and on the ensuing lap bumped into the rear of Kochenash which caused several cars to suddenly scatter, including that of Bowers who got the worst of it and ended his night on the back of a tow truck.  Wagner was then elevated into the top spot with previous week winner Jones in pursuit and point leader Anthony Sesely third. When Terry Markovic spun on lap 24 that brought out a caution and Jones would use that restart to get by for the lead. Wagner, though, wasn’t about to settle for second and had his car working good enough on the outside to retake control four laps from the finish and go on to register the victory. “This is my old car and it was intended for my son but he couldn’t make it tonight so I figured let’s take it out and see what we can do with it and it was like putting on a nice comfortable pair of jeans. This car was just so good tonight,” noted Wagner. “I had lost the lead on a restart to Bobby (Jones) because I didn’t have a lot of horsepower with this car and once that happened I wanted it right back and I used the outside to get it,” he continued. “Bobby is a tough racer. His car was tight and he knew the only way to get me was on a restart and he hit it perfect and got the jump on me but I saw his weak spot on the track and that’s where I pounced on him.”  Jones’ second place has him as the new point leader over Sesely. DeFebo bounced back to take third and likewise with Kochenash who was next in line. Earl Paules rounded out the top five.

Although the year of racing is still fresh it already has a late season feel to it between Frankie Althouse and Mike Sweeney who raced to a close one-two finish in the Late Model feature and are fighting for supremacy. Both are battling for the top spot in the standings and coming into the night, Althouse, the defending champion and Sweeney, the 2016-17 titlist, where tied in points. When Althouse took the lead from Jeremy Miller on lap five he then was able to build some breathing room as Miller, Sweeney and Kenny Hein ran under a blanket. But when a caution bunched the field at mid-race, Sweeney was able to stay with Althouse and from there to the checkers it was as close as could be. Although Althouse won for the second time in three starts, Sweeney has the point lead by one. “We’ve never done it this early before getting back-to-back wins. Overall we have been showing good speed but we have to keep up with it because I know they’re all going to get faster,” offered Althouse. “We completely went in a different direction tonight as far as some of the things we normally do. As long as we can keep doing what we’re doing we’ll take and take it all the way.”

In Street Stock action Eric Kocher took the lead over Corey Edelman on a lap-10 restart. Subsequently thereafter it would be those two who would battle for the win the rest of the way in a closely knit duel. Kocher did a superb job of protecting the inside lane as Edelman tried his best to make way from his only other option, the topside. Mark Deysher backed up his win from a week ago with a solid third while Mark Martini got his third straight top five and Jon Moser was a respectable fifth.

Louie Horvath is a new comer to the Dirt Mods and Mahoning Valley. The former 600cc Micro Sprint racer was making just his second start on the pavement and it was a memorable one as he left as the winner. The win came, however, after a rule infraction from a protest on would be winner Mike Stofflet. Stofflet was the leader for all 25 laps and what would have been his 40th class win never came to be after the DQ in postrace tech. Second place finisher Horvath was then awarded the verdict for what looks to be the first of many more to come.

Elder statesman Bobby Kibler Sr., once again proved best in the Pro 4s, winning for the second straight week. He was the leader after lap one and then had to contend with Cody Kohler who gave him a torrid fight for track position. Kohler saw a chance to seize the lead on lap 15 but it turned out that not enough room was accessible to complete the pass and he wound up spinning. Defending champ Jake Kibler picked up the chase from there but to no avail as B. Kibler was the better car.

Peyton Arthofer started out 2019 with great potential but unfortunately Lady Luck wasn’t seeing it that way. The third generation driver was good over the first two weeks but ran into circumstances beyond her control.

That all went by the wayside on this night as she jumped into the early race lead from the outset and then began to cruise nicely ahead of the pack. However, in the closing circuits she had to encounter lapped traffic which allowed fast closing Phil Sabatine to zero in on her, but staying focused Arthofer held on for a thrilling half-car length victory, her second such with the class.

Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1. Don Wagner, 2. Bobby Jones, 3. Brian DeFebo, 4. Austin Kochenash, 5. Earl Paules, 6. Anthony Sesely, 7. John Markovic, 9. Ron Haring Jr., 10. Terry Markovic, 11.Josh Scherer, 12, Heath Metzger, 13. Gene Bowers, 14. Nick Baer, 15. Kyle Strohl

Late Model Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Frankie Althouse, 2, Mike Sweeney, 3. Jeremy Miller, 4. Matt Wentz, 5. Roc Brown, 6. Kenny Hein, 7. Brian Romig Jr., 8. Samantha Osborn, 9. Rick Smith, 10. Avery Arthofer

Street Stock Feature Finish (30-laps): 1. Eric Kocher, 2, Corey Edelman, 3, Mark Deysher, 4, Mark Martini, 5. Jon Moser, 6. Todd Ahner, 7. Jamie Smith. 8. Cody Geist, 9. Stacey Brown, 10. Randy Schlenker, 11. Johnnie Bennett, 12. Josh Mooney, 13. TJ Gursky, 14. Rick Reichenbach, 15. Jared Ahner, 16. Jillian Long, 17. Shayne Geist, 18. Brennen Coulter, 19. Bobby Kibler Jr., 20. Tucker Muffley, 21. Bill Hunara DNQ: Jake Kibler, Ken Erney III, Jeremy Scheckler 

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Louie Horvath, 2. Corey Edelman, 3. Ricky Yetter, 4. Colton Perry, 5. Jeff Parker, 6. Billy Sittler Jr. DQ: Mike Stofflet

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20-laps): 1. Bobby Kibler Sr., 2. Jake Kibler, 3. Randy Schaffer, 4. Tucker Muffley, 5. Jeremy Guerra, 6. Colton Breiner, 7. Cody Kohler, 8. Tyler Stangle

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (20-laps): 1. Peyton Arthofer, 2. Phil Sabatine, 3. Trisha Connolly, 4. Travis Solomon, 5. Jacob Boehm, 6. Rich Mutarelli, 7. Al Arthofer, 8. Cody Boehm, 9. Daryl Rex, 10. Hunter Iatalese, 11. Kassidy Altemose, 12. Taylor Schmidt, 13. Lyndsay Buss, 14. Tad Snyder, 15. Terry Peters, 16. John Petro, 17. Mallory Kutz, 18. Peter Maier, 19. Tyler Nemeth, 20. Josh Oswald, 21. Shawn Kistler, 22. Devin Schmidt DNQ: Ralph Boger Jr.




Bobby Jones has week two figured out at Mahoning Valley…wins for third straight year in a thriller over Earl Paules on April 20

(LEHIGHTON, PA. 4-20-19) It seems that week two at Mahoning Valley Speedway has become a favorite for Bobby Jones as for the third straight season the classy veteran picked up a win in the Modified feature. The 35-lap main turned out to be a great showdown as well between him and Earl Paules as they battled down to the wire.  “For three years in a row we were terrible on opening night and I could never understand why. After this year’s opener we went back and did a lot of tweaking,” said Jones who won for the 23rd time at Mahoning in a Modified and recorded his 40th career overall victory. Jones, who started second to pole sitter Ron Haring Jr., would place his No. 1J into the lead with a quick diving move off turn two on lap six. Two laps later after a restart Paules advanced to second and from there on it was a cat and mouse game between the two journeymen.  Paules tried numerous attempts to get by but as Jones would admit afterwards he was being very protective, especially on the inside lane where he choose to remain for most of the race. 
“I slowed down to protect the bottom – I didn’t want to give that up because here once someone gets position on you on the bottom they got you,” said Jones.  For Jones, it wasn’t just about keeping his lane but restarts were a factor as well. Paules, who clocked faster times throughout the event, showed several times that if he could just get the run needed after restarting that the outcome would certainly have been in his favor.  “I told him (Paules) when he came alongside me on the restarts I had to be up on the wheel because he’s no slouch. He’s been at this game a long time and knows the tricks and the things to try and help yourself and I knew I had to be at my best in that situation against him,” bottom lined Jones.  Over the final laps the excitement was rousing, most notably on the last circuit. With the front pair locked tight they came upon a slower car in turns 3 and 4. Jones had to react quickly as to not get trapped as Paules had a clear line from the topside to make a pass. As fate would have it for Jones he wisely stepped out enough to safeguard his spot but just barely as he held off Paules by a mere half car length.  “I actually thought we were okay and we were just going to relax and stay there and I kind of relaxed too much and shouldn’t have,” explained Jones.  “At the last minute I was going to go out on the lapped car because Earl was coming. As soon as I started to step out I seen him and didn’t go out as high as I should to give him room. There was a lot of respect and it was fun and good racing for both of us.” Josh Scherer and Anthony Sesely had great dogfight themselves and would finish third and fourth respectively. For Sesely, who is back racing at Mahoning for the first time in years, the placing elevated him into the point lead. Gene Bowers had a respectable run in rounding out the top five.

Matt Wentz would take the lead in the Late Model main on lap one and never look back en route to his first win of 2019. It was however, no easy drive as Opening Night winner Frankie Althouse, Broc Brown and eventual runner-up Mike Sweeney all kept the leader on his toes.  In the end however, Wentz was not to be denied as he picked up where he had left off at the end of 2018 with a string of solid and winning runs to notch the verdict, his fourth win in his last five outings dating back to last season.

19-year old Kyle Strohl held off Roger Coss in a close finish, winning for the first time with a Sportsman Modified and the 35th time of his burgeoning career.  This was the first feature of the season for the second year class and it was with much anticipation too as a rule change to a slick tire, the same used as the Late Models, was now permitted and the difference was noticed immediately during the heat race when passing and two-wide action was established a then for the feature where much of the same occurred.Newcomer Jonathan Laureigh led from the pole over Strohl for the first dozen laps. After that Roger Coss zeroed in on Strohl and the pair stayed close-knit to the end.

Defending Street Stock champion Mark Deysher moved to the lead after a lap one restart over Jeremy Scheckler and from there on was practically unapproachable in scoring his 22nd class win.  Although he showed all kinds of strength, Deysher did have a late race challenge from a car considered as equal to his as his teammate, Bill Hunara, was able to pull up to his rear bumper but trying to go any further was not in the cards. None the less it was a fitting triumph in a complete team effort.  Not to be undone a second pair of team cars would follow in third and fourth with Randy Ahner Jr., and Mark Martini.

Bobby Kibler Sr., first started winning in the Pro 4 class some 29 years ago and hasn’t stopped since. Kibler jumped into the lead at the outset and then handily cruised the rest of the way for his 21st feature win.

In the Hobby Stocks Cody Boehm gave early leader Daryl Rex a spirited run for his money and would see it pay off after grabbing the lead mid-way through he race and then go on to score his first win of the young season over Al Arthofer and Devin Schmidt who were right on his tail at the checkers.

Modified Feature Finish (35-laps): 1. Bobby Jones, 2. Earl Paules, 3. Josh Scherer, 4. Anthony Sesely, 5. Gene Bowers, 6. Kyle Strohl, 7. Todd Baer, 8. Brian DeFebo, 9. Austin Beers, 10. Kevin Rex Jr., 11. John Markovic, 12. Terry Markovic, 13. Jacob Kerstetter, 14. Ron Haring Jr., 15. Heath Metzger DNS: Scott Adams

Late Model Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Mike Wentz, 2. Mike Sweeney, 3. Broc Brown. 4. Frankie Althouse, 5. Jeremy Miller, 6. Samantha Osborn, 7. Kenny Hein, 8. Avery Arthofer, 9. Geno Steigerwalt
 
Street Stock Feature Finish (30-laps): 1.Mark Deysher, 2. Billy Hunara, 3. Randy Ahner Jr., 4. Mark Martini, 5. Jill Long, 6. Todd Ahner, 7. Randy Schlenker, 8. Stacey Brown, 9. Jared Ahner, 10. Jon Moser, 11. Jamie Smith, 12. Tucker Muffley, 13. Bobby Kibler Jr., 14. Brennen Coulter, 15. Jeremy Scheckler, 16. John Bennett, 17. Shayne Geist, 18. Corey Edelman, 19 Eric Kocher, 20. Aaron Kromer DNQ: Ronald Herman, Cody Geist

Sportsman Mod Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Kyle Strohl, 2. Roger Cross, 3. Johnathan Laureigh, 4. Joe King Jr., 5, Lorin Arthofer II, 6. BJ Wambold, 7. Mike Pollack, 8. Kassidy Altemose, 9. Danielle Paules

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20-laps): 1. Bobby Kibler Sr., 2. Randy Schaffer, 3. Tyler Stangle, 4. Tucker Muffley, 5. Jake Kibler, 6. Matt Clark, 7. Jeremy Guerra DNS: Colton Breiner

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Cody Boehm, 2. Al Arthofer, 3. Devin Schmidt, 4. Travis Solomon, 5. Trisha Connolly, 6. Shawn Kistler, 7. Jacob Boehm, 8. Taylor Schmidt, 9. Philip Sabatine, 10. Daryl Rex, 11. Terry Peters, 12. John Petro, 13. Tyler Nemeth, 14. Austin Ahner, 15. Mallory Kutz, 16. Tad Snyder, 17. Peyton Arthofer, 18. Lyndsay Buss



Heavy flooding forces cancelation of Mahoning Valley Speedway races on April 13

In what was a rare mid-April afternoon of temperatures nearing 80-degrees and plenty of sunshine which was leading into a picture perfect night for racing turned out to be anything but that for Mahoning Valley Speedway.  Despite the excellent forecast the paved ¼-mile had to cut short week number two after excessive flooding engulfed the track due to heavy overnight rain. Mahoning Creek, which flows along the back of the raceway, overflowed early in the morning hours and even after the rains had stopped and the creek receded some, it was still pushing water onto the surface through the drain outlets. That plus additional issues from weepers around various parts of the speedway made it a daunting task. Although track crews had been working since 6:00 am to pump out the water then calling in assistance from the Lehighton Fire Company to aid with the draining, the yeoman’s effort was futile, forcing management to cancel. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am to our track crew for all the hard work they did to make racing happen and also to the Lehighton Fire Department for their great effort,” said promoter Jack Carlino. “When we saw Saturday’s amazing forecast it had us all thrilled to put on this week’s show especially after such an amazing opener from the last week. We never expected to see the creek flood the way it did and it was very unfortunate on all fronts. But after last year with so many rain related cancelations we are incredibly resilient and will move on to next week.” With that it’s on to Saturday, April 20 as another six division program plus the season debut of the touring American Three Quarter Midget Racing Association TQ Midgets which kicks off their 63rd consecutive season will be presented. The regular classes on the night will be Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro 4s, Hobby Stocks and the first race of 2019 for the Sportsman Modifieds. The Dirt Mods have the night off.  There is much anticipation to see Sportsman Modifieds as they will be running on the same tire as the Late Models as opposed to last season when they incorporated the same as the Street Stocks. The TQ Midgets bring a unique style of racing to Mahoning Valley with speeds like no other class. 

Start time is 6:00 pm. Front gates will open at 4:00pm. Adult grandstand admission is $14, $2 off for students, seniors 65+ and active military. Children under 10 are free.  Pits will open at 11:30 am. Early paid practice ($25 per car) will be from 12:30 to 3:30. Regular warm-ups begin at 4:30. Pit admission $25 members, $35 non-members. Driver sign-ins will be from 3:00 to 4:15.

In two weeks the track will be running both Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28. Saturday will be a regular six class show while on Sunday round two of the Mahoning Valley Speedway/Evergreen Raceway Small Car Enduro Series takes place along with the All-Star Slingshots and Jr. Slingshots plus the East Coast TQ Midgets. Sunday race time begins at 1:00 pm.


Mahoning Valley Speedway back in action with six division show this Saturday evening, April 13

Mahoning Valley Speedway got its 2019 season off to a rousing start with a great crowd, great car count and great weather and now it’s on to week two with another six division program taking place at 6:00pm Saturday, April 13. Matt Hirschman led the list of Opening Night winners with a 100-lap victory in the Modified headline race. However, the touring racer will not be back until later this season, leaving things wide open for a number of potential winners to step in as part off the weekly warriors.  Reigning Late Model champion Frankie Althouse raced to his second straight Opener over top rival Mike Sweeney and with Broc Brown back in the mix as well as the usual top contenders it will be quite exciting to see how things play out this week.  Randy Schlenker eked out a thrilling win in the Street Stock main over Jon Moser and Josh Mooney and given the equal level across the field, it should be much of the same this Saturday night.  There seems no doubt that Ricky Yetter and Mike Stofflet will again be reckoning forces in the Dirt Mods, however, a pair of sophomore drivers in Corey Edelman and Colton Perry showed great form last weekend to make the always exciting class one that should see some surprising results.    Jake Kibler, the defending Pro 4 titlist was once again able to open up the season with a win and the early season point lead. But, with the likes of Tyler Stangle, Cody Kohler and Bobby Kibler Sr., his stay at the top will indeed be a tough one. The Hobby Stocks as expected came out in full force for the 2019 lid-lifter and despite an inspiring run by Trisha Connolly, the open night laurels went to Shawn Kistler who made a late race charge to the checkers. This week’s action will get underway starting at 6:00 pm with heats getting things rolling. 

Front gates will open at 4:00pm. Adult grandstand admission is $14, $2 off for students, seniors 65+ and active military. Children under 10 are free. Pits will open at 11:30 am. Early paid practice ($25 per car) will be from 12:30 to 3:30. Regular warm-ups begin at 4:30. Pit admission $25 members, $35 non-members. Driver sign-ins will be from 3:00 to 4:15.

Coming up on April 20 will be the season’s first look at the Sportsman Modifieds which this year will be running on American Racer slicks, the same as the Late Models.


APRIL 6, 2019
Matt Hirschman returns to Mahoning Valley the same way he left, as a winner...100-lap victory was worth $3grand

Matt Hirschman opened up Mahoning Valley Speedway’s 2019 Opening Night the same as he left for the season finale Octoberfast 2018 by parking his No. 60 in Victory Lane. The talented driver who travels and wins throughout the Eastern Seaboard, came to the track that sits closest to his Northampton home, making the 30-minute trek a profitable $3000 one after he secured victory in the 100-lap contest. Hirschman would come from 8th on the 19-car grid, taking the lead from Earl Paules while engaged in heavy lapped traffic. He then had number of close restart battles with eventual runner-up Austin Kochenash but by the later stages it was clear the race was his to lose. Hirschman crossed the finish line several car lengths ahead of Kochenash for his 17th win at Mahoning, 13 of them coming in 100+ lap events. Kyle Strohl showed good strength late in settling for third while Todd Baer ran consistently steady in securing fourth. Anthony Sesely in his return to Mahoning after a number of years away rounded out the top 5. “It was a great night. The last several Opening Nights here I watched from the grandstands and this was a lot more fun for sure although a lot harder work,” said Hirschman, who was fresh off a win a week early at Richmond International Raceway and third consecutive.  “I enjoy the traveling thing but it is nice to race close to home. We had a lot of supporters who came out tonight from many different states and we’re having a great start to the season but there’s a long way to go. I look forward to be back here later this year for a few more shows.”  Determined by luck of the draw and leading the field to the green was two-time and defending track champion Brian DeFebo with Kochenash flanked to his outside. DeFefo would jump out front early on while Kochenash, Paules and Hirschman began a tight battle right behind.  By lap 10 Paules was getting a good run on the top side and began reeling in DeFebo. Three laps later the leader had a glitch coming off turn four which allowed Paules to seize the lead. One lap later Hirschman was second and for the next 22 laps it was close action with that pair.  With no cautions during that stretch lapped traffic became a factor and for the strong running Paules it would ultimately be his downfall after what appeared to be a very promising night. As lap 36 was recorded the leaders came upon a group of cars running two abreast. Paules was holding a line to the outside but just before clearing there was contact made after the car of Nick Baer shot across his path due to a bump that he received. Paules wound up spinning while miraculously Hirschman stayed low enough to just barely avoid the situation. “My eyes where definitely looking out the right side and it was just one of those things were we caught some lapped cars that were racing ahead of us and they were telling them on the scanner to try and get signal file but it didn’t happen and unfortunately for Earl (Paules) he kind of washed up some and got clipped. I just missed him and I’m glad we did otherwise we would have been wrecked too,” explained Hirschman.  When the field was reset Kochenash was now second and through a series of restarts he made some valiant attempts to sneak underneath Hirschman for the lead, successfully doing so on one of those tries only to be thwarted on the ensuing lap.  “I knew on the restarts I felt pressure from behind and we got a little crossed up a couple times but once we got going the car was great but you can never let your guard down here at Mahoning,” said Hirschman. It would be perceptible over the final 25 tours that Hirschman had a lock as he was hitting his stride with each passing lap. For Kochenash he showed that 2019 has the makings of a rewarding season as he ran the entire race from no lower than third.  “We just ran the tires off near the end and the clutch began slipping early on so that hurt quite a bit and it just didn’t play out today. Second (place) is not bad and well get some money and go on to the next one,” said Kochenash.

For defending Late Model champion Frankie Althouse, his Opening Night win wasn’t just a repeat of the previous year that was the springboard to his title run, it was also a bit of good relief too as heading into the season he had dealt with some personal team issues and getting the win was very relieving in many ways.  The 25-lap event would run caution free and during each of those laps it was a torrid showdown between Althouse and two-time champion Mike Sweeney. Althouse had to be very shielding in keeping his place as Sweeney put quite the pressure on. Also making a strong presence was talented Broc Brown who would closely shadow the pair before settling for a respectable third.

Randy Schlenker may have won the Street Stock feature from the pole position but far and away this was an intensely fought race. Schlenker had to overcome an onslaught of aggressors from start to finish which included the likes of defending champion Mark Deysher as well as Jared Ahner and eventual runner-up Jon Moser. They all tried relentlessly to make a pass, some winding up spinning while others, such as Moser, racing him hard right down to the wire. But despite the blitzing Schlenker held strong in notching his 33rd career win.

Dirt Mod winner Ricky Yetter was actually questionable on coming out to race as all week long he was battling the flu. However, with some proper medication he not only made it to the track but took the best remedy to overcome his malady by scoring a hard fought victory.  Yetter started from the pole but afterwards was being hounded by champion Mike Stofflet. Nose-to-tail they would battle until the final lap when Stofflet went for broke and attempted to move underneath Yetter for the lead and win. With not enough track space to pull off the pass, Yetter kept his line while Stofflet looped his car which allowed Corey Edelman to gain a career best second.

In the Pro 4 race Jake Kibler won his second straight class season opener and fourth such time of doing so. The ’18 champ was a bit lucky in his win. Cody Kohler was riding in the lead after taking the spot from Bobby Kibler Sr. on lap eight. However, when Kibler Sr., attempted to regain the position just four laps from the finish, he spun Kohler in the process and for his part was sent to the rear for the restart. J. Kibler went from third to first and on the win.            

The Hobby Stock feature was a very exciting one as the race for the lead was very close between Trisha Connolly and Shawn Kistler. Connolly was holding her own nicely but as the final laps rolled around Kistler had a burst of momentum and passed her for the top spot just a few laps from the end and in doing so claimed back-to-back Opening Night victories.

Modified Feature Finish (100-laps): 1.Matt Hirschman, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Kyle Strohl, 4. Todd Bear, 5. Anthony Sesely, 6. Gene Bowers, 7. Brian DeFebo, 8. Josh Scherer, 9. Don Wagner, 10. John Markovic, 11. Bobby Jones, 12. Joey Jarowicz, 13. Earl Paules, 14. Heath Metzger, 15. Nick Bear, 16. Austin Beers, 17. Scott Adams, 18. Jacob Kerstetter, 19. Ron Haring Jr. 

Late Model Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Frankie Althouse, 2. Mike Sweeney, 3. Broc Brown, 4. Jeremy Miller, 5. Matt Wentz, 6. Samantha Osborn, 7. Kenny Hein, 8. Geno Steigerwalt, 9. Avery Arthofer, 10. Rick Smith, 11. Mike Senica, 12. Brian Romig Jr. DNS: Taylor Schmidt

Street Stock Feature Finish (30-laps): 1.Randy Schlenker, 2. Jon Moser, 3. Josh Mooney, 4. Todd Ahner, 5. Stacey Brown, 6. Mark Martini, 7. Corey Edelman, 8. Randy Ahner Jr., 9. Eric Kocher, 10. Jamie Smith, 11. Johnny Bennett, 12. Ken Erney III, 13. Jill Long, 14. Bobby Kibler Jr., 15. Jared Ahner, 16. Billy Hunara, 17. Mark Deysher, 18. Rich Reichenbach, 19. Shayne Geist, 20. Aaron Kromer DNS: Jeremy Schlenker DNQ: Jake Kibler, Tucker Muffley, Cody Geist, Brennen Coulter 

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Ricky Yetter, 2. Cory Edelman, 3. Colton Perry, 4. Bill Sittler, 5. Mike Stofflet, 6. Louie Horvath, 7. Larry Beers DNS: Frank Parastino

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20-laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Tyler Stangle, 3. Cody Kohler, 4. Bobby Kibler Jr., 5. Jeremy Guerra, 6. Tucker Muffley, 7 Josh Kuronya, 8. Randy Schaffer, 9. Chase Hoffman, DNS: Matt Clark

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25-laps): 1. Shawn Kistler, 2. Trisha Connolly, 3. Devin Schmidt, 4. Travis Solomon, 5. Al Arthofer, 6. Lyndsay Buss, 7. Peyton Arthofer, 8. Jacob Boehm, 9. Rich Mutarelli, 10.  Kassidy Altemose, 11. Tad Snyder, 12. Peter Maier, 13. John Petro, 14. Cody Boehm, 15. Mallory Kutz, 16. Terry Peters, 17. Philip Sabatine DNS: Daryl Rex

 

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PARTY IN THE PITS CELEBRATED 2018 AND KICKS OFF THE 2019 SEASON - MARCH 30

Mahoning Valley Speedway began a new twist in celebrating the season-long driver accomplishments as promoters Jack and Rebecca Carlino staged the first ever “Party in the Pits” which payed honor to the 2018 divisional champions and top point finishers while using the casual festive event to usher in 2019 that takes place this coming Saturday, April 6.
Held on the final weekend of pre-season Test and Tune days, the Party in the Pits saw over 250 guests stick around afterwards to pay tribute to the past season’s champs and more.  Brian DeFebo Racing was awarded his second consecutive Mahoning Modified trophy, earning the top prize over Bobby Jones and Kyle Strohl. DeFebo was the top feature winner in ’18 with five and among those victories included his 100th overall verdict. With this championship DeFebo now has 8 overall, six others coming at Evergreen Raceway.
After a number of years settling either runner-up or a top-3 point finisher, Frankie Althouse finally procured his first driving title in nearly 15 years of running at the paved ¼-mile oval. Althouse fought right down to the wire with two-time and defending champ Mike Sweeney as well as top class winner Jeremy Miller.After a few years hiatus, former Street Stock Titleist Mark Deysher came back into the fold in 2017 and when 2018 rolled around he maintained a strong focus on regaining his championship form from 2001 and 2006. And, that he did, keeping himself among the champion contenders all year long, picking up his 21st career feature win along the way and edging out Cody Geist and Jared Ahner for title number three.  2018 was the debut of the Sportsman Modified class and it was filled with a great mix of veterans and up and coming talent. Although the division ran a limited schedule, the drivers showed the potential for growth. After all was said and done it was a very familiar name that would be honored as champion when 15-year old Austin Beers, who the previous year was fresh off a Hobby Stock title, picked up the top hardware. Young Beers, son of multi-time Modified champion Eric, was faced off against a prominent star in gaining the crown, beating standout Earl Paules for the elusive top prize. Beers ended the year with a class leading four wins and would finish in the top-5 in each feature held. Michael Stofflet proved unequivocally for a second straight year that he was the man to beat with the Dirt Mods. In 13 races held Stofflet won 8 times and despite a solid resurgence with car counts and competition, he was very fast week in and week out, failing only once to not make the top-5 by the end of each race.
For Jake Kibler, nearly 20 years of racing for a title came to fruition as the sly and cagey veteran picked up the Pro 4 crown in what was a great season-long battle between him and former champ Cody Kohler. Both drivers dominated the win column with four for Kibler and five going to Kohler. However, Kibler had the better of them in top-5s which would ultimately be the deciding factor for his long-overdue accomplishment. For decades the name Wambold has been at the forefront of champions and winners at Mahoning Valley, most notably by legendary George Wambold.  In 2018 the Wambold name made a triumph return to the top of the rankings as his son, Michael Wambold, who despite going winless, raced his way with the mark of consistency to the Hobby Stock title just ahead of Ryan Berger and Al Arthofer.  After the class trophies where handed out a number of special awards were presented which included the Checkered Flag Fan Club Service Appreciation Award to assistant race director Frank Hoffman. The Rookie of the year recipients where @Kristy Arthofer, Samantha Osborn, Matt Schlenker, Corey Edelman, Josh Kuronya and Peyton Arthofer in the Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks respectively.Sponsored by Ahner’s Plumbing and Heating of Palmerton, the Best Appearing Car honorees where Kyle Strohl, Modified, Frankie Althouse Late Model, Jared Ahner Street Stocks, Avery Arthofer Sportsman Modifieds, Mike Stofflet Dirt Mods, Randy Schaffer Pro 4 and Al Arthofer Hobby Stock.
In the Most Improved Driver category it was Joey Jarowicz in the Modifieds with Kenny Hein in the Late Models, Billy Sittler Jr., Dirt Mods, Ken Erney III with the Street Stocks, Randy Schaffer, Pro 4 and Hobby Stock Al Arthofer.
The focus now moves to this coming Saturday, April 6 at 6:00 pm for the 2019 lid lifter headlined by a 100-lap/$3000-to-win Modified feature. Also on the slate will be Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks all running heats and features.
Pits will open at 11:30 am with early paid practice from 12:30 to 3:30. Regular warm-ups start at 4:00 and heats at 6:00. The Modifieds will have a four tire rule in effect. The top-3 finishers from each heat will redraw for feature starting spots while the other divisions will start heads-up from their respective heats. Front gates open at 4:00 pm.

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1st Annual Mahoning Valley Speedway Party in the Pits
Open invite join us to celebrate the 2018 season & welcome in the 2019 season” 

Saturday March 30th starting at 5 pm…dinner served at 6 pm.
Rain or shine (party tents will be set up)
Point fund monies and trophies to the following:
Modified, Street Stock and Hobby Stock top-10, Late Model top-8,  Sportsman Modified top-5, Dirt Mod top-7,         Pro 4 top-8
Pig roast and more, beer garden, music, fun & games, door prizes & driver awards.  Driver must attend to claim award money. $35 per person
Tickets will be available to purchase at the track on March 2nd & 3rd + March 9th & 10 from 12-3 pm.  Arrangements can be made for those that live a distance away.  No tickets available at the door. Overnight Camping in the pits with breakfast served in the a.m. for anyone interested. Open to drivers, their families, friends and fans.

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Mahoning Valley Speedway/ Evergreen Raceway Small Car Enduro Series gets underway later this month

Since first being announced about the Mahoning Valley Speedway/ Evergreen Raceway Small Car Enduro Series, much anticipation has been growing for the special 9 race series between the two eastern Pennsylvania asphalt tracks and at month’s end the initial race will take place when Evergreen will host the opening round on Saturday afternoon, March 30.  Nine races, alternating once a month per each track, will make of the series. Each race will award $500 to win, with 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th receiving $300, $200, $150 and $100 respectively. Points will be tallied for each driver and the top five in the final standings will be awarded the same payout.  In order to be eligible for the final point fund payout competitors must run a minimum of 3 Enduro’s at each track.  History will show that both tracks have always had a solid following of Enduro racers, many of them who take in each facility. Harry O’Neill closed out 2018 with back-to-back wins at Evergreen and then Mahoning Valley. Matter of fact a number of drivers have claimed victory at both the 1/3-mile Evergreen Raceway and ¼-mile Mahoning Valley Speedway.  

The series is open to all 4-cylinder, front wheel drive Enduro cars. Rules are posted on each of the tracks websites.  Each track has other racing events slated for all of the aforementioned dates as well.  

Additional information will be upcoming. Interested parties can also keep updated on each track’s website www.evergreenracewaypark.com and www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com


Saturday, March 30 – Evergreen
Sunday, April 28 – Mahoning Valley
Sunday, May 19 – Evergreen
Sunday, June 16 – Mahoning Valley
Sunday, July 21 – Evergreen
Sunday, August 25 – Evergreen
Sunday, September 15 – Mahoning Valley
Sunday, October 20 – Mahoning Valley
Saturday, November 2 – Evergreen


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Mahoning Valley Speedway/Evergreen Raceway announce special twin-track Enduro Series

Eastern Pennsylvania’s two paved short tracks, Evergreen Raceway in St; Johns and Lehighton, Pennsylvania's Mahoning Valley Speedway, took advantage at the 2019 PPB Motorsports Race Car & Trade Show in Oaks to announce a special Enduro Car Series to be held between the two facilities during the upcoming season.  Both tracks have had a supportive history of Enduro races over the years and many of those who compete race both speedways. That led to a sparked interest and the concept of the Mahoning Valley Speedway/Evergreen Raceway Small Car Enduro Series.  Nine races, alternating once a month per each track, will make of the series. Each race will award $500 to win, with 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th receiving $300, $200, $150 and $100 respectively. Points will be tallied for each driver and the top five in the final standings will be awarded the same payout.The series kicks off on Saturday, March 30 at Evergreen. Then it’s on to Mahoning Valley on Sunday, April 28. Sunday, May 19 race No. 3 moves back to Evergreen. On Sunday, June 16 Mahoning welcomes back the show for round 4 and then Evergreen on Sunday, July 21. The series stays at Evergreen for a Sunday, August 25 event while Mahoning gets a reappearance for the next two on Sunday, September 15 and Sunday, October 20. The conclusion of the inaugural twin-track outing will be Saturday afternoon, November 2 at Evergreen. The series is open to all 4-cylinder, front wheel drive Enduro cars Each track has other racing events slated for all of the aforementioned dates as well.

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Mahoning Valley Speedway 2019 season begins with $3000-to-win Modified feature

 Mahoning Valley Speedway rolls into the 2019 season headlined by the Modified class as the main attraction with a 100-lap/$3000-to-win feature on Opening Night, Saturday April 6.  Also on the slate will be Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks. Race time is 6:00 pm.   Mahoning’s season, which heads into the second year under owners Jack and Rebecca Carlino, will run weekly through mid-October.  The Modifieds will have a number of other big-paying shows across the year including the season ending Octoberfast 150 which will award the winner a cool $5000. All of the aforementioned classes will also see extra-distance and added payout races during the year. Most of the special features, including the Modifieds, will be “cone races” for an added twist of intrigue.

After a re-examination of the Sportsman Modified division, which at the end of last year was temporarily suspended, the class will be back in ’19 but will now run the same track tire as the Late Models that most feel will be a positive in improved competition. The Sportsman Modifieds will see action every third week beginning on April 20.

New this season will be a special Enduro Series between Mahoning Valley and Evergreen Raceway. Nine Small Car Enduro’s will run once a month alternating between the two tracks. An overall champion as well as top point earners will be crowned after the final Enduro in November at Evergreen. All of the Enduro’s hosted by Mahoning will be Sunday afternoons.

Each Enduro race will award $500 to win, with 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th receiving $300, $200, $150 and $100 respectively and the top five in the final standings will be awarded the same payout.

 The touring American Three Quarter Midget Racing Association will visit on three occasions. 

Also making a return will be the All-Star Slingshots and Jr. Slingshots on April 28 and June 16. Both will be run in conjunction with the Sunday Enduro’s. The April 28 Slingshot feature will be a National Tour event.

The newly formed East Coast TQ Midgets will be on track for a number of select Sunday’s, sharing the billing with the Enduro’s.

After a tryout at the end of last year to bring back the popular “Run What Ya Brung” track management will again close out the year with that event on October 20. Details on the specific classes are still in the works.

Pre-season practice days are scheduled on March 16, 23, 30 & 31.

The first Annual Party in the Pits will be held on Saturday, March 30 beginning at 5:00 pm. The event will be a special celebration of honor to the 2018 champions and respective division point finishers and serve as the kick-off to the 2019 season.  The specifics are being finalized and will be outlined in short order.

For a complete look at this year’s schedule of events please log onto the official Mahoning Valley Speedway website at www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com or on Facebook at Mahoning Valley Speedway. Mahoning Valley Speedway is located on PA route 443 just a few miles west of Lehighton.

 

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