Nov. 21 Awards Banquet Northampton Community Center, Northampton
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Oct. 24 Final race day 3:00 pm start…
Sponsored by Gary Lee’s Brown Daub KIA..Dirt Mods, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks, TQs, Slingshots, Vintage TQ’s


Ricky Yetter ends career in Victory Lane; Gene Bowers tops Street Stock field; Sam Ryan scores in Hobby Stocks; Dylan Steuer in All-Star Slingshots

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 10-24-15) As the 2015 season at Mahoning Valley Speedway came to a close, so too did the career of Ricky Yetter. And what a way to end it as the recently crowned Dirt Mod champion went out in style, winning the 60-lap Octoberfast feature in what he called his last time in a race car.

Gene Bowers won in his last Street Stock race but unlike Yetter, he is leaving the class and stepping into a Modified for 2016.

Sam Ryan used a late race restart to take the lead and go on to victory in the Hobby Stocks and Dylan Steuer cruised to the in with the All-Star Slingshots.

When the year started out Yetter made it known that this was to be his final and the goal was to win the 2015 Dirt Mod championship. That aspiration was achieved but there remained one more task for “The Law” which was to end his career with one more stop in Victory Lane and once again he backed up his words, winning can the Octoberfast feature for a second year in a row. “This is my last race and it’s very emotional for me right now,” said Yetter while surrounded by a hoard of well-wishers in Victory Lane. “It’s been great ride and I said how we wanted to win this championship and then finish off with wining this race. I can’t be happier and am so proud of the team for all the hard work. This was the icing on the cake.”; Yetter started fourth and would need only four laps before moving to the front. He did so after restart, unseating Ray Deemer for the lead. Afterwards this was a man on a mission. Just as he did a year ago in this race, Yetter zipped and zagged his way through traffic and had everyone covered. Yetter may have been taking care of business but it wasn’t at all that easy. Jack Ely had followed him after he took the lead and was in tow for the next 25 laps. Aleia Geisler then stepped into second and had a watchful eye on the leader. At the same time Kevin Graver Jr., who was driving the Scott Hyland No. 20H, and Scott Adams, dueled with Ely while directly behind Geisler. With 13 laps to go Ely would bring out the caution due to a spin on the back straight. This was good chance to see if Geisler could take the opportunity on the restart and steal away the lead. Yetter, however, wasn’t about to settle for anything less than first. He was quick to the draw and held his ground, only this time there was no gapping as he had been doing prior. “We took a little stagger out so we could go strong the majority of the race. It was then good on green laps but on restarts it was super tight and I was dirt tracking it every time to make it turn,” said Yetter. Geisler wound up giving second to Adams but a few laps later and she had the spot back and was again trying all she could to reel in Yetter but there was no doing, getting close but never enough to challenge for the $1700 win, $200 more than advertised thanks to Eastern Area Glass who tossed in the extra cash preceding to the start of the feature.Ely bounced back to take third with JP Curry and Adams rounding out the top five.

In the 40-lap, $800 to win Street Stock main Bowers used the outside lane to take the lead from Aaron Kromer after just three laps. That would be it too, as he dominated the rest of the way en route to his second win of 2015. “I can’t thank the guys enough. They bust their butts every week for me and I can’t do it without them. I don’t think we had the best car tonight but sometimes the fastest car doesn’t always win,” said Bowers. Watching this race one would beg to differ. Bowers may not have felt he was best but rest assured he had the field covered. After taking the lead and during extended green flag laps his car was plenty strong and had no one to contest with. He even set fast time during the race. “The car just didn’t rotate the way it needed to but I knew if I slowed down the pace and stayed at the bottom then it was going to be though for anyone to get me up top,” said Bowers. Brain Labar showed good cause to make Bowers earn his win over the first half of the race but when his handle started to go away it was then Jillian Long and Modified standout Austin Kochenash they came into play. They, however, spent a fair amount of time battling each other which allowed Bowers additional breathing room. Kochenash, in just his first time in a Street Stock, finally got by Long in the closing laps but there was no time to make an attempt at Bowers. “It was fun and it doesn’t drive much like a Modified,” said Kochenash. “It was a good car and I have to thank Jared Ahner and his whole crew for letting me run it. For a first time it was good but it could have been better.”;

In the Hobby Stock 25-lapper Kyle Scisco and Kyle Krempasky where in a fierce battle while Ryan was glued behind them. With three laps to go Krempasky had just edged out front from the outside lane. But as they entered turn one he then spun while coming down on Scisco and had to go to the rear. On the restart Ryan then gunned underneath Scisco and shot to the lead. He would stay perfect for the final few tours and take his first win at Mahoning with the class. Frank Hughes finished up with a strong second with 2015 champion Cody Geist in third.

In the All-Star Slingshot feature Dylan Steuer started second to Brett Bieber and would then chase him over the first four laps. Next time by he was leading and would not relinquish it the remainder of the way, scoring a nonstop win in five minutes flat.The fast pace also helped him to set a new track record with the Slingshots, turning an 11.805 at 76.239 mph lap. Beiber, who won here back in April, held on for second with Chris Kurtz, Cody Kline and Dakota Kohler completing the top five.

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (60 Laps): 1. Ricky Yetter, 2. Aleia Geisler, 3. Jack Ely, 4. JP Curry, 5. Scott Adams, 6. Mike Stofflet, 7. Billy Lasko, 8. Tom Cremer, 9. Ray Deemer, 10. Eric Beers, 11. John Banashefski, 12. Kevin Graver Jr., 13. Rick Mill, 14, Jeff Parker, 15. Dan Dullin, 16. Bill Sittler Jr., DQ: Paul Effrig

Street Stock Feature Finish (40 Laps): 1. Gene Bowers, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Jillian Long, 4. Corey Edelman, 5. Stacey Brown, 6. Brian Labar, 7. Jason Frey, 8. TJ Gursky, 9. Joe Mooney, 10. Jeremy Miller, 11. Aaron Kromer, 12. Todd Ahner, 13. Jon Moser, 14. Eric Danyluk, 15. Jonathan Tracey, 16. BJ Wambold

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Sam Ryan, 2. Frank Hughes, 3. Cody Geist, 4. Kyle Scisco, 5. Jay Skupski, 6. Ken Reeder, 7. Rich Mutarelli, 8. Devon Schmidt, 9. Kyle Krempasky, 10. Tiffany Wambold, 11. Nicole Quinter, 12. Austin Beers, 13. Lyndsay Buss, 14. Waylon Speers, 15. Mike VanFossen DNS: Arland Moyer Jr.

All-Star Slingshot Feature Finish (25 Laps) 1. Dylan Steuer, 2. Brett Bieber, 3. Chris Kurtz, 4. Cody Kline, 5. Dakota Kohler, 6. Austin Slifiee, 7. Kyle Herve, 8. Anthony Raisner, 9. Dylan Hoch, 10. Don Schmidt, 11. Cody Kohler, 12. Henry Anderson, 13. Ryan Lacoe, 14. Bobby Jones, 15. JP Curry, 16. Louden Reimert, 17. John Mirabelli

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Mahoning Valley Speedway Dirt Mod champ Ricky Yetter looking to close out his career with a win

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 10-22-15) When Mahoning Valley Speedway presents its season finale this Saturday, October 24, which is day two of Octoberfast 2015, it won’t just mean the last time for cars to hit the paved ¼-mile oval but it also will be the swansong of newly crowned Dirt Mod champion Ricky Yetter. Yetter made it known at the start of the season that win, lose or draw, 2015 would be his last as a driver. Two years ago he had a draw and took second via a tie-breaker then last year he fell second again to Kevin Graver Jr. This year it was mission accomplished. Now with the title all his there leaves just one more task at hand, to win the special 60-lap feature, an event that he is the defending winner. “Winning is the only thing on my mind to the point where it almost has me nervous because I want to go out with a win,” said Yetter. “I actually set the car up a week early during the final race (October 4). We had clinched the week before so in my head I was thinking let’s go try something. We finished fifth that day and I wasn’t dogging it at all but we were also trying something which was to pick up more speed for this coming race.”; Speed will of course be essential for Yetter to attempt an Octoberfast repeat. But like any race there will be some luck needed as well. Along with all the track regulars who gave Yetter a run for his money, this race generally draws a number of outsiders which makes for an exciting event as racers who never before ran a Dirt Modified on pavement make things interesting to say the least. “Last year I was just in a zone for that race. I was focused and passed a lot of cars with the lapped traffic. And that’s the thing about this race. You have a lot of newcomers and you have to expect them to slide a little bit and wash-up. So if you’re on the outside of somebody don’t be in lane two, be in lane two-and-a-half in case guys wiggle up a little bit. I should know because I was that gut a few years ago,” said Yetter.
The 60-lap main will pay $1500 to win and Yetter won’t be the only one looking to score the victory, a feat he did a class leading five times this season including a record four in a row. Jack Ely won four times this year and finished second in points. Mike Stofflet, Aleia Geisler, Lorin Arthofer II, Ray Deemer and JP Curry also parked in Victory Lane on multiple occasions. Others have come close and could break through this Saturday including the likes of Dave Gorbatuk, Scott Adams and Billy Lasko. Then there is the invaders which provide the added thrill.

Along with the Dirt Mods the Street Stocks will compete in a 40 lapper paying $800 to win and is the deciding race in the American Rental Street Stock Gamblers Series. The Hobby Stocks will run in a 25 lap feature that awards the winner $300. Plus the ATQMRA TQ Midgets and All-Star Slingshots will be in action with a 25 lap events each.

The TQ’s will be crowning their 2015 champion which will be determined between Ryan Tidman and Buddy Sload.

Also on hand will be the Vintage Division of the ATQMRA which will run an exhibition during intermission. 

Gary Lee’s Brown Daub KIA of Easton is playing a big role in Saturday’s race by giving only lucky fan $500 cash and likewise to a Dirt Mod, Street Stock or Hobby Stock driver.

The final “Weekly Wheel Spin” will be used to award the lucky recipient. For the fans all they need to do is purchase a copy of the Thunder in the Valley program book and check out the Gary Lee’s Brown Daub ad page. There is a stamped number on the page and if their number is called they will be given the chance to win the $500. There will be six lucky numbers called. Program books will be solid on a limited basis.
As for the racers they will have a wheel spin take place during the drivers meeting. If the wheel stops on the designated class then one lucky finisher from that feature will get a shot at the $500. Gary Lee will also have additional giveaways including an i-pad. There will be a tent set-up near the main ticket window for fans to register to receive prizes and giveaways.

Prior to the start of the races there will be a special releasing of purple and yellow balloons to honor the memory of Jennifer Flannigan Kutz.
Grandstands open at 1:00. Admission is $15. $2.00 off for students, seniors 65 + and active military. Must have ID. Kids 10 and under are free.

Pit sign-ins will take place from noon – 1:30. Pit admission is $30. There is a $20 entry fee for the All-Star Slingshots.

Any teams that wish to run an early practice can do so from noon to 1:00 pm. Early paid practice is $25 per car. Regular warm-ups will take place from 1:15 – 2:25. 

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Season finale takes place this Saturday at Mahoning Valley Speedway
 

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 10-20-15) The curtain will come down on the 2015 season at Mahoning Valley Speedway this coming Saturday, October 24 as the paved ¼-mile oval located in Lehighton will present the second segment of Octoberfast 2015.  Race time is 3:00 pm. Sponsored by Gary Lee’s Brown Daub KIA of Easton, five divisions will hit the track which include the Dirt Mods running in a 60 lap $1500-to-win main, Street Stocks going 40 laps for $800 and the Hobby Stocks racing for 25 laps and a $300 first place prize. The Street Stock feature will also crown the overall winners of the American Rental Street Stock Gamblers Series.

Mahoning Valley will also be hosting the American Three Quarter Midget Racing Association (ATQMRA) in their title event. The 25-lap feature will crown this year’s club champion which is going to be decided between current points leader Ryan Tidman or Buddy Sload. They are separated by just one finishing positions heading into Saturday’s finale.

Also in competition will be the All-Star Slingshots battling in a 25-lap main. This will be a big weekend for the Slingers as they will be racing for national points and right after the Mahoning event they pack up and head to New Jersey’s Bridgeport Speedway the next day.
During intermission the Vintage Division of the ATQMRA will run an exhibition race.

Gary Lee’s Brown Daub KIA is playing a big role in Saturday’s race by giving only lucky fan $500 cash and likewise to a Dirt Mod, Street Stock or Hobby Stock driver.
The final “Weekly Wheel Spin” will be used to award the lucky recipient. For the fans all they need to do is purchase a copy of the Thunder in the Valley program book and check out the Gary Lee’s Brown Daub ad page. There is a stamped number on the page and if their number is called they will be given the chance to win the $500. There will be six lucky numbers called. As for the racers they will have a wheel spin take place during the drivers meeting. If the wheel stops on the designated class then one lucky finisher from that feature will get a shot at the $500. Gary Lee will also have additional giveaways including an I-pad. There will be a tent set-up near the main ticket window for fans to register to receive prizes and giveaways.
At intermission Gary Lee will make several laps with his 1991 custom Mustang Fox body while members of his team shoot t-shirts into the stands. He will also serve as official starter for the feature events.

Prior to the start of the races there will be a special releasing of purple and yellow balloons to honor the memory of Jennifer Flannigan Kutz.
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Grandstands open at 1:00. Admission is $15. $2.00 off for students, seniors 65 + and active military. Must have ID. Kids 0 and under are free.

Pit sign-ins will take place from noon – 1:30. Pit admission is $30. There is a $20 entry fee for the All-Star Slingshots.

Any teams that wish to run an early practice can do so from noon to 1:00 pm. Early paid practice is $25 per car. Regular warm-ups will take place from 1:15 – 2:25. 

More information will be out later this week. Additional news can be found on the track’s official site at www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com or on Facebook at Mahoning Valley Speedway and on Twitter at twitter.com/MahoningSpeed.

Banquet tickets will also be in sale at the pit sign-in window.

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Saturday, October 24 sponsored by Gary Lee’s Brown Daub KIA

Pit gates for OCTOBERFAST 2015 open at 11:00 a.m.

Any teams that wish to run an early practice can do so from noon to 1:00 pm. Early paid practice is $25 per car.

Sign-ins will take place from noon – 1:30

Pit admission is $30.
All-Star Slingshots are $20 entry fee.
Regular warm-ups will take place from 1:15 – 2:25. 
Drivers meeting at 2:30

Heats begin at 3:00.

All drivers will draw for heat starting spots. There will be a re-draw for feature starting positions from heats.

All-Star Slingshots qualifying procedures will apply with duel-heat format.

Vintage Division of the ATQMRA will run exhibition feature during intermission.

We will run the All-Star Slingshot 25-lap feature first in order so they may have time to prepare for next day Bridgeport event.

Dirt Mods 60 laps $1500 to win
Street Stocks 40 laps $800 to win
Hobby Stocks 25 laps $300 to win
ATQMRA TQ Midgets 25 laps


Grandstands open at 1:00.
Admission is $15. $2.00 off for students, seniors 65 + and active military. Must have ID. Kids 10 and under are free.

 
Subject to change

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 Roger Coss cashes in with $6000 Octoberfast win at Mahoning Valley Speedway - Mike Sweeney is best in Late Models, Josh Mooney tops Street Stock field during Mahoning Valley Speedway Octoberfast

Roger Coss has always been known as one of those true good guys of racing. A driver who runs everyone clean, is always capable of motoring to the front and has the knack to bring the car home in one piece. That trademark style is exactly what landed the Lafayette, NJ racer the biggest win of his 20 year career, scoring a rousing victory at Mahoning Valley Speedway’s Octoberfast 2015 worth $6000. With a dozen laps to go Coss went underneath leader Chip Santee for the top spot. He then held off Zane Zeiner over the remaining distance. Just prior to the winning pass Coss made a thrilling three-wide maneuver to the low side of Don Wagner and Bobby Jones that was nothing short of breathtaking. Ironically, Coss lost this race the same way in 2012 when he was passed 12 laps from the finish by then winner Matt Hirschman. “Without a doubt this is the biggest win of my career. We spent so much time this week working on everything and it’s really nice to have it pay off,” said Coss. “The first year that they had this race I finished second to Matt (Hirschman). He’s always tough to beat and second that day kind of hurt and I really wanted it and now we got it.”; This was the longest distance race ever run for the Modifieds at Mahoning Valley and throughout the entire race there was amazing action taking place. The majority was an ongoing two-wide duel between Chip Santee and Austin Kochenash. Santee drew the pole and had the early lead over third starting Coss. Kochenash, who has been outstanding on restarts, would use a lap 23 re-go to take over second. Coss would soon fade to the rear and would not be heard from again until it counted. At the front Santee and Kochenash would go toe-to-toe. Santee was holding his line on the bottom groove as Kochenash stayed alongside. As that battle pursued on, Bobby Jones ran third but was never quite able to strike at the leaders. The intense lead fight extended past lap 50, then 60 and was still going strong by halfway. And even though there would be a handful of cautions that would slow the action, the race for the lead always stayed fast and furious following the restarts.Lap 90 and it was still two-by-two. At 100 circuits there no change as Santee and Kochenash kept everyone on the edge with their white-knuckle racing. And, while they kept their fight going, the action behind them was heating up as well. Don Wagner was giving the Matt Higgins owned No. 88w one heck of a ride as he had taken third at lap 75. At the same time Brian DeFebo had thrust into fourth and was having quite the dogfight with Wagner. DeFebo was able to clear Wagner on lap 91 and kept close watch of the lead pair. At lap 110 the caution was out. Under the yellow Kochenash made the decision to pit for new rubber. For Santee there was no relaxing despite that as DeFebo was now second and had Wagner and Jones on his rear bumper when the race resumed. Jones would be the mover at this point, zipping by Wagner and DeFebo then gaining on Santee. It was right back to side-by-side racing for the lead only this time Jones would successfully get around, taking his No. 1J to the front on lap 120. Santee was by far having his best run of the season and not about to give up. He returned the favor on Jones the very next go-around. As the race reached 25 laps to go, positions began to change rapidly. Wagner moved back ahead of Jones for second. Coss, who at one point was running in last spot after a pit stop on lap 74, was fourth while DeFebo slipped back to fifth. As for Santee, he was barely clinging to his lead as everyone was coming on strong. Wagner was giving an out effort for the lead and at the same time fending off Jones. Zeiner had come out of virtually nowhere and into the top five at the same time. Santee was under immense pressure as behind him there was incredible competition and one of the most dramatic portions of the race would occur when Coss pulled off his thrilling heroics. On lap 136 as Wagner was running underneath Jones, Coss saw a bit of an opening and seized the opportunity. It was suddenly a hold-your-breath three wide run into turn two. Coss incredibly would leap into second. He would then keep the momentum going and went after Santee, who was losing traction from worn tires. At the start of lap139 Coss went to the front and would not relinquish it from there to the finish, despite a fast approaching Zeiner. “In the beginning I was just riding behind Chip (Santee) and without radios it’s hard to know just how fast you’re going. I felt we were going to fast of a pace so on the one restart we just dropped to the back. I saw Matt (Hirschman) and Zane (Zeiner) back there and I figured that was a comfortable zone. I thought if they’re waiting then I’m going to wait to and it all paid off,” explained Coss. “Everybody ran clean and I didn’t want to get passed once I got back behind those guys in the front so as soon as I saw a hole and the opening was there I knew I had to make my move.”; Zeiner, a winner of Octoberfast in 2013 and second last year, did not have the time to make a run at Coss. “Congrats to Roger (Coss) he had a good car tonight. Believe or not we were fighting power steering issues all night and it was tough to just hold on,” said Zeiner, who had made several pit stops but then blasted through the pact in the waning laps.“We made a lot of adjustments and just came up a little short. We’ll take second place after all that.”; For the fourth straight time Eric Beers finished third. 2015 track champion Earl Paules and Jones rounded out the top five. 15 of the 22 starters completed the 150 lap distance. Heat wins went to Earl Paules, Lou Strohl and Kochenash.
 
In the 60 lap Late Model feature the race got off to a rough start when Jacob Kerstetter checked up in turn four and collected Troy Bollinger and Tony Hilliard. Hilliard was the only car unable to continue.The restart went much better and at the end of the first lap Sweeney, who picked the pole position, had the lead over 2015 division champion Paul Koehler Jr.That would be the storyline the rest of the race as the same two who battled for most of the wins during the regular season would set sail the remainder of the way in a nonstop nose-to-tail bout.Sweeney, who came up second to Koehler in the championship hunt, was slicing his way through traffic while Koehler stuck close to his rear bumper.The pace was blistering as the two titans continually picked off cars in what was more of their own personal showdown in this final race. They had, after all won 16 of 20 features between them and it was regularly 1-2 at the finishes.Travis Fisher was the only other driver who was able to keep in check with the leaders. There were a few times he would be no more than a car length behind when they came up on lapped traffic. But once that was all cleared Sweeney and Koehler kept their battle to themselves. Fisher did, however, turn the fastest lap of the race at one point.When the checkers waved the difference was a mere one-half second. For Sweeney it was his 10th win of the year and third consecutive victory, the second time he pulled off that feat this season.“It was definitely a help to start on the pole and the car was really good. We were just riding out there and the way this race went nonstop I really didn’t know where all those other guys where and I just tried to play it safe with all the lapped cars. Win number 10, that’s awesome,” said Sweeney.
“I have to thank all my guys for all the hard work they put in this year. When you had a year like we had you don’t want to see the season end but watch out for next year. We’re going to regroup, we’re going to rebuild.”
Fisher was third, the only other car on the lead lap. Don Wagner and Geno Steigerwalt, both one lap down, rounded out the top five. Fisher and Wagner copped heat wins.


The Street Stock main was contested over a 75 lap distance and although the record book will show that Mooney led all laps, it was by no means an easy run. After taking the lead once the race commenced, Mooney was being hounded TJ Gursky. Gursky tried to make several pass attempts but Mooney would remain solid each time. Lorin Arthofer II was making his presence felt as well when he put his No. 77 into third by lap 10 and was giving Gursky fits in battling for second spot. By lap 25 he had secured the position and was setting his sights on Mooney. At the same time Jared Ahner was showing his speed and over the second half of the race it become a hotly contested matchup among the lead trio. Mooney was safeguarding a defensive line in holding back Arthofer and Ahner who ran two-wide. There was several times that both of those opponents would pull to either side of Mooney but each time the leader stood his ground. Coming into the final laps there was no room to error as the three cars run under a very tight blanket. When the white flag waved it was all or nothing. Mooney, just barley in front, was hammering down as Arthofer squeezed to his inside. Ahner took his fight to the high line and as the headed to the checkers it was Mooney claiming the thrilling victory by a whisker over Arthofer and Ahner. “I really had to make sure I hit my marks on the restarts because the first few laps back green the car would begin to slide but after that I just coasted in the corners and drive off. The car was perfect and I can’t thank my dad (Steve Mooney) enough, he had it on the money today,” said Mooney, who became the 19th different winner this season with the Street Stocks.
“I really didn’t know anyone was behind me until I got by one of the lapped cars and then Lorin (Arthofer) gave me a little bump to let me know he was there and I knew I had to protect the bottom.”; Gursky and Jillian Long completed the top five. Randy Ahner Jr., Aaron Kromer and Gursky won heats Corey Edelman annexing the consi.

Modified Feature Finish (150 Laps): 1. Roger Coss, 2. Zane Zeiner, 3. Eric Beers, 4. Earl Paules, 5. Bobby Jones, 6. Don Wagner, 7. Glenn Slocum, 8. John Markovic, 9. Eric Kocher, 10. Todd Baer, 11. Brian DeFebo, 12. Ron Frees, 13. Chip Santee, 14. Terry Markovic, 15. Mike Quinn, 16. Calvin Carroll, 17. Austin Kochenash, 18. Matt Hirschman, 19. Lou Strohl, 20. Jimmy Zacharias, 21. Nick Baer, 22. Kevin Rex Jr. DNQ: Anthony Sesely

Late Model Feature Finish (60 Laps):  1. Mike Sweeney, 2. Paul Koehler, 3. Travis Fisher, 4. Don Wagner, 5. Geno Steigerwalt, 6. Lorin Arthofer II, 7. Jacob Kerstetter, 8. Jeremy Miller, 9. Barry Kutz, 10. Troy Bollinger, 11. Greg Steigerwalt, 12. Tony Hilliard

Street Stock Feature Finish (75 Laps): 1. Josh Mooney, 2. Lorin Arthofer II, 3. Jared Ahner, 4. TJ Gursky, 5. Jillian Long, 6. Joe Mooney, 7. Corey Edelman, 8. Jason Frey, 9. Randy Ahner Jr., 10. Mark Martini, 11. Bobby Kibler Sr., 12. Todd Ahner, 13. Gene Bowers, 14. Jason Kuhn, 15. Brian Labar, 16. Stacey Brown, 17. Jonathan Tracey, 18. George Ramos, 19. Jamie Smith, 20. Logan Boyer, 21. Joe Stangle 22. Aaron Kromer DNQ: Jeremy Scheckler, Zach Graver
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Mahoning Valley Speedway ready for Octoberfast 2015…Modifieds to race for 150 laps and $6000 top prize…Late Models and Street Stocks battle for $1500 payday


(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 10-11-15) Mahoning Valley Speedway’s premier event, Octoberfast 2015, is set to take place this coming Saturday, October 17. Race time is 4:00 p.m.

This year’s edition of Octoberfast will feature a three division program that will be headlined by the Modifieds racing for a track record distance and first place payout of 150-laps and $6000 to win.

It is also the final race of the 2015 Central States Modified Gamblers Series which offers the top card holder $2000.

Also on the card will be Late Models and Street Stocks with each respective winner taking home $1500 for the victory.

This will mark the fourth running of Octoberfast. In the previous trio the action was everything that was expected. Great car counts, great action and an enthusiastic crowd that always turns out for to see who will take home the coveted Octoberfast trophy and cash.

Matt Hirschman is the defending Octoberfast winner. He also won this event in 2012. In 2013 the victor was Zane Zeiner. He was also runner-up last year.

In each of those races the distance was 130 laps and $5000 to win. At the start of this season promoter Floyd Santee felt it was time to step it up by boosting the race length by 20 laps and tossing in an additional $1000. Never before has that type of payday been offered at Mahoning. Likewise this will be the most laps run, which obviously is well worth it.

While Hirschman and Zeiner have been the lucky ones to take Octoberfast wins, rest assured they had to beat out a field of Modified talent that are as good it gets, starting with the core of Mahoning regulars.

That group will be led by recently crowned track champion Earl Paules. He has not won a race since mid-June and will no doubt be a factor come next Saturday.

Also on that list is Austin Kochenash who is fresh off a 100 lap victory and has a load of momentum going his way to not only win but take the Gamblers Series money as well. He can ultimately pocket $8000.

And, while many seek to claim the Octoberfast victory, none may want it more than Eric Beers. In each of the three previous shows he finished third and in the last two led late into the event. Beers, who finished third in points and had a division high five feature wins, is tied with Hirschman for most Mahoning extra distance wins at 11. He’d like nothing better than to take sole possession of that mark by the time the checkers wave.

Kris Graver, Don Wagner, Chip Santee, Kyle Strohl, Kevin Rex Jr., John Markovic and Eric Kocher will be part of the host of other track combatants on hand.

As always the “outsiders” will be coming. Watch for New York standouts the Zacharias brothers, Jimmy and TJ. New Jersey’s Roger Coss has committed to the race as well. Matter of fact many of the New Jersey drivers have made it a point to enter and try to take the money back to the Garden State. Anthony Sesely, who had a top five here last year, is in.

The track has also received calls from a number of drivers from the Sunoco RoC Asphalt Tour and as far away as Connecticut.

The action doesn’t stop there either as Late Models and Street Stocks round off the program.

Paul Koehler Jr., has just won his track leading fourth division championship and will be one of the top cars to beat in 60-lap Late Model main. However, points runner-up Mike Sweeney, who has had a career season, winning nine times and has been the man to beat over the second half of the season, will be focused on taking his win total to double digits.

Zach Graver beat Randy Schlenker by one position on the final point race a week ago and earned this year’s Street Stock title. Graver will lead the always strong field of Street Stockers that are considered one of the best support classes in the country. This year saw an amazing 18 different winners in 23 races.

Saturday’s Street Stock feature will be contested over 75 laps. It is also race number five of the American Rental Street Stock Gamblers Series.

Pit gates for Octoberfast 2015 open at 11:00 a.m. Any teams that wish to run an early practice can do so from noon to 2:00 pm. Early paid practice is $25 per car.

Regular warm-ups will take place from 2:15 – 3:15. Heats begin at 4:00. All drivers will draw for heat starting spots. There will be a re-draw for feature starting positions.

Pit admission is $40. Modified registration fee is $75. Late Model and Street Stock registration fee is $40.

Grandstands open at 2:00. Admission is $25. Kids 10 and under are free. There are no discounts.

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(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 10-4-15) You couldn’t have asked for a better way to finish out the Modified point season at Mahoning Valley Speedway. There were five drivers that all had a shot at the title. They had 100 laps to play it out and over the final circuits there would be four of them gunning for the win.

In the end Austin Kochenash, who came into the day second in points, did all that he could by winning the main, his first at that distance, however, when the final tally of points where added, his title attempt fell just short to Earl Paules, thanks to his fifth place run.In between them title hopefuls Kris Graver and Eric Beers tried as well for the victory as did Bobby Jones, but truth be told Kochenash showed that once he took the lead he was going to be tough to beat.The race was the and 2nd Annual Bob “Heavy” Scherer Memorial, named in honor the former driver and later championship crew chief to Beers. He passed away last year after a courageous bout with cancer.“It was a good run and we finished the year out strong. We didn’t win as many races as we’d have liked but this was great to win one of these 100-lappers. Heavy always made the time to come over and talk with me so to win this race in his name is very special,” said Kochenash after notching his third triumph of the season.“The car was decent but not great. I was able to manage my tires early and when I got to the front it was good enough to win.”;Kochenash started 11th and would play a waiting game over the first half of the event. During that time Eric Kocher led and was steadfast while holding off Kevin Rex Jr., and Kyle Strohl.Still bidding his, Kochenash made his way into the top five on lap 27 and was patiently waiting for the right moment to start picking off the next four cars ahead of him. He would get a little help in the form of cautions that allowed him to move ahead and the best of those situations came on lap 52 when second running Rex Jr., got spun after a dust-up with Strohl.On the ensuing restart Kochenash was now second and with that the waiting was soon over. One lap back to green and he was out front. On his tail though was Jones and not long after came Beers. “I let those guys play it out ahead of me early on and then once the outside opened up I was able to pass quite a few cars there,” said Kochenash.Paules in the meantime was having his own issues and had made several pit stops before settling in past the lap sixty mark. He was, at one point, far enough behind that would have given the title away.At the front Kochenash was in charge but by no means running away with from the pack. Jones and Beers battled for second while staying right with him.The final 25 laps had all kinds of intensity as the race for the win and the title was up for grabs. Beers, who had no choice but to go for the win in order to stake his claim for the crown, picked up second on lap 70 and was going all out to pass Kochenash. Nothing doing as Kochenash wasn’t letting this one slip away.Despite the blitz from Beers, then Jones and finally Graver with five laps to go, Kochenash held his ground and earned the $3500 paycheck, which was increased even more thanks to lap bonus money.Paules finally got his car dialed in as the laps wound down and was fifth at the finish, good enough to earn his second Mahoning Modified championship.“It was a clean race and up until about two (laps) to go just I ran fast enough to keep the car on the bottom. With them on the outside of me I knew where they were and with two to go I just stepped it up. The car ran well and I know it will be good for the (Octoberfast) 150,” said Kochenash.

In the Late Models Mike Sweeney for the second time in as many weeks and ninth on the season would win the battle but it would be Paul Koehler Jr., who would win the war and title.Sweeney, who was the only driver that could surpass Koehler, had to go for broke by taking the victory and hope that the standings leader was far enough behind in the process.On a lap 10 restart he grabbed take the lead over Jacob Kerstetter. Sweeney then had some close racing with Travis Fisher but wouldn’t stick around long enough to let that tussle or anything else get in his way.The task at hand was to win and he did just that, taking a two-car length advantage at the checkers. Jeremy Miller and Fisher had a great duel for second.Sweeney’s hope for a bad run by Koehler never happened as he was fourth and became the first driver to win four Late Model championships.

Outgoing Street Stock champ TJ Gursky ended weeks of frustration by picking up his second win of the season over Stacey Brown.While Gursky was on his way to winning there was and concentrated fight being waged for the class title. Zach Graver, by just one spot over Randy Schlenker, was crowned the titlist.

JP Curry authored an impressive performance in claiming his second Dirt Mod win of the season. Curry led every lap and was never challenged at all.

The Pro 4 win went to Bobby Kibler Jr., for a fifth time but it wasn’t enough for his bid at the title as Cody Kohler’s fourth place effort garnered him the top ranking.

Rookie Kyle Krempasky capped off a super season by scoring his fifth feature win with the Hobby Stocks. Cody Geist, who was runner up, received the big prize, that of champion driver.

Modified Feature Finish (100 Laps): 1. Austin Kochenash, 2. Kris Graver, 3. Bobby Jones, 4. Eric Beers, 5. Earl Paules, 6. Kyle Strohl, 7. Roger Coss, 8. Terry Markovic,9. Lou Strohl, 10. Eric Kocher, 11. Todd Bear, 12. Chip Santee, 13. JP Curry, 14. John Markovic, 15. Mike Quinn, 16. Calvin Carroll, 17. Kevin Rex Jr., 18. Don Wagner

Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps):  1. Mike Sweeney, 2. Jeremy Fisher, 3. Travis Fisher, 4. Paul Kohler Jr., 5. George Ramos, 6. Troy Bollinger, 7. Barry Kutz, 8. Don Wagner, 9. Kenny Hein, 10. Troy Hilliard, 11. Broc Brown, 12. Jacob Kerstetter

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. TJ Gursky, 2. Stacey Brown, 3. Jason Kuhn, 4. Aaron Kromer,   5.  Kristy Arthofer, 6. Jon Tracey, 7. Zach Graver, 8. Randy Schlenker, 9. Randy Ahner Jr, 10. Jared Ahner, 11. Jamie Smith, 12. Jason Frey, 13. John Bennett, 14. Todd Ahner, 15. Gene Bowers, 16. Corey Edelman, 17. Jillian Long, 18. Kevin Kromer, 19. Chris Steigerwalt, 20. Joe Mooney

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. JP Curry, 2. Jack Ely, 3. Aleia Geisler, 4. Lorin Arthofer II, 5. Ricky Yetter, 6. Mike Stofflet, 7. Billy Lasko, 8. Dave Gorbatuk, 9. Scott Adams

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Bobby Kibler Sr., 2. Jake Kibler, 3. JD Light, 4. Cody Kohler, 5. Kailyn Beers, 6. Johnny Bennett, 7. Josh Scherer DQ: Bobby Kibler Jr.

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Kyle Krempasky, 2. Cody Geist, 3. Rich Mutarelli, 4. Seth VanFossen, 5. Ken Reeder, 6. Shayne Geist, 7. Ron Heeter, 8. Lyndsay Buss, 9. Waylon Speer, 10. Bob Azarowitz, 11. Nicole Quinter, 12. Michael Wambold, 13. Austin Beers

 

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Due to rain, Saturday, October 3 racing at Mahoning Valley Speedway postponed until Sunday, October 4 at 3:00 pm

Due to the forecast of rain throughout the day on Saturday, October 3, Mahoning Valley Speedway is postponing the scheduled race event and proceeding with their planned rain date of Sunday, October 4.

Sunday’s racing will start at 3:00 pm with heats, then features.

Pit gates will open at 11:00 am. Warmups will begin shortly after 12:30. Grandstand gates open at 1:00.

Drivers please note that sign-in will take place from noon to 1:15.

Sunday’s racing is the finale for points. The highlight will be the 2nd Annual Bob “Heavy” Scherer Memorial 100 for Modifieds which pays $3500 to win and is race number five of the Central States Modified Gamblers Series.

Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks will run regular distance features.

Adult grandstand admission is $20. $2.00 off for students, seniors 65 + and active military. Must have ID. Children 10 and under are free.

Pits are $30 for members and $40 for non-members. There is a $50 entry fee to all Modified teams.

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Eric Beers scores second straight Mahoning Modified win; Mike Sweeney extends win total to eight with Late Models; Ricky Yetter claims Dirt Mod title
 
(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 9-26-15) Eric Beers turned in a very impressive drive, coming from 12th to first in just 11 laps and then continued on to a dominating 3-second margin of victory. It was his second consecutive win and fifth of the season.Beers may have had no one in sight of him, however, being in the thick of a very tight point battle and with just one race to go, he had his own concern and quickly turned to see who had parked behind him while in Victory Lane. Once seeing it was point leader Earl Paules, he knew the win was good but realized he still had his work cut out for him for a shot at another title.“He’s (Paules) is still ahead of me and there’s more pressure on him then me. We’re going to go after him as good as we can,” said Beers, who sits third in the standings behind Paules and Austin Kochenash.
When the race got underway Chip Santee picked up the opening lap lead. Only one lap was scored before the yellow was waving for an incident that involved title hopeful Don Wagner and Brian DeFebo. Wagner got hit from behind and then slammed into DeFebo in turn four. Also collected was Calvin Carroll. Wagner was double-towed back to the pits and returned without losing a lap, thanks to a lengthy clean up. He then soldiered on to a 13th place tally.That would be turn out to be the only caution of the race. Santee still led once the action resumed but Beers was clearly on a mission. On the restart he was in 11th but began picking off cars in quick order. By lap four he was in the top five. Three laps later he was running second and swiftly zeroed in on Santee.After a few circuits of hugging Santee’s rear bumper, Beers then took the low line in turn three and executed his race winning pass by the completion of lap 11. From there on he was in a race of his own as the Freightliner No. 45 was one-sided to his counterparts.“Once we get a nice rhythm going it’s a fun car to drive. It was good not to see a caution. All the lanes opened up tonight and we showed ‘em what we had,” said Beers.“We worked really hard the last few weeks to get the car better and better and it’s getting close. We have a little bit more tweaking to do and it will be right where we want it. Hats off to my crew who put a great car under me tonight.”;It was the 45th career Mahoning win for Beers and the 20th time he was able to give his car owners Dave and Laura DeLange and feature victory.“They’re the greatest car owners I’ve ever driven for. They’re great people and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to race for them,” said Beers.Paules was able to take second spot after a close battle between himself, Santee and Kyle Strohl. On lap 22 the trio went three wide that almost became disastrous for all. Santee and Paules had been running side-by-side with Strohl right behind. The inside lane had slightly opened and Strohl took the chance to move in. As he did he bumped into Santee who then did the same to Paules. Amazingly all three kept pointed in the right direction, although Santee would fall off the pace. Paules took second spot from that point while Strohl raced home third.“Eric (Beers) was just making holes and we were trying to go with him. When you’re point racing it’s only five points from first to second so he gained only five points tonight and I’m not really worried. I just have to keep those guys in front of me and hopefully it will all take care of itself,” said Paules, who is 25 points to the good heading into the finale.

Mike Sweeney made sure the Late Model championship fight will be decided at the season point finale as he captured his class leading eighth win of the year and will face off against Paul Koehler Jr. for the crown.Sweeney took control of the lead with an outside pass on Kenny Hein with 12 complete and then sailed smoothly ahead the rest of the way. Koehler was able to secure second with four laps to go but had nothing for Sweeney. Hein had his best night of the year, running in the lead early on and maintained second until the final circuits.

Jamie Smith began and finished the Street Stock feature in first place. Smith was able to lead all 30 laps for his first win of the season and also becomes the 19th different race winner of the year. Jonathan Tracey was on Smith’s tail over the final laps and took second with Joe Mooney third.

In the Dirt Mods it was Aleia Geisler taking her second win of the season. Geisler started second but was leading by the end of lap one. Afterwards there was no stopping the talented lady racer as she was way too powerful to catch. Runner up Jack Ely did make a late race try but Geisler was not to be denied.By virtue of his heat win, Ricky Yetter was able to clinch the 2015 championship despite one more race to go.

For the first time in nearly 10 years Josh Scherer has returned to Victory Lane, taking the top spot in the 20-lap Pro 4 main. Scherer led from lap two and was able to hold off Bobby Kibler Jr., by a slim margin.

Shayne Geist scored his fifth Hobby Stock win of the season, keeping his brother, Cody Geist at bay by a half car length. For Cody it wasn’t a total loss as he heads in the next week’s finale tops in points and in a solid position to win the class championship.

Larry Fisher made his first Mahoning start in over 10 years a good one as he cruised to victory in the Small Car Enduro.

Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Eric Beers, 2. Earl Paules, 3. Kyle Strohl, 4. Kris Graver, 5. Roger Heffelfinger Jr., 6. Austin Kochenash, 7. John Markovic, 8. Lou Strohl, 9. Kevin Rex Jr., 10. Todd Baer, 11. Terry Markovic, 12. Eric Kocher, 13. Don Wagner, 14. Matt Higgins, 15. Chip Santee, 16. Tony Zatsko, 17. Broc Brown, 18. Brian DeFebo, 19. Don Wagner, 20. Calvin Carroll

Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Mike Sweeney, 2. Paul Koehler Jr., 3. Kenny Hein, 4. Jeremy Miller, 5. George Ramos, 6. Barry Kutz, 7. Broc Brown, 8. Jacob Kerstetter, 9. Travis Fisher, 10. Darryl Bruenig, 11. Troy Bollinger, 12. Don Wagner, 13. Geno Steigerwalt DNS: Greg Steigerwalt

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Jamie Smith, 2. Jonathan Tracey, 3. Joe Mooney, 4. Kristy Arthofer, 5. Joe Stangle, 6. Randy Schlenker, 7. Aaron Kromer, 8. Zach Graver, 9. TJ Gursky, 10. Todd Ahner, 11. Jared Ahner, 12. Gene Bowers, 13. Jason Frey, 14. Randy Ahner Jr., 15. Brian Labar, 16. Jillian Long, 17. Stacey Brown, 18. Jason Kuhn, 19. Chris Steigerwalt. 20. Josh Mooney DNQ: Mark Martini, Corey Edelman, Logan Boyer, George Ramos, Jeremy Scheckler

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Aleia Geisler, 2. Jack Ely, 3. Mike Stofflet, 4. Lorin Arthofer II, 5. Scott Adams, 6. Ricky Yetter, 7. John Banashefski, 8. Dave Gorbatuk, 9. Bill Sittler Jr., 10. Billy Lasko, 11. JP Curry, 12. Scott Hyland

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Josh Scherer, 2. Bobby Kibler Sr., 3. JD Light, 4. Jake Kibler, 5. Bobby Kibler Jr., 6. Johnny Bennett, 7. TJ Kemmerer, 8. Eric Danyluk, 9. Kailyn Beers, 10. Cody Kohler, 11. Nick Baer

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Shayne Geist, 2. Cody Geist, 3. Michael Wambold, 4. Ken Reeder, 5. Rich Mutarelli, 6. Kyle Krempasky, 7. Thomas Hunsicker Jr., 8. Jeff Biegley, 9. Lyndsay Buss, 10. Steve Tito, 11. Waylon Speer, 12. Nicole Quinter, 13. Seth VanFossen, 14. Ryan Berger, 15. Bob Azarowitz, 16. Ron Heeter, 17. Kyle Scisco, 18. Devon Schmidt DNS: Tom Cavagnino


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Eric Beers ekes out narrow Mahoning Modified win over Austin Kochenash; Paul Koehler just barely win in Late Models against Mike Sweeney
 
(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 9-19-15) Saturday night’s Modified event at Mahoning Valley Speedway was the tail of two races.

While Eric Beers fended off Austin Kochenash in a thrilling contest, the two also put forth their quest as title hopefuls. Both are part of an amazing showdown of the top five in points heading into the final two weeks of the season and after last night’s race there is just 30 points that separate those championship contenders which include Earl Paules, Kochenash, Don Wagner, Beers and Kris Graver.

At the outset of the 35 lap feature pole sitter Kevin Rex Jr., commanded the early lead with Beers riding in second. Wasting little time, Beers went to the outside of Rex and began his push to the lead and with the completion of the seventh circuit that spot was his.Afterwards, thanks to a stretch of green flag laps, Beers was able to open a considerable lead on the rest of the pack as Rex, Chip Santee and ninth starting Kochenash hovered several car lengths behind. However, the game changer occurred on lap 22 when the caution waved and put an end to that ample lead.By that point too, Kochenash had worked his way up to second and for the restart fans could sense where this race was heading. Clearly the two fastest cars of the night where about to face-off for the remaining laps and did they ever. One more additional caution took place on lap 25 but afterwards the battle was on.
Beers felt his best line of defense would be to hug the inside lane. Kochenash, however, was showing that he was just as fast and capable to do his bidding from the outside. With that they proceeded to put on a dazzling display of side-by-side high speed action.Kochenash would remain right alongside Beers and no more than a fender away from taking the lead. They would continue race in that fashion right to the wire with the win being determined by less than a 10th of a second.
“Austin (Kochenash) is so good on the bottom and I just wanted to keep him on the outside until the end. I knew my car was good enough to beat him on the bottom and I didn’t want him to try and get underneath me,” said Beers, who raced to his 44th Mahoning Modified win.“It was definitely a good race and we’ll be looking to do this again for the next two weeks. I also want to dedicate this win to Jennifer Kutz Flannigan. I’ve known her and her family for a very long time and our hearts our out to them.”;Graver picked up third spot on the final lap over Rex while Brian DeFebo completed the top five.Although Kochenash was oh-so-close to winning, he gained substantial ground on point leader Paules and is only four behind.
“I needed more race track to be able to get a run on Eric (Beers). He protected both the bottom and the outside and that’s what you have to do sometimes to win,” stated Kochenash.“I was up against the wall but that’s racing for the win. It was a good race for the fans I’m sure. We ran hard tonight and we’re going to try and win the next two and whatever happens, happens.”

In what has become somewhat of a common sight this year with the Late Models, Paul Koehler Jr., and Mike Sweeney raced for the win and in another fantastic battle.
After Koehler took the lead from Jacob Kerstetter on lap seven, he soon had Sweeney on his tail and the top two point men would then thrill the fans as they sparred with each other en route to the finish.Koehler would hold the lead but never by much as Sweeney tried everything in an attempt to pass him. On the final lap it was all or nothing for Sweeney. He drove his way to the inside of Koehler and where running virtually even as the exited turn four. Koehler, though, showed he wanted more and eked out the victory by the blink of an eye.

Bernie Uphold was running perfectly in first place during the Street Stock main but abruptly fell off the pace on lap 20. The lead then went to Corey Edelman and the rookie star was strong the rest of the way as notched his second win of the year.
The Dirt Mods opened the night with their make-up feature from July 18 and soundly scoring the win was point leader Ricky Yetter over Jack Ely. Yetter took the lead on lap nine and cruised in front the rest of the way. The victory was also one for the record books as Yetter became the first driver to win four consecutive Dirt Mod features.

In the regular feature it was Mike Stofflet gracing Victory Lane for a second time this season. Stofflet did not take the lead until five laps to go as he worked his tail off trying to get by Bill Sittler Jr., who was having a sensational night and came as close as ever to his career first win. 

In the Pro 4s it was Jake Kibler taking his fourth win of the season. After some great two-wide racing for the lead, Kibler was able to slip underneath Cody Kohler with four laps to go. He then drove on to the win, his 23rd career verdict.

Michael Wambold celebrated his 15th birthday in style by winning his career first feature. The son of the legendary George Wambold, Michael shot into the lead on the opening circuit and then stayed at the front the rest of the way. Rich Mutarelli gave him an excellent run and nearly pulled off a pass as the checkers where waving but Wambold held his ground and scored the memorable victory.
 
Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Eric Beers, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Kris Graver, 4. Kevin Rex Jr., 5. Brian DeFebo, 6. Chip Santee, 7. Don Wagner, 8. Kyle Strohl, 9. Earl Paules, 10. Calvin Carroll, 11. Todd Baer, 12. John Markovic, 13. Bobby Jones, 14. Roger Heffelfinger Jr., 15. Nick Baer, 16. Matt Higgins, 17. Tom Wanick III, 18. Lou Stroh, 19. Eric Kocher, 20. Terry Markovic

Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Paul Koehler Jr., 2. Mike Sweeney, 3. Troy Bollinger, 4. Don Wagner, 5. George Ramos, 6. Barry Kutz, 7. Jeremy Miller, 8. Kenny Hein, 9. Jacob Kerstetter, 10. Tony Hilliard, 11. Travis Fisher, 12. Darryl Bruenig, 13. Broc Brown, 14. Dave Imler

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Corey Edelman, 2. Aaron Kromer, 3. Randy Schlenker, 4. Randy Ahner Jr., 5. Jason Kuhn, 6. Jason Frey, 7. Zach Graver, 8. Jillian Long, 9. Joe Mooney, 10. Gene Bowers, 11. TJ Gursky, 12. Jared Ahner, 13. Todd Ahner, 14. George Ramos, 15. Jamie Smith, 16. Kristy Arthofer, 17. Logan Boyer, 18. Stacey Brown, 19. Jonathan Tracey, 20. Bernie Uphold DNQ: Josh Mooney, Joe Stangle, Chris Steigerwalt

Make-up 7/18 Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Ricky Yetter, 2. Jack Ely, 3. JP Curry, 4. Dave Gorbatuk, 5. Ray Deemer, 6. Lorin Arthofer II, 7. Scott Adams, 8. Aleia Geisler, 9. Mike Stofflet, 10. Bill Sittler Jr., 11.Billy Lasko DNS: Steve Shultz

Regular Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Stofflet, 2. Adams, 3. Deemer, 4. Sittler, 5. Arthofer II, 6. Gorbatuk, 7. Ely, 8. Yetter, 9. Curry, 10. Lasko, 11. Scott Hyland, 12. Geisler DNS: John Banashefski

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Cody Kohler, 3. Josh Scherer, 4. Bobby Kibler Jr., 5. Bobby Kibler Sr., 6. Johnny Bennett, 7. JD Light, 8. Kailyn Beers, 9. TJ Kemmerer, 10. Nick Baer

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Michael Wambold, 2. Rich Mutarelli, 3. Lyndsay Buss, 4. Cody Geist, 5. Kyle Krempasky, 6. Shayne Geist, 7. Kyle Scisco, 8. Ken Reeder, 9. Ryan Berger, 10. Seth VanFossen, 11. Thomas Hunsicker Jr., 12. Jennifer Adams, 13. Nicole Quinter, 14. Waylon Speer

 




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Bobby Gerhart Jr., to make Mahoning Valley Speedway appearance during September 19 race program

Mahoning Valley Speedway is excited to announce that popular ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards star Bobby Gerhart Jr., will be stopping by Mahoning Valley Speedway this coming Saturday night, September 19, to meet and greet fans as well as take laps around the paved ¼-mile oval during intermission.

Gerhart, who hails from Lebanon, will be displaying his famous Lucas Oil/MAV TV No. 5 Chevy and will also bringing along his ARCA short track car to run laps with. He’ll be signing autographs for all fans on hand.

Gerhart, has deep racing roots in eastern Pennsylvania as a dirt Modified standout on the former Tri-track Series of Big Diamond, Grandview and Penn National. In the mid-1980s he turned his focus to asphalt and the ARCA Series, making his first start on pavement in 1988 at Pocono Raceway. Since then he has become a mainstay with the renowned stock series. He has raced to a record 8 Daytona ARCA 200 victories. He has also won at Talladega. At Pocono, no one has started more races on the 2.5-mile track than Gerhart which entails 67 overall, 53 in ARCA and 14 in NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Saturday’s race card will include all six regular track classes of Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks. Also, the rain-postponed Dirt Mod feature from July 18 will take place. Kids Big Wheel races will hit the track at intermission following Gerhart’s hot laps.

Adult general admission is $12. $2.00 off for students, seniors 65 + and active military. Must have ID. Children 10 and under are free. Grandstand gates open at 4:00 pm.
Pit gates open at noon. Early paid practice runs from12:30 to 3:00. Regular practice gets underway from 4:30 – 5:30. Racing starts at 6:00 pm.

The final day of points for all classes is on Saturday, October 3, which is highlighted by the Bob “Heavy” Scherer Memorial 100 for Modifieds that pays $3500 to win and is also the fifth race of the Central States Modified Gamblers Series. Rain date for this event is Sunday, October 4.
Octoberfast 2015 will be held on Saturday, October 17. The final program of the season will be October 24. Information on those two events will be announced soon.
A reminder to all that the 2015 Awards Banquet will be on Saturday, November 21 at the Northampton Community Center in Northampton.


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Kris Graver wins 4th in Mahoning Modifieds; Mike Sweeney picks up 7th victory in Late Models

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 9-5-15) Kris Graver raced to his class leading fourth Modified win of the season Saturday evening at Mahoning Valley Speedway. And, with just four point races remaining it also keeps the reigning champion in the thick of a very tight championship hunt. But for Graver, another title has not been the main emphasis, rather it’s all about the wins.“When I’m able to get up front and show what my car can do obviously I can win or get a good finish,” said Graver.Over the past two months he has done just that, victorious three times since July while notching seven top five and nine top tens over the last 10 races. “It’s what I come here for. I want to get the wins and good finishes so we can keep on coming back. Those guys that are ahead of us worried about points, you see where that’s getting them. I come here for the win.”; Graver’s campaign to the front began from the ninth starting spot. It would be mid-race that he eventually take the lead and once in front the No. 01 was unhampered.Pole sitter Kevin Rex Jr., set the early pace and maintain the spot for the first 17 laps. Throughout that time he was under intense pressure from a very strong running Eric Kocher.Graver, through the help of a few cautions over the first six laps, was able to maneuver into the top five and by lap eight he was battling in a torrid three car fight for the lead.There was little if no room for error as the front trio put on a sensational crowd pleasing race. Rex was having one of his better races of the year and likewise with Kocher as both where hungry for a win. But Graver was too and with the low line starting to open up as Rex’s car began to get tight, he would take advantage and slip to the bottom by lap 15. More side-by-side racing with take place before the winning pass would occur at the start of lap 19.“He (Rex) really has that car running good and it was a lot of work to try and get around him,” said Graver.Afterwards, Graver was able to make it a race for second as he comfortably pulled away from the pack and on to victory.Kocher would hold on for his best effort to date while Earl Paules came home third and with that moved back into the top spot in points. Kyle Strohl had another solid performance and was fourth while Rex rounded out the five.
It was not a good night for several of the title hopefuls. On a lap five restart Don Wagner, who came into the night as the point leader, got his front end damaged in a turn two melee and spent countless laps in the pits for repairs. For the second time in as many weeks Eric Beers had a poor finish. He had stopped to avoid that same incident but in the process suffered race ending damage and was relegated to a 19th place finish. Austin Kochenash was very quick but unfortunately was twice sent to the rear for involvement in separate incidents.

By winning for a seventh time in the Late Models, Mike Sweeney continues to enjoy one of the best seasons of his career. However, before getting the lead Sweeney was deeply engrossed in a three way battle with early leader George Ramos and Jeremy Miller as they all ran raced within inches of each other.But when lap nine came around Sweeney had shaken free from the riveting clash and was unstoppable from there on, going on to win in a caution free race that lasted just 4:36 over the 25-lap distance.While Sweeney may have recorded another victory, his championship rival Paul Koehler Jr., took his fourth consecutive runner-up and remains number one in points with four weeks of racing to go.

The Street Stocks had three feature events as the annual Mike Krempasky Triple 19s took place. The always exciting 19 lap runs saw Jillian Long, Stacey Brown and Todd Ahner score the wins while Jason Frey was awarded as the overall champion for having the best average finishing position for all three races.

Dirt Modified point leader Ricky Yetter is beginning to seal his quest for the division crown as he won for a third consecutive week thanks to a dominating performance.
Yetter, who almost missed the feature after he crashed in his heat, thrashed afterwards in order to make the starting grid for the main. Not only did he do so but was on a mission of speed, blasting through the pack and getting by Jack Ely on a lap 14 restart. He then pulled away to a commanding half-track margin of victory, his fifth of 2015.

Nick Bear was handed over the lead in the Pro 4 main after race long leader Josh Scherer bowed out under a caution with two laps to go. Baer then went on to his third victory of the season.

Hobby Stock rookie Kyle Krempasky continues to impress and turn heads as the young talent scored his fourth win. Rich Mutarelli was second but was no match for Krempasky by the time the checkers waved.
 
Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Kris Graver, 2. Eric Kocher, 3. Earl Paules, 4. Kyle Strohl,  5. Kevin Rex, 6. Lou Strohl ,7. Brian DeFebo, 8. Austin Kochenash, 9. John Markovic, 10. Mike Quinn, 11. Chip Santee, 12.Nick Bear, 13. Terry Markovic, 14. Gene Bowers, 15. Tom Wanick, 16. Del Morgan, 17. Don Wagner, 18. Roger Heffelfinger, 19. Eric Beers, 20. Joe Mooney DNQ: Todd Baer, Brian Romig Sr.

Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Mike Sweeney, 2. Paul Koehler Jr., 3. Jeremy Miller, 4. George Ramos, 5. Travis Fisher, 6. Darryl Bruenig, 7. Kenny Hein, 8. Eric Nemeth, 9. Jacob Kerstetter, 10. Broc Brown, 11. Dave Imler

1st Street Stock Feature Finish (19 Laps): 1. Jillian Long, 2. Jonathan Tracey, 3. Jared Ahner, 4. Randy Ahner Jr., 5. Randy Schlenker, 6. Jason Frey, 7. Brian Labar, 8. Stacey Brown, 9. Gene Bowers, 10. Corey Edelman, 11. Zach Graver, 12. TJ Gursky, 13. Kristy Arthofer, 14. Todd Ahner, 15. George Ramos, 16. Logan Boyer, 17. Josh Mooney, 18. Aaron Kromer, 19. Joe Stangle, 20. Jason Kuhn DNQ: Bernie Uphold, Jamie Smith, Joe Mooney, Chris Steigerwalt

2nd Street Stock Feature Finish (19 Laps): 1. Brown, 2. Frey, 3. Randy Ahner Jr., 4. Schlenker, 5. Tracey, 6. Bowers, 7. Long, 8. Graver, 9. Jared Ahner, 10. Labar, 11. Edelman, 12. Arthofer, 13. Ramos, 14. Todd Ahner, 15. Josh Mooney, 16. Kromer, 17. Kuhn, 18. Stangle, 19. Gursky, 20. Boyer

3rd Street Stock Feature Finish (19 Laps): 1. Todd Ahner, 2. Labar, 3. Zach Graver, 4. Bowers, 5. Frey, 6. Arthofer, 7. Long, 8. Jared Ahner, 9. Edelman, 10. Randy Ahner Jr., 11. Josh Mooney, 12. Brown, 13. Tracey, 14. Kromer, 15. Kuhn, 16. Gursky, 17. Schlenker, 18. Boyer, 19. Stangle, 20. Ramos

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Ricky Yetter, 2. Jack Ely, 3. Lorin Arthofer II, 4. Mike Stofflet, 5. Aleia Geisler, 6. Scott Adams, 7. Billy Lasko, 8. Dave Gorbatuk, 9. John Banashefski, 10. Bill Sittler Jr., 11. Ray Deemer

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Nick Baer, 2. Bobby Kibler Jr., 3. Johnny Bennett, 4. JD Light, 5. TJ Kemmerer, 6. Bob Kibler Sr., 7. Jake Kibler, 8. Kailyn Beers, 9. Cody Kohler, 10. Josh Scherer

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Kyle Krempasky, 2. Rich Mutarelli, 3. Sam Ryan, 4. Shayne Geist, 5. Cody Geist, 6. Daniel Hargan, 7. Lyndsay Buss, 8. Ryan Berger, 9. Michael Wambold, 10. Seth VanFossen, 11. Ken Reeder, 12. Devon Schmidt, 13. Jennifer Adams DNS: Arland Moyer Jr.

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Zane Zeiner comes from 14th to 1st for Mahoning Modified win; Jeremy Miller holds on in wild 3-wide Late Model finish

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 8-29-15) For the second time in as many weeks Bath’s Zane Zeiner was part of Mahoning Valley Speedway’s Victory Lane. On the previous Saturday night Chip Santee was victorious thanks in part to a set-up by Zeiner. This time around it would be himself enjoying the laurels as he drove his Atlantic Sprinkler No. 76 to a decisive victory in the 35-lap contest.Coming from 14th on the grid, Zeiner made an inside pass on Lou Strohl with nine laps to go then pulled away to two second margin of victory over Don Wagner and Strohl.“We actually struggled earlier in the night. We had motor issues in practice. We got that straightened out in the heat race but the car still wasn’t right. I have to give a big thanks to (crew chief) Barry Kuhnel who made the right call and here we are in Victory Lane,” said Zeiner. For Zeiner it was a good month at Mahoning as he opened and closed with wins, scoring a verdict during the August 1 Twin 50’s. When the race got underway Kevin Rex Jr., would take the early lead but Strohl made good use of a lap three restart to overtake him. Following in line was John Markovic who would then run alongside Rex. Zeiner in the meantime was making haste in going frontward. Thanks to a caution on lap two that saw several cars ahead of him scatter about he was able to pick up five spots. For a brief time thereafter he was settled in a tight pack but his headway would soon continue as the outside lane would allow him the opportunity to reach the lead runners.  Up front the battle remained fierce as lap after lap Strohl was holding onto a slim lead. Markovic took sole possession of second by lap 12 while Wagner emerged to third and by lap16 Zeiner was also in on the action.  Zeiner would need one lap to get by Wagner and the emphasis was now on the top pair. Markovic was not backing down, however, as he ran a solid race and made Zeiner work his tail off. A caution on lap 22 brought a halt to the action and on that restart Zeiner was finally able to unseat Markovic. It was now just Strohl that stood between him and victory.
While most of his advancement came from the outside, Zeiner tried to take that same course with Strohl but to no avail. With that in mind he then made the switch to the inside and powered past him ii turn three with nine laps to go. Once in front he was smooth and steady en route to the $1800 win.
“What a performance tonight. Everyone knows I love running the bottom here but for a while the outside was the lane of choice,” said Zeiner.
“I saw him (Strohl) getting tight and our car was getting tight too and I knew I would have to get him as soon as possible. I went underneath him and that was it. It was hard racing with Louie.”; While Zeiner was cruising to the win, Wagner was coming on in a rush and on the last lap went to the outside of Strohl, taking second spot at the line. That swift maneuver also put him back into the point lead with five regular shows to go.
“What a good fast bunch of cars this year. Congratulations to Zane (Zeiner), he only comes up here once in a while but he always brings his A-game,” said Wagner.

“It looks like it’s going to be right down to the end with the top four who are knocking on the door of the championship and we all want it.”;
Jeremy Miller won his second Late Model feature that came in a 3-wide battle to the finish between he, Paul Koehler Jr., and Mike Sweeney.With 10 laps to go Miller and Koehler began to swap the lead while Sweeney fought back from a pit stop and entered into the fray.Over the final five laps it was an amazing battle with the trio. Miller had the edge while Sweeney was attacking low and Koehler did the same from the outside. On the final go-around Koehler pulled nearly even with Miller while Sweeney was still coming on from the bottom. With the checkers waving it was Miller by a scant .031-second margin of victory.

In a nonstop time of 6:06, Corey Edelman raced to his career first Street Stock victory. The two-time champion of the Hobby Stocks and now rookie with this class, was able to slip to the inside of early leader Joe Mooney and then stayed solid the rest of the way.Point leader Zach Graver made up a handful of spots over the waning laps and took second with Jared Ahner third.

Dave Gorbatuk was within reach of his first ever Dirt Mod win, leading with two laps to go. However, on his tail was point leader Ricky Yetter who was able to use the outside line and rocket past for the win on the final lap.

The Pro 4 feature saw the lead change hands three times in the final four laps including the white flag circuit when Jake Kibler rebounded around Bobby Kibler Jr., for his third win of 2015.

In the make-up Hobby Stock main from July 18, Kyle Krempasky passed Lyndsay Buss with four laps to go and then went on to win his third feature of the season.

Rich Mutarelli returned for the regular show and picked up his second straight and fourth win of the year after motoring around Cody Geist with three laps to go.

Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Zane Zeiner, 2. Don Wagner, 3. Lou Strohl, 4. Kyle Strohl, 5. John Markovic, 6. Bobby Jones, 7.Austin Kochenash, 8. Kristopher Graver, 9.Mike Quinn, 10. Earl Paules, 11. Eric Kocher, 12. Chip Santee, 13. Brian DeFebo, 14. Rick Reichenbach, 15. Kevin Rex Jr., 16. Brian Romig Jr., 17. Matt Higgins, 18. Terry Markovic, 19. Lee Sharpsteen, 20. Eric Beers

Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Jeremy Miller, 2. Paul Koehler Jr., 3. Mike Sweeney, 4. Pat Hargan, 5. Darryl Bruenig, 6. Troy Bollinger, 7. Barry Kutz, 8. Kenny Hein, 9. Jacob Kerstetter, 10. Broc Brown, 11. Scott Kotran, 12. George Ramos, 13. Frankie Althouse, 14. Josh Oswald

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1.  Corey Edelman, 2. Zach Graver, 3. Jared Ahner, 4. Aaron Kromer, 5. Stacey Brown, 6. Randy Schlenker, 7. Todd Ahner, 8. Gene Bowers, 9. TJ Gursky, 10. Randy Ahner Jr., 11. Jillian Long, 12. Jonathan Tracey, 13. Brian Labar, 14. Joe Mooney, 15. Jason Kuhn, 16. Bernie Uphold, 17. Kristy Arthofer, 18. Jason Frey, 19. Josh Mooney, 20. Jamie Smith DNQ: George Ramos, Logan Boyer, Joe Stangle

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Ricky Yetter, 2. Dave Gorbatuk, 3. Jack Ely, 4. Billy Lasko, 5. Lorin Arthofer II, 6. Ray Deemer, 7. Aleia Geisler, 8. Scott Adams, 9. Bill Sittler Jr., 10. Scott Hyland, 11. Steve Shultz 12. Mike Stofflet

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Bobby Kibler Jr., 3. Nick Baer, 4. Cody Kohler, 5. Kevin Hoffman, 6. Bobby Kibler Sr., 7. Josh Scherer, 8. Kailyn Beers, 9. Johnny Bennett DNS: JD Light

Make-up 7/18 Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Kyle Krempasky, 2. Lyndsay Buss, 3. Rich Mutarelli, 4. Shayne Geist, 5. Michael Wambold, 6. Jeff Biegley, 7. Daniel Hargan, 8. Ken Reeder, 9. Kyle Scisco, 10. TJ Kapish, 11. Seth VanFossen, 12. Cody Geist DNS: Colin Bollinger, Sam Ryan, Devon Schmidt, Tiffany Wambold, Jacob Oswald, Eddie Reeder, Sam Danaher, Dean Strohl

Regular Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Mutarelli, 2. Shayne Geist, 3. Cody Geist, 4. Scisco, 5. Biegley, 6. Kapish, 7. Hargan, 8. Reeder, 9. VanFossen, 10. Krempasky, 11. Buss, 12. Thomas Hunsicker Jr., 13. Berger, 14. Waylon Speer, 15. Michael Wambold
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(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 8-22-15) Saturday night’s racing at Mahoning Valley Speedway was indicative of the type of action that has made the Lehighton paved ¼-mile oval so popular among fans and drivers. And while all of the racing was spot on fantastic, it was the Modified feature that was the real cincher of the “Mahoning Product” as winner Chip Santee and runner-up Earl Paules gave a sterling performance in what side-by-side racing is truly all about.

Santee had taken the lead from the outset, however, when Paules moved to second on lap 15. It was then a nail-biting run to the finish and with no cautions both champion caliber drivers went lap after lap in two wide formation making for one of the more spine-tingling races of the year.
“I think that was one of the hardest races I ever won,” said Santee, who won his 30th career feature. “Earl (Paules) and I ran really close out there and we may have bumped a few times but it was nothing major.”; It’s been no mystery that Santee has been struggling this season. The car was not up to par and prior to this night he had only two top-5s, a victory on June 6 followed by a second a few weeks later. Other than that it has been a year of frustration. But a visit to fellow driver and chassis man Zane Zeiner of Zeiner Fabrications earlier in the week paid dividends. Going over a number of details, Zeiner worked his magic off the track while Santee did his part on.“I really have to thank Zane Zeiner and his family for helping me get this car hooked up and of course my crew. I was just about ready to give up. Eric Beers also reassured me of my confidence to drive,” said Santee.
“The car was real good the first couple of laps and then it started to get a little tight. I saw Earl try to stick it to the bottom a few times and I have to thank him for giving me room. I saw his left side tires for nearly the last 15-20 laps. It was an awesome race, it was intense and close and that’s why people come to this race track to see this kind of racing.”;Paules indeed did all he could to try and get around Santee. For the most part he stayed to the outside although there were a few attempts to try a low line pass.“It was fun out there. He (Santee) has been working on his car and it paid off. Zane helped him out and you can’t get a better guy then him,” said Paules. “I thought I was going to wear him (Santee) down a little more then that but he held on. I got underneath him once on the back stretch there and I just didn’t feel like I was going to go in there hot without getting into him. That’s just the way you have to race around here.”   Paules maintains the point lead over Beers who was third at the finish and making a valid run towards the front pair before the checkers waved.

The Late Model feature was just as exhilarating as upstart Jacob Kerstetter held off perennial class kingpin Paul Koehler Jr., for his career first win.
Kerstetter started second but once the race began he dashed into the lead. Within in short order Jeremy Miller and Koehler where on his tail. 
It has been a breakout year for the sophomore driver who has been consistently in the top five in points throughout the season and regularly shown that he is more than capable to get a win. Once the race settled in between the front three the stage was set for the memorable night.Holding a solid line of defense, Kerstetter resisted the onslaught of Miller and Koehler attacks. Koehler, a master of the high line, would use that route to take second on lap 13. He would then make continue to stab and poke at Kerstetter but this soon to be 20-year old was not giving in. Despite being underfunded and undermanned, Kerstetter brought the crowd to their feet in the waning laps as the feel of him holding on was electrifying, taking the win by less than a half car length.In the Street Stocks Gene Bowers beat out Kristy Arthofer for his first division win of the year. Bowers grabbed the lead from early pace setter Jillian Long on lap 18 and then fought back Arthofer and become the 15th different winner in 16 races.
 
“The Law” Ricky Yetter, made a serious statement toward his goal of winning the Dirt Mod championship as he drove to a solid third win of the season. Yetter passed Mike Stofflet on lap five and then cruised ahead of runner up Jack Ely for the verdict.

For a fourth time this year Bobby Kibler Sr., was the top finisher in the Pro 4s. Kibler Sr., inherited the lead on lap four after his son, Bobby Kibler Jr., was bumped out of the lead by Nick Baer. It was then smooth sailing the rest of the way.

Rich Mutarelli capped off the night of great racing by winning his third Hobby Stock main of the year.
 
Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Chip Santee, 2. Earl Paules, 3. Eric Beers, 4. Kris Graver, 5. Terry Markovic, 6. Don Wagner, 7. Zane Zeiner, 8. Kyle Strohl, 9. Austin Kochenash, 10. Eric Kocher, 11. John Markovic, 12. Brian Romig Jr., 13. Rick Reichenbach, 14. Lou Strohl, 15. Kevin Rex Jr.,
 
Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Jacob Kerstetter, 2. Paul Koehler Jr., 3. Pat Hargan, 4. Jeremy Miller, 5. Mike Sweeney, 6. Broc Brown, 7. Darryl Bruenig, 8. George Ramos, 9. Kenny Hein, 10. Josh Oswald, 11. Troy Bollinger, 12. Frankie Althouse
 
Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Gene Bowers, 2. Kristy Arthofer, 3. Aaron Kromer, 4. Jason Kuhn, 5. Todd Ahner, 6. Randy Ahner Jr., 7. Randy Schlenker, 8. Jillian Long, 9. Stacey Brown, 10. Zach Graver, 11. Jason Frey, 12. Jared Ahner, 13. Jonathan Tracey, 14. Brian Labar, 15. Josh Mooney, 16. George Ramos, 17. Bernie Uphold, 18. Logan Boyer, 19. Joe Mooney, 20. Lonnie Behler Sr., DNQ: Corey Edelman, Joe Stangle
 
Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Ricky Yetter, 2. Jack Ely, 3. Mike Stofflet, 4. JP Curry, 5. Aleia Geisler, 6. Lorin Arthofer II, 7. Dave Gorbatuk, 8. Ray Deemer, 9. Billy Lasko, 10. Bill Sittler Jr.
 
Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Bobby Kibler Sr., 2. Cody Kohler, 3. JD Light, 4. Jake Kibler, 5. Josh Scherer, 6. Bobby Kibler Jr., 7. Shawn Kistler, 8. Johnny Bennett, 9. Bill Rooney, 10. Nick Baer, 11. Kailyn Beers, 12. Chad Miller, 13. Joe Stangle
 
Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Rich Mutarelli, 2. Cody Geist, 3. Jeff Biegley, 4. Seth VanFossen, 5. Daniel Hargan, 6. TJ Kapish, 7. Lyndsay Buss, 8. Ken Reeder, 9. Ryan Berger, 10. Shayne Geist, 11. Michael Wambold, 12. Kyle Krempasky, 13. Jacob Oswald

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Eric Beers wins battle of Mahoning Modified title contenders; Mike Sweeney by inches over Paul Koehler Jr., in Late Models

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 8-15-15) Eric Beers won his third feature of the season Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway in a race that was flat out thrilling between himself and fellow title contenders Earl Paules, Don Wagner, Austin Kochenash and Kris Graver.All five drivers ran the majority of the race in a tight pack until late in the going when Beers turned up the wick on his No. 45 Horwith Freightliner mount and eased away to a two car length margin of victory over Wagner.Beers, who is coming off two woeful weeks of racing that saw him finish 14th and 13th respectively and fall from second to fourth in points, was in top form on this night but so too where his peers which made for some amazing action.Starting third, Beers went by John Markovic on lap three and then needed only one additional circuit to pass leader Eric Kocher. Markovic would also get around Kocher and was able to stay in check with Beers.Kocher was holding steady over the first half until point leader Paules stepped up to confront him. It would take Paules until lap 15 to secure third and not laying back he soon moved ahead of Markovic, but when it came to getting Beers it was not so easy and making things just as hard was the fast moving Wagner who joined in the on the lead battle following a lap 19 caution.As Beers handled the lead Paules and Wagner went back and forth for second, each looking for any chance at the lead car. At the same time Graver and Kochenash crept into the top five and stayed very close to the front trio.At any given time Paules or Wagner looked as though they could take over from Beers but the “Master of Faster” was upholding his spot with precision and poise in otherwise forceful conditions.Keep in mind that Graver and Kochenash where in striking distance. Graver actually got scored in third over Paules under side-by-side racing. That also allowed for Wagner to breakaway and to alone battle with Beers but despite repeated efforts, Beers held the line and rolled on to his third win of the season.He then dedicated the victory to his late friend and racer John Blewett III who passed away in a racing accident eight years ago on this same weekend.Beers also leaped back up to second in the standings, tied with Wagner. They are only eight points behind Paules while Kochenash and Graver also remain very close. 

In what may have been thus far the most thrilling Late Model feature of the year and overall amongst all classes, Mike Sweeney got under Paul Koehler Jr., and within a few feet of the finish he eked his way into the lead and claimed his sixth win of the year.The race began with Jeremy Miller jumping out front at the outset and then setting a good pace over George Ramos and Koehler. With five laps in the books Koehler replaced Ramos and began to set his sights on Miller.It would take quite a bit of time but with four laps to go he finally executed the pass for the lead. However, all the while Koehler was chasing down Miller, Sweeney was swiftly maneuvering through traffic and was running third with 10 laps to go.After Koehler made his pass to the front Sweeney had already motored into the path behind the top two and was able to go by Miller the ensuing circuit. With two laps to go Sweeney was on the rear bumper of Koehler but it appeared a getting around him was inevitable.Sweeney clearly thought otherwise. With a go for broke move he forced his way underneath Koehler heading into turn three.  It was now a drag race to the checkers as both went side-by-side towards the finish line. It would be mere inches that the verdict would go to Sweeney.

15 races and 14 different winners in the Street Stocks. That was the outcome after Stacey Brown added his name to the ongoing list of division winners this season.Brown moved to the lead after early leader Joe Stangle was forced to pit due to his car smoking. After inheriting the lead there was no looking back as Brown fended off Jason Frey and Brian Labar en route to the win.

JP Curry was perfect for all 25 laps of the Dirt Mod feature as he raced in the lead from the drop of the green and remained solid over Mike Stofflet and his car owner Ricky Yetter.

In the Pro 4’s it was point leader Cody Kohler winning for the third time and in doing so put a slight buffer between him and current point’s runner Bobby Kibler Sr. who was third. In between them at the conclusion was Nick Baer.

Harry O’Neill doesn’t race often but when he does you can always count on him going for a win. That he did, too, and as he scored a big victory in the special 35-lap Hobby Stock main. O’Neill hadn’t raced since Opening Night, a race that he also won. 

Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Eric Beers, 2. Don Wagner, 3. Earl Paules, 4. Kris Graver, 5. Austin Kochenash, 6. Kyle Strohl, 7. Lou Strohl, 8. Roger Heffelfinger Jr., 9. Eric Kocher, 10. John Markovic, 11. Chip Santee, 12. Kevin Rex Jr., 13. Terry Markovic

Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Mike Sweeney, 2. Paul Koehler Jr., 3. Jeremy Miller, 4. Frankie Althouse, 5. Darryl Bruenig, 6. Jacob Nemeth, 7. Troy Bollinger, 8. Broc Brown, 9. Jacob Kerstetter, 10. Kenny Hein, 11. Barry Kutz, 12. George Ramos, 13. Josh Oswald, 14. Rich Cooper, 15 Tony Hilliard

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Stacey Brown, 2. Jason Frey, 3. Brian Labar, 4. Zach Graver, 5. Jonathan Tracey, 6. Corey Edelman,  7. Randy Schlenker, 8. Todd Ahner, 9. Gene Bowers, 10. Lonnie Behler Sr., 11. Randy Ahner Jr., 12. Aaron Kromer, 13. Jason Kuhn, 14. George Ramos, 15. Bernie Uphold, 16. TJ Gursky, 17. Kristy Arthofer, 18. Jared Ahner, 19. Joe Mooney, 20. Joe Stangle DNQ: Jillian Long, Jamie Smith, Logan Boyer

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. JP Curry, 2. Mike Stofflet, 3. Ricky Yetter, 4. Jack Ely, 5. Ray Deemer, 6. Aleia Geisler,  7. Dave Gorbatuk, 8. Scott Adams, 9. Lorin Arthofer II, 10. Billy Lasko

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Nick Baer, 3. Bob Kibler, Sr., 4. JD Light, 5. Shawn Kistler, 6. Bobby Kibler Jr., 7. Johnny Bennett, 8. Josh Scherer, 9. Kailyn Beers, 10. Joe Stangle 11. Jake Kibler

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Harry O’Neill, 2. Shayne Geist, 3. Michael Wambold, 4. Kyle Krempasky, 5. Jeff Biegley, 6. Rich Mutarelli, 7. Cody Geist, 8. Seth VanFossen, 9. Kyle Scisco, 10. Daniel Hargan, 11. Lyndsay Buss, 12. Ken Reeder, 13. Thomas Hunsicker Jr., 14. Ron Heeter, 15. Devon Schmidt, 16. Jacob Oswald, 17. Bob Azarowitz, 18. Tim Oswald

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 Kris Graver wins for third time in Mahoning Modified action; Paul Koehler Jr., takes sixth win in Late Models

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 8-8-15) After taking the lead with six laps to go, Kris Graver had no problem pulling away to his third Modified win of the year on Checkered Flag Fan Club Night at Mahoning Valley Speedway. However, getting to the front was a whole other story as he was in the grip of a torrid battle with Eric Kocher and Kevin Rex Jr., which began on lap nine and lasted until his race-winning pass.“We think we found some things that were wrong with the car and what other people are missing,” said Graver.And, while Graver was on his way to victory, Austin Kochenash continued his run of rock solid top-5 finishes with his seventh straight tally of fifth or better and in the process has heated up the division championship battle, now moving to second, just four points away from leader Earl Paules. At the outset pole sitter Kocher jumped into the lead over Kyle Strohl with Rex third. When the race reached lap five a red flag waved for a frightening crash by Paul Frantz. Frantz got turned while racing on the outside lane exiting turn two and then went nearly head-on into the turn three wall. Emergency medical crew where quickly on the scene and Frantz was taken off by ambulance for further observation. He was later transported to the hospital for an addition examination. After getting the OK he was released and returned to the track by night’s end. Unfortunately his car was severely damaged from the hit.Kocher remained at the lead on the restart while Rex took over second. Graver then came into play on lap nine and once in place he would go side-by-side with Rex and all the while they rode the rear bumper of Kocher over the next 24 circuits.With Graver running the low groove, he was repeatedly trying to sneak underneath Kocher but each time the leader would close that door. Kocher was also busy fending off Rex who was aggressively making moves from the top.For Kocher, he was also dealing with his car tightening up which was making it difficult for him to protect the inside, thus Graver got the opportunity to again put his nose in. As the field began to record the 30th lap the trio of leaders came to the line and Graver was now in front.At the same time the caution also waved for a back straight incident that took out Eric Beers. On the single file restart Graver then wasted little time in pulling away from everyone.“I was just biding my time and it was all about patience. I saw when it was seven (laps) to go he (Kocher) moved up just that little bit and I felt that was my time to get under him,” said Graver.Kochenash, who was fifth when the race resumed, quickly powered by Strohl, Rex and Kocher but time had run out for any chance at catching Graver.“Coming from 12th it’s tough to sometimes get in the right lanes. Towards the end though the outside opened up and I was able to drive to the front,” said Kochenash. “You have to know when to be patient and when to go. Kris (Graver) ran well tonight and he was able to unitize the opportunity when it came his way. Hopefully it will come our way again soon.”;Kocher held on for third, his best effort to date. Rex was fourth and Strohl rounded out the top five.

Once Paul Koehler Jr., took the lead on lap 17 in the Late Model feature there was no stopping the current point leader as he cruised to his sixth win of 2015.Jacob Kerstetter handled the early lead until George Ramos took control after a lap four restart. He was then showing the look of a winner, safeguarding his spot nicely while Kerstetter as well as Jeremy Miller closely pursued him.Tracking directly behind the lead pack was Koehler and at the 10 lap mark he wasn’t settling for that any longer. Within the next five tours he marched to second and quickly began to eye up leader Ramos. With a surge of power he passed Ramos with eight laps to go and then pulled away to a comfortable two car length margin of victory. Ramos had a season best second while Frankie Althouse came home third.

When Bernie Uphold won the Street Stock feature, it marked a triumphant return to Victory Lane for the first time in 23 years. Uphold had struggled all season to get his newly built car into the show and Saturday evening it all came together. He went out and won his heat and for the feature was lined up on the pole.Once underway he would not let his chance of a good run, let alone a win, slip away. Uphold showed perfection from flag to flag, leading all the way and scoring his first win since a Late Model victory in 1992.

In the Dirt Mod main it was one again a solid effort turned in by Jack Ely who would win for the fourth time, although there was a little luck that aided him this time.   Steve Shultz was leading from the get-go and was being heavily pressured by Mike Stofflet. Coming off turn four and about to complete lap 17, Shultz was a bit high and Stofflet nipped him from behind, sending the leader into a spin. Unfortunately for Stofflet he was placed to the rear with Shultz.As that dust-up was unfolding, Ely was quick to dash by the high outside of them and into the lead. The rest of the way he had no worries and went on to claim victory.

In the make-up Pro 4 feature from July 20 Bobby Kibler Sr., took the lead on lap one and was able to stay that way for the rest of the caution free race. His son, Bobby Kibler Jr., was second.

In the regular feature the win was taken by Jake Kibler who had a tooth and nail race long battle with Nick Baer.

For a second time this season rookie Kyle Krempasky was taking a checkered flag in the Hobby Stock event. Krempasky took the lead at the drop of the green and afterwards pulled away to a commanding lead.

Alex Greenzweig went wire-to-wire in winning the 20-lap Micro Stock feature

Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Kris Graver 2. Austin Kochenash 3. Eric Kocher 4. Kevin Rex 5. Kyle Strohl 6. Don Wagner 7. Earl Paules 8. Lou Strohl 9. John Markovic 10. Mike Quinn 11. Chip Santee 12. Bobby Jones 13. Eric Beers 14. Terry Markovic 15. Matt Higgins 16. Brian Sones 17. Paul Frantz

Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Paul Koehler Jr., 2. George Ramos, 3. Frankie Althouse, 4. Jeremy Miller, 5. Mike Sweeney, 6. Jacob Kerstetter, 7. Jacob Nemeth, 8. Troy Bollinger, 9. Tony Hilliard, 10. Josh Oswald, 11. Barry Kutz, 12. Broc Brown, 13. Geno Steigerwalt, 14. Kenny Hein

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Bernie Uphold, 2. Zach Graver, 3. Jason Kuhn, 4. Randy Schlenker, 5. Gene Bowers, 6. Todd Ahner, 7. Randy Ahner Jr., 8. Jillian Long, 9. Aaron Kromer, 10. Josh Mooney, 11. Kristy Arthofer, 12. Joe Mooney, 13. Corey Edelman, 14. Lonnie Behler Sr., 15. TJ Gursky, 16. Jared Ahner, 17. Stacey Brown, 18. Jonathan Tracey, 19. Joe Stangle, 20. Jason Frey DNQ: Jamie Smith, Logan Boyer, George Ramos, Brian Labar

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Jack Ely, 2. Ricky Yetter, 3. Ray Deemer, 4. Lorin Arthofer II, 5. Aleia Geisler, 6. Scott Adams, 7. Mike Stofflet, 8. JP Curry, 9. Dave Gorbatuk, 10. Steve Shultz, 11. Billy Lasko, 12. Bill Sittler Jr.

Pro 4 7/18 Make-up Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Bobby Kibler Sr., 2. Bobby Kibler Jr., 3. Nick Baer, 4. Jake Kibler, 5. Cody Kohler, 6. Joe Stangle, 7. Kailyn Beers, 8. Johnny Bennett DNS: JD Light, Chad Miller, Harvey Keiper, Lou Gara

Regular Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Baer, 3. Bobby Kibler Sr., 4. Kistler, 5. Bobby Kibler Jr., 6. Kohler, 7. Bill Rooney, 8. Beers, 9. Stangle, 10. Bennett

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Kyle Krempasky, 2. Cody Geist, 3. Seth VanFossen, 4. Ken Reeder, 5. Rich Mutarelli, 6. Lyndsay Buss, 7. Bob Azarowitz, 8. Devon Schmidt, 9. Shayne Geist, 10. Michael Wambold, 11. Daniel Hargan, 12. Ron Heeter


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(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 8-1-15) Zane Zeiner and Nevin George took victories in the Central States Modified Gamblers Series (CSMGS) Twin 50s Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway. Zeiner, of Bath, has not been a point racer for a number of years. George, from Kunkletown, has also stepped back from the grind of title chasing this season. Both look instead to the big shows thus they have made it a must on their calendar to be part of the high-dollar CSMGS. And while the field of weekly regulars is as tough as it gets, both veteran wheelmen proved their worth by turning in solid performances against a stout field.In the first 50, the line-up was determined after heats and a redraw. To begin the race the front row was made up of 15-year old Kyle Strohl and Eric Kocher. Strohl wasted no time in taking command while Bobby Jones quickly slipped into second. Fifth starting Zeiner was third. Under a blanket, the trio provided a thrilling display of close-knit action. Strohl was being heavily challenged by Jones while Zeiner stalked, ready to strike at any moment.After a lap nine restart Jones was able to take the lead but Strohl was not letting him gain ground as he stayed alongside. In an extended stretch of green flag laps, the battle for the lead became edge of the seat racing. Jones was showing the way but insistently Strohl was keeping stride and likewise Zeiner was hot on their heels.After laps of pressure, Strohl regained the top spot with an outside pass of lap 28. Two laps later Jones came back to the front. By this time Zeiner was no longer laying back and began his surge. He went around Strohl on lap 33 and then set sight on Jones. Zeiner was in the process to go underneath for the lead when the caution waved for debris. It would be on that restart which he would then use to make the race wining move.Strohl took second with 10 laps to go and two laps later Eric Beers joined in the battle. It was quite amazing too, watching young Strohl show no signs of intimidation while racing between a pair of well-seasoned veterans and two former Race of Champions 200 winners.            “We’ll take this. We’ve been having good cars all year but just haven’t had Lady Luck on our side and I had said that once it breaks it will be a good thing and tonight it was,” said Zeiner.      “We travel around to the big shows but I like to call Mahoning our home track and to come here and win is a wonderful feeling. Kyle (Strohl) drove a heck of race and Bobby (Jones) you could see that his car was tightening up but with his experience he made it work. We all had some side-by-side and a little rubbing but that’s what the fans come out for.”

An invert of 11 was used to line-up the second 50 and George and Kocher shared front row honors. When the green waved to start the race George took the early lead while Kevin Rex Jr., moved to second. On the third circuit Austin Kochenash powered into third.Maintaining himself and able to control the pace, George was showing that he was going to be tough. Meanwhile Rex and Kochenash were in a dogfight for second. 14 laps in and Kochenash would finally win that battle.Afterwards Kochenash was on the rear bumper of the race leading No. 3 but despite a well-founded effort, George was the car to beat.Matt Hirschman, came into sight by lap 33, taking third but would not be able to match up with George and Kochenash as they sped to the checkers nose-to-tail. “Our focus is on these big shows here and the guys have done a great job getting us prepared,” said George, who was making just his fourth start of the season.  “There’s a handful of cars that when you see them pull up alongside you have to be on your game and Austin (Kochenash) is one of those top guys here.

  In a great battle of title contenders, Nesquehoning’s Mike Sweeney out-dueled Paul Koehler Jr., for his third consecutive win and fifth of the year.The much improved Jacob Kerstetter would set the early pace, doing a nice job of holding back George Ramos and then Koehler. However, his fine run at the lead was ended on lap seven when Koehler went to the topside and whizzed to the lead. Kerstetter was still keeping close, but unfortunately he saw a good finish slip away when he got nipped from behind and spun with 10 laps to go.Mike Sweeney was then second and immediately went after Koehler. Side-by-side they ran and on lap 19 he would power through for the lead. It was then on to Victory Lane. In 12 races this year he and Koehler have won 10 of them.

Joe Mooney of Lehighton took the checkers in the Street Stock main, which was his first win of the season. Taking the lead on lap 10, Mooney was soon in his own zone, easily pulling away from the rest of the pack.His younger brother, Josh Mooney, was in second and only got close during late race cautions. None-the less Joe Mooney was undeniably the car to beat, claiming the verdict and becoming the 12th different winner in 13 races this season.

Aleia Geisler of Easton finally found the speed she so desperately sought throughout the season. Authoring a dominating performance, Geisler, who started second, needed only four laps to pass Scott Adams and from there on it would be no stopping her as she went on to a three-plus second margin of victory over Dave Gorbatuk.

In the Pro 4’s New Tripoli’s Nick Bear took the lead on lap one and never looked back, taking his second win of the season.

Also winning for a second time this season was Easton Rich Mutarelli, scoring top honors in the Hobby Stocks.

1st Modified Feature Finish (50 Laps): 1. Zane Zeiner, 2. Kyle Strohl, 3. Eric Beers, 4. Don Wagner, 5. Austin Kochenash, 6. Brian DeFebo, 7. Bobby Jones, 8. Kris Graver, 9. Kevin Rex Jr., 10. Eric Kocher, 11. Nevin George, 12. Todd Baer, 13. John Markovic, 14. Matt Higgins, 15. Matt Hirschman, 16. Lou Strohl, 17. Chip Santee, 18. Terry Markovic, 19. Earl Paules, 20. Calvin Carrol, 21. Paul Frantz

2nd Modified Feature Finish (50 Laps): 1. George, 2. Kochenash, 3. Hirschman, 4. Paules, 5. Kocher, 6. Baer, 7. Rex Jr., 8. Wagner, 9. Santee, 10. John Markovic, 11. Strohl, 12. Carrol, 13. Frantz, 14. Beers, 15. Terry Markovic, 16. Zeiner, 17. Strohl, 18. Jones, 19. Higgins, 20. Graver, 21. DeFebo 

Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Mike Sweeney, 2. Paul Koehler Jr., 3. George Ramos, 4. Broc Brown, 5. Pat Hargan, 6. Tony Hilliard, 7. Jacob Kerstetter, 8. Jeremy Miller, 9. Kenny Hein, 10. Francis Gross III, 11. Franke Althouse, 12. Josh Oswald

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Joe Mooney, 2. Josh Mooney, 3. Stacey Brown, 4. Randy Ahner Jr., 5. Lonnie Behler, 6. Jonathan Tracey, 7. Aaron Kromer, 8. Kristy Arthofer, 9. Randy Schlenker, 10. Jillian Long, 11. Todd Ahner, 12. TJ Gursky, 13. Jason Frey, 14. Jared Ahner, 15. Brian Labar, 16. Gene Bowers, 17. Jason Kuhn, 18. Jamie Smith, 19. Zach Graver, 20. Corey Edelman, 21. George Ramos

DNQ: Joe Stangle, Bernie Uphold, Logan Boyer, Steve Hoffman

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Aleia Geisler, 2. Dave Gorbatuk, 3. Lorin Arthofer II, 4. Scott Adams, 5. Ray Deemer, 6. Steve Shultz, 7. Billy Lasko, 8. Bill Sittler Jr., 9. Jack Ely, 10. Ricky Yetter, 11. JP Curry, 12. Mike Stofflet

Pro 4 Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Nick Baer, 2. Cody Kohler, 3. Bobby Kibler Sr., 4. Jake Kibler, 5. Kailyn Beers, 6. Shawn Kistler, 7. Johnny Bennet, 8. Bobby Kibler Jr.

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Rich Mutarelli, 2. Cody geist, 3. Daniel Hargan, 4. Bob Azarowitz, 5. Ken Reeder, 6. Devin Schmidt, 7. Seth VanFossen, 8. Kyle Scisco, 9. Shayne Geist, 10. Lyndsay Buss, 11. Ron Heeter, 12. Tiffany Wambold, 13. Kyle Krempasky, 14. Eddie Reeder

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Mahoning Valley Speedway Central States Modified Gamblers Series returns Saturday with Mod Twin 50s


(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 7-28-15) Last Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway, a pair of 35-lap Modified features took place, the first a rain postponed event from July 18 along with the regular scheduled show. Two-time track champion Eric Beers won the first and in doing so became Eastern Pennsylvania’s all-time career wins leader with a Modified, earning his 64th victory in the Keystone State and 42nd at Mahoning.
Young hot shoe Austin Kochenash won the regular event, his second of the season.Earl Paules, had a pair of top-fives in each and is the new point leader. Beers is second in the standings while Don Wagner fell two spots to third. Kochenash is fourth and reigning division champ Kris Graver fifth.
They, along with a full cast of other Modified standouts will be in action for another two-race special this Saturday, August 1 when the 2015 Central States Modified Gamblers Series (CSMGS) returns for rounds 3 & 4 featuring a pair of 50-lap mains each paying $1800 to win.
Run under a poker game format whereas cards will be awarded to the top 13 finishers in each designated feature race, the series’ the top five card holders will share in a $6000 purse with $2000 going to the top hand, $1500 for second, $1000 to third, then $700 and $500 respectively.
The CSMGS season opener on April 11, a 125 lapper, was won by Wagner. The next hand was a 100 lap race on May 9 that saw Beers score the victory. Now it’s on to races 3 & 4 and a new set of cards will be dealt for each 50. The remaining CSMGS races are October 3, the Bob “Heavy” Scherer Memorial 100 and OCTOBERFAST 2015 on October 17. Joining the Modifieds will be the Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks. Saturday adult grandstand admission is $20, $2 off for students, seniors 65+ and active military. Must have ID. Children 10 years old and under are free. There is early paid practice held from 12:30 to 3:00. Regular warmups begin at 4:00 and racing starts at 6:00. Grandstands open at 4:00. Kids Big Wheels will take place during intermission.
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Eric Beers and Austin Kochenash Share In Mahoning Modified Laurels

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 7-25-15) On a hot and humid night at Mahoning Valley Speedway, Eric Beers exited his DeLange Racing No. 45 a bit exhausted but elated none-the-less after winning the make-up Modified feature from July 18. As for runner-up Austin Kochenash, the 19-year old was not as much bothered by the heat and noted that “I’m still a kid so it’s easy and I’m ready to go again.” In an outstanding drive he did just that, returning later in the evening to capture the regular 35-lap feature and just like the first race Kochenash seemed fresh at the conclusion, considering too that this was the third feature he ran in less than 24 hours. He raced to a fourth place finish the night before in a RoC event at Spencer Speedway in upstate New York.

            In the make-up feature Beers started seventh and slipped by early leader and Terry Markovic on lap 16 and then had to fight off Kochenash the rest of the distance.  When the race started T. Markovic led over Paul Frantz and John Markovic. On lap two Frantz was just about to make a strike at the lead when the caution waved for a spin by Eric Kocher. On the restart T. Markovic stayed strong while younger brother J. Markovic tailed in second. Beers, then fourth, made haste of Frantz, passing him on lap eight and went into a great side-by-side battle with J. Markovic while running inches behind the leader. Making good use of the outside groove, Beers eased by J. Markovic on lap 12 and went to work on the front-runner. He needed just four laps before vaulting ahead. At the same time Kochenash had been picking his way forward and was in second one lap after Beers attained the lead. From then on it was a remarkable battle of two-wide racing. Kochenash came close in advancing to the front on several tries but Beers always held tight. The steamy action was then slowed five laps from the finish when the caution waved for a spun car. Thanks in part to a single file restart, Beers held on for the win, his second of 2015 and 42nd at Mahoning Valley. “Austin (Kochenash) continues to get better and better and he’s a force to be reckoned with the rest of the year. He is good,” said Beers.“We were just a hair off and we usually don’t run 35 laps feature in the sun like this. But it feels great to get another win and we’ll be looking for a few more of them over the second half of the season.”;

In the regular scheduled feature, Kyle Strohl jumped out front early but a speedy Chip Santee went topside on lap six to take control. Within a few laps J. Markovic and Kris Graver where breathing all over the back of Santee.Santee was very busy protecting his spot as he was being pursued from both sides. And, as J. Markovic and Graver continued to made attacks at the leader, Kochenash and Earl Paules lunged into the fray as well, making for one very energizing race.As laps where clicking off Santee kept firm. Graver, who had a solid third in the opening race of the night, was now second but at the same time Kochenash was making a charge as well and dueled for the runner-up spot. And, not only did he succeed in reaching the spot by the 27th tour, he used the same surge of momentum to carry him straight past Santee and into the lead.The rest of the way Kochenash would hold the position and take the victory, his second of the season. Santee claimed second with new point leader Paules in third.“We ran well tonight and we finally got the car working real good,” said Kochenash. “It was close out there and we had to force the issue a little but that’s racing for the win. Chip (Santee) drove a great race but we were able to get in the right lanes at the end.”

In the Late Model main the race lead was swapped back and forth several times by Tony Hilliard, Jacob Nemeth and Kenny Hein. After Hein was in front he was doing well enough that victory seemed certain.However, the Ford powered No. D11 of Mike Sweeney was making one heck of a push towards the front and with 10 laps to go powered his way by Hein. From there on he was smooth and steady, scoring his second straight win and fourth of the season.
Hein held on for a season best second with point leader Paul Koehler Jr., third.

Talk about exciting, the Street Stock race was plenty of that. In a wild finish to the 30-lap feature, Aaron Kromer eked out an stirring win with a last lap, three-wide pass on Steven Steigerwalt and Gene Bowers.Steigerwalt had led from the outset but was immersed in very tight confines. With the laps winding down, Kromer and Corey Edelman ran side-by-side behind the leader with Bowers and Lonnie Behler Sr., in tow.Then as the white flag was waving, Bowers shot high while Kromer dove to the bottom, sandwiching Steigerwalt. It was then a very thrilling dash to the checkers with Kromer taking the verdict by a scant .222-second margin of victory over Bowers.

Once Jack Ely raced by Scott Adams for the lead in the Dirt Mod event, there was no stopping him as he cruised to a decisive third win of the season. Point leader Ricky Yetter fought a tough battle with Adams in securing second.

           In the special 35-lap Pro 4 race, Gene Bowers scored an upset win. Making his first start with the class, Bowers drove among the lead pack from early on. It wasn’t until two laps to that he that he would get out front, that coming after then leader Jake Kibler spun in turn two. Bowers wisely dove low and into the top spot and ultimately went on the claim the popular win.

            In the Hobby Stock main a legendary name was back in Victory Lane as Tiffany Wambold, granddaughter of past track Modified champion George Wambold, won for the very time at Mahoning Valley.

            Wambold blasted by Daniel Hargan on lap four and then withstood numerous attempts by Cody Geist. The determined Wambold, however, would not give in and went on to notch the victory and extend to the family legacy.

Ken Dengler Jr., won in a non-stop white-knuckle 20-lap Micro Stock feature, earning his career first win at Mahoning Valley over point leader Alex Greenzweig.

Rained-out Modified Feature from 7/18 (35 Laps): 1. Eric Beers, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Kris Graver, 4. Earl Paules, 5. Terry Markovic, 6. Paul Frantz, 7. John Markovic, 8. Kevin Rex Jr., 9. Eric Kocher. 10. Rick Reichenbach, 11. Don Wagner, 12. DJ Wagner, 13. Chip Santee, 14. Mike Quinn, 15. Wayne Szerencsits, 16. Kyle Strohl DNS: Zane Zeiner

Regular Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Kochenash, 2. Santee, 3. Earl Paules, 4. Beers, 5. Graver, 6. Don Wagner, 7. Bobby Jones, 8. Todd Baer, 9. John Markovic, 10. Strohl, 11. Rex, 12. Reichenbach, 13. Quinn, 14. Frantz, 15. Danielle Paules, 16. Matt Higgins, 17. Terry Markovic, 18. Kocher, 19. Szerencsits, 20. DJ Wagner

Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Mike Sweeney, 2. Kenny Hein, 3. Paul Koehler Jr., 4. Frankie Althouse, 5. Jacob Nemeth, 6. Tony Hilliard, 7. Jeremy Miller, 8. Jason Zatsko, 9. George Ramos, 10. Scott Kotran, 11. Broc Brown, 12. Barry Kutz, 13. Darryl Bruenig, 14. Jacob Kerstetter

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Aaron Kromer, 2. Gene Bowers, 3. Lonnie Behler Sr., 4. Randy Ahner Sr., 5. Corey Edelman, 6. Jason Frey, 7. TJ Gursky, 8. Steve Steigerwalt, 9. Randy Schlenker, 10. Brian Labar, 11. Jared Ahner, 12. Kristy Arthofer, 13. Jillian Long, 14. Zach Graver, 15. Todd Ahner, 16. Josh Mooney, 17. George Ramos, 18. Joe Mooney, 19. Jamie Smith, 20. Jonathan Tracey DNQ: Jason Kuhn, Joe Stangle, Bernie Uphold, Logan Boyer, Stacey Brown

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Jack Ely, 2. Ricky Yetter, 3. Scott Adams, 4. Dave Gorbatuk, 5. Aleia Geisler, 6. Lorin Arthofer II, 7. Billy Lasko, 8. Mike Stofflet, 9. JP Curry, 10. Bill Sittler Jr., DNS: Ray Deemer, Steve Shultz, Frank Parastino

Pro 4 Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Gene Bowers, 2. Bobby Kibler Sr., 3. Bobby Kibler Jr., 4. Joe Stangle 5. Cody Kohler, 6. Jake Kibler, 7. Kailyn Beers, 8. Harvey Keiper, 9. JD Light, 10. Johnny Bennett, 11. Nick Baer, 12. Chad Miller, 13. Lou Gara, 14. Joe Lane

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Tiffany Wambold, 2. Cody Geist3, 3. Seth VanFossen, 4. Eddie Reeder, 5. Tim Oswald, 6. Ron Heeter, 7. Shayne Geist, 8. Kyle Krempasky, 9. Bob Azarowitz, 10. Daniel Hargan, 11. Dean Strohl, 12, Sam Ryan, 13. Rich Mutarelli, 15. Ken Reeder, 16. Colin Bollinger

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Rain postponed July 18 Modified feature added to next Saturday line-up at Mahoning Valley Speedway

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 7-19-15) Three laps from the conclusion of Saturday night’s Late Model feature at Mahoning Valley Speedway, rain ended that race and the rest of the regular division events.In the staging area preparing to begin their feature was the Modifieds. They will, however, roll off for that 35-lap race this coming Saturday, evening, July 25. Please not there will be no buy-ins for the make-up race.That means fans will get to enjoy two 35-lap Modified features plus there is a 35-lap Pro 4 feature paying $400 to win along with regular features for the Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods and Hobby Stocks. Also on the card will be the Micro Stocks.Best of all there is no increase in price. Adult grandstand admission is $12, $2 off for students, seniors 65+ and active military. Must have ID. Children 10 years old and under are free. The rain postponed Dirt Mod, Pro 4 and Hobby Stock feature will be run at soon to be announced upcoming dates.The following week, August 1, the Modifieds will again run twin features as the Central States Modified Gamblers Series (CSMGS) will be back in action. Two 50-lap, $1800-to-win each features will be held. The races are also the 3rd and 4th events of the CSMGS.Fans are also reminded to get in on the weekly $50 cash Gary Lee’s Brown Daub KIA Wheel Spin just by purchasing the track’s Thunder in the Valley program book.

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Mike Sweeney, Jillian Long, Shayne Geist Score Mahoning Valley Feature Wins Before Rains Came…Randy Ahner Jr. Winner In Small Car Enduro

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 7-18-15) Mike Sweeney of Nesquehoning was zipping around handily in the Late Model feature but with three laps to go heavy rains swept over the area and ended the race there and the remaining divisional features as well which included the Modifieds, Pro 4 and Hobby Stocks.

When the Late Model race began Tony Hilliard led the field to the green, however, outside front row starter Kenny Hein would jet to the opening lap lead while fourth starting Sweeney whizzed quickly to second. Sweeney then traveled only a few laps before taking over the race lead on lap five.Point leader Paul Koehler Jr., was also in fast mode and was able to pull alongside Hein and the two began a thrilling side-by-side dual. nfortunately for Koehler it came to an abrupt halt on lap eight. Koehler spun and crashed in the incident that unfolded after both drivers traded paint as they headed into turn one. For Koehler, he wasn’t able to hold on and slid backwards towards the wall. Hein, who had been on the inside, escaped but not so lucky was Jacob Kerstetter who was collected and hit Koehler as an innocent victim.When the race resumed Sweeney was still in command while Frankie Althouse was chasing in second. That pair then stayed 1-2 until the race ended on lap 22. For Sweeney it marked his third win of the season and 30th overall career victory.Jacob Nemeth had a season best third, George Ramos was fourth and while Hein completed the top five. Althouse and Sweeney notched heat wins.

In the Street Stock main Jillian Long of Lehighton passed Lonnie Behler on lap 19 and then went on to gain her first win of the year. She also became the 10th different winner in 11 races thus far. At the outset Behler gunned by pole sitter George Ramos. By lap three Stacey Brown was running second while Long and Steven Steigerwalt ran two-wide for third. Long was by far the fastest car from the start of the night. She just missed surpassing the track record in her heat. Thus when the feature began she was able to carry that speed and it served her well. It did take her to lap 14 to improve the spot on Brown, which was after a restart. Now it was onto Behler. Closely she stayed with leader and on lap 20 her rapid moving No. 97 was able to eke to the front. The next time by Behler was just about to be rescored at the top when the caution negated that effort after a few cars spun in turn three. On the restart there was no denying Long as she bested Behler. Gene Bowers was showing strength within the final 10 laps and did make a valid charge but despite the bumper-to-bumper racing, Long held on for the win. Behler, Brown and point leader Zach Graver completed the top five. Heat winners were Steigerwalt, Bowers and Long with Randy Ahner Jr, annexing the consi.

In the make-up May 30 Hobby Stock feature, Lehighton’s Shayne Geist scored the win. Geist was placed in the lead under a lap 14 caution after his brother, Cody Geist, who had led from the start, was set back three spots for advancing in a no-passing zone at the onset.  When the race resumed for the green-white-checker finish, Shayne Geist held on for his class leading fourth win of the year while also regaining the division point’s lead. Rookie Lyndsay Buss raced to her third runner-up of the year while Cody Geist was third.

Even though rains stops half of the regular program, it wasn’t the same case for the Small Car Enduro as they were called out to race despite the inclement weather.

Jim Thorpe’s Randy Ahner Jr., dominated during the second half of the 1-hour event and after 192 completed laps, scored the win by a 5-lap margin over Ross Gursky.

Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Mike Sweeney, 2. Frankie Althouse, 3. Jacob Nemeth, 4. George Ramos, 5. Kenny Hein, 6. Tony Hilliard, 7. Paul Koehler Jr., 8. Broc Brown, 9. Barry Kutz, 10. Jacob Kerstetter DNS: Rich Cooper

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Jillian Long, 2. Gene Bowers, 3. Lonnie Behler, 4. Stacey Brown, 5. Zach Graver, 6. Steve Steigerwalt, 7. Kristy Arthofer, 8. Aaron Kromer, 9. Jared Ahner, 10. Todd Ahner, 11. TJ Gursky, 12. Randy Schlenker, 13. Jonathan Tracey, 14. Jason Frey, 15. Joe Stangle, 16. Jamie Smith, 17. George Ramos, 18. Jason Kuhn, 19. Corey Edelman, 20. Randy Ahner Jr., 21. Brian Labar, 22. Josh Mooney DNQ: Bernie Uphold, Joe Mooney, Logan Boyer

Hobby Stock 5/30 Make-up Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Shayne Geist, 2. Lyndsay Buss, 3. Cody Geist, 4. Rich Mutarelli, 5. Collin Bollinger, 6. Jeff Biegley, 7. Kyle Krempasky, 8. Seth VanFossen, 9. Tim Oswald, 10. Gunner Yost, 11. Devin Schmidt, 12. Michael Wambold, 13. Daniel Hargan, 14. TJ Kapish



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As the weather heats up so does Kris Graver…Reigning Mahoning Modified champ earns second win of ‘15

(7-11-15) After three straight weeks of no racing due to weather related issues, cars and fans where back on track in full force at Mahoning Valley Speedway.It was hot July night too and so was Kris Graver of Lehighton, driving to a solid win in the Modified feature. The defending track champion made a pass on early leader Kevin Rex Jr., just prior to mid-race and from there the 22-year old sailed on to his 40th overall track win.

It was the same time of the season last year during this month that Graver was setting the stage for his championship run, winning several times as July rolled around.“For some reason whenever this time comes around the hotter it is the better it is for me. We made a few adjustments between the heat and feature and it made a big difference,” said Graver.“My pap, (Kevin Graver Sr.,) and the crew did an awesome job of making this car fast and I can’t thank them enough.”;Terry Markovic and Rex would led the field to the green and no sooner did chief starter Bob Stull wave the start, Rex shot ahead to take the opening lap lead. Three laps in and John Markovic was second to Rex while T. Markovic stayed close in third.Rex was on a steady course, holding a solid lead while J. Markovic followed from a few car lengths back. Meanwhile T. Markovic, Kyle Strohl and Paul Frantz where fighting for third spot.Seventh starting Graver was not making himself known all this while as he was content in bidding his time behind the front pack, that was until he power moved his way frontward, snagging two spots to third place on lap 13. He was then trapped briefly behind J. Markovic for two more laps at which time he zipped by and was now second.At the same time the caution waved after Eric Kocher took a spin in turn four. It would be on that restart that Graver advanced by Rex and into the lead. The rest of the way it was all him as Rex could only watch from his vantage of a few intervals back.“Kevin (Rex) is always one of the cleaner guys to race with. He is a lower budgeted team much like we are and you know he’ll not do anything out of line. It’s always good to race up-front with him and to see teams like ours finishing one-two,” said Graver.“To get my 40th win – that’s the icing on the cake. That should be a good selling point for my car because we plan to sell it at the end of the year and take a different route next year.”;As Graver was cruising to the win, the battle for second became hot as Earl Paules stormed his way up to third with eight laps to go and afterward began a sizzling battle with Rex. The fight was tooth and nail as Paules was alongside Rex as the checkers fell.

Late Model point leader Paul Koehler Jr., of Northampton had one thing in mind on this night, score for a second time in the 4th Annual George Ramos Jr. “Pineapple 50.” He won the inaugural race in 2012 and was hyped to add another “Pineapple 50” trophy to his mantle. A field of 19, the largest in several years for a regular Saturday night feature, came out to participate but for the perennial king of Late Models, the more the merrier as it was virtually trouble-free in his quest.Koehler was able to grab the lead after a restart on lap 13 and then had a handful of laps in which Frankie Althouse would apply pressure to him. However, within the final 15 laps he was far too much for Althouse let alone anyone else and cruised to a decisive $1200 victory.Althouse held on for second with Jacob Kerstetter a season best third.

After a run of ten straight races, the Street Stocks got there first repeat winner as Jonathan Tracey of Lehighton became the first driver this season to revisit Victory Lane with the class.Jamie Smith was the pole sitter and set the early pace. Tracey, who started fourth, needed only one lap to make his way up to second. He then followed closely behind Smith. With eight laps complete Tracey had the momentum going and pulled to the outside of Smith, by the time the lap was counted he was in the lead.The strong running Tracey would not relinquish from there on, despite a well-fought effort by Zach Graver.

Lorin Arthofer II of Bath was declared the winner of the 25 lap Dirt Mod feature after Scott Adams was unable to pass postrace inspection, due to a weight infraction.Adams was very stout, taking the lead from the get-go. Several times early on Arthofer would challenge but in the waning circuits the No. 68 of Adams was no match. However, after he went through the scale house it was determined that his percentages where not in accordance with the rulebook and the win unfortunately was taken away. For Arthofer is would mark his second victory over the past three races.

In the Pro 4’s current point leader Cody Kohler of Schnecksville and defending class champ Nick Baer staged a great dogfight for the win with Kohler coming out the victor, his second this year.In the make-up Pro 4 feature from May 30, Bobby Kibler Jr., took the lead on lap eight and was never headed the rest of the way.16-year old Kyle Krempasky of Lehighton picked up his career first stock car win in the Hobby Stock main. Krempasky did it in solid fashion too, leading all laps en route to the unforgettable night.

Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Kris Graver, 2. Kevin rex Jr., 3. Earl Paules, 4. John Markovic, 5. Austin Kochenash, 6. Don Wagner, 7. Rick Reichenbach, 8. Terry Markovic, 9. Paul Frantz, 10. Eric Beers, 11. DJ Wagner, 12. Kyle Strohl, 13. Eric Kocher, 14. Tom Wanick, 15. Barry Callavini, 16. Chip Santee

Late Model Feature Finish (50 Laps): 1. Paul Koehler Jr., 2. Frankie Althouse, 3. Jacob Kerstetter, 4. Pat Hargan, 5. Jacob Nemeth, 6. Geno Steigerwalt, 7. Earl Paules, 8. Jeremy Miller, 9. Tony Hilliard, 10. Kenny Hein, 11. Jason Zatsko, 12. Barry Kutz, 13. Darryl Bruenig, 14. Todd Ahner, 15. Mike Sweeney, 16. Broc Brown, 17. Georg Ramos, 18. Rich Cooper, 19. Dave Imler

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Jonathan Tracey, 2. Zach Graver, 3. Jason Frey, 4. Randy Ahner Jr., 5. Corey Edelman, 6. Jamie Smith, 7. Todd Ahner, 8. Kristy Arthofer, 9. Joe Stangle, 10. Jared Ahner, 11. Randy Schlenker, 12. Josh Mooney, 13. Gene Bowers, 14. Jason Kuhn, 15. Justin Mooney, 16. Brian Labar, 17. TJ Gursky, 18. Aaron Kromer, 19. Lonnie Behler Sr., 20. Stacey Brown DNQ: Bernie Uphold, George Ramos, Logan Boyer Jillian Long, Steven Steigerwalt, Stephanie Moyer

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Lorin Arthofer II, 2. Mike Stofflet, 3. Ray Deemer, 4. Ricky Yetter, 5. Aleia Geisler, 6. Dave Gorbatuk, 7. Billy Lasko, 8. Steve Shultz, 9. Jack Ely, 10. Ryan Green DNS: John Banashefski DQ: Scott Adams

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Nick Baer, 3. Bobby Kibler Sr., 4. TJ Kemmerer, 5. Chad Miller, 8. Kailyn Beers, 9. Johnny Bennett, 10. Lou Gara, 11. Tyler Stangle, 12. Bobby Kibler Jr. DNS: JD Light

Pro 4 5/30 Make-up Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Bobby Kibler Jr., 2. Kohler, 3. Baer, 4. Stangle, 5. Bobby Kibler Sr., 6. Light, 7. Kemmerer, 8. Beers, 9. Bennett DNS: Alton Snyder Jr., Jake Kibler

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Kyle Krempasky, 2. Eddie Reeder, 3. Tim Oswald, 4. Collin Bollinger, 5. Thomas Hunsicker Jr., 6. Hen Reeder, 7. Gunner Yost, 8. Michael Wambold, 9. Daniel Hargan, 10. Kyle Sisco, 11. Dean Strohl, 12. Tiffany Wambold, 13. Lyndsay Buss, 14. Seth VanFossen


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Blue Ridge Communications Prepares For Act II This Saturday At Mahoning Valley Speedway

It’s hard to imagine that when race cars hit the track this coming Saturday evening, July 11, at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway, it will have been 28 days since the last event was run.No thanks to Mother Nature stepping in twice, June 20-27, with rain and then a scheduled night off on July 4, it’s made for one long mid-season break. No doubt fans and drivers have been antsy and anxious to return to action.Provided there are no unforeseen weather issues that for the upcoming weekend, Mahoning Valley will be ready for a full night of racing with the headliner being the George Ramos Jr., “Pineapple  50” Memorial for Late Models. All regular track classes including Modifies, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks will be pit-side as well.The George Ramos Jr., Pineapple 50 is an annual event that began in 2012. The race pays honor to the late car owner/driver who passed away in 2012. Ramos Jr., was a longtime supporter from the Dorney Park era and also at Mahoning Valley.Thanks to the help of his son, George Ramos III, who is a Late Model and Street Stock competitor and track promoter Floyd Santee, the memorial event has become a principal event on Mahoning’s yearly schedule.In the first three installments the winners saw a pair of track champions take the checkers, cash and huge trophy.Three time champ Paul Koehler Jr., who is the all-time career Late Model wins leader, won the inaugural race. In 2013 the 50 lapper was a hard fought victory for then class kingpin Earl Paules who had to fend off Mike Sweeney for the $1000 first place prize.Last year Paules raced into the lead on lap nine and afterwards had to fend off Koehler and Frankie Althouse as they each tried to hustle around him. Try indeed but neither could successfully make a pass.This year’s memorial will again pay $1200 to win plus a very sharp trophy provided on behalf of the Ramos family.All other divisions will run respective regular distance features. The Pro 4’s will open the night with the postponed feature race from May 30.  Adult general admission is $18, $2 off for students, seniors 65+ and active military. Must have ID. Children 10 years old and under are free. Main gates open at 4:00 and racing starts at 6:00. Early paid practice will run from 1:00 to 3:30. Regular practice begins at 4:30.

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Mahoning Valley Speedway cancels June 27 races due to rain

 

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 6-27-15) An all-day rainy forecast has put a stop to Saturday night’s race card at Mahoning Valley Speedway. It is the second week in a row and third time this season that rain has halted the scheduled program.The Modified Triple 25s, three 25 lap Modified features paying $1000 to win each, was the highlight of the evening.Next weekend there is no racing taking place, however, on Sunday, July 5, the speedway will be hosting a charity motorcycle Bike Run beginning at 10:00 am.The track will swing back into racing action on Saturday evening, July 11 with the George Ramos Jr., Pineapple 50 Memorial for Late Models. The race is a 50-lap contest that pays $1200 to win and is run in the memory of popular Late Model car owner George Ramos Jr.Also on the night’s schedule will be Modifieds, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks plus the postponed Pro 4 feature from May 30. At intermission there will be Kids Big Wheel races.Also, because of the rain out on June 20 and 27, all teams that were suspended from Saturday, June 13, be advised that the suspension carries on to the next race date. The suspension is for both driver and car.On Wednesday, July 1, the Zerboni Family Circus will be performing on the grounds of Mahoning Valley Speedway and is sponsored by the Mahoning Valley Farmers Market. There are two shows slated for 5:00 and 7:00 pm. Tickets are available at the door.


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(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 6-23-15) Mahoning Valley Speedway is set for another night of short track stock car racing this coming Saturday, June 27 with the return of the Modified Triple 25s.Introduced in 2012, the Modified Triple 25s became an immediate success thanks to the all-out excitement generated by the three thrilling features. There’s no holding back as flat-out, hard charging action from start to finish has drivers and fans on the edge of exhilaration.Each 25-lapper pays $1000 to win. In order to make the grid cars must qualify through heat races with the top 15 locked into the first feature. All others will then run in the consolation heat for the final starting spots. 20 cars will start in each race.The second and third features will be inverted with a fan from the grandstand picking a pill to determine the invert number of either 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12.Eligible invert cars must have finished on the lead lap after the most recent completed feature. Alternates will be added as needed after features one and two. If a car that started the first main and is sidelined for the second but can return for the third race, then the alternate will be displaced.
Regular championship points will be calculated after each of the three features.Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks are also in action. At intermission Kids Big Wheel Races will take place. Adult general admission is $20, $2 off for students, seniors 65+ and active military. Must have ID. Children 10 years old and under are free. Main gates open at 4:00 and racing starts at 6:00. Early paid practice will run from 1:00 to 3:30. Regular practice begins at 4:30.

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(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 6-18-15) Dirt Mods at Mahoning Valley Speedway are often thought of as one of the most energizing divisions to watch at the paved Lehighton ¼-mile oval. Thanks to an all dirt track set-up, including dirt tires and then letting them cutting them loose in a tight pack, it is a unique style of short track racing like no other.he class, now in its seventh season, will take the spotlight this Saturday evening, June 20 with a 50 lap, $1200-to-win main event.Leading the way into the special feature will be current point leader Ricky Yetter. Yetter, who drives the Gary Lee’s Brown Daub KIA/Johnson Motor Lines No. 5, has been at the top of the standings for all but one week this year. In eight races thus far the driver best known as “The Law” has won twice while also knocking out seven top five finishes.In his shadow is Mike Stofflet who is the only other driver to lead the points this year and is coming off a recent win two weeks ago. He has the momentum going his way right now and could close the gap on Yetter with a win Saturday.
Lorin Arthofer II, who won his first Dirt Mod race on June 6, adding to his track total of 29 career wins across four different divisions, will be looking for another visit to Victory Lane.One of the steadiest drivers this year has been Dave Gorbatuk. Gorbatuk has been on the verge of earning his career first Mahoning win and has been a top contender for the class title as well. This could be the night!  Ray Deemer is fresh off his second win of the season, Jack Ely has scored two victories and each would certainly like to go for the $1200 verdict. Aleia Geisler and teammate Josh Schaffer have yet to win but clearly been within reach. Talented Scott Adams can surprise everyone and young Billy Lasko has shown that he is more than ready to bust through for his first win.All-in-all it is a great classes of drivers who will battle over the 50-lap distance for what should be a well-earned win.Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks are also on the card plus the postponed Hobby Stock feature from May 30 will be run.
 At intermission Kids Big Wheel Races will take place.Adult general admission is $18, $2 off for students, seniors 65+ and active military. Must have ID. Children 10 years old and under are free. Main gates open at 4:00 and racing starts at 6:00.
Early paid practice will run from 1:00 to 3:30. Regular practice begins at 4:30.

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Late Race Crash Aides Earl Paules In Scoring Mahoning Modified Win; Accident Sends Bobby Jones To Hospital

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 6-13-15) Earl Paules went from third to first with two laps to go after he narrowly missed a wreck between the front pair of Kevin Rex Jr., and Kyle Strohl. He then went on to record his second victory of the year with the Modifieds and in doing so is the first repeat winner after nine weeks of racing.

That same wreck also collected several others including Bobby Jones who had a massive hit into the front straight wall. Jones slide out of control and slammed this driver-side against the concrete. The hit temporarily knocked him unconscious and after carefully taking him from the car, he was then transported to Lehighton Hospital. After additional examination it was decided to air-lift Jones to Lehigh Valley Medical Center in Allentown for further and more precise tests. As of press time he was reported to have a concussion and was still in the hospital. He is alert and talking with others.

It was Fan Appreciation Night sponsored by Baltimore Life Insurance and Gary Lee’s Brown Daub KIA and a full house was on hand as both the grandstands and pits were filled.

At the start of the Modified feature Paul Hartwig Jr., brought the field of 20 to the green and would hold on to lead the first of 35 circuits. By lap two, however, Rex took over with Strohl and Paules hot on his trail.The racing was electrifying to say the least as Rex was in a heavy defensive mode, especially when it came to Strohl who was repeatedly trying both high and low to make his way by. Paules was doing much of the same in his struggle to pass Strohl. All the while this action was taking place with no cautions.The fast paced battle came to a grinding halt on lap 33. As the leaders entered turn four and ready to receive the white flag, Strohl darted to the inside of Rex. They made contact and both skidded out of line. Paules was quick to dive to the bottom of the track which gave him the lead on the restart.However, during the skirmish a number of cars began to scatter and in the process Jones, who had been running 10th, got hit from both sides and lurched into the wall. The crash brought out the red flag as track and safety crews came to the aid of Jones. Once it was reported that he was responsive, the crowd acknowledged with a rousing round of applause.When the mess had been cleared Paules was shown as the leader with Don Wagner second and Nevin George third. With a green-white-checker restart it was almost a sure bet that Paules was more than capable of bringing it home.“We made it to Victory Lane but we were definitely faster than the (Kyle) Strohl and (Kevin) Rex. The 44 (Strohl) car was using up the whole race track. He would try to get under Rex and I would get up alongside him and before you know it he would just hook right again into me and got me all crossed up,” said Paules, who had the front row seat for the Rex/Strohl incident.“He (Strohl) would fall back into line and try to get another run on Rex. He wasn’t going to make it because he was loose. I drove up along the outside of him and didn’t he run me up again,” he continued.“He (Strohl) wasn’t going to make it work. His car was to loose. He needed to settle for second and take the $900 home and go from there. It’s was a shame that cars got wrecked out there because of it. He wasn’t up far enough, he was only up to his (Rex) left rear. I was there, I seen it.”;Rex, although he may not have been the fastest car, was holding his line in an effort to collect a win. There was very little room for error on anyone’s part but the end result was in the favor of Paules.“It was working out in the 48s (Rex) favor because he was a little on the tight side. The 44 (Strohl) tried to get underneath him and he was to loose. He couldn’t make the pass. The 48 was going to win the race tonight, there was no doubt about because I couldn’t get around the 44,” said Paules.

Frankie Althouse won an exhausting Late Model race, his first of the season. Exhausting in the fact that he, Mike Sweeney and Paul Koehler Jr., all ran under a blanket.Althouse was doing all he could to be shielding of his spot as both sides of his No. 22 where getting an eyeful.  weeney tried several times to make a pass and almost lost control in the process, making some impressive saves. Koehler in the meantime was doing his biding from the low lane.      Althouse wasn’t to be denied, though. After four runner-ups, a few that could have easily been wins, he stayed strong and took the hard fought victory.

The amazing streak in the Street Stocks continued on for the ninth straight week as Jared Ahner won for the first time with the class which has seen no repeat winners to date. It was a win that most everyone knew was coming and oh what a thriller it was.  On the final lap Stacey Brown, who had led from the second half of the race was holding off Gene Bowers and Ahner. Entering the back straight on the final lap, Bowers tried to go inside and as he did he made contact with Brown and both spun. Ahner escaped by darting to the high line. The swift moved landed him the lead and for the final restart he was perfect, taking the unforgettable victory.

Ray Deemer raced to his second Dirt Mod win of the season. After assuming the lead from an aborted start that saw the front row of Paul Effrig and Billy Lasko tangle, Deemer was next to assume the top spot and once the race got underway there was no stopping him as he authored a most dominating performance. Mike Stofflet held of Jack Ely for second.

Wins are what drivers yearn for but in the case of Bobby Kibler Jr., he made an extra special one by beating his dad, Bobby Kibler Sr., to the checkers and scoring his second Pro 4 win of 2015.

Tim Oswald beat his counterparts as well as the curfew clock in winning the Hobby Stock feature.

Alex Greenzweig started from the pole and wired the field in the Micro Stock main for his second straight Mahoning win, backing up his earlier season verdict on April 18.

Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Earl Paules, 2. Don Wagner, 3. Nevin George, 4. Eric Beers, 5. Austin Kochenash, 6. Kris Graver, 7. Chip Santee, 8. Todd Baer, 9. Rick Reichenbach, 10. DJ Wagner, 11. JP Curry, 12. Kevin Rex Jr., 13. Kyle Strohl, 14. Brian Romig Jr., 15. John Markovic, 16. Matt Higgins, 17. Terry Markovic, 18. Paul Frantz, 19. Bobby Jones, 20. Paul Hartwig Jr. DNQ: Neil Rutt III, Roger Heffelfinger Jr., Danielle Paules

Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Frankie Althouse, 2. Paul Koehler Jr., 3. Mike Sweeney, 4. Francis Gross III, 5. Jacob Kerstetter, 6. Jeremy Miller, 7. Kenny Hein, 8. Jacob Nemeth, 9. Josh Oswald, 10. Broc Brown, 11. Scott Kotran, 12. Jason Zatsko, 13. George Ramos, 14. Tony Hilliard

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Jared Ahner, 2. Todd Ahner, 3. Brian Labar, 4. Jason Kuhn, 5. Josh Mooney, 6. Kristy Arthofer, 7. Randy Schlenker, 8. Zach Graver, 9. Jonathan Tracey, 10. Jamie Smith, 11. Joe Stangle, 12. Lonnie Behler Sr., 13. George Ramos, 14. Dave Chapman, 15. Stacey Brown, 16. Gene Bowers, 17. Aaron Kromer, 18. Jason Frey, 19. Jillian Long DQ: Randy Ahner Jr., TJ Gursky DNQ: Steven Steigerwalt, Corey Edelman, Cody Roth, Jeff Larrison Jr.

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Ray Deemer, 2. Mike Stofflet, 3. Jack Ely, 4. Ricky Yetter, 5. JP Curry, 6. Scott Adams, 7. Lorin Arthofer, 8. Aleia Geisler, 9. Dave Gorbatuk, 10. Josh Schaffer, 11. Billy Lasko, 12. Paul Effrig

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Bobby Kibler Jr., 2. Bobby Kibler Sr., 3. Nick Baer, 4. Cody Kohler, 5. Jake Kibler, 6. Tyler Stangle, 7. Jason Muffley, 8. Chad Miller, 9. Johnny Bennett, 10. TJ Kemmerer, 11. JD Light, 12. Alton Snyder Jr., 13. Lou Gara, 14. Kailyn Beers

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Tim Oswald, 2. Cody Geist, 3. Shayne Geist, 4. Lyndsay Buss, 5. Daniel Hargan, 6. Rich Mutarelli, 7. Kevin Behler, 8. Gunner Yost, 9. Thomas Hunsicker Jr., 10. BJ Wambold, 11. Devon Schmidt, 12. Kyle Krempasky, 13. Collin Bollinger, 14. Tiffany Wambold, 15. Jeff Biegley, 16. John Schmidt

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Bad Luck Behind, Chip Santee Is Back To Mahoning Winner’s Circle
 
LEHIGHTON, Pa. 6-6-15. To say Chip Santee has struggled in recent times would be a bit of an understatement. His keen driving has always been on, that was never the issue, rather his Central States Used Clothing No. 5 has gone through a slew changes as the team had been chasing the set-up for the right combination to get the two-time Mahoning Valley Speedway Modified champion back into the Winner’s Circle. On Saturday night, Santee, of Walnutport, had the magic touch back as he raced in the lead for all 35 laps and won for the first time in nearly two years. He is the eighth different winner so far in 2015. Santee took advantage of his pole starting spot and grabbed the opening lap lead and despite continued pressure he was top notch all the way. Paul Frantz had a crowd pleasing battle for the first 26 laps, turning in his best ever performance at this track. Earl Paules was able to sneak by in the waning portion of the race and would then hound Santee to the checkers.
“I’ve been struggling out here for a number of weeks. My car still wasn’t perfect tonight but I tried hard. The 10 (Frantz) ran me hard and he kept coming down on me and I got into him and I didn’t mean to, we were just racing hard. I’ll take this win and it feels great to get that monkey off our backs,” said Santee. After Santee took the early lead, Frantz, who started second, was turning in quite the performance, never letting up and fighting tooth and nail for the lead. It was indeed an exciting two-by-two battle and the energetic crowd was loving every lap. Frantz did take a share of the lead at times but Santee was just as determined and hustled right back to the front in short order. After 26 hard fought laps, Santee and Frantz touched and it was just enough to cause the No. 10 to falter a tad, which allowed Paules and Austin Kochenash to slip by. After shaking off Frantz, Santee was far from home free as now it was Paules who would shadow him the rest of the way. So hungry to shudder his bad run of late, Santee was not about to give up the front and would hold off Paules for his 28th career Modified win.   “Like the old saying goes…I’ve been on the other end of the shoe with good luck when my car was working well. I figured I got the lead and I was going to do what I had to in order to hold on and get my first victory in over two years. There’s a bunch of great guys behind me that finished second and third and everywhere here. The last couple years they all picked up the pace and you have to work hard for every win at this place,” said Santee. Kochenash was third while Frantz held on for a career best Mahoning finish of fourth. Point leader Don Wagner started last and drove to respectable fifth.

Paul Koehler Jr., of Northampton got back to winning in the Late Models. After starting out the season with three straight victories, Koehler had been beaten by Mike Sweeney twice and more recently by Jeremy Miller. In this week’s event Koehler scooted by early leader Francis Gross III on lap four and was never seriously challenged. The multi-time champion did have Sweeney on his tail but there was no holding back from the leader as he drove to perfection for his unprecedented 44th Mahoning Late Model win.

In the Street Stock main Jason Kuhn of Lehighton ended two years from last winning a feature. Always among the fastest and front runners, Kuhn had just been shy on one to many occasions in the ultra-competitive class. Steven Steigerwalt would jump into the early lead and remained in a position to become the first repeat winner of the year. However, Kuhn, who started third, made his way around then runner-up Jared Ahner on lap eight and soon set his sights on Steigerwalt. From the outside line Kuhn was able to hammer down and drive into first place with 13 laps in. He was never headed the rest of the way. With the win Kuhn becomes the eighth different winner in as many weeks.

In the make-up Dirt Mod feature from May 30 it was Mike Stofflet of Mertztown taking top honors. Stofflet jumped into the lead on lap one and never looked back. He had great battle over the first half of the race with Aleia Geisler and then in the final 10 circuits it was point leader Ricky Yetter who gave him a run for his money.

During the regular scheduled feature Lorin Arthofer II of Bath, a driver who has raced and won in numerous Mahoning classes, picked up his first win with a Dirt Mod. Arthofer took the lead on lap one and was having to deal with Dave Gorbatuk. With laps winding down Yetter joined the fray and while Arthofer was busy holding off those two off at the same time he was trying to race between lapped traffic. Years of experience helped him to do both and the win, his 31st at Mahoning, was secured.

Nick Baer, from New Tripoli, had to beat and bang his way to a second Pro 4 win as the cars of Tyler Stangle and Jake Kibler traded paint and rubbed fenders with him. On lap 12 that same action caused Stangle and Kibler to lock horns and crash out. Baer then took over from there to the finish.

Palmerton’s Cody Geist recorded his first Hobby Stock win of the season. He would actually pass his brother, Shayne Geist, on lap 10 for the lead and the two bros made it a Geist 1-2 finish.

Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Chip Santee, 2. Earl Paules, 3. Austin Kochenash, 4. Paul Frantz, 5. Don Wagner, 6. DJ Wagner, 7. Bobby Jones, 8. Eric Beers, 9. Kevin Rex Jr., 10. Brian Romig Jr., 11. John Markovic, 12. Zane Zeiner, 13. Kris Graver, 14. Matt Higgins, 15. Neil Rutt III, 16. Eric Kocher, 17. Kyle Strohl, 18. Paul Hartwig Jr., 19. Terry Markovic

Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Paul Koehler Jr., 2. Mike Sweeney, 3. Jeremy Miller, 4. Jason Zatsko, 5. Jacob Kerstetter, 6. Franke Althouse, 7. Jacob Nemeth8. Pat Hargan, 9. Francis Gross III, 10. Kenny Hein, 11. Geno Steigerwalt, 12. Mark Tyson, 13. Tony Hilliard

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Jason Kuhn, 2. Steven Steigerwalt, 3. Jason Frey, 4. Jared Ahner, 5. Cory Edelman, 6. Zach Graver, 7. Aaron Kromer, 8. Jillian Long, 9. Randy Schlenker, 10. Justin Mooney, 11. Kristy Arthofer, 12. Gene Bowers, 13. Todd Ahner, 14. Josh Mooney, 15. TJ Gursky, 16. Randy Ahner Jr., 17. Joe Stangle, 18. Stacey Brown, 19. Jonathan Tracey, 20. Brian Labar
DNQ: Lonnie Behler Sr., Dave Chapman, Cody Roth, Jeff Larrison Jr., George Ramos, Jamie Smith

Dirt Mod Feature Finish May 30 Make-up (25 Laps): 1. Mike Stofflet, 2. Ricky Yetter, 3. Aleia Geisler, 4. Dave Gorbatuk, 5. Jack Ely,  6. Josh Schaffer, 7. JP Curry, 8. Scott Adams, 9. Billy Lasko, 10. Bill Sittler, 11. Paul Effrig, 12. Lorin Arthofer II, 13. Drew Reinbold, 14. Ray Deemer

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Arthofer, 2. Gorbatuk, 3. Yetter, 4. Ely, 5. Stofflet, 6. Geisler, 7. Curry, 8. Adams, 9. Schaffer, 10. Effrig, 11. Sittler, 12. Reinbold, 13. Deemer DNS: Lasko

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Nick Baer, 2. Cody Kohler, 3. Jason Muffley, 4. Jake Kibler, 5. TJ Kemmerer, 6. Tyler Stangle, 7. Kailyn Beers, 8. JD Light, 9. Bobby Kibler Jr., 10. Johnny Bennett, 11. Bobby Kibler Sr., 12. Chad Miller

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Cody Geist, 2. Shayne Geist, 3. Sam Ryan, 4. Gunner Yost, 5. BJ Wambold, 6. Lyndsay Buss, 7. Devin Schmidt, 8. Daniel Hargan, 9. Rich Mutarelli, 10. Kyle Krempasky, 11. Tom Hunsicker Jr., 12. Colin Bollinger, 13. Kyle Williams, 14. Steve McDonough, 15. Jeff Biegley, 16. Seth VanFossen DNS: Tim Oswald

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Defending Mahoning Mod Champ Kris Graver Notches First Win of ’15…Is Seventh Different Winner Thus Far

By DINO OBERTO


(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 5-30-15) Defending Mahoning Valley Speedway track champion Kris Graver of Lehighton picked up his first feature win of the season, holding off several drivers en route to victory and in doing so continued a trend of no repeat winners over the first seven weeks of the season.Graver, who started fourth, needed just six laps before taking the lead. Once in front he would have to fend off several aggressors with the likes of John Markovic, Kyle Strohl and then Eric Beers, who made the race to the checkers quite exciting in the waning laps.Last year it seemed nothing went wrong for the 22-year Graver. He won numerous times and in several classes. However, his reign as Modified track champion has been an admittedly a tough road. Prior to tonight’s verdict he had just two top fives, both being fifth place finishes, as his best results and other than that he has not been seen on the radar that much.“The car was a little free at the end but I’ll take it any way I could, especially the way the season has been going for us,” said Graver.“It just seems that no matter what we did we couldn’t find any luck. This season up to now was like a two step forward, ten step back process. But it finally all clicked together tonight and hopefully the luck stays on our side and we can get a couple more decent finishes and maybe a win or two more.”;At the race commencing green pole sitter Paul Frantz took to the opening lap lead. One lap later Markovic assumed command and was being hounded by Graver who was on his outside. Hungry to lead his first laps of the season, Graver needed only two circuits before taking the top spot.One of the traits of Graver is that rarely does he relinquish the lead once he has it, evident by his now 39 career wins. There would indeed be several attempts by the others to do so but each time he would turn them away. Restarts made things interesting, particularly when Strohl was alongside him.“He (Strohl) was trying to go a little bit before me, having his nose ahead but I was able to clear him. That was probably the hardest part, keeping him at bay. Other than that I felt pretty comfortable until the end when I started to get a little loose,” said Graver.While Graver was holding back Strohl, Beers had raced his way into third and was hovering closely behind them. Beers then used a lap 26 restart to go by Strohl. For the final nine tours he would try all he could to get by but Graver was not about to let his first win slip away.“At one point I heard over the radio that Eric (Beers) was fourth so I knew he was going to be there at the end somewhere. I didn’t worry about that though. I just concentrated on knowing I had a couple more laps and I have to hold this lead,” explained Graver.“We have been short on money from not having the greatest finishes this year so far. Some of the special races we had was a strain on our account so this win tonight really gives us a boost. I have to thank my crew and sponsors for all they do.”;Strohl maintained third at the finish. “The Silver Fox” Don Wagner, who made an amazing charge through the pack after a spin put him in the back of the field on lap 15 and Eric Kocher rounded out the top five. Graver, Markovic and Chip Santee won heats.
The seven different winners to start the year is the most since 2005.“It’s always been tough and it seems like every year since (promoter) Floyd (Santee) took over the track it continues that way. You have to come here with all your ducks in a row. Up until tonight I hadn’t been any better than fifth and we’ve had seven races already so when you win a race here you know you’ve earned it,” said Graver.

In the Late Models it was Jeremy Miller of Danielsville finally busting through for his career first win with the class.Miller, a former Pro 4 champion and now in his sophomore season of Late Model racing, had taken the lead away from Jacob Kerstetter on lap three. However, he had a very determined Frankie Althouse right next to him and en exciting side-by-side matchup soon ensued.For the next 20 laps there was constant two-wide action between them which included numerous lead swapping. If that wasn’t thrilling enough, last week’s winner Mike Sweeney had also joined the fray.With five laps to go Miller held the slightest of leads while Althouse and Sweeney pressured him from either side. Then, as the trio where coming by to receive the white flag, Althouse was made a darting move from the outside, however, his car broke loose and he spun, ending any shot at victory.When the race resumed Miller was still in the hot seat. Sweeney would make a last ditch effort to pass but the determined Miller would not give up and went on to claim his first win after numerous close tries.

Potatcong, NJs Joe Stangle parlayed his pole starting spot into his first ever career Street Stock win. Despite never ending pressure from that of Josh Mooney, Todd Ahner and finally a very fast approaching Gene Bowers, Stangle stayed solid throughout the 30-lap distance for the memorable night’s effort.

Unfortunately the remaining feature events where postponed due to rain and will be made up in the upcoming weeks.

 
Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Kris Graver, 2. Eric Beers, 3. Kyle Strohl, 4. Don Wagner, 5. Eric Kocher, 6. John Markovic, 7. Lou Strohl, 8. Austin Kochenash, 9. Paul Frantz, 10. Terry Markovic, 11. Rick Reichenbach, 12. Wayne Szerencsits, 13. Earl Paules, 14. Paul Hartwig Jr., 15. Kevin Rex Jr., 16. Neil Rutt III, 17. Brian Romig Jr., 18. Chip Santee, 19. Scott Adams

 Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Jeremy Miller, 2. Mike Sweeney, 3. Paul Koehler Jr., 4. Pat Hargan, 5. Kenny Hein, 6. Jacob Kerstetter, 7. Jacob Nemeth, 8. Frankie Althouse, 9. Francis Gross III DNS: Tony Hilliard, Joe Beretta
 
Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Joe Stangle, 2. Gene Bowers, 3. Todd Ahner, 4. Josh Mooney, 5. Justin Mooney, 6. Kristy Arthofer, 7. Randy Schlenker, 8. Randy Ahner Jr., 9. Jared Ahner, 10. Lonnie Behler Sr., 11. TJ Gursky, 12. Jonathan Tracey 13. Corey Edelman, 14. Aaron Kromer, 15. Zach Graver, 16. Jason Kuhn, 17. Dave Chapman, 18. Jason Frey, 19. Stacey Brown, 20. Jillian Long, 21. Brian Labar DNS: Steven Steigerwalt DNQ: Jamie Smith, Paul Morgan Jr. George Ramos

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"Kid Kochenash" Withstands "The Hurricane" In Thrilling Mahoning Modified Feature

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 5-23-15) What a very exciting and scintillating Modified feature fans were treated to Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway as they watched Austin Kochenash of Danielsville hold off Earl Paules and score his first win of 2015.After Kochenash made a gripping pass over then leader Lou Strohl on lap 29, Paules was able to do the same and for the final six laps the top two raced in a side-by-side shootout to the finish. Kochenash did all he could to protect his line and much to the disapproval of Paules who was none too happy afterwards.“We had to the make the car work all over tonight, from the bottom to up against the wall but that’s just racing for the win,” said Kochenash. “The car was fast, especially towards the end. I just drove fast enough to keep it on the bottom and hold on.”;The entire 35 lap event was tight knit. Strohl led from the pole and had Kevin Rex Jr., running next to him. By lap 10, however, Kochenash was in second and Paules, who owns Strohl’s car, was third.With Strohl on the bottom, Kochenash was doing all he could to pass from the outside line but there was nothing doing. Opportunities would also come during a few restarts also but each time Strohl was hanging tough. Meanwhile Paules was looking both high and low to get by either of the front pair.The excitement level was peaked when on lap 28 Strohl bobbled just a bit coming off turn three. He and Kochenash touched and it appeared that havoc was about to unfold but amazingly they corrected. Kochenash darted into the lead and Paules followed.“He (Strohl) just backed off which was good. He did hit us in the left rear and he lifted and I was able to save it,” said Kochenash.Kochenash and Paules then preformed in a spine-tingling duel the remainder of laps. The winning margin was by a mere .0172-seconds.“I can’t thank my crew enough. We’ve been struggling a little bit this year and we finally found something,” said Kochenash. Eric Beers made haste over the final 10 laps, passing several cars and was third. Lou Strohl held on for fourth and Kyle Strohl took fifth.Afterwards Paules spoke candid about the outcome and had quite a stir from the fans who expressed both cheers and jeers.“He (Kochenash) said about Louie (Strohl) running him up a little bit but when I got to him he was using the whole race track up to, that’s just Mahoning Valley. I’m not complaining, it just happens. I was running in third and he was squeezing me down in the infield but that’s just what it is. We were the faster car and everyone knows that,” said Paules.

For the second time in as many starts Mike Sweeney rolled to victory in the Late Model feature and in doing so is now tied for first place in points with Paul Koehler Jr.Sweeney raced his way into the lead by taking the low line under Jason Zatsko on lap 15. He then had to keep Frankie Althouse at bay, which he had no trouble doing, and cruised to the win.

Dave Chapman was the winner of the Gene Bowers Sr., Memorial 100 for Street Stocks. It was also race number two of the American Rental Street Stock Gamblers Series.It seems too that Chapman is a win big or go home driver. He took a $2000 victory in the season finale of 2014, then only was only able to qualify for the first race of this year. After four weeks of failing to make the starting grid, Chapman was again celebrating a huge win and another hefty payday as he won $1200 for the race and with added lap money his night’s earnings were over $2000.Aaron Kromer was a solid second followed by Jonathan Tracey, Randy Schlenker and Jillian Long.

Jack Ely raced his way to a resounding second Dirt Mod win. After running a number of laps in close proximity behind early leader Dave Gorbatuk along with Ricky Yetter, Ely saw an opening emerge on lap 12 and he dove to the bottom of the track to make the winning pass.
Afterwards he was on cruise control and easily motored on to claim win over Yetter and Gorbatuk.

In the Pro 4 feature Bobby Kibler Sr., held off point leader Cody Kohler and became the first repeat winner with the class this season.

Shayne Geist was the fourth and final leader in the Hobby Stock main and was able to notch his third win in six starts.

Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Austin Kochenash, 2. Earl Paules, 3. Eric Beers, 4. Lou Strohl, 5. Kyle Strohl, 6. Don Wagner, 7. Kevin Rex Jr., 8. Terry Markovic, 9. Calvin Carroll, 10. Mike Quinn, 11. John Markovic, 12. Eric Kocher, 13. Neil Rutt III, 14. Rick Reichenbach, 15. Wayne Szerencsits, 16. Paul Hartwig Jr., 17. Brain Romig Jr., 18. Kris Graver, 19. Chip Santee, 20. Roger Heffelfinger Jr., 21. Paul Frantz

Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Mike Sweeney, 2. Frankie Althouse, 3. Jason Zatsko, 4. Kenny Hein, 5. George Ramos, 6. Geno Steigerwalt, 7. Francis Gross III, 8. Jeremy Miller, 9. Jacob Kerstetter, 10. Jacob Nemeth, 11. Scott Kotran, 12. Paul Koehler Jr. DNS: Tony Hilliard

Street Stock Feature Finish (100 Laps): 1. Dave Chapman, 2. Aaron Kromer, 3. Jonathan Tracey, 4. Randy Schlenker, 5. Jillian Long, 6. Zach Graver, 7. Kristy Arthofer, 8. TJ Gursky, 9. Josh Mooney, 10. Steven Steigerwalt, 11. Jason Frey, 12. Todd Ahner, 13. Randy Ahner Jr., 14. Jason Kuhn, 15. Gene Bowers, 16. Corey Edelman, 17. Paul Morgan Jr., 18. Justin Mooney, 19. Jared Ahner, 20. Stacey Brown
DNQ: Brian Labar, Joe Stangle, Lonnie Behler Sr., Jamie Smith, Nick Ross, Mike Pieshota, George Ramos

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Jack Ely, 2. Ricky Yetter, 3. Dave Gorbatuk, 4. Lorin Arthofer II, 5. Josh Schaffer, 6. Aleia Geisler, 7. JP Curry, 8. Ray Deemer, 9. Bill Sittler, 10. Paul Effrig, 11. Billy Lasko, 12. Mike Stofflet

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Bobby Kibler Sr., 2. Cody Kohler, 3. Jake Kibler, 4. Jason Muffley, 5. Kailyn Beers, 6. Alton Snyder Jr., 7. Jonny Bennett, 8. Bobby Kibler Jr., 9. TJ Kemmerer, 10. Chad Miller, 11. Nick Baer, 12. JD Light DNS: Tyler Stangle

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Shayne Geist, 2. Lyndsay Buss, 3. Tim Oswald, 4. Collin Bollinger, 5. Kyle Krempasky, 6. Kevin Behler, 7. Cody Geist, 8. Devon Schmidt, 9. Rich Mutarelli ,10. Kyle Williams, 11. Daniel Hargan, 12. Steve Gehman



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BRC13 TV-13 Sports cameras set to roll at Mahoning Valley Speedway


(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 5-21-15) Blue Ridge Communications of Lehighton and Mahoning Valley Speedway are proud to announce a joint venture for the first of several feature broadcasts taking place at the popular paved quarter mile oval.On Saturday night, June 6, BRC13 via the station’s TV-13 Sports will have a full complement of cameras set up at the track for a tape-delayed broadcast the following week. TV-13 Sports award winning anchor/reporter Brian Unangst will be joined by “The Voice” Dino Oberto for the telecast. “It’s been nearly 20 years since BRC13 has televised racing from Mahoning Valley Speedway and we are excited to return,” said Unangst. “Mahoning Valley always provides great racing action and we are looking to bring that excitement to our viewers. We look forward to this new partnership with the track and we’re thankful to promoter Floyd Santee for the chance to showcase the drivers and racing.”; TV-13 Sports covers all of the region’s local sports including baseball, football, basketball, wrestling, soccer, field hockey, track and field, swimming, golf and all of the area auto racing action.  “This is an exciting time for us at Mahoning Valley to have BRC13 come in and do these broadcasts. We have a solid fan and driver base and this is a golden opportunity to enhance the exposure of the track,” said Oberto, who serves as the Mahoning track announcer along with his son, Mario Oberto.  The night’s race line-up includes a full slate of all six track classes which include Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks. Plus the Xcel 600 Modifieds are on the docket. Other broadcast dates will be released soon.

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(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 5-19-15) Race engines went quite for the first time last weekend at Mahoning Valley Speedway when rain forced the night’s program to be cancelled. The track now swings back into action this coming Saturday evening, May 23 with a six division show that is to be headlined by the by the Gene Bowers Sr., Memorial 100 for Street Stocks. The annual Memorial Day weekend race has become a very popular event on the yearly calendar. The race, which pays tribute to the late Gene Bowers Sr., a former driver and car owner, is worth $1200 to win plus lap money that usually pushes the winner’s share to well over $2000, making it one of the richest Street Stock races in the northeast region.Modifieds, Late Models, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks are also in action plus free tickets to the upcoming Pocono ARCA 200 at Pocono Raceway on June 6 will be given away to the first 300 adult guests in the grandstands and there will also be Sunday, June 7 tickets for the AXALTA “We Paint WINNERS” 400 given out to select lucky fans. Pocono Raceway mascot Tricky Fox will also be making an appearance and the Pocono Pace Car will be on display as well.Since 2011 The Gene Bowers Sr., Memorial 100 has been run and for drivers of the Street Stock class it has become a lucrative affair as not only is there the $1200 first place prize money but thanks to a the Bowers family there is plenty of lap money to go around. When Kevin Smith won the inaugural race, at the time it was the highest payday for a Street Stock driver, $2200. Steven Steigerwalt, Zach Graver and Chip Wanamaker have been winners. The race is also the second leg of the American Rental Street Stock Gamblers Series. Jonathan Tracey took the first of the special six race series on April 25 and heads into Saturday’s event holding an Ace card.All race teams can take advantage of early paid practice which takes place from 12:30 to 3:00. Fee is $25 per car. Regular warm-ups will then get underway shortly after 4:00 pm. The first heat will begin at 6:00 pm. Grandstands open at 4:00. Adult admission is $18, there is a $2 off discount for students, seniors 65+ and active military. Must have ID. Children 10 years old and under are free.

There will also be Kids Big Wheel races at intermission sponsored by Gene Bowers Jr.

The Car Cruise that was to have taken place on May 3 has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 30. There is also a Small Car Enduro that will be held after the regular slate of feature races.


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MAY 9 - “The Master of Faster” Eric Beers Claims $3000 Mahoning Gamblers Series Win

By DINO OBERTO

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 5-9-15) He has been dubbed “The Master of Faster” and on Saturday night at Mahoning Valley Speedway Northampton’s Eric Beers showed everyone why he is just that after driving to a convincing win in the 100-lap Central States Modified Gamblers Series (CSMGS) feature.
After passing Don Wagner for the lead on a lap 41 restart, Beers drove off to a resounding victory in round two of the special high-paying six race series. It was his first win of the year and netted the celebrated veteran $3000.Point leader Don Wagner, Kyle Strohl, Austin Kochenash and Lou Strohl rounded out the top five.It’s actually hard to believe that five races into the season and Beers is just finding Victory Lane. But it hasn’t been for lack of anything on his or his team’s part. The 2015 playing field is equaled throughout, evident by five different winners in as many races thus far.   “A couple of years ago they (competition) where chasing us and the first few weeks of this year we were chasing them and it’s a testament to how hard those guys work to make their cars fast. I’m just glad we came out on top tonight, we needed it,” said Beers.A redraw of the top 12 finishers from the three heats put Wagner and Kris Graver on the front row. Beers would start seventh.At the outset Wagner would take early charge of the 20-car field while Graver and Mike Quinn tailed him. Lou Strohl held fourth and by lap two Beers was fifth.Beers is one of the experts when it comes to extra distance races at Mahoning Valley, having already won a 10 of them and knows how patience pays off in these type of events.Wagner, who won the opening round of the CSMGS on April 11, was looking strong while setting the pace. He did a fine job of holding off Graver and then a very determined Lou Strohl who tried several times to make a pass for the lead.But, while Wagner and L. Strohl dueled, Beers had begun his assault to the front. He went to the outside of Graver on lap 13 and then set his sights on the front pair. Beers would need the next 8 laps to take care of business with L. Strohl and once he did it was game on between him and Wagner.“I was watching Donny (Wagner) at the beginning of the race and I was trying to find a weakness but I couldn’t find one to pass him so I was riding him, hoping he would slow down because I didn’t think I would get him,” said Beers.Wagner was indeed doing his best at keeping Beers at bay, running the bottom line and shielding himself from relinquishing the lead.However, on lap 41 a caution waved when last week’s winner Todd Baer and Quinn got together on the front straight. Beers knew the opportunity was at hand and he seized the moment on the restart to vault into the top spot. “We got lucky there on the restart. We got a good run and Donny gave me enough room, we cleared him and we just held on from there,” said Beers.Beers would be on his own at the closing laps and even with a restart with one to go, it wasn’t enough for Wagner or anyone else to make a bid at him. His win was the 41st at Mahoning Valley in a Modified.After being passed for the lead Wagner had a plan in mind to lay back and conserve his tires for a run near the end. However, what he didn’t expect was the hard charging 15-year old Kyle Strohl coming into play. K. Strohl had made several pits stops including one after a wild spin on lap 19 that forced his team to make a tire change.It wasn’t until mid-race that he then got going. With 30 laps to remaining he was in the top five and for the final 15 was all over Wagner.“I was trying to save something for the end. Eric (Beers) was running away with it and I thought, ‘Go ahead, wear your tires out.’ I just wanted to try and save mine,” said Wagner.“I wasn’t feeling any pressure until this kid (Kyle Strohl) stuck his nose under me. Then I had to get up and go again and there just wasn’t enough in the tank at that end to get Eric.”

Mike Sweeney took advantage of his front row starting spot and went on to lead all 25 laps of the Late Model feature. In doing so he not only grabbed his first win of the year but also put a stop to the three-race win streak of Paul Koehler Jr.
Sweeney was at one point holding a commanding lead but after a restart on lap 17 he was encircled by Jeremy Miller, Frankie Althouse and Koehler. However, once the action resumed he went right back into his power mode and was able to pull away from his trackers.

Defending Street Stock champ TJ Gursky got his first win of 2015. Gursky, who started sixth, passed then runner-up Paul Morgan Jr., on lap 11 and immediately began to pressure leader Joe Stangle.

Stangle did not make it easy as he was fending off Gursky nicely while in pursuit of his career first win. Gursky then got a big break when Stangle dropped out while under caution on lap 19, his car smoking heavily. From then on there was no denying Gursky as he motored on to victory over fast closing Randy Schlenker.

Racing with a very heavy heart, Dirt Mod point leader Ricky Yetter won for the second time in four races. Earlier in the day Yetter had attended funeral services for his best friend and Car Chief Lewis Gruppo Jr., who passed away suddenly on Monday of that week.
With a mission in mind to settle for nothing less than a win, Yetter zipped by early leader Billy Lasko on lap 10 and would stay the course in front the rest of the way.

Jake Kibler picked up the win in the Pro 4 feature that was a real nail bitter between him and point leader Cody Kohler. With two laps to go the pair where in a torrid dogfight and as they raced to the checkers Kibler was able to nip Kohler by a slim. .036-second margin of victory.

After being oh-so-close on so many occasions, Tim Oswald finally got his first career Hobby Stock win. And even this time is was another heart stopper as Shayne Geist tried to use a last lap restart to overtake the leader but the determined Oswald stood his ground.

Modified Feature Finish (100 Laps): 1. Eric Beers, 2. Don Wagner, 3. Kyle Strohl, 4. Austin Kochenash, 5. Lou Strohl, 6. Nevin George, 7. Kris Graver, 8. John Markovic, 9. Kevin Rex Jr., 10. Earl Paules, 11. Todd Baer, 12. Terry Markovic, 13. Paul Frantz, 14. Bobby Jones, 15. Calvin Carroll, 16. Anthony Sesely, 17. Mike Quinn, 18. Jimmy Zacharias, 19. Chip Santee, 20. Eric Kocher

Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Mike Sweeney, 2. Frankie Althouse, 3. Paul Koehler Jr., 4. Jeremy Miller, 5. Jason Zatsko, 6. Jacob Kerstetter, 7. Kenny Hein, 8. Francis Gross III, 9. Jacob Nemeth

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. TJ Gursky, 2. Randy Schlenker, 3. Zach Graver, 4. Corey Edelman, 5. Kristy Arthofer, 6. Justin Mooney, 7. Stacey Brown, 8. Jillian Long, 9. Todd Ahner, 10. Jason Kuhn, 11. Randy Ahner Jr., 12. Brian Labar, 13. Gene Bowers, 14. Jason Frey, 15. Rich Emel, 16. Jared Ahner, 17. Lonnie Behler Jr., 18. Paul Morgan Jr., 19. Aaron Kromer, 20. Joe Stangle, 21. Steven Steigerwalt, 22. Cody Roth DNQ: Jonathan Tracey, Bernie Uphold, George Ramos, Dave Chapman

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Ricky Yetter, 2. Lorin Arthofer II, 3. Jack Ely, 4. Aleia Geisler, 5. Dave Gorbatuk, 6. Ray Deemer, 7. Billy Lasko, 8. Josh Schaffer, 9. Mike Stofflet DNS: Bill Sittler

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Cody Kohler, 3. Nick Baer, 4. JD Light, 5. Bobby Kibler Sr., 6. Tyler Stangle, 7. Chad Miller, 8. Bobby Kibler Sr., 9. Johnny Bennett, 10. TJ Kemmerer, 11. Kailyn Beers, 12. Alton Snyder DNS: Lou Gara

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1.Tim Oswald, 2. Shayne Geist, 3. Cody Geist, 4. Kyle Krempasky, 5. Rich Mutarelli, 6. Daniel Hargan, 7. Lyndsay Buss, 8. Devon Schmidt, 9. Ryan Green, 10. Colin Bollinger


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May 2 - Todd Bear Hangs On For Mahoning Modified Win; Paul Koehler Remains Undefeated In Late Models

By DINO OBERTO
Todd Baer may have led every lap en route to winning Saturday night’s 35-lap Modified feature at Mahoning Valley Speedway, however, it was by no means a cake walk as he had a constant onslaught of pressure. First came Eric Kocher and then it was Earl Paules who would apply his force yet there was no wavering on the part of Bear who would stand his ground and hold on for the $1800 payday.“It was pretty tough out here tonight and I knew there was some real good guys behind me,” said Baer who hails from New Tripoli. “I was a little tight on the bottom so I had to widen out the race track.”;
Baer started the race in second and made quick work of pole sitter Terry Markovic at the drop of the initial green.Kocher, Chip Santee and Paules also raced by Markovic by lap two and where right all over the rear of Baer. It stayed a close affair with that group until a second restart on lap 11 eliminated Santee.The incident transpired when Kocher pinched Santee in turn four and the No. 5 car went around. In the process he collected Eric Beers and both had to rejoin from the rear.When the race did get going Kocher was able to put his bumper out front for one lap. Baer came right back on the very next circuit but still had no room to breathe.Paules, as well as point leader Don Wagner got around Kocher after his car began to tighten and once they hooked up at the back of Baer it was white-knuckle from there to the conclusion. Bear did what he needed too to keep his mount low, but also a tad high as well in order to hold back Paules.You have to do what works. There was so many good cars behind me and our car really got tight,” said Baer. “I felt real comfortable with Eric (Kocher) out there and we were both giving and taking. Then Earl (Paules) was there at the end and he let me know a few times that he was behind me but thankfully we kept it pointed in the right direction and here we are in Victory Lane.”;Paules had to settle for second with Wagner, Beers and Kris Graver rounding out the top five."He just wouldn’t move over. I was bumping him and bumping him and I thought for sure he would move out of the way but he wasn’t budging. He took all the race track away that I needed,” said Paules.

Paul Koehler of Northampton is celebrating his 25th year of racing and he is doing it with a quite a splash as the veteran ace sailed to his third straight Late Model win to remain undefeated in 2015. Jacob Kerstetter would set the early pace until lap five when Jeremy Miller took control. Miller was then cruising ahead of Frankie Althouse while Koehler was hanging back in fourth behind Kerstetter. By mid-race and no having no cautions at that point Koehler knew it was go time. Kerstetter did make him work for third but once he was past he went right after Althouse and likewise with Miller.
On lap 18 Koehler was on the rear bumper of Miller and the next time by made a slingshot move to advance into the lead. The final five laps went smoothly and Koehler took the win in a caution-free time of 4:32. It was his 62nd career Late Model win, 43 coming at Mahoning Valley.

Putting 20 cars on a track like Mahoning Valley for a 30 lap feature and you would think that at least several cautions would interrupt the action because of the tight confines. But not when it’s the Street Stock division.Steven Steigerwalt of Lehighton led in a green to checker nonstop run in what was all out thrilling side-by-side racing from start to finish and completed in a matter of 6:04.Stacey Brown raced for a good portion of the event alongside Steigerwalt and settled for second while Jonathan Tracey, Jason Kuhn and new point leader Justin Mooney completed the top five.

Ray Deemer of Easton steamrolled his way to a dominating victory in the Dirt Mod feature. At the initial green and from his outside the front row starting spot he quickly blasted past Bill Sittler for the opening lap lead and stayed there the rest of the way.Early on he had a close run with Rick Yetter and Mike Stofflet but on a lap eight restart Yetter banged wheels with Deemer. Yetter then dropped from action after he spun.No one was able to step-up to challenge Deemer afterwards as he built an insurmountable lead and pulled away to a half track win over Lorin Arthofer II.

Slatington’s Bobby Kibler Jr., won the Pro 4 feature. At the outset the race became the Kibler, Kibler and Kibler show as Bobby Jr., led over his dad, Bobby Sr., and Jake Kibler.The race was looking to be a son/father 1-2 finish until point leader Cody Kohler charged his way up to second with five laps to go. Kibler Jr., however, would not back down and scored his first win of the season.

In the Hobby Stocks it was Rich Mutarelli of Nazareth notching his first victory of the season. Mutarelli took the lead from Lyndsay Buss on lap two and would not be headed the rest of the way. Buss remained second for her career best finish.

Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Todd Baer, 2. Earl Paules, 3. Don Wagner, 4. Eric Beers, 5. Kris Graver, 6. Eric Kocher, 7. Kevin Rex Jr., 8. Chip Santee, 9. Terry Markovic, 10. Jon Moser, 11. Kyle Strohl, 12. Mike Quinn, 13. John Markovic, 14. Austin Kochenash, 15. Paul Frantz, 16. Lou Strohl, 17. JP Curry

Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Paul Koehler Jr., 2. Jeremy Miller, 3. Frankie Althouse, 4. Jacob Kerstetter, 5. Mike Sweeney, 6. Kenny Hein, 7. Jason Zatsko, 8. Jacob Nemeth, 9 Geno Steigerwalt, 10. George Ramos
 
Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Steven Steigerwalt, 2. Stacey Brown, 3. Jonathan Tracey, 4. Jason Kuhn, 5. Justin Mooney, 6. Zach Graver, 7. Randy Schlenker, 8. Aaron Kromer, 9. Gene Bowers, 10. Randy Ahner Jr., 11. Jared Ahner, 12. Jillian Long, 13. George Ramos, 14. Jason Frey, 15. Kristy Arthofer, 16. Todd Ahner, 17. Corey Edelman, 18. Josh Mooney, 19. TJ Gursky, 20. Brian Labar DNQ: Joe Stangle, Bernie Uphold, Cody Roth, Tiffany Wambold, Dave Chapman, Lonnie Behler Jr., Paul Morgan Jr., Logan Boyer

Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Ray Deemer, 2. Lorin Arthofer II, 3. Dave Gorbatuk, 4. Billy Lasko, 5. Aleia Geisler, 6. Bill Sittler, 7. Drew Reinbold. 8. Mike Stofflet, 9. Rick Yetter

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Bobby Kibler Jr., 2. Cody Kohler, 3. Bobby Kibler Sr., 4. Jake Kibler, 5. Nick Baer, 6. JD Light, 7. TJ Kemmerer, 8. Alton Snyder Jr., 9. Kailyn Beers, 10. Johnny Bennett DNS: Tyler Stangle, Chad Miller

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Rich Mutarelli, 2. Lyndsay Buss, 3. Kyle Krempasky, 4. Cody Geist, 5. Shayne Geist, 6. Daniel Hargan, 7. Collin Bollinger, 8. Ryan Green, 9. Tim Oswald, 10. Jay Garris

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Mahoning Valley Speedway present six division card this Saturday, May 2

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 4-28-15) The first three weeks of the 2015 season at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway have rolled off with plenty of race cars and a variety of winners. Matter of fact in 20 main events run there have been 18 different winners. That winners list will look to have more names added this coming Saturday evening, May 2 when the track will be in action with a regular show of heats and features for the Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks. Kids Big Wheel races will also take place during intermission. The day will begin for those wishing to take in early paid practice which takes place from 12:30 to 3:00. Regular warm-ups will then get underway at 4:30. The first heat will hit the track at 6:00 pm.
Grandstands open at 4:00 and adult admission is $12. There is a $2 off discount for students, seniors 65+ and active military. Must have ID. Children 10 years old and under are free.

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Kyle Strohl’s Modified win is no match for the veterans: Kris Graver continues his SpeedSTR dominance

By DINO OBERTO

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 4-25-15) In 2014 then 14-year old Kyle Strohl burst onto the Modified scene at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway as the youngest driver to ever win a feature race with the division, that coming in just his third time out. By mid-summer he won again, finished fifth in points and was named Rookie of the Year. Now a year older and nearly one year to the day of that memorable first victory Strohl notched a convincing triumph and firmly validated himself as a genuine contender among the many elite veterans. The 15-year old from Palmerton beat such notables as Jimmy Zacharias, Eric Beers and Earl Paules in a seamless effort. After passing Zacharias for the lead on a lap 18 restart, Strohl was unchallenged en route to victory.“The car was great tonight and it had so much power. I can’t thank my crew enough for all their work. Once I was able to get by Jimmy (Zacharias) we just hammered down and it was perfect from there on,” said Strohl. When the race started rookie JP Curry jumped into the early lead and led his first laps in a Modified. Zacharias was up to second by lap two and for the third time in as many weeks was displaying impressive power. He used an inside tactic on lap four to advance to the lead and soon afterwards was pulling away from the pack. While Zacharias was building on his lead Terry Markovic was controlling second spot and holding off Strohl. After numerous attempts to get by, Strohl finally progressed to the runner-up spot on lap 16. Two laps later the caution was out for Markovic who spun in turn two and it would be on that restart where Strohl would make his race winning move.
Getting a burst of momentum once the race restarted, Strohl powered around Zacharias for the top spot and was never headed from there on.
“It’s a great feeling to be able to beat these guys. They are some of the best Modified racers around. That restart was the key for us and Jimmy gave me plenty of room,” said Strohl. Ironically Strohl is racing a car that was purchased from Zacharias. While Strohl was cruising towards his conquest, there remained a hotly contested battle for second spot. Zacharias was in the midst of an intense four car battle with Beers, Paules and Austin Kochenash. All four ran closely bunched with little room to spare.As Strohl comfortably took the checkered flag, Zacharias, Beers and Paules all fought for second spot. Zacharias would claim the position at the wire while Beers just eked third. Kochenash and point leader Don Wagner rounded out the top five.
“If it wasn’t for that restart I think we may have had something for Kyle (Strohl),” said Zacharias. “Once that restart came I knew I was going to hurdle a little bit. The car has been real good, the problem here is the driver. This is only my seventh race here but we’re getting better.”;

The USAC All Pro SpeedSTRs raced for the first time this season and in a carbon copy performance of last when the popular open wheel racers invaded Mahoning, Kris Graver of Lehighton was again the winner, making it three for three on his home turf.
Driving the John Kovatch owned No. 01, Graver started second to his uncle, Kevin Graver Jr., and with the waving of Bobby Stull’s race commencing green, Kris blasted into the lead and over the next 40 laps was never headed.
The only time he was in jeopardy of giving up the lead was during a few restarts but each time the race got back underway there was no denying his incredible adaptation to the cars which he has limited seat time in.
His victory was worth $3000, however, Graver made note that all of his 2015 winnings with the SpeedSTR will be donated to the Sonny Kovatch Scholarship foundation.

Kevin Graver held off 2014 Bowman Gray Stadium Modified champion Danny Bohn for second. Steve Nederostek and Mike Bednar completed the top five.

In a very thrilling and very close run Street Stock feature, Troy Bollinger held off Josh Mooney by mere inches to score his first win with the class since 1999. Bollinger used an outside pass on lap eight to take the lead from George Ramos. He would then have Mooney as his pursuer and the pair would soon engage in a torrid clash, running side-by-side and exchanging the lead in the process. In the closing laps Bollinger squeezed out just enough power to nip Mooney for the win, his first in a Street Stock since June 26, 1999.

For Cody Kohler, winning the Pro 4 feature was as easy 3-2-1. Kohler was third on opening night and followed that up with a close second a week later. On week three the third time was the charm. Kohler and Jake Kibler battled hard for the lead over the first seven laps. Kohler then took charge with a dozen circuits to go and would not waver, despite a constant effort by Kibler. Thanks to the win Kohler is the new point leader.

Shayne Geist raced to his second straight Hobby Stock win. Geist passed Rich Mutarelli three laps into the contest and then had to fend off his younger brother Cody on his way to the win.

Brett Beiber was uncontested in winning the All Star Slingshot feature, as he led all 20 laps with little to no opposition. Dylan Hoch

Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Kyle Strohl, 2. Jimmy Zacharias, 3. Eric Beers, 4. Earl Paules, 5. Austin Kochenash, 6. Don Wagner, 7. Kris Graver, 8. Paul Frantz, 9. Chip Santee, 10. Eric Kocher, 11. John Markovic, 12. Kevin Rex Jr., 13. Terry Markovic, 14. Jon Moser, 15. Rick Reichenbach

SpeedSTR Feature Finish (40 Laps): 1. Kris Graver, 2. Kevin Graver Jr., 3. Danny Bohn, 4. Steve Nederostek, 5. Mike Bednar, 6. Kyle Lick, 7. Wayne Weaver, 8. Rick Kirkendall, 9. Matt Janisch, 10. Earl Paules, 11. Eric Beers, 12. Tim Iulg, 13. Jason Miller, 14. John Bockhorn, 15. Nick Baer

Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Troy Bollinger, 2. Josh Mooney, 3. Jason Kuhn, 4. Corey Edelman, 5. TJ Gursky, 6. Justin Mooney, 7. George Ramos, 8. Randy Schlenker, 9. Randy Ahner, 10. Kristy Arthofer, 11. Todd Ahner, 12. Jason Frey, 13. Zach Graver, 14. Brian Labar, 15. Jared Ahner, 16. Stacey Brown, 17. Jillian Long, 18. Aaron Kromer, 19. Jonathan Tracey, 20. Joe Stangle, 21. Gene Bowers, 22. Paul Morgan Jr. DNQ: Tiffany Wambold, Logan Boyer, Dave Chapman, Cody Roth, Lonnie Behler Jr., Jamie Smith

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Cody Kohler, 2. Jake Kibler, 3. Nick Baer, 4. Tyler Stangle, 5. Bobby Kibler,  6. Bobby Kibler Sr., 7. Joe Pritchard, 8. Chad Miller, 9. Kailyn Beers, 10. Jason Muffley, 11. Alton Snyder Jr. DNS: Johnny Bennett

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Shayne Geist, 2. Cody Geist, 3. Tom Oswald, 4. Rich Mutarelli,  5. Colin Bollinger, 6. Lyndsay Buss, 7. Daniel Hargan, 8. Kyle Krempasky, 9. Jacob Oswald

All-Star Slingshot Feature Finish (20 Laps) 1. Brett Beiber, 2. Dylan Hoch, 3. Jackson Ring, 4. Dakota Kohler, 5. Don Schmidt, 6. Louden Reimert, 7. Anthony Raisner

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USAC All Pro SpeedSTR's, ATQMRA, All Star Slingshots Join Stock Car Clan This Saturday Night
at Mahoning Valley Speedway


Many consider stock car racing at Mahoning Valley Speedway to be one of the best places to watch paved short track action thanks to the continuous, side-by-side competition. This coming Saturday night, April 25, Mahoning Valley Speedway fans will get an added dose of that adrenalin rush as the track welcomes the return of the USAC All Pro SpeedSTR’s along with the ATQMRA TQ Midgets and the All Star Slingshots. Last year the SpeedSTR’s made their Mahoning debut, running two events that saw 2014 Modified track champion Kris Graver annex wins in each event. Both features where nothing short of exhilarating as Graver, who had never so much as sat in a SpeedSTR, shocked the star-studded field of dirt and asphalt standouts in sweeping both mains. Saturday’s 40-lap race should be no different as this marks the first race of the season for the class and many drivers, including Graver, will be back. He has noted that all of his race winnings will be donated to the Sonny Kovatch Scholarship Foundation. Also in action will be one of the area’s all-time great short track aces, Kenny Brightbill. Dirt trackers Wayne Weaver, Kyle Lick, Ron Tobias Jr., Tom Iulg and Mike Bednar are in. Also listed on the entry list is former Mahoning Pro 4 champion Steve Nederostek who now runs dirt Late Models at Grandview Speedway. He will be making his SpeedSTR debut.There will be southern visitors also as Willy Evernham and Danny Bohn have rides lined up.The race will have plenty of local flare with multi-talented Earl Paules, who is coming off a Modified victory this past Saturday. Paules has won in every type of car he has ever feature raced with at Mahoning and plans to add the SpeedSTR to that list. 2014 Pro 4 champion Nick Baer along with the “Fightin’ Lehighton” Rick Kirkendall have filed entries.Matt Janisch, who has garnered several Mahoning wins in a TQ Midget, will pilot a brand new SpeedSTR on Saturday night. Afterwards the defending ATQMRA champ will begin his title defense with the time-honored club which also kicks off their season. Likewise Paules will be running a TQ and doing triple duty with the Modified. The TQ Midgets have the distinction of being the fastest recorded race cars to ever turn a lap at the speedway as Matt Roselli holds the all-time track record of 8.825 set on September 29, 2012. That is a speed in excess of 101 mph.The All Star Slingshots will also be part of the action at Mahoning Valley, competing in a Mid-Atlantic Silver Tour event.   Mahoning’s Modifieds, Street Stocks, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks will be racing. The Late Models and Dirt Mods have the night off.     Special guests include 2015 Miss Motorsports Shelby Harper, 2015 Little Miss Motorsports Jayden Gursky and Keith Gerhart who will sing the National Anthem.Pit gates open at 12:30. Early paid practice will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. From 4:30 to 5:30 regular warmups will be run.     Grandstands open at 4:00. Adult admission is $20. $2 off admission for students, seniors 65+ and active military. Must have ID. Children 10 years old and under are free.

Additional news can be found on the track’s official site at www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com or on Facebook at Mahoning Valley Speedway and on Twitter at twitter.com/MahoningSpeed. You can also call the track hotline on race day at 570-386-4900.



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Hoosier Tire ATQMRA 2015 Mahoning Valley Opener: APRIL 25

The Hoosier Tire ATQMRA opens its 59th season of competition at Lehighton's Mahoning Valley Speedway on their paved quarter mile circle on Saturday April 25th. A strong influx of new blood will be in competition along with the old guard of TQ midget competitors. A host of drivers with feature wins at MahoningValley will be looking to earn the victory in the opener. Several Drivers will be doing double duty on the 25th running in multiple divisions. Grandstands open at 4:00pm.2014 ATQMRA Champion Matt Janisch will be behind the wheel of his newly constructed 48 car for the opener. He was last years season opening feature race winner at MahoningValley and used that victory as a springboard to the Triple Crown Championship and ultimately the Club Championship. If Jansich can win the feature it will be his third consecutive opening night victory at MahoningValley. Jansich expects to be doing double duty on Saturday in both his TQ midget and in SpeedSTR competition. Incidentally Janisch will be racing his fifth different car in his last six consecutive starts attesting to his versatility.ATQMRA President Buddy Sload will be looking to continue his winning ways at Mahoning valley after capturing the checkered flag in the organizations most recent race at MahoningValley in 2014. Sload earned multiple wins his family owned 53 car and is looking to win his first ATQMRA Championship.Flying Ryan Tidman of Levittown, Pa has a long tradition of wining ATQMRA races and Championships. His first win in a TQ midget came at MahoningValley and he has been a regular winner around the quarter mile circle. The 2014 season opening race in the Boyd Racing 1B didn't go well with several uncharacteristic drive line failures. The team will surely be in contention as veteran Tidman has a knack for finding Victory lane anywhere the team shows up. After being blanked at MahoningValley in 2014 Tidman will be hungry to return to victory lane at the opener. 2013 ATQMRA Rookie of the year Joey Bailey made the first start of his ATQMRA Career at MahoningValley in route to earning top rookie honors that year with a podium finish at Mahoning. Bailey won his first feature race at Wall Stadium during his sophomore season last year and has been consistently fast at Mahoning but hasn't been able to find his way to victory lane. With his father Russ's expert chassis tuning of the Joe Zuzzalo 02 Bailey will once again be in contention.Matt Roselli will be back behind the wheel of the family owned West End Equipment 98 Laffler Chassis car looking for Victory at Mahoning. Roselli has been very successful racing the quarter mile circle at MahoningValley over the years earning multiple feature wins and setting and resetting track records. He parked the family owned can in victory lane at the JulyMahoningValley race and will be in top form heading into the club opener. When Roselli isn't behind the wheel of the family TQ midget he will be racing a 600 on the dirt tracks of the area in wingless competition.The versatile Earl Paules has more overall victories around MahoningValley than all of the other drivers with the ATQMRA combined. Paules has wins in the TQ Midgets as well as the Modified and Late Model divisons. Paules has a handful of TQ feature race wins driving for the Roselli Racing team including wins at Mahoning as well as adding a TQ Turkey Derby win to his credit. Paules will be behind the wheel of the newly acquired Laffler TQ midget he raced successfully indoors and will be looking to ad to his resume of success at MahoningValley. In addition Paules will be competing in a Modified and a SpeedSTR tripling his chances for victory around his home track.Long time ATQMRA racer Jeff Kot will be back in active competition in his 95 Badger TQ midget for the first time in a few years. The car was completely rejuvenated by BJ MacDonald at Classic Competition Specialties in preparation for the coming season in time for the Atlantic City Indoor races. The car was changed over to thirteen inch rubber and a host of other changes were made. Kot will surely be in contention whenever he rolls his Badger out of the trailer at an ATQMRA event.2014 ATQMRA Rookie of the year Geoffrey Sutton will be looking for his first victory with the ATQMRA. Earning a handful of victories in short track competition and running strong indoors Sutton is still searching for his comfort zone on the bigger tracks. He is looking to improve upon his results from his rookie campaign and gain speed and get into contention. Sutton made his first big track start in an ATQMRA sanctioned race at MahoningValley in 2013 in the Tommy Williams 9w Badger.Veteran Dirt racer Rob Vivona of Staten Island, NY will be behind the wheel of the Metz Racing 46b at the club opener at MahoningValley. Vivona raced with the ATQRMA in the late 90s with his dirt 600 micro sprint and ran enough races last year with the ATQMRA to earn an eighth place finish in the season ending point's standings.Several Story lines will play out on Saturday night at the circle at MahoningValley with both Janisch and Paules attempting to win multiple features in the TQs and SpeedSTRS and Jansich looking to make it three ATQMRAMahoningValley openers in a row. Bailey is looking for his first MahoningValley triumph with Tidman looking to return the Boyd racing 1B to victory lane where he earned his first ATQRMA win. Matt Roselli has consistently been fast and able to find victory lane at Mahoning and is looking to continue his streak of seasons with a win at Mahoning. The tale will be told on April 25th. Will it be one of the past winners pulling into Victory lane or will it be a new face adding their name to the rank of Mahoning Valley Speedway winners.



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APRIL 18:  Earl Paules holds off Eric Beers for return to Mahoning Modified glory
By DINO OBERTO
 
(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 4-18-15) It was hard to imagine that Earl Paules went a whole season without a Modified victory, which actually is a rarity in the career of one of the winningest drivers in eastern Pennsylvania short track pavement racing.Running two, three and at times four different cars each week may have had a role in that too. So for the first time in three years Paules hauled just one car to the race track and it made an immediate difference as the prolific racer notched his first Modified win since late August of 2013.It turned out to be a great battle of past track champions too as Paules held off Eric Beers in winning Saturday’s 35-lap feature at Mahoning Valley Speedway.Paules dashed by Calvin Carroll on lap two for lead. He then had to fend off Kyle Strohl, Jimmy Zacharias and Austin Kochenash over the next 20 laps. Zacharias did manage to get by for a brief stint at the lead but after he spun with 10 laps to go the front spot went back to Paules and from there on the outcome would be decided between him and Beers.“We needed this. We decided we were going to park the Late Model and concentrate more on the Modified and it paid off tonight,” said Paules, who won for the 22nd time at Mahoning in Modified and 42nd overall with the class.Making his Modified feature debut, rookie Carroll led the 20-car field to the green and recorded the opening lap lead. Afterwards Paules, Strohl, Zacharias and Kochenash all made quick work of the young apprentice.By lap 15 Zacharias and Kochenash went into a thrilling side-by-side duel while hot on the heels of Paules. Zacharias opted to take the outside lane over Kochenash which also cleared the path for him to advance past Paules for the lead at the completion of lap 21.Paules and Kochenash did not let Zacharias get too far, however, as they poured on the pressure. After crossing the stripe for the 25th lap, Kochenash tried to squeeze under Zacharias. There was a slight tap and the leader went for a spin. Paules wisely took to the high side and zipped around both to retake the lead.“I was just at the right place. The 71 (Zacharias) got around me. I was trying him on the outside and then the 66 (Kochenash) got underneath there and they got together a little bit and that always helps,” said Paules.Beers stepped up to second with ten laps to go and gave it his all in trying to unseat Paules but the crafty veteran held his ground.
“Having him (Beers) back there was a big thing. I knew he was going to run me clean and we never touched. He had a better car then we did but I just happen to get out front tonight,” said Paules.Point leader Don Wagner, Strohl and John Markovic rounded out the top five.

In the 25-lap Late Model feature Paul Koehler Jr., rolled to his second straight win.Geno Steigerwalt held the point from the outset while Jeremy Miller stayed glued to his rear bumper. Paules, who started sixth, raced to third spot by lap nine and began looking for the chance to slip by Miller. That opportunity came at the mid-race juncture.Steigerwalt, by that point, had built a comfortable lead, but thanks in part to no cautions, Koehler was able to show his strength and quickly reeled in the lead car. He would then make his race winning move with six laps to go.Steigerwalt held on for second but unfortunately his car came up to low at the post race inspection and he was DQ’d, giving second place to Frankie Althouse.

It took an extra week to get the Opening Night Street Stock and Dirt Mod features in due to a curfew but for Randy Ahner Jr., and Ricky Yetter it was worth the wait as they scored respective wins to kick off their seasons. In the Street Stock feature defending champ TJ Gursky led from the pole and held the lead while Ahner Jr., kept him in his sights.By lap 18 the race for the lead became intense as Ahner went side-by-side with Gursky. Five laps later he grabbed the front spot and stayed there the final eight circuits for his 17th career class win and 30th overall.

When the Dirt Mod race got underway Yetter, who started from the pole, would not relinquish the spot as he motored out-front for all 25 laps. Calling this his farewell tour, he certainly got off to a great start as he not only took the win but the early season point lead as well in the hopes of going out a champion.

In the regular scheduled features for each of those divisions Jonathan Tracey passed Tiffany Wambold on lap seven and took top honors in the Street Stocks.Jack Ely took the lead from the get-go for the Dirt Mod main and once in front was never headed, leading all the way in a solid ride to victory.
Tyler Stangle held off a last lap charge by Cody Kohler to win the Pro 4 feature. Stangle led all 20 laps but it was no easy task.

 Kohler came on like gangbusters during the final laps and heading to the checkered flag made a daring inside move on Stangle only to come up inches short.

In the Hobby Stock main Shayne Geist led all but one lap and raced to the victory.

Alex Greenzweig came out in defense of his Micro Stock Racing Series title by taking a sound win in the season opener for the touring class.

Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Earl Paules, 2. Eric Beers, 3. Don Wagner, 4. Kyle Strohl, 5. John Markovic, 6. Chip Santee, 7. Jimmy Zacharias, 8. Austin Kochenash, 9. Eric Kocher, 10. Rick Reichenbach, 11. Kris Graver, 12. Kevin Rex Jr., 13. Todd Baer, 14. Calvin Carroll, 15. Terry Markovic, 16. Roger Heffelfinger, 17. Mike Quinn, 18. DJ Wagner, 19. Bobby Jones, 20. JP Curry
DNQ: Del Morgan

Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Paul Koehler Jr., 2. Frankie Althouse, 3. Mike Sweeney, 4. Kenny Hein, 5. Jason Zatsko, 6, Jeremy Miller, 7. Jacob Kerstetter, 8. Francis Gross III DNS: Jacob Nemeth DQ: Geno Steigerwalt

1st Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Randy Ahner Jr., 2. TJ Gursky, 3. Aaron Kromer, 4. Jared Ahner, 5. Randy Schlenker, 6. Stacey Brown, 7. Zach Graver, 8. Justin Mooney, 9. Todd Ahner, 10. Gene Bowers, 11. Josh Mooney, 12. Cody Roth, 13. Jillian Long, 14. Jonathan Tracey, 15. Jason Kuhn, 16. Brian Labar, 17. Corey Edelman, 18. Jamie Smith, 19. Troy Bollinger 20. Dave Chapman DQ: Jared Ahner

2nd Street Stock Feature Finish (30 Laps): 1. Tracey, 2, Long, 3. Kromer, 4. Justin Mooney, 5. Steigerwalt, 6. Roth, 7. Jared Ahner, 8. Graver, 9. Labar, 10. Todd Ahner, 11. Stacey Brown, 12. Randy Ahner Jr., 13. Edelman, 14. Kuhn, 15. Bowers. 16. Frey, 17. Gursky, 18. Josh Mooney, 19. Smith, 20. Wambold, 21. Troy Bollinger DNQ: Randy Schlenker, Bernie Uphold, Joe Stangle, George Ramos, Jeff Larrison Jr., Logan Boyer, Paul Morgan Jr., Dave Chapman

1st Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Ricky Yetter, 2. Mike Stofflet, 3. Lorin Arthofer II, 4. Dave Gorbatuk, 5. Drew Reinbold, 6. Ray Deemer, 7. Aleia Geisler, 8. Tim Manieri, 9. Jack Ely, 10. Billy Lasko, 11. Bill Sittler

2nd Dirt Mod Feature Finish (25 Laps: 1. Ely, 2. Stofflet, 3. Geisler, 4. Yetter, 5. Lasko, 6. Arthofer II, 7. Gorbatuk, 8. Sittler, 9. Reinbold, 10. Manieri, 11. Deemer

Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Tyler Stangle, 2. Cody Kohler, 3. JD Light, 4. Nick Baer, 5. Bobby Kibler Jr., 6. Bobby Kibler Sr., 7. TJ Kemmerer, 8. Joe Pritchard, 9. Jake Kibler, 10. Johnny Bennett, 11. Chad Miller, 12. Kailyn Beers, 13. Alton Snyder Jr.

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Shayne Geist, 2. Tim Oswald, 3. Rich Mutarelli, 4. Kyle Krempasky, 5. Cody Geist, 6. Bob Azarowitz, 7. Collin Bollinger, 8. Ryan Green, 9. Lyndsay Buss

Micro Stock Feature Finish, (25 Laps): 1. Alex Greenzweig, 2. Robert McGuire, 3. Bob Wagner, 4. Tyler Wagner, 5. Walt Mueller, 6. Larry Ealey, 7. Bill Darling, 8. DJ Wagner, 9. Mario Oberto, 10. Roger Snyder, 11. Tyler Stangle, 12. John Rakos, 13. Al Vanhart, 14. Rich Moyer, 15. Andrew Acerra, 16. Walter Morrison

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Postponed  Street Stock and Dirt Mod features to be held this coming Saturday + complete regular show and Micro Stocks

 (LEHIGHTON, Pa. 4-18-15) After a getting most of Opening Night 2015 into the books, (the Modifieds, Late Models, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks all raced while the Street Stocks and Dirt Mods got postponed due to the track’s midnight curfew) the make-up features for the Street Stocks and Dirt Mods along with a complete regular show for all track classes plus the Micro Stock Racing Series will be presented this coming Saturday evening, April 18 starting at 6:00 pm at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway. The previous week’s Street Stock 30-lap feature will start off the program and be followed by the 25-lap Dirt Mod event. Afterwards a complete show of heats, consi’s and features will take place.  Pit gates open at 12:30. Early paid practice will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. From 4:30 to 5:30 regular warmups will be run.  Grandstands open at 4:00. Adult admission is $12. $2 off admission for students, seniors 65+ and active military. Must have ID. Children 10 years old and under are free.  Regular show will consist of Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks along with the touring Micro Stocks. 

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APRIL 11, 2015 Opening Night Mod 125 Win to Don Wagner FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ace’s High For Don Wagner In Mahoning Valley Speedway Opening Night Modified Gamblers Series
By DINO OBERTO
(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 4-11-15) Don Wagner got his 2015 season off to a great start by taking the victory in the opening round of the Central States Modified Gamblers Series at Mahoning Valley Speedway. The Opening Night 125 lap feature netted the Wharton, NJ veteran $5000, an Ace card and the early division point lead.Wagner waged a great duel with Zane Zeiner over the final 50 laps before grabbing the lead with 23 circuits to go and remained solid en route to his 17th career Mahoning win.“We’ve been shooting for a big race like this for a long time. It helps pay the bills. It was some good racing upfront and Zane (Zeiner) gave me room,” said Wagner. “We raced hard but we would never turn each other. I love racing with the guy.”;Kevin Rex Jr., came on strong in the final laps to earn second with Zeiner, Nevin George and 2014 track champion Kris Graver rounding out the top five.After starting eighth, Wagner was running fourth by lap 51 and keeping close tabs behind the front trio of Matt Hirschman, Eric Beers and Lou Strohl. It was right after a mid-race mandatory pit stop that Wagner got his big break. When the event restarted Beers edged into the lead over Hirschman, however, no sooner did he do so he then spun after being nudged under very tight quarters. Likewise did Hirschman and Strohl and afterwards all were relegated to the rear of the pack. Wagner averted the skirmish by quickly wheeling to the outside and was now the new race leader. “When I got up to the top five I knew I had more than those the guys ahead of me. We made the tire change at the halfway break and I don’t know if the car was as good as it was before that but we still had a good piece. Ed Flemke up at Race Works built us a great car,” said Wagner. “Circumstances did fall the way they did for us to get the lead but, we did race hard to get up there too.”;When the race went back green Wagner’s lead did not last long, however, as Eric Kocher out-raced him on the restart. Wagner would return the favor on a similar move two laps later and was now being pressured by Zeiner. Zeiner, who came from 18th on the grid, powered his way to the front at the completion of lap 74.In what was a very even matchup as the next 50 laps became a dogfight between Zeiner and Wagner. Numerous cautions also played into keeping the action close as extended green flag runs were few and far between. It wasn’t until the later laps that Wagner began clicking off his fastest times. Once he made his race winning pass Zeiner’s car began tightening up and he was unable to keep pace. “We just got super tight there in near the end and over-used the car up. When (Kevin) Rex got me there at the end I was trying to figure out what was wrong with the car and it appeared there was a brake caliper sticking and that was making it tight on early entry,” said Zeiner.“All in all we’re happy with the run. It was clean racing with Donny (Wagner). We may have bumped and banged a little but we would never take each out. I got him a little free a couple times but I let him straighten out because I just don’t want to win like that.”;In the final 10 laps Wagner held a car length advantage. At the same time Rex, as well as George, where both battling with Zeiner. Rex, made it up to second with three laps remaining but there was no catching Wagner at that point.     “He (Zeiner) was strong but the longer we ran green the tighter he got. I saw him shove in the nose and I saw that he had a little too much wheel in it and I took advantage from that,” said Wagner.      Heat wins for the 29 Modifieds checked went to         Jimmy Zacharias, Austin Kochenash, who also led the first 14 laps of the feature and Hirschman. The split consi were annexed by Kyle Strohl and Bobby Jones.

Paul Koehler Jr., of Northampton was able to hold off a very determined Frankie Althouse and win the Late Model main for a class leading 41st time.
Koehler’s made his way into the lead only after early leader and defending champ Earl Paules got into a jingle with close running Mike Sweeney on lap four.Koehler, who was third at the time, inherited the lead. The rest of the distance it was a solid battle between him and Althouse. Sweeney as well as Sweeney who hastily battled back through the field.

In the Pro 4s Bob Kibler Sr., was the benefactor of several lead car mishaps that helped elevate him into the number one spot and then go on to claim his first win in 11 years. Defending champ Nick Baer, Bobby Kibler Jr., Bill Rooney and Cody Kohler all had a share at the lead but in on-track misfortunes all took them from contention. Kibler Sr., was in front for the final eight laps and won for the first time since April 24, 2004.

Harry O’Neill of Wapwllopen ended the seven race win streak of Rich Mutarelli which dated back to last season and in doing so took the Hobby Stock Opening Night win. O’Neill took the top spot from Mutarelli on lap four and once in front he made it a race for second, going the rest of the way uncontested.

Because of time constraints the Street Stock and Dirt Mod features were postponed and will be made up in short order.

Modified Feature Finish (125 Laps): 1. Don Wagner, 2. Kevin Rex Jr., 3. Zane Zeiner, 4. Nevin George, 5. Kris Graver, 6. Todd Baer, 7. Chip Santee, 8. Eric Beers, 9. Austin Kochenash, 10. Eric Kocher, 11. Matt Hirschman, 12. Anthony Sesely, 13. Lou Strohl, 14. Paul Frantz, 15. Pat Verwys, 16. John Markovic, 17. Mike Quinn, 18. Kyle Strohl, 19. Bobby Jones, 20. DJ Wagner, 21. Paul Hartwig, 22. Earl Paules, 23. Jimmy Zacharias DNQ: Brian DeFebo, JP Curry, Calvin Carroll, Vincent Biondilillo, Terry Markovic, Neil Rutt III

Late Model Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Paul Koehler Jr., 2. Frankie Althouse, 3. Mike Sweeney, 4. Jeremy Miller, 5. Jason Zatsko, 6. Earl Paulus, 7. George Ramos, 8. Geno Steigerwalt, 9. Jacob Nemeth, 10. Kenny Hein, 11. Jacob Kerstetter, 12. Francis Gross III DNS: Wayne Prutzman


Pro 4 Feature Finish (20 Laps): 1. Bob Kibler Sr., 2. Jake Kibler, 3. Cody Kohler, 4. Nick Baer, 5. Chad Miller, 6. Bobby Kibler Jr., 7. Johnny Bennett, 8. Kailyn Beers, 9. Bill Rooney, 10. Joe Pritchard, 11. Jason Muffley, 12. Alton Snyder Jr. DNS: Tyler Stangle

Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Harry O’Neill, 2. Cody Geist, 3. Rich Mutarelli, 4. Tim Oswald, 5. Jeff Biegley, 6. Shayne Geist, 7. Bob Azarowitz, 8. Collin Bollinger, 9. Lindsay Buss, 10. Kyle Krempasky, 11. Ryan Green, 12. Ron Heeter DNS: Sam Dunniger


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Excitement building for Mahoning Valley Speedway Opening Night

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 4-9-15) This coming Saturday night, April 11 starting at 6:00 pm, the green flag drops to officially begin to the 2015 season at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway and keeping in tune with previous Opening Night shows, promoter Floyd Santee will present a high paying Modified feature as the winner will pocket $5000 for going the 125 lap distance. It will be race number one in the six race Central States Modified Gamblers Series events.Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks will also be in action with regular distance feature races.
100+ Modified features have become great season kickoff shows at Mahoning. The first was in 2006 with perennial Eastern Pennsylvania asphalt Modified star Brian DeFebo coming from 16th to first in claiming the $3000 victory. In 2007 New York state invader Rusty Smith beat the home track regulars and won his only Mahoning race.Lou Strohl pulled off a daring pass on Pete Brittain with two laps to go and took a stunning victory as well as the $3000 first place prize money in 2008.“The Master of Going Faster” Eric Beers, cruised out front for all 100 laps in a dominating run to open the 2009 season. The following year it was Matt Hirschman who at the time won his second career Mahoning 100-lapper and has since gone on to earn a record 11 extra distance races.In 2011 rain wiped out back-to-back tries of running 100 laps. The first race turned out to be a regular 35-lapper three weeks in but still it was still worth $3000 to winner Earl Paules who had his winnings matched by long-time sponsor John Schneider of Schneider and Sons, Inc., Scrap Medal of Allentown, making it the most money every won for a regular Modified feature.Zane Zeiner opened the Santee promoted era with his win in 2012. That too was a regular show.Mahoning’s lid-lifter in 2013 was a memorable one for then 17-year old Austin Kochenash as he won his career first Modified feature, a 50-lap main worth $2000 and then came back later in the night to claim the Late Model feature and pocket an additional $1000.Last year Beers, fresh off his title winning year of ’13, started out with another win in a long list of 100 lap Mahoning victories.And now it’s time for another go at the big cash, only this time it will be $5000, the highest amount ever offered for a Mahoning Opening Night feature and know that there will be an unbelievable field assembled. Every one of the past Opening Night winners are expected to be on hand plus many others, making this an amazing night to start off the year.Along with the host of local talent, race teams are coming in from New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.Grandstands open at 4:00 pm. Admission is $20 and no discounts for this event. Children 10 and under are free.Pits gates open at 11:00 am. There will be early paid practice from noon to 3:00 pm. Warm-ups will run from 4:00 – 5:00 followed by a mandatory drivers meeting at 5:10.Heats will begin at 6:00 pm. All drivers will pick for heat race starting spots. All feature line-ups will be heads up from the heat finishes.Additional news can be found on the track’s official site at www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com or on Facebook at Mahoning Valley Speedway and on Twitter at twitter.com/MahoningSpeed. You can also call the track hotline on race day at 570-386-4900.



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Mahoning Valley Speedway Opening Night agenda set

(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 4-6-15) Mahoning Valley Speedway’s 2015 Opening Night is fast approaching and there is a high amount of excitement leading into the April 11 lid-lifter, especially after the recently held Test and Tune days that saw a preview of what’s to come as well as so many of the Mahoning faithful having to withstand a long harsh winter. Everyone is ready for racing.All indications are that the pit area will be filled solid and to better ease the day track officials have announced the tentative schedule of events and fees.Pits gates open at 11:00 am. There will be early paid practice from noon to 3:00 pm. The cost is $25 per car for early practice. Warm-ups will run from 4:00 – 5:00 followed by a mandatory drivers meeting at 5:10.Pit fees are $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Modified teams please note there is a $50 entry fee to run the Central States Modified Gamblers Series 125.Grandstands open at 4:00 pm. Admission is $20 and no discounts for this event. Children 10 and under are free.
Heats will begin at 6:00 pm. All drivers will pick for heat race starting spots. Driver sign-in will take place from 3:00 – 4:15. A valid driver’s license is required when renting a transponder.All feature line-ups will be heads up from the heat finishes. The Modified feature will start 20 cars with two provisionals if needed. If no provisionals are used then the field will be 22 starters with the additional cars coming from the consi. Provisionals are awarded to the top-10 from final 2014 points.All feature qualified Modifieds must run the main with the same tires used in their heat. They can, however, change tires for the consi but must then replace with their heat run tires if they qualify for the feature.    The running order will be Hobby Stocks – 20 laps, Pro 4s – 20 laps, Late Models – 25 laps, Modifieds – 125 laps,  Street Stocks – 30 laps and Dirt Mods – 25 laps.
            Modified 125 payout is as follows:
1. $5000, 2. $2800, 3. $1800, 4. $1400, 5. $1100, 6. $1000, 7. $900, 8. $700, 9. $600, 10. $550 11 – 15. $350, 16 – 18. $325, 19 – 22. $300



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Mix of Young and Old Creates Diverse Roster at Mahoning Valley

-By Aaron Creed, Speed51.com Correspondent – Twitter: @Aaron_Creed

Short track racing typically runs in the family, with the next generation showing their hand often after guidance and expertise from their elders.  Indications show that sight will be one of the more prevalent topics heading into Mahoning Valley Speedway (PA) 2015 Opening Night.
2013 Modified champion and 2014 season opener winner Eric Beers will be regularly competing in another full season for the DeLange Racing Team, but will be splitting some of his time to get his kids acclimated to the tight quarter-mile facility.Eric’s son Austin, perhaps best known in the Modified community for his multiple Pedal Car wins at the North South Shootout a few years ago, is ready to grow up into the Hobby Stock division and make his debut in the month of June.  His daughter Kailyn enters her second season in a Pro Four Cylinder where she continues to steadily improve.
Eric Beers looks forward to the year ahead for himself as well; especially the Central States Modified Gamblers Series that will offer some impressive paydays for those that are successful.“We’re really excited running that poker series,” Beers told Speed51.com powered by JEGS.  “I really think it should be a lot of fun with the longer races; 125 (laps on Opening Night) and 150 at the end of the year.  Should be some real good clean racing here hopefully, and looking forward to seeing everybody and getting out there.”;The series, which will be in addition to the season long track championship, will run a unique poker game format in which cards will be awarded to the top 13 finishers in each of the six scheduled races. After the final race at Octoberfast 2015, the five drivers with the best five-card poker hands will be awarded cash prizes.  The winner of the Opening Night feature will also receive a $5,000 payout.New Jersey veteran Don Wagner has been another mainstay at Mahoning, and will be handing over the reins of his successful trademark red and white No. 22 car to his son DJ.“We won three races with it last year so it’s a good car for him to step into,” said Don Wagner.  “He’s had a lot of laps in Modifieds here, but never had a really good car with good tires.  We’re going to give him that this year.  He’ll run mainly just the big races.  He’s still a college kid and has an internship this summer so he’s going to be a busy boy.”;The past track champion will not be stepping away from the driver’s seat anytime soon, as the team purchased a brand new Raceworks chassis for 2015.  After its performance in the preseason test and tune, turning laps under 10 seconds on old tires, he could very well enter the season as one of the favorites.“We’re going to run every week and we’re going to try to win the championship with the new car,” assured Wagner.  “We are here for the long haul.”;With additional experienced drivers such as Earl Paules, Nevin George, John Markovic, Chip Santee and Roger Coss all expected to be back weekly there will be little room for error for anyone throughout the scheduled 25 race season.Kris Graver will defend his 2014 title with a freshened motor with a new rolling cam.  Throw in heavy hitters like Matt Hirschman, Zane Zeiner, Austin Kochenash, Anthony Sesely, and Eric Mauriello who often visit the track for bigger events when their schedule allows, and there may not be many open spots up for grabs in the field from week to week.As a result, the goal for some of the newer talent is to familiarize themselves with the equipment and simply make the show.  14-year-old Calvin Carroll has previous starts in a Micro Stock at Mahoning and has raced USAC Midgets across the east coast with success, but will enter the Modified ranks starting opening night for the first time for longtime area car owner and racer Geary Rinehimer.“It’s a big change; a lot more stuff to remember to do and a lot more power,” said Carroll.  “Right now my goal is to first make the feature and to gain the respect from the veteran drivers.”;Another story that can be seen in grassroots short track racing is the progression of drivers up to the headlining division through hard work and determination.  After a long tenure in karting, JP Curry decided to give weekly racing at Mahoning a try in 2013.  After success in the Dirt Modified division, Curry moves up to the Tour-type Modified this year with similar realizations and goals to Carroll.“It’s so different; the way the front end feels, the way the car rolls through the corner, the horsepower when you apply it,” explained Curry.  “I’m really looking forward to it.  I think that with our experience and the people that I have helping me, I think that we will be okay right off the bat.  My goal Opening Night for the big race is just to make the race.  That would be an accomplishment in itself and then we’re going to run every week as long as the money holds out for the rest of the year.”;One thing is for sure as long as the full size field’s worth of competition practicing preceding Opening Night is any indication; Mahoning Valley Speedway’s 2015 season is set for quite the kickoff.“(Promoter) Floyd (Santee) is doing the right thing putting some money into the Modified division,” praised Don Wagner.  “That’s the future of this speedway is a good healthy Modified field, and it’s nice to see some young guys getting in the Modifieds.”;Speed51.com will have live Trackside Now coverage of all six divisions competing as part of Opening Night, and will continue to cover the track periodically for some of the biggest shows of the season at the Lehighton, Pennsylvania facility.
-By Aaron Creed, Speed51.com Correspondent – Twitter: @Aaron_Creed



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Test and Tune days set for Mahoning Valley Speedway this coming weekend and next


LEHIGHTON, Pa. 3-25-15) With Mahoning Valley Speedway’s season opener set for Saturday, April 11, there leaves just enough time to get some preseason practice in. This coming Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29 and again on Saturday, April 4, the speedway will host Test and Tune days.Each of the Test and Tune days will run from noon to 4:00 pm. Pit admission is $25 per car and driver and $10 for all other. Grandstands will be free to the public. All types of race cars are welcome to participate. The 2015 Opening Night will be headlined by a $5000-to-win 125 lap Modified feature which is race number one in the Central States Modified Gamblers Series. All other track classes, Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks will also be in action which gets underway beginning at 6:00 pm.



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14-year old Calvin Carroll to run Modified at Mahoning Valley Speedway


(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 3-19-15) If history has a way of repeating itself, then look for Calvin Carroll to make a big splash as a rookie Modified driver for the upcoming season at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway.Carroll, a 14-year old from Andover, NJ, has been tapped by veteran northeast Pennsylvania driver/owner Geary Rinehimer of Moosic, to wheel his No. 39 Troyer beginning with the April 11 Opening Night 125-lap/$5000-to-win feature, which is round one of the Central States Modified Gamblers Series.Although 14 may seem a young age to drive a Modified and at a track as demanding as Mahoning Valley, you need not look more then the past few seasons to see that youthful talent thrives at the paved ¼-mile oval.Last season 14-year old sensation Kyle Strohl motored to a pair of victories and became the youngest driver in the 64 year history of the track to win a Modified feature.The year prior, then 17-year old Austin Kochenash scored his first two career Modified wins within in a three week span. That same year, after just turning 20, Kris Graver was a Modified winner. The aforementioned trio all have track titles by the time they reached age 15.“When they came to me about this and I got the background on the kid the first thing I said was ‘14 is good.’ I like the idea of mentoring a young driver,” said Rinehimer.“After they came up to my shop and we talked I liked him right away. All this kid wants to do is drive race cars and work on race cars. There are a lot of guys who want to drive race cars but they don’t want to put the time in working on them. This family (Carroll’s) is all about racing. They’re all involved.“The first day they came here they stayed all day and worked on the car. I got a good positive feeling about Calvin and I’m not concerned at all that he’s 14.”;Carroll has been racing the past seven years, starting with Quarter Midgets then Micro Stocks where he won regularly. The last two years he’s run with the USAC Eastern HPD Midget Series and on June 21, 2014 he achieved his career first win at North Carolina’s Ace Speedway. He closed out the year a solid second in points. His brother, Nikki Carroll, 12, was fourth in points and became the youngest driver to ever win a USAC Midget feature with his victory on October 18 at Orange County Speedway in Rougemont, NC.It was with the Midgets where Carroll gained valuable experience racing against some very tough competition and in typical Midget style it was all under close quarters which will suit him fine once he gets to Mahoning Valley where side-by-side is the norm.“I’m very happy to have this opportunity. It’s been a dream of mine to step into an asphalt Modified and I can’t thank Geary Rinehimer enough. I plan to do my best to make him and my team proud,” said Carroll.“I’ve had the chance to practice with Don Wagner’s Modified a few times at Mahoning and can’t get over how much more grip it has compared to the Midget.”;Last season Joe Mooney drove the Rinehimer car on a limited basis but had some very respectable showings. With the help of Steve Mooney, the team made great strides in working at being a front runner. “There was some great feedback from Joe and Steve (Mooney) in getting the car to where it is now. I’m excited now to be able to tutor a young driver like Calvin,” said Rinehimer.Rinehimer is not the only one looking at mentoring Carroll. Wagner, who is the 2006 Modified track champion at Mahoning, is also lending his expertise. It was Wagner who actually got him into the sport.“I know this kid personally and I watched him grow up. I put him in his first race car when he was a small boy and I saw that he was very interested in it,” said Wagner.“I always knew that kid had something special for sure. Is he the next Jeff Gordon? We all think we have the next Jeff Gordon but I want to see another good Modified racer and I think Calvin Carroll is going to be a great Modified racer. “And thank God for the Geary Rinehimer’s of the world. There aren’t many guys like that anymore that are willing to put a young guy in their car. But I don’t think Calvin will disappoint. To me the kid was born and bred to be a race car driver and we’ll help him out in any way we can.”;    Tom Vitale, a seasoned race mechanic, will serve as the team’s car chief.  S & S Speed Shop of Kingston takes credit for the 358 ci Chevy engine.   The team will get their first laps during Test and Tune days March 28-29. Carroll will then bypass a third pre-season practice day April 4 as he will be partaking in the USAC Midget race at Hickory, NC. Carroll will continue to race the Midget as well this season.   His goal during his maiden year of Modified racing is simple. “Make laps, high finishes and most importantly I want to gain the respect of the other drivers. Those guys at Mahoning are some of the best in the business,” said Carroll.With his positive attitude and willingness to learn and succeed along with the opportunity given by Rinehimer, Carroll should come to find out that that just as those young guns before him, his drive to win in a Modified may come sooner than expected.



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Mahoning Valley Speedway will be holding a Swap Meet, Racers Flea Market and Race Car / Street Rod Show on Saturday, March 21

LEHIGHTON, Pa. 1-29-15)  Mahoning Valley Speedway will be holding a Swap Meet, Racers Flea Market and Race Car/Street Rod Show on Saturday, March 21 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. There is no charge for vendors.A “Best Appearing Car Award” will be presented.This will also be the final day for racers to reserve their pit spots from last year. Afterwards it will be first-come-first-serve.Anyone wishing to buy their 2015 pit licenses can do so during the listed event hours. Rain date is Sunday, March 22.



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B. Swartz Transport becomes official sponsor of NEPA Race Car Show…Racers Night Out to be held at Lobitz Catering Hall as part of week-long event

(WEST HAZLETON, Pa. 1-19-15) The 2nd Annual NEPA Race Car Show which takes place the week of February 9-15 at the Laurel Mall in West Hazleton, is proud to welcome B. Swartz Transport as the official show sponsor.Modified and Late Model racer Billy Swartz, proprietor of B. Swartz Transport, which is located in Lehighton, has graciously agreed to become the official sponsor of this year’s mall show. Swartz is a competitor at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway and will be running two cars this season at the paved ¼-mile oval. Both his mounts will be on display at the show.
On Friday, February 13, at 7:00 pm, everyone is invited to a “Racers Night Out” which will be held at Lobitz Catering Hall in Hazle Township. Just a short drive from the Laurel Mall and located directly behind Fairway Chevrolet off PA Route 309, the Racers Night Out will be a great evening for all who attend. Noted videographer Mike O’Brien of MoTorsport Video Production will be providing an array of racing videos to be shown throughout the night. Also Bob Hatcher, who maintains the hugely popular Evergreen/Mahoning/Dorney Facebook page with loads of racing pictures of those tracks and many others across Pennsylvania, will be running a pictorial slide show of great memories. Driver interviews, both past and present, will also take place.
The cost is $10 per person and host Stan Lobitz, who is widely respected throughout the racing fraternity and plays a key role at the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing in York Springs, will be offering a great menu. There will be a cash bar.During the weeklong NEPA Race Car Show fans will be able to take in a wide array of racing vehicles that compete throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Spots continue to fill as the event nears. Dirt and asphalt Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, NASCAR and ARCA Stock cars, drag cars, road racers, Slingshots, TQ Midgets, EXCEL Modifieds, Micro Sprints, ¼-Midgets, go-karts and more will be part of the show.Anyone interested in placing their race vehicle in the show are asked to contact event organizer Dino Oberto at 570-401-8168 or email at [email protected] Laurel Mall is on PA Route 93 just off I-81 in West Hazleton.

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Central States Modified Gambler Series highlights 2015 Mahoning Valley Speedway schedule

(LEHIGHTON, PA 12-17-14) The release of the 2015 season schedule at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway is filled with a full slate of weekly racing that starts in April and doesn’t stop until October. Race officials are very excited and confident in what they feel is an appealing line-up that both fans and racers alike will be quite satisfied with.The Modified teams will be pleased to see that new for the upcoming season is the Central States Modified Gamblers Series (CSMGS) which is going to be rather profitable to those who take part. It will be run under a poker game format whereas cards will be awarded to the top 13 finishers in each designated feature race. At the end of the series the top five card holders will share in a $6000 purse with $2000 going to the top hand, $1500 for second, $1000 to third, then $700 and $500 respectively.The season opener on April 11, will be race number one in the CSMGS with a 125-lap $5000-to-win main event. The next deal will be a 100-lapper on May 9 that pays $3000 for the top spot. The series will be in action again on August 1 with twin 50s. Race three and four are worth $1800 each to the winner. The Bob “Heavy” Scherer Memorial 100 on October 3 is the fifth event in the CSMGS and first to the checkers will receive $3000.The final race will be at OCTOBERFAST 2015 on October 17. At a race distance of 150 laps, this will be the longest feature ever run for the Modifieds at Mahoning Valley and with that the biggest payday in track history as promoter Floyd Santee is putting up $6000 to win.With first place prize money alone and winning the overall CSMGS championship there comes some very grand appeal as it is possible for one driver to take home over $23,000 just from those six races.The rousing Triple 25’s for the Modifieds are back in ’15. The three 25 lap features will take place on June 27 and pay $1000 to win each. Heading into the 2015 season the Street Stocks have a special six race series as well to be known as the American Rental Street Stock Gamblers Series (ARSSGS) and will follow the same format as the CSMGS.Monetary prizes of $800, $500, $400, $300 and $200 respectively will go to the top six in the series. The ARSSGS will take place starting with the Gene Bowers Sr., Memorial 100 on May 23 which is a $1200 to win 100-lap main. Next will be the Mike Krempasky Street Stock Memorial Triple 19s on September 5. That program will cover ARSSGS races 2-3-4. Each 19-lap feature pays $419 to win. The Street Stock portion of OCTOBERFAST 2015 is race number 5. The contested run will be 75 laps and pay $1500 to the winner. The finale will be on October 24 with a feature length yet to be determined.Santee will be offering the Late Models $1000 to win on a weekly basis provided 15 or more cars are on hand. Dirt Mods, Pro 4s and Hobby Stocks will each get extra distance/extra paying nights also.The USAC All Pro SpeedSTRs where introduced to Mahoning last year and put on some excellent racing. This year they have two shows booked including a Saturday night when they will join the regular classes on April 25. Joining the card that evening will be the Slingshots. The SpeedSTRs and Slingshots get a second date on October 24 which is the final race of the year.The XCEL 600 Mods are returning to Mahoning for the first time since 2010. June 6 and August 22 are the dates. Also complimenting the schedule will be the popular Micro Stocks, Small Car Enduros and Car Cruises.More information about the ARSSGS and the upcoming season at Mahoning Valley Speedway will be made available at the three day Pioneer Pole Buildings Motorsports 2015 Presented by Sunoco Race Fuels Distributed by Insinger Performance Race Car and Trade Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, January 23-25, 2015.

Mahoning Valley Speedway will also be present at the NEPA Race Car Show, February 9-15 at the Laurel Mall in West Hazleton.


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