2016 NEWS AND RESULTS:
Big Money’ Does the Impossible, Sweeping the Turkey Derby
Throughout 2016, Matt Hirschman reminded everyone how he earned the nickname “Big Money.” The driver from Northampton, Pennsylvania won a majority of the big money races he entered, and on Saturday at Wall Stadium Speedway (NJ) he did it agai
Hirschman collected a combined $9,000 by sweeping the 150-lap Tour-type Modified feature and 100-lap SK Modified feature at Turkey Derby XLIII. It is a day that even he is willing to admit, goes at the top of his resume.
“It’s a career day, it’s the only way to put it. I’ve been doing it for probably, I’m going to guess and say about 5 or 6 years. I’ve won each race on different years, but never in the same day,” Hirschman told Speed51.com powered by JEGS. “It’s incredible, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I know Jimmy (Blewett) has done it before; I don’t know if anybody else has. I’m not the first to do it but it’s something I’ve wanted.”
It is something that Hirschman has wanted to do because of the sheer size and difficulty of the accomplishment of sweeping two of the hardest events on the Modified calendar.
“So much effort goes into preparing one car, let alone two, and to bring two cars together from different places, park them next to each other for two days and have everybody work as one big team is special,” Hirschman commented. “It’s such a tough race track that for things to go in your favor for one race is a lot, to have it go work out in two races is almost impossible, but it happened today.”
Things seemed to go his way instantly in the Tour Modified race when he was promoted to the inside of row one as a result of polesitter Steven Reed failing to make the grid with a broken transmission. Hirschman dominated the majority of the event but nearly got tripped up late when defending Turkey Derby winner Eric Mauriello got a restart that was a bit too good to be true, at least from Hirschman’s standpoint.
“I got jumped, that’s the bottom line there,” Hirschman stated. “He jumped the start. I expected them to give it back there because he had a half-car length there going into the corner, so I was surprised by that. The next restart, I wasn’t going to be blatant and jump it, I knew they’d call it back, but I was certainly going to try and return the favor and I timed it well that I was able to return it and once I got back out front I kept it. Everything worked well in that race except that moment, because if the race goes green to end, you’re not getting back around him. But it’s so far behind me it doesn’t matter.”
Things were not as rosy for Hirschman during the SK/Wall Modified feature, after losing a lap in time trials for being late to the scales in tech, Hirschman started right in the middle of the hornet’s nest in 13th. With a swarm around him, Hirschman made what would turn into a race-winning move.
“We didn’t start up where I would’ve liked to and we were in a position that I didn’t like,” he explained after the race. “I thought something was going to happen. I thought it might not be the winning strategy, but let’s bail out of here, put our tires on, and hope it cycles through. The very next restart is when they all wrecked in three and four, so I went from last to eighth. It worked out, definitely the right thing to do, I don’t know why I felt like doing it, but it was a good feeling. From there I ran the car hard and it stayed with me, some guys faded late and I got to second.”
With Hirschman closing on leader Jimmy Blewett, Blewett made what could’ve been a race-winning move as well when he went down pit road with just over 10 laps to go.
“Jimmy had a pretty good lead, but when the caution came out and there was more than 10 to go, I did think that Jimmy was going to pit. I know it surprised a lot of people, but I thought he was going to pit,” said Hirschman. “When we went back green, I knew if there was one caution, Jimmy was going to win the race and I was going to accept it. I already had my tires on, there was nothing I could do, he would’ve blown me away. That’s the nature of the game. But when he got to second, I knew I had enough of a lead that he wasn’t going to catch me without a caution.”
It had already been a great weekend for Blewett, winning the Sportsman Modified and Dirt Modified races and racing up to third in the Tour race. Despite pitting with just 11 laps to go and with nine cars in front of him, Blewett stood by his decision.
“I hate losing races getting passed at the end. Matt knows how to play his cards right, they don’t call him ‘Big Money’ Matt for nothing,” Blewett stated. “That said, the last caution I knew where we were sitting we weren’t going to have much tire left because the pace was hard in the beginning. I radioed my crew chief Rob Ormsby, said it was his call, he said, ‘Let’s fire some tires on it’ and I said ‘Let’s do it.’ I came here to race and my deal is go as fast as I can all the time and put on a good show for the fans. You can’t win everything, would’ve been nice to get it. But at the end I’m happy finishing second knowing that I gave my all out there.”
After the race Hirschman and Blewett discussed what happened and what could’ve been. In the end, the two drivers who had pulled off the impossible left that conversation with respect and desire to come back stronger in 2017.
-By Connor Sullivan, Speed51.com CT, MA & Long Island Editor – Twitter: @Connor51CT
Turkey Derby XLIII Tour-Type Modified Unofficial Results
1 60 Matt Hirschman
2 14 Eric Mauriello
3 76 Jimmy Blewett
4 43 Ron Frees
5 8 Earl Paules
6 71 Jimmy Zacharias
7 24 Andrew Krause
8 1 Anthony Sesely
9 15 Shawn Solomito
10 06 Les Hinckley
11 57 Keith Rocco
12 34 John Fortin
13 99T Jamie Tomaino
14 95 John Makovic
15 04 Amber Fortin
16 51 Justin Bonsignore
17 27 Andy Jankowiak
18 54C Tommy Catalano
19 85 Jonathan Mandato
20 99NY Timmy Solomito
21 72 Austin Kochenash
22 36 Dave Sapienza
23 03 Ken Darch
24 33 Jason Treat
25 66 Tyler Truex
26 12E Jack Ely
Turkey Derby XLIII SK/Wall Modified Unofficial Results
1 41 Matt Hirschman
2 19 Jimmy Blewett
3 16C Ricky Collins
4 51B Danny Bohn
5 27K Andrew Krause
6 14 Eric Mauriello
7 12A Jason Hearne
8 66 Shawna Ingraham
9 12R Marc Rogers
10 21 Dennis Perry
11 54 Shaun Carrig
12 88 Chris Lane
13 45 Chris Reynolds
14 34NY Ken Matlach
15 86 Trevor Alspach
16 12E Jack Ely
17 17 Vinnie Marone
18 55 Steven Reed
19 27L Adam LaCicero
20 02 Justin Gumley
21 9 Shanon Mongeau
22 85 Jonathan Mandato
23 67 Zach Alspach
24 11 Kenny VanWickle
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MATT HIRSCHMAN MOUNTS LATE CHARGE FOR CONTROVERSIAL MODIFIED VICTORY AT MYRTLE BEACH
by Andy Marquis November 19, 2016 Modifieds 1581
Matt Hirschman does not believe a late race tire change made the difference in Saturday afternoon’s 125 lap Tour Modified race at Myrtle Beach Speedway, but the second and third place finishers disagreed.Hirschman spun with 30 laps to go and had to pit to change a flat right rear tire. He charged back through the field and closed in on a battle between Jimmy Zacharias and Daren Scherer with two laps to go. Hirschman went three wide and passed them both and checked out en route to victory.After the race, Hirschman said the tire change made no difference.“The right rear had nothing to do with it,” Hirschman said. “I just got my fresh right rear and immediately started getting a flat so, believe it or not, I’m sure most people are going to think that was the difference, but it wasn’t at all. It was purely just playing the game right and moving at the right time. I didn’t need that tire. I just put a new one on.”“Unfortunately, we didn’t get our money’s worth out of that one but this spare was good enough,” Hirschman continued. “I just had to wait it out, hope for a caution, didn’t look like we were getting one, so made a run for it. Regardless of what everybody’s going to say, I know it made it interesting. That’s what putting on a show is all about.”Scherer held off Zacharias for a runner-up finish, a finish he took in stride after issues in previous Myrtle Beach races.“We’ve been here a few times,” Scherer said. “This was the first time the car held. We were behind Hirschman. I thought he was saving. I didn’t know he had a flat tire. Here we are saving. I lost a bunch of spots. 35 to go, they told me to go. This is one of the first times it stayed underneath the car.“I just wish I could have got by Jimmy a little faster and held off Hirschman with the new tire but I think we finished okay.”While Scherer was satisfied with second, it was Zacharias’ opinion that Scherer won the race.“I know Matty said the right rear didn’t help him but we can all look at the right rear tires,” Zacharias said. “We know how this place is. A flat tire, purposely flat tire, either way, Daren Scherer is the winner in my books.”Zacharias had dominated in the closing stages of the race after having to start at the rear of the field. He had a seemingly insurmountable lead with 30 laps to go when the caution came out one final time in the race.“I wanted to set a steady pace after that caution with 30 to go,” Zacharias explained. “I wanted to get myself distance enough that I could ride and, when they decided to go, they had to work to get to me and work to get around me. It worked out good. Daren got up to me and we raced side-by-side for six laps.“It would have come down to us for the win but that fresh tire passed us both at once and ruined a good finish between me and the 3 for the win.”Jon Kay finished fourth while Burt Myers finished fifth.
Unofficial Results
Matt Hirschman
Daren Scherer
Jimmy Zacharias
Jon Kay
Burt Myers
Bobby Measmer
Jason Myers
Chris Pasteryak
Andy Seuss
Zach Brewer
Gary Putnam
Jimmy Wallace
Daniel Yates
Buddy Ellis
Mike Norman
Junior Miller
Justin Hicks
Jason Tutterow
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Two Champions Battle for North South Shootout Victory
Matt Hirschman entered the 14th Annual John Blewett III North South Shootout as a five-time winner. Andy Seuss entered with no wins. At the end of Saturday’s 125-lap showdown, it was Seuss and Hirschman fighting for the win. Hirschman for his sixth, and Seuss for his first.
As Hirschman, a multi-time RoC Asphalt Modified Tour champion, and Seuss, a two-time NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour champion, battled for the win, lapped traffic played a big factor.The lead duo caught a group of about seven cars, with all of them running different lines. With two laps to go, Seuss went to the bottom and Hirschman tried to pass him up top. Each driver had a lapped car right in front of him. Whichever lapped car got the better run would decide who won the race.Fortunately for Seuss, the lower line was the one that moved and he was able to clear Hirschman going into the dogleg. Hirschman tried one more time on the final lap, but it wasn’t enough. Seuss was able to hold on to score his first North South Shootout victory.“You don’t have to be nervous when Matt Hirschman is in second,” said Seuss in victory lane. “You have to be nervous when Matt Hirschman was in the field. He got into second and I didn’t know how lapped traffic was going to play. It screwed me up. I don’t know if it helped him or hurt him, but the race was 125 laps and we beat him to the checkered flag in 125 laps.”Hirschman said it wasn’t the lapped traffic that cost him the win, but instead it was his battle for second with Richard Savary. “I just needed a few more laps,” Hirschman said. “We were heading in the right direction and just came up short. I got into third with plenty of time and took a little too long to get into second. Once we got into second we closed in, but I just ran out of time. I was right there, but I’m not going to do something stupid.”Seuss’ journey to get to the front was an eventful one. Seuss was making his way towards the front of the field before the first caution. When the leaders all decided to pit, Seuss was one of two cars that stayed out and opted to try a different strategy.
On the next restart, Seuss, on older tires, started to fall back through the field. After pitting on the next caution, Seuss found himself near the rear of the field where the odds of being caught up in someone else’s mess are higher.That’s exactly what happened. On lap 68, James Civali and Bryan Dauzat crashed in the dogleg and Seuss caught a piece of the wall. While Civali and Dauzat brawled, Seuss and his crew tried to figure out what to do to fix their race car.With a slightly damaged car, Seuss eventually started to work back through the field, and then he and his team used a different strategy to get back to the front of the pack. “I don’t know how we got here,” said Seuss. “We went from being in the wall to a different strategy to here. We were just trying to save as many tires as we could and then that wreck on the backstretch changed our strategy for us. I was awful upset about it at the time, but I’m not going to be upset about it now. But the toe was knocked out of it, the wheels were beat off of it. These guys worked their butts off under caution and just gave me a fabulous car.”Richard Savary, Jon McKennedy and Jeff Fultz completed the top five. Speed51.com will have extended highlights from the 14th Annual John Blewett III North South Shootout as well as interviews and more on the Speed51 Network.
14th Annual John Blewett III North South Shootout
Concord Speedway, Concord, North Carolina
Unofficial Results
Pos # Driver
1 11 Andy Seuss
2 60 Matt Hirschman
3 99 Richard Savary
4 29 Jon McKennedy
5 00 Jeff Fultz
6 28 George Brunnhoelzl III
7 76 Jimmy Blewett
8 4 Jason Myers
9 22H Chuck Hossfeld
10 66 Tyler Truex
11 15 Jeremy Gerstner
12 74 Bobby Measmer Jr
13 77 Gary Putnam
14 22 Kyle Bonsignore
15 24 Andrew Krause
16 13 Steve Masse
17 19 Brandon Ward
18 75 Ronnie Sounders
19 6 Woody Pitkat
20 1 Burt Myers
21 39 Calvin Carroll
22 0 John Sutton
23 17 Clay Rogers
24 79 James Civali
25 97 Bryan Dauzat
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Opportunity Comes Hirschman’s Way for 66th Annual RoC Victory
With passing at a premium on Saturday evening, Matt Hirschman kept himself in contention and ended a lengthy day at Oswego Speedway (NY) as the 66th Annual Race of Champions 250 race winner. It was the fourth time in the last five years in which the Northampton, Pennsylvania driver hoisted the Al Gerber Memorial Trophy.
“I knew coming in it was going to be tough,” Hirschman told Speed51.com powered by JEGS. “Then when we got here and saw what the conditions were because of the rain this morning, it got even worse.”
After being rescheduled from mid-September to become the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series season concluding date on this late October weekend, the weather Gods were not entirely smiling down on the 5/8-mile. Overcast weather caused track drying efforts to only gradually get accomplished throughout the early afternoon and also left a track surface that normally makes it difficult to advance positions even tougher.
Additionally, due to some potential concerns being presented, officials made some tweaks to the race format. Instituting single-file restarts as well as competition cautions rather than live pit stops in the still damp pit area were a couple adjustments that were made at the facility that hosted Super DIRT Week festivities a few weeks prior.
“Getting this show in was paramount and we had to make some changes to ensure safety,” RoC owner and promoter Joe Skotnicki explained. “We did the best we could with the conditions that were presented to us.”
Fast qualifier from the originally scheduled date, Chuck Hossfeld, set the initial pace, but was sidelined early when the motor began to expire. Points leader Patrick Emerling took the lead from there and looked to be easily on his way to his first ever Race of Champions event victory.
That would all change on lap 216 when the leaders approached a lapped car, allowing Hirschman to pounce on Emerling’s misfortune down the backstretch.
“(Hossfeld) had a mechanical issue and Patrick slipped up a little bit there in lapped traffic,” Hirschman documented. “It was going to take something like that for anybody to make anything happen. I didn’t give up and kept the pressure on and an opportunity came my way and I had to take it, and I know he would have done the same. You kind of rub your way through there and that’s kind of what happened.”
Ironically, it was Emerling who took advantage a month before in a Sportsman Modified race on the first night of Race of Champions weekend to get the win from teammate Mike Leaty. Both Hirschman and Leaty acknowledged that occurrence post-race.
“Some lapped cars just wouldn’t move out of the way and that was the one thing I was a little bit worried about moving forward,” Emerling commented. “I knew in my mind if it was a thousand lap race it was going to be bound to happen at some point so I was just hoping it wasn’t going to happen before 250. That’s just how it goes.”
Emerling tried to rebound, but again the lack of a second racing line prevented him from rallying back to put forth enough of a challenge in the closing laps.
“I was on the outside of him and my tires fell out of the groove and into the dust, and that sucked me way up the track,” the Orchard Park, New York second place finisher recalled. “That was the deciding factor for tonight, but we have a lot to be proud of. I can’t thank my guys enough.”
With Hossfeld’s engine failure, Emerling sealed the deal for the 2016 Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series title. It was the first championship ever in his young career and was redemption from the previous season for the Leaty Autosport team.
“It’s definitely a good thing for us because we were a little bit pissed off last year,” Emerling said. “We had a couple issues toward the end of the season, which took us out of the hunt. We put our heads down, looked forward, and said we’re going to win the championship this year. That was our goal.”
Leaty, Andy Jankowiak, and Daren Scherer rounded out the top five. Jimmy Zacharias was a late addition to the field and was one of very few who was able to successfully advance multiple positions, climbing from 27th starting position to sixth.
Hirschman moves within one of tying for most of Race of Champions wins of all time with Dutch Hoag. The win also ties him in the record books with his father, Tony, and got it done with a favorite Modified of his that has brought many other big paychecks in addition to the $12,500 on Saturday.
“It’s an important part of Modified history and means a great deal to my family,” Hirschman, now a guaranteed starter for next weekend’s North-South Shootout at Concord Speedway (NC), said. “To now have four wins like my dad, that’s eight for the family. That’s incredible.
“It’s gotten tougher. Others have stepped up, and I need to step up a little bit myself. This car is old reliable. It’s not the fastest car on the racetrack anymore, but it never lets me down.”
-By Aaron Creed, Speed51.com Central NY & PA Editor – Twitter: @aaron_creed
66th Annual Race of Champions 250 Results
Pos Start # Driver Laps
1 2 60 Matt Hirschman 250
2 3 07 Patrick Emerling 250
3 5 25 Mike Leaty 250
4 10 37 Andy Jankowiak 250
5 6 3 Daren Scherer 250
6 27 71 Jimmy Zacharias 250
7 7 95 Bryan Sherwood 250
8 9 15 Chris Pasteryak 250
9 14 32 Tyler Rypkema 250
10 15 14 Doug Reaume 250
11 25 64 Amy Catalano 249
12 17 27j Billy Whittaker 249
13 11 54 Tommy Catalano 249
14 19 65L Andy Lewis 237
15 20 19 Brandon Oltra 212
16 23 39 Calvin Carroll 199
17 13 27 Donny Hartzell 189
18 4 65 George Skora III 174
19 12 51 T.J. Potrzebowski 166
20 22 1 Chris Ridsdale 122
21 16 66 Austin Kochenash 119
22 24 40 Tommy Rought 80
23 8 10 Daryl Lewis Jr. 70
24 28 41 Tim Lewis 59
25 1 22 Chuck Hossfeld 50
26 21 34 Rusty Smith 42
27 29 98 Craig Dolphin 10
28 26 17 Ken Canestrari 2
29 18 59 Karl Hehr 0
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MATT HIRSCHMAN BANKS $5,000 & SCORES TRI TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP AT NEW LONDON-WATERFORD SPEEDBOWL
Matt “Money” Hirschman lived up to his name once again on Sunday night at New London-Waterford Speedbowl
Oct 22, 2016
He took down the victory in the $5,000 to win NorthEast Race Cars Tri Track Open Modified Series feature event and with the win, he locked up the 2016 championship. “It worked out really well, we had a good starting spot,” Hirschman said. “The car really responded well to the start of the race and that was important because the cars we would have had to contend with had to start further in the back of the pack.”; He started in fifth position, but quickly worked his way into the lead, sliding by Mike Holdridge to the front of the pack at lap 21. From there, it was basically clear sailing for the driver of the No. 60. The field was brought to Rich Keator’s green flag by Jeff Gallup and Holdridge on the front row. Early on it was Holdridge showing the way. The first caution flag came down just after the halfway point on lap 41, when Gallup spun on the frontstretch. And shortly after green, Woody Pitkat and Dwight Jarvis made contact in turn three and Pitkat went hard into the wall, drawing a second yellow flag. Another quick caution slowed the race for a spin by Dennis Perry in turn two on lap 43 and then a final caution came out when Keith Rocco spun in turn two. The remainder of the race saw Hirschman hold off Les Hinckley and Ron Silk in the final few laps in order to capture the crown. Hinckley was able to finish second, but came up one spot short of the win. Silk, who won a 35 lap qualifying race worth $3,000 earlier in the day, was able to come home in third spot after starting back in 22nd. Though he didn’t come away with the big win in the 65 lapper, he was still pleased with the effort the team put forth. Holdridge was able to hang on for a fourth place finish, while Richard Savary captured a fifth place finish. Rowan Pennink stormed through the field in the second half of the race to finish fifth, while Steve Masse, Ryan Preece, Andy Jankowiak and Rob Summers finished the top 10. With Hirschman’s victory, he was crowned the champion of the Tri Track Open Modified Series for the second straight year. “The Tri Track Seires has been the best thing for modified racing in a long time,” Hirschman said. “We have been fortunate enough to win a race at least in every single year. Two years in a row now we win the championship, it’s a great little bonus.”;
The Tri Track Open Modified Series would like to announce that the series will return for the 2017 calendar season. At this point, it is not certain exactly where or how many races will take place.
Keep up to date with all the updates by following the series on Facebook or visiting us on the web at www.tritrackopenmodifiedseries.com.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS:
Matt Hirschman, Les Hinckley, Ron Silk, Mike Holdridge, Richard Savary, Rowan Pennink, Steve Masse, Ryan Preece, Andy Jankowiak, Rob Summers, Ted Christopher, Keith Rocco, Eric Berndt, Justin Bonsignore, John Keivman, Chris Pasteryak, Dan Meservey, Dennis Perry, Ron Frees, Jeff Gallup, Tommy Barrett, Dwight Jarvis, Woody Pitkat, Matt Swanson, Dave Salzarulo, Todd Annarummo
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King of the Green - Evergreen Raceway
Berwick, Pennsylvania’s Brian Defebo was in the right place at the right time by the end of an event-filled Tour-Type Modified feature that concluded Evergreen Raceway’s (PA) racing season. On a lap 64 restart the winningest driver in Modified history at the 1/3-mile used the outside line to gain the lead in the King of the Green, which was shortened from 100 to 69 circuits.
The upper groove worked like a charm for Defebo, who passed numerous cars for position at the start of the second half of the race. He would work around Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series regular Daren Scherer, who elected not to stop during a halfway break, for the final lead change of the night.On the restart we stuck the car on the outside and I had my mind made up that we were going to go,” Defebo told Speed51.com powered by JEGS. “I was hoping I wasn’t going to do it too early, and it worked in my favor. I wanted to dictate my own pace and I knew I had tire left.”
Following a dramatic conclusion to the consolation race that sent multiple cars competing for the transfer position into the turn four wall, a decision was made by officials that any driver that could make the start would be able to instead of the originally announced starting field of 20. That and numerous factors, in the minds of multiple racers, played into a long evening of racing that was eventually cut short.“The cautions were a marathon,” Defebo commented. “That’s bad for us as drivers that we can’t get to 100. We should all be embarrassed, but we can’t be starting full fields of cars. We come here, everybody goes through the procedures, and 20 cars should be 20 cars. Now you are throwing another nine in there, which is causing more cautions, and cautions breed cautions.”Another driver that had certain calls go against his favor was fastest qualifier and dominant leader of the first half of the event, Austin Kochenash.
At the halfway break, the right front tire was noticeably off the rim and going flat. The team put a new sticker on in addition to a right rear tire change. It was mandated that teams could only put on one tire at the halfway break. “The right front was going down and I could feel it with two laps to go (before halfway),” Kochenash mentioned. “I came in and they said flats are free and you can put whatever you want on, but they change their minds on whatever they want to suit the people they want. I put a new tire on and then they came and told me I can’t race on it, so then we had to dismount a right front tire to put on the right rear wheel.” The Danielsville, Pennsylvania driver raced his way back into the top 10, but was clearly dejected with the feature ending early and contact with competitor Paul Hartwig Jr. An accident and ensuing scuffle involving Hartwig and Todd Baer was the final of an excessive amount of cautions in a row, and the yellow and checkered flags were waved. “I definitely feel we had the best car,” Kochenash said. “I wasn’t really pushing it from the beginning and I was able to run the outside where nobody really could to advance. It’s definitely disappointing. We lost a lot of money and got wrecked under caution by someone that shouldn’t be out there. Eventually it will catch up to him and it did.” Zane Zeiner, who recovered from a practice wreck, four-time event winner Matt Hirschman, and Wall Stadium Speedway (NJ) regulars Eric Mauriello and Blake Barney were among the contenders near the front that ended up short of the victory. A strong finish should have been enough for Hirschman to be named the 2016 season-long Evergreen Tour Modified Series champion.
Defebo celebrated with his Donald Trump life-size cardboard cutout and kissed the start-finish line in an elated manner. “I’m happy, but if I was second or third on lap 65 I might be disgusted,” Defebo indicated. “I know I had a good car tonight so I’m not disgusted.” The King of the Green finishing order remains under review. Evergreen Raceway took responsibility for multiple mishaps that occurred throughout Sunday and addressed fans and competitors via theirFacebook page and web site. Despite having 55 Modified victories to his credit since 1997, Defebo had not entered victory lane at Evergreen so far in 2016.
“We’ve had some hard times trying to finish races and stupid parts breaking,” Defebo said. “Somebody asked me earlier today ‘when are you going to win?’ I said, ‘when God wants me to win I’m going to win.’ God wanted me to win today.”
-By Aaron Creed, Speed51.com Central NY & PA Editor – Twitter: @aaron_creed
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“Big Money” Matt Hirschman cashes in
By STEVE PETTY
FOR [email protected]
Second generation driver Matt Hirschman from Northampton, PA., is now $10,000 richer after winning the American 100 for Modifieds at Wyoming County International Speedway as part of day two of the annual Shoot out at the Bullring.In two American 100 appearances at the Perry oval, “Big Money” Hirschman has a second place finish and a victory. Also Sunday, West Seneca, NY’s Dave Krawczyk won his ninth main event of the season in the Super Stocks and clinched his second consecutive divisional title. Anthony Riforgiato from Portland, NY won his first career Legends feature.
“Ten thousand dollars is a nice payday to get after running at one of my favorite tracks,” said Hirschman.The American 100 for Tour-Type Modifieds is quickly becoming an event featuring the who’s who in Modified racing.Brian DeFebo and Hirschman set the front row with DeFebo jumping into the lead.
Hirschman, Camden Barber, Jankowiak and Jimmy Zacharias raced in the top five early on.Zacharias would take fourth away from Jakowiak as Hossfeld and Emerling battled for several circuits for sixth and seventh in the races early stages.DeFebo opened his lead over Hirschman, Barber, Zacharias and Jankowiak with Emerling, Hossfeld, Zeiner, Paules and Scherer running in the top-10 early on.After Andy Lewis spun in turn one to bring out the races’ first caution on lap 31, Hossfeld, Scherer, Emerling, Jankowiak, Calvin Carroll and others went into the pits to change tires.On the restart, DeFebo jumped back into the lead over Hirschman with Barber and Zacharias battling for third with Jimmy Z moving into the third position.
Tony Hanbury suffered a flat left rear tire to bring out the races second caution on lap 41.During the second caution period, TJ Potrzebowski, Camden Barber, and other went in for adjustments while Patrick Emerling worked back through the field to move into sixth with Hossfeld in seventh, Mike Leaty and Jankowiak back inside the top-10.DeFebo, Hirschman, Zacharias took off into the top three as Zeiner took third from Zacharias at halfway. Emerling took third on lap 52 as Hossfeld moved into fifth place.Emerling battled with Hirschman for second as DeFebo continued to show the way.
Tommy Rought spun on the back straightaway to bring out the third caution of the event on lap 62 as Hirschman took the lead on lap 63 after passing DeFebo on the inside of turn one.Emerling, Hossfeld moved into second and third respectively. Mike Leaty passed DeFebo to move into the top five around lap 70 as Hirschman continued to lead. Daryl Lewis Jr. slowed to bring out the caution on lap 74. Hirschman took the lead as Emerling, Hossfeld and Zacharias battled for third. Kirk Totten and Timmy Lewis Jr came together on the front straightaway to bring out the caution back out on lap 75. Hossfeld would take second away from Emerling off the restart.Emerling started to go after Hirschman with 10 laps remaining as the duo pulled away from Hossfeld.Hirschman would hold off Emerling and Hossfeld to claim the $10,000 payday.It was Hirschman’s second $10,000 payday this year.
“It is a great tire package that American Racer gave to us today and the car ran well,” stated Hirschman in victory lane. “It was a tough decision not to pit but I couldn’t give up the track position.”“I think we had something for Matt but just couldn’t get around him,” said runner-up Emerling. “Finishing second twice here this year was good for us. The car comes back into the trailer in one piece and that is important.”“This is definitely huge for our team,” said Hirschman. “This track always produces great races. Most shows you win a race you might get a little or break even but ten grand can go a long way.”
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PATRICK EMERLING COMPLETES MODIFIED SEASON SWEEP WITH U.S. OPEN 125 WIN
LANCASTER, N.Y. (September 25, 2016) – Patrick Emerling of Orchard Park, N.Y. completed a season sweep of the Race of Champions Modified Series events at Lancaster National Speedway with his win in the 28th annual U.S. Open 125 on Sunday afternoon.Emerling passed teammate Mike Leaty with eight laps to go to secure his first career U.S. Open win. It was his fourth Modified win at Lancaster in 2016 as he won the Queen City Clash 75, Ol’ Boy Cup 60 and the Tommy Druar/Tony Jankowiak Memorial 110 earlier this season.In other action on day three of the 28th annual U.S. Open weekend, Dave Heitzhaus of Strykersville, N.Y. won the 30-lap X-Press Signs Late Model feature presented by Abbott Rd Pizza. Rich Sharpe of Lancaster, N.Y. was victorious in the 35-lap Advance Auto Parts Street Stock feature.A field of 26 Race of Champions took the green flag in Lancaster’s biggest and longest race of the season. Daryl Lewis, Jr. and Mike Leaty started on the front row with Lewis taking the lead on the initial lap of the race.Leaty ran second to Lewis throughout the opening laps of the race, but he gave up the track position on lap 27 to pit for a new right rear tire under caution.The pit stop by Leaty moved Chuck Hossfeld to second place. The five-time U.S. Open winner started fourth in the field. Hossfeld didn’t waste any time when the green flag waved again as he passed Lewis for the lead on lap 32.Hossfeld controlled the race through a long green flag run that took the race up to lap 55. The yellow flag waved for the fourth time when Andy Lewis spun out in turn one to halt the race after 24 consecutive green flag laps. That signaled pit stops for the majority of the field with most of the top ten cars coming in to pit.Emerling won the race off pit road while Hossfeld had a much longer stop as the crew checked on a possible engine issue.
Tyler Rypkema took over the race lead as he stayed out. Rypkema was followed by Bryan Sherwood, Lee Sharpsteen, Chris Ridsdale and Mike Leaty.With Leaty already making his pit stop, he quickly worked his way to the front of the field. He moved back into the runner-up position on lap 76.Emerling also worked his way back to the front as he led the charge of cars that pitted on lap 59. By lap 88 he was up to third behind Rypkema and Leaty.Leaty edged Rypkema at the start/finish line for the lead on lap 100 just before the yellow flag came out again, this time for a crash by Andy Jankowiak. Emerling moved past Rypkema for second when the race resumed, putting the teammates in the top two spots.Defending U.S. Open winner, Matt Hirschman, had a relatively quiet day as he started 12th and wasn’t much of a factor early on in the race. He finally made his presence felt during the final 20 laps. The four-time U.S. Open winner moved into the top five around lap 104. He then landed in third place just six laps later.On lap 117, Emerling worked underneath his teammate, Leaty, going through turns 1 and 2 to take over the lead. Two laps later Hirschman was able to pass Leaty for second.Hirschman tried to chase down Emerling in the closing laps, but he was unable to close on the leader. Emerling crossed the finish line first for his first U.S. Open win and seventh win of the season on the Race of Champions Modified Series trail in 2016.Hirschman settled for second in his first start of the year at Lancaster. Leaty finished third followed by Hossfeld and George Skora III. Rypkema fell to sixth after leading much of the second half of the race. Erick Rudolph made his first asphalt Modified start in two years in the Booker Motorsports #40 and finished seventh. Daryl Lewis, Jr., Daren Scherer and T.J. Potrzebowski completed the top ten.
RACE OF CHAMPIONS MODIFIED SERIES
Heat Winners: Patrick Emerling, Chuck Hossfeld, Daren Scherer
U.S. Open 125 Finish: PATRICK EMERLING, Matt Hirschman, Mike Leaty, Chuck Hossfeld, George Skora III, Tyler Rypkema, Erick Rudolph, Daryl Lewis, Jr., Daren Scherer, T.J. Potrzebowski, Cam Barber, Tommy Catalano, Amy Catalano, Andy Lewis, Matt Alix, Karl Hehr, Kirk Totten, Calvin Carroll, Tommy Rought, Lee Sharpsteen, Jeff Hamman, Bryan Sherwood, Chris Ridsdale, Andy Jankowiak, Rusty Smith, Keith Flanigan
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Matt Hirschman Batting 0.750 at Evergreen Raceway
St. Johns, PA (9/11/2016)- Perfect racing weather and conditions set the stage for the first regular event of Evergreen’s ‘September to Remember’ on Sunday. Following a short moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks fifteen years ago, Matt Hirschman of Northampton started from the pole position and wired the 50-lap Tour Type Modified field to claim the $2,000 prize. In only his second career Street Stock start, Rich Paciotti of Kunkletown drove away with the victory and Steve Heckman of Gilbert bested the Factory Stock field en route to his second win of the season. Brayden Spencer of Shickshinny was nearly wrecked on the final lap of the Four Cylinder feature, but held on to take his third win and the $400 prize. Dylian Slepian of Long Island grabbed the INEX Legends victory and Sean Verwys took the INEX Bandolero win.Following heat races, the top nine Tour Type Modified drivers redrew for staring positions, with hopes of getting a top five starting spot in the 50-lap main event. Following bad luck in and a third place finish in the heat race, Matt Hirschman drew the pole position.Hirschman led the first circuit over Sal Accardi, Bobby Jones, Brandon Oltra and John Markovic. Eight quick laps clicked off until the yellow flag waved when Paul Hartwig, Jr. spun in turns three and four. Green flag racing resumed with Hirschman on the point, but Brian Sones had cracked the top five.
Jones got by Accardi for second following the restart and with Hirschman still in command on lap 24, Accardi spun from contention on lap 24.Jones lined up aside Hirschman for the restart, followed by Sones, Roger Coss and Oltra. Jones tried everything that he could to overtake the leader on the restart, but like each time before, Hirschman denied the challenge.Following a pair of quick yellows, Bran DeFebo cracked the top five on lap 27. He then grabbed the fourth spot a lap later. Shortly after, Zane Zeiner, who had started 17th on the grid, got by Oltra for the fifth spot.
With five laps remaining, DeFebo had moved to third, but Hirschman remained uncontested for his third Tour Type Modified victory in four starts this season. Jones settled for second, followed by DeFebo. Zeiner crossed the line in fourth but was disqualified in post race tech inspection. Coss and Anthony Sesely completed the top five.Sones, Sesely and Markovic were heat race winners.
Tour Type Modified (50-laps) 1. MATT HIRSCHMAN 2. Bobby Jones 3. Brian Defebo 4. Roger Coss 5. Anthony Sessley 6. Brandon Oltra 7. John Markovic 8. Amber Fortin 9. Brian Sones 10. Robby Walton 11. Alan Creveling 12. Wayne Szerencsits 13. Paul Hartwig Jr 14. Sal Accardi 15. Blake Barney 16. Randall Richard 17.Jason Hearne 18. Ken Darch 19. Russ Frantz DQ: Zane Zeiner
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SEEKONK SPEEDWAY - SEPTEMBER 10 - SOLOMITO MAKES MOVE WHEN IT COUNTS
Late Pass At Seekonk Earns Him Fourth NASCAR Whelen Modified Victory
When it was go-time, Timmy Solomito didn't hesitate.The Islip, New York, driver muscled his way past Doug Coby on Lap 114 and then held off the three-time champion as well as championship contender Justin Bonsignore to win Saturday night's AnytimeRealty.com 150 at Seekonk Speedway.It was Solomito's fourth NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win of the season.Solomito started alongside Coby on the Lap 112 restart. After failing to get by on the outside on the first lap, Solomito fell into line behind Coby coming off Turn 4 and then drove low into Turn 1. Solomito's left side tires kicked up dirt and grass and the two banged side nerf bars as Solomito emerged from Turn 2 with the lead."It was time to go," said Solomito. "There was 30-something laps to go and you're racing on a tight track. Yea, I got down on the grass there, got a little sideways. But we were able to sneak by him. That's all that mattered. At the end of the day, we were able to do it."A late caution set up a green-white-checkered finish that pushed the race to 151 laps. Solomito was able to get away on the final restart as Bonsignore edged Coby for second.Coby won his eighth Coors Light Pole Award of the season earlier in the day and led a race-high 108 laps. The finish allowed Coby to maintain his 20-point lead over Bonsignore, while Solomito moved four points closer and sits 36 points out with three races remaining.Matt Hirschman finished fourth at Seekonk, followed by Bobby Santos.Eric Goodale, Jimmy Blewett, Rowan Pennink, Chase Dowling and Jeff Goodale completed the top 10.The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will run in the F.W. Webb 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 24.
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour - AnytimeRealty.com 150 Results
Saturday At Seekonk Speedway, Seekonk, MA
Lap length: 0.33 miles
(Start position in parentheses)
1. (6) Timmy Solomito, Islip, N.Y., Ford, 151 laps, 56.715 mph.
2. (3) Justin Bonsignore, Holtsville, NY, Chevrolet, 151.
3. (1) Doug Coby, Milford, Conn., Chevrolet, 151.
4. (8) Matt Hirschman, Northampton, PA, Chevrolet, 151.
5. (7) Bobby Santos, Franklin, Mass., Chevrolet, 151.
6. (5) Eric Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 151.
7. (17) Jimmy Blewett, Howell, N.J., Dodge, 151.
8. (18) Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley, Pa., Chevrolet, 151.
9. (14) Chase Dowling, Roxbury, Conn., Chevrolet, 151.
10. (24) Jeff Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 151.
11. (16) Dave Sapienza, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 151.
12. (11) Matt Swanson, Acton, Mass., Chevrolet, 151.
13. (9) Max Zachem, Preston, Conn., Chevrolet, 151.
14. (19) Craig Lutz, Miller Place, N.Y., Chevrolet, 151.
15. (4) Donny Lia, Jericho, NY, Chevrolet, 151.
16. (10) Ron Silk, Norwalk, CT, Chevrolet, 151.
17. (2) Rob Summers, Manchester, CT, Chevrolet, 151.
18. (13) Nick Salva, Prospect, Conn., Chevrolet, 151.
19. (20) Jamie Tomaino, Howell, N.J., Chevrolet, 151.
20. (15) Woody Pitkat, Stafford, Conn., Chevrolet, 151.
21. (23) Gary McDonald, Ronkonkoma, N.Y., Chevrolet, 151.
22. (12) Anthony Nocella, Woburn, Mass., Chevrolet, 150.
23. (27) Gary Byington, Byington, Chevrolet, 150.
24. (26) Johnny Bush, Huntington Station, N.Y., Chevrolet, 146.
25. (21) Calvin Carroll, Newton, N.J., Chevrolet, 97.
26. (25) Melissa Fifield, Wakefield, N.H., Chevrolet, 87, electrical.
27. (22) Wade Cole, Hartland, Conn., Chevrolet, 31, leaking fluid.
Race Statistics
Time of Race: 0 hours 52 minutes 43 seconds
Margin of Victory: 0.236 seconds
Fastest Qualifier: D. Coby (97.545 mph, 12.179 seconds)
Caution Flags: 7 for 47 laps.
Lead Changes: 11 among 3 drivers.
Lap Leaders: D. Coby 1-11; J. Bonsignore 12; D. Coby 13-28; J. Bonsignore 29; D. Coby 30-74; T. Solomito 75-76; D. Coby 77-111; T. Solomito 112-113; D. Coby 114; T. Solomito 115-147; J. Bonsignore 148; T. Solomito 149-151.
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September 2: Disappointed to say we will not be racing the Whelen Modified race at Oswego as planned. The new PeeDee car isn't 100% ready, certainly not due to a lack of effort. Thanks to those that have put in hours and thanks for everyone's comments & messages wishing me luck.
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HIRSCHMAN POCKETS $5105 IN WOODY’S 105 AT WALL SATURDAY, August 27
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ Stock car driver Matt Hirschman likes to travel to different speedway to focus on the races that pay the big money. On Saturday night this search for fortune led the Northampton, Pa. resident to Wall Stadium Speedway for the annual “Woody’s High Banks 105” for Downs Ford Modified stock cars. He was rewarded handsomely by pocketing $5,105 for his traveling and racing efforts. Freehold’s Chas Okerson was the first leader while Anthony Sesely of Matawan and Holmdel’s Andrew Krause battled for second for most of the early going. Sesely finally took command on lap 40 as Krause followed him through for second. Meanwhile, Hirschman clawed his way into the top three by the time 50 laps were recorded. A lap 59 cautions forced by a pair of competitors with flat tires saw Krause head to the pits for fresh rubber. The restart found Sesely, still on his original tires, on the pole while Hirschman, who had already pitted for two new tires, started on the outside of the front row. What became the winning move of the race occurred on the restart as Sesely’s worn tires apparently spun on acceleration while Hirschman gained the needed traction to race into the lead. Sesely soon headed to the pits for new rubber while Hirschman, Danny Bohn of Mooresville, N.C. and Krause made up the top three. Bohn and Krause then wrestled for the second spot while Hirschman stayed out front. Soon Sesely charged through the field to move back into contention after his tire change. By lap 89 Sesely had advanced into second spot while Krause’s night ended on lap 95 with ignition failure. Sesely then hounded Hirschman to the finish for second while, Bohn, Jackson’s Steven Reed and Jason Hearne of New Egypt wrapped up the top five. “I wasn’t happy to see all the cautions late in the race, but I wasn’t really worried either,” Hirschman said after the win. “This car was just super tonight. The car was not going to let up. My guys did an excellent job. “This win is pretty special because of the big payday and because it is here at Wall. We’ve had some tough luck here but we have also gotten big wins. The Jersey Shore fans are great so I like racing here. I’ll be back for Turkey Derby so I’ll see you all again in November.”
MODIFIED FEATURE – 105 Laps – 1. MATT HIRSCHMAN, NORTHAMPTON, PA., 2. Anthony Sesely, 3. Danny Bohn, 4. Steven Reed, 5. Jason Hearne, 6. Ron Frees, 7. Zane Zeiner, 8. Kevin Davison, 9. Kenny Van Wickle, 10. Shawna Ingraham, 11. Zack Alspach, 12. Chas Okerson, 13. Derek Hopkinson, 14. Andrew Krause, 15. Jonathan Mandato, 16. Shaun Carrig, 17. Chris Lane, 18. Eric Mauriello, 19. Trevor Alspach, 20. Chris Reynolds
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WATERFORD SPEEDWAY - TRI TRACK SERIES - AUGUST 25
Steve Masse captured his first career NorthEast Race Cars and Parts Tri Track Open Modified Series checkered flag on Thursday at New London-Waterford Speedbowl, rocketing into victory lane behind the wheel of his No. 13 and collecting the big prize of $10,000. The Bellingham, Massachusetts driver started in fifth position, but was a threat all night long. He pitted early and took a fresh tire, then drove through the entire field and eventually drove around race leader Richard Savary on a lap 88 restart in order to take down his first ever series win.“I wasn’t sure what was going to happen there at the end,” Masse said. “The heat cycles killed (Richard) Savary’s tires and I was able to get around him. I got a good restart and was able to stay to the outside of him going into turn one — which is important here at Waterford. It all worked out in my favor.”;Masse had decided he was going to step away from the sport at the start of 2016 and spend time with family and friends, but things changed quickly when June came around. Masse felt that urge to go back onto the track and he elected to return to the Speedbowl on Thursday chasing the glory and the big bucks. “This is only the third race of the year so it feels really good,” Masse said. “Earlier (this year) I just didn’t feel like racing and I didn’t feel like competing. The fire all of a sudden came back and here I am.” Richard Savary and Mike Holdridge brought the field of 27 modifieds to the green flag Thursday and Savary took command early. Behind him, Masse made early ground from his fifth place starting spot to second and the two drove away from their challengers — brining Rowan Pennink along with them. The first caution of the event flew on lap 35, when Tommy Barrett spun his No. 44 at the end of the frontstretch and quickly left the scene without damage. During the yellow, many drivers took advantage of the stoppage and went down pit road — including Masse and Pennink — who gave up top-three runs to make adjustments.A second caution on lap 35 also slowed the action when Les Hinckley got into the outside wall in turn four, then another yellow flew on lap 49 when Andy Jankowiak spun in turn one. Geoff Gernhard spun on the backstretch on lap 52, drawing a fourth caution of the event while those on the track took advantage and came down pit road. Among those pitting under the caution included Jeff Rocco and Calvin Carroll.
At the lap 52 green, Savary had a tough challenge from Woody Pitkat, who worked the outside and took over the advantage at lap 53. Just as Pitkat got the lead, Dylan Kopec and Carl Mederios Jr. got together and crashed, allowing Pitkat to hold the bottom for the restart on lap 54. Pitkat held the advantage over Savary until lap 60, when Savary took back command with a bottom line move off turn two.A pileup in turn one drew a caution on lap 61, then before long Eric Berndt spun from the top-10 down the frontstretch on lap 66. Cautions also stopped the race on lap 77 and then on lap 88 twice, but the crucial point of the race came on the restart on lap 88.Savary, — who had been leading much of the race — was on the bottom for the restart but didn’t get the start he needed to hold the advantage. Masse cleared him from the outside and Savary was left chasing him in the final laps, trying everything he could to get back to the bumper. “We took the strategy of staying out and not pitting at all because we started on the pole,” Savary said. “It was good racing. We weren’t going to give up the track position it was going to be too hard to come from the back. It just came down to a few yellows and Steve having a better tire than us.”;Sitting third at the conclusion of the 100 lap event was Pitkat, who said post-race that he thought he had something for the top-two if the car didn’t tighten up in the final laps.Pitkat did lead a few laps in the second half of the race, but ultimately, third was the position of finish for the Stebbins Racing driver.“I led for a little while there,” Pitkat said. “We just got a little bit tight there in the center in the last 40 laps and it just never went away. I tried to do whatever I could to get it to rotate through the center. I’m just happy for my guys. It’s a good momentum builder for us.”;Matt “Money” Hirschman finished fourth and Ted Christopher came on strong late to round out the top-five. Six through ten was Justin Bonsignore, Tommy Barrett, Eric Goodale, Dennis Perry and Rowan Pennink. The NorthEast Race Cars Tri Track Open Modified Series returns to action right back at the Speedbowl on Oct. 23 as part of the Bemer’s Big Show weekend, the final race of the 2016 season. Lap sponsorships are available immediately and can be purchased by contacting the series on Facebook or by email. For more information, fans are encouraged to visit www.tritrackopenmodifiedseries.com.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS: NorthEast Race Cars Tri Track Open Modified Series; August 25, 2016:
Steve Masse, Richard Savary, Woody Pitkat, Matt Hirschman, Ted Christopher, Justin Bonsignore, Tommy Barrett, Eric Goodale, Dennis Perry, Rowan Pennink, Ron Silk, Andy Jankowiak, Dwight Jarvis, Shawn Thibeault, Mike Holdridge, Dylan Kopec, Geoffrey Genhard, Chris Pasteryak, Jeff Rocco, Calvin Carroll, Roger Coss, Jeff Gallup, Eric Berndt, Todd Annarummo, Troy Talman, Carl Mederios Jr., Les Hinckley
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MATT HIRSCHMAN CASHES IN ON TRI-TRACK SBM 125 GOLD AT STAR SPEEDWAY
July 30. . . Matt Hirschman took a liking to NH's Star Speedway the first time he raced there, and on Saturday night he won his third major event SBM 125 Modified Open in five races, this time worth $10,400 plus contingencies as the Northeast Race Cars & Parts Tri-Track Open Modified Series visited the quarter-mile oval in southern New Hampshire.Hirschman, who hauled in from Northampton, PA., to race, pitted on lap 54 for a new right rear tire and worked his way to the front of the 27-car field, passing Jon McKennedy (Chelmsford, MA.) on lap 100 for the lead. He then held off a late charge from Les Hinckley (Windson Locks, CT.), including a restart with two laps remaining to claim the top prize in front of an enthusiastic and near capacity crowd.
"This was an example of what kind of show that the Modifieds can put on when you have drivers that race that way and show each other respect," Hirschman stated. "It comes at a time where I really needed a win. A BIG win."I hated that this race didn't happen last year. I'm glad that it's back and with a great crowd tonight, and another solid car count I would think we will be back again."McKennedy led the first 100 laps after drawing the pole in a top ten redraw, collecting a significant portion of the bonus money paid out in the process. But he elected to not pit for a tire, and in the end it cost him. Les Hinckley passed McKennedy on lap 115 for second place, earning the Woody's Auto Hard Charger Award" and his third consecutive second place finish in the SBM.Richard Savary, while attempting to pass McKennedy for a podium third place finish on lap 124, made contact and McKennedy spun, with Savary being sent to the rear. This opened the door for Maine driver Josh Cantara to take third from Ron Silk on the ensuing restart, where Hirschman outraced Hinckley to the line for the big win.Silk and Justin Bonsignore rounded out the top five finishers of a race run off in rapid fashion, with no major incidents and few caution periods. The next Northeast Race Cars & Parts Tri-Track Open Modified Series event takes place at Ct's New London-Waterford Speedbowl on Thursday, August 25 for another event paying the winner $10,000 as part of a purse again expected to exceed $60,000.
Official Tri-Track SBM 125 V Finish: 1. MATT HIRSCHMAN, 2. Les Hinckley, 3. Josh Cantara, 4. Ron Silk, 5. Justin Bonsignore, 6. Andy Jankowiak, 7. Rowan Pennink, 8. Max Zachem, 9. Tommy Barrett, 10. Jon Kievman, 11. Kirk Alexander, 12. Chris Pasteryak, 13. Anthony Nocella, 14. Rob Richardi Jr., 15. Jon McKennedy, 16. Mike Holdridge, 17. Russ Hersey, 18. Troy Talman, 19. Richard Savary, 20. Joe Doucette, 21. Andy Seuss, 22. Eric Berndt, 23. Carl Medieros Jr., 24. Jeff Gallup, 25. Mike Douglas Jr., 26. Dwight Jarvis, 27. Kurt Vigeant.
B-Main: 1. Jeff Gallup (moved on to A-Main), 2. Sal Accardi Jr., ($800) 3. Mike Benevides ($750), 4. George Sherman (($700), 5. Brandee Tree ($650), 6. Karl Fredrickson ($600). DNS: Woody Pitkat ($550), Calvin Carroll ($500)
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Austin Kochenash Bests Tour Modified Field for $2K at Evergreen Raceway
By: Gene Ostrowski
July 17, 2016
St. Johns, PA (7/17/2016)- The Tour Type Modifieds were back in action Sunday at Evergreen Raceway. With $2,000 on the line for the 50-lap main event winner, Austin Kochenash of Danielsville, PA took the checkers and the big prize.
Following a nine car redraw for the Tour Type Modifieds, Matt Hirschman started from the pole position. He led the opening circuit over Brian DeFebo, Jonathan Mandato, Austin Kochenash and Brandon Oltra.With Hirschman still showing the way, Oltra got by Kochenash on lap three. However, after losing more positions early on, Kochenash began to fight his way back toward the front and battled hard with Oltra to move into fourth on lap 10.Following a lap 17 restart Mandato overtook DeFebo for second and with 24 laps complete, the caution flag waved when Mandato spun in turns three and four. Brian Sones and Harry Buchman were also involved.Kochenash got a good restart and he ran Hirschman tight as the pair entered turn one. The battle between the two ended with Kochenash coming out as the leader. He continued to hold the lead over Hirschman with 33 laps in the books. Oltra, Amber Fortin and John Markovic were all running in the top five.Following a yellow on lap 34, a frightening moment occurred when Todd Baer’s car never steered through turn four and made heavy contact with the front stretch wall. The ambulance crew assisted him. Todd’s sore, but thankfully he’s doing okay.After a quick yellow on lap 35, Hirschman appeared to have a quicker car than the leader, but his bid to take the lead ended when the two touched. Kochenash held the point and Hirschman lost several positions. The turn of events moved Oltra to second, followed by Barry Callavini, DeFebo and Mandato.With a handful of laps remaining, Calvin Carroll got out of shape and his car shot into the backstretch fence off of turn two. Although the car sustained heavy damage, Carroll climbed from the car under his own power.Despite efforts from Oltra in the closing laps, Kochenash held on to score the big prize and Oltra settled for second. Hirschman rebounded to finish third, followed by DeFebo and Callavini.Callavini, Kochenash and Mandato scored heat race wins.With having the Tour Type Modified point following the event, Hirschman was declared the mid season champion.
Tour Type Modifieds (50-laps) 1. AUSTIN KOCHENASH 2. Brandon Oltra 3. Matt Hirschman 4. Brian DeFebo 5. Barry Callavini 6. Blake Barney 7. Roger Coss 8. Wayne Szerencsits 9. Amber Fortin 10. Jonathan Mandato 11. Adam Lacicero 12. Terry Markovic 13. Clavin Carroll 14. Harry Buchman 15. DJ Wagner 16. John Markovic 17.Todd Baer 18. Alan Creveling 19. Brian Sones 20. Bobby Jones 21. Sal Accardi 22.Jim Dolan
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DOUG COBY BANKS $10,000 AT SEEKONK OPEN WHEEL WEDNESDAY
Doug Coby now has three $10,000 checks signed by Action Track of the East in his career.Coming into Wednesday June 29, Coby had scored the victory at the annual Open Wheel Wednesday modified event in 2011 and 2013.Coby grabbed his third trophy from Seekonk Speedway by winning round one of 2016 for the NorthEast Race Cars and Parts Tri Track Open Modified Series Wednesday evening, behind the wheel of his No. 2 Dunleavy Truck and Trailer Repair, LFR Chassis mount.“I wasn’t even planning on getting out front, I was going to just ride fifth for a lot of the race then those guys gave me the room,” Coby said following his victory.
“Whether I’m going to win or not in the end, I wanted to be in the lead and be in control, I’ve always said that about these open shows. It’s easy for guys to roll up to your bumper here at Seekonk but when they go to pass you they just slide the rear end.”;Coby was slated to go off seventh based on where he finished in his qualifying heat race, but during the redraw on the track prior to the green, he drew a fourth behind the wheel of his No. 2.He worked inside the top-five for much of the early portion of the race, riding fifth while drivers in front of him tangled for the lead. He started making his move on lap 30 when he slid by Jon McKennedy to fourth. Then, Coby made a move to the bottom, three-wide and quickly jumped to second.He wheeled his No. 2 to the advantage over the rest of the field on a lap 40 restart and never looked back for the remaining of the event. He held off challenges from McKennedy, Justin Bonsignore and Ron Silk in the final stages and captured his first career win on the Tri Track Open Modified Series.“This is huge LFR Chassis and all of my team,” Coby said. “It was up in the air what car I was going to come with. This is a great series, Dick Williams, James Schaefer and these guys put a lot of time and money into these shows.”;Silk, who started outside the top-10 behind the wheel of his No. 50, quickly worked this way through the field and was inside the top-five by the time the field hit the halfway point. He was all over the back bumper of Coby in the final laps, but couldn’t find the way around to the big payday.“Doug did a good job of protecting the bottom like you have to do to win the race,” Silk said. “I could roll the top and get to his right rear, but I was just that much tight that I couldn’t hold him down and get by. It was good hard racing in the front all night and really clean.”;Rowan Pennink drove the Gary Casella owned No. 25 to a third place run and he was followed across the line by Les Hinckley, who piloted a Wayne Darling No. 52. Rounding out the top-five was Matt “Money” Hirschman.The NorthEast Race Cars and Parts Tri Track Open Modified Series gets back on track at Star Speedway for the SBM coming up on July 30.For more information, visit www.tritrackopenmodifiedseries.com
Tri Track 100 Feature Finish: Doug Coby, Ron Silk, Rowan Pennink, Les Hinckley, Matt Hirschman, Woody Pitkat, Richard Savary, Eric Berndt, Jon McKennedy, Dwight Jarvis, Dennis Perry, Chris Pasteryak, Keith Rocco, Andy Jankowiak, Todd Szegedy, Andy Seuss, Kirk Alexander, Todd Annarummo, Calvin Carroll, Branden Dion, Anthony Sesely, Dan Meservey Jr., Justin Bonsignore, Jeff Rocco, Carl Mederios Jr., Tommy Barrett
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REED WINS GARDEN STATE CLASSIC AT WALL SATURDAY, June 25D
efending driving champion Steven Reed of Jackson raced to victory in the 55th running of the Garden State Classic for Downs Ford Modified stock cars at Wall Stadium Speedway Saturday night. It was his second career win in the Classic race and it earned him $5,000 for finishing the 125 lap distance first.Reed was in contention for the win for the entire distance as he launched into the top five at the start, advanced to the top three by the ten lap mark and raced into second behind Freehold’s Chas Okerson with 20 laps in the books. Reed then chased Okerson until a lap 58 caution when he ducked into the pit area to change two tires. Upon returning to the track Reed was easily able to race from the rear of the field back into contention. Then, when many of the top runners pitted for tires on a lap 79 yellow, Reed was able to take over the lead. The final laps of the race did offer suspense as Matt Hirschman of Northampton, Pa. rode in second and shadowed Reed to the finish. Justin Gumley and Eric Mauriello, both of Howell, were third and fourth while Kenny Matlach of New Hyde Park, N.Y. was fifth. “We pitted for tires as early as we did because in last year’s Turkey Derby we waited and that really hurt us,” Reed said. “The car was real good and we were just able to ride. I guess reading all those stories about the outside guys coming in for this race also inspired me. It is nice to be the local guy who defends his turf when outsiders come in to race.”
MODIFIED FEATURE 125 Laps – 1. STEVEN REED, JACKSON, 2. Matt Hirschman, 3. Justin Gumley, 4. Eric Mauriello, 5. Ken Matlach, 6. Derek Hopkinson, 7. Shaun Carrig, 8. Chris lane, 9. Anthony Sesely, 10. Jonathan Mandato, 11. Andrew Krause, 12. Chas Okerson, 13. Robby Walton, 14. Danny Bohn, 15. Chris Reynolds, 16. Shawna Ingraham, 17. Ken Woolley, 18. Ron Frees, 19. Jason Hearne, 20. Adam LaCicero
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Matt Hirschman Pockets Two Grand at Evergreen - By: Gene Ostrowski
June 19, 2016
When it comes to racing at his home track and everywhere in between, Northampton’s Matt Hirschman is no stranger to victory lane at Evergreen Raceway. That statement held true Sunday afternoon when Hirschman held off twenty one of his competitors to take his second Evergreen victory of the season and pocket the $2,000 prize. Twenty Two Tour Type Modifieds lined the pit area and each driver had their eye on the $2,000 to win prize. Following heat races, several drivers redrew for starting spots in the 50-lap main event and Anthony Sesely pulled the pole. He led the first lap over Brandon Oltra, Blake Barney, DJ Wagner and Brian Romig.Wagner spun in turns one and two on lap nine and when green flag racing resumed, Earl Paules, who had already climbed into second, grabbed the lead.With 13 laps complete, Austin Kochenash overtook Sesely for second and Matt Hirschman followed through for third on the following lap.The yellow waved on lap 23 when Calvin Carroll and Wayne Szerenscits got together on the exit of turn two. Sesely headed to the pits for adjustments under the yellow and Paules, who would not obey track officials on the radio, was black flagged. The interesting turn of events gave the lead to Hirschman, who had been riding in the second spot.Following the restart, Kochenash pressure the leader heavily. He gave Hirschman a little shot in turns three and four on lap 23 and as Hirschman shot up the track he took the lead. However, the lead was short-lived, as Hirschman repaid the favor and displayed the same move on the next circuit to retake the top spot.With 25 laps in the books, Hirschman led over Kochenash, Roger Coss, Oltra and Barney.As the raced carried on, Brian DeFebo cracked the top five and he got by Oltra for fourth on a lap 27 restart. Meanwhile, no one appeared to have anything for Hirschman, who went on to take his second Tour Type Modified victory at the track. Kochenash settled for second, followed by DeFebo and Oltra. Amber Fortin rebounded from a few incidents early in the event to finish a respectable fifth in the star studded event.Kochenash, Sesely and Barney were heat race winners.
Modifieds (50-laps) 1. MATT HIRSCHMAN 2. Austin Kochenash 3. Brian Defebo 4. Brandon Oltra 5. Amber Fortin 6. Lee Sharpsteen 7. Blake Barney 8. Todd Baer 9. Alan Creveling 10. Brian Sones 11. Brandon Pressler 12. Roger Coss 13. Anthony Sessley 14. Wayne Szerencsits 15. Broc Brown 16. Jerry Hildebrand 17.Calvin Carroll 18. Earl Paules 19. Brian Romig 20. DJ Wagner 21. Harry Buchman 22.Tommy Wanick III
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June 11 - Lake Erie Speedway - 4th
In a time frame of less than three days, a three-time Late Model track champion went from not participating to winning in his third race since returning to running on asphalt. As of Thursday morning, Will Thomas had no intentions of going back to one of the tracks he cut his teeth at on Saturday, when the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series brought short track racing back to Lake Erie Speedway (PA) for the first time in nearly two years.“We weren’t coming because we ran so bad at Lancaster,” Thomas told Speed51.com powered by JEGS. “Charlie Rudolph helped me a bunch when we got going and he went to the U.S. Open with us (last September). Then I thought I was a lot smarter than I apparently am and changed a bunch of stuff. When we went back to Lancaster (in May) we were just flat out terrible. I was just kind of down in the dumps and depressed about how bad we ran and just discouraged. I told my wife that I’m not going.”The Sharpsville, Pennsylvania driver planned to continue with his dirt racing program at nearby Sharon Speedway (OH) until he received a call and was offered some assistance.
“(RoC Series owner) Joe Skotnicki called me Thursday morning and he said ‘are you kidding me?’” Thomas recalled. “’Are you telling me you’re not coming to this place? You helped build this house. You raced here forever.’ I told Joe, to be honest I don’t know these cars well enough and don’t feel confident doing it. He said ‘if I can find you some help would you come and do it?’”Skotnicki enlisted the experience of Kenny Troyer, son of legendary Modified racer Maynard Troyer.“I only spoke to Kenny one or two times in my life, so I called him Thursday about 11:00 a.m.,” Thomas continued. “I left work at Noon and went home to start working on it and he got there about 6:30, and we worked until about 3:30 in the morning. Kenny and Greg Aumann combined with my normal guys I’ve got that always come with me dirt racing and have been with me forever; it just really fit well. Those guys really led the program and there wasn’t much stress on me. It was a great day.”Thomas was one of the faster Modifieds on the 3/8-mile since the initial practice, but was not a key contender for the top spot until later on. The 75-lap distance showcased a number of twists and turns, all a result of some intense and predominantly clean racing.Daren Scherer drew the pole, but it was Jimmy Zacharias who gained the lead early. The Candor, New York driver, who was seeing the North East, Pennsylvania track for the first time on Saturday, was in command early, but his preferred lane choice on restarts ended up ultimately setting him back.“It’s the chance I took, taking the outside,” Zacharias documented. “I knew I was a lot better than who was on the inside of me. The outside was the place to be at the beginning of the race so I was trying to do what was right for me. The third restart, (Daryl Lewis Jr.) was racing hard, we got into turn one and he locked up the brakes, and slid into me. We’ve all done it before and it’s nothing to be mad about. We came out of it alright and drove back to the front.”Following the halfway point, a familiar face found his way to the lead. Matt Hirschman, whose team was a late arrival after loading up from Monadnock Speedway (NH) when the Tri Track Open Modified Series race was cancelled Saturday morning, looked to be the class of the field.On a final 20-lap dash to the finish; however, something did not appear right for Hirschman. The Northampton, Pennsylvania driver was no longer pulling away from the field. It was at this moment when Thomas came to life, dicing to the inside of Patrick Emerling and Zacharias as they were held up on the outside lane by Hirschman’s ill-handling car. With just over 10 laps to go, Thomas went to the low side again and gained sole possession of the lead.“It’s kind of surreal, to be honest,” Thomas said. “The Hirschman name and Modified racing are synonymous. That guy wins everywhere he goes. This is a hell of a field to win in and I’m just blessed enough to be the one fortunate enough to do it.”Hirschman survived to finish in fourth, despite an escalating issue in the closing laps.“The right rear tire was slowly going down so that progressively got worse, and the car changed drastically from what it was,” Hirschman explained. “It definitely caused us to lose speed and lose positions. I’m not sure if I would have been able to hold off (Thomas). He definitely was hooked up at the end. He just knows the track and hit the strategy and everything right. Not saying the tire cost us the race, but it’s sure disappointing because it cost us something.”Emerling eventually made his way by for the second position and started to slowly close on Thomas in the closing laps.“Basically, I was trying to get around some guys and got stuck up high,” Emerling conceded. “(Thomas) kind of came out of nowhere there. It’s good to have a first-time winner in the series and it’s a good points night for us. I was pretty happy with the outcome. I would have liked to get the win, but sometimes it falls into someone else’s favor. I don’t think I could have passed him, but I could have got to him.”Emerling more than likely regained the points lead after fast qualifier Chuck Hossfeld ran into some issues trying to march through the field after a pit stop. The former RoC champion would finish 15th.
Another driver staying in the season-long points race is Zacharias, who rallied back to a third place finish, and remains optimistic about his first serious run at a RoC championship in a few years.“We were actually second and I went to the outside of Hirschman not knowing he had a flat tire and was just along for the ride, and Will came underneath,” Zacharias said. “Once he got by me I tried falling into line. I tried crossing him over and I had a good run, but just got loose up off.“The point system the way it is it’s anybody’s ballgame. We’ll go back to some of my home tracks like Chemung again and Holland where I’m really good at. Consistency is a big key. We have been the most consistent so far. We’ll see where it ends.”The RoC’s first appearance at Lake Erie Speedway since 2005 drew rave reviews, and has competitors and fans alike hopeful that what was witnessed between the Modifieds and supporting divisions leads to more of the same on a more regular basis at the premier facility.“I wish we would be coming back here many more times,” Emerling noted. “The racing, I felt, was phenomenal. There were a good two grooves and good strategy with passing people, so there’s a lot you can do there. It was a lot of fun.”For Will Thomas, it is unknown when his next RoC or asphalt race will be, but an accomplishment like Saturday’s may sway some decisions in a different direction. In the moment, one of the track’s fan favorites from a few years back was simply soaking it all in.“I’m just really excited and happy for all the people that support me week in and week out. It’s a hard life. All I do is try to sell steel every day and work on my racecars.”The Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series takes a short break following a strenuous run of five straight weeks before heading back to Lancaster National Speedway (NY) for the Ole Boy Cup II 60-lap event on Thursday, June 3
-By Aaron Creed, Speed51.com Central NY & PA Editor – Twitter: @aaron_cre
RoC Modified Return To The Lake 75 Results
1 7 9 Will Thomas 7
2 11 07 Patrick Emerling 75
3 2 71 Jimmy Zacharias 75
4 3 60 Matt Hirschman 75
5 13 95 Bryan Sherwood 75
6 12 65 George Skora III 75
7 4 10 Daryl Lewis Jr. 75
8 6 45 Kevin Timmerman 75
9 5 48 Sam Fullone 75
10 8 32 Tyler Rypkema 75
11 9 25 Mike Leaty 75
12 15 64 Amy Catalano 75
13 19 4 John Wilber 75
14 1 3 Daren Scherer 75
15 10 22 Chuck Hossfeld 75
16 20 20 Jody Buckley 75
17 22 39 Calvin Carroll 74
18 18 27 Andy Jankowiak 74
19 17 1 Chris Ridsdale 74
20 21 59 Karl Hehr 54
21 14 24 Dave Rigan 51
22 16 54 Tommy Catalano 41
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May 21 - Ryan Preece Wins MTS Winchester 200 At Monadnock Speedway
Quoting the words announcer Joe Coss used when Ryan Preece pulled into victory lane at Monadnock Speedway, history was made when the Berlin, CT native that now calls Mooresville, NC home took the checkers in the biggest payday of his modified racing career. Using pit strategy that literally paid off, Preece came from the back of the pack twice and once Preece passed Jon McKennedy on lap 170, he never looked back holding off the field for a convincing Modified Touring Series Winchester 200 win collecting the historic $15,000 payday. Eric Goodale, Riverhead, NY in the GAF Roofing, Supreme Skylights modified crossed the line for second with Matt Hirschman, Northampton, PA in the L.I. Mod Maniac sponsored ride for third, Jon McKennedy, Chelmsford, MA fourth and Chris Pasteryak, Lisbon, CT fifth. “There were a lot of really good cars,” said Preece. “Eric was strong, Matt was strong, Chris, Les, a lot of guys were really good. We changed our strategy, we were only going to pit once then I asked if we had that second set and we didn’t, so we asked Anthony Sesely since he was out if we could buy a set off of him and it turned into a three set race which made it fun.”Preece, behind the wheel of the T.S. Haulers, Ed Partridge owned modified won his heat race, pulled the pole position after the redraw and was the early front runner of the 200 green flag lap event. Hirschman made his move on lap 26 to become the second leader passing Preece low through turns one and two. Preece answered back challenging Hirschman and regained the lead on lap 41. The first yellow closed up the field on lap 47 and while four cars pitted, the leaders stayed out. Hirschman swapped it out again gaining the lead on lap 49. Two more cautions kept the field close- Hirschman at the point, Preece, Goodale, McKennedy, Pasteryak and Rowan Pennink the top five on lap 70. A spin on lap 72 lit up pit road with Preece in second, peeling off the line to head to the pits to get four new American Racers. Hirschman continued to be the car to beat with McKennedy, Goodale, Pennink, Pasteryak and Kirk Alexander the front pack. Just before the half, the yellow waved- at least ten cars came in for tires including Goodale, McKennedy, Pasteryak and Alexander. Hirschman stayed out remaining on the point while Preece moved up to p2 for the restart with Pennink, Mike Holdridge and Todd Patnode the top five. A yellow quickly followed for Joe Doucette after it appeared a track bar bracket gave way ending his night. Lined up to do it again, Hirschman and Preece brought down the field for a solid restart but fresh tires prevailed and Preece made his move to become the leader once again at the half way mark. At the half, Preece led Hirschman, Pennink, Patnode, Holdridge, Scott MacMichael, Pasteryak, McKennedy, Andy Jankowiank and Goodale the top ten. Hirschman and Pennink pitted on lap 123 along with a few other cars including Patnode and Josh King. Preece leading the restart, Pasteryak on the outside with McKennedy, Goodale and Les Hinckley the top five it was green flag until lap 158. A surprise move, Preece, Goodale, Alexander, Patnode and Jankowiank all pitted. McKennedy inherited the lead with Pasteryak, Hinckley, Hirschman and Pennink the top five. A caution on the restart, Hinckley unexpectedly spun collecting up Pennink, the incident ending Pennink’s night while Preece moved up to sixth. A side by side battle with Goodale moved Preece up again. Thirty-five to go, Preece in third had Hirschman and McKennedy in his sights. Side by side with Hirschman, Preece on the outside on lap 168 nabbed second then two circuits later, Preece moved under McKennedy to become the final leader of the night on lap 170. Goodale passed for second with twenty-one to go, Hirschman takes over third from McKennedy in the final eight circuits. The final forty-two laps, fast and green, Preece was not to be denied the historic payday. Goodale, Hirschman, McKennedy, Pasteryak the top five, Mike Holdridge, Andy Jankowiak, Todd Patnode, Scott MacMichael and Eric LeClair crossed for the top ten.“We bought four sets originally,” explained Preece who will be at Charlotte Motor Speedway next weekend to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. “One for practice, one for the heat and to start the feature then we had two. They were wearing so well, we returned a set. Then in the race, I was telling Matt, it felt like they glazed over and I was thinking, this is going to turn into a two tire stop- I’ve been down this road. We came in on lap 50 or 60 and put four on, burn them up and let everyone chase us then come back in with hopefully 40 or 50 to go and it just really worked out that way. Tires- when you have strategy races like this, it just opens up the game and it makes it fun. I like coming through the field, Matt can tell you I’ve lost a lot of races to him doing it – he’s really good at riding and I’m really good at just going as fast as I possibly can.”“I think four instead of two,” Goodale said was maybe the missing piece that in the end that could have made the 58 an even bigger threat for the win. “We took four earlier in the race – I would have liked to have had four at the end. I just didn’t have the drive off I needed there at the end to catch Ryan. His car was incredibly fast, I thought my car was really good which it was but he was just that much better. I knew once we cleared traffic I wasn’t going to be able to catch him. I knew once we got into second with twenty to go that we were in trouble. Happy for my team, they worked really hard to get me here, you know, I’ll take the payday, ($7,500 for second) the car is in one piece, we’ll roll it into the trailer and we’ll enjoy an off week for once.”“I think my car was a little better in the first half of the race than it was in the second,” said Hirschman. “But I think their strategy with the late tires helped them and then that tangle down here in three and four really moved them right up into contention. When I came out after I pitted, I was in the tenth to twelfth range and ran the car pretty hard to get to fourth/fifth where I was- where they got tires even later and were almost instantly fifth and sixth, that really helped them but I can’t complain I had fun, I enjoy racing here, it’s a fun little short track, we’ll take third and see what we can do better next time.”The twenty-four cars that assembled for the inaugural Modified Touring Series Winchester 200 were a diverse group hailing from eight different states and four series. The tireless efforts over the last six months by Modified Touring Series Director Gary Knight and his experienced team made for a night of unforgettable racing at the fast, high banked quarter mile oval. It was a head scratcher why more teams did not make the trip. Rumors about other series telling ‘their’ drivers not to show were totally unfounded as several drivers positively confirmed that was just not true.“I posted on Facebook, I’ve got to applaud Gary,” said Preece, “because there are some people that weren’t ever going to support this event that will just say things on social media and it’s a little disappointing. We all came here, we want to race these races and I don’t understand why we didn’t have fifty modifieds here. Why should Gary go out and try to do this again, or anybody for that matter – you know, everybody speaks they want to race for money, well you know what, we just had a money show and we had twenty-four cars. I applaud him, I applaud everyone here because the show moved on, I don’t know what time it is right now, (Preece checks his phone) it’s 8:30- he kept everything going, kept the event going – this is one of the best run races that I’ve been to in a long time.”“I’ve seen this happen before where the first year of these events aren’t supported,” said Hirschman. “People think we’re not going to get paid, or it’s going to be a circus, but like Ryan just said, the event was run off with no issues, I’m confident we’re going to get paid and I do believe if he has this next year which I hope he does, I think he will see larger numbers because people are going to hear all the good things we’re saying.”“We’ve got a kid at home and another one on the way,” said Goodale. “I told my wife I was going to take all the travel out of my schedule. This race came up and the minute I saw it was going to be a reality, I called up my crew chief, I called up my father and I said we’re going to go to Monadnock and chase after $15,000. It was a tough sell on my wife to do it but I think she’d be pretty happy after the race here so I have to applaud Gary and his team, they did a great job. I’d have to say, leading up to it, when you read social media, everybody is going to write something bad and there was a lot of questionable things out there but you know what, at the end of the day, we knew it was going to be a 200 lap, green flag race, we’d figure out the particulars when we got there. The race went off without a hitch, it was organized a lot better than I thought it was going to be and like I said, I applaud Gary and his team- I’d be the second or third one up here to say (nodding to Preece and Hirschman) next year, as long as I have an open date, I’d be here to come and support it.” “This was an event that Gary put together and it ended up being a great show,” Goodale continued. “I ended up driving my butt off trying to catch Ryan there at the end and put a show on – congratulations to Ryan. Matt, I had to work to get past him as well – I’m happy to see all the cars that did show up and I hope if there is a next one, we get a much higher car count.”It was well documented that Hirschman missed a makeup ROC race to run at Monadnock. Hirschman confessed it was not an easy decision to make but the team voted on Friday to go for the prize and with Hirschman’s talent for being there at the end for the payoff, the Northampton, PA driver and team arrived with confidence. Falling short of the big one, Hirschman’s third place finish paid $5,500. But wait, there is more. A special $500 bonus went to the leader of lap 88 in memory of Jim Boniface. Gary and Angel Jackson from Gary Jackson Heating Services in Keene, NH who were “really, really close to Jim,” wanted to do something special and with the approval of Series Director Gary Knight, came up with the special lap 88 honor. The special bonus brought Hirschman’s hefty earnings to $6,000 for third place. Knight’s focused passion for putting together the MTS Winchester 200 is driven from a couple of different angles such as a desire to have a tour that is based on old school racing. The other- Knight expressed an urgency to capture the interest of the younger fan to grow the sport. “It’s a sport and if we don’t put the money back into it, it’s not a sport, we take the competition right out of it,” said Knight. “Tonight, we saw great competition. Was it for the money? I think it was partially for the money but we put the old school back in it. Today, we had Whelen, RoC, VMRS Champions, hometrack heroes, I think these races work. I think we can put a Tour together, if they’ll allow us- I just want my chair in the room. That’s what I told my wife, nobody will give me a chair. They don’t believe in the product. They don’t believe we can do a better job. Maybe tonight they believe we can do a better job.” “If we can get 18 year old kids here, they’ll watch modified,” Knight continued. “We have to figure a way to help this product out. I’m starting to look at it as not a driver anymore – I’m starting to look at the fans, the age market and I’m witnessing what the statistics tell me which I never believed, it’s an older generation. We’re the last generation following as fans. They should let us try new ideas- maybe together we can figure out how to bring in that younger generation here. I think if you dropped off a school bus of kids here tonight, they would have been excited watching that race. But how do you get the school bus here first? I say, old school racing is new again.”Knight was openly candid about his post-race thoughts. “I was a little disappointed in the beginning of the day I guess but at the end I wasn’t disappointed. I couldn’t believe what we were witnessing. The passing started in the beginning of the event, nobody was half throttle, they guys were just challenging each other to see who was going to lead this race.”Taking into account several different series including the independents, Knight was able to come up a rules package that worked to keep the field competitive. “The tire is what won Ryan the race, not the spec motor. That motor works but so does the old 18 degree, the steel head- that was old school racing - I don’t think people have seen it in a long time. The guys were just racing, I couldn’t believe how hard they raced, nobody one was pedaling.” Matt Hirschman summed it up, “My hats off to MTS, Gary Knight and American Racer for putting up the money to have the race and lure me in here, I enjoyed it. I’d like to win of course, we all would but we had a good race, we raced hard, we had fun.” Fun it was. When asked, Knight said with conviction, “There will be another.”
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May 14 - Oswego Speedway
The Ferris Mowers Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series fueled by Sunoco made a stop at the legendary Oswego (N.Y.) Speedway this past Saturday night for the Richie Evans Memorial 61 and when the checkered flag waved Orchard Park, N.Y.’s, Patrick Emerling stood tall in victory lane. “Things just went our way tonight,” explained Emerling following the victory. “Our teammate Mike Leaty had the car to beat and the way things worked out he got to the lead and it looked like he might hold us off. Then he developed a problem and we were able to get by him for the lead. We have a great team and Jan Leaty gave me a great setup for tonight. We are going to enjoy it and to honor the best that ever raced a modified with a win in his race is a great feeling. We are going to enjoy this one.” Daryl Lewis, Jr., of Ontario, N.Y., started on the pole and led the early stages of the event before Mike Leaty of Williamson slipped into the lead on lap 10. Leaty held the lead until he began to smoke from the right side of his machine. Internal engine issues would sideline Leaty during the race. Emerling, who started 6th, picked up the top spot on lap 32 with Matt Hirschman, of Northampton, Pa., and the defending Series Champion in tow. Hirschman made a couple of attempts to overtake Emerling, but it was to no avail. Hirschman finished second for the second straight race, followed by Austin Kochenash (3rd), Bryan Sherwood (4th) and Jimmy Zacharias (5th).
Patrick Emerling set the fastest time during the group time trials for the second consecutive event. Due to the condensed scheduled created by inclement weather which delayed the start of the event by several hours the qualifying races were cancelled. The next event for the Race of Champions is Saturday, May 21 at Lancaster National Speedway in Lancaster, N.Y.
Richie Evans Memorial (61-laps): 1. 07 - Patrick Emerling, 2. 60 - Matt Hirschman, 3. 66 - Austin Kochenash, 4. 95 - Bryan Sherwood, 5. 71 - Jimmy Zacharias, 6. 42 - Nick Pecko, 7. 10 - Daryl Lewis, 8. 65 - George Skora, 9. 54 - Tommy Catalano, 10. 32 - Tyler Rypkema, 11. 51 - TJ Potrzebowski, 12. 20 - Jody Buckley, 13. 64 - Amy Catalano, 14. 1 - Chris Risdale, 15. 4 - John Wilber, 16. 59 - Karl Hehr, 17. 25 - Mike Leaty, 18. 65 - Andy Lewis, 19. 22 - Chuck Hossfeld, 20. 39 - Calvin Carroll, 21. 21 - Tony Hanbury, 22. 3 - Daren Scherer
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5-7-16
The Modified Triple 25s at Mahoning Valley Speedway have always proved to be thrilling, flat out racing as drivers are put to the test in the relatively quick runs to the checkers. There is no time for taking one’s time. With the combination of high speed laps around the ¼-mile saucer and coupled with a very equal playing field of drivers, the features are more times than not all out action filled and it certainly was this night.
And while many come to expect some of the usual suspects in these events when the checker flag waves, there is also the unexpected as well and each of the $1000-to-win jaunts produce those results. Rookie Jack Ely claimed his career first Modified win in race number one while a pair of veterans, Matt Hirschman and Earl Paules, drove to victory in races two and three.For Ely, it would be safe to say that the 18-year old from Wall Township, NJ furthered his skill level in leaps and bounds. For a driver who was making just his fourth start in a Modified, Ely did a brilliant job of holding off an onslaught of journeymen racers.He jumped into the lead from his pole starting spot and then proceeded to hold a solid line in defense of his spot. After Nick Baer, another rookie who is soon to make his mark, was passed by John Markovic, Ely was then be put to the task.Markovic was riding on his outside and making every effort to pull by. Jimmy Zacharias and Paules where then running two-wide behind the leader. Ely, however, remained in concentrated, never once flinching.As the race was winding down Markovic was beginning to turn up the pressure and just as they were about to complete the five to go signal, he nosed ahead for the lead. Unfortunately it was for naught as the caution also came out at the same time for a spin between Baer and Kyle Strohl.This was a big break for Ely who was back on top for the restart but even with the few laps remaining there was no time to relax. Markovic once again pulled alongside and would use every bit of horsepower to get past but the young lion would not waver and held on for the memorable victory that was mere .014-second margin of victory.
An invert by way of a pill draw would see the first 11 finishers’ flip-flop the grid for race number two and on the pole would be Hirschman. With that one would think that this would soon be a race for second given all the expectations of the very able first placer starter.This was not the case at all, however. While Hirschman did take the lead, he was soon joined by Bobby Jones and from there on it was another barnburner.Jones never let Hirschman pull to any length of a distance, keeping in step with him the entire time. The battle was very intense and although it rarely happens whenever Hirschman is in front, he would momentarily give up the lead to Jones after a lap 18 restart.In two previous appearances Hirschman had to settle for very close seconds and had no intention of settling there again. With five laps left he surged back on top and held on for a narrow win, his first of the season.
For the third feature the field was again inverted, this time the top 14. The front row would be comprised of Lou Strohl and Gene Bowers and when the action got underway that pair would control the early going while Paules was locked in behind. Strohl, who was driving a team car for Paules, was running the low line with Bowers tucked in tightly behind him. Paules then began to do his bidding from the outside lane but it would take some time and patience, something that is limited in a 25-lapper.Paules was able to get a half car by Bowers and at the same time use the other half of his mount to let Strohl know he was there.After easing by for second he continued to ride the high line and used a burst of momentum to overhaul Strohl at the start of lap nine.While Paules was now securely in first, Strohl and Bowers kept up their battle which would go to the rookie class driver by lap 12. Bowers would remain there to the finish as he could only watch as Paules had pulled comfortably ahead and took his first win of 2016.In the closing laps point leader Eric Beers stomped up through the front five and grabbed third at the line over Zacharias.
In Late Model action it was Paul Koehler Jr., picking up his second win of the young season. Koehler needed all of the first 10 laps in order to make a pass on early leader Lorin Arthofer II but once he did it was no contest as he cruised on to a significant margin of victory.Point leader Mike Sweeney was in a torrid battle with Travis Fisher the entire run and for the fourth time in as many starts had to settle for second at the finish.
Aaron Kromer was on the pole for the Street Stock main and would be there at the end as well, notching his first verdict of the year.Once the race began there would be no looking back for Kromer. Even though he was under an abundance of stress from Stacey Brown and Jon Tracey, Kromer just refused to back down. And there would be no rest for anyone either as for the second straight week the 30-laps were contested caution free.
1st Modified Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Jack Ely, 2. John Markovic, 3. Austin Kochenash, 4. Jimmy Zacharias, 5. Gene Bowers, 6. Terry Markovic, 7. Eric Beers, 8. Kristopher Graver, 9. Bobby Jones, 10. Lou Strohl, 11. Matt Hirschman, 12. Earl Paules, 13. Glenn Slocum, 14. Kyle Strohl, 15. Don Wagner, 16. Calvin Carroll, 17. Nick Bear, 18. Todd Bear, 19. Anthony Sesely, 20. Brian Sones DNQ: Mike Quinn, Mike Bednar
2nd Modified Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Hirschman, 2. Jones, 3. Kochenash, 4. Beers, 5. Ely, 6. Graver 7. Kyle Strohl, 8. John Markovic, 9. Terry Markovic, 10. Todd Baer, 11. Zacharias, 12. Paules, 13. Bowers, 14. Lou Strohl, 15. Slocum, 16. Nick Baer, 17. Sones, 18. Carroll, 19. Sesely, 20. Wagner
3rd Modified Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Paules, 2. Bowers, 3. Beers, 4. Zacharias, 5. John Markovic, 6. Todd Bear, 7. Hirschman, 8. Kochenash, 9. Jones, 10. Graver, 11. Ely, 12. Kyle Strohl, 13. Lou Strohl, 14. Nick Baer, 15. Mike Quinn, 16. Terry Markovic, 17. Mike Bednar, 18. Slocum, 19. Carroll, 20. Sones DNS: Sesely, Wagner
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Matt Hirschman Pockets Two Grand at Evergreen Raceway
April 24, 2016
St. Johns, PA (4/24/2016)- After finishing second in his last three Modified feature starts of the 2016 racing season, Matt Hirschman of Northampton, PA grabbed the race lead from Jason Hearn and never looked back to take the checkered flag in the 50-lap Modified main event Sunday at Evergreen Raceway.A total of nineteen cars lined the pit area for round number one of seven for the Tour Type Modifieds. Following heat races and a redraw for the feature lineup, Jason Hearne started from the pole. He led the opening lap over Brian Sones, Jim Dolan, Matt Hirschman and Brian DeFebo. The yellow flag waved with only one lap complete when Brandon Oltra spun in turn four. Shortly after the restart, Hirschman climbed to third and then overtook Sones for second of lap three. A handful of yellows followed early on, one of which flew for Sones when his car lost power on lap four. Unfortunately, his day was done. With ten laps complete, Hearne led over Hirschman. Earl Paules made his presence known in a hurry and held third, followed by DeFebo, and Amber Fortin. With 17 laps in the books, DeFebo and Paules battled side by side for third. Fortin joined the mix for a terrific battle before the caution waved on lap 21 when DJ Wagner spun in turns three and four. Green flag racing resumed and Hirschman battled with Hearne for control of the how. With 22 laps in the books, Hirschman made his move, dropping Hearne to second.Following the restart a three wide situation developed in a hurry, which shot DeFebo up the track and into the wall in turns one and two. He was able to continue but had to restart from the rear on the lap 25 restart. At that point in time, Hirschman continued to lead the way over Hearne, Paules, Fortin and Anthony Sesely.The top five changed on lap 29 when Fortin shot to the infield in turn four. The next restart was unsuccessful, as Hearne got moved through the infield in turn one and then was clipped by Paules. Hearne’s day came to an end and Paules was able to continue.Meanwhile, Oltra, who spun twice in the early going, began to rebound and move forward. When it was all said and done, he sat third for the restart.Although the last 20 laps were dicey, no one appeared to have anything for Hirschman, who took the victory, the trophy and $2,000 prize. Sesely settled for second, followed by Oltra, DeFebo and Alan Creveling.Hirschman, DeFebo and Hearn earned heat race victories.
Modified (50-laps) 1. MATT HIRSCHMAN 2. Anthony Sessley 3. Brandon Oltra 4. Brian DeFebo 5. Alan Creveling 6. EarlPaules 7. Amber Fortin 8. DJ Wagner 9. Levi Arthur 10. Jim Dolan 11. Terry Markovic 12. Tommy Rought 13. Brandon Pressler 14. Brock Brown 15. Jason Hearne 16. Wayne Szerencsits 17.Chris Ridsdale 18. Harry Buchman 19. Brian Sones
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April 23, 2016
RoC opener “Break-The-Ice-75” goes to Eric Beers in a close one over Matt Hirschman at Mahoning Valley Speedway
The Ferris Mowers Race of Champions (RoC) Asphalt Modified Series Tour Fueled by Sunoco opened its 2016 season on Saturday night at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway with the “Break-The-Ice-75” and there was no question that the race, billed as the stars of RoC vs. the home track standouts, lived up to all it was touted to be as Eric Beers, a two-time track champion and leader in career wins withheld the reigning and multi-time RoC titlist Matt Hirschman in a down-to-the wire win that was a mere half-second margin of victory.Kris Graver, Don Wagner and Chuck Hossfeld rounded out the top five and ironically that was the same top finishers from a week ago for the Opening Night 35-lap feature.“This was huge. It’s been a long time since the RoC has been here and to be able to come out on top of the field of cars here from all the tough guys on the RoC Tour to the track regulars, it was a great race and an honor to have won it,” said Beers, who earned $2800 for his 75-lap journey.“I think it was great for the drivers and the fans that the (promoters) Santee family was able to bring in such a high class group like RoC. I’m sure everyone enjoyed this.”; The race closely mirrored the previous week as well. In that event Beers and Hirschman staged a terrific duel and that battle simply carried over to tonight with the identical scene of hard nose racing by two drivers with a long history of battling each other for wins, many of those coming at Mahoning Valley. A draw of the top heat winners set the 26 car starting grid with Beers and Calvin Carroll sharing the front row. Prior to the start the fans got a real treat as the field did a never before 4-wide parade lap that was quite impressive.As the race got underway there was concern about how drivers would handle the above average number of cars within the tight borders of the ¼-mile oval, but that was quickly dismissed as only three cautions waved during the first 50 laps. That meant plenty of flat out racing and with Beers at the helm along with all the hotshots in his mirror, the action was very intense.Hossfeld was the first to step up and challenge Beers then came Wagner. In the mix as well was Earl Paules while Carroll made a great impression by hanging with the lead pack over the first 40 laps.After starting eighth, Hirschman entered the top five and was engaged in some tight quarters before he could get to the leader.“I had to work past those guys to get into a position to contend with Eric (Beers). My car was good and I was able to pass cars,” said Hirschman.Running most of his race on the outside, Hirschman finally shook free of the Hossfeld, Wagner, Paules and Carroll juggernaut and made his way up to Beers with 30 circuits complete.The battle was now on between the two titans in much the same fashion from a week earlier. Beers was keeping his car in a tight line close to the bottom leaving no choice but for Hirschman to run outside. That didn’t seem to be a problem either as he was constantly pulling alongside and at other times in tow.While the pace was torrid there came the issue of lapped traffic. Both drivers knew the outcome of getting by the slower cars could the difference between winning and losing, especially Beers.“In the middle part of the race when Matt (Hirschman) got to second and we got into lapped traffic, that’s when I got on my horse and showed what I had,” said Beers.“The thing that concerned me was that when we got to the lapped traffic they were two-wide, three rows deep and I wasn’t sure which lane to go in. I waited about three laps and when I did Matt got to my bumper. I knew that if I picked the wrong lane he would pass me. So I went to the bottom and that started slowing down. After that I just went three wide down the back stretch and split a couple cars on the front stretch and we made it through.”;After the traffic issue was settled the attention once again turned to the pressure of Hirschman going after Beers. At one point it looked as though the end of leading was about to come too when Hirschman got a great run off turn two and was able to look to the inside of the next corner. However, in doing so they touched, slide a little but without missing a beat both drove on.“I wiggled once off of (turn) two and Matt tried to drive underneath us. We bumped a little bit but luckily he stayed in his lane and I stayed in mine and we kept right on racing,” said Beers.Added Hirschman, “We touched a little bit and it was enough to break my momentum and he was able to get back in the lead. I don’t know what I could have done differently.”In last week’s opener Beers also had concerns with late race cautions and the fact that his tires weren’t responding as he wanted after restarts. That was not near the worry as Hirschman was though.“Actually the car was a little better this week late in the race. We lost some forward bite near the end and I changed my line a little bit which helped,” Beers noted.That it did, going nose to tail the rest of the way and making it two straight wins to start the season. Beers has now led every feature lap thus far.“It’s a long season here and a long way to go and I’m going to ride this as long as it goes,” he added.Hirschman, understandably down, made the best of a tough situation as the Tour heads to Chemung this upcoming Sunday.“I’m disappointed that two weeks in a row it’s the same outcome for us. I just needed to pass one more car. We’re in a position to contend and luck of the draw was on Eric’s (Beers) side. But he’s good and not just lucky so it’s always tough to get him out of the lead when he’s in control,” said Hirschman.“We did our best two weeks in a row but unfortunately I’m disappointed that it’s the same results. We’ll go on to the next race and go from there.”; The Break-The-Ice-75 was originally slated to run on April 9 but was postponed due to weather. 32 cars, came out to run with heats going to Beers, Paules, Wagner and Jimmy Zacharias. Austin Kochenash, who set the fast lap of the race at 9.966-seconds, won the consolation. Zach Graver once again showed his savvy of taking to the outside lane,
Modified Feature Finish (75 Laps): 1. Eric Beers, 2. Mat Hirschman, 3. Kris Graver, 4. Don Wagner, 5. Chuck Hossfeld, 6. Earl Paules, 7. Brian DeFebo, 8. Ton Hanbury, 9. Jimmy Zacharias, 10. Bryan Sherwood, 11. Bobby Jones, 12. Patrick Emerling, 13. Roger Coss, 14. Daren Scherer, 15. Tyler Rypkema, 16. Nick Baer, 17. Austin Kochenash, 18. TJ Potrzebowski, 19. Nick Pecko, 20. Terry Markovic, 21. Jack Ely, 22. Kyle Strohl, 23. Calvin Carroll, 24. Todd Baer, 25. Chris Risdale, 26. Lee Sharpsteen DNQ: John Markovic, Lou Strohl, Jack Ely, Glenn Slocum, Levi Arthur
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Paul Hartwig, Jr. Holds Off Matt Hirschman to Score First Career Evergreen Modified Victory
By: Gene Ostrowski
April 17, 2016
St. Johns, PA (4/17/2016)- In what most would refer to as a storybook ending, Paul Hartwig, Jr. of Lakewood, NJ held off multiple pass attempts by Matt Hirschman to notch his first career open wheel asphalt Modified this Sunday at Evergreen Raceway. After a stellar duel with Mike Sweeney, Travis Fisher of Fern Glen hung on to take the Late Model win and Scott Adams of Lake Ariel scored the thrilling Street Stock feature win. Ricky Yetter of Wilson took top honors in the Dirt Modified division and Tom Cassagrande of Drums scored the Factory Stock win. From the pole, Sam Ryan of Whitehaven wired the Four Cylinder feature for victory.When Paul Hartwig, Jr. was a child, two of his racing heroes included Tony and Matt Hirschman. Hartwig, who runs a low budget operation, tends to be beat up on social media when he asks for sponsorship help and advice. However, it has never affected his willingness to ask for help and in return, he obtained enough funding through Facebook to compete in the Evergreen Modified division opener at Evergreen.To the surprise of many, the young talent won the heat race. He started from the pole position in the 30-lap main and led the opening lap over Matt Hirschman, Dave Brigati, JP Curry and Cam Ayers.Hirschman raced the leader clean yet hard and waited to take advantage of a mistake that Hartwig never made.Only one caution slowed the race on lap 16 and following a great restart, Hartwig held off Hirschman and Brigati to claim his first ever open wheel victory.“This is a dream come true”, noted Hartwig in victory lane.“I grew up watching him (Hirschman) and always looked up to him and his father”.
Evergreen Modified (30-laps) 1. PAUL HARTWIG, JR. 2. Matt Hirschman 3. Dave Brigati 4. JP Curry 5. Cam Ayers 6. Paul Monkoski 7. Tom Zacharias 8. Eric Banashefski
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Eric Beers holds off Matt Hirschman in Mahoning Valley Speedway lid-lifter and prelude to RoC opener
(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 4-16-16) Mahoning Valley Speedway played host to its 2016 Opening Night with a packed grandstand, a packed pit area that included 127 race cars and although the program may have extended a bit long due to some opening night glitches, it was a monies-worth night of entertaining stock car racing none the less.
And, with the Ferris Mowers Race of Champions (RoC) Asphalt Modified Series Tour Fueled by Sunoco set to kick off their season next Saturday evening, it gave race hungry fans a prelude to what the “Break-The Ice-75” has to offer as home track favorite Eric Beers held off defending RoC champion Matt Hirschman in a hotly contested showdown to claim his 46th career Mahoning victory. Past track champions Don Wagner and Kris Graver where third and fourth respectively while another of the RoC top guns, three-time champ Chuck Hossfeld, completed the top five giving a solid indication that next week’s race will produce some outstanding talent. “It was a great race for the fans and we had a lot of fun tonight running against Matt (Hirschman). We ran each other to the brink of taking each other out more or less but it’s good to be able to race with someone like that and race as hard as you can and not take each other out,” said Beers who hails from Northampton. After a trio of heats and consi for the 24 cars on hand, a redraw for feature starting spots took place with Wagner and Beers picking the front row and at the drop of starter Bob Stull’s race commencing green, Beers darted quickly by Wagner for the opening lap lead. “It was getting cold and I knew my only shot to get Donny (Wagner) was on the start. We got a good jump going into (turn) one and then going into (turn) two and that’s all we wrote there,” said Beers. Unfortunately caution flags soon began to interrupt the racing as numerous incidents, that included a red flag period would hamper the action. Beers then had to hold off the restart attempts of Wagner and then Hirschman, who was running second by lap 15. Once Hirschman was in contention he would throw everything at Beers. On restarts he kept even before Beers would slightly edge forward. He leaned on him from behind and even had a chance to take the low lane at one point. It was good, hard Mahoning style racing. “Every time we would go green and I got a rhythm going the caution would come out and that killed me and I may have overheated the left rear when I was trying to out run Donny when he was on my outside and then the same thing with Matt.” said Beers. “What really hurt was that red flag and our tires cooled off and my left rear never came back. I couldn’t touch the gas at the end and he (Hirschman) was a bit better towards the end and it just worked out in our favor that we were ahead.” The original opener with the RoC was planned for April 9 but weather postponed those plans. With last night’s race being just a regular 35-lap feature, Beers noted that it gave him and everyone else the needed prep time to ready themselves for what looks to be quite the battle in the Break-The-Ice-75. “It was good to have a tune-up for all of us and work all the bugs out of the cars. It was good to get here and just get acclimated to what’s going on again and I think just looking at the guys you had here tonight just coming to get ready for that next week that it will be a really good show,” said Beers.
Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Eric Beers, 2. Matt Hirschman, 3. Don Wagner, 4. Kris Graver, 5. Chuck Hossfeld, 6. Kyle Strohl, 7. Bobby Jones, 8. John Markovic, 9. Anthony Sesely, 10. Gene Bowers, 11. Jimmy Zacharias, 12. Terry Markovic, 13. Roger Cross, 14. Todd Bear, 15. Jack Ely, 16. Austin Kochenash, 17. Brian DeFebo, 18. Earl Paules, 19. Lee Sharpsteen, 20. Nick Bear DNS: Jason Zatsko DNQ: Brian Labar, Calvin Carroll, Roger Heffelfinger Jr.
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With the testing now over at Mahoning Valley Speedway, the attention turns to April 9 and the much ballyhooed season opening “Break-The-Ice-75” featuring the Ferris Mowers Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series Fueled by Sunoco vs. the Mahoning home track stars.On Saturday the final Test and Tune was held and by all indications with the impressive number of Modifieds that came out to practice, the upcoming opener will make Mahoning Valley Speedway the hotbed for asphalt Modifieds.Not only was there the usual show of the locals, but a strong group from outside the area pulled in to get all important track time in preparation for next week’s lid-lifter.“It’ll be a good show and I’m glad to have seen all these outsiders come down for Test and Tune,” said 2015 track champion Earl Paules.“It definitely makes it better for us regulars because we know we have an advantage with the race track and they’ll stir things up a little bit. They won’t be running exactly where they should be running and that will make it interesting.”;Over two days of testing Paules brought out four cars. He ran two of the four while Lou Strohl and SpeedSTR standout Mike Bednar took laps in the others.We’re ready and I worked all winter. It didn’t even feel like I stopped but when I know that the level needs to be stepped up I step up the level with them,” added Paules.“I never say, ‘OK that’s good enough.’ We weren’t good enough last year. We were fortunate enough to win the championship but we need to get better throughout each night, right from the heat races and right to the end of the feature.”; As Paules and a host of weekly regulars begin their season, the same goes for the RoC Tour and with Mahoning serving as their opener it brought many of them to the track for the first time during Test and Tune.“This was a lot different than anything that I am use to. It was very important for us to be here today because I feel had we not come down then it would have been a tough time making the show. I need all the seat time here I can get,” said RoC steady John Wilbur, who had legendary George Kent along to aid with the set-up.“Hopefully I get a good draw but it will be a very tough race that’s for sure. It’s a bullring and it’s going to be a great show. I’m excited about coming here for the opener.” Another newcomer to Mahoning was Ryan Rypkema. The New Yorker spent all day learning and getting acclimated to the circular quarter mile. The more laps the better too as steadily lowered his times nearly each time on track.“It was fun out there today and definitely different than anything else I’ve experienced but I like that. It’s something out of the norm,” said Rypkema.“I have mixed feelings about the RoC coming here to Mahoning Valley. Many of us on the RoC Tour have never been here before and I think that the home track boys definitely have a huge advantage. But I also think that will show just how good some of the guys on the RoC Tour really are and we can be competitive here.”;Roger Coss closed out 2015 with the biggest race ever held at the track, 150-lapper that paid a record $6000. It was also his biggest feat in racing. But, as the most recent winner Coss knows that this time around the odds will be tough to make a return to where he left off.“(Engine builder) Pete Morgantini always tells me you’re only as good as your last race. Once everyone shows up next week it’s a whole new season. I won here last year at Octoberfast but right now all the focus is on Opening Day and getting the job done,” offered Coss.However, after running most of last year on the RoC Tour, he sees Mahoning as a great shot to win with that group.“I do because I have a lot of laps here,” bottom lined Coss. “Last year was the first time I was at all of the RoC (Tour) tracks but here at Mahoning I’m a lot more comfortable and it’s home to me.“Like everyone has been saying it’s going to be tough just to get in and that’s going to be the first hurdle to get over. After that we have to see how the race plays out. 75 laps can go quick here but we’re ready to go.”; The “Break-The-Ice-75” is not only about the RoC going against the Mahoning guns. Modified hot-shoes from New Jersey are also coming in including stalwart Anthony Sesely and others who can easily play a spoiler.Knowing that qualifying will be intense, promoter Floyd Santee has decided that to be as fair as possible to all teams he has added a Modified B-main.
In the likely event that 40 or more Modifieds are on hand, a 30-lap race will be held for the non-qualifiers and pay $800 to win and $100 to take the green.
“With the turnout we’ve had just in the past two Test and Tunes plus another day of pre-season testing lined up for tomorrow, (April 3), we can foresee this first race on April 9 as being a smash hit,” said Santee. The winner of the Break-The-Ice-75 will earn $2800, $1500 for second and $200 to take the green. 26 cars will qualify for the feature. All others, provided there are 40 cars, will then compete in the $800 to win 30-lap B-main. In the event of inclement weather the make-up date will be on Saturday, April 23. Also on the program will be the Mahoning Valley Late Models, Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks.
On Opening Day 2016 pits open 10:00 a.m. followed by Modified inspection at 11:30 a.m. Sign-in takes place from 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. Heat racing will begin at 4:00 p.m.
Throughout 2016, Matt Hirschman reminded everyone how he earned the nickname “Big Money.” The driver from Northampton, Pennsylvania won a majority of the big money races he entered, and on Saturday at Wall Stadium Speedway (NJ) he did it agai
Hirschman collected a combined $9,000 by sweeping the 150-lap Tour-type Modified feature and 100-lap SK Modified feature at Turkey Derby XLIII. It is a day that even he is willing to admit, goes at the top of his resume.
“It’s a career day, it’s the only way to put it. I’ve been doing it for probably, I’m going to guess and say about 5 or 6 years. I’ve won each race on different years, but never in the same day,” Hirschman told Speed51.com powered by JEGS. “It’s incredible, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I know Jimmy (Blewett) has done it before; I don’t know if anybody else has. I’m not the first to do it but it’s something I’ve wanted.”
It is something that Hirschman has wanted to do because of the sheer size and difficulty of the accomplishment of sweeping two of the hardest events on the Modified calendar.
“So much effort goes into preparing one car, let alone two, and to bring two cars together from different places, park them next to each other for two days and have everybody work as one big team is special,” Hirschman commented. “It’s such a tough race track that for things to go in your favor for one race is a lot, to have it go work out in two races is almost impossible, but it happened today.”
Things seemed to go his way instantly in the Tour Modified race when he was promoted to the inside of row one as a result of polesitter Steven Reed failing to make the grid with a broken transmission. Hirschman dominated the majority of the event but nearly got tripped up late when defending Turkey Derby winner Eric Mauriello got a restart that was a bit too good to be true, at least from Hirschman’s standpoint.
“I got jumped, that’s the bottom line there,” Hirschman stated. “He jumped the start. I expected them to give it back there because he had a half-car length there going into the corner, so I was surprised by that. The next restart, I wasn’t going to be blatant and jump it, I knew they’d call it back, but I was certainly going to try and return the favor and I timed it well that I was able to return it and once I got back out front I kept it. Everything worked well in that race except that moment, because if the race goes green to end, you’re not getting back around him. But it’s so far behind me it doesn’t matter.”
Things were not as rosy for Hirschman during the SK/Wall Modified feature, after losing a lap in time trials for being late to the scales in tech, Hirschman started right in the middle of the hornet’s nest in 13th. With a swarm around him, Hirschman made what would turn into a race-winning move.
“We didn’t start up where I would’ve liked to and we were in a position that I didn’t like,” he explained after the race. “I thought something was going to happen. I thought it might not be the winning strategy, but let’s bail out of here, put our tires on, and hope it cycles through. The very next restart is when they all wrecked in three and four, so I went from last to eighth. It worked out, definitely the right thing to do, I don’t know why I felt like doing it, but it was a good feeling. From there I ran the car hard and it stayed with me, some guys faded late and I got to second.”
With Hirschman closing on leader Jimmy Blewett, Blewett made what could’ve been a race-winning move as well when he went down pit road with just over 10 laps to go.
“Jimmy had a pretty good lead, but when the caution came out and there was more than 10 to go, I did think that Jimmy was going to pit. I know it surprised a lot of people, but I thought he was going to pit,” said Hirschman. “When we went back green, I knew if there was one caution, Jimmy was going to win the race and I was going to accept it. I already had my tires on, there was nothing I could do, he would’ve blown me away. That’s the nature of the game. But when he got to second, I knew I had enough of a lead that he wasn’t going to catch me without a caution.”
It had already been a great weekend for Blewett, winning the Sportsman Modified and Dirt Modified races and racing up to third in the Tour race. Despite pitting with just 11 laps to go and with nine cars in front of him, Blewett stood by his decision.
“I hate losing races getting passed at the end. Matt knows how to play his cards right, they don’t call him ‘Big Money’ Matt for nothing,” Blewett stated. “That said, the last caution I knew where we were sitting we weren’t going to have much tire left because the pace was hard in the beginning. I radioed my crew chief Rob Ormsby, said it was his call, he said, ‘Let’s fire some tires on it’ and I said ‘Let’s do it.’ I came here to race and my deal is go as fast as I can all the time and put on a good show for the fans. You can’t win everything, would’ve been nice to get it. But at the end I’m happy finishing second knowing that I gave my all out there.”
After the race Hirschman and Blewett discussed what happened and what could’ve been. In the end, the two drivers who had pulled off the impossible left that conversation with respect and desire to come back stronger in 2017.
-By Connor Sullivan, Speed51.com CT, MA & Long Island Editor – Twitter: @Connor51CT
Turkey Derby XLIII Tour-Type Modified Unofficial Results
1 60 Matt Hirschman
2 14 Eric Mauriello
3 76 Jimmy Blewett
4 43 Ron Frees
5 8 Earl Paules
6 71 Jimmy Zacharias
7 24 Andrew Krause
8 1 Anthony Sesely
9 15 Shawn Solomito
10 06 Les Hinckley
11 57 Keith Rocco
12 34 John Fortin
13 99T Jamie Tomaino
14 95 John Makovic
15 04 Amber Fortin
16 51 Justin Bonsignore
17 27 Andy Jankowiak
18 54C Tommy Catalano
19 85 Jonathan Mandato
20 99NY Timmy Solomito
21 72 Austin Kochenash
22 36 Dave Sapienza
23 03 Ken Darch
24 33 Jason Treat
25 66 Tyler Truex
26 12E Jack Ely
Turkey Derby XLIII SK/Wall Modified Unofficial Results
1 41 Matt Hirschman
2 19 Jimmy Blewett
3 16C Ricky Collins
4 51B Danny Bohn
5 27K Andrew Krause
6 14 Eric Mauriello
7 12A Jason Hearne
8 66 Shawna Ingraham
9 12R Marc Rogers
10 21 Dennis Perry
11 54 Shaun Carrig
12 88 Chris Lane
13 45 Chris Reynolds
14 34NY Ken Matlach
15 86 Trevor Alspach
16 12E Jack Ely
17 17 Vinnie Marone
18 55 Steven Reed
19 27L Adam LaCicero
20 02 Justin Gumley
21 9 Shanon Mongeau
22 85 Jonathan Mandato
23 67 Zach Alspach
24 11 Kenny VanWickle
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MATT HIRSCHMAN MOUNTS LATE CHARGE FOR CONTROVERSIAL MODIFIED VICTORY AT MYRTLE BEACH
by Andy Marquis November 19, 2016 Modifieds 1581
Matt Hirschman does not believe a late race tire change made the difference in Saturday afternoon’s 125 lap Tour Modified race at Myrtle Beach Speedway, but the second and third place finishers disagreed.Hirschman spun with 30 laps to go and had to pit to change a flat right rear tire. He charged back through the field and closed in on a battle between Jimmy Zacharias and Daren Scherer with two laps to go. Hirschman went three wide and passed them both and checked out en route to victory.After the race, Hirschman said the tire change made no difference.“The right rear had nothing to do with it,” Hirschman said. “I just got my fresh right rear and immediately started getting a flat so, believe it or not, I’m sure most people are going to think that was the difference, but it wasn’t at all. It was purely just playing the game right and moving at the right time. I didn’t need that tire. I just put a new one on.”“Unfortunately, we didn’t get our money’s worth out of that one but this spare was good enough,” Hirschman continued. “I just had to wait it out, hope for a caution, didn’t look like we were getting one, so made a run for it. Regardless of what everybody’s going to say, I know it made it interesting. That’s what putting on a show is all about.”Scherer held off Zacharias for a runner-up finish, a finish he took in stride after issues in previous Myrtle Beach races.“We’ve been here a few times,” Scherer said. “This was the first time the car held. We were behind Hirschman. I thought he was saving. I didn’t know he had a flat tire. Here we are saving. I lost a bunch of spots. 35 to go, they told me to go. This is one of the first times it stayed underneath the car.“I just wish I could have got by Jimmy a little faster and held off Hirschman with the new tire but I think we finished okay.”While Scherer was satisfied with second, it was Zacharias’ opinion that Scherer won the race.“I know Matty said the right rear didn’t help him but we can all look at the right rear tires,” Zacharias said. “We know how this place is. A flat tire, purposely flat tire, either way, Daren Scherer is the winner in my books.”Zacharias had dominated in the closing stages of the race after having to start at the rear of the field. He had a seemingly insurmountable lead with 30 laps to go when the caution came out one final time in the race.“I wanted to set a steady pace after that caution with 30 to go,” Zacharias explained. “I wanted to get myself distance enough that I could ride and, when they decided to go, they had to work to get to me and work to get around me. It worked out good. Daren got up to me and we raced side-by-side for six laps.“It would have come down to us for the win but that fresh tire passed us both at once and ruined a good finish between me and the 3 for the win.”Jon Kay finished fourth while Burt Myers finished fifth.
Unofficial Results
Matt Hirschman
Daren Scherer
Jimmy Zacharias
Jon Kay
Burt Myers
Bobby Measmer
Jason Myers
Chris Pasteryak
Andy Seuss
Zach Brewer
Gary Putnam
Jimmy Wallace
Daniel Yates
Buddy Ellis
Mike Norman
Junior Miller
Justin Hicks
Jason Tutterow
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Two Champions Battle for North South Shootout Victory
Matt Hirschman entered the 14th Annual John Blewett III North South Shootout as a five-time winner. Andy Seuss entered with no wins. At the end of Saturday’s 125-lap showdown, it was Seuss and Hirschman fighting for the win. Hirschman for his sixth, and Seuss for his first.
As Hirschman, a multi-time RoC Asphalt Modified Tour champion, and Seuss, a two-time NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour champion, battled for the win, lapped traffic played a big factor.The lead duo caught a group of about seven cars, with all of them running different lines. With two laps to go, Seuss went to the bottom and Hirschman tried to pass him up top. Each driver had a lapped car right in front of him. Whichever lapped car got the better run would decide who won the race.Fortunately for Seuss, the lower line was the one that moved and he was able to clear Hirschman going into the dogleg. Hirschman tried one more time on the final lap, but it wasn’t enough. Seuss was able to hold on to score his first North South Shootout victory.“You don’t have to be nervous when Matt Hirschman is in second,” said Seuss in victory lane. “You have to be nervous when Matt Hirschman was in the field. He got into second and I didn’t know how lapped traffic was going to play. It screwed me up. I don’t know if it helped him or hurt him, but the race was 125 laps and we beat him to the checkered flag in 125 laps.”Hirschman said it wasn’t the lapped traffic that cost him the win, but instead it was his battle for second with Richard Savary. “I just needed a few more laps,” Hirschman said. “We were heading in the right direction and just came up short. I got into third with plenty of time and took a little too long to get into second. Once we got into second we closed in, but I just ran out of time. I was right there, but I’m not going to do something stupid.”Seuss’ journey to get to the front was an eventful one. Seuss was making his way towards the front of the field before the first caution. When the leaders all decided to pit, Seuss was one of two cars that stayed out and opted to try a different strategy.
On the next restart, Seuss, on older tires, started to fall back through the field. After pitting on the next caution, Seuss found himself near the rear of the field where the odds of being caught up in someone else’s mess are higher.That’s exactly what happened. On lap 68, James Civali and Bryan Dauzat crashed in the dogleg and Seuss caught a piece of the wall. While Civali and Dauzat brawled, Seuss and his crew tried to figure out what to do to fix their race car.With a slightly damaged car, Seuss eventually started to work back through the field, and then he and his team used a different strategy to get back to the front of the pack. “I don’t know how we got here,” said Seuss. “We went from being in the wall to a different strategy to here. We were just trying to save as many tires as we could and then that wreck on the backstretch changed our strategy for us. I was awful upset about it at the time, but I’m not going to be upset about it now. But the toe was knocked out of it, the wheels were beat off of it. These guys worked their butts off under caution and just gave me a fabulous car.”Richard Savary, Jon McKennedy and Jeff Fultz completed the top five. Speed51.com will have extended highlights from the 14th Annual John Blewett III North South Shootout as well as interviews and more on the Speed51 Network.
14th Annual John Blewett III North South Shootout
Concord Speedway, Concord, North Carolina
Unofficial Results
Pos # Driver
1 11 Andy Seuss
2 60 Matt Hirschman
3 99 Richard Savary
4 29 Jon McKennedy
5 00 Jeff Fultz
6 28 George Brunnhoelzl III
7 76 Jimmy Blewett
8 4 Jason Myers
9 22H Chuck Hossfeld
10 66 Tyler Truex
11 15 Jeremy Gerstner
12 74 Bobby Measmer Jr
13 77 Gary Putnam
14 22 Kyle Bonsignore
15 24 Andrew Krause
16 13 Steve Masse
17 19 Brandon Ward
18 75 Ronnie Sounders
19 6 Woody Pitkat
20 1 Burt Myers
21 39 Calvin Carroll
22 0 John Sutton
23 17 Clay Rogers
24 79 James Civali
25 97 Bryan Dauzat
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Opportunity Comes Hirschman’s Way for 66th Annual RoC Victory
With passing at a premium on Saturday evening, Matt Hirschman kept himself in contention and ended a lengthy day at Oswego Speedway (NY) as the 66th Annual Race of Champions 250 race winner. It was the fourth time in the last five years in which the Northampton, Pennsylvania driver hoisted the Al Gerber Memorial Trophy.
“I knew coming in it was going to be tough,” Hirschman told Speed51.com powered by JEGS. “Then when we got here and saw what the conditions were because of the rain this morning, it got even worse.”
After being rescheduled from mid-September to become the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series season concluding date on this late October weekend, the weather Gods were not entirely smiling down on the 5/8-mile. Overcast weather caused track drying efforts to only gradually get accomplished throughout the early afternoon and also left a track surface that normally makes it difficult to advance positions even tougher.
Additionally, due to some potential concerns being presented, officials made some tweaks to the race format. Instituting single-file restarts as well as competition cautions rather than live pit stops in the still damp pit area were a couple adjustments that were made at the facility that hosted Super DIRT Week festivities a few weeks prior.
“Getting this show in was paramount and we had to make some changes to ensure safety,” RoC owner and promoter Joe Skotnicki explained. “We did the best we could with the conditions that were presented to us.”
Fast qualifier from the originally scheduled date, Chuck Hossfeld, set the initial pace, but was sidelined early when the motor began to expire. Points leader Patrick Emerling took the lead from there and looked to be easily on his way to his first ever Race of Champions event victory.
That would all change on lap 216 when the leaders approached a lapped car, allowing Hirschman to pounce on Emerling’s misfortune down the backstretch.
“(Hossfeld) had a mechanical issue and Patrick slipped up a little bit there in lapped traffic,” Hirschman documented. “It was going to take something like that for anybody to make anything happen. I didn’t give up and kept the pressure on and an opportunity came my way and I had to take it, and I know he would have done the same. You kind of rub your way through there and that’s kind of what happened.”
Ironically, it was Emerling who took advantage a month before in a Sportsman Modified race on the first night of Race of Champions weekend to get the win from teammate Mike Leaty. Both Hirschman and Leaty acknowledged that occurrence post-race.
“Some lapped cars just wouldn’t move out of the way and that was the one thing I was a little bit worried about moving forward,” Emerling commented. “I knew in my mind if it was a thousand lap race it was going to be bound to happen at some point so I was just hoping it wasn’t going to happen before 250. That’s just how it goes.”
Emerling tried to rebound, but again the lack of a second racing line prevented him from rallying back to put forth enough of a challenge in the closing laps.
“I was on the outside of him and my tires fell out of the groove and into the dust, and that sucked me way up the track,” the Orchard Park, New York second place finisher recalled. “That was the deciding factor for tonight, but we have a lot to be proud of. I can’t thank my guys enough.”
With Hossfeld’s engine failure, Emerling sealed the deal for the 2016 Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series title. It was the first championship ever in his young career and was redemption from the previous season for the Leaty Autosport team.
“It’s definitely a good thing for us because we were a little bit pissed off last year,” Emerling said. “We had a couple issues toward the end of the season, which took us out of the hunt. We put our heads down, looked forward, and said we’re going to win the championship this year. That was our goal.”
Leaty, Andy Jankowiak, and Daren Scherer rounded out the top five. Jimmy Zacharias was a late addition to the field and was one of very few who was able to successfully advance multiple positions, climbing from 27th starting position to sixth.
Hirschman moves within one of tying for most of Race of Champions wins of all time with Dutch Hoag. The win also ties him in the record books with his father, Tony, and got it done with a favorite Modified of his that has brought many other big paychecks in addition to the $12,500 on Saturday.
“It’s an important part of Modified history and means a great deal to my family,” Hirschman, now a guaranteed starter for next weekend’s North-South Shootout at Concord Speedway (NC), said. “To now have four wins like my dad, that’s eight for the family. That’s incredible.
“It’s gotten tougher. Others have stepped up, and I need to step up a little bit myself. This car is old reliable. It’s not the fastest car on the racetrack anymore, but it never lets me down.”
-By Aaron Creed, Speed51.com Central NY & PA Editor – Twitter: @aaron_creed
66th Annual Race of Champions 250 Results
Pos Start # Driver Laps
1 2 60 Matt Hirschman 250
2 3 07 Patrick Emerling 250
3 5 25 Mike Leaty 250
4 10 37 Andy Jankowiak 250
5 6 3 Daren Scherer 250
6 27 71 Jimmy Zacharias 250
7 7 95 Bryan Sherwood 250
8 9 15 Chris Pasteryak 250
9 14 32 Tyler Rypkema 250
10 15 14 Doug Reaume 250
11 25 64 Amy Catalano 249
12 17 27j Billy Whittaker 249
13 11 54 Tommy Catalano 249
14 19 65L Andy Lewis 237
15 20 19 Brandon Oltra 212
16 23 39 Calvin Carroll 199
17 13 27 Donny Hartzell 189
18 4 65 George Skora III 174
19 12 51 T.J. Potrzebowski 166
20 22 1 Chris Ridsdale 122
21 16 66 Austin Kochenash 119
22 24 40 Tommy Rought 80
23 8 10 Daryl Lewis Jr. 70
24 28 41 Tim Lewis 59
25 1 22 Chuck Hossfeld 50
26 21 34 Rusty Smith 42
27 29 98 Craig Dolphin 10
28 26 17 Ken Canestrari 2
29 18 59 Karl Hehr 0
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MATT HIRSCHMAN BANKS $5,000 & SCORES TRI TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP AT NEW LONDON-WATERFORD SPEEDBOWL
Matt “Money” Hirschman lived up to his name once again on Sunday night at New London-Waterford Speedbowl
Oct 22, 2016
He took down the victory in the $5,000 to win NorthEast Race Cars Tri Track Open Modified Series feature event and with the win, he locked up the 2016 championship. “It worked out really well, we had a good starting spot,” Hirschman said. “The car really responded well to the start of the race and that was important because the cars we would have had to contend with had to start further in the back of the pack.”; He started in fifth position, but quickly worked his way into the lead, sliding by Mike Holdridge to the front of the pack at lap 21. From there, it was basically clear sailing for the driver of the No. 60. The field was brought to Rich Keator’s green flag by Jeff Gallup and Holdridge on the front row. Early on it was Holdridge showing the way. The first caution flag came down just after the halfway point on lap 41, when Gallup spun on the frontstretch. And shortly after green, Woody Pitkat and Dwight Jarvis made contact in turn three and Pitkat went hard into the wall, drawing a second yellow flag. Another quick caution slowed the race for a spin by Dennis Perry in turn two on lap 43 and then a final caution came out when Keith Rocco spun in turn two. The remainder of the race saw Hirschman hold off Les Hinckley and Ron Silk in the final few laps in order to capture the crown. Hinckley was able to finish second, but came up one spot short of the win. Silk, who won a 35 lap qualifying race worth $3,000 earlier in the day, was able to come home in third spot after starting back in 22nd. Though he didn’t come away with the big win in the 65 lapper, he was still pleased with the effort the team put forth. Holdridge was able to hang on for a fourth place finish, while Richard Savary captured a fifth place finish. Rowan Pennink stormed through the field in the second half of the race to finish fifth, while Steve Masse, Ryan Preece, Andy Jankowiak and Rob Summers finished the top 10. With Hirschman’s victory, he was crowned the champion of the Tri Track Open Modified Series for the second straight year. “The Tri Track Seires has been the best thing for modified racing in a long time,” Hirschman said. “We have been fortunate enough to win a race at least in every single year. Two years in a row now we win the championship, it’s a great little bonus.”;
The Tri Track Open Modified Series would like to announce that the series will return for the 2017 calendar season. At this point, it is not certain exactly where or how many races will take place.
Keep up to date with all the updates by following the series on Facebook or visiting us on the web at www.tritrackopenmodifiedseries.com.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS:
Matt Hirschman, Les Hinckley, Ron Silk, Mike Holdridge, Richard Savary, Rowan Pennink, Steve Masse, Ryan Preece, Andy Jankowiak, Rob Summers, Ted Christopher, Keith Rocco, Eric Berndt, Justin Bonsignore, John Keivman, Chris Pasteryak, Dan Meservey, Dennis Perry, Ron Frees, Jeff Gallup, Tommy Barrett, Dwight Jarvis, Woody Pitkat, Matt Swanson, Dave Salzarulo, Todd Annarummo
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King of the Green - Evergreen Raceway
Berwick, Pennsylvania’s Brian Defebo was in the right place at the right time by the end of an event-filled Tour-Type Modified feature that concluded Evergreen Raceway’s (PA) racing season. On a lap 64 restart the winningest driver in Modified history at the 1/3-mile used the outside line to gain the lead in the King of the Green, which was shortened from 100 to 69 circuits.
The upper groove worked like a charm for Defebo, who passed numerous cars for position at the start of the second half of the race. He would work around Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series regular Daren Scherer, who elected not to stop during a halfway break, for the final lead change of the night.On the restart we stuck the car on the outside and I had my mind made up that we were going to go,” Defebo told Speed51.com powered by JEGS. “I was hoping I wasn’t going to do it too early, and it worked in my favor. I wanted to dictate my own pace and I knew I had tire left.”
Following a dramatic conclusion to the consolation race that sent multiple cars competing for the transfer position into the turn four wall, a decision was made by officials that any driver that could make the start would be able to instead of the originally announced starting field of 20. That and numerous factors, in the minds of multiple racers, played into a long evening of racing that was eventually cut short.“The cautions were a marathon,” Defebo commented. “That’s bad for us as drivers that we can’t get to 100. We should all be embarrassed, but we can’t be starting full fields of cars. We come here, everybody goes through the procedures, and 20 cars should be 20 cars. Now you are throwing another nine in there, which is causing more cautions, and cautions breed cautions.”Another driver that had certain calls go against his favor was fastest qualifier and dominant leader of the first half of the event, Austin Kochenash.
At the halfway break, the right front tire was noticeably off the rim and going flat. The team put a new sticker on in addition to a right rear tire change. It was mandated that teams could only put on one tire at the halfway break. “The right front was going down and I could feel it with two laps to go (before halfway),” Kochenash mentioned. “I came in and they said flats are free and you can put whatever you want on, but they change their minds on whatever they want to suit the people they want. I put a new tire on and then they came and told me I can’t race on it, so then we had to dismount a right front tire to put on the right rear wheel.” The Danielsville, Pennsylvania driver raced his way back into the top 10, but was clearly dejected with the feature ending early and contact with competitor Paul Hartwig Jr. An accident and ensuing scuffle involving Hartwig and Todd Baer was the final of an excessive amount of cautions in a row, and the yellow and checkered flags were waved. “I definitely feel we had the best car,” Kochenash said. “I wasn’t really pushing it from the beginning and I was able to run the outside where nobody really could to advance. It’s definitely disappointing. We lost a lot of money and got wrecked under caution by someone that shouldn’t be out there. Eventually it will catch up to him and it did.” Zane Zeiner, who recovered from a practice wreck, four-time event winner Matt Hirschman, and Wall Stadium Speedway (NJ) regulars Eric Mauriello and Blake Barney were among the contenders near the front that ended up short of the victory. A strong finish should have been enough for Hirschman to be named the 2016 season-long Evergreen Tour Modified Series champion.
Defebo celebrated with his Donald Trump life-size cardboard cutout and kissed the start-finish line in an elated manner. “I’m happy, but if I was second or third on lap 65 I might be disgusted,” Defebo indicated. “I know I had a good car tonight so I’m not disgusted.” The King of the Green finishing order remains under review. Evergreen Raceway took responsibility for multiple mishaps that occurred throughout Sunday and addressed fans and competitors via theirFacebook page and web site. Despite having 55 Modified victories to his credit since 1997, Defebo had not entered victory lane at Evergreen so far in 2016.
“We’ve had some hard times trying to finish races and stupid parts breaking,” Defebo said. “Somebody asked me earlier today ‘when are you going to win?’ I said, ‘when God wants me to win I’m going to win.’ God wanted me to win today.”
-By Aaron Creed, Speed51.com Central NY & PA Editor – Twitter: @aaron_creed
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“Big Money” Matt Hirschman cashes in
By STEVE PETTY
FOR [email protected]
Second generation driver Matt Hirschman from Northampton, PA., is now $10,000 richer after winning the American 100 for Modifieds at Wyoming County International Speedway as part of day two of the annual Shoot out at the Bullring.In two American 100 appearances at the Perry oval, “Big Money” Hirschman has a second place finish and a victory. Also Sunday, West Seneca, NY’s Dave Krawczyk won his ninth main event of the season in the Super Stocks and clinched his second consecutive divisional title. Anthony Riforgiato from Portland, NY won his first career Legends feature.
“Ten thousand dollars is a nice payday to get after running at one of my favorite tracks,” said Hirschman.The American 100 for Tour-Type Modifieds is quickly becoming an event featuring the who’s who in Modified racing.Brian DeFebo and Hirschman set the front row with DeFebo jumping into the lead.
Hirschman, Camden Barber, Jankowiak and Jimmy Zacharias raced in the top five early on.Zacharias would take fourth away from Jakowiak as Hossfeld and Emerling battled for several circuits for sixth and seventh in the races early stages.DeFebo opened his lead over Hirschman, Barber, Zacharias and Jankowiak with Emerling, Hossfeld, Zeiner, Paules and Scherer running in the top-10 early on.After Andy Lewis spun in turn one to bring out the races’ first caution on lap 31, Hossfeld, Scherer, Emerling, Jankowiak, Calvin Carroll and others went into the pits to change tires.On the restart, DeFebo jumped back into the lead over Hirschman with Barber and Zacharias battling for third with Jimmy Z moving into the third position.
Tony Hanbury suffered a flat left rear tire to bring out the races second caution on lap 41.During the second caution period, TJ Potrzebowski, Camden Barber, and other went in for adjustments while Patrick Emerling worked back through the field to move into sixth with Hossfeld in seventh, Mike Leaty and Jankowiak back inside the top-10.DeFebo, Hirschman, Zacharias took off into the top three as Zeiner took third from Zacharias at halfway. Emerling took third on lap 52 as Hossfeld moved into fifth place.Emerling battled with Hirschman for second as DeFebo continued to show the way.
Tommy Rought spun on the back straightaway to bring out the third caution of the event on lap 62 as Hirschman took the lead on lap 63 after passing DeFebo on the inside of turn one.Emerling, Hossfeld moved into second and third respectively. Mike Leaty passed DeFebo to move into the top five around lap 70 as Hirschman continued to lead. Daryl Lewis Jr. slowed to bring out the caution on lap 74. Hirschman took the lead as Emerling, Hossfeld and Zacharias battled for third. Kirk Totten and Timmy Lewis Jr came together on the front straightaway to bring out the caution back out on lap 75. Hossfeld would take second away from Emerling off the restart.Emerling started to go after Hirschman with 10 laps remaining as the duo pulled away from Hossfeld.Hirschman would hold off Emerling and Hossfeld to claim the $10,000 payday.It was Hirschman’s second $10,000 payday this year.
“It is a great tire package that American Racer gave to us today and the car ran well,” stated Hirschman in victory lane. “It was a tough decision not to pit but I couldn’t give up the track position.”“I think we had something for Matt but just couldn’t get around him,” said runner-up Emerling. “Finishing second twice here this year was good for us. The car comes back into the trailer in one piece and that is important.”“This is definitely huge for our team,” said Hirschman. “This track always produces great races. Most shows you win a race you might get a little or break even but ten grand can go a long way.”
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PATRICK EMERLING COMPLETES MODIFIED SEASON SWEEP WITH U.S. OPEN 125 WIN
LANCASTER, N.Y. (September 25, 2016) – Patrick Emerling of Orchard Park, N.Y. completed a season sweep of the Race of Champions Modified Series events at Lancaster National Speedway with his win in the 28th annual U.S. Open 125 on Sunday afternoon.Emerling passed teammate Mike Leaty with eight laps to go to secure his first career U.S. Open win. It was his fourth Modified win at Lancaster in 2016 as he won the Queen City Clash 75, Ol’ Boy Cup 60 and the Tommy Druar/Tony Jankowiak Memorial 110 earlier this season.In other action on day three of the 28th annual U.S. Open weekend, Dave Heitzhaus of Strykersville, N.Y. won the 30-lap X-Press Signs Late Model feature presented by Abbott Rd Pizza. Rich Sharpe of Lancaster, N.Y. was victorious in the 35-lap Advance Auto Parts Street Stock feature.A field of 26 Race of Champions took the green flag in Lancaster’s biggest and longest race of the season. Daryl Lewis, Jr. and Mike Leaty started on the front row with Lewis taking the lead on the initial lap of the race.Leaty ran second to Lewis throughout the opening laps of the race, but he gave up the track position on lap 27 to pit for a new right rear tire under caution.The pit stop by Leaty moved Chuck Hossfeld to second place. The five-time U.S. Open winner started fourth in the field. Hossfeld didn’t waste any time when the green flag waved again as he passed Lewis for the lead on lap 32.Hossfeld controlled the race through a long green flag run that took the race up to lap 55. The yellow flag waved for the fourth time when Andy Lewis spun out in turn one to halt the race after 24 consecutive green flag laps. That signaled pit stops for the majority of the field with most of the top ten cars coming in to pit.Emerling won the race off pit road while Hossfeld had a much longer stop as the crew checked on a possible engine issue.
Tyler Rypkema took over the race lead as he stayed out. Rypkema was followed by Bryan Sherwood, Lee Sharpsteen, Chris Ridsdale and Mike Leaty.With Leaty already making his pit stop, he quickly worked his way to the front of the field. He moved back into the runner-up position on lap 76.Emerling also worked his way back to the front as he led the charge of cars that pitted on lap 59. By lap 88 he was up to third behind Rypkema and Leaty.Leaty edged Rypkema at the start/finish line for the lead on lap 100 just before the yellow flag came out again, this time for a crash by Andy Jankowiak. Emerling moved past Rypkema for second when the race resumed, putting the teammates in the top two spots.Defending U.S. Open winner, Matt Hirschman, had a relatively quiet day as he started 12th and wasn’t much of a factor early on in the race. He finally made his presence felt during the final 20 laps. The four-time U.S. Open winner moved into the top five around lap 104. He then landed in third place just six laps later.On lap 117, Emerling worked underneath his teammate, Leaty, going through turns 1 and 2 to take over the lead. Two laps later Hirschman was able to pass Leaty for second.Hirschman tried to chase down Emerling in the closing laps, but he was unable to close on the leader. Emerling crossed the finish line first for his first U.S. Open win and seventh win of the season on the Race of Champions Modified Series trail in 2016.Hirschman settled for second in his first start of the year at Lancaster. Leaty finished third followed by Hossfeld and George Skora III. Rypkema fell to sixth after leading much of the second half of the race. Erick Rudolph made his first asphalt Modified start in two years in the Booker Motorsports #40 and finished seventh. Daryl Lewis, Jr., Daren Scherer and T.J. Potrzebowski completed the top ten.
RACE OF CHAMPIONS MODIFIED SERIES
Heat Winners: Patrick Emerling, Chuck Hossfeld, Daren Scherer
U.S. Open 125 Finish: PATRICK EMERLING, Matt Hirschman, Mike Leaty, Chuck Hossfeld, George Skora III, Tyler Rypkema, Erick Rudolph, Daryl Lewis, Jr., Daren Scherer, T.J. Potrzebowski, Cam Barber, Tommy Catalano, Amy Catalano, Andy Lewis, Matt Alix, Karl Hehr, Kirk Totten, Calvin Carroll, Tommy Rought, Lee Sharpsteen, Jeff Hamman, Bryan Sherwood, Chris Ridsdale, Andy Jankowiak, Rusty Smith, Keith Flanigan
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Matt Hirschman Batting 0.750 at Evergreen Raceway
St. Johns, PA (9/11/2016)- Perfect racing weather and conditions set the stage for the first regular event of Evergreen’s ‘September to Remember’ on Sunday. Following a short moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks fifteen years ago, Matt Hirschman of Northampton started from the pole position and wired the 50-lap Tour Type Modified field to claim the $2,000 prize. In only his second career Street Stock start, Rich Paciotti of Kunkletown drove away with the victory and Steve Heckman of Gilbert bested the Factory Stock field en route to his second win of the season. Brayden Spencer of Shickshinny was nearly wrecked on the final lap of the Four Cylinder feature, but held on to take his third win and the $400 prize. Dylian Slepian of Long Island grabbed the INEX Legends victory and Sean Verwys took the INEX Bandolero win.Following heat races, the top nine Tour Type Modified drivers redrew for staring positions, with hopes of getting a top five starting spot in the 50-lap main event. Following bad luck in and a third place finish in the heat race, Matt Hirschman drew the pole position.Hirschman led the first circuit over Sal Accardi, Bobby Jones, Brandon Oltra and John Markovic. Eight quick laps clicked off until the yellow flag waved when Paul Hartwig, Jr. spun in turns three and four. Green flag racing resumed with Hirschman on the point, but Brian Sones had cracked the top five.
Jones got by Accardi for second following the restart and with Hirschman still in command on lap 24, Accardi spun from contention on lap 24.Jones lined up aside Hirschman for the restart, followed by Sones, Roger Coss and Oltra. Jones tried everything that he could to overtake the leader on the restart, but like each time before, Hirschman denied the challenge.Following a pair of quick yellows, Bran DeFebo cracked the top five on lap 27. He then grabbed the fourth spot a lap later. Shortly after, Zane Zeiner, who had started 17th on the grid, got by Oltra for the fifth spot.
With five laps remaining, DeFebo had moved to third, but Hirschman remained uncontested for his third Tour Type Modified victory in four starts this season. Jones settled for second, followed by DeFebo. Zeiner crossed the line in fourth but was disqualified in post race tech inspection. Coss and Anthony Sesely completed the top five.Sones, Sesely and Markovic were heat race winners.
Tour Type Modified (50-laps) 1. MATT HIRSCHMAN 2. Bobby Jones 3. Brian Defebo 4. Roger Coss 5. Anthony Sessley 6. Brandon Oltra 7. John Markovic 8. Amber Fortin 9. Brian Sones 10. Robby Walton 11. Alan Creveling 12. Wayne Szerencsits 13. Paul Hartwig Jr 14. Sal Accardi 15. Blake Barney 16. Randall Richard 17.Jason Hearne 18. Ken Darch 19. Russ Frantz DQ: Zane Zeiner
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SEEKONK SPEEDWAY - SEPTEMBER 10 - SOLOMITO MAKES MOVE WHEN IT COUNTS
Late Pass At Seekonk Earns Him Fourth NASCAR Whelen Modified Victory
When it was go-time, Timmy Solomito didn't hesitate.The Islip, New York, driver muscled his way past Doug Coby on Lap 114 and then held off the three-time champion as well as championship contender Justin Bonsignore to win Saturday night's AnytimeRealty.com 150 at Seekonk Speedway.It was Solomito's fourth NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win of the season.Solomito started alongside Coby on the Lap 112 restart. After failing to get by on the outside on the first lap, Solomito fell into line behind Coby coming off Turn 4 and then drove low into Turn 1. Solomito's left side tires kicked up dirt and grass and the two banged side nerf bars as Solomito emerged from Turn 2 with the lead."It was time to go," said Solomito. "There was 30-something laps to go and you're racing on a tight track. Yea, I got down on the grass there, got a little sideways. But we were able to sneak by him. That's all that mattered. At the end of the day, we were able to do it."A late caution set up a green-white-checkered finish that pushed the race to 151 laps. Solomito was able to get away on the final restart as Bonsignore edged Coby for second.Coby won his eighth Coors Light Pole Award of the season earlier in the day and led a race-high 108 laps. The finish allowed Coby to maintain his 20-point lead over Bonsignore, while Solomito moved four points closer and sits 36 points out with three races remaining.Matt Hirschman finished fourth at Seekonk, followed by Bobby Santos.Eric Goodale, Jimmy Blewett, Rowan Pennink, Chase Dowling and Jeff Goodale completed the top 10.The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will run in the F.W. Webb 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 24.
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour - AnytimeRealty.com 150 Results
Saturday At Seekonk Speedway, Seekonk, MA
Lap length: 0.33 miles
(Start position in parentheses)
1. (6) Timmy Solomito, Islip, N.Y., Ford, 151 laps, 56.715 mph.
2. (3) Justin Bonsignore, Holtsville, NY, Chevrolet, 151.
3. (1) Doug Coby, Milford, Conn., Chevrolet, 151.
4. (8) Matt Hirschman, Northampton, PA, Chevrolet, 151.
5. (7) Bobby Santos, Franklin, Mass., Chevrolet, 151.
6. (5) Eric Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 151.
7. (17) Jimmy Blewett, Howell, N.J., Dodge, 151.
8. (18) Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley, Pa., Chevrolet, 151.
9. (14) Chase Dowling, Roxbury, Conn., Chevrolet, 151.
10. (24) Jeff Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 151.
11. (16) Dave Sapienza, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 151.
12. (11) Matt Swanson, Acton, Mass., Chevrolet, 151.
13. (9) Max Zachem, Preston, Conn., Chevrolet, 151.
14. (19) Craig Lutz, Miller Place, N.Y., Chevrolet, 151.
15. (4) Donny Lia, Jericho, NY, Chevrolet, 151.
16. (10) Ron Silk, Norwalk, CT, Chevrolet, 151.
17. (2) Rob Summers, Manchester, CT, Chevrolet, 151.
18. (13) Nick Salva, Prospect, Conn., Chevrolet, 151.
19. (20) Jamie Tomaino, Howell, N.J., Chevrolet, 151.
20. (15) Woody Pitkat, Stafford, Conn., Chevrolet, 151.
21. (23) Gary McDonald, Ronkonkoma, N.Y., Chevrolet, 151.
22. (12) Anthony Nocella, Woburn, Mass., Chevrolet, 150.
23. (27) Gary Byington, Byington, Chevrolet, 150.
24. (26) Johnny Bush, Huntington Station, N.Y., Chevrolet, 146.
25. (21) Calvin Carroll, Newton, N.J., Chevrolet, 97.
26. (25) Melissa Fifield, Wakefield, N.H., Chevrolet, 87, electrical.
27. (22) Wade Cole, Hartland, Conn., Chevrolet, 31, leaking fluid.
Race Statistics
Time of Race: 0 hours 52 minutes 43 seconds
Margin of Victory: 0.236 seconds
Fastest Qualifier: D. Coby (97.545 mph, 12.179 seconds)
Caution Flags: 7 for 47 laps.
Lead Changes: 11 among 3 drivers.
Lap Leaders: D. Coby 1-11; J. Bonsignore 12; D. Coby 13-28; J. Bonsignore 29; D. Coby 30-74; T. Solomito 75-76; D. Coby 77-111; T. Solomito 112-113; D. Coby 114; T. Solomito 115-147; J. Bonsignore 148; T. Solomito 149-151.
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September 2: Disappointed to say we will not be racing the Whelen Modified race at Oswego as planned. The new PeeDee car isn't 100% ready, certainly not due to a lack of effort. Thanks to those that have put in hours and thanks for everyone's comments & messages wishing me luck.
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HIRSCHMAN POCKETS $5105 IN WOODY’S 105 AT WALL SATURDAY, August 27
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ Stock car driver Matt Hirschman likes to travel to different speedway to focus on the races that pay the big money. On Saturday night this search for fortune led the Northampton, Pa. resident to Wall Stadium Speedway for the annual “Woody’s High Banks 105” for Downs Ford Modified stock cars. He was rewarded handsomely by pocketing $5,105 for his traveling and racing efforts. Freehold’s Chas Okerson was the first leader while Anthony Sesely of Matawan and Holmdel’s Andrew Krause battled for second for most of the early going. Sesely finally took command on lap 40 as Krause followed him through for second. Meanwhile, Hirschman clawed his way into the top three by the time 50 laps were recorded. A lap 59 cautions forced by a pair of competitors with flat tires saw Krause head to the pits for fresh rubber. The restart found Sesely, still on his original tires, on the pole while Hirschman, who had already pitted for two new tires, started on the outside of the front row. What became the winning move of the race occurred on the restart as Sesely’s worn tires apparently spun on acceleration while Hirschman gained the needed traction to race into the lead. Sesely soon headed to the pits for new rubber while Hirschman, Danny Bohn of Mooresville, N.C. and Krause made up the top three. Bohn and Krause then wrestled for the second spot while Hirschman stayed out front. Soon Sesely charged through the field to move back into contention after his tire change. By lap 89 Sesely had advanced into second spot while Krause’s night ended on lap 95 with ignition failure. Sesely then hounded Hirschman to the finish for second while, Bohn, Jackson’s Steven Reed and Jason Hearne of New Egypt wrapped up the top five. “I wasn’t happy to see all the cautions late in the race, but I wasn’t really worried either,” Hirschman said after the win. “This car was just super tonight. The car was not going to let up. My guys did an excellent job. “This win is pretty special because of the big payday and because it is here at Wall. We’ve had some tough luck here but we have also gotten big wins. The Jersey Shore fans are great so I like racing here. I’ll be back for Turkey Derby so I’ll see you all again in November.”
MODIFIED FEATURE – 105 Laps – 1. MATT HIRSCHMAN, NORTHAMPTON, PA., 2. Anthony Sesely, 3. Danny Bohn, 4. Steven Reed, 5. Jason Hearne, 6. Ron Frees, 7. Zane Zeiner, 8. Kevin Davison, 9. Kenny Van Wickle, 10. Shawna Ingraham, 11. Zack Alspach, 12. Chas Okerson, 13. Derek Hopkinson, 14. Andrew Krause, 15. Jonathan Mandato, 16. Shaun Carrig, 17. Chris Lane, 18. Eric Mauriello, 19. Trevor Alspach, 20. Chris Reynolds
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WATERFORD SPEEDWAY - TRI TRACK SERIES - AUGUST 25
Steve Masse captured his first career NorthEast Race Cars and Parts Tri Track Open Modified Series checkered flag on Thursday at New London-Waterford Speedbowl, rocketing into victory lane behind the wheel of his No. 13 and collecting the big prize of $10,000. The Bellingham, Massachusetts driver started in fifth position, but was a threat all night long. He pitted early and took a fresh tire, then drove through the entire field and eventually drove around race leader Richard Savary on a lap 88 restart in order to take down his first ever series win.“I wasn’t sure what was going to happen there at the end,” Masse said. “The heat cycles killed (Richard) Savary’s tires and I was able to get around him. I got a good restart and was able to stay to the outside of him going into turn one — which is important here at Waterford. It all worked out in my favor.”;Masse had decided he was going to step away from the sport at the start of 2016 and spend time with family and friends, but things changed quickly when June came around. Masse felt that urge to go back onto the track and he elected to return to the Speedbowl on Thursday chasing the glory and the big bucks. “This is only the third race of the year so it feels really good,” Masse said. “Earlier (this year) I just didn’t feel like racing and I didn’t feel like competing. The fire all of a sudden came back and here I am.” Richard Savary and Mike Holdridge brought the field of 27 modifieds to the green flag Thursday and Savary took command early. Behind him, Masse made early ground from his fifth place starting spot to second and the two drove away from their challengers — brining Rowan Pennink along with them. The first caution of the event flew on lap 35, when Tommy Barrett spun his No. 44 at the end of the frontstretch and quickly left the scene without damage. During the yellow, many drivers took advantage of the stoppage and went down pit road — including Masse and Pennink — who gave up top-three runs to make adjustments.A second caution on lap 35 also slowed the action when Les Hinckley got into the outside wall in turn four, then another yellow flew on lap 49 when Andy Jankowiak spun in turn one. Geoff Gernhard spun on the backstretch on lap 52, drawing a fourth caution of the event while those on the track took advantage and came down pit road. Among those pitting under the caution included Jeff Rocco and Calvin Carroll.
At the lap 52 green, Savary had a tough challenge from Woody Pitkat, who worked the outside and took over the advantage at lap 53. Just as Pitkat got the lead, Dylan Kopec and Carl Mederios Jr. got together and crashed, allowing Pitkat to hold the bottom for the restart on lap 54. Pitkat held the advantage over Savary until lap 60, when Savary took back command with a bottom line move off turn two.A pileup in turn one drew a caution on lap 61, then before long Eric Berndt spun from the top-10 down the frontstretch on lap 66. Cautions also stopped the race on lap 77 and then on lap 88 twice, but the crucial point of the race came on the restart on lap 88.Savary, — who had been leading much of the race — was on the bottom for the restart but didn’t get the start he needed to hold the advantage. Masse cleared him from the outside and Savary was left chasing him in the final laps, trying everything he could to get back to the bumper. “We took the strategy of staying out and not pitting at all because we started on the pole,” Savary said. “It was good racing. We weren’t going to give up the track position it was going to be too hard to come from the back. It just came down to a few yellows and Steve having a better tire than us.”;Sitting third at the conclusion of the 100 lap event was Pitkat, who said post-race that he thought he had something for the top-two if the car didn’t tighten up in the final laps.Pitkat did lead a few laps in the second half of the race, but ultimately, third was the position of finish for the Stebbins Racing driver.“I led for a little while there,” Pitkat said. “We just got a little bit tight there in the center in the last 40 laps and it just never went away. I tried to do whatever I could to get it to rotate through the center. I’m just happy for my guys. It’s a good momentum builder for us.”;Matt “Money” Hirschman finished fourth and Ted Christopher came on strong late to round out the top-five. Six through ten was Justin Bonsignore, Tommy Barrett, Eric Goodale, Dennis Perry and Rowan Pennink. The NorthEast Race Cars Tri Track Open Modified Series returns to action right back at the Speedbowl on Oct. 23 as part of the Bemer’s Big Show weekend, the final race of the 2016 season. Lap sponsorships are available immediately and can be purchased by contacting the series on Facebook or by email. For more information, fans are encouraged to visit www.tritrackopenmodifiedseries.com.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS: NorthEast Race Cars Tri Track Open Modified Series; August 25, 2016:
Steve Masse, Richard Savary, Woody Pitkat, Matt Hirschman, Ted Christopher, Justin Bonsignore, Tommy Barrett, Eric Goodale, Dennis Perry, Rowan Pennink, Ron Silk, Andy Jankowiak, Dwight Jarvis, Shawn Thibeault, Mike Holdridge, Dylan Kopec, Geoffrey Genhard, Chris Pasteryak, Jeff Rocco, Calvin Carroll, Roger Coss, Jeff Gallup, Eric Berndt, Todd Annarummo, Troy Talman, Carl Mederios Jr., Les Hinckley
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MATT HIRSCHMAN CASHES IN ON TRI-TRACK SBM 125 GOLD AT STAR SPEEDWAY
July 30. . . Matt Hirschman took a liking to NH's Star Speedway the first time he raced there, and on Saturday night he won his third major event SBM 125 Modified Open in five races, this time worth $10,400 plus contingencies as the Northeast Race Cars & Parts Tri-Track Open Modified Series visited the quarter-mile oval in southern New Hampshire.Hirschman, who hauled in from Northampton, PA., to race, pitted on lap 54 for a new right rear tire and worked his way to the front of the 27-car field, passing Jon McKennedy (Chelmsford, MA.) on lap 100 for the lead. He then held off a late charge from Les Hinckley (Windson Locks, CT.), including a restart with two laps remaining to claim the top prize in front of an enthusiastic and near capacity crowd.
"This was an example of what kind of show that the Modifieds can put on when you have drivers that race that way and show each other respect," Hirschman stated. "It comes at a time where I really needed a win. A BIG win."I hated that this race didn't happen last year. I'm glad that it's back and with a great crowd tonight, and another solid car count I would think we will be back again."McKennedy led the first 100 laps after drawing the pole in a top ten redraw, collecting a significant portion of the bonus money paid out in the process. But he elected to not pit for a tire, and in the end it cost him. Les Hinckley passed McKennedy on lap 115 for second place, earning the Woody's Auto Hard Charger Award" and his third consecutive second place finish in the SBM.Richard Savary, while attempting to pass McKennedy for a podium third place finish on lap 124, made contact and McKennedy spun, with Savary being sent to the rear. This opened the door for Maine driver Josh Cantara to take third from Ron Silk on the ensuing restart, where Hirschman outraced Hinckley to the line for the big win.Silk and Justin Bonsignore rounded out the top five finishers of a race run off in rapid fashion, with no major incidents and few caution periods. The next Northeast Race Cars & Parts Tri-Track Open Modified Series event takes place at Ct's New London-Waterford Speedbowl on Thursday, August 25 for another event paying the winner $10,000 as part of a purse again expected to exceed $60,000.
Official Tri-Track SBM 125 V Finish: 1. MATT HIRSCHMAN, 2. Les Hinckley, 3. Josh Cantara, 4. Ron Silk, 5. Justin Bonsignore, 6. Andy Jankowiak, 7. Rowan Pennink, 8. Max Zachem, 9. Tommy Barrett, 10. Jon Kievman, 11. Kirk Alexander, 12. Chris Pasteryak, 13. Anthony Nocella, 14. Rob Richardi Jr., 15. Jon McKennedy, 16. Mike Holdridge, 17. Russ Hersey, 18. Troy Talman, 19. Richard Savary, 20. Joe Doucette, 21. Andy Seuss, 22. Eric Berndt, 23. Carl Medieros Jr., 24. Jeff Gallup, 25. Mike Douglas Jr., 26. Dwight Jarvis, 27. Kurt Vigeant.
B-Main: 1. Jeff Gallup (moved on to A-Main), 2. Sal Accardi Jr., ($800) 3. Mike Benevides ($750), 4. George Sherman (($700), 5. Brandee Tree ($650), 6. Karl Fredrickson ($600). DNS: Woody Pitkat ($550), Calvin Carroll ($500)
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Austin Kochenash Bests Tour Modified Field for $2K at Evergreen Raceway
By: Gene Ostrowski
July 17, 2016
St. Johns, PA (7/17/2016)- The Tour Type Modifieds were back in action Sunday at Evergreen Raceway. With $2,000 on the line for the 50-lap main event winner, Austin Kochenash of Danielsville, PA took the checkers and the big prize.
Following a nine car redraw for the Tour Type Modifieds, Matt Hirschman started from the pole position. He led the opening circuit over Brian DeFebo, Jonathan Mandato, Austin Kochenash and Brandon Oltra.With Hirschman still showing the way, Oltra got by Kochenash on lap three. However, after losing more positions early on, Kochenash began to fight his way back toward the front and battled hard with Oltra to move into fourth on lap 10.Following a lap 17 restart Mandato overtook DeFebo for second and with 24 laps complete, the caution flag waved when Mandato spun in turns three and four. Brian Sones and Harry Buchman were also involved.Kochenash got a good restart and he ran Hirschman tight as the pair entered turn one. The battle between the two ended with Kochenash coming out as the leader. He continued to hold the lead over Hirschman with 33 laps in the books. Oltra, Amber Fortin and John Markovic were all running in the top five.Following a yellow on lap 34, a frightening moment occurred when Todd Baer’s car never steered through turn four and made heavy contact with the front stretch wall. The ambulance crew assisted him. Todd’s sore, but thankfully he’s doing okay.After a quick yellow on lap 35, Hirschman appeared to have a quicker car than the leader, but his bid to take the lead ended when the two touched. Kochenash held the point and Hirschman lost several positions. The turn of events moved Oltra to second, followed by Barry Callavini, DeFebo and Mandato.With a handful of laps remaining, Calvin Carroll got out of shape and his car shot into the backstretch fence off of turn two. Although the car sustained heavy damage, Carroll climbed from the car under his own power.Despite efforts from Oltra in the closing laps, Kochenash held on to score the big prize and Oltra settled for second. Hirschman rebounded to finish third, followed by DeFebo and Callavini.Callavini, Kochenash and Mandato scored heat race wins.With having the Tour Type Modified point following the event, Hirschman was declared the mid season champion.
Tour Type Modifieds (50-laps) 1. AUSTIN KOCHENASH 2. Brandon Oltra 3. Matt Hirschman 4. Brian DeFebo 5. Barry Callavini 6. Blake Barney 7. Roger Coss 8. Wayne Szerencsits 9. Amber Fortin 10. Jonathan Mandato 11. Adam Lacicero 12. Terry Markovic 13. Clavin Carroll 14. Harry Buchman 15. DJ Wagner 16. John Markovic 17.Todd Baer 18. Alan Creveling 19. Brian Sones 20. Bobby Jones 21. Sal Accardi 22.Jim Dolan
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DOUG COBY BANKS $10,000 AT SEEKONK OPEN WHEEL WEDNESDAY
Doug Coby now has three $10,000 checks signed by Action Track of the East in his career.Coming into Wednesday June 29, Coby had scored the victory at the annual Open Wheel Wednesday modified event in 2011 and 2013.Coby grabbed his third trophy from Seekonk Speedway by winning round one of 2016 for the NorthEast Race Cars and Parts Tri Track Open Modified Series Wednesday evening, behind the wheel of his No. 2 Dunleavy Truck and Trailer Repair, LFR Chassis mount.“I wasn’t even planning on getting out front, I was going to just ride fifth for a lot of the race then those guys gave me the room,” Coby said following his victory.
“Whether I’m going to win or not in the end, I wanted to be in the lead and be in control, I’ve always said that about these open shows. It’s easy for guys to roll up to your bumper here at Seekonk but when they go to pass you they just slide the rear end.”;Coby was slated to go off seventh based on where he finished in his qualifying heat race, but during the redraw on the track prior to the green, he drew a fourth behind the wheel of his No. 2.He worked inside the top-five for much of the early portion of the race, riding fifth while drivers in front of him tangled for the lead. He started making his move on lap 30 when he slid by Jon McKennedy to fourth. Then, Coby made a move to the bottom, three-wide and quickly jumped to second.He wheeled his No. 2 to the advantage over the rest of the field on a lap 40 restart and never looked back for the remaining of the event. He held off challenges from McKennedy, Justin Bonsignore and Ron Silk in the final stages and captured his first career win on the Tri Track Open Modified Series.“This is huge LFR Chassis and all of my team,” Coby said. “It was up in the air what car I was going to come with. This is a great series, Dick Williams, James Schaefer and these guys put a lot of time and money into these shows.”;Silk, who started outside the top-10 behind the wheel of his No. 50, quickly worked this way through the field and was inside the top-five by the time the field hit the halfway point. He was all over the back bumper of Coby in the final laps, but couldn’t find the way around to the big payday.“Doug did a good job of protecting the bottom like you have to do to win the race,” Silk said. “I could roll the top and get to his right rear, but I was just that much tight that I couldn’t hold him down and get by. It was good hard racing in the front all night and really clean.”;Rowan Pennink drove the Gary Casella owned No. 25 to a third place run and he was followed across the line by Les Hinckley, who piloted a Wayne Darling No. 52. Rounding out the top-five was Matt “Money” Hirschman.The NorthEast Race Cars and Parts Tri Track Open Modified Series gets back on track at Star Speedway for the SBM coming up on July 30.For more information, visit www.tritrackopenmodifiedseries.com
Tri Track 100 Feature Finish: Doug Coby, Ron Silk, Rowan Pennink, Les Hinckley, Matt Hirschman, Woody Pitkat, Richard Savary, Eric Berndt, Jon McKennedy, Dwight Jarvis, Dennis Perry, Chris Pasteryak, Keith Rocco, Andy Jankowiak, Todd Szegedy, Andy Seuss, Kirk Alexander, Todd Annarummo, Calvin Carroll, Branden Dion, Anthony Sesely, Dan Meservey Jr., Justin Bonsignore, Jeff Rocco, Carl Mederios Jr., Tommy Barrett
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REED WINS GARDEN STATE CLASSIC AT WALL SATURDAY, June 25D
efending driving champion Steven Reed of Jackson raced to victory in the 55th running of the Garden State Classic for Downs Ford Modified stock cars at Wall Stadium Speedway Saturday night. It was his second career win in the Classic race and it earned him $5,000 for finishing the 125 lap distance first.Reed was in contention for the win for the entire distance as he launched into the top five at the start, advanced to the top three by the ten lap mark and raced into second behind Freehold’s Chas Okerson with 20 laps in the books. Reed then chased Okerson until a lap 58 caution when he ducked into the pit area to change two tires. Upon returning to the track Reed was easily able to race from the rear of the field back into contention. Then, when many of the top runners pitted for tires on a lap 79 yellow, Reed was able to take over the lead. The final laps of the race did offer suspense as Matt Hirschman of Northampton, Pa. rode in second and shadowed Reed to the finish. Justin Gumley and Eric Mauriello, both of Howell, were third and fourth while Kenny Matlach of New Hyde Park, N.Y. was fifth. “We pitted for tires as early as we did because in last year’s Turkey Derby we waited and that really hurt us,” Reed said. “The car was real good and we were just able to ride. I guess reading all those stories about the outside guys coming in for this race also inspired me. It is nice to be the local guy who defends his turf when outsiders come in to race.”
MODIFIED FEATURE 125 Laps – 1. STEVEN REED, JACKSON, 2. Matt Hirschman, 3. Justin Gumley, 4. Eric Mauriello, 5. Ken Matlach, 6. Derek Hopkinson, 7. Shaun Carrig, 8. Chris lane, 9. Anthony Sesely, 10. Jonathan Mandato, 11. Andrew Krause, 12. Chas Okerson, 13. Robby Walton, 14. Danny Bohn, 15. Chris Reynolds, 16. Shawna Ingraham, 17. Ken Woolley, 18. Ron Frees, 19. Jason Hearne, 20. Adam LaCicero
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Matt Hirschman Pockets Two Grand at Evergreen - By: Gene Ostrowski
June 19, 2016
When it comes to racing at his home track and everywhere in between, Northampton’s Matt Hirschman is no stranger to victory lane at Evergreen Raceway. That statement held true Sunday afternoon when Hirschman held off twenty one of his competitors to take his second Evergreen victory of the season and pocket the $2,000 prize. Twenty Two Tour Type Modifieds lined the pit area and each driver had their eye on the $2,000 to win prize. Following heat races, several drivers redrew for starting spots in the 50-lap main event and Anthony Sesely pulled the pole. He led the first lap over Brandon Oltra, Blake Barney, DJ Wagner and Brian Romig.Wagner spun in turns one and two on lap nine and when green flag racing resumed, Earl Paules, who had already climbed into second, grabbed the lead.With 13 laps complete, Austin Kochenash overtook Sesely for second and Matt Hirschman followed through for third on the following lap.The yellow waved on lap 23 when Calvin Carroll and Wayne Szerenscits got together on the exit of turn two. Sesely headed to the pits for adjustments under the yellow and Paules, who would not obey track officials on the radio, was black flagged. The interesting turn of events gave the lead to Hirschman, who had been riding in the second spot.Following the restart, Kochenash pressure the leader heavily. He gave Hirschman a little shot in turns three and four on lap 23 and as Hirschman shot up the track he took the lead. However, the lead was short-lived, as Hirschman repaid the favor and displayed the same move on the next circuit to retake the top spot.With 25 laps in the books, Hirschman led over Kochenash, Roger Coss, Oltra and Barney.As the raced carried on, Brian DeFebo cracked the top five and he got by Oltra for fourth on a lap 27 restart. Meanwhile, no one appeared to have anything for Hirschman, who went on to take his second Tour Type Modified victory at the track. Kochenash settled for second, followed by DeFebo and Oltra. Amber Fortin rebounded from a few incidents early in the event to finish a respectable fifth in the star studded event.Kochenash, Sesely and Barney were heat race winners.
Modifieds (50-laps) 1. MATT HIRSCHMAN 2. Austin Kochenash 3. Brian Defebo 4. Brandon Oltra 5. Amber Fortin 6. Lee Sharpsteen 7. Blake Barney 8. Todd Baer 9. Alan Creveling 10. Brian Sones 11. Brandon Pressler 12. Roger Coss 13. Anthony Sessley 14. Wayne Szerencsits 15. Broc Brown 16. Jerry Hildebrand 17.Calvin Carroll 18. Earl Paules 19. Brian Romig 20. DJ Wagner 21. Harry Buchman 22.Tommy Wanick III
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June 11 - Lake Erie Speedway - 4th
In a time frame of less than three days, a three-time Late Model track champion went from not participating to winning in his third race since returning to running on asphalt. As of Thursday morning, Will Thomas had no intentions of going back to one of the tracks he cut his teeth at on Saturday, when the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series brought short track racing back to Lake Erie Speedway (PA) for the first time in nearly two years.“We weren’t coming because we ran so bad at Lancaster,” Thomas told Speed51.com powered by JEGS. “Charlie Rudolph helped me a bunch when we got going and he went to the U.S. Open with us (last September). Then I thought I was a lot smarter than I apparently am and changed a bunch of stuff. When we went back to Lancaster (in May) we were just flat out terrible. I was just kind of down in the dumps and depressed about how bad we ran and just discouraged. I told my wife that I’m not going.”The Sharpsville, Pennsylvania driver planned to continue with his dirt racing program at nearby Sharon Speedway (OH) until he received a call and was offered some assistance.
“(RoC Series owner) Joe Skotnicki called me Thursday morning and he said ‘are you kidding me?’” Thomas recalled. “’Are you telling me you’re not coming to this place? You helped build this house. You raced here forever.’ I told Joe, to be honest I don’t know these cars well enough and don’t feel confident doing it. He said ‘if I can find you some help would you come and do it?’”Skotnicki enlisted the experience of Kenny Troyer, son of legendary Modified racer Maynard Troyer.“I only spoke to Kenny one or two times in my life, so I called him Thursday about 11:00 a.m.,” Thomas continued. “I left work at Noon and went home to start working on it and he got there about 6:30, and we worked until about 3:30 in the morning. Kenny and Greg Aumann combined with my normal guys I’ve got that always come with me dirt racing and have been with me forever; it just really fit well. Those guys really led the program and there wasn’t much stress on me. It was a great day.”Thomas was one of the faster Modifieds on the 3/8-mile since the initial practice, but was not a key contender for the top spot until later on. The 75-lap distance showcased a number of twists and turns, all a result of some intense and predominantly clean racing.Daren Scherer drew the pole, but it was Jimmy Zacharias who gained the lead early. The Candor, New York driver, who was seeing the North East, Pennsylvania track for the first time on Saturday, was in command early, but his preferred lane choice on restarts ended up ultimately setting him back.“It’s the chance I took, taking the outside,” Zacharias documented. “I knew I was a lot better than who was on the inside of me. The outside was the place to be at the beginning of the race so I was trying to do what was right for me. The third restart, (Daryl Lewis Jr.) was racing hard, we got into turn one and he locked up the brakes, and slid into me. We’ve all done it before and it’s nothing to be mad about. We came out of it alright and drove back to the front.”Following the halfway point, a familiar face found his way to the lead. Matt Hirschman, whose team was a late arrival after loading up from Monadnock Speedway (NH) when the Tri Track Open Modified Series race was cancelled Saturday morning, looked to be the class of the field.On a final 20-lap dash to the finish; however, something did not appear right for Hirschman. The Northampton, Pennsylvania driver was no longer pulling away from the field. It was at this moment when Thomas came to life, dicing to the inside of Patrick Emerling and Zacharias as they were held up on the outside lane by Hirschman’s ill-handling car. With just over 10 laps to go, Thomas went to the low side again and gained sole possession of the lead.“It’s kind of surreal, to be honest,” Thomas said. “The Hirschman name and Modified racing are synonymous. That guy wins everywhere he goes. This is a hell of a field to win in and I’m just blessed enough to be the one fortunate enough to do it.”Hirschman survived to finish in fourth, despite an escalating issue in the closing laps.“The right rear tire was slowly going down so that progressively got worse, and the car changed drastically from what it was,” Hirschman explained. “It definitely caused us to lose speed and lose positions. I’m not sure if I would have been able to hold off (Thomas). He definitely was hooked up at the end. He just knows the track and hit the strategy and everything right. Not saying the tire cost us the race, but it’s sure disappointing because it cost us something.”Emerling eventually made his way by for the second position and started to slowly close on Thomas in the closing laps.“Basically, I was trying to get around some guys and got stuck up high,” Emerling conceded. “(Thomas) kind of came out of nowhere there. It’s good to have a first-time winner in the series and it’s a good points night for us. I was pretty happy with the outcome. I would have liked to get the win, but sometimes it falls into someone else’s favor. I don’t think I could have passed him, but I could have got to him.”Emerling more than likely regained the points lead after fast qualifier Chuck Hossfeld ran into some issues trying to march through the field after a pit stop. The former RoC champion would finish 15th.
Another driver staying in the season-long points race is Zacharias, who rallied back to a third place finish, and remains optimistic about his first serious run at a RoC championship in a few years.“We were actually second and I went to the outside of Hirschman not knowing he had a flat tire and was just along for the ride, and Will came underneath,” Zacharias said. “Once he got by me I tried falling into line. I tried crossing him over and I had a good run, but just got loose up off.“The point system the way it is it’s anybody’s ballgame. We’ll go back to some of my home tracks like Chemung again and Holland where I’m really good at. Consistency is a big key. We have been the most consistent so far. We’ll see where it ends.”The RoC’s first appearance at Lake Erie Speedway since 2005 drew rave reviews, and has competitors and fans alike hopeful that what was witnessed between the Modifieds and supporting divisions leads to more of the same on a more regular basis at the premier facility.“I wish we would be coming back here many more times,” Emerling noted. “The racing, I felt, was phenomenal. There were a good two grooves and good strategy with passing people, so there’s a lot you can do there. It was a lot of fun.”For Will Thomas, it is unknown when his next RoC or asphalt race will be, but an accomplishment like Saturday’s may sway some decisions in a different direction. In the moment, one of the track’s fan favorites from a few years back was simply soaking it all in.“I’m just really excited and happy for all the people that support me week in and week out. It’s a hard life. All I do is try to sell steel every day and work on my racecars.”The Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series takes a short break following a strenuous run of five straight weeks before heading back to Lancaster National Speedway (NY) for the Ole Boy Cup II 60-lap event on Thursday, June 3
-By Aaron Creed, Speed51.com Central NY & PA Editor – Twitter: @aaron_cre
RoC Modified Return To The Lake 75 Results
1 7 9 Will Thomas 7
2 11 07 Patrick Emerling 75
3 2 71 Jimmy Zacharias 75
4 3 60 Matt Hirschman 75
5 13 95 Bryan Sherwood 75
6 12 65 George Skora III 75
7 4 10 Daryl Lewis Jr. 75
8 6 45 Kevin Timmerman 75
9 5 48 Sam Fullone 75
10 8 32 Tyler Rypkema 75
11 9 25 Mike Leaty 75
12 15 64 Amy Catalano 75
13 19 4 John Wilber 75
14 1 3 Daren Scherer 75
15 10 22 Chuck Hossfeld 75
16 20 20 Jody Buckley 75
17 22 39 Calvin Carroll 74
18 18 27 Andy Jankowiak 74
19 17 1 Chris Ridsdale 74
20 21 59 Karl Hehr 54
21 14 24 Dave Rigan 51
22 16 54 Tommy Catalano 41
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May 21 - Ryan Preece Wins MTS Winchester 200 At Monadnock Speedway
Quoting the words announcer Joe Coss used when Ryan Preece pulled into victory lane at Monadnock Speedway, history was made when the Berlin, CT native that now calls Mooresville, NC home took the checkers in the biggest payday of his modified racing career. Using pit strategy that literally paid off, Preece came from the back of the pack twice and once Preece passed Jon McKennedy on lap 170, he never looked back holding off the field for a convincing Modified Touring Series Winchester 200 win collecting the historic $15,000 payday. Eric Goodale, Riverhead, NY in the GAF Roofing, Supreme Skylights modified crossed the line for second with Matt Hirschman, Northampton, PA in the L.I. Mod Maniac sponsored ride for third, Jon McKennedy, Chelmsford, MA fourth and Chris Pasteryak, Lisbon, CT fifth. “There were a lot of really good cars,” said Preece. “Eric was strong, Matt was strong, Chris, Les, a lot of guys were really good. We changed our strategy, we were only going to pit once then I asked if we had that second set and we didn’t, so we asked Anthony Sesely since he was out if we could buy a set off of him and it turned into a three set race which made it fun.”Preece, behind the wheel of the T.S. Haulers, Ed Partridge owned modified won his heat race, pulled the pole position after the redraw and was the early front runner of the 200 green flag lap event. Hirschman made his move on lap 26 to become the second leader passing Preece low through turns one and two. Preece answered back challenging Hirschman and regained the lead on lap 41. The first yellow closed up the field on lap 47 and while four cars pitted, the leaders stayed out. Hirschman swapped it out again gaining the lead on lap 49. Two more cautions kept the field close- Hirschman at the point, Preece, Goodale, McKennedy, Pasteryak and Rowan Pennink the top five on lap 70. A spin on lap 72 lit up pit road with Preece in second, peeling off the line to head to the pits to get four new American Racers. Hirschman continued to be the car to beat with McKennedy, Goodale, Pennink, Pasteryak and Kirk Alexander the front pack. Just before the half, the yellow waved- at least ten cars came in for tires including Goodale, McKennedy, Pasteryak and Alexander. Hirschman stayed out remaining on the point while Preece moved up to p2 for the restart with Pennink, Mike Holdridge and Todd Patnode the top five. A yellow quickly followed for Joe Doucette after it appeared a track bar bracket gave way ending his night. Lined up to do it again, Hirschman and Preece brought down the field for a solid restart but fresh tires prevailed and Preece made his move to become the leader once again at the half way mark. At the half, Preece led Hirschman, Pennink, Patnode, Holdridge, Scott MacMichael, Pasteryak, McKennedy, Andy Jankowiank and Goodale the top ten. Hirschman and Pennink pitted on lap 123 along with a few other cars including Patnode and Josh King. Preece leading the restart, Pasteryak on the outside with McKennedy, Goodale and Les Hinckley the top five it was green flag until lap 158. A surprise move, Preece, Goodale, Alexander, Patnode and Jankowiank all pitted. McKennedy inherited the lead with Pasteryak, Hinckley, Hirschman and Pennink the top five. A caution on the restart, Hinckley unexpectedly spun collecting up Pennink, the incident ending Pennink’s night while Preece moved up to sixth. A side by side battle with Goodale moved Preece up again. Thirty-five to go, Preece in third had Hirschman and McKennedy in his sights. Side by side with Hirschman, Preece on the outside on lap 168 nabbed second then two circuits later, Preece moved under McKennedy to become the final leader of the night on lap 170. Goodale passed for second with twenty-one to go, Hirschman takes over third from McKennedy in the final eight circuits. The final forty-two laps, fast and green, Preece was not to be denied the historic payday. Goodale, Hirschman, McKennedy, Pasteryak the top five, Mike Holdridge, Andy Jankowiak, Todd Patnode, Scott MacMichael and Eric LeClair crossed for the top ten.“We bought four sets originally,” explained Preece who will be at Charlotte Motor Speedway next weekend to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. “One for practice, one for the heat and to start the feature then we had two. They were wearing so well, we returned a set. Then in the race, I was telling Matt, it felt like they glazed over and I was thinking, this is going to turn into a two tire stop- I’ve been down this road. We came in on lap 50 or 60 and put four on, burn them up and let everyone chase us then come back in with hopefully 40 or 50 to go and it just really worked out that way. Tires- when you have strategy races like this, it just opens up the game and it makes it fun. I like coming through the field, Matt can tell you I’ve lost a lot of races to him doing it – he’s really good at riding and I’m really good at just going as fast as I possibly can.”“I think four instead of two,” Goodale said was maybe the missing piece that in the end that could have made the 58 an even bigger threat for the win. “We took four earlier in the race – I would have liked to have had four at the end. I just didn’t have the drive off I needed there at the end to catch Ryan. His car was incredibly fast, I thought my car was really good which it was but he was just that much better. I knew once we cleared traffic I wasn’t going to be able to catch him. I knew once we got into second with twenty to go that we were in trouble. Happy for my team, they worked really hard to get me here, you know, I’ll take the payday, ($7,500 for second) the car is in one piece, we’ll roll it into the trailer and we’ll enjoy an off week for once.”“I think my car was a little better in the first half of the race than it was in the second,” said Hirschman. “But I think their strategy with the late tires helped them and then that tangle down here in three and four really moved them right up into contention. When I came out after I pitted, I was in the tenth to twelfth range and ran the car pretty hard to get to fourth/fifth where I was- where they got tires even later and were almost instantly fifth and sixth, that really helped them but I can’t complain I had fun, I enjoy racing here, it’s a fun little short track, we’ll take third and see what we can do better next time.”The twenty-four cars that assembled for the inaugural Modified Touring Series Winchester 200 were a diverse group hailing from eight different states and four series. The tireless efforts over the last six months by Modified Touring Series Director Gary Knight and his experienced team made for a night of unforgettable racing at the fast, high banked quarter mile oval. It was a head scratcher why more teams did not make the trip. Rumors about other series telling ‘their’ drivers not to show were totally unfounded as several drivers positively confirmed that was just not true.“I posted on Facebook, I’ve got to applaud Gary,” said Preece, “because there are some people that weren’t ever going to support this event that will just say things on social media and it’s a little disappointing. We all came here, we want to race these races and I don’t understand why we didn’t have fifty modifieds here. Why should Gary go out and try to do this again, or anybody for that matter – you know, everybody speaks they want to race for money, well you know what, we just had a money show and we had twenty-four cars. I applaud him, I applaud everyone here because the show moved on, I don’t know what time it is right now, (Preece checks his phone) it’s 8:30- he kept everything going, kept the event going – this is one of the best run races that I’ve been to in a long time.”“I’ve seen this happen before where the first year of these events aren’t supported,” said Hirschman. “People think we’re not going to get paid, or it’s going to be a circus, but like Ryan just said, the event was run off with no issues, I’m confident we’re going to get paid and I do believe if he has this next year which I hope he does, I think he will see larger numbers because people are going to hear all the good things we’re saying.”“We’ve got a kid at home and another one on the way,” said Goodale. “I told my wife I was going to take all the travel out of my schedule. This race came up and the minute I saw it was going to be a reality, I called up my crew chief, I called up my father and I said we’re going to go to Monadnock and chase after $15,000. It was a tough sell on my wife to do it but I think she’d be pretty happy after the race here so I have to applaud Gary and his team, they did a great job. I’d have to say, leading up to it, when you read social media, everybody is going to write something bad and there was a lot of questionable things out there but you know what, at the end of the day, we knew it was going to be a 200 lap, green flag race, we’d figure out the particulars when we got there. The race went off without a hitch, it was organized a lot better than I thought it was going to be and like I said, I applaud Gary and his team- I’d be the second or third one up here to say (nodding to Preece and Hirschman) next year, as long as I have an open date, I’d be here to come and support it.” “This was an event that Gary put together and it ended up being a great show,” Goodale continued. “I ended up driving my butt off trying to catch Ryan there at the end and put a show on – congratulations to Ryan. Matt, I had to work to get past him as well – I’m happy to see all the cars that did show up and I hope if there is a next one, we get a much higher car count.”It was well documented that Hirschman missed a makeup ROC race to run at Monadnock. Hirschman confessed it was not an easy decision to make but the team voted on Friday to go for the prize and with Hirschman’s talent for being there at the end for the payoff, the Northampton, PA driver and team arrived with confidence. Falling short of the big one, Hirschman’s third place finish paid $5,500. But wait, there is more. A special $500 bonus went to the leader of lap 88 in memory of Jim Boniface. Gary and Angel Jackson from Gary Jackson Heating Services in Keene, NH who were “really, really close to Jim,” wanted to do something special and with the approval of Series Director Gary Knight, came up with the special lap 88 honor. The special bonus brought Hirschman’s hefty earnings to $6,000 for third place. Knight’s focused passion for putting together the MTS Winchester 200 is driven from a couple of different angles such as a desire to have a tour that is based on old school racing. The other- Knight expressed an urgency to capture the interest of the younger fan to grow the sport. “It’s a sport and if we don’t put the money back into it, it’s not a sport, we take the competition right out of it,” said Knight. “Tonight, we saw great competition. Was it for the money? I think it was partially for the money but we put the old school back in it. Today, we had Whelen, RoC, VMRS Champions, hometrack heroes, I think these races work. I think we can put a Tour together, if they’ll allow us- I just want my chair in the room. That’s what I told my wife, nobody will give me a chair. They don’t believe in the product. They don’t believe we can do a better job. Maybe tonight they believe we can do a better job.” “If we can get 18 year old kids here, they’ll watch modified,” Knight continued. “We have to figure a way to help this product out. I’m starting to look at it as not a driver anymore – I’m starting to look at the fans, the age market and I’m witnessing what the statistics tell me which I never believed, it’s an older generation. We’re the last generation following as fans. They should let us try new ideas- maybe together we can figure out how to bring in that younger generation here. I think if you dropped off a school bus of kids here tonight, they would have been excited watching that race. But how do you get the school bus here first? I say, old school racing is new again.”Knight was openly candid about his post-race thoughts. “I was a little disappointed in the beginning of the day I guess but at the end I wasn’t disappointed. I couldn’t believe what we were witnessing. The passing started in the beginning of the event, nobody was half throttle, they guys were just challenging each other to see who was going to lead this race.”Taking into account several different series including the independents, Knight was able to come up a rules package that worked to keep the field competitive. “The tire is what won Ryan the race, not the spec motor. That motor works but so does the old 18 degree, the steel head- that was old school racing - I don’t think people have seen it in a long time. The guys were just racing, I couldn’t believe how hard they raced, nobody one was pedaling.” Matt Hirschman summed it up, “My hats off to MTS, Gary Knight and American Racer for putting up the money to have the race and lure me in here, I enjoyed it. I’d like to win of course, we all would but we had a good race, we raced hard, we had fun.” Fun it was. When asked, Knight said with conviction, “There will be another.”
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May 14 - Oswego Speedway
The Ferris Mowers Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series fueled by Sunoco made a stop at the legendary Oswego (N.Y.) Speedway this past Saturday night for the Richie Evans Memorial 61 and when the checkered flag waved Orchard Park, N.Y.’s, Patrick Emerling stood tall in victory lane. “Things just went our way tonight,” explained Emerling following the victory. “Our teammate Mike Leaty had the car to beat and the way things worked out he got to the lead and it looked like he might hold us off. Then he developed a problem and we were able to get by him for the lead. We have a great team and Jan Leaty gave me a great setup for tonight. We are going to enjoy it and to honor the best that ever raced a modified with a win in his race is a great feeling. We are going to enjoy this one.” Daryl Lewis, Jr., of Ontario, N.Y., started on the pole and led the early stages of the event before Mike Leaty of Williamson slipped into the lead on lap 10. Leaty held the lead until he began to smoke from the right side of his machine. Internal engine issues would sideline Leaty during the race. Emerling, who started 6th, picked up the top spot on lap 32 with Matt Hirschman, of Northampton, Pa., and the defending Series Champion in tow. Hirschman made a couple of attempts to overtake Emerling, but it was to no avail. Hirschman finished second for the second straight race, followed by Austin Kochenash (3rd), Bryan Sherwood (4th) and Jimmy Zacharias (5th).
Patrick Emerling set the fastest time during the group time trials for the second consecutive event. Due to the condensed scheduled created by inclement weather which delayed the start of the event by several hours the qualifying races were cancelled. The next event for the Race of Champions is Saturday, May 21 at Lancaster National Speedway in Lancaster, N.Y.
Richie Evans Memorial (61-laps): 1. 07 - Patrick Emerling, 2. 60 - Matt Hirschman, 3. 66 - Austin Kochenash, 4. 95 - Bryan Sherwood, 5. 71 - Jimmy Zacharias, 6. 42 - Nick Pecko, 7. 10 - Daryl Lewis, 8. 65 - George Skora, 9. 54 - Tommy Catalano, 10. 32 - Tyler Rypkema, 11. 51 - TJ Potrzebowski, 12. 20 - Jody Buckley, 13. 64 - Amy Catalano, 14. 1 - Chris Risdale, 15. 4 - John Wilber, 16. 59 - Karl Hehr, 17. 25 - Mike Leaty, 18. 65 - Andy Lewis, 19. 22 - Chuck Hossfeld, 20. 39 - Calvin Carroll, 21. 21 - Tony Hanbury, 22. 3 - Daren Scherer
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5-7-16
The Modified Triple 25s at Mahoning Valley Speedway have always proved to be thrilling, flat out racing as drivers are put to the test in the relatively quick runs to the checkers. There is no time for taking one’s time. With the combination of high speed laps around the ¼-mile saucer and coupled with a very equal playing field of drivers, the features are more times than not all out action filled and it certainly was this night.
And while many come to expect some of the usual suspects in these events when the checker flag waves, there is also the unexpected as well and each of the $1000-to-win jaunts produce those results. Rookie Jack Ely claimed his career first Modified win in race number one while a pair of veterans, Matt Hirschman and Earl Paules, drove to victory in races two and three.For Ely, it would be safe to say that the 18-year old from Wall Township, NJ furthered his skill level in leaps and bounds. For a driver who was making just his fourth start in a Modified, Ely did a brilliant job of holding off an onslaught of journeymen racers.He jumped into the lead from his pole starting spot and then proceeded to hold a solid line in defense of his spot. After Nick Baer, another rookie who is soon to make his mark, was passed by John Markovic, Ely was then be put to the task.Markovic was riding on his outside and making every effort to pull by. Jimmy Zacharias and Paules where then running two-wide behind the leader. Ely, however, remained in concentrated, never once flinching.As the race was winding down Markovic was beginning to turn up the pressure and just as they were about to complete the five to go signal, he nosed ahead for the lead. Unfortunately it was for naught as the caution also came out at the same time for a spin between Baer and Kyle Strohl.This was a big break for Ely who was back on top for the restart but even with the few laps remaining there was no time to relax. Markovic once again pulled alongside and would use every bit of horsepower to get past but the young lion would not waver and held on for the memorable victory that was mere .014-second margin of victory.
An invert by way of a pill draw would see the first 11 finishers’ flip-flop the grid for race number two and on the pole would be Hirschman. With that one would think that this would soon be a race for second given all the expectations of the very able first placer starter.This was not the case at all, however. While Hirschman did take the lead, he was soon joined by Bobby Jones and from there on it was another barnburner.Jones never let Hirschman pull to any length of a distance, keeping in step with him the entire time. The battle was very intense and although it rarely happens whenever Hirschman is in front, he would momentarily give up the lead to Jones after a lap 18 restart.In two previous appearances Hirschman had to settle for very close seconds and had no intention of settling there again. With five laps left he surged back on top and held on for a narrow win, his first of the season.
For the third feature the field was again inverted, this time the top 14. The front row would be comprised of Lou Strohl and Gene Bowers and when the action got underway that pair would control the early going while Paules was locked in behind. Strohl, who was driving a team car for Paules, was running the low line with Bowers tucked in tightly behind him. Paules then began to do his bidding from the outside lane but it would take some time and patience, something that is limited in a 25-lapper.Paules was able to get a half car by Bowers and at the same time use the other half of his mount to let Strohl know he was there.After easing by for second he continued to ride the high line and used a burst of momentum to overhaul Strohl at the start of lap nine.While Paules was now securely in first, Strohl and Bowers kept up their battle which would go to the rookie class driver by lap 12. Bowers would remain there to the finish as he could only watch as Paules had pulled comfortably ahead and took his first win of 2016.In the closing laps point leader Eric Beers stomped up through the front five and grabbed third at the line over Zacharias.
In Late Model action it was Paul Koehler Jr., picking up his second win of the young season. Koehler needed all of the first 10 laps in order to make a pass on early leader Lorin Arthofer II but once he did it was no contest as he cruised on to a significant margin of victory.Point leader Mike Sweeney was in a torrid battle with Travis Fisher the entire run and for the fourth time in as many starts had to settle for second at the finish.
Aaron Kromer was on the pole for the Street Stock main and would be there at the end as well, notching his first verdict of the year.Once the race began there would be no looking back for Kromer. Even though he was under an abundance of stress from Stacey Brown and Jon Tracey, Kromer just refused to back down. And there would be no rest for anyone either as for the second straight week the 30-laps were contested caution free.
1st Modified Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Jack Ely, 2. John Markovic, 3. Austin Kochenash, 4. Jimmy Zacharias, 5. Gene Bowers, 6. Terry Markovic, 7. Eric Beers, 8. Kristopher Graver, 9. Bobby Jones, 10. Lou Strohl, 11. Matt Hirschman, 12. Earl Paules, 13. Glenn Slocum, 14. Kyle Strohl, 15. Don Wagner, 16. Calvin Carroll, 17. Nick Bear, 18. Todd Bear, 19. Anthony Sesely, 20. Brian Sones DNQ: Mike Quinn, Mike Bednar
2nd Modified Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Hirschman, 2. Jones, 3. Kochenash, 4. Beers, 5. Ely, 6. Graver 7. Kyle Strohl, 8. John Markovic, 9. Terry Markovic, 10. Todd Baer, 11. Zacharias, 12. Paules, 13. Bowers, 14. Lou Strohl, 15. Slocum, 16. Nick Baer, 17. Sones, 18. Carroll, 19. Sesely, 20. Wagner
3rd Modified Feature Finish (25 Laps): 1. Paules, 2. Bowers, 3. Beers, 4. Zacharias, 5. John Markovic, 6. Todd Bear, 7. Hirschman, 8. Kochenash, 9. Jones, 10. Graver, 11. Ely, 12. Kyle Strohl, 13. Lou Strohl, 14. Nick Baer, 15. Mike Quinn, 16. Terry Markovic, 17. Mike Bednar, 18. Slocum, 19. Carroll, 20. Sones DNS: Sesely, Wagner
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Matt Hirschman Pockets Two Grand at Evergreen Raceway
April 24, 2016
St. Johns, PA (4/24/2016)- After finishing second in his last three Modified feature starts of the 2016 racing season, Matt Hirschman of Northampton, PA grabbed the race lead from Jason Hearn and never looked back to take the checkered flag in the 50-lap Modified main event Sunday at Evergreen Raceway.A total of nineteen cars lined the pit area for round number one of seven for the Tour Type Modifieds. Following heat races and a redraw for the feature lineup, Jason Hearne started from the pole. He led the opening lap over Brian Sones, Jim Dolan, Matt Hirschman and Brian DeFebo. The yellow flag waved with only one lap complete when Brandon Oltra spun in turn four. Shortly after the restart, Hirschman climbed to third and then overtook Sones for second of lap three. A handful of yellows followed early on, one of which flew for Sones when his car lost power on lap four. Unfortunately, his day was done. With ten laps complete, Hearne led over Hirschman. Earl Paules made his presence known in a hurry and held third, followed by DeFebo, and Amber Fortin. With 17 laps in the books, DeFebo and Paules battled side by side for third. Fortin joined the mix for a terrific battle before the caution waved on lap 21 when DJ Wagner spun in turns three and four. Green flag racing resumed and Hirschman battled with Hearne for control of the how. With 22 laps in the books, Hirschman made his move, dropping Hearne to second.Following the restart a three wide situation developed in a hurry, which shot DeFebo up the track and into the wall in turns one and two. He was able to continue but had to restart from the rear on the lap 25 restart. At that point in time, Hirschman continued to lead the way over Hearne, Paules, Fortin and Anthony Sesely.The top five changed on lap 29 when Fortin shot to the infield in turn four. The next restart was unsuccessful, as Hearne got moved through the infield in turn one and then was clipped by Paules. Hearne’s day came to an end and Paules was able to continue.Meanwhile, Oltra, who spun twice in the early going, began to rebound and move forward. When it was all said and done, he sat third for the restart.Although the last 20 laps were dicey, no one appeared to have anything for Hirschman, who took the victory, the trophy and $2,000 prize. Sesely settled for second, followed by Oltra, DeFebo and Alan Creveling.Hirschman, DeFebo and Hearn earned heat race victories.
Modified (50-laps) 1. MATT HIRSCHMAN 2. Anthony Sessley 3. Brandon Oltra 4. Brian DeFebo 5. Alan Creveling 6. EarlPaules 7. Amber Fortin 8. DJ Wagner 9. Levi Arthur 10. Jim Dolan 11. Terry Markovic 12. Tommy Rought 13. Brandon Pressler 14. Brock Brown 15. Jason Hearne 16. Wayne Szerencsits 17.Chris Ridsdale 18. Harry Buchman 19. Brian Sones
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April 23, 2016
RoC opener “Break-The-Ice-75” goes to Eric Beers in a close one over Matt Hirschman at Mahoning Valley Speedway
The Ferris Mowers Race of Champions (RoC) Asphalt Modified Series Tour Fueled by Sunoco opened its 2016 season on Saturday night at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway with the “Break-The-Ice-75” and there was no question that the race, billed as the stars of RoC vs. the home track standouts, lived up to all it was touted to be as Eric Beers, a two-time track champion and leader in career wins withheld the reigning and multi-time RoC titlist Matt Hirschman in a down-to-the wire win that was a mere half-second margin of victory.Kris Graver, Don Wagner and Chuck Hossfeld rounded out the top five and ironically that was the same top finishers from a week ago for the Opening Night 35-lap feature.“This was huge. It’s been a long time since the RoC has been here and to be able to come out on top of the field of cars here from all the tough guys on the RoC Tour to the track regulars, it was a great race and an honor to have won it,” said Beers, who earned $2800 for his 75-lap journey.“I think it was great for the drivers and the fans that the (promoters) Santee family was able to bring in such a high class group like RoC. I’m sure everyone enjoyed this.”; The race closely mirrored the previous week as well. In that event Beers and Hirschman staged a terrific duel and that battle simply carried over to tonight with the identical scene of hard nose racing by two drivers with a long history of battling each other for wins, many of those coming at Mahoning Valley. A draw of the top heat winners set the 26 car starting grid with Beers and Calvin Carroll sharing the front row. Prior to the start the fans got a real treat as the field did a never before 4-wide parade lap that was quite impressive.As the race got underway there was concern about how drivers would handle the above average number of cars within the tight borders of the ¼-mile oval, but that was quickly dismissed as only three cautions waved during the first 50 laps. That meant plenty of flat out racing and with Beers at the helm along with all the hotshots in his mirror, the action was very intense.Hossfeld was the first to step up and challenge Beers then came Wagner. In the mix as well was Earl Paules while Carroll made a great impression by hanging with the lead pack over the first 40 laps.After starting eighth, Hirschman entered the top five and was engaged in some tight quarters before he could get to the leader.“I had to work past those guys to get into a position to contend with Eric (Beers). My car was good and I was able to pass cars,” said Hirschman.Running most of his race on the outside, Hirschman finally shook free of the Hossfeld, Wagner, Paules and Carroll juggernaut and made his way up to Beers with 30 circuits complete.The battle was now on between the two titans in much the same fashion from a week earlier. Beers was keeping his car in a tight line close to the bottom leaving no choice but for Hirschman to run outside. That didn’t seem to be a problem either as he was constantly pulling alongside and at other times in tow.While the pace was torrid there came the issue of lapped traffic. Both drivers knew the outcome of getting by the slower cars could the difference between winning and losing, especially Beers.“In the middle part of the race when Matt (Hirschman) got to second and we got into lapped traffic, that’s when I got on my horse and showed what I had,” said Beers.“The thing that concerned me was that when we got to the lapped traffic they were two-wide, three rows deep and I wasn’t sure which lane to go in. I waited about three laps and when I did Matt got to my bumper. I knew that if I picked the wrong lane he would pass me. So I went to the bottom and that started slowing down. After that I just went three wide down the back stretch and split a couple cars on the front stretch and we made it through.”;After the traffic issue was settled the attention once again turned to the pressure of Hirschman going after Beers. At one point it looked as though the end of leading was about to come too when Hirschman got a great run off turn two and was able to look to the inside of the next corner. However, in doing so they touched, slide a little but without missing a beat both drove on.“I wiggled once off of (turn) two and Matt tried to drive underneath us. We bumped a little bit but luckily he stayed in his lane and I stayed in mine and we kept right on racing,” said Beers.Added Hirschman, “We touched a little bit and it was enough to break my momentum and he was able to get back in the lead. I don’t know what I could have done differently.”In last week’s opener Beers also had concerns with late race cautions and the fact that his tires weren’t responding as he wanted after restarts. That was not near the worry as Hirschman was though.“Actually the car was a little better this week late in the race. We lost some forward bite near the end and I changed my line a little bit which helped,” Beers noted.That it did, going nose to tail the rest of the way and making it two straight wins to start the season. Beers has now led every feature lap thus far.“It’s a long season here and a long way to go and I’m going to ride this as long as it goes,” he added.Hirschman, understandably down, made the best of a tough situation as the Tour heads to Chemung this upcoming Sunday.“I’m disappointed that two weeks in a row it’s the same outcome for us. I just needed to pass one more car. We’re in a position to contend and luck of the draw was on Eric’s (Beers) side. But he’s good and not just lucky so it’s always tough to get him out of the lead when he’s in control,” said Hirschman.“We did our best two weeks in a row but unfortunately I’m disappointed that it’s the same results. We’ll go on to the next race and go from there.”; The Break-The-Ice-75 was originally slated to run on April 9 but was postponed due to weather. 32 cars, came out to run with heats going to Beers, Paules, Wagner and Jimmy Zacharias. Austin Kochenash, who set the fast lap of the race at 9.966-seconds, won the consolation. Zach Graver once again showed his savvy of taking to the outside lane,
Modified Feature Finish (75 Laps): 1. Eric Beers, 2. Mat Hirschman, 3. Kris Graver, 4. Don Wagner, 5. Chuck Hossfeld, 6. Earl Paules, 7. Brian DeFebo, 8. Ton Hanbury, 9. Jimmy Zacharias, 10. Bryan Sherwood, 11. Bobby Jones, 12. Patrick Emerling, 13. Roger Coss, 14. Daren Scherer, 15. Tyler Rypkema, 16. Nick Baer, 17. Austin Kochenash, 18. TJ Potrzebowski, 19. Nick Pecko, 20. Terry Markovic, 21. Jack Ely, 22. Kyle Strohl, 23. Calvin Carroll, 24. Todd Baer, 25. Chris Risdale, 26. Lee Sharpsteen DNQ: John Markovic, Lou Strohl, Jack Ely, Glenn Slocum, Levi Arthur
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Paul Hartwig, Jr. Holds Off Matt Hirschman to Score First Career Evergreen Modified Victory
By: Gene Ostrowski
April 17, 2016
St. Johns, PA (4/17/2016)- In what most would refer to as a storybook ending, Paul Hartwig, Jr. of Lakewood, NJ held off multiple pass attempts by Matt Hirschman to notch his first career open wheel asphalt Modified this Sunday at Evergreen Raceway. After a stellar duel with Mike Sweeney, Travis Fisher of Fern Glen hung on to take the Late Model win and Scott Adams of Lake Ariel scored the thrilling Street Stock feature win. Ricky Yetter of Wilson took top honors in the Dirt Modified division and Tom Cassagrande of Drums scored the Factory Stock win. From the pole, Sam Ryan of Whitehaven wired the Four Cylinder feature for victory.When Paul Hartwig, Jr. was a child, two of his racing heroes included Tony and Matt Hirschman. Hartwig, who runs a low budget operation, tends to be beat up on social media when he asks for sponsorship help and advice. However, it has never affected his willingness to ask for help and in return, he obtained enough funding through Facebook to compete in the Evergreen Modified division opener at Evergreen.To the surprise of many, the young talent won the heat race. He started from the pole position in the 30-lap main and led the opening lap over Matt Hirschman, Dave Brigati, JP Curry and Cam Ayers.Hirschman raced the leader clean yet hard and waited to take advantage of a mistake that Hartwig never made.Only one caution slowed the race on lap 16 and following a great restart, Hartwig held off Hirschman and Brigati to claim his first ever open wheel victory.“This is a dream come true”, noted Hartwig in victory lane.“I grew up watching him (Hirschman) and always looked up to him and his father”.
Evergreen Modified (30-laps) 1. PAUL HARTWIG, JR. 2. Matt Hirschman 3. Dave Brigati 4. JP Curry 5. Cam Ayers 6. Paul Monkoski 7. Tom Zacharias 8. Eric Banashefski
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Eric Beers holds off Matt Hirschman in Mahoning Valley Speedway lid-lifter and prelude to RoC opener
(LEHIGHTON, Pa. 4-16-16) Mahoning Valley Speedway played host to its 2016 Opening Night with a packed grandstand, a packed pit area that included 127 race cars and although the program may have extended a bit long due to some opening night glitches, it was a monies-worth night of entertaining stock car racing none the less.
And, with the Ferris Mowers Race of Champions (RoC) Asphalt Modified Series Tour Fueled by Sunoco set to kick off their season next Saturday evening, it gave race hungry fans a prelude to what the “Break-The Ice-75” has to offer as home track favorite Eric Beers held off defending RoC champion Matt Hirschman in a hotly contested showdown to claim his 46th career Mahoning victory. Past track champions Don Wagner and Kris Graver where third and fourth respectively while another of the RoC top guns, three-time champ Chuck Hossfeld, completed the top five giving a solid indication that next week’s race will produce some outstanding talent. “It was a great race for the fans and we had a lot of fun tonight running against Matt (Hirschman). We ran each other to the brink of taking each other out more or less but it’s good to be able to race with someone like that and race as hard as you can and not take each other out,” said Beers who hails from Northampton. After a trio of heats and consi for the 24 cars on hand, a redraw for feature starting spots took place with Wagner and Beers picking the front row and at the drop of starter Bob Stull’s race commencing green, Beers darted quickly by Wagner for the opening lap lead. “It was getting cold and I knew my only shot to get Donny (Wagner) was on the start. We got a good jump going into (turn) one and then going into (turn) two and that’s all we wrote there,” said Beers. Unfortunately caution flags soon began to interrupt the racing as numerous incidents, that included a red flag period would hamper the action. Beers then had to hold off the restart attempts of Wagner and then Hirschman, who was running second by lap 15. Once Hirschman was in contention he would throw everything at Beers. On restarts he kept even before Beers would slightly edge forward. He leaned on him from behind and even had a chance to take the low lane at one point. It was good, hard Mahoning style racing. “Every time we would go green and I got a rhythm going the caution would come out and that killed me and I may have overheated the left rear when I was trying to out run Donny when he was on my outside and then the same thing with Matt.” said Beers. “What really hurt was that red flag and our tires cooled off and my left rear never came back. I couldn’t touch the gas at the end and he (Hirschman) was a bit better towards the end and it just worked out in our favor that we were ahead.” The original opener with the RoC was planned for April 9 but weather postponed those plans. With last night’s race being just a regular 35-lap feature, Beers noted that it gave him and everyone else the needed prep time to ready themselves for what looks to be quite the battle in the Break-The-Ice-75. “It was good to have a tune-up for all of us and work all the bugs out of the cars. It was good to get here and just get acclimated to what’s going on again and I think just looking at the guys you had here tonight just coming to get ready for that next week that it will be a really good show,” said Beers.
Modified Feature Finish (35 Laps): 1. Eric Beers, 2. Matt Hirschman, 3. Don Wagner, 4. Kris Graver, 5. Chuck Hossfeld, 6. Kyle Strohl, 7. Bobby Jones, 8. John Markovic, 9. Anthony Sesely, 10. Gene Bowers, 11. Jimmy Zacharias, 12. Terry Markovic, 13. Roger Cross, 14. Todd Bear, 15. Jack Ely, 16. Austin Kochenash, 17. Brian DeFebo, 18. Earl Paules, 19. Lee Sharpsteen, 20. Nick Bear DNS: Jason Zatsko DNQ: Brian Labar, Calvin Carroll, Roger Heffelfinger Jr.
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With the testing now over at Mahoning Valley Speedway, the attention turns to April 9 and the much ballyhooed season opening “Break-The-Ice-75” featuring the Ferris Mowers Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series Fueled by Sunoco vs. the Mahoning home track stars.On Saturday the final Test and Tune was held and by all indications with the impressive number of Modifieds that came out to practice, the upcoming opener will make Mahoning Valley Speedway the hotbed for asphalt Modifieds.Not only was there the usual show of the locals, but a strong group from outside the area pulled in to get all important track time in preparation for next week’s lid-lifter.“It’ll be a good show and I’m glad to have seen all these outsiders come down for Test and Tune,” said 2015 track champion Earl Paules.“It definitely makes it better for us regulars because we know we have an advantage with the race track and they’ll stir things up a little bit. They won’t be running exactly where they should be running and that will make it interesting.”;Over two days of testing Paules brought out four cars. He ran two of the four while Lou Strohl and SpeedSTR standout Mike Bednar took laps in the others.We’re ready and I worked all winter. It didn’t even feel like I stopped but when I know that the level needs to be stepped up I step up the level with them,” added Paules.“I never say, ‘OK that’s good enough.’ We weren’t good enough last year. We were fortunate enough to win the championship but we need to get better throughout each night, right from the heat races and right to the end of the feature.”; As Paules and a host of weekly regulars begin their season, the same goes for the RoC Tour and with Mahoning serving as their opener it brought many of them to the track for the first time during Test and Tune.“This was a lot different than anything that I am use to. It was very important for us to be here today because I feel had we not come down then it would have been a tough time making the show. I need all the seat time here I can get,” said RoC steady John Wilbur, who had legendary George Kent along to aid with the set-up.“Hopefully I get a good draw but it will be a very tough race that’s for sure. It’s a bullring and it’s going to be a great show. I’m excited about coming here for the opener.” Another newcomer to Mahoning was Ryan Rypkema. The New Yorker spent all day learning and getting acclimated to the circular quarter mile. The more laps the better too as steadily lowered his times nearly each time on track.“It was fun out there today and definitely different than anything else I’ve experienced but I like that. It’s something out of the norm,” said Rypkema.“I have mixed feelings about the RoC coming here to Mahoning Valley. Many of us on the RoC Tour have never been here before and I think that the home track boys definitely have a huge advantage. But I also think that will show just how good some of the guys on the RoC Tour really are and we can be competitive here.”;Roger Coss closed out 2015 with the biggest race ever held at the track, 150-lapper that paid a record $6000. It was also his biggest feat in racing. But, as the most recent winner Coss knows that this time around the odds will be tough to make a return to where he left off.“(Engine builder) Pete Morgantini always tells me you’re only as good as your last race. Once everyone shows up next week it’s a whole new season. I won here last year at Octoberfast but right now all the focus is on Opening Day and getting the job done,” offered Coss.However, after running most of last year on the RoC Tour, he sees Mahoning as a great shot to win with that group.“I do because I have a lot of laps here,” bottom lined Coss. “Last year was the first time I was at all of the RoC (Tour) tracks but here at Mahoning I’m a lot more comfortable and it’s home to me.“Like everyone has been saying it’s going to be tough just to get in and that’s going to be the first hurdle to get over. After that we have to see how the race plays out. 75 laps can go quick here but we’re ready to go.”; The “Break-The-Ice-75” is not only about the RoC going against the Mahoning guns. Modified hot-shoes from New Jersey are also coming in including stalwart Anthony Sesely and others who can easily play a spoiler.Knowing that qualifying will be intense, promoter Floyd Santee has decided that to be as fair as possible to all teams he has added a Modified B-main.
In the likely event that 40 or more Modifieds are on hand, a 30-lap race will be held for the non-qualifiers and pay $800 to win and $100 to take the green.
“With the turnout we’ve had just in the past two Test and Tunes plus another day of pre-season testing lined up for tomorrow, (April 3), we can foresee this first race on April 9 as being a smash hit,” said Santee. The winner of the Break-The-Ice-75 will earn $2800, $1500 for second and $200 to take the green. 26 cars will qualify for the feature. All others, provided there are 40 cars, will then compete in the $800 to win 30-lap B-main. In the event of inclement weather the make-up date will be on Saturday, April 23. Also on the program will be the Mahoning Valley Late Models, Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks.
On Opening Day 2016 pits open 10:00 a.m. followed by Modified inspection at 11:30 a.m. Sign-in takes place from 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. Heat racing will begin at 4:00 p.m.