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FAN FUN NIGHT IS A HUGE SUCCESS, THUNDER SERIES DODGES THE RAIN. . . . .
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BRETT HEARN POCKETS $,6,000 IN WILD & EXCITING 100 LAP SUPER DIRTcar
SERIES 100 LAP TRAFFIC JAM WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY
The NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series event on Wednesday
night at the Grandview Speedway just could go down as one of the all
time best shows in the eighteen year history of this popular mid-week
racing series. First, and against all odds, sunshine prevailed over
the one-third mile track on "hill" and the scheduled 10th Annual Super
DIRTcar Series 100 Lap Traffic Jam beat out mother nature. The much
advertised first of three FAN FUN Nights also came off in popular
fashion with guest announcers Shane Andrews from DIRT, Nick Leach from
New Egypt, Bill Sasser from the Bridgeport Speedway and regular Thunder
Announcer Jeff Alhum were very entertaining in the action filled event.
Last but not least, Brett Hearn was the star of the show, taking the
lead on lap eight then going on to score the win. It was far from an
easy night for Hearn, as Duane Howard, Ryan Godown and Jimmy Horton
were contenders for the win right up to the closing laps.
A field of thirty-six Big Block Modifieds took part in the COMDIAL
Telephone Communications Time Trials with Duane Howard of Oley, PA
setting fast time with a 14:532. For the quick one lap. Howard earned
an easy $300. A series of four heat race events were presented with
victories going to Jimmy Horton, Gary Tomkins, Matt Sheppard and Steve
Paine. The two consolation events were won by Alan Johnson and Sean
Merkel.
For the FAN FUN activities, many fans were treated to the INSIDE/OUT
Promotion, offering an inside fourth turn view of the Big Block Modified
warm-ups. Several fans took a ride in the Pace Truck and one special
race fan actually had the opportunity to drop the green flag in a heat
race event. Prior to the start of the feature, the track gate was
opened allowing spectators the option to go on the track and Meet &
Greet their favorite driver during pre-feature driver introductions and
the top twelve feature line-up draw.
In the 100 Lap Traffic Jam, pole sitter Duane Howard was the early race
leader followed by Gary Tomkins, Danny Johnson and Ryan Godown. On a
charge was Brett Hearn who was racing in fourth by lap four. Suddenly
the deck started to shuffle and Hearn moved into second on lap seven..
One lap later, Hearn was the new leader, but don't count this one as
over. The field really went to battle and the show was now in the
hands of Jimmy Horton, Duane Howard and Mr. Excitement, Ryan Godown.
Howard fought back with passion, but as he closed in on Hearn, Godown
and Horton took advantage and closed in on Howard.
On lap eighteen, Howard dove to the inside and nosed ahead of Hearn at
the start-finish line but Hearn quickly rebounded to retain the top
spot. On lap twenty-three Ryan Godown moved into second and it was
his turn to go after Hearn. On lap twenty-four, Godown led the lap
with Hearn going back on top just one lap later.
One of the most interesting points of the entire one-hundred laps came
on lap thirty-one when Hearn, Godown, Howard and Jimmy Horton entered
into a four car race for the lead. Then on lap thirty-four, a caution
slowed the field bringing all the front runners into striking distance
one again. The race resumed and as the field passed on lap
thirty-six, Hearn, Godown and Howard were now in a three car race for
the lead, playing tag with each other as well as the outside wall.
Not one driver gave up and by lap forty-three, Hearn, Godown and Duane
Howard were again racing under a blanket for the lead. Godown was just
flat out thrilling as his right rear bumper glazed the boiler-plate with
the completion of each lap. At the halfway point, Hearn, Godown,
Howard, Jimmy Horton and Frank Cozze now made-up the top five.
The top, or the far outside was the place to be as Hearn now took a high
line. On lap fifty-two and again on lap fifty-six, Hearn and Godown
were in a battle for the lead, swaping paint with Jimmy Horton now in
third and closing on the leaders. There was just so much racing and
passing, you didn't know where, or who, to watch.
Lapped traffic help Hearn by lap sixty-eight and he settled into a
comfortable lead over Godown and Howard. Matt Sheppard brought out the
caution on lap seventy-two when he stopped in turn three. On the
restart, Hearn was in command with Godown and Howard in a battle for
second. On lap ninety-one, Steve Paine entered the chase and in a
challenge for second, Godown, Howard and Paine charged out of turn four
in a three-abreast run down the homestretch.
Paine moved into third and set his sights on the runner-up spot. Godown
and Paine fought for second with Godown bouncing off the third turn wall
with the passing of each lap. At the waive of the checkered flag, Hearn
took the win and the $6,000 first place check as Ryan Godown finished
second with loud cheers from the fans. Steve Paine rallied home third
with Duane Howard fourth and Billy Decker fifth. It was a thrilling
event that was completed by 10:15 PM.
The Garden State Vintage Stock Cars were on hand and once again
presented a very exciting and entertaining eight lap exhibition race.
10th ANNUAL 100 LAP TRAFFIC JAM FEATURE FINISH: Brett Hearn, Ryan
Godown, Steve Paine, Duane Howard, Billy Decker, Tim Fuller, Jimmy
Horton, Richie Tobias, Rick Laubach, Alan Johnson, Jimmy Phelps, Justin
Haers, Frank Cozze, Jimmy Horton Jr., Brad Missimer, Doug Manmiller,
Jeff Strunk, Danny Johnson, Matt Sheppard, Dale Planck, Kenny
Brightbill, Gary Tomkins, Shawn Reimert, Ray Swinehart, Sean Merkel,
John Willman, Kevin Bates, Billy Dunn, Brian Kressley, Brett Tonkin.
DNQ - - Vince Gagliardo, Wallace Stacey, Tommy Scheetz Jr., MeMe
DeSantis, Jim Robertson, Ricky Retter.
Remaining FAN FUN NIGHT'S. . . . .
Bridgeport Speedway- - Tuesday, August 7 Walt
Chernokal Memorial. 40 Lap Modified, $4,000 to win joined by open
competition sportsman. Gates Open at 5 PM, Pit Gates at 4:30 PM with
race time set for 7 PM. www.thenewbridgeportspeedway.com
New Egypt Speedway- - Wednesday, August 15
Super DIRT Series Big Bear 60 for Big Block Modifieds. Gates open at
5:00 with race time set for 7 PM. www.newegyptspeedway.com
2007 Remaining NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series
events. . . . .
Tuesday, August 21st 7:30 PM The Grandview THUNDER 5-25's
Features Only
The fans favorite, the Grandview THUNDER 5-25's features only
program will make-up this popular racing program. The 410 Sprints,
NASCAR Modifieds, 600 Sprints, Rolling Thunder Legends and the 600
Modifieds will be the five featured classes of this show. Be sure to
catch the 5-25's, the fans just love the feature only format. No Time
Trials, No Heat Races, No Consolations, No Qualifying. . . . Just 5
Awesome features in one night of racing. Over 100 cars compete in this
great night of racing.
Saturday, October 20 6:00 PM House of Thunder Grandview THUNDER
5-25's Features Only
The House of Thunder Halloween Party and Grandview THUNDER
5-25's features only program will close out the 2007 Thunder on the Hill
Racing Series. On the five division program will be the URC Spooky
Sprints, the NASCAR Nasty Modifieds, the Looney Late Models, Ghostly
Legends and the 600 Monster Modifieds. An added attraction to the show
will be the always enjoyable Garden State Vintage Stock Cars. Come out
early for the pre-race fun! Dress up for Halloween and maybe you'll be
in the Victory Lane Photo.
The Grandview Speedway is located on Passmore Road just off
Route 100 in Bechtelsville, PA (19505). For more information on the
Thunder on the Hill Racing Series please visit:
www.thunderonthehillracingseries.com
or call 215-860-5631.
The Grandview Speedway web site is: www.grandviewspeedway.com
and the track phone is
610-754-7688.
Grandview Speedway is in operation every Saturday night,
featuring the NASCAR 358 Modifieds and the Late Models with a 7:30 PM
starting time.
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