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CAMARA AND DELORENZO WIN ON NIGHT OF FEATURES AT FONDA
By: Ron Szczerba
FONDA, NY Ten years ago Fonda Speedway promoter Ric Lucia started a concept called the Night of Features at the Track of Champions. The Night of Features consists of double features in the Modified, Sportsman, and Pro Stock divisions and it adds plenty of drama to the racing program whether you are the point leader going into the night or not. It also made a very exciting racing program for the fans.
On Saturday evening the 2007 Night of Features racing program was run and when it was all said and done the 2007 Fonda Speedway Track Champions were Matt DeLorenzo (overall Modified), David Towns (Sportsman), Kenny Gates and Rob Yetman (co-champions in the Pro Stock division), Jeremy Cramer (IMCA), and Rocky Warner (Street Stock). For all drivers except for Gates (2004) and Warner (co-champion in 2005) it was their first career championships at Fonda in those divisions.
Feature winners on Screen for Life Night at Fonda were Dave Camara and DeLorenzo (Modified), Danny Varin and Towns (Sportsman), Roy Fifield and Gates (Pro Stock), Kevin Buff (IMCA), and Dave Horning Jr. and Chuck McSpirit (street stock).
Alton Palmer led the first four laps of the first Modified feature until Ray Zemken took over the point on the inside of turn four on lap five. On a restart after a caution on lap five for last weeks feature winner Ryan Odasz who was in the wall in turn four, Palmer retook the lead after a three wide battle with Jim Davis and Dave Camara for the spot. Also in the mix was Zemken who snuck by both Davis and Camara for the second position after falling back to fourth.
Davis and Camara were both able to get back by Zemken for the second and third positions on lap eight with Camara getting by Davis for the second spot on lap 11. At the line to complete lap 12, Palmer and Camara were side by side for the lead and one lap later Camara was the new race leader after getting by Palmer on the inside of turn four.
Ronnie Johnson and Bobby Varin were in the second and third positions with five laps to go in the 20-lap event with that being the best race on the track as Camara continued to pull away from the field. Camara led the remaining laps for his first win of the season and the 20th of his career at Fonda over Bobby Varin who got by Johnson on the final lap for the second spot, Davis, and Zemken.
Camara actually drove to victory lane with a flat left front tire which he suffered during the feature event.
This has been a tough season with a lot of DNFs and I have really been tough on equipment this year, Camara said in victory lane. I hate waiting until the final week like this to get a win and I have to thank my crew for all of their hard work this year.
In the second 20-lap Modified feature Palmer again led the first lap before Pepicelli took over the point on the inside of turn four on lap two with DeLorenzo also getting by Palmer for the second spot after starting fourth on the inverted start from the finish of the first Modified feature event. On lap three in turn four, DeLorenzo was the new race leader after a side by side battle with Pepicelli for the position and from that point on he continually stretched out his advantage.
DeLorenzo held a half track lead on lap 12 when the red flag came out for Davis who flipped his car over many times in turn two. Davis was not injured and on the restart DeLorenzo held the lead with the red flag out before another lap was completed for a multi car crash in turn one.
Going into turn four Zemken made contact with the inside wall flattening his left front tire and coming down the front straightaway towards turn one he spun the car resulting in the pileup. Piling into the fray were Jack and Ronnie Johnson, Todd Morey, Mike Fusco, Ed Pieniazek, and Ancel Collins but fortunately nobody was injured in the wreck.
On the restart in turn two Pepicelli snuck up on DeLorenzo and got alongside for the lead but once DeLorenzo cleared Pepicelli in turn four he stretched out his lead lap after lap and went on for the win followed by Varin who got by Pepicelli for second spot on the final lap, Camara, and Hanson.
For DeLorenzo it was his eighth win of the season and the 12th of his career in the Modified division at Fonda.
I have to dedicate this win and my track championship to my uncle Gary who passed away a couple of years ago, DeLorenzo said in victory lane. He always loved to come and watch me race and this season is dedicated to him. I have to thank Kevin Gleason the president of BBL Companies, all of my other sponsors, and also my crew for all of their hard work this year as were able to finish every feature race this season.
After my first win this season everybody came up to me and asked whether I was going to win the championship this year, DeLorenzo said regarding the overall Modified Track Championship. The pressure was on me from that point on and fortunately I run well under pressure.
DeLorenzo was the Fonda Speedway 358-Modified track champion back in 2004 and in 2006 but this was his first overall Modified point title at Fonda.
The first of two 15-lap Sportsman feature events was led by Jason Memrick at the drop of the green flag. Mark Mortensen started the event on the pole and on lap two on the inside of turn three he was the new race leader after getting by Memrick.
On a restart after a caution on lap three, Memrick retook the lead with Mortensen dropping back to the fourth position on the restart as both Derrick McGrew and Danny Varin got by. When Memrick suffered a flat left rear tire on lap nine McGrew was the new leader of the event.
On lap 11, McGrew and Varin were side by side for the lead with McGrew able to hold on to the spot. Mark Kislowski got by both Mortensen and McAuliffe for the third position on lap 12 with one final caution coming out on lap 13. On the restart, Varin pressured McGrew for the lead on the inside of the speedway as McGrew was running the outside groove on the race track.
Coming out of turn two on lap 14, Varin got a great run underneath McGrew and by the time the cars entered turn three Varin was the new race leader. Varin held on for his first career sportsman feature win at Fonda over McGrew, Kislowski, John McAuliffe, and Mortensen.
This feels pretty good, Varin said as he stood in victory lane at Fonda for the first time. We have been close all year and tonight I was trying everything to get by McGrew for the lead. The top of the track was fast but I got a great run underneath him coming out of turn two to take the lead.
Jeremy Wilder led at the start of the second Sportsman feature event from his pole position start with Robert Perry in second. David Towns made it a three car battle for the lead on lap three only to have Perry go around the outside of both Towns and Wilder at that point for the lead in the event. Towns got by Wilder on lap five with a slide job move coming out of turn four for the second spot and set his sights on the leader just ahead.
On lap 11, Perry and Towns were side by side for the lead and coming out of turn four to complete the lap Towns was the new race leader. From that point on Towns pulled away to his 10th win of the season and the 26th of his career at Fonda over Perry, Wilder, John Scarborough , and Varin.
Robert (Perry) got out front early but he was running the outside of the speedway which was where I wanted to run, Towns said. I ended up getting by both Jeremy (Wilder) and Robert on the bottom so it all worked out well for us. In regard to his 10th win of the season Towns said that is a scary thought, me winning the most races of the season.
I have been trying for the last four years to win the track championship, Towns said about his 2007 Track Championship. With the car for sale I may be going out on top and retiring or I may get a new one for next year.
Dean Charbonneau led at the start of the first 15-lap Pro Stock feature with cars racing three and four wide for position on the frontstretch to complete lap one. Roy Fifield was the new second place car on lap two with the first of four yellow flags coming out shortly afterwards for Phil Pearson who spun on the backstretch.
On the restart, Fifield was the new race leader with Charbonneau, Chip Smith, Rob Yetman, and Kenny Martin Jr. completing the top five. When Martin slowed in turn one on lap 10 the caution was out again but nobody was going to catch Fifield who went on to his second win of the season and the third of his career at Fonda over Charbonneau, Yetman, Kenny Gates, and Ivan Joslin.
I didnt know how long it was going to take to get back here to victory lane, Fifield said. We have been working real hard since our bad wreck destroyed this car earlier this season and I have to thank Camara Slate for all of their support.
Nick Stone led lap one of Pro Stock feature number two after starting on the pole with Rob Yetman in second after starting fourth. Gates started the event in the third position and when lap two was completed he was the new race leader at the line. Gates maintained a half straightaway lead on lap nine with Stone coming back to the front after falling back early.
With two laps to go Stone got by Fifield for the third position and started pressuring Yetman for the second spot. With the point title on the line, Yetman was able to keep Stone behind him as Gates went on to his fourth win of the season and the 37th of his career at Fonda over Yetman, Stone, Fifield, and Smith.
The bottom was pretty good at the start of the feature so that is where I stayed, Gates said in victory lane. I knew that I had to win with the point title on the line so I focused on hitting my marks and not screwing up.
The point title came down to this week and we are definitely lucky to be here after hitting the wall last week, Gates said regarding the 2007 Track Championship. It has been a tough year off the track but on the track it has been great. I am so proud to win another Track Championship here. There is so much tradition at Fonda and to say that I won a Track Championship here means a lot.
This is awesome, Yetman said regarding his 2007 co-championship status with Gates. This place is very tough and I never thought that I would be here to be honest with you. Kenny is the cleanest guy to race with here at Fonda and to be a co-champion with him is really neat.
Both Fifield and Gates received a $150 bonus from the Dairy Frost in Vail Mills, NY for their feature wins.
The regular 20-lap IMCA feature began with JoJo Donato in the lead followed by Bob Banks Jr. Banks took the lead on the inside of turn three on lap two with last weeks winner Kevin Buff and Jeremy Cramer both getting by Donato for the second and third positions.
The only caution in the event came out on lap five for Howard Smith who crashed hard into the turn one wall. Smith was not injured in the crash. On the restart, Danny Ody, Jim Cramer, Donato, and Danny Ballard were racing four wide for position coming out of turn four.
On lap six, Aaron Jacobs got by Jeremy Cramer for the third position with a three car battle for the lead ensuing on lap seven between Banks, Buff, and Jacobs. On lap eight on the outside of turn four, Jacobs swung around the outside of both Buff and Banks for the lead with Buff now in the second spot after also getting by Banks.
Jacobs ran away and hid for many laps until with five laps to go Buff closed in on his back bumper. With three laps to go, Buff made his way by Jacobs for the lead on the inside of turn four with Jacobs going back to the third spot after he slid up high in turn three allowing Jeremy Cramer to get by.
Buff went on to the back to back win followed by Jeremy Cramer, Jacobs, Ballard, and Banks.
It was real fast on the outside and I started closing in on him using that line around the speedway, Buff said after the win. When I got to him I went low in turn two and was able to get around him. I was getting real good forward bite and it is great to end the season with two wins in a row.
This is a great honor, Jeremy Cramer said about his 2007 Track Championship. To be on the list with Steve Bidwell, George Catanzano, and Danny Ballard is really special. I have looked up to them for a long time. Steve (Bidwell) is the one who talked me into getting into the IMCA class and I have to thank my father and my brother because without them I wouldnt be doing this.
The first of two 12-lap Street Stock feature events was led by Jeff Crosier at the drop of the green flag. Dave Horning Jr. took over the point on lap two after Crosier slowed in turn four with last weeks feature winner Rob VanAernam in the third spot by lap seven.
VanAernam was the new second place runner on lap nine after a three lap side by side battle with Luke Horning and was right on the leaders rear bumper on the next lap. Horning Jr. and VanAernam were side by side for the lead as lap 10 was completed with Horning Jr. able to hold on to the lead.
Horning Jr. went on to his fourth win of the season and the 51st of his career over VanAernam, Reuben Kennedy, Luke Horning, and Joe Smith.
Chuck McSpirit led flag to flag in the second Street Stock feature for his second win of the season and the second of his career at Fonda over Rocky Warner, Dave Horning Sr., Neil Cosselman, and Cassidy Wilson.
The story of the race was the race to the 2007 point championship as the top two contenders were racing in the same feature event. Warner and Horning Sr. put on a great race for the fans with Warner taking home the 2007 Fonda Speedway Track Championship.
I really have to thank my car owner and my engine builder for such a great season, Warner said. All season long we were looking at the big picture as we were playing catch up with the points all season. Through it all there were many ups and downs this season but we got through it all. I was nervous in the feature but we were able to beat Dave (Horning Sr.) fair and square for the title so I know we did a good job tonight.
The Fonda Futures Kids Club held a Banner Contest on Saturday night and the winners in the different age groups were: age group 3-8 Tiffany Ebert (most beautiful), Rogeana and Sam Steele (most creative), and Lexi Davis (most original). In age group 9-13 the winners were Tyler Ebert (most original), Lindsey Rosen (most creative), and Rebecca Hart (most beautiful).
The Fonda Speedway will now be closed for the annual Fonda Fair but will be back in action on Sunday, September 16 when all classes will compete in open events based on their home track specs. Starting time on Back to School Student Night will be 1:00 p.m.
NIGHT OF FEATURES QUALIFYING PROCEDURE
The top 12 in the Modified and Sportsman points going into the night on August 18 were handicapped. Positions 13th, 14th, and 15th in points started the first feature event in the 13th, 14th, and 15th starting spots. Drivers in point positions 16th and down lined up in a B Main event which qualified more cars for the first Modified and Sportsman feature events.
The top 10 in Pro Stock points were handicapped for the first feature event while point positions 11th and down were handicapped according to money won with no B-Main being run.
MODIFIED B-MAIN 10-LAPS ALL QUALIFY KORY GURNEY, Steve Akers, Todd Morey, Brett Graham, Ancel Collins, Floyd Billington, Ed Harris, John Gibson, Ed Pieniazek, John Marsh, Paul Cirincione
SCREEN FOR LIFE MODIFIED FEATURE #1 20-LAPS DAVE CAMARA, Bobby Varin, Ronnie Johnson, Jim Davis, Ray Zemken, Jack Johnson, Matt DeLorenzo, Craig Hanson, Alton Palmer, Tony Pepicelli, Mike Fusco, Donnie Corellis, Todd Morey, Steve Akers, Erik Nelson, Paul Cirincione, Ed Pieniazek, Elmo Reckner, Ancel Collins, Floyd Billington, Brett Graham, John Marsh, Kory Gurney, Ed Harris, John Gibson, Ryan Odasz
SCREEN FOR LIFE MODIFIED FEATURE #2 20-LAPS INVERTED 10 FROM THE FINISH OF THE FIRST FEATURE EVENT FOR STARTING POSITIONS MATT DELORENZO, Bobby Varin, Tony Pepicelli, Dave Camara, Craig Hanson, Steve Akers, Todd Morey, Ryan Odasz, Ed Pieniazek, John Marsh, Ancel Collins, Brett Graham, Kory Gurney, Ed Harris, Ray Zemken, Jim Davis, Ronnie Johnson, Jack Johnson, Mike Fusco, Elmo Reckner, Floyd Billington, Alton Palmer, Donnie Corellis, Erik Nelson, John Gibson, Paul Cirincione
SPORTSMAN B-MAIN 10-LAPS ALL QUALIFY JOHN SCARBOROUGH, Vinnie Sanganetti, Jim Meka, Bill Wilder, Anthony Denny, Pete Sisler, Randy Meka, John Constantino, Mark Bishop, Cory Wilder, Ricky Quick
SCREEN FOR LIFE SPORTSMAN FEATURE #1 15-LAPS DANNY VARIN, Derrick McGrew, Mark Kislowski, John McAuliffe, Mark Mortensen, David Towns, John Scarborough , Luke Munroe, Robert Perry, Jeremy Wilder, Dave Constantino, Jim Meka, Tony Farone, Pete Sisler, Ricky Quick, Mark Bishop, Vinnie Sanganetti, Anthony Denny, John Constantino, Randy Meka, Bill Wilder, Jason Memrick, Cory Wilder
SCREEN FOR LIFE SPORTSMAN FEATURE #2 15-LAPS INVERTED 10 FROM THE FINISH OF THE FIRST FEATURE EVENT FOR STARTING POSITIONS DAVID TOWNS, Robert Perry, Jeremy Wilder, John Scarborough , Danny Varin, John McAuliffe, Derrick McGrew, Luke Munroe, Mark Mortensen, Dave Constantino, Jason Memrick, Ricky Quick, Tony Farone, Pete Sisler, Jim Meka, Mark Bishop, Bill Wilder, Vinnie Sanganetti, John Constantino, Randy Meka, Anthony Denny, Cory Wilder, Mark Kislowski
NO B-MAIN WAS RUN IN THE PRO STOCK DIVISION
SCREEN FOR LIFE PRO STOCK FEATURE #1 15-LAPS ROY FIFIELD, Dean Charbonneau, Rob Yetman, Kenny Gates, Ivan Joslin, Nick Stone, Chucky Dumblewski, Shane Henderson, Tony Stone, Jason Brownell, Chip Smith, Phil Pearson, Frank Twing Jr., Kenny Martin Jr., Rod Slater, Jim Burton (DNS)
SCREEN FOR LIFE PRO STOCK FEATURE #2 15-LAPS INVERTED 6 FROM FINISH OF FIRST FEATURE EVENT FOR STARTING POSITIONS KENNY GATES, Rob Yetman, Nick Stone, Roy Fifield, Chip Smith, Kenny Martin Jr., Dean Charbonneau, Phil Pearson, Jim Burton, Jason Brownell, Rod Slater, Frank Twing Jr., Chucky Dumblewski, Shane Henderson, Ivan Joslin, Tony Stone (DNS)
IMCA QUALIFYING 13 total cars 4 qualify
HEAT 1 Aaron Jacobs, Bob Banks Jr., Jeremy Cramer, JoJo Donato
HEAT 2 Jim Cramer, Kevin Buff, Beau Ballard, Howard Smith
SCREEN FOR LIFE IMCA FEATURE 20-LAPS KEVIN BUFF, Jeremy Cramer, Aaron Jacobs, Danny Ballard, Bob Banks Jr., Danny Ody, Jim Cramer, JoJo Donato, Beau Ballard, Bill Casey, Carol Parker, Jeff Townsend, Howard Smith
SCREEN FOR LIFE STREET STOCK FEATURE #1 12-LAPS DAVE HORNING JR., Rob VanAernam, Reuben Kennedy, Luke Horning, Joe Smith, Cody Bleau, Don Warner, Malcum Warner, Dave Sullivan, Scott Wells, Jeff Crosier, Justin Knight, Dan Pollock
SCREEN FOR LIFE STREET STOCK FEATURE #2 12-LAPS CHUCK MCSPIRIT, Rocky Warner, Dave Horning Sr., Neil Cosselman, Cassidy Wilson, Chris Reckner, Steve Oleksak, Randy Moore, Eric Sbrega, Chad Allen, Brian Haas
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