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Jeff Heotzler Ends Wait With Dramatic Eastern States 200 Modified Triumph
Middletown, NY – October 21, 2007 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super
DIRTcar Series PR Director
Home track favorite Jeff Heotzler ended a story book season as he outlasted Billy
Decker on Sunday to capture the 46th Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series
Eastern States 200 Big-Block Modified Championship at Orange County Fair
Speedway. Heotzler earned the 2007 Orange County points title without a single win
before closing out the season with the biggest victory of his career that awarded him the
$20,000 first-place prize.
“We’ve been waiting so, so long to win a 200, I’m elated,” said Heotzler, who turned 50
years old on Oct. 2 and has spent more than half his life chasing the coveted Eastern
States trophy. The Wallkill, N.Y. veteran finally realized his dream after 28 tries, up until
Sunday leading more laps than anyone without an E-S Championship to his credit. “I
told the guys we could do it from the back, just had to be smart and keep the wheels
under it. We had a very ,very good car today. This was my house. I kept the car square
and drove it off the right front. I knew we had to save the tires and by God we did it.”
After starting 42nd in the 46-car field, Heotzler sped past Billy Decker when his fuel tank
ran dry on lap 193 and held off three-time defending race winner Brett Hearn in a race
that was slowed by 18 caution periods and a trio of red flags. Hearn’s runner-up tally
secured him the overall Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Modified Series
Championship, with veteran Rich Eurich crossing the line third ahead of Pennsylvanian
Rick Laubach and Capital District runner Kenny Tremont.
“I was coming and still had a little bit left. I don’t know if we could’ve caught Billy but I
would’ve gave it a shot,” said Heotzler, already a two-time winner (1988-89) of the
Eastern States Small-Block race before Mike Petruska’s JPM-powered no. 66 Atlas
Paving-Behrent's Performance Warehouse/Bicknell entry carried him to the elusive Big-
Block victory in the nation’s longest running dirt short-track event. “With about five to go
I would’ve put it dead on the bottom where nobody was … it would’ve been interesting.”
Heotzler had already generated plenty of interest leading up to the race even with his
fourth Orange County points title neatly tucked away coming into the 2007 finale. Just
days before Eastern States Weekend arrived, his father in-law passed away sending his
wife Petra out west for the funeral services. “I want to dedicate this win to my wife’s
father, Winfred Pfister, he was behind us for so many years.”
“We didn’t start out the year racing for points and almost didn’t race again after
Memorial Day with the track conditions,” revealed Heotzler, who finished 21st in his first
E-S Championship run in 1979 and since then has only missed the ’83 event. Today he
owns 42 Big-Block wins at the Middletown track that ranks him sixth all-time. “Now I’m
having more fun than ever and racing with my son, the kids keep you going. I want to
teach (Jeff Jr.) to respect the equipment and stay focused to be successful. I think I’ve
been smart about my racing and that’s what I want to show him.”
Lesson one on Sunday was perseverance as Heotzler was in position to win his first
Eastern States Championship in 2002 when a lapped car knocked him from the lead
with just laps to go before finishing 13th, one lap down. Just to make the 46-car starting
grid this time around he qualified in the fourth and final spot in the second of three
consolation round races to fall in four positions from the back. And then the drama
began to unfold.
First, there was pole-sitter Brett Hearn looking to turn his fast time into a fourth
consecutive Eastern States triumph and ninth overall. Next came top-six time trialer Tim
Fuller who held a 63-point advantage over ‘Brett the Jet’ entering the event and was in
search of his second overall Mr. DIRTcar Modified Championship on Hearn’s home turf.
Then there was Heotzler, mired far back in the field yet destined to record one of the
most popular victories in Hard Clay history. The scene was set as the green flag flew
with Heotzler winless on the season, Fuller never before having won at Orange County
and 15-time track champ Hearn confident to post his sixth win of the season in the
Advance Auto Parts Series showdown.
Mirroring his early race dominance exhibited the year before, Hearn jumped out
to the lead with rival Danny Johnson, Orange County veteran Bruce Kline and
Series standouts Decker and Matt Sheppard next in line. Looking to match his
tour triumph scored in May at OCFS, Frank Cozze suffered a flat tire to force the
initial slowdown on lap seven. The first of three red flags unfurled on the ensuing
restart when Alan Barker slammed into the sideways mount of Joe Morel in turn
one and rolled upside down as a result.
Despite a handful of yellow flags negating any momentum, Hearn was able to
maintain a comfortable distance over his nearest challengers through lap 50
when he pulled the familiar blue Madsen Motorsports no. 20 Wentworth Custom
Homes/TEO mount pitside for his mandatory stop to relinquish the point to last
year’s pole winner Rick Mill. Butch Tittle, Tremont, Greg Sleight and Bob
McGannon made up the new top-five with Hearn returning seventh as almost the
entire field had tailgaited him down pit row.
The ‘controlled chaos’ that centered around nearly 40 cars cramming pit lane at
the same time carried over to the track as back-to-back yellow flags kept the
scorers reeling. Mill was turned sideways in the fourth corner before he got his
first chance to lead under green and Tremont suffered the same consequences
as the unruly pack was relentless in its attempt to restart the Modified main. Tittle
was scored the leader on lap 60 before the second red flag dropped to sort out
the trackside traffic jam.
Just prior to the green lights coming back on, Tittle was motioned to turn pitside
with an apparent tire going down. Hearn regained the lead in the aftermath
followed by Decker, and suddenly sitting seemingly so quietly in third was
Heotzler, who had managed to avoid every previous altercation in his rise to the
top. Two more minor caution periods kept the field in check with 70 laps
complete and for the first time smoke was seen coming from the rear end of top-
10 runner Fuller, the Mr. DIRTcar points leader since teams departed from
Cayuga County on August 19.
Fuller seemed to get the break of the race almost immediately after as starter
Kenny Marshall displayed the third and final red flag on lap 76. Rusty Smith had
flipped over on his side in front of Cozze exiting turn three and the resulting
contact put Cozze’s mount out of the ‘ball park’ in one of the most spectacular
crashes of the season in Series competition. No injuries were reported, however,
a lengthy delay was required to repair the catch fence, utility pole and wire cables
that were damaged upon impact. With his car parked on pit road, Fuller’s crew
quickly went to work underneath the JL Motorsports no. 19 Chiefs Tobacco &
Gas-G&R Auto Parts/TEO machine once given clearance as the cars once again
began to roll.
Nearly an hour and a half after first getting underway, green lights were back on
with almost two-thirds of the race yet to finish. The timing was perfect for Decker
as he took advantage of the ninth caution period to move around Hearn in turns
one-two and forge the first lead change under green flag conditions on lap 86.
Waiting for Decker 14 more times around was the $1,000 halfway bonus posted
by Budweiser-Dana Distributors for leading lap 100. Hearn, Heotzler, Syracuse
Rite Aid 200 winner Vic Coffey and Laubach crossed the line next as Sheppard,
race rookie Danny Creeden, Gary Tomkins, Kline and 2000 Eastern States
Champion Chuck McKee filled out the top-10 with 100 laps to go.
With smoke continuing to billow from the Fuller car, the Edwards, N.Y. pilot was
still able to navigate the 5/8-miler and more importantly retain a top-15 position
which was needed to secure the overall Mr. DIRTcar crown. While Decker, Hearn
and Heotzler moved on ahead, the order was far from intact in their rear-view
mirrors. Sheppard fell off the pace on lap 125 with a flat rear tire and Coffey
pitted under yellow before a lap 141 restart, moving Eurich and Laubach into topfive
slots for the stretch run.
Pat Ward in the Gypsum Express had a solid seventh-place finish foiled as his
engine expired on lap 157 and 10 laps later a tangle on the front straightaway
between Coffey, McGannon and Donnie Elliott slowed the action one more time
just as Heotzler ducked under Hearn for second as the leaders sped through
turns one and two. Fuller had faded out of the front 15 and reluctantly limped into
the pits with terminal motor trouble just as the field picked up speed for the lap
172 restart.
With 20 laps left Decker held a commanding lead ahead of Heotzler and Hearn
as the top-three drivers put distance on their closest challengers. Little had
changed in the running order with still 10 to go, yet on lap 193 the LJL
Motorsports no. 91 Gypsum Wholesalers-Stadium Int'l-Quality
Hardwoods/Bicknell suddenly sputtered and Heotzler wasted no time assuming
the number one position when the final yellow flag flew with just a half-dozen
circuits remaining. The green/white/checkered flag finish was all that awaited
Heotzler as he held on for his seventh Advance Auto Parts Series win, his last
coming at Orange County in 1996.
“I didn’t know what happened to Brett or if he had anything left at the end,” said
Heotzler, who until Sunday stood behind only Orange County ace Bobby
Malzahn as the driver with the most Eastern States top-fives without a win.
Ironically, the Jeffer’s first E-S appearance in 1979 was the same year Hearn
captured both his first OCFS Big-Block Modified points title and Eastern States
Championship. “Brett pushed up that one time and I was able to get under him,
after that he wasn’t a factor. He was points racing so he didn’t need to be running
side-by-side with Jeff Heotzler with 5 laps to go.”
Fresh off his 10th career victory registered the day before in the Hauser Bros.
Mechanical Contractors 358-Modified Championship to kick off Eastern States
Weekend ‘07, Hearn settled for a fifth runner-up tally in his 30th consecutive E-S
start.
“We didn’t feel like we had a lot of pressure going into this one because we had
nothing to lose, just wanted to win the race and we came close,” said Hearn,
after locking up his record-tying sixth overall Hoosier-Sunoco Mr. DIRTcar
Modified Championship to match Jack Johnson’s feat that was accomplished
between 1980-88. “There’s not one race that won (Mr. DIRT) or could’ve lost it
for us, there was so much work and so much travel involved.”
“We got our breaks coming back through, missed some wrecks and had a fast
car all day. In the end we got beat by a faster one and Jeff deserves the
championship. Maybe thought I had something for Billy but when Jeff got by me
he had a strong car,” added Hearn, who closed out DIRTcar NorthEast’s 32nd
season with a Big-Block best total of 14 feature wins and tied for the division lead
with seven 358-Modified wins.
This year Hearn (3,493) rallied in the last race to overtake Fuller (3,473) by only
20 points with Decker (3,325) placing third ahead of Jimmy Phelps (3,247) and
Steve Paine (3,071). 2007 DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Motorsports Safety
Systems Rookie of the Year Mike Bowman finished 24th on the final points chart
with 1,510 markers.
With one Eastern States triumph on his resume, third-place finisher Eurich had his best
outing at the Middletown oval since dominating the 200-lapper in 1988. “We were
complaining about the motor, maybe it just broke in or something,” figured Eurich, who
qualified for his first E-S Championship in 1971 and finished second four years later.
“It’s a fresh motor and we used our short-track setup today. We’ve been around so long
we still remember a few things, but forgot a some as well. Out here I do know that you
can’t win during the first 100 laps, after that is when the race really starts. Today we had
on a used tire, maybe that’s a reason we weren’t as good as we could’ve been at the
end.”
With Eastern States Weekend now officially in the record book, all eyes turn to the
32nd annual DIRTcar Racing NorthEast ‘Night of Champions’ on Saturday,
November 17 at the Oncenter Complex in Syracuse , New York where over
$400,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to the top teams in competition. The
banquet will honor the 2007 champions in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar
Series Modified (Brett Hearn), 358-Modified (Mario Clair), Sportsman (Joe
Williams), Pro Stock (Pete Stefanski) and Scott Smith (Street Stock) divisions.
DIRTcar-Sanctioned Track Champions will also be recognized at the ‘07 awards
luncheon on Saturday afternoon in the Empire Room on the New York State
Fairgrounds.
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Race #32 – Orange County Fair
Speedway, Oct. 21, 2007 Eastern States 200 Championship Event Summary
FEATURE (200-laps):
FIN STR CAR# DRIVER LAPS
1 42 66 Jeff Heotzler/ Wallkill , NY ($20,000) 200
2 1 20 Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ 200
3 25 10 Rich Eurich/ Warwick , NY 200
4 29 14 Rick Laubach/ Quakertown , PA 200
5 35 115 Kenny Tremont/ West Sand Lake , NY 200
6 5 44s Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY 200
7 19 98h Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY 200
8 8 55 Mitch Gibbs/North Norwich ,NY 200
9 20 3 Justin Haers/ Phelps , NY 200
10 23 2 Ronnie Johnson/Duanesburg,NY 200
11 33 7x Steve Paine/Waterloo,NY 200
12 15 11 Danny Creeden/Middletown,NY 200
13 11 99 Ryan Phelps/Fulton,NY 199
14 30 Z Butch Tittle/Saylorsburg,PA 199
15 7 32c Vic Coffey/ Leicester , NY 199
16 28 88 Steve Dodd/Middletown,NY 199
17 18 17 Donnie Elliott/Middletown,NY 198
18 4 91 Billy Decker/ Unadilla , NY 197
19 2 59 Bruce Kline/Bangor,PA 189
20 36 24x Greg Sleight/Hopewell Junction,NY 188
21 44 49 Billy Dunn /Watertown,NY 178
22 46 60 Kenny Stafford/Homer,NY 176
23 6 19 Tim Fuller/Edwards, NY 171
24 17 42p Pat Ward/Genoa,NY 157
25 21 24 Chris Shultz/Pawling,NY 154
26 22 5 Chuck McKee/ Middletown , NY 142
27 10 84 Gary Tomkins/ Clifton Springs , NY 129
28 40 21m Bob McGannon/Garnerville,NY 127
29 31 21k Randy Chrysler/Lewiston,NY 124
30 38 77x Dale Planck/Cortland,NY 111
31 13 12a Jack Johnson/Duanesburg,NY 102
32 34 25 Mike Kolka/Circleville,NY 83
33 27 20c Craig Hanson/ Tribes Hill , NY 75
34 45 44 Frank Cozze/Wind Gap,PA 74
35 26 33-1/3 Tommy Meier/Waldwick,NJ 74
36 16 73 Rick Mill/New Windsor,NY 73
37 41 r2 Rusty Smith/Bethlehem,PA 72
38 39 99b Chuck Bower/Lansing,NY 67
39 12 47 Jerry Higbie/ Slate Hill , NY 54
40 37 673 Joe Morel/ Boonton , NJ 53
41 24 x2 Jimmy Horton/Neshanic Station,NJ 52
42 32 10s Alan Johnson/Middlesex,NY 44
43 3 27j Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY 35
44 14 71 David VanHorn/Phillipsburg,NJ 30
45 9 ofp1 Stewart Friesen/Niagara-o-t-Lake,ONT 18
46 43 22g Alan Barker/Norwich,NY 11
GATER NEWS LAP LEADERS: Hearn (1-50), Mill (51-53), Tremont (54-59), Tittle
(60), Hearn (61-85), Decker (86-192), Heotzler (193-200).
TOTAL LAPS LED: 107-Decker, 75-Hearn, 8-Heotzler, 6-Tremont, 3-Mill, 1-Tittle.
CAUTIONS: 18 for 88 laps; 3 RED FLAGS (lap 12, lap 60, lap 76).
BUDWEISER/DANA DISTRIBUTORS HALFWAY (LAP 100) AWARD: Billy Decker.
VRP SHOCKS ROOKIE OF THE RACE: Danny Creeden.
MAXWELL 31st LAP HARD CHARGER: Jeff Heotzler.
BERT HARD CHARGER: Jeff Heotzler.
AREA AUTO RACING NEWS HARD LUCK AWARD: Clinton Mills.
VRP SHOCKS 5TH-PLACE BONUS: Kenny Tremont.
HEAT WINNERS: Gibbs, Friesen, Tomkins, R.Phelps, Higbie, J.Johnson.
CONSI WINNERS: A.Johnson, Paine, Kolka.
WLR CONSTRUCTION POLE WINNER: Brett Hearn (21.785sec/103.282mph).
INTEGRA SHOCKS FAST TIMER: Brett Hearn (21.785sec/103.282mph).
CARS ENTERED: 81.
TOTAL PURSE: $62,200.
DID NOT QUALIFY(35)
OB's-Oscar Boria/ Middletown , NY
X-Ben Rizzo/Middletown,NY
Xk-Ed Kitchell/South Kingston ,RI
1-Dave Werber/ Brewster , NY
1j-Bobby Varin/ Sharon Springs ,NY
1k-Robert King/ Granville , NY
1LB-Allan Kellogg/Mt.Cobb,PA
6n-Eric Palmer/ Cresco , PA
7-Donnie Wilson/ Ramsey , NJ
7k-Kirk Horton/Eldred,NY
9-Pierre DagenaisGatineau,QUE
9j-Johnny Guarino/ Nanuet , NY
13-Brett Tonkin/ Carbondale , PA
14b-Dan Barnes/ Honesdale , PA
16-A.J. Romano/ Johnstown , NY
17d-Danny O'Brien/Kingston,ONT
17jr.-Jeff Heotzler,Jr./ Wallkill , NY
18-Sean Beardsley/Central Square, NY
21-Clinton Mills/Middletown,NY
t21-Roger Chrysler/ Lewiston , NY
32-Cliff Ehrmann/ Mahwah , NJ
34-Andy Bachetti/ Sheffield , MA
44x-Stan Jablonka/ Poughquag , NY
51-Jim VanAnden/ Stormville , NY
53-Ric Hill/Lafayette,NJ
j66-Jared Petruska/ Wayne , NJ
70-Eric Acquaro/New Windsor , NY
77f-Mark Flach,Jr./ Coxsackie , NY
82p-Joe Puzzella/ Roselle , NJ
85-Erik Nelson/ Amsterdam , NY
93x-Craig Mitchell/Wappingers Falls,NY
99w-Larry Wight/ Phoenix , NY
7-17-Everett Haubrich/Lafayette,NJ
923-Colin Jackson/ Peckville , PA
959-Brett Graham/ Kerhonkson , NY
SUNDAY QUALIFYING
Consolation Round (10 laps, top-4 finishers transferred to feature)
#1: A.Johnson, Tremont, Planck, Smith, Beardsley, Werber, Tonkin , K.Horton,
Wight, Kellogg, Jackson, Romano (DNS), Acquaro (DNS), Petruska (DNS).
#2: Paine, Sleight, Bower, Heotzler, Bachetti, Varin, Heotzler Jr., Graham,
VanAnden, Dunn, Kitchell (DNS), Wilson (DNS), King (DNS).
#3: Kolka, Morel, McGannon, Barker, Dagenais, Mitchell, Flach, Nelson, Stafford ,
Rizzo, Hill, Mills, Cozze, Boria, Ro.Chrysler (DNS), O’Brien (DNS), Puzzella
(DNS).
Guaranteed: Dunn, Cozze.
Provisional: Stafford .
2007 Overall Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Modified/
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Point Standings (FINAL)
®-Rookie
Rank No. Driver Points Series Bonus Diff. Wins Top-5 Top-10 Starts
1 20 Brett Hearn 3,493 2,293 1200 0 7 17 26 32
2 19 Tim Fuller 3,473 2,273 1200 -20 3 20 31 32
3 91 Billy Decker 3,325 2,125 1200 -168 4 16 24 32
4 98H Jimmy Phelps 3,247 2,047 1200 -246 1 16 25 32
5 7x Steve Paine 3,071 1,871 1200 -422 1 7 20 32
6 77x Dale Planck 2,962 1,762 1200 -531 1 4 18 32
7 44s Matt Sheppard 2,881 1,681 1200 -612 1 5 18 31
8 27J Danny Johnson 2,850 1,650 1200 -643 4 9 14 30
9 84 Gary Tomkins 2,730 1,530 1200 -763 3 8 15 31
10 49 Billy Dunn 2,532 1,332 1200 -961 0 1 7 30
11 44c Frank Cozze 2,505 1,305 1200 -988 1 3 8 27
12 3 Justin Haers 2,317 1,217 1200 -1,176 0 1 10 25
13 99 Ryan Phelps 1,984 784 1200 -1,509 0 1 5 19
14 99b Chuck Bower 1,748 548 1200 -1,745 0 0 1 17
15 60 Kenny Stafford 1,741 541 1200 -1,752 0 0 0 15
16 115 Kenny Tremont 1,643 443 1200 -1,850 0 2 3 5
17 32c Vic Coffey 1,642 442 1200 -1,851 1 5 13 23
18 26 Ryan Godown 1,602 402 1200 -1,891 0 1 3 7
19 6 Pat O'Brien 1,588 388 1200 -1,905 1 1 3 8
20 98 Eddie Marshall 1,547 347 1200 -1,946 0 1 3 3
21 45J Wayne Jelley 1,527 327 1200 -1,966 0 0 1 6
22 15 Brett Tonkin 1,522 322 1200 -1,971 0 0 0 10
23 42 Jimmy Horton 1,515 315 1200 -1,978 0 0 1 7
24 16 Mike Bowman® 1,510 310 1200 -1,983 0 0 1 12
25 18 Sean Beardsley 1,494 294 1200 -1,999 0 0 0 10
26 21J Jeff Trombley 1,459 259 1200 -2,034 0 1 2 3
27 24 Chris Shultz 1,447 247 1200 -2,046 0 0 0 5
28 74 J.R. Heffner 1,440 240 1200 -2,053 0 1 1 3
29 43 Keith Flach 1,439 239 1200 -2,054 0 0 1 3
30 56 Vince Vitale 1,432 232 1200 -2,061 0 0 0 7
31 Z Butch Tittle 1,429 229 1200 -2,064 0 0 0 6
32 02 Roy Bresnahan®1,414 214 1200 -2,079 0 0 0 7
33 X Chad Phelps 1,409 209 1200 -2,084 0 0 0 7
34 51m Keith Hoffman® 1,404 204 1200 -2,089 1 2 3 3
35 121 Joe Beyea 1,402 202 1200 -2,091 0 0 0 9
36 21 Derrick Podsiadlo1,398 198 1200 -2,095 0 0 0 7
37 66 Jeff Heotzler 1,394 194 1200 -2,099 1 1 1 2
38 10E Rich Eurich 1,382 182 1200 -2,111 0 1 1 2
39 88 Steve Hulsizer 1,375 175 1200 -2,118 0 0 0 6
40 87 Hector Stratton 1,365 165 1200 -2,128 0 0 1 2
41 60 Brian Berger 1,363 163 1200 -2,130 0 0 1 2
42 8 Rob Bellinger® 1,346 146 1200 -2,147 0 0 0 6
43 42B Kevin Bates 1,344 144 1200 -2,149 0 0 2 20
44 71 David VanHorn 1,342 142 1200 -2,151 0 0 0 4
45 91h Chad Homan 1,340 140 1200 -2,153 0 0 0 5
46 33.3 Tommy Meier 1,338 138 1200 -2,155 0 0 0 3
47 7J Jeff Isabell 1,336 136 1200 -2,157 0 0 0 3
48 5 Chuck McKee 1,321 121 1200 -2,172 0 0 1 2
49 7 Ron Jon Koczon®1,320 120 1200 -2,173 0 0 0
3
50 3 Sam Martz® 1,320 120 1200 -2,173 0 0 1 3
51 20 Matt Quinn 1,320 120 1200 -2,173 0 0 0 2
52 22g Mitch Gibbs 1,316 116 1200 -2,177 0 0 2 10
53 5 Jason Potter 1,316 116 1200 -2,177 0 0 0 2
54 45m Mike Ward 1,315 115 1200 -2,178 0 0 0 4
55 62s Tom Sears Jr. 1,314 114 1200 -2,179 0 0 1 2
56 44 Shannon Whaley 1,311 111 1200 -2,182 0 0 0 4
57 42 Guy Sheldon 1,310 110 1200 -2,183 0 0 0 2
58 83 Br.Swartzlander 1,308 108 1200 -2,185 0 0 0 2
59 11 Danny Creeden 1,300 100 1200 -2,193 0 0 0 1
60 73 Rick Mill 1,300 100 1200 -2,193 0 0 0 2
61 24 John Hewitt 1,298 98 1200 -2,195 0 0 0 2
62 88 Steve Dodd 1,294 94 1200 -2,199 0 0 0 1
63 46 Jeremy Smith 1,292 92 1200 -2,201 0 0 0 2
64 673 Joe Morel® 1,291 91 1200 -2,202 0 0 0 2
65 85 Jim Robertson® 1,290 90 1200 -2,203 0 0 0 2
66 41 Rich Rutski® 1,284 84 1200 -2,209 0 0 0 3
67 48T Dave Rauscher 1,284 84 1200 -2,209 0 0 0 10
68 25 Mike Kolka 1,283 183 1100 -2,210 0 0 0 4
69 24 Jim Witko Jr. 1,283 83 1200 -2,210 0 0 0 2
70 93 Ryan Bartlett 1,280 80 1200 -2,213 0 0 0 3
71 09 Bob Drayton® 1,273 73 1200 -2,220 0 0 1 2
72 55 Mike King 1,270 70 1200 -2,223 0 0 0 1
73 224 Chris Whitehead1,270 70 1200 -2,223 0 0 0 1
74 B2 Bob Henry Jr. 1,269 69 1200 -2,224 0 0 0 4
75 09 Kyle Lewis 1,264 64 1200 -2,229 0 0 0 2
76 8 Tim O'Brien 1,264 64 1200 -2,229 0 0 1 2
77 0 Russ Hefti® 1,263 63 1200 -2,230 0 0 0 11
78 42p Pat Ward 1,260 60 1200 -2,233 0 4 10 15
79 2b Dom. Buffalino®1,259 59 1200 -2,234 0 0 0 1
80 5w Pat Wall® 1,255 55 1200 -2,238 0 0 0 1
81 32 Cliff Ehrmann 1,255 55 1200 -2,238 0 0 0 1
82 777 Kevin Bolland 1,254 54 1200 -2,239 0 0 0 1
83 47 Jerry Higbie 1,250 50 1200 -2,243 0 0 0 3
84 14J Alan Johnson 1,250 50 1200 -2,243 2 5 14 29
85 56 Russell King 1,250 50 1200 -2,243 0 0 0 1
86 518 Kyle Sheldon 1,248 48 1200 -2,245 0 0 0 1
87 59 Tad Cox® 1,246 46 1200 -2,247 0 0 0 2
88 54x John Keller 1,245 45 1200 -2,248 0 0 0 2
89 60x Bill Gill 1,240 40 1200 -2,253 0 0 0 1
90 53 Dave Franek 1,240 40 1200 -2,253 0 0 0 1
91 23 Tom Carberry® 1,240 40 1200 -2,253 0 0 0 1
92 7J Joe Isabell 1,235 35 1200 -2,258 0 0 0 1
93 99 Charlie Donk 1,231 31 1200 -2,262 0 0 0 1
94 93x Craig Mitchell 1,230 30 1200 -2,263 0 0 0 0
95 17J Jeff Heotzler Jr. 1,230 30 1200 -2,263 0 0 0 0
96 4 Andy Bachetti 1,220 20 1200 -2,273 0 1 1 3
97 65 Rex King 1,220 20 1200 -2,273 0 0 0 0
98 165 Rex King Jr.® 1,220 20 1200 -2,273 0 0 0 0
99 83 Tim Sears 1,220 20 1200 -2,273 0 0 0 0
100 17d Tom Juhl® 1,215 15 1200 -2,278 0 0 0 2
101 21m Bob McGannon 1,212 112 1100 -2,281 0 0 0 2
102 22 Rich Wegner® 1,210 10 1200 -2,283 0 0 0 0
103 OBs Gary Edwards Jr1,210 10 1200 -2,283 0 0 0 0
104 160 Johnny Hill 1,210 10 1200 -2,283 0 0 0 0
105 25 Paul Habeck® 1,210 10 1200 -2,283 0 0 0 0
106 34R Russ Reckner 1,210 10 1200 -2,283 0 0 0 0
107 39 Tyler Bartlett 1,210 10 1200 -2,283 0 0 0 0
Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Modified Champions
YEAR CHAMPION (wins) ROOKIE of the YEAR
2007 Brett Hearn (7) Mike Bowman
2006 Alan Johnson (6) Kenny Stafford
2005 Tim Fuller (6) Stewart Friesen
2004 Gary Tomkins (4) Justin Hears
2003 Alan Johnson (6) Matt Sheppard
2002 Alan Johnson (5) Joe Beyea
2001 Brett Hearn (7) Frankie Caprara
2000 Steve Paine (4) Jeff Brownell
1999 Danny Johnson (2) Josh Skarzenski
1998 Billy Decker (6) Todd Milton
1997 D.Johnson (7)/B.Hearn (5) Tim McCreadie
1996 Brett Hearn (5) Vic Coffey
1995 Bob McCreadie (6) Tim Fuller
1994 Bob McCreadie (9) Jamie Mills
1993 Brett Hearn (5) Scott Schrader
1992 Danny Johnson (6) Ricky Elliott
1991 Doug Hoffman (5) Lenny Boyd
1990 Brett Hearn (7) Scott Prentice
1989 Danny Johnson (7) John Ventura
1988 Jack Johnson (2) Mike Jeffery
1987 Jack Johnson (2) Steve Behrent
1986 Charlie Rudolph (1) Jim Ruston
1985 Jack Johnson (1) Rich Burgess
1984 Jack Johnson (3) Ray Underwood
1983 Alan Johnson (4) Jimmy Begolo
1982 Jack Johnson (2) Randy Glenski
1981 Alan Johnson (2) Craig Keel
1980 Jack Johnson (5) Roger Phelps
1979 Will Cagle Jim Jarvis
1978 Will Cagle Jerry Knox
1977 Dave Lape Rick Martell
1976 Will Cagle -----
SKIDMARKS
Mr. DIRTcar Champion Crowned: The overall 2007 Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race
Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Modified Champion was determined by adding actual points
earned in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series to those bonuses
collected in DIRT Regional Racing Series for Big-Blocks. Along with earning
valuable Series points throughout the season, each driver attempted to qualify for
a minimum of twelve (12) weekly DIRT-sanctioned events in the same class.
Drivers received 1200 bonus points towards the overall Mr. DIRT Championship
if they attempted to qualify for 12 regional races. That total decreased by 100
points for each appearance less than 12 (i.e. if a driver attempted to qualify for
only 10 DIRT Regional Racing Series events that driver received 1000 bonus
points, five starts = 500 points, etc.).
Commitment To Excellence: For the third straight year tour officials once again
signed up the best Big-Block Modified teams in the Northeast to compete in
every Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series show. The star-studded group
of drivers that initially accepted contract extensions were reigning Mr. DIRTcar
points king and winningest Big-Block Modified driver Alan Johnson, ’07 Mr.
DIRTcar runner-up Tim Fuller, all-time DIRTcar Modified win leader Brett
Hearn, five-time DIRTcar NorthEast Driver of the Year Danny Johnson, ‘04 Mr.
DIRTcar titlist Gary Tomkins, third-year tour follower Jimmy Phelps,
Canandaigua Speedway record-setter Steve Paine, New Egypt Speedway
points champion Matt Sheppard, full-time tour follower Dale Planck, Keystone
State open-wheel veteran Frank Cozze, four-time Super DIRT Week Rite Aid
200 champion Billy Decker and Central New York talent Justin Hears.
ORANGE COUNTY "EASTERN STATES 200" MODIFIED CHAMPIONSHIP
DATE LAPS FIRST - SECOND - THIRD - FOURTH - FIFTH
10/21/07 200 Jeff Heotzler – Brett Hearn – Rich Eurich – Rick Laubach – Kenny Tremont
10/22/06 200 Brett Hearn – Frank Cozze – Jerry Higbie – Tommy Meier – Pat Ward
10/23/05 203 Brett Hearn - Wayne Jelley - David VanHorn - Kenny Tremont - Frank
Jashembowski
10/24/04 200 Brett Hearn - Billy Decker - Gary Tomkins - Alan Johnson - Doug Hoffman
10/26/03 207 Bobby Varin - Chuck McKee - Tim McCreadie - Jeff Heotzler - Vic Coffey
10/27/02 200 Brett Hearn - Tim McCreadie - Alan Johnson - Jerry Higbie - Chuck McKee
10/21/01 200 Danny Johnson - Alan Johnson - Steve Paine - Kenny Tremont - Pat Ward
10/22/00 200 Chuck McKee - Alan Johnson - Vic Coffey - Steve Paine - Tim McCreadie
10/24/99 204 Alan Johnson - Billy Decker - Danny Johnson - Brett Hearn - Andy Bachetti
10/25/98 200 Billy Decker - Doug Hoffman - Jimmy Horton - Alan Johnson - Danny Johnson
10/26/97 200 Danny Johnson - Alan Johnson - Kenny Brightbill - Tim McCreadie - Chuck
McKee
10/27/96 200 Brett Hearn - Jack Johnson - Dave Camara - Dale Planck - Alan Johnson
10/22/95 200 Jimmy Horton - Brett Hearn - Bob McCreadie - Tommy Meier - Jeff Heotzler
11/5/94 200 Bob McCreadie - Jimmy Horton - Doug Hoffman - Kenny Tremont - Rich Eurich
10/24/93 200 Danny Johnson - Brett Hearn - Bob McCreadie - Doug Hoffman - Jeff Heotzler
10/25/92 200 Danny Johnson - Brett Hearn - Jeff Trombley - Mike Ricci - Alan Johnson
10/27/91 200 Jimmy Horton - Doug Hoffman - Jack Johnson - Joe Plazek - Alan Johnson
10/21/90 200 Frank Cozze - Steve Paine - Danny Johnson - Brett Hearn - Roger Horvath
10/22/89 200 Frank Cozze - Danny Johnson - Dave Lape - Brett Hearn - Kenny Tremont
10/23/88 200 Rich Eurich - Frank Cozze - Jack Johnson - Billy Decker - John Strupp
10/25/87 200 Doug Hoffman - Jack Johnson - Kevin Collins - Dave Lape - Alan Johnson
4/25/87 200 Brett Hearn - Jack Johnson - Kevin Collins - Jimmy Horton - Chuck McKee
10/27/85 200 Jack Johnson - Carl Reynolds - Charlie Rudolph - Steve Bottcher - Doug
Hoffman
10/28/84 200 Dave Lape - Jack Johnson - Carl Collis - Jeff Heotzler - Bob McCreadie
10/30/83 200 C.D. Coville - Brett Hearn - Jack Johnson - Jimmy Horton - Charlie Shire
10/17/82 200 Harry Behrent - Carl Reynolds - Carl Pittenger - Bobby Malzahn - Charlie Shire
10/25/81 200 Brett Hearn - Larry Brolsma - Richie Smith,Jr. - Harry Behrent - Sammy Beavers
10/19/80 200 Kenny Brightbill - Harry Behrent - Jimmy Horton - Frank Cozze - Jeff Heotzler
10/21/79 200 Brett Hearn - Billy Osmun - Lou Lazzaro - Carl Collis - Darryl Welty
10/22/78 200 Lou Lazzaro - Kevin Collins - Brett Hearn - Buzzie Reutimann - Clayton Husted
10/23/77 200 Gary Balough - Kevin Collins - Sammy Beavers - Don Kreitz,Sr. - Jimmy Horton
11/6/76 200 Gerald Chamberlain - Buzzie Reutimann - Tommy Hager - Jimmy Horton - Don
Kreitz,Sr
10/26/75 200 Wayne Reutimann - Rich Eurich - Kenny Brightbill - Gary Balough - Buzzie
Reutimann
10/27/74 200 Bobby Bottcher - Kenny Brightbill - Buzzie Reutimann - Ed Delmolino - Charlie
Shire
10/28/73 200 Gerald Chamberlain - Tommy Corellis - Will Cagle - Dick Tobias - Johnny Haroll
10/25/72 200 Buzzie Reutimann - Will Cagle - Bobby Malzahn - Wayne Reutimann - Bobby
Bottcher
10/31/71 200 Will Cagle - Buzzie Reutimann - Bobby Gerhart - Danny Mitchell - Bobby
Malzahn
10/25/70 200 Will Cagle - Bobby Bottcher - Gerald Chamberlain - Rags Carter - Buzzie
Reutimann
10/26/69 200 Al Tasnady - Joe Kelly - Buzzie Reutimann - Bobby Malzahn - Whip Mulligan
10/27/68 200 Will Cagle - Bobby Gerhart - Frankie Schneider - Ralph Chittenden - Larry Voss
10/22/67 100 Frankie Schneider - Bobby Malzahn - Al Tasnady - Whip Mulligan - Jackie Evans
10/23/66 100 Will Cagle - Bobby Malzahn - Sammy Reakes - Buzzie Reutimann - Whip
Mulligan
10/24/65 100 Ron Lux - Kenny Shoemaker - Rags Carter - Frankie Schneider - Ray Cook
10/25/64 100 Rags Carter - Bobby Malzahn - Al Tasnady - Frankie Schneider - Rene Charland
10/27/63 100 Frankie Schneider - Al Tasnady - Ernie Gahan - Ed Ortiz - Billy Deskovick
10/28/62 100 Frankie Schneider - Bobby Malzahn - Don Stumpf - Ernie Gahan - Kenny
Shoemaker
Day Of Champions: Brett Hearn (1979, 1981, 1986, 1996, 2002, 2004-06), was
among 11 past champions ---accounting for 23 of the past 28 wins--- attempting
to qualify for the headline Advance Auto Parts Series Eastern States 200 for Big-
Block Modifieds when the weekend kicked off Friday at the OC Fairgrounds.
Joining Hearn in quest of the $20,000 top prize were past E-S 200 champions
Danny Johnson (1992-93, 1997, 2001), Frank Cozze (1989-90), Jimmy Horton
(1991, 1995), Bobby Varin (2003), Chuck McKee (2000), Alan Johnson (1999),
Billy Decker (1998), Rich Eurich (1988) and Jack Johnson (1985).
Track Legends Recognized: Trackside activity on Sunday included a special
tribute to the legends of Orange County with every tower suite atop the stadium
grandstands adorned with a famous racing name from the speedway past. In
order from the turn one side to turn four, the booths were labeled with a driver or
owner as follows: 99-Bobby Malzahn, 00-Buzzie Reutimann, 1-Rags Carter, M1-
Richard Marinelli, 2-Frankie Schneider, 73-Anthony Ferraiuolo, 24-Will Cagle,
71E-Carl ‘Fuzzy’ VanHorn, 666-Bobby Bottcher and 97-Higbie Bros.
Double Dose Of DIRT: Exactly 20 of the DIRTcar Modified drivers making the
Eastern States 200 starting grid also competed the day before in the Mr.
DIRTcar 358-Modified Series event at Orange County . Only race rookie Mike
Storms (4th) and Tim Hindley (5th) were among the top-10 finishers in Saturday’s
150-lap main event that did not file a Big-Block entry while Andy Bachetti (10th)
failed to qualify for Sunday’s Big-Block 200. Frontrunners comprising that elite
group both days were top Small-Block finishers Brett Hearn (1st), Stewart
Friesen (2nd), Pat Ward (3rd), Tim Fuller (6th), Tommy Meier (7th), Jerry Higbie
(8th) and Gary Tomkins (9th). Talented Canadian chauffeur Stewart Friesen
experienced the biggest drop off, finishing second in the Small-Block feature
before placing second from the end in the Sunday showdown.
Pot Holes: Last year rain and high winds throughout opening day forced track
officials to delay the start of 358-Modified Time Trials until nearly 9 p.m., eight
hours later than the original schedule; Big-Blocks ended their run under the
clocks two hours later. This time around intermittent rain damped the Friday
activity to move all qualifying to the following day, creating a full program of 358-
Modified and Sportsman racing along with Time Trials and heats for the Big-
Blocks plus Street Stock invitationals…..A pair of father/son duos of eventual
winner Jeff and Jeff Heotzler Jr. and Jack and Ronnie Johnson were signed in
for the weekend with only Jeff Jr. failing to qualify for the BB Modified main,
affording him time to keep ocfsmotorsports.com updated as he also serves as
the track webmaster throughout the year…..Danny Johnson reunited for Eastern
States Weekend ’07 with his former Central New York car owner Jeff Isabell
who he fondly once referred to as the Jack Roush of DIRTcar Racing in the
Northeast. Johnson won the 2006 DIRT Hall of Fame Classic at Cayuga County
in May before joining Dave Thompson’s team in time to capture the Rite Aid 200
in October. Johnson carried over his success this year by scoring the inaugural
win at Virginia Motor Speedway before following up with checkered flags at
Ransomville, Merrittville and Cayuga County . The ‘Doctor’ ran as high as
second in both Modified events staged during the weekend at OCFS,
experiencing a broken driveshaft at the end of the extended 358-Modfied main
while suffering terminal motor trouble to finish 43rd with just 35 laps
complete…..Tim Fuller’s motor program was flawless throughout the season,
finishing no worse than eighth in the previous 31 tour stops prior to the heartbreaking
letdown on Sunday. His final count included three wins and 20 top-five
finishes while Hearn made up the difference with a Series-high total of seven
victories…..When Frank Cozze flew off the track to incur the final red flag,
among the most interested parties was eventual winner Jeff Heotzler. “He went
out where my wife always parks the car. That was probably the most worried I
was the entire race”…..Eastern States Weekend officially closed out the 2007
race season at Orange County . Two Street Stock events filled out the festive
card on Saturday evening with OCFS points runner-up Greg Kurtzman (veteran)
from Norwalk , Conn. and Middletown ’s own Joel Murns Jr. (amateur) taking
checkered flags in a pair of 15-lap full-fender features. In other Mr. DIRTcar
Series action, Mike Ruggiero won the 50-lap Sportsman finale on Saturday and
Eric Marin posted the 25-lap Pro Stock victory on Sunday.
Get Out The Word First: RACEceiver is the Official Driver Communicator of
DIRTcar Racing. A compact radio receiver that conveniently fits into a driver’s
pocket, a RACEceiver allows each driver to hear directions from series officials,
which greatly enhances the safety and timeliness of events. A similar version
available to fans will allow RACEceiver users to hear what information series
officials are relaying to the drivers. For more information about RACEceiver, visit
www.raceceiver.com, call 866/301-7223, or look for their sales trailers at various
events.
Tracks Know The Score: In the ongoing effort to assist every sanctioned track
with presenting the best possible race programs, DIRTcar Racing has teamed
with AMB i.t. which continues to be recognized as the Official Timing System of
DIRTcar racing. AMB i.t. is the world’s leader in automatic race timing and
scoring systems and the DIRTcar organization is proud to retain the company as
a valued partner in the timing and scoring of all DIRTcar Racing events.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The 32nd annual DIRTcar Racing NorthEast ‘Night of Champions’ Banquet is
scheduled for Saturday, November 17 at the Oncenter Complex in Syracuse , New
York. The banquet will honor the 2007 series champions in the Advance Auto
Parts Modified, 358-Modified, Sportsman, Pro Stock and Street Stock divisions.
DIRTcar-sanctioned Track Champions will also be recognized at a special Media
Luncheon that same afternoon in the Empire Room on the NYS Fairgrounds.
Track promoters and operators will convene on Friday, November 16 for the
annual DIRTcar track meetings at the Renaissance Hotel Conference Center in
downtown Syracuse .
2007 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
Day-Date Laps Track Winner/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier
(Location)
Wed-Feb 14 30-NP Volusia Speedway Park Danny Johnson
Thr-Feb 15 30-NP Volusia Speedway Park -rain-
Fri-Feb 16 30-NP Volusia Speedway Park Tim Fuller
Sat-Feb 17 50-NP Volusia Speedway Park Danny Johnson
Sat-Mar 31 100 Hagerstown Speedway Tim Fuller(G)
Thr-May 3 60 Virginia Motor Speedway Danny Johnson(G)
Thr-May 31 75 Orange Co Fair Speedway Frank Cozze(G)
Sat-Jun 9 100 Fulton Speedway Alan Johnson(G)
Thr-Jun 14 100 Susquehanna Speedway -postponed-
Tue-Jul 3 50 Rolling Wheels Raceway Brett Hearn(G)
Tue-Jul 3 50 Rolling Wheels Raceway Gary Tomkins(G)
Fri-Jul 6 100 Ransomville Speedway D.Johnson/Billy Decker(P)
Tue-Jul 10 100 Brockville Ont Speedway Pat O’Brien(G)
Wed-Jul 18 100 Grandview Speedway B.Hearn/Ryan Godown(P)
Sun-Jul 22 100 Cornwall Motor Speedway Billy Decker(G)
Mon-Jul 23 100 Autodrome Drummond B.Hearn/Steve Paine(P)
Fri-Aug 3 100 Brewerton Speedway Dale Planck(G)
Mon-Aug 6 100 Merrittville Speedway D.Johnson/Jimmy Phelps(P)
Thr-Aug 9 50 Canandaigua Speedway B.Hearn/Vic Coffey(P)
Thr-Aug 9 50 Canandaigua Speedway Rain-Cancelled
Sat-Aug 11 100 Lebanon Valley Speedway B.Hearn/Jeff Trombley(P)
Wed-Aug 15 60 New Egypt Speedway B.Decker/Keith Hoffman(P)
Sat-Aug 18 50 Can-Am Motorsports Park T.Fuller/Pat Ward(P)
Sat-Aug 18 50 Can-Am Motorsports Park Steve Paine(G)
Sun-Aug 19 53 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway D.Johnson/ Billy Dunn(P)
Sun-Aug 19 53 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway T.Fuller/Justin Haers(P)
Sun-Sep 2 53 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway B.Decker/Matt Sheppard(P)
Sun-Sep 2 53 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway A.Johnson/Mike Bowman(P)
Mon-Sep 3 50 Rolling Wheels Raceway Jimmy Phelps(G)
Mon-Sep 3 50 Rolling Wheels Raceway G.Tomkins/Willy Decker(P)
Sat-Sep 15 200 Lebanon Valley Speedway B.Hearn/Eddie Marshall(P)
Sat-Sep 22 50 Rolling Wheels Raceway B.Decker/Ryan Phelps(P)
Sat-Sep 22 50 Rolling Wheels Raceway B.Hearn/Chuck Bower(P)
Sat-Sep 22 50 Rolling Wheels Raceway G.Tomkins/Kevin Bates(P)
Sun-Oct 7 200 New York State Fairgrnds Vic Coffey
Sat-Oct 13 50 New Egypt Speedway Matt Sheppard
Sat-Oct 13 50 New Egypt Speedway Keith Hoffman
Sun-Oct 21 200 Orange Co Fair Speedway Jeff Heotzler
*All events subject to change.
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS MODIFIED SERIES SPONSORS
The Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds is brought to fans across
the Northeast by several sponsors and partners, including series sponsors Advance Auto Parts,
Hoosier Racing Tire and Sunoco Race Fuels. Promotional partners include AMB i.t., F.X. Caprara
Car Companies, Rite Aid Corporation and the University of Northwestern Ohio and the
contingency sponsors are Bert Transmission, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, Brodix
Cylinder Heads, Integra Shocks, MSD Ignitions, Miller Electric Manufacturing Company,
Motorsports Safety Systems, Penske Shocks and Wrisco Industries. |
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