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…By Gary Lileck
Forestville, PA – May 11, 2008 – The Naftzinger’s Used Auto Parts/Detweiler’s 24 Hour Touring Nutty Buddy Enduro Series held their first event of the season Sunday at Big Diamond Raceway. Winners included Shawn Naftzinger (6/8 Cylinder Enduro), Tony Wetzel (4 Cylinder Enduro) and Becky Lupo (Powder Puff).
Naftzinger of Auburn PA returned to the Big Diamond winner’s circle behind the wheel of his #6 Monte Carlo. Naftzinger, one of the pioneers in BDR’s Roadrunner class, won three RR features in 1990 and 1991. He later scored a few RR event wins at the vanished Penn National (PA) Speedway in ‘95/’96. Since that time, Naftzinger has been competing occasionally in Enduro racing.
The 100-lap 6/8 cylinder enduro found Brad Krause leading early. Naftzinger, who started seventh, took command on lap 15. Rob Pyle passed Naftzinger on lap 31. Naftzinger reclaimed the lead on the 43rd circuit. The pair exchanged the lead on one more occasion, however, Naftzinger grabbed the top spot for keeps with 61 laps on the scoreboard.
Naftzinger pulled to a full straightaway advantage during the final 20 laps and cruised to the season opening win. Following Naftzinger, several cars were disqualified in post race tech. Joey Zvorsky started 36th and actually crossed the line in sixth. After the prior dq’s, however, Zvorsky earned a runner-up finish. Rounding out the top five were Shon Elk (Sinking Springs), Brad Krause (Auburn), and Ralph Bankes Jr.
Wetzel (Fleetwood) started tenth in the 100-lap 4 Cylinder enduro. Wetzel’s machine showed smoke during the opening couple of laps, however, the smoke cleared and Wetzel remained on the throttle. Wetzel took the lead from Phil Levering on lap six. Wetzel and Larry Spencer (Naticoke) staged a fine battle for the lead. Spencer blasted into the front position at the event’s half-way point.
On the 70th lap, Wetzel worked to the inside of Spencer and grabbed possession of the lead once again. Wetzel, driving a #27x honoring the Late Mike Geiser (a former competitor at Big Diamond), powered his ’96 Chevy Cavalier to his first career BDR win. Spencer finished about a half straightway behind in second. Rounding out the top five were Wayne Krauss (Mertztown), Paul Noll (Reading), and Joe Marko Jr. (Reading).
Four flips took place during the two events. Chuck Dietzel executed two complete rollovers with his #49 6/8 cylinder car. It was the only red flag of the big car race. Jeremy Krauss, Tim Fitzpatrick Jr., and Todd Neifert Jr. were involved in four cylinder flips. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents.
Becky Lupo drove the Shawn Naftzinger-6 machine to its second win of the evening. During the closing moments of the 25-lap Powder Puff, Lupo gained command of the lead and eventual win. Jody Brensinger finished second ahead of Michelle Zvorsky.
T102 Pack the House Night is scheduled for this Friday evening May 16. When fans approach the ticket booth this week, they will find a special adult general admission markdown of just $8. This Friday’s card consists of 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, and Roadrunners. Fans from everywhere are invited to take part in this admission friendly event.
Gates open at 5:00PM, warm-ups begin at 7:15PM and the first heat goes green at 7:45PM.
For news, directions, and other important information please remember to visit the speedway’s official website located at www.bigdiamondraceway.com
BIG DIAMOND RACEWAY – COMPLETE RESULTS – SUNDAY MAY 11
6/8 CYLINDER ENDURO (100-LAPS): 1) Shawn Naftzinger, 2) Joey Zvorsky, 3) Shon Elk, 4) Brad Krause, 5) Ralph Bankes Jr., 6) Ralph Bankes III, 7) Shawn Naftzinger, 8) Adam Dietzel, 9) Phil Levering, 10) Bob Staller Jr., 11) Tom Moses, 12) Aaron Bowman, 13) Justin Schinkel, 14) Jim DeArmitt, 15) Vince James, 16) Jody Brensinger, 17) Jason Brown, 18) Doug Naftzinger, 19) Christian Donati, 20) Gary Rennigner, 21) Jeff Krause, 22) Ron Kriner, 23) TJ Fitzpatrick, 24) Larry Carmen, 25) Bud Vidal, 26) Kevin Brown, 27) Tyler Spittle, 28) Bob Kulik, 29) Brian Buchinski, 30) Ray Cinqmars, 31) Sammy Detweiler, 32) Jeff Faust, 33) Leo Securda, 34) Mike Fiskaldo, 35) Michael Benulis, 36) Chuck Dietzel, 37) #95, 38) Mike Naftzinger, 39) Chuck Detweiler. DQ: Rob Pyle, Mike Reichert, Chris Reichert, Chad Lemmon, Mark Spencer.
4 CYLINDER ENDURO (100-LAPS): 1) Tony Wetzel, 2) Larry Spencer, 3) Wayne Krauss, 4) Paul Noll, 5) Joe Marko Jr., 6) Earl Eichert Jr., 7) Phil Levering, 8) Keith Kidd, 9) Todd Morgan, 10) Kevan Schaeffer, 11) Gary Grim, 12) Art Kulik, 13) James Foose Jr., 14) Tim Fitzpatrick Jr., 15) #7, 16) Lance Hoch, 17) Jeff Sheetz, 18) Steve Wilson, 19) Dutch Brensinger, 20) Duane Zimmerman Jr., 21) Todd Neifert Jr., 22) Brett Neifert, 23) Jeremy Krauss, 24) Tanner Detweiler, 25) Steve Greiss. |
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