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GOSHEN, NY-- Higbie Bags A Double At Orange County; Another Top Five At Accord For Successful Racing Weekend
By Steve Pados, GA Motorsports Media
"The Statesman From Slate Hill" Jerry Higbie enjoyed his best weekend of the 2008 racing season as he drove to a Big Block win at Orange County in the Team Shaver numbered 47 Modified and also captured the 358 Modified feature event in the Affordable Transmission number 17 to cap off a great night at the Orange County facility. With the top five finish Higbie enjoyed at Accord on Friday night, the season is quickly becoming the kind of season the talented driver from Slate Hill felt it would be when the season began.
At Orange County, Higbie began both of his feature runs from the 11th starting position. Using the knowledge the team gained from the test and tune session at Orange County last week to full advantage, Higbie used a variety of lanes in methodically working his way towards the front of the racing action. Higbie made the winning pass on lap-20 and drove off to a comfortable distance at the checkered flag for his first win of the year. Mike Kolka was second, Tommy Meier third, Steve Dodd was fourth and Jeremy Markle rounded out the top five. With the win, Higbie took over the lead in the Modified points with a mere one point advantage over David Van Horn. Chuck McKee is a couple of ticks off in third place with Jeff Heotzler and Modified "Rookie" Mike Storms rounding out the top five in the points chase.
In the 358 Modified feature Higbie again began his drive to the front from 11th position. Again testing a variety of racing lanes, Higbie was quick to the front with Tim Hindley leading the way. Higbie got by Hindley to lead, only to have Hindley come roaring back and securing the lead once again. The lead proved to be short-lived as Higbie powered up and again moved around the presistent Hindley and this time made the pass stick for good. Higbie moved out to a safe advantage to secure his second win of the evening. Hindley was second with Kirk Horton third, Jimmy Johnson fourth, and Craig "Hollywoood" Mitchell completing the top five. With the win, Higbie is the leader in the 358 Modfiieds points by four over Hindley. Craig Mitchell, David Van Horn and Chuck McKee round out the top five.
At Accord on Friday night, Higbie again highsailed his signature numbered 97 Mid City Transit sponsored mount to another top finish at Gary Palmer's "Gem in the Catskills" Accord Speedway. The talented Higbie started the 30-lap feature event from 12th starting position and at the drop of the green imediately went topside along with Andy Bachetti as the pair of title hopefuls began seeking the real estate close to the boiler plate. Racing lap by lap together the pair found their way closer to the front with each passing lap. With Scott Ferrier in control, both Higbie and Bachetti ran out of laps in trying to challenge the leader and eventual winner Scott Ferrier. Rich Ricci Jr used a late lap pass to gather in second place with Jackie Brown Jr finishing third. Bachetti would settle for fourth and Higbie would round out the top five in a great feature event. Currently, Andy Bachetti is leading the Modified points chase with Rich Ricci Jr following in second place. Scott Ferrier and Jackie Brown Jr are tied for third and Higbie is one point behind the tied pair of drivers.
Jerry Higbie was part of the Monday night CARQUEST Gasoline Alley Show that featured Higbie, USAC Stars Chad Boat and the "Modern Day Cowboy" Daron Clayton, and Slingshot innovator Rich Tobias. Higbie was flawless in answering the many questions the three TV hosts asked him during the 25 minute interview. A future date is in the planning stages to have Higbie sit in on one of the two hour shows to both ask and answer questions throughout the program.
This week will find the Higbie Racing Team once again heading to Accord for the Friday action and then back to Orange County Fair Speedway for the weekly Saturday night racing action. Higbie is hoping for another solid weekend of racing to keep pace with the top racers in the divisions he is racing. The action at Accord will provide the versatile Higbie to showcase his talents in another form of racing. After lady sprint car star Mares Stellfox couldn't find a solution to her work schedule to participate at Accord this weekend, Jerry Higbie answered the call to assist 14 year old driving talent Zach "Z-Man" O'Connell with his 305 sprinter this weekend. Higbie will shake the car down for O'Connell and then O'Connell will give the winged race car a test session. Higbie will be steering the car during the evening's competition.
Higbie's aggressive 2008 racing schedule will find him in the thick of the action as he prepares for his runs at the Accord Speedway and Orange County Fair Speedway Championships this year. He will also be challenging for the ROC title. For the Accord and ROC events, Higbie will race his signature numbered 97 cars and for his assault on OCFS and select WRG Series Races, Higbie will once again strap himself into the Team Shaver numbered 47 equipment as the Shaver Team will have two Big Block cars for Higbie to steer. Sponsorship for the Teams comes from a great group of loyal sponsors who have supported Higbie throughout his successful racing career. Mid-City Transit, Mr K's Carpet Service, Behrent's Speed Center, SKJ Towing and BadaBing Pizza have all lent their support to the 97 cars, and Beaverkill Trout Hatchery, Superior Building Supply and Woodburne Lawn & Garden lend their support to the Shaver Team. In addition to his Big Block rides, Higbie will be slipping behind the belts of the Affordable Transmission numbered 17 for a run at the 358 Small Block title at OCFS.
Jerry Higbie Racing would like to thank the entire racing community for their support and well wishes as the team prepares for a great season in racing this year.
Higbie's business, HigFab, has been busy throughout the new racing season helping many teams with their racing programs. For more information regarding the services and capablities of the highly trained HigFab Staff, please contact the shop at: 845 294 0898.
For additional information and updates regarding Jerry Higbie Racing, go to their newly constructed website at: http://www.higbieracing.com
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