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Curtis Scores Emotional Victory in Blaney Tribute Modified, Johnson Captures E-Mod Win, Felmlee, Dellinger and Paden Return to Victory Lane
Hartford, OH June 28, 2008 Perseverance certainly paid off at the Sharon Speedway on Saturday evening. In spite of threatening weather and a rain shower that delayed the start of the evening's racing action the "Fantastic Five" program was completed. Rob Curtis returned to victory lane for the first time in almost two years as he scored a very emotional and popular win in the Gibson-Governor Big Block Modifieds. Jeff Johnson finally ended Alan Dellinger's dominance in the Tom's Sewer and Drain Service E-Mods as he picked up his first win of 2008. Bob Felmlee (Warren Harley-Davidson Sprint Cars), Andy Paden (Limited Sprints) and Alan Dellinger (Tight Seal Glass Block Pure Stocks) also captured repeat victories in their respective divisions.
It was a "Story Book" ending to the "Lou Blaney Tribute" Modified as Greenville, PA driver Rob Curtis captured an emotional victory in the 25 lap Gibson-Governor Big Block Modified feature. The "Invert 10" redraw placed Brad Rapp and Dwayne Clay on the front row of the Modified main event. A caution for Rex King Jr. and Brian Swartzlander would slow the field on the initial start. When racing action resumed Clay would lead the first two circuits before Rapp took over on lap three. The Shippenville, PA teenager would lead the next four laps before Curtis took over on lap seven. A very determined Curtis would weather two cautions to lead the remainder of the 25 lap event as he returned to Victory Lane at the Sharon Speedway for the first time in two years.
Curtis' familiar white, blue and yellow OhioCAT/HRE/Troyer #86 was reskinned as a replica of Lou Blaney's familiar red and white #10 for the Lou Blaney Classic 25 the previous evening at Raceway 7 and a thunderous roar overtook the Sharon Speedway when the car took the checkered flag. "This car is the brainchild of my crew chief Rob McElhaney. We simply wanted to put a smile on Lou's face when we started this project. Lou is my idol and his guidance has been an invaluable asset to me during my racing career. I also need to thank all of the firms and individuals who assisted us in making this car a reality as well as my current sponsors including OhioCAT, Greenville Gun and Supply, Hine Racing Engines and Beto's Pizza. This victory is for Lou!!"
Rapp finished in the second spot after Rex King broke on the final lap. Current Points Leader Dave Murdick, Rob Kristyak and Jim Rasey completed the top five.
Brian Swartzlander and Bill Dorman took the checkered flag in Modified heat race action earlier in the evening
Jeff Johnson of nearby Mineral Ridge, OH snapped Alan Dellinger's win streak at three in the Tom's Sewer and Drain Service E-Mod Division. Johnson took the lead from Bob McCann on lap eight of the feature event and weathered two cautions in the final three laps of the feature event to bring home his first feature win of 2008. Johnson's nemesis Dellinger held on for the runner-up spot with youngster Joe Gabrielson finishing third. Andy Buckley had impressive run in the Rick Robinson owned 34R to capture the fourth spot with Tim Deutsch completing the top five.
Dellinger and Deutsch were the victors in the E-Mod prelims.
An "Invert Six" redraw place veterans Jimmy Hawley and Bob Felmlee on the front row of the Warren Harley-Davidson 410 Sprint Division feature. Felmlee was a "Man on a Mission" as he immediately shot into the lead. Pole Sitter Hawley was attempting to reel in Felmlee when he tangled with the lapped car of Gale Ruth Sr. As a result of the contact, Hawley took a nasty flip in turn four. Fortunately Hawley was not injured.
When the green flag was once again unfurled Felmlee would go on to lead the remaining distance of the event to capture his second Sharon Speedway feature event of 2008. "Crew Chief Chad Reitz and the entire crew did an excellent job setting the car up for the tacky track this evening and I want to thank them for their hard work" stated Felmlee.
Fellow Franklin, PA driver Rob Eyler tried his best to reel in Felmlee during the middle portion of the event but had to settle for the runner-up spot. Current divisional points leader Dan Shetler captured the third spot with Cherry Hill, NJ visitor Jeff Taylor and Mike Kekich completing the top five.
Eyler and Ruth captured the Warren Harley-Davidson 410 Sprint heat races earlier in the evening.
Andy Paden joined fellow Greenville, PA resident Curtis in the Hovis Auto and Truck Supply Victory Lane as he captured his second Sharon Speedway Limited Sprint victory of 2008. Joel Trent and Jack Whitmore would bring the field to the green flag. The ever improving Whitmore led the first three circuits before Paden took over on lap four. Paden would lead the final 12 laps for a convincing win over Brandon Spithaler. Whitmore held on for a third place finish with defending divisional track champion Guy Griffin and Chad Carpenter completing the top five.
Jason Scoville and Griffin won the Limited Sprint heat race events.
Alan Dellinger AKA Jim Dandy Jr. may have settled for second in Tom's Sewer and Drain Service E-Mod action but he returned to the Hartford, OH oval with a vengeance as he picked up his third Tight Seal Glass Block Pure Stock main event to close out the evening's racing action. Dellinger quickly moved from his fourth starting position to lead the first two laps before Bill Hanna nosed ahead on lap three. Dellinger overtook Hanna on lap four and held on for the win. Bruce Redman, Hanna, 2007 divisional points champion Steve Dapolito and Stan Woomer would round out the top five.
Dellinger and Woomer were victorious in the Tight Seal Glass Block Pure Stock heat races for the 22 car field.
Next up on the Sharon Speedway schedule is the Bill Kirila Memorial on Saturday, July 5th. The evening will feature Mid Season Championships in all divisions as well as a fantastic fireworks display. "Buckle Up and Hang On" as Sharon Speedway will certainly provide you with lots of holiday racing action.
Sharon Speedway is located at the intersection of Routes 7 and 305 in Hartford, OH and is just a short drive from both Pittsburgh and Cleveland. "Buckle Up and Hang On" as Sharon Speedway brings you Saturday Night Racing at its finest!!!
For additional information please visit the Speedway's website at www.sharonspeedway.com or contact Kate at the Speedway office at (330) 772-5481.
Warren Harley-Davidson Sprint Car Feature Finish: Bob Felmlee, Rob Eyler, Dan Shetler, Jeff Taylor, Mike Kekich, Broc Martin, Shawn Minor, Russ Sansosti, Jack Helget, Leo O'Malley, Gale Ruth Sr., Jimmy Hawley, James Nicely
Gibson Governor Insurance Agency Modified Feature Finish: Rob Curtis, Brad Rapp, Dave Murdick, Rob Kristyak, Jim Rasey, Del Rougeux Jr., Dwayne Clay, Rex King, Skip Moore, Dean Pearson, John Buchanan, Bob Dorman, Carl Weatherby, Rick Ryder Carl Murdick, Mark Felicetty, Dustin Martin, Erik Martin Brian Swartzlander, Rex King Jr., Chris Dye Tight Seal Glass Block Pure Stock Feature Finish: Alan Dellinger, Bruce Redman, Bill Hanna, Steve Dapolito, Stan Woomer, Tony Bruno, Allan Hudzik, Tim Burns, Gary Robinson, Leigh Wheeler, Michael Aley, Jamie Duncan, Eric Williams, William Aley, Chris Hake, Matt Wagner, Charlie Jasinski, Ryan Hills, Brian Carothers, Bill Cramer III, Gary Rowley Tom's Sewer and Drain Service E-Mod Feature Finish: Jeff Johnson, Alan Dellinger, Joe Gabrielson, Andy Buckley, Tim Deutsch, JR Mechling, Jeff Hassay, Ed Wilson Jr., Dustin Fraley, Jim Dellinger, Paul Phillips, Richard Stiffler, Vince Crisanti, Brandon Blackshear, Bob McCann, Dwayne Clay, Jim Turley Ron Jaeger Limited Sprint Feature Finish: Andy Paden, Brandon Spithaler, Jack Whitmore, Guy Griffin, Chad Carpenter Robert Felix Jr., Peter Miller III, Jason Scoville, AJ Albrecht, Joel Trent, Chad Mathews, Jim Morris III
Sharon Speedway Marcie BarlowMedia Relations
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