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1ST EVER FOR MCKISSON AT MERCER IN SPRINTS; RIGGS WINS #2 IN THRILLING MODS; POWELL & KINESTON SCORE 2ND WINS IN LATE MODELS & MINIS; CAREER 1ST FOR WATSON IN MOD LITES
By Mike Leone
August 9, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mercer, PA.For the 20th straight week, rain was in the forecast at Mercer Raceway Park on Saturday night. Strong thunderstorms went north and south of the speedway all night long missing the track by less than five miles as only a few sprinkles fell. The rain held off just long enough to allow the following drivers to celebrate in the Hoosier Tire victory lane: Andy McKisson-Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Lonny Riggs-Tire Express Modifieds, Bobby Powell-McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models, Bud Watson-Big Daddy's Speed Center Mod Lites, and Dillon Kineston-M&D Paving Mini Stocks. The entire program along with kids' bike races was run off in less than three and a half hours.
It was Free New Castle Night presented by Augustine Italian Village and $10 Family Night presented by Auto Service Express and Armstrong. Auto Service Express partnered with Extra Mile Auto Service to present the "Big Give" car giveaway. The recipient of the 2001 Pontiac Aztec was Tammy Bonner. Bonner has suffered through hardships in her life, but with the help of the Prince of Peace recently earned a degree and acquired a job with the Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission. Bonner has been trying to acquire a vehicle for over a year and was very emotional when presented with the vehicle on the frontstretch.
Friday night Andy McKisson pulled his fellow comrade Bob Felmlee from his burning car and helped extinguish him at Lernerville Speedway. Saturday night, McKisson scored a well-deserved first career Mercer victory in the 20-lap Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car feature in just his second Mercer start and fifth overall of the season after a heat-breaking spin by race-long leader Jeremy Cook coming down for the white flag.
"He (Cook) was running really strong," described the Strattanville, Pa. victor. "I was reeling him in there a little bit then I had a guy run into me and slowed me up a little. I figured he was the better man if he was going to win. Sorry for his misfortune, but it was to my gain. I don't want any heroism or anything like that (for last night at Lernerville) , but just giving him (Felmlee) respect and trying to help him out and hope someday someone would do that for me if I was in that situation."
410 Sprint Car rookie Eric Williams and Jeremy Cook, who acquired a 410 this year after five years of running a 360 led the 23-car field to green. Using the outside, Cook overtook Williams to lead the first lap with McKisson getting by Joe Butera. McKisson began to reel Williams in for second on lap three just before first and only caution was displayed for Gale Ruth, Sr., who slowed on the backstretch.
Last week's winner Arnie Kent had worked his way from the 12th starting spot to sixth after six laps, but got too high on lap seven slipping off the track. Meanwhile up front, Cook caught lapped traffic on lap 11 as McKisson closed on Williams. McKisson finally worked his way under Williams coming off turn two and won the drag race down the backstretch on lap 13.
After a career best night one week ago where Cook finished fourth in the make-up feature and a third in the regular feature, he was looking to better that performance with a career first win. It looked more and more likely as the laps ticked off and Cook look flawless. McKisson found a nice line around the speedway with three laps to go and started cutting into Cook's lead.
With the white flag in site, Cook came out of turn four and his rear end got loose and it just wouldn't stick. Cook looped his mount and did a 360 on the inside of the track to keep going, while McKisson flew by and took the checkered flag first in his B&W Smith Excavating/R. V. Burns Funeral Home/Triple S Recycling-sponsored #0. McKisson celebrated his popular win with donuts in the infield as he became the seventh different winner in 10 races this season. His victory was the eighth of his career, which have come at five different speedways (Latrobe, Tri-City, Sharon, Sportsman's, and Mercer).
"If it wasn't for my parents, crew, my sponsors, and all these people at Mercer it wouldn't be possible," expressed McKisson. "Craig Rankin is what made me what to do this. Once I graduated high school I worked real hard to get there. Just all the kids out there keep in mind if you want in one of these things keep working at it and if it's what you desire and that's what you want to do you'll get there."
After everything got shuffled out, Mike Lutz, who was debuting Troy Preston's 1P, finished second after starting ninth and slipping past Gale Ruth, Jr., George, Cook, and Williams in the last three laps. George passed Williams on the last lap to finish third. Williams drove a great race to finish fourth ahead of Ruth. Cook dropped to a disappointing sixth as Todd Bauer, Broc Martin, Kent, and Dan Kuriger completed the top 10. Heat winners were Matus, Kent, and Martin.
Lonny Riggs held off a pack of hungry Modified racers to win his second 20-lap Tire Express feature of the year in a thrilling event. "I like the outside, but I was pretty scared to give Gary (Smoker) the bottom," revealed the Volant, Pa. winner. "He's tough there, but I figured we wouldn't be any good down there. You hit the cushion wrong and you hit the wall. We're going to re-freshen this motor and give her hell next week against the big blocks."
Randy Brown led the first lap before looping his mount in turn two handing the lead to fourth starting Riggs. Riggs and Eric Gabany raced side-by-side for the lead when racing resumed with Riggs maintaining his lead. Garrett Krummert flew from the 12th starting spot up into fourth on lap four when he passed both Frank Guidance and Matt Reeher. Following a caution with six laps completed, Riggs and Gabany again raced side-by-side with Riggs running the cushion.
On lap 10, Gabany caught the cushion wrong as eighth starting Gary Smoker dove under Krummert and Gabany for second. After another caution, Riggs and Smoker diced it up running side-by-side with Smoker on the bottom and Riggs on top. Riggs continued to maintain his lead. On lap 16, Krummert slipped off the track in turn three allowing Gabany and John Buchanan to take third and fourth.
Riggs was just too strong as he held off Smoker for his ninth career win in the division and 22nd overall at the track in the Merle Black-owned, Pitt Stop Pub/Iron Bridge Inn-sponsored #58. Smoker was second for the second straight week over a strong run by Gabany in third. Guidace fought his way back by Krummert and Buchanan in the closing laps to finish fourth and hold on to his point lead by two over Smoker. Buchanan was fifth. Sixth through tenth were Krummert, Rick Hall, Jr. Baker, and Kevin Green. Buchanan and Guidace topped the heat races over the 19-car field.
Bobby Powell continues to keep pace with good friend Max Blair in the $10,000 to-win FASTRAK National Weekly Point Series after winning Friday night at Raceway 7 and backing it up with his second win of the year in the 20-lap McElwain Motors Late Model feature. "That's our plan," when the Waterford, Pa. driver was asked about the National Weekly Championship. "I went down there (FASTRAK banquet in Nashville, TN) and got to see all the money being given away- so much for this division. I've been fired up ever since and that was January. Max and I are battling and that would be cool to win that."
Powell started on the pole and was never seriously challenged leading all 20 laps. The only thing that slowed Powell from his seventh victory overall on the circuit in 2008 in the Scott Bidwell-owned, Fame RV Center/Maloney Tool & Die/Rich Johnson Electric-sponsored #B1D were four cautions including two on the final lap. The victory was Powell's eighth of his career at Mercer overall as he had six Stock Car wins prior to this year's two FASTRAK wins.
"I was coming out of (turn) four for the checkered twice and thought 'oh no', but you can't have us racing down into the corner and hurting someone. I wouldn't want to be sitting there and have the pack coming wide open at me," explained Powell on the two last lap cautions.
While Powell for the most part had pretty easy sailing, the battle behind was intense as Steve Hollabaugh had another great run coming from fifth to finish second for the fourth time this season. Hollabaugh was able to hold off 10th starting Blair and Guidace, who traded third and fourth back numerous times. Andy Buckley was fifth. Chris Haines, Ben Black, Brian Booher, Rusty Moore, and Mike Anderson, Jr. rounded out the top 10.
After a pair of runner-ups and a pair of third this year, 15-year-old Bud Watson captured his first career win in the 15-lap Big Daddy's Speed Center Mod Lite feature and also took over the point lead for the first time ever. "It's been a long time coming and we finally got everything together tonight," expressed the Conneaut, Ohio teen. "I'm real thankful for my family and everyone that helps me out- wouldn't be possible without them. Thank you the fans for sticking it out with the iffy weather."
Levi Spinneweber raced past pole-sitter Alan Knepper on the opening lap for the lead. Watson moved past Knepper for second on lap two. Point leader Rod Jones had come from 12th to fourth, but got upside down coming off turn four on lap four. He was okay, but done for the night. When racing resumed, Watson made the winning pass. Lynn Knepper dropped Spinneweber back to third on lap six. Watson survived two more cautions as he went on for the win in the Cutting Edge Vinyl Signs-sponsored #15 and became the 16th different Mod Lite winner all-time at Mercer. Second through fourth were a trio of #10's with the #10 of Lynn Knepper second, the #10s of Spinneweber third, and the #10T of Kenny Meadows fourth. Mark Marcucci came from ninth to finish fifth. Heat winners were Jones and Marcucci.
Fourteen-year- old Dillon Kineston won for the second time this season in the 12-lap Mini Stock feature and extended his point lead. "Track time," stated the New Castle, Pa winner when asked if his goal was two wins and leading the points in August. "Every week my grandpa (Carl Wagner) would take me go-karting so I would be a smooth driver."
Kineston overtook pole-sitter Stephen Laslo on the start for the lead. Only one caution would slow the event. Laslo stayed within striking distance, but didn't have quite enough as Kineston's Equipment Rental Options/Kineston Auction Service/C&R Trailer/Fat Boyz Wingz 'n Thing-sponsored #19 crossed the finish line first. Laslo recorded his best finish in second. Dan McEwen started third and finish third. After collecting his first win one week ago, Curtis Brown came from 12th to finish fourth. Bill Fuchs was fifth. Tim Callahan and Brown won the heats over the 21-car field.
Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars (20 laps): 1. ANDY MCKISSON (0) 2. Mike Lutz (Preston 1P) 3. Rod George (4) 4. Eric Williams (76) 5. Gale Ruth, Jr. (5x) 6. Jeremy Cook (5L) 7. Todd Bauer (45) 8. Broc Martin (83M) 9. Arnie Kent (18) 10. Dan Kuriger (08) 11. Craig Folmar (81) 12. Brian Steinman (24s) 13. Chris Shuttleworth (11) 14. Joe Butera (Matus 3J) 15. Brent Matus (33) 16. Paul Kish (Clark 4c) 17. Mike Dehner (17) 18. Paul Kapuchuck (10) 19. Bob Clark (44c) 20. John McCracken (63) 21. Gale Ruth, Sr. (1R) 22. Jack Helget (Taylor 71c) 23. Jeff Taylor (17T).
Tire Express 358 Modifieds (20 laps): 1. LONNY RIGGS (58) 2. Gary Smoker (516) 3. Eric Gabany (3E) 4. Frank Guidace (1G) 5. John Buchanan (93) 6. Garrett Krummert (29) 7. Randy Brown (67R) 8. Rick Hall (B2) 9. Jr. Baker (359) 10. Kevin Green (74) 11. Rick Kress (222) 12. Fred Sasse (0) 13. Matt Reeher (711) 14. Dave Cogswell (8) 15. Dillon McElrath (7) 16. Jimmy Holden (28H) 17. Matt Howsare (5H)-DSQ (light) 18. Mark Bailey (14B)-DSQ (light) 19. Adam Siegel (91)-DNS.
McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models (20 laps): 1. BOBBY POWELL (Bidwell B1D) 2. Steve Hollabaugh (3H) 3. Max Blair (111) 4. Frank Guidace (1G) 5. Andy Buckley (Robinson 34R) 6. Chris Haines (35H) 7. Ben Black (27B) 8. Brian Booher (Hoover 00H) 9. Rusty Moore (17M) 10. Mike Anderson, Jr. (72) 11. Gary Miller, Jr. (1m) 12. John Lacki (7) 13. Rusty Cade (47).
Big Daddy's Speed Center Mod Lites (15 laps): 1. BUD WATSON (15) 2. Lynn Knepper (10) 3. Levi Spinneweber (10s) 4. Kenny Meadows (Teague 10T) 5. Mark Marcucci (8M) 6. Kotie Kirkbride (97N) 7. George Englert (11x) 8. Terry Young (98) 9. Todd Canter (Teague 9T) 10. Bill Stivason (116) 11. Richard Lawson (70x7) 12. Shane Pfeuffer (Lawson 40L) 13. Rod Jones (820) 14. Alan Knepper (1) 15. Brian Woodhall (8B)-DNS.
M&D Paving Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. DILLON KINESTON (19) 2. Stephen Laslo (55) 3. Dan McEwen (44) 4. Curtis Brown (67) 5. Bill Fuchs (10) 6. Pete Blazczak (77) 7. Jerry Batcher (Blazczak 7) 8. Tyler Powell (36) 9. Tim Callahan (Stewart 26T) 10. Ed Haylett (8-ball) 11. Dillon Barr (15) 12. Adam Bulfone (19JR) 13. Scott Gilliland (27) 14. Sam Kloos (62K) 15. Matt Cwynar (21c) 16. Rudolph Troples (28) 17. Wally Stearns, Jr. (33) 18. Jordan Ehrenberg (JD57) 19. Dan Nagy (17B) 20. Josh Verrill (13) 21. John Shannon (14).
Upcoming Events:
8/16 "The Return". BRP Big-Block Modified Tour ($1,300) plus FASTRAK Late Models ($800), Mod Lites ($300), & Mini Stocks plus 7/12 FASTRAK Late Model make-up feature. Fireworks presented by Walt's of Mercer Plaza. Modified autograph session with current and former racers.
8/23 Sprints, Mods, FASTRAL Late Models, Mod Lites, & Mini Stocks. Free general admission for all Butler County residents presented by McClymonds Supply & Transit & Armstrong. $5 admission for all automotive service/truck repair employees and $5 for their significant others, and $15 for families presented by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply
8/30 No racing.
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 6:30 and racing at 7.
Mercer Raceway Park is located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly late March through early October. The office in New Bedford, Pa. is open year-round late mornings and after 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call the office at 724-964-9300 or the track on race day at 724-662-1310. Check out our website at www.mercerracewaypa rk.com for the latest.
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