July 23, 2008

Conneaut, OH…The FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series will return to Raceway 7 this Friday night, July 25 for event #7 on the 2008 slate. Action will get underway at 7:30 p.m. at Ron Nielson’s speeedplant located just south of Conneaut, Ohio. The Touring event that was originally scheduled for Saturday at Bradford was been cancelled by the track.

“We’re looking forward to returning to Raceway 7 Friday night” expressed FASTRAK Northeast co-Director Vicki Emig. “With the rescheduling of our first show to July 4, it just so happened that this show fell only three weeks later. Raceway 7 always attracts a high car count and a strong field with their quality field of weekly competitors. We’re expecting a strong field of cars with no FASTRAK races now on Saturday or Sunday this weekend. At the beginning of the season we felt we’d get 30 cars for our Touring events and that’s right where we’re at average wise after six events. We’ve had 66 different drivers that have competed in the six Touring events alone.”

The 25-lap feature will pay $1,200 to-win, $150 to-start. Drivers will draw pills to determine the heat race lineups and redraw for the first 12 starting spots of the feature.

Max Blair continues to lead the Northeast Touring Series points thanks to his opening win at McKean County Raceway on May 24 and a second when the Series returned on July 5. The 19-year-old Titusville, Pa. driver also had a third at Mercer Raceway Park on May 26 and a fourth at Expo Speedway show on July 10. Blair’s two worst finishes are a pair of 12ths at Dog Hollow Speedway and Raceway 7.

In six events, there has yet to be a repeat winner. Will Friday night make seven winners in seven races? Other winners are Frank Guidace (Mercer), Alan Dellinger (Dog Hollow), John Lacki (Raceway 7), Kyle Drum (McKean), and Bobby Powell (Expo).

“Max has really turned up the wick,” acknowledged FASTRAK Northeast Co-Director Mike Leone. “He’s been a threat to win every race he’s entered both locally and Touring. Not only is he leading our $5,000 Northeast Touring Series, but it appears he’s leading the $10,000 National Weekly Series as well, which is drivers’ best 15 point nights. He’s putting himself in position to win a lot of money and advance even further come Grand National time. The Touring events have been so competitive with six winners in six races. You look at the standout drivers that haven’t won a race and it’s pretty incredible. Dick Barton, Jay Watson, Rusty Moore, Mike Pegher, Jr., Dennis Lunger, Tommy Snyder, and others are all going to be pretty hungry for their first wins Friday night.”

Current Touring Series Points (only Touring Series members are eligible to receive points): 1. Max Blair 182 2. John Lacki 160 3. Rusty Moore 149 4. Bobby Powell 148 5. Tom Snyder, Jr. 144 6. Dick Barton 143 7. Andy Buckley & Justin Kann 126 9. Roger French 121 10. Jay Watson 120 11. Dennis Lunger, Jr. 119 12. Jim Frank 116 13. Jon Law 104 14. Chad Myers 97 15. Bob Kish 91 16. Steve Hollabaugh & Bob Diver 86 18. Kevin Meadows 81 19. Mike Pegher, Jr. 66 20. Kyle Drum 63 21. Bert Cleer 62 22. Dereck Frank 36 23. Bobby Whitling 35 24. Carl McKinney 33 25. Brian Booher 28 26. Todd Sweet & Steve D’Apolito 20 28. Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr., Bob Dorman, & Dave Airgood, Jr. 10 31. Frank Guidace, Dan Karalagas, Gary Miller, Jr., Tim Schram, Mike Wonderling, Sr., Tommy Kronenwetter, Mike Lesky, John Eckenrod, Rocky Kugel, Alan Dellinger, Tyler Dietz, Jeff Enos, Ron Smithley, Dan Angelicchio, Dave Lyon, Bump Hedman, Greg Oakes, Alex Anderson, Dave Norton, Jr., Butch Lambert, Ben Black, Bob Vogt, Jr., Chris Haines, Dan Stives, Dave Osterberg, Gary Stahl, Scott Jones, John Haggerty, Kirby Tucker, Roger Laughlin, Chris Angelicchio, Wayne Mohawk, Mike Anderson (Jr.), Garrett Stephen, Bert Blackson, Tom Copeland. 0.

Feature payoffs for Raceway 7: 1. $1,200 2. $650 3. $450 4. $350 5. $325 6. $300 7. $275 8. $260 9. $255 10. $250 11. $225 12. $210 13. $200 14. $175 15. $165 16. $160 17. $155 18-24. $150.

There is a $50 entry fee. The Goodyear G45 or G50 tires are mandatory. They will be available at the track for $128 each or by calling BWR Performance at 330-509-1999.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with racing at 7:30. Raceway 7 is located six miles south of Interstate 90, on Ohio Route 7, just south of Monroe Center (and Bushnell), Ohio. For more information check out www.raceway7.com, call 440-594-2222 on race day, or email info@raceway7.com

2008 FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series associate sponsors thus far are Race 1, Fame RV Center, Yoder’s Performance Specialty & PRC, Bullitt Chassis, and Fred Beans Parts.

To join our mailing list, simply send an e-mail to fastrakpr-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Mike Leone and Vicki Emig can be reached at 724-964-9300. E-mail to info@fastraknortheast.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. For more information, check out www.fastraknortheast.com.

Fresh off a thrilling last lap FASTRAK weekly-sanctioned victory Sunday at Tri-City Speedway, Bobby Powell did one better winning his first Northeast Touring Series event of the season holding off a furious challenge by Mike Pegher, Jr. to become the sixth different winner in as many Touring events this season. The 25-lap win was worth a season-high $1,500.

“I don’t know what to say,” expressed the Waterford, Pa. winner in victory lane following his first ever Expo race. “I’m exhausted and need something to drink. I was running in the grass down there. I have to thank Scott Bidwell and my crew, who work their tails off. I wouldn’t be in a Late Model if it wasn’t for Fastrak. We can’t afford to do the big stuff, but because of the motor we can race Late Models. We’re racing for a lot of money now and later.”

Tom Snyder, Jr. drew the pole-position and raced into the early lead with Jay Watson passing Rusty Moore for second. The battle heated up for runner-up as Moore returned the favor taking second back one lap later. Then on lap three, it was three-wide for the lead with Watson coming out on top with an inside move in turn four and fourth starting Powell moving to second with Snyder and Moore dropping to third and fourth.

Following a spin by Gary Miller, Jr., Powell overtook Watson on lap four what would turn out to be the winning move. Dick Barton, who started 10th, quickly entered contention passing Snyder for third on lap four and Watson one lap later for second with an inside move off turn four. Watson though fought back against the Late Model great taking third back on lap six, while 12th starting Pegher moved to fourth on lap six past Snyder.

Jim Balentine’s photo gallery of the Expo Race

Jon Law went up in smoke bringing out a caution with seven laps completed. When racing resumed, Pegher took the third spot from Barton, then drove under Watson in turn three for second on lap nine. Thirteenth starting Dennis Lunger, Jr. made a great move diving under defending Touring Series champion Alan Dellinger and Barton for fourth on lap 14. Dellinger didn’t give up regaining fourth on lap 17.

Up front, Pegher began to reel in Powell on lap 17 and was all over the leader on lap 18. Dellinger shot to the inside of Watson in turn two to take third on lap 20 with Lunger following in fourth. Pegher got under Powell in turn three on lap 21, but Powell shut the door holding the lead. Powell opened up some ground on lap 22, but Pegher drove hard under Powell in turns three and four on lap 23, but once again Powell remained steadfast. Dellinger’s strong run ended when the steering broke in his mount with 23 laps completed. On the ensuing restart, Moore got sideways and an eight-car melee ensued.

The last two laps went green-to-checkered. Pegher made a strong bid on lap 24 in turn four again. Pegher got under Powell, but Powell shut the door as the two made heavy contact. It was a drag race off turn four as Powell maintained the lead with the white flag waving. Powell was able to get to the bottom entering turn one and was just too much on the final lap as he held on for his second career Touring Series win in the Scott Bidwell-owned, Fame RV Center/Maloney Tool & Mold/Rich Johnson Electric-sponsored #B1D. The victory was Powell’s fourth of the season overall in FASTRAK competition as he also has weekly-sanctioned wins at Raceway 7, Mercer, and Tri-City in the last month.

Pegher’s second was his career best effort in Touring Series events. After four straight did not finishes, Lunger finally put in a complete night coming home a season-best third. Northeast Touring Series point leader, Max Blair, maintained his point lead with a fourth place effort after starting 11th as the Series completed the halfway point of the sophomore season Barton dropped to fifth at the finish.

Late Model rookie Tyler Dietz turned in a career best finish in sixth after the youngster started 24th over another Late Model rookie Roger French, who started 16th. Mike Wonderling, Sr. was eighth with Jim Frank and 19th starting Bob Diver completing the top 10. Winning the heat races over the 26-car field were Pegher, Wonderling, and Moore.

FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series Race #6 (25 laps $1,500 to-win): 1. BOBBY POWELL (Bidwell B1D) 2. Mike Pegher, Jr. (Geisler 1C) 3. Dennis Lunger, Jr. (17L) 4. Max Blair (111) 5. Dick Barton (Nielson 28B) 6. Tyler Dietz (10) 7. Roger French (-1) 8. Mike Wonderling, Sr. (z1) 9. Jim Frank (14*) 10. Bob Diver (23) 11. Tom Snyder, Jr. (1F) 12. John Lacki (7) 13. Chad Myers (01) 14. Andy Buckley (Robinson 34R) 15. Alan Dellinger (Williams 8) 16. Rusty Moore (17M) 17. Kevin Meadows (Welsch 49) 18. Chris Haines (35H) 19. Jay Watson (7x) 20. Scott Jones (Stanke 44) 21. Tom Copeland (98) 22. Jon Law (14) 23. Ben Black (27B) 24. Gary Miller, Jr. (1m) 25. Mike Lesky (5L) 26. Justin Kann (Powell 100).

Lap leaders: Tom Snyder, Jr. (1-2), Jay Watson (3), Bobby Powell (4-25)

Heat winners: Mike Pegher, Jr., Mike Wonderling, Sr., Rusty Moore

Car count: 26

Next up for the FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series will be race #7 of 12 on Friday, June 25 at Raceway 7 south of Conneaut, Ohio. The event will pay $1,200 to-win, $150 to-start. Racing begins at 7:30 p.m.

2008 FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series associate sponsors thus far are Race 1, Fame RV Center, Yoder’s Performance Specialty & PRC, Bullitt Chassis, and Fred Beans Parts.

To join our mailing list, simply send an e-mail to fastrakpr-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Mike Leone and Vicki Emig can be reached at 724-964-9300. E-mail to info@fastraknortheast.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. For more information, check out www.fastraknortheast.com.

“It’s a pleasure to be part of the Trumbull County Fair,” acknowledged FASTRAK Northeast Co-Director Vicki Emig. “We ran out of time last year putting the event together, but Fairboard President Bud Rogers is thrilled to see FASTRAK make its debut and anxiously awaits the return of Late Models. There is a long, storied history of Late Models in the Youngstown-Warren area so this is a long-awaited event for many fans and racers in that area.”

The Expo event will mark race #6 of 12 of the sophomore season of the FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series. The 25-lap feature will pay $1,500 to-win, $175 to-start. Thus far there have been five different winners in as many events. Max Blair opened the season off with a victory at McKean County Raceway on May 24 and has held the point lead ever since with a second, a third, and a pair of 12th place finishes. Two nights later, Frank Guidace made his Touring Series debut a successful one winning the “Steel Valley Classic” at Mercer on Memorial Day. After three weeks off, the Touring Series made their first of two appearances to Dog Hollow Speedway and it was defending champion Alan Dellinger picking up the victory. New Yorkers John Lacki and Kyle Drum were victorious in the Independence Day Weekend events at Raceway 7 and McKean County last Friday and Saturday respectively.

“A lot of people are looking forward to Thursday,” stated FASTRAK Northeast Co-Director Mike Leone. “The weather is supposed to be perfect with sunny skies and temps in the upper 70s. Expo’s 5/8th mile will be the biggest track the FASTRAK cars have ever raced on here in the Northeast. In fact, there has yet to be a race on a half-mile speedway in two seasons for FASTRAK. There’s a pretty good chance we’ll see a sixth different winner in six races with standout drivers like Dick Barton, Bobby Powell, Tom Snyder, Jr., Jay Watson, Dennis Lunger, Mike Pegher, Jr., Andy Buckley, Rusty Moore, Justin Kann, and more in hot pursuit of their first wins. Very few of the FASTRAK racers have ever run Expo so it will be a new experience for many.”

Joining the FASTRAK Late Models will be the Stock Cars in a 20-lap $500 to-win, $50 to-start event. Raceway 7 and Sharon Speedway rules will be used. The last two seasons have been upset victories by local racers Stan Woomer and Bruce Redman.

Current FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series points as of 7/5/08 (must be a Touring member to receive points): 1. Max Blair 150 2. John Lacki 136 3. Rusty Moore 129 4. Tom Snyder, Jr. 119 5. Justin Kann 115 6. Bobby Powell 113 7. Dick Barton 112 8. Andy Buckley 104 9. Jay Watson 103 10. Roger French 92 11. Bob Kish 91 12. Jon Law 90 13. Jim Frank 89 14. Steve Hollabaugh & Dennis Lunger 86 16. Chad Myers 74 17. Kyle Drum 63 18. Kevin Meadows & Bert Cleer 62 20. Bob Diver 60 21. Dereck Frank 36 22. Bobby Whitling 35 23. Carl McKinney 33 24. Mike Pegher, Jr. 32 25. Brian Booher 28 26. Todd Sweet & Steve D’Apolito 20 28. Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr., Bob Dorman, & Dave Airgood, Jr. 10 31. Frank Guidace, Dan Karalagas, Gary Miller, Jr., Tim Schram, Mike Wonderling, Sr., Tommy Kronenwetter, Jr., John Eckenrod, Rocky Kugel, Alan Dellinger, Jeff Enos, Ron Smithley, Dan Angelicchio, Dave Lyon, Bump Hedman, Greg Oakes, Alex Anderson, Dave Norton, Jr., Butch Lambert, Bob Vogt, Jr., Chris Haines, Dan Stives, Dave Osterberg, Gary Stahl, Scott Jones, John Haggerty, Kirby Tucker, Roger Laughlin, Chris Angelicchio, Wayne Mohawk, Mike Anderson (Jr.), Garret Stephen, Bert Blackson, Tom Copeland 0.

FASTRAK Late Model Feature payoffs for Expo: 1. $1,500 2. $800 3. $500 4. $400 5. $370 6. $335 7. $315 8. $300 9. $280 10. $275 11. $250 12. $240 13. $225 14. $200 15. $190 16. $185 17. $180 18-24. $175. Tow/Non-qualifiers $75.

Pits open at 3 p.m. on Thursday with hot laps at 5:30 and with racing at 6 p.m. Admission for the fair, rides, and the races is only $7 and pit passes are just $20. There is a $75 entry fee for FASTRAK. The Goodyear G45 or G50 tires are mandatory. They will be available at the track for $128 each or by calling BWR Performance at 330-509-1999.

Expo Speedway is located at the Trumbull County Fairgrounds just north of Route 305 on Hoagland-Blackstub Road in Bazetta Township, Cortland, Ohio. For more information, check out www.trumbullcountyfair.com or call 330-637-6010

2008 FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series associate sponsors thus far are Race 1, Fame RV Center, Yoder’s Performance Specialty & PRC, Bullitt Chassis, and Fred Beans Parts.

To join our mailing list, simply send an e-mail to fastrakpr-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Mike Leone and Vicki Emig can be reached at 724-964-9300. E-mail to info@fastraknortheast.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. For more information, check out www.fastraknortheast.com.

You can also click the red balloon marker on the map below to get directions from your starting location

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Seven years ago Kyle Drum was the youngest driver to ever win an Empire Super Sprint (ESS) race at the age of 17. Drum had a successful albeit short Sprint Car career, and when the FASTRAK Late Models were announced last year, Drum made the switch to the full-fender cars for the first time in his career.

At McKean’s last event on June 26, Drum ran the best race of his Late Model career coming up short by less than one-half of car-length to the veteran Dick Barton. On Saturday night, Drum ran a flawless race leading all 25 laps, hitting his marks, and never missing a beat through lapped traffic to score his first career Late Model win. The victory was worth $1,200 as Drum became the fifth different Touring Series winner in as many races this season.

“We’ve been trying so hard since last year,” expressed the Wayland, New York 23-year-old winner. “This is great. Tom Taber did a great job, and I have to thank my dad. It’s tough to beat Dick Barton.”

Drum overtook pole-sitter Dan Stives at the start with Barton trailing. On lap two, fifth starting John Haggerty moved into third past Stives with Bobby Powell trailing. Haggerty looked strong as he drove to the inside of Barton in turn four to take second on lap four. A caution for Garret Stephen and Justin Kann brought out the caution with seven laps completed.

The next 14 laps would go non-stop as Drum began to pull away by the halfway point of the event. On lap 16 Drum had a straightaway lead over Haggerty when he entered lapped traffic. Touring Series point leader, Max Blair, started sixth and advanced to third on lap 19 when he drove to the inside of Barton in turn three on lap 19. Haggerty’s strong run ended when he drove into turns three and four too hard getting into lapped cars and spinning with 21 laps completed.

One more caution was all that slowed Drum from his victory lane celebration in his T&J Auto Parts/Carpenters Local 85-sponsored #47. Blair edged Barton for second. Lacki completed a strong weekend after his win at Raceway 7 on Friday night to finish fourth after starting 12th. Mike Wonderling, Sr., who finished third in the first Touring Series event this season at McKean, had a solid run to finish fifth. Wayne Mohawk made his first start of the season and finished sixth after starting 20th. Seventh through 10th were Andy Buckley, Steve Hollabaugh, Tim Schram, and Rusty Moore. A long night the night before at Raceway 7 with some torn up cars kept the car count to a season-low 25 cars. Winning the heat races were Blair, Lacki, and Haggerty.

FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series Race #5 (25 laps $1,200 to-win): 1. KYLE DRUM (47) 2. Max Blair (111) 3. Dick Barton (Nielson 28B) 4. John Lacki (7) 5. Mike Wonderling, Sr. (z1) 6. Wayne Mohawk (64) 7. Andy Buckley (Robinson 34R) 8. Steve Hollabaugh (3H) 9. Tim Schram (1s) 10. Rusty Moore (17M) 11. Tom Snyder, Jr. (1F) 12. Bobby Powell (Bidwell B1D) 13. Jim Frank (14*) 14. Bert Cleer (51) 15. Chad Myers (01) 16. Roger French (-1) 17. Jon Law (Sweet 17) 18. John Haggerty (49) 19. Dave Norton, Jr. (24x) 20. Justin Kann (Powell 100) 21. Garret Stephen (79) 22. Dan Stives (41) 23. Tommy Kronenwetter, Jr. (4K) 24. Dennis Lunger (17L) 25. Bob Kish (5)-DNS.

Lap leaders: Kyle Drum (1-25)

Heat winners: Max Blair, John Lacki, John Haggerty

Car count: 25

Next up for the FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series will be race #6 of 12 this Thursday, July 10 at the Expo Speedway at the Trumbull County Fairgrounds in Cortland, Ohio. The event will pay $1,500 to-win, $175 to-start. Pit gates open at 3 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 and racing at 6 p.m.

2008 FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series associate sponsors thus far are Race 1, Fame RV Center, Yoder’s Performance Specialty & PRC, Bullitt Chassis, and Fred Beans Parts.

To join our mailing list, simply send an e-mail to fastrakpr-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Mike Leone and Vicki Emig can be reached at 724-964-9300. E-mail to info@fastraknortheast.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. For more information, check out www.fastraknortheast.com.

If a driver ever deserved to a win a race, that man would be John
Lacki in the “Fall Classic”. Last September 7, John Lacki led the
first 12 laps before a caution slowed action then the rains came.
The race was one lap from being considered complete and under Raceway
7’s rain check policy, one feature must be completed or rain checks
are issued. Lacki and company made the long tow back on September 14
only to be rained out again.

It was announced the “Fall Classic” would be run on May 2 of this
year as the “Spring Classic” to open up the 2008 season at Raceway 7,
but once again rain took care of that night. Determined to get the
show in, the “Fall Classic” was rescheduled to July 4 and finally
nearly 10 months after coming one lap from winning the “Fall
Classic”, John Lacki stood in victory lane after the 25-lap “Freedom
Classic” FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series feature.

Making his Touring Series debut, Dave Osterberg took the early lead
over Roger French. Fourth starting Tom Snyder, Jr. passed Dennis
Lunger for third on the opening lap then grabbed second from French
on lap five with sixth starting Lacki trailing.

Following a caution with eight laps completed, Snyder took over the
top spot from Osterberg. Lacki then chased Osterberg before finally
getting by for runner-up on lap 13 with Lunger following. Dick
Barton, who started seventh, made his way into contention taking
third from Lunger on lap 20 one lap before Lunger lost the handle in
turn three, looping his mount and erased Snyder’s half-straightaway
lead.

On the ensuing restart, Lacki used the double-file restart to his
advantage taking the lead on lap 22 and would go on to lead the
remaining laps holding for Snyder for the $1,200 win in his #7.
Lacki became the fourth different Touring Series winner in as many
races this season. His victory was the third of his career in
Touring Series competition moving him into a tie with Barton atop the
all-time win list.

Bump Hedman had a great run coming from 19th to finish third after
passing Barton for the spot on lap 22. Barton was fourth over
defending Touring Series champion Alan Dellinger, who started 10th.
Completing the top 10 were Jay Watson, Justin Kann, Greg Oakes, Rusty
Moore, and Andy Buckley. The 33 cars matched the season-high count
at the opening event at McKean County Raceway. Heat winners were
French, Lacki, Moore, and Dellinger, while Jon Law and Watson won the
two B mains.

FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series Race #4 (25 laps $1,200
to-win): 1. JOHN LACKI (7) 2. Tom Snyder, Jr. (1F) 3. Bump Hedman
(22) 4. Dick Barton (Nielson 28B) 5. Alan Dellinger (Williams 8)
6. Jay Watson (7x) 7. Justin Kann (Powell 100) 8. Greg Oakes (22)
9. Rusty Moore (17M) 10. Andy Buckley (Robinson 34R) 11. Dave
Osterberg (43) 12. Max Blair (111) 13. Bob Diver (23) 14. Butch
Lambert (27) 15. Jon Law (14) 16. Kevin Meadows (Welsch 49) 17.
Steve Hollabaugh (3H) 18. Dan Stives (41) 19. Dennis Lunger (17L)
20. Tom Copeland (98) 21. Roger French (-1) 22. Bob Kish (5) 23.
Dereck Frank (16*) 24. Bobby Powell (Bidwell B1D) DNQ: Bob Dorman
(19), Scott Jones (Stanke 44s), Alex Anderson (22x), Gary Miller, Jr.
(1m), Jim Frank (14*), Bobby Whitling (7w), Todd Sweet (17), Chad
Myers (01), Bert Blackson (82)

Lap leaders: Dave Osterberg (1-8), Tom Snyder, Jr. (9-21), John Lacki
(22-25)

Heat winners: Roger French, John Lacki, Rusty Moore, Alan Dellinger

B main winners: Jon Law, Jay Watson

Car count: 33

2008 FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series associate sponsors thus far are
Race 1, Fame RV Center, Yoder’s Performance Specialty & PRC, Bullitt
Chassis, and Fred Beans Parts.

To join our mailing list, simply send an e-mail to fastrakpr-
subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Mike Leone and Vicki Emig can be reached
at 724-964-9300. E-mail to info@fastraknortheast.com and snail mail
to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. For more information, check out
www.fastraknortheast.com.

“We’re looking forward to going to Raceway 7 and McKean this weekend,” expressed FASTRAK Northeast co-Director Vicki Emig. “Both tracks have been great supporters of FASTRAK since the inception. Hopefully we can finally get this Fall Classic event put to bed at Raceway 7. We have to thank the Nielson Family for continuing to reschedule the event. McKean has really fought the weather all season long so hopefully Saturday will be a nice day for them. There have been a minimum of 31 cars at all three of our Touring events this season and we again expect over 30 cars at both events this weekend.”

The 25-lap features at both tracks will pay $1,200 to-win, $150 to-start. Drivers will draw pills to determine the heat race lineups and redraw for the first 12 starting spots of the feature.

Raceway 7’s event on Friday is three-time rained out “Fall Classic” from last September now known as the “Freedom Classic”. Rain checks from September 7 and 14 of last year will be honored. Last year Dick Barton and John Lacki were victorious in Touring Series races.

The McKean event will mark just the track’s fourth event of the season. McKean opened its 2008 season with the Touring event back on May 24 won by Max Blair. Lacki and Todd Andrews won Touring events last season at McKean.

Currently the third generation Blair of Titusville, Pa. leads the Touring Series points, which will pay $5,000 to the champion and down 10 positions. Non-Touring Series members, Frank Guidace and Alan Dellinger, were victorious in the Mercer and Dog Hollow Speedway events earlier this season.

Current Touring Series Points (only Touring Series members are eligible to receive points): 1. Max Blair 92 2. Bobby Powell 77 3. Rusty Moore 76 4. Jay Watson 73 5. Justin Kann 70 6. John Lacki 69 7. Bob Kish 67 8. Tom Snyder, Jr. 60 9. Roger French & Dennis Lunger 57 11. Jim Frank 56 12. Jon Law 50 13. Andy Buckley 49 14. Dick Barton 47 15. Chad Myers 43 16. Kevin Meadows 42 17. Bert Cleer 40 18. Steve Hollabaugh 39 19. Bob Diver 37 20. Carl McKinney 33 21. Mike Pegher, Jr. 32 22. Brian Booher & Kyle Drum 28 24. Bobby Whitling 25 25. Dereck Frank 23 26. Steve D’Apolito 20 27. Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr., Todd Sweet, & Dave Airgood, Jr. 10 28. Frank Guidace, Dan Karalagas, Gary Miller, Jr., Tim Schram, Mike Wonderling, Sr., Tommy Kronenwetter, John Eckenrod, Rocky Kugel, Alan Dellinger, Jeff Enos, Ron Smithley, Dan Angelicchio, Dave Lyon, Greg Oakes, Dave Norton, Jr., Butch Lambert, Bob Vogt, Jr., Chris Haines, Dan Stives, Gary Stahl, Scott Jones, John Haggerty, Kirby Tucker, Roger Laughlin, Chris Angelicchio, Mike Anderson (Jr.), Garrett Stephen 0.

“We’re really pleased with how our Touring events have gone thus far,” stated FASTRAK Northeast co-Director Mike Leone. “Even with threatening weather on two of the three events, the turnout has been great. We have a quality group of racers traveling to these shows that mix in well with the track regulars. Evidence to the competitiveness of the Series is the fact that 17 of the 20 finishers at the May 24 McKean feature were on the lead lap in a non-stop event on a 1/3-mile track! We’ve had 56 different competitors in the three Touring events alone and we’ll add to that this weekend.”

Feature payoffs for Raceway 7 & McKean: 1. $1,200 2. $650 3. $450 4. $350 5. $325 6. $300 7. $275 8. $260 9. $255 10. $250 11. $225 12. $210 13. $200 14. $175 15. $165 16. $160 17. $155 18-24. $150.

There is a $50 entry fee for both events. The Goodyear G45 or G50 tires are mandatory. They will be available at the track for $128 each or by calling BWR Performance at 330-509-1999.

At Raceway 7 on Friday, gates open at 5:30 p.m. with racing at 7:30. Raceway 7 is located six miles south of Interstate 90, on Ohio Route 7, just south of Monroe Center (and Bushnell), Ohio. For more information check out www.raceway7.com, call 440-594-2222 on race day, or e-mail info@raceway7.com

At McKean on Saturday, gates open at 5 p.m. with racing at 7. McKean County Raceway is a 1/3-mile dirt track located at the McKean County Fairgrounds in East Smethport, Pa. at the intersections of Route 6 and 46. For more information on McKean County Raceway, check out their website at www.mckeancountyraceway.com or call 814-362-6909. The track number on race day is 814-887-2600.

In other Touring Series news, Expo Speedway at the Trumbull County Fairgrounds in Cortland, Ohio has announced they will pay $1,500 to-win, $175 to-start for their event on Thursday, July 10. Pit gates will open at 3 p.m. with racing at 6 for that show. The fair board will send payoffs 10 days after the event. Be sure to stay up to date with all the latest news, points, and stats at www.fastraknortheast.com. Drivers are urged to complete their driver profile forms.

2008 FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series associate sponsors thus far are Race 1, Fame RV Center, Yoder’s Performance Specialty & PRC, Bullitt Chassis, and Fred Beans Parts.

To join our mailing list, simply send an e-mail to fastrakpr-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Mike Leone and Vicki Emig can be reached at 724-964-9300. E-mail to info@fastraknortheast.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. For more information, check out www.fastraknortheast.com.

Defending Touring Series Champion, Alan Dellinger, became the third different winner in as many events this season with his wire-to-wire victory in the 25-lap feature. The $1,200 win was the second career Touring Series win for the Hermitage, Pa. driver, who won last year’s event at Lakeville Speedway.

Dellinger finished second in his heat race and drew the number one pill for the pole position as he lined up alongside Dick Barton. Dellinger took the advantage on the start over Barton as Rusty Moore moved past Bob Vogt, Jr. for third. The leaders entered lapped traffic on lap nine, but the event’s first caution was displayed with 10 laps completed for debris on the track.

The caution was a bad omen as it was yellow fever for the rest of the event. Two more cautions on lap 10 and another one on lap 11 slowed action before seven green flag laps ran off. John Lacki, who started ninth, cracked the top five when he passed May 24 McKean County winner, Max Blair, on lap 14. Bobby Powell and Rusty Moore battled side-by-side for third on laps 15-17; meanwhile, Tom Snyder, Jr. made his way from 21st into contention challenging Lacki for fifth. Snyder nosed ahead of Lacki for fifth on lap 18 before Vogt spun to bring out another caution.

When racing resumed, Powell was slow on the restart as he got shuffled back allowing Snyder and Lacki to move into fourth and fifth. Three more cautions slowed action with 19 laps completed including a six and a nine-car melee in turns one and two. The accidents collected the third and fourth place cars of Moore and Snyder.

After the final caution, the decision was made to go single-file and the last six laps ran off caution-free with Dellinger holding off Barton for the win. The victory was the second of the season in FASTRAK competition for Dellinger in the Bob Williams-owned #8 as he won a Weekly Series event at Tri-City Speedway on May 4.

Lacki had a good run in third in his first ever Dog Hollow visit. Chris Angelicchio was fourth after passing Roger French on lap 27 and Justin Kann on lap 29. Kann was fifth. Completing the top 10 were Bert Cleer, Bob Kish, French, Moore, and Snyder. Heat victors were Gary Stahl, Powell, Barton, and Lacki. The two B mains were won by Snyder and Chad Myers.

Complete gallery of photos here

FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series Race #3 (25 laps $1,200 to-win): 1. ALAN DELLINGER (Williams 8) 2. Dick Barton (Neilson 28B) 3. John Lacki (7) 4. Chris Angelicchio (54) 5. Justin Kann (Powell 100) 6. Bert Cleer (51) 7. Bob Kish (5) 8. Roger French (-1) 9. Rusty Moore (17m) 10. Tom Snyder, Jr. (1F) 11. Jim Frank (14*) 12. Max Blair (111) 13. Gary Stahl (Fulton 44) 14. Jon Law (14) 15. Bob Diver (23) 16. Kevin Meadows (Welsch 49) 17. Jay Watson (7x) 18. Bobby Powell (Bidwell B1D) 19. Roger Laughlin (53L) 20. Dan Angelicchio (14) 21. Kirby Tucker (LeComte 53) 22. Bob Vogt, Jr. (30) 23. Dennis Lunger, Jr. (17L) 24. Chad Myers (01) DNQ: Andy Buckley (Robinson 34R), Tommy Kronenwetter (4K), Jeff Enos (11), Ron Smithley (13s), Dan Karalagas (G1), Garrett Stephen (79)

Lap leaders: Alan Dellinger (1-25)

Heat winners: Gary Stahl, Bobby Powell, Dick Barton, John Lacki

B main winners: Tom Snyder, Jr., Chad Myers

Car count: 32

Next up for the FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series will be another two-day holiday weekend. Raceway 7 in Conneaut, Ohio has the three-time rained out “Fall Classic” on Friday, July 4 followed by McKean County Raceway in East Smethport, Pa. on Saturday, July 5. Race #4 and 5 of 12 will both be 25-lap $1,200 to-win, $150 to-start events. For more information, check out www.raceway7.com and www.mckeancountyraceway.com. 2008 FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series associate sponsors thus far are Race 1, Fame RV Center, Yoder’s Performance Specialty & PRC, Bullitt Chassis, and Fred Beans Parts.

To join our mailing list, simply send an e-mail to fastrakpr-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Mike Leone and Vicki Emig can be reached at 724-964-9300. E-mail to info@fastraknortheast.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. For more information, check out www.fastraknortheast.com

The 25-lap features will pay $1,200 to-win, $150 to-start. Drivers will draw pills to determine the heat race lineups and redraw for the first 12 starting spots of the feature.

“We’re looking forward to returning to Dog Hollow,” stated Northeast Co-Director Vicki Emig. “Last year’s show was a great race. The Michny’s are strong supporters of FASTRAK and we’re thrilled they gave us two Touring shows this year. Dog Hollow always a nice surface for the racers and this year’s event should be a great show.”

The FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series kicked off its season over Memorial Day Weekend. Max Blair won the Saturday event at McKean County Raceway over a 33-car field, and Frank Guidace topped the 31-car field at Mercer Raceway Park on Monday. Both drivers’ victories were their first ever in Touring Series events. Blair, 18 of Centerville, Pa., is the current Touring Series point leader over Bobby Powell of Waterford, Pa. A total of 46 drivers have competed thus far.

Dog Hollow Speedway is a FASTRAK weekly-sanctioned speedway for the second straight year. Last year, the FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series made its maiden voyage and Bobby Powell captured his first career Touring Series victory. Dog Hollow has held six weekly events thus far this season with Tommy Snyder, Jr. victorious three times and single victories to Dave Padula, Justin Kann, and Dan Angelicchio.

“We expect a field of 30 cars or more,” acknowledged Northeast Co-Director Mike Leone. “Raceway 7 has again been good enough to drop the FASTRAK Late Models on Friday night so all their racers have the opportunity to go to Dog Hollow and run this Touring event. Last year we had 21 cars, which was good considering it was the first season and Dog Hollow didn’t mandate the Goodyear Tires on a weekly basis. With the Goodyear Tires mandatory at Dog Hollow this year and a lot more cars in competition throughout the region, there shouldn’t be a problem getting 30 cars at the Touring events if weather isn’t a factor.”

Current FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series points as of 5/26/08 (must be a Touring member to receive points): 1. Max Blair 68 2. Bobby Powell 59 3. Jay Watson 54 4. Rusty Moore 49 5. Dennis Lunger 44 6. Steve Hollabaugh, Andy Buckley, Justin Kann 39 9. Bob Kish 38 10. John Lacki 36 11. Tommy Snyder, Jr. 34 12. Carl McKinney 33 13. Mike Pegher, Jr. 32 14. Chad Myers, Jim Frank 31 16. Roger French 29 17. Brian Booher, Jon Law, Kyle Drum 28 20. Bobby Whitling 25 21. Kevin Meadows 22 22. Steve D’Apolito 20 23. Bob Diver 16 24. Dereck Frank, Dick Barton 13 26. Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr., Todd Sweet, Dave Airgood, Jr., Bert Cleer 10 29. Frank Guidace, Gary Miller, Jr., Tim Schram, Mike Wonderling, Sr., Rocky Kugel, Alan Dellinger, Dave Lyon, Greg Oakes, Dave Norton, Jr., Butch Lambert, Bob Vogt, Jr., Chris Haines, Dan Stives, Scott Jones, John Haggerty, Mike Anderson (Jr.), Garrett Stephens 0.

Feature payoffs for Dog Hollow: 1. $1,200 2. $650 3. $450 4. $350 5. $325 6. $300 7. $275 8. $260 9. $255 10. $250 11. $225 12. $210 13. $200 14. $175 15. $165 16. $160 17. $155 18-24. $150

Pits open at 5:30 p.m. on Friday with racing at 7:30 p.m. There is a $50 entry fee. The Goodyear G45 or G50 tires are mandatory. They will be available at the track for $128 each or by calling BWR Performance at 330-509-1999.

Dog Hollow Speedway is a 4/10-mile dirt track located at in Strongstown, Pa. three miles north of US 422 on SR 403 then 0.1 miles east on Hamill. For more information on Dog Hollow, check out their website at www.dog-hollow.com or call 814-948-4252. The track number on race day is 814-948-6812.

2008 FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series associate sponsors thus far are Race 1, Fame RV Center, Yoder’s Performance Specialty & PRC, Bullitt Chassis, and Fred Beans Parts.

To join our mailing list, simply send an e-mail to fastrakpr-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Mike Leone and Vicki Emig can be reached at 724-964-9300. E-mail to info@fastraknortheast.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. For more information, check out www.fastraknortheast.com.

Making just his fifth ever Late Model start and first in a FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series event, Frank Guidace led all 25 laps of the feature in a convincing fashion. The $1,200 victory was Guidace’s second of the year in FASTRAK competition.

“The car was on a rail from the time we unloaded it tonight,” expressed the jubilant Mercer, Pa. 2006 Mercer Modified Champion. “I’d like to thank Lazer Chassis and Shadow Shocks for making it look like it’s easy; it’s not, but it’s definitely working good and I appreciate their help. The track was super racey with an excellent cushion. I love that we were able to keep it up there and put it to the mat.”

Guidace used the outside to grab the lead from pole-sitter Tommy Snyder, Jr. Fifth starting Jon Law made his way to third on lap two taking the spot from Mike Pegher, Jr. Law inherited second on lap four when Snyder was put to the rear following a bad start that resulted in a six-car accident. When racing resumed, seventh starting Jay Watson raced past Pegher and Law for runner-up.

All eyes were on Max Blair, who won the Touring Series event Saturday at McKean County Raceway and the weekly race Sunday at Tri-City Speedway. Blair started in 12th and entered the picture on lap nine when he took third away from Pegher. By the halfway point, the battle heated up for second with Watson running high and Blair low. A restart with 15 laps completed allowed Pegher to regain third from Blair. It was a three-car race for second, while Guidace continued to lead.

A caution for debris with 20 laps completed set up a five-lap dash to the checkered. On the ensuing restart, Blair was able to get back by Pegher for third. Guidace got some mud packed in his wheel in the closing laps, which allowed Watson and Blair to reel in the leader while they battled hard for runner-up. Guidace though was able to hold on in his ASI Sportswear-sponsored #1G for his 14th career Mercer win overall.

Watson edged Blair and Pegher for second. Last year’s Touring Series Champion, Alan Dellinger, was fifth after starting 14th. Completing the top 10 were Rusty Moore, 21st starter Steve Hollabaugh, Brian Booher, Bobby Powell, and Butch Lambert. Heat winners were Snyder, Guidace, Law, and Moore. Hollabaugh and Diver won the two B mains.

FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series Race #2 (25 laps): 1. FRANK GUIDACE ($1,200) 2. Jay Watson 3. Max Blair 4. Mike Pegher, Jr. 5. Alan Dellinger 6. Rusty Moore 7. Steve Hollabaugh 8. Brian Booher 9. Bobby Powell 10. Butch Lambert 11. Andy Buckley 12. Mike Anderson (Jr.) 13. Bob Kish 14. Tom Snyder, Jr. 15. Chad Myers 16. Steve D’Apolito 17. Roger French 18. Jon Law 19. Chris Haines 20. Bob Diver 21. Justin Kann 22. Dennis Lunger 23. Dick Barton 24. Kenny Meadows DNQ: Bob Vogt, Jr., Rocky Kugel, Gary Miller, Jr., Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr., John Lacki, Dave Airgood, Jr., Carl McKinney.

Lap leaders: Frank Guidace (1-25)

Heat winners: Tommy Snyder, Jr., Frank Guidace, Jon Law, Rusty Moore

B main winners: Steve Hollabaugh, Bob Diver

Car count: 31

The FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series heads next to Dog Hollow Speedway in Strongstown, Pa. on Friday, June 20. Race #3 of 12 will be another 25-lap $1,200 to-win, $150 to-start event. For more information, check out www.dog-hollow.com. 2008 FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series associate sponsors thus far are Race 1, Fame RV Center, Yoder’s Performance Specialty & PRC, Bullitt Chassis, and Fred Beans Parts.

To join our mailing list, simply send an e-mail to fastrakpr-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Mike Leone and Vicki Emig can be reached at 724-964-9300. E-mail to info@fastraknortheast.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. For more information, check out www.fastraknortheast.com.