Speedweek on Deck, Fast Facts and Thoughts

By: Tye Wolfgang

You know the schedule, you probably have an idea of what races you want to see, but now here is some food for thought…….

            Danny Dietrich and Lucas Wolfe are two of, if not the hottest drivers on the circuit. Wolfe flipped on the opening lap catastrophe at Port Royal on Saturday, then he won. Yep you read that right. Wolfe’s crew then made repairs to his #24 and he restarted 16th  in the running order. Wolfe was on a mission, he worked his way back through the field and took the lead with approximately five laps to go, and he drove way. That was Wolfe’s sixth win in the last 30 days and seventh on the season. Wolfe has been absolutely locked down on the slick half mile surfaces as of late. Lucas is a favorite at both Port Royal shows and Selinsgrove. Places he has won at within the past few weeks. Hagerstown isn’t a long shot either. However, don’t let all this talk of half mile big track racing fool you, Wolfe can win on the short tracks too. He proved that a few weeks ago at Lincoln Speedway when he stole the victory with a late race pass. He is certainly a favorite for the title. 

The other half of PA’s hottest duo? Danny Dietrich. “Double D” has run 9 races in the last 12 days now at the time of this article. That is including a stint with USAC and a successful trip West to Ohio for their Speedweek that included both a podium appearance and another top five run. He just won his sixth feature of the year and fifth at Lincoln alone Saturday when he outdueled his brother and Freddie Rahmer Jr.  Win five races at Lincoln before “mid-point” of the season, which is typically considered sometime around the Summer Nationals, and you clearly have it rolling at that particular track.

 One can imagine Danny is licking his chops at both Lincoln races. Especially Monday night’s seven thousand to win Kevin Gobrecht Memorial considering he is quote: “looking forward to the higher paying races.” The next of the three higher paying races will come at Port on Thursday. Dietrich hasn’t been bad at the Grove either, and the Grove will play host to the highest paying show of Speedweek on the second Friday. There has been a lot of talk about the possibility of the championship chase coming down to these drivers, but Danny isn’t worried about that, “we’re only there to win races,” he remarked upon question of the championship. Despite not being concerned about points, good finishes, and the factor of competing in every show, could surprise the team with some extra money come week’s end.

Surely Dewease and Hodnett are due for a win right? Hodnett is loving his new Maxim chassis aboard the Heffner 27 and is ready to break out. Lance is, well…everyone knows the Dream Team story; however, Lance won’t contend for the title. But, Hodnett could be there in the championship chase. Dewease and the Kreitz team will theoretically eliminate themselves from Championship contention considering they won’t race every event. Another driver in Lance’s position is Freddie Rahmer. Rahmer has been stellar at Williams Grove this season and is the current point leader. The question remains if he will chase points or not. In the past, Rahmer Sr. has not allowed his cars to compete in Path Valley’s event, a race in which Rahmer Promotes. “Little Freddie” is a legitimate threat to win each and every night, his brother Brandon is in the conversation for a win as well.

 Perhaps the most overlooked driver in the 2017 Speedweek field could be Mark Smith. Despite truly having a set schedule Smith is a “Gasser” that can and will win anywhere, in anything. During the 2017 campaign Smith has already been claimed King of the 360’s along with an immense amount of other 360 wins including the “Ultimate wingless shootout.” Mark’s 410 program isn’t far off either. He already has a win at Port Royal this season and has been fast in his other appearances. Perhaps Smith could steal a victory in the Selinsgrove event, a track at which he has dominated in the 360 ranks. 
            
There is a chance we could see a NASCAR driver romp on the dirt tracks of Central PA. Kyle Larson is one of the hottest drivers in the world, in any type of race car. A few seasons ago in a NASCAR sanctioned event Larson joked with the reporter that the only thing he couldn’t do in a race car was win a winged sprint car race in central Pennsylvania. But, with the speed he has shown, that could change this year. Kasey Kahne is also slated to be here starting Sunday at Path Valley. They will be able to compete Sunday do to the fact that the higher paying form of stock car racing that allows them to field sprint cars is running on Saturday night this week. Rico Abreu is also expected to be in attendance as well. “True Outlaw” Josh Baughman is to make the trek East. All of these drivers could steal a victory in Posse country.

 Speaking of Posse country…….. Pa has quite the crop of young talent right now. Matt Campbell had speed Saturday at Lincoln after running to the front from an incident early in the main event. That first 410 win would surely be a little sweeter in Speedweek. While Anthony Macri recently picked up his first 410 win at the Lincoln Speedway, he’s had a taste and now wants another. Some drivers that have raced for a few seasons are also looking for a definitive week. TJ Stutts, a veteran of the 358 and 360 ranks has competed in select Speedweek events for years. This season Stutts is campaigning as a full time 410 racer, with the help of Todd Shaffer. He currently finds himself having a solid year. The team showed speed against the World of Outlaws earlier this season. Another driver in a similar situation is Brock Zearfoss. Zearfoss, has a few wins under his belt and is always fast at Williams Grove and the Juniata County Oval. Zearfoss doesn’t have as much experience on the smaller bullrings, but he seems to time well and should be starting up front. Chances are he can be found high up within the point’s standings. Billy Dietrich is in the opposite situation, the underfinanced racer has been extremely competitive on the smaller track this season and in the past. He ran second to brother Danny at Lincoln Saturday and currently sits third in points. Over the years Billy has also experienced success at Path Valley.

Perhaps the 358 ranks of central PA will be represented. Long time sprint car racer Phil Walter will be present aboard the Ritter Feed’s #5 during select events. Doug Hammaker had a 410 at Lincoln Speedway Saturday, perhaps he will be seen? Of course you can never count out the group including the likes of Brian Montieth, Corry Haas, and Alan Krimes when it comes to Lincoln. Port Royal points leader Dylan Cisney will be in full title defense come Thursday and Saturday’s events. Blaine Heimbach has come out of a slump with some recent speed and could be competitive at both Port Royal and Selinsgrove. Mike Erdley made his comeback Saturday at Port Royal, and his Todd Hestor owned #41 could use a starting boost. 410 rookie and recent move up Jared Esh will be making his first Speedweek appearances this week aboard the Ehrenzeller #33. It still remains in question whether Jared’s father, Doug Esh, will compete. Esh, the regular driver of Mark Coldren’s 07, was injured on vacation. Jordan Givler has been “given the call to the big leagues” and has been filling in for Esh. There isn’t a driver in the area that wouldn’t like to claim a Speedweek win. Perhaps the invaders will have a different idea. 

            Tye Wolfgang Promotions would like to remind everyone to go check out his 2017 PA Speedweek Crowd Pleaser Award on his page “Wolfgang’s Writings.” 




What’s to Come in Central PA

By: Tye Wolfgang

Williams Grove has become way too familiar with the phrase “Rained out” this season. It isn’t the fact they aren’t trying, because they are. Mother Nature simply says “NO!” Friday they lost the first race of Kevin Nouse’s 358 Summer Series to rain. That event has been rescheduled for July 14th. The 358 sprints are often over looked and it is a shame because they could be a headline division in most places in the country. For instance Lincoln Speedway has had 10 different winners in the same number of events. Impressive numbers. 

Racing in the area is just about to get heated with many drivers starting to hit their stride. Lucas Wolfe is on a hot streak, Hodnett loves his Maxim and DD is rolling…….

Looking at other factors, Australian Hot Shoe James McFadden was set run the Highlands Tire #3 at Williams Grove tonight before rains dampened those plans! It is assumed McFadden will be at Port Royal Speedway. The duo will then race the PA Speedweek tour starting Friday at Williams Grove. Speaking of Speedweek……….

Pennsylvania Sprint Car Speedweek is set to start Friday at Williams Grove, before moving 25 miles south to Lincoln Speedway on Saturday. On Sunday the series will move to Spring Run where action will resume at “The Little Track with Big Action,” Path Valley. The event will be promoted by Fred Rahmer. Monday, which typically served as the off day, will not do so this year. Monday will see racing return to the Pigeon Hills of Lincoln Speedway for the $7,000 to win Kevin Gobrecht Memorial. On Tuesday, the fourth of July, action will get elevated. Literally, Thunder on the Hill will be at Grandview Speedway. Wednesday the repeated crime of crossing state boards to race in late model country when a more deserving track in Newberrytown PENNSYLVANIA sits idle will again occur. Hagerstown, Maryland will confusingly house a PA Sprint Speedweek show. Teams will then treck back up Rt. 75 to race in Port Royal Pennsylvania, seems fitting; after all, it is PA Speedweek. Friday night is arguably the most anticipated race during the first half of Pa’s season, Williams Grove will play host to the TEN-THOUSAND to win Mitch Smith Memorial. As much racing will occur on Rt. 322 as it will on the tracks, teams must travel back up the road to Port Royal on Saturday before slipping 25 minutes down Rt. 35 for the finale on Sunday at Selinsgrove Speedway.

Pa drivers won’t be the only ones chasing checkers these next two weeks. Australia will be represented by the likes of McFadden and Walsh along with others. California by Rico Abreu and “Young Money,” Kyle Larson is expected to make starts as well. Kasey Kahne is scheduled to race starting at Path Valley Sunday through Port Royals first show Thursday. Of course Ohio will have some drivers in the field as well, notably, Dale Blaney aboard the Zemco #1. Kasey Kahne won’t be the only Washington Native in the fields as Trey Starks will run the majority of the races in the Gobrecht 44. It isn’t a definite at this point, but Kokomo Indiana’s Parker Price-Miller could possibly make an appearance. Tye Wolfgang Promotions is hoping to add flavor to Speedweek with a “Crowd Pleaser” Award. More details can be located at Wolfgang’s Writings on Sprint Dudes.

Shortly after Speedweek the World of Outlaws will invade Williams Grove Speedway for the second time this season. Pennsylvania is the place to be the next few weeks. Things are about to get heated in the hotbed for winged sprint car racing.





Tye Wolfgang Promotions to Present “Crowd Pleaser” Award in Speedweek

The 2017 Speedweek is set to be a big one. Outside invaders, local powerhouses, and lots of money are raising the hype. Tye Wolfgang Promotions is looking to throw in a little flavor.

“I wanted to do something that would build anticipation and give back to the teams while getting fans involved,” said Wolfgang of the plan. The award will be titled as the “Crowd Pleaser” award. The driver that passes the most cars combined all week long in the main events, wins. Simple, no gimmicks, no stipulations, just passing. “Basically it’s a weeklong hard charger award. You don’t have to even win a hard charger award.”

If a driver competes in less events and passes more cars then someone who raced every race, the driver who passed the most cars wins, simple. “I literally can’t make this any easier, pass more cars than anybody else, and take the prizes.”

Wolfgang is always looking for fan interaction. His non-self-profit efforts rely on support from the local scene to give back to teams. “I get nothing out of this stuff, I just do it to give back to the teams.” The fans come in in the sense of prizes. Wolfgang would like to accumulate, not only some cash, but tires and fuel for the winning team. Sprint Dudes, a website in which Wolfgang is employed by has stepped up to provide the award plaque that the winner will receive. “Fred at Sprint Dudes is an awesome guy. He stepped up and is providing us with the plaque so we didn’t have to worry about that end of things.”

So now Wolfgang is going to work trying to find the “pricey prizes.”  He is set looking for the fans help while still giving them something in return. “We are looking definitely for tires and money to give the winning team and some fuel wouldn’t hurt.” Any group or person who donates $50 or more will be listed as a full sponsor, but of course anything is a help. “All week long I will have Tye Wolfgang Promotions and special “Crowd Pleaser” decals for sale for $5 each along with some items from Sprint Dudes. “ I can’t stress enough that anything, I mean anything helps. If you walk by and dump your pocket change in the “Crowd Pleaser “Award jar we will have a little something for you. I want to please everyone.  Everyone who donates can sign the banner that will be along all week long. At the end, the banner with everyone’s signature will be given to the winning driver as well.

Wolfgang wanted to up the ante a little. “If we get three tires or $500 I’ll do a big online give away and Tye Wolfgang Promotions will buy one lucky fans way into Saturday at the National Open.” Of course he is open to expansion or suggestion. “Heck if someone comes along and wants to donate something to the raffle or whatever we’ll do that too! You just get ahold of me.”

More details will follow in the days to come; however Wolfgang needs to get a jump on things, and any pre-order for decals or pre-donations are extremely appreciated. “We got to get rolling man, it’s Speedweek. I’m going to drop a hint here, but we could use tires, there isn’t a team in the country that won’t appreciate tires.”

Wolfgang can be contacted for any reason concerning the promotion at 717-250-2602, tyewolfgang35@gmail.com or on twitter at @gramley23. “I want to thank everyone in advance.” – Tye       





Moody Deems Eastern Storm Successful

            Kyle Moody may not have been standing on the podium every night, but he made progress. That’s the important part. Aside from a minor incident at Grand View he kept his HP powered, Maxim in one piece.

            The week got progressively better each and every night. After getting the opening woes out of the way at Grand View, Moody set his sights on finding the balance between qualification events and a time that would provide decent starting position. Moody joked earlier in the week that formatting was the most difficult part of competing with USAC.

            USAC’s format lines the faster cars up at the back of a heat race. However, those that transfer are rewarded with higher starting positions in the main event. This makes heat racing fun for the fans but can be a night mare for a team that only goes wingless one week a year. Something Moody experienced every night.

Not only did the nights start to appear more solid and consistent, Moody felt better.  “We felt we got better as the week went on.” This is an undisputable comment as the results backed it up. Moody had a decent night at Port Royal Speedway after having woes getting to the track, in the sense of a flat tire on the rig. The night then progressed on and by the end, the Allow Wheel Repair, Pigeon Hills designs, Gene Franckowiak 99m placed 12th in the final run down. A decent night. Moody then back up his Port Royal efforts with a 15th place run at Susquehanna Speedway of Sunday.

            The week was extremely trying for even the greats of wingless racing.  A noted USAC driver even had to cut his trip short and return home to regroup. These factors makes it even more impressive that a “one-night a week self-owned team” could successfully complete the entire tour. “It was a long week” admits Moody of his weeklong endeavors. The team may not necessarily have obtained the results they wished, however that doesn’t mean it was wasted time. “It’s something to build upon.”

            The team will now return to their typical winged competition for the remainder of the season. That does not mean they will forget everything gained this week. They will use that knowledge and materials obtained to become better outfitted for next season. Moody, has nothing to be ashamed of. Out of the PA regulars he was the most impressive to complete the entire series.

            They would once again like to thank each and every supporter. Moody Motorsports Media coverage was presented by Tye Wolfgang Promotions and Sprint Dudes. Anyone interested in supporting either Moody’s winged or wingless program should contact sponsor coordinator Tye Wolfgang by phone or email at the info listed below.

Phone: 717-250-2602
Email: tyewolfgang35@gmail.com     

    Earlier in the week Moody stated that the team would base their Saturday evening plans off of how the week progressed. "I kept feeling more and more comfortable. We were getting faster so we are going to go up to Port."

     Moody and the team will indeed be continuing their wingless endeavours Saturday night, at the Juniata County half mile. Before closing things off with the Eastern Storm finale at Susquehanna Speedway on Sunday evening. 

      If you're at Port Royal or Susquehanna make sure you pick up a wingless T-shirt. Kyle Moody's Eastern Storm has been presented all week long by Tye Wolfgang Promotions and Sprints Dudes. Moody is ever so relentless in stating that none of this could be possible without the help of each and everyone of his supporters.

Battle Under the Bridge

Kyle Moody set for Williams Grove

     Kyle Moody is a true racer. Last night he competed at Lincoln speedway and as the sun is coming up he is already in the shop preparing for Williams Grove. Moody is the multipurpose man of his operation. "I drive the car, work on it, tow the trailer and pretty much everything else" says Moody with a chuckle about being the base of his operation. However, in a week like Eastern Storm it can be trying. Many races, many hours, little help. 

      Despite putting in hours of time after a trying night one at Grandview, the 99m had a quote "alright" night at the fabulous Lincoln Speedway. Moody had a much less eventful set of time trail laps then he did the previous night. " Maybe I was just a little hesitant after the night before and then a few guys busted some stuff up right before I went out." Moody's time was still good enough to make the inversion. From his heat, the Alloy Wheel Repair, Pigeon Hills Designs machine, would lock into the feature event. "We got qualified, but it's tough deal to hit it just right with the time trials and things. You're either up front in your heat and back in the feature or the other way around." Kyle is finding a balance.

       The feature assembled with Moody deep in the field. "We just weren't good enough early." A spilt second in time trials is the difference between starting on the front row or the ninth row. Thankfully, Moody had a good car in the feature. "We were good later in the night. Just a little too good a little too late I guess." Moody would find himself officially scored 15th in the run down when the checkers flew.

     "It was a better night. Just have to get ready for the Grove." If you constantly do what you always have, you will end with the same result. That's why he knows tonight he must combine Grandview's time trial speed with Lincoln's feature performance. " We just have to time better tonight but still be there later." The perfect combination.

     Moody will base Saturday night's plans off of tonight. The choice between Lincoln and Port Royal will be depending upon how tonight plays out. "I'll know what we are doing for Saturday after the feature tonight." No matter what the decision for the weekend, Moody again stressed that this couldn't be possible without his sponsors and continued support from Gene Franckowiak and Ken Baldwin.

Wingless Shirts will again be available at Williams Grove tonight. Fans can continue to follow along with Moody's wingless experience all weekend right here at www.sprintdudes.com presented by Tye Wolfgang Promotions.





Kyle Moody Press Release

Grandview- Kyle Moody wasn't kidding when he said that he liked Grandview, but  it doesn't feel the same about him.
        
          Moody laid down an impressive first lap in time trials, a lap that was second fastest at the time and would stand at fourth fastest on the night. That landed him ahead of some impressive names among the wingless business. The second lap, not as rewarding. Moody crossed that extremely fine line in turns three and four. That just turned the front end enough to pull the car into the rail, causing heavy front end damage to his 99m. 

            Moody's crew immediately went to work to repair the machine knowing that with a successful first lap time, if they could transfer to the main event the lap time would reward them with a nice starting position.

           During the qualification events disaster again struck. This time in the form of engine failure. Thus ending the teams night. Moody was obviously disappointed considering he had an extremely fast race car. However, he isn't dejected about the outlook of the week. "The plan is to get the car back together and be at Lincoln tomorrow."

       Perseverance will pay off. The speed is there and it's a "home game" in the Pigeon Hills. A nice combination.

     One off the biggest take away points from Grandview was the immense amount of fan support in the form of cheers surging over the speedway. While Moody was announced during his hot lap session and especially at the time he was called to the track for time trails. Fans applauded the versatility of one of Central PA's winged drivers. "That makes me feel pretty good." A good fan base is important to anyone especially when racing in unfamiliar situations. "Hopefully we can give them something more to cheer about at Lincoln." 

       That shouldn't be an issue. The local fans following Eastern Storm love Moody. That's rewarding. It makes it worth all the hours and the dedication required to perform at a high level.

        Moody knows he couldn't compete at the level he is without his great partners. Alloy Wheel and Pigeon Hills Designs are proud supporters of Moody Motorsports. Moody is also receiving support this week from Ken Baldwin and driver Chris Windom. Gene Franckowiak has been a huge supporter of Kyle's wingless endeavours. This all couldn't be possible without each and every one of the teams partners including Maxim Chassis and HP engines.

        Fans can follow Moody's entire Eastern Storm right here on www.sprintdudes.com presented all week long by Tye Wolfgang Promotions. 

       Potential Sponsors for Moody can contact Tye Wolfgang at 717-250-2602 or tyewolfgang35@gmail.com.

*Article made possible by; Kyle Moody, Sprint Dudes, and Tye Wolfgang Promotions*

Wingin’ it Wingless

Kyle Moody Set for USAC Eastern Storm

By: Tye Wolfgang


Lewisberry Pa; It’s Tuesday morning, but the tone is different. Today is race day, wingless style. Nobody is more excited than Kyle Moody, “we’re ready to go” says Moody of tomorrows kick off of USAC Eastern Storm at Grandview Speedway. “I really like Grandview, it’s one of my favorite places to run.” Now only if Grandview liked Moody as much as he liked it. “We just don’t seem to have good runs there. Get caught up in something or crashed out.” Just bad Luck. Moody hopes to change that tomorrow aboard his 99m.

Moody is one of the few Central Pa winged sprint car drivers that consistently tosses the wing and charges into a “storm” of wingless racing’s biggest stars. That doesn’t mean they aren’t equipped for success. “We have a Maxim Chassis that is for this wingless deal,” an advantage most Central Pa racers don’t have when they race against USAC. Moody has bolted in his normal HP engine for the week. He also has another resource in his pit stall, the driver/owner duo of Chris Windom and Ken Baldwin. “There isn’t a better guy around then Baldwin” says Moody of the world renowned USAC owner. “Chris and his guys have me out a good bit.” It never hurts to reach for words of “Windom.”

This is one of Moody’s favorite weeks of the season. “I love to do this even though we don’t get to do it a lot.” Obviously, they are at a slight disadvantage considering the teams they are competing against race wingless sprint cars for a living, and they do it one week a year. “These guys are just in a world of their own” says Moody of USAC’s drivers.

But, Moody feels more and more comfortable each time he does this. “When I first started running this we just took the wings off my 358 and used that stuff. Now that I use an actual wingless car I’m getting more and more comfortable. I felt really good at Lincoln last year.” Lincoln is a place Moody runs weekly in winged 410 sprint car competition, so he knows the track. “It’s fun to go there in my wingless deal and race that in front of a hometown crowd,” says Moody of the Pigeon Hills Fabulous Lincoln Speedway.

The team will compete with the series definitely the first three nights including, Thursday at Williams Grove. “The Grove is the Grove, I have some laps there, but that will

definitely be fun.” As far as the rest of the week, that’s undecided at this point. Saturday is between USAC at Port Royal, or winged sprint cars at Lincoln. “My winged deal is struggling a bit, I don’t want to just bail on that, but on the same token I’d like to run the wingless car. We will see how the week goes.” For Sunday at Susky, the team is expected to be in competition as long as nothing unforeseen happens. “If we get through the week without busting stuff up we will be at Susky.” Susky is extremely close to the 99m shop, but that doesn’t make it less expensive to race.

Kyle Moody knows this couldn’t be possible without the help of his amazing supporters. “Gene Franckowiak did a lot for us!!” Along with Alloy Wheel Repair and Pigeon Hill Designs, and many other great supporters. The long awaited arrival of the Moody Motorsports wingless T-Shirts has surfaced. They will be available all week long!

Those interested in following along with Moody’s Eastern Storm can do so right here on Sprintdudes.com presented all week long by Tye Wolfgang Promotions.

*Those interested in Sponsorship for Moody can contact Tye Wolfgang at 717-250-2602 or tyewolfgang35@gmail.com *

Full Circle
Layton Back at Selinsgrove and Having Fun Again

 By: Tye Wolfgang

            Going into the 2017 racing season Chad Layton was doing something he hadn’t in a long time. He was preparing to race. Layton hadn’t raced since the departure from the Middleswarth Racing #7 in 2014. ”I tried to find something, but there just isn’t much out there.” Rides are hard to come by, all racers know that.  “To be honest with you I thought that was it. I thought I was done” says Layton, after being rideless for more than two seasons. Layton had become another victim of the ride shortage epidemic.

            Layton, a seasoned veteran, had experienced much success throughout his younger days. First aboard family owned 358 and 360 sprint cars. Then later he professionally drove 410 sprint cars for multiple owners. Layton’s last professional ride came aboard the Dave Middleswarth, Middleswarth Potato chips #7. Layton was multi-time Port Royal Speedway champion in the Middleswarth car. However, all good things come to a close. It just so happened 2014 was the closing to a tremendous span of time aboard the Middleswarth machine. “All my owners helped me get to where I am. They all played a part in my career.” A career that led Layton to victory lane at almost every area speedway and against both the World of Outlaws and All-Stars.

            But before Layton was a force in the 410 ranks he dominated 358 action and had much success in 360 competition. Perhaps the most recognizable reference to the time period when Layton became a three time Selinsgrove Speedway champion is a flash back to his signature “Who won? U1” days aboard the Wholesale Auto Racing U1. During one particular championship drive Layton won enough Selinsgrove A-mains in row, the winning streak resulted in a bounty that was broken by the late Joe Whitcomb.

            Layton last raced Selinsgrove full-time in 2003. During the 2004 season Layton had a change, “I think that’s when I first left Selinsgrove, we went to Port on Saturdays in my brother’s car. I ran that deal for a little bit before I went to the Apple Car.” 

The first step to the “big leagues” came with the opportunity to race for the Apple Chevrolet #12 full–time. Layton immediately found success in the 410 ranks, winning races in the Apple #12 and later aboard the Postupack Motorsports #25. “At that point I was racing all the time. It pretty much consumed me. That’s what I thought about, racing, all the time.”

Fast forward to 2009 and Chad Layton is set for his debut piloting the Middleswarth Racing machine. This is where the connections start. Kirk Ritter is part of the crew working underneath the likes of Moon Byers and Jim Shuttlesworth. Ritter and Layton become friends as the team is experiencing much success throughout Central Pa including Port Royal track titles in 2010 and 2012. The team went on to win multiple sanctioned races and many other significant local victories.

During the 2014 season Middleswarth is scaling back immensely and Layton is struggling to run every race. “I put my own deal back to together and tried to stay running the Grove.” Then with seasons end nearing, Layton and Middleswarth go separate directions. Layton knows he isn’t ready to call it a career, but it appears that the “Chip Car” is done. Things got worse. “ My deal came crashing down” recalls Layton as he looks back on the two week stretch that saw him lose basically all of his equipment in less than a months’ time in two accidents at Williams Grove. “I knew I still wanted to be racing, but I just couldn’t keep my deal together.” This is one expensive game, that’s partially the reason for the lack of car owners in the sport. Something Layton knows all too well. “I pretty much tried everything I could. I talked to a bunch of people and worked at trying to get something together.” Nothing presented itself. “I started to lose sight of racing, I didn’t think anything was out there. I don’t know why, but I thought I was done.”

One person didn’t forget about Layton. He had confidence Layton could still get the job done. That person, Kirk Ritter. Ritter had stayed in contact with Layton even when he wasn’t wheeling a sprint car. “We would still talk or he would stop in and see me when he was in the area or whatever. We just stayed friends.” Ritter knew he had a plan. “He always had talked that he wanted to own a car and stuff.”

Anyone can have dream, but Ritter wasn’t content to just be a dreamer. “By the end of last year he was getting the truck, trailer, and motor. That’s when I knew this was for real.” Ritter then was only missing one thing, a driver. “He just came to me and wanted to know if I was ready to go racing again.” Layton of course jumped on the opportunity to return to the saddle. “I was obviously excited to get back racing, it’s been awhile. But I think I can still get the job done.”

The 2017 racing season approaching, the Ritter owned team would keep extremely quiet. The only public information was released shortly before the seasons start. The only details released were that Kirk Ritter was going to field a #35 sprint car and Chad Layton was to drive it. While the media was kept silent the team went to work, they became equipped with a Don Ott, 360ci engine to place in their Maxim Chassis. “We are in a good position. Kirk has great equipment.” It’s paying off in the sense of performance. They we’re fast right out of the gate. “We are competitive every week. We’ve run like 9 or so races this far and have been knocking on the door pretty much every night. It’s fun to be competitive.” The results have been steady and impressive. However, Layton may not feel as comfortable as he appears. It has been slightly over two full seasons since Layton last raced. “I guess I’m just a little rusty, I’m getting better every time we race. We are getting there.” Layton knows he can still preform and just as importantly his team is confident in him as well. “We are all on the same page and that’s important.”

The team certainly has been competitive, but just as importantly, they are having fun. “We are competitive, but we are also having fun.” Layton admittedly misses competing at Williams Grove, but then combats the desire to compete every Friday with; “It is nice to be able to just catch a movie or whatever with my family, but I miss the Grove.” Layton did have a chance to compete at the Grove a few weeks ago. “It felt great to get back there.” They had a strong third place run in the URC event. However, Layton would like to compete regularly at the Grove. That isn’t possible with the 360 engine they currently have. The Grove typically has 410 and 358 sprint cars on the weekly card.

That doesn’t mean Layton won’t be back at the famed half mile. “I would like to run the Grove again at some point.” However, the team hasn’t even set a definite schedule let alone decipher what the future houses. Layton is thinking long term, “I just want to see this team expand, maybe run both 410’s and 360’s or something.” That doesn’t mean it is going to happen, but it also means there is a chance. In order to expand a program the right people and supporters must be in place. That isn’t an issue here, “Everyone around this deal are good people. Kirk, his family, and the entire crew.” That’s what allows the team to compete at a high level while still having fun. “We want to win races and run well, but there isn’t pressure. Pressure isn’t fun and we want to have fun.”

Perhaps another factor in the lack of pressure is the fact the team will not chase a point title, at this point. “We aren’t really worried about points right now. We want to win, so we are racing to win.”  The Kirk Ritter owned #35 has been fast and finishing at the front. “I see the results, we are competitive.”

Moving forward competitiveness builds momentum and that helps expand a team. The exact process they are looking for. “It’s all about moving forward and expanding this deal.” Take a look back to history records during the span of his career, Layton seldom missed a race in Pennsylvania. Many seasons the only way Layton would have been able to compete in more events would have been on the road. In fact, racing on the road full-time is pretty much the only thing Layton didn’t do. “Looking back I’m happy with my career. Maybe I would have went on the road at some point, I guess everyone dreams of doing that. Nothing says I couldn’t still do it. But I’m happy here. I always had great people around me.”

What goes around comes around. It makes a full circle. Big time sponsors, championships, and Outlaw wins in between. Layton is back at Selinsgrove and is having fun again.

Layton would like to make a point that this opportunity couldn’t be possible without team owner Kirk Ritter along with the crew and their great sponsors; Selinsgrove Ford and KO Motorsports.

*Article made possible by; Chad Layton, Sprint Dudes, Tye Wolfgang Promotions, and more*   




Fourth at Lincoln, Fifth of 20 Win Goal for “DD”

By: Tye Wolfgang

Lincoln Speedway has basically become a personal bank for Danny Dietrich. Double D cashed another five-thousand dollar check in the Pigeon Hills last night. The Brandon Little Memorial brought twenty-five cars to the fabulous Lincoln Speedway, but the outcome was no different. The Gary Kauffman owned 48 was in victory lane for the fourth time this year at Lincoln Speedway.

Qualifying action for the 25 cars saw, Alan Krimes, Brian Montieth, and Jimmy Siegel win heat race action. Friday night’s winner, Freddie Rahmer won the B-main after losing an engine in his heat. The top four finishers in heat races redrew for starting position, instead of the typical handicapping format. The redraw lined Billy Dietrich up on the front row with Robbie Kendall to his outside. Billy’s brother Danny lined up fifth while Lincoln hot shoes, Krimes and Montieth made up row six.

The green flag flew and the Racers Used Parts Warehouse #8 jumped out to the early lead. Billy lead for four complete circuits before losing the lead to third place starter Jim Siegel who took the lead and appeared to be safely in command before the red flag flew on lap 11. Chase Dietz turned his #5 over in turn two. Dietz was followed the next lap by Cole Young. Young, a rookie to 410 competition, got upside down after hard contact with the turn 1 barrier. Neither drivers were injured.

When the first of the two red flags flew Danny Dietrich had just passed brother Billy for second. Meanwhile, tenth place starter Matt Campbell was into the top with Krimes one spot behind him. One lap later Billy spun into the turn retaining wall ending his night. By lap 16 Krimes was battling Robbie Kendall for third, while at the same time Dietrich was making the move for the lead. Shortly after losing the lead, Krimes also slipped by Siegel for second. By this point twelfth place starting Montieth entered the picture and closed on Krimes, but neither could run down Danny.

Dietrich was followed at the line by Krimes, who had battled motor woes earlier in the night and Brian Montieth. 14th place starting Cory Haas went plus ten positions to claim fourth. Matt Campbell won a hard fought battle with Chad Trout for fifth. Trout followed by Brandon Rahmer, Jim Siegel who lost power steering around the half way point, Robbie Kendall, and Gerard McIntyre Jr. completed the top ten.

Jordan Givler came away victorious in the 358 feature over Hammaker and Cappetta. A strong count of 31, 358’s were in action.

Farther North at Port Royal it was Greg Hodnett getting the win over Dylan Cisney and Aaron Ott. At Selinsgrove Speedway Eric Tomecek picked up the 360 win over Mike Walter and Chad Layton.

Central PA has a storm brewing. That’s right! It is once again time for the invasion of USAC Eastern Storm! Action will kick off Tuesday at Grandview Speedway. A good number of Central PA regulars plan to lose the wing, Dietrich, Moody and Mark Smith just to name a few.





Hot Topic: Rahmer Capitalizes Again

By: Tye Wolfgang

            Freddie Rahmer Jr. is well on his way to becoming one of the hottest, young prodigies on the Central PA racing circuit. Rahmer, the current Williams Grove Speedway point leader, won last night from the fifth row- tenth starting position.

            Williams Grove had 25 of their Lawrence Chevrolet 410 sprint cars in action. Heat racing action saw Cory Haas, Chad Trout, and Greg Hodnett take victories.

            At the initial drop of the green flag, the start was called back as the field entered turns one and two. Cory Haas simultaneously got turned around between turns one and two. Haas was initially supposed to start fourth, but when the start was called back he would have resume action from outside the front row. However; since Haas stopped, he had to go to the rear. When action resumed it was Alan Krimes and Aaron Ott now sharing the front row. Krimes jumped out to any early lead and the only time anyone could even come close to the multi-time Lincoln Speedway champion was on restarts. The race continued to progress as Lance Dewease and “Little Freddie” assembled their charges to the front of the field. It then appeared that the field may have a shot at the dominate Krimes with four laps to go. A Brock Zearfoss flip in turn one was the reason for the halt in the action. Zearfoss was uninjured, but unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the newly formed Aaron Long owned number 58. The field continued to race hard while in pursuit of the Larry Krimes’ owned #87. White flag in the air, Krimes rode the cushion into turn one with approximately a second and a half lead. Then the caution flew. Rodney Westhafer slowed around the bottom of the speedway and didn’t exit. The caution flew with one lap to go and set up a shootout for the win. Krimes leading, and tenth place starter Rahmer in second with Dewease in pursuit. Krimes rolled the top into one, a place he seemed extremely comfortable all night long. Rahmer had other plans. He threw a slider to take the top spot away. Krimes turned underneath and set the car beautifully, but Rahmer’s momentum and forward drive propelled him into the lead. Krimes lost momentum and slipped to third with Dewease claiming second. The front running trio would be followed to the line by Greg Hodnett, and Aaron Ott. Sixth trough tenth went to Anthony Macri, Danny Dietrich, Mark Smith, Brian Montieth, and Cory Haas recovered for tenth.

            Rahmer extended his point lead with the victory. It was worth $4,550, not bad for a regular show.

Danny Dietrich gave the fans a preview of what is to come during Eastern Storm when he was taking practice laps aboard the Tom Buch owned #13 wingless sprint.

Action tonight for sprint cars will return to all three area tracks.

   

 





Hodnett Breaks Through, Ends Wolfe’s Winning Streak

By: Tye Wolfgang

            Greg Hodnett has been struggling. By his standards, they have been horrible. The team has been working hard and putting in time. The Heffner Racing team debuted a new car at the Grove last week. It was the team’s first race with a Maxim chassis. Tonight Hodnett’s Maxim outran two other Maxim Chassis to give them a clean sweep.  Danny Dietrich and Lance Dewease followed the Spring Grove ace across the line.

            When the night started off things appeared grim. Only 18 of Susky’s “BAPS” 410 sprint cars were seen pitside. The father son duo of Streaker Motorsports arrived late making the official count 20. In the first of two heat races, it was young up-and-coming New Jersey racer Kyle Reinhardt taking the checkered. The second heat saw Danny Dietrich run away, while one of the best heat race battles all year shaped up behind him. Five cars battled for second through sixth while only the top four finishers got to redraw for feature competition.  Obviously, with the struggling car count, no B-main would be needed.

            When the feature went green it was Ryan Taylor and Anthony Fiore that would lead them to the flag. Danny Dietrich and Greg Hodnett followed. Taylor surged in front of the field and assumed command until lap 8 when the caution flew for a multicar tangle in turn 2. With Fiore involved in the accident, Dietrich would restart alongside Taylor. Taylor would continue to be the motor of the train until lap 18 when Dietrich slipped by. “Double D” lead for approximately 4 complete circuits around the “red banks” whenever Hodnett would start to challenge. Dietrich would have to stay in front of a series of challenges from the Heffner owned #27 before Hodnett would eventually slip past.  Dietrich never officially led again, but he did pull alongside the Spring Grove ace. Dietrich never goes away, he’s always knocking on the door.

            When the checkered flag flew, it was Hodnett followed by Dietrich and Dewease. Danny was followed by Ryan Taylor, who is having himself a silently impressive year. Lucas Wolfe, who had won three features in a row going into Susky ran from deeper in the field to fifth. Brock Zearfoss finished sixth followed by Brian Montieth who was involved in two separate incidents and fought back for seventh. Eighth through tenth went to Corry Haas, 17 year old Anthony Macri and Eric Riggins Jr.

Eric Riggins Jr. also put in some travel time coming from his base of North Carolina.

            410 Action resumes at Williams Grove Friday with Port Royal and Lincoln housing the winged warriors on Saturday. Lincoln Speedway also has the ever so competitive 358 sprints on the card. Selinsgrove will of course have 360 sprint cars in action on Saturday as well. Best of Luck to all drivers, and Safe Travels to All!!!  




Parker Price-Miller; “The Law Firm” Charging Through Fields Everywhere

By: Tye Wolfgang

        Parker Price-Miller, or “PPM” as he is better known in the media world, is one of the fastest rising stars in winged sprint car racing. The young teenage sensation from Kokomo, Indiana had a breakout season in 2016. The end of last season saw the youngster crowned as the Mid-West Open Wheel Association (MOWA) Champion! He won multiple features enroute to claiming his first 410 sprint car championship. Parker also claimed the Canadian 360 Nationals.  During the winter months he teamed up with Valvoline to run the Chili Bowl. 2016 was an absolutely stellar season for the young gasser, but success came much earlier than last season for the open wheeled phenome.

      In 2015 at sixteen years of age PPM claimed his first All-Star Circuit of Champions victory at Wayne County Speedway where he held off a charge from veteran Rob Chaney. But, before he was a winged sprint car winner he was a top runner in midget competition. In 2013 he claimed the POWRi Midget Rookie of the Year award and set a new track record at Perris Auto Speedway on Turkey night. He also claimed the top rookie honors in the 2014 Chili Bowl.

     However, in 2017 Parker Price-Miller is starting to take his career onto the next stage. This stage just happens to be bigger, brighter, and pays better. This stage is harder to succeed on because you’re racing with the top sprint car racers in the country. It includes the World of Outlaws, All-Star Circuit of Champions, and pretty much any other race they can get to.

     PPM and his Justin Agee owned #2 started the season off running with the World of Outlaws in Florida and through the beginning of May. Admittedly they struggled. On a segment with “Open-Red” he said “we’ve pretty much been getting our butt kicked night after night.” Everyone knows running with good teams will make you better. Price-Miller thinks no differently, “you race with them, they make you better. They are the best there is.”

     The team then returned to more “regional” events around his hometown of Kokomo. They immediately found victory lane. First in an IRA sanctioned event, the next night that they competed resulted in a second place effort. The team next claimed a win at Haubstadt during a MOWA sanctioned event. Then came the World of Outlaws show at Haubstadt the very next night. He was at the right place at the right time to win his first World of Outlaws sprint car feature giving him a weekend sweep of the track. “That meant a lot. I mean they’re the best of the best.” PPM continues to be proof that racing on the road with the World of Outlaws helps. “Those guys are so good they force you to be on top of your game as a driver and have a good car.” 

     Obviously Price-Miller has become a threat every time the crew unloads the Agee Farms, Chalx Stix torsion bars, number two. That’s saying something, considering he is going against elite competition every lap. “Ya know I’m not saying I’m one of the best, but racing against those guys will get you there eventually.” But perhaps PPM is too humble? He has one of, if not the youngest traveling teams on the road. The oldest of the two members is Twitter sensation turned “tire guy,” and self-proclaimed “2 time World of Outlaws Tweeter of the Year” Brayden McMahan, at age 22. Crew chief, Levi Curry is younger yet at age 20, but is extremely talented at his position. “He’s got us rolling really good. He knows his stuff,” said Price-Miller of his youthful crew chief who’s still older than the teenage racer. “I think our youth actually helps us. We all get along and they stay with me and family so we are all together like 95% of time, we have great team work.” It’s no secret young guys don’t get burnt out and love to race. That helps, however it could surface as a hindrance from the stand point that their notebook isn’t always as thick as the competitors due to the youthfulness of the squad. “It hurts us a little with knowledge, we don’t necessarily always have exactly what we need to know, but in the future the fact we all worked together from the start will help us progress.”

     Set all factors, including age aside, and one conclusion can be reached. They are good. With steadily improving resources things should continue to improve. “That motor we won the outlaw show with was like 13 years old. We just got a brand new engine, it’s the first brand new motor I have ever had.” The pieces of this delicate puzzle are coming together. “As things progress we are given great opportunities.” That is obviously thanks to team owner Justin Agee at Agee Farms, Chalx Stix torsion bars, 360 Yield centers, FlyingAG.com, Valvoline, and all of his other sponsors and everyone else that makes everything happen.

     The humble young ace said it best, “we are competitive.” That’s for sure. Most young super stars develop an ego. Confidence makes a young drivers head swell to the point they can’t strap on their helmet of choice. Not Parker. He is a well-respected, soft spoken, and extremely focused young man. Young fans that are new to the sport feel as if they have a connection with PPM because his age provides a sense that dreams are obtainable. His young fan base is incredible. That’s good, because he is as much a role model off the track as he is on it. He is professional, a young man that kids can proudly support.

     For fans wondering when they can catch him in action, Parker and his team still don’t have a set schedule. They have a basic idea of where and when they want to be at a certain place. “We will be with the All-Stars next weekend I believe.” The remainder of the season is up in the air. “We will be at Ohio Speedweek for sure. I’d like to get into central Pa to Path and maybe some other shows for their deal.” I believe I can speak for the entire central Pa area when I say we would love to have him. But, they won’t be here long because they have other events in mind. “We are going to go to Knoxville a little early and run some local shows before the big deal out there. Then we will run the entire week during the Nationals starting at the Capitani.” The “Law Firm” has been flirting with power rankings all season. They now are found well inside most rankings. That doesn’t appear as something the team would worry about; however a big week in August could take them to the top of the charts and help to reassure his keep with the top sprint car competitors in the world. 

     The team will be competitive down the road. As far as career progression PPM is just focused on doing the best he can. “I just want to be the best I can be and run as well as we can.” Maybe in the future he will be an Outlaw? Maybe he continues to run a true Outlaw schedule? The future is uncertain, but one thing is for sure, “The Law Firm” is taking names and making charges through fields all across the country. Parker Price-Miller is coming, and he is coming fast. Ready or not, the charges are filed and Agee Motorsports is coming to a track near you!  





Saturday in Posse Country

By: Tye Wolfgang

Lincoln Speedway: 17 year old high school student Anthony Macri scored his career 410 sprint car win in an epic battle with veteran racer Glenndon Forsythe. Macri was behind the wheel of his family owned, Macri Concrete, Fastenal #39m. Forsythe was of course behind the wheel of the Wisner Motorsports #2w. Macri and Forsythe exchanged the lead officially five different times! Macri made what would be the winning pass officially on lap 15. Macri made comments in his interview to things Moon Byers has taught him. Byers is an experienced asset to the team. Moon has worked with experienced and extremely successful drivers in the likes of Fred Rahmer, but Byers also has experience in helping young guns get there start. He has spent plenty of time around Rahmer’s boys, Freddie and Brandon. It’s like someone flipped a switch in the past few weeks. Macri had been going through the “learning curve” of the micro to full sized move, but these past few weeks Macri has looked as if he is a seasoned veteran. When the World of Outlaws were in town a few short weeks ago Macri found himself in his first WoO main event in the Saturday portion of the Morgan Cup.

            Saturday at Lincoln Speedway he broke through, claiming the win over Jim Siegel, Billy Dietrich, Brian Montieth and Cory Haas completed the top five. Sixth through tenth saw front runner Glenndon Forsythe slip to sixth and per-Wisner tweet they “hurt the motor,” Freddie Rahmer and his brother Brandon claimed seventh and eighth, while Scott Fisher and Chad Trout completed the top ten. Alan Krimes recovered for a 14th place run after being involved in a three car tangle earlier in the main.  Dwight Leppo claimed the 358 sprint car main event.

Port Royal Speedway: It was the same story one night later. This time it was just at Port Royal instead of Williams Grove. Lucas Wolfe out ran Danny Dietrich. Wolfe started on the front row and dominated for his third straight 410 sprint car win and fourth on the season. Wolfe is giving car owner Michael Barshinger his best season in a long time and we aren’t even at the half way point. Dietrich was good, but not good enough. Obviously with “Double D” being at Port Royal the past two weeks he has basically taken himself out of contention for the Lincoln Speedway points chase. Dietrich led the Lincoln chase until last weekend when he raced the Weikert Memorial; however it doesn’t appear he is to bothered by points, he is more worried about winning races and clicking them off as he chases the 20 race goal he established at the beginning of the year. He has four wins so far this season, as does both Wolfe and Lance Dewease. Wolfe also has triumphs in 360 action this season.  One can only wonder if handicapped formats are another reason behind drivers mixing up their Saturday night home. Another theory behind this could be that both drivers will be heading to the Nationals and the fast Port Royal Speedway is extremely similar to the Marion County Fairgrounds facility known as the “Sprint Car Capital of the World.” Maybe they just enjoy racing the Juniata county Oval.

            The rundown saw Wolfe win over “Double D” and Dylan Cisney from 14th, who took over the point lead.  Brock Zearfoss was followed by Doug Esh to complete the top five. Mike Wagner, Blaine Heimbach, TJ Stutts, Rick Lafferty and Joey Hershey completed the top ten.

            Selinsgrove Speedway: Mark Smith won, again. There is a reason Mark Smith is a nationally ranked 360 racer. He is good. Smith will drive about any open wheeled race car he can get in. Silver Crown, wingless, winged, 360, 410 it doesn’t matter. But Smith’s calling seems to be found behind the wheel of a winged, 360 sprint car. Smith pretty much is respected and expected to be a threat anywhere in the country anytime he unloads his m1. Smith can win anywhere in the country, he proved that when he once again was “King of the 360’s” in Florida, but Smith is at home at Selinsgrove. He picked up his second straight Selinsgrove, URC victory and his second URC win of the weekend. Smith won the URC event at Williams Grove Friday night as well as Saturday. Saturday he beat out the same two drivers he did Friday in the same order. Davie Franek over Greg Hodnett. Locke finished fourth with Jason Shultz who won the B main and started 19th completing the top five. Robbie Stillwagon, Josh Weller, Chad Layton, Chris Coyle and Mallie Shuster completed the top ten.

            Coleman Gulick has been a frequent flyer in central Pa so far this season. He picked up a 360 win up north. In World of Outlaws action at the Jackson Nationals three different winners surfaced. The Madsen brothers each took a win in the preliminary nights, while Brad Sweet won the $25,000 dollars in Saturday night’s finale.

            Central Pennsylvania will house a three race weekend starting Thursday at Susky.  




Wolfe Wins Williams Grove; Smith Claims 360 Main

By: Tye Wolfgang 
(June 3, 2017)

          Lucas Wolfe is having himself quite the week. Monday he claimed the Bob Weikert Memorial at Port Royal and last night won the super sprint car event at the Grove. Wolfe along with three other competitors again ran “double duty” in the 360 class as well. Mark Smith would claim the victory and become the first repeat winner in the 2017 URC season.

            The night saw 26, 410 sprint cars in action along with 31 of the finest United Racing Club competitors in the East. In qualifying action Freddie Rahmer, Lance Dewease; who was debuting and shaking down a brand new car, along with Anthony Macri won 410 heats. While, Eric Tomecek, Ed Akin, Curt Michael, and Gregg Hodnett won 360 sprint heats. Kevin Nagy handled the URC B-Main with ease. The only major incident in qualifying was for Nile Burkes who got turned in to the inside, backstretch guard rail. He would be done for the night.

            The 410 feature saw pole sitter Rodney Westhaffer jump out to a huge advantage early in clean air. Westhaffer was unaware of the mayhem shaping up behind him. A six car pack broke away from the remainder of the field and raced amongst themselves while still pursuing leader Westhaffer. Second and third place starters, young guns Brandon Rahmer and Anthony Macri were shuffled back throughout as the likes of Lucas Wolfe, Danny Dietrich, TJ Stutts, Freddie Rahmer Jr., and Lance Dewease all assembled in a group, each trying to work their way forward and assemble a winning drive. The race progressed until lap 14 when Lucas Wolfe caught, and stole the lead from Westhaffer. Shortly thereafter both “Double D” and “Little Freddie” got by and started to track down Wolfe. While a three car breakaway was assembling out front, TJ Stutts who is continuing to impress in his first full 410 sprint season lead the next group through lapped traffic, followed by the likes of Dewease and Brian Montieth.

            The yellow flag flew with 3 laps to go. Lapped cars stayed in between the first three cars and the rest of the pack. Rahmer tried to fly around both Dietrich and Wolfe on the top side of turns one and two, but failed to obtain the traction needed to make the pass. Wolfe would go on to win over “Double D” and “Little Freddie” with TJ Stutts and Dewease completing the top five. Montieth finished sixth with Westhaffer hanging on for seventh followed by Greg Hodnett who was testing a Maxim chassis instead of his normal XXX. Anthony Macri and Mark Smith completed the top ten. Alan Krimes went from deep in the field to an eleventh place finish. 

            Four drivers including Wolfe, Mark Smith, Hodnett, and JJ Grasso went double duty. Pole sitter Davie “No-Panic” Franek lead the first eleven laps before third place starting Mark Smith surged around for the lead. Once in clean air and open track conditions, Smith never looked back. The real race was from third to seventh as Chad Layton, who made his return to Williams Grove last night, along with Greg Hodnett, Curt Michael, Lucas Wolfe and Chuck Hebing all raced for their respective positions. Fourth place starter Layton lead the pack in chase of second place runner Franek until a red flag for Davey Sammons unfurled on lap 21. Things again got interesting when Robbie Stillwagon and Mike Walter Jr. got together coming off of turn four. Hodnett would slip by Layton for third in the run down, while Layton brought home a solid fourth. Curt Michael held off fast approaching Lucas Wolfe for fifth. Wolfe would claim sixth after an intense race with Hebing. Hebing would be followed closely across the line by Derik Locke, Jason Shultz, and Josh Weller.

            In other area news Port Royal regular Logan Wagner defeated the All-Star circuit of Champions at Sarver, Pa’s Lernerville Speedway. The All-Stars are back in action tonight at Mercer Raceway.

            The past two nights of WoO action saw two different Madsen’s in victory lane. Ian on Thursday and Kerry Friday night. They round out the Jackson Nationals action tonight.

            In local competition both Lincoln and Port Royal will house 410’s. Port also has late model Speedweek on the card while Lincoln will see the extremely competitive 358 division on the slate. Selinsgrove Speedway will welcome URC for the “Kramer Cup.”

 





Central Pa to Mercer Raceway
Recap and Thoughts

By: Tye Wolfgang

On Saturday June 3rd, I headed approximately three hours west to Mercer Raceway for my first visit. Upon arrival, I noticed it had similar length to our very own Lincoln Speedway. However, it wasn’t nearly as banked. The open style infield area permitted uncontested viewing the entire way around the speedway. However, one characteristic seldom seen in central Pa is the lack of guide rail right next to the surface edge. It has a style similar to that of Lernerville or Big Diamond with the open layout. Hot laps were then called to the track and the take-away became extremely evident, the home town crowd loves “Downtown” Danny Holtgraver.

Time trials had been called to the track and as I watched I made the connection that even though it is bigger, drivers run the track very similar to Spring Run, Pa’s Path Valley Speedway. Time trials saw defending series champion, Chad Kemenah take the top spot over the 34 car field.

Heat races approaching, the track crew took time to lay water upon the evidently dry surface. Heat racing action saw New York racer Justin Barger win heat one with Caleb Helms, Carl Bowser, and Gorge Hobaugh claiming other victories. The B-Main was won by “The Texas Traveler” TJ Michael. In dash number one it was Kokomo, Indiana’s Parker Price-Miller earning the victory and the pole for the 30 lap main event. Alvada, Ohio’s Chad Kemenah earned the win in dash number two and would start alongside of PPM in the main event. The track was once again re-worked before the feature for “America’s Series” was pushed off.

The green flag flew. Kemenah jumped out to an early lead with “The Law Firm,” Parker Price-Miller and “The Steel City Outlaw,” Tim Shaffer in tow. Kemenah’s number 10H was approaching traffic and Price-Miller was coming, coming fast. Kemenah continued to pound his preferred line through turns three and four. In turns one and two it appeared he chose to drop down a lane, perhaps he heard the engine on PPM’s Agee Motorsports machine. Once Chad dropped, Parker moved up a lane in turns one and two and appeared to be extremely quick off the top part of the speedway. Through turns three and four, Price-Miller was rolling a half-lane above the bottom grove preferred by Kemenah. On the 18th circuit Price-Miller surged his number two into the lead off of turn number two, then dove to the bottom in turns three and four to officially lead lap 18. Speeding upon lapped traffic and surging down the backstretch Price-Miller got a touch high and into the “marbles” pulling him over the lip on the back shoot. Kemenah being the experienced veteran he is, slipped back by entering turn three. The caution flew with only a handful of laps remaining and Kemenah pulled away on the start. 

Price-Miller rapidly closed in the last two of the main event, but wasn’t able to close enough to attempt a pass.

While the two front runners seemed to be in a league of their own, Brandon Spithaler was charging up through the traffic from his 24th starting position to his 11th place finish. Danny Holtgraver was also on the move going from 22nd to 10th. Spithaler obviously picked up the hard charger award going plus 13 positions. The All-Star Circuit of Champions now will head west for a three race weekend in Illinois and Iowa.

Tye Wolfgang Promotions and Sprint Dudes would like to thank Mercer Raceway for their great hospitality this weekend!

Womer Struggling with Mechanical Woes,
Setting Sights on Kramer Cup


     Colby Womer has found speed, there is just one issue. If it wasn’t for bad luck, the veteran from Mt. Pleasant Mills wouldn’t have any. Two weeks ago Womer chased “mag” issues all week. That forced them to be unable to compete at the highly anticipated wingless URC event at Path Valley Speedway. Bummer. 

     “We chased that all weekend, it’s just a bad deal.”  Then at Selinsgrove on Saturday, things just got worse. “We had a torsion stop come off in the heat. I didn’t really know how to change the car for the B main after that screwed us up.” Once the feature rolled around Womer pushed off deep in the field after transferring from the B-main. Approximately a third of the way into the main the front wing mounts on the 3z left lose and then flipped back over. Under red flag


conditions Womer pulled to the work area and the crew went to work. It was a blessing in disguise, because when the crew noticed a left rear losing air they found a malfunction with the assembly holding the left rear on the axle. Thankfully the crew found it and Womer didn’t have a chance to bring his machine back on the speedway or it surely would have resulted in an accident. 

                   The luck has to change at some point. It always does, however, sometimes it seems like it may never happen, but it will. Womer is frustrated, but not discouraged. “Hopefully we can show the speed I know we have gained.”  The team can run with the big dogs or they would’ve stayed on the porch. But, they keep coming back. It’s proving they can. Colby “just needs to put together a flawless night without any hiccups.” They aim to do so against the top 360 racers in the eastern region Saturday in the URC sanctioned Kramer Cup. Winning the Kramer Cup would be big for anyone in this area. The late Kramer Williamson was an inspiration for all open wheeled racers. Winning a race in his name would be an honor.

                     Womer is looking for a good run aboard the Zack’s Custom Truck entry.  T-Shirts will again be available at the trailer on Saturday. Colby would like to recognize each of his partners:  Zack’s Custom Trucks, Tom Tice Powder Coating, Lester Stuck Building Supplies, Jessica Knouse -Independent consultant- and D.C Smith Transport. Anyone interested in contacting Womer can do so by email at womercolby@yahoo.com. Tye Wolfgang can be contacted about press releases or articles by email at tyewolfgang35@gmail.com. 

Article made possible by all Sprint Dudes Sponsors, Tye Wolfgang Promotions, and CWR

Port Royal Saves Bad Deal with BIG Afternoon

Wolfe Claims Weikert - 360’s to Hodnett

By: Tye Wolfgang

The Sunday portion of Port Royal Speedway’s Weikert Memorial was rough, you can’t sugar coat it. With one URC heat race left to be completed and both B-mains, the rains came. The officials kept operations in a “holding pattern” for approximately over an hour and no end to the rain in the near forecast, officials made the difficult call to use the rain date of Monday afternoon. The uprising and social media beat-downs came when the speedway went against their previous statement that if the event was rained out before both B-mains the show would be a “clean-slate.” For the sake of time they decided to pick up where they left off. Some teams approved. Some protested and didn’t return. Fans were also upset with the announcement that rain checks would only be honored on Monday and it would still be full price general admission. Things continued to look grim as only 24, 410 sprint cars returned, and only two more than that in the 360 class.

Then things started to look up. Drivers and car owners gathered for the drivers meeting and during the format rundown a big announcement was made. The top 12 finishers in both features would be put into a 15 lap “dash for cash” events at the end of the night to give back to the teams and fans who supported the held over event.  That’s a bold move. The promoters put the money up, and the teams jumped on board. They made a risky move to make up for what happened. It paid off!

Qualifying events were obviously broken up between the two days, so for time we will skip ahead to feature action. Trey Starks jumped out to an impressive lead on the multi-groove, dry slick surface. We talked to Starks earlier after his win at Bedford in an All-Star event, there is no doubt he has been fast, but the race behind him was the excitement. Second through eighth saw extreme battles all the way across the surface. Cisney worked the middle, Dietrich on the top, and Ott running wherever he could slide in front of a competitor. Other drivers also jockeyed for position. All while Lance Dewease was assembling a charge from the back, but in the end it was Lucas Wolfe flying around the rail who would make a winning charge after changing positions the entire way through the field from his eighth place starting spot. Wolfe would claim the 10k and the big “bull-head” trophy’s for both himself and car owner Mike Barshinger. That was Barshinger’s biggest win as an owner. Starks crossed second followed by Dylan Cisney. The battle for the middle of the top ten was incredible. Danny Dietrich crossed the line fourth, with Arron Ott fifth. Lance Dewease’s charge brought him to sixth. Following LD to complete the top ten was TJ Stutts, pole sitter Greg Hodnett, Dale Blaney, and Logan Wagner. Mike Wagner and Ryan Taylor finished eleventh and twelfth sending them to the “Dash for Cash” later in the night.

The URC 360 feature saw five drivers exit their 410 sprint cars and get in 360 powered machines to do the double. One of those drivers went on to pick up the win, Greg Hodnett. Hodnett made the comment in victory lane that the track was very similar to that in the 410 feature. Perhaps that helped those pulling the double. Invader Chuck “the Cobra” Hebing got an impressive second place finish in his first feature at Port Royal. Hebing made the pass of third place finisher and early race leader Aaron Ott on an “odd” restart. Doug Esh and Davie Franek completed the top five.

The “Dash for Cash” events added an extra twelve thousand dollars to the purse. Lance Dewease tracked down early leader Mike Wagner for the 410 win, while Curt Michael out ran Doug Hammaker who is believed to have had a 358ci engine under the hood!

Action is set to resume in Central Pa Friday night at Williams Grove with 410 sprint cars and URC 360 sprint cars.   

 





Right Place, Right Time- Nate Snyder Back in Selinsgrove Victory Lane

By: Tye Wolfgang

            This Memorial Day weekend is seeing a pile of sprint car racing in “Posse Country.” Friday night saw Danny Dietrich land in Williams Grove Victory lane over point leader Freddie Rahmer. But last night, Nate Snyder got a much over-due victory in the URC feature at Selinsgrove Speedway.

            The night started with a nice field of 30, 360 sprints. URC ran three heat races for some of the best 360 racers in the area. Heat’s went to, Jason Clauss, Eric Tomecek and Michalski. Notables struggling in heat action, Jason Shultz would run the B-Main, in which he would dominate. Chad Layton would take the final qualifying spot in his heat, starting him 17th in the main.

            360 new comer Eddie Strada jumped out with early lead before action was slowed multiple times. Short runs kept the field close together. With the field staying grouped together, it permitted Layton and Shultz to assemble charges to the front.

            Strada later dropped out of his front running spot, handing Snyder open track and clean air. Snyder would only be slightly challenge by Locke in traffic. Locke was never able to assemble a pass. With Snyder controlling the front eyes again turned to the #29 of Shultz and the #35 of Layton as they diced through traffic. Shultz carried tremendous speed on restarts while Layton was extremely good in turns 3 and 4.  By the end of the night Shultz would end up 4th in the run down and Layton 7th.

            Snyder would claim the checkered over Locke, a much improved Mallie Shuster, Shultz and Cody Keller. Sixth through tenth went to Larry Kelleher, Layton, Chris Coyle, Curt Michael and Troy Betts.

            In other area competition, Lance Dewease won…….again. Dewease claimed night one of Port Royals two day weekend over Danny Dietrich, Dale Blaney, Trey Starks and Doug Esh completing the top five.

            Lincoln Speedway saw Freddie Rahmer back in victory Lane over Cory Haas, Chase Dietz, Chad Trout and Brian Montieth.

            Action will again take place at the Juniata County oval for the second Night of the Weikert Memorial.   




Complete Weekend Wrap UP
Outlaws, 360’s, and More

By: Tye Wolfgang

            Williams Grove - Friday: David Gravel won his second straight feature of the PA weekend. He dominated the 41 car field, again. The only other story line circling the night was the lack of Posse presence in the front running of the field. Freddie Rahmer appeared to be making a charge to the front when contact with the lapped car of Jason Sides discombobulated the placement of the front wing. Rahmer settled in for a third place finish behind race winner Gravel and point leader Schatz. Brad Sweet and Greg Hodnett completed the top five. The top was rounded out by: Pittman, Montieth, Dewease, S. Haudenschild, and Marks. Heats went to: Rahmer, Schatz, Saldana, and Pittman.  

Williams Grove - Saturday: Shane Stewart sealed the deal on the Outlaw sweep with a victory at the prestigious Williams Grove. A minimal amount of passing caused a lot of stir, but Stewart was able to work by underfinanced local TJ Stutts for the lead. Stewart would win by approximately 2 seconds over Pittman, Tim Shaffer, Lance Dewease, and Logan Schuchart. TJ Stutts slid to sixth, while Ryan Taylor collected a tremendous seventh place run, followed by Gravel, Johnson, and Sweet. Heats went to Johnson, Dewease, Schuchart, and Sides. Johnson set fast time over the 37 car field. Current Williams Grove point leader, Freddie Rahmer failed to qualify, but his night was semi-saved do to Brian Montieth’s miss-fortune in the feature.

WoO - Sunday: Rained out after time trials and two heat races.

All-Stars: All three races where lost to rain. Sunday’s event saw qualifying action only and the top handful of drivers broke the track record. At this point I am uncertain if the lap times will stand.

360’s - Friday night at Bedford speedway saw Mark Smith win his second straight A-main. He came back and won an ESS sanctioned event at Selinsgrove Speedway Saturday over Locke and Layton. Sunday night saw the second wingless URC race of season. This event took place at Path Valley. The racing was fantastic, and Steven Drevicki came away victorious.

Please Note - The World of Outlaws race scheduled for Tuesday has been moved to Wednesday due to weather.

Port Royal - The Speed Palace will house the Weikert memorial on Sat. and Sun. The World of Outlaws have races on Friday and Monday, so it is possible a World of Outlaws driver could compete those two nights. A lot of social media buzz has been around this event as it was announced Tyler Walker will pilot the Tom Buch owned #13 this weekend.  





Gravel Gets a Big One! -A Look at What’s Ahead

By: Tye Wolfgang

            When you have won six World of Outlaws features and are only chasing Donny Schatz in the category do you think one win can be more special than the others? Probably, especially when you dust the Posse on their home turf. David Gravel put on a clinic. He was in a league of his own.

            The night got off to an interesting start when both Chase Dietz and Dave Blaney were disqualified in pre-race inspection. 45 cars were in the pits, but after inspection 43 competed. Danny Dietrich set over-all fast time against the invading series. Heat racing saw red flag conditions twice, both Arron Ott and Mike Bittinger got upside down in almost the same spot in their respective events. Brent Marks had an easy tip-over after contact in turn two. The qualifying events of the night went to: David Gravel, Daryn Pittman, Danny Dietrich, and Freddie Rahmer Jr. The C-main went to Coleman Gulick and the B-main was won by Lucas Wolfe.

            The Dash lined David Gravel up on the pole and that was the knife in the back of the rest of the field. Gravel never looked back and didn’t have a need to, he was gone. The only yellow of the feature flew extremely early for a front running Freddie Rahmer Jr. who spun in turn two. After that the Posse only had one chance and that was Danny Dietrich. Dietrich appeared to be coming for a stint, but his charge stalled in heavy lapped traffic and a battle for second through fourth shaped up. Pittman and Dietrich had been battling hard with approximately two laps to go when Dietrich made contact with Jason Sides rear. Dietrich would lose momentum, but settled in for third. When they crossed the line Gravel won by a staggering 6 seconds over Pittman and Dietrich. But the show wasn’t upfront, the show was the five-time Lincoln Speedway champion, Brian Montieth, who started deep in the field and drove to an impressive fifth place finish, one spot behind the current World of Outlaws point leader, Donny Schatz. Sixth through tenth went to Jason Johnson, Brad Sweet, WoO rookie Sheldon Haudenschild, Dale Blaney, and Gregg Hodnett.

Quick Notes

            Current NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne brought his #4 home fifteenth, one spot behind defending track champion Alan Krimes. Freddie Rahmer recovered for an eighteenth place finish after an early spin. Two drivers did complete 360 spins and never brought out a caution, Sheldon Haudenschild and Jason Sides. Dave Blaney is expected to run Williams Grove despite his failed inspection. A few Lincoln regulars were not in attendance, but a few other locals that aren’t frequent flyers in the Pigeon Hills made an appearance.

            The World of Outlaws now move onto Williams Grove for a two day show. This also happens to be a big weekend for 360 sprint car racing. URC will compete Friday at Bedford Speedway, while ESS will invade Selinsgrove on Saturday. Sunday night will see the 360 stars and cars go wingless at Path Valley. The World of Outlaws will be at Weedsport, NY on Sunday, and New Egypt Speedway Tuesday.

            We would like to wish a safe weekend to everyone. Best of Luck to all of the Pennsylvania Posse and to Sprint Dudes partner Colby Womer in 360 action.         




The WoO, and What it Means to Me

By: Tye Wolfgang

            I’m sixteen and live in Central PA, I’m blessed to see about a hundred races a year. A lot of great people make that possible. But, three trips a year the drive to the track is more anticipated. The hype is greater. I’ve always been raised that each day is a blessing, but sometimes I feel more blessed. This week is one of those times.

            I’m sitting in class at Mifflin County High School and I get a second to look at my phone. I see a surprise visitor is coming east. The bell rings, I make a B-line to room B204, the only room where the teacher is a sprint car fan. I walk in, we trade thoughts on the subject, then I go to my next class. As I saw in my notifications the only other diehard race fan in the county was on her twitter as well, I would imagine she is having the same thoughts.

            Logan Schuchart once said in victory lane, “they’re trying to teach me about poems from the 1800’s and I’m thinking about Williams Grove,” or something along those lines. I know the feeling. Every second of everyday I think about how I can make a living in the sport.

            The anticipation continues to grow. The phone rings, it’s a teenager. This recent high school graduate just happens to be making a living doing what he loves to do. Racing with the World of Outlaws. He has restored faith that it can be done. Despite the fact his path and mine are different, I look to him for motivation. He is a friend I can go to for advice in the sport. He is racing proof that dreams come true. For those of you that don’t know me and wonder who it is I may be talking about, this a rare time where I will let personal connections into my work. The young man who has played a huge part in showing so many teens that even in today’s society you can be you and achieve what you want, is Clyde Knipp. Knipp and I have developed a good friendship since late last year. He is giving me chance to be involved with a World of Outlaws team. Despite the fact I am still in school when I make a call to California, Missouri whether it be Clyde or team manager Andrew Korte, I know a genuine response is on the other end.

            The World of Outlaws are the best racers in the country. So when they roll into Posse country I feel proud that I have connections with both groups. The rivalry between the two is evident and any true sprint car fan knows why.

            The Outlaws continue to be the leader in advancements in the sport. That’s why I have the respect, the passion, to be able to work alongside of them. The rivalry promotes events and hard racing, but at the end of the day it continues to show goals can be met and things can be achieved. That’s why when they head east my heart beats faster and time stands still. Savor the moment. I feel like a kid waiting for Santa, I won’t get much sleep tonight. Because tomorrow things get real. Everyone in my school knows I’m a diehard racing kid. Some may not know what a sprint car even is, but they know I’m passionate about “that thing.” There is probably only one other student in the entire district that understands the entire game, but that’s okay.

            So when the seventh period bell goes off tomorrow I will be that kid running down the stairs, flying out the doors, because what feels like the biggest night of my life is about to occur. It is this way each time the traveling series comes east, however there are days I have “sprint car fever” and end up in Mechanicsburg earlier than planned. It’s for the love of the sport.  Sprint car racing means everything to me. The World of Outlaws just make it even better!

            The best of the best do battle, but something is missing. It’s the smiling face of Jimmy Walker, owner of the 1x. He passed away Sunday, and the family, friends, and team are in our thoughts and prayers. 

The Best Against the Best

Which side will you stand on?

BY: Tye Wolfgang

It is once again that time of the year, the World of Outlaws will invade the heart of Central PA. The Outlaw’s come in at full force, but the Posse steps out Guns-a-blazin’ anytime a highly anticipated band of worldly renowned racers come knocking on the door. By this point the Outlaw faithful are already making the typical comments of “they don’t leave the porch” and the “brotherhood” Posse supporters are firing back with “beat us here and give us a reason to leave” type of statements. It’s the way it is. The greatest rivalry in all of winged sprint car racing is set to heat up for the first of three times this season. Each time the story is the same, the Outlaw’s trek east to do battle. Let’s take a look at each side, and maybe even some who sit “on the fence.”

The Outlaw’s: Who they bring

Shark Racing- Logan Schuchart and Jacob Allen- Shark Racing is entering a “hometown weekend” on a high note. Logan claimed his third WoO win on Friday night at Eldora Speedway. Jacob was eighth. Bobby Allen’s duo of young World of Outlaws up risers is constantly getting better. It’s Bobby Allen, “Scruffs Show,” enough said. Everyone knows this feel good story from Hanover, Pennsylvania. 

Larson Marks Racing-Shane Stewart- The Oklahoma native has been racing sprint cars for 20 some years. Shane has been with LMR since they first ran a limited schedule in 2014. In 2015, they went on tour full time. Most notably the #2 swept the King’s Royal weekend in 2015. They had strong points again the following season. They have shown speed again this season, the veteran knows his place behind the wheel. He will look for revenge at Lincoln after last season’s time trial mishap in turn 1. Everyone wants to win at Williams Grove, Stewart surely isn’t different, it’s a special place.   

Destiny Motorsports- Paul McMahan- The Nashville Tenn. driver had a season to forget last year. This offseason speculation began, a change must occur. That wasn’t the case. Paul isn’t like the new generation, he believes in building up a team. He wasn’t going anywhere except back to the seat of the Mondak Portables sponsored machine. They flipped the program upside down this winter even changing to the number 4. Paul’s boy, Braden had quite the weekend. He is a crew member for Parker Price-Miller who picked up two wins this weekend, one being PPM’s first WoO win on Sunday. Parker will not be in PA this weekend, but the veteran World of Outlaw McMahan sure will be.

CJB Motorsports- David Gravel- Barry Jackson has the young Watertown, CT ace rolling. They are second in both points and wins this season. Thus far in 2017 it seems the Muddy.com #5 is the only hope to dethrone defending champion and series dominator Donny Schatz. Gravel has won the National Open and is no stranger to the Grove. Barry Jackson is one of the most established wrenches in the Area. The Carlisle based team surely would like to continue the tremendous season they are having. Gravel runs hard and wants to win, simple. 

Sides Motorsports- Jason Sides- “Double Down” and his mechanic, who happens to be his brother Paul, are silently developing one of the best seasons they have had in recent years. Sides has numerous top ten runs and has been one of the most consistent drivers on tour. Sides could slide into a front running position against the posse. But as silently as he comes, he will race and be gone again. Sides isn’t about glamour and fashion. He simply races, that’s what they do. 

KKR- Daryn Pittman- “Pitto” isn’t setting the world on fire compared to previous showings in the Great Clips number 9, but PA is always a strong point for the Owasso, Oklahoma driver. The Outlaw, turned Posse, turned Outlaw spent multiple seasons in Pennsylvania in the Heffner 27. He can get around both Williams Grove and Lincoln without an issue. Pittman hasn’t lost the touch and he could strike at any point this week.

Steve Kinser Racing- Kraig Kinser- Kinser is back on the World of Outlaws aboard the MVT number 11k. He spent last season racing with the All-Stars, but apparently felt the need to return home to “The Greatest Show on Dirt!” Kinser will be coming east under the WoO banner and would like to pick up a win as would anyone. 

CKR-Clyde Knipp- Clyde is in his first full season of World Outlaws competition. He spent the majority of last season on the road except when he had to return home to graduate from High School! 2017 is serving as his sophomore season not just with the WoO, but sprint cars in general. California, Missouri’s “CK Thriller” is continuing to face the learning curve. He is getting better each night and making A-Mains. The Design Phase, Roush #13 is really looking forward to the trip east. 

TSR-Donny Schatz- Schatz is the best driver in the country, simple. Anywhere, anytime, anyplace they can win. There isn’t much more to say, they won Saturday, chalk another win in the column. Ricky Warner knows how to set a car up for PA tracks. Schatz can run them. It’s the way it is. They are leading the charge, and are the team to beat.

SWJR- Joey Saldana- The “Brownsburg Bullet” is on his #chasing100 tour. He has been stuck at 99 wins. He wants that hundredth. Saldana almost had a win at Williams Grove in the National Open last year until Danny Dietrich played hometown hero and spoiled the shot at #100. He wants revenge. He wants that win for not only himself, but the entire Stenhouse Jr. Wood Racing #17 team. 

BMR- Brent Marks- Home game. Marks will be running his former weekly tracks this weekend. They came home and picked up a local win at Port Royal on a WoO down night. Now the series Rookie of the Year contender needs strong runs to jump in front of Sheldon Haud for the top spot for the honor. It will be interesting to see crowd reactions as Marks brings the BAPS, M&M Painting and Construction #19 back to PA under a WoO banner. I’m sure he would love to win here. The valuable shop and family time they will get this week surely will help remove some stress!

GWR- Greg Wilson- Wilson hasn’t won since Early in the season at Charlotte last year. Nobody markets and takes better care of their sponsors than Wilson. What better way to represent the Hercules Tire w20 than a win in Posse Land? I can’t think of one that doesn’t include the Marion County Fair Grounds in August. Why not take a shot at the Posse? If the bottom comes in at Lincoln he could be tough. He has a style similar to Alan Krimes. Krimes obviously has shown it works in the Pigeon Hills. 

Marshall/JJR- Jason Johnson- Speaking of big time representation in August, the “Ragin Cajun” is the defending Knoxville Nationals Champion. He has strong ties to the PA area in the Saich family. Johnson has turned some laps at Williams Grove before in the familiar #22. Now it’s time to put the Priority Aviation #41 on the front stretch in Posse Country.

KKR-Brad Sweet- The “Big Cat” is looking to capitalize on some speed they have shown. Speed converts into wins. It just takes time. The wins later this season will come, but the question is can he put the Ollies Bargain Outlet, NAPA Racing #49 in victory lane and keep Beer Hill on the back stretch?

Haudenschild Racing- Sheldon Haudenschild- The “son of the Wild Child” is leaving his mark on the sport. He has had one of the fastest cars on the road. Luck however hasn’t been in his favor. He is still leading the Rookie of the Year chase over Brent Marks, but as mentioned earlier this week, it is a home game for Marks. Young Sheldon should focus on consistency this weekend. That will maintain his RoY chase. But then again, has anyone with the last name “Haudenschild” ever been content with consistent? NO. They want wins. This weekend is no different for Sheldon, crew chief “Bonzi,” and the entire Southern Pacific Farms, Rico Abreu Racing 93 team. 

The Posse: Who We Have

We have covered the Posse all season long. Everyone has an opinion on who they think can down the raid of traveling racers. We will take a look at 16 drivers, matching the number the Outlaws bring, but as everyone knows Posse against WoO has the intensity of March Madness Basketball. Upsets can happen all our cars can win on any given night. That’s what makes the Posse great.

Kreitz Racing-Lance Dewease- Lance has won the last 3 races he has entered. Two of those being All-Star events. The Dream team will be absent Wednesday at Lincoln, but will be sure to be out in full force Friday and Saturday. Legendary Davey Brown will have the 69k on point no matter the surface. However, if the track slicks off at all, sit back and enjoy the show!

GKR-Danny Dietrich- “Double D” is definitely the biggest “noise maker” in the area. They seem to feed on it to fuel their desire to win. Perhaps the closest thing to a modern day Bob Wikert we have seen? The fact of the matter is, love him or hate him, Danny Dietrich is an elite race car driver. He has won 3 of the races so far at Lincoln Speedway. He also finds himself atop the points. But the Garry Kaufman owned, Wikert’s Live Stock, Hickory Run Orchards, Sandoe’s Fruit Market #48 doesn’t seem too worried about points. They want to meet the 20 win goal DD set at the beginning of the season. He has beaten the Outlaw’s at Lincoln before, he’s done it at the Grove, he can do it again. They are returning from a weekend on the road in Ohio and Indiana. It’s home turf, and as long as Danny and Schatz can focus on racing instead of singing rounds like in Florida, he can do it. 

RBR- Freddie Rahmer Jr. Rahmer is the point leader at Williams Grove going into World of Outlaws weekend. He has shown he can win at both places. Arguably he is as good as Dewease off the bottom and through the middle at the Grove. The mastermind will have is car dialed in and ready to rock. If he could pick one up this weekend it would no doubt be the biggest win of his young career. 

Lincoln’s Big Dogs - Alan Krimes and Brian Montieth- Over the past five years when you think of Lincoln Speedway’s weekly competition and points chases two names come to mind; Brian Montieth and Alan Krimes. They have battled hard. Battled Clean. They raced. Krimes is a two time and defending Lincoln champion. Montieth is a five time champion. They have both finished second to each other also. Montieth is past the hump and is an established racer. He now needs an Outlaw win to gain the national recognition he receives regionally in our own area. It’s no secret Krimes is underfinanced and will be out motored by the higher end traveling caravan. They get more out of what they have than any other team in the area. Don’t be surprised to see that #87 sneaking in on top ten runs this week.      

Other Posse Contenders- Lucas Wolfe and the Michael Barshinger #24 have been fast right out of the box. They picked up a win at Lincoln already, and Wolfe is one of the best time trialers’ in the game. Doug Esh and the Mark Coldren owned team have been the car to beat at Port Royal so far. It will be interesting to see them battle a little farther south this weekend. They have won big races before and can do it again. Greg Hodnett has not had a great start to the year, but never sleep on the veteran and the Michael Heffner #27. They would love to get rolling this weekend. Brock Zearfoss- Zearfoss has become a young staple in the area. He has recently paired up with new team owner Aaron Long to put depth in his resources. TJ Stutts and Todd Shaffer have the #11 rolling and Stutts would love to break the ice with what would be the biggest win of his career. Tim Wagaman hasn’t raced much in 2017 so far, but his equipment is fresh. He found himself in a dash during PA’s biggest race last year, he could end up upfront again this weekend. Steve Buckwalter is always fast, now if they could finish, and keep mechanical woes out of the way the Ritter owned #17b could be a front runner.  Gerard McIntyre is out moneyed. They don’t have flashy equipment, but what they have runs. It can be upfront come Wednesday night. Matt Campbell is battling the learning curve still, but he is fast. They can put the Ron Campbell owned #16 in the show against “The Greatest Show on Dirt!”  Aaron Ott is one of those guys you don’t think about, and then he is there. He obviously isn’t in love with Lincoln, but fans could see the yellow #25 on the podium this weekend.  Jim Siegel is in the same boat as G-Mac, underfunded and out gunned. He will be relying on raw talent and mechanical ability to get the car rolling in the Pigeon Hills. 

On the Fence- Dale Blaney is in the Zemco #1 and that car can never be counted out at Williams Grove. Blaney could use a win to get the historic duo over the hump. Trey Starks is starting to roll in the Gobrecht #44, we found out a lot about him earlier in an exclusive interview which can still be read on this site. 

The showdown is set. Who is your pick?

*From myself and everyone at Sprint Dudes we offer thoughts and prayers to the family, friends, and team of Jimmy Walker. Walker owned the 1x sprint car piloted by Chad Trout, and sadly passed away Sunday. RIP

*Thanks to Killer Mile Motorsports for supplying the images. 

Starks Starting to Star

By: Tye Wolfgang

            Trey Starks was known around the country. Traveling from his home state of Washington in pursuit of his dream. That dream just happened to include 900hp, 410 cubic inches, and speed, lots and lots of speed.  Trey Starks is focused on sprint car racing.

            Trey has had the opportunity to race at a lot of different tracks and against good competition. It happens to be a universally known fact in sprint car racing that racing other tracks against other drivers makes you better. “I just want to see more and more tracks. It makes you better as a driver.” Starks has seen his fair share of tracks for someone who is still in college. These next few months are nothing but racing. “I’ll be a little bit of everywhere. Sometimes I’m up at Scott’s (Gobrecht’s) place and other times I’ll be down here with Jeff (McCall) in Charlotte. I may even go home some.”  The summer is bound to be interesting.

            The Gobrecht Motorsports owned #44 is set for about 60 shows. They have the resources. “We have the Gobrecht shop we will run out of in that area and we have stuff down here at Jeff’s place and we’ll run on the road out of it, but everything is still one deal. All the cars and stuff are the same.” The geographic ability to run where and when they choose is appealing to the young hot shoe. It’s something Trey really enjoys. “This freelance schedule is nice. We have a tentative plan, but it’s subject to change.” While Trey will frequently run in the Central Pa area, they also have some travel time planned.

            “We are going to head out to Eldora to run this weekend, I love that place.”  But the only thing in Rossburg, Ohio that likes seeing cars up high more than the fans is the treacherous Eldora wall. But the up and coming gasser loves the challenge Eldora presents. “There isn’t anything like running up against that wall at Eldora. The speed and trying to just keep the car going straight with all that momentum is awesome.” Skip ahead a week in the future and its back to the East Coast for a World of Outlaws invasion of “Posse Land.” Starks has been piloting a Pa based car all season. There isn’t a family more Posse orientated then the Gobrecht family. The questions is: Has the kid from Washington paid his Posse dues or will he be considered an outsider? It’s no secret the Posse fans are die hard, even Trey already knows this. “It’s a whole different world up there. The fans are so passionate about their sport, you don’t see that other places in the country.” When it boils down to it which side of the battle will Starks be fighting forward for? “I mean the Gobrecht 44 is definitely a Posse car, but I don’t know if Trey Starks is, guess that’s for that fans to decide.”  For the sake of arguing, Starks did dust the All-Stars on semi-Posse turf at Bedford Speedway. “That was awesome. It is just now starting to sink in. I beat the All-Stars and the Posse on the same night. That was the first time I had been to Bedford and to go like that is really cool. I wanted a win for Scott and Jeff really bad. To get it against those guys is awesome.”

            Starks was carrying hype into the Kevin Gobrecht classic at Scott Gobrecht’s Susquehanna Speedway Sunday before a crash would leave them having to “regroup from Susky a little bit before heading to Eldora.”  For those who don’t know Scott Gobrecht and Speedway Manager Kolten Gouse, they have been making huge strides to put Susky back on the map since Scott’s purchase 2 seasons ago. “I first ran there in ‘13 and to come back and see the things they have changed for the better, is awesome!”

            Things are working out. “This worked the way everyone wanted it to. I’m thankful”

Going forward this season they hope to continue to progress. “Getting a win is a step in the right direction.” But now it’s time to focus on the future. The Textron Off Road, Golf Cart Services, Master Clean, Champion Oil, J&J Auto Racing #44 has plans to run with the “Greatest Show on Dirt” in Pa and NJ.  Perhaps the biggest trip of the season will be when they head west in August to compete in the world’s largest sprint car race, the Knoxville Nationals. “I’d like to just make the show out there. That would be huge, that’s as tough as it gets.” Trey knows this all couldn’t be possible without the help of ALL of their sponsors and crew members. “My guys work hard, Jarred behind the scene, then Tim, Jeff, Haiden, and Brycen.  But most of all I got to thank Scott and Jeff McCall for everything they do.”  The professional young man has a bright future. His bright future just happens to include dirt tracks, late nights, and hours of dedication. He is making it work and that is why Starks is starting to star in the wonderful world of sprint car racing.     

 





Lance Dewease: The Season and “Susky”

By: Tye Wolfgang

          Lance Dewease has the perfect deal. By this point everyone knows the story. They have one of the greatest mechanics of all time, in Lance’s words “Davey grinds on this thing all night.” The owner is a Hall-of-Fame driver, Donnie Kreitz knows what and how to get the equipment his team needs without an overabundant budget. The entire crew is experienced, the average age of the crew is 69. As many would joke, Donnie’s teenage daughter Kassidy (who picked up a win in Port Royals 305 Founders Cup) is partially to blame for dropping the average age. Last season they landed the title “The Dream Team.”

          This is no dream. They are for real. Numbers do not lie. Results speak the truth. History is being made right in front of our very eyes. Last season they basically dusted everyone in the Central Pa area. Those interested in researching more on last seasons accomplishments, just look at any website housing 2016 records.

          This is about 2017, racing is cut throat. Often times what you did yesterday doesn’t mean as much as what you can do tomorrow. That is why every time they unload the baby-blue #69k they continue to strive for more and more speed.

          This down to earth hardworking team is finding success on the most difficult regional sprint car scene in the world. Hard work and talent wins races. The team puts in hours and the future Hall-of Fame driver has talent. That’s why it is insulting that spectators on social media would take to the like of accusing the team of running illegal wings. Accept the fact they are good and appreciate history.

          Last night was no different story. Lance pulled into Susquehanna Speedway and set fast time over the 27 car field. He also won his heat race. The other qualifying events went to Trey Starks, Kyle Moody, and Freddie Rahmer won the consolation. The Dash finish would line up early race leader Brian Montieth on the outside of Greg Hodnett. Montieth dominated until lap 15 when Trey Starks spun in front of the leader. Montieth had nowhere to go and slammed into Starks #44 machine, bringing out the red flag. This handed the lead over to fifth place starter and second place runner Dewease. Dewease checked out in clean air and never looked back. He would cross the line followed by Hodnett, Aaron Ott, Lucas Wolfe, and Brock Zearfoss. Kyle Reinhardt earned $680 extra for the hard charger bonus. He came from his 22nd starting place to finish ninth.

          This type of recap is nothing new. Dewease has entered five events so far this season and won four of them. Two of the events happened to come All-Star weekend when he beat them twice in a row. His win last night was his third win in his last three starts. Impressive numbers. It will be interesting to see if they can continue that pace when the Outlaws roll into town in a few short weeks.   




Tye’s Top Ten

By: Tye Wolfgang

As rain continues to pour down on Central PA area, I found it fitting to release another PA Power Rankings. The list will include our “top ten”. This list is as of last weekend’s events. The way the list is configured is: Wins, DNFs, number of races run, top tens, points at your respective track, and where you ranked on other power rankings. Obviously, with other power rankings figured in, it is assumed some variation could occur. Please enjoy, feel free to agree or disagree, and take no offense to rankings. This is intended to be an enjoyable and debatable topic. Enjoy Your Weekend-Tye Wolfgang 

First alternate- TJ Stutts- Liverpool, PA- Stutts is in his first full season of 410 competition. The transition from 360 racing has been minimal.  Stutts along with his wrench/team manager Todd Shaffer, already appear to be a fixture on the competitive soil. Stutts finds his #11 sitting eighth in points at Williams Grove and third at Port Royal. Hopefully, the recent crashes are behind them. It appears that a win could be in the future for Stutts.

10. Logan Wagner- Evert, PA- The second generation driver is already known for his daring rim riding style.  Wagner has a win at Susquehanna Speedway and another at Lernerville Speedway. For the purpose of the list, the win at Lernerville is outside of the Central PA jurisdiction. However, for a team, a win is a win, and they are all special. Wagner also currently sits sixth in the Port Royal points.

9.) Greg Hodnett- Spring Grove, PA- By the standards set in previous seasons by the Michael Heffner owned #27, Hodnett is having a slow start to his season. They lay claim to their only win so far in the Williams Grove Opener. They sit fourth in Grove points, but a distant thirteenth in Port Royal’s. However, Hodnett has missed two points races at the Juniata County oval. Consistency will turn into wins over the grueling summer schedule.  Hodnett is in one of the most well equipped rides in the circuit and has the resources to catch fire later in the year. 

8.) Brock Zearfoss- Jonestown, PA- Zearfoss currently sits fifth in the Port Royal point standings and ninth at Williams Grove. The “Jonestown Jet” already has a win at “The Speed Palace.” Media news was flying all over about the young driver this week as it was announced he landed a ride for select shows in the new team formed by Aaron Long.

7.) Alan Krimes- Denver, PA- Krimes, a two time Lincoln Speedway Champion, is known for his smooth and consistent driving style. He doesn’t hold a win yet in 2017, but his top ten streak and high place points efforts have landed him seventh. Alan sits third in Lincoln’s points (after an opening day saw his only DNF of the season) and sixth at Williams Grove.  As the summer brings slick tracks, Krimes will be right at home aboard the Larry Krimes #87.

6.) Lucas Wolfe- Mechanicsburg, PA- Lucas Wolfe and the Michael Barshinger owned #24 hit the ground running in 2017. The newly paired duo has been impressively fast to date.  They hold a win a Lincoln Speedway to their credit and sit seventh in the Grove point standings. Wolfe has been fast, now they must close the deal more often to move up the chart. Lucas also won a 360 race in the Empire State, but once again that was not calculated into configuration.

5.) Brian Montieth- Phoenixville, PA- The Jerry Perish owned team is one of the longest standing partnerships in racing. They have proven they can win races and championships. They hold bragging rights to five titles at Lincoln Speedway!  During the 2017 campaign, the “Edge” claimed a victory at Lincoln and sits second in the points at both weekly tracks. If Montieth could claim an Outlaw win in a few weeks, he could open the door to the rest of the Nation what the Lincoln faithful already know.

4.) Doug Esh- Lancaster, PA- The defending Port Royal Speedway Champion already owns two wins in Juniata County. Esh is the favorite to repeat as the champion again in 2017 as he already is leading the chase. Esh also knows his way around Mechanicsburg’s historic half mile.  He finds himself fifth in the Lawrence Chevrolet points as well. The Mark Coldren owned team is not finished yet.

3.) Lance Dewease- Fayettville, PA- Let’s be honest, the only thing keeping the dream team from running away with the number one spot on every “power ranking” in the world is the fact that they run a partial schedule. In an extremely limited number of starts this season, Dewease has already won three races. Two of those races came back-to-back last weekend when he downed the All-Star Circuit of Champions on back-to-back nights. They are the most experienced team in the area. Kreitz is a good owner, Davey Brown is one of the best mechanics of all-time, and Lance is a soon to be Hall-of- Fame driver. The Outlaw’s should be nervous about the #69k in a few weeks.

2.) Freddie Rahmer Jr. – Salfordville, Pa- The second generation of “Fast Freddie” is earning his keep in Central PA. Rahmer is excelling at The Grove, a track that even veterans can find to be at an elite level of difficulty. He has a win from the ninth starting place, an impressive second place run in the All-Star event and is the current point leader. Rahmer is only getting better. He knows the cars, he is as lethal with a wrench as he is with a helmet. Don’t be surprised to see the 51 back on the front stretch at Williams Grove and Lincoln.

1.) Danny Dietrich- Gettysburg, PA- Danny Dietrich is good.  It’s as simple as that. He comes knocking on the door every time the team unloads the Gary Kauffman owned #48. “Double D” has won three of the first six events at Lincoln Speedway. Obviously, he is running away with the point lead. Danny has been fast at other events as well and currently finds himself third in the Grove’s standings. Danny has an aggressive schedule planned and has made a comment stating they have a goal to win 20 races. That’s a huge total, but if his speed continues it’s an obtainable goal.            




Press Release: Colby Womer 

By: Tye Wolfgang

          It’s often said that once hooked on racing, one can simply not stay away. So when Selinsgrove Speedway had an off weekend, 360 sprint car ace Colby Womer didn’t sit at home. Instead he capitalized on the All-Stars in town. He went to work as the mechanic on Ryan Linder’s number 9. But it’s now time to return to the seat of his normal 3z. “I really enjoy working on these things when I’m not driving. There’s a lot less weight on my shoulders and your still learning.”

            Over the past few weeks Womer has had his ups and downs at Selinsgrove. Opening week saw the Zack’s Customs trucks entry bring home an eighth place finish. Then one week later on April 15th Colby recorded his second straight eighth place finish. During the Jack Gunn Memorial Womer timed in 15th quick in the 32 car field. Struggling later in the night, the veteran was able to salvage a 14th place finish.

            There isn’t a doubt they have been consistent. But consistency doesn’t cut it for an established driver. Womer knows how to run upfront, especially at his home track. Hence, why he isn’t satisfied. The need to progress the operation is evident. They have the ability and the knowledge to compete. “I think I know what we need to just get over that hump, set-up wise we have just been a touch off.” Womer is a study of the game, he knows the cars. Most importantly Colby knows his car. “Each time we race I have an idea of what we need to be better.” Progress is always a good thing however, sometimes things out of a drivers control happen. Pill draw is one example of this. Womer enjoys the uncertain aspect of racing. “It’s kind of like gambling, knowing you have a chance to win is what drives you to keep coming back.” 

            Wins are bound to surface for this team. The pieces of this tremendously difficult puzzle are fitting together now, he can envision the future. When asked if they are in line to meet the goals established at the beginning of the season, without hesitation he answers with; “absolutely, we just wanted to race more than we have and put ourselves in good position.” Womer has some great sponsors in place making everything happen. Zack’s Custom Trucks is the title sponsor, along with his other great partners; Tom Tice Powder Coating, Lester Stuck Building Supplies, Jessica Knouse -Independent consultant- and D.C Smith Transport.

            Over the next few weeks fans can expect to see the #3z at Selinsgrove, along with an appearance at both Port Royal, and Bedford Speedways. “I like getting to run places that are new and places I don’t get to run at a lot, it keeps it interesting.” They also would like to make a wingless appearance at Path Valley if a Sponsor can be landed to obtain the $600 worth of equipment needed to convert to wingless URC rules. “That would definitely be fun, hopefully we can get what we need and run that show and see how things go.”  

            Those interested in contacting Womer for sponsorship/marketing proposals can do so at womercolby@yahoo.com. As always open to discussion, and keep in mind everything helps! 

*Article made possible by Colby Womer Racing, Sprint Dudes, and Tye Wolfgang Promotions* 




All-Star “101”
Dewease Takes Hundred and First Port Royal Win

By: Tye Wolfgang

          Once again 43 of some of the best Central PA and All-Star of Champions Sprint car arrived at Port Royal Speedway for the Keith Kauffman Classic. But, Lance Dewease and the Don Kreitz Jr. owned 69k hands down had the best car. Lance destroyed the field in non-stop 30 Lap Feature event.

            Heavy rains happened to be in the forecast, the majority never hit. Due to the lack of forecasted rains the track was slick. That turned it in to an “offensive game” for Lance. They set fast time over the field.

                        Thankfully heat racing did not see any mishaps. The first heat went to Port Royal driver Dylan Cisney. Brock Zearfoss would follow Dylan into the Dash. For the second qualifying event the ex-All-Star, Dale Blaney would take the checkered with former track champion Blaine Heimbach going along to the dash. All-Stars prevailed in the next event when Chad Kemenah would take Caleb Helms along to dash. Steve Buckwalter would take advantage of his weekend ride in the Buzz Wilson owned 38. Buckwalter also took Mike Wagner with. Lance Dewease and Ryan Smith would both make the dashes due to time.

            Strong car counts forced a C-main, that’s a great problem to have as often complaints of uncomplete A-mains ring about. Brandon Spithaler and a fast coming Joe Trenca would tag the back of the B-main. The final four transfer spots on the night went to Aaron Ott, Ryan Taylor who debuted a beautiful new paint scheme, local Curt Stroup and Western PA racer Carl Bowser.

          Dash number one which would line up the first five inside rows would finish as follows; Lance Dewease, Ryan Smith, Dylan Cisney Caleb Helms and Brock Zearfoss. Dash number two which would line up the outside rows saw the finishing order appear as this; Blaine Heimbach, Steve Buckwalter, Dale Blaney, Mike Wagner and Chad Kemenah.

            When the feature event went green, Lance never looked back. It wasn’t even until lap 28 that had a close call. Racing down the backstretch contact was made while putting Defending track champion Doug Esh a lap down. Dewease still won by approximately a half track. However it was noted in victory lane the front right rim was bent and leaking air, presumably from the back stretch contact.

          For the rest of the field they could be found “racing for second” on a very wide racing surface. Former Don Kreitz racing driver, Ryan Smith, Brought the Warko Racing 94 home second. Dale Blaney, Dylan Cisney and Blaine Heimbach all found respectable top five finishes. Steve Buckwalter finished sixth followed by; Chad Kemenah, Brock Zearfoss, TJ Stutts and Mike Wagner. TJ was the only driver to start outside the top ten and finish inside of it. Stutts is in his first full season of 410 racing, with famed Driver Todd Shaffer working behind the scenes.

            In other area competition Danny Dietrich picked up his third Lincoln win of the young season over defending track champion Alan Krimes, Lucas Wolfe, Brian Montieth and Gerard McIntyre Jr. Respectively Lincoln still had 29 sprint cars.

            The All-Stars will now move to Bedfrord Speedway for the final night of the three race weekend.





Dewease Keeps Posse Perfect

Lance Gives Posse Another Williams Grove Win: 31-0

By: Tye Wolfgang

Tony Stewart and his All-Star Circuit Champions rolled into “Posse Town” Friday and a huge field assembled. 45 cars strong. Time trials would line up heat racing for field,  which would see eventual winner Lance Dewease take the top spot on the charts.

Heat racing was a bit dramatic, and was rather eventful. Multiple cautions and red flags would be displayed numerus times throughout the qualifying events. Heat number one went to the current speedway point leader, Freddie Rahmer Jr.  Heat number two got a bit dicey.  Eric Tomecek committed to the high side while trying to make a run on Brian Montieth. He lost the handle and spun;  All-Star rookie Ryan Linder was left with no room, clipped the stopped car and flipped. Linder was uninjured, but done for the night. Montieth went on to pick up the victory in heat two. Heat three also got off to a rough start when Rodney Westhaffer and Bradley Howard got together on the start. When action resumed Lucas Wolfe would pick up a heat win, moving the Barshinger 24 into the dash. During the final heat race of the night, Dane Lorenc flipped in turn 3. Series owner Tony Stewart, won the final heat

Obviously with 45 cars in attendance the “C” and “B” mains saw Steller fields. Rodney Westhaffer won the “C” main over Brandon Spithaler, who changed an engine earlier. They would tag the tail of the “B” main. Steve Buckwalter won the final qualifying event of the night but, Alan Krimes stole the show. Krimes drove from an 11th place starting spot to take the final position away from All-Star Caleb Helms. The Posse faithful rose to their feet in support of one of the lowest financed, underrated drivers in the area.

The Steel City Outlaw jumped out to an early lead from his pole starting position and wasn’t challenged until lap 6 until Dewease made the move. The pace wouldn’t be slowed again until lap 16 when the caution flew for Steve Buckwalter, who slowed on the front stretch. From here on out the top five would finish the way they ran at the time. Dewease would win over Lil’ Freddie Rahmer, Tim Shaffer, Aaron Ott and Danny Dietrich would round out the top five. Washington Native Trey Starks would find himself in sixth while Montieth, Wolfe, Stutts and Stewart completed the top ten. On the white flag lap through turns one and two Rahmer made a run but couldn’t complete the pass. Dewease’s win would extend the Posse’s Grove All-Star domination to 31-0.

The series moves on to Port Royal Saturday, while Lincoln has a time trial show as well.

At Plymouth Speedway David Gravel won yet another World of Outlaws feature Friday Night.





All-Star Invasion
The All-Star Circuit of Champions Coming to “Posse Town”

By: Tye Wolfgang

The story continues each and every time the All-Star Circuit of Champions roll into “Posse Country.” The All- Star drivers have yet to win a sanctioned event at Williams Grove. The score, Posse 30 All-Stars 0. Then again for seasons Blaney racked up wins at Port Royal for them. But Bedford will serve as “neutral turf.”

The fields are much different during this 2017 season. Blaney is neutral this season while he pilots the Zemco #1. Sheldon Haudenschild finds himself as a World of Outlaws driver. Stevie Smith was a surprise retirement from the Posse line up. Brent Marks has left for the road and is battling Sheldon for WoO Rookie of the Year. Then again why talk about what we won’t have, instead let’s focus on the tremendous amount of positives we will first see in Mechanicsburg Friday night.

Defending series champion, Chad Kemenah, will lead an immense amount of young guns into the show. Most of the young drivers will be making their first PA starts this weekend. However one name flying under the All-Star banner will be very familiar, Ryan Smith. Smith cut his teeth at the Grove aboard a Krietz Racing Machine. Smith then made the move to the Warko #94 which he has run locally and on the road. During 2017 Smith’s new partnership with Leidgie and Warko has allowed him to get back to the tour full time. He is in his second season and seen as one of the few teams capable of de-crowning the Hunter Racing team.

Smith and Kemenah are not the only recognizable names in the series. There happens to be two young men both by the name of Caleb who both happen to be series front runners. Both Armstrong and Helms can compete. Helms already has wins this season. It doesn’t stop here.

“Mad Max” Stambaugh is a front runner for the Rookie of the Year honors, he is cometeing in the Marshall 33m this season. Other series rookies and Pa based teams include rookies Tyler Esh, The Mackison Brothers, and recent migrator Ryan Linder. Western PA racers John Garvin, Roger Campbell, Brandon Spithaler, and veterans, but series first timers will see the Matus father-son duo challenge the tour. Dane Lorenc and Bradley Howard will continue their learning experience. The “Texas Traveler” TJ Michael has become a fixture on the tour already, and he surely wouldn’t mind breaking through in Posse country.

Nobody really thought the Posse wouldn’t have something to come out swinging with did they? Danny Dietrich is fast and has made it known he wants a win this weekend. That will have to come Friday or Sunday if it will be against the All-Stars. The Reason? Unfortunately a “semi-high profile” event at Lincoln will split the field Saturday. Lincoln should have a nice show as well. However Greg Hodnett and Doug Esh wouldn’t mind a $5,000 check Saturday at the

“Speed Palace.” Lucas Wolfe got his first win in the Barshinger 24 not to long ago and a big pay day surely looks good to a family man like himself.

The young talent is just as plentiful in Central Pa as on the road. Freddie Rahmer is rolling into a rhythm, he just picked up a win from ninth at the Grove. A safe bet is that he can be found near the front any of the nights he competes. Matt Campbell is continuing to make headlines and a first 410 win would be “oh sooo sweet” this weekend.

The likes of Brian Montieth, Alan Krimes, Cory Haas, Brock Zearfoss, and Logan Wagner know the way around their respective speedways. Then you look again and Lance Dewease is creeping to the front of the field as normal.

Central Pa will provide many more locals then those mentioned in this article. One thing is for sure, fans will be provided with three great nights of racing. Friday at Williams Grove, Saturday at Port Royal, then Sunday has Bedford on tap. Hopefully the matchup will provide exciting, SAFE racing for everyone involved this weekend.





“The Show” 
Matt Campbell Is On the Rise

By: Tye Wolfgang

            Sooo….How does a 19 year old recent high school graduate become the pride of Fawn Grove? No, he wasn’t the varsity quarterback. He doesn’t have a sick double cross over jump shot, and he’s not going to be the next Bryce Harper. It’s actually quite simple; he learns to race and win. That’s okay because Matt Campbell is a sprint car racer. That’s right; late nights, dirt tracks, and grass roots. The simple things in life. Where he is from, beating the World of Outlaws means more than asphalt tracks, and million dollar haulers.

                As a recent high school graduate, since turned 19, Matt finds himself in the comfort of his day job at a local business that happens to be a sponsor on his race car. Harrington Auto, where Matt works his “9 to 5”, but that is by day. By night he’s the fastest rising young gun on the world’s most prominent sprint car scene. Matt is a recent graduate not only from high school, but also into the 410 division, piloting father Ron Campbell’s Accent Metals, Harrington Auto, Jim Lowe Snap On, Ramsey Ford Kay-field, RL Race Fuels #16. Campbell was a “hot shoe” in the 358’s for multiple seasons. Winning races before he could drive on the freeway, but he wasn’t finished there.

            Campbell would have a break-out season in 2016. When most young drivers dominate an area they find a rhythm, plant the right rear on the cushion, and stick with it. But he’s not a rim rider, definitely isn’t a bottom feeder either. He’s a “slasher and dasher”.  Good thing too, because that’s what it calls for in this day and age. With cars as equal as they are, and down force on dirt rivaling that of Formula-1, the driver must make the difference. When asked if he feels any pressure with being one of the most exciting and fastest rising drivers, he calmly states “the only pressure I have is self-inflicted, I don’t have some name I have to live up to. I am the first one in my family to race sprint cars.” But don’t let lack of pressure appear as lack of determination, he is always progressing. 

            Anyone that has seen this young man wheel a sprint car knows he has the potential to be a dominate force. Maybe he won’t be the pride of Fawn Grove anymore, because he’s set to be the pride of the Pennsylvania Posse. For example, one night at Port Royal Speedway, he stunned the crowd by running his 358 engine against a stout field of 40 URC 360 sprint car competitors. He brought home a 3rd place finish. He was using the standard 5x5 wing, not used in the 358 division, where the smaller wing is used. He stated, “You don’t get better by not running with good guys. It’s awesome I get to race in the best sprint car area around. I think if you can run well here (Central Pa) you can do it anywhere.” But the best part of 2016 is that Campbell began to compete in the 410 division on a part-time basis at Williams Grove.

                The “Grove” is one of the hardest places in the world, and as if it wasn’t difficult enough, throw in the learning curve, and it’s challenging. “I underestimated it, they drive so much different than a 358. These 410’s drive so much different in dirty air compared to clean air.” The well- known learning curve was evident, but it didn’t faze him. Throughout the 2016 season Campbell would collect a staggering amount of hard charger awards, and countless podium efforts. Seems fitting for someone who can make a pass that even the veterans wouldn’t attempt. No one knows what is going through his head, because when he puts the helmet on, it’s game time. “When you think about it, it gets in your head, you have one job, and that is get to the front.” This was never as evident as the weekend I refer to as “the back to back pass.” I would deem it this after Campbell would dive in above the treacherous turn four cushion, climbing the guard rail with the right rear, turning down in front of another car, then sliding for the lead going into turn one! This would prove to be the winning pass as Campbell would “Park It” one last time in a 358 at Williams Grove.

                That night during his interview, the Hall of Fame announcer, Bruce Ellis would comment in victory lane about how “maybe we should call this young man ‘the show’ because he brings the excitement back to Williams Grove.” It stuck. Some thought that night’s pass was a lucky one, but “the show” would once again make noise. The very next night at the “Fabulous” Lincoln Speedway, making the save of a lifetime coming off of turn four, running three wide, and the car in the middle got out of shape forcing Campbell to check-up. Instead of bailing out, he saw a hole and went for it, turning the car completely sideways, and sliding up the track. He angled the car to turn down the track while still gaining two positions going into turn one! On this night he settled for second to the eventual track champion, Leiby. These aren’t just fake stories, they can be seen in highlight videos.

            Campbell would later go on to win Williams Grove Rookie of the Year honors with just limited starts in 410 competition. But the awards didn’t stop here. Campbell would win the prestigious 410 Rookie of the Year award. It takes time and a lot of good partners and people. Campbell is confident in the team. He feels they can be successful anytime the crew, including his Father, Brad, and Austin roll the Rider Racing Engines, Maxim Chassis, Haas Shocks #16 out of the trailer. They have recently received help from mechanic Jim Shuttlesworth, and last season from Kurt Dewease.  

                In 2017 the 18 year old rising star will fully focus his efforts on his sophomore 410 season. It appears he has no plans to slow down anytime soon. “I’d love to race for a living, I want to be the best I can be and go as far as I can go.” The teenage pride of Fawn Grove is working on Central Pennsylvania and could very easily in the future become the face of winged sprint car racing.  The team has a plan of approximately 60 shows including a trip to the famed Eldora Speedway. They are also hopeful of a 360 engine that would broaden the horizons. “We want to get a 360 to help fund the 410, I would like to make a trip to Canada for their Nationals.” There are no givens in this dangerous sport, but I can guarantee it will be exciting, and that’s why Matt Campbell is “The Show”.




“Brent is Back”!!!

Marks Invades and Wins Port Royal Main

By: Tye Wolfgang

            When you’re a World of Outlaws driver you race upwards of a hundred races a year. So when you get an off weekend due to rain, what do you do? If you’re Brent Marks you come back to your roots. Marks “invaded” his former turf. Tonight he was playing offense. The first time he wasn’t defending for the “Posse.” Marks scored and he scored big. Wins in Central PA don’t come easy, but tonight at Port Royal Speedway, Brent made it look easy.

            When the night started the sky was cloudy, but the pits had many stars. The best of the area all filtered towards Port Royal after Lincoln lost its event to rain. The field was very diverse, with 29 cars, and many making their first Port start of the season. It was bound to be interesting.

            Early in the night drivers struggled to be able to fall out of line in heat race action. Heats went to Ryan Taylor, TJ Stutts, and female racer Nicole Bower. George Streaker Jr. had a major fire on the backstretch after an assumed engine issue. He would exit under his own power. As the night progressed 4 cars would scratch, therefore officials would not run a consolation for one car, a classy move.

            The feature would see Nicole Bower and her ABC West Lanes #75 jump out to an early lead in clean air. By the ninth circuit the track was much more conducive to passing and allowed seventh starting Dale Blaney to assume command aboard the Zemco machine. In heavy lapped traffic on the 18 circuit, eighth starting “Hometown Outlaw” Brent Marks would surge into the lead.

            Marks never looked back. He pulled away from Blaney and third place finishing Curt Stroup. TJ Stutts and Ryan Taylor completed the top five. They would be followed by Brock Zearfoss, Doug Esh, Danny Dietrich, Dylan Cisney, and Lucas Wolfe would round out the top ten. Marks’ rapid pace would only allow 16 cars to finish on the lead lap of the non-stop feature. Welcome Home Brent!

-Notes-

Jeff Miller Jr. dominated the make-up “Blue-Collar” 305 event.

Davie Franek won the Selinsgrove Speedway Jack Gunn Memorial, over Port regular Greg Hodnett.

The World of Outlaws other Rookie of the Year contender, Sheldon Haudenschild invaded and won the All-Star event over Defending champion Chad Kemenah, and his father Jac Haudenschild.

Thanks to all who towed to Port tonight, especially Eric Riggins Jr. who was in from NC.

The biggest article of my young career is set to release later this week as a preview to next weekend’s Posse VS All-Star showdown.





Race Ready:  Kyle Reinhardt Keeping His Name In The Game

By: Tye Wolfgang

          Neptune City, Nj’s Kyle Reinhardt has been very impressive in limited sprint car action over the past few seasons. He has run just enough shows to “keep his name in the game.” It appeared as if young Reinhardt would be sitting idle in 2017. The car he had formerly piloted for Scott McLaren would be parked. “His stuff isn’t going to run, he has some other stuff going on. That’s his deal“. 

          Then a deal was struck. Young Reinhardt and his brother David would turn wrenches on the Capitol Renegade #91 for David Quackenbush in 360 competition. In return Kyle will pilot the car in select 410 sprint car shows. “We are going to run all the Susky shows and then other than that it’s just whenever they want to go racing.”

Reinhardt is grateful for every opportunity he gets to run a sprint car. It’s what he loves to do. He wanted to stress his gratitude for his opportunity to pilot the Capitol Renegade, Capitol Buick GMC #91. “I got to thank David, Wayne, and all the guys behind that team.”

            Don’t be fooled. Reinhardt is as eager as anyone in the sport. “If someone called tonight and wanted to go racing every night of the week I would be in!”

He hasn’t stopped the pursuit of making a living in sprint car racing; he wants to be racing. However, big breaks don’t come often in a financially affected sport.

            Kyle is set to graduate with an engineering degree in May. If he can get some help there is a possibility that he may attempt to pilot his own equipment. “I own a motor, it’s our engine.” The fact of the matter is: “it takes time and money, you know how it is.” From a business aspect, Kyle already owns the “big money part” so this could be an intriguing offer for a partner. Reinhardt and his family know the deal, it wouldn’t take long to get rolling in any car he sits in. He proved this multiple times. First in the #21 over the past few seasons and now he is doing it again, showing speed right out of the gate in the #91.

This young man can wheel a sprint car. It’s just a matter of putting all the pieces of the industry’s puzzle together. “I want to be racing, now I just need a shot.”  This statement basically sums up what Reinhardt has proven. He can, will, and is looking to progress.

·        Those interested in contacting Kyle Reinhardt can do so as follows:  (732)-996-8268 or KyleRein4@aol.com  *

*Article made possible by: Sprint Dudes- Tye Wolfgang Promotions- Kyle Reinhardt*  




“King of Spring”  Lucas Wolfe Wins 5k Spring Championship at Lincoln

By: Tye Wolfgang

Entering the first time trial event of the 2017 Local season the stakes were high; the money was up for grabs. 28 Sprint cars entered the “Pigeon Hills” with a common game plan. Time well, put yourself up front in the main event, and win. Wolfe did something that 27 others couldn’t do, he completed the game plan and came away a winner.

            Drivers drew a pill for group time trials which would determine the starting order for the three heat races. Freddie Rahmer Jr. set fast time, but failed to transfer out of his heat. The first heat went to Brian Montieth, who had an intense side-by-side battle with York’s Glendon Forsythe. Forsythe would slip to third after getting passed by eventual winner Lucas Wolfe. Heat two went to Alan Krimes who has picked up five heat wins already in 2017. Chad Trout would pilot Jimmy Walker’s 1x to a win in the final heat race. Fast timer Freddie Rahmer would win the B-main. Chris Knopp would bring out the red flag shortly into the B-main; he was okay but visibly disgusted.

            The redraw lined Hodnett and Wolfe up on the front row. With heavy hitters in the next three rows as well. Wolfe Jumped out to an early lead and took it to the end. But don’t be fooled, Lincoln  Speedway did not fail the crowed. Anytime the names Montieth, Dietrich, and Krimes are in the conversation it’s surely going to be a ride.

            By the time of the first yellow on lap 14 Dietrich was up to second, while Hodnett ran third, and seventh starting Alan Krimes into fifth. When the caution again flew on lap 21, the #21 of Brian Montieth had moved into third after an intense battle with the Heffner #27 machine. Montieth would continue to show speed, but clean air allowed Wolfe to prevail. The finishing order after Wolfe and Montieth would see two-time winner Danny Dietrich come home third, while Hodnett and Krimes road home fourth and fifth. Six through tenth went to last week’s winner Gerard McIntyer, thirteenth starting Tyler Ross, Chad Trout, Robbie Kendall, and Kyle Moody.

            Jeff Haligan won the 358 feature. In other area action, Brock Zearfoss won at Port Royal Speedway, while Franek won at Selinsgrove. Spencer Bayston picked up an All-Star win in the Swindell Speed-lab 39.   




Dream Team 2016 doing it again in 2017
Lance Dewease wins Yellow Breaches 500

By: Tye Wolfgang

                        When it’s a beautiful day in Central Pa, $500 to take the Green flag, and not a reason to be inside; what happens? 36 sprint cars line the pit area at Williams Grove.  A beautiful ”mixed” field of some of the best sprint car drivers on the East Coast were in attendance.

            At the start of the night a draw lined up heat racing for the field. In heat race one Daryl Stimeling got upside down entering turn one. The crew made repairs for the B-main. Alan Krimes went on to win that heat. Heat two went to Freddie Rahmer. Danny Dietrich and Doug Esh also won heat races. Matt Campbell dominated the B-Main.

            The start of the feature saw Danny Dietrich lead the first two laps over Krimes before fourth starting Lance Dewease surged into the lead. Lance Dewease and the Don Kreitz owned team, wrenched by legendary Davey Brown, set a blaze to the world in 2016 hence, the reason why they earned the name “Dream Team 2016.” Well, they are right back where they left off. After their first outing last Sunday at Susky they have already found victory lane in just their second race of the season tonight.

             Once Dewease found the middle through 1and 2, with nothing but clean air in front, he was already gone when the caution flew for a slowing Brock Zearfoss.  Dewease’s pace wasn’t slowed again until shortly after the halfway point when TJ Stutts crashed on the backstretch. Thankfully he was uninjured. The real “noise maker” was Freddie Rahmer Jr. who was all over Danny Dietrich for second from his seventh place starting spot. Dietrich would hold on to second while Rahmer completed the podium. Alan Krimes finished fourth followed by Steve Buckwalter. Sixth through tenth would be as follows: Mark Smith, Doug Esh, Chad Trout, Lucas Wolfe, and 18th starting Hodnett rounded out the top ten.

            Adrian Shaffer won the 20 lap 358 sprint car main event over Eric Parker. In other sprint car new, DJ Foos won at Attica Raceway Park tonight. On Thursday night David Gravel won another World of Outlaws race.

            All three tracks will be in action tomorrow night. Lincoln Speedway will host the first “Time Trial” race of the local season. It will pay $5,000 dollars to win. 358 sprint cars are also on the card making it a tremendous event for $17 General Admission.

            A huge thank you once again to all the teams who made extra-long tows to the Grove tonight. 




“About the Author”
Who is Tye Wolfgang?

            So obviously anybody reading this realizes that at the begining of this season I took a position writing for this website. But I’ve had a lot of request for the “before I was writing” type of thing. I have already found writing about myself is much harder than writing about a super star sprint car driver. But I will give it my best shot to give you all a little look into who Tye Wolfgang is outside of reporting.

            My entire life I had a passion for sprint car racing. Living in central PA it wasn’t hard to get hooked on the sport. Thankfully for the most part my parents have been behind me. From the time I wasn’t even tall enough to see over the fence all I wanted to do was be around sprint cars. My entire childhood I was a fan, then something changed.

            I started working for Nathan Gramley in the 305 sprint car division. When I first started with Gramley Motorsports I wasn’t truly sure about everything. But I fell in love with working in the pits and at the shop.  After three and a half seasons, mid-point in 2016 a changed happened. I wasn’t sure where I was going or if I was even still going to be able to work on sprint cars. Thankfully, I got to bounce around multiple teams in the area helping guys at the sound of a phone call. That was fun, I got to work with some different people at a lot of different tracks. But right before Speedweek started I decided I should “try something different.”

I decided to try sponsorship coordinating, I wasn’t sure who I should go to or how to g0 about it. All I knew was I wanted to help a low buck team that I knew had the potential to make some noise. I made the choice of Alan Krimes. That led into more than I could ever imagine. A simple project to sell decals to help the Krimes 87 team make it through Speedweek turned into a huge success. The ‘I sponsored AK’s Speedweek” project saw multiple articles written, time on local news, a shout on National TV and Winged Nation. I still can’t thank everyone who helped with that enough. It turned into something I could never imagine. That’s what got me started with ‘Tye Wolfgang Promotions” in which I coordinate events to help underfunded teams at no personal gain. Those wishing to seek more info on “Tye Wolfgang Promotions” can contact me via phone at 717-250-2602 or email tyewolfgang35@gmail.com

To this point I am still chasing the dream of making a living with sprint car racing. I am currently working on designing a tool with one of my closest friends, Jake Waters. Jake has been through a lot in the last year as you all know, he was a crash at Selinsgrove Speedway that left him with life threatening burns. But he has stayed positive and is constantly trying to help the sport. He is a great mentor to me and I am looking forward to the opportunities that are ahead with that situation. I have a lot of great friendships in the sport, I have remained extremely close with Alan Krimes, also Clyde Knipp. Clyde and I have a very similar background we both have a love for the sport and are trying to do the best we can to make it in this game. Outside of that I can be found at the track weekly with my uncles who are two of my closest friends. People often ask me “Tye is all you do go the races?” and I jokingly tell them, “Nope im not 18 yet, but that day is coming.”

While on the topic of such, people do often ask me what I do outside of racing. My absolute biggest hobby outside of racing is playing basketball. I love basketball, I’m a diehard Washington Wizards fan. I also fish and hunt very frequently. Other than that I’m just your average sophomore at Mifflin County High School. My parents often tell me two things run through my mind, Sprint car Racing and basketball. But I can personally guarantee Racing is my life.

            Now my entire journey has also taken on a new adaptation. I have started writing here for Sprint Dudes. They have given me a tremendous opportunity to write for them. I also am looking for press release clients, $25 dollars for your first article then $20 per press release forever, with no contracts and you completely control when and how often they are written. (Contact info same as above)  

  If anyone has any questions please contact me at the info in the above article or on twitter @gramley23. Thank you for taking your time to read my articles, I hope you have and continue to enjoy them. For now, keep on racing! –Tye Wolfgang  




“Surprise!!!”-Wagner Wins!

By: Tye Wolfgang

            When the pits started filling up at Susquehanna Speedway this afternoon, the favorite was Lance Dewease. Of course Hodnett, Montieth, and Wolfe can never be counted out. But what nobody saw coming was the biggest upset of the 2017 season so far. Logan Wagner would “Park It” at Susky.

            “Doubters will doubt” it’s what they do. They told Logan Wagner not to go back to Susky. They said he couldn’t run there, that all he did was crash there. But tonight Logan Wagner came in the gate with a plan, WIN.

            Venturing out of your comfort zone is treacherous, especially when your bank account is admittedly in the negative due to racing. But with great risk, comes great reward. That just happened to be in the form of the winner’s check.

            Things weren’t as smooth for all as they for Wagner. New York’s Coleman Gulick and Dan Shetler would get upside down in heat race action for the 28 sprint cars in attendance. Lucas Wolfe broke a rear end while leading his heat. Heat wins would go to Aaron Ott, Alan Krimes, and Lance Dewease. Tyler Ross won the B-Main.

            Redraw for feature starting positions would line up young guns, Kyle Reinhardt and Wagner on the front row. Esh and Zearfoss would make up row two. The early race lead would go to Reinhardt, before an extremely controversial accident would send Reinhardt’s Capitol Renegade #91 flipping into the fence. Kyle, obviously frustrated with the incident, walked towards Esh’s car before an official would re-direct him, at which point he would approach the stopped car by going over the inside guard rail. He showed his displeasure and then walked back to the pit area, the night continued on.

            Esh would then grab the lead when racing resumed. Shortly thereafter, Logan Wagner would steal the race lead on a double file restart. Dewease appeared to be making a charge late, but would settle for third behind Wagner and Esh. Brock Zearfoss would bring the #3z home fourth with Freddie Rahmer coming home fifth. Completing the top ten would be Aaron Ott, 21st starting Lucas Wolfe, Brian Montieth, Alan Krimes, and Chad Trout.

            In victory lane Logan was to pull a number 1-5 to correspond with finishing order for an extra $500. He pulled a 1, but instead of running with the money he donated half of it to Reinhardt’s team in an effort to help offset the cost of the accident.  

            Doug Hammaker would claim another win in 358 sprint car action, followed at the line by Chandler Leiby, and Kevin Nouse.  

Chad Kemenah picked up an All-Star Victory tonight. The PA Posse was represented by Danny Dietrich who earned a 9th place finish.

            A Special Thanks to Coleman Gulick and Joe Trenca who towed from NY, and Dan Shetler who came from Western PA. 




“G-Mac” is Back!!!- Pedals to Lincoln Victory
By: Tye Wolfgang

            Through the winds emerged a winner. That winner? Gerard McIntyre Jr. He will be leaving the “pigeon hills” richer than when he came. That’s a good day for any self-operated sprint car team.

            The night started off with 28 410 sprint cars and 25 358 sprint cars signed in for action. During heat race action for the 410 sprint cars, Chase Dietz surged to a victory in heat one. Defending track champion Alan Krimes and two-time Lincoln winner Danny Dietrich would pick up victories in the final two heats. All-Star regular, Kunkletown Pa’s Ryan Smith, would win the consolation over Brian Montieth.

            Handicapping for the main event would line Anthony Macri up on the pole with Scott Fisher to his outside. Fisher would grab the early lead until it was slowed on lap 5. Shortly after Brandon Rahmer would surge his RBR #88 into the lead. By this point McIntyre was noticeably the fastest of the front running cars.

            The next few laps would allow McIntyer to power into the lead. By this point an intense race was being set up between Matt Campbell, Danny Dietrich, and Brandon Rahmer. Matt Campbell and Danny Dietrich would feverishly search for a way around the “extremely wide” #88 of Brandon Rahmer. By this time 20th starting Brian Montieth would already have worked his way into the top five. At the final flag sixth starting McIntyer would win over Brandon Rahmer, a fast coming Matt Campbell, Danny Dietrich, and Brian Montieth would complete the top five. Sixth through tenth would see Fisher come home sixth followed by, Lincoln University PA’s Tyler Ross, New Oxford’s Jim Siegel, Denver PA’s Alan Krimes and Mechanicsburg PA’s Lucas Wolfe would complete the top ten.

            Todd Gracey won the 20 lap 358 sprint car feature. Gracey, a former 410 regular would visit victory lane for the first time in some 19 years!

Other Notes:

Doug Esh won his second straight Port Royal feature over Hodnett, Dale Blaney, Ryan Taylor, and Dylan Cisney completed the top five.

Jason Schultz won the Selinsgrove opener over Franek and Nate Snyder. Chad Layton was fourth in his return to racing; Larry Kelleher completed the top five.

Car counts continue to fluctuate in the area, but it appears that Susquehanna should have a nice field for their sprint car opener.

It was a relief to see Matt Campbell back behind the wheel tonight after a hard hit last week.     





Colby Womer Set for Season Opener 

By: Tye Wolfgang

            The phone rang for the scheduled interview with Colby Womer. You could hear the anticipation in his voice. The fire to get going. An athlete waiting to shine. But at the same time he was calm, he knows the game. 

            “Ya know with the weather breaking, getting the cars fired, and a motor that should run well, yeah I got the fever.” The same excitement that is evident in rookie’s eyes, is the same excitement fuelling Mt. Pleasant Mills Pa’s Colby Womer in 2017. The difference? Womer contains that excitement. He uses that energy to fuel his on track performance. No matter how many times you climb in a sprint car you still get the rush. 

            Colby is no stranger to sprint car racing. He has been around it for years. The only difference? This season just looks a little bit better than those in the past. Womer and crew chief Josh Knouse have a plan. “We are planning about 30 races” which will come mainly in 360 sprint car competition. 

            Everyone wants to run well, everyone wants to win. However, economic struggles in past years have cost small sprint car teams an endless amount of marketing partners. Womer understands that more funding would help ease the stress of financial worries. But never count them out. “We just want to run more then we have been lately and win a couple races.” 

            Realistic expectations that can surely be surpassed. He is confident that the Zack’s Custom Trucks #3z can run upfront. He will be mounting his seat into XXX race cars powered by DMY Performance Engines. 

            Obviously opening day is no walk in the park. Right out of the gate the team must face the Empire Sprint Series this weekend. With many invaders set to make starts Womer knows what to expect, “We just have to go out and in their format, do the best we can and hopefully we are upfront.” 

            Everyone knows teams can use help at any level, that’s why Colby is so grateful for all of his partners: Zack’s Custom Trucks, Tom Tice Powder Coating, Lester Stuck Building Supplies, Jessica Knouse -Independent consultant- and D.C Smith Transport. Anyone interested in contacting Womer for marketing purposes can do so at womercolby@yahoo.com 

            The team WILL be in action this Saturday at Selinsgrove Speedway. T-Shirts will be available and of course sales help the team! 

*Article made possible by- Sprint Dudes- CWR- Tye Wolfgang Promotions*

“Sensation” in Snyder County 

Layton Returns in Selinsgrove Opener 

By: Tye Wolfgang

          Fans in Central PA will get a fill of sprint car racing this weekend. Three nights, with 5 races, within 2 hours’ time of each other. Williams Grove is set for Friday night, with Susquehanna on Sunday. All three regular tracks will be in action Saturday.

            One thing just happens to be different this weekend. The headline is different. Not Brian Montieth, nor even good ole’ Danny Dietrich are the major talking point this weekend. Instead it happens to come by surprise. Someone that was never expected to be a talking point in sprint car racing again. Chad Layton. Layton has been the talking point of all the “bench racing” these past few days.

            The racing community thought they had seen Layton run his last race approximately two seasons ago. The announcement came as a shock, Dave Middleswarth would no longer field a sprint car. Layton was forced out of the game. He sat idle for two seasons and returned to daily work.

          For multiple seasons Layton was a staple in Central PA sprint car racing, driving some of the most iconic cars on the circuit. Throughout his career he would pilot the Apple #12, Postupak #25, and of course the Middleswarth #7. Layton would go on to dominate Port Royal Speedway in the “Chip Car”; along with downing the nation’s biggest touring groups.

But before Layton was a 410 super star he cut his teeth in Snyder County. Approximately 15 years ago a rising star from Harrisburg, better known to the crowd as “ Bad Chad”, would surface as one of the premier drivers in the 358/360 divisions. He went on to win three consecutive Selinsgrove track championships and approximately 25 wins at Selinsgrove alone; with as many also coming in other area competition. The past years have been different. Time moved on. The ride never came calling.  

           But the 2016-2017 off season was different. The pot was being stirred. Rumors had been flying for months that Chad Layton would be returning to the seat of sprint car. Months would pass before anything could be set in stone. Chad Layton would in fact return to sprint car racing. Layton has kept silent and let car owner/ team manager Kirk Ritter to address the media. Ritter has kept to the bare minimum. Only stating facts and what was necessary to get by.

          Layton and Ritter along with their partners, Selinsgrove Ford, Allen A. Shaffer & Son’s Insurance Agency, and others are assumed to be a force this season. After a difficult departure from the sport and being written off as “washed up”; it can be assumed that Layton, now 42, will be driving with a chip on his shoulder this season. The fact of the matter is any night Layton puts the helmet on and climbs into the #35, he has the ability and will to win in a sprint car. The often controversial Layton is much calmer now, with his signature “Who won? U1” days behind him; he is looking to turn the page in a storied career. He must prove to the doubters that he can indeed still compete. This shouldn’t be too difficult of a task for the veteran. 

            However don’t be fooled. This isn’t a walk in the park. Not only will the Ritter owned team be up against Mark Smith and the rest of the Selinsgrove competition, but the Empire Sprint Series are in town this weekend. A source has informed me that the following invaders are expected to be in attendance: Dylan Westbrook, Larry Wight, Steve Collins, Paulie Colagiovanni, along with Coleman Gulick who had an ever so impressive run at Lincoln Speedway two weeks ago, are expected to be in attendance this Saturday night. It’s safe to say the talk will be plentiful as one of the greatest in Selinsgrove history looks to make a comeback statement in what could prove to be the opportunity he needed to cap off a stellar career. Bad Chad, is back.       

 



Wolfgang’s Writing’s: Recap and Notes
By: Tye Wolfgang

The “Edge” Edges out Dietz

Things changed at Lincoln Speedway this weekend. Danny Dietrich wasn’t standing in victory lane, then again he had to start 12th in the first handicapped event of the season.

Brian “The Edge” Montieth would edge out the up and coming Chase Dietz by .029 of a second. That is one of the closest finishes in not only Lincoln Speedway, but sprint car history. A typical night at Lincoln, “Where Action is the Attraction.”

The beginning of the night saw 26 410’s and 30 358’s come pit side. Qualifying events would thankfully see less red flag action then the previous week. Three heat races would be in order with the winners as follows: Brian Montieth, Defending Track Champion Alan Krimes and Jim Siegel. Kyle Reinhardt would win the consolation.

Handicapping would line the feature up. Tim Glatfelter and Robbie Kendall would line up on the front row with eventual winner Montieth in third with Matt Campbell to his outside.

Tim Glatfelter would jump out to an early lead before the red would fly on lap 7 for both Dwayne Gutshall and Shane Hoff. Then again 3 laps later for an extremely hard hit by Matt Campbell, who would thankfully exit under his own power. In the following laps Kendall would grab the lead before losing it to the eventual winner. As typical, it couldn’t be that easy. The “Edge” would have to fight off a crazy last lap charge by Dietz.

The final rundown would see Montieth narrowly win over Dietz with Kendall coming home third. Lucas Wolfe would continue his strong runs with a fourth place run and pole sitter Glatfelter would come home fifth. Krimes, Danny Dietrich, Jim Siegel, Billy Dietrich and invader Bill Balog would round out the top ten. Doug Hammaker would pick up his first of many wins to come this season in the 358 sprint car A-main.

Other Area Action and Notes

Defending track champion Doug Esh would pick up the victory at Port Royal Speedway. Esh would be followed closely at the line by Hodnett. Rick Lafferty, Aaron Ott, and Steve Buckwalter who is headed to compete in the USAC Silver Crown event tomorrow, would complete the top five. Tyler Reeser would win the 305 sprint car feature.

1.) *A lot of “invaders” would help fill out the Port field this weekend.*
2.) *Chad Layton is set to make his return next Saturday at Selinsgrove, more to follow on this*
3.) * Fans can see three races in Central Pa next weekend with Susquehanna having its first race Sunday*
4.) * Thanks to all the invaders who have been making the trips the past few weeks*





A “Good Guys” Deal
“Tim Glatfelter is a role model on and off the track”-Tye Wolfgang

BY: Tye Wolfgang

Soooooo…… it is 7:30pm on a dreary Friday night in Central Pa, Spring Grove to be exact. Most people are long at home sitting down for a meal with their families. Sprint car drivers get a night off from Williams Grove due to rain. But Tim Glatfelter isn’t relaxing. He has just started his commute home from a long day’s work. But the weekends work is just starting up!

The work for Glatfelter is continuous, he runs sprint cars and works a normal job. Tim isn’t just a show up with helmet in hand type of driver. They don’t have a multi-million dollar hauler and he isn’t traveling up and down the highway. That’s okay, because he manages his own sprint car team. A team that is owned by his family. He knows the game, he respects it. Therefore, he is respected. “I try to get along with everyone. We aren’t here to make friends, but in the same way I don’t want enemies. I pride myself with running clean and people tend to do the same to me.”

Tim, and his ever so dedicated crew, plan to roll up to the pit gate at Lincoln Speedway every Saturday night in 2017. Each time they unload his Triple X Chassis, Travis Racing Engines number 69, and one thing is a guarantee, his attitude towards racing and his competitors will be the same. This was evident the past 2 races; he was running in front of the “Ice Breaker” field and mechanical failures sidelined him.

Hard luck struck again this weekend in a multi-car accident in turns 3-4. This is when character comes into play. Once again in true “Good Guy” fashion, Glatfelter didn’t storm after another driver or cause a disturbance in the pit area; instead he calmly walked back to the pit area. Of course as anyone in the sport knows, that’s a difficult start to the season. Glatfelter openly admits the same; “we’ve had a rough start, some bad luck hit these first two weeks.”

Everyone knows that “Racers will be Racers” and of course that’s the case here. Despite the always evident financial issues in racing: “We are ready to go again this weekend, my guys worked hard and I couldn’t get to the track without them.” Tim stressed that even though it is a family run team, they could not do it without some great sponsors. The sponsors are what makes it possible for any small team to get it done. That’s what allows Glatfelter to make it the entire way through the season and run some of his favorite races. “I probably look most

forward to the Outlaw shows, it’s just fun to run and qualify against the big boys. But that Kasey Kahne deal is pretty cool too.” If things turn around and improve, fans may see the orange #69 in a few other starts as well. The nice part this season is Glatfelter is making his own choices. He is back into his own equipment this season which means; “I get to make my own decisions, but ya’ know I pretty much run anybody’s car the same way, John and I don’t have any hard feelings.”

So the tail continues. Tim Glatfelter has no hard feelings with anyone and respects everyone. His talent behind the wheel of sprint car is immense and respect from others is endless. There isn’t a doubt that sponsors new to the game should consider him, at which time those interested can contact Glatfelter at glat4@aol. Fans can see him in action weekly at Lincoln Speedway. Glatfelter would also like to make a strong point to thank the following sponsors; Finish Line Auto Sales, EGI (Exhibitors Graphics Interior), Glanna Straley Hair designs, Tooling Dynamics and others. On behalf of Sprint Dudes and Tye Wolfgang Promotions we would like to wish Tim the best of luck during the 2017 season. “I strongly encourage young fans to support Tim Glatfelter.”





“Double D” Doubles Up; Wins Again at Lincoln
By: Tye Wolfgang

          Danny Dietrich came away the big winner in Lincoln Speedways second feature of the season. As much as everyone wanted to be happy with the thrilling slide-jobs to finish the 410 feature, we couldn’t be. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Lincoln Speedway are with sprint car driver Bobby Mazingo. Bobby was involved in a front stretch accident during his heat race. He was communicating with officials but was extracted from his number 15m. He was transported to York medical center. No further details are known at this time. But on behalf of Tye Wolfgang Promotions and Sprint Dudes we send are thoughts and prayers to not only Bobby but his team and family.

            34 410 sprint cars along with 25 358 sprint cars lined Lincoln Speedways pit area. Things didn’t necessarily run smoothly, flip victims were many. Danny Dietrich won the first heat over brother Billy and invader Coleman Gulick. Heat 2 was unfortunately not as smooth. Mazingo’s accident occurred, also involved was New York racer Joe Kata who was uninjured. The incident was followed by a solo car flip of Brandon Rahmer.  Jim Siegel would pick up the win in the second heat over Brian Montieth and Shane Hoff. The third heat would see Lucas Wolfe pick up the victory over Scott Fisher and Tim Glatfelter. The final heat went to F. Rahmer over Wisconsin invader Bill Balog and defending track champion Alan Krimes. During this qualifying event, Tyler Esh would spin leaving Mike Bittinger with no room, creating contact sending Esh flipping.

            The feature would also get off to a rocky start. On lap one, a multi-car accident in turns 3 and 4, collecting Freddie Rahmer, Scott Fisher, Gerard McIntyer Jr. and Tim Glatfelter, McIntyer would rejoin. Siegel would jump out to an early lead before the red would fall again for Dwayne Gutshall. Things would then be slowed on lap 11 for a stalled Shane Hoff. The top three would line up Siegel over Gulick and Dietrich now in third.  Jim would once again grab the lead while DD made quick work of the NY invader for the second spot. This would be the pass that would set up a classic “Pigeon Hills showdown.” Danny would eventually take the top spot, however he couldn’t seem to dismiss Siegel. At multiple points they would run side by side with Jim trying to find a way back around. Coming off the final turn on the final lap he would bring fans to a stand while he threw a “win it, or wear it” style slide job that would come up just short.

 Danny D. is now undefeated in Lincoln competition so far in 2017, he would be followed by Siegel, Lucas Wolfe, an ever so impressive run by Coleman Gulick with Billy Dietrich rounding out the top five. Alan Krimes, Kyle Moody, Cory Haas, Chase Dietz and Brian Montieth completed the top ten.

            Kevin Nouse would out run a stellar 358 field to win the 20 lap main event. A special thanks to the following teams who all made considerable trips to Lincoln Speedway; Coleman Gulick, Bill Balog, Ralph Engel, Gary Kriess, Joe Kata III, and George Hobaugh.

            In other area sprint car news; Lynton Jeffrey would pick up the win at Port Royal Speedway over Dale Blaney, Hodnett, Lafferty and Mike Waggner.

 





Hodnett Hits Homer:  Wins Grove Opener
By: Tye Wolfgang

            Greg Hodnett had a trying start to the season in Florida. Anyone who thought they would struggle all year, you’re sadly mistaken. Hodnett and the Lelands.com Heffner racing enterprise #27 were in a different ball park tonight. Not even one of Brian Montieth’s famous late race charges was enough to slow Hodnett’s blistering pace.

            The night didn’t start so well for all of the 24 competitors. Rodney Westhaffer suffered from motor issues in hot laps, a trying start to the season for sure. Then came heat racing, 4th starting Alan Krimes would track down and make a race for the win with Eric Tomecek, however Eric would edge out the victory Hodnett and Blaney, who was making his first central Pa start in the Zemco #1 would pick up the final heat wins. Matt Campbell would drop out of his heat and later start and park. The “North Pole Nightmare; Bill Balog would also have a trying heat race run but would later slightly advance in the feature.

            The night would progress on, as would “early season woes” After winning his heat Tomecek would come to a stop while staging in the A-Main. Corry Haas who was making his second start aboard the Trone 39 would also drop out while staging.

            The Feature saw Hodnett line up outside of Royersford Pa’s Steve Buckwalter. But Hodnett would jump out to early lead and never truly be challenged. At every opportunity Montieth got, the pace was slowed by caution first on lap six when Kody Lehman backed the #75 into the fourth turn inside rail. The yellow would be shown one lap later Just as Montieth made the pass at the line for second. They would run that way until lap seventeen when poll-sitter Steve Buckwalter slowed in turn one taking lapped traffic out the mix. Hodnett would ride the rest of the way home. Montieth would follow in second with Brock Zearfoss coming home an impressive third. The recent “King of the 360’s” Mark Smith drove the Mach1 home in fourth. Doug Esh would complete the top five, followed by Fast Freddie Jr. who claimed the hard charger award (+12). TJ Stutts, Dale Blaney, Lucas Wolfe, and Brandon Rahmer completed the top ten.  

            The Pa Posse faithful have to make a decision for the first time this season, Lincoln or Port? I will be heading to Lincoln Speedway for 410 and 358 sprint car action. A special thanks is in order to Bill Balog for making the trip from Wisconsin. 

 





Coast to Coast
BY: Tye Wolfgang

*This was written as my tenth grade term paper.*

Coast to coast, the World of Outlaws, formed in 1978 by Ted Johnson is the premier “winged sprint car” series in the world. They’ve become a staple in sprint car racing, redefining success and changing operations. The biggest and brightest stars of open wheeled racing take their multi-million dollar teams to the tour for the most grueling schedule in motorsports. Why? It’s all for a chance to “claim fame” as a World of Outlaws winner. The Outlaws hold bragging rights to the largest dirt racing tour in the world, and arguably the most exciting racing one can experience, hence why they are referred to as “The Greatest Show on Dirt.” Follow along through the thrills and spills.

Take a look back to pre-1978 and see what it was like before all the glamour and the fashion; back when racers simply, raced. Before the formation of the World of Outlaws in 1978 racers ran local or “regional” events, mainly in the “hot bed”, central Pennsylvania. Tracks across the country are typically a few hours apart; this isn’t the case in south central Pennsylvania. Tracks around this region are basically on top of each other, making this a strong draw and brining elite level teams to this area. The “PA POSSE” as they are known, still to this day, is the hardest competition the Outlaws face. “These guys are crazy good, this is the hardest place in the country to race and win. I mean look at every race in the state, they have good car counts.” -(World of Outlaws driver) Not all the good ones want to stay local, in fact, the road has a special draw and that’s where the Outlaw tour comes into play. Because before this, those that traveled bounced around with no defined schedule racing wherever and whenever they felt like it, typically trying to hit the highest paying races to attempt to make the best living. Logistically this was a nightmare due to the fact promoters and event coordinators did not take tracks in other regions into consideration when planning their schedules. Not to mention “pre-wing rules” instituted in 1984 to make wings mandatory, track rules varied greatly, often causing disputes on ruling for those drivers wishing to invade at local events. Over time the World of Outlaws put a stop to all of this.

The Outlaw tour now serves as the “God Father” for sprint car racing. Aside from small formatting differences, when the Outlaws institute a rule change local facilities typically follow in hot pursuit making the ruling and cars standard across the nation. Despite recent advancements in safety, studies show sprint car racing is still one of the most dangerous form of auto racing in the world. The World of Outlaws continue to work with world safety leaders in the racing industry to improve upon these conditions. This isn’t the only national level connections the World of Outlaws offers. The schedule allows for individuals to represent their teams, owners, sponsors, partners and the driver’s talents in approximately one hundred events every year starting in late February with the “Dirt Car Nationals” and ending in October with the Williams Grove “National Open” and the “World Finals” in Charlotte. Providing the most grueling schedule in racing. This is a grind, it’s difficult honestly, I mean: late nights, hotel parking lots, working on the cars, and going coast to coast three times, racing a hundred plus events in one season. “I have stresses in this sport, but if you work hard, stay positive and communicate with the Lord it eliminates negativity” – (Clyde Knipp) Being a touring member does have its advantages. Membership packages and tow money bonuses help get these professionals up and down the road. “There’s no doubt about it, this will wean out the weak; only the best can make it with these guys, they’re tough.” Not to mention the millions of dollars in purses provided throughout the season is pretty rewarding, Craftsman Tools does a tremendous job with support as the title sponsor, but is the money what really drives these teams? “The fact that I am doing something I love every second of every day, along with the freedom of being out on the road, but racing is what we love.”- (Clyde Knipp)

Racing in general isn’t as simple as it once was. The cars, the haulers, the contracts and the politics, all add up to organized chaos. The Outlaws formed at a time when racing was simple; guys simply raced sprint cars in general, with or without wings, your choice. This took place until the early eighties at a time when wings became more prominent and segregated racing started to occur. By 1984 the World of Outlaws mandated a rule that all races will be “winged only events” making this the first true “winged” sprint car series. This was a bold move. Now with a growing schedule that a few years into the series had peaked at over 90 races. By 1980 the World of Outlaw tour wasn’t going to support wingless racers, leaving that to USAC, the United States Auto Club. That growing schedule now meant that they would race and invade local tracks for weeks, maybe months at a time before a team could go home to restock their “road shows” equipment. By this point the need for completely enclosed trailers became evident as the need to have more than one car and engine on tour increased. Partially due to the factor of the conversion of steel block engines to the higher performance and lighter weight aluminum blocks. This provided faster cars racing at higher revolutions per-minute (RPM’s). The drawback, they are more expensive and less durable. Therefore the need to have more engines on the road, and feeding the need to continue to grow and develop haulers into the massive “shops on wheels” that we see today. With the capability of housing up to four cars at a time and having complete engine change stations built into them they have become a must for any traveling team.

As competition stiffened, inventions and advancements in technology continued to evolve, but finding an edge in an open wheeled, 900 horse power, 1,400 pound “bullet” isn’t cheap. The national teams continue to land corporate sponsors to help ease these innovative moves, locals didn’t always have that access. This is where the rivalry between the local racers and the invading Outlaws formed. These “high dollar” teams invade the local tracks. While using extensive technology to their advantage, locals rely on mechanical knowledge and raw talent behind the wheel of dirt sprint cars capable of speeds excess of 150mph. It reached a point in the early 90’s when local teams were faced with the harsh reality that they must market themselves to find corporate sponsors to widen the budget to allow them to advance their technology. Something as simple as the hair line difference between mono and twin tube gas over hydraulic shocks can cost a tenth of a second. This is an immense amount of time in the cut throat and ever so competitive world of sprint car racing. Some people say this is just the evolution of sprint car racing, but the old timers have a different stance. They argue the technology and evolution of the wing has locked the cars down too much, creating too much down force making it more difficult to “dice out of the groove”. People will forever argue that the Outlaws have either helped evolve sprint car racing or made it to technical. But what is undeniable is that they are the toughest group of racers in the world. Drivers love the chance to race against and a chance to beat the so called best racers in the country. Puts a smile on faces and owners always spend a little bit more money to prepare a car to race against the “Greatest Show on Dirt.”

Today most young drivers in the sport take the attitude that drives California, Missouri’s Clyde Knipp; “Why race against them if you could be one of them?” But what is the pull? What drives them to leave their homes and spend countless hours going up and down the highway? The answer? The prestige of knowing they’ve made it when they reach the Outlaws. In the sprint car community just the sound of them gets the locals hyped up. If finances are a factor, it is evident the payouts are stellar, along with the financial assistance of tow money and bonuses provided throughout the season helps get a team through the year. But the sights, sounds, and action is what draws thousands of fans to every event. They give a truly professional atmosphere, from the officials all wearing the same standard uniforms, to the random drug testing implemented affective for the 2017 season. With most events shattering that of the less action packed, asphalt stock car racing known as NASCAR, it’s easy to see why the World of Outlaws lead the sport of sprint car racing in its rise to the top as the world leader as a motorsports leader. Whichever side of the argument one may stand, whether or not the technology has hurt sprint car racing or it’s just the so called “evolution.” One cannot deny the fact that the Outlaws have forever changed the goals of open wheeled racers and the way locals operate. Love them or hate them “ The Greatest Show on Dirt” is hear for the long haul.

-A huge thank you is due to my friend and World of Outlaws driver Clyde Knipp as he took time out of his busy schedule to interview and guide me through this writing. I wish the best of luck and safety to all competing on the World of Outlaws tour, especially Clyde as he takes on his second season. My focusing will be shifting back to Central Pa over the next few months I hope you all enjoyed a look into a tenth graders English class!-





Touring Take-a-Ways
By: Tye Wolfgang

With multiple seasons, including the World of Outlaws already underway, I felt it was time to “take a step off of the porch” and give a few opinions and headlines to watch for in the coming months.

World of Outlaws...
The “Greatest Show on Dirt” will carry 15 full-time members, along with other drivers planning to make an immense amount of starts with the world’s largest touring series.

1.) Donny Schatz will continue to be the favorite in his TSR, Arctic Cat #15. This is more of the same. They came out strong in Florida and haven’t lifted yet, and Mother Nature seems to be the only force strong enough to stop the Schatz and Warner duo. It will be interesting to see if the switch to Ford power plants will put a hiccup to their already stellar season.

2.) Second place battle - It appears as if the battle for “Schatz’s runner up” will be a good one. The defending Knoxville Nationals Champion Jason Johnson has a new title: “Marshall-Johnson Racing.” One thing hasn’t changed, Johnson’s speed and momentum, carried aboard the Priority Aviation #41. Since his triumph at the Marion County Fair Grounds in August, the “Rajun Cajun” has been a force in the sprint car world. The only person seemingly fast enough to keep up consistently is the driver of the Big Game Tree stands CJB Motorsports #5, David Gravel. Gravel got hot during the East Coast swing last season picking up wins at Eldora and Lernerville. Then consistent finishes took this young man up a notch. After difficult motor issues in Florida, veteran team leader Barry Jackson looks to help this team rebound. I think it’s safe to say we will get to see the young Connecticut native doing some signature wing dances in victory lane on multiple occasions this season.

3.) Gobrecht to be represented well - The Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the year award is shaping up to be a battle of elite, young, fearless talent. On one side of the battle is a young Myerstown Pa driver, Brent Marks. Marks will pilot his typical #19 on tour this season. Brent left Pa on top; he was recognized as a contender every time the team rolled out the car. Mark’s season is being backed by M&M Painting & Construction along with longtime partner BAPS Auto Paint and Supplies. Admittedly Mark’s needs to gain some time trial consistency in order to start farther forward in feature programs. It’s evident that speed later in the night isn’t a problem for the “Myerstown Missle.”

The next contender for Rookie of the Year honors, a name anyone in sprint car racing would recognize, Haudenschild. That’s right, the son of the “Wild Child” is set to take on the best of the best. Young Sheldon Haudenschild and veteran crew chief, Bonzai Bruns look to use 2016’s success with the Arctic Cat All-Stars to carry momentum into the Wooster Ohio natives first season with the World of Outlaws. The “Rim Riding” youngster’s season will be aboard the Haudenschild racing #93 entry backed by, Southern Pacific Farms, Rico Abreu Racing, and many others.

4.) Quick Notes – Per “Open Red” and the World of Outlaws driver video, the tour will welcome back Bloomington, Indiana’s Kraig Kinser after a season with the All-Stars, giving the tour 16 full-time members.

Many drivers will be “semi-regulars.” Kokomo Indiana’s, 18 year old Parker Price-Miller, or “PPM” as he is referred to, will follow the tour until May. At which point the team will re-evaluate their state and set their plans from there. PPM is coming off a phenomenal season in which he racked up numerous wins in both the 410 and 360 classes. He enters 2017 as the defending MOWA series champion and the reigning Canadian Nationals champion; one of his many accomplishments. This extremely young team struggled to find speed, and had motor issues in the “Sunshine State”, but was noticeably better in Texas. It won’t be surprising if this team continues to improve to the point where there is no incentive to walk away from the “Greatest show on Dirt”.

Among others that have an abundant amount of WoO races on their schedule are the Madsen brothers. Ian aboard the KCP Racing #18 has approximately 60 World of Outlaw races scheduled. It’s also assumed brother Kerry will be a “frequent flyer” with the tour in the Todd Quiring owned Muddy.com #2. Rico Abreu is returning to dirt full-time in 2017. They plan to race all over the country, however for a team of this caliper it’s a sure fire fact that they will be around from time to time to take on the series.

All-Star Circuit of Champions...
In 2017 Tony Stewart’s Arctic Cat All-Star Circuit of Champions will see one of the largest fields in series history. The true story isn’t the size of the tour, but instead the age and experience level. It’s one of the youngest class of drivers a tour has ever seen.

1.) Championship Battle - The 2016 series champion Chad Kemenah is the clear cut favorite. Chad and his brother, who also serves as the crew chief, and Rob Hunter owned team had to overcome some unclear drama in Florida. They still had a decent week despite being overlooked by World of Outlaws invader, and dominator Donny Schatz. Taking Schatz out of the picture, Kemenah will be the high-point man out of the regular members. With Blaney, taking a ride in Central Pa that leaves things open for some new blood to challenge. The challenger? The “Kunkletown Kid,” Ryan Smith. Smith had a successful first season with the All-Stars a few years back. A lack of resources brought him back to local competition in 2016, but Smith and the Warko operation have teamed up with the Leidig Racing #59 to have some more equipment at Ryan’s disposal. This along with the convenience of a new trailer/hauler combination will allow Smith to have access to more equipment while on the road. Even though he is still young, he is one of the smoothest most seasoned drivers on tour.

2.) Young Guns Galore - As mentioned in the opening heading, the youth of this tour? Shocking, but do not take them lightly. Caleb Armstrong is looking for his well-deserved breakout season. Injury kept the young man on the sideline most of last year. In November he made a surprise trek to Susquehanna in Newberrytown Pennsylvania where he held his own against the Posse. Continued improvement during Florida turned some heads. Speaking of Pennsylvania, the heartland of East Coast sprint car racing, recently saw master chassis fabricator, Ryan Linder move to the Lock Heaven area to not only grow his business (X-1 race cars), but to also follow his dream of racing full time. Recent 358 graduate Tyler Esh will spend his true rookie season with the All-Stars. Caleb Helms will once again race with the All-Stars, a changed number (switched to 17) is an attempt to shake of some bad luck. 360 stand out and rookie “Mad” Max Stambaugh will pilot the Marshall 33m in 2017. The Matus entries will represent western Pa. and Brandon Spithaler can never be counted out on the short tracks. The names just keep coming.

3.) All Stars in Central Pa - Every time the series makes the trip east things heat up a bit. Everyone wants a win at historic Williams Grove, it’s bucket list, and all the greats want one there. The catch is this, the Posse are protective, they fight hard, and would do anything in their power to protect home dirt. This stands to be the reason why an All-Star regular has never won an All-Star sanctioned event at the Grove. With this being said, in all fairness to the travelers, over the past few seasons Blaney has given the Posse trouble at Port Royal. Now the former West Virginia basketball standout (who recently drew Central Pa’s Bucknell in the first round of the NCAA March Madness) will pilot the famous Zemco #1. With this in effect, neither group can claim him, so Port Royal, including the $50,000 to win Tuscarora 50 should be up for grabs. Any fan of winged sprint car racing should be excited for a four race weekend featuring a Posse vs. All-Star shootout featuring: Grandview, Williams Grove, Lincoln, and Susquehanna.

Thanks for reading as “I took a step off the porch” and gave some traveling notes. Please do not use the email address released last week for Eric Riggins Jr. was incorrect. The correct email address is as follows: Riggins47@gmail.com





Riggins Returns
By: Tye Wolfgang

            Eric Riggins Jr. isn’t your average 21 year old Charlotte North Carolina native. He’s a man with a mission. That mission? Race against the truest and toughest drivers on the East Coast, the Pennsylvania Posse.

            Many fans wonder what happened to the brightly colored #47. In 2014 Riggins spent a great amount of time racing sprint cars in Central Pennsylvania, including the entire speedweek tour. A week in which Riggins would deem their “biggest learning experience.”  He would become a semi-regular fixture in the area until motor issues and financial woes slowed the learning process. Riggins was forced to return home and run local 360 events over the past few seasons. Bad luck would once again strike, “the big crash set us back.” Tearing up a car isn’t easy for a family operated team to overcome, but they managed. Over the off season some changes, and a decision was made. It was time to go 410 racing again.

            During this time the family run operation would sell one of their 360 engines to defray the cost of purchasing a Rider 410 engine from Matt Wood Racing. “This is going to be our main motor; we are a small family team trying to do the best we can with what we have.”

            Riggins is hoping to capitalize on every opportunity the budget allows for, and he feels Pa is one of the best places to do so. “I get more hits from one race in Pa than I do for a season somewhere else.” The team has a tentative plan to run one local 360 show to “knock the rust off” before focusing their efforts on Pa. Riggins has a number in mind, but that number could grow with marketing help. Anyone doubting whether or not a kid from Carolina belongs on this circuit better look again. Riggins has a vision and a plan. He wants to race, and race at a competitive level. “I’ve got my eye on Lincoln; I like that place.” Not a bad idea considering the size of the track allows for underfinanced teams to showcase talents on a smaller surface. But it’s an ambitious task for an outsider to take on the likes of defending track champion Alan Krimes, Brian Monteith who comes to win every night, and that Danny Deitrich isn’t too shabby either. Riggins has proven he has the heart and the talent. With some sponsorship assistance behind the Rider powered J&J #47, Riggins will only get better.  “I know there is a lot of sprint car people in Pa, maybe someone might want to help out a kid from North Carolina.” If that is the case Eric can be contacted at eriggins47@gmail.com or (704)-622-3410.

            It is a long hull to the heartland of Central Pa, so look for the 47 team to make the most of each trip, trying to capitalize on the ability to run 3 races in the same weekend. However, this isn’t saying they have a set schedule at this point. One can expect to first see the team here in late April.  Speedweek seemed to be a draw. The father-son, driver-crew chief combination can learn a lot within a short period of time. So when a feel good story like this takes to the ever so competitive Pennsylvania circuit, look for the Posse faithful to lend a helping hand. Riggins wants to race.            




2017 PA Posse Preview; The Next Generation may take you by surprise!

                    The racing community, especially the “posse faithful” was shocked by the surprise retirement announcement of veteran and soon to be Hall-of-Famer’ Stevie Smith Jr. But don’t hang your heads too low, yes, Stevie retiring is a loss of a tremendous sprint car driver and even better person, but it was time, he knew it.

                    The fans seemed even more nervous when Brent Marks announced he would be taking his BMR #19 on the road with the World of Outlaws, and Austin Hogue would call it a career. These are three negatives surrounding PA. But the good outweighs the bad, central Pennsylvania is the stomping grounds of a group of young aspiring, up and coming sprint car drivers.

                    Leading the way up the ladder? Freddie Rahmer Jr. The son of legendary sprint car driver “Fast Freddie” is cutting a path and leaving his own trail. This young man is an absolute mastermind of the entire racing world. For his age, he is a rarity, he not only drives the car, but works on them. That combination is hard to find now days. Mechanically it’s amazing what he has accomplished over the last three seasons, maintaining three cars (his own, brother Brandon’s and Stevie Smith’s). With Stevie retiring this could relieve some pressure and allow this college student to focus a bit more on himself and continue to perfect his already smooth driving style. But Rahmer isn’t the only young gun in this area.

                    Right on Rahmer’s tail is one of the young men that tied for the 2016 National Sprint Car Rookie of the Year award, and 358 sensation, Matt Campbell. Campbell, at only 18 years of ages, turns heads every time his bright green and black #16 hits the track. There is no doubt he’s one of the most exciting and daring drivers each time his team unloads the Ron Campbell owned entry. Now that he is focusing on 410’s (with select 360 appearances) look for that first win in the “big leagues” in the weeks to come.

                    Chase Dietz isn’t too far behind. Dietz showed major speed on opening day in the GRE #5. He came to 7th from a 26th place starting spot. This is the York Pa natives first full season with the team and they plan to chase a Lincoln Speedway title. I fully expect the partnership to only get stronger; with Chase getting more seat time they will become more and more of threat on a weekly basis.

                    Both of the “Tim’s,” Glatfelter and Wagaman, look to gain momentum. Glatfelter struggled last year in the Trone 39, but he’s back in his own 69 and showed great speed at the Ice Breaker. Wagaman had a break-out season last year at Williams Grove and only is going to get better. Both these drivers could pick up a win if financial issues aren’t too much of a factor.

Respectively, veterans Dale Blaney (Zemco #1), Lucas Wolfe (Mike Barshingnger #24), and Corry Haas (Trone Outdoor #39) look to make some noise in their new rides. While young, Washington Native, Trey Starks tries his hand against the Posse in the seat of the Gobrecht Motorsports #44.

          One can assume Hodnett, Deitrich, Krimes, Montieth and Esh all have more of the same planned. With stout fields, head lining both the All- Stars and World of Outlaws seasons it should be interesting to see how everything will play out. The season is barely underway and the battles are already heating up. The nine month season should be good one!