WHO WILL IT BE?

All attention will now be centered on the Saturday, September 5th tripleheader sponsored by Green Lane Wm. Penn and Four Star Lettering featuring the NASCAR 358 modifieds, late models and sidewinders ( a first time Saturday night attraction at Grandview). Racing will get the green flag at 7:30 p.m. Admission for adults will be $15. The stock cars will be running in what is scheduled to be the final point race events of the season and will decide the champions for 2009. Jeff Strunk, a seven time track champion, holds a 284 point edge over challenger Duane Howard in the battle for the $10,000 plus modified title. Craig VonDohren, a six time champion, is a distant third in the standings and was eliminated from contention for the championship with the rainout of the August 29th show. In the late models Randy Stoudt has a 59 point edge over Brian Shuey and 145 points over Ron Kline going into the final two nights of point racing.

(Brent Smith photos)

GREAT BACKGROUND!

This photo of Grandview Speedway taken by Bruce Thomas makes an excellent desktop background for your computer. It was taken before warm-up's at the Forrest Rogers Memorial race. It is an awesome pic with EVERY car included! 1 car on the track headed in to turn 3 looks to be Ron Kline. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) (Bruce Thomas photo)

GRANDVIEW RAINED OUT!

RAIN WASHES OUT RACING AT GRANDVIEW FOR SECOND STRAIGHT SATURDAY, FINAL POINT RACE SET FOR SEPT. 5

BECHTELSVILLE, PA August 29, 2009 . . . With the warm-up sessions partially completed heavy rains hit Grandview Speedway on Saturday night. Promoter Bruce Rogers made every effort to wait out the rain showers but a heavy downpour at 8:30 p.m. forced him cancel the tripleheader show that would have featured the ARDC midgets, NASCAR 358 modifieds and late models. 3 Starz Inc. Landscaping, the sponsor, has rescheduled their night to Saturday, September 19th. Rain checks for the rained out tripleheader can now be used for next Saturday (September 5th) or Saturday, September 19th. All attention will now be centered on the Saturday, September 5th tripleheader sponsored by Green Lane Wm. Penn and Four Star Lettering featuring the NASCAR 358 modifieds, late models and sidewinders ( a first time Saturday night attraction at Grandview). Racing will get the green flag at 7:30 p.m. Admission for adults will be $15.

BECHTELSVILLE WEATHER

WFMZ-69
This Afternoon: Considerable cloudiness (and fog), humid and warmer with periods of rain and a thunderstorm. High: 79Tonight: Mostly cloudy with a shower or thunderstorm early. Low: 62

NOAA
This Afternoon: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

ACCU-WEATHER
Saturday, Aug 29
High: 80 °F RealFeel®: 84 °F
Mainly cloudy, humid and warmer with a shower or thunderstorm around
Saturday Night, Aug 29
Low: 60 °F RealFeel®: 64 °F
A shower or thunderstorm around this evening; otherwise, mostly cloudy with areas of fog

W-UNDERGROUND
This Afternoon
Cloudy. A chance of showers early...then scattered showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog early. Highs in the upper 70s. Northeast winds around 5 mph...becoming northwest. Chance of rain 50 percent.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the evening...then becoming partly cloudy. Lows around 60. West winds around 5 mph in the evening...becoming light and variable. Chance of rain 50 percent.

BIG DIAMOND CHAMPIONS!

2009 BIG DIAMOND RACEWAY POINT STANDINGS (FINAL)
358 MODIFIEDS

1) Duane Howard - Oley PA - 1505 **

2) Ryan Godown - Ringoes NJ - 1435*

3) Rick Laubach - Hellertown PA - 1415 **

4) Doug Manmiller - Shoemakersville PA - 1270

5) Craig Von Dohren - Boyertown PA -1265 **

6) Billy Pauch Jr. - Frenchtown NJ - 1235 *

7) Jeff Strunk - Mohnton PA - 1215 **

8) Meme DeSantis - Temple PA -995

9) David Van Horn Jr. - Phillipsburg NJ - 960 *

10) Mike Gular - Green Lane PA - 885

SPORTSMAN

1) Kevin Beach - Llewellyn PA - 1505 *

2) Mike Loney - Taylor PA -1385 *

3) Brad Brightbill - Sinking Springs PA - 1365 **

4) Billy Moyer Jr. - Pine Grove PA - 1235

5) Daryl Dissinger - Harrisburg PA - 1225

WOODEN KEG ROADRUNNERS

1) Kevin Olenick - Forestville PA - 1680 *

2) Joe Hendricks - Auburn PA - 1605 **

3) Elvin Brennan III - Forestville PA - 1590 ***

4) Jeremy Becker - Pottsville PA -1585 **

5) Kody Sites - Hamburg PA -1345 ***

(Brent Smith photo)

NAME THIS DRIVER!

This car and driver were rocket fast back in the mid 70's at Grandview Speedway! This driver also had cars numbered #06 and they were always silver and ran up front! Love this old pinto body.(George Koyt photo) (3-Wide courtesy)

THE EVERNHAM'S!

Ray Evernham and Erin Crocker wed in Las Vegas!

Ray Evernham has married race car driver Erin Crocker, a representative for Evernham says.
The two were married Wednesday in a small ceremony at the Southpoint Hotel in Las Vegas, the representative said.
Crocker was a development driver for Evernham and the two began a romantic relationship. Evernham sold majority interest in his race team two seasons ago to George Gillett Jr., and now holds a small share of what has since merged into Richard Petty Motorsports.
He is an analyst with ESPN and owns a short track in North Carolina and remains active in motorsports.
Crocker drove sprint cars, then joined the Evernham operation, where she graduated to ARCA competition and occasional NASCAR Truck series races and drove some races in what is now known as the Nationwide Series.
(Eric took this picture...haha)

WEEKEND FORECAST!

BIG DIAMOND

Friday, Aug 28
High: 70 °F RealFeel®: 72 °F
Periods of rain and a thunderstorm
Friday Night, Aug 28
Low: 62 °F RealFeel®: 64 °F
Patchy fog with rain

This Afternoon: Occasional showers before noon, then occasional rain. High near 67. East wind between 6 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Tonight: Periods of rain and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 64. East wind between 3 and 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

GRANDVIEW

Saturday, Aug 29
High: 83 °F RealFeel®: 84 °F
More clouds than sun; humid and warmer with a shower or thunderstorm around
Saturday Night, Aug 29
Low: 60 °F RealFeel®: 65 °F
A shower or thunderstorm around in the evening; otherwise, mostly cloudy and humid

Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. East wind 5 to 7 mph becoming west. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except

PIT BULL VICK!

So what does everyone think about Michael Vick's performance tonite? He looked pretty good in the situation's he was in. The crowd seemed to love him. I was thinking he was going to get more boo's than cheer's. It doesn't look like the Eagles will be able to use him till week seven anyway!

RANDY FORTNA!

Here we have Randy Fortna in his Tobias chassis #4 at Port Royal back in 1987. Randy was always a front runner at BDR and Penn National Speedway. I always loved his cars just plain and simple!

(Bruce Thomas photo) (Click to enlarge)

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE!

JEFF STRUNK - 8 TIME GRANDVIEW CHAMP?

Well, what do you think? It looks like we may be getting some more rain on saturday which could possibly wash out the show leaving September 5th as the final point race. Jeff has a 284 point lead over 2nd place Duane Howard. With 2 races remaining it could get interesting, but unlikely. If I had to bet money, I surely would plunk down my savings on Strunk winning his 8th Grandview title! (Bob Yurko photo) (Click to enlarge)

NAME THIS HOTSHOE!

This picture was taken at Big Diamond. Not sure of the photographer. Thanks to Bruce Thomas for the pic. I am guessing the year was 1979-1980. All I know is that I went out and bought Converse All-Stars just like this driver after seeing him in victory lane! I even ran my first years in a kart wearing my All-Stars back when that was ok just to wear sneakers to race!

CAPTAIN RON SPARROW!

Yo Ho me Hardies! Captain Ron says, "NO MORE RAINY SATURDAY NIGHTS OR YOU'LL FIND YOURSELF WALKING THE PLANK!

SLICK RICK SCHAFFER

Here we have a picture of "The Dean" of modified racing Rick Schaffer. This was one sweet looking car. This pic was from Grandview in 1986. Can anyone name the type of chassis Rick is wheeling in this picture?
(Don Marks photo)(Click to enlarge)

PHILLIES TRIPLE PLAY!

Philadelphia Phillies Eric Bruntlett Unassisted Triple Play - Watch more Funny Videos

YO TOM!

I wonder if Tom knew what to do with himself after not having to fullfill his many duties last night at Grandview Speedway? I personally think Tom is one of the hardest working guys at the track week in and week out! On top of that...he is one heckava nice guy! (Bruce Thomas photo)

CODY DARRAH!

Word has it we may be losing the super talent of young Cody Darrah to the World of Outlaws next season. Rumor has it that Kasey Kahne racing will add a third car to their team for the 2010 season and the driver will be Cody Darrah! What a smart move by Kasey to sign Cody who will be a superstar in the sprint cars wars in years to come. I just hate to lose local talent, but glad to see Cody get the opportunity to race on a larger scale. Congrats Cody!

GRANDVIEW RAINED OUT!

HURRICANE BILL WINS AT NASCAR’S GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY ARDC MIDGETS JOIN MODS AND LATE MODELS SATURDAY

BECHTELSVILLE, PA August 22, 2009 . . . Remnants of Hurricane Bill brought heavy rain to Grandview Speedway on Saturday washing out the FHG Services sponsored doubleheader show of NASCAR 358 modifieds and late models. “Though we had periods when there was no rain the amount of rain we had, the forecast for more rain, just forced us to cancel,” said track owner Bruce Rogers. “Even if there was no rain in the forecast it was very doubtful we could get the overly wet track in racing shape for the Saturday night show. We did want to make an early decision so that racers and fans could plan for other things to do.” The rainout tightened up the point battle for the lucrative championships for the NASCAR 358 modifieds and late models as now just two point events remain in each division of competition. Jeff Strunk, seven time track champion, leads the standings by just 286 points over challenger Duane Howard in the modifieds while Randy Stoudt is on top of the late model standings by just 59 counters over Brian Shuey.

The FHG Services Night will be rescheduled for early in the 2010 season at Grandview Speedway. The American Racing Drivers Club wingless midgets will be part of a big tripleheader show on Saturday, August 29th, sponsored by 3 Starz Inc. Landscaping of Hatboro, PA. The NASCAR 358 modifieds and late models will continue their point battles with racing action scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. Fans will have the opportunity to win prizes courtesy of Dover International Speedway. Adult admission for this event is $15.

And on Sunday, August 30th, the NEETS Enduro racers will be in action with a 100-lapper for small cars, 100-lapper for big cars and a 25-lapper for lady racers. The show gets the green at 2:30 p.m. The point season finale takes place on Saturday, September 5th with a tripleheader show sponsored by Green Lane Wm. Penn/Four Star Lettering with the NASCAR 358 modifieds, late models and Sidewinders in action at 7:30 p.m.

Coming up on Saturday, September 12th, 7 p.m. is the biggest event of the season at Grandview Speedway when the rich BPG Racing Freedom 76 Classic is presented for 358 modifieds. The race pays $20,000 plus to win with some of the top names in dirt short track racing having won the event. The Line-X of Lehigh Valley Freedom Fest, featuring a dunk tank, driver interviews, autograph opportunities and much more, will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. All funds raised during the September 12th Freedom Fest will go to the Camelot House of Allentown. Grandview Speedway is located at 43 Passmore Road, just off Route 100, in Bechtelsville, PA, 10 miles north of Pottstown. For race information telephone 610.754.7688 or visit their website at http://www.grandviewspeedway.com/

BIG DIAMOND RESULTS!

BIG DIAMOND RACEWAY RESULTS - RAUSCH CREEK NIGHT - FRIDAY AUGUST 21...
358 MODIFIEDS
Heat Winners: Dan Hineline, Ricky Yetter, Kevin Albert Jr.
B-Main Winner:Gary Wagner Jr.
Did Not Qualify: 6-Ryan Watt, 20-Eric Kocher, 87-Andy Burkhart, 11W-Frank Polimeda, 11D-Tom Mayberry, 47x-Corey Sechrist, 39-Danny Nicholas.

FEATURE (25-LAPS): 1) 4-Duane Howard, 2) 71-David Van Horn Jr., 3) R1-Ryan Godown, 4) 357-Rick Laubach, 5) 41-Jeff Strunk, 6) 1c-Craig Von Dohren, 7) 178-Dale Hartz, 8) 47-Gary Wagner Jr., 9) 19-Jordan Umbenhauer10) T102-Shawn Fitzpatrick, 11) 99-Craig Whitmoyer, 12) 3A-Kevin Albert Jr., 13) 44-Gary Hager, 14) 74W-John Willman, 15) CR7-Colt Harris, 16) X1-Neil Huber, 17) 1-Doug Manmiller. DNF: 18) 3Y-Ricky Yetter, 19) 88D-Meme DeSantis, 20) 21K-Kyle Weiss, 21) 8P-Billy Pauch Jr., 22) 42-Kyle Follweiler. DQ: 15x-Dan Hineline, 11-Mike Gular. *NOTE: Hineline crossed the line in first, and Gular was third, however, both were disqualified in post race tech for illegal carburetors.* LAP LEADERS: R. Yetter (1-12), D. Hineline (13-25).

SPORTSMAN

Heat Winners: Greg Weiland, Jason James, Tom Brennan
B-Main Winner: Kevin Smith
Did Not Qualify: Derek Bender, Jimmy Payne
FEATURE (20-LAPS): 1) 73-Jason James, 2) 1450-Greg Weiland, 3) 15-Mike Lisowski, Jr., 4) x5-Daryl Disinger, 5) 17D-Mike Loney, 6) 31-Harry Landis, 7) 24H-Justin Andrews, 8) 26-Tom Brennan, 9) 5-Ryan Moyer, 10) T102-Tim Fitzpatrick, 11) 71-Mike Mammana, 12) 32s-Jared Umbenhauer, 16) M7-Shane Moser, 17) 5D-Jordan Dreher, 18) 18-Michael Weinert, 19) 17x-Kevin Beach, 20) 32-Kevin Reese. DNF: 21) 19-Brad Brightbill, 22) 3-Corey Renninger, 23) 520-Gary Rothermel, 24) 343-Jeremy Hertzog. LAP LEADERS: J. James (1-20).

WOODEN KEG ROADRUNNERS
Heat Winners:Marc Berzowski, Ed Kuperavage
FEATURE (15-LAPS): 1) 97-JeremyBecker, 2) 11x-Joe Hendricks, 3) 22-Tom Hablett, 4) 95K-Kody Sites, 5) 88-Toby Chase, 6) 22G-Steve Gromis, 7) 450-Kevin Olenick, 8) 23-Ed Kuperavage, 9) 555-Elvin Brennan III, 10) 909-Neil Bressler, 11) 18-Ed Bartlett, 12) 8c-Chris Holland, 13) 8-Davey Nester, 14) 6-Dyland Quinn, 15) 98-Chip Kennedy, 16) 22X-Jessica McGlynn, 17) 550-Joe Kuperavage. DNF: 18) 666-Cory Baver, 19) 66K-Marc Berzowski, 20) 4-Nate Klinger. DNS: 17-Tyler Vidal, 16D-Rob Derfler, 102-TJ Fitzpatrick. LAP LEADERS: E. Kuperavage (1-3), J. Becker (4-15).

(Brent Smith Photo)

TOM MAYBERRY!

Cool pic of Tom Mayberry wheeling the lightning fast Zemko #1 at Penn National back in the day! Tom could really hustle this car around the track. One of the few cars to have the number on the back panel. I really never liked that spot for a number. Though, this wasn't too bad. Richie Tobias was another one I can remember who also carried his number on the back panel on a few of his cars. (Bruce Thomas photo) (Click to enlarge)

MEME & AJ DESANTIS!

Here is a great picture of Meme and AJ Desantis! Until AJ's injury he was really rockin' the local dirt tracks! I thought AJ would be the first rookie to pick up a win this season. Meme is also having a stellar season aboard the TEAMFAST 88D! (Bob Yurko photo) (Click to enlarge)

COWPATTY COMPOUND!

These girls would do anything to get into the "Cowpatty Compound"!

NAME THIS DRIVER?

Can anyone name this driver? The picture was taken by Chris Noble at the Reading Fairgrounds mall show back in 1988. That is one wild looking car! Love the Grandview Speedway sponsor!

THE GREATEST SHOW ON DIRT

Go check out The Greatest Show on Dirt! http://thegreatestshowondirt.com/site/ Chris just added a Racing Nostalgia page with alot of great throwback pictures taken by Don Marks from Grandview Speedway, Big Diamond and Penn National. You have to see some of these shots. They really bring back memories! Nice job Chris!

NOW, HOW CAN YOU ARGUE WITH THIS?

THE JOB - URINE TEST


(Whoever wrote this one deserves a HUGE pat on the back!)

Like most folks in this country, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck in my case, I am required to pass a random urine test (with which I have no problem). What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test.
So, here is my Question: Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them?

Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their ass - doing drugs, while I work. . . . Can you imagine how much money each state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?
I guess we could title that program, 'Urine or You're Out'.

LUGNUTZ!

Here is a picture taken by Bruce Thomas at the T.O.T.H. race at Grandview of myself, Eric, Captain Ron and Dave and Josh Bitner. Bruce took this without our knowledge from the top of the grandstands! He titled it "Lugnutz" as in us standing like lugs on a wheel. Pretty ingenious Bruce!

(Bruce Thomas photo)(Click to enlarge)

WELCOME JAMIE NAFTZINGER! A MUST READ STORY BELOW!

“Priceless”

by Jim Evans Jr.

Friday, June 12, 2009 Big Diamond Raceway, during it’s regular Friday night racing event invited the enduro cars to come up and put on an exhibition to help promote the enduro racing the following Sunday. Eager to participate, Jamie Naftzinger, driver of the #3 car painted with the scheme of the John Deere company colors in mind, and his father Mark brought not one, but two cars up to the track to showcase their enduro cars and get some track time on the recently completed second car for which Mark intends to run at New Egypt Speedway this season. The event went very well with popular Auburn driver Brad Krause taking the checkers in their abbreviated 15 lap event.

Mark Naftzinger in tech at Big Diamond Raceway taken Sunday, June 14th.
The father and son team experienced some issues during the race with the one car and Mark instructed the crew not to load the car right away. When it came time to load up the car, Mark noticed another issue and said about getting his welding jacket. As he turned to do so, the car started rolling off the trailer into the path of a number of crew members from Mike Radocha’s roadrunner team. Mark, thinking only of saving a lot of people from getting hurt jumped in the path of their car coming off the trailer. Chuck Detweiler who was parked near the Naftzinger’s and exhibited his #666 Chevy Caprice as well this evening jumped in to help out by trying to grab the steering wheel and turn the car out of danger… the steering wheel had already been removed so he jumped in and tried to stop the car as well. Chuck dove out of the way in the nick of time while Mark got pinned between the #3 car and Mike Radocha’s #454 roadrunner falling to the ground as the car came to a stop.

In severe pain, Mark was told to stay laying on the ground as the ambulance, already parked at the track at the entrance to pit road, came over to attend to him. He was taken to the former Good Samaritan Hospital (now Schuylkill Medical Center East Norwegian) treated and then sent down to Lehigh Valley Medical Center in Allentown for further treatment. As rumors fly, the word was almost certain to be at least one broken leg, perhaps two. These were rumors as Mark suffered from crushed muscles in at least one leg.

While in the hospital, in typical Mark Naftzinger fashion as they examined his legs, still in agonizing pain he showed the staff where he was experiencing the pain so they no longer had to use him as a pin cushion to determine the location of his injuries. He came to a point where he had a meeting of the minds with these individuals to which they finally gave into his requests.
Mark was released from the hospital on Saturday afternoon as determined by the doctors the only treatment that would work for him was exercise, using his legs to strengthen the crushed muscles. At 9am Sunday morning, Mark, the regular tech official, along with Harvey Ensminger, for Big Diamond Raceway’s Nutty Buddy Enduro series presented by Savage 61 Dodge and track welder Dan Drobnick, decided he was going to go to the race track for Sunday’s events. Before you know it, upon his arrival and being greeted by dozens of competitors and competitor’s family members, track officials, and of course myself, Mark was back doing what he does best… safety teching cars who were preparing to race in the Sunday event.

I asked Mark of the incident Friday evening and after recanting the series of events Mark said “If anybody would have gotten hurt that would have been the end of my career in racing, I would have had a hard time living with it”. He continued by saying, “I know what I did was going to hurt and may not have been the smartest thing I’ve ever done but to save those crew members I’d do it again in a heartbeat”. I’ve personally known Mark (to talk to) for many years now and this is true to his character and personality, if you’ve ever gotten to know Mark Naftzinger as I have in the past two seasons working with the enduro class you will learn quickly he’s all about the safety and well being of those around him and cares deeply about people in general. Mark summed up it up this way, “all of the support of my family these past few days, and the support of the racing community is ‘priceless’”. “Thank you for all of your prayers and thoughts since Friday night, they’re greatly appreciated”.

Mark, from the bottom of my heart, you’re a great man who I enjoy rubbing elbows with in the tech line each time out and to think of a day without you in the pits would be a day I really wouldn’t want to experience. You, your brother, and the rest of your family have contributed so much to enduro racing at Big Diamond Raceway but to know you, my friend is an honor and a privilege I would not want to loose, for even a day, for a very long time. I’m very happy you’re up and walking around, heck, without even much of a limp, and I’m sure the pain you’re in right now will subside with each passing day.

(Pictured is the "3" of Jamie Naftzinger and also a photo of his Dad Mark Naftzinger)

IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR!

Here is a cool picture from saturday night of the Rogers/Missimer's in victory lane with Brad taking home the first checkered of his career! Had to be an emotional win for the family! I was cracking up at Kenny running between turns 3 and 4 and rooting Brad on!! Nice run Brad! You earned that one for sure! Brad stated in victory lane, "I hope someday this track is all mine"! I sure do too Brad...I sure do too! (Brent Smith photo) (Click to enlarge)

WELCOME TODD MARBURGER!

Just want to welcome Todd "HULKY" Marburger to the Cowpatty Nation family! Todd was kind enough to sport the "CPN" stickers on the that #18 Hot Rod of his! Thanks Todd, and good luck the rest of the season!

(Bruce Thomas photo)

BRAD MISSIMER & CHUCK SCHUTZ! (Brent Smith photos)

GRANDVIEW RESULTS!

WNPV-1440 AM RADIO NIGHT NASCAR ALL AMERICAN SERIES 358 MODIFIED FEATURE FINISH 30 laps: 1. Brad Missimer 2. Billy Pauch Jr. 3. Kerry Kratz 4. Shawn Reimert 5. Terry Meitzler 6. Mike Gular 7. Ryan Godown 8. Jon Kellner Sr. 9. Jeff Strunk 10. Meme DeSantis 11. Jason Hamilton 12. John Willman 13. Jon Kellner Jr. 14. Craig VonDohren 15. Kevin Hirthler 16. Don Norris 17. Bobby Gunther Walsh 18. Todd Smith (Balance of field did not finish) 19. Keith Hoffman 20. Keith Brightbill 21. Kyle Follweiler 22. Sean Merkel 23. Ray Swinehart 24. Troy Wink 25. Mark Kratz 26. Tom Umbenhauer 27. Duane Howard 28. Jason Smythe 29. John Tschudy

WNPV-1440 AM RADIO NIGHT NASCAR LATE MODEL FEATURE 20 laps: 1. Chuck Schutz 2. Mike Kellner 3. Wayne Pfeil 4. Randy Stoudt 5. Ron Kline 6. Dallas Breidenbach 7. Bill Henning 8. Brian Shuey 9. John Giesler 10. Rick Todorow 11. Nate Christman 12. John Favinger 13. Kyle Merkel 14. Doug Walton (Rest of the field did not finish) 15. Dennis Pieper 16. Kurt Spotts 17. Danny Snyder 18. Buddy Wharton 19. Kory Fleming 20. D.D. Keely (BOB YURKO PHOTO)

JOHN ROMANO UPDATE!

John has been moved to the University of Maryland Medical Center as of Friday evening. This hospital is able to handle John's illness better. His condition remains stable, but he is critical.

Please continue to keep my husband and our family in your prayers. We have an extremely long, difficult road ahead of us.

I am continuously grateful to all those who have offered their support and help. I am so touched by the drivers of NES who have placed the "Racing for Romano" decals on their cars. My husband is very lucky to have all of you in his life.

Please send get well messages and cards to

JOHN ROMANO
c/o Speedway
720 Route 539
New Egypt NJ 08533

BIG DIAMOND RESULTS!

BIG DIAMOND RACEWAY RESULTS - MOYER ELECTRONICS NIGHT - FRIDAY AUGUST 14...
358 MODIFIEDS
Heat Winners: Gary Wagner Jr., Dan Hineline, Ricky Yetter.
Pepsi Challenge: Doug Manmiller (7-wins, overall winner). Billy Pauch Jr. (3-wins).
FEATURE (25-LAPS): 1) 42-Kyle Follweiler, 2) 8P-Billy Pauch Jr., 3) 1c-Craig Von Dohren, 4) 357-Rick Laubach, 5) CR7-Colt Harris, 6) 1-Doug Manmiller, 7) 88D-Meme DeSantis, 8) 71e David Van Horn 9) 44-Gary Hager, 10) 74W-John Willman, 11) R1-Ryan Godown, 12) 11-Mike Gular, 13) 4-Duane Howard, 14) 19-Jordan Umbenhauer, 15) 47-Gary Wagner Jr., 16) 11D-Tom Mayberry, 17) 21K-Kyle Weiss, 18) 39-Danny Nicholas, 19) 6-Ryan Watt, 20) 3A-Kevin Albert Jr. DNF: 21) 41-Jeff Strunk, 22) 99-Craig Whitmoyer, 23) 178-Dale Hartz, 24) 15x-Dan Hineline, 25) T102-Shawn Fitzpatrick, 26) 3Y-Ricky Yetter, 27) 5-Joey Grammes, 28) 29-Jeff Sechrist.
SPORTSMAN
Heat Winners:Brett Kressley, Jordan Dreher, Joe Masiado.
B-Main Winner: Justin Andrews.
Did Not Qualify: 31T-Troy Gibson, 83-Josh Hertzog, 119-Derek Bender, 18-Michael Weinert.
FEATURE (20-LAPS): 1) 71-Mike Mammana, 2) 5D-Jordan Dreher, 3) 19K-Brett Kressley, 4) 7-Kevin Smith, 5) 17-Billy Moyer Jr., 6) 45x-Andy Fayash Jr., 7) 17x-Kevin Beach, 8) 17D-Mike Loney, 9) 1450-Greg Weiland, 10) 19-Brad Brightbill, 11) 15-Mike Lisowski Jr., 12) T102-Tim Fitzpatrick, 13) 24H-Justin Andrews, 14) x5-Daryl Dissinger, 15) 73-Jason James, 16) 31-Harry Landis, 17) 22N-Patrick Cozze, 18) 520-Gary Rothermel. DNF: 19) 26-Tom Brennan, 20) 32s-Jared Umbenhauer, 21) 5-Ryan Moyer, 22) 43M-Joe Masiado, 23) 35-Ebby Ridge, 24) 72SR-Ray Woodall Jr.
WOODEN KEG ROADRUNNERS
Heat Winners: Joe Hendricks, Marc Berzowski.
FEATURE (15-LAPS): 1) 555-Elvin Brennan III, 2) 22-Tom Hablett, 3) 101-Gary Renninger, 4) 97-Jeremy Becker, 5) 8c-Chris Holland, 6) 450-Kevin Olenick, 7) 22G-Steve Gromis, 8) 45-Ryan Olenick, 9) 454-Mike Radocha, 10) 666-Cory Baver, 11) 11x-Joe Hendricks, 12) 88-Toby Chase, 13) 6-Dylan Quinn, 14) 18-Ed Bartlett, 15) CR7-Butch Lesher. DNF: 16) 4-Nate Klinger, 17) 909-Neil Bressler, 18) 102-TJ Fitzpatrick, 19) 23-Ed Kuperavage, 20) 66K-Marc Berzowski, 21) 8-Davey Nester, 22) 17-Tyler Vidal, 23) 22x-Jessica McGlynn, 24) 98-Chip Kennedy. DNS: 550-Jim Kost, 95K-Kody Sites.

(Brent Smith photo)

EAGLES SIGN MICHAEL VICK!

The tale of Michael Vick(notes) has taken more twists and turns than one of his pinball-like touchdown runs. This may be the biggest one yet.
The embattled Vick has signed a one-year deal with an option for a second year with the Philadelphia Eagles, a team previously thought to have no interest in him.
Philadelphia was barely mentioned when the so-called experts spoke of possible destinations for Vick, making his signing a big surprise in NFL circles. At first it was thought that he would go some place he could immediately contribute (like, say, San Francisco), but in recent weeks the speculation focused on teams with established quarterbacks and a strong front office. And though the Eagles fit that description, they weren't among the destinations bandied about by analysts. (New England and, most recently, Pittsburgh were the rumored landing spots.)
That's not why Vick-to-Philly is so surprising though. (He was going to end up somewhere, after all.) It's surprising because the Eagles already have two quarterbacks they like -- Donovan McNabb(notes) and Kevin Kolb(notes) -- on their roster. Vick would seem to be a third wheel, albeit a speedy one.
It's not a bad signing by the Eagles though. Getting Vick is a risk, but one that isn't nearly as great as you might imagine. In fact, football-wise, it's practically zero. The first year of the deal is only for a reported $1.6 million (that's about what the Eagles paid for kicker David Akers(notes) in 2008), which means the Eagles can do whatever they want with Vick -- play him, trade him or cut him -- without much worry. Maybe they'll play him at running back or run him in the Wildcat or sit him on the bench. Everything is on the table. (For what it's worth, Andy Reid said that the Eagles didn't get Vick to sit him on the bench. Of course, 48 hours ago Reid said that the Eagles weren't interested at all in Vick.)
There may be a brief public backlash, but that angle is overrated. People have short memory spans and PETA doesn't hold as much sway as it likes to think. Philly will take a minor hit in this news cycle and probably another when Vick makes his debut (possibly on October 18 against Oakland).
For Vick, it's not ideal that he signed with a team with two solid quarterbacks, but you know what they say about beggars and choosers. He recently told David Squires of the Hampton Daily Press that he wasn't concerned about being a backup:
"I'll be happy with being a No. 2 and letting the other guy play as long as he's playing well," Vick said with a smile. "Then if he's not, we'll see."
Will he be concerned with being a No. 3, as he may be in Philadelphia? Or what about being a spot running back? That these are even questions suggests that Vick didn't have many options, so any team that was willing to give him money was a team that made sense for him.
Whether it ends up making sense for the Eagles is another question entirely. As always with Michael Vick, expect the unexpected.

T.O.T.H. TRAFFIC JAM TWIN 40'S WINNERS! (Bruce Thomas photos)

40 Lap Modified TRAFFIC JAM FEATURE FINISH: #20 BRETT HEARN, #53 MIKE GULAR, #41 JEFF STRUNK, #41J MATT SHEPHARD, #118 SEAN MERKEL, #1W STEWART FRIESEN, #14 JIMMY HORTON III, #88C TOM UMBENHAUER, #8P BILLY PAUCH JR., #19K KENNY BRIGHTBILL, #21K KYLE WEISS, #RICHIE PRATT, #44 FRANK COZZE, #126 BILLY PAUCH, #1C CRAIG VONDOHREN, #26 RYAN GODOWN, #117 KEVIN HIRTHLER, #87 KEITH HOFFMAN, #33 RAY SWINEHART, #357 RICK LAUBACH, #88D MEME DESANTIS, #00 DOUG MANMILLER, #37X TOMMY SCHEETZ SR., #47C KEN CARBERRY.

40 Lap Late Model TRAFFIC JAM FEATURE FINISH: #19T TIM FULLER, #19 STEVE FRANCIS, #44 CLINT SMITH, #70J D.J. MYERS, #11H AUSTIN HUBBARD, #1 JOSH RICHARDS, #24 RICK ECKERT, #29 DARRELL LANIGAN, #2 BRADY SMITH, #32C VIC COFFEY, #25 SHANE CLANTON, #1* CHUB FRANK, #119 JIMMY BERNHEISEL, #12 JORDAN BLAND, #91 BILLY DECKER, #1S CHUCK SCHUTZ, #99B RICK BRIGGS, #21D DAN STONE, #56 RUSSELL KING, #3 BRENT ROBINSON, #76 SCOTT HAUS, #11 TYLER REDDICK, #18 DUSTIN HAPKA, #4S DANNY SNYDER.

JOSH "KID ROCKET" RICHARDS!

Here is one to keep your eye on tomorrow at Grandview! Josh "Kid Rocket" Richards has 7 wins on the World of Outlaws circuit this season and also is the point leader. Josh hold a slim margin of only 2 points over Steve Francis and last years champion Darrell Lanigan. Richards car is not only fast but one of the sharpest looking cars on the track! (Jason Walls photo)

TIM FULLER LOOKS FORWARD TO GRANDVIEW WoO SHOW TOMORROW NIGHT!

Bechtelsville, PA — By Kevin Kovac, WoO LMS P.R. Director

Tim Fuller is on a roll, so naturally he can’t wait for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series to end a mid-summer break and get cranking again with the ‘Thunder on the Hill Traffic Jam’ program on Thurs., Aug. 13, at Grandview Speedway.

But throw in the fact that Fuller happens to be the only fulltime WoO LMS regular who’s ever raced at the Pennsylvania track, and it’s no surprise that he has the national tour’s first-ever visit to Grandview as a red-circle date on his calendar.

“Truthfully, I’m looking forward to any track we go to right now,” said Fuller, who for more than a decade has made almost annual appearances at the high-banked, one-third-mile oval to run Super DIRTcar Series big-block Modified events. “But I’m probably looking forward to running Grandview a little bit more.

“I always like going to Grandview because Bob Miller (who since 1990 has organized the ‘Thunder on the Hill’ special events with track owner Bruce Rogers) is a real good promoter and I try to support him whenever I can. And really, it’s a ‘local’ show for me because I’ve run the Modified there and the fans there know me from Modified racing.”

Grandview’s fans will see an army of WoO LMS superstars tackle the tough bullring for the first time, including points leader Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va.; former champions Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., and Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky.; and Pennsylvania travelers Rick Eckert of York, Pa., and Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa.; defending World 100 winner Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga.; former Knoxville Late Model Nationals victor Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis.; and Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga

“Grandview is in a league all its own,” said Fuller. “That’s a tough, high-contact place. It’s narrow with high-banked, paper-clip turns, and you’ve really got to be aggressive there. It’s not one of those free-flowing tracks where you can’t be cool and just ride around.

Grandview’s 40-lap, $7,000-to-win WoO LMS event might also provide Fuller a night with a familiar face – and booming voice – in his pit. His animated former DIRTcar big-block Modified owner, Bob Faust, lives in Slatington, Pa., about 35 miles north of the track, and will likely pay a visit.

The historic ‘Thunder on the Hill Traffic Jam’ event at Grandview will also include a 40-lap feature for the big-block Modified division, marking the first time that the WoO LMS will comprise a doubleheader with the Northeast’s popular open-wheel class since February’s Alltel DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla. Fuller said it remains possible he’ll pull double-duty and enter the $4,000-to-win big-block Mod program behind the wheel of the New York-based Smith Brothers No. 74, a machine he drives in selected events that fit his schedule (including upcoming Super DIRTcar Series shows at New York’s Brewerton Speedway on Aug. 7 and Canandaigua Speedway on Aug. 8).

An added attraction on the Aug. 13 schedule is the BPG Racing/Chad Sinon Motorsports Big-Block Modified vs. Late Model Challenge Dash, which will pit the winners of the WoO LMS and big-block Mod heats in a six-lap battle for a $1,000 top prize.

(Jason Walls photo)

COYOTE UGLY!

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Brad Coleman was testing a Gibbs NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car at Toyota Arizona Proving Grounds earlier this week and came onto the radio and told his crew something rather unusual.

"Guys, I hit a coyote," Coleman said.

Coleman was running close to 200 mph around the 10-mile test track when he saw the animal wander under the outside guardrail.

"I'm in the middle of the corner. I'm doing like 190," Coleman said Friday at Nashville Superspeedway before practicing his Nationwide Series car. "I'm just cruising. You run the high line there, because that's where the mostbanking is. It's the high-speed lane. There's just a guardrail there like on the freeway."
"I see this thing. It must've been 100 feet in front of me and it just jumped out. Right when I saw it come out from under the guardrail, I was like, 'That's a coyote.'"

"It just started smoking like crazy," Coleman said.

"And it smelled terrible. I didn't see anything in the mirror, so I was like, 'I wonder where it went?' I said, 'Guys, I hit a coyote. I'm going to come in because I think it screwed up the radiator. I think it clogged up the grille a little bit.'"

TONY STEWART & JESSICA ZEMKEN?

Check out JZ in victory lane at Watkins Glen with Tony and the boys! Looks like something may be brewing here? Heard she was in Indy with Tony also. Although rumors of the two being together have been denied...I'm not so sure?

BUD KAEDING

Here is a pic I forgot to post back when USAC was in town! It's a shot of myself, Bud Kaeding & Eric! Bud was a nice guy and sure can get around in a sprint car! (Click to enlarge)

BILLY SCHINKEL!

Here is a couple shots courtesy of Bruce Thomas of Billy Schinkel! Billy was an excellent racer back in the day! I kinda wish Billy was still running the circuit! Does anyone know why Billy gave it up so early in his career? That is one beauty of a Tobias 4 Bar Taxi of Billy's! The one photo looks like Flemington and the other is Port Royal. (Bruce Thomas photo)

GRANDVIEW WINNERS! (Bruce Thomas photos)

GRANDVIEW RESULTS!

HATFIELD QUALITY MEATS NIGHT NASCAR ALL AMERICAN SERIES 358 MODIFIED FEATURE FINISH 30 laps: 1. Duane Howard 2. Craig VonDohren 3. Troy Wink 4. Mike Gular 5. Meme DeSantis 6. Kevin Hirthler 7. Sean Merkel 8. Billy Pauch Jr. 9. John Tschudy 10. Ryan Godown 11. Chris Esposito 12. Jeff Strunk 13. Jason Hamilton 14. Todd Smith 15. Tom Umbenhauer 16. Jon Kellner Sr. 17. Keith Hoffman 18. Keith Brightbill 19. Shawn Reimert 20. Ryan Grim 21. Jason Smythe 22. Jeremy Banos DNF: 23. John Willman 24. Cliff Quinn 25. Doug Manmiller 26. Terry Meitzler 27. Kyle Follweiler 28. Brad Missimer 29. Ray Swinehart

HATFIELD QUALITY MEATS NIGHT NASCAR LATE MODEL FEATURE 20 laps: 1. Danny Snyder 2. Wayne Pfeil 3. Chuck Schutz 4. Randy Stoudt 5. Kyle Merkel 6. Brian Shuey 7. Mike Kellner 8. John Favinger 9. Rick Todorow 10. Randall Paxton 11. Buddy Wharton 12. Nate Christman 13. Bill Henning 14. Kory Fleming 15. John Giesler 16. Lou Egrie 17. Kurt Spotts 18. Ron Coverly 19. Dallas Breidenbach 20. Doug Walton DNF: 21. Ron Kline 22. Buddy Mertz 23. Dennis Peiper

ON A BET!

Eric bet me I didn't have the marbles to post this one! He sent me this about a month ago! Although it may be a little questionable...it is pretty funny! This was scratched on a bar stool somewhere in Minnesota! (Click to Enlarge)

BIG DIAMOND RESULTS!

RESULTS - T102 RADIO/HOUSE DOCTORS/RILEY AND FANELLI ATTORNEYS AT LAW NIGHT - FRIDAY AUGUST 7

FIRST 358 MODIFIED FEATURE (25-LAPS): 1) 1c-Craig Von Dohren, 2) 39-Danny Nicholas, 3) 44-Gary Hager, 4) 8P-Billy Pauch Jr., 5) 4-Duane Howard, 6) R1-Ryan Godown, 7) 47-Gary Wagner Jr., 8) 19-Jordan Umbenhauer, 9) 11-Mike Gular, 10) 357-Rick Laubach, 11) 6-Ryan Watt, 12) 5-Joey Grammes, 13) 41-Jeff Strunk , 14) 99-Craig Whitmoyer, 15) 88-Kevin Hartnett, 16) 11D-Jimmy Horton IV, 17) CR7-Colt Harris, 18) 74W-John Willman, 19) 178-Dale Hartz, 20) 36-Jonathan Kumernitsky. DNF: 21) 33-Ray Swinehart, 22) 42-Kyle Follweiler, 23) T102-Shawn Fitzpatrick, 24) 88D-Meme DeSantis. LAP LEADERS: D. Nicholas (1-18), C. Von Dohren (19-25).

SECOND 358 MODIFIED FEATURE (20-LAPS): 1) 8P-Billy Pauch Jr., 2) 19-Jordan Umbenhauer, 3) 39-Danny Nicholas, 4) 5-Joey Grammes, 5) 357-Rick Laubach, 6) 1c-Craig Von Dohren, 7) R1-Ryan Godown, 8) 11-Mike Gular, 9) 41-Jeff Strunk, 10) 47-Gary Wagner Jr., 11) CR7-Colt Harris, 12) 74W-John Willman, 13) 4-Duane Howard, 14) 178-Dale Hartz, 15) T102-Shawn Fitzpatrick, 16) 44-Gary Hager. DNF: 17) 88-Kevin Hartnet,, 18) 42-Kyle Follweiler, 19) 88D-Meme DeSantis, 20) 99-Craig Whitmoyer, 21) 6-Ryan Watt, 22) 33-Ray Swinehart, 23) 11D-Jimmy Horton IV, 24) 36-Jonathan Kumernitsky. LAP LEADERS: G. Wagner Jr. (1), D. Nicholas (2-4), Billy Pauch Jr. (5-25).

SPORTSMAN FEATURE (15-LAPS): 1) 7-Kevin Smith, 2) 17-Billy Moyer Jr., 3) 19-Brad Brightbill, 4) 17D-Mike Loney, 5) 17x-Kevin Beach, 6) x5-Daryl Dissinger, 7) 3-Corey Renninger, 8) M7-Shane Moser, 9) T102-Tim Fitzpatrick, 10) 19K-Brett Kressley, 11) 73-Jason James, 12) 24-Justin Andrews, 13) 09-Jimmy Payne, 14) 31-Harry Landis, 15) 15-Mike Lisowski Jr. DNF: 16) 35-Ebby Ridge, 17) 43M-Joe Masiado, 18) 5D-Jordan Dreher, 19) 72SR-Ray Woodall Jr., 20) 45x-Andy Fayash Jr., 21) 22N-Patrick Cozze, 22) 32s-Jared Umbenhauer, 23) 71-Mike Mammana, 24) 5-Ryan Moyer, 25) 43-Doug Stepanchuk. LAP LEADERS: J. Dreher (1-3), K. Smith (4-15)

WOODEN KEG ROADRUNNER FEATURE (15-LAPS): 1) 95K-Kody Sites, 2) 11x-Joe Hendricks, 3) 97-Jeremy Becker, 4) 4-Nate Klinger, 5) 555-Elvin Brennan III, 6) 450-Kevin Olenick, 7) 22-Tom Hablett, 8) 909-Neil Bressler, 9) 8c-Chris Holland, 10) 00-Glenn Rowan, 11) 88-Toby Chase, 12) 45-Ryan Olenick, 13) 66K-Marc Berzowski, 14) 550-Joe Kavanaugh, 15) 23-Ed Kuperavage, 16) 6-Dylan Quinn. DNF: 17) 18-Ed Bartlett, 18) 8-Davey Nester, 19) 22G-Steve Gromis, 20) z71-Joey Zvorsky, 21) 102-TJ Fitzpatrick, 22) CR7-Butch Lesher, 23) 98-Chip Kennedy, 24) 105-Joey Brennan, 25) 2-Gary Willard Jr., 26) 101-Gary Renninger, 27) 17-Bud Vidal, 28) 666-Cory Baver. LAP LEADERS: E. Kuperavage (1-2), J. Hendricks (3-14), K. Sites (15).

CAPTAIN RON HEFFNER!

Here is Captain Ron at his Boyertown Playboy Mansion with all of his girls! Atta Boy Captain...you da man!

WHO AM I?

This wheelsman doesn't normally run this car. This was a one shot deal. I would love to see this guy back running full time! A hard clean driver that is easy on equipment! (Bruce Thomas photo) (Click to enlarge)