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FRIESEN DOES IT THE HARD WAY, ECKERT OUTDUELS ROBINSON FOR SUPER LATE WIN

By Chad Cathell

The temperatures dropped outside for night two of the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Championship, but the racing action at Georgetown Speedway was nothing short of electrifying! It was a whirlwind of thrills, spills, and nail-biting moments as multiple championships hung in the balance during this action-packed season finale.

The evening kicked off with a festive spirit as enthusiastic little race fans eagerly lined up for their chance to trick-or-treat through the pits at Georgetown Speedway. Racers, armed with buckets brimming with goodies, welcomed the tiny ghouls and goblins, creating memories that would last a lifetime!

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the competitors readied their engines, chasing not only glory but also the big checks that awaited them in victory lane. The lineup featured the fierce Blue Hen Dispose-All 602 Sportsman along with the First State Chevrolet Crate Late Models, as well as, the previously qualified Millman’s NAPA Auto Parts STSS Modifieds and Stockley Speed & Supply Super Late Models.

By Short Track Super Series

GEORGETOWN, DE – Down to the wire.

After starting 19th, Stewart Friesen drove to the front in Saturday night’s Mid-Atlantic Championship Weekend Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By Sunoco Modified headliner at Georgetown Speedway.

The Sprakers, N.Y., resident won in dramatic fashion, nipping Anthony Perrego at the line off the outside of turn four.

Friesen missed Friday night’s qualifying due to his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series commitments in Martinsville, Va., but made it to Delaware Saturday in time to drive from last to first in the consolation.

Friesen then completed the 19th-to-first drive in the 40-lap main event.

“We had a great race car from hot laps, the consi, right on through tonight,” Friesen said following the $7,000 payday.

Via his third-place finish, Alex Yankowski of Covington Township, Pa., secured the $15,000 NJ Quality Drywall STSS Modified South Region title, while Matt Sheppard of Savannah, N.Y., clinched the Ollie’s Overall Championship for the STSS Modifieds by finishing fourth.

Perrego, driving the Vinnie Salerno No. 4*, cleared Ryan Watt for the lead on the eighth lap of the event. Watt had been at the front of the field since he swept by Billy Pauch Jr. on lap one.

As Perrego took command, Friesen had already climbed from 19th to third in just nine trips around the Sussex County oval.

“When I got to third, Anthony was really fast, probably as even as we were,” Friesen said.

Friesen took second at the halfway mark and set his sights on Perrego, who had built more than a straightaway lead.

In the final five laps, the race for the top spot intensified.

Friesen closed to within five car-lengths at lap 37, rolling the extreme outside lane.

The key move occurred at the exit of turn two with the white flag in the air. Friesen built momentum on the topside of turns one and two, pulling even with Perrego entering turn three.

The pair raced side-by-side through the final pair of corners, with Friesen besting Perrego by a nose at the line.

“I didn’t know if we had enough to get him (Perrego), he was getting good runs off the bottom of (turns) two and four,” Friesen said. “Luckily, the lapped cars there dirtied up the air and we were able to get a run.”

Walden, N.Y.’s Perrego settled for second, with Covington Township, Pa.’s Yankowski placing third.

Yankowski started the event 16th, pitted for a flat tire on the opening lap, and roared through the field to fill out the podium. The third-place finish allowed Yankowski to clinch the South Region championship, his first with the series.

Sheppard drove from 12th to finish fourth as the Ollie’s Overall champion and early leader Watt, of Boyertown, Pa., completed the front five.

Finishing sixth through 10th, respectively, were Ryan Godown of Ringoes, N.J., who clinched the Georgetown Millman’s NAPA Auto Parts Modified championship after starting 20th and pitting twice; Jordan Watson of Milford, Del., up from 13th; Ryan Riddle of Millsboro, Del., after a steady performance; Billy Pauch Jr. of Frenchtown, N.J., who made two trips to the pits; and Carson Wright of Georgetown, Del., recovering from a broken shock early in the race.

Pauch, Watt and Paul Mancini were Friday night heat-race winners for the 27 assembled Modifieds. Sheppard took the ATL Hot Lap Hero Award with a lap of 18.557 seconds. Friesen was the Saturday consolation winner.

Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By Sunoco NJ Quality Drywall South Region/Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Overall Championship Round (40 laps): 1. 44-Stewart Friesen[19]; 2. 4P-Anthony Perrego[5]; 3. 84Y-Alex Yankowski[16]; 4. 9S-Matt Sheppard[12]; 5. 14W-Ryan Watt[2]; 6. 26-Ryan Godown[20]; 7. 1J-Jordan Watson[13]; 8. 31-Ryan Riddle[11]; 9. 1P-Billy Pauch Jr[1]; 10. 91-Carson Wright[15]; 11. 32-Brandon Grosso[3]; 12. 51-Ryan Krachun[18]; 13. 4M-Logan Watt[21]; 14. 7M-Paul Mancini[8]; 15. 35M-Mike Mahaney[4]; 16. 20C-Cole Stangle[14]; 17. 28-Tom Solderich[25]; 18. 51P-Matt Peck[9]; 19. 30W-HJ Bunting[6]; 20. 24W-Sean Weiss[17]; 21. 8MOD-Norman Short Jr[24]; 22. 4W-Brandon Watkins[22]; 23. 117-Kevin Hirthler[23]; 24. 6B-Danny Bouc[7]; 25. 74W-John Willman[10]

Did Not Qualify: 187-Steve Young; 4-Bobby Watkins; 117x-Jesse Hirthler

STSS Modified NJ Quality Drywall South Region Champion: Alex Yankowski ($15,000)
STSS Modified Ollie’s Overall Champion: Matt Sheppard ($10,000)
Georgetown Speedway Millman’s NAPA Auto Parts Modified Champion: Ryan Godown ($2,500)

American Racer/Lias Tire Bonuses (FREE Tire Certificates): Jordan Watson (seventh) & Brandon Grosso (11th)
ATL Fuel Cells Hot Lap Hero ($100): Matt Sheppard (18.557 seconds)
Behrent’s Performance Warehouse Bonuses ($50 Gift Cards): Matt Sheppard (fourth) & Billy Pauch Jr. (ninth)
Beyea Custom Headers Redraw Bonus ($50): Matt Sheppard (Redrew 12th)
Eibach Springs Bonus ($100 Certificate): Ryan Godown sixth)
Henry’s Exhaust System Power Position ($50 Certificate): Brandon Grosso (11th)
PEM Engineering & Manufacturing Bonus (Quick Change Gears): Alex Yankowski (third)
Penske Racing Shocks Bonuses: Stewart Friesen (winner - $150 certificate); Anthony Perrego (second - $75 certificate); Alex Yankowski (third - $50 certificate); Matt Sheppard (fourth - $25 certificate)
Schultz Racing Fuel Cells Bonus ($100 Certificate): Carson Wright (10th)
Wilwood Brakes ‘Lucky 7’ Award ($75 Certificate): Jordan Watson (seventh)

By Chad Cathell

The Stockley Speed & Supply Super Late Models were ready for battle, and they didn’t hold back! Lucas Oil Late Model regular, Ross Robinson, held down the front row at the green flag, with the savvy veteran, “Scrub” Rick Eckert, right alongside him. But just when things started to rev up, chaos struck! Crate Late Model star Matt Hill spun out in turn 2, collided with JT Spence, and ended his night before it truly began. Danny Snyder spun to avoid disaster, managing to rejoin the action along with Spence.

The field was reset, and once again, Robinson stormed ahead, only to see Eckert seize the lead almost instantly. However, the yellow flag waved again, thanks to Kerry King’s single-car spin, forcing another restart.

On the next attempt, Eckert dominated the start, and the race finally picked up steam! But just six laps later, the caution flag resurfaced as Danny Snyder encountered a flat tire. On the restart, Robinson brought the heat to Eckert, but the real spectacle was unfolding behind them. Donald Lingo Jr. charged into the mix, thrilling fans as he battled with “Big Brother” Dan Stone and “The Wild Child” Amanda Robinson. The action was fierce, with Lingo Jr. snatching third place after an intense showdown, only for Amanda to reclaim her ground moments later.

Just as the excitement was peaking, yet another caution emerged with 24 laps to go, resetting the stage once more. Eckert swiftly regained control of the race, clicking off laps as he widened the gap between himself and Robinson. However, drama was brewing back in the pack! A collision involving Andrew Yoder and Mark Pettyjohn sent Yoder off the track in turn one, and after he was able to refire an altercation with Pettyjohn ensued under caution. After the dust settled, track officials would inform Yoder that he was done for the night due to driver misconduct.

With hopes high for a clean finish, Eckert found himself battling tire issues as Ross Robinson crept closer and closer with only four laps remaining! The tension was palpable as Robinson and Eckert raced side-by-side, each throw of a slider by both drivers intensified the thrill of the moment. As they approached the final corner, Robinson made a daring move on the inside while Eckert held fast on the outside.

The final corner saw Eckert summon every bit of power to surge ahead right at the finish line, snatching the $5,000 prize and an extra $2,000 gamblers bonus right out of Robinson’s hands! The crowd erupted as they witnessed and reacted to a true barn burner amongst the two leaders! Donald Lingo Jr., Amanda Robinson, and Dan Stone rounded out the thrilling top five.

Another highlight of the evening was the crowning of the Stockley Speed & Supply Tri-Track Championship, that saw Trevor Collins collecting the $5,000 payday after his collection of points and perfect attendance at select events at Delaware International Speedway, Potomac Speedway, and Georgetown Speedway netted him a unique and bountiful championship.

Stockley Speed & Supply Super Late Models - A Feature 1 (Results): 1-Eckert.Rick 2-Robinson.Ross 3-Lingo.Donald(Jr) 4-Robinson.Amanda 5-Stone.Dan 6-Jones.Shaun 7-Collins.Trevor 8-Myers.Chad 9-Deese.Roy(Jr) 10-Spence.J.T. 11-Pettyjohn.Mark 12-Zarin.Logan 13-Yoder.Andrew 14-Long.Nathan 15-Feathers.Trever 16-Snyder.Danny 17-Hill.Matt 18-King.Kerry

By Short Track Super Series

Jesse Hirthler of Boyertown, Pa., drove a flawless race to win his first career STSS Crate 602 Sportsman event in the accompanying 25-lap, $2,000-to-win feature.

Hirthler – the final driver to pick in the Beyea Custom Headers Redraw – started from the pole and led every lap, fending off the advances of both Logan Watt and Dylan Madsen.

Watt, also of Boyertown, Pa., finished second and clinched the Belmont’s Garage STSS Crate 602 Sportsman title.

Spencertown, N.Y.’s Madsen, despite a flat left-front tire, placed third, ahead of Michael White of Laurel, Del., and Colin Cox of Perkasie, Pa.

A field of 36 STSS Crate 602 Sportsman signed in for competition.

Saturday’s event concluded the ’24 STSS season. Next up is the ‘Sunshine Swing’ at All-Tech Raceway in Lake City, Fla., Feb. 4-8 for both the STSS Modifieds and STSS Crate 602 Sportsman.

Blue Hen Dispose-All Crate 602 Sportsman - A Feature 1 (Results): 1-Hirthler.Jesse 2-Watt.Logan 3-Madsen.Dylan 4-White.Michael 5-Cox.Colin 6-Simmons.Ryan 7-White.Adam 8-King.Jacob 9-Yohn.Jax 10-Watkins.Brandon 11-Bashore.Bryce 12-Bunting.Luke 13-Weller.Zac 14-Sherby.Thomas 15-Kohler.Dakota 16-Humlhanz.Greg 17-Toth.Joe 18-Ellery.Matt 19-Bill.Ethan 20-Schweigart.George 21-Martinez.Chris 22-Jenkins.David 23-Hitchens.Scott 24-Millman.Jarod 25-Metz.Sean 26-Dodson.Devin 27-Moore.Tom(Jr.)

By Chad Cathell

Greg Humlhanz also came home victorious on the day, clinching his first Blue Hen Dispose-All 602 Sportsman Championship at Georgetown Speedway.

The evening at the racetrack was electric as the First State Chevrolet Crate Late Models roared to life, drawing an eager crowd that filled the grandstands yearning for another side-by-side barn burner as the night had provided time and time again. As the green flag waved, Matt Hill surged forward with relentless determination. Hill quickly worked the lowside underneath Trevor Collins and Nick Davis, and jumped into the lead for lap number one.

The caution would fly for the first time of the night when debris was found by the Motorsports Recovery Crew in turn one. As the field gathered back together, "The Thrill Show" once again showed that he was determined to grab victory as he shot out to the lead. A lengthy caution would slow the event with twelve laps in the record books as Luke Dill lost a motor, and extensively spewed fluids all over the racing surface from turn four to turn three.

After the racers and track crews worked the fluid back into the surface, the green flag flew for the final time, and Hill would remain unchallenged and would secure not only the win, but the 2024 Track Championship! Derek Magee, Trevor Collins, Nick Davis, and Donnie Tingle filled out the top five.

First State Chevrolet Crate Late Models - A Feature (Results): 1-Hill.Matt 2-Magee.Derek 3-Collins.Trevor 4-Davis.Nick 5-Tingle.Donnie 6-Ciccarelli.Ray 7-Smith.Robert 8-Harden.Richard 9-Scott.Ben 10-Dill.Luke 11-Parsons.David

Ron Falkner grabbed the checkered flag for the Feebs Distilling Delmarva Charger feature event.

Feebs Distilling Delmarva Chargers - A Feature (Results): 1-Falkner.Ron 2-Lowman.Jay 3-Swafford.Derek 4-Merritt.Randy 5-Merritt.Ashley 6-Truitt.Rachel 7-Morris.Garren 8-Collier.Tami 9-Ashwell.Eddie 10-Strain.Robbie 11-Healy.John 12-Merryman.Jeff

Robert Smith went back-to-back and grabbed his second checkered flag of the weekend in the Delaware Super Trucks.

Delaware Super Trucks - A Feature (Results): 1-Smith.Robert 2-Jackson.Thomas 3-Williams.Mackenzie 4-Trice.Scott 5-Hill.Jerry 6-Hopkins.Troy 7-Carter.Chase 8-Burkett.Tyrell 9-Wilson.Joshua 10-Walker.Carl 11-Walker.CJ 12-Williams.TJ 13-Walbert.LJ 14-Smith.David 15-Elliott.Dale 16-Wilson.Erin

Eric Reed was dominant on his way to winning the Little Lincolns division.

Little Lincolns - A Feature (Results): 1-Reed.Eric 2-Calhoun.Scott 3-Betts.Dylan 4-Joseph.Mel(Jr) 5-Herbert.Jordan 6-White.Tyler 7-Olenik.Andy 8-Austin.Allan 9-Wothers.John 10-Clough.Roscoe 11-Harmon.James

Dave Schamp grabbed the final checkered flag of the 2024 season at Georgetown Speedway with his win in the East Coast Vintage Racing Association.

East Coast Vintage Racing Association - Feature (Results): 1-Schamp.Dave 2-Chaney.Terry 3-Collins.Eddie 4-Gladmon.John

Photo Credit to SDS Racing Photography

SDS Photography Saturday Photos -
https://sdsabophotography.smugmug.com/2024/96-Georgetown-Speedway-11224

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