8/28/2017
Jennerstown Speedway
Wiltrout Becomes Three Time Winner at Jennerstown
Former Champion, Garry Wiltrout, of Somerset, PA, became the third driver to visit victory lane three times in the Martella’s Pharmacies Late Model division during 2017, after winning on Saturday, August 12 at Jennerstown Speedway Complex. Also winning on Riggs Industries/J&J Truck Equipment Night at the Races were: Chris Brink (Stoystown Auto Wreckers Modifieds), Lauren Butler (J&J Truck Equipment Street Stocks), Jason Pritts (Farmers Union Co-Op Chargers), and Casey Fleegle (Somerset Trust Company Fast ‘n Furious 4-Cylinders). In the Mid Ohio Compact Touring Series debut at Jennerstown Speedway, Brian Sprague earned his first career win on the tour, while Jon Quinn was a close second.
In a ceremony presented by Tri-Star Motors, the 2017 Hall of Fame “class” were enshrined with plaques, as the annual induction event recognized the accomplishments of five men: Dirt track era winning drivers Bob Marhefka and Tom Peck; Asphalt era Championship winning car owners Barry and Brian Bruening; and former Promoter David Wheeler.
After point standing leaders Jeremiah Kuntz and Barry Awtey won heat races for the Martella’s Pharmacies Late Models, Mike Hemminger and Teddy Gibala started the 30-lap feature in the first row. Both are seeking a first win of 2017, and Gibala challenged for the top spot, as Hemminger led the first two circuits. On lap three Gibala made contact with Hemminger, causing a caution flag, and forcing them to the rear of the field. The spin also involved Garry Wiltrout and Barry Awtey, but both were able to continue racing, and the pair of veterans inherited the top two positions for the restart. When racing resumed, a close battle ensued with nose-to-tail racing for the lead, soon becoming a side by side duel between Wiltrout and Awtey. Wiltrout, a former Champion, used his Ford to keep Awtey’s Chevrolet from stealing the lead. Kuntz, a three time winner, started eighth and advanced to third, but never joined the lead fight. When the checkered flag was displayed, Wiltrout was the winner, by one car length, after defending Champion Awtey challenged repeatedly. Wiltrout, driver of the Stone and Company/Franjo Construction/Hanson Group/Meegan Ford, started eighth, and tied Kuntz and Awtey as the only drivers with three victories in the division this year. Awtey finished a close second, moving him to within six points of standings leader Kuntz, who finished third. Gibala rallied from the early race incident to claim fourth place and Todd Price finished fifth.
The most dominant driver of 2017 at Jennerstown Speedway is Chris Brink. The veteran from Penn Run, PA, is leading the chase for the Championship in the Stoystown Auto Wreckers Modified division, and he started eighth in the 20-lap feature race after winning a heat race. Division rookie Dustin Gursky again looked impressive, winning a heat race and leading seven laps in the search for his first feature win. But, Brink made the winning pass on lap eight, and scored his seventh victory of the season, leading all drivers in all divisions. Zane Ferrell, the defending Modified Champ, advanced into the second spot on lap ten, and held the position until the finish. Two-time winner, “Racin’ Jason” Busch started sixth and finished third, while 2017 winner Tom Golik advanced from tenth at the start, to fourth at the finish. Rookie Jarred Barclay finished in fifth place.
A thrilling J&J Truck Equipment Street Stocks’ 20-lap feature race began with former Champion Adam Kostelnik starting in third spot, and taking the lead on lap two. Only racing occasionally in 2017, Kostelnik was seeking his first win of the year. Defending Champ, Shawn Beam, a four time winner this year, started in sixth place, and wrestled the lead away from Kostelnik on lap twelve. Then, the leaders collided after the torrid battle, on lap fourteen, handing the lead to three-time winner Josh Coughenour at the restart. Coughenour, the points leader, has had several memorable duels and close finishes with his Championship nemesis Lauren Butler this year. Coughenour, who started in seventh position, officially led four laps. But with only two laps remaining, Butler stole the top spot. Butler stayed just barely ahead, to win for the second week in a row, joining Coughenour as a three-time victor in 2017. Butler is now just one point behind Coughenour in the title chase. Anthony Aiello finished third after starting fifth, Aaron Van Fleet placed fourth, and Beam recovered from the incident to earn a top five finish. Butler and Coughenour were also the heat race winners.
A dominating performance propelled Jason Pritts back to victory lane in the Farmers Union Co-Op Charger division. Pritts, the points leader, won the heat race and started third in the 15-lap feature. He officially led every lap to notch victory number four of the year. Two-time winner Dale Kimberly finished second, ahead of Scott Mitchell, who started sixth; 2017 winner Tanner Friedline; and fellow four time winner Steve Long, who placed fifth.
In spite of starting in fifth place, and sustaining damage in an early race incident, Casey Fleegle won his first Somerset Trust Company Fast ‘n Furious 4-Cylinder feature of the year. Cindy Rhodes led the first two laps before having mechanical problems. Points leader Brent Bickerstaff then led a total of six laps, before the lead fight resulted in contact with Fleegle. Bickerstaff never spun, but lost positions, which allowed Fleegle to find victory lane. RJ Dallape, Andrew Pluta and David Campbell have all been winners this season, and placed second, third, and fourth respectively. Bickerstaff held on to claim fifth spot. Previous week’s winner Campbell, and Pluta were the heat race winners.
Next week, Martella’s Pharmacies present five division racing and the Ron’s Collision Center Enduro Series, which will launch from a Four Wide standing start, to compete in a 75 lap event, after the five division racing. Gates open at 4pm with racing at 6pm.
Submitted By: Vernon Yoder
