by Tommy Goudge (August 12, 2011) – Mitch Brown continued a season-long trend in the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Car division at Ohsweken Speedway by visiting the Engine Pro Racing Winner’s Circle. Brown is the 10th different winner in 11 Corr/Pak races held this year, and the 3rd driver in the last 5 weeks to win his first career Sprint Car race.
Phil Nyssen continued his winning ways by topping the Lighthouse Tattoos Thunder Stocks, Jeremy Hughes got the HRW Automotive Mini Stocks win, Sarah Rutherford won her first ever Pierced Parts Bombers feature, Brian Page and Daryl Bray shared Vintage Car honours, and Wayne McCarten won the “Double Flagpole Race”.
A moment of silence was observed before the races for Debbie Hoddick and Earl Gaerte, two staunch racing supporters who passed away last week.
CORR/PAK MERCHANDISING SPRINT CARS
Two teenagers made up the front row for the Sprint Car feature, with Jesse Costa in the pole position, and Mitch Brown next to him. Costa led the first lap before the race was slowed for a Chris Durand spin in turn 3. Brown took over the lead when the green flag flew, but the race was stopped again when Jamie Turner got upside down in turn two. Turner climbed from his machine uninjured, but done for the night.
Brown continued to lead when the race was restarted, while Dave Dykstra made his way to 2nd with Kyle Moffit in tow. Jim Huppunen was working hard to make up ground after he blew an engine in his heat race and started last in the feature. Huppunen was the points leader entering the night, and switched cars to drive Wayne Ashton’s #3 in the feature. He was already in the top 10 by lap 6, and ended up 6th at the end.
The final yellow flag of the race fell on lap 13 when Keith Dempster slowed in turn 2. Dempster was able to restart, but Dykstra’s car was leaking fluid and he was forced to relinquish the 2nd spot during the caution period. Kyle Patrick got by Moffit when the green flag came back out, but couldn’t catch Brown who used the low side and cruised to the win 1.6 seconds ahead of Patrick.
“This thing was rails tonight,” said Brown after the race. “I couldn’t ask for much more. The top is so far around down in (turns) 1 and 2, and it kills your momentum, so I put a little asphalt experience in and drove it to the bottom.”
Mofitt settled for 3rd, followed by Chris Steele and Todd Hoddick.
Huppunen minimized the damage to his points lead by finishing 6th, followed by Dain Naida, Jesse Costa with a career best finish, Jamie Collard, and Bob Reis who rounded out the top 10 in his first visit to Ohsweken.
Heat races for the 22 car field were claimed by Dave Dykstra, Chris Steele, and Dain Naida.
Conspicuous in his absence was speedway owner/promoter Glenn Styres, who was at the Black Rock Speedway competing in a Sprint Car race there along with Tony Stewart, who drove the Styres backup machine. Styres will be back next week, along with many of the drivers he raced against at Black Rock as the Northern Summer Nationals will take centre stage at Ohsweken Speedway and South Buxton Raceway.
LIGHTHOUSE TATTOOS THUNDER STOCKS
Kacey Huffman and Jim Lampman started the Thunder Stock feature on the front row, but Dave Bailey quickly took over the lead. Wild action ensued mid-pack as the points leaders made their way forward. The racing clean and exciting until Larry Czinege, Jr’s engine blew up on the frontstretch, collecting Brian Pescetti and points leader Mike Thorne.
Pescetti’s night was done, but Thorne’s car suffered only body damage and he was able to continue.
Nobody could catch Phil Nyssen again on Friday night and he cruised to his third straight victory. Cory Turner emerged from an entertaining race to get the runner-up spot, followed by Bailey, Devin Habiuk, and Wyatt Van Wart. Mike Thorne salvaged a 6th place finish with his damaged machine. It was only the third time this season that Thorne has not finished in the top 5.
“This is awesome,” said Nyssen after the race. “This car is running just so good. We can go anywhere. Last year I could only do the top, and couldn’t do anything on the bottom, but this year I can go anywhere I want it to go, and it’s just awesome to drive.
Heat races for the 22 car field were claimed by Dave Bailey, Larry Czinege, Jr., and Mike Thorne.
HRW AUTOMOTIVE MINI STOCKS
Mike Giberson and Ethan Martin began the Mini Stock feature on the front row, but Jeremy Hughes quickly made his way forward while the race was plagued by early caution flags. Hughes got out front and took off to claim his third win of the season, followed by Mike Evers, Steve Hess, Mike Taylor, and Abel Castelein.
“I’ve had some really bad luck this year,” said Jeremy after the race.
“I’ve blown 2 tires while leading, blew a motor while leading, then last week a map sensor wire broke, so this feels good. We changed the engine in this thing last night and got it running at about midnight.”
Heat races for the 25 car field were claimed by Mike Taylor, Lee Hils, and Steve Hess.
PIERCED PARTS BOMBERS
Sarah Rutherford led most of the Bomber feature race until Rodney Rutherford got by in the late going. Rodney’s car faltered though, and Sarah got another chance. She held on to get the win after a late restart, and it was an emotional one for the first time winner who took an extra victory lap.
“That was for my friend Jay McDonough who drowned at Sauble Beach yesterday,” Sarah told the crowd after the race. “So I did an extra donut for ‘Donut’.”
Heat races for the 19 car field went to Jeremy May and Jesse McDonald.
NEXT WEEK AT OHSWEKEN
Jones Brown Insurance presents the third round of the “Northern Summer Nationals” next Friday, August 19. The Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprints will be joined by the Southern Ontario Sprints, ASCS Sprints on Dirt, and ASCS Patriots for the 3rd of 4 rounds in the miniseries. Lighthouse Tattoos Thunder Stocks, HRW Automotive Mini Stocks, and Pierced Parts Bombers are also part of round 11 of Friday Night Thunder. Gates open at
6:00 with racing starting at 7:45!
COMING SOON
The 7th annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals September 15-17 are coming up fast! Make sure to visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com for all the information on these special events.
FRIDAY NIGHT THUNDER 2011
ROUND 10 RACE REPORT – AUGUST 12
OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY
OHSWEKEN, ONTARIO
EVENT SPONSOR – TRAILERS BY JIM BRAY
Race Start – 7:45p.m.
Race End – 10:55p.m.
Total Car Count – 109
CORR/PAK MERCHANDISING SPRINT CARS (22 entries) HEAT RACES (8 laps each – Top 12 in passing points redraw for A-Feature starting positions):
Finish. [Starting Position] Number Name (Hometown)
ENGLER MACHINE & TOOL HEAT RACE #1
1. [2] 5d Dave Dykstra (Port Colborne), 2. [3] 7 Kyle Moffit (South Dayton, NY), 3. [1] 71 Travis Cunningham (Grimsby), 4. [6] 49 Todd Hoddick (Cheektowaga, NY), 5. [4] 01 Mikey Kruchka (Hamilton), 6. [8] 14h Jim Huppunen (Fenwick), 7. [7] 67 Chris Durand (Port Stanley), 8. [5] 96 Shane Butler (St. Thomas) DNF.
GRISDALE RACING PRODUCTS HEAT RACE #2
1. [3] 80 Chris Steele (Fenwick), 2. [1] 90 James Evans (Beamsville), 3. [7] 5 Keith Dempster (Alton), 4. [4] 10 Mitch Brown (Brantford), 5. [6] 33k Kyle Patrick (Tilbury), 6. [5] 11 Jamie Turner (Caistor Centre), 7.
[2] 3 Wayne Ashton (Kitchener).
BS&B RADIATOR HEAT RACE #3
1. [5] 07x Dain Naida (Tecumseh, MI), 2. [7] 7x Jamie Collard (Burford), 3. [4] 52 Jesse Costa (St. Thomas), 4. [1] 5m Brad Malloy (Niagara Falls), 5. [2] 4 Bob Reis (Elma, NY), 6. [3] 31 John Burbridge, Jr. (St. Williams), 7. [6] 30g Steve Goldner (Aylmer) DNF.
CORR/PAK MERCHANDISING
SPRINT CAR A-FEATURE (20 laps)
Position. # Name (Starting Position)
1. 10 Mitch Brown (2)
2. 33k Kyle Patrick (6)
3. 7 Kyle Moffit (10)
4. 80 Chris Steele (4)
5. 49 Todd Hoddick (11)
6. 14h Jim Huppunen (20)
7. 07x Dain Naida (12)
8. 52 Jesse Costa (1)
9. 7x Jamie Collard (9)
10. 4 Bob Reis (14)
11. 01 Mikey Kruchka (15)
12. 5 Keith Dempster (8)
13. 5m Brad Malloy (13)
14. 67 Chris Durand (19)
15. 90 James Evans (5)
16. 5d Dave Dykstra (7) DNF
17. 71 Travis Cunningham (3) DNF
18. 11 Jamie Turner (16) DNF
19. 96 Shane Butler (18) DNF
20. 31 John Burbridge, Jr. (17) DNF
DNS. 3 Wayne Ashton
DNS. 30g Steve Goldner
SPRINT CAR AWARDS:
Nathan Ackland State Farm Insurance “Top Gun” (highest passing points
total): 80 Chris Steele ($100)
RNB Restorations Feature Winner: 10 Mitch Brown (case of Champion Motor Oil)
LIGHTHOUSE TATTOOS THUNDER STOCKS (22 entries) HEAT RACES (8 laps each)
ENGINE PRO RACING HEAT RACE #1
1. 28x Dave Bailey (Hagersville), 2. 28 Jim Lampman (Caistor Centre), 3.
38 Terry Martin (Ohsweken), 4. 73 Mike Miller (Caledonia), 5. 77 Brett Rodwell (Caledonia), 6. 13 Kacey Huffman (Hamilton), 7. 00 Robbie General (Ohsweken), 8. 77b Brittany Gyokery (Jarvis).
6 NATIONS BINGO HEAT RACE #2
1. 33c Larry Czinege, Jr. (Ridgeway), 2. 5h Devin Habiuk (Port Robinson), 3. 04 Wyatt Van Wart (Cambridge), 4. 57 Murray Nicholls (Hamilton), 5. 62 Brian Pescetti (Binbrook), 6. 17 Rob Disher (Grimsby), 7. 191 Gord Bates (Selkirk).
O’NEIL’S FARM EQUIPMENT HEAT RACE #3
1. 55 Mike Thorne (Caledonia), 2. 19 Cory Turner (Caistor Centre), 3. 8 Ryan Dinning (Caledonia), 4. 1 Chris Dickie (Brantford), 5. 51 Phil Nyssen (Burford), 6. 23d Tim DeBoer (Caledonia), 7. 83 Lee Winger (Caledonia).
LIGHTHOUSE TATTOOS THUNDER STOCKS
A-FEATURE (20 laps)
Position. # Name (Starting Position)
1. 51 Phil Nyssen (18)
2. 19 Cory Turner (15)
3. 28x Dave Bailey (6)
4. 5h Devin Habiuk (10)
5. 04 Wyatt Van Wart (7)
6. 55 Mike Thorne (16)
7. 8 Ryan Dinning (14)
8. 73 Mike Miller (3)
9. 1 Chris Dickie (13)
10. 17 Rob Disher (11)
11. 83 Lee Winger (21)
12. 38 Terry Martin (4)
13. 77 Brett Rodwell (5)
14. 28 Jim Lampman (2)
15. 191 Gord Bates (20)
16. 13 Kacey Huffman (1) DNF
17. 57 Murray Nicholls (8) DNF
18. 33c Larry Czinege, Jr. (9) DNF
19. 62 Brian Pescetti (12) DNF
20. 77b Brittany Gyokery (22) DNF
21. 00 Robbie General (19) DNF
22. 23d Tim DeBoer (17) DNF
THUNDER STOCK AWARDS
RNB Restorations Feature Winner: 51 Phil Nyssen (case of Z-Alt Muscle Car Oil)
HRW AUTOMOTIVE MINI STOCKS (25 entries)
HEAT RACES (8 laps each)
ENGINE PRO RACING HEAT RACE #1
1. 02 Mike Taylor (Burlington), 2. 22 Brittani Myers (Hamilton), 3. 77x Ethan Martin (Ohsweken), 4. 11 Mike Giberson (Caledonia), 5. 69e Dan Erskine (Caistor Centre), 6. 05 Dave Goodacre (Brantford), 7. 84rk Ryan Beagle (Vittoria), 8. 9 Mike Gilchrist (Brantford), 9. 7x Chase Hess (Ohsweken) DNF.
ESSO SPEEDWAY VARIETY HEAT RACE #2
1. 1 Lee Hils (Dundas), 2. 10 Jake Brown (Brantford), 3. 7 Jason Lungaro (Hamilton), 4. 69 Rob Twitchett (Dundas), 5. 79 Steve Miller (Paris), 6. 64 Doug Erskine (Hamilton), 7. 55 Rob Slater (Dundas), 8. 13c Corrie Cowell (Tillsonburg).
O’NEIL’S FARM EQUIPMENT HEAT RACE #3
1. 777x Steve Hess (Ohsweken), 2. 10j Jeremy Hughes (Burlington), 3. 265 Mike Evers (Caledonia), 4. 81 Karl Sault (Dundas), 5. 31 Abel Castelein (Cayuga), 6. 99 Robin Elliott (Woodstock), 7. 44 Dale Cooke (Hamilton) DNF, 8. 22c John Myers (Hamilton) DNF.
HRW AUTOMOTIVE MINI STOCKS
A-FEATURE (15 laps)
Position. # Name (Starting Position)
1. 10j Jeremy Hughes (15)
2. 265 Mike Evers (18)
3. 777x Steve Hess (14)
4. 02 Mike Taylor (3)
5. 31 Abel Castelein (17)
6. 1 Lee Hils (10)
7. 44 Dale Cooke (24)
8. 7 Jason Lungaro (9)
9. 7x Chase Hess (23)
10. 81 Karl Sault (16)
11. 79 Steve Miller (11)
12. 05 Dave Goodacre (4)
13. 11 Mike Giberson (1)
14. 69 Rob Twitchett (8)
15. 84rk Ryan Beagle (19)
16. 9 Mike Gilchrist (21)
17. 55 Rob Slater (20)
18. 22c John Myers (25)
19. 13c Corrie Cowell (22)
20. 22 Brittani Myers (5) DNF
21. 99 Robin Elliott (13) DNF
22. 77x Ethan Martin (2) DNF
23. 64 Doug Erskine (7) DNF
24. 69e Dan Erskine (6) DNF
25. 10 Jake Brown (12) DNF
PIERCED PARTS BOMBERS (19 entries)
HEAT RACES (8 laps each)
HEAT RACE #1
1. 16 Jeremy May (Hamilton), 2. 388 Craig Dowd (Caledonia), 3. 53 Sarah Rutherford (Dundas), 4. 199 Aaron Turkey (Ohsweken), 5. 66 Brady Longboat (Ohsweken), 6. 97 Max Chechalk (Hamilton), 7. 23 Dusty DeBoer (Hagersville), 8. 66r Cole Rodwell (Caledonia), 9. 77 Dale Gyokery (Jarvis).
HEAT RACE #2
1. 88 Jesse McDonald (Caledonia), 2. 38 Rodney Rutherford (Waterdown), 3. 07 Brad Conkwright, 4. 44 Tylor Brock (Dunnville), 5. 5 Kathi Dickie (Brantford), 6. 151 Wayne McCarten (Dunnville), 7. 113 Shawn Ireland (Burlington), 8. 1988 Matt Smith (Rockton), 9. 70 Curtis Adams, 10. 15 Brad McCarten (Dunnville) DNF.
PIERCED PARTS BOMBERS
A-FEATURE (12 laps)
Position. # Name (Starting Position)
1. 53 Sarah Rutherford (3)
2. 16 Jeremy May (5)
3. 88 Jesse McDonald (10)
4. 388 Craig Dowd (1)
5. 07 Brad Conkwright (12)
6. 66 Brady Longboat (4)
7. 113 Shawn Ireland (14)
8. 23 Dusty DeBoer (13)
9. 97 Max Chechalk (2)
10. 199 Aaron Turkey (6)
11. 151 Wayne McCarten (11)
12. 1988 Matt Smith (16)
13. 5 Kathi Dickie (9)
14. 70 Curtis Adams (18)
15. 77 Dale Gyokery (17)
16. 66r Cole Rodwell (15) DNF
17. 44 Tylor Brock (7) DNF
18. 38 Rodney Rutherford (8) DNF
DNS. 15 Brad McCarten
VINTAGE CARS (14 entries)
HEAT RACE (10 laps)
1. 27 Doug Fralick (Port Colborne), 2. 43 Brian Page (Ridgeway), 3. 99 Dave Charczuk (Lewiston, NY), 4. 62 Al Harju (Cayuga), 5. 00 Bill Harju (Fisherville), 6. 16 Daryl Bray (Rainham Centre), 7. 6 Lowry Siemens (Dunnville), 8. 4 Chic Voit (Kenmore, NY), 9. 13 Mark Saul (Hagersville), 10. 24 Harold Sonnenburg (Sherkston), 11. 31 Scott Phillips (Nanticoke), 12. 2 Glen Leinen (Hannon), 13. 3 Tom Curran (Wainfleet), 14. 9 ???? (????) DNS.
VINTAGE CARS
A-FEATURE (10 laps)
Position. # Name (Starting Position)
1. 43 Brian Page (8)
2. 99 Dave Charczuk (10)
3. 62 Al Harju (4)
4. 16 Daryl Bray (3)
5. 13 Mark Saul (5)
6. 00 Bill Harju (9)
7. 6 Lowry Siemens (2)
8. 24 Harold Sonnenburg (12)
9. 2 Glen Leinen (1)
10. 3 Tom Curran (11)
11. 27 Doug Fralick (6) DNF
12. 4 Chic Voit (7) DNF
DNS. 31 Scott Phillips
DNS. 9 ?????
“DOUBLE FLAGPOLE RACE” WINNER: 151 Wayne McCarten
UP NEXT @ OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY:
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011
JONES BROWN INSURANCE PRESENTS:
“NORTHERN SUMMER NATIONALS” ROUND #3
FEATURING CORR/PAK MERCHANDISING SPRINT CARS, SOUTHERN ONTARIO SPRINTS, ASCS SPRINTS ON DIRT, AND PATRIOT SPRINT TOUR, PLUS LIGHTHOUSE TATTOOS THUNDER STOCKS, HRW AUTOMOTIVE MINI-STOCKS, & PIERCED PARTS BOMBERS ADULTS $20, SENIORS AND STUDENTS $8, KIDS 12 AND UNDER FREE!
SPECTATOR GATES OPEN @ 6:00 P.M., RACING @ 7:45 P.M.
Photo Credits: Peter Anderson – www.pandersonphotos.com