Dave Kittey is doing a weekly racing column in the Wednesday edition of the Latrobe Bulletin.
Thank you to Dave for sharing his columns with us.

(July 29, 2015)...BEDFORD SPEEDWAY – Bedford Speedway was off last Friday as they prepped for the 142nd Annual Bedford County Fair. This week is the annual fair races. There will be a complete show for the Super Late Models and features only for the Late Model Sportsman, Semi-Lates, Modifieds & Pure Stocks.

DOG HOLLOW SPEEDWAY – Somerset’s Scott Rhodes pulled into victory lane for the third time this season in the Super Lates. Latrobe’s John Myers was 8th. Another Latrobe native, Joe Zulisky was running a strong second when the rearend broke in his machine. Derry’s Bobby Watt was also in second early in the race before clipping the wall ending his night in 18th. Randy Smithley, of Bolivar, won his heat and also running well in the feature before he broke ending 17th. Joe Martin, of Mayport, picked up his sixth over all, and third straight, in the Crate Late Models. Mahaffey’s Jon Lee returned to the winners circle in the Pure Stocks. It was his third of the year. In the 4 Cylinders Zack Wissinger scored the win for the second time this season. This Friday the Penn Ohio Street Stock Series visits the track for the first time ever. They have had big car counts at almost every track they have raced. The Super Late Models, Crate Late Models, Pure Stocks and 4 Cylinders are also racing that night.

JENNERSTOWN SPEEDWAY – An excited Matt Sever picked off his first Late Model win of the year. Cindy Rhodes earned her first of the season in the 4 Cylinders. AJ Poljak won the Street Stocks. Lonnie Hoffman is perfect in the Modfieds. He has won all three times he started. It was a career first win for Ron Eiford, Jr. in the Chargers. This weekend is another 5 division show.

LERNERVILLE SPEEDWAY – Last Tuesday was the Don Martin Memorial for the WoO Sprints. All Star Sprint drivers Cody Darrah and Dale Blaney won the twin features and Blaney was crowned the over all winner. The World of Outlaw drivers were shut of victory lane. Friday night it was Modified Mania at the Sarver oval. Ohio’s Rex King, Jr. stole the $2000 payday from Canada racer Mat Williamson on a late race restart in the Big Block Modifieds. WV’s Jacob Hawkins won the Renegade of Dirt E-Mods going unchallenged. Adam Hilton took home the win in the Crate Modifieds. Joey Zambotti won his first-ever Lernerville checker in the Sportsman class. This coming week is a regular Fab Four night with Super Lates, 410 Sprints, Big Block Mods and Sportsman.

MARION CENTER SPEEDWAY – The ULMS Super Late Models made their first-ever visit to Marion Center. 26 Super Late Models were in the pits and it was Centerville’s Max Blair taking the hard fought win over Jared Miley. Chris Hickok’s win in the Strictly Stocks was his fourth straight. He is also one of the only Ford powered machines in the class. Jack Mumau won for the second straight week in the FWD class. Double features for the Crate Late Models are on tap this week. In addition they will be racing Super Late Models, Street Stocks, Steel Block Late Models, Strictly Stocks & FWD cars.

MOTORDROME SPEEDWAY – Somerset’s Garry Wiltrout continued his domination of the Late Models with his eighth victory of 2015. Adam Kostelnik won for the fifth time in the Modifieds. It was win #4 for Anthony Aiello in the Street Stocks and Paul Koffler III won his second in the Super Compacts. The only new winner was Frank Novak, who won the Chargers. Novak is a rookie and it was his career first win. Friday is a five division show featuring Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Chargers and Super Compacts.

PITTSBURGH’S PA MOTOR SPEEDWAY – The Reneagde of Dirt Modifieds made a visit to PPMS. Jacob Hawkins beat out his older brother Jared for the win in team cars. That is how they finished the night before at Lernerville also. Jonathan Taylor, of Saltsburg, finished third. Tommy Schirnhofer won the Crate Late Model feature. Keith Barbara returned to the winner’s circle in the Super Late Models. Todd Weldon won a highly competitive Sportsman battle while Hannah Ramsey remained dominant in the Hobby Stocks. O.B. Huff just keeps rolling in Young Guns, as does Kelvin Kohan in 3/4 LM. It is a double header weekend on tap at PPMS. Saturday is the Jook George Steel City Classic 50 for Crate Late Models. Joining them is the Super Lates, Sportsman, Hobby Stocks & Young Guns. Then on Sunday, August 1, Tony Stewart’s All Star Sprints take on the Monster Half Mile. Crate Late Models and Sportsman will also see action on Sunday.

Latrobe native Anthony Monteparte raced at Roaring Knob on Saturday and finished fifth in the 4 Cylinders.

(July 22, 2015)...BEDFORD SPEEDWAY – Only two times in the history of Bedford Speedway has a Super Late Model driver won twice on one night. Friday night Coleby Frye became the third after winning both make-up events. Glenn Ray won the Limited feature and Greg Cornell the Semi-Lates. Ray is back racing after a 12 year semi-retirement and won at Bedford for the first time. Brad Feight and Bill Replogle won both of the Pure Stock features with the 4 Cylinders going to Wayne Brenize. Bedford is off this week as the prep for the 142nd Annual Fair.

DOG HOLLOW SPEEDWAY – It was a big weekend at Dog Hollow as they raced Friday and Sunday. Friday saw Chad McClellan win the Super Lates for the second straight week. Bobby Watt (Derry) was 8th and Joe Zulisky (Latrobe) 10th in the rundown. Joe Martin did the same thing in the Crate Lates. Brad Benton won his career first in the Pure Stocks holding off seven time winner Dave Lee. Ray Edwards won his second in the 4 Cylinders. Each win has been in a different car as sub. Ralph Engel, Jr. won the 305 Sprint feature. It is the second time he has won at the track. Ed Mesaros, who lives in Winchester, VA and is formerly from Pleasant Unity, finished 5th.

On Sunday Dog Hollow played host to the 5th Annual Connor Bobik Memorial. 30 Super Lates, 16 410 Sprints, 13 Street Stocks and a big crowd were on hand. There was also a Make-A-Wish auction that raised over $7000. Jared Miley, of South Park completed a three race winning weekend in capturing the 41-lap, $3000 to win, Super Late Model feature. In the 410 Sprints, Biglerville’s Billy Dietrich is now 3 for 3 at Dog Hollow. He has won the last three 410 races run at the track and is the only driver to be a repeat winner during the Bobik Memorial. That race also paid the winner $3000. Nate Smith won his third Street Stock feature at Dog Hollow. Joe Kelley, of Mt. Pleasant, dropped out and finished 11th after losing the brakes on his machine. This coming Friday is Fan Appreciation Night. Fans will get to go onto the track at intermission and visit with their favorite drivers. Super Late Models, Crate Late Models, Pure Stocks and 4 Cylinders are racing that night.

JENNERSTOWN SPEEDWAY – Three drivers parked in victory lane for the second time this season, Garry Wiltrout in the Late Models, Anthony Aiello in the Street Stocks and Paul Koffler in the 4 Cylinders. Bryan Shipp won his first in the Modifieds and Andrew Kostelnik also won in the Chargers for the first time. This Saturday Jennerstown has $5 night. All general admission tickets are just $5. Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Chargers and 4 Cylinders will be in action.

LERNERVILLE SPEEDWAY – Jared Miley started off his three-peat weekend with a Super Late Model win at Lernerville, holding off John Flinner. Mat Williamson came from his 10th starting spot to claim his second Big Block Modified win. Ed Lynch, Jr. was booed in victory lane after defeating sophomore sprint driver AJ Flick by a nose. It was a post race contact that caused the crowd uproar. Mt. Pleasant’s Joe Kelley won his 50th career Sportsman feature at the Sarver oval. It was his third win of the season. This Friday is another Fab Four night with Super Lates, 410 Sprints, Big Block Mods and Sportsman.

MARION CENTER SPEEDWAY – Max Blair made the tow from Centerville worth while after winning the Super Late Model feature. Joey Zambotti, of Kittanning, won his third straight Street Stock feature. Chris Hickok’s win in the Strictly Stocks was his second in a row and fourth overall. Greg Beach picked up his first win this season in the Steel Block Late Models. Joe Martin won his second straight, and second of the weekend, in the Crate Late Models. Jack Mumau won the 4 Cylinders. The ULMS Late Models invade Marion Center for a $2000 to win race. The program will include Strictly Stocks, FWD 4 & 6 Cylinders and the Dave & Belle Thrill on the Hill Dash.

MOTORDROME SPEEDWAY – Connellsville’s Bobby Henry scored his third Late Model win of the season. The Super Cup Series visited Motordrome and Denver, NC’s Mike Kurkowski was the winner of the 75 lap event. It was his first career win on the tour. Modified rookie AJ Poljak won the biggest Modified race of the season. Stephen Shelpman won for the fourth time in the Chargers while Scott Aiello won his fifth in the Street Stocks. Andrew Pluta won his first-ever Motordrome Speedway beating out 18 competitors in the Super Compacts. All five NASCAR Divisions will be in action as points battles heat up at the 1/2 mile asphalt oval.

PITTSBURGH’S PA MOTOR SPEEDWAY – The Herb Scott Memorial highlighted my first visit of the year to PPMS. Jared Miley took the led and left the field in his wake scoring the $3000 win. Colton Flinner picked up the Crate Late victory. Bill Robertson was victorious in the Sportsman class. Hannah Ramsey won for the second straight week in the Hobby Stocks. Dale Tuche put an end to OB Huff’s undefeated streak in the Young Guns. This coming Saturday the Renegade of Dirt Modifieds stop in for a visit to the Monster Half Mile. Also appearing will be the Super Late Models, Crate Late Models, Sportsman, Hobby Stocks, Young Guns and 3/4 Late Models.

(July 15, 2015)...BEDFORD SPEEDWAY – Hyndman’s DJ Troutman won for the first time this season in the Super Lates. It was his 7th career win at the track. The ARDC Midgets had two features and they were split between Jim Radney and Ryan Greth. Lou Wannyn continued his fine 2015 with his fourth Semi Late victory. Saltsburg’s Jonathan Taylor won both E-Mod features while Mike McDonald took the 4 cylinder race.

Coming July 17 is an all features only show. They are running all make-up features to try and get caught up. Bedford will then be off July 24 for fair prep.

DOG HOLLOW SPEEDWAY – Stoystown’s Chad McClellan put his Ford powered Super Late Model in victory lane for the first time since opening day of 2013. The last few seasons have seen McClellan off running the Rush Crate Tour and barely running the late model. Local drivers saw Derry’s Bobby Watt 6th and John Myers 16th. Joe Martin won the Crate Late Model feature for the fouth time this season beating out Andrew Satterlee in a close battle. Irwin’s Ron Smithley was 7th and N. Florence’s Patrick Waugh 12th. Jon Lee, of Mahaffey, put a new engine in his car and came home the winner for the second time in 2015 in the Pure Stocks. Greensburg driver Scott Brown was 12th. Eric Boozel was a first time winner in the 4 Cylinders. The PA Mini Stock Series made it’s first-ever visit and Ryan Laye came from 13th spot to claim the win.

It is a big weekend for the N. Cambria oval coming up. Friday, July 17, the Laurel Highlands Racesaver 305 Sprints make their third visit of the season. Super Late Models, Crate Lates, Pure Stocks and 4 Cylinders will also be racing.

The on Sunday, July 19, it is the 5th Annual Connor Bobik Memorial for Super Late Models ($3000 to win), 410 Sprints ($3000 to win) and Street Stocks ($600 to win). The race started here in 2011 but the past two seasons saw the race at America’s Motorsports Park. Promoter Dan Savino wanted to bring the race back home after he took over the speedplant. There will also be a huge basket auction to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The race is run in honor of Connor Bobik, the track photographer’s son, who passed away at the age of 5 to brain cancer.

JENNERSTOWN SPEEDWAY – Barry Awtey won the Super Lates over Matt Sever. Blairsville’s Rick Boyer drove Snooky Williams car to a 7th place. Steve Long won the Chargers. Stoystown’s Andrew Pluta won the $500 to win 4 Cylinder Hillbilly 500m which was a make up featurem while Steve Settle won the regularly scheduled 4 Cylinder feature. Latrobe’s Chris Ament was 9th in the $500 race and 12th in the other. Ligonier’s Joe Loposky 6th in the big race and 7th in the second one. Lonnie Hoffman won the Modified feature Anthony Aiello won the Street Stocks. Richard Anderson, of Ligonier, was 8th. This week will be a regular show including the Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Chargers and 4 Cylinders.

LERNERVILLE SPEEDWAY – John Flinner returned to victory lane in the Super Lates for his 42nd career win at the Sarver oval. His last win came in 2011. Dan Kuriger started the night off by winning his second Sprint feature. Mat Williamson used a late race pass to steal a Modified win away from Jeremiah Shingledecker. Wayne Carbo was in Victory Lane for the first time since August 2011 in the Sportsman class. Next Friday, July 17 is our rescheduled Holiday Races with Fireworks.

MARION CENTER SPEEDWAY – Waterford’s Bobby Rohrer won his career first Super Late feature beating out a 26 car field. Rohrer’s dad is the promoter at Eriez Speedway. Latrobe’s John Myers was 12th. Just a few weeks ago Kittanning’s Joey Zambotti won his first Street Stock feature and Saturday he collected #2. Chris Hickok gave Ford fans something to cheer about after winning the Strictly Stock feature. Joe Martin made it a clean sweep for the weekend winning the Crate Late Model special paying $1000 to win. Latrobe’s Rich Logan was 10th behind Derry’s Jeremy Shaffer. Jack Mumau and David Lowe split the FWD features. Next Saturday all six divisions are back in action with Fan Appreciation Night also.

MOTORDROME SPEEDWAY – Ohio’s Glenn Gault made a visit to the Smithton oval and demolished the field to win his first Super Late Model feature this season. Adam Koselnik won the Modifieds for the 4th time. In the Street Stocks Scott Aiello also won for the 4th time. Aaron Minjock won his 3rd Charger feature and Mt. Pleasant’s Brian Noel was a first time winner in the Super Compacts. He celebrated with a roof dance after earning his career first win. Friday July 17, the Super Cup Stock Car Series returns for a 50-lap feature event. All five divisions will be in action, as well. The Modifieds will be competing in a 40-lap special event.

PITTSBURGH’S PA MOTOR SPEEDWAY – Rusty Martz claimed the biggest win of his career in the 4th annual Ed Laboon Memorial. Martz was finally able to claim the $2,017 prize after strong showings of 2nd and 3rd in his last two attempts. An impressive field of 51 Sportsman cars was on hand for the 3rd event of the Penn Ohio Pro Stock Series. Alex Ferree was unbeatable in the Super Lates coming from 10th to best the 13 car field. Kyle Lukon beat out a 21 car field in the Crate Late Models. Hannah Ramsey won the Hobby Stocks while OB Huff continued his domination in the Young Guns.

Saturday will see the first special for the Super Lates, the Herb Scott Memorial. The 30 lap event will pay $3000 to winner. Crate Late Models, Sportsman, Hobby Stocks and Young Guns are all in action.

Have a great weekend and get out to a show. Any questions for info can be send to rpmnews@comcast.net.

(July 8, 2015)...This week saw four of the Friday night tracks get rained out. A few got some of their show in while other did not. Bedford and Dog Hollow got part of the show in and rescheduled for Sunday.

BEDFORD SPEEDWAY – It took three tries for Bedford to get in their Late Model Speedweek event. Sunday night saw Jeff Rine score his second win of the season and his 19th career win. That ties him with Scott Rhodes for 7th on the all-time list. Brian Lowery dominated the Limited Late action for his first win in almost a year. Jim Sayler won the Semi-late feature even after something broke in the rearend on the final lap. Ed Vogel won for the third time in the Pure Stocks. This Friday the ARDC Midgets will make an appearance. They have a complete show plus a makeup feature. Super Late Models, Semi-Lates, 4 Cylinders and not one, but two Modified features.

DOG HOLLOW SPEEDWAY – Dog Hollow was probably the luckiest track Friday as they did manage to get in one feature before an annoying drizzle hit the track. They decided to finish out the show on Sunday. Dave Lee won his 7th Pure Stock feature in an amazing year so far for the Windber driver. Sunday night saw the them of drivers all winning their second straight continue. Scott Rhodes (Super Late Models), Mike Laughard (Crate Lates) and Josh Frantz (4 Cylinders) all won for the second straight week. Bryan Everhart won the 100 lap Enduro paying $1000 to win. This week will feature the PA Mini Stocks, a traveling 4 Cylinder class. The Super Lates, Crate Lates, Pure Stocks and 4 Cylinder are also on the card that night.

JENNERSTOWN SPEEDWAY – J’town managed to finally get in their second night of racing. Twin 31’s for the Late Models highlighted the evening. Barry Awtey and Garry Wiltrout each celebrated a win. Bryan Shipp (Modified), Adam Kostelnik (Street Stocks), Stephen Shelpman (Chargers) and Paul Koffler, Jr. (4 Cylinders) all graced victory lane. Shipp’s win was his career first at the track while the others all won for the first time this season. Jason Lasky, son of former promoter Stan Lasky, was up from North Carolina competing in the Street Stocks and finished second. This Saturday is Hall of Fame Night were four people will be inducted in to the Jennerstown Hall of Fame. The Hillbilly $500 is on tap for the 4 Cylinders plus the June 23 Late Model makeup race. There will also be a Vintage Race Car Exhibition.

LERNERVILLE SPEEDWAY – After all the preliminary events for the Crate Late Models and Modifieds were completed, rain forced track management to cancel the rest of the show and it will be made up July 24. Friday, July 10 is a Fab Four night of racing featuring Super Lates, 410 Sprints, Big Block Modifieds and Sportsman.

MARION CENTER SPEEDWAY – Doug Eck made a last lap pass on Mike Blose to score his second feature win in the Super Lates. Blose was subbing for Andrew Gordon. Visiting Rich Gardner, of Waterford, PA, won the King of the Hill. Joey Zambotti won his career first in the Street Stock makeup feature and Ray Hickok, Jr. won the regular feature for the stocks. Chris Hickok, Ray’s brother, won the Strictly Stocks. This coming Saturday the Super Lates will race 30 laps for $1500 to win and the Crate Lates also have a 30-lapper paying them $1000 to win. There will be double features for the Front Wheel Drive cars and a regular program for the Street Stocks and Strictly Stocks.

MOTORDROME SPEEDWAY – The Smithton oval suffered it’s first rain out of the season. A five division NASCAR show will take place this week along with Spectator Drags and a race in total darkness. All First Responders will be admitted free with proper identification.

PITTSBURGH’S PA MOTOR SPEEDWAY – PPMS finally got a show in. The BOSS Wingless Sprints invaded the “Monster Half-Mile” with 26 signed in. When the checker flew it was Kingsburg, California driver Kody Swanson taking the win from his 8th place starting spot. Alex Ferree ran away with the Super Late Model feature. Tommy Schirnhofer won his first Crate Late Model feature of 2015. A big field of Sportsman cars was on hand trying to dial in for the big $2000 to win Ed Laboon Memorial next week. Young protégé Christian Schneider beat out chassis builder Chris Schneider for the win. The pair are not related. Joe Podolinsky captured both the heat and feature in the Hobby Stocks with O.B. Huff winning again in the Young Guns. As we mentioned the Ed Laboon Memorial for Sportsman cars is in the spotlight this week. The race is a Penn Ohio Pro Stock Series event and will pay $2000 to win. Super Lates, Crate Lates, Hobby Stocks and Young Guns will also be racing.

Latrobe’s Anthony Monteparte will have to wait another week for his debut as car problems stopped him from competing this week.

Until next week think sunshine and no rain. Any info or questions, contact us at rpmnews@comcast.net.

(July 2, 2015)...Friday night race tracks seemed to fair okay this week as rain held off until close to midnight. Saturday was a complete washout here in western PA as the worst season I’ve seen since 1972 continues to confront promoters.

BEDFORD SPEEDWAY – I mistakenly said Bedford was running Friday night when they actually had the night off. This week is the Milt Miller Tribute paying the Super Late Models $4000 to win. Late Model Sportsman, Semi-Lates and Pure Stocks will have a full program also.

DOG HOLLOW SPEEDWAY – I never thought they would get the show in Friday, but it turned out to be a great night with 29 Super Late Models and 91 cars signed in. Saxton’s Mike Altobelli won the make up feature from June 5 while Somerset’s Scott Rhodes finally broke into victory lane in the nightcap feature. Mike Laughard had the lead then lost it to rookie crate driver Brad McGinnis. Laughard went to outside and retook the lead with just three laps remaining to win his second Crate Late Model feature. Dave Lee scored his sixth overall, and third straight in the Pure Stocks. Josh Frantz was a first time winner in the 4 Cylinders and Nate Smith picked up his second feature in the Street Stocks.

This week's show features Super Late Models, Crate Late Models, Pure Stocks, 4 Cylinders and the first Enduro under the lights after all the racing is done. The Enduro pays $1000 to win.

JENNERSTOWN SPEEDWAY – Jennerstown cancelled pretty early to help save the drivers a wasted trip and gas. Smart move as the rains did come. This week is the Yankee Doodle Twin Late Model 31’s paying a $1000 plus all divisions and Pittsburgh Circle Track Club Night.

LERNERVILLE SPEEDWAY – The Sarver oval managed to get two of their three night show in. A total of 44 Late Models showed up. Shane Clanton, of Georgia, won $6000 on Thursday. Friday night it was Chase Junghans scoring his career first World of Outlaw feature win. Junghans, a 22-year-old racer from Manhattan, KS, is in his second season with the traveling series. Saturday’s $30,000 to win show unfortunately had to be cancelled and will be run Saturday, September 5. This Friday Lernerville will feature the BOSS Wingless Sprints, RUSH Lates, RUSH Mods and Sportman.

MARION CENTER SPEEDWAY – Marion Center, like all Saturday night tracks, lost their show to the elements. This week MC will have a truck & tractor pull on Thursday, July 2. Then on Saturday, July 4, MC will have two demo derbies. One for full sized cars and one for compacts at 1PM. A car cruise from 1 to 4 PM and then the Independence Day Blowout. The Super Late Models will have a special King of the Hill race in addition to a complete show. There will be double features for the Street Stocks plus the Strictly Stocks. They will also have Fireworks.

MOTORDROME SPEEDWAY – Garry Wiltrout won the Late Model feature for the sixth time this season. Aaron Van Fleet returned to victory lane in the 4 Cylinders and did it on double prize money night for the division. Other winners on Friday were Adam Kostelnik (Modifieds), younger brother Andrew Kostelnik (Street Stocks), and Aaron Minjock (Chargers). On Friday, July 3rd, Motordrome Speedway presents the Inaugural “Late Model All Star Race,” with a unique, three segment, 100-lap format. Drivers from PA, OH, WV, and NY are expected entries for the biggest race of the season for the

NASCAR Late Models. A giant fireworks display will light up the skies over

Smithton, following the five division racing, to kick off the holiday weekend!

PITTSBURGH’S PA MOTOR SPEEDWAY – PPMS was planning to race Sunday night with 410 Sprints. However, rain and extremely wet grounds put a halt to any chance of that. This Saturday it will be the BOSS OUTLAW Sprints, Super Late Models, Crate Late Models, Hobby Stocks, Young Guns & Ed Laboon $400 to win tune up 15 for open Rules Sportsman cars.

(June 25, 2015)...Track promoters are pulling their hair out in western Pennsylvania. This past weekend again was plagued by rain. However, Friday did see three tracks get their shows in. Saturday and Sunday all local racing was washed out. Early forecasts show more rain for this coming Friday and Saturday. Ugh!

BEDFORD SPEEDWAY – For the second time Bedford was able to get all their heat races in before rain swept through and forced promoter Joe Padula to cancel. Bedford now has rainout features from two shows to make up. On July 17 they will have a free spectator admission night on July 17 with make up features from June 12 and June 19. They will run features only, no heats.

This week is the Milt Miller Tribute paying the Super Late Models $4000 to win. Late Model Sportsman, Semi-Lates and Pure Stocks will have a full program also.

DOG HOLLOW SPEEDWAY – Dog Hollow was hosting its first big show of the season, the Shawn McGarvey Memorial. 111 cars filled the pit area with 39 of them Super Late Models. Despite the weather all around it was a huge crowd on hand. Selinsgrove’s Dylan Yoder came from the 20th starting spot to win the $3000 payday. James Pryde won his career first in the Laurel Highlands 305 Sprint feature. Windber’s Dave Lee won the Pure Stock feature for the 5th time this season. Rochester Mill’s Andrew Satterlee won his second straight in the CARS Crate Late Models. Two first time winners graced victory lane in the 4 Cylinders. 2014 track champion Brady Miller won the make-up feature for his first of the season. In the second A-Main, Zack Wissinger won his first-ever at Dog Hollow. Last week he won his career first at Marion Center.

Sunday’s E-Mod show was cancelled due to the weather and will be rescheduled at a later date. This coming week’s show will feature Super Late Models, Crate Late Models, Pure Stocks and the Street Stocks will be making another appearance. Also the Super Late Model feature that was rained out on June 5 will be made up. It is also Cowboy & Cowgirl Night. Best costume for men and women get $100. Second and third best will also get a cash reward.

JENNERSTOWN SPEEDWAY – With nasty weather in the forecast Jennerstown pulled the plug early so that drivers and fans didn’t make the haul for nothing. Jennerstown will feature the ARCA Truck Series in twin 25 laps features plus and Exotic Car Show. All division will also be in racing action.

LERNERVILLE SPEEDWAY – Over 80 cars and big crowd also graced that stands at the Sarver, PA oval. After two rainouts Rex King, Jr. took home his second Big Block Modified feature of the season. Carl Bowser made it look easy in winning his third 410 Sprint feature. Bowser lapped nearly half the field in the dominating win. Alex Ferree survived a larger number of restarts to win his second Super Late Model feature. The win clinched a spot in the A-Main for this weekend’s big World of Outlaws Late Model show. Mt. Pleasant’s Joe Kelley continues to write the record books at Lernerville with his 49th career win in the Sportman class. Kelley earned a starting spot in the Sportsman/Stock Spectacular portion of the annual Autumn-Motive Fest in September with the win. New Alexandria’s Noah Brunnel was 17th in the Sportsman feature.

This coming weekend is the World of Outlaw Late Models, June 25-27. The first two nights pays $6000 to win and the Firecracker 100 finale pays $30,000 to the winner.

MARION CENTER SPEEDWAY – MC held out as long as they could but good old Ma Nature would co-operate and the Potts family was forced to throw in the towel. They will try again this week with Mid-Season Championships for all divisions. There are double features for the Steel Block Late Models, Super Lates, Street Stocks and 4 Cylinders.

MOTORDROME SPEEDWAY – The track crew dried the track out after lengthy rain showers threatened the racing action. Garry Wiltrout, of Somerset, earned his 5th victory of the season as he continues to dominate at the Smithton track. The Late Model car count has been struggling and hopefully more cars will be back in action soon. Dustin Blank won the Modified feature for the 3rd time this season. Scott and Anthony Aiello seem to be taking turns winning in the Street Stocks. This week was Anthony’s turn for his 3rd this year. Joe Geary hasn’t been out of the top five yet this season in the Chargers. Geary picked up his 3rd win of the season so far. Last week Paul Koffler, Jr. stopped Aaron Van Fleet’s win streak and this week it was his son Paul Koffler III who stood in victory lane in the Super Compacts.

This week will be the biggest event of the year for the Super Compacts as they run a 25-lap special. All four other NASCAR Divisions (Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, and Chargers) will also be in action.

PITTSBURGH’S PA MOTOR SPEEDWAY – Pittsburgh’s ARDC Midget show unfortunately got washed out. With Lernerville having their big WoO show this weekend PPMS will run on Sunday at 6PM. The 410 Winged Sprints are paying $2000 to win and the Jook George Steel City 50 Classic for Crate Late Models highlights the night. Sportsman Showdown feature pays $700. Hobby Stocks and Young Guns will have complete shows also.

LATROBE SPEEDWAY – The circle track part of Latrobe has not competed in a few years but the motorcross is still used. Latrobe will have a big TT show for Quads coming up on August 8. It will be the first such event since the early 2000’s at Challenger Raceway. I will get more information on that show for you soon.

(June 17, 2015)...Unlike some sports the word RAIN is nasty for auto racing. For the fifth straight week the “R” word has given track promoters fits. Some tracks were able to get part of the show in while others got their gates opened only to have it pour as soon as they did. 2015 has not been a great season for most of these tracks. Lets all hope we get some good weather soon so the racing season can catch a break.

BEDFORD SPEEDWAY – Bedford was able to get a few heats in the before the skies unleashed wiping out the nights festivities. This week the ARDC Midgets make a visit. They will join the Super Late Models, Semi-Lates, Pure Stocks & 4 Cylinders.

DOG HOLLOW SPEEDWAY – Ten minutes before start time the clouds opened up with a torrential down pour flooding the infield and track. Dog Hollow had 32 Super Lates signed in for the Shawn McGarvey Memorial. Sunday was the raindate, but promoter Dan Savino decided to cancel it until this coming Friday. The Super Lates will be running for $3000 to win. Other divisions participating will be the 305 Sprints, Pure Stocks, Crate Late Models & 4 Cylinders.

JENNERSTOWN SPEEDWAY – The much anticipated opening of Jennerstown went fairly well. A huge crowd was on hand and saw three features before the rain hit canceling the remaining two feature. Lonnie Hoffman, of Smithton, won his career first Jennerstown feature in the Modifieds. Hoffman has won three features at Motordrome. Jerod Brougher, in just his second year in Street Stocks, won his first feature. Steve Long captured the Charger feature. The Late Models and 4 Cylinder features will be made up at a later date.

This week the Late Models will run two 31-lap features as they take the spotlight. Street Stocks, Chargers, Modifieds and 4 Cylinders will also be running.

LERNERVILLE SPEEDWAY – An hour before race time heavy rains hit the track forcing a cancellation. This Friday is Mid-Season Championships in all four classes.

MARION CENTER SPEEDWAY – Heavy rains on Friday and the calling for more on Saturday left the Potts Family with no choice but to cancel their show. Coming up this week is a Father’s Day Special. Super Late Models, Crate Late Models, Street Stocks, Strictly Stocks and 4&6 Cylinders are racing. There will be make-up features for the Crate Late Models and Street Stocks also.

MOTORDROME SPEEDWAY – Motordrome is the only track to not have a rainout so far in 2015. Michigan driver Jeff Myers, Jr. beat out local drivers Cody Quarrick and JP Weisser to win the ARCA Truck Series race. Adam Kostelnik won his second feature in the Modifieds. It was win #3 for Scott Aiello in the Street Stocks. Stephen Shelpman won for the third time this year in the Chargers. Paul Koffler, Jr. was able to put a halt for Aaron Van Fleet’s perfect season in winning the Super Compacts.

Next Friday, all Fathers will receive 50% off admission, to kick off Father’s Day Weekend with all five divisions of the NASCAR Whelen All American Series in action.

PITTSBURGH’S PA MOTOR SPEEDWAY – PPMS was yet another victim of the mother nature and was forced to cancel after the gates had opened. The exciting ARDC Midgets will join the Super Late Models, Crate Late Models, Sportsman, Hobby Stocks and Young Guns.

If you have any news or questions you can contact us at rpmnews@comcast.net.

(June 10, 2015)...Once again Friday night has been the jinxed night for racing with the threat of rain all around the area. However, all the local speedways were able to get most, if not all, of their shows in.

BEDFORD SPEEDWAY – Bedford ran Friday and Sunday this past weekend. Travis Stickley ended a long dry spell on Friday to win the limited late models. The biggest field of E-Mods (21) were assembled for the Mid-Atlantic tour. WV’s Vic Vandergrift beat out the Taylor brothers for the win. Kittanning’s Greg Dobrosky won the 305 Sprint feature. The Pure Stock and 4 Cylinder features were rained out.

On Sunday the Tony Stewart made an appearance after the Pocono race as his All Star Sprint Touring Series was visiting Bedford. Central Pa driver Greg Hodnett captured the $5000 win. Hodnett has been on a roll at Bedford the 410 Sprint feature for the fifth time. Lou Wannyn won the Semi-Lates and Ryan Peer picked up the 4 Cylinder feature.

A regular show of Super Lates, Limited Lates, Semi-Lates, Modifieds & Pure Stocks are on tap for this Friday.

DOG HOLLOW SPEEDWAY – The Strongstown oval managed to get in three features before Mother Nature shut them down. Windber’s Dave Lee won his 4th Pure Stock feature when leader Jon Lee (no relation) got a flat tire with three to go. The Street Stocks were the visiting division but a very slim field were on hand. The Ford powered machine of Ray Hickok, Jr. won for the second time this year. The CARS Crate Late Models were in the spot light with a 25-lap, $1000 to win show. 18 laps were completed before the race had to be red flagged due to rain. The win was awarded to Andrew Satterlee for his second win of the year.

This coming week is the first big show of the season, the Shawn “Sheets” McGarvey Memorial. The race is 41 laps for the Super Lates and pays $3000 to the winner. CARS Crate Late Models, Pure Stocks & 4 Cylinders are also racing. The 4 Cylinders will also run their make-up feature.

JENNERSTOWN SPEEDWAY - After a successful practice this past week Jennerstown will open their doors for the first race of the season on Saturday. The 4 Cylinder class will run the Hillbilly 500 paying $500 to win. Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks & Chargers are also in action.

LERNERVILLE SPEEDWAY – Apollo’s AJ Flick is the current point leader in the 410 Sprints and has yet to finish outside the top five in a point race. The streak continued as he captured his career first win this past week. Flick is a third generation driver and continues the winning family ways. Brian Swartzlander made a last lap pass for his 89th career win in the Big Block Modifieds. Michael Norris won his 5th career, and first of the season, in the Super Late Models. Corey McPherson made it back-to-back wins in the Sportsman class. Mt. Pleasant’s Joe Kelley finished third.

This week is a Fab Four night of racing plus Fireworks.

MARION CENTER SPEEDWAY – MC had two Super Late Model features this week. Sarver’s Ken Schaltenbrand won the make-up show from last week while Chambersburg’s Devin Friese won the other. Greensburg’s Clate Copeman had a 7th and 8th place run. Tom Shaffer won the Steel Block LM feature. Dave Blazavich rolled his Super Late, but came back and won the Crate Late Model feature. Zach Wissinger won his career first in the 4&6 Cylinder feature. Nick Fulmer (Strictly Stocks) and Tim Bish (Street Stocks) were also feature winners on Saturday. N. Alexandria’s Gary Furman finished 10th in the Street Stock feature.

This week will be a special for the Strictly Stocks plus double features for the Steel Block LM’s and 4 Cylinders. Super Lates, Crate Lates and Street Stocks will also be running.

MOTORDROME SPEEDWAY – Garry Wiltrout beat out a slim 7 car field in the Late Models for his 4th feature win. He and teammate Bobby Henry have won every feature in the LM class so far. Dustin Blank won his second Modified feature event. Anthony Aiello won his second Street Stock main of the year. His first since opening night. Aaron Minjock was a first time winner in the Chargers. It was his 20th career feature win. Aaron Van Fleet won for the sixth time in 2015 and remains undefeated in the Super Compacts.

Next Friday, Motordrome Speedway presents the nationally traveling ARCA Truck Series, which will make the second stop in tour history, at the Smithton, PA. Also in action will be the Modifieds, Street Stocks, Chargers and Super Compacts.

PITTSBURGH’S PA MOTOR SPEEDWAY – Tony Stewart’s All Star Sprints started their weekend off at PPMS before running Sunday at Bedford. Ohio’s Greg Wilson dominated in winning the 410 Sprint feature. The win was his 23rd with the touring series and he is also a two-time champion. Aliquippa’s Tim Shaffer finished 5th after also participating in the Super Late Models and finishing 2nd. Apollo’s Ed Lynch was 8th. Josh Holtgraver won the Crate Late Model feature to close out the night.

This coming week it is the Super Late Models, Crate Late Models, Sportsman, Hobby Stocks and Young Guns.

(June 3, 2015)...Rain has played havoc with most race tracks this weekend. Only Motordrome and Dog Hollow were able to get in complete shows. The Appalachian Mountain Speedweek for Super Late Models was scheduled to start at Bedford Speedway. So far the six race schedule has had two of three shows rained out. Gregg Satterlee, Rochester Mills, won the only race at Port Royal on Saturday night. Chalk Hill driver Mason Zeigler finished third.

BEDFORD SPEEDWAY – Mother Nature stepped in before the races got underway and put a stop to the $4000 to win Super Late Model show Friday. This coming week Bedford will try to run twice. Friday is LM Sportsman, 305 Sprints, E-Mods, Pure Stocks, 4 Cylinders and All American Outlaws. Then on Sunday Tony Stewart’s All Star Circuit of Champion 410 Sprint cars invade Bedford for the first time. The race will pay $5000 to win and include Semi Lates and 4 Cylinders.

DOG HOLLOW SPEEDWAY – Dog Hollow had a little rain hit around 7PM causing a 2 ½ hour rain delay but the show got in. Bellwood’s Dwayne Taneyhill won the Super Late feature for his first in two years. Mt. Pleasant driver Dan Angelicchio was involved in a slow rollover on the opening lap ending his night. He was okay. Greensburg’s Clate Copeman had a three race win streak ended. Copeman had to go the tail after a yellow and raced through the field to finish fifth. Murrysville’s Tommy Beck was sixth and Derry’s Bobby Watt seventh.

Mike Laughard won his first Crate feature of the year. Jeremy Shaffer, of Derry, was sixth. New Florence driver Patrick Waugh just missed a top ten with his 11th place run. Jon Lee (Pure Stocks) and John Costa (4 Cylinders) also were first time winner this season.

JENNERSTOWN SPEEDWAY – Jennerstown will hold a practice on Saturday from 1 to 4PM. The will open up the following week.

LERNERVILLE SPEEDWAY – Lernerville cancelled just early enough that a few of their drivers made the trip over to Dog Hollow. This Friday they hold a Fab Four show with 410 Sprints, Super Late Models, Big Block Mods and Sportsman.

MARION CENTER SPEEDWAY – The Strictly Stock class was the only division to get enough of their feature in to call complete. All the heats had been completed and the features for the rest of the classes will be made up in the next few weeks. Nick Erskine won the Stock feature. Greensburg’s Clate Copeman won one of the Super Late Model heats. This weeks racing program will feature a Street Stock Special plus the make-up feature for the Super Late Models.

MOTORDROME SPEEDWAY – The Smithton oval was able to get their show in Friday. Connellsville’s Bobby Henry won the Late Model feature for the second time this year. Lady racer Jayme Beck was sixth. Lonnie Hoffman won the Modifieds for the third time. Andrew Kostelnik looked like the apparent winner in the Street Stocks, but a post race inspection found him illegal and handed the win to Lauren Butler. This was her first win. Stephen Shelpman won the Charger feature, his second. Aaron Van Fleet remains undefeated in the Super Compact class. All five NASCAR divisions will be in action including an “Outhouse Race”. They will also host the first segment of Spectator Drags.

PITTSBURGH’S PA MOTOR SPEEDWAY – Rain forced PPMS to cancel their show on Saturday. This coming week Tony Stewart’s All Star Circuit of Champion 410 Sprints will visit the speedplant. The winged sprints are scary fast on the “Monster Half Mile”.

If you have any info you would like to pass along, contact us at rpmnews@comcast.net.