Another New Main Event Winner At Columbus

By Adam Mackey

(Additional info from Earl Isaacs & Larry Giese)

            Columbus Motor Speedway was the site for a wild weekend of racing action this past Saturday and Sunday, September 29 and 30.  The Super Late Models were there for the running of Main Event XX, while the Modifieds raced in two complete shows and Compact drivers were split into A and B features on Sunday afternoon.  In all, 140+ drivers competed during the two-day season ender.

            During the Saturday afternoon qualifying runs, Dorr, Michigan’s Terry Senneker bested 39 other Super Late Model drivers with a 13.093.  Terry VanHaitsma (13.096) was second, while Joe Bush (13.114), Brian Campbell (13.158), and Jimmy Carter (13.310) were the rest of the top five.

            In American Modified qualifying, Mike Stacy set quick time with a 14.537.  Jamie Hunt (14.690), Greg Stapleton (14.726), Bud Perry (14.756), and Gary Estes (14.800) were other top five qualifiers.  50 drivers had official times.

            50+ Compacts ran a time trial session to lock in the top ten.  Jason Dennis was bad fast with a 17.039, while Ron McMannis (17.146), Tim Ryan (17.302), Daryl McKay (17.342), and Lisa Harding (17.347) completed the top five.

            Saturday night’s action saw qualifying heats for Super Lates and Compacts, while the American Modifieds ran a full program.

            After dash wins for Jason Wells and Kyle Jones and last chance wins for Terry Humphrey and Josh Smith, the 26 car field was set for the American Modified Series event.  The Stapleton Automotive 50 saw Wells and Jones bring the field to starter Kenny Lemmon’s green flag.  Jones surged ahead in his family owned and sponsored ride, as the rest of the field battled for position behind him.  Wells’ night came to an early end after running strong, with a trip the pit area.  Mike Carroll, the 2006 AMS champ broke free of traffic to try and run down Jones.  Dave Stacy soon made his way into third and made a valiant effort to catch the leading duo.  Carroll soon found he was unable to close the gap on Jones who had his car hooked up to run the tight flat one third mile oval.  Jones went on to take the checker in an emotional and crowd pleasing win.  Carroll was second with Stacy third.  Aaron Morey ran great all night to notch a fourth place finish, with Gary Eaton, a former CMS modified feature winner fifth.  Brad Williams had a stellar run to finish sixth, with Greg Stapleton, Shawn Gray. Josh Smith and Rob Yelton rounded out the top ten.      In Main Event heat action, there were three races with the top two advancing to the Main Event 100.  The 1^st heat was won by Ryan Tedesco, while Dino Long finished 2^nd to advance.  Johnny Jenkins won heat #2 with Jack Landis also advancing.  Heat #3 had Chad Poole victorious and Don Mahaffey, Jr. runner-up.

            On Sunday, a 20-lap last chance race was run for the Super Lates, with the top 6 advancing.  Winning the event was CMS track champion Donnie Hill.  Following Hill and advancing to the Main Event were Bobby Grubaugh, Doug Sommers, Gary Whipkey, Don Whetnall, and Rick Sexton.  Don Harvey Jr., Scott Baker, Mike Stacy, and Burgess White were the four point provisionals.

            With the 26-car field set for Main Event XX, many expected to see the first repeat winner in race history, as four previous winners were lined up along the inside lane at the front of the pack.  However, on the wave of the green, outside polesitter, Kyle Jones raced out front with Tim Ice falling into line.  Yellow waved a moment later, though, as Burgess White and Mike Stacy were involved in a grinding crash in turn one.

            On the complete restart, Ice would again have problems.  This time, the car seemed to slow in the middle of turns one and two creating a traffic jam behind him.  Rich Rohrer, Fred Campbell, Brian Campbell, Joe Bush, Terry VanHaitsma, and Don Whetnall were among those involved.  Many had to pit, while last year’s winner Brian Campbell and Terry VanHaitsma were eliminated from action.

            The third try would see Rich Rohrer pull past Kyle Jones entering turn one.  While the field did get its first lap in, the race’s third caution came out on lap two for a Johnny Jenkins-Ryan Tedesco accident in turn two.  The field then realigned in single file formation and ran a good portion of the race under green from that point on.

            As Rohrer broke away from the field, Steve Needles and Terry Senneker were working toward the front.  Eventually, Needles caught Rohrer, as the leader worked the heavy lapped traffic.  As the duo worked Columbus’s outside lane to lap other drivers, Senneker made it a three car race.

            Closing in on the race’s mid-stage, Rohrer’s strong run was thwarted by a right front tire problem.  First, Needles went by, while Senneker moved into second.  After falling to fifth, Rohrer slowed, brought out a caution, and went to the pits for a new right front.

            Back to green with 53 laps in, Needles, Senneker, Joe Bush, Donnie Hill, Jack Landis, Jones, and Rohrer were the only lead lap cars.  The final one-half of the race was full of excitement as the lead duo was working through traffic while battling for the lead spot.  Senneker was trying hard to get to the outside of Needles, but the leader was running a high lane on the straightaways which kept Senneker behind.

            As the laps wore down, Senneker decided an inside lane move was necessary.  The Dorr, Michigan driver placed his Oetman Excavating/Moline Drain Tile #37 on the bottom of turn four and pulled alongside Needles entering one.  By the next circuit, Senneker was on his way to his biggest career victory.

            Following him to an impressive win were Needles, Bush who ran a nice race after an early pit stop, Donnie Hill after advancing from the last chance, and Rohrer who finished as the final car on the lead lap.

            Unbelievably, the 20^th annual Main Event was won by the 20^th different driver.  If there was ever a race to have a repeat winner, the 2007 edition would have been it.

            Most of Saturday night’s Modified competitors were back Sunday for another full program.  The top fourteen qualifiers were locked in and inverted at the front of the field.  Miamisburg, Ohio driver Gary Estes, who was involved in an accident Saturday night, raced into the early lead and held off Dave Stacy’s advances to pick up the feature victory.  The Whittredge Racing #11 was followed closely by Stacy, while Mike Carroll came home third, Shawn Gray fourth, and Jason Mahaffey fifth.  Completing the top ten were Don Townsend, Jr., Greg Stapleton, Mike Rush, Nick Diano, and Bud Perry.

            The 4-cylinder front wheel drives were split into two features on Sunday to give everyone a shot at running a main.  In the fast feature, Eric Scott, of Groveport, Ohio picked up the win in his M&D Auto Sales/Countryside Electric #01.  Scott led flag-to-flag as Donnie Nash, Mike Hyler, Lisa Harding, and Daryl McKay completed the top five.  The rest of the top ten finishers were James Colley, Jason Dennis, Tim Ryan, Brian Whetnall, and Mike Robison.

            In the second Compact feature, a grinding crash eliminated race leader Chris Lucas from competition.  Ralph Vinson took over the point and went on to claim the victory despite a late charge from Kelly McNutt.  Following the MVP Racing #44 were McNutt, Tad Grove, Bill McElfresh, and Terry Litchfield.  The other top ten finishers were James Hunt, Matthew Parsons, Jim Morrison, Randy Rogers, and Jeremiah English.

            Thanks to everyone who helped make the 2007 Main Event XX a success.  For information on the 2008 racing season, stay posted at the series’ website, maineventracingseries.com.

Results For Main Event XX

Main Event Racing Series

            Sunoco Race Fuels Top Time – Terry Senneker 13.093

            Heat #1 – Ryan Tedesco, Dino Long

            Heat #2 – Johnny Jenkins, Jack Landis

            Heat #3 – Chad Poole, Don Mahaffey, Jr.

            Last Chance – Donnie Hill, Bobby Grubaugh, Doug Sommers, Gary Whipkey, Don Whetnall, Rick Sexton

            Main Event XX – Terry Senneker, Steve Needles, Joe Bush, Donnie Hill, Rich Rohrer, Jack Landis, Gary Whipkey, Kyle Jones, Tim Ice, Jimmy Carter, Dino Long, Doug Sommers, Rick Sexton, Don Harvey, Jr., Don Whetnall, Bobby Grubaugh, Don Mahaffey, Jr., Fred Campbell, Scott Baker, Ryan Tedesco, Chad Poole, Johnny Jenkins, Terry VanHaitsma, Brian Campbell, Burgess White, Mike Stacy

American Modified Series (Saturday)

            Ridgeway Photos/Mid-American Top Time – Mike Stacy 14.537

            Fast Dash #1 – Jason Wells, Gary Eaton Jr., Aaron Morey, Dave Stacy, Greg Stapleton, Shawn Gray, Mike Stacy, Gary Estes

            Fast Dash #2 – Kyle Jones, Mike Carroll, Brad Williams, Mike Rush, Nick Diano, Don Skaggs, Bud Perry, Jamie Hunt

            Last Chance #1 – Terry Humphrey, Rob Yelton, Kenny Phillips, Tim Ice, Shane Shirk, Chad Poole, Dean Pitts, Bobby Grubaugh, James Harding, Rick Sibila, Rodney Roush, Jimmy Judd, Jeff Sheets, Jeremy Dennis, Greg Winget

            Last Chance #2 – Josh Smith, Andy Carroll, Steve Minnich, Jason Timmerman, Donald Parsons, Jason Mahaffey, Mike Litchfield, Lance Young, Ross Klingelhofer,. Jerry Stapleton, Steve Foster, Kevin Bloxam, Scott Marino, Charlie Goins, Don Townsend Jr., Dick Dunlevy Jr.

            Feature – Kyle Jones, Mike Carroll, Dave Stacy, Aaron Morey, Gary Eaton Jr., Brad Williams, Greg Stapleton, Shawn Gray, Josh Smith, Rob Yelton, Terry Humphrey, Jamie Hunt, Bud Perry, Kenny Phillips, Jason Timmerman, Mike Rush, Nick Diano, Chad Poole, Ross Klingelhofer, Tim Ice, Jason Wells, Gary Estes, Steve Minnich Jr., Don Skaggs, Andy Carroll, Mike Stacy

Main Event Modifieds (Sunday)

            Ridgeway Photos/Mid-American Top Time – Terry Humphrey 14.454

            Feature – Gary Estes, Dave Stacy, Mike Carroll, Shawn Gray, Jason Mahaffey, Don Townsend, Jr., Greg Stapleton, Mike Rush, Nick Diano, Bud Perry, Doug Meyer, Kenny Phillips, Ross Klingelhofer, Kyle Jones, Josh Smith, Jeff Amsdell, Terry Humphrey, Shawn Stroble, Tim Ice, Donald Parsons, Rob Yelton, Jeremy Dennis, Rick Sibila, Shane Shirk, Jamie Hunt, Aaron Morey

Main Event Compacts

            racingvids.net/Mid-Vid Racing Video Top Time – Jason Dennis 17.039

            Feature #1 – Eric Scott, Donnie Nash, Mike Hyler, Lisa Harding, Darryl McKay, James Colley, Jason Dennis, Tim Ryan, Brian Whetnall, Mike Robison, Mike Blankenship, Tom Runkle, David Lucas, John McNutt, Tom Colley, Rob Smith, Bill Ott, Jimmy McElfresh, Christian Bullock, Tom Barrett, Les Stephenson, Bill Ramey, Seth Rager, Ron McMannis, John Justus, Jason Parsons

            Feature #2 – Ralph Vinson, Kelly McNutt, Tad Grove, Bill McElfresh, Terry Litchfield, James Hunt, Matthew Parsons, Jim Morrison, Randy Rogers, Jeremiah English, Pat Carnes, Larry Ennis, David Stein, Paul Justus, Derek Combs, Chris Lucas, Bill Walterman, Tasha Cantley, Don Rufener, Jr., Mike Schaeffer, Wayne Osbourne, Jimmy Orr

Harvey Races To 3^rd MERS Victory Of ‘07
By Adam Mackey

    Beautiful weather and exciting racing greeted race fans this past Saturday night, September 1 at Midvale Speedway. The Main Event Racing Series Super Late Models were on hand for the 7^th leg of the 2007 season. Pure Stock and Compact competitors were there to put on a great show.
    Akron, Ohio driver Scott Baker set the Main Event fast time at a 13.89. In the extremely tight rundown, Rich Rohrer was runner-up with a 13.93, Ryan Tedesco (13.99) was third, Gary Whipkey (14.00) fourth, and Don Harvey, Jr., (14.00) was fifth. Baker drew the six pill, putting Mike Miller and Harvey on the front row for the 75-lap grind.
    With the green in the air, Harvey was able to use the outside lane to race into the lead. Behind him, Midvale Speedway Late Model point leader, Ryan Tedesco, was having a hard fought battle with Miller for second. After a couple of laps, the New Philadelphia driver took sole possession of second and set his sights on Harvey.
    Over the early laps, Harvey had a mirror-full of the red #70. Tedesco did take a couple of looks low and high, but Harvey would prove to be a very tough challenge despite having a back-up motor underneath the hood.
    As the laps wore down, Harvey extended his lead at times, while the closest racing came between Miller, Whipkey, and Rohrer for third, fourth, and fifth. During the race’s mid-stage, Rohrer was able to get a run to the outside of Whipkey and the duo battled for a couple of circuits before a yellow singled them out again.
    In a race that saw just three cautions, and only a few dnf’s, Barberton, Ohio driver Don Harvey, Jr. raced to his third victory in just seven Main Event races this season. The Akron Auto & Truck Tire/Rittzman Muffler #12 was followed by Tedesco, Miller, Whipkey, and Rohrer.
    The next event will be Main Event XX at Columbus Motor Speedway.  The September 28-30 event will feature Super Late Models, Modifieds, and Compacts. 

Main Event Racing Series
    Top Qualifier - Scott Baker 13.89
    Carter Lumber 75 - Don Harvey, Jr., Ryan Tedesco, Mike Miller, Gary Whipkey, Rich Rohrer, Tim Ice, Scott Baker, Doug Sommers, John Crumrine, Dino Long, Bob Gainer, Joel McKnight, Justin Courtney, Don Mahaffey, Jr., Bill Burba, John Sandquist, Burgess White    DNS - Dean Fusco, Bob Kieran

Rohrer Takes Lake Erie Main Event Win

Main Event P.R.

            Fighting an unfavorable forecast, Lake Erie Speedway and Main Event officials went full speed ahead to complete the Carter Lumber 100 this past Saturday, August 25.

            Gary Whipkey, the 2006 point champion, has been making strides to repeat this season with his great consistency.  The Doylestown, Ohio driver helped himself out during qualifying by setting fast time.

            Whipkey inverted the top ten qualifiers in the 26-car field by pulling the #10 pill.  Akron, Ohio’s Scott Baker took the early advantage, as he led the first seven laps.  However, on the move was Canton, Ohio driver Rich Rohrer.  The three-time Main Event point champion was on his way to victory in 2006 at the speedway before a flat tire negated his run.  During the 2007 edition, Rohrer took the lead, from his fourth starting position, on lap 8 to pace the field.

            Don Harvey, Jr., the point leader entering the event, held the runner-up spot for a period during the race before mechanical problems ended his run.  Later, it was Ryan Tedesco putting on the show as he came from dead last to take second by the end.

            All-in-all, it was another exciting race from the Main Event regulars.  Rohrer claimed his second win of the year and his sixteenth of all time.  The Miller Genuine Draft #7 was followed by Tedesco, Baker, Dean Fusco, and Whipkey.  John Crumrine, Doug Sommers, Don Mahaffey, Jr., Joel McKnight, and Chris Benson rounded out the top ten.

            The Main Event Racing Series competitors will next be in action Saturday, September 1 at Midvale Speedway.  The Carter Lumber 75 will be joined by action from the Pure Stock and Compact competitors.  Pits will open at 1:00, hotlaps at 2:30, qualifying at 4:30, and racing at 6:30.  More information available at midvalespeedway.com and maineventracingseries.com.

Main Event Racing Series

            Top Qualifier – Gary Whipkey

            Lap Leaders – Baker 1-7, Rohrer 8-100

            Carter Lumber 100 – Rich Rohrer, Ryan Tedesco, Scott Baker, Dean Fusco, Gary Whipkey, John Crumrine, Doug Sommers, Don Mahaffey, Jr., Joel McKnight, Chris Benson, John Jenkins, Bill Burba, John Sandquist, Joe Taylor, Bob Kieran, John Flynn, Don Harvey, Jr., Burgess White, Jimmy Carter, Mayo Spence, Tim Ice, John Stroble, Brett Jursik, Bob Grubaugh, Rick Buehl   DNS – Gene Molnar, Paul Adkins        

Whipkey Takes Shady Bowl 75 Lapper
Shady Bowl P.R.
 

            The powerful super late models make their return to Shady Bowl Speedway Saturday night as the Main Event Racing Series took to the tricky little 3/10ths mile oval. The event was sponsored by Carter Lumber with a large number of Carter contractors and associates on hand to see a great night of racing.

Main Event Racing Series

            Top Qualifier - Chad Poole 12.90

            Lap Leader - Gary Whipkey 1-75

            Carter Lumber 75 - Gary Whipkey, Mike Stacy, Rich Rohrer, Don Mahaffey, Jr., Don Harvey, Jr., John Crumrine, Tim Ice, Ryan Tedesco, Scott Baker, Doug Sommers, Burgess White, Rob Patrick, John Flynn, Bill Burba, Jerry Shaffer, Bud Perry, Chad Poole, John Stroble, Rodney Roush, Danny Eaves

Harvey Races To Downtown Ford 100 Win At Midvale

By Adam Mackey

            An absolutely beautiful Tuesday, July 3 led to a packed house and great racing action during the return of the Main Event Racing Series at Midvale Speedway.  The Super Late Models were joined by Pure Stocks, Compacts, and Figure 8’s.

            In the evening qualifying session, former Midvale Late Model champion Mike Miller set fast time with a 13.82.  John Crumrine, Jimmy Carter, Rich Rohrer, and Don Harvey, Jr. completed the top five.  Miller drew the number six pill, which slated Gary Whipkey and Harvey to bring the 24 car field in for the green.

            Chief starter Terry Colletti waved the green high into the air and Harvey raced into the lead by turn two.  Whipkey settled into second while Rohrer got by Carter for third.  As the early laps raced by, Harvey held a comfortable lead, while Rohrer worked on Whipkey and Crumrine tried to race by Carter.

            Over the first 1/3 of the race, fans had their eyes glued to the Marathon Manufacturing #70 of Ryan Tedesco.  The MERS and Midvale Speedway point leader broke a rocker during his qualifying run and was running the feature on just seven cylinders.  Tedesco, starting 24^th out of 24 cars, worked the outside lane in amazing fashion to pass the second half of the field and move into the top ten.  Eventually, the New Philadelphia, Ohio driver moved into the top five for a solid finish.

            At the front, Harvey continued to handle the field with ease.  Behind him, Rohrer had a couple of runs at Whipkey but checked up on each occasion, not able to pull far enough alongside.  Eventually, there was some contact between the two and Rohrer elected to go to the tail.

            Though Harvey had everyone covered, John Crumrine and Doug Sommers made some late race passes to claim top five finishes.  Both drivers impressed late in the race.

            At the checkered, the Rittzman Muffler/Akron Auto & Truck Tire #12 was followed to the stripe by Whipkey, Crumrine, Tedesco, and Sommers.  Also following Harvey to his second straight victory were Dino Long, Jimmy Carter, Joel McKnight, John Sandquist, and Dean Fusco.

            The Main Event Racing Series will next be in action on Saturday, August 11 at Shady Bowl Speedway in DeGraff, OH.

Main Event Racing Series

            Top Qualifier – Mike Miller 13.82

            Lap Leader – Don Harvey, Jr. 1-100

            Downtown Ford 100 – Don Harvey, Jr., Gary Whipkey, John Crumrine, Ryan Tedesco, Doug Sommers, Dino Long, Jimmy Carter, Joel McKnight, John Sandquist, Dean Fusco, Scott Baker, Rich Rohrer, Don Mahaffey, Jr., Bill Burba, Burgess White, Bob Gainer, Bob Kieran, Michael Scheffer, Mayo Spence, Mike Miller, A.P. Ren, John Flynn, Justin Courtney, Gene Molnar

Harvey, Jr. Claims First Career MERS Win

By Adam Mackey

    Barberton Speedway, the tight quarter mile oval in Barberton, Ohio was the site of leg #3 of the 2007 Main Event Racing Series tour.  The largest field of the year, 23 in total, showed up to battle it out for the $2,000 top prize.

    Following an afternoon thunderstorm, Clinton, Ohio driver Mike Miller set fast time.  Miller pulled the eight pill, which put teammate Scott Baker and point leader Ryan Tedesco on the front row for the 75-lap grind.

    With chief starter Chunky Radanovich waving the green, Baker couldn't get going in his blue and white #16.  Tedesco raced into the lead, while Don Harvey, Jr. and John Ambrose raced into second and third.  Caution was displayed for the first time after lap two, as Danny Eaves' #9 racer came to a stop on the infield.

    Immediately on the restart, Harvey ducked to the lowside and raced by for the top spot.  Tedesco, caught in the outside lane, fell to third, as Ambrose raced by as well.  From that point on, it was basically a two car race.  Harvey and Ambrose built up large leads at times, both having plenty of experience at the facility.

    Despite several cautions and slick track conditions the lead duo were never challenged and, in fact, never really raced each other.  Harvey had the field covered and ran a smooth race through lapped traffic for his first career Main Event Racing Series victory.

    The Barberton, Ohio driver was followed in his R & D Auto Repair/Akron Auto & Truck Tire #12 by Ambrose with his best career Main Event finish, Tedesco who was the only driver in the top seven to never race as a regular at Barberton, Scott Baker who settled in after a rough start, and Gary Whipkey who could never get the run he needed to pull by the original polesitter.

    The rest of the top ten were Mike Miller, Michael Scheffer, Rich Rohrer, Mayo Spence, and Dean Fusco.

Main Event Racing Series

    Top Qualifier - Mike Miller

    Lap Leaders - Ryan Tedesco, Don Harvey, Jr.

    Feature - Don Harvey, Jr., John Ambrose, Ryan Tedesco, Scott Baker, Gary Whipkey, Mike Miller, Michael Scheffer, Rich Rohrer, Mayo Spence, Dean Fusco, Don Mahaffey, Jr., Burgess White, John Crumrine, Brad Channel, Tim Ice, John Flynn, Doug Sommers, Chris Benson, Bob Gainer, Bob Kieran, Danny Eaves

Tedesco Claims MERS Victory At Kil-Kare

By Adam Mackey

            Leg #2 of the 2007-Main Event season was held this past Friday night, June 1 at Kil-Kare Speedway in Xenia, OH.  Kil-Kare, the trick-track of the MERS, featured a mixture of locals and tour regulars.

            In qualifying, it was one of the tour regulars setting fast time.  The top qualifier title went to Doylestown, Ohio driver Gary Whipkey.  After the time trial session, Whipkey drew the number ten pill which put Ryan Tedesco and Rich Rohrer on the front row for the second race straight.  At Midvale, Rohrer and Tedesco were the front row starters and finished the 75 lapper in the first two spots.

            This race, though, would see some interesting moments.  Tedesco raced into the lead when Mike Stapleton’s green flag was in the air.  Moving forward quickly were Don Mahaffey, Jr. and last year’s Kil-Kare winner Mike Stacy.

            On a lap ten restart, Mahaffey made an aggressive move to take the lead in turn one.  Stacy followed him into the second spot.  Many were ready to write off any chance of Tedesco claiming a win at that point, but what they didn’t realize was how strong he would be on long runs.

            After the duo moved by Tedesco, they started a race of their own for the lead spot.  Stacy was strong off of turn four and dropped to the lowside of Mahaffey entering turn one.  Lap-after-lap, though, Mahaffey would hold the position and move back out front coming off of the second corner.  However, moments later the race leaders made some slight contact on the front stretch and Tedesco rejoined the battle.  The New Philadelphia, Ohio driver shot to the outside as his car’s setup was coming back in, and made a thrilling pass for both second and first.

            As the laps continued to click off, it was clear to see that Tedesco was the man to beat.  The other driver high on the list of favorites for the Carter Lumber 100 was Dick Dunlevy, Jr. in the Rievley Racing #11.  Dunlevy started ninth in the race and by halfway had worked solidly into the top five.  After closing in on the lead, Dunlevy’s car seemed to fade a bit and was overtaken by Don Harvey, Jr. and Gary Whipkey.

            For Tedesco, the impressive win was his fourth career MERS victory and first at Kil-Kare.  His other event wins came at Midvale and Mansfield.  Tedesco, with his win, now leads the MERS points as well as the Midvale Speedway Late Model standings.  One night later, Tedesco continued his winning ways with the Midvale Late Model win.

            Mike Stacy finished second in the Kil-Kare event, while Don Harvey, Jr., Gary Whipkey, and Dick Dunlevy, Jr., were top five finishers.  Chris Benson, Rich Rohrer, Dean Fusco, John Stroble, and Bobby Grubaugh had top tens.

            The next event for the Main Event Racing Series will be Wednesday, June 13 at Barberton Speedway in Barberton, Ohio.  The event will be a 75-lapper on the tight confines of a 1/4 – mile oval.  The Super Late Models will be joined by Sportsmen, Hobby Stocks, and Pure Stocks.  For more information, go to maineventracingseries.com.

Main Event Racing Series

            Top Qualifier - Gary Whipkey

            Lap Leaders - Ryan Tedesco, Don Mahaffey, Jr., Ryan Tedesco

            Feature - Ryan Tedesco, Mike Stacy, Don Harvey, Jr., Gary Whipkey, Dick Dunlevy, Jr., Chris Benson, Rich Rohrer, Gary Estes, Dean Fusco, John Stroble, Bobby Grubaugh, Burgess White, Don Mahaffey, Jr., Bill Burba, Tim Ice, Bob Kieran

Campbell Becomes 19^th Different Winner In Main Event XIX

By Adam Mackey

            The 19^th Annual Main Event was held this past Saturday and Sunday, September 30 and October 1 at Columbus Motor Speedway in Columbus, Ohio.  Once again this season, Outlaw Bodied Super Late Models returned to race along with Modifieds, Template Late Models, and Compacts.  Action was very entertaining on a weekend that saw many passes and close competition.

            Despite rainfall Saturday morning and a dreadful forecast for the evening, officials were able to work out a plan with drivers to make everyone’s trip worthwhile.  After a couple of hours of hotlaps, the template Late Models were brought out to qualify.  Akron, Ohio driver Dave Wagner set fast time with a 14.620.  He was followed in the top five by Jamie Hunt 14.706, George Lindsay 14.710, Donald Parsons 14.720, and Bob Sibila, Jr. with a 14.810.

            In Main Event Super Late Model time trials, Michigan driver Brian Campbell set fast time, to no one’s surprise, with a 13.047.  Robbie Pyle 13.114, Bobby Parsley 13.131, Lee Anderson 13.203, and John Grega 13.220 rounded out the top five in a bad fast session.

            The division with the most cars was the Modified class.  Columbus veteran Shawn Gray had the fastest lap with a 14.581.  Jeremy Dennis 14.607, Doug Meyer 14.613, Kenny Phillips 14.621, and Ed Vallette 14.663 were in the top five after the session came to an end.

            With threatening skies approaching, the Compact division was the final group to qualify.  Groveport, Ohio driver Ron McMannis set fast time with a 17.641.  The Columbus veteran was followed by Eric Scott 17.871, Ray Pemberton 17.909, Randy Walton 17.967, and Mike Hyler 17.983.

            Amazingly, right after qualifying was completed, rainfall hit the speedway with severe lightning also consuming the area.  It was decided to call the rest of Saturday’s program a wash and prepare for Sunday’s last chance races and features.  It should also be noted that more than the scheduled top 8 were locked in through qualifying in each of the four classes.

            Sunday was a beautiful day for racing, and action was as exciting, if not more so, than usual.  Two last chance races were held in Super Lates, Modifieds, and Compacts, while the Template Late Models had just one last chance race.

            Drivers that picked up last chance race victories were Chad Poole and Jamie Hunt in the Super Lates, Derek Barnett and Greg Winget in the Modifieds, Shane Shirk in the Late Model class, and Maurice Randall and Tasha Cantley in the Compact class.

            After a break to line up the feature program, one of the strongest, most competitive Modified fields that a track could wish for pulled onto the 1/3-mile oval.  The front row featured a rookie and a veteran.  The rookie was 16-year old driver Nick Diano, the son of long time racer Mario and grandson of many time feature winner Tony.  The veteran was Rick Sibila, a second generation driver and son of Bob.  As the green waved over the 26-car starting field, Sibila raced into the top spot.  However, a caution waved that negated the start and put the duo side-by-side for another try.  Again, Sibila was just able to clear the youngster in the first turn.  Racing out front, Sibila was trying to build up a sizable lead during the long green flag run.  Meanwhile, Kettering, Ohio driver Mike Carroll worked by Diano for the second spot.  As the race reached the one-quarter mark, Carroll was able to run down the race leader.  Dodging traffic to the inside and outside, Carroll was just starting to make his move on the leader when a spin brought out the caution with just three to go.  The yellow flag period allowed Sibila’s tires to cool and during the final shootout, fend off any challenge that Carroll put forth.  Under Chuck Barrett’s checkered raced Sibila, Carroll, Diano, Kenny Phillips, and Shawn Gray.  Doug Meyer, Brett Jursik, Lou Bando, Ray Muncy, and Terry Humphrey completed the top ten.  Sibila stated that the victory for his Bachtel Excavating #63 was a special one after his first career Columbus win.

            With that, fans were anticipating the Main Event XIX for the Outlaw Bodied Super Late Models.  After a top eight inversion, Brookpark, Ohio driver Jimmy Carter started from the pole, while John VanDoorn was the outside row one starter.  However, many were thinking that the winner would come from postions three-five, spots that contained previous winners of the Main Event at Columbus.  The season ending race, in its 19^th season, was looking for repeat winner number one.

            As the green waved on the opening start, VanDoorn raced to the lead via the outside lane.  However, an opening circuit accident for Burgess White brought out the caution and lined the field up for a complete restart.  This time, Carter got the advantage.

            With Carter out front, VanDoorn settled into second.  Joe Bush was running third, with Lee Anderson and John Grega also in the mix.  However, top qualifier Brian Campbell was wasting no time in proving his car was still strong in the 100-lap grind.  Campbell, starting from the eighth position, picked up a few spots right at the spot.  After an early caution negated a run to the outside of Grega, Campbell fell back in line for just a few laps before again going to the high side.  Just as he was about to clear Grega, some slight contact took place and Grega spun.  Grega went to the back and Campbell continued his move toward the front.

            As the green flag period continued, Campbell waited for a couple of laps before making relatively easy work of VanDoorn and Carter to go out front.  Once out front, Campbell stretched his lead on the rest of the field.

            The only thing that could have stood between Campbell and his first career Main Event victory would have been bad luck, and bad luck did not strike.

            Despite Campbell having the race in the bag, fans were entertained by the late race charges by Ross Meeuwson and unbelievable run by John Grega.  After the early race spin, Grega’s day could have been miserable but the Fruitport, Michigan driver made the best out of it by charging to third.  Meeuwson, meanwhile came across in the fourth spot.

            At the checkered, the Boyne Machine/Classic Concrete/Port City #77 of Campbell was followed by VanDoorn, Grega, Meeuwson, and Pyle.  Tim Felver, Gary Whipkey, Donnie Hill, Johnny Jenkins, and John Crumrine were top ten finishers.

            Via his top ten finish and an early accident claiming the cars of Tim Ice and Scott Baker, Doylestown, Ohio driver Gary Whipkey claimed his second championship in the last three years.  The Carter Lumber/Lenny’s Collision #59 had another consistent season that could not be matched by any of the Main Event regulars.  Whipkey claimed an additional $4,000 for his championship run.

            After the dust had settled on Main Event XIX, the template Late Model event hit the track for a 30-lap feature.  Unfortunately, with many good races there comes a bad one and this one took the award.  After many cautions for spins and accidents, the last several laps finally went somewhat smooth.  Galloway, Ohio driver Chad Pendleton held off several challenges from speedway vet Donnie Renner to eventually pick up the win in the event.  Following the Master Clean/Rader Industries #10 were Renner, George Lindsay, Donald Parsons, and Matthew Parsons.  Gary Estes, Tony Urdiales, Tim Ice, Steve Mowery, and Ray Muncy rounded out the top ten.

            In a thrilling event that went flag-to-flag, last year’s winner Jimmy Scavarda led the opening circuits in his #72.  However, top qualifier, Ron McMannis was coming from the eighth starting spot to close in on the lead pack.  From running the car each week at Columbus, McMannis had the smooth setup that was needed to get by the loose handling Scavarda and race into the lead.  Once out front, no one was able to catch or challenge the Groveport, Ohio driver.  After the victory, an excited McMannis did a popular burnout against the frontstretch wall nose-first.  George Lindsay, Scavarda, Mike Hyler, and Randy Walton were top five finishers.  Gary Smallwood, Eric Scott, Roy Harding, Seth Rager, and Brian Whetnall finished the race in the top ten.

            With that, the 2006-Main Event season has come to a close.  The 2007-Main Event schedule, rules, and other pertinent info will be posted on the website in the coming months.  Officials would like to thank everyone for making Main Event XIX a success despite the Saturday weather issues.

Main Event Racing Series

    Burko Trucking Top Time - Brian Campbell

    Western Reserve Asphalt Hard Charger - John Crumrine

    Last Chance #1 - Chad Poole, Tim Curry, Burgess White

    Last Chance #2 - Jamie Hunt, Tim Ice, Donnie Hill

    Bazell Oil/Sunoco Race Fuels 100 - Brian Campbell, Johnny VanDoorn, John Grega, Ross Meeuwson, Robbie Pyle, Tim Felver, Gary Whipkey, Donnie Hill, Johnny Jenkins, John Crumrine, David McManus, Kyle Jones, Doug Sommers, Burgess White, Joe Bush, Jamie Hunt, Terry VanHaitsma, Bobby Grubaugh, Jimmy Carter, Dean Fusco, Lee Anderson, Tim Curry, Tim Ice, Scott Baker, Chad Poole, Bobby Parsley

Modifieds

    Mid American/Ridgeway Photos Top Time - Shawn Gray

    Last Chance #1 - Derek Barnette, Josh Smith, David Barnhart, Ross Wells, Jr.

    Last Chance #2 - Greg Winget, Jason Wells, Dave Dobbins, Donnie Matteson, Jr.

    Feature - Rick Sibila, Mike Carrell, Nick Diano, Kenny Phillips, Shawn Gray, Doug Meyer, Brett Jursik, Lou Bando, Ray Muncy, Terry Humphrey, Chuck Silva, David Barnhart, Derek Barnette, Josh Smith, Ross Wells, Jr., Chad Poole, Jason Wells, Dave Dobbins, Donnie Matteson, Jr., Bobby Grubaugh, Matt Marlowe, Chad Pendleton, Ed Vallette, Jeremy Dennis, Jason Dietsch, Greg Winget

Late Models

    Main Event/Mid-Vid Video Top Time - Dave Wagner

    Last Chance - Shane Shirk, John Smith, Steve Karnes, Tim Ice, Jim Hursey, Andy Peterson, Justin Courtney, Don Townsend, Jr.

    Feature - Chad Pendleton, Donnie Renner, George Lindsay, Donald Parsons, Matthew Parsons, Gary Estes, Tony Urdiales, Tim Ice, Steve Mowery, Ray Muncy, Bob Sibila, Jr., Bill Burba, Jim Hursey, Shane Shirk, Dave Wagner, Mike Schweyer, Jamie Hunt, Bobby Justus, Andy Peterson, Bubba Smith, John Smith, Jim Newman, Don Townsend, Jr., Jeff Marsh, Justin Courtney, Steve Karnes

Compacts

    Main Event/Mid Vid Video Top Time - Ron McMannis

    Last Chance #1 - Maurice Randall, Earl Scranton, Tom Barrett, Les Stephenson

    Last Chance #2 - Tasha Cantley, Ryan Erskine, Darrell Dexter, Todd Cooper

    Feature - Ron McMannis, George Lindsay, Jimmy Scavarda, Mike Hyler, Randy Walton, Gary Smallwood, Eric Scott, Roy Harding, Seth Rager, Brian Whetnall, Jason Dennis, Donnie Nash, John Branson, Tasha Cantley, Jim McElfresh, Ray Pemberton, Maurice Randall, Bill Ramey, Tad Grove, James Colley, Les Stephenson, Earl Scranton, Tom Barrett, Darrell Dexter, Todd Cooper, Ryan Erskine

Crumrine First Repeat Winner In 2006

By Adam Mackey

            The Main Event Racing Series Super Late Models returned to action on Friday night, August 25 at Barberton Speedway's tight quarter mile oval.  18 drivers were on hand to qualify in the afternoon time trial session.

            In qualifying, Doylestown, Ohio's Gary Whipkey set the fastest lap by nearly three tenths.  The point leader then drew the number eight pill, putting track regulars Jeff Taylor and Bob Gainer on the front row.  Taylor raced into the lead on the first couple of starts, but each time caution would wave.  In one of the early restarts, Gainer was involved in an accident that sent him pitside for repairs.

            The next start would have Clinton, Ohio driver Mike Miller racing into the lead via his new front row starting spot.  Taylor then shuffled back through the field during some of the most exciting laps of the Main Event season.  During the early lap fast paced racing, John Crumrine, John Ambrose, Gary Whipkey, and others were all dicing for track position.  At one period, Crumrine looked to have passed about three or four cars in the outside lane to take second, before Ambrose was able to get back by.

            After a few laps of Ambrose pressuring Miller for the lead, the track's Late Model point leader was able to move to the inside and into the top spot.  A trio of cars behind him were also able to work by as Miller was stuck in the outside lane. 

            Surprisingly to many, Crumrine was not losing ground to Ambrose at the front of the field.  The two drivers were racing away from the pack, nose-to-tail, setting a blistering pace.  During the long green flag run, Ambrose's #24 car went low coming off of turn four and Crumrine raced out front.  The caution waved moments later as Ambrose had his night end early due to the broken rearend.

            From that point on, Crumrine had everyone covered.  As the laps wore down, only five drivers were able to stay on the lead lap.  At the finish, the Akron, Ohio driver was followed across the stripe by Don Harvey, Jr., Gary Whipkey, Mike Miller, and Tim Ice.  Everyone else at the finish was at least one lap off of the pace.  For Crumrine, it was the second win this season in his Automotive Electric/UFO Fab #44.  His first came earlier at Lake Erie Speedway.

            The next event for the Main Event Racing Series comes up on Saturday, September 2 at Auto City Speedway in Flint, MI.  It will be a 100-lap event paying $2,500 to the winner.  For more information go to autocityspeedway.com and maineventracingseries.com.

Main Event Racing Series

            Burko Trucking Top Time – Gary Whipkey

            Lap Leaders - Mike Miller, John Ambrose, John Crumrine

            Western Reserve Asphalt Hard Charger - John Crumrine

            Carter Lumber 75 – John Crumrine, Don Harvey, Jr., Gary Whipkey, Mike Miller, Tim Ice, Jimmy Carter, Doug Sommers, Jeff Taylor, Danny Eaves, Dean Fusco, Burgess White, Joe Taylor, Mike Holland, Ken Weaver, John Ambrose, Bob Gainer, John Sandquist, Paul Adkins

Ice Triumphant In Midvale Main Event

By Adam Mackey

            The Main Event Racing Series returned to Midvale Speedway this past Saturday, August 12 for the running of the Carter Lumber 75 presented by Miller Lite.  22 Super Late Models were in the pits during a beautiful day for racing.

            In Main Event time trials, Barberton, Ohio driver Don Harvey, Jr. returned to action setting quick time with a 13.67.  Harvey had missed the last two events with engine problems.  Ryan Tedesco 13.83, John Crumrine 13.84, Rich Rohrer 13.84, and Gary Whipkey 13.85 rounded out the top five.  After qualifying, Harvey pulled the eight pill and that put Marcus Malcuit and Tim Ice on the front row for the Main Event.

            As the green dropped, Ice looked strong in the outside lane by pulling out to an advantage in turns one and two.  By the time he and Malcuit had completed the first lap, Ice had sole possession of the lead spot.  Malcuit settled in behind, while Whipkey had moved into third, Crumrine fourth and Rohrer fifth.

            Only a couple of cautions waved in the first half of the race.  They were for Lancaster, Ohio driver Dean Fusco who was having a rough time maneuvering the 3/10-mile after turning a mid-pack qualifying lap earlier in the day.  Fusco was trying to back up his strong run at Lake Erie.

            The third caution of the night was a crucial one for the leaders, as Mayo Spence spun in front of the second place car of Malcuit.  Malcuit, who was being followed closely by Whipkey, Crumrine, and Rohrer swerved at the last moment to avoid contact.  Whipkey, who was shielded by the Malcuit car, locked up the brakes and slid into the side of Spence’s #07.  Whipkey’s night was over as was Crumrine’s and Spence’s.

            That moved Rohrer to the third spot and Scott Baker back into fourth.  Baker had earlier fallen a few positions from where he started on the grid.  As the cars ran during green, Ice again had the dominant ride and pulled away from Malcuit.  The crowd’s attention had turned to Rohrer trying to get by Malcuit and to top qualifier Don Harvey, Jr. who was making some moves through the field.  Harvey slid back on the opening circuits to avoid a spin and had to work diligently to get back into the top five.

            As the laps wore down, Malcuit’s car started to fade.  With about ten laps to go, Rohrer drove to the inside of Malcuit in the first corner.  In a race for real estate, the two made contact with Malcuit’s car spinning.  During the caution, Malcuit told the officials to give Rohrer his spot back, as the Strasburg, Ohio driver took the Rick Watson Trucking car to the pits.

            With a nine lap shootout setup, the green waved and Rohrer stuck his nose to the inside of Ice on the backstretch.  Rohrer, however, couldn’t get in far enough in turn three to make a pass so he fell in line.  Over the final eight laps, Ice’s car remained dominant by pulling away from the remaining competitors.

            Following the excited Ice across the stripe were Rohrer, Harvey, Tedesco, and Baker.  Jimmy Carter rallied for sixth, Bear Schwartz was seventh, while John Sandquist, Doug Sommers, and Norm Taylor completed the top ten.

            Ice was elated in victory lane to win for the third time at Midvale in the last few seasons.  The Seville, Ohio driver stated that it’s especially fun winning at the track as he always seemed to struggle during the early years of his career.

            The Main Event Racing Series will next compete at Barberton Speedway on Friday, August 25 in the raindated event.  For more information, go to maineventracingseries.com.

Main Event Racing Series

            Burko Trucking Top Time – Don Harvey, Jr. 13.67

            Lap Leaders - Tim Ice

            Western Reserve Asphalt Hard Charger - Jimmy Carter

            Carter Lumber 75 – Tim Ice, Rich Rohrer, Don Harvey, Jr., Ryan Tedesco, Scott Baker, Jimmy Carter, Bear Schwartz, John Sandquist, Doug Sommers, Norm Taylor, Burgess White, Joe Taylor, Danny Eaves, Gary Whipkey, John Crumrine, Bob Gainer, Dean Fusco, Mayo Spence, Don Perry, Gene Molnar