 |
|
|
| Thursday, April 16th |
|
Ohio's Fun Place to Race!!
2026 Race Season |
 | July 24, 2010 |
 By Kevin Clark (Bounty Series P.R.)
For the first time in history, the Bounty Series Late Models made a visit to Midvale Speedway. In all, 19 were pitside for the 50-lap feature event. Sport Stocks, Pure Stocks, Compacts, Figure 8's, and Spectator Drags were also on the evening's full ticket.
It was a long night of racing for the Late Model Bounty Series debut at Midvale Speedway. Preston Walker in his Wing Warehouse/Bob's Auto Sales #30 led both practice sessions and set fast time in qualifying followed by the Michael's Racing Engines #02 of Oliver Allen, points leader the #32 of Glenn Gault, Jr., and the Taylor Painting/T5 Bodies #5 of Norm Taylor. Walker drew the six pill inverting the top six qualifiers putting Billy "The Kid" Roberts on the pole and young Tyler Strickland on the outside of the front row, Walker also did not choose to go after the Bounty meaning that for our next race it will raise to an additional $600 if Taylor chooses to go for it.
Nineteen cars rolled onto the track to take the green flag for the 50 lapper and the cars did not quite complete one lap before Allen tapped Gault coming out of turn four and he drifted up the track where Walker hooked his right rear taking both cars into the wall and eliminating the drivers who were running 1st and 2nd in the Bounty Series points on double points night, the wreck also collected Foster Mackey, Jim Ripley and Mike Smith who was making his debut with the Bounty Series tonight.
Billy Strehle brought the caution back out on lap 4 when his car lost power. On the restart, Allen drove into the side of Strickland shooting his car off the track through the exit and by the time he got that car back on the track driving through the pits Strickland lost a lap, all the while Roberts continued to lead.
Taylor turned Roberts sideways on lap 13 causing everyone to lift and Wagner got shipped up high losing 4 or 5 positions but Ripley, after being involved in that earlier incident, ended up spinning bringing out the caution and giving Wagner his 4th spot back. Roberts kept that beautiful #88 in front of Taylor on the restart and led until the caution flew again on lap 19 when Ripley got into the 07X of Tom Fares, Jr. in turn 2.
Now the action was heating up farther back in the pack as Allen was roughing up the 87 of Mike Mazzagatti and had him completely sideways on lap 20 but checked up so he could save it. We were able to knock off 7 laps before the 25 of Paul Adkins drove into turn 3 hard under Lexington, Kentucky driver Gregg Carby and spun to avoid contact.
Allen finally spun Mazzagatti on lap 35 while Norm was beginning to put the chrome horn to Roberts who made some amazing saves and on lap 40 Taylor finally got Roberts loose enough to where he had to chase it up the hill and Taylor took the top spot, Roberts was able to drop in behind Taylor and did not repay the favor.
The caution flew again on lap 44 as Bobby Fihe and Fares, Jr. got together to bring out the initial caution, however as we tried to restart the race that is where the action really picked up. On the initial restart Bryce Scott who had worked his way up to the 5th spot and stayed there for the majority of the night got together with Wagner tearing up both cars on the back straight. On the next restart, Allen got together with Carby putting Carby into the front stretch wall and Allen hit the wall as well but then he bounced off and flew into the wall in turn 1 making hard contact once again. The next try at a restart saw Kirkpatrick, Fihe and Short come together to bring the caution out once again. The following restart had the fans on their feet as Short took it three wide for the lead with Taylor and Roberts on the outside! Those three drivers had the place going nuts and it looked like we were going to put on a heck of a show for at least the last 5 laps until the air cleaner flew off of Kirkpatrick's ride bringing out the caution on lap 45. The radar showed that weather was looming as we restarted on lap 45 however Short got together with Roberts as they battled for 2nd bringing out the caution once again and forcing the Bounty officials to call the race with just 5 laps to go.
With that, Parma, Ohio driver Norm Taylor was declared the winner after a wild race. It was his first Bounty Series victory, as well as his first career Midvale Speedway event win.
Kevin Clark's Corner:
All in all if I was looking for a highlight I would say it was the run of Roberts, he had his share of bad luck at the beginning of the year, however tonight he led the first 40 laps and put on quite a show battling it out with Taylor and Short. I think that Strickland passed the most cars even though he was one lap down at one point during the night he raced his way into the 5th spot on the track from restarting in the rear! Billy Roberts also benefitted the most from the double points jumping from 22nd to 13th in the points while Sibila Jr who lost an engine in practice on Friday night took the biggest hit dropping from 5th to 11th, unofficially Wagner regains the points lead, be sure to check out Speednet for the official points on Monday.
After the race as I walked into the pits and the paramedics were still tending to Allen after that beautiful black Caddy pounded the wall in turn 1 and also Fihe who finished 5th was being treated for either heat stroke or exhaustion and I want to say to both drivers and their families I hope all is well. We also want to thank Randy and Sue Smith for having the Bounty Series at their facility and compliment them on their many improvements they have made as well. Also a quick shout out to Adam Mackey who I enjoyed announcing with in the tower, thanks for your help as well! See everyone at our next race August 14th at Lorain County Speedway!!!
Smart Claims Another Against Improved Sport Stock Field
By Adam Mackey
The Tusco Net Sport Stock class was pitside with an improved car count of 9, which is about double the cars that we have seen the past few weeks. Racing was improved too, as the divisions faster cars would have another three or four to pass while trying to get to the front. Ron Kirkpatrick, back after rebuilding the engine in his #65 racer, took the lead from the green with Bill Aubihl taking second from Nick Grubbs. The race's only caution waved on lap five for a Jerry McNealy spin. This created a double file restart with Aubihl lining up alongside Kirkpatrick. When the green waved, the duo ran side-by-side battling for the lead. After a couple of laps, Aubihl pulled ahead as top qualifier, Randy Smart, followed him into second. On lap 9, Smart got the run he needed to wrestle the top spot away from Aubihl and go on to his sixth feature victory of the season. The Shook Auto/KRC Racecars #17 was followed by Bill Aubihl, Bob Sibila, Jr., Kevin McClintock, and Jerry McNealy. Smart picked up the clean sweep by setting fast time and also winning the heat.
The Midvale Speedway Pure Stock division has seen some great features the past few weeks, and this night was no different. Justin Courtney, driving the Brian Oliver #48, and Bill Burkholder were the front row starters for the 20-lap grind. The race's first of two cautions waved on lap two, as Brian Minard went three wide trying to make a pass on Justin Courtney. The two made contact and slid into the infield. The restart slated last week's winner, Mike Martin, on the outside of Burkholder up front. Martin immediately went to the point, as Chris Mick was working his way to the front behind him. After a lap five restart, Mick took second and started applying pressure on Martin. Over the final half of the race, Mick tried high and low, but was never able to get a run on Martin that he needed. It looked as though the two had finished the same way as they did a week ago, however, Martin's #5 rolled across the scales 20 pounds light, giving the win to Mick. Martin stated that an error in not fueling the car before the race resulted in the problem. Mick, the Stow, Ohio driver, running in just his second week at Midvale this season picked up the win in his American Thunder/HOC Transport #85. Teddy Oliver, Brian Minard, Bill Burkholder, and Larry Smith were top five finishers. Minard and Smith won the heats, while Lee McCreery set fast time.
Wes Ennis and Jesse Page were the front row starters in the fast feature for the Midvale Speedway Compacts. Ennis jumped out front early, looking for his third win of the season. Leading the first four laps fairly uncontested, Ennis looked like he was the man to beat. However, Page's car came to him with about five in, as he challenged in the high lane. Page led lap six and seven, while Ennis came back to lead lap eight. Page then went back ahead for good on lap nine eventually able to close the door on the youngster. The racing throughout the field was ferocious but clean, as the Compacts put on exciting shows all night long. At the checkered of the caution-free race, it was Louisville, Ohio driver Jesse Page claiming his second win of the season. The Empire Welding/Autosportplus.com #02 held off Don Rufener, III down the stretch, followed by Ennis, Joe Konovsek, and Kyle Rector.
Ed McClain led the first couple of laps in the second Compact feature of the night, one that also went flag-to-flag. Third year driver Jake Albright was on the move, though, and inherited the lead on lap three. Albright built up a huge advantage before Lennie Orr took second before the halfway mark. Orr, driving the Brad Henry #87 that was making its first appearance this year, was about a tenth quicker per lap, but ran out of time in the 15-lap grind. New Philadelphia's Jake Albright claimed his second feature win of the year and was followed by Orr, Jeffrey Orr, Dan Konovsek, and Larry Ennis, Jr.
Compact preliminary race trophies were collected by Don Rufener, III, Lennie Orr, and Tim Frederick. Top qualifier was again Kyle Rector.
The Midvale Speedway Figure 8's had four take the green. All eyes were on Neil Rolli, who had won all of the Figure 8 features so far this season. He did, though, have to contend with the father-son combination of Lennie and Jeffrey Orr. Rolli took the lead in the early going with Jeffrey Orr following. Jeff stayed just close enough to apply pressure, while Rolli had to work around the elder Orr a couple of times while lapping him. At the checkered, Rolli picked up the hard earned victory, while Jeffrey Orr had a strong showing of second in his first Figure 8 race. Lennie Orr was third and Larry Ennis, Jr. was fourth.
This coming Saturday night, July 31, Midvale Speedway will have a full five division show with the Legend cars joining Late Models, Sport Stocks, Pure Stocks, and Compacts. Racecar Bingo will be played by those in the grandstands. Prizes will be given out.
Pit gates will open at 2:00, hotlaps at 3:00, qualifying at 4:50, and racing at 6:30.
Grandstand admission will be regular at $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 62+, $8 for kids 6-15, and children 5 and under are free. Pit admission is $25 for members and $30 for non-members.
More information may be available at www.midvalespeedway.com.
Results For Midvale Speedway
Bounty Series Late Models
Top Qualifier - Preston Walker 14.475
Unofficial Rundown - Norm Taylor, Brian Short, Billy Roberts, Mike Mazzagatti, Bobby Fihe, Ryan Kirkpatrick, Tom Fares, Dave Wagner, Bryce Scott, Gregg Carby, Oliver Allen, Tyler Strickland, Paul Adkins, Jim Ripley, Billy Strehle, Mike Smith, Foster Mackey, Preston Walker, Glenn Gault, Jr.
Tusco Net Sport Stocks
Top Qualifier - Randy Smart 15.245
Heat - Randy Smart, Tad Grove, Ron Kirkpatrick, Jerry McNealy, Kevin McClintock
Feature - Randy Smart, Bill Aubihl, Bob Sibila, Jr., Kevin McClintock, Jerry McNealy, Virgil Ravenscroft, III, Ron Kirkpatrick, Nick Grubbs
Midvale Speedway Pure Stocks
Top Qualifier - Lee McCreery 16.727
Heat #1 - Brian Minard, Chris Mick, Lee McCreery, Teddy Oliver, Bob Passwaters, Sr.
Heat #2 - Larry Smith, Bill Burkholder, Justin Courtney, Tye Kelly, Bob Passwaters, Jr.
Feature - Chris Mick, Teddy Oliver, Brian Minard, Bill Burkholder, Larry Smith, Tye Kelly, Bob Passwaters, Jr., Bob Passwaters, Sr., Lee McCreery, Justin Courtney, Bill Page, Luther Chambers
Midvale Speedway Compacts
Top Qualifier - Kyle Rector 17.952
Heat #1 - Don Rufener, III, Adam Mishler, Kyle Rector, Don Rufener, Jr., Brad Henry
Heat #2 - Lennie Orr, Jeffrey Orr, Joe Konovsek, Neil Rolli, Jesse Page
Heat #3 - Tim Frederick, Richard Hambleton, Corey Evey, Ed McClain, Ashlee Page
Feature #1 - Jesse Page, Don Rufener, III, Wes Ennis, Joe Konovsek, Kyle Rector, Adam Mishler, Tad Grove, John McNutt, Brad Henry, Rich Dunlap, Don Rufener, Jr., Neil Rolli, Earl Scranton
Feature #2 - Jake Albright, Lennie Orr, Jeffrey Orr, Dan Konovsek, Larry Ennis, Jr., Ashlee Page, Ed McClain, Colton Cottis, Tim Frederick, Corey Evey
Midvale Speedway Figure 8's
Feature - Neil Rolli, Jeffrey Orr, Lennie Orr, Larry Ennis, Jr.
Spectator Drags
Winner - Jerrod Martin
Written by: Adam Mackey |
|
|
|
|
| Finished Position | Points Earned | Car No. | Driver |
| 1 | 50 | 85 | Chris Mick |
| 2 | 48 | 49 | Teddy Oliver |
| 3 | 46 | 51 | Brian Minard |
| 4 | 44 | 17 | Bill Burkholder |
| 5 | 42 | 62 | Adam Stewart |
| 6 | 40 | O5 | Mike Martin |
| 7 | 38 | 74 | Bob Passwaters, Jr. |
| 8 | 36 | 75 | Bob Passwaters, Sr. |
| 9 | 0 | 2 | Lee McCreery |
| 10 | 32 | 48 | Justin Courtney |
| 11 | 30 | 16 | Bill Page |
| 12 | 28 | 34 | Luther Chambers |
| Disqualified | 0 | 5 | Vince Martin |
| DNS | 0 | 22 | Tim Lynn |
| |
|
| Finished Position | Points Earned | Car No. | Driver |
| 1 | 8 | 51 | Brian Minard |
| 2 | 7 | 85 | Chris Mick |
| 3 | 0 | 2 | Lee McCreery |
| 4 | 5 | 49 | Teddy Oliver |
| 5 | 4 | 75 | Bob Passwaters, Sr. |
| |
|
| Finished Position | Points Earned | Car No. | Driver |
| 1 | 5 | 62 | Adam Stewart |
| 2 | 4 | 17 | Bill Burkholder |
| 3 | 3 | 48 | Justin Courtney |
| 4 | 2 | O5 | Mike Martin |
| 5 | 1 | 74 | Bob Passwaters, Jr. |
| |
|
|
| Finished Position | Points Earned | Car No. | Driver |
| 1 | 50 | 17 | Randy Smart |
| 2 | 48 | 31 | Bill Aubihl |
| 3 | 46 | 14 | Hoopingarner Racing |
| 4 | 44 | 38 | Kevin McClintock |
| 5 | 42 | 1 | Jerry McNealy |
| 6 | 40 | 13 | Virgil Ravenscroft, III |
| 7 | 38 | 65 | Ron Kirkpatrick |
| 8 | 36 | 24 | Nick Grubbs |
| DNS | 0 | 3 | Tad Grove |
| |
|
| Finished Position | Points Earned | Car No. | Driver |
| 1 | 8 | 17 | Randy Smart |
| 2 | 0 | 3 | Tad Grove |
| 3 | 6 | 65 | Ron Kirkpatrick |
| 4 | 5 | 1 | Jerry McNealy |
| 5 | 4 | 38 | Kevin McClintock |
| |
|
|
| Finished Position | Points Earned | Car No. | Driver |
| 1 | 50 | O2 | Jesse Page |
| 2 | 48 | O7 | Don Rufener, III |
| 3 | 46 | 18 | Wes Ennis |
| 4 | 44 | 133 | Joe Konovsek |
| 5 | 42 | 22 | Kyle Rector |
| 6 | 40 | 65 | Adam Mishler |
| 7 | 38 | 3 | Kyle Grove |
| 8 | 0 | 35 | John McNutt |
| 9 | 34 | 33 | Brad Henry |
| 10 | 32 | 36 | Rich Dunlap |
| 11 | 30 | 47 | Don Rufener, Jr. |
| 12 | 28 | 46 | Neil Rolli |
| 13 | 26 | O3 | Earl Scranton |
| |
|
| Finished Position | Points Earned | Car No. | Driver |
| 1 | 36 | 10 | Jake Albright |
| 2 | 34 | 87 | Lennie Orr |
| 3 | 32 | 8 | Jeffrey Orr |
| 4 | 30 | 82 | Don Boron, Jr. |
| 5 | 28 | 20 | Larry Ennis |
| 6 | 26 | 14 | Ashlee Page |
| 7 | 24 | 55 | Ed McClain |
| 8 | 22 | 128 | Colton Cottis |
| 9 | 20 | 41 | Tim Frederick |
| 10 | 18 | 21 | Corey Evey |
| |
|
| Finished Position | Points Earned | Car No. | Driver |
| 1 | 8 | O7 | Don Rufener, III |
| 2 | 7 | 65 | Adam Mishler |
| 3 | 6 | 22 | Kyle Rector |
| 4 | 5 | 47 | Don Rufener, Jr. |
| 5 | 4 | 33 | Brad Henry |
| |
|
| Finished Position | Points Earned | Car No. | Driver |
| 1 | 5 | 87 | Lennie Orr |
| 2 | 4 | 8 | Jeffrey Orr |
| 3 | 3 | 133 | Joe Konovsek |
| 4 | 2 | 46 | Neil Rolli |
| 5 | 1 | O2 | Jesse Page |
| |
|
| Finished Position | Points Earned | Car No. | Driver |
| 1 | 5 | 41 | Tim Frederick |
| 2 | 4 | 40 | Richard Hambleton |
| 3 | 3 | 21 | Corey Evey |
| 4 | 2 | 55 | Ed McClain |
| 5 | 1 | 14 | Ashlee Page |
| |
|
|
| Finished Position | Points Earned | Car No. | Driver |
| 1 | 50 | 46 | Neil Rolli |
| 2 | 48 | 70 | Lennie Orr |
| 3 | 46 | 8 | Lennie Orr |
| 4 | 44 | 20 | Larry Ennis |
| |
| Top |
|
|
07/24/2010 Race
Pure Stocks Listings |
| Finish Pos. | Driver |
| 1. | Mick, Chris |
| 2. | Oliver, Teddy |
| 3. | Minard, Brian |
| 4. | Burkholder, Bill |
| 5. | Stewart, Adam |
| 6. | Martin, Mike |
| 7. | Passwaters, Jr., Bob |
| 8. | Passwaters, Sr., Bob |
| 9. | McCreery, Lee |
| 10. | Courtney, Justin |
| More |
| |
07/24/2010 Race
Sport Stocks Listings |
| Finish Pos. | Driver |
| 1. | Smart, Randy |
| 2. | Aubihl, Bill |
| 3. | Racing, Hoopingarner |
| 4. | McClintock, Kevin |
| 5. | McNealy, Jerry |
| 6. | Ravenscroft, III, Virgil |
| 7. | Kirkpatrick, Ron |
| 8. | Grubbs, Nick |
| 9. | Grove, Tad |
| |
07/24/2010 Race
Compacts Listings |
| Finish Pos. | Driver |
| 1. | Page, Jesse |
| 2. | Rufener, III, Don |
| 3. | Ennis, Wes |
| 4. | Konovsek, Joe |
| 5. | Rector, Kyle |
| 6. | Mishler, Adam |
| 7. | Grove, Kyle |
| 8. | McNutt, John |
| 9. | Henry, Brad |
| 10. | Dunlap, Rich |
| More |
| |
07/24/2010 Race
Figure 8 Listings |
| Finish Pos. | Driver |
| 1. | Rolli, Neil |
| 2. | Orr, Lennie |
| 3. | Orr, Lennie |
| 4. | Ennis, Larry |
| |
|
|
|