Jimmy Zacharias doubles with pair of new cars; Chris Zacharias tops ASA Late Models; Chad McDonald gets Street Stock win at Shangri-La II

Jimmy Zacharias swept the Modified and Sportsman features and extended his point lead in both classes Saturday night on "Stars of NASCAR Night" at Shangri-La II Motor Speedway. While the third generation racer from Candor, N.Y. has pulled off the clean sweep before, this time there was a twist as both of his winning cars were making their first racing apperance.

Chris Zacharias, Jimmy's uncle, scored his first victory at the Concrete Castle in the ASA Late Models, and Chad McDonald was awarded the Street Stock win when Lee Sharpsteen was penalized for rough riding on the final restart.

The match race among the NASCAR celebrities driving ASA Late Models saw Matt Kenseth take the honors over Greg Biffle and Kenny Wallace

The Modified 35-lapper followed a script that has become familiar to Shangri-La II fans. J.R. Kent, in a Zacharias team car, led from the front row but sixth-starting J. Zacharias moved into contention and repeatedly challenged Kent until he made the pass stick just before the midway point. Kent dropped out and the chase was taken up by Dean Rypkema and Jim Storace, who started last in his backup car after his primary mount was eliminated in heat race action.

The final laps saw Rypkema mount a challenge for his first feature win but instead he settled for another second place finish. Newcomers Kyle Ebersole from the Pennsylvania circuit and Pat Emerling from the Buffalo area came on strong to take third and fourth with Storace fifth.

Chris Zacharias, the 2001 late model champion of the original Shangri-La track, joined the ranks of drivers who have won at both facilities by holding off track regular Travis Fisher in the ASA Late Model contest. Invaders Matt Barndt, Joe Burns, and Josh Lloyd completed the top five.

Jimmy Zacharias' win in the Sportsman race can only be characterized as an old fashioned country whuppin'. He moved from fourth to the lead in one lap and won the caution-free 25-lapper by nearly half a lap over his brother T.J. Zacharias. John Wilber, Bryan Sherwood, and Tony Jilson, in his first Shangri-La II start, were third through fifth on T.J.'s bumper.

When Cricket Clonch dropped by the wayside it gave point leader Lee Sharpsteen the lead in a marathon Street Stock race that included lengthy red flag periods for a major oildown and an accident that required medical attention for driver Bill Davey. Davey exited the car under his own power but reported back pain at the scene and was transported for evaluation as a precautionary measure.

On the final restart McDonald appeared to take the edge over Sharpsteen, but contact was made as Sharpsteen retook the lead. Sharpsteen's move resulted in a one-position penalty for rough riding and McDonald was directed to victory lane. Officially Sharpsteen was placed second ahead of Tom Cundy, Billy Coyle, and Scott Reagan.

ERNIE MARTIN AND DONNY BURGESS PICK UP FIRST WINS

Pro Stock feature event found fierce competition from the drop of the green flag. Chad Ely and Bobby Maynard paced the field. The front row changed after the Ely number 57 developed a mechanical issue forcing him to the rear of the field. Chad tried to keep the car in competition, but had to exit the feature just after the start of the race. Bobby Maynard grabbed the lead away for a short time. As the M13 of Ernie Martin was working to get around the Maynard machine. Martin took the lead away from Maynard with a inside move in the first turn. A late race caution bunched the field back up with Bobby and Jeremiah both hoping to dash the hopes for the win from Martin. Ernie had other ideas as he kept the field behind him to record his first win of the 2010 season. A shake up in the finishing order after the post race inspection found the Bobby Maynard and Jeremiah Clonch machines being disqualified. That gave second place to Shannon Oswald, with Rich Sharpsteen in third, Lee Vinson in fourth and fifth going to Scott Vanderpool.

In the Factory Stock main it was Donny Burgess holding off the hard charging Rich Sharpsteen. It was the very first win for the Burgess team. Donny enjoyed the celebration in victory lane thanking everyone who helped him to get there. It was great to see this driver who has been the bridesmaid many times during the early part of the racing season. The action between both of these drivers was side by side in the closing laps of the event. They never touched and ran a clean sportman like feature. Finishing in third was Stan Matthews and fourth went to Tim Perham. Missing from the action was current point leader Freddie Peters. He was in attendance at the track, but without his car.

Mini Stock feature event found 10 cars take the green. The front row was suppose to be Mike Navone and Ed Navone, the 68 of Mike Navone opted to start in the rear of the field. This moved Shane Brown to the outside . When the green fell Brown jumped into the lead. It was John McAdam with a new mini stock who was working his way to the front. The caution filled event helped the McAdam machine get to the front. John took away the lead in the closing laps which saw only four cars finish the event. In the closing laps Otis Maxwell took over the second position from Shane Brown. They battled with for that position right to the checkered flag. Finishing in fourth was Mike Navone and fifth went to Travis Parks.

Front Wheel Drive division thirteen competitors took the green flag. Bad luck once again struck the 16 of Kenny Underwood who had taken the lead. Underwood developed a flat tire on the fast Dodge Neon forcing him to the pit area. He would not return to the event. The current point leader Marcus Wood had his work cut out for him as he started deep in the field. He and Kenny Benjamin III battled for the position as they made their way to the front. Marcus took over the lead from the Ron Kipp machine. Close behind him was the Benjamin and Kipp race machines hoping to catch a break being able to take away the lead. Marcus managed to work the lap traffic well and hold off the rest of the field to record the feature win. This is the second feature win in a row for this driver after having to rebuild his car from a bad wreck a couple weeks ago. Rounding out the top five were Kenny Benjamin III, Ron Kipp, Mike Hodle and Brandon Hillyard.

IMCA Style Modifieds found JT McKernan picking up his second feature of the season. He was being chased by current point leader Eddie Sites. Sites had to come from the rear of the field after suffering a flat tire during the event. An early race caution between Bruce Tinsley and Jason Sullivan saw Tinsley getting up and over the wheel of the Sullivan machine. Both machines were able to continue in the event. The event found a couple of new faces up front as Ray McClure and Harry Ely made up the front row. It didn't take long for the red McKernan machine to take the lead. He worked the high side of the track holding off the McClure and Ely machines. Eddie Sites was chasing down the top positions and he closed in on the JT in the closing laps. Both of these drivers know the fast way around the track and are capable of capturing the win. This week it was JT who held off the 15 of Eddie Sites to bring home the victory. In third was Ray McClure, fourth went to Sonny Terry and Bruce Tinsley recovered to finish in fifth.

It was a great night of racing, with low dust and fast competition in all divisions. Be sure to visit Dunn Hill 2 Speedway in Monroeton, Pa., so you don't miss any of the action. This Friday night will be a regular show for all divisions. Spectator one on one races will be the special event. You get the details on the night racing on the Web site at dunnhill2speedway.com. Coming up on Friday, Aug. 20, Ms. Motorsports will be making an appearance at the track. She will be there to sign autographs and you can have your photo taken with her also. Mark that date on your calendar. You won't want to miss this opportunity to visit with her and watch the exciting racing on the hill.

BOB MOTZ RETURNS FOR NIGHT UNDER FIRE AND A SALUTE TO HOMETOWN HEROES PLANNED

TIOGA CENTER, NY - On Sept. 4, 2010, thousands of racing fans from the Northeast will once again convene in Tioga Center, N.Y. for what has become the sport's most popular jet and fire show as Bob Motz returns to Skyview Drags with his jet powered Kenworth for a "Night Under Fire" and a Salute to Hometown Heroes. The evening will be complete with numerous pro vehicles, a nationally respected wheelstander and fireworks all rolled into one great evening.

Additionally, throughout the evening, the event will honor our hometown heroes to include military actively serving, veterans who have served, and emergency service personnel to include fire police.

On tap for the day are Bob Motz and his jet powered Kenworth; two wild and woolly Jet Trains, Jim Brewer and his "Peacemaker" pickup wheelstander, and the popular blown alcohol Supercharged Warriors. In addition, the IHRA Summit Series/Interstate Auto bracket racers will compete with fireworks also scheduled for later in the evening.

Motz, one of the most popular attractions at Skyview, brings his 20,000 horsepower Jet Kenworth for a highly anticipated return engagement. Motz will again thrill the fans with a fire show of unprecedented, heart stopping excitement as fans can be sure they will go away from the track that night electrified.

The two popular jet trains, named Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Cannonball Express, will also return for more action following last year's spectacular show. The jet powered "trains," which are fiberglass bodied train jet dragsters, will put on a show complete with train sounds and thundering jet performances. When the afterburners kick in, hold on to your hats!

Jim Brewer's popular "Peacemaker" wheelstander will appear for a second time in several seasons. Look for full eighth-mile wheelstands with a few surprises in store for the throng of fans. Brewer's yellow pickup sports a combustion alky engine, an afterburner, and some inbred fireworks to wow the fans.

The Sept. 4 power show continues with the ultra quick Supercharged Warriors, cars ranging from blown and injected altereds to doorslammers with full big block or hemi power with blowers. These four-second cars are wild, hardly ever go straight and are ultra quick.

Rounding out the show will be the full complement of IHRA bracket racing, featuring Skyview's talented weekly racers competing in Junior Dragster, Super Pro, Pro, Street, Trophy, Teen Championship and Bike/Sled classes. The regular weekly racing starts at 11 a.m. with the Juniors, and then the other six classes of competition to follow.

The jets, wheelstander and supercharged warriors take part in three shows, with features at 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Gates open at 9 a.m. for those looking to spend the full day at the track.

Admission for this national event style show is $20, with children from ages 5 to 10 only $5. Kids under 5 are admitted free. As always, free parking and camping are permitted, and all families are welcome as Skyview is a family friendly track. The track is also noted for its excellent concession stands, where burgers, dogs, pizza, ice cream, refreshments and much more await the guests. All tickets include a pit pass to meet the drivers and see the vehicles.

"We're again expecting the largest crowd of the year for this show," said Track Manager Amy Culver. "We've got a great lineup of special attractions, and I know the fans will enjoy the experience."

For more information, contact the track at (607) 687-9392 or visit www.skyviewdrags.com.

4-SCORE FOR JR KENT IN CHEMUNG'S NASCAR MODS; BRITTANY JACK GRABS FIRST WIN IN STREET STOCKS

Fans and race teams watched a great show click off without incident on a beautiful Friday evening at WilliamsAutoGroup.com presents Chemung Speedrome. JR Kent's win in the NASCAR Sunoco Modifieds vaulted him atop the point standings in his quest to successfully defend the track title. Brittany Jack dominated the Street Stocks, and her sweep was a popular one with the fans. Mike Alcaro's win in the INEX Legends brought him to the Horseheads Pick-A-Part victory lane for the 10th time this year. Archie Haner (4 Cylinders) and Clayton Weaver (FWD 4 Cylinders) also picked up wins on Carquest Auto Parts night.

Zack Curren and Rusty Smith brought the NASCAR Sunoco Modified field to the green for the start of their 50-lap, double-points feature. Smith led the way off turn 2 but it was JR Kent, who had started 6th, who was on the move from his 6th starting spot. When caution slowed the action a lap short of the halfway point Kent got the better of Smith on the restart. He led off turn 2 and took over the top spot on lap 25 with Bobby Osgood also on the move. Over the second half of the race John Wilber, Jimmy Zacharias and heat winner Dan Kurzejewski engaged in a barnburner of a battle for positions 3 through 5. Kent held on to the top spot and picked up his 4th win of the season. Osgood crossed the stripe in 2nd, followed by Smith, Wilber and Zacharias. Post-race inspection resulted in a disqualification for Wilber (mirrors), moving Smith up to 3rd, Zacharias to 4th and Kurzejewski to 5th. Zacharias won the other heat race. The point race remains tight among Kent, Zacharias and Osgood with three features remaining in the 2010 season.

Fans were happy for Brittany Jack when she won the Dash for Cash a few weeks ago. They were thrilled Friday watching her pull off a sweep. She first won her heat race, then she held off all the guys for a career-first Street Stock feature win. Jack started from the pole and survived an early race restart. As the laps wore on point leader Mike Nichols applied some heavy pressure to the only female competing in the class. In recent weeks Jack had let her nerves get the best of her, but this time she kept her nerves in check and focused on driving. Nichols made a run for the lead but she held her line and kept him behind her. Heat winner Chris Daugherty, meanwhile, was alone in 3rd place. With her fans on their feet, Brittany took the while flag and then the long-awaited checkered flag. Nichols finished 2nd, ahead of Daugherty, Jeff Goodwin and Derrick Tarbox.

With 24 INEX Legends on hand hopes were high they would deliver another exciting feature, and they did. Joe DeGracia and Andrew Stotler, who made up row 1 for the start of the 25-lap feature, each led a lap before giving way to Richie Vanderpool. He had started 6th, with hotshoe Mike Alcaro right behind him. Both had worked toward the front along with Justin Petcosky. The trio pulled away, as they did the week prior, and it was pretty much anyone's guess right until the end as to which driver would win. Meanwhile, Zach Truesdail was up to 4th after starting dead last. Petcosky had one last shot on the white flag lap. When he bobbled in turn 3 Alcaro took full advantage of it and cruised to his 10th win this year. Jason Urso, Alcaro and Vanderpool won the 3 heat races.

Daren Scherer won the Dash for Cash for the INEX Legends. The winner-take-all event featured the first 2 and last 2 finishers from the 3 heat races.

Archie Haner may have missed 3 races this year but he's not missing out on 4 Cylinder victory lane celebrations. Ryan Purvis led the first 2 laps until Frank Morich made a pass on the 3rd lap. Haner and Purvis, who had started in the 3rd row, caught Morich on the7th lap and from that point it was a 2-man battle for the win. Purvis had the advantage in the corners but on the straights Haner had the advantage. It was that advantage that resulted in Haner's division-leading 5th win. G. Purvis, R. Purvis, Phil Haner and Morich made up the top 5. Milton Price won the heat.

Clayton Weaver made a power move around pole-sitter Steven Rogers when the FWD 4 Cylinders hit the track for their 15-lap feature. That was his race-winning move, as he went on to lead every lap. This win, his 2nd, was over Zack Keeney and point leader Kurtis Benjamin.

Race teams and fans are reminded that the start time for the remaining three races will be 7:15 p.m. This week it's a full 4-division program of Modifieds, Street Stocks, INEX Legends and 4 Cylinders. Pits open at 4 p.m., with practice and grandstand gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the first heat race hitting the track at 7:15 p.m. Admission is just $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and kids ages 5-16, and always free for kids under age 5. Fans are reminded to bring their grandstand ticket stubs from Aug. 6 for a discount.

Anyone wanting more information can call track manager, Jody Buckley, at 607-738-1125 or check the track's website, www.chemungspeedrome.net. WilliamsAutoGroup.com presents Chemung Speedrome, part of the NASCAR Whelen All American Series - Short Track Racing At Its Best!

DONHOLT WINS AT CHAMPION

The weather at Champion Speedway on July 31 was better than the previous week when the program was washed out just minutes into it by rain. The track was in good condition and ready for racing.

Round one of the all scratch program kicked off with Tuff McBride taking a win on his new GM motorcycle. Second place went to Dave Clark while Shawn "Steamboat" Engel was third and Dee Holden fourth. Casey Donholt took three points in the next outing over Corey Brookes, Keith Hawkins and Jeff Garlinghouse in that order. Former 4-time East Coast Points Champion, "Mean" Gene Bonsignore scored a surprise win over current Champion, Adam "Missile" Mittl, in the last heat. Mittl would take second with Andy Crawford third and Russ "Doctor Dirt" Cornell fourth.

Clark got on the winners board to start round two when he beat out Brookes, Crawford and Hawkins in that order. McBride kept unbeaten by handing Mittl a loss. Donholt was third with Holden fourth. Bonsignore again scored three points by keeping ahead of Engel, Garlinghouse and Cornell.

McBride was making good use of his GM as he took another win in the third series. Taking second in that one was Hawkins, third was Crawford and last was Garlinghouse. Donholt met up with Mittl again and this time got the best of him by winning. Mittl had second handily but fell on the last lap and Cornell got by for second. Mittl recovered quick enough to keep third over Holden. Bonsignore made another nice start and held off Brookes for a win. Engel was third and Clark had bike problems at the back.

The final heat races began with a big match between McBride and Mittl. McBride outgated him though and could not be caught. Mittl would take second with Brookes third and Crawford fourth. Bonsignore would cap off a perfect run of heats with a win over Hawkins. Enegl was third and Holden fourth. Donholt finished off with the checkered flag while Clark took a second, Garlinghouse third and Cornell fourth.

Bonsignore and McBride were tied at 12 points and would toss a coin for first gate selection for the final. McBride won and chose gate one. Bonsignore took two with Donholt taking three, Mittl four and Clark was on the outside. Donholt burst out of the gate first and rode off with his third win of the season. McBride was a close second. Mittl third, Clark fourth and Bonsignore fifth.

Champion Speedway gets set for a big run of events in mid August through September. Aug. 14 is the Nikstock music festival along with full race program which worked out very well in June with the music and races mixing well together then on Aug. 28 the Legends of Speedway are coming back and many old time riders have pledged to get back on a bike, this will be the largest reunion event since Champion re-opened in 1997 plus there will be a large turnout for the regular race program and on Labor Day weekend the track plays host to the U.S. Open Championship Finals on Sept. 5 plus will have a live band playing. Five International stars from CA have already committed to racing in the U.S. Open and the field should be the best in years. Champion also just opened its go-kart fun track which is a blast for people of all ages! For more info visit www.eastcoastspeedway.com or call 585 723-9746.

SPOONHOWER BREAKS THROUGH ON BUZZIE REUTIMANN NIGHT

Buzzie Reutimann delighted fans of all ages on Friday, July 30 at Thunder Mountain Speedway. Reutimann piloted the number 00 Modified Sportsman owned by Bret Welch and powered by Simphex Machine and Parts. Reutimann had a meet and greet with fans during intermission and children of all ages enjoyed Kiddie Rides.

The 25-lap feature event for the Modified Sportsman division took a few tries to get started. Ryan Olsommer and Brian White led the field to the green flag. Olsommer took early control of the top spot and would lead the opening 8-laps with White and Billy Spoonhower trying to chase him down. A caution on lap 9 involving Tom Collins, Gary Card, Jr., Richie Hillis and Marshall Balzer slowed the field and bunched the leaders together for a double file restart. When the race returned to green, Spoonhower cleared Olsommer on the high side to take control of the top spot. Buzzie Reutimann was working his way to the front from his 10th starting position and was up to 6th at the halfway point. Spoonhower would be challenged by one final restart due to a caution for a spin by Kenny Hammond on lap 13. At the checkered flag it was Spoonhower picking up the win with Brian White, Randy Brokaw, Ryan Olsommer and Kenny Hammond, who work his way back through the field, completing the top 5 finishers. Buzzie Reutimann finished 6th and it should be noted that this is the first time Reutimann has driven a Modified Sportsman. Larry Hillis and Brian White won the 8-lap heat races held for the division.

A total of 27 cars registered for the Hurricane Street Stock division with 25 of them qualifying for the feature event. Earl Zimmer started in the 5th position and scored the win. Nick Nye finished 2nd with Don Russell, Jr., John Cooper, Jr., Ricky Marsh and Ralph Champion, Jr. completing the top 5 finishers. Jason Beebe, Rich Green and Zimmer won the 8-lap heat races and Kyle Hackett won the 10-lap consolation event held for the division.

George Brown led the opening laps of the feature event for the Road Bandits division with Nick Griest and Jimmy Neff chasing him down. Brown went to pass the lap car of Joshua McDonough on the front straight and the two came together and Brown flipped on his roof. Keith Potter who was running a solid 4th had no place to go and hit Brown flipping him back on all 4 wheels. The red flag was flown and both drivers exited their cars and walked away with no injuries. Nick Griest went on to score the win with Jimmy Neff, Ken Potter, Gary Smith and Justin Lovejoy completing the top 5. George Brown won the 6-lap heat race.

Jeff Witt, Jr. scored his first career feature win from his outside poles starting position in the Road Warriors divison. Ken Winn finished 2nd and Tommy Velez finished 3rd. Travis Michaud and Harold Walburn won the heat races for the division.

The Carl Carpenter Memorial was held for Midstate Vintage Stock Car Club. John Applebee won the 15-lap feature event for the Modified division and Dick Ackerman won the 15-lap feature event for the Sportsman Limited division. John Applebee and Docl Ackerman won the 8-lap heat races for the divisions.

The racing action continues on Friday, Aug. 6 with a Big 6 Show for the Modified Sportsman, Hurricane Street Stocks, IMCA Modifieds, Road Bandits, Road Warriors and more. Gates Open at 5 p.m., Practice at 6:45 p.m. and Racing at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.thundermountainspeed.com. Thunder Mountain Speedway - Feel the Rumble, Hear the Roar!