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View Full Version : Bentley, Jr. and Pauch Victorious at NEETS Mutha of all Enduros at Grandview Speedway



LongIslandJam
10-25-2010, 07:13 AM
By: Cindy Bott and Gene Ostrowski

Bechtelsville, Pa- The North East Enduro Tour Series) NEETS Mutha Race of All Enduros lived up to it's name with two exciting 150 lap feature events and a special ten lap dash for cash for top ten in points on Saturday at Grandview Speedway. Along with chasing wins for the final points event of the season, points leaders Phil Levering (4 cylinder) and Shawn Naftzinger (6/8 division) were both vying for championships and that made for additional enthusiasm.

The Mutha is traditionally run in reverse points order going into the last race of the season, which led to Scott Oswald being on the pole at the start of the 4 Cylinder "Lil Mutha" event. Oswald had a strong start until he spun giving the top spot to John Crosby, with Lance Hoch and Dave Bentley Sr. not far behind.

Hoch began to pressure Crosby and took the lead with Bentley Sr. following to take second. A terrific battle ensued with Bentley Sr. prevailing until he spun out and had to go to the pits for a flat tire. Hoch now had to contend with Mike Wahl, Steve Wilson and Dave Bentley Jr., who were all vying for position. Wahl took the lead with Wilson following, when Bentley Jr turned on the juice and passed them both for the lead just as a red was thrown for a small fire under Larry Carmen's machine.

However, at the drop of the green, it would be Wahl with a great re-start that would lead Wilson and Bentley Jr for several circuits until Bentley regained the top spot and cruised to the finish line followed by Wahl, Wilson, Dave Bentley Sr. and Kenny Brown. Points leader Phil Levering finished in 11th position.

Fans got quite a show as the "Big Mutha" event for the 6/8 cylinders was filled with excitement and a roller coaster of emotions for the drivers battling for the victory and also the championship.

Chuck Eckert sat on the pole at the green but was quickly passed as Ryan Garner led the first circuit. However, Rick Latza wanted the spot for himself and passed Garner with Kevin Mandic right behind.

A battle ensued as Latza and Mandic swapped positions a few times until both drivers spun and had to pit for flat tires. This gave the lead to Eckert with Pat Hires and points leader Shawn Naftzinger right behind. Hires took advantage as Eckert got loose on the backstretch and tried to put some distance between them, but Eckert would not relent.

In the meantime, an intense battle was ensuing with Naftzinger and Tim Pauch for third and fourth positions as they began to creep up on Eckert and Hires. Eckert began to fade a bit as Naftzinger passed him for second and now set his sites on Hires closely followed by Pauch. Naftzinger's car began to get a bit loose and Pauch's machine started to smoke, but that didn't stop either one from trying to hunt down Hires.

However, it would be disaster for Naftzinger as not only the victory for the win would be dashed, but also the dream of the championship would vanish as he lost a tire in turn four. Pauch continued his pursuit of Hires and would take the lead with ten laps to go to cruise home with the victory followed by Hires, Eckert, Justin Steigerwalt and Ryan Garner.

A special ten lap dash for cash race for the top ten in points in both divisions leading into the final race of the season was the last event of the day. It would be Brian Smith for the 4-cylinder division and Tim Pauch for the 6/8-cylinder division that would bring home the winner takes all cash prizes.

NEETS will make its return to Sundance Vacations Speedway for an open competition enduro on November 28. The event will make the first time that the series has been on the 1/3-mile asphalt oval since the 2006 season. Registrations are open and rules for the event can be viewed at www.neetsracing.com.