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View Full Version : Mahoning Valley Speedway Season Opener on Tap April 16



LongIslandJam
04-10-2011, 10:50 PM
the weather finally cooperated and racers of Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway were able to get in two full days of practice in preparation for the 2011 season opener set for this coming Saturday evening, April 16 starting at 6:00 pm.

Cars from all of Mahoning’s divisions as well as several touring groups that will be competing at the paved ¼-mile oval made the most of the test and tune session.

The attention now shifts to the much anticipated Opening Night which will be headlined by Hand One of the Modified 100 Poker Series race.
Now entering its third year, the Modified Poker Series has become the signature event at Mahoning Valley with great car counts, nonstop excitement and great racing in every 100-lap feature.
The track is anticipating a star-studded field of Modified aces for the Northeast’s first major short track pavement event of the year.
The Poker Tournament will again be a 7 card stud format which is made up of five 100-lap features and a pair of regular 35-lap runs. The 100-lappers pay $3000 to win.

At the end of each Poker Series race the top 13 finishers will receive a card all from the same suit starting with an ace going to the winner and so on. Either clubs, spades, hearts or diamonds will be picked at the end of each feature by the winner who will draw a card to see what suit the race was run in that evening.

By having the two 35-lap or ‘wild card’ features, drivers can add to their poker hand and then use their five best cards. You must compete in all five 100-lap races to be eligible for the poker money.

At the end of the final Poker race the top three drivers with the best hand will share in the $6000 jackpot. First place pays $2500 with $1500 for second and $1000 for third. John Markovic is the defending Poker Tournament champ. This year the track will award $1000 to the driver with the ‘worst’ poker hand.
Late Models, Street Stocks, Dirt Mod and the Pro4 Late Models will also be in action and judging from this past weekend’s practice turnout those classes look to be in great shape.

John Bennett is the two-time and defending Modified champion and will be back to try for a three-peat. Paul Koehler, Jr., the 2010 Late Model titlist will try to win a fourth crown and more so he needs just one feature win to become the all-time leader in class victories.

Randy Ahner, Jr., has won the past two Street Stock championships and will be looking to become the first driver to win three straight. This could be quite a task, however, as the weekly numbers for this ultra-competitive class is going to be as healthy as ever.

The Dirt Mods are entering their third season and Randy Thomas has ruled that class thus far. With an influx of new blood coming into the division this season he will have his hands full in trying to win yet another title. Rest assured though that he comes in as the man to beat and will no doubt hold up to those standards.

The Pro4 Late Models will see a new champion named this year as reigning king Kris Graver has moved up to the Dirt Mods and the field is wide-open for a new name to wear this year’s crown.

Grandstand gates will open at 4:00 pm.

Mahoning Valley Speedway is conveniently located just west of Lehighton on PA Route 443. For additional updates and information log onto www.mahoningspeedway.com or call the track office at 570-386-4900. You can also follow check them out on Facebook.