RGeeProductions
04-13-2014, 04:20 PM
…Wins Mahoning Valley Speedway Modified Opener 100-lapper
When Eric Beers climbed from his race car after winning the Opening Night 100-lap feature at Mahoning Valley Speedway, the defending track champion explained how out of shape he felt from the grind of the century run. His performance, however, showed otherwise.
Without missing a beat from his record setting season of a year ago, Beers took the lead from Austin Kochenash on lap 36 then set sail in claiming his 10th win in a Mahoning extra distance event. The victory was worth a cool $4000, the largest amount ever awarded for a 100-lapper.
“I am really spent after that one,” said Beers while in Victory Lane. “I realize now how out of shape I am but wow what a way to start off the season. My hat’s off to Floyd Santee (promoter) who did an awesome job putting this night together. We have a full house of fans and a super field of cars.”
After a straight-up start from the heat finishes Beers started sixth and needed just three laps to make his way into the top five.
Pole sitter Rick Kirkendall jumped into the early lead with Matt Hirschman and Kochenash running a close second and third respectively. Next in line came Roger Coss.
Through the beginning laps Kirkendall was holding off repeated attempts by Hirschman and Kochenash. But, a game changer took place while under a lap 14 caution. Scott Meckes brought out the yellow when he dumped liquid in turn three. During the extended cleanup Hirschman had to pit for a right front flat. A few moments later Kirkendall when off after overheating.
That allowed Kochenash to advance to first place with Beers second. When the race resumed Kochenash was firm and looking to repeat his Opening Night win from a year ago. Beers, though, had other thoughts as by lap 20 he went to the high side and began a torrid side-by-side battle for the lead.
Kochenash was holding his line and made Beers work hard on every lap they raced together. Beers even backed off a time or two in order to refocus his route of attack but it was soon evident that if he was going to complete the pass it had to come from the outside lane. He again took to the high road and this time used a surge of momentum to leap by and take the lead as 36 laps went into the books.
“Austin (Kochenash) is always tough to pass especially at this place. We ran clean and I’m sure the fans got a thrill from how close we were. It was just good hard racing which is what you get here. This is why we don’t run the (NASCAR) Whelen Modified Tour anymore, we love being back here at Mahoning,” said Beers, who won for the 37th time at Mahoning.
Once in the lead there would be no stopping him. That included a late caution with eight laps to go. Kochenash knew that would be perhaps his last chance at Beers on the restart but it was to no avail as the champ showed no signs off backing off and went on to score the win.
“Second was good tonight especially when you look at all the cars here and the competition,” said Kochenash. “We just didn’t have the car to run with Eric (Beers). He drove a great race. That last restart was a chance to get him but I had used up a lot on the previous restart.”
Third spot went to Nevin George who came on strong near the end and dueled with Hirschman until the final laps to secure the position. Coss completed the top five.
The 50-lap Late Model race became a champion’s duel as two-time and defending champ Earl Paules and three-time champion Paul Koehler, Jr., faced off.
Back and forth they ran over the early going but once past the midway juncture Paules proved the better of the two and went on to win the $1200 first place prize offering and his 22nd Late Model win.
Frankie Althouse, Mike Sweeney and Geno Steigerwalt all ran within reach of the top two and gave notice to what looks to be a highly competitive field this season.
The Street Stocks had 28 cars signed in which made for some intense action in attempting to gain a spot on the starting grid for the 50 lap feature.
When all was said in done it was Mahoning’s all-time wins leader, Todd Ahner who bested everyone as he started from the pole and then led every lap en route to his 29th win.
In typical Mahoning Street Stock style there was side-by-side action throughout the race. Justin Mooney was right on Ahner’s bumper when they crossed the finish line while TJ Gursky and Jillian Long provided plenty of dueling action in garnering third and fourth at the conclusion.
The 40-lap Dirt Mod event went to Kris Graver who was driving a car prepared by class regular Ricky Yetter. The 2013 Modified division Rookie of the Year jumped into the Yetter mount and showed why he is a past Dirt Mod champion.
Running very smooth and fast laps, he zipped underneath his uncle, Kevin Graver, Jr., on lap 17 and never looked back as he cruised to a solid three car length margin of victory. Yetter settled for third with Mike Stofflet and reigning champ Jeff Parker rounding out the top five.
Jake Kibler scored his second straight Opening Night win in the Pro 4’s while Jeff Biegley was awarded the Hobby Stock verdict after Cody Geist’s car was disqualified due to a height infraction.
Modified Feature Finish (100 Laps): 1. Eric Beers, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Nevin George, 4. Matt Hirschman, 5. Roger Coss, 6. Don Wagner, 7. Brian DeFebo, 8. Kris Graver, 9. Earl Paules, 10. Shawna Ingram, 11. Brian Romig, 12. Chip Santee, 13. Glenn Slocum, 14. Rick Kirkendall, 14. Todd Baer, 15. Jason Zatsko, 17. Scott Meckes, 18. Terry Markovic, 19. Troy Bollinger, 20. Kyle Strohl
DNS: John Markovic DNQ: Tony Zatsko, Eric Mauriello
Late Model (50 Laps): 1.Earl Paules, 2. Paul Koehler, Jr., 3. Frankie Althouse, 4. Mike Sweeney, 5. Geno Steigerwalt, 6. Kenny Hein, 7. Danielle Paules, 8. Paul Effrig, 9. George Ramos, 10. Jacob Nemeth, 11. Mark Tyson, 12. Dave Imler, 13. Jeremy Miller, 14. Jacob Kerstetter, 15. Scott Kotran
Street Stock Feature Finish (50 Laps): 1. Todd Ahner, 2. Justin Mooney, 3. TJ Gursky, 4. Jillian Long, 5. Steven Steigerwalt, 6. Zach Graver, 7. Jason Kuhn, 8. Josh Mooney, 9. Chip Wanamaker, 10. Stacey Brown, 11. Lonnie Behler, 12. Aaron Kromer, 13. Cody Roth, 14. Willie Knappenberger, 15. BJ Wambold, 16. Dan Freundt, 17. Gene Bowers, 18. Tiff Wambold, 19. Matt Wentz, 20. Jonathan Tracey, 21. Randy Ahner, Jr.
DNQ: Lonnie Behler, Jr., Jared Ahner, Mark Rogers, Paul Morgan, Jr., Jamie Smith, Dennis Buss, Mike Garris, Jr.,
Dirt Modified Feature Finish (40 Laps): 1. Kris Graver, 2. Kevin Graver, Jr., 3. Ricky Yetter, 4. Mike Stofflet, 5. Jeff Parker, 6. JP Curry, 7. Aleia Geisler, 8. Jack Ely, 9. Billy Lowden, Jr., 10. Billy Lasko, 11. Ray Deemer, 12. Brian Fucili
Pro 4 Feature Finish (18 Laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Nick Baer, 3. Bobby Kibler, Jr., 4. Tyler Stangle, 5. Jesse Snyder, 6. JD Light, 7, Chad Miller, 8. Cody Kohler, 9. Dave Chapman, 10. Kailyn Beers
Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Jeff Biegley, 2. Steve McDonough, 3. Tim Oswald, 4. Scott Roth, 5. Rich Mutarelli, 6. Shawn Hoffman, 7. Shane Geist, 8. Corey Edelman DQ: Cody Geist
Dino Oberto
When Eric Beers climbed from his race car after winning the Opening Night 100-lap feature at Mahoning Valley Speedway, the defending track champion explained how out of shape he felt from the grind of the century run. His performance, however, showed otherwise.
Without missing a beat from his record setting season of a year ago, Beers took the lead from Austin Kochenash on lap 36 then set sail in claiming his 10th win in a Mahoning extra distance event. The victory was worth a cool $4000, the largest amount ever awarded for a 100-lapper.
“I am really spent after that one,” said Beers while in Victory Lane. “I realize now how out of shape I am but wow what a way to start off the season. My hat’s off to Floyd Santee (promoter) who did an awesome job putting this night together. We have a full house of fans and a super field of cars.”
After a straight-up start from the heat finishes Beers started sixth and needed just three laps to make his way into the top five.
Pole sitter Rick Kirkendall jumped into the early lead with Matt Hirschman and Kochenash running a close second and third respectively. Next in line came Roger Coss.
Through the beginning laps Kirkendall was holding off repeated attempts by Hirschman and Kochenash. But, a game changer took place while under a lap 14 caution. Scott Meckes brought out the yellow when he dumped liquid in turn three. During the extended cleanup Hirschman had to pit for a right front flat. A few moments later Kirkendall when off after overheating.
That allowed Kochenash to advance to first place with Beers second. When the race resumed Kochenash was firm and looking to repeat his Opening Night win from a year ago. Beers, though, had other thoughts as by lap 20 he went to the high side and began a torrid side-by-side battle for the lead.
Kochenash was holding his line and made Beers work hard on every lap they raced together. Beers even backed off a time or two in order to refocus his route of attack but it was soon evident that if he was going to complete the pass it had to come from the outside lane. He again took to the high road and this time used a surge of momentum to leap by and take the lead as 36 laps went into the books.
“Austin (Kochenash) is always tough to pass especially at this place. We ran clean and I’m sure the fans got a thrill from how close we were. It was just good hard racing which is what you get here. This is why we don’t run the (NASCAR) Whelen Modified Tour anymore, we love being back here at Mahoning,” said Beers, who won for the 37th time at Mahoning.
Once in the lead there would be no stopping him. That included a late caution with eight laps to go. Kochenash knew that would be perhaps his last chance at Beers on the restart but it was to no avail as the champ showed no signs off backing off and went on to score the win.
“Second was good tonight especially when you look at all the cars here and the competition,” said Kochenash. “We just didn’t have the car to run with Eric (Beers). He drove a great race. That last restart was a chance to get him but I had used up a lot on the previous restart.”
Third spot went to Nevin George who came on strong near the end and dueled with Hirschman until the final laps to secure the position. Coss completed the top five.
The 50-lap Late Model race became a champion’s duel as two-time and defending champ Earl Paules and three-time champion Paul Koehler, Jr., faced off.
Back and forth they ran over the early going but once past the midway juncture Paules proved the better of the two and went on to win the $1200 first place prize offering and his 22nd Late Model win.
Frankie Althouse, Mike Sweeney and Geno Steigerwalt all ran within reach of the top two and gave notice to what looks to be a highly competitive field this season.
The Street Stocks had 28 cars signed in which made for some intense action in attempting to gain a spot on the starting grid for the 50 lap feature.
When all was said in done it was Mahoning’s all-time wins leader, Todd Ahner who bested everyone as he started from the pole and then led every lap en route to his 29th win.
In typical Mahoning Street Stock style there was side-by-side action throughout the race. Justin Mooney was right on Ahner’s bumper when they crossed the finish line while TJ Gursky and Jillian Long provided plenty of dueling action in garnering third and fourth at the conclusion.
The 40-lap Dirt Mod event went to Kris Graver who was driving a car prepared by class regular Ricky Yetter. The 2013 Modified division Rookie of the Year jumped into the Yetter mount and showed why he is a past Dirt Mod champion.
Running very smooth and fast laps, he zipped underneath his uncle, Kevin Graver, Jr., on lap 17 and never looked back as he cruised to a solid three car length margin of victory. Yetter settled for third with Mike Stofflet and reigning champ Jeff Parker rounding out the top five.
Jake Kibler scored his second straight Opening Night win in the Pro 4’s while Jeff Biegley was awarded the Hobby Stock verdict after Cody Geist’s car was disqualified due to a height infraction.
Modified Feature Finish (100 Laps): 1. Eric Beers, 2. Austin Kochenash, 3. Nevin George, 4. Matt Hirschman, 5. Roger Coss, 6. Don Wagner, 7. Brian DeFebo, 8. Kris Graver, 9. Earl Paules, 10. Shawna Ingram, 11. Brian Romig, 12. Chip Santee, 13. Glenn Slocum, 14. Rick Kirkendall, 14. Todd Baer, 15. Jason Zatsko, 17. Scott Meckes, 18. Terry Markovic, 19. Troy Bollinger, 20. Kyle Strohl
DNS: John Markovic DNQ: Tony Zatsko, Eric Mauriello
Late Model (50 Laps): 1.Earl Paules, 2. Paul Koehler, Jr., 3. Frankie Althouse, 4. Mike Sweeney, 5. Geno Steigerwalt, 6. Kenny Hein, 7. Danielle Paules, 8. Paul Effrig, 9. George Ramos, 10. Jacob Nemeth, 11. Mark Tyson, 12. Dave Imler, 13. Jeremy Miller, 14. Jacob Kerstetter, 15. Scott Kotran
Street Stock Feature Finish (50 Laps): 1. Todd Ahner, 2. Justin Mooney, 3. TJ Gursky, 4. Jillian Long, 5. Steven Steigerwalt, 6. Zach Graver, 7. Jason Kuhn, 8. Josh Mooney, 9. Chip Wanamaker, 10. Stacey Brown, 11. Lonnie Behler, 12. Aaron Kromer, 13. Cody Roth, 14. Willie Knappenberger, 15. BJ Wambold, 16. Dan Freundt, 17. Gene Bowers, 18. Tiff Wambold, 19. Matt Wentz, 20. Jonathan Tracey, 21. Randy Ahner, Jr.
DNQ: Lonnie Behler, Jr., Jared Ahner, Mark Rogers, Paul Morgan, Jr., Jamie Smith, Dennis Buss, Mike Garris, Jr.,
Dirt Modified Feature Finish (40 Laps): 1. Kris Graver, 2. Kevin Graver, Jr., 3. Ricky Yetter, 4. Mike Stofflet, 5. Jeff Parker, 6. JP Curry, 7. Aleia Geisler, 8. Jack Ely, 9. Billy Lowden, Jr., 10. Billy Lasko, 11. Ray Deemer, 12. Brian Fucili
Pro 4 Feature Finish (18 Laps): 1. Jake Kibler, 2. Nick Baer, 3. Bobby Kibler, Jr., 4. Tyler Stangle, 5. Jesse Snyder, 6. JD Light, 7, Chad Miller, 8. Cody Kohler, 9. Dave Chapman, 10. Kailyn Beers
Hobby Stock Feature Finish (15 Laps): 1. Jeff Biegley, 2. Steve McDonough, 3. Tim Oswald, 4. Scott Roth, 5. Rich Mutarelli, 6. Shawn Hoffman, 7. Shane Geist, 8. Corey Edelman DQ: Cody Geist
Dino Oberto