Howell wins first feature race at Roaring Knob
Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex in Markleysburg rocked the mountain once again Saturday night as the first RUSH Late Model Dirt Series tour visited with many special events.
The Al Cramer 18-lap Memorial Krause Electric E-Mods feature brought in 19 contestants. Justin Howell won his first feature for the Fort Necessity Garage Chargers, after five years of dedicated driving and wrenching. Mason Zeigler took the checkers for the Hoosier Tire Super Late Models. Paul Koffler, Jr. won the Newt’s York Bar Roadrunner feature and Jim Byers put on a show for the Penn Summit Insurance Agency Street Stocks.
Mike Pegher, Jr., took the lead from the start in the SWEENEY RUSH Crate Late Model Touring Series 30-lap feature after winning the Hagerstown race the night before. This made the No. 1 Lynn Geisler driver’s 101st win. He also holds top spot in the points for the RUSH Series. Jared Hawkins came in second after a great run in Chad McClellan’s car, and Joe Martin took third. Bobby Lake sponsored the “Shock the clock” $100 and three heats. Shock winner was Ryan Montgomery and heat winners were Montgomery, Glenn Elliot, and Pegher Jr. Pegher, Jr. also won the K & N “Cold Air Induction” Dash and Michael Lake took the “Tough Brake of the Night” title after spinning out. The track’s lights went out on the 29th lap, but after 20 minutes the race was back on.
Mason Zeigler grabbed his second Knob checkers in the Super Late Model contest after qualifying for the Dream at Eldora two weeks ago. Ron Delano couldn’t hold off Scott Rhodes, who took second. Delano began at the pole, but earned third. Heat winner were Zeigler and Delano.
The Al Cramer Memorial E-Mods event honored Nick and Josh Cramer’s father, who drove E Mods at the Knob. D.J. Cline traveled from Clairsville, Ohio, to take the cash after starting from the pole. Jared Hawkins and Cline entertained the crowd trying for top spot until Tanner Wilson, Rookie of the Year in the Renegades of Dirt Modified Tour and points leader, passed Cline and then Hawkins, to win the $1,838 pot. Hawkins took second with Jessie Wisecarver of Zanesville finishing third. Heat winners were Wilson and Vandergrift.
Jim Byers and Marty Spade wowed the crowd during the Street Stock feature race. Their back-and-forth fight for the lead kept fans on their feet with Byers taking his fifth Knob checkers this year. Spade earned second and Mike Duritsky, Jr. took third. Heat winners were Duritsky, Jr., and Byers.
“Somebody pinch me, I think I am dreaming,” Howell said when he took the flag Saturday night for the Chargers. Howell and his Nova No. 30 led the entire 12-lap feature with J.T. Baird and Kyle Burkholder battling for second and third. Baird came in second with Burkholder grabbing the third spot. Heat winner was Burkholder.
Koffler, Jr. took the Roadrunner division feature to end an exciting night of racing for his third win. Steve Settle tried to overtake him, but took second instead, with David Friend earning third.
For four seasons, Howell drove a Camaro. He started racing at the Knob in 2009 after saving up, buying the car, and working on it every spare moment, but it is his new Nova that took the flag. At 11, he started rebuilding a 1957 Chevy. Chrome parts were his Christmas list.
“All that’s on his mind is going around that track,” Lisa Howell, his mother, said. “He is dedicated, working on the car himself every night, and studying the race night videos when he gets home.”
Howell would like to thank everyone who has ever helped him in the Knob pits, adding, “It takes a support system and everyone’s been great.”
Points Leaders: Super Late, Billy Holbert 441; Late Models, John Over 479; Street Stocks, Jim Byers 535; Chargers, Kyle Burkholder 489; Roadrunners, Cindy Rhodes 471; and E Mods, Denny Nakutis 444.
Roaring Knob will hold double-points racing in each divisions on Saturday. Fans will enjoy a spectacular fireworks display thanks to sponsors Penn Summit Insurance Agency and Arsenberger Trucking. Pit Gates open at 4:30 p. m. Gates open at 5 p. m. and Hot laps start at 6:45 p. m.
Marci McGuinness is the author of Speedway Kings. Contact her with local racing information at (724) 710-2919, shorepublications@yahoo.com or www.uniontownspeedway.com.