Racers have gorgeous weather at Roaring Knob
Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex in Markleysburg had a gorgeous Saturday night for its show, and excitement was palpable in the pits as the drivers and crews made last minute tweaks to their cars.
Jim Sayler led the first nine laps of the Penn Summit Insurance Agency Street Stocks, but Scott Spade took it from there. Spade was followed by Jim Byers and Joe Kelley.
Frank Spade, Scott’s father and sponsor, talked in the pits before the race. “We’re going for that checkered flag tonight,” he said shaking his head to the affirmative. Sometimes you just know. Heat winners were Byers and Sayler.
There were 24 cars in the Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic Super Late Model contest, but Mason Zeigler led the entire race. Tim Senic and Jared Hawkins put on the heat, but it was Zeigler’s night for the win. Hawkins and Devon Friese took second and third. Heat winners were D.J. Troutman, Senic, and Zeigler
Kenny Burkholder took the Fort Necessity Garage Chargers to the finish line, with a great show between second-place JT Baird, Kyle Burkholder in third, Shawn Smith, and CJ Nicola. This was the stuff that puts fans on their feet. Heat winners were Baird and Smith.
Nolan Dalton led the High Gear Speed Shop RUSH Crate Late Models at first with Ryan Montgomery and Rick Strickler on his tail, but Strickler spun out. Chad McClelland and Dan Angellichio joined the battle, then young Montgomery got around Dalton to grab the checkers. Dalton followed with McClelland taking third. Heat winners were Montgomery and DJ Troutman.
John Beal, Troy Shields’ crew member pointed out a couple of the visiting drivers.
Steve Settle took home the win in the Newt’s York Bar Roadrunners race with Dan Jackson and Jarred Barclay in tow. Heat winners were Fleegle and Barclay.
When they started laps, Patty Leighgabor, Jimmy Bendishaw’s mother, smiled so big and said, “That sound. I love it!” Although Jimmy Bendishaw said he won’t be driving much this year, but the hope is he can’t stay away. Jimmy’s brother, Josh Bendishaw, is working on a car that should be ready for this weekend. It is early in the season and Knob fans are there to follow their favorite drivers.
Points Leaders
Chargers: Jeffery Baird
Crate Late Model: John Over
Modifieds: Denny Nakutis
Roadrunners: Cindy Rhodes
Street Stock: Jim Byers
Super Late Model: Jared Hawkins
It looks like great weather this coming weekend for the Roaring Knob’s doubleheader. Division racing for Super Lates, RUSH Lates, Street Stocks, Chargers, Roadrunners, and Modifieds will be held Saturday, and history will be made Sunday when the 410 Sprints hit the Knob for the first time in the decade the track has been open. Almost 40 Sprint cars have already registered. The Modified Lites will race Sunday, too, rounding out the show. Details: www.roarinigknob.com.
More Track Events:
Lernerville Speedway: Friday is Fab Four Racing Ladies Night/Breast Cancer Awareness Night. Ladies are admitted for $7 before 7:00PM www.lernerville.com
Motordrome: Friday is opening night after Mother Nature forced the postponement of two practice evenings. The Mobil 1 NWAAS Big 5 Friday Race Program will be featured. For more information, check the website at www.motordrome.com.
Marci McGuinness is the author of Speedway Kings, and can be contacted with any racing news at (724) 710-2919.