Matt Hirschman Repeats at North-South Shootout
It was a healthy payday for Hirschman who took home a grand total of $12,480 in cash and contingencies including the $6,000 winners take and $4,930 in lap sponsorship money after leading 73 laps and never running outside of the top-three.
In what could be considered an upset, A.J. Russell meticulously worked his way through the field to put his name in the record books as the winner of the inaugural Wirtgen America East-West Supermodified Shootout. Russell of Clovis, CA, went coast-to-coast to claim the victory and $5,660 in cash and prizes. The take for Russell included the $3,800 purse plus $1,410 in lap money. It was an emotional victory for Jimmy Blewett of
For the second straight year, Carl Pasteryak of
An emotional ceremony honoring John Blewett III signified the commencement of the North-South Shootout main event. With the entire Blewett Family on hand for the tribute, John IV, the eight-year old son of the late Blewett, took over announcing duties during opening pre-race ceremonies to introduce pole sitter Uncle Jimmy. The call to fire engines was also given by young Blewett. Hirschman got the jump from his outside pole position to lead the opening lap, leaving Blewett to fend off the challenges of Erick Rudolph. The youngster was able to take the position away to take chase of Hirschman. During the initial green flag run the cars to watch were Southern hopeful Burt Myers and Chuck Hossfeld.
The top three of Hirschman, Rudolph, and Blewett had begun to distance themselves from the pack. Blewett began to get racy with Rudolph but could not muster up a pass. With a quarter of the race quickly flying by Pete Brittain and Eric Beers ran just outside of the top-five. Lapped traffic began to play a role as Hirschman enjoyed some breathing room over Rudolph and Blewett in traffic. Burt Myers had the best seat in the house in fourth while the two battled for position. On lap28, Blewett regained the second position.
The first caution of the event flew on lap 32 when Jason Myers spun in the dog leg. During the caution period most of the pack headed to pit road for the mandatory pit stop including Hirschman, Blewett, Rudolph, and Hossfeld. A total of 27 cars went down pit road. The strategies varied, while some teams opted to change tires many only jacked up the car as required. After pit stops only the #40 of Ryan Preece, who did not pit, stood in the way of Hirschman and the lead. The running order on the restart pitted Preece against Hirschman. Brittain, Beers, and Blewett rounded out the top five. Under race conditions,
The yellow flew for the second time on lap 58 for an altercation on the front stretch that involved Brittain, Ronnie Silk, Bobby Grigas and Darren Scherer. Preece relinquished the lead to Hirschman to make his mandatory pit stop. Christopher followed Preece down pit road. Immediately after rejoining the field for the restart, the #36 of Ted Christopher lost a power steering pump leaving fluid on the track and extending the caution. When racing resumed, Hirschman was back at the helm. Beers had worked his way up to second followed by
The gains that Civali had made under the previous green flag run were lost when racing resumed. Hossfeld got under Civali while Lia used the high-side around the #28. A spin by Les Hinckley had the yellow waving for the fifth time on lap 82.
Hirschman continued to set the pace; showing the way over Beers,
The final dash to the checkers was an exciting one as the top three of Hirschman, Beers and
It was a happy occasion in victory lane as the crew and family of Hirschman celebrated the victory. In addition to his prize money, Hirschman received a custom-painted shotgun by Indocil Art and Design courtesy of C&C Racing Promotions along with a beautifully crafted trophy by Hayes Jewelers. Pro-System, Inc. also presented Hirschman with $500. The elder Hirschman, father Tony, once again, had to visit victory lane as a proud father. Personal issues prevented car owners Bob and Tom Kehley from making the trip to the Shootout. Ronnie Silk was presented the John Blewett III Memorial Hard Charger Award from the Blewett Family along with $100. Other prizes for the Hard-Charger included free plumbing from Brown & Miller and $500 from an anonymous fan’s sponsorship.
Relative newcomer to the Supermodified ranks, A.J. Russell beat the best of the best in the Wirtgen America East-West Supermodified Shootout. Using what his fellow competitors tagged a magnificent line, Russell took the lead one lap after halfway from veteran Doug Didero than held off reigning International Supermodified Association champion Chris Perley to claim the victory. The inaugural Wirtgen East-West Supermodified Shootout was led to green with Rich Reid and Scott Martel showing the way. Martel took the initial lead but the yellow flew immediately when several cars tangled on the start. Californian Martin McKeefery was the worse for the wear with his # 27 into the wall. Rich Reid took up the lead on the restart with several more yellows flying within the first six laps. Claimed in incidents were the likes of Rob Summers, Kelly Miller, Jim Shirey, Larry Lehnert, Rich Castor, Bob Dalton, Bob Dawson and Lou Cicconi, When things finally settled down, Reid began to pull away from Doug Didero, Brad Noffsinger, Charlie Shultz, Timmy Jedrzejek and Martel as green prevailed. The yellow flew again on lap 15 when 62-year old
The leader, Russell, had Schultz and Perley in tow while Reid, Mike Ordway Jr., Noffsinger and Mike Lichty trailed the top trio. The caution flew on lap 34 to cool the action when Joe Gosek’s 00 slowed in turn one. On the restart, Perley made quick work of Schultz for second and set sail for Russell. Before he could muster up any real challenge, the caution flew, when the west coast car of Jim Birges made hard contact with the wall on lap 36 to bring out the final yellow flag. The final 14 laps of the race went green with Perley throwing every move at Russell. The youngster proved to be the class of the field holding off Perley for the victory. Schultz completed the podium. Dale Lamborn crossed the line fourth; but was penalized for jumping the start. Officially Mike Lichty an d Rich Reid rounded out the top five. The Wirtgen America East-West Supermodified was intended to showcase the talent of the entire Supermodified Racing community. It was mission accomplished as the podium finishers were representative of three different racing organizations. In SK-Type Modified Racing action, it fittingly was Jimmy Blewett who scored the victory in the caution-laden 50-lapper. The emotional ceremony included the presentation of an Indocil Art and Design custom-painted helmet courtesy of C&C Racing Promotions. Now Jimmy, like his brother had done before him, can wear his North-South Shootout winner’s helmet with pride.
The early going featured a torrid battle between rivals Pitkat and Keith Rocco. Pitkat had easily assumed the lead over Doug Coby at the start of the event; however, a pair of quick early cautions found Rocco in contention. The third caution of the event flew on lap 12 and eliminated several potential contenders including Kerry Malone, Kenny Horton, and Rick Kluth. When racing resumed it was again Pitkat holding off Rocco. The battle intensified with the race at speed. Thompson Sunoco Modified champion Rocco was glued to the bumper of Pitkat.
Rocco dove low on lap 14 in an attempt to get the lead but a slip allowed Pitkat a bit of breathing room and nearly opened the door for a charging Ted Christopher. Pitkat had started to stretch his lead when the yellow flew once again on lap 20 when Shaun Carrig and Richie Evans, Jr. got together on the frontstretch.
After the ensuing restart, the best battled on the track was for the third position between Christopher and Blewett. On lap 21, Blewett had taken over the position and headed for Rocco. At the halfway marker it was Pitkat showing the way over Rocco, Blewett, Christopher and Jeff Malave inside the top five.
Rocco was set to strike after halfway. A bold move to the inside of Pitkat made Rocco the new leader on lap 26. His reign was short-lived though as contact with Pitkat sent the leader spinning. Pitkat was sent to the tail of the field for his actions. Blewett was the new leader when the racing went back to green on lap 28. The running order found Malave, Tommy Farrell III and Waterford Speedbowl SK Modified champion Rob Janovic inside the top five. It was not clear sailing for Blewett at the head of the pack. He immediately came under fire from Christopher. On lap 30, Christopher used the bottom groove to make his move around Blewett to take over the top spot. Blewett, however, battled back. He was able to dive low under Christopher on lap 32. The two made contact; resulting in a spin by Christopher. The yellow flew immediately. On the restart, Blewett was again the leader, this time with Farrell lined up on his bumper followed by Malave, Janovic, and now Steven Reed. Meanwhile both Rocco and Pitkat were making tracks back to the front. When racing resumed Blewett was able to gain a sizeable advantage over Farrell as he has his hands full with Malave.
The second attempt at lap 32 was halted when early leader Pitkat came to rest in turn four with a flat tire. When the lap was finally recorded, Blewett was again gaining ground at the head of the thinning field. He had a ten-car length advantage on Farrell. Rocco was back inside the top ten and looking for more. The battle for the fourth had begun to heat up between Janovic and Reed.
Despite great efforts by Reed, Janovic was able to maintain his position. Rocco saw his bid for a win come to an end in a scary looking crash in the dog leg to bring out the event’s tenth caution. His #6 road the wall for nearly 100 yards with the crowd clearly seeing the number on his roof. With attrition claiming half of the field, the race resumed on lap 40 with Blewett leading Farrell, Malave, Janovic, and Reed. A fully recovered Christopher lurked just outside the top five. Blewett, again, was easily able to pull away from Farrell on the restart.
With only ten laps remaining, Christopher was on a mission. He started his methodical march back to the front; breaking into the top five on lap 42. He grabbed fourth from Janovic on lap 43 and the third position from Malave. The event’s final caution was a temporary stay for Farrell. Christopher was back in the second position before the completion of lap 45. Blewett had moved out to a five car length advantage. Christopher’s black and green #81 loomed larger and larger in Blewett’s mirror with each passing lap. Christopher had run out of time and Blewett had won the SK-Type Modified portion of the 5th Annual John Blewett III Memorial North-South Shootout presented by Town & Country Ford by less than a car length. Christopher had to settle for second over Farrell, Malave, and Janovic.
Tommy Farrell was presented with the RH2Way SK-Bonus of $500 as the highest finishing competitor running only the SK-Type main event. Woody Pitkat was presented with the DMC Auto Exchange Pole Award. Dave Flammia, Jr, making only his first start in an SK-Type Modified was presented the John Blewett III Memorial Hard-Charger Award.
There was another repeat winner in Shootout competition. Ironically, this winner also hails from
5th Annual John Blewett III Memorial North-South Shootout presented by Town & Country Ford (100 laps): 1. Matt Hirschman,
Modified Non-Qualifiers Feature Event Finish (25-Laps): 1. Carl Pasteryak, Lisbon, CT; 2. Rich Kuiken, Jr., Staffordville, NJ; 3. Johnny Sutton, Harrisburg, NC; 4. Chris Whitenight, Jr., Berwick, PA; 5. Brandon Hire, Winston-Salem, NC; 6. Jay Mize, Clemmons, NC; 7. Greg Butcher; 8. John Manno, Sherrills Ford, NC; 9. Ken Heagy, Mocksville, NC; DNS-Rowan Pennink, Huntington Valley, PA; DNS-JR Bertuccio, Centereach, NY; DNS-Jay Hedgecock, High Point, NC; DNS-Brian Loftin, Lexington, NC.
Wirtgen America East-West Supermodified Feature Finish (50-Laps): 1. A.J. Russell, Clovis, CA; 2. Chris Perley, Rowley, MA; 3. Charlie Schultz, Lorain, OH; 4. Mike Litchey, Innerkip, Ontario; 5. Rich Reid, New London, OH; 6. Dale Lamborn, Carson City, NV; 7. Mike Ordway, Jr., Fremont, NH; 8. Mark Sammut, London, ONT, 9. Scott Martel, Bradford, MA; 10. Brad Noffsinger, Concord, NC; 11. Joey Payne, Jr., Fairlawn, NJ; 12. Ray Graham, Jr., Ankeny, OH, 13. John Torrese, Miami, FL; 14. Brandon Bellinger, Fulton, NY; 15. Ernie Coppo, Jr., Fresno, CA; 16. Justin Belfoire, Ipswich, MA; 17. Moe Lilje, Middleburg Heights, OH; 18. Jim Birges, Fresno, CA; 19. Joe Gosek, Oswego, NY; 20. Howie Page, Mexico, NY; 21. Sean Sauer, Wellington, OH; 22. Doug Didero, Moorseville, NC; 23. Tim Jedrezejek, Independence, OH; 24. Harry Stone, Bloomfield, CO; 25. Rob Summers, Jr., Vernon, CT; 26. Lou Cicconi, Jr., Aston, PA; 27. Bobby Dawson, S. Amherst, OH; 28. Bobby Dalton, San Martin, CA; 29. Jim Shirey, Oberlin, OH; 30. Rich Castor, Bennett, CO; 31. Larry Lehner, New London, OH; 32. Kelly Miller, Mexico, NY; 33. Brandon Fisher, Amherst, OH; 34. Martin McKeefery, Milpitas, CA.
SK-Type Modified Feature Finish (50-Laps): 1. Jimmy Blewett, Howell, NJ; 2. Ted Christopher, Plainville, CT; 3. Tommy Farrell III, Neptune, NJ; 4. Jeff Malave, S. Windsor, CT; 5. Rob Janovic, Waterford, CT; 6. Joe Lemay, Millville, MA; 7. Steven Reed, Freehold, NJ; 8. Donnie Fowler, Clinton, CT; 9. Glenn Griswold, Vernon, CT; 10. Rick Kluth, Brockport, NY; 11. Sherri Hogan, Belwood, Ont,; 12. Dave Flammia, Jr., Waterbury, CT; 13. Tony Hanbury, Owego, NY; 14. Patti Pruitt, Oswego, NY; 15. Keith Rocco, Wallingford, CT; 16. Rob Summers, Vernon, CT; 17. Jeff Ruddy, Caledonio, ONT; 18. Dave Cranmer, N. Hanover, NJ; 19. Woody Pitkat, Stafford Springs, CT; 20. Doug Coby, Milford, CT; 21. Shaun Carrig, Little Falls, NJ; 22. Richie Evans, Jr., Charlotte, NC; 23. Josh Steeves, Webster, MA; 24. Kerry Malone, Needham, MA; 25. Kenny Horton, New Haven, CT; 26. J.R. Roth, Jim Thorpe, PA; 27. Ronnie Silk, Norwalk, CT; DNS Richard Knapp.
Crate SK-Modified Feature Finish (30-laps): 1. Glen Reen, Wilbraham, MA; 2. Chris Matthews, Stafford Springs, CT; 3. Robert Geibel, Brick, NJ; 4. Marc Nappi, Howell, NJ; 5. Gary Young, Jr., Burlington, NC; 6. Scott Riggleman, Manchester, NJ.
Four-Cylinder Feature Finish (30-Laps): 1. Randy Freeze, Salisbury, NC; 2. A.J. Sanders, Mocksville, NC; 3. Michael Brown, Advance, NC; 4. Tony Black, Lexington, NC; 5. Andrew Sanders, Mocksville, NC; 6. Tracy Mullis (FWD), Indian Trail, NC; 7. Steve Truell, Winston-Salem, NC; 8. Ronnie Kinney, Lexington, NC; 9. Chad Miller (FWD), Concord, NC; 10. John Davis (FWD), Lexington, NC; 11. Debbie Hickman (FWD); 12. Ben Brown, Westfield, NC; 13. Billy Cameron, Jr., Salibury, NC; DNS-Michael Barr, Concord, NC; John Davis, Lexington, NC; Chris Gordon, Concord, NC;
Vintage Modified Feature Finish (25-Laps): 1. Randy Smith, Bassett, VA; 2. Darrel Lacks, Goode, VA; 3. Brian Janik, Russell, MA; 4. Dan Meservey, W. Chatham, MA; 5. Kenneth Deese, Monroe, NC; 6. Anthony Colosimo, Red Bank, NJ; 7. Johnny Gregory, Rural Hall, NC; 8. Tracy Mullins, Monroe, NC; 9. Donnie Lacks, Lynchburg, NC; 10. Willie Wall, Lexington, NC.
Vintage Flathead Feature Finish (25-Laps): 1. Johnny Johnson, Tobaccoville, NC; 2. John Barrow, Kernersville, NC; 3. James Rogers, Ridgeway, VA; 4. Chris Malcom, Pinnacle, NC; 5. Clayton Smith, King, NC; 6. Thomas Needham, Pinnacle, NC; 7. Jerry Tuttle, Walkertown, NC; 8. Wayne Tuttle, King, NC; 9. Ken Tuttle, King, NC; 10. Ric Newsome, Pafftown, NC.
Sources: Dale Wolbrink/North-South Shootout PR