ISMA Hits the Road for an International Doubleheader

By admin September 25, 2008 Berlin, Delaware, ISMA

Oswego, NY –- The ISMA contingent is on the road again for a two-day-two race stint in Canada and Michigan. First up is the Friday night, Sept. 26 North of the Border event at Delaware Speedway in Ontario, Canada. Then it’s across Michigan the next day for another 50 lapper at Berlin Raceway in Marne. This series wraps up the last two races on the 2008 schedule before the finale at Thompson, CT in October.

Delaware Speedway has a storied history of supermodifieds and some of the greats in the ranks from that division came graced the track over the years. ISMA winners over the years since 1976 include Steve Gioia Jr., Bentley Warren, Mike McLaughlin, Gary Allbritain, Chris Perley and now finally, a Canadian. Last year Dave McKnight stopped his roller coaster season on top with a win before a very partial Canadian crowd. McKnight was followed by ISMA champ Chris Perley and in third, by Ryan Litt, another Canadian favorite. To boot, Canadians prevailed in the top five with a great run by London, Ontario’s Mark Sammut for fourth and Innerkip, Ontario’s Mike Lichty in fifth. Michael Barnes, Craftsman Truck star Johnny Benson Jr., Mike Ordway Jr., Dave Trytek and Robbie Summers completed the top ten.

The Delaware event is presented by Brad Lichty’s Patco Transportation and will feature the ISMA supers and the Powerade Modifieds. ISMA team gates open at 2 pm, with Delaware team gates opening at 4:00 pm. Spectators will be admitted at 6:00 pm with racing to begin at 8:00 pm. Tickets are priced (pst and gst included) at Adults, $30; Seniors (65+), $25, Student (with Valid Student Card), $25 and Kids (12 and under) Free. Reserved seating is $45. For further information: Delaware Speedway Track & Office; Phone: (519) 652-5068; Fax: (519) 652-5069l; E-mail: info@delawarespeedway.com. The track is located just a short distance from London, Ontario at 1640 Gideon Drive, in Delaware. (N0L 1E0).

Leaving Canada, the ISMA group heads across the state of Michigan to its western shores. In Marne, Michigan, another hotbed of supermodified racing lies at Berlin Raceway. While ISMA’s official history goes back to Bentley Warren’s 1990 win, the track and the area include many exciting supermodified battles. Russ Wood has been a three-time ISMA Winner at the wide 7/16th’s mile oval, as has Chris Perley. Other solo winners include Dave Shullick Sr., Joey Payne, Randy Ritskes and Lou Cicconi. This year’s event will see the debut of second-generation supermodified pilot Johnny Benson Jr.’s new car numbered 21 after his famous father’s ride. Benson led the 2007 50-lapper in the Lichty 74 until a broken rear end finished his night early. Chris Perley went on to win over Mike Ordway Jr., Dave McKnight, Mike Lichty and Michael Barnes.

The Saturday, Sept. 27 Open Wheel Extravaganza includes ISMA Supermodifieds; Auto Value Super Sprints; USAC/UMARA/WOMS Midgets. The action starts at 7:00 p.m. (tickets $20; pits $30). Buy tickets online at www.berlinraceway.com. E-mail @berlinraceway.com. The raceway is located at 2060 Berlin Fair Drive – Marne, MI 49435. Telephone: 616-726-7373.

Johnny Benson testing his new Xtreme chassis which he numbered 21 in honor of his father who raced supermodifieds for years and was an International Classic winner in 1966. Saturday, Sept. 27 Johnny will debut his car at the ISMA 50 at Berlin.
Sources: Carol Haynes/ISMA PR