Fast Freshman: Modified Rookie Anthony Perrego Earns $7,732.11-Plus Victory In ‘Gobbler’ Modified Finale Saturday, November 30 at Accord Speedway Before Large Crowd
Stewart Friesen Misses $10,000 ‘Clean Your Plate Challenge’ by One Spot; Rocky Warner (Sportsman) and Charlie Houghtaling (Pure Stock/Street Stock) also Triumph
ACCORD, NY – Anthony Perrego won his first Modified event in style.
Perrego, the 19-year-old rookie from Montgomery, N.Y., drove Gary Mann’s No. 55 to a huge $7,732.11 payday late Saturday afternoon as the 2013 outdoor dirt-track season concluded with the ‘Gobbler’ at Accord Speedway. Perrego outran a charging Stewart Friesen, surviving a final caution with one lap remaining in the 50-lap big-block/small-block Modified event to post a popular victory. The second-generation driver, a standout in the Sportsman ranks, only began his Modified career in August.
“This is really big!” Perrego said after exiting the New York Truck Parks-sponsored Teo-Pro mount. “I can’t thank Gary (Mann) enough for this opportunity!”
Perrego has capitalized on his chance to steer Mann’s potent Modifieds with a number of top-five finishes.
“We haven’t been out of the top-five very often,” he said. “But we wanted to win one. With this field, it was awesome.”
Perrego earned $7,117.11 as the race winner thanks to Sowle Trailer Repair, Glen Ridge (N.Y.) Motorsports Park and Simplicity Designs. He took home $465 in lap money including the $250 Rock Fantasy Halfway Bonus, $100 from Elmo’s Auto Body as a heat winner and $50 as a Jack’s Used Race Car Parts Dash for Cash participant for a total of $7,732.11.
Perrego also received a drum of Sunoco Race Fuel, a tire from American Racer, a $100 Behrent’s Gift Card, a $100 certificate to Bob Hilbert Sportswear, a $50 certificate for D&D NAPA, two custom trophies, fresh-baked pies and more.
Friesen, meanwhile, fell just one position short of collecting $10,000 via the “Clean Your Plate Challenge” sponsored by Insinger Performance. Friesen won his heat race and then topped the Jack’s Used Race Car Parts Dash for Cash. Had he gone on to win the feature, he would have returned to Sprakers, N.Y., with 10 grand for his Tadd Parks-owned team. Instead, he rallied late for an Accord career-best second-place result.
The BD Motorsports Media LLC co-promotion with Accord Speedway management was deemed a success and plans are already in the works for a Thanksgiving weekend 2014 event.
In his Accord Speedway debut, Nick Rochinski launched off the pole to lead the race’s opening two circuits before Perrego, who rolled off the grid third, powered into the top spot. Rochinski, of Dickson City, Pa., returned the favor to press his Rochinski Enterprises No. 20R back to the lead on the seventh tour of the Ulster County quarter-mile oval.
Perrego, with an emerging Andy Bachetti (from 10th) and Mike Mahaney (who started ninth) in tow, chased Rochinski into lapped traffic. At lap 17, Perrego drove to the extreme outside of Rochinski to reclaim the lead.
Friesen, who started seventh and dropped back early, was marching forward after the race’s halfway mark. He cracked the top-five on lap 28 and took fourth position a lap later. Following a yellow on lap 32, he slipped past Mahaney for second with 15 laps remaining. Advancing from an extended side-by-side battle with Rochinski, Friesen was the runner-up at lap 39.
Moments later, a spin by Tommy Meier put Friesen on Perrego’s rear bumper.
Friesen ran with Perrego – stalking the leader following another restart on lap 41 but unable to pose a serious challenge – until, on lap 49 with the checkered in sight, Pat Ward’s No. 99L stalled in turn one. It set up a final-lap dash to the checkered.
Friesen darted to the inside as the leaders turned their final lap, but Perrego’s outside momentum thwarted the advance, as he recorded a popular home track triumph.
“I knew he was back there,” Perrego said. “I had to be smooth and run my line. He was there if I made a mistake.”
Friesen, 30, a native of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., who now resides in Sprakers, N.Y., settled for second-place pay. It was his finest outing to date at Accord, a track where he has traditionally struggled.
“I got trapped in traffic early on,” Friesen said. “I was worried about getting wrecked the first few laps, so I took it easy. We had a good car, it just took so long to get cleared. We definitely built up a notebook tonight to come back here with.
“It has been a challenge for me just to get around the track here in the past. This was a big step for us. With the bigger races being held here now, we needed to get better and we did.”
Bobby Varin of Sharon Springs, N.Y., picked up the ride in Jerry Darrah’s No. 14B small-block for the ‘Gobbler’ and drove to a third-place finish despite a lack of power steering. Varin was “whooped” after the 50-lap drive in a Troyer car driven this season by Peter Britten at Albany-Saratoga (N.Y.) Speedway.
Mahaney, of King Ferry, N.Y., registered a fourth-place finish in the Charlie Davis-owned No. 21 and Bachetti, of Sheffield, Mass., edged Rochinski on the final lap to finish fifth. Completing the top-10 were Rochinski; Danny Tyler of Cottekill, N.Y.,; 22nd-starter Jackie Brown Jr., the Accord Speedway champion who was relegated to a consolation following a heat-race crash; ‘Battle of the Bullring’ August midweek winner Danny Creeden of Middletown, N.Y.; and Elmo Reckner of Ballston Lake, N.Y., who rebounded from a flat left-rear tire on lap six for 10th.
Heat winners for the 42 Modifieds on hand were Friesen, Bachetti, Tyler, Mahaney and Perrego.
Friesen led wire-to-wire in the 6-lap Jack’s Used Race Car Parts Dash for a $300 payday.
Consolation winners were Reckner, Rich Ricci Jr. of New Paltz, N.Y., and Jimmy Davis of Ballston Spa, N.Y., in a second Elmo Reckner car.
“The Flying Squirrel” Rocky Warner of Gloversville, N.Y., dominated the Sportsman “Turkey 25” event, leading from green to checkered. Warner, a Capital District talent whose No. 79 was outfitted with a Crate 602 engine, staved off the late advances of Danny Tyler to earn a hefty $1,500 payday: $1,000 from the posted purse, $250 as the first Crate 602 across the line from United Pump & Tank and $250 as the Halfway Leader from Bulldog Concrete.
He also earned a free tire courtesy of Lias Tire/American Racer, a $100 VP Racing Fuels credit, a $50 D&D NAPA gift certificate, fresh-baked pies and a pair of custom trophies.
Tyler, who was celebrating his 24th birthday on Saturday, raced from 10th to finish second. Brad Szulewski of Shohola, Pa., Modified winner Perrego (driving the Dave Coene No. 12c) and Tyler Boniface of Pine Bush, N.Y., the Accord Spec Sportsman champion, completed the front five. Boniface recovered from an early skirmish with a late charge.
A field of 38 Sportsman checked into the pit area. Warner, Kevin Ward (Highland, N.Y.), Perrego and Alex Bell (Cambridge, N.Y.) won the heat races. Jack Speshock and Dave Constantino split the consolations.
Charlie Houghtaling of Jeffersonville, N.Y., emerged from a wild late-race battle through lapped traffic to win the first Ron Wright Memorial 20-lap event for the Pure Stock/Street Stock division. Houghtaling officially led the entire distance but momentarily relinquished the top spot on lap 15 to George Deckelman before a timely caution nixed the pass.
Houghtaling, a veteran of the pavement at Bethel (N.Y.) Motor Speedway, racked up his second late-season full-fender win on dirt, having bested the Street Stock field at Orange County (N.Y.) Fair Speedway during Eastern States Weekend.
Houghtaling took home $610 in cash ($500 winner’s share plus $110 in lap money) plus an American Racer tire, a $50 gift certificate to D&D NAPA, fresh-baked pumpkin pies and custom trophies.
Ray Tarantino, an Accord regular, chased Houghtaling to the finish, followed by Deckelman (Fremont Center, N.Y.), Jim Maher (Stony Point, N.Y.) and John Woinoski (Wallkill, N.Y.).
Twenty-three Pure Stock/Street Stock competitors took part in the event.
GOBBLER GIBLITS: Despite temperatures in the low-30s, a large crowd filled the Accord grandstands to watch 103 race cars take part in the ‘Gobbler’ dirt-track finale. Accord promoter Gary Palmer worked tirelessly to not only ready what ultimately was a racy and dust-free track surface, but to prepare the facility to withstand the frigid temperatures….
Fans arrived at the speedway to tailgate around fires prior to 8 a.m., with one of the track’s largest crowds of the season ultimately turning out….
The Wright family was well represented to honor Ron Wright’s memory in the Pure Stock/Street Stock event. A true fan of the sport, crew member and racing Dad, Wright passed away last November. Ron’s son Kyle participated in the memorial event, finishing ninth….
Tim McCreadie’s Accord debut ended abruptly on lap four when his Vinnie Salerno-owned No. 4* was collected in a turn-three tangle and towed off the speedway in the main event. The Watertown, N.Y., driver had finished second – behind Friesen – in the afternoon’s first heat….
Drivers towed from as far north as Vermont and as far south as Parsonsburg, Md., to compete in the ‘Gobbler’ event, with diversity evident in each of the three divisions….
A festive pre-race atmosphere included holiday music provided by DJ Tim Adams, a toy drive, collectibles on sale, a display by local country station WRWD 107.3 FM and more. Event apparel was sold out prior to hot laps….
Thousands of dollars in bonus money, lap money, products and contingency awards were paid out during the first post-Thanksgiving activity at Accord Speedway since November 30, 2002….
Saturday’s ‘Gobbler’ event concluded the 2013 racing season for BD Motorsports Media. For off-season information, contact Brett Deyo by phone at 845.728.2781, via e-mail at Deyo99H@aol.com or on the web at www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com. “Like” BD Motorsports Media on Facebook or follow @BrettDeyo on Twitter.
The 2014 BD Motorsports Media opener is set for Sunday, March 23 at Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, N.Y., with the first ‘Hard Clay Open’ event. Modifieds headline the program in a 50-lap event with a $30,000 total purse joined by the SUNY Canton 602 Sportsman GRIT Series in a 25-lapper.
The ‘Gobbler’ was presented by Sowle Trailer Repair, Glen Ridge Motorsports Park, Insinger Performance, United Pump & Tank, Rock Fantasy, Elmo’s Auto Body, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, Bulldog Concrete, Hig Fab, Jack’s Race Car Parts, Keith Sweigart Electric, Manmiller Electric, VP Racing Fuels, Premier Auto Body, 710 Motorsports, D&D NAPA Auto Supply, ASI Fuel & Trophies, Lias Tire/American Racer, Wright’s Orchards, Rosendale Farmer’s Market, John J. Liggan Insurance, Shiley Fabrication, Bob Hilbert Sportswear, S&W Awards, Four Star Lettering, BD Motorsports Media LLC and many other fine marketing partners.
SOWLE TRAILER REPAIR-GLEN RIDGE MOTORSPORTS PARK ‘GOBBLER’ RACE SUMMARY – ACCORD SPEEDWAY NOVEMBER 30, 2013
“Mashed Potato” Modified Feature Finish (50 laps): ANTHONY PERREGO ($7,732.11), Stewart Friesen, Bobby Varin, Mike Mahaney, Andy Bachetti, Nick Rochinski, Danny Tyler, Jackie Brown Jr., Danny Creeden, Elmo Reckner, Mike Ricci, Tommy Meier, Rich Ricci Jr., Mike Kolka Jr., Tim Hindley, Pat Ward, Tyler Dippel, Scott Ferrier, Tony Kawalchuk, Chad Brachmann, Darrell Ford, Jimmy Davis, Tim McCreadie, Bob Henry Jr., Jim Becker.
Did Not Qualify: Dom Roselli, Rich Eurich, Raymond Curry Jr., Tyler McKee, Brad Szulewski, Cass Bennett, Charles Humes, Mark Pullen, Kurt Hundeland, Richard Smith, Dylan Scribner, Brad Trice, Chuck McKee, Matt Curry, Justin Holland, Corey Lowitt, Jeff Heotzler.
Jack’s Used Race Car Parts Dash for Cash Finish (6 laps): STEWART FRIESEN ($300), Andy Bachetti ($50), Mike Mahaney ($50), Danny Tyler ($50), Anthony Perrego ($50).
Awards Summary:
Lap Money Summary ($1,425): Anthony Perrego ($465), Kyle Rochinski ($256), Mike Mahaney ($212), Bobby Varin ($180), Andy Bachetti ($120), Stewart Friesen ($112), Danny Tyler ($60) & Rich Ricci Jr. ($20)
Heat Winners ($100 each from 710 Motorsports, Keith Sweigart Electric, Hig Fab & Elmo’s Auto Body): Stewart Friesen, Andy Bachetti, Danny Tyler ($500 Hig Fab Shop Credit), Mike Mahaney, Anthony Perrego
Rock Fantasy Halfway Leader Bonus ($250): Anthony Perrego
United Pump & Tank Bob Green Memorial Hard Charger ($169): Jackie Brown Jr. (22nd to 8th)
Ruger’s Guns RACEceiver Bonus ($350 value): Danny Tyler (7th)
Crunchco Snacks 11th-Place Bonus (11th-Place): Mike Ricci
Behrent’s Performance Warehouse Fast Time Awards ($100 Certificates): Anthony Perrego (12.935 seconds) & Stewart Friesen (13.169 seconds):
Manmiller Electric “One Spot Out” Awards ($50 Each): Pat Ward, Dom Roselli & Rich Eurich
ASI Fuel & Trophy Cash for Gas ($100): Brad Trice
Shiley Fabrication Hard Luck Award (Bumpers & Rubrails): Chuck McKee
DJ Tim Adams First Car Out Bonus ($100): Jim Becker
VP Racing Fuels Bonus ($250 Certificate): Stewart Friesen
Insinger Performance Bonus (Drum of Fuel): Anthony Perrego
Bob Hilbert Sportswear Bonuses ($100 Certificates): Anthony Perrego, Stewart Friesen & Bobby Varin
Lias Tire/American Racer Fresh Rubber Awards (FREE tires): Anthony Perrego, Tommy Meier (12th) and Tyler Dippel (17th)
Lineman Racing New Jersey Bonus ($50 Credit): Tommy Meier
D&D NAPA “Know How” Award ($50 Certificate): Anthony Perrego
Thanksgiving Dessert (Fresh-Baked Pies): Anthony Perrego
Northeast Racing Videos Bonuses (Free DVDs): Stewart Friesen (2nd) & Darrell Ford (21st)
John J. Liggan Insurance “Towing Insurance” Bonus ($50): Tony Kawalchuk
Sportsman “Turkey 25” Feature Finish (25 laps): ROCKY WARNER ($1,500), Danny Tyler, Brad Szulewski, Anthony Perrego, Tyler Boniface, Derrick McGrew, Greg McCloskey, Davey Werber, Shane Jablonka, Dave Constantino, John Scarborough, Jack Gentile, Mike Traver, Ed Dachenhausen, Jack Speshuck, Matt Janiak, Doug Snyder, Ken Ferrier, Tyler Dippel, Alex Bell, Joe Bonetti, Joe Giachinta, Jeff Hulseapple.
Did Not Start: Kevin Ward
Did Not Qualify: Dan Dulin, Jerry Curry, Nick Plumstead, Robbie Knipe, Jeff Brown, Jim Introne Jr., Chris Lynch, Bobby Hentschel, Daryl Nutting, Hunter Bates, Steve Williams, Brian Mady, Vinnie DeCicco, Brandon McGill.
Awards Summary:
Bulldog Concrete Halfway Leader Award ($250): Rocky Warner
Premier Auto Body Hard Charger ($150): Derrick McGrew (15th to 6th)
United Pump & Tank First Crate Bonus ($250): Rocky Warner (Winner)
United Pump & Tank Second Crate Bonus ($125): Tyler Boniface (5th)
United Pump & Tank Third Crate Bonus ($125): Derrick McGrew (6th)
VP Racing Fuels Bonus ($100 Certificate): Rocky Warner
D&D NAPA “Know How” Award ($50 Certificate): Rocky Warner
Lias Tire Fresh Rubber Awards (FREE American Racer Tires): Rocky Warner (Winner) & Jack Gentile (12th)
Thanksgiving Dessert (Fresh-Baked Pies): Rocky Warner
Northeast Racing Videos Bonuses (Free DVDs): Danny Tyler (2nd) & Joe Bonetti (21st)
John J. Liggan Insurance “Towing Insurance” Bonus ($50): Joe Bonetti
Ron Wright Memorial “Pumpkin Pie” Pure/Street Stock Feature (20 laps): CHARLIE HOUGHTALING ($610), Ray Tarantino, George Deckelman, Jim Maher, Kevin Skelly, John Woinoski, Jeremy Doerr, Joel Murns, Kyle Wright, John Miller, Jonathan McGibbon, John Hechinger, Ryan Johnson, Bruce Gordon, Allen Tarantino, Joe Knoth, Dan Sanchez, Allison Pierce, Nathan Hill, Jay Cutler Smalley, Walt Henry, Gary Ronk.
Did Not Start: Jeff Hager
Awards Summary:
Lap Money Summary ($550): Charlie Houghtaling ($110), John Woinoski ($80), Joel Murns ($70), George Deckelman ($60), Ray Tarantino ($60), Jim Maher ($60), Bruce Gordon ($50), Kyle Wright ($40) & Kevin Skelly ($20)
Lias Tire Fresh Rubber Award: Charlie Houghtaling
D&D NAPA “Know How” Award ($50 Certificate): Charlie Houghtaling
D&D NAPA Highest Finishing Accord Regular ($100): Ray Tarantino
Tarantino Racing “What Goes Around, Comes Around Third-Place Bonus ($100): George Deckelman
Manmiller Electric Longest Distance Towed ($50): Jeremy Doerr
John J. Liggan Insurance “Towing Insurance” Bonus ($50): Gary Ronk
Knoth Racing Hard Luck Award ($50): Jeff Hager
Thanksgiving Dessert (Fresh-Baked Pies): Charlie Houghtaling
Northeast Racing Videos Bonuses (Free DVDs): Ray Tarantino (2nd) & Walt Henry (21st)
Sources: Brett Deyo/Accord Speedway PR