Dash for Cash Misfortune Sets Anthony Perrego Up For $5,530 New York Truck Parts Inc. ‘Battle of the Bullring 2’ Victory At Accord Speedway Wednesday Night, Takes Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP Modified Victory; First-Time Visitor Chance Spoonhower Earns Sportsman $1,000 Payday

By admin August 7, 2014 Accord, Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series Fueled By Sunoco

ACCORD, NY – Dash-for-Cash disappointment set Anthony Perrego up for a huge victory on Wednesday night at Accord Speedway.

A failed fuel pump in the dash event reserved for top heat-race qualifiers forced Perregos’ car to slow and drop to the infield. The timing of the misfortune allowed the team to make repairs in time for the main event: the New York Truck Parts Inc. ‘Battle of the Bullring 2’ presented by Handsome Devil Barbecue LLC, Alex’s Marine Plus and D&D NAPA Auto Supply.

Perrego’s Gary Mann-owned No. 55 took over the lead with 10 laps remaining in the 52-lap Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP big-block/small-block Modified event after starting eighth. The track regular earned $5,530 including the base purse of $5,200, plus a $100 bonus from Simplicity Design, $180 in lap money and Dash for Cash earnings ($50).

Perrego, a Montgomery, N.Y.-based 20-year-old sophomore Modified driver who made his debut driving for Mann in the ‘Battle of the Bullring’ a year ago at the Ulster County facility, won his second career BD Motorsports Media LLC event. His first, also at Accord, came last November in the post-Thanksgiving ‘Gobbler’ special.

“We got lucky to find the problem with the fuel pump in the Dash for Cash,” Perrego said while holding his unique bullring trophy. “If we weren’t in the Dash, we wouldn’t have made five laps in the feature.”

The second annual ‘Battle of the Bullring’ midweek special was postponed by 24 hours after rains hit the speedway Tuesday night during the Modified consolation events. A cool, dry night prevailed on Wednesday for the program to be completed in full.

Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP point leader Andy Bachetti picked the pole via a redraw of top qualifiers and led the 27-car starting field at the start of the main. Bachetti’s most prominent challenger during the caution-marred early laps was Tommy Meier, whose Jeff Behrent-owned No. 3 started from second position.

Bachetti arrived in lapped traffic at lap 17, setting up a four-car battle for the lead including Meier, Jackie Brown Jr. and an emerging Perrego.

Following a restart on lap 22, Bachetti’s No. 34 – suffering from brake issues – pushed across the track. Meier then pressed into the lead with Brown and Perrego moving into second and third, respectively.

Meier, the veteran from Waldwick, N.J., set the pace for the next 10 laps comfortably before a caution tightened the field on the 32nd circuit for a double-file restart. Perrego shot into second when Brown and Bachetti became momentarily entangled on the backstretch.

Perrego’s pursuit of Meier was now underway.

Lap-after-lap, Perrego’s Teo-Pro mount stalked Meier, looking high and low on the racy quarter-mile oval. Ultimately, the winning move took place at the exit of turn four on lap 41. Meier’s car pushed up the speedway slightly, breaking his momentum. Perrego darted low to take command at the line for lap 42.

“I thought we had a little better car than he (Meier) did,” Perrego said. “He opened the door once and we had the line. I’ve got to thank Gary (Mann) for all he’s done for me.”

Despite a final caution on lap 48, Perrego was never headed. He drove to the victory by five car-lengths.

Meier settled for a second-place payday but collected a hefty $3,539 for his efforts. Mike Ricci of Tillson, N.Y., advanced from 21st position to finish third in his No. 76R, receiving the Rock Fantasy Concert, Smoke Shop & Pinball Room $200 Hard Charger Award from Stephen Keeler. Ricci’s third-place earnings totaled $2,300. Rich Ricci Jr. of New Paltz, N.Y., guided the family owned No. 406 big-block to fourth from 19th. He took home $1,720.

Jerry Higbie Jr. of Newburgh, N.Y., who originally started 16th, recovered from involvement in three early skirmishes to recover for a fifth-place finish, earning $1,593.

Finishing sixth through 10th, respectively, were veteran Rich Eurich of Warwick, N.Y. ($1,441); a charging Bobby Varin of Sharon Springs, N.Y., who started 22nd in Dave Zubikowski’s No. 11 ($1,120); Brown, of Hurley, N.Y., after losing several positions in the tangle with Bachetti ($1,160); Dom Roselli of Highland Lake, N.Y., ($1,065) and Bachetti of Sheffield, Mass., who nursed an ailing car to 10th ($940).

Mike Mahaney of King Ferry, N.Y., won the 5-lap Zubi’s Racing/Winchell Stone & Masonry Dash-for-Cash run in memory of the late Accord Speedway champion Joe Winne. Mahaney pocketed $555 in the five-car event including each of the top passing-points earners from qualifying. Meier, Danny Tyler, Roselli and Perrego completed the order.

Consolation winners were Higbie, Donnie Elliott of Middletown, N.Y., and Danny Creeden of Wurtsboro, N.Y.

A field of 47 Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP Modifieds signed into the pit area, an increase over the 2013 count.

Visiting Accord Speedway for the first time ever, Thunder Mountain (N.Y.) Speedway regular Chance Spoonhower of Berkshire, N.Y., topped the 25-lap Open vs. Crate 602 Sportsman main. Spoonhower pocketed $1,000 and a guaranteed starting berth in the October Alpine Building Supply Short Track SuperNationals presented by Olum’s at I-88 (N.Y.) Speedway.

Spoonhower started from the pole, lost the lead on the opening lap to Greg McCloskey and regain the top spot with an inside maneuver on lap three in the second turn. Third-generation driver Randy Green of Newburgh, N.Y., chased Spoonhower for the remainder of the distance, settling for second.

“We had never been here before yesterday,” Spoonhower, a three-time winner at his home track, said. “Mike Mahaney and his Dad (Jim) helped us with picking the right tires and the setup.”

Joe Bonetti, Will Dietz and Shane Jablonka, driving the Vinnie DeCicco No. 55V, completed the front five.

Sportsman heat winners Joey Brunig, Will Dietz, Matt Hitchcock, Mike Barrett and Steve Davis. Tommy Johnson and Jeff Hulseapple topped the consolations.

A strong field of 43 Sportsman checked into the pit area.

BULLRING BITS: Fan activities were plentiful on Tuesday, with a mechanical bull, chicken barbecue, fireworks, music, a legends driver autograph session and more. Each race team participating in the event, both Modified and Sportsman, received a free chicken barbecue meal….

The victory was meaningful to Perrego’s car owner Gary Mann, whose New York Truck Parts Inc. business in Wurtsboro, N.Y., served as the title sponsor of the special….

Series regulars Matt Jester and Craig Hanson were both making their first-ever Accord starts and qualified for the main….

Invader Mike Mahaney suffered a flat tire and finished the event 20th, but still collected a big payday for his efforts. With lap money, bonuses and his Dash for Cash victory, his total take was $1,295….

The event, offering a purse of more than $27,000, was the richest race in the history of Accord Speedway, which was constructed in 1962 and reopened in 1992 after a five-year hiatus….

Sportsman winner Chance Spoonhower is the son of Thunder Mountain Speedway owner/promoter Karl Spoonhower….

NEW YORK TRUCK PARTS INC. ‘BATTLE OF THE BULLRING 2’ RACE SUMMARY – AUGUST 6, 2014

Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP Modified Feature Finish (52 laps): ANTHONY PERREGO ($5,530), Tommy Meier, Mike Ricci, Rich Ricci Jr., Jerry Higbie Jr., Rich Eurich, Bobby Varin, Jackie Brown Jr., Dom Roselli, Andy Bachetti, John McClelland, Tyler Dippel, Jeff Heotzler, Danny Tyler, Darrell Ford, Tim Hindley, Joe Judge, Elmo Reckner, Donnie Elliott, Mike Mahaney, Craig Hanson, Danny Creeden, Rob Rowe, Ryan Godown, Matt Jester, Ray Jashembowski, Nick Rochinski.

Did Not Qualify: Tyler Boniface, Dan Humes, Corey Lowitt, Randall Paxton, Tim Apgar, Dom Buffalino, Brett Tonkin, C.G. Morey, Joey Grammes, Kyle Weiss, Kurt Hundeland, Brett Wright, Mike DuBois, Bob McGannon, Richard Smith, Mike Kolka Jr., Kyle Van Duser, Ryan Watt, Scott Ferrier, Jeff Strunk.

Lap Money Breakdown ($1,323): Tommy Meier ($369), Anthony Perrego ($180), Jackie Brown Jr. ($140), Rich Eurich ($121), Andy Bachetti ($120), Rich Ricci Jr. ($100), Mike Ricci ($80), Dom Roselli ($80), Jerry Higbie Jr. ($73), John McClelland ($40) & Mike Mahaney ($20)
Allstar Performance Bonuses ($50 Certificates): Mike Ricci (third) & Jackie Brown Jr. (eighth)
American Racer Lias Tire Bonuses (FREE Tire): Rich Eurich (sixth) & Darrell Ford (15th)
Behrent’s Bonuses ($50 Certificates): Rich Ricci Jr. (fourth) & Dom Roselli (ninth)
BFP Specialty $100 Credit: Ryan Watt (DNQ)
Bob Hilbert Sportswear Bonuses ($100 Certificates): Tommy Meier (second), Andy Bachetti (10th) & Tyler Boniface (DNQ) Diversified Machine Inc./Bulldog Rear End Bonuses ($50 certificates): John McClelland (11th) & Brett Tonkin (DNQ)
DRACO ‘Spring Forward’ Award (FREE Spring): Mike Ricci (21st to third)
Fast Axle Bonuses ($50 Certificates): Rich Eurich (sixth) & Tyler Dippel (12th)
Finish Line Web Design Bonus ($150 Credit): Anthony Perrego (winner)
HigFab Halfway Leader ($200 Cash): Tommy Meier
Hoosier Racing Tire Bonuses (FREE Tire): Craig Hanson (21st) & Dan Humes (DNQ)
John J. Liggan Insurance Inc. ‘Towing Insurance’ Bonus ($50 Cash): Matt Jester (25th)
Lineman Racing Bonuses ($50 Certificates): John McClelland (11th) & Ryan Godown (24th)
PM3 Digital Imaging Hard Charger Bonus ($25 credit): Mike Ricci (21st to third)
Rock Fantasy Concert, Smoke Shop & Pinball Room Hard Charger ($200 Cash): Mike Ricci (21st to third)
Schaeffer Racing Oil Bonus (two cases of Schaeffer Oil): Anthony Perrego (winner)
Shiley Fabrication Hard Luck Award (Bumpers & Rubrails): Matt Jester (25th)
Simplicity Design Winner’s Bonus ($100 Cash): Anthony Perrego (winner)
Top I-88 Speedway Finisher ($100 Cash): Mike Mahaney (20th)
Top Thunder Mountain Speedway Finisher ($100 Cash): Mike Mahaney (20th)
Vahlco Wheels Bonus (FREE Beadlock Wheel): Jerry Higbie Jr. (fifth)

Zubi’s Racing/Winchell Stone & Masonry Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP Modified Joe Winne Memorial Dash for Cash (5 laps): MIKE MAHANEY ($555), Tommy Meier ($150), Danny Tyler ($75), Dom Roselli ($65), Anthony Perrego ($50).

Open vs. Crate 602 Sportsman Feature Finish (25 laps): CHANCE SPOONHOWER ($1,000), Randy Green, Joe Bonetti, Will Dietz, Shane Jablonka, Dave Werber, Brian Krummel, Robbie Knipe, Matt Hitchcock, Joey Brunig, Danny Cross, Mike Traver, Chris Stevens, Joe Giachinta, Tommy Johnson, Mike Barrett, Rich Ricci III, Greg McCloskey, Jesse Marks, Jeff Hulseapple, Brett Graham, Chad Miller, Dave Coene, Jimmy Wells, Charles Hendrickson Jr.

Did Not Start: Steve Davis

Did Not Qualify: Nick Plumstead, Jim Kraus, Brandon McGill, Sean Gunther, Corey Lowitt, Mike Sabia, Brad Szulewski, Rafaele Carson, Nick Johnson, Derrick McGrew, Phil Johnson, Kenny Boniface, Matt Carman, Danny Cross, Ken Ferrier, Ryan Stortini, Shawn Dietz.

I-88 Speedway Short Track SuperNationals Guaranteed Starting Position: Chance Spoonhower
Crate 602 Bonuses: Brian Krummel ($125), Robbie Knipe ($100) & Matt Hitchcock ($75)
Hunt’s Machine Crate 602 Bonus (Accord Seal): Robbie Knipe ($100)
John J. Liggan Insurance Inc. ‘Towing Insurance Bonus ($50 Cash): Dave Coene
Lineman Racing Bonus ($50 Credit): Matt Carman (DNQ)

The ‘Battle of the Bullring 2’ is presented by New York Truck Parts Inc., Handsome Devil Barbecue, D&D NAPA Auto Parts, Alex’s Marine Plus, Rock Fantasy Concert, Smoke Shop & Pinball Room, Hig Fabrications, Mike’s Auto Detailing, Zubi’s Racing & many fine marketing partners.

The Short Track Super Series is presented by VP Racing Fuels, Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc., East Coast Speed/ECS Auto, Rochinski Contracting Services, Allstar Performance, American Racer/Lias Tire, Art’s Radiator, ATL Fuel Cells, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, BFP Specialty, Bicknell Racing Products, Bob Hilbert Sportswear, COMP Performance Group, Dirt Track Digest, DMI/Bulldog Rear Ends, DRACO Springs, Driven Racing Oil, ERK Steering, Finish Line Web Design, FOX Shox, H.B. Steele & Son, Henry’s Stainless Steel Exhaust, Hig Fab Chassis, Hoosier Racing Tire, Jack’s Used Race Car Parts & More, Kirkey Racing Products, PM3 Digital Imaging, Quarter Master, Race Pro Weekly, Schaeffer Racing Oil, Shiley Fabrication, Sleepy Hollow Golf, Teo-Pro Car, Troyer Race Cars & Vahlco Wheels.

Sources: BD Motorsports Media