Shaun Walker Becomes Seventh Short Track SuperNationals Winner In As Many Events At I-88 Speedway Saturday, Earning $5,475; ‘Working Man’s Race’ Returns Home To Afton Fairgrounds With 60 Modifieds, 216 Total Race Cars On Hand; Andy Bachetti Takes $10,014 Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP Championship!
AFTON, NY – With a field of 60 Modifieds in the pit area, another “working man” achieved a career highlight in the Alpine Building Supply Short Track SuperNationals 7 presented by Olum’s Saturday at I-88 Speedway.
Shaun Walker, a low-key track regular from Masonville, N.Y., who, ironically, made his Modified debut in the inaugural 2006 running of the Short Track SuperNationals, scored the ‘Working Man’s Race’ triumph, earning $5,475 in cash plus contingencies for his efforts in the 50-lap big-block/small-block finale of the Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP. Walker’s total take included $175 in lap money, $100 courtesy of Simplicity Designs and $200 from Craig Decker for the team’s crew chief Cliff Mott.
Andy Bachetti, meanwhile, crossed the line in sixth position and earned the S$10,014 Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP championship. Bachetti, of Sheffield, Mass., entered the night tied with Danny Johnson for the series point lead. Johnson, battling illness, struggled to a 14th-place finished. Johnson tallied second in series points, 33 back (475-442).
Walker, driving his family owned No. 21, rolled off fourth in the 32-car grid for the seventh running of the Short Track SuperNationals.
Outside-pole starter Mike Mahaney led the opening three circuits before a rim-riding Chad Cook wheeled Mike Costello’s No. 222 to the point at lap three. Racing side-by-side, lap-after-lap, Mahaney reclaimed the top spot on the ninth tour of the Afton Fairgrounds three-tenths-mile.
Walker, who had dropped to fifth, came to life following a 12th-lap caution. He climbed to third by lap 17 and, two laps later, drove into the runner-up spot.
Walker began a pursuit of the lead that lasted the next 13 laps as Mahaney’s Olum’s-sponsored No. 21 set the pace. Mahaney, 25, of King Ferry, N.Y., led the 25th circuit to collect a huge $900 Halfway Leader Award courtesy of Dale Smith, Steve Survilla and Rob Bronson.
A caution on the 30th circuit put Walker alongside Mahaney for a double-file restart.
Walker remained even with Mahaney for a complete lap before nosing into the top spot on lap 32. However, it was far from clear sailing for Walker. Trapped in heavy lapped traffic, Walker’s pace was slowed during the final five laps. Mahaney reeled Walker in, peeking to the outside on the penultimate lap, but Walker held on by a car-length.
Walker is one of just five drivers who have attended all seven editions of the Short Track SuperNationals. He becomes the seventh winner in as many editions of the race!
Mahaney settled for a runner-up effort worth an astounding $4,309: $3,000 as the runner-up, $50 from Friday night’s Manmiller Electric Dash, $1,040 in lap money and $119 from Waymart Building Center as the highest-finishing Thunder Mountain (N.Y.) Speedway regular.
Veteran Mitch Gibbs of North Norwich, N.Y., drove “Cork” O’Hara’s No. 2G to a third-place result, his best-ever Short Track SuperNationals finish. Teenager Tyler Dippel of Wallkill, N.Y., advanced from 13th to finish fourth and Bobby Varin of Sharon Springs, N.Y., finished fifth. Varin started 17th driving Tom Umbenhauer’s No. 19V.
Placing sixth through 10th, respectively, were 2014 Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP champion Bachetti; a charging Jeff Heotzler of Wallkill, N.Y., who started 27th driving the Mel Schrufer-owned No. 2A; 23rd-starter Rich Ricci Jr. of New Paltz, N.Y., driving his son’s Sportsman car after losing an engine in his big-block during practice; Danny Creeden of Wurtsboro, N.Y.; and Danny Varin of Sharon Springs, N.Y., driving Ed Monger’s No. 93.
Top passing-points earners in the 10-lap heats, each earning $100, were Bob Henry Jr. of Clay, N.Y.; Gibbs; Mahaney; Doug Manmiller of Shoemakersville, Pa.; Paul Jensen of Edmeston, N.Y.; and David Van Horn Jr. of Harmony, N.J.
Consolation victors were Mike Gular of Green Lane, Pa., Darwin Greene of Susquehanna, Pa., and Brett Tonkin of Carbondale, Pa.
Matt Jester of Milford, Del., wired the field in the 17-lap Greg Page Construction Modified B-Main. Jester, a Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP regular, fended off Billy Van Pelt’s last-lap charge to earn his second B-Main triumph at I-88 this season (he also earned the ‘Crazy 8s Special’ B-Main in July). Jester opted to pass on the $777 winner’s share to start the 50-lap main event, worth a minimum of $600 green money.
Bachetti won Friday night’s 10-lap Manmiller Electric Modified Dash reserved for the top-five fastest cars in practice. The triumph put Bachetti directly into the redraw for Saturday’s event. Mahaney, Doug Manmiller, Mike Ricci of Tillson, N.Y., and Tim Currier of Auburn, N.Y., placed second through fifth, earning $50 each.
Woodhull (N.Y.) Raceway regular Cory Costa of Corning, N.Y., swept the weekend’s Sportsman activities, earning $3,388 for his efforts.
On Friday night, Costa bested the Chamber’s & O’Hara/Jim’s Auto Repair Open vs. Crate 602 Sportsman field in the 35-lap event utilizing a Crate 602 engine. Costa pocketed $2,388 for his efforts: $1,500 from the base payout, $588 from the Chamber’s & O’Hara “Gambler’s Bonus” program and $300 as the highest-finishing Crate 602 driver in the field.
Kevin Jordan, who had fallen outside the top-15 in the early portions of the main, charged through traffic late in the main using the outside lane. Jordan, of Speedsville, N.Y., arrived in second on the 26th lap but ran out of time to challenge Costa, who wired the field. Jordan’s Open Sportsman was second, followed by Crate 602 driver Donnie Lawson of Woodhull, N.Y. Track regular Harold Humphrey of Norwich, N.Y., and Kevin Coons of Walton, N.Y., completed the front five.
Costa continued his dominance in Saturday’s 25-lap Dig Safely New York GRIT Series Crate 602 Sportsman event. Costa earned the $1,000 victory in dominant fashion. New Jersey invader Steve Davis, making his I-88 Speedway debut, chased Costa across the line. Pat Jordan of Speedsville, N.Y., GRIT Series traveler Rocky Warner of Gloversville, N.Y., and Ebby Ridge of Upper Black Eddy, Pa., trailed in a caution-marred event.
Quebec’s Alex Therrien made his first visit to I-88 Speedway a memorable one. Therrien pocketed $500 in a caution-free 20-lap Empire Lightning Sprint main event. Therrien, a second-generation driver, competes in his home province of Quebec and made the trek to race with the Empire State group on Saturday. Don Harvey was the runner-up.
Gary Roberts of Nineveh, N.Y., emerged from a mid-race battle with Gary Smith to win the IMCA-Modified 20-lap main Saturday. Roberts, who indicated he was retiring from a long career in the sport, earned $600 courtesy of Vernooy’s Automotive Excellence. Smith was the runner-up.
Friday night’s 25-lap Street Stock main was a classic. Dustin Harris of Oneonta, N.Y., completed edged Randy Fox and Bob Buono in a three-wide dash to the finish. Harris, on the extreme inside of the speedway, raced in tandem with Fox and Buono for the race’s final two laps. The trio battled without contact and Harris’ bottom lane prevailed at the line. He earned $500 courtesy of sponsor Trackside Products. Fox and Buono were second and third, respectively.
Tim Vandemark of Walton, N.Y., wired the 29-car FWD Four Cylinder field in the 18-lap feature for a hefty $520 payday on Friday including $220 in lap money raised for the event. Kenny Underwood chased Vandemark across the stripe.
Niagara Falls, Ont., driver Sam Pennachio dominated the 18-lap Empire Sport Truck event, earning $425 for his efforts including lap and bonus money. Ralph Cuozzo Jr. edged Bob Crandall for second spot.
AFTON AFTERTHOUGHTS: The return of the Short Track SuperNationals to the Afton Fairgrounds where it began in 2006 was a huge success. The total car count over two days of racing was 216 cars! The 60-car Modified field was the best of all events contested on Saturday in the Empire State….
Entries ranged from as far south as Delaware and as far north as Quebec….
The SuperNationals was a “true event” with camping and post-race activities each night. A large crowd turned out for Saturday’s special event….
The SuperNationals concluded the ’14 Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP championship battle, with point fund checks to be mailed on Tuesday, Oct. 14….
The payout on Saturday set a single-day record at I-88 Speedway. The base payout for the Modifieds topped $33,000 between the A-Main paying $600 to start and the fully paid B-Main….
To learn more about the Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP, visit www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com, e-mail Brett Deyo at bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com or call 845.728.2781. BD Motorsports Media is on Facebook and on Twitter: @BrettDeyo.
ALPINE BUILDING SUPPLY SHORT TRACK SUPERNATIONALS 7 PRESENTED BY OLUM’S RACE SUMMARY – OCTOBER 11, 2014
Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP Modified Feature Finish (50 Laps): SHAUN WALKER ($5,475), Mike Mahaney, Mitch Gibbs, Tyler Dippel, Bobby Varin, Andy Bachetti, Jeff Heotzler, Rich Ricci Jr., Danny Creeden, Danny Varin, Chad Cook, Ryan Watt, Billy Van Pelt, Danny Johnson, Mike Ricci, Joey Grammes, Danny Tyler, Matt Jester, Paul Jensen, Craig Hanson, Mike Gular, Doug Manmiller, Tommy Meier, Kyle Merkel, Brett Tonkin, Bob Henry Jr., Tim Currier, Brian Malcolm, Kevin Jordan, David Van Horn Jr., Allan Therrien, Darwin Greene.
Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP Champion: Andy Bachetti ($10,014)
Sleepy Hollow Golf Short Track Super Series Rookie of the Year: Nick Nye ($350)
Lap Money Breakdown ($2,067): Mike Mahaney ($1,014); Shaun Walker ($175); Tyler Dippel ($155); Andy Bachetti ($149); Mitch Gibbs ($143); Bobby Varin ($94); Rich Ricci Jr. ($80); Bob Henry Jr. ($40); Paul Jensen ($40); Jeff Heotzler ($40)
Accord Speedway Nov. 29 ‘Gobbler’ Redraw Position: Shaun Walker (first)
AIM Fitness Strong Performer of the Race ($100): Jeff Heotzler (27th to seventh)
Allstar Performance Bonuses ($50 Certificates): Mitch Gibbs (third) & Rich Ricci Jr. (eighth)
American Racer/Lias Tire Bonuses (FREE Tire): Danny Creeden (ninth) & Billy Van Pelt (13th)
ATL Bonus ($100 Credit): Bobby Varin (fifth)
Behrent’s Performance Warehouse Bonuses ($50 Gift Card): Tyler Dippel (fourth) and Danny Creeden (ninth)
BFP Specialty Bonus ($100 Credit): Kyle Merkel (24th)
Bob Hilbert Sportswear Bonuses ($100 Certificates): Shaun Walker (first), Mike Mahaney (second) & Mitch Gibbs (third)
Craig Decker Crew Chief of the Race ($200): Cliff Mott (for winner Shaun Walker)
Crunchco Snacks Bonus ($111): Chad Cook (11th)
Diversified Machine/Bulldog Rear End Bonuses ($50 certificates): Chad Cook (11th) & Rich Eurich (DNQ)
DMJ Photos Top Orange County Fair Speedway Regular ($50): Danny Creeden (ninth)
DRACO ‘Spring Forward’ Award: Jeff Heotzler (27th to seventh)
Early Entry Bonuses ($50): Dan Hineline (DNQ) & Danny Tyler (17th)
Heat-Race Top Passing-Points Earners ($100):
Bob Henry Jr., Mitch Gibbs, Mike Mahaney, Doug Manmiller, Paul Jensen & David Van Horn Jr.
Hoosier Racing Tire Bonuses (Free Tire): Craig Hanson (20th) & Chad Miller (DNQ)
Northeast Racing Videos Top Accord Speedway Regular ($100): Andy Bachetti (sixth)
PM3 Digital Imaging Hard Charger Bonus ($25 Credit): Jeff Heotzler (27th to seventh)
Shiley Fabrication Hard Luck Award: Chris Piasecki (DNQ)
Simplicity Design $100 Winner’s Bonus: Shaun Walker
S&W Awards Hardware: Shaun Walker
Waymart Building Center Top Penn Can/Thunder Mountain Regular ($119): Mike Mahaney (second)
Greg Page Construction Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP Modified B-Main Finish (17 Laps): MATT JESTER, Billy Van Pelt, Joey Grammes, Mike Clapperton, Nick Rochinski, J.R. Hurlburt, Rich Eurich, Nick Nye, Elmo Reckner, Jesse James Bonaduce, Travis Smith, Al McCoy, Chad Miller, Chuck Potts, Kurt Hundeland, Sean Mandel, Steve Cummings, Chris Stull, Duane Hiller, Jimmy Wells, Tommy Meier, John Morse, Chris Piasecki, Brian Malcolm, Dan Hineline, Jeff Heotzler, Steve Davis, Craig Hanson.
Did Not Start: Geordie Decker, Darrell Ford, Justin Boehler, Billy Spoonhower, Ryan Jordan.
Dig Safely New York GRIT Series Crate 602 Sportsman Feature Finish (25 Laps): CORY COSTA ($1,000), Steve Davis, Pat Jordan, Rocky Warner, Ebby Ridge, Chad Edwards, Ben Wheeler, Brian Pessolano, Connor Cleveland, Dillon Groover, Kurt Hohenscheldt, Todd Titus, Allison Ricci, Shea Montgomery, Dale Welty, Ken Boniface, Josh Keesey, Eric Palmer, Donnie Lawson, Colton Wilson, Randy Gates, Alan Barker, Lanson Albanese, Ivan Joslin, Marty Bunker, Brett Draper, David Doig Jr., Phil Vigneri III.
Did Not Qualify: Rich Coons, Mike Trautschold, Brian Mady, Dustin Jordan, Brian Nelson, Aaron Burton, Shayne Spoonhower, Andrew Buff.
Vernooy’s Automotive Excellence IMCA-Modified Feature Finish (20 Laps): GARY ROBERTS ($600), Gary Smith, Tyler Stoddard, Dan Burman, Mike Wilbur, Matt Jones, Bob Maynard, Keith Lamphere, Mike Stoddard, Beau Ballard, Kurt Decker, Bob Collins, Tim Vandermark.
Empire Lightning Sprint Feature Finish (20 Laps): ALEX THERRIEN ($500), Don Harvey, Jordan Poirier, Yannick Poirier, Kurt Conklin, Eric Sandburg, Jon Moore, Rick Stone, Stephan St. Laurent, Phil Bessette, Jamie Kiser, Jerry Sen, Zach Bennett, Adam White, Nick DeNyse, Don Bellen.
ALPINE BUILDING SUPPLY SHORT TRACK SUPERNATIONALS 7 PRESENTED BY OLUM’S RACE SUMMARY – OCTOBER 10, 2014
Chamber’s & O’Hara/Jim’s Auto Repair Open Vs. Crate 602 Sportsman Feature Finish (35 Laps): CORY COSTA ($2,388), Kevin Jordan, Donnie Lawson, Harold Humphrey, Kevin Coons, Travis Smith, Tom Tophoven, Colton Wilson, Butch Klinger, Clay Butler, Chance Spoonhower, Hunter Bates, Rich Ricci III, Randy Gates, Craig Pope, Jimmy Wells, Skip Pickwick, Pat Jordan, Dillon Groover, Aaron Shelton, Corey Pike, Robby Knipe, Mike Richmond, Phil Vigneri III, Eric Palmer, Robert Barker.
Crate 602 Bonuses: Cory Costa ($300), Donnie Lawson ($200), Colton Wilson ($100), Hunter Bates ($75), Randy Gates ($50) & Pat Jordan (Free Pass)
Did Not Qualify: Shayne Spoonhower, Phil Recchio, Dustin Jordan, Scott Flanders, Mike Trautschold, Brett Buono, Bill Leonard, Brian Pessolano, Tom Tophoven, Jack Speshock, Allison Ricci, Lisa Williams, Kurtis Hohenshelt, Brian Mady.
Manmiller Electric Modified Dash (10 Laps): ANDY BACHETTI (redraw spot for Saturday), Mike Mahaney, Doug Manmiller, Mike Ricci, Tim Currier.
Trackside Products Street Stock Feature Finish (25 Laps): DUSTIN HARRIS ($500), Randy Fox, Bob Buono, Tom Savercool, Matt Bowman, Toby Lehr, Shawn Boynton, Dave Cronk, Kyle Stark, Dan Babcock, Paul Harrington, Eric Boynton, Brian Lanza.
Empire Sport Truck Feature Finish (18 Laps): SAM PENNACHIO ($425), Ralph Cuozzo Jr., Bob Crandall, Pete Christianson, Rob Loucks, Rick Wagner, Doug O’Hara, Truck No. 312, Brandon Clapperton, Alan Hodge.
Four Cylinder Feature Finish (18 Laps): TIM VANDEMARK ($520), Kenny Underwood, Dillon Robinson, Rick Wagner, Don Doster Jr., Isaiah Forward, Frank Kennedy, Walt Henry, Steve Carpenter, Bob Crandall, George Zenninger, Zach Petrie, Dave Jenkins, Ray Oakley, Rob Nober, Kenny Atkins, Phil Levering, Keith Beach, Gabe Forward, Brian Bauernfiend, Kyle Welsch, Nick Kennedy, Brian Pope, Mike Robinson, Ryan Wood, Tasha Curry, Anthony DeForest.
Did Not Start: Phil Burns, Laverne Conklin.
The Short Track SuperNationals is presented by Alpine Building Supply, Olum’s, Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc., Algonkin Motel, AIM Fitness, Trackside Products, Crunchco Snacks, MidNite Auto, Keith Sweigart Electric, Dale and Sue Smith, Vernooy’s Automotive Excellence, Elmo’s Auto Body, and many other 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