Published: April 22, 2018
Practice day number one is in the record books and the track seen both some familiar names as well as some old names with new faces…..
The Martella Pharmacies Late model division seen the familiar faces of many of 2017 competitors including Jennerstown all time feature win leader Barry Awtey as well as Garry Wiltrout, Todd Price, Teddy Gibala, Mike Hemminger. Hemminger, Gibala, and Price all were sporting new looks and new cars for the 2018 season. In addition to the veterans on hand the late models also seen two divisional rookies. The 2016 Stoystown Auto Wreckers Modified divisional champion Zane Ferrell made his late model debut with his “Pink Lady” tribute car in honor of his racing grandfather Bill Geary. Also making his rookie late model debut was 16yr old Brandon Marhefka. If the name sounds familiar; it should. Brandon is the son of former late model competitor Rob Marhefka and grandson of Jennerstown Speedway Complex hall of fame inductee Bob Marhefka.
The Stoystown Auto Wreckers Modified division also showcased veteran and rookies. Defending modified champion Chris brink was on hand sporting a new look for 2018 season. Also sporting new colors was 2017 rookie of the year Dustin Gursky in his #29 modified. Other veterans who participated in practice day #1 were: two time 2017 feature winner “Racin Jason” Busch, and “the Nuclear Bannana” Matt Smith. Rookie contending drivers for 2018 include former Fast N furious 4’s winner RJ dallape and Paul Fess Jr. Fess’s name is no stranger to Jennerstown speedway or the entire racing region. Paul Jr. is the son of legendary driver Paul Fess Sr. who was a star on both the dirt and asphalt in his famous car #82. Paul Fess Jr. has had success himself on the blacktop winning in both the former PA Legacy series and well as the Pro Truck Series and is eager to compete in the modifeds in 2018.
The Riggs industries Street Stocks seen defending champion Lauren Butler back in one piece and as fast as ever. Lauren was involved in a devastating crash late in the 2017 season. Her car owner and father Eddie Butler worked tirelessly all winter long to get the #53 back to competitive form. Lauren’s 2018 plans include not only racing in the street stocks but she will be making her rookie debut in the Super Cup Stock Car Series. A second lady was on hand to test her 2018 ride. 2017 rookie of the year Angie Kimberly was behind the wheel of her #69 street stock. Angie will also be sporting a new look for 2018 but more importantly than looks, street stock chassis extraordinaire Adam Kostelnik has been providing his “AK” chassis support to the Kimberly machine. Probably the most excited driver of the day was rookie contender Jeremy Shaffer. Shaffer is a former dirt late model competitor in the region who took a few years off and decided to make a return to racing but on the blacktop rather than dirt. Shaffer will be one to watch in 2018.
No Farmers Union Co-Op cars were present at practice day but several drivers were seen around the pits. Multi time Fast N Furious 4’s driver Casey Fleegle was at practice day purchasing tires for his charger debut this season. Along side Casey was Justin “show me the way” Frampton who will be returning to competition in 2018. Also spotted was car owner Doug Shaulis who was purchasing tires for his daughter Emily Shaulis who has shown steady improvement in 2017. Emily will be returning in 2018 with a new car her family has built over the winter. The chargers are predicted to have a breakout year in car count as many local residents of the Jennerstown area are building cars.
In the Somerset Trust Fast N Furious 4’s defending champion Brent Bickerstaff was on track with his family operated #53 chevy cobalt machine. New to the class Jason Romine and Corina Fulton were also on hand to get that valuable seat time.
Practice day #2 will be Saturday April 28th 2018 followed by Practice day #3 on Saturday May 5th with a rain date on Sunday May 6th. Opening Night 2018 will be Saturday May 12th 2018 with all 5 division in action.
