2002 Race Results

May 4  *  May 11  *  May 25  *  May 27  *   June 1  *  June 8  *  June 22  *  June 29

July 3  *  July 6  *  July 13  *  July 20  *  Aug. 3  *  Aug. 10  *  Aug. 17  *  Aug. 24  *  Aug. 31  *  Sept. 2

MAY 04, 2002

Marion Center Speedway opened for the 2002 racing season on Saturday, May 4. All five divisions were well represented; with the Micro-Sprint Division having the most participants. 

The first feature of the season was in the Strictly Stock division. It proved to be an exciting event thanks in part to Matt Luther who had fans wondering whether the 34 car he was driving was going all the way over onto the roof or not. It turned out that the car returned to its wheels on the ground; Luther (Ebensburg) was unharmed and after a quick pit stop, rejoined the race. Terry Nihart (Ebensburg) led the last two laps of the feature to get the win. Matt Hugil (Mahaffey) had led all previous laps but spun out and couldn't maintain the lead for the finish, Hugil came in eighth. Dee Deyarmin (Glen Campbell) took second place, Kenny Mumau (East Run) was third, Doug Hollenbaugh (Punxsutawney) fourth, and Fifth went to Denny Smith (Glen Campbell). Steve McKendree (Mahafffey) finished sixth, Nathan Miller (Marion Center)  seventh, Hugil, Tom Torrell (Marion Center) ninth, and Randy Rudolf (Punxsutawney)  tenth. The Strictly Stock heats were won by Randy Rudolf and Kenny Mumau. 

Next the Micro-Sprints came out in for full force for opening night - All 37 of them. Jay Groves (Sugar Grove) was the fourth leader in the feature event, and he was also the last leader which is where you want to be to get the checkered flag first. Groves made it past Jeremy Cook (Grove City) who had been leading, when Cook had problems and left the track with only two laps to go. Groves then had to contend with Brian Riddle (Brookville) who was hot on his tail but couldn't overtake Groves and came in second. Close behind was John Copeland (Kennett Square) in third place at the checkered flag. Fourth place went to Jeff Bacha (Indiana), and Jim Young (Johnstown) finished fifth. Brian Walker (Somerset) took sixth place, Rodney Glass (Fort Loudon)  seventh, Tim Robertson (Plumboro)  eighth, Darryl Dunmire (Ford City)  ninth, and Jimmy Conmack (?) (Delaware) was tenth. Jeff Bacha, Brian Walker, Tim Robertson, and Mike Himes won the four heat races. A Micro-Sprint Consolation Race was won by Rodney Glass. 

The Pro-Stock Division also added to the excitement of the night. Tom Snyder took the lead early from his fourth starting position. Snyder (Ringgold) was pursued by Scott Stein (Cherry Tree) who had started ninth but came up quickly to challenge for the front position. Several cautions and subsequent restarts kept wreaking havoc on Steins plans to take over Snyder's lead. When finally it looked like Stein could get up to speed and make the pass on Snyder in the eighth lap, Snyder obviously didn't want to back off and let him go around; the two cars tangled at the end of the front stretch and went sailing up the curve in turn one spinning and Stein hit the tires protecting the pit fence hard and headfirst. Both drivers were unharmed but neither car returned to the track to finish the race. With the two leaders taking each other out of the race, Denny Walker got a chance to lead the feature event a couple of laps until Randy Reed (Punxsutawney) found the opportunity to get by Walker for the lead and held onto that lead to get the win. Jeff Taylor (Corsica) came up to challenge for position and also got around Walker for second place; leaving Walker (Punxsutawney) in third. Tim White (Punxsutawney) and Bruce Walker (Punxsutawney) finished fourth and fifth respectively. Sixth through tenth positions were filled by Eric Lingenfelter (Indiana), Jeff Bastin (Cabot), Jeff Hoffman (Rossiter), Nat James (Lucerinmines), and Don Waltman (Punxsutawney). Taking the heat races were Tim White and Scott Stein. 

Todd Sallack started on the pole for the Super Stock Division and was able to maintain that lead for half dozen or so laps. Sallack (Punxsutawney) spun out and Tim Hallowell took over the lead. Hallowell enjoyed the front position for a couple of laps until Tom Shaffer (Punxsutawney) was able to make the pass for the lead. Shaffer was challenged by Dave Buchanan (Cherry Tree) and Cheyenne Reed (Punxsutawney) but was strong enough to keep the lead for the win. Cheyenne Reed came in second and Dave Buchanan third. Dan Stormer (Brookville) finished fourth, and Larry Hollenbaugh took fifth. Rounding out the top ten in order were Tom Jobe (Covode) sixth, Gary Fulmer (Deckers Point) seventh, Tim Hallowell (Reynoldsville) eighth, Ted Gallaher (Flinton) ninth, and Todd Sallack (Punxsy) tenth. The heats were won by Cheyenne Reed and Larry Heron (Clymer). 

In the Late Model Division Paul Michny and Rick Strong lined up side by side in the second row but didn't stay there long as they quickly went around the front row to battle each other for the lead. Strong (Home) got there first and Michny (Pine Flats) kept constant pressure on the leader waiting for the opportunity to make a pass for the lead. Michny seemed to have the advantage on the back half of the track; Strong powered through turns three and four to always be in front at the start/finish line. Then another contender made his way to the front, Dave Satterlee (Marchand) was able to pick his way through traffic to get up near the front and Michny found himself battling to keep second place instead of overtaking the lead. Michny lost out this time and finished third to Satterlee who was second to Rick Strong the well deserved winner after battling so fiercely to keep the lead the majority of the race. Following Michny for fourth place was Ken Schaltenbrand (Kittanning) and fifth place went to Dave Peterman (Indiana). Rick Lias (Smicksburg) took sixth, Spanky Daugherty (Sarver) seventh, Mark Stair (Brookville) eighth, Jerry Redden (Mahaffey)  ninth, and Chris Johnston (Marion Center) took tenth. Dave Satterlee and Dave Peterman won the heats for the Late Models. 

Next Saturday at Marion Center Speedway the regular racing program will be run for all five divisions as the Speedway recognizes Mother's Day. Some new features at the race track include the Speedway's own program called Thrills from the Hill  where fans can get all kinds of information about racing at Marion Center Speedway. Coming up on the racing calendar is the Memorial Day Special at the Speedway on Monday, May 27, 2002 when the racing program will include psycho minibike moto-cross  and the Twin 25's  for the Late Model Division. Other specials are also included this racing season; so keep coming to Marion Center Speedway for more thrills on the hill.

Late Model  ( Heat 01)

Late Model  ( Heat 02)

Late Model 

Feature Winner - S1 - Rick Strong

Super Stock  ( Heat 01)

Super Stock  ( Heat 02)

Super Stock 

Feature Winner - 62 - Tom Shaffer

Pro Stock  ( Heat 01)

Pro Stock  ( Heat 02)

Pro Stock 

Feature Winner - 94R - Randy Reed

Micro Sprint  ( Heat 01)

Micro Sprint  ( Heat 02)

Micro Sprint  ( Heat 03)

Micro Sprint  ( Heat 04)

Micro Sprint 

Micro Sprint 

Feature Winner - 25  - Jay Groves

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 01)

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 02)

Strictly Stock 

Feature Winner - 98x - Terry Nihart

MAY 11, 2002

MARION CENTER SPEEDWAY

by Don Peffer 

Marion Center Speedway was rained out Saturday night after several of the heat races were run. Speedway staff tried changing the divisions around a little to try and dry up the track, but it wasn't enough to beat Mother Nature-especially on Mother's Day weekend. In the heats that were able to run Saturday night the following drivers picked up wins:

Pro-Stock:  Tom Snyder 10S Ringgold & Jeff Taylor 60 Corsica

Micro-Sprint:  (3 of 4 heats) Jimmy Commack 84X Bear, Deleware; 
                            Jim Young 8 Johnstown & Daryl Dunmire 84D Ford City

Super Stock:  Cheyenne Reed 12 Punxsutawney 
                            & Dave Buchanan 72 Cherry Tree

Strictly Stock:   did not run

Late Model:   did not run

Rain checks for tonight's races will be honored at the racetrack for a limited time in the near future.

Don't forget about Marion Center Speedway's Memorial Day Special - Twin 25 lap features for the Late Model division plus other divisions racing as well. Just a side note: 45 Micro-sprints were signed in to race at MCS Saturday night, and the other divisions are doing well also.

MAY 25, 2002

by Don Peffer

            Marion Center Speedway kicked off the first half of its planned Memorial Day weekend of racing Saturday night at the quarter-mile dirt track on top of the hill just off PA Route 119 between Indiana and Punxsutawney.  Rain had disrupted the running of the races for the previous two Saturdays, and competitors and fans alike were eager to get back to the action.  There will be a lot of action Memorial Day weekend with the racing program not only on Saturday as usual, but on Memorial Day Monday as well.

            The first round of racing at Marion Center Speedway was in the Pro-Stock division.  A few cautions during the event may be signs of being a little too eager to get to the front.  But Jeff Walter (Evans City) made it to the front from starting fifth in the third row.  Walter took the lead on the fifth lap and finished the race in the front of the field.  Denny Walker (Punxsutawney) started beside Walter and also made his way to the front but behind Walter.  Walker and Walter battled for the lead and on the final lap coming to the finish line in turn four, Walker spun out and Walter picked up the win.  Walker’s spin-out left the door open for Tim White (Punxsutawney) to take second place, Dwight Boice (Butler) moved up to third, Eric Lingenfelter (Indiana)- fourth, Jeff Taylor (Corsica)-fifth.  Eric Rising (Purchase Line) took sixth, Walker-seventh, Don Waltman (Punxsutawney)-eighth, Scott Stein (Cherry Tree)-ninth, and Rich Waltman (Coolspring)-tenth.  The Heats for the Pro-Stock’s were won by Randy Reed (Punxsutawney) and Scott Stein (Cherry Tree). 

            Four Heats of Micro-Sprints hit the track to vie for positions in a twenty-five-car field for the feature event.  After the heats, a consolation race was also run and the bottom ten or so cars were eliminated from the main feature.  A crash in the beginning of the feature took out some tough competition, i.e. Jeff Bacha (Indiana), Rick Majka (Fredonia, NY) and Clint Lohler (Tarentum) who was taken to the hospital for precautionary measures via ambulance.  Brian Walker (Somerset) led the first couple of laps and then the lead was taken over by Jim Young (Johnstown).  Young kept the lead through various restarts from cautions but on the final lap Walker got past Young’s Micro-Sprint to take the checkered flag.  A caution flag came out immediately following the checkered flag to alert the field of cars of an on-track hazard.  Following the two leaders, and always within striking distance of the lead, was Darryl Dunmire.  Dunmire (Ford City) took third place, and Jeremy Cook (Grove City) came in fourth.  Fifth place went to Jim Wolfe (Zelienople), Chuck Miller (Grove City)-sixth, Jay Groves (Sugar Grove)-seventh, Pete Landram (West Newton)-eighth, Jim Horwat (Clymer)-ninth, and tenth went to Rob Felix (Findleyville).  The Heats for the micro-sprints were won by Jeff Bacha (Indiana), Darryl Dunmire (Ford  City), Jim Young (Johnstown), and Tim Robertson (Plumboro).  Jim Horwat (Clymer) won the Consolation Race. 

            The Super Stocks also got off to a rough start, but after a few cautions, Cheyenne Reed found his place in the front of the pack.  Reed was able to hold off advances by Ted Gallaher (Flinton) and Jerry Timchak (Houtzdale) for the win.  Gallaher and Timchak were also battling each other for second place; Timchak won that battle leaving Gallaher in third.  Tom Shaffer (Punxsutawney) picked up fourth and Bob Rougeux (Rochester Mills) was welcomed back to MCS with a fifth place finish.  Steve Watkins (Dixonville) placed sixth, Kieth Witherite (Curwensville)-seventh, Tom Jobe (Covode)-eighth, Dan Stormer (Brookville)-ninth, and Larry Hollenbaugh (Punxsutawney) was tenth.  The Super Stock heats were won by Tom Shaffer (Punxsutawney) and Dan Stormer (Brookville).  

            Some great racing in the Late Model division kept the fans enthralled with the feature event.  Gary Pease took the front position early but couldn’t hang onto the lead with Jerry Redden (Mahaffey) staying on his tail.  Pease (Ernest) ended up pulling out of the feature.  Redden had no easy time of it on the track as John Britsky  (Clymer) piloted the Cheryl Britsky (Green Castle) #20 car to second place.  Britsky kept things tight between himself and Redden, but Redden kept the lead.  Rick Davis (Home) moved up a few places from where he started the race to take third place, and fourth place went to Paul Michny (Pine Flats).  Mark Stair had a good run after picking up a heat win; Stair (Brookville) took fifth.  Sixth place went to Dave Peterman (Indiana), Mike Hite (Kittanning) –seventh, Tom Tuite (West Sunberry)-eighth, Chris Johnston (Marion Center)-ninth, and Tony Burke (Sarver)-tenth.  Heats went to Dave Peterman (Indiana) and Mark Stair (Brookville).  A side note would be that Ben Satterlee, son of Dave Satterlee appeared at Marion Center Speedway.  The young Satterlee was very cautious on the track electing to bring up the rear of the pack, yet not be a hazard as he kept up the pace of the field, but that situation will probably soon change as he follows his father’s tire tracks.  We wish good luck to Ben, and also to Dave as he rebuilds after a hard crash between Dave’s car and Rodney Phillips’ car the previous night.  Both drivers are recovering from non-threatening injuries. 

            Carl Ruth picked up the checkered flag for the Strictly Stock Division.  Ruth (Rossiter) made a pass on Larry Matter (Plumboro) who had started on the pole and held the lead for the first half of the race to gain the front position.  Matter stayed up with Ruth until the last lap when lapped cars made it difficult for Matter to get around Ruth, leaving him in second place.  Nathan Miller (Marion Center) was a quiet contender in the feature event holding his position throughout the race.  Miller took third place, and Terry Nihart (Ebensburg) took fourth.  Fifth place went to Francis Mullen (Ebensburg).  Rounding out the top ten were Randy Rudolf (Punxsutawney)-sixth, Robert James (Mahaffey)-seventh, Dee Deyarmin (Glen Campbell)-eighth, Jesse Spade (Marion Center)-ninth, and Steve McKendree (Mahaffey)-tenth.  The heat races were won by Doug Hollenbaugh (Punxsutawney) and Denny Smith (Glen Campbell). 

            This was only the first half of the Memorial Day weekend’s festivities at the Marion Center Speedway.  After a day of rest (for all but Dave Potts who must prepare the track) racing will resume on Memorial Day Monday at 7:30 PM.  The Program will include two Twenty-Five Lap Features paying $1000 to win for the Late Models, plus racing in the other divisions except for the Super Stocks which can run as a Late Model for the Special races this weekend.  Remember the slogan of the NASCAR Café – Life’s a Race, The Best Times Win!  Have some good times with us and Have a Memorable Memorial Day Weekend! 

Late Model  ( Heat 01)

Late Model  ( Heat 02)

Late Model Feature

Feature Winner - 5R - Jerry Redden

Super Stock  ( Heat 01)

Super Stock  ( Heat 02)

Super Stock 

Feature Winner - 12 - Cheyenne Reed

Pro Stock  ( Heat 01)

Pro Stock  ( Heat 02)

Pro Stock 

Feature Winner - 18 - Jeff Walters

Micro Sprint  ( Heat 01)

Micro Sprint  ( Heat 02)

Micro Sprint  ( Heat 03)

 Micro Sprint ( Heat 04)

Micro Sprint Consy

Micro Sprint

Feature Winner - 38s -  Brian Walker

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 01)

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 02)

Strictly Stock 

Feature Winner - 40 - Carl Ruth

MARION CENTER SPEEDWAY

MAY 25, 2002

Late Model  Heats

Late Model Feature

Super Stock Heats

Super Stock Feature

Pro Stock Heats

Pro Stock Feature

Micro Sprint  Heats

 Micro Sprint Consy

Micro Sprint Feature

Strictly Stock Heats

Strictly Stock Feature

MAY 27, 2002

Memorial Day Special

Marion Center Speedway held special races for Memorial Day, May 27, 2002. Included in the program were the Twin 25's two, twenty-five lap features paying $1000 to win for the Latemodel Division  plus the Strictly Stock, Pro-Stock, and Micro-Sprint Divisions.

Everyone in the first of the two Latemodel features seemed reved up for the big chance at taking home the big money by winning not just one feature but both features. All that energy seemed to be concentrated on getting to the front first; which proved to be a wrong idea as caution after caution kept the lap count from smoothly ticking away. Matt Gaston started on the pole and was doing well at maintaining that position throughout the many restarts. Gaston's lead was ended when Jerry Redden (Mahaffey) found the break he needed to get around Gaston (Rochester Mills) to lead the final four laps for the win. The lap after Redden passed Gaston; Paul Michny (Pine Flats) also made his around Gaston to put the former leader in third place. The drivers were very aware of the fact that any wrong move would give the others a chance to take the lead; but at the checkered flag, Redden was first, Michny was second, and Gaston third. Rich Gardner (Waterford) finished in fourth place, and Chris Hackett (Erie) was fifth. Rick Davis (Home) finished sixth, Rick Strong (Home)  seventh, Rick Lias (Smicksburg) eighth, Tom Tuite (West Sunberry)  ninth, and Dan Swartzlander (Freeport)  tenth. Mike Blose had started in the top five, but after being tagged to the rear twice in the feature, he finished the race just ahead of being a lap down.

When the lineup for the second of the Twin-25 lap features came out; it was the inverted finish of the first twenty cars in the first feature. This inversion put Mike Blose (Dayton) on the outside pole for the second race for the Latemodels. Blose led the feature with pole-sitter Dave Lyons (Pittsfield) at his side. Lyons found an opportunity to get around Blose to take the lead for laps 15 through 18, but then the lead went back to Blose who flawlessly rode it out to the checkered flag. Lyons started having problems shortly thereafter and faded to eleventh place. Doug Eck (Corey) came up to second place from starting ninth, and Matt Gaston made his way through the pack from eighteenth to third. Chris Hackett found his way to fourth place in the 2nd feature and Dave Satterlee (Marchand) placed fifth behind the wheel of his son, Ben's car. Taking sixth was Dave Peterman (Indiana); Rich Gardner seventh, Dan Swartzlander-eighth, Rick Davis-ninth, and Rick Lias-tenth.

In the preliminary races for the Latemodel Division, the winners were Paul Michny, Dave Satterlee, Dave Lyons, and Rick Davis taking heats with Tom Tuite winning the consolation race.

In the Pro-Stock feature, Jeff Walter (Evans City) took the lead on the third lap and never looked back even though the rest of the thirteen-car field was behind him. Walter won the feature with Chris Snyder (Torentum) in pursuit. Rob Shook (Creighton) finished third, Jeff Sweeney (Marion Center)-fourth, Dan Smeal (Houtzdale)-fifth, Jeff Enos (Blairsville)-sixth, Tom Snyder (Ringgold)-seventh, Scott Stein (Cherry Tree)-eighth, Joe Kelly (Mt. Pleasant)-ninth, and Bill Pluta (Cattinbrook) was tenth. Dan Smeal and Scott Stein won the heat races.

Out of the sixteen Strictly-Stocks in the feature lineup, Sheddy Graham (Clearfield) was number one. Graham took only five laps to get to first place from starting eleventh. Doug Hollenbaugh (Punxsutawney) started on spot behind Graham and finished second-one spot behind Graham. Terry Norris (Jamescreek) took third, and Rich Maxim (Reynoldsville)-fourth, and Skip Lindemuth (Hazen) was fifth. Sixth place went to Corey Wilson (Hazen), seventh-Steve McKendree (Mahaffey). Jeremy Newcome (Punxsutawney) was eighth, Glen Mumau (Rossiter)-ninth, and Mike Donahue (Reynoldsville) finished tenth. Doug Hollenbaugh and Sheddy Graham also came out on top in the heat races each winning their preliminary rounds.

The Micro-Sprints also had a memorable night of racing for Memorial Day. Brian Walker (Somerset) came from about halfway through the field of cars to take the lead on the thirteenth lap. Walker had to get past Jim Young (Johnstown) who had led most of the race through the mid-section of the feature. Young finished second, and Brian Riddle (Brookville) picked up third. Mike Himes (Sumerville) took fourth place, and Jeff Bacha (Indiana) was fifth. Sixth through tenth places were filled respectively by Tim Robertson (Plumboro), Ted Theiss (Clarion), Todd Reusser (Minerva, OH), Brian Grove (BeachCity, OH) and John Myers (New Alexandria). The heats went to Jeff Bacha and Mike Himes.

Saturday night racing continues this weekend at Marion Center Speedway. The next Special race or thrill on the hill  will be coming up July 3 for the Independence Day celebration. The special night will include fireworks with the racing program.

Late Model  ( Heat 01)

Late Model  ( Heat 02)

Late Model  ( Heat 03)

Late Model  ( Heat 04)

Late Model  ( Consy)

Late Model Feature #1

Feature Winner - 5R - Jerry Redden

Late Model Feature #2

Feature Winner - 5 - Mike Blose

Pro Stock  ( Heat 01)

Pro Stock  ( Heat 02)

Pro Stock Feature

Feature Winner - 18 - Jeff Walter

Micro Sprint  ( Heat 01)

Micro Sprint  ( Heat 02)

Micro Sprint Feature

Feature Winner - 38s  - Brian Walker

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 01)

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 02)

Strictly Stock Feature

Feature Winner - 5 - Sheddy Graham

JUNE 01, 2002

Marion Center Speedway was back to its regular schedule Saturday night following last Monday's Memorial Day Special. Everyone was back to business as usual in all five divisions. Starting on the pole was not the best position for Saturday night as none of the winners came from that position.

Todd Sallack started on the pole of the Super Stock Division for the first feature of the night; but by the fifth lap, Tom Shaffer took control of the race. Several cautions both helped and hurt drivers in the feature depending on whether they were involved in the caution, or used the restart to catch up to the leaders. Cheyenne Reed and Jerry Timchak experienced both sides of the caution situation during the event. Reed (Punxsutawney) and Timchak (Houtzdale) were gaining on the lead with every restart until they got tangled together in turn four on the eighteenth lap. Ted Gallaher (Flinton) stayed caution free to pursue the leading Shaffer (Punxsutawney) car and stayed close behind and finished close behind for second place. Kieth Witherite (Curwensville) stayed in the top five during the race to take third place, and Dave Buchanan (Cherry Tree) moved up to finish fourth. From the pole, Sallack went to fifth place. Sixth place was Larry Hollenbaugh (Punxsutawney), seventh-Jeff Weakland (Hastings), eighth-Chris Schneider (Tarentum), ninth-Tom Jobe (Covode), tenth-Tim Hallowell (Reynoldsville). Jerry Timchak and Ted Gallaher won the heats.

The Micro-Sprints got off to a rocky start for their feature. After a few cautions Jim Young (Johnstown) was able to get wound out and set the pace for the feature event. The pace was quick, but not quick enough for Jeff Bacha (Indiana). Bacha started tenth and was right behind Young at the halfway point. After the eleventh lap, Bacha made his move to take the lead and stayed in front for the win. Shortly after being overtaken by Bacha, Young went to pits not taking the final two laps of the feature. Tim Robertson (Plumboro) stayed up front in the field and finished second. Vince Berardinelli (Jeanette) was driving Darryl Dunmire's 84D Saturday night. Berardinelli did well for Dunmire's point standings by placing third. Brian Walker (Somerset) took fourth, and fifth went to John Myers (New Alexandria). Jim Wolfe (Zelienople) was sixth; Steve Lenig (Selinsgrove) driving the Jay Groves 25 took seventh. Rodney Glass (Ft. Loudon) was eighth, Mike Himes (Summerville)-ninth, and Jason Pisani (Plum) took tenth. The three heats were won by George Hobaugh (Karns City), Darryl Dunmire\Vince Berardinelli, and Jeff Bacha. The Consolation race was won by D. J. Furney (Canton, OH).

Bob Sheesley (Marion Center) started on the pole of the Late Model Division but never got to lead a lap, or finish a lap. A five-car pile up on the start of the feature took Sheesley and others out of the race. Gary Pease (Ernest) was on the outside pole and led the first five laps of the feature. By that time Paul Michny (Pine Flats) had moved up from eleventh to take control of the race. Michny was able to hold off contenders such as Dave Peterman (Indiana) and Jerry Redden (Mahaffey) for the win. If Redden would have had a few more laps, it may have been a different story. Michny was first, Redden-second, Peterman-third, Rick Davis (Home)-fourth, and Gary Pease-fifth. Spanky Daugherty (Sarver) came in sixth, Mark Stair (Brookville)-seventh, Rick Strong (Home)-eighth, Dave Blazavich (Indiana)-ninth, and Jack Thornton (Lewistown) was tenth. Rick Strong and Paul Michny won the heats.

In the Strictly Stock Division, Kenny Mumau went from the pole to the pits. Mumau (East Run) led the feature for the first eight of twelve laps with Larry Matter (Plumboro) coming on strong. Matter made into second place when he developed car problems that brought out a caution. During the lineup procedure, Kenny Mumau took his car into the pits with a leaking radiator. With the top two cars out of the race, Denny Smith (Glen Campbell) was the new leader. Smith easily led the remaining four laps for the win. Steve McKendree (Mahaffey) finished second, Dee Deyarmin (Glen Campbell) was third. Carl Ruth (Rossiter) took fourth with Doug Hollenbaugh (Punxsutawney) getting fifth. Nathan Miller (Marion Center) was sixth, Robert James (Mahaffey)-seventh, Francis Mullen (Ebensburg)-eighth, Tom Torrell (Marion Center) ninth, and Gary Stitt (Deckers Point) was tenth. Denny Smith also won his heat race and Doug Hollenbaugh took the other heat.

Jeff Taylor (Corsica) started on the pole for the Pro-Stock Feature; but after the first lap, Tim White (Punxsutawney) passed Taylor and held him off the rest of the race for the win. Taylor took second, and Tom Snyder came up from starting last in the nineteenth spot to get third. Harold Sebring (Deckers Point) got fourth place in his first appearance at the track this season. Jeff Walters (Evans City) finished fifth, Eric Lingenfelter (Indiana)-sixth, Jody Bish (Mayport) took seventh. Eighth place went to Randy Reed (Punxsutawney), Don Waltman (Punxsutawney) ninth, and Jeff Bastin (Cabot) was tenth. Randy Reed and Jeff Walters won the heats.

For more information don't forget to pick up a copy of Thrills from the Hill  available at the track.

Late Model  ( Heat 01)

Late Model  ( Heat 02)

Late Model Feature

Feature Winner - 10 - Paul Michny

Super Stock  ( Heat 01)

Super Stock  ( Heat 02)

Super Stock 

Feature Winner - 62 - Tom Shaffer

Pro Stock  ( Heat 01)

Pro Stock  ( Heat 02)

Pro Stock 

Feature Winner - 6 - Tim White

Micro Sprint  ( Heat 01)

Micro Sprint  ( Heat 02)

Micro Sprint  ( Heat 03)

 Micro Sprint ( Consy)

Micro Sprint

Feature Winner - 48 -  Jeff Bacha

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 01)

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 02)

Strictly Stock 

Feature Winner - 28 - Denny Smith

JUNE 08, 2002

                Marion Center Speedway was on a record pace Saturday night; all five divisions ran smooth and completed the program in a timely fashion.

Marion Center Speedway's Latemodel Division was the first to run a feature on the quarter-mile dirt track between Indiana and Punxsutawney. Gary Pease appeared to be making a comeback from a slow start this season in the twenty-lap feature. Pease (Ernest) started on the outside pole and immediately took command of the race. Rick Strong had worked his way up to the front to challenge Pease. Strong (Home) was able to pass Pease for the lead, but his time at the front didn't last more than a few laps until Paul Michny came on to take the lead and kept that position for the last five laps. Paul Michny (Pine Flats) was the winner, Rick Strong finished second, Dave Peterman (Indiana) came in third, Gary Pease was fourth; and Ken Schaltenbrand (Kittanning) took fifth. For the top ten, the finish continued with Jerry Redden (Mahaffey)-sixth, Chris Johnston (Marion Center)-seventh, Rick Lias (Smicksburg)-eighth, Spanky Daugherty (Sarver)-ninth, and Dave Blazavich (Indiana)-tenth. Rick Strong and Ken Schaltenbrand won the heat races.

It must have been all that adrenaline from becoming a father Friday that propelled Doug Hollenbaugh to victory in the Strictly Stock Division. Hollenbaugh (Punxsutawney) took the lead of the race before the halfway point shortly after the only yellow flag for the event came out for debris on the racetrack. Posing for the after race photos, everyone could see that the Hollenbaugh's have a new boy for the pit crew. Matt Hugil (Mahaffey) was hot on the tail of Hollenbaugh but Hollenbaugh maintained the lead leaving Hugil in second place. The first leader of the Strictly Stock feature, Nathan Miller (Marion Center) finished in third place. Larry Matter (Plumboro) took fourth place and Robert James (Mahaffey) was fifth. Kenny Mumau (East Run) came in sixth; Steve McKendree (Mahaffey)-seventh, Denny Smith (Glen Campbell) eighth; Randy Rudolf (Punxsutawney)-ninth and Dee Deyarmin (Glen Campbell)-tenth. In the heat races, both Denny Smith and Doug Hollenbaugh were winners.

Marion Center Speedway's Pro-Stock division went well after a not too smooth start. Coming off turn four for the first lap cars were running close together and started a tangled web that gathered in six vehicles before all was stopped. Most everyone from the incident went on to compete further into the race. Luckily for the leaders, they were ahead of the incident and weren't caught up in it. The leader at that time was Tom Snyder (Ringgold) who started on the pole with Denny Walker (Punxsutawney) on the outside pole. Snyder kept the lead for the first four laps, but then Walker took the opportunity to cut under Snyder for the lead. Snyder tried to retake the lead and kept constant pressure on the leader, but was unable to pass. Walker won the feature, Snyder came in second, and Scott Stein (Cherry Tree) was third. Harold Serbring (Deckers Point) came in fourth place; Eric Lingenfelter (Indiana)-fifth, Tim White (Punxsutawney)-sixth, Alvin Little (Clymer)-seventh, Rich Waltman (Coolspring)-eighth, Bruce Walker (Punxsutawney)-ninth, and Randy Reed (Punxsutawney)-tenth. Winning the heat races were Scott Stein and Harold Sebring.

The Micro-Sprints went flag to flag non-stop Saturday night at Marion Center Speedway. Brian Walker started on the outside pole position and quickly took the lead of the race. Walker (Somerset) was lapping cars and taking numbers for more as he weaved in through the pack of cars. At times it was hard to keep track of the leader and who was next in line-position wise. When the checkered flag flew, Brian Walker was the winner, Jay Groves (Sugar Grove) was second; and Rodney Glass (Fort Loudon) took third. Jim Young (Johnstown) finished fourth and Mike Himes (Summerville) was fifth. Rounding out the top ten in order were Vince Berardinelli (Ford City), Brian Riddle (Brookville), George Hobaugh (Karns City), Tim Robertson (Plumboro), and Jim Wolfe (Zelienople). The three heat races for the Micro's were won by Rodney Glass, Jim Young and Jeff Bacha (Indiana). Winning the Consolation Race was Jeremy Cook (Grove City).

Everything was going well in the Super Stock Division until the race was nearly over. Todd Sallack started on the pole had led the race from the beginning. Jerry Timchak (Houtzdale) started in the row behind Sallack and followed Sallack throughout the feature. Others had to work for position and that's what Cheyenne Reed (Punxsutawney) was doing-and doing well. Reed had made his way up to third place and was bearing down on the leaders when he and Ted Gallagher's cars touched together coming off turn four on the eighteenth lap of the twenty lap feature. The contact sent Reed's car into a spin with the rest of the field of cars right behind him and tragedy took place. Reed's car was hit from the side, the rear and pushed into another car. Reed emerged from the wreckage with numerous bumps, bruises and sore spots but in better shape than his car. When the race resumed, Todd Sallack (Punxsutawney) was still the leader and went on to win the feature with Jerry Timchak right behind him in second place. Ted Gallaher (Flinton) took third, Steve Watkins (Dixonville)-fourth, and Jeff Weakland (Hastings) was fifth. Dan Stormer (Brookville) finished sixth; Dwayne Bash (Heilwood)-seventh, Tom Jobe (Covode)-eighth, Tom Shaffer (Punxsutawney)-ninth, and Dave Buchanan (Cherry Tree) was tenth. Dwayne Bash and Keith Witherite won the heats.

Be sure to bring Dad to Marion Center Speedway next Saturday night for the Father's Day Special that includes a large payoff for the Micro-Sprint Special Feature. With a race time of 7:30 PM, don't delay and miss a minute of the action, at the top of the hill between Indiana and Punxsutawney, off PA Route 119.
  

Late Model:

#10 - Paul Michny - Feature Winner

Heats:  Rick Strong & Ken Schaltenbrand

Strictly Stock:

#1H - Doug Hollenbaugh - Feature Winner

Heats:  Denny Smith & Doug Hollenbaugh

Pro Stock:

#07 - Denny Walker - Feature winner

Heats:  Scott Stein & Harold Sebring

Micro-Sprint:

#38s - Brian Walker - Feature winner

Heats:  Rodney Glass, Jim Young & Jeff Bacha 48 Indiana

Consolation Race:  Jeremy Cook 5L Grove City

Super Stock:

#32 Todd Sallack - Feature winner 

Heats:  Dwayne Bash & Keith Witherite 4W Curwensville

JUNE 22, 2002

By: Don Peffer

Marion Center Speedway was back in action Saturday night after last week's rainout. Everyone seemed more than ready for action on the quarter-mile dirt track at the top of the hill between Indiana and Punxsutawney. The night's racing activities included Kid's Bike Races for the first time this season.

Randy Reed (Punxsutawney) was ready to lead the Pro-Stock feature from start to finish, until Jeff Walters was able to make a pass on both Reed and Bruce Walker (Punxsutawney), who was running second, to take the lead from Reed with 5 laps remaining in the feature. Walters took the checkered flag with Walker (Bruce) right behind him and then Denny Walker (Punxsutawney) also came around Reed for third place leaving the former leader in fourth at the finish. Harold Sebring (Deckers Point) came in fifth, Tom Snyder (Ringgold) was sixth, Jeff Taylor (Corsica)-seventh; Tim White (Punxsutawney)-eighth; Scott Stein (Cherry Tree)-ninth; and Jamie Barber (Grampian)-tenth. Sebring and Snyder won the Heats.

Forty Micro-Sprints went to the top of the hill looking for a thrill of a race, and they got one with everything in it. At first everyone in the feature seemed to want the lead at the drop of the green flag, and that caused several cautions before a lap could be counted. Finally after yellow and red flag delays, Jeff Bacha determined to keep the lead position on the track, lead the pack of Micros for a half dozen laps without interruption. But during a caution that he was not involved in, with four laps to go, Bacha took his machine to the pits. Bacha's departure from the track left the Walker Micro-Sprint into the lead. Brian Walker (Somerset) led the remaining laps for the win. Rodney Glass (Fort Loudon) finished in second place, Jim Young (Johnstown) took third, Jason Pisani went from the pole position to fourth place; and Chad Krumpe (Fairview) took fifth. Tim Robertson (Plumboro) finished sixth, John Myers (New Alexandria) seventh, Jake Spangler (Strattenville)-eighth, Jim Horwat (Clymer)-ninth, and Vince Berardinelli (Ford City) was tenth. Rodney Glass, Jake Spangler, Jeff Bacha, and Brian Walker were all winners of their respective heats. Due to the car count, a consolation race was also run and Berardinelli was the winner of that event.

The Strictly Stock division was next in line for a crowd-pleasing feature. Doug Hollenbaugh had to work his way to the front of the pack of the Strictly Stock racers to lead the last seven laps of the feature for the win. Tom Torrell (Marion Center) started on the pole but led only the first lap until Denny Smith (Glen Campbell) passed Torrell for the lead. Torrell went to the pits on the third lap. Smith went to pits during a caution on the fourth lap. The turn of events left Dee Deyarmin in the front of the field, but only for one lap when Doug Hollenbaugh (Punxsutawney) took the lead. Hollenbaugh went on to gather up the checkered flag, Deyarmin finished second; Randy Rudolf (Punxsutawney) took third; Larry Matter (Plumboro)-fourth; and Carl Ruth (Rossiter) was fifth. Sixth through tenth places were filled respectively by Don Hockok (Mahaffey), Steve Meckley (Sarver), Robert James (Mahaffey), Kenny Mumau (East Run) and Steve McKendree (Mahaffey). Heat winners were Hollenbaugh and Deyarmin.

Cheyenne Reed (Punxsutawney) had his hands full in the Super Stock division. Gary Fulmer was on the pole and Reed was in the second row. Fulmer (Deckers Point) led the first three laps of the feature, then Reed took over. Reed was able to maintain the front position for the remaining laps of the event. Fulmer though had to fight to keep second place. Losing second to Jerry Timchak (Houtzdale) put Fulmer in third for much of the race, but a spin by Timchak in the eighteenth lap brought out a caution flag that sent Timchak to the rear and Fulmer back into second place. Dan Stormer (Brookville) finished in third place with Steve Watkins close behind in fourth and Ted Gallaher (Flinton) in fifth. Jeff Weakland (Hastings) was sixth; Mark Wettstone (Irvona)-seventh, Keith Witherite (Curwensville)-eighth, Larry Hollenbaugh (Punxsutawney)-ninth, and Dave Buchanan (Cherry Tree)-tenth. Weakland, and Bob Rougeaux (Rochester Mills) won the heats.

Ken Schaltenbrand picked up the win in the Latemodel division Saturday night. Schaltenbrand (Kittanning) led the entire feature from start to finish. Schaltenbrand started on the outside pole, with Rick Strong on the inside pole position. Schaltenbrand got the jump at the first green flag and took the lead leaving Strong (Home) to follow him the entire race. Jerry Redden and Rick Davis and Spanky Daugherty also started in the top five positions and finished with Redden (Mahaffey) in third behind Strong, Davis (Home) in fourth and Daugherty (Sarver) in fifth. Chris Johnston (Marion Center) took sixth, Gary Pease (Ernest)-seventh, Paul Michny (Pine Flats)-eighth, Rick Lias (Smicksburg)-ninth, and Dave Peterman (Indiana) was tenth. Michny and Daugherty were heat winners.

Marion Center Speedway would like to congratulate all the participants in the Kid's Bike Race events. The competitors were real sportsman and everything went well for the fun event.

Race Fans! Be sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming Independence Day Celebration at Marion Center Speedway on July 3. Racing program will include a fireworks display for everyone in attendance to view.

First place winners of the Kid's Bike Races.

Late Model  ( Heat 01)

Late Model  ( Heat 02)

Late Model Feature

Feature Winner - 29 - Ken Schaltenbrand

Super Stock  ( Heat 01)

Super Stock  ( Heat 02)

Super Stock 

Feature Winner - 12 - Cheyenne Reed

Pro Stock  ( Heat 01)

Pro Stock  ( Heat 02)

Pro Stock 

Feature Winner - 18 - Jeff Walters

Micro Sprint  ( Heat 01)

Micro Sprint  ( Heat 02)

Micro Sprint  ( Heat 03)

 Micro Sprint  ( Heat 04)

Micro Sprint ( Consy)

Micro Sprint

Feature Winner - 38s -  Brian Walker

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 01)

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 02)

Strictly Stock 

Feature Winner - 1H - Doug Hollenbaugh

JUNE 29, 2002

By Don Peffer

Marion Center Speedway had a great night of racing as the car count in the pits went over 100, and the fans appreciated the competitive racing on the quarter-mile dirt track between Indiana and Punxsutawney.

The first feature of the night was in the Super Stock division. Larry Hollenbaugh started on the pole, but left the track after an accident with Gary Fulmer. This left Keith Witherite in the lead until Jerry Timchak took the lead. Before the half-way point of the race, Timchak (Houtzdale) was leading with Cheyenne Reed (Punxsutawney) in hot pursuit. At times it looked like Reed was going to get around Timchak, but Timchak controlled the car and the race to go on to victory. Reed finished in a close second doing everything except take out the leader to try and win. Third place went to Keith Witherite (Curwensville); Dan Stormer (Brookville) was fourth; Ted Gallaher (Flinton) was fifth. Making a comeback to take sixth was Gary Fulmer (Deckers Point); Tim Hallowell (Reynoldsville)-seventh, Tom Shaffer (Punxsutawney)-eighth, Dave Bernecky (Cherry Tree)-ninth, and Jeff Weakland (Hastings) took tenth. In the heats, it was Weakland and Reed taking the checkers.

Fantastic competitive racing was also seen in the Late Model's feature. Dave Satterlee and Rick Davis started side by side in the third row of the feature. The two drivers quickly moved to the front with Satterlee (Home) the first to lead the race, but only for one lap. Davis (Home) wasted no time to get the front position from Satterlee, and led the feature from the sixth lap on through the checkered flag with Satterlee desperately trying to get around Davis. Even restarts from cautions didn't hinder Davis from maintaining the lead for the win. After Satterlee's second place came Rick Strong (Home); Paul Michny (Pine Flats), Ken Schaltenbrand (Kittanning). Then the top ten rounded out with Rod Phillips (Punxsutawney), Rick Lias (Smicksburg), Gary Pease (Ernest), Dave Peterman (Indiana), and Jesse Smith (Titusville). In the heat races, Mike McKendree (Punxsutawney), Dave Peterman, and Dave Satterlee were winners.

The Pro-Stock pole sitter, Jeff Taylor (Corsica) looked like he would walk away with an easy win Saturday night. But as fate would have it, Taylor missed out on the last five laps of the feature due to a flat tire. The sorrow for Taylor was the joy for Randy Reed (Punxsutawney) who took over the lead when Taylor exited the track. Reed didn't have it easy though as Tim White (Punxsutawney) was close behind for a fight to the finish. Reed won the battle, White was second, Scott Stein (Cherry Tree) and Tom Snyder (Ringgold) came in third and fourth to break up the community sweep of the top five; as Bruce Walker (Punxsutawney) finished fifth. Sixth place went to Jeff Walters (Evans City), and then back to the locals Denny Walker (Punxsutawney), and Don Waltman (Punxsutawney) for seventh and eighth. Dustin Burnitsky (Morrisdale) took ninth, and John Oaks (Punxsutawney) finished tenth. Tom Snyder, Bruce Walker, and Scott Stein won the heats.

It seemed as though the lead position in the Micro-Sprint feature was cursed Saturday night at Marion Center Speedway. Jim Wolfe started on the pole, but lost that position to Mike Himes after two laps. Then Himes gave up the lead after two laps to Vince Berardinelli. Berardinelli led for three laps until he spun out in turn two. On the restart, Brian Riddle took the lead from Mike Himes, but after four laps the leader spun out on the front stretch hitting the wall near turn one, and left the car of Brian Walker take over. Walker (Somerset) went on to claim the checkered flag, Himes (Summerville) took second, and Jim Young (Johnstown) finished third. Jeff Bacha (Indiana) came in fourth, Tim Robertson (Plumboro)-fifth, Jason Pisani (Plum)-sixth, Jim Wolfe (Zelienople)-seventh, Bob Rebertson (Delmont)-eighth, Jay Groves (Sugar Grove)-ninth, and Jeremy Cook (Grove City) was tenth. The heats for the Micro's were won by Brian Walker, Brian Riddle (Brookville), and George Hobaugh (Karns City). Jeff Bacha won the Micro-Sprint consolation race.

Larry Matter dominated the Strictly-Stock feature. Matter (Plumboro) led the entire twelve laps for the win. Finishing in a close second was Robert James (Mahaffey) and then Don Hockock (Mahaffey) for third. Dee Deyarmin (Glen Campbell) was fourth; Orv Newcome (Punxsutawney) came in fifth for his first appearance at the track. Steve Meckley (Sarver) was sixth, Randy Rudolf (Punxsutawney)-seventh, Kenny Mumau (East Run)-eighth, Carl Ruth (Rossiter)-ninth, and Steve McKendree (Mahaffey) was tenth. McKendree and Doug Hollenbaugh (Punxsutawney) won the heat races.

Be sure to join us at the top of the hill for more thrills this week as Marion Center Speedway will put on a special show of racing and fireworks on July 3 for our Independence Day Celebration. The racing program will start at the regular time of 7:30 PM. Also on the calendar is the make-up for the rained out Micro-Sprint Special. The Micro-Sprints will go all out for their special on Saturday, July 6, 2002. See you there!! 

Late Model  ( Heat 01)

Late Model  ( Heat 02)

Late Model  ( Heat 03)

Late Model Feature

Feature Winner - 44  - Rick Davis

Super Stock  ( Heat 01)

Super Stock  ( Heat 02)

Super Stock Feature

Feature Winner - 98 - Jerry Timchak

Pro Stock  ( Heat 01)

Pro Stock  ( Heat 02)

Pro Stock  ( Heat 03)

Pro Stock Feature

Feature Winner - 94 - Randy Reed

Micro Sprint  ( Heat 01)

Micro Sprint  ( Heat 02)

Micro Sprint  ( Heat 03)

Micro Sprint ( Consy)

Micro Sprint Feature

Feature Winner - 38s -  Brian Walker

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 01)

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 02)

Strictly Stock Feature

Feature Winner - 75    Larry Matter

JULY 03, 2002

Late Model  ( Heat 01)

Late Model  ( Heat 02)

Late Model Feature

Feature Winner - 1P - Rod Phillips