2003 Race Results

May 3  *  May 10  *  May 17  *  May 26  *   June 7  *  June 14  *  June 28

July 3  *  July 5  *  July 12  *  July 19  *  July 26  *  Aug. 23  *  Aug. 30

MAY 03, 2003

By: Don Peffer

Marion Center Speedway opened for the 2003 Racing Season Saturday night, May 3.  There were quite a few familiar names in the line-ups, as well as some new ones.  All totaled, there were 62 cars in the four divisions vying for the double points.

The Pro-Stocks’ had a rough start, especially for Tim White of Punxsutawney.  White took an early lead from the second row start and led most of the twenty-lap feature.  But on the thirteenth lap, White fell victim to a flat tire and lost the lead to Jeff Taylor.  Taylor from Corsica finished in front for the win.  Randy Reed was right behind Taylor to keep the race close and interesting.  Reed of Punxsutawney took second and Jeff Walters of Evans City finished third.  Eric Lingenfelter from Indiana was fourth, Jamie Barber (Grampian)-fifth, John Weaver-sixth, Jake Ayers (Chester, MD)-seventh, Terry Campbell (Punxsutawney)-eighth, Don Waltman (Punxsutawney)-ninth, and Rich Shank from Clymer finished tenth.  Don Waltman and Randy Reed won heat races.

In the Strictly-Stock Division, Ron Hanna from Mundy’s Corner was the first winner for 2003. It took Hanna five laps to take the lead from pole-sitter, Don Hickock of Mahaffey.  Hanna was well in charge of the race from that point on.  Francis Mullen of Ebensburg finished second, and Dee Deyarmin recovered from an early incident putting him in the rear of the pack to take third.  Following Deyarmin from Glen Campbell was Steve McKendree of Mahaffey and Robert James also of Mahaffey taking fourth and fifth respectively.  Bruce Large from Saltsburg finished sixth, Hickock took seventh, Carl Ruth of Rossiter was eighth, Kenny Mumau-East Run-ninth, and Jeremy Kunsteman from Brookville was tenth. The heats went to Carl Ruth and Denny Smith from Glen Campbell.  In a side note, Kelly Haight from Dixonville lost control of his car coming out of turn four, slid sideways down the front stretch, went nose first into the wall under the flagstand, and rolled onto his roof.  Haight escaped the accident injury free, and the car was moderately damaged from what it went through-also loosing a wheel in the event.

   tt Kelly Haight #56 Strictly Stock - gets help after a roll over on the front stretch.

Some how, Jerry Redden from Mahaffey got lucky in the Late Model Division; not because he won, but how he got the lead.  Redden was running second between Dave Blazavich from Indiana and John Yamrick of Clymer when the third and first place cars became involved in a caution that Redden avoided.  That incident left Redden up front in the lead for the remaining dozen laps.  Kenny Schaltenbrand from Kittanning was on Redden’s tail but couldn’t overtake Redden and settled for second place.  Spanky Daugherty from Sarver finished third passing Rodney Phillips on the last lap for that position.  Phillips from Punxsutawney was fourth, Dave Peterman of Indiana was fifth, and sixth went to Rick Strong from Home.  Another Home native, Rick Davis was seventh; Paul Michny from Pine Flats took eighth; Tom Eriksen of Hesston-ninth, and Rick Lias of Smicksburg was tenth.  Winning the heat races were Rick Strong and Rod Phillips.

The former Super Stock Division at Marion Center Speedway is now officially known as the Steel Block Limited Late Model Division (or the Semi-Late’s).  The new name didn’t fool the drivers as the very familiar names of Larry Hollenbaugh, Cheyenne Reed, Weakland, Fulmer and others were battling it out on the track for the points and position.  Hollenbaugh from Punxsutawney was the victor with Cheyenne Reed also from Punxy. close behind.  Jeff Weakland from Hastings was close at hand for third place and if any of them made a mistake, Gary Fulmer from Deckers Point was there in fourth to take over.  Jim Baker of Monroeville finished fifth, Tom Shaffer from Punxsutawney was sixth, Dan Stormer of Corsica took seventh, Bernie Whitford from Hastings was eighth, Jason McCullough-ninth, and Dave Buchanan from Cherry Tree was tenth.  Tom Shaffer and Larry Hollenbaugh also added to their points with heat wins.

All winners received hats from Lias Tire of Indiana, one of the Season Sponsors of the 2003 racing season.

Be sure to bring Mom to the races next Saturday night as Marion Center Speedway has its annual Mother’s Day Special.

May 3,  2003

Late Model  ( Heat 01)

Late Model  ( Heat 02)

Late Model Feature

   
(click on picture to enlarge)
Feature Winner -  5R - Jerry Redden

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels  ( Heat 01)

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels  ( Heat 02)

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels Feature

(click on picture to enlarge)
Feature Winner -  1H  - Larry Hollenbaugh

Pro Stock  ( Heat 01)

Pro Stock  ( Heat 02)

Pro Stock Feature

    
(click on picture to enlarge)
Feature Winner -  60  - Jeff Taylor

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 01)

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 02)

Strictly Stock Feature

    (Click on picture to enlarge)
Feature Winner -  9H - Ron Hanna

MAY 10, 2003

Marion Center Speedway dodged Mother Nature’s bullets of thunderstorms Saturday night to put on the Mother’s Day special races.   Some race fans may have had to ford streams to get to the top of the hill, but once there, “chevrything” was beautiful.   OK Mom, no more puns.

Last week, Larry Hollenbaugh picked up a feature victory in the Steel Block Limited Late Model Division; this week it’s Doug Hollenbaugh in the winner’s circle for the Strictly Stock Division picking up a hat from Lias Tire and Auto Service of Indiana reserved for feature winners.   Hollenbaugh from Punxsutawney started fifth in the 15-car feature and worked his way to the front in eight laps.   Dee Deyarmin started on the outside pole and led the race until Hollenbaugh caught and overtook him.   Deyarmin of Glen Campbell was still in contention for the win, but finished second.
  Robert James followed Deyarmin in every lap for the Mahaffey native to get third place.
  Another Mahaffey driver, Don Hickok started on the pole and went to fourth; Denny Smith from Glen Campbell completed the top five.   Rounding out the top ten in order were Nathan Miller from Marion Center, Bruce Large from Saltsburg, Ron Hanna of Mundy’s Corner, Tony Hugill from Mahaffey, and Steve McKendree of Mahaffey.   Robert James and Steve McKendree won the heat races.

Rick Strong led the Late Model Division onto the track for their feature, but Ken Schaltenbrand led the feature race from green flag to checkered flag.   Schaltenbrand finished second in the feature last week to Jerry Redden, but didn’t leave room for anyone to get around him this time.
  Schaltenbrand from Kittanning looked very strong on the track as he held off Dave Peterman of Indiana who finished second and Redden from Mahaffey who was right behind him for third place.
  Jason Witherite from Luthersburg came to the racetrack for the first time this season to take fourth, and Mark Stair of Brookville finished fifth.   Rounding out the top ten were Brent Johnson (Brookville), Rick Lias (Smicksburg), Paul Michny (Pine Flats), Eric Moore (Frenchville), and Jack Tornton (Lewistown).   Schaltenbrand also won his heat race and Redden took the other heat for the Late Models.

Shawn McGarvey form Coalport dominated the Steel Block Limited Late Model Division feature.
  McGarvey started fourth and quickly took the lead from pole sitter, Cheyenne Reed forcing Reed from Punxsutawney to play catch up the entire race.   But Reed wasn’t able to catch McGarvey and finished second.
  Bernie Whiteford from Hastings took third place, Tom Shaffer of Punxsutawney once again took fourth and Dave Buchanan of Cherry Tree was fifth.   Jason McCullough from Homer City took sixth, Jeremy Geer (Reynoldsville)-seventh, Larry Hollenbaugh (Punxsy-and last weeks winner)-eighth, Gary Fulmer (Deckers Point)-ninth, and Todd Sallack (Punxsutawney) was tenth.   In the heats, McGarvey and Buchanan were the victors.

Scott Stein from Cherry Tree had a good weekend keeping his winning ways going from a win Friday night on into his Marion Center victory Saturday night in the Pro Stock Division.
  By the fifth lap Stein had moved from fifth starting position to first place.   Stein then was able to hold off Bob Conner of DuBois for the win.
  Conner led the first three laps before being overtaken by Stein and on the last lap wasn’t able to negotiate around a slower car tight to the inside on the final turn allowing Jeff Walters from Evans City in the next groove up the track to get around Conner.
  Walters move put him in second place and provided the space Conner needed to get around the moving roadblock for third.   Jeff Taylor of Corsica took fourth; Eric Lingenfelter from Indiana was fifth.
  Sixth through tenth positions went to Eric Baun (Rossiter), Jeff Sweeney (Marion Center), Tom Baun (Rossiter), Jamie Barber (Grampian) and Dale Yeaney (Brookville).
  In the three heat races, Eric Baun, Randy Reed (Punxsutawney) and Bob Conner were all winners.

Happy Mother’s Day everyone, and thanks to Julie Craig’s “Who Are You?” creations for special door prizes Saturday night as well as the generosity of Marion Center Speedway for other special gifts and Vanderpools Checkered Flag Collectibles from Punxsutawney who provided door prizes also.   Be sure to tune in to WDAD AM 1450 for the Weekend Race Report of NASCAR and local racing sponsored by Marion Center Speedway.
  Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the Memorial Day Special coming up later this month, May 26.
  Racing will still be held Saturday nights before and after the special event for Memorial Day.

-by Don Peffer

May 10,  2003

Late Model  ( Heat 01)

Late Model  ( Heat 02)

Late Model Feature

        

Feature Winner -  29 - Ken Schaltenbrand

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels  ( Heat 01)

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels  ( Heat 02)

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels Feature

    

Feature Winner -  8P  - Shawn McGarvey

Pro Stock  ( Heat 01)

Pro Stock  ( Heat 02)

Pro Stock Feature

        

Feature Winner -  09  - Scott Stein    

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 01)

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 02)

Strictly Stock Feature

    
    
Feature Winner -  1H - Doug Hollenbaugh

MAY 17, 2003

MARION CENTER SPEEDWAY

Marion Center Speedway held its third race of the season Saturday night at the quarter-mile clay oval.  84 cars registered for the races in the four divisions, Late Model, Steel Block Limited Late Model, Pro-Stock, and Strictly Stock.

Rick Strong from Home, PA led the field of Late Models onto the track and in every lap from green flag to checkered flag.  Strong has been running well at Marion Center so far this season except for last week leaving the track with 5 laps to go.  Strong left the track this week victorious; having held off advances by Mike Blose from Dayton who was determined to take the lead from Strong but settled for second place.  Bob Wearing, Jr. of Renfrew found his way to the track for the first time this season and picked up third place for his efforts.  Dave Peterman from Indiana was fourth, Jerry Redden of Mahaffey-fifth, Rick Lias from Smicksburg-sixth and Spanky Daugherty of Sarver was seventh.  Rounding out the top ten were last weeks winner, Ken Schaltenbrand of Kittanning-eighth, Paul Michny from Pine Flats-ninth and Mark Stair of Brookville-tenth.  Mike Blose, Rick Lias, and Dave Peterman won their respective heats.

The Steel Block Limited Late Model Division was mixture of old and new for Saturday night’s races.  Shawn McGarvey who’s becoming a regular at the track from his home in Coalport picked up another win making him two for two at Marion Center having missed opening night.  McGarvey took the lead after the half way mark and then had to put some distance between himself and Duane Taneyhill from Bellwood to keep the lead.  Taneyhill took second place for his first trip to the track, beating out Tom Shaffer from Punxsutawney to do so.  Shaffer is a familiar face at the Speedway and he finished ahead of an old familiar face, Ted Gallaher of Flinton who took fourth.  David Day who is new to the clay oval was fifth.  The rest of the top ten are regulars at Marion Center: Gary Fulmer of Deckers Point-sixth, Larry Hollenbaugh from Punxsutawney-seventh, Cheyenne Reed of Punxsutawney-eighth, Todd Sallack also of Punxsy-ninth, and Dan Stormer from Brookville was tenth.  The Heat races went to McGarvey and Sallack.  Best wishes to Christopher Clark who made his driving debut at Marion Center Speedway, but was involved in an incident on the track that took him out of the race after only five laps.  Hopefully he’ll be able to repair and return to the speedway next week.

Randy Reed got his first victory this season in the Pro-Stock Division.  The Pro-Stock’s were started with Eric Lingenfelter taking the lead at the green from pole sitter Jeff Sweeney from Marion Center.  Lingenfelter from Indiana held the lead for eight laps until Reed from Punxsutawney was able to take over and go for the win.  Lingenfelter was then nudged into third place with Sweeney taking second in the last five laps.  Jeff Taylor of Corsica finished fourth, Harold Sebring picked up fifth place his first appearance this year, and another first timer, Tommy Dembowski from Monroeville took sixth.  Skip Lindenmuth of Hazen was seventh, Andy Mock (first timer) from Clymer took eighth, Pat Hanley (first timer) of Plum-ninth and Duane Grinnel (1’st timer) was tenth.  In the heats, Scott Stein of Cherry, Randy Reed, and Tim White from Punxsutawney were winners.

Some good racing in the Strictly Stock division put Doug Hollenbaugh of Punxsutawney in the winner’s circle.  Hollenbaugh started back in thirteenth place but took the lead for the last two laps for the win.  Finishing second was Dee Deyarmin of Glen Campbell, and third place went to John Eckenrod of Portage; there for the first time along with his wife Missi.  Matt Luther Ebensburg took fourth his first look at the track, and Carl Ruth from Rossiter finished fifth.  Steve McKendree of Mahaffey took sixth, Robert James also from Mahaffey was seventh, Larry Matter from Plumboro took eighth, Missi Eckenrod (John’s wife) was ninth; and Francis Mullen of Ebensburg was tenth.  The heat races were won by Don Hickok from Mahaffey and Denny Smith of Glen Campbell.

Vanderpool’s Checkered Flag Collectibles from Punxsutawney provided door prizes.  Be sure to tune in to WDAD AM 1450 for the Weekend Race Report of NASCAR and local racing sponsored by Marion Center Speedway.  Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the Memorial Day Special coming up later this month, May 26, featuring the Twin 25’s for Late Models (Steel Block Limited Late Models welcome to run also) as well as Pro- Stocks and Strictly Stocks.  Racing will still be held Saturday nights before and after the special event for Memorial Day.

-by Don Peffer

May 17,  2003

Late Model  ( Heat 01)

Late Model  ( Heat 02)

 Late Model  ( Heat 03)

Late Model Feature

    

Feature Winner -  s1 - Rick Strong

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels  ( Heat 01)

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels  ( Heat 02)

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels Feature

      

Feature Winner -  8P  - Shawn McGarvey

Pro Stock  ( Heat 01)

Pro Stock  ( Heat 02)

 Pro Stock  ( Heat 03)

Pro Stock Feature

        

Feature Winner -  94R  - Randy Reed

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 01)

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 02)

Strictly Stock Feature

   
         
Feature Winner -  1H - Doug Hollenbaugh

MAY 26, 2003

MARION CENTER SPEEDWAY

The regular racing program, Saturday night was a “wet out” at Marion Center Speedway.  Although the rain had stopped, the track would’ve been too wet to race on; or racing would have destroyed the clay surface.  But Monday night was a different story-The Memorial Day Special went on without a hitch.  You could tell during the heat races that it was going to be a memorable night.  New cars appeared and brought some new challenges to track regulars in the Late Model Division, as well as the Pro-Stocks and Strictly Stocks.  Local names didn’t mean a thing, and distant reputations didn’t have the “home track advantage.”

The big draw for the night were the Twin 25’s for Late Models (Semi-Late were eligible)-two 25 lap features of action packed racing.  In the first of the two features, Jim Edminsten from Pennsboro, WV started in the pole position.  Not being used to the starts at Marion Center Speedway, Edminsten didn’t “rev up” like others around him to take the green and a major six car pile-up ensued before the race officially started.  The lucky one was Rodney Phillips of Punxsutawney, who was on the outside pole and pulled away from the mishap behind him.  Phillips led for the first five laps until Alex Ferree took over the lead when Phillips became a victim of a caution getting mixed up with Mark Stair of Brookville.  Ferree from Butler, stayed in the front for ten laps, but was closely pursued by Dan Swartzlander of Sarver.  Ferree and Swartzlander tangled together in turn four of the fifteenth lap bringing out the yellow flag.  The restart put Ferree and Swartzlander in the rear of the pack, and Gene King from Johnstown in the lead.  King led for five laps and then he spun out bringing out another yellow flag and a new leader.  The new leader was Doug Horton from Morgantown, WV and he led the remaining five laps for the win and first $1000 prize.  Always in contention, but never in the lead was Mike Blose from Dayton who finished second.  Ken Schaltenbrand of Kittanning came all the way up from 19’Th place at the start to finish third.  Rick Davis of Home came in fourth; Rodney Phillips recovered from an earlier mishap for fifth place.  Sixth through tenth places went to Brent Johnson of Brookville, Ferree, Duane Taneyhill of Bellwood (usually in the Steel Block Limited Late Model division) Bob Sheesley from Marion Center, and Bob Wearing, Jr. of Renfrew.

After the first half of the Twin 25’s, Doug Horton rolled a cube to determine the next Late Model feature’s lineup.  The result was an inversion of the first 14 cars from the first feature.  Starting on the pole was Gene King of Johnstown who finished fourteenth in the first feature; but due to technical difficulties, King chose to start last.  Gary Fulmer of Marion Center (“limited late model” driver) took the lead role and stayed up front for the first four laps and never went out of contention for the win; eventually ending the race in sixth place.  Alex Ferree took the lead for laps five through 22, but then spun out.   Rod Phillips had moved up from tenth position to challenge for the lead, and got the front spot when Ferree spun out.  Phillips was closely pursued by Mike Blose (last year’s winner of both legs of the Twin 25’s) but as in the earlier race, Blose finished second leaving Rod Phillips to cash in on the $1000 prize for the second Late Model Feature.  Winner of the first LM feature, Doug Horton came in third and Ken Schaltenbrand finished fourth.  Dave Blazavich from Indiana finished in fifth place, Fulmer was sixth, Brent Johnson – seventh, Dan Swartzlander – eighth, Rick Davis – ninth, and Bob Sheesley took tenth.  In the preliminary heats, Dave Eck from Cory, Swartzlander, Wearing, and Ferree were winners.

Separating the two Late Model features were the Strictly Stock and Pro Stock features.  In the Strictly Stock feature, Tim Bracken took an early lead; then Carl Ruth from Rossiter made his way to the front.  Ruth held the lead for the win; Bracken ended up in a caution incident and finished seventh.  Dee Deyarmin of Glen Campbell moved up from fourteenth to take home second place.  Matt Summers of Vandegrift came in third, Scott Wagner from Irvona took fourth and Brian Daugenbaugh of Mundys Corner finished fifth.  Missy Eckenrod from Portage took sixth, Bracken-seventh, Scott Holopeter from Reynoldsville was eighth, Bill Marone took ninth and Justin Queen from Irvona was tenth.  Missy Eckenrod and Matt Summers won the heats.

The Pro-Stock feature started with Dale Yeaney on the pole and he led the first lap.  After that it was all Dan Smeal from Houtzdale.  Smeal led all 19 remaining laps to pick up the win.  Scott Stein from Cherry Tree moved up from tenth place to take home second and Jeff Walters from Evans City was third.  Jeff Taylor of Corsica was fourth, Eric Baun of Rossiter took fifth, and Eric Lingenfelter of Indiana was sixth.  Rounding out the top ten were:  Jeff Sweeney of Marion Center, Yeaney from Brookville, Jason Fosnaught from Bairdford, and Dave Galore from Indiana.  Scott Stein and Jeff Taylor won the heats.  An extra $100 was added to the purse for the Pro-Stocks by Nick Cheverolet and Pontiac of Tarentum. 

Vanderpool’s Checkered Flag Collectibles from Punxsutawney, Lias Tire and Auto Center, and Furniture World East (Kittanning and Indiana) provided door prizes.  Be sure to tune in to WDAD AM 1450 for the Weekend Race Report of NASCAR and local racing sponsored by Marion Center Speedway.  Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the next Special, non-Saturday night race, on July 3 for the Independence Day Celebration with Racing and Fireworks.

-by Don Peffer

May 26,  2003

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 -  146 - Doug Horton

Late Model Feature #2

       

Feature Winner -  1P  - Rodney Phillips

Pro Stock  ( Heat 01)

Pro Stock  ( Heat 02)

Pro Stock Feature

        
    
Feature Winner -  44  - Dan Smeal

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 01)

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 02)

Strictly Stock Feature

   
              
Feature Winner -  40 - Carl Ruth

JUNE 07, 2003

MARION CENTER SPEEDWAY

By: Don Peffer

After being off for two Saturday nights in a row due to wet weather conditions-thankfully being able to run for the Memorial Day Special, Marion Center Speedway was back on track Saturday night with its regular racing program for the Pro-Stock, Strictly-Stock, Steel Block Limited Late Model, and Late Model divisions.  Eighty-five racers provided the action in the four divisions filling up the starting grid and entertaining the fans.

            The slick track kept things interesting for the Pro-Stocks for the first feature of the evening and some new drivers to the track weren’t sure what to expect.  Sam Swager from Reynoldsville was the first leader of the race and new to Marion Center.  But it didn’t take long for Scott Stein of Cherry Tree to show him how it’s done at Marion Center, as Stein took the lead from the seventh lap on to the checkered flag.  Swager fell back to fourth place as Randy Reed from Punxsutawney and Jeff Taylor of Corsica also got around Swager in the course of the race.  Dale Yeaney from Brookville finished fifth, John Oaks of Punxsutawney took sixth; Shawn Mogle, Ernest-seventh; Skip Lindemuth, Hazen-eighth; Butch Welch, Grampian-ninth; and Tom Baun from Rossiter was tenth.  In the heat races, the winners were Denny Fenton of Clearfield, Tim White from Punxsutawney, and Scott Stein.

The Strictly Stock feature was second for the evening’s entertainment.  Dee Deyarmin won his first feature of his racing career in the Strictly Stock division at Marion Center Speedway. Deyarmin took charge of the feature by leading the dozen laps to the checkered flag.  Don Hickock of Mahaffey pursued Deyarmin of Glen Campbell until a mishap near the end of the race took Hickock out of contention.  Rich Runyan from Brockport moved up to challenge for the lead, but Deyarmin took the win, Runyan was second, and Doug Hollenbaugh took third.  Nathan Miller of Marion Center finished fourth and Steve McKendree of Mahaffey was fifth.  Sixth through tenth places were filled by Tim Good of Vintondale, Denny Smith from Glen Campbell, Jim Gullace of Clymer, Justin Queen from Irvona, and Robert James from Mahaffey.  Doug Hollenbaugh, Robert James and Nathan Miller won the heats.

Jeff Weakland of Hastings won his first feature of his racing career in the Steel Block Limited Late Model division at Marion Center Speedway.  Weakland started on the pole and remained the leader of the race throughout its entirety.  Other top contenders were on hand to challenge Weakland, but none could overtake him in the twenty laps of the feature.  Bernie Whiteford also of Hastings chased Weakland most of the feature, but then Shawn McGarvey from Coalport made his way from thirteenth to second to challenge for the lead but couldn’t overtake Weakland in the final five laps he was directly behind him.  Weakland took the win, McGarvey second, Whiteford was third and Cheyenne Reed of Punxsutawney took fourth.  Fifth place went to Jim Baker from Monroeville, Gary Fulmer from Deckers Point was sixth, and Larry Hollenbaugh of Punxsutawney was seventh.  David Day of Colver finished eighth, Dan Stormer of Brookville took ninth, and Shane McMeans from Dayton was tenth.  Tom Shaffer of Punxsutawney and Cheyenne Reed won the heats.

The beginning of the Late Model Feature was plagued with cautions, but after three attempts the race was underway with Dave Peterman starting on the pole and eventually finishing with the checkered flag.  Rod Phillips tried to catch Peterman form Indiana, but the Punxsy native went to the pits for repairs instead of into the lead.  Ken Schaltenbrand the point leader for the division from Kittanning came up from seventh place at the start to finish second in hot pursuit of Peterman.  Dave Blazavich of Indiana got third place for his birthday present, and Rick Lias of Smicksburg took fourth.  Jason Witherite from Luthersburg finished fifth, Doug Horton of Morgantown, WV was sixth, Paul Michny from Pine Flats – seventh, Mark Stair of Brookville – eighth, Spanky Daugherty from Sarver – ninth, and Guy Kline from Mahaffey finished tenth.  The heats were won by Brent Johnson from Brookville and Rick Lias.  On a side note, Congratulations to Dave Peterman on his back to back victories, Friday night at Dog Hollow and Saturday night at Marion Center Speedway.

Vanderpool’s Checkered Flag Collectibles from Punxsutawney provided door prizes.  Be sure to tune in to WDAD 1450 AM for the Weekend Race Report of NASCAR and local racing sponsored by Marion Center Speedway.  And special thanks to our other season sponsors, Butler Auto Supply and Lias Tire and Auto Service both of Indiana.   Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the Independence Day Special coming up July 3, featuring the racing program and fireworks.  Racing will still be held Saturday nights before and after the special event for Independence Day.

June 7,  2003

Late Model  

Late Model Feature

(photo by Janice Braughler)
Feature Winner -  19 - Dave Peterman

Top 10

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels 

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels Feature

(photo by Janice Braughler)
Feature Winner -  50  - Jeff Weakland
FIRST TIME WINNER !

Top Ten

Pro Stock  

Pro Stock Feature

Feature Winner -  09  - Scott Stein

Top Ten

Strictly Stock  

Strictly Stock Feature

  
(photo by Janice Braughler)
Feature Winner -  14R - Dee Deyarmin

FIRST TIME WINNER !

    Top Ten

JUNE 14, 2003

June 14,  2003

Late Model  ( Heat 01)

Late Model  ( Heat 02)

Late Model Feature

    

Feature Winner -  2s - Sammy Stiles

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels  ( Heat 01)

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels  ( Heat 02)

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels Feature

  
FIRST TIME WINNER !
Feature Winner -  42  - David Day

Pro Stock  ( Heat 01)

Pro Stock  ( Heat 02)

Pro Stock Feature

         
Feature Winner -  94R  - Randy Reed

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 01)

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 02)

Strictly Stock Feature

   
      
Feature Winner -  1H - Doug Hollenbaugh

JUNE 28, 2003

After a week off for bad weather, Marion Center Speedway was back in action Saturday night.  All four divisions were ready to go, and the fans saw a lot of action.

 In the Pro-Stock Division, it took four leaders in the feature before the checkered flag came out to make Jeff Taylor of Corsica the winner.  Taylor started 14’th in the race and was able to take the lead on lap 15.  Scott Stein and Eric Lingenfelter were close at hand to battle for position; but in the end, Scott Stein from Cherry Tree finished second and Lingenfelter from Indiana was third.  Fourth went to Randy Reed of Punxsutawney and Chris Schneider from Tarentum.  Skip Lindemuth from Hazen took sixth and Jake Ayers of Chester, MD was seventh.  Jamie Barber of Grampian finished eighth, Rich Waltman from Cool Spring was ninth, and Don Waltman of Punxsutawney took tenth.  Tim White and Randy Reed from Punxsutawney won the heat races.

 After only being in his car for the third time, Jim Kurpackus from Leechburg was the winner of the Late Model Division feature.  Kurpakus made a last lap pass on Dave Peterman from Indiana to take the feature away from Peterman who had led the race from the 3’rd lap but finished second at the checkered flag.  Rick Davis of Home led the other two laps of the feature.  Ken Schaltenbrand from KIttanning was running strong in the feature, mostly in second place, until Kurpakus took over moving him to third at the end.  Fourth went to Paul Michny of Pine Flats and Mike Blose from Dayton was fifth.  Sixth through tenth places were filled in order by:  Rick Strong from Home, Rick Davis of Home, Will Cochran from Rural Valley, Brent Johnson of Brookville and Jack Thornton from Lewistown.  The Late Model heats were won by Paul Michny and Rick Strong.

 Larry Hollenbaugh from Punxsutawney won the Steel Block Limited Late Model Division feature.  Hollenbaugh took over the lead of the race on the seventh lap and out ran the others to the checkered flag.  The pole position had went to Ray Weaver of Home who had led the first six laps, but finished third when Bernie Whiteford got around Weaver on the restart of the race from a caution five laps to go.  Whiteford from Hastings took second, Weaver third and Gary Fulmer of Deckers Point was fourth; leaving Tom Jobe of Covode in fifth place.  Dan Stormer from Brookville finished sixth, Dave Buchanan of Cherry Tree –seventh, David Day of Colver-eighth, Christopher Clark from Curwensville-ninth and Jeff Weakland of Hastings was tenth.  The heats went to Cheyenne Reed of Punxsutawney and Jeff Weakland.

 Doug Hollenbaugh of Punxsutawney followed up on Larry Hollenbaugh’s win with a win of his own.  Doug Hollenbaugh won the strictly –Stock Division Feature after taking the lead after the halfway point with four more laps to go.  The previous leader was Nathan Miller of Marion Center who was knocked out of second place by Tim Good from Vintondale, Miller came in third, and Larry Matter from Plumboro took fourth just ahead of Steve McKendree from Mahaffey in fifth place.  Rounding out the top ten in order were:  Carl Ruth from Rossitter, Don Hickock of Mahaffey, Bruce Large from Saltsburg, Denny Smith from Glen Campbell, and Kenny Mumau from East Run was tenth.  Heat race winners were Doug Hollenbaugh and Steve McKendree.

 Vanderpool’s Checkered Flag Collectibles from Punxsutawney provided door prizes.  Be sure to tune in to WDAD 1450 AM for the Weekend Race Report of NASCAR and local racing sponsored by Marion Center Speedway.  And special thanks to our other season sponsors, Butler Auto Supply and Lias Tire and Auto Service both of Indiana.   Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the Independence Day Special coming up July 3, featuring the regular racing program and fireworks.  Racing will still be held Saturday night after the special event for Independence Day. 

 -by Don Peffer

June 28,  2003

Late Model  ( Heat 01)

Late Model  ( Heat 02)

Late Model Feature

Feature Winner -  72m - Jim Kurpakus

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels  ( Heat 01)

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels  ( Heat 02)

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels Feature

Feature Winner -  1H  - Larry Hollenbaugh

Pro Stock  ( Heat 01)

Pro Stock  ( Heat 02)

Pro Stock Feature

Feature Winner -  60  - Jeff Taylor

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 01)

Strictly Stock  ( Heat 02)

Strictly Stock Feature

Feature Winner -  1H - Doug Hollenbaugh

JULY 03, 2003

Late Model  

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

Late Model Feature

Feature Winner -  29 - Ken Schaltenbrand

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels 

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels Feature

Feature Winner -  1H  - Larry Hollenbaugh
 

Pro Stock  

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

Pro Stock Feature

Feature Winner -  94R  - Randy Reed

Strictly Stock  

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

Strictly Stock Feature

Feature Winner -  1H - Doug Hollenbaugh

JULY 5, 2003

After Thursday night’s Special Event for the Independence Day Celebration, it was back to business for the points races for the 2003 racing season. 

 Ken Schaltenbrand from Kittanning took the Late Model feature to give him back to back event wins at Marion Center Speedway.  Coming from the win in the July 3 race, Schaltenbrand took the lead from Rick Strong on the 15’th lap for the victory.  Mike Blose from Dayton was coming on strong, but ran out of time to take the lead and settled for second place taking that spot from Strong.  Rick Strong of Home did get third and Rick Davis also from Home took fourth.  Fifth place went to Dave Peterman of Indiana.  Brent Johnson from Brookville was sixth, Paul Michny from Pine Flats-seventh, Dave Satterlee from Home-eighth, Rick Lias from Smicksburg-ninth and Cody Schultz from Hyde was tenth.  Winning the heat races were Mike Blose, Dave Satterlee and Jerry Redden from Mahaffey.

 The Steel Block Limited Late Models were next on the program.  Bernie Whiteford from Hastings was first across the finish line.  Whiteford beat out fellow Hastings dweller, Jeff Weakland for the win leaving Weakland in second place.  Paul Hrubochak from Cherry Tree took third place; Gary Fulmer from Deckers Point was fourth; and Ray Weaver from Home took fifth.  Dan Stormer of Brookville finished sixth, Larry Heron of Clymer-seventh, Christopher Clark from Curwensville-eighth, David Day from Colver-ninth and Mark Stiffler from South Fork was tenth.  Tom Shaffer of Punxsutawney and Bernie Whiteford won the heats.

 In a turn of events in the Strictly Stock Division, Robert James from Mahaffey took the checkered flag after leading the biggest part of the feature; but the post race inspection of James’ car showed he was using an aluminum intake manifold that disqualified him from the race.  The DQ put Dee Deyarmin from Glen Campbell in first place and moved the rest of the field up as well.  Second place went to Tim Good of Vintondale, third to Missy Eckenrod from Portage; John Eckenrod from Portage was fourth and Kenny Mumau of East Run took fifth.  Next came Doug Hollenbaugh from Punxsutawney, and Steve McKendree from Mahaffey.   Eighth went to Denny Smith from Glen Campbell, then Don Hickok of Mahaffey, and Larry Matter of Plumboro rounded out the top ten.  Denny Smith, Larry Matter, and Doug Hollenbaugh won the heats.

 The Pro-Stock Feature also had a disqualification after the post race inspection.  Randy Reed who would have racked up his third victory in the points races and back-to-back wins was DQ’ed for an illegal control arm in the rear of the car.  Reed from Punxsutawney had taken the lead on the fifth lap from Jamie Barber who started on the pole and held off Scott Stein from Cherry Tree to take the checkers.  Stein was then awarded the win after the inspection of both cars as well as third place finisher’s car, Jamie Barber from Grampian.  Barber and Stein passed inspection for first and second places.  Third went to Jeff Taylor from Corsica, Bruce Moody of Saxonburg took fourth and Matt Hugill of Mahaffey was fifth.  Rounding out the top ten in order were:  Chad Covatch from Punxsutawney, Jake Ayers from Chester, MD, Eric Rising of Deckers Point, Rich Shank from Clymer and Skip Lindemuth from Hazen.  John Oakes from Punxsutawney, Eric Lingenfelter of Indiana, and Randy Reed won the heat races.

 Vanderpool’s Checkered Flag Collectibles from Punxsutawney, Don Huey Custom Building and Remodeling from Indiana and  Lias Tire provided door prizes.  Be sure to tune in to WDAD 1450 AM for the Weekend Race Report of NASCAR and local racing sponsored by Marion Center Speedway.  And special thanks to our other season sponsors, Butler Auto Supply and Lias Tire and Auto Service both of Indiana.  

 -by Don Peffer

Late Model  

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

( Heat 03)

Late Model Feature

Photo by Janice Braughler

Feature Winner -  29 - Ken Schaltenbrand

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels 

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels Feature

Photo by Janice Braughler

Feature Winner -  33  - Bernie Whiteford
FIRST TIME WINNER !

Pro Stock  

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

( Heat 03)

Pro Stock Feature

Feature Winner -  09  - Scott Stein

Strictly Stock

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

( Heat 03)

Strictly Stock Feature

Photo by Janice Braughler

Feature Winner -  14R - Dee Deyarmin

JULY 12, 2003

Marion Center Speedway opened up its Saturday night features with the Steel Block Limited Late Models.  Christopher Clark led the pack of cars onto the track from the pole position and led the first lap.  Then Dan Stormer of Brookville overtook Clark from Curwensville.  Stormer led the race until after completing the sixth lap when he spun out in turn two bringing the yellow flag out.  Stormer went to the end of the line and recovered some of the ground lost to finish in seventh place.  With Stormer bringing out the caution flag, Larry Hollenbaugh from Punxsutawney moved into the leader’s position.  Hollenbaugh then maintained that position to secure the win despite efforts by Ray Weaver and Gary Fulmer to take the lead away.  Ray Weaver from Home finished second, and Cheyenne Reed from Punxsutawney finished third.  Bernie Whiteford of Hastings was fourth, Fulmer from Deckers Point took fifth.  Rounding out the top ten in order were Todd Sallack from Punxsutawney, Stormer, Jeff Weakland – Hastings, Clark, and Shane McMeans of Dayton.  Larry Hollenbaugh also won his heat race, and Cheyenne Reed won the other heat.

Doug Hollenbaugh made it a “Hollenbaugh Night” by taking the checkered flag in the Strictly Stock Feature for the next race.  Doug Hollenbaugh, Larry’s brother, took the lead in the race with four laps to go by passing Tony Hugill from Mahaffey.  Hollenbaugh then kept his car in front of Hugill for the win.  Hugill crossed the finish line second, but was disqualified from the race when his car didn’t pass the post race inspection.  The after race inspection moved Daniel Clark from DuBois into second place, Nathan Miller of Marion Center into third, Carl Ruth from Rossiter in fourth, and Kenny Mumau of East Run into fifth.  Sixth through tenth places were filled by Larry Matter from Plumboro, Dee Deyarmin of Glen Campbell, Jeremy Kunselman of Brookville, Denny Smith from Glen Campbell and Steve McKendree of Mahaffey.  Larry Matter and Carl Ruth won the heat races.

Randy Reed from Punxsutawney won his third points race feature at Marion Center Speedway Saturday night, and he did it fair and square.  Reed was back at the track after being disqualified from the previous feature for not passing the post race inspection.  The DQ took away Reed’s win and the points he would have gotten for his efforts that night.  Reed had his car checked before the race took place to make sure he was legal, and the post race check by the track officials also found the car to be in compliance with track rules.  Reed led the entire feature from green to checkers for the victory and held off Jeff Walters from Evans City who tried everything in the book to get around Reed.  At the end Walters came in second and Rich Waltman of Coolspring was close behind for third place.  Tim White of Punxsutawney finished fourth; Bruce Walker also from Punxsutawney took fifth.  Next came Matt Hugill from Mahaffey, Tommy Dembowski of Monroeville, Pat Hanley from Plum, Skip Lindemuth of Hazen and Chad Covatch of Punxsutawney was tenth.  The heats went to Jeff Walters and Don Waltman of Punxsutawney.

There were some new faces at Marion Center Speedway for the Late Model Feature, at least faces you don’t see often.  One of those faces won the feature and that was Sammy Stile from Charleroi.  Stile has been at the track before this season and must have kept his notes on what to expect of the track to set up his car for this race.  Stile made a dramatic last lap pass on Keith Barbara who had started on the pole and led the race until that final lap when Stile did his thing and had people wondering where he came from to take the win away from Barbara of South Park.  It just looked like Barbara was going to walk away with a flag to flag victory when there was Stile coming around him in the final turns to take the checkered flag.  Barbara was second and Mike Blose from Dayton took third.  Chuck Sarver from West Sunberry was fourth and Dan Swartzlander of Freeport was fifth.  Jerry Redden from Mahaffey who hardly ever misses a race at Marion Center was sixth, followed by other track regulars: Paul Michny of Pine Flats, Rick Lias of Smicksburg, Ken Schaltenbrand of Kittanning (currently second in points before this race) and Jim Kurpakus from Leechburg.  Bob Wearing, Jr. drove Dan Pikel’s car to victory in a heat race; Sammy Stile and Dave Peterman from Indiana won the other two heats.

Vanderpool’s Checkered Flag Collectibles from Punxsutawney, Don Huey Custom Building and Remodeling, Lias Tire, Furniture World East, and Sandy Kaye’s Restaurant in Shelocta provided door prizes.  Be sure to tune in to WDAD 1450 AM for the Weekend Race Report of NASCAR and local racing sponsored by Marion Center Speedway.  And special thanks to our other season sponsors, Butler Auto Supply and Lias Tire and Auto Service both of Indiana.  

-by Don Peffer

Late Model  

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

( Heat 03)

Late Model Feature

Sammy wishes his Dad a u t Happy Birthday!
  

Feature Winner -  2s - Sammy Stile

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels 

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels Feature

Feature Winner -  1H  - Larry Hollenbaugh
 

Pro Stock  

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

Pro Stock Feature

Feature Winner -  94R  - Randy Reed

Strictly Stock  

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

Strictly Stock Feature

Feature Winner -  1H - Doug Hollenbaugh

JULY 19, 2003

Marion Center Speedway held its regular racing program Saturday night for four divisions, the Strictly Stock, Late Model, Steel Block Limited Late Model, and Pro Stocks, plus Kid’s Bike Races at intermission.  

 Mark Olechovski from Blairsville won his first Marion Center Speedway feature in the Strictly Stock feature.  Olechovski started on the pole and led all laps to take the win.  John Mazey from Bolivar was the second place finisher, Dee Deyarmin of Glen Campbell was third, Carl Ruth from Rossiter placed fourth and fifth went to Tim Bracken from Ebensburg.  Robert James from Mahaffey finished sixth; Tyler Wagner of Irvona was seventh; Kenny Mumau from East Run took eighth; Brian Daughenbaugh from Mundys Corner was ninth and tenth went to Tim Good from Vintondale.  In the heat races, the wins went to John Mazey and Tim Good.

 Dave Peterman took an early lead in the Late Model feature, but couldn’t hang on to it for long as Rick Davis was running great and was set on winning the feature.  Davis started in the second row behind Peterman and took the lead on the seventh lap.  Peterman from Indiana stayed in second place behind Davis with Paul Michny occasionally taking the second place spot away from Peterman, but not really gaining on Davis.  Davis was also pursued by Mike Blose from Dayton who came up from eleventh place to challenge Davis from Home for the lead.  Davis held fast to the front position and picked up the checkered flag.  Blose finished second, Paul Michny of Pine Flats was third and Dave Satterlee from Home passed Dave Peterman on the last lap for fourth place leaving Peterman in fifth.  Rick Strong also from Home came in sixth; Rick Lias of Smicksburg was seventh; John Yamrick from Clymer came in eighth, Jerry Redden from Mahaffey was ninth and tenth place went to Dan Pikel from Home.  The Late Model heats were won by Gary Pease from Ernest and Rick Lias.

 Cheyenne Reed from Punxsutawney won his first Steel Block Limited Late Model feature at Marion Center Speedway this season.  Reed had come close to winning earlier this season, but his previous best was second place.  Cheyenne Reed let Gary Fulmer from Deckers Point lead the first three laps from the pole position, then Reed took over and led the remaining 17 laps for the victory.  Gary Fulmer finished in second place with Dan Stormer from Brookville in a close third.  Fourth went to Jeff Weakland of Hastings; Tom Jobe from Covode was fifth.  Rounding out the top ten were Paul Hrubochak from Cherry Tree, David Day of Colver, Jason McCullough from Homer City; Mark Stiffler of South Fork and Howie Tapper from Mahaffey.  The heats were won by Cheyenne Reed and Dan Stormer.

 Randy Reed from Punxsutawney won the Pro-Stock feature for the fourth time this season (not counting one DQ and a Special race which he also won).  Reed seemed untouchable as he made his way through the pack of cars from his thirteenth place starting position into the lead at the halfway point of the race.  Reed took the lead from the only other leader of the race, Jamie Barber from Grampian.  Scott Stein from Cherry Tree was also in contention for the lead, but couldn’t overtake Reed and settled for second place.  Jeff Walters from Evans City looked very strong in the running of the race, but finished third in the feature.  Fourth place went to Bruce Walker from Punxsutawney and Barber finished fifth.  Tim White from Punxsutawney was sixth, Jeff Taylor of Corsica was seventh, Skip Lindemuth from Hazen was eighth, Don Waltman also from Punxsy was ninth and Jake Ayers from Chester Maryland took tenth.  The Pro-Stock heats were won by Jeff Walters and Eric Lingenfelter. 

 Vanderpool’s Checkered Flag Collectibles from Punxsutawney provided checkered flags for all the Kid’s bike race winners as well as door prizes.  Lias Tire, Furniture World East, and Sandy Kaye’s Restaurant in Shelocta also provided door prizes.  Be sure to tune in to WDAD 1450 AM for the Weekend Race Report of NASCAR and local racing sponsored by Marion Center Speedway.  And special thanks to our other season sponsors, Butler Auto Supply and Lias Tire and Auto Service both from Indiana.  

-by Don Peffer

Late Model  

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

Late Model Feature

Feature Winner -  44 - Rick Davis

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels 

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels Feature

Feature Winner -  12  - Cheyenne Reed
 

Pro Stock  

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

Pro Stock Feature

Feature Winner -  94R  - Randy Reed

Strictly Stock  

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

Strictly Stock Feature

Feature Winner -  77x  - Mark Olechovski

JULY 26, 2003

The Hollenbaugh’s once again take feature wins in the brother’s respective features Saturday night at Marion Center Speedway, and Rick Lias walks away unharmed from rolling his Late Model car onto its roof while Mike Blose wins his first race of the season and Jeff Walters gets his first MCS victory this year.

 Cautions plagued the Late Model feature Saturday night at Marion Center Speedway, and the red light came on to stop the race in the third lap because of Rick Lias’s car getting rolled onto its roof during a collision involving several other cars.  But despite the yellow and red lights breaking the momentum of Mike Blose, nobody else seemed to be a problem for him as he led everything in the race except leading the cars from the pits to race track, which Dave Satterlee got to do from the pole position-Blose from Dayton was on the outside pole.  Blose did have to be wary of Satterlee who would have capitalized on any wrong move by Blose, and Ken Schaltenbrand who came up from starting eighth to be in contention for the win.  Schaltenbrand looked very strong and if the race would have been any longer, who knows what may have happened.  But what did happen was Blose took the checkered flag for his first win of the season, Schaltenbrand from Kittanning took second and Satterlee of Home was third.  Dave Peterman from Indiana placed fourth, and Rick Davis from Home was fifth.  John Yamrick of Clymer finished sixth, and following him were Chuck Sarver of West Sunbury, Paul Michny of Pine Flats, Mark Stair from Brookville, and Will Cochran from Rural Valley.  In the heats, the winners were Rick Strong from Home and Gary Pease from Ernest.

 In five of the ten races held so far this season, Larry Hollenbaugh was the winner of the Steel Block Limited Late Model division feature.  And for the fourth time this year, the Hollenbaugh brothers both won their respective features, Larry in the “limited lates” and Doug in the Strictly Stocks.  The Hollenbaugh’s have a winning combination that may carry them to a points championship this year.  Prior to this race, Larry Hollenbaugh was only six points behind point leader Cheyenne Reed, and Doug Hollenbaugh was 35 points behind point leader Dee Deyarmin.  Once again in the same night the feature was won from the outside pole as Hollenbaugh from Punxsutawney led every lap in the feature race but didn’t lead the cars onto the track to take the first green flag.  But most importantly, he led the lap when the checkered flag was displayed for the win.  Following him to the checkers were Scott Stein from Cherry Tree-second place; Ray Weaver from Home-third, Mark Stiffler of South Fork was fourth and Dan Stormer from Brookville was fifth.  Sixth through tenth places were filled by: Cheyenne Reed (Punxsutawney), Bernie Whiteford (Hastings), Gary Fulmer (Deckers Point), Jim Baker (Monroeville) and Larry Heron (Clymer).  Cheyenne Reed and Dan Stormer won the heats.

 In a fantastic feature for the Pro Stock division, Jeff Walters from Evans City came up victorious for the first time this season after finishing five times in the top five out ten possible races.  Walters took the lead for the final three laps for his win.  Tom Snyder led most of the twenty-lap feature, but after the halfway point of the race Snyder from Ringgold left the track after obviously losing power or shutting down the engine and coasting a lap and into the pits.  Jeff Taylor assumed the lead position for the restart, but later was involved in an incident where he was charged with “taking out” another car and sent to rear for causing the caution.  The situation left Jeff Walters in the lead and Jeff Taylor out of contention.  Finishing in second place was Bruce Walker from Punxsutawney; third went to Don Waltman also of Punxsy; Jamie Barber from Grampian took fourth and fifth went to John Oaks from Punxsy as well.  Skip Lindemuth from Hazen finished sixth, Tim White of Punxsutawney was seventh, Pat Hanley of Plum took eighth; ninth place was Terry Campbell of Punxsy and tenth went to Taylor of Corsica.  John Oaks and Eric Lingenfelter from Indiana won the heats.

 As mentioned earlier, Doug Hollenbaugh won the Strictly Stock feature.  Hollenbaugh from Punxsutawney had also started on the outside pole and led every lap for the win.  Finishing second was Tyler Wagner from Irvona; Francis Mullin of Ebensburg took third; Dee Deyarmin of Glen Campbell was fourth, and Steve McKendree of Mahaffey was fifth.  Rounding out the top ten in order were Mike Sisitki of Bolivar, John Poling of Punxsy, Kenny Mumau from East Run, Don Hickok of Mahaffey and Bruce Large of Saltsburg.  The Heats went to Tyler Wagner, Carl Ruth from Rossiter, and Doug Hollenbaugh.

 Looking ahead to the end of the season, Marion Center Speedway's Labor Day Special program on September 1, 2003 will consist of Twin 25 lap features for Late Models (semi-late can run with them) and Pro-Stock races (Strictly Stock are welcome to compete in this class also).  Track rules will be enforced.  There will not be any Sprints as was previously announced.  Marion Center Speedway is currently putting together a special night for the Strictly-Stock and Pro-Stocks tentatively set for August 30 (if date is not needed for Season Championships scheduled for Aug. 23-Season Champ. rain date is 8/30).  Or Pro/Strictly Stock Special may be held Sept. 1 (?) - More info will follow.  Kids also remember the Championship Bike Races will be held August 9.

 Vanderpool’s Checkered Flag Collectibles from Punxsutawney provided door prizes as well as Lias Tire, Furniture World East, and Sandy Kaye’s Restaurant in Shelocta.  Be sure to tune in to WDAD 1450 AM for the Weekend Race Report of NASCAR and local racing sponsored by Marion Center Speedway.  And special thanks to our other season sponsors, Butler Auto Supply and Lias Tire and Auto Service both from Indiana.  

-by Don Peffer

Late Model  

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

Late Model Feature

Feature Winner -  5 - Mike Blose

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels 

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

Steel-Block Semi-Latemodels Feature

Feature Winner -  1H  - Larry Hollenbaugh
 

Pro Stock  

( Heat 01)

( Heat 02)

Pro Stock Feature

Feature Winner -  18  - Jeff Walters

Strictly Stock  

( Heat 01)