Upcoming
Races:
May 23 - Stafford Speedway
May 24 - Oswego Speedway - ROC
Race
Reports:
May 10 - All Star Speedway - Heat Start 1 - Finish 3 - Start 9 - Race Finish
10
On Saturday May 10, the Reynold's Auto Wrecking, Cape Cod Aggregates, J &
R Pre-Cast #46 headed to the All-Star Speedway in Epping, NH for the running
of the WaterSnoGo Modified Showdown 150 presented by Laticrete. This was the
first of a four race series pitting the best of the NASCAR Whelen Modified
Tour, the True Value Modified Racing Series, and the All-Star Modifieds against
one another.
Throughout the days practice sessions the crew would make several adjustments
to the car in hopes of finding the right combination for a successful first
visit by Eric and the team to the track. A 3rd place finish in his heat race
would have the #46 start the feature from the 9th position for the 150 green
flag lap race.
When the green flag flew it wasn't long before Eric radioed that the car was
way too tight and would not turn. A caution on the 13th lap had Eric bring
the car to the pits for adjustments. He would return in the 22nd spot. By
the time that the yellow flew on lap 75 for a 10 minute halfway break, Eric
had avoided all trouble and was running in the 7th position. At this time
the crew changed right side tires and added fuel for the remaining 75 laps.
When the race resumed Eric worked his way up to the 5th position, but handling
issues once again returned and on the 135th lap Eric spun coming off of turn
2. He would bring the car to pit road for adjustments and at the end of the
race he was able to salvage a 10th place finish. Throughout the race, officiating
was questionable and many calls affected several teams including the #46.
Eric and the team were just happy to leave the track with the car in one piece.
BY KEVIN RICE
EPPING, NH- Mike Stefanik won the LATICRETE 150 Modified Open event at All-Star
Speedway on Saturday night, taking the lead on lap 113 when Matt Hirschman
spun after slight contact while racing Stefanik for the lead. Andy Seuss drove
from starting position 25 to challenge Stefanik in the closing laps for the
win, but settled for a second place finish.
Stefanik commented, "We came here to have some fun. It's just fun for
me. There's no pressure and whatever we do, we do. Early in the race I didn't
think the car was this good. I thought we might have a top five at first.
"Then we adjusted on it, tightened the car up some more and put some
tires on it. Then I just found a nice sweet spot where the car really seemed
to like it, and I closed back up on Matt."
The race began with Rowan Pennink taking the initial lead in the Gary Casella
car, but he was overtaken by Louie Mechalides on lap three. Mechalides continued
to lead, with Jimmy Kuhn, Ken Barry and Hirschman close behind. There were
several instances where cars raced side-by-side at the front of the field
during the first half of the race, but there were also several cautions for
spinning cars in the 30-car field during that time. Hirschman got beside Mechalides
on lap 45 and he stayed there until finally taking the lead on lap 49 when
the caution came out for Brett Gonyaw, who spun with apparent engine failure,
collecting Kirk Alexander. Hirschman continued to lead after the restart,
with Mechalides, Stefanik and Kuhn in a close race for the second spot. Jon
McKennedy was sent spinning on lap 70 by another car, halting his run to the
front. Seuss, however made it from the back, to the top five by that point
of the race. The field reached a lap 75 halfway break with Hirschman leading
Stefanik, Kuhn, Seuss and Ronnie Silk. Hirschman earned the CD Tile $300 halfway
bonus money for his efforts. On lap 76, ROC Series regular Rusty Smith was
sent into the turn three wall. On the restart, Hirschman was able to pull
away from Stefanik for a time, but Stefanik soon found his "sweet spot"
and closed the gap to a carlength by lap 98.
Hirschman stated, "We had a real good car the first half. After the halfway
break it was like I was driving a different car. We really don't have an explanation,
but it wasn't the same and it just wasn't good. It's kind of frustrating."
As Seuss moved to fourth place on lap 108, the lead duo continued to race
close for the lead until the lap 113 incident that had Hirschman spinning
out of the lead in turn four. "I knew Mike was there and I thought I
held my line going into three," Hirschman recalled. "I have a lot
of respect for Mike. I'm not going to say any more. I thought I held my line
and pretty much surrendered the line I thought because he was quicker and
I knew he was in there."
Stefanik countered, "I hate it that we came together. He was running
me hard. He didn't hang onto it. I didn't turn up into him. That's for sure.
I felt bad for Matt. He's a good driver and I enjoyed racing with him."
Before one lap could be completed on the lap 113 restart, Tony Ricci slammed
the third turn wall after contact with another car. James Civali and Jimmy
Blewett pitted for adjustments at that time. On the next lap 113 restart,
Kuhn made a serious bid for the lead, edging ahead of Stefanik on the outside.
They raced nearly even for several laps before Stefanik took command, with
Seuss riding Stefanik's rear bumper into second place on lap 120.
Over the final 30 laps it was Seuss challenging Stefanik high and low, looking
to find a way into the lead. Seuss noted, "It was a lot of fun racing
with these tour guys. A lot of fun racing with Mike Stefanik. I wish I could
have had him at the end, but after our day we're happy with second."
Kuhn's impressive run was slowed on lap 135, when he was helped into a spin
as the close racing up front caused cars behind them to bunch up. Civali,
Blewett and Danny Sammons were among the lead lap cars damaged in that incident.
An apparent radiator leak sent 2007 ROC Champion Pete Brittain to the pits
one lap later. Seuss got a wheel under Stefanik a couple of times in the closing
laps, but he was unable to overtake the driver of the Ed Marceau owned number
66. Silk finished third, with Tommy Cravenho and McKennedy rounding out the
top five. Race number two of the four race WaterSnoGo Modified Series takes
place on June 7 at All-Star with a 100-lap affair.
Official LATICRETE 150 Finish: MIKE STEFANIK, Andy Seuss, Ronnie Silk, Tommy
Cravenho, Jon McKenendy, Chris Pasteryak, Matt Hirschman, Jimmy Kuhn, Jim
Boniface, Eric Beers, Kenny White, Josh Cantara, Bruce batchelder, Pete Brittain,
Danny Sammons, Jimmy Blewett, James Civali, Carl Pasteryak, Tony Ricci, Bobby
Grigas, Rusty Smith, Ken Barry, Brett Gonyaw, Rowan Pennink, Jim Storace,
Butch Perry, Louie Mechalides, Kirk Alexander, Gene MacLain, Ted Christopher.
DNS Rob Summers, Eric Leclair
May 3 - Mahoning Speedway - 100 Laps - Rain Out
April 26-27 - Stafford Speedway - NASCAR Tour - Time 2 - Finish 2
On
Saturday April 26 the Berkley Auto Racing #46 unloaded at the Stafford Motor
Speedway in Stafford, CT for the 37th Annual running of the Carquest Tech-Net
Spring Sizzler. The team's preparation for the race showed during the morning
practice session. As Eric only practiced for 20 laps while posting the 5th
fastest time of the 35 cars in attendance.
An early qualifying draw had the #46 the 3rd car to take time in the qualifying
session. The first lap produced a time of 18.252 sec. for a speed of 98.634
mph around the 1/2 mile oval. On the second lap a time of 18.084 sec. with
an average speed of 99.536 mph was turned. The lap would hold up as the fastest
until the #3 car of Ryan Preece would turn a lap of 18.057 sec for a speed
of 99.684 mph. That is how qualifying would end with #3 car taking the Coors
Light Pole Award and the yellow #46 the 2nd fastest. The redraw for Sunday's
race would have the Eric starting from the 4th position.
After a morning pit party where fans had the opportunity to meet with Eric.
The green flag would fly shortly after 2:30 p.m. several caution periods would
slow the early part of the race. By lap 55, the #46 would take over the 3rd
spot and then 2nd place 12 laps later. The leader at this point was the #3
car of Preece. On lap 90, the engine on the #3 would expire and Eric would
take over the lead. It was at this point that the decision was made to pit
for 4 tires and gas, the crew made a quick stop and the #46 was the first
car off of pit road. Several cars decided to stay out on the track and when
the green came back out on lap 96 Eric would restart from the 9th spot. It
wasn't long before the #46 was back in the top-5 and at lap 143 it took over
at the front of the pack. He would hold the lead until lap 171 when the #36
of Ted Christopher on fresher tires would take over the lead. Over the final
29 laps Eric made several attempts to regain the lead but was unable to do
so and finished a close 2nd. The finish vaulted Eric up to the 9th spot in
the standings after 2 races. The race had the entire team pumped up after
the finish. Knowing that a trip to victory lane is only a matter of time.
Berkley Auto Racing wishes to extend its thanks to partners; Reynold's Auto
Wrecking, J & R Pre-Cast, Cape Cod Aggregates, Viveiros Insurance and
also to our product sponsors for all of their support.
Story from Speed 51 about the Teddy Nudge:
The story about the Spring Sizzler NASCAR Whelen Modified
Tour race at Stafford Motor Speedway (CT) could be about how Ted Christopher
won his 28th career Tour race. It could be about how Christopher nudged eventual
second place finisher Eric Beers out of the way with just 30 laps remaining
to accomplish his win. The story could even be about the triumphant return
of third place finisher Chuck Hossfeld to the Whelen Modified Tour, after
he only sporadically raced this last season.Christopher has often taken great
pleasure during his career in being the guy that the fans love to hate, and
what could be seen as confidence by some often comes across as cockiness to
others. Still, it's hard to deny his record at Stafford, where he is the reigning
SK Modified champion, and has scored right of his career Modified Tour victories.
“It was real fun. I like passing cars,” said a happy Christopher. “I don't
want to start up front and just ride around. Maybe that puts me in a tough
situation some times, but I love doing that.” Beers, while expressing some
frustration about being moved from the lead, still was able to walk away from
the race knowing he had given his #46 team, which he made only his second
start for in this race, their best ever finish.
“It's disappointing when you're leading and someone bashes you like that,” said Beers. “But what are you going to do? He [Christopher] pitted, he had fresher tires, and he made a good move off of [turn] 2. He caught us on the backstretch. But other than that, I'm just happy the way this team is going.”
Hossfeld,
the point leader after two events was just thrilled with the way his season
has begun thus far. “We were second and third so far, and I'm sure if we keep
hanging around the top five, then a win will be coming,” explained Hossfeld.
“We came back from some adversity there in the beginning when we got hit and
spun out. To wind up third after all that, I'm pretty happy with that. I really
need to thank my team for their hard work.”
1. (5) Ted Christopher, Plainville,
Conn., Chevrolet, 200 laps, 56.057 mph, $8,320.
2. (4) Eric Beers, Northampton, Pa., Chevrolet, 200, $4,820.
3. (8) Chuck Hossfeld, Ransomville, N.Y., Dodge, 200, $3,320.
4. (10) Mike Stefanik, Coventry, R.I., Pontiac, 200, $3,320.
5. (12) James Civali, Meriden, Conn., Chevrolet, 200, $3,020.
6. (18) Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley, Pa., Chevrolet, 200, $2,620.
7. (19) Richard Savary, Canton, Mass., Chevrolet, 200, $2,720.
8. (11) Jamie Tomaino, Howell, N.J., Chevrolet, 200, $2,920.
9. (23) Todd Szegedy, Ridgefield, Conn., Ford, 200, $2,220.
10. (22) Glenn Tyler, Hampton Bays, N.Y., Chevrolet, 200, $2,020.
11. (9) Kevin Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 200, $1,920.
12. (29) Ken Heagy, Calverton, N.Y., Chevrolet, 200, $2,245.
13. (34) Glen Reen, Wilbraham, Mass., Chevrolet, 200, $1,450.
14. (6) Matt Hirschman, Northampton, Pa., Chevrolet, 200, $1,899.
15. (17) Anthony Sesely, Matawan, N.J., Dodge, 200, $1,050.
16. (28) Danny Sammons, Hamilton, N.J., Chevrolet, 199, $1,760.
17. (33) Tom Abele, Jr., Norwich, Conn., Chevrolet, 196, $1,025.
18. (14) Eric Berndt, Cromwell, Conn., Chevrolet, 193, $975.
19. (35) Sean Patterson, Wading River, N.Y., Pontiac, 193, $950.
20. (2) Frank Ruocco, Cheshire, Conn., Chevrolet, 185, accident, $925.
21. (21) Wade Cole, Riverton, Conn., Chevrolet, 185, $1,620.
22. (25) Billy Pauch, Jr., Frenchtown, N.J., Dodge, 184, accident, $1,595.
23. (3) Jimmy Blewett, Howell, N.J., Chevrolet, 179, accident, $1,670.
24. (16) Erick Rudolph, Ransomville, N.Y., Chevrolet, 174, accident, $825.
25. (24) Carl Pasteryak, Lisbon, Conn., Chevrolet, 156, $800.
26. (26) Renee Dupuis, Glastonbury, Conn., Chevrolet, 153, suspension, $1,200.
27. (30) Ed Flemke, Jr., Southington, Conn., Chevrolet, 109, $1,620.
28. (13) Ronnie Silk, Norwalk, Conn., Pontiac, 103, $1,620.
29. (7) Ryan Preece, Kensington, Conn., Chevrolet, 91, engine, $2,120.
30. (27) Bobby Grigas, III, Marshfield, Mass., Chevrolet, 60, oil pressure,
$1,520.
31. (20) Joe Hartmann, Calverton, N.Y., Chevrolet, 59, accident, $1,520.
32. (31) Reggie Ruggiero, Rocky Hill, Conn., Ford, 54, ignition, $1,520.
33. (1) Rob Summers, Vernon, Conn., Chevrolet, 50, drive shaft, $800.
34. (15) Rick Fuller, Auburn, Mass., 26, timing chain, $1,520.
35. (32) Jake Marosz, Middletown, Conn., Chevrolet, 11, accident, $1,200.
Time of Race: 1 hour 47 minutes
2 seconds Margin of Victory: 0.719 seconds
Fastest Qualifier: R.Preece (99.684 mph, 18.057 seconds)
Caution Flags: 13 for 71 laps.
Lead Changes: 7 among 5 drivers.
Lap Leaders: R.Summers 1-5; J.Blewett 6; R.Summers 7-26; R.Preece 27-90; E.Beers
91-92; T.Christopher 93-142; E.Beers 143-171; T.Christopher 172-200.
Standings: 1. C.Hossfeld, 335; 2. T.Christopher, 314; 3. J.Civali, 305; 4.
R.Pennink, 288; 5. T.Szegedy, 284; 6. T.Abele,Jr., 267; 7. E.Flemke,Jr., 262;
8. G.Tyler, 255; 9. E.Beers, 249; 10. A.Sesely, 248.
April 12 - Mahoning
Speedway - 100 laps -- unable to attend
What an interesting day for Eric. The #9 Modified car was ready to go to Mahoning
for Opening night and the 100 lap Frost Free Event- even loaded in the trailer
- when Eric had an unfortunate accident while working on a project in the
morning. While using a torch to cut re barb - Eric made a cut to get the re
bard loose when just that quick it rebounded back at Eric and actually penetrated
Eric's leg going in about a half an inch and since it was hot it not only
penetrated Eric's leg it also burned it - fortunately it corterized it as
it penetrated Eric's inner thigh. The doctors at the Burn unit recommended
that Eric just chill with the racing program for a little while to allow the
wound to heal properly. If Eric is not careful now he runs the risk of the
wound becoming infected which would could put him out indefinitely. Everything
happens for a reason and we will update on the upcoming schedule.
April 5-6
- Thompson Speedway - NASCAR Tour - Start/Time 14 - Finish 28
The 2008 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season opened at the Thompson Speedway
in Thompson, CT with the running of the Icebreaker. For Berkley Auto Racing
it not only was the start of a new racing season, it was also the start of
a new chapter in the teams history, as Eric Beers of Northampton, PA took
over behind the wheel of the teams #46 Chevy's. This season, the team partners
with Reynold's Auto Wrecking, J & R Pre-Cast, Cape Cod Aggregates, and
Viveiros Insurance, they along with a host of fine product sponsors, help
to put the car on the track.
On Friday, the hauler arrived at the track and was unloaded for NASCAR's technical
inspection. NASCAR officials thoroughly looked over the car and motor for
anything that they felt did not conform to the rules. When the inspection
process was complete the team was given list of things that needed to be fixed
before the car would be allowed to practice on Saturday.
Saturday morning the team was ready to go to work fixing what needed to be
fixed when the garage area opened at 8 a.m. Due to a light drizzle, the practice
that was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. was pushed back until 3 p.m. and qualifying
rescheduled for 6 p.m. When Eric took to the track for the first practice
he radioed to the crew that the car was handling tight into the corner, through
the middle and a little tight off. Throughout the next hour and a half the
crew would make different chassis and tire stagger adjustments with the hope
of finding the right combination that would give Eric the feel that he was
looking for. By the end of the practice session the #46 was 16th fastest of
the 39 cars on hand. An unlucky draw for qualifying had Eric the 4th driver
to make a qualifying attempt. His first lap around the 5/8th mile oval was
19.391 sec. for an average speed of 115.129 mph on his second lap he turned
a lap of 18.904 sec. with a speed of 118.070 mph. When qualifying was completed
the #46 would be the 14th fastest of the 39 cars.
Sunday morning would be cloudy and cold with temperatures in the 40's. The
team spent the morning doing its pre-race checklist getting the car ready
for the race. With a slight mist coming down the green flag flew and Eric
would begin to make his move towards the front from his 14th starting spot.
By lap 5 he had moved into the 11th position, he radioed to the crew on lap
7 that the car was good in through the middle and a little free off the corners
and that he felt it needed a little more bite. Continuing to pass cars when
the caution flag came out on lap 17 the #46 was running in the 7th spot. After
a couple more caution flags he remained in 7th, a restart on lap 34 had Eric
get caught behind the #09 of Bobby Grigas and slip back to 10th before being
able to get back in line. Another yellow on lap 45 had Eric radio that the
car was free up off and a little tight in the center the longer the green
flag run. By lap 56, he had moved up to the 8th position, when the caution
came out again on lap 66 the decision was made that when pit road opened,
if the leaders pitted, Eric would pit. The leaders did pit and the crew went
to work changing right side tires, making a wedge adjustment, and adding fuel.
When he returned to the track with other cars not electing to pit, he would
restart from the 10th position. When the green flag flew trouble would be
just around the corner. The #06 of Billy Pauch Jr. would spin in the 3rd and
4th turns Eric was just able to slowdown and avoid contact when the #31 of
Tony Ferrante Jr. ran into the back and push him into the #06. The contact
would result in the front bumper going through the radiator. Eric would pull
the car behind the wall where the crew worked replacing the radiator and front
bumper, it was also at this time that the rain began to fall a little harder.
The #46 returned to the track having lost 17 laps while repairs were being
made, unfortunately Eric would complete only 1 lap before NASCAR officials
brought the cars down pit road and red flagged the race. After a short period
of time officials decided to call the race complete as the rain continued
to fall. The final finishing order would find the #46 in the 28th position.
Although not the result that they were looking for, Eric and the crew were
upbeat after the race knowing that they had a competitive race car and look
towards the next race.
You
could look at the finish from the Thompson Speedway April 6th Icebreaker,
NASCAR Modified Tour opener and say - "Holy Mackerel what a bad finish.
Kid's got himself in the hole after one race - What was the matter with the
car today? - Another tough Icebreaker for Beersy!" But the finish does
not tell the whole story. Eric was one of the fastest and best handling cars
out there. He had his fans on the edge of their seats. Everyone knew that
the car was good as he was fast and passing people and running up front. Eric
drives with patience so he could have moved up even further but he was great.
If you take a look at the photo of the accident from this race it was sure
a matter of being at the wrong place at the wrong time and getting caught
up in someone else's mess. Bobby Katon (team owner) better watch out he might
loose his entire pit crew to a NASCAR CUP team if they keep up the lightening
fast stops they are capable of pulling off. On this day when everyone came
in to pit the 46 car also came in and next thing you know the 46 is driving
down pit road passing car after car still making their pit stop because the
team gave Eric an incredible stop. For having a 28th place finish Eric and
the team were in great spirits because they know they all did their job and
had a good car capable of winning if it weren't for the instant of bad luck.
Eric explained after the race, "Normally after a 28th place finish I
am in a miserable mood and replaying the race in my mind over and over wondering
what I could have done better. But today the team gave me a great car - our
pit stop was wicked fast and we were just being patient and letting the race
come to us. Am I disappointed, of course, but the optimism going on from this
point forward is the highest with this team as I have ever been associated
with. All of us cant wait to get to Stafford as opposed to some years in the
past where we finished the race and then I started wondering - ok what are
we going to have to overcome at the next race. But not with this team - everybody
knows their role and works until the job is done and best yet - the team excels
in putting a good safe car under me."the race and running that well still
made him happy.
Finish - Thompson Speedway, April 6 - NASCAR Modfiied Tour
1 8 10 Ed Flemke, Jr. Ron Bouchard Auto Center/Premier
Kitchens 92 185 5 $7,920 Running
2 10 4 Chuck Hossfeld Mystic Missile Dodge 92 170 3,220 Running
3 2 09 Bobby Grigas, III Triple-G Scaffold Services Chevrolet 92 165 3,070
Running
4 34 05 Joe Hartmann WMS Construction Chevrolet 92 160 3,295 Running
5 36 32 Tom Abele, Jr. * Synergyn/M&W Sheet Metal/Crystal Auto 92 155
2,825 Running
6 1 28 James Civali Ramar-Hall Inc./Genesis Shocks Chevrolet 92 150 2,995
Running
7 3 2 Todd Szegedy Wisk-Snuggle Ford 92 146 2,295 Running
8 11 14 Reggie Ruggiero Atlantic Sprinkler Ford 92 142 2,095 Running
9 18 93 Rowan Pennink Monk Mechanics Hand Cleaner Chevrolet 92 138 1,945 Running
10 15 36 Ted Christopher Al-Lee Installations Chevrolet 92 134 1,995 Running
11 29 11 Anthony Sesely A-1 Auto Center Dodge 92 130 1,150 Running
12 5 19 Jimmy Blewett Major Motion Transport/TS Haulers Chevrolet 92 127 1,965
Running
13 19 5 Charles Pasteryak Dawley's Auto Center/Sunoco Chevrolet 92 124 1,134
Running
14 22 8 Glenn Tyler Sypher Construction Chevrolet 92 121 1,850 Running
15 23 12 Ken Heagy Budy One Seafood Chevrolet 92 118 1,385 Running
16 17 59 Matt Hirschman Furnace & Duct Chevrolet 92 115 1,870 Running
17 30 90 Renee Dupuis SFI/Featherlite Chevrolet 92 112 1,430 Running
18 21 06 Billy Pauch, Jr. Greenfield Dodge Dodge 92 109 1,695 Running
19 12 3 Ryan Preece Mizzy Construction/FJ Hubany Chevrolet 92 106 1,670 Running
20 26 75 Carl Pasteryak Sunoco/Dawley's Collision Chevrolet 92 103 925 Running
21 4 79 Ronnie Silk Hill Enterprises/Coors Light/Sunoco Pontiac 92 100 1,720
Running
22 37 33 Wade Cole Performance Engines/Kendall Oil/Ryan's Oil 91 97 1,570
Running
23 35 9 Jake Marosz Middlesex Auto Center Chevrolet 91 94 1,225 Running
24 39 53 Sean Patterson * John DeLisa & AXA Financial Pontiac 88 91 800
Running
25 9 58 Kevin Goodale Riverhead Building Supply Chevrolet 84 88 1,510 Running
26 28 21 Richard Savary Superior Oil Chevrolet 82 85 1,700 Running
27 33 17 Glen Reen * Reen Orthodontics Chevrolet 81 82 770 Running
28 14 46 Eric Beers Reynold's Auto Wrecking/J&R Pre-Cast 75 79 1,580 Running
29 25 45 Erick Rudolph * Original Pizza Logs/Prime Tyme Motorsports 75 76
750 Steering
30 6 31 Tony Ferrante, Jr. Sunoco Chevrolet 73 73 750 Accident
31 16 64 Eric Berndt Northend Auto Parts/Cos Central Auto Chevrolet 37 70
750 Accident
32 32 77 Rick Fuller Toyota Certified Used Vehicles 34 67 1,470 Running
33 20 16 Mike Stefanik Diversified Metals/Ace Moldings Pontiac 32 64 1,570
Running
34 13 0 Danny Sammons Area Auto Racing News Chevrolet 29 61 1,470 Accident
35 7 00 Bobby Santos Sherm's Towing Chevrolet 23 58 1,470 Accident
36 24 74 J.R. Bertuccio Gershow Recycling Dodge 23 55 750 Accident
37 27 47 Jim Storace Harry's Fuel/TRC Race Components Pontiac 23 52 750 Steering
38 31 99 Jamie Tomaino J Co./Clean-Up Supply Chevrolet 19 49 1,570 Accident
39 38 26 Gary McDonald * Lakeland Landscaping Supply/RC Electric 10 46 750
Accident
Fastest
Qualifier: James Civali, Time: 18.585 Seconds, Speed: 120.097 MPH
Time of Race:1 hrs., 0 mins, 25 secs Average Speed: 56.647 mph Margin of Victory:
Under Caution
COORS LIGHT POLE AWARD: James Civali, 28 Ramar-Hall Inc./Genesis Shocks Chevrolet
FEATHERLITE MOST IMPROVED DRIVER AWARD: Joe Hartmann, 05 WMS Construction
Chevrolet
POWERADE POWER MOVE OF THE RACE AWARD: Tom Abele, Jr. *, 32 Synergyn/M&W
Sheet Metal/Crystal Auto Chevrolet
SUNOCO ROOKIE OF THE RACE AWARD: Tom Abele, Jr. *, 32 Synergyn/M&W Sheet
Metal/Crystal Auto Chevrolet
WHELEN WINNER OF THE RACE AWARD: Ed Flemke, Jr., 10 Ron Bouchard Auto Center/Premier
Kitchens Chevrolet
Caution Flags: Laps 8-11; 17-21; 23-32; 45-52; 67-92. 5 for 53 laps.
Lap Leaders: Bobby Grigas, III 1-12, James Civali 13-42, Todd Szegedy 43-70,
Ed Flemke, Jr. 71-92.
Total Laps Led: James Civali 30, Todd Szegedy 28, Ed Flemke, Jr. 22, Bobby
Grigas, III 12. 3 changes involving 4 drivers.
Top 10 Driver Points: Ed Flemke, Jr. 185, Chuck Hossfeld 170, Bobby Grigas,
III 165, Joe Hartmann 160, Tom Abele, Jr. * 155, James Civali 150, Todd Szegedy
146, Reggie Ruggiero 142, Rowan Pennink 138, Ted Christopher 134
March 29 - Thompson Speedway Modified Test
Eric was very happy with the results with the test at Thompson Speedway on
this day. The whole package was working together. The car was handling great
and the engine had good power to get it going down the straight away. In fact
as Eric said, "I think we got more practice today in te 46 car at Thompson
than we did in the 5 races we participated in 2007"
Thanks to all who
attended the great night of Fun at the Party on March 22 - Good dun and funds
raised for a great cause/
January 2008
Welcome to a night of fun. For over a decade each spring we celebrate the beginning of the upcoming Race season for a local race car driver, Eric Beers, “our own Koncrete Kid”. Above you see a picture of the Beers Motorsports #9. This family run operation is based in Northampton PA and travels from Maine to Florida hitting the big NASCAR Modified Races. The year has started off good so far with a win in Florida during Speedweeks at New Smyrna Speedway and the team is excited about the upcoming 2008 season.
The Eric Beers racing party is set for Saturday night March 22nd at the American Club in Coplay. This is a party where you will be treated to a great meal, plenty of beverages, Chinese auction, raffles and entertainment. It’s a great night to get together and enjoy the company of folks who only get together once or twice a year.
For more information or to order your tickets (Tickets are limited and we do sell out) call 610-261-9468
Look forward to seeing you all there.
BERKLEY AUTO RACING GIVES THE KEYS TO ERIC
BEERS
- FULL NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR SCHEDULE, PLUS SPECIALS AT ALL-STAR &
SEEKONK SPEEDWAY ON THE SCHEDULE -
Northampton, Penn. (January 30, 2008) – In
2008 two fixtures on the Northeast and New England racing scene will join
together and tackle one of, if not the most competitive series in the United
States. Eric Beers of Northampton, Penn., will pilot the familiar yellow 46
J & R Precast Troyer Chevrolets fielded by Berkley Auto Racing and car
owner Bobby Katon. Beers, who has competed on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
for the past six seasons, is looking forward to the opportunity.
“As always it will be a busy season, but I can’t wait to get going,” offered
Beers, who will also pilot his own machine in selected events throughout the
Northeast. “Bobby (Katon) is just a tremendous individual and I’m really looking
forward to working with him and all of his guys. In addition his crew members,
we’ve had the opportunity to bring over some of our crew members, Kevin Crowley
will be joining Dave Phillips working as co-crew chiefs, so I think all of
the pieces are in place to have success right off the bat at Thompson.”
The team ran in an audition of sort when they competed together at the North/South
Shootout at the Concord Motorsport Park in North Carolina where they finished
second. Katon hopes it’s a sign of things to come for his race team, who had
Dick Houlihan behind the wheel for 20 years. Houlihan semi-retired at the
conclusion of the 2007 season as he will appear in selected event for the
Berkley Auto Racing Team at Seekonk Speedway.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Eric,”
related Katon. “It was a challenging decision to make when Dick (Houhlihan)
decided to retire. He had been with us for so many years, but that is also
the way we are viewing this opportunity with Eric. We’re not looking to join
the driver-of-the-week-club, we want to create a long term relationship that
benefits everyone. We have some great people on board, we’ve had some experienced
folks join us, so things are really going forward. We’ve also got the support
from our marketing partners, which is such a crucial element for success these
days.”
In addition to sponsorship from long-time and existing sponsors; Reynold’s
Auto Wrecking, J & R Precast and Viveiros Insurance support will come
from; Cape Cod Aggregates Freetown Corporation, Shell Oil in the form of their
‘Q’ Racing Oil brand, New England Race Fuels with, Sunoco Racing Fuel, Pro
Shocks with power being produced by Jim Mikkel’s Performance Technology in
Indiana. Other product supporters include Randy LaJoie and The Joie of Seating,
Pro Systems Brakes and QuarterMaster.
Beers and the Berkley Auto Racing Team will make their season debut at ‘The
Icebreaker’, the season opening event for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour,
at the Thompson International Speedway on April 5th & 6th, with intentions
of racing for the Tour championship in the 16-race slate, along with select
open-competition appearances at Seekonk and All-Star Speedway throughout the
2008 season.
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For More Information, Contact;
Jim Lumi: 617-852-8352
E-Mail: ericbeers46@yahoo.com
1 Eric Beers
2 Jimmy Blewett
3 Bobby Grigas III
4 Ronny Silk
5 JR Bertuccio
6 Chuck Hossfeld
7 James Civali
8 Jon McKennedy
9 Ted Christopher
10 Rowan Pennick
11 Ryan Preece
12 Butch Perry
13 Kevin Goodale
14 Charlie Pasteryak
15 Buck Catalino
16 Billy Pauch, Jr
17 Andy Seuss
18 Billy Anderson
19 George Bierce