(Rick Rarer photo)

June 3, 2024 (Columbus, OH)…Prior to spending nearly two decades in the NASCAR ranks, the majority of which came in the top-tier Cup series, Dave Blaney was known around the country for his talents behind the wheel of a sprint car.

He reached the sport’s pinnacle in 1995 when he claimed the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series championship, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. The driver hailing from Concord, NC has also picked up career-defining wins on the sport’s biggest stages; Blaney is a 2-time Kings Royal winner at Eldora Speedway (’93 & ’95), Knoxville Nationals champion at the famed Marion County Fairgrounds (’97), and a winner of the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa (’93). Furthermore, the native of Hartford, OH was a 2014 inductee into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame where he is joined by his father (Lou) and brother (Dale). Fast forward nearly 30 years and he has added one more accomplishment to his impressive resume. Dave Blaney is a Western PA Speedweek champion.

The five-race miniseries known as Western PA Speedweek was scheduled to kickoff at Michael’s Mercer Raceway (Mercer, PA) on Wednesday, May 29th, but Mother Nature had other plans in store. An all-day rain event made for an easy, albeit unwelcome, decision by track officials to cancel the opening race.

Western PA Speedweek moved on to the sprawling half-mile oval of Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway (Imperial, PA) for the second leg of the tour. A stout field of 39 ‘410’ sprint cars packed the pit area, setting a then-speedweek record for car count under the current regime. It was invader Dylan Norris from Hanover, PA picking up the $3,500 victory (first career win in his family-owned #17) with Blaney in tow. National Sprint Car Hall of Famers Dale Blaney and Tim Shaffer followed in 3rd & 4th, with ‘410’ sprint car rookie John Jerich completing the Top 5.

Drivers headed back north on Friday to the famed Lernerville Speedway for the cornerstone event of Western PA Speedweek, affectionately dubbed the “Jean Lynch Classic” in honor of one of the most instrumental women in motorsports history. An overwhelming 46 cars filled the pits to set a new speedweek record. The home track hero and seven-time track champion A.J. Flick stole the show, advancing forward from his 10th starting spot to steal the $4,000 victory in the closing laps. Jordan Poirier, a native of Quebec making just his fifth career ‘410’ sprint car start, impressed with a runner up finish in his Lernerville Speedway debut. Tim Shaffer, Dave Blaney and Sye Lynch rounded out the Top 5 under chamber of commerce weather.

Western PA Speedweek drivers then took a quick trip across the state line to Sharon Speedway (Hartford, OH). Just one day after breaking the historical car count record, it was tied at the 3/8-mile oval when another group of 46 drivers prepared for battle. Though the speedway has been reconfigured since Dave Blaney cut his teeth racing at the track back in the 80s and 90s, he is still the fan-favorite anytime that he makes an appearance in front of his hometown fans. After starting the night off quickly by setting the overall fast time in qualifying and winning his heat race, he faced his only setback of the night by drawing the 12th and final pill in the redraw that would line up the evening’s main event. The second place starting Ryan Smith, who has become a yearly fixture on the Western PA Speedweek circuit, pulled away from the field after an early-race battle with Zane DeVault, and was never seriously challenged. The $4,000 victory for the Kunkletown Kid marked his third career speedweek win and first since 2021. Dave Blaney advanced forward ten positions to claim the 2nd spot, with early-race leader DeVault, Dale Blaney, and Logan McCandless completing the Top 5.

The Western PA Speedweek finale was set for Sunday evening at Tri City Raceway Park, however Mother Nature once again intervened and the race had to be called in the late afternoon hours after persistent rain and cloud cover made the track unworkable.

With the final event cancelled, the curtain came down and put a close to the 2024 edition of Western PA Speedweek. Though he was denied of a win in the three contested races, Dave Blaney was the only driver to score three Top 5 finishes on the week which was more than enough to garner himself the most points and claim his first career Western PA Speedweek crown. Beyond his race winnings and awards, Blaney also received the $3,000 winners check for finishing atop the week-long point standings.

Final Western PA Speedweek Point Standings (Top 10)
1. 10-Dave Blaney [132 pts] – $3,000
2. 32B-Dale Blaney [112 pts] – $2,500
3. 2-A.J. Flick [111 pts] – $2,000
4. 49X-Tim Shaffer [108 pts] – $1,500
t5. M1-Mark Smith [99 pts] – $950
t5. 4-Zane DeVault [99 pts] – $950
7. 17-Dylan Norris [91 pts] – $800
8. 6-Ryan Smith [90 pts] – $700
9. 5K-Adam Kekich [83 pts] – $600
10. 28-Jordan Poirier [80 pts] – $500

Full results for Western PA Speedweek can be found HERE.
Full point standings for Western PA Speedweek can be found HERE.

Western PA Speedweek was brought to you by Schaeffer’s Specialized Lubricants together with J.S. Bova Excavating along with the support of Bill McCandless Ford, Bowl-O-Drome Family Bowling Center, Classic Ink USA, Hobaugh’s Auto Parts, Kistler Racing Products, The Knox Bakery, Lockhart Raceway, McClung Auto Body, Mobile Bail Bonds, Rustler Sales & Service, Superior Interiors Dustless Hardwood Refinishing, Rod Squad Fishing Charters, Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic, The Dirt Network, Fox’s Pizza Den of Mercer, 724 Media, and the A-Main Podcast.

$250 Quick Time Award – Dave Blaney
$250 Hard Charger Award – Lee Jacobs
$50 Hard Luck Award – Jacob Dykstra
Hoosier Tire Giveaway – Brandon Matus
Shock Dyno Session Giveaway – Ryan Smith
Schaeffer’s Fuel Jug Giveaway – Mitchell Harble
Case of Beer Giveaway – Jordyn Charge
$100 Lockhart “Jackpot” Award – Ryan Smith
$500 McCandless “Bonus Bucks” Award – Mark Smith

Western PA Speedweek (46 Entered)
Feature (30 Laps): 1. 6-Ryan Smith [2][$4000]; 2. 10-Dave Blaney [12]; 3. 4-Zane DeVault [1]; 4. 32B-Dale Blaney [8]; 5. 29-Logan McCandless [4]; 6. 5K-Adam Kekich [6]; 7. 28-Jordan Poirier [9]; 8. 81-Lee Jacobs [19]; 9. 08-Dan Kuriger [10]; 10. M1-Mark Smith [17]; 11. 15-Mitchell Harble [3]; 12. 2-A.J. Flick [21]; 13. 31C-Chase Metheney [5]; 14. 29P-Dan Shetler [16]; 15. 49X-Tim Shaffer [20]; 16. 17-Dylan Norris [14]; 17. 46-Michael Bauer [7]; 18. 20B-Cody Bova [13]; 19. 5-Jeremy Weaver [15]; 20. 23-Lance Moss [22]; 21. 2P-Ricky Peterson [23]; 22. 7NY-Matt Farnham [24]; 23. 3-Denny Peebles [18]; 24. 11J-David Kalb, Jr [11]; Hard Charger: 81-Lee Jacobs [+11]; Lap Leaders: Zane DeVault (1-6); Ryan Smith (7-30)

Heat #1 (8 Laps): 1. 10-Dave Blaney; 2. 4-Zane DeVault; 3. 28-Jordan Poirier; 4. M1-Mark Smith; 5. 3V-Chris Verda; 6. 5D-Jacob Dykstra; 7. 2P-Ricky Peterson; 8. 47-Eric Riggins, Jr; 9. 90-Jordan Givler; 10. 47L-Dusty Larson

Heat #2 (8 Laps): 1. 5K-Adam Kekich; 2. 46-Michael Bauer; 3. 20B-Cody Bova; 4. 3-Denny Peebles; 5. 23-Lance Moss; 6. 13-Brandon Matus; 7. 13B-Steve Bright; 8. 11H-Hayden Miller; 9. X7-Andy Cavanaugh

Heat #3 (8 Laps): 1. 32B-Dale Blaney; 2. 11J-David Kalb, Jr; 3. 17-Dylan Norris; 4. 29-Logan McCandless; 5. 35-Jared Zimbardi; 6. 33-Brent Matus; 7. 23JR-Jack Sodeman, Jr; 8. 19M-Bodey McClintock; 9. 22-Brandon Spithaler

Heat #4 (8 Laps): 1. 6-Ryan Smith; 2. 08-Dan Kuriger; 3. 5-Jeremy Weaver; 4. 81-Lee Jacobs; 5. 7NY-Matt Farnham; 6. 4W-Eric L. Williams; 7. 7T-Brett Brunkenhoefer; 8. 12G-Tommy Jasen; 9. 21-Bryan Salisbury

Heat #5 (8 Laps): 1. 31C-Chase Metheney; 2. 15-Mitchell Harble; 3. 29P-Dan Shetler; 4. 49X-Tim Shaffer; 5. 2-A.J. Flick; 6. 40-George Hobaugh; 7. 16-Jimmy Morris; 8. 11-Carl Bowser; 9. V60-Jordyn Charge

B-Main #1 (10 Laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. 2-A.J. Flick; 2. 2P-Ricky Peterson; 3. 3V-Chris Verda; 4. 35-Jared Zimbardi; 5. V60-Jordyn Charge; 6. 13-Brandon Matus; 7. 11-Carl Bowser; 8. 16-Jimmy Morris; 9. 23JR-Jack Sodeman, Jr; 10. 11H-Hayden Miller; 11. 4W-Eric L. Williams; 12. X7-Andy Cavanaugh; 13. 12G-Tommy Jasen

B-Main #2 (10 Laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. 23-Lance Moss; 2. 7NY-Matt Farnham; 3. 90-Jordan Givler; 4. 22-Brandon Spithaler; 5. 33-Brent Matus; 6. 47-Eric Riggins, Jr; 7. 7T-Brett Brunkenhoefer; 8. 13B-Steve Bright; 9. 19M-Bodey McClintock; 10. 47L-Dusty Larson; 11. 5D-Jacob Dykstra; 12. 40-George Hobaugh; 13. 21-Bryan Salisbury

Qualifying – Group 1: 1. 4-Zane DeVault [16.839]; 2. 28-Jordan Poirier [16.384]; 3. 10-Dave Blaney [15.835]; 4. M1-Mark Smith [16.913]; 5. 2P-Ricky Peterson [90]; 6. 3V-Chris Verda [16.718]; 7. 5D-Jacob Dykstra [16.892]; 8. 47-Eric Riggins, Jr [16.883]; 9. 90-Jordan Givler [16.85]; 10. 47L-Dusty Larson [18.495]

Qualifying – Group 2: 1. 5K-Adam Kekich [16.924]; 2. 46-Michael Bauer [16.783]; 3. 20B-Cody Bova [16.677]; 4. 3-Denny Peebles [17.2]; 5. 23-Lance Moss [17.215]; 6. 13-Brandon Matus [16.617]; 7. 13B-Steve Bright [17.676]; 8. 11H-Hayden Miller [18.124]; 9. X7-Andy Cavanaugh [18.115]

Qualifying – Group 3: 1. 29-Logan McCandless [16.351]; 2. 32B-Dale Blaney [16.089]; 3. 11J-David Kalb, Jr [16.447]; 4. 17-Dylan Norris [16.937]; 5. 35-Jared Zimbardi [17.678]; 6. 33-Brent Matus [17.414]; 7. 23JR-Jack Sodeman, Jr [17.198]; 8. 19M-Bodey McClintock [89]; 9. 22-Brandon Spithaler [16.518]

Qualifying – Group 4: 1. 6-Ryan Smith [16.898]; 2. 08-Dan Kuriger [16.757]; 3. 5-Jeremy Weaver [16.766]; 4. 81-Lee Jacobs [16.741]; 5. 7NY-Matt Farnham [17.579]; 6. 4W-Eric L. Williams [18.231]; 7. 7T-Brett Brunkenhoefer [18.593]; 8. 12G-Tommy Jasen [91]; 9. 21-Bryan Salisbury [92]

Qualifying – Group 5: 1. 15-Mitchell Harble [16.641]; 2. 31C-Chase Metheney [16.972]; 3. 29P-Dan Shetler [16.979]; 4. 49X-Tim Shaffer [16.574]; 5. 2-A.J. Flick [16.534]; 6. 40-George Hobaugh [17.095]; 7. 16-Jimmy Morris [17.074]; 8. 11-Carl Bowser [17.247]; 9. V60-Jordyn Charge [17.852]

$250 Quick Time Award – Sye Lynch
$250 Hard Charger Award – Dale Blaney
$50 Hard Luck Award – Eric Riggins, Jr
Hoosier Tire Giveaway – Matt Sherlock
Shock Dyno Session Giveaway – David Kalb, Jr
Schaeffer’s Fuel Jug Giveaway – Dan Kuriger
Case of Beer Giveaway – Brandon Spithaler
$100 Lockhart “Jackpot” Award – A.J Flick
$500 McCandless “Bonus Bucks” Award – Matt Farnham

Western PA Speedweek (46 Entered)
Feature (30 Laps): 1. 2-A.J. Flick [10][$4000]; 2. 28-Jordan Poirier [2]; 3. 49X-Tim Shaffer [4]; 4. 10-Dave Blaney [8]; 5. 42-Sye Lynch [1]; 6. 22-Brandon Spithaler [12]; 7. M1-Mark Smith [9]; 8. 32B-Dale Blaney [19]; 9. 4-Zane DeVault [6]; 10. 5-Jeremy Weaver [3]; 11. 11-Carl Bowser [5]; 12. 29P-Dan Shetler [13]; 13. 20B-Cody Bova [17]; 14. 23-Lance Moss [11]; 15. 11J-David Kalb, Jr [22]; 16. 5K-Adam Kekich [20]; 17. 7NY-Matt Farnham [21]; 18. 29-Logan McCandless [14]; 19. 46-Michael Bauer [18]; 20. 2P-Ricky Peterson [7]; 21. 17-Dylan Norris [23]; 22. 23JR-Jack Sodeman, Jr [24]; 23. V60-Jordyn Charge [15]; 24. 13-Brandon Matus [16] Hard Charger: 32B-Dale Blaney [+11]; Lap Leaders: Sye Lynch (1-14); Jordan Poirier (15-25); A.J. Flick (26-30)

Heat #1 (8 Laps): 1. 11-Carl Bowser; 2. 23-Lance Moss; 3. 29P-Dan Shetler; 4. 4-Zane DeVault; 5. 7NY-Matt Farnham; 6. 95-Garrett Bard; 7. 11H-Hayden Miller; 8. 90-Jordan Givler; 9. 4K-Kip Edwards; 10. 47-Eric Riggins, Jr

Heat #2 (8 Laps): 1. 2-A.J. Flick; 2. 42-Sye Lynch; 3. 49X-Tim Shaffer; 4. 20B-Cody Bova; 5. 6-Ryan Smith; 6. 3J-John Jerich; 7. 31C-Chase Metheney; 8. 55-Matt Sherlock; 9. 79-Max Guilford

Heat #3 (8 Laps): 1. 10-Dave Blaney; 2. M1-Mark Smith; 3. 29-Logan McCandless; 4. 46-Michael Bauer; 5. 08-Dan Kuriger; 6. 11J-David Kalb, Jr; 7. 38-Leyton Wagner; 8. 3B-Jacob Begenwald

Heat #4 (8 Laps): 1. 22-Brandon Spithaler; 2. 5-Jeremy Weaver; 3. V60-Jordyn Charge; 4. 32B-Dale Blaney; 5. 23JR-Jack Sodeman, Jr; 6. 33-Brent Matus; 7. 05H-Adam Herb; 8. 79W-Will Fleming; 9. 19M-Bodey McClintock

Heat #5 (8 Laps): 1. 28-Jordan Poirier; 2. 2P-Ricky Peterson; 3. 13-Brandon Matus; 4. 5K-Adam Kekich; 5. 17-Dylan Norris; 6. 6F-Bob Felmlee; 7. 3-Denny Peebles; 8. 15-Mitchell Harble; 9. 8D-Billy Dietrich

B-Main (8 Laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. 7NY-Matt Farnham; 2. 17-Dylan Norris; 3. 08-Dan Kuriger; 4. 3-Denny Peebles; 5. 38-Leyton Wagner; 6. 15-Mitchell Harble; 7. 33-Brent Matus; 8. 55-Matt Sherlock; 9. 3J-John Jerich; 10. 19M-Bodey McClintock; 11. 11H-Hayden Miller; 12. 154-Shaumus O’Donnell; 13. 47-Eric Riggins, Jr

B-Main #2 (8 Laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. 11J-David Kalb, Jr; 2. 23JR-Jack Sodeman, Jr; 3. 6-Ryan Smith; 4. 95-Garrett Bard; 5. 6F-Bob Felmlee; 6. 05H-Adam Herb; 7. 31C-Chase Metheney; 8. 90-Jordan Givler; 9. 3B-Jacob Begenwald; 10. 4K-Kip Edwards; 11. 8D-Billy Dietrich; 12. 79W-Will Fleming; 13. 79-Max Guilford

Qualifying – Group 1: 1. 11-Carl Bowser [13.467]; 2. 4-Zane DeVault [13.218]; 3. 23-Lance Moss [13.439]; 4. 29P-Dan Shetler [13.538]; 5. 7NY-Matt Farnham [13.821]; 6. 95-Garrett Bard [14.015]; 7. 11H-Hayden Miller [14.635]; 8. 90-Jordan Givler [14.118]; 9. 4K-Kip Edwards [90]; 10. 47-Eric Riggins, Jr [91]

Qualifying – Group 2: 1. 42-Sye Lynch [13.172]; 2. 49X-Tim Shaffer [13.193]; 3. 2-A.J. Flick [13.409]; 4. 20B-Cody Bova [13.441]; 5. 6-Ryan Smith [13.563]; 6. 3J-John Jerich [14.291]; 7. 31C-Chase Metheney [14.267]; 8. 55-Matt Sherlock [14.327]; 9. 79-Max Guilford [92]

Qualifying – Group 3: 1. 10-Dave Blaney [13.748]; 2. M1-Mark Smith [13.677]; 3. 29-Logan McCandless [13.577]; 4. 46-Michael Bauer [13.719]; 5. 11J-David Kalb, Jr [89]; 6. 08-Dan Kuriger [13.938]; 7. 38-Leyton Wagner [13.929]; 8. 3B-Jacob Begenwald [14.209]; 9. 154-Shaumus O’Donnell [93]

Qualifying – Group 4: 1. 5-Jeremy Weaver [13.745]; 2. 22-Brandon Spithaler [13.395]; 3. V60-Jordyn Charge [14]; 4. 32B-Dale Blaney [13.667]; 5. 23JR-Jack Sodeman, Jr [14.005]; 6. 33-Brent Matus [15.354]; 7. 05H-Adam Herb [14.691]; 8. 79W-Will Fleming [89.5]; 9. 19M-Bodey McClintock [94]

Qualifying – Group 5: 1. 28-Jordan Poirier [13.898]; 2. 2P-Ricky Peterson [14.218]; 3. 13-Brandon Matus [13.891]; 4. 5K-Adam Kekich [13.874]; 5. 17-Dylan Norris [13.711]; 6. 6F-Bob Felmlee [14.416]; 7. 3-Denny Peebles [14.848]; 8. 15-Mitchell Harble [13.993]; 9. 8D-Billy Dietrich [14.552]

$250 Quick Time Award – Brandon Spithaler
$250 Hard Charger Award – Zane DeVault
$50 Hard Luck Award – Pittsburgh Racing Now
Hoosier Tire Giveaway – A.J. Flick
Shock Dyno Session Giveaway – Dan Kuriger
Schaeffer’s Fuel Jug Giveaway – Louis Mattes IV
Case of Beer Giveaway – Andy Cavanaugh
$100 Lockhart “Jackpot” Award – Dylan Norris
$500 McCandless “Bonus Bucks” Award – Michael Bauer

Western PA Speedweek (39 Entered)
Feature (20 Laps): 1. 17-Dylan Norris [2][$3500]; 2. 10-Dave Blaney [5]; 3. 49X-Tim Shaffer [3]; 4. 32B-Dale Blaney [4]; 5. 3J-John Jerich [1]; 6. M1-Mark Smith [7]; 7. 2-A.J. Flick [9]; 8. 22-Brandon Spithaler [8]; 9. 6-Ryan Smith [6]; 10. 11-Carl Bowser [11]; 11. 5-Jeremy Weaver [16]; 12. 4-Zane DeVault [20]; 13. V60-Jordyn Charge [12]; 14. 08-Dan Kuriger [22]; 15. 5K-Adam Kekich [14]; 16. 2P-Ricky Peterson [21]; 17. 20B-Cody Bova [18]; 18. 23JR-Jack Sodeman, Jr [10]; 19. 15-Mitchell Harble [23]; 20. 47-Eric Riggins, Jr [13]; 21. 13-Brandon Matus [24]; 22. 8D-Billy Dietrich [15]; 23. 29-Logan McCandless [17]; 24. 46-Michael Bauer [19]; Hard Charger: 4-Zane DeVault [+8]; Lap Leaders: Dylan Norris (1-20)

Heat #1 (8 Laps): 1. 22-Brandon Spithaler; 2. 32B-Dale Blaney; 3. 49X-Tim Shaffer; 4. 47-Eric Riggins, Jr; 5. 29-Logan McCandless; 6. 11H-Hayden Miller; 7. 08-Dan Kuriger; 8. 6F-Bob Felmlee; 9. 19M-Bodey McClintock; 10. M4-Louis Mattes IV

Heat #2 (8 Laps): 1. M1-Mark Smith; 2. 17-Dylan Norris; 3. 11-Carl Bowser; 4. 5K-Adam Kekich; 5. 20B-Cody Bova; 6. 55-Matt Sherlock; 7. 90-Jordan Givler; 8. 2P-Ricky Peterson; 9. 33-Brent Matus; 10. 22R-Ryan Fredericks

Heat #3 (8 Laps): 1. 10-Dave Blaney; 2. 23JR-Jack Sodeman, Jr; 3. V60-Jordyn Charge; 4. 8D-Billy Dietrich; 5. 46-Michael Bauer; 6. 13-Brandon Matus; 7. 15-Mitchell Harble; 8. 3-Denny Peebles; 9. 31C-Chase Metheney; 10. 13B-Steve Bright

Heat #4 (8 Laps): 1. 2-A.J. Flick; 2. 6-Ryan Smith; 3. 3J-John Jerich; 4. 5-Jeremy Weaver; 5. 4-Zane DeVault; 6. 79-Max Guilford; 7. 23-Lance Moss; 8. 22E-Nash Ely; 9. X7-Andy Cavanaugh

B-Main #1 (8 Laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. 2P-Ricky Peterson; 2. 08-Dan Kuriger; 3. 90-Jordan Givler; 4. 11H-Hayden Miller; 5. 6F-Bob Felmlee; 6. 55-Matt Sherlock; 7. M4-Louis Mattes IV; 8. 33-Brent Matus; 9. 19M-Bodey McClintock; 10. 22R-Ryan Fredericks

B-Main #2 (8 Laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. 13-Brandon Matus; 2. 15-Mitchell Harble; 3. 79-Max Guilford; 4. 23-Lance Moss; 5. 3-Denny Peebles; 6. 31C-Chase Metheney; 7. X7-Andy Cavanaugh; 8. 13B-Steve Bright; 9. 22E-Nash Ely

Qualifying – Group 1: 1. 49X-Tim Shaffer [17.006]; 2. 32B-Dale Blaney [16.94]; 3. 22-Brandon Spithaler [16.644]; 4. 47-Eric Riggins, Jr [17.119]; 5. 29-Logan McCandless [17.508]; 6. 08-Dan Kuriger [17.627]; 7. 11H-Hayden Miller [17.66]; 8. 6F-Bob Felmlee [17.539]; 9. 19M-Bodey McClintock [99.999]; 10. M4-Louis Mattes IV [19.193]

Qualifying – Group 2: 1. 17-Dylan Norris [17.374]; 2. M1-Mark Smith [17.597]; 3. 11-Carl Bowser [17.769]; 4. 5K-Adam Kekich [17.331]; 5. 20B-Cody Bova [17.537]; 6. 2P-Ricky Peterson [17.643]; 7. 55-Matt Sherlock [17.847]; 8. 90-Jordan Givler [17.785]; 9. 33-Brent Matus [18.663]; 10. 22R-Ryan Fredericks [19.062]

Qualifying – Group 3: 1. 10-Dave Blaney [17.628]; 2. 23JR-Jack Sodeman, Jr [17.907]; 3. V60-Jordyn Charge [18.536]; 4. 8D-Billy Dietrich [17.775]; 5. 46-Michael Bauer [17.796]; 6. 13-Brandon Matus [18.067]; 7. 15-Mitchell Harble [17.915]; 8. 3-Denny Peebles [19.047]; 9. 31C-Chase Metheney [18.324]; 10. 13B-Steve Bright [19.382]

Qualifying – Group 4: 1. 3J-John Jerich [16.973]; 2. 6-Ryan Smith [17.438]; 3. 2-A.J. Flick [17.38]; 4. 5-Jeremy Weaver [17.781]; 5. 4-Zane DeVault [17.072]; 6. 79-Max Guilford [18.582]; 7. 23-Lance Moss [18.03]; 8. 22E-Nash Ely [18.239]; 9. X7-Andy Cavanaugh [19.014]

May 29, 2024

(Shippenville, PA)…In an all-too-familiar sight to western Pennsylvania race fans this year, showers and thunderstorms followed by cooler evening temperatures have forced the cancellation of Western PA Speedweek Night #1 at Michaels Mercer Raceway. The race will not be rescheduled. The bad luck streak continues for Mercer who not only has lost their speedweek race in all three attempts since the rebirth (’21, ’22, ’24), but is now 0/4 on their young season.

All eyes now turn towards tomorrow, Thursday, May 30th for Night #2 of Western PA Speedweek hosted by Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway. In addition to the $3,500 to-win sprint car program, the touring UEMS (UMP) Modified series and Hobby Stocks will also be on the card. Pits open at 3:00pm with grandstands opening at 5:00pm. The sprint car driver’s meeting is scheduled for 6:15pm. Opening ceremonies at “Dirt’s Monster Half Mile” are slated for 7:30pm.

Despite losing the first of five shows to rain, the full Western PA Speedweek point fund remains in effect. Additionally, some contingencies will now increase due to being spread over one less race. Full money details are below:

REMAINING SPEEDWEEK SCHEDULE:
Thu, May 30th @ Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway
Fri, May 31st @ Lernerville Speedway
Sat, June 1st @ Sharon Speedway
Sun, June 2nd @ Tri City Raceway Park

POINT FUND: 1. $3.000 2. $2,500 3. $2,000 4. $1,500 5. $1,000 6. $900 7. $800 8. $700 9. $600 10. $500

THURSDAY PURSE: 1. $3,500 2. $1,600 3. $1,200 4. $1,000 5. $800 6. $700 7. $600 8. $550 9. $500 10. $450 11. $420 12. $400 13. $370 14. $360 15. $350 16. $340 17. $330 18. $320 19. $310 20-24. $300 Tow/NQ. $100

CONTINGENCY LIST:
$250 nightly quick time award
$250 nightly hard charger award
$500 nightly McCandless ‘Bonus Bucks’ draw
$100 nightly Lockhart ‘Jackpot’ award
$50 nightly hard luck award
Nightly Hoosier tire giveaway
$500 week-long hard charger

In an all-too-familiar sight to western Pennsylvania race fans this year, showers and thunderstorms followed by cooler evening temperatures have forced the cancellation of Western PA Speedweek Night #1 at Michaels Mercer Raceway. The race will not be rescheduled. The bad luck streak continues for Mercer who not only has lost their speedweek race in all three attempts since the rebirth (’21, ’22, ’24), but is now 0/4 on their young season.

All eyes now turn towards tomorrow, Thursday, May 30th for Night #2 of Western PA Speedweek hosted by Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway. In addition to the $3,500 to-win sprint car program, the touring UEMS (UMP) Modified series and Hobby Stocks will also be on the card. Pits open at 3:00pm with grandstands opening at 5:00pm. The sprint car driver’s meeting is scheduled for 6:15pm. Opening ceremonies at “Dirt’s Monster Half Mile” are slated for 7:30pm.

Despite losing the first of five shows to rain, the full Western PA Speedweek point fund remains in effect. Additionally, some contingencies will now increase due to being spread over one less race. Full money details are below:

REMAINING SPEEDWEEK SCHEDULE:
Thu, May 30th @ Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway
Fri, May 31st @ Lernerville Speedway
Sat, June 1st @ Sharon Speedway
Sun, June 2nd @ Tri City Raceway Park

POINT FUND: 1. $3.000 2. $2,500 3. $2,000 4. $1,500 5. $1,000 6. $900 7. $800 8. $700 9. $600 10. $500

THURSDAY PURSE: 1. $3,500 2. $1,600 3. $1,200 4. $1,000 5. $800 6. $700 7. $600 8. $550 9. $500 10. $450 11. $420 12. $400 13. $370 14. $360 15. $350 16. $340 17. $330 18. $320 19. $310 20-24. $300 Tow/NQ. $100

CONTINGENCY LIST:
$250 nightly quick time award
$250 nightly hard charger award
$500 nightly McCandless ‘Bonus Bucks’ draw
$100 nightly Lockhart ‘Jackpot’ award
$50 nightly hard luck award
Nightly Hoosier tire giveaway
$500 week-long hard charger

For Immediate Release
February 20, 2024

The Schaeffer’s Specialized Lubricants Western PA Speedweek presented by J.S. Bova Excavating is proud to announce that over $100,000 in cash, bonus prizes, contingency awards, and product giveaways will be distributed during this summer’s five-race miniseries slated to take place from Wednesday, May 29th through Sunday, June 2nd. A pair of $4,000 to win shows, point fund payout of $13,500, and added bonuses highlight the destination week of racing that is remarkably ready to commence on its fourth consecutive year of racing.

The previously announced ‘Jean Lynch Classic presented by Rustler Sales & Service’ on Friday, May 31st at Lernerville Speedway will serve as the cornerstone race paying $4,000 to win, $350 to start with additional money being spread to the 2nd and 3rd positions.

Sharon Speedway will host Western PA Speedweek the following night on Saturday, June 1st and offer up another $4,000 top prize, while also paying $350 to start with additional money spread through the middle of the field.

The remaining three nights of racing (Michael’s Mercer Raceway on Wednesday, May 29th; Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway on Thursday, May 30th; Tri City Raceway Park on Sunday, June 2nd) will pay $3,500 to win and $300 to start. Additionally, all five nights of Western PA Speedweek will include extra money on the line through various awards, bonuses and giveaways detailed further below.

A huge thank you goes out to Fox’s Pizza Den of Mercer for contributing an extra $100 to the 2nd place prize money each night.

For a second consecutive year the Western PA Speedweek point fund will pay out a total of $13,500 with $3,000 going to the champion. As has become customary, the point fund is fully guaranteed as long as three or more races are completed.

SPEEDWEEK POINT FUND ($13,500 total): 1st-$3,000; 2nd-$2,500; 3rd-$2,000; 4th-$1,500; 5th-$1,000; 6th-$900; 7th-$800; 8th-$700; 9th-$600; 10th-$500

A plethora of nightly awards and giveaways are also on the card each night. As we’ve done each of the past three years, the quick time and hard charger awards will pay a “minimum” nightly amount with $1,000 allotted for each over the course of the week. The final nightly award will be that $1,000 amount divided by the number of races completed. The hard luck award will split $250 across the number of finished races.

$200 QUICK TIME award presented by The Knox Bakery
$200 HARD CHARGER award presented by Rustler Sales & Service
$50 HARD LUCK award presented by Pittsburgh Racing Now

New to Western PA Speedweek in 2024 will be the nightly McCandless Ford ‘BONUS BUCKS’ drawing presented by Bill McCandless Ford/McCandless Ford Meadville. A random draw will take place in victory lane each night with a whopping $500 being sent home with one lucky driver. All feature finishers from 6th place through 24th place on that given night will be eligible for the draw.

Our good friends from Lockhart Raceway will again be offering the ‘JACKPOT AWARD’ paying $100 each night to the highest finisher that has the track logo displayed on their top wing. Decals will be available for pickup each night at pill draw.

Western PA Speedweek on behalf of Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic will be awarding one certificate each night for a free Hoosier tire. This random draw will take place during the driver’s meeting, and all teams maintaining perfect attendance up through that evening will be eligible.

The Dirt Network has graciously returned as sponsor of the ‘WEEK LONG HARD CHARGER’ award paying $500 to the persevering driver that passes the most cars during feature racing over the course of the week.

2024 Western PA Speedweek Schedule
– Wednesday, May 29th @ Michaels Mercer Raceway
– Thursday, May 30th @ Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway
– Friday, May 31st @ Lernerville Speedway
– Saturday, June 1st @ Sharon Speedway
– Sunday, June 2nd @ Tri City Raceway Park

Speedweek Point Fund ($13,500 total)
1-$3,000; 2-$2,500; 3-$2,000; 4-$1,500; 5-$1,000; 6-$900; 7-$800; 8-$700; 9-$600; 10-$500

Friday Night Payout
1-$4,000; 2-$2,000; 3-$1,500; 4-$1,000; 5-$800; 6-$700; 7-$600; 8-$550; 9-$500; 10-$450; 11-$425; 12-$400; 13-$375; 14-$375; 15-$375; 16-$350; 17-$350; 18-$350; 19-350; 20-$350; 21-$350; 22-$350; 23-$350; 24-$350; Tow-$100

Saturday Night Payout
1-$4,000; 2-$1,600; 3-$1,200; 4-$1,000; 5-$800; 6-$700; 7-$600; 8-$575; 9-$550; 10-$500; 11-$475; 12-$450; 13-$425; 14-$400; 15-$375; 16-$350; 17-$350; 18-$350; 19-350; 20-$350; 21-$350; 22-$350; 23-$350; 24-$350; Tow-$100

Wednesday/Thursday/Sunday Payout
1-$3,500; 2-$1,600; 3-$1,200; 4-$1,000; 5-$800; 6-$700; 7-$600; 8-$550; 9-$500; 10-$450; 11-$420; 12-$400; 13-$370; 14-$360; 15-$350; 16-$340; 17-$330; 18-$320; 19-310; 20-$300; 21-$300; 22-$300; 23-$300; 24-$300; Tow-$100

Spring will be here and gone before you know it with already less than 100 days left until Western PA Speedweek begins. Start making your plans now to attend all five nights of speedweek beginning with the Wednesday kickoff to summer at Michaels Mercer Raceway!

Western PA Speedweek is brought to you by Schaeffer’s Specialized Lubricants together with J.S. Bova Excavating along with the support of Bill McCandless Ford, Bowl-O-Drome Family Bowling Center, Classic Ink USA, Hobaugh’s Auto Parts, Kistler Racing Products, The Knox Bakery, Lockhart Raceway, McClung Auto Body, Mobile Bail Bonds, Rustler Sales & Service, Superior Interiors Dustless Hardwood Refinishing, Rod Squad Fishing Charters, Pittsburgh Racing Now, Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic, The Dirt Network, Fox’s Pizza Den of Mercer, 724 Media, and the A-Main Podcast.

For additional information pertaining to driver questions or interested sponsors, please contact Tyler Beichner by call or text at (814) 221-1712 or email at westernpaspeedweek@gmail.com.

Columbus, OH (February 6th, 2024) – Western PA Speedweek along with Lernerville Speedway are proud to introduce the Jean Lynch Classic presented by Rustler Sales & Service as the cornerstone event of the 2024 Western PA Speedweek for the ‘410’ sprint car division. The $4,000 to win, $350 to start event on Friday, May 31st will mark the highest paying speedweek race since the 2021 reincarnation.

As the matriarch of a family with such prominent ties in racing, the late Jean Lynch requires no introduction. She was a pioneer for women in racing with a resume to match, her roots running deep with national ties to tracks/organizations such as NASCAR, CART, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy 500, the All Star Circuit of Champions and Ohio Sprint Speedweek, and much more. However, her love for racing never left the local racing scene as she could be found managing, promoting, and renting out tracks all across the northeast. The pinnacle of Jean’s lifelong love for racing came in 2013 when she was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame.

Western PA Speedweek would also like to welcome Rustler Sales and Service as presenting sponsor of the Jean Lynch Classic. Owned and operated by successful businessman and former racer Brian Steinman, Rustler Sales and Service specializes in heavy truck sales, service and towing across northwestern Pennsylvania. Call (814) 214-7023 or visit rustlersalesandservice.net to find out how Rustler’s can best serve you.

JEAN LYNCH CLASSIC PAYOFF: 1. $4,000; 2. $2,000; 3. $1,500; 4. $1,000; 5. $800; 6. $700; 7. $600; 8. $550; 9. $500; 10. $450; 11. $425; 12. $400; 13. $375; 14. $375; 15. $375; 16-24. $350

Stay tuned to the Western PA Speedweek social media pages and website in the coming weeks as full 2024 details are soon to be released.

Western PA Speedweek is brought to you by Schaeffer’s Specialized Lubricants together with J.S. Bova Excavating along with the support of the A-Main Podcast, Bill McCandless Ford, Bowl-O-Drome Family Bowling Center, Classic Ink USA, Hobaugh’s Auto Parts, Kistler Racing Products, The Knox Bakery, Legends of Seneca, Lockhart Raceway, McClung Auto Body, Mobile Bail Bonds, Rustler Sales and Service, Superior Interiors Dustless Hardwood Refinishing, Rod Squad Fishing Charters, Hooser Tire Mid-Atlantic, The Dirt Network, Fox’s Pizza Den of Mercer, 724 Media and Pittsburgh Racing Now.

Columbus, OH (December 6th, 2023) – Series officials in conjunction with local speedways are proud to announce the return of Western PA Speedweek for a fourth consecutive appearance in 2024.

Western PA Speedweek will again span five consecutive nights at five different tracks across the western Pennsylvania landscape, and will assume the now traditional spot on the calendar immediately following Memorial Day. Each race will pay a minimum $3,500 to-win (increase from $3,000 in 2023) and $300 to start. Beyond the familiar faces that fans can see running locally each week, Western PA Speedweek races have also regularly welcomed invaders over the years such as Dave Blaney, Ryan Smith, Mark Smith, Craig Mintz, Greg Wilson, Denny Peebles, Bradley Howard, Zane DeVault and more.

Further information will be made available in the coming weeks and months regarding the series point fund, nightly incentives, contingency awards, product giveaways and more. Well over $90,000 in winnings, point money and prizes were distributed this past summer to a total of 49 different race teams.

2024 SCHEDULE
– Wed, May 29th @ Michael’s Mercer Raceway
– Thu, May 30th @ Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway
– Fri, May 31st @ Lernerville Speedway
– Sat, June 1st @ Sharon Speedway
– Sun, June 2nd @ Tri City Raceway Park

A major key to Western PA Speedweek’s success has been the efficient travel schedule, and that will be on display yet again in 2023. The complete trip from track-to-track can be completed in as little as 242 miles of drive time. In a time of constantly rising fuel and maintenance costs, Western PA Speedweek officials have made travel efficiency a priority.

The historic D-shaped 3/8-mile oval of Michael’s Mercer Raceway returns to the schedule as the host of Round #1 on Wednesday, May 29th. Kudos go out to owner Edward Michaels and his team as they’ve worked tirelessly to improve their track conditions year after year, and they finally hit the nail on the head last season with a gorgeous red clay surface that drew rave reviews.

The sprawling high banks of Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway are slated to host Round #2 on Thursday, May 30th for the third consecutive year. A change in ownership midway through last year brought new life to “Dirt’s Monster Half Mile” with Blair Cress and co. taking the reigns. This midweek showdown will mark one of the many highlights on their schedule that you won’t want to miss.

Lernerville Speedway will welcome Round #3 on Friday, May 31st as part of their nationally renowned Fab4 program. Lernerville has been the Friday night home of Western PA Speedweek in all thirteen years of existence, and remarkably has a perfect score with all scheduled shows being completed.

Drivers will dip their toes across the border into Ohio for just a few hours when Sharon Speedway hosts Round #4 on Saturday, June 1st. Sharon has featured the highest count of the week in each of the three previous speedweek visits with an average field of 34 cars!

Last but certainly not least, the fast half-mile of Tri City Raceway Park will bring the Western PA Speedweek festivities to a close on Sunday, June 2nd. Despite the challenges that come along with running on a Sunday evening, Tri City has still garnered at least a full field in each of the three seasons with an average car count of 26!

Much more information will be coming soon. Stay up to date with all the latest news, notes, and racing at http://www.westernpaspeedweek.com, by liking our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/westernpaspeedweek, or giving us a follow on Twitter at @WesternPASpdwk.

Western PA Speedweek is brought to you by Schaeffer’s Specialized Lubricants together with J.S. Bova Excavating along with the support of the A-Main Podcast, Bill McCandless Ford, Bowl-O-Drome Family Bowling Center, Classic Ink USA, Hobaugh’s Auto Parts, Kistler Racing Products, The Knox Bakery, Legends of Seneca, Lockhart Raceway, McClung Auto Body, Mobile Bail Bonds, Rustler Sales & Service, Superior Interiors Dustless Hardwood Refinishing, Rod Squad Fishing Charters, Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic, The Dirt Network, Fox’s Pizza Den of Mercer, and Pittsburgh Racing Now.

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Shippenville, PA (June 2nd, 2023) – A week high thirty cars filled the pits at the famed Lernerville Speedway on Friday night as the drivers fought for bragging rights on Night #3 of Western PA Speedweek. Despite higher than usual stakes, tricky track conditions, and an entry list comprised of drivers from all different directions, fans were still greeted in victory lane by a familiar face in six-time track champion A.J. Flick. The $3,000 win was Flick’s second in just three Western PA Speedweek races this year, and fifth career Speedweek win.

The Apollo native was quick from the drop of the green, and so much so that he was awarded overall quick time honors during Knox Bakery Qualifying with a lap of 13.639 seconds. The Knox Bakery and Krill Recycling combined to offer a $500 fast time award on this night, and will do so again Saturday at Sharon Speedway.

The 24-car starting field was set once preliminary races and the Rod Squad Fishing Charters redraw were complete. Flick found himself lined up on the inside of 2nd row, sandwiched between a host of capable winners both in front and behind him. After gaining the lead early, it was a replay of Thursday night at Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway with Dave Blaney in tow and slowly reeling in the leader lap by lap. But this time Blaney snapped everyone out of their deja vu as he was able to work by Flick on Lap 14 and continue pursuit of his first Western PA Speedweek victory.

Flick, however, had other plans in mind as he and his #2 machine stayed calm, cool and collected over the last dozen laps of the race. As the leaders continued slicing and dicing through lapped traffic, Flick slowly gained ground on the former World of Outlaws champion before pulling the trigger and retaking the lead for good on lap 25 of 30.

If A.J. Flick has bigger things on his mind, he took care of business there too. The pre-race point leader expanded his gap over Ryan Smith, who remains 2nd in the standings following his hard charging effort of going from the B-Main to the top five. The speedweek champion will earn $3,000, with the total $13,500 pot being split amongst the top ten in the final rundown.

A.J. Flick earned the $500 ‘Knox Bakery/Krill Recycling Fast Qualifier’ award. Flick also was the recipient of the randomly drawn Hoosier tire giveaway early in the night, and earned an extra $100 for being the highest finishing driver in the ‘Lockhart Raceway Jackpot’ program.

Ryan Smith earned the $200 ‘Rustler Sales & Service Hard Charger’ award.

Matt Farnham, Zane DeVault and Michael Bauer were the Mobile Bail Bonds heat race winners.

A.J Flick also earned an extra $100 as part of the ‘Lockhart Raceway Jackpot’ program for being the highest finishing driver displaying the Lockhart Raceway decals.

George Hobaugh was awarded the $50 ‘Pittsburgh Racing Now’ hard luck award after being in the wrong place at the wrong time, ultimately flipping in the feature after a collision with another car.

Everyone now turns their attention to Round #4 of Western PA Speedweek on Saturday night, June 3rd, as we tip-toe across the state line to the 3/8-mile Sharon Speedway oval in Hartford, OH for another $3,000 to win event. Pit gates open at 4pm, with drivers meeting set for 6pm and opening ceremonies scheduled for 7:30pm.

FEATURE FINISH (30 laps): 1. 2-A.J. Flick [3][$3000]; 2. 10-Dave Blaney [6]; 3. 32B-Dale Blaney [7]; 4. 23V-Zane Devault [2]; 5. 6R-Ryan Smith [19]; 6. 7NY-Matt Farnham [4]; 7. 5E-Brandon Rahmer [11]; 8. 46-Michael Bauer [1]; 9. 29-Dan Shetler [8]; 10. 11-Carl Bowser [9]; 11. 08-Dan Kuriger [22]; 12. W20-Greg Wilson [16]; 13. 20B-Cody Bova [14]; 14. 6-Bob Felmlee [10]; 15. 49H-Bradley Howard [21]; 16. 33-Brent Matus [15]; 17. 13-Brandon Matus [20]; 18. 35-Jared Zimbardi [18]; 19. 23-Darren Pifer [23]; 20. 5D-Jacob Dykstra [13]; 21. 40-George Hobaugh [12]; 22. 5-John Walp [24]; 23. 19R-Mark Smith [5]; 24. 12-Darin Gallagher [17] Hard Charger: 6R-Ryan Smith [+14]; Lap Leaders: A.J. Flick (??-13, 25-30); Dave Blaney (14-24)

CURRENT POINTS: 1. 2-A.J. Flick [132]; 2. 6R-Ryan Smith [118]; 3. 08-Dan Kuriger [103]; 4. 46-Michael bauer [101]; 5. 6-Bob Felmlee [93]; 6. 10-Dave Blaney [92]; 7. 13-Brandon Matus [86]; 8. 40-George Hobaugh [82]; 9. 32B-Dale Blaney [82]; 10. 11-Carl Bowser [80]
Shippenville, PA (June 2nd, 2023) – A week high thirty cars filled the pits at the famed Lernerville Speedway on Friday night as the drivers fought for bragging rights on Night #3 of Western PA Speedweek. Despite higher than usual stakes, tricky track conditions, and an entry list comprised of drivers from all different directions, fans were still greeted in victory lane by a familiar face in six-time track champion A.J. Flick. The $3,000 win was Flick’s second in just three Western PA Speedweek races this year, and fifth career Speedweek win.

The Apollo native was quick from the drop of the green, and so much so that he was awarded overall quick time honors during Knox Bakery Qualifying with a lap of 13.639 seconds. The Knox Bakery and Krill Recycling combined to offer a $500 fast time award on this night, and will do so again Saturday at Sharon Speedway.

The 24-car starting field was set once preliminary races and the Rod Squad Fishing Charters redraw were complete. Flick found himself lined up on the inside of 2nd row, sandwiched between a host of capable winners both in front and behind him. After gaining the lead early, it was a replay of Thursday night at Pittsbugh’s PA Motor Speedway with Dave Blaney in tow and slowly reeling in the leader lap by lap. But this time Blaney snapped everyone out of their deja vu as he was able to work by Flick on Lap 14 and continue pursuit of his first Western PA Speedweek victory.

Flick, however, had other plans in mind as he and his #2 machine stayed calm, cool and collected over the last dozen laps of the race. As the leaders continued slicing and dicing through lapped traffic, Flick slowly gained ground on the former World of Outlaws champion before pulling the trigger and retaking the lead for good on lap 25 of 30.

If A.J. Flick has bigger things on his mind, he took care of business there too. The pre-race point leader expanded his gap over Ryan Smith, who remains 2nd in the standings following his hard charging effort of going from the B-Main to the top five. The speedweek champion will earn $3,000, with the total $13,500 pot being split amongst the top ten in the final rundown.

A.J. Flick earned the $500 ‘Knox Bakery/Krill Recycling Fast Qualifier’ award. Flick also was the recipient of the randomly drawn Hoosier tire giveaway early in the night, and earned an extra $100 for being the highest finishing driver in the ‘Lockhart Raceway Jackpot’ program.

Ryan Smith earned the $200 ‘Rustler Sales & Service Hard Charger’ award.

Matt Farnham, Zane DeVault and Michael Bauer were the Mobile Bail Bonds heat race winners.

A.J Flick also earned an extra $100 as part of the ‘Lockhart Raceway Jackpot’ program for being the highest finishing driver displaying the Lockhart Raceway decals.

George Hobaugh was awarded the $50 ‘Pittsburgh Racing Now’ hard luck award after being in the wrong place at the wrong time, ultimately flipping in the feature after a collision with another car.

Denny Peebles got an extra $50 from The A-Main Podcast for being the first non-qualifier.

Everyone now turns their attention to Round #4 of Western PA Speedweek on Saturday night, June 3rd, as we tip-toe across the state line to the 3/8-mile Sharon Speedway oval in Hartford, OH for another $3,000 to win event. Pit gates open at 4pm, with drivers meeting set for 6pm and opening ceremonies scheduled for 7:30pm.

FEATURE FINISH (30 laps): 1. 2-A.J. Flick [3][$3000]; 2. 10-Dave Blaney [6]; 3. 32B-Dale Blaney [7]; 4. 23V-Zane Devault [2]; 5. 6R-Ryan Smith [19]; 6. 7NY-Matt Farnham [4]; 7. 5E-Brandon Rahmer [11]; 8. 46-Michael Bauer [1]; 9. 29-Dan Shetler [8]; 10. 11-Carl Bowser [9]; 11. 08-Dan Kuriger [22]; 12. W20-Greg Wilson [16]; 13. 20B-Cody Bova [14]; 14. 6-Bob Felmlee [10]; 15. 49H-Bradley Howard [21]; 16. 33-Brent Matus [15]; 17. 13-Brandon Matus [20]; 18. 35-Jared Zimbardi [18]; 19. 23-Darren Pifer [23]; 20. 5D-Jacob Dykstra [13]; 21. 40-George Hobaugh [12]; 22. 5-John Walp [24]; 23. 19R-Mark Smith [5]; 24. 12-Darin Gallagher [17] Hard Charger: 6R-Ryan Smith [+14]; Lap Leaders: A.J. Flick (??-13, 25-30); Dave Blaney (14-24)

CURRENT POINTS: 1. 2-A.J. Flick [132]; 2. 6R-Ryan Smith [118]; 3. 08-Dan Kuriger [103]; 4. 46-Michael bauer [101]; 5. 6-Bob Felmlee [93]; 6. 10-Dave Blaney [92]; 7. 13-Brandon Matus [86]; 8. 40-George Hobaugh [82]; 9. 32B-Dale Blaney [82]; 10. 11-Carl Bowser [80]

Stay up to date with all the latest news, notes, and racing at http://www.westernpaspeedweek.com, by liking our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/westernpaspeedweek, or giving us a follow on Twitter at @WesternPASpdwk.

Western PA Speedweek is brought to you by Schaeffer’s Specialized Lubricants together with J.S. Bova Excavating along with the support of the A-Main Podcast, Bill McCandless Ford, Bowl-O-Drome Family Bowling Center, Classic Ink USA, Hobaugh’s Auto Parts, Kistler Racing Products, The Knox Bakery, Legends of Seneca, Lockhart Raceway, McClung Auto Body, Mobile Bail Bonds, Rustler Sales & Service, Superior Interiors Dustless Hardwood Refinishing, Rod Squad Fishing Charters, Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic, The Dirt Network, Fox’s Pizza Den of Mercer, and Pittsburgh Racing Now.

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Shippenville, PA (May 31st, 2023) – Twenty-five cars packed the pits at Knox Raceway in Knox, PA on a night that marked the third consecutive running of Western PA Speedweek following a 20 year hiatus. In an almost mirror image of the FAST series race at Knox just two and a half weeks ago, Brandon Spithaler walked away with the $3,000 win on the fast 1/3rd mile oval.

Based on early results in and around the region, it was inarguable that Brandon Spithaler would be among the favorites upon entry into the first round of Western PA Speedweek at the revived Knox Raceway. Once it became evident early in the night that the track would have some character, it became even more clear that the Evans City, PA driver could be considered the standalone odds-on favorite.

As feature time rolled around with 24 cars taking the green flag, it was Dan Kuriger who jumped to the point from his pole starting position. A first lap caution for Sye Lynch, who spun to a stop in Turn #1 after making contact with another car, quickly reset the field for a second attempt at going green. Kuriger again grabbed the holeshot with George Hobaugh, Michael Bauer, Spithaler and Mark Smith closely behind. However action was quickly halted again on with one lap in the books when Darin Gallagher found himself flipping wildly off the topside of the track. Gallagher was reported to be okay, though the same couldn’t be said for his #12 machine.

After returning to green, Brandon Spithaler quickly moved past George Hobaugh to claim the second position, and immediately set his sights on the race leader. After a slicing and dicing through lapped traffic, with a couple failed attempts at overtaking the lead, Spithaler finally snuck under Kuriger right at the line as the cross-flags were being given on Lap 13.

From there, it was no looking back for Brandon Spithaler as his lead over the Rochester, PA driver (Kuriger) increased seemingly every lap. When the dust finally settled after Lap 25, Spithaler found himself well over half a lap ahead of the rest of the field, with the win officially clocking in at a 10.729-second gap ahead of the 2nd place Kuriger. Michael Bauer, Mark Smith, and Ryan Smith completed the rest of the top five.

Bradley Howard claimed the $200 ‘Rustler Sales & Service Hard Charger’ award with a net gain of eight spots. This becomes even more impressive when considering that Howard was penalized to the rear of the field after stopping on the track and requiring a second push-off. The penalty spots were not included in his passing total.

Michael Bauer was awarded the $250 ‘Knox Bakery Fast Qualifier’ award after setting quick time over the 25-car field with a fast lap of 13.707 seconds.

Darin Gallagher, Mark Smith and Ryan Smith were the Mobile Bail Bonds heat race winners.

Brandon Spithaler also earned an extra $100 as part of the Lockhart ‘Jackpot Award’ for being the highest finishing driver displaying the Lockhart Raceway decals.

Darin Gallagher was awarded the $50 hard luck after flipping out of the feature after one completed lap while running in the ninth position.

During pre-race festivities, Ryan Smith was randomly drawn for the Hoosier Tire certificate, and Bill Jones, Jr received a new gas can from title sponsor Mark McIver from Schaeffer’s Specialized Lubricants.

Teams, fans and officials will now turn their attention to Round #2 of Western PA Speedweek on Thursday night, June 1st at Dirt’s Monster Half-Mile known as Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway for another $3,000 to win affair. Pit gates open at 4pm, with the driver’s meeting slated for 6:15pm with practice, qualifying and racing to follow.

FEATURE FINISH (25 Laps): 1. 22-Brandon Spithaler [3][$3000]; 2. 08-Dan Kuriger [1]; 3. 46-Michael Bauer [4]; 4. 19R-Mark Smith [5]; 5. 6R-Ryan Smith [8]; 6. 40-George Hobaugh [2]; 7. 6-Bob Felmlee [6]; 8. 2-A.J. Flick [12]; 9. 23JR-Jack Sodeman, Jr [14]; 10. 49H-Bradley Howard [18]; 11. 11-Carl Bowser [15]; 12. 3-Denny Peebles [11]; 13. 13-Brandon Matus [17]; 14. 12J-Bill Jones, Jr [16]; 15. 27-Zach Morrow [19]; 16. X7-Andy Cavanaugh [21]; 17. 29-Dan Shetler [13]; 18. 5-John Walp [20]; 19. 20B-Cody Bova [7]; 20. 58-Kyle Colwell [23]; 21. 33-Brent Matus [22]; 22. 12-Darin Gallagher [9]; 23. 23-Darren Pifer [24]; 24. 42-Sye Lynch [10]; 25. 27K-Ricky Peterson [25] Hard Charger: 49H-Bradley Howard [+8]; Lap Leaders: Dan Kuriger (1-12); Brandon Spithaler (13-25)

Stay up to date with all the latest news, notes, and racing at http://www.westernpaspeedweek.com, by liking our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/westernpaspeedweek, or giving us a follow on Twitter at @WesternPASpdwk.

Western PA Speedweek is brought to you by Schaeffer’s Specialized Lubricants together with J.S. Bova Excavating along with the support of the A-Main Podcast, Bill McCandless Ford, Bowl-O-Drome Family Bowling Center, Classic Ink USA, Hobaugh’s Auto Parts, Kistler Racing Products, The Knox Bakery, Legends of Seneca, Lockhart Raceway, McClung Auto Body, Mobile Bail Bonds, Rustler Sales and Service, Superior Interiors Dustless Hardwood Refinishing, Rod Squad Fishing Charters, Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic, The Dirt Network, and Fox’s Pizza Den of Mercer.