All About Racing

Harlan Heroth of Ephratah celebrates his first Junior Slingshot win at Glen Ridge on Sunday. Biittig photo

William Liberatore of Schoharie took the Four Cylinder, single cam honors at Glen Ridge on Sunday. Biittig photo

By Ed & Betty Biittig

DIRTcar rules require sanctioned track championships to conclude by Labor Day. At Albany-Saratoga, on Friday Mike Mahaney of Elizabethtown won his second Modified title, Tim Hartman Jr. of Niskayuna earned his sixth Sportsman championship, and Pete Stefanski of Wheatfield secured his first Pro Stock crown.

Jack Speshock secured his fourth Modified victory at the Malta oval, while Mike Mahaney won the 358-Mod Shootout. Elliott Lussier celebrated his first career Sportsman win. Lussier said in victory lane, “I’m so happy. Everything I’ve touched in my life, I’ve been able to conquer, but not this. I can’t even believe it.”

Additional winners included Brandon Emigh in Pro Stocks, Alex Smith in Limited Sportsman, Matt Mosher in Street Stocks, Adam Montville in Four Cylinder dual cam, and Ben Ladd in Four Cylinder single cam.

Ahead of the $10,000-to-win Pro Stock Autism Awareness event on Friday, September 5, several drivers, including Malta’s 2024 Pro Stock Champion Beau Ballard and 2023 Fonda Champion Ivan Joslin, tested their cars at Malta in hopes of claiming the top prize.

Thursday, August 28 Mr. Dirt Track USA played out at Lebanon Valley and winner of the prestigious event was Kolby Schroder taking home the biggest win of his career along with a guaranteed starting spot for Super Dirt Week in October at Oswego Speedway.

Lebanon Valley recognized its champions in all categories on Saturday. The honorees included Andy Bachetti (Modified), Chris Curtis (358-Modified), Tim Hartman Jr. (Sportsman), Dylan Holmes (Limited Sportsman), Zach Sorrentino (Pro Stock), Anthony King (Street Stock), Steve Burka (Four Cylinder, single cam), and Jason Peck (dual cam). Winners at Lebanon Valley on Saturday were, Eddie Marshall (Modified), Andy Bachetti (358 Mod), Anthony Maxon (Sportsman), Daniel O’Dell (Limited Sportsman), Zach Sorrentino (Pro Stock) and Gary O’Brien (Street Stock).

The annual Cole Cup featuring the Empire Super Sprints ran at Utica-Rome on Sunday and taking the win was Davie Franek. Other winners were Bodie Marks, Limited Sportsman and CJ LaVair, dual cam and Wayne Russell, Jr., single cam, Four Cylinders.

After winning at Albany-Saratoga on his first trip to the track, Camron Hotaling of Schoharie made the trip and tried his skills at Utica-Rome on Sunday. He won his qualifying heat race and went on to finish in the runner up spot in the feature. Jim Mallia of Middleburgh also won his qualifying heat event. He later finished fourth in the Limited Sportsman main event.

The Short Track Super Series (STSS) ran at Afton on Sunday and Chris Raabe came away with the win.

Glen Ridge was also one of the many tracks in action on Sunday winners there were Brian Pessolano (make-up 358-Modifieds) Jordan McCreadie (358-Mod), Dan Palombo (Limited Sportsman), Zach Buff (Sportsman), Charles McSpirit (Pro Stocks), Adam Montville (Mini Stocks, dual), William Liberatore (single cam), Harlan Heroth (Junior Slingshots), and Justin House (All Star Slingshots).

Looking Ahead

Friday, Sept. 5 at Albany-Saratoga the Autism Awareness $10,000 to win event plus all other divisions and Four Cylinder.

Lebanon Valley will host the Race of Kings on Friday, Sept. 5 and Sportsman 200 on Saturday, Sept. 6.

Glen Ridge, Sunday, September 7, Small Engine night and Back to School night, Kids 10 and under Free Grandstand admission. All Weekly Divisions plus Crown Vics.

Until next week please send all news and/or comments to biittig@yahoo.com