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Jeremiah Shingledecker and Brandon Matus WIn Big at Tri-City Raceway Park; Whitling, Speer, and Myers also Score

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Jeremiah Shingledecker

FRANKLIN, PA (June 27, 2021): Jeremiah Shingledecker became the first three-time winner in the Krill Recycling LLC 358 Modified division at Tri-City Raceway Park. Breaking through with his first victory in the Shawgo Real Estate LLC 410 Sprint Cars was Brandon, “the Wheelman,” Matus.

Also scoring wins were Bobby Whitling (Hovis Auto & Truck Supply Pro Stocks), Dalton Speer (4 Your Car Connection Mini Stocks), and David Myers (Vintage Modifieds).

Shingledecker was worried when he pulled the pills for the starting lineup for the Krill Recycling LLC 358 Modifieds. The track uses a modified re-draw system based on heat finishes. “I put the two fastest cars on the front row,” he said. And, to make matters worse, he lined up in eighth as the last feature winner in the class. But, his concerns went for naught.

J.R. McGinley started from the pole position in his first appearance of the season at Tri-City Raceway Park. On his flank was Jimmy Holden. Kyle Fink and D.J. Schrader were in row two, with Travis Shingledecker and Kevin Hoffman in the third stanza. Steve Barr was lined up inside Shingledecker, who also happens to be the points leader in the division. Then came Tom Holden and Curt Bish, Jr. Lonny Riggs and Max Smoker were in the sixth row.

McGinley took the early lead, but Jimmy Holden was nipping on his heels. Fink slid into third, with Schrader, Travis Shingledecker, and Steve Barr fighting for position. Soon, they were joined by Jeremiah Shingledecker.

McGinley held control through the first five laps. After a caution for Nathan McDowell, Holden stayed close enough on the restart to nose ahead in turns one and two. However, a caution for Travis Shingledecker’s bout with the water barrels lining the wall in turns one and two negated the pass for the lead.

On the ensuing restart, McGinley got into turn one a bit too hot. He slid up out of the groove, opening the door for Holden. Holden ducked under him to take the lead.

A series of restarts over the next couple of laps enabled Jeremiah Shingledecker to climb through the ranks. As he was doing so, McGinley started to slide back through the field.

Jeremiah Shingledecker stalked Jimmy Holden for eight laps during a longer green flag session. Coming through turn four with fifteen laps completed, Shingledecker got his nose under Holden, who continued to use the high side through the race. Shingledecker powered off the corner with the lead. Holden fought back, but he was unable to overtake Shingledecker.

Over the final laps in the race, Shingledecker stretched his advantage. Holden was second, followed by Fink, Riggs, and McGinley. Kevin Hoffman crossed in sixth, followed by Travis Shingledecker, the winner’s brother, D.J. Schrader, Curt Bish, and Ryan Riffe.

In the Donovan & Bauer Auto Group heat races for the Krill Recycling LLC 358 Modifieds, the victories went to Jeremiah Shingledecker and Jimmy Holden. There was no B Main.

Brandon Matus said after the feature that he felt badly about an hour before the green flag dropped for the Shawgo Real Estate LLC 410 Sprint Cars. He had experimented in his heat race and the new set-up did not work. “We went back to what I know will make the car go straight,” he said. It went straight as an arrow, and it was fast.

Leyton Wagner and Brandon Matus were third generation drivers leading the way in the Sprint Car feature event. They were followed by Brandon Spithaler. Chase Metheny was slated to start in fourth, but he opted for the tail, so that moved Bob Felmlee into row two. Darin Gallageher and Jack Sodeman, Jr. became the new third row. Sodeman rolled out an old favorite car for Sunday night action after crashing the night before at another area speedway. Then came Brent Matus and Ken Rossey. Bob McMillin and Logan McCandless made up row five. Bryan Salisbury made his first Tri-City start of the season from row six, with Francis Sesco returning to action after several years lay-off.

Brandon Matus wasted no time sailing into the lead. Wagner and Felmlee followed. Things were shaping up for a three-way battle for the lead when a red flag was thrown due to the violent crash of Ken Rossey on the third trip around the big half mile. Rossey was not hurt.

When the race resumed, Matus had the point, followed by Felmlee, Wagner, Spithaler, Gallagher, Sodeman, and Brent Matus.

Brandon Matus and Felmlee flew out front by themselves for almost the entire race. Matus was able to stretch his lead even after he encountered the slower cars. Quite a distance behind them was Wagner, who went on to log his best finish ever at Tri-City Raceway Park. Taking fourth was Gallagher. Spithaler was fifth.

Sodeman rode old reliable to the sixth spot. McCandless, Brent Matus, Salisbury and Davey Jones completed the top ten

Three Rivers Karting

Taking the checkers in the Donovan & Bauer Auto Group heats for the Shawgo Real Estate LLC 410 Sprint Cars were Bob Felmlee and Brandon Spithaler. There was no B Main.

Josh Seippel and Rod Laskey made up the front row for the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply Pro Stock A Main. Tyler Wyant and Jason Johns were in the second row, with Curtis J. Bish and Bobby Whitling in the third row, Darr Diegelman and Pat Fielding were in row four with Doug Iorio, II and points leader WIlliam Hurrelbrink behind them.

The feature was like a flashback to a golden age of Pro Stock racing at Tri-City Raceway Park. Three well-known racers positioned themselves at the front of the pack, and they had a private contest to see who would earn the bragging rights.

For most of the race, it appeared as though Laskey would take the checkers. However, Whitling was able to cool down his tires when there was a caution with twelve of the fifteen laps completed. That was just enough to allow him to surge ahead of Laskey when the green light flashed on for the final time. Johns stayed close to the leaders, but he was never able to get his nose into the middle of the action. Following those three veterans across the line was Josh Seippel, who was a relative newcomer when the others ruled the roost. Tyler Wyant, who was not even born yet when Whitling, Laskey, and Johns were in their prime, crossed in the fifth spot.

Taking sixth was Curtis J. Bish, followed by Fielding, Hurrelbrink, Iorio, and Diegelman.

The Hovis Auto & Truck Supply Pro Stocks had two Donovan & Bauer Auto Group heat races. The winners were Rod Laskey and Bobby Whitling, familiar names to Pro Stock fans at Tri-City. There was no B Main.

Evan Sobieski and Kevin Watson paced the field for the start of the 4 Your Car Connection Mini Stock feature. Pat Hanlonand D.J. Macrae were in row two, with Levi Maskal and Brody McClintock were in row three.

Dalton Speer started in eighth but he raced his way to the front. He got the win, with Austin Fedder finishing second. He was subbing for Chad Greeley. Justin Bailey was third, with Sobieski in fourth. Fifth went to Hemi Kinneston. Positions six through ten went to Patrick Lane, Kevin Watson, Michael Barr, Joanne WIlson, and Kevin Wice.

The 4 Your Car Connection Mini Stocks presented a pair of Donovan & Bauer Auto Group heat races as well. The successful drivers in that division were D.J. Macrae and Dalton Speer. There was no B Main. Brayden Seippel flipped his Mini Stock during the heat race in a three-car incident in turn one. He was not injured in the tumble.

An added class for the evening was the Vintage Modifieds. Taking the win was David Myers, followed by his father, ageless Les Myers. Tim Natalino, Dale Zimmer, and Jeff Manners rounded out the top five. Fred Hildenbrand, Paul St. John, Dave Phillips, Don Swingle, and Tom Warburton followed. The heat race wins belonged to David Myers and Tim Natalino. The preliminaries were presented by the Donovan & Bauer Auto Group.

Next week, Tri-City Raceway Park will celebrate the July 4 holiday with another Sunday Thunder race program presented by Big Dog RC. Added to the card will be a fabulous fireworks display. Remember that there will be no racing at Tri-City Raceway Park on Sunday, July 11. Racing will resume on July 18 with a Sprint Spectacular, faturing the Shawgo Real Estate LLC 410 Sprint Cars, the Gary Glass Automotive and Washington House RUSH Sprints, the Junior Sprints, the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply Pro Stocks, and the 4 Your Car Connection Mini Stocks.

Further information about Tri-City Raceway Park can be obtained by calling the track office at 724-967-4601, or by e-mailing the office at tricityracewaypark2020@gmail.com. Or, you can check the web at Tri-CityRacewayPark.com, or the Facebook page at Tri City Raceway Park. Tri-City Raceway Park is located just a few miles north of Franklin, PA, at 3430 State Route 417 in Oakland Township.

Krill Recycling LLC 358 Modifieds: Jeremiah Shingledecker, Jimmy Holden, Kyle Fink, Lonny Riggs, J.R. McGinley, Kevin Hoffman, Travis Shingledecker, D.J. Schrader, Curt Bish, Jr., Ryan Riffe, Tom Holden, Dillon Barr, Kevin Green, Sid Unverzagt, Jr., Max Smoker, Nathan McDowell, Steve Barr, Tyler Clark.

Shawgo Real Estate LLC 410 Sprints: Brandon Matus, Bob Felmlee, Leyton Wagner, Darin Gallagher, Brandon Spithaler, Jack Sodeman, Jr., Logan McCandless, Brent Matius, Bryan Salisbury, Davey Jones, Kyle Colwell, Randy Wyant, Bob McMillin, Steven Bright, Francis Sesco, Ken Rossye, Chase Metheny.

Hovis Truck & Auto Supply Pro Stocks: Bobby Whitling, Rod Laskey, Jason Johns, Josh Seippel, Tyler Wyant, Curtis J. Bish, Patrick Fielding, William Hurrelbrink, Doug Iorio, II, Darr Diegelman, Matt Bernard, Charlie McMillen, Josh Blum.

4 Your Car Connection Mini Stocks: Dalton Speer, Austin Fedder, Justin Bailey, Evan Sobieski, Hemi Kinneston, Patrick Lane, Kevin Watson, Michael Barr, Joanne Wilson, Kevin Wice, Brody McClintock, D.J. Macrae, Levi Maskal, Diezel Marvin, Pat Hanlon, Matt Dougherty, Jeremy Winslow, Nick Steiger, Brayden Seippel, Jamie Tasker, Howard Garlick.

Vintage Modifieds: David Myers, Les Myers, Tim Natalino, Dale Zimmer, Jeff Manners, Fred Hildenbrand, Paul St. John, David Phillips, Don Swingle, Tom Warburton.

Dirt Racing

Macri Makes Comeback at Lincoln

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Photo by Paul Arch

ABBOTTSTOWN, PA (March 3, 2024): Anthony Macri lost the lead in traffic before a red flag stopped the action, but he regained the top spot soon after the feature event restarted at Lincoln Speedway. The victory was his ninth career score in the Pigeon Hills and, importantly, it marked the first since being reunited with his family-owned race team.

“Anytime you can get a win, that’s great, (but) this was special because we haven’t won since last July,” Macri said. The driver from nearby Dillsburg explained that he was concerned that his mistakes could have cost him the victory. “I almost gave it away, but I got it back on the restart. I was too conservative in lapped traffic.” with a clean track ahead of him and the leader, Kyle Moody, Macri drove harder following the mid-race restart. “I had a good run on him,” he said of his charge to the front in turn three. He added that he ran harder in lapped traffic after that.

Moody, who fought off others in the second half of the race to maintain second, likewise commented that he was more aggressive after the restart. “I tried to be aggressive and slid myself in one.” While that strategy worked at the east end of the track, it did not hold up, for Macri was able to slide by him in turn three. “I couldn’t get back by him.”

Danny Dietrich, who booked another podium finish, noted that he “hated to see the red, we had a good car in traffic.” After the restart, he was caught up in an intense battle with Matt Campbell and Gerard McIntyre for third. By the time that Dietrich salted the position away, he did not have enough time to mount an attack on Moody for second.

The luck of the draw put Macri on the pole with Moody on his flank. Campbell and McIntyre occupied row two, with Steve Owings and Kody Hartlaub in row three. Danny Dietrich was inside row four, with Justin Whittal as his partner. Austin Bishop made his season debut in row five, accompanied by Brandon Rahmer. Chad Trout and Emerson Axsom were in row six. Freddie Rahmer, Jr. missed the re-draw and he held position thirteen for the initial start. Opening day winner, Troy Wagaman, Jr., was less fortunate. He was the last car to transfer from the B Main and he was the caboose for this train.

Macri blasted to the lead on the opening lap. Moody held second briefly, but McIntyre took it away by the time that lap one was completed. Campbell, Owings, Hartlaub, Danny Dietrich, Whittal, Bishop, and Trout made up the top ten in the early going.

Just three laps into the fray, Cameron Smith and Tyler Ross tangled in between turns three and four. Smith was done, but Ross was able to push off again.

Macri resumed the lead, while McIntyre kept Moody at bay. Campbell continued in fourth, but Danny Dietrich broke into the top five.

Three Rivers Karting

As the race approached the midpoint, Macri was into traffic, and Moody was able to close in. Moody was pressing for the lead, which he was able to wrestle away from Macri soon after the crossed flags were shown to the field. Macri came storming back but he could not make the pass in turn three.

Hartlaub’s strong run came to an end soon thereafter, as he took a tumble between turns three and four. He was not hurt in the process, but the crash did change the complexion of the race.

On the restart, with sixteen laps on the board, Moody held the lead, but Macri had a full head of steam coming to turn three, and he made the slide job stick. McIntyre was challenging Moody as Macri began to separate himself from that contest for second.

The last fourteen laps were run under the green. Moody settled into second and the action was for third. McIntyre, Campbell, and Danny Dietrich were the contestants. Dietrich was superior and claimed that spot as his own. “That was a fun race with Matt and Gerard,” Dietrich remarked. “We were throwing haymakers and there was no contact.”

Following Macri, Moody, and Danny Dietrich were Devon Borden and McIntyre. Campbell, Chase Dietz, Freddie Rahmer, Jr., Aaron Bollinger, and Brandon Rahmer completed the top ten.

Thirty-one cars signed in for the event. Taking the four heat wins were Owings, Macri, Brandon Rahmer, and Bishop. Billy Dietrich topped the B Main.

The support for this program was provided by 500 cc and 300 cc Micro Midgets. Ryan Roost, Sam Miller, Jeremy Sperlien, Justin Care, and Jonathan Schill were the top five in the 500s. Chris Ott, Dustin Harman, Alyssa Hackart, Barry Thomas, and Timothy Colliflower were the top five in the 300s.

Next Saturday, Lincoln Speedway will present another 410 Sprint program with the Central PA Legends backing up the headliners. This will be the final 3 p.m. start. March 16 will see the start time pushed back to 6 p.m. for the first Sprint Car doubleheader. The 410s will be joined by the 358s. Legends will be back on March 23 and the 358s will return on Easter Eve.

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Dirt Racing

Wagaman Works Magic in Lincoln Icebreaker

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Lincoln Speedway

ABBOTTSTOWN, PA (February 25, 2024): Troy Wagaman, Jr. scored the biggest win of his career on opening day at the fabulous Lincoln Speedway. His second career win in the Pigeon Hills was worth $6,000, his biggest payday to date.

Wagaman, who took the seat in Michael Heffner’s potent machine midway through the 2023 season, commented, “we had some big ones get away from us last year, we hope we can hang onto some more of them this season.” Well, if the Icebreaker 30 is an indication of what may come, he just may do that.

Wagaman lamented that it was hard for him to develop any kind of rhythm, particularly in the first half of the race, which was disrupted by several cautions and two red flags. “I just had to keep pace. I was moving around,” trying to dirty up the air for the big dogs that were chasing him. Then, his strategy changed. “I was trying to make it as wide as I could, and not leave it open for them to get a nose under me and push me out of the way.”

Danny Dietrich, who became his challenger in the second half of the contest, commended Wagaman for his performance. “I wish we could have gotten to Troy a little sooner. He did a great job clearing traffic atthe right time.” Dietrich explained that his car wasn’t very good at the beginning of the race, and he was hovering in fourth, “it wasn’t very grippy.” He added, “thank God for that red, we made some wholesale changes.” His car was substantially better after those adjustments during the fuel stop, and he did close to the rear bumper of Wagaman, but Wagaman was able to negotiate the lapped traffic quite well.

Freddie Rahmer, Jr., charged from thirteenth to second in the first half of the race, but he could not get close to Wagaman. But, his downfall came after the fuel stop. “It wasn’t meant to be, we were a little off after the red.” That enabled Dietrich to move into the role of the first chaser.

Dominic Melair and Wagaman paced the field for the start of the northeast’s first 410 Sprint event. Cameron Smith had his new ride, the Lefervre 75, in the third spot, next to Double D. Lucas Wolfe was flanked by Indiana racer Emerson Axsom in row three. Then came Slick Rick Lafferty and Jordan Givler. Chase Dietz and T.J. Stutts made up row five. Aaron Bollinger and Chad Trout followed in row six.

It took two tries to get the feature race started. The first was lost when several cars tangled in turn four. Although a few cars suffered minor damage, Axsom was eliminated for the remainder of the contest. On the second attempt, Wagaman assumed control, with Smith, Melair, Dietrich, Dietz, Wolfe, Freddie Rahmer, Jr., Stutts, Trout, and Matt Campbell following. A few laps into the race, Melair fell back due to motor problems. Lafferty moved forward, cracking the top five despite leaving a trail of moisture leading into turn one.

Three Rivers Karting

On lap six, a synchronized spin in turn two by Bollinger and Brandon Rahmer slowed the action, followed by another caution on lap eight for Lafferty’s worsening wet streak, and yet another on lap thirteen for a flat on Justin Whittal’s car. That incident was converted into an open red for fuel.

The race resumed two laps shy of the halfway mark, with Wagaman ahead of Rahmer, Jr., Smith, Dietrich, Lafferty, Norris, Trout, Bollinger, Dietz, and Wolfe. Soon thereafter, Dietrich was up to second. Rahmer Jr. remained in third, followed by Smith and Trout.

The final seventeen laps were run without interruption. About midway through that sprint to the finish, Dietrich closed in on Wagaman, but Wagaman maintained his composure under heavy pressure that lasted for a few laps.

Wagaman was able to keep Dietrich at bay by running consistent laps in the middle lane and the low groove. Dietrich tried the top, but there was no cushion to lean on. Rahmer Jr. continued in third, close enough to pounce if Dietrich were to slide out a bit too far. Bollinger and Dietz completed the top five.

Smith, Trout, Lafferty, Kyle Moody, and Wolfe were the next five to cross. The 2023 track champion in the 358 Sprint division, Kody Hartlaub, was thirteenth, earning the hard charger bonus for being plus twelve.

Three heats were run for the twenty-five cars. Wins went to Lafferty, Givler, and Wagaman. There was no B Main, as all cars were allowed to start the feature event.

Next Saturday, Lincoln Speedway will present another 410 Sprint race commencing at 3 p.m. The PA Micro Midgets will provide support. The final afternoon show will be held at 3 p.m. on March 9 for the 410 Sprints and Central PA Legends Cars. Night action will kick in on March 16, when the first 410 and 358 Sprint doubleheader will take place at 6 p.m.

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Dirt Racing

Tri-City Raceway Park to Be Sold, New Owners to Continue Sunday Operation

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FRANKLIN, PA (February 25, 2024): After releasing the 2024 tentative schedule, Merle Black, the current owner of Tri-City Raceway Park, has reached an agreement in principle to sell the Venango County, PA oval to Josh and Kyrsten Shiffer. Final negotiations are in progress, and the written agreement has yet to be signed, but both sides are moving forward earnestly to complete the transaction before the first green flag waives in mid-April.

The Shiffers are entrepreneurs who live in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Their businesses include Flea Flickers LLC, a liquidation company, and Shiffer Powersports, engaged in ATV sales. They have a strong interest in ATV Motocross racing and several members of the family compete, including their son, Jayden, an aspiring professional rider.

Three Rivers Karting

The Shiffers are excited about the potential for Tri-City Raceway Park. They hope to bring back premiere sanctioned events and to introduce some new programs in the years ahead.

They plan to follow the tentative schedule recently released by Black. That calls for an April 13 Enduro, followed by two weekly practice sessions. The FAST Sprints will compete in the opener on Sunday, May 5. Other Sprint Car specials are on the docket, including the acclaimed Western PA Speedweek finale. The BRP Modified Tour will also make two appearances. The backbone of the schedule will consist of four divisions: 410 Sprint Cars, 358 Modifieds, Pro Stocks, and Mini Stocks. The season will come to a close over the Labor Day weekend. Additional details on the schedule will be released in the coming weeks.

The Shiffers recently met several key members of the current staff, and they look to fill some vacancies that currently exist. Announcements regarding employment opportunities may be forthcoming.

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