RUSH Racing Series

"BILL HENDREN MEMORIAL" PRESENTED BY FK ROD ENDS RETURNS TO PITTSBURGH SEPTEMBER 29-30 FOR HOVIS RUSH LATE MODEL FLYNN'S TIRE TOUR; $4000 TO-WIN FRIDAY PRESENTED BY KEYSER MFG & $10,000 TO-WIN SATURDAY PART OF THE "PITTSBURGHER"

By Mike Leone

 

September 19, 2023               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

(Imperial, PA)...The Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Dirt Late Model Flynn's Tire Touring Series presented by Born2Run Lubricants is proud to announce the annual "Bill Hendren Memorial" will return to Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway in grand fashion September 29-30.  Friday night will be a complete show for $4,000 to-win, while Saturday night will be a complete show for $10,000 to-win!  The following sponsors have made this the richest "Bill Hendren Memorial" to date: FK Rod Ends, City Chevrolet, Pro Fab, Hendren Racing Engines, West Mifflin Collision, All Interior Painting, Keyser Manufacturing, Stan's Transmission, and Branden Lockwich.  Saturday's event will be part of the "Pittsburgher" with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and will be streamed live via FloRacing.

  

Keyser Manufacturing has added $1,500 into Friday night's purse making it $4,000 to-win, which will be the kickoff to the 35th annual "Pittsburgher" weekend and the eighth straight year the "Bill Hendren Memorial" has taken place at "Dirt's Monster Half-Mile"!  Positions 2-6 will receive a $100 boost in payoff from the typical $3,000 to-win payoff.

 

On Saturday night, the Flynn's Tire Tour will join up once again with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series for the third time of the season in a huge fashion as $10,000 will be on the line with $450 to-start the 40-lap event.  Earlier this season, RUSH competed on the same card as LOLMDS at Lernerville's "Firecracker 100" in which Max Blair won the $20,000 in the "Bill Emig Memorial" presented by Sunoco Race Fuels along with support from TBM Brakes.  And most recently, Blair scored a $4,000 victory in the "Cider Jug 40" with the LOLMDS part of the "Hillbilly 100" on September 3. 

 

Each night, the "Bob Bentz Memorial" Sunoco Dash presented by Stan's Transmission will set the beginning rows of the feature line-up.  Friday night's dash will have a $500 cash purse with $200 to-win plus a $100 Sunoco fuel card, $100 for second, $50 for third through sixth!  Saturday night's dash will have a $1,000 cash purse with $400 to-win plus a $100 Sunoco fuel card, $200 for second, $150 for third, $125 for fourth, $75 for fifth, and $50 for sixth!  Special thanks to Bob C. Bentz for putting up $1,500 cash to remember his late father. 

 

Also thanks to Art's Radiator for providing 50 radiator caps to be given away to each competing driver over the weekend!   

 

In 2005, Bill Hendren, the patriarch of the Hendren family and founder of Hendren Racing Engines, had the foresight to began building his affiliation with crate racing.  As many of his open engine customers looked to crate racing as an opportunity to continue racing Bill began offering free advice via the well know 4M.net message board.  As the concept grew throughout the country, his generosity and expertise was rewarded as many of those who had utilized his knowledge in the beginning utilized him as their engine rebuilder as their needs arose.  Bill passed away on March 19, 2011, but his legacy and dedication to crate racing lives on through his sons, Steve and Mike, as the Hendrens are recognized throughout the entire country as a leader in this specialized form of racing as they continue to operate Hendren Racing Engines. 

 

"I'll never forget the day several years ago I received surprise phone call from Steve Hendren expressing interest in having a memorial event for his late father Bill Hendren in conjunction with a RUSH Touring event," explained Emig.  "Although I never knew Bill Hendren personally, I certainly was well aware of his pioneering spirit and great success in the world of Chevrolet Performance crate engine racing.  And to have the Hendren Family allow us to hold their patriarch's only memorial event of the year under the RUSH banner for the 11th straight year is truly an honor.  What Steve and his family continue to do for this event is tremendous!  We have to thank all of the contributors as well as the Mileys for allowing this event to be part of the 'Pittsburgher' weekend."

 

Steve Hendren, who will be making the trip up, was inducted into the Antioch (CA) Speedway Hall of Fame shortly after the 2021 event.  Hendren raced at the track weekly in the Late Model division from 1990-1993 winning 40 races and was the 1992 and 1993 champion.  In 1992, Hendren won 25 features in 44 starts with 15 of them coming at Antioch, which propelled him to the NASCAR Pacific Coast Regional Championship.

 

Last year was the first time the event paid $10,000 to-win and it was Jeremy Wonderling winning the biggest race of his career.  In addition to the feature and D&V Jewelers non-qualifier purses posted each night, $100 FK Rod Ends "Shock the Clock" Qualifying and $25 to-win FK Rod Ends heat races will take place nightly.  This is in addition to $400 per night of Sunoco gift card drawings along with contingencies from Precise Racing Products, Ontime Body & Graphic, Performance Bodies, and TBM Brakes. 

 

"Bill Hendren Memorial" Night 1 Feature Payoff (30 laps): 1. $4,000  2. $1,600  3. $900  4. $750  5. $700  6. $600  7. $475  8. $450  9. $425  10. $400  11. $325  12. $300 13. $275  14. $270  15. $265  16. $260  17. $255  18-24. $250  (25-26. $250).

 

D&V Jewelers Non-Qualifier Night 1 Payoff: 1. $200 2. $190 3. $185 4. $180 5. $175 6. $170 7. $165 8. $160 9. $155 10-24. $150.  Tow $125

 

Pittsburgh "Bill Hendren Memorial" Night 2 Feature Payoff (40 laps): 1. $10,000  2. $5,000  3. $2,500  4. $2,000  5. $1,500  6. $1,200  7. $1,000  8. $900  9. $800  10. $700  11. $650  12. $625  13. $600  14. $550  15. $525  16. $500  17. $490  18. $480  19. $470  20. $460  21-24. $450  (25-26. $450).

 

D&V Jewelers Non-Qualifier Night 2 Payoff: 1. $400 2. $250 3. $200 4. $190 5. $185 6. $180 7. $175 8. $170 9. $165 10-24. $160.  Tow $125.

 

Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway is a ½-mile dirt track with a GPS address of 170 Kelso Rd, Imperial PA 15126, which is located just off the Noblestown exit on Routes 22/30.  For more information, check out their website at www.ppms.com or call 412-279-7223.  The track number on race day is 724-695-3363 or 724-695-0393.  As for their social media outlets, you can like their page on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/PittsburghsPennsylvaniaMotorSpeedway or follow them on Twitter @PAMotorSpeedway.

 

The RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply together with Born2Run Lubricants along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Rick Hendrick City Chevrolet, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, Flynn's Tire, Sunbelt Rentals, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, FK Rod Ends, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, TBM Brakes, Bilstein Shocks, Performance Bodies & Parts, Racing Electronics, Wieland Metal Services, Frankland Racing Supply, Landrum Performance Spring, Ontime Body & Graphic, Sherwood Wheels, Precise Racing Products, Velocita-USA, Wedge Motorsports, 3C Graphix, D&V Jewelers, CrateInsider.com, and Terry Bowser Excavating.  

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300.  The RUSH Late Model website is www.rushlatemodels.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.

 

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$20,000 TO-WIN "BILL EMIG MEMORIAL" PRESENTED BY SUNOCO ALONG WITH TBM BRAKES FOR HOVIS RUSH LATE MODEL FLYNN'S TIRE TOUR THIS WEEKEND AT LERNERVILLE; PART OF "FIRECRACKER 100" WITH LUCAS OIL LATE MODELS

By Mike Leone

 

June 20, 2023             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

(Sarver, PA)...The Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Dirt Late Model Series presented by Born2Run Lubricants is gearing up for its richest event of the season.  The "Bill Emig Memorial" presented by Sunoco Race Fuels with associate sponsorship from TBM Brakes will take place this Thursday through Saturday (June 22-24) at Lernerville Speedway paying $20,000 to-win!  In addition, the Big River Steel "Firecracker 100" event will feature the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in three complete shows with the Saturday finale again paying $50,000 to-win!  The event will broadcast live on FloRacing and Dirt.TV.

 

The RUSH Late Model Flynn's Tire Tour returns to the "Firecracker 100" weekend at Lernerville for the fifth consecutive year and for the second straight year paying $20,000-to-win, $600 to start!  The D&V Jewelers Non-Qualifier will pay $500 to-win.  Speaking of D&V Jewelers, the New Castle, Pa. company owed by race fans Doug and Valerie Hoover, will also present a championship diamond ring valued at $7,000 to the winner of the 50-lap "Bill Emig Memorial"!  That will increase the winner's amount to a minimum of $27,000 in cash and contingencies! 

 

In 2019, the "Bill Emig Memorial" presented by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply took place with the "Firecracker 100" at Lernerville for the first time and attracted 53 cars as Max Blair passed Ross Robinson with five laps to go for the victory.  In 2020, the status of the event was up in the air until about one week prior due to COVID-19 restrictions, but that didn't stop Blair, who won the caution-free 50 lapper for another $10,000 payday presented by Hovis.  In 2021, the Hovis-sponsored event continued its forward momentum as 54 cars were in competition, and saw Florida's Mark Whitener win his first RUSH event in his first attempt.  Whitener went back-to-back scoring the $20,000 victory in 2022 as an event record 56 cars were on hand from 10 different states plus Canada as the event was presented by Sunoco Race Fuels for the first time.

 

Sunoco Race Fuels is once again presenting the event.  Sunoco has been an important corporate marketing partner of the RUSH Racing Series as 2023 marks the 11th year of their longstanding, successful relationship.  Sunoco, the "Official Fuel" of RUSH, has fueled the Series over the past several years and offers their Sunoco E85R as an exciting cost-effective option for the RUSH Late Models.

 

In 2021, Sunoco increased their support of RUSH by presenting the Sunoco "Fill'er Up with Sunoco Bucks" at each Flynn's Tire Tour event, which saw $5,000 of Sunoco fuel cards awarded  to Tour participants.  This program increased to over $12,000 of Sunoco fuel cards distributed to Tour participants in 2022 and that continued for this season as well.  At Lernerville this week, two Tour drivers in the top 15 in points will win a $100 Sunoco gift card, while four other racers will win $50 gift cards.  The Sunoco Dash winner will also receive a $100 Sunoco gift card. 

 

Meanwhile, TBM Brakes (formerly known as The Brake Man) has been one of the longest standing marketing partners of RUSH providing contingency products throughout the Series' "Manufacturers Nights" presented by MSD Performance.  TBM Brakes, the "Official Brake System" of RUSH, has also presented the "Tough Brake of the Night" at Touring Series events for many years.  TBM Brakes will have a display setup in the pit area near the RUSH registration trailer and will be represented by Jason Smith.      

 

Thursday night's program will include warmups and $100 FK Rod Ends "Shock the Clock" Qualifying; Friday night will be highlighted by $25 FK Rod Ends heat races and the "John Buzzard Memorial" Sunoco Dash paying $100 cash and a $100 Sunoco fuel card; Saturday will see last chance B mains, the 50-lap feature, and the non-qualifier.  The rain date is Sunday (June 25). 

 

"We cannot thank the Tomson Family at Lernerville for believing in our program enough four years ago to include us as part of the Firecracker 100," continued Emig.  "Now to annually have the richest event for Crate Late Models in the Northeast in conjunction with the biggest Super Late Model race in the history of western Pennsylvania is beyond words; it's again going to be historic and I don't think anyone is going to want to miss it!"

 

The 2023 "Bill Emig Memorial" will be the 33rd annual event remembering the late car owner and father of RUSH Director Vicki Emig.  Over the years, the event has been held at Lernerville, Hickory, Mercer, and Tri-City Speedways. 

 

Bill Emig was a Semi-Late and Six-Cylinder Modified car owner from 1969 until his passing in 1990.  Emig had successful drivers pilot the #1 Ford such as Jim Becker, Bob Krauss, Donnie Martin, John Buzzard, Jerry Lesnak, Butch Haefke, and Lou Gentile.  In later years, Andy Priest, Jimmy Hawley, Frank Guidace, and Rodney Beltz drove Emig #1 Six-Cylinder and "358" Modified for Bill's daughter Vicki.

 

Emig's cars won over 300 feature events along with multiple track championships and several of Walt Wimer's prestigious Cavalcade Championships.  In 1986, his car was featured in a full color article in the special Christmas issue of Stock Car Racing magazine.  He was one of the original recipients of Lernerville Speedway's "Milestone in Racing" award in 1988.  Emig has also been inducted into both the Pittsburgh Circle Track Club and Twin-State Auto Racing Club Hall of Fames. 

 

"On a personal note, I wish my dad was here to witness what his love of racing has grown to- the RUSH Racing Series truly is his legacy," continued Emig.  "It was him who gave me my love of racing; always taking me with him and never leaving me home.  He passed away at just 54 and I remember planning his first memorial in 1992 that also took place at Lernerville, which paid $1000 to win.  He would have loved our racers and vice versa because he was such a character; and also greatly appreciated our sanctioned speedways and corporate marketing partners, all who have helped Mike (Leone) and I develop RUSH.  I know he will be smiling down when our racers pull into to their four-wide in his memory with $20,000 on the line for the winner!"    

 

The 2023 Flynn's Tire Touring Series Championship will again pay a point fund of more than $51,000 with $15,000 to the champion. Three-time Series Champion Jeremy Wonderling enters the weekend with three straight wins all occurring in western Pa.  Wonderling's five wins this season has propelled him to a 47-point lead over his brother Mike Wonderling, who is touring for the first time and is in search of his first career Series win.

 

Joe Martin, who has finished second in points each of the last three years, is third in points with one victory.  Thirteen-year-old Brock Pinkerous, who finished a career best second at Bradford followed up by a third at Marion Center, has worked his way into fourth in points just one-point ahead of Cody Dawson, who has two podium finishes in the last five events.  Sixth through 10th in points are Ashton Briggs, Jim Rasey, Brandt Graham, Craig Graham, and Marc Berzowski.  Fresh off a career best fourth place effort at Knox Raceway, Austin Hauser has jumped up to 11th in points. 

 

With the City Chevrolet Weekly Series event on May 19 raining out, the Lernerville provisional will go to the fastest qualifier that fails to qualify for the feature.  The Flynn's Tire Tour will return to Lernerville on Friday, July 22 for the $3,000 to-win "RUSH Summer Showcase" event and then for the finale on October 13-14 for the $3,500 to-win "Steel City Stampede".

 

Precise Racing Products will award a $50 gift card for the "Pedal Down" Hard Charger that passes the most cars in the feature.  The TBM Brakes “Tough Brake of the Night” will award three bottles of Xtreme6 Racing Brake Fluid.   Ontime Body & Graphic's "Spoiler Alert" will award a spoiler kit to the 12th place finisher (note: if a driver has already won a spoiler this season, spoiler will be awarded to the next position).  Performance Bodies will award a $100 gift card to the first non-qualifier part of the "Nosed Out" program. 

 

"Bill Emig Memorial" Feature Payoff ($51,925): 1. $20,000  2. $7,000  3. $3,500  4. $3,000  5. $2,000  6. $1,500  7. $1,300  8. $1,200  9. $1,100  10. $1,000  11. $900  12. $800  13. $700  14. $650  15. $625  16. $620  17. $615  18. $610  19. $605  20-24. $600  (25-26. $600 provisionals).

 

Non-Qualifier Payoff: 1. $500  2. $300  3. $250  4. $240  5. $235  6. $230  7. $225  8. $220  9. $215  10. $210  11. $205  12-24. $200.  Anyone not starting a feature will receive $125.

 

Drivers do not have to be a member of RUSH to compete- only to receive Weekly and/or Tour points.  The entry fee for the event is $100.  AMB/MyLaps transponders will be used; Westhold transponders will NOT work.  Units are available to rent for the weekend for $25.  Driver radio channel will be 454.000.

 

RUSH registration and pre-race tech will begin by 2 p.m. on Thursday.  RUSH drivers meeting will be at 5:40 p.m. on Thursday with the pill draw closing at 6:15 p.m.  Lucas Oil warmups will begin at 6 p.m. followed by their qualifying then RUSH warmups.  Lucas Oil heat races will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday followed by RUSH group qualifying.  Racing will begin at 7:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday night as well.  A complete schedule of events is available at the following link: https://www.lernervi...t.aspx?i=832414

 

Lernerville is a 4/10-mile high-banked clay oval located 11 miles southeast of Butler, Pa. on Route 356 at 313 North Pike Road, Sarver, PA 16055.  Lernerville is just 30 miles northeast of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.  For more information, check out their website at www.lernerville.com or call 724-353-1511.

 

Sunoco has grown from its humble roots as a small oil company in Pittsburgh, PA, to one of the largest fuel distribution companies in the United States. Sunoco's rich, 130 plus-year heritage, legacy and reputation for innovation, and commitment to its local communities are foundational elements of this iconic American brand. Today, Sunoco distributes fuel to over 5,000 gas station locations in more than 30 states.  Sunoco LP (NYSE: SUN) is a master limited partnership.  SUN's general partner is owned by Energy Transfer Operating, L.P., a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Transfer LP (NYSE: ET).  For more information, check out www.sunoco.com. 

 

TBM Brakes is an innovative designer and manufacturer of made-in-America brake systems and components for motorsport, street and fleet vehicles.  TBM Brakes engineering team has developed inspired and race-proven technology which has revolutionized the industry while setting the standard for high-performance and durability.

TBM Brakes was founded in 1993.  TBM Brakes brake systems and components have helped countless drivers and motorsports teams make their way to the winners circle.  Victories span across a wide range of regional and national race series and events from dirt to asphalt.  This industry-leading technology and durability is also available for street performance and fleet vehicles as well.  TBM Brakes is headquartered in Bradenton, Florida.  For more information, check out their website at www.tbmbrakes.com or call 805-304-3051 and ask to Jason Smith.  Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tbmbrakes and follow them on Twitter @TBMBrakes.

 

The RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply together with Born2Run Lubricants along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Rick Hendrick City Chevrolet, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, Flynn's Tire, Sunbelt Rentals, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, FK Rod Ends, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, TBM Brakes, Bilstein Shocks, Performance Bodies & Parts, Racing Electronics, Wieland Metal Services, Frankland Racing Supply, Landrum Performance Spring, Ontime Body & Graphic, Sherwood Wheels, Precise Racing Products, Velocita-USA, Wedge Motorsports, 3C Graphix, D&V Jewelers, CrateInsider.com, and Terry Bowser Excavating.  

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300.  The RUSH Late Model website is www.rushlatemodels.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.

 

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RUSH LATE MODEL WEEKLY RACERS TO SHARE $35,000 IN "TRACK PACK" CHAMPIONSHIP MONIES OVER & ABOVE NATIONAL WEEKLY SERIES MONIES; $2500 AWARDED TO TOP 6 MEMBER DRIVERS AT EACH WEEKLY-SANCTIONED SPEEDWAY

By Doug Kennedy

 

January 11, 2022       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

(Pulaski, PA)...Once again, the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Racing Series presented by Born2Run Lubricants lies on the cutting edge of racing innovations when it comes to promotions.  The Late Model "Track Pack" program actually debuted in 2016; however, expanded by more than 300% cash wise this past season going from $800 per RUSH weekly-sanctioned track to $2,500.  Overall, the "Track Pack" will award $35,000 to drivers in the top six drivers in the RUSH member points at the 14 weekly-sanctioned speedways this Saturday night at the 2021 RUSH Racing Series Awards Banquet.

 

RUSH uses the National Weekly Series point system for all events scheduled at weekly-sanctioned speedways during the year.  To be eligible, the speedway must be RUSH Weekly Sanctioned.  The payoff breakdown is $1,000 for the champion, $500 for second, $400 for third, $300 for fourth, $200 for fifth, and $100 for sixth.  This is in addition to any monies drivers win through the National Weekly Series and Futures Cup Championships.

 

"The strength of RUSH has always laid within our weekly tracks and racers who support them," stated RUSH Director Vicki Emig.  "As RUSH has grown we could have easily increased our National Weekly Championship program, which is already very substantial, but we felt it was important to spread the dollars out to more of our racers.  By laying in the $2500 into our individual RUSH-sanctioned tracks a lot more racers can look forward to receiving a check from the 'Track Pack' at the end of the season."   

 

The 2021 RUSH Weekly-sanctioned speedways were Bradford, Delaware International, Dog Hollow, Eriez, Fulton, Genesee, The Hill, McKean County, Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway, Potomac, Raceway 7, Stateline, Winchester, and Woodhull.  Six states are also covered; New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.  

 

The only driver to win multiple "Track Pack" point titles was Steve Dixon, who won at Bradford and McKean.  Other champions included Matt Hill (Delaware), Michael Duritsky, Jr. (Dog Hollow), Jason Genco (Eriez), Chad Homan (Fulton), Jimmy Johnson (Genesee), Steve LeBarron (The Hill), Daryl Charlier (Pittsburgh), Jeremy Pilkerton (Potomac), Breyton Santee (Raceway 7), Scott Gurdak (Stateline), Levi Crowl (Winchester), and Brian Knowles (Woodhull).

 

 “I was lucky enough to be able to pull off the two championships at Bradford and McKean,” said Dixon, the 41-year-old from Smethport, Pa.  “I think it’s a great deal (Track Pack).  It gives drivers who can’t travel to stay interested racing at their local tracks.  A lot of guys can’t afford to go out on road.  Personally, I can’t travel a lot because of my work and the 'Track Pack' keeps me interested with the RUSH program. That $2,000 is going to go a long way towards helping me out for 2022.”       

 

Dixon, who also competes in the RUSH Pro Mods, works at Close Racing as a welder and fabricator for the last 14 years.  Between both classes, Dixon will take home $3,750 in Weekly Series point fund monies.  As far as RUSH overall, Dixon said, “It’s given a lot of people the opportunity to race a Late Model style of car that they couldn’t without RUSH.  RUSH has put everyone on the same page so you can race wherever you want at a variety of tracks from New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.” 

 

Thirty-one year old Matt Hill of Georgetown, has owned his home track of Delaware International Speedway, where he has won the track championships six times.  Hill won three times at Delaware and added a pair of RUSH Weekly Series special victories at Georgetown in 2021.  Hill, who has been with RUSH since 2016 likes the "Track Pack" program.  “It really helps out with different opportunities to win.  That additional money is put to good use with the rising costs in tires and fuel.”

 

“She (Vicki) does an outstanding job,” added Hill, who works at the family owned business, Lynch’s Towing, one that Matt hopes to own one of these days.  “We love running with RUSH.  She always is thinking what is best for the racers.  She gets a lot of sponsorships that help the racers in the long run.”

 

Michael Duritsky, Jr. of Masontown, Pa. was the "Track Pack" champion at Dog Hollow Speedway, while still being able to finish fourth in the Flynn's Touring Series points.  “It’s a really good thing,” said the 24-year-old.  It certainly helped us with travel for the upcoming season.  It’s good to have some extra incentives besides just winning.  It gives you more to work for.” 

 

“The pay is good and there’s not a ton of travelling involved so you can hit a number of tracks in a short period of time,” added Duritsky of the RUSH Weekly program.  “It gives drivers who don’t have a lot of money or can't travel the opportunity to run with the big guys and compete.”

 

Jason Genco of Frewsburg, New York has now won the Eriez "Track Pack" championship three times.  He also captured the track championship at Stateline as well, while finishing fifth in the "Track Pack" points there.  Winning the "Track Pack" program was also special for Genco.  “It helps getting new tires and freshen our equipment over the winter,” said the 39-year-old.  “We pay attention to it all season long and try to get as many points as possible.  Every little bit helps.”

 

“It’s a great Series,” said Genco of his feelings towards RUSH.  “The biggest thing is what they give back to the racers with products and the points fund.  I don’t think there’s a better Crate Late Model Series anywhere.  Every year there are more and more cars joining the Series and it’s only going to get stronger.”

 

Chad Homan of Penfield, New York has been racing RUSH Late Models for the past six seasons.  The 39-year-old Homan won the track championship this year at Fulton Speedway and is now a two-time "Track Pack" titlist at the central New York track.  Homan hopes to run a number of touring shows for 2022. 

 

“It’s a really good deal and gives you added incentive to run well," stated Homan, who also tied for fifth in the National Weekly Series points with Genco.  “I like RUSH because we are able to go pretty much anywhere and have the same rules packages.  It allows us to race at a lot of different places and I think that’s great.” 

 

Daryl Charlier was the "Track Pack" champion at Pittsburgh this past season.  Charlier likes the program.  “It’s an awesome deal,” said the 38-year-old who resides in Bulger, Pa. “It’s hard for local tracks to come up with extra money so programs like this helps generate additional funds."

 

Charlier, who owns and operates Three Rivers Karting for his day job in the Pittsburgh area, loves RUSH overall.  “It’s a great Series.  I know that if it wasn’t for RUSH, there’s a good chance I wouldn’t be racing right now.  RUSH gave me the opportunity to race in a cost-effective series.  It’s certainly allowed my career to grow and it has got me back to where I will be able to race a Super Late Model for someone else for this upcoming season.”

 

Twenty-two year old, Jeremy Pilkerton of Loveville, MD was the "Track Pack" Champion at Potomac Speedway for 2021.  “I think it’s a really good incentive for racers to run at their weekly tracks,” Pilkerton said.  “It’s another incentive to win additional money besides just racing for points.”

 

Pilkerton has won two championships at Potomac.  “I think RUSH is a great series that allows for a lot of different drivers to be competitive.  A lot of Super Late Model drivers have come to the RUSH Series.  So you know if you can compete against these guys, then you should be able to compete at any level.  It’s also a good way to get your name out there on a larger scale rather than just your local tracks.” 

 

Breyton Santee of Conneaut, Ohio won the "Track Pack" at Raceway 7 and finished fourth at Eriez.  “I really like the Track Pack program because it gives drivers who can’t follow a regular series or go to multiple tracks to get some extra money in their pockets. 

 

At 24 years old, Santee plans to run the weekly series at Eriez, Stateline, and Raceway 7.  He will also race at places like Lernerville and Sharon in their special events.  “RUSH definitely helps the lower budgeted teams,” Santee said of the overall Series.  When he’s not racing, Santee works as a mechanic at Kuhnle Brothers Trucking that is located in Newbury, Ohio.

 

Steve LeBarron of Troupsburg, New York, was the "Track Pack" and track champion at The Hill Speedway where he won three races; however, he also finished third in "Track Pack" points at both Woodhull and McKean.  At 42 years of age, Steve works at Troups Creek Automotive as an equipment operator, mechanic, and whatever else is deemed necessary for his father, who also owns the #11 RUSH Late Model driven by John Waters.  This was LeBarron’s second consecutive track championship at The Hill.  He also has a pair of championships at Woodhull.

 

As for the Track Pack program, LeBarron said, “I think it’s good.  It gives us a reason to stick with the tracks and it helps keep the car counts up.”  LeBarron also like the RUSH Series, something he’s been a part of for the last six seasons.  “It’s the rules enforcements.  As long as we have somebody watching and keeping it right, it makes for a lot more fun,”

 

Sixty-three year old Scott Gurdak lives in Bear Lake, PA and is the neighbor of Late Model icon, Chub Frank.  Gurdak has been racing since 1975 in a variety of divisions and has accumulated eight track championships over that time as well, including this past season at Stateline.  Frank has and continues to help Gurdak update his cars.  “Every car that comes from Chub is fast,” said Gurdak. 

 

Gurdak won the "Track Pack" at Stateline, finished second in points at Eriez, and also finished 14th in the National Weekly Series standings driving a car owned by his sister Lori Hollabaugh.  When he’s not racing, Gurdak works as an operator for Lindy Paving. 

 

“They (RUSH) have a tremendous deal,” stated Gurdak, who also competes in the RUSH Pro Mods for his brother Stacy.  “It’s an awesome deal for what we pay for membership.  Vicki and Mike (Leone) do an awesome job and I hope they continue to do it.  The RUSH Series is paying more now than Super Late Model races.  I’m certainly going to continue to follow the series.  When I can’t scare the person next to me then that will be the time when I will retire.” 

 

Brian Knowles of the Knowles racing family, won his second track title at Woodhull, this past season, but first as a "Track Pack" Champion.  “It’s a great idea,” said the 42-year-old of the Track Pack program. “I kind of wish there’s was a mulligan involved because of the home track schedule and my work schedule.

 

Brian has six track championships and was most proud when he, his dad, Larry, and his younger brother, Jason, all won titles at Woodhull.  In 2020, Jason won the track title at Woodhull, while Brian finished second.  This past season, Brian was able to win nine of 17 races he ran.  Brian also tied for third with Levi Crowl in the National Weekly Series Championship as he driver will receive $2,250.

 

Knowles, who works as a construction manager for the family owned Doug Gross Construction, really likes the RUSH deal overall.  “It’s been great,” said the Corning, New York veteran RUSH Late Model racer.  “I’ve run a few other series and it’s definitely the premier series to run.  Vicki and Mike are great and very personable.  It makes it easy to run the series when you can communicate with the people who run it, whether it’s good or bad.  They’re not hiding in a trailer or some other place.  I think the biggest thing for RUSH is their uniting of the tracks with the same rules packages.”

 

At 21 years of age, Levi Crowl of Hagerstown, Maryland finished second in Winchester track points to Scott Sweeney, Jr., but won the $1,000 "Track Pack" program.  Crowl’s racing career began at the age of five in a Quarter Midget.  He’s been in a Late Model since 2015. 

 

"The Track Pack is definitely nice and adds some funds at the end of the year that can be put to good use for the next season,” stated Crowl.  “I think RUSH is doing everything right.  The pay has come a long way and I really like how they keep up with the points and other statistics.  They have found a good way to allow the non-travelling guys to get something out of it as well.  Overall, they do a lot of nice things for all of us.” 

 

At 30 years old, Jimmy Johnson (not former NASCAR champion, Jimmie Johnson) finished second to Bill Holmes for the Genesee track championship; however, won the $1,000 "Track Pack" title.  “I love it,” said Johnson of the program.  “It’s awesome and I try to get guys to sign up for it.  You race at your local track for $1,000 and guys are crazy if they don’t sign up.  There’s no reason not to because it’s a big benefit.  RUSH is great for the sport.  Every year Vicki and Mike do something more to help the sport.  They help everyone from the touring guys to the weekly guys who can’t travel.”

 

Johnson attended the University of Buffalo and earned his BS in Business and Marketing.  He currently works for his father, Jim, as a mechanic at his business, Johnson Automotive, located in Batavia, New York.  “I would like to buy it in a few years from now,” Johnson said. 

 

The family sold Genesee Speedway to Kurt and Bonnie Stebbins after this past season after having it for the last six years.  Genesee will continue under the RUSH fold as a weekly-sanctioned Saturday night track and will also host three Flynn's Tire Touring Series events in 2022.

 

The "Track Pack" will return in 2022 with one small caveat.  While all events at each weekly-sanctioned track will continue to count; however, each member driver's worst point score will be excluded, which could include a missed event (example: If Track A completes 10 events, points will be based on best 9 point scores; if Track B completes 15 events, points will be based on best 14 point scores.)

 

The RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply together with Born2Run Lubricants along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, FK Rod Ends, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, TBM Brakes, Performance Bodies & Parts, Racing Electronics, Wrisco Industries, Frankland Racing Supply, Landrum Performance Spring, Ontime Body & Graphic, Zarin Truck & Automotive, Sherwood Wheels, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, Lincoln Electric, Velocita-USA, Waterstone Mortgage Hermitage, Stop-Fyre, CrateInsider.com, and Wedge Motorsports.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our various Facebook and Twitter pages by searching for the appropriate RUSH Series.

 

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AFTER A SUCCESSFUL RUSH LATE MODEL WEEKLY SERIES EVENT IN 2021, NY'S LAND OF LEGENDS TO HOST 1ST EVER TOURING SERIES EVENT FOR $3000 TO-WIN ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2022

By Mike Leone

 

December 13, 2021               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

(Canandaigua, NY)...For the first time in Pace Performance RUSH Late Model Series history, the Flynn's Tire/Born2Run Lubricants Touring Series will invade Land of Legends Raceway in 2022.  The 1/2-mile track in Canandaigua, New York will host the $3,000 to-win event on Saturday, September 10.

 

This past season on September 11, Lands of Legends became the 13th different track in the Empire State to host a RUSH Late Model sanctioned event in Series history.  The highly successful Pace Weekly Series event saw Chris Fleming win a thriller over Sean Beardsley for the $1,000 payday.      

 

RUSH Tour members will be competing for a record Touring Series point fund of more than $51,000 with $15,000 going to the 2022 champion.  This 25% increase in the point fund comes one year after the point fund was doubled with Kyle Hardy earning the $12,000 top honors.  In addition, RUSH Weekly member drivers will be able to race at the Land of Legends event and accumulate points towards the National Weekly Series Championship. 

 

"Land of Legends is a historic speedway in New York and we're honored to be able to showcase our brand of Touring Series racing there," expressed RUSH Director Vicki Emig.  "Over the years, racers have always inquired about the possibility of taking RUSH to Land of Legends, and we were thrilled last year when promoter Paul Cole contacted us about bringing the RUSH Late Models to his facility.  The race and facility received rave reviews and the fact that he was willing to go from a $1,000 to-win Weekly special to a $3,000 to-win Tour event speaks volumes.  I know this is an exciting announcement for many of our New York drivers and will be a new track the majority of our Tour racers." 

 

"Vicki Emig and everyone at RUSH has been a pleasure to work with and we welcome their full tour to the track 'Where Legends Are Made'," expressed Land of Legends Promoter Paul Cole.  "LOLR also wants to thank local RUSH-sanctioned facilities Genesee Speedway and Woodhull Raceway, who will forego sanctioned events on this night in support of the Touring Series invading Canandaigua, New York."

 

Feature Payoff: 1. $3,000  2. $1,500  3. $800  4. $650  5. $600  6. $500  7. $475  8. $450  9. $425  10. $400  11. $325  12. $300 13. $275  14. $270  15. $265  16. $260  17. $255  18-24. $250.

 

Non-Qualifier Payoff: 1. $200  2. $190  3. $185  4. $180  5. $175  6. $170  7. $165  8. $160  9. $155  10-24. $150. Tow $125.

 

Land of Legends is located at the Ontario County Fairgrounds at 2820 County Road 10, Canandaigua, NY 14424.  For more information, check out their website at www.landoflegendsraceway.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LandofLegendsNY and follow them on Twitter @LandofLegendsNY. Weekly racing is streamed on their video streaming platform “Land of Legends TV” by visiting www.landoflegendstv.com

 

RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Pace Performance together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, FK Rod Ends, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, TBM Brakes, Performance Bodies & Parts, Racing Electronics, Dirt Defender, Wrisco Industries, Frankland Racing Supply, Landrum Performance Spring, Ontime Body & Graphic, Zarin Truck & Automotive, Sherwood Wheels, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, Lincoln Electric, Velocita-USA, Waterstone Mortgage Hermitage, CrateInsider.com, Vahlco Wheels, and Wedge Motorsports.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.

 

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PACE RUSH SERIES TO CLOSE OUT 2021 THIS WEEKEND AT LERNERVILLE'S "STEEL CITY STAMPEDE"; FLYNN'S TIRE/BORN2RUN LUBRICANTS LATE MODEL TOUR; RUSH SPRINT TITLE TO BE DECIDED; HOVIS SPORTSMAN MOD TOUR HIGHLIGHTED BY WATERSTONE MORTGAGE ENGINE GIVEAWAY

By Mike Leone

 

October 12, 2021               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

(Sarver, PA)...The Pace Performance RUSH Racing Series together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC will have a tripleheader of action this weekend (October 14-16) at Lernerville Speedway for the "Steel City Stampede".  The Flynn's Tire/Born2Run Lubricants RUSH Late Model Tour finale will lead the way along with the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Sportsman Modified Touring Series, and the RUSH Sprint Cars in an Equipment Rental Options Weekly Series special.  The event will be broadcast live on LernervilleTV.  

 

Practice will be held Thursday night (October 14) with heat races for all divisions on Friday night followed by the conclusion of the events on Saturday.  Group qualifying for the RUSH Late Models will be at 7 p.m. on Friday followed by racing at 7:30.  On Saturday, racing will begin early at 4 p.m.  The Chevrolet Performance 602 RUSH Sportsman Modified engine drawing presented by Waterstone Mortgage will take place on Saturday.  The rain date is Sunday. 

 

"This is always a great way to end our season," stated RUSH Director Vicki Emig.  "The RUSH championships annually comes down to this event.  Our Late Model racers are always excited to get the chance to compete at Lernerville.  The car counts have always been strong and the racing at Lernerville is always some of the best of the season.  The Sportsman Modifieds have been given the opportunity to race numerous times over the past eight seasons at Lernerville.  Lernerville was a very important part of getting our RUSH Sprint division off the ground in 2018, and their races this year at the track have been tremendous.  And we can't wait to award one lucky RUSH Sportsman Modified racer with the richest giveaway in the history of our Series with a $9,000 complete Chevrolet Performance 602 Crate Engine package thanks to sponsor Waterstone Mortgage."

 

This year’s “Steel City Stampede” will be the 13th edition of this huge event that includes many of the region’s racing divisions all showcased in this end of the season blowout.  There has only been one repeat RUSH Late Model winner and it took until 2019 to happen; past winners include Josh Holtgraver (2009), Bryan Force (2010), Butch Lambert (2011), Max Blair (2012, 2019 & 2020), Dennis Lunger, Jr. (2013), Chad Ruhlman (2014), Jacob Hawkins (2015), John Mollick (2016), John Waters (2017), and Colton Flinner (2018).  With the majority of those racers not expected to be in competition, there's a high likelihood of a new winner.

 

Saturday's event will pay $2,000 to-win.  There will also be a $200 to-win, $150 to-start non-qualifier.  FK Rod Ends "Shock the Clock Qualifying and Beat the Heat" will be utilized on Friday night for the Late Models meaning the fastest qualifier will receive $100 and all heat race winners will earn $25.  The pole position Sunoco Dash and last chance B main(s) will kickoff Saturday's program. 

 

Virginia's Kyle Hardy, the $5,000 Pace National Weekly Series Championship, leads the Tour back to Lernerville for the second time in 2021 and will clinch the $12,000 title this weekend.  Hardy, who has seven wins and an impressive 14 podium finishes in 16 races, has a 53-point lead on the surging Joe Martin.  After starting the season off with three finishes outside the top 10 in the first six races, Martin has come on strong with 10 straight top six finishes.  Martin has also rattled off five straight podium finishes including his first Tour win in seven years at the September 11 Sharon event.  Three-time champion, Jeremy Wonderling, is third in points as his bid for four straight titles will be unsuccessful.  After a stretch of three wins in six races between May 15 and July 3, Wonderling has been shutout of victory lane since.

 

Michael Duritsky, Jr. is fourth in points with four top five and eight top 10 finishes.  Duritsky won his first career Lernerville race on July 23 as part of the "RUSH Summer Showcase", which was a Pace Weekly Series special.  Bud Watson, Ryan Frazee, John Waters, J.J. Mazur, Kyle Lukon, and Logan Zarin round out the top 10 in points.

 

Meanwhile, the RUSH Sportsman Modifieds will join the "Steel City Stampede" for the eighth consecutive year in an $800 to-win event.  Greg Martin won the inaugural race in 2014, while Nick Ritchey won his first ever at Lernerville in 2015.  Rocky Kugel topped what was at the time in 2016 was a record field of 29 cars.  Steve Slater won the 2017 show, while teen Blaze Myers scored a popular first Tour win in 2018 after coming out of the B main to also win the "Futures Cup" title.  In 2019, Eric Gabany was victorious, while last year Chas Wolbert capped off his championship season by becoming the seventh different "Steel City Stampede" winner in as many years!  Will there be an eighth different winner this year!?

 

The RUSH Sportsman Mods have made one visit this season to Lernerville on July 23 for the "RUSH Summer Showcase" when Wolbert topped a 25-car field.  Wolbert has already clinched his second straight Hovis Weekly Series title worth $3,500.  Tony Tatgenhorst currently leads the Hovis Tour points by nine over J.C. Boyer with Rob Kristyak just one-point back.  Wolbert and Kole Holden are tied for fourth in points. 

 

On Saturday, one lucky RUSH Sportsman Modified racer will win a Chevrolet Performance 602 Sportsman Modified crate engine package giveaway (carb-to-pan) valued at nearly $9,000 from Pace Performance.  This will be the most valuable product to ever be given away in the history of the RUSH Racing Series!  Thank you to Sara Cipriano at Waterstone Mortgage for making this possible.  Other RUSH corporate marketing partners who joined with Waterstone Mortgage and Pace Performance to complete the Chevrolet Performance 602 "race ready" engine package are the following: Holley Performance Products Inc, MSD Performance, Schoenfeld Headers, and Jones Racing Products as well as 955 Automotive, Ingram Engines and Race 1.  Over $32,000 in product giveaways has been posted to RUSH Sportsman Modified racers in 2021!

 

To be eligible, drivers had to be a RUSH member and not compete in a non-RUSH sanctioned Sportsman Modified event the same night as a completed RUSH-sanctioned event in 2021.  Eligible drivers that competed in 25-49% of total completed RUSH events receive 1 chance for the engine giveaway; eligible drivers that competed in 50-74% of total completed RUSH events receive 4 chances; eligible drivers that competed in 75-99% of total completed RUSH events receive 8 chances.  Any driver that would have had perfect attendance would have received 10 chances.

 

The following are the 25 eligible drivers for the engine giveaway: JC Boyer, Ben Easler, Kole Holden, Jacob Jordan, Justin Shea, and Chas Wolbert with eight chances; Ayden Cipriano, Cole Edwards, Jordan Ehrenberg, Chelsie Kriegisch, Rob Kristyak, Kyle Martell, Cameron McFadden, Greg Porter, Dave Price, Brandon Ritchey, and Tony Tatgenhorst with four chances; Brandon Albert, Lucas Canon, Amelia Clay, Preston Cope, Josh Ehrenberg, Gary Haupt, Garrett Krummert, and Jacob Wolfe with one chance.  Selected driver does not have to be present to win.

 

The RUSH Sprints will wrap up their fourth season racing for $800 to-win.  Chad Ruhlman has won both races at Lernerville this year including the July 23 show, which matched a record with 22 cars in competition.  Ruhlman, who was the 2018 and 2019 Weekly Series Champion, trails Gale Ruth, Jr. by three points in the $5,000 to-win Equipment Rental Options Weekly Series Championship.  Ruhlman must win and Ruth finish third or worse in order to win his third championship.  Blaze Myers, Rod George, and John Mollick are third through fifth in points. 

 

Precise Racing Products will award a $100 gift card for the "Pedal Down" Hard Charger that passes the most cars in the Late Model and Sportsman Modified feature.  The TBM Brakes “Tough Brake of the Night” will award three bottles of Xtreme6 Racing Brake Fluid valued at approximately $45 in both the Late Models and Sportsman Modifieds.  

 

The Late Model and Sportsman Modified feature winner each night will receive a 5-Gallon Race Jug from Precise.  Ontime Body & Graphic's "Spoiler Alert" will award a $150 spoiler kit to the 17th place Late Model finisher (note: if a driver has already won a spoiler this season, spoiler will be awarded to the next position). 

 

One Late Model driver will be randomly selected each night at the drivers meeting for a $100 Sunoco gift card thanks to the "Fill'er up with Sunoco Bucks" program presented by Sunoco and Zarin Truck & Auto.  Also, Performance Bodies will award a $100 gift card to the first Late Model non-qualifier part of the "Nosed Out" program.  Sherwood Wheels will award a steel wheel to the Sportsman Modified "Man of Steel" recipient.

 

RUSH Late Model Feature Payoff: 1. $2,000  2. $1,000  3. $650  4. $550  5. $470  6. $435  7. $410  8. $370  9. $340  10. $310  11. $280  12. $270  13. $260  14. $250  15. $240  16. $235  17. $230  18-24. $225. 

 

RUSH Late Model Non-Qualifier Payoff: 1. $200  2. $190  3. $185  4. $180  5. $175  6. $170  7. $165  8. $160  9. $155  10-24. $150. Tow $125.

 

RUSH Sportsman Modified Feature Payoff: 1. $800  2. $500  3. $350  4. $300  5. $250  6. $220  7. $180  8. $175  9. $170  10. $165  11. $160  12. $155  13. $150  14. $145  15. $140  16. $135  17. $130  18-24. $125.  Tow $75.

 

RUSH Sprint Car Feature Payoff: 1. $800  2. $400  3. $300  4. $250  5. $225  6. $220  7. $210  8. $200  9. $190  10. $185  11. $180  12. $175  13. $170  14-18. $165  19-24. $160.  Tow $75.

 

The AMB/MyLaps transponders are required for all divisions.  Driver radios are always mandatory; channel 454.000.  The entry fee is $100 for Late Models and $35 for the Sportsman Modifieds.  There will be an open practice from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday night.  Registration will open at 3 p.m. on Thursday and 2 p.m. on Friday.  There will be a drivers meeting on Friday at 6:20 p.m. with group qualifying for the RUSH Late Models at 7:00 followed by heat races.  Racing begins early on Saturday at 4 p.m.  Check out the following link for additional "Steel City Stampede" event details: https://dirtcardotli...r-guide-1-1.pdf

 

Lernerville is a 4/10-mile high-banked clay oval located 11 miles southeast of Butler, Pa. on Route 356 at 313 North Pike Road, Sarver, PA 16055.  Lernerville is just 30 miles northeast of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.  For more information, check out their website at www.lernerville.com or call 724-353-1511.

 

RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Pace Performance together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, Born2Run Lubricants, Flynn's Tire & Auto Service, FK Rod Ends, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, TBM Brakes, Performance Bodies & Parts, Racing Electronics, Dirt Defender, Wrisco Industries, Frankland Racing Supply, Landrum Performance Spring, Ontime Body & Graphic, Zarin Truck & Automotive, Sherwood Wheels, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, Stop-Fyre, Lincoln Electric, Velocita-USA, Waterstone Mortgage Hermitage, CrateInsider.com, and Wedge Motorsports.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143.  Office phone is 724-964-9300.  The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.

 

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RUSH RACING SERIES LOADED WITH NUMEROUS NEW TALENTED YOUNG RACERS; ENSURING BRIGHT FUTURE FOR RUSH-SANCTIONED SPEEDWAYS

By Doug Kennedy

 

September 1, 2021                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

(Pulaski, PA)... One of the most important goals of the Pace Performance RUSH Racing Series throughout the years has always to keep people racing via the true “cost containment” technical rules packages that are surrounded by outstanding championship programs. 

 

RUSH's formula continues to prove successful as nearly 30 different speedways throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic have presented hundreds of exciting RUSH-sanctioned events in 2021 featuring numerous well-known veteran drivers as well as many in the prime of their careers.  One of the most exciting and important factors that RUSH has created throughout the Series is a tremendous opportunity for young racers to be able to step into a full size race car at an affordable cost!

 

"It's just amazing to watch all of our young racers compete throughout the RUSH Series", stated Series Director Vicki Emig.  "It's so satisfying to know that our concept is allowing their parents to be able to put them in a competitive full-size race car at such a young age.  We've watched so many racers begin their careers with us, some who had never turned a lap in a race car, become some of our regions toughest competitors and race door-to-door with seasoned veterans as time went on; I don't think there is anything more satisfying than that!"           

 

One of the developmental programs of RUSH is the "Futures Cup" Championship, a stand-alone program in each RUSH division that  allows member teenage racers to compete for their own individual championships over and above all other RUSH programs.  Drivers who are 18 or 19 cannot have more than year of experience in an equal or higher division to be eligible.       

 

Eighteen-year old Zach Crawford of McDonald, Pa. got his start racing bicycles.  He was part of the NBL which is now the USA BMX.  In 2011, Crawford went to Tulsa for the Grand Nationals.  A bad wreck ended his cycling career so his dad, Jim, got Zach into a 4 Cylinder to begin his auto racing career in 2020.  “Over the winter my dad said if we’re going to get into this we should get into it the best way we can and that’s where the RUSH Late Model came in.” said Zach.  “Dad owns the team, but I pitch in whenever I can.”

 

“I feel like it’s a great place to start,” Zach said of the RUSH Series.  “They (RUSH) run the Series very well.  I enjoy the ("Wheelman") non-qualifiers race as it gives drivers the chance who don’t qualify for the main event to be still be able to race in their own event that night.  I’m hoping to get a better feel for the car and get a couple of wins under our belt in the future.” 

 

Crawford currently works in his dad’s Sewickley based business, Crawford Auto Repair. 
 

Kassidy Kamicker of Aliquippa, Pa., the 2020 RUSH Late Model "Wheelman Champion", is one of the female participants of RUSH.  Kamicker, a graduate of Hopewell High School, started racing in go-karts at age 10, and moved up to the RUSH Late Models last year when she turned 17. 

 

“I like the people that are involved with RUSH,” Kamicker said. “Everyone is nice and are always willing to help out.  They’re really good at promoting their drivers.  They put your name out there so others know who you are.  I think the rules are good and I like how they do their different point funds.  Last year, I won the Wheelman Championship and I got a nice granite plaque and jacket.” 

 

Kamicker’s dad, Craig, and mom, Melanie, do the financial part of the race team.  They are also fortunate to have seven other sponsors,  On race day at Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway, Kassidy has her mom, dad, Uncle Jay, her boyfriend John, and friends Joe and Brandy there at the track to help out.   

 

She feels that her racing has improved dramatically over the last two years and plans on returning to competition in 2022 at PPMS, she may even venture to Lernerville and Sharon Speedways.  She will be going to CCBC to major in business management and one day hopes to own a race shop. 

 

Currently leading the RUSH Late Model "Futures Cup" is 19-year-old Logan Jaquay of Bear Lake, Pa., a sophomore and wrestler at Edinboro University.  This is Logan’s first full season of racing with RUSH, who for 10 years previous raced go-karts.

 

Jaquay is part of the Briggs Transport operation and has had the opportunity to travel and work on the cars of both Boom Briggs and Chub Frank.  Logan stated, "Both have been a great help to me, they've done it their wholes lives and know what I need, it's all worked out very well!"

 

Uncle Steve said, “Logan’s career is real promising.  A lot of people comment that he’s just a natural behind the wheel.  Go-Karts can be as tough as the Late Model."   

 

“I had a car and knew I was going to be racing at Stateline and Eriez, both of which had a good thing going with RUSH then why not join,"  said Logan.  “It has really worked out for us; I love the idea of having the same rules package so you can take your car to different tracks and be competitive.  I also like the touring series.”

 

Seventeen-year-old Ashton Briggs is in his first season of racing a RUSH  Late Model.  Briggs, who resides in Erie, Pa, will be a senior this coming year at Erie McDowell and also works at Blue Beacon Truck Wash cleaning trucks and trailers and contributes his earnings to the race team.  

 

Ashton, whose cousins are Chub Frank and Boom Briggs, as well as Logan Jaquay, began racing a go-kart at age seven and continued doing so for nine more seasons.  He now competes with his RUSH Late Model at Eriez and Stateline along a one appearance at both Raceway 7 and Sharon.  The team, which is financed by his dad Brodie and his mom Tricia. 

 

As for RUSH, Tricia said, “I think it’s a great opportunity for these young drivers.  It’s very professionally run.  I just wish we would have known about it (Futures) Cup earlier.  Either way, Vicki (Emig) has been so, so helpful.”

  

“I think RUSH is a good series that allows me to compete close to home,” added Ashton, who won the Non-Qualifier last Saturday at Sharon Speedway in just his second Touring Series start.  “I really like the point funds and Manufacturers Night.”  As for the help he gets from Chub and Boom, Ashton said, “Chub built and sets up my car and has helped me with many things from the beginning of my career;  Boom gives me tips and other advice to help me.  Everything is going pretty good right now with a couple of top 10’s and hopefully top 5’s will be coming soon.” 

 

Philip Bubeck, at 18, is another young driver in the RUSH Late Model Series.  He has been racing at PPMS for most of this season.  Prior to the Late Model, Philip raced a Mini Wedge and a 4-Cylinder.

 

Philip works at a garage called B&J Performance for its two owners, Bill and April Tennant.  “They own the car and I drive for them,” said Bubeck. 

 

It’s a family affair for the Bubeck’s as Philip’s younger brother, Noah, also races at PPMS in a 4-Cylinder.  His parents, Brian and Stephanie and his grandparents, Phil and Diane, are also involved.  “That’s what makes things happen and fun with the whole family involved.”

 

Phil and Kyle Lukon also add to Philip’s racing prowess.  “They help out with the set-up and how to drive the Late Model transitioning from the 4-Cylinder.” 

 

Bob and Paula Quaigg also are a big help for Philip since they found the car that we bought.  Both of the Quaiggs also help at the racetrack as well.

 

The driver from Collier, West Virginia likes the RUSH Series.  “I think it’s awesome, and we like everything about RUSH," stated Bubeck.  "I definitely want to travel around, but before that we want to get some more seat time” 

    

Fifteen year old Ben Easler of Linesville, PA is one of six drivers competing in the "Futures Cup" for the Sportsman Modifieds.  After spending six years in a Go-Kart, Ben switched to a Sportsman Mod for 2021. 

 

“He won a feature in his 7^th race,” said his dad, Jason.  “He surprised everyone including himself.” 

 

Their #02 racecar is leased from Russ King Racing.  “Not only do we have RUSH, but we’ve had Rex King Jr., and even Rex, Sr., come and help us out as well.  I thought my son was pretty good but putting him into good equipment justified my thought that he is a good racer.”

 

As for RUSH, Jason said, “It’s a good way for racers to compete for decent money.  Racing costs a lot, but it’s the least expensive, most lucrative series around.  It’s the best deal unless you have unlimited funds and the competition is great.” 

 

“The RUSH Series has given us a variety of  places to race and divisions is great,” said Ben.  “In the beginning, I didn’t really know what I was doing so I would go to the bottom of the track and float along and hoped that would be okay.  Now I have more car control and know what line to run and the confidence to go up top to pass cars.” 

 

Besides his win and leading the "Futures Cup" points, Easler is 5^th in overall Hovis Auto & Truck Supply Weekly Series points and in the top seven of both the Wedge Motorsports "Route 7 Rumble" and Hovis Touring Series points.  He’s run a number of races at tracks like Tyler County, PPMS, Raceway 7, Sharon, and Lernerville.  “The more tracks you hit, the better and quicker you learn,” said Jason. 

 

Cole Edwards from Kennerdell, Pa. is in his first season of racing a RUSH Sportsman Modified.  Prior to joining RUSH, Edwards raced a go-kart for three years.  Cole won Flat Run Speedway's Outlaw Kart Championship.  His father Jason finances the car, but Cole helps out when he can by giving his earnings from such jobs as grass cutting, power washing homes and monies he received from Christmas and Birthdays.

 

“He lives and breathes racing,” Jason said of his son. “The whole family does.”  Now beginning in 8^th grade 13 year old Cole Edwards has already begun to learn a lot about his car and the tracks he competes at.  “Hopefully I become more competitive,” Edwards said.  “I really like the competition in the RUSH Sportsman Modifieds!  There are a lot of good drivers that I get a chance to race against each week  as well as learn from each week as well.”    

 

Sixteen-year-old Lucas Canon of Sharpsville, Pa. is also in his first season in the RUSH Sportsman Modified division, but got a late start not making his debut until July 24.  Canon has been racing mainly at Sharon with two appearances at Raceway 7.  

 

Prior to this season, Lucas raced Go-Karts, winning two titles, one at Slippery Rock and the other at Good Hope in the Junior Clone and the Junior Predator Divisions.  Lucas, who will be a sophomore at Sharpsville High School, works at Zero Error Racing where he machines parts for racecars. 

 

His dad, Jim, raced Big-Blocks Modifieds and E-Mods from 1992 through 2007.  He along with Lucas’s mom Michele, provide the financial support for their son.  Jim also serves as Lucas’s crew chief, while Michelle provides all the moral support for Lucas.  His sister, Muncie, helps with the tires and cleans the car, while his grandfather, Howard is part of his crew as well. 

 

“I’ve always wanted to race a Modified,” said Lucas. “I like the RUSH series because it’s more affordable.  RUSH is always on top of things, which makes things run smooth when we are at the track.”

 

 “A lot of people I spoke with feel like this division is a real good deal for us and it’s affordable with the crate motor,” added Jim.

 

At 17 years of age, Cameron McFadden joined the Sportsman Modified Division this year as well.  He will be a senior this coming fall at Northwestern High School.  Like Edwards and Canon, Cameron raced Go-Karts since he was nine.  During that stretch, he won seven features at Slippery Rock.  

 

McFadden comes from a racing family as his stepfather, Wendell Pinckney and his stepbrother, William, have both raced a RUSH Late Model.  Both Wendell and Cameron’s mom, Charlene, will provides the financial, moral, and race day support for their son. When they’re at the race track, Wendell is the crew chief and Charlene is part of the pit crew as well.   

 

“I used to go to Sharon and Raceway 7 and I was intrigued by the Modified,” said Cameron, who lives in Albion, Pa.  “My goal is to race and improve and eventually get into a Big-Block Modified.”

 

Said his mom, Charlene, “It’s been a learning experience for him.  We’ve stressed seat time with him and how positive it is to finish races and get that experience under his belt no matter where he finishes.” 

 

As for the Futures Cup, Charlene added, “We’re pleased with it.  I like the fact that they are doing this for the young kids which helps them get the recognition that gives them the incentive to want to continue racing.” 

 

Cameron’s racecar was built by his step dad from two other racecars.  Wendell, who has spent 25 years in racing, also serves as Cameron’s crew chief. “He does everything with the race car,” said Cameron. 

 

Dalton Gabriel of Ellwood City, Pa. is 15 years old.  He currently competes in the RUSH Sportsman Modified division as well and is part of the "Futures Cup".  Prior to the Modified, Dalton raced a Go-Kart when he was eight years old. 

 

“It’s a good series,” said his dad Todd, regarding the RUSH Series. “She (Vicki) does a lot for the drivers with the manufacturers night and the points fund.  It’s nice we can go to different tracks and it is cost-effective.”

 

“I like it (RUSH) because of the points fund and I like how they tech and have all the rules,” added Dalton.  It’s more on the driver with everything else being equal.  I just go out and try to pass as many cars as I can.”

 

“He’s getting more consistent and confident,” Todd said of Dalton.  “He does all his own maintenance and the tires and I do the technical side.  It’s only me, my wife (Jessica), and Dalton involved with the program. 

 

“It’s been pretty good,” Dalton said of his 2021 season.  “A few up and downs, but I’m getting better.  I just want to be able to finish races.” 

 

Nineteen-year-old, Jacob Rutana of Poland, Ohio, has split time in the racecar with this older brother, Doug (23) at Raceway 7 and Sharon; however, that has changed as the Rutanas recently purchased a second car for Doug. 

 

For the last 12 years, David Rutana has operated Goodhope Speedway, a Kart track located in New Springfield, Ohio.  The RUSH Karts are run at Good Hope as well.  David, who also owns GSI Transportation Services, likes what he sees of RUSH.  “I do like the Series.  It is well organized and they are strict with the rules.  I like that because it keeps the opportunity for those who just starting or switching divisions.”

 

“I like how they operate their points system, the rules, and manufacturers night,” added Ben. “I would absolutely do this again next year.”

 

“There’s good competition in the class,” said Jacob.  “It’s a good entry level division to get into.  I can also race at tracks that are relatively close to home like Raceway 7, Lernerville, and Sharon.  I really enjoyed this season and learned a lot.  We noticed our progression from starting at Sharon to our August race at Raceway 7.   I will continue to work on my driving skills.”

 

RUSH Sprint Car driver Brian Cressley, 16 of Corry, Pa. began his racing career in go-karts winning track championships at both Stateline and Pittsfield .  He also competed in UAS and won the national title.  This is the Cressleys second year competing in the RUSH Sprint Car division as he finished second in the "Futures Cup" last season to Nolan Groves.  While Brian runs a Sprint, his father Jerry, still races an adult Go-Kart when he’s not travelling with his son. 

 

“It’s been a tremendous season for us,” Jerry said.  “Our goal is not necessarily to win, but to move up close to the front.  We’re aiming to improve track position.  There are three types of racers; one, guys who are winning and up front; two, the middle group consists of drivers who are experienced but not necessarily winning and then there’s the third; beginners which is where Brian has been for the last two seasons.  We are now sneaking towards the middle group and we hope to stay there for a while.”

 

“I’m starting to race with the guys who are running up front,” said Brian.  “It’s been a learning curve this year.” 

 

“It’s an easy way to get into a Sprint Car because there’s no way I could even think about a 410,” Jerry said of RUSH.  “It evens the playing field with the shocks, motors, tires, and fuel.  We can still get an edge by setting up the car.  I like the way they are promoting it and getting more tracks involved.”

 

“This Series is a good deal,” said Brian.  "There are good guys and I like all the tracks we go to, it’s just a lot of fun and a good Sprint Car series for beginners.” 

 

Derek Peterson, who is 17, is part of a large group of new racers in the RUSH Pro Mod division.  For the past three seasons, Derek’s father Tim has owned a RUSH Pro Mod for driver Vaughn Nystrom.  This season, he added a second Pro Mod to his stable and named his son Derek as the driver.    

 

As for Derek’s racing progression, Tim said, “He’s comes a long way from the beginning of the season.  It was a little scary at first but now we are getting competitive with the added seat time.”

 

“I’ve been pretty good for my first year,” said Derek.  “I’m getting better coming into the corners and just being faster.  I like it (RUSH), and there is a really nice group of racers.” 

 

Prior to this season, Derek raced in the 4-Cylinder Kids Class.  Tim is also a current racer, driving a UMP Modified.  He started in 2000 with a Street Stock and did that for five years before getting into an E-Mod.  The car Derek is driving this season is a 2014 Shaw that Tim used to run before he rolled it at McKean County Raceway.  It was sitting there for three years before Tim decided to get it fixed and turn it over to his son.

 

“The Pro Mod is a good class and I would rather get him started with the Modified and not develop bad habits,” said Tim.  “It’s a different style of car that I want him to learn.  I think this is an awesome series.  I’ve been racing other series for many years and never received anything.  It’s wonderful what RUSH does for the drivers with the sponsors, the points fund, and the Manufacturers Night  giveaways.”

 

Seventeen-year-old Ian DeGolier of Bradford, Pa. is another first year racer in the RUSH Pro Mod Series.  Before the Pro Mods, Ian raced in the Mini Stock Kid Division for three years, winning the Bradford track championship twice.

 

“I was looking forward to this year by jumping up a class and racing at McKean, my favorite track,” Ian said. 

 

Ian’s dad, Todd, is very supportive of the RUSH Pro Mod Series.  “I think it’s a great series.  I like the fact that it’s a sanctioning body that you don’t have to worry about track rules and anybody cheating.  I think it’s absolutely awesome.”

 

Pro Mod racer Tyler Sutton is 18 years old and lives in Jamestown, New York.  He’s also entering his freshman year at Penn State Behrend where he wants to major in electrical engineering.  “I’m looking to go to law school and become a patent attorney,” Tyler said. “I chose a local college so that I could continue my racing career.”  Tyler co-owns the car with his dad, Chris, who also serves as the crew chief. 

 

This is Tyler’s very first year of racing.  “It started off a little rough but I’m finding some consistency nearing the end of the season,” said Tyler.  “We’re going in the right direction.” 

 

As for the RUSH Series, Tyler said, “It’s been thoroughly enjoyable.  Vicki (Emig) has worked with me for the last few years to get my racing program going.  It’s a perfect way to get into racing and it’s affordable.  You don’t have to break the bank to get into it.”  Tyler plans on doing the RUSH Pro Mods full-time for the 2022 season.

 

David Shagla and wife, Kelli, finance the RUSH Stock Car racing career of their 16-year-old son, Mikael Beaver of Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania, Kelly’s son.  Kelli actually raced a RUSH Kart last year and finished sixth in the adult points. 

 

So far this season, Mikael has 10 wins between Stateline and Eriez Speedway along with a second and third place finish at Dog Hollow. Mikael raced the RUSH Go-Karts last year and finished 6^th in points.  

 

The racing operation is very much family oriented.  Kelli’s husband races a Pro Stock.  Her brother, Jay Groves, races the RUSH Kart Series, and his son Nolan (her nephew) races the RUSH Sprints.  Her daughter, Halley Shagla races a 450 Quad.  Her other daughter Raegon Beaver is in charge of the pits while David serves as the crew chief.  “He’s the man with the plan,” said Kelli.

 

“We love it,” said Kelli of the RUSH Series. “We’re looking forward for a few more guys in the division next year.  It’s a great starter class for somebody who’s just beginning and it’s affordable.  Mike really likes the series and has every intention of coming back for next season,”

 

“I love the series because it’s all the same for the rules and cars,” said Mikael of RUSH.  “It evens things out and it’s affordable.”   

 

RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Pace Performance together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, Born2Run Lubricants, Flynn's Tire & Auto Service, FK Rod Ends, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, TBM Brakes, Performance Bodies & Parts, Racing Electronics, Dirt Defender, Wrisco Industries, Frankland Racing Supply, Landrum Performance Spring, Ontime Body & Graphic, Zarin Truck & Automotive, Sherwood Wheels, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, Stop-Fyre, Lincoln Electric, Velocita-USA, Waterstone Mortgage Hermitage, CrateInsider.com, and Wedge Motorsports.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143.  Office phone is 724-964-9300.  The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like and follow the various RUSH divisions' Facebook and Twitter pages by searching each individual division's name

 

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BUSY 3-RACE WEEKEND ON TAP FOR PACE RUSH SPORTSMAN MODS; HOVIS TOUR EVENT THURSDAY AT EXPO FOLLOWED BY WEEKLY SERIES EVENTS AT LERNERVILLE & SHARON

By Mike Leone

 

July 12, 2021              FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

(Pulaski, PA)...After completing a two-race weekend at Raceway 7 and Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway, the Pace Performance RUSH Sportsman Modified Series together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC will continue a busy stretch of five races over nine days picking up Thursday with three straight nights of competition.  It gets underway at Expo Speedway (July 15) for the Trumbull County Fair race in a Hovis Auto & Truck Supply Touring Series event followed by Hovis Weekly Series action on Friday night (July 16) at Lernerville Speedway and Saturday night (July 17) at Sharon Speedway.

 

Due to rain, Thursday's event at Expo will be the 2021 kickoff of the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply Touring Series and will pay $800 to-win.  Racing begins early at 6 p.m. due to no lights.  The 174th annual Trumbull County Fair will feature racing on one night again this year as the RUSH Mods join up with the BRP Big-Block Modified Tour.  This will be the sixth year that the RUSH Sportsman Modifieds, which compete weekly at nearby Sharon Speedway, will be on the card.  Last year's Fair was cancelled due to COVID-19. 

 

The 2015 event not only marked the first ever race for the RUSH Sportsman Modifieds at Expo, but made history as the first ever Tour event run with Greg Martin earning the top honors.  Chelsie Kriegisch then made more history in 2016 by becoming the first female to ever win in the track’s history and the first female in the history of crate racing in the Northeast to win a Touring Series event!  Rocky Kugel rebounded from a bad crash to win the 2017 event.  In 2018, the RUSH Sportsman Modifieds competed on both Wednesday and Thursday night during the Fair with Brandon Ritchey and Garrett Krummert victorious.  The 2019 show went to Rob Kristyak over the Expo record 22-car field.      

 

Will there be a seventh different winner in as many events on Thursday at Expo!?  One driver looking to keep that streak alive is Chas Wolbert of nearby Warren, Ohio.  Wolbert is the division's all-time winner with 39 triumphs including a Series leading six in 2021.  Justin Shea, who leads both the $3,500 to-win Hovis Weekly and $1,000 to-win Wedge Motorsports "Route 7 Rumble" Series Championship points is also a favorite to continue the trend of different winners. 

 

Expo Feature Payoff: 1. $800  2. $500  3. $350  4. $300  5. $250  6. $220  7. $180  8. $175  9. $170  10. $165  11. $160  12. $155  13. $150  14. $145  15. $140  16. $135  17. $130  18-24. $125.  Tow $75.

 

Drivers need to be prepared with their own fuel, tires, etc. ahead of time as there will be no supplier at the track.  No transponders will be used.  Driver radios are always mandatory and are channel 454.000.  Pit passes are $25.  The entry fee is $35.  Pits open around 3 p.m.  Pre-race tech and registration will begin by 3:30.  A drivers meeting will be around 5:10 p.m. with warm-ups slated for 5:30 followed by racing at 6. 

 

On Friday, the RUSH Sportsman Modifieds will head to Lernerville Speedway for their first of two straight appearances at the Sarver, Pa. oval with heat races at 7:30 p.m.  The Mods will be back the following Friday night for the RUSH Summer Showcase event with the RUSH Late Models and RUSH Sprint Cars before returning on October 15-16 for the "Steel City Stampede".  Lernerville has held 27 RUSH Sportsman Modified races in Series history, which is third all-time behind Sharon and Pittsburgh.

 

The fifth race in nine nights for the RUSH Sportsman Modifieds will take place on Saturday at the weekly home, Sharon Speedway.  The Mods will join up with the Pace Performance RUSH Late Model Flynn's Tire/Born2Run Lubricants Touring Series in the $3,199 to-win "Bill Forney Memorial" as well as the Pace Performance RUSH Sprint Cars in an Equipment Rental Options Weekly Series event.  Race time is 7 p.m.  Thus far this year at Sharon, Wolbert has two wins with Krummert and Jacob Wolfe also victorious.

 

"This will be a great weekend for the RUSH Mods," acknowledged Vicki Emig.  "Trumbull County Fairboard president Bud Rodgers, who also owns the towing company at Sharon Speedway, has always been a big proponent of the division and we're thankful to not only be able to go there every year, but also return this year after COVID wiped out the Fair in 2020.  The show at Lernerville was a late addition, and we know the racers always enjoy competing in the spotlight at the track.  And it'll be great to have three of our classes at Sharon on Saturday as Bill Forney certainly loved the RUSH program."   

 

Expo Speedway is a 5/8-mile dirt track located at the Trumbull County Fairgrounds just north of Route 305 on Hoagland-Blackstub Road in Bazetta Township, Cortland, Ohio.  Pit access is Gate A right past the church. ATVs and golf carts must be kept in the pits and cannot go outside this area.  For more information, check out www.trumbullcountyfair.com or call 330-637-6010.

 

Lernerville is a 4/10-mile high-banked clay oval located 11 miles southeast of Butler, Pa. on Route 356 at 313 North Pike Road, Sarver, PA 16055.  Lernerville is just 30 miles northeast of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.  For more information, check out their website at www.lernerville.com or call 724-353-1511 (office) or 724-353-1350 (track).  Like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Lernerville/ and follow them on Twitter @Lernerville.

 

Sharon Speedway is a 3/8-mile dirt track located on Custer-Orangeville Road in Hartford, Ohio near the intersection of Routes 7 & 305.  For more information, check out their website at www.sharonspeedway.com or call 330-772-5481.  Become a fan of Sharon Speedway on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sharonspeedway and follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sharonspdwy.

 

RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Pace Performance together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, Born2Run Lubricants, Flynn's Tire & Auto Service, FK Rod Ends, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, TBM Brakes, Performance Bodies & Parts, Racing Electronics, Wrisco Industries, Frankland Racing Supply, Landrum Performance Spring, Ontime Body & Graphic, Zarin Truck & Automotive, Sherwood Wheels, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, Stop-Fyre, Lincoln Electric, Velocita-USA, Waterstone Mortgage Hermitage, CrateInsider.com, and Wedge Motorsports.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like the Sportsman Modified Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushsportsmanmods and follow us on Twitter @RUSHSportMods.

 

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PACE RUSH LATE MODEL FLYNN'S TIRE/BORN2RUN LUBRICANTS TOUR SET TO RESUME THIS WEEKEND WITH SEASON'S RICHEST EVENT- THE $10,000 TO-WIN "BILL EMIG MEMORIAL" PRESENTED BY HOVIS AT LERNERVILLE WITH WORLD OF OUTLAWS' "FIRECRACKER 100"

By Mike Leone

 

June 22, 2021               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

(Pulaski, PA)...After three weekends off, the Pace Performance RUSH Dirt Late Model Series together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC is set to resume its Flynn's Tire/Born2Run Lubricants Touring Series this weekend (June 24-26) with its season's richest event- the "Bill Emig Memorial" presented by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply at Lernerville Speedway as part of the "Firecracker 100" with the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models.  Thursday night will feature group qualifying with heat races and the dash on Friday night followed by last chance B mains, the feature, and non-qualifier on Saturday night.  The rain date is Sunday.

 

For the  third straight year, the "Bill Emig Memorial" will be part of the "Firecracker 100", a crown jewel in Super Late Model racing, sanctioned by the World of Outlaws.  Once again, $10,000 will be on the line for the RUSH Late Models marking it the richest Flynn's Tire/Born2Run Lubricants Tour event of the season, while $30,000 will go to the winner of the 15th annual "Firecracker 100" for the World of Outlaws.  It is anticipated that Saturday's show will again be the nation's highest fan attended event of the season for Chevrolet Performance Crate Late Model racing! 

 

While each night will include a complete show for the World of Outlaws, Thursday night (June 24) will see practice and FK Rod Ends "Shock the Clock" Qualifying for the RUSH Late Models ($100 for fast time), Friday night will include FK Rod Ends heat races ($25 to-win) and the "John Buzzard Memorial" Sunoco Dash ($100 to-win & a $100 Sunoco gift card), while Saturday night will include the last chance B mains, 50-lap feature ($10,000 to-win, $450 to-start), and the non-qualifier ($400 to-win, $200 to-start).  Additional information on the event can be found here: https://rushlatemode...kerInfo2021.pdf

 

"I can't thank Lernerville and the World of Outlaws enough for allowing the RUSH Late Models to once again be part of the renowned ‘Firecracker’ weekend," expressed RUSH Director Vicki Emig.  "To be able to showcase our RUSH Late Model racers in what is considered to be one the country's premier Super Late Model events in front of such a huge crowd has been truly an incredible experience for all of us the past two years.  Our racers have put on a tremendous show for the fans and we're really looking forward to being part of the event once again."

 

The 2021 "Bill Emig Memorial" will be the 31st annual event remembering the late car owner and father of RUSH Director Vicki Emig.  Over the 31 years, the event has been held at Lernerville, Hickory, Mercer, and Tri-City Speedways.  In 2019, the "Bill Emig Memorial" took place with the "Firecracker 100" at Lernerville for the first time and attracted a season high 53 cars from seven different states and Ontario, Canada- tying what was previously the third highest car count in Series history as Max Blair passed Ross Robinson with five laps to go for the victory.  Last year, the status of the event was up in the air until about one week prior due to COVID-19 restrictions, but that didn't stop Blair, who won the caution-free 50 lapper for another $10,000 payday.   

 

Bill Emig was a Semi-Late and Six-Cylinder Modified car owner from 1969 until his passing in 1990.  Emig had successful drivers pilot the #1 Ford such as Jim Becker, Bob Krauss, Donnie Martin, John Buzzard, Jerry Lesnak, Butch Haefke, and Lou Gentile.  In later years, Andy Priest, Jimmy Hawley, Frank Guidace, and Rodney Beltz drove Emig #1 Six-Cylinder and "358" Modified for Bill's daughter Vicki.

 

Emig's cars won over 300 feature events along with multiple track championships and several of Walt Wimer's prestigious Cavalcade Championships.  In 1986, his car was featured in a full color article in the special Christmas issue of Stock Car Racing magazine.  He was one of the original recipients of Lernerville Speedway's "Milestone in Racing" award in 1988.  Emig has also been inducted into both the Pittsburgh Circle Track Club and Twin-State Auto Racing Club Hall of Fames. 

 

"On a personal note I honestly can't describe what it means to have the 'Bill Emig Memorial' at Lernerville where the inaugural event took place in 1991," added Emig.  "To have this event pay $10,000 to win, of course makes it even more meaningful.  As a car owner, my dad had a very long and storied history at Lernerville and I know he would be so proud to see that his love of racing and legacy continues on through this historic event.  We also remember John Buzzard, who lost his life at Expo Speedway in my father's car in 1975, in our dash on Friday night.  I also have to thank longtime friend and business associate, Cliff Hovis, for continuing to have Hovis Auto & Truck Supply on as a major event sponsor for the third consecutive year."

 

Thus far this year, the Flynn's Tire/Born2Run Lubricants Touring Series has completed six of the 10 scheduled events.  Virginia racer Kyle Hardy leads the way with four wins including a sweep of the "Battle of the Bay" Speedweek plus a victory in his first Eriez Speedway start last month.  Hardy sits atop the standings of both the $12,000 to-win Tour and the $5,000 to-win Pace Performance Weekly Series Championships.  Hardy's Tour points lead has shrunk to 28 thanks to two wins and a runner-up in the last three races by Jeremy Wonderling.  Wonderling, who has never won before at Lernerville but has always run well, will look to cut more into Hardy's lead this weekend as he hunts for his fourth straight Tour championship.

 

Joe Martin, who has three victories in Weekly Series competition at Dog Hollow, strung together three straight top five Tour finishes before a 13th at the last event to sit third in points.  Kyle Lukon, who finished second in the 2019 Tour points losing to Wonderling by just one-point, enters fourth in points with five top nine finishes.  Michael Duritsky, Jr. is fifth as he's finished in the top five in points each of the past two seasons.  Completing the top 10 in Tour points are Bud Watson, J.J. Mazur, Ryan Frazee, John Waters, and Darrell Bossard. 

 

Precise Racing Products will award a $100 gift card for the "Pedal Down" Hard Charger that passes the most cars in the feature.  The TBM Brakes “Tough Brake of the Night” will award three bottles of Xtreme6 Racing Brake Fluid valued at approximately $45 along with a certificate for a discount off any TBM Brakes purchase.  

 

The feature winner will receive a 5-Gallon Race Jug from Precise.  Ontime Body & Graphic's "Spoiler Alert" will award a $150 spoiler kit to the seventh place finisher (note: if a driver has already won a spoiler this season, spoiler will be awarded to the next position). 

 

In addition to a $100 Sunoco gift card for the Sunoco Dash winner, one driver will be randomly selected at the drivers meeting for a $100 Sunoco gift card thanks to the "Fill'er up with Sunoco Bucks" program presented by Sunoco and Zarin Truck & Auto.  Also, Performance Bodies will award a $100 gift card to the first non-qualifier as part of the "Nosed Out" program.

 

50-Lap Feature Payoff: 1. $10,000  2. $5,000  3. $2,500  4. $2,000  5. $1,500  6. $1,200  7. $1,000  8. $900  9. $800  10. $700  11. $650  12. $625  13. $600  14. $550  15. $525  16. $500  17. $490  18. $480  19. $470  20. $460  21-24. $450  25. $450 (Series provisional, if  necessary).

 

Non-Qualifier Payoff: 1. $400  2. $300  3. $250  4. $240  5. $235  6. $230  7. $225  8. $220  9. $215  10. $210  11. $205  12-24. $200.  Anyone not starting a feature will receive $125.

 

You do not have to be a member of RUSH to compete only to receive Weekly and/or Tour points.  The entry fee for the event is $100.  AMB/MyLaps transponders will be used; Westhold transponders will NOT work.  Units are available to rent for the weekend for $25.  Driver radio channel will be 454.000.

 

Precise Racing Products, located minutes south of Lernerville on Route 356, will provide track side service every night during the "Firecracker".  Precise will have the Hoosier Tires, Sunoco 110 and RUSH 91 fuel, as well as parts for sale.  They can be contacted at 724-360-8000.

 

Lernerville is a 4/10-mile high-banked clay oval located 11 miles southeast of Butler, Pa. on Route 356 at 313 North Pike Road, Sarver, PA 16055.  Lernerville is just 30 miles northeast of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.  For more information, check out their website at www.lernerville.com or call 724-353-1511 (office) or 724-353-1350 (track).  Like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Lernerville/ and follow them on Twitter @Lernerville.

 

Hovis Auto & Truck Supply is headquartered in Mercer, Pa.  Hovis has 17 locations throughout western Pennsylvania and expanded their business to include heavy duty truck parts and paint, body and equipment sales.   Hovis Auto Wrecking, Inc. was first opened as a family business in 1952.  By 1969 their business had grown to include new parts sales and Hovis Auto & Truck Supply was formed.  Since that time, Hovis has grown to 17 locations and expanded their business to include heavy duty truck parts and paint, body and equipment sales.  For 50 years, Hovis Auto & Truck Supply has based their success on four key ingredients: their dedicated professionals, large inventories, quality name brand parts, and competitive prices. 

Hovis Auto & Truck Supply belongs to one of the largest automotive program distribution groups in the nation. As a member of Federated Auto Parts, they keep abreast of changes in technology and quality parts in today's fast paced economy.  Hovis is one of the largest distributors for each of its two automotive refinish lines: Axalta and Akzo Nobel.  Hovis is also a member of Vipar, one of the largest independent Heavy Duty Truck Parts Distributor Programs in the nation.   Hovis' officers sit on advisory councils of numerous manufactures, allowing Hovis Auto and Truck Supply to be on the cutting edge of technology.

 

The Hovis Auto & Truck Supply corporate office and distribution Center is located in Mercer, Pa.  Hovis has locations in the following western Pennsylvania cities: Allison Park, Butler, DuBois, Emlenton, Erie, Franklin, Grove City, Hermitage, Meadville, New Brighton, New Castle, North Huntingdon, Oil City, Titusville, Wexford, and Zelienople.  All of the store are open Monday through Friday from 8 p.m. until 6 p.m.  All of the stores open at 8 a.m. on Saturdays have different closing times.   For more information on Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, check out their website at www.hovisauto.com and "like" their page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HovisAutoSupply.

 

RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Pace Performance together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, Born2Run Lubricants, Flynn's Tire & Auto Service, FK Rod Ends, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, TBM Brakes, Performance Bodies & Parts, Racing Electronics, Dirt Defender, Wrisco Industries, Frankland Racing Supply, Landrum Performance Spring, Ontime Body & Graphic, Zarin Truck & Automotive, Sherwood Wheels, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, Stop-Fyre, Lincoln Electric, Velocita-USA, Waterstone Mortgage Hermitage, CrateInsider.com, and Wedge Motorsports.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300.  The RUSH Late Model website is www.rushlatemodels.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.

 

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FLYNN'S TIRE TO CO-PRESENT RUSH LATE MODEL TOURING SERIES IN 2021; RICHEST SEASON IN HISTORY SET TO BEGIN APRIL 14

By Mike Leone

 

March 8, 2021               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

(Pulaski, PA)...The Pace Performance RUSH Late Model Series together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC is pleased to announce that Flynn's Tire & Auto Service has come on board as the co-presenting sponsor of the 2021 Touring Series.  The richest season in Series history will include 23 events at 15 different speedways, and will get underway on April 14 at Delaware International Speedway for the "Raelyn Huffman Memorial" as part of the "Battle of the Bay" Speedweek. 

 

The 2021 Touring Series point fund has more than doubled from the pre-pandemic point fund to a whopping $43,000 in potential payoff for the top 20 point earners!  The 2021 champion will receive $12,000- the highest of any Chevrolet Performance Crate Engine Series in the country with $1,200 going to 10th place!  While those 10 guaranteed positions were previously announced, RUSH has also extended potential payoffs to an additional 10 racers.  RUSH will pay $1,000 to Tour members in positions 11-15 in points that compete in 75% of the total Tour events, and $500 to Tour members in positions 16-20 in points that compete in 75% of the total Tour events.

 

"We are thrilled to partner with the RUSH Late Model Series as a co-presenting sponsor for the 2021 Touring schedule," expressed Joe Flynn III, President of Flynn's Tire Group.  "It’s amazing to see how much the RUSH Racing Series has grown over the years, and we look forward to being a part of this exciting new season!"

 

"We are very appreciative to have Flynn's Tire join as the co-presenting sponsor of our Touring Series," stated RUSH Director Vicki Emig.  "Flynn's was one of my longtime marketing partners when I owned Mercer Raceway Park more than a decade ago, and I'm excited to now welcome them as one of our marketing partners in RUSH.  Flynn's is based in the heart of our region, so we're looking forward to expanding their name recognition for tires and auto service needs throughout the RUSH footprint.  With the exception of the season opening four Battle of the Bay Mid-Atlantic Speedweek events, the final 19 Tour events are within range of a Flynn's Tire and Auto Service or Flynn's Commercial Tire location."

 

Flynn's Tire Group is a major regional tire retailer and wholesaler.  There are 22 Flynn's Tire & Auto Service retail stores located in western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio.  Flynn's also operates four tire warehouses located in Pennsylvania and Ohio, which supply a full range of tires to various tire outlets, automotive repair shops and car dealerships within the region.

 

Flynn's Tire Group has five Flynn's Commercial Tire service centers throughout western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and New York, which service the trucking and industrial industries.  Flynn's Commercial Tire provides commercial tire sales, wheel alignment and emergency roadside assistance for the trucking industry.  The 24-hour roadside assistance service is available by calling toll free 1-866-ROLLTIME.

 

Flynn's also has a retread tire facility for commercial truck tires located in Dover, Ohio.  This facility supplies tires for many major trucking companies throughout the area as well as to Flynn's Commercial Tire.  For a full list of services and locations please visit www.FlynnsTire.com.  Be sure to like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/flynnstire and follow them on Twitter @FlynnsTireAuto.

 

Stay tuned for more details on the record breaking 2021 Touring Series season in the coming weeks.      

 

RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Pace Performance together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, Born2Run Lubricants, Flynn's Tire & Auto Service, FK Rod Ends, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, TBM Brakes, Performance Bodies & Parts, Racing Electronics, Dirt Defender, Wrisco Industries, Frankland Racing Supply, Landrum Performance Spring, Ontime Body & Graphic, Zarin Truck & Automotive, Sherwood Wheels, Alternative Power Sources, Stop-Fyre, Precise Racing Products, Lincoln Electric, Velocita-USA, Waterstone Mortgage Hermitage, CrateInsider.com, Vahlco Wheels, and Wedge Motorsports.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.

 

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THE HILL SPEEDWAY JOINS PACE RUSH LATE MODEL PROGRAM WITH WEEKLY FRIDAY NIGHT RACING IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA

By Mike Leone

 

February 20, 2021               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

(Monroeton, PA)...The Pace Performance RUSH Late Model Series together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC is excited to announce that The Hill Speedway has signed on as a weekly-sanctioned track in 2021.  The 1/4-mile bullring located in Northeastern Pennsylvania will run the RUSH Late Models approximately 21 times beginning on April 9.  The Hill becomes the second new RUSH weekly-sanctioned Friday night track in the Keystone State for 2021.    

 

The Hill ran nine Crate Late Model events in 2020 for the first time, but were not sanctioned.  Four New York drivers picked up victories led by Chad Homan, while Brian Knowles, Steve LeBarron, and Tim Schram all scored a victory.  Fifteen different drivers competed.  LeBarron was crowned the inaugural champion.

 

RUSH member racers will be able to participate at The Hill on a weekly basis and be eligible for all of the programs including the National Weekly Series Championship, a greatly expanded "Track Pack Bonus" program, and the “Futures Cup” for those eligible racers.  While membership is not mandatory to compete in any RUSH-sanctioned event, membership also includes a $100,000 excess participant accident policy, which is over and above drivers’ health insurance and speedways’ participant accident policy. 

 

The "Track Pack Bonus" is offered to all RUSH weekly-sanctioned speedways, and in 2021 has expanded to $2,500 that each track's top six member racers will share.  The 2021 RUSH member champion at The Hill will earn $1,000 with $500 for second, $400 for third, $300 for fourth, $200 for fifth, and $100 for sixth. 

 

"We're glad to have The Hill join the RUSH program," stated RUSH Director Vicki Emig.  "Their Late Model racers will now be able to enjoy all of the RUSH benefits especially with the expanded 'Track Pack' program.  This now gives a lot of New York and northern Pennsylvania racers the opportunity to run a second night under the RUSH program.  The Hill is going to be one of what is expected to be at least four new tracks to run their first ever RUSH-sanctioned events in 2021!"

 

Late Model racers at The Hill that are not currently on the RUSH Late Model driver/owner contact list, should contact the RUSH Office to be added by providing your name, address, phone # and e-mail to info@rushracingseries.com or by calling 724-964-9300.

 

The Hill is promoted by Eddie McKernan.  A Street Stock track champion some 30 years ago at Monroeton, McKernan took over as promoter of the former Dunn Hill 2 Speedway six years ago.  Two hundred and forty loads of clay were added to the 1/4-mile oval and a complete remodeling of the speedway facilities continues.  In addition to Street Stocks, McKernan has also raced IMCA Mods, Late Models, Semi-Late Models, Sportsman Modifieds, and Factory Stock throughout the years.

 

The Hill Speedway is located at 576 Dunn Hill Rd., Monroeton, PA 18832.  The Hill also features Sportsman Modifieds, IMCA Mods, Street Stocks, Pure Stocks, Front-Wheel Drive and Rear-Wheel Drive Mini Stocks.  For more information, call 570-637-4345, check out their website at www.thehillspeedway.com and like their page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thehillspeedway.

 

RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC & Pace Performance along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, FK Rod Ends, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, TBM Brakes, Performance Bodies & Parts, Racing Electronics, Dirt Defender, Wrisco Industries, Frankland Racing Supply, Landrum Performance Spring, Ontime Body & Graphic, Trailer-Alarms.com, Bonnell's Rod Shop, Zarin Truck & Automotive, Sherwood Wheels, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, Lincoln Electric, Velocita-USA, Classic Ink USA, CrateInsider.com, and Wedge Motorsports.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.

 

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MAJOR GROWTH TO BE SEEN IN PACE RUSH SERIES IN 2021; OVER 40 NEW RACERS SET TO MAKE THEIR RUSH DEBUTS LED BY THE SPRINTS & LATE MODELS

By Doug Kennedy

 

February 17, 2021                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Note: This story will be presented in two parts due to the high influx of new racers to the RUSH Series; part one is on Late Model and Sprint drivers and part two on Sportsman Modified and Pro Mod drivers.  Also, the new group of RUSH Stock Car and Karting drivers will be featured in individual separate stories at a later date.

 

(Pulaski, PA)...If there is one word that describes the Pace Performance RUSH Racing Series together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, it’s “growth”, and as the 2021 season draws near that term correctly describes RUSH.   It is expected that over 40 new racers will compete in 2021 throughout the RUSH Series including Late Models, Sprint Cars, Sportsman Modifieds, Pro Mods, and the new Stock Cars!  The RUSH Karting Series, which was launched in 2020, is also encompassed under the expanding RUSH umbrella and is expected to grow in 2021.  RUSH also provides the engine sealing process on all crate engines at Jennerstown (PA) Speedway, a track that has continued to expand its crate engine presence.  All told RUSH racers will by vying for well over $250,000 in cash and valuable product, the highest in Series history!     

 

RUSH's main objective has always been to keep people racing with true "cost containment" technical rules packages surrounded by valuable championship programs; the combination seems to be working as the Series continues to attract an extremely diversified group of racers whose numbers exceed well over 600 throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, and 2021 will be no different.

 

Drivers who have been racing all their lives, those that are getting in a race car for the very first time or those with various levels of experience and background, have found a home with RUSH; and age doesn't seem to be a factor either as competitors range in age from early teens through the 60s.  From rookies to hall of famers, RUSH is fitting the bill and achieving their number one goal of "keeping people racing".

 

As an example, eight of the 10 new drivers in the RUSH Sprint Car division for 2021 have never raced a Sprint Car before, although they do have racing experience, and a couple have never even sat in a Sprint Car. Four of those 10 are all better than a half century in age, and this includes Rod George, a hall of famer with more than 100 "410" Sprint Car victories, who will be wheeling 2020 championship car owner Ted Hull's #41.   

 

Russ Sansosti of Youngstown, Ohio will be one of the new drivers to compete for the Pace RUSH Sprint Car Equipment Rental Options Weekly Series Championship.  Sansosti and George are the only new drivers to have ever driven a Sprint Car.  Sansosti started his career as a 16-year-old in 2003 with a "360" Sprint Car before upgrading to a "410", which he'll also continue to compete in along with RUSH.      

 

“An old family friend (Buzzy Utsinger) always liked what RUSH has done,” Sansosti said.  “We talked a few months ago and we decided to go ahead and do the Series.  I like the idea of RUSH because it puts everybody on a level playing field and you can’t outspend one another.” 

 

Unfortunately, Utsinger, who was also a good friend to RUSH Directors Vicki Emig and Mike Leone dating back to Emig's tenure of ownership at Mercer Raceway Park (1999-2010), passed away in late January.  “I’m doing it as a memory to Buzzy,” Sansosti said.  “It will be a tribute to him.  Buzzy was a guy who like to have a small motor and race against the guys with the big motors and compete.” 

 

Fifty-one year old Bob Bland of Ashtabula, Ohio will be in his first season in the RUSH Sprint Car .  “I’m looking forward to joining this great division,” Bland said.  "I’ve raced many divisions, but never in a Sprint Car.  I love everything about the rules and what the Series is doing and I’m excited to be a part of it.  I can’t thank Vicki (Emig) enough for helping develop racing divisions for us that are affordable and competitive.”

 

Although he will be a novice in a Sprint Car, Bland has raced plenty of other cars beginning in 1993 in a Street Stock.  Bland also raced Hobby Stocks, Econo Mods, E-Mods, and Limited Late Models; however, he hasn’t raced since 2013.  His car will sport the famous Evil Knievel throwback graphics.

 

“It’s one of those things that I’m just doing to have fun,” Bland said of his upcoming Sprint Car experience.  “I’ve won a few championships in my career, but this is something I just want to try.  We all know how expensive racing has become.  I got turned away from the Late Models because guys were spending tons on their chassis. Nobody wants to go out and race knowing you are being out spent, and the RUSH Sprints definitely has that under control.  I’ve never made one lap in a Sprint Car, but I’m smart enough to realize that I will start in the back, chill and learn, and just have some fun.  I also like the fact that I can race at tracks that I’ve never had the opportunity before because they didn’t have my division.” 

 

At 56 years of age, Bill Watson of Conneaut, Ohio will also be competing in the Sprint Car division for the 2021 season. “I have never sat in a Sprint Car before, but I’m hoping to have a good time, make some new friends and above all be safe,” Watson said of his upcoming season.

 

His son, Bud, currently races with the RUSH Late Models and will race at Raceway 7 weekly and as much of the Touring Series as possible.  “I hope to help him as much as possible and still be able to compete in the Sprint Car division. Hopefully there will be nights when we can race at the same track on the same night.” 

 

Watson’s racing resume that began in 1985 includes Big-Block Modifieds and Econo Mod racing.  “I'm very ready for this season and looking forward to being part of a great racing group with RUSH, “Watson said.  He plans on a season that will include about 15 races at Raceway 7, Sharon, Lernerville, PPMS, Bradford, and McKean.   

 

Kevin Kaserman 41 of Middleford, Ohio is in his very first year of racing and it will be in a RUSH Sprint Car. “I’ve been going to races since I was little,” Kaserman said.  “At 14 I lost interest in racing and didn’t regain interest until I was 30.  Since then I've been to some races, but it was last year when I went to a race at Wayne County that rekindled my interest again.  When I heard the '410' Sprints hot lapping, I was hooked once again.  I had never felt like that.  How could I have stopped following racing and then get obsessed with racing once again?” 

 

“RUSH is a good starting point," continued Kaserman.  "There’s no way I could get into a '410' financially or physically.  I like the fact that the RUSH Sprint is cost-effective.  I don’t know anything about engines so having a sealed engine package seemed to be the best way to go.  I began watching the Series when it started in 2018; it was awesome!  I was going to drive a Street Stock, but I’m 40, not getting any younger and I always wanted to drive a Sprint. I can’t thank Vicki enough for helping develop a racing division for guys like us that is affordable and competitive.”

 

To help him learn more about a Sprint, he watches YouTube videos of drivers building their race cars.  “Honestly I don’t want to sound like an idiot when I’m talking to other drivers,” Kaserman said.  “I just want to get to know the other drivers and gain as much knowledge about the car.”   

 

 At 38 years old, Mike Mathieson from of Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania has spent 22 of his years racing.  At 16 he began racing a Modified before moving into a Stock Car and most recently a Mini Stock; this year it will be a RUSH Sprint Car. When his boss, David Hoobler, at H&H Materials bought a Sprint Car, he asked Matheson to drive it.

 

“I thought I would never race a Sprint Car because I couldn’t afford one,” Mathieson said.  "I really never got involved with RUSH before, but know it’s affordable and puts everyone on a level playing field putting it back in the driver's hands.  I'm nervous because it's going to be a big learning curve for me.  I was speaking with another driver, Jeremy Weaver, and he said everything runs smooth with RUSH but don't try to cheat because they (RUSH) will catch you.” 

 

Another driver in the RUSH Sprint Car series that’s in his 50s, is Mike Hover of Warren, Ohio.  Though at 56 and from a racing background, the number of races Hover has run is limited.  As a youngster, he remembers going to Jack Sodeman’s shop and looking at his Sprint Car hoping one day that he could race it. 

 

Hover said that once RUSH came out with the Sprint Car division it was something he knew couldn’t be good for him; a sarcastic comment because Mike has been around racing his entire life and knew now he just might get his chance at driving one!  “I think RUSH is the future of racing," stated Hover.  "Most people with regular jobs just can't race in the 'open' series.  RUSH has provided another avenue for  people to compete.” 

 

His dad, the late Stan, Sr., was an accomplished racer and started the well-known Hover Racing parts and tire business in 1965.  His brother, Stan, Jr. bought the business and through the years owned a NASCAR team for a number of drivers including Dave Blaney, Joe Ruttman, and Morgan Shepherd. 

 

“I did over the wall stuff with the ARCA and Cup cars,” Hover said.  “I have three nephews who are World of Outlaws crew members (Matt McCrimmon, Craig McCrimmon, and Nick Hover).  In 2012, I toured for a year with Vic Coffey and Tim McCreadie driving the transporter and being part of the pit crew.  I built the race cars for my brother.  I’ve done just about everything, but drive for myself.  Once the RUSH Sprint Car series came out, I knew that was the direction I wanted to go.” 

 

Another newcomer to the RUSH Sprint Series is 29-year-old Jordan Hamilton of Collier Township, Pennsylvania.  The youngest of the 2021 freshman class of Sprint drivers as five of the eight new drivers are in their 50s or beyond. 

 

Add to that, Hamilton is in his very first year in a racecar period.  “I’ve been around racing my whole life,” Hamilton said whose brother Eric, Jr. races a RUSH Late Model. “For me, RUSH gives you a competitive edge without having to spend a whole lot of money. It seems like the way to go because you don’t have to compete against guys who have larger budgets.  RUSH is a great deal with the product giveaways for the drivers as well as everything else they do for their drivers.” 

 

Jordan and his dad, Eric, own a business called Eric Hamilton Towing and Road Service located in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania.  “I’ll try to make as many races as possible and race as many weekends as I can,” Hamilton continued.  “I’m going to go out and give it my best and most importantly earn the respect of the other drivers.”

 

“I’ve been waiting to race a Sprint Car my whole life and now because of RUSH and the engine package, I can afford to do it.”  Those were the words of 58-year-old first year RUSH Sprint Car series driver, Jeff Metsger of Lebanon, Pennsylvania.  “I know it will be a big learning curve for me." 

 

“I had a Pure Stock at Motordrome in 1985 but moved into Go-Karts because it was something I could afford,” Metsger said.  He ended up winning all types of championships along the Eastern seaboard and then moved up to the highest class in the Karting world- Unlimited All-Stars.  “I won that championship seven times.”

 

After a nine year hiatus from racing, Metsger got into the Outlaw Winged Karts and ended up with a championship in that series as well.  He still has three of those cars but plans on selling them off so that he can devote his time and finances towards the RUSH Sprint series full-time. 

 

Phil Young is another driver who will be joining the RUSH Sprint Car Series for the upcoming racing season.  Young, who lives in Kittanning, Pa., raced Go-Karts some 25 to 30 years ago.  And after that, there was no racing at all until he decided to compete in the RUSH Sprint Series this upcoming season.   At 36 years of age, Young will be in the same boat as seven of the other newcomers to the Sprint Division:  That is, he has never been in a Sprint Car prior to the start of this season.  

 

“We’ll make what races we can,” said Young, whose job as a Kittanning policeman will take priority.  “I’ll try and get the best equipment and use this year as a learning experience and not race for points.  I hope to keep improving every season.  RUSH seems like its building every year and obviously they are doing things right.  It’s a good series for the average individual price-wise.”

 

“To say I’m excited about this year would be an understatement,” said 26-year-old Jim Alvater, Jr., who will be racing in the RUSH Late Models for the first time in his career  “I wanted to race PPMS (Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway) and RUSH races there so RUSH it is. The more research I did into the RUSH program the more I wanted to participate.  Their sponsors and contingency programs make it very enticing."

 

"I spoke to Mike Reft, as well as Scott Gunn, whose two sons Zack and Jake, run RUSH; just about everybody I’ve spoken to had nothing but good things to say about the RUSH Series," added Alvater.  "I'm always looking for a new challenge and the one that is ahead of me is pretty big, but nothing I don't think I can handle. ” 

 

Besides racing, Alvater also has a background in hockey as he played for CCAC.  "His Father Jim, Sr. said, "His hockey days were certainly something!  It was the expensive sport, not racing" he laughed.  Alvater also spent times in Go-Karts and racing Motocross.

 

“I think it’s (RUSH) a good program,” said Alvater, Sr. who will work with his son turning the wrenches for the 2021 season as well as providing some financial support. “It’s an economical way for people to get into racing in a series where you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg.”

 

Brett Hope is 29 years old and lives in Bleinheim, Ontario, Canada.  His racing career started when he was 17, but was put on hold because of hockey.  He played the sport when he attended Buffalo State and ascended to playing for the Fayetteville Fire Ants in North Carolina before hanging up his skates. He then got back into racing competing with a Thunder Stock and an UMP Modified.  This will be his first year in a Late Model racing with RUSH.

 

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about RUSH,” said Hope.  “They are fair and the competition is hard to beat and that’s what I’m looking for.  I think it will be a good challenge for me.”  I would like to race this season around eight weekends that have multiple events on these weekends. 

 

“I’m single now so I want to get into doing as much racing as possible.”  His intentions are to run as many Touring Series events as possible.  His crew includes his two brothers, Kyle and Shawn and four friends, Brandon Suk, Evan Howard, Elliott Wilkins and Mike Legue. 

 

Fifty- two-year-old Patrick Parker of Candor, New York will be a first year competitor in the RUSH Late Models.  His career in racing began in a Go-Kart when he was 16.  He has also raced Big-Block and Small-Block Modifieds along with "360" Sprints.  Late last year he ran a Late Model for three shows. 

 

“I think RUSH is a real good series to run with and I'm hoping to get some additional sponsors so I can do a lot of their touring shows,” Parker continued.  “From what I see, I like the way they go about everything with the engines, tires, and checking after the shows to make sure everything is legal.  Their tech work is better than any other series I've seen so that’s why I chose RUSH.” 

 

Thirty-four-year-old Trevor Herr of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania will also be doing his racing in 2021 for the very first time with RUSH.   Herr’s prior racing experience came with an E-Mod for a couple of seasons when he raced at Sharon. 

 

“I will be joining the RUSH Late Model division and even though I will be running a limited schedule, I could not be more excited," stated Herr.  “I always wanted to race a Late Model so I sold the E-Mod and bought a Super Late Model which didn’t turn out very well.” 

 

Herr then took a couple of years off before he decided to save his money and purchase a Crate Late Model.  Herr also received some racing help from Mike Pegher and Chuck Kennedy.  “I learned a lot from them,” Herr said. “I’ve never wanted to do anything but race and getting this opportunity is great.  I’m not looking to race for points; I just want to learn, get some laps, and focus our attention on 2022.  I’m a small fish in a big pond and just want to race and that’s what RUSH has provided me- the opportunity to race.”   

 

Jeff Reeley of Mt. Airy, Maryland becomes the fifth new driver to become part of the RUSH Late Model division for 2021.  Reeley started racing Enduros in the 1980s at Lincoln Speedway.  He then moved to a Semi-Late Model in the 1990s at Potomac before ending his racing career in 2001 when his two kids, Tristen and Madison, came along.  With only a few starts in a Late Model, 2021 will be the first time in nEarley 20 years that Jeff has got behind the wheel of a racecar.

“The children came along and that was the end of my racing career, “ said Reeley, the owner of J Reeley Painting and Drywall. "I’ve seen quite a few RUSH races over the last couple of years, but there wasn’t any money in the budget for me to race.  Now with the two kids wrapping up their careers at Towson University, I have one last hurrah to have some fun racing. RUSH is a good cost-effective way to go racing and I’m absolutely looking forward to it.”

Even though he only raced a couple of times last season in a Dirt Late Model under the RUSH banner, 28-year-old Joe Squatriglia of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania will race full-time at PPMS for 2021.

 

Joe grew up as a kid in Monmouth County, New Jersey before moving to Pennsylvania in 2004.  The first form of racing that he and his dad went to were the horses.  From there he and his younger brother, Andrew, raced dirt bikes.  That was in middle school and following his graduation, he entered the Marine Corp, got married, and had two daughters.  Last year he got back into racing sharing driving duties in the Late Model with his brother and the guy who owned the car, Zack Kane. 

 

“That was the car we shared last year and I ended up buying the car from him last season," explained Joe.  “Zack has been a big help to keep me racing.  He does everything for me including working on my shock package.  I think RUSH is a good series and is well organized.  If you're a guy trying to get into a racing, RUSH is definitely the way to go.”

 

Andy VanEvery of Jamestown, New York is a late addition to the RUSH Late Model division. At 33 years of age, VanEvery raced a Pro Stock last year at Eriez and Bradford Speedways.  Now in his second year of racing, he will be behind the wheel of a RUSH Late Model for his first time, and is plans are to run Stateline and Bradford Speedways.

 

“The reason we joined this series was because of the availability for us to travel,” said Andy.  “I also like how all the rules make it an even class. We’re excited to get things underway.”

 

The eighth newcomer to the RUSH Late Model Series will be Zach Crawford of McDonald, Pa.  The 18-year-old will drive for his parents Jim and Crystal Crawford, who own Crawford Auto Repair located in Sewickley, Pa.  The couple lives in McDonald, Pennsylvania.  “We’ll pick up some races on the RUSH schedule and we’ll see how we do,” Crawford said.

 

Stay tuned for part two on the newcomers in the RUSH Sportsman Modifieds and RUSH Pro Mods.  With the introduction of the new RUSH Stock Car division at Dog Hollow, Stateline, and Eriez Speedways, an additional 12-15 drivers are also expected to join the RUSH ranks along with new racers in the RUSH Karting Series that will begin its second season this year.  A special story will feature these new RUSH racers nearer to the beginning of their individual seasons.

 

RUSH's objective of "keeping people racing" seems to be right on point and flourishing, as an enthusiastic new group of racers join the RUSH ranks in 2021, and look forward to an exciting season full of excitement and valuable opportunities!

 

RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Pace Performance together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, Born2Run Lubricants, Flynn's Tire, FK Rod Ends, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, TBM Brakes, Performance Bodies & Parts, Racing Electronics, Dirt Defender, Wrisco Industries, Frankland Racing Supply, Landrum Performance Spring, Ontime Body & Graphic, Zarin Truck & Automotive, Sherwood Wheels, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, Lincoln Electric, Velocita-USA, Waterstone Mortgage Hermitage, CrateInsider.com, Vahlco Wheels, and Wedge Motorsports.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300.  The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our various Facebook page and Twitter accounts by searching for the appropriate divisions.

 

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PACE RUSH SPRINT SERIES SET FOR BIGGEST SEASON YET; INCREASED PURSES, BIG EVENTS & NUMEROUS NEW RACERS SET TO CONTEND FOR $5000 TO-WIN EQUIPMENT RENTAL OPTIONS WEEKLY SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP

By Mike Leone

 

January 27, 2021               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

(Pulaski, PA)...While rain and the COVID-19 pandemic did its best to disrupt the growth and development of the Pace Performance RUSH Sprint Car Series together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC over the past two years, the Series is primed and ready for its biggest season to date in 2021.  Year number four will see numerous new racers join the previous RUSH contingent to battle for the $20,000+ Equipment Rental Options Weekly Series Championship point fund in 37 events at 11 speedways across four states that will in the end award $5,000 to the champion!  As the car count and competitiveness of the division has increased and evolved, so has the payoffs and special event concepts for the division.

 

After racing for $400 to-win, $100 to-start for regular events in the first three years of existence, the RUSH Sprint Cars will now compete for a minimum $600 to-win, $150 to-start with several other special events utilizing the $800 or $1,000 to-win payoff structures in 2021!  In fact, eight $1,000 to-win, $175 to-start shows featuring four weekends of back-to-back events highlight the schedule!

 

"We cannot express how excited we are for the 2021 season," stated RUSH Director Vicki Emig.  "Honestly at the conclusion of 2020, I never would have believed we would be releasing a schedule such as this for 2021; it really is amazing and a tribute to our partners who share our same vision for the division that have helped set a strong foundation for the RUSH Sprint Cars into the future.  This year will see our highest influx of new racers, and with this exciting schedule of higher paying events the division as a whole is defiantly moving to the next level."

 

Sharon Speedway will be again be the home base for the RUSH Sprints with a minimum of 11 events including for the first time ever with the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars on May 22 as well as a pair of events with the All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars on June 15 and July 11.  The RUSH Sprints will also compete alongside the All Stars at Lernerville on April 30 and Tri-City Raceway Park on May 2 in the first of several appearances at the Franklin, Pa. half-mile.  DIRTVision will carry the May 22 event live as well as the "Steel Stampede" at Lernerville, while Flo Sports will show the RUSH Sprints on all of the All Star nights.  Lernerville TV will broadcast the additional events live at Lernerville.      

 

One of the new weekends to the schedule will be McKean County Raceway in East Smethport, Pa. and Bradford (PA) Speedway on Saturday and Sunday, June 19-20.  The tracks, which are both located in McKean County, are separated by just 15 miles and will host $1,000 to-win, $175 to-start events!  The RUSH Sprints have not appeared at McKean since their only visit in 2017, while Bradford has hosted the Series three times, but not since 2019. 

 

The "Legends Remembered" Series will feature back-to-back weekends of $1,000 to-win, $175 to-start events on August 27-28 and September 4-5.  Lernerville and Sharon will make up the Friday-Saturday double on the first weekend, while a venue to be announced will host back-to-back events on Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend.  These tracks, which are in the heart of the RUSH region and part of the storied history of non-wing Sprint Car racing in western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, will be part of a first of its kind series of events and promotions that the fans are surely not going to want to miss!  Details on these very special events will be released in coming weeks.

 

A fourth back-to-back weekend of $1,000 to-win, $175 to-start events will take place at Genesee Speedway in Batavia, NY on September 24-25.  After COVID wiped out the weekend in 2020, this will be the third annual "Empire State Classic" for the RUSH Sprints at Genesee as part of the track's "Topless Nationals" weekend; however, past shows were $800 to-win.

 

The RUSH Sprint Cars will make their first ever appearances at Pennsylvania's Dog Hollow and Latrobe Speedways this summer; each track will host a pair of events with each of their second shows paying $800 to-win, $160 to-start.  Also returning to the RUSH schedule will be events at Tyler County Speedway in Middlebourne, WV, Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway, and Raceway 7 in Conneaut, Ohio.  Tyler County will host a pair of events including the Series' 2021 opener on April 10, while the "Monster Half-Mile" at PPMS continues their strong support of the Series with six events.

 

The 2021 "Manufacturers Night" presented by MSD Performance will again feature thousands of dollars of valuable product giveaways to RUSH Sprint Car racers at a date and location to be announced.

 

The 2021 season will be an interesting one to say the least.  After taking a year off, Chad Ruhlman- the 2018 and 2019 champion, will return to the RUSH Sprints driving for a new team owned by Tim Engles.  Engles was a former "410" Sprint Car and Big-Block Modified racer before becoming a well known E-Mod car owner in recent years.      

 

In 2020, Jeremy Weaver won the Equipment Rental Options Weekly Series Championship for car owner Ted Hull.  With Weaver moving on, Hull has tabbed Sprint Car great Rod George to drive the #41.  The Kittanning, Pa. driver owns more than 100 career "410" Sprint wins in addition to numerous track championships and has been inducted into several regional hall of fames. 

 

Another driver back for his first full season since 2018 when he finished second in points is Gale Ruth, Jr.  The Pleasantville, Pa. third generation racer made some starts last year for Scott Clever before getting chosen late in the year for the full-time ride in the McConnell Family #24.  Ruth, who has six career RUSH Sprint wins including the 2020 finale at Lernerville, will be one of the favorites to contend for the $5,000 championship.

 

While the majority of the 2020 RUSH Sprint Car drivers will return for competition, a bevy of at least 14 new racers will join the Series for their first full year of competition.  This group includes 2018 RUSH Sportsman Modified "Futures Cup" Champion Blaze Myers, former Big-Block Modified standout Bill Watson, Mike Mathieson- a veteran of several area divisions but never Sprint Cars, father-daughter combination of Calvin and Amelia Clay, Ohio drivers Bob Bland, Mike Hover, and Kevin Kaserman, along with rookie Phil Young, Scott Dean, and Jordan Hamilton- the brother of RUSH Late Model racer Eric Hamilton. 

 

Ohio driver Tyler Newhart, who made some starts in Frank Wilson's #13, started his own team at the end of 2020 and is ready for his first full season.  Eastern Pennsylvania racer, Jeff Metsger, has purchased a RUSH Sprint Car and will make several visits.  And just before the release of this press release, RUSH has gotten word of at least two other new teams expected for competition in 2021.  With the addition of all of these new drivers and teams, the base of RUSH Sprint Car racers throughout the region is approximately 40! 

 

2021 Equipment Rental Options Weekly Series Point Fund ($20,075): 1. $5,000  2. $2,500  3. $1,750  4. $1,500  5. $1,200  6. $1,000  7. $800  8. $750  9. $700  10. $650  11. $600  12. $500  13. $450  14. $425  15. $400  16. $390  17. $380  18. $370  19. $360  20. $350.

 

2021 "Futures Cup" Point Fund: 1. $300  2. $200  3. $100  4. $50. 

 

2021 Pace Performance RUSH Sprint Car Equipment Rental Options Weekly Series Schedule*

Note: All shows are $600 to-win, $150 to-start unless otherwise specified.

 

Saturday, April 10  Tyler County Speedway

Friday, April 30  Lernerville Speedway (with All Star Sprints)

Sunday, May 2  Tri-City Raceway Park (with All Star Sprints)

Saturday, May 8  Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway

Saturday, May 15  Tyler County Speedway

Saturday, May 22  Sharon Speedway (with World of Outlaws Sprints)

Saturday, May 29  Sharon Speedway

Saturday, June 5  Sharon Speedway

Sunday, June 6  Tri-City Raceway Park

Saturday, June 12  Latrobe Speedway

Tuesday, June 15  Sharon Speedway (with All Star Sprints)

Saturday, June 19  McKean County Raceway ($1,000 to-win)

Sunday, June 20  Bradford Speedway ($1,000 to-win)

Friday, June 25  Raceway 7

Saturday, June 26  Sharon Speedway

Friday, July 2  Dog Hollow Speedway

Saturday, July 3  Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway

Sunday, July 11  Sharon Speedway (with All Star Sprints)

Saturday, July 17  Sharon Speedway

Sunday, July 18  Tri-City Raceway Park

Friday, July 23  Lernerville Speedway

Saturday, July 24  Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway

Saturday, July 31  Sharon Speedway

Saturday, August 7  Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway

Saturday, August 14  Sharon Speedway

Friday, August 20  Dog Hollow Speedway ($800 to-win)

Friday, August 27  Lernerville Speedway "Legends Remembered" ($1,000 to-win)

Saturday, August 28  Sharon Speedway "Legends Remembered" ($1,000 to-win)

Saturday, September 4  TBA  "Legends Remembered" ($1,000 to-win)

Sunday, September 5  TBA "Legends Remembered" ($1,000 to-win)

Friday, September 10  Sharon Speedway

Saturday, September 18  Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway

Friday, September 24  Genesee Speedway ($1,000 to-win)

Saturday, September 25  Genesee Speedway ($1,000 to-win) (rain date 9/26)

Friday, October 8  Latrobe Speedway ($800 to-win)

Saturday, October 9  Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway

Friday-Saturday, October 15-16  Lernerville Speedway ($800 to-win) (rain date 10/17)   

 

*Schedule is subject to change.  Additional dates may be added.

 

RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Pace Performance together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, Born2Run Lubricants, Flynn's Tire, FK Rod Ends, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, TBM Brakes, Performance Bodies & Parts, Racing Electronics, Dirt Defender, Wrisco Industries, Frankland Racing Supply, Landrum Performance Spring, Ontime Body & Graphic, Zarin Truck & Automotive, Sherwood Wheels, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, Lincoln Electric, Velocita-USA, Waterstone Mortgage Hermitage, CrateInsider.com, Vahlco Wheels, and Wedge Motorsports.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushsprintcars and follow us on Twitter @RUSHSprints.

 

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MICHAEL NORRIS MAKES HIS 1ST EVER CRATE START A WINNING ONE TAKING "JOOK GEORGE STEEL CITY CLASSIC" AT PITTSBURGH FOR $7,200+ AGAINST STOUT 46-CAR PACE RUSH LATE MODEL TOUR FIELD

By Mike Leone

 

August 8, 2020               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

(Imperial, PA)...The Pace Performance RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring Series together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC returned to Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway for the second of three appearances during the 2020 season.  The 31st annual "Jook George Steel City Classic" presented by Zarin Truck & Auto attracted 46 cars from seven different states making for the highest car count of the year in Crate Late Model racing throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.  Special thanks to event coordinator Branden Lockwich, who despite the uncertainty in this challenging COVID-19 pandemic plagued year, still raised approximately $17,700!  Those monies all added to the typical RUSH Tour purse.

 

Making his first ever crate engine start, 13-time PPMS Super Late Model winner, Michael Norris, nearly swept the night leaving the "Monster Half Mile" with $7,260 in winnings following his victory in the 50-lap "Jook George Steel City Classic" feature!  Driving a #F1 entry normally driven by his brother-in-law Nico Dabecco, Norris took over the top spot from Ben Policz on lap 25 and broke away from a four-car battle for the lead.  Norris kept last year's event winner, Kyle Lukon, at bay in the final laps for the $6,010 win and received the $1,000 feature winner contributor bonus from Lockwich and Miley Motor Sports.

 

"That was fun," expressed the 28-year-old Sarver, Pa. victor.  "I was hoping the track was going to get like that all night long- it just took them a while to get it worked in.  Lukon, Policz and I didn't even touch so I tip my hat to those guys; they are good in this deal and I'm just happy to come out on top of them.  I love coming here and especially when it gets up on the wall like that.  I figured Lukon would be close because this is his cup of tea as well.  The temperature was getting hot and I figured hopefully I'll win and buy him a new one!  This is huge.  I used to come here all the time, but don't get many opportunities anymore.  I know this is a big deal and I appreciate Cleetus (Lockwich) for putting this on.  To bring this much money to an event in this day and age and with everything going on- that shows you how much he worked.  It's awesome to race for this kind of money- especially an hour from the house."

 

Following his dash victory, Policz raced to the early lead over Lukon, fourth starting Norris, Daryl Charlier, and John Mollick.  After a spin by first year RUSH racer Josh Ferry with two laps scored, a big accident ensued on the restart collecting nine cars with only three being able to resume.  Following those two cautions in the first two laps, the next 37 would go caution-free.

 

When racing resumed on lap three, Mollick and eighth starting Jeremy Wonderling moved into fourth and fifth past Charlier.  Policz had stretched his lead to a half-straightaway when he caught lapped traffic on lap 10.  Lukon really closed in as Policz struggled to get through traffic.  Lukon would take over the top spot in turn four on lap 12.  Norris then drove around Policz for second on lap 14.  Norris began to close in on Lukon on lap 17 as the top three cars began to distance themselves from the field.

 

Despite dropping to third, Policz didn't go away as he not only took back second from Norris on lap 23, but regained the lead on lap 24 as him and Norris passed Lukon for the top two spots.  Norris' winning move came in turn four at the halfway point, while Lukon took second back from Policz two laps later.  At the time, Mollick had closed in on the front trio making it a four-car race for the lead.  Mollick was on the move as he charged past Policz for third on lap 30.  Mollick's night though would come to a screeching halt as he blow a tire and slammed the turn one wall bringing out the event's final caution with 39 laps completed.  Mollick was okay, but done for the night.

 

Norris would again stretch out his lead as racing resumed; however, in the final laps Lukon closed the gap, but would run out of time as Norris took the checkered flag first by 0.842 of a second in the A&M Norris Enterprises Inc.-owed, ND Motorsports/Rocket Chassis/Ingram Engines/Integra Shocks/Woods Rod & Custom/Dob's Auto-sponsored #F1. 

 

"I have to thank my brother-in-law Nico for letting me run his car," added Norris, who become the season's third different Tour winner in as many races and second straight first time winner.  "It takes a big man to step out of your car and watch someone else beat the crap out of it.  I really appreciate it and to get this win for him and my sister.  This is a family deal so it's pretty special.  There's a lot of people that helped me get here.  I also have to thank my dad for putting up with all this racing stuff, my mom, my wife who couldn't be here, my grandparents, aunts and uncles, my sister, Dakota, Matt, Brian Daugherty, some boys down in North Carolina helped me this week, Rocket, and Ingram built a hell of a motor."

 

Lukon earned $3,000 for his runner-up finish after taking home $11,610 in the 2019 event.  Policz had an excellent run in third for $1,600.  After winning in his first ever RUSH start on July 18 at Winchester Speedway in a Pace Weekly Series event, Super Late Model standout Kyle Hardy of Virginia made his first Tour start on Saturday night and put in a strong performance going 15th to fourth driving Chuck Bowie's #14c for a $1,400 payday.  Michael Duritsky, Jr. completed the top five and earned $1,300.

 

After getting halfway to the front from his eighth starting spot, defending two-time Tour champion and current points leader, Jeremy Wonderling, slipped back to sixth at the finish, but still collected $1,200.  The night certainly got off to a rough start for Joe Martin as he struggled in qualifying and couldn't transfer to the feature through his heat or B main; however, the second place Tour points man looked good in the feature going 25th to seventh.  Martin not only received $1,000 for his finish, but $107 bonus from Gunn Racing "In Memory of Dave & Mary Lynn Nicholas" along with the $100 hard charger from Ken Maniecki. 

 

Charlier dropped to eighth at the finish over Logan Zarin.  Maryland racer Levi Crowl turned in his best PPMS performance finishing 10th and earned the $100 "In Memory of Jook George" bonus for an $825 payday.  Jake Gunn's 11th place finish earned him the $200 bonus from Langer Racing, which bumped his feature earnings to $800.

 

After making a good charge from eighth to miss the feature transfer spot by one in the second last chance B main, Ryan Frazee ended the night on a high note winning his first ever Non-Qualifier race.  Frazee started on the pole and led the opening lap before Colby Beighey moved to the lead on lap two.  Beighey's lead would last only one lap as Frazee charged back into the lead and led the rest of the way in the 10-lap caution-free event timed in 5:12.504.  Frazee's victory came in the RW Frazee Trucking/Demco Excavating/Neratta Decals/Edward Field Recycling/Glade Pipeline Services/Schaffer Transfer & Moving-sponsored #11F as he became the 41st different winner in 50 Non-Qualifier races run all-time.  Beighey was second.  Zach Kane started fifth and finished third over John Watson and rookie Dave Goble.  Tony White was sixth as the 2014 and 2015 "Wheelman" Champion took over the points lead.

 

Despite going out 42nd of 46, Norris set fast time overall in FK Rod Ends "Shock the Clock" Qualifying with a lap of 20.272 to earn $100 from FK and $100 from Our Cars Auto Detailing & Tire Service.  Policz, Zarin, Mollick, Norris, Charlier, and Lukon won $25 FK Rod Ends Heat Races.  Christian Schneider and Garret Paugh won the two last chance B mains.  Policz not only earned the pole position with his dash victory, but took home $404 "In Memory of John Beatty" presented by Matt Shuffstall bringing his night's earnings to an impressive $2,054!

 

Pace Performance RUSH Late Model Touring Series “Jook George Steel City Classic” Race #3 (50 laps, $6,010 to-win): 1. MICHAEL NORRIS (F1)  2. Kyle Lukon (184)  3. Ben Policz (14B)  4. Kyle Hardy (Bowie 14c)  5. Michael Duritsky, Jr. (90J)  6. Jeremy Wonderling (3J)  7. Joe Martin (Snyder 10s)  8. Daryl Charlier (12)  9. Logan Zarin (1z)  10. Levi Crowl (5c)  11. Jake Gunn (14G)  12. Dusty Waters (14)  13. John Mollick (Bentz 60M)  14. Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr. (8s)  15. Garret Paugh (02)  16. Justin Lamb (93x)  17. Max Blair (111)  18. Josh Ferry (33)  19. John Waters (LeBarron 11)  20. Bill Kessler (09)  21. Zach Gunn (17G)  22. Keith Barbara (Koteles 64K)  23. Christian Schneider (Maniecki 1ST)  24. Steve Dixon (65D)  25. Robbie Scott (Zarin 18)  26. Cole Petrelle (184).  (Note: Joe Martin took a Tour provisional and Bill Kessler took a Track provisional)

 

Non-Qualifier (10 laps, $350 to-win): 1. Ryan Frazee (11F)  2. Colby Beighey (36B)  3. Zach Kane (10)  4. John Watson (14)  5. Dave Goble (20G)  6. Tony White (27T)  7. Bob Schwartzmiller (28s)  8. John Boring (58B)  9. David Parker (2)  10. Brandon Lott (47)  11. Kassidy Kamicker (72B)  12. D.J. Nakutis (31)  13. Joe Squatriglia (15x)  14. Josh Stoica (22J)  15. Brian Goebel (12G)  16. Levi Spinneweber (Lukon 184X)  17. Michael Reft (9R)-DNS  18. Chad Sines (15)-DNS  19. Dan Lepro (2L)-DNS  20. Eric Hamilton, Jr. (33x)-DNS.

 

Car Count: 46

Feature Margin of Victory: 0.842 of a second
Feature Lap Leaders: Ben Policz (1-11, 24), Kyle Lukon (12-23), Michael Norris (25-50)

$1,000 Feature Winner Contributor Bonus presented by Branden Lockwich & Miley Motorsports: Michael Norris

$107 7th Place Bonus "In Memory of Dave & Mary Lynn Nicholas" presented by Gunn Racing: Joe Martin

$100 10th Place Bonus "In Memory of Jook George": Levi Crowl

$200 11th Place Bonus presented by Langer Racing: Jake Gunn
$100 Feature Hard Charger presented by Ken Maniecki: Joe Martin

 

FK Rod Ends “Shock the Clock” Qualifying Flight A (Track record 18.849 by Mike Pegher, Jr. on 5/12/12): 1. 14B-Ben Policz, 00:20.427[12]; 2. 14C-Kyle Hardy, 00:20.516[22]; 3. 60M-John Mollick, 00:20.644[10]; 4. 90J-Michael Duritsky Jr, 00:20.687[2]; 5. 184X-Levi Spinneweber, 00:20.953[7]; 6. 65D-Steve Dixon, 00:20.969[1]; 7. 5C-Levi Crowl, 00:21.030[21]; 8. 1Z-Logan Zarin, 00:21.064[16]; 9. 64K-Keith Barbara, 00:21.195[9]; 10. 18-Robbie Scott, 00:21.209[19]; 11. 1ST-Christian Schneider, 00:21.433[18]; 12. 184P-Cole Petrelle, 00:21.460[3]; 13. 15-Chad Sines, 00:21.465[15]; 14. 2L-Dan Lepro, 00:21.472[4]; 15. 10-Zachary Kane, 00:21.548[23]; 16. 9R-Mike Reft, 00:21.594[20]; 17. 36B-Colby Beighey, 00:21.840[17]; 18. 09-Bill Kessler, 00:21.865[13]; 19. 47L-Brandon Lott, 00:21.918[5]; 20. 17G-Zach Gunn, 00:21.921[8]; 21. 10S-Joe Martin, 00:22.305[6]; 22. 28S-Bob Schwartzmiller, 00:22.433[14]; 23. 15X-Joe Squatriglia, 00:23.452[11]

 

FK Rod Ends “Shock the Clock” Qualifying Flight B: ($200 for fastest qualifier) 1. F1-Michael Norris, 00:20.272[19]; 2. 03-Garret Paugh, 00:20.403[15]; 3. 184-Kyle Lukon, 00:20.526[23]; 4. 33-Josh Ferry, 00:20.620[18]; 5. 12-Daryl Charlier, 00:20.804[2]; 6. 111-Max Blair, 00:20.947[10]; 7. 3J-Jeremy Wonderling, 00:21.019[12]; 8. 14G-Jake Gunn, 00:21.133[11]; 9. 93X-Justin Lamb, 00:21.189[6]; 10. 14W-Dusty Waters, 00:21.361[8]; 11. 8S-Tommy Schirnhofer Jr, 00:21.376[3]; 12. 11L-John Waters, 00:21.404[14]; 13. 20G-Dave Goble, 00:21.431[21]; 14. 14-John Watson, 00:21.493[4]; 15. 27T-Tony White, 00:21.612[9]; 16. 22J-Josh Stoica, 00:21.734[16]; 17. 12GX-Brian Goebel, 00:21.739[13]; 18. 11F-Ryan Frazee, 00:21.787[1]; 19. 58B-John Boring, 00:21.868[17]; 20. 72B-Kassidy Kamicker, 00:22.326[7]; 21. 2-David Parker, 00:22.644[20]; 22. 33X-Eric Hamilton Jr, 00:22.843[5]; 23. 31N-DJ Nakutis, 00:23.016[22]

 

FK Rod Ends Heat 1 (8 laps, Top 3 transfer to A, $25 to-win) 1. 14B-Ben Policz[1]; 2. 90J-Michael Duritsky Jr[2]; 3. 5C-Levi Crowl[3]; 4. 18-Robbie Scott[4]; 5. 9R-Mike Reft[6]; 6. 15-Chad Sines[5]; 7. 28S-Bob Schwartzmiller[8]; 8. 47L-Brandon Lott[7]

 

FK Rod Ends Heat 2 (8 laps, Top 3 transfer to A, $25 to-win) 1. 1Z-Logan Zarin[3]; 2. 17G-Zach Gunn[7]; 3. 14C-Kyle Hardy[1]; 4. 1ST-Christian Schneider[4]; 5. 184X-Levi Spinneweber[2]; 6. 36B-Colby Beighey[6]; 7. 2L-Dan Lepro[5]; 8. 15X-Joe Squatriglia[8]

 

FK Rod Ends Heat 3 (8 laps, Top 3 transfer to A, $25 to-win) 1. 60M-John Mollick[1]; 2. 64K-Keith Barbara[3]; 3. 65D-Steve Dixon[2]; 4. 10S-Joe Martin[7]; 5. 10-Zachary Kane[5]; 6. 184P-Cole Petrelle[4]; 7. 09-Bill Kessler[6]

 

FK Rod Ends Heat 4 (8 laps, Top 3 transfer to A, $25 to-win) 1. F1-Michael Norris[1]; 2. 3J-Jeremy Wonderling[3]; 3. 14W-Dusty Waters[4]; 4. 33-Josh Ferry[2]; 5. 20G-Dave Goble[5]; 6. 22J-Josh Stoica[6]; 7. 58B-John Boring[7]; 8. 33X-Eric Hamilton Jr[8]

 

FK Rod Ends Heat 5 (8 laps, Top 3 transfer to A, $25 to-win) 1. 12-Daryl Charlier[2]; 2. 14G-Jake Gunn[3]; 3. 8S-Tommy Schirnhofer Jr[4]; 4. 03-Garret Paugh[1]; 5. 14-John Watson[5]; 6. 12GX-Brian Goebel[6]; 7. 31N-DJ Nakutis[8]; 8. 72B-Kassidy Kamicker[7]

 

FK Rod Ends Heat 6 (8 laps, Top 3 transfer to A, $25 to-win) 1. 184-Kyle Lukon[1]; 2. 111-Max Blair[2]; 3. 11L-John Waters[4]; 4. 93X-Justin Lamb[3]; 5. 11F-Ryan Frazee[6]; 6. 27T-Tony White[5]; 7. 2-David Parker[7]

 

Last Chance B Main 1 (10 laps, Top 3 transfer to A): 1. 1ST-Christian Schneider[2]; 2. 18-Robbie Scott[1]; 3. 184P-Cole Petrelle[9]; 4. 184X-Levi Spinneweber[5]; 5. 10S-Joe Martin[3]; 6. 36B-Colby Beighey[8]; 7. 10-Zachary Kane[6]; 8. 9R-Mike Reft[4]; 9. 09-Bill Kessler[12]; 10. 15-Chad Sines[7]; 11. 28S-Bob Schwartzmiller[10]; 12. 47L-Brandon Lott[13]; 13. 15X-Joe Squatriglia[14]; 14. 2L-Dan Lepro[11]

 

Last Chance B Main 2 (10 laps, Top 3 transfer to A): 1. 03-Garret Paugh[2]; 2. 33-Josh Ferry[1]; 3. 93X-Justin Lamb[3]; 4. 11F-Ryan Frazee[6]; 5. 20G-Dave Goble[4]; 6. 14-John Watson[5]; 7. 22J-Josh Stoica[7]; 8. 27T-Tony White[9]; 9. 12GX-Brian Goebel[8]; 10. 58B-John Boring[10]; 11. 31N-DJ Nakutis[11]; 12. 2-David Parker[12]; 13. 72B-Kassidy Kamicker[14]; 14. 33X-Eric Hamilton Jr[13]

 

"John Beatty Memorial" Dash presented by Matt Shuffstall (6 laps, $404 to-win): 1. 14B-Ben Policz[1]; 2. 184-Kyle Lukon[5]; 3. 12-Daryl Charlier[2]; 4. F1-Michael Norris[4]; 5. 60M-John Mollick[6]; 6. 1Z-Logan Zarin[3]

 

RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Pace Performance together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, FK Rod Ends, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, TBM Brakes, Performance Bodies & Parts, Racing Electronics, Dirt Defender, Wrisco Industries, Frankland Racing Supply, Landrum Performance Spring, Ontime Body & Graphic, Trailer-Alarms.com, Zarin Truck & Automotive, Sherwood Wheels, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, Lincoln Electric, Velocita-USA, Classic Ink USA, CrateInsider.com, and Wedge Motorsports.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.

 

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RUSH LATE MODEL TOUR DOUBLEHEADER WEEKEND; SATURDAY AT PITTSBURGH FOR "HERB SCOTT MEMORIAL" & SUNDAY AT ERIEZ; RUSH SPORTSMAN MODS IN ACTION BOTH NIGHTS WITH RUSH SPRINTS ON SUNDAY

By Mike Leone

 

July 15, 2020               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

(Pulaski, PA)...The Pace Performance RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring Series together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC is set to resume action this weekend with a doubleheader.  Saturday night (July 18) will be at Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway for the annual "Herb Scott Memorial" followed by Sunday night (July 19) at Eriez Speedway.  The Hovis Auto & Truck Supply Sportsman Modifieds will be on the card both nights in addition to Friday night at Raceway 7, while the Equipment Rental Options Sprint Cars will race at Eriez for $500 to-win.  On Saturday, warm-ups begin at 6 p.m. with heat races at 7, while Eriez will get underway on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

 

"The Pittsburgh Tour events are always some of our best and most exciting races of the year," acknowledged RUSH Director Vicki Emig.  "Pittsburgh has been a great partner over the years not only on our Late Model side by running them weekly and typically scheduling several Tour events, but also runs our Sportsman Mods and Sprint Cars any chance they get.  The weather looks good so hopefully everyone comes out and supports Pittsburgh for the first of three Tour races there this year."

 

Saturday's 30-lap "Herb Scott Memorial" feature will pay $2,110 to-win ($110 bonus from Cleetus Motorsports), $225 to-start with a $200 to-win non-qualifier.  Currently, the "Jook George Steel City Classic" on August 8 (rain date August 9) and the "Bill Hendren Memorial" on October 2-3 will each pay a minimum of $5,010 to-win, $325 to-start for the Pace Touring Series.

 

Herb Scott is one of the most well-known and respected driver who ever raced in western Pa. His side-by-side battles with Joe Mihalic were nothing short of legendary.  Ten times during his hall of fame career, Scott won the track championship at Heidelberg (1956-1960, 1962-1965, and 1967).  His first win came in his first year of racing at New Kensington Speedway in 1948.  His 500th win came at Lernerville Speedway, and his final feature win came at Schmucker’s Speedway in September of 1979.  He would go on to win a total of 520 career features! 

 

Last year, Kyle Lukon swept the three Pittsburgh RUSH Late Model Tour events, which nearly propelled him to the Series title as he came up just one-point shy of Jeremy Wonderling.  Those three wins were worth a staggering $18,800 much in part thanks to the efforts of "Jook George Steel City Classic" event coordinator Branden Lockwich and Steve Hendren for his father Bill's memorial.  Ironically, Lukon's win last year on July 20 at Pittsburgh ended his six-year winless drought with the Series.     

 

Lukon's three wins last year moved him to the top of the all-time Tour win list at Pittsburgh with four.  Other Tour winners at Pittsburgh include Ryan Montgomery with three, Daryl Charlier two, and single victories to Colton Flinner, John Mollick, Mike Pegher, Jr., and Jacob Hawkins.

 

The Tour then heads north up I-79 to Eriez Speedway for a $2,000 to-win event on Sunday evening.  Eriez is under the second year of ownership by the Alexander Family.  Sunday was to be the second appearances of the season at Eriez for the Tour; however, COVID-19 cancelled the May event.  Sunday was also supposed to be "Manufactures Night"; however, due to the pandemic, all product will be awarded in 2020 through the Pace Weekly Championship Series standings with the champion getting first pick down the line.    

 

"We have to thank the Alexander Family for their continued support of RUSH," stated Emig.  "Eriez has a great field of RUSH Late Models every Sunday night.  The Tour races are always very competitive with so many quality weekly competitors.  Sunday is a great way to showcase three of our RUSH classes.  It's been three years since our Sportsman Modifieds have raced at Eriez.  The Sprint Cars have raced once each of the last two years and we're appreciative Eriez has given them two opportunities to compete in 2020." 

 

The Late Model Tour has made seven visits over the past five seasons to Eriez with the Blairs winning all seven as Max has six wins and his father, Rob, one in a substitution role at the May 2016 event. 

 

RUSH was of course part of the "Firecracker 100" for the second straight year featuring the "Bill Emig Memorial" presented by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply June 25-27.  And for the second straight year it was Max Blair taking home the $10,000 top honors.  Last year, Blair made only eight Tour starts, but collected $25,500 in those races!  Blair is the five-time National Weekly Series Champion.  Currently, defending and two-time Tour Champion, Jeremy Wonderling, leads the Pace National Weekly Series Championship.

 

With the COVID-19 pandemic delaying the start of the season, Pittsburgh has completed only two event this season.  On June 20, Christian Schneider picked up a Pace Weekly Series victory, while Keith Barbara won last Saturday night in his debut.  Eriez meanwhile has completed more events, at five, than any other RUSH track in 2020.  Eriez has averaged over 23 cars per night.  Blair and Chub Frank each have a pair of victories, while Darrell Bossard was also victorious. 

 

30-Lap Late Model Feature Payoff: 1. $2,000 ($2,110 at PPMS)  2. $1,000  3. $650  4. $550  5. $470  6. $435  7. $410  8. $370  9. $340  10. $310  11. $280   12. $270  13. $260  14. $250  15. $240  16. $235  17. $230  18-24 $225.

Late Model Non-Qualifier Payoff: 1. $200  2. $190  3. $185  4. $180  5. $175  6. $170  7. $165  8. $160  9. $155  10-24. $150.  Tow $125.

 

FK Rod Ends "Shock the Clock" Qualifying will pay $100 for the fastest qualifier and $25 heat races will take place each night for the Late Models.

 

The pits will be open all afternoon on Saturday with the drivers meeting scheduled for 5:35 p.m., warm-ups at 6 followed by qualifying and then racing at 7.  On Sunday, pits open at 3:30 p.m. with the drivers meeting scheduled for 5:35.  RUSH Late Model Qualifying will begin around 6:30 p.m.   

 

For the Late Models, you do not have to be a member of RUSH to compete only to receive Weekly and/or Tour points.  The Late Model entry fee each night is $100.  AMB/MyLaps transponders will be used at Pittsburgh, while both the AMB/MyLaps and Westhold transponders will work at Eriez.  Units are available to rent.  Driver radio will be channel 454.000.

 

For Pittsburgh, masks MUST be worn at the gates, concession stands, restrooms, gift shop, and are highly encouraged in the pits and stands.  Social distance six feet apart.  Families may sit together.  Please give everyone their required space. Stand six feet apart at concessions and restrooms.  Please be patient and wait your turn, we all want short track racing to continue!

 

Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway is a ½-mile dirt track with a GPS address of 170 Kelso Rd, Imperial PA 15126, which is located just off the Noblestown exit on Routes 22/30.  For more information, check out their website at www.ppms.com or call 412-279-7223.  The track number on race day is 724-695-3363 or 724-695-0393.  As for their social media outlets, you can like their page on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/PittsburghsPennsylvaniaMotorSpeedway or follow them on Twitter @PAMotorSpeedway.

Eriez Speedway is a 3/8-mile track located outside of Erie, Pa. in Hammett at 9821 Sampson Rd., Erie, PA 16509.   Follow them on Twitter @EriezSpeedway1 and like their page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/eriezspeedway. 

 

RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Pace Performance together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, Equipment Rental Options, FK Rod Ends, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, TBM Brakes, Performance Bodies & Parts, Racing Electronics, Dirt Defender, Wrisco Industries, Frankland Racing Supply, Landrum Performance Spring, Ontime Body & Graphic, Trailer-Alarms.com, Zarin Truck & Automotive, Sherwood Wheels, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, Lincoln Electric, Velocita-USA, Accu-Force Dynos & Testers, Classic Ink USA, CrateInsider.com, and Wedge Motorsports.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.

 

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COVID-19 PANDEMIC CANCELS "BATTLE OF THE BAY" SPEEDWEEK; PACE RUSH LATE MODEL TOUR EVENTS TO POTENTIALLY BE ADDED LATER IN 2020 AT DELAWARE, GEORGETOWN, POTOMAC & WINCHESTER

By Mike Leone

 

April 1, 2020              FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

(Pulaski, PA)...With stay at home orders and gathering bans in effect throughout the entire Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Canada through at least the end of April due to the COVID-19 pandemic, RUSH Racing Series Directors along with the promoters of Delaware International, Georgetown, Potomac, and Winchester Speedways have cancelled the "Battle of the Bay" Mid-Atlantic Speedweek scheduled for April 15-18 for the Pace Performance RUSH Dirt Late Model Series together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC.  RUSH Directors and track promoters will work together on potential 2020 Touring Series dates at each track for later in the year.

 

"Everyone was really looking forward to the 'Battle of the Bay' kicking off our season but right now the focus is on everyone's health and safety," expressed RUSH Director Vicki Emig.  "The first two years of the 'Battle of the Bay' were tremendous with car counts ranging from 40-53 at all seven completed events.  The 'Raelyn Huffman Memorial' added a lot of stature to the Delaware race last year and the other promoters all increased their show's payoff.  We were looking for even more forward momentum this year as many new racers were planning on taking part.  The promoters have shown an interest in rescheduling Tour shows for later in the year so we'll be working with them in the coming weeks to see how we can best coordinate these for everyone's benefit."

        

The RUSH Late Model Touring Series next scheduled events are Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17 at Stateline Speedway in Busti, NY and Eriez Speedway in Erie, PA.  Stay tuned for further updates on these events in May.

 

RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Pace Performance together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, Equipment Rental Options, FK Rod Ends, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, TBM Brakes, Performance Bodies & Parts, Racing Electronics, Dirt Defender, Wrisco Industries, Frankland Racing Supply, Landrum Performance Spring, Ontime Body & Graphic, Trailer-Alarms.com, Zarin Truck & Automotive, Sherwood Wheels, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, Lincoln Electric, Velocita-USA, Accu-Force Dynos & Testers, Classic Ink USA, CrateInsider.com, and Wedge Motorsports.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.

 

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