results Defebo and Fisher batting 500 at Mountain Speedway

May 27, 2005
by Gene Ostrowski

St. Johns, PA -- Even with the threat of rain in the forecast, the Friday night show at Mountain Speedway went on as scheduled.

Ernie Dengler started from the pole in the 30-lap Balliet's Country Corners feature , but was overtaken by Jason Arthofer at the drop of the green.

On the following circuit, Mike Adams was spun on the backstretch, which caused ciaos for many drivers, such as Don Wagner, Wayne Szerencsits and Donny Hartzell, who had no where to go during the incident. Wagner was unable to continue.

On the following lap, Dave Pecko shot past Arthofer, and into the second slot. Meanwhile, Brian Defebo entered the top five.

The caution flew on lap four for a Dengler, Hartzell and Szerencsits tangle in turn four. On the double-file restart Pecko got the jump over Arthofer, bringing Jim Long with him, into second.

The following circuit was crucial, as Defebo caught Arthofer, powering his way around the outside of both he and Long, for second.

Pecko held the point until a lap ten restart, where Defebo made a move, and made it stick, picking up his third straight feature win over Pecko, Long, Arthofer and Adams.

When Defebo was told he moved into second in the point standings, he agreed that there is plenty more racing to go this season. "I just can't thank everyone enough for all the support they've given us. It was great to win from starting ninth". The Berwick, PA native also noted that he would like to accomplish the same feat the next two days, when he competes at Chemung and Tioga speedways.

Dave Pecko had his season-best finish so far in 2005. Long, although missing the heat race due to traffic during his commute from Staten Island, NY, was still pleased with his team's efforts.

Tim Santee and Jason Arthofer were heat winners.

Mike Rodriguez, Jr. started on the pole for the 25-lap late model feature . Rodriguez darted out front, pursued by Don Holland, Mike Collins and Joe Barbush, Jr.

The caution flew when Jackie Ziegler had a solo spin in turn 2. At the same time, a brief shower crossed the speedway, which caused an extended yellow flag period.

By lap twelve, point leader, Larry Fisher, worked his way around Barbush and Collins to take over the runner-up spot.

Rodriguez led the first sixteen laps, but Fern Glen's, Larry Fisher made the pass for the lead stick on lap seventeen. Shortly after, Rodriguez spun on the backstretch and had to restart from the rear of the field.

On the following circuit, Rodriguez was displayed the black flag for another solo spin, this time in turn one.

Over the final seven laps, Fisher was challenged by Holland, but by the time the checkers flew, he had a two second advantage over Holland, Collins, Barbush and Hoffman.

Emotions ran high as Fisher climbed from his car in victory lane. This win marks the third-straight win for him and his team.

Mike Rodriguez, Jr. was the heat winner.

Brad Barbush sprung past pole-sitter, Rich Smith on the start of the 20-lap street stock feature . Unfortunately for Barbush, the caution flew when Brian Labar got into the division's point leader, Jim Yamelski.

On the complete restart, Smith held the point, but drifted high in turn two, allowing Todd Ahner to make the pass for the lead. Ahner would bring Barbush and Wanamaker by Smith into third and fourth.

By lap seven, Lehighton's Scott Meckes, worked his way into the third position, while Brad Kline and Yamelski powered into the top five.

The second, and final caution of the event came on lap nine, when Meckes got into the second place runner of Barbush in turn one. Barbush would have to restart from the rear.

Ahner got a great jump on the restart, but Meckes made his move on lap twelve for the lead, which he never relinquished, picking up his first feature win of the season over Ahner, Kline, Yamelski and Wanamaker.

Heat wins went to Brad Barbush and Brad Kline

Mark Paine sat on the pole for the 20-lap thriller event . Paine jumped out front, leading the way for the fourteen thrillers until a lap four caution, which involved the fourth place points runner, Marissa Nelmes. Nelmes' machine suffered heavy damage, as she was unable to continue.

On the restart, ninth place starter, Bill Price, shot by Paine for the top spot. Meanwhile, the action from third on back was intense, as Speedo Jager and point leader, Howie Bott swapped paint.

On lap nine, Paine encountered problems and pulled his ride to the infield. At the same time, Steve Taylor worked his way into second.

Unfortunately for Taylor, he would be the cause for the caution on lap eleven, when his car went up in smoke in turn four. Taylor was unable to continue.

Over the following laps, Price showed the way, winning his third straight thriller feature over Jager, Hoffman, Petey and Shultz. The win was enough for Price to take over the division point lead.

Heat winners were Steve Hoffman and Bill Price

It was announced at the speedway, that the Balliet Country Corner's modified feature on Friday, June 3rd , would be 40 laps. Along with the extra distance, will be a $3,000 to win prize. Mountain Speedway is hosting the event to say thank you and welcome back to all the modified drivers who support the speedway and show their dedication to Friday night asphalt racing. The speedway did not host modifieds in 2004.

RESULTS

Modified (30 laps)

1. Brian Defebo , 2. Dave Pecko, 3. Jim Long, 4. Jason Arthofer, 5. Mike Adams, 6. Tim Santee, 7. Wayne Szerencsits, 8. Alan Decker, 9. Billy Swartz, 10. Ernie Dengler, 11. Stephen Nederostek, 12. Donny Hartzell, 13. Don Wagner

Fat Lap: Brian Defebo, lap 14, 13.631

Hard charger: Jim Long, 10 positions

Late Model (25 laps)

1. Larry Fisher , 2. Don Holland, 3. Mike Collins, 4. Joe Barbush, 5. Joe Hoffman, 6. Jason Makarewicz, 7. Barry Callavini, 8. Brad Kline, 9. Jackie Ziegler, 10. Mike Rodriguez, Jr., 11. Chris Whitenight

Fast Lap: Larry Fisher, lap 24, 14.795

Hard charger: Joe Hoffman, 5 positions

Street Stock (20 laps)

1. Scott Meckes , 2. Todd Ahner, 3. Brad Kline, 4. Jim Yamelski, 5. Chip Wanamaker, 6. Brad Barbush, 7. Brian Labar, 8. Rich Smith, 9. Mark Deysher, 10. Robert Fink, 11. Frank Katona, 12. Paul Frantz, 13. John Labadia

Fast lap: Brad Kline, lap 18, 15.979

Hard charger: Brad Kline, 7 positions

Thriller (20 laps)

1. Bill Price , 2. Speedo Jager, 3. Steve Hoffman, 4. Richard Petey, 5. Steve Shultz, 6. Howie Bott, 7. Josh Oswald, 8. Jim White Jr., 9. Travis Tracy, 10. Mike O'Byrne, 11. Steve Taylor, 12. Mark Paine, 13. Kevin Makarewicz, 14. Marissa Nelmes

Fast lap: Hand scored, no time.

Hard charger: Speedo Jager, 11 positions

results archive