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Hello all & welcome to the first edition of Mountain Madness from Sunday, April 17. 


Since I'm a rookie at this, you'll have to bear with me. I have to apologize for our PA system (new one will be here soon), and for 'hacking' a few names.  Not that it's been horrible, but it'll only get better! 

This is just a good way for me to go off about Sunday's feature events without using the 'professionalism' used in writing press releases.  Oh yeah, it also gives the opportunity to recognize those drivers who are 'on the fast track' to success at Mountain Speedway.

Well, opening day is in the books.  We all witnessed many things Sunday, including a near full-modified field, a lot of people in the stands, many big wheelers, awesome weather & spectacular racing!  It's been some time since the modifieds have been on the St. Johns surface and it was a pleasant return.

So, I guess it's time to give a shout to a few of Mountain's stars. 

Joe Grocholski (took me 6 months to learn to pronounce that one!) was impressive in the 4 cylinder thrillers, not only winning, but also winning in his first start!  Travis Fisher fell back early in the race, but made a charge at the end, nearly catching Grocholski.  Both of those guys deserve some credit for great driving!  One of the most impressive was Dale Shoemaker.  Shoemaker started ' of the way through the pack and worked his way up to fourth by the end of the event, definitely proving that he is on the fast track to success at Mountain Speedway. 

For a while during the thriller feature, I had to ask myself if Speedo Jager thought he was on a dirt track!  I haven't seen tires smoke like that since my last trip to the drag strip.  Richard Petey and Sue Collins put on a good show, along with the rest of the field.  I was most impressed with the outside pole sitter, Mark Paine.  Last season Mark had trouble finishing races, yet alone running up front.  Mark even took a shot at Petey for the lead at one point, but a faulty start brought that back.  Great start to the '05 season Mark, you're definitely on the fast track.

The street stock feature was filled with cautions and excitement.  Watching the field come out of turn four was interesting from 3rd back'that's for sure!  When it was all said & done, Kline took the checkers over Yamelski, but not easily.  Yamelski could have shoved Kline out of the way during the last few laps, but as Brad Kline said 'Jim don't drive that way'.  The 44c of Chip Wanamaker started in the top five, but had trouble early in the event, dropping to the rear of the field.  By mid race Chip worked his way back to the top five..again, more problems, dropping positions.  When the checkers fell, Wanamaker had worked his way all the way to third, proving that he is on the fast track at Mountain Speedway.

When Joe Hoffman set fast time for Sunday's pole position, I'm sure many of us thought it was a done deal.  Well, we were right, but that's not saying that Hoffman didn't earn the win'he had a three time King of the Mountain winner, Larry Fisher on his tail.  Mike Rodriguiz Jr. looked strong, but being involved in two separate incidents move him out of the 3rd spot and back down in the field.  Jim Lamoreaux was fast and furious, driving from deep in the field into the third spot by the end of the feature, showing the fans that he is on the fast track.

For the first time since 2003, the modifieds will run a full schedule at Mountain.  Eighteen cars started the mod feature, and Defebo looked like he had it in the bag after starting from the pole.  That all changed mid race as Hirschman made the move from third to first on the restart.  Pete Brittain was also impressive in second.  Brittain also won the previous night's mod feature at Mahoning!  Don Wagner dropped back a few spots early on, but came back with an impressive run, finishing third.  The fourth place driver is definitely on the fast track.  Rusty Smith start near the end of the field and patiently worked his way up through the mighty modified field, earning him the fourth place prize money and his first Mountain Madness award.

For everyone who is new to this idea, Mountain Madness is designed to give drivers with impressive runs a 'pat on the back'.  Thanks to Valley Service Equipment Repair, J&J Contractors and CAD Visers, each driver who is mentioned as 'on the fast track' will receive an award at the following event.  The awards will be presented at the photo stand (pit area side) to the drivers right after the drivers meeting, where Joe Cutri will take a photo.  Since racing is off this week, you can pick your awards up on May 1st after the drivers meeting at the next Mountain show.  Also, don't forget that along with the test and tune session this Sunday, the big wheel and mini cup races will still go on.  Grandstand admission is FREE, and the pits are only $10.  There are no other charges.  The tires truck will also be there. 

Week #1, 4-17-05, Mountain drivers 'On the Fast Track'
Rusty Smith, Jim Lamoreaux, Chip Wanamaker, Mark Paine, Dale Shoemaker

Congrats to all the feature & Mountain Madness winners.  Have a great week & tune in two weeks from now to see who is 'On the Fast Track' to success in Mountain Madness at Mountain Speedway.

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