CHAMPIONSHIP RACES IN JENNERSTOWN SPOTLIGHT

JENNERSTOWN, PA (Sept. 12, 2005) …. Former New York Yankee catcher Yogi Berra once answered a newspaper reporter’s question regarding his teams chances of making the World Series by saying: “It aint over, until it’s over”.

That statement could also be used to summarize the battle for track championship honors at Jennerstown Speedway, as drivers head into the final week of NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series action at the Somerset County paved half-mile oval.

Three of the five divisional point races are still up for grabs going into this Saturday evenings ‘Championship Night’ event, while two drivers have already clinched their 2005 class crowns.

All eyes will be focused on the twin 30-lap features for the Wheeler Bros. super late models, and the continuing battle between current point leader Tommy Beck and challenger Barry Awtey. Beck currently leads Awtey by 30-points, as the Jenners driver was able to pick up four points in the recent 75-lap contest held on Sept. 3. Mark Poole, Mark Cottone and Mark Smith, ranked third through fifth in the standings, all still have a mathematical chance for the title. But, for all practical purposes it has become a two horse race for the championship.

“Tommy (Beck) is obviously in the drivers seat; it’s his championship to win or lose,” said track general manager Larry Mattingly. “But, with 100-points on the line with the double feature format, anything can happen.”

Although the main focus is on the race for the super late models, the battle for two other class championships is even tighter.

Dusty Rhoads has only a two-point margin over Wade Champeno in the late model division, and Mel Wilt and Andrew Wylie, who are tied for third, are only eight markers behind.

In another close contest Richard Nicola is only two points ahead of Freidens pilot Roger Onstead in the chase for the Advance Auto Parts street stock championship.

“The race for the late model and street stock championships are so close, we’ve had to break out our tie-breaker format,” Mattingly said. “If we have a point deadlock, the next criteria will be feature wins, followed by top five finishes.”

One driver who won’t have to worry about points is Hooversville’s Greg Lohr, as he has already clinched the championship in the Pizza Hut hobby stock class. There is a tight battle for runner-up honors, as Deidre Petrie leads rookie competitor Cindy Shaulis by only two points.

Another driver without worry is PJ Ehrlich, who captured the PA legacy crown, defeating Jayme Beck and Chris Brink. Ehrlich will now set his sights on competing in the 50-lap Allison Legacy Series championship event this week. The driver Ehrlich will need to beat is Trevor Bayne of Knoxville, Tenn, who has 10 wins to his credit in the series. Other top ranked legacy drivers include: Adam Taylor, Lillington, NC, Jake Crum, Statesville, NC, Michael Cooper, Pittsboro, NC, and Jordan Napier, London, KY.

Also appearing on the race card will be the super mini-cups, who will participate in double feature events.

The speedway will also be celebrating ‘Halloween … a month early”. There will be trick or treat and face painting for children, and anyone dressing in full costume will receive free admission to the races.

Spectator gates will open at 5:00, with the first race set to begin at 6:30.
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