Mark Cottone Wins Jennerstown Championship!

    Jennerstown, PA (September 5, 1998) - In a last race scenario that would make any mystery writer confused, Mark Cottone from McKeesport, PA recovered from an early race wreck to claim the 1998 NASCAR Winston Racing Series Jennerstown Speedway Chevrolet Late Model division track championship.  With a narrow two point lead over Rich Mitchell heading into the final race, the two competitors were both collected in an early race multi car crash that tore off the entire right side of Cottone's machine.  Mitchell's car sustained minimal visible damage, but the handling of the car was effected. After the incident Jeff Dunmyer took over the race lead from Mark Smith, but both Mtichell and Cottone would not be denied, as they worked back to the front of the field together.  At the finish it was Dunmyer taking the race win, with Mitchell in second and Cottone in third.  This allowed Mitchell to move into a tie with Cottone in divisional points, so they had to go to the tiebreaker which was race wins.  Cottone had three to Mitchell's two, which gave the 1998 Speedway Championship to Cottone.  Brad Smales and Dave Houpt rounded out the top five in Late Model action.
    NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series points leader Ron Hornaday Jr. also made his Late Model debut and found out just how tough the local competition can be, as he was caught up in the same early accident, and had to run the remainder of the race without a front end and was not a factor in the final outcome.  He had high praise for all of the local drivers, and mentioned that his son races cars similar to the Late Models and would like to see him race at Jennerstown.
    The Irwin RV Legacy Car "Blue/Gray Shootout" turned out to be a match between defending champion Ryan Hemphill from Oakmont, PA and Brian Vickers from Thomasville, North Carolina.  Hemphill lead the first half of the 50 lap event, but Vickers bided his time in second and made a textbook pass for the lead, which he never relinquished for the remainder of the race.  Justin Moorefield of Sandy Ridge North Carolina came home in third, with Mike Smith finishing a close fourth and Jon Wood of Stewart Virginia crossing the finish line in fifth.
    The Money Store Street Stock feature race was the sight of uncommon occurrence, as race winner Dave Marrow came back from an early black flag stop-n-go penalty to pass the entire field of tough racers, and win the race.  He used every groove on the track to make one great move after another, and finally took over the lead with only a few laps to go.  Following Marrow to the line were Billy Mostoller in second, Don Blank in third, and Chris Deyarmin and Mitzi Foy rounding out the top five.
    Mike Bakalon of North Versailles, PA won the divisional title.
    In NAPA Grand American Modified action it was sweet redemption for Matt Smith, as he captured the win in convincing style after loosing the race lead in last weeks event when a radiator belt and hose failed.  Dave Chelsted closed on Smith in the final laps, but had to settle for second, with Mark Flick, Tom Knight Jr., and Dave Brunell coming home in third through fifth.
    Mark Flick from Apollo, PA won the divisional title.
    The Giant Eagle Pro Stock/Truck feature saw Todd Price win the race, but face disqualification in post race inspection, which handed the win over to Nick Rosa. Rosa ran a fine race, and was a close second to Price at the finish line.  Picking up second was Aaron Will, Shawn Beam in third, with George Englert and Al Holzhauser in fourth and fifth.
    Scott Coughenour from Friedens, PA won the divisional championship.
    The Days Inn Charger race finish was also changed after post race inspection as apparent race lead Joe Rusky did not pass, giving the win to Craig Stoner.  Sam King was credited with second, while Janet York came home in third.  Cal McCurdy and Mike Griffith finished in fourth and fifth.