Jennerstown, PA- (May 1, 1999)- Jennerstown Speedway opened its 32nd season of NASCAR racing with seven divisions of racing action. Richard Mitchell, driver of the No. 22 Timber Wolfe car, ripped through the field of 22 NAPA Auto Parts Late Models to take the first win and the early points lead Saturday Night.
    Mitchell, of Bruceton Mills, W.Va., started the feature in 13th using the outside groove to his advantage and moving toward the front early. No. 22 Dave Houpt of Somerset dominated the feature in its early stages, starting first and leading past the half-way mark. His car faded near the closing laps as Houpt rounded out the top-five after being passed by Mitchell, No. 75 Barry Awtey and defending track champion Mark Cottone.
    Mitchell said his car was tight in the middle of the turn which moved him to the outside groove. After finishing second in points to Cottone at Jennerstown in 1998, Mitchell is determined to break the competition to win at least the track championship.
    "Our goal this year is to win both track championships at Motordrome and Jennerstown Speedway," Mitchell said. "I also think we have a good chance to finish highest in the Northeast Region. We can't count anybody out. Jeff (Dunmyer) and Cottone are sure to be strong, but there are a number of young guys moving up the ranks that could be tough competition."
    The Pro Truck tour out of New England made its southern-most visit to Jennerstown giving fans an added 100 lap event, led from start to finish by No. 03 Steve Prescott. Pro Tour President Phil Rowe said Jennerstown was one of the most beautiful tracks the tour stops at, and he looks forward to bringing his tour back next year.
    Seven drivers raced 20 laps to determine who would take the first win in the Giant Eagle Pro Truck division. Nick Rosa, driver of the No. 1 Kennametal-sponsored truck looked strong early after starting first and dominating almost every lap except the most important last laps. Rosa fell of the pace after battling with No. 96 Todd Price at lap 18. By feature's end, Price's off-season work paid off as he found himself in Victory Circle, while Rosa ended his night with a disappointing finish.
    "We worked our tails off getting (the car) ready," Price said in Victory Circle.
    Josh Coughenour moved through the field from his seventh-place start to finish second. Bryan Thomas, Dave Brunell and Jim Hamilton also completed the feature with top-five finishes respectfully.
    Nine Grand American Modifieds made their first appearances of the year at Jennerstown Speedway, but the field was cut down early with two cars out before the end of the heat races. After No. 2 Mark Flick found himself out of competition on the first lap of the feature, only seven Modifieds remained.
    By lap four, Erik Skomo found himself spinning in the middle of the back stretch. Tom Knight Jr. avoided the numerous trouble spots racing his No. 76 to the checkered through the field to take the win from his third-place start. Coming home second was Marion Reno, while Ken Skomo and Ralph McBride followed close behind. After his spin on lap four, Erik Skomo bounced back to finish fifth.
    The NASCAR Winston Racing Series' beginner Street Stock division had a strong turn out of 16 cars to race its 20 lap feature. Starting in the last row, the evening's sponsor, "The Wedding of Bob Toth and Yvonne Mock" was represented by No. 00, Bob Toth just after his reception held in Jennersown's hospitality area. Toth's newlywed status was no help as Toth found himself finishing in 14th after struggling all evening to find speed.
    Toth's best man waved the green flag as Chris Deyarmin and Billy Mostoller crossed the start-finish to begin the Street Stock feature. Race fans were treated to side-by-side racing action as No. 99 Doug Shaulis raced from his ninth-place start to take the victory. Rick Boyer, driver  of No. 04 PA Legacy Car took the checkers by half a car length over last year's Legacy champion Mike Smith. Jason Fritz raced two other cars to take the Charger division win in the last feature of the night.
    Saturday May 8th, NASCAR competition continues as Winston presents Super Six Racing at Jennerstown Speedway. Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. Call the Speedway office for details at 814-629-6677.

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