Opening Night at Marion Center Speedway - May 4, 2013

Marion Center Speedway opened for its 47’Th season under the continued direction of the Potts family.  Everyone was revved up and ready to go racing on the quarter-mile clay oval between Indiana and Punxsutawney, a.k.a. “The Thrill on The Hill”.   The excitement grew as the night went on for the rookies and veterans, new divisions and old stand-bys.

#W11 Max Blair

In the Lias Tire Super Latemodel division, Max Blair from Titusville picked up his first career victory as a Super Latemodel driver.    Blair has been a past champion of other divisions, but moved into Super Latemodels and just won his first feature Saturday night at Marion Center Speedway.  The race started with Blair in fourth place and Sammy Stile of Charleroi on the pole.  Stile led the first five laps before Blair took over the race.  Following Blair to the front was Mike Blose of New Bethlehem.  Blose stayed right with Blair as Blair passed Stile for lead, putting Stile back to third place.  That’s how much of the race ran its coarse, with the two in close pursuit of the leader Blair.  At the finish, Blose made valid attempts at the lead, but Blair always shut the door on him to retain the lead and pick up his first Super Latemodel win.  Blose finished second with Stile in third.  Fourth went to Dave Blazavich who started dead last in the 23 car field.  Fifth went to Denton Boyer of Punxsutawney and was followed closely by Jerry Redden and Dan Swartzlander.  Next in line for the top ten were Clate Copeman, Wally Fox and Doug Glessner.  The remainder of the field ended the race in the order of Billy Eash, Tom Shaffer, Jim Boyer, Brandon Wearing, Bobby Watt, Bob Sheesley, Tony Burke, Joe Zulisky, Bill Burns, Matt Gaston Chris Clark, Rod Phillips and Gene Kain.  The Lias Tire Super Latemodel heat races were won by Doug Glessner, Mike Blose and Jerry Redden.

#33 Bernie Whiteford

The Force Inc. Steel Block Limited Latedmodel feature was won by Bernie Whiteford of Hastings.  Whiteford took over the lead just past the halfway point of the race from Cheyenne Reed of Punxsutawney.  Reed started fourth and immediately jumped into the lead at the start of the race.  He enjoyed the pleasure of running up front until lap eleven of twenty when Bernie Whiteford got past the leader to take over.  Reed chased after Whiteford the rest of the race but couldn’t regain the lead and Rod Phillips of Punxsutawney made his way around Reed in the final laps to take second place.  Whiteford had started seventh and used half the race to get to the front, while Phillips started in fourteenth and needed more time to get through the traffic to contend for the lead.  At the finish it was Whiteford the winner, followed by Phillips and then Reed.  Next were Sam Gindlesperger from Johnstown and Kelvin Kohan from Pittsburgh.  Filling out the top ten were Eric Baun, Greg Beach, Gale Huey, Dave Buchanan, and an unknown suspect driving car 54.  The Force Inc. Steel Block Limited Latemodel heat races were won by Joe Petyak and Scott Stein.

Andrew Satterlee #2

For the first time at Marion Center Speedway the Fastrack Crate Latemodels were a part of the regular program as their own division.  Crate cars have raced at the track, but not as a separate division under the watchful eyes of the sanctioning body.  The Fastrack Crate Latemodels are sponsored by Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic at Marion Center Speedway.  In their inaugural running, Andrew Satterlee of Rochester Mills a veteran of the track was the winner.  Satterlee started on the pole and led every lap to take home the first victory for the division at MCS.  Mike Pegher from Cranberry took second place and Mike Laughard of Twin Rocks was third.  Fourth place went Dan Angelicchio of Greensburg and Joe Martin of Ringgold was fifth.  The rest of the inaugural field ended the race with Mike Hite in sixth and followed by Joe Moyer, Paul Dominick, rookie Chase Carnahan and Josh Valenti.  The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic Fastrack Crate Latemodel heat race went to Dan Angelicchio.

#28N Nate Smith

The W. G. Satterlee & Sons Street Stock feature went to Nate Smith of Glen Campbell.  Smith started third behind Ray Hickok, Jr. of Commodore and followed Hickok for the first couple of laps until taking the lead on lap three and staying up front to the checkered flag.  Hickok ran second to Smith for a half dozen laps until Chris Schneider of Springdale past him for second place leaving Hickok in third.  Fourth place was filled by Tim White from Punxsutawney and Dennis Bothell of Creekside took fifth.  Rounding out the top ten in order were Corey Neal, Matt Hugill, William Phillips, Jr., Brent McDaonald, and Jeff Sweeney.  Ray Hickok, Jr., Dennis Bothell and Nate Smith were the W. G. Satterlee & Sons Street Stock heat race winners.

Chris Hickok #84

The Willow Farm Campground Strictly Stock feature timed out Saturday night cutting the race short of a few laps after many cautions caused delays.  The time limit expired meaning the next flag would end the race, whether it was the checkers or yellow.  The next caution happened to involve the leader of the race as he was tagged by another driver causing him to spin out.  The leader was not charged with the caution and would have gotten his spot back if the race resumed.  So track officials waited to see if the leader was able to run or not after the incident, and after he took his rightful place in front of the lineup, the checkered flag was displayed ending the race under caution with time expired.  Chris Hickok of Commodore was the winner of the Willow Farm Campground Strictly Stock feature.  Hickok took the lead for lap three to the end away from Jim Eiselman of Ernest.  Eiselman led the first two laps before Hickok took over.  Hickok was pressured by Nick Fulmer but never passed by Fulmer or anybody else.  At the finish it was Hickok, Jon Lee of Mahaffey, Bryant Small from Cherry Tree, Luke Barnett from Mahaffey and Dillon Smith of Glen Campbell.  The top ten rounded out with Brandon Lansberry, Zach Huff, Steve Huey, Nick Fulmer and Jim Hamilton.  The Willow Farm Campground Strictly Stock heat races were won by Bryant Small, Adam Pletcher and Jim Hamilton.

The other new division for the 47^TH Season is the Best Kawasaki Mod-Lites.  Tom Kline of Apollo was the winner of the first time division at Marion Center Speedway and he did it by leading the entire fifteen lap feature.  Starting in the second row, Kline jumped into the lead right away and held it to the end.  Brian Miller of Vandergrift took second lace and Brian Kaszubski of Apollo was third.  Rob Hilliard from Ford City was fourth with Jason Johnston next followed by Mike Flockerzi and Jordie McClain. The first heat race for the division at Marion center Speedway was won by Brian Miller.

Marion Center Speedway would like to thank our returning sponsors and new sponsors for this 2013 racing season that include Butler Auto Supplies, D B Laraway and Associates, Marc Sallack Well Service/Trucking, Best Kawasaki, Force, Inc., Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic, Lias Tire/Cooper Tires, Today’s Hot Country Q-102 radio, W. G. Satterlee & Sons, and Willow Farm Campgrounds.  Also thanks to our fans for your continued support.

Next Saturday Marion Center Speedway will take $2 off the admission price of the first 47 Moms through the gate to the grandstands in honor of Mother’s Day for Q-102 night at the track.  Be sure to keep checking the website, www.marioncenterspeedway.net for more information and any changes that might occur like the raceday hotline phone number to call for cancellations, delays or other race day info.   The new hotline phone number for race day info only is 724-397-2108.  Kid’s Bike races begin on May 18.        

See you next Saturday night at Marion Center Speedway “The Thrill on the Hill.”

MCS Announces 2013 Race Season Open - 47th Year at "The Thrill On The Hill"

Marion Center Speedway announces its opening night of Saturday May 4 for the 47^TH Season under the continuous direction of the Potts family.  After a successful 2013 Test and Tune Day on the 27^TH, Marion Center Speedway is ready to open the gates for the start of the racing season.  The track was prepped and tested by the various cars that came to the test/tune event and held up very well.  The new clay that was added stayed in place and the cars seemed to take to the overall excellent condition the track was in.  All six divisions were represented at the track last Saturday; and drivers ranged from rookie to well into veteran status.  Some were trying out new cars, and some were testing new setups for the season.  It was a good mix of everything including the weather. 

The starting lineup for the 2013 season includes the Lias Tire Super Latemodels, Force Inc. Steel Block Limited Latemodels, Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic Fastrak Crate Latemodels, W. G. Satterlee & Sons Street Stocks, Willow Farm Campground Strictly Stocks, and the Best Kawasaki Mod-Lites.  We welcome the newest divisions- the Fastrak Crate Latemodels, and Mod-Lites, and their fans to Marion Center Speedway as well as our new sponsors Best Kawasaki in Big Run and Force Inc. of Indiana picking up the division sponsorship of the Limited Latemodels.  The Spectator Drags are also back this season and so are the Kid’s Bike Races. 

Be sure to check out our website-www.marioncenterspeedway.net for a full season schedule of events so you don’t miss the concerts and car show at the Fireman’s Convention in July or any of the other planned activities.  Also follow us on facebook, and check out our blog page. 

Drivers be sure to come prepared with your “receivers” for track officials to talk you into lineup positions or other necessary information.  The Raceivers radio systems can be rented or purchased from Lias Tire in Indiana if you don’t already have one.  If you have any questions about the race receivers, please direct your questions to Lias Tire Racing Division in Indiana as they can best handle all technical problems or concerns.

We’re ready for another exciting season at Marion Center Speedway, so join us at “The Thrill On The Hill” Saturday Nights this summer for the 47^TH Season of Racing under one family’s ownership!

More pictures from Practice Day, Saturday, April 27 are available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/marioncenterspeedway/

 

2013 Starting Line-up Change at MCS

As of March 24, 2013 the 3/4 Scale Latemodels have been removed from the starting line-up at Marion Center Speedway.  The 2013 starting line-up is: Super Latemodels, Steel-Blk Limited Latemodels, Fastrak Crate Latemodels, Street Stocks, Strictly Stocks, and the Mod-Lites.

The 2013 race season begins Saturday, April 27 with a Test & Tune Practice day.  This is open to all drivers, cars, and fans.  Time 1:00pm through 5:00pm.  Pit Fee $25.00 and Grandstands are FREE.  The following Saturday, May 4 is Opening Night at MCS.  Gates will open at: Pits 5:30pm, Grandstands 6:00pm, and racing will begin at 7:30pm with all 6 racing divisions taking the green.  Admission in to the track is :Pits $25.00, Grandstand: Adults $12.00, Seniors $11.00, Kids (7 - 12) $5.00 (6 and under FREE), Family Pass (2 Adults & 2 Kids (7 - 12)) $30.00.

Check our website www.marioncenterspeedway.net for more information on scheduled events and updates.

Fastrak at Marion Center Speedway 2013 Race Season

• Marion Center Speedway is making a big move for its 47TH season under the ownership/management of the Potts family.  This season, Marion Center Speedway will host the “Fastrak Crate Limited Late Models.”  That’s right the “Fastrak Crate Limited Late Models” will be a regular division at the track this season.  We welcome this sanctioned group to the track and are sure you will enjoy the great racing they’ll provide.  Another change in the divisions racing this coming season will be that instead of Front Wheel Drive Four Cylinders the Mod Lites will be introduced to the track for the first time.  No it’s not a new adult beverage from Milwaukee, but a new division of racing growing throughout America.  Best Kawasaki of Big Run will sponsor the newest addition to the track line up.  The Mod Lites will replace the 4 Cylinders racing at the track, the other divisions will remain as the Lias Tire Super Late Models, Force, Inc. Steel Block Limited Latemodels, Q-102, ¾ Scale Late Models, W. G. Satterlee & Sons Street Stocks, the Willow Farm Campground Strictly Stocks and of course the new Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic “Fastrak Crate Limited Late Models.”  In addition to the division changes, the drivers will now be connected to speedway staff through race receiver radios.  Drivers will now be lined up on the track through the race receiver system.  All drivers will be required to purchase or rent the system if they don’t already have one.  Any questions concerning the race receiver system should be directed to Lias Tire Racing Division of Indiana, where the radios can be purchased.
  
  By popular demand, the Spectator Drags will also be back this season as monthly additions to the regular racing program.  Be sure to check out the 2013 Racing Schedule for other changes such as Marion Center Speedway hosting the 9TH Annual Indiana County Fire Chiefs’ Association Firefighters Convention July 10 – 14 with a whole schedule of family oriented activities.  Check out the carnival, concert and car show held at the track in addition to the other firemen related activities.  After the Firefighter’s Convention, the racing will continue through to September and the Butler Auto Supplies Season Championships and the Season Finale.  It looks like another great season, so keep checking the website for any changes and also look up RacingIn.com-a new web sight for racers as well as fans, and plan to join us Saturday nights at “The Thrill On The Hill,” Marion Center Speedway for its 47TH season under the direction of the Potts Family.

2013 Race Season to Start Saturday, April 27

The 2013 Race Season will start at Marion Center Speedway Saturday, April 27, with a Test & Tune Practice Day.  This is a open practice day for all (drivers, cars, & fans).  The event will have a start time of 1:00pm thru 5:00pm.   The following Saturday, May 4, will be the official Opening Night at MCS with all 6 racing divisions:  Lias Tire Super Latemodels, Hoosier Steel-Block Limited Latemodels, W. G. Satterlee Street Stocks, Strictly Stocks, Best Kawasaki Mod-Lites, and the Q102 3/4 Scale Latemodels.  Gates will open at 5:30pm in to the pits and 6:00pm in to the grandstands.  Concession stands will be ready with fresh hot food and ice cold beverages for all to enjoy before race time at 7:30pm.

Admission in to the the track this season is: *Adults $12.00 - *Seniors $11.00 - * Kids 7-12 $5.00 and 6 and under FREE - *Family Pass (NEW this year) 2 Adults & 2 Kids (7-12) $30.00 - * Pit Fee $25.00.

Spectator drags will also be on the 2013 race season schedule once a month starting Saturday, May 18, with two more scheduled events (Saturday, July 27 & Saturday, August 10).  Anyone interested in participating in the Spectator Drags can get more information & Registration Form off the website:www.marioncenterspeedway.net or call: (724)397-2718.

For more information about all scheduled events at Marion Center Speedway click here.

MCS Starting Line-up for 2013

Best Kawasaki

Marion Center Speedway announces its starting lineup for the 2013 racing season, its 47'Th year under one family's ownership.  The Super Latemodels will be back again to dominate the quarter-mile clay oval that has been reworked in the off-season to ensure there's plenty of room for action in the corners.  Even the Steel-Block Limited Latemodels will have space to maneuver the track.  In addition to those two divisions the Street Stocks will also be back along with the 3/4 Scale Latemodels and the Strictly Stocks too.  The NEW division to the racing schedule for the start of 2013 is the "Mod-Lites."  We welcome the opportunity to showcase this division at Marion Center Speedway and feel it will soon be a fan favorite as well.

Mark your calendars and get ready for the 2013 racing season at Marion Center Speedway with the Super Latemodels, Steel-Block Limited Latemodels, 3/4 Scale Latemodels, Street Stocks, Strictly Stocks, and the Mod-Lites.  

MCS June 30, 2012 46th Season Keeps On Rolling

Marion Center Speedway kept its 46'th race season under one family's ownership rolling Saturday night at the quarter-mile clay oval between Indiana and Punxsutawney.

 

The Lias Tire Latemodels' feature was won by Dane Laraway of Harrison City.  Laraway started on the outside pole of the feature and proceeded to lead every lap until the checkered flag flew.  Denton Boyer from Punxsutawney started in the second row behind Laraway and finished right behind Laraway in second place.  Boyer kept the pressure on Laraway but didn't get past him.  After Boyer crossed the finish line, Rod Phillips also from Punxsutawney was nest; then came Dave Blazavich from Marion Center and pole sitter, Rick Davis of Home.  Rounding out the top ten and field were Billy Eash, Bob Sheesley, Jim Boyer, Jerry Redden and Wally Fox.  Jim Detman was running good for a while in the heats but then problems came his way and he was unable to compete in the feature.  The Lias Tire Super Latemodel heat races were won by the Punxsutawney pair of Rod Phillips and Denton Boyer.

The Willow Farm Campground Steel-Blk Limited Latemodels' feature was won by Scott Stein of Cherry Tree.  Quite a few starts and stops kept the field close together and one restart gave Scott Stein the opportunity to take the lead from Kyle McFarland.  McFarland has started on the pole and was doing well at leading the race until one restart on lap five when Stein got the right combination to take the lead.  Stein and McFarland kept things close and interesting throughout the 20-lap feature and that gave Cheyenne Reed time to move into contention.  The racing up front was intense and Reed passed McFarland for second place with his sights on Stein for the lead.  Attempting to get his place back on the track, McFarland spun causing a caution and had to go to the end of the twenty-two car line with only a few laps remaining.  At the checkers it was Stein with his third victory this season tying him with Cheyenne Reed with the most wins this year,  then Cheyenne Reed and the Mike Williams' car driven by Matt Gaston of Rochester Mills.  Fourth place went to Derek Rodkey of Osceola Mills and Tom Jobe from Covode was fifth.  Sixth through tenth places went to Eric Baun, Jeff Weakland, Scott Alvetro, Bernie Whiteford and Sam Gindlesperger.  The Willow Farm Campground Steel-Blk Limited Latemodel heat races went to Scott Stein, Cheyenne Reed and Kyle McFarland.

Dane Laraway doubled up Saturday night at Marion Center Speedway with another win in the 3/4 Scale Latemodel feature.  After winning the Lias Tire Super Latemodel feature, Laraway pulled out another win, his fifth this year, in the 3/4 Scale Latemodels.  Unlike the Super Latemodels where he started on the outside pole, Laraway was dead last in the 3/4 Scale Latemodel feature and had to work his way to the front of the eight car field and had fifteen laps to do it.  Laraway took the lead after eleven laps and held the front position to go to the Integra Racing Shocks Winner's Circle for the second time that night.  Rick Amente from Vandergrift moved up from sixth to take second and Chris Frank from Leechburg was third.  Patrick/Morgan Waugh was fourth and Max Wilkinson was fifth.  Rounding out the field in order were Chad Wilds, Doug Peterman and Lance Smith.  Dane Laraway also won the 3/4 Scale Latemodel heat race.

In the W. G. Satterlee & Sons Street Stock feature Gary Furman, Jr. led he cars out of the pits staging area and onto the track.  He even led the first lap of the feature.  But after that it was all Nate Smith from Glen Campbell.  Smith moved up from fifth to first in one lap and never let up to secure the victory.  A couple cautions gave the competitors a chance to close in on Smith, but at the drop of the green flag he was gone and went on to the Integra Racing Shocks Winner's Circle.  Gabe Shaffer of Punxsutawney kept pace with Smith but never got past him.  Ray Hickok, Jr. of Commodore was also running up in front, but not in front of Smith and settled in for third place behind Shaffer.  Jeff Sweeney, who has the most wins in the division this season with three - Smith now only one away, was fourth.  William Phillips, Jr. from Blandburg was fifth and Furman from New Alexander was sixth.  Matt Hugill from Mahaffey made his first appearance this season and got seventh with Rich Waltman in eighth and Andy Klingensmith took ninth with Eric Lingenfelter next for tenth.  The W. G. Satterlee & Sons Street Stock heat races were won by Nate Smith and Eric Lingenfelter.

Today's Hot Country Q-102 Strictly Stock feature was won by Jim Hamilton of Coalport giving his his first win this season.  Hamilton started on the pole and led every lap of the feature to secure the victory.  Justin Queen from Irvona kept pace with Hamilton up until the next to last lap when possibly pushing the car too hard it broke down bring out the caution and ending up in the pits.  That incident let Rich Powell from Cherry Tree in second place and he challenged Hamilton on the restart and sprint to the finish.  But Hamilton held off Powell for the win and Powell took second.  Nick Fulmer of Marion Center was third and Luke Barnett of Mahaffey was fourth.  Kylie Hamilton, Jim's daughter was fifth.  Rounding out the top ten were Jody Frantz, George Bailey, Matt Presock, Gary Taylor and Kenny Haight.  The Today's Hot Country Q-102 Strictly Stock heat races went to Justin Queen and David Beahr.

Tim Bish from Ringgold won the FWD 4-Cylinder feature.  Bish started seventh in a field of eight cars since Marcus Lutman was unable to complete the feature, and took the lead after the first lap was completed.  Bish then led the remaining eleven laps for the trip to the Integra Racing Shocks Winner's Circle fir the first time this season but only his second attempt.  Second place went to David Gacka of Johnstown and Stephanie Ivory of Coalport was third.  Jon Lee took fourth place back to Mahaffey and Chris Hickok of Commodore was fifth.  The rest of the field consisted of Robert Lydic and Matt Eiselman.  Denny Phillips was unharmed when he rolled his car over in turn two at the beginning of the feature and he landed in eighth place with Lutman who didn't start the feature in ninth.  The FWD 4-Cylinders heat race was won by Tim Bish as well.

Don't forget the INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION SPECIAL ON TUESDAY, JULY 3RD AT 7:30pm with racing in the Lias Tire Super Latemodels - a 35 lap, $1,500 to win race, the Willow Farm Campground Steel-Blk Limited Latemodels with a 35 lap $1,500 to win feature, plus the W. G. Satterlee & Sons Street 30 lap pay $700 to win and the Mod-Lites 25 lap race paying $500 to win, PLUS FIREWORKS! sponsored by Pikel's BP Inn of Home.  Check out www.marioncenterspeedway.net for more info.

Thanks to out sponsors this 46th season of racing under one family's ownership: