Bryan Howland Breaks Through at Cornwall for First Win of 2012

Never before had Bryan Howland waited this long to get his first win of a season; but after a convincing victory on Sunday Night in Cornwall he proved that July is when he really heats up. “Finally”, declared Howland in Cornwall Victory Lane , as he presented the checkered flag to the crowd after leading wire-to-wire in a caution-free event. It was Howland’s 21st career PST win, his 10th in the month of July. “The car was just perfect tonight,” he stated. “The start was really good. We came off of turn two like a rocket ship and I think that is what won us the race.” The four-time Patriot Sprint Tour Champion had even debated attending the Sunday sprint special at the ¼-mile, a track where he had crashed at on his two prior visits, but he knew his luck had to turn around soon enough. “This is an awesome racetrack, we just had bad luck here in the past,” added Howland. “We’ve had a real rough year and every week (my crew) keeps coming back with their chin up looking for our first win and we finally got it tonight!” Howland, of Auburn , NY , finished third in his heat, which was good enough to get into the redraw, where his string of poor draws was snapped when he selected the pole starting spot. Outside pole sitter Mitch Brown ran him hard into turn one, but the Filtrec No. 51 would get the lead working down the backstretch. Lapped traffic would soon become a factor, but it also allowed “Flyin’ Bryan ” to gauge how strong his car was. “I tried the top a few times but I wasn’t gaining anything on the lapped cars so I was just holding my position on the bottom, figuring that I didn’t feel anyone would be moving on the top,” reflected the ninth different PST winner of 2012 in nine races. As the race wore on, the track became increasingly slicker while not taking any rubber; this put more emphasis on being tactical and hitting the correctly line, something that has made Howland a front-runner for so many years. Despite Howland’s excellence at being precise, Mitch Brown was not going to let it be a run away. At points during the middle of the race, Brown would chop the lead down but was not able to gain enough on Howland. Over the final five laps, the Brantford , Ontario driver would have to work hard just to hold off Jared Zimbardi, but was able to do just that as he claimed his best career PST finish. It was a solid end to the weekend for the third year sprint driver after a motor problem Friday at Ohsweken made them thrash just to make it up to Brockville and Cornwall . Jared Zimbardi’s third place showing was impressive considering that he started seventh on a track where passing was certainly at a premium. The defending PST Champion drove from seventh to fourth on the first lap but without a caution would have to settle for his second third-place of the weekend. In the process, “The Juice” has taken over the PST Canada Series point lead. On the final lap, Glenn Styres, who had a very impressive run from 12th place up to fourth running the high line, planted his Ohsweken No. 0 in the turn four wall after the checkered flag had already been given to Howland. That would hand fourth back over to Alain Bergeron, who returned to action on Sunday with a heavy heart after the passing of his father earlier in the week. It was an emotional night for the two-time Cornwall winner but ended with a quality result. Michael Parent would earn his second top-five finish in the last three starts at Cornwall . It was also a difficult week off the track for Parent but he too was able to use racing as an escape. Saturday Night’s winner Jamie Collard won his heat race but struggled to move forward in the feature as he finished sixth. Justin Barger was able to rally from a poor heat race to earn a seventh place result. Those two are still squarely in the PST Canada Championship picture but will have to gain ground on Zimbardi now. Two-time Cornwall winner Jeff Cook won the Original Pizza Logs Four Laps of Fame Dash and was able to finish in eighth. Heat two winner Dain Naida crossed in ninth while local favorite Lee Ladouceur rounded out the top 10. No official race stoppages occurred on the night, however red flags were unfurled after in the checkered flags had been displayed in the dash and the feature. Styres crash at the conclusion of the A-Main resembled the flip Scott Kreutter took in the dash; the difference being that Kreutter’s incident was a result of the throttle sticking on his No. 52. Both drivers would walk away unharmed. For more information visit www.PatriotSprintTour.com.

Patriot Sprint Tour Results: 7/15/12, Cornwall Motor Speedway , Cornwall , Ontario . A-Main (25 Laps)- 1. Bryan Howland (51), 2. Mitch Brown (10), 3. Jared Zimbardi (35), 4. Alain Bergeron (8B), 5. Michael Parent (25), 6. Jamie Collard (7x), 7. Justin Barger (5), 8. Jeff Cook (10c), 9. Dain Naida (07x), 10. Lee Ladouceur (51L), 11. Keith Dempster (5k), 12. Devin Caron (24k), 13. Glenn Styres (0), 14. Kayle Robidoux (46), 15. Tyler Rand (84), DNS: Scott Kreutter (52). Lap Leaders- Howland 1-25.

Original Pizza Logs Four Laps of Fame Dash (4 Laps)- 1. Jeff Cook (10c), 2. Lee Ladouceur (51L), 3. Justin Barger (5), 4. Glenn Styres (0), 5. Keith Dempster (5k), 6. Scott Kreutter (52).
National Parts Peddler Heats (8 Laps Each)- Race 1: 1. Jamie Collard (7x), 2. Michael Parent (25), 3. Bryan Howland (51), 4. Alain Bergeron (8B), 5. Jeff Cook (10), 6. Keith Dempster (5k), 7. Glenn Styres (0), 8. Tyler Rand (84).

Race 2: 1. Dain Naida (07x), 2. Mitch Brown (10), 3. Jared Zimbardi (35), 4. Devin Caron (24k), 5. Scott Kreutter (52), 6. Lee Ladouceur (51L), 7. Justin Barger (5), 8. Kayle Robidoux (46).
Patriot Sprint Tour Canada Series Standings (Top 10)- Jared Zimbardi 579, Justin Barger 567, Jamie Collard 561, Bryan Howland 541, Dain Naida 522, Mitch Brown 510, Scott Kreutter 432, Alain Bergeron 392, Lee Ladouceur 390, Glenn Styres 373.

Press release provided by the Patriot Sprint Tour

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY AND THE BIG EAST CONFERENCE REACH AGREEMENT ON SYRACUSE

The BIG EAST Conference and Syracuse University today announced that both organizations have reached an agreement on Syracuse’s departure from the BIG EAST and move to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Under the terms of the agreement reached between the BIG EAST and Syracuse, the BIG EAST members will vote, in accordance with the BIG EAST’s bylaws, to terminate Syracuse’s membership in the BIG EAST effective July 1, 2013, at which point Syracuse will join the ACC. In addition to other consideration, Syracuse will make a total cash payment to the BIG EAST of $7.5 million.

“This closes a chapter and opens a new one filled with exciting possibilities for the BIG EAST’s future. With the recent addition of eight schools to the BIG EAST, the future for the Conference has never been brighter,” said Joe Bailey, Interim Commissioner of the BIG EAST.

“We look forward to the new academic and athletic partnerships and the extraordinary competitive opportunities that membership in the ACC offers,” said Dr. Daryl Gross, Director of Athletics for Syracuse University. “We are excited about both our final season in the BIG EAST and our long-term future with the ACC.”

Press release provided by SU Athletics

Suero Plays Against Team USA In Domincan Republic Loss

Las Vegas, Nev.- Former UAlbany guard Gerardo Suero tallied seven points and three rebounds in 17 minutes in the Domincan Republic loss against Team USA, 113-59, on Thursday, July 12.

In three Olympic games for the Dominican Republic National team, Suero played in five games averaging 4.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 0.8 assists a game. The former guard shot 42.1 percent from the field.

Press release & photo provided by UAlbany Athletics

B-Mets Offense Loses Steam in 11-7 Loss

BINGHAMTON, NY – The Binghamton Mets scored seven runs on 13 hits through five innings, but mustered just three hits and no runs over the final four frames in an 11-7 loss to the Erie SeaWolves Thursday night at NYSEG Stadium. The B-Mets matched a season-high by stranding 13 runners on base in the series-opening defeat.

After the SeaWolves jumped out to a three-run lead against starter Greg Peavey, the B-Mets answered back with two runs in the second on an RBI single by Juan Centeno and a sac fly by Wilfredo Tovar. Binghamton took their only lead against starter Ramon Garcia on a two-run double by Dustin Martin in the third.

The hit by Martin started a trend in the back-and-forth affair. Erie re-took the lead with a pair of runs in the fourth, but Binghamton tied the game in the bottom of the frame on a home run by Juan Lagares.

In the fifth, the SeaWolves plated two runs to take a 7-5 lead. Binghamton wiped that deficit away in a three-batter span. Jefry Marte led off the inning with a home run and Sean Kazmar followed with a round-tripper of his own to tie the game. Kazmar’s blast was his first at home this season.

Peavey exited after five innings having allowed seven runs (six earned) on eight hits. He watched his winless streak reach eight starts in the no-decision. Armando Rodriguez entered in a tie game and walked leadoff hitter Brandon Douglas. Douglas took second on a wild pitch, stole third and scored on Jamie Johnson’s sac fly, one of four in the game for Erie.

Garcia was shelled for seven runs on a career-high 13 hits, but handed off to the bullpen with the chance to win. Jared Gayhart walked the tightrope but did not allow a run in three innings of relief, stranding four on base.

After adding three runs in the ninth against Brad Holt, the SeaWolves looked to closer Bruce Rondon to wrap things up. The B-Mets immediately loaded the bases on a walk, a hit batsman and a single, but could not complete the comeback. Rondon induced three consecutive flyouts to end the game.

Garcia (7-7) scratched out the win, his first against the B-Mets this season. Rodriguez (2-1) did not allow a hit in two innings of relief, but suffered the loss.

The B-Mets (41-48) continue their final series against the SeaWolves Friday evening in a doubleheader that starts at 5:35 PM. RHP Zack Wheeler faces RHP Patrick Cooper in the opener while LHP Mark Cohoon takes the ball for Binghamton in the nightcap. The Horizons Federal Credit Union pre-game show begins at 5:20 PM on Newsradio 1290 WNBF.

Press release provided by the Binghamton Mets

Small Block Driver Chris Raabe Beats the Big Blocks

Super DIRTcar Series Win at Cornwall an Inspiration for New Drivers

WEEDSPORT, N. Y. - July 12, 2012 - When Chris Raabe maneuvered his 01 small block around the quarter-mile oval at Cornwall Motor Speedway to his first career Super DIRTcar Series victory Sunday, July 1, he marked himself a worthy contender even against more powerful Big-Block Modifieds. Raabe, who has triumphed against Big Blocks before, although never before in a series race, proved that up-and-coming drivers don't have to start big to win big.

The 21-year-old resident of Napanee, Ontario, said the small blocks he drives have their niche, and, given the right conditions, can rival the Big Blocks for top spots. For instance, the comparatively short track at Cornwall, where the lack of long straight-aways diminishes the effect the engine power differential has on the race, creates opportunity for small blocks to lead the pack.

"There's a time and a place for a small block, and anytime you're on a long track, the bigger tracks, the Big Block always prevails," Raabe said. "But sometimes you do come across a small block track, and there they're just as competitive as the Big Block at times."

Raabe, who now ranks 17^th in points for the Super DIRTcar Series, said he would eventually like to move up to Big-Block Modifieds but for now is chasing success with the two small blocks in his arsenal. This season, he is focusing on local track championships, including at Mohawk International Raceway, where he holds the top ranking for 358-Modified points, and hopes to race in more 358-Modified Series races.

Before his transition to 358-Modifieds in 2011, Raabe successfully ran Sportsmans, earning eight track championships. At the age of 17, he became the youngest Mr. DIRTcar Champion in DIRTcar history, beating out a record set by two-time consecutive Super DIRTcar Series Champion Matt Sheppard. He won the same championship the next year, becoming at 18 the youngest back-to-back Mr. DIRTcar Champion.

"It was all pretty good at the time, and to back it up the following year was really good too. It proved to everyone that it wasn't a fluke," Raabe said, adding that he was especially proud to have surpassed a great like Sheppard for the record. "It's pretty cool, seeing how much success Matt has had over the last few years. He's pretty legendary now."

Despite the parallel, and despite the high level of his achievements at such a young age, Raabe is reluctant to compare himself to Sheppard and some of the legendary drivers he was able to top at Sunday's Super DIRTcar Series race.

"I think for any young kid who's racing right now the goal is to follow a guy like Brett Hearn, Danny Johnson, Matt Sheppard, guys like that, but whether you can ever live up to those standards is hard to tell. We'll find out in time I guess," Raabe said. "Racing's such an up-and-down sport. You're on top of the heap one day, and at the bottom the next."

His success, and that of other up-and-comers, may pave the way for a new generation of talent in Modified dirt track racing. Also entering the Super DIRTcar Series this year is Justin Wright, 25, who, with one start out of the three races this season currently ranks 25^th in points for the series. Wright, like Raabe, built a strong career in Sportsmans, just last year finishing third in points for the series and second in track points at Canandaigua Motorsports Park and the Cayuga County Fair Speedway, before moving up to 358-Modifieds. Tommy Flannigan, 24, also hailing from Sportsman and 358-Modified backgrounds, currently ranks 20^th in the Super DIRTcar Series.

Although they have not yet entered the Super DIRTcar Series fold, Mat Williamson, 22, and Matt Billings, 19, may soon rise to the challenge, both seeing success in the DIRTcar 358-Modified Series respective point ranks of third and eighth.

Raabe said the biggest hurdle for drivers new to the sport is financial support, but he urges neophytes to remain persistent.

"So far as searching for sponsorship, it's banging on doors and as presenting yourself well. It's not all about performance, although performance is a large factor; personality is also a big thing," Raabe said. "As long as you keep working at it, eventually things will come and go your way."

For the rest of the summer, Raabe will spend much of his time racing at his home track, Mohawk International Raceway in Akwesasne, N. Y., and preparing for his last year in a mechanical engineering program at Queens University. His team also runs frequently at Can-Am Speedway in Lafargeville, N. Y., and he hopes to travel for Cornwall again for the next DIRTcar 358-Modified Series event Sunday, Sept. 2.

Press release provided by DIRTcar

Pugh Recognized on Outland Trophy Watch List

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Following a season in which he was honored as an All-BIG EAST First team selection, senior offensive tackle Justin Pugh has found a place on the 2012 Outland Trophy watch list. The award that is presented by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) honors the best interior lineman in college football.

The Holland, PA native is one of 71 players recognized on the watch list and is only one of four BIG EAST interior linemen featured. Pugh started every contest for the Orange the past two seasons and has had consecutive seasons blocking for a 1,000-yard rusher. He was also one of 11 Syracuse football players named Phil Steele's 2012 Preseason All-BIG EAST Teams, garnering first team honors.

The winner of the Outland Trophy is chosen by the FWAA All-America committee and is named after the late John Outland, an All-America lineman at Penn and Kansas. The award is in its 67th year of existence and this year's recipient will be announced on the Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 6th on ESPN. The Outland Trophy presentation banquet, sponsored by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee, will be held on Jan. 10, 2013, in Omaha, Neb.

The Orange report for preseason camp on August 4th and kick off the 2012 season with their home opener in the Carrier Dome against Northwestern on Sept. 1st. Tickets are available online, at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B) or by calling 1-888-DOMETIX.

Tickets, travel packages and tailgating tickets are also available here for the N.Y. College Classic when Syracuse takes on USC at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 8th.

Press release provided by SU Athletics

Campbell Earns MVP Honors at All-Star Game

READING, PA – Binghamton Mets infielder Eric Campbell singled in the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning to lead the Eastern Division past the Western Division by a 5-4 score in the Eastern League All-Star Game at FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday night.

Campbell, enjoying his professional All-Star Game, went 2-for-3 and was named Most Valuable Player. Facing Hector Nelo of the Harrisburg Senators with runners on second and third, Campbell grounded a 3-1 pitch into left field, bringing home Reading Phillies shortstop Troy Hanzawa to secure the walk-off win. The hit capped a terrific night for the Connecticut native who entered as a pinch-hitter in the fifth inning and doubled to center.

 He scored later in the inning on a pinch-hit sac fly by fellow B-Met Jefry Marte. Marte, also experiencing his first professional All-Star Game, followed his sacrifice fly with a single in the eighth inning. He recorded one putout in the game at third base. Reliever Armando Rodriguez entered with the score tied in the seventh and worked a quick inning. He struck out Chris Rahl, induced Robbie Widlansky to fly out, walked Buck Britton and fanned Eury Perez in a scoreless frame.

New Britain Rock Cats righty Daniel Turpen earned the win by getting the final out in the top of the ninth inning. Nelo suffered the loss. Campbell, Marte, Rodriguez and the rest of the B-Mets (41-47) get back into action to start a five-game series against the Erie SeaWolves at NYSEG Stadium on Thursday night at 6:35 PM. The Horizons Federal Credit Union pre-game show begins at 6:20 PM on Newsradio 1290 WNBF.

Press release provided by the Binghamton Mets

Jacob Iati Named To NABC Honors Court

Kansas City, Mo.- UAlbany's senior guard Jacob Iati was named to the 2012 National Association of Basketball Coaches Honors Court, which recognizes collegiate basketball student-athletes who excelled in academics during the 2011-12 season.

The NABC Honors Court recognizes the talents and gifts that these men possess off the court, and the hard work they exhibit in the classroom. In order to be named to the Honors Court, an athlete must meet a high standard of academic criteria.

Iati, a York, Pa. native, was an integral part for the Great Danes, especially towards the latter half of the season. He finished the season averaging 5.2 points per game and shot a stellar 45.6 percent from behind the arc (36-79). The senior guard had back-to-back 20-point games against Rider (2/18) and Binghamton (2/23).

Press release & photo  provided by UAlbany Athletics

Patriot Sprint Tour Returns to Brockville and Cornwall this Weekend

One of the most burgeoning traditions with the Patriot Sprint Tour has been the mid-July swing north of the St. Lawrence to Brockville and Cornwall Speedways, a tradition which will continue for a fourth straight year this weekend.

The Patriot Sprint Tour will run its third and fourth full-point events in the PST Canada Series at the pair of popular ¼-mile ovals. With this series still in its infancy, the point race is very tightly-knit, which means that this weekend will have a significant impact on deciding who will claim the $5,000 Championship at the end of the year.

New Yorkers Justin Barger and Jared Zimbardi currently lead the PST Canada Series standings. Barger, the winner at South Buxton in June, leads Zimbardi, who won the night earlier at Ohsweken, by six points. Zimbardi, the defending PST Champion, has won three of the last five events at “The BOS” and should be a major factor on Saturday Night. Barger has won two events at Brockville , but has not been to the track since 2009.

Bryan Howland, a four-time PST Champion, was a winner at Brockville in 2009, but has only been to Cornwall once; on that night he was a DNF. Howland, the current PST America point leader, has some work to do if he wants to claim the Canadian championship this year.

Other Americans expected on the weekend include Scott Kreutter , Jeff Cook, Brandan Warner , Jason Barney, Dave Wickham and Dylan Swiernik, among others.

Among the Canadian contingent will be Alain Bergeron, the only driver from Quebec running for the PST Canada Championship. Bergeron, a winner at both Brockville and Cornwall in 2009, will be joined from Quebec by a host of drivers including Michael Parent, Dale Gosselin, Etienne Girard and Patrick Vigneault.

The local fans are always enthralled by the appearance of their favorites such as Rick and April Wilson, Paul Pekkonen, Devin Caron, Lee Ladouceur, Kyle Fraser, Chris Jones and Tyler Rand, each of whom could be seen on one or two nights of the weekend.

Western Ontario is also likely to be well-represented this weekend with more than a half-dozen teams expected from that region. Jamie Collard, along with his teammate from Michigan Dain Naida , are tied for third in the PST Canada standings, just ahead of Travis Cunningham, who is fresh off his first career feature win last Friday at Ohsweken. Mitch Brown , Glenn Styres, Keith Dempster and Chris Durand are among the other drivers who will be heading east for the weekend.

Racing action on Saturday gets started at 7:00 while action kicks off at 6:00 Sunday at Cornwall .

For more information visit www.PatriotSprintTour.com and don’t forget to follow www.Facebook.com/PatriotSprintTour and/or www.Twitter.com/PatriotSprints all weekend for updates.

Patriot History at Brockville :

Races: 12

8/20/2004- Rick Wilson

10/22/2005- Kyle Drum

7/15/2006- Rick Wilson

6/2/2007- Jessica Zemken

7/18/2009- Bryan Howland

8/22/2009- Alain Bergeron

10/17/2009- Glenn Styres (Non-Points)

6/12/2010- Jared Zimbardi

7/17/2010- Shayne Ely

10/16/2010- Jared Zimbardi (Non-Points)

7/16/2011- Jared Zimbardi

8/27/2011- Wayne Johnson

Patriot History at Cornwall :

Races: 2

7/19/2009- Alain Bergeron

7/18/2010- Steve Poirier

		Patriot Sprint Tour	Total
		Canada Series Points
1	5	Justin Barger	303
2	35	Jared Zimbardi	297
3	7x	Jamie Collard	279
4	O7x	Dain Naida	279
5	71	Travis Cunningham	276
6	51L	Lee Ladouceur	270
7	51	Bryan Howland	259
8	0	Glenn Styres	259
9	10	Mitch Brown	251
10	8B	Alain Bergeron	239
11	5k	Keith Dempster	225
12	67	Chris Durand	222
13	52	Scott Kreutter	219
14	21	Don Adamczyk	209
15	49	Todd Hoddick	112
16	84	Tyler Rand	75
17	94	Stan Zanchin	75
18	81	Derek Jonathan	75

Varin Victorious at The Big Show 4

Driver/Promoter Hearn Places Second at Thrilling 100-Lap Super DIRTcar Series Event

MALTA, N. Y. – July 11, 2012 – After a fast-paced 100-lap neck-and-neck battle with Brett Hearn, Bobby Varin came out on top to win round four of the Super DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Series, part of the Big Show 4 at Albany-Saratoga Speedway.

Varin took advantage of heavy lapped traffic in turn four of lap 77 to overtake Brett “the Jet” Hearn and maintained the lead, fending off multiple challenges made by the No. 20 driver.

The first laps seemed to speak in Hearn’s favor as, after drawing the pole position, he fought off early challenges from other frontrunners to build a strong lead. When he reached traffic in lap 37, Hearn stunned the crowd in the packed grandstand as he expertly wove around lapped cars, sometimes two or three deep. He seemed determined to rise victorious at The Big Show, an event he participates in both as driver and promoter.

However, Varin, then in second place, mimicked Hearn’s maneuvers as they circled the tight four-tenths-mile oval, steadily gaining ground.

A yellow flag in lap 42 brought the pack together, and on the restart Varin and Hearn shot forward side by side, neither budging, for an entire lap until Hearn finally powered ahead to reclaim his lead.

Only 10 laps later, leaders reached traffic again, Hearn ducking and weaving, and Varin ardenly pursuing. With the rest of the race going caution-free, the frontrunners were left to battle both each other and lapped cars as they made their way around the track.

Hearn faced frequent challenges from follower Varin, but was able to defend against then until slowed by traffic in lap 77.

Varin powered ahead, showing that his skill navigating the crowded track rivaled that of “the Jet” as he increased his lead over Hearn. Crossing the finish line eight car lengths ahead of Hearn, Varin claimed his first Super DIRTcar Series win this season.

The long race at 100 laps, Varin said, was well-suited for his car and his team,a factor he believed helped fuel his victory. Varin said the ability of his car to stay strong through longer races, as well as his own preference for long races, helped fuel his victory.

“I love long races in general – 50-, 75-, 100-lappers – they’re what I like to run. In the 35-lappers, you can’t quite get your rhythm in time,” Varin said. “Our setup and the driver ability, tire maintenance, and a lot of other factors come into play in the longer races that aren’t necessarily a factor in the shorter races.”

Although Varin admits that lapped traffic helped him to make the move around Hearn that propelled him to the top spot, he said he would have liked to run his No. 97 at full speed.

“It helped and it hurt,” Varin said of the traffic he encountered frequently during the race. “When I’m going around there babying and tendering the throttle when we really had quite a bit faster of a racecar, that’s really a difficult thing to do.”

Although promoter and driver Hearn, finishing second, could not bask in a first-place triumph for the night, he did not leave the track disappointed. The heavily lapped traffic may have made for what seemed like a slow race from Varin’s seat, but from the grandstand seats it made for the sort of exciting side-by-side, nose-to-nose racing action that brought fans to their feet.

“My main priority was that it was a good, entertaining race, and I think it was exactly that,” Hearn said. “I’m super happy with the way the car handled, and I thought we had a great race and a great show. It’s great because a lot of people are going away thinking, ‘Wow, that was really cool.’”

Rounding out the top five for round four of the Super DIRTcar Series are Stewart Friesen in third, Billy Dunn in fourth, and Vince Vitale in fifth.

For the latest news and updates about DIRTcar Racing, like the Facebook page or follow the Super DIRTcar Series Twitter feed, @SuperDIRTcar.

It’s not too early to get your annual Super DIRT Week tickets. Super DIRT Week gets underway Wednesday, Oct. 3, and continues through Sunday, Oct. 7, at the New York State Fairgrounds. For tickets, go to www.DIRTcar.com/tickets or call 315-834-6606.


Statistical Report, Super DIRTcar Series Round Four
Albany-Saratoga Speedway, July 10, 2012

A-Main (100 laps):1. 97 Bobby Varin, 2. 20 Brett Hearn, 3. 1J Steward Friesen, 4. 49 Billy Dunn, 5. 56 Vince Vitale, 6. 8R Rob Bellinger, 7. 9s Matt Sheppard, 8. 91 Billy Decker, 9. 98h Jimmy Phelps, 10. 21a Pete Britten, 11. 3d Matt DeLorenzo, 12. 17 Elmo Reckner, 13. 3h Justin Haers, 14. 3J Marc Johnson, 15. 2J Ronnie Johnson, 16. 115 Kenny Tremont, Jr., 17. 66 Billy Pauch, Jr., 18. 8s Rich Scagliotta, 19. 3 Mark Kislowski, 20. 22J Jeremy Wilder, 21. 21m Bob McGannon, 22. 48T Dave Rauscher, 23. 8 Jimmy Cottrell II, 24. 14x Don Scarborough, 25. 5* Tyler Siri, 26. 72F Tommy Flannigan, 27. 10 Tim Currier, 28. 85 Jim Davis, 29. 35 Mike Perrotte, 30. 14 C. G. Morey, 31. 27J Jessica Zemkin

Qualifier Results (Top 5 from each heat qualify, Top 3 go to redraw)
Heat 1: Phelps, Pauch, Dunn, DeLorenzo, Rauscher, Wilder, Perrotte, Tremont, Flannigan
Heat 2: Hearn, Briesen, R. Johnson, Sheppard, Beckner, Haers, M. Johnson; Not classified: Hoshenforest and Hentschel
Heat 3: Scagliotta, Vitale, Varin, Cottrell, Zemken, McGannon, Scarborough, Humes
Heat 4: Britten, Kilowski, Bellinger, Decker, Siri, Currier, Morey, Davis

B-Main1: Haers, Wilder, Perrotte, M. Johnson, Tremont, Flannigan
B-Main 2: McGannon, Scarborough, Currier, Davis, Morey, Humes


Time Trials: 1. Phelps, 15.860; 2. Pauch, 15.906; 3. Hearn, 15.955; 4. Britten, 15.991; 5. Friesen, 16.070; 6. Scagliotta, 16.087; 7. Dunn, 16.124; 8. DeLorenzo, 16.166; 9. Rauscher, 16.193; 10. R. Johnson, 16.211; 11. Sheppard, 16.234; 12. Haers, 16.245; 13. M. Johnson, 16.303; 14. Bellinger, 16.312; 15. Tremont, 16.427; 16. Vitale, 16.458; 17. Varin, 14.466; 18. Wilder, 16.480; 19. Reckner, 16.537; 20. Currier, 16.575; 21. Decker, 16.582;

Press release provided by DIRTcar

Wheeler Baffles Old Teammates in 5-1 Win

RICHMOND, VA – Zack Wheeler struck out six and allowed just one run to lead the Binghamton Mets past the Richmond Flying Squirrels by a 5-1 score Thursday night at The Diamond. The B-Mets offense pounded out 13 hits, went 6-for-10 with runners in scoring position and drove in three of their five runs with two outs.

Wheeler faced a Giants’ affiliate for the first time since being traded from San Francisco to the Mets in July 2011. Coming off his roughest start as a B-Met, Wheeler bounced back with a solid outing. The righty limited the Flying Squirrels to just one run on six singles over 7.1 innings. He did not allow a single runner to reach third in his time on the hill.

The B-Mets gave him support in the top of the first against Richmond starter Chris Heston, who entered as the Eastern League leader in ERA. Juan Lagares pounded a double off the left field wall to start the game and came home two batters later on a sac fly by Jefry Marte.

Binghamton continued their offensive attack in the fourth. After Francisco Pena led off with a double to center, Wilfredo Tovar doubled the lead with a single into left. Wheeler provided a sac bunt to push Tovar to second and Lagares delivered a two-out run-scoring single to center. Reese Havens capped the frame with another two-out RBI hit, singling to right field.

Heston allowed two more hits in the fifth inning, his final frame. Wilmer Flores doubled with one out and was driven home on Sean Kazmar’s two-out single. The righty surrendered a season-high five runs and matched a career-high with eleven hits allowed.

Meanwhile, Wheeler cruised through the first four innings, facing just two over the minimum. He navigated around a pair of singles in a scoreless fifth inning and retired eight consecutive Flying Squirrels before running into trouble in the eighth.

Trailing by five, Joel Weeks led off the frame with a single to right. After pinch-hitter Daniel Mayorga struck out, Gary Brown bounced a single up the middle, ending Wheeler’s night. Armando Rodriguez entered and issue two straight walks, forcing in a run.

It was the only run Richmond would scratch out in the game. Rodriguez battled back to get two more outs and worked a perfect ninth inning to close out the game.

Jacob Dunnington, Austin Fleet and Edwin Quiararte stymied the B-Mets offense, combining for four shutout innings of relief.

Wheeler (8-4) earned the win, issuing no walks for the first time in five starts. Heston (6-4) suffered the loss, extending his winless streak to five games.

The B-Mets (38-46) will look to secure the series win in the rubber match tomorrow night at 7:05 PM. RHP Cory Mazzoni takes the mound for Binghamton against LHP Mike Kickham. The Horizons Federal Credit Union pre-game show begins at 6:50 PM on Newsradio 1290 WNBF.

Press release provided by the Binghamton Mets

Binghamton Mets Roster Update

July 5:

• LHP Mark Cohoon transferred from Buffalo (AAA) to Binghamton (AA)
• RHP Erik Turgeon placed on the disabled list (left shin contusion)

Press release provided by the Binghamton Mets

Richmond Powers Past B-Mets, 9-4

RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Flying Squirrels collected eleven hits, including ten for extra-bases, and defeated the Binghamton Mets 9-4 Wednesday night at The Diamond. Ehrie Adrianza and Gary Brown led the charge, combining for four doubles, a triple, a home run and four RBI.

In front of a sold-out crowd of 9,560, the Flying Squirrels jumped out to an early lead against B-Mets starter Greg Peavey. Brown led off the first by scorching a double down the left field line and scored when Mark Minicozzi doubled to left center. Tommy Joseph made it a two-run game with an RBI two-bagger to right center. Richmond added another run in the second on an RBI triple by Brown.

Binghamton answered back in the third against Richmond starter Craig Westcott. Peavey bounced a single up the middle, moved to third on a ground-rule double by Reese Havens and scored when Westcott uncorked a wild pitch.

The B-Mets cut the deficit to one with another score in the fifth. Eric Campbell bounced a ground ball off the foot of Westcott that ricocheted into left field, allowing Juan Lagares to score from second.

Richmond responded in a big way in the bottom of the fifth. Tommy Joseph smacked a three-run homer to left to kick the lead to four. Peavey’s night came to a close two batters later. The righty allowed six runs on eight hits over 4.2 innings, extending his winless streak to seven games.

After Richmond tacked on two more runs against Adrian Rosario in the sixth, the B-Mets made one last push in the seventh. Lagares reached on an infield single with one out, ending Westcott’s start. Campbell greeted reliever Ari Ronick by lining a two-run homer over the left field wall, capping a three-RBI night.

Adrianza wrapped up the Richmond scoring with a solo home run off Erik Turgeon in the eighth. Ronick took the game to the finish line, throwing 2.2 innings of relief to secure Richmond’s fourth-straight win.

Westcott (7-6) snapped a four-game winless streak with the victory. He allowed three runs on seven hits over 6.1 innings. Peavey’s (3-6) losing streak reached five games with the loss.

The B-Mets (37-46) continue their series in Richmond Thursday night at 7:05 PM. Former San Francisco Giants farmhand Zack Wheeler takes the hill for Binghamton against RHP Chris Heston. The Horizons Federal Credit Union pre-game show begins at 6:50 PM on Newsradio 1290 WNBF.

Press release provided by the Binghamton Mets

Chuck Hebing wins Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint Summer Shootout at Rolling Wheels Raceway

ELBRIDGE, N.Y. - Chuck Hebing picked up the victory Tuesday night at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park after apparent winner Jessica Zemken was disqualified for coming up light on the scales. It was Hebing's second Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) 25-lap A-Main event triumph of the 2012 season.

Hebing, of Ontario, N.Y., is a multi-time winner at the big five-eighths mile facility and he was happy to take home the $2,200 top prize as part of the Universal American, AKS Firearms Top Gun NCY Tour. The Sprint Car Summer Shootout brought to you by V&V Construction saw a big crowd on hand despite mother nature's best effort to cancel the event.

"The good thing about the club is that they stick with the rules," said Hebing. "It's a darn shame she (Zemken) lost a race for a few pounds or whatever the number was but that's why we have rules. We have a zero tolerance policy in place so no one is shown any favoritism. It's good for us after we made some mistakes on the setup of the car."

Patrick Vigneault started on the pole of the feature and he quickly assumed command at the drop of the green flag over Mike Stelter who started on the outside front row.

Vigneault was the race leader when a red flag came out on lap three when Michael Parent, Bryan Howland and Shawn Donath all came together in the second turn. Howland and Parent each got upside down but all drivers were okay. Parent and Howland were unable to continue.

When action resumed, Vigneault led the way while Hebing advanced from the fifth starting position to take the lead on lap five. Vigneault had elected to run the bottom and Hebing blasted by him on the out the outside.

On lap 12 the caution was displayed again as Cory Sparks slowed and stopped in turn four. This placed Zemken alongside Hebing for the restart. At the green Hebing again held the lead.

Just two laps later Zemken powered by Hebing for the top spot as they exited the second turn as she ran the bottom with Hebing on the outside.

Hebing attempted to track her down over the course of the closing laps but it was to no avail as Zemken proved to be too strong on the inside groove.

In post race technical inspection it was found that Zemken's mount was light on the scales and Hebing was declared the winner.

"I've been fortunate to win here a lot in the past," said Hebing. "We won this race last year with a real fast car. Tonight we had a fast car, it wasn't good as the other ones I've had here but in the end I guess a win is a win."

Hebing was followed to the checkered flag by Tim Kelly, of Rock Stream, N.Y., in second the second position.

"We've been working real hard running all over to try and get a little more speed out of our car," said Kelly after the A-Main. "It's been working pretty good and I think we are getting there."

Long-time ESS campaigner, Doug Emery, came in third. He was extremely happy especially since he held off series point leader Justin Barger on the final lap.

"I really wanted a top ten finish tonight," said Emery. "I can't say enough about how great this night is. I do know I need to work out bit more, the last five laps I was just hanging on. It was fun though and running with Justin Barger at the end and then beating him was huge."

Barger, of Montrose, N.Y., held on to his point advantage with a fourth place finish after he started thirteenth. Brewerton, N.Y., native, Jason Barney started ninth and ended up completing the top five aboard his familiar #87

Rounding out the top ten were Vigneault, Mike Stelter, Lance Yonge, Shawn Donath and Blake Breen.

Following the ESS feature, the Tom Ames Dedication to Dirt Track Racing DIRTcar Pro Stock/Stock Car challenge took to "The Fast Track" for an exciting 27-lap event. Early race leader Rocky Warner fell to Pete Stefanski halfway through, with Stefanski maintaining the lead through two yellow flags to finish first.

ESS/Rolling Wheels Notes: ESS' biggest car count thus far in 2012 at a total of 38 came out to celebrate the Nation's birthday…Making first starts in 2012 were Breen, Howland, veteran Bobby Podolak, Bruce DeWick and Erica Bell…Paul Habeck was a flip victim during he heat event but walked away unharmed…Next up on the Lucas Oil Tour is the SUNY Canton Weekend this Friday and Saturday at Mohawk International Raceway and Can-Am Motorsports Park. Both events will pay $2000 to win.


Statistical Report, Empire Super Sprints at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park
July 3, 2012

V&V Construction A-Main: Chuck Hebing ($2200), Tim Kelly, Doug Emery, Justin Barger, Jason Barney, Patrick Vigneault, Mike Stelter, Lance Yonge, Shawn Donath, Blake Breen, Matt Tanner, Paul Kinney, Tommy Wickham, Jeff Cook, Charlie Donk, Etienne Girard, Joe Trenca, Steve Collins, Kevin Ward Jr., Sam Reakes IV., Jeff VanDusen, Cory Sparks, Larry Wight, Michael Parent, Bryan Howland. Jessica Zemken..DQ Weight

Did Not Qualify - Kyle Dutcher, Dave Wickham, Glenn Styres, Dain Naida, Erica Bell, Bruce DeWick, Bobby Podolak, Kory Gurney, Steve Hutchinson Jr., Jared Fink, Dylan Swiernik, Paul Habeck.

Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heat 1 - Zemken, Barney, Reakes IV, Barger, Parent.
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heat 2 - Yonge, Collins, Stelter, T. Wickham, Donk
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heat 3 - Vigneault, VanDusen, Emery, Wight, Howland
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heat 4 - Hebing, Cook, Kelly, Donath, Ward Jr.
M&W Aluminum Products/Cobra Coaches Dash - Zemken
B-Main - Sparks, Breen, Girard, Kinney.
Provisionals - Tanner, Trenca.

Bonuses:
Westward Painting Company Halfway - Hebing $100
Lee's Repair Auto and Truck - Tanner (13 pos.) $50
Ohsweken Speedway Winners Bonus - Hebing $50
Fondations 55 Pick 5 - Barney $50
North Eastern Pool and Spa Power Pick - Howland, Sparks $50
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers - Yonge, Vigneault, Hebing $25

Tom Ames Dedication to Dirt Track Racing Pro Stock/Stock Car Challenge: Pete Stefanski, Rocky Warner, Glen Forward, Luke Horning, PJ Peters, Dick Parkhurst, Nate Peckham, Russ Marsden, Steve Pesarek, Dave Rogers, Daron Comenga, Chip Smith, Mike Welch, Adam Depuy, Bret Belden, Joe Reeves Jr., Shawn Kirby, Eli Gilbert, Tom Page, Ron Hawker

Press release provided by DIRTcar

Johnson Wins Third Consecutive "Battle at the Border"

RANSOMVILLE, N. Y. - July 5, 2012 - Danny Johnson outlasted challengers Pete Bicknell and Chad Brachmann at Tuesday's "Battle at the Border" to garner his second DIRTcar 358-Modified Series win this season. Johnson's victory at Ransomville Speedway makes him only driver to win the track's annual "Battle at the Border," now in its third year, and solidifies his lead in the 358-Modified Series point standings.

"The Doctor" claimed first early in the race, powering his Waste Management/Page Transportation #27j through a 3-wide field to beat out early leaders Bicknell and Brachmann, and maintaining his position for the remainder of the 75-lap feature.

"Mr. Small Block" Bicknell made a last-ditch effort to overtake Johnson in the final laps, but would have to settle for second, his best finish of the season.

The 358-Modified Series travels to Cornwall Motor Speedway for its fifth event Sunday, September 2.

Mighty Taco/DIRTcar 358-Modifed Series
Ransomville Speedway
July 3, 2012


A-Main (75 laps): 1. 27j Danny Johnson; 2. 42 Pete Bicknell; 3. 7F Stewart Friesen; 4. 3 Chad Brachmann; 5. 89b Todd Burley; 6. 38 Ryan Suscie; 7. 42p Pat Ward; 8. 123 Robbie Krull; 9. 93 Richie Vinson; 10. 6m Mat Williamson; 11. 19 Alan Johnson; 12. 77x Dale Planck; 13. 72 Tommy Flannigan; 14. 1R Jeff McGinnis; 15. 26 Rick Richner; 16. 11J Justin Wright; 17. 74 Matt Billings; 18. 21k Randy Chrysler; 19. 12 Brian Sage; 20. 4J Shane Pecore; 21. 66x Carey Terrance; 22. 76 Travis Braun; 23. 44v Phil Vigneri; 24. 25R Erick Rudolph; 25. 08 Mark D'ilario; 26. 99 Anthony Rizzardo; 27. 7c Sam Crogan; 28. 7 Scott Kerwin; 29. 54J Scott Just; 30. 54 Dave Just

Heat 1: Braun, Friesen, Brachmann, Phil Vigneri, Burley, S. Just, Schumacher, Terrance, Kerwin

Heat 2: Susice, D. Johnson, Rudolf, A. Johson, Ward, Planck, Chrysler, MacTavish. DNS: Chuck Hossfeld

Heat 3: Williamson, Billings, D'Illario, Pecore, Sage, Richner, Rizzardo, Pierce, Pat Vigneri

Heat 4: Bicknell, Vinson, McGinnis, Krull, D. Just, Wright, Crogan, Smith, Joy

B-Main Winners: D. Planck, R. Richner

Time Trial Fast Time: D. Johnson, 17.085
2012 DIRTcar 358-Modified Series Points
2012 Point Standings, after Ransomville Speedway, July 3

Pos.	No.	Driver	Total	Series	Bonus	Diff	Money	Wins	Top 5	Top 10	Starts
1	27J	Danny Johnson	316	316	0	0	$8,020	2	2	3	4
2	77x	Dale Planck	299	299	0	-17	$4,150	0	2	2	4
3	6m	Mat Williamson	286	286	0	-30	$2,980	0	2	3	4
4	66x	Carey Terrance	240	240	0	-76	$2,220	0	1	2	4
5	20	Brett Hearn	237	237	0	-79	$6,720	1	2	2	3
6	25R	Erick Rudolph	226	226	0	-90	$2,345	0	1	1	4
7	76	Travis Braun	201	201	0	-115	$1,120	0	0	0	4
8	74	Matt Billings	196	196	0	-120	$1,720	0	0	2	3
9	3	Chad Brachmann	180	180	0	-136	$3,700	0	2	2	2
10	72	Tommy Flannigan	179	179	0	-137	$1,500	0	1	1	3
11	42	Pete Bicknell	175	175	0	-141	$3,000	0	2	2	2
12	17d	Danny O'Brien	174	174	0	-142	$1,270	0	0	1	3
13	4J	Shane Pecore ®	147	147	0	-169	$820	0	0	1	3
14	115	Stephane LaFrance	128	128	0	-188	$720	0	0	0	3
15	23	Laurent Ladouceur	127	127	0	-189	$900	0	0	2	2
16	10	Tim Currier	125	125	0	-191	$720	0	0	0	3
17	08	Mark D'ilario	108	108	0	-208	$820	0	0	1	2
18	88	Tim O'Brien	108	108	0	-208	$750	0	0	1	2
19	01	Chris Raabe	105	105	0	-211	$770	0	0	1	2
20	40	Joel Doiron	102	102	0	-214	$620	0	0	0	2
21	49	Billy Dunn	100	100	0	-216	$3,000	1	1	1	1
22	21k	Randy Chrysler	98	98	0	-218	$545	0	0	0	2
23	26	Rick Richner	96	96	0	-220	$470	0	0	0	2
24	22c	Mario Clair	93	93	0	-223	$495	0	0	0	2
25	22J	Jeremy Wilder	92	92	0	-224	$470	0	0	0	2
26	151	Brian McDonald	92	92	0	-224	$545	0	0	0	2
27	7F	Stewart Friesen	90	90	0	-226	$1,500	0	1	1	1
28	7	Jimmy Phelps	90	90	0	-226	$1,500	0	1	1	1
29	38	Luke Whittaker	85	85	0	-231	$470	0	0	0	2
30	89b	Todd Burley	80	80	0	-236	$1,000	0	1	1	1