Grandview race report 2002-09-28

Brightbill wins two at Grandview, Stoudt and Wharton win.

Bechtelsville, PA September 28, 2002 . . . Keith Brightbill, son of legendary dirt track modified racer Kenny Brightbill, wheeled the Knuckleheadz Bar & Grill/Warko Group #14 Modified to victory on Saturday night in two 30-lap Modified stock car feature events at Grandview Speedway. Randy Stoudt drove the Rogers Auto Parts #22 Late Model to a win in the opening 20-lap Late Model feature while Mike Wharton was able to bring the Pizza Palace Restaurant/Warrior Chassis #100 home first in the second 20-lap main event for Late Models.

In the first 30-lapper for the Modifieds, an event rained out the previous Saturday night, Donny Erb was able to control first spot for the first two laps. Brightbill (Mohnton) came from fourth to grab the lead on the third lap. Once in front the second generation racer was able move out to a commanding lead several times in a race that was marred by several cautions. Ryan Watt, looking for his first career win, gave Brightbill quite a battle for the lead until a flat left rear tire took him out of action on the 22nd lap. Rick Schaffer (Woxall) was able to put pressure on the leader for the balance of the main event but Brightbill held off the veteran racer to gab his first career win in Modified competition at Grandview Speedway.

Second spot in the 30 lapper went to Rick Schaffer followed by former track champion Terry Meitzler (Kutztown), Kyle Weiss (Pottsville) and Larry Solomon (Birdsboro).

In the second 30-lapper for the Modifieds, in open competition format, Brightbill took command on the first lap from his second place starting spot. Jon Kellner Jr. (Lansdale) was able to give the leader plenty of competition for 12 laps of the feature but had a tire go down causing him to spin in the fourth turn. Kevin Hartnett then charged up from 8th spot to take second spot and put heavy pressure on Brightbill for the balance of the 30-lap feature. Hartnett (Perkasie) was able to hold on to second for his best finish of the season. Third spot went to Kevin Hirthler (Green Lane) followed by Craig VonDohren (Oley) and Meme DeSantis (Temple).

The two feature wins for Brightbill gave him $4400 for his night of racing. In victory lane he called his father and found out that his dad, Kenny Brightbill, had been able to win the modified feature race at New Egypt Speedway. A story book night for the Brightbills.

In the 20-lap opening feature for the Late Models, Randy Stoudt was the leader at nine laps, where the feature started after being rained out at the point last Saturday. Stoudt (Pottstown) was able to hold on to the top spot with the Rogers Auto Parts #22 to grab his ninth win of the season. Second spot went to Ron Kline (Harleysville) followed by Dean Stoudt (East Greenville), Luke Hoffner and Ron Chrisman (Schwenksville).

The second 20-lapper for open competition Late Models saw John Durling get the early lead and then surrender first spot to Luke Hoffner on the third lap. Mike Wharton (Bridgemont, Delaware) took command on the fourth lap and held on to the top spot for the balance of the 20-lap season finale. Randy Stoudt put some strong pressure on Wharton in the final laps but fell short having to settle for second. Third place was earned by Rick Todorow (Quakertown) followed by Chuck Schutz (Pottstown), he had put a lot of pressure on Wharton in the early part of the main event, and fifth was earned by Jason Miller (New Tripoli).

The win was Wharton's first career victory and came as he was celebrating his 28th birthday.

Qualifying heats for the open competition Modifieds went to Jon Kellner Jr., Keith Brightbill, Meme DeSantis and Kenny Gilmore. Consolation wins were earned by Jim Stong and Tad Cox. The Automotive Machining Services Cash Dash went to Meme DeSantis.

In qualifying events for the Late Models wins were earned by John Durling, Luke Hoffner and Mike Wharton.

The Saturday night show closed out the regular season schedule for modifieds and late models. Next on the schedule is the Saturday, October 19, 6 p.m. NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Series Finale which will offer fans the opportunity to seen an exciting features only program. The show will include 25-lap features for the URC Sprints, ARDC Wingless Midgets, 410 Sprints, NASCAR Modifieds and Late Models. There will also be a URC Non-Winners Feature added to the program. And there will be some fun activities centered on Halloween Day.

And on Saturday, October 26th, 7 a.m., the annual Racer's Flea Market will take place.

The 40th Annual Grandview Speedway Awards Banquet is set for Saturday, November 16th, 6 p.m. Tickets are presently available from Vicki Gehris at 610.367.2776. The banquet, featuring awards presentation, music for dancing and some great food, will take place at the Gilbertsville, PA Fire Co. Social Hall.

Tentative plans for the 2003 season include a free-to-the-public practice session on Saturday, March 29th, 12 noon. And on April 5, 6 p.m. the season will get the green flag with Patriot Bank sponsoring the opening night of NASCAR Modifieds and Late Models.

Copies of the 2002 Grandview Speedway Yearbook are presently available. The 60-page book includes dozens of color photos of racing action, champions, and more. There is a magnificent color center spread. Stories on the champions Jeff Strunk and Lou Egrie are included. And there is loads of statistics, race results from the season, a history of the speedway, history of the T.H.Properties Freedom 76 and much more. The book is priced at $8.00 which includes postage and handling. Send a check or money order, payable to ESC Inc. at 1448 Hollywood Avenue, Langhorne, PA 19047 for each book ordered.

For information on racing at Grandview Speedway telephone 610.754.7688 or visit their website at www.grandviewspeedway.com.

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