ZACK CURREN'S EMOTIONAL ROC SPORTSMAN MODIFIED WIN HIGHLIGHTS CHEMUNG ACTION By Carol Houssock

It couldn't have been scripted better. Fans at Chemung Speedrome now know why there's truth to that statement, having witnessed something emotional and moving on a night they were already honoring a fallen local legend. It was the annual Ed McGuire Memorial, a 51-lap Sportsman Modified race presented by the ROC Family of Series.

Parked in the pits just to the left of victory lane was the #00, driven to a championship several years ago by the late Connor Sellars. The former champion lost his life a few weeks ago in a tragic accident. On Wednesday, a collaboration took place that brought together the Sellars family, the Zacharias family, Mike McDonald, and the Curren family. Together, they got Connor's car ready for a run in the ROC race coming up three days later at Chemung. Together, they watched Connor's friend Zack Curren set fast time, win his heat, fight for the lead, and park Connor's car in victory lane after winning the 51-lap Ed McGuire Memorial race. Together, they celebrated, wiping away tears that represented more than just a race win. It was therapeutic, a healing moment for Joe and Chelsea Sellars, who lost their son and brother just months after losing Connor's mother. Earlier, Joe paced the field in Connor's dirt sportsman car, a clue as to what Connor himself had in mind for everyone.

While Zack won the feature, fellow heat winner Kevin Youngs finished a close second with Kevin Timmerman rounding out the podium. TJ Potrzebowski won the third heat. As the final lap began it was clear that there would be a first-time ROC Sportsman winner in either Curren or Youngs. On this night, it was Zack Curren who said he knew Connor was riding with him all night.

Joe Mancuso knocked a southern tier monkey off his back at Chemung, capturing the 51-lap ROC Super Stock race. It wasn't without drama, however. Over the final five laps his big lead began to shrink when smoke was visible from his car. Tim Gullo was closing in, especially on the white flag lap when his car spewed a big blast of white smoke. He coasted off turn four and captured the win over Gullo, Jason Duke, Aaron Cornell, and heat winner Tommy Barron.

The non-points Hobby Stock race drew 13 racers for a 20-lapper. The Gullo brothers, Anthony and Devin, let everyone know they were there and ready to win. Each took the checkered in his heat race, after which they drew pole (Devin) and outside pole (Anthony) for the feature. Anthony led the opening lap and, over the first five laps, put a gap between himself and a three-way tussle for second among Devin, Ajay Potrzebowski and Josh Parker. On the seventh lap Potrzebowski took over second. Parker also made a pass that moved him up to third and D. Gullo to fourth. The only caution came with 18 laps complete. Potrzebowski came to a stop on the front stretch, setting up a green/white/checkered finish. Over those final lap, Devin Gullo passed Parker, who had to settle for third in this one. "The car was fast all night, and I'm glad Devin was able to get around Parker for second. Always neat be running with him," he said. Mike Nickels and Mark Taylor rounded out the top five.

It's back to Friday night action this week, and it's a dandy. First up, the 19-lap conclusion of the Jim Potrzebowski Memorial for the Hobby Stocks. That will be followed by a full program of heats and features for the Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, 4 Cylinders and Bandoleros. The track has also slashed the admission price to just $10 for all adults, $5 for kids ages 5 to 12, and free for kids under age 5. Pits open at 5 PM, grandstand and practice at 6, and racing starts at 7 PM sharp.

For information, log on to the trackís website: chemung-speedrome.com, "like" us on Facebook: Chemung Speedrome - Racing at the Drome, or call Ray Hodge, Promoter, at 607-483-3468.

Of note:

Pete from Wyalusing, PA claimed $702 after winning the 50/50. As a reminder no one has claimed last week's winnings (red ticket #100913), which will be added to the total this Friday night.
The remaining Speedrome apparel is available exclusively at the 07 Collectibles trailer.

Results:

ROC Sportsman Modifieds (51 Laps): ZACK CURREN, Kevin Youngs, Kevin Timmerman, Evan Rygielski, Lee Sharpsteen, TJ Potrzebowski, Jacob Christman, Nick Morich, Andrew Lewis, Jr., Jesse Kent, Joe Evans, DJ Shaw, Damon Frutchey, Eddie Hawkins, Ricky Knapp, Jr., Mason Hanel, Charlie Sharpsteen, Daryl Lewis, Jr., (DNS) David Kozlowski
Heats: Curren, Youngs, Potrzebowski

ROC Super Stocks (51 Laps): JOE MANCUSO, Tim Gullo, Jason Duke, Aaron Cornell, Tommy Barron, Brian DeMark
Heats: Barron

ROC FOAR Score 4 Cylinders (15 Laps): TRISHA CONNOLLY, Greg Moldt, Augustine Worden, Zack Parrish, Michael Wambold
Heat: Connolly

Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks (20 Laps): ANTHONY GULLO, Devin Gullo, Josh Parker, Mike Nickels, Mark Taylor, Michael Bast, Ben Perry, Frank Morich, Ryan Osgood, Mike Bailey, Ajay Potrzebowski, Mike Kintner, Ethan Roberts
Heats: A. Gullo, D. Gullo