Déjà vu at Chemung - Lee Sharpsteen and Cameron Nichols Win in Modifieds and Super Stocks By Carol Houssock (2023-06-03)

While several drivers in the Buckley’s Automotive Modifieds await repair parts, the 30-lap feature went on with the lucky ones not at the mercy of parts providers. The wins were a repeat of the prior week, with Jesse Kent taking the qualifier and Lee Sharpsteen getting the big prize after winning the feature. For Lee and the MOB Motorsports team, it represented their third win in a row as they look to successfully defend their 2022 championship. Kent led the opening laps as he, Sharpsteen and Nick Morich pulled away, just as they had done one week prior. Over the final dozen laps in the caution-free race Morich fell back, only to learn after the race was over that one of his tires was losing air. Sharpsteen celebrated his high-powered hat trick surrounded by friends and family.
Three drivers in the Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stock division took green flags. Charlie Sharpsteen and Nick Robinson won the heats, but Cameron Nichols took the 25-lap feature. Sharpsteen led the way in the feature, with Chad Lane, Frank Chapman III, and Nichols behind him. The only caution came with three laps complete after Robinson tagged the inside turn one wall. Sharpsteen prevailed on the restart, but it was Nichols who methodically worked his way to third and then second, closing Sharpsteen’s sizeable lead. As lap 20 clicked off, the race had a new leader in Nichols. He held on for his second consecutive feature win, which padded his point lead after five events. “This car is an absolute rocket ship. I can’t even put into words how fast and comfortable it is to drive,” he told the fans. Sharpsteen finished second, ahead of Robinson, Chapman, and Lane.
Action in the track’s growing Hobby Stock division, sponsored by the Marion Decker Agency, is a virtual promise at this point. Things got underway with defending track champion Josh Parker, along with Mike Nickels and Luke Nickels winning their respective heats. Mike Lattimer and Brandon Ameigh made up the front row for their 20-lap feature and Ameigh took off. Parker and Anthony Gullo charged to the front and were up to second and third by lap seven. Gullo continued forward and passed Parker for second. With nine laps complete, the only caution came out for a minor incident involving Randy Mathews and Glen Lippolis. Gullo won the battle on the restart and held on over the remaining 11 laps to win the war. Parker, M. Nickels, Ameigh, and L. Nickels made up the top five. In victory lane Gullo thanked Ray and Ellen Hodge for keeping racing alive at the track and the fans for their support.
Greg Moldt arrived at the track late, but his clock was working perfectly for a sweep in the 4 Cylinder division. Robert Decker powered around Matt Jenkins to lead on the opening lap of the 20-lap feature. Moldt, who had started fourth, took the lead on the second lap and never looked back. Point leader Joey Bevacqua started, and remained, in third for the distance. The caution-free race ended with Moldt in victory lane after his second win this year. Decker, Bevacqua, Jenkins, and Ricky Lane made up the top five.
Supply issues for some, and family discipline issues for others, kept all but one Serendipity Ice Cream Bandolero from reporting for action. Devin Gullo, knowing he’d be the only competitor, used the five-lap feature as valuable track time. While he stood alone as the only racer, he was surrounded by supportive family and friends in victory lane and appreciative fans in the stands.
This Friday night Northeast ATV presents a regular five-division program featuring Buckley’s Automotive Modifieds, Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks, Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks, 4 Cylinders and Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros. Pits open at 4:30, grandstand at 5, practice starts at 6 and the first green flag flies at 7. Grandstand admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $5 for kids ages 5 to 12, and free for kids ages 5 and under.
For information, log on to the track’s website: chemung-speedrome.com, go to Facebook, go to Chemung Speedrome – Racing at the Drome on Facebook, or call Ray Hodge, Promoter, at 607-483-3468.
Of Note:
The National Anthem was a rendition recorded in the studio by Melody Roberts, a professional singer whose husband (Robin) competes on the Discovery Channel’s Street Outlaws No Prep Kings.
In 100 laps of racing, the yellow flag came out for just two cautions, four fewer than the week before.
A happy fan claimed $330 in the 50/50.
As a reminder, Chemung will honor and salute Veterans on Friday, June 30th, with more info to come.
Just in Time Roofing Results:
Buckley’s Automotive Modifieds (30 Laps): LEE SHARPSTEEN, Jesse Kent, Nick Morich, Tyler Harbst
Heat: Kent
Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks (25 Laps): CAMERON NICHOLS, Charlie Sharpsteen, Nick Robinson, Frank Chapman III, Chad Lane, Jason Duke, Sr., Jason Duke, Jr., Kalysta DeMark, Bradley Mister, Donnie Russell
Heats: Sharpsteen, Robinson
4 Cylinders (20 Laps): GREG MOLDT, Robert Decker, Joey Bevacqua, Matt Jenkins, Ricky Lane, Ron Manwaring, Dustin Pruyne, Jason Peck
Heat: Moldt
Marion Decker Hobby Stocks (20 Laps): ANTHONY GULLO, Josh Parker, Mike Nickels, Brandon Ameigh, Luke Nickels, Gene Purvis, Mike Lattimer, Sidnie Decker, Chuck Nichols, Glen Lippolis, Ethan Roberts, Dave Decker, Randy Mathews, Mike Bailey, George Nichols, Jr., Paul Bernard
`Heats: Parker, M. Nickels, L. Nickels
Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros (5 Laps): DEVIN GULLO

Lee Sharpsteen Nabs 2nd Consecutive Win in Chemung Mods, First of the Year for Cameron Nichols in Super Stocks By Carol Houssock (2023-05-26)

(Chemung, NY) The smells of race fuel competed with the smells of chickens on barbeque grills Friday night at Chemung Speedrome, as 570 BBQ served up some fabulous food as the race night sponsor. Winners included Lee Sharpsteen (Buckley's Automotive Modifieds), Cameron Nichols (Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks), Josh Parker (Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks), Joey Bevacqua (4 Cylinders), and Joey Allowatt (Bandoleros).
Except for a called-off initial start, the Buckley's Automotive Modifieds ran a caution-free 30-lap feature. Defending track champion, and point leader, Lee Sharpsteen led the way from the get-go, and he never surrendered that top spot. Nick Morich, making his second appearance this year, was the guy to watch as he closed a good-size gap between himself and Sharpsteen over the final 20 laps. Heat winner Jesse Kent sat solidly in third. When it was over, Sharpsteen and the entire MOB Motorsports team celebrated in Ferrario Auto Team of Sayre victory lane. Morich was second, followed by Kent, Frank Chapman, Jr., and JP Harbst.
Heat winner Charlie Sharpsteen led the way in the 25-lap Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stock feature. The first of just two cautions came out when Frank Chapman III spun. Sharpsteen maintained the lead over Mike Nichols. Behind them, a great battle ensued for third on back involving Garrett Zacharias, Nick Robinson, Chad Lane, and Tim Gullo. At the halfway point, Sharpsteen's lead had grown, but Robinson had taken over second. With 16 laps complete, caution came out. Officials ruled that Tim Gullo had checked up between turns three and four and got a tap from Cameron Nichols. During the caution period, head flagger Gary Ham stopped Mike Nichols and Zacharias to issue both a contact warning. The restart, with 14 laps remaining, had cousins Sharpsteen and Robinson ahead of father and son Mike and Cameron Nichols. Cameron made a beautiful 3-wide move that put him in the lead, a position he held until the checkered flag ended a great race. Nichols, who took a break from racing for some time last year, thanked his father for their chat that brought him back and for his countless hours working on his fast car. Robinson was 2nd, with Zacharias, Sharpsteen, and Chad Lane in the top five. Chapman and Billy Both won the other heats.
Things changed dramatically in the Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stock division during post-race tech. That's when Anthony Gullo's apparent third win became his first disqualification for unapproved shocks. Two-time and defending track champion, Josh Parker, advanced from runner-up to winner of a race where he never ran outside the top five. The only caution came with three laps complete, and it set up a restart with leader Chuck Nichols and Cullen Sharpsteen on the front row. Gullo led the next lap, as well as every lap that followed, but heat winner Parker closed a gap between him and the leader, and he finished just a car length behind Gullo. Earlier in the evening Gene Purvis, filling in for Tom Shaffer, won the other heat and took second in the feature. Luke Nickels, Mike Nickels, and Randy Mathews rounded out the top five.
Though light in car count, the 4 Cylinder division put on a great 20-lap race. Matt Jenkins led early but lost the top spot on lap six, when point leader Joey Bevacqua took over. Robert Decker then passed Jenkins and ran right with Bevacqua. With just two laps remaining, Decker's car developed a fire, and he came to a stop in turn four. He was ok but the car now needs work. That brought Jenkins back up to second and that's where he would finish. Bevacqua celebrated his second win, which was a sweep of the night. Ricky Lane finished third, ahead of Decker and Jason Peck.
Four young racers lined up for the 10-lap Serendipity Ice Cream Bandolero feature. Point leaders Joey Allowatt and Devin Gullo made up the front row for the start. They took off and made it a two-car race. Newcomer Madison White spun and brought out the only caution. Allowatt and Gullo resumed their battle and remained separated by just two car lengths, at most. Both celebrated in victory lane, Allowatt (Outlaw) as the overall winner and Gullo, highest among the Bandits. White and Dallas Harbst completed the rundown.
Natasha Conklin strapped in the 9 car and started the 8-lap Powder Puff from outside row three. She wasted no time going toward the front but lost the grip coming off turn four in a three-wide deal. She restarted at the rear and charged back toward the mystery driver, and leader, in the 89. Conklin closed the gap but the 89 finished ahead of her. Patti Hanbury, former B-Mod racer, and track champ at WCIS, had been told she was ineligible to race the 12J but she got in the 89 to race anyway. Conklin pulled into victory lane. Each complimented the other, with Hanbury saying that's not the first DQ she got in a Powder Puff, and Conklin saying Patti won the race, but she was happy to be in a race car again. As a race winner.
This Friday night Just in Time Roofing presents a regular five-division program featuring Buckley's Automotive Modifieds, Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks, Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks, 4 Cylinders and Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros. Pits open at 4:30, grandstand at 5, practice starts at 6 and the first green flag flies at 7. Grandstand admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $5 for kids ages 5 to 12, and free for kids ages 5 and under. For information, log on to the track's website: chemung-speedrome.com, "like" us on Facebook: Chemung Speedrome ñ Racing at the Drome, or call Ray Hodge, Promoter, at 607-483-3468.
Of Note:
In the six features, the yellow flag came out for just six cautions.
David, from Waverly, recently relocated back to the area from Baltimore and he was beyond excited when claiming $400 in the 50/50.
Charlie Sharpsteen's modified woes continued, forcing him to sit out both the heat and feature.
The track's new apparel and merchandise is now available exclusively at 07 Collectibles, either at their trailer at the track or at their store in Endwell. They now have 2023 t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and bumper stickers.
The White family drove six hours from Southampton, NY so that their daughter, Madison, could compete in the Bandolero race. They had purchased the championship-winning car formerly driven by Kalysta DeMark.
Chemung's annual salute to Veterans will be held on Friday, June 30th, with more info to come.
570 BBQ Results: Buckley's Automotive Modifieds (30 Laps): LEE SHARPSTEEN, Nick Morich, Jesse Kent, Frank Chapman, Jr., JP Harbst
Heat: Kent Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks (25 Laps): CAMERON NICHOLS, Nick Robinson, Garrett Zacharias, Charlie Sharpsteen, Mike Nichols, Chad Lane, Jason Duke, Sr., Frank Chapman III, Tim Gullo, Jason Duke, Jr., DJ Shaw, Billy Both, Mark Taylor, Kalysta DeMark, Donnie Russell
Heats: Sharpsteen, Both, Chapman 4 Cylinders (20 Laps): JOEY BEVACQUA, Matt Jenkins, Ricky Lane, Robert Decker, Jason Peck
Heat: Bevacqua Marion Decker Hobby Stocks (20 Laps): JOSH PARKER, Gene Purvis, Luke Nickels, Mike Nickels, Randy Mathews, Cullen Sharpsteen, Brandon Ameigh, Ethan Roberts, Dave Decker, Sidnie Decker, Johnathan Gunderman, Mike Lattimer, George Nichols, Jr., Chuck Nichols, Ray Dann, Anthony Gullo (DQ-shocks)
Heats: Purvis, Parker Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros (10 Laps): JOEY ALLOWATT, Devin Gullo, Madison White, Dallas Harbst Powder Puff #1 (8 Laps): NATASHA CONKLIN, Tara Gullo, Courtney Strange, Makinzie Decker, Lisa Nichols, Deanna DeMark, Patti Pruitt (DQ ñ ineligible)

Lee Sharpsteen Wins Chemung Mods, Nick Robinson Takes Super Stocks By Carol Houssock (2023-05-22)

The brothers Sharpsteen, Lee and Charlie, treated the fans to some great racing in the 35-lap Buckley’s Automotive Modified division. Earlier in the evening, point leader TJ Potrzebowski won the heat, which ended up being the only good thing for the veteran driver. As the field entered turn one, Potrzebowski tagged the inside retaining wall and bounced up and into Frank Chapman, Jr. Frank was able to continue while TJ was not. Charlie Sharpsteen held the top spot over Lee while Gunnar Zeiner and Jesse Kent contested third and fourth. Lee got around his brother and became the race leader just past the halfway point. The third, and final, caution was a double elimination, when Tyler Harbst slowed and Charlie’s car broke. Both pulled in the pits and were finished for the night. Lee, the defending track champion, held on to his lead and picked up his first win of the ’23 season. “This is possible only because of our dedicated team and the companies that support us,” he stated. Zeiner finished second, ahead of Kent, Chapman, and C. Sharpsteen.
Tim Gullo, Charlie Sharpsteen and Garrett Zacharias got things going in the Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks as winners of their respective heats. Frank Chapman III and defending track champion Nick Robinson made up row one for the start of their 25-lap feature. Robinson led the way off turn two, but the only caution came out when Sharpsteen slowed with a flat tire. Robinson maintained the lead, while Zacharias and Gullo worked the traffic and got up to positions two and three. Those positions swapped on lap 19, when Zacharias took over second and left Gullo in a battle with Cameron Nichols for third. Robinson sailed across the finish line first, but that first represented his second win this year. Zacharias closed the gap a bit and ended up second, ahead of Nichols, Gullo and Chapman.
The Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks almost went caution-free, but it turned into a green/white/checkered finish. Randy Mathews led the first five laps, before losing the top spot to point leader Anthony Gullo. This one was a two-car breakaway, leaving Mike Nickels some distance back in third. The only caution came when Tom Shaffer spun and dropped a lot of fluid on the track. Gullo held on those final two laps for his second win, this time over Mathews, Luke Nickels, Mike Nickels, and Josh Parker. “This car is ready to rock and I’m excited to be running so well,” he said following his win.
Six cautions slowed the 20-lap 4 Cylinder feature. Three different drivers led, but some drama played out for eventual winner Greg Moldt, and others. At lap 10 he slowed a bit coming off turn two but maintained the lead. Three laps later he brought out the caution with a flat, and he also needed gas. That gave the lead to point leader Joey Bevacqua. He fought hard but Moldt was on a charge over the final five laps and he got by to reclaim P1. With two laps remaining, Robert Decker’s car had a mechanical failure and collected Jimmy Biggs. Their subsequent actions in turn three resulted in a DQ for both. Over the final two laps it was classic Bevacqua/Moldt, won this night by the latter. Bevacqua, Matt Jenkins, Jason Peck and Ricky Lane made up the top five. Heats went to Mike Ferris and Moldt.
Just two Serendipity Ice Cream Bandolero competitors, representing the Outlaw and Bandit age groups, were on hand for their 10-lap feature. Joey Allowatt, Outlaw, maintained a two-car advantage throughout the race over Bandit, Devin Gullo. Each spoke highly of the other during their victory lane interviews.
570 BBQ is sponsoring the races this Friday night. The program includes all five regular divisions (Buckley’s Automotive Modifieds, Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks, Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks, 4 Cylinders and Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros) plus the first of two Powder Puff races. Pits open at 4, grandstand at 5, practice starts at 6 and the first green flag flies at 7. Grandstand admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $5 for kids ages 5 to 12, and free for kids ages 5 and under.
For information, log on to the track’s 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:
Buck Sharpsteen won $300 in the 50/50.
Skyworks Equipment Rental brought one of their big rigs, all decked out with special lights and flags, which helped pace the field. Fans enjoyed hearing the air horn as it came down the front stretch.
Skyworks Equipment Rental Results:
Buckley’s Automotive Modifieds (35 Laps): LEE SHARPSTEEN, Gunnar Zeiner, Jesse Kent, Frank Chapman, Jr., Charlie Sharpsteen, Tyler Harbst, TJ Potrzebowski
Heat: Potrzebowski
Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks (25 Laps): NICK ROBINSON, Garrett Zacharias, Cameron Nichols, Tim Gullo, Frank Chapman III, Jason Duke, Sr., Jake Christman, Billy Both, Chad Lane, Jason Duke, Jr., Terry Potrzebowski, Mark Taylor, Kalysta DeMark, Bradley Mister, Donnie Russell, Charlie Sharpsteen, Mike Nichols (DNS)
Heats: Gullo, Sharpsteen, Zacharias
4 Cylinders (20 Laps): GREG MOLDT, Joey Bevacqua, Matt Jenkins, Jason Peck, Ricky Lane, Mike Ferris, Kyle Mortimer, Dustin Pruyne, Robert Decker (DQ), James Biggs (DQ)
Heats: Ferris, Moldt
Marion Decker Hobby Stocks (20 Laps): ANTHONY GULLO, Randy Mathews, Luke Nickels, Mike Nickels, Josh Parker, Brandon Ameigh, Bruce Kinner, Glen Lippolis, Cullen Sharpsteen, George Nichols, Jr., Mike Lattimer, Ethan Roberts, Tom Shaffer
Heats: L. Nickels, Gullo
Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros (10 Laps): JOEY ALLOWATT, Devin Gullo
Nick Robinson Wins a Pair of Features at Chemung, ROC Mod Race to Austin Beers By Carol Houssock (2023-05-15)

(Chemung, NY) Chemung Speedrome was packed with race cars and fans on Saturday afternoon, a day that was picture perfect for racing. Five feature winners agree, and the winners on Sam's Bar & Grill day included Austin Beers (ROC Modifieds), Nick Robinson (Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks and ROC FOAR Score Dash), Anthony Gullo (Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks), and Dallas Harbst (Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros). This Friday night Skyworks Equipment Rental presents a regular 5-division program, beginning at 7 PM.
The visiting ROC Modified Tour attracted 25 race teams for the 75-lap feature. Austin Beers, driving the family-owned #9, went to victory lane in an old car that his father, Eric, had run and won in on countless occasions. Beers drew well and started the race on the inside of the second row. Early on he battled with Jack Ely for the top spot before his contenders switched to Daren Scherer and Zane Zeiner. Zeiner, s involved in an early caution, methodically worked his way from the back to the front. Over the final laps, the PA drivers (Beers and Zeiner) put on a great show for the fans. When it was over, Beers got the win with Zeiner, Scherer, Trevor Catalano and Jimmy Zacharias all in the top five. "This one was special to me, being in my fatherís car," Beers told the crowd. It also marked Beersí first win on the ROC Modified Tour. Earlier in the day Zeiner, Andy Jankowiak and Jimmy Zacharias won the three heat races.
Eight cautions in the Hobby Stock feature apparently wasn't enough, as there were 12 in the 25-lap Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stock marathon. Frank Chapman, Jr., and Terry Potrzebowski brought the field to the green, with the advantage going to Chapman. Lee Sharpsteen was his main challenger, with Nick Robinson and Garrett Zacharias running behind them. A lap 12 restart was a game-changer for several drivers. As the field came off turn four Chapman found himself in the middle of a three-wide deal. When he caught the rear of Evan Rygielski both came to a halt on the front stretch. Robinson then became the leader and, as cautions continued, he had to survive four restarts. For some, he held off Tim Gullo and for others it was Sharpsteen. The final caution resulted in a green/white/checkered finish, with defending track champion, Nick Robinson, taking the win. "This is a much better outcome than a week ago," he said before thanking his many sponsors. Sharpsteen, Cameron Nichols, Zacharias and Jason Duke, Sr. made up the final five. Earlier, Gullo, Zacharias, and Rygielski won their respective heats.
Anthony Gullo started the 20-lap Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stock feature from sixth position. By lap two he was up to third and the field slowed for its first of eight caution periods. While the number of caution periods was high, most were for single-car spins. Two-time, and defending, track champion Josh Parker had led the first five laps before Gullo got around him. From then on it was a great battle, between Gullo and Parker, and then between Gullo and Randy Mathews. The final caution came with four laps remaining. Over those laps Ray Dann and last weekís winner, Tom Shaffer, moved up into the top five. It was a sweep for Gullo who, along with Mathews and Mike Nickels, won their heats.
Defending ROC FOAR Score champion, Nick Robinson, brought out his stout 4 Cylinder car for the 20-lap feature. It ended up being a sweep, as he won their heat race and then dominated the field in the feature. Joey Bevacqua, who had won the prior week in the track's regular 4 Cylinder division, finished second, followed by Trisha Connolly, Jim Biggs, and James Dunkleman III. It was Robinson's second win of the day, having earlier won the Super Stock feature.
Dallas Harbst enjoyed the thrill of parking in victory lane at the Speedrome and he did so as the sole survivor of a strange event. Scheduled for 10 laps, three of the four cars failed to complete a lap and it was Harbst who won the race.
Chemung resumes Friday night racing, beginning this Friday the 19th. Skyworks Equipment Rental night includes a regular 5-division program, including the Buckley's Automotive Modifieds, Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks, Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks, 4 Cylinders and Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros. Pits open at 4:30, grandstand at 5, practice starts at 6 and the first green flag flies at 7. Grandstand admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $5 for kids ages 5 to 12, and free for kids ages 5 and under.
For information, log on to the track's 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:
A fan visiting the track from Olean, NY won over $750 in the 50/50.
Troy McDonald kept the yellow flag handy. He had to wave it 20 times in the Hobby Stock and Super Stock features.
Sam's Bar & Grill Results: ROC Modifieds (75 Laps): AUSTIN BEERS, Zane Zeiner, Daren Scherer, Trevor Catalano, Jimmy Zacharias, Earl Paules, Timmy Catalano, Blake Barney, Andy Jankowiak, Jacob Kerstetter, Zack Curren, George Skora III, Tyler Catalano, TJ Potrzebowski, Jack Ely, Paulie Hartwig III, Brian DeFebo, Austin Kochenash, Roger Coss, James Pritchard, Jr., Daryl Lewis, Jr., Kyle Strohl, Scott Wylie, Danny Knoll, Jr., Tommy Rought
Heats: Zeiner, Jankowiak, Zacharias Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks (25 Laps): NICK ROBINSON, Lee Sharpsteen, Cameron Nichols, Garrett Zacharias, Jason Duke, Sr., Billy Both, Randy Green, Frank Chapman III, Kalysta DeMark, Bradley Mister, Frank Chapman, Jr., Chad Lane, Evan Rygielski, Terry Potrzebowski, Mike Nichols, Tim Gullo, Jason Duke, Jr., Charlie Sharpsteen, Mark Taylor, Donnie Russell, Derrick Tarbox (DNS) Heats: Gullo, Rygielski, Zacharias
Marion Decker Hobby Stocks (20 Laps): ANTHONY GULLO, Randy Mathews, Luke Nickels, Tom Shaffer, Josh Parker, Ray Dann, Mike Nickels, Johnathan Gunderman, Randy Davenport, Brandon Ameigh, Mike Lattimer, Ethan Roberts, Sidnie Decker, Glen Lippolis, Ben Perry, George Nichols, Jr., Chuck Nichols Heats: Gullo, Mathews, M. Nickels
FOAR Score ROC Dash (20 Laps): NICK ROBINSON, Joey Bevacqua, Trisha Connolly, Jim Biggs, James Dunkleman III, Jim Dunkleman, Jr., Robert Decker, Eric Black, Eric Szychowski
Heat: Robinson Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros (10 Laps): DALLAS HARBST, Joey Allowatt, Lily Gullo, Devin Gullo

TJ Potrzebowski Wins Chemung Opener - Again By Carol Houssock (2023-05-08)

(Chemung, NY) Chemung Speedrome's 2023 season opener had a seven-day delay, but perfect conditions and a good crowd made it worthwhile. Top Tier Sealcoating sponsored the program, with opening day winners TJ Potrzebowski (Buckley's Automotive Modifieds), Jason Duke, Sr. (Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks), Tom Shaffer (Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks), Joey Bevacqua (4 Cylinders), and Joey Allowatt (Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros). Racing resumes this Saturday with a 75-lap ROC Modified event headlining the program.
TJ Potrzebowski has to like opening day at Chemung Speedrome. The veteran driver repeated what he did a year ago and parked in victory lane after their 35-lap feature. He started the day by winning his heat race in the Buckleyís Automotive Modifieds. Defending track champ Lee Sharpsteen won the other heat. Gunnar Zeiner had his strongest run ever and then worst luck at Chemung, leading from the get-go over John Wilber and Sharpsteen. In the process he built up a sizeable lead, but that lead vanished when Frank Chapman, Jr and Nick Morich got together with 22 laps complete. Zeiner prevailed on the restart with Potrzebowski right on his heels. TJ took the lead on lap 24. The second caution came when Zeiner got pinched and spun but his troubles weren't over yet. He was involved in the next caution as well. With Potrzebowski in the number one spot, he held off Sharpteen on the restarts and took his first checkered flag of the year. Mid-race TJ got tapped from behind and did a spectacular bit of driving to keep from spinning. "That must have scared everybody behind me," he said from victory lane. Sharpsteen finished 2nd, ahead of his brother Charlie Sharpsteen, Jesse Kent, and Wilber
Jason Duke, Sr. returned to victory lane after a two-year absence in the Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks. His was a real charge, as he started the 25-lap feature 13th. Garrett Zacharias moved up to the pole when newcomer Billy Boat opted to start scratch, however Jason Duke, Jr. got the better of him and led. A lap three restart was costly for him, as he dropped to fifth and Zacharias took the lead. Two unique cautions came out during this one, the first when Charlie Sharpsteen's window net came unhooked, and the second when his door panel came off. For the lap 14 restart it was Zacharias and defending track champion Nick Robinson making up row one. Robinson took the lead in turn one, but officials spotted more debris on the track and the yellow came out. The second attempt had the same outcome, with Robinson getting around on the outside and taking the lead. As the field entered turn one Zacharias tapped Robinson and turned him. Things got ugly after that. What would have been both restarting at the rear turned into both being disqualified for actions under caution by them or people with their teams. With the top two parked, the lead went to third place man Duke, Sr. He led while second place switched from Mike Nichols to Sharpsteen in his battered car. The race ended with both the caution and checkered flags waving. Nichols turned Sharpsteen, costing both of them top-five finishes. Instead, the top five behind Duke, Sr. were Cameron Nichols, Tim Gullo, Duke, Jr., and Chad Lane. Heat wins went to Frank Chapman III, Duke, Jr., and Gullo.
The Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stock division is still growing in both car count and competition. Seven cautions took place in the 20-lap feature, with most of them for single car spins or flat tires. Joe Heintzelman led early after a beautiful three-wide move in turn one. Tom Shaffer was running second, and Heintzelman maintained the lead over several restarts. But on lap 12, Shaffer found what he needed to take over the top spot and he never surrendered it. At the finish it was Shaffer, Heintzelman, Josh Parker, Anthony Gullo and Glenn Lippolis. It was a sweep for Shaffer who, along with Parker, won their heats.
Joey Bevacqua returned to victory lane after battling early on with Mike Ferris in their 20-lap feature. Ferris led the first half of the race but, on lap 11 Bevacqua took over. Ferris reclaimed the lead a lap later and held it until his car broke with four laps remaining. Bevacqua and Matt Jenkins made up the front row for the restart, but Jenkins got bumped by newcomer James Dunkleman and fell to third. Bevacqua went on to win in a sweep of the day, over Dunkleman, Jenkins, Jimmy Biggs and James Dunkleman, Jr.
The Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros ran just a 10-lap feature due to a light car count. During practice, Annabelle Decker hit the wall head-on in turn two, so her day was done. The lone Outlaw, Joey Allowatt, and lone Bandit, Devin Gullo, ran the 10 laps and both celebrated divisional wins for their age group.
This Saturday Sam's Bar & Grill presents a full 5-division program, including the ROC Modified Tour for a 75-lap race. The Buckley's Automotive Modifieds are off this weekend. Pits open at 11 AM and both entrances will be open for competitors. The Grandstand opens at noon, practice gets underway at 1 PM, and racing begins at 2 PM. Admission is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors, $5 for kids ages 6-12 and free for kids 5 and under.
For information, log on to the track's 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:
Kids enjoyed rides in the race cars during intermission. A local resident won over $450 in the 50/50.
Nick Morich returned to racing action after serving four years in the Marines.
Joey Bevacqua will soon head to UNOH, where he'll start school as a winner. The family sold the Super Stock but kept both 4 Cylinder cars for when he's in town this summer.
TJ Potrzebowski, Tom Shaffer, and Joey Bevacqua swept the action in their respective divisions, winning both their heat and feature.
Top Tier Sealcoating Results:
Buckley's Automotive Modifieds (35 Laps): TJ POTRZEBOWSKI, Lee Sharpsteen, Charlie Sharpsteen, Jesse Kent, John Wilber, Gunnar Zeiner, Nick Morich, Frank Chapman, Jr., Danielle Sharpsteen, Tyler Harbst
Heats: L. Sharpsteen, Potrzebowski
Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks (25 Laps): JASON DUKE, SR., Cameron Nichols, Tim Gullo, Jason Duke, Jr., Chad Lane, Mark Taylor, Kalysta DeMark, Charlie Sharpsteen, Mike Nichols, Frank Chapman III, Derrick Tarbox, Bradley Mister, Billy Both, Donnie Russell, Terry Potrzebowski, Garrett Zacharias (DQ), Nick Robinson (DQ)
Heats: Chapman, G. Zacharias, Jason Duke, Jr., Gullo
4 Cylinders (20 Laps): JOEY BEVACQUA, James Dunkleman, Matt Jenkins, Jimmy Biggs, James Dunkleman, Jr., Mike Ferris, Nick Bevacqua
Heat: J. Bevacqua
Marion Decker Hobby Stocks (20 Laps): TOM SHAFFER, Joe Heintzelman, Josh Parker, Anthony Gullo, Glenn Lippolis, Mike Lattimer, Luke Nickels, Johnathan Gunderman, Sidnie Decker, George Nichols, Jr., Ethan Roberts, Brandon Ameigh, Mike Nickels, Ray Dann, Cullen Sharpsteen
Heats: Parker, Shaffer
Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros (10 Laps): JOEY ALLOWATT, Devin Gullo, Annabelle Decker (DNS)

Driver Info Sheet Form (2023-05-02)
...download>>"Déjà vu - Chemung Loses Season Opener" by Carol Houssock (Chemung, NY) (2023-05-01)
With practice and track rentals behind them, officials at Chemung Speedrome were ready for the 2023 season opener. "We changed our schedule a little this year to start with three Saturday afternoon shows. Nights can get cold," stated promoter Ray Hodge. The rainy front that moved up the coast washed away any hope of starting the year in April.
Everyone's focus now shifts to Saturday, May 6th at 2:00 PM to start the '23 season. Top Tier Sealcoating is the race day sponsor of a program that features the track's five regular divisions, along with Kids' rides in the race cars during intermission. A regular five-division show includes the Buckley's Automotive Modifieds (35 laps), Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks (25 laps), Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks (20 laps), Four Cylinders (20 laps), and Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros (10 laps).
Many race teams took full advantage of the test and tune sessions offered at the track the past two weeks. They included returning veterans, some new to racing of any kind, and others who are either moving to a different division or changing their plans for this year. "We're looking forward to seeing competition on the track, especially with so many drivers moving up to a new-to-them division," Hodge added. "We also have a strong field of Hobby Stocks, a class we introduced three years ago, and they’re a welcome addition to our other classes."
Lee Sharpsteen, Nick Robinson, and Josh Parker are all returning to defend their Modified, Super Stock and Hobby Stock, respectively, titles. The track will see different champions this year in the Four Cylinder and INEX Bandolero divisions.
Pit gates open this Saturday at 11 AM. The grandstand opens at noon, practice gets underway at 1 PM, and the first green flag drops at 2 PM. Admission for adults is $15, $13 for seniors, $5 for kids ages 6 to 12, and always free for kids ages 5 and under.
Anyone wanting more information can find it on the track’s Facebook page (Chemung Speedrome – Racing at the Drome) or website (www.chemung-speedrome.com). Or, call the track at 607-483-3468.
2023 Season Opener Coming up at Chemung By Carol Houssock (2023-04-09)
This year Chemung opens with a trio of Saturday afternoon shows. The season opener gets the green on April 29th at 2 PM. Pits will open at 11 AM, grandstand at noon, practice at 1 PM and racing at 2 PM. Regular shows at the Speedrome include the Buckley’s Automotive Modifieds, Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks, Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks, Chemung 4 Cylinders, and the Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros.