Tony Hanbury Back in Chemung's Victory Lane, Lee Sharpsteen Repeats as Modified Track Champion By Carol Houssock (2023-08-25)

Conditions were perfect on Championship Night, sponsored by Flynn Energy, at Chemung Speedrome. Fans in the stands got treated to some of the best racing all season long. On Friday, the battles (features) were won by Tony Hanbury (Buckleyís Automotive Modifieds), Mike Nichols (Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks), Anthony Gullo (Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks), and Greg Moldt (4 Cylinders). The wars (the 2023 track championships) were won by Lee Sharpsteen (Modifieds), Nick Robinson (Super Stocks), Josh Parker (Hobby Stocks), and Joey Bevacqua (4 Cylinders). Devin Gullo, competing as a Bandit, won the overall championship in the Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros, while Joey Allowatt, second in total points, won the title among the Outlaws.

The 2023 Buckley's Automotive Modified season boiled down to a battle between defending champ Lee Sharpsteen and Jesse Kent. Their 44-point separation remained at 44 after each won his heat race. While Nick Morich led the opening laps, it was Kent and Sharpsteen who got around him and began to pull away. Tony Hanbury, in the Harbst-owned #04, was working the traffic and on the move toward the front. He caught and passed Morich and was behind Kent when the first caution came out 15 laps in. As the field exited turn four Kent tapped Sharpsteen and TJ Potrzebowski came along and went up on top of Kent's #26. With the leaders restarting at the back, the lead went to Hanbury, who left Morich in a battle with Gunnar Zeiner for second. Hanbury held on to the lead, which increased as the laps clicked off, and scored the win. "It definitely wasn't easy. I want to thank Dave, JP and Tyler Harbst for asking me to run the car. We've had troubles with our stuff up north, so itís great to be back in victory lane here at Chemung," he said while surrounded by family and friends. Zeiner finished second, with Morich, Sharpsteen and Kent all in the top five. His finish, ahead of Kent's, sealed the championship deal for Lee Sharpsteen.

Nick Robinson pretty much had his second consecutive championship in the Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks by virtue of showing up. Charlie Sharpsteen was second, but behind 63 points and nearly impossible to earn and take the title from him. Neither won his heat, but it was still a big lead in the points. Frank Chapman, Jr. and Brian DeMark claimed the two heats. Chapman and Derrick Tarbox brought the stout field to the green and it was Chapman in control until lap six. That's when Jason Duke, Sr. got into him. Both spun and it put Robinson and Sharpsteen in the front row for the restart. Robinson pulled away, but it was the 72 of Mike Nichols that was moving rapidly toward the front from his 13th starting spot. When the second caution came out, Nichols was in second and restarted alongside Robinson. Nichols took over and the pair would have two more restarts following, the last of which left two laps to be run. Nichols stayed out in front to score his second win of the year. Robinson, DeMark, Chapman and Jason Duke, Jr. made up the top five behind Nichols. Robinsonís second place finish gave him the 2023 championship.

"I'm thankful to have a place to race," Anthony Gullo said while clutching the checkered flag following his 8th feature win in the Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stock division. He had to start the 20-lap feature from 9th position, but he wasted no time at all moving toward race leader Luke Nickels. Gullo's mastery of passing cars on the outside was on full display, but the car seems able to handle anything he sets out to conquer. Nickels and Gene Purvis battled for a handful of laps for second, a position Purvis took. Josh Parker was also on the move and in a tight battle with Purvis after passing Nickels. A pair of cautions set up restarts with Gullo and Parker in the front row. Gullo maintained the lead, but a third caution with three to go set up a final opportunity for Parker. He came up short in this battle, but not in the war. Gullo won, followed across the stripe by Parker, Purvis, Nickels, and Brandon Ameigh. For the third time in as many years, Josh Parker is the 2023 Hobby Stock track champion, the only one to ever do so since the division began.

Caution-free was the name of the game in 4 Cylinder action, and the same two names pretty much ruled the show. Heat winners Greg Moldt and Joey Bevacqua were the only leaders in the 20-lap race. Bevacqua led the first two, before being passed by Moldt. Early on, Kyle Mortimer stayed with Bevacqua, but he started to fall back. Matt Jenkins earlier had trouble in his heat, but the team made repairs and he got around a trio of cars to take over fourth. Moldt took the checkered flag and he, too, recorded his 8th feature win this season. Bevacqua was second, followed by Mortimer, Jenkins and Ricky Lane. Moldt and Bevacqua were the only feature winners in '23. Consistency and perfect attendance garnered Joey Bevacqua the track championship.

Although Chemung's regular season ended on Friday night, one race remains on the 2023 schedule. The track presents a Race of Champions Special, featuring the ROC Sportsman, ROC Super Stock and FOAR Score 4 Cylinder divisions on Saturday, September 9th. Pits open at 11 AM, grandstand at 12 Noon, practice at 1 PM and racing starts at 2 PM. More information will be posted, as the date nears, on the track's website: chemung-speedrome.com. Or, on Facebook go to Chemung Speedrome - Racing at the Drome. Ray Hodge, Promoter, is also available to answer questions at 607-483-3468.

Of Note:
* A member of the Soper family won $615 in the 50/50 drawing.
* A lap sponsorship program, all of which was in memory of people lost, resulted in over $4,600 being distributed to random drivers in each race, a hard charger in each race, and a halfway leader in each race. Special thanks to Ashley Sharpsteen, Tara Gullo, and Jerry Sinsabaugh for their coordination and leadership in this effort.

Flynn Energy Night Results:

Buckley's Automotive Modifieds (30 Laps): TONY HANBURY, Gunnar Zeiner, Nick Morich, Lee Sharpsteen, Jesse Kent, Charlie Sharpsteen, Jody Buckley, Rick Smith, Justin Teresak, Tyler Harbst, TJ Potrzebowski Heats: L. Sharpsteen, Kent
2023 Track Champion: Lee Sharpsteen

Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks (25 Laps): MIKE NICHOLS, Nick Robinson, Brian DeMark, Frank Chapman, Jr., Jason Duke, Jr., Charlie Sharpsteen, Terry Potrzebowski, Jason Duke, Sr., Frank Chapman III, Chad Lane, Tony Jilson, Mark Taylor, John Lane, Bradley Mister, Cameron Nichols, Derrick Tarbox, Abe Romanik
Heats: Chapman, Jr., DeMark
2023 Track Champion: Nick Robinson

Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks (20 Laps): ANTHONY GULLO, Josh Parker, Gene Purvis, Mike Nickels, Brandon Ameigh, Luke Nickels, Ray Dann, Cullen Sharpsteen, Doug DeKay, Mike Lattimer, Mike Bailey, Ethan Roberts, Ben Perry, Tom Shaffer, Bruce Kinner, Bubba Peters, Ajay Potrzebowski Heats: M. Nickels, Purvis, Gullo
2023 Track Champion: Josh Parker

Four Cylinders (20 Laps): GREG MOLDT, Joey Bevacqua, Kyle Mortimer, Matt Jenkins, Ricky Lane, Jason Peck, Mike Ferris, Joey Allowatt, Ron Manwaring
Heats: Moldt, Bevacqua
2023 Track Champion: Joey Bevacqua

Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros
2023 Track Champion: Devin Gullo (Bandit and overall division champ)
2023 Track Champion: Joey Allowatt (Outlaw)

The Race of Champions Modifieds - Results (2023-08-18)

ROC Rod Spalding Classic (75 Laps): AUSTIN BEERS, Zane Zeiner, Jack Ely, TJ Potrzebowski, Brian DeFebo, Trevor Catalano, Sean Verwys, Paulie Hartwig III, Andy Jankowiak, Tyler Catalano, George Skora III, Jacob Kerstetter, Brian Sones, Austin Kochenash, Greg Krause, Bryan Sherwood, Shawn Nye, Timmy Catalano, Gunnar Zeiner, Daren Scherer, Tommy Rought, Daryl Lewis, Jr.
Heats: Z. Zeiner, Beers, G. Zeiner

ROC FOAR Score 4 Cylinders (25 Laps): NICK ROBINSON, Greg Moldt, Mason Hanel, Eric Black, Christopher Deyoe, Jr., Kyle Mortimer, Trisha Connolly
Heats: Deyoe, Robinson

ROC Late Models (25 Laps): JOE MANCUSO, Dennis Wenner, Jesse Kirchmeyer, Dave Heitzhaus, Sam Fullone, Eldon King, Bob Webber
Heats: King, Mancuso

The Race of Champions Modifieds - Saturday, August 19 (2023-08-15)

This Saturday, August 19, The Race of Champions Modifieds are ready for action in the Rod Spalding Classic. This is alway a great show and this year will be no different. The weather looks absolutely amazing for the entire weekend so make plans to be at the Drome for the ROC Rod Spalding Classic.

Pit gates at 2:00 pm

Fan Gates at 4:00 pm

Racing at 6:30 pm

For more info, visit the Facebook page at Chemung Speedrome - Racing at the Drome.

Jesse Kent Grabs Second Mod Win at Chemung on Sweeps Night By Carol Houssock (2023-08-11)

Grab the brooms. It was a night of sweeps at the Speedrome, as all four feature winners also won their heat races. Chemung welcomed the New York Super Stock Series to complete the race card on a beautiful Friday night. Winners included Jesse Kent (Buckley's Automotive Modifieds), Anthony Gullo (Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks), Joey Bevacqua (4 Cylinders), and Mike Nichols (NYSS). Chemung returns to action this Saturday, August 19th at 6:30 PM, with a show presented by the Race of Champions.

Jesse Kent (Horseheads, NY) got his sweep in the Buckley's Automotive Modified division after winning both the heat and 30-lap feature. Kent started outside Nick Morich in the front row, and he powered around to take the lead. The race itself went caution-free, which allowed Kent to pull away and build up a comfortable lead. The battles behind him were for second and fourth, involving Morich, point leader Lee Sharpsteen, and the Youngs brothers, Kevin and Keith. At the halfway point, Sharpsteen passed Morich, who also lost third to Kevin Youngs. As the laps clicked off, Sharpsteen tried to reel in Kent, but his lead was sizeable and he cruised to his second win of the season. He had an interesting take on his overall performance this year, after having been absent for a few years. "The car has been really fast for most of the year. I'm finally catching up to it," he said from victory lane. Sharpsteen finished second, with Kevin Youngs, Morich and Keith Youngs posting top-five finishes.

The next sweep came in the Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stock division. Once again, it was Anthony Gullo who took wins in his heat and the 20-lap feature. Point leader and two-time/defending champion Josh Parker and Tom Shaffer won the other heats to set the field. Mike Lattimer started second but led the way for the first three laps. Gene Purvis got around him, leaving Mike Nickels and Gullo in chase mode toward the front. At the halfway point Gullo was right there, and a caution gave him the restart opportunity he capitalized on. Over the remaining nine laps Parker was the show, taking third and then second from Purvis. He ran out of time and had to watch Gullo celebrate his seventh win of the year. Parker, Purvis, Shaffer and Lattimer completed the top five.

Sweep number three belonged to Joey Bevacqua in the 4 Cylinder division. After winning the heat, he started the 20-lap feature from outside the front row and wasted no time leading the way. Greg Moldt, with the most wins in the division, took over the lead on the third lap and pulled away. Kyle Mortimer and Matt Jennings engaged in a close battle for third over the first 15 laps. When Joey Allowatt spun, things changed with the field doubled up for a green/white/checkered restart. Allowatt spun again on lap 19, forcing another attempt to end the race. On both restarts, Moldt chose the outside lane. That proved costly, as Bevacqua regained the lead and protected his position. He got the win, his fourth, over Moldt, Mortimer, Jenkins and Ricky Lane. "Those restarts helped me. I needed the car to cool down," he said.

And then there was sweep number four. The 50-lap NYSS race, sponsored by Ferrario Auto Team of Sayre, had a bit of everything - exciting racing throughout the field, a fire, contact that forced the eventual winner to the rear, drama in the tech barn, debris on the track, and a pair of lengthy clean-ups. But the racing itself was great, with Brian DeMark the early leader. Josh Hunter took over just before Aaron Higgins lit things up, literally, with a fiery oil leak down the front stretch. Nick Robinson and Mike Nichols were gaining on Hunter, and Robinson passed him on lap 14. Contact forced Nichols to pit and restart at the rear. While he worked his way back to the front, it was Jake Christman who got to Robinson first. Following a late-race restart, Christman took the top spot from Robinson, with Nichols passing for second with five to go. Christman, Nichols and Robinson made up the top three. However, in post-race tech Christman was disqualified, and the win went to Mike Nichols. Robinson was second, followed in the rundown by Hunter, DeMark, and Jacob Gustafson. Heat winners included Nichols, Hunter, and Terry Potrzebowski.

This weekend the Race of Champions runs their show, consisting of the 75-lap Rod Spalding Memorial for the Modifieds, the ROC Late Models, and the ROC FOAR Score 4 Cylinders. Pits open at 2 PM, grandstand at 4 PM, and racing starts at 6:30 PM. Grandstand admission is $27 for adults, $25 for seniors 65+ and Military, $15 for kids ages 6 to 11 and free for kids ages 5 and under.

For information on Chemung Speedrome, log on to the trackís 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:
* Patrick Bowman from Waverly won $607 in the 50/50.
* Young racers with the Southern Tier Microd Club conducted a helmet drive that generated over $631 for their program. Several microds were on display and several youngster were interviewed during intermission.

Results:

Buckley's Automotive Modifieds (30 Laps): JESSE KENT, Lee Sharpsteen, Kevin Youngs, Nick Morich, Keith Youngs, Charlie Sharpsteen, Scott Reagan, Jody Buckley
Heat: Kent

Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks (20 Laps): ANTHONY GULLO, Josh Parker, Gene Purvis, Tom Shaffer, Mike Lattimer, Mike Nickels, Brandon Ameigh, Cullen Sharpsteen, Bubba Peters, Sidnie Decker, Luke Nickels, Ray Dann, Dave Decker, Doug DeKay, Ashton Pritchard, George Nichols, Jr., Ben Perry, Ethan Roberts
Heats: Gullo, Parker, Shaffer

Four Cylinders (20 Laps): JOEY BEVACQUA, Greg Moldt, Kyle Mortimer, Matt Jenkins, Ricky Lane, Joey Allowatt, Jason Peck
Heat: Bevacqua

NY Super Stocks (50 Laps): MIKE NICHOLS, Nick Robinson, Josh Hunter, Brian DeMark, Jacob Gustafson, Charlie Sharpsteen, Aaron Cornell, Frank Chapman, Jr., Abe Romanik, David Bailey, Jason Duke, Sr., Matt Druar, Nate Peckham, Kalysta DeMark, Tim Faro, Bradley Mister, Aaron Higgins, Chris Batorski, Terry Potrzebowski, Jake Christman (DQ - finished 1st)
Heats: Nichols, Hunter, Potrzebowski

In Memory of People We Lost (2023-08-09)

Championship Night (Friday, August 25th), sponsored by Flynn Energy, just got a whole lot more special. Chemung Speedrome is looking to you to sponsor laps in each of the four races being held "In Memory of People We Lost". Laps have a $20 minimum for the 30-lap Modified, 25-lap Super Stock, 20-lap Hobby Stock and 20-lap 4 Cylinder features. You and/or your business can sponsor one or more laps, but each lap has to be in memory of someone who passed away. We'll use the Lucky 7 format, with the money for each lap going to a driver in a randomly drawn position on each lap. Also available are a Halfway Leader bonus and a Hard Charger (from starting position to finishing position) in each of the races as well.

Ashley Sharpsteen will collect lap money and record laps for the Modifieds and 4 Cylinders. You can pay by venmo @ashley-sharpsteen, by PayPal Ashleysharpsteen7@ymail.com or in person at the track. Ashley is tracking the laps on her personal Facebook page.

Tara Gullo will collect lap money and record laps for the Super Stocks and Hobby Stocks. You can pay by venmo @tara-gullo, by PayPal tntmotorsports71@yahoo.com, or in person at the track. Tara is tracking the laps on her personal Facebook page.

TJ "The Piranha" Potrzebowski Struck Again in Chemung Mods, Grabs Third Win By Carol Houssock (2023-08-04)

Mother Nature continues to challenge track promoters in New York's Twin Tiers, but Ray Hodge took her on and pulled off a great night of racing under nearly perfect weather conditions. A pair of area restaurants, Pick's Pub and Zack's Grill jointly sponsored the action. TJ Potrzebowski (Buckley's Automotive Modifieds), Nick Robinson (Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks), Anthony Gullo (Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks) and Greg Moldt (4 Cylinders) parked in victory lane after winning their respective features.

The Buckley's Automotive Modifieds ran a caution-free 30-lap feature, after point leader Lee Sharpsteen won the heat. When the green flag brought the field to life, the front two rows stayed intact. It was Jesse Kent and Sharpsteen ahead of TJ Potrzebowski and Zack Curren. Sharpsteen and Curren got to the inside and moved up to first and second while Kent fell to third. By the sixth lap Potrzebowski had taken third from Kent and he started to reel in Curren. Their battle was a great one, but it gave Sharpsteen time to build up a lead. On lap 13 Potrzebowski passed Curren and started to reel in the leader. The gap lessened on each lap, and he caught Sharpsteen. As flagger Gary Ham gave the five to go indication, it was Potrzebowski who saw it first. Once out in front, he took off. Behind him, the racing was first class, with positions two through five mixing it up. Potrzebowski scored his third win of the year, this time over Sharpsteen, Curren, Kent and Nick Morich.

Race teams bounce back. A week after being disqualified for actions after the feature, both Fank Chapman, Jr. and Tim Gullo rallied and won the two heats in the Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks. Chapman led the way in their 25-lap feature but his son's spin while working lap two brought out the first of four cautions. The second occurred on the restart when Abe Romanik spun in turn two. Chapman, Jr. led Jason Duke, Sr., and point leader Nick Robinson when the race resumed. Chapman III spun a second time, forcing a lap seven restart. While working lap nine, Robinson passed Chapman and led the way for a lap. That's when Duke turned Charlie Sharpsteen, and both restarted at the rear. Up front, it was Mike Nichols who was on the move, up to second and then in chase mode with Robinson. He let him know he was there a few times, but Robinson stayed out front and grabbed the win. Nichols, Chapman, Jr., Brian DeMark and Sharpsteen rounded out the top five. ìHe got me a little free. Side-by-side racing if fun and fine in my book,î Robinson said.

Anthony Gullo is a driver/car combo that can go anywhere on the track and produce results. Friday night he parked in victory lane after win number six this year in the Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stock division. A week ago, his car failed pre-race tech. They did what they needed to do and passed pre-race tech Friday night. "We tore it apart this week," he said. Mike Lattimer led the opening laps, but Gullo wasted no time pulling off what has become a classic low dive into turn three to move up rapidly. Many have tried that move, and many have failed. Fans saw him do it twice during the 20-lap feature. The lead was his on lap three. He faced challenges on four restarts following caution periods. Challenges beside him included Lattimer and Brandon Ameigh. While the rundown changed from second on back, the leader stayed the same. Point leader and two-time defending champions Josh Parker finished second, ahead of Ameigh, Dave Decker, and Lattimer. "I'm having a blast, not running for points, I just want to win races," Gullo said after a sweep of the action. Ameigh and Ethan Roberts won the other heats.

When Greg Moldt unloads his 4 Cylinder car, everyone else racing with him better be ready. He produced another sweep of the action, winning his heat and picking up his seventh win of the season. The 20-lap feature had Joey Bevacqua going around pole-sitter Matt Jenkins to lead the way. Moldt was in third, with Mike Ferris and Ricky Lane right behind him. Bevacqua's lead ended on lap four when Moldt took over. Three laps later Ferris spun the dirt car he brought to the track to bring out the only caution flag. Moldt chose the outside of the front row for the restart, and he took off when he saw green. Over the remaining 13 laps Moldt was gone. But a great three-way battle ensued, among Bevacqua, Jenkins, and Kyle Mortimer. The race ended with Moldt, Bevacqua, Mortimer, Jenkins, and Jason Peck in the top five.

This Friday the Speedrome welcomes the New York Super Stock Series for a 50-lap race to go along with the Buckley's Automotive Modifieds, Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks and the 4 Cylinders. The track will also host the second Powder Puff race of the season. Pits open at 4:00, 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:
* Donnie Russell from the Duke Motorsports team was injured in the infield while working on Jason's car. According to the team, the grassy surface was uneven. When the car tipped it put added stress on the jack, which then dropped the car. Greater Valley EMS transported him to the hospital. He has several shoulder fractures but is now home resting.
* Rachel, a race fan from Bath, NY won $438 in the 50/50.
* The decision was made after the races on July 28th to end the Bandolero season. Bandit driver Devin Gullo is the overall champion this year. Joey Allowatt finished second in total points, but he won the Outlaw title. Each had numerous stops in victory lane dating back to the May opener. They are the first of the champions to be congratulated this year.

Pick's Pub and Zack's Grill Night Results:

Buckley's Automotive Modifieds (30 Laps): TJ POTRZEBOWSKI, Lee Sharpsteen, Zack Curren, Jesse Kent, Nick Morich, JP Harbst, Tyler Harbst
Heat: Sharpsteen

Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks (25 Laps): NICK ROBINSON, Mike Nichols, Frank Chapman, Jr., Brian DeMark, Charlie Sharpsteen, Frank Chapman III, Terry Potrzebowski, Abe Romanik, Jason Duke, Jr., Derrick Tarbox, Mark Taylor, Bradley Mister, Cameron Nichols, Jason Duke, Sr., Tim Gullo, Chad Lane
Heats: Chapman, Jr., Gullo

Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks (20 Laps): ANTHONY GULLO, Josh Parker, Brandon Ameigh, Dave Decker, Mike Lattimer, Ray Dann, Ethan Roberts, Mike Nickels, Sidnie Decker, Luke Nickels, Mike Bailey, George Nichols, Jr., Ben Perry, Cullen Sharpsteen, Gene Purvis, Mark Taylor, Ajay Potrzebowski
Heats: Ameigh, Gullo, Roberts

Four Cylinders (20 Laps): GREG MOLDT, Joey Bevacqua, Kyle Mortimer, Matt Jenkins, Jason Peck, Ricky Lane, Joey Allowatt, Mike Ferris
Heat: Moldt

Kevin Youngs Sweeps in Chemung Mods, Chapman III Gets Career-First in Super Stocks By Carol Houssock (2023-07-28)

Over its many years, victory lane at Chemung Speedrome has hosted celebrations. On Friday night, two drivers were back, but in different divisions after many years away. Two others grabbed their first wins on Buckley's Automotive night. Feature winners on a hot and steamy night included Kevin Youngs (Buckley's Automotive Modifieds), Frank Chapman III (Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks), Gene Purvis (Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks), Greg Moldt (4 Cylinders), and Jordan Smith (Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros).

Five years ago, Kevin Youngs was tearing up the track and winning in his Legend car. Friday night he joined the legends who have parked in victory lane after winning in the track's headline division. Nick Morich started the 30-lap Buckley's Automotive Modified feature on the outside of Youngs in row one. Morich, who is due for a win, led the way for the first six laps. Youngs made his move and took the lead on lucky lap seven. A great battle ensued for third between point leader Lee Sharpsteen and the most recent feature winner, Jesse Kent. While several drivers were hoping for a caution, this one went caution-free. Youngs' lead grew as the laps clicked off and by lap 25 he was lapping the back of the pack. He took the checkered flag for his first win in the Modified division. Morich was second, followed by Sharpsteen, heat winner Kent and Tyler Harbst. "I knew if Nick stayed ahead of me heíd be tough to pass, so I went for it early," he said from Ferrario Auto Team of Sayre Victory Lane. Youngs became the fifth different winner in the division this year.

From the get-go it was almost certain that Frank Chapman would win the Blauvelt Funeral Home 25-lap Super Stock feature. The unknown was whether it be Frank, Jr. or his son, Frank III, who had won his heat. Frank, Jr. started from the pole and, for the first half of the race, ran 1-2 with his son. Frank III held off Tim Gullo as long as he could, but Gullo was up to second by lap 17. He then started to reel in leader Frank, Jr. Tim tried to get underneath Chapman, there was contact, and both bobbled a bit before taking the white flag. As they exited turn two and started down the back stretch, there was contact again and both went sideways off the track and into the foam-protected inside guiderail. Tempers flared, but both were done for the night. That moved Frank III up to pole position for the restart with Nick Robinson beside him. Chapman, just in his second year of racing a Super Stock, held off the defending track champion to score his career-first win. "I hate that I won that way. It should have been my father here, but I just want to thank all these people right here for making this possible," he told the crowd. Robinson, Charlie Sharpsteen, Jason Duke, Sr., and Jason Duke, Jr. completed the top five. Robinson and Gullo won the other two heat races.

"I don't know if I should blame him or thank him," Gene Purvis said after winning the 20-lap Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stock feature. Purvis, driving the Paul Bernard-owned car, last won at Chemung 10 years ago but in a different division. Friday, he swept the action. Luke Nickels led the opening two laps before losing the lead to Purvis. Four cautions slowed the action, but nothing was going to slow Purvis, Mike Nickels, and Josh Parker. The trio ran together while Cullen Sharpsteen put together a great run and held onto fourth for the duration. With three laps remaining, the final restart had Nickels on the outside of the front row. Nickels was in search of his second 2023 win, while Purvis sought his first. Purvis stayed out front for the final three laps and took the win, becoming the fifth driver in victory lane this year. Nickels had to settle for second, with point leader and fellow heat winner, Josh Parker, third. Brandon Ameigh got around Sharpsteen to finish fourth with Sharpsteen fifth.

Jason Peck had a great run in the 20-lap 4 Cylinder feature. He led the first few laps, but not the last. Russ Bulger, who later refused post-race tech and was disqualified, took over the lead and survived two restarts due to solo spins by rookie Joey Allowatt. Greg Moldt and point leader Joey Bevacqua were on the move toward the front. At the halfway point, Moldt had taken over the race lead from Bulger. Over the final 10 laps he, Bulger, and Bevacqua made up a three-car breakaway. Moldt took the checkered flag to record his sixth win this year. With Bulger's DQ, that moved up those behind him. Bevacqua finished second, with Peck, heat winner Matt Jenkins, and Kyle Mortimer rounding out the top five.

There was good, bad, and ugly in the Serendipity Ice Cream Bandolero division. The good - the largest field of cars so far this year. The bad - Michael Sinagra's DQ for running without the mandated restrictor plate. And the ugly - a pair of scary flips. Joey Allowatt rolled up and over another car during practice, while point leader Devin Gullo rolled into the turn four foam during the feature. With vehicle safety equipment in place, and rapid responses to both incidents, everyone was relieved that both young drivers were uninjured. Their cars, however, suffered heavy damage. Gullo was leading at the time of his incident when a challenger caught the back of his car. Jordan Smith, an Outlaw making just his second Chemung appearance, took over the top spot, survived a restart, and got the win. Bandit racer Madison White finished second and got the trophy for her age group.

This Friday a pair of area restaurants, Zack's Grill and Pick's Pub, will jointly sponsor the five-division regular program of Modifieds, Super Stocks, Hobby Stocks, 4 Cylinders and Bandoleros. Pits open at 4:00, 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:
* John Cundy from Chemung won $431 in the 50/50.
* Young Odaya Potrzebowski, sporting All-American attire, sang the national anthem.
* Jeff Ameigh parked his brother's #10 hobby stock in victory lane after winning the 5-lap mechanics' race.
* The track's safety crews were lauded for their rapid response to the two Bandolero flips.

Buckley's Automotive Night Results:

Buckley's Automotive Modifieds (30 Laps): KEVIN YOUNGS, Nick Morich, Lee Sharpsteen, Jesse Kent, Tyler Harbst, Justin Teresak, Keith Youngs
Heat: Kent

Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks (25 Laps): FRANK CHAPMAN III, Nick Robinson, Charlie Sharpsteen, Jason Duke, Sr., Jason Duke, Jr., Chad Lane, Terry Potrzebowski, Abe Romanik, Kalysta DeMark, Bradley Mister, Derrick Vogler, Derrick Tarbox, Mark Taylor, Donnie Russell (DNS), Frank Chapman, Jr., (DQ), Tim Gullo, (DQ)
Heats: Robinson, Duke, Sr., Chapman III

Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks (20 Laps): GENE PURVIS, Mike Nickels, Josh Parker, Brandon Ameigh, Cullen Sharpsteen, Ethan Roberts, Dave Decker, Doug DeKay, Mike Lattimer, George Nichols, Jr., Luke Nickels, Jimmy Hill, Sidnie Decker, Mike Bailey
Heats: Purvis, Parker

Four Cylinders (20 Laps): GREG MOLDT, Joey Bevacqua, Jason Peck, Matt Jenkins, Kyle Mortimer, Ricky Lane, Joey Allowatt, Ron Manwaring, Dustin Pruyne, Russ Bulger (DQ ñ finished 2nd, refused tech)
Heat: Bevacqua, Jenkins

Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros (10 Laps): JORDAN SMITH, Madison White, Dallas Harbst, Devin Gullo, Allison Smith, Lily Gullo, Joey Allowatt (DNS), Michael Sinagra (DQ)
Heats: Gullo, J. Smith

Photos by Clayton Vargeson

Kent Wins in Chemung Mods n That's Jesse Kent By Carol Houssock (2023-07-21)

Conditions were perfect for Friday night racing at Chemung Speedrome. Northeast ATV sponsored the program, which found a new winner in the headline division. Jesse Kent from Horseheads, NY dominated the Buckley's Automotive Modifieds for a career-first win. Others parked in the Ferrario Auto Team of Sayre victory lane included Mike Nichols (Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks), Anthony Gullo (Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks), Joey Bevacqua (Four Cylinders), and Joey Allowatt (Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros).

Jesse Kent has been close all season. Everyone knew it was just a matter of time before he'd park his #26 in victory lane. The time was Friday night, and he did it by sweeping the action in the Buckley's Automotive Modified division. Kent started on the outside of the front row but beat Jody Buckley to the front on the opening lap. Nick Morich and point leader Lee Sharpsteen had a great battle going for third. Morich was there, and Sharpsteen was third by lap eight. The pair stayed together while Kent checked out and built up a sizeable lead over Buckley. Morich dove to the inside of Sharpsteen as they entered turn one. He didn't back off and clipped the pit wall, which ended his great run at lap 17. Kent was up to Buckley's challenge on the restart and, over the remaining 13 laps, recorded the fastest times of anyone all night. Sharpsteen caught and then got around Buckley to take over second. As the checkered flag waved it was first seen by Kent, who earned his career-first victory at Chemung in the headline division. "The car was so fast. My grandfather (George Kent) and cousin work so hard on this, and no one can set up a modified like my grandfather," he said. Jesse Kent, a single dad, said he's saved money when and where he could to race. "I thank my sponsors, family, everyone whoís been behind me in this. It's so appreciated." Kent has parked in Chemung's victory lane before but never in a Modified, a goal he's had for several years. Sharpsteen was second, ahead of Buckley, Tyler Harbst, and Morich.

In the Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks, things got rolling when Frank Chapman, Jr. and Bradley Mister won the heat races. When his son's car broke and was unable to start the feature, Chapman, Jr. vacated his seat so that Frank III could stay in the points. Mister and Chad Lane brought the field to the green for the 25-lap feature. Lane got loose on the opening lap and both Jason Duke, Sr. and Terry Potrzebowski spun with nowhere to go. With Lane restarting at the rear, that brought Mike Nichols up to the front row and he led the way. Point leader Nick Robinson passed Mister and was up to second. A pair of later cautions bunched up the field and had Robinson restarting alongside Nichols. On both restarts it was Nichols who maintained his race lead. He went on to win, followed across the stripe by Robinson, Jason Duke, Jr., Charlie Sharpsteen and Duke, Sr. "This car is a rocket ship. I knew I had a fast car if it didn't blow up," Nichols told the crowd.

Anthony Gullo's new comfort zone is inside his stout hobby stock, which frequently parks in victory lane. Friday night he swept the action when he, Dave Decker, and Mike Nickels won the heats, and Anthony went on to win the 20-lap Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stock feature. Mike Lattimer and George Nichols, Jr. made up the front row, with Lattimer taking the early lead over Mike Bailey. Following a lap four restart, point leader Josh Parker took the top spot. Meanwhile, Gullo was on a tear and advanced from 11th to fifth in three laps. The final caution, with 12 laps remaining, found Parker and Tom Shaffer in the front row. As the laps clicked off, Gullo continued moving forward and was up to fourth, then third, and then second. Parker was still atop the leader board, but his advantage was shrinking. With two laps to go, Gullo made his race-winning pass. Lap traffic nearly changed the outcome, with Gullo doing a little bounce off the wall. He held on for the exciting win. Parker had to settle for second, followed at the finish by Shaffer, Gene Purvis, and Nickels.

Joey Bevacqua, the Four-cylinder point leader, padded that lead a bit by winning another 20-lap feature. Greg Moldt took the heat race and was a factor in the feature. Bevacqua started from the pole and showed Moldt and Matt Jenkins the way off turn two on the opening lap. As the race progressed, his lead increased but then decreased when Moldt turned it up a tick. Over the final five laps Moldt received a one-spot penalty for rough riding when he nearly turned the leader. The caution-free race ended with Bevacqua, Jenkins, Moldt, Jason Peck and Ricky Lane making up the top five.

Five young drivers competed in the Serendipity Ice Cream Bandolero division. The night belonged to Outlaw driver Joey Allowatt, who swept both the heat and their 10-lap feature. While he drove away, he left behind a good battle for second between newcomer Jordan Smith from Liberty, NY, and point leader Devin Gullo. Allowatt held on for the win, over Smith, Gullo, Madison White, and Allison Smith.

Buckley's Automotive is the nightly sponsor this Friday, July 28th, of a regular five-division program featuring the Buckley's Automotive Modifieds, Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks, Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks, 4 Cylinders and Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros. But that's not all, as mechanics will have a shot behind the wheel in Hobby Stock and 4 Cylinder races. Pits open at 4:00, 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 n Racing at the Drome on Facebook, or call Ray Hodge, Promoter, at 607-483-3468.

Of Note:

* A fan from Chemung won $341 in the 50/50 drawing. He's leaving for vacation, on his upcoming birthday, with some extra cash for the family.

* Joey Allowatt, driver of the #99 Bandolero, sang the national anthem then ran to his car for his heat race, which he won.

Northeast ATV Night Results:

Buckley's Automotive Modifieds (30 Laps): JESSE KENT, Lee Sharpsteen, Jody Buckley, Tyler Harbst, Nick Morich
Heat: Kent

Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks (25 Laps): MIKE NICHOLS, Nick Robinson, Jason Duke, Jr., Charlie Sharpsteen, Jason Duke, Sr., Bradley Mister, Frank Chapman III, Chad Lane, Kalysta DeMark, Abe Romanik, Terry Potrzebowski, Donnie Russell, DNS ñ Frank Chapman, Jr.
Heats: Frank Chapman, Jr., Mister

Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks (20 Laps): ANTHONY GULLO, Josh Parker, Tom Shaffer, Gene Purvis, Mike Nickels, Dave Decker, Luke Nickels, Ethan Roberts, Brandon Ameigh, Mike Bailey, Chuck Nichols, Cullen Sharpsteen, George Nichols, Jr., Mike Lattimer, Ben Perry, Jimmy Hill, Ray Dann, Bruce Kinner
Heats: Decker, L. Nickels, Gullo

Four Cylinders (20 Laps): JOEY BEVACQUA, Matt Jennings, Greg Moldt, Jason Peck, Ricky Lane, Ron Manwaring
Heat: Moldt

Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros (10 Laps): JOEY ALLOWATT, Jordan Smith, Devin Gullo, Madison White, Allison Smith
Heat: Allowatt

"Shawn Nye's Déjà vu - Dominates ROC Sportsman Field at Chemung" By Carol Houssock (2023-07-16)

Four years ago Shawn Nye from Lancaster, NY took the ROC Sportsman win at Chemung Speedrome. Saturday night he repeated, although the team had some work to do to put him in that position. Garrett Zacharias won in the ROC Super Stock division. Both of those races were 51 laps in distance, in memory of the late Ed McGuire. Anthony Gullo dominated in the non-points Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stock feature.

Racing conditions were perfect, and a great crowd enjoyed a fast-moving program at the only asphalt short track in NYís southern tier. The special event was sponsored by the CVS Health Chemung Distribution Center.

The ROC Sportsman division returned to Chemung after a four-year absence. In 2019 it was Shawn Nye who took the win. Fast forward to 2023 and it was Shawn Nye who took the win. "When we came here it was junk," he said from victory lane. "We thrashed on it and got it running good." Drawing #3 for the start of the 51-lap Ed McGuire Memorial helped.

Earlier, Zack Curren had set fast time and won his heat. TJ Potrzebowski, who drove for years for McGuire, won heat two, while Trevor Catalano won heat three. For Curren, the day tanked initially when he drew #10 for the start, and things went downhill for him from there. Not so for several others.

Nick Morich, who started alongside pole-sitter Evan Rygielski, took the early lead with Nye right on his bumper. Ten laps into the event Nye made what became his race-winning pass and led Morich. The first of a half dozen cautions came with 25 laps complete. Following a lap 26 restart, Jake Lutz took second from Morich, who then lost third to Potrzebowski. The third caution came when Curren slammed the foam blocks in turn one, ending his night. Lutz was the next to develop problems and his car slowed. Over the final 16 laps, Potrzebowski stayed right with Nye, while Jesse Kent and Morich in a four-car breakaway. For Nye, he recorded his fastest lap with a half dozen laps remaining, all while under intense pressure from Potrzebowski. Nye held on for the win, over Potrzebowski, Kent, Morich, and Tony Hanbury. "I saved a little the first half of the race then said to myself it's time to go," Nye told the crowd. With back-to-back Chemung wins in ROC Sportsman events, Nye made an interesting comparison. "Chemung is a lot like an indoor track, and I do pretty well there. Miss the walls and go. Man, it was sweet." Potrzebowski said Ed would be proud a 51 car won.

In ROC Super Stock action, Tim Gullo and Mike Nichols won the heats. Gullo drew the pole for the 51-lap Ed McGuire Memorial while Jacob Christman drew #2. Just a lap in, the race was under the first of six caution periods. Gullo was up front but when his car developed a problem, he lost the lead to Nichols and second to Christman. A few laps later, and after a pair of uncharacteristic spins, he retired from the race as gremlins continue to plague the veteran racer. That left Nichols doing battle with Garrett Zacharias. They swapped some paint on occasion, but by lap 23 Christman had passed Nichols for second. Zacharias took over the race lead on lap 30. His first victory of sorts was holding off Christman and Nichols on a pair of restarts over the final 18 laps. Once things settled down, Zacharias pulled away and left behind a battle for second, with several others moving toward the front. When the checkered flag flew at lap 51 it was the 71Z that parked in victory lane. Christman, some 3.5 seconds behind, finished second with Nichols completing the podium.

Josh Parker and Tom Shaffer won the Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stock heats. Luck of the draw, in this non-points race, had Bruce Kinner and Anthony Gullo on row one for the start of their 20-lap feature. Gullo led the opening lap, but the race immediately went under caution for a pair of spins. Gullo got the better of Chuck Nichols on that restarts and continued on as the leader. Behind him, Parker and Dave Decker were on the move and, by the halfway point, had passed Nichols for second and third. The final caution came out with two laps to go. Gullo and Parker restarted side-by-side, and it was the 51 of Gullo who prevailed and went on to win. Parker was second, followed by Decker, Shaffer, and Nichols.

It's back to Friday night racing this week. Zack's Grill is sponsoring a regular five-division program featuring 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 4:00, 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:

* Two fans from Elmira left as winners from the 50/50 drawing, one with $738 in cash and the other with a pair of tickets to Woodhull Raceway.

* Ray McGuire, Ed's son, gave the command to start the engines prior to the Sportsman Modified feature.

CVS Health Chemung Distribution Center Night Results:

ROC Sportsmen (51 Laps - unofficial, pending post-race tech): SHAWN NYE, TJ Potrzebowski, Jesse Kent, Nick Morich, Tony Hanbury, Kevin Timmerman, John Wilber, Jake Lutz, Lee Sharpsteen, Evan Rygielski, Andy Lewis, Jr., Joe Evans, Eddie Hawkins, Doug Gavette, Tom Alloco, Damon Frutchey, Zack Curren, Trevor Catalano, Dave Kozlowski, Charlie Sharpsteen
Heats: Curren, Potrzebowski, Catalano

ROC Super Stocks (51 Laps): GARRETT ZACHARIAS, Jacob Christman, Mike Nichols, Jacob Gustafson, DJ Shaw, Tom Barron, Jason Duke, Sr., Dave Lazzaro, Charlie Sharpsteen, Brian DeMark, Tim Gullo, Evan Rygielski, Joe Mancuso, Frank Chapman, Jr.
Heats: Nichols, Gullo

Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks (20 Laps): ANTHONY GULLO, Josh Parker, Dave Decker, Tom Shaffer, Chuck Nichols, George Nichols, Jr., Bruce Kinner, Ethan Roberts, Mike Bailey, Jimmy Hill
Heats: Parker, Shaffer

TJ POTRZEBOWSKI BACK HOME IN CHEMUNG'S VICTORY LANE, ROBINSON AGAIN IN SUPER STOCKS By Carol Houssock (2023-07-10)

Canadian Fires, the Sharpsteen Brothers, and Nick Robinson Smoked em all at Chemung By Carol Houssock (2023-06-30)

Despite dealing with ongoing smoke from Canadian forest fires, Chemung Speedrome presented an All-American program during the track's annual salute to Veterans. They had free admission and then participated in the n-track pre-race ceremonies. Gathered in victory lane, it was a blend of young soldiers currently serving and veterans of all ages who served our country.

It was an action-packed night, with 18 races on the schedule. After completing three features from June 23rd, the track then ran a full program of qualifying and features for the five divisions. Winners from the prior week, sponsored by Sam's Bar & Grill, included Charlie Sharpsteen (Buckley's Automotive Modifieds), Nick Robinson (Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks), and Mike Nickels (Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks). Winners from the 30th, sponsored by the Marion Decker Agency, included Lee Sharpsteen (Modifieds), Nick Robinson (Super Stocks), Josh Parker (Hobby Stocks), Greg Moldt (4 Cylinders), and Joey Allowatt (Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros).

Charlie Sharpsteen made the most of his pole position start in the carryover 30-lap Buckley's Automotive Modified feature. But, in just two laps, the race fell under caution three times. The first, for a single car spin, took place on the opening lap. After restarting, Kevin Youngs made contact with Zack Curren. The damage sustained by Curren from tagging the front stretch wall ended his night. The third and final caution resulted from contact between Youngs and Tyler Harbst, and Youngs was done for the night. Back up front, Charlie Sharpsteen led a good battle for second involving Nick Morich and Lee Sharpsteen. Just past the halfway point Lee got around Morich and started to reel in his older brother. Charlie had him covered and picked up the win, over point leader Lee, Jesse Kent, Morich and Jody Buckley. "It's hard to tell how close Lee was, I don't run a radio," he said before thanking the fans and all veterans in attendance. "This feels really good, after missing a few weeks because of the repair work the car needed."

Jason Duke, Sr. brought out the first caution in the 25-lap Blauvelt Funeral Home carryover feature while working lap three. With smoke pouring from both pipes, officials informed him to stop as there was a fire in the firewall. He stopped, got out, and after the car was towed back to his pit he went to work knowing there was another full program coming up. Frank Chapman III and Charlie Sharpsteen made up the front row, with Chapman taking off. Sharpsteen was soon in a battle for second with his cousin Nick Robinson. On a lap six restart Robinson got the better of Sharpsteen and was up to second. Chapman prevailed on a restart following the third, and final, caution. Robinson was on a mission, bringing Charlie along in his quest. When lap 15 clicked off, it was Robinson's number atop the leader board. Three laps later C. Sharpsteen took second from Chapman. That's how it ended, with defending track champion Nick Robinson in victory lane. "It's fun to start toward the back. Like a chess match, you have to be both aggressive and patient. It worked well tonight," Robinson said before thanking his many sponsors and crew members. Charlie finished 2nd, followed to the line by Chapman, Cameron Nichols and Chad Lane.

Keeping with the apparent theme, the carryover 20-lap Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stock feature was under caution just two laps in, and it was one of two that took place on that lap. Dave Decker and George Nichols, Jr. made up the front row for the restart. Mike Nickels was right there in row two and, by lap five, had the race lead. When L. Nickels took over second from Decker, it was another battle of brothers. G. Nichols showed with five laps remaining and set up the final restarts, with the brothers Nickels in row one. Mike prevailed and held on for a career-first win over his brother Luke. "There's no one I'd rather have finish behind me," Mike said from victory lane before receiving a huge hug from Luke. Anthony Gullo was third, followed to the line by Decker and Josh Parker.

With the June 23rd program complete, the track moved right in to qualifying and features for June 30th.

Heat winner Charlie Sharpsteen started the 30-lap Buckley's Automotive Modified feature from the pole, with Jesse Kent alongside. This one also had a pair of early cautions, between which Lee Sharpsteen overtook Kent for second. The brothers Sharpsteen were side-by-side for the lap seven restart and didn't leave each other for the next few laps. Lee finally made his move, while Charlie began to fall back. With 19 laps complete, Charlie's 98 came to a stop, and he was done for the night. That brought Kent up to the front row, but when his car broke on lap 23 that moved Jody Buckley up to second. Lee Sharpsteen, on track to defend his 2022 championship, won. Buckley finished second, followed by Nick Morich. "I want to thank my brother for running me clean. I especially want to thank the veterans here tonight. We're here because of what you all did," he said from victory lane.

Jason Duke, Jr. and Chad Lane brought the field of Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks to the green for the start of their 25-lap feature. Lane took the lead and held it for the first 9 laps. Behind him, Duke, Nick Robinson and Charlie Sharpsteen were on the move toward the front. Robinson passed Duke for second and, on lap 10, overtook Lane. Two laps later, Duke and Lane got involved in a tangle, which brought C. Sharpsteen up to the front row beside his cousin, Robinson. On the restart Frank Chapman, Jr. dove into turn three way faster than he had been and he got into several cars, including Cameron Nichols and Frank's own son, Frank III. With 10 laps remaining, Robinson was shooting for something he'd never done before and that was to win two races in the same night, in the same car. Mission accomplished as he scored the win, for the second time in one night, over his cousin Charlie Sharpsteen. Mike Nichols finished third, ahead of Duke, Sr. and C. Nichols. Following the race, Cameron Nichols' actions resulted in a DQ. That gave the heat win and the 5th place finish to Lane. Tim Gullo and Robinson won the other heats. Robinson took a few moments to thank American veterans.

The scheduled 20-lap feature for the Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks was reduced to 15 laps due to lengthy clean-ups resulting from five cautions. Point leader Anthony Gullo, Dave Decker and Tom Shaffer won their heats to help set the stage for the feature. A pair of 9ís, Ethan Roberts and Josh Parker, brought the field to the green and it was Roberts who led. The first lengthy caution came when Gullo and Brandon Ameigh came together in turn one, but the track crew had to clean up transmission fluid. During the next caution, a second lengthy clean-up resulted. When racing resumed, it was Decker who had taken the lead from Roberts, and Parker coming back through the pack. The fifth caution, with 11 laps complete and time running long, officials cut the length to 15 laps. The next flag, yellow or checkered, would end it. Parker took full advantage of starting alongside Decker, and he made his race-winning pass on lap 13. He held on for the win, over Decker, Gullo, Bruce Kinner, and Shaffer.

While Greg Moldt and Matt Jenkins won the Four Cylinder heat races, with Moldt going on to win the 20-lap feature, it was the battle between Jenkins and Joey Bevacqua that everyone was watching. Jenkins had led the first three laps. Moldt got around and checked out, but Bevacqua was relentless in his attempts to pass Jenkins. He almost got by a few times coming off turn four, but Jenkins slammed the door on him in turn one. Moldt went on for the win, over Jenkins, Bevacqua, Zack Jaynes and Robert Decker.

The 8-lap Bandolero feature went caution-free, with the same pair of drivers picking up wins in their age groups. Joey Allowatt (Outlaw) was the overall winner over Devin Gullo (Bandit), with Dallas Harbst finishing third. Gullo is the overall point leader after Allowatt missed a race earlier in the month.

This Friday, July 2nd, is Fan Appreciation night. Firehouse Subs is the nightly sponsor of this five-division program. Fans will go trackside during intermission to meet and greet the drivers. Pits open at 4:00, 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:

* Soldiers with the 698th Quartermaster Company (Nichols, NY) participated in opening ceremonies, some riding in a military Hummer and others raising the American flag. They included Second Lieutenant Rhaelynn Gee, Specialist Connor Tappan-Roney, Specialist Cindry Severino, Specialist Bridgette Bice, Private First Class Brielle Arias, and Specialist Sidnie Decker.

* The track observed a moment of silence for Guy Peck, who had served for many years as pit steward in the Bodine years.

* A fan from Sayre, PA won $675 in the 50/50.

* Marion Decker provided American flags to the first 1,000 fans through the gate.

Sam's Bar & Grill Results (completion of June 23rd races):

Buckley's Automotive Modifieds (30 Laps): CHARLIE SHARPSTEEN, Lee Sharpsteen, Jesse Kent, Nick Morich, Jody Buckley, Kevin Youngs, Tyler Harbst, Zack Curren
Heat: L. Sharpsteen

Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks (25 Laps): NICK ROBINSON, Charlie Sharpsteen, Frank Chapman, Jr., Cameron Nichols, Chad Lane, Frank Chapman III, Jason Duke, Jr., Abe Romanik, Kalysta DeMark, Josh Duke, Bradley Mister, Jason Duke, Sr.
Heats: Chapman III, Robinson

Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks (20 Laps): MIKE NICKELS, Luke Nickels, Anthony Gullo, Dave Decker, Josh Parker, Tom Shaffer, Brandon Ameigh, Randy Mathews, Cullen Sharpsteen, Chuck Nichols, Mike Lattimer, Mike Bailey, George Nichols, Jr., Sidnie Decker
Heats: Mathews, Gullo

Marion Decker Agency June 30th Results:

Buckley's Automotive Modifieds (30 Laps): LEE SHARPSTEEN, Jody Buckley, Nick Morich, Jesse Kent, Charlie Sharpsteen, Tyler Harbst
Heat: C. Sharpsteen

Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks (25 Laps): NICK ROBINSON, Charlie Sharpsteen, Mike Nichols, Jason Duke, Sr., Chad Lane, Frank Chapman, Jr., Derrick Tarbox, Bradley Mister, Frank Chapman III, Mark Taylor, Tim Faro, Abe Romanik, Kalysta DeMark, Jason Duke, Jr., Tim Gullo, Josh Duke, (DQ: Cameron Nichols, actions after the race)
Heats: Gullo, Robinson, Lane

Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks (15 Laps): JOSH PARKER, Dave Decker, Anthony Gullo, Bruce Kinner, Tom Shaffer, Ethan Roberts, Brandon Ameigh, Mike Nickels, Mike Bailey, Chuck Nichols, George Nichols, Jr., Jimmy Hill, Randy Mathews, Gil Sharpsteen, Luke Nickels, Ben Perry, Johnathan Gunderman, Cullen Sharpsteen, Mike Lattimer, Gene Purvis, Ray Dann, Mackenzie Decker
Heats: Gullo, D. Decker, Shaffer

Four Cylinders (20 Laps): GREG MOLDT, Matt Jenkins, Joey Bevacqua, Zack Jaynes, Robert Decker, Mike Ferris, Jason Peck, Ron Manwaring, Ricky Lane
Heats: Jenkins, Moldt

Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros (10 Laps): JOEY ALLOWATT, Devin Gullo, Dallas Harbst

Greg Moldt and Devin Gullo Win at Chemung, Remainder to Run This Friday By Carol Houssock (2023-06-23)

The chance of rain got as high as 88% on Friday afternoon, but officials at Chemung Speedrome rolled the dice and chose to gamble and go for it. From early morning, nothing had fallen from the sky, but light rain moved in at practice time and delayed the start by about 20 minutes. Once the first heat took the green, the program kept moving with one more brief delay and, by 9:00, 72% of the races had been run.

Winners on Samís Bar & Grill night included Greg Moldt (4 Cylinders) and Devin Gullo (Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros). The Buckley's Automotive Modifieds were ready to roll out for their feature, but rain fell for the third time and, with more coming behind it, officials pulled the plug. This coming Friday they, along with the Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks and Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks, will run double features.

The 4 Cylinder division ran their 20-lap feature without any caution flags. Matt Jenkins, who had earlier won the heat race, took off and led the first few laps. Greg Moldt was right on his back bumper and, by lap five, was the leader of the pack. Once in front, he built up a full straightaway lead over Jenkins. A good battle ensued behind them, with Joey Bevacqua in third and Mike Ferris in fourth. Moldt held on for the win, over Jenkins, Ferris and Bevacqua. Ferris nipped him right at the line.

Devin Gullo won again in the 10-lap Serendipity Ice Cream Bandolero division. He and Joey Allowatt, point leaders in their respective Bandit and Outlaw age groups, started from the front row. Allowatt led and, just at the halfway point, was adding to his lead and lapping slower cars. When Lily Gullo shifted lanes coming off turn two, Allowatt had nowhere to go but up and over her car. He retired from the race. Over the final half it was another Devin Gullo show, who easily took the win. Allowatt, the only Outlaw competing, finished third but highest in that class. This Friday, June 30th, is now even bigger than it had been. The salute to Veterans now includes double features for three divisions to wrap up the June 23rd show. Anyone with a Military ID will be admitted free. Fans will want to be there early for the pre-race on-track activities honoring those who served. That is expected to begin at approximately 6:40 PM.

Pits open at 4:00, 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:

A fan from Waverly won the $225 in the 50/50.

Samís Bar & Grill night results:
4 Cylinders (20 Laps): GREG MOLDT, Matt Jenkins, Mike Ferris, Joey Bevacqua, Ricky Lane, Jason Peck, Ron Manwaring Heat: Jenkins

Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros (10 Laps): DEVIN GULLO, Dallas Harbst, Joey Allowatt, Lily Gullo

Chemung Speedrome - Looking Ahead After Back-to-Back Weather Losses By Carol Houssock (2023-06-18)

While the track lost the last two races in a row, all eyes are on a big upcoming Friday night program. Sam’s Bar & Grill returns to sponsor their second race night this year and it’s a full program on June 23rd. 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) will be in action.

It’s also Fan Appreciation Night, moved to this Friday due to last week’s rainout. During intermission drivers will have their cars on the track for a Meet and Greet. With this rescheduling, kids can leave their bicycles home. Kids Bike Races will be held on an upcoming night to be determined.

Promoter Ray Hodge and his team are working hard to make up rain dates, as last Friday marked rainout number 3. There are no guarantees this will happen, but they hope to run the full number of races originally planned for 2023.

Pits open this Friday 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, go to the track’s active Facebook page (Chemung Speedrome – Racing at the Drome) or log on to the track’s website: chemung-speedrome.com. You can also contact Ray Hodge at 607-483-3468.

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

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)

(Chemung, NY)  Racing at Chemung Speedrome switched back to its popular Friday night program. Employees of Skyworks Equipment Rental enjoyed a fun night as the program sponsor, with time in a suite and involvement in victory lane celebrations. Winners on week three included Lee Sharpsteen (Buckley’s Automotive Modifieds), Nick Robinson (Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks), Anthony Gullo (Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks), Greg Moldt (4 Cylinders), and Joey Allowatt (Bandoleros).

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)

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"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)

A week later, on April 22nd, cars can return for another practice session, from 3 PM until dark. The track is also available for rentals the following day, April 23rd, from 1 PM until 7 PM.
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.
The most current information is on the track’s Facebook page (Chemung Speedrome - Racing at the Drome).

Congratulations to our announcer Carol Houssock! (2022-01-18)

Congratulations to our announcer, Carol Houssock, for her award-winning story on the Beers and Hirschman families. Titled "The 4 Horsemen of Mud Lane", it appeared in Speedway Illustrated magazine last year. Carol took 2nd place honors in the Pocono Raceway-sponsored writing contest of the Eastern Motorsport Press Association.