By Oswego Speedway/Danny Johnson
8/2/06
After a break in the action of a couple of weeks, we get back to racing in a big way this weekend at Oswego Speedway. We have our normal three division regular shows with Jakes Automotive Super Stocks, PathFinder Bank Limited Supers and Novelis Supermodifieds. Add to that, the RoC Modifieds return for their third show of 2006, with a full slate of qualifying heats, consi’s and the Parts Plus 75 lap feature race.
Both Modified shows this year have been barn-burners. Lee Sherwood won the first race opening weekend, while Mike Leaty held off a hard charging Mat Hirschman in the second race. Sherwood’s win was a win of redemption, as he picked up the win he left on the table in 2005. In the last mod race, it was a battle of second generation drivers as Mike Leaty and Matt Hirchsman raced wheel to wheel the second half of the race, neither laying a bumper on the other for the win. Sherwood and Eric Beers chased the youngsters late in the race, but Leaty held on for the dream come true win.
A full field of Modifieds is anticipated, as almost 40 cars have entered both Oswego shows this year. Sherwood, both Leaty’s, Classic Weekend winner Earl Paules, Sege Fidanza, Zane Zeiner, Pete Brittain, Rusty Smith and the rest of the normal cast of characters are expected to be pitside. There is a Whelan Tour race at Riverhead this weekend, and the only drivers expected not to return to Oswego this time around are Matt Hirschman, Eric Beers and Chuck Hossfeld.
Modified races have been so close this year, it is imperative to qualify for the show. It may sound easy, but with 40 cars entered, making the show has been no easy task this year. Jan Leaty and Kory Rabenold didn’t make the first show, while JR Kent, and Pete Brittain missed out on show #2. Once in the field, you have a chance for the win. Lee Sherwood came from an early race incident, from back in the pack to win the opener. The top 12 in heat races will re-draw for starting spots, which is ultra important. Keep a close eye on the heat races, as driver have to finish in the top 3 or 4, depending on how many heat races there are to make the redraw.
Get ready for a pretty hefty dose of the Modifieds, as we have them here 3 times in the next month and a half. With the races they have already put on in 2006, fans have been asking for more modified shows. The mod guys like running at Oswego, as the car counts can prove. They have put on very competitive shows, and there is no reason to believe the next 3 shows will do anything to change that.
After a couple of weeks off, one for Harborfest and one for rain, the regular cast of characters come back to the Big O. The Jakes Automotive Super Stocks come back for another show. Rick Zeigler is currently pitching a shutout, and he has shutout everyone else out of victory lane. He’s 3 for 3 in 2006, and has a stranglehold on the stocker division.
The PathFinder Bank Limited Supers have had more different winners in 2006 than the Super Stocks, Modifieds and Supermodifieds put together. There is no way to tell at the beginning of the night, who is going to win the limited feature. To pick up the checkered flag in what may be the top support division in the country, everything has to play into your hands. You have to have a good handicap, must run in the top four in your heat race to use your handicap, must catch the breaks at the right time, you have to have a top car, and lady luck has to smile on you also. If all of these aren’t in your pit stall, you wont be on top of the podium at the end of 25 laps. Josh LaRochelle is the only multiple winner in 2006. Dave Gruel, Brian Sobus, Chris Proud, Lou Levea, and Mike Barnes have all won features. Russ Brown currently leads the points, and officially hasn’t won a race. He picked up the NORA win on the Wednesday night special, but that didn’t count towards Oswego points.
The Novelis Supermodifieds can be summed up in one name - Otto Sitterly. Much like Greg Furlong was last year, Otto has been on a tear in 2006. Five wins in six races show his dominance. The only night he didn’t win, he finished in second place. He has won in every size and shape imaginable, but it’s the end of the year that he is keeping an eye to. The big money shows are on the horizon, as the $10,000 to win show and Classic loom. As the end of the year winds down, everyone looks to be on their “A Game”. Tim Snyder has been on the bumper of the 79 all year, and has been toying with the 0 to pry that tenth or two out. Greg Furlong has been snake bitten since the end of the Classic last year, and can break out of it at anytime. Mike Ordway and Clyde Booth have spent more time fixing the 61 than they would have liked, but have the possibility to dust the field when the Silver Bullet holds up. Tim Gareau has made strides in the Kerfien 5 car, and has been a regular podium finisher.
This weekend we begin the stretch run, as we have about a month left to Classic. Cars will start to come in, as everyone looks to get ready for the 50th annual International Classic. I the next few weeks drivers like Joe Gosek, Doug Didero, Doug Heveron, and a few surprises are expected to get Classic ready. There are a lot of big plans being formulated as this is a big one. As of this writing, word has it over 40 cars are pre-entered for the Classic. Stay tuned as more details of the Labor Day extravaganza come out.
This weekend gates open and practice starts at 1:30pm, with the first heat race at 4pm. It’s the start of the stretch run to Classic, and we start with a bang with the Super Stocks, Limited Supers, RoC Modifieds and Supermodifieds.
See you at the races.
