Green and Cornell remain unbeaten on table top smooth surface at Afton Motorsports Park
AFTON – Friday night, the racers at Afton Motorsports Park were greeted by a table top smooth racing surface and it produced the best racing of the year on ZMK Construction Night.
Steve Babicek used his upfront starting spot to full advantage along with his smooth track liking 2010 Teo Pro car to win the ZMK Construction Modified feature 30 lap feature over JR Hurlburt, Brett Tonkin, Mitch Gibbs, and 14th place starting Nick Nye.
The 30 lap Modified feature had Steve Babicek and Kenny Titus bring the field to green with Babicek taking the early lead over Brett Tonkin, JR Hurlburt, Darwin R. Greene and Titus.
However, the smooth racing surface led to plenty of passing early in the race with Mitch Gibbs moving into fifth on lap three.
With the help of a lap seven restart, Hurlburt was able to get under Tonkin to take over second position. He then applied the heavy pressure on Babicek for the lead while Gibbs got by Tonkin one lap following the restart, moving into third.
At the halfway point, three different racing battles kept everyone’s attention. Babicek and Hurlburt raced for the lead while Gibbs and Tonkin were competing hard for third and Titus, Andy Bachetti and Nick Nye – 14th place starter – all duked it out for fifth.
On the lap 18 restart, Bachetti was able to move into fifth. In front of the pack, Babicek opened up a small lead as it seemed the tires on the Hurlburt machine sealed over.
What once was many different contests for positions now became a five car race for the lead as Babicek was leading Hurlburt, Gibbs, Tonkin, and Bachetti with ten laps to go.
Tonkin passed Gibbs for third on lap 22 and immediately tested Hurlburt for second. Meanwhile, Gibbs was left to fend-off Bachetti for fifth, who had Nye all over him.
The frustrating season for Bachetti at Afton Motorsports Park cropped up once again as his engine expired with five laps to go, his car coming to a rolling stop in turn four.
Babicek led the last five laps unchallenged in his unsponsored car to claim the win over Hurlburt, Tonkin, Gibbs, and Nye.
The Chambers & O’Hara Open Sportsman 20 lap feature saw tight racing taking place until Bill Deckleman took the lead. Once in front, Deckleman pulled away for the win over Claude Hutchings, Jr., Craig Pope, Brandon Kuhn, and Don Hart, Jr.
The 20 lap Open Sportsman feature started with Craig Pope and Brandon Kuhn out in front. Pope jumped out to the lead over Kuhn, Dennis Clapperton, Tyler Hart and Bill Deckleman.
The racers showed off what they can do on a smooth race track as passing was plentiful throughout the early portions of the event. Clapperton took second from Kuhn on lap two, but Kuhn returned the favor just two laps later.
Deckleman moved into third by lap five with Claude Hutchings, Jr. moving into fifth on this lap.
The top four cars of Pope, Kuhn, Deckleman, and Hutchings were pulling away while Clapperton, Tyler Hart and Don Hart, Jr. all scrambled for fifth. The hard pursuit for fifth saw Clapperton and Tyler Hart come together on lap eight, bringing out the caution.
On the restart, Pope pulled out to a small lead while Deckleman slipped under Kuhn to take second, and Don Hart, Jr. moved into fifth.
Deckleman was glued to the bottom part of the smooth surface, helping home take the lead at the halfway point. It was on a Sunday afternoon drive on a Friday night for Deckleman as he opened up a huge gap within a lap of getting the lead.
Hutchings passed Kuhn for third on lap 12 and set sail after Pope, who was running second.
After several laps of trying and just two laps remaining, Hutchings was able to grab second from Pope. Eying the leader, Hutchings – the defending track champion – ran out of laps as Deckleman came in for the checkered flag
Butler Auto Sales Crate Sportsman 20 lap feature saw Corey Cormier race through the field, taking the win over Duane Knapp, Aaron Shelton, Gary Smith, and Blaine Klinger.
The 20 lap Crate Sportsman feature had Duane Knapp and Fred Christ battling for the lead early but Knapp was able to get out in front of Christ, Rob Loucks, Blaine Klinger, and AJ Digsby.
The moves were happening early and often in the race with Loucks moving into second by lap two as Corey Cormier moved into fourth at the same time.
Cormier was a driver on a mission, taking the third position in lap three. He then turned his attention to Loucks for second.
A lap eight restart allowed Cormier to motor into the lead over Knapp, Christ, Digsby, and Klinger. Once in front, Cormier meant business as he opened up a full straightaway lead in a matter of two laps.
Shelton was able to race into third by lap 12 with Christ, Klinger, Bobby Flood, and Smith all in tow.
The final yellow of the of the race came out on lap 15, setting up a five lap shootout.
Cormier was up to the task, easily captured the win over Knapp, Shelton, Smith, and Klinger.
For the fourth straight week, the Trophy Guy IMCA Modified feature belonged to James Cornell, winning the 20 lap feature over Gary Roberts, Jake Maynard, Beau Ballard, and Tyler Stoddard.
Roberts picked up the early lead over Maynard, Stoddard, Cornell, and Ballard.
However, Cornell wasted no time in showing just how hooked up his car is on the smooth Afton Motorsports Park track. Sliding into third on lap two, Cornell continued moving up the field. Taking only one lap to move into second, he turned his focus onto the leader. By lap six, Cornell powered around Roberts in turns three and four, grabbing the lead.
With Cornell untouched for the majority of the race, an outstanding feud for second was developing between Roberts, Maynard, and Ballard. These three drivers tried every little move they knew, hoping to gain a position.
The only thing slowing Cornell up was yellow flags, which came out twice during the later portions of the event. Later he came in for the victory over Roberts, Maynard, Ballard, and Stoddard. Cornell also won the qualifying race earlier in the program.
Rinker Insurance Agency Street Stock 15 lap feature was won by Butch Green, claiming the win over Dustin Harris, Jonathon Fowlston, and Ralph Cuozzo. This was Green’s four win in a row of the feature, which was reduced down to 15 laps due to the low numbers.
Fowlston and Cuozzo lead the field to green. Quickly after the flag was dropped, Harris took the lead from his fourth place starting spot to lead lap one.
Green – who entered the program undefeated – moved into second by lap two and pressured Harris for the lead. On the same lap, Ron Greek moved past Fowlston for third.
After three laps of constant pressure, Harris left an opening and Green pulled off a sprint car type of slide, passing in turns three and four to grab the lead as the lap counter clicked to six.
Once in front, Green pulled away to leave Harris all by himself in second. Greek and Fowlston put on a great side-by-side race for third.
Green, Harris, Greek, Fowlston, and Cuozzo rounded out the top five at the checkers. In post-race tech inspection, Greek’s car was found to be racing under the minimum weight requirement causing him to forfeit his third place finish.
The Eric Wagner Memorial Four Cylinder Truck 15 lap feature was all Ralph Cuozzo, who won this race for the second year in a row; Bob Crandall, Jeff Young, Trey Palmer, and Brandon Loucks rounded out the top five.
Cuozzo bolted from his ninth place starting spot to the lead before the first lap was scored. Young, Crandall, Palmer, and Pete Christensen rounded out the top five after one lap.
Loucks was involved in an accident before one lap was finished but the rookie driver raced his way back into fifth on lap two.
Up front, Cuozzo had a commanding lead with Crandall getting past Young for second on lap four. A double restart on lap six gave Crandall his only shot at getting past Cuozzo for the lead but Cuozzo was ready for the Crandall charge and he kept his teammate at bay for the lead.
Loucks got past Palmer for fourth on lap seven and these two drivers set up their own private race for fourth. Palmer was able to get the upper hand, finishing fourth as the checkered flag waved.
Crandall didn’t give up on Cuozzo for the lead as he was hoping Cuozzo would slip up in order to make a move, but that pass never happened.
NOTES: The much improved racing surface received great reviews from all drivers for it’s table top smoothness.
It was a blown engine night for several teams with Andy Bachetti blowing one in the feature. Jeff Sheeley exploded an engine in the heat race and drove the Olin Renwick car in the feature. Butch Klinger had to vacate his outside pole starting spot due to low oil pressure in his engine and he drove the Craig Monroe car in the feature.
ZMK Construction sponsored the night and their employees filled up both VIP Rooms in the tower.
Don Hart, Jr. was racing the backup car of his nephew Tyler on this night as the team was trying to figure out an laying down engine issue.
Good to see former Utica-Rome Speedway owner Gene Cole in attendance on this night.
Next Friday night, June 15 at Afton Motorsports Park will see Fan Appreciation Night taking place during intermission for the Rinker Insurance Agency Street Stocks and Four Cylinder Trucks. Joining them on the racing card will be the ZMK Construction Modifieds, Chambers & O’ Hara Open Sportsman, Butler Auto Sales Crate Sportsman, and The Trophy Guy IMCA Modifieds.
Admission prices for the June 15th show are grandstand admission is $12 with seniors age 62 and up being admitted for $10, youth aged 9 to 14 are $5, and 8 and under are free with a paid adult admission. Pit admission with no membership required is $30.
Pit gates open at 4pm with grandstands opening one half hour later at 4:30 pm. Hot laps begin at 6 pm and the first heat will be green flagged at 7 pm sharp.
For more information on Afton Motorsports Park you can log on to the World Wide Web at www.aftonmotorsportspark.com or call (607)-639-DIRT (3478) or (607)-624-3772.
Afton Motorsports Park is fast, fun and furious...come check it out.
ZMK Construction Modified Finish: Steve Babicek, JR Hurlburt, Brett Tonkin, Mitch Gibbs, Nick Nye, Rusty Smith, Kenny Titus, Jeremy Smith, Damon Decker, Matt Roberts, Darwin R. Greene, Tim Mayne, Andy Bachetti, Craig Hanson, Jim Cummings, Jeff Sheeley.
Chambers & O’Hara Open Sportsman Finish: Bill Deckleman, Claude Hutchings, Jr., Craig Pope, Brandon Kuhn, Don Hart, Jr., Tyler Hart, Dave Rosa, Steve Andersen, Dennis Clapperton, Butch Klinger, Skip Pickwick, Dan Burman, Craig Pritchard, Olin Renwick, Rich Coons.
Butler Auto Sales Crate Sportsman Finish: Corey Cormier, Duane Knapp, Aaron Shelton, Gary Smith, Blaine Klinger, Bobby Flood, Fred Christ, Ryan Macartney, Craig Monroe, Michael Grover, AJ Digsby, Rob Loucks, Cody Clark, Kinser Hill.
The Trophy Guy IMCA Modifieds Finish: James Cornell, Gary Roberts, Jake Maynard, Beau Ballard, Tyler Stoddard, Bill Nichols, Tim Vandemark, Eric Stumpf. DNS; Will Ward, Billy Ward, Rodney Morgan.
Rinker Insurance Agency Street Stocks Finish: Butch Green, Dustin Harris, Jonathon Fowlston, Ralph Cuozzo. DQ; Ron Greek (light).
Eric Wagner Memorial Four Cylinder Truck Finish: Ralph Cuozzo, Bob Crandall, Jeff Young, Trey Palmer, Brandon Loucks, Pete Christensen, Bill Cooper, Dylan Nichols, Jerry Lanfair. DNS; Derrick Brundege, Stephen Candiloro.
– JR Kennerup, Afton Motorsports Park
Steve Babicek used his upfront starting spot to full advantage along with his smooth track liking 2010 Teo Pro car to win the ZMK Construction Modified feature 30 lap feature over JR Hurlburt, Brett Tonkin, Mitch Gibbs, and 14th place starting Nick Nye.
The 30 lap Modified feature had Steve Babicek and Kenny Titus bring the field to green with Babicek taking the early lead over Brett Tonkin, JR Hurlburt, Darwin R. Greene and Titus.
However, the smooth racing surface led to plenty of passing early in the race with Mitch Gibbs moving into fifth on lap three.
With the help of a lap seven restart, Hurlburt was able to get under Tonkin to take over second position. He then applied the heavy pressure on Babicek for the lead while Gibbs got by Tonkin one lap following the restart, moving into third.
At the halfway point, three different racing battles kept everyone’s attention. Babicek and Hurlburt raced for the lead while Gibbs and Tonkin were competing hard for third and Titus, Andy Bachetti and Nick Nye – 14th place starter – all duked it out for fifth.
On the lap 18 restart, Bachetti was able to move into fifth. In front of the pack, Babicek opened up a small lead as it seemed the tires on the Hurlburt machine sealed over.
What once was many different contests for positions now became a five car race for the lead as Babicek was leading Hurlburt, Gibbs, Tonkin, and Bachetti with ten laps to go.
Tonkin passed Gibbs for third on lap 22 and immediately tested Hurlburt for second. Meanwhile, Gibbs was left to fend-off Bachetti for fifth, who had Nye all over him.
The frustrating season for Bachetti at Afton Motorsports Park cropped up once again as his engine expired with five laps to go, his car coming to a rolling stop in turn four.
Babicek led the last five laps unchallenged in his unsponsored car to claim the win over Hurlburt, Tonkin, Gibbs, and Nye.
The Chambers & O’Hara Open Sportsman 20 lap feature saw tight racing taking place until Bill Deckleman took the lead. Once in front, Deckleman pulled away for the win over Claude Hutchings, Jr., Craig Pope, Brandon Kuhn, and Don Hart, Jr.
The 20 lap Open Sportsman feature started with Craig Pope and Brandon Kuhn out in front. Pope jumped out to the lead over Kuhn, Dennis Clapperton, Tyler Hart and Bill Deckleman.
The racers showed off what they can do on a smooth race track as passing was plentiful throughout the early portions of the event. Clapperton took second from Kuhn on lap two, but Kuhn returned the favor just two laps later.
Deckleman moved into third by lap five with Claude Hutchings, Jr. moving into fifth on this lap.
The top four cars of Pope, Kuhn, Deckleman, and Hutchings were pulling away while Clapperton, Tyler Hart and Don Hart, Jr. all scrambled for fifth. The hard pursuit for fifth saw Clapperton and Tyler Hart come together on lap eight, bringing out the caution.
On the restart, Pope pulled out to a small lead while Deckleman slipped under Kuhn to take second, and Don Hart, Jr. moved into fifth.
Deckleman was glued to the bottom part of the smooth surface, helping home take the lead at the halfway point. It was on a Sunday afternoon drive on a Friday night for Deckleman as he opened up a huge gap within a lap of getting the lead.
Hutchings passed Kuhn for third on lap 12 and set sail after Pope, who was running second.
After several laps of trying and just two laps remaining, Hutchings was able to grab second from Pope. Eying the leader, Hutchings – the defending track champion – ran out of laps as Deckleman came in for the checkered flag
Butler Auto Sales Crate Sportsman 20 lap feature saw Corey Cormier race through the field, taking the win over Duane Knapp, Aaron Shelton, Gary Smith, and Blaine Klinger.
The 20 lap Crate Sportsman feature had Duane Knapp and Fred Christ battling for the lead early but Knapp was able to get out in front of Christ, Rob Loucks, Blaine Klinger, and AJ Digsby.
The moves were happening early and often in the race with Loucks moving into second by lap two as Corey Cormier moved into fourth at the same time.
Cormier was a driver on a mission, taking the third position in lap three. He then turned his attention to Loucks for second.
A lap eight restart allowed Cormier to motor into the lead over Knapp, Christ, Digsby, and Klinger. Once in front, Cormier meant business as he opened up a full straightaway lead in a matter of two laps.
Shelton was able to race into third by lap 12 with Christ, Klinger, Bobby Flood, and Smith all in tow.
The final yellow of the of the race came out on lap 15, setting up a five lap shootout.
Cormier was up to the task, easily captured the win over Knapp, Shelton, Smith, and Klinger.
For the fourth straight week, the Trophy Guy IMCA Modified feature belonged to James Cornell, winning the 20 lap feature over Gary Roberts, Jake Maynard, Beau Ballard, and Tyler Stoddard.
Roberts picked up the early lead over Maynard, Stoddard, Cornell, and Ballard.
However, Cornell wasted no time in showing just how hooked up his car is on the smooth Afton Motorsports Park track. Sliding into third on lap two, Cornell continued moving up the field. Taking only one lap to move into second, he turned his focus onto the leader. By lap six, Cornell powered around Roberts in turns three and four, grabbing the lead.
With Cornell untouched for the majority of the race, an outstanding feud for second was developing between Roberts, Maynard, and Ballard. These three drivers tried every little move they knew, hoping to gain a position.
The only thing slowing Cornell up was yellow flags, which came out twice during the later portions of the event. Later he came in for the victory over Roberts, Maynard, Ballard, and Stoddard. Cornell also won the qualifying race earlier in the program.
Rinker Insurance Agency Street Stock 15 lap feature was won by Butch Green, claiming the win over Dustin Harris, Jonathon Fowlston, and Ralph Cuozzo. This was Green’s four win in a row of the feature, which was reduced down to 15 laps due to the low numbers.
Fowlston and Cuozzo lead the field to green. Quickly after the flag was dropped, Harris took the lead from his fourth place starting spot to lead lap one.
Green – who entered the program undefeated – moved into second by lap two and pressured Harris for the lead. On the same lap, Ron Greek moved past Fowlston for third.
After three laps of constant pressure, Harris left an opening and Green pulled off a sprint car type of slide, passing in turns three and four to grab the lead as the lap counter clicked to six.
Once in front, Green pulled away to leave Harris all by himself in second. Greek and Fowlston put on a great side-by-side race for third.
Green, Harris, Greek, Fowlston, and Cuozzo rounded out the top five at the checkers. In post-race tech inspection, Greek’s car was found to be racing under the minimum weight requirement causing him to forfeit his third place finish.
The Eric Wagner Memorial Four Cylinder Truck 15 lap feature was all Ralph Cuozzo, who won this race for the second year in a row; Bob Crandall, Jeff Young, Trey Palmer, and Brandon Loucks rounded out the top five.
Cuozzo bolted from his ninth place starting spot to the lead before the first lap was scored. Young, Crandall, Palmer, and Pete Christensen rounded out the top five after one lap.
Loucks was involved in an accident before one lap was finished but the rookie driver raced his way back into fifth on lap two.
Up front, Cuozzo had a commanding lead with Crandall getting past Young for second on lap four. A double restart on lap six gave Crandall his only shot at getting past Cuozzo for the lead but Cuozzo was ready for the Crandall charge and he kept his teammate at bay for the lead.
Loucks got past Palmer for fourth on lap seven and these two drivers set up their own private race for fourth. Palmer was able to get the upper hand, finishing fourth as the checkered flag waved.
Crandall didn’t give up on Cuozzo for the lead as he was hoping Cuozzo would slip up in order to make a move, but that pass never happened.
NOTES: The much improved racing surface received great reviews from all drivers for it’s table top smoothness.
It was a blown engine night for several teams with Andy Bachetti blowing one in the feature. Jeff Sheeley exploded an engine in the heat race and drove the Olin Renwick car in the feature. Butch Klinger had to vacate his outside pole starting spot due to low oil pressure in his engine and he drove the Craig Monroe car in the feature.
ZMK Construction sponsored the night and their employees filled up both VIP Rooms in the tower.
Don Hart, Jr. was racing the backup car of his nephew Tyler on this night as the team was trying to figure out an laying down engine issue.
Good to see former Utica-Rome Speedway owner Gene Cole in attendance on this night.
Next Friday night, June 15 at Afton Motorsports Park will see Fan Appreciation Night taking place during intermission for the Rinker Insurance Agency Street Stocks and Four Cylinder Trucks. Joining them on the racing card will be the ZMK Construction Modifieds, Chambers & O’ Hara Open Sportsman, Butler Auto Sales Crate Sportsman, and The Trophy Guy IMCA Modifieds.
Admission prices for the June 15th show are grandstand admission is $12 with seniors age 62 and up being admitted for $10, youth aged 9 to 14 are $5, and 8 and under are free with a paid adult admission. Pit admission with no membership required is $30.
Pit gates open at 4pm with grandstands opening one half hour later at 4:30 pm. Hot laps begin at 6 pm and the first heat will be green flagged at 7 pm sharp.
For more information on Afton Motorsports Park you can log on to the World Wide Web at www.aftonmotorsportspark.com or call (607)-639-DIRT (3478) or (607)-624-3772.
Afton Motorsports Park is fast, fun and furious...come check it out.
ZMK Construction Modified Finish: Steve Babicek, JR Hurlburt, Brett Tonkin, Mitch Gibbs, Nick Nye, Rusty Smith, Kenny Titus, Jeremy Smith, Damon Decker, Matt Roberts, Darwin R. Greene, Tim Mayne, Andy Bachetti, Craig Hanson, Jim Cummings, Jeff Sheeley.
Chambers & O’Hara Open Sportsman Finish: Bill Deckleman, Claude Hutchings, Jr., Craig Pope, Brandon Kuhn, Don Hart, Jr., Tyler Hart, Dave Rosa, Steve Andersen, Dennis Clapperton, Butch Klinger, Skip Pickwick, Dan Burman, Craig Pritchard, Olin Renwick, Rich Coons.
Butler Auto Sales Crate Sportsman Finish: Corey Cormier, Duane Knapp, Aaron Shelton, Gary Smith, Blaine Klinger, Bobby Flood, Fred Christ, Ryan Macartney, Craig Monroe, Michael Grover, AJ Digsby, Rob Loucks, Cody Clark, Kinser Hill.
The Trophy Guy IMCA Modifieds Finish: James Cornell, Gary Roberts, Jake Maynard, Beau Ballard, Tyler Stoddard, Bill Nichols, Tim Vandemark, Eric Stumpf. DNS; Will Ward, Billy Ward, Rodney Morgan.
Rinker Insurance Agency Street Stocks Finish: Butch Green, Dustin Harris, Jonathon Fowlston, Ralph Cuozzo. DQ; Ron Greek (light).
Eric Wagner Memorial Four Cylinder Truck Finish: Ralph Cuozzo, Bob Crandall, Jeff Young, Trey Palmer, Brandon Loucks, Pete Christensen, Bill Cooper, Dylan Nichols, Jerry Lanfair. DNS; Derrick Brundege, Stephen Candiloro.
– JR Kennerup, Afton Motorsports Park
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