As the leaves fall from the trees and nights are quickly growing longer, the racing season throughout Pennsylvania draws to a rapid ending within the next two weekends.
Last weekend during Super DIRT Week at the New York State Fairgrounds, where Billy Decker won the Nationwide Insurance 150 for the 358 modifieds and Stewart Friesen scored his second consecutive SEF 200 big block modified championship, in addition to Duane Howard dominating the 50 Short Track SuperNationals at Five Mile Point Speedway in Binghamton.
This weekend, the dirt mods return to action with Penn Can Speedway's popular "King of the Can" 50-lap event tonight, while Grandview Speedway hosts the small blocks Saturday night as part of the Thunder Series 5-25's features only program.
Friesen, the popular Canadian shoe, held off a determined Billy Decker to grab his second 200-lap big block modified championship at the "Moody Mile," but following post-race tech inspection, his car was found to have an altered fuel cell which held two gallons more racing fuel than allowed according to DIRTcar rules. Friesen was awarded the win, but fined half of the $50,000 check he received as winner of the event, leaving fans and competitors alike wondering if the officials assessed the correct penalty.
The "King of the Can" weekend at Penn Can Speedway features a two-day show. Tonight's program is highlighted with the 50-lap, $5,000-plus to win, small block/big block modified feature along with the crate sportsman and street stock special. Racing action begins at 7:30. A Sunday raindate is slated at 6 p.m., if needed.
Saturday's program includes the Race of Champions Sportsman Tour 40-lap feature, late models, 305 sprint cars, four cylinder stock cars and factory stock car specials. Racing starts at 6 p.m.
Saturday night's Grandview Thunder 5-25's program will be the final show of the season at the Bechtelsville oval. Bruce Rogers and Bob Miller present a five-division show of small block modifieds, sportsman, URC Sprints, ARDC Midgets and Pa. Legends cars each competing in 25-lap feature events. The Garden State Vintage Stock Cars and demo derby are also expected to be a part of the event, which begins at 6 p.m.
Williams Grove Speedway hosts Champion's Night tonight for both winged sprint car classes, the 358 and 410 divisions.
Lance Dewease, who suffered a season-ending injury last weekend at Lincoln Speedway, holds a 410 point lead over Brian Montieth in the 410 sprinters in the quest for his sixth crown, while Pat Cannon looks to his fourth title in the 358 sprint cars, holding a 230 point margin over teenager, Logan Schuchart.
Next Saturday night's "Fall Fest" will bring a close to the 2011 racing season at Williams Grove Speedway, featuring the 358 and 410 sprint cars, along with the winged super sportsman and limited late models.
Lincoln Speedway will present a three-division show Saturday night. The 358 sprint cars, 410 sprinters and thundercars are in action at the Abbottstown oval, leading to next Friday night's season ending event.
The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to action this weekend for the fourth of six races in the Countdown to the Championship quest. The series heads to Arizona's Firebird International Raceway for the 27th annual Arizona Nationals.
The 20th event on the 22 national event schedule of 2011 finds Spencer Massey leading the top fuel point standings, while Matt Hagan (funny car), Jason Line (pro stock) and Eddie Krawiec (p/s Bike) lead their respective point battles.
Recently the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Racing Series schedule was announced, but a revision was already made, affecting Maple Grove Raceway. The 28th Annual Auto Plus Nationals date has been moved, and will now be contested Oct. 4-7, 2012 and will continue to serve as one of six events on the 2012 NHRA Countdown to the Championship chase.