HOWARD AND MIKE KELLNER WIN NASCAR FEATURE RACES AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY SATURDAY NIGHT
(Track Press Release) BECHTELSVILLE, PA – The chase for the NASCAR Whelen All American Series 358 Modified title will show Duane Howard leading the standings followed by Jeff Strunk and Craig VonDohren. The finish of the 30-lap WNPV-1440 AM NASCAR 358 Modified feature at Grandview Speedway on Saturday night reads the very same way as Duane Howard came from 17th starting spot to put the BPG Racing/Chad Sinon Motorsports No. 1 in victory lane ahead of Jeff Strunk, coming from 15th and Craig VonDohren who started 16th and had been on a hot streak lately.
July 17, 2010 Video Highlights
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358 Modifieds Feature Highlights
Late Models Feature Highlights
In the 20-lap feature for the NASCAR Late Models Mike Kellner of Lansdale was able to gain his third feature win of the season putting the self owned Park Avenue Pet Supplies/Watash Speed Shop No. 57 in victory lane.
“The 1C (VonDohren) has had everyone rethinking. We made lots of changes for tonight that we normally would not have done,” said Howard of Oley in victory lane as he celebrated his third win of the season. “The IC has been tough to beat. The competition here is tough. Whoever gets to the front first usually is able to win and we got their first tonight.”
Kevin Alberts Jr. took the early lead but it was short lived as a wild accident on the front straightaway with just three laps completed closed up the field. Jason Hamilton rolled his mount but was uninjured. On the restart after the three car accident Mike Laise was quick to go to the front but just one lap later Ron Seltman was the leader. Seltman enjoyed short success as a flat tire sent him to the pits. Doug Manmiller took command and set the pace until the midway marker when Howard, who had been working his way from 17th starting position, took the front spot.
At 20 laps Howard was in charge with Doug Manmiller, Jeff Strunk, Craig VonDohren and Jon Kellner Sr. close behind. In the final ten laps Strunk and VonDohren battled for second while Howard was able to build up a comfortable lead.
With checkered flag waving Howard took the win and the $2,200 first place money followed by Jeff Strunk (Bechtelsville) just edging out Craig VonDohren (Boyertown) followed by Doug Manmiller (Shoemakersville) and Meme DeSantis (Temple).
The 20-lap feature for the Late Models turned into what could be labeled the survival of the fittest. Just 11 of the 23 starters were still running at the finish and two red flag periods were needed to clear up accidents during the feature race.
Kurt Spotts led the field down for the start and set the pace on the first lap. Danny Snyder was quick to take charge getting the lead on the second lap and running in front for 14 laps before Mike Kellner, running the high groove from eighth starting spot, charged to the front. The two red flag periods needed to clear the track after a couple of late race multi car accidents that caused some heavy damage slowed the pace considerably and closed the field up on the leader.
However in the final laps it was Mike Kellner flexing his muscles and crossing the finish line first. Second spot went to Randy Stoudt (Pottstown) followed by Nate Christman (Oley), Bill Henning (Lansdale) and Brian Shuey (Shoemakersville).
Fortunately no one was injured in the multicar accidents.
Qualifying heat winners for the NASCAR 358 Modifieds, each 12 laps, were won by Kevin Alberts Jr., Kevin Hirthler, Mike Laise and Jordon Umbenhauer. The 10-lap consolation races had victories going to John Willman and Terry Meitzler. In the Late Model qualifiers, each eight laps, wins went to Mike Kellner, Danny Snyder and Ron Kline.
The Dan’s Deli Halfway Leader Awards went to Duane Howard in the Modifieds and Danny Snyder in the Late Model feature. Jarrod Miller, in the Modifieds, and Ron Christman, in the Late Models, earned the Cargo Trailer Sales 10th place award.
Hatfield Quality Meats will sponsor the Saturday, July 24th doubleheader featuring the NASCAR 358 Modifieds and Late Models. Racing starts at 7:30 p.m. A lucky fan will win a Weber Charcoal Grill courtesy of Hatfield. The first 200 adult paying fans will receive a free ticket to the July 31st NASCAR Trucks/ARCA doubleheader at Pocono Raceway.
Coming up on Saturday, July 31st is the first appearance of the Steel Block Bandits Late Models (including the Grandview Speedway late models) and the NASCAR 358 Modifieds.
30-LAP WNPV-1440 AM RADIO NIGHT NASCAR 358 MODIFIED FEATURE FINISH: 1. Duane Howard 2. Jeff Strunk 3. Craig VonDohren 4. Doug Manmiller 5. Meme DeSantis 6. John Willman 7. Jon Kellner Sr. 8. Kevin Albert Sr. 9. Ryan Grim 10. Jarrod Miller 11. Jordon Umbenhauer 12. Terry Meitzler 13. Kyle Follweiler 14. Shawn Reimert 15. Keith Brightbill 16. Ron Seltman 17. Chris Esposito 18. Addison Meitzler 19. Billy Pauch Jr. 20. A.J. DeSantis Jr. (Balance of starting field not running at the finish) 21. Glenn Owens 22. Mike Laise 23. Todd Marburger 24. Ray Swinehart 25. Ryan Godown 26. Danny Erb 27. Kevin Hirthler 28. Mike Gular 29. Jason Hamilton 30. Todd Smith
20-LAP WNPV-1440 AM RADIO NIGHT LATE MODEL FEATURE FINISH: 1.Mike Kellner 2. Randy Stoudt 3. Nate Christman 4. Bill Henning 5. Brian Shuey 6. Kurt Spotts 7. D.D.Keely 8. Kory Fleming 9. Doug Walton 10. Ron Christman 11. T.J. Mayberry (Rest of starting field were not running at finish) 12. John Favinger 13. John Giesler 14. Rick Todorow 15. Danny Snyder 16. Ronnie Krex 17. Buddy Mertz 18. Wayne Pfeil Jr. 19. Chuck Schutz 20. John Landis 21. Lou Egrie 22. Ron Kline 23. Drew Weisser
