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MANMILLER & VON DOHREN TAKE THRILLING MODIFIED WINS AT BIG DIAMOND



TIM HOGUE TOPS URC SPRINTS; SMULLEY TOPS ROADRUNNERS

Minersville, PA – July 16 – Doug Manmiller of Wyomissing, PA caught Craig Von Dohren of Oley, PA won the held-over 20-lap NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Modified feature held over from the Georgie Stevenson Memorial at Big Diamond Raceway on Friday night. But Von Dohren bounced right back to take the regularly scheduled 25-lap feature for the NASCAR Modifieds in the nightcap.

Tim Hogue of Medford, PA went wire-to-wire to win the URC Advance Auto Parts Sprint Series 25-lap feature event and Jake Smulley of Phoenix Park, PA was the winner in the NASCAR Roadrunners. Rain delayed the start of the program until 9:30 but the track crew, race teams and officials did an outstanding job in working together and entire racing program was completed by 12:30.

Craig Von Dohren was the leader of the opening 20-lap feature when the race was restarted with six laps already completed on July 4 before rain. Doug Manmiller started third with the gmi First Mechanical/Classic Harley Davidson #OO but was able to overtake Von Dohren for his second straight Big Diamond modified win. Von Dohren was second followed by point leader Doug Hoffman (Allentown), Ray Swinehart (Bechtelsville), Rick Laubach (Richlandtown), Jeff Strunk (Bethel), Billy Pauch, Jr. (Frenchtown, NJ), John Willman (Birdsboro), Shawn Fitzpatrick (Pottsville), and Ron Mawson, Jr. (Hughestown).

Craig Von Dohren came back with a vengeance in the Bill Devine Transport/Stauffer Construction #70D to capture his fifth win of the year in the 25-lap modified feature. Von Dohren, the career modified win leader at Big Diamond with 53, took the win over Rick Laubach, Keith Hoffman (Whitehall), Doug Manmiller, Doug Hoffman, Billy Pauch, Jr., Kyle Weiss (Hamburg), Meme DeSantis (Temple), John Willman, and Craig Whitmoyer (Hamburg). Heat winners were Manmiller, Von Dohren and Keith Hoffman while Whitmoyer was the consolation winner.

Tim Hogue of Medford, NJ was all smiles after leading the entire 25-lap URC Advance Auto Parts Sprint Series feature event in his Tastykake 39. Hogue scored his second win of the season in the Valley Forge Inc./ PA Sprint Series event over Trevor Lewis (Upper Black Eddy), Jason Clauss (Boyertown), Scott Pursell (Frenchtown, NJ), Kevin Welsh (Far Hills, NJ), Curt Michael (Ocean View, DE), Sean Michael (Allentown), Ashley Parlett (Wye Mills, MD), Chris Coyle (Wilmington, DE) and Kramer Williamson (Palmyra). Heat winners were Welsh, Cliff Brian (Ephrata) and Brian Seidel (Allentown) while the B-Main went to Bill Brian (Ephrata).

Jake Smulley took his first roadrunner feature win over point leader Mike Allar (Orwigsburg), Elvin Brennan (Forestville), Dean Ulsh (Auburn), and Butch Solt (Lehighton). No heats were run to expedite the rain delayed program.

Back on July 4, Bruce Williams (Girardville) led the opening 4 laps before Rick Laubach took the lead on lap 5. Craig Von Dohren took the lead on lap 6 before a yellow when the rain got heavy and forced the race to a halted. Twelve days later they restarted with everyone expecting Von Dohren to cruise to an easy fifth win. But last week’s winner Doug Manmiller had other ideas.

Von Dohren did get away on top when the race resumed but Manmiller immediately battled by Rick Laubach to take second. The yellow flew with 7 complete for s several shunt in turn four. Following the restart Manmiller made several runs at Von Dohren but each time Von Dohren powered away. Dale Hartz (Hamburg) broke the rear in his 15 causing a yellow with 13 laps in the books. On the restart, Von Dohren got the jump but Manmiller went in hard on the outside and caught the cushion just right to power around Von Dohren coming off turn two to take the lead.

Von Dohren looked to have a bit more power and he came back to draw within four feet of the lead at the close of lap 15 / They stayed even and contact was made in turn two with Von Dohren pulling into the lead only to see the crippled racer of Craig Whitmoyer in turn four force a yellow. That put Manmiller back in front and he maintained a slightly tighter line the rest of the way to take the win over Von Dohren, Doug Hoffman, Swinehart and Laubach.

With Paul Kline sitting out a one week suspension, Andy Burkhart of Reading jumped in Kline’s #5 and led the opening lap of the 25-lap Modified feature. A scrum in turn four with a lap complete involved six cars including Manmiller and Jeff Strunk. Burkhart led one more lap but now Billy Pauch, Jr. was on his tail after starting fifth. Pauch powered off turn two around the outside to lead lap 3. Burkhart had his hands full as Craig Von Dohren was already up and challenging him for second on the inside when Burkhart made it three wide as he down under Pauch in turns one and two to regain the lead on lap 4 but at the line is was by a matter of feet over Von Dohren. The yellow flew for a tangle involving Rick Schaffer (Woxall) and Josh Biever (Schuylkill Haven). On the restart, Craig completed the pass in turn two on the outside and never looked back. Pauch came back again to grab second on lap 6. But following two more yellows for a spin by early leader, Burkhart, and then for the spun 73 of Rick Schaffer, Rick Laubach powered into second with Keith Hoffman in pursuit. Laubach looked strong but could not catch Von Dohren and did not get any cautions to help him out. Laubach completed his best night of the year in second ahead of Keith Hoffman. Manmiller charged back from the rear on lap two to take fourth.

Also of note, Meme DeSantis, again this week got the call to get in a car he never drove before in consolation action. This time it was the 11D of Tony Dinatale and Meme came from the rear of the consi to qualify and the feature to finish eighth.

At the start of the United Racing Club 25-lap sprint feature event, Brian Seidel (Allentown), Jason Hagenbuch, Cliff Brian and Jimmy Stitzel (Blandon) tangled before the first lap was complete to bring out the yellow flag. The restart only proved to be worse for Dave McGough (Sassamanville) and Cliff Brian who tangled with both cars flipping in turn three. The third attempt was the charm and the URC sprint feature was officially underway. Tim Hogue and his Tastykake-sponsored sprinter immediately jumped to the lead with Jason Clauss close in the chase. Trevor Lewis was providing the Turpin/Kennedy sprinter another strong ride racing in third. After a rough start, the race continued to go non-stop and at the halfway mark, it was still Hogue with a solid hold on the top spot. Lewis was now in second followed by Clauss, Scott Pursell and Gary Gollub (Mohnton) driving the #36.

The caution flag was displayed on lap 17 when Kramer Williamson spun in turn three. The restart provided Lewis his opportunity to challenge Hogue for the win, but again the Tastykake sprinter remained the pace-setter. On lap 21, the final caution of the race was displayed for Kyle Purks (Berwick) who stopped dangerously close to the racing surface. With four laps remaining, Lewis took a look at the inside lane to challenge Hogue but it was a "no go" as Timmy clearly remained in command. With the checker flag waiving, Hogue took the victory over Lewis, Clauss, Pursell and Welsh.

In other URC notes, Ashley Parlett turned in another outstanding ride finishing eighth in the main event... Jason Clauss is also enjoying a string of successful runs with a strong third place finish… Trevor Lewis and the Turpin/Kennedy sprinter seem to be working well as a newly formed team while Chris Coyle delivered a strong ninth place finish in the Lou Eckrich sprinter… With a heat race win and a fifth place finish, Kevin Welsh picked up a few points on Curt Michael who is leading the URC season long point battle. Michael finished just outside the top five, in sixth, ahead of his brother Sean Michael driving the Palladino #99… JJ Grasso (New Egypt, NJ) returned to the URC battlefield and Kyle Purks continues his successful learning curve with URC... Jason Haggenbuch made his first URC start of 2004, driving the Dave McGough owned #669 as Dave piloted the Bill Gallagher 5G… For the second week in a row, engine problems have sidelined Ed Aikin (Lincoln University)… The Checkered Flag Fan Club was on hand to honor Tim Hogue in the winner’s circle.

Barry Schrader (Orwigsburg) led the opening lap before Jake Smulley took the lead on lap two. Smulley led the rest of the way but the race was anything but boring as the back waged war behind the leader lap after lap. Elvin Brennan appeared to have second secured after taking the spot on lap 8 when Mike Allar came into the picture. Allar, running the Tom Hablett 22 after his Big1 broke in hot laps, charge by Brennan on lap 11 and close up on Smulley but was unable to seriously threaten the leader.

This Tuesday night, July 20, a special Open Practice Night at Big Diamond starting at 7:15 is scheduled. Teams from any and all racing divisions are welcome to take advantage of the opportunity to get plenty of track time on the fast, banked, 3/8th-mile oval. No membership is required and anyone meeting insurance age requirements will be admitted to the pits for $20. Fans wishing to observe the practice will be admitted free to the spectator stands for the event.

This Friday night, July 23 will see the specials just keep on coming. USG Night will include a full racing card for the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Modifieds, the ShorTrack Sportsman Modifieds and the Roadrunners plus the complete, rain-delayed NASCAR Modified 25-lap feature from June 25. The held over feature will open the card and then a complete card of heats and consolations will be run followed by the modified, sportsman and roadrunner features.

The Big Diamond 33rd Anniversary Special follows on July 30 with the NASCAR Modifieds, Sportsman Modifieds and Roadrunners being joined by a fourth division that was once a weekly part of racing at Big Diamond, the limited late models. Grandview Speedway and Silver Spring late model rules will be used as the standard with aluminum wheels okay and either Grandview or Silver Spring tires acceptable. Grandview cars will be able to run four-barrel carburetors and the minimum weight will be 2400 pounds for all cars. The Silver Spring Speedway limited late model purse will be paid.

The second Sportsman Modified 15-lap feature and second Roadrunner 12-lap feature from the July 4 Georgie Stevenson Memorial will be added to the August 6 racing program at Big Diamond Raceway. That date already included a full racing card for the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Modifieds, ShorTrack Sportsman Modifieds and Roadrunners.

For more information on Big Diamond Raceway check out the Internet, www.bigdiamondraceway.com.

NASCAR DODGE WEEKLY SERIES MODIFIEDS – Final 14-laps of July 4th 20-LAP FEATURE: 1. OO Doug Manmiller, 2. 70d Craig Von Dohren, 3. 77 Doug Hoffman, 4. 27 Ray Swinehart, 5. 14 Rick Laubach, 6. 88 Jeff Strunk, 7. 15X Billy Pauch, Jr., 8. 64W John Willman, 9. 102 Shawn Fitzpatrick, 10. 3X Ron Mawson, Jr., 11. 21K Kyle Weiss, 12. 178 John Durling, 13. 73 Rick Schaffer, 14. 21T Jason Andrews, 15. 505 Randy Mohn, 16. Sq1 Bobby Gunther Walsh, 17. 24H Justin Andrews, 18. 42 Jeff Sechrist, 19. 99W Craig Whitmoyer, 20. 88X Roy Wiest, 21. 15 Dale Hartz, 22. 901 Bruce Williams, 23. VR1 Tim Fitzpatrick, 24. 221 Ryan Beltz, 25. 114 Billy Pauch, 26. 53 Mike Gular, 27. 02 Greg Hummelhanz, 28. 1 Keith Hoffman, 29. Josh Biever.

NASCAR DODGE WEEKLY SERIES MODIFIEDS - 25-LAP FEATURE: 1. 70D Von Dohren, 2. 14 Laubach, 3. 1 K. Hoffman, 4. OO Manmiller, 5. 77 D. Hoffman, 6. 15X Pauch, Jr., 7. 21K Weiss, 8. 11D Meme DeSantis, 9. 64W Willman, 10. 99W Whitmoyer, 11. 83B Biever, 12. 505 Mohn, 13. 3X Mawson, 14. 73 Schaffer, 15. 24H Ju. Andrews, 16. 221 Beltz, 17. 118 Sean Merkel, 18. 88X Wiest, 19. 19U Tom Umbenhauer, 20. 6 Dale Roth, 21. 27 Swinehart, 22. 5 Andy Burkhart, 23. Sq1 Walsh, 24. 11 Keith Brightbill, 25. 21J Ja. Andrews, 26. 88 Strunk, 27. 42 Sechrist, 28. Durling. Non-Qualifiers: W9 Paul Lotier, Jr., 102 S. Fitzpatrick, 901 Williams, VR1 T. Fitzpatrick, 15 Hartz, 11D Tony Dinatale.
Heat 1: OO, 77, 5, 64W, 21K, 505, 178, 99W, 21T, 11, 118.
Heat 2: 70D, 27, 15x, 19U, 6, 42, 88x, 221, 3X, 11D Dinatale, VR1 T. Fitzpatrick.
Heat 3: 1, 83B, 73, 88, 14, 24H, Sq1, W9, 102, 901, 15.
Consolation: 99W, 221, 11, 11D DeSantis, 3X, 21T, 118, W9, 102, 901, VR1, 15.

UNITED RACING CLUB SPRINTS - 25-LAP FEATURE: 1. 39 Tim Hogue, 2. 56 Trevor Lewis, 3. 08 Jason Clauss, 4. 1 Scott Pursell, 5. 18W Kevin Welsh, 6. 2 Curt Michael, 7. 99 Sean Michael, 8. 5a Ashley Parlett, 9. 54 Chris Coyle, 10. 33 Kramer Williamson, 11. 69 Justin Collett, 12. 37 JJ Grasso, 13. 63 Josh Weller, 14. 36 Gary Gollub, 15. 8 Midge Miller, 16. 56M Mares Stellfox, 17. 6 Brian Seidel, 18. 13Jr Kyle Purks, 19. 1X Jimmy Stitzel, 20. 40 Mike Kostic, 21. 5g Dave McGough, 22. 13 Cliff Brian, 23. 669 Jason Haggenbuch, 24. 16 Bill Brian Jr. DNQ- - 25 Jon Eldreth, 16a Ed Aikin, 17 Junior Martin.
Heat 1: 18, 08, 99, 5a, 56, 54, 16, 13Jr, 17.
Heat 2: 13, 63, 5g, 2, 36, 16a, 56M, 25, 8.
Heat 3: 6, 69, 39, 1, 33, 669, 1X, 37, 40.
B-Main: 16, 1x, 13Jr, 37, 40, 8, 56M, 17. DNS: 25, 16a.

NASCAR ROADRUNNERS – 15-LAP FEATURE: 1. 4 Jake Smulley, 2. 22 Mike Allar, 3. 555 Elvin Brennan, 4. 3 Dean Ulsh, 5. 39S Butch Solt, 6. 35 Jason Purcell, 7. 17 Kevin Beach, 8. 19W Derek Bender, 9. 117 Marty Shappell, 10. 66 Kevin Holland, 11. 77 Barry Schrader, 12. 39 Robbie Pyle, 13. 23 Dave Kamp, 14. 550 Mark Berzowski, 15. Big1 Tom Hablett.