MEITZLER BREAKS AXLE AND SPINS, MAYBERRY GETS THE WIN AND SAM
SCHLOSBERG GETS HIS SECOND WIN OF THE SEASON AT GRANDVIEW
BECHTELSVILLE, PA JULY 15, 2000 . . . In show business, and
auto racing is part of show business, there is an old saying,
"The show must go on." Grandview Speedway event organizer
Bruce Rogers believes in that. On Saturday night, when just
about every other speedway in the area called off their shows
because of rain and forecasts of more rain, Rogers would not
give in to Mother Nature. Ma Nature had won seven times
already this season. Rogers won this one. The show went on.
And what a show it was. Tom Mayberry took advantage of
Terry Meitzler's late race misfortune and rode to his first
win of the season in the 30 lap Hatfield Quality Meats NASCAR
Modified feature race. And in the 20 lapper for NASCAR Exide
ShorTrack Late Models, 18 year old Sam Schlosberg held off
the challenges of veteran Dean Stoudt to win his second of
the season with his Green Lane Wm. Penn sponsored mount.
In the modified feature Barry Readinger set the pace for
the first 13 laps. On a restart after a caution Glenn Strunk,
looking for his first win of the season grabbed the top spot.
However Strunk did not get to lead a full lap as Tom Mayberry
churned to the front followed closely, very closely, by
current track point leader Terry Meitzler looking for his
fifth win of the season. At 20 laps the race turned into the
Tom and Terry show as they swapped the lead back and forth
for several laps. At the 27 lap marker, on a restart after a
caution, Meitzler was in the high groove coming of the fourth
turn, the rear axle snapped throwing the leader into a spin.
Mayberry avoided the spinning Meitzler while third place Jeff
Strunk was left with no where to go and nipped him. Mayberry
got the lead, Meitzler was through for the night and Strunk
went to the pits for a tire.
The final three laps saw Mayberry and his Mike Kelly
owned A&T Chevrolet entry hold command. The Sellersville, PA
racer was just a scant car length in front of Doug Manmiller
(Sinking Spring, PA) at the finish. Mayberry came from 11th
starting spot.
In victory lane Mayberry indicated that even if Meitzler
had not had the axle break putting him out of the event, he
felt he still could have got the win. "Terry was getting a
little loose in the high groove and we were getting a good
run in the low groove. I think we could have beat him in the
final two laps," said the popular racer.
Third spot went to Kerry Kratz (Bechtelsville) followed
by Glenn Strunk (Bechtelsville) and Dave Faust (Boyertown).
Mike Erb made a strong run at the start of the 20-lap
feature for the Exide ShorTrack Late Models with Sam
Schlosberg coming on to take the top spot on the 8th lap.
Once in front the teenager had his hands full holding off
point leader Dean Stoudt in the chase for victory. Several
times Stoudt put the nose of his Kutztown Glass & Mirror
entry up alongside of Schlosberg but just could not get by.
At the finish Schlosberg (Green Lane, PA) was in front for
his second win of the season while Stoudt (East Greenville)
was right on his rear bumper. Third went to Kyle Pensinger
(Lyons) followed by Lou Egrie (Philadelphia) and Chuck
Sennott (Gilbertsville).
Qualifying heat wins for the NASCAR Modifieds, close to
60 modifieds on hand, went to Doug Manmiller, Dennis Bailey,
Terry Meitzler, Glenn Strunk and Chip Slocum. The consolation
races were won by Smokey Warren, Jon Kellner and Mike Bailey.
Dennis Bailey won the Cash Dash in a close battle with Terry
Meitzler. The win was worth $375. Meme DeSantis,
unofficially, earned the Timber Wolf Hard Charger Award worth
$200 coming from 25th starting spot to 9th in the final
finish. Kochel Equipment First Alternate Award went to Kenny Gruber.
In the late model qualifiers it was John Durling, Sam
Schlosberg and Lou Egrie grabbing the wins. There was no
consolation race.
Hatfield Quality Meats Night saw guests of the company
enjoy a night at the races. Employees had a special discount
on admission tickets. And there was hot dogs and stuffed
Smiley mascot dolls shot into the audience. And a fan went
home with a Hatfield Beach Kit. All fans had the opportunity
to sample some of the meat products of Hatfield Quality Meats.
Legendary Doug Rose and the Green Mamba Jet Car will be
making a special appearance at Grandview Speedway on
Saturday, July 22, 7:30 p.m. In addition to at least 13
events of stock car racing featuring the NASCAR Modifieds and
Exide ShorTrack Late Models, Doug Rose will run a few laps
with his Green Mamba Jet Car, melt a car and give the fans
some other exciting things to watch as part of his always
exciting performance. Rain date is Sunday, July 23, 7 p.m.