KRATZ WINS FOR FIRST TIME IN TWO YEARS AND JOHN DURLING TAKES
FIRST OF THE SEASON AT GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY
BECHTELSVILLE, PA JUNE 3, 2000 . . . For the first time in
two years Kerry Kratz was able to wheel the Hatfield Quality
Meats/Steve's Corner Deli sponsored modified to victory in
the Craftsman Tools sponsored NASCAR Modified 30-lap feature
at Grandview Speedway on Saturday night. And in the 20-lap
NASCAR Exide Shortrack Late Model feature John Durling drove
the Golden Chevy/Hardee's mount to victory.
Jack Hartnett set the pace at the start of the NASCAR
Weekly Racing Series Modified feature from his pole starting
position. Clip Slocum was quick to move up to challenge the
leader. The two ran side-by-side a number of times. However
on the 13th lap Slocum spun by himself in the fourth turn
while trying to make a move on the leader.
On the restart Hartnett was still in command but Kerry
Kratz (coming from 11th starting spot), who had not been to
victory lane in two years at the Berks County clay oval, was
right on his bumper. The balance of the 30-lap feature was a
classic education for all in the best of dirt track modified
stock car racing. Hartnett and Kratz swapped the lead back
and forth with Kratz getting the lead, officially, on the
29th lap.
At the finish Kratz (Bechtelsville) was just a narrow
margin in front of Hartnett (Telford) while Meme DeSantis
(Reading), who had struggled the last couple of events,
grabbed third. Jon Kellner (Lansdale), in the thick of the
battle for the second half of the feature, finished fourth
followed by Tracy Readinger (Oley). Keith Brightbill earned
the $200 TimberWolf Hard Charger Award by coming from 29th to
finish 14th. And Glenn Strunk received the $25.00 Kochel
Equipment First Alternate Award.
In victory lane Kratz was quick to point out that it had
been awhile since he had been there and thanked his crew, his
sponsors and his wife for sticking with him during the "tough
times." Kratz delivered a blow by blow description of his
victory to track announcer Ernie Saxton much to the delight
of the large turnout of fans.
Buddy Wharton lead the action in the 20-lap NASCAR Exide
Late Model feature on the first lap. And it was John Giesler,
former champion, grabbed the top spot on the second circuit.
John Durling, running the outside groove, was in front of the
pack on the fifth circuit of the one-third-mile, clay oval.
Once in front it was Durling "working overtime" to hold off
the challenges of defending champion Jeff Teets to win his
first of the season. At the finish Durling (Reading) was just
a car length in front of Teets (Coplay). Third spot went to
John Gielser (Aston) followed by Kyle Pensinger (Lyons
Station) and Casey Ebright (Pottstown).
Sixty three modifieds were on hand to try for the 29
feature starting positions. Wins in the five qualifying heats
went to Chip Slocum, Bill Gensler, Jon Kellner, Doug
Pannepacker and Tom Mayberry. The consolation races were won
by Junior Mikosz, Donny Erb and Barry Readinger. Tom Mayberry
won the Sears of Pottstown/Craftsman Tools Cash Dash worth $400.
The late model action attracted 32 entries with heat
wins going to Casey Ebright, Jeff Teets and Dean Stoudt.
Terry Snyder won the consolation race.
The Bar's Leaks United Racing Club sprint cars will
join the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Modifieds in a
doubleheader show on Saturday, June 10. Racing will start at
7:30 p.m. Part of the proceeds will go to the Humane Society
of Berks County Injured Animals Fund. Last year's URC sprint
car show at Grandview Speedway drew one of the largest crowds
of the season. Sean Michael, the current URC point leader,
will headline the sprint action while Terry Meitzler, the
current NASCAR Modified point leader, will headline the stock
car racing. Lady racer Becca Anderson, winner in Delaware on
Saturday night, will also be part of the URC sprint car action.
Should the Saturday night show be hit by bad weather,
the Sunday night rain date will feature the NASCAR Modifieds
and Late Models. URC sprints would be rescheduled for later
in the season.