Rich Ricci Jr. Opens Defense of Modified Championship

By FRANK CATIZONE 4/19/15

ACCORD, NY – Rich Ricci Jr. began his quest for another United Pump & Tank Modified track championship at the Accord Speedway last Friday night as he captured the season-opening 30-lap feature on Mombaccus Excavating Night.

Ricci, who captured his 11th title at Accord last year, started on the pole after winning the first qualifying race and was never seriously challenged as he matched his 2014 victory total.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to start the season,’’ said Ricci, who has over 100 career wins to his credit at the Ulster County bullring. “We had a good starting position and that certainly helps. But a win is a win. That’s all that really counts.’’

Ricci, after starting on the pole, was in complete command as he had Scott Ferrier trailing in second place for the first 23 laps when Joe Judge spun of the backstretch with some help from Brad Rothaupt with 23 laps completed. Rothaupt was sent to the rear because of the incident.

Ricci maintained his lead when racing resumed and Danny Tyler was able to move into second place during the closing laps. Tyler was closing in on Ricci, but was unable to make a challenging move and settled for second place.

Tyler, who started seventh, finished ahead of Ferrier, Tommy Meier, Jackie Brown Jr., Jeff Heotzler Sr., Jerry Higbie, Corey Lowitt, Rothaupt and Mark Pullen.

In Escape RV Sportsman action, Kevin Ward opened defense of his championship as he captured the 25-lap race ahead of Ken Ferrier, Greg McCloskey, Brad Szulewski and Mike Barrett.

Ward moved ahead of Ken Ferrier following a seventh-lap restart and was never challenged the remainder of the event.

Kenny Hinsch got the jump on Allison Ricci at the drop of the green flag and never looked back as he captured the Healey Brothers Spec Sportsman 20-lap feature race.

Hinsch, who started outside pole, held off a late charge by Ed Dachenhausen to grab the victory in the race that was never cautioned after Robbie Knipe blew an engine at the start. Allison Ricci finished third with Dan Speedling and Winter Mead following.

Jim Sykes, after winning his qualifying heat, led the entire 15-lap distance as he captured the Ruge’s Performance Center Pro Stock main event ahead of John Roese and reigning champion Al Christiana.

Bob Sleight Jr. picked up his first win of 2015 in the Arkel Motors Pure Stock 15-lap feature ahead of Gary Ronk, John Woinoski, Chris Streeder and Tom Hausmann.

Ronk, after starting on the pole, led for the eight laps when John Cole Jr. forced the race’s only caution. Sleight moved ahead of Ronk on the 10th circuit and never looked back.

Matt Shultz earned his first win in the Want Ad Digest All Star Slingshot 15-lap feature as he outaced raced defending cgampion Wyatt Clark.

Josh Marcus captured the WRWD Junior Slingshot 15-lap race ahead of Samantha Muller and Ryan McCartney.