Hindley breaks into Accord victory lane

by Brett Deyo

ACCORD, N.Y. (July 13, 2001) - Tom Hindley has never been known as a driver that gives up easily. After being involved in an early race accident, Hindley, of Fair Oaks, NY, charged through the field and picked up the win in the 25-lap DIRT 358 Modified feature Friday night at Accord Speedway. It was his first victory of the season at the tight quarter mile oval.

Hank Goranson led the 19-car field to the green flag, and moved into the initial lead, while third starter Jeremy Markle made an early charge to the front, moving his Len and Jo's Restaurant No. 79 into the top spot with the completion of the third circuit. A series of caution flags over the next four laps slowed the action, but the 22-year old Markle held his own on each restart, keeping himself comfortably on the point.

On the seventh go round, Robbie Green, who had charged from deep in the field to second, got turned around in the first turn, collecting Chris Moore. That moved Doug Tyler, Jr. into second, but again Markle, running his best race of the season, jumped out the a good lead, while Donnie Wilson moved up to challenge Tyler for second.

Wilson's fine ride ended with a wild trip into the infield on the fourteenth circuit, and once again, starter Rich Roosa was again forced to display the caution. Tyler charged hard into turn three on lap 15 restart, making heavy contact with the strong running Markle.

Markle's car momentarily popped out of gear after the contact, causing both his car and Tyler's to slow, which allowed Hindley, who had been running third to power around the outside of them both in the Feder's Auto Group No. 17H for the top spot.

From that point on, Hindley put some distance on the field, taking the checkered by about a half straightaway advantage. "That was some race tonight," exclaimed the happy Hindley afterwards. "I was in the rear a couple times, but the track was so good, you could the top, the bottom, anywhere. When I saw the leaders tangle there, I just went for it."

Jackie Brown, Jr. finished a season best second in the Head's Up Machine No. 16, with Markle a strong third, despite the mid race tangle. Rick Mill rebounded from several accidents for fourth and Henry Sherman rounded out the top five.

In DIRT Sportsman action, defending track champion Jim Winchell of Stone Ridge, NY picked up his second win of the season. After starting from the seventh position, Winchell made an early charge to the front of the field in his sharp looking No. 17, taking the lead on the fourth lap, then pulling away from Jay Haviland for the popular victory.

"Man, this car worked good tonight," commented Winchell. "I wrecked pretty bad last week, and I had a lot of work to do all week on this car. It feels good to win this tonight."

Haviland, of Dover Plains, NY was a strong second. Orange County Fair Speedway regular Kevin Duryea of Wallkill, NY turned in an impressive performance, charging from thirteenth to third in the K&M; Sealcoating No. 99K. Harry Baldwin and Jeff Hulseapple rounded out the top five.

George Christiana of Accord, NY won the 20-lap Street Stock feature. Christiana took over the lead at the halfway point, then fought off all challengers for his first win this season. Ray See, Jr. was second, ahead of Don Stokes, Michael Dutka and Clarence Palmer.

For the second time this season, veteran Jim Fugel of Olive Bridge, NY won the 15-lap IMCA Modified feature. Fugel moved into the lead early on, then drove away from the field in a dominating performance. Mike Brown was second, tying his season best effort. George Catanzano, Keith Ackerknecht and Lou Gancarz completed the front five.

Billy White of Canaan, Conn. topped the 1200cc Mini Sprint feature, leading from green to checkered in his No. 13. He was followed to the line by Peter Sindt, John Lieto, Jeremy Vunk and Joe Sanfilippo.

Dave Gerard of Modena, NY used a bold late race pass to pick up the win in the 15-lap Strictly Stock feature. Scott Hornbeck was a close second, ahead of Bobby Brown, George Decker and Jay Smalley.

The cars of the Atlantic Coast Old Timers were on hand and they put on an interesting exhibition of years past in auto racing.

The racing continues at the number one action track, Accord Speedway, this Friday, July 20th with a regular show of DIRT 358 Modifieds, DIRT Sportsman, Street Stocks, Strictly Stocks, 1200cc Mini Sprints and IMCA Modifieds. Also on the card will be the heldover 358 Modified feature from July 4th. Hot laps are at 6:15 p.m. with racing at 7:15 p.m. For more info, contact the track at (845) 626-DIRT or check out the website: www.accordspeedway.com.

RESULTS

DIRT 358 MODIFIED

Feature: Tom Hindley, Jackie Brown, Jr., Jeremy Markle, Rick Mill, Henry Sherman, Mark Pullen, Donnie Wilson, Jeremy Matthies, Don Goodrich, Burt Irwin, Jr., Jimmy Halpin, Doug Tyler, Jr., Joe Winne, Jr., BK Rizzo, Robbbie Green, Hank Goranson, Brian Cobb, Chris Moore, Barry Davis.

DIRT SPORTSMAN

Feature: Jim Winchell, Jay Haviland, Kevin Duryea, Harry Baldwin, Jeff Hulseapple, Bill Deckelman, Pete Booth, Jimmy Johnson, Bill Papula, Chuck Thomaschek, Tom Athanas, Alan Houghtaling, KC McCoy, Ken Moulton, Jeff Carr, Rich Dymond, Tom DeMarmels, Mike Trautschold, Rich Oxford, Glenn Daley, Mike Van Pelt, Randy Banks, Jr.

STREET STOCK

Feature: George Christiana, Ray See, Jr., Don Stokes, Mike Dutka, Clarence Palmer, Gene Palmer, Henry Van Houten, Don Williams, Tom Byrne, Bob Hoar, Chrissy Rider, TJ Pasko, Gene Temple, Butch Winnie, Scott Liese, John Rood, Ron Jablonka, Kenny Hulse, Jim Cronk, Hank Morin, Mike Mannfolk, Larry Temple, Jr.

STRICTLY STOCK

Feature: Dave Gerard, Scott Hornbeck, Bobby Brown, George Decker, Jay Smalley, Tom Harkins, Guy Hughes, Sharon Byrne, Charlie Rose, Jr., Bill Hughes, Mike Deyo, Joe Narok, Ray Tarantino, Dave Pomerantz, Kevin Schlossareck.

IMCA MODIFIED

Feature: Jim Fugel, Mike Brown, George Catanzano, Keith Ackerknecht, Lou Gancarz, Bob Banks, Bob Sherwood, Travis Stevens, Jeff Warren, Walter Cook. DNS: Bud Hernberg.

MINI SPRINT

Feature: Billy White, Pete Sindt, John Lieto, Jeremy Vunk, Joe Sanfilippo, Chet Hinkle, Paul Corazzo, Jr., Todd Winnie, Paul James, Jared Fink, John Parete, James Brush, Wally Kurn, Brian Burns.