FRANKLIN, PA-Jeremy Weaver’s first career win in the 410 Sprint Car division last Sunday at Tri City Raceway Park was a memorable one, for sure. But, little did he know as he celebrated in victory lane that he also became the points leader in the Krill Recycling season championship. Weaver vaulted from third to first in one fell swoop.
Weaver enters this week’s contest two points ahead of veteran Bob Felmlee and seven points ahead of two-time and defending champion A.J. Flick. You can count on seeing all three in action this Sunday, along with a dozen or more talented 410 Sprint Car racers.
Gale Ruth, Jr., Andy Cavanaugh, Cameron Nastasi, Bodey McClintock, and many more will try for their first wins of the season, which could shuffle up the point standings even more.
The 21st Century Energy Group 358 Modifieds will be on the card as well. The burning question is whether Erick Rudolph will make the trip from the Empire State to square off again with Chad Reitz. Both drivers have a pair of wins on the season, so Sunday could be a tie breaker for divisional bragging rights. Steve Slater is still under medical care, so Eric Gabany will probably be at the controls of Slater’s car once again. Gabany filled in admirably last week, finishing a close second to the invader. Maybe Gabany can bring home the win? Or, will it be Kyle Fink, who finally seems to have worked out the bugs that hampered his early season efforts.
There was also a change at the top of the standings for the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply Pro Stocks. Tim Bish encountered an engine problem in the make-up feature last week, and he did not compete in the regularly scheduled program. But, Pat Fielding ran both ends of the double header and, now, his consistency has put him out front in the championship contest. Josh Seippel sits just two points back and Rod Laskey is only three points out of the lead. Their competition will be intense. Nearly twenty Pro Stocks were on hand last week, and another banner field is expected.
The 4 Your Car Connection RUSH Sprint Cars had their second event since being added to the Sunday Thunder line-up. The Rush Sprints will be racing at another area speedway this weekend due to a prior scheduling arrangement. So, pinch hitting for them this week will be the RUSH Sportsmen Modifieds.
Racing action will start at 6 p.m., with practice for the RUSH Sportsmen Modifieds only.
The pit gates will open at 2 p.m., as usual. Spectator gates will open at 4 p.m.
The regular ticket prices will apply for this event. Adults will be admitted for $15. Seniors (ages 62 and up), students (ages 11 to 16), and military will be admitted for $13, all with proper identification of course. Children (ages 10 and under) will be free. Pit passes will be $35, with the exception that infant pit passes (for those ages two and under) will be $15.
If you cannot make it to Tri City Raceway Park this week, there will be a Sunday Thunder program next week, plus an autograph session for all divisions.
Plus, watch the track social media feed for some exciting schedule changes in the coming weeks!
The divisional sponsors of Tri City Raceway Park for 2024 are: Krill Recycling, LLC(410 Sprint Cars),21st Centure Energy Group(358 Modifieds),Hovis Auto & Truck Supply(Pro Stocks), and4 Your Car Connection(RUSH Sprint Cars).
All competitors at Tri City Raceway Park will be eligible for theMarsh Heating & Cooling Heat Race Challenge. The driver that wins the most heat races over the course of the season, regardless of the class, will receive a special award.
Other marketing partners of Tri City Raceway Park for 2024 include: Erie Beer,Wab-Tec(manufacturer of locomotive engines),Schaeffer Lubricants,Keystone Transit(school buses),Blue Ox Timbers(buyers of timberland timber land management),Constable Refuse(residential and commercial garbage collectors),First Rate Realty(real estate sales),Landscape Connection(portable toilets and landscape supplies),KEI-Klapec Express Inc.(trucking company),BKI-Bert Klapec Inc.(excavation and demolition),Shambaugh Towing,Gibson Hill Automotive(auto repair),McCandless Ford Sales(located in Mercer and Meadville),McCandless Trailer Sales(located in Mercer and Meadville),Big Dog RC(remote controlled cars and race track),McGregor Excavating,Les Frickshun(lubricants and undercoating),Bish Heating & Cooling,Wet Hose LLC(pressure washing),Heffern Septic Service,Tionesta Builders Supply(located in Tionesta and Shippenville),UCIP-United Community Independence Program(housing and services for the handicapped),Close Racing Supply,Billy’s Garage & Towing,Oakland-Rampart Equipment(makers of centrifugal dryers, wash systems, and separators).
Remember that you will need to check the Facebook page, Tri City Raceway Park, for current information. The former website is not updated and will soon be replaced.
Tri-City Raceway Parkis located just a few miles north of Franklin, PA, at 3430 State Route 417 in Oakland Township. Professional auto racing will be presented in a family friendly atmosphere most Sunday evenings from May through Labor Day weekend.
Photo by Jim Balentine
