EVANS MILLS, NY – As July ended, the racing action remained fierce at the Evans Mills Raceway Park. For the second week in a row, the threat of showers loomed in the area, but held off as all events were completed as scheduled.
It was bike night at the facility and race fans were treated to a motorcycle show and shine in the midway. Young race fans also received a special treat, as they were entered into a raffle to win one of 14 bikes. The Evans Mills Raceway Park would like to extend a big “Thank You” to the race teams, businesses and families that donated bikes; Cazenovia Equipment (Lowville, NY), Justin Coachman, Lee & Peggy Gill, Kevin Greenfield, Mike Greenfield, Tony Pettinelli, Geoff Sharkey, Pastor Bob Sly & Mrs. Stephanie Sly, Evan Thomas and Pete Willsie.
The Excess Storage Pro Late Models started the features off for the night. Josh Verne Jr. (#1V) and Chuck Meyers (#3) made up the front row. On the start, it was Verne getting the jump and taking the lead. By lap 2, Rylee Gill (#57) had worked his way up to second. In two laps, Verne and Gill were running side by side. They would run the reminder of the race this way. Gill would have the better car in turns 1 & 2 and Verne would be better on the opposite end of the speedway. Gill tried various lines entering the corners, but Verne would be too strong on this night. He would go on to pick up his third win of the year, Gill would finish second and Meyers would round out the top three.
Next up was the Christman Fuel Service INEX Legends. Zack Christman (#43) and Tyler Christman (#27) were the pole sitters. On the start, it was Tyler taking the lead follow by Chris Malbeuf (#10) and Coleby Felber (#14). A lap 3 caution slowed the field for a spinning Jason Christman (#92) in turn 2. On the restart, Tyler Christman continued to pace the field, but Felber worked by Malbeuf for second. At the halfway mark, Christman bobbled exiting turn 2, which allowed Felber to take the lead. Felber would lead the rest of the way and pick up his second win in a row. Tyler Christman was second and Malbeuf finished third in his first start of the season.
Point leader Taylor Caprara (#21) and Levi Arthur (#65) lead the Caskinette Ford Modifieds to the green flag for their 30-lap feature. On the start, Terry Gardner (#41) and Randy Brunelle (#007) came together in turn 1. Geoff Sharkey (#66) then brought out the caution on lap 1 for a spin in turn 4. Caprara would maintain his lead on both restarts and Steve Sherwood (#96) would move up to second. Corey Trombley had quickly worked his way to third from his 8th starting position. Caprara would work through lap traffic and lead all 30 laps to pick up his first feature win of the season and his first on asphalt. Sherwood would finish second for his first top five of the season. Trombley finished third, Matt Caprara (#29) finished fourth and Tony Pettinelli (#2NY) rounded out the top five.
The 4-Cylinder Trucks were next with Brandon Clemens (#3) and Evan Thomas (#84) sitting on the front row. However, on the start it was Bob Schory (#33) quickly making the move to the lead. Pete Willsie (#01) would follow Schory, in second. For the next 15 laps, Willsie would try multiple lines to get around Schory. The best Willsie could do is make it side by side, but Schory would stick to the bottom line and maintain the lead. On the final lap, the leaders found lap traffic. Schory would make it three wide, selecting the middle entering turn 3. He would clear the lap traffic. Willsie would try the bottom line. He would make heavy contact with his right front tire in lap traffic. Willsie would be able to limp his truck to the line and still finished second. Skylar Farney (#12) finished third.
The final feature of the evening was the Sport Compacts and Thunderstocks. Justin Coachman (#7) and Mike Greenfield (#17) made up the front row. Coachman would lead the early laps, with Joe Pettinelli (#5) in second and Chuck Powelczyk (#17P) in third. Powelczyk would try multiple times to get by Pettinelli, but could not find a clean line. On lap 9, Pettinelli would exit turn 4 high, allowing Powelczyk to get under him and take over second. On the next lap, Powelczyk would get by Coachman for the lead. Lap 13 found the only caution of the night for hard contact between Kevin Greenfield (#11A) and Tim Greenfield (#73T) in turn 2. On the restart, it was all Powelczyk as he would go on to take the checkered flag. Pettinelli was second and Coachman finished third. Mike Greenfield would bring home the win the Thunderstock Class, followed by Justin Burns (#11J) and Tyler Burns (#77).
The NNY Racing Connection/North Country Custom Embroidery Hard Luck Award went to Kevin Greenfield (#11A) in the Thunderstocks. The Nicole Berry-Garnsey Memorial Hand Up award winner was Matt Sharkey.
Next week the racing action is on pause as the Evans Mills Raceway Park is host to the 2Xtreme Monster Truck Show. Pre-sale tickets are still available and can be found at our website, www.evansmillsracewaypark.com or attendstar.com. Gates open at Noon and the show starts at 2:00 pm.
Racing resumes on Saturday, August 14th for the Watertown Savings Bank Family Autograph Night. The Caskinette Ford Modifieds, Excess Storage Pro Late Model, Christman Fuel Service INEX Legends, Sport Compact/Thunderstock and 4-Cylinder Trucks will be in action. The Classic Asphalt Modified Series will make their second stop in 2021 at the raceway. Pit Gates open at 3pm, General Admission at 5pm, Racing starts at 6:30pm. Pit Pass $30, General Admission $12, Military $10, Children 10-17 $6, Under 9 Free with paid adult.