EVANS MILLS, NY – A gorgeous Saturday evening welcomed race fans back to the Evans Mills Raceway Park after a rain out and a week off for the 4th of July. Sundance Leisure presented the evening’s racing action, which welcomed the Sunoco New York Super Stocks for their first of two visits to the facility.
The first feature of the evening were the Sport Compact/Thunderstocks. Chuck Powelczyk (#17) and Mike Greenfield (#17) made up the front row. On the start, Powelczck took the lead heading into turn one, followed by Joe Pettinelli in second. Pettinelli would spin in turn 2, bringing out the first caution on lap 5. Powelczyk would remain the leader, but newcomer and New York Super Stock driver, Jacob Gustafson (#66), would put heavy pressure on him. Another caution slowed the field on lap 13. This allowed Gustafson to take the lead on the restart and lead the final seven laps taking the checkered flag. Powelczyk would finish second, Pettinelli recovered to finish third. Mike Greenfield would take home the win in the Thunderstock division.
The Sunoco New York Super Stocks were next for their 50-lap feature. Jacob Gustafson (#5) would start on the pole and Brian Hallet (#36) would be to his outside. An early caution flew before completing a lap for Mike Hyman (#87) and local favorite and Ray Bancroft (#29K) coming together in turn 1. On the restart, Gustafson would control the race and jump out to an early 6-car lead. Jimmy Steffenhagen Jr. (#3) would work up to second and Garrett Zacharias (#71) would settle into third. As they approached the halfway mark, Zacharias was on the bumper of Steffenhagen. By lap 30, Zacharias was able to make his move, taking over the second spot. The final caution slowed the field on lap 36, and it was still Gustafson in control of the race. He would go on to win his second feature in a row at the racetrack, holding off Zacharias in second. Steffenhagen finished third, Dylan Bancroft (#91) was fourth and Bill Frisbee Jr. rounded out the top five.
Nine Christman Fuel Service INEX Legends took the green flag for their feature. Zach Anderson (#46) and Josh Marchese (#31) made up the front row. An early caution collected Anderson and Chad Hastwell (#22) before completing a lap. On the restart, Marchese would lead the field through turns 1 & 2, but Dalton Rombough would quickly maneuver into the second position. By lap 2, Rombough was able to take the lead, with Coleby Felber (#14) in second and Breanne Gilligan (#9) in third. On lap 13, Felber would make hard contact into the back of Rombough, sending Felber around, ending his night. On the restart, Rombough would remain in control of the race, leading the final 7 laps, earning his 4th win of the season. Gilligan finished second and Marchese was third.
The Caskinette Ford Modifieds were the next feature of the evening. Steve Sherwood (#96) and Randy Brunelle (#007) were the pole sitters. Brunelle would take the early lead, with Kevin Timmerman (#11T) moving into second before completing a lap. It was a tough night for Brunelle as he had to endure eight cautions on the evening. Each time he was able to get a good start and take control of the race. The biggest mover of the race was Taylor Caprara. After starting 10th, he slowly worked his way up through the field. In the closing laps, Caprara moved to the high side of the track and into the traction compound, turning the fastest lap times of the night. Brunelle would lead every lap, earning his first feature win of the season. Caprara would finish second, Timmerman finished third, Andre Roggie (#03) finished fourth and Matt Caprara (#29) finished fifth.
The final feature of the night was the Excess Storage Pro Late Models. Chuck Meyer (#3) and Josh Verne Jr (#1V) brought the field to the green flag. Meyer would lead the early laps with Verne riding in second. Rylee Gill (#57) began working his way through the field and by lap 11, was able to complete the pass on Meyer, with Verne following for second. Gill would on to lead the final 4 lap and pick up the win, Verne finished second and Sid Harmer Jr (#14) rounded out the top three.
Next week, Saturday July 17th, F.X. Caprara Harley Davidson presents Bike 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. In addition to the races, we will have Driver trike races, bike giveaways and our second spectator race. 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.