Markham King of the Hill
by Ken Cunningham
Millersburg OH - Sept. 15 - Ryan Markham of Ashland Ohio turned in an impressive performance to claim Friday nights feature win by driving his Biscottis Restaurant, Thrifty Muffler, and Dor Lo Pizza sponsored dirt Late Model from his fourth starting position to wrestle the lead from Larry Moran. This was Markhams fourth feature win of the year and only has to show up to win Hilltop Speedways inaugural championship title on Sept 22. Once again the Modified feature came down to the last lap, after leading the entire event Kevin Morehouse was passed in the final corner by Charlie Duncan for a career first Modified feature win. It was business as usual for Troy Anderson in a flag to flag Pure Stock feature win. Since mid season Josh Morrow has been on a tear with his Mighty M0 Mini Stock and won a third main event at Hilltop. Jeff Funk picked up a fourth feature win in the Mini truck division and closely trails Tim Jensen in points.
Its the Late Models that pack the house at Hilltop and this weeks race was just another reason why. Charlie Duncan couldn't be touched on his way to a heat win and Larry Moran paid a visit to Hilltops Victory Lane via fastest of six and began the main event front row inside next to Lance Elson. When the green flag dropped Ryan was definately "Flyin" with Shane McLoughlin in tow. Markham quickly picked off Elson to set up a side by side battle with Moran that would last several laps. Close behind an old favorite and the rising star were putting on a whale of a show as Rick Bond and Trevor Phillips raced door to door. With Markham finally in control of the lead the rest of the field set their sights on Moran with McLoughlin soon around followed by Charlie Duncan. Next in line was Mark Gardiner but despite trying high and low and at one time a nose ahead Moran held his position to finish fourth.
While the stars may shine above the Modifieds always raise a little of their own. With heat wins going to Kyle Brown and Rory Reed the night got off to a great start for Kevin Morehouse as he collected a 20th career checkered flag by winning the fast dash. The feature lined up with Morehouse on the pole next to Charlie Duncan and thats how they stayed right up to the final corner when Duncan made a bold move and into the lead for the win. "Chargin' Charlie" Duncan adds a first Modified feature win to a long list of Late Model titles and was behind the wheel of Tom Conleys number 27c. In the Pure Stocks Troy Anderson added another win to his long list and only faced one challenge by Paul Holmes who nearly completed the pass when a yellow flag negated the move.
Donna Canode, John Frame, and Fred Snyder filled the top five with Anderson, Frame, and Canode taking heat wins.
There was no stopping Josh Morrow as he led the distance to win his third Mini Stock feature event at Hilltop. While Morrow gained a stretch length the rest of the field mixed it up with Mitchell Randolph gaining the upper hand on Terry Adkins and Dustin Hostetler from deep to pass Roy Halsey for fourth. Jeff Funk was all smiles after he won the Mini Truck main over an always strong running Tim Jensen and Dale Mong. The final points race of the season is next at Hilltop with double points on the line. It was just announced that $2500 is offered to the winner of the October 28th Halloween Havoc Late Model special event that also features Modifieds,
Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Trucks.
Results
Late Model
1st Heat - Charlie Duncan, Rick Bond, Rocky Owens
Dash - Larry Moran, Lance Elson, Mark Gardiner, Ryan Markham, J. R. Gentry, Shane McLoughlin
Feature - Markham, McLoughlin, Duncan, Moran, Gardiner, Blaine Aber, Rick Bond, Ty Myers,
Jeremy Canada, Roger Eveland, Trevor Phillips, Brandon Russell, Gentry, Dave Wolfe, Owens, Elson
Modifieds
Heat 1 - Kyle Brown, Gary McGregor, Jesse Wardell
Heat 2 - Rory Reed, Nick Smith, David Hittle
Dash - Kevin Morehouse, Charlie Duncan, Brandon Morrow, Mitchell Lam, Kevin Potts, Allan Baker
Feature - Duncan, Morehouse, Morrow, Rory Reed, Smith, Lam, Potts, Wardell, Kurt Waller,
Steve Reed, Kevin Doyle, Jason Graham, Tim Everhart, Baker, McGregor, Vernon Mardis, Hittle, Brown
Pure Stocks
Heat 1 - Troy Anderson, Paul Homes, Tom Fultz
Heat 2 - John Frame, John Holmes, Denny Shear
Heat 3 - Donna Canode, Fred Snyder, Keith Tish
Feature - Anderson, Paul Holmes, Canode, Frame, Snyder, Tish, Randy Nisley, John Holmes, Shear, Fultz,
Steve Cunningham, Mike Duncan, Willy Coblentz, Aaron Harris, Nisley, Dave haven Sr., Frank Oriti, Bob Clantz
Mini Stocks
Heat 1 - Roger Hunt, Joe Yoder, Dan Yoder
Heat 2 - Josh Morrow, Brett Adkins, Terry Adkins
Feature - Morrow, Mitchell Randolph, Terry Adkins, Dustin Hostetler, Roy Halsey, Jim Hudson,
Joe Yoder, Dan YoderMark Adkins, Trevor Ridenbaugh, Lewis McConnell, Kevin Lint, Brett Adkins
Mini Trucks
Heat 1 - Jesse Combs, Chaz Odell, Bill Kutz
Heat 2 - Tim Jensen, Jeff Funk, Dale Mong
Feature - Funk, Tim Jensen, Mong, ODell, Rick Jensen, Tiffany Combs, Tim McCloskey, Gail Wallace, Kutz
Thriller on the Hill
by Ken Cunningham
MILLERSBURG OH - Sept.. 8 - Friday night at Hilltop Speedway they welcomed a full field of open competition Sprint Cars
from throughout the close region along with Hilltops finest weekly racers. Hard core race fans packed the house and got exactly
what they paid for with nearly non stop high speed wheel to wheel racing excitement. Sprint cars headlined tonights show and at
the drop of the green flag Brandon Martin jumped into the early lead over Rob Chaney then expertly worked heavy traffic to
complete a non stop race to the checkers and a career first 410 Sprint feature win for Martin. What followed next was the closest
race in Hilltop Speedways short history as Eric Myers, Ryan Markham, and Scott Peltz were all within striking distance for the win
and under the checered flag it was Peltz by a nose. It seemed like a sure win for points leader Kevin Morehouse in the early stages of the Modified feature but after a side by side battle Kyle Brown thought otherwise and powered into Victory Lane for a first Hilltop Speedway win. Pure Stock action saw a career first feature win by Denny Shear and another first Hilltop win went to J. R. Cagle
in the Mini Stocks for a perfect end to the night.
Hilltop Speedway has been experiencing constant growth since the first race on May 21 of this year and already the spectator parking and pits have doubled original size. Plans are currently underway to add new grandstand seating in preparation for future shows along with many other improvements. Hilltop Speedways inaugural year has been phenomenal to say the least thanks to great race fans and great racers. Never have those two facts been more obvious than last Friday night as a standing room only crowd witnessed five premier divisions square off in this tiny arena beginning with Open Competition Sprints. John Ivy set fast time at a blistering 13.056 seconds around the 5/16ths mile dirt oval while Mark Keegan and Jason Dolic scored heat wins. Hungry for a hometown win Rob Chaney won the fast six closely followed by Brandon Martin of Attica and Jamie Martin of Orrville. After a brief intermission the cars were pushed off and quickly took their position when the green flag turned the stellar field loose. Starting outside front row Brandon Martin powered into the first corner and came out ahead of Rob Chaney for the lead he would not relinquish. Jamie Martin pulled alongside Chaney down the backstretch for second as Jason Dolic and Caleb Griffith set up a side by side battle that would last to the end. It took less than 5 laps before race cars consumed the entire track as Brandon Martin effortlessly weaved in and out of traffic. John Ivy turned up the heat and caught the second place Jamie Martin and took the point. The halfway flags were displayed with Brandon Martin firmly in the lead with John Ivy in pursuit and soon after Rob Chaney and Lee Jacobs overtaking Jamie Martin
for the top five at the checkers. Jac Neville was the evenings hard charger advancing from fifteenth to seventh.
The excitement was far from over with Late Models and Modifieds up next. Rick Bond scored a Late Model heat win while Ryan Markham won the fast six. The feature event began with Eric Myers in the lead being pursued by Ryan Markham. Only a few laps
in Mark Gardiner let Markham know he was on his bumper and actually got alongside for two laps. Meanwhile the # 15 of Scott Peltz pulled away from John Boyd and after a three lap battle with Gardiner caught frontrunners Markham and Myers. At the white flag it was still anybodys race with Peltz now at a slight advantage inside of Myers and down the backstretch. The final corner a blanket could cover the three contenders but it was Peltz by a bumper ahead of Myers for a first Hilltop win. The Modified feature took the green and immediately went four wide with David Hittle, Charlie Duncan, Derrick Hubbard, and Anthony Kincade out of turn two. Kevin Morehouse quickly settled into the lead but his comfort zone was soon invaded by Kyle Brown as those two would go down to the wire side by side. Close behind Norm Aronhalt was behind the wheel of his awesome Phantom 309 doing battle with Jess Hartman. A lot would change by race end but Kyle Brown charged ahead to win his first feature event at Hilltop ahead of Morehouse, Allan Baker, Charlie Duncan, and Rory Reed. Heats went to Baker and Duncan while Morehouse won the fast six.
The Pure Stock feature began with great side by side racing between Dave Haven Sr. and Fred Snyder but that came to an end when an unnecessary crash on the front stretch eliminated both from competition. Once the track was cleared sportsmanship prevailed and
a great race between Bill Goerz and Denny Shear developed with Shear taking the lead to earn a career first feature win. Goerz settled for second ahead of Jeff Facemire, Paul Harringer, and Steve Cunningham. To complete a perfect night of racing J. R. Cagle completed a sweep of first ever Hilltop Feature winners as he lead the distance for a Mini Stock win ahead of teammate Andy Parks, Terry Adkins, John Reasor, and Mark Adkins the top five. Regular racing on Sept. 15, Season Championship follows on Sept 22.
RESULTS:
SPRINTS
Heat 1 - Mark Keegan, Caleb Griffith, Sam Hafertepe Jr.
Heat 2 - Jason Dolick, Jamie Miller, Aaron Middaugh
Dash - Rob Chaney, Brandon Martin, Jamie Martin, Lee Jacobs, John Ivy, Chuck Wilson
Feature - Brandon Martin, John Ivy, Rob Chaney, Lee Jacobs, Jamie Martin,
Wilson, Jac Neville, Hafertepe Jr., Dolic, Griffith, Miller, Troy Vaccaro, Nick Mulheim
Middaugh, Keegan, Bill Underwood, Jeremy Aumend, Kirk Jeffries, Bill Ault
LATE MODELS
1st Heat - Rick Bond, Ty Myers, Eric Smitley
Dash - Ryan Markham, Eric Myers, Mark Gardiner, Clint Coffman, Scott Peltz, John Boyd
Feature - Peltz, Eric Myers, Markham, Coffman, J. R. Gentry, Gardiner, Ty Myers, Smitley, Eric Otto, Boyd,
Jeremy Canada, Jim Martin, Thomas Baker
MODIFIEDS
1st Heat - Allan Baker, Anthony Kincade, Steve Saylor
2nd Heat - Charlie Duncan, Rory Reed, Tim Everhart
Dash - Kevin Morehouse, Kyle Brown, Jess Hartman, Norm Aronhalt, Derrick Hubbard, David Hittle
Feature - Brown, Morehouse, Baker, Duncan, Rory Reed, Kevin Potts, Kinkade, Everhart, Steve Reed
Hartman, Nick Smith, Aronhalt, Kyle Cline, Hittle, Gary McGregor, Hubbard, Brandon Morrow
PURE STOCKS
1st Heat - Donna Canode, Fred Snyder, Keith Tish
2nd Heat - Frank Oriti, Jeff Facemire, Denny Shear
3rd Heat - Dave Haven Sr., Bill Goerz, Paul Harringer
Feature - Shear, Goerz, Facemire, Harringer, Steve Cunningham, Tom Fultz, Bob Clantz, Willie Coblentz
Fred West, Brad Napier, Tish, Oriti, Snyder, Mike Duncan, Canode, Skip Bright
MINI STOCKS
1st Heat - Josh Morrow, Dale Beckett, Rodney Lint
2nd heat - John Reasor, Gary Curtis, Mark Adkins
3rd Heat - J. R. Cagle, Terry Adkins, Andy parks
Feature - Cagle, Parks, Terry Adkins, Beckett, Morrow, Lint, Roger Hunt, Charlie Ray, Lewis McConnell,
Dee Adkins, Brett Adkins, Gary Curtis, Kyle McAffee, Brian Dawson, Shawn Watson
General Lee Captures the Hilltop
by Ken Cunningham
MILLERSBURG OH - Sept. 3 George Lee made the short tow from nearby Loudonville Ohio and wasted no time figuring out the perfect setup for unusual track conditions at Hilltop Speedway this past Sunday night, and with a big purse on the line his timing couldn't have been better. Lee powered his immaculate Cowen Truck Lines / Mason Racin' sponsored # 21 dirt Late Model to a fast dash win that earned him the number one starting position in the 35 lap main event which he then led the distance to claim the $2500 Sunday Hilltop Special. In victory lane George Lee was all smiles and graciously thanked his sponsors and crew for making this win possible. Following Lee across the line were Eric Myers, Doug Drown, Keith Berner, and Jeff Gress. Hard Charger goes to Rocky Owens who advanced from the consy to a top ten finish.
Weekend showers made a muddy mess of the clay racing surface and almost forced speedway staff to postpone the holiday event but heavy equipment was called in from Diversified Services Ltd. and the saturated muck was pushed to the side and racing began right on time. The Late Models are the tracks star attraction and preliminary heats were won by Keith Berner of Millersburg, Mark Gardiner of Massillon, and a career first checkered flag for Jeff Gress of Coshocton. In the fast six race George Lee came from third to win over fifth starter Doug Drown and Eric Myers from the tail which set the starting order for the main event. The "Sunday Sizzler" 35 lap race got off to a slow start as caution flags waved due to a slippery surface and spinouts but no real damage to competitors. With the cars realigned in proper starting positions Ed Fredericks turned the stellar field of competitors loose and George Lee immediately took command of the race and stepped out to a five car lead over second running and current points leader Ryan Markham. Within 7 laps the frontrunners began to encounter lapped traffic which Lee seemed to manuever through with ease. Yellow flags for minor incidents kept the competition close and Markham would then fall to Eric Myers, Doug Drown, then Keith Berner to make up the top five. In the final half of the race Jeff Gress found a line around the race track that worked for him as he "flat footed" his powerful machine around Markham to break into the top five just before the checkers fell, a career best for Gress.
Hilltop Speedway hosts some of the best weekly auto racing in the area and the Modified divison never fails to give race fans an exciting show. Tim Penley and David Liles scored heat wins while Jess Hartman set fast time for the night but current points leader Kevin Morehouse of Newark Ohio crossed the finish line first of the fast six. Once again the main event got off to a slow start but once underway a fierce side by side battle between Morehouse and Hartman had the capacity crowd cheering their favorite. After several attempts Morehouse finally captured the lead for good as the half way flags were displayed. A yellow flag brought the field close together and set up a move by Kyle Brown to overtake second by moving Hartman up the track, Dave Lile and Barry Jacobs would also take advantage. Morehouse easily went on to further his points lead and capture a third feature win.
The Mini Stock race had more than their share of thrills and spills, upsets and finally a victory. Josh Morrow and Terry Adkins started the race side by side and the two battled much of the race. J. R. Cagle advanced to join the battle followed by a hard charging Ed Ray from the tail. A red flag stopped all action when Joe Yoder upset his racer and landed hard on his roof. Yoder was unhurt and the track cleared only to have the speedy racer of Roger Hunt completely flip over in the opposite corner. Hunt refired his car and drove off the track to a thunderous applause but front runners Adkins and Ray experienced mechanical problems and retired from action leaving only Cagle and Morrow to battle for the win. Josh Morrow lead the entire event and was not to be denied the win tonight. After a brief victory lane celebration the Mini Trucks rolled onto the track to complete the show. Jeff Funk of Bailey Lakes came from mid pack to battle Tim Jensen and Chaz ODell for the lead before taking the win. Dave Caskey and Tiffany Combs completed the top five.
Hilltop Speedway continues to bring race fans top quality entertainment and will feature 410 Sprints next Friday offering the winner a whopping $2,000 first place prize. Also on the bill are Late Models, Modifieds, Pure Stocks, and Mini Stock racing around the tight 1/3 mile dirt oval.
Results:
LATE MODELS
1st Heat - Keith Berner, Dave Wirt, Clint Coffman
2nd Heat - Mark Gardiner, Ty Myers, Brad Goff
3rd Heat - Jeff Gress, Rick Bond, Charlie Duncan
Consy - Blaine Aber, Rocky Owens, Eric Smitley
Dash - George Lee, Doug Drown, Eric Myers, Shane McLoughlin, Ryan Markham, Scot Peltz
Feature - Lee, Eric Myers, Drown, Berner, Gress, Markham, Peltz, Gardiner, Rocky Owens, Wirt,
Coffman, Duncan, Ty Myers, Bond, Eric Smitley, Blaine Aber, McLoughlin, Goff
MODIFIEDS
1st Heat - Tim Penley, Allan Baker, Nick Smith
2nd Heat - David Liles, Mitchell Lam, Gary McGregor
Dash - Kevin Morehouse, Jess Hartman, Kyle Brown, Barry Jacobs, David Hittle, Kevin Potts
Feature - Morehouse, Brown, Jacobs, Liles, Hartman, Potts, Lam, Hittle, Mike Lonas, Rory Reed,
Tom Conley, Smith, McGregor, Kyle Cline, Allan Baker, Ernie Scott, Penley, Tim Everhart
MINI STOCKS
Heat 1 - Josh Morrow, Justin Brown, Jeff Theil
Heat 2 - Terry Adkins, John Reasor, Brett Adkins
Heat 3 - J. R. Cagle, Roger Hunt, Al Summers
Feature - Morrow, Cagle, Brown, Thiel, Dustin Cyrus, Jim Appis, Daniel Yoder, Jeremy Lucas, Summers, Mark Myers
Brett Adkins, Hunt, Joe Yoder, Terry Adkins, Ed Ray, Reasor, Josh Hershberger, Dale Beckett Jr.,
MINI TRUCKS
Heat 1 - Dave Caskey, Gail Wallace, Jeff Funk
Heat 2 - Tim Jensen, Chaz ODell, Tracy Mong
Feature - Funk, Jensen, ODell, Tiffny Combs, Wallace, Rick Jensen, Mong, Jeremy Butler
Aukland and Conley Dominate
by Ken Cunningham
MILLERSBURG OH, Aug. 25 - The domination of Rick Aukland and Corey Conley continued this Friday night at Hilltop Speedway with Aukland taking the Late Model feature and Conley winning the Modified main. To date Aukland holds four Modified wins and three in his Late Model with one sweep on the night. Conley has four Late Model wins, three Modified wins including a prestigious AMRA Road Warrior win and two sweeps between the two divisions. Despite their record racing on the Hilltop is very challenging and competitive with strong local competition and a wide array of top regional visitors every week.
As the season begins to wind down a great Late Model points race is shaping up with the claim of being Hilltops first Champion on the line, Ryan Markham of Ashland is determined to claim that title. Of fourteen completed races Markham has compiled 3 wins and an amazing 10 top five finishes on the season, only once out of the top ten and never missing a race. Next in points and enjoying a great season is Mark Gardiner of Massillon Ohio. Utilizing a hand me down Rocket Chassis and home built power Gardiner has several fast times and a regular in the fast dash. Although Gardiner hasn't seen a checkered flag yet this season he has not missed a feature with 6 top five finishes. Tied for third is Blaine Aber and Eric Myers with Ty Myers and J.R. Gentry both within striking distance. Season Championship races will be held on Sept. 22.
Back to racing, the Late Model feature saw Doug Drown briefly battle Rick Aukland for the early lead but a busted tire ended Drowns night. George Lee then took up the battle but was kept busy holding off a very fast Eric Myers. Aukland scored the win followed by Lee, Myers, Gentry and Markham. Next up the All Star Midgets took center stage with 14 Mini Sprints on hand. Kirk Jeffries of Columbus has taken a liking to Hilltop Speedway and was first under the checkers for his second win here this year. The Modifieds never fail to thrill at Hilltop and Charlie Duncan added to this weeks show by claiming fast time behind the wheel of the Tom Conley owned # 27. Jesse Wisecarver won the fast dash and the right to start on the pole next to Cory Conley outside. Action thru the field but all eyes up front as Wisecarver and Conley swapped the lead over and over with neither backing down. The race wasn't decided until the final corner with Conley first, Wisecarver second, followed by Allan Baker, Kevin Morehouse, and making a great comeback after being over the hill, Kevin Potts. In Pure Stock action Dave Haven Sr. was awarded his first feature win after a very eventful race and Chaney Beagle scored the Mini Stock main.
Hilltop opens the gates at 3:30 on Sunday Sept 3 with a $2500 to win, 35 lap Sunday Sizzler for Late Models. Along with Late Models the show includes Modifieds, Mini Stocks, and Mini Trucks. Racing begins at 6:00
RESULTS:
LATE MODELS
Fast Time: Mark Gardiner 14.622
Heat 1: J. R. Genrty, Ryan Markham, Rick Bond,
Heat 2: Eric Myers, Blaine Aber, Rick Conley,
Heat 3: Corey Conley, Kingseed,
Dash: George Lee, Doug Drown, Rick Aukland, Scott Peltz, Rocky Owens, Mark Gardiner
B Main: Trevor Phillips, Dave Hornikel, Pellen,Ty Myers,
A Main: Aukland, Lee, Eric Myers, Gentry, Markham, Corey Conley, Aber, Pellen , Hornikel,
Phillips, Rick Conley, Owens, Drown, Peltz, Gardner, Bond, Elliott, Kingseed.
MODIFIEDS
Fast Time:Charlie Duncan 16.138
Heat1: Allan Baker, Brandon Morrow, Verhart,
Heat2: Kevin Morehouse, Rory Reed, David Hittel,
Dash: Jesse Wisecarver, Corey Conley, Hubbard, Charlie Duncan, Potts, Anthony Kinkade
B Main: JessHartman, Randy Gray, Gary McGregor,
A Main: Conley, Wisecarver, Baker, Morehouse, Potts, Hubbard, Kyle Cline, Hittle, Reed, McGregor,
Duncan, Groves, Kinkade, Sims, Morrow, Hartman, Everhart, Gray
PURE STOCKS
Heat 1: Fred Snyder, Donna Canode, Keith Tish,
Heat 2: Brandon Gardner, Dave Haven Sr., Jeff Facemire,
A Main: Haven Sr., Billy Goerz, Denny Shear, Tish, Tom Fultz, Steve Cunningham, Murray,
Duncan, Snyder, Canode, Clantz, Frame, Sharrer, Facemire
MINI STOCKS
Heat1: Appis, Chaney Beagle, Brian Dawson,
Heat2: Andy Parks, Jerry Adkins, T.erry Adkins,
A Main: Beagle, Parks, Appis, Morrow, J. Adkins, Hostetler, Yoder, Lint, McConnell, Hudson, Penley, McAfee
Aukland Awesome on the Hill
by Ken Cunningham
MILLERSBURG OH, Aug 18 - Rick Aukland of Zanesville Ohio demonstrated how its done at Hilltop Speedway by setting a new Late Model track record and winning both the Late Model and Modified feature events in front of a top quality field of competitors Friday night. Aukland dominated the Late Model feature from the start but had to battle Allan Baker in a side by side battle for much of the Modified event. Aukland is now tied with Corey Conley with 6 feature wins each between the two divisions. Fans of the Pure Stocks were treated to a classic battle between veteran racers Dave Haven Sr. and Fred Snyder with Snyder taking the late race point and the win. The EZ Team came to Hilltop in full force and claimed 4 of the top ten Mini Stock finishes with team leader Andy Parks claiming an incredible seventh feature win. An unfortunate incident eliminated Jeff Funk early in the Mini Truck feature leaving only Chaz ODell to challenge the dominance of Tim Jensen. ODell held off several attempts by Jensen to win his first feature of the year and a beautiful trophy courtesy of Village Motors of Millersburg.
The track was right tonight as Corey Conley and Rick Aukland both topped the previous track record of 14.347 seconds set by Doug Drown with Aukland fastest at 14.184. Ryan Markham and Ty Myers won the heats and Lance Elson of Wellsburg WV bested the fast six. An impessive feature field lined up with Elson and Mark Gardiner inside front two rows, Aukland and Conley outside with 3 tries before a clean green was achieved and Aukland taking the lead point. Rocky Owens and Ryan Markham wasted no time joining the front runners and lapped traffic came into play within 5 laps. A brutal exchange between JR Gentry and Chester Elliott ultimately eliminated both players clearing the way for Ty Myers, Eric Otto, and Trevor Phillips to join the lead pack. In the late stages Owens challenged Gardiner for fourth but the move cost him a top five when Markham moved in. The final top five - Aukland, Conley, Elson, Gardiner, and Markham.
Modified race fans certainly got a show on this action packed night. The first red flag waved for Denny Benjamins flip on the backstretch during a consolation race, the second in the main event when Kevin Potts jumped the gaurdrails and came to rest outside turn two as cries from the crowd could be heard over the roar of engines. Those gasps quickly changed to cheers when both drivers emerged unhurt. Matt Aber and Jess Hartman won heat races and Allan Baker victorious in the dash. Rory Reed overcame brake problems to win the consolation race. The feature lined up with Rick Aukland outside of Baker and thats how those two ran most of the feature. Corey Conley chose the extreme outside rail trying to keep pace and often found himself side by side with Kevin Morehouse. The final stages saw Baker lose ground first to Aukland then to Conley and settle for third. Kevin Morehouse and David Hittle held position to complete the top five. Rory Reed was the nights hard charger coming from the last chance race to finish sixth in the main.
A memorable race between two veterans was a highlight to the evening. Dave Haven Sr. claimed the early lead while Fred Snyder gave chase and eventually a side by side lead swapping battle ensued. At the checkers Snyder claimed victory followed by Haven, Rich Frame from mid pack, Paul Holmes and Donna Canode. It was smooth sailing for Andy Parks after an early race skirmish eliminated the two front running Mini Stocks of Dale Beckett and Dustin Hostetler. The EZ1 machine pulled into victory lane for the seventh time. A Mini Truck upset was accomplished when Chaz ODell took home the hardware over Tim Jensen and all feature winners were awarded trophys courtesy of Village Motors located in Millersburg. On August 25 Hilltop Speedway will headline the All Star Midgets along with Late Models, Modifeds, Pure Stocks, and Mini Stocks,. Gates open at 5:00, please join us for only the best Friday night dirt track racing in Ohio.
RESULTS
FAST TIME - Rick Aukland 14.184 / NTR
Dutch Country Stone LATE MODELS:
1st Heat - Ryan Markham, Dave Wirt, Eric Otto
2nd Heat - TY Myers, J. R. Gentry, Blaine Aber
Dash - Lance Elson, Rick Aukland, Mark Gardiner, Corey Conley, Chester Ellliott, Rocky Owens
Feature - Aukland, Conley, Elson, Gardiner, Markham,Owens, Myers, Otto, Trevor Phillips, Mike Mohler,
Jeremy Canada, Kyle Bates, Gentry, Elliott, Allen Warner, Brandon Russell, Aber, Wirt, Terrence Metz
McComb Logging MODIFIEDS:
Heat 1 - Matt Aber, Anthony Kincade, Kevin Potts
Heat 2 - Jess Hartman, Bruce Miller, Randy Ridgeway
Dash - Allan Baker, Rick Aukland, Kevin Morehouse, Corey Conley, David Hittle, Brandon Morrow
Feature - Aukland, Conley, Baker, Morehouse, Hartman, Rory Reed, Hittle, Mitchel Lam, Kincade, Rick Wolford
Dave Bodkins, Randy Ridgeway, Kyle Cline, Miller, Derrick Hubbard, Morrow, Aber, Potts
American Payroll Advance PURE STOCKS:
1st Heat - Dave Haven Sr. Paul Holmes, Jeff Facemire
2nd Heat - Billy Goerz, Fred Snyder, Donna Canode
Feature - Snyder, Haven Sr., Rich Frame, Holmes, Canode, Denny Shear, Facemire, Tom Fultz, Bob Clantz, Randy Nisley,
Raymond Hixon, Goerz, Steve Cunningham, Aaron Harris, John Weller, Keith Tish, Willie Coblentz
Holmes Tire MINI STOCKS:
1st Heat - Andy Parks, Dale Beckett Jr., JIm Appis
2nd Heat - Dustin Hostetler, Jeremy Hudson, J. R. Cagle
Feature - Parks, Hudson, Appis, Terry Adkins, Mark Adkins, Cagle, Joe Yoder, Chaney Beagle, Kyle McAfee, Lewis McConnell,
Gary Curtis, Jim Hudson, Josh Hershberger, Ron Tipton, Dan Yoder, John DeVoll, Hostetler
Hilltop MINI TRUCKS :
Heat 1 - Jesse Combs, Jeff Funk, Chaz ODell
Feature - Chaz ODell, Tim Jensen, Jese Combs, Dale Mong, Tiffany Combs, Rick Jensen, Gail Wallace, Jeff Funk
Conley Dominates Hilltop
Aug 11, Millersburg Oh - Corey Conley of Wheelersburg WV turned in another impressive performance last Friday night at Hilltop Speedway in front of a capacity crowd during the 1st Annual Jack E. Norris Memorial. Driving his Lucas Oil # 707 AMRA Modified Conley scored a heat win followed by a challenging feature win over a hard charging Kyle Brown and Kenny Johnson. Conley then added to his payday by claiming the Late Model main.
Mark Gardiner was all smiles as he collected $100 for setting fast time, a bonus contributed by a race fan, and heats went to Ryan Markham and J.R. Gentry. Rocky Owens of Mansfield Ohio held off the best to win the fast dash. Conley beat Owens in a drag race down the backstretch for the lead and eventual win. Andy Parks scored his 5th feature win of the season behind the wheel of his popular EZ1 Mini Stock while Donna Canode held off Rich Frame for her 3rd Pure Stock win. Tim Jensen fills out the list of repeat winners in the Mini Truck division.
Hilltop Speedway Track Chaplain Jerry Reed delivered a very fitting and emotional opening ceremony and tribute to the late Jack E. Norris who perished in a racing accident in 1965. Racing lives on through his family and sons with many friends and former competitors in attendance.
RESULTS:
AMRA Modifieds:
25 cars
Fast Time - Louie Krushansky / 15.769
Heat 1 - Kenny Johnson, Krushansky, Tim Roll
Heat 2 - Corey Conley, Will Rowe, Dave Defibaugh
Heat 3 - Kyle Brown, Mark Dickson, Jesse Wisecarver
Feature - Conley, Brown, Johnson, Krushansky, Jess Hartman, Wisecarver, Doug Henry, Rowe, Brandon Morrow, Bruce Miller
Tim Roll, Matt Aber, David Hittle, Sam Lovejoy, Larry Kugel, Ted Campbell, Greg Beem, Teddy Tucker, Kevin Morehouse
Tim Riley, Doug Browning, Dickson, Anthony Kincade, Gary McGregor, Defibaugh, Nathan Haskett - d.n.s.
Late Models:
Fast Time - Mark Gardiner / 14.916
Heat Winners - J. R. Gentry, Ryan Markham
Fast Dash - Rocky Owens
Feature - Corey Conley, George Lee, Markham, Brad Goff, Owens, Gardiner, Gentry, Trevor Phillips, Blaine Aber, Eric Otto,
Jeremy Canada, Jeff Gress, Randy Pollack, Chester Elliott, Thomas Baker, Gary Curtis, Hiram Bachman
Mini Stocks:
Andy Parks, Steve Miller, Jerry Adkins, Penley, Mark Adkins, Jeremy Hudson, Jason St.John, Brian Dawson, Ernest Fortune,
Rodney Lint, Joe Yoder, Jim Hudson, Terry Adkins, Josh Hershberger, Roger Hunt, Cody Rinard, Kevin Lint, Kyle McAfee.
Pure Stock:
Dona Canode, Rich Frame, Paul Holmes, John Frame, John Holmes, Chad Craver, Tom Fultz, Denny Shear, Dave Haven Sr., Steve Cunningham, Bob Clantz, Aaron Harris, Bob Chilcote, Raymond Hixson, Zach Medley, Fred Snyder, Shawn Medley
Mini Trucks:
Tim Jensen, Jeff Funk, Jesse Combs, Chaz Odell, Rick Jenson, Gail Wallace, Tiffany Combs, Dave Caskey, Dick Dale.
Jeffries Strikes Home Town Paydirt
by Ken Cunningham
Millersburg OH - Aug 4. Formerly of nearby Danville, Kirk Jeffries visit to Hilltop Speedway on Friday night was very profitable as the All Star Midget ace who now lives in Columbus Ohio took command of the feature event on lap three and never looked back to claim the victory over Brent Smith and Jesse McCreary. "Wide open, this is my kind of track" Jeffries stated in winners circle. Scott Clark and Jeff Detwiler completed the top five. In Late Model action Doug Drown lead the distance to win his fourth feature event at Hilltop but it wasn't that easy. Ryan Markham attempted to wrestle the lead away from Drown for several laps before fifth starting Rick Aukland closed in to rub doors with Drown for the remainder of the race. Aukland settled for second followed by Rocky Owens, Blaine Aber, and Shane McLoughlin the top five.
The Mini Stocks wasted no time as a four wide battle for the lead immediately broke out between Jeremy Hudson, Mark Adkins, Andy Parks, and Josh Morrow with Mark Adkins taking the edge for the win. Parks challenged to the end but was kept busy holding off Terry Adkins, Ed Ray, and Josh Morrow who finished in that order. Donna Canode found herself in victory lane once again but had to beat Fred Snyder, Rich Frame, and Chad Craver to the line to finish another action packed feature event. Rick Jensen is also a repeat winner at Hilltop, his bright orange Chevy S-10 Mini Truck hard to beat. A strong challenge by Jeff Funk made an exciting race but problems forced Funk pitside. Chaz ODell, Jesse Combs, Dick Dale, and Gail Wallace the top five.
RESULTS:
Midgets
Heat 1 - Herschel Wills, Jesse McCreary, Dick Jeffries
Heat 2 - Brent Smith, Kirk Jeffries, Jeff Detwiler
Dash - Herschel Wills, Kirk Jeffries, Scott Clark
Feature - Kirk Jeffries, Brent Smith, McCreary, Scott Clark, Detwiler, Ron Burrier, Herschel Wills, Todd Wills, Dick Jeffries, Butch Hamilton, Tamara Wills, Kevin Clark, Ron Burrier Jr.
Late Models
Heat 1 - Ty Myers, Shane McLoughlin, Trevor Phillips
Dash - Doug Drown, Ryan Markham, Blaine Aber
Feature - Drown, Rick Aukland, Rocky Owens, Aber, McLoughlin, Myers, Eric Otto, Jeff Gress, Phillips, Markham, Mark Gardiner, Jeremy Canada., Brandon Russell, Thomas Baker
Mini Stocks
Heat 1 - Mark Adkins, Terry Adkins, Dee Adkins
Heat 2 - Jeremy Hudson, Josh Morrow, Don Lehman
Heat 3 - Andy Parks, Ed Ray, Josh Hershberger
Consy - J. R. Cagle, Joe Yoder, John Ohse
Feature - Mark Adkins, Parks, Terry Adkins, Ed Ray, Josh Morrow, Lehman, Cagel, Josh hershberger, John DeVoll, Roy Halsey, Yoder, Dave Sampsell, Ohse, Ron Tipton, Jeff Dovenbarger, Hudson, Brett Adkins, Dee Adkins
Pure Stocks
Heat 1 - Chad Craver, Fred Snyder, Dave Haven Sr.
Heat 2 - Donna Canode, Tom Fultz, Tony Paynter
Feature - Canode, Snyder, Rich Frame, Craver, Paynter, Billy Goerz, Denny Shear, J. D. Fisher, Jeff Facemire, Tom Fultz, T. Wilson, Zach Medley, Cody Smith, Haven Sr.
Mini Trucks
Heat 1 - Chaz ODell, Dave Caskey, Dick Dale
Heat 2 - Jesse Combs, Tim Jensen, Gail Wallace
Feature - Jensen, ODell, Combs, Dale, Wallace, Gerald Pringle, Rick Jensen, Tiffany Combs, Brandon Leyda, Jeff Funk, Dave Caskey
7/28 Results
LATE MODELS:
Corey Conley, Doug Drown, Eric Myers, Thomas Baker, Ryan Markham
D. J. Cline, J. R. Gentry, Randy Scott, Rob Stambaugh, Wayne Maffett Jr.
Trevor Phillips, D. J. Miller, Ty Myers, Blaine Aber, Scott Peltz, Mark Gardiner, Rocky Owens
MODIFIED:
Corey Conley, Sam Lovejoy, Norman Aronhalt, Jess Hartman, Larry Kugel
Kyle Brown, Kevin Morehouse, Brandon Morrow, Rory Reed, Gary McGregor
Bruce Miller, Matt Aber, Kyle Cline, Steve Reed
PURE STOCK:
Brandon Gardner, Dave Haven Sr., Billy Goerz, Donna Canode, Chad Craver
Denny Shear, Fred Snyder, Don Baney, Tom Fultz, Bob Clantz
Steve Cunningham, Keith Tish, Jeff Facemire, Cody Smith, T Wilson
MINI STOCK:
Andy Parks, Dale Beckett, Ed Ray, Jerry Adkins, Terry Adkins
Josh Hershberger, Hunt, Dee Adkins, Rodney Lint, Kevin Lint
Jeremy Hudson, Dusty Lint, Josh Morrow, Joe Yoder, Tim Hudson
MINI TRUCKS:
Tim Jensen, Jeff Funk, Dale Mong, Chaz ODell, Rick Jensen
Dave Caskey, Gerald Pringle
7/30 Results
LATE MODELS:
Ryan Markham, Eric Myers, Ty Myers, Doug Drown, Mark Gardiner
Corey Conley, D.J. Cline, Charlie Duncan, Thomas Baker, Rocky Owens
Randy Scott, George Lee, Rob Stambaugh, Trevor Phillips, DJ Miller
JR Gentry, Wayne Maffett Jr., Eric Smitley, Jim Gentry
MODIFIEDS:
Corey Conley, Bruce Jennings, Kyle Brown, Larry Kugel, Brandon Morrow
Kevin Morehouse, Chris McCombs, Jess Hartman, Rory Reed, Matt Aber
Kyle Cline, Everhart, David Hittle, Sam Lovejoy, Bruce Miller
Pivonka,Steve Reed, Gary McGregor
PURE STOCK:
Fred Snyder, Paul Holmes, Chad Craver, Donna Canode, Dave Haven Sr.
Tom Fultz, Billy Goerz, Bob Clantz, Josh Robinson, Jeff Facemire
Cody Smith, Steve Cunningham, Jamie Arms, Brandon Gardner, Denny Shear
MINI STOCK :
Josh Morrow, Andy Parks, Ed Ray, Dale Beckett, Justin Brown
Jerry Adkins, Roy Halsey, Rodney Lint, Jeremy Hudson, Terry Adkins
Kevin Lint, Josh Hershberger, Daniel Yoder, Joe Yoder, Brian Dawson
MINI TRUCK :
Tim Jensen, Bill Koots, Chaz ODell, Dale Mong, Brandon Craver,
Gail Wallace, Gerald Pringle, Rick jensen, Jeff Funk
Hilltop win to Eric Myers
by Ken Cunningham
Millersburg OH - July 21 Eric Myers of nearby Holmesville finally broke into Hilltop Speedway victory lane Friday night driving his CRM Colored Mulch sponsored dirt Late Model. Myers trailed Keith Berner in the fast dash but in the feature a bad brake sidelined race leader Berner, and that was the only break Myers needed as he held off Scott Peltz, George Lee, Mark Gardiner, and J. R. Gentry for his first Hilltop win.
Every night at Hilltop the Modifieds manage to give fans a thrilling show and this week was no exception. Up front Kevin Morrehouse chased down and eventually made the winning move on Jess Hartman while Kyle Brown, Allan Baker, and Randy Gray battled back and forth to finish in that order. In the Pure Stock division it seems Fred Snyder cant catch a break. Enjoying an early lead this seasoned veteran would never let his gaurd down while a wily young gun quickly closed in. Brandon Gardner pulled alongside then used a lapped car to trap Snyder down low then used an unusual reverse slide job in turn three to seal the deal and claim his first American Payroll Advance Pure Stock win at Hilltop.
The timing couldn't have been better for Ed Ray who powered his Escort GT to both a heat win and later led every lap to claim a career first feature win and sweep the Holmes Tire Mini Stock races at Hilltop on his birthday. Don't think for a minute it was that easy, not with Andy Parks, Steve Miller, Terry Adkins, and Mark Adkins close behind to fill the top five. Jeff Funk tuned his # 21 Katos Bottle House Mini Truck to perfection and was not denied this weeks win over Chaz Odell, Bill Kutz, Jesse Combs, and Gerald Pringle to conclude this weeks races.
On Friday July 28 Hilltop Speedway will hold a benefit that will help defray the costs of cancer treatment for 9 year old Karley Arnold. We hope you will join us for a great cause and only the best dirt Late Model, Modified, Pure Stock, Mini Stock, and Mini Truck racing around.
Results:
Late Models
1st Heat - Ryan Markham, D. J. Cline, Clint Coffman
2nd Heat - Rocky Owens, Jeff Gress, Thomas Baker
Dash - Keith Berner, Eric Myers, Scott Peltz, JR Gentry, George Lee, Mark Gardiner
Feature - Myers, Peltz, Lee, Gardiner, Gentry, Baker, Wayne Maffett Jr., Owens, Blaine Aber, Charlie Duncan, Coffman,
Eric Otto, Trevor Phillips, Markham, Berner, Gress, Randy Pollack, Cline
Modifieds
1st Heat - Kyle Brown, Rory Reed, Bruce Miller
2nd Heat - Gary McGregor, Kyle Cline, Jason Graham
Dash - Jess Hartman, Randy Gray, Kevin Morehouse, Allan Baker, Chris McCombs, Larry Kugel
Feature - Morehouse, Hartman, Brown, Baker, Gray, McCombs, Cline, McGregor, Nathan Weskett,
Mike Provanka, Miller, Reed, Rick Mardis, Scott Smith, Kugel
Pure Stock
1st Heat - Donna Canode, Fred Snyder, Brandon Gardner
2nd Heat - Billy Goerz, Jeff Facemire, Aaron Harris
Feature - Gardner, Snyder, Vern Siegrest, Canode, Denny Shear, Tom Fultz, Bob Clantz, Harris, Ken Duncan,
Brian Baker, Cody Smith, Keith Tish, Goerz, Facemire, Kevin Shire
Mini Stock
1st Heat - Terry Adkins, Steve Miller, Mark Adkins
2nd Heat - Ed Ray, Mark White, Kevin Lint
3rd Heat - Andy Parks, John Sinnet, Eric Patrick
Feature - Ray, Parks, Miller, Terry Adkins, Mark Adkins, Sinnett, Henry Britton, Ernest Fortune, Josh Hershberger,
Jeremy Hudson, Chad Friend, Eric Patrick, Rodney Lint, Cody Rinard, Chris Priebe, Pat Stobber, Kevin Lint, White
Trucks
1st Heat - Tim Jensen, Jeff Funk, Chaz ODell
Feature - Funk, ODell, Bill Kutz, Jesse Combs, Gerald Pringle, Gail Wallace, Tiffany Combs, Rick Jensen, Dale Mong, Tim Jensen
Hot Action at Hilltop
by Ken Cunningham
Millersburg Ohio July 16 - Temperatures soared Sunday afternoon when Hilltop Speedway opened to complete this weeks races after a torrential downpour ended the regular Friday activities. Completed events included Late Model heats that were won by Clint Coffman, Doug Drown, and Keith Berner. Sundays feature event began with a three wide battle between eventual winner Drown, George Lee, and Berner. Close behind more three wide racing was witnessed between Ryan Markham, JR Gentry, and Charlie Duncan. Almost unheard of in daytime racing Clint Coffman, Trevor Phillips, and Rick Bond had their own three wide battle for position. At the end Drown continues his dominance of Hilltop and claimed a third feature win.
Mini Stocks were in full force for a $350 jackpot tonight, Heats went to Terry Adkins, Don Lehman, Andy Parks, and Ed Ray. The green dropped on the feature and Lehman was running the race of his life, leading the entire first half. Andy Parks had enough following and put the heat on Lehman who succombed to the pressure. Parks never looked back but if he did Mark Adkins, Steve Miller, Ed Ray and Terry Adkins were right there for the top five. This was Parks fourth win of nine events to date driving his Brads Auto Repair / Team EZ 1 Mitsubishi.
Modified Heats went to Sam Lovejoy, Kyle Brown, and Allan Baker, all three front runners during the entire feature. Toss Norm Aronhalt, Anthony Kincade, and Jess Hartman into the mix and another unbelievable feature event took place. After several side by side laps Allan Baker finally cleared Sam Lovejoy and set sail for the checkers only to be spoiled under the flagstand by Rick Aukland who came from mid pack to claim a third feature win with his bright red number 1 Huff Chassis modified.
Donna Canode and Fred Snyder both won Pure Stock heats and the temperature only rose during the feature. Snyder led Canode on a restart when contact was made. The # 7 Thunderbird left the track with his left rear tire ripped from the rim but returned for a top five finish. The Super 6 machine retired for the night but will definately return next week to contend for a win. Frank Oriti cruised to the win then wowed the fans with a spectacular set of donuts on the front stretch with his Mars Trucking Monte Carlo
The Mini Trucks closed an exciting day of races with another upset. It seemed Jeff Funk had secured a third feature win when his Chevy picked up a miss in the engine robbing him of power. Tim Jensen had been steady on the gain and was able to pass Funk just before the checkers for the win. Funk held on for a second place finish.
RESULTS:
LATE MODELS
1st Heat - Clint Coffman, George Lee, Charlie Duncan
2nd Heat - Doug Drown, Rick Aukland, Dave Hornikel
3rd Heat - Keith Berner, Ryan Markham, Mark Gardiner
Feature - Drown, Lee, Berner, Eric Myers, Aukland, Markham, Thomas Baker, JR Gentry,
Charlie Duncan, Blaine Aber
Coffman, Hornikel, Randy Scott, Gardiner, Rick Bond, Trevor Phillips, Kelly Kauffman,
Ryan Eddleblute, Jeremey Canada
HOLMES TIRE MINI STOCKS
Heat 1 - Terry Adkins, Dee Adkins, Brian Dawson
Heat 2 - Don Lehman, Mark Adkins, Steve Miller
Heat 3 - Andy Parks, Dale Beckett, Justin Brown
Heat 4 - Ed Ray, Kevin Lint, Cody Rinard
Feature - Parks, Mark Adkins, Miller, Ray, Terry Adkins, Mark White, Justin Brown, Kevin Lint,
Dee Adkins, Joe Yoder, Dusty Lint, Rinard, Dawson, Travis Gray, Dan Lettman, Jeremy Madison,
Rick Maffett, Dale Beckett Jr.
MCCOMB LOGGING MODIFIEDS
Heat 1 - Sam Lovejoy, Larry Kugel, Randy Gray
Heat 2 - Kyle Brown, Anthony Kincade, Norman Aronhalt
Heat 3 - Allan Baker, Kevin Morehouse, Rick Aukland
Feature - Aukland, Baker, Brown, Kinkade, Lovejoy, Aronhalt, Jess Hartman, Gary Hensel, Kugel, Brandon Morrow, Kris McCombs, Rory Reed, Scott Smith, Gary McGregor, Mark Enos, Kyle Cline, Kevin Morehouse, David Hittle, Randy Gray, Tom Conley, Justin Morey
AMERICAN PAYROLL ADVANCE PURE STOCKS
Heat 1 - Donna Canode, Denny Shear, Tom Fultz,
Heat 2 - Fred Snyder, Frank Oriti, Jason Rohr,
Feature - Oriti, Chad Craver, Snyder, Shear, Cody Smith, Tom Wilson, Raymond Hixon, Jeff Facemire, Josh Robinson, Canode, Fultz, Rohr, Jeremy Krasky
MINI TRUCKS
Heat 1 - Brandon Craver, Jeff Funk, Tim Jensen
Feature - Jensen, Funk, Dave Caskey, Gail Wallace, Chaz ODell, Rick Jensen, Jesse Combs, Gerald Pringle, Craver, Jeremy Butler, Tiffany Combs
Anderson and Drown Tops at Hilltop
by Ken Cunningham
Millersburg Ohio - July 7, 2006 All eyes were on Doug Drown and Corey Conley Friday night as the two raced side by side swapping the lead until the last corner. Doug Drown came out on top winning his second feature of the year at Hilltop Speedway. Drowns Rocket is sponsored by Wooster Glass and Hamlin Automotive. The Pure Stocks rolled out next and with a raised purse of $500 up for grabs a fantastic field of racers were on hand. Troy Anderson wasted no time driving from his sixth starting position to battle Brad Channell and Donna Canode for the lead, and only a late race caution secured the win for Anderson. The Modifieds followed and a heated battle between Allan Baker and Jess Hartman thrilled the fans as Baker pulled alongside in every corner but Hartman would regain on the straights to win his third feature event at Hilltop. It is a refreshing sight to see such close racing and at the end two smiling competitors climb from their machines to congratulate each other. With double points at stake Andy Parks knew what needed done to stay ahead of Mark and Terry Adkins in the points chase and won the Mini Stock feature in convincing fashion. Parks was followed across the line by Dale Beckett, Mark Adkins, Steve Miller, and Terry Adkins. A good turnout of Mini Trucks made for excellent racing that saw Jeff Funk claim a second feature win over last weeks feature winner, Tim Jensen.
In Late Model action several drivers broke the previous track record but Doug Drown bested everyone at 14.347 seconds around the 5/16ths mile oval. " I didn't think I was quick out there at all but I guess that old saying is true, sometimes you have to slow down to be fast." The first heat saw Thomas Baker on the pole beside Chad Hina and when the green waved Rick Aukland wanted open track but found a side by side battle with Hina before taking the win. The following heat cars bunched up on a slow start which paved the way for Eric Myers to take the win over Clint Coffman and Ty Myers. Corey Conley took the lead from outside pole during the Dash but it was clear Drown was on his game tonight coming from tail to pass Ryan Markham for second in only four laps. Markham, Mark Gardiner, Rocky Owens, and J.R. Gentry followed. At the start of the feature event Dave Hornikel, Wayne Maffett, and Jeremy Gearhart immediately went three wide for a caution, on the restart Eric Myers slipped just a little and thats all it took for Aukland to move in and take his spot. That all changed when Gentry got sideways in front of Aukland who lost three spots while Gentry quickly recovered not losing anything. Mark Gardiner was an even match for Markham, whenever "Flyin' Ryan" would see that nose he always found the power to close the door. Up front Drown and Conley were dicing back and forth, a lapped car traps the leading Drown allowing Conley to take the lead but Drown retaliates on the high side. Action was everywhere between Aukland and Coffman, Aber and Ty Myers, Maffett and Hornikel but all attention was up front when Drown got the better of Conley at the end of another thrilling race at Hilltop. In Victory Lane Doug replied, " That was incredible, what a good race. When Corey got around me I thought oh no. This place lets you race hard and clean, Corey is one of the best around and that was a lot of fun !" Markham, Gardiner, and Gentry filled the top five.
The Pure Stocks captured the fans attention and a $500 to win jackpot attracted a very impressive 25 car field. Jason Rohr lead the first heat to the green when the entire pack bunched up in turn one bringing out the yellow. Fred Snyder suffered a flat left rear tire in the melee which cleared the way for Brad Channel to win. Frank Oriti powered from eigth to claim second ahead of Tom Fultz. Jeff Facemire and Dave Haven paced the second heat with Haven taking the early lead. Donna Canode caught Haven and after a brief battle took the lead and win. Denny Shear followed Donna thru the traffic and passed Haven for second. The third heat saw Brandon Gardner on the pole with Troy Anderson starting deep, the racing immediately went 4 wide in a scramble for position. No one could catch Gardner before the checkers but Anderson climbed to second from sixth, followed by Billy Goerz from seventh. Determined not to be left out of this show Fred Snyder tagged the tail of the B Main and picked off competitors one by one for the win. Hilltop Speedway is gaining a reputation for great racing and 18 reasons why rolled over the high bank to form the Pure Stock feature field. The green flag waved three times before we got a good start but with a clean green Channell, Canode, and Anderson made it a lead swapping three wide battle. Gardner stepped ahead of Canode with Channell still in the lead as lapped traffic narrowed the lanes. Channell found himself trapped allowing Anderson and Gardner to capitalize. Shear, Haven and Snyder were closing in when a yellow flag waved for Paul Murray, momentarily calming the frenzy. With Anderson now in control followed by Gardner, Channell, Canode, Snyder, and Shear, on this restart Haven and Goerz bumped together eliminating Haven. The fans were going wild as Gardner closed in on Anderson just as Canode banged doors with Snyder and spins out. This spelled disaster for Gardner, during the pace laps his machine overheated and went out in a puff of steam. It was now smooth sailing for Anderson and he claimed the victory in only his second visit to the speedway and is sponsored by Tons of Parts in Lodi, William Gill Construction, Carquest, and MAE Trucking. Fred Snyder was the Hard Charger of the night, from tail of the B to the tail of the A Main he ended the night in second. Channell, Oriti, and Goerz made the top five.
The Modifieds hit the track at full throttle as Larry Kugel, Rory Reed, Randy Gray, Kevin Morehouse, and Kyle Brown waged their own battles, up front Allan Baker and Jess Hartman stole the show. This pair ran side by side in every corner only to see Hartman pull away on the straights. At the end Hartman claimed his third feature event on the season. Baker, Morehouse, Brown, and Tom Conley filled the top five. Andy Parks is chasing the Holmes Tire Mini Stock Championship and pretty much dominated a top notch field of racers. Dale Beckett was second while Mark Adkins finished third. Steve Miller and Terry Adkins completed the top five. The Mini Trucks came out in force tonight and gave the fans a very entertaining show with Jeff Funk making it 2 out of 3 feature wins on their season. Last weeks feature winner Tim Jensen took second from a strong running Bill Kutz. Rick Jensen and Chaz Odell making the top five.
It all begins again on July 14th at Hilltop Speedway in Millersburg Ohio as we present Kids Night and a $350 to win Holmes Tire Mini Stock Special. Gates open at 4:00 pm (an hour early) for childrens activities and games with prizes and bicycle give aways lasting all evening. Fans can also expect only the best Late Model, Modified, Pure Stock, Mini Stock, and Mini Truck racing available on a Friday night.
RESULTS
LATE MODELS:
Heat 1 - Rick Aukland, Chad Hina, Thomas Baker
Heat 2 - Eric Myers, Clint Coffman, Ty Myers
Dash - Corey Conley, Doug Drown, Ryan Markham, Mark Gardiner, Rocky Owens, J. R. Gentry
Feature - Drown, Conley, Markham, Gardiner, Gentry, Eric Myers, Owens, Aukland, Coffman, Hina, Ty Myers, Dave Hornikel, Thomas Baker, Wayne Maffett Jr., Blaine Aber, Trevor Phillips, Jeremy Gearhart, Jason Gallagher, Mike Enos, Hiram Baughman
PURE STOCKS:
Heat 1 - Brad Channell, Frank Oriti, Tom Fultz
Heat 2 - Donna Canode, Denny Shear, Dave Haven Sr.
Heat 3 - Brandon Gardner, Troy Anderson, Billy Goerz
Consy - Fred Snyder, Cody Smith, Steve Cunningham
Feature - Anderson, Snyder, Channell, Oriti, Goerz, Shear, Canode, Chad Craver, Fultz, Smith, Kyle Cline, Gardner, Haven Sr., Jeff Facemire, Paul Murray, Cunningham, Aaron Harris, Jason Rohr
MODIFIEDS:
Heat 1 - Larry Kugel, Matt Bee Aber, Pete Grove
Dash - Kevin Morehouse, Jess Hartman, Kyle Brown, Randy Gray, Allan Baker, Rory Reed
Feature - Hartman, Baker, Morehouse, Brown, Tom Conley, Kugel, Gray, Reed, Aber, Bruce Miller, Gary McGregor, Mark Enos, Tim Everhart, Pete Grove
MINI STOCKS:
Heat 1 - Dale Beckett Jr., Rick Maffett, Travis Gray
Heat 2 - Andy Parks, Terry Adkins, Cody Rinard
Heat 3 - Mark Adkins, Brian Dawson, Justin brown
Feature - Parks, Beckett, Mark Adkins, Steve Miller, Terry Adkins, Maffett, Rinard, Brown, Gray, Dawson, Ed Ray, Kevin Lint, Jerry Adkins, Ernest Fortune, Dee Adkins, Jeremy Hudson, Jeremy Madison, Rodney Lint
MINI TRUCKS:
Heat 1 - Bill Kutz, Tim Jensen, Jeff Funk
Feature - Funk, Jensen, Kutz, Rick Jensen, Chaz O'Dell, Tracey Mong, Gerald Pringle, Tiffany Combs, Scott Shaffer, Jesse Combs
Little Cars, Big Wins
by Ken Cunningham
Millersburg OH, June 30 - The All Star Midgets rolled into the scenic Holmes County hills and played to a full audience at Hilltop Speedway this Friday night and what this club lacked in numbers more than made up with enthusiasm and excitement. Matt Arrington and Lynn Ambrose put on a driving clinic with their ERC sponsored 1200 cc Yamaha powered midget racers. Ambrose claimed the first heat while Arrington swept his heat race, the Fast Dash, and the Feature event. Other notables included Kirk Jeffries who is originally from nearby Danville finishing third, USAC Silver Crown standout John Heydenrich claimed a top five finish, and 13 year old Jesse McCreary finished seventh. As a special treat, Elvis was on hand as honorary flagman and also performed several of "The Kings" legendary hits. The All Star Midgets return on August 4th for an encore performance.
Once again the Modifieds gave the fans a very exciting show as Kevin Morehouse passed Norm Aronhalt and Allan Baker to take the lead while Kyle Brown, Rory Reed, and Jess Hartman would also advance and challenge for the top spots. Under the checkers Baker and Aronhalt could only follow Morehouse across the line while Hartman and Reed filled the top five. Morehouse and Baker also won heats. Rice Excavating and Morehouse Logging helped make this feature win possible for the popular # 28 Kevin Morehouse race team.
Dad and Daughter racers Dave Haven Sr. and Donna Canode spotlighted the Pure Stock division as both would claim heat wins and start the main event side by side. At the drop of the green Donna left dad behind to lead all laps and claim her career first feature win. Chad Craver was coming on strong to challenge toward the end followed by Fred Snyder, Haven Sr., and Brandon Gardner to complete the top five. Donna is sponsored by Howard Hanna Real Estate, Service First Title Agency, and Pitt Stop Exhaust.
The race of the night had to go to the Mini Stocks, wide open and three wide it can be anyones race in this division. Tonight Dale Beckett Jr. stepped up to the plate and hit a home run against Hilltops tougest team of Mark and Terry Adkins. Terry chased Beckett around the high banks and when he couldn't get the pass done Mark moved ahead to challenge. A surprising twist occured when the hood blew open on Andy Parks EZ1 machine and he came to a stop on the track causing a yellow and was sent to the end of the line. The hard charging Parks then picked off cars one by one including both Adkins brothers but time ran out before he could run down Beckett. Beckett is sponsored by Holmes Tire, Beckett Auto Sales, The Bargain Shed, and TBS Carpet Outlet. In the final race of the night we saw Tim Jensen come from the tail to win the Mini Truck feature followed closely by Tiffany Combs in second, her career best to date.
Coming to Hilltop Speedway on Friday July 7 the Pure Stocks take center stage and compete for a $500 first place prize. The Late Models will also return along with Modifieds, Mini Stocks, and Mini Trucks competing for double points and the Mid Season Championship title.
RESULTS
All Star Midgets:
Heat 1 - Lynn Ambrose, Kirk Jeffries, John Heydenrich
Heat 2 - Matt Arrington, Jeff Detwiler, Jason Hyde
Dash - Arrington, Ambrose, Heydenrich
Feature - Arrington, Ambrose, Jeffries, Don Elking, Heydenrich, Herschel Wells, Jesse McCreary, Detwiler, Kevin Clark,
Dan Boger, Jason Hyde
Modifieds:
Heat 1 - Jess Hartman, Matt Aber, Gary McGregor
Heat 2 - Allan Baker, Norm Aronhalt, Kevin Morehouse
Feature - Morehouse, Baker, Aronhalt, Hartman, Rory Reed, Aber, Tim Everhart, McGregor, Tom Conley, Mark Enos, Kyle Brown,
Randy Gray, Scott Smith
Pure Stocks:
Heat 1 - Dave Haven Sr., Brandon Gardner, Denny Shear
Heat 2 - Donna Canode, Chad Craver, Tony Paynter
Feature: Canode, Craver, Fred Snyder, Haven Sr., Gardner, Shear, Paynter, Tom Fultz, John Sutherland, Jeff Facemire,
Cody Smith, Brock, Burcher, J. D. Fisher
Mini Stocks:
Heat 1 - Terry Adkins, Ed Ray, Cody Rinard
Heat 2 - Dale Beckett Jr., Brian Dawson, Andy Parks
Heat 3 - Justin Brown, Mark Adkins, Henry Britton
Feature - Beckett, Parks, Terry Adkins, Mark Adkins, Justin Brown, Brian Dawson, Cody Rinard, Rick Maffett, Travis Gray, Henry Britton, Jeremy Madison, Ron Walton, Jeff Dovenbarger, Kevin Lint, Dee Adkins, Jeff Jackson, Jeremy Hudson, Ed Ray
Mini Trucks:
1st Heat - Tim Jensen, Tiffany Combs, Rick Jensen
Feature - Tim Jensen, Combs, Dale Mong, Rick Jensen, Scott Shaffer
Markham and Hartman Take Seconds
by Ken Cunningham
Millersburg Ohio - June 25 - Good fortune smiled on "Flyin" Ryan Markham of Ashland and Jess Hartman of Zanesville after they collected their second consecutive feature wins at Hilltop Speedway. Markham powered his Late Model from fifth in the starting grid into the lead over Eric Myers as laps counted down. Jess Hartman fought off the advances of Norm Aronhalt and Kyle Brown the entire event to claim the Modified feature event. Both drivers scored feature wins at Hilltop last week. Also claiming first place monies during this Sunday afternoon event were Brad Channell in the Pure Stocks, Mark Adkins in the Mini Stocks, and Jeff Funk in the new Mini Truck division.
With 26 Late Models checked in Scott Peltz set fast time and a new track record while the following heats went to Corey Conley and Doug Drown. Eric Myers claimed the pole starting position by winning the fast dash but was somewhat unsure about what his new MastersBuilt car was capable of but gained a lot of confidence as he shot into the lead when the green flag dropped on the feature event. Within three laps Myers was stretching his lead over Thomas Baker and Mark Gardiner but a yellow flag soon waved with Doug Drown charged the penalty and tightened the field. One lap after the restart Baker slipped in turn two and joined Drown on the tail. Green flag racing resumed with Myers , Gardiner, Conley, Charlie Duncan, and Markham the top five but Conley lost power and retired from competition just as several cars stacked up in turn two, this time the judgement going against Clint Coffman. That would be the final caution only now Myers had Markham right on his tail followed by Gardiner and a hard charging J.R. Gentry, up from 12th. After suffering damage in a previous pileup hard charger Eric Smitley had advanced 11 positions to pass Dave Hornikel for fifth. Up front Myers and Markham ran side by side for several laps before the 5m finally cleared the CRM Colored Mulch machine of Myers for good on lap seventeen. As the race neared the end Drown had rebounded to hound both Smitley and Gentry as Rocky Owens also picked off cars one by one to join the frontrunners. Under the checkers it was Markham first with Mark Gardiner overtaking Myers by inches for second followed by Gentry, Smitley, Drown and Owens in seventh. Filling the top ten were Duncan, Hornikel, and Coffman. In Victory Lane Markham replied " These are my best friends right behind me tonight, any one of us could have won this race and I think we gave the fans a great show tonight !"
Although Jess Hartman lead the distance for the second week in a row, the Modified feature event was every bit as exciting. Kyle Brown stayed within striking distance of Hartman and would often pull alongside but could never complete the pass by running the low groove. Norm Aronhalt was running flat out along the high side sometimes bouncing off the the guardrail and kept constant pressure on both. The field was thinned when Rory Reed pulled of with broken steering, Tom Conley an untimely flat tire, and a front stretch crash that left Chrish Basich and Justin Morey unhurt but stacked on top of each other and out of the competition. Under the checkers it was Hartman, Brown, Aronhalt, Kevin Morehouse, and Randy Gray the top five. Not to be outdone an impressive field of Pure Stocks rolled onto the track next led by Travis Mensching and Brad Channell and the action quickly became fast and furious. An early accident occured when Todd Werntz put his incredible '57 Chevy sideways in front of the pack and was T-Boned by Tim Myers Fine '55 Chevy. Werntz continued but Myers was out with a spilled radiator. Mensching and Channell were joined by Troy Anderson and Donna Canode to make it a 4 way battle up front with the race decided under the flagstand and a surprised Channell pulled into Victory Lane. " Going into the final corner I was going to be happy with third. Just luck I picked the right line to beat these guys".
It was once again a pair of Adkins up front in the Holmes Tire Mini Stock feature only this time separated by a Honda driven by Travis Gray for much of the race. Andy Parks recovered from a bad start to chase down the front runners and eventually overtake Gray for third but it was Mark Adkins this weeks winner followed by Terry Adkins, Parks, Gray and Justin Brown the top five. Making their debut at Hilltop Speedway were eleven Mini Trucks. After leading several laps Brandon Craver was chased down and passed for the lead and win by Jeff Funk. Filling the top five were Tim Jensen, Jesse Combs, and Rick Jensen. All of tonights feature winners were presented trophys for their efforts by the Reverend and Mrs Reed, Hilltop Speedways official track chaplains.
The All Star Midgets featuring Johnny Heydenreich take center stage at Hilltop Speedway in Millersburg Ohio next Friday night along with Open Wheel Modifieds, Pure Stocks, and the Holmes Tire Mini Stocks. Although the Late Models have the night off they will return the following week for Mid Season Championships along with all regular divisions. This event will be for double points.
RESULTS
Late Models:
1st Heat - Corey Conley, Charlie Duncan, Rick Armstrong
2nd Heat - Doug Drown, Dave Hornikel, J. R. Gentry
Dash - Eric Myers, Mark Gardiner, Thomas Baker, Scott Peltz, Ryan Markham, Rocky Owens
Feature - Markham, Gardiner, Eric Myers, Gentry, Eric Smitley, Drown, Owens, Duncan, Hornikel, Clint Coffman, Brad Malcuit, Ty Myers, Armstrong, Baker, Randy Scott, Conley, George Lee, Peltz
Modifeds:
1st Heat - Kevin Morehouse, Randy Gray, Rory Reed
2nd Heat - Davis Carter, Larry Kugel, Matt Bee Aber
Dash - Norm Aronhalt, Jess Hartman, Kyle Brown, Tom Conley, Chris Basich, David Hittle
Feature - Hartman, Brown, Aronhalt, Morehouse, Gray, Kugel, Jesse Wisecarver, Carter, Aber, Mark Enos, Keith Tish, Rory Reed, Bob Sims, Conley, Justin Morey, Basich, Hittle, Gary McGregor
Pure Stocks:
1st Heat - Travis Mensching, Chad Craver, Verne Siegrist
2nd Heat - Brad Channell, Dave haven Sr., John Swinehart
3rd Heat - Troy Anderson, Donna Canode, Randy Nisley
Feature - Channell, Mensching, Anderson, Canode, Haven, Craver, Nisley, Siegrist, Swinehart, Denny Shear, Fred Snyder,
Don Baney, Mike Griner, Tom Fultz, Todd Werntz, Haven, Aaron Harris, Tim Myers
Holmes Tire Mini Stocks:
1st Heat - Travis Gray, Justin Brown, Jerry Adkins
2nd Heat - Andy Parks, Mark Adkins, Rick Maffett
3rd Heat - Terry Adkins, Ed Ray, Brad Hensel
Feature - Mark Adkins, Terry Adkins, Parks, Gray Brown, Steve Miller, Jerry Adkins, Hensel, Maffett, Ray, Neil Nisley, Roger Hunt,
Rodney Lint, Brian Dawson, Matt Searls, Kevin Lint, Jeremy Lucas, Sean Rush
Mini Trucks:
1st Heat - Brandon Craver, Jesse Combs, Tom Garlick
2nd Heat - Tim Jensen, Scott Shafer, Dale Mong
Feature - Jeff Funk, Craver, Jensen, Combs, Rick Jensen, Shafer, Mong, Garlick, Tiffany Combs
Hartman First to the Hilltop
by Ken Cunningham
Millersburg Oh. June 16 - Jess Hartmans third visit to Hilltop Speedway worked like a charm as he lead the distance to capture Friday nights Modified Mayhem featured event. Many came from behind to challenge, but all were turned away during the 25 lap race at the Holmes County dirt oval. A few yellow flags kept a field of twenty cars racing close. Early action saw Kevin Morehouse giving chase to Hartman while Dave Liles and Norm Aronhalt bounced off each other for third which gave seventh starter Allan Baker an opportunity to close in. With just a moment for drivers and fans to catch their breath, yellows for broken driveshafts and suspension parts would eliminate Eric Smitley and Liles from action. Under the green Morehouse could sometimes pull alongside Hartman but was most often busy trying to hold off Baker and Aronhalt while further back Kyle Brown, Tom Conley, and Rory Reed were waging their own war. A yellow flag waved as Took Wiles stopped on the track missing his front tire and Brown retired infield with mechanical woes. When action resumed it was Hartman hard on the gas with Aronhalt, Morehouse, Baker, and Larry Kugel under a blanket in turn four. At the checkered flag it was Aronhalt pressuring Hartman for the lead, Baker and Morehouse back and forth, and
Kugel trying for both. Hartman is sponsored by EBT Construction, Harpers Auto Body, Go Clean Cleaners, and has a lot of
great fans who really enjoyed the show.
A walk thru the pits and seeing the Late Model teams prepare for action gave a sure hint this was going to be a hard earned win and one that would go to who wanted it the most. Ryan Markham was there and in desparate need of a win, fast qualifier Thomas Baker tasted victory in last weeks Limited class now wanting more, Eric Myers who fired off some incredible laps during his heat race, and there's more, over the high banked corner rolled Dash winner Ty Myers alongside Markham to complete the front row. Mark Gardiner and Thomas Baker right behind and both on their game and when the green flag dropped they all wanted to lead the first lap of 25, somehow Baker got out front. Further back and already three wide Scott Peltz, Eric Myers, and Clint Coffman wages their own battle as Markham stepped in front of Baker. It seemed to take no time at all before the front half of the field caught the back half of the field and three distinct groups of front runners sliced and diced through traffic. In one swoop Eric Myers passed lapped cars as well as
Scott Peltz and Ty Myers. A collision in turn two involves Jeff Gress and Blaine Aber, and eliminates Keith Berner. Quickly back to green and at a frantic pace Markham and Baker were neck and neck as Eric Myers overtakes Gardiner and a three way battle still between Peltz, Coffman, and Ty Myers. Fast approaching Norm Aronhalt and Eric Smitley also close behind with one mistake and it could be anybodys race but these professionals would have none of that. Markham won a deserving race with help from
Dor Lo Pizza, Stu's Place, Advance Cylinder, Innovative Graphics, and Biscottis Restaurant.
As soon as the Holmes Tire Mini Stocks were turned loose the action got red hot when Don Lehman got turned sideways in front of the entire pack and miraculously never got wrecked. That situation was quickly settled and the great racing that Hilltop Speedway is becoming well known for soon followed. Team work prevailed as Team EZ 1 split the Adkins Family Racing with Terry Adkins first, EZ1 Andy Parks second, Mark Adkins third, EZ3 driven by Chaney Beagle fourth, and captain of Team Ogle, Tom Ogle fifth.
Fred Snyders three race win streak came to an end when his Ford Thunderbird cut down a tire while leading the event.
The bright green and yellow metalflake # 79 Chevy Camaro of Verne Siegrist was challenging for the lead and was relieved when Snyder retired from action, carrying on to claim a career first Pure Stock Feature Win.
His dad in attendance this victory was the perfect Fathers Day gift.
RESULTS:
MODIFIEDS
1st Heat - Allan Baker, Larry Kugel, Tom Conley
2nd Heat - Jesse Wisecarver, Kevin Morehouse, Dave Liles
Dash - Jess Hartman, Kevin Morehouse, Dave Liles, Norm Aronhalt, Kyle Brown, Eric Smitley
FEATURE - Jess Hartman, Norm Aronhalt, Allan Baker, Kevin Morehouse, Larry Kugel, Tom Conley, Jesse Wisecarver,
Rory Reed, Brandon Morrow, Matt Bee Aber, Jason Graham, Ernie Scott, Gary McGregor, Kyle Brown, Took Wiles,
Scott Smith, Dave Liles, Tim Everhart, Justin Morey, Eric Smitley
LATE MODELS
Fast Qualifyer -Thomas Baker @ 15.269
1st Heat - Norm Aronhalt, Clint Coffman, Keith Berner
2nd Heat - Eric Myers, Blaine Aber, Eric Smitley
Dash - Ty Myers, Ryan Markham, Mark Gardiner, Thomas Baker, Scott Peltz, Rocky Owens
Consolation - Larry Smith, Chuck Russell, Josh McMorrow, Kelly Kaufman
FEATURE - Ryan Markham, Baker, Eric Myers, Gardiner, Peltz, Coffman, Ty Myers, Aronhalt, Smitley, Owens,
Aber, Jeff Gress, Smith, Berner, Kaufman, Wes Morrison, McMorrow, Russell
HOLMES TIRE MINI STOCKS
1st Heat - Ed Ray, Mark Adkins, Dee Adkins
2nd Heat - Jason St. John, Andy Parks, Tom Ogle
3rd. Heat - Don Lehman, Terry Adkins, Stan White
FEATURE - Terry Adkins, Parks, Mark Adkins, Chaney Beagle, Ogel, Rick Maffett, Jeremy Lucas, Jason Rowe,
Chad Young, Dee Adkins, Charlie Ray, Jerry Adkins, Willard Yarnell, Josh Morrow, Ed Ray, Stan White, Lehman, St. John
PURE STOCKS
1st Heat - Fred Snyder, Todd Swim, Denny Shear
2nd Heat - Tim Myers, Donna Canode, Dave Haven Sr.
FEATURE - Verne Siegrist, Canode, Haven, Shaun Cains, Snyder, Brian Lillibridge, Aaron Harris, Tom Fultz, Cody Smith,
Bob Chilcote, Kenny Duncan, Denny Shear, Tim Myers, Todd Swim, Keith Tish
Conley and Baker in Hilltop Doubleheader
by Ken Cunningham
MILLERSBURG, OH - June 9
Hilltop Speedway assembled an action packed night of full fendered racing and with $1200 up for grabs it was the Super Late Models who recieved top billing and big bucks attracted many quality machines. Running for a $700 winners take the Limited Late Models were second billed but gave the packed grandstands a first class show. It wouldn't be a complete show without Pure Stocks and Mini Stocks as these two divisions always perform and entertain with wide open non stop action. What a great bunch of hard core racers.
Qualifying was the first order of business and with any new speedway the track records will be broken but an unusual circumstance arose when two names were added to the Late Model record books. Rick Aukland and Rick Bond both blistered the 5/16ths mile oval turning in identical times of 14.976 seconds.
Two intense heats and a fast dash followed with last lap position changes in all. DJ Cline won the first heat followed by Clint Coffman while Norm Aronhalt came back from an early tangle to nip Dave Hornikel for third.
Scott Peltz took command of the second heat with the real battle between J.R. Gentry and Blaine Aber both racing for third. Under the white flag this duo caught second running Charlie Duncan and by checkers a blanket finish saw Peltz first, Gentry second, Duncan third, and Aber the final fourth. The fast dash had its share of thrills and spills with Corey Conley under the checkers first followed by Rick Bond and Eric Myers finishing third after his car was tossed airborne during a run in with Randy Scott.
Thomas Bakers night got off to a great start after a heated battle with Eric Smitley for the first Limited heat win. Charlie Duncan cruised to victory in the second heat followed by the # 02 machine wheeled by Kristen Flory. Pure Stock heats were won by Fred Snyder and Frank Oriti while Terry and Mark Adkins made it a family affair by winning the two Mini Stock heats.
Excitement filled the air as the main event rolled onto the track paced by Rick Bond outside of polesitter Corey Conley and a top quality field of Late Models behind. At the drop of the green it was obvious Conley was on his game and immediately moved out front. All eyes moved to Ryan Markham and Rick Aukland as the two raced side by side until a caution waved for Scott Peltz, Charlie Duncan, and Blaine Aber all blocking turn 2. Peltz retired from action and green flag racing resumed with Dave Hornikel, Norm Aronhalt, and Rick Armstrong racing three wide when a rare slip by Markham brought out another yellow. The field quickly reassembled with the 5m on the tail and racing continued, in no time at all Markham was once again 3 wide making forward progress. With Conley firmly in the lead Eric Myers challenged Rick Bond on the inside and took the second position which cleared a path for D.J. Cline who followed Myers through. The action mid pack every bit as exciting when Clint Coffman turned up the wick overtaking Aukland, then Cline, and before the white flag passing Myers for the second spot. It may have been a different ending if there were one more lap, but Corey Conley was not to be denied a big Hilltop Speedway feature win. Corey Conley, Clint Coffman, Eric Myers,
Rick Aukland, and D. J. Cline the final top five.
Just as the dust began to settle the Limited Lates rolled over the hill and proceeded to add a chapter to this barn burning tale. The green flag waved and Thomas Baker stood on the gas leading the first lap from his number one starting spot. Millersburgs own Charlie Duncan then powered around Baker to lead up until the half way point. Hungry for a win Baker pulled alongside Duncan to challenge and the pair constantly traded high for low and lead for not. Eric Smitley trailed close behind enjoying the show when Duncan became trapped behind a lapped car allowing Smitley to take advantage and into second. More lapped traffic and a last lap caution provided tense moments for Baker but he held on for the win trailed by Smitley and Duncan. Kristen Flory and Bruce Takach filled the top five.
For the third time Fred Snyder roared his #7 Ford Taurus into victory lane over the hard charging team of Dave Haven and Donna Conode. Frank Oriti paid Hilltop a first ever visit in front of Tim Myers and his Fine '55 filling the top 5. The Mini Stock feature rolled along at a very fast pace and saw Mark Adkins and Terry Adkins battle the entire event to see which family member was the fastest. Both would often slide along the corner guardrails but neither would lift, at the checkers the elder Mark Adkins was first. Cody Rinard kept his distance from the family fued to finish third. Next were Rick Maffett and Dee Adkins completing the top five.
Next week at Hilltop Speedway it will be Modified Mayhem with $700 going to the winner. Late Models, Pure Stocks, and Mini Stocks complete the Friday night program. Please join us at Hilltop Speedway where "Action is the Attraction"
RESULTS :
Late Models
Dash - Corey Conley, Rick Bond, Eric Myers, Rick Aukland, Ryan Markham, Randy Scott
1st Heat - D. J. Cline, Clint Coffman, Norm Aronhalt
2nd Heat - Scott Peltz, J. R. Gentry, Charlie Duncan
Feature - Conley, Coffman, Myers, Aukland, Cline, Bond, Aronhalt, Markham, Dave Hornikel Andy Parson,
Blaine Aber, Ty Myers, Gary Curtis, Brandon Russell, Rick Armstrong, Duncan, Scott, Peltz
Ltd. Late Models
1st Heat - Thomas Baker, Eric Smitley, Bruce Takach
2nd Heat - Charlie Duncan, Kristen Flory, Dave Bucher
Feature - Baker, Smitley, Duncan, Flory, Takach, Jerry Adkins, Benny Lester, Bill Clapp Jr., Ryan Eddleblute, Terry Adkins, Mike Graber, Josh McMorrow, Hans Gross, Mike Curry, Dave Bucher - d.n.s.
Pure Stocks
1st Heat - Fred Snyder, Dave Haven Sr., Tim Myers
2nd Heat - Frank Oriti, Donna Conode, Tom Fultz
Feature - Snyder, Haven, Conode, Oriti, Myers, Denny Shear, Fultz, Cody Smith, Kevin Sharier,
Raymond Hixon, Bryan Baker
Mini Stocks
1st Heat - Terry Adkins, Cody rinard, Andy Parks
2nd Heat - Mark Adkins, Jason Rowe, Derek Peley
Feature - M. Adkins, T. Adkins, Rinard, Rick Maffett, Dee Adkins, Penley, Parks, Jeremy Hudson, Ryan Abel, Delbert LaRue, Mark Searls, Mitch Reichard, Dave Sampsel, Jim Hudson, Bryan Baker, Rowe
Clark Claims Sprint Win as Aukland Double$ Up at Hilltop
June 4, 2006 Millersburg Ohio
by Ken Cunningham
Hilltop Speedway opened to a full house Sunday afternoon after rain washed out their regular Friday night show but a quick shower just as hot laps were to begin had everyone wondering if we would get to race. The track was run in and the afternoon turned surprisingly beautiful with two top notch headline divisions and three support classes ready for action.
Open competition Sprint Cars were up first with Jamie Martin and Jason Dolick claiming heat wins. Three Late Model heats and a consy saw Rick Aukland, Rick Bond, Clint Coffman, and Mark Gardiner claim wins while Aukland and Norm Aronholt won the Modified heats. Brad Channell and last weeks feature winner Fred Snyder won the Pure Stock heats while Andy Parks and Terry Adkins scored Mini Stock wins. This set the stage for a heads up feature lineup and very exciting races to come.
Fans were thrilled to see Sprint Cars compete once again at Holmes County, home to many current and former Sprint Car stars and the large crowd were on their feet as Martin and Dolick brought the field to green. Starting outside second row eventual winner Bobby Clark found the traction he needed at the start and wheelied his Pepsi sponsored J & J sprinter off the corner and down the front chute. A few minor spins followed before Millersburg native Rob Chaney mounted a charge to the front but drove into turn two hard coming into contact with Jamie Martin and Aaron Middaugh eliminating himself and any chance of winning in front of a home town crowd. At the half way point Clark was in control of the race with Dolic, Lee Jacobs, and Jac Neville in pursuit, While Dolic could pull alongside Clark to challenge there was no stopping the golden # 8 of Clark who won the 25 lap event and $2,000 prize money. Sprint racing returns for a second date on September 8th.
The Late Model feature saw polesitter Rick Aukland and Rick Bond race side by side for several laps after the green flag waved while Ryan Markham watched from third for either to make a mistake. When Clint Coffman advanced enough to show Markham a fender he decided it was time to go and a three way battle formed all gunning for the second place spot with Markham, Coffman, and Bond now the order after Aukland. In a battle of their own, D. J. Cline and J. R. Gentry closed in on the lead pack with Cline also getting around Bond before the checkers.
The Modified feature saw its share of action as Norm Aronholt could catch but never quite pull off a pass on Aukland. Jess Hartman, Tom Moore, and Larry Kugel put a show of their own on and caught the leaders before the checkers fell but that is how they finished. Aukland has won every heat and feature that he has entered to date at Hilltop. Pure Stock and Mini Stock saw Fred Snyder and Andy Parks as a repeat winners to very action packed feature events.
Next week at Hilltop Speedway in Millersburg Ohio the Late Models have been added to the schedule and will race for $1200 first place money. Limited Late Models will run their own feature with Lakeville rules. Also Pure Stocks, and Mini Stocks complete the program.
Results-
Sprints:
1st Heat - Jamie Martin, Aaron Middaugh, Lee Jacobs
2nd Heat - Jason Dolick, Jac Neville, Bobby Clark
Feature - Clark, Dolick, Bryan Grove, Jody Keegan, Neville, Richard Levingston, Tim Hunter, Jacobs, Bill Ault, Martin, Middaugh, Rob Chaney, Bill Underwood, Nick Patterson, Chris McCombs, Troy Kingan -d.n.s.
Late Models:
1st Heat - Rick Aukland, Ryan Markham, Wes Morrison
2nd Heat - Rick Bond, Mike Marteney, Jeff Gress
3rd Heat - Clint Coffman, D. J. Cline, J. R. Gentry
Consy - Mark Gardiner, George Lee, Bruce Takach
Feature - Aukland, Markham, Coffman, Cline, Bond, Gentry, Charlie Duncan, Marteney, Eric Myers, Morrison, Lee, Gardiner, Ty Myers, Gress, Takach
Modifieds:
1st Heat:- Aukland, Jesse Wisecarver, Randy Gray
2nd Heat - Norm Aronhalt, Tom Moore, Jess Hartman
Feature - Aukland, Aronhalt, Hartman, Moore, Larry Kugel, Wisecarver, Kevin Morehouse, Anthony Kinkade, Gray, Rory Reed, Eric Smitley, Nick Smith, Jason Graham, Gary McGregor, Steve Saylor, Mike Provanka, Vernon Mardis
Pure Stocks:
1st Heat - Brad Channell, Donna Canode, Hiram Bachman
2nd Heat - Fred Snyder, Todd Werntz, Travis Mensching
Feature - Snyder, Tim Myers, Canode, Mensching, Werntz, Verne Siegrist, Don Baney Jr., Denny Shear, Paul McVicker, Bill Goerz, Chad Craver, Aaron Harris, Bachman, Channell, Dave Haven Jr., Kyle Cline, Tom Fultz, John Weller
Mini Stocks:
1st Heat - Terry Adkins, Brian Dawson, Jerry Adkins
2nd Heat - Andy Parks, Justin Brown, Cody Rinard
Feature - Parks, T. Adkins, Dawson, Rinard, Rick Maffett, J. Adkins, Sonny Hall, Travis Gray, Dee Adkins, Mark Adkins, Jeremy Madison, Mark Searls, Brown, John Gardner, Pat Stober, Delbert LaRue, Stan White, Jeremy Lucas
A Night For The Record Books
5/26/06 Millersburg Ohio
by Ken Cunningham
Drivers and fans were greeted by prisitine track conditions when they rolled into Hilltop Speedway this Friday evening but a suddden downpour quickly buried a weeks worth of preparation below a layer of muck.
With persistent and threatening weather conditions partly responsible for lower than average fan and driver attendance along with a ruined racing surface most speedways would throw in the towell. "We worked too hard this week not to see a race. I have a priority set to get a race in on time but we dont have a curfew and I dont care if we're all here till six in the morning. We are gonna race."
It soon became apparent the task at hand was too much for the tracks run in vehicles and the heavy artillery was called in, the large six wheeled grader up first to the challenge but could not muster the traction needed to move the wet heavy clay. With guidance from Ed Fredericks a large bulldozer was called upon and after a few passes the track was soon ready for a more conventional run in. The Mini Stocks were first to take to the track and circled the slick surface often completely sideways followed by Modifieds, Pure Stocks, and even the Late Models pitched in to help get the track into shape.
The Late Models wide tires were exactly what was needed and by 10:30 pm the first Late Model heat rolled out onto a smooth and super tacky race track much to the liking of Blaine Aber as he claimed the first win from the tail. Next taking checkers were Doug Drown and D.J. Miller in Late Models, Kevin Morehouse and Allan Baker in the Modified division, Tim Myers and Denny Shear driving Pure Stocks, followed by Mini Stock racers Rick Maffett and Andy Parks. The heats ran very quickly so a short intermission followed to allow drivers time to prepare their cars.
Anticipation and excitement filled the air as the Late Model feature lineup rolled out of the pits and over the high banked corner with Blaine Aber and Doug Drown filling the front row of seventeen starters. At the drop of the green Drown let his Rocket fly taking the lead before the first corner with Aber and DJ Miller in tow but the action was short lived as both spins and broken driveshafts would bring out the yellow. Another short green flag run when Charleston West Virginia driver Travis Brookover slipped sideways and collected both Josh McMorrow and Jeff Wright. As racing resumed Miller turned up the heat to pressure Aber for the second spot but lost his grip in turn 3 for another caution and sent to the tail. As the field realigned hometown favorite Charlie Duncans machine came to a stop on the track and required a lift pitside. On this restart Drown and Aber were still one and two but now with Ryan Markham in the hunt he quickly disposed of Aber and set his sights on Drown. The duo constantly exchanged the lead lap after lap as Aber enjoyed a front seat view to this show. Racing from the tail a hard charging Miller picked off cars one by one to eventually catch Aber once again but time ran out before he could advance further. Two consecutive yellows slowed the action but not the excitment as Drown and Markham picked up right where they left off. At the white flag Markham gave Drown his best shot and momentarily pulled into the lead but a banzai move by Drown high off the turn four cushion propelled the # 12d machine into the lead for good. All smiles and still feeling the effects of an adrenaline rush Drown exclaimed, " Racing with Markham like that, that's the most fun I've ever had! "
Kevin Morehouse and Allan Baker lead the Modified field onto the track and after one false start Baker of Massillon Ohio immediately powered his homebuilt # 99 into the lead and on to a non stop green to checkers feature win. Morehouse kept the pressure on but settled for second. Close behind a serious battle took place between Larry Kugel and Kyle Brown who finished in that order followed by fifth place finisher Rory Reed.
At the start of the Pure Stock feature Fred Snyder jumped into the lead but lost power in the first corner forcing a restart and his #7 Ford sent to the tail. When racing resumed we saw a fierce 3 way battle for the lead between Tim Myers, Denny Shear, and Paul McVickers. Myers took control and stretched his lead into what seemed to be a sure win but the Fine 55 cornered just a little too low passing a lapped car clipping a large mud clump and spun. This set the stage for a side by side shootout between Shear and Snyder with Snyder taking the win. Parked in victory lane Snyder stated, " This is just great, my dad won a lot of races here and was the Hilltop Track Champion back in 1968. Now I've got a win here".
The Mini Stocks finished the night off with another non stop event as Rick Maffett and Andy Parks fought back and forth most of the race before Maffett slipped up and fell back giving Dale Beckett his point. Hard charging Jeremy Lucas worked his way up from his ninth starting spot to challenge Beckett for the second while Ed Ray and Maffett filled the top 5.
This night would not have been possible without the help of Ken and Dustin Hosteter of Diversified Services who have been helping at Hilltop since day one. Fantastic job on that race track !
Late Models :
Doug Drown, Ryan Markham, Blaine Aber, D. J. Miller, J. R. Gentry, Eric Smitley, Mark Gardiner, Ty Myers, Charlie Duncan, Andy Fike, Michael Stiltner, Josh McMorrow, Jeff Wright, Travis Brookover, Jim Gentry, Tracey Fritter, Mike Stiltner, Mike Graber - d.n.s.
Modifieds :
Allan Baker, Kevin Morehouse, Larry Kugel, Kyle Brown, Rory Reed, Steve Saylor, Gary McGregor,
Rick Wolford.
Pure Stock :
Fred Snyder, Denny Shear, Paul McVicker, Tim Myers, Tom Wilson, Jim Weller, Raymond Hickson,
Dave Haven, Scott Carpenter - d.n.s.
Mini Stocks :
Andy Parks, Dale Beckett , Jeremy Lucas, Ed Ray, Rick Maffett, Jerry Adkins, Brian Dawson, James Hyre, Dave Sampsel, Delbert LaRue, Matt Brady, Jesse Baker, Jeff Dovenbarger,
Henry Britton - d.n.s. Jeremy Madison - d.n.s.
Successful Opening Night at Hilltop
5 / 21 / 06 Millersburg Ohio
by Ken Cunningham
Weeks of rain may have slowed progress but never once have the spirits been dampened at Hilltop Speedway. A Friday rainout hastened a spur of the moment but highly successful Sunday afternoon meet that drew hundreds of anxious spectators and almost 90 race cars all playing an important role in an historic occasion. For the first time in over three decades green flags waved and the sound of high performance dirt cars roared over the hillside. Racing is back at Hilltop Speedway.
The racing program ran at a rapid pace and never missed a beat as the evening progressed as an experienced and dedicated staff has been employed, the only problem to surface was the racing surface itself and Hilltop Speedway must sincerely apologize. It would be easy to blame weather conditions and other factors but simply put, these are factors we must stay on top of. Despite rough conditions there were few complaints from the competitors in all four divisions and all raced their hearts out to give the fans a great show.
The evening got underway when legendary flagmen Earl and Ed Fredericks waved the green flag over the Limited Late Model division, the first checkered flag in 30 years fell for the number 91 of Ray Leslie. Also taking Limited Late heat wins were Terry Hinkle and Dave Bucher. Three full heats of Modifieds saw Rick Aukland, Kyle Brown, and Barry Jacobs claiming wins. The Mini Stock division provided non stop thrills as they ran flat out and high flying over the rough terrain, Andy Parks, Brian Dawson, Jerry Adkins, and Ed Ray were logged in the record books as heat winners with Travis Mensching and Chad Craver claiming Pure Stock heat wins.
A short intermission took place as the race track was groomed for more action, first up once again were the Limited Late Models and Brad Goff held off Millersburgs own Charlie Duncan to claim the very first feature win at the new Hilltop Speedway. " The tracks a little rough but they worked hard to keep up with it and they worked hard just to get it open this week. Hilltop is just a diamond in the rough tonight and it'll come around. It means a lot to me to win the first race here, my dad won races here years ago. "reported Goff, Duncan held on for second while Tom Johnson finished third.
The nights most highly anticipated race did not dissapoint. Rick Aukland brought the field to the green flag from his pole starting position and turned away all challengers in a flag to flag victory. Behind the number 1 Huff Chassis of Aukland there was action aplenty. Kyle Brown pressured Aukland in the early stages but fell of with mechanical woes, then Barry Jacobs took up the chase while also fighting off the advances of Took Wiles, Jess Hartman, and Larry Kugel. After the dust settled it was Aukland the clear winner followed by Jacobs, Kugel, Rory Reed, then Hartman. Aukland stated in Victory Lane, " There may be a few holes to fill in but this place has a lot of potential. We had a lot of fun tonight and it can only get better".
It came as no surprise that the Mini Stocks provided the evenings most exciting show. Andy Parks started this race on the pole behind the wheel of his EZ 1 machine but competition and conditions got the better of this pro by race end. The entire race was once again wheels up and three wide and nearly caution free, the yellow flag fell right after the white forcing a one lap shootout. At the checkered flag it was Terry Adkins first, followed by Ed Ray, Dale Beckett, Mark Adkins, Brian Dawson, then Parks.
To close the evenings events it seemed only fitting that a vintage looking 1955 Chevy stock car driven by Tim Myers would take the Pure Stock win. It didnt happen without a fight as a hard charging Travis Mensching gave his all but came up one spot short. Chad Craver followed up in third ahead of Brad Channell and Billy Goerz.
While not perfect, a very enjoyable Sunday afternoon spent watching the best racers in the business. Please join us this Friday night May 26 as we present Modifieds, SUPER LATE MODELS, Pure Stocks, and Mini Stocks for a full program of non stop excitement. Hilltop Speedway cant thank the racers enough for the great show they gave us last Sunday afternoon and being a part of history in the making. Also a special thank you goes to Jerry Snyder of American Payroll Advance for providing his tow vehicle, "Pusher", and all the fans who came out on short notice to support us.
Limiteds:
1st Heat - Ray Leslie, Brad Goff, Tom Johnson,
2nd Heat - Terry Hinkle, Terry Adkins, Mark Adkins
3rd Heat - Dave Bucher, Eric Smitley, Josh McMorrow
Feature - Brad Goff, Charlie Duncan, Johnson, S Takach, Hinkle, T Adkins, Jerry Adkins, Ted Johnson Sr., Mark Adkins, Leslie,
Modifieds:
1st Heat - Rick Aukland, Anthony Kincaid, Daryl Mayer,
2nd Heat - Kyle Brown, Kyle Cline, Norm Aronhalt
3rd Heat - Barry Jacobs, Eric Smitley, Larry Kugel
Feature - Aukland, Jacobs, Kugel, Rory Reed, Jess Hartman, Smitley, Mayer, Gary McGregor, J. E. Stalder, Cline, Kevin Morehouse, Took Wiles, Anthony Kincade, Kyle Brown, Brandon Morrow, Aronhalt, Sam Lovejoy, Scott Smith, Dave Lyle, Bruce Miller
Mini Stocks:
1st Heat - Andy Parks, Willie Coblentz, Justin Brown
2nd Heat - Brian Dawson, Ernest Fortune, Mike Snyder
3rd Heat - Mark Adkins, Dale Beckett, Jesse Bateman
4th Heat - Ed Ray, Jeremy Lucas, Brad Hensel
Feature - Terry Adkins, Ray, Beckett, M Adkins, Dawson, Parks, Fortune, Jason St. John, Jeremy Madison, Snyder, Hensel, Jason Theil, Tim Jenson, John Howell, Jess Baker, Coblentz, Lucas
Pure Stocks:
1st Heat - Travis Mensching, Bill Goerz, Denny Shearer
2nd Heat - Chad Craver, Tim Myers, Cody Smith
Feature - Tim Myers, Mensching, Craver, Brad Channell, Goerz, Shearer, Jeff Facemyer, Brandon Gardner, Cody Smith, Zach Medley, John Hatfield.