Clinton County Champions Crowned

By Kenny Varner Jr.
- Tweet
- Pin It
Updated: January 29, 2019

For Immediate Release:

January 27, 2019

Lock Haven, PA- Clinton County Motor Speedway closed out the 2018 racing season crowning champions before an appreciative group of racers, officials and fans.

The Red Eye Banquet Center in Flemington, PA hosted the crowd January 26. Attendees dined on a buffet meal with all the trimmings. Pro stock racer and DJ Kevin VanAmburg provided music. Master of Ceremonies, Craig Rutherford, was joined by Promoter Sam Ray and Race Director Steve Campbell for awards presentations.

Andrew Yoder was crowned the Limited Late Model champion over Jim Yoder. Yoder scored one feature win during the year. Jim Yoder recorded five victories at the 3/8^th mile oval. The pair indicate they plan to return for 2019 action. Mike Smith was honored for third place with Kevin Probst and Matt Cochran completing the top five. Sixth through tenth were one time winner John Myers, Gary Mellott, Joe Lusk, J.R. Toner and Tim Luben.

The 305 sprint car championship was claimed by Ken Duke who held a three point advantage over runner-up and one time winner Scott Lutz. Tyler Cochran took home third place honors followed by Dakota Schweikart and lone victor, Ryan Lynn. Sixth in points was Dale Schweikart followed Reed Thompson, feature winner by Kyle Ganoe and, Dave Guss Jr. Jeff Weaver and Ron Aurand finished in a tie for tenth spot.

Crowned pro stock champion was Tommy Dawson. Noah Jensen, a two time winner, finished second. Third in points was Tom Dawson followed by Al Rishel and Mike Bates. Kevin VanAmburg, (2 wins) AY Schilling,( 3wins) Danny Jensen, Chris Snyder and Brad Myers filled out the top ten.

The season champion in 600 micro sprint action was three time winner Jake Hummel. Runner up with two feature wins was Josh Beamer. Jeff Weaver was third followed by four time victor Garrett Bard. Jeff Gyuina was fifth. Bobby Sanso finished in the sixth spot with Jay Coder seventh. Dariek Humenay was eight with Paul Upson ninth. Derek Swartz was tenth.

Bobby Sanso took home the 270 micro sprint championship trophy collecting three wins in 2018. Jeff Weaver was the season high feature winner with six checkered flags. It wasn’t quite enough as Weaver finished runner-up. Denny Rinehimer was third with Skeetz Hockenbrock fourth. John Roberts was fifth. Young Timmy Bitner finished sixth followed by Jesse Sanso, Gary Keister, Troy Whitesel, and Shaun Musser.

The 4 cylinder stock car championship belongs to Tim Campbell. Adam Campbell finished second. John Bower, Tim Raup and Sam Creveling completed the top five.

Kevin VanAmburg was awarded the Sportsmanship Award for his good will as a racer and never ending assistance with efforts at the speedway. Middle School student Timmy Bitner earned Rookie Of The Year honors for his outstanding efforts in 270 micro sprint competition. Promoter Ray received a picture of all track champions cars, taken on the front stretch of the speedway, from track photographer Barry Lenhart/ AKA, “Slash”.

Ray and Campbell thanked all for their help as the pair work endlessly in their efforts returning the oval to excellence. The work continues during the off season as new clay has been added to the oval. Campbell indicates the final touches are being placed on the 2019 schedule which will be released shortly. Purse structures for all divisions are also under review.

An aggressive schedule of at least 22 race dates is currently planned, the first a practice session Friday April 5^th. The first five division program consisting of limited late models, 305 sprint cars, pro stocks, 600 & 270 micro sprints is set for April 12^th.

305 sprint car racers have a regular Friday nightstop for 2019 as 16 race dates are currently planned. 17 dates for the limited late models, pro stocks, 600 & 270 micro sprints are also on the card. The four cylinder stock cars will also have an increased presence as 12 race nights of action are lined up. The management’s intention is to give each regular weekly class one night of off per month in hope teams don’t become burned out.

Both Ray and Campbell discussed the need to move the track’s rebuilding process to the next level. Super late model racers and teams will see an increased presence with at least five shows currently planned. Campbell remains in discussion with two traveling series in an attempt to add their events this season at the fairgrounds facility. More details will be announced shortly.

Several folks made an important contribution to the speedway and banquet’s success. Red Eye Banquet center, arm of Goodwill Fire Company in nearby Flemington, PA and Mike Toner for his efforts with food. Gary Mellott, who helped prepare the hall for the night’s festivities. Track photographer Barry Lenhart, DJ Kevin VanAmburg, Scott Strouse of Strouse Electric Company, Bellefonte, PA and Denise Campbell for her efforts organizing the banquet and weekly work at the speedway. Ray also acknowledged all speedway employees for their help in rebuilding the Mackeyville oval.

Stay tuned to local media for updates on the 2019 race schedule at the Clinton County Motor Speedway. The track maintains a Facebook page and website at www.clintoncountymotorspeedway.com.