Skyline News

SCOTT CONOVER LEADS FROM GREEN TO CHECKED TO PICK UP HIS SECOND SPORTSMAN FEATURE OF THE SEASON

Saturday night’s racing program at the Skyline Raceway appeared to be in jeopardy as a thunderstorm passed, with high winds and hail before hot laps. Skyline officials chose to wait out the storm, requesting fans to vacate the grandstand to the safety of their vehicles. Once the rains stopped, track crews went to work to get the track back in racing shape. The result was a fast, tacky racing surface for the remainder of the night, which resumed after a one hour delay due to the weather.

Scott Conover earned his second victory of the season, as he picked up the win in the 25 lap Sportsman feature, which ran off without a caution flag. Conover started the feature event on the pole and wasted little time in seizing control of the event.
Conover immediately began to pull away from the pack as behind him a torrid battle for the runner-up position soon developed. As Skip Pickwick began to slip back a bit, Jim LaRock, Jim Howard, and Jim Sherman were all three battling hard for the runner-up position. By the tine the crossed flags were shown indicating the halfway point of the event, Conover had opened up better than a straightaway lead over the battle for second.
Over the second half of the event, Conover’s only challenge was negotiating lapped traffic as he had checked out on the rest of the field. LaRock was finally able to break out of the pack to take hold of the second position, but by that time Conover had increased his lead. Though he was able to cut into Conover’s lead a bit, LaRock was able to get close enough to offer a challenge but just didn’t have enough laps to get by Conover. Scott Conover took the checkered flag to score his second victory of the season. LaRock drove to a runner-up finish while Jimmy Howard slipped past Greg Doust late to finish third, Doust crossed the line fourth with Jimmy Sherman fifth.

The IMCA Modified division saw a first time winner in the 2008 season as Kevan Cook drove to his first feature win. Kevan Cook started from the fourth position and led the last 8 laps of the feature, but it was far from an easy win as Sean Lias lead till Lap 12. Before the lap 12 restart could unfold Lias took his car pit side. Kevan Cook held on to the victory with Chris Flemming pulling along side a few times who was also trying to pick up his first win of the 2008 season for second, JJ Courcy overcame going to the back twice to finish third, Dwayne Bird would finish fourth and Rick Hunsinger would round out the top five.

The pure Stock division also saw a new winner as Rich Green drove to his first feature win of the 2008 season. Norm Whittemore broke out on top at the drop of the green flag and led the first twelve laps of the event before Rich Green, who had charged to the front made the winning pass on a lap 13 restart. Green led the final eight laps to pick up the victory with Jason Bennett hanging on to finish second. Kurt Decker, Norm Whittemore and Louie Gordiner completed the top five.

Nate Degraw came from his fourth starting position and battled it out for the top spot with Jay Johnson. Once Degraw got by Jay Johnson he set sail for the checkered flag to pick up his Second victory of the season in Four Cylinder Super Stock action. Jay Johnson would hang on to a second place finish his best of the season. Jim Money continued his late season surge with a third place finish with Bump Scutt and Kyle Hackett fourth and fifth.

Royce Currie dominated the Junkyard Dogs feature as he led all 15 laps to win his Second feature event of the season. Some problems over the past few weeks found Currie handicapped to the third position, and Currie took advantage of the favorable starting position as he grabbed the lead at the drop of the green flag and never looked back. Royce Currie would take home the victory with Blake Burnette coming home in the runner-up spot. Ed White would finish third with Howard Koegal and Leonard Oralls rounding out the rest of the field.

Zach Tracy made a pass on Keith Potter to bring home his first win of the 2008 season, despite many challenges late in the race from Keith Potter. Potter would have to settle for the runner-up spot with Joseph Fishtette finishing third and Bobby Edwards and Leon Brockway finish fourth and fifth.

Racing action continues at Skyline Raceway this Saturday night with a six division’s on tap, featuring the Sportsman, IMCA Modifieds, Pure Stocks, Four Cylinder Stocks, Junkyard Dogs, and Junkyard Pups. The Vintage Stock Car Club will also be on hand. Racing gets underway at 6:30 PM sharp. For all of the latest information, log onto the speedway’s official website at www.skylineracewayny.com.

5/25/08

DALE CASWELL WINS THE WORLD PRODUCTS EMPIRE STATE IMCA MODFIED SERIES EVENT

-Gene Sharpsteen Pulls Into Victory Lane in Dart Dirt Pure St ock Action

Central Square, NY’s Dale Caswell drove to victory in the 25 lap World Products Empire State IMCA Modified Series last Sunday night at the Skyline Raceway to claim his Second victory of the 2008 racing season at Skyline Raceway. Greg Doust took home his first victory of the season in the 30 lap Sportsman Feature. Gene Sharpsteen bested the SIX of Mike Wilbur to take home top honors in the Dart Dirt Pure Stock Series race. Kyle Hackett took home his first 4 Cylinder Stock feature win of the season. Ed White won his first Junkyard Dogs feature of the season and Keith Potter won his first Junkyard Pups feature of the 2008 Season.

Mark Griffin grabbed the lead at the start of the 25 lap World Product’s Empire State IMCA Modified feature, Eddie Sites fought side by side with Griffin for the first five laps before Griffin settled in at the top spot with Sites and Jeremy Shaw in tow. On lap 7 Shaw moved around Eddie Site and Two-Time Empire State IMCA Modified Champion Dale Caswell Moved into third. The top three remain that way in till lap 11 when Dale Caswell moved underneath Shaw for the Second Spot.

Griffin continued to set the pace, by the time the crossed flags wee displayed, Caswell made what would prove to be the winning pass as he drove around Griffin for the lead. Griffin ’s fine run ended a couple laps later as he spun making a move. Caswell would lead the remainder of the event to win his second Skyline feature of the season. Brad Weaver also made his way toward the front of the field to finish second. Gary Roberts finished a strong third with Kevan Cook fourth. Don Reeves brought his car home in the fifth spot.

Jamesville , NY ’s Greg Doust earned his first Sportsman win of the season, in the 30 lap Sportsman feature. Jim LaRock immediately jumped out to the early lead with Doust in tow in the second position. LaRock and Doust would battle it out for the first 5 laps of the feature. LaRock slid of the track and left the door wide open for Greg Doust to slip by. Over the second half of the event, Doust’s only challenge’s was negotiating lapped traffic, and keeping Jim LaRock Behind him, as Doust and LaRock checked out. Gary Card Jr was able to break out of the pack from his 18^th starting position to take hold of the third position, but by that time Doust and LaRock had increased there lead to nearly a full straightway. LaRock was able to get close to offer a challenge but could not get by and Doust took the checkered flag to score his first victory of the 2008 season. LaRock drove to a runner-up finish while Gary Card Jr slipped into third. Jimmy Howard regrouped to bring his car home in the fourth spot. Harold Humphrey crossed the line in fifth.

In Dart Dirt Pure Stock Series racing action, saw Gene Sharpsteen top the field for the first time in the 2008 season. Mike Wilbur broke out on top at the drop of the green flag and led the first ten laps of the event before Sharpsteen, who had charged to the front from his six starting position and made the winning pass on a lap 12 restart. Sharpsteen led the final Twelve laps to pick up the victory with Mike Wilbur a full straightway behind in 2nd. Chargin Charlie Gilbert quietly snuck into the third position and held of Afton , NY 's Kurt Decker. Decker would come home in fourth with Scott Smith rounding out the top five.

Kyle Hackett won his first feature of the season in Four Cylinder Stock action. Hackett started on the outside pole and led all 20 laps. Nate Degraw had his hands full with Brenton Miller for the second spot for the first 10 laps of the race as those two would duke it out in till lap Fifthteen when Degraw settled in for the second spot. Brenton Miller would hold on to third. Russell Erwin in his first appearance in the 2008 season would come home in the fourth position and Jim Money fifth.

Shane Reynolds came out on top of a race long duel with Jacob Fowlston to pick up the feature win in an exciting race that saw the top 2 finishers battle all the way to the finish. Reynolds was able to hold off his challengers to score the win with Ed White finishing a solid second. Justin Rowley finished third with Lenaord Oralls finishing fourth. Howard Koegal Sr completed the top five finishers.

Keith Potter drove to his First victory in the 15 lap Junkyard Pups feature event. Potter from his pole starting position leading all 15 laps with Bobby Edwards right there pulling along side Potter more then once but was not able to complete the pass for the lead. Potter was able to hold onto the lead with Edwards finishing second. Gary Kinne finished third with Kenny Underwood scoring fourth place finish. Nick Griest completed the top five finishers.

Racing action continues at Skyline Raceway this Saturday night with a six divisions on tap, featuring the Sportsman, IMCA Modifieds, Pure Stocks, Four Cylinder Stocks, Junkyard Dogs, and Junkyard Pups. There also will be a appliance race for the Junkyard Pups. Racing gets underway at 6:30 PM sharp. For all of the latest information, log onto the speedway’s official website at www.skylineracewayny.com

-Clayton Ingrahm Holds Of Rich Green for His First Win of the 2008 Season

Cortland , NY ’s Ben Bushaw drove to victory in the 25 lap Sportsman feature Saturday night at the Skyline Raceway to claim his first victory of the 2008 racing season. Sean Lias remained on a roll, In IMCA Modified action as the Westfield, Pa driver earned his fourth win. Clayton Ingrahm won his first pure Stock feature of the season while Jim Money bested Nate Degraw to earn his third Four Cylinder Stock feature of the season. Jacob Fowlston won his third Junkyard Dogs feature of the season and Bobby Edwards won his first Junkyard Pups feature of the season.

The 25 lap Sportsman feature ran with a few caution flags slowing the racing action as the Sportsman drivers put on a show for the Skyline fans. Joe Reeves grabbed the lead at the drop of the green flag and set the pace for the first lap before eventual winner Bushaw made what would prove to be the winning pass on the second lap. Bushaw, was able to move away from the field once out front as Ben was able to open up nearly a straightaway lead over a torrid battle for the second spot involving Scott Conover, Greg Doust, and Jim LaRock. Bushaw continued to set the pace as the race passed the halfway point. After many laps of side by side racing for the second spot, defending track champion LaRock emerged with the runner-up position on lap 17, but by that point Bushaw had built up a big lead. In fact, LaRock later stated that when he was passing lap cars he actually thought they were for position .

The entire complexion of the race changed on the 20th lap when Bushaw’s big lead was being erased by LaRock , Skyline’s defending Sportsman division champion, was right on Bushaw’s rear bumper over the closing laps but LaRock could not get around him. LaRock would settle for second, with Greg Doust coming home third, Scott Conover fourth and Jimmy Howard Rounding out your top five.

Sean Lias continued his domination of IMCA Modified action as the Westfield, Pa based driver won his fourth feature event of the season. Lias, the current point leader in the IMCA Modified class, took over the lead on the thirteenth lap after a battle with Dale Casewell for the top spot. Lias would lead the final seven laps to score the victory by a comfortable margin over Dale Caswell. Mark Griffin finished third with David Barrows fourth. Kevan Cook Finished a solid 5^th place.

Clayton Ingrahm drove to his first win of the season in Pure Stock action. Ingrahm made the winning pass on the ninth lap after a good side by side battle with Scott Smith for the top spot. After some good side by side racing, Ingrahm was able to secure the top spot and lead the rest of the way to earn the feature win. Rich Green drove a strong race to record a season’s best runner-up finish. Jason Rhodes crossed the line third, with Scott Smith fourth and rounding out the top five was Rich Talada.

Jim Money drove to his third feature win of the season in Four Cylinder Stock action. Money had to earn the victory over the second half of the race. Money was repeatedly challenged by Nate DeGraw for the top spot. DeGraw was able to pull ahead of Money but a tiny mistake would leave the door wide open for Jim Money to pull underneath, but in the closing laps Degraw was under heavy pressure from Jay Johnson. Money took the win by a narrow margin over DeGraw. Jay Johnson finished third with Bump Scutt finishing fourth. Kyle Hackett rounded out the top five finishing order

Jacob Fowlston topped the Junkyard Dogs feature for the third time in 2008. A caution flag put Rob Shutts right on Fowlstons’ rear bumper for the restart, but Fowlston executed a perfect restart to secure the victory. Shutts settled for a runner-up finish with Blake Burrnette third. Larry Rowley claimed the fourth place finish with Leonard Oralls fifth.

Bobby Edwards drove to victory in the Junkyard pups feature. Edwards had to hold off a determined challenge from Mike Whitaker, who pressured Edwards the entire distance before settling for a runner-up finish at the line. Joesph Fishcette finished third with Nick Griest and Keith Potter fourth and fifth respectively.

Racing action continues at Skyline Raceway this Saturday night with a six divisions on tap, featuring the Sportsman, IMCA Modifieds, Pure Stocks, Four Cylinder Stocks, Junkyard Dogs, and Junkyard Pups. There also will be a appliance race for the Junkyard Pups. Racing gets underway at 6:30 PM sharp. For all of the latest information, log onto the speedway’s official website at www.skylineracewayny.com.

"Mr Wide Open" JIMMY HOWARD TOPS SPORTSMAN ACTION AT SKYLINE RACEWAY
-Sean Lias continues his hot streaks with yet another win

Skyline Raceway, Cortland NY
Jimmy Howard picked up his second feature event win of the 2008 season Saturday night as he drove to victory in the 25 lap Sportsman feature event. Sean Lias won his 3rd IMCA Modified feature of the season with Jason Rhodes returning to victory lane for the Second time in Pure Stock action Nate DeGraw recorded his Second win of the season in Four Cylinder Stock action with Jacob Fowlston earning his Second win of the season in Junkyard Dogs action. Mike Whitaker won his First Junkyard Pups feature of the season.

Joe Reeves Jr and John Morse paced the Sportsman field to the green flag for the start of their 25 lap feature event. Reeves grabbed the lead at the drop of the green flag, leading the first lap of the event before Tim Howell worked past to assume the race lead. Eventual winner Jimmy Howard was making tracks toward the front of the field as in the first five laps of the feature event Howard advanced from his tenth starting position to run third.

Howard made the move past Harold Humphrey on the Eighth lap and set his sights on the leader as the caution came out flag for a minor incident that bunched the field up on the ninth lap. When racing resumed, Howard began to pressure Howell as these two drivers put on a show of side by side racing for the Skyline fans. The two ran side by side for several laps before Howard was finally able to forge ahead for good on the 11th circuit on the top side of the speedway. Once out front, Howard was able to move away from Howell. Kevin Jordan coming from his eighteenth starting position was able to wrap up the third spot with defending track champion Jim LaRock finishing fourth and Greg Doust Rounding out the top five.

Sean Lias continued his winning ways as he drove to his third IMCA Modified feature of the season. Lias started the feature event in tenth position and spent the early laps driving his way into contention for the win. Lias made what would prove to be the winning pass as he drove around early leader Pete Neff to take over the top spot on lap 16. Lias would lead the final four laps to pick up the victory. Kevan Cook slipped past Neff to finish second with Neff a solid third. Jerry Lobdell finished fourth with JJ Courcy to finish fifth.

In the 20 lap Pure Stock feature, Jason Rhodes out dueled a strong running Rich Talada to pick up the win, his Second of the season. Scott Smith led the early stages of the feature event, but Rhodes wasted little time in charging to the front from his fifth starting position. Rhodes worked past Smith to take over the top spot on the ninth lap. Rich Talada was able to stay right with Rhodes when misfortune struck Scott Smith. On several occasions, Talada was able to get inside Rhodes, but was never able to complete the pass as Rhodes led the remainder of the distance to pick up the win. Talada turned in a second place finish. Kurt Decker finished third with Clayton Ingrahm finishing fourth. Gene Sharpsteen was fifth in his first Pure Stock start of the season.

Jim Money won his second feature of the season in Four Cylinder Stock action. Money started 11^th on the field and made his way to the lead by the ninth lap, working around early leader Nate Degraw. Money led the remainder of the 20 lap feature to score the victory over Kyle Hackett, who turned in a runner-up finish. Mike Darrow finished third with Nate Degraw and Bump Scutt rounding out the top five.

Jacob Fowlston utilized his 3^rd place starting position to pick up the win in the 15 lap Junkyard Dogs feature. Shane Reynolds led the first four laps of the event, but Fowlston made a nice inside move entering the first turn on lap 5 to take over the lead and the victory. Dan Millard finished second with Blake Burnette finishing third. Howard Koegal Sr finished fourth with Ed White fifth.

Mike Whitaker turned in his best run of the season picking up his first win in the 12 lap 4 cylinder pup feature. Bobby Jones aboard the 19J ride turned in a strong performance to pick up a solid second place finish. Bobby Edwards would drive to a third place finish and take over the points lead. "The Kid" Keith Potter would finish fourth. Joe Fishett rounded out the top five.

Racing action continues at Skyline Raceway this Saturday night with six divisions on tap, featuring the Sportsman, IMCA Modifieds, Pure Stocks, Four Cylinder Stocks, Junkyard Dogs, and Junkyard Pups. Racing gets underway at 6:30 PM. For all of the latest information, log onto the speedway’s official website at www.skylineracewayny.com.

-Kurt Decker Wins the 20 Lap Pure Stock Feature

Despite rapidly approaching rain, Skyline Raceway managed to get their entire show in the books before the rains came on Saturday night. The entire six division card was run in less than three hours with the final checkered flag waving at 9:20 PM. We were also joined by the New York Army National Guard, Area 3 who rose the flag while the National Anthem was being sung. Jim LaRock from Seneca Falls , NY drove to his first win of the 2008 season. Even a tenth starting spot in the feature could not stop Sean Lias, as the Westfield , Pa driver stormed through the field to earn his second win of the 2008 season. Kurt Decker picked up his second win of the season in the Pure Stocks. Daron Hurlbert won his first Four Cylinder Stock feature of the season while Blake Burnette and Richard Wagner Jr were first time winners in the Junkyard Dogs and Junkyard pups respectively.

Harold Humphrey and John Morse brought the Sportsman field down to the green flag with Humphrey grabbing the advantage to lead the first lap. Humphreys time at the front of the field lasted only one lap as Third starting Geoff Powell was able to drive past to assume the race lead on the second lap. Powell was able to hold down the top spot for the next six laps before Jim LaRock was able to drive past into the lead.
LaRock was able to open up a bit of a lead over Powell when something came amiss of his machine. Over the closing laps, Howard attempted to reel in LaRock but was not able to cut into LaRock’s lead. LaRock flashed under the checkered flag to secure the victory over Howard. Humphrey held on to finish third with Scott Rothwell and Kevin Jordan rounding out the top five.

JJ Courcy set the pace as the man on the charge was Lias, who was slashing his way through the field after starting tenth by the time the crossed flags were displayed, Lias had moved to second behind Courcy. One lap later, Lias made what would prove to be the winning pass as he drove around Courcy for the lead. Meanwhile Joe Mills in his number 27 machine would work his way into the second spot. Lias would lead the remainder of the event to win his second Skyline feature of the season. After a late race yellow that closed up the field once again, Miles could not get by the defending track champion Sean Lias, Miles would finish a solid second. Jerry Lobdell finished third with Don Reeves fourth. Johnny Bell would round out your top five.

In Pure Stock action, Kurt Decker earned his Second win of the season. Decker started fourth and made his way to the front of the field, taking the top spot from Mike Morse on the Eleventh lap. Decker would lead the final nine laps to score the victory over Mike Morse. Jason Rhodes finished third with George Parker fourth and Josh Parker Rounding out the top five.

Daron Hurlbert drove to his first victory of the season in the 20 lap four Cylinder Stock feature event. Kyle Hackett grabbed the lead at the drop of the green flag and led the first 6 laps of the event, before Mike Darrow would take over the top spot from Hackett, Daron Hurlbert made the winning pass on the 13th lap as he slipped to the inside of Darrow to take over the lead. Hurlbert led the final Seven laps of the event, holding off Darrow the rest of the way. Kyle Hackett would finish third. Brenton Miller and Jim Money completed the top five finishers.

The 15 lap Junkyard Dogs feature saw a new face in victory lane as Blake Burrnette drove to victory. Justin Rowley led the early stages of the event before encountering problems that forced a pit stop. Currie charged through the field to finish second behind Burrnette, but ran out of laps before he could mount a challenge for the lead. Dan Millard held on for a third place finish with Howard Koegel Sr and Jacob Fowlston rounding out the top five.

Richard Wagner Jr drove to his first career victory in the twelve lap Junkyard Pups feature. Mike Whitaker made a late charge at Wagner over the closing laps but came short, settling for the runner-up finish. Bobby Edwards, finished third with Nick Griest and Joseph Fishcette completing the top five finishers.

Racing action continues at Skyline Raceway this Saturday night with a six divisions on tap, featuring the Sportsman, IMCA Modifieds, Pure Stocks, Four Cylinder Stocks, Junkyard Dogs, and Junkyard Pups. It will also be Kiddie Rides night at the speedway. Racing gets underway at 6:30 PM sharp. For all of the latest information, log onto the speedway’s official website at www.skylineracewayny.com.

JIMMY HOWARD SCORES FIRST VICTORY OF THE 2008 SEASON AT SKYLINE
-Dale Caswell Passes Lias with 6 To Go to Get First IMCA Victory At Skyline

Scott Conover and Jim LaRock paced the field to the green flag to start the 25 lap feature event. Conover got a good start and lead the very first lap with LaRock in tow. The first yellow would flag when Harold Humphrey’s car went up in smoke. On the ensuing restart Conover would lead the field once again with LaRock watching his every move. Taking a few looks to the low side of the 26 machine, but not able to overtake Conover who was getting a great run off the banking onto the straight stretch.
Meanwhile the number 2 of Greg Doust was making moves from his fifth starting position, getting by the 31 of Larry Hills and Ben Bushaw. Doust set his eye on the LaRock machine, battling it out for the next ten laps. An intense battle between the the two had each driver taking the 2nd position and then losing it the very next lap. Doust would eventually take the spot as the handling on LaRocks car faded.
Once Doust settled in to 2nd, he set sail for the lead. Mounting an impressive charge, But was never able to get close enough to fight for the win. Dryden, New York's Scott Conover picked up his 1st win of the new season, crossing the line 6 car lengths ahead of the hard charging Doust.