RPW Exclusive: Challenge Defeated; Constantino Does It Again At Glen Ridge

Column By: LAURIE FALLIS / RPW – FULTONVILLE, NY – With word coming from Glen Ridge Motorsports Park management Saturday morning that a bounty has been placed on David Constantino and Tim Hartman Jr., it was game on Sunday night.

Sponsored by Yurkawecz Auto Crusher, $200 would be going to any driver that can beat the duo. They must beat them racing on the track, meaning their cars can’t be in the pits in order to claim the extra cash.

One car that did show up was Chad Edwards driving Tommy Spencer’s #37. Edwards has only visited the track once in the last two years, but has turned many of laps at the quarter-mile in the past. He was in contention to be track champion on two separate occasions, in 2012 and 2015, but coming up short by just two points each year.

“We’re 2-for-2,” Edwards stated. “We didn’t race Friday at Malta so we thought we would come try for a shot at the bounty and see how we can make out.”

The Crate Modifieds had Jim Introne and rookie Billy August bring the field down to the green with August getting the jump and the lead. Tim Hartman Jr. followed suit from his fourth starting spot.

An early caution flew and Hartman Jr would take advantage as he powered his way into the lead. Meanwhile, August broke something in the front end causing him to spin in turn one ending his hopeful night.

On the next restart, Hartman pulled away as Dave Constantino shot into second and brought Chad Edwards with him by lap 8. While this was happening, the #22 of Hartman was out front with a commanding lead.

As the laps clicked down, so did Hartman’s lead as “lil bear” was reeling him in like he a fish on a line. It would be lap 18 that Constantino showed his nose in turns 3 and 4.

Just as that happened, the caution came out, leaving everyone to wonder what driver this would benefit from it…Constantino or Hartman.

The answer was Hartman as the Parillo Services #22 got the jump and held the lead, which had turned into a three-car battle with Edwards getting in the mix.

There would be one more caution and this one was the x factor, just what Constantino needed as he was not going to let this opportunity slip by. The West End Towing #7 motored around the “Hitman” and showed that he rules this track, completing the pass on lap 23 and was on cruise control the rest of the way on the very smooth track. Constantino claimed his eighth victory of the year at the Ridge.

“I want to thank Yurkawecz for keeping the bounty going,” he said. “Timmy and I split will the money if nobody beats us.”

The bounty will now be $400 next week. Hartman, once again, had to settle for second with Edwards getting a solid 3rd place finish. Joe Orlando and Introne rounding out your top five.

The Pro Stock feature did something unusual as of late. They ran their race green-to-checkered Justin Knight powered his way into the lead from his fifth starting position and would never have anyone that would give him a challenge as he sailed to victory lane.

The battle was for second between Luke Horning and Ivan Joslin, who was driving Alicia Hughes car, due to the fact he wrecked his car in the action at Fonda Speedway he night before. It was Joslin who would pass Horning and bring the car home to a second place finish. Horning was third followed by Normoyle and Delease.

“We had Nick Stone drive the car at Fonda,” Knight said. “He brought it home third and changed some things. The car was excellent tonight. I can’t thank him enough.”

The limited Sportsman had Shane Larman and Ryan Heath bring the field to the green and it would be Larman that jumped out to the early lead. He had his car set on cruise control s Heath settled into second.

Derrick McGrew Jr. would make his way into third by lap 13 after starting in eighth, as the caution came out taking away Larman’s big lead and bunching up the field.

On the restart, Heath went ‘high, wide and handsome’ as he took the lead away from Larmon and went on to record his third win of the season.

If not for that caution, I would have never caught Larmon as he had a strong run going,” Heath said. “We had a great jump on the restart and beat him into the turn.”

Larmon came home second with a great run. He’s knocking on the door for a victory. McGrew was third followed by Perron and Kadon Hohensheldt.

The Street Stock feature was heart break for one driver and lucky for another. Stevie Cosselman led every circuit but the most important one as he blew a right front tire going into turn one after receiving the white flag. Invader Mike Cook was the driver who took advantage and crossed the line first, bringing home the winner’s hardware.

Cole Lawton was victorious in the 4-Cylinder Dual Cam division with Keith Tessero Jr. taking the Single Cam.

Sr. Slingshot driver Dan Ballard showed his win last week was no fluck, as the “Grand Gorge Gang” member got the win with Bryce Cherko right on his bumper. “BamBam” Brock Pinkerous made it two-in-a-row as he got the victory coming from the eighth position.

Notes: I was able to talk to Tim Hartman Jr. about his thought on the bounty.

“I guess we are doing something good out on the track,” hes aid. “In a way, it’s actually a compliment to us both. I only wish it was me with all the wins instead of the 7 car.”

I asked David the same question.

“I think this means if nobody can beat us, Timmy and I get to split the money,” he said. “I’ll take that.”

With the big event, the ‘AFTERSHOCK’, coming up August 19th, there were Modified teams shaking their cars down trying to get an edge for the $2,600 Big Block / Small Block shootout. It’s looking to be a spectacular show for the fans.

Many drivers were treated to NYSSCA Safety Night awards as many were handed out in each division. This is a great organization and everybody should join. You can find out more by going to www.nyssca.com or logging on to their Facebook page.

Hats off to the promoters of the Ridge, as I must say, the track was at the best it’s been all year. The hard work and dedication is paying off.

As always, keep our troops in your prayers and see you all at the races. PEACE to you all.