Kevin Hirthler Holds Off Duane Howard At The Line To Capture Modified Glory At Grandview
Story By: ERNIE SAXTON / GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY – BECHTELSVILLE, PA – Veteran Modified racer Kevin Hirthler and Duane Howard staged a fan pleasing battle in the closing laps of the 30-lap NASCAR T.P.Trailers Modified feature race at Grandview Speedway Saturday night with Hirthler able to just nudge out the defending track champion Howard at the finish line.
Kenny Bock drove to victory in the 25-lap T.P.Truck Equipment Sportsman feature topping a 25-car starting field. And in the 25-lap feature for the visiting Wingless Super Sportsman Eric Jennings was the top performer.
Finishing third behind Hirthler and Howard was last week’s Modified feature winner Mike Gular. Fourth spot went to Brett Kressley followed by Rick Laubach. 28 cars started the Mod feature.
Jesse Leiby came home second to Bock in the Sportsman feature and picked up an extra cash award for being the first Crate Sportsman to finish. Dakota Kohler took third followed by Mark Kemmerer and Derrick Smith.
Standout Super Sportsman talent Joe Biasi finished a strong second to Jennings. Popular Steve Wilbur was the third place finisher while Cliff Brian took fourth and Brett Perigo came home fifth.
Next Saturday night, August 1st, one of the most popular events of the season will be presented. A large field of Modified racing talents will be on hand trying for the win in the $10,000 to win 50th Annual Forrest Rogers Memorial, a 50-lapper for Modifieds. In addition the Sportsman stocks will be part of the doubleheader show.
An added attraction will be the Acoustic Band featuring 1973 Freedom 76 winner Roger Knappenberger and his son Pete an auto racing radio personality. The band titled Maddie-Pearl will perform in the first turn pavilion from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Adult admission is $25 while youngsters 6 through 11 pay just $5. And kids under 6 are admitted free. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for spectators and racing starts at 7:30 p.m. Rain date is Saturday, August 8th.
