James Michael Friesen Conquers Heat For The Win
By, Amy Pollard, Humberstone Speedway
Port Colborne Ontario, August 16, Ron’s Automotive Repair and onlookers enjoyed an eventful night of racing, as the Mod lites, Vintage racers and the 358 Modifieds joined the nights action.
As temperatures raised and dust flew, it was James Michael Friesen who was able to come through as the nights 358 Modified 30 lap feature winner. With many cautions, scorching heat, a wall of dust and a hard pursuing Jeff McGinnis, Friesen, proved he could handle the heat. With one to go a yellow summed the field to slow, closing the gap between first and second, bringing McGinnis back into the game. Green and white wave, its on. McGinnis gives it all he has, to get around the quick charge of Frisen, but runs out of time as the checkers wave, naming Friesen the winner of the feature.
Other drivers also able to conquer the heat taking home feature wins were, Terry Ronning in the 12 lap Weekend Warrior pure stocks feature ,Dave Small in the first 15 lap Ron’s Automotive mini stocks feature, Kevin Aube in the 15 lap Niagara Auto Sales pro 4 trucks feature, Dave Charczuk in the 12 lap Vintage Racers feature, Aaron Wiley in the second 15 lap Ron’s Automotive mini stock feature, Jamie Gilbert in the 15 lap Modern Corporation open wheel mod lites feature, and Nick Cupolo in the 25 lap Cosco Haulage sportsman feature.
It’s Modified time once again at Humberstone Speedway. As James Michael Friesen and Brian Stevens lead the pack to the green. Friesen on the gas is quick to move to the front, leaving the pack behind to drive through his dust. Yellow calls the drivers to slow as Larry Lampman sits idle on the front stretch. Drivers regroup, tracks cleared, and were going green. Friesen retakes the lead as Lampman rejoins the race. Drivers and their machines battle for running position as cars come together in turns one and two, bringing out the yellow. Friesen steps on it, as the green is waved, he pulls out front, as the pack readjust their running positions. The drivers race their machines through the dust as Billy Bleich Sr. sits the wrong in in turns one and two, calling out a yellow. Friesen and Stevens bring the field to the green, and is dominated by the charge of Friesen as he pulls out front, leaving the pack to fight for themselves, waking the dust. Frisen pulls his machine into a strong lead with a half a track between him and second place. Friesen moving through lap traffic, as McGinnis passes Stevens for second and starts the hunt for first sitting position, just as the yellow waves, slowing and regrouping the field for the restart. Coming down to the green is Friesen with McGinnis on his tail. Friesen, with perfect timing, steps on the gas and takes over were he left off, in the lead. With one to go, McGinnis shoots to the outside challenging for the battle for the lead, when the yellows waves once more ending the battle, slowing the cars one last time. The cars come down to the restart a green white checkered, lead by Friesen. Green waves, Friesen finds the gas, takes the lead and the win, proving he couldn’t be beat by the heat the weather or the hard charge of McGinnis. Top five finishers were, James Michael Friesen, Jeff McGinnis, Brian Stevens, Pete Bicknell and Matt Williamson.
Modern Corporation open wheel mod lites take to the track for a dash for cash, with Paul Klager and Jamie Gilbert leading the pack of 6 cars down to the green. Klager and Gilbert fight for the lead as the green is dropped. The battle continues as the yellow is waved with three to go. Klager and Gilbert come down to the green, Klager jumps into the lead, as Gilbert comes up to Klagers door side to challenge for the lead, when his machine gets away from him. However he is able to recover to grab second position. While Klager takes the win and the cash, while Jamie Gilbert, Shawn Sliter, Jason Corless, Adam Leslie, Dan Kviring rounded up the field.
Next out is the Weekend Warrior pure stocks, with Darlene McDonald and Michelle McPherson brining the pack down to the green. Mcpherson takes the lead as the pack bumps and bangs for position. Yellow flies as cars are scattered coming out of turns three and four. Drivers rejoins the pack, as Sami Pierce needs assistance as she finds herself sitting on the outside wall. Track crews come to the rescue, lifting her car back on to the race surface as she’s able to rejoin the pack to take the restart. The green waves, the dust flies, and drivers rearrange their running positions. With two to go, Terry Ronning finds himself sitting in second with Aaron Vasas on his tail. Vasas challenges for the lead but runs out of time as Ronning beats him to the flag taking the win. Bringing home first through fifth were Terry Ronning, Aaron Vasas, Jon Vineski, Sam Iftody and Dave Larrocque.
Rob Goodling and Evan Curtis lead the Ron’s Automotive mini stocks out to the track for their first 15 lap feature of the evening. The green waves as Goulding jumps into the lead with Chris Laskey overtaking the second position. The drivers move into a single file race for the lead, as Goulding starts to walk away from the pack. Three way racing between Laskey, Matt Deschamps and Rocco Conte catches the eye of race fans. Dave Small catches and challenges Goulding for the lead battling car number to car number. Small moves in and steals the lead and heads into lap traffic. Clearing the lap traffic, he takes the checkers, followed by, Rob Goulding, Matt Deschamps, Rocco Conte and Aaron Wiley.
Onto the track next are the Niagara Auto Sales pro 4 trucks, with Kameron Kocarik and Rick Book leading the slow moving pack down to the green. As the green waves, Kocarik walks away with the lead, as four wide racing is seen across the race surface. The yellow waves, on lap two slowing the field. Mike Toovey and Book bring the pack down to the green. Toovey pulls into the lead, while the pack continues to battle for sitting position behind him. Out of nowhere Kevin Aube is seen taking position on the outside as the yellow flies on lap three. Aube and Toovey come down to the green, as the flag is waved, Kevin Conley joins in and makes for three wide racing. After a battle and Aube working the high sided to his advantage, he claims the lead. As the yellow waves once more on lap four. Aube and Toovey bring the pack down to the green. Aube pulls away, leaving the pack to battle for position. On lap eight yellow waves slowing the pack. The trucks regroup with Aube and Scott Sherk bringing the race hungry pack down to the green. Aube moves away from the pack as Conley and Sherk battle for second. Sparks fly and Conley pulls away in second position, and is on the hunt to capture the first place position. With one to go, Sherk over takes the second position, as Aube cruises under the checkers to claim his eleventh win of the season. Scott Sherk, Kevin Conley, Mike Toovey and Hilary Haegens bring home second to fifth positions.
Vintage Racers make their way back to Humberstone Speedway, pulling onto the race surface, parking and shutting down on the front stretch for a moment of silence, honoring Bob St. Amand Sr. the most famous words in racing were spoken “ Gentleman start your engines”. and were going green, with Harold Sonnenberg and Jim Atkinson leading the cars to the flag. The leaders come together bringing out the yellow with zero showing on the board. Brian Page and Bill Harju leading the group to the green. Page pulls into the lead as Dave Charczuk pulls into second and starts the chase for the lead. Charczuk working the low side pulls up and challenges Page for the lead, and the war is on. The two battle side panel to side panel. Battling back and forth with one to go, Charczuk flies on the high side just barley taking the lead and the win from Page as they drive under the flying checkers. Top five positions were awarded to, Dave Charczuk, Brian Page, Al Harju, Jamie Swain and Bill Harju.
The minis are back on the track for their second and final race in the Joe Cosco Memorial Mini Stock Series. Chris Laskey and Greg Wilson bring the field to the green. Laskey takes an early charge at the lead, but is caught by Evan Curtis and the two race side by side, fighting over the lead. Rob Overholt, sitting in prime view of the fight takes matters into his own hands and split’s up the fight for first by driving between the two of them making three wide racing. Laskey pulls into the lead with Overholt following taking second. Abel Castelein comes out of no where stealing second, as cars come together, and the yellow is waved. Laskey and Castelein bring the machines down to the green. The green waves, the leaders fighting for the lead door panel to door panel when Aaron Wiley breaks through the middle of the two cars stealing the first place position as the yellow waves slowing the pack. Cars regroup and come down for the green with Wiley and Castelein leading the way. Wiley quick on the gas retakes the lead. With one to go Rob Goulding makes his move for third coming to the flag, he runs out of time settling for fourth. While Aaron Wiley claims the victory. Followed by, Abel Castelein, Chris Laskey, Rob Goulding and Rocco Conte. The over all top three points winners were, Dave Small, Aaron Wiley and Rob Goulding.
Visting division, the Modern Corporation open Wheel Lites take to the track with Paul Klager and Jamie Glibert bringing the visiters down to the green. Working the inside Klager grabs the lead over Gilbert. Cars come together in turns three and four, bringing out the yellow. The drivers regroup, and we’re going green once more, with Klager and Glibert fighting side be side for the lead, as three wide racing is spotted across the speedway. The yellow is waves slowing the action just as the drivers work their way into a single file race for the lead. As the green waves Klager and Glibert battle one again for the leading position. With two to go the yellow waves slowing the cars, the drivers line in a single file restart waiting to take the green, with Gilbert leading the way. The green waves, Glibert takes off in a cloud of dust, as the drivers behind him play follow the leader. Coming to the checkers Klager moves out of line and trys to find a way around Glibert to take the lead, but the race is cut short as the drivers drive through the checkers with Gilbert winnning by the nose of his machine over Klager. Taking home the top five finishes were, Jamie Gilbert, Paul Klager, Shawn Sliter, Adam Leslie and Joshua Sliter.
The sportsman take to the track for their 25 lap feature event, with Brad Rouse sporting the car number 30 honoring Bob St. Amand Sr. Doug Spiece Jr. and Jeff Armstrong bring the field to the green. Spiece walks out front taking the lead, while tires spin, waking the dust. The drivers fight for position as yellow flies, allowing the dust to settle. The cars regroup and Spiece and Nick Cupolo bring the guys down to the green. Spiece and Cupolo fight for the lead as drivers come together in turns one and two bringing out the yellow. Spiece and Cupolo bring the pack to the green as the two fight side by side for the lead. B.J. Willard moves up and takes the lead out from the noses of Spiece and Cupolo. Dust flies and tires burn as drivers fight for sitting position when the yellow waves slowing the drivers. Willard and Cupolo bring the pack down to the green, Willard regains the lead, as Cody McPherson works the high side tring to steal second position. Willard holding a steady, strong leaad when cars come together brining out a yellow slowing the race surface. Willard leads the pack to the green Willard quick on the gas takes back the lead, while Tyler McPherson on the high side comes in looking for fourth. The yellow flies slowing Tylers hunt, as cars get together in turns one and two. Coming to the restart is Willard and Cupolo. Willard goes to take the lead as his machine gets around and the yellow is waved slowing the field once more. Cupolo and Cody take the restart, with Tyler sitting in third, waiting to make his move. Cupolo jumps into the lead, as Cody goes to the outside working the track as Tyler sneaks in, and its brother v.s. brother for second position. Tyler grabs second out of his brothers hands coming down for to checkers, as Cupolo claims the win. Top five finishers of the night were, Nick Cupolo, Tyler McPherson, Cody McPherson, Jeff Leggett and Doug Spiece Jr.
Another action packed night of racing here at Humberstone Speedway. Join us next week as Frontier Auto Dismantler and Humberstone brings you the NASCAR stars, Kenny Wallace, Dave Blaney and Jimmy Spencer with special guest announcer, Rusty Wallace. As the NASCAR stars battle the 358 modified regulars in the Lucas Oil shoot out. Along with the NHS Weekly Series. A show you do not want to miss. Join us next week while we sel you our ticket for the would seat, but you’ll only use the edge. Come gets yours with us, get your advanced tickets today only 3000 seats available reserve yours now. Call, (905) 834-4002 between the hours 9am & 5pm.
Any questions or for more information please call Humberstone Speedway at (905)-834-4002, Cosco Haulage at (905)-935-2886, or visit us at our web site at, www.humberstonespeedway.com.
Humberstone Speedway August 16th Race Results
Modern Corporation Open Wheel Lites Dash for cash
Paul Klager, Jamie Gilbert, Shawn Sliter, Jason Corless, Adam Leslie and Dan Kviring
Weekend Warrior Pure Stocks
Terry Ronning, Aaron Vasas, Jon Vineski, Sam Iftody, Dave Larrocque, Brad Booker, Jason Coutu, Mike Greene, Rick Moreash, Michelle McPherson, Rob Goulden, Jackie Giancola, #77 NO no name, Sami Pierce and Darlene McDonald.
Rons Automotive Mini Stocks #1
Dave Small, Rob Goulding, Matt Deschamps, Rocco Conte, Aaron Wiley, Garnet Wilson, Abel Castelein, Rob Overholt, Kyle Pelrine, Greg Wilson, Evan Curtis, Brandon Iudiciani, Chris Laskey, Kevin Clow, Roger Gilbert, Sam Rodgers and Carey Gore.
Rons Automotive Mini Stocks #2
Aaron Wiley, Abel Castelein, Chris Laskey, Rob Goulding, Rocco Conte, Dave Small, Matt Deschamps, Kyle Pelrine, Greg Wilson, Rob Overholt, Brandon Iudiciani, Carey Gore, Kevin Clow, Sam Rodgers, Garnet Wilson, Roger Gilbert and Evan Curtis.
Ron’s Automotive Mini Stocks final points
Dave Small, Aaron Wiley, Rob Goulding, Rocco Conte, Abel Castelein, Matt Deschamps, Chris Laskey, Kyle Pelrine, Rob Overholt, Greg Wilson, Garnet Wilson, Brandon Iudiciani, Kevin Clow, Evan Curtis, Carey Gore, Sam Rodgers, and Roger Gilbert.
Niagara Auto Sales Pro 4 Trucks
Kevin Aube, Scott Sherk, Kevin Conley, Mike Toovey, Hilary Haegens, Greg Haegens, Rick Book, Jacob Davies, Scott Sherk, Kevin Conley, Rob Sauter, Bobby Gill, Kameron Kocarik, Billy Beales, Yeroon Van Leeuwen
Vintage Racers
Dave Charczuk, Brian Page, Al Harju, Jamie Swain, Bill Harju, Chic Voit, Ken Knapp, Harrold Sonnenburg and Jim Atkinson.
Modern Corporation Open Wheel Lites Dash for cash
Jamie Gilbert, Paul Klager, Shawn Sliter, Adam Leslie, Joshua Sliter, Jason Corless, Ryan Grady, Greg Mills, Ray Sliter Jr., Dan Kviring, Adam Murphy, Greg Mills and Bob Bredin
Cosco Haulage Sportsman
Nick Cupolo, Tyler McPherson, Cody McPherson, Jeff Leggett, Doug Spiece Jr, Mark Dixon, Jim Johnstone, Jeff Armstrong, Luke Carlton, Rick Bellante, B.J. Willard, Greg Panunte, Rich Farraway, Kevin Sharpe, Bill Gill, Gordon Hermanson, Jamie Gilbert, Paul Gaboury, Scott Spiece, Chad Chevalier, Michael Bosse, Brad Rouse and Ryan Susice.
358 Modifieds
James Friesen, Jeff McGinnis, Brian Stevens, Pete Bicknell, Matt Williamson, Chris Steele, Larry Lampman, Mike Bowman, Scott Wood, Adam Ferri , Travis Braun, Fred Carlton, Wayne Conn, Tommy Flannigan, Bill Bleich Sr., Rob Pietz, Justin Sharpe, Derek Wutzke, Dennis Giancola, Ken Winfield, Justin Sharpe and Graham Mackay.
