Toledo Speedway

Gold Cup, Aug. 19, Toledo

The night started off with a horrific crash in qualifying. John Flynn was our first qualifier and he crashed out of turn two. Not exactly sure what he hit, the foam first or the cement barrier, but his car launched up in the air ... flipped upside down in the air. He came down from a great distance, hard to judge from the stands, but I'm five-foot tall and it looked at least that, and slammed down on the roof of the car. Officials flipped the car back on its wheels and he eventually crawled out. It's one of the scariest Late Model accidents I've seen that didn't involve fire in a long while.

1. I found this one Main Event's Facebook page from Bonnie Flynn "John is doing fine. His neck and back were stiff after the wreck with a headache. He is fine today, he's not even bruised. Thank goodness the safety parts did their job. Thank you to everyone for their help at the track and their concern. We wouldn't have been able to get everything done without you."

2. She told me in a message "Thank you to the officials and all the people who helped us with the car. We were shorthanded and couldn't have done it without everyone help."

Tyler Roahrig won his first Gold Cup and Toledo race Friday night. "I used to be the first to say that I can't win on a big track. I've always struggled on the big tracks. And my dad (JR), I owe this whole race to my dad. He's bad fast here as everyone knows, track record holder, Glass City win. He's worked with me a lot, taught me how to drive this place. This win goes to him … Dave, my grampa Jim, Brian, Tom. I want to thank Miller Lite, for giving us a place to race tonight and all the fans for coming out, hope everyone comes back for the Glass City (in September)."

1. Tyler beat Scott Hantz by 6.966 seconds according to RaceMonitor.

2. His father, JR, also has won a Gold Cup race. Only one other father/son combination has ever won Gold Cup races, Harold Fair Jr and Sr.

3. Tyler Roahrig is the 29th different Gold Cup race winner.

4. He is the 18th different Gold Cup winner at Toledo.

5. There's been seven co-sanctioned races with the Main Event Series. Each race has been won by a different driver: Nick Bailey, Dakota Carlson, Jeff Ganus, Brent Jack, Steve Needles, JR Roahrig, Johnny VanDoorn.

6. This was the 92nd Gold Cup race (21 years).

Scott Hantz finished second, his third Gold Cup top three finish in a row. "It's been this way all season, a lot of seconds and thirds … I got to keep working at it, hopefully in the Glass City we can find something. We'll keep rubbing on it. The car's getting old, the driver's getting old and finishing second is getting old … hopefully things will change soon.

Third place went to Harold Fair Jr. "The car was actually pretty decent during the race. We are down … something was messed up in our motor. We couldn't get a restart, couldn't pull off of the corner but it's fast through the corners. We got tangled up early, guess they didn't know I was under them, maybe. I'd like to thank ARCA for putting on these shows, Royal Truck and Trailer for sponsoring it (they also sponsor Harold), Classic2Current Fabrication, H.A.P.

Fourth went to Brandon Lyons, who in his first time at Toledo was the event's fast qualifier. "Around lap 40 I told the crew it was blowing up … Bobby (Blount, car owner) said a few cuss words and told me to stay there… I said are you sure… he said yes. About 25 laps from the end, I think it was down to six cylinders, you could see what straightway speed I had. I want to thank Bobby Blount, George, dad, Nate for showing up. I really appreciate it, it's an awesome car to drive. I want to thank the fans for showing up because it was hot as hell today. I hope I get to come back again. The place is a blast. Steve Needles told me I'd love the place. It's fast, you're hauling ass out there.

Alex Rosenberry finished fifth, " We had a very good car at the beginning of the race but during the last long green flag run the car got really tight and we unfortunately fell back to fifth. After the race we found big gouges missing out of the right front tire, which would have caused the extreme tight condition for the Rosenberry Towing, Flitetest #2."

Steve Needles became the 10th different champion in 21 seasons of the Gold Cup Series. He won the first four races of the Gold Cup then had troubles in the final two races dropping out of the events. Tonight it was the drive pulley in the front of the engine that was the culprit. Even finishing 16th, he still finished 75 points ahead of Harold Fair Jr. to win his first Gold Cup championship. In his 11 years racing Super Late Models it's only his second career championship, his first being the SLM champion at Berlin Raceway (Grand Rapids, Mich.) in 2013.

"We've had some bad luck here the last couple weeks, some unforeseen failures that we've had. It's been an incredible season. I want to thank, Brian Short, Brandon Short, Doug Needles, Chris Modzeleski, Matt Modzeleski, Eddie Payne, Patty Needles (mom), Rachel McDonald (fiancé). The guys in the shop do a heck of a job and my car owner Brian Short gives me the best equipment that I could ever ask for. Once again, it's been an incredible season. Thanks to my sponsors Direct Detail, Amsdell Companies, Hutter Racing Engines, Allstar Performance, Bicknell Racing Products, Trend Performance/Diamond Racing Pistons, Driven Racing Oils. And to Royal Truck and Trailer for supporting our division.

Car owner Brian Short accomplished something no other car owner has in the Gold Cup Series. He's won two owner championships with two different drivers.

Along with the Gold Cup finale, the Silver Cup was given for the top Sportsman driver. Races were run at Toledo and Flat Rock this season. Winning the first Silver Cup was the division's most decorated driver in championships and wins, driver, Ron Allen.

Defending Sportsman Champion, Mike Young won the third and final Silver Cup race. "We actually came here (tonight) with no clutch pedal. We slammed it hard about five minutes before the practice … I said just leave it alone. It showed it in the heat. In the feature, I knew I had to get around Tommy (O'Leary) because he was strong. Since I haven't been racing in a month, I did some Iracing on Wednesday and I think that helped. It's been a rough season (this year). When we came, this is what we were shooting for – all that mattered. After winning the championship last year and coming out this year and struggling, I had to have a win to close out the season." Mike would like to thank his sponsors: Chubbys American Grill, Dave White Chevrolet, CGS Imaging, Rays Door, Hydro Technology, Point Place Powersports, Todds Gun, Jugs Bowling Center, Denny's Timeout Tavern, Glass City Collision, Genes Truck Repair. Of course, Harts Machine Shop builds awesome strong motors, Bill and Chris Cremean, 1 Stop Speed Shop, Garber Enterprises, X Factor Photos.

Ron Allen finished second in the race. He was the first ARCA Sportsman Champion in 2000 and he can add to the long list of accomplishments, being the first Silver Cup Champion too.

"It was a very eventful race day at Toledo last night. We unloaded car, drove to tech and then car wouldn't start … got to trailer worked on it missed first practice. We thought everything was fixed, qualifying second. During the heat race and car just shut off, got pushed to trailer and went to work again. Finally, after a lot of work and searching with a lot help from crew and Clayton from Fastime Engine and Parts, got it running ad thought was all set but, nope. When heading out for feature the car would not start again. I got outta car and thought night was over but somehow I got it stated. The car was right during feature but got to second and was just riding hoping to finish race. We did finish and won the Silver Cup Championship and also took over the points lead for the season. I want to thank my crew, Michelle. Jamie, Lenny, Jimmie, Gary, and sponsors Fastime Racing Engines & Parts, Churchill Transportation and Giles Auto Body."

Tommy O'Leary drove Howard Kelley Jr.'s #11 tonight to a third place finish. "Howard says he's getting too old, so he put the youngster in it (laughs). I'm a little disappointed, the car was fast. It was really fast off the start but was getting too tight. Howard is beating himself up right now because he's mad messed up the setup. It was good off the get (go), but it got too tight and picked up a vibration. This is my motor and Howard's car – my car is junk from the start, opening night wrecking it. We put a good motor in a good car and came out with third. Now he wants to pull the motor and go run the CRA race at Flat Rock next week, so I'll be up there running the Enduro and possibly the CRA race." With a blended team we have two set of sponsors. Howard's sponsors are King Road Auto Parts, Walt's Auto World, and Hart's Machine Service and Tommy's are K.R.A.P. (which is King Road Auto Parts), Adlers Transmission, BH&H Snacks & Gas, Margen Automotive, Wood County Collision, and Tommy Boy Towing/

Finishing fourth was Greg Stilwell, "It was fun racing out there. That's what we wanted, get more of a crowd out and good hard races is going to do it. We'll work on it this week and hopefully be a little bit better for next week. I'd like to thank my sponsors BLADES Lawn Care, Landscaping & Snow Removal, KENGO Shushi & Yakitori, Fuse Tech, Freeze Frame Photos & Fisher Metal & Fabrication.

Kent McCloskey finished fifth in the race and third in Silver Cup points. "Greg's (Stilwell)right foot was a little bigger there on the last lap (and passed me for fourth). Good racing though, the car finally came around the last 10 laps. We have a little work to do for the last race next week.

Note: Season championship at Toledo for the Sportsman the following week, the top four finishers were the same and Ron Allen added the Sportsman Weekly Championship to his resume. That gives him 14 ARCA championships: Toledo:10 Sportsman (including the inaugural Silver Cup championship) (2000, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2014. 2016); Super Late Models (2002), Overall LM (2002) and at Flat Rock: Street Stock A division champion (2000, 2002). This is third only to Bob Studt (19) and Joy Fair (17) according to the program.

Flat Rock Champions

The end of the season wasn't kind to Flat Rock, with the final three races cancelled for weather related issues. One was cancelled because of dangerous heat indexes and the two championship nights were cancelled because of rain. Congrats to our 2016 champions:

1. For Paul Pelletier, it was his fourth Super Late Model Championship. His first championship was 10 years ago in 2006 with the others coming in 2010 and 2012. This fourth championship ties Paul with Rick Knowles, Eric Lee and Dave Kuhlman… the four drivers are tied for second on the all-time Late Model championship list behind Joy Fair (10). Here's his sponsors and crew Fraza Forklifts, Dusty' Collision. Wolverine Crane Service, Exotic Automation, L & M Hardwood & skids, ABC Plumbing, Blue Water Compressor. And a huge thanks to our crew, Nate Alex Nick Brian.

2. Greg Studt won the Street Stock A division, giving him a sweep of championships at Flat Rock. He has three Figure 8 (2001, 2002, 2013) and won the Late Model (2005) championships. He also is the only driver to win three different division championships at Toledo – Figure 8 (2001, 2004), Late Models (2005) and Street Stock (2015). No one else has won more than three different championships (Bob Studt won Figure 8 at Toledo and Flat Rock and a Flat Rock Street Stock championship; Dennis Whisman has Figure 8 at Toledo and Flat Rock and a Street Stock championship at Toledo; Ron Allen has a Toledo Late Model, Toledo Sportsmen and a Flat Rock Street Stock championships). This championship puts Greg fifth on total ARCA championships with nine (Bob Studt 19 (includes a co-championship); Joy Fair 17, Ron Allen 13 and Chuck Hall 12)

3. Jeffrey Kurzyniec won his second consecutive Street Stock B division championship. He is only the fourth multiple time champion in the B division (James Rae won four and Rich Abel has three and Bob Swanson two). "Great to win the championship wish I could have won on the track tonight at least I've been consistent this season to show a reason for winning the title. This one definitely feels better than last year's. Congratulations to all the other Champions this year. Sadly, this is probably how my season ends, been running the last few weeks with a tired motor so probably won't be running any more of the fun races. Thank you to my crew chief by committee this season Josh Frantz, Nick Frantz, Ron Frantz, Loretta and Jeff Kurzyniec. Really want to thank my wonderful wife Jessica Kurzyniec for putting up with my first full season of racing. It's very difficult running the full season but it's the only option if you want to run for points. Also thank you to my sponsors Base Hit Lawn Care and Tree Service, G & L Mac Tools, & B'raine Storm Printing. Time to get everything ready and hopefully have a very good 2017 season with new and improved goals."

4. Billy Earley also won his second consecutive Figure 8 championship. It's his third overall with a co-champion with Dennis Whisman in 2009. Found the crew to give their thanks to.. "congrats to you and to the rest of the team, Gary, Steve, Travis, Randy, and Brendan". An interesting thing is Billy's son Travis is up for Rookie of the Year, so it may be a very good year for the Earleys. We'll find out RotY at the banquet.

Toledo's Champions

1. Ron Allen won the Late Model Sportsman division, sweeping the divisions two championships this year as he won the inaugural Silver Cup championship too. It is Ron's 14th championship. Only Bob Studt (19) and Joy Fair (17). "Well the 2016 racing season has ended … had a good season with two wins and four second place finishes and capping it off with the 2016 Silver Cup Championship and the 2016 LMSP season championship. I must say I could not have done this without my crew. Michelle, Jamie, Jimmie, Lenny and Gary. Thank you all very much! To my sponsors Fastime Racing Engines & Parts – great new trouble free engine, Churchill Transportation, Giles Auto Body and Dillon Race Cars thank you for your help, and support in making this year a success."

2. Derek Halka won his first championship in the Factory Stocks in his rookie season.

Flat Rock, Bus race, Sept. 3

Thanks to everyone who sent me something on Facebook. I couldn't make the race (actually got to the track and couldn't get into the parking lot). I appreciate you sending it to me.

Kyle Worley won the Street Stock A division portion of the night. "I would like to thank Full Auto, Captain Nemos (Flat Rock), Budget Tire, Bolt On Speed Shop, Total Flow Cylinder Heads. It was nice to win the first one and the last one of the year." It was his second feature win of the year.

Jimmy Pankow won the Street Stock B division portion, "I want to thank my wife and family and Feinn Tire and Auto Service of Livonia." It was his second feature win of the season.

Dennis Whisman won the Figure 8 portion it was his first win at Flat Rock this year and his 55th at Flat Rock (ties him with Chuck Hall for third on the all-time win list).

Archie Padgett won the Boat Figure 8 race, "I think it was the most exciting boat race I've ever been in, racing with Dennis Whisman Jr to the finish. It was closest finish yet and the crowd was absolutely awesome and the loudest ever. I want to thank Papa Smurf Racing, Northwest Trailer Sales and Service, Fleet Enterprises."

Pete Shrake won the Bus race. "Had an awesome time running the Budget Tire bus and putting it in victory lane. Was kinda bummed I was spaced out and didn't get to cause as much carnage as some of the others. But what a great show and we hope everyone comes back out next year."

Todd Burtscher: Stephanie Bradley and I crashed and I spun two more times on my own. I want to thank everyone that didn't hit me while I was facing the wrong way ... .lol