Over the past weekend, nearly every race track in western Pennsylvania fell victim to rain.
(Pictured above: Michael Bauer in victory lane at Sharon Speedway after his popular victory. Photo by Rick Rarer.)
Just across the border in Hartford, Sharon Speedway was able to sneak one by Mother Nature. Despite a 30-minute rain shower just before race time, the track crew was able to get the track back in shape and complete Saturday night’s Steel Valley Thunder “Bill” Kirila Memorial event.
The rain made for a lightning fast surface, which provided some exciting action and first time winners. One of them was Clarion native Mike Bauer, who collected $3,000 for his first sprint car win at Sharon Speedway.
Bauer has won at other area tracks, but Sharon has eluded him until now.
“I was just holding it wide open,” a jubilant Bauer stated in victory lane. “I tell people all the time I just love racing Sprint Cars. But to win one, that’s awesome.”
It has been a busy season for Bauer and his team, who have made several trips outside the area to compete with the best, including several nights of Ohio Speedweek and the Eldora Million, the highest paying dirt race in history just a few weeks ago. Bauer was also one of the drivers to compete in all five nights of Western Pennsylvania Speedweek where he finished third in points.
Bauer is poised to continue his busy 2023 with plans to race with the FAST Series, World of Outlaws, and the new High Limit Series yet this season. He couldn’t do it without his sponsors; Mobile Bail Bonds, Wildwood Collision, and the Berrier Family, along with his crew Tykie, Kyle, Steven, Malissa, and wife/crew chief Shannon.
Mike has been fast all season and hopefully can add a few more wins to his resume before the season ends.
410 Sprint Cars will return to Sharon Speedway on Wednesday, August 30, for their final Wednesday Night Thunder event. The first one attracted a strong field of 37 cars. This time the big block modifieds will also be on the card.
Lernerville Speedway was able to complete one feature Friday night before rains washed out the rest of the action. Chas Wolbert came from the tail of the field to win the big block modified feature in exciting fashion.
The other three features will be made up the next three Friday nights, including a $10,000 to win late model feature on August 11.
The RUSH wingless sprint cars will make their first ever appearance at Hummingbird Speedway this Saturday night for Ina’s Memorial Shootout. Also on the card will be the pro stocks racing for $1,500, along with four-cylinder hot dog races. The BRP Modified Tour will invade the following Saturday, August 12.
Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway was recently sold to new owners, Blair and Tabby Cress, who did not plan to continue operating the race track.
After attending the action at their newly acquired track, they had a change of heart and have decided to keep auto racing alive at the monster half mile. So far so good as they have posted updates of track improvements almost every week via social media.
Weekly racing at Pittsburgh Motor Speedway is scheduled through September with the running of the annual Pittsburgher 100 featuring the Lucas Oil Late Model Series racing for $30,000.
The news from Knox Raceway is not good as new owner Brian Steinman has seized operations and closed the doors on the popular oval.
The track (with tons of improvements) is now listed for sale with the future of racing in doubt.
Tri-City Raceway will return to action this Sunday night with a regular four division program highlighted by the 410 sprint cars and 358 modifieds.
The following Saturday, the BOSS wingless sprint series will make their first ever visit to the Venango County oval.
Rick’s Racing Roundup is brought to you by:
Gatesman Auto Body
Zacherl Motors
Kerle Tire Company
Bauer Truck Repair
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