
STEWART FRIESEN SPINS AND WINS
![]() ![]() THE GATES-COLE ASSOCIATES/DART MACHINERY NEW YORKER 200
Vernon , NY- Clear blue skies greeted the fans and drivers to Utica-Rome Speedway this past Sunday, September 16, which was in stark contrast to what it was when they left the previous evening when rain forced the postponement of the Gates-Cole Associates/Dart Machinery New Yorker 200. An early morning start was used to give fans and drivers alike the opportunity to go to other events or to make the long journey home. When the checkered flag flew at approximately 12:30 p.m., it was Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario native Stewart Friesen that stood in victory lane with the $10,000 check while Louie Jackson took home the $1,200 Pro Stock payday.
Johnstown , NY ’s AJ Romano jumped to the early lead when Matt Burdick’s green flag waved to start the Gates-Cole Associates/Dart Machinery, using outside pole starting spot to get the lead over pole sitter Willy Decker. Romano’s stint at the front of field would only last two circuits however as fourth place starter Bobby Varin sped by. While Varin out front in the first dozen laps, Todd Burley was making his charge to the front from his eighth starting position.
Burley completed his charge as lap 17 was scored, gaining the lead from Varin. Other drivers that were moving through the standings in the first portion of the event were Alan Johnson, Stewart Freisen, and Vic Coffey as all three had moved into the top ten by lap 25 from starting spots 13th, 14th, and 21st, respectively.
On lap 28, the red flag was shown to the field when Don Mattison, from Wells, VT, flipped his ride in turn four as he slid over the banking and into the wall. Mattison was uninjured in the incident. When racing resumed, Alan Johnson continued his march to the front as he moved into the third spot on lap 33 and was looking for more as was Coffey as he cracked into the top five on lap 47. With lap 50 in the books, it was Burley, Varin, Friesen, Alan Johnson, and Coffey showing the quick was around the track with Romano, Mike Ricci, Pat Ward, Kevin Bates, and Decker filling out the top ten.
On cruise control out front was Burley as he was lapping competitors in wholesale fashion, but with about 10 laps to go, the Spencerport NY’s mount seemed to slow. With laps in the first 100 circuits winding down, Varin closed the gap on Burley, even showing his nose on a few occasions but Burley was able to hold on to until the caution flag flew to signify the completion of the first half of the event. Chasing Burley to the stripe was Varin, Friesen, Coffey, Mike Ricci, Alan Johnson, Decker, Ward, Romano, and Ramsey. Burley revealed at the halfway leader interview that needed to change the driveshaft.
After the halfway break, Burley continued to lead but on lap 101 Varin nosed ahead to gain the top spot but only for one lap as Burley regained it a circuit later. The top duo continued their battle for the lead until they got mired in lapped traffic. Varin saw an opening in the traffic and used it to his advantage as he took the lead on lap 117. While Burley and Varin battled for the lead, third place runner Friesen spun his ride in turn one but before the yellow was shown he continue on, losing one position in the process.
Friesen now was on a mission, as now he was looking to recover from his spin and the $10,000 top prize. His recovery was completed on lap 142, he charged by Varin for the top spot. Once out front, Friesen was gone from the rest of the leaders as opened up a huge margin over the field. Varin, Ronnie Johnson, Coffey, and Burley were fighting for the runner-up spot. Ronnie Johnson took over third on lap 148, and for the rest of the race, he hounded Varin for second with Coffey knocking on his back bumper, but they were all unsuccessful in their attempts. Burley’s fine run, he was fourth at the time, ended on lap 163 when he pulled into the pit area with rear end problems.
Out front, Friesen easily drove the rest of the distance to score the huge payday as Varin, Ronnie Johnson, Coffey, and Romano trailed. Rounding out the top ten were Ward, Mike Ricci, Alan Johnson, Jim Davis, and John Ramsey.
Seven heats and four consolation events were run on Saturday September 15 to trim the 64 cars entered to the 28 car starting field. Pat Ward, Jeff Kotary, Jack Johnson, Todd Burley, Bobby Varin, AJ Romano, and Mike Ricci all won heats with Paul Kinney, Jim Davis, Ted Lamb, and Jamie Christian taking the consi events. In a post race drawing, Frank Caprara was the recipient of an extra $1,000 while Rich Ricci Jr. received a set of heads, compliments of Dart Machinery.
In the companion Pro Stock event, Jim Normoyle grabbed the lead from Roy Fifield as lap three was being complete to take control of the 25 lap main, only to have Louie Jackson slide by for the lead and the win on lap 21. Normoyle would hold on for second with Russ Marsden, Mark Effner, and Rob Seavy rounding out the top five. Pro Stock heats were won by Bobby Newman, Jim Normoyle, and Roy Fifield with the consolation race going to Eric Vanderhoof.
The last event on the 2007 Utica-Rome Speedway schedule is the annual Awards Banquet, held at the Turning Stone Casino & Resort on November 17. Call Connie Plows at (315) 822-6336 for reservations.
GATES-COLE ASSOCIATES/DART MACHINERY NEW YORKER 200 RACE SUMMARY
PRO STOCK FEATURE FINISH (25 LAPS)- LOUIE JACKSON, Jim Normoyle, Russ Marsden, Mark Effner, Rob Seavy, AJ Digsby, Roy Fifield, Bret Belden, Bernie Companion, Jerry Holmes, Shawn Frost, Dave Moyer, Chris Mackey, Ed Ostrander, Ryan Lund, Joe Palmer, Phil Norman, John Warner, Rich Dauenhauer, Eric Vanderhoof, Bill Knapp, Bobby Newman, and Tom Denton.
![]() GATES-COLE ASSOCIATES/DART MACHINERY NEW YORKER 200 FINISH
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BRAD ALGER, DAVE BRUNO, AND JIM ROBERTS KICK OFF NEW YORKER WEEKEND WITH VICTORIES AT UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY
VERNON , NY- The 18th edition of the New Yorker 200 weekend kicked off in fine style with Sportsman, Pure Stocks, and IMCA Modifieds starting the two day event off with their high paying events on Luther Excavating Night. Brad Alger, Dave Bruno, and Jim Roberts took the wins in their respective events.
2007 Utica-Rome Speedway Sportsman track champion out dragged pole sitter Michael Teachout into turn one at the start of the 50 lap Sportsman main event, leading the 30 car starting field on the opening lap. Tim Nye moved into the second spot on lap three, putting pressure on the leader Button. Several cautions marred the early portion of the 50 lap event, but Button was able to maintain his advantage on every restart.
Matt Janczuk was the man on the move, charging from the 17th spot and into the runner-up spot by lap 16. During the next 25 consecutive laps of green flag racing, Janczuk was all over the back bumper of Button as was looking for the $2,200 payday. At the halfway point, it was Button out front with Janczuk a close second while Teachout, Russ Hefti, and Casey Williams filled out the top five spots.
Janczuk made his move to gain the lead as lap 39 as being scored, dropping Button back into the clutches of Teachout, Hefti, and Brad Alger. As the field was taking the green on lap 41 restart, a pileup coming off turn four eliminated several top contenders, including David Towns . Janczuk continued to hold the top spot after the restart while Alger, who made an early race pit stop, slipped by Button for second and set after Janczuk. The final slowdown of the event happened on lap 48 when Jack Miller spun coming off turn four, setting up a two lap showdown for the lucrative win. Going into turn one after the restart, Janczuk left the bottom lane open for Alger, which Alger promptly filled. Alger nosed ahead coming off turn two to take the lead and the win. Janczuk held on for second with Button, Teachout, and Greg Doust nailing down the top five spots. Hefti, Jason Memrick, Jeff Leslie, Mike Loney, and Jim Rothwell rounded out the top ten.
Ron Hawker rocketed to the lead in the special 20 lap Pure Stock event, leading the opening four circuits. Hawker slipped off the banking in turns one and two, handing the lead over to 2007 Utica-Rome Speedway Pure Stock champion Russ Marsden. Marsden’s stint at the front was short lived however as sixth place starter Dave Bruno got by Marsden for the lead as lap seven was being scored. Bruno would hold on to score the $500 payday, while Dave Mannise, Marsden, Hawker, and Chris Carr rounded out the top 10.
In the IMCA Modified action, Aaron Jacobs grabbed the lead at the drop of the 15 lap event with Jeff Jones and Jim Roberts chasing. Roberts took advantage of a lap 11 restart to get by Jacobs for the lead and the win to cap off his 2007 Utica-Rome Speedway IMCA Modified championship in fine style. Jacobs, Dale Caswell, Jones, and Bob Banks followed Roberts to the finish.
Action resumes tomorrow with the 18th running of the Gates-Cole/Dart Machinery New Yorker 200. $10,000 will go the winner of the 200 lap with $1,000 being paid to take the green. Pro Stocks will also be in action in a 25 lap $1,200 event along with a Midstate Antique Car race and display. Gates open at 10 a.m. with racing set to go at 2 p.m.
NEW YORKER 200 WEEKEND Sept. 14th
LUTHER EXCAVATING RACE SUMMARY
SPORTSMAN FEATURE FINISH (50 LAPS)- BRAD ALGER, Matt Janczuk, Mike Button, Michael Teachout, Greg Doust, Russ Hefti, Jason Memrick, Jeff Leslie, Mike Loney, Jim Rothwell, Brandon Easey, Tom Juhl, Nick Rochinski, Bill Coleman, Jack Miller, Curt Prevo, Keith Hotchkiss, Casey Williams, David Towns, Steve Way, Paul Carey, Jim LaRock, Mike Lartz, Tim Nye, Robert Perry, Randy Shantel, Casey Plummer, Bill Trexler Jr., Jeremy Vunk, and Alan Barker. DNS- Mike Tholin.
PURE STOCK FEATURE FINISH (20 LAPS)- DAVE BRUNO, Dave Mannise, Russ Marsden, Ron Hawker, Chris Carr, Ron Marsden, Rocky Warner, Chris Cunningham, Mark Whooten, Scott Wheelock, Jim Richmond, Cale Hoffman, Tim Janczuk, Dave Bayes, Art Newman, Curt Prevo, Chuck Cushman, Glenn Forward, Frank Hyatt, Jim Thomas, Waylan Wilczeck, Keith Stevenson, Kevin Clawson, Herm Staats, and Dan Hatch.
IMCA MODIFIED FEATURE FINISH (15 LAPS)- JIM ROBERTS, Aaron Jacobs, Dale Caswell, Jeff Jones, Bob Banks, Ron Santone, Mike Stoddard, Brad Weaver, and Ken Rogers.
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18th Annual New Yorker 200 Weekend
SEPTEMBER 14 & 15
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
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SPORTSMAN50 Laps - $2,200 To Win
PURE STOCK - $500 To Win
IMCA MODIFIEDS - $400 To Win
Plus Hot Laps for 358 Modifieds & Pro Stocks
Gates Open 3pm • Racing 7pm • General Admission $15 for Adults 9 & Under are FREE • Pit Admission $25
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
The Gates-Cole Associates / Dart Machinery New Yorker 200
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358 MODIFIEDS
$10,000 TO WIN
200 Laps - $1,000 To Start
Plus PRO STOCK $1,200 To Win
& Midstate Antique Racecar Race & Display
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![]() Gates Open 10am
Racing at 2pm
GENERAL ADMISSION:
$25 for Adults
9 & Under FREE
Pit Admission $40
2 Day Pit Admission. $60
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For More Information Click Here or Call 315-829-4557 - 315-725-5709 - 315-855-7688
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The 18th Running of THE NEW YORKER - 200 laps for 358 Modifieds. $10,000 to Win. $1,000 TO START. 100 laps, Pro Stock 25 laps, then final 100 laps for Mods. Midstate Antique Stock Car Race & Display. Qualifying to Start at 2 PM. Rain Date FRIDAY Sept 21-Subject to Change.
Prices:
Friday: Adults $15 Ages 10-14 $10 - Ages 9 and Under Free
Pit Admission - Friday Only $25
Sept 15 - Saturday: Adults $25 Ages 10-14 $10 Ages 9 and Under Free No Reserved Seats
Pit Admission - Saturday Only- $40 Two Day Pit Pass: $60 No Two Day General Admission Tickets.
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UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY RELEASES 358-MODIFIED RULES FOR NEW YORKER 200 WEEKEND
VERNON , NY- With Utica - Rome Speedway ’s season ending New Yorker 200 weekend rapidly approaching, track management has released the rules for the $10,000 to win 358-Modified spectacular scheduled for September 15. The lucrative event will $1,000 to start.
Utica Rome Speedway Rules with the Following Exceptions:
1) Must be Modified chassis.
2) Engines - 366 Cubic Inches maximum
3) Weight 2,400 pounds - ALL CARS.
4) Any 13" x 92" Dirt Modified tire, including Hoosier, American Racer, Goodyear. No Late Model Tires.
5) Rear quarter panels / sail panels can extend back to 48" maximum (measured from center of rear axle to rear of car including spoiler). Maximum height of sail panels is 65", measured from the ground to highest point. Window / sail panels cannot extend forward beyond the back of the driver's seat and must mirror size and shape side for side. 4" maximum roof spoiler allowed.
6) Sunoco Race Fuel or Pump Gas allowed. No fuel injection.
7) No time trials.
8) No two-way radios at all. One way radio (Raceceiver) mandatory. Frequency is 454.000.
9) AMB transponders will be mandatory.
10) Only one entry per driver.
The Sportsman, Pro Stocks, and Pure Stocks will follow the rules as listed in the Utica-Rome Speedway LLC 2007 Rulebook
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UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY REVIVES NEW YORKER EVENT TO CLOSE OUT 2007 SEASON
VERNON , NY- At the recently held 2006 Awards Banquet at the Turning Stone Casino and Resort, General Manager Dick Sweet announced that the 2007 season would see the return of the “New Yorker” event to the Vernon oval. The 18th edition of the New Yorker, to be held at the end of the season on a yet to be determined date will be 200 laps in length and be exclusively for the 358-Modifieds which is the headline division at the speedway.
Some of the greatest names in short track racing, both dirt and asphalt have competed in the New Yorker but only a select few have won the event. Names like Richie Evans, Ed Flemke Sr., Geoff Bodine, Lou Lazzaro, Bill Wimble, and Billy Pauch are just some the great drivers to take the checkered flag in past New Yorker events.
In 1963, Lou “The Monk” Lazzaro took the inaugural New Yorker event, then a 400 lap grind, to claim his first of five checkered flags (the next four came when the 400 lap distance was broken into two segments with each claiming a victor, Lazzaro took both segments in 1968 and 1969) in the prestigious event. The three time Utica-Rome Speedway champion, Lazzaro would collect 30 feature events at the speedway in his long career. Winner of hundred of events and dozens of titles across the Northeast, Lazzaro raced up to the eve of his death in May 2000.
The New Yorker 400 was broken into two segments in 1964, with each event declaring a separate winner. The two race format didn’t make much of a difference that season though, as Ed Flemke Sr. won both segments becoming the first of two drivers to complete the sweep. Flemke found success all over the Northeast, winning over 500 events in his career including 24 at the Utica-Rome Speedway. When the New Yorker 400 returned to one 400 lap grind again in 1970, Flemke was the victor again.
The 1965 edition of the New Yorker saw “The Flying Dutchman” Fred Harbach take his only Utica-Rome Speedway checkered in one of the 200 segments. The Long Island native raced throughout the Northeast for 40 years, winning the track championship as well as the last event at Riverhead in 1992, his final season behind the wheel.
Taking the second 200 lap portion of the 1965 New Yorker 400 was the legendary Bill Wimble. That season saw Wimble win his first of two Utica-Rome Speedway championships, this one in the Sportsman division which he followed up with the Modified title a year later. Wimble was the NASCAR’s national Sportsman champion in both 1960 and ’61. 1966 would show Wimble taking another 200 lap segment of the New Yorker, his second and final checkered flag in the famed event.
Don McTavish took the opening 200 lap portion of the New Yorker in 1966 and in 1967; he repeated that feat by taking another 200 lap segment. Two of McTavish’s four Utica-Rome Speedway career wins would come from this prestigious show.
Dave Kotary, member of the Kotary clan that has raced at Utica-Rome from its very beginning to the present grabbed his only checkered flag in the New Yorker, winning a portion of the event in 1967. Kotary had a total of six feature wins at Utica-Rome.
Probably the most famous and best driver in Utica-Rome Speedway’s history, Richie Evans grabbed the 1971 and ’72 editions of the New Yorker 400. Arguably one of the best short track racers in the country, Evans made his mark in Modified racing up and down the east coast, from Daytona to Vermont , grabbing nearly 500 wins and nine NASCAR National Modified Championships. Evans’ 33 career wins and four track championships at the Utica-Rome Speedway would have certainly been higher if it wasn’t for his banishment from NASCAR sanctioned events in the early 70’s. Evans would win the New Yorker again in 1978 when it was run as a 200 lap affair, making it three New Yorker wins for Evans’ as a driver and four as a car owner as Eddie Flemke won in the famous Evans numbered 61 in 1970 when Evans was serving his NASCAR punishment.
In 1974 Maynard Troyer, the soon to be owner of the famous Troyer Engineering chassis business, took the final 400 lap New Yorker. Troyer would have a total of four wins at Utica-Rome Speedway.
In 1975, the New Yorker was shortened to 100 laps, a dash compared to the former 400 lap distance, which saw a young hotshot out of Southern New York take the win. Chemung NY ’s Geoff Bodine took the win ahead of a stout top five of Lou Lazzaro, Jerry Cook, Richie Evans, and Ed Pieniazek. Bodine would finish his career with nine Utica-Rome Speedway wins.
After Richie Evans took the win in the 1978 New Yorker 200, the era of asphalt racing at the Utica-Rome Speedway came to an end. From 1961 until 1978, Utica-Rome Speedway was the center of the NASCAR Modified world, having the NASCAR National Modified champions from 1971 until 1978 (Jerry Cook held the title in 1971 and 1972 and again in 1974 until 1977 with Richie Evans holding the title in 1973 and 1978) call the Vernon oval their Sunday night home. Just to take a look back at the legendary names that raced regularly at Utica-Rome Speedway gives a sense of what tremendous racing action took place during that period, with drivers like Bugsy Stevens, Lou Lazzaro, Rene Charland, Bill Wimble, Richie Evans, Jerry Cook, Kenny Shoemaker, Sonny Seamon, Bill Wimble, Maynard Troyer, and too many more to list.
In 1990, promoter Eric Kingsley brought the New Yorker name back from obscurity. Kingsley ran the event in conjunction with Fulton Speedway’s Victoria 200 in hopes of bringing in many of the same drivers the trek to that huge event. Run as a high paying 50 lap event, New Jersey ’s Billy Pauch took home the laurels in the first two New Yorker’s run on the dirt surface. Pauch would win the New Yorker one more time in 1993 when it was expanded to 100 laps with a break at the halfway point. Known for his versatility on both dirt and asphalt and in any type of race car, Pauch has over 500 career wins and continues to add to that total every year.
Dale Planck added his name to the famous list of New Yorker winner in the 1992 New Yorker 50. Out of Homer NY, Planck was four time track champion and three-time NASCAR Regional Champion on the strength of his Utica-Rome Speedway finishes. Planck is the current leader in career Modified wins at the Utica-Rome Speedway with 42.
Who will add their name to the great list of driver to the New Yorker classic at Utica-Rome Speedway? Will it be one it’s current crop of drivers like Willy Decker, Mitch Gibbs, Todd Burley, Bobby Varin, Jamie Christian, Ted Lamb, and others or will it be some invading hot shoe looking to take home the large payday? Only time will tell but this event is currently lining up to be among the best and most exciting New Yorkers held, so make plans now to attend this huge event.
Sept 14 - FRIDAY NIGHT - 50 lap Sportsman Race plus IMCA, & Pure Stocks. Hot laps for 358 Mods and Pro Stocks. Gates at 5 - Race at 7 PM
Sept 15 - SATURDAY - The 18th Running of THE NEW YORKER - 200 laps for 358 Modifieds. $10,000 to Win. $1,000 TO START. 100 laps, Pro Stock 25 laps, then final 100 laps for Mods. Qualifying to Start at 3 PM. Rain Date FRIDAY Sept 21.
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"New Yorker" Event History
Utica-Rome Speedway
1963 - 2007 - 18 Events - 5,150 Total Laps
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Event #
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Date
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Laps
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Winner
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2nd
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3rd
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4th
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5th
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18
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9/15/2007
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200
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Stewart Friesen
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Bobby Varin
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Ronnie Johnson
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Vic Coffey
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AJ Romano
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17
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9/19/1993
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100
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Billy Pauch
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Paul Jensen
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Donnie Wetmore
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Duane Howard
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Randy Glenski
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16
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9/20/1992
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50
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Dale Planck
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Donnie Wetmore
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Pete Bicknell
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Tom Kinsella
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Randy Glenski
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15
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9/22/1991
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50
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Billy Pauch
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Tom Kinsella
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Paul Jensen
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Billy Schinkel,Jr.
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Gordy Button
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14
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9/16/1990
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50
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Billy Pauch
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Toby Tobias,Jr.
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Pete Bicknell
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Roger Phelps
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Donnie Wetmore
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13
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9/3/1978
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200
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Richie Evans
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Jerry Cook
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Chip Lanz
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Ken Canestrari
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Joel Thomas
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12
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8/30/1974
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100
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Geoff Bodine
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Lou Lazzaro
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Jerry Cook
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Richie Evans
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Ed Pieniazek
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11
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9/2/1973
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400
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Maynard Troyer
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Bugs Stevens
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Jerry Cook
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Bernie Miller
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Ed Pieniazek
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10
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9/5/1972
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400
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Richie Evans
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Lou Lazzaro
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Jerry Cook
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Fred DeSarro
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Ollie Silva
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9
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9/5/1971
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400
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Richie Evans
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Fred DeSarro
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Jerry Cook
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Billy Hensley
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Lou Lazzaro
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8
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9/6/1970
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400
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Ed Flemke
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Robbie Kotary
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Dick Fowler
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Gene Mangino
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Maynard Troyer
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7
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9/1/1969
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200
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Lou Lazzaro
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Jimmy Hensley
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Bugs Stevens
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Fred DeSarro
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Perk Brown
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7
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9/1/1969
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200
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Lou Lazzaro
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Jerry Cook
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Jimmy Hensley
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Bugs Stevens
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Perk Brown
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6
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9/1/1968
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200
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Lou Lazzaro
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Ed Flemke
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Bernie Miller
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Sonny Seamon
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Ron Narducci
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6
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9/1/1968
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200
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Lou Lazzaro
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Sonny Seamon
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Fred Harbach
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Ron Narducci
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Dick Fowler
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5
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9/3/1967
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200
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Dave Kotary
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Ed Flemke
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Jean Paul Cabana
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Lou Lazzaro
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Jerry Cook
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5
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9/3/1967
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200
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Don MacTavish
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Bugs Stevens
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Bill Wimble
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Jerry Cook
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Jean Paul Cabana
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4
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9/11/1966
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200
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Bill Wimble
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Ken Shoemaker
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Rene Charland
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Sonny Seamon
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Jerry Cook
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4
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9/11/1966
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200
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Don MacTavish
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Robbie Kotary
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Bill Wimble
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Ernie Gahan
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Rene Charland
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3
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9/5/1965
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200
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Bill Wimble
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Rene Charland
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Jerry Cook
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3
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9/5/1965
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200
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Fred Harbach
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Rene Charland
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Jerry Humeston
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2
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9/6/1964
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200
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Ed Flemke
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Fred Harbach
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Fats Caruso
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Rene Charland
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Lou Lazzaro
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2
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9/6/1964
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200
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Ed Flemke
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Robbie Kotary
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Rene Charland
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Bill Wimble
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Lou Lazzaro
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1
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9/1/1963
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400
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Lou Lazzaro
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Bob Rossell
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Ernie Gahan
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Bill Wimble
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Jean Paul Cabana
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