Victoria 200
Victoria 200 weekend
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| Tomkins Pockets $10,000 in Vic 200 at Utica-Rome By MIKE MALLETT
VERNON, NY – Gary Tomkins put together the deal at the last minute to run the Victoria 200 at the Utica-Rome Speedway on Sunday night.
Tomkins made the most of what was given to him by car owner Mike Payne as he went out and dominated the final portions of the Race of Champions Dart Dirt Series 200-lap event to earn the $10,000 payday.
“We sort of put this deal together late in the game,” stated Tomkins after the win. “Things all fell together for us at the last minute. Mike Payne bought this car recently and Steve Roberts put the motor in it. We thrashed and thrashed and thrashed to get this car together and I can't thank the crew enough for all their hard work.”
For Tomkins, it was his first ever win at the Vernon, N.Y., half-mile. It came aboard a Mastin-powered Bicknell car. It was a chassis that he had utilized at the end of last season for his other car owner Doug Dulen.
“This is the car that we ran at the end of last season on the series,” commented Tomkins. “It has been a great car and it has made us a lot of money.”
Tomkins started the feature from the 15th starting position. By lap 30 Tomkins had moved from the middle of the pack to inside the top five while Tim Fuller and Pat Ward battled for the race lead.
Tomkins broke into the top five for the first time halfway through the first part of the race and by the end of the first segment of the event he was in third. With the second 100 kicking off after a 20 minute pause, Tomkins immediately got the lead just ten laps after the restart.
He briefly gave up the race lead to Brett Hearn with less than 50 laps to go. In the end he proved to be too much for the rest of the competition as he picked up the win and the large winner’s share.
Fuller, who led a portion of the event, didn't have enough for Tomkins in the second half of the race earning the Edwards, N.Y., driver a second place finish. Hearn came back from a right rear flat tire late in the race to finish in third.
Former track champion Stewart Friesen, of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., moved from his starting position on the inside of the seventh row to finish in fourth. Pat Ward, of Genoa, N.Y., held on to finish in fifth after leading some of the early laps in the long-distance event.
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STARTING OFF THE VIC: Brian Weaver and Fuller brought the 28-car starting field to the green flag. Fuller got the jump on Weaver and took the lead from20Weaver on the high side of the speedway in turns one and two.
BIG BATTLE IN TRAFFIC: Pat Ward moved into second at the green and he chased Fuller for the first 40 laps of the race. Fuller opened up a half-straightaway advantage until he got caught in slower traffic. As he attempted to move through the slower cars, he bobbled in turns three and four allowing Ward to take the lead on lap 45.
MOVING TO THE FRONT: Ward and Fuller battled for the lead while Tomkins patiently worked his way through traffic into the top five by lap 50 of the feature. He was able to get numerous spots because his car was mobile enough to move around the speedway.
“I tried not to be patient but it kind of got one lane down in three and four and you had to be careful,” commented Tomkins. “I had a couple of close cars there but I knew we had another 100 laps so all I wanted to do was get up into the top five before the end of first part.”
STRONGER AND STRONGER: Ward and Fuller battled continued to swap with lead with Fuller regaining the top spot on lap 59. While they raced for the lead, Tomkins moved by Matt Sheppard to get into fourth and then he took over the third spot from Hearn by lap 75.
HALFWAY POINT: At the midway point break, Fuller was the leader with Ward, Tomkins, Hearn and Sheppard rounding out the top five.
MAKING THE MOVE: The race restarted with Fuller and Ward on the front row. Ward got the lead and Tomkins moved into second. On lap 110, Tomkins made his move on Ward. He tucked to the inside in turns one and two to earn the race lead.
“I think the fact that I had a small-block made a big difference,” stated Tomkins. “I could bring the pace down a lot more than those guys and the fact that I could turn the car in the rubber better than they could was a big advantage. Everyone else seemed to be a little tight.”
LACK OF CONCENTRATION: Tomkins continued to lead and he pulled away from Ward and then Hearn. Once again traffic played a factor in the race as Hearn was able to catch and pass Tomkins for the lead in turns three and four on lap 152.
“I’m not making excuses in but for some reason we put new brake pads in and they didn’t work as well as the first set and I had to pump them a little bit,” said Tomkins. “I knew he (Hearn) was there because the photographers were taking pictures. I just messed up.”
NOT SETTLING: Hearn’s lead was short lived as Tomkins settled back down and got back to work. He drove back by Hearn for the top position in the race on lap 162.
ONE MORE CAUTION: The final caution of the race slowed the field on lap 195. Jamie Christian slowed and came to a stop in the fourth turn with a right rear flat tire. Tomkins was superb on the restart and he held on to win one of the biggest races of his career.
“I knew by that point as long as I stayed in the groove I was alright,” stated the Clifton Springs, N.Y., pilot. “When Brett (Hearn) got by me I could see what he was doing and I realized that he wasn’t any better than I was. Once I got back to the lead I wasn’t going to leave my line. If they wanted to pass me, they were going to have to go around me.”
THE WRONG CHOICE: Fuller dominated the first half of the race but chose the wrong tire for the second part of the event. With the track taking rubber he decided to go with a little bit harder of a compound.
“We picked the wrong tire and that happens in this business,” said Fuller. “With so many compounds to choose from that happens from time to time. You can’t take anything away from Gary Tomkins he did a great job.”
A LATE RACE CHALLENGE: The late race caution put Fuller on the defensive as it put Hearn right on his rear bumper. Over the final three laps, Fuller was forced to fight off Hearn. Fuller and Hearn were side-by-side with one lap to go in turn three. Fuller was able to hang on with Hearn forced back in line behind him.
“Brett Hearn did a helluva job tonight,” stated Fuller. “He (Hearn) could have wiped me out there at the end and he didn’t. I was just hanging on there at the end; I had nothing for Gary (Tomkins).”
SHOULD HAVE GOT TWO: Hearn, of Sussex, N.J., finished the race in third after getting a right rear flat tire on lap 173. Due to series rules, Hearn was able to get into the pit area and change his tire without a lap down. He charged his way back up through the field to challenge Fuller for second but he just ran out of time.
“I felt like a rocket out there once I got that fresh tire,” said Hearn. “It is too bad we didn’t two because I think we could have been even better than that. I didn’t really understand that we were wearing tires out like that. I tried to chase Gary (Tomkins) down a little bit and I used my right rear up.”
QUALIFYING: Seven heats were held with Jason Rood, Fuller, Jeff Trombley, Ward, Mitch Gibbs, Willy Decker and Todd Burley earning wins. The three consolation events were won by Christian, Ronnie Johnson and Dan Pompey. The $1,200 to win 20-lap B-Main went to Mike Ricci.
DART MACHINERY GATES-COLE ASSOCIATES VICTORIA 200 RACE SUMMARY
DART DIRT RACE OF CHAMPIONS MODIFIED FINISH (200 LAPS) - GARY TOMKINS, Tim Fuller, Brett Hearn, Stewart Friesen, Pat Ward, Michael Storms, Todd Burley, Mitch Gibbs, Matt Sheppard, Bobby Varin, Willy Decker, Brian Weaver, Ronnie Johnson, Ryan Phelps, Casey Williams, Larry Wight, Jamie Christian, Jack Johnson, Tom Sears, Billy Decker, Alan Johnson, Dave Camara, Paul Kinney, Jason Rood, Bobby Trapper, Danny Johnson, Dan Pompey, and Jeff Trombley.
B MAIN WINNER- Mike Ricci
TOP CREW CHIEF- Mike Payne (Gary Tomkins) and Joe Knoth (Tim Fuller)
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| Bill Trexler Jr. and Tom Denton take wins to kick Victoria 200 Weekend at Utica-Rome Speedway
VERNON, NY- A special Saturday program was added to this year’s edition of the Victoria 200 at the Utica-Rome Speedway, with Sportsman, Pro Stocks, and Pure Stocks competing in a normal weekly format with the CRSA Sprints added which made for an exciting night of racing action presented by the Turning Stone Casino and Resort. Standing in victory lane at the end of the night was Bill Trexler Jr. in the Sportsman and Tom Denton in the Pro Stocks. Jeremy Quick took the CRSA main while rain postponed the Pure Stocks until May 17.
Jim Rothwell vaulted from his outside front row starting spot in the 20 lap Sportsman main event, passing pole sitter Claude Hutchings Jr. on the extreme outside line. Following in Rothwell’s tracks was sixth place starter Bill Trexler Jr. as he took the second spot by the end of lap one, immediately setting sail after Rothwell.
By lap six, Trexler was able to sneak by Rothwell for the lead while Jeremy Vunk, from the eighth spot, also charged by the early leader to take the second spot. As the event reached the halfway point, Trexler was still showing the way with Matt Janczuk slipping into second followed by Vunk, Jason Rood, and Glenn Forward.
With the continuing on with green flag conditions and Trexler still out front, a heated battle for the second spot was being waged between Janczuk and Rood. At the checkered flag, it was Trexler taking the win with Janczuk holding Rood for the runner up spot while Vunk and Jeff Leslie rounded out the top five.
Dave Meeks was scored as the early leader of the Pro Stocks, taking the spot from fellow front row starter Ed Ostrander at the drop of the green. Meeks held on for the first three circuits, yielding the top spot to AJ Digsby on fourth lap. A couple of a couple quick cautions on the eighth lap allowed the field to close up on Digsby’s bumper.
Once the field got racing again, 13th place starter Tom Denton took the lead away from Digsby and immediately began to pull away. At halfway, it was Denton, Digsby, Ivan Joslin, Nick Stone, and Bill Knapp in the top five. With the second half of the race going green to the finish, Denton opened up a huge lead and raced away to his second straight win with Digsby, Joslin, Stone, and Knapp holding onto their positions until the end.
The Pure Stock main event was rained out as a storm hit the speedway while the field was on their pace laps. The 15 lap affair will be added on to the May 17 program.
TURNING STONE CASINO AND RESORT RACE SUMMARY
SPORTSMAN FEATURE FINISH (20 LAPS)- BILL TREXLER JR., Matt Janczuk, Jason Rood, Jeremy Vunk, Jeff Leslie, Mike Button, Steve Way, Jim Rothwell, Craig Pope, Michael Teachout, John Scarborough, AJ Filbeck, John Deforest, Claude Hutchings Jr., Greg Doust, Aaron Jacobs, Kevin Fassett, and Glenn Forward. DNS-Jack Miller
PRO STOCK FEATURE FINISH (20 LAPS)- TOM DENTON, AJ Digsby, Ivan Joslin, Nick Stone, Bill Knapp, Rocky Warner, Chris Mackey, Eric Vanderhoof, Ed Ostrander, Jim Normoyle, Rob Seavy, Shawn Frost, Bret Belden, Ryan Lund, Dave Fox, Dan Peo, Rick Duanehauer, Dave Meeks, Jim Normoyle Jr., Jack Terrell, Luke Horning, and Mark Effner.
PURE STOCK FEATURE FINISH (15 LAPS)- Postponed until May 17.
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| Victoria 200 Going To Be A Family Affair This Sunday VERNON, NY- This year’s edition of the Dart Machinery/Gates-Cole Associates Victoria 200 at Utica-Rome Speedway will have a family feel to it as at least two father-son duos will attempt to qualify for the prestigious event. The Dart Dirt Race of Champions Modified Series event is set to go off this Sunday
May 10.
Recent Victoria 200 entrant Jack Johnson, the popular veteran from Duanesburg NY, needs no introduction when in competition. With over 400 wins over his illustrious career, Jack has won nearly every major event at least once. A 26 time winner at the Utica-Rome Speedway, a win in this $10,000 to win extravaganza would add to his already impressive resume.
Following in his father’s footsteps was never in doubt, and after a decade of running in the Modified division, Ronnie Johnson has shown that racing is truly in the family makeup. With about 25 wins throughout his career, Ronnie has become a serious contender at any racetrack he pulls into. With one career Utica-Rome Speedway win to his credit, he would love it if his second win was worth $10,000.
Another father and son combination submitting entries is that of Bobby and Danny Varin. Bobby has shown an incredible ability to adapt to any track that he competes at with team he is racing for. A winner at a minimum of 10 different race tracks, Bobby has also taken a share of big wins in his career including the $10,000 2008 New Yorker 200 at Utica-Rome.
Danny is just starting to get his Modified career off the ground and hopes to have the same success his father has enjoyed so far. With several solid runs so far in 2009, Danny looks to be well on his way. A good qualifying effort in the $1,000 to start Victoria 200 would be a great confidence boost for the young racer and may just help propel him to his first win.
The Johnsons and Varins join an entry list that resembles and all star event already, a list that includes the LJL stable of Pat Ward, Billy Decker, and Larry Wight. More entries include Paul Kinney, Matt Delorenzo, Danny Johnson, Todd Burley, Brian Weaver, Willy Decker, Elmo Reckner, Tony Steiner, and Jason Rood.
Gates will open for this big event at Noon, with racing set to start at 4 p.m. A complete program of heats, consolations, B Main, and the 200 lap feature is scheduled.
Utica-Rome Speedway is located on Route 5 just east of the village of Vernon, minutes from the New York State Thruway.
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| Support Classes Take Center Stage This Saturday at Utica-Rome Speedway Back to top Back Home
VERNON, NY- With the Modifieds taking center stage on Sunday May 10 with the $10,000 to win Victoria 200 as part of the annual Mothers Day Special at Utica-Rome Speedway, the normal Sunday night support classes of Sportsman, Pro Stocks, and Pure Stocks along with the CRSA Sprints will take center stage on Saturday May 9. The gates for this rare Saturday night event, sponsored by the Turning Stone Casino and Resort, will open at 4 p.m. with racing ready to go at 7 p.m.
The Sportsman division has seen great competition so far this season with some exciting side by side action. So far Jason Rood and Steve Way have grabbed wins with Mike Button, Jeff Leslie, and Jeremy Vunk all showing some early season strength. Other drivers showing some ability to finish off the job and compete for the victory include AJ Filbeck, Matt Janczuk, Michael Teachout, Bill Trexler Jr., and Aaron Jacobs.
Showing a resurgence show far in 2009 is the Pro Stocks with full fields and intense racing. Rocky Warner has shown the way so far with a win and a top five in the two events to take the early point lead. Bill Knapp has been steady to sit in the runner up spot with Tom Denton, Bret Belden, and recent winner Rob Seavy right behind in the standings. Rounding out the top ten is Chris Mackey, Shawn Frost, AJ Digsby, 2008 champion Jim Normoyle, and Ivan Joslin.
Defending Pure Stock champion Chris Carr again finds himself atop the standings on the strength of two second place finishes. Opening night winner Ron Hawker is just behind with multi time champion Russ Marsden and recent first time winner Frank Hyatt tied for the third spot. Rounding out the top five is Rob Thieme followed by Chris Cunningham, Bill Mason, Jim Thomas, Scott Wheelock, and Keith Stevenson.
Full handicapping and points will be in effect for the normal Sunday night purse being in place for the Sportsman, Pro Stocks, and Pure Stocks.
Also making a special appearance is the CRSA Sprints who will be making the first of two appearances in 2009. Over the past several years, CRSA has grown from single digit car counts to nearly 30 entries earlier this season at Fonda Speedway. With rules set in place that allow a racer to be competitive without having to spend tens of thousands of dollars on motors, the division is great place for someone to start their racing career or allow racers on a budget the ability to be competitive.
A chicken barbecue is also scheduled for Saturday, presented by Apple Betty’s Diner, in the speedway parking lot at 3 p.m.
Following Saturday’s action, racing will resume on Sunday May 10 when Dart Machinery and Gates-Cole Associates present the Dart Dirt Race of Champions Victoria 200. The Big Block/Small Block event will pay a hefty $10,000 to win with $1,000 to start. Last season, Danny Johnson took home the huge win after making a late race charge in lapped traffic. Gates open for this big event open at Noon with racing at 4 p.m. Again, Apple Betty’s Diner will present a chicken barbecue with this one starting at 11 a.m.
Just minutes from the New York State Thruway, Utica-Rome Speedway is located on Route in Vernon NY.
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| Several Top Drivers Enter Victoria 200 as Pre Entry Deadline Draws Near VERNON, NY- With the pre entry deadline drawing nearer, Utica-Rome Speedway’s Victoria 200 entry list is beginning to expand on a daily basis. The $10,000 to win Modified special is expected to draw some of the biggest names in the Northeast. The Dart Dirt Race of Champions Dirt Modified Series event is scheduled for Sunday May 10. Gates will open at noon with racing set to go off at 4 p.m.
2008 Victoria 200 Danny Johnson has entered with the Atlas Paving numbered 66 with high hopes on winning this year’s edition as well. Already a winner on the 2009 Dart Dirt Race of Champions Dirt Modified Series at Selinsgrove, Johnson has a guaranteed starting spot for the Victoria 200.
Also entering is 2008 Utica-Rome Speedway 358-Modified champion Pat Ward aboard his potent Gypsum Express numbered 42p. Ward, looking for the huge payday, also is the defending Dart Dirt Race of Champions Dirt Modified Series champion. By taking the win at Fonda Speedway’s Ice Jam, Ward has also earned himself a guaranteed starting spot in this year’s edition of the Victoria 200.
Ward’s teammates, Billy Decker and Larry Wight, have also submitted their entries. Decker, the 2008 Advance Auto Parts DIRTcar Modified Series champion and winner of the Richie Evans Remembered event at Utica-Rome Speedway last season has to be considered a heavy favorite. Last season, Wight joined the Modified ranks and began winning right away. Several wins in the 358-Modified division at Can-Am Speedway and strong runs on the series netted Wight the Rookie of the Year titles in the 358-Modifieds and Modifieds.
Returning to Utica-Rome Speedway as a regular after a year hiatus, Todd Burley is also searching for the $10,000 top prize in his Bashore Trucking 89b. Burley is always fast on the Vernon half mile and should be considered a threat to win it all.
A regular at the Fonda Speedway, Elmo Reckner has entered his Elmo’s Auto Body mount. Reckner hopes for a solid run that could provide some needed momentum for the rest of the season.
The drivers listed above already join a list that included Paul Kinney and Matt DeLorenzo.
Drivers are reminded that the early entry deadline in Monday May 4. After that, the entry fee goes from $40 to $60 right up to the event.
The Victoria 200 Weekend kicks off with a special Saturday show on May 9 that will feature the CRSA Sprints plus regular shows for Sportsman, Pro Stocks, and Pure Stocks. Gates will open at 4 p.m. with racing at 7 p.m.
In addition to the standard heats and consolation events for the Modifieds on Sunday May 10, there will also be a B Main run for the Modifieds. The winner of the B Main will have a choice to take the money or be added scratch to the tail end of the Victoria 200.
Also on Sunday, Apple Betty’s Diner will present a Chicken BBQ wish should prove popular with the fans and drivers.
Victoria 200 Driver Pre Entries |
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