By Steve Williams
The ARDC Midgets return to the historic Williams Grove Speedway this Friday evening when they appear on a double card with the All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars in the Goodyear Diamond Series.
Opening day winner and defending club champion, Steve Buckwalter will be looking to pick up his second win in a row. Buckwalter as well as his cousin Bruce Buckwalter Jr. and Ryan Smith all visited victory lane when ARDC visited “The Grove” last season.
Not only has Steve Buckwalter triumphed, this season, in the midgets but also owns a 410 Sprint Car win at Port Royal Speedway as well as a runner-up finish at Williams Grove where he currently sits fifth in the point standings.
Smith, last years runner-up in points also finished in second in the season opener but was the fastest car on the track at the end of the race. The speedy youngster from Kunkletown, PA will be behind the wheel of the Valley Stove and Fireplace, re-numbered 33.
Phillipsburg, NJ resident, “Slick” Nick Wean finished third in the opener and is a threat to win at any speedway. The second generation driver will be piloting the Wean Heating, Core Info Services 78.
Completing the opening day top five was a pair of Midget sophomores. Tim Buckwalter, who was named the 2010 Rookie of the year was fourth. Buckwalter who won two races in his rookie season badly wants to add a Williams Grove win to his resume, while fifth place finishing Alex Bright, who normally lives in Collegeville, PA, will head east from Ohio where he is attending college.
Looking forward to the short trip from their base of operations in the Lancaster area are the Heistand brothers. Drew who finished in the third spot in last years points race had problems in the opening race but is looking forward to getting his Esslinger powered number 12 back on track, while brother Dusty, who was last years most improved driver will be behind the wheel of his familiar number six. Both cars receive support from Don Cin Transport.
The Midgets will compete in three 8 lap heat races and a consolation to qualify for the 20 lap main event.
Racing for the huge double card show gets underway at 7:30pm.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Susquehanna Speedway Park
Steve Buckwalter
Friday, April 29, 2011
Williams Grove Speedway
Saturday, May 07, 2011
Port Royal Speedway
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Bridgeport Speedway (1/4 Mile)
Friday, May 27, 2011
Penn Can Speedway
Monday, May 30, 2011
Big Diamond Speedway
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Grandview Speedway (w/USAC Sprints)
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Port Royal Speedway (w/USAC Sprints)
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Bridgeport Speedway (1/4 Mile)
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Susquehanna Speedway Park
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Pittsburgh PA Motor Speedway
Friday, July 22, 2011
Big Diamond Speedway
Friday, July 29, 2011
Clinton County (Full show & Makeup Feature)
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Mercer Raceway Park
Friday, August 05, 2011
Southern Swing – Dixieland Speedway
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Southern Swing – County Line Raceway
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Winchester Speedway
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
New Egypt Speedway
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Port Royal Speedway
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Bridgeport Speedway (1/4 Mile)
Friday, September 16, 2011
Williams Grove Speedway
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Grandview Speedway (ToTH)
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Susquehanna Speedway Park
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Susquehanna Speedway Park (rain date)
DRIVER POINTS
Pos
Driver Name
Points
1
Steve Buckwalter
135
2
Ryan Smith
135
3
Tim Buckwalter
125
4
Nick Wean
125
5
Alex Bright
113
6
Brett Arndt
109
7
Dave Shirk
107
8
Bruce Buckwalter, Jr.
102
9
Steve Craig
93
10
PJ Gargiulo
92
11
Steven Bull
85
12
Jimmy Glenn
78
13
Keith McIntyre, Jr.
71
14
Eric Heydenreich
69
15
Steven Drevicki
61
16
Dusty Heistand
60
17
Greg Fitzpatrick
60
18
Mark Gilmore
58
19
Steve Lenig
56
20
Mike Miller
55
21
Carey Becker
48