From J&J
McKENZIE (April 12) – A pair of young racers claimed victory in Sprint car action last weekend in the tough Pennsylvania Scene. Brandon Spithaler opened the season in winning style by scoring the feature event win at Mercer Raceway Park, while Tyler Bear was victorious in the PA Sprint Series event at Path Valley Speedway.
MERCER RACEWAY PARK
There is something about opening nights at Mercer that brings out the best in Brandon Spithaler. For the second consecutive season, Spithaler came out triumphant in the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars main event behind the wheel of the No. 22 J&J. He jumped into the lead from the pole position and was in command throughout leading all 25 laps of the feature race.
“(The car) was great for about the first two-thirds of the race,” admitted Spithaler, “then it started to go away as the track slicked off.”
PATH VALLEY
Tyler Bear was opportunistic last Saturday night in the PA Sprint Series 305 Sprint car feature. Bear worked his J&J into fourth while a three-car battle for the lead ensued just ahead of him. When the three leaders focused on each other, the door was open for Bear and he seized the opportunity. He led the 14th lap and pulled away during the remaining laps, winning by nearly a straightaway.
ATTICA RACEWAY PARK (March 31)
For the second straight year, DJ Foos opened the season at Attica Raceway Park with a victory. Foos wheeled the No. 11F J&J sponsored by Buckshot Farms, Gyro Motorsports, Pit Stop Carryouts, Schiets Motorsports, Crown Battery, Kistler Racing Products. Foos, who started 11th, took advantage of restart midway through the race and gained the lead by executing a flawless slidejob. Even a late restart couldn’t keep him from scoring the victory.
“I was whooped out there tonight. I’ve never started any further back than fifth to win,” admitted the winner. “Tonight, I came here to try and prove a point and we started out the year good. This one we earned it. I had to drive my tail off to pass Paul Weaver. I knew those last few laps I started to get wore out…the track was really fast tonight. The last three laps I was so wore out…that last caution I was like “alright, pull yourself together…you got Weaver behind you and Johnny (Ivy) coming. I have to thank Dennis Level…he gave us a fantastic motor.”
Other solid finishes:
Greg Wilson earned a solid third-place finish Saturday night at Attica Raceway Park. Wilson had Veryl Warnimont’s No. w20 J&J moving forward and was involved in a thrilling three-car battle for the win….Australian Easter Trail events at Sungold Stadium Premier Speedway were filled with J&J drivers on the podium. In Saturday’s second round, Daniel Pestka had the Gawler Farm Machinery No. S27 J&J out front during the main event, but would finish second. Shane Stewart finished fourth in the Monte Motorsport Monster Energy sponsored No. 7 J&J. In Sunday’s finale, Jamie Veal finished second aboard the No. 35V J&J and was joined on the podium by Pestka, who finished third.