By Tyler Altmeyer

SELINSGROVE, Pa. (April 24, 2016) – “Double-D” Danny Dietrich ended the current Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions win streak in Central Pennsylvania at two victories on Sunday evening by capturing the Ray Tilley Classic at Selinsgrove Speedway. For Dietrich, it was a sixth career Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions victory and his first series win during competition at Selinsgrove. Dietrich, who started on the outside of the front row, earned his spot in victory lane in dramatic fashion; driving under leader Dave Blaney with less than five circuits remaining. The driver of the Gary Kauffman Racing, Sandoe’s Fruit Market, No. 48 withstood a total of four cautions during the main event, including red flag conditions on the initial start, and a fuel stop just before the halfway mark to clinch the $5,000, Ray Tilley Classic top prize.

“Dave (Blaney) was really good early, and I just wasn’t,” explained Danny Dietrich. “We made some adjustments during the open red that made all of the difference in the world. This feels really good. He (Blaney) was long gone at the beginning; I couldn’t even see him. I just need to thank my guys again for all of their hard work these last few months, as well as a long list of others who put a lot of effort into this race team. I just couldn’t do it without them.”

Despite not taking command officially until lap 28, Danny Dietrich battled inside the top-three the entire feature program. “Double-D” raced in the third spot for the first handful of circuits before the main event’s first yellow flag was displayed on lap five for a slowing Chad Kemenah. Kemenah, who was racing in the runner-up position, would go pit-side and not return, surrendering his position to Danny Dietrich. Meanwhile, Dave Blaney controlled the pace on the very top edge of the speedway, opening to a near-six second lead during various segments of the main event.

Dietrich’s ride in the runner-up spot would not go unchallenged; chased and passed by Kraig Kinser during the lap five restart, all before regaining the second position on lap eight. The battle between Kinser and Dietrich would last for several circuits until the event’s next yellow flag appeared on lap 13, ultimately resulting in the main event’s lone fuel stop.

Action resumed with Dave Blaney continuing his fast pace at the front of the field. Danny Dietrich chased the former World of Outlaws champion during the next dozen circuits before the final caution appeared on lap 25, setting up for what turned out to be a dramatic takeover. On lap 28, Dietrich pulled even with the “Buckeye Bullet,” eventually charging ahead of the familiar No. 71M. “Double-D” would go on to score the victory by nearly one second.

“I really didn’t know he was there, I thought we were fine,” said Dave Blaney. “My guys told me I had a pretty good lead, so I tried to drive those first three laps after that last caution as hard as I could, but he drove right up beside me and by me. I was really surprised. It’s unfortunate to lose it at the end. Regardless, we had a really good night.”

“I knew it was just a matter of time,” said Dietrich. “I could feel there was a little patch of rubber in three and four, as well as a little bit of moisture in the bottom of one and two. You had to hit them just right. You can’t lose any speed at this place. I think my guys were telling me to go to the top, but I didn’t want to give up on the bottom. I wouldn’t have any room to drive around him if I went to the top. I just want to thank everyone for coming out on a Sunday night and supporting this race. Great crowd on hand tonight and we all really appreciate it.”

The Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions will continue their 2016 campaign on Saturday evening, April 30, with a return to the Atomic Speedway in Chillicothe, Ohio. The rescheduled program, originally intended to be the Arctic Cat All Star point season opener on Saturday, April 2, will include an appearance by the Ohio Sprint Car Series (OSCS), setting up an ASCoC/OSCS duel in southern Ohio. The Buckeye Outlaw Sprint Series (B.O.S.S.) non-wing sprint cars will also be on the evening card, giving fans an ultimate open wheel experience.

Updated news and information regarding the Arctic Cat All Star program at Atomic Speedway on Saturday, April 30, will be available online at www.atomicspeedway.net.

Contingency Awards/Results – Selinsgrove Speedway – Sunday, April 24, 2016
Ray Tilley Classic
EMi Driver’s Meeting: 35 Entries
State Water Heaters Warm-Ups: Greg Hodnett – 16.539 seconds
Lincoln Electric Fast Qualifier: (Second Quick) Dale Blaney – 16.860 seconds
Kistler Racing Products Heat #1: Mark Smith
All Pro Aluminum Cylinder Heads Heat #2: Greg Hodnett
Hunt Brothers Pizza Heat #3: Dave Blaney
Kistler Racing Products Heat #4: Blane Heimbach
JE Pistons Dash: Dave Blaney
Daido Engine Bearings Main Event Winner: Dale Blaney (4th)
MSD Performance Hard Charger Award: Sheldon Haudenschild (+13)
Outback Steakhouse A-Main 5th Place Finisher: Kraig Kinser (6th)
Outback Steakhouse A-Main 10th Place Finisher: Ryan Smith (11th)
Outback Steakhouse A-Main 15th Place Finisher: Cap Henry
(Lincoln Electric, Daido Engine Bearings, MSD Performance, Outback Steakhouse; Need decal to qualify for contingency award)

4/24/2016 at Selinsgrove Speedway