Rick’s Racing Roundup: Tri-City Pulls Capacity Crowd for Season Opener

Ryan Robertson

Ryan Robertson

Published July 28, 2015 4:21 am
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SARVER, Pa. (EYT) – The third time was a charm for Tri-City Speedway as the track just north of Franklin was able to open up their season Sunday evening after falling victim to rain in their first two attempts.

It wasn’t a given though as strong storms swept the area and just missed the Dempsytown oval by less than a mile. Black clouds surrounded the track but only a few sprinkles would reach the track before the sun returned.

Fans and racers proved they were ready for racing to return to the Venango county oval as a strong field of race cars and a big crowd turned out for the first race in four seasons. The sprint cars were up first and saw Greenville’s Eric Williams score his first ever Tri-City win in convincing fashion over Brent Matus and Adam Kekich.

Eric Williams in victory lane after his first career Tri-City win. Photo by Rick Rarer.

Eric Williams in victory lane after his first career Tri-City win. Photo by Rick Rarer.

A strong field of big block modifieds were on hand for their makeup tour race and were the second feature of the evening. Erick Rudolph continued his hot streak taking the lead on lap four and never looking back. The win was a big one worth five thousand dollars, the highest paying modified race of the season in northwest Pennsylvania.

The UMES e-mod series and the 305 sprint cars rounded out the card. Rich Michael, Jr picked up the win in the e-mod feature while rookie Darin Gallagher scored the win in the 305 feature. It was a great weekend for rookie sprint racer Gallagher who also won the night before at Mercer Raceway Park.

Fans won’t have to wait long to get back to Tri-City, the track announced they have added a show to the schedule this Saturday featuring the super late models. Also on the card will be the crate late models, e-mods, and stock cars. Gates will open at 5pm with racing schedules for 7pm. Rules from the recently closed Stateline Speedway will be utilized.

Lernerville Speedway will be back in action this Friday featuring the return of Fab 4 racing after a week off. Mercer Raceway Park will also have another regular show on tap for Saturday evening along with bike races for the kids.

On Sunday August 2nd Tony Stewart’s All-Star Circuit of Champions will make their second and final visit of the season at Pittsburgh Motor Speedway. Dale Blaney will lead the invaders to the big half mile fresh off a pair of wins this past weekend. Greg Wilson the winner of the last two sprint car shows will look to make it three wins in a row.

Other All-Stars that will be on hand include former World of Outlaws regular Cody Darrah, along with former All-Star champions Chad Kemenah and Tim Shaffer. Young guns Ryan Smith, Parker Price Miller, and three time winner Sheldon Haudenschild. Gates open at 4pm with racing slated at 6pm.

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