The original ARDC Midgets schedule had no racing for the week before Labor Day but thanks to Mother Nature, the nations oldest traveling racing club will have two races in a four day span.
On Tuesday August 31 the Wingless midgets will be in action at New Egypt Speedway as part of the Summer Sizzler 40 that was rained out last week, then on Friday September 3rd ARDC will head west to Clinton County Raceway to complete a race that was shortened by curfew, plus compete in a complete program.
The ARDC date at New Egypt is one of the most highly anticipated dates on the schedule, especially by the New Jersey and Philadelphia area drivers. After spending late nights on the road, the chance to perform in front of the local fans while getting to spend the night at home has the Jersey Gang energized.
Looking to improve, last years finish by one spot will be “Slick” Nick Wean from Phillipsburg, NJ. Weans, Jim’s Auto Body sponsored #78, will have plenty of competition from fellow P-burg resident Stephanie Stevens in her Power Mist Fuels #26. Frenchtown, NJ resident, Billy Pauch Jr. will be on hand to try to add to the two wins he scored earlier in the season. Pauch, who has been absent from ARDC completion for a few months will be back behind the wheel of the Burkes Trucking #54.
Forked River, NJ will be represented by Chris Zrinski. Zrinski will be after his first win of the season behind the controls of the Lou Zrinski, Penske Shocks sponsored #25. Also looking for his first win of the season is defending ARDC champion Frank Polimeda. Polimeda who moved from Fort Lee to Robesonia, PA during the off season will wheel his NResearch #44.
Rolling east across the bridge from Philly will PJ Gargiulo and Steve Craig. Gargiulo’s #51 is sponsored by Sperrs Fuel Oil and Church Auto Parts while Craig’s’ bright yellow #55 gets support from Craig Bulk Carriers.
On Friday night Clinton County Raceway will host two features. The first will be the restart of the feature that was stopped at seven laps, due to curfew restrictions, when ARDC was last at the Lock Haven, PA area oval. The Midgets will then have a complete second show.
Restarting on the point will be last years co-rookie of the year, Dusty Heistand. Heistands’ Don-Cin Transport #6 will feel some heat from the York Excavating #12 driven by his brother Drew, who starts third. Starting second, in the middle of the Heistand sandwich is Steve Lenig. Lenig, who spends Friday nights racing Micros with his sons at Clinton County will be driving the Nyes Body Shop #9.
Racing at New Egypt starts at 7:30pm while Clinton County gets underway at 7:00.
Sunday, August 22, 2010 12:00:00 AM
ARDC HEADS TO THE JERSY SHORE FOR THE SUMMER SIZZLER 40 AT NEW EGYPT
The Wingless Midgets of the ARDC will swing back into action, this Tuesday August 24th when they head to New Egypt Speedway for the Summer Sizzler 40 along with the Tri Track Modifieds.
When ARDC last visited New Egypt, current point leader and leading feature winner, Steve Buckwalter was the winner but was chased across the line by the “Jersey Gang”, including the “Phillipsburg Posse”, of Nick Wean and Stephanie Stephens.
Wean will be back at the controls of his dad’s, Rick Wean, owned, Jim’s Auto Body, Spike Gaerte. Wean, still looking for his first win of the season, is in a dogfight for points position with Brett Arndt.
Stevens, who returned to action at Accord, after sitting out a few races with engine problems, will also wheel a family owned Midget. Also running a Spike Gaerte, Stephanies, George Stevens owned racer is sponsored by, Power Mist Fuels, Scott Naturale and Ayers Enterprises.
A former member of the “Jersey Gang”, Frank Polimeda finished in fourth place last year on his way to his first ARDC Championship. Polimeda has since moved to Robesonia, PA but will have his potent Neptune Research Spike Mopar on hand, trying for his first win of the season.
Looking to keep the Buckwalter name in the New Egypt winners circle is ARDC rookie, Tim Buckwalter. Buckwalter, who was the winner at Accord Speedway currently sits second in points in the Design 500 Racewear National Midget Rookie of the Year race.
