Tracks: Hearn wins at Fonda, Welch and Bidwell Victorious in Pro Stocks and IMCA
14 July 2000
Brett Hearn of Sussex, NJ slipped under Jerry Pennock, Jr. on the final lap of the 358 Mod feature at Fonda on Wednesday and took home the win in the sixth leg of the special Fonda 358 Mod Tour. Hearn is now the only Fonda non-regular to win one of the special shows this season.Hearn started 14th and by lap nine was in the top five. "I didn’t know I had pasted the leader when I passed Pennock," said Hearn in victory lane. The race went green to checker.
Steve Bidwell of Knox, NY was the winner of the 20-lap IMCA event. Steve Welch of Wells, NY picked up the win the Pro Stocks.
This Saturday, July 15, starting at 6:00 PM NAPA presents a Memorial Night for Harry Peek, Gigi Conover, and Corey Dutcher. Regular show plus Powder Puff event.
On Wednesday, July 19, at 7:00 PM Budweiser/Bartyzel presents DIRT 100L Modified, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series plus Pro Stocks.
Brian Gathen led the 358 modified field to the green and was on his way to a big win when he started loosing ground only five laps remaining. With no cautions to close up the field the cars simply battle for position for 25 laps.
Jerry Pennock, Jr. took the lead from Gathen on lap 21 and pulled ahead quickly but the No. 20 of Hearn was moving faster and faster each lap and was able to pass Pennock to take the lead with only one lap to go.
The two dominant runners of the special Fonda 358 series thus far, Mike Romano and Ronnie Holmes were not able to catch the Hearn No. 20.
Hearn was followed across the line by Pennock and Mike Romano, who had moved into the top five on lap eleven and made his way to third at the end. Brian Gathen held on for fourth and Matt DeLorenzo came across fifth.
The 20 lap IMCA Mod event saw Kevin Buff on the point at the green. Buff held the lead through the first yellow flag but lost it to eventual winner Steve Bidwell on the restart after the second caution of the event.
Bidwell did some fancy moves to get to the top from his eighth place starting position. At one point he sandwiched himself between two cars on the backstretch to move from sixth to third.
Bidwell and Buff battled until the final lap. The top five across the line were Bidwell, Buff, Bungay, who had run third for the most of the event. Former Street Stock Champion, Dan Ballard was fourth and George Catanzano rounded out the top five.
The 20 lap Pro Stock event saw Mark Sullivan lead at the green. Sullivan was strong through the whole event but the No. 1 of Welch proved to be a bit stronger on the final circuit.
"I saw he was getting up a little bit so I thought I might be able to get him, said Welch in victory lane.
Welch also picked up the $100 bonus from Mike’s Pizza in Fonda, NY.
358 Mod finish (25 laps) 1. BRETT HEARN, 2) Jerry Pennock, Jr., 3) Mike Romano, 4) Brian Gathen, 5) Matt DeLorenzo, 6) Bob Vedder, 7) Ron Holmes, 8) Dave Sargent, 9) Frank Hoard, 10) Brian Borst, 11) Tim Clemons, 12) Bobby Albert, 13) Alton Palmer, 14) Mike Fusco, 15) Ken Hanson, 16) Ken Martin, 17) J. R. Heffner, 18) Robert Perry, 19) Brian McKenzie, 20) Rick Davis, 21) Tim Dwyer, 22) John Kollar, 23) David Towns.
358 Mod heat winners were David Towns, Matt DeLorenzo, and Tim Clemons.
Pro Stock finish (20 laps) 1. STEVE WELCH, 2) Mark Sullivan, 3) Nick Stone, 4) Steve Burega, 5) Phlan Hart, 6) Rob Noviczski, 7) Ken Gates, 8) Jim Duncan, 9) Chuck McSpirit, 10) Jim Langenback, 11) Jim Burton, 12) Ted Rescott, 13) Luke Klob, 14) Brian Jordan, 15) Rob Yetman, 16) Tom LaPlante, 17) Joe DeSieno, 18) Chris Morris, 19) Henry Tanner, 20) Dave Viall, 21) Kerry Jordan, 22) Steve Cosselman, 23) Wayne Walker, 24) Jim Normoyle, 25) Ricky Duzlak, 26) Jeff Patrick, 27) Hondo Carpenter.
Pro Stock heat winners were Kerry Jordan, Nick Stone, and Mark Sullivan.
IMCA Mod finish (30 laps) 1. STEVE BIDWELL, 2) Kevin Buff, 3) Mike Bungay, 4) Dan Ballard, 5) George Catanzano, 6) Randy Hall, 7) Steve Hough, 8) Joe Locorini, 9) John Conway, 10) Bud Hernberg, 11) Bill Ward, Jr., 12) Kevin Batelle, 13) Skip Pabis, 14) Jim Rajczi, 15) George Proctor, 16) Aaron Jacobs, 17) Kevin Priest.
IMCA Mod heat wins went to Randy Hall and Steve Bidwell.