Phil Massuch Wins $10,010
(Fremont, In) The Angola Motor Speedway was the host to the greatest race/payout ever at the historic 3/8 mile track located in Steuben County. The general admission grand stands were sold out with standing room only. The overflow crowd was sent to the pit side to accomodate for the huge turnout. The pits were jammed with 75 race cars and masses of people against the bright sunny skies to salute "The GodFather” Stan Perry. Speed Channel's infamous NASCAR trackside announcer and owner of the Speed51.com's Bob Dillner made an appearance on Friday night to observe one of the best short track races in country.
The Everage Auto FWD cars were on hand with the “Run What Ya Brung” show that had cars appearing from tracks around the area. Opening night feature winner Jeff Shelmadine set fast time with a lap of 18.399. The 25 lap main event saw some great racing action with Bob Smith taking the win to over Robert Rheinsburg, Ron Shoffner, Jeff Shelmadine and, Greg Lapierre.
The Superior Auto Modifieds saw Travis Eddy set fast time over the field of 31 cars. The Last Chance Race transferred the top four (Harold Scott, Jason Dietsch, Dennis Kurtz, and Sonny Coito) to the 50 lap $1,010 to win feature. Justin Kazmar took charge early and hung tough until veteran racer Tony Dager took the lead and eventually the checkered flag. Bud Perry (Stan Perry's son) was close behind Dager and took second place. He was followed by Jason Timmerman, Brian Nester, and Travis Eddy.
The Budweiser Super Late Models saw Jack Landis set fast time with a lap of 13.578. 32 cars were on hand to compete for the largest purse ever at the track. The top four from the Last Chance Race ( Bob Sibila Jr., Bud Perry, Michael Thayer, and Adam Terry) were transferred into the Feature Event. The “Stan Perry Memorial” race is described as the best race in track history. It drew fans from all over the midwest with fans stating that it was the "best race they had ever seen." It was a very competitive field of cars with several lead changes and hard chargers. The event began with racing veteran John Delarye taking the lead on the first lap he continued to lead until the 26th lap with a caution. Under the caution Delarye had a wiring problem that sent him to the pits, giving the lead to Aaron Pierce. Pierce held the lead for quite a few laps until Jason Shively took the lead and appeared to be looking at a huge payday. Hard charging drivers came from the back of the field to the front and after a few spinouts, Phil Massuch took the lead for what would eventually lead to the biggest win of his racing career. Finishing after Massuch were Mike Kugler, Steve Needles, Scott Hantz, and Jack Landis.
An emotional Phil Massuch stated during a trackside interview, “What does my car number 01 stand for? It stands for Stan upside down." Stan Perry (the late driver to whom the race memorialized) was number 10. Massuch also donated $2,500 from his winnings to the Stan Perry Scholarship.
The Angola Motor Speedway will return to action this Saturday night, June 20th, with "Pack the Stands Night" featuring the CRA Sportsman, MCR Dwarf Cars, Wolverine Midgets, Johnny on the Spot Street Stocks, Smith Enterprise Mini Stocks, and the Everage Auto FWD cars. The event is sponsored by Pro Fab and JICI with Buy One Get One Free General Admission and the first 500 fans receiving a free seat cushion. The racing program will start at 7:00 p.m. The Angola Motor Speedway is a 3/8 mile high banked oval located in Fremont, Indiana and has been owned by Dick and Jackie Poe since the 1993 season. For more information please visit www.angolamotorspeedway.com or call (260) 495-RACE (7223)!
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Andrew Jach
Great Lakes Pr, Inc.