SPEEDWAY NEWS
BARNEY BOUNCES BACK TO WALL MODIFIED WIN
Saturday, September 16, 2023 BY JEFF GRAVATT
After suffering through various mechanical difficulties during the 2023 campaign, Blake Barney raced to victory in the Modified stock car 40-lap feature race at Wall Stadium Speedway. The Saturday night victory was the fifth of the Jackson resident's career.
Jackson's Jarret DiGiantomasso was the first leader of the test, but Barney and his red No. 14 were right there to battle almost immediately. Steven Reed, also of Jackson, slipped past Barney for second in the early going but Barney soon regained the runner-up spot and continued his chase of the leader.
As the race wore on the top three cars ran in tight formation before Barney turned up the heat near the halfway point. Soon Barney and DiGiantomasso were swapping the lead at halfway before Barney took the top spot for good and stretched an advantage to the checker flag. Barney then raced on to the win followed by Reed and Milltown's Derek Hopkinson. DiGiantomasso settled for fourth and point leader Andrew Krause was fifth.
"After all the problems we've had this year this win is very important," Barney said. "My grandfather and father work real hard and they never give up. None of those mechanical problems were their fault. Sometimes they just happen. But they both never give up and they got us to this win."
In just his first start this season Shannon Mongeau of Jackson raced to victory in the companion 25-lapper for the Factory Stocks. Mongeau raced toward the front in the first dozen laps before tracking down and passing early leader Robert Stack of Manahawkin on the 15th lap. Howell's Johnny Carpenter, Manchester's Scott Riggleman, Bryan O'Shea of Neptune City and Ryan Bilello of Howell wrapped up the top five. Stack settled for fifth.
After a scramble on the initial green flag, DJ Doyle raced to his first ever win in the non-stop 25-lapper for the Sportsman cars. Hazlet's Chris Silvestri grabbed second in the closing laps, while Quinn Trimmer of Waldwick crossed the finish line in third. Robert Sutphin of Brick and Brian Spencer of Old Bridge were fourth and fifth.
Ryan MacConnell of Howell appeared to be on the way to the win in the Legend Cars 25-lapper, but when his No. 17 spun on the final lap point leader Ryan Kuhlthau of Howell took the win. Brick's Bryan Gardella, Justin Teresak, Joe Przybylinski and Chris Gall wrapped up the top five.
Mike Lavery of Orangeburg, NY. took his second win of the year in the Fast 4 25 lap race. Point leader Sean Vuksanic of Wall, Hazlet's Billy Pross, Chris Hankins and Ted Olswfski completed the top five.
In exhibition race action, Kyle Bostick won the Micro Stock main event while Will Cloud was tops in a Champ Kart main event.
The 2023 Wall Stadium Speedway season continues this Saturday night, Sept. 23, with the Modifieds, Sportsman, Factory Stocks, Fast 4s and TQ Midgets all in action.
ANTHONY SESELY WINS WALL MODIFIED RACE SATURDAY
Saturday, September 9, 2023 BY JEFF GRAVATT
Anthony Sesely of Hazlet raced to victory Saturday night in the 40-lap Modified stock car feature event at Wall Stadium Speedway. It was his 23rd career victory at the third mile paved oval.
At the initial green flag Eddie McCarthy of Brick wrestled the top spot from Jackson's Blake Barney. Tommy Martino, Jr. of Red Bank ran a tight third while Sesely advanced to fourth by the lap ten mark. By lap 14 Sesely advanced to third spot and raced into second by lap 17.
Sesely then shadowed McCarthy for over 15 laps before diving to the inside lane on lap 35 to take the lead and eventual win. McCarthy, Barney, point leader Andrew Krause of Holmdel and Jackson's Steven Reed wrapped up the top five.
"I always like to race in this event because the kids have a big race at the smaller track next door," Sesely said after the win referring to the Quarter Midget Northeast Titan Series at Little Wall. "The fact that all of those kids are in our grandstands cheering is very special."
Three time Factory Stock champion Scott Riggleman of Manchester won his first main event of the year in the companion 25-lapper. Riggleman took the lead on lap ten and held off defending champion Bryan O'Shea of Neptune City in the late going. Early leader Logan Fraser of Toms River was third, Howell's Ryan Bilello, fourth and Jared Okerson of Freehold was fifth.
Nate Divone outlasted his Howell neighbor Ryan Kuhlthau to win the 25 lapper for the Legend Cars. Brick's Bryan Gardella, Ryan MacConnell of Howell and Justin Teresak of Whitehouse Station wrapped up the top five.
Howie Conk of Freehold won the 25 lap race for the Limited Late Models over Long Island based racers Brandon Turbish and Brian Doyle. Mike Tillett and Pat Brown were fourth and fifth.
Defending champ Sean Vuksanic of Wall won the 25-lapper for the Fast 4 cars over Billy Pross of Hazlet. Ted Olswfski, Josh Barry and Chris Hankins completed the top five.
The 2023 Wall Stadium Speedway season continues this Saturday night, Sept. 16, with the Modifieds, Sportsman, Factory Stocks, Fast 4s and Legend Cars all in action.
KYLE SCISCO TOPS MODIFIEDS AT WALL STADIUM SATURDAY
Saturday, September 2, 2023 BY JEFF GRAVATT
WALL, NJ ~ Kyle Scisco jumped to the lead early and often stretched an impressive advantage before winning the 40-lap Modified stock car main event on “Fan Fest Night” at Wall Stadium Speedway Saturday. It was the first win of the year for the Jackson resident who is participating in selected races this season.
Scisco jumped to the lead at the outset of the test while Lanoka Harbor's Ron Frees ran second. Jackson's Carsten DiGiantomasso advanced to third before a lap 16 caution and then raced into second with an outside lane restart following the restart.
DiGiantomasso then chased Scisco until a series of late race cautions closed the top runners. Scisco then held off DiGiantomasso through late race restarts to take the win. Frees, title chase leader Derek Hopkinson of Milltown and Brick's Eddie McCarthy wrapped up the top five.
“Fast time in qualifying and starting up front added up to a good night,” Scisco said in the winner's circle. “We haven't raced as much as we'd like this year because (car-owner) Steve's wife Donna Ferrara has been pretty sick. I'm happy to say she is doing much better so here we are. This win is for her!”
Bryan O'Shea of Neptune City charged to the front early and took the lead just before halfway to win the companion 25-lapper for the Factory Stocks. A pair of Howell drivers, Rob Anderton and Johnny Carpenter, were second and third at the finish, while Manchester's Scott Riggleman and Howell's Ryan Bilello were fourth and fifth.
After working long hours to repair damage from a qualifying wreck the week before, Howell's Kevin Davison returned to win the 40-lapper for the Sportsman cars. Early race leader Ryan Fisher of Howell was second at the stripe with Bryan O'Shea of Neptune, Ryan Maher of Neptune City and DJ Doyle of Freehold finishing third through fifth.
Nate Divone and Ryan Kuhlthau, both of Howell, served up a spirited battle before Divone won the Legend Cars 25 lapper. Eugene Drew was third at the finish, with Jack Gerzabek and Justin Emmons fourth and fifth.
Wall's Sean Vuksanic won his second Fast 4 25-lapper of the season Saturday. Billy Pross of Hazlet, Josh Barry of Howell, Wall's Alex Graetz and Chris Hankins were second through fifth.
The 2023 Wall Stadium Speedway season continues this Saturday night, Sept. 9, with the Modifieds, Factory Stocks, Fast 4s, Legend Cars and Limited Late Models all in action.
KOPCIK'S FIRST WALL MODIFIED WIN A BIG ONE
Saturday, August 19, 2023 BY JEFF GRAVATT
WALL, NJ ~ In just his third appearance at the third mile high banked paved oval, Steven Kopcik of Newtown, Ct. raced to his first ever Wall Stadium Speedway Modified stock car win in the fifth annual Cliff Krause Memorial. Mr. Krause is credited with returning the speedway to its former glory when he and his family took over the promotion of the track over a decade ago. Mr. Krause's family has continued to operate the track since his passing.
After posting fast time in qualifying, Kopcik wrestled with Brick's Eddie McCarthy for the top spot in the early going. Soon invader Ronnie Silk of Norwalk, Ct. charged past both cars to take the lead with Kopcik advancing to second moments later. The race for the lead was then a two car battled before Holmdel's Andrew Krause advanced to third to make it a three car fight by the halfway point.
As the race wore on Krause was hindered by traffic as Anthony Sesely of Matawan and Howell's Jimmy Blewett became factors in the fight for first. After a few late race cautions Blewett was on Kopcik's rear bumper to the checker flag as Sesely crossed the line third. Silk and McCarthy were fourth and fifth.
"I raced this track once in the Sportsman cars and once in the Modifieds and loved the place," Kopcik said. "Anthony Sesely talked to us into running this race and we started on this project just a week ago. This race is a great payday, but more importantly an important event for the Krause family. I am proud to have won it."
Kopcik earned over $7,000 for the win.
Rookie Factory Stock racer Ryan Bilello of Howell won his second main event of the season in the companion 27 lapper for the full fendered cars. Bilello held off fellow Howell residents Rob Anderton and Johnny Carpenter. Logan Fraser of Toms River and Manchester's Scott Riggleman were fourth and fifth.
Alex McCollum of China Grove, NC won the 27-lapper for the Legend Cars over Mike Alcaro. Jack Gerzabek, Nate Divone and Tanner Jones wrapped up the top five.
Hazlet's Billy Pross was the winner of the 27 lapper for the Fast 4 cars over defending champion Sean Vuksanic of Wall. Wall's Alex Graetz, Ted Olswfski and Charlie Hankins were third through fifth.
The 2023 Wall Stadium Speedway season continues this Saturday night, August 19, with the Sportsman cars, Factory Stocks and TQ Midgets all in action. A Demolition Derby will also be presented.
STEVEN REED WINS FIRST 2023 WALL MODIFIED RACE
Saturday, August 5, 2023 BY JEFF GRAVATT
WALL, NJ ~ Multi-time driving champion Steven Reed won his first Modified stock car race of the season on Saturday night at Wall Stadium Speedway. It was the 38th career victory for the Jackson resident.
Reed rocketed to the lead almost instantly and fought off Tommy Martino, Jr. of Red Bank in the early going. Soon Howell's Jimmy Blewett advanced to second while Holmdel's Andrew Krause took over third by the 15th lap. The top three then ran in tight formation before Milltown's Derek Hopkinson closed in for the battle running fourth.
As the lead quartet raced through the halfway point Reed was able to stretch a slight advantage as Krause applied the pressure to Blewett for second. This second place battle finally boiled over with 36 laps in the books when the duo touched exiting turn two with Blewett's mount becoming airborne and hitting the guardrail as a result forcing the event's only yellow flag. Reed continued to lead once action resumed as Hopkinson chased him to the checker flag for second. Brick's Eddie McCarthy, Carsten DiGiantomasso of Jackson and Martino wrapped up the top five.
“Even though we won here at Turkey Derby last fall, we cut this car up looking for ways to make it faster,” Reed said. “I think we made some good changes. I have to thank everyone who helps on the car. My wife was my spotter on the radio tonight and did an excellent job.”
After picking his way through the pack, Howell's Johnny Carpenter caught Bryan O'Shea of Neptune City, battled for the lead for several laps and then made the winning pass on the final circuit of the extra-distance 50-lap main event. O'Shea, Billy Both of Rahway, Manahawkin's Robert Stock and former champion Scott Riggleman of Manchester wrapped up the top five.
Howell's Kevin Davison won his second feature race of the year earning the trophies in the Sportsman 25-lapper. Hazlet's Chris Silvestri chased him to the finish line over Quinn Trimmer of Waldwick, Teddy Cranmer and DJ Doyle.
Nate Divone of Howell crossed the finish line first over friend and neighbor Ryan Kuhlthau to win the Legends Car 25-lapper. Ryan MacConnell, Justin Teresak and Justin Emmons were third through fifth.
After battling for the lead and tangling with Kyle Taraska in the closing laps, Ryan Tidman won the 30-lap JJ Lane Memorial in memory of Bruce Kindberg for the ATQMRA TQ Midgets. Buddy Sload drove home second with Matt Janisch, Tyler Ferris and Mark Yoder wrapping up the top five.
CARSTEN DIGIANTOMASSO WINS CAREER FIRST WALL MODIFIED RACE
Saturday, July 22, 2023 BY JEFF GRAVATT
Carsten DiGiantomasso raced to his career first Modified stock car victory at Wall Stadium Speedway Saturday night. The Jackson resident was the 2021 Sportsman driving champion and enjoyed nine feature race wins in that division.
Blake Barney of Jackson charged into the lead at the drop of the green flag on the 40-lapper with DiGiantomasso soon taking over second. A red flag then waved on lap three when Richie Cooper tagged the front stretch rail before Howell's Jimmy Blewett slowed the test with a spin in the first and second turns on lap five.
All the while Barney led DiGiantomasso to the lap ten mark before smoke started to billow from Barney's red No. 14. That smoke, caused by motor trouble, eventually triggered a black flag for the Barney car and DiGiantomasso took over the lead. DiGiantomasso then remained in command as Blewett and Andrew Krause of Holmdel advanced to the front. Blewett muscled his way to second before Krause slipped into the runner-up spot with three laps remaining.
DiGiantomasso, Krause and Blewett were the first three across the finish line, although officials ended up placing Blewett in eighth spot, the last car on the lead lap, as they felt he was guilty of rough riding on his drive to the front. That awarded Milltown's Derek Hopkinson third spot, while Jackson's Steven Reed and Pine Hill's Joey Merlino wrapped up the top five.
“Wow! What a thrill,” DiGiantomasso said after the win. “My dad gets a lot of credit for this win. He does a lot of work on both my cars and my brother's cars. I have to thank all of my supporters for this win.”
Blewett recovered from an early race tangle and a stop in the pit area for repairs to win the special 50-lap main event for the Sportsman cars. Krause was the second place finisher in this one, while former champ Kevin Davison of Howell was third. Jarret DiGiantomasso of Jackson and early race leader Chris Silvestri of Hazlet completed up the top five. Special bonuses were offered by Accurate Tree Service.
Nick Catone of Brick raced to his second Factory Stock 25-lap main event win after leading the race from wire to wire. Howell's Johnny Carpenter closed in to be a tight runner-up as the top two actually made contact crossing the finish line. Bryan O'Shea of Neptune City, Manchester's Scott Riggleman and Howell's Bob Anderton were third through fifth.
Ryan Kuhlthau and Nate Divone, both of Howell, offered up a side-by-side battle for the lead that lasted at least the final half of the Legend Cars 25-lapper before Kuhlthau took his second career win by inches. Joe Pryzbylinski, Jr. of Fairfield, Jack Gerzabek and Ryan MacConnell of Howell were third through fifth.
Mike Lavery of Orangeburg, NY won his first start of the season in the 15-lapper for the Fast 4 cars over defending champ Sean Vuksanic of Wall. Bill Schwarz, Josh Barry and Darren Burdge completed the top five.
BLEWETT WINS WALL MODIFIED RACE SATURDAY
Saturday, July 15, 2023 BY JEFF GRAVATT
WALL, NJ ~ Wall Stadium Speedway officials braved their way through humid conditions and scattered area storms that stopped action at other speedways to present a full card of auto racing on Saturday night. Howell's Jimmy Blewett was one of the individuals who was happy about the track's persistance as he won his second 40-lap Modified stock car main event of the season and the 87th of his career.
Brothers Jarret and Carsten DiGiantomasso, both of Jackson, led the field to the green before Jarret jumped to the lead. Steven Reed, also of Jackson, throttled into second spot almost immediately and chased the leader while Blewett began his charge to the front from the back of the pack.
By lap 20 Blewett was up to third before advancing to second behind the hard charging Reed when he slipped into the lead. After the event's only caution on lap 22, Blewett chased Reed before diving into the lead on lap 23 with an inside pass of Reed. Blewett then raced on for the win with Reed, Carsten DiGiantomasso, Holmdel's Andrew Krause and Milltown's Derek Hopkinson wrapping up the top five.
“I really want to thank all the fans who showed up to support us tonight despite all the weather around here,” Blewett said. “Rob Ormsbee and the crew had the car running on rails.”
Teddy Cranmer of North Hanover lead the companion 25-lapper for the Sportsman cars from start to finish for his first career win. Chris Silvestri of Hazlet worked his way through the pack before finishing second. Tyler Truex of Egg Harbor Township, Brian Spencer of Old Bridge and Bryan O'Shea of Neptune City completed the top five.
Twin 20 lap main events for the Legend Cars came down to battles between Alex McCollum of China Grove, N.C. And East Milford's Mike Alcaro. McCollum swept both races while Alcaro was twice the runner up. Nate Divone, Ryan Kuhlthau and Brad Lowmaster wrapped up the top five in the first race while Kuhlthau, Joe Przybylinski, Jr. and Justin Teresak were third through fifth in the second race.
Alex Graetz of Wall won the 25-lapper for the Fast 4 cars over Billy Pross and Sean Vuksanic. Freehold's Howie Conk was tops in the Limited Late Model 25 with Mike Tillett and James Moorman finishing second and third.
RON SILK WINS NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR 150
Saturday, July 8, 2023 BY JEFF GRAVATT
WALL, NJ ~ The day didn’t start off on the right foot for Silk, who qualified 11th in the 23-car field. That meant he had a lot of work to do if he wanted to race for the victory on Wall Stadium Speedway's third-mile oval, but he was up to the task.
Silk was in the top five before Lap 50 and took the lead for the first time on Lap 90 from pole-sitter Austin Beers.
Six-time Modified Tour champion Doug Coby appeared to have a faster car than that of Silk and nearly got by him with 42 laps to go, but contact with the slower car of Anthony Nocella took Coby out of contention just as he was making the pass for the lead.
With Coby out of the picture, it was down to Silk and Bonsignore, the latter of whom was making his 200th Modified Tour start.
Bonsignore was able to get around Silk on a restart with 21 laps left, but the race was slowed multiple times by cautions, one of which took out Beers and Eric Goodale on the backstretch.
The final caution of the event waved with 10 laps left with Bonsignore still leading Silk, setting up a five-lap dash to the checkered flag.
Bonsignore was able to pull clear of Silk through Turns 1-2, but Silk used his bumper to move Silk out of the way entering Turn 3 to regain the race lead.
Silk led the remainder of the race, though Bonsignore did everything in his power to return the favor. He gave Silk a big shot to the bumper with three laps left in Turn 3, but it wasn’t enough to regain the lead.
“We were throwing haymakers at each other,” Bonsignore said. “It’s been like that all year. We’ve been really putting on a lot of good battles. Nobody has crashed; it’s about as aggressive as you can get without crashing each other.
“I used him up down in [Turn] 1, and I thought I got him maybe far enough back. He just lined my bumper up getting into [Turn] 3, and that was it. He just drove me up the hill, and I couldn’t get back to him.”
Silk’s victory allows him to further pad his advantage at the top of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour standings as he continues his pursuit of his second series championship.
“It’s always good to be on a little bit of a win streak, and while you’re leading the points, it’s good,” Silk said. “It’s really early for points. We just want to keep trying to get some wins.”
Eddie McCarthy earned a career-best finish in third, with Anthony Sesely and Andrew Krause completing the top five.
Billy Both of Rahway took the lead at the outset and never looked back in the companion 25-lapper for the Factory Stocks Johnny Carpenter of Howell picked his way through the pack to race into second just before halfway and earned the runner-up finish. Bob Anderton of Howell was third at the stripe, with Scott Riggleman of Manchester and Howell's Ryan Bilello wrapping up the top five.
Defending Factory Stock champ Bryan O'Shea of Neptune City won his first ever Sportsman 25-lapper, taking the lead on lap five and holding off former champ Carsten DiGiantomasso in the late going. Tyler Truex of Egg Harbor Township, Howell's Ryan Fisher and Hazlet's Chris Silvestri were second through fifth.
Buddy Sload of Glenmoore, Pa. took the lead early and was impressive in winning the 25-lapper for the touring TQ Midgets. Joey Bailey, Ryan Tidman, Kyle Taraska and Tyler Ferris completed the top five.
RYAN BILELLO WINS CAREER FIRST FACTORY STOCK SATURDAY
Saturday, July 1, 2023 BY JEFF GRAVATT
WALL, NJ ~ Young Ryan Bilello raced to his first ever Factory Stock feature race victory Saturday night during “Family Fun Night” competition at Wall Stadium Speedway. The Howell racer's win came in just his sixth start in the division.
Matt Badessa of Cranford was the first leader of the 25-lap contest while Howell's Rob Anderton shadowed him. Manchester's Scott Riggleman advanced to second on lap seven as Bilello charged into fourth. Bilello soon slipped into third and the race continued until a lap 17 caution slowed the pace.
Bilello was able to drive into second on the restart and then chased Anderton until he was able to make a diving pass for the lead on the inside lane on the final lap. Anderton, Bryan O'Shea of Neptune City, Riggleman and Howell's Johnny Carpenter wrapped up the top five.
“I have to thank my father for always supporting me and my uncle for working to make this car fast,” Bilello said. “Family, friends and sponsors are very important.”
Ricky Collins of Willow Grove, Pa., driving a car that was changed over from Modified to Sportsman specifications in just one week, drove to victory in the companion 25-lap Sportsman race. Howell's Kevin Davison crossed the finish line second, but when his car failed post race tech Howell's Eric Lane was promoted to runner-up honors. Tyler Truex of Egg Harbor Township, DJ Doyle of Freehold and Jeffrey Loesch of Neptune City were third through fifth.
Billy Pross of Hazlet led from start to finish to win his second Fast 4 25-lapper of the young season over Sean Vuksanic and Alex Graetz, both of Wall, Ted Olswkski of Princeton and Howell's Bill Schwartz.
Eric Zwelback of Browns Mills was the big winner in Demolition Derby action. Vic Brown of Pemberton was the runner-up.
The 2023 Wall Stadium Speedway season continues this Saturday night, July 8, with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour headlining in the Jersey Shore 150. Sportsman, Factory Stocks and TQ Midgets will also see action Saturday evening.
KRAUSE TOPS OPENING NIGHT MODIFIEDS AT WALL STADIUM SPEEDWAY
Saturday, June 3, 2023 BY JEFF GRAVATT
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ On a windy and chilly Saturday night, June 3, that felt more like an early April evening, three-time and defending Modified driving champion Andrew Krause began his title defense with a 40-lap race win at Wall Stadium Speedway. The victory was a true come back for the Holmdel resident as he returned from a violent first turn crash on week earlier during pre season testing.
Farmingdale's Tommy Martino, Jr. was the first leader of this test before Jackson's Blake Barney slipped into the lead on lap three. Krause then followed Barney through for second and began to shadow the leader. The duo ran in tight formation past halfway before Krause was able to make his winning move on the inside lane on lap 29.
Krause power on to the win with Barney second and Howell's Jimmy Blewett third. Derek Hopkinson of Toms River and Martino completed the top five.
“Feels good to be back,” Krause said after the win. “ After losing a car last week season looked to be off to a rough start. But we dug the old chassis out of storage and showed it still has plenty of fight left. Thanks to these guys and everyone else for getting us here!”
After going winless during his title winning season in 2022, Neptune City's Bryan O'Shea got the winning accomplished on opening night in the 25-lapper for the Factory Stocks. Mike Montano of Freeport, N.Y., the early race leader, was second at the stripe followed by Johnny Carpenter, Ryan Bilello and Bob Anderton, all of Howell.
Tyler Truex of Mayetta raced to victory in a 25-lap race for the Sportsman cars, taking the lead on lap ten. Christian LaCicero of Lavallette, Wall's Jimmy Stanger, Howell's Ryan Fisher and Daniel Doyle wrapped up the top five.
Howell's Ryan Kuhlthau grabbed his career first win in the Legend Cars 25-lapper over Peter Bruno of Little Silver, Chris Gall of Brick, Joe Przybylinski and Lianne Sharry
Billy Pross of Hazlet finished first in the Fast 4 25 lapper over defending champ Sean Vuksanic of Wall. Alex Graetz, Ted Olswfski and Charles Hankins completed the top five.
Ryan Tidman of kicked off the new season for the ATQMRA TQ Midgets right where he left off in 2022, in victory lane! Tidman pulled off a last corner, last-lap pass on Buddy Sload to earn the victory in a photo finish. Joey Bailey, Kyle Taraska and Mark Yoder were second through fifth.
LAUREIGH IS FAMILY FUN NIGHT SPORTSMAN WINNER
Saturday, August 13, 2022 BY JEFF GRAVATT
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ Jonathan Laureigh completed an impressive come back after turn two tangles in the previous two feature events to win the 25-lap Family Fun Night Sportsman stock car feature race at Wall Stadium Speedway Saturday night. The Lanoka Harbor resident's win, which came in front of a large and loud grandstand crowd, was his first since 2019.
Laureigh jumped to the lead at the outset and stayed there for two laps before the red flag waved when Chris Silvestri hit the first turn guard rail. Reports say that the Hazlet resident suffered a fractured thumb in the accident. From that point on Laureigh led the way and fought off challenges from Jimmy Wolcott and Jarret DiGiantomasso, both of Jackson, and eventual runner up Kevin Davison of Howell. DiGiantomasso, Tyler Ferris of Freehold and Brick's Robert Sutphin wrapped up the top five.
Ryan Maher of Neptune City took the lead on lap two and then romped to the win in the Fast 4 25 lapper. Wall's Sean Vuksanic raced through the pack to finish second, while Alex Graetz,also of Wall, Neptune's Ryan Bilello and former champ Alonzo Morales of Burlington completed the top five.
Howie Conk of Freehold wrestled his way past Long Island's Ray Minieri after several laps of side by side racing to win the Limited Late Model 25 lap race. Mike Tillett, Geoff Handel and James Moorman were third through fifth.
Mark Yoder of Ephrata, Pa. took his first ever win in the visiting TQ Midget 25 lapper over Buddy Sload of Glenmoore, Pa. and Tyler Ferris.
The winners of the evening's Demolition Derbies were Joey Hellbent, Victor Brown and Kody Roloson.
Saturday night racing action continues this weekend with the Modified, Sportsman, Factory Stocks and Legend Cars on the schedule with qualifying at 5:00 p.m. and main events at 7:00 p.m.
BARNEY, MCCARTHY AND KRAUSE TOP MODIFIED TRIPLES
Saturday, August 6, 2022 BY JEFF GRAVATT
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ Blake Barney of Jackson, Brick's Eddie McCarthy and Holmdel's Andrew Krause were feature race winners in Triple 20 lap Modified stock car main events at Wall Stadium Speedway Saturday night. Derek Hopkinson of Toms River also had reason to celebrate as he was the overall event winner by virtue of the best finishing average with a second and two third place finishes.
In the first modified main event Tyler Truex of Egg Harbor Township and Howell's Jimmy Blewett wrestled for the top spot most of the way. Truex then spun from the top spot late in the test. Barney then raced into the lead on the restart to take the win over Hopkinson, Blewett, Ricky Collins of Willow Grove, Pa. and Krause.
The second 20-lapper saw Brick's Dom Fattaruso lead most of the way while McCarthy picked his way to the front and advanced to second in the final five laps. A late race restart offered McCarthy the opportunity he needed to power to the outside lane for the lead and the win. Fattaruso, Hopkinson, Barney and Krause were second through fifth.
The final main event saw McCarthy fight off Hopkinson for the lead in the early going before Krause advanced to second. McCarthy and Krause then wrestled for the lead until just past halfway when Krause raced to the outside lane for the lead and eventual win. McCarthy, Hopkinson, Barney and Manahawkin's Jake Nelke rounded out the top five.
Brick's Kevin Flores raced into the lead just past halfway to win the 25-lapper for the Factory Stocks. Early leader Greg Moench of Milltown was second, with Johnny Carpenter and Brian Osborn, both of Howell, and Scott Riggleman of Manchester completing the top five.
Neil Rutt III of Colts Neck grabbed the lead on a lap eight restart and raced to the win in the Sportsman 25 lap race. Tyler Truex, Tyler Ferris of Freehold, Hazlet's Chris Silvestri and Howell's Kevin Davison wrapped up the top five.
Justice Calabro of Concord, North Carolina became a fast fan favorite by winning the 25-lap Legend Car feature race in his first time ever at the track. Tanner Jones of Glenn Gardner, Little Silver's Peter Bruno, Brick's Brian Gardella and Quinn Trimmer of Waldwick were second through fifth.
Saturday night racing action continues this weekend with the Sportsman, Fast 4, Limited Late Models and TQ Midgets on the schedule with qualifying at 5:00 p.m. and main events at 7:00 p.m. Demolition Derby action is also planned.
KYLE SCISCO IS 3 TIME WALL MODIFIED WINNER
Saturday, July 30, 2022 BY JEFF GRAVATT
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ Kyle Scisco of Jackson avoided an early race accident, raced to the lead on lap nine and powered on to win the 40 Modified stock car feature race at Wall Stadium Speedway Saturday night. It was the third victory of the 2022 season for the Scisco Kid.
The event started off on a rough note when Eddie McCarthy of Brick and Jackson's Steven Reed tangled in turns three and four and slammed the guard rail. Both competitors were able to limp their race cars to the pit area before tempers flared between the two race teams. When the dust settled both cars were listed as disqualified on the official rundown.
Once back to action Howell's Eric Lane was the leader of the test as Scisco soon advanced to second. Scisco was then able to drive in the outside lane to take the lead as Farmingdale's Tommy Martino, Jr. dove to the inside of Eric Lane to take second. Martino then chased Scisco to the half way mark when a mechanical failure slowed his effort and caused the final caution of the test. At the checker flag is was Scisco, Blake Barney of Jackson, Pine Hill's Joey Merlino, Tyler Truex of Egg Harbor Township and Holmdel's Andrew Krause the top five.
“I just have to thank this team every week for giving me a great car,” Scisco said. “When we unloaded the car wasn't all that good. But (car owner) Steve Ferarra just kept working until we got the car great! He just never gives up!”
Howell's Kevin Davison raced to victory in the extra distance 50 lapper for the Sportsman cars, fighting off the competition from start to finish. Truex was constantly in Davison's shadow in this one before finishing second, while Michael Carr of Pt. Pleasant, Jackson's Jarret DiGiantomasso and Bryan O'Shea of Neptune City completed the top five.
Alonzo Morales of Burlington and Wall's Sean Vuksanic were winners in twin 25-lap races for the Fast 4 division. Vuksanic, Neptune City's Ryan Maher, Nicole Razzano of Cookstown and Mike Lavery of Orangeburg, N.Y. completed the top five in the first race. Lavery, Morales, Maher and Ryan Bilello of Neptune wrapped up the top five in the second race.
Tanner Jones of Glen Gardner took the lead near half way and raced to the win in the 20-lapper for the Legend Cars. Brick's Brian Gardella, Peter Bruno of Little Silver, Waldwick's Quinn Trimmer and Cody Critelli Howell were second through fifth.
Brick's Brianna Page became a first time winner in the 25 lapper for the touring TQ Midgets.
Saturday night racing action continues this weekend with the Modifieds battling in three 20 lap main events. Sportsman, Factory Stocks and Legend Cars are also on the schedule with qualifying at 5:00 p.m. and main events at 7:00 p.m.
SESELY SIZZLES IN WALL MODIFIED SUMMER THUNDER 100
Saturday, July 23, 2022 BY JEFF GRAVATT
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ Anthony Sesely of Hazlet made one of his occasional Wall Stadium Speedway appearances well worth the effort Saturday night by pocketing $5,000 for winning the Summer Thunder 100 for Modified stock cars. This sweltering Saturday night offered a first at the third mile oval according to Garden State Quarter Midget Racing Club officials as all four winners got their start at “Little Wall” which is on the speedway grounds. Quinn Trimmer, Legend Cars, Sean Vuksanic, Fast 4's and Brian Osborn, Factory Stocks, were also victorious Saturday night.
Sesely battled Howell's Jimmy Blewett for the lead in the early going before Blewett left the track on the wrecker after a first turn scramble. As the race wore on Sesely then battled Brick's Dom Fattaruso, Jackson's Steven Reed, Brick's Eddie McCarthy, Jackson's Kyle Scisco, Tyler Truex of Egg Harbor Township and finally Andrew Krause of Holmdel who challenged Sesely all the way to the finish line.
Sesely was not only challenged through high speed action, but also during several restarts forced by minor on track incidents. At the checker the top five was Sesely, Krause, Reed, Scisco and Farmingdale's Tommy Martino, Jr.
“I don't normally get too emotional, but this win is pretty special,” Sesely said after the victory. “I think this win ties me with (the late) John Blewett III. That means a lot to me. He was a good friend. I just want to thank everyone who helps me and everyone in the stands who braved this heat tonight. It is really too hot to be doing this.”
Although Howell's Brian Osborn was fast all night and in contention most of the way, the turning point in this one came when the top five drivers suffered big trouble in a crash on lap 17. When action resumed Osborn vaulted to the lead and raced to his first ever win in the Factory Stock 25-lapper. Bryan O'Shea of Neptune City, Howell's Johnny Carpenter, Matt Badessa of Cranford and Manchester's Scott Riggleman completed the top five.
Sean Vuksanic of Wall earned his career first Fast 4 division win racing into the lead by former champ Ryan Maher of Neptune City just past half way in the 25 lapper. Logan Fraser of Toms River, Burlington's Alonzo Morales and Ryan Bilello of Neptune completed the top five.
Quinn Trimmer of Waldwick topped the 20 lapper for the Legend Cars racing into the lead on an early restart. Brick's Brian Gardella, Cody Critelli and Jeff Stevens, both of Howell and Steve Woytysiak of Roslyn Heights, NY made up the top five.
Saturday night racing action continues this weekend with the Modifieds, Sportsman, Factory Stocks, Fast 4's, Legend Cars and TQ Midgets on the schedule with qualifying at 5:00 p.m. and main events at 7:00 p.m.
SCISCO GRABS MODIFIED WIN ON STORMY SATURDAY NIGHT
Saturday, July 16, 2022 BY JEFF GRAVATT
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ Beating both the the field and evening rain showers that eventually postponed two feature races, Kyle Scisco powered to the victory in the 40-lap main event for Modified stock cars at Wall Stadium Speedway Saturday night. It was the second win of the year for Jackson's “Scisco Kid.”
Howell's Eric Lane was the early leader of the test as he fought off challenges by Ricky Collins of Willow Grove, Pa. and Jackson's Steven Reed in the early going. Meanwhile Scisco was slicing his way through the field and arrived in the top five just before the halfway mark. Scisco was third by lap 25, second on lap 33 and then raced into the lead after racing side-by-side with Lane to take the lead and eventual win.
Lane was an impressive second at the stripe while point leader Andrew Krause of Holmdel raced through the pack for third. Tyler Truex of Egg Harbor Township and Jackson's Blake Barney completed the top five.
“We seemed to be getting knocked around back in the pack in the beginning,” Scisco said. “So I tried to get to the front quickly. I have to thank Steve Ferrara and the team for such a great car. I also want everyone to know that our sponsor Link Belt is backing the “Digging for a Cure” campaign against breast cancer. Our team is donating all the money we made tonight towards that goal.”
Mike Alcaro of Milford won his second straight race, this time in a different car, in the Legend Cars 20-lap main event. Tanner Jones, Nick Morabito, Brian Gardella and Peter Bruno completed the top five.
Alonzo Morales of Burlington was tops in the 25 lapper for the Fast 4 racers. Ryan Maher, Sean Vuksanic, early leader Alex Graetz and Logan Fraser were second through fifth.
Howie Conk of Freehold topped the 25-lapper for the Limited Late Models after some wild battling for the lead with Rob Ormsbee. Mike Tillett, Ray Minieri, Geoff Handel and James Moorman wrapped up the top five.
The scheduled 50-lap race for the Sportsman cars and the Factory Stock 25 lapper were both rain postponed.
JIMMY "SHOWTIME" BLEWETT WINS NWMT JERSEY SHORE 150
Saturday, July 9, 2022 BY JEFF GRAVATT
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Jimmy Blewett is one of the best to ever race at Wall Stadium Speedway.
He reminded everyone of that by topping the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour field in the Jersey Shore 150 on Saturday night at the popular third-mile high-banked oval.
The victory, Blewett’s seventh with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and first since 2016, was his 81st victory overall at Wall Stadium Speedway. He ranks second on the all-time win list at the track.
“Tommy and these guys just prepare such a good car. He makes all the drivers who drive this thing look so good,” said Blewett, who was piloting the No. 7NY for team owner Tommy Baldwin Jr. “Just riding, biding our time watching these guys burn it up so we had some stuff there at the end.”
Blewett spent much of the race riding in the top five, content to let pole-sitter Ron Silk and defending track Modified champion Andrew Krause take turns at the front of the field.
A caution for a spin by Eric Goodale with 17 circuits left in the 150-lap event presented Blewett the perfect opportunity to take control of the race.
Restarting second with 13 laps left, Blewett rocketed under Krause to take the lead by the time the field got back to the start/finish line.
Once in front, Blewett inched away from the battle for second, ultimately crossing the finish line nearly two seconds ahead of runner-up finisher Matt Hirschman.
“I want to dedicate this win to my grandfather,” said Blewett, who also won a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event at Wall Stadium Speedway in 2007. “He always is my biggest supporter and he never, ever doubts me. He just knows I need the right opportunity to get it done. Thanks, Grandpa.”
The victory by Blewett gave team owner Baldwin his fourth victory of the season with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
Doug Coby drove Baldwin’s No. 7NY to victory at New York’s Riverhead Raceway and New Hampshire’s Lee USA Speedway, and Mike Christopher Jr. earned a victory for Baldwin at Pennsylvania’s Jennerstown Speedway.
Hirschman, a multi-time winner of the annual Turkey Derby event at Wall Stadium Speedway who added Saturday’s race to his schedule at the last minute, snuck past both Krause and Silk to finish second.
“This wasn’t on our schedule, I just knew there was going to be a great crowd here tonight,” Hirschman said. “Glad to come race in front of them tonight. A good run. It’s no surprise there at the end, Jimmy’s first and I’m second. Congrats to them.”
Patrick Emerling also managed to make his way past Krause and Silk in the final laps to complete the podium. It was his second top-five finish this season.
“It was a little rough out there, but had a lot of fun tonight,” Emerling said. “We had a pretty good race car for only running here once before.”
Krause settled for fourth after leading prior to the final restart. Silk faded to fifth after starting from the Mayhew Tools Pole and leading a majority of the race.
Justin Bonsignore, Austin Beers, Jon McKennedy, Blake Barney and Kyle Bonsignore completed the top 10.
A replay of the Jersey Shore 150 can be seen on the USA Network on Friday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m. ET.
In other action, Shanon Mongeau of Jackson won the 50-lap race for the Factory Stocks, taking the lead with an inside lane pass just past half way. Elliot Wohl of Beachwood, Manchester's Scott Riggleman, Johnny Carpenter of Howell and Robert Stack completed the top five.
Howell's Kevin Davison won the 25-lap Sportsman feature talking the lead with an outside lane pass. Jackson's Carsten DiGiantomasso, Tyler Truex of Egg Harbor Township, Brick's Ray Fattaruso and Michael Carr wrapped up the top five finishers.
Milford's Mike Alcaro was tops in the Legend Cars 20-lapper over a top five of Kevin Nowak, Tanner Jones, Quinn Trimmer and Joe McGrath.
MARTINO TAKES CAREER FIRST WALL MODIFIED WIN
Saturday, June 25, 2022 BY JEFF GRAVATT
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ Tommy Martino, Jr. raced to victory in the non-stop 40 lap main event for Modified stock cars at Wall Stadium Speedway Saturday night. The win was the career first for the Farmingdale resident.
Martino jumped to the lead at the outset with Brick's Eddie McCarthy charging into second and Howell's Jimmy Blewett taking up third. That trio led the test through the first seven laps as Holmdel's Andrew Krause advanced through the pack and into fourth.
As the non-stop laps ticked off, Martino and McCarthy spent most of their time tussling for the lead while Blewett and Krause wrestled for third. Traffic came into play on lap 23 when the top two had to slice through lapped cars, after a tense moment both were able to race through and continue.
At the checker flag if was Martino, McCarthy, Blewett and Krause as Carsten DiGiantomasso of Jackson was fifth.
“We finally did it,” Martino said of his career first win. “I have to thank my father for this! He started building motors for racers here and I fell in love with the place. Eddie (McCarthy) was fast tonight. If kept hearing on the radio that he was one car back or two cars back. He kept me on my toes!”
Taking the top spot in the closing laps of the Factory Stock contest, Johnny Carpenter of Howell raced to his first win of the season takig the checker flag after 25-laps. Howell's Brian Osborn, Manchester's Scott Riggleman and early leader Matt Badessa of Cranford were the top four while defending champ Bryan O'Shea of Neptune City was fifth.
Neil Rutt III of Colts Neck grabbed his first win of the season in the Sportsman stock car 25 lap race, wrestling the lead from early front runner and eventual runner-up Tyler Truex of Egg Harbor Township. Howell's Kevin Davison, Michael Carr of Pt. Pleasant Beach and Jackson' Jarret DiGiantomasso wrapped up the top five.
Mike Lavery of Orangeburg, NY led the entire non-stop 50 lap distance to win the Fast 4 stock car main event. Sean Vuksanic of Wall, Ryan Maher of Neptune and Burlington's Alonzo Morales, all of whom challenged for the lead, wrapped up the to four and Chuck McDonald of Groton, Ct. was fifth.
Former champ Howie Conk of Freehold won the 25 lap race for the Limited Late Models while Kyle Taraska of Woodbridge won the 30 lap J.J. Lane Memorial for the touring ATQMRA Three Quarter Midgets.
Wall Stadium Speedway will be dark on Saturday, July 2, for the Independence holiday weekend. The 2022 Saturday night regular season continues on Saturday (July 9) evening with the NASCAR Modified Tour in the spotlight.
