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PA Speedweek got off to a slow start with the weather playing a big part in the action.
Sunday night at BAPS Speedway, Danny Dietrich proved he's among the best when he got the lead in a hurry and was able to hold off a charging Chase Dietz to take the win in the 30-Lap Pennsylvania Speedweek event. It was his 24th career win at the racy oval, which ties him with legendary Central PA standout Keith Kauffman on the all-time win list.
"He's someone I idolized," Dietrich said. "He could wrestle a car. I didn't do it from 18th like he would say he did. It's different now, but he is someone who is a racing legend for me when I was growing up."
The Ohio Speedweek champion was able to motor around the top to hold the spot, and he was able to open some distance to take the win by .667 seconds at the stripe.
"We were confident going into Ohio after that All Star win," Dietrich said. "My guys have been busting their butts, and this humidity is so high. It's unreal.
"Thank you to the fans for coming out. This place is packed for the opening night of Speedweek. I can hear all of the cheers when I'm in the car on the racetrack, so this is pretty cool," Dietrich added.
Dietz settled for second. He was followed by Ryan Smith, Freddie Rahmer, and 11th-place starter Anthony Macri.
In the Super Sportsman main event, Jay Fannasy started on the outside pole and dominated the 25-lap main event to cap the evening.
On the fourth night of PA Speedweek on Monday at Lincoln Speedway, a weather-shortened ending happened as Freddie Rahmer claimed his fourth career Speedweek victory in a race shortened by rain and lightning with five laps remaining.
The night started with Kody Hartlaub grabbing the initial lead in turn one, but Anthony Macri quickly took over to lead the opening lap. Rahmer followed into second, shuffling Hartlaub to third.
The first red flag of the night flew on lap four when Chase Dietz flipped, collecting Domenic Melair and Matt Campbell. Both Melair and Campbell rejoined the field for the restart. Rahmer looked to the inside of Macri on the restart, but settled into second.
Rahmer was pressuring Macri as they approached lapped traffic and made his move for the top spot. Rahmer began to extend his lead while Macri found himself under siege from Bollinger, who was relentless in his pursuit of second.
The race saw its final red on lap 25 for Matt Campbell, who once again found trouble in Turns 3 and 4. As the field was halted, rain began to fall, and shortly after, a lightning strike in the area prompted officials to call the event complete.
With 25 of 30 laps completed, the race was declared official, with Freddie Rahmer claiming the $10,000 victory, followed by Anthony Macri, Aaron Bollinger, Kody Hartlaub, and Cameron Smith.
This Saturday, Lincoln Speedway is back in action with the East Coast Legends, limited stocks, Mason Dixon 270 micros and classic cars. Racing is scheduled for 5 p.m.
With Central PA Speedweek rolling elsewhere with 410 sprint cars, Port Royal Speedway honored their blue collar racers on June 29 with the 14th annual Blue Collar Classic. A night featuring the Keystone RaceSaver Challenge for the 305 sprint cars, the Ron Zimmerman Tribute Race for the limited late models, and the wingless sportsmen.
It saw all three divisions drivers pick up meaningful wins with Nick Sweigart winning his third RaceSaver Challenge, Snook winning his first Port Royal Speedway feature worth $6,000 and Tony Jackson winning in what should be his final race at The Speed Palace.
Port Royal Speedway will be back in action Wednesday as a part of Central Pennsylvania Speedweek with 410 sprint cars racing for $10,000 to win and United Racing Club 360 sprint cars competing for $2,000.