Grandview race results

BECHTELSVILLE, PA JUNE 28, 2003 . . . It looked like Ben Hatt had one "in the hat" on Saturday night at Grandview Speedway but a final lap caution set up a shootout that allowed veteran Meme DeSantis to grab the victory, taking the lead in the second turn of the final lap, in the 30-lap NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Modified feature race. In the 20-lapper for the Late Model stock cars Chuck Schutz gave himself a birthday present by winning his first main event of the season.

The 30-lapper for the NASCAR Modifieds saw Ben Hatt put his #14H Modified in front of the 29 car starting field at the drop of the green. And it looked like Hatt, from Reading, PA would be able to earn his first feature win at the Berks County clay oval leading 29 laps.

DeSantis, defending champion and current point leader Jeff Strunk and Mike Gular made life a "little difficult" for the leader in the closing laps. However it may have been Barry Readinger who cost Hatt the win. Readinger brought out the caution on the final lap when he came to stop in the fourth turn. When the green flew again DeSantis was able to charge under Hatt in turn number two to gain the lead and ride to a narrow victory.

"Ben is a good friend. He should have won this one. I feel bad for him," said DeSantis in victory lane. The victory was worth $2,200 to the Temple, PA racer who wheeled the Norm's Save Station/J.L.Young Insurance #357 Modified. Second spot went to Hatt followed by Jeff Strunk (Bethel) maintaining the point lead, Doug Manmiller (Wyomissing) and Jon Kellner Sr. (Lansdale).

The 20-lap main event for Late Models, 26 cars starting the feature, saw Sam Schlosberg charge to the front at the drop of the green. For the first seven laps it was Schlosberg setting the pace and Chuck Schutz challenging. With seven laps completed Schutz was able to put his Total Rental sponsored #1 Late Model in front of the pack and set the pace for the balance of the main event. The win was a great tune-up for the Pottstown racer as he prepares for the Firecracker 40 Late Model Championship on Saturday, July 5 at Grandview Speedway. Second spot in the Late Model feature went to Randy Stoudt (Pottstown) coming on strong in the final laps. Schlosberg (Green Lane) held on to third followed by Chris Shuey (Orefield) and Harry Neiman Jr. (Pottstown).

Qualifying heat races for the Modifieds were won by Doug Manmiller, Barry Readinger, Kevin Hartnett, Meme DeSantis and Keith Brightbill. Consolation race victories were earned by Ray Swinehart, Tracy Readinger and Terry Meitzler. The Cash Dash went to DeSantis earning him $505. The Late Model preliminary races were won by Harry Neiman Jr., Randy Stoudt and Mike Steinmetz while Steve Todorow won the consolation race. The Annual Firecracker 40 for Late Model stock cars will have the top late model racing talents in action in their biggest event of the season on Saturday, July 5, 7:30 p.m. The NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Modifieds will also be part of the show that will have a fantastic FIREWORKS display closing out the evening. The night will be dedicated to the memory of Jerry Glase, a long time track employee who lost his battle with cancer in September, 2002.

And on Saturday, July 12th, Deka Batteries will join with 3M Company to present a doubleheader show of NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series racing that includes the Modifieds and Late Models in at least 13 events of stock car racing.

The BIG SHOW II takes to the track on Wednesday, July 16th, 7:30 p.m. with Big Block Modifieds and 410 Sprint Cars making up the exciting mid-week show.

Grandview Speedway is located on Passmore Road, just off Route 100 in Bechtelsville, PA, 10 miles north of Pottstown. The NASCAR sanctioned auto racing facility continues to be one of the most popular sports attractions in the Berks and Montgomery Counties.

For information on racing at Grandview Speedway telephone 610.754.7688 or visit their website at www.saxtonsponsormarket.com. And when at the site check out the Kids Coloring section for some fun for the children.

NASCAR DODGE WEEKLY SERIES MODIFIED FEATURE (30 LAPS): Meme DeSantis, Ben Hatt, Jeff Strunk, Doug Manmiller, Jon Kellner Sr., Craig VonDohren, Mike Gular, Kevin Hartnett, Tom Mayberry, Glenn Strunk, Rick Schaffer, Shawn Reimert, Tracy Readinger, Kenny Gilmore, Keith Brightbill, Randy Bailey, Ray Swinehart, John Durling, John Willman, Ron Seltmann, Jason Smythe, Cliff Quinn, Barry Readinger, Junior Mikosz, Steve Swinehart, Ryan Watt, Shawn Merkel, Donny Erb, Cliff Quinn.

NASCAR DODGE WEEKLY SERIES LATE MODEL FEATURE (20 LAPS): Chuck Schutz, Randy Stoudt, Sam Schlosberg, Chris Shuey, Harry Neiman Jr., John Giesler, Mike Steinmetz, Lou Egrie, Dean Stoudt, Jason Miller, Buddy Wharton, Terry Snyder, Doug Walton, Ray Swinehart, Ron Chrisman, Junior Grebe, Steve Sennott, Steve Todorow, Chris Wojnar, Steve Weikel, Ron Kline, Brian Schuey, Dave Conover, John Durling, Mike Wunderlich, Dallas Breidenbach.

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