New Egypt Speedway Story 98-08-19

BRIGHTBILL’S QUENCH THIRST FOR PEPSI, SWEEP N.E.S. WEDNESDAY SHOW

New Egypt, NJ, August 19, 1998...... Kenny Brightbill of Sinking Spring, PA captured his seventh win of the season at the New Egypt Speedway in the 50 lap “Pepsi Heat Wave 50” Modified feature Wednesday night. Brightbill started13th on the grid, capitalized on Billy Pauch’s misfortune at the halfway mark, and then was able to hold off veteran hotshoe Jimmy Horton’s late race charge for the victory. “The track was very tacky and fast tonight,” stated a happy Brightbill, “We were fortunate to sustain only sheet metal damage in that early race pile-up, and we had plenty of time to come back thru the field.”

By luck of the draw, Billy Pauch lead the 33 car field down to starter Frank Resta’s green flag from his pole starting position. Pauch led the first two laps when the yellow came out for a 12 car pile-up in turn 3&4 involving among others Jimmy Horton, Brightbill, Doug Hoffman, & Craig Von Dohren, all of whom were able to restart. Again on the restart, Pauch held sway with Mark Bitner glued to his rear bumper. By lap 14, Brightbill was into the top five as Roger Laureno got by Bitner for second. Brightbill then took fourth from Eddie Bohn on lap 15, third from Bitner on lap 17 and then powered around Laureno on lap 20. Brightbill then began to chase after Pauch who was about 10 lengths in front. At the halfway sign, Brightbill had closed onto his bumper as they began encountering lapped traffic, and it appeared that classic duel was about to unfold. However, it was not meant to be as Jerry Glen spun his #1s in turn two right in front of the leader Pauch. With no where to go, Pauch was collected along with Clyde Cox to bring out the caution. Pauch rejoined at the tail end of the field, and now Brightbill was in command followed by Laureno, Horton, Bitner, and Bohn. Bitner’s great ride quickly came to an end on the restart as the #27kc shredded a left rear tire. Once the green was back out, Horton quickly charged by Laureno into second on lap 28. Horton kept pace with “Mr. Excitement” over the remainder of the race, and with three laps to go, Horton and Laureno caught Brightbill in lapped traffic. But the seasoned veteran was able to make quick work of two lapped cars and race under the checkered first for the $5000 payday. Horton of Bridgewater NJ held on for second, while Laureno of Ivyland PA finished third. Carmine Infante of Cream Ridge NJ was the hard charger of the event as he took fourth after starting all the way back in 26th spot. Tom Carberry of Hopewell NJ brought his #23 home fifth to complete another good effort. Rounding out the top ten were Eddie Bohn, Craig Von Dohren, Keith Hoffman, Billy Pauch, and Chip Slocum. The three heat winners were Donnie Radd, Laureno and Brightbill. In the 20 lap “Mountain Dew 20” Sportsman feature event, Keith Brightbill of Sinking Spring PA made it two for the family as he raced to his first win at the New Egypt Speedway in 1998. Just like his dad, Keith also took the lead at the halfway sign and held on for the victory over runner-up Rick Grosso, Jr. of Belle Mead NJ. Gary Hager, invading New Egypt for the first time in an attempt to pick up the $500 bonus, lead the first 10 laps, before losing the lead and then a tire forcing him to the pits. Brightbill now can pick up that $500 bonus by winning the Sportsman feature this Saturday night. Matt Papiez of Belle Mead NJ was third while point leader Larry McVay of Flemington came across the line fourth. Bob Worthington of Mt. Laurel NJ rounded out the top five. Sportsman heats were won by Mike David, Donnie Radd (who won a heat in both divisions), and Ryan Godown while Larry McVay won the consolation. This Saturday night is Wawa Food Market night featuring Modifieds, Sportsman and Street Stocks. Gates open at 3pm, with the first heat at 6pm.