Column By: MIKE TRAVERSE / RPW – MIDDLETOWN, NY – Thirty-six different drivers have scored points in the United Rentals DIRTcar Big Block Modified division in 2022. After the events of this coming Saturday, July 2nd, the field that will be eligible to race for the $30,000 Big Block championship will be trimmed to 12.
And it’s a big race night as the Modifieds will be racing 76 laps for a winners purse of $7,600.
The 12 spots are divided up with up to 7 winners and the top 5 in points clinching their spot into the Round of 12.
There have been 6 different winners in the point races at OCFS so far during the ’22 season. Matt Sheppard (3), Anthony Perrego (2), Dillon Steuer (1), Chris Shultz (1), Mat Williamson (1) and Larry Wight (1) have clinched their spots into the “Dirty Dozen” Round of 12. Whoever wins Saturday’s 76 lap race will clinch their spot.
If there’s a repeat winner, that opens up some other possible candidates to qualify for the 12.
Danny Creeden has moved into the top spot in OCFS Big Block points, 5 markers ahead of Max McLaughlin. They are locks to make it into the 12. Tyler Boniface in 3rd and Mike Gular in 5th look to be in very good shape, most likely just needing to start to clinch.
Perrego is 4th and with his 2 wins, is already locked in. The hot seat Saturday will be on spots 6 and 7. Those two spots are deadlocked in points right now between Matt Janiak and Tanner VanDoren. Janiak has strung together steady finishes to stand at a tie for 6th in points. VanDoren, a Big Block rookie, has drawn attention for his good finishes including a 3rd place showing on June 18th. He looks very comfortable on the resurfaced track.
A repeat winner Saturday would lock both spots 6 & 7 into the 12. A new winner who is not high up in the points would eliminate whoever would be 7th in points.
A look at driver’s outside the cut line right now sees lots of fast cars and capable drivers that would like to challenge for the big money. Jimmy Horton, Craig Mitchell and Alex Yankowski have all made it onto the podium and would like to make it into the 12 as would other in the top 20, drivers like Billy VanInwegen, Allison Ricci, Donnie Wilson, Bob McGannon, Joey Bonetti, Rich Eurich, Tommy Meier and Bobby Flood.
Stewart Friesen will be making another stop at OCFS this Saturday to try to win his way into the 12. Friesen made a great attempt this past Saturday, leading the early part of the Modified main before Perrego took over.
With his win in the H.O Penn 358 Small Block Modifieds last Saturday, Perrego broke the tie that he was in with VanInwegen to assume the points lead. Mitchell is 3rd, Creeden 4th and Horton 5th.
Cody Higbie’s win in the Arkel Motors Sportsman feature vaulted him over Mike Sabia to take the points lead by 9. Travis Green is up to 3rd with Tighe Sherlock 4th and Ryan Neiger 5th.
Bob Sleight is still on top in the NAPA North East Parts Group Street Stocks, but saw his lead cut to 9 over the charging Dillon Gannon. Mike Vigiletti is 3rd, Wayne Taylor 4th and Walt Henry is 5th. The top 5 are separated by only 30 points.
And there will soon be another Bike Giveaway at OCFS, scheduled for Saturday, July 9th. The bike giveaway was a big success last year with 43 bikes and 23 helmets given away. This event is being organized by the OCFS Kids Club, under the direction of Ms. OCFS 2018, Christina Contento.
Their goal is to have a bike for every child under the age of 12 on July 9th. The club is looking for small bikes for kids ages 5-10 and larger bikes for kids ages 11-12.
Teams are encouraged to customize the bikes they want to donate with some racing themes. Some themes include the most creative, best theme and best racing design.
Bikes and/or helmets can be dropped off at the speedway office during business hours Tuesday through Friday 10 am – 4 pm. or they can be dropped off on race day. All donations must be received by the start of racing on July 9th.
Anyone with questions about the bike giveaway can contact Christina on Facebook Messenger or on her Instagram @ms.lomm2022.
Everybody enjoy the holiday weekend. Safe travels to all. And get out and support your local track. Or if you can, more than one track!!