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Lucas Oil ESS Champion Jason Barney takes Fall Nationals Win at Brockville Ontario Speedway

Lucas Oil ESS Champion Jason Barney takes Fall Nationals Win at Brockville Ontario Speedway

By Mike Mallett
Contact: mikem@empiresupersprints.com

BROCKVILLE, ONT – Brewerton, NY’s Jason Barney has been making a late season statement why he is the 2017 Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) champion by winning his second consecutive $3,000 October victory. Taking the lead from Jeff Cook on lap 11, he beat Mike Mahaney and Coleman Gulick to the line to win the 1000 Islands RV Fall Nationals event at the Brockville Ontario Speedway.

Cook and Barney drew the front row for the 25 lap A-Main with Cook taking to the ample Brockville cushion to open up a sizeable lead early. As the laps clicked on you could see Barney’s #87 closing in. Just before halfway he made his move.

“This is a big win and it feels good to get another win here at the end of the season helping to bring down a great year for me and my team,” noted Jason, “I could see Jeff (Cook) getting a little loose and when we hit the slower traffic I was lucky enough to get a lane down low to get by.”

As lap 11 was scored Barney’s inside sweep got him the lead. Yellow lights shined one lap later for a slowing Jeremy Lasalle which put the duo side by side on the restart. When the green lights shined again, it was Barney taking his front slot again.

As fourth place starting Mahaney also slipped by Cook he tried to reel in the leader. “The track was awesome, It was fast low and high which makes it tough because you don’t know where the cars behind you are running,” Barney continued, “I was comfortable down low but when we came to traffic I had to go high but felt good there also.”

With the final 13 laps going green, the big crowd got a pleasing duel with Barney and Mahaney weaving through traffic to the checkers with Barney under the checkers first.

“We were thinking of going to the Short Track Nationals in Arkansas at the beginning of the year but we felt being ESS champion we have to support tracks like Brockville that had us come in to put on a show and also pay a real good purse,” he went on, “The track was just amazing and with the weather they ran the show right off, we want to thank them.”

For Mahaney his first ever sprint car start at the quarter-mile resulted in a $2,000 pay day aboard the Doug Emery #33. “I think If I could got around Jeff (Cook) before the caution I could have started in the front row with Jason we might have had a better chance,” Mahaney noted, “Being behind the front row, I had to pass Jeff and then catch up to Jason but these laps go quick here.

“I think I might have had a better car there at the end but Jason did a great job passing the slower cars,” Mike on the end of the race, “The track was real racy and it was real fun out there. Thanks to Doug for giving me a great car.”

Gulick’s #14 started in ninth and he immediately took to a groove he is familiar with, up on the cushion. “I went right up high early and picked off some cars, the track was good up there, it was a real good track,” said the Binghamton native. “We just needed a little bit better draw, but that’s ok, everyone had the same numbers to pull from the bucket. We are just glad to get a good run, some momentum as we have been struggling a bit lately.”

Cook held on to place fourth at the end holding off a charging Paulie Colagiovanni. Rounding out the top ten were Rick Wilson, Alain Bergeron, Cory Turner, Dave Axton and Jordan Poirier.

In a very unusual moment, Matt Billings was seen flipping off turn three while the cars were lining up for the initial start. He was ok but perplexed on what happened to the car. Jeremy Lasalle made his first ever sprint car start aboard Shawn Donath’s #53 while Shawn couldn’t attend due to a family function. Lee Ladouceur and Yan Bilodeau suffered blown engines. 

Lucas Oil ESS A-Main/1000 Islands RV Fall Nationals – Jason Barney ($3,000), Mike Mahaney ($2,000), Coleman Gulick ($1,000), Jeff Cook ($700), Paulie Colagiovanni ($550), Rick Wilson ($470), Alain Bergeron ($430), Cory Turner ($420), Dave Axton ($410), Jordan Poirier ($400), Chris Jones ($370), Cole McDonald ($350), Pete Richardson ($330), Paul Pekkonen ($325), April Wilson ($320), Jeremy Lasalle ($315), Matt Billings ($310), Lee Ladouceur ($305), Yan Bilodeau ($300)

Lap Leader – Cook 1-10, Barney 11-25

For more Information on the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints:
Web: www.empiresupersprints.com
Twitter: @ESSprints
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpireSuperSprints
Android App: Empire Super Sprints

The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints are brought to you by: Lucas Oil, Mach 1 Chassis, Einstein Construction Group, NAPA Auto Parts, Hoosier Racing Tires, Donath Motorworx, Insinger Performance/Sunoco Race Fuels, Scorpion Security Products, 1000 Islands RV Centre, Car Mate Trailers, Fondations 4 Saisons, Beard Sewer and Drain, Cobra Coaches, 911 Restoration, Fondations 55, E&V Energy, SUNY Canton, Engler Machine and Tool, Northwood 2 Construction, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Lacaillade Masonry, FX Chevy, ASI Racewear and many, many associate sponsors!!

VL-800

Danny Varin Works by Jason Barney for Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint Victory at Utica-Rome

By Mike Mallett
Contact: mikem@empiresupersprints.com

VERNON, NY – At times traffic can be a race car driver’s best friend or his worst enemy. On Sunday night at the Utica-Rome Speedway, traffic ended up being a good friend to Danny Varin as he was flawless early to take the lead from current high point man Jason Barney, then solid late in holding off all comers to score his second Utica-Rome Speedway win of the season in a 360 Sprint Car.

Varin captured one of the opening night Gladiator Twin 20’s at the track before scoring Sunday’s victory in the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint 25-lap NAPA Auto Parts Tour of U.S., SUNY Canton Series A-Main. The win was worth $2,000 for the Fonda, N.Y., driver.

“That was a lot of fun,” said Varin in Victory Lane. “Jason’s (Barney) is a great competitor. He’s helped me out a ton and if it wasn’t for him we couldn’t be standing here right now. Drover Brake, Trackside Body Works, Supply Wagon Rentals, Dave Cruickshank, Pete Northrup, these guys are phenomenal.”

Dylan Westbrook opened the race leading lap one before relinquishing the position to third starting Barney. Barney raced away early while Varin was busy racing hard with Cory Sparks for the second position. The duo swapped second a couple of times before Varin grabbed it on lap six.

Eight laps were shown complete as Barney caught the back of the field. As pack at the rear raced one another hard, Barney searched around for path through. While his pace was impeded, Varin was able to quickly close in to challenge for the lead. Varin stalked Barney just looking for his chance to take the number one position.

Barney was nearly perfect until lap 11 when he moved off the bottom of the speedway in turns one and two. As he slid through the middle lane Varin was able to rocket by him on the bottom of the track for the lead. Barney got back to the bottom in turns three and four but couldn’t get back alongside of Varin. Before another lap could be completed, Matt Billings had problems causing him to come to a stop in the middle of turns three and four to bring out the caution.

“He missed the bottom a little bit because the lapped car was there,” stated Varin. “I knew I wasn’t going to go around Jason so I just stuck it on the bottom and hoped I’d get there. I was hoping the lapped car wouldn’t hold me up too much. It all paid off in the end.”

Varin jumped back out to the lead at the green with Barney in tow. At this point another challenger emerged as Coleman Gulick, who started 11th, rocketed his way into the top five on the restart. Varin and Barney set the pace as Gulick battled with Paul Kinney for fourth. They stayed side-by-side for several laps before Gulick took the spot for good on lap 17.

On lap 19 it was Varin’s turn to map his path through cars running at the back of the field. He stayed married to the bottom in the first and second corners while going to the extreme top of the speedway on the other end of the speedway. This allowed him to hold off Barney while seamlessly working around the lapped cars.

“They were doubled up in front of me,” commented Varin. “I really didn’t know where to go or how to get through it. It was slippery through the middle but you had two good distinct grooves. You just had to pick one.”
Varin was forced to the bottom of turns three and four with only a couple of laps to go which saw his pace quicken as he pulled away from Barney. Varin went on to take home the checkered flag while Barney and Gulick raced for second. A battle which ended with Barney in second.

Saturday night traffic gave Barney an advantage and allowed him to get the lead to win his first Empire Super Sprint main-event of the season. Sunday, the slower cars forced Barney to move from his comfort zone opening the door for Varin to make his move.

“I was a little too impatient,” said Barney. “I should have stuck to what I was doing. I felt good, but I knew somebody would be coming. I couldn’t wait around. I made a couple of mistakes and a couple of bad choices and it cost me. We got back to lapped traffic and I wasn’t going to give up on the bottom. I was hoping Danny (Varin) was going to get stuck in the middle or on the top. He ended up finding the bottom over here in turns three and four in lapped traffic. I think that helped him a lot. It was okay. I thought we were going to have something fun there at the end. We’ll take it and move on to next week.”

Gulick made some great moves throughout the second half of the race to put himself on the podium. The Binghamton, N.Y., pilot got a great restart on lap 12 to move into the top five. At that point he picked cars off one at a time to eventually challenge Barney for second. He came up a few laps short of being able to make the pass.

“Starting in the back like that with these guys is really tough,” cited Gulick. “You got to make your moves early because everyone kind of spreads out. I’m glad we got that restart. I tell you what, if I start on the front of one of these things we are going to get a few of them. We were fast all night, just a bad redraw that’s all.”

Kinney, a former Modified regular at the speedway, came home in the fourth position after winning his heat race earlier in the night. Shawn Donath worked the high line of the speedway late to grab the fifth spot.

ESS/Utica-Rome Notes: Another big field of 38 sprints filling the pits…Making first starts in 2017 were Jeremiah Munson, Scott Kreutter, Josh Pieniazek, Mike Kiser, Emily VanInwegen and Thomas Radivoy…Next weekend it’s the first North of the Border with Stops to Autodrome’s Granby and Drummond an then Sunday off to Cornwall. Fri. and Sat Pay $2,000 to win and $500 to start, Sunday is $2,000 to win and $325 to start,

Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (25-lap A-Main) – Danny Varin ($2,075), Jason Barney ($1,300), Coleman Gulick ($800), Paul Kinney ($655), Shawn Donath ($590), Jeff Cook ($520), Cory Sparks ($455), Bobby Varin ($420), Dylan Westbrook ($410), Paulie Colagiovanni ($450), Matt Tanner ($435), Jonathan Preston ($345), Jared Zimbardi ($300), Glenn Styres ($290), Billy VanInwegen ($405), Josh Pieniazek ($325), Alex Vigneault ($270), Chad Miller ($265), Mitch Brown ($260), Scott Kreutter ($305), Dave Axton ($325), Brandon Kidd ($300), Jake Brown ($250), Kelly Hebing ($75), Matt Billings ($75), Mike Kiser ($250)
DNQ – Eric Karlsen, Brett Wright, Pete Richardson, Jeremiah Munson, Emily VanInwegen, Dalton Herrick, Scott Goodrich, Bob Gray, Keith Granholm, Thomas Radivoy, Dylan Swiernik

Lap Leader – Westbrook (1), Barney (2-10), D. Varin (11-25)

ESS Bonuses:
Hoosier Tires Bridesmaid Bonus – Barney $100
E&V Energy Fast Time – Swiernik, Colagiovani, Donath, Tanner $25
Car Mate Trailers Heats – Kinney, Sparks, Preston, D. Varin $25
Shuttleworth Asphalt Sealing/Cobra Coaches Dash – B. VanInwegen $125, Axton $75, Cook $50, Tanner $50
Engler Machine and Tool Halfway – D. Varin $50
Insinger Performance Hard Charger – Cook (9 pos.) $50
Lacaillade Masonry B-Main – Pieniazek $50
Ohsweken Speedway 22nd Anniversary – Kidd $50
Scorpion Security Products Last Car Lead Lap – Kreutter $50
Scorpion Security Products 12 Redraw – Colagiovanni $25
Fondations 55 Pick 5 – Donath $35
Hoosier Tire – Barney $200

For more Information on the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints:
Web: www.empiresupersprints.com
Twitter: @ESSprints
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpireSuperSprints
Android App: Empire Super Sprints

VL-800

Barney Blast by Reakes for Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint Win at Canandaigua

By Mike Mallett
Contact: mikem@empiresupersprints.com

CANANDAIGUA, NY – Jason Barney hadn’t been to Victory Lane with the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints at the Canandaigua Motorsport Park since 2011. The current series point leader remedied that problem by knocking off the win in Saturday night’s 25-lap NAPA Auto Parts U.S. Tour A-Main. Barney bested good friend Sammy Reakes IV.

Barney, who started sixth, worked his way into second before a handful of laps were completed. From there he waited for the right time to make his move on outside pole-starter Reakes. That opportunity presented itself as the field came to the line at the halfway point. Barney worked by Reakes in traffic to get the lead at the exit of turn four. It was all she wrote from there as he checked out on the field for the $2,550 payday.

“We just feel anytime we come here we have a great race car,” said Barney. “The reason we don’t win is because of me or we don’t put ourselves in position to win. We have great race cars. I’m really happy to win here. I set a goal over the winter to win here at Canandaigua. It was getting a little old running second and third. We’ll take it and move on to tomorrow.”

Dylan Swiernik redrew the pole for the start of the feature but it was Reakes mastering the start to take the lead at the exit of the second corner on the outside. Reakes stayed on the outside of turns three and four to keep the lead of lap one over Swiernik.

Reakes was out in front as Swiernik had to contend Barney who eventually made the move by for second on lap five. Barney then put his full attention on Reakes at the front of the field. The two put a gap back to Swiernik as he settled into third in the running order.

Two circuits later Reakes got his first taste of traffic as he caught the back side of the field. Reakes remained in the outside groove while leading with Barney following him on the top initially. As the traffic got thicker, Barney started moving around looking for a faster lane on the half-mile.

Barney closed to the back tail tank of Reakes by lap 10. Then, coming to complete lap 13, Barney saw an opening. Barney went from the bottom of turns three and four to the top sliding up in front of Reakes to take the lead as they exited the corner.

“Sammy (Reakes) was really good,” commented Barney. “When you get out in front you don’t know what to do or where to go. I was able to race in traffic a little bit there. I could try some different things before I got to him. He was a little loose on the top of one and two and I was going through the middle. I didn’t want to get alongside of him there. Every time I got to him I had to wait. I thought I was going get him in one and two because he was better in three and four, but we had a good run there. I knew the time was now.”

Barney was glued to the bottom with his X-1 Race Car from that point forward while Reakes tried to chase him down on the top portion of the speedway to no avail. Behind the top two a great battle developed between Swiernik, Jonathan Preston and Chuck Hebing. The three ran three-wide all the way around the track as they each tried to gain an edge.

Hebing eventually dropped out on lap 18 after catching the wall on the exit of the fourth corner leaving Swiernik and Preston to continue their battle. Eventually Swiernik was able to shake Preston to keep third.

Barney was gone as the race came to a conclusion winning easily for his 14th career series triumph. Reakes held on to finish in the runner-up position with his No. 17 X-1 Race Car. Reakes felt like the top went away which opened the door for Barney to get by.

“That was a lot of fun,” mentioned Reakes. “I felt really good. I probably should have moved my groove down a little bit. I didn’t realize Jason was there. I saw him a couple times and I kept getting higher, higher and higher. I think the top started going away the more laps we ran. At the end I just couldn’t come off the corners like I was the first seven or eight laps. This is the best I’ve ever run here so I can’t complain about it.”

Swiernik, in only his second race of 2017, was able to bring it home in third. He’s always strong at Canandaigua and that was no different on Saturday night as he has some great races with several different drivers.

“I’m just lucky for third tonight,” said Swiernik. “Jason was fast tonight. Just hanging for third is huge for us. It’s only out second race out. We have a brand new frame, Panther Frameworx and 87 Speed shocks. We were fast tonight. This is something to build on. Sixth last week at Outlaw (Speedway) and third tonight, I couldn’t be happier.”

Shawn Donath, of South Onondaga, N.Y., snuck by Preston in the closing laps to finish in fourth. Preston had to settle for the fifth spot.

ESS/Canandaigua Notes: A stout field of 32 sprints filled the pit area…Promoter Jeremie Corcoran had a tough decision even to run the event with wet grounds, many teams needed haulers towed out afterwards but were glad the promoter hung on and was rewarded with a big crowd…Steve Doell, Jake and Mitch Brown, Paul Habeck, Chris Jones and Lee Sanders made first starts in 2017…ESS will make two more stops at Canandaigua for CNY Speedweek and the traditional Watkins Glen Weekend stop.

Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (25-lap A-Main) – Jason Barney ($2550), Sammy Reakes ($1625), Dylan Swiernik ($1000), Shawn Donath ($655), Jonathan Preston ($565), Steve Doell ($470), Coleman Gulick ($430), Dylan Westbrook ($420), Paulie Colagiovanni ($435), Paul Kinney ($450), Brett Wright ($360), Jeff Cook ($345), Jake Brown ($325), Matt Tanner ($415), Cory Turner ($285), Chad Miller ($380), Glenn Styres ($325), Alex Vigneault ($345), Mitch Brown ($265), Matt Billings ($260), Brandon Kidd ($255), Lee Sanders ($375), Ryan Turner ($300), Chuck Hebing ($250)

DNQ – Paul Habeck, Chris Jones, Kelly Hebing, Eric Karlsen, Dan Bennett, Mike Mahaney, Ethan Preston, Robbie Shuttleworth

Lap Leader – Reakes 1-12, Barney 13-25

ESS Bonuses:


Hoosier Tires Bridesmaid Bonus – Reakes $100


E&V Energy Fast Time – Cook, Vigneault, Colagiovanni, Mahaney $25


Car Mate Trailers Heats – Reakes, J Brown, Donath, Styres $25


Shuttleworth Asphalt Sealing/Cobra Coaches Dash – Tanner $125, Sanders $75, R Turner $50, Miller $50


Engler Machine and Tool Halfway – Barney $50


Insinger Performance Hard Charger – Kinney (12 pos.) $50


Lacaillade Masonry B-Main – Vigneault $50


Ohsweken Speedway 22nd Anniversary – Sanders $50


Scorpion Security Products Last Car Lead Lap – Miller $50


Scorpion Security Products 12 Redraw – Styres $25


Fondations 55 Pick 5 – Preston $35
Hoosier Tire – Cook $200

For more Information on the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints:
Web: www.empiresupersprints.com
Twitter: @ESSprints
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpireSuperSprints
Android App: Empire Super Sprints

VL-800

Mid-Race Pass Propels Mark Smith to Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint Win at Selinsgrove Speedway

By Mike Mallett
Contact: mikem@empiresupersprints.com

SELINSGROVE, PA – Mark Smith returned to the Selinsgrove Speedway on Saturday night to compete with the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints. For Smith, there was no place like home. The former Selinsgrove track champion took the lead midway through the event while on his way to winning the Mach 1 Chassis Sprint Car Spectacular 25-lap A-Main event.

“This is actually pretty good,” stated Smith after the win. “We won last Saturday in the 410 at Port Royal and last night so this makes it three in a row. I just want to thank my guys. They do a hell of job, they bust their asses to get this car to the race track weekly. They all work hard.”

Current series point leader Jason Barney started alongside Ryan Kissinger for the start of the NAPA Auto Parts Tour of the US feature which got off to a rocky start as Adam Carberry ended up getting over in turn two. Contact between Cody Keller and Coleman Gulick ended both of their nights before Carberry was collected. Luckily everyone was uninjured in the incident.

Once action resumed, Barney led the first circuit before surrendering the lead to third starting Derek Locke. Locke worked by Barney on the bottom of turns three and four to secure the advantage.

Locke set a quick pace out in front with Barney feeling the pressure from Ryan Kissinger who eventual got by for the runner-up spot in line. Locke and Kissinger remained the lead duo as they got to traffic on lap seven. Locke was masterful in traffic expanding the gap back to Kissinger.

On lap 12 Kissinger’s night came to an unfortunate end as his car slowed with a blown head gasket. He coasted around the speedway but couldn’t clear the track forcing the yellow flag to come once more.

Smith sat third behind Locke and Robbie Stillwaggon for the restart. Smith made the move to get around Stillwaggon in turns one and two before disposing of Locke in turns three and four on the outside for the lead. From there Smith does what he always does at Selinsgrove, he checked out.

“I found the middle there a little bit then I could move up,” stated Smith. “At the begining I couldn’t run there but I think because the fuel load burned off I could go up there.”

Nate Snyder forced the race to slow one final time as he exploded his right rear tire on lap 20. He came to a stop in the fourth turn. Smith now had to navigate his way through one final double-file restart.

Smith was perfect at the drop of the green getting the jump on Locke and he now had to contend with Chad Layton for the second position. Layton made the move through one and two to momentarily take second. Locke would have none of it getting back by on the backstretch.

Smith went on to score his second career ESS win at Selinsgrove and his eighth career win overall with the series. Locke, of Mechanicsburg, Pa., settled for second. He reported that a mechanical issue that caused him to lose the handling on his No. 77.

“This a good run,” commented Locke. “I’m a little disappointed, but you know, it happens. We had a really good weekend. We were really good there until about lap 15. It looks like we lost the left front arm. It bent under the car. It got me really tight getting in. I didn’t know what was going on. I thought I lost the left front shock. It was really good. We got a lot to build on.”

Layton, of Harrisburg, Pa., has only run a handful of races since his return to Sprint Car competition. Although it wasn’t a win on Saturday night, Layton was pleased with the effort as he continues to shake the rust off.

“It seems like we keep getting better and better,” cited Layton. “The car was as good tonight as it’s been since day one. I was sitting on the sidelines for a couple years so I’m a little rusty. I’m starting to shake the cobwebs off. I think we are starting to go in the right direction.”

Barney held off Davie Franek in the final laps to finish in fourth forcing Franek to settle for the final position in the top five.

Selinsgrove/ESS Notes: A field of 30 sprints filled the pits…Despite unpredicted rain that fell from 6 to 11AM track crews did a great job producing a smooth surface…Ryan Kissinger (1 Lap), Michael Walter (4 Laps) and Davie Franek (10 Laps) set new track records…ESS regulars Alex Vigneault and Matt Tanner were surprise fast times in their timed hot laps sessions…Colby Womer had issues under the hood which saw him drop out of his heat and B-Main…Next up for the Lucas Oil ESS Tour is a big Memorial Day Weekend with a Saturday visit at Canandaigua Paying $2,500 to win, $1,500 for second and $1,000 for third followed by a $2000 to win event at Utica-Rome.

Lucas Oil ESS A-Main– Mark Smith, ($2,050), Derek Locke ($1,300), Chad Layton ($1,000), Jason Barney ($1000), Davie Franek ($785), Robbie Stillwaggon ($675), Larry Kelleher ($650), Jason Schultz ($600), Jordan Thomas ($550), Troy Betts ($500), Chad Miller ($625), Alex Vigneault ($625), Matt Tanner ($615), Jeff Cook ($620), Eric Tomecek ($415), Paul Kinney ($410), Brett Wright ($205), Nate Snyder ($425), Ryan Kissinger ($425), Josh Weller ($450), Michael Walter II ($525), Jim Shuster ($400), Coleman Gulick ($625), Adam Carberry ($425), Cody Keller ($425), Mallie Shuster ($400)

Did Not Qualify – Derek Steward, Derrick Juliano, Colby Womer, Brandon McGough

Lap Leader – Barney 1, Locke 2-12, Smith 13-25

ESS Bonuses:


Hoosier Tires Bridesmaid Bonus – Locke $100


E&V Energy Fast Time – Vigneault, Kissinger, Tanner $25


Car Mate Trailers Heats – Stillwaggon, Franek, Cook $25


Dave Franek Auto Sales/Cobra Coaches Dash – Walter II $100, Gulick $75, Weller $50, Thomas $25, Snyder $25, Carberry $25


Engler Machine and Tool Halfway – Smith $50


Insinger Performance Hard Charger – Kelleher (16 pos.) $50


Lacaillade Masonry B-Main – Shultz $50


Ohsweken Speedway 22nd Anniversary – Walter II $50
Scorpion Security Products Last Car Lead Lap – Cook $50


Scorpion Security Products 12 Redraw – Keller $25


Fondations 55 Pick 5 – Franek $35


Hoosier Tire – Kinney $200


For more Information on the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints:
Web: www.empiresupersprints.com
Twitter: @ESSprints
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpireSuperSprints
Android App: Empire Super Sprints
The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints are brought to you by: Lucas Oil, Mach 1 Chassis, NAPA Auto Parts, Hoosier Racing Tires, Donath Motorworx, Insinger Performance/Sunoco Race Fuels, Scorpion Security Products, 1000 Islands RV Centre, Car Mate Trailers, Fondations 4 Saisons, Beard Sewer and Drain, Cobra Coaches, 911 Restoration, Fondations 55, E&V Energy, SUNY Canton, Engler Machine and Tool, Shuttleworth Asphalt Sealing, Northwood 2 Construction, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Lacaillade Masonry, FX Chevy, ASI Racewear and many, many associate sponsors!!

VL-300

Coleman Gulick in Right Place at Right Time to Take Outlaw Speedway Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint Win

By Mike Mallett
Contact: mikem@empiresupersprints.com

Sometimes it’s all about being in the right place at the right time. That was the case on Friday night for Coleman Gulick at the Outlaw Speedway.

Gulick has had a fast race car underneath him throughout the 2017 season but he had yet to finish at the front of a 25-lap Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint A-Main. On Friday night it looked like it was going to be more of the same. The Binghamton, N.Y., driver drove his Scorpion Security Products No. 14 up to as high as second after starting seventh before settling into third just past halfway. Then lady luck shined upon him.

By virtue of Gulick starting in seventh and taking the win, he collected the 7/12 Challenge which was up to $1,200. The total take home for the 25 lap triumph was $3,250

As Jeff Cook and Paulie Colagiovanni battled for the lead they tangled in turns one and two. They both spun to the top of the speedway giving the lead to Gulick. It was a lead he refused to relinquish in the closing laps of the NAPA Auto Parts Tour of the U.S. feature as he went on to score his first win of year.

“This feels really good,” commented Gulick afterwards. “We’ve been good all year but we just needed that first win to get some momentum going. I saw Jeff (Cook) and Paulie (Colagiovanni) running really hard and they got together. I hate winning like that. I don’t know if I was going to catch those guys. They were really fast. I was fortunate they got tangled together. I feel bad for them, but the Scorpion 14 was really fast tonight too. I’m happy to be sitting here in Victory Lane.”

Chad Miller and Colagiovanni started on the front row, but it was Cook that was able to take the lead on the opening circuit. Cook slid up in front of Colagiovanni off of the second turn for the lead from his third starting spot. Cook showed the way as the caution came for the first time on lap five for car stopped in turn four.

Cook kept the lead at the green as Colagiovanni settled into second with Alain Bergeron following him in third. Gulick blasted by Brett Wright to move into fourth. Gulick searched his way around to find the faster groove. He found it as the race approached halfway as Gulick made a run to get by Bergeron and then Colagiovanni to take over second.

The race was 13 laps in when Ethan Preston got high in turn one and hit the outside wall after skating off the racing surface. He was uninjured. The incident setup a double-file restart with Cook the leader and Gulick alongside.

The green came with Cook resuming his pace at the front. Colagiovanni got around Gulick to take back the second spot. Cook and Colagiovanni raced away as Gulick fell in line in the third position. He had the best seat in the house for a torrid battle Cook and Colagiovanni.

Unfortunately for both drivers, their chances at victory came to an end on lap 17 as the got together going into the first corner. Colagiovanni wrestled the lead away from Cook as he slid up in front of Coof off of four. Cook tried to cross him over and dove to the inside coming down the frontstretch. As they entered the first corner, both drivers went for the same space resulting in contact that sent both drivers nearly flipping up the track. They also collected Alex Vigneault.

The incident gave the lead to Gulick. Gulick was flanked by Bergeron for the green. Bergeron tried on the restart but he didn’t have enough. Gulick went on to the lead the final eight laps of the feature for his second career Empire Super Sprint win.

“I wanted to hit my marks,” said Gulick about the end of the race. “We were loading up a little bit on the restarts and I couldn’t get a good start going. After it cleared out we could get rolling. I love this race track, rough, slick, I don’t care what anyone says. I can’t thank Outlaw Speedway enough for putting on a good show.”

Bergeron, in his first race of the season, finished in the second position aboard his Bert Transmission No. 88. The former champion from St. Pie, Que., admitted he got tired as the race wore on after only running three races last season. In typical fashion, he was all smiles afterwards after earning spot on the podium.

“It’s good for us,” said Bergeron. “Last year we ran just three times. This year I’m running for different guys. I have to thank them for the Mopar and the car for this year. I’m very happy to be here. I’m sorry for the guys in the front, but I’m happy to get a second place.”

Jason Barney navigated his way from 11th to finish in third. The Brewerton, N.Y., driver of the 87Speed.com sponsored car made a mistake on the start which dropped him back to mid-pack. He regrouped before driving his way back up through the field. His third place finish gives him three top five finishes in the first three races of the season.

“I underestimated the track prep a little bit,” mentioned Barney. “We were too tight early. I was conservative on the start and that cost me four or five spots. I almost drove it off the race track. Unfortunately guys having bad luck was good for us. It got us some restarts where we could make a few adjustments and regroup. We were okay. We missed it a little bit, but it’s okay. I’m happy to be here.”

Jonathan Preston, of Romulus, N.Y., was able to come from the outside of the fifth row to finish fourth and Paul Kinney completed the top five.

Lucas Oil ESS A-Main – Coleman Gulick ($3,250), Alain Bergeron ($1100), Jason Barney ($875), Jonathan Preston ($680), Paul Kinney ($565), Dylan Swiernik ($545), Shawn Donath ($530), Matt Billings ($645), Brandon Kidd ($410), Mike Koehler ($425), Chad Miller ($360), Matt Tanner ($320), Dave Axton ($325), Jeff Cook ($340), Kelly Hebing ($310), Robbie Shuttleworth ($330), Derrick Juliano ($275), Paulie Colagiovanni ($295), Alex Vigneault ($265), Ethan Preston ($285), Brett Wright ($255)

Lap Leader – Cook 1-17, Gulick 18-25.

ESS Bonuses:
Hoosier Tires Bridesmaid Bonus – Bergeron $100
E&V Energy Fast Time – Gulick, Colagiovanni, J Preston $25
Car Mate Trailers Heats – Gulick, Barney, J Preston $25
Lane’s Yamaha/Cobra Coaches Dash – Donath $100, Swiernik $75, E Preston $50, Axton $25, Hebing $25, Koehler $25
Engler Machine and Tool Halfway – Cook $50
Insinger Performance Hard Charger – Barney (8 Pos.) $50
Scorpion Security Products Last Car Lead Lap – Shuttleworth $50
Scorpion Security Products 12 Redraw – Billings $25
Fondations 55 Pick 5 – Kinney $35
Hoosier Tire – Billings $200

For more Information on the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints:
Web: www.empiresupersprints.com
Twitter: @ESSprints
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpireSuperSprints
Android App: Empire Super Sprints

The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints are brought to you by: Lucas Oil, Mach 1 Chassis, NAPA Auto Parts, Hoosier Racing Tires, Donath Motorworx, Insinger Performance/Sunoco Race Fuels, Scorpion Security Products, 1000 Islands RV Centre, Car Mate Trailers, Fondations 4 Saisons, Beard Sewer and Drain, Cobra Coaches, 911 Restoration, Fondations 55, E&V Energy, SUNY Canton, Engler Machine and Tool, Shuttleworth Asphalt Sealing, Northwood 2 Construction, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Lacaillade Masonry, FX Chevy, ASI Racewear and many, many associate sponsors!!

VL-300

Chuck Hebing Gets Back on Track with Fulton Speedway Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint Feature Win

By Mike Mallett
Contact: mikem@empiresupersprints.com

FULTON, NY – No driver likes to lose a race on the last lap, but that was exactly what happened to Chuck Hebing last weekend. On Friday night at the Fulton Speedway, Hebing had that in the back of his mind and this time, he wasn’t going to give it away.

The Ontario, N.Y., driver was aggressive from his second starting spot. He made moves where he had to and he was flawless in hitting his marks. When all was said and done, Hebing left Fulton with $2,075 for winning the 25-lap, NAPA Auto Parts, SUNY Canton Racing Series A-main. It was the 32nd time that he’s reached Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint Victory Lane.

“It’s good to be back in Victory Lane because every year my hair gets more titanium,” joked Hebing. “Alan Johnson and Danny Johnson, seeing those guys still do it. That gives us all hope.”

Hebing was flanked by Cory Turner for the start of the feature. Hebing quickly went to the top in turns one and two in order to take the lead. It was a short lived advantage as prior to the completion of the first lap, Larry Wight got over. He wasn’t harmed but a full restart was required.
As he did on the initial green, Hebing again went to the top of turns one and two allowing him to bolt by Turner into the race lead a second time. Turner didn’t go down without a fight, Turner stayed with Hebing. Hebing worked low in turns three and four where Turner followed him. He stayed high in turns one and two which kept Turner in striking distance.

Hebing approached traffic for the first time on lap nine. Before the 10th lap could be completed, Paul Kinney’s car spun into the infield forcing the second and final yellow of the event. On the following restart, Turner hung with Hebing through turns one and two on the bottom while Danny Varin tried to sneak through the middle. Turner stayed with him in turns three and four, but Hebing was too strong. Hebing rallied to hold his own on the outside while Varin hung close to Turner.

“I kept going real hard because I made a mistake last week losing a race on my own,” commented Hebing. “I kept pushing the car every lap. I have to thank 87 Speed, X-1 Race Cars. This is the third time out with a brand new car.”

Hebing continued to lead as the race for second picked up. Turner had run second up to this point, but now Danny Varin began applying pressure. Varin worked over Turner to eventually take over position on lap 12. Now it was his turn to attempt to track down Hebing.

Hebing was unstoppable in clean air which meant that Varin’s only chance was traffic. Hebing found traffic a second time with only eight laps remaining. Although traffic was thick at times, Hebing wasn’t going to be denied on this night. When it was required, Hebing made a couple of three wide moves to work his way through keeping Varin and everyone else behind him.

“I don’t know how close anyone was, but the car was awfully good,” said Hebing. “I could run the bottom down here (turns three and four) and roll the middle at both ends pretty well. Nobody ended up that close so it was good.”

Hebing took the checkers while Varin, of Fonda, N.Y., ended up finishing in second. The fifth starting Varin simply didn’t have enough to catch him. Varin wanted the win, but after the long week repairing the car following a flip last weekend, second was good enough.

“We had a real good car; it was a little too lose,” mentioned Varin. “We’ll put that in the notebook. I can’t thank these guys enough. They worked all week to get this car back together. It was tore up. The track was smooth and slippery. It makes for a phenomenal race. What more can you ask for? We were racing three wide for the lead. Well, just need to be one spot better.”

Turner, of Caistor Centre, Ont., completed the podium Friday. It was one of his best career finishes with the Empire Super Sprints. He had a great battle with both Hebing and Varin. He fought hard way down on the bottom of the speedway

“I was getting a good run down on the bottom,” said Turner. “The earlier I pitched the car in the more I was able to get sideways then diamond it off and get a good run. Chuck crossed me over their on the restart on lap nine. I thought I had him but he was able to check out. My hats off to him and Danny, they ran a great race. We’re off to a hot start this year. I hope there is more to come.”

Bryan Howland finished fourth from ninth with Jason Barney rallying late in the affair to get back into the top five.

ESS/FULTON NOTES: A large field of 41 sprints filled the pits making for four heats and two B-Mains to fill out the field… Steve and Jordan Poirier were in route when their hauler broke down forcing both to miss the event…Keith Granholm and Steve Hutchinson Jr. battled engine woes all night…Robbie Shuttleworth and Ethan Preston had problems and loaded before the B-Main…Next up for the Lucas Oil Tour is a double header on May 19/20 at Outlaw and Selinsgrove with both events $2,000 to win.

Lucas Oil ESS A-Main – Chuck Hebing ($2,075), Danny Varin ($1,100), Cory Turner ($800), Bryan Howland ($655), Jason Barney ($590), Matt Tanner ($520), Joe Trenca ($480), Sammy Reakes IV ($445), Dylan Westbrook ($535), Jeff Cook ($500), Darryl Ruggles ($360), Yan Bilodeau ($320), Paulie Colagiovanni ($300), Coleman Gulick ($340), Matt Billings ($285), Brandon Kidd ($330), James Hanson ($325), Kelly Hebing ($270), Billy VanInwegen ($90), Alex Vigneault ($85), Chad Miller ($255), Glenn Styres ($300), Jonathan Preston ($275), Paul Kinney ($275), Shawn Donath ($450), Larry Wight ($275)

Did Not Qualify – Larry Kelleher, Alex Hill, Ryan Turner, Pete Richardson, Ethan Preston, Steve Hutchinson Jr., Keith Granholm, Dalton Herrick, Scott Goodrich, Brett Wright, Bob Gray, Dan Bennett, Erik Karlsen, Dave Axton, Robbie Shuttleworth

Lap Leader – Hebing 1-25.

ESS Bonuses:
Hoosier Tires Bridesmaid Bonus – Varin $100
E&V Energy Fast Time – Barney, Cook, Hebing, Reakes $25
Car Mate Trailers Heats – Wight, Styres, Kinney, Howland $25
Lane’s Yamaha/Cobra Coaches Dash – Westbrook $125, Cook $75, Hanson $50, Trenca $50
Engler Machine and Tool Halfway – Hebing $50
Insinger Performance Hard Charger – Tanner (12 pos), $50
Lacaillade Masonry B-Main – Gulick $50
Ohsweken Speedway 22nd Anniversary – Styres $50
Scorpion Security Products Last Car Lead Lap – Kidd $50
Scorpion Security Products 12 Redraw – Preston $25
Fondations 55 Pick 5 – Barney $35
Hoosier Tire – Donath $200

For more Information on the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints:
Web: www.empiresupersprints.com
Twitter: @ESSprints
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpireSuperSprints
Android App: Empire Super Sprints

VL-300

Jared Zimbardi Opens 2017 Season for the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints with $3,000 Victory at Outlaw

By Mike Mallett
Contact: mikem@empiresupersprints.com

SYRACUSE, NY – Jared Zimbardi has a knack to find victory lane at the Outlaw Speedway in Dundee, NY and on Friday night at the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) opener it was no different. Battling tricky track conditions, lapped traffic ad several challengers, the Bradford, Pa pilot took home $3,000 with the a wire to wire run.

Zimbardi drew the pole for the 25 lap NAPA Auto Parts US Tour event with Jason Barney drawing outside pole making for drama even before the green flag was waved. “I knew Jason was going to be tough, he’s tough where ever he goes,” Zimbardi told of the challenge ahead.  “With the conditions we said as a team that we really didn’t need to go balls to the wall we need to go 80% in the A-Main, there are good cars out there but you also needed to save equipment.”

Zimbardi got the jump on Barney and then looked to find a spot on the track where he was comfortable. “I was searching early on to find a line,” Jared went on, “I found a good lane in three and four way up top, it helped me get passed lap cars where in one and two I kind of stayed behind the car in front of me until three and four.”

A couple of cautions and red flags slowed the action up until lap seven. Then the final 18 laps went non-stop and Zimbardi ran about as perfect as a race as you can.  The win for the second generation driver was his second in ESS competition and the two wins are now his two career wins with the 35 year old organization.

“I am not sure what it is about this place, but ever since I got hurt here I guess we are getting wins as redemption,” Zimbardi went on, “I like many tracks but here has definitely been good to me lately. It’s a good start for the whole team, I just can’t thank them enough.”

Bobby Breen was a surprise entrant for the ESS opener, now residing in Fort Worth, Texas, he came home for the weekend and decided to dust off the sprint car too. “Yea, it was a weekend where I came back and just happened to be a race also so we brought the car out,” Breen laughing, “I still have fun driving and that’s why we can, to have some fun.”

Breen didn’t look like he had any rust what so ever, starting in third he kept the leaders in sight all race and with a handful of laps left, he got himself into second and hoping for a shot at the win.  “I saw Jared and was gaining some on him but then he just had one good lap in turns three and four and got some cars between him and myself,” Breen said on the closing laps. “Hey, to come out here and run second, I am happy.”

After this weekend was over, Breen will be taking his car to Texas, “There’s some tracks down there, might as well race,” he quipped.

Jordan Thomas is the teenage son of former ESS standout Jeff Thomas, and when the checkered flag fell his #79 was in third position after starting in 12th.  His best career ESS finish and as his father was quick to point out his best career 360 finish.  Needless to say he was all smiles.

“It’s pretty cool to start the season off with a third place finish,” the younger Thomas said. “On the redraw of course I picked the worst number (12)  even though the track was rough I was trying to stay comfortable out there.  It was tough, I am tired but we had a good race.”

Thirteenth place starting Coleman Gulick came home fourth with Barney fading late to take fifth. Rounding out the top ten were Dylan Westbrook, who was as high as second but had a water hose come loose, Mark Smith, Joe Trenca, Robbie Stillwaggon and last years rookie of the year Brandon Kidd.

ESS/OUTLAW NOTES – A nice field of 35 sprints filled the pits at the Yates County Oval…Heavy rain two days prior coupled with new clay saw the track crews working overtime to provide the best surface possible….Several sprints did get on their wings during the night but with no injuries… The Lucas Oil ESS Tour now moves to the Fulton Speedway on Friday, Apr. 29th to kick off the High Bank Holdup Weekend with a $2,000 to win event.

Lucas Oil ESS A-Main – Jared Zimbardi ($3,000), Bobby Breen ($1,500), Jordan Thomas ($925), Coleman Gulick ($780), Jason Barney ($565), Dylan Westbrook ($495), Mark Smith ($480), Joe Trenca ($420), Robbie Stillwaggon ($410), Brandon Kidd ($600), Kyle Drum ($360), Glenn Styres ($320), Matt Billings ($350), Billy VanInwegen ($300), Alex Vigneault ($300), Paulie Colagiovanni ($350), Paul Kinney ($75), Steve Collins ($300), Darryl Ruggles ($375), Dan Bennett ($300), Dan Kuhn ($350), David Just ($125), Steve Poirier ($300), Jonathan Preston ($350), Davie Franek ($300), Chad Miller ($75), Brett Wright ($300).

Did Not Qualify – Parker Evans, Steve Glover, George Suprick, Pete Richardson, Josh Azzi, Ethan Preston, Derek Jonathan, Steve Hutchinson Jr.

Lap Leader – Zimbardi 1-25.

ESS Bonuses:
E&V Energy Fast Time – J. Preston, Gulick, Thomas $25
Car Mate Trailers Heats – J. Preston, Westbrook, Thomas $25
Lane’s Yamaha/Cobra Coaches Dash – Gulick $125, Ruggles $75, Stillwaggon $50, Kuhn $50
Insinger Performance Hard Charger – Smith (11 pos), $50
Lacaillade Masonry B-Main – Colagiovanni $50
Ohsweken Speedway 22nd Anniversary – Just $50
Scorpion Security Products Last Car Lead Lap – Billings $50
Scorpion Security Products 12 Redraw – Thomas $25
Fondations 55 Pick 5 – Barney $35
Hoosier Tire – Kidd $200

For more Information on the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints:
Web: www.empiresupersprints.com
Twitter: @ESSprints
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpireSuperSprints
Android App: Empire Super Sprints

The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints are brought to you by: Lucas Oil, Mach 1 Chassis, NAPA Auto Parts, Hoosier Racing Tires, Donath Motorworx, Insinger Performance/Sunoco Race Fuels, Scorpion Security Products, 1000 Islands RV Centre, Car Mate Trailers, Fondations 4 Saisons, Beard Sewer and Drain, Cobra Coaches, 911 Restoration, Fondations 55, E&V Energy, SUNY Canton, Engler Machine and Tool, Shuttleworth Asphalt Sealing, Northwood 2 Construction, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Lacaillade Masonry, FX Chevy, ASI Racewear and many, many associate sponsors!!

ESS-Shild-800

Jason Shultz wins at Selinsgrove Speedway to start the season

By Mike Mallett
Contact: mikem@empiresupersprints.com

SELINSGROVE, PA – There is a saying, “good things happen to those who wait.” Well for Jason Shultz he’s been waiting for what seems like an eternity to win an opener at Selinsgrove Speedway. On Saturday night, he finally got it done. The Carlisle, Pa., driver led the entire 25-lap affair to earn the $2,500 payday.

“This relieves a little bit of pressure,” said Shultz. “We had a few that a couple years ago we may have had one. A tire blew up. It’s always nice to win opening day. This is actually my first one. It’s a lot of pressure off me.”

Shultz started on the pole which allowed him to quickly move out in front. As he jumped to the lead Davie Franek drove around Colby Womer to take over the second spot in the running order on the first lap.

The top two remained unchanged as they set a torrid pace early. That pace slowed slightly on lap seven as Shultz hit traffic. As Shultz struggled slightly, Franek was able to close the gap. At the halfway point the pair ran nose to tail in traffic as Shultz struggled to navigate his way through.

“We couldn’t move around,” stated Shultz. “I didn’t move around a lot. I was on the bottom. It looked like you could arc it pretty good going into each corner. If someone was there they probably could have made the pass.”

Shultz got a caution on lap 16 for a slowing Eric Tomecek that cleared the way in front. He resumed the lead on the restart with Franek staying in the second spot. The battle behind the pair picked up as Chad Layton, Womer and Nate Snyder raced for the third. Snyder moved from sixth into the top four on the restart to begin challenging Layton.

Justin Whittall forced one final caution as he came to a stop in the second corner on lap 19. Like the prior restart, Shultz stayed put at the front. Franek tried to chase while Snyder was able to get a run off of the fourth turn to take over the third position from Layton.

Shultz went unmolested over the final handful of laps to score the win while Franek ended up in the runner-up position. Franek admitted that he didn’t need the cautions that slowed the pace throughout.

“If it went non-stop green it would have been a different story,” commented Franek. “He was a sitting duck. He couldn’t maneuver. He was stuck to one lane. He had wing speed and he was decent but as soon as he got in dirty air he would have been mincemeat.”

Although a win is always better, Franek wasn’t all that disappointed with his second place effort.

“It’s a good way to start the season off,” mentioned Franek. “My wing got jammed. I was trying to move that back during the race. It was all the way toward the front. I know next week we are going to be real good.”

Snyder, a former Selinsgrove Speedway titlist, rounded out the top five in the first start for his self-owned team as he returned to the track for weekly competition. He made some moves on restarts that proved to be the difference maker for him.

“I usually like running high here but all night long it was kind of on the bottom,” said Snyder. “I knew that was key. On the restarts you can get guys on the top. It worked out for us.”

Layton returned to weekly action in the Ritter Racing No. 35 and finished fourth while Larry Kelleher finished fifth after winning his heat race earlier in the night.

SELINSGROVE SIDEBITES

Franek debated running a softer tire compound during Saturday night’s feature. He had some of the softer compound Hoosier Tires that the Empire Super Sprint drivers run in New York. In the end elected to go a different route.

“We went with what we normally run here, but to be honest I think we probably should have had them on,” cited Franek. “After about the first five laps, the track came back a lot after they spritzed it, the track kind of got dirty and I think I would have been better off with an HTC (compound).”…

As mentioned above, Snyder was making his first start for his new team. To come out of the gate third was a strong debut.

“This is a whole new deal, new car, new motor, so we’ll take it,” commented Snyder. “We got a first in the heat and a third in the feature so I’m really happy. The finance end of it is a downfall but you can call your own shots and have a couple good guys with you it makes it all worthwhile.”…

Mallie Shuster’s day ended on the very first lap of the heat race. Shuster got high through turns three and four causing him to get into the wall and flip. He wasn’t hurt but his day was done…

Michael Walter II had his day end in hot laps. The team succumbed to motor issues…

Ryan Kissinger broke a rear-end in hot laps. The team made the necessary repairs but he was late to the staging area for his heat. As a result he was forced to start scratch…

Defending opening day winner, Cody Keller, watched his day literally go up in smoke on the first lap of the A-Main. He made it through turns one and two before smoke billowed out of his 99 forcing him to pull off the track.

SELINSGROVE SPEEDWAY 4/8/17

360 SPRINT CAR FEATURE FINISH (25-LAPS): 1 Jason Shultz 2 Davie Franek 3 Nate Snyder 4 Chad Layton 5 Larry Kelleher 6 Steve Collins 7 Derek Locke 8 Colby Womer 9 Troy Betts 10 Ryan Kissinger 11 Jim Shuster 12 Joe Kata 13 Michael Thomas 14 Justin Whittall 15 Eric Tomecek 16 Cody Keller 17 Michael Walter II 18 Mallie Shuster