SWEENEY RUSH LATE MODEL TOURING SERIES SET FOR A BUSY WEEK WITH ANNUAL MCKEAN COUNTY FAIR RACE ON THURSDAY FOLLOWED BY "MFG NIGHT" PRESENTED BY MSD AT TRI-CITY ON SUNDAY

By Mike Leone

 

August 14, 2018             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Pulaski, PA)…After coming off a very successful "Jook George Steel City Classic" event with 51 cars Saturday at Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway, the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring Series powered by Pace Performance will continue its busy stretch with events Thursday (August 16) at McKean County Raceway in East Smethport, Pa. followed by Sunday (August 19) at Tri-City Raceway Park in Franklin, Pa. for "Manufacturers Night" presented by MSD Performance.  Race time is 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and 6 p.m. on Sunday.  Sunday's event will carry a rain date of Sunday, September 2.

 

Thursday will be a $1,500 to-win Platinum Tour event in the first of two appearances this season at McKean.  This will be the eighth straight year a Sweeney Tour event has been run as part of the annual McKean County Fair race.  Past winners include Josh Holtgraver (2011), Max Blair (2012), Mike Pegher, Jr. (2013), Bryce Davis (2014), rain in 2015, Jeremy Wonderling (2016), and John Waters (2017).  Will there be a sixth different winner in as many events on Thursday night!? 

 

This year, McKean returned to weekly racing under the promotional efforts of the Bigley Family.  Ten Sweeney RUSH Late Model Weekly Series events have been completed with an impressive eight different winners.  Only Max Blair and Brad Mesler have been able to repeat, while Waters, Steve LeBarron, Andy Michael, Paul Grigsby, Eric Wilson, and Wonderling have captured a win.

 

“It’s a privilege to again be able to have our RUSH Late Model Touring Series part of the McKean County Fair,” stated RUSH Director Vicki Emig.  “There’s always a great crowd and atmosphere for this event.  We always enjoy our trips to McKean and this will serve as a tune-up for the popular Fall Classic, which is only six weeks away.”

 

Throughout the years, Series director Vicki Emig has strategically scheduled "Manufacturers Night" at various speedways throughout the region to ensure as many RUSH racers as possible have the opportunity to participate.  With the growth of the Series, RUSH added a "traveling" Manufacturers Night" in 2017 at Virginia's Winchester Speedway with this year's event held at New York's Genesee Speedway.  Sunday marks the seventh annual "Manufacturers Night" presented by MSD Performance, which will take place at Tri-City in a $2,000 to-win Sweeney Marquee Tour event.  Emig also ensures that each racer at the events walk away with an item valued at the very minimum of $300. 

 

Past locations with car counts in parentheses are Sharon Speedway in 2012 (57), Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway in 2013 (40), McKean County Raceway in 2014 (43), Eriez Speedway in 2015 (47), Tri-City Raceway Park in 2016 (record 58), and 48 last year at Tri-City.  The average car count has been 49! 

 

The two major prizes Sunday valued at over $1,000 include four F3 Tornado Brake Calipers from TBM Brakes ($1,800) and a full custom driver’s suit from Velocita-USA ($1,000).  Sylvan Easler, the owner of longtime Series sponsor, Alternative Power Sources, has been involved with Manufacturers Night since its inception in 2012 when it began as just as Late Model event.  Easler has annually posted one of the most valuable prizes throughout several of the Series.  This year a Yamaha Power washer valued at $790 will be going to a lucky Late Model racer on Sunday.

 

Other companies such as MSD, Holley, FK Rod Ends, Schoenfeld Headers, Lincoln Electric, Jones Racing Products, On Time Body & Graphics, Schoenfeld, Dynamic Drivelines, Insinger Performance/Bazell Race Fuels, Landrum Performance Springs, Wrisco Industries, Hoosier Tire distributors, and more have stepped up to offer major prizes.  The complete list of prizes to date is posted below. 

 

"It has always been my goal to make sure every racer receives a useful and valuable product on this night." said Emig.  “Every racer has the same chance of winning all of the items posted through a random draw.  There have been instances over the years where a racer who may not have fared so well in the actual touring event that night left the facility with more value than the driver who actually won the race.  It’s really great to see everyone go home with something you know they can utilize in their racing efforts.  Also thanks to Tri-City management for again hosting this event and their continued support of all of RUSH's divisions."

 

"We are blessed with numerous nationally recognized and regional corporate marketing partners who believe not only in RUSH, but the various concepts that have helped us build the Series," continued Emig.  "Being able to award tens of thousands of dollars in actual product via our sponsors directly into the hands of our racers in the long run helps RUSH stay healthy and viable.  This concept provides a trickledown effect to all of our RUSH partners, racers, speedways, and of course our sponsors who through everyone's efforts along with their own continue to have race cars to sell their products to; our Manufacturers Nights simply would not be possible without their support.  In fact, this year over $125,000 will be distributed at our Series' Manufacturers Nights."

 

After 13 events, Jason Genco and Jeremy Wonderling enter the week tied for the Sweeney Tour point lead.  Genco is in his first year on the Tour and has two victories with both coming at Genesee.  Wonderling meanwhile is in his second year of Touring.  Wonderling has just one win at Outlaw last month; however has reeled off 10 straight top nine finishes including five podiums.  Brady Wonderling, who won the Bill Emig Memorial at Tri-City on June 17 along with the event at Expo, is third in points over Canadian Adam Ferri and 2016 champion, John Waters.  Completing the top 12 in points paying positions are Cory Lawler, J.J. Mazur, Jason Knowles, Bill Kessler, Damian Bidwell, and Beamer Guzzardi.    

 

Precise Racing Products will award a $100 gift card for the "Pedal Down" Hard Charger that passes the most cars each night.  The TBM Brakes “Tough Brake of the Night” will award three bottles of Xtreme6 Racing Brake Fluid valued at approximately $45 along with a certificate for a discount off any TBM Brakes purchase each night.  

 

RUSH Series Officials will also determine the new Dirt Defender "Defensive Drive" to the driver that best defended his position throughout the night, and will receive a $40 product package each night.  The award could go to a driver holding off another for the final heat race or B main transfer position, a driver denying a hard charging racer a feature win, a move to stay on the lead lap before a caution, or any such deserving move. 

 

On Sunday at Tri-City, FK Rod Ends will present the $100 "Shock the Clock" Qualifying award and $25 to each heat winner.  

 

2018 Manufacturers Night Prize Winners List                             

                                   

1. TBM Brakes- (4) F3 Tornado Brake Calipers ($1,800)

2. Velocita-USA- Full custom drivers suit ($1,000)

3. Alternative Power Sources Yamaha PW3028 Power Washer ($790)

4. Holley- One 4150 LTS Aluminum Ultra XP 650 CFM Carburetor ($780)

5. Lincoln Electric- Power Mig 140C Welder & Utility Cart ($700)

6. On Time Body & Graphics- Complete Custom LM wrap ($700)

7. Jones Racing Products- SBC 55 Amp Radius Tooth HTD Alternator Kit ($557)

8. MSD Performance- Pro Billet Distributor, Blaster HVC, Coil & Plug Wire Set ($550)

9. MSD Performance- Pro Billet Distributor, Blaster HVC, Coil & Plug Wire Set ($550)

10. Schoenfeld Headers- Custom Headers ($550)

11. Schoenfeld Headers- Custom Headers ($550)

12. Schoenfeld Headers- Custom Headers ($550)

13. Dynamic Drivelines- Carbon Fiber Driveshaft ($550)

14. Dynamic Drivelines- Carbon Fiber Driveshaft ($550)

15. Bazell Race Fuels- 1 Drum of Sunoco 110 ($535)

16. Insinger Performance- 1 Drum of Sunoco 110 or 2 Drums of RUSH 91 ($535)

17. Insinger Performance- 1 Drum of Sunoco 110 or 2 Drums of RUSH 91 ($535)

18. FK Rod Ends- Complete Set of 4130 Black FK Rod Ends ($500)

19. FK Rod Ends- Complete Set of 4130 Black FK Rod Ends ($500)

20. FK Rod Ends- Complete Set of 4130 Black FK Rod Ends ($500)

21. FK Rod Ends- Complete Set of 4130 Black FK Rod Ends ($500)

22. FK Rod Ends- Complete Set of 4130 Black FK Rod Ends ($500)

23. FK Rod Ends- Complete Set of 4130 Black FK Rod Ends ($500)

24. Russell King Racing- $500 Gift Certificate ($500)

25. Wrisco Industries, Inc.- Package of 6 Sheets of White Aluminum ($432)

26. Wrisco Industries, Inc.- Package of 6 Sheets of White Aluminum ($432)

27. Ingram Engines- Beehive Conversion Kit ($414)

28. Close Racing Supply/On Time Body- $250 CRS Gift Certificate/One Complete Spoiler Kit ($400)

29. Oakley/Precise/Ultra-Shield- Driving Gloves, Shoes, Harness, Window Net, Tearoffs ($390)

30. Out-Pace Products- Set of Greaseable 4-Link & Tie Rod Set ($360)

31. Hoosier Tire Distributors- 2 CUSA Hoosier Tires ($320)

32. Hoosier Tire Distributors- 2 CUSA Hoosier Tires ($320)

33. Hoosier Tire Distributors- 2 CUSA Hoosier Tires ($320)

34. Hoosier Tire Distributors- 2 CUSA Hoosier Tires ($320)

35. Hoosier Tire Distributors- 2 CUSA Hoosier Tires ($320)

36. Out-Pace Products/Dirt Defender- Set of upper control arms/1 Set Wheel Covers ($310)

37. Jones Racing Products/TBM Brakes- SBC Belt Drive Kit/1 case (6) TBM HT Brake Fluid ($305)

38. Pancho's Racing Products- $300 Gift Certificate ($300)

39. Bernheisel Race Components- Lazer lid with cap package ($300)

40. Landrum Performance Springs- 4 VB Standard Coil Springs ($300)

41. Landrum Performance Springs- 4 VB Standard Coil Springs ($300)

42. Landrum Performance Springs- 4 VB Standard Coil Springs ($300)

43. Landrum Performance Springs- 4 VB Standard Coil Springs ($300)

44. Schwartzmiller Ground Maintenance- $300 Precise Racing Products Gift Certificate ($300)

45. Frankland Racing Supply- $300 Gift Certificate for Products or Repairs ($300)

46. Precise Racing Products/Ultra Shield- $200 Gift Card/1 Harness Set & Two Boxes of Tear-offs ($300)

47. Wehrs Machine/Ultra Shield- $200 Gift Card/1 Harness Set & Two Boxes of Tear-offs ($300)

48. Quick Fuel Technology/Earl's Perform.- $200 Gift Certificate plus other product TBA

49. TBA                     

50. TBA                     

                                   

Additional Drawings:              

*Absolute Powder Coating- $550 Gift Certificate toward powder coating ($550)

*Superior Fuel Cells- 1/2 off a Late Model Fuel Cell ($400)

*Superior Fuel Cells- 1/2 off a Late Model Fuel Cell ($400)

*Keizer Alum Wheels- (15) $50 cert for purchase of wheel for top 15 finishers ($750)

 

McKean Feature payoff : 1. $1,500  2. $800  3. $550  4. $410  5. $375  6. $340  7. $325  8. $295  9. $285  10. $280  11. $255  12. $250  13. $230  14. $225  15. $200  16. $195  17. $190  18-24. $185. 


McKean Non-Qualifier payoff: 1. $150  2. $125  3. $115  4. $110  5. $105  6. $100  7. $95  8. $90  9. $85  10-24. $80. Tow $75.

 

Tri-City Feature payoff: 1. $2,000  2. $1,000  3. $650  4. $550  5. $470  6. $435  7. $410  8. $370  9. $340  10. $310  11. $280  12. $270  13. $260  14. $250  15. $240  16. $230  17. $220  18-24. $210. 

 

Tri-City Non-Qualifier: 1. $175  2. $150  3. $140  4. $135  5. $130  6. $125  7. $120  8. $115  9. $110  10-24. $105.  Tow $100.

 

2018 Sweeney Late Model Touring Series Points (Adjusted on Marquee/Platinum; only Tour members receive points): 1. Jason Genco & Jeremy Wonderling 1024  3. Brady Wonderling 978  4. Adam Ferri 922  5. John Waters 907  6. Cory Lawler 885  7. J.J. Mazur 879  8. Jason Knowles 840  9. Bill Kessler 752  10. Damian Bidwell 589  11. Beamer Guzzardi 539  12. Darrell Bossard 536  13. Kyle Murray 498  14. Max Blair 482  15. Jimmy Johnson, Jr. 447  16. Bruce Hordusky, Jr. 446  17. Charlie Sandercock 431  18. Garret Paugh 410  19. Chad Sines 408  20. Christian Schneider 380  21. Brian Knowles 350  22. Cory Sines 304  23. Cody Dawson 302  24. Mike Franklin 282  25. Joe Watson 210  26. Paul Norman, Jr. 167  27. Tony White 162  28. Braeden Dillinger 160  29. Eric Wilson 98  30. Andy Boozel 89  31. Jared Kane 84  32. John Mollick 0.

 

You do not have to a member of RUSH to compete.  The AMB/MyLaps transponders will be used on Sunday.  One-way driver radios are always mandatory on the default 454.000 channel.  There will be a $75 entry fee on Thursday and a $100 entry fee on Sunday.  Pit passes are  $20 on Thursday plus fair admission and $35 on Sunday.  Pits open early on Thursday with passes going on sale at 4:30 p.m.  Warm-ups are slated for approximately 7:10 p.m. followed by racing at 7:30.  On Sunday, Pits open at 3 p.m. with warm-ups slated for 5:10 followed by Late Model qualifying and racing at 6.

 

McKean County Raceway is a 1/3-mile dirt track located at the McKean County Fairgrounds in East Smethport, Pa. at the intersections of Route 6 and 46.  For more information on McKean County Raceway, check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/McKeanCountyFair or their website at www.mckeancountyfair.net.. The fair number is 814-887-5361.

 

Tri-City Raceway Park is a ˝-mile dirt track located at 3430 Route 417, Franklin, PA 16323.  For more information, check out their website at www.tricityracewaypark.com or call 814-676-2894 on race day.  Like their Facebook by searching Tri-City Raceway Park and follow them on Twitter @TriCityRaceway.

 

RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, Earl's Performance Plumbing, Quick Fuel Technology, FK Rod Ends, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, Racing Electronics, Dirt Defender, Dynamic Drivelines, Wrisco Industries, Frankland Racing Supply, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, TBM Brakes, Lincoln Electric, Pancho's Racing Products Velocita-USA, Classic Ink USA,  Landrum Performance Spring, Schwartzmiller Ground Maintenance, Close Racing Supply, CrateInsider.com, RockAuto.com, Valley Fashions, Dirt Late Model Magazine, and Three Rivers Karting.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at [email protected] and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.

 

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