Sunday Thunder Back at Tri-City Raceway Park
(Franklin, PA June 8, 2021): Jack Sodeman, Jr., the defending Shawgo Real Estate LLC Sprint Car champion and the current points leader, was well on his way to his third feature win of the season during last week’s Western PA Speedweek event at Tri-City Raceway Park. His crash on lap eighteen gave the lead and the victory to Bradley Howard. But Sodeman retained the top spot in the point standings despite his misfortune.
Brandon Matus and his father, Brent, are second and third in the Shawgo Real Estate title chase, and they would like nothing better than to whittle away at Sodeman’s advantage. They will get that chance when Tri-City Raceway Park offers a Sunday Thunder program on June 13. Kyle Colwell needs a good finish, too, as his mishap in the second turn of the big half mile oval dealt a blow to his championship hopes.
There will be plenty of competition, though. Bob Felmlee, Carl Bowser and Brandon Spithaler will be gunning for their first victories of 2021. Chase Metheny is another driver looking to rebound in the Shawgo Real Estate Sprint Car ranks. Maybe Darin Gallagher or Matt Farnham can break through.
A dozen other 410 Sprint Car drivers are expected, including Logan McCandless, Leyton Wagner, Gale Ruth, Jr., Ken Rossey, and forty-one-year veteran Davey Jones.
Jermiah Shingledecker chalked up his second win of the season in the Krill Recycling LLC 358 Modified division. Jimmy Holden and Kevin Hoffman have also been to victory lane, but Kyle Fink, Lonny Riggs, and Sid Unverzagt, Jr. are still in search of their first success of 2021. Eric Beggs, Nathan McDowell, Ryan Riffe, D.J. Schrader, and Max Smoker are just a few of the talented drivers who will will contend as well.
The Hovis Auto and Truck Supply Pro Stocks will be back in action after a week off. Many of the competitors were racing last weekend in the prestigious Vince Laboon Memorial presented by the Penn Ohio Pro Stock Series. That lucrative win went to Bobby Whitling, who also scored in his last appearance at Tri-City Raceway Park. William Hurrelbrink sits atop the Hovis Auto standings even though he has yet to take the checkered flag. The highly competitive field will include Franklin’s Josh Seippel, teenager Tyler Wyant, crafty veteran Curtis J. Bish, Doug Iorio, II, Curt Bish, Randy Wyant, Patrick Fielding, Jackson Humanic, and Charlie McMillen.
In the 4 Your Car Connection Mini Stocks, Dalton Speer racked up win number three on the season, but Justin Bailey has been his arch rival and he remains close in the championship hunt. Chad Greeley has been consistent racing his four cylinder machine against the more powerful six cylinder racers. This economical class is based on street-legal cars, modified for safety on the high-speed track. So, if you are interested in getting started in the sport, you can convert a car and join the fun.
Regular event ticket pricing will apply for this weekend’s festivities. So, adults (ages 16 and up) can enjoy the fun for just $15, and seniors (ages 62 and above) can do so as well for just $13. Student (ages 11 through 16) admission is $10. Children (age 10 and under) are admitted for free. The $45 Family Pass will apply to two adults of any age and two students. Pit Passes will be $30.
Remember that the Pit gates will open at 2 p.m., and spectator gates will open at 4 p.m. The racing will start at 6 p.m.
On Father’s Day, June 20, there will be another Sunday Thunder program. But there will also be special gifts for all fathers in attendance.
Additional information about Tri-City Raceway Park can be obtained by calling the track office at 724-967-4601, or by e-mail to tricityracewaypark2020@gmail.com. You can also check the website at Tri-CityRacewayPark.com, or Facebook at Tri City Raceway Park. Tri-City Raceway Park is located in Oakland Township, which is just a short drive from Franklin. For the GPS, the address is 3430 State Route 417, Franklin, PA 16323.