Scotty Backman capped off a great season Saturday Night as he claimed the Wright Group Event Services feature during the Snap-On Tools Challenge Cup XXXII. Ed Vecchiarelli took the win in the SUNOCO Grand American Modifieds and Stan Griffin captured the Dunlap’s Trailers Sportsman feature. Adam Deines took the Snap-On Tools Pro Truck main and Joe Martinez was victorious in the Figure 8’s. Mark Neff won the Sheds R Us Super Stock main and Termin8or took the train race.
Forest Smith and Jeff Hansen were on the front row for the Grand American Modified main. Ed Vecchiarelli Jr took over the lead from Smith on lap 2 with Hansen in third. On lap 4, caution flew as Justin Case, Nathan Gasser and Barney Visser tangling in turn 2. Visser went over the top of the Case ride. Vecchiarelli Jr continued to lead over Smith, Ed Vecchiarelli, Jeff Hansen and Joel Hansen in fifth. The Hansen’s traded spots on lap 8 and Joel was third on the same lap. Vecchiarelli Jr led his dad, then Joel Hansen, Smith and Jeff Hansen on lap 10 with Jeff Purvis trying to crack into the top 5. Purvis took fifth on lap 14 and went to work on Smith. Purvis got around Smith on lap 15 and JD Gresham got by Smith for fifth on lap 16. The two Vecchiarelli’s were up front with Joel Hansen lurking back in third. Hansen caught the leaders with 5 laps remaining and Ed Vecchiarelli Jr took the Challenge Cup win over his dad, Joel Hansen was third over Gresham and Purvis. Vecchiarelli was penalized 2 positions moving Joel to second over Gresham.
Dennis Pobanz and Jim Lahey were on the front row for the Sportsman main event. Lahey led the first lap over Stan Griffin and Lee Kemmit. Craig Holmes was fourth over John Baker. Caution flew on lap 3 when Jerry Borquez spun for a lap 3 yellow. Eric Blackard was sent off the track for sparking under the caution flag. Baker took fourth on lap 4 and went to work on Kemmit. Holmes spun into the infield on lap 9 and continued. Lahey continued his lead on lap 10, but had Griffin, Kemmit and Baker on his bumper. Griffin jumped to the high-side and took the lead on lap 15. Kemmit took second from Lahey on lap 18 to make it a GTI 1-2 race. Caution flew on lap 19 when Larry Trujillo broke for a caution. Griffin and Kemmit continued to lead on the restart, and Kemmit pressured Griffin for the lead. Griffin won by a nose over Kemmit, Lahey, Rick Hunt and Matt Curless.
The big Pro Truck race was next on the track and Jimmy Donaldson was on the pole with Mark Bybee to the outside. Donaldson led the first lap with a plethora of trucks behind. Mary Bybee spun for a lap 3 caution and collected David Johnson Jr. Donaldson led on the restart over Adam Deines, Rick Runkle, Richard Burton and Beau Kellogg. Deines took the lead on lap 4 and Burton and Kellogg took third and fourth from Runkle on lap 6. Burton and Kellogg both got by Donaldson on lap 9 and Chris Leaf also moved by Donaldson. Leaf took third from Kellogg on lap 15 as Deines continued to lead. Mike Bowen moved into fourth on lap 20 and Paul Deines challenged Kellogg for fifth. P Deines took the spot from Kellogg on lap 21 and Bowen was third on lap 27. Bowen took second from Burton on lap 30 and A Deines continued to lead the field. A Deines took the win over Bowen, Burton, Leaf and P Deines. Mike Hathaway nipped Kellogg at the line for sixth.
John Johnson and Randy Grubb were on the front row for the Figure 8 Main Event. On the first lap, Joe Martinez and Dennis Stepanich Jr collided for a restart. Before a lap was scored, Randy Grubb spun and Ronnie Hults spun to miss Grubb. On the next attempt to get a lap in, Dave Smith and Joe Martinez were side-by-side for the lead. Martinez was across the line first on the second lap with Hults moving into second over Matlock, Smith and Rich Leavenworth. Leavenworth took fourth on lap 5 and Harry Bragg took fifth from Smith. Bragg pulled off and Leavenworth moved into third over Matlock and Smith. Caution flew for Shirley Thompson on lap 16. Leavenworth was slow on the restart and Hults moved into second. Martinez won over Hults, Leavenworth, Matlock and Smith.
The Super Stock field rolled out next and Mike Cox was on the front row with Darrell Smith to his outside. Cox jumped out to the early lead over Emett Grazier. Smith hit the front wall for a lap 4 caution. Cox led on the restart over Grazier, Mario Garramone, Joel Sidell and Mark Neff. Neff took fourth on lap 5 and caution flew on lap 6 for spun cars in turn 3. On the restart, Cox led Grazier, Neff, Garramone and Sidell. AJ Grasso moved into fifth on lap and Neff was second on lap 9. Ric Lothert moved into the top 5 as Cox still led Neff, Grazier, Lothert and Grasso. On lap 16, caution flew when Bruce Borchardt broke and his tire bounced onto Smith’s hood. Smith drove around with the tire on his hood and stopped back by the scene of the accident to deliver the tire. Cox led Neff, Lothert, Grasso and Grazier on the restart with Neff on Cox’s bumper. Neff got under Cox on lap 21, but got sideways to relinquish his spot. Lothert tagged Neff and sent Neff up the track to let AJ Grasso by for second. George Gallegos broke for a lap 27 caution flag. Since Grasso wasn’t in second for one complete lap, Neff and Lothert both got back by Grasso on the restart line up. Cox continued to lead Neff, Lothert, Grasso and Grazier on the restart. Lothert slowed down the back-stretch on the next lap and hit the turn 3 wall, and then Joel Sidell spun and was hit for a caution. Cox continued to lead Neff, Grazier, Dave Miles and Mario Garramone on the restart. Neff shot to the outside and took the lead on lap 28. Neff took the win over Cox, Miles, Garramone and DJ Neff.
In the 100-lap Late Model finale, Rick Smith led early over Darren Bucklen, Bear Lynch, Roger Avants and Bruce Yackey. Avants took third from Lynch on lap 7 and Chris Archer moved into fifth. Archer took fourth from Lynch on lap 10 and Aaron Cox spun on lap 11 for a caution. Bucklen took the lead on lap 18 with Archer moving into second. Yackey made a charge back through the field and was in second on lap 26 behind Bucklen. Archer, Scotty Backman and Avants rounded out the top 5. Yackey took the lead on lap 27 and Kyle Yattaw spun for a lap 37 caution. Backman led on the restart over Yackey, Bucklen, Archer and Avants. Darren Robertson spun for a lap 50 caution with Backman still in front over, Yackey, Bucklen, Archer and Avants with Jim Sikes Jr lurking in sixth. PJ Mottorano spun into the infield on lap 69 and Sikes was flying through the field. With 30 laps to go, Backman led Yackey, Archer, Sikes and Avants. On lap 79, contact between Archer and Sikes sent Archer spinning down the front-stretch for a caution flag. Another caution flew on lap 85 for Darren Robertson and Randy Gastineau spinning. Backman held off Yackey for the win. Sikes was third over Archer and Avants. Bruce Betts and another car spun after the race was over.
The 10-lap train race ended the evening with Santa’s Express and The SNAFU Train on the front row. Santa’s Express never got going on the start and stopped in the X for a complete restart. Smash-N-Crash took the early lead and Termin8or took the lead on lap 6 as Smash-N-Crash started slowing. Last Call broke on lap 7 and Smash-N-Crash spun right in front of Galloping Goose, and Galloping Goose hit Smash-N-Crash in the door. Termin8or took the win.
In the qualifying sessions, Ronnie Hults set quick time in the Figure 8’s with a 28.741 lap. Harry Bragg was second over Dennis Stepanich. Dennis Edwards was fastest in the Super Stocks with a 20.554 lap. Ric Lothert was second quick over Mark Neff. Paul Deines was quickest in the Pro Trucks with a 16.748 lap around the track. Chris Leaf was second over Mike Bowen. In the Grand American Modified qualifying, Ed Vecchiarelli was quick time with a 16.843 lap. Joel Hansen and Barney Visser were second and third quick. Davin Fisbeck was quick time in the Sportsman division wish a 18.020 lap. Matt Curless was second over Andy Lewis. Ronnie Hults took his second quick time of the night in the Late Models with a 16.283 lap. Chris Archer was second over Scotty Backman.
Bear Lynch and Joe James Jr were on the pole in the Late Model dash. Archer got off to a slow start and Lynch led James and Jim Sikes Jr on the first lap. Sikes was second on lap 2 and then got by Lynch for the lead. James was second on lap 5 with Backman moving into fourth. Sikes took the win over James, Lynch, Backman and Roger Avants. Ronnie Hults accepted the Renegade Challenge and elected to tag the back of the main event, and if he wins from the back of tonights feature, he will get an extra $5,000.
============================ Snap-On Tools Challenge Cup XXXII Main Event Rules Colorado National Speedway September 16, 2006
SUNOCO Grand American Modified Main Event 1. 48 Ed Vecchiarelli Jr, Brighton; 2. 8 Joel Hansen, Eaton; 3. 28 JD Gresham, Bennett; 4. 18 Ed Vecchiarelli Jr, Brighton; 5. 52 Adam Shrove, Ft. Collins; 6. 21 Jeff Purvis, Frederick; 7. 71 Jim Stivaletta, Pine; 8. 77 Jeff Hansen, Berthoud; 9. 22 Mike Castagno, Arvada; 10. 69 Forest Smith, Poverty Flats; 11. 25 William Oaks, Firestone; 12. 7 Jon Lincicome, Ft. Lupton; 13. 01 Terry Tjarks, Berthoud; 14. 38 Ronnie Stringfellow Jr, Littleton; 15. 81 George Wetzel Jr, Brighton; 16. 46 Sam Calvetti, Cheyenne WY; 17. 44 Justin Case, Brighton; 18. 73 Barney Visser, Englewood.
Dunlap's Trailers Sportsman Main Event 1. 43 Stan Griffin, Strasburg; 2. 98 Lee Kemmit; 3. 5 Jim Lahey, Denver; 4. 02 Rick Hunt, Arvada; 5. 4 Matt Curless, Cheyenne WY; 6. 24 Andy Lewis, Louisville; 7. 39 Scott Estes, Parker; 8. 32 Davin Fisbeck, Thornton; 9. 62 JimBob Rogers, Erie; 10. 7 Tommy Roe, Thornton; 11. 38 Frankie Estes, Parker; 12. 55 Craig Holmes, Arvada; 13. 28 Alan Carter, Thornton; 14. 93 John Baker, Cheyenne WY; 15. 58 Jeff Webb, Arvada; 16. 0 Eric Phelps, Cheyenne WY; 17. 49 Dennis Pobanz, Colorado Springs; 18. 67 Stephanie Brown, Littleton; 19. 3 Wade Grove, Commerce City; 20. 13 Eric Potts, Arvada; 21. 47 Brian Anglim, Loveland; 22. 97 Adam Gastineau, Aurora; 23. 46 Eric Blackard, Lakewood; 24. 25 William Oaks, Firestone; 25. 86 Joseph Simpson, Windsor; 26. 31 Larry Trujillo, Westminster; 27. 9 Jerry Borquez, Commerce City; 28. 42 Daniel Martinez, Commerce City.
Snap-On Tools Pro Truck Main Event 1. 7 Adam Deines, Longmont; 2. 21 Mike Bowen, Brighton; 3. 36 Richard Burton, Englewood; 4. 17 Paul Deines, Longmont; 5. 07 Chris Leaf, Kersey; 6. 27 Mike Hathaway, Falcon; 7. 33 Beau Kellogg, Denver; 8. 14 Jimmy Donaldson, Arvada; 9. 0 Billy Harkins, Lakewood; 10. 02 Steve Johnson, Windsor;11. 23 Jake Snider, Grand Junction; 12. 9 Tim Billinger, Denver; 13. 29 David Johnson Jr, Denver; 14. 55 Rick Runkle, Lakewood; 15. 78 Mark Bybee, Sedalia; 16. 30 Brian Pacheco, Elizabeth.
Figure 8 Main Event 1. 24 Joe Martinez, Centennial; 2. 42 Ronnie Hults, Centennial; 3. 1 Rich Leavenworth, Lakewood; 4. 22 Joe Matlock, Aurora; 5. 81 Dave Smith, Englewood; 6. 23 Al Duran, Lakewood; 7. 90 John Johnson, Golden; 8. 18 Dennis Stepanich, Arvada; 9. 8 Dennis Stepanich Jr, Arvada; 10. 82 Mike Wolfe Sr, Englewood; 11. 28 Vic Johnsen, Northglenn; 12. 0 David Galindo, Denver; 13. 86 Shirley Thompson, Northglenn; 14. 5 Bruce Wall, Commerce City; 15. 25 Phil Taylor, Leadville; 16. 80 Barry Bragg, Castle Rock; 17. 50 Justin McKeachie, Aurora; 18. 7 Randy Grubb, Lakewood.
Sheds R Us Super Stock Main Event 1. 32 Mark Neff, Eaton; 2. 3 Mike Cox, Littleton; 3. 03 Dave Miles, Ft. Collins; 4. 10 Mario Garramone, Littleton; 5. 45 DJ Neff, Eaton; 6. 79 Chris Vieth, Thornton; 7. 51 Jeff Philpott, Dacono; 8. 42 Dave Neff, Eaton; 9. 5 Chris Naeb, Denver; 10. 30 Connie Cox, Littleton; 11. 34 Pat Addy, Wheat Ridge; 12. 80 Chris Cox, Westminster; 13. 08 Mark Logan, Denver; 14. 81 Bob Foster, Lakewood; 15. 21 Jack Malick, Sterling; 16. 33 Emett Grazier, Denver; 17. 6 Darrell Bauer, Denver; 18. 92 AJ Grasso, Longmont; 19. 52 Alex Jurys Jr, Northglenn; 20. 4 Cade Gerst, Denver; 21. 25 Jeff Springer, Colorado Springs; 22. 2 Kenny Creekmore, Aurora; 23. 12 Hans Brewster, Henderson; 24. 46 Ric Lothert, Loveland; 25. 62 Joel Sidell, Grand Lake; 26. 40 Kent Stubbe, Sterling; 27. 23 George Gallgos, Littleton; 28. 02 Darrell Smith, Littleton; 29. 00 Dennis Edwards, Golden; 30. 87 Chris Thompson, Thornton; 31. 8 Bruce Borchardt, Denver; 32. 22 Mike Fullmer, Denver; 33. 90 Shirley Nichols, Parker; 34. 63 Eric Warrington, Ft. Collins; 35. 58 Tim Weaver, Louisville; 36. 16 Randy Scoles, Westminster.
Wright Group Event Services Late Model Main Event 1. 5 Scotty Backman, Parker; 2. 12 Bruce Yackey, Greeley; 3. 83 Jim Sikes Jr, Pueblo; 4. 61 Chris Archer, Arvada; 5. 27 Roger Avants, Littleton; 6. 54 Joe James Jr, Denver; 7. 66 Darren Bucklen, Greeley; 8. 31 Rick Smith, Gering NE; 9. 42 Ronnie Hults, Centennial; 10. 95 Cris Muhler, Erie; 11. 08 Bear Lynch, Denver; 12. 74 Dan Savage, Aurora; 13. 11 Darren Robertson, Arvada; 14. 82 Nick Rozack, Denver; 15. 4 Bruce Betts, Denver; 16. 17 Paul Deines, Longmont; 17. 47 PJ Mottorano, Trinidad; 18. 16 Mark Dixon, Brighton; 19. 00 Randy Gastineau, Centennial; 20. 15 Mike Hannah, Platteville; 21. 6 Scott Wilson, Arvada; 22. 33 Robert Hanley, Foxfield; 23. 76 Chad Cowan, Gering NE; 24. 21 Kyle Yattaw, Castle Rock; 25. 30 Rick Runkle, Lakewood; 26. 78 Darren Crocker, Littleton; 27. 10 Aaron Cox, Henderson; 28. 94 Trent Phillips, Scottsbluff NE; 29. 26 Brian Pacheco, Elizabeth.
Witthar Racing Train Main Event
1. 8 Termin8or; 2. 43 1/2 Fool and Plum M.T.; 3. 0 Steel Dragon; 4. 6 Galloping Goose; 5. 80 The SNAFU Train; 6. 02 Smash-N-Crash; 7. 86 Last Call; 8. 25 Santa's Express
