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The holiday weekend is upon us and with it comes much racing.
Port Royal Speedway kicks things off tonight with the Butch Renninger Memorial race for late models. The event is the highlight of the first day of the 161st annual Juniata County Fair. The evening’s racing spotlights the full-bodied cars that Renninger campaigned during his career. Econo late models and Xtreme stocks join the program competing for added purse money.The 410 sprint cars are also part of the racing action, which gets under way at 7 p.m.
Who was Butch Renninger and what does he mean to local motorsports? Renninger was a man of many parts. He was the youngest performer in the Jack Kochman Hell Drivers, joining the troupe at age 19. By age 23 Renninger was the youngest stunt man performing at the New York World’s Fair, which ran through 1964-65. Renninger stayed on the road for about 10 years before returning home to raise a family.
Renninger entered the stock car wars and claimed track titles at Port Royal and Bedford speedways. Renninger remained active in the sport, competing in the enduro class until his untimely death in 2004. Renninger served on the Juniata County Agricultural Society’s board of directors and assisted with speedway maintenance. Renninger was also a steady hand of influence over folks he worked with.
The Renninger Memorial race began in 2004. Late models were not part of the first program. Steve Campbell won the first late model memorial in 2005. Other winners include Scotty Haus, Mitch Hack, Jere Wierman, Tim Wilson, Waylon Wagner, Jeff Rine, Greg Satterlee, Jason Covert and Justin Kann.
Lincoln Speedway is in operation tonight with 358 and 410 sprint cars plus super sportsman racers.
Selinsgrove Speedway is dark tonight. Tomorrow the World of Outlaws late models visit Selinsgrove for the 17th running of the National Open, which pays the winner $8,000. The main event is 40 laps in distance. Limited late models also are on the card.
Hesston Speedway presents a 44 lap late model feature tomorrow night. The winner receives $3,000.
Monday, Port Royal Speedway returns to action with the 64th annual Labor Day Classic for sprint cars. The econo lates and legends cars are also on the card; racing starts at 1 p.m. Earl Bryner won the first Labor Day program in 1952. A demolition derby concludes Monday’s speedway activities.
Congratulations to T.J. Stutts of Liverpool who claimed his first Selinsgrove Speedway 360 sprint car title last Saturday night. Also, hats off to Mifflintown driver Andrew Shoop for scoring pro stock win No. 3 at the Snyder County oval.
Greg Hodnett has been on fire in Central Pennsylvania sprint car action. Hodnett scored win No. 17 of the season last Saturday at Port Royal Speedway.
Brandon Rahmer won his first career 410 sprint car feature win last week at Lincoln Speedway. Rahmer held off Brian Montieth at the finish.
I must take a moment and reflect on the passing of Frank A.”Joe” Zampelli, who died Aug. 26. I first met Zampelli through my late father when I tagged along to Lewistown High School sports events. Zampelli was a fixture in area schools, churches, fairs and speedways. He, along with the late Harry Hain, enjoyed a love of audio and sound. Zampelli strived to provide the best sound quality possible no matter the venue. He had a keen ear which enabled him to critique both the system and performers using it. When Zampelli entered cable TV networking, he offered good quality service and a friendly ear. He was approachable, always striving to make things better for every one. Most of us listened to a Zampelli Sound system at our local sports events. He was part of the scene and a local icon. Another one of us that left before we were ready to let him go. May he rest in peace.
Next weekend is the granddaddy of them all, the two-day Tuscarora 50 program at Port Royal Speedway. Tony Stewart’s UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions sanction the event, which kicks off another month of money for area sprint car racers.
Enjoy the holiday weekend and remember to drive safely! Speed is always for the speedway and not the highway.
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Craig Rutherford writes about motorsports for The Sentinel.