9/26/2024
Lancaster Speedway
Behind the Mic: Storylines Entering US Open Weekend
How is it US Open Weekend already? It feels like we were just getting ready for Opening Day and now here we are getting ready to be at a race that is all about tradition and the prestige, the US Open. The 36th edition of this historic event will take place this coming weekend and here are a few story lines that I will be following as I’m behind the mic at Lancaster.
Andy J looking for record 10th US Open win: Second-generation driver Andy Jankowiak could be the all-time winningest driver at the Open if he finds victory lane this weekend. He has one win in a TQ Midget (2018), six in Sportsman (2010-2014, 2021), one mod win (2017), and a street stock win (2006). Andy is tied with 9 wins at the open with “The Hotshoe” Chuck Hossfeld.
One of the Four Horseman from Mud Lane, Austin Beers is looking for his first win at the Open. The Northampton, PA driver has two NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour wins at Lancaster, and he will be in the potent DeLange Racing entry this weekend. If Austin see’s Dakota Miller’s double checkered flags first, he will be joining his dad Eric as a US Open winner. The Beers father and son duo would also become the third set of fathers and sons that have won the Modified portion of the Open, joining Jan & Mike Leaty, and Tony & Matt Hirschman.
Jake Lutz and George Skora III are both looking for their first wins at the Open. Both have found victory lane in the Tour-Type Modified events at Lancaster, and it would be a popular win for either driver. If Skora wins, it would be the third different division that Skora has won a race in at the US Open. Lutz would join crew chief Billy Putney as a US Open Champion. Putney has three Sportsman wins at the Open, and came close a handful of times in the Modified.
The Insinger Performance/VP Race Fuels Sportsman is wide open, with several drivers who are planning on running their Modifieds, will also have Sportsman entries. Tommy Catalano is the reigning race winner. Andy J has six wins at the open, tied with Kirk Rutherford for most all time in the division. 2024 track champ George Skora looking for his second Open win in three seasons. Former track champions Shawn Nye and Tony Carbone are both looking for their first Sportsman win at the Open. Nye has a TQ Midget win to his collection.
With support from racer and videographer Mike Piccirilli and Nova Glass, the Monroe Extinguisher Street Stocks will be racing for $1,000 to win at the US Open, making it the richest race for the division in the entire region. Mark Hoch looking for his third straight Monroe Extinguisher Street Stock win at the Open. Rich Sharpe is a 6-time winner. Tim Welshans scored the win in 2020. Dustin Novoa and Mike Dalfonso were able to find victory lane during the regular season and both are looking for that signature win at the US Open.
The Catalano family has plenty of history at Lancaster, and this year, the youngest brother, Troyer is expected to make his debut in the Street Stock division. The team has put a lot of time and effort into getting Troyer’s car ready for the US Open. Troyer’s older brothers will be racing as well this weekend with Tommy, Timmy, Trevor, and Tyler all racing in their open-wheeled machines.
Tommy Krawczyk is looking for his third Super Stock win at the Open. Joe Mancuso has four wins and wants his fifth. There has been seven different winners in the last nine super stock races, with only Mancuso and Krawczyk repeating as winners.
Jeff Brown, Eldon King III, and hall of fame driver Dave Heitzhaus are all looking for their 4th Late Model wins at the Open. Hall of Famer Bobby Weber has five triumphs at the Open to lead all drivers.
Dave Wollaber looking for his unprecedented 9th TQ midget win at the Open. Jonathan Reid has four wins. The TQs have raced at the open every year since 1993.
The Rusty Diamond Cores Pro 4 class is looking for its third different winner in three races. Dave Milbrand (2022) and Jeff Szafraniec (2023).
The 4 cylinders will race under the lights on Friday night to kick off the weekend. The division has had six different winners in the last six US Open races. Kevin Bainbridge leads the division with three Open wins. Track champion Kyle Casper, Chris Deyoe Jr, Mason Offhaus, Hunter McKay, and more will all be gunning for victory lane Friday night under the lights.
Racing starts Friday night with the 4 Cylinder feature on the ¼-mile oval, plus qualifying heats for the 4 Cylinders, Sportsman, Street Stocks, and Late Models. Race time is at 8pm.
Saturday is the 36th running of the US Open, and this year’s event for the Tour-Type Modifieds will be 101-laps (65th anniversary of track + 36 years of the Open) paying at least $5,000 to win. The Insinger Performance/VP Race Fuels Sportsman will race a 50-lap event paying $3,000 to win. With thanks to Mike Piccirilli (Racingfanchaser88) and Nova Glass, the Monroe Extinguisher Street Stocks will now be racing for $1,000 to win. The Super Stocks will also be racing for $1,000 to win, with sponsorship coming from GTR Promotions (Jody London), and Chris Zacharias. Also on the card will be the main event for the Late Models, the Rusty Diamond Cores Pro 4, and the Mighty TQ Midgets. Racing will get underway at 1pm Saturday afternoon.
There will be a party atmosphere all weekend, as DJ Steve Urge will be spinning the tunes near the beer booth Friday night after the races. Then on Saturday, rock band Ryder will be providing the entertainment as not only they will be performing after the races, but they will also be part of the opening ceremonies as they will be playing the National Anthems.
If we need it, (hoping we don’t), we will be utilizing Sunday, September 29 as a Rain Date.
The US Open has been a longstanding tradition in Western New York racing and the who’s who of racing have all found victory lane in this prestigious event. I cannot wait to call the action, and I hope to see you in the stands this weekend as we celebrate Western New Yorks racing tradition, the US Open.
You can check out the track website, lancastermotorplexny.com for all the latest information about times and admission prices for this weekend’s “Fall Spectacle of Speed”.
Article Credit: Steven Petty
Submitted By: Steven Petty