Accord, NY - "The Cyclone" Jamie Yannone Whirls To First 2008 Accord Speedway Win On Pine Grove Dude Ranch Night
By Steve Pados, Accord Media

With the country sounds of Catskill Mountain DJ Tim Adams playing in the background and setting the tone for the evening, the warm winds of summer ushered in another great night of racing at Gary Palmer's racing rodeo in the Catskills as the nearby Pine Grove Dude Ranch hosted the night's racing activities and the 120 plus race cars and drivers responded with a fantastic show that was reminiscent of the tales of the old wild, wild west. As USAC Sprint Car driving ace Daron "The Modern Day Cowboy" Clayton has repeatedly stated, "When you climb behind the wheel of your race car it is time to "Cowboy Up", the talented Accord driving roster did just that and the large crowd on hand was treated to another great side by side show in all divisions that leaves no doubt as to where the great racing action happens on the East Coast.

Danny Creeden and Jamie Yannone brought the 22-car starting field down for the start of the Rhinebeck Ford Modified feature 30-lap headliner. Creeden pounded down the horses at the drop of the green and took the early lead with Yannone in hot pursuit. Third starting Barry Davis formed a posse of his own and brought Danny Tyler, John Lutes Jr, David Bush and Scott Ferrier along with him as they charged after the high flying duo. One third of the way into the event Creeden began to develop a slight handling problem and Yannone was finally able to find the "Yannone Line" during the early stages of the race and assumed the lead with inside run on Creeden on lap nine.

A caution for the disabled racer of Kevin Duryea on lap-11 slowed the pace a bit but when the green flag was displayed the race became the Yannone-Tyler Show as the pair of "Young Guns" challenged the laws of gravity with their use of the Accord corral and kept exciting the crowd with each display of heroism. Yannone stayed topside in turns three and four and worked the bottom of turns one and two to hold off "ShowTime", but Tyler never waivered as he tried all of the rope tricks he had at his disposal in trying to lasso in Yannone.

Meanwhile back in the pack, the racing was truly an old fashioned shoot out. With all of the guns firing, Mike Ricci became the new leader of the posse as he enlisted the help of a few vigilantes to track down the hombres trying to get away. Ricci brought along with him Andy Bachetti, Jackie Brown Jr and the sharpshooter Jerry Higbie, as Higbie found daylight after the halfway point from 17th starting spot to work his way to the front. As the laps dwindled down, Brown moved to second place after a skirmish with Tyler and Mike Ricci found his way to third. Higbie disposed of Bachetti and appeared to be the quickest car on the speedway in the latter stages of the event.

Jamie Yannone brought his Alex Marine Sponsored racer home victorious as "The Cyclone" recorded his first win of the 2008 racing season after a three win season in 2007 and winning the "Rookie of the Year" honors at the speedway. Jackie Brown Jr, in a great run from 10th was second with Mike Ricci finishing in third place. Danny Tyler was fourth at the finish and had some anxious moments as he held off the hard charging Higbie who completed the top five running order. The second five consisted of Andy Bachetti, who continues to lead in the Modified point's chase, Danny Creeden, Scott Ferrier, Rick Mill and Rich Ricci Jr.

The Heart Chevrolet Spec Sportsman feature event proved to be a tale of a couple of races all rolled up into one exciting package. Rookie driver Bobby Hassenmayer took the lead at the start of the event and seemingly had things going his way until Phil Recchio burst onto the scene on lap-7 and began to challenge for the lead. On lap-12 the race took a turn for the worse as Kyle Rohner exploded a motor in his Bushkill Falls sponsored racer down the backstretch and before the action stopped, Danny Conklin, Dave Hinsch and John Calcagni all became involved, resulting in some heavy damage to all of the race cars.

Once the racing resumed another mad scramble resulted in some problems for the leaders Bobby Hassenmayer and Tyler Odendahl. The restart found young Anthony Perrego in front with the veteran Jeff Richardson finding the inside of the raceway to his liking and disposed of Recchio and set his sights on Perrego, who was making only his fourth start in the Spec Sportsman ranks. Richardson tracked down Perrego using the inside lane to find the short way around the speedway and captured the win with the "Montgomery Missile" Perrego in for a close second place. Recchio was third with 14-year old driving talent "The Twister" Tyler Boniface finishing fourth. Vinnie DeCicco completed the top five.

The Camper's Barn Sportsman race proved to be another challenge between the young guns and the driving veterans of the sport. Joe Giachinta powered his Mid-Hudson Concrete sponsored machine to the front for the initial lap but pushed up off of turn two the next time around and 15-year old Greg McCloskey took advantage of the miscue and led the next three laps. On a restart, Giachinta hammered his throttle down and took back the lead into turn one, a lead he never relinquished on his way to his first career Sportsman win. This proved to be another race where the talent deep field was up to the task to provide some great excitement until the final flag flew to end the event. McCloskey was a very worthy adversary as he came across the line in second place. David Coene used a late race rally from the topside to finish third and Brian Krummel came from 16th starting position to challenge at the end to finish fourth. Steve Krom completed the top five running order.

Canaan, Connecticut's Jon Routhier used patience and pressure to capture the Enzo's Ristorante & Pizza Pro Stock 20-lapper. Bill Deak Jr took the lead at the start of the event and led through the first ten laps. Routhier, who started from fourth position, stayed close, stuck the nose of his race car in on Deak occasionally, and then took advantage of Deak sliding up the racetrack to dart his Canaan Auto Supply sponsored machine into the lead on lap-11. Once in front, Routhier was smooth and straight as he raced to victory and recorded his second win of the season at the speedway. The battle behind Routhier was spectacular as Larry Temple Jr, Bill Deak Jr and defending track champion Don Williams had their own version of the OK Corral going for them. Temple and Deak got together with a few laps to go on the home stretch that had Temple showing the undercarriage of his race car to the crowd but never lifting out of the throttle. Bill Deak Jr claimed the runnerup spot at the end with Temple in third place. Don Williams finished fourth and continues to lead the current point standings by a healthy margin. John Roese had the best seat in the house as he watched the great on track to action to finish in fifth in his Ford powered machine.

The season long closely knit action of the Bryant's Towing Pure Stock feature was again much of the same heated racing activity the fans have become accustomed to this season. Gary Ronk took the lead at the start and led through the first eight laps of the event. A restart had Bill Judge assume the lead at the green and Judge led for a lap before the "Intimidator" Ray Tarantino bolted into the lead. Tarantino led the next lap and one half before the rim-riding Joe Judge found his way into the lead. Judge, the defending track champion, held off all challenges to record another win at the speedway. Paul Aragon Jr was in for the runnerup spot as a tight four car battle finished out the final laps of the event. Bill Judge hung on for third while Andy Briggs rallied for a fourth place finish. The young gunslinger Tommy "The Gun" Johnson overcame his difficulties from a week ago to round out the top five.

The heldover Heart Chevrolet Spec Sportsman event quickly became the Danny Conklin show as Tyler Odendahl powered into the lead on lap-1 before yielding to the high flying Conklin the next time around. Conklin, driving his Accurate Contracting sponsored machine, led the remaining laps to claim his second consecutive victory in the division. Greg Hastie rallied to finish in the runnerup slot. Scott Mathews drove a great race to finish in third and Jeff Richardson continued his surge to the front at the speedway by coming from 17th starting position to finish in fourth. Vinnie DeCicco completed the top five as held off a determined Kyle Rohner who came from 18th starting position to fall one spot short in his quest for another top five finish.

MUDPLUGS:

With the grim economic picture of our country hurting everyone, the entries for the racing at the speedway takes on a new significance. Accord has been blessed with a great roster of drivers who just may take off from a week of racing due to a light wallet only to have another driver or two who missed a week or two prior fill the vacated spot and keep the impressive numbers of the speedway well above and beyond the law of averages. All divisions are well represented and the talent improves with each passing week with the younger drivers really stepping up their performances throughout the 2008 racing season. The Accord Speedway management and staff salutes each and every driver, car owner and fan who makes their way to the races for their dedication and support of the great racing action at Accord.

Heat race winners included Emerson Cargain Jr and Jon Routhier in the Pro Stock ranks and Ray Tarantino, Gary Ronk and Bill Judge all claiming wins in the Pure Stock division. Joe Giachinta, Greg McCloskey and Jef Hulseapple all were victorious in the Sportsman heat action and the Modified heats were captured by John Lutes Jr, Barry Davis and Jamie Yannone. Spec Sportsman heat winners were Tyler Odendahl, Bobby Hassenmayer and Phil Recchio.
Donnie Elliott captured the Modified consolation event and Sammy Dwy captured the like Spec Sportsman event. Brian Krummel was captured the Sportsman consolation event after having a bit of tough luck in the heat race action.

Through the great efforts of Race Director Rich Roosa and Program Coordinator Sara Palmer, the next edition of the "Accordian" will carry a "Time to Remember" page that will feature a step back look into the past history of the Accord Speedway which has been in existance since 1962. While the racing and the landscape of the speedway have changed quite a bit since the early inception of racing at Accord, the memories remain etched in the minds of those forever associated with Accord speedway racing events. Anyone who may have some past history of the speedway whether it be through pictures or stories are encouraged to contact the speedway office at: 845 626 3478. All pictures and stories will be returned to the rightful owners once the they are used in the program.

With the show running at peak performance, driver introductions for the Camper's Barn Sportsman division were performed trackside by Announcer Andy Crane. All divisions of racing were completed by 10:30. After checking with a number of drivers, they all felt the racing surface at the speedway was superb and keeps getting better with each passing week, a tribute to the hard work and dedication Promoter Gary Palmer puts into his race track. Palmer jumped into the water truck to give an additional spritzer of water to the raceway before the start of the Modified feature and the already tacky track surface had the drivers responding well by putting on a show that allowed them to use all of the racing channels of the speed plant and the side by side, three-wide and times four wide racing abounded throughout the running of the feature event.

While Victory Lane ceremonies are normally associated with winning race cars, the area of concrete behind the grandstand took on an entirely new meaning before the start of the racing events on Friday night. Ellenville Rescue Squad members Jeff Lane and Kaitlyn Davis supposedly were going to be part of special award given out, but in reality Jeff took the proverbial knee and asked Kaitlyn to marry him and she readily accepted. The Speedway management and staff offer the couple the best wishes and tidings for a long and successful relationship.

The Pine Grove Dude Ranch and Resort played a special part in the cowboy themed evening's activities in victory lane as well as with an interview with track announcer Steve Pados as members of the Ranch staff provided the needed insight regarding the 600 acre all season resort facility nestled in nearby Kerhonkson. The racing fans and nearby residents are encouraged to take advantage of the special "day-pass" the Ranch offers to enjoy a relaxing and adventurous time without spending a great deal of money on travel expense. Those with an interest are encouraged to call the Ranch toll free at: 1 800 346 4626 or logon to their extensive website at: www.pinegroveranch.com

The consession stand at Accord truly brought a winner to the table on Friday night as the Oreo Milk Shakes and Oreo Sundaes were complete sell-outs before half of the racing events were completed. New entrees and offerings become a staple as the energetic kitchen staff continues to work their magic for the great racing crowd at the speedway. Vintage Modifieds will join the program on August 8th as Gaydo's Auto Body will be the headline sponsor for the event.

Mid Week Madness continues to rock on Wednesday nights as the quick hitting show once again takes place this coming Wednesday night on August 6th. Bikes, Quads, Karts, Lawn Mowers and the Slingshots all take to quarter miler when the gates open at 5 with hot laps beginning at 6:15. The racing begins immediately after hot laps and the admission is a very affordable $3.00. With more and more Slingshots hearing about the vast amount of room they have to race on at Accord, the past Wednesday night show included heats and along with the feature event.

Rhinebeck Ford Modifieds: Jamie Yannone, Jackie Brown Jr, Mike Ricci, Danny Tyler, Jerry Higbie, Andy Bachetti, Danny Creeden, Scott Ferrier, Rick Mill, Rich Ricci Jr, David Bush, Tom Demarmels, Rich Eurich, John McGill, Donnie Elliott, Mel Schrufer, Rich Budd Jr, Dom Roselli, John Lutes Jr, Barry Davis, Kevin Duryea, Nick Lapp

Heart Chevrolet Spec Sportsman: Jeff Richardson, Anthony Perrego, Phil Recchio, Tyler Boniface, Vinnie DeCicco, Greg Hastie, Scott Mathews, Sammy Dwy, Danny Conklin, AJ Williams, Tyler Odendahl, Tony Squicciarini, Eric Moon, Bobby Hassenmayer, Danny Cross, Kyle Rohner, Dave Hinsch, John Calcagni Jr, Kyle Plumstead, Ken Boniface Jr

Campers Barn Sportsman: Joe Giachinta, Greg McCloskey, David Coene, Brian Krummel, Steve Krom, Jeff Hulseapple, Darrell Ford, Ryan Stortini, Ray See Jr, Jesse Marks, John Sundlof, Steve Meilleur, Brad Rothaupt, Jerry Craig, Carl Dawes, Tom Dakake, Ken Ferrier, Bobby Hentschel

Enzo's Ristorante and Pizza Pro Stocks: Jon Routhier, Bill Deak Jr, Larry Temple Jr, Don Williams, John Roese, Norbert Bracklow, Bill Deak Sr, Emerson Cargain Jr, Al Christiana Jr, Hank Marin, Torin Betterton, Lenny Helmich, Nick Plumstead, (DNS) John Rood, (DNS) Pete Polander

Bryant's Towing Pure Stock: Joe Judge, Paul Aragon Jr, Bill Judge, Andy Briggs, Tommy Johnson, James DeCicco III, John Woinoski, Ryan Coon, Steve Smalley, Ray Tarantino, Chris Kanuk, Kyle Wright, Mike Deyo, Clarence Smith Jr, Richard Stickle, Phil Johnson, Robert Ball, Bill Merton, Gary Ronk, Mike DuBois, Will Dietz

Heart Chevrolet Spec Sportsman: (Held Over) Danny Conklin, Greg Hastie, Scott Mathews, Jeff Richardson, Vinnie DeCicco, Kyle Rohner, Phil Recchio, John Calcagni Jr, Dave Hinsch, Eric Moon, Sammy Dwy, Tyler Boniface, Ken Boniface Jr, AJ Williams, Tyler Odendahl, Jack Skerrit, Danny Cross, Anthony Perrego, Bobby Hassenmayer, Kyle Plumstead, Tony Suozzo, (DQ) Steve Pinto

For further updates and information regarding the great racing at the Accord Speedway, logon to the their newly constructed website at: http://www.accordspeedway.com or call the speedway hotline at: 845 626 3478

A TRAIL OF DIRT LEADS RIGHT TO OUR DOOR