Stewart And Johnson Capture Inaugural Blaney Classic

Hartford, OH – Sprint Cup Driver Tony Stewart and New York Modified Ace Jack Johnson added their names to the Sharon Speedway history book Tuesday night as a record-breaking crowd watched the twosome capture the feature events of the inaugural Lou Blaney Memorial Classic.

Stewart, who was coming off of a victory at Daytona just three days before, had mentioned earlier in the evening that fellow Sprint Cup competitors Kasey Kahne and Dave Blaney had more winged sprint car experience than he did; that certainly changed as Stewart dominated the second half of the 30-lap feature event to capture his first ever Sharon Speedway victory.

“I need to thank Jimmy Carr and Dean Bruns for their hard work in getting this car prepared. The first time that I came here and competed against Lou Blaney he kicked my butt and I had the utmost respect for him. This event is very special and I will always have it on my schedule,” stated Stewart.

West Virginia youngster Cale Conley and Stewart brought the 24-car field to the green. Conley led the first 11 laps before Stewart took the lead. The event’s only caution flew on lap 18 when lady racer Jessica Zemken slowed. Conley was right on Stewart’s bumper when the green was once again displayed however Stewart pulled away and went on to capture a very popular win.

Conley held on for the runner-up spot. Third generation racer Lee Jacobs captured the third spot with Australian Steven Lines and Dale Blaney rounding out the top five. NASCAR stars Dave Blaney and Kasey Kahne finished sixth and ninth respectively.

Dale Blaney, Conley, Roddy Bellebowen and Lines won the Sprint heats. Ed Lynch, Jr. picked up the B-Main.

“Jumpin” Jack Johnson of Duanesburg, NY competed against Lou Blaney many times throughout his storied career and the wily veteran dominated the Modified portion of the event held in honor of the Blaney Family patriarch, as he led the entire 30-lap distance to garner his first ever Sharon Speedway victory.

“Lou was a great friend and a fine competitor. I raced against him many times and he always “ran you clean”, stated the personable Johnson. “It is my honor to capture the Modified portion of the event being held in tribute to such a fine individual.”

Johnson and Dean Pearson led the Modified field to the green. Johnson was off and running while Pearson settled in to the second spot. Sharon Speedway regulars Brad Rapp, Tommy Kristyak, Kevin Hoffman and Jim Weller, Jr. battled behind Pearson.

A caution on lap 11 gave the Sharon Speedway regulars the opportunity to challenge John but the New York driver quickly pulled out in front and was never seriously challenged for the final 19 laps of the event.

Current Sharon Speedway Modified Points Leader Rob Curtis meticulously worked his way from the tenth starting spot to capture the runner-up position. Pearson, Jeremiah Shingledecker and Jim Weller, Jr. completed the top five.

Jeremy Paup, Johnson, Weller, Jr. and Kevin Hoffman won the Modified heats. Kevin Bolland won the B-Main.

For complete results and event information, log on to www.sharonspeedway.com.
source: Sharon Speedway