Eldora Speedway has played an important part in their step towards fame.

Of the trio, Blaney carries the most impressive Eldora record. Long known among the racing fraternity as “The Buckeye Bullet”, second generation driver Dave Blaney has amassed 16 career wins at Eldora. Six of those have come within the WoO wars at Eldora, so he will be on familiar turf during the Kings Royal.

The Ohio native needs no introduction to the pomp and circumstance of the Kings Royal, as he has sat atop the throne and worn the crown twice (1993, 1995). His final Eldora victory lane appearance came in 1997 when he snatched the $100,000 Historical Big One paycheck.

Stewart’s pre-NASCAR prowess at Eldora came in non-winged action through the United States Auto Club (USAC). Under the USAC banner, Stewart, who also carries the title as owner of Eldora Speedway, captured a pair of feature wins during the 1995 Four Crown Nationals. Checkered flag runs were earned in the Sprint Car and Midget divisions that weekend.

Very little track time in winged Sprint Cars appeared on the two-time NASCAR Cup champion’s early resume. With a desire to perfect his driving style, Stewart has been donning the aerodynamic wing repeatedly over the past few years. He captured the NRA sanctioned Old Spice Sizzler a few years ago, and has three Prelude to the Dream wins behind the wheel of a dirt Late Model, so his desire to excel at Eldora has not waned.

Kahne, the youngest of the trio, went straight from the short tracks to NASCAR-land. With plenty of Eldora experience under his belt, he has a pair of wins to his credit. In 2000 he captured a USAC Midget win during the fall Four Crown Nationals and in 2003 he returned to the massive one-half mile clay oval to reign supreme over an All Star Circuit of Champions field.

All three tested the Eldora clay during the June 9 Prelude to the Dream, and are anxious to shift gears from full bodied to open wheel racing. They are prepared to race, knowing that the WoO and NRA gentry will show no mercy.

Each night will be a full show for both sanctioning bodies. Friday’s (July 16) event has been dubbed the Knight Before the Kings Royal, with full points for the WoO fraternity. In addition to the points to be earned by the NRA Sprint Invaders, they will be chasing for the Jimmy Johnston Memorial trophy.

Saturday’s (July 17) chase is highlighted by the annual run for the $50,000 Kings Royal paycheck and the aforementioned trip to the throne and wearing of the crown.

Complete event information is detailed on the track’s website www.eldoraspeedway.com

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