Written by Chris Moore
DELMAR, DE – Billy Pauch Jr. found glory with the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By Sunoco at Delaware International Speedway on Wednesday night for the first time since 2021.
The ‘Diamond State 50’ win – the seventh of Pauch Jr.’s STSS career – netted the Frenchtown, N.J., native a $5,200 payday and the points lead in the Rent Equip/Party Central South Region.
“We’ve really struggled so far this year. Last Saturday was one of the most depressing days of my life,” Pauch Jr. stated of his performance at his Saturday night home track New Egypt (N.J.) Speedway. “It feels really good to be back in (Bicknell Racing Products) Victory Lane.”
‘The Kid’s Kid’ fended off several challenges from one of the Northeast’s hottest drivers in Danny Bouc on numerous restarts to grab his first career STSS win at the half-mile oval on the Delaware-Maryland state line.
“Danny’s hot right now, it’s his time and it hasn’t been ours lately, but this one feels good,” Pauch Jr. smiled.
A caution-plagued 50-lap race saw Hellertown, Pa.’s Rick Laubach start on the pole with Pauch Jr. alongside following the Beyea Custom Headers Redraw.
Pauch Jr. quickly shot to the lead and brought East Greenbush, N.Y.’s David Schilling with him who took the runner-up spot.
Pipersville, Pa. native Danny Bouc wasted no time however, racing by Laubach and then by Schilling for the runner-up spot in the early going, with Schilling settling into a ferocious battle for the final podium spot with Potsdam, N.Y.’s Michael Maresca.
The numerous yellows played to the benefit of Savannah, N.Y.’s Matt Sheppard, as he rose from the eighth starting position into third in the opening 13 laps.
Sheppard’s luck would drastically change however on the 14th circuit, as ‘Super Matt’ glanced off the infield jersey barrier in turn two. The contact sent Sheppard spinning and causing minor front-end damage.
Sheppard’s No. 9s machine returned to race from the back.
More yellow flags throughout the mid portion of the race – including one that took out Maresca who entered as the South Region point leader – played into the hands of Covington Township, Pa.’s Alex Yankowski.
‘Kid Rocket’ had risen from the 14th starting position into the top five and eventually to third by lap 34.
Neshanic Station, N.J.’s Matt Stangle was on the move as well. After starting in 23rd, Stangle found a rhythm for the 50-lap feature and marched his way to fourth following a lap 34 restart.
Yankowski used a slide job to get by Bouc for second with less than 10 laps to go and set his sights on Pauch Jr. up front.
The final lap would be a one lap dash to the finish following the race’s last caution for a spinning Jimmy Horton on the home stretch.
Pauch Jr. would again hit his marks and drive off with the ‘Diamond State 50’ triumph.
“That was a lot of restarts. There’s only so many ways you can start a race before you just have to go for it,” Pauch Jr. explained.
Yankowski ended his drive from 14th in the runner-up spot.
“We haven’t won a Short Track Super Series race yet,” Yankowski stated following his runner-up. “That’s really bugging us, but I promise to everybody that’s pulling for us that we’ll get one sooner or later.”
Following a post-race disqualification of Bouc for being 10 pounds light at the scales, Matt Sheppard’s tumultuous day ended up with a podium finish.
“I almost called it quits for the night the front end was so messed up,” Sheppard explained after his run-in with the turn two wall. “The guys did the best they could, but it’s still pretty bent up, but we’ll take it after today.”
Schilling, after falling into the second half of the top-10, rallied late and recorded a fourth-place finish in the BDR Speed No. 20 and Boyertown, Pa.’s Ryan Watt, powered by a Wegner Automotive ‘Weekend Warrior’ Engine, rounded out the top five after starting 15th.
Finishing sixth through 10th, respectively, were Matt Stangle, who’s sixth-place run moves him to second in South Region points and earned him $250 as the BDR Speed Hard Charger; Rick Laubach, who raced back forward after fading in the early going to salvage a seventh-place run; Milford, Del.’s H.J. Bunting who avoided all of the mishaps throughout the race to come home eighth in the Blue Hen Racing No. 30; Milford, Del.’s Jordan Watson who started in 17th; and Langhorne, Pa.’s Danny Hieber who rebounded from an early flat tire to round out the top-10.
Twenty-nine STSS Modifieds signed in for competition in the ‘Diamond State 50.’
Heat winners, receiving $50 each courtesy of FloRacing, were Pauch Jr. Schilling, and Ryan Godown.
The consolation winner was H.J. Bunting.
Laurel, Del.’s Michael White was victorious in STSS competition for the first time in his career at his home track. White outgunned Matt Smith on the bottom side in the late stages to take the lead and the $1,500 victory.
Smith – who started on the pole – led for much of the 25-lap affair before White made his move as the field got the two-to-go sign. Smith got sideways entering turn three, allowing White to slide past on the inside.
Joe Toth, Michael’s son Adam, Scott Hitchens, and Jordn Justice rounded out the top five.
Craig Kelly led every lap of the 12-lap Delmarva Charger feature to take the win over Ashley Merritt and Tyler Hottle.
Jerry Hill won an exciting Delaware Super Truck 12-lap main for his third win of the season over David Smith and Zack Phillips.
Next up for the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series Fueled By Sunoco is a first ever visit to Brookfield Speedway in Brookfield, N.Y. for the ‘Fast Cars & Freedom’ event on Sunday, May 28. The STSS Crate 602 Sportsman race in Round No. 2 of the Precision Hydraulic & Oil North Region for 25-laps and a $1,500 payday. The Limited Sportsman, Pro Stocks, Four Cylinders, and Slingshots round out the program.
Racing resumes at Delaware International Speedway on Friday, June 30, as the USAC East Coast Sprint Cars join the Millman’s NAPA Modifieds, Blue Hen Dispose-All Crate 602 Sportsman, RUSH Late Models, Southern Delaware Vintage Stock Cars, Little Lincolns, Delaware Super Trucks, and Delmarva Chargers.
A new office phone number exclusively for the dirt track has been set up: 302.567.8294 and e-mail delawareinternationalspeedway@gmail.com.
A new-for-2023 website is live atwww.delawareinternationalspeedway.com.
Like “Delaware International Speedway” on Facebook to learn more.
Delaware International Speedway is located at 37854 Sussex Highway Delmar, DE 19940.
To learn more about the Short Track Super Series Fueled By Sunoco, visitwww.shorttracksuperseries.com, e-mailbdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com, check out ‘Short Track Super Series’ on Facebook or @ShortTrackSS on Twitter or Instagram.
The Short Track Super Series is presented by American Racer/Lias Tire, Sunoco Race Fuel, FloSports, Bob Hilbert Sportswear, Rent Equip/Party Central, BDR Speed, Bicknell Racing Products, Ollie’s, Penske Racing Shocks, Wegner Automotive, River Valley Builders, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, DIG Race Products, Velocita-USA, Franklin Products, Design for Vision & Sunglass Central, Belmont’s Garage, Quality Drywall, Precision Hydraulic & Oil, Prime MAC Tools, F.X. Caprara Car Companies, Algonkin Motel, Beyea Custom Headers, Dirt Track Digest, EIBACH, Electric Neon Custom Signs, Fastline Performance, Flach Performance Products, Henry’s Exhaust, Hig Fab, Schultz Racing Fuel Cells, Spyder Filters, Superior Remodeling, Teo-Pro Car, VAHLCO & Wilwood.
‘DIAMOND STATE 50’ RESULTS SUMMARY – DELAWARE INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2023
‘Diamond State 50’ Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series FueledBySunoco Rent Equip/Party Central South Region Round No. 2 Feature Finish (50 laps):BILLY PAUCH JR., Alex Yankowski, Matt Sheppard, David Schilling, Ryan Watt, Matt Stangle, Rick Laubach, HJ Bunting, Jordan Watson, Danny Hieber, Jimmy Horton, John Willman, Mike Gular, Joseph Watson, Mike Mahaney, James Hill, Carson Wright, Brandon Grosso, Ryan Krachun, Bobby Watkins, Ryan Riddle, Andy Bachetti, Michael Maresca, Ryan Godown, Austin Hubbard, Jeff Strunk.
Disqualified:Danny Bouc
Did Not Qualify:Drew Simmons, Tim Millman
Ad-Art Sign Company Spec Bonus ($250):None Registered
American Racer/Lias Tire Bonuses (FREE Tire Certificate):H.J. Bunting (eighth) & Joseph Watson (14th)
BDR Speed Hard Charger ($250):Matt Stangle (23rd to sixth)
BDR Speed Bonus ($50 Gift Card):Bobby Watkins (20th)
Behrent’s Performance Warehouse Bonuses ($50 Gift Cards):David Schilling (fourth) & Jordan Watson (ninth)
Beyea Custom Headers Redraw Bonus ($50):Brandon Grosso (Redrew 12th)
Bill Brown & Company Overall Heat-Race Hard Charger ($50):Jeff Strunk (sixth to third)
Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Halfway Leader Award ($200):Billy Pauch Jr.
Design for Vision/Sunglass Central Bonus (Oakley Sunglasses):Billy Pauch Jr. (winner)
EIBACH Springs Bonus ($100 Certificate):Matt Stangle (sixth)
FloRacing Heat Winners ($50):David Schilling, Ryan Godown, & Billy Pauch Jr.
Henry’s Exhaust Power Position ($50 Certificate):Jimmy Horton (11th)
Penske Racing Shocks Bonuses:Billy Pauch Jr. (first – $150 certificate); Alex Yankowski (second – $75 certificate); Matt Sheppard (third – $50 certificate); Danny Hieber (10th– $25 certificate)
Wilwood Brakes ‘Lucky 7’ Bonus ($100 Certificate):Rick Laubach (seventh)
Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series FueledBySunoco Crate 602 Sportsman Belmont’s Garage South Region Round No. 2 Feature Finish (25 laps):MICHAEL WHITE, Joe Toth, Adam White, Scott Hitchens, Jordn Justice, James Hill, Eric Kormann, Logan Watt, Matt Smith, Paulie Hartwig III, Thomas Sherby, Dylan Madsen, Brandon Watkins, Greg Reed, Rick Wegner Jr., Greg Humlhanz, David Miloszar, Tom Moore Jr., Kyle Smith, Dakota Kohler, Nick Van Wickle, Jason Musser, Brayden Benson, Sean Metz, Ryan Simmons, Dan Fleming, Richie Walls Jr.
Did Not Qualify:Robert Dutton, Aaron Headley, Tyler James, Jacob King, Jeff Marker, Chris Martinez, Ryan McKinney, Jarod Millman, Caleb Scott, John Stevenson, Zac Weller, TJ Williams, Justin Zook
Accurate Collision of Pompano Halfway Leader ($100):Matt Smith
American Racer/Lias Tire Bonus (FREE Tire Certificate):Logan Watt (eighth)
BDR Speed Bonus ($50 Gift Card):Dakota Kohler (20th)
Belmont’s Garage Hard Charger Award ($100):Scott Hitchens (14th to fourth)
Beyea Custom Headers Redraw Bonus ($25):Brandon Watkins (Redrew 12th)
Fastline Performance Bonuses ($100 Certificates):Joe Toth (second) & Dylan Madsen (12th)
Henry’s Exhaust Power Position ($50 Certificate):Thomas Sherby (11th)
Reigel Promotions Bonus ($25):Tom Moore Jr. (18th)
Delmarva Charger Feature Finish (12 laps):CRAIG KELLY, Ashley Merritt, Tyler Hottle, Randy Merritt, Michael Harmon Jr., Robbie Strain, Billy Cummings, Wyatt Cummings, Ron Falkner, Randy Gallaway, Garren Morris
Delaware Super Truck Feature Finish (12 laps):JERRY HILL, David Smith, Zack Phillips, Dale Elliott, Troy Hopkins, Ryan Efford, R.J. Robinson, Scott Trice, Dylan Todd, Andrew Nelson, Thomas Jackson, Michelle Jackson
FAQs
Return to Glory: Pauch Jr. Captures First Short Track Super Series Victory Since 2021? ›
Captures First Short Track Super Series Victory Since 2021. DELMAR, DE – Billy Pauch Jr. found glory with the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By Sunoco at Delaware International Speedway on Wednesday night for the first time since 2021.
Who owns short track super series? ›The Short Track Super Series is a Dirt Modified touring series that will be celebrating its 10th anniversary season in 2023. Brett Deyo -- who also promotes Fonda Speedway, Utica-Rome Speedway, Georgetown Speedway and now Delaware International Speedway -- is the owner and promoter of the Short Track Super Series.
What is STSS racing? ›The Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By Sunoco is a touring series for big-block/small-block Modifieds featuring many of the sport's most talented drivers.
What track did Tony Stewart buy? ›Eldora Speedway is a half-mile dirt racing facility located in western Ohio. The 'Big E' is owned by three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, Tony Stewart. The Indiana native purchased Eldora from legendary promotor Earl Baltes in 2004.
Does Tony Stewart own dirt tracks? ›In addition to TSR, Stewart also owns the legendary Eldora Speedway. The half-mile dirt oval is where Stewart frequently raced as an up-and-coming USAC driver and it hosts several of the year's biggest dirt racing events, which in 2013 included a first-ever stop by the NASCAR Truck Series.
What does IMS mean in racing? ›No doubt about it, the IndyCar/NASCAR doubleheader weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a big deal.
What does FS mean in racing? ›FS. The Field Strength (FS) figure measures the difference. between the quality of the field against which the horse raced last start and will confront in the forthcoming race.
What does DGR stand for in racing? ›CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF TRIUMPH AND THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN'S RIDE WITH THE LAUNCH OF A STUNNING NEW BONNEVILLE T120 BLACK DGR LIMITED EDITION.
How much horsepower does a 410 sprint car have? ›You can see the car come together in our 410 Sprint Car Build series on The Toolbox. This engine wasn't produced for looks—it was produced to win. The dyno did not lie. Our 410 Sprint Car engine produced 949.9 horsepower at 7,200 rpm and 729.8 lb-ft of torque at 5,700 rpm.
Who bought Stewart Racing? ›STEWART RACING F1™
At the end of 1999, Ford bought the team outright and it was renamed Jaguar Racing.
How fast do late models go at Eldora mph? ›
| Track | Car | Time / MPH |
|---|---|---|
| Eldora Speedway | Dirt Late Model - Pro | 16.072 sec 111.996 mph |
| Eldora Speedway | Dirt Late Model - Super | 15.063 sec 119.498 mph |
| Eldora Speedway | Dirt Legends Ford '34 Coupe | 19.502 sec 92.298 mph |
| Eldora Speedway | Dirt Sprint Car - 360 | 14.222 sec 126.564 mph |
Kyle Bronson takes on dirt track ownership Golden Isles Speedway is a 4/10-mile dirt track located in Waynesville, Georgia near Brunswick. The track traditionally hosts the season opening race for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Hear from Kyle Bronson below. The track was built by S.O.
Does Michael Jordan own a race track? ›23XI Racing (pronounced twenty-three eleven) is an American professional auto racing organization that competes in the NASCAR Cup Series. It is owned and operated by Hall of Fame basketball player Michael Jordan, with current Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin as a minority partner.
Is Eldora Speedway going to asphalt? ›Eldora Speedway saying farewell to DIRT after 2021 season! From Tony Stewart “it's time for change. I feel converting to asphalt will bring more revenue with being able to host more NASCAR events.”
What does DRM mean in racing? ›Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft (translated as German Racing Championship) or simply DRM as it was known, was a touring car and Sportscar racing series. It is regarded as a predecessor of the current DTM as Germany's top national series.
What does FTD mean in racing? ›FTD: Fastest Time of the Day.
What does TC mean in racing? ›Touring car racing is a motorsport road racing competition with heavily modified road-going cars.
What does J mean in horse racing? ›J - joint favourite of 2. N/R - non-runner. 1 or 2 beside trainer name - confirms horse is having its first or second race for that trainer.
What does TF mean in horse racing? ›Top Fluc (TF)
Wagers placed at Top Fluc are guaranteed to be paid out on the top State Official Price fluctuation.
"bg" means "breezing from the gate". "h" means "handily". Track Conditions. Turf Conditions: HD - Hard - Surface is hard and horses do not have normal cushion of the course; frequently follows periods of drought and high temperatures.
What does C and D mean in horse racing? ›
CD = Course & Distance.
What Nascar team is switching to Toyota? ›Organisation to become third team supplied by Japanese marque in stock car racing series. Legacy Motor Club have announced they will switch manufacturers from Chevrolet to Toyota ahead of the 2024 Nascar Cup Series season.
What does CCS mean in racing? ›The Championship Cup Series (CCS) is an American motorcycle racing sanctioning body.
What racing series does Tony Stewart own? ›Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), officially known as the Camping World SRX Series, is an American stock car racing series founded by Tony Stewart, Ray Evernham, Sandy Montag and George Pyne.
What track does Kenny Schrader own? ›Ken Schrader is co-owner/promoter of I-55 Raceway with Ray Marler.
What racetrack does Dylan Scott own? ›For 29-year-old track operator Dylan Scott, promoting a dirt track falls within his wheelhouse. The popular country music singer/songwriter operates Dirt On The Rev, a 3/8-mile oval in Monroe, La., not far from his hometown of Bastrop.
What racetracks does SMI own? ›Speedway Motorsports' subsidiary companies own and operate the following premier facilities: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, ...
Who will be driving for Stewart Haas in 2023? ›Ryan Preece returns to the Cup Series full-time in 2023 as the new driver of Stewart-Haas' No. 41, replacing Cole Custer, who has been moved down to the Xfinity Series.
Does Tony Stewart own a NHRA race team? ›Motorsports legend Tony Stewart made a big splash in the NHRA waters last year with the creation of a two-car race team in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series with his wife, Top Fuel driver Leah Pruett, and three-time Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan.
Is Tony Stewart coming back to NASCAR? ›He is set to return for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28. Next year, Fox is set to go back to using three full-time announcers, as they did in 2021 before Jeff Gordon left to focus on his then-new role as Vice Chairman at Hendrick Motorsports.
Who owns Bunker Hill Dragstrip? ›
HOUSE SPRINGS, Missouri — Bunker Hill Dragstrip track owners Terry and Cori McMillen promised to support grassroots, Sportsman racing when they purchased the historic Indiana track in July.
Who owns Black Hills Speedway? ›Jim Shaw, Black Hills Speedway owner.
Who owns Clark race track? ›Levy Laus, president and CEO of Clark Development Corp.
Does Toby Keith own racehorses? ›Keith owns Dream Walkin' Farms, an Oklahoma-based Thoroughbred breeding and racing operation.
Who owns Poconos Raceway? ›Joseph (Doc) Mattioli, founder and owner of Pocono Raceway, not only left a legacy in motorsports, but also in philanthropy.
Who bought Hazel Park Raceway? ›Construction began on the 5/8-mile track, but it was halted because of financial troubles with the project. A successful area businessman, Richard Connell, with a love for horse racing purchased the property from the defunct auto racing enterprise.
Why did NASCAR pull out of Kentucky Speedway? ›In the end, Kentucky Speedway ultimately succumbed to its inability to bring in enough revenue for its parent company. “This was something, while difficult, it is the right business decision,” Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith said Wednesday in an interview with Fox Sports' Bob Pockrass.
Who bought Ozark Raceway Park? ›Congratulations to new Ozark Raceway Park owners Kevin Jewer and Katie Lotsberg (former owners of Marion County Raceway) on your first event at Ozark this weekend!
Who bought Rocky Mountain Raceway? ›In 1995, the Young Automotive Group purchased Bonneville and completely remodeled the facility. In 1997, the race track opened as Rocky Mountain Raceways. In addition to three tracks, Rocky Mountain Raceways includes a convention center, concessions area, VIP Tower and several hospitality areas.