Adam Steigerwalt scores first street stock victory; Tyler Wagner wins ECTQM thriller

COLUMN BY: Genevive Yamelski – MAHONING VALLEY SPEEDWAY – LEHIGHTON, PA  – Starting from the pole position, Adam Steigerwalt quickly settled into a rhythm and proved to be the class of the field. Despite several drivers battling behind him for position, Steigerwalt remained firmly in control and never surrendered the lead throughout the 30-lap feature.

When the checkered flag flew, Steigerwalt secured his first career Street Stock victory at Mahoning Valley Speedway ahead of Frankie Althouse and Brandon Christman. Jill Snyder and Josh Kuronya completed the top five.

Jeremy Henry appeared to be on his way to victory after leading the opening nine laps of the Hobby Stock feature while holding off challenges from both Ryan Berger and Shayne Geist.

The battle at the front intensified as the three drivers raced closely together before a caution slowed the field. On the ensuing restart, Henry drifted high on the backstretch, opening the door for Geist to make the winning move and take over the top spot.

Once out front, Geist remained in command through the closing laps to secure the feature victory. Nick Schaeffer crossed the line second with James Tout finishing third. Jared Frye and Jeremy Henry completed the top five.

Nick Baer found himself out front from the drop of the green flag and never looked back in the 602 Modified feature. Starting from the pole, Baer quickly established a comfortable advantage while the battle behind him continued throughout the field.

Despite several drivers attempting to close the gap, Baer remained smooth and consistent over the course of the race to secure another victory at Mahoning Valley Speedway.

Cody Boehm finished second with Max Pfeifer taking third. Makayla Kohler crossed the line fourth while Jake Kerstetter rounded out the top five.

The Pro 4 feature was shaping up to be one of the night’s most competitive races before controversy changed the outcome. Rob Derfler led the early laps with Ron Pierson Jr. and Bob Kibler running close behind. Trouble broke out exiting turn two when the leaders got sideways battling for position, bringing out a caution. During the yellow flag period, Derfler intentionally made contact with Pierson’s machine, resulting in an immediate disqualification from officials.

The drama continued as Kibler made repairs in the pit area and returned to the track before the restart, only to later be disqualified after officials learned of an altercation involving members of his crew.

With the field shuffled, Pierson inherited the lead and remained in control through the closing laps to claim the victory. Kadie Pursell finished second while Rich Pursell completed the podium. Tyler Stangle crossed the line fourth. Bobby Kibler Jr. and Mark Fister were both unable to start the feature after suffering damage in their heat race.

Jasper Ziegafuse worked his way through the field and Kyle Herve remained among the front runners, Wagner methodically positioned himself near the front before taking control of the race on lap four.

Once in clean air, Wagner steadily pulled away from the competition and was never seriously challenged the rest of the way. When the checkered flag flew, Wagner collected the feature victory over Herve and Ziegafuse. Mark Janisch and Lexi Przybylinski rounded out the top five finishers.

The Classic East Coast TQ Midget feature saw the front of the field change hands several times before Bill Fischer emerged victorious. Brady Routzahn took over the lead on the opening lap after starting alongside pole sitter Mallory Kutz. Fischer, who rolled off fourth, quickly joined the battle and worked his way into second before setting his sights on the leader.

The decisive pass came on lap six when Fischer moved to the front and took command of the race. From there, he maintained the advantage through the remaining laps to score the feature win.

Routzahn finished second with Mike Corigliano crossing the line third. Kutz finished fourth, while Brian Dobbins was unable to start the event.