Mike Mahaney dominates season opener at Grandview Speedway
Apr. 7—Mike Mahaney was in command from start to finish in the season opener at Grandview Speedway on Saturday night.
The Elizabethtown, New York driver started on the pole and led every lap to score the win and the $7,500 prize in the Bruce Rogers Memorial Money Maker big-block and small-block modified combined event at the one-third mile dirt track located outside Bechtelsville in Washington Township.
"This is something I dreamed about as a kid, being able to come here and win a race," Mahaney said. "I love it here. It's an incredibly exciting place to watch and then to be competing is just another whole thing. It's a very special win for our team."
Driving his No. 35 big-block modified, Mahaney jumped to a big lead early in the feature and remained in control the rest of the way. Despite several cautions throughout the race, Mahaney was able to pull ahead on each restart and quickly regain his sizable lead.
"This car had traction," Mahaney said. "That's what we've been missing. It's the shocks, they just make the car hook up and go."
The victory was Mahaney's second career win at Grandview in 22 starts. NASCAR Truck Series driver Stewart Friesen finished second and Boyertown's Jeff Strunk took third.
"I'm just beyond words with how cool this is," Mahaney said. "To stand in that victory lane is something very special."
The 602 sportsman division was also in action, with Boyertown's Logan Watt — the defending track champion — earning the feature win. A total of 99 cars — 51 modifieds and 48 sportsman — entered the season-opening event.
Bruce Rogers Memorial Money Maker feature results (50 laps): 1. Mike Mahaney 2. Stewart Friesen 3. Jeff Strunk 4. Anthony Perrego 5. Duane Howard 6. Craig Von Dohren 7. Doug Manmiller 8. Billy Pauch Jr. 9. Mike Gular 10. Alex Yankowski 11. Danny Bouc 12. Ryan Watt 13. Tim Buckwalter 14. Eddie Strada III 15. Frank Cozze 16. Ryan Grim 17. Jimmy Leiby 18. Kyle Smith 19. Lex Shive 20. Michael Storms 21. Matt Stangle 22. Justin Grim 23. Joe Funk 24. Kevin Hirthler.
