Over his storied career as a car owner, Lakewood resident Dick Barney has fielded cars for many of the nation’s top race car drivers and has enjoyed many prestigious victories. Still, the regular distance 40-lap Modified main event at Wall Stadium, Wall Township, on Sept. 22 is sure to hold a special place in Barney’s heart as cars he fielded swept the top three finishing positions.
Veteran Ken Woolley Jr. of Howell took the victory, followed by young teammates Eric Mauriello of Howell and Brick Township’s Shawna Ingraham.
The eventual top three were in contention for most of the race, while Chas Okerson of Freehold led and was chased by defending champion Anthony Sesely of Matawan. When Okerson spun in the final turn on the final lap, Sesely was sent to the rear of the field as the officials felt he contributed to the miscue. This allowed Woolley to fight off Mauriello and Ingraham to the finish.
Frank Boardwick of Union Beach and Okerson wrapped up the top five.
“What you see here is a lot of work,” Woolley said in the winner’s circle, referring to the top three cars. “This is all put together by Dick and Robert Barney and their sponsors and crew. It is a pleasure to drive for such a legend in this sport.
“As for Eric and Shawna, they are the future of this sport. They are both very talented and you will hear from them for a long time. I am sure they will agree this is all dedicated to the late Don Ling,” Woolley said.
Mauriello had a night to remember as he won the companion 30-lapper for the Sportsman cars. After starting 11th, Mauriello advanced to the lead by lap 10 and was never headed. Mauriello’s point race rival Andrew Krause of Holmdel was second, while Manasquan’s Kenny Van Wickle, and brothers Trevor Alspach and Zack Alspach, both of Willingboro, completed the top five.
Brick Township’s Ronnie Mullen continues to try his best to catch point leader Scott Riggleman of Manchester as he won his fifth main event of the season. Riggleman is also at the top of his game, however, as he finished second. Brick Township’s Joe Mongeau was third, while Marty Van Druten of Toms River, and Union’s Joey Helberg were fourth and fifth, respectively.
Defending INEX Legend Cars champ Derek Hopkinson of Toms River aced his ninth main event of the year in the night’s 25-lapper. Howell’s Robert French, Trevor Alspach, South Amboy’s Rob Hyer and Zack Alspach were second through fifth.
Dan Birdsall of Wall Township won the rain-shortened main event for the 4 Cylinder cars. With a downpour arriving on lap 25, Mike Wohl, Mike Bilello, Steve Rossics and Jay Conrad chased Birdsall across the finish line.
The Ladies Race was postponed by rain. Wall Stadium’s Saturday night stock car racing season will conclude on Sept. 29 and all driving champions will be crowned as Hamer Heating and Cooling will sponsor the “Battle on the High Banks.”
The event will see the Modifieds, Sportsman cars, Street Stocks, Factory Stocks, 4 Cylinder cars and the Legend Cars all race for double points. Race night purses will also be extra rewarding thanks to sponsor Hamer Heating and Cooling.
Pit gates will open at 2 p.m.; with practice starting at 3:30 p.m. Grandstands will open at 5 p.m. and the first qualifying event takes the green flag at 6 p.m. Main events are scheduled for 7 p.m.