Andy Priest Racing

Hagerstown's Octoberfest completes Andy's 2006 season

2006-11-01T12:26:00.000-05:00

For the second straight year, Andy made the tow to compete at Hagerstown Speedway in Maryland for their season-ending Octoberfest 350 on Saturday and Sunday, October 28 & 29. While Andy qualified for both the Sprint & Big-Block features last year, he'd only be in action in his #21N Sprint Car.

Heavy rains fell at the speedway from late Friday through early Saturday morning leaving the infield a lake and parts of the speedway underwater. After pumping out the water and getting the track run in, racing was delayed more than two hours.

Andy drew a 45 pill, which placed him 8th in the second of three 10-lap heat races. Just 26 Sprint Cars were on hand with the threatening weather and all would qualify for Sunday's feature.

The Sprints were up first and the tracks was obviously heavy, which was a disadvantage to Andy especially starting last in a stacked heat race. Andy finished in the 9th position in a race won by Alan Cole.

Hagerstown's line-ups are straight-up throughout the entire field. Andy would start 26th in the 50-lap $10,000 to-win feature on Sunday. Sunday dawned sunny and warmer. The Sprint Cars were last and after 100 laps of 358 Mods, Late Models, and Big-Block Mods there was nothing left of the track.

Andy was able to pass a few cars in the early stages of the race including Eric Keck, Joey Hershey, Richie Fitz, and Jessica Zemken. A couple timely cautions kept Andy on the lead lap. Andy was hoping to get to the 25-lap fuel stop on the lead lap, but that didn't happen after a long green flag run that saw Andy and Bobby Howard get lapped a few laps shy of the fuel stop.

Andy chased Howard over the second-half of the event and maintained his position, which was 6th in the running order holding off many of the central Pa's top runners for a long period of time. It wasn't until he popped a wheelie coming off turn four did he lose ground.

Though the finishing order showed Andy in 16th one lap down at the finish, he felt much better than last year's 14th place effort. Andy looked much faster and confident following this year's event.

Octoberfest brought down the curtain on Andy's 2006 season. Andy is hoping to compete in some of the early 2007 central Pa. Sprint Car races before the start of racing here at home.

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Another strong run ends sour in 358 Mod debut at Lernerville 9/16/06

2006-09-21T14:18:00.000-04:00

The 358 Modifieds made their first ever visit to Lernerville Speedway for their season finale on Saturday, September 16. A big field of 35 cars turned out and were joined by the Stocks, Mod Lites, & School Bus. Andy was on hand in the Emig #1.

A 13-pill lined Andy up 3rd in the 3rd and final heat, which boasted 12 cars. Andy passed pole-sitter Brian May at the start and chased Jimmy Holden, while holing off Brad Rapp to finish second, which solidly put Andy in the top 12 redraw.

Lernerville does their own redraw, which resulted in an 8 for the 25-lap $800 to-win feature. Problems for Rodney Beltz moved Andy up and he was able to pass Bill Krause for 6th. Andy worked his way past Brian Fink to crack the top 5 and then inherited 4th when Brad Rapp slowed late in the race. Andy began to challenge Dave Murdick for 3rd when the engine let go with about 5 to go and ended the night and the season for the 358 car. Jeremiah Shingledecker went on to win over Frank Guidace and Murdick.

It was a sour end to a disappointing season as once again engine woes kept Andy from victory lane all season long.

A pair of 11ths at Mercer on 9/10/06

2006-09-21T14:10:00.000-04:00

Mercer Raceway Park's 18th annual "Western PA Sprint Championship" went from a one-day show into a two-day show. Rain showers late in the afternoon on Saturday delayed the start nearly two hours and after the completion of the heat races, the fog set in just when Andy was on the track for the B main postponing the show until Sunday at 6 PM.

For just the second time of this season, Andy was doing double-duty at Mercer as he had his #21N Sprint Car and the Emig #1 358 Modified. A field of 33 Sprints and 28 Mods were on hand.

A poor pill draw in the Sprints forced Andy to start 9th in the 2nd heat. Andy would need to finish in the top 4 to make the redraw and the top 6 to make the feature. Andy struggled with his car and was only able to pass Riki Likowski and Leonard Ripper, Jr., while losing a spot to Andy McKisson.

The Modified scenario wasn't any better as Andy drew the next to worst pill and was forced to start 9th in the 2nd heat just like the Sprints. Bring in a weaker heat helped as Andy worked his way into 4th spot at the finish.

Andy was one of the Sprints that was being pushed off when the fog settled in and suggested that the Sprints run laps to try to lift it. After several laps, it came to the conclusion that it wasn't going to work and the cars were sent off the remainder of the event would be finished on Sunday.

The Sprint B main led things off. Four of the scheduled starters did not return and Pup Nystrom was an addition on Sunday meaning 10 cars would start the 10-lap event with the top 7 transfering to the feature as New Yorker Chris Shuttleworth, who qualified for the feature also didn't return. Andy started 5th and was able to pass Paul Kapuchuck, Paul Kish, and Joe Butera to finish 2nd about a half-lap past Andy McKisson, who left the field.

The Sprint feature would be 30 laps for $3,000 to-win. Andy had a tough road to hoe starting 18th in the strongest local field of the season. Andy wound up 11th one lap down in Mercer's final Sprint Car show of the season, which was won by Brian Ellenberger. Despite missing 9 shows, Andy still managed to finish 15th in the season's final points.

Andy pulled an 8 on Saturday meaning he'd start 8th in the 20-lap 358 Mod feature. Andy struggled with the motor laying down as it has all season long and came home a disappointing 11th in an event won by Kevin Hoffman. Andy finished the season 24th in the 358 points despite missing 11 events.

Andy will be in action next Saturday as the 358 Modifieds make their first ever appearance at Lernerville Speedway with Mercer being dark.

3rd in Wingless Sprint & 7th in 358 Mod at Mercer on 8/26/06

2006-09-01T10:51:00.000-04:00

For the first time this season Andy did double-duty at Mercer as he brought his #21N Sprint Car to compete wingless and drove the Emig #1 358 Modified. There were 21 sprint cars and 33 mods on hand to run the 55th anniversary event.

Andy made his first Mercer sprint start since May 6th and lined up 6th in the first of two 8-lap heat races. Tonight a pill draw would be used to determine the first 12 starting spots so Andy needed to at least mainatin his starting position. Andy was able to pass Gale Ruth, Jr. and Ralph Spithaler, Jr. to finish 4th in an event won by point leader Bob Felmlee.

Andy redrew #10 so he lined up 10th in the 25-lap feature that started 20 of the 21 cars. Andy Priest came on at the end getting past wingless veteran Johnny Heydenreich for fourth on lap 21 and Charlie Holben for third down the backstretch on the final lap. Andy quickly ran down Rob Eyler, but ran out of time and settled for a strong third behind winner Mat Neely from Illinois.

Another poor pill draw relegated Andy to an 8th starting spot in the second of three heats for the mods. Andy needed to finish 6th to make the feature and 4th to make the redraw for the first 12 starting spots. Andy was able to pass Jr. Baker, Kyle Ripper, and Travis Shingledecker, but ran out of time to make the top 4 cut in a power-packed heat that also included both Jeff & Jerry Schaffer, Lonny Riggs, Brad Rapp, Matt Baker, and Steve Barr.

Tonight's modified feature was 30 laps as it was the Bill Emig Memorial. Andy paced the field while Bill Beck did a tribute to Bill. Andy started 14th and quickly worked his into the top 10, but on lap 3 Frank Guidace got sideways and ensued a 10-car melee. Andy and most of the cars would continue, but had to restart on the tail. Andy slowly picked off cars in the season's strong field of cars with the exception of the July 4th T3 race. Andy passed Gary Smoker for 6th on the next to last lap, but Smoker snuck back under on the last lap as Andy's car was still down on power and had to settle for a disappointing 7th. The $2,000 race was won by Brad Rapp for his biggest career win.

Mercer is off this weekend so Andy will be competing with his Sprint Car at Lernerville on Friday in the $3,000 to-win Sonia Bullis Memorial then if all goes right he'll make his first start at Sharon in the All Star event.

Wild night sees Andy record 2nd & 3rd at Tri-City on 8/20/06

2006-08-25T08:48:00.000-04:00

For the first time since July 9 Andy was in action in both his Sprint Car and Modified at Tri-City on Sunday night.

A field of 22 Big-Block Modifieds were on hand and the 8-pill allowed Andy to start on the outside pole alongside Dave Murdick in the first of two 8-lap 11-car heats. Andy raced side-by-side Murdick down the frontstretch and into turn one when the car slowed and shut off coming off turn two. It was later found that the problem was in the MSD.

The crew got the car running although Andy would have to start 21st. Andy was quick from the get-go passing cars on the outside every lap. His big moves were laps six and seven when he progressed from 14th to 11th and 11th to 8th respectively. Then on lap 12 Andy advanced from 8th to crack the top 5. Andy ran down Chanda Reitz and made the pass for 4th on lap 17 then one lap later drove around Murdick for third. Andy quickly ran down Russell King, while eventual winner Jeremiah Shingledecker was long gone. Andy & Russell battled hard over the last two laps for second with Russell taking Andy's high line way. After the race the two banged each other which carried over into the pit area.

After selecting the wrong tire and stagger in the Sprint Car heat race, which relegated Andy to a distant sixth place finish, the 12-invert fell into Andy's hand aligning him on the outside pole of the 20-lap feature. Andy quickly dashed by pole-sitter Brent Matus on the start and was long gone. Todd Bauer moved past Matus for second on lap 2 and chased Andy for the duration of the event. At one point, Andy had a one-half lap lead over Bob Felmlee; however, Bob got the inside working passing Jody Keegan and Andy McKisson for 3rd on lap 12. Felmlee ran down Bauer and Andy who were struggling in lapped traffic. On lap 15, Felmlee passed Bauer in turns one and two for second then got under Andy and past him off turn four in traffic. Felmlee quickly pulled away and won by 4.452 seconds over Andy, who held off Bauer matching a career best second in a Sprint Car. Andy felt he would have had a shot had his engine not stumbled the second-half of the race.

Near miss win sees Andy finish 3rd in 358 Mod at Mercer 8/18/06

2006-08-25T08:30:00.000-04:00

Mercer Raceway Park was in action on Friday night with Raceway 7 not running. Andy was behind the wheel of the Emig #1 358 Modified.

A field of 28 cars were on hand meaning three 8-lap heat races. A poor 50-pill put Andy in the back of his heat race, but he wasted little time charging to the front and winning his first heat race in the car this season.

Andy had the fourth lowest average so he started fourth in the 20-lap fetaure. Once again wasting no time, Andy shot into the lead at the completion of the first lap. Andy battled with pole-sitter Lonny Riggs on the second lap, but Andy was able to hold on. Point leader Steve Young made his way to second on lap 6 and stayed with Andy. On lap 17, Andy got in heavy lapped traffic and Young was right on Andy, but a caution slowed action.

On the restart, Frank Guidace drove past Kevin Hoffman and Young on the outside into second and the 17th lap was completed before another caution was displayed. On the ensuing restart, Andy took off and took the outside lane from Guidace in turns one and two; however, that opened up the inside and Hoffman went from 3rd into the lead. Guidace then got under Andy off turn four for 2nd. Hoffman went on for his 2nd win over Guidace, while Andy matched his season-best 358 in 3rd.

Andy will be geared up for this Saturday's big 30-lap Bill Emig Memorial paying $2,000 to-win on the 55th Anniversary night.

Andy holds on to top 5 at Tri-City on 8/13/06

2006-08-17T13:23:00.000-04:00

Andy was in action at Tri-City Speedway on Sunday night in Ted Hull's #41 Big-Block Modified. A field of 21 cars were on hand meaning two 8-lap heat races were run. For the second straight week, Andy would up with his car number for a pill draw, 41. This meant he'd line up 10th in the first heat race.

Andy needed to get to at least 6th to be eligible for the invert. Andy made some great moves passing four cars to be in 6th by the completion of the first lap. For the next three laps be battled with Chris Schiffer before getting by for 5th on lap 5 then the following lap drove by Dean Pearson for 4th. Andy closed on Del Rougeux, Jr. making the pass to finish 3rd behind winner Kevin Bolland and runner-up Rex King.

The pass would prove very important as a fan drew #6 meaning Andy would line up on the outside pole for the 20-lap feature rather than 7th had he not made the pass. For the first time this season, the Modifieds were not first or second as the E-Mods were put into the rotation running first. That combined with sunshine and low dewpoints left very little moisture for the feature despite the fact that the track was watered after the heat races.

Andy has been fast all year in heat races winning 5 of them and charging from the back of many other races. He's been fast in the features when there's been moisture in the track and top side of the track to run, but when the track has been slick Andy's struggled on the bottom and getting off the turns.

The 20-lap feature saw Andy line-up beside Modified rookie Jason Reagle. With no outside groove to get a bite, Andy struggled getting around Reagle. In the meantime, Rex King snuck under both off turn 2 for the lead. Andy did get past Reagle and followed King. Kevin Bolland got under Andy for second on lap 2 and then Joe Crawford grabbed 3rd on lap 5. Following a restart with 13 laps completed, Andy made a nice move to get under Crawford to take back 3rd, but Crawford regained the spot on lap 15 and then Del Rougeux, Jr. took 4th on lap 16.

Andy would hold off Travis Shingledecker to finish 5th for his 5th top 5 of the season. King went on to win the race. Andy now trails point leader Kevin Bolland by 146 points and runner-up King by 79 with two events remaining.

Despite missing another event, Andy still holds on to 10th in the Sprint Car points and is expected to make his return to racing for the first time since the NST show on July 16.

Andy fights for 7th against DIRT stars at Tri-City on 8/6/06

2006-08-10T13:39:00.000-04:00

Andy was in action on Sunday night at Tri-City Speedway driving Ted Hull's #41 Big-Block Modified. It was the final event of the 8-race Lernerville/Tri-City Challenge Series. What was initially scheduled to be a25-lap feature paying $1,500 to-win was increased to 30 laps for $2,000 to-win in order to entice some of the DIRT stars coming home from Eldora to stop off before heading to Merrittville on Monday.

A good field of 31 cars were on hand including 7 of the DIRT stars. A poor pill draw placed Andy 8th in the first heat race although it was heat race less any of the DIRT cars. Andy needed to finish in the top 6 to qualify for the feature and top 4 to be eligible for the pill draw. Andy passed the 8s of Chanda Reitz and Keith Swartzlander on the first lap for 6th, then got Jason Reagle for 5th on lap 2, and finally Mike Turner for 4th on the third lap. Andy was able to hold off Swartzlander to finish 4th and qualify for the pill draw.

Andy redraw the #8 pill meaning he'd start 8th in the 30-lap feature. Andy got a bad start resulting in him dropping back to 10th on the first lap and then dropped all the way back to 12th on lap 2. The rest of the race saw Andy slowly fight his way back into contention. He made it all the way up to 7th on lap 9 before another bad restart relegated him back to 11th on lap 15. He crept back into the top 10 picking off cars. Andy would battle with Russell King for most of the second-half of the race trading the spot back and forth before getting by on the last lap to finish 7th in a race won by Danny Johnson after Brett Hearn suffered a flat tire on lap 27.

Andy remained 3rd in points 134 behind point leader Kevin Bolland and 60 behind runner-up Rex King. Despite missing another night with his Sprint Car, Andy is still holding on in the top 10 currently 9th.

Oil fire ends Mercer 358 run on 8/4/06

2006-08-10T13:31:00.000-04:00

Andy was back in action driving the Emig Racing #1 358 Modified for the Friday night a program. A field of 30 cars were on hand making for 3 10-lap heat races.

Andy started 6th in the first heat races as 6 cars qualified for the feature and the top 4 made the handicap system. Andy worked his way to 2nd finishing behind co-point leader Kevin Hoffman.

Andy had the 7th lowest average meaning he would start 7th in the 20-lap feature. Andy moved forward at the beginning of the race finishing himself in 3rd, but again the motor was down on power coming off the turns as he dropped out of the top 5. On lap 16, Andy's car erupted in flames due to an oil fire which ended his night. Gary Smoker went on to win his 4th feature.

Andy was credited for 17th suffering his fourth DNF in five starts.

Late spin costs Andy top 10 at Tri-City on 7/30/06

2006-08-04T10:02:00.000-04:00

Other than a brief shower, the scattered thunderstorms missed Tri-City Speedway despite a flood watch for Venango County and the races were completed. Andy was just driving the Ted Hull #41 Big-Block Modified.

Another poor pill draw placed Andy 9th out of 9 cars in the second heat race as 19 cars were on hand. Andy was in a strong heat race and needed to get at least 6 to be eligible for the feature invert. Andy was able to pass Skip Moore, Chanda Reitz, Jeremy Paup, and eventually Del Rougeux, Jr. to finish 5th.

Hoping for an invert 10 or 12, the 4 pill was drawn meaning Andy would start 10th in the 20-lap feature. Andy passed Travis Shingledecker on the opening lap for 9th and spent the next 11 battling with with Del Rougeux, Jr., Dave Schrader, and Chris Schiffer. Finally on lap 13, Andy made a nice move to overtake both Schrader and Schiffer for 7th. Andy continued to hound Rougeux for the next 5 laps unable to find a way by as everyone was running the top of the speedway.

The event's only caution waved with 18 laps completed. On the ensuing restart, Andy went low and tried to get underneath Rougeux, but the car locked up and spun out. After restarting on the tail, Andy was only able to pass Rex King, Jr. to finish a disappointing 14th.

Andy remained in 3rd in points, but now trails Kevin Bolland by 126 points and Rex King by 50. Despite missing the last two races, Andy is still 6th in the Sprint Car points.

Andy will be in action Sunday in the special 30-lap Lernerville/Tri-City Challenge event that will feature DIRT starts for $2,000 to-win.

Another quick end to 358s at Mercer on 7/29/06

2006-08-04T09:53:00.000-04:00

Andy was back in action in the Emig Racing #1 at Mercer Raceway Park on July 29. It was Fan Appreciation Night and a big crowd was on hand along with 28 358 Mods.

A poor pill draw lined Andy up 8th out of 9 cars in the second of three heat races. After getting blocked in the first few laps, Andy worked his way into the important top 4 and would eventually finish 3rd behind winner Brad Rapp and Ron Eperthener, Jr.

After an hour intermission for autographs on the speedway, the Stock Cars went out first followed by the Sprints and then the Mods.

The top 12 drivers from the heats were inverted and Andy had the sixth lowest average meaning he would start 6th in the 24-car 20-lap feature. It was a quick end to the night as going into turn one on the opening lap, Andy got bottled up behind Steve Barr and suffered front end damage ending his night in a hurry where he was credited with 24th.

Andy will be in action this Friday night at Mercer.

Just a 4th place to show after being the fastest Mod at Tri-City on 7/23/06

2006-07-27T09:04:00.000-04:00

Andy was in action on Sunday night at Tri-City Speedway in just Ted Hull's #41 Big-Block Modified and not his #21N Sprint Car.

A field of 26 Mods were on hand for the "Kodiak" Graham Memorial Lernerville/Tri-City Challenge event. A poor pill draw lined Andy up sixth in the second of three heat races. Tonight a pill draw rather than the standard invert would be used so Andy needed to get into the top four to have a chance at the redraw. The non-stop heat saw Andy get past Todd Schiffer on the start. Though he closed on Dave Schrader every lap, he was unable to make the pass and had to settle for 5th.

Ted ran home and got the carburetor off the #1 358 car and made it back to the track and the crew made the switch. Andy lined up 14th in the 25-lap feature. Coming off turn four on the opening lap, Rexy King spun and collected eight cars. Andy had nowhere to go and slammed into Lenny Leiboild, Jr. Luckily no damage was sustained and Andy would restart on the tail, which now turned out to be 17th, with one lap completed.

Andy charged through the field running the outside. He passed Rex King for fourth and then inherited third on lap 24 when Del Rougeux, Jr. slipped off the track in turn two battling Kevin Bolland for the lead. On the single file restart, Andy made a move to the inside getting under and ahead of Jeremiah Shingledecker, but there wasn't enough bite off turn two as both Shingledecker and King had more momentum get back by.

Andy settled for 4th, while Bolland scored the $1,500 win. Andy is currently third in points now 9 behind King. Despite not racing, Andy still remained 4th in the Sprint Car points.

Tough night ends on the hook at Tri-City NST Sprint race on 7/16/06

2006-07-21T13:43:00.000-04:00

Andy just couldn't catch a break at Tri-City Speedway on Sunday night in the debut of the National Sprint Tour (NST). Just 29 cars checked in for the $10,000 to-win 30-lap feature, which included 11 NST cars, 2 central Pa. cars, and 16 locals.

After problems on his first qualifying effort, Ed Lynch, Jr. went out and timed last and knocked Andy out of the top 18 invert. Andy's best lap of 18.093 just missed the top 18 cutoff of rookie Scott Rodger's lap by only .083 seconds. From there the night went downhill.

Rather than starting on the pole of the third heat, which was the weakest of the three, Andy lined-up seventh in the first heat, which was stacked. Then the track crew went out and totally redid the track discing and re-watering. Any advantage now was out the window as the bigger motor teams out-classed Andy. Jody Keegan and Brent Covell both were able to pass Andy on the start as he lost precious track position. Andy was able to close back in on the pack, but was unable to pass any cars finishing 9th in a race he needed to finish in the top 6 to qualify for the feature.

Andy then learned that the possible provisional starting spot he was up for was not going to be a possibility. NST only had one night this year when they used one and that's the only time the track is permitted to get one. All of the NST cars would qualify for the feature.

Andy would have to race his way in through the B main. The top 6 cars in the 11-car field would transfer to the feature. Andy lined-up 4th and made a great move down the frontstretch into turn one to pass both Rodgers and Riki Likowski for 2nd and was on leader Keegan; however, Rodgers made contact with another car in turn one and was unable to keep going. The lap was not counted. NST rules move the cars straight-up rather than criss-crossing the line-up. This meant not only did Andy not keep the spots he advanced, but he still started 4th and now had NST racer Kerry Madsen beside him.

On the ensuing restart, Madsen moved up and Andy got bunched in behind Likowski. After he got off the gas, Daryl Stimeling had nowhere to go and drove over Andy. Though Andy managed to not flip, the damage was significant including the front axle, rear end, bird cage, two wings, and the tail tank. The 30-lap feature was eventually won by Steve Kinser. Andy was a DNQ for the first time this year.

Andy will be in action Saturday night at Tri-City Sunday night in the Ted Hull #41 for the "Kodiak" Graham Memorial, which is a 25-lap featuring paying $1,500 to-win. The remainder of the season for the Sprint Car is up in the air at this point.

Flat tire ends shot at 7/15/06 Mercer 358 Mod win

2006-07-21T11:59:00.000-04:00

Andy made his 3rd Mercer start of the year in the Emig Racing #1 358 Modified. A field of 29 cars were on hand. Andy started 6th in the second 8-lap heat race. Needed to finish in the top 4 to get into the handicap system, Andy raced his way to 3rd finishing behind winner Ron Eperthener, Jr. and Gary Smoker.

Andy had the 3rd highest average amongst the top 12 cars due to the fact that he had only raced 2 nights being penalized for not having the 3 starts. Andy quickly worked his way to the front and was already up too second behind leader Ron Eperthener, Jr. on lap five after taking the spot from Garrett Krummert. Andy chased Eperthener lap after lap despite the car overheating and losing power. On lap 18, eventual winner Mike Stine passed Andy for second. Under caution, Andy suffered a flat tire and exited the event being credited for 15th.

Andy will be back in action this Saturday at Mercer in the Emig #1 358 for the $800 to-win special.

Bad luck costs strong showing in Dionise Sprint at Lernerville on 7/7/06

2006-07-13T13:27:00.000-04:00

With Arnie Kent on vacation, Andy got the call to drive Martha Dionise's famous #15 Sprint Car at Lernerville Speedway to maintain her points. It was Andy's first Sprint Car start of the season at Lernerville.

With 21 cars on hand, two heats were run and Andy needed to finish in the top 6 of his heat race to get in the redraw and despite getting used to the car he held on finishing 6th.

The redraw put Andy outside pole for the 25-lap feature and he was able to race into the lead. Andy led the first 2 laps until Scott Priester made the pass for the lead. With each successive lap, Andy became more comfortable in the car and he slowly reeled Priester in. On lap 9, Priest began to challenge Priester when disaster struck. The lapped car of Terry Bowser spun coming out of turn four and collected Priester. Andy danced to the extreme outside of turn four to miss the duo. Andy barely missed the two, but got up into the mounded clay wall and it caught the right rear enough that it sent his car upside down.

Rather than having the lead, Andy was towed off and was credited with 19th.

Just miss at Tri-City on 7/9/06

2006-07-13T10:21:00.000-04:00

After two straight rain outs, Tri-City Speedway was back in action on Sunday night as Andy had his #21N Sprint Car on hand and was behind the wheel of Ted Hull's #41 Big-Block Mod.

A season-high 21 Sprint Cars were on hand meaning two full heat races. Andy was in the first and lined-up sixth. He was able to pass Andy McKisson for 5th, but when missed the invert by one spot when a 4 was drawn.

The fast track saw Ed Lynch, Jr. power to the easy win. Andy dropped back as far as 8th on the 4th lap, but was able to rebound to 6th on the 14th lap, which was where he'd finish.

A good field of 23 Big-Block Mods signed in, which also meant two large heat races. Andy started fourth in the second heat race and moved to 3rd past Dave Murdick on the first lap. Lap three saw Andy go to the outside to drive by Dean Pearson for third then took the lead from Dave Schrader on lap four. Andy would pull away and win his 4th Tri-City heat race by more than 2 seconds over Murdick.

Yours truly drew the #4 pill, which meant a four invert and Andy would start third. Andy lost third on the opening lap to eventual winner Rex King before getting third back from Murdick on lap 3. One lap later Andy put a slider on Chris Schiffer to take 2nd. The rest of the race saw Andy hound King. In the closing laps, Andy really closed on King as 7 of his last 10 laps were faster including laps 16-19. On the final lap, King struggled with the lapped car of Jeremy Paup and Andy dove to the inside of both through turns three and four to momemtarily come out with the lead; however, with no big cusion to catch the right rear Andy looped the #41 allowing King to go to victory. Andy was credited with a disappointing 13th and dropped to 3rd in points one behind King.

There will be no Mods at Tri-City this Sunday due to the NST Sprint race.

3rd place 358 Mod finish on Independence Day at Mercer

2006-07-07T14:08:00.000-04:00

After a hard crash at Gambler's Raceway Park two weeks ago, Andy Priest made his third start of the season in the Emig Racing #1 358 Modified at Mercer Raceway Park on Tuesday night for the T3 All-Star Series event. A strong field of 41 cars were on hand. After an hour rain delay, the races began at the normal start time of 7 p.m.

Andy lined-up fifth in the third of four 8-lap heat races and was able to pass Mike Stine and New Yorker Mike Schane to finish third behind winner Gil Tegg and Brian Fink. The third place finish allowed Andy to be eligible for the top 12 redraw for the fetaure.

Andy picked #4, which meant he'd start in that position for the 30-lap, $1,500 to-win feature. Andy was able to advance to third on the opening lap and moved to second on lap four when Jeff Schaffer exited the event. Andy challenged leader Billy VanPelt lap after lap, but was unable to make the pass. Andy's car began to run hot and did lose some power, which allowed Brad Rapp to take over second on lap 18.

Andy was able to hold off Frank Guidace to finish third, while VanPelt went on for the victory. It was Andy's first finish in three tries in the #1 car.

Andy will be in action Friday night at Lernerville Speedway filling in for Arnie Kent in Martha Dionise's #15 and hopefully dry weather will return to Tri-City on Sunday as Andy will again do double duty.

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Good night at CPS ends on the trailer on 7/3/06

2006-07-07T14:07:00.000-04:00

Central PA Speedway in Clearfield hosted the BRP Mods for their first of two appearances of the season. It was the annual "Yankee Doddle 50" and the stands and pits were packed. The show had a late start to begin with as time trials for the late models were to begin at 7:30. The unorganized show got worse as the night went on. 61 late models had to time trial. Thankfully the format for the late models were cut.

A field of 33 Big-Block Mods were on hand. Four heat races were run. Andy started fourth in his heat. He made a great move to get under Lenny Leibold, Jr. down the fronstretch and outside pole-sitter Marvin Williams in turn one. Andy then drove by Rodney Beltz coming off turn two and had the lead. The rest was history as Andy rocketed away for the big win by well over a straightaway.

Andy drew the fourth pill and started the 30-lapper in fourth. Joe Crawford took the early lead, while Andy advanced to third. Swartzlander took the lead from Crawford on lap 10. Andy began to pressure Crawford for runner-up, while Rex King closed on Andy. Just prior to the mid-point of the race the yellow was displayed and Andy shut the motor down with more engine woes. He was credited with 17th in the race that Swartzlander went on to win over King.

Tri-City rained out for 2nd straight week on 7/2/06

2006-07-07T14:05:00.000-04:00

Tri-City Speedway was rained out for the second straight week on Sunday, July 2. Andy was scheduled to race his #21N Sprint Car and Ted Hull's #41 Big-Block Modified.

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Sharon Speedway rained out for 6/28/06

2006-06-30T11:21:00.000-04:00

Andy was going to make his Stock Car debut for the special Wednesday Ohio Speedweek event, but the show was rained out.

Rain at Tri-City again on 6/18/06

2006-06-30T11:20:00.000-04:00

For the third time this season, rain washed out action at Tri-City Speedway on Sunday night as Andy was prepared to run both his #21N Sprint Car and Ted Hull's #41 Big-Block Modified.

Season best 2nd in Mods highlights 6/18/06 at Tri-City

2006-06-22T14:44:00.000-04:00

After taking Saturday off, Andy was again doing double-duty at Tri-City Speedway on Sunday night in his #21N Sprint Car and the Hull Racing #41 Big-Block Modified.

A season-high 16 Sprint Cars were on hand as Andy lined-up on the pole in the 2nd 8-lap heat race. Rob Eyler and John Schuyler got the jump on Andy on the start. Eyler never looked back winning easily, while Andy was able to get back by Schuyler on lap 5 to finish 2nd.

An invert 8 from the heat races placed Andy 5th on the starting grid for the 20-lap Sprint Car feature. It was an up and back event as Andy advanced positions then would lose them as ill-timed cautions seemed to hurt him. The top groove came in, while Andy raced the bottom as he fell back to 8th. Though he was right there in the thick of the things as the majority of the cars ran in a pack, Andy would not be able to advance any further as he had to settle for just an 8th place showing as Rod George scored the victory.

The story of the Modifieds was a total reverse of the Sprints. While Andy started last in the 2nd Sprint heat, he would go from last of the 2nd 8-lap Big-Block Modified heat race as 20 cars were on hand for the Lernerville/Tri-City Challenge event.

Andy made some nice moves in the non-stop heat event to advance from 10th to a solid 4th at the finish, which was won by pole-sitter Kevin Bolland. For once, the invert played into Andy's hands as it was an invert 8 just like the Sprint draw.

As part of the Challenge event, the feature was increased from 20 to 25 laps with extra money on the line including $1,200 to-win. Andy battled with outside pole-sitter Chris Schiffer in the first few laps as Schiffer led the opening lap before Priest led laps 2-4. All eyes were on Bolland who made his way to the front from the 7th starting spot and passed Andy on lap 5 for the lead. Andy had nothing for Bolland, but was able to hold on for a season-best Mod finish of 2nd and earned $750.

Andy remained 4th in the Sprint points, but was able to move up into 2nd spot on the Modified points as he trails point leader Bolland by 67 points.

Bad ending to Gambler's debut on 6/16/06

2006-06-22T14:31:00.000-04:00

With Mercer Raceway Park off on June 17, Andy headed to Gambler's Raceway Park on Friday night to run the Emig Racing #1 358 Modified. A field of 15 Mods were on hand for Andy's first start at the Clearfield oval this season and second start in the #1.

A #46 pill placed Andy 6th in the second 8-lap heat race that started 8 cars. Andy advanced one spot to finish 5th on the tough to pass track.

With it being mid-season championship night, the entire feature lineup was determined off the season's points. With Jimmy Holden being the only Mercer regular that also was making his season debut, he started 14th with the better heat finish as Andy tagged the field for the 20-lap feature.

Though the 1/4-mile oval wasn't slick, the outside is nearly impossible to pass on unless the car ahead is extremely slow. Andy was able to work his way into the top 10 with about 5 laps completed. Coming off off turn four, Andy was on the top and got a great run down the frontstrect passing Faye Lumadue and just as it appeared he was about to clear Jared Orwick, Andy was stuffed into the wall ripping out the frontstretch guardrial and necessitating a double hook with severe damage to both the front and rear end of the car. Despite the long delay to fix the guardrail, Andy's night was done credited with 13th while Bob Garvey went on to score the victory.

###

Pair of top 5s highlight Tri-City on 6/11/06

2006-06-15T13:02:00.000-04:00

Despite cool, breezy conditions the sun was out on Sunday as Tri-City Speedway was back in action. Andy had his #21N Sprint Car on hand along with Ted Hull's #41 Big-Block Modified.

With 14 Sprints on hand, two 7-car, 8-lap heats were run. Andy lined up 4th in the second head. He was able to pass New Hampshire's Riki Likowski on lap 4 for third and that's where he finished between winner Andy McKisson and Todd Bauer.

With a heads-up start for the 20-lap feature, Andy started 6th. Two negated starts ruined Andy's good starts. He settled in in 6th when racing began. Bob Felmlee nearly spun on lap 3, which allowed Andy to advance into the top 5. Two laps later he worked under Jason Jacoby for 4th. Andy remained there until lap 14 when leader Rod George slowed advancing Andy to 3rd. Andy battled the rest of the way with Todd Bauer for second swapping the spot back and forth, but in the end settled for 3rd behind winner Andy McKisson and Bauer.

A field of 21 Big-Block Modifieds were on hand with two 8-lap eights on the docket. The #1 pill put Andy on the pole of the first heat alongside Rex King. Andy went on to lead all 8 laps over a closing Joe Crawford for his 3rd heat win.

When Andy needed the heads-up start, an 8 was draw relegating Andy to the 8th starting position for the 20-lap feature. Andy took 7th on the initial lap then raced past Skip Moore for 6th on lap 2. Andy battled lap after lap trying every possible move to get past Del Rougeux, Jr. and Lenny Leibold, Jr. Finally on lap 9, both Rougeux and Andy disposed of Leibold to crack the top 5. Del and Andy ran down Joe Crawford with Andy taking over the 4th spot on lap 16. Andy wasn't able to do anywith with Rougeux as he settled for 4th ending a good night.

Andy still remains in 4th in points in both the Sprint Car & Big-Block Modified divisions at Tri-City.

With Mercer off this Saturday, Andy will make his season debut at Gamblers Raceway Park on Friday night driving the Emig #1 358 Modified. Andy will look for his first ever 358 win and 100th career victory overall. Andy will be back in action on Sunday at Tri-City with both his Sprint Car and Big-Block Modified.

Rain at Tri-City again on 6/4/06

2006-06-09T08:55:00.000-04:00

Rain showers all day Sunday kept Andy Priest raceless for the weekend as Tri-City Speedway was forced to cancel for the second time.

Andy will be debuting the Emig Racing #1 358 Modified at Mercer Saturday in the Jeff Hoffman Memorial then will be at Tri-City on Sunday in his #21N Sprint Car and Ted Hull's #41 Big-Block Modified.

Runner-up in Sprints highlights 5/28/06 at Tri-City

2006-06-01T14:17:00.000-04:00

Finally warm and dry weather graced Tri-City Speedway for Memorial Day Weekend. Andy had his #21N Sprint Car on hand for his only start of the weekend and the Hull Racing #41 Big-Block Modified was pitside for the third event of the BRP Tour.

With a season-high field of 16 Sprints on hand, two 8-car, 8-lap heat races were contested. Andy lined up 4th in the 2nd heat and was able to pass Jody Keegan to advance to the 3rd spot.

The 20-lap Sprint Car feature saw Andy start 5th and he quickly worked his way to 2nd on the opening lap. After chasing Russ Sansosti, he finally made the pass for the lead on the youngster on lap 4. Meanwhile Bob Felmlee had made his way from the 9th starting spot to 2nd by the halfway point.

Andy was bound and determined to win his first career 410 Sprint feature and his 100th overall. But on lap 19, Felmlee drove around Andy in lapped traffic ending his hopes. Andy came home 2nd in a race that was extended one lap due to a caution.

The season-high field of 36 Big-Block Modifieds were split into 4 8-lap heat races. Andy lined up 7th in the 4th one and was able to pass Dave Walters and Rodney Beltz to secure the 5th and final transfer spot for the feature.

As has been the case with all of the BRP Tour events this season, the 30-lap feature didn't turn out as had hoped. Andy started the 30-lap feature in 20th, but quickly advanced 5 spots on the opening lap to 15th until a spin on the second lap restarted him on the tail. Andy got back up to 13th before the car began to overheat and exited the event on lap 21 and was credited with a 20th.

Andy still sits 4th in both the Sprint Car and Modified points.

2 Top 10s for a disappointing 5/21/06 night at Tri-City

2006-05-25T13:22:00.000-04:00

The final results would show 2 top 10s, but it was hardly the night Andy Priest had hoped for Sunday night at Tri-City Speedway. Despite very cool and showery conditions the races went off. Andy was in action in both his #21N Sprint Car and Ted Hull's #41 Big-Block Modified.

Just 12 Sprint Cars were on hand and Andy would start 5th in the first 8-lap heat race. He passed Gale Ruth, but would follow the front four to the checkered.

An invert 8 was just what Andy needed, which placed him on the pole for the 20-lap feature, which started just 11 cars. Andy led the first lap before Rod George took over and then held 2nd until lap 5 when Bob Felmlee paassed both Andy and Rod for the lead. The track was super fast and heavy and Andy was trying to hold on, but on lap 6 popped a major wheelie and dropped back to 6th. Andy's night came to an end on lap 14 when he was towed off with a flat tired and relegated to a 14th place finish as Felmlee won his first of the year.

Like has been the case all year, Andy has been fast in his heat races. With 20 cars on hand, Andy started the 2nd of 2 10-car heat races from the 3rd starting spot. Andy raced past Chanda Reitz and Del Rougeux, Jr. into the lead on the opening lap. Andy appeared to be on cruise control for his 3rd heat race win in as many nights, but had another tire go down on the 5th lap as Jeremiah Shingledecker sped by and onto the victory.

Andy was credited with a 7th place finish meaning he'd start 14th in the 20-lap feature. Andy made his way to 6th by the 12th lap. He chased Kevin Bolland for numerous laps, but on the final lap Joe Crawford tried to go under Shingledecker for the lead and spun collecting Dean Pearson and Andy. This put Andy on the tail for the 2-lap shootout. He worked his way back to the 10th at the finish for the second straight night, while Shingledecker scored his first win of the season.

Andy sits 4th in points in both divisions at Tri-City heading into Sunday night's action, which will include the BRP Tour for the Modifieds.

Top 10 salvaged at Mercer BRP Mod race 5/20/06

2006-05-25T13:07:00.000-04:00

Due to Friday night's rain out, Mercer Raceway Park moved the "Modzilla" show to Saturday night. There would be no Sprints tonight as the event featured the Big-Block Mods in the BRP Tour, the 358 Mods, and the E-Mods along with the Stocks. Andy would be in action in Ted Hull's #41 Big-Block Mod.

30 Big-Block Mods were on hand for round 2 of the 9-race series. A good pill draw placed Andy second in the fourth heat. The top 3 cars would redraw for the first 12 starting spots, while the top 5 were locked into the feature. The heat race saw Andy and Jeremiah Shingledecker battle for the lead in a clean side-by-side duel that saw Andy settle for second at the finish putting him easily into the redraw.

Andy pulled a #4 placing him 4th in the 30-lap 25-car grid for the $1,200 to-win feature. He fell back to as far as 7th before he began his acensuion to the front. Andy had the leaders in sight as he was attempting to pass Del Rougeux, Jr. for third on the outside, but by accident killed the motor when he was reaching to pull off a tearoff. By the time Andy regained his momentum he was at the tail of the field with less than half of the race remaining.

On the final lap, Andy snuck past Gary Risch, Jr. and Bob Dorman to cross the finish line in 10th place in a race that was won by Rex King. Andy is tied for 6th in points with Joe Crawford in the BRP Tour standings just 1 point out of the top 5.

Andy will be back in action Saturday night with his #21N Sprint Car and possbly the debut of the Emig #1 358 Modified.

Rain wins at Mercer & Tri-City on 5/13 & 14

2006-05-18T14:18:00.000-04:00

Racing action scheduled for both Mercer Raceway Park and Tri-City Speedways was cancelled on both Saturday and Sunday nights. It was the first at Mercer since March 25 and first of the year at Tri-City.

Andy will be in action behind the wheel of Ted Hull's #41 Big-Block Modified in the BRP Tour event at Mercer Raceway Park and Tri-City Speedway this weekend. With no Sprints at Mercer this weekend, Andy will just have his #21N Sprint Car at Tri-City Sunday.

3rd place in Sprints highlights 5/7/06 at Tri-City

2006-05-11T13:23:00.000-04:00

The second night of racing at Tri-City saw 14 Sprint Cars and 22 Big-Block Modifieds pitside. Andy made repairs on his #21N Sprint from the night before and Ted had the #41 Big-Block Mod ready after racing at Lernerville Friday night.

Andy would get the next to worst pill for the Sprints as he'd start 7th in the first of two 8-lap heat races. He would need to get to 6th to be eligible for the pill invert. Andy made a great move going into turn one on the opening lap getting under and past Jeff Kasbee, Todd Bauer, and John Schyuler for 4th. He then passed Gale Ruth and Danny Holtgraver and got alongside Bob Felmlee, but was unable to make the pass stick. Andy finished second.

A fan drew an invert 12 putting Andy 10th for the 20-lap Sprint Car feature. Andy quickly made his way to the front and passed Todd Bauer for 3rd on lap 2. He ran down leader Brent Matus and Schyuler and appeared. Andy tried to get under Schyuler on the backstretch but ran out of room as the two made contact. The failed attempt for the pass may have cost Andy a shot at the victory. Bauer, Felmlee, Rod George, and Brent Covell all got by Priest in the ensuing laps as he fell back to 7th.

Once Andy got back his rythm on the bottom he picked off Schyuler on lap 9, Covell on lap 10, then got past Matus for 4th on lap 15. Andy closed back in on Bauer and made his final pass taking the show position away from Bauer on lap 18. The 3rd place was Andy's 5th top 5 of the season.

A #5 was another good pill draw for the Modified as Andy lined up second in the second of two 8-lap heat races. After battling with Dave Schrader for the first lap, Andy made the outside work as he took over the lead on lap 2 and pulled away for his 2nd Tri-City heat win in 2 tries. His victory came by 4.525 seconds over Dean Pearson.

Redraws haven't treated Andy well the last two seasons. Another invert 12 relegated Andy to the 11th starting spot for the 20-lap feature. Like Lernerville, Andy used the outside and battled with Russell King and Dean Pearson. Andy was up to 10th when another flat tire sent him pitside. Andy passed three cars and tried the middle of the track in turn three only to loop his mount on the slick surface. To the rear Andy went again and went back to the top of the speedway and worked his way back to the front. Andy made his way to 9th with 18 laps completed when a beneficial yellow set up a two-lap dash. On the restart, Andy got past Russell King for 8th and on the final lap drove past Lenny Leibold, Jr. for 7th. Unfortunately the laps ran out.

Andy is in 4th at Tri-City in both the Sprint & Modified points. In the Sprints, he's just two points behind Felmlee and only 5 shy of Bauer in second.

It was a long strange weekend for Andy. He was fast every time he was on the track with 2 wins, a runner-up, a third, and a fourth in heat races. Andy passed a lot of cars especially with the Modified at Lernerville and Tri-City, but the results would only show a 13th and 7th.

Andy will return to Tri-City this Sunday in both classes.

Quick ending to double feature night at Mercer Raceway Park 5/6/06

2006-05-11T13:04:00.000-04:00

The first race of May at Mercer Raceway Park felt more like the first week of April as a stiff wind and temps in the low 50s for a daytime high meant for a cold night.

The 6th straight night of racing would be the first special event of the season as "Deuces Wild" including double features for all divisions on Dave Wagner Memorial night. 20 Sprint Cars signed in.

There would be no pill draws tonight as an Australian Pursuit would determine the first 12 starting spots for feature #1. The top 12 drivers in points were locked into the Pursuit, which was an invert in points. Andy was 4th in points meaning he'd start 9th, but when Gary Edwards scratched for night he advanced to the 8th starting spot.

The rules for the race are if you are passed you're out and the winner is either the last car running or the first to complete the 8-lap distance. With Gale Ruth, Riki Likowski, and Danny Holtgraver all getting passed on the first lap Andy advanced to 4th. There would be no change in the top 4 after 8 laps as Todd Bauer took the win earning the pole.

Instead of getting two 15-lap features in, Andy's night came to a grinding halt at the start of feature 1 in an accident that involved 9 cars. With a crack in the frame, Andy loaded up and went home to survey the damage better so everything would be in order for Tri-City rather than try to patch the car up for feature #2. The first feature was won by Bob Felmlee, while Arnie Kent won the second feature.

Andy was credited with a 15th for the first feature and a DNS for feature two. Luckily only the best feature finish went toward the point championship. Andy dropped to 5th in points 15 behind Kent and 52 behind point leader Rod George heading into Saturday night.

Disappointing finish for BRP Tour opener at Lernerville 5/5/06

2006-05-11T12:35:00.000-04:00

The BRP Tour kicked off the 2006 season on Friday night at Lernerville Speedway. 34 Big-Block Modifieds joined the first ever appearance by the USAC Sptint Cars.

Pill #3 put Andy's Ted Hull #41 on the pole for heat #2 out of 4. It was Andy's first Lernerville start of the year. Nine cars started the 8-lap event with the top 3 redrawing. Andy challenged winner Rick Hall before losing runner-up to Jim Weller taking the third spot.

Andy pulled pill #12, which seems customary for the 30-lap $1,200 to-win feature. Andy was making his way near the top 5 when he ran out of room in turn four spinning. Andy quickly worked his way back up through the field using the outside of the speedway and was up to 6th when a flat tire under caution sent him pitside with 2 laps to go. Andy returned to the track and used the outside to progress up to 13th at the finish in a race that was won by Rex King on the final lap.

Lots of cars passed, but only a 13th to show for. The next BRP race will be Friday night, May 19 at Mercer Raceway Park.

Pair of 4ths open Tri-City Speedway's season on 5/1/06

2006-05-02T15:37:00.000-04:00

Another gorgeous day allowed Tri-City Speedway to open their 2006 campaign on Sunday night. The sunshine, high winds, and low humidity made for a hard, slick, black surface.

For the first time this season Andy would pull double-duty as he not only had his #21N Sprint Car in action, but debuted the Hull Racing #41 Big-Block Modified.

With just 14 Sprint Cars on hand, two 8-lap, 7-car heat races were contested. A poor pill draw lined Andy up 7th. Andy moved past Gale Ruth, Jr. on the first lap to 6th then ahead of New Hampshire's Riki Likowski for 5th on the 2nd lap. On lap 5, Priest took 4th away from Russ Sansosti and that's where he'd finish after the completion of 8 laps.

A fan drew a 0 inversion, which meant Andy would start 7th for the 20-lap feature. Problems for Brent Covell before the green moved Andy to the 6th starting spot. He was able to get past Rob Eyler on the opening lap to crack the top 5. Andy remained in that spot until the 15th lap when Jason Jacoby broke advancing him to 4th. Andy closed on both Todd Bauer and Ed Lynch, Jr., but would settle for 4th as Rod George took the easy win.

25 Modifieds filled the pit area and were split up into 3 8-lap heat races. Andy lined up 3rd in the 2nd heat race behind Gary Risch, Jr. and Jeremy Paup. Andy was able to get under the two in turn one on the opening lap and drove off to the convincing win beating Kevin Bolland by 2.016.

Unfortunately for Andy, when he need the 0 inversion he got the 9 and vice versa relegating him to the 8th starting spot for the 20-lap feature. The Modifieds followed the Sprint Car feature meaning there was little race track left. While everyone else hugged the bottom on the super slick surface, Andy tried the top for the first few laps getting by Russell King, but losing a spot to Del Rougeux, Jr. before getting on the bottom. Andy started moving forward passing Jeremy Paup for 7th on lap 7 then used a restart to get by both Rougeux and Jim Rasey for 5th on lap 8. Andy then hounded Lenny Leibold, Jr. before finally slipping under and past him on lap 11. Andy had quite a bit of ground to make up on the seconc and third place cars of Joe Crawford and Rex King. Andy chopped in the deficit every lap, but ran out of time as he had to settle for his second 4th place finish of the night just over 7 seconds behind winner Kevin Bolland.

The BRP Tour kicks off this Friday night at Lernerville Speedway and Andy will be their in the #41 Big-Block along with Sunday at Tri-City.

4th straight top 7 finish at Mercer Raceway Park 4/29/06

2006-05-02T15:23:00.000-04:00

Finally sunshine and warm weather graced Mercer Raceway Park on Saturday night allowing for the record 5th night of racing in the month of April.

Pulling the #2 pill for the heat races put Andy's #21N Sprint Car on the pole for the first of two 8-lap heat races for the 20-car field. Andy outraced Todd Bauer down the frontstretch into turn one and never looked back leading all 8 non-stop circuits over Bauer for his second heat race win of the season.

The top 12 finishers in the heat race were inverted from their last 3-week point averages. Andy actually had the second highest average behind point leader Rod George, but would line up 10th in the feature as newcomer Kevin Schaeffer made the top 12 and would be required to start 12th due to having no points.

Trying a different setup for the 20-lap feature, Andy fell back as far as 13th before getting back into the top 10 in 9th on lap 6. Rob Eyler's spin on lap eight moved Andy to 8th. Andy then chased Gary Edwards until finally getting by for the 7th spot on lap 18 and that's where he would finish. Fellow New Castle driver Arnie Kent scored his 2nd win of the season over Felmlee.

Though it was his worst finish since his DNF on opening night, the combination of his heat win and fourth straight top 7 finish moved him into sole possesion of 4th place in points.

Coming up this Saturday night, Mercer will honor Sprint Car racer Dave Wagner, who passed away on April 25 from injuries suffered in an automobile accident, as twin 15-lap features will be run plus an Australian Pursuit.

3 straight top 5s at Mercer Raceway Park (4/22/06)

2006-04-24T15:27:00.000-04:00

Despite rain over much of the region on Saturday, north of Interstate 80 in Mercer County was spared with the exception of a brief shower at about 5:45 p.m. allowing Mercer Raceway Park to complete the fourth straight night of action.

A poor pill draw put Andy eighth out of nine Sprint Cars in the second heat race. Going through turns one and two on the opening lap, it was a flashback of Hagerstown as Andy's #21N got on it's right side wheels and nearly tipped off. Andy was able to hang on without spinning out, but had a lot of ground to make up as he needed to finish in the top 6 to make the handicap system. Andy moved into 7th past Mike Dehner on lap two then fought his way past Chris Shuttleworth into 6th on lap 5. On the final lap, Andy got under and past Arnie Kent in turns one and two to snatch the fifth spot away and picked up one championship point.

With no new cars on hand, Andy had the sixth highest (lowest) average amongst the 12 handicapped cars meaning he'd line-up 6th in the 19-car, 20-lap feature, which would be the first of the night.

Andy was able to get past Rob Eyler on the first lap to move into the top 5, but lost the spot back to eventual winner Skip Dougherty on lap 3. Tom Quarterson, who had just taken over 2nd came to a rest bringing out the caution with 4 laps completed and thus moved Andy back into the 5th spot.

On lap 9, Andy passed New Yorker Jared Zimbardi for 4th, but later that lap lost the spot to Bob Felmlee, who was able to pass both cars. Andy maintanied 5th until the 13th lap when he drove past Sprint rookie Danny Holtgraver for 4th then inherited 3rd when Felmlee when the wall. Rod George came on late to pass Andy on lap 17 and would eventually finish 2nd, while Andy chased Gary Edwards for the rest of the way to settle for 4th. The feature was a long one as both Leonard Ripper, Jr. and Jason Dolick got upside down. Ripper's flip on the frontstretch bent a pole and ripped a hole in the catchfence.

Andy now has 3 straight top 5 finishes heading into the last race of the month this Saturday night. Those finishes have propelled him into a tie for 4th with Rob Eyler in points. Andy is 18 points behind the 3rd place car of Skip Dougherty and 35 behind defending champion Rod George.

Weather permitting, it will be the first two-race weekend of the season for Andy as the #21N will be in action Saturday at Mercer and the Hull Racing #41 Big-Block Modified will debut for the season Sunday in Tri-City Speedway's opener. There is a slim possibility that Andy will debut the Emig Racing #1 358 Modified Saturday, but that may be put on halt until May 6.

Another top 5 at Mercer Raceway Park 4/15/06

2006-04-17T15:39:00.000-04:00

On Saturday night it was back to Mercer Raceway Park for the third straight week of racing action. Temperatures were finally up unlike the last two weeks as 19 Sprint Cars were in the pits.

Andy's #21N would line up on the outside of row one alongside good friend Arnie Kent in the first of two heat races. Arnie took the advantage on the start, while Andy was hot on his heels. Andy challenged Arnie getting alongside him on numerous occasions, but but was unable to make the pass as he settled for second in the 8-lap, 10-car event.

The top 6 finishers of each of the two heat races were inverted based on the first two weeks' points. Three new cars made the top 12 cut as Andy had the 4th lowest average point total meaning he'd start 4th in the 20-lap feature.

Andy was able to get past New York driver Chris Shuttleworth on the first lap to take third as he trailed Arnie Kent and Gary Edwards. Andy stayed with Edwards before losing 3rd to Rob Eyler on lap 3. The first two weeks winner, Bob Felmlee, got past Andy on lap 10 for 4th. On lap 13 Andy lost 5th to defending track champion Rod George, but regained the spot when Edwards exited the race the same lap.

Andy was able to hold on for 5th securing his second straight top 5. That coupled with his 2nd place heat finish moved Andy into a tie for 5th in points with Eyler as he's just 8 points out of 3rd spot.

This Saturday will find Andy back at Mercer Raceway Park with his #21N Sprint Car. The debut of the Emig Racing #1 358 Modified will either be this week or next week.

Heat win & 2nd place finish highlight 4/8/06 at Mercer Raceway Park

2006-04-11T12:19:00.000-04:00

The sun was shining, but the wind was blowing as it was a frigid night with temps in the 30s, but the second night of racing action was turn out with fruitful results.

Andy would lineup fifth in the third heat race, which started seven cars amongst the 23 cars that were on hand from five different states. Andy made his way to second and chased leader Gary Edwards. On the final lap, Andy went low in turn four brushing the infield berm and flew past Edwards to take the checkered flag first for his first heat race win of the year.

The handicap lineup system took effect as the top 12 finishers from each of the three heat races were inverted on last week's points. Andy had the second lowest average, which meant he lined up second ironically alongside Gary Edwards.

Andy pressured Edwards for much of the early race and felt he could get by him in lapped traffic, but every time that happened the yellow would be displayed. By lap 10 of the 20-lap feature, it was a five-car race. In the ensuing laps, Tom Quarterson, Arnie Kent, and Bob Felmlee all worked their way past Andy while Andy was able to get ahead of Edwards.

In the closing laps, Quarterson spun moving Andy to third then Felmlee and Kent got together while racing for the lead with two laps to go ending Kent's night. Andy inherited second, but Felmlee took off on the final restart as collected his second straight win.

For Andy it matched his second place Sprint Car finish at Mercer back on August 10, 2002. Despite the great second place run Andy discovered a broken rocker arm in the engine after the race. Andy is expected back in action this coming Saturday night, April 15 at Mercer. The debut of the #1 Modified at Mercer will be coming soon.

Mercer Raceway Park 4/1/06

2006-04-04T14:44:00.000-04:00

The 2006 racing season got underway on a chilly and drizzly Saturday night at Mercer Raceway Park. Andy would unload last year's #21N Sprint Car from the trailer that Bob Felmlee used in 2005.

Andy drew a decent pill, which would line him up third in the third of three heats for the 26 Sprint Cars that were on hand, which were represented from five states. Andy passed Gale Ruth on the opening lap, but was passed by Brian Ellenberger and Rob Eyler. Andy was able to hold off Jack Sodeman, Jr. for the important fourth position, which put him into the pill draw for the feature.

Andy drew the #8 pill, which meant he'd line-up 8th in the 20-lap feature. Andy would only run two laps before taking the #21N pitside. The motor that was run last at Hagerstown in late October was put on the dyno earlier in the week and everything appeared to be ok. But the identical problems from Hagerstown arose once again as the car was not up to power with some sort of electrical issues with the car not the engine. Bob Felmlee would go on to win the feature event.

Andy will be in action once again this Saturday night, April 8 at Mercer Raceway Park. Hopefully within a couple weeks he'll be able to debut the Emig Racing #1 358 Modified at Mercer.

ANDY PRIEST TO APPEAR ON DIRT NATION RADIO SHOW MONDAY NIGHT

2005-12-17T17:11:00.000-05:00

Sprint Car and Modified racer Andy Priest will appear on the popular Dirt Nation radio show this Monday night, December 19. Dirt Nation airs from 8:00-10:00 p.m. and can be accessed over the internet from the show’s website at www.dirtnation.net or directly at www.racetalklive.com. The program is hosted by Dave Seay and Doc Lehman, and airs on its host radio station, WLRT FOX 1490 AM in Hampton, Va.

The New Castle, Pa. driver will discuss the upcoming 2006 season along with his outstanding career which includes 99 wins. Also appearing to talk about their successful 2005 season and what is ahead in 2006 will be Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series officials and reps Spencer Wilson, Mike Swims, Bob Patison and drivers Earl Pearson, Jr., the 2005 champion, and Scott James, the 2005 rookie of the year.

If you are unable to listen to Monday’s show, each show is also archived so listeners can tune in at their convenience. Listeners can participate on the Monday shows by calling 877-899-7223 or by instant messenger at dirtnation or racetalklive at any of the following instant messenger services online: AIM, MSN or Yahoo or Dirt America on AOL.

Recent powerful guests this fall of the Dirt Nation show have included stars Scott Bloomquist, Brett Hearn, Danny Lasoski, Chad Kemenah, Danny Johnson, Rick Eckert, Steve Francis, and Tim Fuller along with ASCS’s Emmett Hahn, and promoters Cory Reed, Jim Nier, Todd Fisher, and Carl Short.

4 WINS & 2 HAGERSTOWN “OCTOBERFEST” QUALIFIERS END 2005 SEASON; NEW MAXIM SPRINT CAR FOR 2006; PRIESTRACING.COM UPDATED

2005-11-30T14:22:00.000-05:00

Coming off a stellar 2004 season, which included his first DIRT Modified Championship at Tri-City Speedway and a runner-up at Mercer Raceway Park, the 2005 season wasn’t what Andy Priest had hoped for. Engine woes and mechanical failures plagued Priest from the get go and the dark cloud seemingly wouldn’t leave all season long.

Despite the down year, the 39-year-old New Castle, Pennsylvania resident was able to collect four feature wins upping his career win total to an impressive 99 at 10 different tracks and amongst four different divisions. Priest won the prestigious “Kodiak” Graham Memorial at Tri-City Speedway earning over $2,000 for his second DIRT Modified win at the Venango County oval during 2005. Other wins included Thunder Mountain Speedway in the first ever appearance by the Big-Block Modifieds as he topped a 37-car field and Sharon Speedway in the Green Flag Sprint Car division.

The 2005 season came to close for Priest at Hagerstown (MD) Speedway in the running of the 18th annual “Octoberfest 350” October 29-30. Priest put the Ted Hull-owned, Emig Racing #41 solidly into the 100-lap Big-Block Modified feature after a third place heat race finish; however, handling woes sidelined him from the finish of the $10,000 to-win feature and was credited with 23rd. On the Sprint Car side, Priest fought off engine woes all weekend long in his McElwain Motors #21N, but was able to qualify for the feature and finished the 50-lap $10,000 to-win feature on Sunday in 14th.

Recently, Priest purchased a new Maxim Sprint Car along with one of Scott Bonnell’s J&J cars to go along with his Eagle car that he campaigned late this past season. Also, Priest acquired Bob Felmlee’s enclosed trailer.

Priest will collect his BRP Modified Tour hardware this Saturday, December 3 at the Rocky Grove Fire Hall for finishing fifth in points in the Ted Hull #41.

To stay up to date with the latest news on Sprint Car and Modified racer Andy Priest, be sure to visit his website at www.priestracing,com. A new Update section with a blog of Andy’s latest happenings including his Hagerstown adventure has been added to the page. A listing of Andy’s 99 career wins is posted on the Driver section.

To be added to the mailing list, simply send an e-mail to andypriest-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or add your e-mail address in the box on the website to receive the latest press releases.

Hagerstown (MD) Speedway 10/29-30/05

2005-11-15T15:03:00.000-05:00

The 2005 racing season for Priest Enterprises & Hull Racing with driver Andy Priest would come to an end at Frank Plessinger's Hagerstown Speedway for the 18th annual "Octoberfest 350".

Both teams packed up and left Friday night, October 28 for their first journey south of the Mason-Dixon Line as Andy used Gregg McCandless' toterhome & trailer to tow his #21N Sprint Car. Both the #41 & #21N haulers got in line Friday night and were rewarded early Saturday morning with fronstretch side-by-side parking spots.

The weekend got off to an even better start as pills 6 and 25 were pulled for the Sprint Car & Big-Block Modified respectively assuring both cars of decent heat race starting positions- a very important item for this event. Saturday's order was Sprint Cars, Big-Block Mods, Late Models, & 358 Mods. Andy was scheduled to line-up on the outside pole of the 2nd Sprint Car heat and 3rd in the 5th Big-Block Mod heat.

Feature and B main lineups are heads-up so every position is critical. Six cars of out each of the three Sprint Car heats for the 33-car field would transfer to Sunday's 50-lap feature. At the wave of the green flag, it was apparent that something wasn't right as Andy's acceleration was slow heading into turn one and Andy fought to get the car to turn.

The 11-car, 10-lap heat race turned out of be an attrition-filled event, which benefited Andy as he was simply along for the ride near the back of the pack. Caution after caution as cars slowly exited the race found Andy in 5th ahead of Joey Hershey with a one-lap to go restart. However, just before the one to go signal, Don Krietz, Jr. changed tires (which is apparently allowed in the heat race) and made it back out as 7 cars restarted the race. A 5th place finish would put Andy 14th on Sunday, a 6th would line him up 17th on Sunday, and an 7th would force him to run the last chance race later in the day.

Unfortunately Andy's car was slow to accelerate as Hersehy and Krietz both passed him on the final lap forcing him to 7th at the finish and to try to qualify for the feature through the last chance a little bit later.

Andy didn't have a lot of time as just one more Sprint Car heat and four Big-Block Mod heats would go off before he'd take to the track for the second time of the day. Andy would line up alongside fellow local Skip Moore in the second row. Andy got a good start and cleared Moore protecting the bottom, while cars battled behind him. Eventually Randy Chrysler worked his way to fourth, but Andy was able to fend him off and secured himself into Sunday's 100-lap feature without having to run one of the last chance races. He finished behind DIRT star Alan Johnson and Howard O'Neal.

The 12-lap B main for the Sprint Cars was to start 15 cars, but just 11 took the green due to heat race crashes with 8 transfering to the Sunday's A. Andy again would start on the outside pole this time beside Daryl Stimeling. Andy quickly ducked to the bottom and followed Stimeling home in runner-up earning a 19th starting position. Just 8 cars finished the event, but track officials did finish the race rather than throwing the checkered.

Andy was the only driver to qualify for both the Sprint Car & Big-Block Mod features.

After eating at Crazy Horse Steak Horse Saturday night it was back to the Sheraton 4 Points for a good night's sleep. After running Sunday morning and breakfast in the motel restaurant, it was off to the track for both teams.

Ted's modified got the first(or last) spot going into turn one, while Andy parked longways right behind and beside Ed Lynch, Jr. A driver's meeting was held at 11:45 and the four features got underway shortly after. The long day started with the 100-lap, $10,000 to-win 358 Mod feature, which was won by Brett Hearn and followed up by the 100-lap $10,000 to-win Late Model feature, which went to Ronnie DeHaven.

By the time the Big-Block Mods hit the speedway, there was NOTHING left of the 1/2-mile track. Andy lined up 17th on the grid for the 100-lap affair. A first lap tangle forced the wreckers to lift Andy off Duane Howard's #126.

Turn one accident during the start of the 100-lap feature (Bobby Armbruster)

Andy was able to continue, but he had has hands full as he couldn't keep the car on the bottom of the track as he fought brake woes. After getting lapped twice with an ill-handling car before the halfway fuel stop, Andy brought the #41 pit side calling it a day and was credited for 23rd.

The Sprint Cars hit the track last for the 50-lap $10,000 to-win feature as the sun began to set on the long weekend. Andy continued to fight motor woes throughout the event as the car just wouldn't accelerate. This forced him to run only about half-throttle and caused the car to be super tight. To say Andy was on quite a ride would be understatement as the car wanted to roll over to the right (as seen below) in turns one and two.

This was a common occurence in turns one & two! (Tim Shumaker)

The caution-plagued, attrition-filled event saw two fuel stops. Andy was able to miss the accidents and bring the car home in one piece taking the checkered flag in 14th position.

While the end results surely could have been better without the mechanical woes, qualifying for both features and finishing the Sprint Car feature were certaintly an accomplishment, plus valuable knowledge and track time was gained. It was the first time Andy had ever raced on rubber-down track like that and both teams will certainly be better off next time.