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KENYON MIDGET SERIES CALIFOrNIA LIGHTNING SERIES RUSH SPRINT CAR SERIES 

CALIFOrNIA LIGHTNING SERIES 

   

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Lange Wins Championship and Bender Wins Main at Bakersfield California Lightning Sprint Finale

 

Torrance, CA — December 1, 2025 — Aiden Lange drove his number 13 machine to a strong second-place finish in the 20-lap 9th Annual West Coast Lightnings Championship on Tuesday night at Bakersfield Speedway, situated inside Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway. The runner-up effort behind USAC/CRA standout AJ Bender was more than enough for Lange to clinch the 2025 California Lightning Sprint Car Series, presented by Motor City Buick/GMC, championship. The race, part of the Jason Leffler Memorial alongside the USAC National Midget Series, was streamed live on Flo, giving the CLS and its drivers worldwide exposure.


 

Winner AJ Bender (center), 2nd place and new CLS champ Aiden Lange (right), and 3rd place

finisher and Rookie of the Year Drake Cardey on the left.  CLS photo.

 

A stout 22-car field was on hand, featuring not only CLS regulars but entries from the SoCal Lightning Sprint Car Series and Northern California’s Bay Cities Racing Association. Palmdale’s Eric Greco, home from Boise State University for the holidays, earned Diablo Fabrications Fast Qualifier honors with a lap of 14.262. Talented CLS rookies Drake Cardey and Braydin Collie were next quickest at 14.383 and 14.423. Bender, who finished fourth in the USAC/CRA standings and hails from San Diego, actually tied Collie with the identical 14.423. California Highway Patrol Officer Jeff Dyer posted the fifth-quickest lap at 14.458.

 

Racing Junk Heat Race #1 went to Lakeside’s Lange over “Rockstar” Jon Robertson of Torrance and Bakersfield’s Broedy Graham. Greco, who had led the championship standings into August, flipped hard in turn two late in the race. He walked away uninjured, but his night was over.

 

Extreme Muffler Heat Race #2 was captured by BCRA’s Scott Kinney of Roseville. Rising star Cardey and three-time lightning sprint car champion Brent Sexton of Lakeside followed him under the flag. Advance Racing Suspension Heat #3 turned into a San Diego County sweep, with Ramona’s David Taft taking the win ahead of El Cajon’s Collie and San Diego’s Parker Dumas.

 

When the teams rolled out of the pit gate for the final CLS race of 2025, Sexton sat on the pole. Lange, already with one hand on the season title, started outside of the front row. Row two featured SCLS star Dumas and fellow San Diegan Bender. The third row showcased the top two CLS rookies of 2025, with Collie inside and Riverside’s Cardey to his right. Taft and Kinney held down row four.

 

Sexton got the jump on the start, but Lange dove low in turn one and surged into the lead. Sexton battled back and nearly retook the top spot at the end of lap one. A yellow quickly slowed things on lap two when Dumas bunny-hopped through turn two on the rough surface and came to a stop.

 

For the early race restart, it was Lange, Sexton, Bender, Cardey, and Collie.

 

Lange, in full attack mode as he chased the honor of becoming the 17th different CLS champion, charged away again. Bender, driving the Dustin Dumas owned Jamul Casino and Resort/AG Sand Cars/Outhouse Coffee/American Racer Tire/Downsouth Motorsports/Twink Race Prep/Triple X Chassis/ZX10, powered past Sexton for second off turn two on the restart. One lap later, young Cardey slipped by Sexton for third.

 

The order remained stable through the halfway point, with Lange leading Bender, Cardey, and Collie. The gap between first and second tightened when Lange hit a first turn rut on lap 11, and his lead shrank to a single car length.

 

The intensity spiked on lap 12 as the leaders caught lapped traffic. Bender swept to the outside and nearly drew even with Lange down the back straight. Lange held a narrow advantage into turn three but was pinned behind a slower car on the bottom. It looked like Bender might slip past for the lead, but the lapped car clipped a rut and drifted up the track directly in Bender’s path. Lange took full advantage of the newly opened real estate on the bottom and shot by to maintain command.   Bender’s loss of momentum allowed Lange to stretch his advantage to eight car lengths.

 

Just like Bender earlier, a lapped car interrupted Lange’s rhythm on lap 15. Coming off turn two, the slower car bobbled, forcing Lange to check up—opening the door again for Bender. Lange barely held him at bay. One lap later, another lapped car slowed Lange on the bottom, and this time Bender would not be denied. He pulled alongside and surged into the lead entering turn one on lap 17. Once in front, Bender opened up a big gap and looked to have things under control.

 

By lap 19, Bender was nearly a half-straight ahead of Lange. But Lange refused to quit, closing dramatically in the final corner. As Bender exited turn four, he struck a rut and his car shot toward the outside wall. Lange charged low as Bender gathered it in. To the delight of the big Bakersfield crowd—and the global Flo Racing audience—it became a full-throttle drag race to the checkers. At the stripe, Bender prevailed by half a car length over Lange. Cardey, Collie, and Taft completed the top five.

 

“I kind of thought I lost it there,” the happy Bender told infield announcer Genevieve Malone after the 20-lapper. “The track was rough, and it was kind of like, hold the throttle down and hope it does not bounce through it. I was holding on because I usually do not put a lot of tear-offs on for lightning races. I should have, as I was doing the classic, use your glove to clear your view for a minute. I am super pumped for Layton (Kramer), the Dumas family, Dustin (car owner Dustin Dumas). I can not thank them enough. They gave me a call and allowed me to do this. I have done three lightning races this year and this is the first one I have finished.”

 

“It was a lot of pressure,” new champion Lange told the crowd. “Shout out to Drake Cardey for an incredible rookie season. He almost got it. He made us nervous all year long.”

 

“I am so grateful,” he continued. “I feel like I haven’t breathed in a month. It is such a relief. I am so proud of this team. At the beginning of last year, my dad had cancer. So we took a year off so my dad could focus on his health. My dad made this car his baby. I am very proud of my dad for persevering through a very difficult time.”

 

“I am so thankful for everyone on this car,” the champion added. “I would like to thank Langeford Farms, Spirited by Brad, Kopps Custom Guitars, Vital Pack, IZE.INI, Sweets by Tiffany, Collie Ollie, JST Shock Technology, T Shirts by Timeless. My girlfriend Giselle is here tonight. She has been helping us all year. My grandpa is here. So many people have helped us. The Greco’s, the Nehrings, Dyers, Michnowicz’s, and CLS. We are very fortunate to race against an amazing group of people.”

 

Dyer ended up with the Eibach Spring Ahead and SpeedMart Hard Charger awards, finishing sixth after starting 13th.  Tyler Warner, a recent main event winner in the SoCal Lightning Sprint Car Series, was awarded the Hyper Racing and SpeedMart Hard Luck awards after flipping in his heat race.

 

When the final points were tallied, Lange finished with a 54-point cushion over runner-up Cardey. Dyer and 2024 CLS Rookie of the Year Zate Legend of Riverside tied for third at 1543 points, with Dyer earning the spot via his three main event wins. Fast rookie Collie wrapped up the year in fifth.

 

Seven-time champion Bobby Michnowicz of Oak Hills, Leland Day of Bakersfield, Robertson, Greco, and Camarillo’s Cody Nigh rounded out the top ten.

 

Cardey also won the Rookie of the Year award after a spirited battle with Collie throughout the season.

 

Next up for the CLS is the 2025 California Lightning Sprints Awards Banquet presented by Motor City GMC on February 7, 2026, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. at Frantone’s Pizza and Spaghetti Villa, 10808 Alondra Blvd in Cerritos. Tickets, which are $40.00 each, are available by contacting: mailto:jon.robertson@sbcglobal.net

 

 

 

For more updates and series information, follow the California Lightning Sprint Car Series on social media and visit the official website at racecls.com.

 

The CLS would like to thank the following companies for being partners in the 2025 season.  Motor City Buick/GMC, American Racer Tires, T Shirts By Timeless, Advanced Racing Suspension, BR Motorsports, Competition Suspension Incorporated, Diablo Fabrication and Design, Eibach Springs, Extreme Mufflers, EZ UP, Hoosier Tires, The Joie of Seating, King Racing Products, Outlaw Wings, RacingJunk.com,  RC Fuel Injection, Rod End Supply, Saldana Racing Products, SpeedMart, and Triple X Race Components.  If you would like to join the CLS and be a marketing partner in 2025, please contact Jon Robertson via email at  jon.robertson@sbcglobal.net or by calling (310) 367-9050.   

 

9th Annual Western States Lightning Sprints Championship Results

 

Diablo Fabrication Qualifying: 1. Eric Greco, 14.262; 2. Drake Cardey, 14.383; 3. Braydin Collie, 14.423; 3. AJ Bender, 14.423; 5. Jeff Dyer, 14.4548; 6. Parker Dumas, 14.461, 7. Aiden Lange, 14.610; 8. Brent Sexton, 14.652; 9. David Taft, 14.654; 10. Bobby Michnowicz, 14.798; 11. Greg Dennett, 14.820; 12. Leland Day, 14.941; 13. Grant Sexton, 14.994; 14. Zate Legend, 15.127; 15. Scott Kinney, 15.147; 16. Shane Sexton, 15.175; 17. Jon Robertson, 15.218; 18. Cody Nigh, 15.303; 19. Tyler Warner, 15.318; 20. Mark Henry, 15.475; 21. Broedy Graham, 17.230

 

Racing Junk Heat #1 (8 Laps): 1. Lange, 2. Robertson, 3. Graham, 4. Bender, 5. Michnowicz, 6. Legend, 7. Greco

 

Extreme Muffler Heat #2 (8 Laps): 1. Kinney, 2. Cardey, 3. Brent Sexton, 4. Nigh, 5. Dyer, 6. Dennett, 8. Gamer

 

Advanced Racing Suspension Heat #3 (8 Laps): 1. Taft, 2. Collie, 3. Dumas, 4. Day, 5. Henry, 6. Shane Sexton

 

9th Annual Western Sprints Championship Main Event 20-Laps (with starting positions and distance behind)

1. AJ Bender, San Diego, CA … (4th)

2. Aiden Lange, Lakewood, CA … (2nd) +0.029

3. Drake Cardey, Riverside, CA … (6th) +2.101

4. Braydin Collie, El Cajon, CA … (5th) +4.140

5. David Taft, Ramona, CA … (7th) +4.955

6. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA … (13th) +6.060

7. Broedy Graham, Bakersfield, CA … (12th) +9.642

8. Leland Day, Bakersfield, CA … (9th) +12.279

9. Brent Sexon, Lakeside, CA … (1st) +1 Lap

10. Greg Dennett, Livermore, CA … (14th) +1 Lap

11. Zate Legend, Riverside, CA … (15th) +1 Lap

12. Mark Henry, Antelope Acres, CA … (17Th) +2 Laps

13. Dale Gamer, Anaheim, CA … (18th) +3 Laps

14. Parker Dumas, San Diego, CA … (3rd) +4 Laps

15. Cody Nigh, Camarillo, CA … (11th) + 4 Laps

16. Jon Robertson, Torrance, CA … (10th) + 8 Laps

17. Scott Kinney, Roseville, CA … (8th) +11 Laps

18. Shane Sexton, Warner Springs, CA … (16th) … +19 Laps

DNS Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA

DNS Bobby Michnowicz, Oak Hills, CA

DNS Grant Sexton, Lakeside, CA

DNS Tyler Warner, Alpine, CA  

Lap Leaders

Aiden Lange 1-16

AJ Bender 17-20

 

2025 CLS Contingency Awards

                A red and white sign with white text AI-generated content may be incorrect.A logo with palm trees AI-generated content may be incorrect. A red and white text on a black background

 

Bakersfield 11/25/25

Heat Races

Award

Recipient

Racing Junk Heat Race #1 winner

Competition Suspension Inc. $50 product certificate 

Aiden Lange

Extreme MufflerHeat Race #2 winner

Extreme Muffler $50 product certificate

 

Scott Kinney

ARS Heat Race #3 winner

Advanced Racing Suspensions $50 product certificate

David Taft

Main Event

Award

 

Winner

 

 

2nd place

BR Motorsports - $25 product certificate

Aiden Lange

3rd place

Joie of Seating - $250 product certificate

Drake Cardey

4th place

Saldana Racing Products - $50 product certificate

Brayden Collie

5th place

King Racing Products $25 product certificate 

David Taft

Highest finisher with Hoosier tires on all 4 corners.

Hoosier – free tire

AJ Bender

 

 

 

Quick time

Diablo Fabrication $50 product certificate

Eric Greco

Spring Forward (Hard Charger)

Eibach - $100 product certificate

SpeedMart - $50 product certificate

Jeff Dyer

Hard Luck Award

Hyper Racing - $50 product certificate

SpeedMart - $50 product certificate

Tyler Warner

 

Criteria

Award

CLS Member

Extreme Mufflers 10% off purchase

CLS Member

EZ Up  30-40% off purchase

CLS Member

RC Fuel Injection 50% off products and services to all race series participants

CLS Member

Rod End Supply   $30 off each $100 for CLS participants

CLS Member

 

Series Champion

Triple X Race Components $500 off any chassis or chassis kit

 

 

Motor City Buick/GMC California Lightning Series Points

1. Aiden Lange … 1691

2. Drake Cardey  … 1637

3. Jeff Dyer … 1543

4. Zate Legend … 1543

5. Braydin Collie … 1495

6. Bobby Michnowicz … 1401

7. Leland Day … 1276

8. Jon Robertson … 1162

9. Eric Greco … 1093

10. Cody Nigh … 1054

11. Hunter Kinney … 552

12. Bruce Douglass … 546

13. Greg Dennett … 507

14. Roland Smith … 430

15. Matt Land … 367

16. Jason Schostag … 310

17. Brent Sexton … 268

18. Robb Pelmear … 265

19. Cody Dayton … 245

20. T.J. Smith … 224

 

CLS vs BCRA Civil War Series Final Points

1. Greg Dennett, BCRA … 427

2. Aiden Lange, CLS … 425

3. Drake Cardey, CLS … 401

4. Bobby Michnowicz, CLS … 391

5. Jeff Dyer, CLS … 381

6. Braydin Collie, CLS … 377

7. Zate Land, CLS … 373

8. Matt Land, BCRA … 367

9. Leland Day, CLS … 352

10. Eric Greco, CLS … 328

 

Central California Shootout Final Points

1. Aiden Lange …242

2. Drake Cardey … 225

3. T.J. Smith … 224

4. Jeff Dyer … 221

5. Leland Day … 213

6. Braydin Collie … 207

7.  Hunter Kinney ... 206

8. Zate Legend … 199

9. Jon Robertson … 187

10. Eric Greco … 139

 

2025 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule                         

April 12               Bakersfield Speedway                   Eric Greco          

May 3                  Ventura Raceway                           Aiden Lange               

May 17                Merced Speedway                         David Gasper (CLS vs BCRA Civil War)

May 31                Ventura Raceway                           Postponed

June 7                 Bakersfield Speedway                    Jeff Dyer

June 21               Ventura Raceway                           Aiden Lange

July 5                  Santa Maria Speedway                  Aiden Lange

July 26                Santa Maria Speedway                  CLS vs BCRA Civil War Aiden Lange

August 22           Plaza Park Raceway                      Eric Greco

August 23           Lemoore Jet Bowl Raceway           Hunter Kinney

August 30           Ventura Raceway                           Jeff Dyer

September 12     Bakersfield Speedway                    CLS vs BCRA Civil War Bobby Michnowicz

September 13     Merced Speedway                         CLS vs BCRA Civil War Bobby Michnowicz

October 4            Ventura Raceway                           Bobby Michnowicz                 

October 25          Ventura Raceway                           Jeff Dyer

November 25      Bakersfield Speedway                    AJ Bender

 

To keep up with the CLS online, please visit the website at http://racecls.com/ and follow on the club’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/californialightningsprints.

 

PAST CALIFORNIA LIGHTNING SPRINT CAR CHAMPIONS

1994 Tony Everhart

1995 Gary Sexton

1996 Rob Sczymczak

1997 Jon Rahe

1998 Chris Rahe

1999 Brent Sexton

2000 Greg Bragg

2001 Greg Bragg

2002 Greg Bragg

2003 David Cardey

2004 Keith Janca

2005 Johnny Bates

2006 Donny Gansen

2007 Shane Rossen

2008 Brent Sexton

2009 Stuart Hielschier Sr.

2010 Jarrett Kramer

2011 Tim Brown

2012 Bobby Michnowicz

2013 Stephen Limon                                                     

2014 Bobby Michnowicz

2015 Bobby Michnowicz

2016 Bobby Michnowicz

2017 Bobby Michnowicz

2018 Jarrett Kramer

2019 Jarrett Kramer

2021 David Gasper

2022 David Gasper

2023 Bobby Michnowicz

2024 Bobby Michnowicz

2025 Aiden Lange

 

Special Thanks to Wendy Michnowicz and Ed Haney Video.

 

The California Lightning Sprint Car Series Unveils Its Initial 2026 Season Schedule

 

Torrance, CA — January 28, 2026 — The California Lightning Sprint Car Series, presented by Motor City Buick/GMC, is gearing up for another thrilling year, as Series President Jon Robertson has released the club’s initial 2026 racing schedule.  

 

Founded in 1994, the CLS will charge into its 32nd season in 2026. The preliminary schedule features 15 race dates at six different tracks, showcasing the series’ trademark variety and intensity. While 15 dates are on the calendar for now, additional events are still being negotiated and are expected to be added in the near future.

 

Earlier this week, it was announced that the CLS will join the legendary World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars on back-to-back nights in September. On September 25, the Lightning Sprints will compete alongside the nation’s premier open-wheel series on Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway. Twenty-four hours later and 120 miles west, both groups will take to the CLS home track, Ventura Raceway, for the Outlaws’ historic first appearance on the beachside oval.

 

 “Being part of World of Outlaws events is a tremendous opportunity for the California Lightning Sprints,”  CLS President Jon Robertson said.  “It is an honor and a wonderful privilege to showcase our racers and our sponsors on the same stage as the pinnacle of dirt track racing.  Our cars are miniature Outlaws.  They look the same.  We try to follow their format and their professionalism.” 

 

“I have talked to Jared Rector, the event coordinator with the Outlaws.  He came to me a couple of years ago about our club.  He was very complimentary of it.  He said they really liked when we ran with them and they would try to get us on the same bill when they came out to California.  We have done one show a year (with the Outlaws) the last few years.  This year it is incredible to do two.  They are happy and we are happy.  We are just going to try and put on the best show we can for the fans.”

 

The green flag drops March 6–7 at the California Mid-Winter Fair at Imperial Valley Raceway, where CLS drivers will square off against competitors from the third-year So Cal Lightning Sprint Car Series. The two-night showdown marks the opening rounds of the highly anticipated CLS vs. SCLS “Clash Series.”

 

Round three comes two weeks later at the picturesque Ventura Raceway, a venue that has produced some of the most competitive and memorable CLS battles over the years. Ventura will host six races on the 2026 calendar, underscoring its status as a cornerstone of the series. After that March event, the CLS will return to the track known as the “Commotion by the Ocean” on May 30, June 13, September 26, October 17, and October 24.

 

“We have put some emphasis on Ventura with six shows as we have had some really good shows there.”

 

On April 14, the tour heads to another longtime stop, Santa Maria Speedway, for the first of two scheduled appearances. Two weeks later, the Lightning Sprints roar into the Bakersfield Speedway, continuing a spring stretch packed with high-speed action.

 

“We have two races at Santa Maria,” Robertson enthused. It is a good track and they have some great people running it.

 

Summer heats up on June 27 with the first of two visits to the lightning-fast Merced Speedway, followed by a return on September 19. Both events are part of the annual Civil War Series, pitting the CLS against Northern California’s Bay Cities Racing Association in one of the most competitive inter-series rivalries of the year.  The CLS will make a second appearance at Merced on September 19th.

 

Another of the highlights of the 2026 season will come on July 4, when the CLS stars and cars head back to Santa Maria for an Independence Day celebration that will also feature the popular USAC/CRA 410 Sprint Cars.

 

One of the most anticipated dates on the 2026 calendar arrives on August 29, when the CLS makes a long-awaited return to Perris Auto Speedway for the first time since 2018. The event will be extra special, featuring the debut of micro sprints on the famed facility’s inner Ľ-mile oval, adding a fresh chapter to Perris’ storied history.

 

“That is going to be pretty cool,” Robertson said of the long-awaited return to Perris. “The show is going to be on the quarter mile and that should work out perfect for us. That is a joint show with the guys from So Cal so we should have a really good car count and put on a good show.”

 

“We are doing some joint shows with the So Cal Lightning people out of the San Diego area,” Robertson enthused. “We are doing the two Imperial Shows with them at the start of our season and the Perris race as well. We have another couple of races we want them to come up and run at our tracks. Perhaps one of the Ventura shows, we can bring them in because that is still a reasonable drive for their guys all the way down south (San Diego area). And we are still looking on doing some more stuff where we go down to their area as well.”

 

“The three lightning sprint organizations in California are all working together this season,” Robertson happily stated. “We have some cross-pollination going on. Hopefully, that will keep our car counts up and make some really good competition. All through the state, there is some really good competition. We have a really good product that we are putting out there.”

 

Up next for the series is the 2025 California Lightning Sprint Cars Awards Banquet, presented by Motor City Buick/GMC, set for February 7, 2026, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. at Frantone’s Pizza and Spaghetti Villa, located at 10808 Alondra Blvd. in Cerritos. Tickets are $40.00 and can be reserved by contacting jon.robertson@sbcglobal.net.

 

For continued updates and complete series information, follow the California Lightning Sprint Car Series on Facebook and visit the official website at racecls.com.

 

The CLS would like to thank the following companies for being partners in the 2026 season.  Motor City Buick/GMC, American Racer Tires, T Shirts By Timeless, Advanced Racing Suspension, BR Motorsports, Competition Suspension Incorporated, Diablo Fabrication and Design, Eibach Springs, Extreme Mufflers, EZ UP, The Joie of Seating, King Racing Products, Outlaw Wings, RacingJunk.com,  RC Fuel Injection, Rod End Supply, Saldana Racing Products, SpeedMart, and Triple X Race Components.  If you would like to join the CLS and be a marketing partner, please contact Jon Robertson via email at  jon.robertson@sbcglobal.net or by calling (310) 367-9050.   

 

2026 Motor City Buick/GMC California Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule

March 6               CLS/SCLS Clash Race 1                                 Imperial Valley Raceway

March 7               CLS/SCLS Clash Race 2                                 Imperial Valley Raceway

March 21             CLS                                                                  Ventura Raceway

April 4                 CLS & 305 Sprint Cars                                     Santa Maria Speedway

April 18               CLS                                                                  Bakersfield Speedway/Kern

May 30                CLS                                                                   Ventura Raceway

June 13               CLS                                                                  Ventura Raceway

June 27               CLS vs BCRA Civil War Race                           Merced Speedway

July 4                  CLS & USAC/CRA Sprint Cars                         Santa Maria Speedway

August 29           CLS/SCLS Clash Race 3                                  Perris Auto Speedway

September 19     CLS vs BCRA Civil War Race                          Merced Speedway

September 25     CLS with World of Outlaws Sprint Cars            Bakersfield Speedway

September 26     CLS with World of Outlaws Sprint Cars            Ventura Raceway

October 17          CLS                                                                   Ventura Raceway

October 24          CLS                                                                   Ventura Raceway

 

2025 Motor City Buick/GMC California Lightning Series Points

1. Aiden Lange … 1691

2. Drake Cardey  … 1637

3. Jeff Dyer … 1543

4. Zate Legend … 1543

5. Braydin Collie … 1495

6. Bobby Michnowicz … 1401

7. Leland Day … 1276

8. Jon Robertson … 1162

9. Eric Greco … 1093

10. Cody Nigh … 1054

11. Hunter Kinney … 552

12. Bruce Douglass … 546

13. Greg Dennett … 507

14. Roland Smith … 430

15. Matt Land … 367

16. Jason Schostag … 310

17. Brent Sexton … 268

18. Robb Pelmear … 265

19. Cody Dayton … 245

20. T.J. Smith … 224

 

To keep up with the CLS online, please visit the website at http://racecls.com/ and follow on the club’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/californialightningsprints.

 

PAST CALIFORNIA LIGHTNING SPRINT CAR CHAMPIONS

1994 Tony Everhart

1995 Gary Sexton

1996 Rob Sczymczak

1997 Jon Rahe

1998 Chris Rahe

1999 Brent Sexton

2000 Greg Bragg

2001 Greg Bragg

2002 Greg Bragg

2003 David Cardey

2004 Keith Janca

2005 Johnny Bates

2006 Donny Gansen

2007 Shane Rossen

2008 Brent Sexton

2009 Stuart Hielschier Sr.

2010 Jarrett Kramer

2011 Tim Brown

2012 Bobby Michnowicz

2013 Stephen Limon                                                     

2014 Bobby Michnowicz

2015 Bobby Michnowicz

2016 Bobby Michnowicz

2017 Bobby Michnowicz

2018 Jarrett Kramer

2019 Jarrett Kramer

2021 David Gasper

2022 David Gasper

2023 Bobby Michnowicz

2024 Bobby Michnowicz

2025 Aiden Lange

 

Special Thanks to Wendy Michnowicz and Ed Haney Video.

 

 KENYON MIDGET SERIES 

 

 

 

RUSH SPRINT CAR SERIES 

 

www.rushsprintcars.com

The RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply together with Born2Run Lubricants along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, FK Rod Ends, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, TBM Brakes, Performance Bodies & Parts, Racing Electronics, Wieland Metal Services, Frankland Racing Supply, Landrum Performance Spring, Ontime Body & Graphic, Sherwood Wheels, Precise Racing Products, Velocita-USA, Novus Home Mortgage Hermitage, Wedge Motorsports, 3C Graphix, D&V Jewelers, DrumPreserve, CrateInsider.com, Marthinsen & Salvitti Insurance Group and Terry Bowser Excavating. 

 

 

SUCCESSFUL 2025 HOVIS RUSH RACING SERIES SEASON SEES $200,000 IN POINT FUND MONIES DISTRIBUTED AT AWARDS BANQUET; TOP LATE MODEL, SPRINT CAR, SPORTSMAN MOD, PRO MOD & STOCK CAR RACERS HONORED

By Mike Leone


 

January 31, 2026 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Edinburg, PA)…While the 2026 racing season is only a couple months away, Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Racing Series presented by Born2Run Lubricants Directors Vicki Emig and Mike Leone put a final wrap on the 2025 racing season with the annual awards banquet and dinner on Saturday night at the Gatherings Banquet & Event Center. A record number of attendees from all over the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Mid-Ohio Valley filled the beautiful banquet hall as nearly $200,000 in cash, which was a record amount, was distributed to RUSH Late Model, Sprint Car, Sportsman Modified, Pro Mod, and Stock Car racers. All told well over $350,000 in point fund monies and useful product contingencies were distributed to RUSH racers throughout the 2025 season!

 

The Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Late Models had events at 20 different speedways in 2025 with nearly 300 different racers participating in either a weekly-sanctioned and/or tour events. The Hovis RUSH Sprint Cars completed year number eight with more participants than ever. Year 12 for the Hovis RUSH Sportsman Modified season featured events at five different speedways in three states. The Hovis RUSH Pro Mods wrapped up year number 10 with a three-night circuit. The Hovis RUSH Stock Cars completed their fifth season with weekly at Tri-City, Stateline and Eriez for the first time as car count record highs were established at Eriez.

 

Congrats to the following 2025 RUSH Champions: Jeremy Wonderling (Late Model Tour & Weekly), Demetrios Drellos (Late Model Tour Rookie-of-the-Year), Kyle Thomas (Late Model Mid-Ohio Valley), George Casto III (Late Model Futures Cup), Rob Coffaro (Late Model "Wheelman"), Blaze Myers (Sprint Car Weekly), Wyatt Long (Sprint Car Futures Cup), Chas Wolbert (Sportsman Mod Weekly & Route 7 Rumble), Karston King (Sportsman Mod Futures Cup), Josh Wilcox (Pro Mod Weekly), Trenton Curry (Pro Mod Futures Cup), Kaden Michael (Stock Car Weekly), and Raiddan Wilson (Stock Car Futures Cup). 

 

All of the champions received their point fund monies, trophies, large championship checks thanks to Ontime Body & Graphic, embroidered RUSH championship jackets, and Hoosier championship jackets. Also, all 13 Late Model City Chevrolet "Track Pack" Champions received $1,000 as each RUSH weekly-sanctioned track's top six member racers split $2,500. 

 

Jeremy Wonderling left the banquet as the top point fund money recipient at a record $26,300! The Wellsville, NY standout earned an unprecedented fifth title in both the Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Touring Series and City Chevrolet National Weekly Series in addition to capturing the $1,000 City Chevrolet Track Pack at McKean County Raceway. Wonderling won a total of nine races at seven different tracks in four states. Four of those wins were on the Tour where he upped his all-time total to a milestone 30 victories. Wonderling beat out 2021 champion, Kyle Hardy, for the Tour title as Hardy took home a total of $12,000 in point fund monies.

 

In his second year in a Late Model, Demetrios Drellos, a Big-Block Modified standout, followed the Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Tour for the first time and finished fourth in points, which earned him the $3,000 3C Graphix Rookie-of-the-Year honors beating out Zack Carley after a year-long battle. Drellos' total point fund earnings were $10,773.

 

Fifth year Late Model racer, Rob Coffaro, ran more Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Touring Series races than ever and was able to earn the D&V Jewelers "Wheelman" Bonus Event Challenge Series Championship. The Slippery Rock, Pa. driver became the 15th different champion in 16 years! In addition to his point fund monies and hardware, Coffaro also received a Zamp Helmet.

 

Veteran racer Kyle Thomas captured the inaugural Dave Poske's Performance Parts Mid-Ohio Valley Series title. The Pennsboro, WV driver won four races and finished runner-up three other times. He captured his first career Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Hone Tour victory on July 3 at Tyler County Speedway fending off Wonderling. Thomas earned a total of $2,300 in point fund monies. 

 

George Casto III had an excellent season to earn the Russ King Racing Futures Cup Championship as a 17-year-old. Casto had 8 top 5s and 12 top 10s including a victory at Tyler County where he finished second in their Track Pack points. He also finished fifth in the Mid-Ohio Valley Series points. In total, the Reynoldsville, WV driver earned $1,750 in point fund monies plus was the lucky recipient of the $1,000 Dave Poske's Performance Parts gift card!

 

Former RUSH Sportsman Modified Futures Cup Champion, Blaze Myers, won his first RUSH Sprint Car title since making the move to the Sprint Car division in 2021. Myers of Franklin, Pa. won a personal best 11 times in route to the $5,000 Billy's Garage Weekly Series title for car owner Ted Hull. Myers now has 26 career Sprint Car victories.

 

Former RUSH Karting racer, Wyatt Long, made the successful jump to the RUSH Sprint Cars in 2025 and won the Russ King Racing Futures Cup Championship. After some early season struggles with no top 5s in the first 12 races, Long caught fire beginning July 6 at Stateline when he finished fifth. From that point on, the 17-year-old Georgetown, PA driver became one of the most consistent top finishers in the Series ripping off 12 top 5s to end the season! Long also won the non-winners race at Tri-City. 

 

Chas Wolbert celebrated his fourth RUSH Sportsman Modified Weekly Series title and first ever in the "Route 7 Rumble" Series. The Warren, Ohio driver won 14 times and took home a personal best $4,500 in point fund monies. Wolbert won the 2020 and 2021 Weekly Series titles before competing full-time in Big-Block Modifieds in 2022 and 2023 and returned to the class to win titles each of the last two years.

 

Karston King, a third generation Modified racer, turned 15 during this past season, which was his second in a RUSH Sportsman. After tying for seventh in the 2024 Weekly Series points and sixth in the Route 7 Rumble, the North Bloomfield, Ohio racer was able to move into the top 5 in points of both Series in 2025 in addition to winning the Futures Cup title, presented by his Uncle Russ’ Russ King Racing business. King finished in the top 5 on seven occasions and failed to finish in the top 10 just twice out of 20 starts. His career best finish came on August 15 when he finished second at Raceway 7, which helped him to finish third in the Route 7 Rumble. 

 

Josh Wilcox became a new RUSH champion taking the $3,500 Pro Mod Weekly Series title. After running limited RUSH Pro Mod events in 2021 and 2022, the 40-year-old Bradford, PA driver joined the Series as a member in 2023 and finished eighth in points. The 2024 season was a dramatic increase moving up to second in points trailing Zain Harvey, who set a Series single season record with 19 victories. Wilcox got off to a hot start in 2025 winning three of the first five races he competed in taking the early lead in points and one he’d never relinquish. He ended the season with a Series best five wins including three triumphs at Stateline and two at McKean. Amazingly, Wilcox finished in the top 5 in 17 of his 20 starts. 

 

Fifteen-year-old RUSH Pro Mod rookie Trenton Curry of Jamestown, NY copped the Russ King Racing Futures Cup crown.

 

In 2023, Kaden Michael won the RUSH Stock Car Futures Cup crown. In 2024, the son of RUSH Late Model veteran, Andy Michael, took the next step capturing the Weekly Series title thanks to 11 wins in 22 races! This past season, the 17-year-old Allegany, NY driver was able to win at four of the five tracks that hosted events including three wins at both Stateline and Eriez, a victory at Freedom, along with his first career Tri-City win in his first ever visit! For the third straight year, Michael is a RUSH Champion- this time taking his second straight Weekly Series title worth $2,000!

 

Raiddan Wilson captured the Russ King Racing Futures Cup Championship for the RUSH Stock Cars, The 17-year-old Great Valley, NY driver won 10 races, just one less than Michael. Most impressively was the fact Wilson had 35 top 5s in 39 races!

 

The highlight of the banquet was the special awards ceremony. The prestigious Legacy Award was won by RUSH Late Model racer Scott Gurdak. His legacy goes back well beyond the Chevrolet Performance Crate Engine racing era; in fact, this driver started his career back in 1975. Over his 50+ years he’s won in numerous divisions; Stocks, Sportsman, Super Late Models, Big-Block Modifieds, RUSH Pro Mods and RUSH Late Models. He won 49 Big-Block Modified races alone at 10 different speedways. He’s raced against the World of Outlaws and the Super DIRTcar Series.

 

For the past 11 years he’s primarily been a regular on the tough Eriez-Stateline circuit with his RUSH Late Model winning numerous races and always finishing near the top of the standings. From 2016-2021, he did double duty also running a RUSH Pro Mod where he won five features and finished in the top 4 in points in his first three seasons when he competed for the championships. Throughout his illustrious career, he’s been a hard-nosed racer, but always well respected both on and off the track. He's always maintained his jovial spirit and has brought many a smile to both his friends and competitors!     

 

Nineteen-year-old Ben Easler won the Horizon Award. Easler made the move from go-karts into full-size race cars in 2021 aboard a RUSH Sportsman Modified. He had immediate success winning a feature event, finishing fourth in the Weekly Series points and capturing the Futures Cup title. He took a huge step forward in 2022 winning six features and the Weekly Series Championship. He added four more wins in a runner-up in points in 2023, which would be his final year in a RUSH Sportsman Mod.  

 

In 2024, he jumped into the RUSH Late Models winning a Weekly Series event at Eriez Speedway and took on the Tour where he finished 11th in points. This past season was a major step forward with additional top 5s and top 10s, and even though he didn’t win any races, what increased was his competition level on the Tour. After only recording 2 top 10s in 2024 Touring competition, Easler reeled off 8 in 2025. He recorded his first career top 5s in back-to-back races in July at Tyler County and Ohio Valley Speedways then came home a career best 3rd in the $10,000 to-win Bill Hendren Memorial in October at Pittsburgh! In the end, Easler finished fifth in points and +6 gain over 2024.

 

Chas Wolbert won the first of two Outstanding Achievement Awards that were presented. Wolbert won his unprecedented fourth Weekly Series title in the RUSH Sportsman Modifieds in addition to his first "Route 7 Rumble" title.  His 14 victories in 2025 set a new single season win record for the division, and bumped his all-time leading total to 68 victories.      

 

The second Outstanding Achievement was awarded to Tim Engles of Franklin, PA. A former "410" Sprint Car and Big-Block Modified racer became a car owner first for his son Jason then had a ton of success in the E-Mods with standout drivers Steve Dixon and David Scott. In between, Engles has been involved with the BRP Mod Tour and also had involvement in the promotional team at Tri-City Speedway. 

 

In 2021, Engles went a more affordable route in the RUSH Sprint Cars and won three championships and 25 races with Chad Ruhlman. The last two years has saw Brent Rhebergen and Zach Morrow each win a pair of features and finish in the top five in points. This past season was Engles' last as a car owner as he sold his operation recently to longtime crew member, Tim Phillips, who will continue to have Morrow drive the car.

 

The 2025 RUSH Car Owner-of-the-Year was awarded to Ted Hull. The veteran car owner from Oil City, PA had Blaze Myers in his car for the second straight year. This time, Myers won his first RUSH Sprint Car Championship and gave Hull his second as a car owner as Jeremy Weaver won the 2020 title. Myers won 10 of his 11 races this past season driving for Hull, who now has 26 career RUSH Sprint Car victories with four different drivers in seven years of ownership. Ted's father, Cal, a 96-year-old former racer himself, joined Ted to accept the honors.

 

Demetrios Drellos was recognized with the 2025 Miles Traveled Award. Drellos hit the road full-time with the RUSH Late Model Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Touring Series season winning the 3C Graphix Rookie-of-the-Year. It's estimated Drellos traveled 13,000 miles from his home in Queensbury, NY to compete in the 18 completed events. 

 

Mike Wonderling was given the Appreciation Award. The 52-year-old Wellsville, NY veteran completed his third year on the Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Tour as 2025 was his 28th year of racing and his last as a full-time driver.

 

Special thanks to Velocita-USA for providing custom drivers suits to the five Weekly Series Champions; Wonderling, Myers, Wolbert, Wilcox, and Michael. Landrum presented the inaugural "Loyalty Bonus" in 2025 to RUSH Late Model Touring Series driver, Jason Knowles, which was worth $5,000. Landrum was also the victory lane sponsored and awarded numerous product to all of the Series' "Manufacturers Nights" presented by MSD Performance.  

 

RUSH Series announcer, Brian Spaid, emceed the affair and also previewed the upcoming 2026 season with details to be released soon, while Mike Lysakowski photographed the event. Stay tuned to all of the RUSH Series social media channels and websites for the latest news.

 

2025 Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Late Model Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Touring Series Driver Top 12 Points: 1. JEREMY WONDERLING 1525 2. Kyle Hardy 1493 3. Demetrios Drellos 1406 4. Daryl Charlier 1375 5. Ben Easler 1358 6. Austin Allen 1354 7. Zack Carley 1350 8. Jason Knowles 1342 9. Mike Wonderling 1291 10. Austin Hauser 1228 11. Ryan Hare 1225 12. Bill Holmes III 1170.

 

2025 Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Late Model Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Touring Series 3C Graphix Rookie-of-the-Year: 1. DEMETRIOS DRELLOS 1406 2. Zack Carley 1350 3. Ryan Hare 1225 4. Bill Holmes III 1170.

 

2025 Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Late Model City Chevrolet National Weekly Series Top 40 Points: 1. JEREMY WONDERLING 1338 2. Jason Genco 1334 3. Breyton Santee 1324 4. Davin Kaiser 1323 5. Kyle Hardy 1322 6. Brandon Burgoon 1310 7. Christian Schneider 1309 8. Daryl Charlier 1303 9. Austin Allen 1302 10. Jacob Wilber 1298 11. David Parker 1296 12. Brett Marlatt 1287 13. Bill Holmes III 1286 14. Paul Grigsby 1285 15. Steve LeBarron 1282 16. Bryce Davis 1281 17. Tom Snyder, Jr. 1280 18. Mike Laughard 1273 19. Scott Gurdak 1270 20. Bud Watson 1266 21. Billy Henry, Jr. 1261 22. Austin Hauser 1260 23. Randy Hall 1255 24. Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr. 1252 25. Demetrios Drellos & Brian Nethers 1251 27. A.J. Spagnuolo 1248 28. Logan Reed 1245 29. Ben Easler 1244 30. George Casto III 1243 31. Andy Michael 1240 32. Tom Klein 1234 33. Kassidy Kamicker 1226 34. William Pinckney 1222 35. Logan Stockdale 1221 36. Jason Knowles 1217 37. Logen Lockhart 1210 38. Braeden Dillinger 1208 39. Leo Iarrapino 1207 40. Marshall O’Brian & Ward Schell 1203.

 

2025 Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Late Model Dave Poske’s Performance Parts Mid-Ohio Valley Series Top 10 Points: 1. KYLE THOMAS 1076 2. Brian Nethers & A.J. Spagnuolo 1052 4. Logan Reed 1052 5. George Casto III 1047 6. Jim Cochran 985 7. Santino Loretta 884 8. Bud Watson 818 9. Robbie Scott 778 10. Blake Runyon 735.

 

2025 Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Late Model Russ King Racing Futures Cup Points: 1. GEORGE CASTO III 1243 2. Logan Stockdale 1221 3. Leo Iarrapino 1207 4. Marshall O’Brian 1203 5. Lincoln Smith 651.

 

2025 Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Late Model D&V Jewelers “Wheelman” Bonus Event Challenge Series Champion: ROB COFFARO

 

2025 Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Late Model $1,000 City Chevrolet "Track Pack" Champions: Jacob Wilber (Bradford), Tom Snyder, Jr. (Dog Hollow), Jason Genco (Eriez & Stateline), Paul Grigsby (Genesee), Nick Davis (Georgetown), Jeremy Wonderling (McKean), Lincoln Smith (Muskingum), Brandon Burgoon (Pittsburgh), Billy Henry, Jr. (Raceway 7), A.J. Spagnuolo (Tyler County), Davin Kaiser (Winchester), Steve LeBarron (Woodhull).

 

2025 Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Sprint Car Billy’s Garage Weekly Series Top 20 Points: 1. BLAZE MYERS 1198 2. John Mollick 1198 3. Zach Morrow 1180 4. Arnie Kent 1160 5. Wyatt Long 1144 6. Luke Mulichak 1138 7. Joe Buccola 1125 8. Ricky Tucker III 1107 9. Trent Marshall 1104 10. Zack Wilson 1102 11. Cooper Fritz 1080 12. Brandon Shughart 1078 13 Charlie Utsinger 1074 14. Samantha Priest 1072 15. Devon Deeter 1069 16. Grayson Bayle 1068 17. Lucas Roessner 1051 18. C.J. McClintock 1028 19. Gale Ruth, Jr. 1018 20. Kevin Kaserman 1008.

 

2025 Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Sprint Car Russ King Racing Futures Cup Top 5 Points: 1. Wyatt Long 1144 2. Ricky Tucker III 1107 3. Cooper Fritz 1080 4. Samantha Priest 1072 5. Grayson Bayle 1068.

 

2025 Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Sportsman Modified Weekly Series Points: 1. CHAS WOLBERT 1200 2. Kole Holden 1172 3. Todd English 1138 4. Jacob Rutana 1116 5. Karston King 1108 6. JC Boyer 1098 7. Doug Rutana 1095 8. Rob Kristyak 1064 9. Nolan Burns 1055 10. Darin Gallagher 1037 11. Jackson Kristyak 1036 12. Troy Pinch 1026 13. Dalton Gabriel 963 14. Kyle Martell 685 15. Lucas Canon 600 16. Logen Lockhart 449 17. Cole Edwards 341 18. Jacob Jordan 87.

 

2025 Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Sportsman Modified "Route 7 Rumble Series" Top 8 Points: 1. CHAS WOLBERT 1388 2. Kole Holden 1326 3. Karston King 1229 4. Nolan Burns 1195 5. Jackson Kristyak 1109 6. Troy Pinch 1105 7. Jacob Rutana 1093 8. Doug Rutana 1080.

 

2025 Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Sportsman Modified Russ King Racing Futures Cup Points: 1. KARSTON KING 1108 2. Nolan Burns 1055 3. Jackson Kristyak 1036.

 

2025 Hovis Auto & Truck Supply GMC RUSH Pro Mod Weekly Series Points: 1. JOSH WILCOX 1307 2. Al Brewer 1303 3. Tyler Oakes 1287 4. Nick Arnold 1275 5. Cody Rickard 1236 6. Paul Nelson III 1227 7. Cody VanGuilder 1223 8. Josh Canfield 1216 9. Derek Austin 1213 10. Greg Marsh 1189 11. Trenton Curry 1184 12. Ian DeGolier 1138 13. Tim Peterson 1061 14. Steve Dixon 1023 15. Leonard Enos 599 16. Tommy Kemp 200 17. Dean Ingalls 195 18. Ryan Sanders 96

 

2025 Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Pro Mod Russ King Racing Futures Cup Champion: TRENTON CURRY

 

2025 Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Stock Car Weekly Series Points: 1. KADEN MICHAEL 1312 2. Raiddan Wilson 1303 3. William Baker, Jr. 1301 4. Darr Diegelman 1289 5. Camron Kramer 1280 6. Cole Strickland 1276 7. Alex Bush 1254 8. Cole Laskey 1199 9. Ken Moore, Sr. 1190 10. Mark Lawrence 1180 11. Jim Buchanan 1177 12. Allen Haskins 584 13. Gavin Eddy 290 14. Chelsea Haskins 196 15. Brian Bush 97. 

 

2025 Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Stock Car Russ King Racing Futures Cup Top 3 Points: 1. RAIDDAN WILSON 1303  2. Cole Strickland 1276 3. Cole Laskey 1199.


 

2025 Special Award Winners:

Legacy: Scott Gurdak

Car Owner of the Year: Ted Hull

Horizon: Ben Easler

Miles Traveled: Demetrios Drellos

Outstanding Achievement: Chas Wolbert & Tim Engles

Appreciation: Mike Wonderling

 

The RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply together with Born2Run Lubricants along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, Flynn's Tire, Gunter's Honey, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, FK Rod Ends, Rustler Sales & Service, Capital Contracting Service, Joseph J. Oliva Attorney at Law, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, Landrum Performance Springs, Russ King Racing, 3C Graphix, Dave Poske's Performance Parts, Velocita-USA, Wieland Metal Services, Frankland Racing Supply, Seal-Tite Paving & Excavating, Schneider Trucks Inc, Dusted Steak Seasoning, Ontime Body & Graphic, D&V Jewelers, AERO Race Wheels, Racing Electronics, Design Creations, and Competition Crate Parts.
 

 

 

RUSTLER SALES & SERVICE TO PRESENT 2026 HOVIS RUSH SPRINT CAR $20,000+ WEEKLY SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP & NAMED THE "OFFICIAL TRAILER SALES" OF SERIES

By Mike Leone


 

February 5, 2026 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Pulaski, PA)…Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Racing Series Directors Vicki Emig and Mike Leone are thrilled to announce that Rustler Sales & Service will present the 2026 RUSH Sprint Car Weekly Series Championship. In addition, Rustler has been named the "Official Trailers Sales" of the entire RUSH Racing Series. Rustler Sales & Service is located in Shippenville, Pa. and is owned by former "410" Sprint Car racer and Knox Raceway owner, Brian Steinman. 

 

The 2026 Hovis RUSH Sprint Car Rustler Sales & Service Weekly Series Championship will see the top 20 drivers in points share over $20,000 with $5,000 going to the champion. The RUSH Sprint Car Series is set to embark on what will be its most impressive season in its nine-year Series history. Nearly 50 events are scheduled throughout western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and western New York including Tri-City Raceway Park, Sharon Speedway, Michaels Mercer Raceway Park, Pittsburgh PA Motor Speedway, Lernerville Speedway, Stateline Speedway, and Raceway 7.  

 

The Series will be showcased in conjunction with some of the region's premier "410" Sprint Car events including a two-night wingless sprint car extravaganza with the USAC National Sprint Cars at Lernerville Speedway, with the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars at Sharon Speedway, the All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars at both Stateline Speedway and Michaels Mercer Raceway Park as well as the FAST on Dirt Sprints at Pittsburgh PA Motor Speedway and Tri-City Raceway Park. Many of these events will be streamed live on DIRTVision, FloRacing, The Cushion, and Dirt.tv.

 

In addition to the Rustler Sales & Service Weekly Series Championship, the Russ King Racing Futures Cup will return for eligible teenage racers and new in 2026 is the "Kenny's Cash" program, which will award $100 to a lucky driver at each event. Then at the season ending event, a $1,000 drawing will be held for drivers that compete in 75% or more of the completed events. The program is being put on by Arnie Kent in memory of his father, Kenny, who passed away on October 27, 2025, and has the potential to influx an additional $5,000 into the RUSH Sprint Car Series.

 

"It's always exciting to bring on a new marketing partner," stated RUSH Director Vicki Emig. "Brian has been involved in so many aspects in local auto racing from competing himself, to sponsoring various teams, and most recently his ownership of Knox Raceway. He has always been a big supporter of RUSH and we couldn't be more pleased to have him brand the RUSH Sprint Car Weekly Series Championship program as well as promote his Rustler's Sales & Service throughout the entire RUSH Racing Series as the 'Official Trailers Sales' of RUSH. Rustler Sales & Service is located in the heart of the RUSH Racing Series footprint and we look forward to promoting his numerous businesses during the upcoming 2026 season."

 

2026 RUSH Sprint Car Rustler Sales & Service Weekly Series Championship Point Fund ($20,075): 1. $5,000 2. $2,500 3. $1,750 4. $1,500 5. $1,200 6. $1,000 7. $800 8. $750 9. $700 10. $650 11. $600 12. $500 13. $450 14. $425 15. $400 16. $390 17. $380 18. $370 19. $360 20. $350.

 

Rustler Sales & Service is located at 20273 Paint Blvd, Shippenville, PA 16254. Rustler Sales and Service services heavy equipment and trucks, as well as providing heavy truck sales, service and towing in Northwestern Pennsylvania including Clarion, DuBois, Oil City, Mercer, Franklin, Clearfield, Butler, and throughout the region.  Rustler also offer several heavy trucks, heavy trailers, heavy equipment, and automobiles.


 

Rustler Sales and Service provides repairs and maintenance for heavy trucks, heavy equipment, and heavy trailers such as oil and filter changes, brake adjustment, welding repairs, air bags, air conditioning, starters, alternators, tires and even motor work.  Bring your equipment to Rustler's garage for maintenance, or they can come to you with road side service in case of a break down.   


 

Rustler also provides towing for heavy trucks, heavy equipment, heavy trailers, and automobiles.  They have fifth wheel wreckers and tilt-beds for towing services in the surrounding area of Northwestern Pennsylvania, as well as transportation services for many different commodities.  Their fleet is equipped with dump trailers on a regular basis but they also have their own flatbed, low-boy, and van trailer to meet any transportation need you have.  


 

Lastly, Rustler's also provides roll-off service for both your commercial and residential needs. For more information on Rustler Sales & Services, visit their website at www.rustlersalesandservice.net, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RustlerSales, call 814-227-2600 or e-mail b_steinman@icloud.com

 

The RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply together with Born2Run Lubricants along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, Flynn's Tire, Gunter's Honey, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, FK Rod Ends, Rustler Sales & Service, Capital Contracting Service, Joseph J. Oliva Attorney at Law, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, Landrum Performance Springs, Russ King Racing, 3C Graphix, Dave Poske's Performance Parts, Velocita-USA, Wieland Metal Services, Frankland Racing Supply, Seal-Tite Paving & Excavating, Schneider Trucks Inc, Dusted Steak Seasoning, Ontime Body & Graphic, D&V Jewelers, AERO Race Wheels, Racing Electronics, Design Creations, and Competition Crate Parts.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our various Facebook and Twitter pages by searching for the appropriate RUSH Series.

 

"KENNY'S CASH"- A NEW PROGRAM IN MEMORY OF KENNY KENT TO POTENTIALLY AWARD OVER $5,000 TO HOVIS RUSH SPRINT CAR RACERS IN 2026

By Mike Leone


 

January 21, 2026 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Pulaski, PA)...The Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Sprint Car Series is excited to announce a new program for the upcoming 2026 season that will potentially distribute over $5,000 to the Series' race teams. The "Kenny's Cash" program will award $100 to a lucky driver at each 2026 RUSH Sprint Car event. Then at the season ending event, a $1,000 drawing will be held for drivers that compete in 75% or more of the completed events. The program is being put on by Arnie Kent in memory of his father, Kenny, who passed away on October 27, 2025.


 

Veteran racer, Arnie Kent, has been a longtime proponent and supporter of the RUSH Sprint Cars. Kent was one of the two drivers to test a RUSH Sprint Car in late 2017. Kent, a four-time RUSH Sprint Car winner, is the only driver to compete all eight years in the class running 126 of the 178 events contested all time. Kent has also finished in the top six in points six of the eight years. His father Kenny was alongside him in the pit area for his entire racing career. Also, Kent's Equipment Rental Options was the Weekly Series presenting sponsor from 2020-2022 before the business was sold. 


 

"Kenny's Cash" will start with finishing position one at the first event of 2026 and will rotate one finishing position at each successive completed event through position 18 then will restart at position one for the 19th event and so on.  In the event there are not enough cars for the $100 bonus position, the bonus will go to the driver finishing last. Bonus monies will accumulate and be distributed on a monthly basis.


 

"We were honored when Arnie came to us wanting to give back to his fellow competitors in memory of his father Kenny who we all knew very well," stated RUSH Director Vicki Emig. "This program will spread out money to all the racers throughout the year then award a lucky, deserving driver a $1,000 bonus that thoroughly supported the Series. We have a similar program with our RUSH Late Model Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Tour where Landrum Performance Springs awards a $5,000 bonus on the final night to a driver that competes in at least 75% of the completed events. This popular program will be beginning its third year in 2026, and we're excited to bring this new 'Kenny's Cash' program to our RUSH Sprint Car racers." 


 

The RUSH Sprint Car Series is set to embark on what will be its most impressive season to date in what will be its ninth year in Series history. Well over 40 events are scheduled and the Series will be showcased in conjunction with some of the region's premier "410" Sprint Car events including a two-night wingless sprint car extravaganza with the USAC National Sprint Cars at Lernerville Speedway, with the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars at Sharon Speedway, the All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars at both Stateline Speedway and Michaels Mercer Raceway Park as well as the FAST on Dirt Sprints at Pittsburgh PA Motor Speedway and Tri-City Raceway Park. Many of these events will be streamed live on DIRTVision, FloRacing, The Cushion, and Dirt.tv.


 

The RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply together with Born2Run Lubricants along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, Flynn's Tire, Gunter's Honey, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, FK Rod Ends, Capital Contracting Service, Joseph J. Oliva Attorney at Law, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, Landrum Performance Springs, Russ King Racing, 3C Graphix, Dave Poske's Performance Parts, Velocita-USA, Wieland Metal Services, Frankland Racing Supply, Seal-Tite Paving & Excavating, Schneider Trucks Inc, Dusted Steak Seasoning, Ontime Body & Graphic, D&V Jewelers, AERO Race Wheels, Racing Electronics, Design Creations, and Competition Crate Parts.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300. The RUSH Sprint Car website is www.rushsprintcars.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlsprintcars and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) @RUSHSprints.

 

 

 

 

HOVIS RUSH SPRINT CARS SET TO EMBARK ON IMPRESSIVE 2026 SEASON; WILL JOIN WORLD OF OUTLAWS, USAC, ALL STARS & FAST SPRINTS AT NUMEROUS EVENTS AS WELL AS SUBSTANTIAL WEEKLY RACING THROUGHOUT REGION; MAJORITY OF EVENTS STREAMED LIVE

By Mike Leone


 

December 6, 2025 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Pulaski, PA)…With several speedways throughout western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and western New York region recently releasing their 2026 schedules and special events, the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Sprint Car racers will be preparing throughout the off-season to compete in what will be the most impressive schedule of events in the division's nine-year history!    


 

Anchored by weekly Friday Night racing at Tri-City Raceway Park (Franklin, PA), the RUSH Sprint Cars will visit an additional five speedways throughout three states in 2026 including Sharon Speedway (Hartford, OH), Lernerville Speedway (Sarver, PA) Michaels Mercer Raceway Park (Mercer, PA), Pittsburgh PA Motor Speedway (Imperial, PA), and Stateline Speedway (Busti, NY). All of the speedways are located within an approximate 75-mile radius creating an excellent situation for racers to chase their lucrative $5,000 to-win $20,000+ Billy's Garage Weekly Series Championship points fund. 


 

Highlighting the season will see the RUSH Sprint Cars showcased an unprecedented five times on a national level in conjunction with many of the region's major sprint car events. They will join the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars at Sharon on May 2, the All Star Circuit of Champions at Stateline on August 7 and Mercer on October 2, and for the first time ever with the USAC National Sprint Car Series part of Lernerville 's two-day "Commonwealth Clash" September 11-12!


 

The RUSH Sprints will join up with the FAST on Dirt Sprint Series at least three times including their $10,000 to-win event at Pittsburgh on July 11. Also, the RUSH Sprints will be part of Western PA Sprint Speedweek during the bookend events at Mercer and Tri-City along with traditional events such as the "Sprint Spectacular" and the season-ending "Steel City Stampede" at Lernerville plus for the first time ever at Mercer's "Little Guy Nationals"!


 

Speaking of Mercer, the RUSH Sprints will be on the schedule 10 times in 2026 following an impressive debut in September at the 3/8-mile legendary track. Mercer will be celebrating its 75th anniversary season, which was home for traditional, non-wing Sprint Car racing from the later 1960s into the 1970s before winged racing became the norm. 

 

A large portion of the 2026 schedule will be streamed live. DIRTVision will stream all eight of Sharon's events. FloRacing will stream the All Star and USAC events. Dirt.tv will handle the streaming for all of Lernerville's events. The Cushion will stream select events at Pittsburgh and Tri-City.      


 

"To have the RUSH Sprint Cars part of many of our region's major Sprint Car events speaks volumes to quality and level of competition as well as the excitement these cars provide for the fans," stated RUSH Director Vicki Emig. "It's not uncommon at RUSH events to see veteran Sprint Car racers mixing it up lap after lap with some of the best up and coming young sprint car talent in the region with many nights not having the winner determined until the last corner of the last lap! We're really excited to have such strong support from the regional promoters who have helped us put together our best schedule to date for the RUSH Sprint Cars, which helps reinforce the continued forward momentum of the division!"


 

The RUSH Sprint Car's founding concept of providing a true "cost containment" sprint car package, with its key components being the Chevrolet Performance 602 crate engine, Bilstein sealed/spec shocks, and Hoosier spec tires, has never wavered throughout the division's nine-year of existence.


 

Today, the RUSH Sprint Car division is still considered to be one of, if not, the most cost-effective way for a racer to compete in a full-size race car. The division continues to attract racers from across the spectrum from veterans to up and coming young guns that continuously produce old school, wheel-to-wheel non-wing sprint car racing at its finest!


 

Chad Ruhlman captured five $5,000 titles (2018-2019, 2021-2023). Jeremy Weaver won the championship during the shortened the 2020 COVID-19 season for Ted Hull. John Mollick won his first title in 2024 for car owner Scott Clever. And this past season saw Blaze Myers win the $5,000 Billy's Garage Weekly Series Championship for Hull- a 2025 Twin-State Auto Racing Hall of Fame Car Owner inductee.


 

Seasoned veterans such Arnie Kent, Gale Ruth, Jr., Zach Morrow, and Mollick, as well as others battle with numerous tremendously talented young racers that have ascended from the karting ranks into full-size race cars as with all RUSH divisions placing them on an equal platform of competition. The 2025 Russ King Racing "Futures Cup" class had a record nine participants led by 17-year-old champion Wyatt Long along with Ricky Tucker III, Cooper Fritz, Samantha Priest, Grayson Bayle, Lucas Roessner, Cooper Macormac, Jayden Shiffer, and Cullen Hutchison. Long also finished fifth in the Billy's Garage Weekly Series points and won the non-winners race at Tri-City. 


 

Perhaps 55-year-old Mollick, who has experienced success in all forms of dirt track racing including Super Late Models, "410" Sprint Cars, Big-Block Modifieds, RUSH Late Models, and more now finds his home with the RUSH Sprint Cars, said it best following his season ending win at Lernerville, "It's a great class and will teach you how to drive any other type of race car. They are so hard to drive because they're not down on the right front and have no aero; they're just bars, tires, and driver. Once you learn what these cars want, keep working on them and become fast, it will carry you the rest of your career." 


 

The complete 2026 schedule will be released in the coming weeks. 


 

The RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply together with Born2Run Lubricants along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Rick Hendrick City Chevrolet, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, Flynn's Tire, Gunter's Honey, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, FK Rod Ends, Billy's Garage, Joseph J. Oliva Attorney at Law, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, Landrum Performance Springs, Russ King Racing, 3C Graphix, Dave Poske's Performance Parts, Velocita-USA, Wieland Metal Services, Frankland Racing Supply, Seal-Tite Paving & Excavating, Dusted Steak Seasoning, Ontime Body & Graphic, D&V Jewelers, AERO Race Wheels, Heritage Wine Cellars, Precise Racing Products, Racing Electronics, Design Creations, and Competition Crate Parts.


 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300. The RUSH Sprint Car website is www.rushsprintcars.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushsprintcars and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) @RUSHSprints.

 

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KENYON MIDGET SERIES CALIFOrNIA LIGHTNING SERIES RUSH SPRINT CAR SERIES 

   

2026 Motor City Buick/GMC California Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule

March 6               CLS/SCLS Clash Race 1                                 Imperial Valley Raceway

March 7               CLS/SCLS Clash Race 2                                 Imperial Valley Raceway

March 21             CLS                                                                  Ventura Raceway

April 4                 CLS & 305 Sprint Cars                                     Santa Maria Speedway

April 18               CLS                                                                  Bakersfield Speedway/Kern

May 30                CLS                                                                   Ventura Raceway

June 13               CLS                                                                  Ventura Raceway

June 27               CLS vs BCRA Civil War Race                           Merced Speedway

July 4                  CLS & USAC/CRA Sprint Cars                         Santa Maria Speedway

August 29           CLS/SCLS Clash Race 3                                  Perris Auto Speedway

September 19     CLS vs BCRA Civil War Race                          Merced Speedway

September 25     CLS with World of Outlaws Sprint Cars            Bakersfield Speedway

September 26     CLS with World of Outlaws Sprint Cars            Ventura Raceway

October 17          CLS                                                                   Ventura Raceway

October 24          CLS                                                                   Ventura Raceway

 

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