News 2008 cont.
May 31, 2008
This has been added to our schedule.
We will be racing tomorrow - Sunday, June 1st as the make up date for May 31st.
On the schedule....Able Agency Street Stocks, Super Stocks, Bobcat of Buffalo Late Models, and McGard Modifieds.
The SST's have been added to DTRP's show tomorrow afternoon!!!
The SST race will be a non-points 35 lap feature with regular DTRP payout.
The bonus......The race is a Race of Champions SST Qualifier with the winner receiving a guaranteed starting spot at the RoC in Oswego in September.
Pit Gates will open at 10am
Grandstands will open at Noon
Practice will begin at Noon
Racing will begin at 2pm.
Until next time,
May 10, 2008
Hope everyone survived the long cold winter. The weather is looking great and we are all looking forward to a great summer.
This year we are taking some time off from the every week racing schedule to do some catch up on things we haven’t been able to do. Today I have posted our tentative 2008 schedule on the web site. All dates are subject to change. If you would like to know when we are racing, e-mail me at: racing15@rochester.rr.com with your e-mail address, so you can be added to our fan base. I will let you know when and where the 15 Team will be participating.
News 2007
October 7, 2007
Yesterday ended the 2007 racing season. This definitely was a year where we took our racing up a level in regards to set ups. The last three events were extra distances races that we were pleased on how the car handled, both in set ups and performance.
At the Oswego RoC (September 22nd) we won our heat and unfortunately a rocker stud broke early in the race that ended our day. The next week at Lancaster for the US Open we came in third in our heat and second in the 30 lap feature and yesterday at WCIS for the Coke Cola 50 lap Shoot Out we posted a second in our heat and third in the feature.
We had a great crew that did a great job and owe them all a big thank you. Of course, we couldn’t have done it without the help of our marketing partners. They are AC Delco Nu-Way Auto Parts, Mark’s Garage and JG Autowerks.
What’s in for next year will depend on what the tracks decide to do with this class. There is a lot of talk right now but it’s too early to make a decision. We will keep you informed of our plans as soon as we made a decision.
September 9, 2007
Friday night ended the season at Spencer Speedway for 2007. It is not like we had hoped but as a Team we over came a lot of challenges. All of the crew did a superb job keeping the #15 on the track and competitive.
Ten street stocks showed for the last night with five in each of two heats. Jimmy Steffenhagen Jr. (#13) was in heat one and Junior in heat two. Steffenhagen Jr. won his heat and now it was our turn to hopefully match his win. We took the checker but were penalized two spots because of contact with Phil Alhart (#84) in turn two. We believe this was a bad call since Alhart came down on us and Bobby lifted to allow him to recover. This call put in the third row outside in the feature with Steffenhagen Jr. starting in row two inside. Steffenhagen Jr. quickly moved into the lead with Don Stevens (#5) falling in second. Bobby moved into third on lap two. All three of these cars were very evenly matched and broke away from the rest of the field. The twenty lap feature ended the same, 13, 5 & 15 giving Steffenhagen Jr. the win and the 2007 Street Stock Championship.
Today we put in our end of the year engine for the three big races coming up; Oswego (9/22), Lancaster (9/29) and Perry (10/6).
September 3, 2007
It’s hard to believe but last Friday was the second to last race of the season at Spencer Speedway. We had twelve Street Socks on the program with Jay Mudra (#16) coming from Buffalo in his first appearance in about ten years.
Two heats were scheduled with us being fifth in the first. On lap two we moved to second and it stayed that way for the remainder of the eight lap contest.
Feature time came and we started fifth as the results of the heat finish and handicap point system. On lap two the yellow flew for the first of three times. We started fifth on the re-start and moved to third by lap seven when the second yellow came out. The green flew and Junior put the #15 in second by lap nine when once again the yellow flew for the final time. The re-start had Bobby on the outside pole but he quickly tucked in behind Willie Strusz (#22) who was at the point. It stayed that way for the remainder of the race. Jimmy Steffenhagen (#13) who came into this race with a one point lead finished third and now we are one point ahead of him going into the last race. Strusz took the checker flag for his first ever Feature win.
When you are at the track come in the pits after the races and stop by our trailer. The #15 is always in front of the trailer. If you have kids with you they are always welcome to sit in the car, see Patty, Bobby or me and don’t forget the camera.
August 26, 2007
Friday at 7:00 pm the Street Stocks took to the track to complete the August 10th curfew canceled feature. With twenty laps the distance and Junior starting in third, the green flew starting the race. By half way through the first lap Bobby ducked under Roger Worden (#32) who started on the pole for the top spot. Coming out of turn four Jimmy Steffenhagen (#13) went three wide and pushed up into Worden putting him in the wall. When Worden hit the wall he bounced out and collected Steffenhagen. Both cars had to towed off the track with serious damage. That was the only yellow of the race and Junior lead all twenty laps for our fifth win. As he crossed the finished line the power steering let go so that would be the first item to address when we were back in our pit area. Going into that event, Jim Steffenhagen and Bobby were tied for the points lead. This was not good for Steffenhagen, as he was scored eleventh.
Now the complete racing program would start for the evening. We had to fix the power steering, hopefully, before our heat race. Luckily we were in the second heat so that gave us a little more time. We weren’t able to fix the problem and put the power steering unit back on the car so we joined the two power steering lines and sent him out with out power steering. Junior did a great job holding off Steffenhagen for five laps of the eight lap heat but he couldn’t hold the car on the bottom letting Steffenhagen duck under him. Jimmy Steffenhagen finished third and Bobby fourth. This gave Steffenhagen one point for third and Bobby zero for fourth.
After the heat we replaced the power steering unit and did our normal maintenance for the second twenty lap feature. Steffenhagen started sixth and Bobby eighth. Both were moving up the field when on lap eight coming out of turn two our transmission let go. Bobby slowly made the circuit and drove off the track ending our night. Steffenhagen went on to win the feature and Bobby was scored eleventh. So at the end of the night Jimmy leads the points and we are in second, one point behind.
Bobby and I would like to thank all of the people that helped us on Friday; Mark Ranaletta (Mark’s Garage), Adam Vogler, Mike Vogler and Tom Brinser. Without them we couldn’t have done what we did.
Only two week left of the 2007 Spencer Speedway season.
When you are at the track come in the pits after the races and stop by our trailer. The #15 is always in front of the trailer. If you have kids with you they are always welcome to sit in the car, see Patty, Bobby or me and don’t forget the camera.
August 19, 2007
There is not too much to report for the last two weeks. On August 10th we were scheduled to run our feature last. We won our heat and were starting third in the feature when it was canceled due to the 11 o’clock curfew regulation. Last Friday night was suppose to start out with our feature from the previous Friday and then go into the regular schedule. We didn’t even get to the first round of practice when the sky opened up. The rain was coming down hard and steady so the track canceled the night of racing. Hopefully, this Friday will be a better evening and we can start out with our curfew canceled feature.
Only three week left of the 2007 Spencer Speedway season.
When you are at the track come in the pits after the races and stop by our trailer. The #15 is always in front of the trailer. If you have kids with you they are always welcome to sit in the car, see Patty, Bobby or me and don’t forget the camera.
August 5, 2007
After a week off because of last Friday’s rain out (only the 2nd time this year) we were back in action. Eleven Street Stocks took to the track with the first of two heats. Junior started fifth in heat one. On lap two he passed Roger Worden (#32) for third and went to second on lap three. Jeff Parent (#39) was at the point and held on for the win with Junior on his tail for second.
The twenty lap feature saw Bobby starting in third with Parent on the pole, Don Stevens (#5) on the outside pole and Jim Steffenhagen Jr. (#13) in the fourth slot. As the green flew it only took two laps and the front four were nose to tail. The caution less race ended the way it started, #39, #5, #15 and #13. No one had it on this night to go to the outside and pass.
All of us at Bobby Lippa Racing would like to congratulate Jeff Parent and his crew on their 1st ever feature win.
When you are at the track come in the pits after the races and stop by our trailer. The #15 is always in front of the trailer. If you have kids with you they are always welcome to sit in the car, see Patty, Bobby or me and don’t forget the camera.
July 15, 2007
Last Friday night was our 50 lap event. This is the longest extended race we have had since we started racing at Spencer’s in 2000.
Twelve cars started with six in each heat. Bobby was in the first heat starting fifth. As the green flew he moved into the third spot by the end of lap one with Amy Catalano (driving #2 tonight) right behind him. As they were going in turn three on lap two, Catalano made heavy contact to the left rear of Junior putting the #15 into a spin (see pictures). The yellow flew and Bobby rejoined at the back of the pack. Catalano was put to the tail because she caused the caution. Junior now on a mission worked his way to second by lap seven of the eight lap heat and took the lead on lap eight for the win (see picture).
Feature time came and we started fifth because of our heat finish and our handicap points. The first of two yellows would fly on lap two for the stopped car of Billy Semmler (driving the #54 tonight). The restart saw John VanHooydonk (#41) at the pole with Jim Steffenhagen Jr. (#13) on the out side pole and Junior third. Steffenhagen Jr. grabbed the lead with Bobby in second followed by Don Stevens (#5) and Amy Catalano (#2).
On lap eleven Catalano passed Junior on the outside for second and started after Steffenhagen Jr. She caught him on lap nineteen but couldn’t pass him. Bobby had Stevens and then Ryan Corso (#51) on his tail since Catalano moved to second. Lap twenty two came and Junior started pulling away from Corso. Steffenhagen Jr. and Catalano had built up a straight away lead and we needed a caution to bring the cars back together. Lap thirty seven saw that caution we needed but would go against us. Steffenhagen Jr. and Catalano got into each other coming out turn two. As they slowed up for a second Bobby drove pass them for the lead only to have Catalano’s left front fender hit out right rear quarter panel. This slight touch only wiggled our car but because she was still trying to regain control from the contact with Steffenhagen Jr. she turned to the right and hit the wall. Thankfully she was ok. The officials call was we caused the contact and Bobby was sent to the rear.
The green flew again and Junior went from eighth to sixth in one lap. He continued to pass cars and when the checker flew we were third.
I questioned the call to the owner on putting us to the back, especially after Amy and Jimmy stated we were not the cause. The officials reviewed it and then apologized to us for the bad call. As we all know there is nothing that can be done but hopefully they (the officials) will be a little more observant.
Yes, the win was taken from us but we came away feeling good finishing third with all that had taken place that night.
All photos are by Ron Rigby and Bobby Lippa Racing thanks him for all that he does for us.
When you are at the track come in the pits after the races and stop by our trailer. The #15 is always in front of the trailer. If you have kids with you they are always welcome to sit in the car, see Patty, Bobby or me and don’t forget the camera.
July 8, 2007
Last Friday saw the first RoC Modify Tour race at Spencer’s since the late nineties. It was a 100 lapper with thirty-one modified’s showing up. With that and also the USAC Ford Focus Midgets making their first ever visit to Spencer Speedway we only got one practice session and a feature only. There was no heat race for us this night.
Starting in the tenth position we were gradually working our way through traffic when on lap nine the #51 of Ryan Corso spun us in turn one. With this spin we lost the right rear shock and it also caused a front end suspension failure. After this Jr. did a great job just finishing the event. We will be back this Friday with the car fixed to run our class 50 lapper.
For the track it seemed like the old days with a great car count and fans in the stands.
When you are at the track come in the pits after the races and stop by our trailer. The #15 is always in front of the trailer. If you have kids with you they are always welcome to sit in the car, see Patty, Bobby or me and don’t forget the camera.
June 29, 2007
Last Friday we went with a different set up in the car hoping to improve the handling. During the first practice we thought we had improved but as more rubber was laid on the track we soon found out from the second and third practice that this set up wasn’t going to work. The crew put the car back to where we had it a week ago to prepare for the eight lap heat race.
Starting fifth in the first of two heats we knew after one lap the car was back. On lap two we took over third place right behind Tommy Carino Jr. (#7) and Ryan Corso (#51). Lap four saw Jr. get under Corso for second and on lap sixth drove under Carino Jr. for the lead and kept it to get the checker flag two laps later.
Feature time saw us starting fourth (as a result of the heat win and handicap points system) and this feature would go twenty caution free laps. By the end of lap one Jr. moved into the third spot and we were now nose to tail with Don Stevens (#5) and Jim Steffenhagen Jr. (#13). On lap sixth Amy Catalano (#54) joined us making it a four car train. No one could pass or wanted to for chancing of loosing their spot. Catalano was the only one trying to pass since she had no one behind her. This went on until lap seventeen when Catalano coming out of turn two ran over debris on the track and lost both of her right side tires. With two laps to go Steffenhagen Jr. closed in on Stevens, looking to set up for a last minute run for the win. Bobby waited to the last lap to close in right behind the #13 and then coming out of the fourth turn heading for the checker, Steffenhagen Jr. drove down under Stevens trying to pass him on the inside when they made contact and they had to lift off the gas for a second. With this Jr. drove up to the outside never lifting off the gas and when the three of them came to the finish line Bobby won by about eighteen inches with Stevens second and Steffenhagen Jr. third about two feet behind Stevens. What a finish! The crew and I couldn’t tell who won from where we were standing. Then we all looked up at the sore board and saw the order; 15, 5, 13, 22, 51. Bobby dedicated this win to his Aunt Sandy Vogler.
Note: This week is the RoC 100 lap modified race and racing starts at 6:30 p.m. To see what classes are running, special events and admission prices log on the Spencer Speedway web site, www.spencerspeedway.org or click on our web site, go to links and then Spencer Speedway.
June 24, 2007
The temperature was down from a week ago with a little wind but was a great night for racing. Twelve Street Stocks took to the track with two heats of six. Junior started fifth and by lap four took the lead to win the second heat contest. Amy Catalino (#2) won the first heat race. This was the most Street Stock’s (12) we have had on a night this year.
Feature time came with Junior starting in the fourth spot due to his heat win and the handicap points system. As the green flew Tommy Carino Jr. (#7) starting on the pole had his back end come around, shot to the left and clipped Don Stevens (#5) who started right behind Carino Jr. Everyone else got through this mishap un-touched. Since this there was not a completed lap, a complete re-start was done. With the Stevens car out for the night and Carino Jr. going to the pits for repair it moved Junior up to the number two spot (front row outside). As the green flew for the second time Ryan Corso (#51) on the pole got a jump on Junior. Bobby was not able to over come that start and had to wait for an opening to fall in line in the inside grove. He was now in fifth and had some work to do. One by one he moved his way up and by lap eleven was in the second spot. Caution flew on lap twelve. Since half of the race was over the re-start is single file. Amy Catalano (#2) had the top spot with Bobby in second. We finished the nine remaining laps but had nothing for the #2 car that night. We will take second and come back next week a little better. Jim Steffenhagen Jr. (#13) did a great job starting last and finishing third, especially after last week.
A reminder, starting time has been moved from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with practice starting at 5:30 p.m. To see what classes are running, special events and admission prices log on the Spencer Speedway web site, www.spencerspeedway.org or click on our web site, go to links and then Spencer Speedway.
When you are at the track come in the pits after the races and stop by our trailer. The #15 is always in front of the trailer. If you have kids with you they are always welcome to sit in the car, see Patty, Bobby or me and don’t forget the camera.
June 17, 2007
Friday night was a great night for racing. It looked like more cars were showing up and the parking lot showed signs the stands might have its largest crowd of the year. At heat time there were six Super Sixes, eleven Street Stocks, seventeen NASCAR Modifieds, twelve Super Nora Modifieds and twenty seven SST Modifieds. This was the best car count night so far this season and the stands also had its best attendance of season.
With eleven Street Stocks, there were two heats scheduled. Junior was in heat number one starting fifth. On lap two in turns one and two Don Stevens (#5) and Roger Worden (#32) got together and both cars started to spin. Junior, right on their heals did a great move to avoid contact. As the eight lap heat wound down the cars were nose to tail and half way through turns three and four when Stevens and Ryan Corso (#51) got together opening up the center and Junior took advantage putting the #15 in third.
Feature time saw the #15 starting fifth. After one lap the cars settled in, in singled file. With Tom Carino Jr. (#7) at the lead followed by Jim Steffenhagen Jr. (#13), Bobby Jr. and Bill Hebing Jr. driving Bob Minacapelli’s (#2) it was follow the leader. Then on lap five, coming out of turn four, Carino went high opening the door for the #13, #15 and #2. Junior did not have enough for Steffenhagen to get around him on the outside so just stayed on his bumper waiting for him to make a mistake. Mean while Hebing stayed on Junior’s bumper and also tried many times to get around but didn’t have enough to make the pass. At the end it was the #13, #15, #2 and #51 rounding out the top four. Steffenhagen’s victory (also his 25th birthday) was short lived. After post race tech, he was DQ (disqualified) for having an aluminum intake manifold. In the street stock division at Spencer Speedway you must run the factory stock cast iron two barrel manifold. With this, it moved everyone up one spot, so the win went to us.
June 9, 2007
With practice in the books we all were hoping the predicted storm would turn south and miss us. However, it didn’t and the rain, lightning and thunder came. With that, the track had to cancel the evening’s events.
June 3, 2007
Another great evening for racing and the car count went up by two. We have been a long time supporter of the Street Stock division and Bobby lamented in the May 25th feature interview, “I know there are more of these cars out there. We need to get them here to the speedway. We need them to come out.” It must have made an impact. Phil Alhart Jr. #84 was in the stands and says he’ll be back. So the car count keeps going up. Hopefully, we can get thirteen or fourteen as summer approaches.
The eight lap heat started with Bobby in the eight position. This week with ten cars, the first five finishers will advance to the feature using their handicap points. All others will start from position six and back. So again it is important to finish in the top five. Junior again repeated by crossing the finish line in third.
We made some changes and the car was ready for the twenty lap feature. We took the green in fourth and settled in behind Roger Worden #32 who was on the pole. Amy Catalano driving Bob Minacapelli’s #2 quickly drove up on the outside next to Junior. She got around Junior and then Worden and now was in front. Junior went to the outside of Worden and got around him to take over the second spot. By this time Catalano had a good size track advantage. With the feature going green from start to finish Junior could not make up the difference she had on him. All in all we were happy with second considering on the start Don Steven’s #5 who was on the inside of us pushed us into the wall coming out of turn four taking the green. The entire right side of the car was three feet in the air and the starter called for a complete re-start. Assessing today what that hit did to the car, it was fine driving and a well built unit that kept us in the game.
The team will be putting in a few extra hours this week to check over the car not knowing if there is any hidden damage from hitting the wall. We don’t think there is, but we need to be sure.
A reminder, starting time has been moved from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with practice starting at 5:30 p.m. To see what classes are running, special events and admission prices log on the Spencer Speedway web site, www.spencerspeedway.org or click on our web site, go to links and then Spencer Speedway.
When you are at the track come in the pits after the races and stop by our trailer. The #15 is always in front of the trailer. If you have kids with you they are always welcome to sit in the car, see Patty, Bobby or me and don’t forget the camera.
May 28, 2007
What a difference a week makes. From a low of 38 degrees a week ago to a beautiful pleasant evening. This also showed in the attendance.
The eight lap heat started with Bobby in the seventh position. With eight cars, the first four finishers will advance to the feature using their handicap points. All others will start from position five and back. So it is important to finish in the top four. Junior repeated a week ago by crossing the finish line in third.
In the heat race the car was not quite handling the way we needed but was much better then practice. The crew went to work and made some changes for the twenty lap feature. We took the green in fourth and settled in a single line after lap one. Junior going to the outside passed Roger Worden (#32) taking over the third spot. John VanHooydonk (41) was now the next car. Waiting for the right moment, Junior when low coming out of turn two and passed VanHooydonk in a drag race down the back stretch taking the number two spot. Tommy Carino Jr. (#7) holding the top spot had a little distance on us. By lap five we had caught Carino and made the same pass on him out of turn two as earlier with again a drag race into turn three. We came out on top on lap six. There was one caution on lap nine and the restart saw the #15 & #7 on the front line. Carino made a great effort to capture the lead back but fell a little short. At the end it was Bobby Jr. first, Tommy Carino Jr. finishing second and Jim Steffenhagen Jr. (#13) third. Well, the junior’s had it this week; one, two and three.
A reminder, starting time has been moved from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with practice starting at 5:30 p.m. To see what classes are running, special events and admission prices log on the Spencer Speedway web site, www.spencerspeedway.org or click on our web site, go to links and then Spencer Speedway.
When you are at the track come in the pits after the races and stop by our trailer. The #15 is always in front of the trailer. If you have kids with you they are always welcome to sit in the car, see Patty, Bobby or me and don’t forget the camera.
May 20, 2007
Friday night’s weather prediction came true. It was a clear night with some wind and temperatures dropping where you could see your breath.
Again the car count for our class was low and we also lost one due to an engine failure. Hopefully, Phil Alhart Jr. #84 will be back along with others who are finishing up their cars.
The eight lap heat started with Bobby in the eight position. From the heat only four cars will advance to the feature using their handicap points. All others start from position five and back. So it is important to finish in the top four. Jr., after negotiating traffic crossed the eight lap caution free heat third.
When feature time came the sun had gone down, dew was forming on the grass. The twenty lap feature started with Bobby in fourth as a result of his third place finish in the heat, plus his handicap points. Jr. worked his way to the third spot by lap two when the caution flew for a mishap in turn three. When the green flew again Bobby secured the second spot right on Don Stevens’s #5’s bumper who started on the pole. It became a two car run away between the #5 & #15. Jr. tried to pass a number of times but Stevens did have his car dialed in. It was a crowd pleaser watching the two of them put on a great show. At the end of twenty laps it was Stevens then Jr.
A reminder that the starting time has been moved from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with practice starting at 5:30 p.m. To see what classes are running, special events and admission prices log on the Spencer Speedway web site, www.spencerspeedway.org or click on our web site, go to links and then Spencer Speedway.
When you are at the track come in the pits after the races and stop by our trailer. The #15 is always in front of the trailer. If you have kids with you they are always welcome to sit in the car, see Patty, Bobby or me and don’t forget the camera.
May 12, 2007
Opening night was a little cooler than practice night a week ago. However, it still was a beautiful evening with a little wind.
The car count for our class was low compared to other years. Hopefully, there are cars that haven’t been finished up and will be back on the track next week.
With only nine cars on the program one heat was scheduled. Bobby started on the outside pole and by turn one took over the lead and led the entire eight lap heat. Feature time saw Jr. on the pole. We started on the pole because, only, on opening night you are lined up by your heat finish. Starting next week, your starting position will be by your handicap points (the better you finish the father back you start). Bobby took the green and led all twenty caution free laps. Jim Steffenhagen Jr. was challenging at the end but didn’t have enough as the checker flag flew.
A reminder that the starting time has been moved from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with practice starting at 5:30 p.m. To see what classes are running, special events and admission prices log on the Spencer Speedway web site, www.spencerspeedway.org or click on our web site, go to links and then Spencer Speedway.
When you are at the track come in the pits after the races and stop by our trailer. The #15 is always in front of the trailer. If you have kids with you they are always welcome to sit in the car, see Patty, Bobby or me and don’t forget the camera.
May 5, 2007
The snow in behind us, the cold has seemed to subside and the rain has stop, racing season is “Officially” here. Last night was opening practice at Spencer Speedway and what a beautiful afternoon and evening it was.
The first time each year, all cars must go through and pass safety inspection. This is mandatory before they are allowed to practice or race. We went through and received our safety inspection and medical sticker. The medical sticker is to show that you have filled out the necessary forms should they be needed.
Right out of the trailer the car looked great. The times were very respectful considering the track was still green (no rubber on it) from the winter. We made four practice runs trying different setups and then called it a night.
Friday, May 11th is the opener. Starting time has been moved from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with practice starting at 5:30 p.m. To see what classes are running, special events and admission prices log on the Spencer Speedway web site, www.spencerspeedway.org or click on our web site, go to links and then Spencer Speedway.
When you are at the track come in the pits after the races and stop by our trailer. The #15 is always in front of the trailer. If you have kids with you they are always welcome to sit in the car, see Patty, Bobby or me and don’t forget the camera.
February 10, 2007
“Announcing” Our team’s newest member "Tom Brinser"
Tom brings 25 years of racing experience including; crew member, driver/owner and car builder. All of us on the team are very excited to have Tom as part of the team and looking forward to a great 2007 Season.
