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Richie Smith Wins Round One Of ARDC/Modified Challenge

7 March 1998

Easton, Pa., -- Richie Smith, of Kunkletown, Pa., is rapidly becoming the "King Richard" of the indoor kart racing facilities. Smith beat a field of Midget and Modified drivers on Saturday, February 28, at Fast Trax in Broadway, New Jersey to capture Round one of the ARDC/Modified Challenge Series. This racing series has been organized by the radio show, "Monday Night Motorsports with John Richetta and Mark Kenyon". Round two will be held at S&S Speedway in Effort, Pa. on Sunday March 15.

In addition to the team of drivers that were scheduled to compete at the Fast Trax event on February 28, several other drivers were added to the field. As a result, a B Main was run that transferred only the winner to the 50 Lap ARDC/Modified Challenge. The B Main was won by Modified driver, Bill Tittle. ARDC CARQUEST Midget Series starter, Ron Grater, was on the flag stand and ARDC President, Ray McCabe, acted as race director. Ms. Motorsports, Kimberly Whitehead, waved the green flag for the start of the feature and announcer, Bob Marlow, added even more excitement to the already intense competition on the track. And, just before the start of the feature, Pennzoil dealer, Ed Pados, put up a fifty dollar bill for the winner along with a case of Pennzoil oil and a Pennzoil T-shirt and hat. ARDC driver, Gary Mondschein, took the lead early from pole sitter, 1997 ARDC Champion, Ed Stimely Jr. Mondschein was in command of the race and appeared to be headed to victory when Stimely got into the back of Mondschein's car between turns three and four. Mondschein was sent into a spin and the leader had to re-start at the rear of the field. Stimely was now up front, being chased by Doug Borger and Dave Witte. Richie Smith was working his way through the pack from his eleventh place starting position. Smith overtook Witte and Borger with only five laps to go and went on to win round one of the ARDC/Modified Challenge. Smith, Dave Witte and Doug Borger were presented trophies for finishing first, second and third from the White Trophy Company of Bensalem, Pa. One week earlier, Richie Smith won the "Monday Night Motorsports 2nd Annual Race for Down Syndrome" at S&S Speedway in Effort, Pa. Smith had also won that same benefit race back in 1997! Fast Trax owner and former Modified driver, Ray Woodall, commented on the Fast Trax event. "It was fantastic. Everybody did a great job and I have to say thank you to the ARDC officials, Kim Whitehead ,Bob Marlow, Ed Pados from Slate Belt Big A, Susan White from White Trophy Company and everyone else that helped organize this and all of the race fans that showed up. And, if you didn't get to see this race, make a point to go to the re-match race at S&S Speedway on March 15 because this was a great race and it will be up there, too."

B Main Race Summary:

Bill Tittle, Bill Case, Chris Whitehead, Randy Smith, Butch Tittle and Bill Schwoyer.

Feature:

Richie Smith, Dave Witte, Doug Borger, Gary Mondschein, Frank Cozze, Ed Stimely Jr., John Richetta, Phil DiMario, Ken Brenn Jr., Mike Lapp, Sammy Beavers and Bill Tittle.