by Ernie Saxton
for The Post Publications

BECHTELSVILLE PA – Nine-time track champion Jeff Strunk, and John Kovatch IV, won their respective features Saturday night (Aug. 18, 2012) for the first time this season at Grandview Speedway, 43 Passmore Rd., while Mike Kellner and Wayne Pfeil scored repeat victories in the Hatfield Quality Meats-sponsored night of NASCAR stock car racing.

In the 30-lap NASCAR 358 Modified feature, Jeff Strunk charged from 13th starting spot to gain the lead with 18 laps in the record book. He led the rest of the way in a caution-marred event. Second spot went to Duane Howard, who continues to lead the Modified point standings. Doug Manmiller grabbed third, followed by Craig VonDohren and Ray Swinehart.

The 25-lap main event for Sportsman had John Kovatch IV getting the lead on the third circuit of the one-third-mile, banked clay track, and leading the rest of the way to claim his first win at the Berks County oval. Second spot went to Brad Brightbill, followed by point leader Jared Umbenhauer, Mike Lisowski and Joe Funk.

Mike Kellner won the rained-out Late Model feature left from Aug. 11, with Wayne Pfeil running a close second.  Ron Kline had an impressive third, followed by Andy Ressler and Jason Miller. The win was Kellner’s fifth of the season.

The regularly scheduled 20-lapper for Late Models found Wayne Pfeil leading most of the laps to get the his second win of the season. John Giesler, a multi-time past champion had an impressive second place finish followed by Steve Nederostek, Danny Snyder and point leader Chuck Schutz.

NASCAR stock car racing action returns to Grandview on Aug. 25 at 7:30 p.m. The Kauffman BBQ Chicken Night features the NASCAR 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman racers, plus the added attraction of 1000cc Sidewinder sprints.