by Ernie Saxton
for The Post Publications

BECHTELSVILLE PA – The threat of severe storms with high winds and heavy rain forced the cancellation of NASCAR stock car racing Saturday night (Sept. 8, 2012) at Grandview Speedway, 43 Passmore Rd. Scheduled were the Four Star Lettering/Green Lane Wm. Penn Champion’s Night featuring the NASCAR 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman stock cars. That event will not be rescheduled.

With the final point race of the season now canceled, it is official that Duane Howard is the NASCAR Whelen All American Series 358 Modified champion, Chuck Schutz has earned his sixth NASCAR Late Model title, and Jared Umbenhauer is the 2012 NASCAR Sportsman title winner.

Currently Howard is third in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series National standings, while Chuck Schutz is first in the NASCAR Finalist Dirt II Series standings, and Brad Brightbill leads in the NASCAR Finalist Dirt III Series standings. Those point battles continue on the national level until Sept. 16.

A history-making event is set for Grandview this Saturday (Sept. 15), when the 50th Anniversary BPG Racing Freedom 76 Modified Classic is presented with $50,000 plus lap money going to the winner.

An all-star array of drivers is expected to compete. A full series of qualifying events will be run, along with a last chance to qualify Schaffer Motorsports Minuteman 20, the Mertz Flying Mullet Cash Dash paying $1,500 to the winner, and the finale of the night, the BPG Racing Freedom 76.

Gates for advance and season ticket holders opens at 3 p.m. with the ticket windows open at 3:30 p.m. Warm-ups at 5:30 p.m. and racing starts at 7 p.m. Adult tickets are priced at $40; ages 6-12, $10; younger than 6 are admitted free.