Wild Night Begins Toledo Season; Senneker Tops the Field

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Despite drab weather and a rain pattern that surrounded the Toledo area, Toledo Speedway kicked off its 2008 season with the Speedway Tire and Auto/Big Red Crème Soda Night presented by Barney’s Convenience Marts. Terry Senneker Jr. made the trip over from the west side of Michigan and scored the win in the ARCA Late Model feature, while Jim Froling powered his way to victory in the 35 lap ARCA Sportsman main. Dave Arnold Jr. and Craig Osenbaugh notched the ARCA Factory Stock features. Kelly Wilson of Big Red and Gladys Cothern of Cadbury-Schweppes presented the trophies in the Glass Bowl Lanes Winner’s Circle.

An excellent field of Late Models showed for round number one of the ARCA Glass City Gold Cup presented by Allegiant Air. An unbelievable 4 cars were in the 15.0’s, led by Senneker Jr. at 15:022. Harold Fair Jr. was next at 15:029, Brian Campbell at 15:089 as was Brent Jack with the identical time. With an inversion of 7, Eric Lee grabbed the lead at the start. The action was hot behind Eric, as a 5 car freight train battled on. Several yellow flags slowed the action and on a lap 18 yellow, Lee dropped out and down on pit road. This gave Harold Fair Sr. the point and he held on for 1 lap until Campbell nosed low and took the lead. Fair Jr. came from the back of the 20 car field and worked his way to the front and got into it with Campbell on the following lap, bringing out another yellow. The pair could not agree as to who was as fault, resulting in the duo going to the tail of the field, giving Senneker Jr. the point. Terry sailed out front the rest of the way to win his first-ever win at Toledo, followed by Jack, Fair Sr., Harold Fair Jr. and Justin Schroeder, who posted his best-ever Toledo run. Campbell, Steve Cronenwett Jr., Joe Hawes, Dennis Strickland and Bob Varney completed the top 10. Heat wins went to Lee, Strickland and Varney.

Fast qualifier Jim Froling (17:308) grabbed the lead on lap 14 and cruised to victory in the 35 lap ARCA National City Bank Sportsman feature. Early leader Jarod MacZink led the first 2 laps, while Chad Guinn jumped into the lead for the next 11 tours. Froling assumed command on lap 14 and went on to the win, which was also slowed by numerous yellow flags. Guinn ended up second, Ron Allen third, Howard Kelley Jr. fourth and Greg Stilwell fifth, followed by MacZink, Tom O’Leary IV, Scott Bross, Chad Stilwell and Rich Abel. The 21 car field was split into 3 heats, with wins going to Guinn, Chad Stilwell and Dave Frantz.

Second-generation driver Dave Arnold Jr. captured the win in the 20 lap A-1 Auto Parts Factory Stock main. Dave started 11th, bided his time as the field played pin ball with each other, bringing out many yellows. Arnold took control on lap 9, taking the lead from rookie Gary Cronenwett as he sped to the win. Josh Bunting, Cory McCaughey, Rick Cousino Jr., Mike Hassen, Eric Huston, Brian Ringger, Jesse Carillo, Landon Schuster and Randy Padgett completed the top ten. Arnold’s fast lap led the 23 car field at 11:776. Tim Shine, AJ Padgett and Amanda Bland topped the heat races. Craig Osenbaugh took the 8 lap B Main over Kevin Rapley, Mike Hacker, Chris Pauwels and John Rabideau.

It’s a big triple-header weekend at Toledo May 16-18. Friday, May 16 is UFCW/All Faiths Night. Bring your church bulletin and receive $5 off admission (limit 2 per bulletin). The Buckeye Super Sprints will make the trip to Toledo, with the ARCA Figure 8’s, Factory Stocks and 4 Cylinders in action. Race time is 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 17 is practice and qualifying for the ARCA RE/MAX Series, along with the Champion Credit Union 50 lap feature for the ARCA Lincoln Welder Truck Series. Practice starts at 11, qualifying at 2 and the 50 lap race at 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 18 NASCAR drivers Ken Schrader and David Ragan will take on the ARCA RE/MAX Series stars in the Hantz Group 200 presented by Federated Car Care. An on-track autograph session goes at noon, with the 200 lap contest at 2 p.m. Reserved seat tickets are now on sale by calling the track at 419-727-1100. A free Saturday ticket is included with the purchase of a Sunday ticket. The ARCA Fan Fest with rides, food, music and more will take place in the track parking lot Saturday and Sunday.