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WALL, NJ ~ In just his third appearance at the third mile high banked paved oval, Steven Kopcik of Newtown, Ct. raced to his first ever Wall Stadium Speedway Modified stock car win in the fifth annual Cliff Krause Memorial. Mr. Krause is credited with returning the speedway to its former glory when he and his family took over the promotion of the track over a decade ago. Mr. Krause’s family has continued to operate the track since his passing.
After posting fast time in qualifying, Kopcik wrestled with Brick’s Eddie McCarthy for the top spot in the early going. Soon invader Ronnie Silk of Norwalk, Ct. charged past both cars to take the lead with Kopcik advancing to second moments later. The race for the lead was then a two car battled before Holmdel’s Andrew Krause advanced to third to make it a three car fight by the halfway point.
As the race wore on Krause was hindered by traffic as Anthony Sesely of Matawan and Howell’s Jimmy Blewett became factors in the fight for first. After a few late race cautions Blewett was on Kopcik’s rear bumper to the checker flag as Sesely crossed the line third. Silk and McCarthy were fourth and fifth.
“I raced this track once in the Sportsman cars and once in the Modifieds and loved the place,” Kopcik said. “Anthony Sesely talked to us into running this race and we started on this project just a week ago. This race is a great payday, but more importantly an important event for the Krause family. I am proud to have won it.”
Kopcik earned over $7,000 for the win.
Rookie Factory Stock racer Ryan Bilello of Howell won his second main event of the season in the companion 27 lapper for the full fendered cars. Bilello held off fellow Howell residents Rob Anderton and Johnny Carpenter. Logan Fraser of Toms River and Manchester’s Scott Riggleman were fourth and fifth.
Alex McCollum of China Grove, NC won the 27-lapper for the Legend Cars over Mike Alcaro. Jack Gerzabek, Nate Divone and Tanner Jones wrapped up the top five.
Hazlet’s Billy Pross was the winner of the 27 lapper for the Fast 4 cars over defending champion Sean Vuksanic of Wall. Wall’s Alex Graetz, Ted Olswfski and Charlie Hankins were third through fifth.
The 2023 Wall Stadium Speedway season continues this Saturday night, August 19, with the Sportsman cars, Factory Stocks and TQ Midgets all in action. A Demolition Derby will also be presented.
Wall Stadium is located on Route 34 in Wall Township, N.J., just one mile north of Garden State Parkway exit 98 and Interstate 195 exit 35B. The speedway hotline number is 732-681-6400 and email address is ckmotorsports@aol.com.
MODIFIED FEATURE – 127 Laps – 1. STEVEN KOPCIK, NEWTOWN, CT., 2. Jimmy Blewett, 3. Anthony Sesely, 4. Ronnie Silk, 5. Eddie McCarthy, 6. Steven Reed, 7. Andrew Krause, 8. Carsten DiGiantomasso, 9. Derek Hopkinson, 10. Jake Nelke, 11. Tommy Martino, Jr., 12. Adam LaCicero, 13. Richie Cooper, 14. Tyler Ferris, 15. Donny Lia, 16. Jarret DiGiantomasso, 17. Blake Barney
FACTORY STOCK FEATURE – 27 Laps – 1. RYAN BILELLO, HOWELL, 2. Rob Anderton, 3. Johnny Carpenter, 4. Logan Fraser, 5. Scott Riggleman, 6. Nick Catone, 7. Bob Anderton, 8. Bryan O’Shea, 9. Gary Burton, 10. Nicole Razzano, 11. James Hall, 12. Matt Badessa, 13. Kevin Kennedy, 14. Nancy Riggleman
LEGEND CARS FEATURE – 27 Laps – 1. ALEX MCCOLLUM, CHINA GROVE, NC, 2. Mike Alcaro, 3. Jack Gerzabek, 4. Nate Divone, 5. Tanner Jones, 6. Ryan Kuhlthau, 7. Lexi Przybylinski, 8. Ryan MacConnell, 9. Chris Gall, 10. Justin Emmons, 11. Justin Teresak, 12. Joe Przybylinski, Jr.
FAST 4 FEATURE – 27 Laps – 1. BILLY PROSS, HAZLET, 2. Sean Vuksanic, 3. Alex Graetz, 4. Ted Olswfski, 5. Charles Hankins
