HYDE & MANZI FIRST TIME WINNERS AT LANCASTER

Ricketson & Lingle take Gasser Racing Series top honors

LANCASTER, NY – Lancaster National Dragway’s Franco’s Pizza IHRA Drag Racing program hosted its penultimate event of the 2016 season on Friday night. Two first time winners graced victory lane, plus the Gasser Racing Series made its final visit of the year.

Wayne Cleveland of Williamsville, N.Y. returned to victory lane in Top 8 for his third win overall this season. Cleveland matched his 5.71 dial-in in the final round while his opponent, Steve Moscovic, broke out.

In Mallare Enterprises Top ET, Gerry Manzi of Niagara Falls, N.Y. made his first trip to Lancaster in 12 years a memorable one as he scored his first career win at the track. Manzi caught and passed Rick Szewczyk, Jr. in the final round to get the win. There was also a first time winner in McGard Mod as Lew Hyde of West Seneca, N.Y. made his first voyage to victory lane. Hyde won after “Fast Eddie” Semlitsch was too fast off the starting line and red lighted.

The Gasser Racing Series Mod finale was a meeting between twin brothers, Ryan and Reid Ricketson. Ryan got the better of his brother after Reid broke out by .001 seconds. Barry Lingle of Leicester, N.Y. took the win in the Gasser Racing Series Gassers aboard his 1954 Chevrolet Belair.

Rob Brandel of Williamsville, N.Y. scored his second win of the year in Hebeler’s Sales Sleds & Bikes after Alan Fletcher triggered the red light in the finals. Brandel’s win moved into a tie for first place in points with Mike Peters. In Tread City Tire Street ET, John Cira, Jr. earned his third win of the 2016. A red light by Tim Markle handed the win to Cira, Jr.

Lancaster National Dragway will be off this Friday. The 2016 track champions will be crowned on Friday, September 30 in the season finale. One class champion has been decided as Dale Eckert has clinched his 10th Mod ET track title in the last 11 years.

About Lancaster National Speedway & Dragway: Founded in 1959, Lancaster National Speedway and Dragway is a multi-use facility located on 77 acres just outside of metropolitan Buffalo, N.Y. The facility features a 1/8-mile drag strip, a 1/2-mile oval track and hosts several non-motorsports events such as car shows and concerts. For the latest information on Lancaster National Speedway & Dragway check out our website www.lancasternationalspeedway.com. Additional information for racers and fans can be found on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LancasterSpeedway) and on Twitter (@LancasterSpdwy).

RESULTS (Driver, hometown, vehicle, reaction time, dial-in, elapsed time and top speed)
Top 8 Eliminator

Winner: Wayne Cleveland (Williamsville, N.Y.) 1923 Ford T Bucket .541 5.71 5.717 seconds, 116.55 mph

Runner-up: Steve Moscovic (Lancaster, N.Y.) 1968 Chevrolet Camaro .537 5.45 5.430 seconds, 127.82 mph
Mallare Enterprises Top ET

Winner: Gerry Manzi (Niagara Falls, N.Y.) 1981 Plymouth Turismo .539 6.03 6.101 seconds, 115.62 mph

Runner-up: Rick Szewczyk, Jr. (Buffalo, N.Y.) 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle .509 6.46

6.577 seconds, 102.69 mph

McGard Mod ET

Winner: Lew Hyde (W. Seneca, N.Y.) 1970 Chevrolet Nova .486 6.56 6.518 seconds, 106.39 mph

Runner-up: Ed Semlitsch (Lancaster, N.Y.) .451 Foul
Gasser Racing Series Mod

Winner: Ryan Ricketson (Delavan, N.Y.) 1975 Dodge Dart .539 8.07 8.076 seconds, 89.28 mph

Runner-up: Reid Ricketson (Darien Center, N.Y.) 1974 Plymouth Duster .560 7.34 7.339 seconds, 89.28 mph
Gasser Racing Series Gassers

Winner: Barry Lingle (Leicester, N.Y.) 1954 Chevrolet Belair .505 7.93 7.922 seconds, 79.78 mph

Runner-up: Tony Cattarin (Ransomville, N.Y.) 1941 Willys .574 6.17 6.129 seconds, 111.93 mph
Hebeler’s Sleds & Bikes

Winner: Rob Brandel (Williamsville, N.Y.) 2003 Arctic Cat .547 6.31 6.348 seconds, 104.88 mph

Runner-up: Alan Fletcher (Lancaster, N.Y.) Kawasaki .473 Foul
Tread City Tire Street ET

Winner: John Cira, Jr. (Rochester, N.Y.) 1997 Chevrolet Camaro .545 8.90 8.707 seconds, 64.28 mph

Runner-up: Tim Markle (Hilton, N.Y.) 1989 Pontiac Firebird .408 Foul