Race Report 7/19/09

  Cottone Wins Fourth Straight

Wall Township, NJ – Tom’s River driver “Uncle Nick” Cottone scored his fifth straight Modified Outlaw Micro Stock win of the season at Wall Stadium on Sunday, but deviated from his recent domination of the series to travel a different path to victory lane.

Heat race winner Dennis Hiddemen led the field to the green with Cottone along side.  Third place starter Tom Ervin followed Hiddemen past Cottone on the initial start of the race, and dove inside of Hiddemen coming off of turn two.  Ervin and Hiddemen raced down the backstretch side by side, with Ervin taking the lead entering turn three.  Cottone used the opportunity to pull inside of Hiddemen exiting turn four with the duo crossing the line side by side for second at the end of lap one.  Cottone quickly cleared Hiddemen and by lap two had nosed inside of Ervin.  Ervin hung tough on the outside, and the two crossed the line side by side for the next three laps with Hiddemen and the rest of the field close behind before Ervin cleared Cottone to grab the lead.  Cottone followed Ervin for several laps, but on lap nine made his move.  Ervin again tried to hang tough on the outside, but this time Cottone was in the lead the next lap.

 Hiddemen got too close to the inside of turn one, clipping the apron and sending his #6 for a slide that cost him any chance of regaining the lead.  The resulting gap allowed Ervin to re-group and run down Cottone.  On lap 13 Ervin crossed the line on the outside of Cottone, but was unable to complete the pass.  On the final lap Ervin again caught Cottone at the end of the back stretch and tried a last ditch outside pass on Cottone through turns three and four, but it was Cottone’s day as he held off the charge to claim his fifth straight Wall Stadium win of the season.  Hiddemen hung on for third, while Bill Kriegner Sr. and Bill Kriegner Jr. concluded a race long battle to fill out the final five in the running order.  Bill Kriegner Jr.  had suffered ignition trouble in his usual #93, so his run to fifth was completed in the John Kazmierski #90.

The Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks will return to action on Sunday, August 2nd at Wall Stadium.  There is no club fee to race with M.O.M., and all Modified Micro Stock Drivers are welcome to compete.

Race Report prepared by
Tom Ervin, M.O.M. Publicist
609-882-6172

“I write ‘em no matter who wins!”

Race Report 7/12/09

Cottone Again, Naturally!

Wall Township, NJ – Tom’s River driver “Uncle Nick” Cottone scored his fourth straight win of the season at Wall Stadium on Sunday.  After winning his heat race, Cottone lined up on the pole for the start of the Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks feature along side Tom Ervin.  At the start Ervin got the jump, leading the first lap.  Cottone fought back immediately, re-taking the lead on the second lap and pulling away to another dominating win. 

Further back in the field, action was furious as the rest of the field gave chase while fighting for every position.  Last row starters Andy and Dennis Hiddemen stormed through field, with Andy Hiddemen unseating Bill Kriegner Sr. for fifth by lap 4.  Not to be out done, Dennis Hiddemen took fifth from Andy Hiddemen the next lap.  Dennis Hiddemen next ran down Bill Kriegner Sr., and the two fought for several laps over 3rd position as Andy Hiddemen, Bill Kriegner Jr., and rookie Kevin Smith battled 3-wide for 5th.  By lap 8 Dennis Hiddemen had claimed the 3rd spot for keeps, but the battle for 5th raged on.  After a race-long battle, Kevin Smith earned the 5th spot on his first outing in the John Kazmierski #90.

            Cottone’s dominating drive has become common for the 72 year-old veteran, who at the finish line was “Alone Again, Naturally!”

Finishing order:  N. Cottone, T. Ervin, D. Hiddemen, B. Kriegner Sr., K. Smith, B. Kriegner Jr., A. Hiddemen, J. Paulsen.

The Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks will return to action this Sunday, July 19th at Wall Stadium.  There is no club fee to race with M.O.M., and all Modified Micro Stock Drivers are welcome to compete.

Race Report prepared by
Tom Ervin, M.O.M. Publicist
609-882-6172

Cottone wins M.O.M. Event at Wall Stadium

NEWS

2010- Year in Review- Dec 2010

            Welcome to the 2010 edition of the K&K Racing Newsletter.

            K&K Racing is proud to announce two new sponsors for the 2010 season.  Al’s Sunoco on Route 31 in Pennington, NJ was a sponsor of the team many years ago, and is welcomed back.  Trenton Hot Rod Shop on Ingham Ave. in Trenton is a new name on the K&K cars, but THRS owner Rich Taylor has past ties to the team as well, and is even a former K&K crew member.

            January 21st Tom and John hauled the freshly rebuilt #99 to Lenny Sammons Motorsports Show.  They spent the weekend meeting with the race fans and racers in attendance. 

            January 29th John and Tom hauled the #99x Champ Kart to Atlantic City for the Gamblers Classic indoor races.  The kart ran well in practice, but when it came time for the start of Tom’s qualifying heat race, the starter ratchet refused to engage and Tom was pushed back to the garage.  The next day (sporting a different engine) Tom started the #99x in 20th position for a 12 lap last chance qualifiers race.  The #99x ran well and Tom charged up to 7th position, but only 4 karts transferred to the feature.  Thanks to Don and Kevin Smith for serving for crew again this year.

            February 19th John and Tom were joined by former K&K Team driver Ricky Taylor as all three drivers used K&K modified motors on go-karts to compete on ice at the Sun Bank Arena in Trenton.  Both John and Tom were forced to retire with mechanical issues, and Ricky cruised to an easy victory over the rest of the field.

February 27th & 28th Tom and John displayed the #99 and met with race fans at the Ledgewood Mall Race Car Show.  Despite being over 20 years old, the #99 was voted the best appearing Micro Stock in the show.

            March 7th Tom and John towed the #99 to the Phillipsburg Mall Race Car Show, where they met with race fans.  This show, however, lasted all week.  During that time John, Tom, and Bill Jr. appeared periodically with the car before the show ended on March 13th.

            March 21st John and Tom journeyed to Wall Stadium for the first practice session of the year.  The #99 was first tested with an older flathead engine and then with a new experimental overhead valve engine (that needed some minor tweaking).

            March 28th Tom returned with the #99 and the same two motors.  This time both engines performed flawlessly.

            April 11th was the season opener at Wall Stadium and the K&K Team was represented by John in the #90 and Tom in the #99.  John had an experimental overhead valve engine in the #90 while Tom had the flathead motor from the test sessions ready to go.  Heat race action saw Tom and John run first and second, and they repeated the performance in the feature event as Tom won the season opener.

            April 28th the K&K team returned to Wall Stadium with John in the #90 with his experimental overhead engine and Tom in the #99 with his experimental overhead valve engine, but this time they also brought new team driver Joe Spiegel in the #93.  Joe is the son of former K&K race Team driver John Spiegel and is just starting his own racing career.  In the heat race the motor change in the #99 seemed irrelevant as Tom lead every lap.  John ran strong for a while until the head gasket in the #90 let go, and Joe brought the #93 home in 3rd.  John parked the #90 for the feature rather than do further damage.  In the feature Tom led wire to wire for his 2nd win of the season while Joe claimed 3rd for his first ever feature race.

            May 2nd the K&K Trio was back at the track with the same lineup but a fresh motor in the #93.  In warm-ups John was still not happy with the experimental motor in the #90, so the car was parked for the day.  Heat race action saw Tom take 2nd while Joe ran strong for a while before the exhaust system on the #93 got damaged and he pulled off to prevent engine damage.  In the feature Tom waged an epic battle with defending track champion Nick Cottone and just beat Cottone to the line for his 3rd win of the season.  A patch job in the pits got Joe out for the feature, but the #93 was down on power and Joe struggled to a 4th place finish after running as high as 2nd.

            May 8th John and Tom brought the #99 to Al’s Sunoco on Rt. 31 in Pennington, NJ for a sponsor appearance.  A brief shower passed through for the only downside on the event. 

            Since the #99 was already shined up John and Tom loaded it up in Tom’s ’64 Ranchero and headed over to the Finkadelphia car show in Bensalem that afternoon where they met with more motorheads and race fans.

            May 13th the team made a similar appearance at a Cruise Night in Levittown, PA, and May 16th they made an appearance at a Cruise in Jackson, NJ.  The team had planned more appearances during the week, but rain got in the way.

            May 22nd Tom and John hauled the #99 to Wall Stadium where it was displayed behind the main grandstand for the Saturday night crowd to see.  John and Tom spent the evening chatting with race fans.

            May 23rd the K&K Race Team returned to Wall Stadium for a Modified Outlaw Micro Stock race with John in the #90 and Tom in the #99.  John was still working with the experimental “Animal” modified motor in the #90, and this time had some success as he took 3rd in his heat race and the feature.  Tom brought the #99 home in 2nd in both events.

            June 11th the team hauled the #99 to Wall Stadium for a cruise night, where the #99 attracted much attention. 

            June 13th the team returned to racing at Wall with John in the #90, Tom in the #99, and go-kart racer Chris Gorman taking over the driving duties in the #93.  A rough running engine in the #99 during warm-ups led to an early engine change, and in the heat race Tom took 2nd in the #99 with Chris claiming 4th in the #93 and John rounding out the top 5 with the #90.  Tom led much of the feature event before dropping to 2nd and eventually retiring the #99 with a failing motor.  John stepped up the performance on the #90 and brought the car home in 3rd with Chris close behind in the #93 for another 4th.

            June 20th John and Tom returned with their usual mounts.  Heat race action saw Tom take second and John take 4th.  In the feature Tom led most of the race but was passed with 2 laps to go.  Tom re-passed for the lead on the last lap and held on for his 4th win of the season.  John had a similar battle, and moved up to 3rd with the #90.

            June 27th the team had the 93, 90, and 99 cars at Wall with Chris, John, & Tom at the controls.  Heat race action saw John wheel the #90 to a win with Tom and Chris following.  In the feature it was a K&K Clean Sweep as Tom took win number 5 for the season in the #99 with John close behind in the #90 and Chris rounding out the top 3 in 3rd with the #93.

            July 7th Tom loaded the #99 in his ’64 Ranchero and hauled to Captain Pauls’ Firehouse Dogs in Lawrence Township, NJ for the Hot Rod Cruise Night. 

            July 8th Tom took the same equipment to the Yardley Boro Cruise Night in Yardley Boro, PA.

            July 9th Tom hauled the same stuff to Wall Stadium for the monthly Cruise Night.

            July 11th the K&K team hauled the #90 and #99 to Wall Stadium with John and Tom driving.  Heat race action saw the #99 charge from the last row to lead every lap while the #90 ran 4th.  In the feature event both cars stepped up the pace as Tom pulled away in the #99 to win by a healthy margin, breaking the track’s one lap record for the division twice.  John ran a spirited duel for third for much of the race before slowing slightly to again finish 4th.

            July 18th the team took the same two cars and drivers back to Wall Stadium with different engines.  The #90 was equipped with a different experimental overhead valve engine, while the #99 ran an older flathead engine.  In the heat race Tom came from 3rd to challenge John for the lead, but John showed what the new motor was capable of as he drove away to win by half a straightaway.  In the feature event John again pulled out for two laps before Tom caught him.  The two K&K cars swapped the lead twice a lap for half of the race before the experimental motor in the #90 lost power, handing win #7 to Tom in the #99.

            July 25th John and Tom returned to Wall Stadium with the experimental motor fixed in the #90 and Tom’s best overhead valve engine in the #99.  In the heat race, both cars moved up through the field to finish first and second.  In the feature the K&K duo continued to dominate with Tom taking his 8th win of the season and John grabbing second.

            August 1st the K&K Team was greeted by rain at Wall Stadium.  A determined track crew waited out the rain and got the track in good condition for the race.  Heat race action saw Tom win in the #99 with John taking 3rd in the #90 powered by a flathead motor.  In the feature Tom led wire to wire while John moved up to nail another team 1-2 finish.

            August 15 John and Tom returned to Wall Stadium for another M.O.M. event.  The finishing order was the same in both the heat race and the feature event.  Tom led every lap in the #99 to win his 10th feature event of the season while John used flathead power to make it another team 1-2 finish.

            During the next week it was announced that Wall Stadium was closing, ending the 2010 racing season there with Tom leading the points and John bringing home second.

            September 24th Tom and John hauled the #99 to Snydersville for the first time in several years for a special money race.  The extra purse money brought in the biggest field of the season.  Heat race action saw Tom move up from 5th starting position to take second in his heat.  In the feature the #99 looked like a winning car as Tom moved up from third starting position to lead for about half of the race.  Unfortunately, dirt got into the throttle linkage and stuck the throttle wide open sliding the #99 up the track entering turn 3.  This allowed a competitor to get under the #99, and the two cars raced side by side down the front stretch.  In turn 1 the competitor slid up the track and ran over the left front wheel of the #99 causing extensive front end damage.  While the #99 was no longer competitive for the win, Tom limped the car home for a second place finish, holding off hungry competition.

            October 3rd John and Tom hauled the #90 and #99 to Marsh Creek Speedway for the first time in about 12 years.  Both cars were fast right off of the trailer, with the #99 quick enough to lap the field in warm-ups.  Heat race action saw the K&K duo starting on the last row. Both cars charging to the front to run first and second before the race was shortened by a red flag.  In the feature The K&K cars also started in the rear.  The #90 was mired in a race-long battle for 3rd while the #99 repeated the run from the heat race as Tom cruised to his 11th feature event run of the season.

            Saturday, October 9th Tom hauled the K&K #99 Modified Micro Stock to Millville to run a practice session on the new 1/5 mile tri-oval.  It was the first time there for both car and driver, but it didn't take long to get the #99 dialed in as the fastest Micro Stock there.  The track turned out to be very fast, with Tom able to run flat out through turns 3 and 4.

Sunday, October 10th Tom and John hauled the K&K #99 Modified Micro Stock to Mine Hill, NJ for a fun day at Ferremonte Speedway (a privately owned outlaw track).  The 1/10th mile paved oval also proved to be fast for its size as Tom was able to run the car flat out all the way around.  Track owner Randy Jacobs later commented that it may have been the fastest anything had ever run on the track, where even full sized dirt and asphalt modified cars have practiced.  The abrasive track surface wore the right rear tire down to the cords.  Both John and Tom agreed that with some gearing and engine work to the #99 (and a new tire) it could go even faster there.

            November 20th John and Tom hauled the #99 to Glen Gardner for the Flemington Speedway Historical Society movie party where it was displayed outside the entrance to the facility.  The #99 had competed at Flemington on both dirt and asphalt, and won the final 2 Modified races there to claim the final Flemington Speedway Modified Championship.

            November 21st the team was at the Wall Stadium Sunday Series awards banquet, where Tom and John were awarded 1st and 2nd places in the Modified Microstock  class.  This marked the 25th Modified Microstock Championship for the team with Tom at the wheel of John’s #99.

            December 4th the team traveled to Fogelsville, PA for the Checkered Flag Fan Club awards banquet.  Tom was honored for his Wall championship and John was nominated for Mechanic of the Year.

            This concluded the 2010 racing season for the K&K Race Team.  Thanks to K&K Industries, Al’s Sunoco, and Trenton Hot Rod Shop for their support this season.  Thanks also to all of our friends, fans, competitors, and track workers for another successful season.

K&K Race Team Sponsors

Al’s Sunoco                                         Pennington, NJ      609-737-9719,      609-882-3019

K&K Industries                                    Ewing Twp. NJ                                   609-882-8927

Trenton Hot Rod Shop                        Trenton, NJ                                         609-393-8577

Welcome to the 2010 edition of the K&K Racing News. 

Race Report 7/25/10
Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks at Wall Stadium

Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks

Wall Township, N.J. – Ewing Township, NJ driver Tom Ervin started the day outside of defending Modified Outlaw Micro Stock Champion Nick Cottone, but used that starting position to overhaul Cottone on the start.  Third place starter John Kazmierski, en route to his second strong run in as many weeks moved to the outside and followed Ervin past Cottone.  The two K&K teammates continued to pace the field for the rest of the event.  Cottone faded with fueling issues on his usually dominant #5 and Kazmierski struggled with putting his newfound power to the track while Ervin pulled away to claim his 8th feature event victory of the season.  Mike Fox Jr. piloted the highest finishing World Formula powered car on the track.

The #99 K&K Express driven to victory by Ervin is sponsored by K&K Industries of Ewing Twp., NJ, Al’s Sunoco of Pennington, NJ, and Trenton Hot Rod Shop of Trenton, NJ.

The Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks will return to action on Sunday, August 1st at Wall Stadium.  There is no club fee to race with M.O.M., and all Modified Micro Stock Drivers are welcome to compete.

Race Report prepared by
Tom Ervin, M.O.M. Publicist
609-882-6172

Race Report 7/18/10
Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks at Wall Stadium

Wall Township, N.J. – In his heat race, John Kazmierski checked out on the field to win by half a straightaway.  Starting on the pole for the feature event Sunday at Wall Stadium, Kazmierski seemed destined to do the same.  At the drop of the green, Kazmierski pulled ahead of outside front row starter Tom Ervin.  For two laps Kazmierski slowly pulled away from Ervin, who had his hands full holding off John Paulsen for second.  Kazmierski slowed slightly, and Ervin distanced himself from Paulsen before taking a run at Kazmierski.  Ervin was able to set up Kazmierski for a pass coming off of turn four, but Kazmierski fought back reclaiming the spot going down the backstretch.  Kazmierski and Ervin then waged a battle that lasted to the halfway point of the race as the two K&K teammates swapped the lead twice a lap.  Kazmierski’s mount slowed even more, allowing Ervin to claim the top spot for his seventh feature event win of the season.  Kazmierski grabbed 2nd while Paulsen rounded out the top three.

The #99 K&K Express driven to victory by Ervin is sponsored by K&K Industries of Ewing Twp., NJ, Al’s Sunoco of Pennington, NJ, and Trenton Hot Rod Shop of Trenton, NJ.

The Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks will return to action on Sunday, July 25th at Wall Stadium.  There is no club fee to race with M.O.M., and all Modified Micro Stock Drivers are welcome to compete.

Race Report prepared by
Tom Ervin, M.O.M. Publicist
609-882-6172

M.O.M. Beats Mother Nature

July 10 2010- Wall Township, N.J. – When the Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks rolled onto the track at Wall Stadium this Sunday for their feature event they were greeted by a light sprinkle of rain.  Track officials determined that the moisture was not enough to halt the race.  In their heat race current point leaders Tom Ervin and Nick Cottone had charged from the last row to the front for a side-by-side finish.  Despite the slight rain, everything indicated that Sunday’s feature event would be another classic Cottone and Ervin battle.  Ervin started the event from the pole with Cottone along side.  Fourth place starter John Kazmierski pushed Cottone on the start, but Ervin was first into turn one.  Surprisingly, Ervin began to slowly pull away from Cottone.  Third place starter Dennis Hiddemen then entered the fray, re-taking the spot from Kazmierski.  The battle for third continued for much of the race, as Hiddemen and Kazmierski swapped the spot repeatedly before Hiddemen finally claimed the spot for good.  Up front, Ervin cruised to victory despite increased rain on the last 2 laps.  While some of the M.O.M. competitors slipped a little on the wet surface, none of them spun in the caution free event.  By the time Ervin reached victory lane there was a steady rain.  Wall officials halted the remainder of the days’ program until the rain had passed and the track could be dried.

The #99 K&K Express driven to victory by Ervin is sponsored by K&K Industries of Ewing Twp., NJ, Al’s Sunoco of Pennington, NJ, and Trenton Hot Rod Shop of Trenton, NJ.

The Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks will return to action on Sunday, July 18th at Wall Stadium.  There is no club fee to race with M.O.M., and all Modified Micro Stock Drivers are welcome to compete.

Race Report prepared by
Tom Ervin, M.O.M. Publicist
609-882-6172

Race Report 6/20/10
Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks at Wall Stadium

Ervin Returns To Victory Lane

WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. –  Ewing Township’s Tom Ervin returned to victory lane at Wall Stadium for the fourth time this season in the John Kazmierski-owned #99 K&K Express Modified Micro Stock.  Ervin’s victory was all the much sweeter as it came a week after he dropped out of the feature event at Wall with engine troubles after leading half of the race.  Ervin completed repairs to the motor the night before and bolted it back onto the #99 without testing it. Ervin started the engine for the first time at the track prior to the races.  
When heat race winner Nick Cottone elected to start from the rear of the field, Ervin capitalized on the pole starting position to jump out to an early lead.  Dennis Hiddemen dropped into second at the start, but Cottone quickly charged to the front and by lap 2 had moved into second.  As Cottone worked to reel in Ervin, the battle for 3rd heated up as Hiddemen and John Kazmierski swapped the spot several times.  Kazmierski finally grabbed that spot for good as Cottone finally caught up to Ervin.  Waiting for the right opportunity to make the expected race-winning pass, Cottone made his move with 2 laps to go.  Cottone got inside of Ervin entering turn one.  Ervin fought back on the outside, but Cottone out-motored Ervin down the backstretch.  Ervin wasn’t done, however, as he set up Cottone in turn 3 and drove under him exiting turn 4.  Ervin beat Cottone into turn 1 on the final lap and held on for the win.  Kazmierski rounded out the top three with another strong run in his own #90.
Ervin is sponsored by K&K Industries of Ewing, NJ, Trenton Hot Rod Shop of Trenton, NJ, and Al’s Sunoco of Pennington, NJ.
The Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks will return to action on Sunday, June 27th at Wall Stadium.  There is no club fee to race with M.O.M., and all Modified Micro Stock Drivers are welcome to compete.

Race Report 6/13/10

Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks at Wall Stadium

Cottone Runs From Last To First

Wall Township, N.J. –  Tom’s River, NJ driver “Uncle” Nick Cottone scored his second win of the season as the Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks returned to Wall Stadium.  Cottone started last in the feature event as Tom Ervin and Dennis Hiddemen led the field to the green flag.  Ervin took the early lead as Cottone quickly climbed to 3rd.  John Kazmierski also used the opening laps to grab fourth from rookie starter Chris Gorman.  Cottone then went to work on Hiddemen for second, and by the halfway point had taken the lead from Ervin.  As Cottone drove off into the sunset, Ervin held onto second for several circuits with Hiddemen slowly closing.  With three laps to go Ervin suddenly slowed and pulled off with engine woes, handing second to Hiddemen.  Cottone took no notice and went on to visit his second home – victory lane.  Kazmierski claimed the final podium spot.

 Taking over the wheel of the John Kazmierski-owned #93 Modified Micro Stock this week was go-kart driver Chris Gorman.  Gorman is a second-generation racer whose father Carl Gorman ran micro stocks at the famous Pine Brook Speedway.  Gorman made a good showing for himself, taking fourth in both his heat race and in the feature event.

 The Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks will return to action on Sunday, June 20th at Wall Stadium.  There is no club fee to race with M.O.M., and all Modified Micro Stock Drivers are welcome to compete.

Cottone Back On Top

Wall Township, N.J. –  Tom’s River, NJ driver “Uncle” Nick Cottone returned to his winning ways on Sunday.  The defending Modified Outlaw Micro Stock Champion scored a perfect day by winning both his heat race and the feature event at Wall Stadium.  Not only was this Cottone’s first win of the season, but it put a stop to the three race win streak of current point leader Tom Ervin.  Cottone dominated the 2009 season for his first Championship, and is showing the potential to repeat in 2010.

 Cottone started on the pole for the Modified Micro Stock feature alongside Ervin.  The two ran side by side for two laps before Cottone was able to take command.  Once in the lead, Cottone was able to pull out to a comfortable lead and stayed there for the entire race.  At the checkered flag the top three were Cottone, Ervin, and John Kazmierski.

Kazmierski, who has been struggling with an experimental motor all season put it together for his best finish of the season.  John Poulson returned to action for the second time this season, this time sporting an experimental motor of his own.  Poulson was rewarded with a fourth place finish.   Denny Hiddemen, a regular contender at the front retired his #6 early from the event with motor woes.

The Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks will return to action on Sunday, June 13th at Wall Stadium.  There is no club fee to race with M.O.M., and all Modified Micro Stock Drivers are welcome to compete.

Ervin Scores 3rd Straight M.O.M. Victory

Wall Township, N.J. – Defending Modified Outlaw Micro Stock Champion “Uncle” Nick Cottone led the field to the green flag by virtue of a dominating last to first run in his heat race.  At the start Cottone out dragged Tom Ervin to take the early lead going into turn one.  Ervin attempted a crossover move to pass Cottone on the inside coming off of turn two, but Cottone got a good run off of the corner and pulled away by several car lengths.  Ervin was able to make ground on Cottone in the corners, but Cottone continued to dominate the second half of the straights.  Ervin eventually managed to close the gap, and a fierce battle began between the two with Ervin trying Cottone on both sides but unable to complete a pass.

 Shortly after the halfway point Cottone got loose coming off of turn four.  Ervin made contact with Cottone, sending Cottone spinning.  Ervin was put to the rear for rough riding, handing the lead to Dennis Hiddemen with Joe Spiegel restarting in second.  On the restart Hiddemen jumped out to a several car lead while Cottone and Ervin charged back towards the front.  Ervin got to Hiddemen first and took the lead for the first time in the feature event with Cottone closing quickly.  Once Cottone cleared Hiddemen he proceeded to run down Ervin, but was unable to make the pass.  On the final lap Cottone got to the inside of Ervin entering turn one but Ervin got a good run off of turn two to hold off Cottone.  Entering turn three Cottone again got his nose inside of Ervin, but Ervin was able to beat him to the line to claim his third straight win of the season.  Hiddemen rounded out the top three.

Returning to action for the first time this season was Dennis Hiddemen in his #6.  Hiddemen worked with his car all day, getting faster every time he hit the track. 

The #99 K&K Express driven to victory by Ervin is sponsored by K&K Industries of Ewing Twp., NJ, Al’s Sunoco of Pennington, NJ, and Trenton Hot Rod Shop of Trenton, NJ.

The Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks will return to action on Sunday, May 23rd at Wall Stadium.  The Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks may also compete on May 16th.  Watch the Wall Stadium Sunday Series web site at http://www.wallsundayseries.com for more information.  There is no club fee to race with M.O.M., and all Modified Micro Stock Drivers are welcome to compete.

Race Report prepared by

Tom Ervin

Race Report 4/18/10
Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks at Wall Stadium

Ervin Wins 2nd M.O.M. Race

Wall Township, N.J. – Ewing Township driver Tom Ervin started out the Modified Outlaw Micro Stock season the right way by leading every lap of the feature event at Wall Stadium.  This week Ervin went on to lead every lap en route to his 2nd win of the season.  Starting on the outside of the front row alongside his teammate Joe Spiegel, Ervin took the lead on the start.  Defending M.O.M. Champion “Uncle” Nick Cottone followed Ervin through for 2nd, and K&K Race Team owner John Kazmierski took 3rd by the completion of the first lap.  Kazmierski then set his sights on Cottone, and was soon able to take the 2nd spot.  By lap 8, however, Kazmierski slowed with a leaking head gasket and left the race early.  Cottone re-took 2nd but was unable to catch Ervin for the win.  Spiegel rounded out the top three.

Noticeably missing from the field in the season opener, Nick Cottone returned to action in his self-owned #5 and put in a strong run.  Taking over the wheel in the K&K #93 this week was rookie driver Joe Spiegel, who took over for Billy Kriegner Jr.  Spiegel’s family has a history with the K&K Race Team, as his father John Spiegel drove the K&K #90 in the ‘80s before moving on to form his own dirt modified team.

The #99 K&K Express driven to victory by Ervin is sponsored by K&K Industries of Ewing Twp., NJ, Al’s Sunoco of Pennington, NJ, and Trenton Hot Rod Shop of Trenton, NJ.

The Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks will return to action on Sunday, April 25th at Wall Stadium.  There is no club fee to race with M.O.M., and all Modified Micro Stock Drivers are welcome to compete.

Race Report prepared by
Tom Ervin, M.O.M. Publicist
609-882-6172

“I write ‘em no matter who wins!”

Race Report 4/11/10

Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks at Wall Stadium

Ervin Wins M.O.M. Season Opener

Wall Township, N.J. – Ewing Township driver Tom Ervin started out the Modified Outlaw Micro Stock season the right way by leading every lap of the feature event at Wall Stadium.  Following his heat race win, Ervin started on the pole in the John Kazmierski owned #99 K&K Express with car owner Kazmierski starting alongside in the #90.  Heat race action had seen the same front row start, with Kazmierski getting the jump on Ervin to lead the first two laps before Ervin retook the lead.  In the feature, however, Ervin was having none of that as he out-gunned Kazmierski on the start.  Third place starter John Poulson followed Ervin through to grab second and pressure Ervin in the early laps, but Ervin slowly pulled away to a sizable lead.  By mid-race Kazmierski had rallied to retake second from Poulson, but by this time Ervin was long gone.

The feature event was only slowed by one caution for a 3-car spin.  All cars involved were able to continue.  At the end the top three finishers were all Ewing Township, NJ residents as Ervin took the win followed by Kazmierski and Poulson.

The #99 K&K Express driven to victory by Ervin is sponsored by K&K Industries of Ewing Twp., NJ, Al’s Sunoco of Pennington, NJ, and Trenton Hot Rod Shop of Trenton, NJ.

The Modified Outlaw Micro Stocks will return to action on Sunday, April 18th at Wall Stadium.  There is no club fee to race with M.O.M., and all Modified Micro Stock Drivers are welcome to compete.

January 9th 2009 K&K Race Team Owner John Kazmierski traveled to the Glens Falls Civic Center in Glens Falls, NY for the I.C.E. ice race with his own #8 ice kart.  The kart had only run once previously with Ricky Lafferty taking a third in Trenton.  This year John drove the kart, winning a heat race and taking second in the feature.  The K&K Race Team also loaned a motor to former team driver Ricky Taylor, who won the feature.          
January 15-17 the K&K Race Team embarked on a new endeavor as John fielded a Champ Kart for the Gambler’s Classic indoor race in Atlantic City.  K&K Race Team driver Tom Ervin (who had driven the previous years Gambler’s Classic  for another team) was tapped to drive Kazmierski’s #99X for the weekend.  In time trials the motor on the #99x was a little off, but Tom qualified the kart 30th out of 70 entries.  With no consolation races available the team needed to run well in their heat race, so an engine swap was made.  It turned out to be the right choice as Tom charged up to 4th position in the heat, qualifying 22nd for the 26 kart starting field.  In the feature event the #99X finished 9th out of the original 70 karts that time trialed.

Feburary 28th through March 1st  the K&K Race Team put on a display at the 22nd Annual racing Spectacular in the Ledgewood Mall of NJ.  On display were the #99 K&K Express Modified Micro Stock, the #99X Champ Kart, the #8 Ice Kart, and Robin Ervin’s #33 Go-Kart.  The #99X  Champ Kart was awarded Best in Show.  John and Tom spent the weekend meeting and greeting friends and fans at the show, and were joined on Sunday by Robin.

April 19th the K&K Race Team traveled to Wall Stadium for the season opener with Bill Kriegner Sr. in the #16, John in the #90, and Tom in the #99.  Bill  had the honor of testing a new experimental motor in the #16.  In the heat race Tom charged from the back row to win while John and Bill had a race-long battle for 2nd.  In the feature Tom led wire to wire to win the season opener while Bill and John came home 4th and 5th.

May 10 the K&K team brought John in the #90, Billy Jr. in the #93, and Tom in the #99 to Wall Stadium.  Heat race action saw Tom charge from last to first, while John and Bill claimed 5th and 6th.  In the Feature Tom held on for the win while John climbed to 4th.  Billy retired the #93 following a minor altercation which stalled the motor.

May 31 the K&K team brought the full line-up to Wall Stadium.  The heat race was action packed as a first lap mishap collected both Tom and John.  Tom got back up to 2nd with Billy Jr. in 3rd and John climbing to 5th.  Bill Sr. retired the #16 when the experimental motor began making noises.  In the feature John stepped out of the #90 and Bill Sr. took over the driving chores.  Tom ran 2nd the entire race, while Bill Sr. charged through the pack to finish close behind in 3rd and Billy Jr. in 4th.

June 14th the K&K Team returned to Wall Stadium with the complete team line-up.  Heat race action saw John struggling with brake issues in the #90 and Bill Sr. fighting the handling on the #16.  Billy Jr. had a solid run in the #93 while Tom charged from the back row to challenge for the lead.  In the feature Tom put on a show challenging for the lead on the outside until motor woes sidelined the #99 mid race.  Post race inspection found a plastic bag that had been sucked into the motor’s cooling intake.  Bill Sr., running the experimental motor in the #16 also parked the car early.  Billy Jr. was the highest finishing team driver in 4th, with Grandpa John right behind him in 5th.

June 28th the K&K Team wrapped up the month with another trip to Wall Stadium.  For this trip Bill Sr. was in the #16, John in the #90, and Tom in the #99.  In the heat race Tom drew the pole for the first time this year, but slipped to 2nd on the last lap with John and Bill in 6th and 8th.  In the feature Tom continued to lose positions, finishing in 4th.  Bill got the experimental motor in the #16 running better in the feature, moving up to 6th with John right behind in 7th.

July 12th the K&K Team was back in action at Wall Stadium.  Bill Sr., Bill Jr., and Tom were in their usual rides, but John stepped out of the #90 to give karting standout Kevin Smith his first taste of Modified Micro Stock racing.  In the heat race Tom took 2nd in the #99 with the rest of the K&K Team in tow as Bill Sr., Bill Jr., and Kevin finished 3rd through 5th.  In the feature Tom again took 2nd while Bill Sr. took 4th.  Kevin got around Bill Jr.  to finish 5th and 6th.
July 19th was another race day at Wall Stadium, and Bill Sr., Bill Jr., and Tom were in their usual rides.  Long-time Micro Stock veteran Mike Mee took the wheel of the #90 for the heat race as his first experience in a Modified.  In the heat Tom made his way up from the back to finish 3rd, with Bill Sr. and Mike taking 4th and 5th.  Bill Jr. retired the #93 with a broken crankshaft.  For the feature Mike turned the #90 over to Bill Jr., who started in the rear.  At the start Tom and Bill Sr. went on the attack, giving Tom the lead for better than half the race before slipping to 2nd.   Bill Sr. again ran 4th, with Bill Jr. doing a great job in his first time driving the #90.  While he did manage to run down Bill Sr. in the #16, he was unable to complete the pass and settled for 5th.

August 16th most of the K&K team drivers were on vacation, but Tom took the #99 to Wall.  In the heat race Tom climbed from 3rd to lead most of the race before dropping to 2nd.  In the feature event, Tom again took the lead at the start, but was passed at the halfway point and dropped to 3rd with 2 laps to go.

August 30th Tom again soloed to Wall with the #99.  Starting 4th in his heat race Tom charged to 1st by lap 1 but slipped to 2nd mid way through the event.  In the feature event Tom again grabbed the lead at the start, but this time held on all the way to win his 3rd feature event of the season.

September 6th the entire K&K team was back in force at Wall.  Heat race action saw John take 3rd in the #90 with Bill Sr. right behind in the #16.  Bill Jr. dropped out with a loose throttle cable and Tom broke the chain on the pace lap.  In the feature Tom came from 5th to lead on the first lap with John close behind.  Bill Jr. retired the #93 early as the motor didn’t seem quite right.  Tom soon followed suit, handing the lead to John.  John led for a while, eventually finishing 3rd while Bill Sr. joined the rest of the team on the infield as the experimental motor in the #16 suffered a failure.

October 4th John and Bill Sr. represented the K&K team at Wall Stadium.  The experimental motor in Bill’s #16 had its best outing of the season as Bill won his heat race with John close behind in the #90.  In the feature event Bill took 2nd with John again right behind for 3rd.

October 31st Tom soloed to Wall with the #99.  In the heat race Tom jumped up to lead the first lap and went on to win.  In the feature Tom fought off a mid-race challenge to win his 4th feature event of the season.

November 1st Tom returned to Wall with the #99 for the Sunday Series Turkey Derby.  The heat race was a repeat of the previous day as Tom came from behind to lead the first lap and held on for the win.  In the feature things looked good at the start, but with a few laps to go Nick Cottone got by for the win, dropping Tom to 2nd.  Both days the Modifieds competed on the track at the same time as the World Formula/Controlled Stock class.  Both days Tom and Nick lapped the entire World Formula/Controlled Stock field while fighting for the Modified win.

That brought the 2009 season to an end.  Tom finished 2nd in season points with 4 feature event wins.  Bill Sr. finished 4th in season points with John and Bill Jr. finishing 5th and 6th for the season.

The Wall Stadium Sunday Series Awards Banquet is scheduled for January 9th.

            Special thanks to our sponsor for the 2009 season, K&K Industries, and to all of our friends and fans as well.

K&K Race Team Sponsor

K&K Industries                                            Ewing Twp. NJ            609-882-8927