MATT HIRSCHMAN CLAIMS FOURTH RACE OF CHAMPIONS VICTORY AT OSWEGO SPEEDWAY

Hirschman Wins First Ferris Mowers Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series Fueled by Sunoco Race of 2016-

Story By: RACE OF CHAMPIONS SERIES MEDIA

Photos By: RACERSGUIDE.COM PHOTO STAFF

 Oswego, N.Y. – November 1, 2016 – Matt Hirschman of Northampton, Pa., claimed his first Ferris Mowers Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series fueled by Sunoco race win of 2016 in the longest event of the year, the 66th Annual Race of Champions 250 at Oswego Speedway. It was the fourth victory for Hirschman in the prestigious event, which tied him with his legendary Father, Tony, who also has four Race of Champions victories. Tony Hirschman’s last win in the event also came at Oswego in 2010.

Matt has now won the event four out of the last five years.

“This means a great deal to my family,” stated Hirschman. “It’s an important part of modified racing history and means a great deal to the sport.”

Hirschman slipped past Patrick Emerling of Orchard Park, N.Y., on lap 216 to take the lead and never look back.

“It was the chance we needed and we were able to capitalize on it,” stated Hirschman in regard to his pass of Emerling. “I didn’t give up at all and we needed something to happen like this to win it. This Series is challenging, these guys have all stepped up and it is very competitive. Patrick (Emerling) is really on his game right now. I’m very happy for my team and family. This is a huge win for us.”

Emerling came home second to secure the Series championship.

“We have a lot to be proud of this year,” offered Emerling, who led the Series with 7 race wins. “This entire team worked their tails off all year and it has been tremendous. We wanted to cap it off with a win tonight, but that just wasn’t in the cards.”

Chuck Hossfeld of Ransomville, N.Y., who finished second in the championship standings, led the field to the green and the first 43 circuits before a mechanical issues ultimately sidelined him from contention. Emerling inherited the lead at that point and led until Hirschman made his pass.

Hossfeld posted the fast time for the event which earned him the pole for the event while Bryan Sherwood, Daryl Lewis, Jr., and Chris Pasteryak earned the qualifying race victories for the 66th Annual Race of Champions.

Mike Leaty of Williamson, N.Y., came home third in the race and the season championship standings. Andy Jankowkiak of North Tonawanda, N.Y., finished fourth and Daren Scherer of Binghamton, N.Y., rounded out the top-five. Scherer also came home fourth in the season ending championship standings.

Mike Bond of Mexico, N.Y., won the Small Block Supermodified race, while Mitchell Wright of Henrietta, N.Y., won the Super Stock race.

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The Race of Champions is a sanctioning body presenting Modified and Stock Car racing on asphalt and dirt surfaces throughout the Northeast, with events in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The 66th annual Race of Champions weekend will take place in 2016 and is the second longest consecutive auto-racing event in North America, second only to the Indianapolis 500.

Feature Finish

66th Annual Race of Champions 250

Oswego Speedway, Oswego, NY.

Finishing Position, Car Number, Driver, Laps Completed

Pos           No.           Name                       Laps

1              60            Matt Hirschman       250

2              07            Patrick Emerling       250

3              25            Mike Leaty                               250

4              37            Andy Jankowiak        250

5              3              Daren Scherer          250

6              71            Jimmy Zacharias       250

7              95            Bryan Sherwood       250

8              15            Chris Pasteryak         250

9              32            Tyler Rypkema         250

10            54            Tommy Catalano      250

11            14            Doug Reaume          250

12            64            Amy Catalano           249

13            27j           Bill Whittaker          249

14            65L          Andy Lewis               237

15            19            Brandon Oltra          212

16            39            Calvin Carroll           Out overheating

17            27            Dony Hartzell           Out axle

18            65            George Skora           Out ignition switch

19            51            TJ Potrzebowski       Out engine

20            1              Chris Ridsdale          Out

21            66            Austin Kochenash     Out engine

22            40            Tommy Rought         Out overheating

23            10            Daryl Lewis              Out suspension

24            41            Tim Lewis                 Out engine

25            22            Chuck Hossfeld         Out engine

26            34            Rusty Smith              Out

27            98            Craig Dulphin           Out overheating

28            17            Ken Canstrari           Out suspension

29            59            Karl Hehr                 Out oil pump

Time of Race: 1 hour 57 minutes 14 seconds              Average Speed 80.089 mph

Margin of victory: 0.683 seconds       Fast Qualifying Lap: Chuck Hossfeld / 17.704 seconds

Lead Changes: 3 among 3 drivers (Chuck Hossfeld 1-43, Patrick Emerling 44-215, Matt Hirschman 216-250)